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Ultima

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description Ultima Overview

Ultima is an abstract strategy game invented by Robert Abbott and first published in 1962. Played on an 8 by 8 board, it retains a chess-like objective centered on the opposing king but replaces conventional captures with several distinct mechanisms, including custodial capture, withdrawal, coordination, immobilization, and leaping. It is also known as Baroque chess and is intended for two players familiar with chess variants and unusual piece interactions.

help Ultima FAQ

How do you capture pieces in the board game Ultima?

In Ultima, captures are not made by displacement like in traditional chess, but through several distinct mechanisms such as custodial capture and withdrawal. The exact capture method depends entirely on which specific piece is making the move.

Who invented the chess variant Ultima?

The abstract strategy game was invented by Robert Abbott and first published in 1962. Abbott designed it specifically to introduce completely new movement and capture mechanics while maintaining a chess-like objective.

What is the primary objective of the game Ultima?

The main goal of Ultima is to capture the opposing king, similar to standard chess. However, players must utilize Robert Abbott's unique custodial and withdrawal capture mechanisms to remove pieces from the 8 by 8 board.

Can Ultima be played with a standard chess set?

Yes, Ultima is played on a traditional 8 by 8 checkerboard. While you can use the physical pieces from a standard chess set, you must memorize the entirely different movement and capture rules assigned to each piece type.

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