# item.guide
Side-by-Side Comparison Board Games

Chess vs. Risk

Comparing 2 standards across 21 specifications. 21 key differences identified.

Comparing:
Chess
Risk

Chess is a two-player abstract strategy board game governed internationally by FIDE (Fédération Internationale des Échecs). Standard laws define 64-square alternating boards (50–60 mm squares), exact piece movements, en passant capture timing (Article 3.7), castling restrictions (Article 3.8), and draw criteria including the 50-move rule and threefold repetition.

View full Chess spec sheet →

Risk is a global conquest strategy board game published by Hasbro where 2–6 players battle for control of 42 world territories across 6 continents. Official rules govern turn troop reinforcements (Territories ÷ 3, min 3 + continent bonuses), combat dice mechanics (Attacker max 3 red dice vs Defender max 2 white dice with ties favoring the Defender), and escalating Card Set turn-ins.

View full Risk spec sheet →

Specification Comparison Table

21 Parameters
Parameter / Spec
Governing Body
FIDE (World Chess Federation)
Board Grid Dimensions
8 × 8 (64 alternating squares)
Tournament Square Size
50 to 60 (2.0 to 2.36 inches) mm
Standard King Height
95 (3.75 inches) mm (±5 mm tolerance)
King Base-to-Height Ratio
40% to 50% of piece height
En Passant Execution Window
Immediately on the next move only FIDE Art. 3.7.4.2
50-Move Draw Rule
50 consecutive moves without pawn move or capture FIDE Art. 9.3
Threefold Repetition
Same exact board position occurs 3 times FIDE Art. 9.2
Dead Position Rule
No sequence of legal moves can lead to checkmate FIDE Art. 5.2.2 (Instant Draw)
Governing Publisher
Hasbro
Total World Territories
42 territories across 6 continents
Total Continents
6 Asia, North America, Europe, Africa, South America, Australia
Asia Continent Bonus
7 armies per turn (12 territories)
North America Continent Bonus
5 armies per turn (9 territories)
Europe Continent Bonus
5 armies per turn (7 territories)
Africa Continent Bonus
3 armies per turn (6 territories)
South America Continent Bonus
2 armies per turn (4 territories)
Australia Continent Bonus
2 armies per turn (4 territories)
Minimum Turn Armies
3 armies (Territories ÷ 3, rounded down)
Combat Dice Advantage
Defender wins all ties highest matching die rolls
Card Set Turn-In Scale
4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15 (+5 each subsequent) armies