The Fianchetto



Posted: Monday, May 26, 2008

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Guess where this funny word comes from. Yup, you got it, it is from Italy:

the Italian for "flanking." A long time ago Pawns were only allowed to move one square in the initial move and if you moved any one of the centre pawns it would block at least one of your own Bishops. They wisely changed the rule to open the game up but before they did this it was common practice to Fianchetto your Bishops to get them into open play. So when the Knight’s pawn advances one or two squares and the Bishop moves in front of the Knight, this is called The Fianchetto So why would you play this chess strategy. The aim is to counteract your opponents advances on the centre squares. It gives your bishop a long diagonal right across the board and dissects the centre squares which as we know are vital to any chess attack. You can play it either Queen's or King's side. It allows you to be more aggressive with your Bishop right from the very start of the game. It can also provide you with an escape route for your Bishop if it gets blocked by your centre pawns.

The most common fianchetto can be seen in the Sicilian Dragon and the Benoni defence amongst others. The Fianchetto played on the Queens side is usually stronger than the Fianchetto played on the King's side as the Kings defences would be weakened by the the pawn structure. If you use this chess strategy on both sides it is called The Double Fianchetto Most of the experts generally warn against a double Fianchetto as you are better to have one Bishop attacking and one defending if you are to use this tactic.

Another benefit of the Queen's side Fianchetto is that if your opponents castle on his King's side then your Bishop is pointing straight at the King’s defence like an Exocet missile. Your opponent has to continually be wary and guard against a surprise attack. Nevertheless, there is a school of thought which says castling into the fianchetto is very strong defensivley unless your opponent has castled on the opposite corner. The choice is yours.

So how would you counteract this tactic. The easiest way is to cram your pawns into the centre squares and stifle his attack. This would usually do the trick but if he did the same a battle would result in the middle of the board and the centre squares could open up again and his Fianchetto attack would be still on. You should try and cover the centre squares with your pawns before you even consider the Fianchetto so you have control as to when you want to move them and allow your Bishop into the attack.

I have personally found that attacking the side the Fianchetto has taken place on with your pawns (as long as you have not castled on the same side of course) can work. It can leave the Bishop vulnerable and open to attack.

Attacking the pawns around the Fianchettoed Bishop will wreck and weaken the whole structure. Also remember at the beginning of the game if you use this strategy, your knight can end up being left in it's starting position as if it moves in front of the Bishop it will block the bishops attack. It is therefore dangerous to exchange your Fianchettoed Bishop for another piece and leave your opponents same coloured bishop on the board. If it moves on to that same diagonal your Rook could be trapped by your Knight and have no escape.

Make sure you have studied your opponents position before you Fianchetto.

Remember, that if you do not complete the Fianchetto, your Rook will be cornered and will be an easy target especially if your opponent gets the diagonal line before you.

Finally, if your opponent looks as if he is going for the Fianchetto try to exchange Bishops.

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