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
Amsterdam Attack
A quiet flank set-up built on e3, c4 and b3
- Set-up systems
- Offbeat
White starts with 1.e3 and for the first moves keeps the pawns out of the centre, building a set-up from e3, c4, Nc3 and b3. The bishop heads for b2 and looks down the long diagonal. The opening is rare and quiet: it is played for a flexible, little-studied position, not for an advantage.
4…Nf6
Moves
(8 plies • 4 moves)- 1–4moves
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
Defining move
4.b3 — the bishop heads for b2
The move that sets the character of the set-up
The b3 pawn prepares Bb2, and the bishop looks at e5 and beyond, towards Black's kingside. White builds slowly and does not take the centre yet, while Black gets pawns on e5 and d6 and develops without trouble.
Tabiya
White builds a set-up, Black holds the centre
Black has pawns on e5 and d6 and knights on c6 and f6. White has pawns on e3, c4 and b3 and a knight on c3. White still has Bb2 and Nf3 or Nge2 to play, and then must decide whether to open the centre with d4. Black has easy development and now needs a plan of his own.
White’s plan
- Play Bb2 and Nf3 or Nge2 and finish development.
- Later strike at the centre with d2-d4, or prepare f2-f4.
- Keep the position flexible and see what Black decides.
Black’s plan
- Hold the centre with pawns on e5 and d6.
- Develop the bishops, for example …g6 and …Bg7 or …Be7, and castle.
- Pick the moment for a freeing …d5 or …f5.
Games in the Atlas
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