4 Popular Chess Openings

How you open a game of chess is important in setting the pace. The game has the capability of playing out in so many different ways depending on the moves made by each player. Whereas there is no standard way of starting or playing a game, chess has a openings that have been used over time. Practicing the moves and understanding different ways that each method can play out is important. Using these moves in most of your trial games is important in building your confidence.

In 1561, a Spanish priest came up with an opening which was later named after him, Ruy Lopez. This type of opening is also referred to as the Spanish opening. It has grown over the centuries to become a famous opening used by players. With time, the Ruy Lopex has seen a considerable amount of variations into the game. This type of opening has undergone a number of studies which has made it possible for both the White and Black to get many opening options available. Some of the variations commonly associated with this opening include; Morphy defense, Steinz defense and the Berlin Defense.

Another popular opening is known as the Italian Game. It is considered to be one of the oldest openings in chess; it dates back to the 15th century. The Italian Game has been used widely over the century though it has been slowly overtaken by the Ruy Lopez. It involves a move such as 1.e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4. Many people still use this opening; it builds to make an engaging game which is always interesting to play. Giucco Piano, Hungarian Defense, and Two Knights Defense use similar variations of the chess opening.

The Sicilian defense is commonly used to build up different positions after the opening. It is well recognized by its classic 1.e4 c5. Its closest variations include; Closed Sicilian, Classical Sicilian, Najdorf Variation and Dragon Variation. It is commonly used in highest level games as a Black’s response to e4. The move seeks to get the board’s central influence; the game can be a bit complicated and it’s known to give a very good challenge.

The French defense gives up control of the center of the board to the White. It is also known to limit the movement of the king’s bishop. It is a good method to restrict any moves against f7. It makes it possible the Black to make movements on the side of the queen and counter play in the center.

With this type of opening it is easy to for the game to proceed in numerous ways which are quite popular with many chess players. This is usually a development after the most typical line 2.d4 d5 where the white’s e-pawn is pressurized such that it can’t make much movement. Some variations to the French Defense include; Exchange Variation, Advance Variation, Tarrasch variation, Classical Variation and Winawer Variation.