6 Novel Chess Sets that Add a Unique Twist to the Game of Chess
Millions of people love the game of chess for the challenge it provides. It's hard to imagine making it more challenging than it already is, but these versions add new twists that provide additional challenges and intriguing variety.
Some people may have a hard time finding a partner to play chess. But others have more than one friend or family member who would like to play a game. That's when you want to break out a chess game for three players. The game comes with three sets of chess pieces and a hexagon-shaped board. The basic game play is the same as it is for two-person chess, but with a third person, there is some additional intrigue since players will be forming and breaking alliances in order to win the game.
Ages 3 and upMore »
This 3-person chess game comes with three sets of chess pieces and a round game board. Game play is quite similar to regular chess, but a player really needs to know how to play basic chess before tackling this version of chess. There are a few different rules, of course, to accommodate the different play spaces of the three players, and the rules can be a bit confusing at first. However, it doesn't take too long to get the hang of it and then the fun really begins!
Ages 10 and upMore »
If you think one extra person adds some intensity to the game of chess, try two extra people. This game is for four people, which means a family of four could play this game together. What a great addition to game night. Like other chess games for more than two players, this game uses the same chess pieces and has the same basic rules as two-person chess. When one player checkmates another player, he takes control of all that player's chess pieces on the board and has control of two sets of pieces. That same player could checkmate another player and then he'd have control of three sets of pieces (what's left of them anyway). Or a different player could checkmate another player so that two players have control of two sets of chess pieces. Talk about an intense game!
Ages 13 and upMore »
Forget adding more players to the game of chess. How about adding more boards! This version of chess uses three boards so that players don't just move across the board, they have to strategize moving their pieces up and down the tiers. That means that pieces can be attacked not just from in front of the piece, but above and below it. Players need quite a vigilant eye to avoid attacks. The one possible problem with this set is that the pieces are rather large and just fit into the squares. That can be difficult for young players with little fingers. However, if it does turn out to be a problem, smaller pieces can be substituted.
Ages 8 and upMore »
The circular version of chess is actually older than the version most of us know so well, so it's probably more accurate to call regular chess a variation of Noble Chess! But if you're already familiar with standard chess, this version adds some fun variety to your playing. The board is not square, it's circular. Instead of 64 squares on the board, there are 64 squares. The pieces are basically the same and the moves are the same. The only difference is that pieces are placed on the perimeter and in the center ring of the circle. During game play, the pieces move to and from the center; they may not move through the center.
Ages 6 and upMore »
This game of chess is a standard version. What makes it a novelty is that is is large: each piece is between 8" and 12". It is a fun version to play out in the back yard, a garden, the park, or even at the beach. You could even play it in your family room, living room, or any other space in your home that has room for it. The only disadvantage to this set is that you will have to buy the mat/board separately. You can also buy a storage bag for the pieces separately as well.
Mat/Board
StorageMore »
Wood Chess Set for Three Players
Some people may have a hard time finding a partner to play chess. But others have more than one friend or family member who would like to play a game. That's when you want to break out a chess game for three players. The game comes with three sets of chess pieces and a hexagon-shaped board. The basic game play is the same as it is for two-person chess, but with a third person, there is some additional intrigue since players will be forming and breaking alliances in order to win the game.
Ages 3 and upMore »
3 Man Chess
This 3-person chess game comes with three sets of chess pieces and a round game board. Game play is quite similar to regular chess, but a player really needs to know how to play basic chess before tackling this version of chess. There are a few different rules, of course, to accommodate the different play spaces of the three players, and the rules can be a bit confusing at first. However, it doesn't take too long to get the hang of it and then the fun really begins!
Ages 10 and upMore »
John N. Hansen Chess 4 Game
If you think one extra person adds some intensity to the game of chess, try two extra people. This game is for four people, which means a family of four could play this game together. What a great addition to game night. Like other chess games for more than two players, this game uses the same chess pieces and has the same basic rules as two-person chess. When one player checkmates another player, he takes control of all that player's chess pieces on the board and has control of two sets of pieces. That same player could checkmate another player and then he'd have control of three sets of pieces (what's left of them anyway). Or a different player could checkmate another player so that two players have control of two sets of chess pieces. Talk about an intense game!
Ages 13 and upMore »
HAN-SEN Strato Chess
Forget adding more players to the game of chess. How about adding more boards! This version of chess uses three boards so that players don't just move across the board, they have to strategize moving their pieces up and down the tiers. That means that pieces can be attacked not just from in front of the piece, but above and below it. Players need quite a vigilant eye to avoid attacks. The one possible problem with this set is that the pieces are rather large and just fit into the squares. That can be difficult for young players with little fingers. However, if it does turn out to be a problem, smaller pieces can be substituted.
Ages 8 and upMore »
Noble Celts: The Classic Game of Circular Chess
The circular version of chess is actually older than the version most of us know so well, so it's probably more accurate to call regular chess a variation of Noble Chess! But if you're already familiar with standard chess, this version adds some fun variety to your playing. The board is not square, it's circular. Instead of 64 squares on the board, there are 64 squares. The pieces are basically the same and the moves are the same. The only difference is that pieces are placed on the perimeter and in the center ring of the circle. During game play, the pieces move to and from the center; they may not move through the center.
Ages 6 and upMore »
Uber Games Garden Chess
This game of chess is a standard version. What makes it a novelty is that is is large: each piece is between 8" and 12". It is a fun version to play out in the back yard, a garden, the park, or even at the beach. You could even play it in your family room, living room, or any other space in your home that has room for it. The only disadvantage to this set is that you will have to buy the mat/board separately. You can also buy a storage bag for the pieces separately as well.
Mat/Board
StorageMore »
