How does Star Trek chess work? A look at the multidimensional board game in the franchise

In Star Trek franchise, there is no dearth of interesting props and the tri-dimensional chess is one such artifact that continues to spark curiosity among the Trekkies. The tri-dimensional chess in Star Trek is the trademark of the recreation room aboard the USS Enterprise.

First seen in the pilot episode of The Original Series titled ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before’, the chess game became a fixed part of Star Trek. Mr. Spock (played by Leonard Nimoy) is often credited as being unbeatable in the game thanks to his Vulcan intellect.

The concept of multi-dimensional chess was invented by Ferdinand Maack in 1907, who referred to it as Raumschach, which in German translates to ‘Space Chess’. While there have been several variants of chess, this particular version gained immense popularity post the airing of the show.

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How does Star Trek chess work?

While the classic chess is played on a single board, in Star Trek keeping up with the space theme, the game is played on three levels. The pieces can move both up and down along with the traditional moves. There are also floating platforms attached to the lower and upper level.

In the multi-dimensional chess, the pieces are placed differently to the classic game. The white and black pieces are placed on separate levels at the start of the game, one at the bottom level and the other at the top.

In 1975, years after The Original Series first aired, artist Franz Joseph came out with a reference book for Trekkies titled Star Trek Star Fleet Technical Manual. The book details props and other things associated with the USS Enterprise. In the book we get a comprehensive look into the chessboard and how to play it.

He shared in the book,

The size, shape and visual appearance of each piece is of prime importance to mental recognition of the power pattern on the board at any point in the play.

As per the book to play the game, one must follow the following principles,

Each piece moves exactly the same as in conventional chess, except that such moves have Tri dimensional freedom to the extent of available consecutive squares.

16 of the 64 squares are movable in 4 groups of 4 squares each. They may be move to one adjacent pin position at a time provided they are either vacant or occupied by only one of the player's pawns, and such action constitutes a move in regular turn. An occupied attack board cannot be moved to an inverted pin position.

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Chess in the Star Trek Universe

The chess game is the ideal leisure activity for the crew on board USS Enterprise, whose adventures through the galaxy requires the much needed respite. Through the franchise, the famed multi-dimensional chess will make frequent appearances on screen.

The original tri-dimensional chess featured in the episode ‘Where No Man Has Gone Before’ was made by combining 3D Checkers, 3D Tic-Tac-Toe and the classic black and white chess set.

Chess moves between Captain Kirk (played by William Shatner) and Mr. Spock were an ongoing event. Captain Kirk was known to use unexpected moves on the board, which Mr. Spock would refer to as illogical.

In Season 3, episode 14 titled ‘Whom Gods Destroy’ of The Original Series, Mr. Spock would use a move on the chess board to find the real Kirk. He asks him to give the countermove to ‘Queen to Queen’s Level Three’.

In Star Trek, chess is often used to convey deeper strategic meanings within the complexities of space In Season 5, episode 14 titled 'Conundrum' of Star Trek: The Next Generation, counselor Deanna Troi (played by Marina Sirtis) beats android Data (played by Brent Spiner) in an intense game of chess. She says,

‘… chess isn't just a game of ploys and gambits. It's a game of intuition.’

Leonard Nimoy’s love for chess was also one of the reasons for Mr. Spock’s inclination towards the board game. He was known for asking the writers to incorporate the game into the show as well.

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Star Trek Chess in other shows

The multi-dimensional chess has since appeared in other shows as well, including Doctor Who, Blake’s 7, The Big Bang Theory, and The Lego Movie. While there have been many other variants, this one remains a favourite among the Trekkies and those who would love a good challenging game.

Star Trek: The Original Series was created by the visionary Gene Roddenberry in 1966. Today, the Star Trek universe comprises movies, spinoff shows, comics, and animated series.

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