King
The central chess piece; losing the king to checkmate ends the game.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the board cursor |
|---|---|
A | Select a piece or confirm its destination |
B | Cancel a selection or return from a menu |
Start | Pause or confirm menu choices where supported |
How it plays
How does Battle Chess play?
The game uses a top-down view of an eight-by-eight chessboard. Players move a cursor, select one of their pieces, and choose a legal destination according to standard chess movement. Captures trigger animated encounters, while check, checkmate, castling, promotion, and other rules determine the position.
Play proceeds in alternating turns against the computer or a second player. The computer’s difficulty can be selected before play, and progression is based on improving position and eventually checkmating the opposing king rather than clearing stages or collecting items.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Battle Chess?
Develop knights and bishops early, contest the center, and avoid moving the same piece repeatedly without a clear reason. Keep the king safe by castling when the position permits it.
Before capturing, check whether the destination is defended. Look for checks, captures, and threats on every turn, and remember that a pawn reaching the opposite end can promote, usually into a queen.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Queen
The most mobile major piece, able to move along ranks, files, and diagonals.
Rook
A major piece that moves horizontally or vertically.
Bishop
A diagonal-moving piece that remains on one color of square.
Knight
A piece that moves in an L shape and can jump over intervening pieces.
Pawn
The basic piece, moving forward and capturing diagonally, with promotion available on the far rank.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the computer’s lower difficulty levels to practice opening development and basic checkmates.
- 2
Do not judge a move only by its animation; evaluate the resulting board position.
- 3
Use the board’s legal-move feedback carefully when planning captures and checks.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0