Would you choose one extra rook in the beginning or 5 pawns of the beginning of a chess game?

don't choose both or neither.

rook

same

The valuation of pieces in terms of pawns is over-simplistic.

A rook may be worth 5 pawns, but the pawns are only really useful in the end of a game. At the start of a game or even middle game, I think a rook would be more valuable than having even 8 extra pawns.

Okay 8 pawns is obviously an exaggeration, but a Rook over 5 pawns anyday.

In an endgame sometimes depending on the placement even 2 connected passed pawns (let alone 5) can render the Rook totally powerless

i feel like the extra pawns would just hinder my development at the beginning. So I think I would take the rook.

I think the pawns might be able to win a piece 

For me it would depend on specifics.  Are we talking starting with 3 Rooks and 3 Pawns against the normal position?  Or are we talking 3 Rooks and 8 pawns vs 2 Rooks and 13 Pawns (5 extras beyond the original 8)?  If it's 5 extra, are they across the 3rd rank near the center?  Or are they 5 extra Rook pawns?

Also, where does the extra rook start?  Behind the pawns?  Or in front of them?

All of that matters.  Can't give an answer to the question as it is currently stated.

lol

1. front if the answer is rook or pawns.

2. if rook, 3 rooks and everything else is normal. if pawns, then 13 pawns and everything else is normal.

Ok then, what's your answer?

Five pawns any day. 

I mean c'mon. Two connected passed pawns are often worth aa rook. So five????

me too

ok

play me

i'd do rook

pawns, too easily double

where u going to put the xtra pieces?

in front (duh)

But you won't get 2 connected passed pawns.