handicaps

Is is possible to give a weaker player a handicap, such as removing a piece?

Only by hand. Several knight moves is necessary:

I thought you could set a game up with a starting position prior to challenge.

Yes, but no handicaps.

Or did they finally implement it?

Ahh sorry I just tried the option I had never used and you are right.

i do not think that is possible

You could achieve it by giving takebacks (in an unrated takeback game).

1. can-i-start-a-game-with-the-pieces-in-specific-position
2. does-anybody-think-this-would-be-fun
3. new-games-with-predetermined-set-up
4. custom-starting-positions2

 I found a way to create a handicap.  We start the game with him moving e4 and I move h5.  Then he moves anything that doesn't block the bishop's diagonal and I move Rh4. He moves bxh4, and I let his bishop return safely. It works well for us and we have a great time playing chess.  

I've been Warned (by Staff) when I'd inquired by support ticket, that even for unrated games 'dropping' material for any purpose including handicapping is 'high risk' (I took that to mean, being shutdown as a 'cheater' if that activity were noticed).

sftac

ps.  Yes, I'd certainly like to be able to play 'handicap' games on this site, especially in the Live Chess area.