The opening begins.
1.d4...d5
2.e4 here take my pawn.
2...dxe4 Black takes "why thank you."
3.Nc3 White attacks the pawn
3...Nf6 and Black defends it.
4.f3 White now theatens to take 5.fxe4, regain the pawn and have two center pawns while black only has one. White
would also have a space advantage.
4...exf3 Black says not so fast, takes on f3 and now feels pretty good because he's up a pawn after...
5.Nxf3
Why did white just give black a free pawn?
In return for the pawn white has an open f-file. Once the King Bishop is developed and white castles, the
Rook on f1 will be very strong.
Here is an example and an important idea that crops up often.
1.Bxf6...Nxf6 2.Rxf6! giving up the exchange 2...Bxf6 3.Qxh7#.
With a pawn on f2 this idea would not be possible.
Looking back at this position also notice that White can develope either bishop, while Black must move his
e-pawn or his g-pawn to develope the bishop on f8.
Now look at the position with only pawns and King Bishops.
The following rule will guide us as to where to place our King Bishop:
If Black plays ...e6 then Bd3.
If Black plays ...g6 than Bc4
That is it for now. Playing through the game selection will give you the finer points as to where the
other pieces go and how to launch
your attacks.
