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Openings

Learn opening theory, principles, and full repertoires for both colors. Browse the opening library by family, style, or response.

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We have a dedicated opening library with every named opening, variation, gambit, and trap โ€” each with its own page.

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Videos (298)

Learn the London System | 10-Minute Chess Openings
Featured

Learn the London System | 10-Minute Chess Openings

GothamChess

Levy's classic 10-minute crash course on the London System โ€” the exact setup, move orders, and the main attacking plans.

Beginner0โ€“1400Openings
How to WIN with the London System!

How to WIN with the London System!

GothamChess

Beyond the setup: the actual winning plans in the London โ€” the Greek Gift sacrifice, the c4 break, and how to punish common Black mistakes.

Intermediate800โ€“1800Openings
Learn the Caro-Kann Defense | 10-Minute Chess Openings
Featured

Learn the Caro-Kann Defense | 10-Minute Chess Openings

GothamChess

The complete Caro-Kann starter kit: main line, Advance, and Exchange variations explained in ten minutes.

Beginner0โ€“1400Openings
How to CRUSH with the Caro-Kann!

How to CRUSH with the Caro-Kann!

GothamChess

Intermediate Caro-Kann: the critical tries for White and the exact counters, including the Fantasy Variation and Two Knights.

Intermediate1000โ€“1800Openings
How To Play The Queen's Gambit
Featured

How To Play The Queen's Gambit

GothamChess

The cornerstone 1.d4 opening explained: Accepted, Declined, and Slav structures with the key plans for White.

Beginner0โ€“1500Openings
Learn the King's Indian Setup | 10-Minute Chess Openings

Learn the King's Indian Setup | 10-Minute Chess Openings

GothamChess

The King's Indian setup for Black: fianchetto, castle, then strike the center โ€” usable against almost everything.

Beginner0โ€“1500Openings
A Beginner Lesson in the Stafford Gambit
Featured

A Beginner Lesson in the Stafford Gambit

Eric Rosen

The man who made the Stafford famous teaches it from scratch โ€” every trap, every punish, and what to do when White knows the theory.

Beginner400โ€“1600Opening Traps
Italian Game Chess Opening Explained in 20 Minutes [Crash Course]
Featured

Italian Game Chess Opening Explained in 20 Minutes [Crash Course]

Igor Smirnov

GM Igor Smirnov's complete crash course on the Italian Game โ€” plans, traps, and the ideas behind every move.

Beginner0โ€“1600Openings
What to do in a chess opening? โ€” Beginner to Chess Master #5

What to do in a chess opening? โ€” Beginner to Chess Master #5

ChessNetwork

Opening PRINCIPLES over memorization: center, development, king safety โ€” taught with Jerry's legendary clarity.

Beginner0โ€“1000Openings
An Easy Opening for Black Against 1.e4 (TRAPS Included!)
Featured

An Easy Opening for Black Against 1.e4 (TRAPS Included!)

Igor Smirnov

GM Smirnov's low-theory weapon against 1.e4 โ€” one easy setup plus the built-in traps that win games outright at club level.

Beginner400โ€“1600Opening Traps
The Only White Opening You Need to Win Below 2000 ELO

The Only White Opening You Need to Win Below 2000 ELO

Igor Smirnov

One complete White system that carries you to 2000: simple setup, clear plans, and the typical attacks that keep winning at every level below master.

Intermediate600โ€“2000Openings
Best Chess Opening for White After 1.e4 | Scotch Gambit Traps

Best Chess Opening for White After 1.e4 | Scotch Gambit Traps

Igor Smirnov

The Scotch Gambit: fast development, open lines, and a minefield of traps โ€” GM Smirnov shows the punishes for every natural Black reply.

Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
One Opening for Black Against ANYTHING That White Plays!

One Opening for Black Against ANYTHING That White Plays!

Igor Smirnov

A universal Black setup that works against 1.e4, 1.d4 and everything else โ€” one structure to learn, endless headaches for your opponents.

Beginner400โ€“1600Openings
Chess Openings: Caro Kann

Chess Openings: Caro Kann

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Introduction to the Slav Defense

Introduction to the Slav Defense

Hanging Pawns
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Slav Defense Theory: Main Line

Slav Defense Theory: Main Line

Hanging Pawns
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Introduction to the Catalan

Introduction to the Catalan

Hanging Pawns
Advanced1000โ€“2400Openings
Chess Openings - Semi Slav

Chess Openings - Semi Slav

thechesswebsite
Advanced1000โ€“2400Openings
Chess Openings: Petrov Defense

Chess Openings: Petrov Defense

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Bizarre Trap in the Petroff Defense

Bizarre Trap in the Petroff Defense

Eric Rosen
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
WIN WITH 1. E4 | The Vienna Gambit

WIN WITH 1. E4 | The Vienna Gambit

GothamChess
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Attacking with the Jobava London

Attacking with the Jobava London

Eric Rosen
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Chess Openings- The King's Gambit

Chess Openings- The King's Gambit

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Top 5 Fastest WINS in the King's Gambit

Top 5 Fastest WINS in the King's Gambit

Igor Smirnov
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Chess Openings- Smith Morra Gambit

Chess Openings- Smith Morra Gambit

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Chess Openings: Benko Gambit

Chess Openings: Benko Gambit

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
A Detailed Guide to the Benko Gambit

A Detailed Guide to the Benko Gambit

Hanging Pawns
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Benko Gambit Chess Opening For Black

Benko Gambit Chess Opening For Black

Igor Smirnov
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Bogo Indian Defense

Bogo Indian Defense

thechesswebsite
Advanced1000โ€“2400Openings
Chess Openings- Dutch Defense

Chess Openings- Dutch Defense

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Chess Openings: Evans Gambit Part 1

Chess Openings: Evans Gambit Part 1

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
The Evans Gambit | Italian Game Theory

The Evans Gambit | Italian Game Theory

Hanging Pawns
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Tarrasch Defense Opening Theory

Tarrasch Defense Opening Theory

Hanging Pawns
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Alekhine's Defense Opening Traps

Alekhine's Defense Opening Traps

Igor Smirnov
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
CRUSH EVERYONE With The Danish Gambit

CRUSH EVERYONE With The Danish Gambit

GothamChess
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Chess Openings: Danish Gambit

Chess Openings: Danish Gambit

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Fantasy Variation - Caro Kann

Fantasy Variation - Caro Kann

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Stonewall Chess Opening Tutorial

Stonewall Chess Opening Tutorial

Igor Smirnov
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Chess Openings- Birds Opening

Chess Openings- Birds Opening

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings
Crush EVERYONE with the Alien Gambit!

Crush EVERYONE with the Alien Gambit!

GothamChess
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
I Unknowingly Faced the ALIEN GAMBIT

I Unknowingly Faced the ALIEN GAMBIT

Eric Rosen
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
The Alien Gambit is TOO STRONG

The Alien Gambit is TOO STRONG

Eric Rosen
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Chess Opening: Elephant Gambit

Chess Opening: Elephant Gambit

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Chess Opening: Grob Attack

Chess Opening: Grob Attack

thechesswebsite
Intermediate600โ€“1800Opening Traps
Chess Openings: Latvian Gambit

Chess Openings: Latvian Gambit

thechesswebsite
Advanced1000โ€“2400Opening Traps
I Played Witty Alien!

I Played Witty Alien!

ChesswithAkeem
Intermediate600โ€“1800Openings