14 Dice Chess Variants to Play in 2024

Dice chess variants

Dice chess, also known as random chess, adds a new dynamic to the traditional game of strategy. Instead of solely relying on player tactics, dice chess incorporates the element of chance through the use of dice rolls to control the movement of pieces. This results in a more exciting and challenging game for both players, with added unpredictability to each match.

What is Standard Dice Chess?

In this variant, players roll a single six-sided die to determine the move of each piece. The number rolled corresponds to a specific move for that piece. For example, a roll of 1 may correspond to a pawn’s move, 2 may correspond to a knight’s move, and so on. This variant can add a lot of randomness to the game, as players may not be able to predict the moves of their opponents.

Players use special dice with unique faces to represent different moves. For example, a die may have a face with a pawn, another face with a knight, etc. Players roll the die to determine which piece to move and then use a standard die to determine the specific move of that piece. This variant can add an element of excitement, as players must carefully consider their options when deciding which die to roll.

What is Pair of Dice Chess?

Players roll a pair of six-sided dice to determine the move of a piece. One die is used to determine the type of piece to be moved (pawn, knight, bishop, etc.), while the other die is used to determine the specific move of that piece. For example, a roll of 1 on the first die and 6 on the second die may correspond to moving a pawn forward six spaces. This variant can add a level of strategy to the game, as players must consider the likelihood of certain rolls when planning their moves.

What is Multi-Die Chess?

Players roll multiple dice to determine the move of a single piece. For example, a player may roll two six-sided dice to determine the move of a rook. The first die would determine the direction of the move (forward, backward, left, or right), while the second die would determine the number of spaces to move.

What is Dice Chess with a Twist?

Players roll a single die to determine the move of a piece, but with a twist. Instead of the number rolled corresponding to a specific move, players must roll a certain number or higher to make a move. For example, a roll of 4 or higher would allow a pawn to move forward one space, while a roll of 6 or higher would allow a knight to make a standard move.

What is Action Dice Chess?

Players use special dice with unique faces to represent different types of moves. For example, a die may have a face with a standard move, another face with a capture move, and another face with a special move. Players roll the die to determine the type of move to make and then use a standard die to determine the specific move of that piece.

What is Bonus Dice Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine the move of a piece. However, if a player rolls a certain number (such as a 6), they get to roll an additional die for a bonus move. For example, rolling a 6 on the first die may allow a player to roll a second die to determine an additional move for a knight or a bishop.

What is Action Points Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine the number of action points they have for their turn. These action points can be spent on any combination of moves for the player’s pieces. For example, a roll of 4 action points may allow a player to move a pawn and a knight, or move one piece 4 times. This variant adds a new level of strategy as players must consider how to best use their action points to gain an advantage over their opponent.

What is Movement Dice Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine the number of spaces a piece can move. For example, a roll of 4 would allow a player to move a pawn forward 4 spaces. This variant adds a level of unpredictability to the game, as players must consider the possibility of rolling a low number and being unable to move their pieces as they had planned.

What is Special Abilities Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine if a piece has a special ability for that turn. For example, a roll of 6 may allow a knight to move in a non-standard way, such as moving two spaces in one direction and then one space in another direction. This variant adds a new level of excitement to the game, as players must consider the possibility of their opponent’s pieces having special abilities and adjust their strategy accordingly.

What is Wildcard Dice Chess?

Players roll a wildcard die which allows them to move any piece, however, the movement of the wildcard piece is determined by the roll of another die. For example, a roll of 1 on the wildcard die would allow a player to move any piece they choose, while a roll of 2 on the second die would mean the wildcard piece would move 2 spaces forward. This variant adds a level of unpredictability to the game as players must consider the possibility of rolling a wildcard move and adjust their strategy accordingly.

What is Limited Movement Dice Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine the number of spaces a piece can move. However, each piece has a limited number of rolls they can use. For example, a pawn may only have 2 rolls, while a knight may have 4. This variant adds a level of strategy as players must consider how to best use the limited rolls for each piece to gain an advantage over their opponent.

What is Multi-Move Dice Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine the number of moves a piece can make in one turn. For example, a roll of 3 would allow a player to move one piece three times. This variant adds a level of strategy as players must consider how to best use the multiple moves to gain an advantage over their opponent.

What is Bonus Action Dice Chess?

Players roll a standard die to determine if they get a bonus action for their turn. For example, a roll of 6 would allow a player to roll an additional die to determine an additional move for one of their pieces. This variant adds an element of excitement as players must carefully consider the chances of rolling a bonus action and adjust their strategy accordingly.

What is Event Dice Chess?

Players roll an event die to determine if a random event will happen on their turn. For example, a roll of 1 may mean that all pawns can move forward two spaces instead of one for that turn. This variant adds a level of unpredictability to the game and make the game more exciting as players must consider the possibility of a random event happening and adjust their strategy accordingly.