"Separating the pawn mass into two smaller hordes makes it more manageable."
That's why I think black should take towards the center, not the edges, in general. What do you think?
What is black's ideal?
Take towards the center, but do it from the fringes, not a direct assault.
I'm working that out. I think black is weaker than white in this variant to be honest.
In the variation I played, white couldn't move two squares initially, which made it a bit more balanced. It made white lose a bit more tempo, which I think is necessary here.
Actually, think the opposite - take towards the outside. I think most wins (from my games) come about through A (mainly) or H file attacks - mainly because rooks are already there AND fewer pawns are defended (central pawns have two defenders, edge boards have one).
So... keep your pawns on the edges for as long as possible - and take towards there :)
Interesting...
I will be reviewing your games, goldilocks.
After playing a bunch of games, Horde is my favourite variant after 960.
Both atomic and anti-chess rely on knowing some "tricks" - if you don't, you are wiped out... but in a weird way, even though the setup is the most different from real chess, the plans can be feel more real chess like, especially for white (who has to slowly create weaknesses and then a break through). Black's game involves defending well and good pawn handling.
I think horde chess is super weird. No offense to the people who like it.
#56 REspect to John Chard - a fellow Janner AND Royal Engineer!
a pil--chard perhaps
I have to agree with Goldilocks. As white, it makes much more sense to take towards the edges. I amend my drafted theory to that.
As an aside, I think this variant is exceptionally easier as white. I spoke with a top 10 Horde player last night (which at this point doesn't mean much) and we agreed that it would be more equal if white had no c pawn (or alternately the traditional f pawn). I think, really, any pawn which isn't the a or h pawn would make it more equal.
