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Dragonchess (1985)

ByMichail

Dragonchess

Dragonchess is a three-dimensional fantasy chess variant created by Gary Gygax, co-creator of the famed role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons. The game was introduced in 1985 in issue No. 100 of Dragon Magazine. The game is played on three 8×12 boards stacked above each other. The top board represents the air, the middle board represents the land, and the lower board is the subterranean world. The Dragonchess game pieces (42 per player) are an ensemble of characters and monsters inspired or derived from fantasy settings in Dungeons & Dragons.

Why is Dragonchess Popular?

Dragonchess is significant because it is a unique and challenging variant of chess that adds a new level of complexity to the game. The three-dimensional aspect of the game adds a new layer of strategy and tactics that is not present in traditional chess. Additionally, the game’s connection to Dungeons & Dragons, one of the most popular and influential role-playing games of all time, has helped to increase its popularity among fans of the fantasy genre.

Game Components of Dragonchess

Three 8×12 boards stacked above each other. 42 game pieces per player, including characters and monsters inspired by Dungeons & Dragons.

Game Setup of Dragonchess

The Dragonchess gameboard consists of three 12×8 chess boards stacked vertically. The upper board (blue and white) represents the air, the middle board (green and amber) represents the land, and the lower board (red and brown) is the subterranean world.

Gameplay Mechanics of Dragonchess

Dragonchess is played like traditional chess, with White moving first and then players taking turns. The game is won by delivering checkmate (inescapable attack) to the enemy king. The game pieces have intricate inter
– and intra-level capabilities that are defined.

Game Objective of Dragonchess

The objective of Dragonchess is to deliver checkmate to the enemy king.

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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