Football Chessbeta
How to Play
Football Chess mixes classic chess pieces with American football rules. Each drive begins by placing seven pieces on the board and snapping the ball just like lining up for a play.
1. Setting your formation
On offense and defense you pick seven pieces from your sideline. Offense must line up behind the line of scrimmage while defense lines up in front. A pawn snaps the ball, and at least two pawns are required on both sides. Once both players are ready the snap begins the play.
2. Moving the pieces
Each piece moves like they do in chess, but can push pieces they run into. If you move into a friendly piece that holds the ball, you take possession (a handoff). Knights are special: when they jump in an L shape you choose the exact route which decides how pushes and handoffs happen along the way.
3. Advancing the ball & avoiding penalties
You have four downs to advance ten yards for a first down. Move the ball by running with it or throwing it forward. Avoid penalties like offsides, false starts, and illegal forward passes, which can cost you yards and downs. Smart play calling and clock management are key to maintaining possession and scoring.
4. Passing the ball
The quarterback can throw to any square; other pieces throw only in the directions they can move. A throw directly to a piece is caught unless the opponent tackles the receiver. Throws to empty squares can be intercepted. If nobody catches the ball it's incomplete (or a fumble if thrown backward).
5. Scoring
Carry the ball into the opponent's end zone for a touchdown worth seven points. Tackling your opponent in their own end zone earns a safety for two points. Successfully advance ten yards to earn a first down and reset your four downs.
6. Penalties
Just like football there are offsides, false starts and illegal forward passes. Most minor penalties cost five yards, while holding is ten. After a penalty you may choose to accept the yardage or decline it if the play worked in your favor.
7. Managing the clock
Games use a play clock and a game clock. The play clock covers setup and motion before the snap and expires in a delay of game penalty. The game clock runs through each quarter except during timeouts and other stoppages. A short reaction clock keeps turns moving once play begins.