File: Open.—An open file is one unoccupied by pieces or Pawns, and it is a great point that a Rook should be played so as to command such a file. In the diagram on page 289 the K B’s file is “open,” whilst White has doubled his Rooks on the otherwise “open” K Kt’s file.
Fork.—A term originally applied to the attack of a Pawn upon two of the opponent’s men at the same time. It is now, however, so extended as to include the minor pieces when any one of them—more especially the Kt, however—attacks two pieces at the same time.
In the diagram the Black Pawn on Q Kt 4 “forks” the Q and B. If White plays P Q 4 ch, then the P “forks” both K and Q. If the Kt goes to Q 7 ch, it also “forks” K and Q. Similarly if Kt B 3 it “forks” the Q and R, and lastly, if B takes Kt ch, it “forks” K and Q. A “fork” from a Kt on two superior pieces is always dangerous, and often fatal, whilst that from a Pawn is also dangerous.
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Gambit.—See “Game.”
Game.—Besides its ordinary meaning, the word is used in a technical sense, such as “open game,” “close game,” etc. A game of chess has three phases more or less well defined. The “opening,” the “mid game,” and the “end game.”
The “Opening.”—The first or developing moves in a game, wherein the pieces are brought from their original comparatively inoperative position into active co-operation, both for attack and defence. It is here that book play comes in, and in the study of openings the young student of chess will find wide scope.
The “Mid Game.”—That portion of the game immediately following the opening; the pieces being developed on both sides, combinations result, and attack, defence, and counter-attack take place. It is here that the native skill of the player finds full scope for its display.