Start here · Essential guide
Advanced Chess Openings
What makes a chess opening advanced? Explore complex systems like the Najdorf and Ruy Lopez, d4 setups, repertoire building, move orders and how to study theory.
Openings, Strategy & Tactics
5 guides, starting with Advanced Chess Openings.
Start here · Essential guide
What makes a chess opening advanced? Explore complex systems like the Najdorf and Ruy Lopez, d4 setups, repertoire building, move orders and how to study theory.
Learn how a pawn moves on its first turn, whether the first move must be a pawn, and why 1.e4 and 1.d4 are the most common first pawn moves in chess.
The Spanish Defence, better known as the Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5): main ideas, key variations, how to play it as White, and how Black can respond.
Learn the Italian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4): its main ideas, Black's replies, key plans for White, famous traps and how it compares with the Ruy Lopez.
Understand the Sicilian Defence (1.e4 c5): why Black plays it, the Open Sicilian systems like Najdorf and Dragon, anti-Sicilian options for White, and key plans.
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