Mini Chess - 5x6 Chess

MiniChess is an exciting, fast-paced variant of chess played on a 5×6 board. This compact version maintains the core strategy and tactics of traditional chess while offering quicker games and simplified gameplay.

The 5×6 board creates a more immediate confrontation between pieces, forcing players to think tactically from the very first move. With fewer squares to control and fewer pieces to manage, games typically conclude much faster than standard chess, making it perfect for quick breaks or rapid-fire sessions.

Our implementation features an advanced AI opponent that adapts to your moves, providing an engaging challenge regardless of your skill level. The AI analyzes potential moves several steps ahead, employing sophisticated evaluation techniques to create a compelling gaming experience.

MiniChess serves as an excellent training ground for chess enthusiasts looking to sharpen their tactical vision and piece coordination. The reduced board size amplifies the importance of each move, helping players develop stronger positional awareness that transfers to traditional chess.

The game follows standard chess rules with adaptations for the smaller board. Pawns move and capture as in regular chess, with promotion occurring upon reaching the opponent's back rank. Kings, queens, bishops, knights, and rooks maintain their traditional movement patterns, creating familiar tactical patterns in a more concentrated space.

Whether you're a seasoned chess player looking for a fresh challenge or a newcomer seeking an accessible entry into chess strategy, MiniChess offers a delightful and mentally stimulating experience that captures the essence of chess in a streamlined format.

Board Layout

The game is played on a 5×6 board (5 rows, 6 columns) with the following initial setup:

• White pieces start at the bottom (rows 3-4)
• Black pieces start at the top (rows 0-1)
• Each side has: 1 King, 1 Queen, 1 Bishop, 1 Knight, 1 Rook, and 4 Pawns
• The middle row (row 2) starts empty

Piece Movement

• Pawns: Move forward one square (white moves up, black moves down) and capture diagonally
• Rooks: Move horizontally or vertically any number of squares
• Knights: Move in L-shape (2 squares in one direction, 1 square perpendicular)
• Bishops: Move diagonally any number of squares
• Queen: Moves in any direction (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal)
• King: Moves one square in any direction

Special Rules

• No castling
• No en passant captures
• Pawns can promote when reaching the opposite end of the board
• Game ends after 30 moves if no checkmate occurs

Winning Conditions

• Checkmate: Capture the opponent's king
• Material advantage after 30 moves
• Stalemate: Draw if the player cannot make a legal move

Strategy Tips

• Control the center squares for better piece mobility
• Protect your king while developing pieces
• Use pawns to create space for your pieces
• Look for tactical opportunities due to the compact board
• Consider piece coordination for effective attacks
• Take advantage of the wider board for flanking maneuvers
• Plan your moves carefully as space is limited