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Hexagonal Chess (1936)

ByMichail

Hexagonal chess

Hexagonal chess is a group of chess variants played on boards composed of hexagon cells. The first documented hexagonal chess game was designed in 1936 by Władysław Gliński of Poland. The game gained popularity in Eastern Europe, particularly in Gliński’s native Poland, with more than half a million players and over 130,000 board sets sold. Gliński’s book, “Rules of Hexagonal Chess,” was published in 1973.

Why is Hexagonal chess Popular?

Hexagonal chess is popular due to its unique board shape and piece movement rules that offer a fresh perspective on the traditional game of chess. The hexagonal board allows for more strategic possibilities and a different playing experience compared to the standard square-based chessboard.

Game Components of Hexagonal Chess

  • Board:** A vertically oriented regular hexagonal board with 91 hexagonal cells, colored in three different hues.
  • Pieces:** Two full Chess sets plus an extra Pawn and Bishop for each side, totaling three Bishops and nine Pawns per player.
  • Setup:** Specific array ensuring each piece is initially free to move, with the King and Queen defending all three Bishops.

    How To Setup Hexagonal Chess

    The board is set up in a symmetric hexagonal shape with 11 files and 11 ranks, bending at a 60° angle. Each player starts with their pieces arranged to mirror each other, ensuring balanced starting positions. The middle cell is typically mid-tone, and the board’s sides are color-coded to facilitate piece movement. The initial setup includes Pawns on the seventh rank, with fewer cells as you move towards the edges of the board.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Piece Movements:**
  • Rook:** Moves orthogonally through cell edges.
  • Bishop:** Moves diagonally through cell vertices.
  • Queen:** Moves orthogonally or diagonally.
  • King:** Moves one cell orthogonally or diagonally.
  • Knight:** Moves two cells orthogonally in one direction, then one cell at a 60° angle.
  • Pawn:** Moves forward orthogonally, captures obliquely forward, and has an initial two-step move option.
  • No Castling:** Unlike orthodox chess, castling is not allowed.
  • En Passant:** Allowed for Pawns.
  • Promotion:** Pawns promote when reaching the opposite borders of the board.
  • Stalemate:** Earns 3/4 points for the player delivering it and 1/4 point for the stalemated player, though some variations treat it as a draw.

    Player Experience

    Playing Hexagonal Chess requires a fresh perspective on traditional chess strategies due to the hexagonal grid. The unique movements of pieces, especially Bishops and Knights, can be challenging at first but offer a rich and complex gameplay experience. The lack of castling and different pawn movements add new layers of strategy, making the game appealing to those looking for a variant that retains the essence of chess but with innovative twists.

    Pros

  • Innovative Strategy:** The hexagonal board and unique piece movements offer a fresh and challenging chess experience.
  • Global Community:** Supported by the International Hexagonal Chess Federation (IHCF), with championships and a dedicated player base.
  • Variety:** Different from traditional chess, providing a new set of problems to solve and strategies to develop.

    Cons

  • Learning Curve:** New players may find the unique piece movements and board layout confusing initially.
  • Availability:** Specialized boards and pieces may be harder to find compared to traditional chess sets.
  • Sponsorship:** Lack of influential sponsors hampers the game’s wider popularity.

    Personal Thoughts on Hexagonal Chess

    Hexagonal Chess is ideal for chess enthusiasts looking to break away from the traditional square board. It offers a unique blend of strategy and complexity, making it a great choice for those who enjoy abstract strategy games and are willing to adapt to new rules and piece movements. While it may not replace traditional chess, it certainly provides a stimulating alternative that can enhance one’s overall chess skills and appreciation for strategic gameplay.

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    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl