Open and Closed positions refer to the two main types of pawn structures of the centre . Open positions generally have an open centre , where the majority of the pawns have been swapped off . For example Scotch game results in an open game :
Closed positions can arrise from locked pawns in the centre . Take a look at the following position :
In above position the game is effectively drawn as neither side can break up the centre wall of pawns. Above is obviously an exaggeration but illustrates the concept of the closed centre .