Amsterdam Medieval Chess

Amsterdam Medieval Chess is a variant with all orthodox and several additional pieces: The Archbishop moves as Bishop or Knight. The Guard moves or jumps 1 or 2 squares in each of the eight directions. The Spy moves like a King, but is not royal. The Joker moves as a Guard or Knight.

Special moves

Upon castling, the King moves 4 squares (to b- or j-file), and the Rook next to it on the inside (c- or i-file). This is subject to the normal rules of unobstructed path, and not passing through or moving out of Check. Castling is also possible when only a virgin Archbishop stands between Rook and King, though. In that case the Archbishop ends up next to the Rook (d- or h-file). Unlike normal castling, where you can just move the King, this move is not preprogrammed,and you will have to move all three pieces by hand.

Pawn double push and e.p. capture are as in orthodox Chess. Pawns must promote when they reach the 8th rank, to any of the eight non-royal piece types. You will be able to select your piece of choice by clicking on its image in the piece table.

A Guard can promote to Joker when it reaches 8th rank (optionally, but you would be a fool not to). To do this, just drag a Joker from the piece table on top of the Guard you want to promote. A Guard can also move to a square occupied by a friendly Knight, and irreversibly combine there with the latter to make a Joker. This will happen automatically, but the possibility will not be highlighted when you grab the Guard.

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