Archbishop Chess

By Dominique Leste

Board

A 10x8 board is used.

Setup

(Picture of the starting position made using SMIRF program.)

Rook, Knight, Bishop, Archbishop, Queen, King, Archbishop, Bishop, Rook

Pieces

Archbishops can move either as a Bishop or a Knight.

Pawns promote to Queen, Archbishop, Rook, Bishop or Knight.

Rules

When castling 0-0, the King ends on I1. When castling 0-0-0, the King ends on C1.

Follows the rules of standard chess, except as otherwise noted.

Notes

Variation of the Janus Chess variation but with a different starting position for some pieces. 

Similar to the Bird's Chess position but replacing the Chancellor with another Archbishop.

Archbishop Chess is a hybrid between the Janus and Bird positions on a 10x8 board. Unlike the Janus setup, the b and i pawns are protected, making it harder for quick mates. 

It is similar to the Bird starting position, but with a change in armory with an Archbishop being placed with the Queen rather then a Chancellor. The Chancellor didn't protect the C pawn; my variation does. 

It also has a symmetrical starting position as standard Chess does.  

Tactical players will enjoy this variation. Try it out!

Rookless Chess 10x8

Starting position is:
Chancellor-Knight-Bishop-Archbishop-Queen-King-Archbishp-Bishop-Knight-Chancellor

Follows the rules of Chess with the exception of the castling rule, where the King can castle with or without the chancellor.

0-0 King on I1
0-0-0 King on C1

Credits