IDEA: If 2 opposing pieces are resting on squares diagonally adjacent from one another, this is called a “Pre-Bind.” A “Pre-Bind” is readying the path for a “Full-Bind.” If 2 opposing pieces are resting on squares horizontally or vertically adjacent from one another, this is called a “Full-Bind,” meaning the pieces are bound together. A “Full-Bind” may only be created if a “Pre-Bind” was created first by 2 opposing pieces resting on squares diagonally adjacent from one another. Any pieces that are in a “Pre-Bind” can be labeled as a “Pre-Bind” if they are resting on any 2 squares connected diagonally adjacent from one another. Any pieces that are in a “Full-Bind” can be labeled as a “Full-Bind” if they are resting on any 2 squares connected horizontally or vertically adjacent to one another. Once a “Pre-Bind” is created, a player may choose to create a “Full-Bind” by moving their piece that is adjacently diagonal from their opponent’s piece, to adjacently horizontal or vertical from their opponent’s piece. Remember, a “Pre-Bind” ALWAYS needs to be created in order for a “Full-Bind” to be created.
When a “Pre-Bind” is created, the AI will make a cache note that the “Pre-Bind” has been created and that a “Full-Bind” is allowed to be created soon after. At any time, a piece may leave a “Pre-Bind” by moving 1 space away from the opposing piece. This will totally break the “Pre-Bind” and the AI cache will be cleared. If a “Pre-Bind” is set in place and a pawn moves horizontally or vertically adjacent to an opposing piece, this will allow a “Full-Bind” to be created and the AI will note this. At any time, a piece may break a “Full-Bind” by moving away from the opposing piece. Once a “Full-Bind” is successfully broken, in order to create another “Full-Bind” the pieces must first create another “Pre-Bind.” There are 2 types of ways to break a “Full-Bind.”
- A piece may totally break a “Full-Bind” by moving 1 space away from the opposing piece. The 2 pieces must have a gap of 1 full square away from each other in order for a total break to occur. The 2 pieces may NOT be resting diagonally adjacent from one another by any means in order for a total break to occur. Taking this action will clear the AI cache of “Pre-Binds” and “Full-Binds” from the 2 target pieces. Once any 1 of the 2 pieces are captured, the AI cache is cleared.
- A piece may semi-break a “Full-Bind” by moving 1 space away from the opposing piece to create a diagonal between the 2 pieces. If the 2 pieces are resting diagonally adjacent to one another, this will create a “Pre-Bind.” The AI will then note that a “Full-Bind” has just a semi-break and that a new “Pre-Bind” has just been created. This will not clear the AI cache by any means. If a player’s piece semi-breaks a “Full-Bind” and the “Full-Bind” remains semi-broken on the same player’s next turn, the AI will clear all “Full-Bind” notes from the cache. On the opposing player’s turn, the opposing player may choose NOT to clear the AI cache by chasing the piece that has JUST left the semi-broken “Full-Bind.” These 2 pieces must first be in a “Pre-Bind,” resting on squares diagonally adjacent from one another before taking this action. This will create a reconstructed “Full-Bind” with the same 2 pieces. Recreating or reconstructing a “Full-Bind” is considered chasing and the AI will store notes that the player is reconstructing the same broken “Pre-Bind” and semi-broken “Full-Bind” over and over. Once any 1 of the 2 pieces are captured, the AI cache is cleared.
This post has been edited many times to suit the needs of the developers and other players. I really hope this resolves the chase issue that haunts us all. Opinions and comments will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading.
HmmNess