TalkChess.com

[Cobweb]

Well, I'm not sure how it affects Grandmasters whose chess skill is obviously on a totally different level to most of us, but actually starting a game where my opponent had a pawn or piece missing would totally confuse me!!

Some opening theory will have to go out of the window from move one as the player will need to reconsider many opening lines and in some respects this must negate the full value of the piece advantage. Take the first game - wouldn't any king side castling plans be a bit dodgy against that open rook file?

Wouldn't most human be placed a little off balance starting with an unfamiliar position piece odds gives or doesn't this affect Grandmasters at all? Anyway, it seems to me that although the human is starting with a material advantage, there could be some psychological and practical disadvantages for the human.

I think I'd prefer a normal position and give the computer some other disadvantage (don't know what though!! ...maybe have it simulataneously calculate a new prime number )