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Bellows Chess. The board expands and contracts from turn to turn. (12x12, Cells: 144) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]

Larry Smith wrote on Fri, Jan 7, 2005 06:36 PM UTC:

Just an idea:

I understand the mandatory rule of Pawn promotion in this game, but I was
thinking that this restriction might be too strict.

Since Pawns are still able to perform moves from the 8x8 and 10x10, might
the promotion be mandatory only when they reach the far rank of the 12x12.
 They would still have the option of promoting on the far ranks of the 8x8
and 10x10.  Thus if a Pawn performs a capture into the 10x10 and 12x12
area of the field, it would be forced to reach the far rank of that
particular field to obtain the privilege.

Or like Shogi, the promotion zone could be considered to be three ranks
deep.

But given the option, might a player automatically promote their eligible
Pawn?  Are there any potential positions where leaving a Pawn un-promoted
is an advantage?