HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Jan. 4, 2018 /PRNewswire-iReach/
Chess pieces supplier, The House of Staunton, discusses three popular chess variations and names several more for those interested in mixing it up.
Chess variants are games derived from or inspired by chess. They may have different rules, use a different number of pieces, or feature uniquely shaped chessboards. Chess manufacturer, The House of Staunton, explains three common chess variations:
1. Xiang Qi. Xiang Qi, or Chinese Chess, is one of the most popular chess variants. The object of this game is to either checkmate your opponent or produce a stalemate—a situation wherein one player has no legal moves left to make. In Xiang Qi, the player who delivers the stalemate wins. Xiang Qi uses a board that has been divided in the middle. The division is known as the river, and special rules are associated with it. Pieces are set up differently at the beginning of Xiang Qi compared to chess, and during play, pieces are placed at the intersection of lines on the board instead of inside the lines on a square.
2. Shogi. Shogi, commonly referred to as the Japanese version of chess, is another popular variant. In Shogi, players can keep the pieces they capture and use them as their own. This variation makes Shogi an incredibly exciting game because its outcome is harder to predict and it's easier for the underdog to pull ahead.
3. Alice Chess. Alice chess is a beloved vintage variant. It's played on two boards—board A and B. Board A hosts the usual chess setup and Board B starts out empty. Players take turns making moves on either board following three rules. First, every move must be legal on the board where the move was made. Second, pieces can move or capture, if and only if, the corresponding square on the other board is empty. Third, after a move is completed, the piece(s) is (are) transferred to the corresponding square on the other board. Alice chess is, arguably, one of chess's most unique variations.
Though three variations are described here, there are actually dozens of chess variations. Other popular variants include but are not limited to Berolina Chess, Janggi, Courier Chess, Avalanche Chess, Bughouse, Crazyhouse, Anti-King Chess II, Crazy 38's, Pocket Mutation Chess, Shatranj, Tamerlane Chess, and Dragonchess.
About The House of Staunton: The House of Staunton is an American locally owned and operated small business. For over 27 years, they have manufactured the world's finest chess equipment. They sell a wide variety of chess sets, chess boards, and chess boxes, and are the equipment provider for top chess tournaments worldwide. Their chess sets are featured in numerous movies and television shows as well as on book covers and in print ads!
Media Contact: Shawn P. Sullivan, The House of Staunton, Inc., 256.858.8070, shawn@houseofstaunton.com
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SOURCE The House of Staunton
