ChessschoolRacing Kings chess – race your king to rank eight
Both kings race to the same finish. Your other pieces help keep the route open.
How does this variant work?
Play without pawns. The pieces start in a special arrangement at the bottom of the board. Both colours aim for rank eight. You may neither give check nor move your own king into check.
What should you look for in your first game?
If White reaches rank eight first, Black gets one reply. The game is drawn if Black also reaches the finish on that move. If Black arrives first, Black wins. Count the safe steps each king still needs.
Try it yourself
White plays Kg8. Can Black draw immediately by also reaching rank eight?
Show the answer
No. From b6 the black king can reach rank seven at most in one move. White wins.
An easy rule to overlook
A rook can block a future route by attacking an empty square. If the opposing king is already on that line, the same move would give check and is forbidden.
Keep practising
Read the full rules · Read the related chess guide · See all variants