Territorial Chess

Territorial Chess is the first successful fusion of two timeless classics, Chess and Go. It seamlessly combines the dynamic tactical combat of Chess with the deep territorial control of Go, creating a completely new and revolutionary game experience.

What sets Territorial Chess apart is its element of mystery and suspense. Except for the Kings, all pieces start face-down outside the board, hidden from both players. With each turn, players must decide which piece to reveal and where to place it, adding an element of bluffing, unpredictability, and psychological warfare.

Victory isn’t achieved by simple checkmate alone. Players must master both tactical battles and long-term territorial control, balancing movement and static influence in a way never seen before. This game is not just a test of calculation—it’s a test of adaptation, deception, and deep strategic vision.

Setup

  • The game is played on a 10×10 board, which starts empty, except for the two Kings, placed in the center of each player’s second row.
  • Each player has 48 pieces total, all starting face-down outside the board:
    • 1 King (the only piece placed at the start).
    • 23 additional Chess pieces (2 Queens, 3 Rooks, 3 Bishops, 5 Knights, 10 Pawns).
    • 24 Stones, which are static but crucial for territory control.
  • Players take turns placing a piece onto the board (flipping it face-up) or making a move.

Pieces

All pieces are checker piece representing either Chess pieces or Go Stones.

Chess Pieces

  • Move and capture by displacement, following standard chess rules.
  • Are kept face-down outside the board until placed. Once dropped, they are revealed immediately.
  • Can act as Stones by remaining static, participating in Go-style captures.
  • While part of a group, chess pieces can be captured like Go stones but can leave a group at any time.
  • Pawns promote upon reaching the last rank, just as in standard Chess.

Stones

  • Static once placed, but can capture by Go-style encirclement.
  • Can be placed anywhere on the board, allowing for territorial control, traps, and deception.

Rules

Dropping Phase (Piece Placement and Hidden Strategy)

  • Players take turns either:
    1. Placing a piece (Chess piece or Stone) onto the board, immediately flipping it face-up to reveal its identity.
    2. Making a move with a previously placed Chess piece.
  • Chess pieces must be placed within the player’s half of the board.
  • Stones can be placed anywhere, creating immediate territorial influence.

Regular Play

  • Once a piece is placed, it follows normal Chess or Go-style rules depending on its type.
  • Chess pieces move normally, capturing by displacement.
  • Stones remain static but capture by Go-style encirclement.
  • Chess pieces within a group formation can be captured like Go stones, but they can leave a group at any time.
  • The 50:50 balance between Chess pieces and Stones prevents the board from becoming jammed while ensuring deep strategic play.

Winning Conditions

  • Capturing or trapping the enemy King within your controlled territory wins the game.
  • If neither King is captured or trapped, the player controlling the largest territory wins.
  • Draws are not allowed—if a stalemate occurs, the player with the most territory is declared the winner.

Conclusion: The Ultimate Test for Humans and AI

Territorial Chess is not just a game—it’s a revolution in strategy. The act of revealing pieces as they are placed introduces an entirely new layer of suspense, bluffing, and mind games that neither Chess nor Go possess on their own. Players must balance hidden preparation with strategic placement, ensuring they always stay one step ahead of their opponent.

This game also presents an unprecedented challenge for AI.

  • Traditional Chess engines rely on tactical calculation and open-board evaluation.
  • Go engines focus on territory, influence, and deep pattern recognition.
  • Territorial Chess forces AI to merge both mindsets, while also navigating the uncertainty of when and where pieces will appear—a major weakness for many traditional game engines.

For human players, the hidden pieces provide a psychological edge—reading an opponent’s mind is just as important as reading the board. The balance of strategy, tactics, bluffing, and spatial control makes this the ultimate test of intelligence, creativity, and adaptability.

If you’re looking for a game that pushes both your strategic depth and psychological insight, Territorial Chess is the next great frontier. 🚀♟️