Instructions Räuberschach

Objective of the Game

Räuberschach, also known as "Antichess", is a variant of traditional chess where the objective is to lose all of your pieces. The game ends when a player has no pieces left on the board.

Game Materials

Räuberschach requires a standard chessboard and set of chess pieces. Each player begins with a full set of 16 pieces: King, Queen, two Rooks, two Bishops, two Knights, and eight Pawns.

Rules

1. Setup: The pieces are set up in the same manner as traditional chess. White Queen goes on a white square, Black Queen on a black square.

2. Movement Rules: Pieces move as in traditional chess:

   • King: One square in any direction.
   • Queen: Any number of squares in any direction.
   • Rook: Any number of squares horizontally or vertically.
   • Bishop: Any number of squares diagonally.
   • Knight: Two squares in one direction and one square perpendicular (in an L-shape).
   • Pawns: One square forward; two squares on the first move. Pawns capture diagonally, one square.

3. Capturing Requirement: If a player can make a move that captures an opponent's piece, they must do so. Capturing is mandatory.

4. Movement Requirement: If multiple capturing moves are possible, the player can choose which capture to make. If no capture is possible, a regular move can be made.

5. Special Rules:

   • The King holds no special protective status in Räuberschach and acts like any other piece.
   • Stalemate results in a loss for the stalemated player, as the goal is to lose all pieces.

6. Winning: The player who forces the opponent to capture all of their pieces wins the game.

Strategic Tips

• Encourage Captures of Your Pieces: Try to position your pieces in vulnerable spots where your opponent must capture them.
• Control Opponent's Moves: Attempt to dictate your opponent’s moves by forcing them to make captures leading to losing their own pieces.
• Prioritize Multiple Capture Choices: Choose the capturing sequences that give you a long-term advantage, such as sacrificing valuable opponent pieces or promoting the capture ability of your own pieces.

Räuberschach encourages players to rethink traditional chess strategies, offering a refreshing and challenging twist.