Chessquarters

Chess Quarters so named because of the dividing of the board into four 4 by 4 sections. This 64 square multi-variant has fifteen possible variations that can be made with the four 4 by 4 sections. The first series of variations have hollow centers that pieces can move around but not through. The first variation above where pieces are orthodox minus Queens and two Rooks pawns, move the same as orthodox chess. The Queen's Bishop and Knight have swapped positions so Bishops cover both square colors. The central space acts as a barrier for the Queens and the two open Rooks have no facing opponents. Of interest here is how the Kings and Queens meet up diagonally. Also Kings, Queens and open Rooks can move straight away. Pawns still move as orthodox, one forward with option of two on the first move and take one square diagonally as well as retrieve taken pieces upon reaching the opponents side of the board. There are six opportunities instead of eight to retrieve taken pieces with pawns.

Above is the second variation on the theme with 64 squares and four hollow spaces in the center. Queens, Queens Bishops, King's Knights and Rooks are free to move straight away in this variant. Pawns for Queens, Bishops, King's Knights and Rooks are not required. There are four opportunities to retrieve taken pieces with four pawns each.

Above is the third variation in this series with only four pawns. The Queen's Bishop and Knight are swapped to facilitate having Bishops on both square colors. Queens and Bishops hold more sway as the board becomes extremely diagonal. The King is open to attack straight away from the Queen and there is only the one move possible out of check. There are only two opportunities of retrieving taken pieces for each player with two pawns.

Above is the other possible variation in this series where the quarters connect via corners only. Pawns are totally removed because they're not required and Rooks are restricted to their own quarters of the board because movement from one quarter to another can only be diagonally through connecting corners of board quarters. Bishops all on red squares are restricted to halves or two quarters of the board. With no pawns to retrieve taken pieces all pieces can retrieve upon reaching the opponents sides of the board.

Above is the first of the second series of variations for Chess Quarters where the four quarters are aligned vertically and connecting through corners only. Again pawns are not required and Rooks are restricted to their own quarter of the board. Bishops on both square colors are restricted to halves or two quarters of the board. Again pieces can retrieve upon reaching the opponents sides of the board.

   

Above left is the second variation where each quarter is connected horizontally by one row of squares and two of the quarters are reversed in color. Pawns are still not required and pieces can retrieve upon reaching the opponents sides. Right is the third variation in the second series where the two outer quarters are shifted another row of squares forward to have two horizontal rows of squares and one row in the middle. Same rules apply as the second variation on the left.

Above is the first of the third series of variations for Chess Quarters where two quarters are connected to create halves for the board. One half is reversed then shifted one row and above shows two different ways to play the game. Pieces are the same as conventional chess with modified positions for Kings, Queens, Bishops, Knights and Rooks on the left and reversed positions for Kings and Queens in the right variation of the game.

Above is the second variation where halves are shifted two rows and pieces are positioned the same as conventional chess with the reversed Kings and Queens option in the right variant.

Above is the third variation where halves are shifted three rows then reversed and piece positions are the same as the first variations. The left variation shows the Kings and Queens in reverse positions to the right variation.

Above is the final of four variations for chess quarters where half the board is shifted four rows and pieces are positioned similarly to the second variations. The left variation shows the Kings and Queens in reverse positions to the right variation.