10 x 10 Jester Chess

If you want to keep it simple, you can play basic version of the game - exactly like normal chess with the addition of the Jester that moves like a Queen for its first move only and thereafter moves 1 or 2 squares along rows or columns but not diagonally.

But those looking to really blow their mind should try the full version of the game wherein the Jester moves the same way as the most recent piece played. So, if you move a pawn, your opponent will be able to move a Jester like a pawn his next move (two squares if the Jester hasn't yet moved but Jesters cannot be promoted if they reach the lfinal row). If your opponent moves their Queen, your Jesters become very powerful for your next turn - but beware because if you move your Jester in this way, your opponent can move their Jesters like Queens for the turn after that...

This novel rules has some unexpected consquences which really make you think. For instance, you can quickly see that in most cases you need to be wary about using a Jester to attack a Jester - because whatever move is made, the attacking Jester will immediately be under threat.

Furthermore, if a Jester is in a position to potentially attack the opponent's King, this means that the opponent is prevented from playing some of their pieces. For instance, if a Jester is on the same column as a King, if the opponent plays a rook, the Jester could take the King. Therefore the opponent is forbidden from playing a rook which produces an interesting extra dimension in some situations - and a tactic that can be used to good advantage.

Another consideration is the value of a Jester. For instance is it worth exchanging a Jester for a Knight? For a Bishop? Ideally, you would happily sacrifice a pawn for a Jester but Jesters are quite adept at wriggling out of attacks by pawns...

In addition to being a great new version of Chess, the games that we have made available are a high quality piece of workmanship. The grand pieces are double-weighted with excellent Staunton detailing and a nice feel. They are made from boxwood with various finishes. Our burnt wood pieces have black leather undersides; other sets have green felt undersides. The sets are contained in high quality boxes Black Leather or Wooden with a Black Satinwood finish.