3-Way Chess

Recently I've come across this fascinating version of chess. I've had an opportunity to play it and lost. Apparently I need more practice, but the concept itself is beautiful!



The regular chess rules are used, although the shape of the board is obviously different.




This is an empty board. Every player has 16 standard chess pieces.

This is the game that I've lost being inattentive.



The owner of the chessboard explains the rules. He bought his chessboard in Czech Republic.



The pawn moves as usual straight forward and takes enemy pieces one square diagonally forward.



In the center the pawn can attack three squares diagonally.

The bishop is limited to diagonal movement.



The rook moves as always. Nothing new.



The knight is also no different from a standard knight.



Nothing new for the queen as well.

One peculiar feature: the diagonal in the center of the board.



The game is great, but three people are needed.



Close-up of the chess figures.



It's uncomfortable to play on a regular square desk.



General rules:
1. The players take turns clockwise. The right of the first move is determined randomly.
2. The player who makes first check-mate wins.
3. The pawns move straight forward. Accordingly half of the pawns goes to the right, and the other half goes to the left.

The main characteristic of the game: if two players don't like the third, he is doomed.
The funny part of the game: the two players must compete for the privilege to check-mate the third.