How Chess Works
Chess is a game for two players on an 8x8 board. Each player starts with 16 pieces. The goal is to trap the other player's King so it can't escape. That's called checkmate, and you win!
The Pieces
| Piece | How It Moves |
|---|
| King | One square in any direction. You must keep your King safe! |
| Queen | Any number of squares in any direction (up, down, left, right, or diagonal). The most powerful piece. |
| Rook | Any number of squares, but only straight (up, down, left, or right). |
| Bishop | Any number of squares, but only diagonally. |
| Knight | Moves in an "L" shape: two squares one way, then one square to the side. The only piece that can jump over others. |
| Pawn | Moves forward one square (or two on its first move). Captures diagonally. If it reaches the other end, it evolves into a Queen, Rook, Bishop, or Knight (you choose)! |
Important Terms
- Check means a King is being attacked. You MUST get out of check on your next move.
- Checkmate means a King is in check and can't escape. Game over!
- Stalemate means it's your turn but you have no legal moves (and you're NOT in check). It's a draw.
Pokémon Piece Rules
In Pokémon Chess, each chess piece has rules about which Pokémon can fill that role:
| Piece | Which Pokémon Can Be This Piece? |
|---|
| King | Any Pokémon! Pick your favorite. |
| Queen | Must be a Legendary, Mythical, Ultra Beast, or Paradox Pokémon. |
| Rook | Must weigh over 300 lbs (and not be Legendary or Ultra Beast). |
| Bishop | Must have higher Special Attack than physical Attack. |
| Knight | Must have higher Speed than HP. |
| Pawn | Any regular Pokémon (not Legendary, Mythical, Ultra Beast, pseudo-legendary, or Paradox). |
Team Colors
Both sides use the same Pokémon team. White's pieces use normal sprites, and Black's pieces use shiny sprites. Look for the colored bar under each Pokémon to tell the teams apart!
