3 Man Chess

The interesting part of 3 Man Chess is having two opponents watching the same move. Two players might find a shared interest in putting pressure on the third, but that cooperation only lasts while it helps them both. An ally still has their own pieces and ambitions. For a chess-playing trio, that shifting two-against-one tension is the appeal: everyone has a seat, and nobody gets to think about just one opponent.

The board unfolds into a 19-inch circle made of three hinged PVC sections. Heavy cotton fiber tape joins the sections, and the open board can be lifted together if the game needs to move to another table. At 1/8 inch thick, it’s a practical plastic setup, without the weight or finish of a wooden chess set. The round layout also means familiar chess habits won’t cover everything; expect to spend time with the included rule sheet before settling into play.

Inside are 48 solid plastic Staunton-style pieces, divided into black, gray, and ivory teams of 16. Felt bottoms and 2.5-inch kings keep the pieces familiar even as the board changes the problem. The worthwhile novelty here is another player with a competing plan, not just another set of pieces to capture.