CastleChess


This was 25 years ago. Daniel is still my pal. The chessvariants website is still active (bravo Hans!), but I've never played at CastleChess since. Which is a pity! It's very, very fun, quick and subtle. Here are a few explanations.

The rules
Orthodox rules of chess, but:
– White immediately wins not only by checkmating Black's King but also if Black loses his right to castle long (o-o-o);
– Black immediately wins not only by checkmating White's King, but also if Black castles long (o-o-o).

The devil is in the details
(a) What is the meaning of "if Black loses his right to castle long"?
(a) answer (1):
Well, if White, at some point, captures Black's Rook a8, the game is obviously over – as Black loses his right to castle long by losing its Rook (see below):
White wins with 3. Bg2xRa8++
(a) answer (2):
If Black, at some point, moves his Rook a8, or its King, the game is won by White – as Black, according to the orthodox rules of chess, cannot castle long anymore.
White wins with 3. Qxf7++
Indeed, the game is won by White as the King must move – capture of the Queen on f7 or escape to d7 

(b) Is it easy for Black to castle long (and immediately win the game)?
(b) answer:
Well, if White is not prudent, yes – in theory, 5 moves are enough for Black to win, as shown here:
Black wins with 5. ... o-o-o
(c) Are draws still possible?
(c) answer:
Oh yes, if it's White turn to play for instance, and White is (a) not in Check (b) in check if it moves, the game is a draw (as in orthodox chess):
If Black plays ... Bc8-h3, the game is a draw

(d) Are games interesting?
(d) answer:
Well, Daniel and I couldn't find any forced win for White or Black, 25 years ago! But who knows! We had a lot of fun, though (Daniel, where are you?)

(e) Do you have any strategic advice?
(e) answer:
Yes – there are weaknesses in Black's position White could focus on:
Two moves for White and this attack on a7 could win

Again, two moves are enough for White to install a powerful Knight on b5

Three moves and Black must watch out for White's attack 

(f) And what about Black's defense?
(f) answer:
This position is solid – and, in a few moves, Black might castle long...
4 defensive Black moves

Enough for today, have fun!
(more here, by mail, if you want: eric dot angelini at skynet dot be)
(and if you program an app to play CastleChess, let me know! I'll send you 100 euros and download it on my PC!-)











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