Bob Greenwade wrote on Mon, Aug 21, 2023 02:41 PM UTC:
35. Okapi. I've seen the Gnu, Bison, and Buffalo used in variants here and there, but as far as I can tell the Okapi has yet to appear in an actual game.
Though it's a relative of the giraffe, the okapi is distinctive for the white stripes on its legs and hind quarters, while the rest of its body (other than a white face) is solid brown. Because of this partial striping, creators of fairy chess problems used it for the piece that combines the Knight and Zebra (NZ).
I think some authors may have "re-invented" the piece under other names, but I find the name Okapi fun to say, and it invites a plethora of puns.
(Admittedly, I may need to rework the head -- but the stripes are just right.)
35. Okapi. I've seen the Gnu, Bison, and Buffalo used in variants here and there, but as far as I can tell the Okapi has yet to appear in an actual game.
Though it's a relative of the giraffe, the okapi is distinctive for the white stripes on its legs and hind quarters, while the rest of its body (other than a white face) is solid brown. Because of this partial striping, creators of fairy chess problems used it for the piece that combines the Knight and Zebra (NZ).
I think some authors may have "re-invented" the piece under other names, but I find the name Okapi fun to say, and it invites a plethora of puns.
(Admittedly, I may need to rework the head -- but the stripes are just right.)