A number of theories are available for opening of chess. These recommended theories are practiced almost everywhere although there are a number of other variations are also available. A large number of variations just prove the complexity of the game! Some variations are considered equally good for both the White and the Black. However you don't need to learn these openings, they come through experience. You must use your logical and healthy thinking to play chess.



Each opening has a name of its own so to classify a game one needs to know the move which characterizes an opening. Each of the openings also has a number of variations and these variations also have different names! Openings which are similar lead to positions which have similar features.

The classification of the openings depends mainly on the first move. An opening can be an open opening, a semi- open opening or a closed opening. An opening is called Open if White starts the move with 1.e4 and Black responds with 1.e5. It is called semi-open if White starts with 1.e4 but Black does not respond with 1.e5. An opening is called closed if White does not start with 1.e4.

Some of the most common open openings are described below:

Italian game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4] White castles while making the most of the piece's mobility. d5 square is controlled by 3.Bc4 move. The free move d7-d5 is thus inhibited. It also keeps a check on a weaker square f7 and also on the square which is immediately related to the safety of the Black King.

Spanish Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5] The black pawn is threatened by White with 2.Nf3. Black also supports it with 2.Nc6. White now moves 3.Bb5 which threatens the pawn as he may capture c6 and e5.

Scotch game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4] White opens the lines for the pieces quickly. The answer that one gets is 3.exd4. White may either play 4.c3 or take the pawn back with 4.Nxd4. The former is a variation which is known as Scotch Gambit.

Four Knights Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6] This non demanding opening is stable for White. 3.Nc3 faces no threats and the opening is thus non-demanding.

Phillidor's Defence- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6] The opening results in closed positions though the plans are still open.

Russian Game- [1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6] It is an interesting opening theory though it's not used much now.

Bishop's Opening- [1.e4 e5 2.Bc4] It is an extremely old opening which is rarely used nowadays.

King's Gambit- [1.e4 e5 2.f4] White captures the f pawn later on after 2.exf4. To keep the material advantage Black will like to settle for cover.

Some of the most common semi-open openings are described below:

French Defence- [1.e4 e6] Black prepares to play the freeing move which is d7-d5.

Caro-Cann Defence- [1.e4 c6] Black plays d7-d5. Bc8 develops easily which is a major difference from the French Defence.

Scandinavian Game- [1.e4 d5] Black opens the position on its own and tries to play actively.

Alechkin's Defence- [1.e4 Nf6] If White moves 2.e5, Black does not move the same piece again. Black weakens its centers with the side thrusts like d7-d6, c7-c5 if White moves his centre pawns.

Sicilian Defence- [1.e4 c5] Many possibilities are available for both and hence it is the most commonly used opening. It also leads to wild strategies.

Some of the most common closed openings are described below:

Queen's Gambit- [1.d4 d5 2.c4] White captures c4 later on if Black captures c4.

English Game- [1.c4 e5] It almost always leads to closed positions.

King's Indian Defence- [1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d6] This opening has gained popularity due to its rich strategies and tactics. It is used in games of top class.

Dutch Defence- [1.d4 f5] This opening usually leads to closed tactical positions.

Slav Defence- [1.c4 c6] Tactical considerations play a very important role here. It leads to drawish and balanced positions.

A good player should know about all the openings and then play accordingly. One should try to gain experience and knowledge about these openings. Each opening possesses a key idea, which becomes easier to implement once it is perceived.