It seems like about three quarters of the current world championship
games end in a draw. Although the situation for chess is not acute
(unlike Anglosaxon draughts that has been solved by the computer) I
have the feeling that modern chess is involved in a slow downward
spiral. The theoretical paths are well-trodden to the extent that the
players are too much in control. Positions are becoming very familiar
after haven been played 10.000 times. It could be time for a
reformation of the rules, at least as an alternative to standard
chess. I've been working with several propositions. My latest is this:

In "Reformed Chess" a pawn situated on the enemy side can change place
with an enemy pawn standing before it. If a pawn has passed the middle
line and can move forwards to a square occupied by an enemy pawn, then
the two pawns can change place. Otherwise regular rules apply.

Although the pawn, in a sense, is stronger, it is also more
vulnerable, while it has lost much of its blocking capability. It's
now more rewarding to expand your territory, and it can be dangerous
to play passively with your pawns. Engames are much more likely to end
in a win.
http://hem.passagen.se/melki9/reformedchess.htm

Mats