Open Game

The Open Game is not one variation but the family beginning with 1.e4 e5. White advances the pawn in front of the king two squares, from e2 to e4, and Black answers symmetrically from e7 to e5.

Both pawns occupy the center, control a central square in the opponent's half, and clear diagonals for the queen and king's bishop. This permits rapid development, but it also makes the pawns on e4 and e5 targets. After 2.Nf3, meaning that White's knight jumps from g1 to f3, the knight attacks the pawn on e5 and Black must decide how to defend it or counterattack.

Many different openings branch from this position. 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 enters the Italian Game; 3.d4 enters the Scotch Game; and 3.Nc3 Nf6 reaches the Four Knights Game. Black can instead answer 2...Nf6 with Petrov's Defense. Each branch has its own plans.

A symmetrical center with several branches

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Starte4e5Nf3Nc6

Before 1.e4 e5

The king pawns still block each queen and king's bishop. The first two moves will change the center symmetrically.

The name can mislead. An Open Game does not necessarily produce an open position. An open position has lost many central pawns and gives long-range pieces clear paths. Some games beginning 1.e4 e5 keep a blocked center for a long time, while others quickly create an open line.