4-Way Chess Set, 3.75 in. King

A twist on a classic, for 2-4 players

Throw this set over your shoulder and enjoy the classic game with your favorite chess mates. Four-player chess is popular for its chaotic yet strategic depth, appealing to both casual players and seasoned chess enthusiasts.

This is a great set for seasoned players who are up for a challenge of strategic and tactical thinking. Plastic chessmen are classic Staunton style with felt bottoms and a matte finish to prevent glare.

Object of the game is to capture the king, meaning there is no checkmate. The rules are the same, but the game is dangerously different. Featuring high-action gameplay where up to four players can engage in an ultra-challenging chess warfare.

Includes:

• A four-way roll up chess board. Vinyl board measures 23.25 x 23.25 inches (squares measures 1.56 inches)
• 4 sets of chessmen in navy blue, gray, neon green and red
• Each chess piece color set includes 16 chess pieces and an extra queen. Plastic chessmen; King, 3.75 inches, 1.5 inch base
• A black bag with a shoulder strap for easy storage.

Many variations of play are possible but here is an overview:

Four-player chess, also known as Four-handed chess, is a variant of traditional chess played by four players on a specially designed board. It introduces unique rules and strategies, and it can be played in two main modes:Teams or Free-for-All.

Board Setup

• The board is a larger 8x8 chessboard with four extensions (8x2) on each side, creating 160 squares.
• Each player has a full set of chess pieces: king, queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns.
• The players are color-coded: Gold, Black, Silver, and Ivory
• The pieces are arranged in the extensions, with each player's pawns in front of their major pieces, similar to standard chess.

Gameplay

1. Turns: Players take turns in a clockwise order.
2. Objective:
   • The main goal depends on the mode of play:
     • Teams: Achieve checkmate with your ally to win together.
     • Free-for-All: Eliminate the other players and aim to be the last standing.
   • In both modes, kings cannot be captured directly; a checkmate ends that player's participation.
3. Movement: Pieces move according to standard chess rules.
   • Pawns promote on the opposing edges of the board, not diagonally across.
   • Pawns can capture in other players' directions (diagonals to the left or right).

Special Rules

1. Check and Checkmate:
   • When a king is in check, only the player controlling that king must respond.
   • A checkmated king is considered "dead," but the remaining pieces of that color may still remain on the board and block others' moves.
2. Scoring (Free-for-All):
   • Points are often used to determine the winner based on captures.
   • Common scoring: Queen = 9 points, Rook = 5, Bishop/Knight = 3, Pawn = 1.
3. Communication (Teams):
   • Partners may discuss strategy but not openly reveal moves.

Modes of Play

1. Teams:
   • Gold teams with Silver; Back teams with Ivory.
   • The two kings on a team must survive for a joint win.
   • Players can support their ally by threatening or blocking opponents' attacks.
2. Free-for-All:
   • Every player competes individually.
   • Alliances may form temporarily but are not binding.
   • The game ends when one player achieves checkmate on all other kings.

Strategies and Tips

• Board Awareness: With four players, threats can come from any direction. Defensive play is crucial.
• Alliances: In Free-for-All, temporary partnerships can help eliminate stronger opponents but may backfire.
• Piece Value: Sacrifices may hold more significance due to the multi-directional gameplay.

AGE: 12 and up