An Open Game (or Double King's Pawn Game) is a chess opening which begins with the moves:
- 1. e4 e5
White has moved the king's pawn forward two squares and Black replies in kind, the result being an Open Game. Other responses to 1.e4 are termed Semi-Open Games, or Single King's Pawn Games.
The term Open Game can also refer to any chess position where ranks, files and diagonals are open, and usually favour tactical gameplay. Bishops are generally stronger than knights, due to their ability to cover longer distances compared to a knight on an open board.
Read more about Open Game: Analysis, Defenses, Examples of Open Games
Famous quotes containing the words open and/or game:
“You’re gonna take the rap and play along. You’re gonna make every exact move I tell you. If you don’t, I’ll kill you. And I’ll promise you one thing, it won’t be quick. I’ll break you first. You won’t be able to answer a telephone or open a door without thinking “This is it.” And when it comes, it still won’t be quick. And it won’t be pretty.”
—Geoffrey Homes (1902–1977)
“The savage soul of game is up at once—
The pack full-opening various, the shrill horn
Resounded from the hills, the neighing steed
Wild for the chase, and the loud hunter’s shout—
O’er a weak, harmless, flying creature, all
Mixed in mad tumult and discordant joy.”
—James Thomson (1700–1748)