H. G. Muller wrote on Thu, Sep 8, 2016 01:13 PM UTC:
Promotion to General already solves the problem with promotion in Shatranj, namely that the promotion piece would be virtually worthless, especially if you get them on the same square shade as wehere you already have some of them. The General in Modern Shatanj is a Commoner, which does have mating potential.
Promoting to stronger pieces is actually of little help only, as almost always the opponent can sacrifice one of his minors to prevent such a promotion. So in practice a promotion gains you a minor.
I therefore agree that there is little need to sacrifice the simplicity and elegance of the game by introducing complex promotion rules.
Promotion to General already solves the problem with promotion in Shatranj, namely that the promotion piece would be virtually worthless, especially if you get them on the same square shade as wehere you already have some of them. The General in Modern Shatanj is a Commoner, which does have mating potential.
Promoting to stronger pieces is actually of little help only, as almost always the opponent can sacrifice one of his minors to prevent such a promotion. So in practice a promotion gains you a minor.
I therefore agree that there is little need to sacrifice the simplicity and elegance of the game by introducing complex promotion rules.