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.
Alien Gambit
A modern internet-famous gambit against the Caro-Kann. Sacrifices material for a fierce attack — mostly a surprise weapon.
Danish Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3!? — sacrifice up to two pawns for raging attack down the e- and d-files.
Elephant Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d5!? — refuted in serious play but a fun online surprise weapon. Sacrifices a pawn for chaos.
Evans Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4!? — sacrifice the b-pawn to gain tempo, build a powerful center, and attack.
Four Knights Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6 — symmetrical and easy to play. Both sides develop knights before committing.
Fried Liver Attack
The most famous beginner trap: after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 d5 5.exd5 Nxd5? 6.Nxf7! — sacrifices a knight to drag the king to the open board.
Latvian Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f5!? — the King's Gambit reversed. Wildly aggressive but objectively bad.
Petrov Defense
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 — Black mirrors White's attack on the e-pawn. Extremely solid, slightly drawish, played by elite GMs.
Philidor Defense
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6 — old-school solid defense. Cramped but hard to break, especially via the Hanham Variation.
Stafford Gambit
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Nxe5 Nc6!? — internet-famous trap-laden gambit popularized by Eric Rosen. Wins games against unprepared opponents.
Traxler Counterattack
After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5 — Black plays 4...Bc5!? sacrificing material for a vicious attack on f2.
Vienna Gambit
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.