How to play
Bear Chess

A Russian 10x10 variant featuring an additional leaping piece - the Bear!

Bear Chess was created in the 80s and went on to be popular in Central Russia during this period. The game features an additional piece, the Bear, from which the variant takes its name.The Bear Chess

Moves of the Pieces

Pawns can advance up to three squares on their first movement.

Bear
Bear

Moves as a Knight, plus as a Bishop or Rook for 2 squares only.

Study The Bear's legal moves are demonstrated on this practice board.The Bear's legal moves are demonstrated on this practice board.
Board is interactive - move a piece

Pawn Promotion

Pawns can also promote to a Bear.

Study Pawns promote as normal but also can promote to the Bear.Pawns promote as normal but also can promote to the Bear.
Board is interactive - move a piece

Castling

The King moves 3 squares for queenside castling, and 2 squares for kingside.

Study Castling queenside and kingside in Bear ChessCastling queenside and kingside in Bear Chess
Board is interactive - move a piece
In Bear Chess
Study En Passant captures are valid on both squares during a move 3 square advance.En Passant captures are valid on both squares during a move 3 square advance.
Board is interactive - move a piece
Check and Checkmate rules remain the same as Standard ChessStalemate conditions remain the same as Standard ChessDraw conditions remain the same as Standard ChessWinning conditions remain the same as Standard Chess

Attribution

  • Mikhail Sosnovsky

to play this chess variant.