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
Ware Defense
A rook pawn move in place of a fight for the centre
- Offbeat
Black answers 1.e4 with 1…a5. The pawn takes b4 and prepares a way out for the rook, and Black plans …b6 and …Bb7. But the move does nothing for development or the centre, and White gets a free hand there. It is thought a dubious reply to 1.e4 and is very rarely seen.
3…Bb7
Moves
(6 plies • 3 moves)- 1–3moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
Defining move
1…a5 — a move to the edge
The one move that defines it
The pawn goes to a5, and the a8 rook comes to life a little. But nothing is developed, the centre stays White's, and the b5 and b6 squares become weaker. Black has to play as if starting with 1…a6 and then build an ordinary set-up with …b6 and …Bb7.
Tabiya
1.e4 a5 2.d4 b6 3.Nc3 Bb7
Black has the bishop fianchettoed and aimed at e4. White has the centre and more space, and the a5 pawn mostly loosens Black's queenside. White needs to develop calmly and not squander the edge. Black has to sit tight and wait for White to overreach.
White’s plan
- Take the centre with pawns on e4 and d4.
- Develop with Nc3, Nf3, Bd3 and castling.
- Aim at the weaknesses on Black's queenside.
Black’s plan
- Build the …b6 and …Bb7 set-up and press on e4.
- Add …e6 and …Nf6 and hit the centre with …c5 or …d5.
- Play carefully and wait for a White slip.
History
The defence is named after the American player Preston Ware, known for unusual openings. It is also called the Corn Stalk Defence.
Games in the Atlas
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