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        Arimaa >> General Discussion >> New Starting position
        
(Message started by: Virgeist on Sep 22^nd, 2007, 7:50pm)

Title: New Starting position
Post by Virgeist on Sep 22^nd, 2007, 7:50pm

http://www.arimaa.com/arimaa/games/jsShowGame.cgi?gid=59173&s=b

This link shows one of my games where I've tried using a relatively non-standard piece setup.

My success with this placement has boosted my confidence, but I am unsure if it is really viable or easily countered. Then main idea is to keep my camel safe from the centralized enemy elephant (of course it doesn't work if the elephant is elsewhere) as my camel often got captured in earlier games. Also, the rabbits permitted me to secure both home traps.

Comments and criticism are welcome! ;D

Title: Re: New Starting position
Post by The_Jeh on Sep 22^nd, 2007, 9:12pm

Personally, I think it leaves the central rabbits too vulnerable, your elephant in an inactive position, and the f6 trap far too exposed. However, you're free to prove me wrong by beating tougher opponents with it.

Title: Re: New Starting position
Post by 99of9 on Sep 23^rd, 2007, 5:36am

I like that you're thinking hard about opening setups! I'm a big fan of thoughtful experimentation on move 1. The current favourite setups are far from sacrosanct.

I also think you achieved your goal of keeping the camel safe. However as The_Jeh points out, there are many competing objectives for the opening, and you have failed a few others. Getting a good balance for all your objectives is a tough task, but keep thinking about these things.

Title: Re: New Starting position
Post by Virgeist on Sep 24^th, 2007, 4:34am

Thanks for your support. One of the things I like a lot about Arimaa is that the setup is different every time you play.
I've changed my mind about my opening, and have successfully tried this new one.
http://arimaa.com/arimaa/games/jsShowGame.cgi?gid=59351&s=b

As for before, comments are welcome. The most obvious problem is that I tailored this position to counter gold's own, so it might not work in other situations.

Title: Re: New Starting position
Post by Jan Kruschak on Sep 25^th, 2007, 8:27pm

Try using such starting position beating a stronger bot or human, and the advantages and disadvantages would be more clear.