Accelerated - Chess Glossary
Accelerated
Definition
In chess jargon, “Accelerated” describes a move order that reaches a known setup faster or more efficiently, often by postponing or omitting a standard preparatory move. The aim is to keep extra options open, avoid specific theoretical lines, or enable an immediate central break that would otherwise require an extra tempo.
Usage
The term most frequently appears in opening names (e.g., Accelerated Dragon) and, less commonly, in tournament administration (e.g., accelerated pairings in Swiss events). In openings, “accelerated” move orders are typically chosen to avoid sharp anti-systems, induce favorable transpositions, or challenge the center more directly.
Strategic significance
- Flexibility: By delaying a commitment (like ...d6 in some Sicilians), you keep more replies available against White’s plans.
- Move-order tricks: “Accelerated” often targets a specific drawback in an opponent’s favorite line, steering the game into structures you prefer.
- Central breaks: Many accelerated systems aim to enable a faster ...d5 (for Black) or e4/e5 break (for White) in one go.
Accelerated Dragon (Sicilian Defense)
Definition
The Accelerated Dragon is a Sicilian Defense featuring an early ...g6 without first playing ...d6. A typical move order is 1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6. By postponing ...d6, Black keeps the option of an immediate ...d5 break in one move if conditions allow.
How it is used
Black aims for rapid kingside fianchetto with ...Bg7, natural development with ...Nf6 and castling, and pressure on the dark squares and the c-file. The hallmark strategic battle is White’s attempt to clamp down on ...d5 with the Maróczy Bind (c2–c4) versus Black’s counterplay on the queenside and central breaks.
Strategic points
- Main idea: Delay ...d6 to allow ...d7–d5 in one go if White doesn’t stop it.
- Typical White plan: Maróczy Bind with c4 (after 5. c4), restricting ...d5 and squeezing space.
- Typical Black plan: Piece activity, pressure on c4/c-file, timely ...Be6, ...Rc8, ...Qa5, and pawn breaks ...b5 or ...d5.
Examples
Attempting a Yugoslav-style setup by White without c4 allows Black’s thematic ...d5:
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. Nc3 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. f3 0-0 8. Qd2 d5! 9. exd5 Nxd5 10. Nxd5 Qxd5 11. Nxc6 Qxc6 12. 0-0-0 Be6 with quick central activity for Black.
Maróczy Bind structure (White squeezes ...d5):
1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 g6 5. c4 Bg7 6. Be3 Nf6 7. Nc3 0-0 8. Be2 d6 9. 0-0 Nxd4 10. Bxd4 Be6 11. Rc1 Qa5 12. f3 Rfc8, where White has space while Black targets c4 and the c-file.
Interactive line (play through):
Historical notes and anecdotes
The Accelerated Dragon is catalogued in ECO codes B34–B39. It has been a reliable weapon at top level as a surprise choice or a mainstay, with many elite grandmasters employing it to dodge the most forcing Yugoslav Attack setups (more typical in the regular Dragon). The recurring positional theme—Maróczy Bind versus queenside/c-file counterplay—makes it a classic battleground in Sicilian theory.
Accelerated Pairings (Swiss System)
Definition
In Swiss tournaments, “accelerated pairings” refers to methods that reduce severe rating mismatches in the early rounds. Organizers divide the field into groups and assign extra “virtual” points or otherwise modify initial pairings so that top players face stiffer opposition sooner.
How it is used
- Early rounds: Top groups may be “accelerated” to avoid pairing the highest seed against the lowest seed in round one.
- Effect: Stronger average opposition from the start, fewer short mismatches, and more meaningful fights for norms and prizes.
- Trade-offs: Can influence tie-breaks and norm chances; players should review the event’s pairing rules before the first round.
Interesting note
Acceleration is popular in large opens to make standings more reflective of playing strength by the middle rounds. While welcomed by many, it can surprise participants who expect traditional Swiss pairings—always check the tournament regulations.
Other “Accelerated” Systems and Move-Order Ideas
Accelerated Panov (Caro–Kann)
White can reach Panov-Botvinnik structures via an “accelerated” move order like 1. e4 c6 2. c4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. d4, aiming for early c4 and d4 without allowing some Caro–Kann sidelines. Typical development continues with Nc3, Nf3, and Bg5/Bd3 against Black’s ...Nf6 and ...e6.
Try it yourself:
Modern Defense as an “Accelerated Pirc”
The Modern Defense (1. e4 g6 or 1. d4 g6) is sometimes described as an “accelerated Pirc” because Black fianchettoes first and may delay ...Nf6 and ...d6. This flexibility lets Black choose between Pirc, Modern, or even Grünfeld-style structures depending on White’s setup.
Colloquial uses (e.g., “Accelerated London”)
Some modern literature uses “accelerated” informally, such as an “Accelerated London,” where White plays Bf4 early and keeps options like Qd2/Bh6 or f2–f3 without committing to Nf3. These labels are descriptive rather than codified in ECO and highlight a quicker path to a favored structure.
Practical Tips
Move-order awareness
- Know what you are avoiding: In the Accelerated Dragon, delaying ...d6 is meaningful specifically to allow ...d5 in one move if White permits.
- Be ready for transpositions: Opponents can steer “accelerated” lines back into main systems; prepare both the fast route and the standard positions it can transpose into.
- Study model games: Focus on pawn structures (e.g., Maróczy Bind) and typical plans rather than memorizing every branch.
Common pitfalls
- Over-optimism: Playing “accelerated” does not guarantee an immediate break—ensure the tactical conditions justify moves like ...d5.
- Neglecting development: Skipping a standard move must be compensated by concrete advantages or improved piece placement.