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Official Cobble Hill USA Website
USA Cobble Hill Official Website

NEW! PUZZLE CHESS 100 PIECE LINE LAUNCHING AT NATIONALS!

Cobble Hill is sponsoring the Special Competitions in Atlanta. The new 100 piece line will debut in an all day Puzzle Chess tournament on Friday, March 27.

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COBBLE HILL 100 PIECE PUZLE CHESS

What is Puzzle Chess?

What is Puzzle Chess?

Puzzle Chess is an exciting way to turn any puzzle into a head-to-head game. At first, players will work together to build the frame of the puzzle. Then, they'll set a timer (best method is a chess timer - and there are free apps). After that - the race is on! Players take turns connecting one piece at a time until the puzzle is complete.

The player with the most time on their clock wins!
How do I play?

How do I play?

(Instructions using a free chess clock timer app)

Set up:

  • Empty all pieces onto the table.
  • Sort edge pieces from inside pieces.
  • Work together to build the frame.
  • Flip over the inside pieces (image side up), making sure both players can reach them.
  • Set your timer: 5 minutes for a competitive game, or 15–20 minutes for a more relaxed pace.
  • Determine who gets to decide who goes first or second by tossing a puzzle piece and calling "image" or "back" (like heads or tails).

Start the game (and timer):

  • Player 2 will tap their own side of the clock to start Player 1's timer.
  • Player 1 must connect a piece to the frame.
  • After placing a piece, players tap their own side of the clock to start the other player's timer.
  • Continue taking turns until the final piece is placed.

To Win:

  • The player with the most time remaining on the clock wins.
  • If a player runs out of time, they lose the game.

Note:

  • Pieces inside the frame must connect - no free standing pieces
  • You can only touch one piece at a time

About the Chess Clock

About the Chess Clock

To get the free clock:

Visit your app store and search for "Chess Clock". The one we use is "Chess Clock by Chess.com". It's a free app.

To start the clock (reference image):

  • To begin the game, Player 2 taps the Player 2 side of the clock (their own side) to start the clock for Player 1.
  • The Player 1 side will turn green and the clock will begin counting down.
  • Player 1 connects a piece, then taps their side of the clock (it will be green).
  • Now, Player 2 goes. When Player 2 places a piece, they tap their side of the clock to start the clock for Player 1, and so on.

The winner or loser:

  • The Player with the most time left on their clock is the winner since they used the least amount of time to complete the puzzle.
  • If a player runs out of time, then they immediately lose the game.

More info for chess clock options:

Here are a few free and popular options:

Don't want to download an app?

If each player has a device with a timer option, they can set their own timer to the same time ie 20 minutes. Confirm each player has the same amount of time set on their timer. The first player will start their timer and place a piece. After placing their piece, they will press pause on their own timer. The next player will then press start on their timer, place a piece, then press pause on their own timer. Keep repeating until the last piece is placed. Compare the time remaining on both timers - the person with the most time on their clock wins! 

How much time should I set on the clock?

The amount of time set can vary based on the goal of your game and/or skill level. It also varies based on the piece count. For Cobble Hill's 100 Piece Puzzle Chess games, here are suggested times:

Super competitive play = 5 minutes
Casual-competitive = 15 minutes
Just hanging out = 30 minutes

If a player runs out of time on their clock they automatically lose. So, if you want to declare a winner by time remaining, set the clock for a little longer than you think you need.

Remember, it's the player with the most time remaining who wins!

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