Basque Opening · A45
Main line
1. d4 Nf6 2. b3
In the centre, White holds d4.
The first 3 moves, explained
- 1. d4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling e5, and frees the bishop and queen.
- 1... Nf6 Develops the knight to f6, eyeing d5 and e4.
- 2. b3 Prepares the fianchetto: the bishop will take the long diagonal via b2. Theory calls this the Basque Opening.
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Where this fits
This line is one of 1 in the Basque Opening. If you want to know where your own games leave it, the guide on leaving theory explains how that is found.