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Learning Chess Opening Moves

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5

1e5 (Black mirrors Whites move Guarantees himself a portion of the Center & a scope to develop his pieces. One of the few moves that directly interferes with Whites plan of play 2.d4 Classical move for White 2. Nf3 which threatens Blacks undefended pawn while preparing one of his pieces for kingside castling. 2.f4, The Kings Gambit 2.Nc3, The Vienna Game 2.Bc4, The Bishops Opening 2.d4, White smashes the center open in order
to quickly develop his pieces by sacrificing a pawn or two!

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BUT the move has demerits as well: With the symmetrical position, White again has the initiative to sooner/later break the symmetry to his own advantage

Another plan is to open the f-file for an attack on Blacks weak f7, an idea which underlies a trio of related moves (Variations of which frequently transpose into each other)

Other less common moves include: 2. Qh5 (Parham Attack) 2. Bb5 (Portuguese Opening 2.Qf3 Napoleon Opening 2.Ne2 Alapins Opening 2.Bd3 Tortoise Opening 2.Ke2 Bongcloud Attack 2.c3 Lopez Opening 2. d3 Leanardis Variation (Nf3 81%, f4 6%, Nc3 6%, d4 2% and all others <0.5%)

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Theory Table

2 Ruy Lopez Kings Gambit
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3 Bb5 A6 Nf3 G5 F4 D5 D4 Exd4 Qxd4 Nc6 Bc4 G6

4 Ba4 Nf6 H4 G4 Fxe5 Nxe4 Nf3 Bb4+ Qe3 Nf6 Qf3 Nf6

5 O-O Be7 Ne5 Nf6 Nf3 Be7 C3 Dxc3 Nc3 Bb4 Ne2 Bg7

6 Re1 B5 Bc4 D5 D4 Bb4 Bxc3 Bc5 Bd2 0-0 Nbc3 D6

7 Bb3 d6 Exd5 Bd6 Bd2 Bg4 E5 D5 0-0-0 Re8 = = = =

Nf3 Nc6 F4 Exf4 Nc3 Nf6 Bc4 Nf6 D4 Exd4 Qh5 Nc6

Vienna Game Bishops Opening Center Game Parham Attack

= =

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 Ruy Lopez

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

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Black can respond in a variety of ways. The most Classical is the Morphy Defense (3.a6) which forces the White to make a decision about his bishop.
Its not a real THREAT because after 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nxe5, Black can fork the knight & a pawn with 5. Qd4 or 5.Qg5

3Bb5 the essential move marking the Ruy Lopez or Spanish Game. Can be played from both White & Black **White threatens to trade bishop against the Knight, leaving the pawn undefended
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Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Ruy Lopez-Theory Table

3 Morphy Defense Berlin Defense Smyslov Defense Classical Defense Jaenisch Gambit Birds Defense Steinitz Defense Cozio Defense .. A6 Nf6 G6 Bc5 F5 Nd4 D6 Nge7 4 Ba4 Nf6 0-0 Nxe4 C3 A6 0-0 Nd4 Nc3 Fxe4 Nxd4 Exd4 D4 Bd7 0-0 G6 5 0-0 Be7 D4 Nd6 Ba4 D6 Nxd4 Bxd4 Nxe4 D5 o-O Bc5 Nc3 Exd4 C3 Bg7 6 Re1 B5 Bxc6 Dxc6 D4 Bd7 C3 Bb6 Nxe5 Dxe4 D3 C6 Nxd4 G6 D4 Exd4 7 Bb3 0-0 Dxe5 Nf5 0-0 Bg7 D4 C5 Nxc6 Qg5 Ba4 Ne7 Be3 Bg7 Cxd4 D5 = += += += += += += +=

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Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 Kings Gambit

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.f4

White offers a pawn & temporarily weakens his kingside in order to get the opportunity to play d4
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Blacks moves: - May accept the pawn & play 2.exf4 - Refuse it (Many opportunities are in the offering) Most played are: - 2.Bc5 - 2.d5 - 2.Nc6 (variation rarely explored)

White is considered to have surrendered an advantage when black accepts the gambit, and therefore, the lines of Kings Gambit have declined in popularity at Masters Level

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Kings Gambit-Theory Table

2 Kings Gambit Accepted Kings Gambit Declined
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3 Nf3 G5 Nf3 D6 Exd5 C6 Nf3 Nf3 F5 Exf5 += G3 Qe7

4 H4 G4 Nc3 Nf6 Nc3 Exf4 += Exf5 E4 +=

5 Ne5 Nf6 Bc4 Nc6 Nf3 Bd6

6 D4 D6 D3 Bg4 D4 Ne7

7 Nd3 Nxe4 Na4 0-0 Bc4 0-0

8 += +=

F4 Exf4 Bc5 D5 D6 Nc6 F5 Qf6?! Qh4+?1

Falkbeer Countergambit Kings Gambit Declined Kings Gambit Declined Panteldakis Countergambit Norwalde Variation Keene Defense

Ne5 Nf6

D3 Qe7

Dxe4 Nxe5

+=

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 Vienna Game

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3

Whites wish is to advance the fpawn 2 squares to remove the Blacks powerful e5 pawn
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It is possible to play 2.f4 (Kings Gambit) but it is being too hopeful!

As a Black, if you find yourself under a Vienna Attack, keep your nerves! The harder White tries to checkmate the Black, the less the time he has to develop his own pieces & control the territory.

If you survive the opening, your hand is more free than Ruy Lopez!
2Nf6 (Falkbeer/Berlin Defense) is the most common reply as it prepares to counter f4 with d5 adding another variable for White to keep track of, 2.Nc6 Max Lange Defense which will allow the Black to capture the pawn when it comes to f4 without risking his knight to the e-pawn!

The only threat to black is f4 which cannot be countered at the moment. Rule! When in doubt develop a knight!

Other moves include: 2.Bb4 & Bc5 which are used to initiate a counter-attack!
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Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Vienna Game-Theory Table

2 Falkbeer (or Berlin) Defense Max Lange Defense
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3 = = Nf3 =

Nf6 Nc6 Bc5 Bb4

Max Lange Defense Max Lange Defense

+=

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 Bishops Opening

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4

White targets the weak f7 pawn while keeping the possibility of deadly f2-f4
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Unlike 2.Nf3 (Ruy Lopez) Black e5 pawn is not under direct attack, & therefore gives him a wide range of options!

Black still has the option to mirror Whites move & play 2.Bc5 2.Nc6 is also playable but is more passive! 2.f5 is a deadly weapon (Calabrese Counter-gambit) but sharp! 2.c6 (Philidor Counterattack) prepares d5 but is often considered to slow! 2.d6 may transpose to Philidor Defense but not necessarily (Black to expect 3.f5)

Blacks worry is the Qh5 move & therefore should not play Be7 or Ne7

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Main Choice is 2.Nf6 reacting to Whites passivity and attacking the e4 pawn! Moreover it also prevents Qh5!

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Bishops Opening-Theory Table

2 Berlin Defense Italian Game
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Nf6 Nc6

= Nf3 =

Classical Defense
Calabrese Countergambit Philidor Counterattack

Bc5
F5 C6 D6

Nc3
= = =

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Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 Center Game

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.Qxd4

White is happy for knocking out Blacks only foothold in the center square (e5)
If Black simply plays Nc6, the White Queen is forced to move

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3 Qxd4 Nc6 Nf6

4 Qe3 Nf6 =

5 Nc3 Bb4

6 Bd2 0-0 =

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Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 Parham Attack

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5

Violates the main principle of chess (Developing the Queen too early)!

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Black must defend the e5 pawn with 2.Nc6

Please note: This move offers the quickest possible checkmate if Black moves 2.Ke7 (3.Qxe5#)

2 Nc6 G6?? Nf6? Ke7??

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3 Bc4 G6 Qxe5+ Ne7 Qxe5+ Be7 Qxe5#

4 Qf3 Nf6 Qxh8 +/1-0

5 Ne2 Bg7 +-

6 Nbc3 D6 =

Chess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4 A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of Whites 20 possible first moves. White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing. Common Responses Opening theoreticians who write on English Opening break the opening down into 3 broad categories, generally determined by Blacks choice of defensive setups Symmetrical Defense: 1.c5 and is so named because both the cpawns are advanced 2 squares, maintaining symmetry. Note that Black can reach the Symmetrical Defense through many move orders by deferring c5, and often does. For example: 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 (or 2.Nf3) c5 is a Symmetrical Defense even though Black played c5 on move 2.

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Chess Opening Theory- English Opening

Moves: 1.c4 -it is a flank opening -it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of Whites 20 possible first moves. -White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing. Common Responses Opening theoreticians who write on English Opening break the opening down into 3 broad categories, generally determined by Blacks choice of defensive setups Symmetrical Defense: 1.c5 and is so named because both the cpawns are advanced 2 squares, maintaining symmetry. Note that Black can reach the Symmetrical Defense through many move orders by deferring c5, and often does. For example: 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 (or 2.Nf3) c5 is a Symmetrical Defense even though Black played c5 on move 2.
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Chess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4 A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of Whites 20 possible first moves. White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing. Reverse(d) Sicilian: The Reverse(d) Sicilian is another broad category of defense, introduced by the response 1.e5. Note again, that Black can delay playing e5 for example, 1.c4 Nf6 2. Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 e5 whereupon even though e5 has been delayed, once it is played, the defense is classified as a Reverse Sicilian

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Chess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4 A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of Whites 20 possible first moves. White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing. Other Variations: the 3rd broad category are the non-e5 and nonc5 responses! Most often these defenses consist of Nf6, e6, and d5 or Bb4 systemic responses by Black, or a Slav-like system consisting of c6 & d5, a direct Kings Indian Defense setup with Nf6, g6, Bg7, 0-0, after which c5 & e5 are eschewed or 1. f5, which usually transposes to a Dutch Defense once White plays d4. All other irregular responses, such as 1.b6 & 1.g5 are also lumped into this category

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Chess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4 A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of Whites 20 possible first moves. White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing. Common Responses to English Opening: - 1.Nf6 is the most common response to 1.c4, often played in hopes of getting an Indian Defense. However, mostly, after this 1st move, Black elects to transpose into either a Symmetrical Defense with c5, or a Reversed Sicilian with e5. - 1.e6 (can lead to a Queens Gambit Declined after 2.Nc3 d5 3.d4, but White often prefers 2.Nf3 which may lead to a variety of openings) - 1.f5 leads to a Dutch Defense when White follows up with d4 - 1.g6 may lead to a Modern Defense or after d6 & Nf6 to the Kings Indian Defense, or stay within English lines - 1.c6 (Can lead to Slav Defense after 2.d4 d5, but White will often prefer a Caro-Kann Defense with 2.e4 d5, or a Reti Opening after 2.Nf3 d5 3.b3)
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Chess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4 A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of Whites 20 possible first moves. White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing. 1.b6 The English Defense. This setup involves the fianchetto of the queenside bishop and 2.e6. Often Black will defer the move Nf6, choosing to attack the center with f5 and/or Qh4. 1.g5 an eccentric response known as Myers Defense. After 2.d4, Black will put pressure on the d4 square with moves such as Bg7, c5, and Qb6. white obtains a small advantage after 2.d4 Bg7 (offering a Grob-like Gambit: 3.Bxg5 c5) 3. Nc3 h6 4.e4. Myers recommends 3.c5 (instead of 3.h6) in response while another advocated is 4.dxc5 1.b5 the Jaenisch Gambit!

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English Opening-Transpositional Potential

1 Nf6 White can play 2.d4, thereby transposing to an Indian Defense, which is usually reached by 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4, after which Black may play 2. e6 (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6), or Black may play 2 g6( 1.d4 Nf6 c.c4 g6). Also white can play 2.Nf3. Then black may play 2e6 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6). This can lead to Queens Gambit Declined, or Symmetrical Variation. Or black may play 2g6 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6). This can lead to Kings Indian Defense, Kings Indian Orthodox, Kings Indian, or English. Also whtie can play 2.Nc3. Then black may play 2e5 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e5). This can lead to English, Old Indian, Ukrainian Variation, 4.Nf3, or English. Or Black may play 2e6 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6). This can lead to Nimzo-Indian, Classicial, Symmetrical Variation, or the Queens Gambit Declined. 1e5 White can play 2.Nc3. Then Black may play 2Nf6. Or Black may play 2Nc6 for English (1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6). Also white can play 2.g3. Then Black may play 2Nf6 for English (1.c4 e5 2. g3 Nf6). Or Black may play 2Nc6 (1.c4 e5 2. g3 Nc6). 1c5 White can play 2.Nf3. Then Black may play 2Nf6 for Symmetrical Variation (1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nf6). This can lead to Symmetrical Variation (A30), symmetrical Variation (A35), Queens Pawn Game (E10), or Symmetrical Variation, Benoni Formation (A31). Or Black may play 2Nc6 for Reti Opening (A04, 1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nc6). This can lead to Symmetrical Variation (A35), Reti Opening (A04), or Symmetrical Variation (A33). Also white can play 2.Nc3. Then Black may play 2Nf6 for Symmetry Variation (A34, 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nf6). This can lead to Symmetrical Variation (A30), Symmetrical Variation (A35), or Symmetrical Variation (A34). Or Black may play 2Nc6 for English (A36, 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6). This can lead to Symmetrical Variation (A35), Reti Opening (A04), English (A36) or English (A34)

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English Opening-Transpositional Potential

1g6 White can play 2.d4, which is usually reached by 1.d4 g6 2. c4. so see Queens Pawn Game. Then black may play 2..Nf6 (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6), or black may play 2Bg7 (1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7). Also White can play 2.Nc3 then Black may play 2Nf6 for English (A16, 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6). This can lead to Kings Indian Defense (E97), Grunfeld Defense (D85), Kings Indian (E95) or English (A15). OR Black may play 2Bg7 for English (A10, 1.c4 g6 2.Nc3 Bg7). This can lead to Kings Indian Defense (E97), Modern Defense, Averbakh Defense (A42), English A16, or English A36. Also white can play 2.Nf3. Then Black may play 2Nf6 (given above) OR Black may play 2c5 for Reti Opening (A04, 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 g6). This can lead to Reti Opening (A04) or Sicilian, Accelerated Fianchetto (B36) 1c6 White can play, 2.e4 which is usually reached by 1.e4 c6 2.c4 so see Caro-Kann Defense. Then Black may play 2d5 (1.e4 c6 2.c4 d5) or black may play 2e5 (1.e4 c6 2.c4 e5). Also White can play 2.d4. Then Black may play 2d5 for Slav Defense (D10, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6). This can lead to Slav Defense (D10), or Queens Gambit Declined (D31). Or black may play 2Nf6 for Slav Defense (D15, 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c6). This can lead to Slav Defense (D15) or Slav Defense (D10) If White plays an early d4, the game will usually transpose into either the Queens Gambit or an Indian Defense. For example, after 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3. d4 d5 the game has transposed into the Grunfeld Defense, usually reached by the move order 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3. Nc3 d5 Note, however, that White can also play 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4 making it impossible for Black to reach a Grunfeld, instead more or less forcing him into lines of the Kings Indian Defense with 3d6. Black also cannot force a Grunfeld with 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5, since White can deviate with 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3
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English Opening-Transpositional Potential

Instead of playing an early d4, White can also play Nf3 and fianchetto the kings bishop (g3 & Bg2), transposing into a Reti Opening Also, after 1.c4 c6, white can transpose into the Polish Opening, Outflank Variation, by playing 2.b4!? Which can be used as a surprise weapon if Black does not know very much about the Polish Opening. The many different Transpositional possibilities available to White make the English a slippery opening for Black to defend against, and make it necessary for him to consider carefully what move order to employ. For instance, if Black would like to play a Queens Gambit Declined, the most accurate move order to do so is 1..e6 2.d4 d5 (Ofcourse, White can again play the Reti instead with 2. Nf3 d5 3.b3) if Black plays instead 1Nf6 2.Nc3 e6, White can avoid the QGD by playing 3.e4

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Encyclopedia of Chess Openings

A10 1.c4 A11 1.c4 c6 A12 1.c4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 A13 1.c4 e6 A14 1.c4 e6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 Be7 5.0-0 A15 1.c4 Nf6 A16 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 A17 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 A18 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 (Mikenas-Carls Variation) A19 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 3.e4 c5 A20 1.c4 e5 A21 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 A22 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 A23 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 c6 (Bremen System, Keres Variation) A24 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 g6 (Bremen System with ...g6) A25 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 A26 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.d3 d6 A27 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 (Three Knights System) A28 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6 A29 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 (Four Knights, Kingside Fianchetto) A30 1.c4 c5 (Symmetrical Variation) A31 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 (Symmetrical, Benoni Formation)

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