Read the challenge
See which piece is in play and which question you need to answer.
KATADOKU CHESS
Logic challenges on a 3 × 3 board inspired by chess pieces. Think about how each piece moves, count its threats and find the exact answer.
8 challenges
3 × 3 board
6 pieces
1 answerHow do you play?
Check the clarifications
Tap the “i” to see how the piece moves and what counts as a threat.
Try it on the board
Use the Paint tool to place pieces, draw jumps and rule out options.
Check your answer
Enter the number you think is right and see the explained solution.
How it works
Every challenge is played on a 3 × 3 board with squares numbered 1 to 9. Your answer is always a number: a maximum of pieces, squares or jumps.
Use the “Paint” tool on the board to try out placements and routes before you answer.
Katadoku Chess rules
Pieces move just like in chess, but on a board with only 9 squares.
Classic moves
The knight jumps in an “L”, the bishop moves diagonally, the rook horizontally and vertically, and the queen combines both. The king moves one square in any direction.
What counts as a threat
A piece threatens a square if it can reach it in a single move. The square it stands on does not count.
Only 9 squares
Pieces cannot leave the board. Each challenge’s clarifications explain any special detail, such as which way the pawns move.
A numeric answer
Enter a number and check it. When you get it right, you’ll see the solution with an example on the board.
Katadoku Chess challenges
8 challenges available
CHALLENGE 1The Peaceful Queens
Level: Easy
How many queens fit on the board without any of them being able to capture another?
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CHALLENGE 2The Knight’s Tour
Level: Easy
Jump in an “L” across the board and visit as many squares as you can without repeating one.
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CHALLENGE 3The Rook Formation
Level: Easy
Place rooks along rows and columns so that none of them is under threat.
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CHALLENGE 4The Bishop’s Domain
Level: Easy
Find the square from which a bishop controls the most diagonals.
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CHALLENGE 5The Pawn Wall
Level: Easy
Fill the board with pawns while avoiding their diagonal attacks.
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CHALLENGE 6The King’s Path
Level: Easy
Guide the king square by square and cross the board without stepping on the same spot twice.
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CHALLENGE 7Crossed Rooks
Level: Easy
Each rook must threaten exactly two others. How many can you place?
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CHALLENGE 8Non-Attacking Knights
Level: Easy
Spread knights across the board so that no jump reaches another knight.
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