White's Third Move Tutorial



1.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:101. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6, which is a better move for White?{W:101}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:101a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:101b};
3. Nc3;{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:b1c3}{W:101I}Incorrect. This move (Nb1-c3) is okay. It develops a new piece and keeps watch over the significant squares {N1:d5e4}{W:101Ia}d5 and e4. But it doesn't threaten anything, and this gives Black a cost-free turn to build his own game. If White plays another slack development like this one he'll drop his first-move initiative.;
3. d4; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:d2d4}{W:101C}Correct. The pawn move 3. d2-d4 definitely presents Black with a problem. Two accosters are ganging up on his {N1:e5}{W:101Ca}e5-pawn and there's only one defender, the {N1:d6}{W:101Cb}d6-pawn. Black must decide between exchanging on d4, which concedes central lebensraum, or finding an additional sentinel for e5, to insure the king-pawn is adequately protected. In either case the pressure is on Black. Moreover, by menacing Black in this way, White maintains his initiative (the ability to control the direction and flow of play).}]

2.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:102. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6, which is a better 3rd move?{W:102}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:102a}{A:Wf1b5}{H1:b5}{W:102b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:b1c3}{W:102C}Correct. Of the two choices, developing the knight to c3 is preferred. It quietly nurtures White's game while overprotecting the {N1:e4}{W:102Ca}e-pawn. Thus White anticipates a flank strike from Black's f-pawn, {S:f7f5}{C}{W:102Cb}3... f7-f5. With White's e-pawn already guarded by the c3-knight, White can fight back sharply with a two-square advance of the queen-pawn {S:d2d4}{W:102Cc}(4. d2-d4), thereby retaining the initiative. Black's beleaguered center and its accompanying problems should cause him some consternation.;
3. Bb5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:f1b5}I{W:102I}Incorrect. The check with the bishop (3. Bf1-b5+) is juiceless. Black answers by sticking the c-pawn in the bishop's face, {S:c7c6}{W:102Ia}3... c7-c6, and the bishop will have to move again{S:b5a4}{W:102Ib}. Meanwhile the placement of Black's {N1:c6}{W:102Ic}c-pawn then becomes useful, for it secures the center and provides support for a subsequent queen-pawn advance to {S:d6d5}{W:102Id}d5, once that possibility becomes a reality (after Black castles). Here is one of those places where the defender can easily go wrong and fail to punish his overzealous adversary. In response to the bishop check, which is just a check and nothing more, Black could block the attack in several reasonable ways. In addition to the pawn-block {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/1B2p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK2R}{A:Wc7c6}{N1:c6}{W:102Ie}(c7-c6) he could develop the queen-knight to {R}{A:Wb8c6}{N1:c6}{W:102If}c6 or {A:Wb8d7}{N1:d7}{W:102Ig}d7, or he could interpose the bishop at {R}{A:Wc8d7}{N1:d7}{W:102Ih}d7. But neither of these capitalize on White's pointless check. Either knight-block puts the knight in an immobilizing pin, and the bishop-block provides White with options. He could trade bishops or add protection to his own bishop at b5. The only true way to rebuff White is to block the bishop's check with a pawn, and this {R}{C}{S:c7c6}{W:102Ii}(c7-c6) is the obstruction that forces White to waste time saving the bishop.}]

3.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:103. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6, which is a better 3rd move?{W:103}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:103a}{A:Wf3e5}{H1:e5}{W:103b};3. d3;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:d2d3}{W:103I}Incorrect. With 3. d2-d3 White makes sure he doesn't hand over his e-pawn. But he hands something else away, his first-move advantage. White's harmless third move simply has no bite to it. Such ultra-conservative replies afford temporary security but usually at the expense of the initiative. Then there's the secondary problem of White's {N1:f1}{W:103Ia}f1-bishop, which suddenly becomes hemmed in by the obstructive {N1:d3}{W:103Ib}d3-pawn. Its restricted mobility will deprive White's game of a key squad leader, and Black should have little trouble equalizing.;
3. Nxe5; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:f3e5}{W:103C}Correct. Only the knight's capture demonstrates White's resolve to play for a win (not that he's winning, for he's not). It also shows White's consistency, for this is the logical follow-up to White's second move (Ng1-f3), which assaulted Black's e-pawn. Now how does Black intend to get his pawn back? The best way is to precede the recapture by first driving away White's knight {S:d7d6}{W:103Ca}(3... d7-d6). After the knight retreats, say to {S:e5f3}{W:103Cb}f3, Black then retakes the king-pawn {S:f6e4}{W:103Cc}(4... Nf6xe4) and the position is again materially balanced.}]

4.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:104. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, which is a better 3rd move?{W:104}{A:Wf1e2}{H1:e2}{W:104a}{A:Wf1c4}{H1:c4}{W:104b};3. Be2;
{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:f1e2}{W:104I}Incorrect. White prepares to castle by getting the bishop off the home rank. But the scope of the bishop at {N1:e2}{W:104Ia}e2 is so limited that it serves mainly in the role of defense. Its placement doesn't pressure Black's position, which is dangerous, for this allows Black to pursue his own plans unhampered. It's ironic how one passive bishop move can fritter away White's opening initiative. If you usually post your soldiers so submissively, you might as well start every game with the Black pieces and the liability of going second, for under these acquiescent conditions having White has little value.;
3. Bc4; {B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:f1c4}{W:104C}Correct. The old Italian masters championed this move (3. Bf1-c4), and they were right to do so. In their honor this beginning is known as the Italian Game (1. e2-e4 e7-e5 2. Ng1-f3 Nb8-c6 3. Bf1-c4). From c4 the bishop bears down on the critical {N1:a2b3c4d5e6f7g8}{W:104Ca}a2-g8 diagonal, overlooking the central beacon {N1:d5}{W:104Cb}d5 and taking dead aim at the soft spot {N1:f7}{W:104Cc}f7. The latter square is of particular interest because it's defended solely by the Black king. If you're just learning the intricacies of opening play, the Italian Game is a good place to start. It should instill the basic principles in no time.}]

5.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:105. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6, which is a better reply?{W:105}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:105a}{A:Wf1b5}{H1:b5}{W:105b};3. g3;
{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:g2g3}{W:105I}Incorrect. The advance 3. g2-g3 is an attempt to do something in two moves that could be accomplished in one, developing the king-bishop. It could already be activated on move three without having to move the g-pawn. Don't prepare to do what you can do at once. If you want to develop the bishop, just do it, to {N1:c4b5}{W:105Ia}c4 or b5. Why accept weaknesses by unnecessarily moving the g-pawn? Not to mention that at {N1:g2}{W:105Ib}g2 the bishop would butt its head against the wall created by the {N1:e4}{W:105Ic}e4-pawn. All told, the fianchetto here is out of order.;
3. Bb5; {B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:f1b5}{W:105C}Correct. The bishop functions admirably on the a6-f1 diagonal by being developed to b5. While on b5 the bishop contains the latent threat to win Black's e5-pawn with a two-punch combination. Under the appropriate conditions this pawn could be won by first removing the queen-knight {S:b5c6}{W:105Ca}(Bb5xc6)and then following by simply capturing the king-pawn {S:f3e5}{W:105Cb}(Nf3xe5). It doesn't quite work yet for Black has a tactical resource, but it's something that's always potentially in the air and Black must remain open-eyed. For those interested in opening names this beginning (3. Bf1-b5) has two appellations, the Ruy Lopez and the Spanish game. Invoking either of these names in chess circles commands attention, for indeed the Lopez is one of the most tried and true opening systems going.}]

6.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/4Pp2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:106. After 1. e4 e5 2. f4 exf4, which is a better 3rd move?{W:106}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:106a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:106b};
3. Nf3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/4Pp2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:106C}Correct. A safety play is in order now, and this is it, the developing move 3. Ng1-f3. It prohibits the Black queen from penetrating at {A:Bd8h4}{N1:h4}{W:106Ca}h4, which would pester White with an annoying check. From f3 the knight also serves to attack the central highpoints {R}{A:Wf3d4}{N1:d4}{W:106Cb}d4 and {A:Wf3e5}{N1:e5}{W:106Cc}e5. As soon as White thinks it appropriate he can explode in the middle with the commanding advance {R}{C}{S:d2d4}{W:106Cd}d2-d4. What about the sacrificed f-pawn? Can White get it back? There's a good chance he can, capturing it with the {S:c1f4}{W:106Ce}c1-bishop after the d-pawn has forged ahead, but if he can't White's growing attack should be sufficient compensation for the gambited pawn.;
3. d4; {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/4Pp2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:106I}Incorrect. It's best to restrain yourself and hold back the d-pawn for the moment. Otherwise Black's queen checks at {S:d8h4}{W:106Ia}h4, essentially compelling White's king to move. If White instead elects to block the check with the king-knight pawn {S:g2g3}{W:106Ib}(4. g2-g3), Black's extra pawn at f4 takes on {S:f4g3}{W:106Ic}g3, and White can't recapture because of the queen's pin on the {N1:h2}{W:106Id}h2-pawn. (If White takes, {C}{S:h2g3}{W:106Ie}5. h2xg3, he loses his rook, {S:h4h1}{W:106If}5... Qh4xh1.) In playing the King's Gambit (1. e2-e4 e7-e5  2. f2-f4) White must be sensitive to the weakness he engenders along the {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{N1:e1f2g3h4}{W:106Ig}e1-h4 diagonal. Once Black accepts the pawn {C}{S:e5f4}{W:106Ih}(2... e5xf4) White has no unobjectionable way to block on {N1:g3}{W:106Ii}g3 because the newly positioned Black {N1:f4}{W:106Ij}f4-pawn now guards this square. So White must first protect {N1:h4}{W:106Ik}h4 to prevent Black's queen from checking. After this is achieved by the developmental {S:g1f3}{W:106Il}Ng1-f3 White may resume his aggressive aims.}]

7.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:107. After 1. e4 e5 2. f4 d5, which is a better reply?{W:107}{A:Wf4e5}{H1:e5}{W:107a}{A:We4d5}{H1:d5}{W:107b};3. fxe5;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f4e5}{W:107I}Incorrect. This is an error. It opens and exposes the 4th rank to tactical exploitation, and Black seizes the opportunity with {S:d8h4}{W:107Ia}3... Qd8-h4+. But this isn't just check, it's also a winning shot to e4. White must either submit to a withering attack by moving the king {S:e1e2}{W:107Ib}(4. Ke1-e2), which is greeted by taking on e4 with the queen {S:h4e4}{W:107Ic}(4... Qh4xe4+). Or he has to block with the knight-pawn  {B:rnb1kbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pP3/4P2q/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g2g3}{W:107Id}(4. g2-g3), and that's met by the same queen check at {S:h4e4}{W:107Ie}e4, gaining the {A:We4h1}{N1:h1}{W:107If}h1-rook next move. As a rule, if you've advanced your king-bishop pawn with your king still uncastled, be wary of advancing or exchanging this pawn onto your 5th rank. Such movements might be perfectly okay, but they often allow the opponent to issue a pernicious double attack by the queen at king-rook five (h4 for the Black king, h5 for the White).;
3. exd5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:107C}Correct. This is the right capture. Now Black's queen check {S:d8h4}{W:107Ca}(3... Qd8-h4+) achieves nothing, for the double attack (to the king and king-bishop pawn) can be answered by interposing the g-pawn {S:g2g3}{W:107Cb}(4. g2-g3). This not only ends the check, but it also defends the {N1:f4}{W:107Cc}f4-pawn. Black's queen is thus sent into retreat, and a tempo is lost. However, after the correct capture {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:107Cd}(3. e4xd5), Black should not retake with the queen {S:d8d5}{W:107Ce}(3... Qd8xd5), for that loses time to the knight attack {S:b1c3}{W:107Cf}4. Nb1-c3. Instead he should either take a pawn of his own {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3Pp3/5P2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e5f4}{W:107Cg}(3... exf4), or make a real gambit of it by advancing the king-pawn {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3Pp3/5P2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e5e4}{W:107Ch}(3... e5-e4), {N1:f3}{W:107Ci}guarding f3 and therefore deterring the development of White's {N1:g1}{W:107Cj}king-knight.}]

8.
[{B:rnbqk1nr/pppp1ppp/8/2b1p3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:108. After 1. e4 e5 2. f4 Bc5, which is a better 3rd move?{W:108}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:108a}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:108b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqk1nr/pppp1ppp/8/2b1p3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:108I}Incorrect. Make no mistake about it, this is a good move. And there's a sly feature to it. Black may be tempted to win a pawn by capturing the knight {S:c5g1}{W:108Ia}(3... Bc5xg1  {S:h1g1}{W:108Ib}4. Rh1xg1) and checking with the queen {S:d8h4}{W:108Ic}(4... Qd8-h4+). After the check is then blocked {S:g2g3}{W:108Id}(5. g2-g3) Black's queen can munch the king-rook pawn {S:h4h2}{W:108Ie}(5... Qh4xh2). But White drives off the queen by {S:g1g2}{W:108If}6. Rg1-g2 and Black's attack is at an end.;
3. Nf3; {B:rnbqk1nr/pppp1ppp/8/2b1p3/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:108C}Correct. This is the safest and best development because it safeguards {N1:h4}{W:108Ca}h4, stopping an invasionary queen check. It also develops the king-knight out of the {N1:c5}{W:108Cb}c5-bishop's attack, and this avoids losing the right to castle kingside which would ensue from an exchange of bishop for knight on {N1:g1}{W:108Cc}g1. White may now continue with several plans, including chasing the dark-square bishop by {C}{S:c2c3}{W:108Cd}4. c2-c3 and {S:d2d4}{W:108Ce}5. d2-d4, or simply activating the queen-knight {B:rnbqk1nr/pppp1ppp/8/2b1p3/4PP2/5N2/PPPP2PP/RNBQKB1R}{S:b1c3}{W:108Cf}(4. Nb1-c3). Although White often develops both knights to their bishop-three squares anyhow, developing the {N1:f3}{W:108Cg}king-knight first provides slightly greater security and flexibility, and this is why it's preferred on move three, in this particular position.}]

9.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:109. After 1. e4 e5 2. d4 d6, which is a better 3rd move?{W:109}{A:Wd4e5}{H1:e5}{W:109a}{A:Wd4d5}{H1:d5}{W:109b};3. dxe5;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4e5}{W:109C}Correct. Assuming that Black will recapture {S:d6e5}{W:109Ca}(3... d6xe5) to maintain the material balance, White trades queens {S:d1d8}{W:109Cb}(4. Qd1xd8+ {S:e8d8}{W:109Cc}Ke8xd8). Black thereby forfeits the right to castle (you can no longer castle if your king has already moved), and his king becomes a sitting duck in the center. Moreover, the unseated monarch is an obstacle to movement along the home rank, and the rooks lose connective power. Many players are reluctant to exchange queens so early (or even later). They say things like "I need my queen," though they seldom say why. And when they do attempt to explain, it usually sounds like a rationalization to justify a prejudice. Others argue that they handle the queen particularly well (doubtlessly better than their opponents handle their queens), but I contend this is rubbish. If they are so adept at using the queen, why aren't they equally skilled at moving the rook and bishop, the two pieces that comprise the queen? Unless you are very experienced, or have some deep insight, isn't it easier to use the simpler unit over the more complex? The truth is we're all attracted to the queen because of its sheer power. But in chess the way to exploit power often entails its timely surrender, and giving it up for a clearer, more manageable advantage is the mark of the game's elite.;
3. d5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4d5}{W:109I}Incorrect. Advancing the d-pawn gains space, but it loses dynamism. By removing all the tension in the center White relaxes the pressure on Black's game. The result is that Black has no immediate opening problems to solve and therefore can pursue his plans unfettered. In fact, by fixing the pawns so, White presents Black with a clear-cut course of action. He will eventually expand on the kingside by advancing the king-bishop pawn to {S:f7f5}{W:109Ia}f5 and follow by developing the king-knight to {S:g8f6}{W:109Ib}f6. Both of these assail the base of White's pawn chain at {N1:e4}{W:109Ic}e4. The logic of this is that if the base falls, the rest of the chain is prone to topple as well. Now it's true that by advancing pawns you gain space, but the downside is that the pawns are then closer to the enemy and easier to attack. Since White's position also becomes less peppy, this choice{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4d5}{W:109Id}(3. d4-d5) is clearly inferior to the direct exchange {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/3p4/4p3/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4e5}{W:109Ie}(3. d4xe5).}]

10.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/3pP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:110. After 1. e4 e5 2. d4 exd4, which is a better 3rd move?{W:110}{A:Wc2c3}{H1:c3}{W:110a}{A:Wf1d3}{H1:d3}{W:110b};3. c3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/3pP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c3}{W:110C}Correct. This sharp pawn advance is a felicitous way for White to enter gambit lines. The immediate threat is to capture Black's d4-pawn {A:Wc3d4}{N1:d4}{W:110Ca}(4. c3xd4), fashioning a classical pawn center, so Black must act with dispatch. If Black tries to clutch onto the material by taking another pawn {R}{C}{S:d4c3}{W:110Cb}(3... d4xc3), White can take back {S:b1c3}{W:110Cc}(4. Nb1xc3) and develop a knight to the center. This is called the Half Danish Gambit or Goring Gambit. White gets plenty of open lines, develops quickly, and soon castles, enabling him to pursue a vigorous attack without fear of wounding his own king, suddenly tucked away on the kingside. A full Danish Gambit arises from the moves {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/3pP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c3}{W:110Cd}3. c2-c3 {S:d4c3}{W:110Ce}d4xc3 {S:f1c4}{W:110Cf}4. Bf1-c4 {S:c3b2}{W:110Cg}c3xb2 {S:c1b2}{W:110Ch}5. Bc1xb2. White surrenders two pawns for two raking bishops and a promising assault.;
3. Bd3; {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/3pP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1d3}{W:110I}Incorrect. This is a poor excuse for a gambit. White gets nothing in return for his sacrificed pawn. After this quiet development of the bishop to d3 Black is under no pressure and is free to make whatever building moves he wants, unencumbered because of the lack of enemy threats. He's even free to strike in the center with the thrust {S:d7d5}{W:110Ia}3... d7-d5. A better development is to post the bishop at {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/3pP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1c4}{W:110Ib}c4, where it controls {N1:d5}{W:110Ic}d5 and zooms in on the vulnerable point {N1:f7}{W:110Id}f7. But at  {B:rnbqkbnr/pppp1ppp/16/3pP3/3B4/PPP2PPP/RNBQK1NR}{N1:d3}{W:110Ie}d3 the bishop obstructs the queen's attack to{N1:d4}{W:110If} d4, making it more difficult for White to regain the sacrificed pawn. It also has less scope, for in the given situation it is bogged by the pawn on {N1:e4}{W:110Ig}e4. As a rule, bishops placed on queen-three ({N1:d3}{W:110Ih}d3 for White, {N1:d6}{W:110Ii}d6 for Black) bear a rosier future if they also have a clear, unimpeded diagonal directed at the opponent's castled king. Of particular interest is the square king-rook-seven ({N1:h7}{W:110Ij}h7 for White, {N1:h2}{W:110Ik}h2 for black). Bishops stationed on queen-three often have a party attacking and menacing this targeted point.}]

11.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}
{QB:111. After 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6, White plans to follow up by attacking the e5-pawn. Does it require preparation or can it be done right away?{W:111}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:111a}{A:Wf2f4}{H1:f4}{W:111b};3. d3;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:111I}Incorrect. The move of the queen-pawn (3. d2-d3) has one main purpose, to negotiate the advance {A:Wf2f4}{N1:f4}{W:111Ia}4. f2-f4. After the advance, in the event Black captures on {A:Be5f4}{W:111Ib}f4, White's {N1:c1}{W:111Ic}c1-bishop is all set to recapture. But the move 3. d2-d3 rests on two faulty premises. First, that the push f2-f4 needs protection before it can be played. It doesn't. Second, that Black is going to sit still while White resolutely implements his strategy. He's not. In fact, Black is likely to counterstrike in the center with the pincer attack {R}{C}{S:d7d5}{W:111Id}3... d7-d5. As a general rule you shouldn't prepare to do what you can already do satisfactorily. Needless preparations only waste precious time, which might result in failing to fulfill the original task, which could lead to the loss of the entire game. It doesn't take much -- a single unnecessary move can start you on a downward spiral that concludes in ignominious defeat.;
3. f4; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:f2f4}{W:111C}Correct. With 3. f2-f4 White can exert immediate pressure against Black's king-pawn. No preparation is needed for this move, for Black would be ill-advised to capture on f4. If he does take {S:e5f4}{W:111Ca}(3... e5xf4) White presses ahead with the pronged thrust {S:e4e5}{W:111Cb}4. e4-e5, driving the f6-knight back to g8 (if {S:d8e7}{W:111Cc}4... Qd8-e7, pinning the e-pawn, then {S:d1e2}{W:111Cd}5. Qd1-e2 unpins it, and the {S:f6g8}{W:111Ce}f6-knight must withdraw anyway). After the knight goes back to its home square Black is seriously behind in development. As for regaining the sacrificed pawn at f4, White will be ready to do this after a subsequent two-square advancement of the queen-pawn. How should Black respond to {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:f2f4}{W:111Cf}3. f2-f4? He should hit back in the middle with the bold rejoinder {S:d7d5}{W:111Cg}3... d7-d5. Generally, the best way to counter a flank attack is to retaliate in the center. The enemy forces may be out of position, unprimed for this retort. Moreover, a strong central reaction just might deter the opponent from pursuing his campaign all together.}]

12.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}
{QB:112. After 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6, the e4-pawn is attacked. Can White ignore the threat or does he have to guard e4?{W:112}{A:Wc2c3}{H1:c3}{W:112a}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:112b};3. c3;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:c2c3}{W:112I}Incorrect. The move of the queen-bishop pawn looks like an oversight. Black just rips off the king-pawn with his knight, {S:f6e4}{W:112Ia}3... Nf6xe4. Perhaps after the e4-pawn is captured White thinks he can successfully attack the vulnerable square {N1:f7}{W:112Ib}f7. One possibility is to issue a double attack along the a2-g8 diagonal with {S:d1b3}{W:112Ic}4. Qd1-b3. But this is refuted by retiring the e4-knight to {S:e4d6}{W:112Id}d6, which guards f7 and counterattacks the {A:Bd6c4}{W:112Ie}c4-bishop. Nor does deploying the queen in the other direction help either, for {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2B1n3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:d1f3}{W:112If}4. Qd1-f3 is rebuffed by the assertive {S:d7d5}{W:112Ig}4... d7-d5, defending the e4-knight and blocking out the c4-bishop. Finally {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2B1n3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:d1h5}{W:112Ih}4. Qd1-h5 is adequately handled by  {S:d8f6}{W:112Ii}4... Qd8-f6. In each of these three instances Black bolsters {N1:f7}{W:112Ij}f7 while holding onto his extra pawn.;
3. d3; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:d2d3}{W:112C}Correct. White's e-pawn comes under fire, and 3. d2-d3 puts the fire out. It prevents Black from capturing on {N1:e4}{W:112Ca}e4, and it stops him from following with a two-square advance of the queen-pawn. It also clears a path for the activation of the {N1:c1}{W:112Cb}c1-bishop. Sometimes a defensive move (such as 3. d2-d3) is compulsory, but even when it is you still might be able to find one that possesses zip and punch. This is the best way to keep your opponent bridled and corralled.}]

13.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}
{QB:113. After 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nf6, White focuses on two different approaches to the center. Which is more often played?{W:113}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:113a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:113b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:b1c3}{W:113C}Correct. Both of these moves have their proponents, but 3. Nb1-c3 is the one most players essay. But with this development you must know how to respond to the "fork trick." This is a stratagem in which one player temporarily sacrifices a knight (which is soon regained) to neutralize the opponent's center. Here it comes about when Black takes the pawn on e4, {S:f6e4}{W:113Ca}3... Nf6xe4. White can capture the knight immediately, {S:c3e4}{W:113Cb}4. Nc3xe4, but this is met by the queen-pawn's fork trick, {S:d7d5}{W:113Cc}4... d7-d5. Black gets a piece back because of the pawn fork to White's {A:Bd5c4}{A:Bd5e4}{N1:c4e4}{W:113Cd}c4-bishop and e4-knight. Or seeing the impending fork trick, and realizing that he is not going to keep the extra piece, White might delay capturing on e4, first inserting a sacrifice of his own, {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2B1n3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQK1NR}{S:c4f7}{W:113Ce}4. Bc4xf7+. The idea is to force the enemy king to move, ceding the right to castle. But after {W:113Cf}{S:e8f7}4... Ke8xf7 {S:c3e4}{W:113Cg}5. Nc3xe4, Black has the offensive rebound {S:d7d5}{W:113Ch}5... d7-d5, forming a two-headed pawn center. It turns out that neither capture on e4, whether immediate or postponed, is correct. Instead White should forgo material and play for the attack with the queen sortie,  {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/8/4p3/2B1n3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQK1NR}{S:d1h5}{W:113Ci}4. Qd1-h5!. This variation is well analyzed and therefore hazardous, but so is life, and it can be a lot of fun too.;
3. d4; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:d2d4}{W:113I}Incorrect. Fewer people (I don't know about machines or programs) would play this (3. d2-d4), probably because it appears so perilous. But though it's more forcing, it's neither better or worse than the alternative, {A:Wb1c3}{W:113Ia}3. Nb1-c3. The key is to know how to reply to Black's anticipated capture of the queen-pawn, {R}{S:e5d4}{W:113Ib}3... e5xd4. Taking back with the queen {S:d1d4}{W:113Ic}(4. Qd1xd4) loses time to the attack of the queen-knight, {S:b8c6}{W:113Id}4... Nb8-c6. And if White switches to the super-aggressive {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/8/2BpP3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:e4e5}{W:113Ie}4. e4-e5, Black answers with the brash {S:d7d5}{W:113If}4... d7-d5!, and he's holding his own. The only valid tack after {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/8/2BpP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQK1NR}{W:113Ig}3. d2-d4 e5xd4 is to forget about the pawn and continue in gambit style by developing the king-knight, {S:g1f3}{W:113Ih}4. Ng1-f3. After {S:f6e4}{W:113Ii}4... Nf6xe4 {S:d1d4}{W:113Ij}5. Qd1xd4 (possible because the threat to e4 prevents Black from safely attacking White's queen by {A:Bb8c6}{W:113Ik}Nb8-c6 -- for now), Black has an extra pawn, but White has a counterbalancing attack.}]

14.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:114. After 1. e4 e5  2. c3 d5, should White defend the e-pawn or trade it away?{W:114}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:114a}{A:We4d5}{H1:d5}{W:114b};3. d3;{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:114I}Incorrect. Defending the king-pawn by 3. d2-d3 is too passive and turns over the initiative. Black presses home his sudden chance by exchanging pawns and then queens {S:d5e4}{W:114Ia}(3... d5xe4  {S:d3e4}{W:114Ib}4. d3xe4 {S:d8d1}Q{W:114Ic}d8xd1+ {S:e1d1}{W:114Id}5. Ke1xd1), when White loses the castling privilege. Black's attack is then pursued by developing the king-bishop to threaten the vulnerable f2-pawn, {S:f8c5}{W:114Ie}5... Bf8-c5. In just a few moves White has gone from being the attacking side to assuming the role of defender, which means he's lost his first-move advantage. Note that this transfer of power to the second player was brought about by trading things, especially the queen. There's a tendency to see exchanges of even material as empty transactions, nothing ventured, nothing gained. But this is where the good player shines. He understands that the outcome of a capture doesn't have to be the gain of material. Rather the value of an exchange could come down to immaterial factors, such as the ability to use a square or the opportunity to control the flow of play. And that's the point. Little things matter. A negligible divergence in the beginning can translate into a huge disparity in the end. So don't be afraid to trade pieces, even the queen, if in the process you acquire a small, but definite advantage.;
3. exd5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/8/3pp3/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:114C}Correct. White should definitely contest the center, starting with 3. e4xd5. Moreover, it's incumbent upon him to try to make something out of his second move, 2. c2-c3. This was played to support the advance of the d-pawn to d4, so once Black recaptures on d5, {S:d8d5}{W:114Ca}3... Qd8xd5, White logically should follow with a two-square queen-pawn push. After 3. e4xd5 Qd8xd5 {S:d2d4}{W:114Cb}4. d2-d4 {S:e5d4}{W:114Cc}e5xd4 {S:c3d4}{W:114Cd}5. c3xd4 White has a pawn occupying a center square and Black doesn't. True, it's an isolated pawn, but it does confer a spatial edge while guarding useful squares, particularly {N1:e5}{W:114Ce}e5. Furthermore, with {N1:c3}{W:114Cf}c3 now unoccupied, White is poised to develop the {S:b1c3}{W:114Cg}queen-knight there, harassing Black's queen. All in all, White has the initiative, the attack, and at least a slight positional pull.}]

15.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}
{QB:115. After 1. e4 e5  2. Nc3 Nf6, which is a better development?{W:115}{A:Wf1b5}{H1:b5}{W:115a}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:115b};3. Bb5;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:f1b5}{W:115I}Incorrect. It's okay to activate the king-bishop before the king-knight, but not to b5. The square c4 is much better in the Vienna Opening (1. e2-e4 e7-e5  2. Nb1-c3). Perhaps White plays 3. Bf1-b5 to pin the {N1:d7}{W:115Ia}d7-pawn to Black's king, or maybe he's hoping that Black brings out the queen-knight to {A:Bb8c6}{N1:c6}{W:115Ib}c6, when the bishop is then presented with the option of taking the c6-knight. But neither of these come to anything for Black punishes the arrant bishop with a c-pawn in the face, {R}{C}{S:c7c6}{W:115Ic}3... c7-c6. White will have to move the bishop again, {S:b5c4}{W:115Id}losing a tempo, and Black gains two things beyond that, an open {N1:a5b6c7d8}{W:115Ie}a5-d8 diagonal for his queen and pawn support for the advance {A:Bd7d5}{W:115If}d7-d5, whenever it's deemed feasible.;
3. Nf3; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:115C}Correct. With this development (3. Ng1-f3) White moves away from the Vienna into other beginnings, such as the Three Knights Game or the Four Knights Game (if Black deploys his queen-knight to c6). The attack on the e5-pawn will most likely prompt the natural {S:b8c6}{W:115Ca}3... Nb8-c6, and if White then continues with {S:f1b5}{W:115Cb}4. Bf1-b5, the opening becomes a Spanish Four Knights Game. The Four Knights Game is an extreme example of both players following the maxim "knights before bishops." Neither side wants to commit their bishops before the position becomes more defined, so they develop both their knights before situating either of their bishops. But in real chess life there are plenty of occasions to get bishops out before knights, so it's hardly an ironclad rule. Use the principle when it works, or don't use it at all.}]

16.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/3p4/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:116. After 1. e4 c5  2. Nf3 d6, Which is a better way to hit Black's c-pawn, with a flank pawn or a center pawn?{W:116}{A:Wb2b4}{H1:b4}{W:116a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:116b};3. b4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/3p4/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:b2b4}{W:116I}Incorrect. The push of the queen-knight pawn introduces the Delayed Wing Gambit. (White can play b2-b4 one move earlier, deriving similar possibilities.) The idea is to lure Black's queen-bishop pawn out of the center (3. b2-b4 {S:c5b4}{W:116Ia}c5xb4) so that White is able to establish a classical pawn formation with {S:d2d4}{W:116Ib}4. d2-d4. One reason Black plays the Sicilian Defense (1. e4 c5) is to exchange the c-pawn for White's d-pawn, assuming White advances d2-d4. This he usually does, except in Closed Sicilian lines where White instead plays d2-d3. After the trade, Black obtains two central pawns (on the d- and e-files) to White's one (on the e-file). It is said that Black gets a "central pawn majority." Chess logic holds that the more pawns you have in a region, the greater your chances to control the region. Of course this isn't always true, though usually it is, which means that Black in the Sicilian has excellent central prospects -- if he can survive White's early attack. That's a big if, but the fact is that though White wins a majority of the short games, Black tends to score better as the contests stretch on, when White's failed attacks have left his position overextended and vulnerable. The Wing Gambit is somewhat off the beaten path, so it could unsettle an inexperienced Sicilian defender, especially if he's never faced it before. White does obtain attacking chances for the pawn offering, but since he can get an aggressive position without having to sacrifice a pawn by 3. d2-d4, why should he risk a material deficit?;
3. d4; {B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/3p4/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:d2d4}{W:116C}Correct. The main line for White is 3. d2-d4, the so-called Open Sicilian. White opens the center, picks up a spatial advantage, and easily gets his pieces out. He also has the option of castling on either side of the board. If there's a problem with the Open Sicilian it's purely practical. An enormous body of theory has evolved on the Sicilian and it's a gargantuan task trying to assimilate all the published lines. One inexact move for either player can prove quite costly. What Sicilian advocates (whether for White or Black) usually do, therefore, is to specialize in just a few variations so that they don't have to cope with everything, which would be virtually impossible.}]

17.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:117. After 1. e4 c5  2. Nf3 e6, which is a better minor piece placement?{W:117}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:117a}{A:Wf1c4}{H1:c4}{W:117b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:117C}Correct. The development of the queen-knight (3. Nb1-c3) is just fine. We know with implicit certainty where the b1-knight should go (toward the center, defending the king-pawn), so placing the knight on c3 does not forfeit important options. In fact, by not yet advancing the {N1:d2}{W:117Ca}d-pawn two squares White retains the possibility of moving it only one square, setting up a Closed Sicilian. The virtue of this is that Black must remain on his toes, alive to the eventuality of either type of game (closed or open).;
3. Bc4; {B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1c4}{W:117I}Incorrect. Posting the king-bishop on c4 is often propitious, but in the current position 3. Bf1-c4 is a weak move. The tip-off is Black's {N1:e6}{W:117Ia}e6-pawn, which breaks the c4-bishop's line to {N1:f7}{W:117Ib}f7. Attacking f7 is a chief reason for developing the light-square bishop to c4, so such a placement here is wrong. (It would be typical to speak of such a bishop as "biting on granite.") Nor does the bishop's attack on {N1:d5}{W:117Ic}d5 prove useful, for this is more than countered by the stance of the {N1:e6}{W:117Id}e6-pawn. It supports the thwarting {S:d7d5}{W:117Ie}3... d7-d5, which would menace the bishop. After {C}{S:e4d5}{W:117If}4. e4xd5 {S:e6d5}{W:117Ig}e6xd5 White is constrained to move the harried minor piece again. As a rule, before developing a piece to a particular square, make sure you can keep it there (at least for awhile). And if your opponent can drive it away, make sure that such an action would impair his own position. Otherwise you're wasting time and moves, and that's a sure way to lose a chess game.}]

18.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:118. After 1. e4 c5  2. Nf3 Nc6, which is a better anti-knight thing to do, to attack one or to prevent another from coming out?{W:118}{A:Wf1b5}{H1:b5}{W:118a}{A:We4e5}{H1:e5}{W:118b};3. Bb5;{B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:f1b5}{W:118C}Correct. Bestow high marks on 3. Bf1-b5, bringing out a new piece and attacking the {N1:c6}{W:118Ca}c6-knight. The bishop lands on an excellent square where it indirectly influences the center. The possibility of playing {A:Wb5c6}{N1:c6}{W:118Cb}Bb5xc6 (or of keeping the c6-knight in a pin if the d7-pawn moves while Black is still uncastled) reduces Black's ability to control the central dark squares {N1:d4e5}{W:118Cc}d4 and e5. This is a useful concept to keep in mind. You don't have to attack a central square directly to control it. Instead you can do it indirectly by threatening an enemy piece that guards the center (usually that piece is a knight). If the enemy piece is immobilized, say by a pin, or if it's suddenly removed from the board (or the face of the Earth), it ceases to fulfill its previous obligations. What this means, in translation, is that a light-square bishop can menace specific dark squares by attacking the enemy knight that protects them (and by attacking a supporting knight, a dark-square bishop can threaten certain corresponding light squares.);
3. e5; {B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/4P3/5N2/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:e4e5}{W:118I}Incorrect. Moving the same pawn (3. e4-e5) twice in the opening, without overwhelming justification, is a no-no. You're not supposed to do it with pieces, and you shouldn't do it with pawns either. Sure, it would be a different story if the advancing king-pawn were driving back the f6-knight. Such an advance would gain time. But there is no knight on {N1:f6}{W:118Ia}f6, so this advance merely represents a wasted move. It loses time. Perhaps White's idea is to guard f6, preventing the king-knight from occupying its optimal square. But a more rational approach for White would be to augment development by bringing out a new piece or by moving the d-pawn so that other pieces could then come out. And loss of time isn't White's only problem after 3. e4-e5. The e5-pawn itself could become overextended and harder to guard. A simple little threat like {C}{S:d8c7}{W:118Ib}3... Qd8-c7 constrains White to rely on an awkward self-blocking defense, {S:d1e2}{W:118Ic}4. Qd1-e2. Moreover, Black has other means at his disposal to mount the pressure against {N1:e5}{W:118Id}e5, such as a kingside fianchetto that stations the dark-square bishop at g7. As an opening rule of thumb plan to develop a different piece with each play, and if on a particular turn you can't develop a new piece, try to make moves such as line-opening central pawn advances that increase the possibility of further development as the game proceeds.}]

19.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:119. After 1. e4 c5  2. c3 Nf6, should White advance the threatened king-pawn or defend it?{W:119}{A:We4e5}{H1:e5}{W:119a}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:119b};3. e5;{B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4e5}{W:119C}Correct. White should accept the challenge and press onward with 3. e4-e5. This compels the Black knight to move again. On e5 in these circumstances the king-pawn is hardly in any danger (as it might be in other similar situations), even though it has landed in enemy territory. White can easily strengthen the pawn by developing the king-knight (Ng1-f3) or by advancing the queen-pawn (d2-d4). The latter is reinforced by the placement of the queen-bishop pawn on c3, which is the very purpose of White's second move, to support the advance of White's queen-pawn to d4.;
3. d3; {B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/4P3/2P5/PP1P1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d3}{W:119I}Incorrect. The only reasonable lookout for e4 is the queen-pawn by moving it to d3, but this is appallingly passive. It's also inconsistent. Why play c2-c3 on the second move, intending shortly to advance the queen-pawn two squares ahead (d2-d4), only to settle for moving the d-pawn just one square? This sudden acquiescence renders White's second move totally useless. But it's worse than that, for with {N1:c3}{W:119Ia}c3 occupied White's {N1:b1}{W:119Ib}queen-knight is denied access to its most efficacious opening locale, {N1:c3}{W:119Ic}queen-bishop-three. This brings out a useful distinction. Chess is an aggressive game which thrives on taking calculated risks. A good policy is to try to get your opponent before he gets you. It might backfire, this total commitment to all-out warfare, but usually fortune smiles on the intelligently bellicose. In this sense chess is more like karate than judo. In judo you wait for your opponent to commit an error and then you exploit it. In karate you try to score first so that your opponent is unable to counterattack. Of course there's room for judo in chess too, but karate is the way to go most of the time. It's especially right for the given situation (1. e2-e4 c7-c5 2. c2-c3 Ng8-f6).  White should take the active approach {C}{A:We4e5}{W:119Id}(3. e4-e5) over the wait-and-see program of 3. d2-d3.}]

20.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:120. After 1. e4 c5  2. f4 e6, is it better to occupy d4 or guard it?{W:120}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:120a}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:120b};3. d4;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:120I}Incorrect. Occupation of d4 is mis-timed. After 3. d2-d4 Black captures the queen-pawn {S:c5d4}{W:120Ia}(3... cxd4) and White's queen recaptures {S:d1d4}{W:120Ib}(4. Qd1xd4) on an exposed square. White will wind up losing time after the queen-knight besets the queen {S:b8c6}{W:120Ic}(4... Nb8-c6). And the queen will have to be choosy in selecting a retreat square. For instance {S:d4c3}{W:120Id}5. Qd4-c3? loses the queen to the brutal pin {S:f8b4}{W:120Ie}5... Bf8-b4. This is a typical example of what can happen to her majesty by overuse in the opening. But even without a blunder White suffers impairment to the {N1:a7b6c5d4e3f2g1}{W:120If}a7-g1 diagonal. This can be a grievous problem (though it's not yet), for White's king is placed on this line after castling kingside (on the square g1). After {B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:120Ig}3. d2-d4 here it doesn't hurt White to be vigilant, for Black often musters nasty diagonal devices along this slanted row whenever both the {N1:d2f2}{W:120Ih}d- and {W:120Ii}f-pawns have been moved early. This is so because White has lessened his mastery over three key points, reducing his ability to shield a diagonal attack to {N1:g1}{W:120Ij}g1. Weakened are {N1:d4}{W:120Ik}d4, because the d-pawn is gone, {N1:e3}{W:120Il}e3, because the f-pawn no longer guards it, and {N1:f2}{W:120Im}f2 because it's no longer occupied by a buffering pawn.;
3. Nf3; {B:rnbqkbnr/pp1p1ppp/4p3/2p5/4PP2/8/PPPP2PP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:120C}Correct. After an early f2-f4, Ng1-f3 fits like a glove. The pawn and knight team up to put pressure on {N1:e5}{W:120Ca}e5. Usually in the f4-system White ends up assigning his queen-pawn to {N1:d3}{W:120Cb}d3, which is a form of the Closed Sicilian. But he's in no hurry to do so here, for if he plays d2-d3 too early he hems in the {N1:f1}{W:120Cc}f1-bishop. Rather he will wait a bit, maybe essaying Nb1-c3, a useful developing move. By tarrying for a turn or two, he can see whether it's better for the bishop to go to {N1:b5c4}{W:120Cd}b5 or c4. Only then, after developing the bishop "outside the pawn chain," will he commit himself to the impediment of placing the {G:WQd2}{W:120Ce}queen-pawn on {N1:d3}{W:120Cf}d3.}]

21.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}
{QB:121. After 1. e4 c5  2. Nc3 Nc6, is it better to attack the center or the c-pawn?{W:121}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:121a}{A:Wd1h5}{H1:h5}{W:121b};3. g3;
{B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:g2g3}{W:121C}Correct. Long-term coercion with 3. g2-g3, followed by {S:f1g2}{W:121Ca}4. Bf1-g2, has the weight of chess theory behind it. The resulting position will likely be a Closed Sicilian Defense, where the center doesn't open because White avoids trading his queen-pawn for Black's queen-bishop pawn. Moreover, with the light-square bishop stationed at {N1:g2}{W:121Cb}g2, White is geared to dissuade Black from countering with his own line-opener, {A:Bd7d5}{W:121Cc}d7-d5. In most Closed Sicilians both sides develop and maneuver quietly behind the lines, so there tends not to be much in the way of early fireworks. The real struggle is deferred until the middlegame, after each side has castled and invested the minor pieces.;
3. Qh5; {B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/4P3/2N5/PPPP1PPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:d1h5}{W:121I}Incorrect. The undefended{N1:c5}{W:121Ia} c5-pawn is not a sufficient lure to justify the early introduction of the queen (3. Qd1-h5). These early hit-and-run tactics work primarily against beginners and zombies, and even they hold their own. When undertaken in real games against experienced players such shortsighted shots shoot blanks. Worse, they rebound against the perpetrator. After 3. Qd1-h5 Black has a very easy defense in {C}{S:e7e6}{W:121Ib}3... e7-e6, which simultaneously releases the {N1:f8}{W:121Ic}king-bishop. Black will follow with {C}{S:g8f6}{W:121Id}4... Ng8-f6, developing with a gain of time by slapping White's queen with a threat. And if Black needs more ammunition, he has the opportunity to invade on {N1:d4}{W:121Ie}d4 with the {A:Bc6d4}{W:121If}queen-knight, threatening to capture on {N1:c2}{W:121Ig}c2 -- a square made vulnerable by the displacement of White's queen.}]

22.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/8/3nP3/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:122. After 1. e4 Nf6  2. e5 Nd5, should White develop or advance?{W:122}{A:Wd1f3}{H1:f3}{W:122a}{A:Wd2d4}{H1:d4}{W:122b};3. Qf3;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/8/3nP3/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d1f3}{W:122I}Incorrect. The early queen move 3. Qd1-f3 is decidedly premature and is to be discouraged. The threat to the {N1:d5}{W:122Ia}d5-knight is harmless. Black can answer it by building his position with a one-square advance of the king-pawn {C}{S:e7e6}{W:122Ib}(3... e7-e6), a move he's likely to play on his own accord for it prepares the launching of the {N1:f8}{W:122Ic}king-bishop. The real drawback to this misguided queen excursion is that it obstructs {N1:f3}{W:122Id}f3, which deprives the {N1:g1}{W:122Ie}king-knight of an admirable post. Furthermore, by positioning the queen off the d-file, White has lost support for the {N1:d2}{W:122If}d-pawn's advance. And there could be additional consequences, for if the d-pawn can't move up two squares, how is White going to protect the e5-pawn when it comes under fire? A sample variation might go, 3. Qd1-f3 e7-e6 {C}{S:f1c4}{W:122Ig}4. Bf1-c4 {S:b8c6}{W:122Ih}Nb8-c6! {S:c4d5}{W:122Ii}5. Bc4xd5 {S:e6d5}{W:122Ij}e6xd5 {S:f3d5}{W:122Ik}6. Qf3xd5 {S:d8g5}{W:122Il}Qd8-g5!, when Black recovers his pawn with good prospects.;
3. d4; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppppp/8/3nP3/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d2d4}{W:122C}Correct. The pawn advance (3. d2-d4) is called for. It's a productive move that releases the queen and queen-bishop while securing {N1:e5}{W:122Ca}e5. It also entails very little risk, unlike 3. Qd1-f3. This is a mainline variation of Alekhine's Defense (1. e2-e4 Ng8-f6), named after the fourth world champion, Alexander Alekhine (1892-1946). The idea is to entice the enemy pawn center forward, beyond the ability of White to defend it adequately. When this strategy works White's pawns fall like ripe apples (a paraphrase of a famous Bobby Fischer line). When it doesn't, Black's pieces become displaced and susceptible. Who gets the upper hand? White or Black? As with so many chess blueprints it's a matter of execution. Whoever applies his plan best wins.}]

23.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:123. After 1. e4 e6  2. d4 d5, which is the best way to guard the e4-pawn?{W:123}{A:Wf2f3}{H1:f3}{W:123a}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:123b};3. f3;{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f2f3}{W:123I}Incorrect. The sham defense is 3. f2-f3. White hopes to answer the capture of his king-pawn by taking back {S:d5e4}{W:123Ia}(3... d5xe4  {S:f3e4}{W:123Ib}4. f3xe4), building a classical pawn center. But there's a catch. Moving the f-pawn spawns a weakness along the {N1:e1f2g3h4}{W:123Ic}e1-h4 diagonal. Black can exploit this weakening by checking on {S:d8h4}{W:123Id}h4 with the queen. This also happens to be a fork, with White's king-pawn twisting in the wind on {N1:e4}{W:123Ie}e4. After 3... d5xe4 4. f3xe4 Qd8-h4+ {C}{S:e1d2}{W:123If}5. Ke1-d2 {S:h4e4}{W:123Ig}Qh4xe4, White is down a pawn, his king has lost the right to castle, and his vista looks rather dim. As a rule the queen check at king-rook-five tends to work when the enemy king-pawn also hangs. That's a double attack, so it doesn't matter how the king gets out of check, for the attacker still gains the king-pawn. But if the queen check is not a fork, and merely a one-dimensional threat, then it might simply lose time by virtue of the g-pawn's time-gaining interposition at king-knight-three. This will compel the queen to move to safety without being able to capture any booty. Thus the attacker gains no material and forfeits at least a tempo.;
3. Nc3; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:123C}Correct. Real defense comes from 3. Nb1-c3, when the king-pawn is placed under protective custody by the queen-knight. If Black then takes White's pawn {S:d5e4}{W:123Ca}(3... d5xe4), White's knight just takes back {S:c3e4}{W:123Cb}(4. Nc3xe4). The resulting position is quite pleasant for White, who has both a pawn and a knight occupying strong central squares. Even if Black plays a different third move, {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:123Cc}and doesn't capture the pawn on e4, White's position is still excellent. After 3. Nb1-c3 White's incurred no weaknesses and is able to grapple with whatever Black throws at him.}]

24.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:124. After 1. e4 e6  2. d4 d5, is it time to take or check?{W:124}{A:We4d5}{H1:d5}{W:124a}{A:Wf1b5}{H1:b5}{W:124b};3. exd5;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:124C}Correct. The exchange of center pawns starting with 3. e4xd5 is one of several reasonable options. Black will take back with his king-pawn {S:e6d5}{W:124Ca}(3... e6xd5) leaving a position of mirror-image symmetry. What does White get from this transaction? Nothing, but he does maintain his first-move advantage. Whether he can make something out of this minuscule superiority, however, is dubious. He's still going to have to outplay his opponent. From Black's perspective the Exchange Variation of the French Defense (1. e4 e6  2. d4 d5  3. e4xd5 e6xd5) is a welcome relief from other lines where the advance e4-e5 gets played, and Black's c8-bishop winds up becoming immured inside the pawn chain by the e6-pawn. This deficient minor piece is often referred to as the "problem bishop" because of its reduced scope. But after the exchange of pawns (3. e4xd5 e6xd5) the problem bishop is simply less of a problem, inasmuch as the {N1:c8d7e6f5g4h3}{W:124Cb}c8-h3 diagonal is now unobstructed and the bishop has a fresh supply of posts (at {N1:e6f5g4}{W:124Cc}e6, f5, or g4) from which to choose.;
3. Bb5+; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1b5}{W:124I}Incorrect. The bishop check (3. Bf1-b5+) is pointless. White is fortunate that it doesn't result in irreparable damage. Black will block the check with the queen-bishop pawn {S:c7c6}{W:124Ia}(3... c7-c6), leaving two units under fire, the {N1:b5e4}{W:124Ib}b5-bishop and the e4-pawn. Both nevertheless can be saved by withdrawing the bishop to queen-three {C}{S:b5d3}{W:124Ic}(4. Bb5-d3), but Black still gains time by exchanging on e4 {S:d5e4}{W:124Id}(4... d5xe4 {S:d3e4}{W:124Ie}5. Bd3xe4) and then developing his knight to {S:g8f6}{W:124If}f6, assailing the bishop. Since retreating the bishop to d3 at this point hangs the queen-pawn to Black's queen {C}{S:e4d3}{W:124Ig}(6. Be4-d3 {S:d8d4}{W:124Ih}Qd8xd4), White's bishop will have to fall back instead to {B:rnbqkb1r/pp3ppp/2p1pn2/8/3PB3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQK1NR}{S:e4f3}{W:124Ii}f3, taking away the king-knight's best square. White has wasted some time, but what real harm has befallen him because of the b5-check? Actually checking on b5 so early negates an important tactical resource which only becomes manifest if we consider the outcome of developing the king-bishop to {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1d3}{W:124Ij}d3 on move three, without first giving a check on b5. After 3. Bf1-d3 {S:d5e4}{W:124Ik}d5xe4 {S:d3e4}{W:124Il}4. Bd3xe4 {S:g8f6}{W:124Im}Ng8-f6, White's bishop can now come back to {S:e4d3}{W:124In}d3, keeping f3 available to the king-knight. Meanwhile the d4-pawn remains safe. This is because if Black were to take it {S:d8d4}{W:124Io}(5... Qd8xd4) White could then check on {S:d3b5}{W:124Ip}b5, uncovering a winning attack to Black's queen from White's queen. Such an attack is called a discovery (or a discovered attack). Note that this possibility would not exist if a Black pawn were already on c6, drawn there by an earlier, inessential check. Two things about checks. Like any other move they are good or bad only in context. A check is not beneficial simply because it's a check. Another point is that checks shouldn't be wasted. If you don't have a salutary reason to give a particular check, don't. Instead save the possibility for later, when you may suddenly need it to gain advantage or to extricate yourself from a tricky situation.}]

25.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:125. After 1. e4 e6  2. d4 d5, should White develop or advance?{W:125}{A:Wf1d3}{H1:d3}{W:125a}{A:We4e5}{H1:e5}{W:125b};3. Bd3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1d3}{W:125I}Incorrect. Protecting the king-pawn by 3. Bf1-d3 is not designed to pose Black insuperable problems. The difficulty is that the bishop attempts to fulfill a function that would be better served by the queen-knight {A:Wb1c3}{A:Wb1d2}{W:125Ia}(3. Nb1-c3 or 3. Nb1-d2). Now Black usurps the initiative by {R}{S:d5e4}{W:125Ib}3... d5xe4 {S:d3e4}{W:125Ic}4. Bd3xe4 {S:g8f6}{W:125Id}Ng8-f6, menacing the bishop and forcing White to expend a tempo dealing with the threat. Whether White protects the bishop, or withdraws it to safety, Black winds up with the ability to play the next unfettered move. Compare this defense (3. Bf1-d3) to protecting the king-pawn with the queen-knight{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:125Ie} (3. Nb1-c3, for instance). After {S:d5e4}{W:125If}3... d5xe4 {S:c3e4}{W:125Ig}4. Nc3xe4 {S:g8f6}{W:125Ih}Ng8-f6 (the same threat that pastered the bishop in the previous variation) White's e4-knight can fend for itself by capturing on {S:e4f6}{W:125Ii}f6 with check. Black will then take back{S:d8f6}{W:125Ij}, and it's White who emerges from the transaction with the opportunity to play the next free move. So, White keeps the initiative.;
3. e5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4e5}{W:125C}Correct. Of the two moves, the central push (3. e4-e5) gives White the best chance to maintain an opening advantage. The advance gains space and imprisons the {N1:c8}{W:125Ca}c8-bishop inside its own pawn chain. Moreover, with a White pawn at e5, Black's {N1:g8}{W:125Cb}king-knight is deprived of it's optimal square, {N1:f6}{W:125Cc}f6. Accordingly, Black will probably need two moves to position his king-knight effectively, maybe first moving it to e7 and then f5. These are pluses for White. The downside for White consists of putting an end to the central tension, which reduces the pressure on Black's game. There's also a loss of time. What time is lost? The extra move it takes to get the White king-pawn to e5. So far Black hasn't moved anything twice, and he's therefore gained a tempo. He can use it to assail the base of White's pawn chain by {C}{S:c7c5}{W:125Cd}3... c7-c5. Suddenly White must take steps to uphold his central phalanx against Black's newly obtained initiative.}]

26.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/4P3/3P4/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:126. After 1. e4 e6  2. d3 d5, what should White do about the threat to the king-pawn? {W:126}{A:We4d5}{H1:d5}{W:126a}Should he exchange {A:Wb1d2}{H1:d2}{W:126b}or defend? ;3. exd5;{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/4P3/3P4/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:126I}Incorrect. The wrong choice is 3. e4xd5. After Black recaptures {S:e6d5}{W:126Ia}(3... e6xd5) he stands better in the middle because his center pawn is more combative to the opponent and less impeding to his own forces. Black's development accordingly will proceed more smoothly, especially in that his unobstructed king-bishop has more options than White's, whose path is blocked by the {N1:d3}{W:126Ib}d3-pawn. After the central exchange, probably best for White is to move the d-pawn once again {A:Wd3d4}{N1:d4}{W:126Ic}(to d4), so that White then gets an equal share of the center. But this loses a tempo, and in effect White assumes the role that Black has in the Exchange Variation of the French Defense (1. e2-e4 e7-e6 2. d2-d4 d7-d5 3. e4xd5 e6xd5). But something's different. The colors are reversed, which means that White has become Black and Black has become White! A further point is that in exchanging pawns (3. e4xd5 e6xd5) White is needlessly changing plans. With 2. d2-d3 he hoped to maintain the king-pawn by defending it with another pawn. Then one move later he trades away the very thing the previous move was designed to uphold.;
3. Nd2; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/4P3/3P4/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1d2}{W:126C}Correct. Playing out the queen-knight (3. Nb1-d2) is best after White's conservative second move, 2. d2-d3. Primarily it thwarts Black's intention, which is to trade center pawns and then queens. Allowing the queen trade would be deleterious for White, inasmuch as he would forfeit the castling privilege once his own king takes back on d1. By developing the queen-knight to d2, instead of c3, White manages to add protection to the {N1:e4}{W:126Ca}e-pawn while additionally blocking the roadway between the queens, thereby averting the queen swap all together. How is White to position his {G:WBf1}{W:126Cb}king-bishop after 3. Nb1-d2? Will he meekly station it on {N1:e2}{W:126Cc}e2, where it's scope is limited? No, White's objective is to flank the bishop at {O}{A:Wf1g2}{N1:g2}{W:126Cd}g2, backing up the {N1:e4}{W:126Ce}e4-pawn and tightening the screws on {N1:d5}{W:126Cf}d5, the crossroads of central activity.}]

27.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:127. After 1. e4 c6  2. d4 d5, how should White guard the e4-pawn?{W:127}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:127a}{A:Wd1e2}{H1:e2}{W:127b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:127C}Correct. The right way to guard e4 is with the queen-knight (3. Nb1-c3). White mobilizes a new piece and is prepared to answer {S:d5e4}{W:127Ca}3... d5xe4 with {S:c3e4}{W:127Cb}4. Nc3xe4, maintaining equality in the center. Positionally White is ahead after the central exchange insofar as he has both a pawn and a knight on central squares and Black is yet to establish a unit in the middle. Bringing out the queen-knight on move three is in harmony with two basic opening principles. One is to develop minor pieces (bishops or knights) before major pieces (queens and rooks). The other is to develop knights before bishops. Neither of these advisories are absolute, and they should be transgressed whenever circumstances demand it. But you shouldn't break the principles before you know what and why they are. This would be putting the cart before the chessplaying horse.;
3. Qe2; {B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d1e2}{W:127I}Incorrect. It's not a good idea to defend the e-pawn with the queen (3. Qd1-e2). Such a development runs counter to the two opening axioms outlined in the answer to 127a. As a suggestion, aim to get out knights and bishops fairly early. If defensive chores arise try to cope with them by using pawns and minor pieces, rather than queens and rooks. Usually the best defenders are the least valuable ones because they are more expendable in the event of exchanges. Furthermore, if you've miscalculated, mistakes with weaker forces are less likely to be ruinous to your position than blunders with major pieces. There's another problem with 3. Qd1-e2. After Black takes the king-pawn {S:d5e4}{W:127Ia}(3... d5xe4), and White takes back {S:e2e4}{W:127Ib}(4. Qe2xe4), Black gains a useful tempo on the White queen by developing the king-knight to {S:g8f6}{W:127Ic}f6. This exemplifies the real drawback to early queen usage. Even if you avoid hanging your queen, or getting it trapped, the odds are that you will still lose time extricating it from difficulties and moving it to safety. Meanwhile your opponent develops at your expense. As a rule don't use your queen early unless there's no choice or if moving it confers definite advantage. You can break any principle when it works.}]

28.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:128. After 1. e4 c6  2. d4 d5, should White trade the e-pawn or guard it?{W:128}{A:We4d5}{H1:d5}{W:128a}{A:Wf1d3}{H1:d3}{W:128b};3. exd5;{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4d5}{W:128C}Correct. Everything considered, it's both simpler and better to trade pawns (3. e4xd5 {S:c6d5}{W:128Ca}c6xd5). White gets equal value, and he no longer has to defend the king-pawn because it doesn't exist. The exchange also doesn't lose any time, for Black must cede a tempo to take back. So White retains the next free move and therefore the initiative. How should White continue? There are two typical ways to go. He can develop his {N1:f1g1}{W:128Cb}f1-bishop and g1-knight, preparing to castle kingside. Or he could take a bolder step with {C}{S:c2c4}{W:128Cc}4. c2-c4, attempting to undermine Black's center. The latter is riskier, but it has considerable more steam to it, so this is the course I'd recommend to my students. Not because it's better, but rather because by immersing oneself in the thick of things the student gets a richer experience and winds up learning faster and more.;
3. Bd3; {B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:f1d3}{W:128I}Incorrect. The king-pawn should not be guarded by 3. Bf1-d3. It results in a loss of time after Black exchanges on {S:d5e4}{W:128Ia}e4 and follows bydeveloping the king-knight to f6, assailing the light-square bishop (3... d5xe4 {S:d3e4}{W:128Ib}4. Bd3xe4 {S:g8f6}{W:128Ic}Ng8-f6). Either White will have to defend the bishop, leading to an unfavorable exchange of bishop for knight (bishops tend to be slightly superior in a majority of positions). Or White will have to withdraw the bishop to d3 or f3. Bringing it back to d3 hangs the queen-pawn to Black's queen {S:e4d3}{W:128Id}(5. Be4-d3 {S:d8d4}{W:128Ie}Qd8xd4), and retreating to {S:d4d8}{P:WPd4}{S:d3f3}{W:128If}f3 obstructs the best square for White's king-knight. What's a better way to guard {B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{N1:e4}{W:128Ig} e4 in the first place? Developing the queen-knight to {S:b1c3}{W:128Ih}c3. Then on {C}{S:d5e4}{W:128Ii}3... d5xe4 {S:c3e4}{W:128Ij}4. Nc3xe4 {S:g8f6}{W:128Ik}Ng8-f6, White can exchange knights on {S:e4f6}{W:128Il}f6, busting up Black's pawn structure. Black gets some compensation in the form of open lines, but White still maintains the initiative and the overriding edge. One further point. Most players concede the general advantage of bishops over knights, though clearly there are times when knights outdo bishops. Knights tend to outperform bishops when they can, 1) exploit their ability to guard squares of both colors, 2) occupy unassailable squares on their 5th or 6th ranks (especially squares that can't be attacked by enemy pawns), 3) exploit closed positions where they can jump over barriers that hamper bishops.}]

29.
[{B:rnbqk1nr/ppppppbp/6p1/8/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:129. After 1. e4 g6  2. d4 Bg7, should White stop the development of Black's king-knight or bring out his own king-knight?{W:129}{A:We4e5}{H1:e5}{W:129a}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:129b};3. e5;{B:rnbqk1nr/ppppppbp/6p1/8/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e4e5}{W:129I}Incorrect. Advancing the king-pawn to e5 is too committal at this stage. By instead holding back and maintaining his classical pawn center (pawns on {N1:d4e4}{W:129Ia}d4 and e4), White keeps Black in a state of worry over which center pawn will eventually be the first to march ahead. This looming advance is cardinal because it will more than likely determine which central file becomes open. If e4-e5 is played it will probably lead to the opening of the e-file (by exchanging White's e-pawn for Black's d-pawn, for example). While if d4-d5 is played, perhaps it will be the d-file that opens (of course, Black may still be able to frustrate this or even capitalize on it). Once White commits himself to pushing the e-pawn across the frontier line so early, Black has advance notice of how to proceed. He will attempt to knockout the e5-pawn advantageously, hitting White before he is able to support e5 adequately and before he can carry out a favorable exchange. How will Black undermine White's center? By advancing the queen-pawn to {C}{S:d7d6}{W:129Ib}d6 and/or the queen-bishop pawn to {S:c7c5}{W:129Ic}c5. There's a good chance that this dark-square assault, fueled by the flanked presence of the {N1:g7}{W:129Id}g7-bishop, will eventually topple the White pawn alignment, with Black emerging victorious in the center.; 
3. Nf3; {B:rnbqk1nr/ppppppbp/6p1/8/3PP3/8/PPP2PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:129C}Correct. Developing the knight to king-bishop-three is the natural way to proceed in the position. White undertakes no premature commitments and simply brings a piece out to its most effective square. He then develops the {N1:f1}{W:129Ca}king-bishop and is ready for castling. As far as the center pawns go, how White plays them is somewhat dependent on Black. But White has the pleasant option of moving either one, and this restricts Black's plans, for he must be en garde to either contingency.}]

30.
[{B:rnb1kbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3q4/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:130. After 1. e4 d5  2. exd5 Qxd5, how should white chase Black's queen from the center?{W:130}{A:Wc2c4}{H1:c4}{W:130a}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:130b};3. c4;{B:rnb1kbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3q4/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c4}{W:130I}Incorrect. Stay away from 3. c2-c4, a pawn move that does more harm than good. Black will swing the queen over to {S:d5a5}{W:130Ia}a5, where it pins White's {N1:d2}{W:130Ib}d2-pawn. Unable to advance the queen-pawn, White will soon realize that he's created a hole on {N1:d4}{W:130Ic}d4 -- a square that can no longer be protected by a friendly pawn. (Here the square d3 suffers the same fate.) And Black has a number of other ways to secure his grip on the d4 abyss. He can place his king-pawn on {A:Be7e5}{W:130Id}e5. He can develop his queen-knight to {R}{A:Bb8c6}{W:130Ie}c6. He can station his king-bishop on {R}{A:Bf8c5}{W:130If}c5. He can also place a rook on {R}{A:Ba8d8}{W:130Ig}d8. He can even position his queen-bishop pawn on {R}{A:Bc7c5}{W:130Ih}c5. But he probably shouldn't play both c7-c5 and e7-e5 as part of the same plan, for that would leave a gaping hole in the Black camp at d5, with no pawn that could still guard it. Another drawback to {B:rnb1kbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3q4/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c2c4}{W:130Ii}3. c2-c4 is that it unnecessarily circumscribes the mobility of White's {N1:f1}{W:130Ij}f1-bishop. Without the pawn barricading the square {N1:c4}{W:130Ik}c4, the bishop would have entree to splendid squares along the {N1:a6b5c4d3e2f1}{W:130Il}a6-f1 diagonal, such as {N1:b5c4}{W:130Im}b5 and c4 itself. But with the pawn already on {N1:c4}{W:130In}c4, the bishop can move only to the inactive square {N1:e2}{W:130Io}e2. It would be self-defeating to play it to {N1:d3}{W:130Ip}d3, for that would encumber the movement of White's own {N1:d2}{W:130Iq}d-pawn, retarding development even further.; 
3. Nc3;{B:rnb1kbnr/ppp1pppp/8/3q4/16/PPPP1PPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:130C}Correct. The right way to drive off the queen is by developing the queen-knight to c3. After the Black queen flees to safety{S:d5d8}{W:130Ca}, White will have the option of activating a new piece, such as the {N1:g1f1}{W:130Cb}king-knight or king-bishop. Or he could advance the queen-pawn to {C}{S:d2d4}{W:130Cc}d4, releasing the queen-bishop. Either course permits White to keep his first-move initiative and to build a strong attacking position. By constantly bringing out new pieces White can manage to stay a jump or two ahead of Black in development. This is cardinal, for the side with more pieces out usually controls the flow of play (this isn't always true,  but usually it is). If you find that you've fallen behind in development, it's likely you will be on defense. This is particularly detrimental in conducting a chess game, for the attacker has a built in advantage. If the attacker makes a mistake there's a chance he might recover because the opponent is not prepared to shift to attack. The defender's mindset tends to remain defensive, even after thwarting an attack, at least for awhile. But if the defender makes a mistake it's more likely he will be punished, because he's failed to answer the attacker's immediate, and often obvious threats. So it's not likely that his opponent will miss how to capitalize. Practically speaking, it's much easier to find things to attack than to sense what's coming at you. In the first case you are in control. In the second you are at someone else's mercy.}]

31.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:131. After 1. d4 d5  2. c4 e6, should White develop a piece or gain space with a pawn?{W:131}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:131a}{A:Wc4c5}{H1:c5}{W:131b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:131C}Correct. Developing the knight (3. Nb1-c3) is the proper procedure. In fact, it's standard fare in the Queen's Gambit (1. d2-d4 d7-d5  2. c2-c4). The c-pawn advances first, attacking {N1:d5}{W:131Ca}d5, then the queen-knight comes behind the c-pawn, adding its weight to d5. The pressure on d5 will tend to slow Black down, restricting his options. It should tie his forces to defense and generally constrain Black to accept a slightly more cramped position. This is what sustained central pressure will do in the Queen's Gambit. It will keep the initiative in White's hands and compel Black to remain on the defensive.;
3. c5; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:c4c5}{W:131I}Incorrect. The advance of the queen-bishop pawn (3. c4-c5) will not stand up under close scrutiny. The idea is to gain queenside space and to circumscribe the development of the dark-square bishop by closing the {N1:a3b4c5d6e7f8}{W:131Ia}a3-f8 diagonal. But what happens if the {N1:c5}{W:131Ib}c5-pawn is placed under attack? Can White support the pawn? The answer is no. Here's the proof. After 3. c4-c5, Black begins the assault with {C}{S:b7b6}{W:131Ic}3... b7-b6, hitting c5 head-on. If White tries to bolster c5 with the queen-knight pawn {S:b2b4}{W:131Id}(4. b2-b4), Black shakes the foundation further by {S:a7a5}{W:131Ie}4... a7-a5, threatening to capture on b4. White is then unable to keep the chain of pawns together by placing the queen-rook pawn on a3, for if White advances {S:a2a3}{W:131If}5. a2-a3, Black captures the queen-knight pawn {S:a5b4}{W:131Ig}(5... a5xb4) and White can't safely take back on b4 because of the pin {S:a3b4}{W:131Ih}(6. a3xb4 loses a rook to {S:a8a1}{W:131Ii}6... Ra8xa1). The result is that White's queenside edifice collapses. So in reply to {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp2ppp/4p3/2Pp4/3P4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b7b6}{W:131Ij}3... b7-b6, White has nothing better than to immediately exchange pawns, {S:c5b6}{W:131Ik}4. c5xb6 {S:a7b6}{W:131Il}a7xb6. Note that on this last recapture Black takes back toward the center, with the queen-rook pawn (4... a7xb6), instead of away from the center, with the queen-bishop pawn (4... c7xb6). As a rule, when you have the choice of taking with either of two pawns, one capture moving a pawn toward the center, and the other moving a pawn away from it, and neither way is patently superior to the other, take back toward the center. Taking back toward the center often opens useful avenues for the rooks, while providing more control of the middle and nearby areas. Back to the actual situation. After the exchange of c-pawn for b-pawn (4. c5xb6 a7xb6) Black obtains an open line for his {N1:a8}{W:131Im}a8-rook (the queen-rook file) and White loses time. It's curious how the c-pawn has moved three times, achieved virtually nothing, and now it no longer exists. If this isn't a waste of time, what is? But it's worse than this. Black has refuted White's plan to create an obstacle to the dark-square bishop. The barrier, like White's c-pawn, has ceased to be, and now the {N1:f8}{W:131In}f8-bishop has a number of good squares to choose from, depending how the game evolves. Regardless how play develops, Black's position is more dynamic and has greater promise.}]

32.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:132. After 1. d4 d5  2. c4 c6, should White guard his c-pawn or develop a new piece?{W:132}{A:Wb2b3}{H1:b3}{W:132a}{A:Wg1f3}{H1:f3}{W:132b};3. b3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b2b3}{W:132I}Incorrect. If White is afraid of ghosts, then he's doing the right thing in playing 3. b2-b3, to guard his c4-pawn. Never mind that the c4-pawn isn't really threatened. Defending unnecessarily, by moves like 3. b2-b3, is a sure way to lose the initiative. Beyond this, the method chosen to safeguard c4 is particularly ineffective. It doesn't attack the center, and it doesn't contribute much in the way of development. Sure, it prepares the fianchetto of the queen-bishop, but this is uncalled-for, inasmuch as the bishop can already develop along the {N1:c1d2e3f4g5h6}{W:132Ia}c1-h6 diagonal. Nor does the move secure the position of White's king or prepare for castling. Good opening moves are often multi-dimensional, ordinarily serving more than one purpose. But the push 3. b2-b3 is inadequate. It wastes time and doesn't fulfill its objectives. White should be concerned with real threats, not imaginary ones. To see why Black's "threat" to capture on c4 is merely illusory, however, you'll have to turn to the answer contained in 132b.;
3. Nf3;{B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/3p4/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:g1f3}{W:132C}Correct. Black is threatening nothing, so White can go ahead with development, building his game by 3. Ng1-f3. Black may or may not decide to take White's c-pawn, but if he does it's nothing for White to fret over. White can get the pawn back even if Black elects to add support by advancing the queen-knight pawn to b5. Here's the main variation. After 3. Ng1-f3 {S:d5c4}{W:132Ca}d5xc4, White attacks the Black c4-pawn at once with {S:e2e3}{W:132Cb}4. e2-e3. If Black follows with the anticipated defense, {S:b7b5}{W:132Cc}4... b7-b5, White counters with {S:a2a4}{W:132Cd}5. a2-a4. It makes little sense to capture White's queen-rook pawn {A:Bb5a4}{N1:a4}{W:132Ce}(5... b5xa4), for Black's queenside pawns would then lay in ruins. So after 5. a2-a4 Black could try to uphold his pawn structure by {R}{C}{A:Ba7a6}{W:132Cf}5... a7-a6, attempting to keep the chain linked. (White also fends well if Black doesn't guard b5, say if Black opts for {R}{S:e7e6}{W:132Cg}5... e7-e6. In that event, White continues {S:a4b5}{W:132Ch}6. a4xb5 {S:c6b5}{W:132Ci}c6xb5 {S:b2b3}{W:132Cj}7. b2-b3, and after {S:f8b4}{W:132Ck}7... Bf8-b4+ {S:c1d2}{W:132Cl}8. Bc1-d2 {S:b4d2}{W:132Cm}Bb4xd2+  {S:f3d2}{W:132Cn}9. Nf3xd2, material equality is soon re-established.) But White sabotages this defense {B:rnbqkbnr/p3pppp/2p5/1p6/P1pP4/4PN2/1P3PPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:a7a6}{W:132Co}(5... a7-a6) with {S:a4b5}{W:132Cp}6. a4xb5 {S:c6b5}{W:132Cq}c6xb5 {S:b2b3}{W:132Cr}7. b2-b3!, when taking the queen-knight pawn {S:c4b3}{W:132Cs}(7... c4xb3) is met by the thunderclap {S:f1b5}{W:132Ct}8. Bf1xb5+. If Black then removes the bishop, {S:a6b5}{W:132Cu}8... a6xb5, White's rook takes Black's {S:a1a8}{W:132Cv}(9. Ra1xa8). So instead of taking the bishop {B:rnbqkbnr/4pppp/p7/1B6/3P4/1p2PN2/5PPP/RNBQK2R}{W:132Cw}(8... a6xb5), Black must block the check (let's say {S:c8d7}{W:132Cx}8... Bc8-d7 {S:b5d7}{W:132Cy}9. Bb5xd7+), and White follows with {S:d1b3}{W:132Cz}10. Qd1xb3, re-establishing the material balance. Does this mean that Black can't capture White's pawn on c4 {B:rnbqkbnr/pp2pppp/2p5/8/2pP4/5N2/PP2PPPP/RNBQKB1R}{W:132Cza}(3... d5xc4)? Not at all. Black can take it. He just shouldn't go out of his way trying to hold onto the extra pawn. This would be greed, which tends to be a source of trouble for even the best defenders.}]

33.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/4pn2/8/3P4/5N2/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:133. After 1. d4 Nf6  2. Nf3 e6, which is White's more flexible move?{W:133}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:133a}{A:Wc2c4}{H1:c4}{W:133b};3. Nc3;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/4pn2/8/3P4/5N2/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:b1c3}{W:133I}Incorrect. This move (3. Nb1-c3) reduces options, especially if Black finds the right reply. The knight move may even look good at first glance, for it develops a piece toward the center while reinforcing the advance e2-e4, sculpting a classical pawn center. But reality sets in quickly when Black retorts with a two-square thrust of the queen-pawn, {S:d7d5}{W:133Ia}3... d7-d5.  This clamps down on the {N1:e4}{W:133Ib}e4-square, preventing White from safely advancing his king-pawn two squares. Suddenly, with one stroke of the d-pawn, Black shows the awkwardness of White's position. In this clumsy Queen Pawn Game, White has developed his queen-knight in front of his {N1:c2}{W:133Ic}c-pawn, which prevents the c-pawn's movement. Ultimately this will mean that White will not be able to place sufficient pressure on Black's d-pawn to eliminate or neutralize it. Accordingly, White's position will be less active and more disharmonious, with reduced space -- all because he didn't move his c-pawn first, before moving out his queen-knight behind it. Compare White's circumstances to Black's. White's c-pawn is blocked, but Black's is free to move to {C}{S:c7c5}{W:133Id}c5, where it can try to knock out White's {A:Bc5d4}{N1:d4}{W:133Ie}d-pawn. Black's situation is more dynamic and preferable.;
3. c4; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/4pn2/8/3P4/5N2/PPP1PPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:c2c4}{W:133C}Correct. The flexible move is 3. c2-c4. It places Black's center under immediate duress. The pressure is then intensified on move four by developing the queen-knight to c3, behind the c-pawn. With this third move (3. c2-c4) White is fully armed to boomerang anything Black can hurl at him. If Black decides to continue with one of the Indian defenses, White's c2-c4 will prove quite useful. It attacks {A:Wc4d5}{W:133Ca}d5, supports the advance of White's {R}{N1:d4}{W:133Cb}d-pawn, clears a diagonal for the {N1:d1c2b3a4}{W:133Cc}queen, and remains poised for exchange on {N1:d5}{W:133Cd}d5, which would open the c-file for a White rook. And if Black should opt to move his queen-pawn to d5, the opening can transpose into a Queen's Gambit, where the advance c2-c4 is an integral part of White's attack scheme.}]

34.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/8/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:134. After 1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 g6, which is the best development for the queen-knight?{W:134}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:134a}{A:Wb1d2}{H1:d2}{W:134b};3. Nc3;
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/8/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1c3}{W:134C}Correct. Go with 3. Nb1-c3. It's a more active placement for White's queen-knight, striking at the central light squares {N1:d5e4}{W:134Ca}d5 and e4. Nor does playing the knight to c3 hinder any of White's pieces, as does the move {A:Wb1d2}{N1:d2}{W:134Cb}3. Nb1-d2, which obstructs the {R}{N1:c1}{W:134Cc}c1-bishop. What would White love to do, now that his knight has come to c3? Advance the king-pawn to {C}{S:e2e4}{W:134Cd}e4, forming an ideal pawn center. Black has some say in this, for the {G:BNf6}{W:134Ce}f6-knight already observes {N1:e4}{W:134Cf}e4, but the odds are that White has a good chance to get his way soon.;
3. Nd2; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/8/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1d2}{W:134I}Incorrect. Don't play 3. Nb1-d2 in this situation. Compared to c3, the d2-square is far less active. From c3 a knight attacks two key central squares  {A:Wc3d5}{A:Wc3e4}{N1:d5e4}{W:134Ia}(d5 and e4). But from d2 the same piece hits only one {R}{C}{A:Wd2e4}{N1:e4}{W:134Ib}(e4). Moreover, at d2, the queen-knight hems in two pieces, the {R}{C}{G:WQd1}{G:WBc1}{W:134Ic}queen and the queen-bishop. The queen is thereby cut-off from the defense of the {N1:d4}{W:134Id}d-pawn, and the queen-bishop now requires two moves to get into the game, instead of one. To develop the queen-bishop White will either have to fianchetto it or move the queen-knight out of its way. In reply to 3. Nb1-d2 Black can of course continue along "normal" King's Indian lines, completing the kingside fianchetto {C}{O}{S:f8g7}{W:134Ie}(3... Bf8-g7) followed by castling {S:e8g8}{S:h8f8}{W:134If}(4... 0-0). But White has assumed such a passive stance with 
{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/8/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:b1d2}{W:134Ig}3. Nb1-d2 that Black might be able to counter in the center immediately with {S:d7d5}{W:134Ih}3... d7-d5. If White then takes the queen-pawn {S:c4d5}{W:134Ii}(4. c4xd5), Black can take back with his queen {S:d8d5}{W:134Ij}(4... Qd8xd5). It's okay for Black to activate the queen early here because, once White has developed the queen-knight to {N1:d2}{W:134Ik}d2, he has already abandoned the best way to assail Black's exposed queen, developing the queen-knight to {N1:c3}{W:134Il}c3. Nor can White plague Black's queen by moving up the king-pawn two squares {A:We2e4}{N1:e4}{W:134Im}to e4, for Black controls e4, having a two-to-one advantage on this focal point ({R}{C}{G:BQd5}{G:BNf6}{W:134In}queen and f6-knight vs. {O}{G:WNd2}{W:134Io}d2-knight). Finally, to add insult to injury, Black's queen is ready to rip off the {O}{A:Bd5d4}{N1:d4}{W:134Ip}d-pawn, now that White's own queen has been screened out by the interposition of the {N1:d2}{W:134Iq}d2-knight. As an opening guideline, White shouldn't choose to play his knight to d2 over c3 without a very compelling reason.}]

35.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}
{QB:135. After 1. d4 Nf6  2. c4 c5, should White advance the d-pawn or protect it?{W:135}{A:Wd4d5}{H1:d5}{W:135a}{A:We2e3}{H1:e3}{W:135b};3. d5;{B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:d4d5}{W:135C}Correct. The bypassing 3. d4-d5 is the surpassing way to go. White advances into Black's territory, thereby garnering a spatial advantage. Generally, the further advanced your pawns, the more space you have behind the lines to maneuver and deploy. Furthermore, by moving past Black's queen-bishop pawn, White avoids the exchange of c-pawn for d-pawn, which if allowed would give Black a central majority. The chief drawback, when you expand into enemy terrain, tends to be the possibility of overextension. Your pawns usually become a lot harder to defend as they move further away from their home forces. But there's no danger of this here, for White's queen-pawn is amply supported by the queen and c4-pawn. Additional protection may still come from the queen-knight, once it moves to {A:Wb1c3}{N1:c3}{W:135Ca}c3, and the king-pawn, if it advances to {A:We2e4}{N1:e4}{W:135Cb}e4. How can Black counter White's space edge? He can try to bombard {R}{N1:d5}{W:135Cc}d5, which he can do with the king-pawn {A:Be7e6}{W:135Cd}(3... e7-e6) or he can attempt undermining tactics from the flank by a subsequent two-square advance of the queen-knight pawn {R}{S:b7b5}{W:135Ce}(b7-b5). In the event of either counterattack, however, White has more than enough resources to keep the position under wraps.;
3. e3;{B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/2PP4/8/PP2PPPP/RNBQKBNR}{S:e2e3}{W:135I}Incorrect. The protective move 3. e2-e3 is safe, solid, and ultra-conservative. But placing the king-pawn on e3 obstructs the {N1:c1}{W:135Ia}c1-bishop, locking it inside the pawn chain. It also allows Black to exchange the c5-pawn for White's d4-pawn {C}{S:c5d4}{W:135Ib}, giving Black a two-to-one central pawn majority. Black has other worthy third moves as well. Two typical plans are moving the king-pawn to {S:d4c5}{P:WPd4}{S:e7e6}{W:135Ic}e6, releasing the {N:f8}{W:135Id}king-bishop and supporting the possible push {A:Bd7d5}{D:2300}{O}{B:rnbqkb1r/pp1ppppp/5n2/2p5/2PP4/4P3/PP3PPP/RNBQKBNR}{W:135Ie}d7-d5, or flanking the king-bishop at {S:g7g6}{A:Bf8g7}{D:2500}{R}{W:135If}g7, where it influences the center from the side. Either of these ideas allow Black to vie for the initiative on fighting terms.}]

36.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2P5/2N5/PP1PPPPP/R1BQKBNR}
{QB:136. After 1. c4 e5  2. Nc3 Nf6, should White increase control of d5 from the flank or directly in the center?{W:136}{A:Wg2g3}{H1:g3}{W:136a}{A:We2e4}{H1:e4}{W:136b};3. g3;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2P5/2N5/PP1PPPPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:g2g3}{W:136C}Correct. Flank development, commencing with 3. g2-g3, is preferred. White's intention is to place the king-bishop on the {N1:a8b7c6d5e4f3g2h1}{W:136Ca}a8-h1 diagonal at g2, completing the fianchetto{R}{N}{S:f1g2}{W:136Cb}. At g2 the bishop will join forces with the {G:WPc4}{G:WNc3}{W:136Cc}c4-pawn and the c3-knight to dominate the square {O}{N1:d5}{W:136Cd}d5. Because these three key units (king-bishop, queen-bishop pawn, and queen-knight) assert themselves over central light squares, we say that White is playing a "light-square game." This is a fundamental theme of the English Opening (1. c2-c4), White's attempt to control the crucial light squares {N1:d5e4}{W:136Ce}d5 and e4. Using these strongpoints and other dominant spots along the a8-h1 diagonal as a base of operations, White plans to launch a full-scale queenside campaign by the late opening or early middlegame phase. As a counter to White's aims, it's not unusual for Black to play a "dark-square game," revolving around the {C}{G:BBf8}{W:136Cf}king-bishop. If this potentially lethal minor piece winds up being fianchettoed at {N1:g7}{W:136Cg}g7, and if the queen-knight plays to {O}{C}{A:Bb8c6}{W:136Ch}c6 (and possibly, though not necessarily, the queen-bishop pawn supplements the complex by going to {R}{A:Bc7c5}{W:136Ci}c5), Black will have several units working in harmony to fight for the middle dark-squares. Black, too, therefore, may turn to hand-to-hand combat in the penultimate battle for the queenside. Whoever wins in this theater will have the edge when the war enters the final stage, the direct pursuit of the enemy king on the other side of the world.;
3. e4; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppp1ppp/5n2/4p3/2P5/2N5/PP1PPPPP/R1BQKBNR}{S:e2e4}{W:136I}Incorrect. Moving the king-pawn two squares (3. e2-e4) has the disadvantage of leaving a dark-square hole right in the middle, at {N1:d4}{W:136Ia}d4. (A hole is a weak square on your third or fourth rank that none of your own pawns can guard, and that the enemy forces have a real chance to occupy with support.) Here the square d4 is governed by a Black pawn and no White pawn can ever control it. How can Black try to capitalize on this superiority? He will most likely develop the queen-knight {A:Bb8c6}{N1:c6}{W:136Ib}to c6. He might also place the king-bishop at {R}{C}{A:Bf8c5}{N1:c5}{W:136Ic}c5. Nor is he stuck with this order of development, for if circumstances allow, Black could reverse the sequence, moving out the bishop before the knight. There is a plus side to White's king-pawn residing on {R}{C}{N1:e4}{W:136Id}e4, however. For one, Black's own {G:BPe5}{W:136Ie}king-pawn is firmly held in place, which makes it easier to attack. (It's harder to nail a moving target.) A second point is that White strengthens his grip on {O}{N1:d5}{W:136If}d5, where he eventually will try to position a knight (coming from c3). But in the final analysis White's two-square king-pawn move is rather committal, revealing the terms of the initial dispute right up front, before it's necessary, and this suits Black fine.}]

37.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/2P5/5N2/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:137. After 1. c4 c5  2. Nf3 Nc6, how should White fight for the e4-square?{W:137}{A:Wd2d3}{H1:d3}{W:137a}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:137b};3. d3;{B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/2P5/5N2/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:d2d3}{W:137I}Incorrect. Not with the queen-pawn, 3. d2-d3, because there's no rush to play this move. White can move the d-pawn practically at will, so why push it just one square ahead at this point, before it can be determined whether White's plans wouldn't be better served by moving the pawn two squares ahead instead at some later time? Moreover, Black isn't menacing the square {N1:e4}{W:137Ia}e4 at all yet, so it makes little sense to trifle with it. A better idea is to enhance White's assault capabilities, developing new pieces and preparing kingside castling. Then White can see what's happening and act accordingly, moving the queen-pawn forward, either one square or two.;
3. Nc3; {B:r1bqkbnr/pp1ppppp/2n5/2p5/2P5/5N2/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:b1c3}{W:137C}Correct. The right move is 3. Nb1-c3, for the queen-knight is going to come to c3, its ideal perch, sooner or later. When you know the best place for a piece, and you can get it there with hardly an effort, why not position it there at once? Doing so reveals almost nothing (your opponent may expect it anyhow) and meanwhile you've kept your less obvious intentions still hidden. Just like in poker, a chessplayer doesn't want to show his cards before the bets are in. Although the queen-knight does have an optmum opening move in the English (Nb1-c3), we can't say that this is true for White's {N1:d2}{W:137Ca}d-pawn. It might be better placed on the third rank, or even the fourth. In fact, if White aims to pursue an aggressive policy toward the middle, proceeding d2-d4 is probably the way to play -- at some point. But it's still best to keep Black guessing, deferring the queen-pawn's advancement for at least a move. So be prudent, and be patient. Play 3. Nb1-c3 and go 
from there.}]

38.
[{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/16/5NP1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:138. After 1. Nf3 Nf6  2. g3 g6, should White next develop a knight or a bishop?{W:138}{A:Wb1c3}{H1:c3}{W:138a}{A:Wf1g2}{H1:g2}{W:138b};3. Nc3;{B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/16/5NP1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKB1R}{S:b1c3}{W:138I}Incorrect. There's nothing particularly wrong with 3. Nb1-c3, except that here it's rather mechanical. It's a developing move without concrete point or bite, though it does adhere to the opening maxim "knights before bishops." Beware of such maxims. They can't play chess for you. At best they can propose courses of action. They can't do more than start the thinking process. You're still required to consider the details of the situation. It always makes sense to look ahead to see if the move suggested by the general truth has particular merit in the position at hand. By blindly essaying 3. Nb1-c3 White runs smack into Black's queen-pawn, {S:d7d5}{W:138Ia}3... d7-d5!, closing down on the square {N1:e4}{W:138Ib}e4. Furthermore, from d5 Black's queen-pawn is armed for a further march to {A:Bd5d4}{W:138Ic}d4, dislodging the c3-knight. White can stop this advance by blocking the queen-pawn with {C}{S:d2d4}{W:138Id}4. d2-d4, but this transposes into an inferior Queen Pawn Game, where White has prematurely obstructed his own {G:WPc2}{W:138Ie}c-pawn. Without the ability to move the c-pawn (now blocked by the c3-knight) White cedes one of the best ways to undermine Black's {O}{N1:d5}{W:138If}d5-pawn. So rather than augmenting his position by developing the queen-knight {N1:c3}{W:138Ig}to c3, White has actually diminished his attacking capabilities, impairing harmony and incurring the kind of awkwardness that's hard to rectify.;
3. Bg2; {B:rnbqkb1r/pppppp1p/5np1/16/5NP1/PPPPPP1P/RNBQKB1R}{S:f1g2}{W:138C}Correct. Play chess, not principles, and develop your king-bishop to g2, completing the fianchetto started on move two. Once you've played the first move of a two-part maneuver, try to play the second part fairly soon. Otherwise something may happen that prevents you from following through, and you'll wind up with an incomplete, confused position where nothing quite works. It's simpler than that. Just make sure to finish what you start. If you play 2. g2-g3, it's incumbent upon you to follow with 3. Bf1-g2, unless something extraordinary occurs. Moreover, by delaying the development of the queen-knight, White retains the option of moving up the c-pawn {A:Wc2c4}{W:138Ca}to c4. This could be imperative in games that begin as a Reti Opening (1. Nf3), or even a King's Indian Reversed (where White's first three moves tend to be 1. Ng1-f3, 2. g2-g3, and 3. Bf1-g2), especially when Black counters with a two-square advance of the d-pawn. In such cases White might need to move the c-pawn to c4, attacking and softening d5, which he can't do if the c-pawn becomes blocked by the placement of the queen-knight in front of it.}]

39.
[{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/16/2p5/5N2/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKB1R}
{QB:139. After 1. Nf3 d5  2. c4 dxc4, how should White release the king-bishop?{W:139}{A:We2e3}{H1:e3}{W:139a}{A:We2e4}{H1:e4}{W:139b};3. e3;{B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/16/2p5/5N2/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:e2e3}{W:139C}Correct. It's wise to clear a path for the {N1:f1}{W:139Ca}king-bishop with a single-square advance of the king-pawn, 3. e2-e3. Soon the f1-bishop will recapture the pawn on {A:Wf1c4}{N1:c4}{W:139Cb}c4. If Black tries to frustrate this by holding onto the plunder, he'll risk positional injury. But the real merit of moving the king-pawn only one square is that it enables White to insure control of {R}{N1:d4}{W:139Cc}d4. This could be significant, for it's likely that Black will follow with a two-square advance of the queen-bishop pawn {S:c7c5}{W:139Cd}(c7-c5), trying to dissuade White from a two-square advance of the {N1:d2}{W:139Ce}d-pawn. With the king-pawn already occupying {N1:e3}{W:139Cf}e3, however, White has sufficient backup to insure mastery over his own queen-four. (Don't overlook that the advance {S:d2d4}{W:139Cg}d2-d4 is additionally supported by the queen from {N1:d1}{W:139Ch}d1 and the king-knight from {N1:f3}{W:139Ci}f3. They get in the act too.) The resulting position transposes into a Queen's Gambit Accepted (1. d2-d4 d7-d5  2. c2-c4 d5xc4), which falls under the broader category of Double Queen Pawn Openings. The contest is characterized as a double queen-pawn when both sides start the game by moving the queen-pawn two squares ahead (1. d2-d4 d7-d5). And if the contest doesn't quite begin this way, with the movement of both queen-pawns, it could still transpose at a later point. For instance, the same position is reached after (A) 1. d2-d4 d7-d5 2. Ng1-f3 e7-e6 or (B) 1. Ng1-f3 e7-e6  2. d2-d4 d7-d5. The first variation (A) started as a double queen-pawn game. The second (B) began as a Reti and then transposed indistinguishably into the same double queen-pawn game as (A) on the second move.;
3. e4; {B:rnbqkbnr/ppp1pppp/16/2p5/5N2/PP1PPPPP/RNBQKB1R}{S:e2e4}{W:139I}Incorrect. Stay away from this two-square king-pawn advance, 3. e2-e4. White still regains his sacrificed c-pawn {A:Wf1c4}{N1:c4}{W:139Ia}(Bf1xc4), but this is not the problem. The actual problem is the {R}{N1:d4}{W:139Ib}d4-square. After 3. e2-e4 it can no longer be guarded by a White pawn. Thus d4 becomes a possible hole, ripe for occupation by Black's pieces. So Black will likely try to seize d4 by positioning his queen-bishop pawn on {S:c7c5}{W:139Ic}c5, and then by developing his {S:b8c6}{W:139Id}queen-knight to c6. This will leave White with the headache of defending a backward pawn {N1:d2}{W:139Ie}(the queen-pawn) along an open d-file (open for Black's major pieces, not White's). This is not the kind of concession that White wants to be saddled with so early in the fray. Despite what many of us are encouraged to believe, a two-square advance of the king-pawn is not always best, and it's certainly not automatic.}]

40.
[{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/1P6/8/PBPPPPPP/RN1QKBNR}
{QB:140. After 1. b4 e5  2. Bb2 Nc6, should White safeguard the b-pawn by moving it or defending it?{W:140}{A:Wb4b5}{H1:b5}{W:140a}{A:Wa2a3}{H1:a3}{W:140b};3. b5;{B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/1P6/8/PBPPPPPP/RN1QKBNR}{S:b4b5}{W:140C}Correct. The forward thrust 3. b4-b5 is the right idea and the only way to take advantage of Black's last move, which is a serious mistake. Black's knight came to c6 on the second move to guard the king-pawn, and now it must move to safety. If it moves just anywhere, say to {N1:a5e7}{W:140Ca}a5 or e7, White's queen-bishop captures the {C}{A:Wb2e5}{N1:e5}{W:140Cb}e5-pawn for free. So Black's only hope is to block the bishop's attack to e5 by interposing the knight on {R}{S:c6d4}{W:140Cc}d4. This entry also counterattacks White's undefended {N1:b5}{W:140Cd}b5-pawn, menacing its capture on the next turn. But White accomplishes both offense and defense with the same little move, {C}{S:e2e3}{W:140Ce}4. e2-e3. This push unleashes the {G:WBf1}{W:140Cf}f1-bishop, which secures the {N1:b5}{W:140Cg}b5-pawn from seizure. Moreover, the advance threatens the intrusive d4-knight. It will have to move, say to {C}{A:Bd4e6}{A:Bd4f5}{W:140Ch}e6 or f5, and White then takes the king-pawn for nothing, {R}{S:d4f5}{S:b2e5}{W:140Ci}5. Bb2xe5. With alert tactical play White has gained an important central pawn.;
3. a3; {B:r1bqkbnr/pppp1ppp/2n5/4p3/1P6/8/PBPPPPPP/RN1QKBNR}{S:a2a3}{W:140I}Incorrect. The lazy person's move is 3. a2-a3, and it's not the best. White has defended his threatened {N1:b4}{W:140Ia}b-pawn, but he has done so with pure defense, and in a way that adds nothing to White's position. White doesn't build or develop, nor does he attack, he merely defends, and this is the surest way to lose the initiative. When one of your own units is placed under attack, or when your opponent threatens you in any way whatsoever, try to answer his threats with a mixture of defense and aggression. Make sure you're covered, but try to do so in a way that also adds an attack of your own. It's this combined effort, attack and defense expressed by the same move, that will stop your opponent in his tracks. If you want to deter your opponent from attacking you, sprinkle your defense with counterattack and watch the fun begin.}]