Chess for 4 Players

Chess Variants

Chess 4

Chess has a number of variants including chess 4 which is also called 4-way chess or chess for 4 players. Each player has his own set of different colored chess pieces.  Board has an extra 3 rows of eight squares on each side. Rules are similar to those used for regular 2 player chess but there are also variants to this as well. Players can play as teams or as singles. In team play the two allied players are not allowed to eliminate each other but are supposed to assist each other in both defense and offense moves. Allied players sit across from each other and try to checkmate the enemy on both sides. When both enemy kings are checkmated the game is over. It is a draw when only one king is checkmated.

Playing singles in Chess 4 is considerably more difficult than team play. Each player can attack any of the other players. All four players are the enemy in this type of game. When a player is checkmated either he can remove all of his remaining pieces from the board or the person that checkmated him has the option of using these pieces when his turn comes up. Game is over when 3 players are out.

In 4 handed chess players have to wait their before they can respond to a threat. Pawns can only move forward and not on a diagonal unless they are attacking. When a pawn reaches the king’s row it can return as a queen, rook, bishop or knight.

Chess 4