Meet Dragonchess: The Classic Game That Thinks in 3D
To me, Dragonchess is what happens when regular chess decides it’s too predictable and adds a whole extra dimension of chaos.
Let’s say you’re playing a strategy game, but instead of one board, you’ve got three distinct worlds to play in. A sky world, a ground world, and then this deep, underground world.
You may think of it as a 3D version of chess, a game that pushes traditional chess to its absolute limits and adds layers of fantasy, surprise, and unpredictable twists.
Dragonchess was created in the early 1980s by Gary Gygax, who is widely known for co-creating Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). It takes inspiration from the fantasy world of D&D and blends it with the strategic depth of chess.
But don’t worry; you don’t need to be a D&D expert or a chess prodigy to enjoy it.
The game itself is intuitive, fun, and offers something for everyone, whether you’re new to board games or a seasoned strategy player.
What makes Dragonchess stand out is the addition of three stacked boards, not just one. Each board represents a unique layer of the battlefield, making the game a much more complex and fun experience than traditional chess.
One board is dedicated to flying creatures like dragons and griffins, one is for ground-based units like knights and soldiers, and the third is for underground strategies, home to sneaky assassins and magic users.
And that’s not even the half of it. You don’t need to know chess to play! Sure, it helps, but even if you’ve never touched a chess piece before, Dragonchess is easy to understand, fast to play, and totally fun for everyone. It’s about creativity, surprise, and clever tactics more than anything else.
Playing this with friends or strangers, you never know what’s going to happen, and that’s the best part.
There’s always something new to realise with every game, and no two matches are ever the same.
It’s a game that challenges both your strategic thinking and your imagination, perfect for anyone looking to escape into a world of fantasy while still having that chess-style thrill.
So, if you’re looking for a game that’s out of the ordinary and offers endless fun, Dragonchess is definitely worth checking out!
How Dragonchess Works: The Basics
At first, Dragonchess might seem a little intimidating with its three boards and all the different pieces.
But what it really comes down to is that the game isn’t as complicated as it seems. Once you get the hang of how it all works, you’ll realise that the fun comes from managing multiple battlefields at once, not just moving pieces on a single board.
I’ll give you the rundown.
Dragonchess is played on three separate boards, stacked on top of each other, each representing a different part of the battlefield. The challenge and fun come from trying to control all three layers simultaneously!
The Skyboard
This board is where the flying creatures live, like dragons, griffins, and other mythical beasts. These creatures are fast and highly mobile, able to swoop in from above and attack the enemy before they even know what hit them.
They move above the other pieces, which gives them a massive advantage in terms of range and speed. If your opponent doesn’t pay attention to the sky, they could be completely caught off guard when a dragon swoops down and takes out one of their key pieces.
Flying units on the skyboard have an inherent flexibility that ground-based pieces can only dream of. Dragons, for example, can swoop down to land on the groundboard, only to take off again and strike from the air.
The range and speed of these flying units make them game-changers, and they are often used to break through the lines of defence in unexpected ways.
The Groundboard
The groundboard is where the classic chess pieces hang out. Knights, soldiers, pawns, and rooks are stationed here.
These pieces move like traditional chess pieces, with pawns moving forward, knights jumping in their signature L-shapes, and rooks covering long distances.
But, because they’re stuck to this one layer, these pieces don’t have the same level of freedom that flying creatures do. They can’t just swoop in from above or hide underground. This board acts as the frontline, where most of the battle takes place.
While knights and pawns are essential to defending the board, the challenge is knowing when to hold your ground and when to attack.
You need to constantly adjust your strategy, not just based on the movement of your ground pieces, but based on what’s happening in the sky and underground.
This is where Dragonchess adds its strategic depth: you have to be prepared for anything.
The Underground
This is where things get sneaky. The underground board is home to assassins, magic users, and other sneaky pieces that thrive in surprise attacks. They can move between boards, emerging from the ground to take your opponent by surprise.
It’s a layer full of traps, sneaky tactics, and tricks. Let’s call this a stealth zone. Your underground pieces can easily pop up to take out unsuspecting pieces on either the sky or ground boards.
This is where you can plan those sneaky, unexpected moves that completely change the flow of the game.
The underground is all about deception, and if you can manipulate it well, you can flip the game entirely.
I love how this underground board lets you make some seriously smart plays. You can totally swing the fight in your favor, either with a killer assassin move or by teleporting a magic user right into the action where they’re most needed.
The Fun of Playing Dragonchess
Now, let’s talk about why Dragonchess is so much fun. At its core, Dragonchess is an unpredictable battlefield simulator where anything can happen.
Every move you make affects not just one layer, but multiple layers at the same time. The game is full of surprises and strategic depth, and it’s never, ever boring.
Here’s why:
It’s Not Just About Ground Strategy
Unlike regular chess, where your focus is primarily on the groundboard, Dragonchess forces you to think in three dimensions.
You’re constantly juggling moves on multiple boards, keeping track of what’s happening in the sky, on the ground, and underground.
This constant balancing act keeps things fresh and exciting. You never know when a griffin will dive in from above or an assassin will pop up to ruin your plans. It’s that element of surprise that makes the game so much fun!
The Chaos Factor
One of the things that makes Dragonchess so enjoyable is the chaos factor. Traditional chess can be slow and deliberate, but Dragonchess takes it up a notch by adding unpredictability.
You could have a solid plan in place, only to have it completely undone by a single move from the sky or underground. It’s the unpredictability of the game that keeps you coming back for more.
And because every game is different, it feels like you’re always learning new strategies and discovering new tricks.
Creative Play
What makes Dragonchess stand out from other games is the room it gives players to be creative.
You’re not just following a set strategy or trying to memorise complex openings. Instead, you’re experimenting with different pieces, finding new ways to attack, defend, and surprise your opponent.
In Dragonchess, you gotta be ready to think on your feet. You can use dragons to overpower your opponent, knights to cause a distraction, or assassins to pull off a surprise attack.
The game rewards you for not just sticking to the standard plays.
The ability to think creatively is what makes Dragonchess feel so fresh and exciting. It’s not just about winning; it’s about having fun with your friends and trying to outsmart them in new ways.
Anyone Can Play Dragonchess
Honestly, it’s not as hard as it looks. Dragonchess is surprisingly easy to learn, even if you’re not a chess player at all.
Just know this. Dragonchess is designed to be easy to learn, even if you’ve never played chess before.
The way I see it. Dragonchess is about fun, not memorising a bunch of complicated moves. Once you know how the pieces move, it’s smooth sailing.
The rules are intuitive, and because each piece moves differently depending on the board, the game quickly becomes a creative exploration of different possibilities.
I’m not a chess genius myself, but I’ve taught people who had never played chess to understand the game in no time.
And that’s what makes Dragonchess so special: it’s approachable and fun, no matter your skill level.
Is Dragonchess Easy to Learn?
If you’re worried about all those layers and multiple boards, fear not, learning Dragonchess is part of the fun.
Sure, it might seem complicated at first, but the game is designed to be gradual.
As you move pieces around, you’ll start to understand the flow of the game, and before you know it, you’ll be coming up with clever strategies and moves across the three layers.
It’s all about trial and error. You start easy, just moving pieces, and then gradually, you realise the potential of each move.
Flying pieces offer a lot of range, knights provide the backbone, and underground pieces allow for sneaky surprises. It’s really about figuring it all out as you play. And the more you play, the more skilled you become.
The Personality Test: How You Play Dragonchess Says a Lot About You
What I love about Dragonchess is that it’s like a mirror for your personality. Each player has their own style.
Some people are very methodical, taking their time to plan out every move. They carefully study the board and always think a few steps ahead.
Others are more impulsive, rushing in with chaotic moves and hoping for the best. The game gives players a chance to be creative and unexpected, and how you approach it says a lot about you as a person.
Are you the type who enjoys setting traps and waiting for the perfect time to attack? Or are you the one who just dives in headfirst, hoping your flying griffin finishes the fight before your opponent even sees it coming?
It’s kind of like life sometimes you plan every little thing, and other times, you just jump in headfirst and see where it takes you.
I’ve noticed that how you handle yourself in a game of Dragonchess is a pretty good indicator of how you’ll face challenges in life.
Final Thoughts
Everybody thinks of Dragonchess as this super intense strategy game, and it is, with all the surprises and chaos.
But seriously, the main reason to play is that it’s a ton of fun. Whether you’re a chess pro or a complete beginner, this game offers a unique, exciting twist on traditional chess that will keep you coming back for more.
Grab a board, invite your friends, and get ready for a game that’s anything but predictable. Dragonchess will challenge you, surprise you, and most importantly, make you laugh.
So, what are you waiting for? The battlefield is waiting for you!
Dragonchess FAQs
What is Dragonchess?
A three-layer strategy game with fantasy creatures and a lot of depth. Like chess, but wilder.
Can kids play it?
Yep. It’s easy to learn and fun for all ages.
Do I need to know how to play chess?
Not at all. Knowing chess helps a little, but it’s its own thing.
Is it tied to D&D?
It started there, but you don’t need to play D&D to enjoy it.
Is rule-bending allowed?
Some groups play that way for fun. If you’re sneaky and your table’s into it, go for it. Just don’t get caught!