Bashni
Russian column draughts variant with stacking captures.
Bashni (Russian: ба́шни, towers), also known as column draughts or multi-level checkers, is a variation of draughts known in Russia since the 19th century. It is played according to the basic rules of Russian draughts, with the main difference being that pieces jumped over are not removed but placed under the jumping piece, forming towers that move as one piece. The game is of interest to mathematical sciences such as combinatorics and the theory of paired zero-sum games.
- field
- Board game (draughts variation)
- known_for
- Column draughts variant where captured pieces are stacked under the jumping piece
- first_description
- 1875 in St. Petersburg, in an article by Valerian Alexandrovich Viskovatov
- notable_developer
- Emanuel Lasker, who developed the variant 'Laska' based on Bashni (1911)
- official_rules_adopted
- 16–17 March 2002 by the Saint Petersburg regional Club
Lore & Background
The first description of column draughts is believed to have been presented in the article 'Towers or tours' of the 'Collection of games for family and school' compiled by Valerian Alexandrovich Viskovatov, published in 1875 in St. Petersburg. The theorist and historian Davyd I. Sargin, editor of chess and draughts sections in many Russian newspapers, repeatedly reprinted the article and published his own research on the game. One of the most complete descriptions is given in his fundamental work 'The Antiquity of the games of checkers and chess', published in Moscow in 1915.
A significant role in the dissemination of column draughts belongs to enthusiasts of the Leningrad production association 'Krasnaya Zarya', headed by researcher of table games Aleksandr G. Borovikov (23 June 1931 – 8 March 2017). Borovikov co-edited the magazine 'Koster' from 2000 to 2015, where he led a column on board games. Yuri Pavlovich Filatov, one of the first initiators of the go-movement in the USSR, also actively promoted column draughts.
Based on Bashni but according to the basic rules of English draughts, world chess champion Emanuel Lasker developed the draughts game 'Laska' and published its description in 1911. Lasker described towers that can only be 'double-layered', with no alternation of colors, and showed that during the game the number of pieces either remains constant or decreases.
Reader's Guide
Bashni is significant as a historical variant of draughts that introduces a unique stacking mechanic, transforming captures into towers that move according to the top piece's status. This innovation has attracted mathematical interest, particularly in combinatorics and game theory, as the stacking rule changes the dynamics of piece count and positional complexity. The game's development by figures like Emanuel Lasker, who adapted it into Laska, highlights its influence on board game design. The preservation and dissemination of Bashni by enthusiasts such as Aleksandr G. Borovikov and Yuri Pavlovich Filatov ensured its continued practice, particularly in Russia. The adoption of official rules in 2002 by the Saint Petersburg regional Club formalized the game for modern play. Bashni's legacy lies in its demonstration of how a simple rule change—stacking rather than removing captured pieces—can create a distinct strategic depth, making it a subject of study for both recreational players and mathematicians.
Did You Know?
- Bashni is also known as column draughts or multi-level checkers.
- When a tower is jumped over, the entire tower is captured, not just the uppermost piece.
- World chess champion Emanuel Lasker developed the game 'Laska' based on Bashni, publishing its description in 1911.
- The first official rules of Bashni were adopted on 16–17 March 2002 by the Saint Petersburg regional Club.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bashni?
Bashni is a Russian draughts (checkers) variant in which captured pieces are not removed from the board but are stacked underneath the piece that performed the jump. The resulting column, or 'tower,' then moves as a single combined unit for the rest of the game.
How does Bashni differ from standard Russian draughts?
The basic movement and capture rules follow ordinary Russian draughts, but the fate of jumped pieces is the key change. Instead of leaving the board, they are placed under the jumping piece to form a tower that travels as one piece, which dramatically alters endgame strategy and piece value.
When and where was Bashni first documented?
The earliest known written description dates to 1875 in St. Petersburg, appearing in an article authored by Valerian Alexandrovich Viskovatov. This places the game's recorded origins firmly in the mid-19th-century Russian board-game tradition.
What is Emanuel Lasker's connection to Bashni?
The renowned chess and draughts master Emanuel Lasker developed a variant called 'Laska' in 1911, built directly on the Bashni stacking-capture principle. His involvement helped spread awareness of the column-draughts concept beyond its original Russian circle.
When were official Bashni rules formally adopted?
A standardized rule set was officially adopted by the Saint Petersburg regional Club on 16–17 March 2002. This gave the long-standing folk variant a codified competitive framework for organized tournaments and study.
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