“Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” brings centuries of chess innovation to life through interactive play and global artifacts
The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF), the leading chess cultural center in the country, is proud to announce its latest exhibition, “Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition,” an immersive, hands-on exploration of the global game’s evolution and the creative reimaginings that continue to shape it today. The exhibition will be on display from Aug. 7, 2025 through Apr. 19, 2026.
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“Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” at the World Chess Hall of Fame offers an immersive, hands-on look at the global evolution and playful reinvention of the game.
From ancient Persia to modern pop culture, “Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” traces the history of chess and its many transformations over centuries. A vibrant timeline showcases theories on the game's origins, how it changed as it spread across Asia and Europe, the introduction of the iconic Staunton pieces, and the development of today’s modern rules. The exhibition also highlights how cultures around the world adapted the game to reflect local customs, values, and innovations.
“Chess is one of the few games that has endured across continents and centuries—precisely because people continue to reinvent it,” said Shannon Bailey, Chief Curator of the WCHOF. “Our latest exhibition is about celebrating the tradition and honoring the transformation. It’s playful, surprising and educational—just like chess itself.”
“Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” will feature artifacts from the WCHOF’s permanent collection, alongside loans from renowned collectors and historians. Contributors include Rick Knowlton (chess historian), John McCrary (chess historian), Myron Samsin (chess historian), Jon Crumiller (chess collector), Laszlo and Klara Polgar (parents of the world-renowned Polgar sisters), Grandmaster Yasser Seirawan and Jon Guillaume (New Orleans artist), each bringing a unique perspective to the exhibition. A special section is dedicated to Starchess, an inventive variant created by Laszlo Polgar, featuring rare photographs, patents, and boards on loan from the Polgar family.
Exhibition highlights include:
- An original antique Jaques of London Staunton Set and Casket
- Invented in 2007 by GM Yasser Seirawan and FM Bruce Harper, Seirawan Chess is a variant that adds two new hybrid pieces—the Elephant (rook+knight) and the Hawk (bishop+knight)—which can be "dropped" onto the board after a piece moves, creating fresh tactical possibilities on a standard 8×8 board.
- The 2013 Sinquefield Cup Limited Edition Set and Box by The House of Staunton
- An Ancient Persian chess set and board
- A display of Asian chess variants including Janggi, Xiangqi, and Shogi
- A rich archive of photographs from the 1950s to the present showing variant play
- Pop culture chess sets inspired by Star Trek and Star Wars
- A display dedicated to Polgar Starchess
- Photos from previous iconic Chess 9LX matches
- A modern variant by Dr. Tim Paulden where a rubber duck blocks squares and must be moved after each turn—removing check and checkmate for a playful, tactical twist. “It’s just chess… but with a duck!”
Each area introduces visitors to multiple examples of chess variants within its category, featuring rule guides, play demonstrations, and historical context. Visitors are encouraged to sit and engage directly with each type, turning the museum into a living, playable chessboard.
The exhibition’s flexible layout, with movable walls in the center gallery, allows for ongoing programming including variant tournaments, live lessons, and family play sessions, ensuring a dynamic, ever-changing experience.
Admission is always free and open to the public. For more information about the exhibition and programming, please visit our website at worldchesshof.org.
The Saint Louis community is invited to the opening reception of “Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, from 5 to 8 p.m. Step into a vibrant gallery filled with rare chess sets and playable variants that challenge the traditional rules—from alternate starting positions to multiplayer boards. Complimentary admission and valet. Click HERE to RSVP.
About the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries
The World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries (WCHOF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to building awareness of the cultural and artistic significance of chess. It opened on September 9, 2011, in the Central West End after moving from previous locations in New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami. Housed in a historic 15,900 square-foot residence-turned-business in Saint Louis' Central West End neighborhood, the WCHOF features World Chess Hall of Fame inductees, the United States Chess Hall of Fame inductees selected by the U.S. Chess Trust, artifacts from the permanent collection and exhibitions highlighting the great players, historic games and rich cultural history of chess. The WCHOF partners with the Saint Louis Chess Club to provide innovative programming and outreach to local, national, and international audiences. For more information, visit worldchesshof.org and on social: Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube channels.
WCHOF does not discriminate or permit harassment or discrimination on the basis of gender, race, color, national and ethnic origin in the treatment of individuals with respect to employment, or admission or access to WCHOF facilities, programs or activities.
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On view at the World Chess Hall of Fame & Galleries, “Chess Variants: Transforming Tradition” offers a hands-on, immersive look at how cultures around the world have reimagined the game of chess through time.
Contacts
Media Contact:
World Chess Hall of Fame PR
media@worldchesshof.org