How to play Space Chess

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

Don't own the game? Buy it here:
https://buy.triplesgames.com/SpaceChess

RULES:
The rules are the same as regular chess except for these changes. Layout the board with each level oriented so the board notations line up on top of each other. Setup the black pieces on board “A” and the white pieces on board “C”.

On each piece’s first move of the game, that piece must transfer to the same relative space on the next adjoining level, up one level for white and down 1 level for black, at the end of the move, with the following exceptions: 1. The destination space on the next level must be vacant, if it is blocked then the piece doesn't change levels. 2. The king has the option of staying on its current level if you want, and if you castle you can choose to keep the rook and king on the same level or move both of them to the next level. the king and rook must stay together, you may not change levels for just one of them. 3. If your king is in check, then you may use a piece’s first move and remain on the same level if it stops the threat. 4. If a piece’s first move lands on a star space, that piece may move 2 levels instead of one if you want.

After a piece’s first move, the only way for it to change levels is by ending a turn on a star square. If it does, it can move to the same relative vacant star square on either level if you want, it doesn't matter if a piece is in between. Pieces may only move between levels after their normal move is complete, they may not change levels before moving is starting the turn on a start or king space. Pieces may only capture enemy pieces that start the move on the same level. You may not capture across levels. If you capture a piece on a star space, then after the capture you may move levels if you want.

The king square is a special square that allows either king to move exactly one level up or down to the same relative location, if that square is vacant, if you want. The king is allowed to move to an adjacent king square and change levels to escape check or checkmate. The king cannot move to a start or king square that is threatened, even if the space on another level is safe. Likewise, a king cannot travel to another level if the destination space is threatened.

Pawns promote like normal when they reach the opposite side of any board level. En passant is allowed like normal even if the pawn being captured changed levels at the end of its move. The frame holding up the board does not block or impede movement. The first player to checkmate their opponent, wins!