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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.

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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.

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

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