ppirilla wrote on Sun, Jan 16, 2011 06:18 AM UTC:Excellent ★★★★★
I think that the beauty of this game is that it adds computational complexity, without affecting in-game complexity. Although it has a learning curve to familiarize yourself with the new pieces, the in-game board positions are generally of comparable complexity to the FIDE standard.
By taking away the known and studied board positions, it takes the chess back to its root as a test of logic and strategy. From pure information overload, players should not -- and generally can not -- rely on memorized openings or endgames, but must instead invent the process as they play.
Really, is that not the point of chess variants, giving chess players a new experience outside of the tried-and-true? I have not, nor do I have any desire to work towards memorizing opening books, beyond two or three moves. My enjoyment of chess comes from working out the best tactic as the game develops.
CWDA is my preferred variant, because of its simplicity and expandability. Really, the game play is chess. Learn the movements of four new pieces, and you can introduce a new army into the game. With just four armies, there are now 15 games you can play (not counting the FIDE vs FIDE match). Starting with a knowledge of chess, and only adding the movement of 12 previously unknown pieces. Simple! Versatile! Elegant! What's not to like?
By taking away the known and studied board positions, it takes the chess back to its root as a test of logic and strategy. From pure information overload, players should not -- and generally can not -- rely on memorized openings or endgames, but must instead invent the process as they play.
Really, is that not the point of chess variants, giving chess players a new experience outside of the tried-and-true? I have not, nor do I have any desire to work towards memorizing opening books, beyond two or three moves. My enjoyment of chess comes from working out the best tactic as the game develops.
CWDA is my preferred variant, because of its simplicity and expandability. Really, the game play is chess. Learn the movements of four new pieces, and you can introduce a new army into the game. With just four armies, there are now 15 games you can play (not counting the FIDE vs FIDE match). Starting with a knowledge of chess, and only adding the movement of 12 previously unknown pieces. Simple! Versatile! Elegant! What's not to like?