Enter Your Reply The Comment You're Replying To Joe Joyce wrote on Fri, Nov 21, 2008 04:19 PM UTC:Okay, I don't play FIDE chess, so let's discuss this thing about opening theory. As I understand it, opening theory is when you memorize a whole bunch of opening positions, and the best continuations from each one. I have [and always have had] a terrible memory which explains in good part why I don't play FIDE. But since I don't [always] play completely randomly, I must have some guide. That guide is opening principles, and basic military ideas. One of the things I've seen written about Fischer Random Chess is that after several turns, you can't tell it's Fischer Random. This would seem to imply there is some leveling effect. It says that people can get to a standard sort of midgame and an absolutely typical endgame no matter what they start out with in FRC. How, and why? Because everyone uses the same general principles of mobility, economy of action, taking of space, building of defenses and attacks, and all are familiar with the standard 5 chesspieces and the pawn. Opening theory is fine if one wishes to specialize in one game and beat everyone at that game. Opening principles and familiarity with many different [types of] pieces are what allow players to successfully play a wide range of games. I'd rather see a discussion of general opening principles and the effects of different sorts of pieces on a game than a study of one or a few games' many possible opening moves. I'm not opposed to that sort of study, and could see it as a benefit, if it did a range of games, comparing and contrasting them. Edit Form You may not post a new comment, because ItemID Proliferation does not match any item.