Ed, what an amazing concept! In one move, you have gotten to the crux of this issue, that is: What are the starting positions? I was going to suggest that the 4 pieces be located in the 4 corners of the board, just to make the playing field even, and to get on with the action. But you have one-upped me on that level already! For if we were to play this out, we would have as many as 12 endings: 6 with the defensive king on a light square corner, and 6 on a dark. Some of these 12 games may work out to be insignificantly different. I will have to look at this some more, though, before I submit my contribution for your contest. I will be interested in the results!

Your offer of a thermal mug for the winner makes it all the more appealing, especially with that thermal lid thrown in. I've always wanted a thermal lid!

I would like to know, how can you be sure that a program can find all the best moves for the defensive king? Sometimes a hidden flaw leaves a program "blind" to a line of play. That's why I thought a tournament would put the theory to a practical test. /Fx/

My quick suggestion is that all the white pieces are in one corner, King right in the corner with the bishop one out or one up (opposite colour to corner), and the black King in the opposite diagonal corner. Before the King can be maniputlated you already have 8 moves for the King, 4 for the knight and possibly 3 for the bishop ... 15 moves before game on! Of course the actual placement of the black King is not so critical so long as he can get to the corner quickly without undue interference. :)