lately i see reverse komi games played by few people.
in my opinion reverse komi doesnt help you improve as much as regular handycap game.
if one wants to improve one's game he must learn how to defend starpoints and corner.
mastering the starpoint josekis and slowly learning about other opening is the correct and textbook way to improve.
how can you try to fly if you dont know how to walk?

_________________
"The more we think we know about
The greater the unknown"
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson

Profanity is not allowed in these forums.

In all seriousness, though, I don't really see your point (yet). If you want to practice defending star points, you're still free to play them in the game. I would personally prefer to play a handicap game (free placement or not) than a reverse komi game, but I see both ways as interesting.

I think the only thing strange about reverse komi games is that it is hard to define what reverse komi corresponds to what handicap.

I personally prefer playing handicap games, I feel that they teach me more, but I think it's a matter of personal opinion.
The reverse of mine, could be that reverse komi games force you to count more effectively.

_________________
a1h1 [1d]: You just need to curse the gods and defend.
Good Go = Shape.
Associação Portuguesa de Go

Actually, in terms of joseki knowledge, my start point knowledge is a lot better than my 3-4, 5-3, 5-4, etc. knowledge. So, I think I know how to walk OK, and would like to stretch out. And that's why I played a reverse komi Malkovich game. But that doesn't mean you're wrong. I can't say if reverse komi is worse or better. People have been playing handicap for hundreds of years.

_________________
KGS 4 kyu - Game Archive - Keyboard Otaku