Wizard Chess
Appearance: Looks like an ordinary Muggle chess set;
however, the pieces are enchanted to move on their own and do battle with
one another.
Function: Recreational/Logic
How to Use: The rules of wizarding chess are the same as the rules
of conventional chess. However, rather than the pieces being moved by hand,
they are directed as though in an actual battle.
Notes: Wizard chess is a rather violent pastime. The
pieces do real battle on the chessboard, physically knocking the other pieces
unconscious in order to remove them from the "battlefield". While
the rules and pieces in wizard chess are the same as those of its Muggle counterpart,
the wizarding variety demands somewhat more of the players. In addition to
the logic and strategy aspects of the game, there is a measure of trust involved
also. The pieces have some level of independent intelligence, and thus must
be commanded with authority and knowledge, or they may be likely to rebel.
Also, having had a chess set in one's possession for a long time is a benefit,
as one has the advantage of familiarity with the pieces.
During the time that the Philosopher's Stone was being hidden
at Hogwarts, one of the traps guarding the Stone was a giant wizarding chess
set fashioned by Professor McGonagall. In order to pass this point, it was
necessary for the person to replace one of the pieces on the board with themselves,
and gain victory without being "taken". This was achieved by both
Professor Quirrell (most likely with the aid of Voldemort), and by Harry Potter
and Hermione Granger (though all of the strategising and commanding was done
by Ron Weasley, who sacrificed himself to the chessboard in order to let the
others through).
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