+---------------------------------------+
8 | #R |    |    | #Q |    | #R | #K |    |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P |    |    | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 |    |    | #Kt| #P | #B | #Kt|    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
5 |    |    | #B |    | #P |    | ^B |    |
|---------------------------------------|
4 |    |    | ^B |    | ^P |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
3 |    |    | ^Kt| ^P |    | ^Kt|    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
2 | ^P | ^P | ^P |    |    | ^P | ^P | ^P |
|---------------------------------------|
1 | ^R |    |    | ^Q |    | ^R | ^K |    |
+---------------------------------------+
a    b    c    d    e    f    g    h

Diagram 43.

This can only be done by the exchange of a Pawn and as the only Pawn within easy reach is the Pawn e5 the files which are liable to be opened first are the d-file and the f-file.  In the position of the Diagram it is not easy to find a way of opening either file mentioned without elaborate preparation.  P-d4 cannot be played before the square d4 is three times controlled by White and if White tries to accomplish this by (8) Kt-e2, Black spoils White’s plan by Bxc4 without being bothered by the threat Kt-d5 which existed as long as the Knight was posted on c3.  If, on the other hand, White exchanges the Bishop first on e6 he helps Black’s development by opening the f-file for his Rook.  To avoid these alternatives White could withdraw the Bishop c4 to b3 and then play Kt-e2 followed by P-c3 and P-d4.  But this maneuver involves two moves with pieces which are already developed and it is therefore preferable to place the Rook a1, who has to be developed, right away in the Queen’s file and then to proceed as suggested above.  In other words, White does probably best to play (8) Q-d2 and (9) Ra1-d1.

Black, in the meantime, will of course, also aim at the development of his Rooks.  In the position of the Diagram it is even less troublesome for him than for White to prepare the opening of the d-file, as there is no objection to his playing immediately Kt-e7 with P-c6 and P-d5.  The only reason which might deter Black from playing Kt-e7 is the fear that White might answer Bxf6 forcing Black to retake with the Pawn g7 and thereby tearing a hole in the protecting chain of Pawns around the King.  However, as will be explained in the discussion of the middle game, this maneuver need not be feared.

+---------------------------------------+
8 |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
7 | #P | #P | #P |    |    | #P | #P | #P |
|---------------------------------------|
6 |    |    |    | #P |    |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
5 |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|
4 |    |    |    |    | ^P |    |    |    |
|---------------------------------------|