Old (Chess) — Definition and Examples

Old

Definition

In chess, the word “Old” is most commonly used as a naming convention to label an earlier, classical form of an opening or defensive system, distinguishing it from a later, “Modern” development. It does not mean “refuted” or “inferior” by itself; rather, it marks historical lineage. Examples include the Old Indian Defense, the Old Benoni Defense, and the Old Steinitz Defense in the Ruy Lopez.

Usage

You’ll encounter “Old” in two principal ways:

As a prefix in opening names to separate a classical setup from a newer counterpart (e.g., Old Indian vs. King’s Indian; Old Benoni vs. Modern Benoni; Old Steinitz vs. Modern Steinitz).
Informally in commentary, where “the old [idea/plan]” refers to tried-and-true strategies or patterns that have stood the test of time (for example, “the old exchange sacrifice on c3 in the Sicilian”).

Strategic and Historical Significance

“Old” systems often reflect pre-hypermodern thinking: occupying the center with pawns and building solid, resilient structures. As hypermodern ideas spread in the 20th century, many “Modern” counterparts emerged that cede central space temporarily to later attack it. Still, “Old” openings remain relevant—some are fully viable at all levels, and many offer instructive pawn structures and plans that improve a player’s positional understanding.

Examples

Below are three representative “Old” openings, with quick move orders and typical ideas.

Old Indian Defense (ECO A53–A55): 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 d6 3. Nc3 e5. Black builds a solid center with ...d6 and ...e5, develops with ...Be7 and ...O-O, and often supports the center with ...c6. Plans include regrouping pieces (…Re8, …Bf8) and queenside expansion with …a6 and …b5 in some lines. It’s a more restrained cousin of the King’s Indian, aiming for sound central control and flexible maneuvering rather than a direct kingside pawn storm.
Old Benoni Defense (ECO A56–A57): 1. d4 c5 2. d5 e5. Black locks the center early, often reaching structures associated with the Czech Benoni (…d6, …Be7, …Nf6, …O-O, and later …Ne8–g7 or …Ne8–c7 with …a6 and …Rb8 for queenside play). White typically claims space with c4 and Nc3, preparing a queenside or central squeeze. The game often becomes strategic, with a long maneuvering phase.
Old Steinitz Defense (Ruy Lopez): 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5 d6. Black supports the e5 pawn early, accepting a somewhat passive setup in return for solidity and clear plans (…Bd7, …Nf6, …Be7, …O-O). The “Modern Steinitz” adds …a6 first (3…a6 4. Ba4 d6), a refinement that gives Black more flexibility. Steinitz used these lines in the late 19th century to demonstrate defensive resilience from cramped positions.

Interesting Facts and Anecdotes

“Old” in opening names is a historical label, not a verdict. For example, the Old Indian Defense has been used by world-class players such as Tigran Petrosian and Viktor Korchnoi to fight for a full point with Black.
The Old Benoni’s Czech Benoni structures are closely associated with Czech players like Vlastimil Hort and Vlastimil Jansa, reflecting its reputation as a sturdy, maneuvering defense.
The Old Steinitz Defense appears in classic Ruy Lopez theory from the late 1800s, including World Championship games between Wilhelm Steinitz and Mikhail Chigorin; it remains a rich laboratory for learning how to defend compact positions.
ECO coding mirrors the “Old/Modern” split: Old Indian (A53–A55) and Old Benoni families (A56–A57) precede the Modern Benoni (A60–A79), while the Steinitz Defenses occupy the Ruy Lopez C60s–C70s.

Practical Tips

Don’t assume “Old” means obsolete; evaluate lines by plans and pawn structures, not labels.
Study typical piece maneuvers: in the Old Indian, Black’s …Re8–Bf8 can be a key regroup; in the Old Benoni/Czech Benoni, Black often aims for …a6–…Rb8–…b5 to gain queenside space.
When building a repertoire, pair “Old” systems with complementary sidelines to avoid predictable move orders (for example, Old Indian plus a Queen’s Gambit Declined line against 2. c4).

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Last updated 2025-08-29