Martian Chess (1995) Board Game

Martian Chess is an abstract strategy board game that was released in 1995 by designers Andrew Looney and Eileen Tjan. The game is published by Looney Labs and is suitable for 2-4 players, with a runtime of around 20 minutes. It falls under the category of abstract strategy games, with a focus on grid movement mechanics.

Game Components of Martian Chess

Game Board: A chessboard or a specially designed Martian Chessboard.

Pieces: 18 Icehouse pyramids, divided into three types: three small (pawns), three medium (drones), and three large (queens) for each player. The color of the pieces is irrelevant to gameplay.

Rule Book: Included with the game set, detailing setup, movement, and scoring rules.

How To Setup Martian Chess

To set up Martian Chess, each player places their nine pieces in the corners of the board. For a two-player game, only half of the board is used. In a four-player game, players form two teams, with teammates in opposite corners. The players decide who moves first.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Movement:
– Pawns: Move one space diagonally in any direction.
– Drones: Move one or two spaces horizontally or vertically.
– Queens: Move any distance horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Capturing: Pieces capture by landing on an opponent’s piece, and the capturing player removes the captured piece for later scoring.

Ownership: Pieces change ownership based on their location on the board, not by color.

Objective: Accumulate points by capturing pieces. The game ends when one player or team runs out of pieces in their territory. Points are calculated as follows: queen = 3 points, drone = 2 points, pawn = 1 point.

Player Experience

Martian Chess offers a unique blend of strategy and tactics, making it engaging for both kids and adults. The game is fast-paced, with games typically lasting between 10-20 minutes. It requires strategic thinking, especially in the four-player version, where teamwork and interference from other players add complexity.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to players of all ages.

Strategic Depth: Offers novel tactics and strategies, particularly in the four-player version.

Versatile: Can be played with two or four players, and even expanded to other games using the same pieces.

Aesthetic Appeal: The game pieces and board have a modern, visually appealing design.

Cons

Limited Replayability in Two-Player Mode: The back-and-forth capture dynamics can become repetitive.

Potential for Deadlocks: The game can stagnate if players are too defensive, though recent rules additions help resolve such situations.

Personal Thoughts on Martian Chess

Martian Chess is ideal for those who enjoy strategic board games but are looking for something different from traditional chess. It’s a great game for couples, families, and strategy enthusiasts, offering a fun and challenging experience. The game’s short playtime and easy-to-learn rules make it perfect for a quick game night or a travel game. However, those seeking a game with high replayability in the two-player mode might find it somewhat limited.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.