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chess opening

chess opening

1 3.8
A set of moves played at the start of a chess game with known plans
  • noun
  • /tʃɛs ˈoʊpənɪŋ/
  • Jargon
translation icon : apertura de ajedrez
  • Learning a new chess opening can give players a strategic advantage early in the match.

Examples

  • The Sicilian Defense is one of the most popular chess openings among grandmasters.

  • The chess opening can determine the game's outcome.

  • He spent years studying the chess opening to improve his game.

  • He prefers the chess openings that lead to aggressive play.

  • The Sicilian Defense is a popular chess opening that many players use to gain an advantage.

  • Learning the Ruy Lopez chess opening can help beginners improve their strategy.

  • Mastering various chess openings is essential for serious players aiming to compete at higher levels.

Synonyms

opening
vschess opening
  • Jargon
7 6.5

A set of moves at the start of a chess game

is the full named phrase that highlights established names and strategies

Surface Forms

chess opening singular

Morphology

chess + opening

The meaning 'a sequence of moves at the beginning of a chess game' is directly derivable from combining 'chess' (the game) with 'opening' (the beginning phase). This noun–noun composition is literal and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Chess opening comes from the idea of the opening, the first moves that start the game. Think of it like opening a door or the first chapter of a book that sets the scene and plan, so 'chess opening' means a known set of early moves used as a strategy.