are multiple ways in which the Spy can trigger the end of the game through what is called “flipping.” The Spy introduces relationships between pieces and gradations of poten-tial action unknown to the classical sphere of play.
The c-chess pawn shares many similarities with its classical counterpart. It can capture and be captured by any of the other pieces (except the Spy), regardless of rank, anywhere in the Field and Border areas. However, it is particularly vulnerable to attack from major pieces.
Recall that, in the Field, a major piece cannot assume an attack-ing posture toward another major piece; however, according to the re-take rule, a major piece that captures
a peer from the Border or Court may be re-taken by a major piece. Crucial to note is the piece executing the “re-take” is not susceptible to capture from yet another major Field piece.
Sanctuary in the Field for major
pieces, coupled with the limited
​
scope of the re-take rule, means that there are no repercussions for a ma-
jor piece, such as a Queen, cap-turing a pawn in enemy territory, unless the pawn is defended by an-
another pawn or a major piece from the Border or Court.
A key challenge of the variation is to effect mate either 1) through collusion at close quarters of the King or 2) by strategically posi-tioned pieces on the Border and in Court. But it could prove costly to
attempt this while ignoring the other player’s efforts, such as placing its knights on the Border. Depending on the stage of the game, a player may, with the knights, need only one addi-tional piece in Court to corner the King.
Arguably, whether any of these efforts come to fruition will de-
pend on use of the Spy and pawns. Through poor placement, the Spy can become a crippling handicap,
especially if it does not have ready access to Court or to the pieces