The game is patented (Des. 376,824). 3 Man Chess is played "in the round," that is, the field of play is circular. The game board consists of 6 concentric ranks of 24 squares each. Three conventional teams of 16 pieces border each other adjacently on the outer 2 ranks; the teams are separated and protected from each other by impassable "moats." A circular void occupies the center of the board, through which moves may pass, but not rest. Vertical moves pass across the center to the opposite "spoke," while horizontal moves orbit around the circular ranks. The diagonal sweeps are interesting and dangerous, taking on a spiral quality. A diagonal move starting from the outer rank can swing through the center and return to its origin. These "teardrop" trajectory lines are colored into the board, as visual aids only. (Rotation through the outer rank is not allowed continuously in the same move.) After just a couple of turns around the board, strategy becomes intensely complex and fascinating.

3 Man Chess is played just like conventional Chess. There was NEVER any intention of trying to make the game "better" because that can't be done. However, being able to play with three minds interacting creates situations that never arise in conventional Chess. Basically, three sets of pieces (the same sets as in conventional Chess) border each other on the outer two ranks of the round board. Since the "rows" are now concentric circles, a Rook may rotate around the entire board or move straight across the board passing through the center. There is no space to occupy in the center, you simply pass through it. By the nature of the board, diagonal moves "bend" toward and may rotate through the center. The "trajectory" lines on the board are only visual aids to help you see and plan possible diagonal moves. Diagonal moves such as a Bishop, may rotate through the center but cannot rotate through (or bounce off) the outer rank in one move. There are "Moats" between each team on the outer rank. They are necessary to keep Rooks from capturing each other on the first move. These Moats may become bridged if the outer rank between two teams becomes vacant. Also, there are Creeks that run two ranks toward the center off each Moat. The Creeks only purposes that a Pawn cannot diagonally capture across the Creek (it must first be past the Creek).