Sahara Chess incorporates the Camel, along with all the various combinations of the different pieces. In addition to the the well-known compound pieces of the Marshall, Cardinal and Wildebeest, there are two new pieces: the Magus (Bishop + Camel) and the Pasha (Rook + Camel).

Handicapped Leapers: Sahara Chess involves more leapers than is usual in most Chess variants. Therefore, all leapers are slightly handicapped. They can freely jump over friendly pieces, but can be blocked by enemy pieces.

Since Pawns begin on the third rank, they have no initial double-step.