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ROT offers an alternative method of playing the opening which significantly enhances the number of sound playable moves.It is my belief that opening theory will be broadened and enriched by ROT and a greater understanding of optimum development will emerge.ROT does not refute or replace the bulk of conventional theory; although
it may point the way to objectively superior moves or variations.
Sometimes the insertion of just one or two ROT
type moves will radically alter a conventional opening, but many openings are playable using only ROT.
The main principle of ROT is that, compared to
conventional theory, a much stronger emphasis is
placed on developing pawns before pieces. But if
a good square is available for a piece then consideration is given for its deployment.
A secondary principle is that more scrutiny is
placed on the necessity of castling, its timing
and its advantages or drawbacks.
The raison d'etre for these modifications is based on the following logic:-
a) As appropriate pawn moves are made,the pieces on the back rank gain more activity and
may become automatically developed where they
stand in ZERO moves.
b)If the pawns are developed, in general, as a priority, options for the (further) development
of the pieces,tend to be kept open, ultimately
allowing greater flexibility and more effective
siting for attack or defence.
c)Bringing out pieces makes them more vulnerable to enemy attack or becoming pinned.
The delayed piece development gives less time
in which they can be attacked aswell as more
time to select safer squares.In addition optimum
pawn moves will tend to prevent such attacks or
defend the pieces,(at least against enemy piece
attack.)
d)Pieces in their initial position may be useful in defending weak squares or pawns or
other pieces especially the king.
e)If these pieces are captured then at least no time will have been lost on moving them!
Positions can arise where an opponent is induced
to exchange one of his pieces,(which may have moved several times), for a back rank piece.
Sometimes a piece in its original position might
be advantagiously sacrificed.
f)If pawns are captured or exchanged then pieces may be activated (without moving).
g)Developed pieces often block the mobility
of the pawns,(aswell as other pieces);this is less likely with ROT.
h)Pawns are superior to pieces in controlling
the important central squares,(aswell as other squares).This is because they are more expendable
than pieces;a bishop or knight being worth about
3.2 pawns in the opening.
IPSO FACTO THE MOST SECURE CENTRE IS BASED ON
PAWNS SUPPORTED BY PAWNS.
i)An appropriate pawn move may,(apart from other functions),create a safety square for
a piece including the king.
j)Castling also tends to be delayed or may become unnecessary which may save time.For
example,if queens are exchanged,then the king
may be best placed in the centre for the ending.
Or it might be useful defending weak pawns or
squares in the centre.
By pursuing this policy options are kept open
for castling either wing,moving to five adjacent
squares or staying put.
Attacks on the king are thus more difficult
objectively though the defence may require more
nerve and precision.
The rooks may also be more effective on their
original squares for either attack or defence.
However if the king is in danger or the corresponding rook is better placed on other
files then castling may be the best option.
Castling too soon may reduce your options
and may lose time. It may also be bad to castle
into an attack.
On the other hand castling one move too late
may prove fatal;so this move must be timed very
carefully.
By delaying castling the eventual optimum
position of the king will become more apparent.
It is often a good tactic to wait and see where
your opponent castles before committing yourself.
k)In general the pawns the pawns are more effective at threatening enemy pieces to displace
them to inferior squares with loss of time.
l)The pawns can be used to gain space---space
for increased activity of the pieces or room for manoeuvre.
m)The pawns may also be used to storm the enemy
king position.Surprisingly it is possible to start attacking with the pawns and pawn sacrifices can be sound even though you may be
behind in piece development in the conventional
sense.
n)Pawns may be sacrificed for various reasons;
however it is more economical to sacrifice pawns
than pieces.
o)The pawns can set up a defensive shield which blocks enemy pieces from penetrating into
your position or else denies squares of advance
which can neutralize your opponents development.
p)Pawn promotions are more likely the further
they advance and on the fifth rank the en passant
capture becomes possible.
q)Pieces can be trapped or forked by pawns.
r)It is often useful to exchange an enemy central pawn for a wing pawn;this normally involves a pawn move.
s)Advanced pawns can restrict the mobility and
options of enemy pawns. In particular it is often
important to prevent enemy pawn breaks to maintain a closed position until your piece
development is sufficient to attack or to
adequately defend a given front.
t)The rooks are often developed more quickly in
ROT type openings.
u)When open lines are required to attack,the
pawns are better adapted to break through the
enemy front.
v)It is possible that a pawn move may be best
because it lands on a square where it is safer
than its original position, though such a move
is usually made in combination with other motives.
w)With relatively more pawn moves compared to
conventional openings and with delayed piece
developmeht, many more options become available;
this equates to a greater probability that a
stronger move can be generated.

The disadvantages of early pawn advances can be
that weaknesses are created behind the pawns or
the pawns themselves become difficult to defend.
In addition the safety of the king is often more
critical.It is not uncommon that your opponent
can sacrifice a piece to break through the pawn
screen to attack your king.
Consequently ROT in practice is a more complicated method of playing the opening and
one wrong pawn move can leave you with a clinically dead game.
Many games tend to be tactically wild which may not suit your style and until your pieces
come into play,you may have to remain on the
defensive.
It may be necessary or best to suddenly switch
to conventional play and develop pieces as
quickly as possible.There is no guarantee that
ROT is playable in a given position;above all
moves must be geared and calibrated to counter
your opponents plans aswell as to enhance your
own.
But with care and a lot of practice the disadvantages can be overcome. It must be
noted that a weakness is only a weakness if
it can be exploited.
If you start to play ROT be prepared for many
set-backs until you are familiar with the openings.I do not advise inexperienced players
to play ROT unless they are comfortable with
conventional theory.
Incidentally,computers are usually confused
by ROT because they have been programmed by
humans to play conventional openings.
However whatever happens more aesthetic games
usually result.

COPYWRITE MIKE SURTEES ---- MARCH 2006