Ideas, Openings & Improvement

The Bird Opening (1.f4) is the most aggressive flank opening, kingside control from move 1. The Leningrad Bird, From Gambit, complete guide.

The Nimzo-Larsen Attack (1.b3) fianchettoes the queen's bishop and controls the centre from the flank. Low theory, practical, and dangerous. Complete guide.

The English Opening (1.c4) is the most flexible flank opening, it can transpose into almost anything or create unique, strategic middlegames. Complete guide.