How to play Strato Chess

Learn the rules to the chess variant: Strato Chess quickly and concisely - This video has no distractions, just the rules. For a refresher on the original rules of chess, check out this video: https://youtu.be/fKxG8KjH1Qg

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RULES:

The board is made up of 3 planes each identically oriented on top of the other. Setup the pieces for one color on the bottom plane and the other opposing it on the top plane. All pieces have their regular movement in addition to being able to move vertically up and down the planes.

Pawns may move 1 space vertically up or down a plane in addition to their forward movement if you want, retaining the same relative location on the new plane. A pawn may move up to 2 vertical planes the first time it is moved if it moves two spaces forward.

Knights can move vertically 1 or 2 planes in addition to their normal movement. Simply transfer their relative location to the new plane.

Bishops can move diagonally up or down a plane in a single move. For each vertical plane movement, move the bishop 1 diagonal space in a straight line. You may not move the bishop vertically up and down in a single move to navigate around other pieces, nor may you move horizontally after completing your vertical move.

The Rook may move vertically up or down to any plane, in the same relative position, so long as the path isn’t obstructed.

The Queen has the same vertical plane movement as both the rook and bishop combined.

The King may move vertically up or down 1 plane in the same relative position. Only the King’s first move of the game may it move it vertically up or down a plane and horizontally 1 space.

No piece may capture another piece when performing a vertical plane movement, therefore, no piece may perform a vertical plane movement if their path is obstructed. The path is obstructed the destination or travel space is occupied.

The very first time in a game that each piece is moved, that piece must change at least 1 plane. However, the king and rook are allowed to castle on the same plane, or they may both move together up or down 1 plane. Also, if your king is in check, then you may move pieces on the same plane to capture or block the check even if it is that piece’s first move of the game.

You are only allowed to capture pieces on the same plane, thus you may only have a check and checkmate if all the pieces used for the attack are on the same plane. However, remember the king can move across planes, so having pieces on other planes will be necessary to ensure checkmate. Pawns may get a promotion on the farthest row of any plane.