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Knightmare Chess

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description Knightmare Chess Overview

Knightmare Chess is a commercial board game that introduces variable elements to traditional chess through the use of playing cards. Published by Steve Jackson Games and designed by Bruno Faidutti, the game was released in 1996. Players hold hands of cards that can be played to alter the standard movement of pieces, capture opponents, or change the board's layout. The game is intended for chess players seeking an unpredictable, asymmetrical twist on the classic strategy experience.

help Knightmare Chess FAQ

What is Knightmare Chess, and who published it?

Knightmare Chess is a chess variant published by Steve Jackson Games in 1996. It adds rule-changing cards to normal chess, so the board and pieces are familiar but the moves can change from turn to turn.

How do the cards change a game of Knightmare Chess?

Cards can alter how a piece moves, move an opponent's piece, create special squares, or replace a captured piece. A card is played instead of a regular move, which makes tactics less predictable than in standard chess.

Do I need a normal chess set to play Knightmare Chess?

Yes, the game is designed to add cards to a standard chessboard and set of pieces. The original US edition from Steve Jackson Games is a card-driven rules layer, not a replacement for the board itself.

Is Knightmare Chess related to a French game?

Yes, it is the US edition of Tempête sur l'échiquier, created by Pierre Cléquin and Bruno Faidutti. Steve Jackson Games published Knightmare Chess in 1996 with its own card mix and deck-building rules.

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