I think draws are ok. Society seems so hooked on having a winner. Draws (here & there) are just fine. ;-)

Dmitri, interesting point that one of the things you like about Pente is the lack of draws. I never thought of that.

I think in waterdancer's variant (are we calling it poof-pente), 10-10 should be a draw.

The idea sounds interesting. I'd be interested in trying a few games. If anyone gets a cyberboard set up. please let me know.

Thad