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This page is written by the game's inventor, Adrian Alvarez de la Campa.

Phantom Chess

In this variant undefended pieces become "phantoms" and move secretly until they become defended again. This is an attempt to add an element of "darkness " to standard chess without the need of a referee.

Rules

In addition to FIDE rules:

1. Any piece (except the King) that is undefended becomes a Phantom and the piece is (physically) removed from the board. If a Phantom piece becomes defended again, it becomes a normal piece and is replaced on the board.

2. A Phantom is moved by writing down its move secretly.

3. Phantoms may be captured by non-Phantom pieces only, the owner of the Phantom revealing such a capture if necessary.

4. Pieces may pass through Phantoms without consequence.

5. Phantoms may capture (and may not pass through) non-Phantoms.

6. Phantoms can give check, which must be announced. However, as in Darkness Chess, the goal of the game is to capture the King, and the King is allowed to remain in or move into check.

7. Two phantoms, one of each side, may occupy the same square without consequence. If one such Phantom becomes defended, the other Phantom may remain on the square.



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By Adrian Alvarez de la Campa.
Web page created: 2006-05-08. Web page last updated: 2006-05-08