Note: This article was authored by David Pritchard and published (Autumn 1995) in the UK Chess Journal . .Variant Chess.

CHESSapeak CHALLENGE I mentioned this four-handed game briefly inVC17 but now have more information. Four-handed chess on a cruciform board in which partners sit opposite each other has a history of over two centuries. The game has a fundamental weakness. Assuming normal pawn movement, promotion is on the partner's first rank. This means that pawns usually have to travel six squares further and mutual blocks with partner's pawns are likely. Many attempts have been made, in the game's unnumbered reincarnations, to overcome this latter problem; for example, by diagonal movement or leaping.

CHESSapeak Challenge gets over both problems. Pawns change direction on reaching the first corresponding file of the nearest opponent. For example, White's b-pawn (QNP) turns left on reaching b5 (file of left-hand opponent's QN). Pawns may initially move directly to the square before the pivotal square; thus White's a and h-pawns may only move one square but the central pawns have the option of moving four squares. Result: fast-track movement to promotion and no mutual pawn interference. Pivotal squares are clearly marked.

Starting Position

The only other basic change is that players agree beforehand the action in the event of checkmate. Two alternatives are offered: xxxxxxxxx this information has been edited out xxxxxxxxx. I personally prefer the first checkmate to decide (if your partner's in trouble, you should be helping him)- it's simpler and quicker.

I introduced CC with this rule recently to four players who had never tried four-handed. It was intended as a 'quickie' but went on well past two hours. There was plenty of excitement and the players were unanimous in their praise. (The significant feature of four-handed is that after you've moved both opponents can have a go at you before you move again.) CHESSapeak Challenge has received good publicity in Canada and one school is structuring their entire maths curriculum round the game. The price is C$39.99 including postage within Canada. A tubular set with large vinyl board and superior weighted and felted chessmen (tournament size) should be available about now. Write to Bruce Jones, 71 Birch hill Lane, Oakville, Ontario L6K2P1.

 

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Last update of this page February 18, 2005