FAIRY CHESS

A system of heterodox chess pieces, boards and rule variations created by British chess columnist T. R. Dawson in the second quarter of the 20^th Century.  The system was initially used to compose chess problems and eventually became the foundation of the heterodox chess movement.

There are two categories: 1. Helpmates Stalemate and Selfmates – problem involving Retrograde Analysis; and 2. Problems using unorthodox men, rules, or boards.  The men could be Berilina Pawn, Equihopper, Grasshopper, Joker, Kamikaze, Nightrider, Neutral man, Orphan, Reflecting Bishop, Rose, Royal Piece, and other leapers. The term ‘fairy’ was suggested by the Australian Henry Tate (1873-1926) in 1920.

Many books have been published about Fairy Chess, among them A Guide to Fairy Chess by Anthony Dickins (1967).