ChessschoolChess960 rules – how to play and castle
The back rank changes. Can you spot which rook you would castle with?
How does this variant work?
Pawns start on their usual ranks. The bishops start on opposite colours, the king sits between the rooks and Black mirrors White. The pieces then move normally and checkmate remains the goal.
What should you look for in your first game?
After kingside castling White’s king and rook end on g1 and f1, and after queenside castling on c1 and d1. Check both paths for other pieces and check whether the king starts in, crosses or ends in check. The king and rook must be unmoved. One piece can already be on its destination square.
Try it yourself
Which rook do you use for kingside castling once it is legal?
Show the answer
The rook on e1. The king finishes on g1 and the rook on f1. First you must clear the pieces blocking the paths.
An easy rule to overlook
Work out kingside and queenside from your own side of the board. The queen’s starting square does not change that choice. First identify the rooks to your king’s left and right.
Keep practising
Read the full rules · Read the related chess guide · See all variants