One of the most interesting game modes in chess today is one in which it is almost impossible to predict the initial position of the pieces and how we are going to play our first moves
There are basically no openings
This is chess 960
Where the initial position is predetermined in advance from a handful of positions where all the pieces are off their original squares
In fact the name of this game mode comes from the available number of possible positions that can appear on the board
So you can imagine that here it is not the openings that matter too much but rather the mastery of the basic concepts of the game and a ability to improvise
I've realized that I'm bad at improvising and following the classic rules of chess like dominating the center or not allowing the opponent to gain strong positions on the board
It's a game mode that has had the blessing of some of the best players in the world because it significantly modifies chess and gives it a new dimension
So I say that we should get used to this game mode because we are going to see many tournaments and much more attention to this medium
Besides openings the basic concepts are same like you said imo. It is more chess understanding as game and I think it is more competitive on all levels - higher and lover levels of players.
It is fun as well. I think with more play you get more accustomed to it.
If I remember correctly you are pretty good at Chess960.