The IAGO Chess System is a system for managing the evolution of chess, a method of classifying the varieties of chess played in the International Abstract Games Organization (IAGO), and a specific version of chess connected to IAGO, that is reflective of the evolutionary nature of Chess.
The IAGO Chess System is unique in its nature. The best way to view the IAGO Chess System is a system used to manage the wide range of interests on the part of people who like to play, and an approach to acclimate new players to the system. Because of this, you won't find one set of codified rules, as you would with other chess games. The IAGO Chess System accomplishes its objectives by the use of classes of the game that represent the fullness of the chess experience. These versions build upon one another, to allow a person to get fully familiar with the game. There are six versions (classes) of the game. These versions are: A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, M-Class, V-Class, and X-Class.
This System has multiple layers and is robust enough to change over time. Its mission is to be a forever evolving version of chess that will provide a migration path for changes. The system is meant as a framework for playing all versions of chess relating to the International Abstract Games Organization.
To fully reflect and capture the world of chess and chess-like games, the IAGO Chess System divides chess games up into different classes. No one class is superior to another, and each class serves a purpose and function. The Classes of the IAGO Chess System are describe here. In the IAGO Chess System, there are 6 classes of rules (5+1). Note that the System also contains a specific set of the specific game rules for playing Chess, and the System can function independent of the game specific rules.
These classes are described below:
1. A-Class (Alpha. Alpha as in starting point): This Class represents FIDE Chess, or what people consider standard chess. A-Class is the starting point for B-Class, C-Class and M-Class forms of IAGO Chess. (One set of rules)
These 5 classes below are additional classes added by IAGO to be able to fully reflect the world of chess and chess-like games. The B, C and M-Classes of the IAGO Chess System refers to a particular variant of chess, in its multiple game types, that is unique to IAGO. Chess variants, which already exist, are tested and proven, are are placed under the V-Class. What is seen in the B, C and M-Classes is an approach that can be taken with any Chess variant, to have it adopt and chance over time. What is seen in the rules documented in the B, C and M-Classes of the IAGO Chess System is what is considered the best approach by IAGO.
2. B-Class (Basic/Base/Beginner/Bridge): This Class is the basic version is the minimal framework for the IAGO Chess game. It is based off FIDE Chess, using the IAGO Framework transformation rules, and is used to introduce people to the world of IAGO Chess. This is the starting point also for the B and M classes of IAGO chess, and represents a minimal step off standard FIDE chess. As currently written, these rules are used to introduce the Capablanca pieces and gating and drop concepts. This Class currently represents the IAGO mission of getting Capablanca pieces on an 8×8 board and is based off FIDE Chess, and the foundation for evolutionary development and growth. It is also the starting point for the C and M classes. These rules also provide a way of integrating the Capablanca pieces, and other alternate chess pieces, into a wide range of chess variants. (One set of rules)
3. C-Class (Classic/Standard/Stable): This Class has additional rules and adjustments to B-Class IAGO Chess, which is used for the optimal and most stable version of IAGO Chess, the game. This version is meant to introduce people to the full foundation of IAGO Chess. These rules may be change if flaws in design becomes apparent. This version builds upon B-Class. (One set of rules)
4. M-Class (Modern/Evolving): This Class is intended to evolve over time, and includes the latest set of rules, and adjustments to make the game play better. This version is out on the edge for standard players, is intended to keep play new and remain on edge, not memorizing line of play. One of the purposes of this version is to test what can eventually become part of the standard version. However, there may be rules in the evolving version that are never adapted into the C-Class over time. This Class builds on, or possibly modifies, the C-Class. Rule changes to this version could happen between every 2-5 years. A guideline to frequency of change is, once the community starts to create books on specific tactics for this game, it is time to change the rules. (One set of rules)
5. V-Class (Variant/Fantasy): This Class is where codified sets of recognized and proven variants of IAGO Chess, and mutators, are found. The mutators here have guidelines governing the context they can be used, and how they may be combined with other rules. Mutators in this context can affect things such as the board used, pieces used, modification to foundational rules, time control, number of players, and win conditions. For example, Misere' is a standard mutator that reverses the win conditions for a variant. This Class relates to the X-Class in that it is a codified, tested and approved version of the X-Class games and rules. This version may build up or modify either the B-Class and M-Class. Anything equipment that deviates from the equipment in A-Class games would be also here. There would possible a specific sub-class of V-Class called AV or VA, which is are established variants of current A-Class games, using their current equipment (and possible rules governing piece movement and function). Using the current set of B-Class set of IAGO CHess rules, Bughouse and Chess960 would be AV/VA. Capablanca school is just a V. In addition to games, established and tested mutators would be V-Class. All V-Class games and mutators utilize standardized names. (Multiple sets of rules)
6. X-Class (Extreme/Experimental): The Class a collection of experimental rules, unproven variants, and also includes a FRAMEWORK for development of such rules and integrating them into V-Class. Also included here are potential guidelines for players deciding which rules to use upon which players are able to play against each other. In these guidelines may methods for compatible ranking across games. The framework is meant to enable designers and players to try different things and and get wild. This is unstable by nature, due to it being experimental, and therefore, extreme. Things found in this version may end up severely modifying what is found in all the other versions of IAGO Chess. X-Class is home for people to do their own “roll your own” varieties of chess. (Multiple sets of rules)
A-Class Chess
Please consult FIDE Chess rules for these.
B-Class Chess (Basic/Base/Beginner)
These rules are the core to IAGO Chess (the game). These rules provide an introduction to the C and M-Classes of Chess (IAGO specific or in general). These rules serve as a foundation, and a way to acclimate people to the fullness of chess in IAGO, in all classes.
In order for rules to be B-Class, they need to comply with one rule. This rule states that the equipment used to play the game must match to the rules provided. There must be no condition in which players playing a game run into a situation where they are unable to have the necessary equipment to play game. An example of a violation of this rule in A-Class chess, is the case involving pawn promotion. A-Class chess sets provide individuals 16 pieces a side. In the event that someone would want to promote a pawn to a second queen, or a third knight, the pieces provided are insufficient to meet this ability laid out by the rules. In order to be B-Class compliant, the equipment for the game must provide sufficient amount pieces to meet these requirements. This could be done by either officially declaring a flipped over chess rooks as a new special piece type (allowing for a maximum of 3 queens in a game simultaneously for a player in a game), or by limiting the pieces a pawn may promote to, to be whatever was captured during the game. In no circumstance may a player be required to make undocumented ad-hoc pieces in order to play. This rule is justified in cases where there is more than one queen-level power piece on because there is enough queen level pieces in game, and a promotion should be used exclusively to bring pieces lost back in the game. It also saves players from needing to create impromptu equipment during play.
These rules below, as constructed represent the current form of B-Class IAGO Chess (the game). Variants of these rules is permitted (as they are of the C and M-Class rules), provided the above rule for regarding pieces and equipment matching is followed. The game rules below are also provide as a way of integrating the Capablanca, and other alternative pieces into a wide range of chess variants.
Note: [Mutable] means rule may be changed by other rules. Mutable used to describe what may be changed, and suggests in what ways, in order to have the changes still be B-Class compliant.
The rules to B-Class IAGO Chess (the Game):
These rules follow standard A-Class Chess except for the changes below. In addition two new pieces are added, and in reserve (aka, pocket). These pieces are the Marshall (moves like a Rook and Knight) and Cardinal (moves like a Bishop and Knight). These pieces, one Marshall and one Cardinal, start off the board (in reserve/pocket). The other changes to standard chess rules are as follows:
1. Repeating what was stated above. Queen starts on the queen space. The Marshall and Cardinals are in reserve (pocket) to either be brought in via promotion or gated in. [Mutable to which pieces are in reserve, how and if they are brought in, and by what method]
2. New pieces introduced into a game, such as the Marshall and Cardinal, enter the game by two methods [Mutable to either one or none]. Only one piece entering game per turn by these methods [Mutable to more than one]. The methods uses:
(a) Gating: These pieces may enter the game via gating (piece in reserve comes in and takes start space of piece that started in back row, as that piece vacates its start space).
(b) Drop: The pieces are dropped (placed) a vacant space in the back row of where their pieces start. This is a distinct move that takes an entire turn and doesn't involve any other pieces. [Mutable to a different definition, or multiple definitions, or to not be included]
Note: During a game, AT MOST, there is allows as many drops or gatings per game as pieces in reserve at the start of the game (in). Only one piece may enter a game per turn by means of gating or a drop. [Mutable to quantity that may be brought in during a turn]
3. A pawn can only promote to either a piece that has been capture, or still in the pocket (reserve). Once a piece is capture, it may not be gated back in. [Mutable in how how reserves relate to captured pieces]
4. Gating is a distinct move type. Gating may not be combined with another move type, such as castling. [Mutable in whether it may be combined]
C-Class Chess (Classic/Standard. These rules amend or add to the B-Class rules)
The basic rules here for a classic way to play in fullness is here. This is the full foundation of play and acceptable as a stable game to play in its own right. These rules build upon B-Class IAGO Chess (the game).
1. You start with the queen space empty and have a queen, chancellor and archbishop in reserve (pocket). Players start the game by putting one of these three on the board. (This replaces rule 1 in B-Class)
M-Class Chess (Modern/Evolving. These rules amend, or add to, the C-Class IAGO Chess game rules)
A. Start an Amazon (Queen+Knight, also know as an Amazon) on the queen start space. Have Queen, Marshall, Cardinal in reserve. A maximum of 3 drops/gatings are permitted per game by a player. A variant on this would be you pick two of the three in reserve. These rules may build upon, or possibly modify, Standard IAGO Chess.
B. Allow the players to put the Amazon in reserve, and put another piece on the queen space. C. Players decide which mix of queen, chancellor and archbishop they wish to use. They may have three of one type, like 3 queens, if they prefer. When played with Amazon, all three of these pieces would be in reserve, with the Amazon on the queen space, or players may choose to use the (B.) option.
D. A player can win the game if they happen to bare the king (make the king the only piece an opponent has). This is a win by attrition. If an opponent has only their king on the board, at the start of their turn, they lose the by attrition, even if they have pieces left in reserve.
E. A stalemate is a loss for the player who was stalemated, unless a draw is not scored the same for both sides. If one side has draw advantage, then a stalemate would count as a draw.
F. The performance of a gating or drop move may not be permitted if the king is in check, or if any time during a gating move, the king would be put in check. This rule is patterned after how castling works.
G. Weakening of the Queen, Marshall, Cardinal and Amazon.
- Use the B-Class or C-Class rules for customizing pieces. Have it so that these pieces won't return to the game. Once one of the power pieces (queen, empress, chancellor, archbishop) is captured, it can't return to the game.
- To limit amount of firepower on the board (Only one power piece at a time): Allow a player to only have one their queen, chancellor or archbishop pieces (not one of each, one total) can only be on the board at a time (these pieces, and the Amazon, are power pieces). Only time one can gate in or dropped is when one has been captured. In keeping with chess, pawn promotion can be used to bring in another one of these pieces onto the board.
- To limit the piece density on a board: The most amount of pieces a player can have on the board at any one time is 16. By this rule, a player can only gate in or drop a reserve piece once they had one of their pieces captured.
- To follow standard chess as much as possible, and reduce the piece density and firepower on the board: Follow customizable set up (one power piece in queen space at start), but get rid of gating and drop. Only way to get the remaining pieces on the board is by pawn promotion. Getting rid of drop and gating makes for a much more static opening.
V-Class Chess (Variant/Fantasy. These rules amend, or add to, the M-Class rules)
These rules fit a range of officially recognized variants to IAGO Chess. In here are also accepted mutator rules. Quick way of stating this, is that things found in the extreme version are here. Here are some examples:
A. Players at start agree to which additional rules they will use by whatever methods they decide. These rules are allowed to change the mutable basic rules, but must not violate the criterion for non-mutable rules.
B: Potential variant rules and versions:
* Customizable power pieces: Playing with a different piece mix, randomized pieces, using drop setup, and different boards fit here.
* Variable board layouts (Slower-start). Types of starting configurations involved method above, but also tribute paid to other versions out there. Only ONE power piece (Queen, Cardinal, Marshall, Amazon) is permitted to start game at time, as a normal convention. The methods of starting configuration can be as follows: Standard (just like normal chess), Random Mirror (pieces are randomly distributed and mirror each other in back rank), Random (both sides randomly distribute and they don't mirror), 960 (as per the rules to Chess960/Fischer Random Chess), Customizable (players place where they want their pieces to start at beginning of game). In cases where there is more than just the back rank configured, then the gating and drop spaces in the game covers more spaces than just the back row.
* Variable board layout (Rapid-start): This version is inspired by Chess 2000 and Chess960 (regarding variability starting configurations). Players have the option to insert the chancellor, archbishop and queen into the queen spot, and the other two can go on any other space, provided that the piece being replaced has at least one of the move types found in the piece it is replacing. The pieces in reserve would be minor pieces. See other rules to see how these new reserve pieces would be handled. In this version it is possible, if the queen or chancellor replace a rook, for the king to castle with a queen or chancellor piece, the same way it would with a rook. Players must decide, at start of game, whether or not players are allowed to have more than one bishop on the same square type (aka, two white square bishops or two black square bishops). This variant can work with the variants listed in the variable board layouts Slower-start variant.
* Shogi style promotion (All pieces promote): For those who don't like idea of gating, and would rather go with a promotion method of pieces, this is possible. Replace drop and gating with the idea of when a piece enters into the back row of the opponent, it promotes to a piece that contains at least one of the move types. A knight can promote to a chancellor or archbishop, a rook to a queen or chancellor, a bishop to a queen or archbishop, and a queen to an empress (if playing with the empress piece). Keep in mind that the pieces on the board are limited by the piece mix available to player (see the immutable law in the B-Class). This version is for those who want play more traditional, and not increase the piece density. The downside to this variant is that it still leaves the opening book fixed, as it positions are fixed. This is a modification of a suggestion made by Graeme Neatham on the chess variant site as an alternative to gating and drops, to get new pieces on the board.
* Poor man's (Playing IAGO Chess with only a standard chess set): This variant only adds one of the two new piece types. A flipped over rook represents it. Players declare whether or not their flipped over rook is a queen, chancellor, archbishop or Amazon (if they want to play this way). They don't have any of these pieces in reserve when they start the game. Whenever a rook is captured, it can be flipped over (upside down) and put into the reserve as one of the declared piece at the start of the game. The pieces would then enter as normal. This version of the game is only used in event players can't acquire pieces to play standard IAGO Chess. This version means that a flipped rook only can be used for the piece the player declared, and not just a queen. In this variant, the player could end up with two flipped rook pieces in reserve, but they both the same type. This variant could be combined with the weakened power pieces rules, such that they only enter the board via promotion of a piece, or one where only one of one type may be on the board.
X-Class IAGO Chess (Extreme/Experimental/Revolutionary. These rules amend, or add to, the V-Class rules)
These set of rules involve handling the extreme version of rules, and guidelines for assisting in the development of new variants.
A. Players at start agree to which additional rules they will use by whatever methods they decide. These rules are allowed to change the mutable basic rules, but must not violate the criterion for non-mutable rules.
B. Playing with a different piece mix, randomized pieces, using drop setup, and different boards fit here.
C. Types of starting configurations involved method above, but also tribute paid to other versions out there. Only ONE power piece (Queen, Cardinal, Marshall, Amazon) is permitted to start game at time, as a normal convention. The methods of starting configuration can be as follows: Standard (just like normal chess), Random Mirror (pieces are randomly distributed and mirror each other in back rank), Random (both sides randomly distribute and they don't mirror), 960 (as per the rules to Chess960/Fischer Random Chess), Customizable (players place where they want their pieces to start at beginning of game). In cases where there is more than just the back rank configured, then the gating and drop spaces in the game can be beyond just the back row.
D. Other pieces besides the queen, archbishop, chancellor, empress (Power pieces) can be used in addition to, or replacing, the power pieces.
1. Time control and point structure for tournament play. This should be done to encourage spectators and cause draws to still advance the outcome of a multi-game match. I would go with a version of a Bronstein clock that gives an opponent a point if the player takes longer than the max amount time to make a move. Also a player can lose the game if they don't make a move after so many of these delays, unless they call time out. In event game ends as a draw, the player with the most points with the draw. For points scoring in an IAGO Chess match, draw advantage is given to the person who has the most points, scoring them half a point. A full point is given for a win. In the case the bare king rule is used, then a checkmate win is worth 2 points, and a bared king win is worth one point.
2. Standards in names of pieces and appearance for IAGO Chess pieces.
Some ideas for for Impromptu (Poor man's) pieces:
- Marshall: An upside down rook. or A six side die. Any black and white rectangle or cube, square shapes.
- Cardinal: An upside down rook with pawn in it. Black and white pyramids (like Icehouse pieces). Any unique duplicate pieces. Any black and white triangle shapes.
- Amazon (Empress): A checker (or black and white round disk). Any circular shape shapes.
3. Notation for drop and gate moves. Propose, use & or @ symbols:
Gating: Bc1-e3&M (This means Bishop moves from c1 to e3 and gates in a Marshall at c1)
Drop: &Ce1 (This means Cardinal is dropped at e1)
Replace & with @ if preferred. Seirawan chess uses a /. Players may choose to use this if they prefer. Another option would be ^
These are the terms and conditions regarding usage of the IAGO Chess System rules. It is meant to be flexible for people, and seeks to be a useful resource. It is also meant to grow and sustain chess as a game, and coordinate efforts, instead of fragmenting it. To accomplish these ends, these terms and conditions apply. These terms, and this document are NOT meant to excessively restrictive. Reasons for the written communications is to have individuals who use it get in touch with IAGO, in order to build community. This should also be seen as something you can modify, if IAGO is properly credited. PLEASE add any findings to the discussion so that this can be shaped and molded into a better foundation. Lastly, this framework should represent, to a large degree, the “inner plumbing of IAGO” instead of something that is being forced on the world. The object here is to have this as a way to produce consensus, not as a means of restriction, and if this needs to be reworded, please state you wish it were, and how.
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