Fianchetto???

Ok, I realize I can/have looked this up a bit online and I certainly know what it is, the position, etc..but my query is fairly simple as may be the answer: what is the strategic impact/theory/philosophy behind it? I have never gone this direction w my bishops, in general. Bishops are a very early play for me but always across the middle, often following my d4 open and again upon moving my e pawn out of the way of the other in support of the d pawn, and both often check the opponents knight on the third and fifth sixths ranks...what are the benefits of this technique and its cons? And is this move used particularly on king or queenside or both and is black or white a factor and lastly is this done in response to any particular movement by your opponent??? Thx in advance for any help you could give me, cheers. - Matt

Develop knights before bishops.

It's a great way to pressure the center without leaving your Bishop vulnerable to pawn pushes and exchange threats by Knights.

Wow. I was right: the answer IS simple:) ...what is the theory behind knights before bishops? and if i make 3rd rank pawn moves(e/d) without getting bishops out this would seem to lend to the idea of at least one fianchettoed bishop, correct?(i realize you CAN still get a bishop out to other side just makes it more difficult...and lastly does a particular open(i play d open usually) lend to this technique(king or queenside in particular as well) ...thanks for the help...

The theory is that knights tend to belong in the same place, whereas you often want to see the pawn structure and where your opponents pieces are before committing bishops.

Fianchettoed bishops can be really strong pieces, the downside is an extra pawn move (assuming you still want to put pawns in the centre).

Third rank pawns are one of the things to consider when fianchettoing, yes.

I agree