1

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12 Learning Chess – Opening Moves

2

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5Opening Theory (1) e4 e5

1…e5 (Black mirrors White’s move Guarantees himself a portion of the Center & a scope to develop his pieces.One of the few moves that directly interferes with White’s plan of play 2.d4BUT 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

Classical move for White 2. Nf3 which threatens Black’s undefended pawn while preparing one of his pieces for kingside castling.

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

2.f4, The King’s Gambit2.Nc3, The Vienna Game2.Bc4, The Bishop’s Opening2.d4, White smashes the center open in order to quickly develop his pieces by sacrificing a pawn or two!

Other less common moves include:2. Qh5 (Parham Attack)2. Bb5 (Portuguese Opening2.Qf3 Napoleon Opening2.Ne2 Alapins Opening2.Bd3 Tortoise Opening2.Ke2 Bongcloud Attack2.c3 Lopez Opening2. d3 Leanardis Variation (Nf3 81%, f4 6%, Nc3 6%, d4 2% and all others <0.5%)

3

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Theory TableOpening Theory (1) e4 e5- Theory Table2 3 4 5 6 7

Ruy Lopez Nf3 Nc6 Bb5 A6

Ba4Nf6

O-OBe7

Re1B5

Bb3d6

=

King’s Gambit

F4Exf4

Nf3G5

H4G4

Ne5Nf6

Bc4D5

Exd5Bd6

=

Vienna Game Nc3Nf6

F4D5

Fxe5Nxe4

Nf3Be7

D4Bb4

Bd2Bg4

=

Bishops Opening

Bc4Nf6

D4Exd4

Nf3Bb4+

C3Dxc3

Bxc3Bc5

E5D5

=

Center Game D4Exd4

Qxd4Nc6

Qe3Nf6

Nc3Bb4

Bd20-0

0-0-0Re8

=

Parham Attack

Qh5Nc6

Bc4G6

Qf3Nf6

Ne2Bg7

Nbc3D6

=

4

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

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

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Ruy LopezOpening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Ruy Lopez

3…Bb5 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

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.

It’s not a real THREAT because after 4.Bxc6 dxc6 5.Nxe5, Black can fork the knight & a pawn with 5. Qd4 or 5.Qg5

5

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Ruy Lopez-Theory TableOpening Theory (1) e4 e5- Ruy Lopez-Theory Table3 4 5 6 7

Morphy Defense ..A6

Ba4Nf6

0-0Be7

Re1B5

Bb30-0

=

Berlin Defense …Nf6

0-0Nxe4

D4Nd6

Bxc6Dxc6

Dxe5Nf5

+=

Smyslov Defense …G6

C3A6

Ba4D6

D4Bd7

0-0Bg7

+=

Classical Defense …Bc5

0-0Nd4

Nxd4Bxd4

C3Bb6

D4C5

+=

Jaenisch Gambit …F5

Nc3Fxe4

Nxe4D5

Nxe5Dxe4

Nxc6Qg5

+=

Bird’s Defense …Nd4

Nxd4Exd4

o-OBc5

D3C6

Ba4Ne7

+=

Steinitz Defense …D6

D4Bd7

Nc3Exd4

Nxd4G6

Be3Bg7

+=

Cozio Defense …Nge7

0-0G6

C3Bg7

D4Exd4

Cxd4D5

+=

6

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.f4

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 – King’s GambitOpening Theory (1) e4 e5 – King’s Gambit

White offers a pawn & temporarily weakens his kingside in order to get the opportunity to play d4

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

Black’s 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)

7

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- King’s Gambit-Theory TableOpening Theory (1) e4 e5- King’s Gambit-Theory Table2 3 4 5 6 7 8

King’s Gambit Accepted F4Exf4

Nf3G5

H4G4

Ne5Nf6

D4D6

Nd3Nxe4

∞

King’s Gambit Declined …Bc5

Nf3D6

Nc3Nf6

Bc4Nc6

D3Bg4

Na40-0

+=

Falkbeer Countergambit …D5

Exd5C6

Nc3Exf4

Nf3Bd6

D4Ne7

Bc40-0

+=

King’s Gambit Declined …D6

Nf3 +=

King’s Gambit Declined …Nc6

Nf3F5

Exf5E4

Ne5Nf6

D3Qe7

Dxe4Nxe5

∞

Panteldakis Countergambit …F5

Exf5 +=

Norwalde Variation …Qf6?!

+=

Keene Defense …Qh4+?1

G3Qe7

+=

8

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Vienna GameOpening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Vienna Game

White’s wish is to advance the f-pawn 2 squares to remove the Black’s powerful e5 pawn

It is possible to play 2.f4 (King’s Gambit) but it is being too hopeful!

The only threat to black is f4 which cannot be countered at the moment.

Rule! When in doubt develop a knight!

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!

2…Nf6 (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!

Other moves include: 2.Bb4 & Bc5 which are used to initiate a counter-attack!

9

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Vienna Game-Theory TableOpening Theory (1) e4 e5- Vienna Game-Theory Table2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Falkbeer (or Berlin) Defense …Nf6

=

Max Lange Defense …Nc6

=

Max Lange Defense …Bc5

Nf3 +=

Max Lange Defense …Bb4

=

10

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Bishop’s OpeningOpening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Bishop’s Opening

White targets the weak f7 pawn while keeping the possibility of deadly f2-f4

Unlike 2.Nf3 (Ruy Lopez) Black e5 pawn is not under direct attack, & therefore gives him a wide range of options!

Black’s worry is the Qh5 move & therefore should not play Be7 or Ne7

Black still has the option to mirror White’s move & play 2.Bc52.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)

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

11

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5- Bishop’s Opening-Theory TableOpening Theory (1) e4 e5- Bishop’s Opening-Theory Table2

Berlin Defense …Nf6

=

Italian Game …Nc6

Nf3 =

Classical Defense …Bc5

Nc3 =

Calabrese Countergambit …F5

=

Philidor Counterattack …C6

=

…D6

=

12

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

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

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Center GameOpening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Center Game

White is happy for knocking out Black’s only foothold in the center square (e5)

If Black simply plays Nc6, the White Queen is forced to move

3 4 5 6

Qxd4Nc6

Qe3Nf6

Nc3Bb4

Bd20-0

=

…Nf6

=

13

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Moves: 1.e4 e5 2.Qh5

Opening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Parham AttackOpening Theory (1) e4 e5 – Parham Attack

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

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 3 4 5 6

…Nc6

Bc4G6

Qf3Nf6

Ne2Bg7

Nbc3D6

=

…G6??

Qxe5+Ne7

Qxh8 +-

…Nf6?

Qxe5+Be7

+/-

…Ke7??

Qxe5# 1-0

14

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Chess Opening Theory- English OpeningChess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of White’s 20 possible first moves. White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing.

Common ResponsesOpening theoreticians who write on English Opening break the opening down into 3 broad categories, generally determined by Black’s choice of defensive setups

Symmetrical Defense: 1.c5 and is so named because both the c-pawns 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.

15

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Chess Opening Theory- English OpeningChess Opening Theory- English OpeningMoves: 1.c4

-it is a flank opening-it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of White’s 20 possible first moves.-White begins the fight for the center by staking a claim to the d5 square from the wing.

Common ResponsesOpening theoreticians who write on English Opening break the opening down into 3 broad categories, generally determined by Black’s choice of defensive setups

Symmetrical Defense: 1.c5 and is so named because both the c-pawns 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.

16

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Chess Opening Theory- English OpeningChess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of White’s 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

17

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Chess Opening Theory- English OpeningChess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of White’s 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 non-c5 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 King’s 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

18

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Chess Opening Theory- English OpeningChess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of White’s 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 Queen’s 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

King’s 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)

19

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Chess Opening Theory- English OpeningChess Opening Theory- English Opening

In chess, the English Opening is the opening where White begins: 1. c4A flank opening, it is the 4th most popular and the 2nd most successful of White’s 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!

20

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

English Opening-Transpositional PotentialEnglish 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 2…e6 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6). This can lead to Queen’s Gambit Declined, or Symmetrical Variation. Or black may play 2…g6 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nf3 g6). This can lead to King’s Indian Defense, King’s Indian Orthodox, King’s Indian, or English. Also whtie can play 2.Nc3. Then black may play 2…e5 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 2…e6 for English (1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6). This can lead to Nimzo-Indian, Classicial, Symmetrical Variation, or the Queen’s Gambit Declined.

1…e5 White can play 2.Nc3. Then Black may play 2…Nf6. Or Black may play 2…Nc6 for English (1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6). Also white can play 2.g3. Then Black may play 2…Nf6 for English (1.c4 e5 2. g3 Nf6). Or Black may play 2…Nc6 (1.c4 e5 2. g3 Nc6).

1…c5 White can play 2.Nf3. Then Black may play 2…Nf6 for Symmetrical Variation (1.Nf3 c5 2.c4 Nf6). This can lead to Symmetrical Variation (A30), symmetrical Variation (A35), Queen’s Pawn Game (E10), or Symmetrical Variation, Benoni Formation (A31). Or Black may play 2…Nc6 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 2…Nf6 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 2…Nc6 for English (A36, 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6). This can lead to Symmetrical Variation (A35), Reti Opening (A04), English (A36) or English (A34)

21

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

English Opening-Transpositional PotentialEnglish Opening-Transpositional Potential

1…g6 White can play 2.d4, which is usually reached by 1.d4 g6 2. c4. so see Queen’s Pawn Game. Then black may play 2..Nf6 (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6), or black may play 2…Bg7 (1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7). Also White can play 2.Nc3 then Black may play 2…Nf6 for English (A16, 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6). This can lead to King’s Indian Defense (E97), Grunfeld Defense (D85), King’s Indian (E95) or English (A15). OR Black may play 2…Bg7 for English (A10, 1.c4 g6 2.Nc3 Bg7). This can lead to King’s Indian Defense (E97), Modern Defense, Averbakh Defense (A42), English A16, or English A36. Also white can play 2.Nf3. Then Black may play 2…Nf6 (given above) OR Black may play 2…c5 for Reti Opening (A04, 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 g6). This can lead to Reti Opening (A04) or Sicilian, Accelerated Fianchetto (B36)1…c6 White can play, 2.e4 which is usually reached by 1.e4 c6 2.c4 so see Caro-Kann Defense. Then Black may play 2…d5 (1.e4 c6 2.c4 d5) or black may play 2…e5 (1.e4 c6 2.c4 e5). Also White can play 2.d4. Then Black may play 2…d5 for Slav Defense (D10, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6). This can lead to Slav Defense (D10), or Queen’s Gambit Declined (D31). Or black may play 2…Nf6 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 Queen’s 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 d5Note, 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 King’s Indian Defense with 3…d6. Black also cannot force a Grunfeld with 1.c4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5, since White can deviate with 3.cxd5 Nxd5 4.g3

22

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

English Opening-Transpositional PotentialEnglish Opening-Transpositional Potential

Instead of playing an early d4, White can also play Nf3 and fianchetto the king’s bishop (g3 & Bg2), transposing into a Reti OpeningAlso, 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 Queen’s 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 1…Nf6 2.Nc3 e6, White can avoid the QGD by playing 3.e4

23

© V

imp

elC

om

Ltd

20

12

Encyclopedia of Chess OpeningsEncyclopedia 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)- A32 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6- A33 1.c4 c5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 e6 5.Nc3 Nc6- A34 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3- A35 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6- A36 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3- A37 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3- A38 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 Nf6- A39 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.0-0 0-0 7.d4