"Rich Hutnik" wrote in message
ups.com...
On Sep 21, 4:37 pm, "David Kane" wrote:
"David Richerby" wrote in message

...

Rich Hutnik wrote:
This idea deals with the draw issues with chess, and adds another
element that would be interested to people watching chess who
normally don't play. This game will have you doubling when you
think you can win, and challenge you to go for a win, even if
challenged, because you get more points.

This doesn't work, for a number of reasons.

It works in backgammon because there is no possibility of a game being
drawn. However, draws in chess mean that doubling doesn't work.

The doubling idea makes some sense is if
the person who proposes the double gives draw
odds to his opponent.

What you do, is if you double the way I describe it, is that it
pressures you to win or you get no points. If you draw, your opponent
gets half the amount of points they would normally get for a win.
Anyone who has questions about draws and doubling cube, please read
what I wrote in the first thread. I am using the doubling cube as a
way to resolve the draw issue with chess.

OK. Apparently both Mr. Richerby and I misunderstood your proposal.
Personally I don't see it as having an influence on drawing as much as a way
to end games more quickly once they become highly unbalanced.

Pwin Pdraw Exp Opp.Exp Exp aft doubling Opp. Exp aft double
0.2 0.8 0.5 0.5 0.4 1.6
0.5 0.5 0.75 0.25 1 1
0.6 0.4 0.8 0.20 1.2 0.8
2/3 1/3 5/6 1/6 4/3 2/3
0.7 0.3 0.85 0.15 1.4 0.6
0.8 0.2 0.90 0.10 1.6 0.4

This suggests that for doubling to benefit the stronger side, he'd need
pretty lopsided position to begin with. (Pwin = 2/3)

There is a good chance doubling won't be used as much as it would in
backgammon, but it does provide an option for the game for players to
use it. If, for example, someone is short on time, their opponent
could end up doubling to get them to resign if their opponent feels
they don't have enough time to get off a win or a draw before the time
runs out.

It's always worth a try.