Comments by judgmentality

I don't think computers truly test the strength of artificial intelligence through application to FIDE since computers reflect the accumulated strength of years of human scholarship and practice. A sounder test would be an exotic chess variant that is relatively unexplored. For example: Could the most advanced computer beat a panel of expert chess variant specialists at microorganism chess?

Another thought: Each chess variant is itself an artificial intelligence program. When we play them, we are merely glimpsing the inner workings of the machines we have built.

One of the best variants, certainly and Michael Nelson, I think, is also one of the best variant designers.

I would like to see an expanded (more complete) list of pieces added to the classes.

Also, maybe an extension for some of the more powerful pieces, as with tripunch pieces and cylindrical / toroidal pieces? Would be fun to have classes 9 and even 10.

Abdul, can you please tell me what you mean by superknight and supernightrider?

Just want to know.

Knappen is one of the best variant designers, and his work is a huge
inspiration to me. Kudos for an ingenious game with an intriguing type of
nightrider that moves as a camel every other move.

Here is a curiousity I discovered in a game I just started: 

If White moves the f pawn on the first move, black's unprotected pawn at
j10 is threatened by the Pentere, also threatening a nasty double check,
which would force the king to flee. j10 is an unprotected pawn. 

The problem with unprotected pawns in opening positions is not that they
make a more inferior game than otherwise for the second player. That's a
common misconception. It is simply that variations can be forced, giving
the game an immediate tactical edge sometimes not allowing for the
flexibility many prefer to have in their opening choices. For a large
variant, I don't that's a bad thing. 

Please note: The forced moves will only happen if one of the players
decides it would be of advantage to force them, just as it is optional
whether to create the sort of pawn structure which leads to an open or
closed game.

These are the graphics I prefer for this variant, from Alfaerie - Many:

For the Bishight, this one, b.n

For the Knishop, this one, n.b

The ones used for this preset are very confusing to me and hard to keep straight.

These polymorphic pieces remind me a little of the Spearman from John William Brown's Centennial Chess and of Mats Winther's Elk in Elk Chess (with Scorpions) and Elkrider in Elkrider Chess.

Elk changes to knight or rook, Elkrider to rook or nightrider, depending on the color of its square. Gary Gifford's remote sensing mimic pieces used in Remote Sensing and Remote Sensing with On and Off Board Detection, also have their movements contingent upon the color of the squares upon which they are situated.

The Spearmen, also used in Mark Hedden's Ganymede Chess, can change from one type of bidirectional line piece to another at the end of their move. Or they can rotate / switch without moving. The strength of optional mutability in spearmen is weakened by the fact they can only capture when moving forward.

If I understand correctly, changes in polymorphic pieces in Polymorph Chess always count as moves in themselves (apart from Black's option to make one of four sets of switches in the beginning).

The name is already taken. Could you maybe re-think the name, Andy?

Mid-Evil Chess

What I don't understand about the magicians in this game is how
non-squares occur. 

Perhaps every time a magician moves, it leaves behind a non-square? 

Also, I assume that when a magician chooses to move an unoccupied square
to fill a non-square, that counts as a turn?

Who wants to try playing a dozen games of Nemoroth with me? We'll each
play six as black, six as white.