NEW CHESS THEORY

NCT V - OPENING NEW UNDERSTANDING

Like in all fundamental field of science, even if we are searching for new principles we need to use marks and references. Evidently our objective is to highlight intrinsic properties, but it does not matter. It is indeed enough to think of the fundamental physics where the Galilean reference frame is an essential intermediary leading in discovering intrinsic concepts.

Now we apply such ideas to the study of the "Chess Opening Theory" (COTX:). In this field we have the chance to dispose of a solid framework which is the ECO (Encyclopedia of Chess Openings) Classification. Our work starts then naturaly on this base.

Our purpose is to create progressively a more accurate classification framwork named the ECB (Eco Codes Base) Classification. In brief the ECB-Classification (ECB:). Our argument for justify such a work is that the ECO-Classification renders only a partial account of the explosion of the field of Chess openings, like it has appeared since fifty years or more.

An apparent contradiction is that on the one hand we seek to return account, on statistical bases, of all the variations now explored, and that on the other hand we however make a point of privileging the play of grandmasters. Finally we actually think of having solved this contradiction thanks to the concept of Pivot Game (PIGA:).




NCT V-A - ECO-Classification
- Basic Study -



1o) n-Opening and n-Position

In order to clarify our study we must introduce some basic concepts. But, be without concern, many illustrative examples which we propose will show you that all is simple.

First, for all integer (i.e. whole number) n we name: n-Opening or n-Beginning all play line which:
  • Begins with the White's first move (in the Starting Position).
  • Consists in the n first moves of each camp (White and Black).


    • Then, a n-Position is the resulting position, on the chessboard, after that a n-opening has been played. Thus, 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 is a 3-opening and the resulting 3-position is clearly represented in our mind, I presume!?

    Now let us benefit from this example to bring a useful precision. That is to say, let us choose an integer m strictly higher than n. We will say that a m-opening prolongs (or is a continuation of) the n-opening considered if the first n moves of White and Black are strictly the sames in both openings and played rigorously in the same order. Thus, the 4-opening: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 is clearly a continuation of the above 3-opening.

    2o) The ECO-Classification

    The ECO-Classification is the classical directory of chess openings, presented in 500 items denoted Xuv where X=A, B, C, D, E, u=0, 1, 2,...,9 & v=0, 1, 2,...,9. For example C89 corresponds to X=C, u=8, v=9. All game classified Xuv is said a Xuv-Opening; thus all game classified C89 is a C89-opening.

    This time we consider a n-beginning. This one may be envisaged like a game suddenly stopped, for a reason or another. Then we say that this n-opening is an Xuv-opening if it is its right classification like a game.

    For example the 3-opening given above is a C60-opening.

    3o) Instability of the ECO-classification

    We want now emphasise about a significant difficulty appearing in the classification of the Chess games and thus of the n-openings. It acts of the instability of any system of grading concerning the Chess games. This way we point out a first intresic feature:

    Chess Openings are unstable "by nature"... This instability is revealed through the ECO-classification but it would be rigorously the same in any other system. It is what we express by saying that it is an intrinsic property.

    This being known, we do not want satisfy us with this report and our intention is well to cross an additional step in "dismounting the mechanism" of the evolution of Chess games and by showing precisely that great differences appear between them.




    NCT V-B - ECO-Classification
    - Purity of an Opening -



    The idea of "purity" permits to express clearly a diffuse feeling according to which openings are more or less guided by clear and easily recognizable principles, constituting a kind of "discussion thread". Such games, guided by simple and clear ideas, will be known as "pure", although it is necessary to define this order of purity. For many other games or lines the situation is more complicated. Finally one finds equally some n-openings (or games) "fundamentally impures" and clearly escaping from this type of interpretation.

    Before to continue let us precise that it is theoretically speaking possible to give a "quantitative" meaning at the concept of purity. But on one hand it is risky and difficult, and on the other hand this will be an effort a little ridiculous and useless. This is why we prefer a "qualitative" formulation.

    Last point: the concrete application of our ideas is impossible without using a reliable and brought up to date statistical source. To our knowledge the ChessBase software is certainly the tool the best adapted for that.

    1o) Totally Pure Opening (TPOP:)

    Let us consider an item Xuv (X= A, B, C, D, E, u=0, 1, 2..., 9 & v=0, 1, 2..., 9) of the ECO-classification. A given n-opening, noted O, is said to be a Xuv-Totally Pure Opening if the two following conditions are realized:
  • O is a Xuv-opening.
  • All m-opening (for m > n) prolonging O is equally a Xuv-Opening.


    • The corresponding n-position is designed like a Xuv-Totally Pure Position.

    Formulate this way this condition express a great stability of such an opening. A priori the matter is here the stability with respect to the ECO-classification (extrinsic property) but, many often, this one express moreover a coherence with some principles, and hidden ideas, completely in conformity with the opinion asserted in a famous work by Reuben Fine (intrinsic properties).

    It is possible to say that a n-opening O is a Totally Pure Opening without specifying the referenced type of opening Xuv; but this one nevertheless is clearly defined and then implied.

    2o) Quasi Pure Opening (QPOP:)

    Let us consider again an item Xuv of the ECO-classification and a n-opening, noted O. This biginning is said to be a Xuv-Quasi Pure Opening if the three following conditions are realized:
  • O is a Xuv-opening.
  • All m-opening (for m > n) prolonging O is equally a Xuv-opening excepted a few number of them.
  • The set of ECO-openings (i.e. items) other than Xuv, intervening among all continuations of O, is very low: often 1,2 or 3, anyway not more than or equal to 5.


    • The corresponding n-position is designed like a Xuv-Quasi Pure Position.

    It is possible to say that a n-opening O is a Quasi Pure Opening without specifying the referenced type of opening Xuv; but this one nevertheless is clearly defined and then implied.

    3o) Relatively Mixed Opening (RMOP:)

    Let us consider again an item Xuv of the ECO-classification and a n-opening, noted O. This biginning is said to be a Xuv-Relatively Mixed Opening if the three following conditions are realized:
  • O is a Xuv-opening.
  • Among all m-openings (for m > n) prolonging O a rather significant number (half or more) is constituted by openings of another ECO-code (i.e. another item).
  • The set of ECO-openings (i.e. items) other than Xuv, intervening among all continuations of O, is generally comprised between 5 and 20.


    • The corresponding n-position is designed like a Xuv-Relatively Mixed Position.

    It is possible to say that a n-opening O is a Relatively Mixed Opening without specifying the referenced type of opening Xuv; but this one nevertheless is clearly defined - in spite of the fact that, in this case, it is not necessarily unique! - and then implied.




    NCT V-C - ECO-Classification
    - Strongly Mixed and Chameleon -



    In complementary notions presented in this paragraph we do not refer to a specific item. Openings considered here are particularly unstable and situated at the opposite in regard with totally pure openings.

    1o) Strongly Mixed Opening (SMOP:)

    A given n-Opening, noted O, is said to be a Strongly Mixed Opening if the two following conditions are realized:
  • m-openings (for m > n) prolonging O admit various ECO-classification items, without a single ECO-opening being essential by the number, in respect with other items.
  • The set of ECO-openings (i.e. items), intervening among all continuations of O, is approximately comprised between 20 and 40.


    • The corresponding n-position is designed like a Strongly Mixed Position.

    It is essential to understand that a Strongly Mixed Opening, by nature, is not referenced to a specific ECO-opening.

    2o) Chameleon Opening (CHOP:)

    A given n-Opening, noted O, is said to be a Chameleon Opening if the two following conditions are realized:
  • m-openings (for m > n) prolonging O admit various ECO-classification items, without a single ECO-opening being essential by the number, in respect with other items.
  • The set of ECO-openings (i.e. items) intervening among all continuations of O, greater than 40.


    • The corresponding n-Position is designed like a Chameleon Position.

    It is essential to understand that a Chameleon Opening, by nature, is not referenced to a specific ECO-opening.




    NCT V-D - ECO-Classification
    - Some illustrative examples -



    1o) French Defense, Tarrasch Variation C06

    Let us study the classical 3-opening:

         1.e4    e6
         2.d4    d5
         3.Nd2    Nf6


    DIAG 1 :


    This is a CO5 or C06-relatively mixed opening, whose continuations are classified: C05, C06 but also C03, C10, C11.

    We continue now to examine the main line of the Tarrasch:

         4.e5    Nfd7
         5.Bd3    c5
         6.c3    Nc6



    This 6-opening is a C06-quasi pure opening.     Let us go on:

         7.Ne2    cxd4
         8.cxd4    f6


    DIAG 2 :


    This time we reach a C06-Totally Pure Position; in other words the 8-opening presented here is a C06-Totally Pure Opening

    2o) Gulko, Boris F (2577) - Smirin, Ilia (2673) E97 (52) ½-½, W ch-T 6th, Beersheba, 2005 - King's Indian orthodox, Aronin-Taimanov variation

    This game begins by:

         1.Nf3    Nf6
         2.c4    g6


    DIAG 3 :


    We are interested by this 2-opening because it is typically a Chameleon Opening. Precisely this beginning leads to about 100 items: 1/5 of all the ECO-openings: A04, A05, A06, A07, A08, A10, A11, A12, A15, A16, A21, A24, A25, A26, A29, A30, A31, A34, A35, A37, A38, A39, A40, A42, A48, A49, A50, A56, A57, A58, A61, A62, A63, A64, A69 to A77, A87, B14, B36, B37, B38, B39, D70 to D80, D85, D90 to D99, E60 to E73, E75, E90 to E99. (On more than 25 000 repertoried games starting with this beginning).

    The game Gulko - Smirin continues like this:

         3.Nc3    Bg7
         4.e4    d6
         5.d4    0-0
         6.Be2    e5


    DIAG 4 :


    The present 6-opening is a E92-Relatively Mixed Opening. All games having this beginning admit un ECO-code comprised between E91 and E99. (On more than 40 000 repertoried games starting with this beginning).

    Let us pursue the examination of the game Gulko - Smirin:

         7.0-0    Nc6
         8.d5    Ne7
         9.b4    a5
         10.bxa5    c5


    DIAG 5 :


    This 10-opening is a E97-Totally Pure Opening. (On 122 repertoried games starting with this beginning).

    The following example is still more meaningful!

    3o) Kochyev, Alexander (2555) - Alburt, Lev (2515) [A43-m**] (49) 1-0, URS-ch FL46 Ashkhabad (9), 1978 - Old Indian Defense

    This game is the Chess-Theory Analyzed Game No056

         1.Nf3    Nf6
         2.d4    c5


    DIAG 6 :


    You recognize here the characteristic start of the Old Benoni Defense (OBD:) constituting the Tarrasch Lever (TALV:) d4-c5.

    Nevertheless this beginning is a typical Chameleon Opening (CHOP:). Thus after only a partial investigation we find, in the continuations, the following openings, according to the ECO classification: A04, A30, A31, A32, A33, A34, A35, A38, A39, A43, A44, A46, A47, A48, A49, A56 to A64, A69 to A79, B13, B14, B22, B28, B36, B37, B38, B39, B41, B44, B54, B70, C05, C06, D00, D02, D03, D04, D05, D06, D13, D14, D15, D28, D30, D32, D34, D40, D41, D50, D73, D77, D79, D90, D94, D99, E01, E04, E10, E12, E14, E20, E23, E54, E60, E61, E64, E65, E66, E79, E90, E91, E92 and some others!... It is impressive!... Isn' t it true?

    Let us interest this time in the game Ambelang, Harald - Hofsteller, Hans Joachim C06 (24) 0-1, Bundeswehr-ch, 1988, which continues like this:

         3.c3    e6
         4.Nbd2    Nc6
         5.e4    d5
         6.e5    Nd7
         8.Bd3    Qb6
         8.dxc5    Nxc5


    DIAG 7 :


    One recognizes there immediately a C05-French, Tarrasch Closed variation... In this typical example you may observe a Reti system, suddenly similar to an Old Benoni Defense, before becoming a French, Tarrasch, Closed variation... This way the concept of Chameleon Opening seems rather clear.

    Now let us come back to the game: Kochyev, Alexander - Alburt, Lev:

         3.d5    g6
         4.Nc3    Bg7


    DIAG 8 :


    One reaches here a A43-Totally Pure Opening (TPOP:); in other words all game coming in this position is undoubtely a A43-Opening.

    According with our terminology we may said that the DIAG 8 represents a A43-Totally Pure Position.




    NCT V-E - Pivot Games and ECB
    (ECO Codes Base) - Classification



    1o) Xuv-Pivot Game (PIGA:)

    This notion is closely connected with the ECO Codes Classification. Let us consider an ECO (Encyclopedia of Chess Openings) Code: Xuv where X=A, B, C, D ou E, u=0,1,2...9 & v=0,1,2...9. For example: Xuv=A43 if X=A, u=4, v=3.

    An Xuv-Pivot Game is a game owning the following properties:
  • After a few number, let us say n, of moves this game is a Xuv-Totally Pure Opening (TPOP:); in other words all play lines (i.e. all variations) coming from this n-beginning are necessarily Xuv-Openings.
  • All this beginning has been played relatively frequently and, when we look upon all this games, the present one appears like a model and may be considered like the main line of all this variations.
  • This game is a solid historical reference, the first to own precisely the desired characteristics. More both players are known and famous (grand)masters.


    • In the: Chess-Theory ECO Codes Base you will find some first concrete examples of Pivot games. We will take the habit to integrate a good number of this games in the Chess-Theory's Analysis.

    2o) The Chess-Theory's ECB-Classification (ECB:)

    The ECB- (ECO Codes Base) Classification is a new type of classification, more precise but being based on the ECO-Classification. Its working is enough sophisticated and deserves some explanations. Let us envisage an ECO-opening noted Xuv. Initially is made an inventory of all the lines of play Xuv explored during these 40 or 50 last years.

    Among these very numerous variations are highlighted some main lines and are chosen corresponding Pivot Games (see: Pivot Game). Each specipic line (variation) is denoted:
  • [Xuv-a], [Xuv-b], [Xuv-c], [Xuv-d] ... [Xuv-x], [Xuv-y], [Xuv-z]
  • [Xuv-a*], [Xuv-b*], [Xuv-c*] ... [Xuv-x*], [Xuv-y*], [Xuv-z*]
  • [Xuv-a**], [Xuv-b**], [Xuv-c**] ... [Xuv-x**], [Xuv-y**], [Xuv-z**]

    • etc... and all this lines ares grouped around the varied pivot games, each one corresponding to a possible variation of a (in principle) single pivot game.

    The ECO Codes Base created on this site is equally a worldwide bank of chess games, analysed, commented or simply presented without any comment.

    3o) An illustration of the ECB-Classification

    The Old Idian Defense A43 is presented in 195 items (i.e. Play lines). From [A43-a] to [A43-m8*] in two web pages:

    ECB-Classification - A43 i - a to r4*
    ECB-Classification - A43 ii - s4* to m8*

    The basic moves are:

         [A43-a]    1.d4 c5


    There we logically group several second White moves:

    [A43-b]       Marshall Retort 2.dxc5
    [A43-c]       Mohr Retort 2.Nf3
    [A43-d]       Ware Retort 2.c3
    [A43-e]       Lee Retort 2.e3
    [A43-f]       Chigorin Retort 2.e4
    [A43-g]       Burn Retort 2.d5


    This last answer is the most significant and all the following lines of play are devoted to it.

    [A43-h]   Podhorzer-Fuss   2...b5
    [A43-i]   Mujannah Formation   2...f5
    [A43-j]   Lichtenheim Gambit   2...f5 3.e4
    [A43-k]   Weichert Retort   2...f5 3.c4
    [A43-l]   Weichert Retort   2...f5 3.c4 Nf6
    [A43-m]   Staunton Retort   2...f5 3.Nc3
    [A43-n]   Staunton Retort   2...f5 3.Nc3 Nf6
    [A43-o]   Van Baudissin Retort   2...f5 3.g3
    [A43-p]   Cohn-Blackburne   2...e6


    The "Cohn-Blackburne System":

    1.d4 c5 2.d5 e6 (Strongly Mixed Opening)

    appeared for the first time in the Pivot game:

    Cohn, Wilhem - Blackburne, Joseph Henri A43 (49) 0-1 Ostend-B 1907.

    We explore now the following lines of play:

    [A43-q]   Szabados Retort   3.Nc3
    [A43-r]   French-Benoni   3.e4
    [A43-s]   French-Benoni   3.e4 Nf6
    [A43-t]   French-Benoni   4.Nc3
    [A43-u]   Pindar Retort   3.e4 d6
    [A43-v]   French-Benoni   3.e4 exd5


    This time the "Cohn-Blackburne System" enters in the French-Benoni line:

    [A43-w]   1.d4 c5 2.d5 e6 3.e4 exd5 4.exd5 d6 (Quasi Pure Opening)

    and are practiced the following lines of play:

    [A43-x]   French-Benoni   5.Nc3
    [A43-y]   French-Benoni   5.Nc3 Nf6
    [A43-z]   French-Benoni   5.Nf3
    [A43-a*]   French-Benoni   5.Nf3 Nf6


    One continues the study of the "Cohn-Blackburne System - French-Benoni" by the play line:

    [A43-b*]   1.d4 c5 2.d5 e6 3.e4 exd5 4.exd5 d6 5.Nf3 Nf6 6.Nc3 (Totally Pure Opening)

    Then one has the continuations :

    [A43-c*]   French-Benoni   6...Be7
    [A43-d*]   French-Benoni   7.Be2 0-0 8.0-0
    [A43-e*]   French-Benoni   8...Na6!?


    ... And so on!

    ***


    NEW CHESS THEORY :

  • Next chapter :


    • «NCT VI - CHESS MOVE CLASSIFICATION»


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