Tri-Chess (1975) – Board Game Guys

Tri-chess

Tri-chess is a chess variant for three players, invented by George R. Dekle Sr. in 1986. It is played on a board comprising 150 triangular cells, with standard chess pieces, excluding queens, and including the chancellor and cardinal compound fairy pieces per side. The game gained popularity due to its unique triangular board and the fact that it is a three-player variant of chess, offering a different gaming experience compared to the traditional two-player game.

Game Components of Tri-Chess

Board: A three-level board with smaller secondary and tertiary levels branching off.

Pieces: Standard chess pieces with additional movement capabilities in three-dimensional space.

Attack Boards: Four movable 2×2 board sections that can be rearranged between levels.

Rulebook: Available in English, with various rulesets developed over time.

How To Setup Tri-Chess

To set up Tri-Chess, players arrange the pieces on the three levels of the board, with each level having specific starting positions. The King and Queen have their own levels, while other pieces are arranged on the secondary and tertiary levels. The four attack boards are placed to allow for dynamic board configuration changes during the game. The setup retains the 64 squares of a traditional chessboard but distributes them across the three-dimensional structure.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Checkmate the opponent’s King, similar to traditional chess.

Piece Movements:
– Rooks move through the six faces of a cube.
– Bishops move through the twelve edges of a cube.
– Knights make a (0,1,2) leap, controlling 24 different cells.
– Queens combine the moves of rooks, bishops, and unicorns (moving through cube corners).
– Kings move like queens but only one step at a time.
– Pawns move forward and capture diagonally, with the ability to move vertically between levels.

Board Movement: Players can move the four attack boards to adjacent pin positions, provided they are vacant or occupied by only one of the player’s pawns.

Player Experience

Playing Tri-Chess is a challenging and engaging experience, especially for fans of traditional chess and the Star Trek universe. The game requires strategic thinking in three dimensions, which can be both intriguing and complex. Players must anticipate and respond to moves across multiple levels, making it a game that tests both logical and intuitive skills.

Pros

Enhanced Strategy: Adds a new layer of complexity and strategy compared to traditional chess.

Immersive Experience: Especially appealing to Star Trek fans who want to engage with the franchise in a unique way.

Dynamic Board: The movable attack boards introduce a dynamic element to the game.

Community: There is a dedicated community with various rulesets and online resources.

Cons

Learning Curve: The three-dimensional movements and board dynamics can be overwhelming for new players.

Rules Complexity: Different rulesets exist, and some may find the official rules uneven or less intuitive.

Board Quality: Some commercial boards may have quality issues, such as uneven surfaces.

Personal Thoughts on Tri-Chess

Tri-Dimensional Chess is ideal for chess enthusiasts looking to challenge themselves in a new and complex way. It is also a must-have for Star Trek fans who appreciate the lore and aesthetics of the game. However, it may not be the best introduction to chess for beginners due to its intricate rules and three-dimensional gameplay. For those who enjoy strategic games and are willing to learn the nuances, Tri-Chess offers a unique and engaging experience that combines logic, intuition, and a touch of science fiction flair.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.