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The Piececlopedia is intended as a scholarly reference concerning the history and naming conventions of pieces used in Chess variants. But it is not a set of standards concerning what you must call pieces in newly invented games.

The Murray Lion

In A History of Chess, chess historian H. J. R. Murray gives an incorrect description of the movement of the Lion in Chu Shogi. However, this Lion is a rather interesting piece. Author John William Brown of the book Meta Chess named this pieces the Murray Lion, both to honor Murray and to distinguish it from the actual Chu Shogi Lion.

Movement

The Murray Lion may leap to the second orthogonal square or the second diagonal square - with or without capturing. It may also move to any adjacent square - but only to capture.

Checkmating

This piece can generally force checkmate against a bare king, with the help of its friendly king. Try it!

Written by John William Brown and Hans Bodlaender.

WWW page created: February 9, 1999.