42 Openings That All Chess Players Should Know

Do you feel bad about your lack of opening knowledge? It’s quite intimidating when you hear a chess player
casually utter the bizarre name of some obscure chess opening and you feel left in the dark. It is,
understandably, a fear of the unknown. For example, the Dragon Variation of the  Sicilian Defence can sound
pretty unsettling to anyone who never studied it!
On this page you can study the names and basic ideas of popular chess openings and variations. It will boost
your confidence and help you overcome fear of the opening.

List of Popular Chess Openings

The primary objectives of the opening is to control the centre, develop the pieces, get the king safe and
achieve a playable middle-game position. Over time, chess players devised unique plans to achieve these
objectives–which led to the rise of many openings.
(Note that chess openings can be broadly categorized based on their shared characteristics. It will be a good
idea to also study the lesson:  13 Types of Chess Openings.)

The
Opening is one of the 7 fundamental chess skills you should train.
 Get Your Free Copy of the “7-Skills” Training Model Here
Below is a list of 42 popular chess openings and variations, with a summary of each. For easy reference they
are listed in alphabetical order:
Note: This page is a work in progress. Check back soon for updates.
1. Alekhine’s Defense
2. Benko Gambit
3. Benoni Defense
4. Bird’s Opening
5. Bogo-Indian Defense
6. Budapest Gambit
7. Catalan Opening
8. Caro-Kann Defense
9. Colle System
10. Dutch Defense
11. Giuoco Piano
12. English Opening
13. Evans Gambit
14. Four Knights Game
15. French Defense
16. Grünfeld Defense
17. Italian Game
18. King’s Gambit
19. King’s Indian Attack
20. King’s Indian Defense
21. King’s Pawn Game
22. London System
23. Modern Defense
24. Nimzo-Indian Defense
25. Nimzowitsch Defense
26. Petrov’s Defense
27. Philidor’s Defense
28. Pirc Defense
29. Queen’s Gambit Accepted
30. Queen’s Gambit Declined
31. Queen’s Indian Defense
32. Queen’s Pawn Game
33. Réti Opening
34. Ruy Lopez
35. Scandinavian Defense
36. Scotch Game
37. Sicilian Defense
38. Slav Defense
39. Torre Attack
40. Two Knights Defense
41. Vienna Game
42. Wade Defense
Alekhine’s Defense
Alekhine’s Defense is a hypermodern opening from black’s perspective against 1.e4, the King’s Pawn Game.
The opening is named after Alexander Alekhine, the fourth world champion, who played it in two of his games
in a tournament in Budapest, 1921. He scored 1.5/2 points with it.
Diagram above: 1.e4 Nf6 is Alekhine’s Defense. Black attacks the pawn on e4 and dares white to advance the
pawn into black’s territory with 2.e5.
Note: When the word “defense” appears in the name of an opening, it usually refers to an opening from
black’s point of view. When the word “attack” appears in the name, it usually (not always) refers to an
opening from white’s point of view.
Alekhine’s Defense Theory
Black’s strategy in the Alekhine’s Defense is to dare white to grab space in the center with attacking pawn
moves. Black then intends to attack and undermine these pawns before white can effectively support them.
This implies black must act quickly and attack the white central pawns before white manages to effectively
support them with their pieces, in which case white will enjoy a strong advantage in the center.
The most popular variation in Alekhine’s Defense is the Modern Variation.
Alekhine’s Defense Modern Variation

Diagram above: 1.e4 Nf6 2.e5 Nd5 3.d4 d6 4.Nf3 is the Alekhine’s Defense Modern Variation.
The Modern Variation is the most common variation of the Alekhine Defense. In this variation white decides
to ovoid overextending his pawns and instead aims to settle for a modest approach, in the hope to more
effectively hang on to a smaller spatial advantage.
Black would often continue with 4…Bg4, pinning the knight on f3. Black will often consider to trade their
bishop for the knight because the white knight plays an important role in supporting the advanced centre
pawns. The thought behind this strategy is to undermine white’s support of the central pawns.
Who plays Alekhine’s Defense?
Top players who made the opening part of their repertoire include Ernst Grünfeld, Bobby Fischer, Victor
Korchnoi, Vassily Ivanchuk, Lev Alburt Alexander Shabalov, Levon Aronian, Micky Adams, Hikaru Nakamura
and, of course, Alexander Alekhine. This impressive list of famous players gave a seemingly awkward opening
a respectable reputation.
Since Alekhine’s Defense is a less common opening, there is a fair chance that your opponent won’t have an
in-depth understanding of it. This can potentially give you an advantage–if you are well-prepared.
Interesting Note: Napoléon Bonaparte used this opening, and won, in the oldest known example of this
opening that would later become known as Alekhine’s Defense.
Benko Gambit
The Benko Gambit, also known as the Volga Gambit or the Volga-Benko Gambit, is a gambit opening from
black’s perspective. It starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5.

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 is the Benko Gambit.

Benko Gambit Theory
The Benko Gambit is a rather unique response to 1.d4 where black wants to sacrifice a pawn in the hope to
obtain lasting pressure–through active pieces and open files on the queen-side. Black’s strategy is then further
enhanced by placing a fianchettoed bishop on g7 which can potentially heap immense pressure on white’s
queenside. Black should approach these ideas energetically–or else risk losing the initiative if white finds the
time to organize a solid defense.
The most popular response for white is to accept the gambit, leading to the Benko Gambit Accepted variation.
Benko Gambit Accepted
The most common response to 3… b5, is for white to accept the gambit with 4.cxb5, leading to the Benko
Gambit Accepted.
Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5 cxb5 is the Benko Gambit Accepted.
If white accepts the gambit, black continues with the move 5.a6, attacking the pawn on b5 and helping black
to develop quickly on the queen-side. If white declines the gambit then the game will likely enter a position
resembling the Benoni Defense, and offers black a completely playable position.
Who plays the Benko Gambit?
The Benko Gambit, named after practitioner Pal Benko, has also been played by Magnus Carlsen, Viswanathan
Anand, Garry Kasparov, Veselin Topalov, Mikhail Tal, Vassily Ivanchuk, Michael Adams, Alexei Shirov, Boris
Gelfand, and Evgeny Bareev.
Since the Benko Gambit is a very aggressive and risky opening (albeit still sound), it is an ideal opening for
situations where black is willing to take on some risk–in return for increased winning chances. A well-prepared
practitioner of the Benko Gambit will likely get exciting opportunities against all but the most experienced
opponents and for this reason it is considered a very effective opening for club-level players.
Benoni Defense
The Benoni Defense is an aggressive opening, from black’s perspective, characterized by the initial moves 1.d4
Nf6 2.c4 c5, by which black intends to exchange their flank c-pawn for white’s central d-pawn.

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 is known as the Benoni Defense.

Benoni Defense Theory
In the Benoni Defence, black’s overarching strategy is to create significant imbalances in the position.
Imbalances will create more dynamic opportunities and thus black will get more winning chances than they
would typically get from a more solid response. This benefit comes, of course, at the cost of increased losing
chances too! That is why top chess players favor this opening in “must-win” match situations.
Note: After 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5, white doesn’t win a pawn with 3.dxc5 because 3… e6, followed by Bxc5 will only
help black. Alternatively, 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.dxc5 e6 4.b4 a5! is even better for black.
The most popular variation in the Benoni opening is the Modern Variation.
Benoni Defense Modern Variation
White’s most popular response to 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 is 3.d5, to which black will mostly reply 3… e6, known as
the Modern Variation of the Benoni.
Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 is the Modern Variation of the Benoni Defense.
With the move 3… e6, black’s strategy is to capture white’s pawn on d5, thereby creating a majority of black
pawns on the queen-side. Black then intends to play g6 and Bg7, from where the bishop will support the
advance of black’s queen-side pawn majority. Black will control the dark-squares, particularly the d4-square,
whereas white will have more control over the light squares.
The obvious structural imbalances in the Modern Benoni reduces the chances of the game ending in a draw
and gives both sides more winning chances. This is also why the opening has a reputation for being risky.
Who plays the Benoni Defense?
Even though Frank Marshall invented the Modern Benoni in 1927, it was only popularized 20 years later,
primarily by Mikhail Tal, the highly tactical player from Latvia, who scored many brilliant victories with it.
Other famous chess players who have played the Benoni Defense in top-level tournaments include Bobby
Fischer, Garry Kasparov, Levon Aronian, Magnus Carlsen, Vugar Gashimov, Vassily Ivanchuk, Hikaru Nakmura
and Veselin Topalov.
Bird’s Opening
The Bird’s opening is a flank opening from white’s perspective, starting with the move 1.f4.

Diagram above: 1.f4 is the Bird’s opening.

Bird’s Opening Theory
The Bird’s opening is an aggressive, imbalanced and rather unusual opening where white aims to control the
e5-square, possibly with the help of a fianchettoed bishop on b2. The opening generally offers good attacking
chances to white but comes at the cost of weakening their own king-side.
A popular response by black is 1… d5, known as the Dutch Variation of the Bird’s Opening.
Bird’s Opening Dutch Variation
If black responds with 1… d5, white usually plays 2.Nf3 and we reach the Dutch Variation of the Bird’s
Opening.

Diagram above: 1.f4 d5 3.Nf3 is the Dutch Variation of the Bird’s Opening.

In the Dutch Variation of the Bird’s Opening, white will essentially play the Dutch Defence with reversed
colors. White can try to dominate the a1-h8 diagonal with a fianchettoed bishop on b2 (and pawns on e3 and
f4). White can also opt for a King’s-Indian setup (g3, Bg2, 0-0), with an attack on the black king-side.
Who plays the Bird’s Opening?
Even though the move 1.f4 was mentioned by Lucena in a book from 1497, the opening was eventually named
after the British master, Henry Bird, who first played it in 1855 and continued to do so for most of his career.
Top chess players probably feel there are better ways to utilize the first-move advantage, which is possibly
why the Bird’s opening is not popular among them. Even so, elite grandmasters occasionally use it as a
surprise weapon. Famous chess players who tried their hand at the Bird’s Opening include Aron Nimzowitsch,
Savielly Tartakower, Jose Capablanca, Richard Rapport, Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura.
Bogo-Indian Defense
The Bogo-Indian Defense is an opening for black against 1.d4. The opening is named after the Russian
grandmaster Efim Bogoljubow.

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ is the Bogo-Indian defense.

Bogo-Indian Defense Theory
Black’s idea is very simple–to develop their king-side as quickly as possible before shifting their attention to
the centre.
The most popular variation in the opening is the known as the Nimzowitsch Variation:
Bogo-Indian Defense Nimzowitsch Variation
If white blocks the check with 4.Bd2, black’s popular reply is 4… Qe7, which leads to the Nimzowitsch
variation:

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Bb4+ 4.Bd2 Qe7 is the Nimzowitsch variation of the Bogo-Indian
Defense.
In the Nimzowitsch variation black defends the bishop with their queen, 4… Qe7. White usually avoids 5.Bxb4
Qxb4+, which may force white to give up a pawn.
Who plays the Bogo-Indian Defense?
An impressive list of top level players include the Bogo-Indian Defense in their repertoire. Frequent
practitioners include Michael Adams, Viswanathan Anand, Magnus Carlsen, Leinier Dominguez Perez, Laurent
Fressinet, Alexander Grischuk, Vassily Ivanchuk, Baadur Jobava, Alexander Moiseenko, Alexander Morozevich,
Arkadij Naiditsch, Arkadij, David Navara, Evgeny Tomashevsky, Nikita Vitiugov, Hao Wang, and Yue Wang.
Budapest Gambit
The Budapest Gambit is a gambit opening for black that begins with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5.

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 is the Budapest Gambit.

Budapest Gambit Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Budapest Gambit Rubinstein Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above:  1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 Ng4 4.Bf4 Nc6 is the Budapest Gambit Rubinstein Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Budapest Gambit?
Catalan Opening
The Catalan Opening is an opening for white that begins with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 is the Catalan opening

Catalan Opening Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Catalan Opening Open Defense
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.Bg2 is the Catalan Opening Open Defense.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Catalan Opening?
Caro-Kann Defense
The Caro-Kann Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 c6.

Diagram above:  1.e4 c6 is the Caro-Kann Defense.

Caro-Kann Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Caro-Kann Defense Advance Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 c6 2.e5 Bf5 is the Caro-Kann Defense Advance Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Caro-Kann Defense?
Colle System
The Colle System is an opening system for white that starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3

Diagram above: 1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.e3 is the Colle System.

Colle System Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Colle System Traditional Colle
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: The position illustrates The Traditional Colle System setup.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Colle System?
Dutch Defense
The Dutch Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 f5.

Diagram above: 1.d4 f5 is the Dutch Defense.

Dutch Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Dutch Defense Fianchetto Attack
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.d4 f5 2.g3 Nf6 is the Dutch Defense Fianchetto Attack
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Dutch Defense?
English Opening
The English Opening is an opening for white that starts with the move 1.c4

Diagram above: 1.c4 is the English Opening.

English Opening Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
English Opening Anglo-Indian Defense
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.c4 Nf6 is the English Opening Anglo-Indian Defense.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the English Opening?
Evans Gambit
The Evans Gambit is an opening for white that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4.

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 is the Evans Gambit.
Evans Gambit Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Evans Gambit Accepted
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4 Bxb4 c3 is the Evans Gambit Accepted.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Evans Gambit?
Four Knights Game
The Four Knights Game is an opening for black that starts with the 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6.

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 is the Four Knights Game.
Four Knights Game Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Four Knights Game Double Spanish Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4is the Four Knights Game Double Spanish Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Four Knights Game?
French Defense
The French Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 e6.

Diagram above: 1.e4 e6 is the French Defense opening.

French Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
French Defense Winawer Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Bb4 is the French Defense Winawer Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the French Defense?
Giuoco Piano
The Giuoco Piano is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5.

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 is the Giuoco Piano.

Giuoco Piano Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Giuoco Piano Classical Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.c3 Nf6 is the Giuoco Piano Classical Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Giuoco Piano?
Grünfeld Defense
The Grünfeld Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 is the Grünfeld Defense.

Grünfeld Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Grünfeld Defense Exchange Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 Nxd5 is the Grünfeld Defense Exchange Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Grünfeld Defense?
Italian Game
The Italian Game is an opening for white that starts with the moves

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 is the Italian Game.

Italian Game Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Italian Game Giuoco Pianissimo
p Opening Intro
Diagram above:  1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.0-0 Nf6 5.d3 is the Italian Game Giuoco Pianissimo.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Italian Game?
King’s Gambit
The King’s Gambit is an opening for white that starts with the 1.e4 e5 2.f4.

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 is the King’s Gambit.

King’s Gambit Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
King’s Gambit Accepted
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.f4 exf4 is the King’s Gambit Accepted, to which white usually responds with 3.Nf3.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the King’s Gambit?
King’s Indian Attack
The King’s Indian Attack, also known as the Barcza System, is a chess opening system for white that starts with
the moves 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3.

Diagram above:  1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 is the initial moves of the King’s Indian Attack.
Note: When the word “Attack” appears in the name of an opening, it usually refers to an opening from white’s
point of view. For example, The King’s-Indian Attack resembles the same setup for white as the King’s-Indian
Defense for black.
King’s Indian Attack Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
King’s Indian Attack Yugoslav Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.O-O Bg4 5.d3 Nbd7 6.Nbd2 e5 7.e4 is the King’s Indian Attack
Yugoslav Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the King’s Indian Attack?
King’s Indian Defense
The King’s Indian Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6.

Diagram above:  1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 is the King’s Indian Defense.

King’s Indian Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
King’s Indian Defense Classical Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: moves is the King’s Indian Defense Classical Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the King’s Indian Defense?
King’s Pawn Game
The King’s Pawn Game refers to any opening where white starts the game with 1.e4

Diagram above: moves is the King’s Pawn Game.

King’s Pawn Game Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
King’s Pawn Game / Sicilian Defense
p Opening Intro
Diagram above:  moves is the King’s Pawn Game / Sicilian Defense.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the King’s Pawn Game?
London System
The London System is an opening system for white that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bc4.

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bc4 is the London System.

London System Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
London System Main Line
p Opening Intro; since it’s a system there various ways to continue. Mostly with e3.
Diagram above: moves is the London System Main Line.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the London System?
Modern Defense
The Modern Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 g6.

Diagram above:  1.d4 g6 is the Modern Defense.

Modern Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Modern Defense Standard Line
p Opening Intro 1.d4 g6 2.e4 d6 3.Nc3 Bg7
Diagram above: 1.d4 g6 2.e4 d6 3.Nc3 Bg7 is the Modern Defense Standard Line.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Modern Defense?
Nimzo-Indian Defense
The Nimzo-Indian Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4.

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 is the Nimzo-Indian Defense.

Nimzo-Indian Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Nimzo-Indian Defense Rubinstein Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 4.e3 0-0 5.Bd3 d5 is the Nimzo-Indian Defense Rubinstein
Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Nimzo-Indian Defense?
Nimzowitsch Defense
The Nimzowitsch Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 Nc6.

Diagram above: 1.e4 Nc6 is the Nimzowitsch Defense.

Nimzowitsch Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Nimzowitsch Defense Scandinavian Variation
p Opening Intro; can transpose to king’s pawn game
Diagram above: 1.e4 Nc6 2.d4 d5 is the Nimzowitsch Defense Scandinavian Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Nimzowitsch Defense?
Petrov’s Defense
Petrov’s Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6.

Diagram above: moves is Petrov’s Defense.

Petrov’s Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Petrov’s Defense Classical Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 d6 is the Petrov’s Defense Classical Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Petrov’s Defense?
Philidor’s Defense
Philidor’s Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6.

Diagram above: moves is Philidor’s Defense.

Philidor’s Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Philidor’s Defense Exchange Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above:  1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 exd4 is the Philidor’s Defense Exchange Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Philidor’s Defense?
Pirc Defense
The Pirc Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6.

Diagram above: moves is the Pirc Defense.

Pirc Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Pirc Defense Classical Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above: 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3 g6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O c6 is the Pirc Defense Classical
Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Pirc Defense?
Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit is an opening for white that starts with the 1.d4 d5 2.c4.

Queen’s Gambit Theory

Black must decide to either accept or decline the gambit.
Who plays the Queen’s Gambit?
Queen’s Gambit Accepted
The Queen’s Gambit Accepted is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4.
Diagram above: moves is the Queen’s Gambit Accepted.
Queen’s Gambit Accepted Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Queen’s Gambit Accepted Main Line
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.d3 is the Queen’s Gambit Accepted Main Line.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Queen’s Gambit Accepted?
Queen’s Gambit Declined
The Queen’s Gambit Declined is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6.
Diagram above: moves is the Queen’s Gambit Declined.
Queen’s Gambit Declined Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Queen’s Gambit Declined Semi Slav Variation
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3. Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 c6 is the Queen’s Gambit Declined Semi Slav Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Queen’s Gambit Declined?
Queen’s Indian Defense
The Queen’s Indian Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6.
Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 is the Queen’s Indian Defense.
Queen’s Indian Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Queen’s Indian Defense Fianchetto Variation
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.g3 Ba6 is the Queen’s Indian Defense Fianchetto Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Queen’s Indian Defense?
Queen’s Pawn Game
The Queen’s Pawn Game refers to any opening where white starts the game with 1.d4
Diagram above: moves is the Queen’s Pawn Game.
Queen’s Pawn Game Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Queen’s Pawn Game / Anti-Nimzo-Indian
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 is the Queen’s Pawn Game / Anti-Nimzo-Indian.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Queen’s Pawn Game?
Réti Opening
The Réti Opening is an opening for white that starts with the moves 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4.
Diagram above: moves is the Réti Opening.
the Réti should not be thought of as a single opening sequence, and certainly not a single opening move, but
rather as an opening  complex  with many variations sharing common themes.
Réti Opening Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
In modern times the Réti refers only to the configuration Nf3 and c4 by White with …d5 by Black, where
White fianchettos at least one bishop and does not play an early d4. Else often transposes to other openings.
Réti Opening / Queen’s Gambit Declined (Transposed)
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.Nf3 d5 2.c4 e6 is the Réti Opening / Queen’s Gambit Declined (Transposed).
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Réti Opening?
Ruy Lopez
The Ruy Lopez is an opening for white that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5.
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 is the Ruy Lopez.
Ruy Lopez Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Ruy Lopez Closed Defense
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 a6 4.Ba4 is the Ruy Lopez Closed Defense.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Ruy Lopez?
Scandinavian Defense
The Scandinavian Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 d5.
Diagram above: 1.e4 d5 is the Scandinavian Defense.
Scandinavian Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Scandinavian Defense Main Line
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5 is the Scandinavian Defense Main Line.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Scandinavian Defense?
Scotch Game
The Scotch Game is an opening for white that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4.
Diagram above: moves is the Scotch Game.
Scotch Game Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Scotch Game Classical Variation
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Nxd5 Bc5 5.Be3 is the Scotch Game Classical Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Scotch Game?
Sicilian Defense
The Sicilian Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 c5.
Diagram above: 1.e4 c5 is the Sicilian Defense.
Sicilian Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Nf6 5.Nc3 a6 is the Sicilian Defense Najdorf Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Sicilian Defense?
Slav Defense
The Slav Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6.
Diagram above: moves is the Slav Defense.
Slav Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Slav Defense Modern Line
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 is the Slav Defense Modern Line.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Slav Defense?
Torre Attack
The Torre Attack is an opening system for white that starts with the moves 1.d4 e6 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bg5.
Diagram above: moves is the Torre Attack.
Torre Attack Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Torre Attack Classical Defense
p Opening Intro

Diagram above: Is the standard Torre setup that white achieves in the Torre Attack Classical Defense.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Torre Attack?
Two Knights Defense
The Two Knights Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6.
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 is the Two Knights Defense
Two Knights Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
must also be ready to face the Fried Liver Attack
Fried Liver Attack
The Fried Liver Attack is an opening variation for white that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nc6
4.Ng5.

Diagram above:  1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nc6 4.Ng5 is the Fried Liver Attack.
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Two Knights Defense / Giuoco Pianissimo (Transposed)
p Opening Intro
mostly transposes to italian game giuoco pianissimo
Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d3 Bc5 is the Two Knights Defense / Giuoco Pianissimo
(Transposed).
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Two Knights Defense?
Vienna Game
The Vienna Game is an opening for white that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3.

Diagram above: 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 is the Vienna Game opening.

Vienna Game Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Vienna Game Mieses Variation
p Opening Intro
Diagram above:  1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 Nf6 3.g3 is the Vienna Game Mieses Variation.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview
p summary/closing comment
Who plays the Vienna Game?
Wade Defense
The Wade Defense is an opening for black that starts with the moves 1.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Bg4.

Diagram above: 1.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Bg4 is the Wade Defense opening.

Wade Defense Theory
p objectives summary; theory overview
p The most popular variation in the opening is the :
Wade Defense Main Line
p Opening Intro; The game usually continues…
Diagram above: 1.d4 d6 2.Nf3 Bg4 3.c4 Nbd7 4.Nc3 e5 is the Wade Defense Main Line.
p variation objectives summary; theory overview