OpenChessMate

Our Openings

This is an exhaustive list of the openings we choose from. Please note that not all openings are included; this is because we have carefully selected only those openings we feel are best suited for long-term growth. For a more extensive explanation of an opening please check Chess.com's page on it.

The Benko Gambit is an opening in which Black gambits a pawn to open queenside pawns and immediately fight for the center. We offer it as a recommendation when the player has historically performed well in positions with a material imbalance and when the player has showed comfort with positions in which they are tasked with converting small positional advantages in an endgame. This opening is best suited for middle-aged players with expert-level ratings.

Initiated with 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+, the Bogo-Indian Defense is a solid choice aiming to control the center with pieces. It's ideal for players who prefer a solid, less aggressive approach, focusing on piece development and structural integrity. Recommended for players who value positional understanding over immediate tactical complications, this defense suits a wide range of players, from intermediate to master levels.

The Benko Gambit is an opening in which Black gambits a pawn to open queenside pawns and immediately fight for the center. We offer it as a recommendation when the player has historically performed well in positions with a material imbalance and when the player has showed comfort with positions in which they are tasked with converting small positional advantages in an endgame. This opening is best suited for middle-aged players with expert-level ratings.

Applying the idea of a fianchetto to the Queen's Gambit Declined, the Catalan combines ideas from the Queen's Gambit and the Réti Opening to create a dangerous initiative that has been often employed by none other than World Champion Magnus Carlsen. It is recommended for players who play well when they are the ones dictating the pace of the game, and in this case, have a strong, long-term grip play in the center. They should also be comfortable exploiting long-term weaknesses in the opponent's position. Its' most suitable for players of all ages, specifically masters who are best at strategic planning.

The Caro-Kann Defense is a solid opening starting with 1...c6, which is often essayed in response to 1.e4. It often results in an asymmetric position with more positional games rather than tactical ones. We suggest this opening when we encounter users who prefer relatively queit games in which their pieces are behind the pawn structure rather than in direct contact with the opponent's. It is usually offered to older players, from beginners to grandmasters.

Starting with 1...f5 against 1.d4, the Dutch Defense is one of the most playable sideline openings. It attempts to immediately fight from the flank with the f5 pawn and f6 knight controlling the e4 square. This is often followed by the creation of a bind with a "Stonewall" structure of Black's pawns. It's suitable for aggressive players who welcome taking risks to achieve dynamic positions with raging kingside attacks. We often recommend this opening for players who have a flair for original play and have obtained expert and master level ratings.

Starting with 1.c4, the English Opening leads to a variety of pawn structures and strategic plans. It is best suited for players who enjoy flexibility and positional play over direct confrontation. This opening is often recommended for experienced players, typically in the older age bracket, with higher master-level ratings.

The Four Knights Game, beginning with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6, leads to a symmetrical and balanced position that is rich in strategic and tactical possibilities. It's recommended for players who appreciate classical chess principles and enjoy a balanced mixture of positional and tactical play. This opening is particularly suitable for players of all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced, who value a sound and solid approach to the opening.

Initiated with 1.e4 e6, the French Defense often leads to a closed pawn structure, usually accompanied by a lack of space. It is recommended for players who showcase high levels of patience and excel in closed positions with a focus on strategic maneuvering of their pieces. This opening is particularly fitting for older players at advanced levels, because of the emphasis on methodical play or young players at the beginner level, because of the possibility of highly-tactical opposite-side castling attacks.

The Grünfeld is one of the main responses to 1.d4. It's similar to the King's Indian Defense, but involves a central push to counter White's control with pawns. The opening is part of new category of hypermodern openings in which one side builds a huge center and the other tries to break it apart with constant attacks. It's recommended for players who prefer tactical play like to play aggressively. It is particularly suitable for younger and middle-aged players at the advanced and expert levels.

Initiated with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4, the Italian is one of the oldest chess openings, leading to classical, open games. It's well-suited for players who have a strong grasp of fundamental chess principles and enjoy a balanced mix of strategy and tactics. Recommended for players of all ages, particularly those at an intermediate level who appreciate the blend of old and new ideas in chess.

The King's Indian Attack is a flexible, positional system starting with moves like 1.Nf3, followed by g3, Bg2, and 0-0. It's characterized by a kingside fianchetto and aims for a central breakthrough or a kingside attack. This opening is recommended for players who enjoy a gradual buildup and positional maneuvering, often leading to a powerful kingside offensive. It is suitable for players of all ages, particularly those with an intermediate to advanced skill level who value strategic depth and flexibility.

The King's Indian Defense is an opening in which Black allows White to build a huge center and start an initiative on the kingside. It's a perfect fit for players who find comfort in positions that are characterized by opposite-side castling and furious attacks on the Kings, and it's also good for players who are fine with playing with less space. It's recommended for younger players looking for original attacking sacrifices, and it is a good opening regardless of rating level.

Beginning with 1.d4 and 2.Bf4, the London System is a solid, positional opening that aims for a strong, unyielding pawn structure. It's recommended for players who prefer a systematic approach and enjoy games where strategic understanding outweighs tactical skirmishes. This opening is particularly fitting for older players or those who value consistency over complexity, and it's one-dimensional approach makes it most suitable for beginners and early intermediate players.

The Nimzo-Indian Defense is a positional alternative against 1.d4, and it allows Black to fight for the center with an indirect attack on White's knight. It's best for players who excel in making use of small positional imbalances and whose games are charactierized by patient maneuvering with occasional tactics. Its's ideal for middle-aged and older players who prefer slow, strategic play, and this opening suits those who have attained expert or master-level ratings.

Beginning with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6, Petrov's Defense (or the Russian Game) is a symmetrical opening that often leads to solid, if somewhat passive, positions for Black. It's recommended for players who are confident in their defensive capabilities and prefer a more reactive approach. Suitable for older or more conservative players who enjoy methodical play, ranging from intermediate to advanced levels.

The Pirc Defense often leads to hypermodern structures where Black allows White populate the center with their pawns, while preparing a counter-offensive with his pieces on the kingside. In a way in resembles the King's Indian Defense, with the only major difference being that it can be played against 1.e4 as well. It's ideal for players who are comfortable with slightly cramped positions but enjoy harnessing counterchances. We recommend this variation for younger players, especially those with an affinity for creative, Tal-like play. It is best for players with intermediate to expert ratings.

Initiated with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3, the Ponziani Opening aims to build a strong center but can lead to complex tactical skirmishes early in the game. It's ideal for players who like intricate play and are adept at handling tactical nuances from the opening phase. Suitable for players of all ages, especially those at an intermediate level who enjoy exploring less trodden paths.

The Queen's Gambit Accepted begins with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 and involves Black conceding the center temporarily for free piece play and counterattacking opportunities. It's suited for players who are comfortable with imbalanced pawn structures and dynamic play. Recommended for tactically inclined players who are adept at exploiting open lines and asymmetrical positions. This opening is especially appealing to younger, ambitious players, typically with a rating from intermediate to expert.

Starting with 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6, the Queen's Gambit Declined is a classical opening that offers Black a solid but flexible position. It's recommended for players who are comfortable in a more traditional, solid setup, focusing on maintaining a strong pawn structure and steady piece development. Suitable for players of all ages and levels, especially those who prefer a methodical approach to the game, ranging from intermediate to advanced.

Characterized by a queenside fianchetto against the central expansion with 1.d4, the Queen's Indian Defense emphasizes taking control over the center with pieces rather that pawns. It's ideal for players who excel in quiet positions where the game is decided by slow maneuvering and pawn structure rather than complex tactical struggles. It's most often recommended for older players in intermediate and early advanced levels.

Starting with 1.Nf3, the Reti Opening leads to a variety of pawn structures and is marked by a hypermodern approach, controlling the center with pieces rather than pawns. It's ideal for players who enjoy flexible positions and are skilled in transpositional possibilities. It's recommended for experienced players, typically older, who enjoy strategic play and boast a rating above 2000.

Initiated with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, the Ruy Lopez is a classical opening that leads to rich, strategic battles. We advise this hsitorically rich opening for players who have a deep understanding of positional principles and enjoy slow maneuvering. It's a particularly good fit for middle-aged players with ratings ranging from intermediate to advanced.

Initiated with 1.e4 d5, the Scandinavian Defense directly challenges White's central pawn and often leads to quick development and open lines for Black. It's recommended for players who prefer a straightforward, counterattacking style and are comfortable in clear, open positions. This opening is especially suitable for players of all ages who appreciate direct challenges, typically ranging from beginner to intermediate levels.

This opening begins with 1...c5 in response to 1.e4 and leads to highly complex and asymmetrical positions. It is recommended for players who thrive in sharp, unbalanced games and are comfortable with cold calculation and tactical melees. The Sicilian Defense is especially suitable for younger players who are ambitious and looking to challenge higher-rated opponents. It's a versatile opening, best suited players from intermediate to advanced levels.

Employing a pawn-based defense of White's initiative in the center with the Queen's Gambit, the Slav Defense is a solid choice, offering Black a solid pawn structure and good early development. It's often the recommended counter to the increasingly popular 1.d4 for players with a risk-averse, positional sytle. With a focus on maintaining goood endgame chances, this opening is well-suited for older players, but is open to all players from beginners to masters.

Starting with 1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5, the Trompowsky Attack is an aggressive and unorthodox system that immediately puts pressure on Black's knight. It's suitable for players who enjoy setting the tone of the game early and prefer to engage in positions that are out of the main theoretical lines. Recommended for creative players, typically younger or middle-aged, with a rating from intermediate to advanced.

Starting with 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bg5, the Veresov Attack is an aggressive, less common system aiming for rapid development and kingside attacking chances. It's suitable for players who enjoy setting up unorthodox positions and excel in launching early attacks. Recommended for creative, tactically inclined players, often younger or middle-aged, with a rating from intermediate to expert.