Rollerball (2007) – Board Game Guys

Rollerball
Rollerball is a chess variant invented by Jean-Louis Cazaux in 1998. The game was inspired by the 1975 science-fiction movie Rollerball, specifically the futuristic and violent sport portrayed in the film. The board comprises 7×7 squares with the central 3×3 section missing. Pieces generally move clockwise around the board. Each player starts with one king, one bishop, two rooks, and two pawns. Both bishops are light-squared on the initial setup. Dark-squared bishops can only be obtained by pawn promotion.

Why is Rollerball Popular?

Rollerball is a unique and challenging chess variant that has gained a following among chess enthusiasts. It offers a fresh take on the classic game of chess, with a different board layout and new rules that add complexity and strategy to the gameplay.

Game Components of Rollerball

– Board with 7×7 squares and a central 3×3 section missing
– 1 king, 1 bishop, 2 rooks, and 2 pawns for each player

Both bishops are light-squared on the initial setup. Dark-squared bishops can only be obtained by pawn promotion.

Gameplay Mechanics of Rollerball

Pieces move and capture the same as their chess counterparts, except where explained differently below. Pieces generally move clockwise around the board. There is no castling in Rollerball. The king moves the same as the king in chess: one step in any direction. As in chess, a player may not place his king in check.

Game Objective of Rollerball

There are two ways to win in Rollerball:Checkmating the enemy king. Bringing one’s own king to the starting square of the enemy king on the opposite side of the board (but only when having traveled to that side of the board in a clockwise direction).The same as in chess, stalemate and threefold repetition of position are draws.

Player Experience

Rollerball offers a unique and challenging gameplay experience that requires strategic thinking and careful planning. The different board layout and new rules add complexity to the game, making it a fresh take on the classic game of chess. Players who enjoy chess and are looking for a new challenge will enjoy Rollerball.

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