You’re correct, time handicaps (e.g. 2m vs. 5m) are more common than pawn/piece handicaps. Mostly for in-person play.
Master vs. Amateur handicaps can look crazy: 2m vs. 15m and -QRR is a slight advantage for the master simply because most amateurs are not used to playing with the clock. Another M v. A handicap is ‘capped pawn’: amateur picks a pawn, checkmate must be delivered with that pawn (pre-promotion). It’s a bit like having two Kings, as if that pawn is captured the game is lost.
Aren’t time handicaps still common in chess?
You’re correct, time handicaps (e.g. 2m vs. 5m) are more common than pawn/piece handicaps. Mostly for in-person play.
Master vs. Amateur handicaps can look crazy: 2m vs. 15m and -QRR is a slight advantage for the master simply because most amateurs are not used to playing with the clock. Another M v. A handicap is ‘capped pawn’: amateur picks a pawn, checkmate must be delivered with that pawn (pre-promotion). It’s a bit like having two Kings, as if that pawn is captured the game is lost.