Abstract: A method of playing chess for four players has been devised which utilizes a modified chess board and a plurality of distinguishable sets of playing pieces. The game board consists of 160 alternating light-colored and dark-colored squares arranged in the shape of a cross; it has two prominent lines or boundary indicators that intersect at the center of the board. Four sets of conventional chess pieces are used, each set being a different color, and all pieces move according to the standard rules of chess. Pawns may be promoted by advancing six squares to cross the center of the board. Each player defends his/her king against three opponents' pieces while attempting to win the game by capturing any opponents' king which has suddenly become exposed to direct attack or by being the last player to put a checkmated king in "check" before the checkmated player's turn occurs, even if another player initially established the checkmate. A stalemate can also end the game and is scored as a four-way draw.