Chess Openings

Chess Openings

Opening book moves

Chess Openings

Opening book moves

King's Pawn Opening

1. e4

Queen's Pawn

1. d4

English Opening

1. c4

Reti Opening

1. Nf3

Bird's Opening

1. f4

Nimzovich-Larsen Attack

1. b3

Grob's Attack

1. g4

Dunst (Sleipner, Heinrichsen) Opening

1. Nc3

Mieses Opening

1. d3

Benko's Opening

1. g3

Polish (Sokolsky) Opening

1. b4

Van't Kruijs Opening

1. e3

Gedult's Opening

1. f3

Ware (Meadow Hay) Opening

1. a4

Amar (Paris) Opening

1. Nh3

Clemenz (Mead's, Basman's Or De Klerk's) Opening

1. h3

Anti-Borg (Desprez) Opening

1. h4

Durkin's Attack

1. Na3

Saragossa Opening

1. c3

Anderssen's Opening

1. a3

Learning Chess Openings

A chess opening is the recognised sequence of moves that begins a game. This directory groups the major openings into families, with the book moves and main variations for each line shown on an interactive board - so you can see the ideas, not just memorise the moves.

Frequently Asked Questions

A chess opening is the recognised sequence of moves that begins a game, such as the Ruy Lopez or the Sicilian Defence. Established openings are called book moves because they have been analysed and recorded over centuries of play.

Not at club level. Understanding the opening principles - control the centre, develop your pieces, castle early - matters far more than memorised lines. Use this directory to learn the ideas behind the openings you meet in your own games.

Openings are grouped by family. Open any line to step through its moves on an interactive board, see the main variations, and read a synopsis of the plans for both sides.