Let's Compare X-Wing & Chess Pieces

By shawnebaby, in X-Wing Off-Topic

I've often compared X-wing to Chess and that got me wondering; what X-Wing ship best represents each piece in chess? Since I exclusively play Imperial, I'm only going to use their ships. Here's what I think:

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Pawn - TIE Bomber

This was a tough choice between the TIE Fighter and the TIE Bomber for me. My immediate thought was the TIE Fighter because, much like the Pawn, they are expendable, often move first, and by themselves typically aren't a huge threat offensively. But then I compared the movement dial and it just didn't make sense because of their 1 turn maneuvers. What swayed me was the Bombers 1 straight and banks, that mirrored the Pawn's movement and attack patterns.

Rook - TIE Defender

Whenever I think of an Imperial jousting ship, I think of the TIE Defender. Rooks like going straight and can combo well with other key pieces, much like Colonel Vessery. The white 4 K-Turn and all green straight maneuvers mimics the Rook to a T. I chose the Defender primarily due to its' maneuver dial.

Knight - TIE Phantom

This was a no brainer. The Knight is incredibly mobile, much like the Phantom and can create very pivotal decisions for your opponent. As far as movement, I just pictured a Phantom decloaking to the right/left side and moving forward just like the L move the Knight makes.

Bishop - TIE Advanced

Another tough decision. I was going back and forth between the TIE Fighter and the Advanced. I think the Advanced embodies the Bishop better because the Advanced is more durable and has an offensive edge over the Fighter with the inclusion of the Target Lock ability.

Queen - TIE Interceptor

The Queen is the most mobile piece in Chess and some might argue that the Phantom has more mobility than the Interceptor, but I disagree. Like the Queen, a well piloted Interceptor can be game changing. Offensively, it has many options to it and excels in both close combat and pot shots afar, depending on the situation. For these reasons, I felt the Interceptor was the obvious choice.

King - Lambda Shuttle

Initially, I considered the Decimator as the King. But after more thought I decided the Shuttle was the better pick. The movement dial for the Shuttle is very much like how the King maneuvers; AND the Shuttle is exclusive to the 0 maneuver that ONLY the King shares when the match ends in a stalemate. The King doesn't have much in the offense department and like the Shuttle is picked on.

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Well there you have it. I'd love to hear your analogies and opinions. Or maybe a Rebel or Scum comparison.

If I had to have a quick go at it?
Pawn = Z-95. Cheap, expendable, nothing special.
Rook = I'm thinking X or Y here. Hard to decide which, but probably the X.

Knight = B-wing. It's movement is weird, and it's an incredibly useful piece in odd situations. Dat 2-k.

Bishop = The X comes to mind here too, and maybe the E. Both are fairly mobile, depending on board setup.

Queen = Good ol' Falcon. Most dangerous piece on the board.

King = The CR-90. Because if poorly defended, it will die.
I dunno. That last one was pretty much just sarcasm, because I couldn't think of-
Oh wait! The HWK! Poor mobility, but attacks in all directions!

I generally agree with your reasoning, but I'd still go with the Eyeball for the Imperial Pawn. Bomber feels like too much of a tank to fit.

Banana: I'd go X as Rook, E as Bishop, and Y or HWK as King.

I have always wanted to make a chess set based on modern day Russian aircraft and US aircraft.. i just haven't found small enough versions yet..

Micro Machines used to have a couple of pretty good die-cast lines. Couple different sizes. I've been out of the market for a decade and a half, so no idea what the current state is.

Pawn = X-Wing/T.I.E Fighter
Rook = Y-Wing/ T.I.E Bomber

Knight = B-Wing/T.I.E Advanced

Bishop = A-WIng/T.I E Interceptor

Queen = Princess Leia 3" Action figure/Firespray

King = YT1300/Shuttle

Pawn: Z-95/TIE Fighter

Rook: X-Wing/TIE Defender

Knight: B-Wing/TIE Advanced

Bishop: A-Wing/TIE Interceptor

Queen: E-Wing/TIE Phantom

King: HK-290/Shuttle

This is based off of similarity of maneuverability, for the most part. Was torn between Shuttle and VT-49 (only attack-any-direction for Imperial) for the king.

King: Luke(X-Wing)/Vader(Advanced)

Queen: E-Wing/Phantom

Bishop: A-Wing/Interceptor

Knight: Y-Wing/Bomber

Rook: B-Wing/Defender

Pawn: Z-95/TIE Fighter