Bughouse Chess
Discover Bughouse chess, an exciting four-player variant where captured pieces can be dropped back into play by your partner. This fast-paced variant requires teamwork, communication, and quick tactical thinking.
Basic Setup
The fundamental rules and setup of Bughouse chess
- Two chess games played simultaneously by four players in teams of two
- Partners sit on opposite colors (one plays White, one plays Black)
- Captured pieces can be dropped back into play by the partner
- Standard chess rules apply except for piece drops
- Games are typically played with short time controls
Piece Drop Rules
Rules governing how captured pieces can be dropped
- Pieces captured by your partner become available for you to drop
- Drops can be made on any empty square except pawns on first/last rank
- Dropped pieces can give immediate check or checkmate
- A dropped pawn cannot give immediate checkmate
- Pieces can be held in reserve for later use
Special Rules
Additional rules specific to Bughouse
- Both games must remain active - if one ends, both end
- Communication between partners is allowed
- Time controls are shared between partners
- Premoves are typically allowed
- En passant and castling rules remain standard
Next Steps
After exploring Bughouse, consider trying these related variants:
- Crazyhouse - Similar to Bughouse but for two players
- Chess960 - Another popular chess variant
- Atomic Chess - For more tactical excitement
