Ultima (1968) – Board Game Guys

Baroque Chess

Baroque chess is a chess variant invented in 1962 by Robert Abbott. In 1963, at the suggestion of his publisher, he changed the name to Ultima. The game is usually played on a standard 8×8 chessboard with the standard Staunton design of chess pieces. The initial setup of the pieces is the same as in standard chess, except for two things that the players must first decide on – center counter symmetry, and corner counter symmetry. Establishing the degree of symmetry is important because it determines the placement of the king and queen. The pawn formations unique to the parent game, Baroque, are not seen in Rococo, another variant of the game.

Why is Baroque chess Popular?

Baroque chess is a popular chess variant that has been played for decades. It is significant because it offers a unique twist on traditional chess, with different rules and Gameplay Mechanics of Baroque chess.

Game Components of Ultima

Pieces: King (K), Withdrawer (W), Chameleon (S), Long Leaper (L), Coordinator (C), Immobilizer (I), and Pawn (P).

Representation: Uses a Chess set with specific pieces representing each type (e.g., King by King, Withdrawer by Queen, Chameleon by Bishop).

Board: Standard 8×8 grid, similar to a Chessboard.

How To Setup Ultima

The setup of Ultima differs slightly from the traditional Chess setup:

White: King on d1, Withdrawer on e1, Coordinator on h1, Immobilizer on a1, Long Leapers on b1 and g1, Chameleons on c1 and f1, Pawns on a2 to h2.

Black: King on d8, Withdrawer on e8, Coordinator on h8, Immobilizer on a8, Long Leapers on b8 and g8, Chameleons on c8 and f8, Pawns on a7 to h7.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: Win by checkmating or stalemating the opponent.

Movement:
– Coordinator moves as a Queen but only to empty spaces and captures by forming a rectangle with the King.
– Immobilized pieces can make a suicide move by removing themselves from the board.

Capturing: Coordinator captures when moving, not passively.

Special Moves: Pieces have unique movements (e.g., Long Leaper moves like a Knight, Chameleon moves like a Bishop).

Player Experience

Ultima offers a fresh twist on traditional Chess, with its unique pieces and capture mechanics making it both challenging and engaging. Players must strategize carefully, leveraging the special abilities of each piece to outmaneuver their opponent.

Pros

Unique Pieces: Innovative piece movements add complexity and interest.

Strategic Depth: Requires thoughtful planning and adaptation.

Community: Historically popular among postal-chess clubs like NOST and AISE.

Cons

Learning Curve: New players may find the rules and piece movements confusing.

Rule Changes: The 1968 rule change limiting piece movement was not widely adopted.

Availability: Records and resources are mostly offline, making it less accessible to new players.

Personal Thoughts on Ultima

Ultima is for players who enjoy variant chess games and are looking for a challenge beyond traditional Chess. It appeals to those who appreciate strategic complexity and are willing to invest time in learning the unique mechanics. While it may not be as widely recognized today, it remains a fascinating and engaging game for enthusiasts of chess variants.

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