HexChess Python

PyQt-based hexagonal chess game with custom piece movement rules.

Overview

A fully-featured implementation of hexagonal chess using PyQt5, offering a unique twist on traditional chess by adapting all piece movements to a hexagonal grid system.

Features

Core Gameplay

Hexagonal Grid: Custom hexagonal board layout
Adapted Piece Movement: All standard chess pieces with hex-adapted rules
Interactive GUI: Point-and-click interface built with PyQt5
Move Validation: Complete rule enforcement for hexagonal movement
Game State Management: Turn tracking, game history, move validation

User Interface

Visual Board: Clean, intuitive hexagonal board display
Piece Graphics: Custom-designed pieces for hex board
Move Highlighting: Visual indicators for valid moves
Drag-and-Drop: Intuitive piece movement interface

Piece Movement (Hexagonal Adaptation)

Pawns

Move forward one hex
Capture diagonally forward
Special first-move rules adapted for hex grid

Knights

Extended L-shaped jump pattern
Adapted for hexagonal geometry

Bishops

Diagonal movement along hex lines
Three diagonal directions per hex

Rooks

Straight-line movement
Six directions (hex axes)

Queen

Combines rook and bishop movement
Nine total movement directions

King

One hex in any direction
Standard chess king rules

Installation

# Clone repository
git clone https://github.com/gddickinson/hexchess_python.git
cd hexchess_python

# Install dependencies
pip install PyQt5

# Run the game
python hexchess.py

Technical Implementation

Technologies

PyQt5: GUI framework
Python 3.x: Core language
Custom Graphics: Hex board rendering
Game Logic: Object-oriented piece and board classes

Architecture

Board Class: Manages hex grid state
Piece Classes: Individual piece movement logic
Game Controller: Turn management and rule enforcement
UI Layer: PyQt5 interface

JavaScript HexChess - Web-based version with AI opponent

Hexagonal chess variant built with PyQt5