The game isn't about realistic battles. How often do queens and bishops go into battle? Yet we have those in the orthodox game. Among the most popular fairy pieces are Chancellor, Archbishop, and Squirrel. Imported from Shogi, we even have the Kirin and Phoenix, which are mythical beasts. Take in the complete catalog, and there are even nearly a dozen pieces named for -- or even based on -- food items.
Go ahead and lean into the absurdity, or even rename the offending pieces if you prefer.
That's chess for you.
The game isn't about realistic battles. How often do queens and bishops go into battle? Yet we have those in the orthodox game. Among the most popular fairy pieces are Chancellor, Archbishop, and Squirrel. Imported from Shogi, we even have the Kirin and Phoenix, which are mythical beasts. Take in the complete catalog, and there are even nearly a dozen pieces named for -- or even based on -- food items.
Go ahead and lean into the absurdity, or even rename the offending pieces if you prefer.