Piececlopedia: Locust

Historical notes

In general, the Locust refers to any Fairy Chess piece that captures an opposing piece by leaping over it: thus, Checkers/Draughts pieces are Locusts. It is also used more specifically to refer to a piece that moves only to capture on Queen lines, landing in the square just past the opposing piece. That Locust was derived from the Grasshopper, and is what is described in this article. It does not seem to be recorded who invented this piece.

A chess variant featuring the Locust has also been invented: Edgehog Chess.

Movement

The Locust moves on the Queen lines, but must jump an opposing piece and lands on the first square after the piece it jumps. To be precise: the Locust moves in horizontal, vertical or diagonal direction until it encountered an unfriendly piece. It jumps over that piece and goes to the first square on the line after the piece that it jumped over, which must be empty. The jumped over piece is captured. The Locust can not move without capturing.

Movement diagram