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Chess/preventative opening

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Expert: Satyajit Das - 11/3/2009


Question
Hi, first off thanks in advance! My question is about, as the subject suggests, openings that prevent much development on the opponents side. Specifically, I mean things like initially moving the king's side knight to f3 (when playing white), where that move prevents typical pawn advancement, etc.. If you know of any tricky, or abstract openings of this nature, that I may not already know of, I would greatly appreciate your help.

thanks,
-Yona

Answer

Image 1 and 2
Hello Yona!

Thanks for the Question!
As your question suggests, you need to know about openings wherein you can prevent your opponent to develop his game.
So, before I give you some examples, let me tell you about the types of opening usually available for a player. This will give you a better picture of the opening structure.
For years, chess openings have been a subject of debate, because your opening of the game decides how your game is going to progress. Usually there are three openings:
1. Aggressive opening: (Usually adopted by white, because white always has one move advantage) So that opponent doesn't get chance to develop his pieces.
2. Fair opening: Where both players have equal chance of development
3. Defensive opening (Usually adopted by black): Where the player tries to prevent any attack from opponent as much as possible.

Now, the answer to your question:
Some golden rules about a good opening (I have considered white for the sake of convenience):
1. Move your d2 and e2 pawns as soon as possible (or at least either of those). It gives space for your bishops to move around, with some space to your queen too.
2. Never take out your Queen early in the game.
3. Take out you knights early to such a position where from they can easily control the board. Remember, knights are not fast moving pieces (they can only move 2 squares at a time in L shape). So try to keep them near to the center.
4. Try to control the center of the board (d4,d5,e4,e5). If you have the center of the board in your control, you are in a huge advantage, and half the game is already won.
5. Castle.
6. All your pieces should be open and free to move (except the rooks), it helps to attack the opponent with full force and support when needed. Also they defend your King very well.
7. Never let a loose pawn. Develop a pawn chain instead. (Pawn chains are very irritating for the opponent). But yes, make sure they don't block the movement of your own pieces.

Now let me discuss a diagram with you.
I have sent you an image. In the 'image 1' you can see that white fully controls the center of the board. d4, e4 in position guarded by both knights which also in turn control d5, e5. The bishops are open and can move out to attack or defend whenever needed. The queen is open too. Now further the white can move out the f1 bishop and castle to defend the king alongside.
In 'image 2' the black has no pieces open, does not control the center and also cannot attack if immediately needed. However, it has developed a strong (defensive) castle which white may take very long to penetrate through.

If you have further questions, please revert back.

Regards,
Satyajit Das
(India)

Satyajit Das

Expertise

Ask me anything related to CHESS. Give me a tricky situation,ask me any chess rule, or some tips to defeat your opponent, or any hidden moves. I'll give you the best answer available. I dont consult any software. I have my own way to analyze and i give you my mind. Please dont ask me any championship dates etc. For that better consult FIDE website.

Experience

I have been playing chess since 15 years. Gone through various phases of the game winning some and also losing some.longest winning streak:89 games.Won many championships and a registered member of Gameknot.com, chesshere.com, chess.com, chesscube.com

Education/Credentials
Engineer (Electronics and Communication).

Awards and Honors
State champion for three consecutive years. Under 19 chess champion, 2000. Awarded by AICF (All India Chess Federation). Runner up in National Chess Championship, Dehradun.

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