So there's a variation of chess I'd like to try because of its "funky fresh" new kinds of pieces and a larger board, but most of the gameplay still resembles classical chess, only new and exciting.   The website is http://www.omegachess.com/home.html  but basically if you already have google desktop and google talk all you need to do is search "Omega" on their gadget list and get the Omega Chess google gadget.   If anyone is game, message me on here and we can set up a time, because it's not like the "open seek" option here--you have to personally invite chat friends to the gadget.  So what I found out after loading all this google stuff is it still doesn't work till there's other folks willing to play.    (The website listed above has instructions found under the "Play" menu at the top of their page.) 

Not looking for month-long games here, just quick games of embarrassingly bad Omega chess.

No thanks, I love playing here on chess.com

http://www.pathguy.com/chess/OmegaChs.htm

I found this playable beta version of Omega, and that cut down on the sleazy hot yearning after 30 minutes or so.  It's not high powered, so you'll feel at ease trying out Omega if you've never looked into it, and the possible moves for the new pieces are highlighted so it's a great learner.   It's a nice way to take a break from "serious" 8x8.

thanks for the resource

Seems like the idea behind it is the same as Capablanca Chess, probably something he would have endorsed.