Check out Janggi (Korean Chess), our featured variant for December, 2024.

Corner-square chess

Chessclub `Promotie' (`Promotion') in Zoetermeer, the Netherlands has for many years each year between Christmas and New Years Eve an `Oliebollen'-tournament. (Oliebollen are a traditional Dutch treat for the end of the year. I do not know many foreigners who like them.) In this tournament, several chess variants are played - some existing ones, but also several new ones, just invented for the occasion.

In a booklet called `Bloemlezing Humorschaak', written by Henk Breugem of SV Promotie many of these variants are described. One of these is `Hoekveldschaak', or `Corner-square chess'. The variant is probably invented by Henk Breugem or another member of Chessclub `Promotie'.

Rules

White may only take the pieces of black when his king is on square a1. Black may only take the pieces of white when his king is on square a8. Castling is not permitted. Other rules are as in orthodox chess.

Note: when a player has moved his king to a1 or a8, and then moved the king away, the right to take pieces is again cancelled, and returns only after the king is on a1 or a8.

The rules are not clear whether a king may take from square a1 or from a8, respectively, but I guess this should be allowed.

Remark

Several fools mate are possible in this game.


Written by Hans Bodlaender, based on Henk Breughem's booklet.
WWW page created: February 11, 1998.