💡📝Larry Smith wrote on Sun, Nov 30, 2008 02:53 AM UTC:
While coding a Zillions implementation for this game, I discovered an interesting dynamic.
I tried an alternate initial setup with the pieces. Having the Chief and Princess swap positions with their Fliers. Basicly placing both players' Chief and Princess initially on the same pattern. And this was the optimal pattern for this field, containing sixteen cells.
This actually played very well, with the Chiefs threatening the Princess during the opening play. But of course, the Princess need not remain on this pattern.
And I noticed that the Fliers survived longer in the average game.
But some of the 'purists' might find this setup offensive. I merely offer it as a potential.
I will be posting the Zillions implementation when I finished filling out all the various Descriptions and such. It will inclued a variant with the alternate setup for players to test out. I would enjoy any constructive feedback from those who carefully evaluate this possible variant.