Belgian indie studio Cabbage Club has released a Steam demo for Just Chessing Around, a strategy roguelike built around chess and set in a medieval fantasy world. The demo launch coincides with the game's participation in the Six One Indie Demo Showcase, bringing additional attention to a title that blends strategic battles with dynamic environments and progression systems.

The campaign takes players across a series of increasingly challenging chessboards on a quest to defeat the Dark King. Each encounter raises the difficulty while introducing new enemy pieces, including mages, requiring constant tactical adaptation to overcome the evolving challenges.

The environments also reshape the way each match unfolds by turning the traditional chessboard into an interactive battlefield. Water changes the positioning of pieces, while quicksand forces armies to keep moving to avoid strategic disadvantages. Other hazards include spike traps, tornadoes, lightning strikes, and even slime-covered tiles.

Inspired by games such as The Binding of Isaac and classic roguelikes, the project encourages players to learn through experimentation rather than lengthy tutorials. Its design emphasizes gradual mastery, allowing mechanics and strategies to emerge naturally as players progress through each run.

The demo features classic chess pieces such as bishops and knights, alongside original characters, including Jerry, who is available exclusively in this trial version. Progression also includes cumulative upgrades that strengthen the player's army through synergistic enhancements, as well as items like fire bombs capable of wiping out groups of enemies.

Boss encounters add another layer of challenge by pitting players against opponents that have access to the same strategic tools available throughout the campaign. Mini bosses can empower their armies with unique upgrades, use special items, and even reposition their units in unexpected ways, making every battle less predictable.

Beyond the gameplay mechanics, every piece features its own animations and reactions, even when unable to move. Units respond differently to situations such as sinking into quicksand, reinforcing their individual personalities while adding a touch of humor to the overall strategic experience.