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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Chess Openings: Budapest GambitChess Openings: Budapest Gambitthechesswebsite

intermediate

With unconventional Moves against the Sicilian Defense | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehWith unconventional Moves against the Sicilian Defense | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehChessfactor

intermediate

Scandinavian Defense | Ideas, Principles and Common VariationsScandinavian Defense | Ideas, Principles and Common VariationsStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)

advanced

Moscow Variation | Sicilian Defense TheoryMoscow Variation | Sicilian Defense TheoryStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)

intermediate

Chess Openings: The Pirc DefenceChess Openings: The Pirc Defencethechesswebsite

intermediate

London System against the early c5 (Benoni setups)London System against the early c5 (Benoni setups)Stjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)

intermediate

When and how you can play the London System with BlackWhen and how you can play the London System with BlackStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)

intermediate

intermediate

Learn the Italian Game in 20 Minutes [Chess Opening Crash Course]Learn the Italian Game in 20 Minutes [Chess Opening Crash Course]Igor Smirnov (Remote Chess Academy)

beginner