3 Man Chess (2004)

Overview

3 Man Chess is played “in the round,” that is, the field of play is circular. For the most part, 3 Man Chess is played just like conventional Chess. – there was NEVER any intention of trying to make the game “better” because that can’t be done. However, being able to play with three minds interacting creates situations that never arise in conventional Chess.

3 Man Chess’ circular game board consists of 6 concentric ranks of 24 files and an open central “void” that pieces may pass, but not stop on. There are teardrop shaped curves drawn on the board to help diagonal moves navigate the “void.” 3 Man Chess uses conventional chess teams (three of them!) – 16 pieces that follow all of their traditional rules; 8 pawns start on rank #2 protecting 2 rooks, 2 knights, 2 bishops, a queen and a king which start on rank #1 (the outermost rank). The teams are separated from each other by “moats” and “creeks” that are impassable at the start of the game. Diagonal moves follow the drawn guidelines, passing across the center to the opposite “spoke.” Straight moves may also pass across the central “void,” or move around the circular ranks. After just a couple of turns around the board, strategy becomes intensely complex and fascinating! An unexpected move might well result in a cascading massacre. Defense is crucial since a diagonal move through the center, or a horizontal move around the center can sneak up behind you. Your two opponents can team up to checkmate you, or ultimately you can checkmate both of them at the same time!

—description from the publisher