Chess Patterns ❯ Knight and Bishop Techniques ❯ Fianchetto

Fianchetto

A Fianchetto maneuver involves positioning a Bishop on the long diagonal by advancing the b2- or g2-pawn (b7- or g7-pawn for Black) and placing the Bishop on the just-vacated square. This setup aims to control the center indirectly through the long diagonal, enhance the Bishop's activity, and contribute to the King's safety, particularly when castling on the side of the fianchettoed Bishop. The fianchetto is commonly used in various "hypermodern" openings and in Indian defenses. In the diagram above, White is ready to fianchetto the dark-squared Bishop with 1.Bb2.

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Master the Fianchetto

When we started adding a playful touch to chess learning, we looked through thousands of videos and hundreds of books to find the best resources out there. Here's our curated selection of the best content we encountered on the Fianchetto Maneuver. We also included some smaller creators who are growing fast and we believe deserve your attention. Check out these resources if you want to master this maneuver.

When to Fianchetto Your Bishop?
One of the most complete and easy-to-follow introductions to Fianchetto you may find on YouTube. Follow it on the excellent ChessMood channel.

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How To DESTROY The Fianchetto!!
In this video, Will Taylor Chess plays against an opponent who opens with a double fianchetto. Enjoy the game and the very instructive analysis.

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Master Class | Philosophy of Fianchetto
A deep overview by Daniel Naroditsky on several themes that arise in openings where one of the two Bishops is fianchettoed. A must-watch for all intermediate and advanced players.

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The Power of Pawns: Chess Structure Fundamentals for Post-beginners*
This is a very good book by Jorg Hickl. It's a great introduction to the most important pawn structures, how to recognize them and exploit them.

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Secrets of Modern Chess Strategy*
This is a very interesting book. John Watson provides dozens of examples of how chess theory has changed, and it illustrates how many "traditional" principles have found their modern exceptions. For serious players only.

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