Duck Chess

Duck Chess is a chess variant characterized by the addition of a rubber duck to the game board. The duck acts as an obstruction, as no pieces may move onto or through the square occupied by the duck at any given time (although knights may jump over it). On each turn, the player must make a standard chess move and then move the duck to another open location on the board, allowing players to strategically use the duck to their advantage. This variant also removes the concepts of a check, checkmate, and stalemate, with players instead achieving victory by directly capturing the opposing king.[1][2]

A standard position of Duck Chess being played on chess.com. In this position, white is using the duck to obstruct black's anticipated pawn move to e5.

The addition of the duck adds a layer of tactical complexity to the game, enhancing players' ability to protect a piece that would otherwise be vulnerable, prevent an opponent from making a desirable move, protect one's king from would-be checkmates, and create discovered attacks. Chess.com added the game as a variant on its website in October 2022.[3]