I think this is due to poor naming, not due to short functions.

Compare:

  def makeMove(self, target):
    enemy_piece = target.piece
    if enemy_piece:
      self.takeEnemyPiece(enemy_piece)
    target.piece = self
    self.position = target

And

  def changeCoords(self, foo):
    if foo.standing_on_it:
      self.nowItsMine(foo.standing_on_it)
    foo.standing_on_it = self
    self.coords = foo

In the former case, you mostly don't need to consult the source of functions called. In the latter, you're never sure.