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SHADOW CHESS

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The shadow rules · v3

Cast — instead of moving, place a piece's shadow on a square it could reach along an open line — no jumping over pieces, so clear a path (move your pawns!). A shadow may land on an enemy piece that blocks it — a marked attack; next turn's swap captures it. Never on your own piece. N/B/R/Q may cast; pawns never; the King only once your queen has fallen or a pawn has promoted.
Up to 3 shadows — keep as many as three out at once. Cast a 4th and your oldest shadow fades (first in, first out). Each piece may hold only one shadow — casting again from it moves its shadow.
Swap — the owner may teleport to its shadow at any later turn. If an enemy piece is standing on the shadow square, the swap captures it. Blocked only by your own piece.
Unkillable, unknowing — shadows can't be captured or blocked; enemies may land on the square and stand there — at their peril.
The anchor holds — a shadow stays where cast even as its owner roams the board. It fades only when its swap is used, its owner dies, or it's the oldest of four.
Shadows never block, never capture by themselves, never give check. No casting while in check.
White to move

Move log

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Spot a bug or have a rule idea? Tell Novik. Ideas that get built are posted in the changelog — credited to you.