the c-Pawn.

(3) ... Ktb8-d7
(4) B-f4

This prevents P-e5 for the time being, and Black has to make
rather complicated preparations, such as P-c6 and Q-c7 before he
can advance the King's Pawn two squares. In other words, White
completes his development more quickly than Black and he has
consequently the better winning chances, provided, of course, he
knows how to maintain his advantage in the middle game and in the
end game.



THE MIDDLE GAME



It is not possible to draw a distinct dividing line between the
two stages of the game which are called the OPENING and the
MIDDLE GAME. Strictly speaking the opening comprises only such
moves as are NECESSARY for the development of the pieces, and any
move which a player--without being compelled--makes with a piece
that is already developed, ought to be regarded as a Middle-game
move. To give an example: If after (1) P-e4, P-e5; (2) Kt-f3, Kt-
c6; (3) Kt-c3, Kt-f6; (4) B-b5 Black plays Kt-d4, he deviates
from the Opening and embarks on a Middle-game maneuver; for the
Queen's Knight was already developed.