For example, below are the 20 possible positions (all mirrored) that can occur after the players have relocated according to the rules of Placement Chess.
Chess development: relocation
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Moreover, the rules for the above variant, Placement Chess, can be restricted so that black is only allowed to relocate the king to d8, if he wishes. This generates 8 possible positions, where the king is positioned in the centre. Also in the case when the king alone is relocated, it means a thorough kill of theory since the king must jump three squares when castling short, but only one square when castling long.
Fide-chess is an integral part of relocation variants. It is the theoretically best position. Relocation variants are meant to increase the chances for people not so knowledgeable of theory. It can make chess even more interesting. Comments?
M .Winther
Dear chess colleagues,
I have developed an idea involving modest changes to the chess rules, less dramatic than Chess960. I wrote an article about it here:
Relocation variants - rearranging the initial array
http://www.two-paths.com/bg/relocationvariants.htm
The various relocation methods allow the players optionally to relocate king and/or queen before the play begins, whilst retaining the castling rights. The players can abstain from this if they prefer the standard setup. It is a cogent method of rearranging the initial position to enhance opening ramification, while allowing the players to remain in control. The resultant positions deviate marginally from the standard position and would be experienced as natural by most chess players. Castling follows Chess960 rules.
There are different relocation variants. I haven't decided wich is preferable. Some methods will generate only mirrored positions, just as in Chess960. Thus, a subset of Chess960 is generated, as in "Placement Chess", here: http://www.two-paths.com/bg/placementchess.htm
Diagrams of the 20 possible positions in Placement Chess can be viewed here: http://www.two-paths.com/bg/placementpos.htm
The diverse positions could easily be tried try out with a program that can handle Chess960 castling. I have also created downloadable Zillions programs that follow the diverse relocation rules. By comparison, Chess960 employs randomization. Thus, the players lack control, which is frustrating to some, since chess players like to deliberate their choices. In relocation variants the player himself decides how the pieces should stand. It is interesting from move one.
Fide-chess remains an option. It's just that the players refrain from performing a relocation, which is allowed in relocation variants. Indeed, the castling rules in Fide-chess also follow the Chess960 (relocation) rules. Thus, Fide-chess is just a special variant. I discussed it with a Chessbase representative and explained that it would be fairly easy to adapt the software to relocation variants.
Arguably, chess training would become more effective since the players have to think strategically from move one. "Placement Chess" is defined like this: "Black may optionally decide the initial positions of the kings, while White may, thereafter, optionally decide the initial positions of the queens, after which he makes the first move." It is a very simple rule change which dramatically increases the ramification of the chess tree. Since it gives rise to only a limited number of positions, the players can still prepare and study the different positions at home. Chess players are fond of study and preparation.
M. Winther