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 10 of 70 openings
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BlackIntermediate

Accelerated Dragon

Family: Sicilian
ECO: B34, B35, B36…

Black fianchettoes immediately with ...g6 before playing ...d6. Avoids the Yugoslav Attack but allows the Maroczy Bind.

Beginner
5
Aggro
7
Solid
7
Trap
4
♟
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

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

Fantasy Variation

Family: Caro-Kann
ECO: B12

White's tricky 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.f3 against the Caro-Kann. Builds a big center and avoids mainline theory.

Beginner
6
Aggro
8
Solid
5
Trap
6
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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
♟
BlackIntermediate

Queen's Gambit Accepted

Family: Queen's Gambit
ECO: D20, D21, D22…

Black takes the c4 pawn (1.d4 d5 2.c4 dxc4) and plans active development. White recovers the pawn easily but the position is balanced.

Beginner
7
Aggro
6
Solid
7
Trap
3
♟
BlackIntermediate

Queen's Gambit Declined

Family: Queen's Gambit
ECO: D30, D31, D35…

Black holds the center: 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6. The most solid response to the Queen's Gambit. Played by every world champion.

Beginner
7
Aggro
4
Solid
10
Trap
2
♟
BlackIntermediate

Rousseau Gambit

Family: Rousseau
ECO: C50

Italian Game with 3...f5 — Black sacrifices a pawn for active play and to avoid Italian theory.

Beginner
5
Aggro
8
Solid
3
Trap
7
♟
BlackIntermediate

Two Knights Defense

Family: Italian Game
ECO: C55, C56, C57…

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 — Black develops the knight aggressively, leading to sharp Italian-Game lines (Fried Liver, Traxler, Polerio).

Beginner
7
Aggro
7
Solid
6
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