Barnes Opening

The most awkward first move there is

Offbeat

1.f3 guards e4 with a pawn and does very little else. The pawn takes the square the g1 knight wants, and the e1–h4 diagonal opens up for Black's queen. The opening is thought to be poor, and it turns up more often as a joke or a psychological stunt than in earnest. The trap is vivid, though: 1…e5 2.g4?? Qh4 is mate.

Interactive Opening Board

2…Nf6

♚

Black

♔

White

2…Nf6

Speed:

Moves

(4 plies • 2 moves)

2…Nf6Tabiya

1–2moves
#WhiteBlack
1.
2.

Defining move

1.f3 — a pawn where the knight should go

The move that gives the opening its bad name

White wants pawns on e4 and d4 and a firm hold on the centre. The price is high: the g1 knight loses its best square, the king stands on a weakened diagonal and development is delayed. Even White's second move has to be chosen with care.

Tabiya

White builds a centre, having lost time

After 1.f3 e5 2.e4 Nf6 White has the e4 pawn and a spare f3, which does little and gets in the way of the g1 knight. Black develops freely, and the e1–h4 diagonal is a little weak. White wants to reach d4 and cover the weaknesses. Black simply develops and enjoys the spare time.

White’s plan

Set up pawns on e4 and d4 and hope the space pays off.
Bring the knight to c3 or e2 and keep the e1–h4 diagonal shut.
Avoid g4 and other risky pawn moves.

Black’s plan

Take the centre with …e5 and develop quickly.
Watch the e1–h4 diagonal and use the queen on h4.
Keep it simple: White has given up time already.

History

The opening is named after the English master Thomas Wilson Barnes, who won eight games against Paul Morphy.

Notable players

Thomas Wilson Barnes

Legends who played it

T
Thomas Wilson Barnes
as White · Named after the player

Games in the Atlas

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