Royal Palette Chess (looking for feedback)

[royal_palette]

Hello all, I’m a long-time correspondence player and variant tinkerer. I’ve invented a new variant called Royal Palette Chess, and I’d love to get your thoughts or even set up a test game with anyone interested!

How to play/try it: I made a browser-based interface where two players can play Royal Palette in real time (or correspondence-style) online or against an AI for free: https://royalpalette.com/

Also, this variant can be played with a standard set and a two-tone board (the pattern of colors alternates normally). I’ve made a PDF for a DIY kit if you want to make it at home.

What is it (Quick Start Guide)? Royal Palette Chess is a classical chess movement on an 8‑color board with a lock that limits who may move on each turn: after a move, the landing color becomes the opponent’s lock color C. On your turn, you may move either a piece standing on C or a piece whose printed palette includes C (palettes are printed on pieces: pawns=1, minors=2, queen=3, king=6). At the start of every turn, roll a d8: 1–6 obey C; 7 = relief (ignore C this turn); 8 = relief and your opponent skips their next roll. If you’re in check, you can always play a legal escape. No‑Move Relief also applies: if normal chess moves exist but none satisfy C, you may make any legal move this turn. Setup tweak: pawns do a quick d8 shuffle before the game (place on matching colors, roll d8, rotate lineup). Promotion = revival: promote only to a type you’ve already lost; otherwise, the pawn becomes a ready pawn on the back rank and later auto‑converts at the start of a turn when eligible. The complete rule book can be found here: https://royalpalette.com/Royal_Palette_ ... lebook.pdf

Why is this interesting? This color-lock mechanic adds a layer of strategy without altering pieces. It leads to tempo tactics: you can set traps by landing on a color that limits your opponent’s response, or you might have to escape check in a way that also avoids stepping on a “bad” color. Early testing showed it remains balanced (both sides face the same color constraints) but significantly changes the flow of attack and defense.

Looking for feedback: I’m particularly interested in any strategic insights or potential issues you foresee. For example, how do you think the color-lock affects endgames or openings? Are there likely positions that could "deadlock"? Also, if you’d like to playtest, let me know – I’d be thrilled to run a game (or even a small mini-tournament) to see how it plays out among experienced variant players here.

Thanks for reading this lengthy post. Royal Palette Chess has been a fun project, and I hope some of you find it intriguing. I’m happy to answer any questions or provide materials if you want to give it a go!