Openings
What is a refute in chess?
- Opening
- Plans
- Move Order
Refute is an opening term: to demonstrate that a strategy, move, or opening is not as good as previously thought (often, that it leads to a loss), or that previously published analysis is unsound. A refutation is sometimes colloquially referred to as a bust. A refutation in the context of chess problems or endgame studies is often called a cook. Learn the plan, pawn structure, and typical piece placement behind the term, not just the name.
What to look for on the board
- Development, center control, and king safety.
- The pawn break each side wants.
- Whether a move creates a familiar structure.
Related terms
Free game review
See where refute decides your games
Chessiro reviews your games with an AI coach that names the concept behind every mistake, then drills you on the exact positions where it happened until you stop repeating them.