List of fairy chess pieces

Last updated

The following table shows some game pieces of unorthodox chess, from fairy chess problems and chess variants (including historical and regional ones), and the six orthodox chess pieces. The columns "BCPS", "Parlett" and "Betza" contain the notation describing how each piece moves. The notation systems are explained in this page.


0–9ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWX, Y, Z

Name BCPS Parlett Betza Found inNotes
0–9
(1,1)-Zigzag NightriderS1Fairy Chess problemsTakes Knight steps, in a general (1,1)-Bishop direction e.g. b1-a3-c2-b4-d3... [1]
(2,0)-Zigzag NightriderS2Fairy Chess problemsTakes Knight steps, in a general (2,0)-Rook direction e.g. b1-c3-d1-e3-f1... [1]
(3,3)-Zigzag NightriderS3Fairy Chess problemsTakes Knight steps, in a general (3,3)-Bishop direction e.g. b1-c3-e4-f6-h7 [1]
(4,0)-Zigzag NightriderS4Fairy Chess problemsTakes Knight steps, in a general (4,0)-Rook direction e.g. b1-c3-b5-c7... [1]
A
Aanca1X.n+t[FR]Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283)A word borrowed in medieval Spanish from Persian/Arabic legendary anqa , an elephant bird (a giant eagle preying elephants), see Gryphon . A name erroneously applied by some modern chess variant inventors to a piece moving t[WB] in Betza's notation and also called Manticore , creating confusion.
Abbot4X,~1/2F4NTyphoon chess, Scirocco chessMoves as Knight or Bishop up to 4 squares
Acropolis~1/2, ~1/3, n+RNC = RNLOverkill Ecumenical ChessCombination of Gnu and Rook.
Actor~1/2, ~1/3,nXBNC = BNLOverkill Ecumenical ChessCombination of Gnu and Bishop.
Actress~1/2, ~1/3,nQNC = QNLOverkill Ecumenical ChessCombination of Gnu and Queen.
Admiraln+, 1XRFSac Chess (Pacey, 2014), Large Chess Variants by Cazaux 2020, e.g., Terachess IICombination of Rook and Ferz. Also known as Dragon King in Shogi, or Crowned Rook,or SuperRook in Pocket Mutation chess, or Sailor in Sac Chess (Pacey).
AdvisorFE1XF Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Ferz that cannot leave the palace (3×3 zone at the center of South and North sides). Originally 士 Shì (Black Advisor) and 仕 Shì (Red Advisor) in Chinese. Also known as Counsellor, Mandarin, Guard, Officer, Scholar and, ambiguously, Minister.
Alfil AL~ 2X. Alternate notation: ~ 2/2A = (2,2) Chaturanga (Indian chess), Shatranj (Persian chess), Courier Chess, European Chess (before 1475)Elephant in Shatranj. A (2,2)-leaper. Originally Fil in Persian. Also called Gaja, Hasty, Pil (Shatranj), Archer (Schütze) (Courier). Simply the move of the European Bishop before 1475. (The word alfil is the regular Bishop in Spanish.)
Alfilridern(~ 2X) (in same direction)AAFairy Chess problemsA rider which moves any number of (2,2) cells (i.e., Alfil moves) in the same direction in a straight line. It is the Skip-bishop of problemists (G.P. Jelliss).
Alibaba~ 2ADFairy Chess problemsCombines the moves of Alfil and Dabbaba.
Alibabaridern(~2)in same directionAADDFairy Chess problemsCombination of Dabbabarider and Alfilrider. Sometimes named Dayrider by problemists. It is the Skip-queen of problemists (G.P. Jelliss).Compare Nightrider .
Amazon AMn, ~ 1/2QNRussian chess around 1770, [2] Gustav III Chess (end of 18th c.), Kaiserspiel (1819), Pacific Chess (1971), Renn Chess (1980), Knightmare Chess, Musketeer Chess, Sac Chess (Pacey, 2014)Combines the powers of Queen and Knight. Also called Angel (Autremont, 1918), Commander (Feldherr in original German Peguilhen, 1819; Trouillon, 1953), Wyvern (Parton, 1970s), Queen (Pacific Chess), Prince (Renn Chess), Superqueen, Dragon (Musketeer Chess).
AmazonriderETn, n(~1/2)QNNPocket Mutation ChessCombination of Queen and Nightrider. Also called Queen of the Night. See also Elephant (von Wilpert).
Anchorite1+.nxt[WB]Conclave Ecumenical chessSee Manticore .
Ancressn+, 1+.nXRt[WB]Conclave Ecumenical chessCombination of Manticore and Rook.
Andernach Grasshopper Andernach chess A Grasshopper that changes the colour of the hurdle it leaps over.
Angry Boar1-2X>,1>=fF2fsWChu shogi, Dai shogi and other large shogi variantMoves forward and sideward as a Wazir and can make up to two Ferz moves forward.
AntelopeAN~ 3/4(3,4)Fairy Chess problemsJumps three squares diagonally followed by one square orthogonally outwards.
Atlantosaurc1cWcFFairy Chess problems (J. de A. Almay, 1940)Captures like a Mann (non-royal King) but never moves from his position unless to capture.
Anti-King1 (captures friendly, not enemy pieces)K (captures friendly, not enemy pieces)This piece is in check when not attacked. If a player's Anti-King is in check and unable to move to a square attacked by the opponent, the player is checkmated. A King may not attack the opponent's Anti-King. The Anti-King may not check its own King.
Archbishop PRnX, ~ 1/2BNCarrera'chess (1617), Kaiserspiel (Peguilhen, 1819), Bird Chess (1874), Capablanca Chess, Janus Chess, Modern Chess (Vicente Maura), Grand Chess (Freeling), Cavalier Chess (Duniho, 1999), Quintessential Chess (Knappen), Seirawan Chess, Musketeer Chess (Haddad), Sac Chess (Pacey, 2014)Combines the powers of Bishop and Knight. First named Centaur (Carrera), also called Princess (fairy chess), Adjutant (Peguilhen), Equerry (Bird), Cardinal, Minister (Vicente Maura's Modern Chess), Janus (Janus Chess), Paladin (Duniho), Hawk (Seirawan Chess).
Archbishop (Fox-Dawson)ARnX (bounce one edge)B (bounce one edge)Fairy Chess problemsReflecting Bishop limited to a single bounce.
Archchancellorn+, ~ 1/2, 1XRNFTeutonic Knight's Chess (J. Knappen, 2009) [3] Heroine, Superchancellor (Pocket Mutation Chess), Octopus (original German term Krake [4] by German problemists) or Crowned Chancellor: Combination of Empress/Chancellor and Ferz. Originally Erzkanzler in German.
Archer2XFAReformed Courierspiel Chess variantsee Elephant(modern).
Archer (Modern)VAc^nX, onXmBcpBBigorraMoves like a Bishop when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on its destination square (the captured piece can be any number of squares beyond the hurdle). Also called Vao , Arrow, Crocodile.
Arrow (Duniho)VAc^nX, onXmBcpBYang Qi, Eurasian Chess (Duniho)Moves like a Bishop when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on its destination square (the captured piece can be any number of squares beyond the hurdle). Also called Vao , Archer, Crocodile.
Arrow Pawn (Persson)o2+, c1XmW2cFArrow Pawn Chess (R. Persson variant, 1938)Moves orthogonally one or two squares and captures diagonally one square.
Assassin1,c2WFcAcD Stealth chess
Astrologer~ 1/3.nXt[CB]=t[LB]Tiger Chess (Zacharias)Moves as a Camel followed by moving any number of spaces diagonally outwards like a Bishop.
Auroch~ 1/2, ~ 1/4N(1,4)Fairy Chess problemsCombination of Knight and Giraffe (Pierre Monréal, 1975).
B
B4nD1-4X, 2+B4nD Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Slides up to 4 squares as a Bishop or moves exactly 2 squares orthogonally (cannot leap the intermediate square)
BansheenX, n(1/2) (in same direction)BNN21st Century Chess (G. Jellis, 1991), Unicorn Chess (D. Paulowich 2000), Fearful Fairies (J. Knappen 2012)Combines the powers of Bishop and Nightrider . Named Unicorn in Unicorn Chess, Cardinalrider (Pocket Mutation Chess, M. Nelson 2003) or Cardirider. [5]
Barc~ 2/1> (wide), ~ 1/2< (narrow)fsNbbN ?Wide/Narrow-Hunter: moves forward as a wide Knight, and backward as a narrow Knight. The name is Crab spelled backwards.
Basilisk (Dragonchess)o1>, c1>mfFfbWcfK Dragonchess (3D, 1985)Bound to lower board. 3D movement: Can freeze any opposing piece on the cell directly above it automatically until the Basilisk moves away or is captured.
BearSQ~ 0/2, ~ 1/2, ~ 2/2NADFairy Chess problems (N. Kovacs, 1937), Bear Chess (Mikhail Sosnovsky, 1985)Jumps to any square a distance of 2. Also called Squirrel.
BedenX, ~ 2+BD Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of Bishop and Dabbaba.
Berolina PawnBPo1X>, c1>, io2X>mfFcefWimfnA Berolina Chess (Nebermann,1926)Moves one square diagonally forward (except on its first move, when it may move two), but captures by moving one square straight forward. Also known as Berlin Pawn, Peasant (Faerie Chess) or Anti-Pawn. Cf. Pawn.
Berolina Plus Pawno1X>, c1>=, io2X>mfFcsfWimfF2 Berolina Plus Berolina Pawn which can also capture one step orthogonally to the side.
BiokonX,cn+mBcREnlarged & Improved Chess, Parton's ChessMoves like a Bishop and captures like a Rook. First proposed in Holland in 1696 as an Ensign (or Fähnrich in German), then by V.R. Parton in Chess Curiouser & Curiouser (1961). See also Roshop.
BionBLpBFairy Chess problemsFairy chess Lion confined to diagonal lines. Also known as Bishlion and Bishop-lion-hopper.
BishightnX>, ~ 1/2<fBbN Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Bishop/Knight-hunter: moves forward as a Bishop, and backward as a Knight.
Bishop BnXB = FF Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283), Courier Chess (12th c.), Orthodox chess Moves any number of free squares diagonally. Also called Cocatriz (Grant Acedrex, medieval Spanish for cockatrice, representing a crocodile), Courier (Kurrier) (Courier chess), Kakugyo (angle-mover) in shogi, or Ferzrider.
Bishop's dog3XF3Typhoon (A.King, 2009)Moves and captures like a Bishop but limited to a maximum of 3 squares distance. [6]
BishopperBH^nXgBFairy Chess problemsGrasshopper confined to diagonal lines. Also known as Bishop-hopper.
BisonBI~ 1/3, ~ 2/3CZ = LJFairy Chess problems, Herd (S. Sirotkin, 2000)Combination of Camel and Zebra. Compare Falcon (Falcon Chess) .
Blind Dog1<=, 1X>sbWfF Wa shogi and Taikyoku shogi variantsCombination of Flying Cock and Backslider. Also known as Yen.
Blind Monkey1=, 1XFsW Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsAlso known as Drunken Ferz and Diabolo. The Blind Bear in Taikyoku shogi has the same moves.
Blind Tiger1X, 1<=FsbW Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMoves one square in any direction except orthogonally forward.
BoazNNFairy Chess problems [4] A Nightrider making an obtuse turn after every Knight's move. Discussed as Crooked Nightrider by Ralph Betza, but not used in a game . Combination of (3,3)-Zigzag-Nightrider and (4,0)-Zigzag-Nightrider. Its first two steps form a nice 8-pointed star on the chess board.
BoatAL~ 2XA = (2,2) Chaturaji (4 player Indian chess, 11th century)See Alfil. Note that in Russia the Rook is called Ladya, a boat. The Rook is also a boat in traditional old Bengali and Javanese chess.
Bodygard2 (Hia power)Q2 (Hia power) Hiashatar (Mongolian decimal chess)Moves like a Queen but only one or two squares. Special power: any sliding piece must stop if it moves within a King's move from the Bodygard. Called Hia in Mongolian.
BoyscoutBTzBFairy Chess problemsMoves like a bishop, but takes 90 degree turns after each step. Invented by J. de Almay in the years 1940s. Also called Crooked Bishop (Ralph Betza). Compare Girlscout.
BrontosaurcnXcBFairy Chess problems (J. de A. Almay, 1940), Megasaur Chess (Parton's Enduring Spirit of Dasapada)Captures like a Bishop but never moves from his position unless to capture.
Buffalo~ 1/2, ~ 1/3, ~ 2/3NCZ = NLJCavalry Chess (Frank Maus, 1921), Gigachess-Terachess (Cazaux, 2001)Triple compound of Knight, Camel and Zebra .
C
CaliphnX, ~ 1/3BC = BLEcumenical Chess (Charles Gilman, 2003)Combination of Bishop and Camel . Named Flying Dragon in Ganymede Chess by Mark Hedden (1999) [7]
Caliph (Fairy) [8] 1+,~ 2XWAFairy Chess problemsProblemist's name for the piece known as Phoenix in Shogi variants or Waffle in Chess with Different Armies
Camel CA~ 1/3C = L = (1,3) Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405), Wildebeest Chess, Mideast Chess, Renn Chess, Metamachy, Gigachess-TerachessOld historic piece. Jumps 2 squares orthogonally followed by one square diagonally outwards. Also called Jamal (Persian for camel). Called Chevalier (Mideast Chess), General (Renn Chess), Sage (Devingt Chess) or Giraffe in Giraffe Chess.
CamelriderCRn(1/3) (in same direction)CC = LLFairy Chess problemsA rider which moves any number the Camel's moves in the same direction. A piece in its path of the opposing color could be captured, but the Camelrider could not move any further. Also known as Mehari by French problemists.
CannonPAc^n+, on+mRcpR Xiangqi, Shako (Chess) (1990), Metamachy (2012)Compare with Korean Cannon, Originally 砲 Pào (Black Catapult) and 炮 Pào (Red Cannon)
Cannon (Korean)RL^n+pR Janggi (Korean chess), Fairy Chess problemsMoves and captures along orthogonal lines by jumping exactly one piece. There can be any number of free squares before and after the hurdle. Also called Rook-line-hopper, Rook Lion, or Rion by problemists.
Cannon (Musketeer)1, ~2+, ~1/2 (narrow)DWFsNMusketeer Chess (Haddad, 2012)Moves like a Mann, Dabbaba and limited Knight sideways.
Canvassern+, ~ 1/3RC = RLEcumenical Chess (Charles Gilman, 2003)Combination of Rook and Camel .
Capricorn2000 A.D. (V. R. Parton 1970s)Captures by charging (moving to a vacant square orthogonally or diagonally adjacent to) an enemy piece.
CardinalPRnX, ~ 1/2BN Grand Chess (Freeling)Combines the powers of Bishop and Knight. Also called Princess or Archbishop.
Carpenter~ 2+, ~ 1/2NDAvon (C.Gilman)Combination of Knight and Dabbaba. Also known as Templar (Jelliss), Doughnut (Betza), Ouroboros (Knappen), or Scribe (Joyce and Bagley-Jones). Name used in the Chess Variant Pages.
CastleSQ~ 0/2, ~ 1/2, ~ 2/2NADMideast Chess (California, 1971), Pacific Chess (Hawaii, 1971), Renn Chess (Greenwood, 1980)Jumps to any square a distance of two. Also called Squirrel (Fairy Chess problems). Compare with the Centurion in Arch-Chess.
Cavalier1X.n+, n+.1Xt[RF]t[FR]Mideast Chess (California, 1971), Renn Chess (Greenwood, 1980)Either one square diagonal followed by an orthogonal slide outwards or an orthogonal slide followed by one square diagonal outwards. More powerful than the Gryphon . (Note that a Cavalier is a Knight in French).
Centaur~ 1/2, 1KNFairy Chess problems, Courier-Spiel (Albers, 1821), Renn Chess (Greenwood, 1980), Reformed Courier-Spiel (Begnis, 2011), Sac Chess (Pacey, 2014)Combination of Knight and Mann. Also known as Crowned Knight, Counselor (Albers), Page (Greenwood), Paladin (Clément Begnis), Judge (Kevin Pacey).
Centaur (Carrera)PRnX, ~ 1/2BNCarrera's chess (1617)Combines the powers of Bishop and Knight. Later on better known as Princess, Archbishop, Cardinal, and many other names.
Centurion~ 0/2, ~ 1/2, ~ 2/2NnAnDArciscacchiere (Archchess, Francesco Piacenza, 1683)Despite an error often reported in English modern references, the Centurion cannot jump over an intermediate piece when jumping like Alfil or Dabbaba in Arciscacchiere. [2] Compare with Squirrel .
ChameleonFairy Chess problemsChanges its powers, but not its color, on each move. Starts as a Knight on its first move, then plays as Bishop, then as Rook, then as Queen, then reverts as Knight and again always in this order. [9]
Champion (Omega Chess)1+, ~ 2WAD Omega Chess Combines the powers of the Wazir and the Alibaba.
Champion (Begnis)1, ~ 2+WFD Reformed Courier chess Combines the powers of the Mann and the Dabbaba. Warrior as alternative name.
Champion (Carrera)EMn+, ~ 1/2RNCarrera's Chess (1617)Combines the powers of the Rook and Knight. Also called Empress (fairy chess), Chancellor, Marshal (Freeling), or many other names.
Chancellor EMn+, ~ 1/2RNCarrera's Chess (1617), Sultanspiel (L. Tressan, 1840), Bird Chess (1874), Chancellor Chess (Ben Foster, 1887), Capablanca Chess (1920), Grand Chess (Freeling), Renn Chess (Greenwood, 1980), Seirawan Chess (2007), Musketeer Chess (Haddad, 2012), Etchessera (2017), [10] Sac Chess (Pacey, 2014)Combines the powers of the Rook and Knight. First named Champion (Carrera), later also called Empress (fairy chess), Guard (Bird), Marshal (Tressan, Freeling), Nobleman (Greenwood), or Elephant (Seirawan Chess).
Charging Knight(~ 1/2)>, 1<fhNsbK Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Moves forward as a Knight, or backwards as a King. Also known as Forfnibakking (from Betza notation fhNrlbK)
Charging Rookn>=, 1<fsRbK Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Moves as a Rook forwards and sideways, or as a King backwards. Also known as Furlrurlbakking (from Betza notation frlRrlbK)
ChariotRn+R = WW Chaturanga (Indian chess), Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Moves as Rook. In Xiangqi originally 車 Jū (Black Chariot) and 俥 Jū (Red Chariot).
Checker Mancn(^2X>), o1X>mfF[cl]fFAmerican, Spanish and Italian Checkers Moves forward one diagonal square without capturing, or captures by jumping diagonally over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank.
Checker Mancn(^2>=), o1X>mfF[cl]fF[cl]fsWOld German (“Gothic”) Checkers Moves forward one diagonal square without capturing, or captures by jumping in any direction forward or sideways over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank.
Checker Mancn(^2), o1>mfK[cl]KOssetian Checkers (Tama)Moves forward one square without capturing, or captures by jumping in any direction over an opponent's piece.
Checker Mancn(^2X), o1X>mfF[cl]Fmost other Checkers Moves forward one diagonal square without capturing, or captures by jumping diagonally over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank (Russian man can promote mid-capture). Harzdame (Benedikt Rosenau, 2010) rotates this piece into mfrW[cl]W.
Checker Mancn(^nX), o1X>mfF[cl]BLoca (Christian Freeling, 2020)Moves forward one diagonal square without capturing, or captures by jumping any distance diagonally over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank.
Checker Mancn(^2X^4+), o1X>mfF[cl]F[cl]DFrisian Checkers Moves forward one diagonal square without capturing, or captures by jumping in any direction over an opponent's piece on the same color. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank.
Checker Mancn(^2>=), o1>=mfsW[cl]fsWGreek and Turkish Checkers Moves forward or sideways one square without capturing, or captures by jumping forward or sideways over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank. Ossetian Keny men can capture backwards.
Checker Mancn(^2>=), o1>mfK[cl]fsWCroda (Lubjan Dedić), Dameo (Christian Freeling, 2000)Moves forward any direction one square without capturing, or captures by jumping orthogonally over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank.
Checker Mancn(^2>=), o1>=mfKmsW[cl]fsWArmenian Checkers Moves forward any direction or sideways one square without capturing, or captures by jumping orthogonally over an opponent's piece. Promotes to Checker King after it reaches the far rank.
Checker Kingcn(^2X), o1XmF[cl]FAmerican and Italian Checkers Promoted Checker at American and Italian Checkers that can move diagonally backward.
Checker Kingcn(^2), o1 or cn(^n*), on*mK[cl]K or mQ[cl]QOld German (“Gothic”) Checkers Promoted Checker at Old German (“Gothic”) Checkers that can move in any direction and may be flying (it can move any distance). Such a piece is also known as the marine King or Queen or poseidon or mermaid.
Checker Kingcn(^nX), onXmB[cl]Bmost other Checkers Promoted Checker at International Draughts that is flying (it can move any distance). Such a piece is also known as the marine Bishop or nereide.
Checker Kingcn(^nX), o1XmF[cl]BLoca (Christian Freeling, 2020)Promoted Checker at Loca that can move diagonally backward.
Checker Kingcn(^nX^2n+), onXmB[cl]B[cl]DDFrisian Checkers Promoted Checker at Frisian Draughts that is flying (it can move any distance).
Checker Kingcn(^n+), on+mR[cl]RGreek and Turkish Checkers, Harzdame (Benedikt Rosenau, 2010)Promoted Checker at Greek and Turkish Checkers that is flying (it can move any distance). Such a piece is also known as the marine Rook or triton.
Checker Kingcn(^n+), onmQ[cl]RArmenian Checkers Promoted Checker at Armenian Checkers that is flying (it can move any distance).
Cheetah~ 1/3,~ 2/3,~ 0/3,~ 3/3CZGH = LJGHModern Variants (Silverman, Cazaux)Leaper combining Camel, Zebra, Threeleaper and Tripper. Named Titan in Fantasy Grand Chess (P. Hatch, 2000). [11] Used in modern chessvariants played with AI AI. [12]
Chicken General1-4>, 1X<fW4bFTaikyoku shogiCan move up to four steps forward or one step diagonally backward. The Pup General in Taikyoku shogi has the same moves.
Cleric (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See King. 3D movement: Can move or capture to the square directly above or below it.
Cloud Eaglen<>, 1, 3X>vRKfB3 Wa shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Flying Stag and a forward Bishop limited to 3 squares
CockatriceBnXB Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283)Moves any number of free squares diagonally. Cocatriz in medieval Spanish for cockatrice but it was represented as a crocodile in the medieval codex, moving like the orthodox Bishop.
Coloneln>, n=, 2/1>, 1KfsRfhN Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of Charging Knight and Charging Rook: moves forward as Knight or Rook, sideways as Rook, or backwards as King.
CommonerEK1WF Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)See Guard or Mann
Commuter [8] ~4X(4,4)Fairy Chess problemsLeaps four steps diagonally (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants).
Congo Pawn1>, o1< (past the river), o2< (past the river)fWfF (fWfFmbR2 past the river) Congo Iron General that can also move (but not capture) one or two steps straight backward without jumping when past the river. It promotes to Congo Superpawn (on last rank).
Congo Superpawn1>=, o1<, o2<, o1X<, o2X<sfWfFmbQ2 Congo Congo Pawn that can move and capture one step straight sideways, and move (but not capture) one or two steps straight or diagonally backward without jumping.
Coordinator Ultima Captures any opposing piece that is on either of the two squares found at a) the intersection of its own file and the King's rank, and b) the intersection of the King's file and its own rank.
Copper General1>, 1<fFvW Chu shogi, Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi, and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Iron General and Backslider: moves one square in any direction forward or one square straight backward. Also known as Climbing Monkey, Flying Goose, or Yale.
Corporal1X>, o1>, io2>fFmfWimfnDImproved Pawn that can also move without capture diagonally forward. Compare with Pawn and Sergeant.
CounsellorFE1XF Xiangqi (Chinese chess)See Advisor, Ferz. Also spelled Councellor.
CourierBnXB Courier Chess (12th century), Courier-Spiel (1821), Reformed Courier-Spiel (Begnis, 2011)Predecessor of the Bishop.
Crab~ 1/2> (narrow), ~ 2/1< (wide)ffNbsN Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Narrow/Wide Knight-Hunter: Moves forward as a Narrow Knight, and backward as a Wide Knight. Compare with Barc.
Crocodile (Congo)1, n>; n=; n< (see notes)fRbsWF or bRfsWF towards the river, sRvWF inside Congo (1982)It is a Mann (anywhere), a file-restricted Rook towards the river (outside the river), or a rank-restricted Rook (inside the river)
Crocodile (Modern)VAc^nX, onXmBcpBZanzibar Chess, TerachessMoves like a Bishop when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on its destination square (the captured piece can be any number of squares beyond the hurdle). Also called Vao , Archer, Arrow.
Crowned BishopnX, 1+BW Shōgi, Quintessential Chess (Knappen, 2002), Sac Chess (Pacey, 2014), Heavy/Very Heavy Chess (Cazaux, 2020)Combination of Bishop and Wazir. Also known as Dragon Horse in shogi and Quintessential Chess, and as Missionary (Kevin Pacey, Cazaux).
Crowned Rookn+, 1XRF Shōgi, Shatar, The Duke of Rutland's Chess (J. Manners, 1747), [13] [2] Sac Chess (Pacey, 2014), Heavy/Very Heavy Chess (Cazaux, 2020)Combination of Rook and Ferz. Also known as Dragon King in shogi, Bers or Baras in traditional shatar (Mongolian chess). Also Sailor (Kevin Pacey) or Admiral (Cazaux).
Crown PrincessnX, ~ 1/2, 1+BNWTeutonic Knight's Chess (J. Knappen, 2009) [3] Also known as Popess (Very Heavy Chess), Supercardinal (Pocket Mutation Chess). Combination of Princess/Archbishop and Wazir. Originally Kronprinzessin in German.
D
Dabbaba DA~ 2+D = (0,2) Chaturanga (Indian chess) (al-Adli, c. 840), Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405)Old historic piece, also known as War Machine. The Arabic word dabbāba formerly meant a type of medieval siege engine, and nowadays means "army tank". Alternate notation: ~ 0/2
Dabbaba-checkerD[cl]WA Dabbaba that can also capture an enemy piece by leaping over it. This piece can potentially capture 2 enemy pieces at a time, one by jumping over it and the other by landing on it.
Dabbabante~ 0/2n(0,2n)Dabbabante Chess (V.R. Parton 1971)A piece that can jump directly to any square a Dabbabarider can reach.
Dabbabaridern(~ 2+) (in same direction)DDFairy Chess problemsA rider which moves any number of (0,2) squares (i.e., Dabbaba moves) in the same direction. It is the Skip-rook of problemists (G.P. Jelliss).
DebtorvDsNKnavish Chess (Charles Gilman, 2011) [14] A six-directional piece, moving sidewards as a Knight and forwards and backwards as a Dabbaba. Also see Knave.
DiplomatFairy Chess problemsDoes not capture, cannot be captured, cannot move, but it saves from capture any adjacent piece to it. Other pieces can be granted diplomatic power. [9]
DinosaurcncQFairy Chess problems (J. de A. Almay, 1940), Megasaur Chess (Parton's Enduring Spirit of Dasapada)Captures like a Queen but never moves from his position unless to capture.
Direwolf~ 0/2,~ 1/2,~ 2/2,~ 1/3,~ 2/3,~ 0/3,~ 3/3NADCZGHBigorra (Cazaux)Super-leaper combining Squirrel+Cheetah, that is to say Dabbaba, Knight, Alfil, Camel, Zebra, Threeleaper and Tripper. Also called Sabertooth.
Dog1>, 1X<fWbF Taikyoku shogi, Tenjiku shogi, Wa shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMoves one square directly forward (as Wazir), or diagonally backward (as a Ferz). Also called Strutting Crow (Taikyoku shogi and Wa shogi), Swooping Owl, or Wazir/Ferz-Hunter.
Dolphin3+,o~ 2+,o~ 3+R3mDmHFalconry (Russia,1982)Moves and captures 1, 2 or 3 squares like a limited Rook. It may leap over occupied squares but only when non capturing.
Donkey1=, ~ 2<>sWfbD Maka dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsJumps 1 square sideways, or 2 squares forwards and backwards.
DragonDRo1>, c1X>, io2>, ~ 1/2NmfWcfFimfnDFairy Chess problemsCombination of Knight and Pawn.
Dragon (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See Dragon Horse (bound to upper board). 3D movement: Can capture remotely (without leaving level) one cell below it or like a Wazir pattern.
Dragon (5D) 5D Chess with Multiverse Time Travel (Thunkspace, 2020)Generalization of a Bishop to higher dimensions. Quadragonal movement: Any moves must incorporate all of the game's four axes equally, resulting diagonal spacial dimension movements paired with "diagonal" temporal and multiversal movements. Compare with Unicorn (5D).
Dragon HorsenX, 1+BW Shōgi, Quintessential Chess (Knappen, 2002)Combination of Bishop and Wazir. Also known as Crowned Bishop or a Missionary (Kevin Pacey, Cazaux).
Dragon Kingn+, 1XRF Shōgi, Shatar, The Duke of Rutland's Chess (J. Manners, 1747), [13] [2] Combination of Rook and Ferz. Also called Crowned Rook (Rutland), Sailor (Kevin Pacey) or Admiral (Cazaux). It is the Bers or Baras in traditional shatar (Mongolian chess).
Drunk Elephant1X, 1>=FsfW Sho shogi, Chu shogi, Tori shogi, Wa shogi, and other large Shōgi variantsMoves one square in any adjacent direction except orthogonally backward. Called Falcon in Tori Shogi, or Roaming Boar in Wa shogi.
Drunken Soldier1>=sfW Janggi (Korean chess), Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Moves 1 square forward or sideways. Same as Korean Pawn in Janggi and promoted Pawn in Xiangqi (after crossing the river).
Duchess1*, ~ 2/2, ~ 3/3, ~ 0/2, ~ 0/3(1,1)(0,1)(2,2)(0,2)(3,3)(0,3) = KADGH = WFADGHModern Chess variants by CazauxCombination of the Mann, Alfil, Dabbaba, Tripper and Threeleaper.
Ducko~ n/nm(n,n)Duck Chess (Dr. Tim Paulden, 2016)Colorless piece, may jump to any space on the board, though cannot capture nor be captured.
Duke1+.nX, nX.1+t[BW]t[WB]Renn Chess (Greenwood, 1980)Either one square horizontal or vertical followed by a diagonal slide outwards or a diagonal slide followed by one square horizontal or vertical outwards. Compare with Manticore .
Duke (Jelliss)1X, ~ 2+FDFairy chessCombination of Ferz and Dabbaba. Better known as Kirin (large shogis).
Duke (Musketeer chess)1-2+, ~1/2WDNMusketeer chess: Castellum armiesCombination of War Machine and Knight . See Minister.
Dullahan1X,~ 1/2FNFearful Fairies [15] Combination of Ferz and Knight. Known as Prince among problemists and named Priest in Scirocco. The name Dullahan was chosen as a male counterpart to Banshee .
DummyDUA piece with no moves at all. It may gain temporarily moving ability by relay, or pushed or pulled by other specific pieces. It can be captured. Compare with Pyramid, Transparent Wall, Wall and Zero.
Dwarf (Dragonchess)o1>= c1X>msfWcfF Dragonchess (3D, 1985)Pawn that can move without capture one cell laterally (no initial double step), 3D movement: Can capture to the cell directly above it.
E
EaglenX>, n<, 1, 2X<fBbRWbB2 Tori shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Bishop/Rook-hunter (Falcon), Mann, and a backward Bishop restricted to 2 squares.
Eagle1X.n+t[FR] Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283), Metamachy, TerachessMoves one square diagonally followed by moving any number of spaces like a Rook outwards (moving away from where it started). See Gryphon .
EdgehogEHn (edges)Q (edges)Edgehog Chess I (John Driver, 1966) & III (P. Aronson, 2001) [16] A queen that can move only to or from the edge of the board.
Edgehog (Limited)n (see notes)Q (see notes)Edgehog Chess II (John Driver, 1966) & III (P. Aronson, 2001) [16] Moves as a Queen, but if on an edge, must move to non-edge, and if on non-edge must move to edge.
Elemental (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)Moves like non-leaping King+Dabbaba, captures like non-leaping Wazir+Dabbaba; on lower board. 3D movement: Can move or capture on any non-leaping Wazir pattern above or below.
Elephant (Chinese)2XnA Dai shogi, Shōgi, Xiangqi A (2,2)-leaper but cannot jump over an intervening piece. In xianqi the Elephant is restricted to its half of the board. Originally 象 Xiàng (Black Elephant) and 相 Xiàng (Red Minister).
Elephant (ChessCraft)1KChessCraftActs like a king, including castling but is not royal.
Elephant (Ciccolini) ~ 2/3Z = J = (2,3)Ciccolini's Chess (1820)Named Giraffe (Grant Acedrex, 1283) or also Zebra by problemists.
Elephant (Indian)1X, 1>FfW Indian chess (al Biruni, c. 1030)See Silver General.
Elephant (Korean) 2/3t[WnA] Janggi (Korean chess)Sang in Korean. Non-leaping Zebra.
Elephant (Modern)1X, ~ 2XFAAlber's Courier-Spiel (1821), Shako (Chess) (1990), Reformed Courier Chess, Metamachy (2012)Combination of Ferz (medieval Queen) and Alfil (medieval Bishop, shatranj Elephant). Also called Falafel (R. Betza), Ferfil (G.P. Jelliss), or Ferz Alfil. It is the Archer in Begnis's Reformed Courier Chess.
Elephant (Musketeer)

Elephant (Schach-80)

1, ~2+, ~2XKAD = WFADSchach-80 (Födisch), Musketeer Chess (Haddad, 2012)Moves like a Mann (Wazir + Ferz) or Dabbaba or Alfil. Also known as Mammoth, Mastodon, Squire, Pasha.
Elephant (Persian)AL~ 2XA = (2,2) Chaturanga (Indian chess), Shatranj (Persian chess), European Chess (before 1475)(2,2)-leaper. See Alfil.
Elephant (von Wilpert)ETn, n~(1/2) (in same direction)QNN Wolf Chess (1943), [17] Fairy Chess problems (Jean Oudot, 1975)Combination of Queen and Nightrider, also called Amazonrider. Originally Elefant(en) in German.
Emperor1+,~ 1/2WNFairy Chess problems (Jelliss)Combination of Wazir and Knight. Also called Marquis.
Empress EMn+, ~ 1/2RNCarrera's Chess (Carrera, 1617), Tutti-Frutti Chess (Betza & Cohen), Wolf Chess (1943) [17] Combines the powers of the Rook and Knight. Also called Champion (Carrera's Chess), Chancellor, Concubine (The Duke of Rutland's Chess, J. Manners, 1747), [13] Elephant (Seirawan Chess), Marshal, or Wolf (Wolf Chess).
EnsignonX,cn+mBcREnlarged & Improved Chess (1696)Moves like a Bishop but captures like a Rook. Also named Biok.
Evil Wolf1>=, 1X>sfK Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variants, Jetan (Burroughs' Martian chess)Moves as a King but without any backwards movement. Also known as Pathan (Jetan Pawn), Pikeman, or Drunken Pawn.
F
FAD1X, ~ 2FAD Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combines the powers of the Ferz and the Alibaba, also called name Alfilerzbaba and Alibabaferz.
Falafel1X, ~ 2XFABetza's ChessCombination of Ferz and Alfil. Also called Elephant (Modern).
FalconnX>, n<fBbR Falcon-Hunter Chess, Maka dai dai shogi, Tai shogi Moves forward as a Bishop, and backward as a Rook. Also known as Bishop/Rook-Hunter, and Free Tile in Maka dai dai shogi and Tai shogi.
Falcon (Falcon Chess)1/3, 2/3nCnZ = nLnJFalcon Chess patent (George Duke, 1996)A non-jumping Bison with multiple paths consisting of three straight or diagonal steps towards its endpoints. It can be blocked by two pieces and it can create a double pin.
Falcon (Falconry)3X,~ 1/3CB3Falconry (Russia, 1982)Moves like a Camel (3,1) or 1,2,3 squares diagonally like a limited Bishop without jumping over occupied squares. It is a colorbound piece.
FaroFAcn+, o^n+cRmpRFairy Chess problems (M. Rittirsch, 2016)Argentinian Rook, captures as a Rook but needs to jump over a hurdle for non-capturing moves, [1] compare Cannon
Ferfil1X, ~ 2XFAFairy Chess Problems (Jelliss)Combination of Ferz and Alfil. Also called Elephant (Modern).
Ferocious Leopard1X, 1<>FvW Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMoves one square in any adjacent direction except orthogonally sideways. Also known as Crane (Tori shogi) and Horrible Panther.
Ferz FE1XF = (1,1) Chaturanga, Shatranj, Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405), European Chess (before 1475), Archchess (Francesco Piacenza, 1683), Martian chess,Moves one square diagonally in any direction. Usually spelled Fers by problemists, and Ferz in chess variants. Also called Cat Sword (Dai shogi), Decurion (Archchess), Martian Pawn (Martian Chess), Minister, Persian Queen. Simply the move of the Queen in Europe before 1475. (The word ferz, Ферзь, is the regular Queen in Russian.)
Fibnif~ 1/2<>, 1XfbNF Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of narrow Knight and Ferz
Fiveleaper [8] BU~5+, ~3/4(0,5)(3,4)Fairy Chess problemsLeaper making moves of length 5 units, due to the Theorem of Pythagoras it has twelve possible directions. Also named Root-25-Leaper
Flamingo~ 1/6(1,6)Fairy Chess problemsMakes a long (1,6) jump.
Flying Cock1=, 1X>sWfF Wa shogi and Taikyoku shogi Moves 1 square diagonally forward, or 1 square sideways. Also known as Sidewinder.
Flying Dragon2XB2 Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsA Bishop restricted to a distance of two squares.
Flying Dragon (Ganymede)nX, ~ 1/3BC = BLGanymede Chess [7] Combination of Bishop and Camel , better known as Caliph.
Flying FalconnX, 1>BfW Wa shogi and Taikyoku shogi Bishop that can step one square forward.
Flying Horse1+, 2X>WnfA Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Wazir and Wood General.
Flying Kingfishern(2) in same direction,1KAADD = WFAADD Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of Alibabarider and Mann .
Flying OxnX, n<>vRB Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Bishop and Reverse Chariot
Flying Stagn<>, 1vRK Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Reverse Chariot and Mann
FoolWE1+W = (0,1) Courier Chess (12th century)Moves one square orthogonally in any direction (see Wazir). Also called Schleich, Jester, Joker, Spy, Smuggler, or Sneak.
Forequeenn>=, ~ 1/2<, 1<fsQbhNbK Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Moves as Queen forward or sideways, or as Mann or Knight backwards.
Forfer1X, 1-4+FR4 Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of Ferz and short Rook; or Dragon King (Ferz+Rook) limited up to 4 squares.
Fortress1X, ~ 2+FDPacific Chess (Hawaii, 1971)Combination of Ferz and Dabbaba. Also known as Duke (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants). Better known as Kirin (large shogis).
Fortress (Musketeer)~2+, 1/2 (wide), 3XF3DfbNMusketeer Chess (Haddad, 2012)Moves like a Bishop limited to 3 squares or narrow Knight or Dabbaba.
Fourleaper~ 4+(0,4)Fairy Chess problemsJumps four squares orthogonally, leaping over any intermediate piece (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants).
Free BearnX, n=, 2X>sRBfA Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Free Boar and forward-restricted Alfil.
Free BoarnX, n=sRB Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Bishop and Rook restricted to sideways directions.
Free Goldn+, nX>RfB Maka dai dai shogi, Obento Chess (E.Silverman)Combination of Rook and forward-only Bishop. Also known as Gold Rider (Silverman).
Free KingQnQ = RB Chu shogi, large shogisCombines the powers of the Bishop and Rook. Called Honno in Chu shogi and other large shogis.
Free SilvernX, n>BfR Maka dai dai shogi, Obento Chess (E.Silverman)Combination of Bishop and forward-only Rook. Also known as Silver Rider (Silverman).
FriendFFairy Chess problemsMoves like any friendly piece that is guarding it. Compare with Orphan.
Frog [8] 1X, ~3+FHFairy Chess problemsCombination of Ferz and Threeleaper . The simplest amphibian.
Fusiliero1+, c1XmWcFJeu de la Guerre (Prague, 1770), Centennial Chess (J.W.Brown, 1999)Extended Pawn, moves one square orthogonally in all four directions, and captures diagonally in all four directions; also called a Quadrapawn, a Steward (Brown) or a Hobbit.
G
General (Chinese)1+, "Flying General": cn> (against enemy General)kW, "Flying General": cfR (against enemy General) Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Chinese King. Royal Wazir that cannot leave the palace (3×3 zone at the center of South and North sides), except for executing the Flying General move: a capturing forward Rook against the enemy General that is used to force checkmate. Originally 將 Jiàng (Black General) and 帥 shuài (Red General) in Chinese. Also called Governor in Xiangqi.
General (Ciccolini)nX,n(~ 2+)BDDCiccolini's Chess (1820)Combine Bishop and Dabbabarider, a colorbound piece.
General (Paulovits)1, ~ 1/3KC = KL = WFC Paulovits's Game (1890)Combination of non-royal King or Mann and Camel. Also known as Sultan.
Giraffe (Modern)GI~ 1/4(1,4)Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283) according to H.J.R. Murray (1913)Wrong historical interpretation but now a popular fairy piece. Compare with Giraffe (Zaraffa)
Giraffe (Zaraffa)Z~ 2/3Z = J = (2,3) Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283), Zanzibar, TerachessOld historic piece. Jumps one square orthogonally followed by two squares diagonally outwards. Also called Zebra as fairy piece.
Giraffe (Zurafa)~ 1/4.n+(outwards)t[(1,4)R] Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405)Old historic piece. Starts with a (1,4) leap (like the modern Giraffe) and may continue moving outwards as a Rook.
Giraffe (Congo)~ 2, o1ADmK Congo (1982)Alibaba that moves but does not capture as a Mann. Compare with Pasha
Giraffe (Giraffe Chess)CA~ 1/3C = L = (1,3)Giraffe ChessOld historic piece. Jumps 2 squares orthogonally followed by one square diagonally outwards. Mostly known as Camel but called Giraffe in Giraffe Chess, popular in India.
GirlscoutGTzRFairy Chess problems, Jupiter (A. King 1999)Moves like a Rook but takes a 90 degree bent after each step in a zig-zag manner. Also named Crooked Rook (R. Betza). Compare Boyscout.
Gliding SwallowRn+RCompare Rook
GnuGN~ 1/2, ~ 1/3NC = NL Wildebeest Chess (R.W. Schmittberger, 1987)Combination of Knight and Camel . Called Wildebeest in Wildebeest Chess. Called Unicorn in Musketeer Chess. Invented by Walter Jacobs (Fairy Chess Review, 1934/8).
GnuriderGRn(~ 1/2), n(~ 1/3)NNCC = NNLLFairy Chess problemsCombination of Nightrider and Camelrider [1]
Go-Between1<>vW Chu shogi, Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Pawn (Japanese) and Backslider: moves one square forward or backward. Also known as Adjutant.
Go-between (Chinese)onmQ Game of the Seven Kingdoms Moves like a Queen , but cannot be captured nor capture. Also known asJester (Brybelly).
Godzilla1X.n+, 1+.nXt[FR]t[WB] Chessvariantpages (Derzhanski) Double bent-rider. Combines Gryphon and Manticore.
Golden BirdvRlrW2F3 Taikyoku shogi and other large Shōgi variantsSlides and jumps the first 3 squares along the forward diagonals.
Gold General1+, 1X>WfF Shōgi, Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi Moves one square orthogonally, or one square diagonally forward. Also called Golden Bird or Violent Wolf (Taikyoku shogi and Wa shogi).
Goose~ 2X>, ~ 2<fAbD Tori shogi Alfil/Dabbaba-Hunter (moves forward as Alfil, backward as Dabbaba).
Grasshopper G^ngQFairy Chess problemsA hopper which moves along the same lines as Queen and lands on the square immediately beyond the hurdle, which can be of either color. It captures on its destination square. One of the most popular fairy pieces. Also known as Queen-hopper.
Graz Pawn [4] 1>, io2>fWfFifmW2ifmF2= fKifmK2Fairy Chess problemsCombines the powers of the Berolina Pawn and the standard Pawn. It occurs (without the initial double move) as Iron General in large shogi variants from the 15th century, e.g., in Tenjiku shogi. Compare with Sergeant.
Great Horsen<>, 2=, nX>fBvRsW2Taikyoku shogiMoves as a forward Bishop, vertical Rook, or up to 2 squares sidewards. The Horseman in Taikyoku Shogi has the same moves.
Griffin (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See Zebra (on upper board). 3D movement: Can move or capture one jump along a space diagonal below or above.
Gryphon1X.n+t[FR] Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283), MetamachyOriginally Aanca in the ancient Castillan codex, a giant eagle mistaken for a Gryphon by Murray (1913). Moves one square diagonally followed by moving any number of spaces like a rook outwards (moving away from where it started). Also known as Eagle.
Guard EK1WF (=K) Courier Chess, Pacific Chess, Renn Chess, Waterloo ChessMoves as King but is not royal. Also called Mann , Commoner, Prince, or Spy (Waterloo Chess).
Guardon+, cnXmRcBEnlarged & Improved Chess (1696)Moves like a Rook but captures like a Bishop. German name Trabant(en), also named Roshop.
Guard (Etchessera)Etchessera [10] When the King moves, the Guard follows the King by moving to its last occupied square. The Guard otherwise cannot move.
H
Half-Duck1X, ~ 2+, ~ 3+HFD Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of Kirin and Threeleaper.
Hare~ 2/4(2,4)Fairy chess problemsJumps two squares diagonally followed by two squares orthogonally outwards. Also known as Stag or Lancer. Original name Hase in German.
HarvesternX,1+.nXBt[WB]Tripunch Chess (Betza, 2002)Combination of Bishop and Manticore . Compare with Reaper.
Hawk~ 2/2, ~ 3/3, ~ 0/2, ~ 0/3(2,2)(0,2)(3,3)(0,3) = ADGHMusketeer Chess, [18] [19] [20] Infinite Chess (Naviary, 2023)Jumps two or three squares in any orthogonal or diagonal direction.
Heavenly HorseffbbN Wa shogi Occurs in Taikyoku shogi with a different move.
Heavenly Tetrarch4Q4Taikyoku shogiMove as Queen limited to 4 steps
Hero (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See Elephant (Modern) (on middle board). 3D movement: Can move or capture one cell along a space diagonal below or above.
Heroinen+, ~ 1/2, 1XRNFPocket Mutation Chess (Nelson, 2003), Teutonic Knight's Chess (Knappen, 2009), K. Pacey (2019), Very Heavy Chess (Cazaux, 2020)Combination of Empress/Chancellor and Ferz. Also known as Superchancellor (Nelson), Archchancellor (Knappen), Ship (Pacey).
Hia2 (Hia power)Q2 (Hia power) Hiashatar (Mongolian decimal chess)Mongolian Bodyguard (see).
High Priestess [21] 1X, ~ 2X, ~ 1/2FANTwo large Shatranj variants (J.Joyce 2005)Combines the powers of Ferz, Alfil, and Knight
Hippopotamusc~ 1/2cNFairy Chess problems (J. de A. Almay, 1940), Megasaur Chess (Parton's Enduring Spirit of Dasapada)Captures like a Knight but never moves from his position unless to capture. Also called Hipposaur (Parton).
Hobbito1+, c1XmWcFJeu de la Guerre (Prague, 1770), Hobbit Chess (2002)Moves one square orthogonally in all four directions, and captures diagonally in all four directions; originally called a Fusilier (1770).
Horned FalconnX, n<=, 1>, ~ 2>BsbRfWfD or BrlbRdhfWfD Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMoves as a Bishop, as a Rook except forward), or as a Lion (Japanese) up to 2 squares orthogonally forward.
HorseMA1/2t[WF] Xiangqi (Chinese chess)See Mao. Originally 馬 Mǎ (Black Horse) and 傌 Mà (Red Horse) in Chinese.
Hospitaller [22] ~ 1/2, ~ 2XNAFairy Chess problems (Jelliss)Combination of Knight and Alfil. Also known as Kangaroo or Priestess (Joyce and Bagley-Jones)
Howling Dogn>, 1<fRbW Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Lance and Backslider.
Huntern>, nX<fRbBSpanish Chess (1739), Falcon-Hunter Chess Moves forward as Rook, and backward as Bishop. First proposed in Spanish Chess (Germany,1739), [2] as Archer. Also known as Rook/Bishop-Hunter, and Multi General in Tenjiku shogi and Taikyoku shogi.
Hydra1+, ~ 1/2, ~ 3+WNHChessCraftActs like a Knight. Also, acts orthogonally in any direction for one or three spaces.
I
Ibis [8] ~ 1/5(1,5)Fairy Chess problemsJumps 4 squares orthogonally followed by one square diagonally outwards.
Imitator Ultima Colorless piece; cannot capture; moves only in dependence of other pieces – its move being simultaneous to every piece's move, parallel and of same length and direction. If a line piece's move is imitated, the imitator's path must not be blocked. Neither can the imitator be moved outside the board. If complete imitation is not possible, the respective move is illegal.
Immobilizeron (Immo1)mQ (Immo-K) Ultima Moves as Queen; any enemy piece that is adjacent to the immobilizer is frozen and cannot move until the immobilizer moves away or is captured. If two immobilizers are next to each other, they are both frozen until the end of the game or one is captured. Also known as Freezer.
Impala~ 1/2, ~ 3/4N(3,4)Fairy Chess problemsCombination of Knight and Antelope.
Iron General1>fK Dai shogi, Tenjiku shogi, other Shōgi variants.Moves one square in any direction forward. Also called Forward King.
J
Jack~ 1/2, ~ 2NADFairy Chess problemsCombination of Knight and Alibaba.
Jester (Brybelly)onmQFaerie ChessMoves as Queen, but can't capture, nor be captured. Also Known as Go-between (Chinese) .
Joker1, ~ 2, ~ 1/2KAND = WFANDWaterloo Chess, Amsterdam Medieval ChessIdentical to the KAND Lion
Judge~ 1/2, 1KNSac Chess (Pacey, 2014)Combination of Knight and Mann. Also known as Centaur.
K
Kangaroo~ 1/2, ~ 2XNAOutback Chess (T. Newton 2002)Combination of Knight and Alfil. Also known as Hospitaller or Priestess.
Khon1X, 1>FfW Indian chess (Biruni, c. 1030), Makruk (Thai chess), Shōgi, Sittuyin (Burmese chess), Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi Combination of Ferz and Soldier: moves one square in any direction diagonally or one square straight forward. Also called Burmese Elephant, Hsin in sittuyin (Burmese chess), Elephant in some versions of Indian chess, Silver General in shogi, and Violent Stag in taikyoku shogi and wa shogi.
King K1K = WFOrthodox chess, Chaturanga, Shatranj, Shōgi, Tamerlane Chess, Tori shogi Moves one square in any direction. (Combination of Wazir and Ferz). Royal in orthodox chess. Also called Raja (chaturanga), Shah (shatranj), Jeweled General (shōgi), or Phoenix (tori shōgi). For a non-royal piece which moves like the King, see Mann, Commoner or Guard.
King (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)King (on middle board) with a 3D movement: can move or capture to the cell directly above or below it.
Kirin 1X, ~ 2+FD Chu shogi, Dai shogi and other Shōgi variants, Pacific Chess (Hawaii, 1971)Combination of Ferz and Dabbaba. Also called Diamond (for its pattern), Fortress (Pacific Chess), Duke (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants).
Knave~2=, ~1\2<>sDffbbNKnavish Chess (Charles Gilman, 2011) [14] A six-directional piece, moving sidewards as a Dabbaba and forwards and backwards as a Knight. Also see Debtor.
Kneeno~ 1/2, cnmNcQParton's ChessMoves like a Knight and captures like a Queen. First proposed by V.R. Parton in Chess Curiouser & Curiouser (1961). See also Quight.
Knight S~ 1/2N = (1,2) Chaturanga, Orthodox chess, Shatranj, Tamerlane Chess Jumps one square orthogonally followed by another square diagonally. Called Ashwa (horse) in Chaturanga, Faras (horse) in Shatranj, or Zebra in Congo.
Knight (Japanese)(~ 1/2)> (narrow)ffN Shōgi (Japanese chess)Narrow Knight restricted to forward movements.
Knishop~ 1/2>, nX<fNbB Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Knight/Bishop-hunter: moves forward as a Knight and backward as a Bishop.
L
Lancen>fR Shōgi, Chu shogi, Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi Moves any number of squares directly forward. Also called Forward Rook (checkers chess), and Oxcart (Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi).
Lancer~ 2/4(2,4)Fairy Chess problemsJumps two squares diagonally followed by two squares orthogonally outwards. Also known as Stag or Hare (original German name Hase) by problemists.
LeelooQuintessential Chess (J. Knappen, 2002) [23] Combines the powers of Quintessence and Rook
Left General1X, 1<>, 1= (only right)FvrW Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsAsymmetrical combination of Ferocious Leopard and right Wazir.
Left Quailn>, nX< (right diagonal), 1XfRbrBblF Tori shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Lance, Ferz and a backward Bishop restricted to right side.
LeoLEon, c^nmQcpQDawson (<1914), Akenhead's Chess (1947)Combines the powers of Pao ( Cannon ) and Vao (Crocodile). Moves like a Queen when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on the Leo's destination square (the captured piece can be any number of squares beyond the hurdle). Also called Lion (Caïssa Britannia, F.Duniho, 2003), Tank (Ch.Gilman, 2003), Sorceress (Cazaux's variants).
Leon~ 1/3, ~ 3+CH = LH Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283)Spanish Lion. Combination of Camel and Threeleaper.
Leopard (Musketeer)~ 1/2, n2NB2Musketeer Chess (Haddad, 2012)Moves like a Knight or a Bishop limited to a maximum of 2 squares
Liberated Horsen>, 2<fRbR2 Wa shogi Moves forward as a Rook or one or two squares orthogonally backward.
Lion (Congo)1, c(n>) (against enemy Congo lion) Congo (1982)King that may not leave its 3×3 castle except to capture another Lion on the same vertical or diagonal line.
Lion (Fairy)LIpQFairy Chess problemsA hopper which moves along the same lines as a Queen and which can land on a square any distance beyond the hurdle. Also known as Queen-line-hopper.
Lion (Japanese)1, ~ 2, ~ (1/2)KANDcaKmabK Chu shogi, Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMove 2 steps or jumps per turn in any adjacent direction. It can capture up to two pieces per turn, capture an adjacent piece without moving (stationary feeding), or move and return (effectively passing a turn).
Lion (Modern)1, ~ 2, ~ 1/2KAND = WFANDMetamachy, Terachess, SciroccoA KAND Lion is moving and capturing anywhere one or two squares around, i.e. one or two squares in any direction or like a Knight. Also known as Lioness (Scirocco), Joker.
Lion (Murray)~ 2, c1ADcKChess variantsCan move and capture as an Alfil or Dabbaba, and capture only as a King. This piece stems from a misinterpretation of the Lion of Chu shogi. It is named after the chess historian H.J.R. Murray,1913 who brought it up.
Lion Dog3Q3 Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsA Queen that cannot move more than three squares. Can jump and locust-capture in Japanese rule interpretation.
Llamao1>, c1X>, io2>, ~ 1/3CmfWcfFimfW2Fairy Chess problemsCombination of Camel and Pawn. Invented by Pierre Monréal and Jean-Pierre Boyer (1965). Also spelled Lama by problemists.
LocoLOcnX, o^nXcBmpBFairy Chess problems (M. Rittirsch, 2016)Argentinian Bishop, captures as a Bishop and needs a hurdle to move without capturing, compare Faro [1]
LocustLc^n, onmQ[cl]QFairy Chess problemsMoves as a Queen but must hop over an adverse piece to the square next beyond that piece to capture that piece in the move.
M
Machine~ 1−2+ = 1+, ~ 2+WDTerachess, Zanzibar ChessCombination of Wazir and Dabbaba. See War Machine .
Mage (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)Queen (on middle board), Wazir (on upper or lower boards). 3D movement: can move or capture one or two cells above or below it.
Maharajan, ~ 1/2QN Maharajah and the Sepoys A royal Amazon, the only piece for White side.
Mammothcn+cRFairy Chess problems (J. de A. Almay, 1940)Captures like a Rook but never moves from his position unless to capture.
Mammoth (Winther)1, ~ 2KAD = WFADMastodon Chess and Mammoth Chess (M.Winther, 2006)Combination of Mann (non-royal King), Alfil and Dabbaba. Also known as Pasha (Paulovits), Mastodon or Squire (Renn Chess).
Mann EK1WF = K Courier Chess (12th century), Courier-Spiel (1820)Moves as King but is not royal. From German Mann or Ratgeber. Also called Sage, Fool, Commoner, Guard, Erlking, or spelled as Man. [24]
Manticore1+.nXt[WB] Modern chess variants (Betza, Gilman, Cazaux, King, Muller)Moves as a Wazir and continues as a bishop outwards. Also called Aanca (R. Betza), Acromantula (H. G. Muller), Anchorite (C. Gilman), Rhinoceros (Cazaux), Spider (A. King), or Unicorn. Compare with Gryphon and Duke. [25]
MaoMA1/2nN Xiangqi (Chinese chess), Akenhead's Chess (1947).Chinese Horse. Moves like a Knight except that it does not leap. It steps one square orthogonally in any direction, then continues one square diagonally in the same general direction. The square stepped to orthogonally must be vacant.
Marquis1+,~ 1/2WNScirocco (A.King), Opulent Chess (G.Strong), Obento Chess (E.Silverman)Combination of Wazir and Knight. Also called Emperor (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants).
MarshalEMn+, ~ 1/2RN Grand Chess (Freeling)Also spelled Marshall, or called Chancellor or Empress .
Mastodon1, ~ 2KAD = WFADMastodon Chess and Mammoth Chess (M.Winther, 2006)Combination of Mann (non-royal King), Alfil and Dabbaba. Also known as Pasha(Paulovits), Mammoth or Squire (Renn Chess).
Medusao1, cn (OppImmo1)ChessCraftMoves passively like a king, captures like a queen. Nearby enemy pieces cannot move passively.
Megasaurcn, c~ 1/2cQcNFairy Chess problems, Megasaur Chess (Parton's Enduring Spirit of Dasapada)Combine the Dinosaur and the Hipposaur, i.e. captures like an Amazon but never moves from his position unless to capture.
MehariCRn(1/3) (in same direction)CC = LLFairy Chess problemsA rider which moves any number the Camel's moves in the same direction. Also known as Camelrider, Mehari was the name given by problemist (A mehari is a mounted dromedary).
MetropolitannX, 1X.n+Bt[FR]Conclave Ecumenical chessCombination of Gryphon and Bishop.
Minister [21] 1+,~ 2+, ~ 1/2WDNTwo large Shatranj variants (J. Joyce 2005)Combines the powers of Wazir, Dabbaba, and Knight.
Minister (Shatranj)FE1XF = (1,1) Chaturanga, Shatranj, Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405)See Ferz. Also known as Counsellor.
Minister (G.Vicente Maura)PRnX, ~ 1/2BN Modern chess (Vicente Maura)Combines the powers of Bishop and Knight. Also called Princess or Archbishop.
MissionarynX, 1+BWSac Chess (Pacey, 2014), Very Heavy Chess (Cazaux, 2020)Combination of Bishop and Wazir. Also known as Dragon Horse in Shogi, or Crowned Bishop.
MoaMO1/2nNChineseSimilar to Mao, but the first step is diagonal and the second orthogonal, not the other way round.
Monkey (Congo)o1, cn(^2) Congo (1982)Checker King allowed to play orthogonally too.
Mounted King1, ~ 1/2Ouroboros KingMoves like Centaur, but it's a royal piece.
N
N2R42(~ 1/2), 1−4+N2R4 Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)
NaoNAc^n(~1/2), on(~1/2) (in same direction)mNNcpNNChineseA Chinese Nightrider. Moves as a Nightrider when not capturing, captures by leaping over a piece and capturing the piece on its destination.
Newt [22] ~2X, ~3+AHFairy Chess problemsCombination of Alfil and Threeleaper. A simple amphibian.
Nightrider Nn(1/2) (in same direction)NN Wolf Chess (1943), [17] Edgehog Chess II (John Driver, 1966) & III (P. Aronson), [16] Cavalier Chess (Fergus Duniho, 1998)A rider which moves any number the Knight's moves in the same direction. A piece in its path of the opposing color could be captured, but the Nightrider could not move any further. Also played in Fairy Chess problems (T.R. Dawson).
NightriderhopperNH^n(~1/2)gNNFairy Chess problems [1] Move to next square beyond any piece in lines of knight moves. Also known as Knight-line-hopper
O
OkapiOK~ 1/2, ~ 2/3NZ = NJFairy Chess problemsCombination of Knight and Zebra . Invented by Pierre Monréal (1965).
Old Monkey1X, 1<FbW Maka dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Ferz and Backslider. Also known as Inverted Silver and Backward Elephant.
OrphanOFairy Chess problemsMoves like any enemy piece that is attacking it. Compare with Friend.
Osprey2+.nXt[DB]Expanded Chess (D.Zacharias, 2017)Leaps to the second square on the same rank or file, and then slides outward as a Bishop. Compare with Manticore .
Ostrich2X.n+t[AR]Fairy chessLeaps to the second square diagonally, and then slides outward as a Rook. Counterpart of the Osprey.
P
Paladin (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)Centaur (on middle board) or King (on upper or lower boards). 3D movement: Makes knight-like jumps
Paladin~ 1/2, 1KNReformed Courier-Spiel (Begnis, 2011)Combination of Knight and Mann. Better known as Centaur.
PaladinPRnX, ~ 1/2BNCavalier Chess (Fergus Duniho, 1999), [26] Combines the powers of Bishop and Knight. Better known as Princess (fairy chess), Archbishop or Cardinal. Proposed name by several chessvariant fans as it reflects the nature of this piece (Duniho).
Pancake1, ^n(~1/2)pNNK Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Combination of Mann and cannon-style Nightrider
PaoPAc^n+, on+mRcpRAkenhead's Chess (1947), Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Chinese Cannon . Moves like a Rook when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on the Pao's destination square. Compare with Cannon (Korean).
Pasha1, ~ 2KAD = WFAD Paulovits's Game (1890), Renniassance Chess (1980), Mastodon Chess (2006)Combination of non-royal King or Mann (Wazir+Ferz) and Alibaba (Alfil+Dabbaba). Also known as Mastodon, Mammoth, Squire (Renn Chess).
Pawn Po1>, c1X>, io2>mfWcefFimfnD Chadarangam (Telugu chess), Orthodox chess Moves one square straight forward (except on its first move, when it may move two squares), but captures one square diagonally forward. Compare with Berolina Pawn and Torpedo Pawn.
Pawn (Chinese)CP1>; 1>, 1+= (after crossing the river)fW; fsW (after crossing the river) Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Originally (Black Private (Mercenary)) and Bīng (Red Soldier) in Chinese. Moves one square orthogonally forward (like Japanese Pawn) before crossing the river, and one square orthogonally forward or sideward (like Korean Pawn) after crossing the river.
Pawn (Japanese)1>fW Shōgi, Chu shogi, Tori shogi, Wa shogi, Out-Khmer (Hills' Cambodian chess), Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Moves one square orthogonally forward. It is the Pawn from Xiangqi (Chinese chess), before crossing the river and the Pawn in Shōgi (Japanese chess). Also called Soldier, Fish (Shattrong), Sparrow Pawn (Wa shogi), or Swallow (Tori shogi).
Pawn (Jetan)1>=, 1X>sfK Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variants, Jetan (Burroughs' Martian chess)Moves as a King but without any backwards movement. Also known as Evil Wolf, Pikeman, or Drunken Pawn.
Pawn (Korean)1>=sfW Janggi (Korean chess), Xiangqi (Chinese chess)Moves one square orthogonally forward or sideward. It is the Pawn from Xiangqi (Chinese chess), after crossing the river and the Pawn from Janggi (Korean chess). Also called Soldier.
Pawn (Shatranj)o1>, c1X>mfWcfF Chaturanga (Indian chess), Makruk (Thai chess), Shatar (Mongolian chess), Shatranj (Persian chess)Baidaq (Persian Pawn). Orthodox Pawn without double step on first move. It is the same Pawn from Chaturaji (4 player Indian chess), Ouk Chatrang (Cambodian chess), and Senterej (Ethiopian chess). Also called Padah (pawn or soldier) in chaturanga.
Pawn of piece(s) Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405), Full Tamerlane Chess (al-Âmulî & Arabshâh, 14th–15th centuries) [27] A Pawn that promotes to a certain piece. Examples: Pawn of Dabbabas, Pawn of Elephants, Pawn of Minister (Ferz), Pawn of Shah (King), Pawn of Vizir (Wazir), Pawn of Vanguards (Bishops), Pawn of Knights, Pawn of Rukhs (Rooks). A Pawn of Pawn promotes to Pawn of King.
Pawn (Hiashatar)o1>, c1X>, io3>mfWcfFimfW3 Hiashatar (Mongolian decimal chess)Orthodox Pawn with a triple step on first move. Mongolian Küü.
Pawn (Torpedo)o1>, o2>, c1X>mfW2cefFTorpedo Chess, [28] Metamachy, Gigachess, TerachessMoves two square straight forward, but captures one square diagonally forward. Can capture a Torpedo Pawn en passant if the other Torpedo Pawn moves two squares forwards to the immediate square left or right of the Torpedo Pawn. Simply called Pawn in many chess variants.
Peasanto1X>, c1>, io2X>mfFcefWimfnAFaerie Chess (Brybelly, 2019)Compare Berolina Pawn
PegasusNNgQFairy Chess problemsCombines the powers of the Grasshopper and of the Nightrider. [29]
Pegasus (Beastmaster)~ 1/4 ~ 2/3Z(1,4) = J(1,4)Beastmaster Chess (G. Overby, 2002)Combination of Giraffe and Zebra
Pegasus (Zacharias)~ 1/2.n+t[NR]Tiger Chess (Zacharias)Moves as a Knight followed by moving any number of spaces outwards like a Rook. Compare with Gryphon.
Pheasant~ 2>, 1X<fDbF Tori shogi and other large Shōgi variantsDabbaba/Ferz-Hunter (moves forward as Dabbaba, and backward as Ferz).
Phoenix 1+, ~ 2XWA Chess with different armies, Chu shogi, Dai shogi, and other Shōgi variantsCombination of Wazir and Alfil. Also known as Waffle.
Popessnx, ~ 1/2, 1+BNWPocket Mutation Chess (Nelson, 2003), Teutonic Knight's Chess (Knappen, 2009), K.Pacey (2019), Very Heavy Chess (Cazaux, 2020)Combination of Princess/Archbishop and Wazir. Also known as Crown Princess, Freemason (Pacey), or Supercardinal (Nelson).
Priest1X,~ 1/2FNScirocco (A.King)Combination of Ferz and Knight. Known as Prince among problemists and named Dullahan in Fearful Fairies by J. Knappen [15] -
Priestess~ 1/2, ~ 2XNAShort Range Project (Joyce and Bagley-Jones 2006) [30] Combination of Knight and Alfil. Also known as Hospitaller or Kangaroo
Prince1WF = K Tamerlane chess, Chu shogi, large shogisA non-royal King or Mann, promoted from a Pawn of King. Originally Shâhzâda in Persian. Also known as Adventice King (Shâh masnû‘a) when promoting from Pawn of Pawns. Called Taishi, promoted Drunk Elephant in Chu shogi.
Prince (Fairy)1X,~ 1/2FNFairy Chess problems (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants)Combination of Ferz and Knight. Also known as Priest (Scirocco) or Dullahan (Fearful Fairies).
Prince (Modern)1, o2>WFmfW2 Metamachy Moves as a Mann (non-royal King) or as a Pawn, can be promoted like a Pawn.
Prince Elephant (Betza)1, ~ 2XWFA Chess on a Really Big Board Combines the powers of the Mann and the Alfil. War Elephant as alternative name.
Princess PRnX, ~ 1/2BNKaiserspiel (Peguilhen, 1819), Grand Chess (1984), Tutti-Frutti Chess (Betza & Cohen), Wolf Chess (1943) [17] Combines the powers of Bishop and Knight. Also called Archbishop , Cardinal, Janus, Paladin, or Centaur (Carrera's Chess, Pietro Carrera, 1617). Called Adjutant in Kaiserspiel, Fox in Wolf Chess (Originally Fuchs in German), and Minister in Modern Chess (Gabriel Vicente Maura's, 1968).
Princess (5D) 5D Chess with Multiverse Time Travel (Thunkspace, 2020)Moves like a Queen but is restricted to using only a maximum of two of the game's four playable axes, whereas a Queen may use as many of the axes as desired.
Princess (CEO)22KChess Evolved Online (Joseph Lormand)Moves like a Queen but is restricted to a maximum of two spaces.
Pterodactyl [8] ~3/3, ~5/5, ~0/15(3,3)(5,5)(0,15)Chess mathematicsThe simplest triple range amphibian. George Jelliss demonstrated a pterodactyl's knight's tour on a 16×16 board in 1985.
PyramidFairy Chess problemsRediscovered by Joseph Boyer (Les Jeux d'échecs non orthodoxes, 1951), never moves, cannot be taken. It blocks its square. Compare with Dummy, Transparent Wall, Wall and Zero.
Q
Quadrapawno1+,c1XmWcFJeu de la Guerre (Prague, 1770), Centennial Chess (J.W.Brown, 2001)It moves as a Pawn in all four directions. Optionally, may move two squares forward without capture like a Pawn. Originally called a Fusilier (1770). Also called Steward, Hobbit.
Queen QnQ = RBOrthodox chess Combines the powers of the Bishop and Rook. In Pacific Chess (Hawaii, 1971) a piece with Queen-like moves is called the Nobleman. Called Honno or Free King in Chu shogi
Queen of the Night [22] ETn, n~(1/2) (in same direction)QNNTwenty-first Century Chess (J. P. Jeliss, 1991)Combines the powers of the Queen and Nightrider . Also known as Amazonrider.
Querquisite [31] Fairy Chess problems (J. E. H. Creed 1947), Lumberjack Chess (Bruce Zimove 1983), Morph Chess (Karl Scherer 2000), Zelig Chess (Stan Druben 2001)A piece that changes its move according to the file where it is standing, moves as a Rook from files a and h, as a Knight from files b and g, as a Bishop from files c and f, as a Queen from file d, and as a King from file e. Also known as Odysseus (H. Schmidt 1988), Lumberjack, or Zelig.
Quighton, c~ 1/2mQcNParton's ChessMoves like a Queen and captures like a Knight. First proposed by V.R. Parton in Chess Curiouser & Curiouser (1961). See also Kneen.
QuintessenceQNQuintessential Chess (J. Knappen, 2002) [23] A Nightrider who takes 90-degree turns in a zigzag manner on each step. First described in 2002 by Jörg Knappen.
R
Raiding Falconn<>, 1+, 1X>vRWfF Wa shogi Combination of Vertical Mover and Stone General (Reverse Chariot and Flying Cock). Occurs in Taikyoku shogi with a different move.
Raven [22] WAn+, n(~1/2)RNNFairy Chess problemsCombination of Rook and Nightrider . Also known as Waran .
Reapern+,1X.n+Rt[FR]Tripunch Chess (Betza, 2002)Combination of Rook and Gryphon . Compare with Harvester.
Reflecting BishopRBnX (bounce edges)B (bounce edges)Billiards Chess (M. Jacques Berthoumeau, 1950s), Edgehog Chess II (John Driver, 1966) & III (P. Aronson) [16] Bishop allowed to "bounce" off any number of edges of the board, similar to a hockey puck or billiard ball. It bounces from the center of each edge square and continues on a diagonal. [32]
Revealer (Tamerlane)~ 3XG = (3,3)Full Tamerlane Chess (al-Âmulî & Arabshâh, 14th–15th centuries) [27] See Tripper. Also known as Sentinel.
Reverse Chariotn<>vR Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsRook restricted to forward and backward directions.
Rhinoceros1+.nXt[WB]Modern (e.g. Zanzibar Chess, Gigachess, Terachess)Moves as a Wazir (1-step as a Rook) followed by moving any number of spaces diagonally outwards. Inspired by medieval Unicornio. Now known as Manticore .
Rhubarbn+,1-3XRF3 Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)
Right General1X, 1<>, 1= (only left)FvlW Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsAsymmetrical combination of Ferocious Leopard and left Wazir.
Right Quailn>, nX< (left diagonal), 1X<fRblBbrF Tori shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Lance, Ferz and a backward Bishop restricted to left side.
RionRL^n+pRFairy Chess problemsFairy chess Lion confined to horizontal and vertical lines. Used in Janggi (Korean chess) as Cannon (Korean). Also called Rook-line-hopper or Rook Lion by problemists.
Roc~ 2/2 ~ 1/3AC = ALBeastmaster Chess (G. Overby, 2002)Combination of Alfil and Camel
Rook Rn+R = WW Chaturanga, Orthodox chess, Shatranj, Xiangqi, Janggi, Shogi, Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi, Tamerlane chess Moves any number of free squares orthogonally. Also called Gliding Swallow in taikyoku shogi and wa shogi, Ratha (chariot) in chaturanga, Rukh in shatranj and tamerlane chess, Wazirrider, or Castle (colloquial).
Rook (Quang Trung)TRon+,c^n+mR[cl]RQuang Trung Chess (V. Q. Vo, 1999)Moves as Rook but when capturing must move on square away from captured piece in the same direction. It can be described as a Marine Rook or Triton (see Compound pieces)
RookhopperRH^n+gRFairy Chess problemsGrasshopper confined to horizontal and vertical lines. Also spelled Rook-hopper.
Root-25-leaperBU~ 5+, ~ 3/4(0,5)(3,4)Fairy Chess problemsLeaper making moves of length units (i.e. a (0,5)-leaper or a (3,4)-leaper). Also called Fiveleaper. [33] and Bucephalus (Fairy Chess problems)
Root-50-leaperRF~ 1/7, ~ 5X(1,7)(5,5)Fairy Chess problemsLeaper making moves of length units (i.e. a (5,5)-leaper or a (1,7)-leaper). Also spelled Root-fifty-leaper.
RoseROn(1/2) (turn at each jump)qN Chess on a Really Big Board Moves as a Nightrider except rather than moving in a straight line, it moves in a pseudo-circular shape (e.g. e1-g2-h4-g6-e7-c6-b4-c2-e1). A piece on any of these squares can be captured but prevents the rose from progressing any further. It may return to its starting point if its path is unblocked, effectively passing a turn.
Roshopon+, cnXmRcBEnlarged & Improved Chess, Parton's ChessMoves like a Rook and captures like a Bishop. First proposed in Holland (1696) as a Guard, then by V.R. Parton in Chess Curiouser & Curiouser (1961). See also Biok.
Rotating SpearmanCentennial Chess (J.W.Brown, 2001)Piece marked with a direction. It slides any number of squares in its direction or in its reverse direction (forward and backward, never sideward). Captures forward only, never backward. In addition, may rotate after a move or rotate without moving. It cannot rotate and then move.
Royal Guardcn, o1cQmKOuroboros KingCaptures Like a queen & moves like a King/Mann.
Rutabaga1-2+,nXW2B Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)
Running Rabbitn>, 1X, 1<fRFbW Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi Combination of Lance and Old Monkey.
S
Sabertooth~ 0/2,~ 1/2,~ 2/2,~ 1/3,~ 2/3,~ 0/3,~ 3/3NADCZGHModern Variants (Cazaux, Silverman)Super-leaper combining Squirrel+Cheetah, that is to say Dabbaba, Knight, Alfil, Camel, Zebra, Threeleaper and Tripper. Also called Direwolf. Used in modern chessvariants played with AI AI.
SaltadorSAc~1/2, o1/2cnNmpNFairy Chess problems (M. Rittirsch, 2016)Argentinian Knight, captures like a Knight when one of the intermediate squares is unoccupied, and moves without capturing as a Knight when one of the intermediate squares is occupied [1]
Scorpion1n^KgQFairy Chess problemsCombination of Mann (non-royal King) and Grasshopper
Scorpion (Winther)o1>, c1X>, io2>, o~ 1/2> (wide)mfWcefFimfnDmfsN Scorpion Chess (Mats Winther, 2006)A boosted Pawn which moves and captures as a standard Pawn or can make a non-capturing Knight jump on 2 position: east-north-east and west-north-west.
Scout1+, ~3+WHBrouhaha (Greg Strong)Combination of Wazir and Threeleaper .
SeñoraSEcn, o^ncQmpQFairy Chess problems (M. Rittirsch, 2016)Argentinian Queen, captures like a Queen but needs a hurdle for non-capturing moves, combination of Faro and Loco [1]
Sergeant1>, io2>fKimfnD Wolf Chess (A. von Wilpert, 1943) [17] Extended Pawn, combining the regular Pawn and the Berolina Pawn that is, it can move to, or capture on, any of the three squares immediately in front. Generally, it cannot make the initial diagonal double-step from Berolina Pawn, only that straight double-step of the regular Pawn. Originally Vogt (Sergeant, Inspector) in German.
Ship1X.n<>t[FvR]Tamerlane II chessMoves one square diagonally followed by moving any number of spaces like a rook vertically outwards (moving away from where it started). Also called Twin Tower by Betza due the pattern of its move. Compare with Gryphon or Eagle.
Short Rook1-4+R4 = W4 Chess with different armies (R. Betza, 1979)Rook limited up to 4 squares. Also spelled Short-Rook.
Side Movern=, 1+WsR Chu shogi, Wa shogi, and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of a Rook restricted to sideways and Wazir. Called Swallow's Wings in Wa shogi.
Silver General1X, 1>FfW Shōgi, Indian chess (Biruni, c. 1030), Makruk (Thai chess), Sittuyin (Burmese chess), Taikyoku shogi, Wa shogi Combination of Ferz and Soldier: moves one square in any direction diagonally or one square straight forward. Also called Burmese ElephantHsin in sittuyin (Burmese chess), Elephant in some versions of Indian chess, Khon in makruk (Thai chess), and Violent Stag in taikyoku shogi and wa shogi.
Sissan+.nX, nX.n+Coherent Chess, Sissa ChessMoves as a certain number of squares as a Rook followed by exactly the same number of squares as a Bishop. Or the opposite. The Sissa does not leap. This piece (invented by Carlos Cetina in the 1980s) has been named after the mythical inventor of chess in Persian legends.
Snake1<>.nXt[vWB]Modern Variants (Betza, Silverman, Cazaux)Moves vertically one step and continues as a Bishop outwards. Originally called Snaketongue by Betza due to the pattern of its move.
Soaring Eaglen+, nX<, 1X>, ~ 2X>RbBfFfA or RbBdhfFfA Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMoves as a Rook, backwards as a Bishop, or as a Lion (Japanese) up to 2 squares diagonally forward.
Soldier (Chess.com)1>, io2>fWimfnDChess.comMoves & captures directly forward, it may perform the initial double step move option
Soldier (ChessCraft)o1>, c1>, io2>mfWcefKimfnDChessCraftActs like a pawn, including en-passant and double advance. It can also capture forward.
Soldier (Silberschmidt)o1>=, c1X>mfWmsWcfFSilberschmidt's Game (1827), Zanzibar, Bigorra (Cazaux)Extended Pawn, moves one square orthogonally forward, left or right, and captures diagonally forward.
Sorcerer1+, ~ 2/3WZGrand Tamerlane Chess (J.Davis)Combines the movement of Wazir and Zebra. [34]
SorceressLEon, c^mQcpQAkenhead's Chess (1947), Terachess (Cazaux, 2008)Moves like a Queen when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on the Sorceress's destination square (the captured piece can be any number of squares beyond the hurdle). Also called Star, or Leo by problemists.
Spider (Musketeer)~ 1/2, 1-2X, ~ 2+NDF2Musketeer Chess 5 (Zied Haddad, 2012)Moves like a Knight or a limited Bishop to 2 squares or a Dabbaba
Spy1+ or
2>, 2=, 1X> or
1
W = (0,1) or
fsDfF or
WF (=K)
Courier Chess (12th century), Chess Empire (2002), Waterloo (2014), Amsterdam Medieval Chess (2017)In Courier Chess see Fool. In Chess Empire the spy can move two spaces forwards or sideways, or can move like a knight one forward and then one horizontally or vice versa. In Waterloo and Amsterdam Medieval Chess the spy moves as a non-royal King (see Mann).
Squire1, ~ 2KAD = WFADFairy Chess Problems, Renn Chess (Greenwood, 1980)Combination of non-royal King or Mann (Wazir+Ferz) and Alibaba (Alfil+Dabbaba). Also known as Mastodon and Mammoth (Winther), Squire (Renn Chess) and Pasha (Paulovits).
SquirrelSQ~ 0/2, ~ 1/2, ~ 2/2NADFairy Chess problems (N. Kovacs, 1937), Mideast Chess (California, 1971), Pacific Chess (Hawaii, 1971), Renn Chess (1980), Quintessential Chess (J. Knappen, 2002) [23] Jumps to any square a distance of 2. Also called Castle (Mideast chess, Pacific chess, Renn chess), Bear (Sosnovsky, 1985) or Centurion (Quintessential Chess). Compare with the historical Centurion in Arch-Chess.
Stag~ 2/4(2,4)Cazaux's chessJumps two squares diagonally followed by two squares orthogonally outwards. Also known as Lancer or Hare (original German name Hase) by problemists.
Stewardo1+,c1XmWcFJeu de la Guerre (Prague, 1770), Centennial Chess (J.W.Brown, 2001)A Quadra-Pawn. It moves as a Pawn in all four directions. Optionally, may moves two squares forward without capture like a Pawn. Originally called a Fusilier (1770).
Stone General1X>fF Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variants, Fox and Geese Moves one square diagonally forward. Also called Goose in Fox and Geese. Compare with Berolina Pawn.
Sultan1, ~ 1/3KC = WFC = KLPaulovits's Game, Jupiter (A.King)Combines the movement of Mann and Camel. Originally called General by Paulovits (1890s).
SuperpawnSPon>, cnX>mfRcfBFairy Chess problemsMoves without capture any number of fields forward, captures diagonally forwards like a Bishop. Promotes on the 8th rank. May be placed in the first rank. By Werner Speckmann (1967). [33]
Sylph (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D)See Berolina Pawn (on upper board). 3D movement: Can capture to the cell below it and return without capturing.
T
Templar [22] ~ 2+, ~ 1/2NDFairy Chess problemsCombination of Knight and Dabbaba. Also known as Doughnut (Betza), Ouroboros (Knappen), Scribe (Joyce and Bagley-Jones) or Carpenter (Gilman).
Teutonic Knight1+, ~ 1/2, ~ 1/3WNC = WNLTeutonic Knight's Chess (J. Knappen, 2009) [3] Combination of Knight, Wazir and Camel . Originally Ordensritter in German.
Thief (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See Bishop (bound to middle board). No 3D movement.
Titan~ 1/3,~ 2/3,~ 0/3,~ 3/3CZGH = LJGHFantasy Grand Chess: Giants [11] Leaper combining Camel, Zebra, Threeleaper and Tripper. Called Cheetah in modern chessvariants played with AI AI. (http://mrraow.com/index.php/aiai-home/aiai/)
Threeleaper ~ 3+H = (0,3)Full Tamerlane Chess (al-Âmulî & Arabshâh, 14th–15th centuries) [27] Jumps three squares orthogonally, leaping over any intermediate piece. Also called Trébuchet. Possibly the Lion in Full Tamerlane Chess.
Threeridern(3+)HHFairy Chess problems
Tiger~ 2/3.nXt[ZB]=t[JB]Tiger Chess (Zacharias)Moves as a Zebra followed by moving any number of spaces diagonally outwards like a Bishop.
Toad [22] ~2+, ~3+DHFairy Chess problemsCombination of Dabbaba and Threeleaper. A simple amphibian.
Transparent WallChess.comColorless piece, doesn't move or capture, nor can be captured, hides the tile it's on, compare with Dummy, Pyramid, Wall and Zero.
Treacherous Fox~ 1-2<>FfbWAfbD Wa shogi Ferocious Leopard that can move forward or backward as Alibaba. Occurs in Taikyoku shogi with a different move.
Tripper~ 3XG = (3,3)Jumps three squares diagonally, leaping over any intermediate piece.
Trollo1>, c1X>,~ 0/3,~ 3/3mfWcfFGHModern Variants (Cazaux)Amphibian piece combining Threeleaper, Tripper with the simple moves of the Pawn (no e.p., no double step) in order to be able to reach all squares of the board. Used in modern chessvariants played with AI AI. [12]
Twin Tower1X.n<>t[FvR]Tamerlane II chessMoves one square diagonally followed by moving any number of spaces like a rook vertically outwards (moving away from where it started). Also called Ship.
U
Ubi-Ubin(1/2) (any direction)NN (any direction)Ubi-Ubi Chess (Versmissen, Borst & Bodlaender, 1998)A Nightrider without direction restrictions.
Unicorn (Raumschach) Raumschach (1907)A space diagonal rider: moves through the vertices of the cubes (see diagram below).
Unicorn (Unicorn Chess)BNNUnicorn Chess (D. Paulowich 2000)Combines the powers of Bishop and Nightrider, see Banshee
Unicorn (Triangular Chess) Triangular chess Moves 2 steps as a rook and then one step as a rook in an orthogonal direction.
Unicorn (Dragon Chess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See Knight (bound to middle board). No 3D movement.
Unicorn (Grant Acedrex)BimN Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283, interpreted by H.J.R. Murray, 1913)Bishop with a first movement of a Knight that cannot capture. For Cazaux interpretation, see Unicornio
Unicorn (Musketeer)~1/2, ~1/3NC = NLMusketeer Chess (Zied Haddad, 2012)See Gnu or Wildebeest.
Unicorn (5D) 5D Chess with Multiverse Time Travel (Thunkspace, 2020)Generalization of a Bishop to higher dimensions. 3D diagonal movement: Any moves must incorporate three of the game's four axes equally, resulting in either diagonal spacial dimension movements paired with orthogonal temporal and multiversal movements, or vice versa. Compare with Dragon (5D).
Unicornio (Grant Acedrex)~ 1/2.nXt[NB] (or t[NfB]) Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283)Moves as a Knight followed by moving any number of spaces diagonally outwards (most probably, or forwards?). Originally Unicornio in ancient Spanish, obviously designating a Rhinoceros. For Murray's interpretation, see Unicorn.
V
VanguardnX (except 1X)B (except F) Tamerlane Chess (1336–1405)Bishop that cannot move as a Ferz (adjacent diagonal squares must be free and skipped). Originally known as Talî'a in Persian. Also known as Scout.
VaoVAcnX, o^nXmBcpBAkenhead's Chess (1947)Moves like a Bishop when not capturing, but captures by leaping over an intervening piece and taking the piece on the vao's destination square (the captured piece can be any number of squares beyond the hurdle). Also called Crocodile (Zanzibar Chess, Gigachess, Terachess).
Vertical Movern<>, 1+WfbR Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Reverse Chariot and Wazir (or Drunk Elephant).
Violent Bear1=, 2X>sWnfB2 Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsMoves 1 square sideways or 1 or 2 squares diagonally forward.
Violent Ox2+R2 Dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsA Rook restricted to a distance of two squares.
Vivi1<>.nX>t[vWfB]Modern Variants (Betza)Moves vertically forward or backward one step and continues as a Bishop forwards. So called for the pattern of its move.
Vuivre2+, 2X, ~1/2, ~1/3DNAC = DNALBeautiful Beasts (Knappen 2021) [35] Combination piece of Carpenter and Roc, or alternatively, of Squirrel and Camel, or Gnu and Alibaba
W
Waffle1+, ~ 2XWA Chess with different armies, Chu shogi, and other Shōgi variantsCombination of Wazir and Alfil. Known as Phoenix in large shogis and as Caliph (Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants).
WallChess.comColorless piece, doesn't move or capture, nor can be captured. compare with Dummy, Pyramid, TransparentWall and Zero.
Wallaby1, 2 (over friendly pieces)KgQ2 (over friendly pieces), KcjQ2Edgehog Chess III (P. Aronson) [16] Combination of omni-directional Checker and Grasshopper restricted to 2 squares over friendly pieces.
WaranWAn+, n(~1/2)RNNFairy Chess problemsCombination of Rook and Nightrider . Also spelled Varan. Also known as Raven.
War Machine~ 1−2+ = 1+, ~ 2+WD Chess with different armies, Terachess, Zanzibar ChessCombination of Wazir and Dabbaba. Also called Wazaba, Woody Rook (Betza, 1979) or simply Machine.
Warrior (Dragonchess) Dragonchess (3D, 1985)See Pawn (Shatranj) (bound to middle board). No 3D movement.
Warrior1, ~ 2+WFDReformed Courier chessCombines the powers of the Mann and the Dabbaba. Alternative name for Champion which is more associated to another piece (Wazir-Alfil-Dabbaba). [36]
Wazir WE1+W = (0,1)Tamerlane Chess (al-Âmulî & Arabshâh, 14th–15th centuries), Courier chess, Renn Chess (1980)Moves one square orthogonally in any direction. Persian Vizir. Also known as Angry Boar (Dai shogi), Crocodile (Tamerlane Chess, originally Luxm, "sea monster" in Persian) or Fool, Jester (German: Schleich for Courier chess), Fox (Renn Chess).
Whalen<>, nX<vRbB Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Hunter and Reverse Chariot.
White Horsen<>, nX>vRfB Chu shogi and other large Shōgi variantsCombination of Falcon and Reverse Chariot.
WildebeestGN~ 1/2, ~ 1/3NC = NL Wildebeest Chess (R.W. Schmittberger, 1987)Combination of Knight and Camel , see Gnu .
Wildeguard1, ~ 1/3, ~ 2/3KCZ = WFCZ = KLZObento Chess (E.Silverman)Combines the movement of Mann, Camel and Zebra. [37]
WithdrawermQ[cw]Q Ultima Also known as Retreater
Wizard1X, ~ 1/3FC = FL Omega Chess Combines the movement of Ferz and Camel.
Wood General2X>fB2 Dai dai shogi and other large Shōgi variantsFlying Dragon restricted to forward moves.
Woody Rook~ 1−2+ = 1+, ~ 2+WD Chess with different armies (Betza, 1979)See War Machine .
Wyvern~ 3X ~ 2/4 ~ 1/5G(2,4)(1,5) = (3,3)(2,4)(1,5)Beastmaster Chess (G. Overby, 2002)Combination of Tripper, Stag, and Ibis.
X, Y, Z
Yaksha3=, 1X>, 1+<fFbWsW3Taikyoku shogiMove as forward Ferz, backward Wazir, and up to 3 squares horizontally
Zabel Pawn [4] o1>, c1X>, final o2>mfWcfF final mfW2Fairy Chess problemsMoves and captures like a chess pawn, but instead of an initial double step it has a final double step move from the 6th to the 8th rank. Named after the cycling sprinter Erik Zabel
ZaraffaZ~ 2/3Z = J = (2,3)Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283)Old historic piece. Jumps one square orthogonally followed by two squares diagonally outwards. Also called Zebra by problemists.
Zebra Z~ 2/3Z = J = (2,3)Full Tamerlane Chess (al-Âmulî & Arabshâh, 14th–15th centuries), [27] Grant Acedrex (Alfonso X, 1283), Ciccolini's Chess (1820), Mideast Chess (1971)Old historic piece. Jumps one square orthogonally followed by two squares diagonally outwards. Also called Zaraffa (Grant Acedrex), Elephant (Ciccolini's Chess), Courtier (Mideast Chess).
ZebrariderZRn(2/3) (in same direction)ZZ = JJFairy Chess problemsA rider which moves any number of (3,2) cells (i.e., Zebra moves) in the same direction in a straight line.
ZebuZE~ 1/3, ~ 1/4C(1,4) = L(1,4)Fairy Chess problemsCombination of Camel and Giraffe .
Zero~ 0/0(0,0)Fairy Chess problemsA (0,0) leaper. Jumps and lands on the square where it stands. It allows to pass a turn. It can be captured. Invented by A.S.M. Dickins [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chaturanga</span> Ancient Indian strategy board game

Chaturanga is an ancient Indian strategy board game. It is first known from India around the seventh century CE, but its roots may date 5000 years back, to the Indus Valley Civilization.

Grand Chess is a large-board chess variant invented by Dutch games designer Christian Freeling in 1984. It is played on a 10×10 board, with each side having two additional pawns and two new pieces: the marshal and the cardinal.

A fairy chess piece, variant chess piece, unorthodox chess piece, or heterodox chess piece is a chess piece not used in conventional chess but incorporated into certain chess variants and some chess problems. Compared to conventional pieces, fairy pieces vary mostly in the way they move, but they may also follow special rules for capturing, promotions, etc. Because of the distributed and uncoordinated nature of unorthodox chess development, the same piece can have different names, and different pieces can have the same name in various contexts as it can be noted in the list of fairy chess pieces.

In chess, a relative value is a standard value conventionally assigned to each piece. Piece valuations have no role in the rules of chess but are useful as an aid to assessing a position.

A hippogonal chess move is one similar to a knight's move. That is, a leap m squares in one of the orthogonal directions, and n squares in the other, for integer values of m and n. It need not be a 2:1 ratio for m and n. A specific type of hippogonal move can be written (m,n), usually with the smaller number first.

David Brine Pritchard was a British chess player, chess writer and indoor games consultant. He gained pre-eminence as an indoor games and mind sports consultant, a role that he in effect created. A natural games player, it was to him that inventors or publishers would turn to organise a championship of a new game, write about it or generally promote it.

The grasshopper is a fairy chess piece that moves along ranks, files, and diagonals but only by hopping over another piece. The piece to be hopped may be any distance away, but the grasshopper must land on the square immediately beyond it in the same direction. If there is no piece to hop over, it cannot move. If the square beyond a piece is occupied by a piece of the opposite color, the grasshopper can capture that piece. The grasshopper may jump over pieces of either color; the piece being jumped over is unaffected.

Chess with different armies is a chess variant invented by Ralph Betza in 1979. Two sides use different sets of fairy pieces. There are several armies of equal strength to choose from, including the standard FIDE army. In all armies, kings and pawns are the same as in FIDE chess, but the four other pieces are different.

The wazir or vazir is a fairy chess piece that may move a single square vertically or horizontally. In notation, it is given the symbol W. In this article, the wazir is represented by an inverted rook.

The ferz or fers is a fairy chess piece that may move one square diagonally. It was used in orthodox chess and in Shatranj form of chess before being replaced by the queen.

The dabbaba, also known as the dabaaba or dabbabah, is a fairy chess piece that jumps two squares orthogonally, leaping over any intermediate piece. In algebraic notation, it is given the symbol D.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alfil</span> Fairy chess piece; jumps two squares diagonally

The pil, alfil, alpil, or elephant is a fairy chess piece that can jump two squares diagonally. It first appeared in shatranj. It is used in many historical and regional chess variants. It was used in standard chess before being replaced by the bishop in the 15th and 16th centuries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stratomic</span> Chess variant involving nuclear missiles

Stratomic is a chess variant invented by Robert Montay-Marsais in 1972. The game is played on a 10×10 board with all the standard chess pieces present, and in addition, two nuclea pieces and two extra pawns per side. The game brings the concept of modern warfare weaponry to chess.

The camel or long knight is a fairy chess piece with an elongated knight move. It can jump three squares horizontally and one square vertically or three squares vertically and one square horizontally, regardless of intervening pieces. Therefore, it is a (1,3)-leaper.

The Chess Variant Pages is a non-commercial website devoted to chess variants. It was created by Hans Bodlaender in 1995. The site is "run by hobbyists for hobbyists" and is "the most wide-ranging and authoritative web site on chess variants".

Chess on a really big board is a large chess variant invented by Ralph Betza around 1996. It is played on a 16×16 chessboard with 16 pieces and 16 pawns per player. Since such a board can be constructed by pushing together four standard 8×8 boards, Betza also gave this variant the alternative names of four-board chess or chess on four boards.

Grant Acedrex is a medieval chess variant dating back to the time of King Alfonso X of Castile. It appears in the Libro de los Juegos of 1283.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mann (chess)</span> Fairy chess piece

The mann or man is a fairy chess piece that may move to any adjoining square. It is similar to the king, but it is not a royal piece, and it cannot castle. The mann is used in many chess variants. In this article's diagrams, the mann is represented by an inverted king.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chess variant</span> Games related to, derived from or inspired by chess

A chess variant is a game related to, derived from, or inspired by chess. Such variants can differ from chess in many different ways.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 "S. Emmerson, A Glossary of Fairy Chess Definitions" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-05-06. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 Cazaux, Jean-Louis; Knowlton, Rick (2017). A World Of Chess. Mc Farland. ISBN   978-0-7864-9427-9.
  3. 1 2 3 Knappen, Jörg (2009). "Teutonic Knight's Chess" Archived 2021-07-11 at the Wayback Machine . CVP.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Hans Gruber, Märchenschachlexikon, Die Schwalbe". Archived from the original on 2021-02-09. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
  5. "The Chess Variant Pages: Bishop-Nightrider compound".
  6. "The Chess Variant Pages: Typhoon (Revised)".
  7. 1 2 "Ganymede Chess".
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "J. P. Jelliss, Theory of Moves and Pieces". Archived from the original on 2017-07-31. Retrieved 2017-09-11.
  9. 1 2 3 Dickins, Anthony (1969). A Guide To Fairy Chess. Dover.
  10. 1 2 "Etchessera". www.etchessera.com. Retrieved 2017-07-20.
  11. 1 2 "Fantasy Grand Chess". Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2022-01-03.
  12. 1 2 "AI AI from Stephen Tavener".
  13. 1 2 3 "An Easy Introduction to the Game of Chess: Containing One Hundred Examples of Games, and a Great Variety of Critical Situations and Conclusions, Including the Whole of Philidor's Analysis, with Selections from Stamma, the Calabrois, &c, to which are Added, Caissa, a Poem, by Sir William Jones, the Morals of Chess, by Dr. Franklin, &c". 1817.
  14. 1 2 "Knavish Chess on chessvariants.org". Archived from the original on 2016-12-21. Retrieved 2016-12-12.
  15. 1 2 "J. Knappen, The Fearful Fairies, an experimental army for CwdA". Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 Aronson, Peter (2001). "EdgehogChess" Archived 2010-06-20 at the Wayback Machine . CVP.
  17. 1 2 3 4 5 von Wilpert, Arno (1943). Wolf-Schach.
  18. Sabian, Sbiis. "muskeetervalues - Recreomathematica". sites.google.com. Archived from the original on 2020-03-31. Retrieved 2019-11-04.
  19. "homepage". www.musketeerchess.net. Retrieved 2019-11-04.
  20. Inventor, The Game's; Haddad, Zied. "The Chess Variant Pages: Musketeer Chess". The Chess Variant Pages. Retrieved 2019-11-04.
  21. 1 2 "J. Good, Complementary Part 1". Archived from the original on 2021-01-28. Retrieved 2021-02-26.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "J.P. Jelliss, Simple Chess Variants" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2020-09-26. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  23. 1 2 3 Knappen, Jörg (2002). "Quintessential Chess" Archived 2016-03-20 at the Wayback Machine , CVP
  24. ""A Critical Analysis of the Guard in Chess"". Archived from the original on 2017-02-02. Retrieved 2017-01-21.
  25. ""Piecoclopedia: Manticore"". Archived from the original on 2021-06-05. Retrieved 2021-04-04.
  26. chessvariants.com
  27. 1 2 3 4 Cazaux, Jean-Louis (2012). "Full Tamerlane Chess" Archived 2014-06-20 at the Wayback Machine . History of Chess: chesspage of JL Cazaux.
  28. Tomašev, Nenad; Paquet, Ulrich; Hassabis, Demis; Kramnik, Vladimir (2020). "Assessing Game Balance with AlphaZero: Exploring Alternative Rule Sets in Chess". arXiv: 2009.04374 [cs.AI].
  29. Giffard, Nicolas; Biénabe, Alain (1993). Le Guide des échecs. Traité complet.
  30. "The ShortRange Project". Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-02-24.
  31. "Querquisite in the Piecoclopedia". Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2021-02-23.
  32. Aronson, Peter (2001). "The Piececlopedia: Reflecting Bishop" Archived 2017-06-14 at the Wayback Machine . CVP.
  33. 1 2 Speckmann, Werner (2000). "Märchenfiguren und ihre Grundtypen" [PDF] (in German). Werner Speckmann: elektronische Schachbücher.
  34. Cazaux, J.L. (2023). More Chess & More Than Chess. Pionissimo. p. 96. ISBN   978-1-4477-6560-8.
  35. "J. Knappen, Beautiful Beasts". Archived from the original on 2021-05-11. Retrieved 2022-01-02.
  36. Cazaux, J.L. (2023). More Chess & More Than Chess. Pionissimo. p. 96. ISBN   978-1-4477-6560-8.
  37. Cazaux, J.L. (2023). More Chess & More Than Chess. Pionissimo. p. 96. ISBN   978-1-4477-6560-8.

Bibliography

Web pages