ChessschoolFog of War chess rules – playing with hidden pieces
An empty square is very different from a square you cannot see.
How does this variant work?
On Chess.com you see your own pieces and the squares they can move to. An enemy piece on such a square becomes visible. Outside that view a square may be empty or conceal an enemy piece.
What should you look for in your first game?
You win by capturing the king. You get no check warning and are not required to move your king away from an attack. Before moving, consider which squares will go out of sight.
Try it yourself
There is a black piece on a8. Can White see it in this position?
Show the answer
No. No white piece can move to a8. White cannot even tell whether the square is empty.
An easy rule to overlook
Did you just see a piece that is now hidden? Remember where it was and when your opponent moved afterwards. That gives you a better starting point than guessing its location.
Keep practising
Read the full rules · Read the related chess guide · See all variants