The BDS Website

Jörg Kuhlmann & BDS

9/13th Comm., StrateGems, 2000

#2
Functionary Chess
GRASSHOPPER g5

1.Ba1!  ()

1...Gc1 2.Scb1#
1...Ga5 2.Sa2#

In the diagram position, the only black piece that can move is the grasshopper, it being attacked by the white pawn on h4. Of the White pieces, the knight on c3 can move (it is attacked by the black king), but this does not result in check from the white bishop, as that piece is not attacked. The key doesn't threaten anything, but after the grasshopper moves, White can move his knight on c3 (opening up the battery from the white bishop) and placing it so that it is a hurdle such that the grasshopper is attacking the bishop. These moves are mate because the bishop is attacked by a black piece that can't itself move. But you ask, if the Grasshopper can't move, how can it attack the bishop? That’s a good question, and the only answer I have is that Functionary Chess doesn't work that way – ‘Attacking’ is based on the positions of the pieces, not on any longer chain of causation.