Best Chess Opening Tricks
Dear Chess Friends!
People sometimes ask me if there is a certain strategy that helps to win regardless of what your opponent plays. Have you ever faced with similar questions about chess and strategies? If yes, please, share these stories into the comment section below this video.
Usually, these guys are amateurs who just learned the rules and may be played a few games. And, of course, my answer is “no”. Because, everything depends on the concrete position!
However, strong chess players know some tricks, strategies, typical ideas and plans that might work in certain types of positions. And this video is about such tricks that are maybe not the best moves, but can give you some practical chances to outplay your opponent!
Ok, this is FM Victor Neustroev and the list of best chess opening tricks that I applied in my games!
1) Save a tempo on castle
It’s very often when you play an unfamiliar position starting from the first moves. For example, your opponent deviated from a well-known theoretical line and made a move that isn’t considered to be a good move. However, at the same time you can’t prove it right now and then you start thinking logically: what this move does, what are its disadvantageous and how to exploit them.
This is how I react on it. And to prove that the move your opponent played is not so good, you should lose tempos. That’s why I’m trying to save a tempo delaying castle. Of course, in such a case you should be sure that your king is not weak.
2) h4 to attack the pawn on g6 instead of pieces development
g6 and kingside fianchetto is one of the most typical ideas for black in closed or semi-closed positions. That’s why if you want to surprise your opponent, you may play h4 to react on g6. First of all, this move will definitely force your opponent to think and spend his time, what is in your favor in blitz or rapid games. Secondly, sometimes h4 is a helpful move, especially if your long-term plan is to attack on the kingside.
I’ll show you a few examples.
3) Qd8-b6-c7 maneuver in Sicilian Defense for black
When you are sure that your opponent is well-prepared for the game and know every line that you usually play you can get him to Godiva Variation of Sicilian Defense. If he is over 2300, he is likely to know how to play this line properly. But if not, you can get a complicated position that you are familiar with and good chances to outplay him in the middlegame.
For many players who are playing for a victory even with black pieces, it can be a good alternative to their primary openings.
4) Wait for Bg5 in Giuoco Piano (for black)
If you play 1…e5 you are likely to get a lot of games in Giuoco Piano. I actually don’t like slow games, but everyone should know how to play them. And I can provide you with 2 tips that can help to make the position sharper.
Please, look at the board. It’s very often when black plays h6 to prevent Bg5. But if you are not castled yet, it’s even in your favor to provoke white to play Bg5, because then you can play h6, g6 and start the attack on the kingside.
5) Play the opening with reversed colors
Do you like playing Sicilian with black pieces? You even score more points with black pieces? Perfect! Play white as you are black.
For example, if you get used to play Sicilian, start the game with 1.c4 and imagine that this is Sicilian with extra tempo.
If you have any suggestions, comments or recommendations, please, share them in the comment section.
Best Regards,
FM Victor Neustroev
