About the author

Introducing Matthew Hayes: An Endlessly Intrigued Mind in the World of Chess

Who is Matthew Hayes?

Matthew Hayes, a lifelong resident of Wales, is an individual who possesses a deep passion for chess, perpetually captivated by the game's boundless possibilities. Being autistic with ADHD, he finds solace and fascination in the intricate world of chess, constantly driven by the limitless potential inherent in every move and strategy. Matthew's unwavering interest in the game, coupled with his insatiable curiosity, has led him to explore the depths of chess variants, where he discovers new realms of creativity and innovation.

When did Matthew first learn about chess variants?

Matthew's journey into the realm of chess variants began during his adolescence at the age of 15. It was at this pivotal stage of his life that he stumbled upon the very concept of a chess variant. Curiosity piqued, he delved into the world of unconventional chess games, discovering fairy pieces such as the Amazon - a combination of a Queen and Knight - as well as new ways to play, like Fischer Random Chess, also known as Chess960. This further fuelled Matthew's passion for chess and motivated him to explore other captivating adaptations. From that point forward, his fascination with chess variants only grew, propelling him on a lifelong quest to uncover and document the richness and diversity of these unique games.

The Amazon

What is the purpose of this website?

"The Various Chess Variants: A Guide to (Almost) All of the Different Pieces, Boards, and Rules" is a website meticulously curated by Matthew Hayes, where he combines his passion for chess variants with his creative talents. The primary objective of this website is to serve as an extensive resource for chess enthusiasts, novices, and curious minds alike. Matthew's dedication extends beyond providing comprehensive documentation on a myriad of chess variants. He has also poured his artistic skills into crafting all the graphics, including piece icons, board illustrations, and other visual elements. By merging his love for chess with his artistic prowess, Matthew has created a visually captivating platform that not only educates but also inspires visitors to immerse themselves in the world of diverse and imaginative chess variants.

Why did Matthew create this website?

Motivated by his profound passion for chess variants and armed with the knowledge gained from completing a college course in media, Matthew envisioned a unique project that showcases his love for the game while leveraging his creative talents. With an innate desire to contribute to the chess community and share his discoveries, Matthew embarked on the creation of this website. By personally designing all the graphics, piece icons, and visual elements, he adds an extra layer of authenticity and originality to the platform. Through this website, Matthew aspires to foster a sense of exploration, creativity, and inclusivity within the chess community while showcasing his artistic abilities.

Where/how can you contact Matthew?

Matthew Hayes warmly welcomes collaboration and contributions to expand the wealth of knowledge on chess variants. To reach out to Matthew, whether to suggest new entries, provide feedback, offer advice on site improvement, or ask questions, you can utilize the contact form available in the "Contact/play against me" section of the website.

Additionally, Matthew can be contacted through various chess platforms where he actively participates, such as Chess.com, Lichess, and Pychess, the links for which are also provided in the "Contact/play against me" section of the website.

Feel free to connect with Matthew on these platforms, as well as via the form, to share your insights, collaborate, and join the vibrant chess community centered around chess variants. Matthew eagerly anticipates connecting with fellow chess aficionados and like-minded individuals who share his enthusiasm for the diverse and captivating world of chess variants.

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