Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

fianchetto

Noun

/fiˈanˌkɛtoʊ/

Definition

Fianchetto is a chess opening strategy where a player develops a bishop by moving the pawn in front of it one square forward, often on the second row, making it more powerful on the long diagonal.

Examples

Many players choose to fianchetto their bishops as a way to enhance their control over the center of the board.
In the Sicilian Defense, a fianchetto setup can lead to dynamic play for Black.

Meaning

The term fianchetto comes from the Italian word meaning ‘little flanking’ or ‘to make a little flanking move’, and it refers to a specific arrangement of pieces in chess aimed at controlling the center and enhancing piece mobility.