Top 10 Chess Openings
intermediate
The most common question I get is:
"What are the best chess openings to learn?"
So here’s a list of my top 10 recommendations — based on strength, popularity, and how well they teach opening principles.
10. Slav Defense
9. London System
8. Caro-Kann Defense
7. Fried Liver Attack
6. French Defense
5. Ruy Lopez
4. Nimzo-Indian Defense
3. King's Gambit
2. Sicilian Defense
1. Queen's Gambit
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– 110+ chess openings explained
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Italian Game | The Giuoco Pianissimo | IM Alex AstanehItalian Game | The Giuoco Pianissimo | IM Alex AstanehChessfactor
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Chess Openings: The King's Gambit (Part 2)Chess Openings: The King's Gambit (Part 2)thechesswebsiteintermediate
Tarrasch Trap | Trap in the Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez | Opening Tricks and Traps to Win FastTarrasch Trap | Trap in the Open Variation of the Ruy Lopez | Opening Tricks and Traps to Win FastChessfactorintermediate
Must-Know Opening Principles - Central Control | Chess Basics | Beginner Level | IM Alex AstanehMust-Know Opening Principles - Central Control | Chess Basics | Beginner Level | IM Alex AstanehChessfactorbeginner
What is the Nadanian Attack in the Grunfeld Defense?What is the Nadanian Attack in the Grunfeld Defense?Joanthan Schrantzintermediate
Chess Openings Uncovered Ep 4 - The Nimzo-IndianChess Openings Uncovered Ep 4 - The Nimzo-IndianChessexplainedintermediate
The Ruy Lopez, Breyer Variation - Chess Openings ExplainedThe Ruy Lopez, Breyer Variation - Chess Openings ExplainedJonathan Schrantzintermediate
Tactical Shot after damaging the Opponent’s Pawn Structure | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehTactical Shot after damaging the Opponent’s Pawn Structure | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehChessfactorintermediate
WIN Against the Scandinavian Defense [Winning Plan for White]WIN Against the Scandinavian Defense [Winning Plan for White]Igor Smirnov (Remote Chess Academy)intermediate