What is the alternate game of chess?

Answered by Donny Coley

When it comes to strategy-based games, there are several great alternatives to chess that I have personally enjoyed playing. One such game is Shogi, also known as Japanese chess. I had the opportunity to learn and play Shogi during a visit to Japan, and I found it to be a fascinating and challenging game. Similar to chess, Shogi involves two players who strategically move their pieces across a board with the goal of capturing the opponent's king. However, what sets Shogi apart is the concept of “drop” moves, where captured pieces can be reintroduced into the game by the capturing player. This adds a whole new layer of complexity and strategic possibilities to the game.

Another alternative to chess that I highly recommend is Hive. I stumbled upon this game during a board game night with friends, and I was instantly hooked. Hive is a two-player game where the objective is to surround the opponent's queen bee while strategically maneuvering various insect tiles. The unique aspect of Hive is that there is no game board, and the pieces are placed one by one, creating a constantly evolving playing field. This makes each game of Hive a dynamic and intense battle of wits, as players try to outmaneuver and trap their opponent's queen bee.

Go, also known as Weiqi, is another fantastic alternative to chess that has a rich and deep strategic gameplay. I was introduced to Go during my travels in China, where it is widely popular. The objective of Go is to control the most territory on a grid board by strategically placing black or white stones. What makes Go so captivating is its simplicity in rules, yet incredible complexity in strategy. The game requires long-term planning, spatial thinking, and the ability to adapt to changing board positions. Playing Go has taught me patience, as well as the importance of seeing the bigger picture and considering long-term consequences.

One more alternative game to chess that I have recently discovered is Azul. Unlike the previous games mentioned, Azul is a tile-placement game that focuses on creating beautiful patterns. In Azul, players take turns drafting colorful tiles and strategically placing them on their personal game board. The goal is to earn points by completing specific patterns and optimizing tile placement. I love how Azul combines strategy with aesthetics, as players must carefully choose which tiles to take and where to place them to create the most visually pleasing and point-worthy patterns.

While chess is undoubtedly a classic and historically significant strategy game, there are plenty of amazing alternatives out there that offer unique gameplay experiences. Whether it's the intricate moves of Shogi, the dynamic battles of Hive, the strategic depth of Go, or the artistic patterns of Azul, these games provide a refreshing change of pace for those seeking alternative strategic challenges. So, if you're looking to expand your horizons beyond chess, I highly recommend giving these games a try.