How to Play
Tamerlane Chess is a much larger and more complex strategy game than standard chess. With a 10x11 board, 28 pieces, and unique rules, it offers a deep strategic experience.
How to Start
Ready to play? Here's everything you need to know to start your first game.
Who Moves First?
White always moves first in Tamerlane Chess. The bottom player (ranks 1-2) controls the white pieces, while the top player (ranks 9-10) controls black.
Your Goal
The main goal is to checkmate your opponent's King — put them in a position where their King is under attack and has no safe squares to escape to. Unlike standard chess, stalemate (no legal moves) means you LOSE, not draw!
Making a Move
Click on a piece to select it. Valid moves are shown with green dots, capture possibilities with orange dots. Click a highlighted square to move there.
What is Check?
When your King is under attack, you are in "check." You must respond to escape check on your next move. You can: move the King, block the attack, or capture the attacking piece.
Special Moves
Tamerlane Chess has unique moves not found in regular chess. You can swap your King with any friendly piece once per game (King Swap), and certain pawns can transform into powerful pieces when they reach the last rank (Promotion).
Playing Your First Game
Start a game against the AI (click "Play" then select difficulty). Watch the tutorial demos in the "Special Rules" tab to understand the unique mechanics. Take your time — Tamerlane Chess is deeper than standard chess!