Ok so I have to admit that I like the idea of 'random' chess but dislike the random placement rules, preferring a version where the players take turns, king through to knights, placing their pieces according to -perhaps- a unified plan or in response to their opponent's placements.
So I tried this out with a computer, it led to an interesting game.
What was interesting, was that the +- score swung both ways far more dramatically than I've ever seen in a standard game with the computer playing itself. It also ended in 62 moves, rather than a protracted 200-move drawish endgame. A good sign that we humans might actually stand a chance against silicon once more?
Chess has had subtle changes in its rules every few centuries, personally I find the 'shuffle' piece placement -as opposed to a player controlled placement system- unpalatable, as it's like adding the element of 'chance', (which should not be added to chess IMHO) and you sometimes end up with a right stinker of a line-up.
Perhaps a 'random' system will eventually take off if the 'dice' are removed from the opening position?
Would be interested in your thoughts.
