When first reading the description for this game, I thought it would be tedious, not very interesting, and that Black would have little chance (stats at that time showed White winning about two-thirds of the finished games). I tried it anyway, and found much the opposite. The strategic play has a lot of appeal, and White's first move gives only a slight edge. Granted, there are many masterful players that are so good they will probably never lose moving first, but not nearly all play anywhere close to that level.

I have managed to win some games, albeit narrowly, with Black. I believe the trick for Black is to know when to block and know when instead to counterattack; that is, you may give up a line to White for the possibility of greater potential elsewhere.