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Muller, if you're interested in implementing modest variants, have a look
at my creations, because I have specialized in them. Standard board and
pieces with only one external non-standard piece are used in
Accessory Chess and in my Alternative Chess. In these two zrf:s you
can try ten or more alternative piece types.
In Winther's Chess, Basilisk Chess, Culverin Chess, and Perier Chess
I use different types of cannons. The method of introduction
is very important. It always involves a pawn relocation. This method
of introducing an external piece is ideal while there exists an
incitement to introduce the piece early, and it's possible to calculate
where the opponent will drop his piece. Dropping weakens the pawn
chain so it's not cost-free. The many criteria for dropping makes the
opening play more natural. Note that in some variants the pawn is
relocated one step and in some two. The external piece is introduced
on the first or second rank, depending on piece type. These are
importantant factors to get a natural opening play. It's often better
to introduce cannons on the first rank, otherwise they will dominate
the opening play. There are several other modest variants, too, on
my chess variants page.
/Mats