Konstantinopolsky Opening

	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h
8									8
7									7
6									6
5									5
4									4
3									3
2									2
1									1
	a	b	c	d	e	f	g	h

The Konstantinopolsky Opening is a rarely played chess opening that begins with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.g3. It was introduced in the game Konstantinopolsky–Ragozin, Moscow 1956.

3.g3 is an illogical move, since White's light-squared bishop can already develop via the e2-b5 diagonal. This means that either White's 1.e4 or his 3.g3 pawn moves were wastes of a tempo (move). Therefore, White has lost a move in which he could have developed another piece, and is giving Black the chance to take a lead in development by bringing out one of his own pieces (e.g. 3...Bc5) In particular, if White chooses to develop his bishop via the e2-b5 diagonal, he will leave undefended holes on the light squares of his kingside, which will be a major weakness in the middlegame, particularly if he chooses to castle on the kingside.

For these reasons, the Konstantinopolsky Opening is never seen at the top levels of chess, although some grandmasters such as Savielly Tartakower (who experimented with numerous unusual openings) have experimented with it.

See also

• List of chess openings
• List of chess openings named after people

References

• Hooper, David and Kenneth Whyld (1996). The Oxford Companion to Chess. Oxford University. ISBN 0-19-280049-3. 

External links

• 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 g3 Konstantinopolsky opening