External Link: Samnis Chess
The Samnis can move in two legs, the first is an orthogonal slide, and the second is a diagonal bounce-move, along either of two diagonals in the prolonged movement-direction. It can only capture like a rook, by jumping directly to the enemy piece, provided that any intermediate squares are empty. While the Samnis slides along an orthogonal, several diagonals (in the prolonged movement direction) could be chosen, provided that there exist screens for bouncing. The Samnis also bounces against the side of the board, but then only one movement direction is possible. The Samnis's value is 5, that is, the same as a rook. The Samnis is a highly cooperative piece, something which makes it interesting for the positional player. Although the Samnis is dependent on screens for moving it is a very dynamic piece that puts great demands on the chessplayer. The Samnis was one of the earliest types of gladiators in ancient Rome. They were equipped with sword, visored helmet, and a long rectangular shield. A Zillions
program and more information is here.External Link: http://www.two-paths.com/bg/samnischess.htm
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By M Winther.
Web page created: 2006-10-02. Web page last updated: 2006-10-02