| A number of theories are available for opening of | | | | Phillidor's Defence- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6] The opening |
| chess. These recommended theories are | | | | results in closed positions though the plans are still |
| practiced almost everywhere although there are a | | | | open. |
| number of other variations are also available. A | | | | Russian Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6] It is an |
| large number of variations just prove the | | | | interesting opening theory though it's not used |
| complexity of the game! Some variations are | | | | much now. |
| considered equally good for both the White and | | | | Bishop's Opening- [1.e4 e5 2.Bc4] It is an |
| the Black. However you don't need to learn these | | | | extremely old opening which is rarely used |
| openings, they come through experience. You | | | | nowadays. |
| must use your logical and healthy thinking to play | | | | King's Gambit- [1.e4 e5 2.f4] White captures the f |
| chess. | | | | pawn later on after 2.exf4. To keep the material |
| Each opening has a name of its own so to classify | | | | advantage Black will like to settle for cover. |
| a game one needs to know the move which | | | | Some of the most common semi-open openings |
| characterizes an opening. Each of the openings | | | | are described below: |
| also has a number of variations and these | | | | French Defence- [1.e4 e6] Black prepares to play |
| variations also have different names! Openings | | | | the freeing move which is d7-d5. |
| which are similar lead to positions which have | | | | Caro-Cann Defence- [1.e4 c6] Black plays d7-d5. |
| similar features. | | | | Bc8 develops easily which is a major difference |
| The classification of the openings depends mainly | | | | from the French Defence. |
| on the first move. An opening can be an open | | | | Scandinavian Game- [1.e4 d5] Black opens the |
| opening, a semi- open opening or a closed opening. | | | | position on its own and tries to play actively. |
| An opening is called Open if White starts the | | | | Alechkin's Defence- [1.e4 Nf6] If White moves |
| move with 1.e4 and Black responds with 1.e5. It is | | | | 2.e5, Black does not move the same piece again. |
| called semi-open if White starts with 1.e4 but | | | | Black weakens its centers with the side thrusts |
| Black does not respond with 1.e5. An opening is | | | | like d7-d6, c7-c5 if White moves his centre pawns. |
| called closed if White does not start with 1.e4. | | | | Sicilian Defence- [1.e4 c5] Many possibilities are |
| Some of the most common open openings are | | | | available for both and hence it is the most |
| described below: | | | | commonly used opening. It also leads to wild |
| Italian game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4] White | | | | strategies. |
| castles while making the most of the piece's | | | | Some of the most common closed openings are |
| mobility. d5 square is controlled by 3.Bc4 move. | | | | described below: |
| The free move d7-d5 is thus inhibited. It also | | | | Queen's Gambit- [1.d4 d5 2.c4] White captures c4 |
| keeps a check on a weaker square f7 and also | | | | later on if Black captures c4. |
| on the square which is immediately related to the | | | | English Game- [1.c4 e5] It almost always leads to |
| safety of the Black King. | | | | closed positions. |
| Spanish Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5] The | | | | King's Indian Defence- [1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d6] |
| black pawn is threatened by White with 2.Nf3. | | | | This opening has gained popularity due to its rich |
| Black also supports it with 2.Nc6. White now | | | | strategies and tactics. It is used in games of top |
| moves 3.Bb5 which threatens the pawn as he | | | | class. |
| may capture c6 and e5. | | | | Dutch Defence- [1.d4 f5] This opening usually leads |
| Scotch game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4] White | | | | to closed tactical positions. |
| opens the lines for the pieces quickly. The answer | | | | Slav Defence- [1.c4 c6] Tactical considerations |
| that one gets is 3.exd4. White may either play | | | | play a very important role here. It leads to |
| 4.c3 or take the pawn back with 4.Nxd4. The | | | | drawish and balanced positions. |
| former is a variation which is known as Scotch | | | | A good player should know about all the openings |
| Gambit. | | | | and then play accordingly. One should try to gain |
| Four Knights Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6] | | | | experience and knowledge about these openings. |
| This non demanding opening is stable for White. | | | | Each opening possesses a key idea, which |
| 3.Nc3 faces no threats and the opening is thus | | | | becomes easier to implement once it is perceived. |
| non-demanding. | | | | |