Chess

Chess

Type: Board
Status: Free
BGG entry: http://www.boardgamegeek.com/game/171
Available from: http://www.chessvariants.org/d.chess/chess.html

From the Chess Variant Pages:

'It is generally assumed that chess originated in India, 5-7 centuries after the birth of Christ. At that time, the game was not as we know it. During the course of history, many variants of the game were tried. Some were discarded immediately, some had for some time an enthusiastic following and then died out, while others stayed, and replaced the game as it formerly was known.

'Today, the game chess as we know it, has remarkable differences from the original game. At the same time, in different parts of this world, different chess games are played. These are also believed to originate from the same Indian / Arabic origin. The most played variants are Shogi (in Japan), and Xiangqi (in China). Other Asiatic countries know other variants. Additionally, these games and the Western chess have many variants, played by people that want something different for a change.'

The Chess Variants Pages describe hundreds of chess variants and give pointers to places that contain more material on them:
http://www.chessvariants.org/

For the rules of chess, go to:
http://www.chessvariants.org/d.chess/chess.html

For a good list of frequently asked questions about chess, see the Chess FAQ on the Chess Variants Pages:
http://www.chessvariants.org/d.chess/faq.html

For a list of good Chess variants, go to the Recognized Chess Variants page here:
http://www.chessvariants.org/rindex.html

If you would like to make your own chess set (hey, this is s site dedicated to print-and-play games, right?) try these links that give instructions on making an origami chess set:
http://www.fishgoth.com/origami/chess.html
http://www.josephwu.com/Files/PDF/chess.pdf