From: Chiaki Ito <shogi <at> MAIL <dot> COM>
Date: 15 mar 2001
Subject: Re: Evaluation of handicap games (please comment)

I think that one of the main problem regarding the handicap is to find an
appropriate handicap.  For that, I have always thought why the handicap has
to be in that order (Left Kyo, Kaku, Hisha, Hisha and Kyo...).  There is a
more difference between Kyo and Kaku than between Kaku and Hisha, I think.
Also, why is it always left Kyo to be dropped?  Ok, I know the reasons what
the majority of people say about it, but it doesn't really convince me.
Why we do not drop Fu?  Why we do not drop a Kei after a Kyo?  I have tried
a Gin handicap game and it worked OK.  In my opinion, if we are a bit more
flexible about which piece to drop, we could probably be better off adjust
the strength of two players more precisely.  Or is this breaking the
tradition?

What do you all think?

Chiaki