Chess Terminology (O)

Chess Terms Starting With "O"

Open file: A file on which there are no pawns. A file on which only one player has no pawns is said to be half-open.

Open game: Any chess opening that leads to positions with a number of open lines. They often begin with the moves 1.e4 e5 (which is also called a Double King Pawn opening). See also closed game and semi-open game.

Opening: The beginning moves of the game, roughly the first 10-20 moves. In the opening players set up their pawn structures and develop their pieces. The opening precedes the middle game.

Opposite color bishops: See Bishops of opposite color.

Opposition: A situation in which two kings stand on the same rank, file or diagonal with one empty square between them. The player to move may be forced to move the king to a less advantageous square. Opposition is a particularly important concept in endgames. (Also see Chess strategy and tactics).

Outside passed pawn: A passed pawn that is near the edge of the board and far away from other pawns. In the endgame, usually a strong advantage for the side possessing such a pawn.

Overextended: A position where a player has moved a piece or group of pieces (usually pawns) away from the rest in such a way that they are too difficult to defend.

Overloaded: A piece that has too many defensive duties. An overloaded piece can sometimes be deflected, or required to abandon one of its defensive duties.

Overprotection: The technique of massing forces in support of a strong point, often a Blockade.

Overworked: Another term for Overloaded.

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