Slip Rook
The Slip Rook is a piece that can move as a Rook, but only an odd number of squares. It alternatively can be thought of as a bent rider, consisting of a Wazir-step, and then a Dabbabah-rider. The piece is sometimes also referred to as a Panda, probably referring to its colorswitching move.
Historical Notes
This piece was first mentioned under the name of Panda by David Parlett, who described it as a rook that only can move to squares of the opposite color it stands on. It was used in a few problems in The Problemist in the 1970’s. Later, George Jelliss gave it the name of Slip Rook. Games it was used include the the experimental CwDA-army Seeping Switchers by Jörg Knappen and some games by Charles Gilman.
Value
On a standard board, it is valued to be somewhat less than 3 pawns.Movement
The Slip Rook, which is depicted as a bear on g7, for example can continue to g8, and from there to g10 and then to g12. (but only if g8 and g10 are empty). The most used version of it can leap over unreachable squares, so it can continue that way even if there are pieces on g9 and g11.
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Author: Kelvin Voskuijl and Fergus Duniho. Inventor: David Parlett.
Last revised by Kelvin Voskuijl.
Web page created: 2025-04-12. Web page last updated: 2025-04-19