Objective

Capablanca Random Chess is a chess variant where the objective remains the same as in classical chess: Checkmate the opponent's king, so it cannot escape capture.

Game Setup

Each player has 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two bishops, two knights, two rooks, and eight pawns. Unlike classical chess, in Capablanca Random Chess, the starting position of pieces on the players' home row is randomized before the game begins. However, these rules must be followed:
1. King must be between the two rooks to allow castling.
2. Bishops must be placed on opposite-colored squares.

How to Play

1. Opening: Begin with the randomly determined starting position. Both players have the same arrangement of pieces along their back rank, with pawns in their usual positions.
2. Turns: Players alternate turns, each moving one piece according to standard chess rules. The goal is to deliver checkmate.

Castling

Castling is possible in Capablanca Random Chess, but slightly modified: * The king moves, as in classical chess, two squares towards the rook. * The rook jumps over the king to the square the king crossed.

The same conditions as in traditional chess apply:
- Neither the king nor the involved rook may have previously moved.
- Squares between the king and the rook must be unoccupied.
- The king cannot move out of, through, or into check.

Strategy & Tips

• Opening strategy may vary with each game due to the random setup. Develop your pieces quickly, and control the center of the board.
• Watch out for threats and secure your king's position.
• Castling can be crucial for king safety.

Capablanca Random Chess promotes creativity and flexibility, as players cannot rely on memorized openings but must understand the positions in play.