Bull's eye

By Gerd P. Degens

The game is played on a classic chess board with 64 squares. The set of pieces corresponds to that of classical chess without exception. In principle, the Fide rules apply - exceptions are described below.

The special feature of the game is the so-called bull's eye. It is located in the center of the board and consists of the squares D4, D5, E4 and E5.

The pieces on the bull's eye squares have a wide range of moves, which correspond to those of the queen and the knight in combination. 

Pieces in the bull's eye are handled equally without exception, i.e. the ranges/moves of pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens and kings are identical.

Setup

The starting setup

Pieces

The game is played on a classic chessboard with 64 squares and the classic set of pieces.

Rules

With the exception of the following rules, the rules of classical chess (Fide rules) apply.

• The central element of the game is the so-called bull's eye. It consists of the squares D4, D5, E4 and E5.
   
• Pieces in the bull's eye are upgraded; they receive the queen/knight move options in combination (see examples below).
   
• Pieces in the bull's eye are handled equally; all pieces get the same move options ( queen/knight combo).
   
• There is no limit to how long a piece can remain in the bull's eye.
   
• It is not possible to move a piece from one square in the bull's eye to another square in the bull's eye (see examples).
   
• The above rule does not allow opposing pieces in the bull's eye to capture each other.
   
• Pieces in the bull's eye can be captured by pieces outside the bull's eye.
   
• The bull's eye can theoretically/practically be occupied by four pieces.
   
• If a pawn reaches rank 8 - or rank 1 - via the bull's eye, it is promoted to a piece of choice.

Examples of possible moves:

D4 moves

E5 moves

D5 moves

E4 moves

Assumption: Bull's eye is completely occupied

D4 moves

E5 moves

D5 moves

E4 moves

Assumption: D4 and D5 are occupied - D4 moves

Notes

Play it !