Palace and Throne

The first residences of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania were powerful castles. Strong walls protected the owner during the onslaught of detractors, testified to the strength of power, symbolized its stability in the troubled world of the Middle Ages. Over time, the idea of ​​masonry defense softened through the desire of the ruling circles for beauty: castles began to give way to elegant palaces. Near the island castle of Alhierd in Troki there was built a gothic palace of Vitaut with frescoes and stained-glass windows. At the initiative of Stefan Batoryi, Hrodna Castle was rebuilt into a palace with carved ceilings and tapestries. And in the time of Žyhimont Aŭhust, the main palace of the Grand Duchy, the center of Renaissance culture in our lands, flourished under Hiedymin Mountain in Vilnia.

Каралеўскі замак у Гродна на беразе Нёмана. Фота: 34travel.me
Hrodna Castle on the bank of the Niemen River. Photo: 34travel.me

Landmark decisions were made in the Vilnia Palace, the Sojm was convened here, ambassadors and diplomats were received, operas were staged, masquerades were held, book collections and cultural values ​​were preserved.

On the Belarusian and Litvin chessboard the palace is embodied by a hill in the center of the field. In the middle of the palace is the throne (square e5). Only having stepped on this square and having hold it for one move without announcing Rokash, the Kniaź or the Kniažyč can celebrate a victory. Moreover, the kniažyč becomes a kniaź only with the support of the latter, while the kniaź must stand no further than two steps from the center of the palace (throne).

Raising the piece to the center of the board, you need to say: "Throne!". Having won - to declare: "The throne is mine!".

Not a single piece is allowed to step over the throne, with the exception of the Kniaź or the Kniažyč. If e5 is an attacked square, it is also impossible to step on it.

The project is in three dimensions

"Belarusian Chess" exists in digital, noble and gift versions. Get to know them.