The Screen Chess is one of the classic chess variants where both players must edit their start positions before the game begins. In live games over the board, it can be accomplished by placing a temporary barrier between the 4th and 5th rank, so each player can set up the pieces without seeing the opponent’s configuration. After that, the barrier is removed, and the game continues as usual.
There are several restrictions for placing of pieces:
- Each pawn must be placed on a different file, and no pawn can be placed on the base rank (first or eighth).
- Bishops must be placed on different colored squares.
After the start position is defined by both white and black, the game continues as standard chess with the following changes:
- No castling.
- No en-passant captures.
The player who sets up a better start position usually wins the game, as it is possible to pre-open important diagonals, set up batteries to attack the expected enemy king’s position, etc. Let’s analyze a sample game from our database:
The Screen Chess is a fascinating and engaging variant of the classic game of chess. With its ability to customize the board layout, it is certain to appeal to players of all levels and experience. Whether you are a seasoned chess player looking for a new challenge or a beginner looking to learn the game, Screen Chess is definitely worth checking out.