Who has the advantage?

Hi everyone!

So in this thread, people can post interesting (but not necessarily realistic) positions that seem more or less equal at a glance, and we will discuss which side has an advantage.

To start off, this is a highly unrealistic yet intriguing position:

So, who has the advantage here?

Black has the advantage... he can easily win the pawns back

how does he win the pawns back? It seems to me that if white plays a defensive opening he can hold on to the pawns, while balck will constantly have to worry about his king safety throughout the game.

Regarding the position you posted, I would say white has an advantage, as minor pieces play an important role in obtaining center control in the opening.

well, not immediately, but it will be hard for White to maintain control of all his pawns. 

Intuitively I believe black should be winning, but then again, it could be white who is doing alright...the problem is that pawns can be lost easily, while the queen..not so much.

This was not the way I meant to phrase it- I hope I didn't offend you, macer.

no, not at all lol

Did I sound offended? Sry if I did, cuz I didn't mean to at all.

Anyway, to move on, let's try a new position. Again, not realistic but interesting:

ok, maybe that one was too obvious. At least that's what it seems like to me right now. Black clearly has the advantage, since white can't castle without damaging his pawn structure on the side he is castling (to make way for the bishop).

how about this?

yes, black can play e5, e6, d5, or d6, and his bishops will be free to develop!  White, on the other hand, will have to move his f or c pawn, which is worse.  Playing e4 or d4 serves multiple purposes: control the center and develop the bishop(s).  f4 or c4 does less of a job of controling the center.

In terms of development, Black has the clear advantage, though I agree if white plays carefully and forms a solid pawn wall, Black will struggle to break down the defense. 

Though I'll have to look into this deeper to give a verdict, but as it stands, Black has great attacking potential, but depends on what opening White plays...

White, due to his first move advantage.

The answer is simple.

When I have the white pieces, I am better, because I am white.

When I have the black pieces, I am better, bacause I am Varelse1!

I think I've seen you say that before...

yeah, macer, that's what I was thinking as well

Uh... plagiararized from a chess master!

Of course you guys have heard him say that before:  it's his catch phrase!

Houdini 3 is capable to draw with exchange odds, please explain how that is possible.