You can find the most recent versions of the basic Near Chess rules here: http://www.chessvariants.org/index/msdisplay.php?itemid=MSnearchess
The rules below are show to lay out how Near Chess differs from normal chess. In the zrf file are other variants, whose rules are not listed. Consult each game in the zrf to see how exactly they play.
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of Near Chess is to be one of the fastest ways to introduce people to chess, and the world of chess variants, without being trivial to those who play it still. Near Chess expands upon the pawn simplification of Skirmish Chess, and removes rules from regular chess that aren't needed and also makes it harder for new players to learn. The end result is a game that can be taught quickly to newbies, and get them playing faster.
This version of Near Chess uses Drops and Shuffle as a way to set up the board.
SETUP
Depending on the version of the game, plays may or may not start with the pawns on the board. Pieces are placed behind the pawns, if they are on the board. In a 960 Shuffle version, pieces start on the board normally and are shuffled. In free placement, players will place pieces into a certain zone (one version allows players free placement anywhere on the board). In versions where the objective is to capture the enemy king, rather than checkmate, the kings will start on the board.
Please consult the specific rules for each variant.
RULES
Same as in standard FIDE Chess, except for the set-up and these rules which have been removed or changed:
- Pawns only move one space forward and capture one space diagonally. There is also no En Passant. This is because pawns start forward.
- There is no castling.
- Game is won by capturing the opponent's king, rather than checkmating it. This eliminates stalemate.
- Pieces only promote to those pieces that have been captured, except a pawn. In other words, the player is limited to only one queen, two rooks, two knights, etc... A pawn is not permitted to move into the back row, unless it is able to be promoted to some other pieces, besides another pawn.
In some versions, plays may win the game by checkmating their opponent's king instead of capturing. |
