If you are looking for an alternative to chess, you will find plenty of chess variants to play. While some of these games strongly resemble chess, others stand in a class of their own. Many of these chess variants did not become popular, but many still have plenty of players.
Some of them are available at chess casinos online and some are available as side events of chess tournaments played in different parts of the world.
We have identified the following chess alternatives for players who do not want to play chess, but want a similar gaming experience. Some of these games are available at online board game sites and online chess casinos.
Bughouse – This chess variant requires two teams of two players each, playing on two separate boards. The aim is to win by either timeout or checkmate.
Crazyhouse – Crazyhouse bears a striking similarity to chess. In fact, it follows all the rules of chess, but the enemy pieces captured can be dropped back on the board when it is your turn to play.
3-Check – This is a simpler variant of chess, which allows you to check the king multiple times. Standard chess rules apply to this game, but it is possible for you to win by checking three times in a row.
King of the Hill (KOTH) – This is a thrilling chess variant, which challenges players to get their king right on the center of the board, which is called the “top of the hill” in this particular variant.
Fischer Random (Chess960) – Invented by Bobby Fischer, this variant attempts to reduce the effects of the opening theory by randomly shuffling the pieces on the back rank.
Game of Go – Two players are required to play this game, and the aim of each player is to claim more territory than his/her opponent. Although not as popular as chess, Go has a number of players from different parts of the world.
According to a survey conducted in 2016 by the International Go Federation, more than 46 million people in different parts of the world know how to play Go. At the time of writing, more than 20 million people play Go and most of them are residents of East Asia.
Hive – Developed by John Yianni, the aim of a Hive player is to capture the queen bee of his/her opponents while simultaneously protecting his/her queen bee from capture. Like chess, it is an abstract strategy game.
Card Games and Board Games at Online Casinos
If you are looking for chess alternatives that do not resemble chess in anyway, you will find plenty of board games and card games at well-known online casinos. You can play these board games and card games for fun or real money.
Although these games are based on an element of luck, you have to implement strategy to win them. Some of the most popular chess alternatives throughout the world are Checkers, Backgammon, Chinese Chess, Reversi, Oware, and Japanese Chess.
You can also try your luck on card games such as tarot, Belote, poker, Bridge, Scopa, and Skat. Bridge has players from different parts of the world and Bridge tournaments are also held. The stability of Bridge players’ international ranking equals that of chess players.
Another great alternative to chess is poker, a card game that is available in several variants. Poker is a game of skill and strategy and several professional poker players make a living from the game. As a professional poker player, you can take part in poker tournaments held worldwide and win millions of dollars.
Top Online Casinos with Board and Card Games
If you are interested in playing card games and board games, we recommend the following online casinos. All of them welcome players with generous bonus offers, run lucrative promotions, and offer attractive rewards for loyalty.
LeoVegas Casino
You can choose from a selection of 26 table & card games at LeoVegas Casino. We recommend games such as Relax – Blackjack, Punto Banco, Red Dog, Baccarat Pro, Oasis Poker, Joker Poker, and others.
Yeti Casino
Yeti Casino is a multi-vendor online casino that offers card games such as Baccarat, Casino Hold’em, First Person Blackjack, Blackjack Classic, and European Blackjack.
Spin Casino
Spin Casino is home to classic card games as well as innovative variants with unique features. Choose from a wide range of craps and baccarat variants.
Royal Panda
Based on the themes of pandas and aristocracy, Royal Panda Casino offers exciting table & card games such as roulette, baccarat, and blackjack. You can also claim some great bonuses and participate in exciting promotions.
888 Casino
888 Casino’s casino games lobby includes a variety of blackjack, baccarat, roulette, poker, and other games.
To conclude, there is no shortage of card game and board game sites for gaming enthusiasts who need a break from chess. You can either play for free to improve your skills or try to win some real money from these games.