Check out Atomic Chess, our featured variant for November, 2024.

Since Java is no longer supported in most browsers, our Java applets probably will not run unless you install an extension that will run them. We recommend installing the CheerpJ Applet Runner extension on Edge, Chrome, or another Chromium browser. If your browser still does support Java, and you're not using this extension, make sure this site is listed in your Java exceptions list. You should find this in the Security tab of your Java control panel.

Cheapo Chess

If you had a Java-capable browser, you could play Cheapo Chess here.
No save/back keys for this applet yet.

Evan Lipkis MD taught me this when we were in medical school. Once during a game of Cheapo, you can move a piece twice. Hit "Cheapo" before designating the piece you will move. The first of the two moves may not give check or promote a pawn, but it may carry a king to safety over a square that is under attack. If available, the cheapo move must be used to avoid being stalemated.

Thanks to Alex Gustafson for help with the debugging.

Chess Variants