Crazyhouse Chess
Do you like the idea of pieces falling on the board to create chaos and crush your opponent's defenses? If so, then Crazyhouse is the type of chess variant you need to play!
- What Is Crazyhouse Chess?
- How To Play Crazyhouse Chess
- Where To Play Crazyhouse Chess
- How To Play Crazyhouse On Chess.com
- Conclusion
What Is Crazyhouse Chess?
Crazyhouse is one of the most popular chess variants. It is very similar to Bughouse, but it is played by just two players at a time. This game is characterized by its rules on capturing and dropping pieces.
How To Play Crazyhouse Chess
Most rules of standard chess also apply to Crazyhouse. Piece placement and movement are unaltered, as well as the possibility to promote pawns and the goal of checkmating your opponent. There are some rules, though, that are different from regular chess.
Piece Capturing And Piece Dropping
Whenever a player makes a capture, the piece captured leaves the board just like in regular chess. The difference is that the player who wins the piece can later add it to their army by "dropping" it back on the board.
For example, if White captures Black's knight, it is placed right on the side of the board and becomes part of White's extra-piece bank.
White can then call for the help of the captured knight and put it back on the board on any free square. This is known as "piece dropping," and it is a big part of Crazyhouse chess.
Players cannot drop a piece when their kings are in check unless they do so to get out of check. Piece dropping can also be used to reinforce defenses, to deliver checks, and even to checkmate an opponent. This leads to crazy positions where potential threats abound, and taking the initiative is more decisive than ever.
Pawn Dropping And Pawn Promotion
Pawns are the only pieces with dropping restrictions. Players can drop pawns anywhere on the board except for the first and eighth ranks.
Like in regular games, pawns can also be promoted to any minor or major piece once they reach the farthest rank from where they started. After a promoted pawn is captured, though, it can be dropped back on the board as only a pawn, not as the piece it was promoted to.
When Is The Game Over?
Just like in regular chess, a Crazyhouse game ends only when a player is checkmated, resigns, or runs out of time, or when one of the standard drawing rules applies. Since pieces can be "recycled," ties are much rarer than in regular games of chess.
Crazyhouse Special Notation
With the added feature of piece dropping, the notation for Crazyhouse chess contains the "@" symbol to signify that a drop has been made.
Imagine, for instance, that a bishop was just dropped on the b3-square. The notation for that move would be B@b3. Other standard symbols also apply: if a knight is dropped on the g5-square and checks the black king, the notation for that move would be N@g5+.
Where To Play Crazyhouse Chess
The best place to play this great variant is on Chess.com! Our interface makes it easy for you to drop captured pieces, since you do not have to worry about finding two complete chess sets to play with. Besides, it not only allows you to play with your friends but also with others from around the world.
How To Play Crazyhouse On Chess.com
1. Place your cursor over Play on your left-hand side, and click on New Game.
2. Select a time control under Time.
3. Under Type, select Crazyhouse.
4. Click the orange Play button.
Do you want to check out great Crazyhouse games being played here on Chess.com? Take a look at this video of the 2018 Chess.com Crazyhouse Championship with IM Daniel Rensch and GM Yasser Seirawan.
Conclusion
Crazyhouse chess is an exciting variant that is full of action and tactical opportunities. If you are in the mood for fast-paced chess that can get your blood pumping, this is undoubtedly the right call for you. Head over to Live Chess right now and create a Crazyhouse challenge.
Do you want to play other chess variants on Chess.com? Click the button below!
