| In Pyrrhus Chess the rules are the same as in orthodox chess, except that one extra "Pyrrhus" piece per player is placed in the reserve. Before starting, the players must decide whether they want to use the extra piece. To make a decision, press on the little black square. Only if both players choose not to use the extra piece, then it becomes a regular game of chess. If white turns down the extra piece, then black can overrule this. If players have elected to include the external piece, they may either move a piece or pawn, or drop the extra piece from the reserve. Pieces may only be dropped on a friendly pawn on the second rank. The removed friendly pawn must immediately be relocated two squares ahead of the dropped piece. This position, and the position in between, must be empty. If not, the piece cannot be dropped on the friendly pawn. Should a player refrain from inserting his extra piece at these occasions, then he has forfeited his chance of introducing it. Note that pieces and pawns are allowed to move before the extra piece has been dropped. You are allowed to make a pawn-relocation if in check, if the pawn-relocation covers the check. The relocated pawn can be captured by 'en passant'. There are two variants: the first has only one external Pyrrhus piece per player, the other two. Pyrrhus: moves and captures like a king. In addition, it paralyzes any enemy piece within queen-move range. It seems to be as valuable as a queen.
The Pyrrhus piece is a relative of the Gorgona, which was invented by V. R. Parton 1970. |
