Larry Smith wrote on Tue, Apr 6, 2004 02:33 PM UTC:
Like the Bishop, there are other pieces which occupy specific patterns on a
square playing field. For example, the Alfil and the Dabbabah. The first
leaps to the second diagonal and the other leaps to the second orthgonal.
It would take four distinct Dabbabah to occupy each of its patterns, and
eight Alfil of its. But this is not entirely necessary. A developer may
choose specific patterns for each of these pieces to influence and thus
encourage particular tactical behaviour during play.
Sacrificing or avoiding the risk of pieces on those patterns during play
can make interesting strategy. Allowing each player to control particular
patterns will give them both similar advantage, just seperate.
A good example of pattern play is in XiangQi. The Elephants in this game
are restricted to a limited portion of the field and yet they are
significant during the game. Being able to properly use these Elephants
can often determine the outcome of the game.
In several Shogi variants, there are also strong pattern pieces. For
example, the Capricorn which preforms a diagonal hook move. Usually this
piece occupies a specific pattern at set-up, when captured it is
permanently removed and can only be recoverd by the promotion of another
specific piece on the field.