[thatfunkymunki]

interesting that the most balanced one is extremely similar to the default, which is not so:

> \#198 (\texttt{QNBRKBNR})is the most balanced, with both evaluation and asymmetry near zero... Remarkably, the classical starting position-despite centuries of cultural selection-lies far from the most balanced configuration.

[copper4eva]

That formation is pretty close to the standard position though. Just swaps a Queen and Rook. It puts the Queen in the corner, a less aggressive position with less options to develop. I've only played a little 960, but these queen in the corner positions seem to often lead into more closed positions.

[NickC25]

Yeah, agree, but in the setup you mentioned, 1.b3 and 1. b4 are both strong moves, because it basically forces the game to develop kingside from the get-go.

Seems the opening can get really sharp, or basically a race to bunker via 1.Nf3