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Aberg variation of Capablanca's Chess. Different setup and castling rules. (10x8, Cells: 80) [All Comments] [Add Comment or Rating]

Hans Aberg wrote on Thu, Apr 17, 2008 09:17 PM UTC:

Values given for P N B R Q K are just the empirical values used before the
days of computer programs, with an adjustment of the traditional B = 3,
mostly used as a point of departure, and how to figure out how material in
the long run would balance out. They also depend on position and the skill
of the player, for example, knights weaken in closed positions, and weaker
player might over-value them. I just put them up as a starting point so
your analysis is welcome. The surprising closeness of the A and C values
you get perhaps depends on the fact that A, unlike B, can move on squares
of both colors.

Pawns (just as knight) ought to weaken on large boards. So another pawn
rule might be that it is allowed to move two steps if it has not reached
the two middle rows (i.e., a pawn that has moved one square can still make
a two-square move).

Also, you might try to figure out the strength of a piece that can move as
a queen and a knight. Call this piece say 'General' or G. One might use
an 12x8 board. One setup might be (white pieces)
  R C N B A Q K G B N C R
It is derived by imposing the condition that all pawns are protected by a
quality piece in the start position.