King's Pawn Game · C20

Tortoise Opening

1. e4 e5 2. Bd3

In the centre, White holds e4 while Black holds e5.

The first 3 moves, explained

• 1. e4 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d5, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 1... e5 Stakes a claim in the centre, controlling d4, and frees the bishop and queen.
• 2. Bd3 Develops the bishop to d3, eyeing e4. It also props up the e4 pawn. Theory calls this the Tortoise Opening.

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