M Winther wrote on Thu, Apr 23, 2009 01:13 AM EDT:
There is another important factor than the non-capture slider moves. The
Guanaco has very short capture range, and few capture squares. It is the
combination of these factors that make the non-capture slider moves less
useful. Had the capture range been larger, then the Guanaco would more
often be capable of an forcing an exchange with a light piece. Hence, its
value would approximate a light piece. It is probably the intrusive
character of long capture range which increases the piece's value. If the
enemy piece won't accept being exchanged, it would have to withdraw behind its own lines. Moreover, the few extra orthogonal squares that the Guanaco can leap to are easily controlled on the crowded Western board. After all, the leaping square needn't even be controlled. A piece needs only stand in the way and block the path, while it is not a capture square. So the enemy Guanaco is easily neutralized.
Since you're working with Xiang Qi, I understand your interest in piece
evaluation. After all, it's much more difficult to define the piece value
in Xiang Qi because it changes very much with the position. Good luck in
Pamplona!
/Mats