Bob Greenwade wrote on Thu, Oct 12, 2023 02:21 PM UTC:
87. King Cheetah. In a rare genetic mutation, some cheetahs have spots that run together, such that most appear large and blotchy, with those on the back forming stripes running parallel to the spine. Though not a separate species or even breed, they've come to be known as king cheetahs. As an animal with both stripes and splotches, it seemed appropriate that the name apply to a chess piece compounding the moves of a Zebra and a Giraffe. (ZFX)
Usually, having longer leaps such as those of the Zebra and Giraffe make for a weaker piece, because of the sacrifice of speed over precision. I think that this combination can have the opposite effect, though, because the landing spaces are clustered together; the King Cheetah could be pretty formidable.
The physical piece I have for it takes some liberties with the animal's description, but it does have the benefit of being distinctive.
87. King Cheetah. In a rare genetic mutation, some cheetahs have spots that run together, such that most appear large and blotchy, with those on the back forming stripes running parallel to the spine. Though not a separate species or even breed, they've come to be known as king cheetahs. As an animal with both stripes and splotches, it seemed appropriate that the name apply to a chess piece compounding the moves of a Zebra and a Giraffe. (ZFX)
Usually, having longer leaps such as those of the Zebra and Giraffe make for a weaker piece, because of the sacrifice of speed over precision. I think that this combination can have the opposite effect, though, because the landing spaces are clustered together; the King Cheetah could be pretty formidable.
The physical piece I have for it takes some liberties with the animal's description, but it does have the benefit of being distinctive.