Learn About Chess Variants Online

Chess variants are other games derived from or inspired by the game of chess. Most of these games use different pieces, have different game boards, or use different rules from traditional chess. Whether you already play and love chess or you simply can’t get into the game, just about anyone will love to play these exciting and logical alternatives to the historical game of chess.

Chess960
Chess960 is a chess variant that uses the same pieces and the same game board, but the pieces in the first rank are randomized, with opposing pieces mirroring them. This is a great game for expert chess players, because it makes it impossible to memorize opening lines.

Glinski’s Hexagonal Chess
This derivation of chess uses a unique hexagonal board instead of the standard square chess board. The board contains 91 cells in three different colors, and it uses the usual chess pieces, with the addition of one extra bishop and one extra pawn. Glinski’s chess is an incredibly popular variant, especially in Eastern Europe.

Apocalypse
Apocalypse is played on a much smaller scale than regular chess, using only a 5×5 board and two horses and five footmen on each team. The two players make their moves simultaneously, and the game is over when one player captures all of the other player’s footmen.

The World’s Five Must-See Museums

If you're a fan of art, culture, history, and everything in-between, make sure you put these five museums on your bucket list. You'll definitely want to check them out during your travels! 

The Museum of Modern Art
Start your journey right here in the United States at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. The MoMa, as some call it, was the first museum dedicated solely to modern art. Today, it houses the largest collection of 19th and 20th century art. 

Museo Nacional De Antropologia
Learn about the history of Mexico at the Museo Nacional De Antropologia in Mexico City, Mexico. See Mexican folk art, pre-Columbian Mexico artifacts, beautifully landscaped gardens, and Sun Stone from the Aztec era. 

The Louvre
This must-see museum located in Paris, France, is home to some of the most famous paintings in the world, like the Mona Lisa. The Louvre was once a palace and a fortress but is now one of the most visited museums in the world. The collection is so huge, it can take days to see all there is in the museum. 

British Museum
Not only are artifacts from British history housed at the British Museum in London, England, but the seven million object collection features artifacts from cultures all over the world. Visit the free museum to learn about human history from the beginning. 

State Hermitage Museum
One of the oldest museums in the world is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia. The State Hermitage Museum was built during the reign of Catherine the Great. The works of famous artists are on display, like Da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Rembrandt. Over three million pieces make up the museums collection, but only a small portion can be on display at any given time. 

5 of the Country’s Top Wine Regions

While many of us assume California's Napa Valley is the country's top destination for wine and vineyards, fabulous wineries exist all over the country. Next time you're planning a trip, consider a wine tour or tasting at any of these five wine regions. 

Finger Lakes, New York
Just north of New York City, you'll find some of the best wineries in America. Finger Lakes is known for beautiful state parks and award-winning sparkling wines. Take the Seneca Lake Wine Trail and check some of the 30 wineries around Seneca Lake. 

Temecula, California
Napa Valley isn't the only wine destination in California. The West Coast is filled with tons of great wine towns, including Temecula. Grapes grow in abundance in the town, thanks to a climate similar to Spain's. Over 30 wineries call the city home. Festivals are always taking place, creating a lively environment. 

Walla Walla, Washington
Travel a little further up the West Coast to hit Walla Walla, Washington. Walla Walla has recently become a popular wine destination with plenty of wineries and beautiful scenery of the Blue Mountains. Stop by Walla Walla Vintners on Fridays and Saturdays for free wine tastings of the renowned red wines. This winery was one of the first to open in Washington. 

Long Island, New York
You might not think of vineyards when you think of Long Island, but this New York town is home to plenty of small vineyards producing excellent wines. Most of the wines are unique to the area and can't be found in the grocery store. If you're looking for a rare vintage, check out the wineries on Long Island, like Sparkling Pointe. 

Palisade, Colorado
Many of the wineries here use local fruits in the wine for a light and delicate taste. Take a trip in the warmer months to enjoy a delicious glass of wine in Palisade. Make sure you stop by Plum Creek Winery. This winery has been dedicated to only using Colorado grown grapes for over 20 years. 

Pin It on Pinterest