Caro-Kann Defense
The Caro-Kann Defense begins 1.e4 c6, usually preparing d5 while retaining a different structure from the French…
Learn the term100 ESSENTIAL CHESS TERMS / A–Z
Openings Chess Terms
Explore openings chess vocabulary with clear definitions, examples, related concepts, and study guidance from the ChessRankings.com glossary.
16 chess terms
C
D
Development
Development is the process of bringing pieces from their starting squares into useful, coordinated…
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English Opening
The English Opening starts with 1.c4 and often aims to influence the d5 square from the…
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Fianchetto
A fianchetto develops a bishop to b2, g2, b7, or g7 after moving the adjacent pawn, placing the bishop on a long…
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French Defense
The French Defense begins 1.e4 e6 and commonly continues 2.d4 d5, directly challenging White's central…
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Gambit
A gambit is an opening offer of material, often a pawn, in return for time, activity, central control, or…
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Italian Game
The Italian Game begins 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4, developing White's bishop toward the sensitive f7…
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King's Indian Defense
The King's Indian Defense is a setup in which Black commonly combines Nf6, g6, Bg7, and d6 against White's d-pawn…
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London System
The London System is a family of d-pawn setups commonly featuring d4, Nf3, and an early…
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Novelty
A novelty is a move or idea presented as new within a known opening position or body of previous…
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Opening
The opening is the initial phase of a chess game, when players establish pawn structures, develop pieces, and…
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Opening repertoire
An opening repertoire is a practical collection of opening choices and associated plans for both White and…
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Queen's Gambit
The Queen's Gambit starts 1.d4 d5 2.c4, offering a wing pawn to challenge Black's central d5…
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S
Sicilian Defense
The Sicilian Defense begins 1.e4 c5, giving Black an asymmetrical way to challenge White's central…
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Transposition
A transposition occurs when different move orders reach the same chess position, with the same relevant legal…
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