The Bishop's Opening

Important variations are animated at the bottom of the page.

This is an interesting little spin-off of the Classic Defense.  Instead of moving out the knights first, you move out Bc4.  There are so many variations to this, I can't possibly show them all.  However, the main purpose is to exchange one of the bishops and develop early.  The line goes 1. e4, e5  2. Bc4

The Nf6 variation   A B C D E F G H 8   7   6               5               4             3               2     1

The first variation I will talk about is the Nf6 variation.  This is the intended move that white should be ready for.  Since the light bishop has been released, white can move his d pawn.  1. e4, e5  2. Bc4, Nf6  3. d3.  This is shown on the left.  The point to this is to pin the black knight.  this is not a bad idea.  The bishop opening is pretty successful and isn't a bad choice.  Plus, white has the option of moving his knight to e2 to avoid the same dilemma as black.  A good idea for white is to castle queenside because it will normally be a safer place.  The center ties up easily.  The Nf6 variation is probably black's best move anyhow.

The Bc5 Variation   A B C D E F G H 8     7     6             5           4             3               2   1

This move can be a good move depending on how you look at it.  One of white's options is to go for the scholar's mate which makes it awkward for both sides.  Qh5 forces Qe7 or Qf6.  Qf6 makes threats of its own, but blocks the knight from developing in its rightful spot.  Qe7 defends the checkmate and lets the knight move to f6, but it is a passive move.  Qf6 makes white move Nf3 for the best mobility.  That blocks his queen, and although Qxe5 would be ideal, black also has a good option of d6.  This is shown on the left.  Now the queen can get trapped back there.  Most people won't go for the scholars mate, though.  This is where personal preference comes in.  Many people would do the Evan's gambit after Bc5.  It is your choice.