Kevin Pacey wrote on Sat, Apr 15, 2017 01:00 AM UTC:
I've noticed that in Game Courier play of the reputedly drawish Shatranj there's been 2 draws in 55 games thus far, while there's been 7 draws in 33 games of Modern Shatranj so far, if I've counted correctly. It's possible the opponents were more evenly matched in more of the Modern Shatranj games, but I'm wondering if the Generals in the setup position for Modern Shatranj might make for even greater defensive resources than may be available in the game of Shatranj. A case where more test playing of Modern Shatranj is needed to reach a firm conclusion? In my case, I take a variant that may be tougher to avoid drawing (i.e. win) at as something of a challenge, if I'm not so happy with the idea of drawing before a game begins. Fwiw, chess played at a high level still has a far greater drawing rate on average than 7 out of 33 games.
I've noticed that in Game Courier play of the reputedly drawish Shatranj there's been 2 draws in 55 games thus far, while there's been 7 draws in 33 games of Modern Shatranj so far, if I've counted correctly. It's possible the opponents were more evenly matched in more of the Modern Shatranj games, but I'm wondering if the Generals in the setup position for Modern Shatranj might make for even greater defensive resources than may be available in the game of Shatranj. A case where more test playing of Modern Shatranj is needed to reach a firm conclusion? In my case, I take a variant that may be tougher to avoid drawing (i.e. win) at as something of a challenge, if I'm not so happy with the idea of drawing before a game begins. Fwiw, chess played at a high level still has a far greater drawing rate on average than 7 out of 33 games.