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Gothic Isles Chess. Fictional historic variant, with Dragons, Wizards and Champions. (8x8, Cells: 64) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]
David Paulowich wrote on Fri, Jan 27, 2023 02:00 AM UTC:
diagram

This diagram shows a boring draw from Shatranj. If the White King moves towards (f3), then the Alfil can simply go back to its home square (c8). Positions like this suggest that promotion to colorbound pieces is a poor design choice. Try substituting three Champions (Silver Generals) and one Dragon (Ferz+Alfil). Now White can play

1. Champion a7-b6 check, King b7-a6

2. King d6-c5, Dragon g4-e6

3. Champion b8-a7, Dragon e6-c8

4. Champion a7-a8, ignoring the Bare King/stalemate victory and intending checkmate after moving to (b7). An FIDE Bishop (replacing the Dragon in the initial position) might be able to trade itself for a Champion and make White settle for a "mere" Bare King or stalemate victory. Some thoughts on piece values:

Rook=15, Bishop=9.5, Knight=9, Silver General=8.5, Ferz=5, Alfil=4, Pawn=3