Flexible: The Sidewall

'The Sidewall' is a subtle and flexible opening. Unlike direct strategies that focus on the center, the Sidewall aims to create an imbalance from the very first move, forcing the game into a more complex, tactical battle. It's a strategy of patience, waiting to see how the opponent reacts before committing to a long-term plan.

How to Play 'The Sidewall'

Step 1: The Opening Wall

The first move is a vertical wall placed to the side of the opponent's pawn. This doesn't immediately block them, but it discourages them from moving to that side of the board and begins to establish your control over that flank.

Step 2: React and Adapt

After your first wall, you wait. Your next move depends entirely on what your opponent does.

• If they advance down the center ('The Standard' or 'Rush'), you can advance your pawn towards the side you've claimed, preparing to build a path there.
• If they challenge your sidewall by moving their pawn towards it, you can place a second wall to solidify your flank control.
• If they play passively, you can claim the center with your pawn.

The key is to remain flexible. You use the opponent's moves to decide your own best strategy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Highly Flexible: It doesn't lock you into one plan. You can adapt your strategy—becoming aggressive, defensive, or positional—based on the game's flow.
• Creates Imbalance: It immediately breaks the symmetry of the board, which can lead to complex and interesting tactical situations where you may have an advantage.
• Unpredictable: It can confuse opponents who are used to standard openings, forcing them out of their comfort zone.

Cons

• Indirect: The first move doesn't directly shorten your path or lengthen the opponent's. It's a long-term investment that may not pay off.
• Cedes the Center: By focusing on the side, you often allow your opponent to establish strong central control with their pawn, which is generally advantageous.
• Requires Experience: This is not a beginner's opening. Playing it well requires a good understanding of tactical nuances and the ability to react correctly to various opponent responses.

How to Counter 'The Sidewall'

Responding to the Sidewall is about seizing the initiative that the opponent has offered you.

1. Take the Center: This is the most principled and strongest response. Your opponent has focused on the side, so you should advance your pawn directly down the center. This secures the shortest path and forces them to react to your central threat. You are now the one dictating the pace.
2. Challenge the Sidewall Directly: A more aggressive approach is to move your pawn towards their sidewall. This immediately questions their strategy. It often leads to a complex battle for control of that flank, where wall placement becomes critical.
3. Ignore and Build Elsewhere: You can simply ignore their sidewall and start building your own structure on the opposite side of the board, effectively creating a race between two different plans.