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It would be nice to have a full, comprehensive article on Chess Handicapping. Anyone out there want to volunteer?
let me put out a few points, though I don't yet have enough for a comprehensive page yet, but when I do, I might pull it together for one. So I volunteer provisionally, though I might need some help going forward. Chess-like game with handicap systems that could be a guide are: knightmare chess http://www.sjgames.com/knightmare/handicapping.html Shogi http://www.msoworld.com/mindzine/news/orient/shogi_handicap1.html The first site mentions that for standard chess, traditional handicap is based on similar pricipal as shogi handicaps. While the traditional system is a good start I would like to have a much more fine grained approach. I'll leave it here so I can write a more detailed note soon also to give the reader a chance to respond.
Continuing with this subject let me propose the following: let their be 9 levels of mastery (similar to asian game ratings, but in keeping with western chess theme, we need a different name than dan) Between each level and the one below is divided 4 sublevels. (Again a name is sought) The difference between sublevels is one point, as described by Ralph Betza in http://chessvariants.com/d.betza/pieceval/p3-01.html. The move is good enough for difference of one sublevel. The difference between levels is then naturally 4 points, or pawn and move. For other handicaps we need to temper with the army somewhat, but whatever we do must be ballanced, from openning to endgame. Also as can be calculate, I envision the largest handicap to be 36 points, roughly the value of an amazon. I think this is a reasonable upperbound but as I am not a good chess player, input would be really appreciated.
I've got a well-developed handicap system that I use. I'll write it up and post it here if anyone is interested. It covers the following: -Why handicapping is important for young players -How to handicap games -How to rate handicapped games -Alternate handicaps
Jeff, I'm interested, it would nice if you can post it. maybe even as a page in it self. I look forward to its details.
This sounds great! If possible, could you add some game scores, or at least some descriptions of what you think the best method for seeking checkmate is according to the handicaps? Is there a technique of play that they encourage a junior player to develop?
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