The citadel squares
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2009 5:41 am
Moreover, I have found that it is possible to increase the strategical
variance in the middlegame by a simple change. One can add four extra
corner squares and add an extended castling rule: the king may
optionally jump three squares instead of two when castling.
The effect is big. It is now possible to launch attacks on the wings
without compromising the king too much. Closed systems, like the Four
Knights, would not be drawish anymore, and queenside castling is now
more plausible. The immediate consequence is that many opening systems
become practicable again. It's even possible to play in medieval
style: 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4. Queen Pawn opening is no longer a draw because
the players will fearlessly advance on the wings.
Disregarding the situation on the rest of the board, this illustrates
how convenient the extra corner square is when launching an attack on
the wing. When the king gets out of harm's way, this also makes it
easier for the pieces to maneuver.
It isn't my idea to add extra corner squares to the board. This very
board was invented by King Gustav III of Sweden (1746-92) (see
Gustav III's Chess). It has its forbears in the medieval Citadel Chess
variants, which had extra corner squares as sanctuaries for the king.
The difference was that these were big board variants (10x10 and 12x12),
and they probably derive from the 14th century.
Read more here: Adjutant Chess (there's a Zillions program that can
play the variant).
Mats
variance in the middlegame by a simple change. One can add four extra
corner squares and add an extended castling rule: the king may
optionally jump three squares instead of two when castling.
The effect is big. It is now possible to launch attacks on the wings
without compromising the king too much. Closed systems, like the Four
Knights, would not be drawish anymore, and queenside castling is now
more plausible. The immediate consequence is that many opening systems
become practicable again. It's even possible to play in medieval
style: 1.d4 d5 2.Bf4. Queen Pawn opening is no longer a draw because
the players will fearlessly advance on the wings.
Disregarding the situation on the rest of the board, this illustrates
how convenient the extra corner square is when launching an attack on
the wing. When the king gets out of harm's way, this also makes it
easier for the pieces to maneuver.
It isn't my idea to add extra corner squares to the board. This very
board was invented by King Gustav III of Sweden (1746-92) (see
Gustav III's Chess). It has its forbears in the medieval Citadel Chess
variants, which had extra corner squares as sanctuaries for the king.
The difference was that these were big board variants (10x10 and 12x12),
and they probably derive from the 14th century.
Read more here: Adjutant Chess (there's a Zillions program that can
play the variant).
Mats