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Train this openingAbout this opening
White has developed the bishop before the knight, pointing it at f7 and keeping the f-pawn free to advance. Nf6 is the right answer and by far the most played. You attack e4 at once and take the initiative away from White's slow setup. Bc5 develops naturally but allows d4 with tempo later on. Nc6 is fine but slower, and it does nothing about the pawn on e4. Qf6 guards e5 and eyes f2, but the queen comes out early where knights can chase it. The point of your reply is simple: White has not touched the center with a pawn yet, so hit e4 before that changes.
Plans
- Attack e4 with Nf6 before White defends it with d3.
- Take on e4 if White forgets to defend the pawn.
- Play d5 at a moment when it gains time on the bishop.
- Watch f7, because that bishop and a knight both eye it.
Where the pieces belong
- Knight: f6, attacking e4 at once
- Bishop: c5, matching White's bishop
- Pawn: d5, the break that gains time on the bishop
- Knight: c6, holding e5
- King: castled short before White organizes f4
White wants f4 and a kingside attack. You want d5 and open lines for your pieces. Whoever gets their break in first usually gets the better game.
Variations
Bishop's Opening: Anderssen Gambit
b5 3. Bxb5 c6
Bishop's Opening: Thorold Gambit
b5 3. Bxb5 f5
King's Gambit Declined: Classical, Svenonius Variation
Nc6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. d3 Bc5 5. f4 d6 6. Nf3 Bg4 7. h3 Bxf3 8. Qxf3 exf4