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
---
♟️ Ready to master the opening phase once and for all?
Visit www.thechesswebsite.com/openings/top7-openings
– 110+ chess openings explained
– Strategic ideas behind each move
– Diagrams, traps, and practical tips
– Trusted by 1M+ chess players"
Winawer Variation of the French Defense (C15-C19) ⎸Chess OpeningsWinawer Variation of the French Defense (C15-C19) ⎸Chess OpeningsStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)
intermediate
Queen's Gambit Declined | Modern & Exchange Variation | Plans & Strategies | Chess OpeningsQueen's Gambit Declined | Modern & Exchange Variation | Plans & Strategies | Chess OpeningsChessfactorintermediate
Chess Openings: Open SicilianChess Openings: Open SicilianDereque Kelleyintermediate
Bronstein-Larsen Variation of the Caro-Kann (B16) ⎸Chess OpeningsBronstein-Larsen Variation of the Caro-Kann (B16) ⎸Chess OpeningsStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Chess Openings: Learn to Play the English Opening!Chess Openings: Learn to Play the English Opening!Solomon Ruddell (The Chess Giant)intermediate
Chess Openings: French DefenceChess Openings: French DefenceDereque Kelleyintermediate
Sicilian Dragon (part 2), Levenfish, Fianchetto, Classical | Sicilian Defense TheorySicilian Dragon (part 2), Levenfish, Fianchetto, Classical | Sicilian Defense TheoryStjepan Tomic (Hanging Pawns)intermediate
Winning with a Pawn Breakthrough after a serious Mistake | Lichess Livestream | IM Andrey OstrovskiyWinning with a Pawn Breakthrough after a serious Mistake | Lichess Livestream | IM Andrey OstrovskiyChessfactorintermediate
Czech Pirc: Part 1 4 f3 and 4 Be3Czech Pirc: Part 1 4 f3 and 4 Be3Rob Taylor (Palm Beach Chess)intermediate