Jetan (1922) – Board Game Guys

Jetan

Jetan, also known as Martian Chess, is a chess variant first published in 1922 by Edgar Rice Burroughs. It was created as a game played on Barsoom, his fictional version of Mars, and was introduced in “The Chessmen of Mars,” the fifth book in the Barsoom series. The game has influenced many writers and game designers throughout its history.

Why is Jetan Popular?

Jetan is popular and significant because it was the first chess variant created by Edgar Rice Burroughs, who is well-known for his imaginative and adventurous stories. The game has a rich history and has been featured in various publications, including Abstract Games magazine and ERBzine. Additionally, the game’s unique rules and components make it an interesting and challenging experience for players.

Game Components of Jetan

Board: A 10×10 checkered board with orange and black squares.

Pieces: Each player has one Chief, one Princess, two Warriors, two Padwars, two Dwars, one Flier, and one Thoat (or Panthan in some variants).

Piece Movements:

Chief: Three steps in any direction.

Princess: Three steps in any direction, can jump over pieces, but cannot capture.

Flier: Three steps diagonally, can jump over pieces.

Dwar: Three steps orthogonally.

Padwar: Two steps diagonally.

Warrior: Two steps orthogonally.

Thoat/Panthan: Variants include jumping or non-jumping versions.

How To Setup Jetan

The game is set up with orange pieces on the “north” side (ranks 1 and 2) and black pieces on the “south” side (ranks 9 and 10) of the board. Each player arranges their pieces in a specific pattern, mirroring the setup described in Burroughs’ novel *The Chessmen of Mars*.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement: Pieces move one, two, or three steps per turn, with some pieces able to change direction mid-move.

Capturing: Pieces capture by landing on an opponent’s piece with their final step or jump.

Special Moves:

Princess Escape: The Princess can make a single “escape” move to any unoccupied and unthreatened space on the board.

Jumping: The Princess and Flier can jump over other pieces.

Winning Conditions: The game is won by capturing the opponent’s Chief or Princess. It is drawn if each player has three or fewer pieces of equal value and the game is not won within the next ten moves.

Variants: Some variants adjust the rules to reduce the number of draws, such as allowing a Chief captured by a non-Chief piece to continue the game.

Player Experience

Playing Jetan offers a unique blend of strategy and complexity, similar to chess but with distinct Martian twists. The game’s large board and varied piece movements require careful planning and adaptation. The optional wagering element, inspired by Martian gambling customs, adds an extra layer of excitement and risk.

Pros

Strategic Depth: Jetan offers complex gameplay with multiple piece types and movements.

Unique Setting: The Martian theme and rules derived from Burroughs’ novels make it a fascinating addition to any chess variant collection.

Variety: Multiple variants and interpretations keep the game fresh and engaging.

Historical Interest: For fans of Edgar Rice Burroughs and science fiction, Jetan provides a link to the author’s imaginative world.

Cons

Complexity: The game’s rules and piece movements can be overwhelming for new players.

Diversified Rules: The lack of a standard set of rules can lead to confusion and different play styles.

Draws: The original rules may result in too many draws, which can be frustrating for some players.

Personal Thoughts on Jetan

Jetan is a game that will appeal to fans of chess variants, science fiction enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the works of Edgar Rice Burroughs. It requires a commitment to learning its unique rules and strategies, but the reward is a rich and challenging gaming experience. For those who enjoy exploring different game mechanics and themes, Jetan is a must-try. However, for casual players seeking a straightforward game, Jetan might be too complex and time-consuming.

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