Objective of the Game
Grand Chess aims to checkmate the opponent's King or compel the opponent to surrender.
Materials
- A 10x10 chessboard
- 40 pieces: Each side has:
- 1 King
- 1 Queen
- 2 Rooks
- 2 Bishops
- 2 Knights
- 2 Cannons (Unique pieces in Grand Chess)
- 10 Pawns
Setup
- The board is set with 10 rows and 10 columns.
- Each player sets up their pieces on the first and second rows in a fashion similar to classical chess, with the inclusion of extra Cannons and Pawns to fill the two additional rows.
Basic Rules
- Turn-based Movement: Players alternate moves, beginning with the player controlling the white pieces.
- Check and Checkmate: Players must safeguard their king from being attacked, and the game concludes with a checkmate when one player is unable to protect their king from capture.
- Draw: A draw occurs if the game reaches any of the stalemate conditions known in classic chess.
Special Piece: The Cannon
- Cannon Movement: The cannon moves like a rook in a straight line but can capture only by leaping over exactly one intervening piece and capturing the piece on the immediate next square. This jump-capture ability is unique to the cannon.
Strategic Considerations
- Board Control: The larger 10x10 board means controlling the centre is crucial, forcing strategic planning.
- Cannon Positioning: The cannons' unique abilities to threaten entire rows make them powerful tools, crucial for strategic dominance.
- Pawn Advancement: The larger board often yields more opportunities for breakthrough plays with pawns, transforming them for significant advantage.
Beginner Tips
- Start off by focusing on developing your pieces and taking control of the centre fields.
- Ensure control over main diagonals using your bishops and cannons.
- Always be cautious of reversals, as Grand Chess, with its larger board, offers sudden attack opportunities.
With these guidelines, new players should be ready for their first match of Grand Chess.
