Game Reviews by Simon Jepps

It' a good concept, it augments the entertainment value, but for me setting up the pieces at the beginning is enough... let alone all the squares too! Not for me, but neat.

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Quote = Gary Gifford:

'If okay with you, I can add the 'Jepps' setup idea to the page somewhere.'

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By all means Gary! That's a nice gesture, I'm honored. Cheers. lol. Go ahead.

Interesting. I'm not sure about taking your own pieces, but I like the concept.

I was wondering:

1. Are there any websites dedicated to Modern Chess... I mean do people actually play it?

2. It's tempting but I don't like the Bishop adjustment thingy. Unless perhaps, would giving the Bishop the option to utilise one opportunity per game to move one square in any direction be good?

3. Is it one sided playing an odd number of squares? Does Black or White have a distinct advantage on a 9 x 9 square board?

4. Where can I buy a 9 x 9 board?

John,

I don't see why I need to change the rules(?). This game has been throroughly revised and also extensively tested with a friend of mine.

The game is finished now, complete, dusted... published...

Interesting. Personally my way of approaching the queen loss problem is to add an additional piece that can compete against a queen, but without being as powerful as queen. Say about 6.25 in value. However, your game here is a good approach to that queen loss problem without introducing new pieces or requiring larger boards. The rule does make check mate harder, and perhaps giving the king an extra move instead of some other 'move-distribution scheme' won't go down well with other players - but all the same, as a variant it stands ok. ;)

Fergus, that's a neat little variant. I had a similar idea back in 2008, but not quite this extensive. I find all the notation and multiple merging a little bit of a mouth full, but all the same Fusion Chess is a great game to add to the list.

Nice touch.

That's an interesting game, but I agree that it would be more interesting with a chess set that has many more pieces and squares. But yes, otherwise very nice.

Heh, what a simple but very interesting twist to the standard game. Congratulations.

I agree that this is a good game and I expect quite playable. However I am confused why this game is the highest rated game, since not even Google's ever heard of it.

To save counting moves, or using awkward numbers, I'd make the rule that it must be dropped before you castle. Is that better?

Interesting game but confusing. If I had more time I'd look into it.

Well I've not actually played it so I can't rate it the highest - but - it seems very appealing and innovative. A more figurine-like set of pieces would be more attractive, but who knows maybe someone will revive and market it as such. Very nice read, thanks for posting!