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Squirrel Chess. Adapted from Squirrels and Camels Chess. (10x10, Cells: 100) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]

Georg Spengler wrote on Sat, Jan 31, 2015 09:52 AM UTC:

No well worked out starting array.

The opposing Camels can attack the Knights immediately, when they are developed on their most natural squares. Since the Camel is of minor value than the Knight (being a colourbound piece)this makes opening play rather awkward.
Superficially the corner squares seem to be a good place for the Camel in the opening. But let us consider to remove them to the b and i files. Opening play would be much less restricted now.

That also would have 2 further advantages. 

1. The Camel now would have 2 natural developing squares in the 3rd rank instead of only 1

2. One of them would be in competition with the most natural developing square of the Knight. So the player has to choose.

All that would cause opening play to be more variable.

And finally, involving the Knight in castling seams unnatural. Why not involving the Guard instead? He is more difficult to develop.