ChessOps - OPEN GAMES & CLOSE OPENINGS |
| Openings are loosely divided into "open" and "close" (or "closed") types of play, mostly determined by the defence adopted. | ||
 FOUR KTS' (7wb) |
In open games the pieces are developed quickly, with play directed chiefly along tactical lines. Games starting 1.P-K4..P-K4 (e4 e5) are mostly in this category, eg. the 4Kts' Game (left), Ruy Lopez etc. Close games mostly begin 1.P-Q4..P-Q4 (d4 d5) and develop along strategic lines (eg. Grünfeld, right). |
 GRÜNFELD (7wb) |
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Pieces (ie. Q,R,B,Kt) are generally posted in front of pawns in open games, but behind in close games. Certain openings fall between these two groups, and are called "semi-open" games - usually a King's Pawn Opening with a reply other than 1..P-K4 (notably the French, the Sicilian and the Caro-Kann) - or "semi-close" - usually a Queen's Pawn Opening with a reply other than 1..P-Q4 (eg. the Dutch or an Indian Defence). |
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Basics
Terms.3 - Tempo
Terms.5 - Opening Categories