lkaufman wrote:
I have suggested this sort of handicap myself. X number of moves (in the first four ranks) before Black moves makes sense. X might be 3 for a 2800 GM, 4 for a 2700, 5 for a 2600, 6 for a 2500 etc. Just my guess as to what might be fair. Exposed king is another way to do it as you say. Perhaps we'll try one of these ideas in the near future.
I hope so - that would be a phenomenal match to follow! One related consideration that comes to mind, though, is that to be effective, the human player needs to try and exploit the initative handicap on their own - aka, without computer-based preparation specific to the starting position. The early moves are key with an initiative handicap, and if they are computer assisted (through home preparation), the value of the handicap changes drastically.
One solution would be to simply ask them not to analyze at home. Another, potentially more robust solution would be to predetermine the opening moves, and reveal them only at the start of the game. This could also be used to ensure a variety of openings and strategies are tried (one game could start with, say, c4 d4 g3 Bg2, while the following could begin with e4 f4 Nf3 Bc4).
I apologize for diverting this thread, but this seemed as appropriate as anywhere for this discussion. Back on topic, I am very much looking forward to tomorrow's games!
