Three-check chess

Three-check chess is a chess variant; it plays by the same rules as chess, with the addition that a player wins by putting their opponent in check three times. Sacrifices are common and the opening can be filled with . Checking an opponent twice can create an advantage equivalent to captured in the evaluation of a position. The game rarely reaches the endgame and is usually decided before queens are traded.
The game is catalogued in David Pritchard's The Encyclopedia of Chess Variants where it is noted as being of probable Soviet origin, and that Anatoly Karpov was an "invincible" player in his youth. Although Pritchard does not mention what happens if checkmate is delivered before a third check,
Example game
1. e4 e6 2. d4
:This typical opening in standard chess quickly loses in Three-check chess.

2... Bb4+
:First check.
3. c3 Bxc3+
:Second check.

4. Nxc3 Qh4!
:White . There is no way to prevent a third check by ...Qxf2+ or ...Qxe4+.
Online and software
Chess.com, Internet Chess Club, and Lichess each support online games of Three-check chess. ChessV allows for games against a computer opponent. Shane's Chess Information Database includes information relating to Three-check chess.

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