Main mutator · Unlock level 1
At match start, one knight is removed from the affected side.
Rule variants
A campaign Extra variant changes the main mutator rule. It is separate from an additional side mutator.
Base variant
Main mutatorAt match start, one knight is removed from the affected side.
One randomly selected knight on the chosen side is removed before the first move. It never returns, so bishops, rooks, and the queen must cover the missing knight move.
Extra variant
Changed main ruleAt match start, one knight is removed permanently; the surviving original knight stays frozen through player move 7 and is free before move 8.
One randomly selected knight on the chosen side is removed before the first move and never returns. The other original knight cannot move or be captured by a normal move through player move 7 and is mobile before move 8; its normal attack, defense, and check influence remains active. Both effects are independent, and the freeze does not affect new pieces.
Affected side: Your side
At match start, one of your knights is removed permanently; your surviving original knight stays frozen through player move 7 and is free before move 8.
Affected side: Enemy side
At match start, one enemy knight is removed permanently; its surviving original knight stays frozen through player move 7 and is free before move 8.
Strategy notes