After a week’s break, the Battersea Variants is back – and this time we’re playing Knightmate!
The last time around the winner was… you guessed it, variant king Blair Connell. In second, winning the silver medal, was young Gregory Konyakhin. In third place, was Edwin Magombe. Well done you three!
The guide to playing Knightmate is below – but if you want to take part in the event the normal rules apply: let Aldo know and/or get to the club early to be in the first 20 participants. Remember, some cool medals are at stake!
Format
- 20 Players or less.
- 5 Rounds.
- Swiss Pairing
- 3+2.
Rules
Normal chess rules apply with exceptions.
There will be two Kings per side placed where the Knights usually start and one Knight where the King would normally be. The Kings move as usual however in this variant they are just normal pieces that can be captured. Opposite Kings can oppose and capture each other. On the other hand, the Knight is the royal piece that is the one to be hunted. Although it might prove more elusive.
Opposite Knights can’t oppose each other and are subject to checks and checkmate. The Knights can also be castled. The same rules for this as in normal chess apply. The Knight slides across two squares and the Rook jumps over. No castling through a check and neither the Knight or respective Rook can have moved prior.
