Single Comment

Claudio, that the rooks only lose their castling rights if moving by their own accord is not illogical, but the truth is that I didn't code for this event because it doesn't occur often. So this rule is of no real consequence. Concerning the evaluation of the piece, I am not certain if it's correct. I have studied computer-generated games, and I've removed two light pieces on the one side, and the two Oxybeles/Mangonels on the other side. The resultant struggle was even, so I concluded that these new pieces are equal to the light pieces. These new catapult pieces are slow, moving one square at a time, is a factor that lessens their value. Moreover, their hurling capability is something that benefits *other* pieces, so one could argue that all pieces gets stronger this way, also the king. Therefore the relative values are retained, and the catapult's value remains low. Had the catapult's value been higher, then it could not expose itself to other pieces, and then it would remain useless. The catapult must position itself to be of any value. The Mangonel's tactical capability is impressing, but perhaps the Oxybeles is the more serious piece. The Mangonel is perhaps a little over the top, but this is just a first impression. /Mats