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A few comments: (1) We still see a diagonal component in the Knights moving, so the absence of diagonal movements is not complete. To maintain the non-diagonal aspect it seems the Knights should move like War Machines with one leap forward or sideways. (2) Since Bishops can't move, why not remove the C and F files? Do that and kill 2 more cells and you have yourself an entry for 46 squares contest (3) Since Queens can only move like Rooks, why not have no Queen and have 3 Rooks per side? (4)In regard to Joe's comment about a non-moving piece precedent set in Pillar's of Medusa, no, that is not the case. That scenario is not at all related to the immobile bishops in bland chess. All pieces move in PoM... it is just that Medusas can freeze (turn to stone) pieces... enemy pieces cannot move while under the Medusa's influence. (5)Some players used to promote pawns to 'Dead Wood' which could not move.... (6) To sum up Bland Chess... I'd recommend a make over: (a) 3 rooks / no queen... (b) no bishops-no c and f files, except after a renaming (c) no knights, but 2 War Machines (d) 46 squares to get a contest game... and if you want to keep this variant, then call the other '46 Square Bland Chess' or perhaps, 'Bland Chess 46'... Just a few ideas. Best regards, Gary P.S. With no diagonal elements I suspect a massive jam up near the center.