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H. G. Muller wrote on Sun, Apr 16, 2023 08:50 PM UTC in reply to Jean-Louis Cazaux from 08:17 PM:

I like it too. Maybe I would consider switching Cannons and Vaos. (To avoid a threat on a11 and n11).

Funny you should say that, because swapping those was actually the last change I made before posting. The threat to a11/n11 is not really a serious threat, right? Those are doubly protected Pawns, with a low-value protector (Knight). And even if they would have been unprotected, b11-b10 (m11-m10) would solve it through a healthy development move. It is probably worse that it also attacks b10/m10, but it is unlikely you would want to put the Knight there anyway.

Besides, the diagonal d1-n11 is not an easy exit for the Vao. It has a Rook in the path, which isn't going anywhere for some time, while moving the Archer would severely compromise the shielding of the noble pieces from flying attack. And the diagonal d1-a4 is blocked by a Warrior that will have a low priority in moving up, and a Dragon Horse, which will likely also be 'stationary developed' by just moving up the c-Pawn. From e1 the Vao could develop along the diagonal e1-a5, where the Knight and Zebra are likely the first pieces that will leave the camp, while b4 will be pushed to let out Ba3. The Vao will then be able to attack the opponent camp from a5, b4, c3 or d2 just as fast as it would be able to attack n11 from d1. But achieved through healthy development moves, rather than cumbersome manoeuvres that only weaken the position.

I worried much more about Cannon attacks. These cannot be solved by simply pushing a Pawn. And the two central files are very vulnerable, with 3 high-value pieces that can be skewered. Even the Bat is worth a Cannon + minor. It was a headache to make sure some minors could be put in front of the Bats in time to block the skewer.