Daqin

Daqin is a masterpiece of abstract strategy where innovation meets timeless tactical depth. Drawing inspiration from the fusion of Eastern and Western philosophies, Daqin reimagines the dynamics of strategy with hidden identities, transformative stacking mechanics, and the intriguing influence of neutral Stones. Every decision in Daqin ripples across the board, creating opportunities for bold maneuvers and unforeseen shifts. With its unique blend of mystery and strategic complexity, Daqin challenges players to think beyond the ordinary and embrace the thrill of discovery with every turn. Setup Daqin is played on a 10x10 board. Each player begins with 24 pieces: 10 Pawns, 5 Knights, 3 Rooks, 3 Bishops, 2 Queens, and 1 King. Additionally, 4 neutral Stones are placed on the 4 central squares of the board. Pawns are placed face-up in the second row. The other 14 pieces are shuffled and placed face-down on the first row, with 4 forming hidden stacks. Face-down pieces remain hidden until they move, ensuring the opening phase is filled with intrigue and unpredictability. Pieces Regular Pieces Face-Down Pieces: Hidden pieces cannot capture, ride, or carry and are revealed only after their first move. Pawns: Pawns move and capture as in traditional chess. They can ride or carry but cannot promote while part of a Stack. Knights, Bishops, Rooks, and Queens: These pieces retain their classic movements. They can participate in Stacks and execute the game’s unique Rider and Carrier mechanics. King: The King cannot participate in Stacks as a Rider or Carrier and retains its central role in the game. Riders and Carriers Stacking Rules: A friendly piece can move onto another friendly piece to form a Stack. The bottom piece becomes the Carrier, and the top piece becomes the Rider. Pieces of the same kind cannot ride each other. Stacks are powerful but vulnerable: capturing a Stack removes both pieces from the board. Movement and Capturing: The Carrier loses its ability to capture but can move normally. The Rider can dismount during the Carrier’s move if riding a long-range piece (Rook, Bishop, or Queen) and capture independently after dismounting. Other Riders dismount at the Carrier’s destination. If the Carrier has moved at least one square, the Rider cannot capture immediately upon dismounting. Neutral Stones Movement: Stones move one square orthogonally per turn. They cannot return to their previous square in the same turn. Moving a Stone counts as an optional second move. Interactions: Stones can push both friendly and enemy pieces or Stacks. Stones can swap places with adjacent friendly pieces but not with enemy pieces or Stacks. Stones cannot capture or be captured. Rules Revealing Pieces: Face-down pieces are flipped over upon their first move. They cannot capture, ride, or carry while hidden. Stacks: A Stack consists of two pieces. Pieces of the same kind cannot form Stacks. Capturing a Stack removes both pieces from the board, making them powerful yet risky. Rider and Carrier Mechanics: The Carrier moves the Stack but cannot capture while carrying. The Rider can dismount along the way (if riding a long-range piece) or at the Carrier’s destination and capture independently. Neutral Stones: Stones can push pieces and Stacks but cannot swap places with enemy pieces or Stacks. Moving a Stone is optional and counts as a second move per turn. Victory Condition: The game is won by checkmating the opponent’s King.