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This page is written by the game's inventor, Ralph Betza.

Duck Soup Chess

Headlines from the Fredonia Free Press

Monday: our glorious leader, President-for-Life Fred, has decreed that Pawns on White squares may not be captured.

Tuesday: our glorious leader, President-for-Life Fred, has altered his decree. Pawns on Black squares may not be captured, Pawns on White squares may be.

Wednesday: Fred flips again. Pawns on Black squares may be captured, Pawns on White squares may not be.

Thursday: Fred Flees! All hail the glorious revolution!

Friday: No paper. Fredonia Free Press offices are burned.

Saturday: We thought things were bad under Fred, but now we long for the old days; and so we play a new kind of Chess.

The Rules of Duck Soup Chess

Discussion of the Rules

The element of chance is applied to the game, but you know what the status will be one move in advance. You cannot calculate more than one move ahead. You can plan further ahead, but with some uncertainty.

If you don't like the way the game works, feel free to try changing the timing of the coin flip, so that the safety status is known farther ahead or so that it is known less far in advance.


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