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First move advantage in Western Chess - why does it exist?[Subject Thread] [Add Response]

Joe Joyce wrote on Wed, Aug 29, 2012 06:42 PM UTC:

Ah, HG, to me the setup you describe is maybe too linear to adequately
represent the situation. I agree things like this can happen in a game,
somewhere, somewhen, but only after a considerable amount of precursor
action. Further, I see the 75 moves as minimal, because that is the least
amount of time it takes for anything significant to happen in the game as
it is set up. Nobody can win or even really threaten another piece
seriously in less than 75 turns, so I do see that as a minimum number of
turns to promotion. Throw in a knight or two, and you change the equation.
But then neither of us can say for sure what would happen then [although
probably not much, once you consider what a couple pawns and a knight could
do against a couple pawns and a knight, when all pawns are passed but 75
moves from promotion...]

As for the extra commoner, It can be a guaranteed win. What is necessary is
to form a wall across the board with all your pieces, including your 4
chiefs and 1 extra commoner, then slowly move it forward until you can pin
the opponent against a side and force an exchange of pieces and finally,
chief for commoner. This requires you hang onto all 4 chiefs. With them and
1 commoner, you can wall off the board, then start your advance. It will
take much maneuvering, as you must always block the opponent from either
breaking out or exchanging one or more leaders.