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The End of the Épine Dorsale

The Épine Dorsale, or Dorsal Fin, refers to an initial sequence of moves that can give rise to a number of King's Pawn openings.

The opening sequence is:

1.e4 e5

2.Nf3 Nc6

3.Bc4

Up to the nineteenth century, the Épine Dorsale moves were considered superior to all others, but as the science of chess progressed, alternatives came to be regarded as both equally strong and more interesting and dynamic. These moves are still played at master level, and are often recommended to beginner players as a good openings to learn the game. A great variety of openings step off the Épine at some point.

For example, the French Defence branches off the Épine Dorsale at Black's first move with:

1...e6

The Ruy Lopez branches off the Épine Dorsale at White's third move with:

3.Bb5

Finally, Giuoco Piano follows when Black plays along the Épine Dorsale and leaves the line with:

3...Bc5