Changing the shape of the board can also have fortunate consequences. Consider replacing the General-Adjutants on Gustav III's board with Chinese Cannons. Clearly a fair amount of patience will be required in order to develop these Cannons effectively. But what about (pawnless) endgames?
White K(b3), C(b5), C(b7)
Black K(a1)
After 1.Cf7 Ki1 2.Cf1 Ka1 3.Cd5 Kb1 4.Cdd1 Black is checkmated. This is not an accident - it should always be possible to force the lone King down to the first rank in this kind of endgame. This is a welcome change from the standard 8x8 board, where checkmate cannot be forced by a pair of cannons.
Changing the shape of the board can also have fortunate consequences. Consider replacing the General-Adjutants on Gustav III's board with Chinese Cannons. Clearly a fair amount of patience will be required in order to develop these Cannons effectively. But what about (pawnless) endgames?
White K(b3), C(b5), C(b7)
Black K(a1)
After 1.Cf7 Ki1 2.Cf1 Ka1 3.Cd5 Kb1 4.Cdd1 Black is checkmated. This is not an accident - it should always be possible to force the lone King down to the first rank in this kind of endgame. This is a welcome change from the standard 8x8 board, where checkmate cannot be forced by a pair of cannons.