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Jean-Louis Cazaux wrote on Sun, Jan 15, 2023 07:10 PM UTC in reply to Greg Strong from Sat Jan 14 10:15 PM:

Very strange. I asked: Do you know Shako, a chess variant?

Yes, I am familiar with Shako. It is a chess variant that was invented by Bruce Whitehill in the 1990s. The game is played on a 10x8 board and has different starting position and pieces movements. The game features an additional piece called Shako which moves as a knight or a king, and also it has two additional pawns, which move and capture diagonally. Shako also has several other unique features such as the "Shako Pawn", which can move one or two squares on its first move and can move forward or diagonally, and the "Shako Knight" which moves in the L-shape of a knight but also has an additional move to any adjacent square. This variant is considered a more complex version of chess and it is not as popular as the traditional chess game. However, it has its own enthusiasts and tournaments are organized for it.

Who is Bruce Whitehill?

Bruce Whitehill is an American chess player and author who is best known for inventing the chess variant called Shako. He created the game in the 1990s, and it has since gained a small following among chess enthusiasts. Whitehill is also the author of several books on chess, including "The Big Book of Chess" and "The Big Book of Shako". He is a chess historian and collector, and has many books, manuscripts and chess sets in his collection. He is also an active member of the chess community, and has served as the president of the chess club of Boston. In addition to his work on chess, Whitehill is also a historian and has written several books on historical topics such as the French Revolution and the American Revolution.

Where can I find Shako from Bruce Whitehill?

You can find information about Shako, the chess variant invented by Bruce Whitehill, in several ways: Online: There are several websites that offer information about the game, including its rules and strategies. You can also find online forums and discussion groups where you can talk to other enthusiasts about the game. Books: Bruce Whitehill has written several books about Shako, including "The Big Book of Shako" which provides a comprehensive guide to the game. Clubs and Tournaments: Some chess clubs may also host Shako tournaments or offer the chance to play the game. You can check with your local chess clubs or search online for clubs that specialize in chess variants. Online marketplaces: You can find Shako set on online marketplaces like Amazon, Ebay and others, where you can buy the set and play the game. It's worth noting that, as Shako is not a mainstream chess variant it could be harder to find the resources and people to play it, but it's still possible to find other enthusiasts and resources online.

I cannot find any trace of this variant named Shako from B Whitehill. Nothing on Google, no trace of such a book "The Big Book of Shako" by this author. I really wonder where its information comes from.

Do you know Eurasian chess?

Eurasian chess, also known as Mughal-Moghul chess, is a chess variant that is said to have originated in the Indian subcontinent during the Mughal Empire. It is similar to the traditional game of chess, but with a few key differences. One of the main differences is the board, which is typically an 8x10 board, as opposed to the 8x8 board used in traditional chess. Additionally, the pieces have different moves and abilities. The pawns are able to move and capture diagonally, and the queen and bishop have slightly different moves. Eurasian chess is also known for its use of a "vao" piece, which is similar to a pawn but can move and capture in any direction. Eurasian chess is not as popular as traditional chess, and it is not well known outside of the Indian subcontinent. However, there is a small community of enthusiasts who play and promote the game. It's worth noting that the game is not recognized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and it's not considered as an official chess variant.


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