Setup Chess

Build a 39-point army, then play.

White and Black alternate placing one piece at a time, each spending exactly 39 material points. Pawns belong on either of the two pawn ranks nearest you; every other piece belongs within your first three ranks, and each army must contain exactly one king. Once both armies are ready, normal royal chess begins: kings may not be captured or left in check, checkmate wins and stalemate draws. Castling is disabled because the army was not placed in a standard starting formation.