"PREGAME RULE: If the preset generates any particular position such that White checkmates Blue (or viceversa) in the first turn or could capture any undefended pawn, then White will have to pass and Blue will have to delete that log, then proceeding to generate a new setup." This rule is good, but not sufficient by itself. However, as mentioned in Game Courier logs, some games even if it is not checkmate at first, are still biased strongly in favor of one player.
A possible subvariant to possibly correct this (can be used with any symmetry rule):
Each player ante a fixed number of points before the game start (the ante is cancelled if the position is illegal due to pregame rule).
Setup of extra pieces/extra pawn board are hidden at the beginning of the game.
You can bet 1 point additionally in order to reveal a square of your choice on extra pieces/extra pawn board, any time (even multiple times) during your turn before your move. Only you can see it; the opponent does not get to see it, but he does know which square you looked at.
You are not allowed to increase your bet beyond double of opponent's current bet.
Nobody may increase their bet beyond 348 + ante.
No betting beyond ante is allowed on white player's first turn.
If there is some move you don't know is legal or not due to not knowing what is on position on extra boards, you can try it anyways and if it doesn't work, that square is revealed to both players for free and you can try a different move for free.
When one player wins, that player's match points are sum of both player's bets.
If playing like this, you could use pieces like mahjong tiles so that one or both or neither players can see what pieces it is.
"PREGAME RULE: If the preset generates any particular position such that White checkmates Blue (or viceversa) in the first turn or could capture any undefended pawn, then White will have to pass and Blue will have to delete that log, then proceeding to generate a new setup." This rule is good, but not sufficient by itself. However, as mentioned in Game Courier logs, some games even if it is not checkmate at first, are still biased strongly in favor of one player.
A possible subvariant to possibly correct this (can be used with any symmetry rule):
If playing like this, you could use pieces like mahjong tiles so that one or both or neither players can see what pieces it is.