description Courier Chess Overview
Courier chess is a historical European chess variant played on a board of 12 files by 8 ranks. Documented in medieval Germany, it used the familiar king, rook, knight, and pawn alongside pieces such as the courier, sage, fool, and a queen with more limited movement than its modern counterpart. The game is significant to historians and chess-variant players because it preserves an intermediate stage in the development of European chess.
help Courier Chess FAQ
How large is the Courier Chess board?
Courier Chess uses 12 files by 8 ranks, or 96 squares, instead of the 64 squares on a modern chessboard. The extra files make room for additional medieval pieces, including the courier. [Schachmuseum Ströbeck](https://www.museum-halberstadt.de/de/schachmuseum-on-tour.html)
Which pieces are unique to Courier Chess?
Historical versions add pieces such as the courier, sage, and fool or jester alongside the king, rook, knight, and pawns. The queen also had more limited movement in older rules, so modern chess movement cannot simply be assumed. [Courier Chess history](https://www.courierchess.com/thehistory.htm)
Where and when was Courier Chess played?
Courier Chess was documented in medieval German-speaking Europe and is associated with Ströbeck. The game is mentioned around the early 13th century, and a Courier board was presented to Ströbeck in 1651. [Courier Chess history](https://www.courierchess.com/thehistory.htm)
How do you win a game of Courier Chess?
In commonly reconstructed rules, the goal is still to checkmate the opponent's king. It is not simply ordinary chess on a wider board because castling and piece movement can differ by historical ruleset.
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