How many chess variants are recognised?

Question

How many chess variants are recognised?

Question #152063. Asked by RedRobin7.
Last updated Apr 22 2025.
Originally posted Apr 22 2025 4:27 AM.

WesleyCrusher

Answer has 3 votes

Currently Best Answer

WesleyCrusher

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17 year member
197 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

According to FIDE's Laws of Chess, there are just two variants: Standard Chess and Chess 960, the latter being a variant where the starting positions are, within certain limits, randomized to make the game more about on the spot tactical thinking and less about memorizing prepared and proven opening lines.

Both variants are further subdivided by time controls - Classical, Rapid and Blitz - but those do not change the game as such, only the way certain tournament rules are enforced.

https://fide.com/FIDE/handbook/LawsOfChess.pdf

All other variants are casual and not "recognized" by an official chess authority.

Response last updated by WesleyCrusher on Apr 22 2025.
Apr 22 2025, 10:31 AM

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Answer 1

elburcher

Answer has 2 votes

elburcher

25 year member
1587 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.

The possibilities are endless! The site linked below lists 119 variants, including the base game.

https://greenchess.net/variants.php?list

Apr 22 2025, 10:28 AM

How many chess variants are recognised?

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