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Gentlemen, I'd like to suggest some things. First, I'd suggest draws are
so common because 8x8 is actually a very small board, and even one or two
pieces and a few pawns can clog it up rather easily. As board size
increases, especialy board width [the front across which pieces attack], I
believe the chance of draws should diminish. Next, if the number of leapers
is increased, the ability to attack past a pawn blockade is enhanced, which
may also reduce the number of draws. Further, longrange pieces make
excellent defenders, often better than shortrange ones, as they have a
greater reach. So make all the pieces shortrange. Combine these ideas, and
I believe you'd get a marked reduction in the number of draws. For
evidence, play Great and Grand Shatranj, especially without using rooks,
and see for yourselves. If the tournament weren't about to start, I'd be
happy to demonstrate... man, that sounds like being afraid to back up my
statements; if you guys won't play against each other, email me and
we'll negotiate 3 week moves or something. Hmmm, maybe I better stop here
before I start swinging wildly... :-)
Enjoy!