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Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set for 2 players

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Enter an intergalactic chess expedition with the Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set.
An iconic Tridimensional Chess Set, as seen in the classic TV series Star Trek.
With three main playing boards and four moveable "attack boards", this unique chess set measures 13 inches tall!
Featuring translucent acrylic game boards and 32 die cast pieces. Die cast chess pieces measure approximately 1.5 inches tall.
Authentic recreation from the classic TV series. Ages 14+

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Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the quality, ease of use, and value of the chess set. They mention that it's well made, easy to set up, and easy to learn gameplay. Customers appreciate the appearance, and material. However, some customers differ on size.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers like the quality of the chess set. They say it's well-made, sturdy, and has die-cast metal pieces that are nicely painted. They also appreciate the weight and sturdiness of the boards. Overall, customers say it’s a great set that doesn’t disappoint.

"...I liked the weight and sturdiness of the chess boards themselves. The attack boards fit snugly into their slots...." Read more

"...This set is sturdy (within reason) and several friends have gawked adoringly at it because it looks amazing...." Read more

"...It was easily set up. A full chess board with a small footprint." Read more

"...The first delivered set had the upper deck badly cracked at the mounting point . The second delivery had a similar problem...." Read more

Customers are satisfied with the appearance of the chess set. They mention that it is pretty, exquisite, and a nice display piece. They also appreciate the cast metal pieces that are nicely painted black and white. Overall, customers find the set to be absolutely unique and fabulous.

"...and several friends have gawked adoringly at it because it looks amazing . The pieces and frame are solid as described, not plastic...." Read more

" Nice looking , full size, playable (you can get the rule book on the Internet), cool conversation piece for Star Trek fans." Read more

"I am over the moon to have a really functional, attractive tridimensional chess set ...." Read more

"Exactly as depicted - absolutely unique & now everyone wants to learn to play Chess" Read more

Customers find the item stand easy to use. They mention it's easy to set up, learn gameplay, and affix the battle boards. They also appreciate the good instructions.

"...This set also comes with good instructions ...." Read more

"...He took it home and set it up that day and loves it. It was easily set up . A full chess board with a small footprint." Read more

"...The board arrived well packed in styrofoam. Battle boards were easy to affix ...." Read more

"...I got it for a gift for my husband and it’s perfect!! Easy to use and the color is red not pink. It looks like pink in the picture but it’s red!" Read more

Customers say the item stand is a perfect gift. They also appreciate the beautifully packaged and weighted pieces.

"...love Trek, Then you know this is a nice display piece and an excellent gift for any fan as well...." Read more

" Great for gifts ! I got it for a gift for my husband and it’s perfect!! Easy to use and the color is red not pink...." Read more

"...Easy to learn gameplay if you already play chess. Makes a perfect gift . Overall quality is way better than I expected." Read more

"...It comes beautifully packaged and the pieces are weighted perfectly" Read more

Customers find the item stand well worth the money, affordable, and fun. They also say it provides better quality for the price than expected.

"...My advice: it's well worth the money . "Risk, risk is our business. It's what this [board] was made for. That's why we're [going to play] her."..." Read more

"...look-alike from the original series 66 to 1969 I think this is well worth the money I'm highly satisfied with it it came on time when it was..." Read more

" Far better quality for the price than I expected. I am in no way disappointed!" Read more

"...tile fan than pinkish red but is still the same game and fun, plus affordable ." Read more

Customers like the material of the stand. For example, they mention the pieces are metal and have a good weight to them. The main board is one piece of metal with thick acrylic boards.

"...The pieces and frame are solid as described, not plastic ...." Read more

"...The stand is metal and the boards are a nice thickness plexiglass. The pieces are also metal and have a good weight to them...." Read more

"...The pieces are weighted really nicely and the main board is one piece of metal with thick acrylic boards, and no visible aberrations...." Read more

Customers find the item stand to be a lot of fun, sturdy, and a cool conversation piece for Star Trek fans.

"...It's really a lot of fun , both to learn and to play.My advice: it's well worth the money. "Risk, risk is our business...." Read more

"Nice looking, full size, playable (you can get the rule book on the Internet), cool conversation piece for Star Trek fans." Read more

"More of a blue tile fan than pinkish red but is still the same game and fun , plus affordable." Read more

Customers have mixed opinions about the size of the item stand. Some find the board has a smaller footprint, and it fits in most settings. However, others say that it's a bit small and flimsy, with tiny pieces that fall off the tray. Some customers also mention that it is not as tall as the original.

"...My only complaint is that this is on the small side - getting my large hands into the space between the boards and attack boards is annoying...." Read more

"...but in my opinion that makes the game more playable as the board has a smaller footprint , fits in most settings, and doesn't take up as much table..." Read more

"...My only complaint is that it is a bit small and flimsy. The pieces are tiny and they fall off the tray when I bump into the table far too easily...." Read more

"...It was easily set up. A full chess board with a small footprint ." Read more

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3D chess from Star Trek

According to the the World Tri Dimensional Chess Federation's rules , the starting positions illustrated here are quite correct. As they were originally created by a military fighter pilot, to help teach aerial combat tactics, in a three dimensional space, aren't they more pertinent to the original idea of 3D chess in Star Trek?

Franz Joseph admitted he wasn't really a chess player, so the Bartmess starting positions lack any real integrity.

I'd be interested in anyone else's thoughts on this.

Thanks for the information. I looked through the scenes in these two episodes, and I found the Gothic set in "The Naked Time," but I could not find any scene with 3D Chess in "Day of the Dove." Curiously, both episodes had Sulu wielding a sword.

Hi There! Ganine's Gothic chess pieces were indeed used on the original series. You can see them in The Naked Time, and Day of the Dove. I believe there may be other instances. I can tell you that Star Trek Continues would never have use Chess pieces that were not authentic. Loved your article. - Doug Drexler

Just a small update on the post by Jaymes. Taking the picture shown in the article for the starting position, the left hand side is the Queens side and the right hand side is the Kings side. The Kings and Queens should be on the movable levels next to the Rooks (or Castles). The back rank on the top and bottom levels should have the Knights at each side with the two Bishops on the centre ranks. At least, this is the setup shown in the pamphlet I got with my official Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set almost 30 years ago.

Star Trek's Tri-Dimensional Chess, Explained

No Star Trek redshirts were harmed in the making of this chess variant – well, maybe a pawn or two.

In the vast reaches of space, where no board game has gone before, there exists a chess variant that challenges even the most logical minds. Enter Tri-Dimensional Chess, or as Captain Kirk might say, "Chess with a side of warp speed."

Hailing from the original Star Trek series, Tri-Dimensional Chess has become a hallmark of intergalactic leisure for the crew of the USS Enterprise. Picture Kirk and Spock engaging in a battle of wits, the fate of the galaxy hanging in the balance — well, maybe just the fate of bragging rights on the starship.

Star Trek: The Picard Maneuver, Explained

Quick facts.

Tri-Dimensional Chess is a chess variant featured in Star Trek , starting with the original series (TOS).
The original prop was crafted by combining elements from 3D Checkers, 3D Tic-Tac-Toe, and the Classic chess set.
Captain Kirk's "inspired" and sometimes illogical approach to the game proved surprisingly effective.
Deanna Troi in The Next Generation emphasized intuition as a crucial element in Tri-Dimensional Chess.
The game's spatial hierarchy and multiple levels add a futuristic twist to traditional chess strategy.
Movement involves pieces traversing up or down any number of levels during a turn.
Tri-Dimensional Chess is often referenced metaphorically in real-life contexts, describing a higher-order understanding of complex systems .
Raumschach, invented in 1907, stands as one of the oldest and classic 3D chess variants.
Beyond Star Trek , multi-dimensional chess games appear in various fictional works.
The game's influence extends beyond fiction, with real-life variations exploring three-dimensional and higher-dimensional chess.

Beam Me Up, Chessboard!

Tri-Dimensional Chess, or 3D Chess, made its debut in Star Trek 's original series, becoming a recurring visual feast for Trekkies throughout the franchise. The game's origins are as eclectic as the crew of the Enterprise itself. The original prop, a visual spectacle that rivaled the warp-speed excitement of the Enterprise itself, was a concoction of 3D Checkers, Tic-Tac-Toe, and a futuristic Classic chess set — all sprinkled with a dash of space-age flair. If only the chess sets at our grandmothers' houses had looked this cool!

Captain Kirk's affinity for this variant was apparent, proclaiming in the "Charlie X" episode that he'd "prefer to call it inspired" when Spock raised an eyebrow at his unorthodox moves. Spock, the epitome of logic, noted that Kirk's "illogical approach to chess does have its advantages on occasion." Who knew the final frontier involved strategic moves and witty banter on the chessboard?

In The Next Generation , Counselor Deanna Troi added a layer of mystique:

[3D] chess isn't just a game of ploys and gambits. It's a game of intuition.

The three-dimensional chessboard itself featured multiple levels, each with platforms resembling floating islands, interconnected by "half-levels." Traditional chess pieces could ascend or descend across these levels during a move.

Spock, ever the voice of reason , revealed that the principles of Tri-Dimensional Chess were "basically mathematic." The setup mirrored the chessboard hierarchy, with black pieces predominantly on the secondary level and white pieces on the tertiary level. It's like playing chess in zero gravity — just with more style.

The Extra-Galactic Influence

Tri-Dimensional Chess didn't confine itself to the Star Trek universe. In real life, the term "three-dimensional chess" has transcended the checkered board, symbolizing a metaphorical struggle within complex systems. Describing someone as "playing three-dimensional chess" implies a level of strategic mastery beyond the understanding of mere mortals playing regular chess — a compliment that even Kirk would appreciate.

But Star Trek wasn't the only, or indeed the first, frontier for this variant. The late 19th century birthed three-dimensional chess variants, with Raumschach ("Space chess") leading the charge in 1907. David Pritchard's chess encyclopedia delves into over 50 such variations, extending the game into the cosmos. It's a ballet of bishops and knights , all vying for victory in the expanse of three-dimensional space.

Tri-Dimensional Chess isn't just a phenomenon within the Star Trek universe. It has transcended into other realms of fiction, popping up in various futuristic and sci-fi settings. Doctor Who , the Legion of Super-Heroes , The Lego Movie , and even The Big Bang Theory have all embraced the multi-dimensional allure of this chess variant. It seems the fascination with chess that transcends the traditional 64 squares knows no bounds.

Checkmate: The Final Frontier

Tri-Dimensional Chess is not just a game. It's a representation of intuition, strategy, and a touch of Kirk's inspired chaos . As Trekkies navigate our own three-dimensional landscapes — whether in relationships, politics, or interstellar travel — perhaps fans can take a cue from Kirk, Spock, and the crew of the USS Enterprise. After all, in the chessboard of life, we're all just pawns waiting for our chance to boldly make a move.

Tri-Dimensional Chess represents the boundless imagination of Star Trek , proving that even in the vastness of space, the allure of a checkmate is universal. In the game of Tri-Dimensional Chess, the final frontier is only a move away. Engage!

For fans of tridimensional chess who want their own set to play, The Noble Collection has released a new version of tridimensional chess that is quite accurate to the design featured in The Original Series.

The Noble Collection’s tridimensional chess set is not the first set that has been available to fans, of course; The Franklin Mint released two editions of the game in the 1990s (a TOS edition in 1993 and a Next Generation version in 1995). While these sets were highly sought after by fans — the TOS version even got a 50th anniversery re-issue in 2016 — neither of The Franklin Mint’s releases came close to matching the look of the on-screen editions.

New for 2021, The Noble Collection has gone back to the 1960s for their new edition, closely replicating the version of tridimensional chess seen in “Charlie X,” right down to the red-and-clear color scheme — the TFM versions had blue boards — and black-and-white retro-styled game pieces.

This is an impressive set that will be appealing to fans both to play with — and for those of you just looking for a neat Star Trek display piece. The set features three main playing boards at three different heights, as well as moveable “attack boards” that feature one of the biggest innovation of chess’s three dimensional counterpart.

If you have a piece on one of the attack boards, you can move it a nearby peg and relocate your piece around the game board — making every move a chance to physically restructure the shape of the playing field.

When tridimensional chess was included in Star Trek for the first time, it did not have a set of rules attached to it, throughout the franchise, characters have moved game pieces around the boards in all sorts of different ways.

In reality, artist Franz Joseph — best known for his classic blueprints of the original Enterprise and the Star Fleet Technical Manual — actually developed rules for the game, and helpfully they’re included in this set.

The instructions explain how tridimensional chess functions, and the guidesheet can be used as a handy cheat sheet mid-game with any Vulcan science officers. The thoughtful inclusion of the instructions ensures that the game can be played as well as displayed, adding value to the set overall.

The set itself is an impressive size – the game board measures approximately 13 inches tall, and will display extremely well as a centerpiece for any Star Trek collection. The game boards themselves are acrylic, but appear sturdy and not liable to break easily.

The game pieces are presented in an impressive black padded case. Each of the 32 game pieces have a nice heft to them and the case will ensure they remain safe between uses. The game pieces are impressive just on their own, and have a cool 1960’s aesthetic to them that is sure to appeal to any fan of the Original Series.

At $145, the Noble Collection’s tridimensional chess set is not a small investment. However, it’s a great set that closely matches the set as it appears in the Original Series and should appeal to fans of classic Trek , budding tridimensional chess players, and prop replica collectors alike.

And next time you have board game night, who is ever going to expect you to whip out a game of 3D chess? If you’re up for the challenge, you can get your own set at The Noble Collection’s website.

Star Trek: The Original Series
The Noble Collection
Tridimensional Chess

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Unboxing/Review: The Noble Collection Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set Is Fun For Display And Play

| February 16, 2021 | By: Neil Shurley 4 comments so far

Star Trek baked the Tridimensional chess set into its very fabric. We’re introduced to it in practically the opening shot of the second pilot, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” Now there is a new replica from Noble Collection that you can play as a game too. We have a review and full unboxing video below.

“Queen to Queen’s Level Three”

“You play a very irritating game of chess, Mr. Spock,” Captain Kirk says before irritating his first officer with an unexpected move.

After the second pilot, Tridimensional chess went on to play pivotal roles in TOS episodes like “Charlie X” and “Whom Gods Destroy.” The game went on to appear in numerous episodes of The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine , as well as Discovery and Picard . Let’s face it – even the general public would recognize a tridimensional chess set as THE futuristic game from Star Trek (sorry, Parrises Squares).

The first appearance of Tridimensional chess, in the TOS episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before”

The replica

The Noble Collection recently released a beautiful new replica , which includes 32 die-cast pieces that measure approximately 1.5 inches tall. The set itself measures approximately 13 inches tall – which is about half as tall as the one seen in TOS – and features translucent acrylic game boards. At the same time, once you get it out of the packaging, you’re committed. This isn’t like your standard chess set, which you can fold back up into a box and store in a cupboard. The base is one big piece meant for display. And, really, if you are buying this, you are going to want to keep it out. It’s simply gorgeous.

Set up is pretty easy. The bulk of the board comes already attached to the curved metal base. The four Attack Boards come out of the box separately and then easily slot into place – or places, since they’re meant to move during the game. The half-dome baseplate features a nice Starfleet emblem, and it has a felt bottom, so it won’t scratch up your display case.

The individual chess pieces, too, have a soft underside which, combined with their solid, weighty feel, make for satisfying movement across the boards. In design, they look just like the ones featured in “Charlie X” – attractive, minimalist, retro-future.

All in all the Noble Tridimensional Chess Set is a quality replica that looks screen-accurate and also displays well.

But this is not just a display piece, it is also a game. The Noble Tridimensional Chess Set comes with an instruction sheet that details the moves each piece can make. However, it doesn’t go into a lot of detail, especially about the attack boards. I did find this video helpful in getting a general feel for how to play. My son and I found ourselves continually reorienting as we played, standing up so that we could get a bird’s eye view. This helped keep us aware of how the board would look from a more conventional frame of reference. One drawback for this set is that the bishops are essentially identical to the pawns, only slightly taller, so it’s easy to get them confused the first couple of times you use them in gameplay.

After a few games, I’m sure the multilevel play will start to feel a little more natural to navigate. It certainly makes for a great way to surprise an opponent whose pattern indicates two-dimensional thinking. (Sorry I don’t have a photo of my son’s reaction when my bishop slid up two levels to take out his queen.)

Our next step will be to read the “tournament rules so we can get a better handle on utilizing the attack boards and I can then neutralize my opponent and, in so doing, show my son that I AM THE SUPERIOR INTELLECT… Sorry, got carried away there.

Unboxing Tridimensional chess

The following video gives you a closer look at the set, including the pretty large package it will arrive in.

Bottom line

The Noble Collection Tridimensional Chess Set is nice to look at and to feel, and it’s fully functional. Even in a home that doesn’t have a lot of Trek items on display, this would make a great conversation piece – and a thought-provoking pastime.

The board is yours, Reader.

The Noble Collection Tridimensional Chess Set is available now at Amazon for $145 and directly from noblecollection.com .

Find more Star Trek product news and reviews here at TrekMovie.com .

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Looks like a redress of the Franklin Mint set. I have that set and enjoy it quite a bit, although a drawback is that it’s about half the size of the on screen prop, so game play can feel a bit cramped. Still fun though!

I think this is like the old set that the Bradford Exchange offered so many years ago and that is the set I have. Different board colors (clear & blue) and more traditional chess men shapes with a silver/gold finish. While I am a passible normal chess player, I read the rules for TriChess many times and I still don’t get it exactly. I guess I have what Spock refers to as ” two dimensional thinking”. So I have that going for me!

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Star Trek 3D chess and more out-of-this-world ways to celebrate International Chess Day

July 20 is International Chess Day (also called World Chess Day by the United Nations). In honor of the holiday, the folks at The Noble Collection asked me if I wanted to review the Star Trek chess set . Sometimes my job is really cool.

In the accompanying video, you can see the entire chess set in action. It's actually a lot nicer than I expected. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I guess I figured it would be some kid's toy. It's not. It has much more of a collectable quality. Watch the video. You'll see.

More to the point, though, I got to thinking about what July 20th really means to me. On July 20th in 1969, human beings stepped out onto the moon's surface for the first time. I was a little boy way back then, watching on an old black and white Zenith TV.

I've often wondered how Michael Collins felt. He stayed in the command module, orbiting the moon, while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin went down to the surface. On the one hand, he was a critical part of the crew of Apollo 11. On the other hand, he got so close but never made it onto the moon's surface.

While I was putting the video together, I thought a lot about the relationship between the original Star Trek series and the real-world space program.

The first episode of Star Trek aired on Sept. 8, 1966. Gene Roddenberry had actually started writing his treatment (basically, a concept document) for Star Trek on March 11, 1964. Think about that date.

The last crewed Mercury flight (which launched just one astronaut into space at a time) launched on May 15, 1963, with Gordon Cooper in the cockpit. Cooper was an aeronautical engineer and an Air Force test pilot. He was also the youngest of the Mercury astronauts.

Roddenberry penned the basic concepts for Star Trek after Mercury but before Gemini (the missions with two astronauts in the cockpit). The Enterprise was originally called the Yorktown in his treatment. The original pilot, "The Cage", was filmed in 1964 as well. That pilot didn't make it into production, but some of the characters we've now come to know and love in Star Trek Discovery were defined back then, including Captain Pike, Number One, and, of course, Mr Spock.

The original Star Trek series was picked up by Desilu Productions, at the time a leading independent TV production firm.

Fun fact : Desilu was named after its owners and founders, Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball. Yep, that Lucy and Desi. As the story goes, Lucy was actually the person who greenlit Star Trek, believing it would have life in this concept she had, called syndication. Back then, reruns and syndication weren't the juggernauts they became. Lucy not only enabled Star Trek but pioneered the entire concept of second-run TV shows.

As hard as it is to believe now, that first Star Trek show with Kirk, Spock, and McCoy wasn't a huge success. After ratings dropped, it was cancelled. The last episode aired on June 3, 1969 -- about a month and a half before Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon.

As I edited the video, my thoughts took me along two paths. The first, of course, was that all that went into the original series — ranging from Klingons to teleporters, from handheld communicators to automatic sliding doors -- preceded the very first moon landing. Contrary to popular legend , the communicator did not inspire the cell phone. Mobile phones were under development before that time. But it was still cool.

My other path of thinking was just how well some of the original plot devices in Star Trek TOS have held up over time. If you've watched the subsequent series, whether The Next Generation or Discovery , it's interesting to see just how much of the basic foundational mythos of Star Trek was put into practice in that original series.

Get your space, chess, and Trek binge on

Next, I want to loop in some space and chess-related TV recommendations, in no particular order. The next season of the animated Star Trek series Lower Decks premieres in three weeks, on August 12.

I've been watching the Apple TV+ series For All Mankind . It's an alternate history version of the space program where Armstrong and Aldrin landed after the Russians. I got Apple TV+ for free when I bought an inexpensive iPad , but I'd pay the $4.99 a month just to watch this series. It's tight and can be very suspenseful in places.

It also spotlights some of the unsung roles women played in America's early space program, including the Mercury 13. Most people don't know that 13 exceptional female pilots were trained to be astronauts along with the men for that mission. A character in the show, Molly Cobb, is based largely on Jerrie Cobb , a truly amazing woman who never made it into space but was nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize for her very dangerous work flying supplies to indigenous tribes in South America.

Be forewarned, For All Mankind is kind of like Game of Thrones in space, where bad things always happen. For All Mankind gets very, very dark. But it's still a very cool series.

Let's loop back to chess. If you haven't watched The Queen's Gambit on Netflix, you're missing a great show. I avoided it for the longest time because the idea of a series around chess seemed like it might be pretty tedious, but some of my friends raved about it. So, my wife and I watched it together, and I must admit, it was riveting. Well worth your time.

And with that, I'll sign out for now. Have a happy International Chess Day/ Moon Landing Anniversary. If you've watched any of these shows or have any cool Star Trek props or stories, please feel free to share in the comments below.

And what about the 3D chess set I reviewed? Do you plan on getting one? What about giving one as a holiday gift? The comments are there for you to let us know.

You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to follow me on Twitter at @DavidGewirtz , on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz , on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz , and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV .

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Three-dimensional chess

the most popular 3-D board amongst inventors, and at the same time the most mentally indigestible for the players [...] Less demanding on spatial vision, and hence more practical, are those games confined to three 8x8 boards and games with boards smaller than 8x8.

Three-dimensional chess (or 3D chess ) refers to any of various chess variants that use multiple boards at different levels, allowing the chess pieces to move in three physical dimensions. Three-dimensional variants have existed since the late 19th century, one of the oldest being Raumschach (German for "Space chess"), invented in 1907 by Dr. Ferdinand Maack and considered the classic 3D game. Maack founded a Raumschach club in Hamburg in 1919, which remained active until World War II.

Chapter 25 of Pritchard's The Classified Encyclopedia of Chess Variants discusses games using boards with three or more dimensions and contains some 50 such variations. Chapter 11 covers variants using multiple boards normally set side by side: "Such games can also be considered as examples of three-dimensional chess" - Beasley.

The inventor contended that for chess to be more like modern warfare, attack should be possible not only from a two-dimensional plane but also from above (aerial) and below (underwater). Maack's original formulation was for an 8x8x8 board, but after experimenting with smaller boards eventually settled on 5x5x5 as best. Other obvious differences from standard chess include two additional pawns per player, and a special piece (two per player) named unicorn .

The Raumschach 3D board can be thought of as a cube sliced into five equal spaces across each of its three major coordinal planes. This sectioning yields a 5x5x5 (125-cube) gamespace. The cubes (usually represented by squares and often called cells ) alternate in color in all three dimensions.

The horizontal levels are denoted by capital letters A through E . Ranks and files of a level are denoted using algebraic notation. White starts on the A and B levels and Black starts on E and D . (So, the kings begin on cells Ac1 and Ec5 .)

White moves first. The game objective, as in standard chess, is checkmate . Rooks, bishops, and knights move as they do in chess in any given plane. A rook, for example, moves through the six faces of a cube in any rank, file, or column. A bishop moves through the twelve edges of a cube. A knight makes a (0,1,2) leap (the same effect as one step as a rook followed by one step as a bishop in the same outward direction) enabling it to control 24 different cells from the board's center. A unicorn moves in a manner special to a 3D space (i.e. triagonal movement) through the corners of a cube, any number of steps in a straight line. The queen combines the moves of a rook, bishop, and unicorn. The king moves the same as the queen but one step at a time. As in chess, a pawn moves and captures forward toward the promotion rank (rank E5 for White, rank A1 for Black). This includes moving one step directly upward (for White) or downward (for Black), and capturing one step diagonally upward (White) or diagonally downward (Black), through a front or side cube edge . In Raumschach there is no pawn initial two-step move, no capturing en passant , and no castling .

Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess

Probably the most familiar 3D chess variant to the general public is the game of Tri-Dimensional Chess (or Tri-D Chess ), which can be seen in many Star Trek TV episodes and movies, starting with the original series (TOS) and proceeding in updated forms throughout the subsequent movies and spinoff series. The game can be seen being played in the latest Star Trek videogame, as well as in the TV series The Big Bang Theory .

The original Star Trek prop was crafted using boards from 3D Checkers and 3D Tic-Tac-Toe sets available in stores at the time (games also seen in TOS episodes) and adding chess pieces from the futuristic-looking Classic chess set designed by Peter Ganine in 1961. The design retained the 64 squares of a traditional chessboard, but distributed them onto separate platforms in a hierarchy of spatial levels, suggesting to audiences how chess adapted to a future predominated by space travel. Rules for the game were never invented within the series - in fact, the boards are sometimes not even aligned consistently from one scene to the next within a single episode.

The Tri-D chessboard was further realized by its inclusion in the Star Trek Star Fleet Technical Manual by Franz Joseph, who created starting positions for the pieces and short, additional rules.

Rules development

The complete Standard Rules for the game were originally developed in 1976 by Andrew Bartmess (with encouragement from Joseph) and were subsequently expanded by him into a commercially available booklet. A free summary in English of the Standard Rules is contained on Charles Roth's website, including omissions and ambiguities regarding piece moves across the four Tri-D gameboard 2x2 attack boards .

A complete set of tournament rules for Tri-Dimensional Chess written by Jens Meder is available on his website. Meder's rules are based on FIDE's rules more than Andrew Bartmess' Standard Rules, with some deviations too. A repository of Tournament Rules games can be found on the website of Michael Klein.

In 2014 a new ruleset with a graphical notation system for recording and studying games was presented by C. D. Kahl on XenoCorp's Dynaverse Forums. The author's stated goal is to make the game more "chess-like" and use the third dimension as a real strategic part of the game rather than a novelty to gameplay. The project is currently looking for active playtesters to formulate strategies and record games for study.

Board details

Plans for constructing a Tri-D chessboard can be found on The Chess Variant Pages , as well as in Bartmess' Tri-D Chess Rules . Details for building a travel-size board are included on Meder's website.

There is software for playing Tri-D Chess. Parmen is a Windows application written by Doug Keenan and available free on his website. A free Android version of Tri D Chess is offered by AwfSoft.

Millennium 3D Chess

Read main article: Millennium 3D Chess

Millennium 3D Chess , created by William L. D'Agostino in 2001, employs three stacked 8x8 boards. The inventor describes his objective as "extending the traditional chess game into a multilevel environment without distorting the basic game."

In popular culture

On the TV show The Big Bang Theory , characters Leonard and Sheldon can be seen playing Tri-D chess in the beginning of Episode 11 in Season 1. Sheldon and Penny also play in The Hofstadter Insufficiency.
A three-dimensional chess variant may be seen in the Blake's 7 fourth season episode, "Games".
A 3D chess set is used as a recurring prop in the lounge of the SHADO Moonbase in the British TV series UFO .
Four-dimensional chess is played in Arkady and Boris Strugatsky's 1961 science fiction collection Noon: 22nd Century .
The game is parodied in episodes of Futurama .
In the computer game Unreal 2 , Aida, one of the main heroes, is called an international 3D chess-master. A board is present in her quarters, identical in appearance to a Star Trek board.
In the Recess episode "Big Brother Chad", Vince's big brother Chad beats himself in 3D chess.
In a 2013 Audi commercial, Leonard Nimoy and Zachary Quinto are seen playing 3D Chess on iPads.
Three Dimensional Chess is mentioned as being played by the Legion of Super-Heroes in Superboy and the Legion of Super-Heroes #236.
In part 3 of the Doctor Who serial "Frontier In Space," prisoners are seen playing 3D chess.

Alice Chess - two adjacent 8x8 boards
Cubic Chess - a 6x6x6 variant
Dragonchess - three stacked 8x12 boards, a fantasy variant
Flying Chess - two adjacent 8x8 boards
Parallel Worlds Chess - an 8x8x3 variant with two armies per player
Space Shogi - a 9x9x9 shogi variant

Use F2 or F3 for new 2D or 3D game. Left click target square to move, right click for player controls. Use arrow keys to adjust board view. Use 'H' in main window for complete list of commands

Three-dimensional chess entry at Memory Alpha

Three-dimensional chess entry at Wikipedia

3D art version of the chessboard at 3DSciFi

resource for Star Trek games (however don't download Parmen from there, old version)

Star Trek: The Next Generation Tridimensional Chess Set

View history

Basic game setup

Board, pieces and instructions

The Star Trek: The Next Generation Tridimensional Chess Set was an officially-licensed release from The Franklin Mint in 1995 . It is modeled on the 3-D chess games used in the Ten Forward lounge aboard the USS Enterprise -D as seen in Star Trek: The Next Generation .

Like its Star Trek: The Original Series -based counterpart , the TNG set is modeled to about half-scale of its on screen counterpart, features metal pieces plated in 24-karat gold or sterling silver, and has game board surfaces constructed of acrylic. The board's color scheme, however, is black and clear rather than the blue-and-clear scheme on the TOS set. In addition, the board's base is square rather than circular, and completely gold-plated (including the combadge insignias on both sides) save for the inset silver-toned TNG placard. Also, the game comes with six "attack boards" (which also sport gold-plated supports) instead of only the four in the TOS set, and the pieces are also of different, more utilitarian design than those of the older set. All these changes emulate the screen-used sets seen on the show (down to the Kings shaped like the robot from Lost In Space ).

Like the previous set, the TNG set was issued with an authenticity certificate, a storage case for the pieces, and a rulebook for playing the game. The last of these, like the TOS set, was presumably a duplicate of an updated fan-produced rulebook (which included rules for using the six attack boards) out for some time prior to the release of the set, but with no acknowledgment of the fact (nor of the original author).

External links [ ]

Rules of the game - Federation Standard v5
Rules of the game - The World Tri Dimensional Chess Federation
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Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set

Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set Authentic prop replica of the iconic Tridimensional Chess Set, as seen in the classic TV series Star Trek. Includes 32 die cast pieces that measure approximately 1.5 inches tall. Chess Set measures approximately 13 inches tall and features translucent acrylic game boards. NN1525 $145

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INTRODUCTION

Article 1: The nature and objectives of three-dimensional chess

TOURNAMENT RULES

E10. When a piece makes a capture, an x is inserted between (a) the first letter of the name of the piece in question and (b) the square of arrival. Examples: Bxd5N, Nxc6B, Rxd0KL1. When a pawn makes a capture, not only the square of arrival but also the file (and the level) of departure must be indicated, followed by an x. Examples: aWxb4W, cBxb6N, dWxe5KL5. In the case of an "en passant" capture, the square of arrival is given as the square on which the capturing pawn finally rests and "e.p." is appended to the notation.

Sample game:

Record of changes.

How to Play Star Trek Chess & What Are the Best Sets In the Market

Star Trek is a popular franchise that has spawned numerous spinoffs and sequels throughout the years. A lot of merchandising based on Star Trek has been made throughout the years, from Barbie and Ken dolls dressed as Starfleet officers to collectible figurines of the cast. After five years of existence and widespread fan support, Star Trek has spawned a wide variety of weird products. So, in this piece, we’ll go through the specifics of Star Trek chess boards and recommend some of the better options currently available. OK, let’s start.

What is Star Trek Chess Board?

The Star Trek Tri-dimensional chess set is the first step in your interstellar chess adventure. It is unique, contains all the pieces you’ll need, and is designed with logic in mind.

Luxurious materials were employed to create a replica of the set used in the Star Trek films. It’s eye-catching and one-of-a-kind, made up of transparent blue and white checkerboard acrylic boards resting on gold and silver bases. The Staunton design is updated for the future of the Star Trek chess sets, which are made from sterling silver and 24-carat gold. This 3D Star Trek set was made to commemorate the franchise’s 50th anniversary, and no expense was spared in doing so.

Star Trek chess is a futuristic take on the classic board game that is played in the Star Trek universe. The Star Trek 3D chess set comes with a collectible rule book that explains the game and how to play it. The initial impression is not as frightening as it seems.

Since no other chess set includes board pieces that move during the course of the game, playing with the Star Trek Chess Set is truly one-of-a-kind. It consists of three fixed “base” pieces and four mobile “attack” boards. The game’s strategy and mechanics are like chess, yet there are enough differences to keep things interesting.

What are the Shape, Structure, and Levels of the Star Trek Chess Board?

The Star Trek Chess Set stands at a height of roughly 13 inches. The die-cast components range in height from around 1.5 inches to 2 inches. They’re the right size for this set. They are the perfect size for the board without being too huge or too little. They are also the perfect weight, feeling substantial even on the highest attack boards, but not so hefty as to cause the board to topple. They have a reassuring weight and a sleek texture when picked up.

The board itself comprises a metal base emblazoned with a delta symbol, three prebuilt stationary boards, and four mobile “attack” boards. Each panel is constructed from sturdy acrylic. It’s recommended to use attack boards that are around 2.5″ x 2.5″ in size and stationary boards that are about 5″ x 5″ in size.

A Star Trek take on the traditional board game of chess. The board is three dimensions with four distinct play areas. There’s a central, middle, outer, and higher level. The board is in the shape of a hexagon with six equal sections. There are three levels in each part, with varying numbers of squares on each level.

As you progress away from the central hub, the number of squares on each level increases. The board’s arrangement of pieces might vary from section to section or stay constant throughout the game, depending on the difficulty level you’re playing at. All but the pieces in a player’s back row are free to travel in any direction. It has four distinct difficulty settings. The rules, game pieces, and board design are all different from one level to the next.

What are the Rules of a Star Trek Chess Game?

In the original Star Trek series, the game was merely a prop with no real-world equivalent. Star Trek chess is a popular parlor game, and its rules were eventually developed by a fan named Andrew Bartmess. To account for potential differences in strategy among Klingons, Cardassians, and Ferengi, he also created other variants of these laws. We anticipate that the Ferengi will engage in dishonest behavior.

On their turn, players can choose to either move a piece or a moveable level. Any moveable floors must be placed above or below any of the three main boards’ corners at all times. There will be one overhanging square and three that are somewhat overlapping the main board. Only an empty level or a level containing only the player’s pawns and no other pieces can be moved.

Standard procedures apply if the player decides to move a piece instead of an attack board. As a part of your relocation, you might be going up or down a floor. If you’re just starting, it may help to imagine the Star Trek chess board as flat, like in the illustration above. Expanded guidelines can be found in the rule book with your Star Trek 3D Chess Set. Following those guidelines will have you playing Star Trek chess like a pro in no time!

Best Star Trek Chess Boards

Star trek tridimensional chess set.

It’s a true three-dimensional chess game with the Star Trek Tridimensional Chess Set, which includes not one but three primary playing boards and four movable attack boards. This one-of-a-kind chess set is the perfect addition to any Star Trek fan’s collection, with its 13-inch height, 32 die-cast pieces, and translucent acrylic game boards. Despite not being official or rare, this chess set is rather inexpensive and widely available.

1. Star Trek tridimensional chess provides an intellectually stimulating challenge that requires the players to think carefully about their moves.

2. It helps playerThe game can also serve as an educational tool, helping players develop a better understanding of three-dimensional shapes, spatial relations, and the basic elements of chemistry.

3. The game encourages social interaction, as players must communicate and cooperate to achieve their goals.

4. It is an entertaining way to pass the time and can provide hours of fun for both experienced and inexperienced players alike.

Disadvantages

1. Difficult to learn – The game requires a great deal of strategy and is not easy to learn, especially for those unfamiliar with the rules.

2. Long Duration – The game can take a long time to complete, so it requires a significant amount of patience from all players.

3. Limited availability – Since the game is so specialized and isn’t widely available, finding it may be difficult or impossible in some locations.

4. Limited number of players – With only two players allowed at a time.

Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess Set, 1994 Original Limited Edition by the Franklin Mint

As part of the celebrations for the 50th anniversary of the original Star Trek TV series, the Franklin Mint published an official replica of the Star Trek Tridimensional chess set in 1994. The Star Trek 3-D Chess Set was only mass-produced in extremely small quantities. All 32 pieces are carefully cast and have a nice finish which is made either out of sterling silver or 24-carat gold.

This legendary 3-D chess set includes a COA, a photograph of two of the most iconic characters playing Tridimensional Chess: Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, and a beautiful, collectible booklet detailing the game’s origins, rules, and strategies. This 14″ tall masterpiece is a limited-edition masterpiece. Using color-etched acrylic pieces, this set includes three main playing boards and four moveable attack boards with dimensions of 4-1/4′′ square, and 2-1/8′′ square. This chessboard is genuine and collectible, but it is expensive.

The advantages of the Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess Set, 1994 Original Limited Edition by the Franklin Mint are:

1. Increased challenge: The game provides an increased level of challenge due to the 3-dimensional aspect of the game. This makes it a great way to practice problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

2. Collectible item: The Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess Set, 1994 Original Limited Edition by the Franklin Mint is a rare collectible item and can be a great addition to any fan’s collection.

3. Unique game-play experience: The three-dimensional playing surface and custom pieces add an extra layer of intrigue to traditional

1. Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess Set is quite expensive for casual chess players.

2. The game is fairly complex and requires a good understanding of chess strategy to play effectively, so it may not be suitable for all players.

3. The pieces and board are quite large, making it difficult to transport and store.

The Star Trek: The Next Generation Chess Game

Unlike the intricate and pricey Star Trek: The Next Generation Commemorative Chess Set by Franklin Mint, this chess set is composed of PVC pieces on a basic cardboard checkerboard. Moreover, the main protagonists on both sides are crew members from the USS Enterprise-D:

The primary differences between the two sets are the bases, the pawns, and the clothing. The “black” side (black bases in the style of the TNG Combadge) wears standard Starfleet uniforms (2366- the 2370s), and the Enterprise-D is used as a prop. The USS Enterprise-B serves as a piece in this Star Trek board game, and the “gold” side (represented by golden bases in the style of the TNG Combadge) features characters in “jumpsuit” uniforms (probably taken from Star Trek Generations) (also from Generations).

Reportedly, the game box’s design varied depending on where and by whom it was sold. Some had a generic chess board and the Enterprise-D, while others contained portraits of the whole TNG cast. This Star Trek-themed chess set is standard size and was designed using the Star Trek series as inspiration.

1. The Star Trek: The Next Generation Chess Game provides a challenging and engaging way to play the game of chess. Players can choose to play as either the Federation or the Klingons, with each side having its unique pieces and strategies.

2. The game is designed to be highly interactive, with an advanced computer AI that can adjust its play depending on the moves of the players.

3. It also features a two-player mode, allowing for exciting head-to-head matches between friends or family members.

1. The main disadvantage of this game is that it can be quite complex and difficult to learn if you are not already familiar with chess.

2. There is a limited variety of pieces, making it difficult to develop complex strategies.

3. The game can be repetitive and boring if it is played too often.

What Parameters Are Important Before Buying a Star Trek Chess Set?

Are you a Star Trek fan looking for the perfect chess set to display in your home or office? You may be wondering what parameters are important to consider before buying a Star Trek chess set. Before you buy a Star Trek chess set, there are several important factors to consider. Whether it is for yourself or as a gift, there are many different kinds of Star Trek chess sets that you can choose from.

It is important to understand the parameters needed to make an informed decision when selecting the right set. With the right knowledge, you will be able to find the perfect one that best suits your taste and budget. Today, we will discuss what parameters are most important before buying a Star Trek chess set, such as the type of quality, material, and price range.

If you’re serious about improving your chess game, you need a good board. The appropriate board is essential if you’re a serious player or just looking for a good time. You can’t go wrong with the Star Trek Chess Board if you’re shopping for a new one. Every game you play on this beautifully crafted board will be exciting and difficult. It also offers tools to assist you to keep track of your pieces, which will allow you to play with greater strategic depth and ultimately win.

The chessboard is crucial to the success of any chess game. Whether you’re just starting or are a seasoned pro, the appropriate chess board may make or break your performance. Chess Set with a Star Trek Theme! This chess set features artwork from the Star Trek franchise and is the perfect marriage of two classics: the game and the series. It will be the cherry on top of any decor because of its eye-catching pattern and vivid hues. The die-cast components measure roughly 1.5 inches in height. Their proportions suit this set perfectly. Without being too big or too small, they offer a nice weight and texture that makes you feel safe even when using them on the hardest attack boards.

The board consists of a metal base with a delta symbol on it, three stationary boards that come preassembled, and four mobile boards that can be moved about and used as an attack. Each board is made from premium acrylic that is as thick as it gets.

Possibly the best chessboard for your needs is the Star Trek version. It’s an attractive work of art, and there are various pricing points to choose from. Everyone from complete beginners to seasoned grandmasters can find a challenge here. You will learn about the wide range of prices for this one-of-a-kind chess board, from those suitable for beginners to those reserved for the high-end, feature-packed version. Star Trek Boards can be had for $200 and above.

In How Many Episodes or Movies the chess set is Depicted?

If you are feeling nostalgic and want to watch one more time the episodes where characters are playing chess look no further we have got you covered. The chess set is depicted in numerous episodes of the series. When it comes to Star Trek: The Original Series here is a list of the episodes where characters were playing chess:

Star Trek: The Original Series

Court Martial
Where No Man Has Gone Before
By Any Other Name

That particular chess set was depicted also in Star Trek: The Next Generation. Here is the episode where characters were playing Star Trek Chess.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Other star trek popular memorabilia and collectibles, star trek bridge crew collectible framed photo collage wall art decor.

A lovely 11″ x 14″ photo collage, matted for display. One photo is sized at 3×5″ and the other at 8×10,” and there’s also a little biography included. Bevel-cut, double-matted, and encased in glass protect the photographs and bio. The aesthetic attractiveness of these high-quality collectibles is a primary design goal. A carved, black lacquered frame complements this item. The perfect present for any fan or collector.

Star Trek Qi Wireless Charger

Qi wireless charger inspired by the Star Trek franchise with an integrated battery pack to support both wired and wireless charging. The Starfleet Illuminated Logo Portable Wireless Phone Charger.

A more potent arsenal is usually a good idea. The Star Trek Qi wireless charging station has a built-in battery and an illuminated logo, ensuring that you never run out of juice. The Star Trek Wireless Charging Pad helps you to declutter your desk and streamline the process of charging your device. Thanks to FameTek’s innovative design, fast and efficient charging is possible for a wide range of tablets and smartphones, including all iPhones and iPads running iOS 8 and later, as well as Android devices running 4.4 and later.

Simply turn on the light by pressing the button, place your phone on the charging mat, and you’ll be good to go. If you’re charging your iPhone, you won’t even need to take it out of its case. In most plastic cases, the Star Trek Wireless Charging Pad will still work. Thanks to the built-in power bank, you can recharge your phone either via the included cable or wirelessly on the go. Backlit LEDs on the Starfleet Command emblem indicate whether the gadget is being charged or when the check battery button is pressed. If you don’t want the LED on while it’s charging, push the side button once.

Funko POP – Star Trek – Captain Kirk

If you are a Funko POP Collector that Star Trek figurine would be a great addition to your collection and decoration.

Other Popular Chess Scenes in Movies And Series

In addition to being one of the oldest and most challenging games ever, chess is also a beautiful and elegant piece of decor. Usually, it’s employed to make the setting seem more elegant. Today, I’ll identify a few films that feature chess pieces.

It was George Saunders’ dystopian short tale, “Escape from Spiderhead,” that Netflix adapted into a film. In a near-future civilization, two inmates deal with their past while imprisoned in a facility where they can shorten their sentences by participating in experiments involving medicines that modify their emotions. Inmates can be seen playing chess in this trailer.

The Queen’s Gambit

This seven-part Netflix miniseries, adapted from the same-titled novel, created a whirlwind, and chess set sales across the world increased. For a short period (a few months), thanks to The Queen’s Gambit, chess was once again “cool.”

This film chronicles the rise of Magnus Carlsen, a Norwegian chess prodigy, from amateur to grandmaster to world champion in 2013. Carlsen is just thirteen years old when he achieves these feats.

Sherlock Holmes

In this film, Professor Moriarty and Sherlock Holmes engage in a heated game of chess on a gorgeous marble board using traditional wooden pieces.

Professor X and Magneto have a chess match using a glass chess set while discussing the conflict between humans and mutants in this film.

The Big Bang Theory

Watching this film, fans can relive the many episodes of the hit TV series in which the gang played chess. Check out these two clips of Sheldon, Leonard, and Howard playing chess in three dimensions.

The Thomas Crown Affair

In this film, Steve McQueen plays a mastermind of a heist, while Faye Dunaway is the detective. The chase between these two protagonists is represented by this chess match.

Final Words

The Star Trek chess board is an iconic symbol of the Star Trek Universe and its timeless appeal has stood the test of time. While it is a great game for casual play, it can also be used to teach basic chess strategies, allowing players to gain a better understanding of the game. Additionally, it serves as a reminder that we should always strive for exploration and adventure in our lives, just like the fictional crew of the Starship Enterprise. By playing this game, we can all be reminded that there are endless possibilities out there waiting to be explored.

Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess, ever play it?

I had one as a kid. Loved it!

The original rules, created by Andrew Bartmess, are uneven and offer the white player a noticeable advantage. It was my understanding, 3D chess was invented in Star trek to 3D space manoeuvring. I now play the W3DCF rules, available here, http://w3dcf.com/information/laws , as they were created by a pilot to teach aerial fighting techniques.

petemcool - Thanks for the link! Interesting that the rules were revised to create a better game! So the game can actually help you learn 3D tactics! I'll have to study the rules, I'm not sure if I understand them yet. Too bad I did not see where you could play this online. So do you play tridimensional chess with friends?

There's a fairly lively discussion on board game geek about the various rules and their history. https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/336338/tridimensional-chess/forums/0 My friends and I play the World Tri Dimensional Chess Federation rules, as they are slightly more intuitive from a Western 2D chess perspective. I have an old Franklin Mint board and a homemade board made from a lamp stand, a globe stand, aluminium rods and hand cast resin boards. We've all tried playing on the Noble Collection board, but it isn't straight and is a major headache to enjoy a game on.

Craniomax I think you've identified the episode! There were several episodes which featured the tridimensional chess set. In one Spock comments after losing to Kirk how his unexpected intuitive attacks have defeated his logic. In another where Kirk is held prisoner Scotty refuses to obey orders from a false Kirk who cannot give the correct response to a chess move. And I think in the Episode Charlie X, Charlie uses his mind power to melt the chess set!

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708489/quotes/qt0553814

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708489/quotes/qt0553814 I don't think even Mr Bartmess paid any attention to the perceived moves on the telly program and his rules were approved by the technical drawing guy, whose work in turn was approved by Mr Roddenberry himself.

I (quite recently) implemented what I think is a reasonable version of the 3D chess game. It's on my "mjollnir" site (a dot com). Currently it seems to work on Firefox only. I'm really not much of a chess player (though I'm a good loser), and I wanted the 3D version to be as close to the 2D as possible. Thoughts? I loved the game @rchuso , but do you have any plans to include the ability to play by World Tri Dimensional Chess Federation rules, please?

Pokemon! Gotta catch ‘em all!

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-variants/3-dimensional-cubic-chess-88613629

I think 8x8x8 cubic chess is the only real 3 dimensional chess. Star Trek tri-chess makes no sense.

Never played it, but the Tri-D chess does seem a bit awkward. The 8x8x8 variants often seem to have way too many pieces. Just an odd thought, if the moves of 2D chess are basically like zero dimensional (occupying a singe square) pieces along one dimensional lines, shouldn't 3D chess have pieces that occupy lines and moves would be along changes of planes?

No that's not what it means. The pieces just occupy cubes and move along 1 dimensional lines but in all 6 3d directions (26 directions for a king or queen).

three dimensional chess

Checkers vs Chess

Online checkers and three-dimensional chess each offer unique challenges that cater to different strategic thinking levels. Checker online , with its straightforward rules and two-dimensional play area, focuses on foresight, strategy, and the ability to anticipate an opponent’s moves within a simpler framework. Its difficulty lies in mastering these strategies in a confined space with limited types of moves. In contrast, three-dimensional chess, with its multiple levels and complex rules, presents a more intricate challenge. It requires players to think in a multi-layered space, considering a broader range of movements and strategies. The difficulty in three-dimensional chess is not just in the strategic depth but also in visualizing and maneuvering pieces in a more complex environment. While online checkers hones strategic planning within a simpler context, three-dimensional chess challenges players to adapt these skills to a far more intricate and multidimensional battlefield.

Probably the most familiar 3D chess variant to the general public in the middle 20th century and early 21st century is the game of Tri-Dimensional Chess ( Tri-D Chess ), which can be seen in many Star Trek TV episodes and movies, starting with the original series and proceeding in updated forms throughout the subsequent movies and spinoff series.

The Tri-D chessboard set was made popular by its inclusion in The Star Trek Star Fleet Technical Manual by Franz Joseph, who invented starting positions for the playing pieces and short additional rules. The complete Standard Rules of this game were originally developed in 1976 by Andrew Bartmess (with approval from Joseph), and he has subsequently expanded and fine-tuned them.

There also is a Creative Commons-licensed manual written in Italian by Marco Bresciani, which presents a complete and faithful translation of the latest version of Bartmess’ Standard Rules, with instructions on how to build a chessboard and many other things. This manual is available through the Star Trek Italian Club (for members only, see external links, below). Marco Bresciani also made a software project as an Information Technology Laurea Degree final thesis, that allows playing Tri-D Chess with Bartmess’ Standard Rules full support. There are various computer applications for playing Tri-D Chess.

A set of tournament rules for Tri-Dimensional Chess written by Jens Meder is available on his website, However, Meder’s rules are based on FIDE’s Rules more than Andrew Bartmess’s Standard Rules, with some deviations too.

Asimovian Hyperchess

Isaac Asimov’s science fiction short story “A Perfect Fit” refers to a 3D chess game which is effectively eight chessboards stacked upon each other, making the playing area cubic (see also Cubic chess) rather than square (that is, exactly one dimension more than ordinary 2D chess). The same variant is also mentioned in Pebble in the Sky , during the early Galactic Imperial period on Earth.

Asimovian Hyperchess has two lineal variants :

Roseate Formation : The King is surrounded by a ‘ring’ of Queens, and the Bishops etc, ending in a ring of Rooks. Both sides possess a ‘wall’ of pawns in the 2nd rank. This is the orthodox formation of Asimovian Hyperchess, and described in both novel and short story by the author.

Cruciformation which has three sub-variants:

Type 1 : The King is central, with a ring of Queens, and then a ring of Bishops interspersed with Knights, a tertiary ring interspersed with bishops on diagonals, and ultimately Rooks interspersed with Knights at their tertiary move points (assuming a central quadrant L-movement). Viewed from the player’s perspective, there is an impression of nested crosses.
Type 2: The King is central, surrounded by a ‘cross’ of queens interspersed with bishops, and then similar interspersed rings of Bishops + Knights, Knights + Rooks, and ending with a ring of Rooks. Viewed from the player’s perspective, there is an impression of a Maltese Cross.
Type 3: The King is Central, and formation is identical to Type 3, except that at diagonal points in the Knight’s ring, a quartet of Queens are flanked by minor cruciforms of Bishops interspersed with knights. From the player’s perspective, there is a central cross with a quartet of mini-crosses, queen centered, near the corners of the ‘wall’.

Asimovian Hyperchess is not easily played. Asimov himself imagined a chess set being quite compact, but even with standard boards and pieces it is highly unlikely that tracking pieces and their movements is easy.

Mobility of pieces is the same as other three-dimensional chess forms, in that a pawn may move forward, and take a piece in the third dimension. The same rules apply to other pieces, and in Asimovian Hyperchess, Knights possess a remarkable ability, when acting in concert to permit a player to achieve a checkmate in less than 20 moves.

For effective playing of the game, it is theorised that a chess display computer program would be of the most use, but that it is highly unlikely that a computer would be able to play Hyperchess efficiently, as move prediction more than 8 moves ahead is likely to tax even an IBM Bluegene Mainframe beyond its standard abilities.

To date, Asimovian hyperchess has only had sporadic application, and there are few recorded instances of it being played.

Other variants

Another variant of 3D chess is that simulated by the 3dchess program for GNU/Linux. This variant is played on three standard 8×8 boards, stacked vertically. The middle board features the standard pieces, while the following new pieces populate the other two boards:

Prince (King)
Princess (Queen)
Abbey (Bishop)
Cannon (Knight)
Galley (Rook)

The movements of various pieces have been modified to allow them to move across boards (for example the Cannon must move three spaces in one direction, two in a perpendicular direction and one in the remaining perpendicular).

This version was developed and produced in a plastic board game format by Mind Games Manufacturing Limited, a company incorporated in Ireland in 1992. Although about 2,000 copies were manufactured, the company closed after a year and a half.

A variant possibly similar to Star Trek ‘s Tri-Dimensional Chess is seen in Legend of the Galactic Heroes , a Japanese science fiction novel. Another SF 3D chess game is Cheops or Pyramid chess, mentioned in the Dune novels of Frank Herbert, which has the object of simultaneously placing one’s opponent in checkmate and one’s own Queen at the apex of the pyramidal board.

A highly specialized three-dimensional chess variant is Gary Gygax’s dragon chess.

Millennium 3D Chess is a similar 3D chess variant which is also played on three standard 8 by 8 chess boards (3x8x8). Millennium 3D Chess rules were written with the objective of extending the traditional chess game into a multilevel environment without distorting the basic game. To this end, Millennium 3D Chess has not “created” new chess rules, but instead extended the traditional rules to allow for multiboard play. Other than the concept of moving between chess boards (levels), all traditional two (2D) chess rules apply. A free PDF copy of the rules can be downloaded from Millennium 3D Chess Rules .

See more info at WikiPedia . . .