Opening Library

Every opening worth knowing — from the Italian Game and Caro-Kann to the Stafford Gambit and the Grob. Each one has its own page with video lessons, key ideas, and common mistakes.

Showing 14 of 70 openings
WhiteIntermediate

Alien Gambit

Family: Caro-Kann
ECO: B11

A modern internet-famous gambit against the Caro-Kann. Sacrifices material for a fierce attack — mostly a surprise weapon.

Beginner
5
Aggro
9
Solid
3
Trap
9
WhiteIntermediate

Bird Opening

Family: Bird
ECO: A02, A03

1.f4 — the From-the-side opening. Aims for kingside attack but weakens White's king slightly.

Beginner
6
Aggro
7
Solid
5
Trap
4
WhiteIntermediate

Danish Gambit

ECO: C21

1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3!? — sacrifice up to two pawns for raging attack down the e- and d-files.

Beginner
6
Aggro
10
Solid
3
Trap
8
BlackIntermediate

Dutch Defense

Family: Dutch
ECO: A80, A81, A82

1.d4 f5 — fight for the e4 square and prepare a kingside attack. Three main systems: Stonewall, Leningrad, Classical.

Beginner
5
Aggro
8
Solid
5
Trap
5
BlackIntermediate

Elephant Gambit

Family: Elephant
ECO: C40

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d5!? — refuted in serious play but a fun online surprise weapon. Sacrifices a pawn for chaos.

Beginner
5
Aggro
9
Solid
3
Trap
8
WhiteIntermediate

Evans Gambit

Family: Italian Game
ECO: C51, C52

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4!? — sacrifice the b-pawn to gain tempo, build a powerful center, and attack.

Beginner
6
Aggro
10
Solid
4
Trap
8
WhiteIntermediate

Grob Opening

Family: Grob
ECO: A00

1.g4!? — almost universally considered bad, but a notorious surprise weapon online. Trick or be tricked.

Beginner
4
Aggro
9
Solid
2
Trap
7
WhiteIntermediate

Jobava London

Family: London System
ECO: D00

The aggressive London cousin: 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bf4. Sacrifices solidity for kingside attacking chances.

Beginner
6
Aggro
8
Solid
6
Trap
6
WhiteIntermediate

King's Gambit

ECO: C30, C31, C32

The romantic-era classic: 1.e4 e5 2.f4. White sacrifices a pawn to rip open the f-file and attack the king.

Beginner
5
Aggro
10
Solid
3
Trap
8
WhiteIntermediate

Smith-Morra Gambit

Family: Anti-Sicilian
ECO: B21

1.e4 c5 2.d4 cxd4 3.c3!? — White sacrifices a pawn to dodge Sicilian theory and get fast development.

Beginner
6
Aggro
9
Solid
4
Trap
7
BlackIntermediate

Stafford Gambit

Family: Stafford
ECO: C42

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 Nc6!? — internet-famous trap-laden gambit popularized by Eric Rosen. Wins games against unprepared opponents.

Beginner
6
Aggro
10
Solid
3
Trap
10
WhiteIntermediate

Trompowsky Attack

Family: Trompowsky
ECO: A45

1.d4 Nf6 2.Bg5 — immediate pressure on the f6 knight. Avoids tons of Black's d4 theory.

Beginner
6
Aggro
8
Solid
5
Trap
6
WhiteIntermediate

Veresov Attack

Family: Veresov
ECO: D01

1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.Bg5 — the queenside cousin of the Trompowsky. Aggressive but theoretically dubious.

Beginner
6
Aggro
8
Solid
5
Trap
6
WhiteIntermediate

Vienna Gambit

Family: Vienna
ECO: C25, C28, C29

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.f4!? — White sacrifices a pawn for fast development and a kingside attack. A favorite of beginners and online players.

Beginner
6
Aggro
9
Solid
4
Trap
8