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
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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