- Opening (or Opening Book) is a term used to describe the beginning moves of each player in a game of chess. The opening is followed by the middlegame and the endgame.
Objective[]
The objective of an opening is to gain an early advantage. This is usually done by developing pieces (moving pieces to better squares), controlling the center (attacking e4, d4, e5, d5) and trying to dislodge your opponent from doing that.
Basic concepts:
- Put your minor pieces to contest the center. Controlling the center gives the most options for attack.
- Try not to move pawns. Sure there are plenty of openings with a lot of pawn movements, but they try to achieve the other two points. Remember pawns never go backwards, if you don't move them early you don't regret it later. If you move your minor pieces you create more winning options.
- Slow opponent development. If you ever see the opponent give you a chance to achieve one of the other points while slowing theirs, you will be winning the game.
- Pay special attention to open files/diagonals.
- Try to create weakness in your opponent's position.
- Use Knights to open or move pawns 1st move and add another pawn back for support.
Types of openings[]
There are several types of openings, each one reflecting the style of the player. Some may prefer to take the defensive with their pieces in their openings, while others will want to take the offensive.
Openings on the first move[]
- Anderssen Opening, a3
- Ware Opening, a4
- Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack, b3
- Polish Opening, b4
- Saragossa Opening, c3
- English Opening, c4
- Mieses Opening, d3
- Queen's Pawn Opening, d4
- Van't Kruijs Opening, e3
- King's Pawn Opening, e4
- Barnes Opening, f3
- Bird's Opening, f4
- King's Fianchetto Opening, g3
- Grob Opening, g4
- Clemenz Opening, h3
- Kádas Opening, h4
- Sodium Attack, Na3
- Van Geet Opening, Nc3
- Zukertort Opening, Nf3
- Amar Opening, Nh3