The starting position of Shatranj is the exact same as modern Chess, apart from the light and dark Shah (Kings) can start on either side of the center, but must be on the same file as one another. Castling is not allowed. Stalemating results in a win for the player delivering the stalemate, and capturing all the opponent's pieces apart from the king, with them unable to capture your last peice the next move is also a win. This is called Baring the King! Checkmates also result in a win, just like regular Chess.
Pieces
(You can move them, go on... Give it a go!)
Ferz
The Ferz (Counsellor) can move one square diagonally in each direction, which in contrast to modern chess, makes it one of the weakest pieces on the board.
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Shāh
The Shāh (King) moves just like the king in chess, 1 square in every direction.
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Rukh
The Rukh (Chariot) moves just like the rook in chess, moving vertically and horizontally. This makes it the most powerful piece in Shatranj, and key to winning a lot of games.
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Alfil
The Alfil (Elephant) moves exactly two squares in any direction diagonally, jumping a square in between. When chess made its way to Europe, it evolved into what is now called the bishop. This piece is very weak, only being able to cover one eighth of the squares on the board. However, its unusual movement can lead to incredibly interesting positions.
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Faras
The Faras (Horse) moves just like a knight in modern chess. This makes it one of the strongest peices in Shatranj.
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Sarbaz
The Sarbaz (Soldier) moves just like a pawn in modern chess, but with not moving two squares on the first move. When they reach the eighth rank, they are automatically promoted to Ferz.
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