Mastodon Chess
This page contains one or more presets for playing a game online with Game Courier, an online server for playing Chess variants by correspondence.
In this 10x10 variant (see also Mastodon Chess (8x10)) pieces move as in orthodox chess, with the exception of the additional piece, the Mastodon. It jumps one or two squares diagonally or orthogonally. It has roughly the same value as Rook + Pawn (a rook is worth around 6 on this board). The Mastodon jump complements the jump move of the Knight. A Mastodon, together with a King, can give mate to a lonely King. The pawns move as in orthodox chess, inclusive of the initial double-step and en passant. Castling exists, but the King jumps three squares instead of two. As usual, the Rook ends up beside the King. Promotion rules are the same as in orthodox chess (with the addition of the Mastodon). The idea behind this 10x10 variant is to create a calm strategical game where one doesn't immediately fall prey to some tactical tricks. The earliest reference to the Mastodon is Paulovits's Game, c.1890, where it is called Pasha. In E. V. Greenwood's Renniassance Chess from 1980, the piece is named Squire.The following preset makes a good validity check of Mastodon moves, etc. You can move pieces by clicking on them, also when castling and capturing en passant. At pawn promotion, you will be asked what piece you prefer.
The Mastodon (Mammoth) jumps one or two
squares orthogonally and diagonally.
Mastodon Chess (big graphics)
Mastodon Chess (small graphics)
You can also download a Zillions
implementation
here.
See also my other Game Courier presets.
This 'user submitted' page is a collaboration between the posting user and the Chess Variant Pages. Registered contributors to the Chess Variant Pages have the ability to post their own works, subject to review and editing by the Chess Variant Pages Editorial Staff.
By M Winther.
Web page created: 2006-06-12. Web page last updated: 2006-06-12