ECO C23 · for White
Bishop's Opening
The line below is what Lichess 1600-1800 players actually play: after the opening's defining moves, each move is the most common choice at that point. The notes are Chessbook's move notes, the same ones shown while building a repertoire.
29,919,138 games in this band reached the Bishop's Opening position. From there White won 51% and drew 4%.
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nc6 3. Nf3 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6 5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3 9. bxc3 Bxc3
Moves 1 to 2
1. e4 e5 2. Bc4 Nc6
1. e4
"Best by test" according to Bobby Fisher.
1... e5
Black grabs an equal share of the center and scope to develop some pieces.
2. Bc4
Developing the bishop while avoiding major lines and hitting the f7 pawn.
2... Nc6
Developing the knight while protecting the e5 pawn in case of Nf3.
- 2... Nf6: Developing the pawn and attacking the e4 pawn.
- 2... Bc5: Copying white while also developing his bishop in order for quick development.
- 2... d6: Strengthening the center while allowing the light squared bishop to develop.
Moves 3 to 4
3. Nf3 Bc5 4. c3 Nf6
3. Nf3
Developing the knight and preparing to castle kingside.
- 3. d3: Strengthening the center and opening up the dark-squared bishop.
3... Bc5
Developing the bishop to a strong diagonal, aiming to control the center and prepare for kingside castling.
- 3... Nf6: Attacking the e4 pawn and preparing for kingside castling. This move also allows for the possibility of d5, further challenging white's control of the center.
- 3... h6: Preventing any potential Ng5 or Bg5 moves from white, but this move is generally considered slow and does not contribute to piece development or control of the center.
4. c3
Preparing the d4 break for greater control of the center and to threaten the dark squared bishop.
- 4. O-O: Castling kingside with a slight development advantage. Planning to break in the center later probably with c3 and d4.
- 4. d3: Supporting the e4 pawn and allowing to develop the dark squared bishop.
- 4. Nc3: Developing the knight and controlling the center. White will likely continue with d3 and castling.
4... Nf6
Developing the knight while attacking the e4 pawn.
- 4... d6: Protecting the e5 pawn and solidifying the center so that d4 hits with less force when white plays it later.
Moves 5 to 6
5. d4 exd4 6. cxd4 Bb4+
5. d4
Advancing in the center and forcing Black's bishop to retreat.
- 5. d3: Giving the dark squared bishop and the knight on b1 more ability to become active, while also protecting the e4 pawn.
5... exd4
Capturing the d4 pawn and allowing Black to play Bb4+ next move.
6. cxd4
Recapturing the pawn on d4, attacking the bishop and gaining space.
6... Bb4+
Moving the bishop away from the threat and checking the White king.
Moves 7 to 8
7. Nc3 Nxe4 8. O-O Nxc3
7. Nc3
7... Nxe4
8. O-O
8... Nxc3
Move 9
9. bxc3 Bxc3
9. bxc3
9... Bxc3
Plans for White in this position
What White usually does from here in Chessbook's games data. Hover a move to see it on the board.
- The bishop on c4 typically captures the pawn on f7
- The dark-squared bishop can develop to a3 or g5
- The queen can develop to b3 or a4
- The kingside rook generally develops to e1
- The knight on f3 often moves to e5
Related opening guides
- Italian Game for White
- Queen's Gambit for White
- English Opening for White
- Philidor Defense for Black
- Zukertort Opening for White
- Ruy Lopez for White