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Openings

Novelty

a theoretical novelty, 'TN'

A new move in a known position that departs from established theory.

A novelty is the first time a move is played in a well-known position — the point where the game leaves the book. At the top level, deep preparation is often a race to unveil a strong novelty.

Not every new move is good; a novelty matters only if it improves on, or soundly sidesteps, what was known.

Why it matters

Preparing a novelty lets you surprise a booked-up opponent and get them thinking on their own early.

The mistake everyone makes

Playing a 'novelty' that's actually just a known inaccuracy nobody bothered to publish.

Related terms

Tabiya
A standard, well-known starting position that theory branches out from.
Transposition
Reaching the same position by a different move order.
Development
Bringing your pieces off the back rank into active, useful positions.

See Novelty in your own games

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