Opening a game wellStep 5 of 6
Three openings to start with
One for playing 1.e4, one for answering it, one for playing 1.d4. Plans, not move lists.
You do not need to memorise openings. You need to understand three of them, well enough to know what you are trying to do.
The Italian Game — for playing 1.e4
Demonstration — use the arrows
Use the ← and → arrow keys, or click a move in the list.
Move list
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
- 5.
What you are after: a solid centre, a bishop pointed at f7, and a quick castle.
The Scandinavian Defence — for answering 1.e4
Demonstration — use the arrows
Use the ← and → arrow keys, or click a move in the list.
Move list
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
Start
What you are after: a clear position, with no traps to memorise.
The Queen’s Gambit Declined — for playing 1.d4
Demonstration — use the arrows
Use the ← and → arrow keys, or click a move in the list.
Move list
- 1.
- 2.
- 3.
- 4.
Start
What you are after: a slower, more closed game, where plans matter more than moves.
Start