Equipment and Materials

• Standard chess board
• Standard set of chess pieces
• Flat surface such as a table or picnic bench
• Optional chess clock

Setup

1. Place the chess board between the two players.
2. Set up the pieces the same way as in regular chess.
3. One player uses the white pieces. The other uses black.
4. Decide who goes first. White usually moves first.

Game Play

1. Players take turns moving one piece at a time.
2. All pieces move the same way they do in regular chess.
3. If you can capture a piece, you must capture a piece.
4. If more than one capture is possible, choose any one.
5. Kings can be captured. There is no check or checkmate.
6. Pawns that reach the last rank are promoted.
7. A pawn may be promoted to any piece, including a king.
8. Castling is not allowed.
9. The goal is to lose all of your pieces.
10. If a player has no legal move, the game ends.
11. In a stalemate, the player with fewer pieces wins.

Additional Notes and Variations

• For younger Scouts, use fewer pieces to shorten the game.
• Patrols can play as teams by talking through each move.
• A chess clock can be used to keep games moving.
• Remind Scouts to handle pieces with care.
• Keep the board stable to prevent pieces from falling.
• This game works well for ages 8 and up with basic chess skills.

For more information, see https://scoutermom.com/7266/antichess-game/