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Opening Systems - Specific Strategy for the Chess Opening

Often, players are looking for a simple, specific strategy to follow in the opening. They are not looking for long winded variations, but rather an opening with a set of ideas and guidelines to be followed. In this case, the best option is Opening Systems.


Opening Systems

An Opening System is not necessarily a set of specific moves. Rather, it is an opening formation that leads to middlegames with common tactical and strategic themes. Opening Systems are very popular at the club level, because they don't require a large amount of memorization. This article provides an introduction to three opening systems.


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White setup in the King's Indian Attack.

King's Indian Attack

The King's Indian Attack is a solid setup that can lead to excellent attacking chances on the Kingside. The system has been used by Bobby Fischer, and so there is an excellent collection of grandmaster-level games.

The common themes of the King's Indian Attack:


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White setup in the Colle System.

Colle System

The Colle System was developed by the Belgian Master Edgard Colle. The primary objective of the opening is an early and violent kingside attack.

The common themes of the Colle System:


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White setup in the Stonewall Attack.

Stonewall Attack

The Stonewall Attack is a solid formation that is difficult for black to crack. As with the other systems, white's objective is to launch an early, devastating kingside attack.

The common themes of the Stonewall Attack:


Back
Chess Strategy - Table of Contents
Introduction
Strategy vs Tactics - Piece Values - Elementary Checkmates
The Three Game Phases - Opening Basics - Middlegame Basics - Endgame Basics
Top 10 Opening Principles - Top 10 Middlegame Principles - Top 10 Endgame Principles
Balanced Endgames - Part 2
Opening Systems