This playing field is a feature of the Star Trek series. In this variant the Attack Platforms begin the game empty, placed in the up position on the fourth rank of White Fixed Level and the down position on the first rank of Black Fixed Level. The Attack Platforms remain stationary, and are not moved during game-play.
 
PAWNs step diagonal or triagonal.
KNIGHTs leap one orthogonal then either one forward diagonal or one forward triagonal.
BISHOPs slide diagonal.
ROOKs slide orthogonal.
QUEEN slides orthogonal, diagonal or triagonal.
KING steps orthogonal, diagonal or triagonal.
 
The Fixed Levels of Black, Neutral and White are considered two cells apart, with the stationary Attack Platforms connecting each player's starting Fixed Level to the Neutral Fixed Level. All pieces, except for the Knight, must use the Attack Platforms to change levels. The Knights may perform its leap pattern directly to the next Fixed Level and between vertically adjacent Attack Platforms.
 
Pawns can both move and capture in any diagonal or triagonal. They may promote to previously captured pieces when landing on a cell of the opponent's starting Fixed Level. Promotion is optional.
 
The game is won by checkmating the opponent King.
 
 
Check out the Kobayashi Maru Variant of ST3D Chess.