Chess Openings

Explore chess openings, their theory, statistics, and learn the fundamental principles.

1,247
Total Openings
156
Main Lines
2.3M
Games Analyzed
42
Avg Game Length

Featured Opening

Semi-Open

Sicilian Defense

1.e4 c5
Popularity:28%
White Win Rate:52%
Black Win Rate:48%
Draw Rate:35%

The most popular and complex opening, offering Black excellent winning chances. The Sicilian Defense leads to sharp, tactical games with rich strategic content.

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Sicilian Defense

Semi-OpenAdvanced
B20-B99
1.e4 c5

The most popular and complex opening, offering Black excellent winning chances.

Popularity: 28%
White: 52%
Avg Length: 42 moves
Draw Rate: 35%
Black: 48%
15,420 games
Popular Variations:
NajdorfDragonAccelerated Dragon+2 more
Study Opening

Queen's Gambit

ClosedIntermediate
D06-D69
1.d4 d5 2.c4

A classical opening focusing on central control and positional play.

Popularity: 18%
White: 54%
Avg Length: 45 moves
Draw Rate: 42%
Black: 46%
12,890 games
Popular Variations:
DeclinedAcceptedSlav Defense+1 more
Study Opening

Ruy Lopez

OpenIntermediate
C60-C99
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5

One of the oldest and most respected openings, named after a Spanish priest.

Popularity: 15%
White: 53%
Avg Length: 44 moves
Draw Rate: 38%
Black: 47%
11,250 games
Popular Variations:
Berlin DefenseMorphy DefenseSteinitz Defense+1 more
Study Opening

English Opening

FlankIntermediate
A10-A39
1.c4

A flexible opening that can transpose into many different pawn structures.

Popularity: 12%
White: 51%
Avg Length: 43 moves
Draw Rate: 40%
Black: 49%
8,760 games
Popular Variations:
SymmetricalKing's Indian AttackReversed Sicilian
Study Opening

French Defense

Semi-OpenIntermediate
C00-C19
1.e4 e6

A solid defense that leads to rich positional battles.

Popularity: 8%
White: 55%
Avg Length: 41 moves
Draw Rate: 36%
Black: 45%
7,340 games
Popular Variations:
WinawerTarraschClassical+1 more
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Caro-Kann Defense

Semi-OpenBeginner
B10-B19
1.e4 c6

A reliable defense that avoids the tactical complications of other openings.

Popularity: 7%
White: 52%
Avg Length: 43 moves
Draw Rate: 41%
Black: 48%
6,180 games
Popular Variations:
ClassicalAdvanceExchange+1 more
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