This is game in a chess on a tiny board (6 x 6) by the simplified rules. At the start of the game some pieces are set down in the horizontal row of squares, nearest each player.

The pieces are divided into two matching sets, by convention called white and black. The players alternate moving one piece of their own at a time. Each piece moves according to specific rules and is removed from the board when an opposing piece moves into its square, thus displacing it.

The object in game is to trap, or checkmate, the opponent's king. MiniChess do not have to end in checkmate - either player may resign if the situation looks hopeless. Games also may end in a draw with no winner, so do not dispair!.

A draw can occur in several situations, including draw by agreement, stalemate, threefold repetition of a position, the 50 move rule, or a draw by impossibility of checkmate (usually because of insufficient material to checkmate).