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
---
♟️ Ready to master the opening phase once and for all?
Visit www.thechesswebsite.com/openings/top7-openings
– 110+ chess openings explained
– Strategic ideas behind each move
– Diagrams, traps, and practical tips
– Trusted by 1M+ chess players"
The London System: Essential Theory, TRAPS to Win FastThe London System: Essential Theory, TRAPS to Win FastIgor Smirnov (Remote Chess Academy)
intermediate
London System against the Grünfeld SetupLondon System against the Grünfeld SetupStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
The Open Catalan Opening | Basic Plans, Ideas & Strategies | Chess Openings | IM Andrey OstrovskiyThe Open Catalan Opening | Basic Plans, Ideas & Strategies | Chess Openings | IM Andrey OstrovskiyChessfactorbeginner
Chess Openings: Evans Gambit Part 1Chess Openings: Evans Gambit Part 1thechesswebsiteintermediate
Learn the Sicilian Scheveningen - Chess Openings ExplainedLearn the Sicilian Scheveningen - Chess Openings ExplainedJonathan Schrantzintermediate
Exploiting Weaknesses against the Sicilian Defense | Lichess Livestream | IM Andrey OstrovskiyExploiting Weaknesses against the Sicilian Defense | Lichess Livestream | IM Andrey OstrovskiyChessfactorintermediate
Converting the imbalanced Position after a hard Fight | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehConverting the imbalanced Position after a hard Fight | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehChessfactorintermediate
Prins Variation (5.f3) ⎸Sicilian Defense TheoryPrins Variation (5.f3) ⎸Sicilian Defense TheoryStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Step by Step | French Defense Sidelines!!Step by Step | French Defense Sidelines!!Miodrag Perunovicintermediate