These days
engines have become a chess player’s best friend. Its influence is mostly felt
in the opening phase, where every line is analyzed in detail and everybody,
regardless of their level, knows a fair amount of theory. If you want to avoid
in-depth preparation, it is a good idea to add to your opening arsenal a system
that doesn’t require so much memorization and is based on middlegame
understanding. There are many interesting systems that you can study and this
article is dedicated to the Double Fianchetto System. Here are some of its
important characteristics.
1.There
is very little theory to memorize
One of the
biggest problems for every chess player, regardless of their level, is having
to learn long, theoretical lines. The advantage of learning a system is that
instead of doing this you can focus on understanding the typical ideas behind
the set-up and measure forces in the middlegame.
2.It can
be used against any set-up that black chooses
What can be
better than not having to worry about what your opponent is going to play
against you? The Double Fianchetto offers you a universal answer in terms of
getting your pieces out. The only thing left to do is study the different
structures that arise and understand how they should be played and what the typical
plans involve.
3.Helps
Your Overall Improvement
In order to master the Double Fianchetto, you will have to study many games and understand how the approach changes with the type of structure that you get on the board.
The study of
the different middlegames and typical plans will help you improve your chess
understanding and become a better player.
4.Solid
Opening
It is a
solid opening – you get your pieces out quickly, control the centre, put your
king into safety, and only then start taking offensive actions.
5.Plenty
of Ideas to Play
The Double
Fianchetto is an opening rich in ideas. Whether you like to attack or prefer
long, positional battles, this system’s got you covered. In the same way, if
you want to have diversity in your repertoire and be able to change from time
to time, you can switch between the different plans available.
6.Flexibility
As you can
see from the ideas presented above, the Double Fianchetto is a flexible
opening. It is not only flexible in terms of the plans you can use, but also in
terms of move orders. There are many transpositions available and you can play
with the move order to confuse your opponent and try to get the most convenient
version to you.
7.Surprise
Weapon
Since it is
a relatively easy opening to learn, you can choose to use it as a surprise
weapon for your opponents. Although considered by many an unambitious opening,
it can be uncomfortable to meet over the board. If your opponents don’t know
exactly what they are doing or can’t find the best set-up against it, they can
easily fall into an inferior position.
8.Homefield
Advantage
It is a good opening to get your opponent onto the uncomfortable ground. The good thing about this opening’s flexibility and knowing different plans inside it is that you can use them smartly against your opponents.
For example,
if you know that your opponent is tactical, let’s say King’s Indian player, you
can opt for more positional lines, where he/she won’t get the type of positions
they handle best.
9.Trusted
by Many Strong GMs
It has been
the choice of many strong Grandmasters over the years and its popularity has
only been growing. Some of the specialists in this system are Vladimir Kramnik,
Wei Yi, Mikhail Marin, Ulf Andersson, Vasily Smyslov, and many others.
10.Strong
Winning Chances
The Double Fianchetto is a great opening to fight for a win. Thanks to the closed character of the arising positions, trades are fewer and you will have a long battle ahead.