Three checks chess

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This article uses algebraic notation to describe chess moves.

Three checks chess is a variation of chess, in which additionally to usual winning condition (checkmate), you also win if you check your opponent three times.

Three checks chess is mentioned in Pritchard's book Popular Chess Variants. Anatoly Karpov is said to excel in this chess variant.

This chess variant is much more tactical than standard chess, sacrifices are very common, there are a lot of traps in the opening. Two checks is already a big advantage and may be worth more than one piece. The game rarely reaches endgame – usually it is decided before queens are traded.

[edit] Example game

Image:chess zhor 26.png
Image:chess zver 26.png a8 rd b8 nd c8 bd d8 e8 kd f8 g8 nd h8 rd Image:chess zver 26.png
a7 pd b7 pd c7 pd d7 pd e7 f7 pd g7 pd h7 pd
a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 pd f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5
a4 b4 c4 d4 pl e4 pl f4 g4 h4 qd
a3 b3 c3 nl d3 e3 f3 g3 h3
a2 pl b2 pl c2 d2 e2 f2 pl g2 pl h2 pl
a1 rl b1 c1 bl d1 ql e1 kl f1 bl g1 nl h1 rl
Image:chess zhor 26.png
A game of Three checks chess in progress. Position after 4....Qh4.

1.e4 e6 2. d4?? This typical opening in standard chess immediately loses in Three checks chess. 2....Bb4+ First check. 3.c3 Bxc3+! Second check. 4.Nxc3 Qh4! (see diagram). 0-1. White resigned here, there is no way to prevent a third check by Qxf2+ or Qxe4+.

[edit] See also

  • ChessV - allows to play Three checks chess against computer.