Fianchetto
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In chess, the fianchetto (English: /ˌfiənˈkɛtoʊ/ or /ˌfiənˈtʃɛtoʊ/;[1] Italian: [fjaŋˈketto] "little flank") is a pattern of development wherein a bishop is developed to the second rank of the adjacent b- or g-file, the knight pawn having been moved one or two squares forward.
The fianchetto is a staple of many "
One of the major benefits of the fianchetto is that it often allows the fianchettoed bishop to become more active. A fianchettoed position, however, also presents some opportunities for the opponent: if the fianchettoed bishop can be exchanged, the squares the bishop was formerly protecting will become weak (see hole) and can form the basis of an attack (particularly if the fianchetto was performed on the kingside). Exchanging the fianchettoed bishop should not be done lightly, therefore, especially if the enemy bishop on same-coloured squares is still on the board.
Concept
The diagram shows three different sorts of fianchetti (not from an actual game, but as examples collapsed into a single diagram). White's king bishop is in a regular fianchetto, with the knight pawn advanced one square and the bishop occupying the
Black's .
White's queen bishop has moved to a3 in what is sometimes called an extended fianchetto. Rather than control the long diagonal, it takes aim at Black's f8-square. If Black moves his e-pawn, White can play Bxf8, after which Black will have to waste
Four fianchettoed bishops
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The game Rubinstein–Nimzowitsch, Marienbad 1925,[3] had four fianchettoed bishops, two developed knights, and two on their home squares. In this position, Nimzowitsch humorously pointed out in My System: "Each side castles now with a clear conscience, for not even the most hypermodern pair of masters can produce more than four fianchettoed Bishops!"[4]
References
- ^ "Fianchetto". Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster. Accessed 24 Jun. 2020.
- ^ Hooper & Whyld (1996), p. 133.
- ^ "Akiba Rubinstein vs. Aron Nimzowitsch, Marienbad (1925)". Chessgames.com.
- OCLC 25278950.
Bibliography
- ISBN 0-517-53146-1.
- ISBN 0-19-280049-3.