Board games have always been a universal way to bring people together, combining entertainment, competition, and social bonding. Among the many traditional board games played around the world, Fei Xing Qi (飞行棋)—commonly known as Aeroplane Chess or Flying Chess—stands out as one of the most iconic family games in China and across Asia.
With its vibrant design, charming airplane-shaped tokens, and blend of luck and strategy, Flying Chess has become more than just a pastime—it’s a cultural symbol of nostalgia, fun, and shared family experiences. At first glance, it may look like a colorful cousin of Ludo or Pachisi, but it offers its own distinctive flavor with shortcuts, captures, and clever mechanics that keep the excitement alive.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into:
- The history & cultural roots of Aeroplane Chess
- Components & setup of the game
- Rules and gameplay mechanics (including common house rules)
- Why the game is fun and what makes it great
- Limitations to be aware of
- The psychology of why people love it
- Comparisons to other classic board games
- Physical sets you can buy (Daraz & Amazon links)
- Digital/mobile adaptations
- Strategies for winning
- Final thoughts & ratings
Whether you’re a casual gamer, a nostalgic adult looking to relive childhood, or a parent searching for a family-friendly game, this review will give you everything you need to know about Flying Chess.
History & Origins of Aeroplane Chess
The origins of Fei Xing Qi (飞行棋) are fascinating yet somewhat mysterious. The game is believed to have developed in China during the early-to-mid 20th century, inspired by the Indian classic Pachisi (dating back over 1,000 years) and its British adaptation Ludo.
When Ludo arrived in China, local designers reimagined it, swapping generic tokens for colorful airplanes and adding exciting shortcuts. This small yet clever twist transformed it into a fresh cultural product. The “airplane” theme resonated with children and reflected the fascination with aviation during that era.
Over the decades, Flying Chess became a household staple across China, much like Monopoly in the West or Snakes & Ladders in South Asia. Families played it during holidays, kids brought it to school, and toy shops carried countless editions.
Even today, Flying Chess holds nostalgic value for adults who grew up playing it, while new generations continue to discover its charm through physical sets and mobile apps.
Components of the Game
A standard Flying Chess set usually contains:
- 1 Game Board — with 52 main track spaces, four launch zones, shortcut paths, and a central “victory hub.”
- 16 Airplane Tokens — divided into 4 colors: red, yellow, green, and blue (4 per player).
- 1 Six-Sided Die — the ultimate driver of movement and unpredictability.
Some modern sets come with:
- Magnetic boards (great for travel).
- Foldable designs.
- Wooden, plastic, or premium acrylic pieces.
- Even LED-lit versions for kids.
Despite variations, the basic structure has remained unchanged for decades.
Rules & Gameplay Mechanics
Flying Chess is known for its simplicity mixed with excitement. Here’s how it works:
Setup:
- Each player selects a color and places their four airplanes inside their hangar (starting zone).
- Players roll the die to decide who goes first.
Starting the Planes:
- You must roll a 5 or 6 to release a plane from the hangar.
- If you don’t roll one, your turn is skipped.
Movement Around the Board:
- Planes move clockwise along the main track according to the die result.
- Rolling a 6 grants an extra turn.
- But beware: rolling three consecutive sixes sends your active plane back to the hangar.
Capturing & Blocking:
- Landing on an opponent’s plane sends it back to its hangar.
- Landing on your own color space often grants a “boost” forward.
Shortcuts:
- If you land on a shortcut square of your color, your plane can fly across the board to a more advanced position.
Winning the Game:
- Planes must reach the center hub with an exact die roll.
- The first to get all four planes into the hub wins.
What Makes Flying Chess Great
- Easy to Learn – Rules are simple and intuitive.
- Family Friendly – Kids, parents, and grandparents can all join.
- Fast-Paced Fun – Games typically last 20–40 minutes.
- Nostalgic Value – For many, it brings back childhood memories.
- Social Interaction – Laughs, competition, and friendly banter are part of the game.
Limitations of the Game
- High Randomness – Luck often overshadows skill.
- Limited Depth – Lacks the complexity of games like Chess or Settlers of Catan.
- Quality Variability – Cheap sets may break easily or have inconsistent rules.
Still, for casual fun and family bonding, it’s hard to beat.
Digital & Mobile Versions
With smartphones, Flying Chess has found new life online. Popular apps include:
- Flying Chess – Aeroplane Game (Google Play)
- Aeroplane Chess HD (App Store)
Features include:
- Online multiplayer with friends.
- AI opponents.
- Animated planes & sound effects.
- Custom rule settings.
These versions keep the game relevant in the digital age, making it accessible on the go.
Where to Buy Physical Versions
If you want the classic board game experience, you can purchase physical sets online:
👉 Buy Aeroplane Chess on Daraz (for Pakistan & South Asia buyers)
👉 Buy Aeroplane Chess on Amazon (for international buyers)
Versions range from budget-friendly cardboard sets to premium wooden editions for collectors.
The Psychology of Flying Chess
Why do people love it so much?
- Anticipation: Every die roll is filled with suspense.
- Reward vs. Punishment: Sending an opponent back feels victorious, while setbacks spark determination.
- Bonding: It’s not just about winning—it’s about laughs, playful rivalry, and shared time.
This balance of luck + social interaction explains its long-lasting popularity.
Comparisons with Other Games
- Ludo: Similar base mechanics, but Flying Chess adds more excitement with shortcuts.
- Snakes & Ladders: Flying Chess offers more strategy and interaction.
- Monopoly: Monopoly is long and strategic; Flying Chess is quick and casual.
Strategies for Winning
While luck plays a huge role, here are some tips:
- Always try to get all planes out early.
- Use shortcuts wisely—risk can mean faster victory.
- Prioritize attacking opponents when safe.
- Balance offense (capturing) and defense (positioning safely).
Final Thoughts & Ratings
Flying Chess (Fei Xing Qi / Aeroplane Chess) is not just a board game—it’s a cultural classic. With its vibrant tokens, simple rules, and blend of chance and strategy, it continues to unite families and friends across generations.
Ratings:
- Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Fun Factor (Casual): ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Strategic Depth: ⭐⭐
- Quality Variability: ⭐⭐ (depends on version)
Bottom Line:
If you want a fast, colorful, nostalgic game for family gatherings, Flying Chess is a must-have. Don’t expect deep strategy, but do expect laughter, excitement, and competitive fun.
👉 Try it offline with a physical board (Daraz / Amazon).
👉 Or play digitally for modern convenience.