Chess Wiki

Chess Openings Wiki

Opening families, variations, plans, pawn structures, and practical decisions for both sides.

Openings

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...

Openings

Alapin 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.

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Albin 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.

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Alekhine 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.

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Anti-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...

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Benko 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.

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Benoni 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.

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Bird 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.

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Bishop’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.

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Blackmar–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.

Openings

Bogo-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.

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Budapest 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.

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Caro-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.

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Caro-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.

Openings

Caro-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...

Openings

Caro-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.

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Catalan 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.

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Chigorin 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.

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Classical 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.

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Closed 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.

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Colle 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.

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Danish 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.

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Dragon 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.

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Dutch 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.

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Leningrad 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.

Openings

Dutch 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.

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Botvinnik 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.

Openings

English Opening: Control the Center from the Flank

Learn the English Opening: flank control with c4, Symmetrical and Botvinnik structures, central breaks, and flexible transpositions.

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Symmetrical 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.

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Evans 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.

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Four 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.

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French 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.

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French 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.

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French 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.

Openings

French 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.

Openings

French 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.

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Fried 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.

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What Is a Gambit in Chess?

Understand chess gambits: compensation types, when to accept or decline, and links to practical gambit openings on 1chess.online.

Openings

Giuoco 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.

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Grand 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.

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Grünfeld 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.

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Grünfeld 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.

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Halloween 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.

Openings

How 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...

Openings

Italian 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.

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Italian Pianissimo: Modern Slow Italian Plans

Learn the Italian Pianissimo: d3 systems, slow improvement, c3/d4 preparation, Black equalizing plans, and modern club-level setups.

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Jobava 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.

Openings

Kalashnikov 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...

Openings

Kan 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.

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King'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.

Openings

King'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...

Openings

King'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...

Openings

King'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...

Openings

King'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...

Openings

King'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.

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Larsen 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.

Openings

London 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.

Openings

London 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...

Openings

Max 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.

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Modern 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.

Openings

Modern 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.

Openings

Najdorf 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.

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Nimzo-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...

Openings

Nimzo-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...

Openings

Nimzowitsch 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...

Openings

Open 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.

Openings

Owen'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.

Openings

Petrov 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.

Openings

Philidor 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.

Openings

Austrian 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.

Openings

Pirc 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.

Openings

Queen'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...

Openings

Queen'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...

Openings

Queen'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...

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Queen'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...

Openings

Queen'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.

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Queen'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.

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Ragozin 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.

Openings

Réti 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.

Openings

Rossolimo 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.

Openings

Ruy 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.

Openings

Ruy 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...

Openings

Closed 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.

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Ruy 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.

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Ruy 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...

Openings

Open 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.

Openings

Scandinavian 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.

Openings

Scheveningen 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.

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Schliemann 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.

Openings

Scotch 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.

Openings

Scotch 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.

Openings

Semi-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.

Openings

Sicilian 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.

Openings

Chebanenko 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.

Openings

Slav 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.

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Slav 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.

Openings

Smith-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.

Openings

Stonewall 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.

Openings

Sveshnikov 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...

Openings

Taimanov 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.

Openings

Tarrasch 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.

Openings

Trompowsky 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.

Openings

Two 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...

Openings

Vienna 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.

Openings

Vienna 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.

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Wing 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.