ChessschoolFour-player chess rules – teams and free-for-all
Four armies share the same centre. Whether you work together or play for points depends on the mode.
How does this variant work?
On Chess.com the board has four arms. Red starts, followed by Blue, Yellow and Green. Each player moves from their own side. In Teams, the player opposite you is your partner.
What should you look for in your first game?
In Teams, the first pair to checkmate an opponent when that player’s turn arrives wins. In Free-for-All, everyone plays for themselves and points determine the result, including points for capturing active pieces. Check the rules shown with the board when using custom settings.
Try it yourself
You play Red in Teams. Who is your partner and who moves after you?
Show the answer
Yellow is opposite you and is your partner. Blue moves immediately after Red.
An easy rule to overlook
In Teams, count threats to your partner too. Your own king may be safe while your pair loses because your teammate is mated. Check the turn order before looking only at your own attack.
Keep practising
Read the full rules · Read the related chess guide · See all variants