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Chad Lieberman

Achieving a solid position during the opening stage of the game is a task with which many beginners, and even some intermediate players, struggle. Choosing opening systems that suit one's style of play is the most effective method for fulfilling this goal.

The first step is to determine your style. Are you an aggressive player who likes to attack? Are you a strategic player who builds a solid position and wins the game through subtle maneuvers? Do you just like to take as much space as you can and let the opponent wallow in his misery as you prepare for the final attack?

Every style has a set of accompanying openings which tend to lead to games of that type. For instance, many of the Sicilian systems lead to sharp games where tactical ability is paramount. On the other hand, the Cambridge Springs Variation in the QGD (Queen's Gambit Declined) is a more solid defense and requires a deeper positional understanding.

While it would be great for you to be able to play well in all situations, you must have specific strengths, and attempt to adopt a position which suits them. While much of this can be achieved with home preparation, perhaps the most interesting part about opening play is what you can do at the board to increase your chances in the game.

Like you, your opponents will also play opening systems which are suited for their styles of play. In many cases, it may be a proper idea to steer the game away from the positions that arise from the opening that your opponent has selected. Take the game out of his or her hands and make it uncomfortable for him or her.

I have found that the best way to achieve this is with an unusual pawn move. In order to really change the structure of the game, you must get down to the skeleton of the position, and that is determined by the pawn chain. If the position is closed, open it up. If it is possible to make an attack, go for it. Anything you can do to knock your opponent off balance gives you an edge.

Happy New Year!

White to mate in two moves.
Link to solution at the bottom.