Q: is it best to have two at diagonal or two together or does it not matter at the start?
My Answer: Ya know, I don't think the statistical advantages have been researched. I know that white has an ever-so-slight advantage over black when starting with the traditional diagonal position. The difference is about 0.12%. The non-traditional starting position, such as the one we're using in this game, is not allowed in most tournament play. In official reversi (othello) tournaments, the diagonal start position is already set and the first move is made from there. As far as I know, the option to change the starting position is found only on Goldtoken. Back to your question: As far as I can tell, there is no distinct statistical advantage for either player in starting one way over the other. I think this would be a great quesion for the reversi db, don't you think? I'll post it.
(hide) If you click on a person's name and then click Finished games you will have a list of games that have been completed, then click on the name of the game to get a summary of all of these games, then click on the name of the game again and you will have a game to view and analyze. (Servant) (show all tips)