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This page is written by the game's inventor, M Winther.

External Link: Constable Chess

The Constable moves like a nightrider, that is, can make continuous knight-moves in the same direction. But it cannot capture in this way. Instead it captures like a queen. Its value, it seems, corresponds to rook + knight (preliminary estimate). It is probably a new piece(?). The nightrider moves gives it an extreme mobility in congested middlegame positions. As it combines mobility with the power of the queen capture, it is ideal for king-attacks in the middlegame. You can often sacrifice a light piece, à la Michail Tal, if you can follow up the attack with a Constable. The unusual H-shaped board makes it possible to introduce this piece without giving it undue advantage in the opening, thus avoiding monotonous opening strategies. The extra corner squares (the trenches) are exactly what the majesty has always asked for. The notorious problem of the weak first rank, and the sudden rook mate, is thereby solved. The trenches affect the strategy greatly. A Zillions program and more information is here.

External Link: http://www.two-paths.com/bg/constablechess.htm

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By M Winther.
Web page created: 2006-09-12. Web page last updated: 2006-09-12