Difference between revisions of "Opening"

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The '''opening''' consists of the first few moves of a [[Hex]] game. Exactly how many moves are considered part of the opening varies depending on the type of opening, and also on whom you ask. Typically, however, the two first moves are always considered part of the opening.
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The '''opening''' of a game of [[Hex]] is the initial sequence of moves that occur at the start of the game. The specific number of moves considered as part of the opening can vary depending on the type of opening and the perspectives of the players. However, typically the first two moves of the game are considered part of the opening.
  
== Opening Theory ==
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== Opening theory ==
  
The two most basic questions in the opening theory of Hex are:
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Opening theory is the study of the strategies and techniques used in the opening of Hex. Two of the most fundamental questions in opening theory are:
  
* Where should I play my first move?
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* Where should the first move be played?
* Should I [[swap]]?
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* Should the players [[swap]] positions?
 
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The two questions are closely related. The situation is probably most difficult for the [[first player]] — his move should not be too strong, since the [[second player]] then will [[swap]], but it should not be too weak either, as the second player then will decline the swap and have [[Advantage|a better situation]]. So the first player has to find a move which gives about equal chances to both players.
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=== The first move ===
 
=== The first move ===
  
Fortunately strong players have thought thoroughly through this, and there are certain moves that are considered to be about equal, which one can safely play. For example, a2, a3, b2, and c2 are quite common opening moves.
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The decision of where to play the first move is particularly important for the first player. It should not be too strong, as the second player will then swap, but also not too weak, as the second player will decline the swap and have a better position. Therefore, the first player must find a move that gives both players an approximately equal chance of success.
  
But these moves are only suggestions, and there are many other moves that may be tried, such as a4 – a8, a11, and c10 (on an 11 × 11 board).
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There are certain moves that are considered fair, such as a2, a3, b2, and c2, which are common opening moves. However, these are only suggestions, and many other moves may be tried, such as a4 to a8, a11, and c10 (on an 11×11 board).
  
 
=== Swapping ===
 
=== Swapping ===
  
When to swap? One commonly used rule of thumb is to swap any opening, except if the first move was played on the [[first row]], adjacent to a [[friendly|friendly edge]], and not in the [[obtuse corner]]. You may also check out winning opening moves for [[small boards]].
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When considering whether to swap, one rule of thumb is to swap any opening, except if the first move was played on the first row, adjacent to a [[friendly]] edge, and not in the obtuse corner. Players can also look at winning opening moves for [[small boards]].
  
[[Swap|Detailed article: Swap]]
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== Opening theory for specific board sizes ==
 
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== Opening Theory For Specific Board Sizes ==
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There are specific articles for openings on different board sizes:
 
* [[Openings on 11 x 11|11 x 11]]
 
* [[Openings on 11 x 11|11 x 11]]
 
* [[Openings on 13 x 13|13 x 13]] (adapted from Jonatan Rydh's page on openings)
 
* [[Openings on 13 x 13|13 x 13]] (adapted from Jonatan Rydh's page on openings)
 
* 19 x 19
 
* 19 x 19
  
== Openings deserving their own articles ==
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== Specific opening moves ==
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Some opening moves have their own dedicated articles.
  
 
* [[A2 opening]]
 
* [[A2 opening]]

Revision as of 02:36, 23 January 2023

The opening of a game of Hex is the initial sequence of moves that occur at the start of the game. The specific number of moves considered as part of the opening can vary depending on the type of opening and the perspectives of the players. However, typically the first two moves of the game are considered part of the opening.

Opening theory

Opening theory is the study of the strategies and techniques used in the opening of Hex. Two of the most fundamental questions in opening theory are:

  • Where should the first move be played?
  • Should the players swap positions?

The first move

The decision of where to play the first move is particularly important for the first player. It should not be too strong, as the second player will then swap, but also not too weak, as the second player will decline the swap and have a better position. Therefore, the first player must find a move that gives both players an approximately equal chance of success.

There are certain moves that are considered fair, such as a2, a3, b2, and c2, which are common opening moves. However, these are only suggestions, and many other moves may be tried, such as a4 to a8, a11, and c10 (on an 11×11 board).

Swapping

When considering whether to swap, one rule of thumb is to swap any opening, except if the first move was played on the first row, adjacent to a friendly edge, and not in the obtuse corner. Players can also look at winning opening moves for small boards.

Opening theory for specific board sizes

There are specific articles for openings on different board sizes:

  • 11 x 11
  • 13 x 13 (adapted from Jonatan Rydh's page on openings)
  • 19 x 19

Specific opening moves

Some opening moves have their own dedicated articles.