White's Second Move Tutorial



1.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:31. After 1. e4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:031}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:031a}{A:Wg1e2}{H1:e2}{W:031b};2. Nf3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:031C}Correct. This is a first-rate reply. White develops his king-knight to its ideal square {N1:f3}{W:031Ca}(f3) while menacing Black's {A:Bf3e5}{N1:e5}{W:031Cb}e-pawn. Thus Ng1-f3 is said to "gain time" because it compels a response. If Black were to ignore White's move, and not safeguard his e-pawn, White would be in position to capture the e-pawn for free. The best developing moves tend to be those that activate your own forces while simultaneously threatening the enemy's.;
2. Ne2;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1e2}{W:031I}Incorrect. Like 2. Ng1-f3 this move also mobilizes the king-knight, but with two important differences. It doesn't gain time by threatening Black's e-pawn, and it actually hinders the development of the {N1:f1}{W:031Ia}f1 bishop by blocking the {N1:f1e2d3c4b5a6}{W:031Ib}a6-f1 diagonal. In order to get out {N1:f1}{W:031Ic}the f1-bishop (which is necessary for kingside castling), White would either have to waste time or weaken his position. Either he'd have to make another move with the {N1:e2}{W:031Id}e2-knight, or he'd have to move the {N1:g2}{W:031Ie}g-pawn to flank the king-bishop, which entails a weakening of {N1:f3h3}{W:031If}f3 and h3. As a rule, if you can't decide whether to develop a knight to its 2nd or 3rd rank, be bold. Gain space and mobility by opting for the 3rd rank.}]

2.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:32. After 1. e4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:032}{A:Wf1c4}{H1:c4}{W:032a}{A:Wf1b5}{H1:b5}{W:032b};2. Bc4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1c4}{W:032C}Correct. Developing the bishop to c4 is a stellar 2nd move. It brings White a step closer to castling kingside and takes dead aim at important squares along the {N1:a2b3c4d5e6f7g8}{W:032Ca}a2-g8 diagonal, including {N1:d5e6f7}{W:032Cb}d5, e6, and f7, the Black Heel of Achilles. This {N1:f7}{W:032Cc}(f7) is the weakest point in Black's camp in the opening because it's guarded only by the king. It therefore becomes a stepping stone in many of White's shortest victories. (The counterpart for Black is {N1:f2}{W:032Cd}f2, which is the scene of many of White's earliest debacles.);
2. Bb5;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1b5}{W:032I}Incorrect. This develops a piece, and pins Black's d-pawn to its king, but it doesn't gain time or threaten anything concrete. Moreover, it should lead to a loss of time if Black sticks a pawn in the bishop's face by {S:c7c6}{W:032Ia}c7-c6. This will constrain White to waste a move, withdrawing the bishop to a safe square. Not every development gains time. Some lose time by encouraging the opponent to make useful moves that wind up stealing the initiative. Whoever has or gets the initiative usually can determine the course of play. Putting it in different words, if you have the initiative, you will be able to attack while your opponent will have to defend. That's a meaningful advantage, so don't play moves that waste time and/or forfeit the initiative.}]

3.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:33. After 1. e4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:033}{A:Wf2f4}{H1:f4}{W:033a}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:033b};2. f4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f2f4}{W:033C}Correct. This signals the King's Gambit (1. e4 e5  2. f4), an opening which offers the {N1:f4}{W:033Ca}f-pawn in exchange for attacking chances. Moving the f-pawn doesn't develop a piece proper but it prepares unveiling the f-file for use by the {N1:h1}{W:033Cb} king-rook once White castles kingside. With an open f-file the rook can then target Black's vulnerable {N1:f7}{W:033Cc}f7-square. Meanwhile White's pawn at f4 assails Black's pawn at {A:Wf4e5}{N1:e5}{W:033Cd}e5. If Black deals with the threat by taking the threatener {R}{S:e5f4}{C}{W:033Ce}(2... e5xf4), White plans to play {S:d2d4}{W:033Cf}d2-d4, establishing a classical pawn duo in the center. But after 2... e5xf4 White shouldn't move the queen-pawn up immediately (3. d2-d4) because Black would then have a venomous queen check at {S:d8h4}{W:033Cg}h4. This would be unsatisfactory news for White's king. So White usually delays central expansion until he's first developed the king-knight to {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/4Pp2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:033Ch}f3.;


2. g3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g2g3}{W:033I}Incorrect. This is an unnecessary move. It's played to fianchetto the king-bishop at {A:Bf1g2}{W:033Ia}g2, but this bishop can already be deployed along the {R}{N1:a6b5c4d3e2}{W:033Ib}a6-f1 diagonal. Once you have a way to actuate a piece, utilize it. Don't play needless moves, especially weakening pawn moves in the opening, for a wasted tempo can lose the initiative and even the game. To develop the king-bishop just move either the {N1:e2g2}{W:033Ic}e-pawn or the g-pawn, but not both, unless there's a very good reason.}]

4.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:34. After 1. e4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:034}{A:Wd1f3}{H1:f3}{W:034a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:034b};2. Qf3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d1f3}{W:034I}Incorrect. This is a pitiable developing move, and a risky one at that. It not only blocks {N1:f3}{W:034Ia}f3, depriving the {G:WNg1}{W:034Ib}king-knight of that square's use, but it positions the queen where it can conceivably be attacked{O}. Two potential threats come to mind, a Black knight eventually moving from {X:b8}{P:BNc6}{S:c6d4}{W:034Ic}c6 to d4, {X:d4}{P:BNb8}{W:034Id}and a Black bishop, supported by a knight at {S:g8f6}{W:034Ie}f6, moving to {S:c8g4}{W:034If}g4. Both of these would be nettlesome to White's queen. And what does White gain by incurring these risks? A lone threat to {S:g4c8}{S:f6g8}{A:Wf3f7}{N1:f7}{W:034Ig} f7, which Black can cope with at will. As a general rule, don't bring out the queen early without necessary and/or desirable reasons.;
2. d4;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:034C}Correct. This advance is likely to lead to an open d-file, regardless whether Black's e-pawn takes {A:Be5d4}{N1:d4}{W:034Ca}White's d-pawn or White's {R}{A:Wd4e5}{N1:e5}{W:034Cb}d-pawn takes Black's e-pawn. If Black does take White's pawn, {R}{C}{S:e5d4}{W:034Cc}2... e5xd4, White has the option of taking back, {A:Wd1d4}{N1:d4}{W:034Cd}3. Qd1xd4, or offering a gambit by {R}{C}{S:c2c3}{W:034Ce} 3. c2-c3. {S:c3c2}{W:034Cf}Still, preferable to this move (2. d2-d4) is {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{W:034Cg}2. Ng1-f3, preparing the d-pawn's movement with backup protection.}]

5.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:35. After 1. e4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:035}{A:Wd1h5}{H1:h5}{W:035a}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:035b};2. Qh5;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d1h5}{W:035I}Incorrect. This is a ferocious-looking move, threatening the {A:Wh5e5}{N1:e5}{W:035Ia}e-pawn and preparing trouble for the {R}{N1:f7}{W:035Ib}f7-pawn, but the two threats are easily rebuffed. For one, e5 can be protected by the splendid developing move, {C}{S:b8c6}{W:035Ic}2...Nb8-c6, bringing the queen-knight toward the middle. And if {W:035Id}{N1:f7}f7 should suddenly need protection, say after {S:f1c4}{W:035Ie}3. Bf1-c4, Black can rely on his own queen, positioning it at king-two, {C}{S:d8e7}{W:035If}3... Qd8-e7. The square f7 would then be solidly fortified. And though both queens would be out there early, it would be White's to come under fire first, when Black's king-knight eventually lands on {S:g8f6}{A:Bf6h5}{N1:h5}{W:035Ig}f6. White would then have to relocate his queen as Black pilfers the initiative. Here White brings out the queen early and it backfires. Black brings out the queen early and it works to his advantage. This shows the problem with principles, that there are times to adhere to them, and times to ignore or violate them. In so many situations we must decide what to do without reference to these vague generalities. I suppose we could cover ourselves, phrasing the principle to say, "Don't bring out the queen early unless circumstances require it." This works on paper, and indeed chess teachers often resort to this expedient, but do such platitudes have any practical value? Wouldn't students reading such offerings still be pretty much in the dark? Suppose every piece of advice took this tautologous form, "Don't do anything unless you should." Could such statements enable us to understand what's really happening on the chessboard or anywhere else? It's doubtful. Nor is it likely that we could use these circumlocutions to help us find our next move.;
2. Nc3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:035C}Correct. This builds White's central game and develops a new piece. It jeopardizes nothing, and it overprotects the king-pawn, insuring it against future threats. It also deters Black from advancing his {N1:d7}{W:035Ca}d-pawn two squares. Another point is that it keeps the {N1:f2}{W:035Cb}f-pawn unblocked, so that before developing the king-knight to {A:Wg1f3}{C}{W:035Cc}f3, White still has the option of undermining Black's e-pawn by playing {R}{S:f3g1}{S:f2f4}{W:035Cd}f2-f4.}]

6.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:36. After 1. e4 c5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:036}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:036a}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:036b};2. Nf3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:036C}Correct. This is obviously a good move. It develops a piece toward the center, with emphasis on {N1:d4e5}{W:036Ca}d4 and e5, and it facilitates kingside castling. It also acts as a bolster for the enterprising advance {C}{S:d2d4}{W:036Cb}3. d2-d4.;
2. d3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:036I}Incorrect. This is not so deficient a response. It solidifies the {N1:e4}{W:036Ia}king-pawn, it unclogs {W:036Ib} the c1-h6 diagonal for the queen-bishop, and it deals with central issues. If there's a slightly unpleasant side, it's the unnecessary defensiveness of White's pawn play. For one, it cedes the ability to follow with d3-d4 without loss of time. Why waste a turn, taking two moves for the d-pawn to reach d4, when the same effect could be achieved by moving the d-pawn just once? The advance d2-d3 also blocks in the {C}{G:WBf1}{W:036Ic}king-bishop so that it can't reach {N1:c4b5}{W:036Id}c4 or b5. Generally, one should try to develop the king-bishop outside the pawn chain before obstructing its line with a central push. And why guard the e-pawn so inflexibly when the same protective assurance could be achieved by instead developing the queen-knight to c3? Moreover, by playing {C}{O}{S:b1c3}{W:036Ie}2. Nb1-c3, White could still follow with a subsequent one-square advance of the queen-pawn (d2-d3) without having to give up on the option of advancing the queen-pawn two squares ahead (d2-d4), once the king-knight is in place at f3. It's usually best to retain choosing power for as long as possible because this tells the opponent less and therefore restricts his freedom.(The move 2. Nb1-c3 is often played to set up a Closed Sicilian Defense, where White doesn't open the center by advancing the d-pawn two squares. Instead White keeps the center closed by advancing the d-pawn only one square, avoiding line-clearing exchanges.)}]

7.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:37. After 1. e4 Nf6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:037}{A:Wf2f3}{H1:f3}{W:037a}{A:We4e5}{H1:e5}{W:037b};2. f3;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f2f3}{W:037I}Incorrect. I'm not saying that you should avoid this move like the plague, for it does have its utility in certain openings.  But this is not one of them. The move is unnecessarily weakening, and its purely defensive character is out of place here. Better is the aggressive {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4e5}{W:037Ia}2. e4-e5 or even the developing {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:037Ib}Nb1-c3.;
2. e5;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4e5}{W:037C}Correct. This is the right play. It maintains the initiative and turns Black's threat around. After 2. e4-e5 the belligerent {N1:f6}{W:037Ca}f6-knight must flee to safety. True, before crossing the midcourt line with a pawn you must be reasonably certain that you're not overextending yourself. You don't want to move the pawn closer to the enemy, where it's easier to attack, and further away from your own forces, where it's harder to defend, unless you can see your way through the woods. Here the line of sight is clear, so 2. e4-e5 makes sense.}]

8.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/4p3/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:38. After 1. e4 e6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:038}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:038a}{A:Wf2f4}{H1:f4}{W:038b};2. d4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/4p3/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:038C}Correct. With 1... e6 Black allows White to set up a classical pawn center by 2. d2-d4, and that's what White should do. After moving both central pawns two-squares ahead, White is ready to galvanize all his forces without having to move another pawn. For instance, he could move the knights to {N1:f3c3}{W:038Ca}f3 and c3, the bishops to destination squares along their unblocked {N1:c1d2e3f4g5h6f1e2d3c4b5a6}{W:038Cb}diagonals, the queen to {N1:d2d3e2}{W:038Cc}d2, d3, or e2, depending which the ensuing play renders best, and after castling, White can station both rooks on central files, at {N1:d1e1}{W:038Cd}d1 and e1. With only two pawn moves White thereby accomplishes maximum piece deployment.;
2. f4;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/4p3/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f2f4}{W:038I}Incorrect. This is a weakening move here, most notably to the {N1:a7b6c5d4e3f2g1}{W:038Ia}a7-g1 diagonal, and it offers little in the way of development. Nothing new can be brought out by virtue of having played f2-f4, and though the advance would increase the mobility of a castled rook positioned at {N1:f1}{W:038Ib}f1, the extra space is not worth the time wasted or the weaknesses incurred.}]

9.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2p5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:39. After 1. e4 c6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:039}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:039a}{A:Wc2c4}{H1:c4}{W:039b};2. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2p5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:039C}Correct. This is a fine developing move, which strengthens the {N1:e4}{W:039Ca}e-pawn while observing the focal square {N1:d5}{W:039Cb}d5. It's less usual in the Caro-Kann Defense (1. e4 c6) than the more steadfast  2. d2-d4, but it's perfectly okay, and it still allows for transpositions back into variations that could stem from the main line alternative, 2. d2-d4. (Transposition is a word that refers to variant ways to achieve the same position by virtue of a different move order. For example, although queen-pawn (1. d4) and king-pawn (1. e4) openings tend to be quite dissimilar, you attain the same position whether the game goes 1. d4 e6  2. e4  or 1. e4 e6 2. d4. Here the order turns out not to be relevant, but this is not always the case. In more complex situations a knowledge of transpositional possibilities can help you thwart your opponent most unexpectedly. By playing your moves in a different order you might be able to achieve all of your objectives while stopping your opponent from realizing some or all of his. That is, by playing a move out of sequence, you might constrain your opponent to defend or adjust unnecessarily, which costs him time and/or eliminates some of his options. You might get everything and he gets zilch.);
2. c4;{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2p5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c4}{W:039I}Incorrect. This is not a terrible move, but it's a little risky, in that it weakens {N1:d3d4}{W:039Ia}d3 and d4 by placing the {N1:c4}{W:039Ib}c-pawn where it can no longer influence these squares. Since White's {N1:e4}{W:039Ic}e-pawn is in the same boat, these central holes could become meaningful liabilities if White doesn't stay alert. Nor does the move 2. c2-c4 pay much attention to development, for no new piece can be brought out because of it (the queen already had a clear diagonal). If there is a chief point to the move, it is to be able to exchange the c-pawn for Black's d-pawn when, and if, Black plays {S:d7d5}{A:Wc4d5}{N1:d5}{W:039Id}d7-d5.}]

10.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/3p4/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:40. After 1. e4 d6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:040}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:040a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:040b};2. g3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/3p4/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g2g3}{W:040I}Incorrect. This is not very prudent. It prepares to fianchetto the {N1:f1}{W:040Ia}king-bishop, but why engender weaknesses when there already exists a perfectly good way to develop the king-bishop along the {N1:a6b5c4d3e2f1}{W:040Ib}a6-f1 diagonal? Don't play uncalled-for moves, especially pawn advances, for you're stuck with the consequences (unlike pieces, pawns can't move back to where they were).;
2. d4;{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/3p4/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:040C}Correct. The right move. It confers space, it opens and attacks the middle, and it falls in line with White's ideal plan. It's so good it's practically a reflex action whenever Black fails to play a challenging central move. Conversely, if White were too play too timidly, ignoring the center, Black in turn should try to establish his own classical formation, with pawns at {N1:d5e5}{W:040Ca}d5 and e5. In effect, if White wastes his first few moves and allows Black to steal the initiative, it would be as if Black had started with White and White had started with Black.}]

11.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppp1p/6p1/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:41. After 1. e4 g6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:041}{A:Wb2b4}{H1:b4}{W:041a}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:041b};2. b4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppp1p/6p1/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b2b4}{W:041I}Incorrect. If there's a logic to White's move it's to flank the queen-bishop at {N1:b2}{W:041Ia}b2, opposing Black's anticipated fianchetto of the king-bishop at {O}{N1:g7}{W:041Ib}g7. But Black's flanking comes first, and after {C}{S:f8g7}{W:041Ic}2... Bg7 White will have to endure a pin{A:Bg7a1}{N1:a1}{W:041Id}, uncomfortably placing a unit in the way at {N1:c3d4}{W:041Ie}c3 or d4 to block the diagonal. Since the b-pawn's advance weakens the queenside, and since on b4 the pawn itself becomes a potential target, there are plenty of grounds to dismiss this move's case. Play something else.;
2. Nf3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppp1p/6p1/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:041C}Correct. Not the best move here (2. d2-d4 is), but much better than ill-considered thrust 2. b2-b4. It develops the knight toward the center, it attacks {A:Wf3d4}{N1:d4}{W:041Ca}d4 and {A:Wf3e5}{N1:e5}{W:041Cb}e5, it encounters no weaknesses, and it expedites kingside castling.}]

12.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/p1pppppp/1p6/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:42. After 1. e4 b6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:042}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:042a}{A:We4e5}{H1:e5}{W:042b};2. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/p1pppppp/1p6/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:042C}Correct. This is not a pointed developing move here, but it's sound and it spawns no problems. With it White attacks the center and guards the {G:WPe4}{W:042Ca}e-pawn. Not bad for a day's work, but more could be accomplished by advancing the {O}{A:Wd2d4}{N1:d4}{W:042Cb}d-pawn two squares.;
2. e5;{B:rnbqkbnr/p1pppppp/1p6/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4e5}{W:042I}Incorrect. This is unnecessary and overextensive. By advancing the pawn across the frontier line (the imaginary line between the 4th and 5th ranks), without point or adequate preparation, White makes the foot soldier easier for Black to attack. In attempting to cope with these threats White might be forced to play a few defensive moves, which could cede the initiative. Try not to play too many pawn moves in the opening, for they tend to create weaknesses as they waste time.}]

13.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/2n5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:43. After 1. e4 Nc6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:043}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:043a}{A:Wc2c3}{H1:c3}{W:043b};2. Nf3;
{B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/2n5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:043C}Correct. This builds White's game, speeds up kingside castling, and supports the subsequent advance 3. d2-d4. But why not play it immediately, {B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/2n5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:043Ca}2. d2-d4? White's queen already backs up the push, so additional protection is not compulsory. Don't prepare to do what you can do at once. Just do it.;
2. c3;{B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/2n5/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c3}{W:043I}Incorrect. This is an unnecessary preparation. If White wants to play {A:Wd2d4}{W:043Ia}d2-d4, he can do so without adding protection to d4. A couple of other negatives, the move denies the {R}{G:WNb1}{W:043Ib}queen-knight use {N1:c3}{W:043Ic}of c3, it doesn't develop a piece in itself (pawns are not pieces), and it could wind up squandering time, especially if White needs to move the {O}{G:WPc3}{W:043Id}c-pawn {N1:c4}{W:043Ie}to c4. Why take two moves (c2-c3 and c3-c4) to do what can be satisfied by one (c2-c4)?}]

14.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/n7/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:44. After 1. e4 Na6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:044}{A:Wf1a6}{H1:a6}{W:044a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:044b};
2. Bxa6;{B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/n7/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1a6}{W:044I}Incorrect. This exchange disrupts Black's queenside pawn structure, compelling Black to accept doubled and isolated a-pawns after recapturing, {S:b7a6}{W:044Ia}2... b7xa6. But to acquire this advantage (the impairment of the enemy pawn structure) White must also make a concession. He must surrender a bishop for a knight before it can be determined if this is a wise thing to do. Generally, bishops and knights (the minor pieces) are to be regarded as roughly equal, but obviously they have different abilities and therefore shine under different conditions. Some positions favor bishops, others knights, and ideally you want to keep the type of piece that would excel in the resulting middlegame. Since bishops tend to outdo knights in a majority of situations, it is especially risky to give them up without having a fuller picture of the anticipated position. Move two is usually too early to make such a judgment.;
2. d4;{B:r1bqkbnr/pppppppp/n7/8/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:044C}Correct. The best move, and one that still keeps open the possibility of busting up Black's queenside pawn structure (Bf1xa6) as soon as it becomes clear that this is the right way to go. Whenever you can set up an ideal pawn center, with little or no friction against it, you should follow through on doing so. Black's first move, {N1:a6}{W:044Ca}1... Na6, practically lets White have his way with out a fight.}]

15.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:45. After 1. e4 d5,  which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:045}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:045a}{A:We4d5}{H1:d5}{W:045b};2. d3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:045I}Incorrect. This is too passive and it sacrifices the initiative. Furthermore, after Black captures White's king-pawn {S:d5e4}{W:045Ia}(2... d5xe4) and White takes back {S:d3e4}{W:045Ib}(3. d3xe4), Black can exchange queens {S:d8d1}{W:045Ic}(3... Qd8xd1+). White will have to take back with his king {S:e1d1}{W:045Id}(4. Ke1xd1). Once you move the king you forfeit the ability to castle. With the king stuck in the middle White is subject to constant harassment. He also might have difficulty "connecting the rooks." You connect the rooks by moving everything else out of the way {X:b1}{X:c1}{X:d1}{X:e1}{X:f1}{X:g1}{W:045Ie}so that the rooks defend each other {N1:a1b1c1d1e1f1g1h1}{W:045If} along the home rank. Connecting the rooks tends to be a vital element in the attempt to produce a sound game with piece harmony. But with a stumbling {C}{P:WKd1}{W:045Ig}king blocking the way this can be a thorny problem, for even if the rooks do become connected it may cost too much time and the situation could be hopeless. Instead of playing so defensively {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:045Ih}(2. d2-d3) White can avoid misfortune by taking Black's pawn instead {S:d3d2}{S:e4d5}{W:045Ii}(2. e4xd5). One advantage is that by exchanging away your beset unit you no longer have to waste time and resources protecting it.;
2. exd5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/4P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:045C}Correct. White meets the challenge head on by taking the threatening pawn (2. e4xd5), hoping to lure out Black's queen to recapture the d-pawn {S:d8d5}{W:045Ca}(2... . Qd8xd5). Black can avoid bringing out the queen early with {S:d5d8}{P:WPd5}{S:g8f6}{W:045Cb}2... Ng8-f6, but either way (Qd8xd5 or Ng8-f6) White has solved his problem by taking Black's d-pawn. This insures obtaining at least equal value for the e-pawn without having wasted time guarding it.}]

16.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:46. After 1. d4 d5,  which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:046}{A:Wc2c4}{H1:c4}{W:046a}{A:Wc2c3}{H1:c3}{W:046b};2. c4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c4}{W:046C}Correct. This move attacks the center and clears a diagonal path {N1:a4b3c2d1}{W:046Ca}(a4-d1) for the development of the queen. In moving c2-c4  White hopes to entice Black into taking White's queen-bishop pawn, {C}{S:d5c4}{W:046Cb}d5xc4. Such a capture relinquishes Black's grip on {N1:e4}{W:046Cc}e4, enabling White eventually to advance his king-pawn {S:e2e4}{C}{W:046Cd}two squares ahead to form a classical pawn center. On the other hand it's entirely reasonable for Black to capture on c4 {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{A:Bd5c4}{N1:c4}{W:046Ce}(2... d5xc4) as long as he doesn't strain his position attempting to hold onto the "extra pawn" imprudently.;
2. c3; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c3}{W:046I}Incorrect. This is a rather plodding, plotless push. It doesn't meaningfully contribute to development and it needlessly guards {N1:d4}{W:046Ia}d4. Nor does it soften Black's {N1:d5}{W:046Ib}d-pawn by attacking it, as {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c4}{A:Wc4d5}{N1:d5}{W:046Ic}c2-c4 would. The best that can be said for it is that it doesn't lose.}]

17.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:47. After 1. d4 Nf6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:047}{A:Wc2c4}{H1:c4}{W:047a}{A:Wb2b3}{H1:b3}{W:047b};2. c4;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c4}{W:047C}Correct. This asserts White's influence over {N1:d5}{W:047Ca}d5. Moreover, since White intends to develop his queen-knight to {A:Wb1c3}{N1:c3}{W:047Cb}c3, White decides to move the c-pawn first so that his queen-knight doesn't wind up blocking it. Moving the c-pawn also empowers the development of the {R}{C}{G:WQd1}{W:047Cc}queen along the {N1:a4b3c2d1}{W:047Cd}a4-d1 diagonal, if such a possibility becomes desirable.;
2. b3; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/8/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b2b3}{W:047I}Incorrect. This advance signals the flanking of the queen-bishop {G:WBc1}{N1:b2}{W:047Ia}to b2, but why position the bishop there? The a1-h8 diagonal is obstructed by White's {O}{N1:d4}{W:047Ib}d-pawn. Besides, the bishop could already be activated along the {N1:c1d2e3f4g5h6}{W:047Ic}c1-h6 diagonal, say to {N1:f4g5}{W:047Id}f4 or g5. So b2-b3 is therefore redundant. Neither player can afford to waste time, especially in the opening, for every move is critical in the battle over the initiative. Throw in that the b-pawn's advance weakens the dark squares {N1:a3c3}{W:047Ie}a3 and c3 and we can throw out the move 2. b2-b3 with the chess trash.}]

18.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/8/5p2/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:48. After 1. d4 f5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:048}{A:We2e4}{H1:e4}{W:048a}{A:We2e3}{H1:e3}{W:048b};2. e4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/8/5p2/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e2e4}{W:048C}Correct. This is a gambit, but not a bad one at all. After Black takes the pawn {S:f5e4}{W:048Ca}(2... f5xe4) White gets ample activity with {S:f2f3}{W:048Cb}3. f2-f3, which opens lines for attack. Since Black has cheapened the {N1:e8f7g6h5}{W:048Cc}e8-h5 diagonal by the early advance of the f-pawn, he must remain vigilant right into the midgame, assuming he gets that far.;
2. e3; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/8/5p2/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e2e3}{W:048I}Incorrect. This is not a gambit, and it's far too passive. Why close the {N1:c1d2e3f4g5h6}{W:048Ia}c1-h6 diagonal before positioning the {G:WBc1}{W:048Ib}queen-bishop outside the pawn chain? Maybe it does clear a path for the bishop on {O}{N1:f1}{W:048Ic}f1, but the movement of this piece could be delayed until after White solves the problem of his {N1:c1}{W:048Id}dark-square bishop. It therefore makes sense to postpone the advance of White's {B:rnbqkbnr/ppppp1pp/8/5p2/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{N1:e2}{W:048Ie} e-pawn with the advance {S:c2c4}{W:048If}c2-c4, a move useful to many queen-pawn games.}]

19.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppp1p/6p1/8/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:49. After 1. d4 g6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:049}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:049a}{A:Wd4d5}{H1:d5}{W:049b};2. Nf3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppppp1p/6p1/8/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:049C}Correct. This develops a piece and targets White's aim on the center. In particular it bolsters the {N1:d4}{W:049Ca}d-pawn and White's grip on {N1:e5}{W:049Cb}e5. It also doesn't reveal important information prematurely, for {N1:f3}{W:049Cc}f3 is the most likely place for the king-knight to reside.;
2. d5; {B:rnbqkbnr/pppppp1p/6p1/8/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4d5}{W:049I}Incorrect. This adds some space to White's game, but it wastes time for it makes a second move with something already out. Better to mobilize other forces, utilizing each move to develop a new unit. After five moves it would be great to have five different soldiers in the field. In chess, as in many other endeavors, there's strength in numbers.}]

20.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:50. After 1. d4 c5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:050}{A:Wd4d5}{H1:d5}{W:050a}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:050b};2. d5;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4d5}{W:050C}Correct. This moves the d-pawn for a second time, but it's still a good play because it enables White to keep his d-pawn. Otherwise, Black exchanges his c-pawn for White's d-pawn{S:c5d4}{X:d5}{W:050Ca}, resulting in a central pawn majority for Black of two vs. one. Moreover, at {S:d4c5}{P:WPd5}{W:050Cb}d5 the queen-pawn exerts a constricting force over Black's game, dissuading the {A:Bb8c6}{W:050Cc}queen-knight from developing to c6. Sometimes you must transgress the principle (it's a principle, not a law of the universe) and move a unit for a second time.;
2. Nc3; {B:rnbqkbnr/pp1ppppp/8/2p5/3P4/8/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:050I}Incorrect. This is a good central development but there's no immediate point to the move. It surely doesn't respond to Black's preceding riposte (1... c7-c5), which launched a direct assault on White's {N1:d4}{W:050Ia}d-pawn. Whatever you do always try to respond to your opponent's previous move. That's what chess is all about, thrust and parry.}]

21.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/16/5N2/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:51. After 1. Nf3 Nf6, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:051}{A:We2e3}{H1:e3}{W:051a}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:051b}
;2. e3;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/16/5N2/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:e2e3}{W:051I}Incorrect. This is perfectly okay, and may even lead to a nice position. But it's not especially relevant, and it might transpire that White prefers moving the {N1:e3}{W:051Ia}e-pawn two squares ahead instead of one. In that event this early move of the king-pawn would result in the loss of a tempo. So why move the king-pawn at all for now? If you have a choice of moves and a particular move being considered doesn't confer obvious advantage, and by not playing it you are able to retain certain options, don't play it.;
2. g3; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/5n2/16/5N2/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:g2g3}{W:051C}Correct. This leads to the fianchetto of White's king-bishop at {S:f1g2}{W:051Ca}g2, which is an excellent post for that piece. From {N1:g2}{W:051Cb}g2 the bishop cuts across the middle along the {N1:a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1}{W:051Cc}a8-h1 diagonal, wreaking implied havoc. Some players refer to such pieces as "sneaky bishops" because they can issue surprise at any moment, once the intervening knight at {N1:f3}{W:051Cd}bishop-three is moved out of the way.}]

22.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/8/6P1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:52. After 1. g3 d5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:052}{A:Wf1g2}{H1:g2}{W:052a}{A:Wf1h3}{H1:h3}{W:052b};2. Bg2;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/8/6P1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1g2}{W:052C}Correct. As a rule once you begin a fianchetto you should complete it. Otherwise you're left with holes no longer guarded by the pawn that used to occupy the knight-two square. These potential weaknesses need to be strengthened by the fianchettoed bishop. After 2. Bf1-g2 the light-square bishop reigns supreme on the {N1:a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1}{W:052Ca}a8-h1 diagonal, with particular influence on the central squares {N1:d5e4}{W:052Cb}d5 and e4.;
2. Bh3; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3p4/8/6P1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1h3}{W:052I}Incorrect. This is a mistake. White shouldn't go to all this trouble (the flanking of his king-bishop) just to trade it off for Black's less important {N1:c8}{W:052Ia}queen-bishop. After all, the king-bishop helps to insure the safety of the king when castled kingside, which is the more usual way to castle. After 2. Bf1-h3 {C}{S:c8h3}{W:052Ib}Bc8xh3 {S:g1h3}{W:052Ic}3. Ng1xh3, White is left with weaknesses at {N1:f3}{W:052Id}f3 and particularly {N1:h3}{W:052Ie}h3. Meanwhile his king-knight is not well positioned on the board's edge. For most kingside fianchettoes it makes sense to post the bishop at knight-two ({N1:g2}{W:052If}g2 for White, {N1:g7}{W:052Ig}g7 for Black). Developing the flanked bishop to the rook-three square tends to happen more on the queenside ({N1:a3}{W:052Ih}a3 for White, {N1:a6}{W:052Ii}a6 for Black) than the kingside ({N1:h3}{W:052Ij}h3 for White, {N1:h6}{W:052Ik}h6 for Black). For one, flanking to rook-three on the queenside {N1:a3a6}{W:052Il}increases the chance to exchange the queen-bishop for the enemy king-bishop, which is usually a worthy endeavor. And sometimes one posts a bishop on queen-rook-three to guard the king-bishop-eight square ({N1:f8}{W:052Im}f8 for a flanked White bishop at a3, {N1:f1}{W:052In}f1 for a flanked Black bishop at a6), which prevents the opponent from castling. Castling would then be impossible for it is illegal for the king to pass over a square attacked by the enemy.}]

23.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2P5/8/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:53. After 1. c4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:053}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:053a}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:053b};2. d3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2P5/8/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:053I}Incorrect. White's quiet pawn push lets out the {N1:c1}{W:053Ia}queen-bishop, guards {N1:e4}{W:053Ib}e4, and doesn't upset the apple cart, but it's somewhat committal. White's not yet sure whether he wants to move the queen-pawn one square ahead or two, and this advance is played before the votes are in.;
2. Nc3; {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2P5/8/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:053C}Correct. An excellent developing move that hits at the key squares in White's central plan, {N1:d5e4}{W:053Ca}d5 and e4. Moreover, it doesn't give away much information unnecessarily, for in the English Opening (1. c4) White usually develops the queen-knight to c3 anyway.}]

24.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/5P2/8/PPPPP1PP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:54. After 1. f4 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:054}{A:We2e4}{H1:e4}{W:054a}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:054b};2. e4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/5P2/8/PPPPP1PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e2e4}{W:054C}Correct. By this clever transposition White converts the opening into a King's Gambit. In other words, it starts as a Bird's Opening {N1:f4}{W:054Ca}(1. f4), which is White's attempt to impact the dark squares in the center, especially {N1:e5}{W:054Cb}e5. Black then attempts to transform the character of the game by sacrificing a pawn, 1... e5, in this situation an artifice known as the Fromm Gambit. It's designed to expedite Black's development and steal the initiative, with the hope of mustering serious threats along the {N1:d6e5f4g3h2}{W:054Cc}d6-h2 and {N1:e1f2g3h4}{W:054Cd}e1-h4 diagonals. But not wishing to abandon his first-move advantage, White counters with a gambit of his own (he offers {N1:f4}{W:054Ce}the f-pawn). This transposes the game into a King's Gambit, an opening that's more usually brought about by a different move order (1. e4 e5  2. f4  instead of 1. f4 e5  2. e4). The resulting position is the same but White achieves it with an element of surprise, and this is often the secret to winning, making the opponent feel he's been tricked. What you don't gain materially you can more than make up for psychologically.;
2. g3; {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/5P2/8/PPPPP1PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g2g3}{W:054I}Incorrect. This is a blunder. The advance 2. g2-g3 is terribly weakening here, for if Black captures the king-bishop pawn {S:e5f4}{W:054Ia}(2... e5xf4) White can't afford to take back {S:g3f4}{W:054Ib}(3. g3xf4?). Doing so would allow the invasion of Black's queen at h4, which is checkmate {S:d8h4}{W:054Ic}(3... Qd8-h4#). Surely there must be a better way for White to start a chess game.}]

25.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/8/1P6/P1PPPPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:55. After 1. b3 e5, which is a better 2nd move for White?{W:055}{A:Wc1b2}{H1:b2}{W:055a}{A:We2e4}{H1:e4}{W:055b};2. Bb2;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/8/1P6/P1PPPPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c1b2}{W:055C}Correct. This is consistent. It fulfills the task begun last move, the flanking of the queen-bishop. A common error is to start a complex action (one consisting of two parts or more), but get diverted without wrapping up the initial package. If you start something, finish it. And if you get distracted, make sure to find your way back as soon as you can.;
2. e4; {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/8/1P6/P1PPPPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e2e4}{W:055I}Incorrect. This deflects White from his intention to flank the queen-bishop at {A:Wc1b2}{N1:b2}{W:055Ia}b2, a transaction he should consummate with celerity. But it's not a horrendous move, 2. e2-e4, it's just not particularly consistent. If White wanted to play a king-pawn opening, why not do it at once with 1. e2-e4? So that's the real problem. These two ideas ({R}{C}{A:Wb2b3}{W:055Ib}b2-b3 and {A:We2e4}{W:055Ic}e2-e4) seldom go together. They represent different approaches to the center, one of influence from the flank, the other of direct central occupation. In chess it's important to make up your mind and to stay with your plan, and you shouldn't change plans unless circumstances dictate it. Otherwise nothing ever gets done.}]