M Winther wrote on Sat, Sep 26, 2009 10:17 AM UTC:
Concerning the opening theory problem in the Capablanca variants. Arguably, it is a drawback of [a Capablanca setup*], for instance, that an ambitious player must needs devote himself to opening studies in order to achieve success. It is a very complex board situation and hard studies would be very rewarding. But opening studies is also an immense tedium. Seirawan Chess, due to its drop method, can never become a highly theoretical game. This is, I think, a great advantage. One needn't bother much about opening theory, it's only to sit down and play. Instead one can devote time to the study of opening principles and tactical themes.
Interestingly, Namik Zade employed [a Capablanca setup*] and combined it with the pawn randomization which I invented for Chess256. This is interesting as it implies a thorough kill of theory. His program can be downloaded here: Capablanca Fun Games
The zrf which uses pawn randomization is called 'The Shuffle-Pawns.zrf'
Please study this. I don't think the [a Capablanca setup*] is quite proper for pawn randomization because the bishops will often be able to capture the rooks immediately. It works, but is slightly unattractive. However, should the Schoolbook setup be used, then an immediate capture is never possible. Comparatively, in Chess256 white can never achieve a clear advantage no matter how the pawns are positioned. One must establish that the same is true for the Capablanca setup that one chooses for the pawn randomization method. Of course, Namik's program can also be used as pawn randomizer for any Capablanca piece setup.
/Mats
Arguably, it is a drawback of [a Capablanca setup*], for instance, that an
ambitious player must needs devote himself to opening studies in
order to achieve success. It is a very complex board situation and hard
studies would be very rewarding. But opening studies is also an
immense tedium. Seirawan Chess, due to its drop method, can never
become a highly theoretical game. This is, I think, a great advantage.
One needn't bother much about opening theory, it's only to sit down
and play. Instead one can devote time to the study of opening
principles and tactical themes.
Interestingly, Namik Zade employed [a Capablanca setup*] and combined it with
the pawn randomization which I invented for Chess256. This is interesting
as it implies a thorough kill of theory. His program can be downloaded here:
Capablanca Fun Games
The zrf which uses pawn randomization is called 'The Shuffle-Pawns.zrf'
Please study this. I don't think the [a Capablanca setup*] is quite proper for pawn
randomization because the bishops will often be able to capture the
rooks immediately. It works, but is slightly unattractive. However,
should the Schoolbook setup be used, then an immediate capture is
never possible. Comparatively, in Chess256 white can never achieve
a clear advantage no matter how the pawns are positioned. One must
establish that the same is true for the Capablanca setup that one
chooses for the pawn randomization method. Of course, Namik's
program can also be used as pawn randomizer for any Capablanca
piece setup.
/Mats
*edited for site policy