ksisk,
You are playing a variation of standard chess called both 'Chess 960' and 'Fisher Random Chess'.
I would encourage you to check out these resources right here at chess.com -
http://www.chess.com/learn-how-to-play-chess.html#960
http://support.chess.com/Knowledgebase/Article/View/143/0/how-do-i-castle-in-a-chess960-game
I just started a new online game and the back row of bothe sides of the board is not in the regular order. ?!? So, for example, the rooks are not in the corners. I've started the game but not sure about strategies.