Rules questions, purchase info, and everything in between.
Where can I buy The Original 3D Chess Game?
The game is available on Amazon: The Original 3D Chess Game on Amazon →
How much does it cost?
$74.99, available through Amazon with Prime shipping.
Is this a vintage or collectible item?
The current production set is new, manufactured with modern materials (laser-cut acrylic, injection-molded base). If you're looking for a vintage NOS (New Old Stock) edition from the 1960s–70s, those occasionally appear on Amazon and eBay from third-party sellers.
Is this the same as the Star Trek Tri-Dimensional Chess set?
No. The Star Trek set was a prop with no official rules — the boards weren't even consistently positioned between scenes. The Original 3D Chess Game predates those TV episodes, has a complete official ruleset developed by the inventor, and has been played seriously since 1967. Read the full history →
Can pieces move between levels freely?
Yes, any piece can move to a different level on any turn, provided the move follows its movement rules. There's no restriction on which turn or how often a piece can change levels — it's simply part of the available movement on each turn.
Can the Queen move to any level?
Yes. The Queen is the most powerful piece in 3D Chess, just as in regular chess — but even more so here. She can move straight up or down (like a Rook changing levels) or diagonally across levels (like a Bishop). She has the full range of all vertical movement options.
Can a Rook jump to a different level and move across the board in one turn?
No. When a Rook changes levels, it can only move straight up or down — landing on the exact square directly above or below where it started. It cannot change levels and move horizontally in the same turn. The level change counts as the full move.
Does a piece on Level II block movement on Level I?
No. Pieces on different levels do not block each other's horizontal movement. A Rook moving along rank 4 on Level I passes freely under any piece on Level II sitting on rank 4. Blocking only applies to pieces on the same level, or when a piece is directly in the vertical path between levels.
Can two pieces from opposite sides occupy the same square coordinates on different levels?
Yes. A Black Rook on Level I, square A1 and a White Queen on Level II, square A1 can coexist. You just need to be careful — if either piece has a move that brings it to the other's square, it's a capture.
Are there first-move restrictions for Pawns changing levels?
A Pawn's two-square first-move option applies on its own level. When a Pawn moves to a different level (straight up or down), that counts as its move for the turn — it doesn't also get to advance forward. The Pawn can subsequently move back to the level it came from; moving between levels is not considered "moving backward" because direction is relative to the level the piece is on.
Does en passant work across levels?
Yes. En passant can apply across levels. The full rules for cross-level en passant are covered in the official instruction manual included with the game.
Does a Pawn promote if it reaches the end of the board on Level II?
Yes. A Pawn promotes to any piece of your choice whenever it reaches the far end of the board — on any level.
Is it possible to checkmate on Level II?
Yes, but it's harder. A King on Level II can escape to Level I or Level III, so you need to control those escape squares as well. A typical checkmate on Level II requires significantly more attacking pieces than a checkmate on Level I or III.
What is the purpose of each level strategically?
Level I is White's home territory — local piece development and defense. Level III is Black's home territory — same for Black. Level II is contested territory and the strategic center of the game. Whoever controls Level II largely controls the game, since pieces there can threaten squares on both other levels simultaneously.
What's included in the box?
Three laser-cut and laser-etched clear acrylic 8×8 boards, an injection-molded black base and vertical support frame, a complete set of 32 chess pieces, and the official instruction manual.
Is it made in the USA?
Yes. The set is manufactured and assembled in the USA.
Who is the game for? What age?
Anyone who can play regular chess. Recommended for ages 8 and up. The rules are simple enough to learn quickly but the strategic depth will challenge experienced chess players.
How long does a game take?
Typically 60–90 minutes, comparable to a regular chess game. Unlike some older 3D chess variants that could take many hours, the three-level format keeps games at a manageable length.
I have a question not answered here. How do I contact you?
Email us at support@theoriginal3dchess.com.