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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1.e4 Chess opening names1.e4 Chess opening nameskingscrusher
beginner
Scotch Game: Göring, Main Line | The Sensei Speedrun | GM NaroditskyScotch Game: Göring, Main Line | The Sensei Speedrun | GM NaroditskyDaniel Naroditskyintermediate
English Opening: Complete Repertoire for White with IM David Fitzsimons Mini-CourseEnglish Opening: Complete Repertoire for White with IM David Fitzsimons Mini-CourseDavid Fitzsimons (TheChessWorld)intermediate
Caro-Kann Defense (introduction, main variations & ideas) ⎸Chess OpeningsCaro-Kann Defense (introduction, main variations & ideas) ⎸Chess OpeningsStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Grand Prix Attack ⎸Sicilian Defense TheoryGrand Prix Attack ⎸Sicilian Defense TheoryStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Introduction to the French Defense ⎸Chess OpeningsIntroduction to the French Defense ⎸Chess OpeningsStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Open Catalan with 5...c5Open Catalan with 5...c5Stjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Learn the Pirc Defense as Black | My Best Opening for Black | Chess Lesson # 69Learn the Pirc Defense as Black | My Best Opening for Black | Chess Lesson # 69Robert Ramirezbeginner
Chess Openings: Sicilian DefenceChess Openings: Sicilian Defencethechesswebsiteintermediate