Tablet of Earth
Earth of Earth — the solid and material starting array
The Tablet of Earth represents the "Earth of Earth" configuration — an array emphasizing solid positioning, material advantage, and balanced tempo.
Configuration
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Element | Earth of Earth |
| Turn Order | Yellow → Blue → Red → Black |
| Player One | Yellow + Red (Team Earth) |
| Player Two | Blue + Black (Team Air) |
Throne Squares
| Army | Thrones |
|---|---|
| Yellow | h4, h5 |
| Blue | d1, e1 |
| Red | d8, e8 |
| Black | a4, a5 |
Characteristics
The Earth array is associated with:
- Solid positioning — strong pawn structures and defensive lines
- Material focus — emphasis on piece value and exchanges
- Stability — slow but steady advancement
- Balanced tempo — strictly alternating control between players
Turn Order: Counter-Clockwise Alternation
The Tablet of Earth begins with Yellow (Team Earth) and strictly alternates between teams:
- Yellow (Player One)
- Blue (Player Two)
- Red (Player One)
- Black (Player Two)
This creates the most balanced rhythm — every move is answered by an opponent. No team ever gets consecutive actions, rewarding solid, methodical play over explosive combinations.
Piece Placement
Pending Transcription
The exact piece placements for this array are awaiting transcription from the original Zalewski diagrams. The engine currently uses the Tablet of Fire positions when this array is selected.
Strategic Implications
The Earth configuration rewards patient, positional play:
- Opening: Develop methodically — your opponent will always respond before your ally moves
- Midgame: Maintain solid structures — no consecutive moves means no surprise combinations
- Endgame: Grind advantages — material matters more when tempo is always balanced
Earth vs. Water
While Water lets allies coordinate with consecutive moves, Earth ensures every action faces an immediate response. Choose Earth when you prefer pure chess calculation over team coordination tactics.