A few days ago, I was testing my new NCP, it was a fairy variant with few pieces and had the KOTH rule. I had meant for it to be submitted as a hyper variant, however, a few words from a CGA and some positional changes later to make the variant into a WoF, I realized that to make a hyper variant was something that nobody had done in a long time.
The most popular hyper variants as of about the end of 2020 were Chaturaji (Hyper Fiesta), The Colosseum, and Tame the Beast. (WFT II aka QuickThrone was and is popular, but the default control is blitz; many players also liked Labyrinth 82 and the various rule changes they could make to spice up the variant)
Chaturaji is featured on both 4PC and Variants as the most played four player variant (excluding standard). Although there are problems with teaming/kingmaking, it can still be played in almost every time control.
The Collosseum, I say, should be a WoF. It is frankly quite unpopular nowadays. The time control was meant to adhere to the small board, but just encourages blatant 3v1s from small mistakes, and if you would try it on rapid, the same thing would most likely happen.
Tame the Beast was literally removed. Yeah, I don’t need to explain anymore.
There have been no hyper variants since the standards of the CGAs increased and the mass removal of a lot of variants.
I have tried many other variants in hyper, however.
Unison is a fun fairy, but has potential problems with someone going around taking all of the royals.
Surprise Attack, honestly, is garbage. I refuse to elaborate.
Gustav’s Box is very interesting, seeing as there are 3 fronts to defend or use to attack and greatly encourages multitasking or even targeting in a balanced way.
Although these are some well known OG variants that fit well with hyper, I wonder if there’s any potential for NCP to be accepted with 1/4 or 1/10 as the default time control in the future, and what CGAs might be looking for.
(Note: You can dislike hyper, but don’t tell me that’s it’s too fast. If you think it is, and use this in your arguments, this discussion isn’t for you. Otherwise, if you disagree or agree, I would love your feedback!)
(Edit: To be more specific, I am talking about 1/10,14,1/2,3/4, and 1|0)