Longships Chess - The Pieces - Jarl
The Jarl
Jarls cannot jump over other pieces, but have an initial 1, 2 or 3 step move similar to the pawn, but this can be taken in any single direction including diagonally e.g.
After its initial move, the jarl moves like a king one square in any direction, but is limited in that it can only capture other pieces diagonally, forward or backwards. The jarl is essentially a strong-link piece which locks together the wedge-shaped pawn defences of the shieldwalls and is well adapted for close quarter combat. Use of the jarls linked to lines of pawns, frees up and allows for better use of bishop and castle pieces with their longer movement ranges.
It is possible to have more than 2 jarls after pawn promotion for a queen or other higher piece, see pawn promotion.
