Quantifying complexity in Chess960: results from a study by Marc Barthelemy

A recent study by Marc Barthelemy applies tools from information theory and statistical physics to analyse Chess960 opening positions systematically. By evaluating all 960 starting configurations with modern chess engines, the research examines first-move advantage and decision-making complexity across the variant. The results place standard chess in context, showing it to be statistically typical rather than structurally exceptional within the broader landscape of possible starting positions.