Really Bad Chess - Unique chess variations

Really Bad Chess is similar to traditional chess, but with completely random pieces. For example, you could try playing with 8 Knights, 4 Bishops, and 3 pawns — why not?

Strategies for Success

Control the Center: As with traditional chess, controlling the center of the board is vital. Use your pieces to dominate central squares to gain mobility and influence over the game.

Adapt to Your Pieces: Since your pieces are randomized, adapt your strategy based on what you have. If you have more knights than bishops, for example, focus on utilizing their unique movement patterns effectively.

Look for Tactical Opportunities: Pay attention to forks, pins, and skewers that can arise due to the unusual piece setup. These tactics can help you gain material advantage.

Create Threats: Always look for ways to create threats against your opponent’s pieces. This forces them to respond defensively, giving you control of the game.

Simplify When Ahead: If you find yourself ahead in material, consider trading pieces to simplify the position and make it easier to convert your advantage into a win.

Practice Checkmating Patterns: Familiarize yourself with basic checkmating patterns so that you can effectively close out games when you have a winning position.

Experiment with Different Setups: Embrace the randomness of the game by experimenting with different piece setups. Each game will present new challenges and learning opportunities.

Stay Calm and Think Creatively: The unpredictability of Really Bad Chess can be overwhelming at times. Stay calm and think creatively about how to utilize your unique piece arrangement.

Recently featured on NPR's Weekend Edition

5 out of 5 Stars "An essential puzzle experience for anyone even remotely interested in strategy games" - TouchArcade

Whether you're a daily chess player or someone who gave up after learning the rules, this small twist will introduce you to a whole new world of chess.

------WHAT'S IN THE “BOX”?

The free version of Really Bad Chess allows you to compete against an AI in Ranked, Daily, or Weekly Challenges. Enhance your skills using the included Freeplay mode. Making a single in-app purchase unlocks Versus Mode, enabling you to challenge your friends locally! This also eliminates ads, shows captured pieces, and offers soothing alternate color palettes to choose from.

------REALLY BAD PRESS

"Makes chess fun even if you’re really bad" - The Verge

"Feels more modern than chess has ever felt" - Applenapps

"Really Bad Chess takes a really bad idea and somehow manages to make it a lot of fun." - Pocket Gamer

------A WORD FROM THE DEVELOPER

Chess is a game that I always wanted to love, but its focus on beauty, elegance, and perfect balance always pushed me away. Really Bad Chess removes these monotonous constraints and turns chess upside down.

While random pieces alter the game in many ways, I was surprised to see how much of the game remains the same, and how formidable certain pieces can be. You've never truly struggled against a pawn until you've faced one on the back row.

For seasoned chess players, Really Bad Chess offers a fresh challenge — the pieces and moves are familiar, but you'll need to discard your established openings and understanding of standard play patterns.

For novice chess players (like most of us), Really Bad Chess significantly broadens the game. Instead of starting by memorizing openings, your initial games will introduce you to the joy (and challenge!) of mastering checkmate.

I trust you will derive as much enjoyment from Really Bad Chess as I had creating it.

-zach