Patrol chess

Patrol chess

Patrol chess is a chess variant in which captures can be made and checks given only if the capturing or checking piece is guarded (or patrolled) by a friendly unit. Non-capturing and non-checking moves are played as normal. The variant was invented by Frederik Hendrik von Meyenfeldt who published a chess problem using the rules in The Problemist (the magazine of the British Chess Problem Society) in 1975.

Why is Patrol chess Popular?

Patrol chess is a popular chess variant that has often been used as a condition in chess problems. It is also possible to play complete games under Patrol chess rules.

Game Components of Patrol chess

ChessboardChess pieces

Game Setup of Patrol chess

The game is set up like traditional chess, with each player starting with 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The pieces are placed on the board in the same positions as in traditional chess.

Gameplay Mechanics of Patrol chess

In Patrol chess, captures can only be made and checks given if the capturing or checking piece is guarded (or patrolled) by a friendly unit. Non-capturing and non-checking moves are played as normal.

Game Objective of Patrol chess

The objective of Patrol chess is the same as traditional chess: to checkmate the opponent’s king.

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