Crazyhouse Chess Rules
Crazyhouse is one of chess's most popular variants. The twist: when you capture an enemy piece, it joins your army and can be dropped onto any empty square on a future turn. It creates chaotic, exciting positions unlike anything in standard chess.
How it works
All standard chess rules apply, with one addition: captured pieces change colour and go into your "reserve". On any turn, instead of making a normal move, you can drop a reserve piece onto any empty square. Pawns cannot be dropped on the 1st or 8th rank. Dropped pieces immediately become active.
Strategy differences
Crazyhouse is far more tactical than standard chess. Material sacrifice is common because the pieces come back. King safety is paramount because pieces can appear from nowhere. A single dropped knight on f2/f7 can be devastating. Defence is harder because attackers can reinforce instantly.
Where to play
Crazyhouse is available on Lichess (free, highly active), and as a variant on several other platforms. Lichess runs Crazyhouse tournaments regularly. The variant also has competitive players with their own rating system.