| Damiano, the umpteenth checkers variant, is implemented on an expanded Alquerque pattern (Arabic Alquerque is the most original form of checkers). While the pattern restricts piece movement one can introduce orthogonal movement without making the game too complicated. The idea is to propose a less forced form of Checkers. Pieces move forward, either straight or diagonally. They may capture (jump) only diagonally forwards (like in Checkers). Goal is to capture all the opponent's pieces. Pieces are promoted to kings at the last rank. Kings move and capture in all directions. Capture is obligatory. Stalemate is a loss.
As a variant is included another invention of mine, Damtafl, which is inspired from the Viking game Halatafl. In this game the pieces can move in all directions except the three backwards directions. They strike in the same directions as they move. Goal is to reach the corner squares behind the enemy position. Also in this game the Alquerque pattern is used, which makes it possible to allow the many move directions.
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