Explanation & Rules

Rules

Standard chess rules apply, with a few exceptions. If you want a quick visual intro, watch this simple YouTube explanation.

Exceptions:

1. When a pawn reaches the last rank, it will always promote to a queen.
2. It is not possible to resign or offer a draw.
3. Games can only end in checkmate or a draw by stalemate, insufficient material, threefold repetition, or the 50-move rule.
4. Threefold repetition and the 50-move rule are always an immediate draw.

Factions

Every player belongs to Team Orange or Team Teal.
In each game, one side is controlled by one faction and the other side by the other faction. You only get assignments when your faction is to move.

Before your first move, you may change faction once from User Settings. After that, your faction is locked.

Quick start

1. Open the site and you get an anonymous player ID automatically (no sign-up).
2. You are assigned to a faction: Team Orange or Team Teal.
3. Go to Play or click Make Your Next Move on your User Settings page.
4. You are matched to a game where your faction is to move. Play that move.
5. Repeat.

Assignments & timer

• When it is your faction's turn somewhere, you may be assigned that move.
• You have about 60 seconds to play. If time runs out, the assignment is released and another player can take it.
• Only the player with the current assignment can submit a move for that game.
• After you move, the game continues until your faction is to move again, then you (or someone else on your team) can get a new assignment.

Fair play

• Do not use bots or scripts to play moves.
• Do not spam account creation or try to disrupt games.
• Moves or games can be reset at the site owner's discretion.
• Play the best move you can. Your faction is counting on you.

Your identity

You receive a random anonymous ID. It is stored in your browser so you can return without an account or password. Currently there is no way to recover or transfer your ID if you lose it.