Esteemed Player.....

Pattern of Esoteric Moves

Notation of Horizontal Ranks: K = King rank; Q= Queen rank; KB = King Bishop rank; QB = Queen Bishop rank; KN = King Knight rank; QN = Queen Knight rank; KR = King Rook rank; QR = Queen Rook rank. Notation of Vertical Ranks: numbered 1 to 8, from the Player's home rank.

I. STRATEGIC PATTERNS OF THE ESOTERIC MOVES.

This first set of information consists of the following two diagrams; their accompanying tables; and, notes regarding the patterns and any strategic ramifications of the Esoteric Moves.

HOW TO READ THE FOLLOWING DIAGRAMS - -

1. Locate the Diagram for the Color of the Pieces you are playing.
2. Locate the rank within which the Exoteric Square you are investigating stands.
3. Locate the Piece you are investigating among the accompanying tables and determine whether an Esoteric Move results from that Exoteric Move.
   1. For Pawns, Rooks, and Knights:
      1. Use the VERTICAL column on the left of the diagrams.
      2. Exoteric Moves which result in Esoteric Moves are set in bold type, followed by another rank's notation. [example - - Exoteric Move of Pawn into 3rd rank: table for Pawns shows 3rd rank in bold type, followed by notation for 5th rank. Pawn therefore makes Esoteric Move to 5th rank within the same vertical column.]
      3. If the Exoteric Square you are investigating is not in bold type, then it denotes an Exoteric Move that does not result in an Esoteric Move. [example - - Exoteric Move of Pawn into the 6th rank: it is not in bold type, so it denotes an Exoteric Square within which a White Pawn makes no subsequent Esoteric Move.]
   2. For Bishops, Queens, and Kings:
      1. Use the HORIZONTAL column at the top of the diagrams.
      2. Exoteric Moves which result in Esoteric Moves are set in bold type, followed by another rank's notation. [example - - Exoteric Move of White Bishop into KR rank: table for Pawns shows KR rank in bold type, followed by notation for QN rank. White Bishop therefore makes Esoteric Move to QN rank within the same horizontal row.]
      3. If the Exoteric Square you are investigating is not in bold type face, then it denotes an Exoteric Move that does not result in an Esoteric Move. [example - - using diagram for White Bishop, investigating QR rank: it is not in bold type, so it denotes an Exoteric Square within which a White Bishop makes no subsequent Esoteric Move.]

HORIZONTAL VERTICAL	QR	QN	QB	Q	K	KB	KN	KR
8th
7th
6th
5th
4th
3rd
2nd
1st

Use When Playing Black - -

Horizontal Vertical	KR	KN	KB	K	Q	QB	QN	QR
8th
7th
6th
5th
4th
3rd
2nd
1st

The following tables refer to the two diagrams above.

Due to the notation used, these two tables read the same for Black and White pieces. However, Players must use the correct table, since the net effect of the Esoteric Moves are reversed for each color of pieces.

PAWNS:

NOTES: Pawns begin the game in the 2nd rank and have the option of making an Exoteric Move from there into either the 3rd or 4th rank, both of which result in Esoteric Moves to the 5th and 6th ranks, respectively. For this reason, Pawns are a potent offensive force against Pieces occupying Squares in the 5th or 6th ranks. They are also an important defensive force, particularly when they remain in the 2nd rank, since they thereby block Esoteric Moves by the opponent's Knights, who cannot pass through other pieces standing between their Exoteric Square and Esoteric Square. Because of the Pawn's unique capacity to capture the opponent's pieces on its Exoteric Move into the 7th rank (provided its Esoteric Square in the 1st rank is not occupied by a piece of its own color), it is a significant offensive force, especially in the end game; the Pawn Exception Rule also results in situations where the Pawn captures two Pieces in the same Move (the Piece on its 7th rank and the Piece on its 1st rank). Because the Pawn returns to its 1st rank from its 7th rank moves, it never reaches the 8th rank (opponent's home rank). [Historically-minded Players note that this pattern of Pawn moves was modified by master-level Players involved in the shaping of rules for the traditional game of Chess: obviously, the two-move option from the 2nd rank, as well as the promotion of the pawn, rules are simply artificial constructs of the Pawn's movement within the Game.]

ROOKS:

NOTES: Because the Rook moves horizontally as well as vertically on the board, it might be expected that its pattern of Esoteric Moves would prove especially powerful but such is not the case; this is because the Rook must, obviously, already occupy an Exoteric Square of the horizontal rank in order to move horizontally - - a fact that restricts the Rook's Esoteric Moves to those resulting from vertical Exoteric Moves alone. It is generally a more effective defensive force than an offensive one. It is especially powerless as a threat to the opponent's King so long as that King occupies its home rank, since a Rook's Exoteric Move into the 8th rank results in an Esoteric Move back to its 3rd rank.

KNIGHTS:

NOTES: First and foremost, the Knight is an essential offensive due to its Esoteric Move into the opponent's home rank from its own 4th rank, which it can, of course, reach in two Exoteric Moves. Knights occupying Exoteric Squares in their 2nd rank, particularly those immediately in front of their King's and Queen's starting squares, are perpetual threats to the opponent's major Pieces. Players will find that loss of one or both their Knights significantly decreases their chances for victory; for this reason, many Players find the exchange of another major Piece, especially the Rook, for an opponent's Knight to be highly advantageous. Because the Knight cannot pass through other pieces standing between their Exoteric Square and Esoteric Square, it is essential that Players maintain other Pieces in front of their Kings, especially when they remain in their home rank. The Knight's offensive capabilities are enhanced further by the fact that, once it has moved off its home rank, an Exoteric Move back into the 1st rank results in an Esoteric Move into the 5th rank. But Knights also constitute a significant defensive force since Exoteric Moves into the 6th and 7th ranks result in Esoteric Moves back to the 2nd and 3rd ranks, respectively.

Due to the notation used, these two tables read differently for Black and White pieces, so Players must refer to the correct columns below since the net effect of the Esoteric Moves are reversed for each color of pieces.

BISHOPS:

NOTES: Because the Bishop moves backward and forward diagonally in an uninterrupted line, its capacity to act both offensively and defensively is greatly enhanced by its possible Esoteric Moves. Particularly striking are cross-board Exoteric Moves to the King Knight and King Rook ranks for the White Bishop or Queen Knight and Queen Rook ranks for the Black Bishop, all of which result in Esoteric Moves seven horizontal squares away.

QUEENS:

NOTES: Because the Queen moves in an uninterrupted line horizontally, vertically, and diagonally, it remains a powerful force, both offensively and defensively, in the Game. As can be seen by its pattern of moves, only horizontal and diagonal Exoteric Moves result in Esoteric Moves, each of which total either three-square or five-square shifts to the right or left of the Exoteric Square. [Historically-minded Players note that in the Game, much unlike Chess, the Queen is a significant but not dominant force: the ascendancy of the Queen in the evolution of Chess has, many say, provoked undue psychological hardships on master-level Chess players.]

KINGS:

NOTES: Each King has a "power square" within which it is nearly invulnerable - - so long as it can be protected from the opponent's Knight: for the White King, this is its home square 8, which is the intersection of the King and 1st ranks; for the Black King, this is its Queen's home square 55, which is the intersection of the Queen and 1st ranks. Within its power square, the King cannot be captured by any piece other than the opponent's Knight; so long as another of its pieces can be maintained in front of the King's power square, thereby blocking the opponent's Knight, the King cannot be captured. Obviously, it becomes necessary to sacrifice a number of pieces to destroy this defense whenever it is utilized. Beyond this strength, however, the pattern of Esoteric Moves provides the King with the utmost mobility: from its power square the King makes Esoteric Moves of four-square shifts to the right and left by making Exoteric Moves one square to the left or right, respectively, which places the King in one or the other corner. From its corners, furthermore, it makes an Esoteric Move of four squares back to the center of the board. This mobility makes it especially difficult to capture the opponent's King when all the major pieces have been removed from the home rank, providing the King with maximum room to maneuver. The ultimate power square, one within which the King is absolutely safe from capture, lies in the very center of the board: for the White King, this is square 0, which is the intersection of the King and 5th ranks; for the Black King, this is square 63, which is the intersection of the Queen and 5th ranks. Getting one's King to these squares, however, is generally a difficult matter; even when this can be accomplished, it usually results in rather uninspired play. [Historically-minded Players note this pattern of King moves was modified by master-level Players involved in the shaping of rules for the traditional game of Chess: obviously, the castling rule is simply an artificial construct of the Game's pattern moving the King horizontally to either corner in a single move.]

II. MAPPING THE EXOTERIC AND ESOTERIC MOVES

They also differ in that all the information presented in the tables above is collapsed into visual form for reference during play.

Players are strongly encouraged to print out these pages.

These diagrams are widely used by Players when deciding upon Moves, developing strategy, and considering their opponent's Moves. They are especially useful for Players who do not, or cannot, play the Game for sustained periods of time on-line. Use of these charts permits Players to play the Game without being on-line by making their Moves manually.

HOW TO READ THE FOLLOWING DIAGRAMS - -

1. Locate the Diagram for the Piece (and its Color) you are investigating.
2. Locate the rank within which the Exoteric Square you are investigating stands.
3. Determine whether an Esoteric Move results from that Exoteric Move.
   1. For Pawns, Rooks, and Knights:
      1. Use the VERTICAL column on the left of the diagrams.
      2. Exoteric Moves which result in Esoteric Moves are denoted by a set of parentheses to the left of the rank's notation, within which is another rank's notation preceded by the words "go to".
      3. Horizontal bands of numbers to the right of each rank's notation denote the Exoteric Squares that stand within the rank. Bands of numbers in bold face type denote Exoteric Squares which result in Esoteric Moves. [Note that bands of numbers in italic type run across the 8th rank of Pawn moves: this shows that Esoteric Moves follow from such moves despite the fact that within the rules of play Pawns never reach the 8th rank.]
      4. If the Exoteric Square you are investigating is not in bold type face, then it denotes an Exoteric Move that does not result in an Esoteric Move. [example - - using diagram for White Pawn, investigating Square 30: it is not in bold type, so it denotes an Exoteric Square within which a White Pawn makes no subsequent Esoteric Move.]
      5. If the Exoteric Square you are investigating is in bold type, then follow the "go to" instructions to the left of the that rank's notation, being certain to move the Piece within the same vertical column. [example - - using diagram for White Pawn, investigating Square 46: it is in bold type and the instructions direct an Esoteric Move to the 1st rank, so the White Pawn is immediately moved to Esoteric Square 14, which is the 1st rank and within the same vertical column.]
   2. For Bishops, Queens, and Kings:
      1. Use the HORIZONTAL column at the top of the diagrams.
      2. Exoteric Moves which result in Esoteric Moves are denoted by a bold rank's notation, below which is another rank's notation (which is read as if it were preceded by the words "go to").
      3. Vertical bands of numbers beneath each rank's notation denote the Exoteric Squares that stand within the rank. Bands of numbers in bold face type denote Exoteric Squares which result in Esoteric Moves.
      4. If the Exoteric Square you are investigating is not in bold type face, then it denotes an Exoteric Move that does not result in an Esoteric Move. [example - - using diagram for White Bishop, investigating Square 25: it is not in bold type, so it denotes an Exoteric Square within which a White Bishop makes no subsequent Esoteric Move.]
      5. If the Exoteric Square you are investigating is in bold type, then follow the "go to" instructions below that rank's notation, being certain to move the Piece within the same horizontal row. [example - - using diagram for White Bishop, investigating Square 30: it is in bold type and the instructions ("go to" QN) direct an Esoteric Move to the Queen Knight rank, so the White Pawn is immediately moved to Esoteric Square 42, which is the QN rank and within the same vertical column.]

   PAWNS

   Use When Playing White Black Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	QR	QN	QB	Q	K	KB	KN	KR
   (go to 2nd) 8th	49	50	52	55	48	51	53	54
   (go to 1st) 7th	41	42	44	47	40	43	45	46
   6th	25	26	28	31	24	27	29	30
   5th	1	2	4	7	0	3	5	6
   (go to 6th) 4th	57	58	60	63	56	59	61	62
   (go to 5th) 3rd	33	34	36	39	32	35	37	38
   2nd	17	18	20	23	16	19	21	22
   1st	9	10	12	15	8	11	13	14

   White Home Rank

   Use When Playing Black - -
   

   White Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	KR	KN	KB	K	Q	QB	QN	QR
   (go to 2nd) 8th	14	13	11	8	15	12	10	9
   (go to 1st) 7th	22	21	19	16	23	20	18	17
   6th	38	37	35	32	39	36	34	33
   5th	62	61	59	56	63	60	58	57
   (go to 6th) 4th	6	5	3	0	7	4	2	1
   (go to 5th) 3rd	30	29	27	24	31	28	26	25
   2nd	46	45	43	40	47	44	42	41
   1st	54	53	51	48	55	52	50	49

   Black Home Rank

   ROOKS

   Use When Playing White - -
   Black Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	QR	QN	QB	Q	K	KB	KN	KR
   (go to 3rd) 8th	49	50	52	55	48	51	53	54
   7th	41	42	44	47	40	43	45	46
   (go to 1st) 6th	25	26	28	31	24	27	29	30
   5th	1	2	4	7	0	3	5	6
   (go to 7th) 4th	57	58	60	63	56	59	61	62
   3rd	33	34	36	39	32	35	37	38
   (go to 5th) 2nd	17	18	20	23	16	19	21	22
   1st	9	10	12	15	8	11	13	14

   White Home Rank

   Use When Playing Black - -

   White Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	KR	KN	KB	K	Q	QB	QN	QR
   (go to 3rd) 8th	14	13	11	8	15	12	10	9
   7th	22	21	19	16	23	20	18	17
   (go to 1st) 6th	38	37	35	32	39	36	34	33
   5th	62	61	59	56	63	60	58	57
   (go to 7th) 4th	6	5	3	0	7	4	2	1
   3rd	30	29	27	24	31	28	26	25
   (go to 5th) 2nd	46	45	43	40	47	44	42	41
   1st	54	53	51	48	55	52	50	49

   Black Home Rank

   KNIGHTS

   Use When Playing White - - Black Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	QR	QN	QB	Q	K	KB	KN	KR
   8th	49	50	52	55	48	51	53	54
   (go to 3rd) 7th	41	42	44	47	40	43	45	46
   (go to 2nd) 6th	25	26	28	31	24	27	29	30
   5th	1	2	4	7	0	3	5	6
   (go to 8th) 4th	57	58	60	63	56	59	61	62
   3rd	33	34	36	39	32	35	37	38
   2nd	17	18	20	23	16	19	21	22
   (go to 5th) 1st	9	10	12	15	8	11	13	14

   White Home Rank

   Use When Playing Black - -

   White Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	KR	KN	KB	K	Q	QB	QN	QR
   8th	14	13	11	8	15	12	10	9
   (go to 3rd) 7th	22	21	19	16	23	20	18	17
   (go to 2nd) 6th	38	37	35	32	39	36	34	33
   5th	62	61	59	56	63	60	58	57
   (go to 8th) 4th	6	5	3	0	7	4	2	1
   3rd	30	29	27	24	31	28	26	25
   2nd	46	45	43	40	47	44	42	41
   (go to 5th) 1st	54	53	51	48	55	52	50	49

   Black Home Rank

   BISHOPS

   Use When Playing White - - Black Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	QR	QN	QB K	Q KB	K	KB	KN QR	KR QN
   8th	49	50	52	55	48	51	53	54
   7th	41	42	44	47	40	43	45	46
   6th	25	26	28	31	24	27	29	30
   5th	1	2	4	7	0	3	5	6
   4th	57	58	60	63	56	59	61	62
   3rd	33	34	36	39	32	35	37	38
   2nd	17	18	20	23	16	19	21	22
   1st	9	10	12	15	8	11	13	14

   White Home Rank

   Use When Playing Black - -

   White Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	KR	KN	KB Q	K QB	Q	QB	QN KR	QR KN
   8th	14	13	11	8	15	12	10	9
   7th	22	21	19	16	23	20	18	17
   6th	38	37	35	32	39	36	34	33
   5th	62	61	59	56	63	60	58	57
   4th	6	5	3	0	7	4	2	1
   3rd	30	29	27	24	31	28	26	25
   2nd	46	45	43	40	47	44	42	41
   1st	54	53	51	48	55	52	50	49

   Black Home Rank

   QUEENS

   Use When Playing White - - Black Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	QR	QN K	QB	Q KN	K	KB QR	KN	KR QB
   8th	49	50	52	55	48	51	53	54
   7th	41	42	44	47	40	43	45	46
   6th	25	26	28	31	24	27	29	30
   5th	1	2	4	7	0	3	5	6
   4th	57	58	60	63	56	59	61	62
   3rd	33	34	36	39	32	35	37	38
   2nd	17	18	20	23	16	19	21	22
   1st	9	10	12	15	8	11	13	14

   White Home Rank

   Use When Playing Black - -

   White Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	KR	KN Q	KB	K QN	Q	QB KR	QN	QR KB
   8th	14	13	11	8	15	12	10	9
   7th	22	21	19	16	23	20	18	17
   6th	38	37	35	32	39	36	34	33
   5th	62	61	59	56	63	60	58	57
   4th	6	5	3	0	7	4	2	1
   3rd	30	29	27	24	31	28	26	25
   2nd	46	45	43	40	47	44	42	41
   1st	54	53	51	48	55	52	50	49

   Black Home Rank

   KINGS

   Use When Playing White - - Black Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	QR K	QN	QB	Q KR	K	KB QN	KN QB	KR
   8th	49	50	52	55	48	51	53	54
   7th	41	42	44	47	40	43	45	46
   6th	25	26	28	31	24	27	29	30
   5th	1	2	4	7	0	3	5	6
   4th	57	58	60	63	56	59	61	62
   3rd	33	34	36	39	32	35	37	38
   2nd	17	18	20	23	16	19	21	22
   1st	9	10	12	15	8	11	13	14

   White Home Rank

   Use When Playing Black - -

   White Home Rank

   Horizontal Vertical	KR Q	KN	KB	K QR	Q	QB KN	QN KB	QR
   8th	14	13	11	8	15	12	10	9
   7th	22	21	19	16	23	20	18	17
   6th	38	37	35	32	39	36	34	33
   5th	62	61	59	56	63	60	58	57
   4th	6	5	3	0	7	4	2	1
   3rd	30	29	27	24	31	28	26	25
   2nd	46	45	43	40	47	44	42	41
   1st	54	53	51	48	55	52	50	49

   Black Home Rank

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