About Black Ops Chess
Black Ops Chess is chess with incomplete information. Your opponent's pieces are hidden - you must deduce their identity by watching how they move.
Core Rules
Hidden Pieces: Opponent pieces are hidden - you must figure out what they are.
Random Setup: All 16 pieces start randomly distributed on your first two ranks. Neither king can start in check. No castling.
Standard Movement: Pieces move according to standard chess rules. Pawns can move two squares from their starting position.
Key Features
- Piece Annotation: Click on opponent pieces to mark what you think they are with a visual indicator
- Move History: Navigate through past moves with arrow keys or toggle visibility for cleaner play
- Live Tracking: See which pieces your opponent has left with crossed-out captured pieces
- AI Opponent: Queue for a game and if no human opponent is found, an AI will join after 10 seconds
- Game History: Review your past games, track stats, and see your performance against specific opponents
ELO Rating System
All players start at 1200 ELO. Your rating changes based on game results and the rating difference between you and your opponent. Your rating only changes when playing against other registered accounts.
Winning Strategies
Success in Black Ops Chess requires careful observation and deduction. Watch your opponent's moves closely - each movement reveals information about piece identity. Use the piece annotation feature to track your deductions, and pay attention to which pieces have been captured to narrow down possibilities.
Inspiration
Black Ops Chess was inspired by:
After creating this game, I discovered a very similar paper game exists at Stealth Chess.
Support Development
Black Ops Chess is free to play. If you enjoy the game, consider supporting development:
Ready to play? Return to Home