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Chess Opening Repertoires: How to Play White with Confidence

"Limit the theory"
"It is better to know 14–15 moves in each line"

  • That is a huge task. I believe it is better to deviate early and spend that time on endgames, especially rook endings.

I even think it is more efficient use of time to play reverse systems as white: Sicilian/Benoni as black, English as white; Caro-Kann and Slav Defense as black, London as white; Ruy Lopez as black, Vienna as white; Queen's Indian as black, Larsen opening as white; Dutch as black, Bird as white...

I even think 1 a3 is a decent move. Play your black defense when the move a3 is often useful in some way.
It cuts down 50% of theory and doubles your experience with the positions.

"Limit the theory" "It is better to know 14–15 moves in each line" * That is a huge task. I believe it is better to deviate early and spend that time on endgames, especially rook endings. I even think it is more efficient use of time to play reverse systems as white: Sicilian/Benoni as black, English as white; Caro-Kann and Slav Defense as black, London as white; Ruy Lopez as black, Vienna as white; Queen's Indian as black, Larsen opening as white; Dutch as black, Bird as white... I even think 1 a3 is a decent move. Play your black defense when the move a3 is often useful in some way. It cuts down 50% of theory and doubles your experience with the positions.

nice blog, would like to simplify a bit further into 3 principles that start from whichever opening is chosen:

-make every move count
-play directly and start your threat before your opponent does or even realizes it
-taking the center helps gain space for the attack

some openings mentioned above are more suitable than others in this regard

nice blog, would like to simplify a bit further into 3 principles that start from whichever opening is chosen: -make every move count -play directly and start your threat before your opponent does or even realizes it -taking the center helps gain space for the attack some openings mentioned above are more suitable than others in this regard

In modern top-level chess, many super-GMs stick to one first move (like 1.e4 or 1.d4) but frequently shift variations depending on the opponent. How do you decide when it’s worth expanding your repertoire versus going deep in familiar territory?

In modern top-level chess, many super-GMs stick to one first move (like 1.e4 or 1.d4) but frequently shift variations depending on the opponent. How do you decide when it’s worth expanding your repertoire versus going deep in familiar territory?