Learn Chess Openings

New to openings? Start with the three-part beginner series — it explains what openings are for and helps you choose one.

For White — 1.e4 openings

Open games: fast pieces and early plans against 1...e5.

For White — 1.d4 openings

Queen's pawn games: solid structures and long squeezes.

For White — flank openings

Claim the middle from the side, with pieces before pawns.

For Black against 1.e4

Six answers to the first move you'll face most often.

For Black against 1.d4

Nine answers to the queen's pawn, from solid to gambit.