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Chess openings explained with practical plans
Choose an opening lesson that matches how you like to play. Each guide focuses on typical plans, key breaks, piece placement, and the mistakes club players make most often.
105 matching lessons
Accelerated Dragon Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Accelerated Dragon Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply...
OpeningsAlapin Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Alapin Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsAlbin Countergambit: Aggressive …e5 vs the Queen’s Gambit
Learn the Albin Countergambit: …e5 against 1.d4 d5 2.c4, the d4 wedge, compensation ideas, and practical defensive methods for White.
OpeningsAlekhine Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Alekhine Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsAnti-Sicilian Plans: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Anti-Sicilian Plans from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a...
OpeningsBenko Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Benko Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsBenoni Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Benoni Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsBird Opening: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Bird Opening from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsBishop’s Opening: Flexible Plans after 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4
Play the Bishop’s Opening: early Bc4 ideas, Italian and Vienna transpositions, practical attacking chances, and solid development plans.
OpeningsBlackmar–Diemer Gambit: Practical Attacking Ideas
Understand the Blackmar–Diemer Gambit: f3 ideas after 1.d4 d5 2.e4, compensation concepts, and solid ways for Black to consolidate.
OpeningsBogo-Indian Defense: Solid Plans with …Bb4+
Learn the Bogo-Indian: …Bb4+ against 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3, structures after Bd2/Nbd2, and how it pairs with the Queen’s Indian.
OpeningsBudapest Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Budapest Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsCaro-Kann Defense: Plans for Club Players
Play the Caro-Kann Defense with club-ready plans: solid structure, Advance/Classical/Panov branches, piece placement, and common mistakes.
OpeningsCaro-Kann Advance: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Caro-Kann Advance from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsCaro-Kann Classical: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Caro-Kann Classical from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a...
OpeningsCaro-Kann Panov: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Caro-Kann Panov from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsCatalan Opening: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Catalan Opening from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsChigorin Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Chigorin Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsClassical Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Classical Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsClosed Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Closed Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsColle System: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Colle System from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsDanish Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Danish Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsDragon Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Dragon Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsDutch Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Dutch Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsLeningrad Dutch: Kingside Plans with …g6 and …f5
Play the Leningrad Dutch: fianchetto structures with …f5 and …g6, central breaks, attacking patterns, and key defensive ideas for White.
OpeningsDutch Stonewall: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Dutch Stonewall from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsBotvinnik System in the English: Space and Clamp Plans
Play the Botvinnik English: c4/e4 clamps, knight outposts, space strategies, and Black’s counterplay with …b5 or …f5.
OpeningsEnglish Opening: Control the Center from the Flank
Learn the English Opening: flank control with c4, Symmetrical and Botvinnik structures, central breaks, and flexible transpositions.
OpeningsSymmetrical English: Plans after 1.c4 c5
Learn the Symmetrical English: …c5 structures, long maneuvering plans, break ideas with b4/d4, and practical setups for both colors.
OpeningsEvans Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Evans Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsFour Knights Game: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Four Knights Game from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsFrench Advance: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn French Advance from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsFrench Defense: Plans, Pawn Chains, and Breaks
Learn the French Defense through pawn chains, …c5 and …f6 breaks, Winawer vs Advance choices, and practical plans for both sides.
OpeningsFrench Exchange: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn French Exchange from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsFrench Tarrasch: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn French Tarrasch from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsFrench Winawer: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn French Winawer from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsFried Liver Attack: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Fried Liver Attack from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsGiuoco Piano: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Giuoco Piano from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsGrand Prix Attack: Anti-Sicilian Kingside Plans
Play the Grand Prix Attack vs the Sicilian: f4 setups, kingside attacks, piece placement, and Black’s best central defensive plans.
OpeningsGrünfeld Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Grünfeld Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsGrünfeld Exchange: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Grünfeld Exchange from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsHalloween Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Halloween Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsHow to Choose an Opening Repertoire: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn How to Choose an Opening Repertoire from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and...
OpeningsItalian Game: Plans and Ideas for Both Sides
Learn the Italian Game with practical plans: Giuoco Piano structures, Two Knights tactics, Pianissimo maneuvering, and common attacking patterns.
OpeningsItalian Pianissimo: Modern Slow Italian Plans
Learn the Italian Pianissimo: d3 systems, slow improvement, c3/d4 preparation, Black equalizing plans, and modern club-level setups.
OpeningsJobava London System: Dynamic Plans with Nc3 and Bf4
Play the Jobava London with Nc3 and Bf4: early piece pressure, Nb5 ideas, …c5/…Qb6 reactions, and how it differs from the classical c3 London.
OpeningsKalashnikov Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Kalashnikov Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing...
OpeningsKan Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Kan Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsKing's Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn King's Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsKing's Indian Attack: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn King's Indian Attack from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing...
OpeningsKing's Indian Classical: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn King's Indian Classical from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsKing's Indian Sämisch: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn King's Indian Sämisch from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsKing's Pawn Opening: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn King's Pawn Opening from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a...
OpeningsKing's Indian Defense: Competing Plans
Play the King’s Indian Defense with competing plans: kingside attacks, central breaks, Classical and Sämisch structures, and practical study paths.
OpeningsLarsen Attack: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Larsen Attack from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsLondon System Without Autopilot
Play the London System without autopilot: Bf4 setups, e4/c4 breaks, Black’s …c5 and …Qb6 ideas, and when to prefer Jobava move orders.
OpeningsLondon System Against Early ...c5: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn London System Against Early ...c5 from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and...
OpeningsMax Lange Attack: Sharp Central Pressure in Open Games
Learn the Max Lange Attack: sharp open-game pressure, typical tactics, defensive resources for Black, and common Italian/Two Knights move orders.
OpeningsModern Benoni: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Modern Benoni from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsModern Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Modern Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsNajdorf Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Najdorf Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsNimzo-Indian Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Nimzo-Indian Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing...
OpeningsNimzo-Indian Rubinstein: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Nimzo-Indian Rubinstein from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsNimzowitsch Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Nimzowitsch Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a...
OpeningsOpen Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Open Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsOwen's Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Owen's Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsPetrov Defense: Active Equality, Not Passive Symmetry
Handle the Petrov Defense as more than passive equality: active piece play, solid structures, and practical plans for both sides.
OpeningsPhilidor Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Philidor Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsAustrian Attack against the Pirc: Critical f4 Plans
Face the Pirc with the Austrian Attack: f4 space, central tension, attacking patterns for White, and reliable defensive setups for Black.
OpeningsPirc Defense: Invite the Center, Then Counter
Play the Pirc Defense: invite the center, strike back with …e5/…c5, handle the Austrian Attack, and compare it with the Modern and KID.
OpeningsQueen's Gambit Accepted: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Queen's Gambit Accepted from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsQueen's Gambit Declined: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Queen's Gambit Declined from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsQueen's Indian Petrosian System: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Queen's Indian Petrosian System from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive...
OpeningsQueen's Pawn Opening: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Queen's Pawn Opening from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing...
OpeningsQueen's Gambit: Plans Behind the Central Battle
Understand the Queen’s Gambit: c4 pressure on d5, Accepted vs Declined structures, Slav borderlines, and plans for both colors.
OpeningsQueen's Indian Defense: Control e4 with a Plan
Learn the Queen’s Indian Defense: control e4 with …b6, coordinate with Nimzo move orders, Petrosian ideas, and solid queenside structures.
OpeningsRagozin Defense: Dynamic Queen’s Gambit Plans
Play the Ragozin: …Bb4 and …Nf6 ideas in Queen’s Gambit move orders, central tension, dynamic equality plans, and club-level study priorities.
OpeningsRéti Opening: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Réti Opening from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsRossolimo Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Rossolimo Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsRuy López: Pressure, Development, and Plans
Master Ruy López plans: pressure on e5, Berlin and Closed structures, Marshall ideas, and which Spanish branch fits your style.
OpeningsRuy Lopez Berlin Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsClosed Ruy López: Main-Line Plans for Both Sides
Learn Closed Ruy López plans: maneuvering behind e4/e5, knight tours, …c5/…d5 breaks, anti-Marshall ideas, and club-level study priorities.
OpeningsRuy Lopez Exchange: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Ruy Lopez Exchange from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsRuy Lopez Marshall Attack: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Ruy Lopez Marshall Attack from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before...
OpeningsOpen Ruy López: Active Piece Play with …Nxe4
Play the Open Ruy López: …Nxe4 lines, open-center tactics, piece activity for Black, and how White recovers material with initiative.
OpeningsScandinavian Defense: Plans After 1.e4 d5
Learn the Scandinavian Defense for club play: …Qa5/…Qd6/…Qd8 structures, White tempi on the queen, solid shells, and practical break timing.
OpeningsScheveningen Sicilian: Small Center Plans for Black
Learn the Scheveningen: …e6 and …d6 small center, flexible piece play, English Attack ideas for White, and practical …d5 timing.
OpeningsSchliemann Defense (Jaenisch): Early …f5 vs the Ruy López
Play the Schliemann/Jaenisch: early …f5 against the Ruy López, tactical themes, structural risks, and practical responses for White.
OpeningsScotch Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Scotch Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsScotch Game: Open the Center with a Plan
Play the Scotch Game with open-center plans: early d4, piece activity, Scotch Gambit ideas, and practical attacking patterns.
OpeningsSemi-Slav Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Semi-Slav Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsSicilian Defense: A Practical Map of the Opening
Map the Sicilian Defense for club players: Open Sicilian structure, d5 and c-file plans, main systems, and which variation to study first.
OpeningsChebanenko Slav: Flexible …a6 Plans for Black
Learn the Chebanenko Slav: early …a6 ideas, flexible structures, queenside expansion, and how it differs from classical Slav main lines.
OpeningsSlav Defense: A Sound Structure with Active Plans
Build a Slav Defense repertoire: solid …c6 structures, free bishop development, Exchange lines, Chebanenko ideas, and Semi-Slav borders.
OpeningsSlav Exchange: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Slav Exchange from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsSmith-Morra Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Smith-Morra Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsStonewall Attack: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Stonewall Attack from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsSveshnikov Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Sveshnikov Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a...
OpeningsTaimanov Sicilian: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Taimanov Sicilian from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsTarrasch Defense: IQP Plans in the Queen’s Gambit
Learn the Tarrasch Defense: early …c5, isolated queen’s pawn structures, piece activity for Black, and how White blockades and pressures the IQP.
OpeningsTrompowsky Attack: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Trompowsky Attack from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsTwo Knights Defense: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Two Knights Defense from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a...
OpeningsVienna Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Vienna Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.
OpeningsVienna Game: Flexible Development and the f4 Break
Learn the Vienna Game: flexible Nc3 development, f4 gambit ideas, solid positional lines, and how it compares to Italian and Scotch.
OpeningsWing Gambit: Plans, Moves and Common Mistakes
Learn Wing Gambit from move order and resulting pawn structure; compare the move order, pawn break and defensive reply before choosing a plan.