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H. G. Muller wrote on Sat, Apr 18, 2009 06:20 AM EDT:
OK, I started some tests of the Lama pieces. As they are regular Chess
pieces that fit in the Betza classification scheme, Fairy-Max can handle
them without modification. Both Lama and Alpaca are handicapped versions of
the Woody Rook (Betza WD). I tested this Woody Rook in the context of Great
Shatranj, and IIRC it tested as slightly less than a Knight. From my
current understanding of short-range leaper values, WD should have been one
of the weakest of all 8-target leapers, due to the small number of forward
moves. And forward moves seem to contribute about twice as much to the
overall value as backward or sideway moves. But I guess the global property
of having mating potenial is worth some extra bonus.

The Lama and Alpaca should be practicaly equal in value; moves of 1 step
seem to contribute to the value of a piece about as much as moves of 2
steps in the same direction. If I would have to do a prediction, I woud use
the formula Value = (30+5/8*N)*N, which would put 8-target SR leapers at
280 (centi-Pawn). I would count non-capture moves in the second factor N
only for 1/3, though, so that we would get 35*16/3 = 187 cP.

For rider-like pieces like the Guanaco I have no theory yet.

I started tests by replacing the Knights of one side by Lamas, to see how
badly they are beaten. I will then probably switch to replacing two Knights
by 3 Lamas.

On the other core of my C2D I am playing a substitution of 2 Bishops by 2
Guanacos. I will keep you posted.

(I cannot promise I will be able to complete all necessary tests shortly,
As I might need the computer to test my Xiangqi engine HaQiKi D, which I
entered in the World Championship in Pamplona, taking place early May. And
I still have a lot to improve on that before I will have any chance on
winning there...)

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