ChessWithPass is a rule-based enhancement of traditional chess that allows each player a single opportunity per game to voluntarily forgo their move, provided they are not in check. This mechanic introduces a new layer of strategic depth while preserving all fundamental rules and objectives of standard chess, including checkmate, stalemate, repetition, and resignation.
Legal claims defining the scope of protection, as filed with the USPTO.
A chess game variant wherein each player is allowed to skip exactly one turn voluntarily during the course of a game.
The skip move is permitted at any point during a player's own turn, except when the player is under check.
Once the pass has been used by a player, it is no longer available to that player for the remainder of the game.
The remainder of the chess rules including checkmate, stalemate, resignation, repetition, and the 50-move rule remain unaltered.
A tracking mechanism exists to visibly or digitally indicate whether a player has used their pass, such as a visual marker or notation system.
The pass move may be annotated in recorded games using the word “Pass” or a double-dash symbol “--” to denote the voluntary skipped move.
A visual indicator, referred to as the Pass Piece, may optionally be used to signify the availability of the pass. This piece may be placed beside the board or integrated into the set and can be removed, flipped, or altered after the pass is used.
Complete technical specification and implementation details from the patent document.
ChessWithPass is a variation of traditional chess that introduces a single, voluntary pass mechanic per player per game. At any point during their own turn—except when in check—each player may choose to skip their move. All other traditional chess rules remain unchanged: checkmate, stalemate, the 50-move rule, repetition, and resignation still apply. The game begins with the standard setup and proceeds in a turn-based structure, with the added strategic dimension of a one-time pass per player. Once a player uses their pass, it is no longer available for the remainder of the game.
The pass move adds a new layer of strategic depth, allowing players to disrupt expected turn orders, reframe tempo, or avoid automatic responses. It creates new tactical and psychological possibilities not found in traditional chess.
For clarity in recorded games, the use of a pass is annotated in standard notation either as “Pass” or “-”, representing a voluntary skipped move. This ensures precise documentation, analysis, and compatibility with digital interfaces and chess engines.
ChessWithPass may be implemented in physical chess sets, online platforms, educational programs, and competitive tournaments. The system is rules-based and requires no changes to the board or pieces to function.
Optionally, a visual indicator known as the Pass Piece may be used to signify each player's one available pass. This piece may be placed beside the board or integrated into the set design. When a pass is used, the indicator can be removed, flipped, or altered to show the pass has been expended. While helpful for gameplay visualization, the Pass Piece is not required for the core mechanic and is presented as an optional enhancement.
ChessWithPass remains fully compatible with all existing chess infrastructure, while offering a meaningful innovation rooted in voluntary decision-making and conscious strategic delay.
1 FIG.A shows the start of the game and the initial setup of pieces in the ChessWithPass™ system.
1 FIG.B 1 illustrates the turn logic of Player, including the conditions for choosing to pass or move, legality checks, and consequences.
1 FIG.C 1 FIG.B 2 illustrates the turn logic of Player, functioning similarly to.
1 FIG.D 1 shows the endgame evaluation for Player, including checkmate, draw, resignation, and the 50-move rule.
1 FIG.E 2 1 shows the endgame logic for Playerand routes for return to Playerin case no termination condition is met.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
March 28, 2025
October 1, 2026
Browse 5M+ US patents with plain-English claim translations and AI-generated analysis.