Highlander Chess
In 2004, Peter Leyva sent me an email with a new proposal for a chess variant. The description (long overdue) of this variant follows now.Background
Highlander chess is inspired by the T.V.-show Highlander. Most of the rules are similar to the traditional FIDE version of chess.Material
To play Highlander chess, you need a normal (8x8) board, two sets of chess pieces: two black sets and two white sets, and four dice, two for each player. (One can also play with more dice per player; this does not really affect play.)Rules
The difference with traditional FIDE chess is in the method of capturing. A player has the choice of capturing in the traditional manner, or by challenging their opponents piece with the roll of the dice. I.e., when challenging, both players roll their dice, and the higher die wins the challenge. The winning piece absorbs the powers of the taken piece, as well as his square.When challenging, each player throws two dice when kings, queens, rooks, knights, bishops, and pawns are challenging one another. Bishops cannot be challenged, but can challenge themselves. Pawns use only one die when challenging the king.
You win when you checkmate your opponents king. When your opponent lost his king
during a challenge, then you must checkmate the last piece
of the opponent.
Written by Hans Bodlaender and Peter Leyva.
Webpage created: November 28, 2006.