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/