Barnes Opening · C20
Walkerling
1. f3 e5 2. e4 Nf6 3. Bc4
In the centre, White holds e4 while Black holds e5.
The first 4 moves, explained
- 1. f3 Fights for e4 from the flank - contesting the centre without committing a centre pawn. Theory calls this the Barnes Opening.
- 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 2. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen. Theory calls this the King's Head Opening.
- 2... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 6 in the Barnes Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.