It is advisable to have the board to fold in two, the blanks on each corner being convenient for the reception of taken pieces, enabling players to see at a glance the amount of their own or their opponents’ losses.
Having placed the pieces on the board as shown in the [diagram], taking care that the queens are on the same colour, the adversaries proceed to try for first move, an unquestionable advantage for eight moves.
This is done in the following manner: Red takes one of Black’s and one of his own pieces, and Black guesses, as in Single Chess. White and Green do the same. The conquerors then repeat, as in Single Chess. The victor has first move, and begins the attack, which should be directed towards his right-hand adversary.
His partner is now bound to remember that to him he must look for guidance, guessing at his plan of attack, and aiding him to the best of his ability.
Should the first mover decline to attack he will move on the left, say his king’s bishop’s knight to king’s bishop third for defence.
This will be sufficient warrant for his partner to make the attack and take the lead, as it is obvious that first mover wishes to follow instead of leading. In such an event, after the first round number one must look to number three for guidance.
The change is, at the best, a confession of weakness, and we cannot recommend its adoption, as in this game dash is most essential to success.
Each player makes a move in turn from right to left, and any player moving out of his turn ([Rule 11]) may be compelled to move the piece on which he has placed his hand, while his adversaries may also move out of their turn. The justice of this is obvious when one reflects that the mere indication of a piece may give a clue to the mover’s plan of attack or defence.
No consultation or suggestion of any kind is allowed as the game proceeds ([Rules 1] and [11]). Those who cannot restrain shuffling their feet, wriggling in their chairs, or grimacing over a certain move, had better be avoided as partners. Such a proceeding is more than undignified.
The pawns move only one square at a time, taking obliquely, as in Single Chess. When friendly pawns meet they leap over each other, and continue their progress until they reach partner’s king-row, when they return.