Chess Opening Theory/1. c3

Saragossa opening
	a b c d e f g h 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h
	Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/2P5/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKBNR
	Moves: 1. c3
	ECO code: A00
	Parent: Starting position

1. c3 · Saragossa opening

This is a rarely played move, as it takes away the knight's developing square c3, doesn't take space in the centre, and doesn't prepare to develop a minor piece.

1...Nf6 is a common reply, and White may play as in a London system, Torre attack, or Colle system, where White's pawn structure is generally c3, d4, e3.

1...e5 is a natural move where Black takes space in the centre and prepares to develop their pieces. The pawn on e5 contests White's control of d4. If 2. d4 anyway, resembling some sort of Englund gambit declined, Black can push the pawn, 2...e4, or trade and form a Carlsbad structure.

1...c5 2. e4 transposes into the Alapin Sicilian.

Theory table

1. c3

	1	2	3
Indian defence (by transposition)	... Nf6	d4
	... e5	d4 exd4	cxd4 d5

Chess Opening Theory/1. c3

1. c3 · Saragossa opening

Theory table

References

See also