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.

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:

• White aims to expand on the kingside with a push to e5.
• If he is able to bind the centre, white will attack on the kingside.
• Black usually will claim the queenside.
• The asymmetrical position can lead to attacks by both players on opposite wings.

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:

• White aims for a Pawn push to e4, to break up the centre.
• All of white's minor pieces are positioned to swing into a kingside attack.
• White's d3 Bishop is particularly well placed for an 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:

• White will lead an attack by advancing the kingside Pawns.
• As in the Colle System, White's d3 Bishop is particularly dangerous.
• The advanced f Pawn allows white to bring his Rook into the attack.
• Black will try to exploit white's weak square on e4.