Semi-open games
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The semi- open games are a group of openings in the game of chess . These openings begin with White's move 1. e2 – e4, to which Black answers differently than 1.… e7 – e5. Its name is derived from the fact that line openings occur less often and not as quickly as in open games , but faster than in closed games . In the ECO codes , the semi-open games are classified under the keys B00 to C19.
background
With the exception of the French Defense , which was already favored by the chess master François-André Danican Philidor , most semi-open games have only developed since around 1850. Previously, the chess players and chess masters almost exclusively played the open games .
Just the feeling of being stuck in and the specter of the remistode led to a greater willingness to experiment and thus to the further development of the game of chess through new opening variants .
Common openings
The following openings are among the popular semi-open games, roughly arranged according to their popularity and practical application:
- Sicilian Defense : 1.… c7 – c5
- French defense : 1.… e7 – e6
- Caro-Kann defense : 1.… c7 – c6
- Pirc-Ufimzew defense : 1.… d7 – d6
- Modern defense : 1.… g7 – g6
- Scandinavian defense : 1.… d7 – d5
- Alekhine defense : 1.… Ng8 – f6
- Owen defense : 1.… b7 – b6
- Nimzowitsch defense : 1.… Nb8 – c6
Seldom played openings
The other possible ten moves that Black can use to answer 1. e2 – e4 are rarely found in tournament practice, this applies to match practice at grandmaster level as well as to the amateur area. This is due to the fact that the black player is already slightly disadvantaged by the white suit advantage and should ensure that his pieces are meaningfully brought into play. This is achieved at least by exerting a certain influence on the central squares, be it through direct pawn advances in the center or through flank play as in the openings with fianceted bishops.
An exception is the Baker Defense , 1.… a7 – a6, which can be used to switch to the Modern Defense by changing the move . Also worth mentioning are 1.… f7 – f6 and 1.… Ng8 – h6, both in connection (with the plan Nh6 – f7) result in a rare marginal jumper opening. The other moves are negligible, they lose a pawn (b5, f5) or unnecessarily weaken Black's position (a5, h5).