The Classical school
Every piece in its place.
The Classical school plays by principles: take the center, bring out the pieces, put the king safe, and turn small advantages into a won endgame.
José Raúl Capablanca of Cuba, world champion from 1921, made it look easy. His moves were simple, and his endgames were nearly perfect. Bobby Fischer played the same clear way, with more fire.
Hou Yifan of China, four times women's world champion, is often placed here too, though her style is harder to pin down.
Openings that suit it
- Queen's Gambit Declined: Black holds the center solidly and develops calmly. Capablanca played it often.
- Ruy Lopez: Steady pressure on Black's center from move three. A favourite of Fischer's with White.
- Italian Game: The center first, the pieces out, the king castled: every principle in a few moves.