Short assize
Medieval chess variant with pawns on third ranks.
The short assize, from the French for "short sitting," is a term coined by historian H. J. R. Murray for a medieval European chess variant. It resembled the Burmese game sittuyin but arose independently, likely designed to bring the opposing armies into conflict more quickly. Evidence places it in England and Paris during the latter half of the 12th century, with possible use elsewhere or in other periods.
In this variant, pawns began on the third rank, and the queen shared a square with the e-file pawn. These two pieces could not move together, and after they separated, no two pieces of the same color could occupy the same square. However, before either piece moved, both could be captured together. Aside from these rules, the game followed standard medieval chess (shatranj). Murray notes two possible starting setups and implies players could arrange their kings, bishops, knights, and rooks freely. It is unclear whether the game included an initial setup phase like sittuyin. Ordinary European chess of the era was sometimes called the long assize to distinguish it.
- Field
- Chess variant
- Known for
- Medieval chess variant with pawns on third ranks and queen on e-file pawn's square
- Period
- Second half of the 12th century
- Region
- England and Paris
Lore & Background
The short assize is a chess variant recorded by H. J. R. Murray in his 1913 work A History of Chess. The name derives from the French 'court assize' meaning 'short sitting,' distinguishing it from the ordinary European chess of the time, sometimes called the long assize. The game was played in England and Paris during the second half of the 12th century, and possibly at other times and places.
In this variant, pieces started with the pawns on the third ranks, and the queen on the same square as the e-file pawn. These two pieces could not be moved together, and after that no two pieces of the same color could occupy the same square. However, before either moved, both could be captured together. After that, the usual rules of medieval chess (shatranj or similar) applied.
Murray records two starting positions and writes as if players could choose the starting positions of their kings, bishops, knights, and rooks. It is not known if the game had an initial setting-up stage like in sittuyin.
Reader's Guide
The short assize is significant as a documented medieval chess variant that offers insight into the evolution of chess in Europe. Its independent development, though somewhat similar to sittuyin, suggests a local adaptation to speed up the game by bringing armies into contact sooner. The variant's existence in both England and Paris indicates a degree of popularity in the 12th century, though its exact rules and prevalence remain uncertain due to limited records. Murray's naming and description provide a rare glimpse into a transitional form of chess, where the starting setup could be chosen by players, hinting at a more flexible approach to the game before standardization. The short assize's legacy lies in its contribution to the history of chess variants, showing that experimentation with starting positions and rules occurred long before modern variants like Chess960. Its mention alongside the 'long assize' underscores the medieval distinction between different forms of chess, enriching our understanding of the game's development.
Did You Know?
- The short assize is named by H. J. R. Murray, from the French 'court assize' meaning 'short sitting'.
- It was current in England and Paris in the second half of the 12th century.
- Pawns started on the third ranks, and the queen started on the same square as the e-file pawn.
- Before either the queen or the e-file pawn moved, both could be captured together.
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