Three-check chess
Three-check chess is a chess variant; it plays with the same rules as chess, with the addition that a player can win by putting their opponent in check three times.[1][2] Sacrifices are common and the opening can be filled with traps. Checking an opponent twice can create an advantage equivalent to captured material in the evaluation of a position. The game rarely reaches the endgame and is usually decided before queens are traded.
It is catalogued in David Pritchard's The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants where it is noted as being of probable Soviet origin, and that Anatoly Karpov was an "invincible" player in his youth.[3]
Example game
1. e4 e6 2. d4??
- This typical opening in standard chess quickly loses in Three-check chess.
2... Bb4+
- First check.
3. c3 Bxc3+!
- Second check.
4. Nxc3 Qh4! 0–1
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
| 8 |              | 8 | |||||||
| 7 | 7 | ||||||||
| 6 | 6 | ||||||||
| 5 | 5 | ||||||||
| 4 | 4 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3 | ||||||||
| 2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | ||
- White resigned. There is no way to prevent a third check by ...Qxf2+ or ...Qxe4+.
Online and software
Chess.com,[4] Internet Chess Club, and Lichess[5] each support online games of Three-check chess. ChessV allows for games against a computer opponent. Shane's Chess Information Database includes information relating to Three-check chess.
References
- ^ "Three-check • Check your opponent 3 times to win the game. • lichess.org". lichess.org. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
- ^ "Chess Variants | 5 Amazing Examples". Chess.com. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ Pritchard, D. B. (1994). The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants. Games & Puzzles Publications. p. 304. ISBN 0-9524142-0-1.
Probably of Soviet origin. The first player to deliver three checks wins. Said to be very skilful: two checks can be achieved fairly easily at the expense of piece sacrifices after which the prospects of a third check with severely weakened forces are close to zero. Karpov is said to have been invincible at the game in his youth.
- ^ Rensch, Daniel (9 September 2016). "3-Check Chess Tips For Beginners". Chess.com. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
{{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|dead-url=(help) - ^ "Three-check • Check your opponent 3 times to win the game. • lichess.org". lichess.org. Retrieved 2018-07-18.