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This page is written by the game's inventor, M Winther.

External Link: Helmsman Chess

The Helmsman slides like a bishop. Following the diagonal move, it can make a capture by bouncing orthogonally on a piece of any colour positioned to the side of the diagonal, and land on an enemy piece somewhere on the orthogonal, provided that any intermediate squares are empty. The capture move is performed in the prolonged movement direction only (two direction alternatives). While the Helmsman slides along a diagonal, several orthogonals (in the prolonged movement direction) could be chosen, provided that there exist screens for bouncing. The Helmsman's value is 3, that is, the same as a bishop or knight (preliminary estimate). This attractive piece demands cooperation of pieces, something which makes it interesting for the positional player. A Zillions program and more information is here.

External Link: http://www.two-paths.com/bg/helmsmanchess.htm


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By M Winther.
Web page created: 2006-09-19. Web page last updated: 2006-09-19