Yeah the thing about opening theory, even in 960, is that you only actually need to know like 2-3 moves deep for like 240 positions. Each position is EXTREMELY similar to at least 3 other positions. Given no one has much opening theory in any positions, you don't need much to outprep them. I would guess that if the current trend of more 960 continues, opening theory will become relevant in a few years.
Chess 960 is overtaking Classic chess, when?
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Feb 17, 2024
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But still it won't be relevant in the same way as now. Not close even.
With openings, it helps to keep in mind that with each successive move, the possible formations become exponentially greater. So by move 4 or 5 in chess 960, regardless of your own opening principles, you are far more likely to be entering new territory as far as chess positions. It's an exciting game, devoid of all the rote memorization and bookworm gatekeepers that plague classical chess. That's why I've started a petition on chess.com to make 960 a more visible option to players.
The Freestyle Goat challenge has seen extremely warm reception from viewers and players alike. The first event for 960 with a prize pool of its kind. Magnus himself is working more towards the interest of 960 than he is for Fide's WC circuit. Fide's WC circuit is the heart of classical chess. Given Ding Liren's tenure and the discontent from the public surrounding the mismatch, it has taken quite a blow, compounding Magnus' comments and leave.
The title was a slight bit clickbaity, as I don't see that reasonably happening within the next 20 years. But how confident are we in this trend continuing to the point where say, there's at least some debate who is the best player, the 960 champ, or the standard one. Before people stop saying, "real, or standard chess", and say maybe, "classic, and 960."
How long before maybe 1/3 of the tournament money for Super GMS is in 960 events.
Are you happy about the implications of your opinion?