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WHAT IS STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
Stanley Random Chess (commonly designated as SR Chess) is an alternative form of
chess that apparently predates regular chess, and offers greater complexity and
creativity.
HOW OLD IS STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
Technically speaking, SR Chess is not a chess variant, since purists allege that
modern chess is merely a simplified form and development from SR Chess. With
documented historical evidence dating back to the early English monarchy, SR
Chess claims to be one of the original sources of "Common Chess",
which SR Chess enthusiasts refer to somewhat contemptuously as Simplified SR
Chess.
WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
Even those who contest its historical claim to primacy must concede that Stanley
Random Chess appears to be a more complex and challenging game, with much more
scope for creativity and imagination. Despite its name, SR Chess is certainly
not random, but is carefully regulated by a well-established and
internationally-adopted set of rules which function alongside the rules for
Simplified SR (Common) Chess. Consequently SR Chess has less legal moves than
Common Chess, but is also less burdened by the need to memorize opening theory,
with a genuine focus on creative and imaginative play. Sadly, despite its
alleged antiquity, for centuries it has suffered under a cloak of secrecy. Now
that SR Chess is being rediscovered and regaining popularity, it may well also
be the future of chess.
WHAT ARE THE RULES OF STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
The rules are the same as Simplified SR (Common) Chess, with the addition of
some rules governing move sequences and board patterns. These rules are too
complex to summarize, and are subject to local variations, but new players will
notice two main differences from Simplified SR (Common) Chess:
1. As a result of the additional unique rules governing move sequences and board
patterns, approximately 50% of Common Chess moves are illegal in SR Chess,
accounting for the somewhat strange and apparently random moves at times.
2. After move 30, the game enters VH Conditions (VollenHauser Sudden Death
Principle), and the game can come to a sudden end if the right pattern/sequence
is obtained, the winner being the person with the most material (a "Forced
Inferior Material Resignation", or Forced IMR).
SR Chess enthusiasts typically provide extensive analysis and commentary of
games in progress, so generally it does not take long for dedicated newcomers to
get a good feel for the game and its rules by observing experienced players.
WHERE CAN I PLAY STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
Although a good grasp of the rules can take time to master, the correspondence
chess server SchemingMind.com has obtained a XML SRC rule parser from the ISRCA
(International Stanley Random Chess Association) which is interfaced with the
official ISRCA database, and uses a special algorithm to automatically replace
any illegal moves with the nearest equivalent legal move. The apparent
"randomness" of these transposed moves can be initially perplexing to
novices, but it enables new players to enjoy playing SR Chess without requiring
a complete mastery of the rules. SchemingMind.com is currently the only
correspondence chess server where SR Chess can be played.
HOW CAN I LEARN STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
The best method for learning SR Chess is to observe experienced players playing
the game, or to play it online with the benefit of the innovative technology
provided by the SchemingMind.com chess server that corrects illegal moves. SR
Chess is not for everyone, but it certainly recommends itself on account of its
historical claim and its creative play. But don't take our word for it, to
understand the secrets and attractions of SR Chess, you must really see and play
it for yourself.
WHERE CAN I READ MORE ABOUT STANLEY RANDOM CHESS?
Novices should first read Stanley Random Chess Introduced & Explained for
Beginners,
and consider examining an annotated Exhibition Game
Studies have been published about the Historical Origins of Stanley Random
Chess.
Of historical interest are some articles on famous players like Lord
Humberton-Snapf, Antonio Pancris of Baden-Baden, Otto Bolshnaut, and Victor
Seignovich.
More information about SR Chess can also be found on the only correspondence
chess server that enables playing SR Chess online.
Source for this FAQ:
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Created on: December 08, 2004. Last modified on: December 08, 2004.
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