Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...b6

Bishop's Opening: Sideline 2... b6?
a b c d e f g h 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c d e f g h
Position in Forsyth-Edwards Notation (FEN) rnbqkbnr/p1pp1ppp/1p6/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR w
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 b6

Bishop's Opening - Sideline 2... b6?

The position after the moves 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 b6? is generally considered weak and slightly unusual as it doesn't immediately help in developing black's minor pieces or controlling the center of the board. The primary weakness this move creates in Black's position is a lack of central control. The traditional moves 2...Nc6 or 2...Nf6! contest the center and allow for quicker development of the pieces, but 2...b6 does not. Furthermore, the move 2...b6 could potentially weaken the c6 square, which could be exploited in the future.

White's plan usually involves a standard development with 3.Nf3! followed by 0-0, d4, and c3. White's plan of rapid development and central control can help to exploit the 2...b6 weaknesses and gain an early advantage. This plan allows White to quickly develop his pieces, aiming to control the center with a pawn at d4, and prepare for a potential pawn storm with c3 and d4. The Knights are well placed on f3 and c3, the Bishop on c4 is eyeing the f7 square, and the King has been tucked away safely by castling. This setup provides a solid foundation for White to launch an attack, putting pressure on Black's position.

Meanwhile, Black's slower development and lack of central control can allow White to seize the initiative early on in the game. The key for White will be to capitalize on these advantages while maintaining a solid position and preparing for any counterattacks that Black might launch.

Theory table

For explanation of theory tables, see theory table and for notation, see algebraic notation..

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 b6?

	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Sideline 2... b6?	d3 Nf6	f4 exf4	Bxf4 d5	exd5 Nxd5	Qe2+ Be7	Bxd5 Qxd5	Bxc7? Qc6!		∓
	... ...	... ...	... ...	... ...	... ...	... ...	Nc3 Qd7	Qe5	=
	Nf3! Nc6	O-O Na5?!	Nxe5 Nxc4	Nxc4					±
	... ...	... Bb7	d4 exd4	c3! d3	e5!				±

References

Bibliography

• Kasparov, Gary & Keene, Raymond (1989, 1994). Batsford Chess Openings 2. ISBN 0-8050-3409-9.
• Lane, Gary (1993). Winning With the Bishop's Opening. ISBN 0-7134-7113-1.
• Panov, Vasily. (1973). Teoría de Aperturas, Tomo I: Aperturas Abiertas - Aperturas Semiabiertas. ISBN 84-270-0132-0.
• Schiller, Eric. (2002). Standard Chess Openings. ISBN 1-58042-048-6.

External links

• Goeller, Michael. The Bishop's Opening.
• Harding, Tim (August 1998). The Kibitzer: What Exactly is the Bishop's Opening?. ChessCafe.com.
• Harding, Tim (September 1998). The Kibitzer: The Eternal Appeal Of The Urusov Gambit. ChessCafe.com.
• Harding, Tim (October 1998). The Kibitzer: Is the Urusov Gambit Sound?. ChessCafe.com