1...e5 Against Everything

Part of the Playing Real Games section of Coddy's Chess journey. Lesson 20 of 40.

As Black you need one answer to 1.e4, and it is the oldest one: 1...e5. Your share of the centre, a diagonal for the bishop, and against every second move White has there is a safe, simple reply you can learn in a minute. Here they are.

Try it yourselfBeginner

Position 1 of 9

WatchAgainst the Italian: the mirror. Watch.

The starting position.

0 / 7

All 9 positions

All lessons in Playing Real Games

1Think Before You Move

What Did That Move Change?Checks, Captures, Threats The Landing Square The Blunder Check Two Candidates, Not One Recap: Think Before You Move

4Your First Answers as Black

1...e5 Against EverythingThe Four-Move Mate, for Good 1...d5 Against 1.d4 Play It Out as Black Recap: Your First Answers

7The Rules of Play

Draws in Practice Touch Move and the Clock

2Opening Principles

Centre, Pieces, King Don't Move It Twice The Early Queen Connect the Rooks Something Strange Recap: Opening Principles

5Trading and Converting

When to Trade Simplify Into a Won Ending No Hurry Stalemate: Only Way to Lose Promote the Extra Pawn Recap: Trading and Converting

8Your First Real Games

Project: A Whole Game Read Your Review Recap: Real Games

3Your First System as White

The Italian Setup The Plans Behind It The Fried Liver The London in Five Play It Out: Game One Play It Out: Game Two Recap: Your First System

6Defending

Under Pressure Defending a Mate Threat Counterattack Perpetual Check Recap: Defending