Abstract: The present invention provides a chess game that integrates betting into the game and also introduces elements of chance into the game. In particular, the present invention provides a chess game which integrates betting into a pre-game portion of the game and/or during gameplay based on piece distribution among the players. The chess game also introduces 1) elements of chance into the game, 2) flexibility of piece distribution among players, 3) novel pieces not present in traditional chess, and 4) flexible and unorthodox board sizes. A method of playing a game of chess is also provided.