30 Chess Openings Named After Famous Chess Players

Table of Contents

Introduction

Chess is a game that has been played for centuries and has a long history of famous players who have left their mark on the game. These players have become legends in the chess world, and their contributions have led to the development of various chess strategies and tactics. In fact, there are many chess openings named after these famous players to honor them and to acknowledge their impact on the game. In this article, we will take a closer look at 30 chess openings that are named after famous chess players and delve into the history and characteristics of each of these openings.

1. AlekhineÂ´s Defense

AlekhineÂ´s Defense is named after the fourth World Chess Champion, Alexander Alekhine. It is a black defense that is characterized by the moves 1.e4 Nf6, with the idea of attacking the white pawn on e4 from the side. This defense was first played by Alekhine in 1921 during a match against Efim Bogoljubow, and it has since been considered a strong counter-attacking defense against the popular move 1.e4. AlekhineÂ´s Defense is known for its dynamic nature, and it often leads to sharp and complex positions where both players must be careful with their moves.

2. Botvinnik System

The Botvinnik System is named after the sixth World Chess Champion, Mikhail Botvinnik. It is a structure in the QueenÂ´s Gambit Accepted, where black plays an early e6, d6, and c5. This system was first played by Botvinnik in the 1946 World Championship match against Alexander Alekhine and has since been adopted by many top-level chess players. The structure of the Botvinnik System is solid and flexible, allowing black to gain control of the center and develop their pieces harmoniously.

3. Capablanca Variation

The Capablanca Variation is named after the third World Chess Champion, Jose Raul Capablanca. It is a line in the QueenÂ´s Gambit Declined that arises after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7. Capablanca was known for his positional play and his ability to simplify the position while maintaining a slight advantage. The Capablanca Variation reflects this style, as it leads to a position where white has a strong control of the center and a solid pawn structure.

4. Fischer Variation

The Fischer Variation is named after the eleventh World Chess Champion, Bobby Fischer. It is a line in the Najdorf Variation of the Sicilian Defense, which was first played by Fischer in his famous match against Boris Spassky in 1972. FischerÂ´s innovation in this variation was the move 6.Bg5, which became known as the Fischer Variation. This line is known for its sharp and aggressive nature, as white tries to launch an attack on blackÂ´s king while black tries to defend and counter-attack.

5. Karpov System

The Karpov System is named after the twelfth World Chess Champion, Anatoly Karpov. It is a defensive system in the Ruy Lopez, where black plays an early d6 and Nge7. Karpov used this system during his matches against Garry Kasparov, and it helped him to neutralize KasparovÂ´s aggressive attacks. The Karpov System is known for its solid and resilient nature, making it a popular choice for those who prefer a more positional approach in their play.

6. Lasker Variation

The Lasker Variation is named after the second World Chess Champion, Emanuel Lasker. It is a line in the QueenÂ´s Gambit Declined that arises after the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Be7 5.e3 h6. Lasker was known for his defensive skills and his ability to hold difficult positions. The Lasker Variation reflects this by offering black a solid and flexible position, with the option to castle kingside or queenside based on the opponentÂ´s moves. This variation is still popular among top-level players, with many notable games being played in this line.

7. Morphy Defense

The Morphy Defense is named after the first unofficial World Chess Champion, Paul Morphy. It is a line in the French Defense that arises after the moves 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 dxe4. Morphy was known for his attacking style of play, and this defense reflects that by giving black an active position with an early pawn sacrifice. The Morphy Defense has been somewhat forgotten in modern chess, but it can still be a surprise weapon against unsuspecting opponents.

8. Nimzo-Indian Defense

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is named after the third World Chess Champion, Aron Nimzowitsch. It is a popular defense against 1.d4, where black plays the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4. Nimzowitsch is known for his contribution to the understanding of prophylaxis and blockade, and the Nimzo-Indian Defense reflects these concepts by putting pressure on whiteÂ´s center and limiting the movement of the c4 pawn. This defense continues to be popular among top-level players and has been a part of many famous games.

9. Petrosian Variation

The Petrosian Variation is named after the ninth World Chess Champion, Tigran Petrosian. It is a line in the QueenÂ´s Indian Defense that arises after the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6. Petrosian was known for his defensive skills and his ability to create solid positions. The Petrosian Variation reflects this style, as black develops their pieces harmoniously and creates a strong pawn structure. This line is still popular among top-level players, and it has been played in many important matches and tournaments.

10. Reti Opening

The Reti Opening is named after the Austrian chess master Richard Reti. It is an unusual opening that starts with the moves 1.Nf3. This opening was first played by Reti in the early 1920s, and it was considered revolutionary at the time. RetiÂ´s idea was to delay the development of the d-pawn, allowing for more flexibility in the opening. The Reti Opening has been popular among top-level players, and it has even been used as a surprise weapon by grandmasters in important games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, chess has a long history of famous players who have made significant contributions to the game. These players have left their mark on the chess world, and their legacy is honored by the chess openings that bear their names. The 30 openings mentioned in this article are just a few examples of the many variations that have been named after famous chess players. These openings not only pay tribute to these players but also reflect their unique styles of play and provide a framework for developing a playerÂ´s own repertoire. As chess continues to evolve, we may see more openings named after new legends in the game, showing the enduring legacy of these players and their impact on the world of chess.