Openings
- Chess Atlas Subsections
- VOL. I • Chess HistoryFrom Chaturanga to Neural Engines
- VOL. II • Classic ChessPieces, Notation & Rules
- VOL. III • Legendary PlayersPantheon of Chess Immortals
- VOL. IV • Great GamesInteractive game studies
- VOL. V • OpeningsOriginal CAISSORA Opening Articles
- VOL. VI • Tactics & StrategyForks, Pins & Board Geometry
King's Pawn Opening
A long-diagonal bishop that finds e5 well guarded
- Offbeat
2.b3 prepares a bishop on b2, which looks down the long diagonal at the e5 pawn. The idea is familiar from 1.b3, but here the black pawn already stands on e5 and is easily defended. It is a rarity and a sideline: it poses Black no real problems, but it does take the game off the beaten track.
4…Nf6
Moves
(8 plies • 4 moves)- 1–4moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
Defining move
2.b3 — the bishop to the long diagonal
The move that sets this sideline apart
The b3 pawn frees the c1 bishop. But White does not push in the centre: the e4 pawn simply stands, and the b2 bishop presses on e5 only from a distance. Black has only to defend the pawn and the pressure fades.
Tabiya
The b2 bishop against a sturdy e5
White has a bishop on b2 and a knight on f3, so e5 feels some pressure. But Black guards it with the c6 knight and the d6 pawn and develops a knight on f6. Next White develops the other bishop and Black castles with no risk. White can hardly play for a win here: he waits for the opponent to slip.
White’s plan
- Develop the bishop to b2 and the knight to f3 and press on e5.
- Castle and prepare d4 or f4.
- Play for surprise: 2.b3 is rare.
Black’s plan
- Defend e5 with …Nc6 and …d6.
- Develop and castle, paying little heed to the b2 bishop.
- Strike in the centre with …d5 when it fits.
Games in the Atlas
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