What is Chess Variant?

Answer 1

Chess variant is a game derived from chess. So it is quite similar to chess. Most people would probably play normal chess rather than chess variant. The difference between chess and chess variant are: Similar but different rules. Different board. Similar but different pieces.

Answer 2

A chess variant is basically chess, but with mods and more.

For example, in the atomic variant, your pieces actually blow up when you capture, and the opponent's pieces blow up when they capture.