How to Play

Chess is a battle between two teams of six kinds of creature. Take turns making one move each. You win by trapping the other team's Draxis (the King) so it cannot escape — that is called checkmate.

Three special moves

• Castling — if Draxis and a Boulderbud have not moved yet and the squares between them are empty, Draxis can slide two squares sideways and the Boulderbud hops over to its other side. It is the fastest way to get your King safe.
• Evolving — a Leaflet that reaches the far end of the board turns into any creature you want. Almost everyone picks Aquarina, the Queen.
• Sneak catch (en passant) — if an enemy Leaflet leaps two squares to dodge right past yours, your Leaflet may still catch it, but only on the very next move.

Good habits from chess camp

• Move creatures toward the middle four squares early — they are stronger there.
• Get Draxis castled and safe before you start attacking.
• Before every move, ask: "if I go there, what can they take?"
• Do not bring Aquarina out too early — she gets chased around the board.