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: Learn to Play the Pirc Defense - Crushing the 150 Attack!Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Pirc Defense - Crushing the 150 Attack!Solomon Ruddell (The Chess Giant)
intermediate
Queen's Gambit Accepted, Main Line (3.Nf3)Queen's Gambit Accepted, Main Line (3.Nf3)Stjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Sicilian Defense!Chess Openings: Learn to Play the Sicilian Defense!Solomon Ruddell (The Chess Giant)intermediate
With unconventional Moves against the Sicilian Defense | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehWith unconventional Moves against the Sicilian Defense | Lichess Livestream | IM Alex AstanehChessfactorintermediate
The Rousseau Gambit | Risky Opening Choice for Black in the Italian Game | IM Alex AstanehThe Rousseau Gambit | Risky Opening Choice for Black in the Italian Game | IM Alex AstanehChessfactorbeginner
Introduction to the Grünfeld DefenseIntroduction to the Grünfeld DefenseStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Learn the basics of Grunfeld Defence - GM Markus Ragger (Elo: 2656)Learn the basics of Grunfeld Defence - GM Markus Ragger (Elo: 2656)ChessBaase Indiaintermediate
Kings Gambit: Muzio Gambit VariationKings Gambit: Muzio Gambit Variationthechesswebsiteintermediate
London System against the Queen’s Indian setupLondon System against the Queen’s Indian setupStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate