Shuffle chess is a variant of the game in which the starting position is generated at random. This neutralises the vast body of openings knowledge, forcing the players to find ideas and solutions at the board.

 

At the beginning of the game the pieces are set on random squares, but symmetrically for both sides (e.g., if the white king is on c1 the black king will be on c8). The pawns are in their usual places on the second and seventh ranks. Castling is only possible if the king and one (or both) rooks happen to be on normal squares.

 

There are 2880 possible combinations for the start of a shuffle chess game. The program will select one at random, but you can also select a specific starting position in the dialog box that appears.

 

Visit the shuffle chess room to play this chess variant: