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Paco Sako

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description Paco Sako Overview

Paco Sako is a chess variant invented around 2017 by Dutch designer Felix Albers with the name translating to "peace chess" in Esperanto. Unlike traditional chess, pieces do not capture each other but instead form "embrace unions" when a piece would normally capture, with the attacking piece occupying the same square as the opponent's piece. The game aims to embody principles of non-violence and cooperation while maintaining strategic depth similar to standard chess.

help Paco Sako FAQ

Who invented Paco Sako and what does the name mean?

Paco Sako was created by Dutch artist Felix Albers. The name means Peace Chess in Esperanto, and the official history says the idea dates to 2014, with Paco Sako BV established with Peter de Bruijne in 2016. ([Paco Sako](https://www.pacosako.com/about/))

How does a capture work in Paco Sako?

Pieces are not removed from the board when they would normally capture one another. Instead, the two opposing pieces form an embrace union and remain together on the same square. ([Pacoplay Tutorial](https://pacoplay.com/tutorial))

How do united pieces move in Paco Sako?

Each player can move a union according to the movement rules of that player's own piece. A united piece cannot leave by itself, and another piece must take over the union to free it. ([Pacoplay Tutorial](https://pacoplay.com/tutorial))

How do you win a Paco Sako game?

The goal is to unite one of your pieces with the opponent's king. The opposing king cannot form a union, start a chain, or be used in a chain, so the winning embrace replaces checkmate as the central objective. ([Pacoplay Tutorial](https://pacoplay.com/tutorial))

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