Patzer's Handbook #2: The Ideal setup

A free series aimed at improving the average player

      Examine this position carefully. This is what I would call the "ideal" setup for any chess player. This is a universal attacking scheme that is useful against virtually any opening. Why?  Because it is so logical.

The 2 central pawns are managed well, imposing a strong influence in the center.

The bishop on c4 is strong on the a2-g8 diagonal, in addition to eyeing the weak f7 pawn.

                                            The two knights are on their best squares, attacking d5, e5, d4, and e4!

The bishop on e3 supports the center while preparing for a possible Qd2.

Is the saying "Center is everything" ring a bell? Perhaps this is what our grandparents meant when they first taught us chess!

In general, the best active chess (I refer you to handbook #1)  is when all the pieces are on their best squares - where they exert the most influence on the center, and have the most attacking potential.

Playing BAC (best active chess) is a good way to emerge successful out of the opening. In the game below, White employs the King's Indian Attack - which, though unusual, should not be feared by Black - as long as he develops by attacking the center.