It's called Chess960 (sometimes known as Fischer Random Chess) and is described here.
Personally, I prefer chess just as it is.
Random Chess
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Fischer Random is quite an interesting alternative chess challenge which I quite like.
It is played on most of the online sites, FICS and ICC definitely, perhaps it may even earn a berth here 
random chess idea is that the pieces behind the pawns each time starts with different settings thats why its caleed 960 bec it has 960 probabilities.....the idea is to let chess dependent on the players abilities of judgement without memorizing plenty of opening lines....it actually eliminate the opening theory alltogether and depends on the opening basis.....unfortunately the idea was not so successfull
I really like the idea of it. Ideally, chess would be all about concepts and skills, but almost mandatorily it becomes about learning specific positions. That's why he created this.
I think it would be very interesting to see a human vs. computer game of this.
chess as it is, is way better ... in my opinion
i agree with u ponar, i love regular chess
Jul 12, 2008
0
#8
Chess960 is a very interesting way to play chess. Fischer wanted to eliminate the emphasis on memorization and analysis of openings. The idea of returning chess to being about creativity and skill removes rote memorization. If you have never tried it, it is worth playing a few times if for no other reason than to think outside the box.
to be honest i have never played any other kind of chess... but i love regular chess ... but i am up for tryin any kind... will mayb have a go one day lol
Jul 12, 2008
0
#10
Chess 960+Atomic+Crazyhouse would be INSANE.
Atomic: every piece captured, all pieces around it including the captured piece (excluding pawns) also go boom.
Crazyhouse: anything captured can be put back on the board as a move. You can cause check, block check, even checkmate with this technique!
oh well... it actually sounds quite fun ... :) will deff try it sometime
what would u say is the best chess?
Jul 17, 2008
0
#14
The most prominent Chess960 tournament in the world will be starting soon. It's held annually in Mainz, Germany.
http://www.chesstigers.de/ccm8.php?lang=1
My tournament, in Detroit near the end of September, will be considerably smaller.
cool :S
Played it with my chessfriend and it certainly is a fun addition to 'regular chess'! :)
cool ... :)
I think there is a lot to be learned from playing chess960. I can easily beat my chess engine in standard chess, but I usually lose in chess960. That indicates to me that I am relying on theory too much.
yeah i agree redearth
I read recently that Bobby Fischer became a proponent of something called "random chess" late in his life, claiming it to be a superior form of the game.
I was curious to see what everyone's thoughts on this variation were, and if there was a place to play it online.