Are all these chess variants free to play?

Yes! All 6 chess variants featured in this showcase are completely free to play online. No registration, no subscriptions, no hidden fees - just free strategic gaming enjoyment.

Which chess variant is easiest for beginners?

Western Chess is the most beginner-friendly option as it has extensive learning resources available worldwide. Makruk is also good for beginners as it uses similar pieces to Western chess but with simpler movement rules.

What makes each chess variant different?

Each variant evolved independently in different cultures, resulting in unique rules. Shogi allows captured pieces to be reused, Xiangqi features a river dividing the board, Makruk preserves ancient Indian chess rules, Senterej has a unique mobilization phase, and Janggi allows passing turns.

Can I play these games on my phone?

Absolutely! All chess variants in our collection are fully responsive and work beautifully on smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers. No app download required - play directly in your browser.

Which chess variant is the oldest?

Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) has roots dating back to around the 4th century, making it potentially the oldest variant in our collection. However, all these games trace their ancestry to ancient Indian Chaturanga from around the 6th century.

Free to Play Worldwide

Chess Variants
Around the World

Discover the ancient strategy games that shaped civilizations. From the courts of emperors to village squares, explore chess as it evolved across continents.

6 Chess Variants

1600+ Years of History

6 Countries

The Universal Language of Strategy

Chess is more than a game—it's a window into human culture and strategic thinking that spans millennia. While Western chess dominates global competitions, fascinating variants developed independently across Asia, Africa, and beyond, each reflecting the military traditions and philosophies of their civilizations.

Explore our collection of free chess variants, learn their rich histories, and challenge yourself with different rules and strategies. Whether you're a grandmaster or a curious beginner, there's a whole world of chess waiting to be discovered.

The Evolution of Chess

~400 CE

Chaturanga Emerges in India

The ancestor of all chess variants develops in the Gupta Empire, featuring four military divisions: infantry, cavalry, elephants, and chariots.

~600 CE

Shatranj Spreads to Persia

The game travels along trade routes to Persia, where it gets its famous checkmate declaration "shāh māt" (the king is helpless).

~700 CE

Chess Reaches Southeast Asia

Variants develop in Thailand (Makruk), preserving many original rules that Western chess would later abandon.

~800 CE

Xiangqi and Janggi Flourish

Chinese and Korean variants evolve with unique features like the river boundary and cannon pieces.

~1000 CE

Chess Enters Europe

Through Spain and Italy, chess captivates European nobility and begins its transformation toward modern rules.

~1200 CE

Shogi Takes Shape in Japan

The revolutionary "drop" rule emerges, allowing captured pieces to rejoin the battle under new command.

~1475 CE

Modern Chess is Born

Spain introduces the powerful queen and bishop movements, creating the fast-paced game we know today.

Chess VariantsAround the World

The Universal Language of Strategy

Chess Collection

The Evolution of Chess

Chess Variants
Around the World