Welcome to Radical Chess
A passion project and a home for new chess variants.
Currently supporting Battle Chess, a unique variant where strategy begins before the game. Pick your pieces, build your army, and dominate the board!
More modes coming soon.
How to Play
Pick/Ban Phase
Players alternate picking which piece types will be available in the game. A coin flip determines who picks first. The last unpicked piece is banned, and the King is always included. Each player gets 10 seconds per pick.
Build Your Army
Build your army using a point budget. Standard piece values apply: Pawn=1, Knight=3, Bishop=3, Rook=5, Queen=9. The King costs 0 points and must be included. Drag and drop pieces from your available pool to build your army.
Setup Phase
Position your pieces on your half of the board using drag-and-drop. Move pieces already on the board by dragging them to new squares. Remove pieces by dragging them off the board. Your opponent's setup is hidden until both players are ready. Place your King or forfeit!
Play Chess!
A coin flip determines who moves first, then it's regular chess rules from your custom starting position. Click or drag pieces to make your moves. Checkmate your opponent to claim victory!
Ready to Play?
Create a free account to get started!