Quick Q

What is "sound" in chess exactly....what are "sound moves, sound openings"

Originally posted by Ramned
What is "sound" in chess exactly....what are "sound moves, sound openings"

I always thought of sound as any move which is not losing.
for example:
e4 is sound (duh)
however, many GMS have cast doubts as to whether or not 2. f4 is sound. an "unsound opening" would be something like 1. f3 2. Kf2 3.Qe1 or something crazily insane like that.

A move or opening that cannot be refuted by best play.

Originally posted by Squelchbelch
A move or opening that cannot be refuted by best play.

such as the Fried liver when it is started (Nxf7?)

Originally posted by Ramned
such as the Fried liver when it is started (Nxf7?)

or the poisoned pawn after black takes the pawn.
the soundness of Qxb2 in that line may be one of the more disputed topics in all of chessdom...
next to the soundness rating of 1. d4 vs. 1. e4

Originally posted by Ramned
such as the Fried liver when it is started (Nxf7?)

1.e4...e5
2.Nf3...Nc6
3.Bc4...Nf6
4.Ng5...d5
5.exd5...Nxd5?
is a slight mistake though maybe not unsound.
5...Na5 is more sound
6.Nxf7...Fxf7
7.Qf3+
is ok but many feel that 6.d4 is better for white.

It is a move that has generally withstood the test of time and for which there is no clear advantage for the opponent.

The poisoned pawn accepted is definatly sound

Originally posted by chrspayn
The poisoned pawn accepted is definatly sound

I'm sure there about a thousand people around the globe who would strongly disagree with you.
I don't see it much, because I usually play 2. Nc3 against a Sicilian.
usually, the tactically obsessed 1. ... c5 employers don't like the Closed Sicilian...

Open Sicilian is much more dangerous for black...be more aggressive!

Originally posted by Ramned
What is "sound" in chess exactly....what are "sound moves, sound openings"

"Sound" implies that the move adheres to generally accepted principals or is the move that would be played by masters or advanced players in most similar situations.

A "solid" move is similarly correct but perhaps less adventurous. I think of a solid move or a solid set up as being obviously strong and correct whereas "sound" is something that may not appear to be so correct at first sight but has been tested and proved to be good.

This is only my own personal impression of the use of this word in this context.

Being of sound mind (i.e. not mad) is, I think, a legal requirement for signing contracts, getting married and writing your will etc but not - sadly - a requirement for posting in the forums.