Hostage Chess (1997)
Hostage chess
Hostage Chess is a chess variant invented by John A. Leslie in 1997. It is a two-player, abstract strategy board game that follows all the standard rules of chess except for how captured pieces are treated. In Hostage Chess, captured pieces are not eliminated from the game but can reenter active play through drops, similar to Shogi. Each player owns reserved spaces off the chessboard: a prison to the player’s right and an airfield to the player’s left. There should be a clear boundary between each player’s prison and the other player’s airfield.
Why is Hostage chess Popular?
Hostage Chess is a popular game because it offers a unique twist on traditional chess by allowing captured pieces to reenter the game, adding an extra layer of strategy and excitement. The game’s popularity has led to various resources, such as books and computer programs, to help players learn and practice the game.
Game Components of Hostage chess
The Game Components of Hostage chess for Hostage Chess include:
– A standard chess set
– A clear boundary between each player’s prison and airfield
– A prison and an airfield for each player, located off the chessboard
Game Setup of Hostage chess
To set up the game, players should:
– Place the chessboard in the center of the playing area.
– Each player chooses a side of the chessboard and places their pieces accordingly.
– Each player establishes their prison and airfield off the chessboard, ensuring a clear boundary between the two.
Gameplay Mechanics of Hostage chess
Hostage Chess is played like traditional chess, with the following exceptions:
– Captured pieces can be reintroduced to the game through drops, similar to Shogi.
– Players must manage their prison and airfield spaces, as well as the boundary between them.
Game Objective of Hostage chess
The objective of Hostage Chess is to achieve checkmate, as in traditional chess. However, the presence of captured pieces and the need to manage prison and airfield spaces add an additional layer of strategy and complexity to the game.
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