Chess/Basic Openings

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For more details on this topic, see Chess Opening Theory.

The following is an overview of the aims of an opening and some standard openings that you can try in your games. All of them are playable and should lead to reasonable games with best play.

Aims of an opening[edit | edit source]

Before looking at some of the more common openings played today it is important to consider what you are trying to achieve in the opening of a chess game.

In some cases, one player will sacrifice a pawn, or in some cases even more, to accomplish the goals listed below. Such an opening is called a gambit.

Development

You should attempt to move your pieces away from their starting positions to squares in which they can participate more fully in the game. Obviously a Knight at c3 is more effective both defensively and aggressively than a knight on b1. Avoid moving pieces more than once in the opening as this allows your opponent time to develop another piece while you are wasting time. Also avoid moving your queen in the opening, it can too easily be chased around the board by other pieces which aids your opponent's development while wasting moves for you.

Control the Centre

The squares in the centre of the board are critical for two reasons. The first is that pieces in the centre are able to move to more squares than pieces on the edges. (Note a knight on a3 can move to only 4 squares, whereas a knight on c3 can move to 8.) Secondly, if you control the centre it is easier to move pieces from Kingside to Queenside quickly.

One of the great truths in chess is that attacks along one wing are destined to fail if the centre is not sufficiently controlled. This is because the defender with a strong centre will generally be able to muster enough defence on that side and at the same time mount a counterattack in the centre and/or on the other wing. So if you plan on mounting an attack make sure you control the centre.

Traditionally it was thought that the ideal situation is one where you have a pawn majority in the centre, especially with pawns on d4 and e4 (for white). However it has been shown that an equally valid strategy is to control the centre with pieces and make minimal pawn moves. The thinking is that central pawn moves often lead to permanent positions and can block attacks. "Fianchettoing" a bishop by moving it to b2 or g2 after b3 or g3 allows the bishop to keep a watchful eye on the centre without fixing a pawn in the centre.

Castle

A King in the centre of the board is open to attack. It is generally a good idea to castle your king so as to be able to defend it more easily. Some players will sacrifice material in order to prevent the enemy king from castling and to attack it ferociously due to its vulnerability. Castling also has the added benefit of bringing the rooks together on the first rank so that they are able to combine in defence and attack. Once your pieces are developed, king is safely castled, and your rooks are combined, the opening is over.

Protect the King

It is not always necessary although highly advisable to protect the king through castling. That being said, there are other ways to go about protecting the king than castling although they are less efficient and will often result in pins.

King's Pawn Openings (open and semi-open games)[edit | edit source]

Ruy Lopez (aka Spanish Opening)[edit | edit source]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 the main line continues 3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.0-0

The move 3...a6 works because if white plays 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nxe5, Black can regain the pawn with 5...Qd4 forking the e4 pawn and the knight.

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black king c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black knight d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 white bishop c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 black king g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black king c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black king b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black pawn b6 black king c6 black knight d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 white bishop b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 black king f1 white rook g1 white king h1 black king 1
a b c d e f g h


Italian Game[edit | edit source]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black king c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black knight d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white bishop d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 black king g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

There are two key replies: 3...Bc5, known as the Giuoco Piano (Italian for Quiet Game), and 3...Nf6 headed to a much more involved opening called the Two Knights Defence.

School children in local clubs often drift into weaker variants of the Giuoco Piano, mostly out of insufficient knowledge. A few scholastic trainers have even suggested avoiding the opening, as there are fewer crisp strategic concepts compared to many other openings.


Russian Game (aka Petrov Defence)[edit | edit source]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


The Petrov Defence may look like a counter-attack, and very early on this was supposed to be the idea. However, it soon became apparent that the symmetrical nature of the opening produced defensive positions. If White takes the pawn, Black should avoid taking it back because of 4. Qe2 Nd6?? 5.Nc6+ which wins the black queen. The main line goes 3. Nxe5 d6 4. Nf3 Nxe4. It is considered quite solid, and is a key defensive opening against the dangerous first move 1. e4. There are a few gambits which White can try to shift the style of the opening. The Cochrane gambit is perhaps the most dangerous. It involves a Knight sacrifice on f7. Currently not considered objectively sound, its use is psychological: White dares the opponent to spend twenty moves defending against an attack, and this pressure may cause the Black player to finally fall victim to a tactical shot.

Philidor Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black pawn e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

If Black wants to defend the threatened pawn with a pawn, this is the way to do it (playing 2...f6? is plain bad, as 3. Nxe5 fxe5 4. Qh5+ is winning for White). It gives Black a solid but somewhat cramped position. The f8 bishop is hemmed in and will be relegated to a defensive role. The Black knight retains the option of going to d7 leaving the c-pawn mobile, but it is not without reason that 2...Nc6 is much more common than 2...d6.


Danish Gambit[edit | edit source]

1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3 dxc3 4.Bc4 cxb2 5.Bxb2

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white bishop d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white bishop c2 black king d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 black king d1 white queen e1 white king f1 black king g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

This gambit gives White quick development and control of the center at the cost of two pawns initially. However, current opinion reports that to properly fend off the attacking waves, at least one and sometimes both pawns must be returned. This involves the liberating pawn push ...d5 by Black. Even so, inventive attacking players can still use the resulting open lines to play a complex game.


Sicilian Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 c5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black pawn d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black king c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black knight d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white knight e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

Play can continue

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 (2...d6 and 2...e6 are also common, and usually also met by 3.d4)

The Sicilian is the most common and best-scoring response to 1.e4, as it balances the white advantage with flank play. It discourages White from occupying the centre with 2.d4. After 2...cxd4 White must either take the pawn back with the queen (and move it again after 3.Qxd4 Nc6) or sacrifice the pawn, usually with 3.c3.

One problem with the Sicilian is that there is a vast amount of theory written on it, and in a sharp opening like this, you can wind up in trouble if you don't know it.


French Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

White has three essential continuations: 3.Nc3 "Winawer Variation" 3.Nd2 "Tarrasch Variation" 3.e5 "Advance Variation".

A fourth alternative, the "Exchange Variation" is 3. exd5, but this actually frees Black's game from all of the traditional cramping problems of the French Defence. It is mainly used by White players who forgo all attempts at a theoretical battle, hoping to play on "general principles".

The French Defence is considered one of the strongest black responses to the White opening move 1.e4. Among world class grandmasters, it currently trails the Sicilian 1. e4 c5 and the symmetrical 1.e4 e5 in popularity.


Pirc Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 d6, usually followed by 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black pawn e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black king h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black pawn e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


This opening bears considerable similarities to another one called the King's Indian, which begins 1.(e4 d6) d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7. However, subtle but long range strategic differences exist between the two. In the Pirc, White's c-file pawn is still at home, and not committed to the c4 square. This means that overall, White has better control of the d4 square. The pawn move c2-c4 has been replaced by a developing piece move N-c3, and this "faster" development tends to encourage White towards central or kingside attacks compared with the queenside play classically associated with the King's Indian defence.

Modern Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 g6, usually followed by 2.d4 Bg7

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black king h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black king g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black bishop h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


This move order is often used to "back into" a Pirc defence, while avoiding specific move order issues. However, an entirely different range of strategy is possible based upon ...c6 and ...d5.

Alekhine's Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 Nf6, usually followed by 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black pawn e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black knight e5 white pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

This looks like a rather alarming opening for Black to play. Black lets White chase the knight around the board and use that time to build up the pawn centre. Black's plan is to show that White has expanded too quickly, and will find the pawn centre vulnerable. The disadvantage to this opening is that if White succeeds in maintaining it, White will have a serious and suffocating advantage in space.


Scandinavian Defence[edit | edit source]

1.e4 d5, usually followed by 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black king e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black queen b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

Playing d7-d5 is the main idea behind most of the semi-open games for black. Here it is played immediately for the price of an extra move with the queen after 3.Nc3.

Long disparaged as the epitome of weak play "because moving the queen early wastes time", it was resurrected in the 1990s with a pawn move c7-c6, allowing the queen to retreat from a5 to c7 when necessary. Now it is considered an attempt to reduce White's central pressure, and is popular among club players because White suddenly has to demonstrate some sophistication.



1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.h3 - possible continuation...

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black king e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black queen b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black king d8 black king e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black queen b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black bishop h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 white pawn 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 black king 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h

This is a general continuation of the Scandinavian Defense. White developing its pieces towards the center by 4.d4 and 5.Nf3 placing the Knight on the natural f3 square. Meantime black develops also in a simple way 4...Nf6 and 5...Bg4 creating a pin for the white Knight. There is another pin for c3 Knight - created by the d4 pawn push. Now white has to eliminate the pins - in order to make the Knights free to move. White can do it by 6.h3 move or 6.Be2 - simple relieve for the Bishop pin. After 6.h3 black Bishop can retreat by 6...Bh5 - maintaining the pin or can capture the white Knight 6... Bxf3.



1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 4.d4 Nf6 5.Nf3 Bg4 6.Be2 ?! - thematic continuation...not the best one...

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black king d8 black king e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black queen b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black bishop h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white bishop f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 black king g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black king b8 black king c8 black king d8 black rook e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black knight d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black queen b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black bishop h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 white bishop f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white bishop f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 black king d1 white queen e1 black king f1 white rook g1 white king h1 black king 1
a b c d e f g h

Most of the club players - or "players in the parks" or casual internet players without any deep opening knowledge are taking this 6.Be2?! move as a smooth continuation to relieve from the Bishop pin.

The normal development of the pieces continues 6...Nc6 7.0-0 0-0-0 8.Be3 ...

Queen's Pawn Openings (closed and semi-closed games)[edit | edit source]

Queen's Gambit[edit | edit source]

1.d4 d5 2. c4

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


2...e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 leads to Queen's Gambit Declined [1] variations. A special characteristic among the declined games has the Tarrasch-Defence 3... c5, mostly followed by 4.Nf3 Nc6 5.cxd5 exd5.

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


2...c6 (usually followed by 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4) leads to the "Slav Defence".

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black pawn d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


This is one of the opening "families" with interchangeable moves. It is quite possible to play both ...e6 and ...c6 (known as the Semi-Slav), and there are large numbers of interchangeable points called transpositions.

2...dxc4 is the "Queen's Gambit Accepted".

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Black has gained a pawn but Black cannot keep it. If White wants it back White can play e2-e3 at some point, threatening the pawn with the bishop and if Black tries to defend it with ...b5 Black will find the queenside severely weakened (and the pawn should fall anyway). Nonetheless, this is playable for Black as well, instead of trying to keep the pawn, it is best to develop quickly and strike back at the White centre.

King's Indian Defence[edit | edit source]

1.d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black king h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


3.Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black king g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black bishop h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black king g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black bishop h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black pawn e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 white pawn f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 black king f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Popularised after World War II, the King's Indian Defence involves opposite sides strategies in a race between Black's mating attack vs. White's methodical attempts to unravel Black's Queenside.

At World Class level, there is some concern that Black's concept is very committal, leading Former Champion Garry Kasparov to discontinue his use of the opening shortly before he retired from the game. At any level below that, it is still very popular due to the deep developmental work by Fischer and Kasparov.

Grünfeld Defence[edit | edit source]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black king h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


3.Nc3 d5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black king h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black pawn h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Looks a bit like a cross between the Queen's Gambit and the King's Indian Defence, but this opening is played differently from both of them. Black gives White an early opportunity to grab control of the centre with 4.cxd5 Nxd5 5.e4. Black will need to launch a counterattack against that centre, perhaps with ...c5 to stop White from getting the upper hand. If Black succeeds, the White centre may indeed be very vulnerable, if Blacks fails, the centre will be very dominating.

Nimzo-Indian Defence[edit | edit source]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


3.Nc3 Bb4

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black king g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black bishop c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 white knight d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 black king c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


After 3.Nc3, White threatens to take control over the centre by playing 4.e4. The Nimzo-Indian, named after the hypermodern player Aron Nimzowitch, is one of the two main ways of preventing this (the other way is the direct 3...d5 which leads to the Queen's Gambit Declined). Black puts a bishop where it pins the White knight, and often intends to trade it off, surrendering the bishop pair but inflicting White with doubled pawns if needed to recapture with the b-pawn. White can avoid these doubled pawns by playing the queen to c2, but this costs time. On the other hand, Black has not staked out a big claim of the centre yet, and White can get a real space advantage if Black is careless.

Queen's Indian Defence[edit | edit source]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


3.Nf3 b6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black king c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black pawn c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Strategically, this opening is similar to the Nimzo-Indian. White has played 3.Nf3 rather than 3.Nc3 so he is not threatening to grab the center with 4.e4 just yet. Playing the Nimzo-like 3...Bb4+ anyway is possible (and called the Bogo-Indian) and tends to lead to rather quiet play. More usual is 3...b6 which opens up for the bishop to go to b7 where it will continue the clamp-down on the e4-square, or to a6 where it will put pressure on White's pawn on c4.

Modern Benoni[edit | edit source]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black pawn d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


3.d5 e6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black pawn d5 white pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Benko Gambit[edit | edit source]

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black pawn d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 white pawn e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


3.d5 b5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black king c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black pawn c5 black pawn d5 white pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 black king e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Other openings[edit | edit source]

English Opening[edit | edit source]

1.c4

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Black's most common responses are:

1...e5, a reversed Sicilian Defence

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


1...c5

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black pawn d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


1...Nf6

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black king h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black knight g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


1...e6 (preparing 2...d5)

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black pawn f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


and 1...c6 (preparing 2...d5)

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black king d7 black pawn e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black pawn d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Réti Opening[edit | edit source]

1.Nf3 d5 2.c4

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 white pawn d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 black king d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Benko Opening[edit | edit source]

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 black king g3 white pawn h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 black king h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


This opening threatens to fianchetto the bishop on f1 to g2, threatening a rook capture, or h3, threatening a bishop exchange, either of which would also threaten a Black pawn center. However, this opening is rather passive and is relatively easy to parry.

King's Indian Attack[edit | edit source]

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black king e7 black pawn f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black pawn e5 black king f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white knight g3 white pawn h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 white pawn g2 black king h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 black king h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h


Barnes Opening[edit | edit source]

This can end almost as quickly as it begins, with an extremely fast checkmate by Black (called fool's mate.)

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black queen e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 black king h4 black king 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white pawn g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 black king g2 white pawn h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
Barnes Opening


The Barnes Opening goes like this: 1.f3 e5.

a b c d e f g h
8 a8 black rook b8 black knight c8 black bishop d8 black king e8 black king f8 black bishop g8 black knight h8 black rook 8
7 a7 black pawn b7 black pawn c7 black pawn d7 black pawn e7 black king f7 black pawn g7 black pawn h7 black pawn 7
6 a6 black king b6 black king c6 black king d6 black king e6 black king f6 black king g6 black king h6 black king 6
5 a5 black king b5 black king c5 black king d5 black king e5 black pawn f5 black king g5 black king h5 black king 5
4 a4 black king b4 black king c4 black king d4 black king e4 black king f4 black king g4 white pawn h4 black queen 4
3 a3 black king b3 black king c3 black king d3 black king e3 black king f3 white pawn g3 black king h3 black king 3
2 a2 white pawn b2 white pawn c2 white pawn d2 white pawn e2 white pawn f2 black king g2 black king h2 white pawn 2
1 a1 white rook b1 white knight c1 white bishop d1 white queen e1 white king f1 white bishop g1 white knight h1 white rook 1
a b c d e f g h
Fool's Mate


It can be continued as the Fool's Mate: 2.g4?? Qh4#. Fortunately for White, the fool's mate is extremely rare, even among novices, because the Barnes Opening is passive and has no advantage over 1.f4, and because it is very easy for even a novice to see that the continuation of the Barnes Opening gives Black an immediate mate opportunity.










See also: Chess Opening Theory

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