hey Michael, yes i think your right, 20 is too much, all the points you
raised are true. Pieces need room to maneuver and room to combine. I've
been looking at how many pieces should be used on a 10x10 lately, and it
seems to me that 12 (that's counting king/kings) plays pretty good. i am
hoping that 14 plays ok too, i think it does, but no doubt 12 is really
good (anything over 14 and i think the game title should start with the
word 'grand' he he).
anyway, i'd be interested to know what you conclude about the piece count
after you finish play-testing.