External Link: Hoplomach Chess
The Hoplomach moves and captures in two legs, first orthogonally, then it jumps diagonally over any piece, and slides. The jump is performed in the prolonged movement direction only. Without screens to jump over the Hoplomach becomes immobile. The Hoplomach's value is 4, that is, more than a bishop, but less than a rook (preliminary estimate). The unusual H-shaped board makes it possible to introduce this piece while allowing a maximum of strategical possibilities. Especially if the rook pawn moves one or two steps the Hoplomach's initial position will allow it fine scope. As the Hoplomach is dependent on screens for moving one would expect it to be not very mobile. But it is a very dynamic and difficult piece that puts great demands on the chessplayer. The Hoplomach is a relative of the Korean cannon (in Korean Chess), which can only move if there exist pieces to jump over. But the Hoplomach is a much more dynamic piece while it has more movement alternatives. The hoplomach was an heavily armed gladiator type in ancient Rome. A Zillions
program and more information is here.External Link: http://www.two-paths.com/bg/hoplomachchess.htm
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By M Winther.
Web page created: 2006-09-24. Web page last updated: 2006-09-24