I would only add that H.G.'s #1 can correspond to either my Option 2 or Option 3, depending on how the Joker is defined. (Whether it emulates the last piece moved by the opponent or the last piece moved period.)
Since Aurelian has opted for Option 2, and I'm not hearing any objections (I don't think H.G.'s post really deviated from this), it would be nice to consider the matter settled - at least for Apothecary and for the "default" definition of the Joker. Other game inventors may decided to do different things of course.
EDIT: For the record, these are the potential disadvantages to this option that I've heard: (1) It requires storing state information for the type of piece last moved by both players, and (2) There are circumstances where a Joker can emulate a piece that is no longer on the board (although only when the other side is on the move).
I would only add that H.G.'s #1 can correspond to either my Option 2 or Option 3, depending on how the Joker is defined. (Whether it emulates the last piece moved by the opponent or the last piece moved period.)
Since Aurelian has opted for Option 2, and I'm not hearing any objections (I don't think H.G.'s post really deviated from this), it would be nice to consider the matter settled - at least for Apothecary and for the "default" definition of the Joker. Other game inventors may decided to do different things of course.
EDIT: For the record, these are the potential disadvantages to this option that I've heard: (1) It requires storing state information for the type of piece last moved by both players, and (2) There are circumstances where a Joker can emulate a piece that is no longer on the board (although only when the other side is on the move).