Are variants "real" chess? • page 1/6 • General Chess Discussion • lichess.org

While I like variants (atomic and racing Kings) I have gotten some criticism about them not being "real" chess. Are variants "real" and do they help improve our standard chess skills?

SamannOyB

#2

No variants, don't help you in standard chess.

#3

Lakshm

#4

Variants don't help you in std chess

Shadow1414

#5

Variants are different games that maybe sorta kinda have similarities to Chess.

edot12345

#6

depends on your definition of real

ryan121

#7

Variants are different from standard chess ao it won't help improve one in standard chess. If fun is the goal, chess variants are cool.

d3c5

#8

Chess variants improve your standard skills a lot. I play mainly antichess, and it helps to understand better the board and how the pieces works together

RichieTozier

#9

I think there are 3 diffrent catogieres. The ones that have not so much to do with chess (game-changing rules), i would include Antichess. Atomic chess and Racing Kings. These don't really help, because they don't have to do a lot with chess anymore. It can be argued that they help with calculation but that is only a small part.
Then there are variants with extra rules but similar goals to normal chess: King of the Hill, Three Check, Crazy House and Horde (not to sure if this should count). Imo these can help with your std chess if you take them serious and calculate thoroughly. Especially Crazy House can really help with tactical calculation if done right.
And then there is the last category of just diffrent starting positions what is Chess960 which is just chess with a diffrent starting position but same rules.
Afterall is to be noted that you won't improve a lot by play blitz. It is way more important to play longer time controls where you actually have to think and calculate. Also it is very important to study with books or tactics etc. . Because you are not a computer u don't have to come up with your own ideas. You can just read the ideas of other great chess players and use them as your own!

I think there are 3 diffrent catogieres. The ones that have not so much to do with chess (game-changing rules), i would include Antichess. Atomic chess and Racing Kings. These don't really help, because they don't have to do a lot with chess anymore. It can be argued that they help with calculation but that is only a small part. Then there are variants with extra rules but similar goals to normal chess: King of the Hill, Three Check, Crazy House and Horde (not to sure if this should count). Imo these can help with your std chess if you take them serious and calculate thoroughly. Especially Crazy House can really help with tactical calculation if done right. And then there is the last category of just diffrent starting positions what is Chess960 which is just chess with a diffrent starting position but same rules. Afterall is to be noted that you won't improve a lot by play blitz. It is way more important to play longer time controls where you actually have to think and calculate. Also it is very important to study with books or tactics etc. . Because you are not a computer u don't have to come up with your own ideas. You can just read the ideas of other great chess players and use them as your own!

george_mcgeorge

#10

I think, that Chess960 is like chess - but without Openings! So you have to be creative when developing a plan.
I guess that Crazyhouse/ Bughouse may teach you the power of the attack - normally, you'll get material to mate.
I also think, that Three-Check may teach you the importance of the initiative and Antichess may force you to memorize.
But I guess, that Racing Kings, Atomic and King of the Hill won't teach you too much standard chess related things.
Different time controls could also be considered variants of standard chess.
All variants are chess - though some are more like standard chess and some are not.

I think, that Chess960 is like chess - but without Openings! So you have to be creative when developing a plan. I guess that Crazyhouse/ Bughouse may teach you the power of the attack - normally, you'll get material to mate. I also think, that Three-Check may teach you the importance of the initiative and Antichess may force you to memorize. But I guess, that Racing Kings, Atomic and King of the Hill won't teach you too much standard chess related things. Different time controls could also be considered variants of standard chess. All variants are chess - though some are more like standard chess and some are not.