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King of the Hill

Is this a chess variant created by lichess or has it already existed?

What's the theory on this game? Is it wrong to castle?
I think Thibault learned of it when I mentioned it on ChessWhiz TV. My former chess coach taught it to me under the name "Spike Chess."

I like this variant because draws are very rare. Unfortunately, endgame skill doesn't matter much.

I believe castling is usually the right plan.
Thanks c, but I already knew the "rules" *rolleyes*

That's very interesting CW! So I wonder where your coach learned it? Did he invent this thing?

It's pretty original. I had a suspicion that it was only on lichess because I googled it and couldn't find any results for this variant!
My personal experience with the variation of the game and my approach to it is in many ways the same as playing the classical game. Simply play chess as you normally would. Though, if you see a clear and safe path towards the center then by all means move your king to the center.

You'll find many players rushing their kings to the center in the opening. Punish them for that mistake by harassing the king as you'd do in a normal game. Either checkmate them or win loads of material.
I don't think he invented it, but I don't know where he learned it. This variant is listed online, in a few places, under the name "Center of Attention Chess." We picked a much better name. :-)
[This variant is listed online, in a few places, under the name "Center of Attention Chess".]

Oh I see. Cool.

Thanks for the input F_D!
Personally I think that the key thing is the opening: gain lots of space in the center and create a solid position. The games in which I have done this have gone a lot of better. Of course you can win without doing it this way, but I find it as much more "unsafe" to try to win solely by tactics. With positional play that's better than your opponent's it's usually just a matter of time when you win.

After having played 30-40 KotH games, I really like the idea of having this kind of position(s) on your side of the board on about the 10th move: http://imgur.com/mE4kxtf

But then again, I'm only 1600-ish at KotH so what do I know?
I really think openings like the French defense or the Pirc are bad for black, I agree that black should fight for the center. Anyway in the few games I played, I just played my usual chess, and took advantage of the rule in the endgame only.
I definitely agree after just 3 games that its much better to control the center before trying to push the king up the hill.

I feel stupid for even trying it in those first two games....

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