A number of theories are available for opening of chess. These recommended theories are practiced almost everywhere although there are a number of other variations are also available. A large number of variations just prove the complexity of the game! Some variations are considered equally good for both the White and the Black. However you don’t need to learn these openings, they come through experience. You must use your logical and healthy thinking to play chess.

Each opening has a name of its own so to classify a game one needs to know the move which characterizes an opening. Each of the openings also has a number of variations and these variations also have different names! Openings which are similar lead to positions which have similar features.

The classification of the openings depends mainly on the first move. An opening can be an open opening, a semi- open opening or a closed opening. An opening is called Open if White starts the move with 1.e4 and Black responds with 1.e5. It is called semi-open if White starts with 1.e4 but Black does not respond with 1.e5. An opening is called closed if White does not start with 1.e4.

Some of the most common open openings are described below:

Italian game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4] White castles while making the most of the piece’s mobility. d5 square is controlled by 3.Bc4 move. The free move d7-d5 is thus inhibited. It also keeps a check on a weaker square f7 and also on the square which is immediately related to the safety of the Black King.

Spanish Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5] The black pawn is threatened by White with 2.Nf3. Black also supports it with 2.Nc6. White now moves 3.Bb5 which threatens the pawn as he may capture c6 and e5.

Scotch game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4] White opens the lines for the pieces quickly. The answer that one gets is 3.exd4. White may either play 4.c3 or take the pawn back with 4.Nxd4. The former is a variation which is known as Scotch Gambit.

Four Knights Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6] This non demanding opening is stable for White. 3.Nc3 faces no threats and the opening is thus non-demanding.

Phillidor’s Defence- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6] The opening results in closed positions though the plans are still open.

Russian Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6] It is an interesting opening theory though it’s not used much now.

Bishop’s Opening- [1.e4 e5 2.Bc4] It is an extremely old opening which is rarely used nowadays.

King’s Gambit- [1.e4 e5 2.f4] White captures the f pawn later on after 2.exf4. To keep the material advantage Black will like to settle for cover.

Some of the most common semi-open openings are described below:

French Defence- [1.e4 e6] Black prepares to play the freeing move which is d7-d5.

Caro-Cann Defence- [1.e4 c6] Black plays d7-d5. Bc8 develops easily which is a major difference from the French Defence.

Scandinavian Game- [1.e4 d5] Black opens the position on its own and tries to play actively.

Alechkin’s Defence- [1.e4 Nf6] If White moves 2.e5, Black does not move the same piece again. Black weakens its centers with the side thrusts like d7-d6, c7-c5 if White moves his centre pawns.

Sicilian Defence- [1.e4 c5] Many possibilities are available for both and hence it is the most commonly used opening. It also leads to wild strategies.

Some of the most common closed openings are described below:

Queen’s Gambit- [1.d4 d5 2.c4] White captures c4 later on if Black captures c4.

English Game- [1.c4 e5] It almost always leads to closed positions.

King’s Indian Defence- [1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d6] This opening has gained popularity due to its rich strategies and tactics. It is used in games of top class.

Dutch Defence- [1.d4 f5] This opening usually leads to closed tactical positions.

Slav Defence- [1.c4 c6] Tactical considerations play a very important role here. It leads to drawish and balanced positions.

A good player should know about all the openings and then play accordingly. One should try to gain experience and knowledge about these openings. Each opening possesses a key idea, which becomes easier to implement once it is perceived.

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Planning a Western Mediterranean cruise? Lucky you. While most of your friends are stuck laboring at their 9-5 jobs you’ll be sailing the sunny seas, eating world class food and visiting some of the most fabulous destinations on the planet. In fact, there is so much to see and do, coming up with an itinerary can be quite a challenge. With magical destinations like France, Italy, Spain and Portugal to choose from there are enough options to fill half a dozen vacations. I’ve compiled a list of some of the best of the region to help you plan your Western Mediterranean cruise.

If you’ve always wanted to tour the magnificent French Riviera then a cruise is just about the most perfect way to do so. Take a shore excursion to the town of Villefranche-sur-Mer and see the beauty that inspired the art of Matisse and Picasso. In Marseille you can see the Notre-Dame-de-Guarde. Take a journey to Cannes, the home of the world renowned international film festival. And in Nice the Opera House and Old Town await your pleasure. There is so much to see and do in this region that it will be hard to drag yourself away to see the delights the other countries on your itinerary have to offer.

In sunny Spain Barcelona is the port where you will almost certainly dock. If you have an appreciation of architecture you will be completely blown away by the stunning Gothic architecture of the buildings here. Again, you have the opportunity to see the works of the legendary painter Pablo Picasso in the Museu Picasso, where one of the world’s most extensive collections of his work are showcased. Another popular Spain cruise destination is Mallorca. Spain’s largest island features the massive Palma Cathedral, and if you want to relax for awhile the island offers upwards of 70 magnificent beaches for you to lay back and soak up the sun.

In Portugal the ports of Lisbon and Funchal await. Lisbon, Portugal’s capital city has something for the whole family to enjoy. Explore St. George’s Castle, Jeronimo’s Monastery, or Belem Tower. Ancient curiosities abound in the Gulbenkian Museum. If you have kids you must make time for a visit to the Oceanarium where all manner of marine life from sharks to cute Antarctic penguins can be seen. One of the world’s largest aquariums the Oceanarium stands out against the ancient stonework of the rest of the city, and is one of the most state of the art facilities you’ll see anywhere in the Western Mediterranean.

On Funchal you enjoy a different sort of adventure. Arrange a shore excursion to climb Picos de Barcelos. This peak is 1,200 feet high and offers a magnificent view of all of Funchal. If you don’t want quite that much exertion on your cruise vacation (and who can blame you?) why not make a visit to see Colombo’s Statue in Santa Catarina Park or take a relaxing stroll through the botanical garden of Quinta das Cruzes.

Last, but certainly not least we have Italy. The choices here are too numerous to describe at length. Rome will be at the top of most people’s itinerary with The Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain and the Arch of Constantine just a few of the major highlights of this historic city. If you’ve been to Rome before why not take a trip to Florence instead? Palazzo Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria and the Uffizi Museum are must-sees in this beautiful city, and if you are this close you shouldn’t forget to take the tour to Pisa where you can see the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa in all its glory.

Again, these are just a few of the highlights of a Western Mediterranean cruise. A trip through this spectacular region will only whet your appetite and you will find yourself wanting to return again and again to further explore the culture and history of these magnificent ancient cities.

Once it was the one thing to holiday in or at least tour France, and then holidays in other parts of the world became more popular. Now the pendulum is swinging back, with many people finding a holiday on the French Riviera the ultimate luxury. At least there are no actual wars being fought in France, so one feels relatively safe travelling in that country.

One exciting thing about taking a holiday in France – especially the French Riviera – is that many celebrities go there, so you are quite likely to catch a glimpse of a famous face. Even if you don’t, all those charming towns and places you have heard of from childhood will entrance and entertain you. You can find follow the footsteps of Bizet, Picasso and Matisse at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, explore the treasures of St Tropez, Cannes or Nice and do a hundred other things.

There are art galleries, boutiques, museums and gardens to wander through and explore the delights of. If you are feeling more active you can climb the 100+ steps of the Colline du Chateau at Nice to enjoy the sweeping views of the city and the Mediterranean as the sun sets. Or meditate amongst the tropical plant paradise, Le Jardin d’Eze at Eze. If flea markets are more your thing then don’t miss the Cours Saleya at Nice for flowers, food, produce and many other interesting items.

Or if you are more into rugged locations, you could take a holiday in Brittany, France and explore the rugged coastline, amazing medieval towns, islands and inland woods. The fascinating customs and dress in the Western Peninsula particularly remain much as they were in years gone by, making it a journey into the past. You can visit ancient castles, amazing pink granite formations and churches adorned with fairies, elves and many other weird and wonderful creations. One thing is for sure, you could never be bored on a tour of France. For more details vivit our website www.slowtours.com

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Paris is known to be the city of lights and is one of the most visited cities in the whole world. A lot of people really do flock the city that in a year alone, there can be over 30 million visitors who spend their vacations here. Maybe because romance never misses to fill the atmosphere of Paris, which is why lovers and honeymooners always consider this place to visit despite of the expenses that they will incur. Paris is a romantic city that even a simple stroll along the Seine and the spires of Notre Dame is considered to be a walk like no other. The Eiffel Tower, the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe are just some of the many wonders you are going to see when you visit Paris.

If you are one of the museum goers, Paris would always be the right city for you as the city is the home of world-class museums such as the Picasso, the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay. If ever you have visited the famous museums, you can always take a stroll and explore Montmartre, which is Paris’ artists’ community before. Then going up the highest hill of Paris, you will then reach the Basilica of Sacre-Coeur, which any traveler should not miss out when visiting Paris. In addition to this, you can also go to the Chateau de Versailles, and in the southwest of Paris, you can visit Louis XIV’s castle and head to its beautiful gardens.

France is not just a beautiful country but also holds so many areas of interests. One of the most favorites is the Loire Chateaux which is actually a collection of beautiful castles that are built in the Loire Valley. Another area of interest is no other than the Cote d’Azur or the French Riviera that has known to stretch from St. Tropez to Cannes, Monte Carlo, Nice and Menton.

French Riviera has really been a director and producer’s favorite as the coastal highways have been featured in many movies already. This is because the highway offers panoramic views of the mountains as well as the Mediterranean. And if you still want to explore more, you can always go to the Provence. The Provence is the hinterland of the Riviera which has greatly inspired a number of artists already. Such artists do include Van Gogh and Cezanne.

To sum it all up, a visit to Paris is like a visit to the heart of art and travel back to the renaissance period. The city is rich with European culture and is known to be the one of the best cities in the world. And not only that! The city is also the capital of a country which is also rich in history and culture, France. So, when planning to have a vacation in Europe, why not try to drop by at the most romantic city of the world and enjoy the enchanting spell that wraps the place? And as you enjoy the wonderful city try to visit its famous tourist spots and take a trip that, for sure, you will never forget.

No country embodies the grandeur of European travel quite like France. From the international artistic reputation of Cannes to the luxurious leisure of the Riviera, France has demonstrated a remarkable capacity to overcome a tumultuous history by enriching the quality of life with those experiences. The diversity of the country will leave you stimulated, satiated and asking for more when you finally treat yourself and travel to France!

France from Renaissance to Revolution

Throughout European history, France has been the undisputed pioneer of social revolution and cultural renaissance. An enlightened society with classic charm, France will guide your journey seamlessly through centuries of power and progress, defeats and suffering, all of which possess an essence of timelessness. Travel France in July and witness Bastille Day, a commemoration of the destruction of the prison that King Louis XVI and his predecessors used to quiet social disruption and censor or torture public irritants. The day is symbolic of the value of social freedoms and democratic governance to the French people. The main celebration takes place in Paris at the former site of the Bastille.

Go further back in time and explore the French countryside, which is rich with Roman Ruins dating up until the 5th Century. Gréoux-les-Bains, in the south of France, is known not only for its hot springs but also for the ruins of Roman bath tubs and swimming pools that depended on these springs as a source for hot water. Aix-en-Provence is a well known town central to France’s wine and art culture, but also shares a Roman past as an ancient city with two aqueducts demonstrating the technological prowess of the Roman people.

For a more unique experience, travel to the Loire Valley, a bastion of medieval castles, and have yourself a true Châteaux experience. Many of the ancient and classical castles have rooms available for rent, mainly during the summer season. There is no better way to be immersed in French history; plus, the castles often offer the best of the surrounding wine region.

French Travel: More Than a History Lesson

Not only is France a gateway into Europe’s enchanting history, the country that is world renowned for its irresistible food, fabulous wines and sophisticated lifestyle does live up to its reputation. Visit Nice to enjoy the coveted Riviera way of life while avoiding the throngs of tourists that swarm to St. Tropez just up the coast. While in Paris, make sure to enjoy a quiche lorraine in a local café somewhere on the outskirts of town in addition to scaling the Eiffel Tower or getting lost in the Louvre. However you choose to travel, there is no way to miss the robust culture and resilient history of France.