Chess Opening Theory/1. e4/1...e5/2. Bc4/2...g6

Bishop's Opening: Sideline 2... g6?
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/pppp1p1p/6p1/4p3/2B1P3/8/PPPP1PPP/RNBQK1NR w
Moves: 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 g6

Bishop's Opening - Sideline 2... g6?

The opening line 1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 g6 is a deviation from standard opening principles in chess. The move 2…g6? is considered weak because it allows White to seize control of the center with 3. d4 quickly. This move attacks the pawn on e5 and prepares to develop the knight to f3.

After 3. d4!, White plans to continue with 4. Nf3, aiming to put more pressure on the central square e5. Black cannot respond with 4... Bg7?? because 5. Nxe5 Bxe5 6. dxe5 would lead to White winning a pawn due to the pin on the e5 pawn.

White could also consider a long-term plan of advancing the pawn on a2 to a5 (via a4) to control the b6 square. This move could potentially limit Black's queenside development and create weaknesses in Black's pawn structure.

Overall, this sideline in the Bishop's Opening leads to a superior position for White due to Black's neglect of central control and weak pawn structure.

Theory table

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

1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 g6?

	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
Sideline 2... g6?	Nf3 d6?!	d4 Bg7	dxe5 dxe5?	Bxf7+!				+/−
	... ...	... ...	... Nc6	Nc3				±
	... Bg7	d4 exd4	Bg5					±
	d4! Nc6	d5 Na5?!	Be2 b6	Nc3 Nf6	f4 d6	Nf3 Bg7	f5	±
	... ...	... Nb8	Nc3 d6	a4 a6	a5 Nd7	Nf3		±

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.

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