Opening for Black - Chess Lessons

Learn Every Chess Opening

Learn the key ideas and variations in every mainstream chess opening!

M

Chess.com Coach

50 Lessons

Mastery

Learn The Indian Defenses And The Black Knights' Tango

After 1.d4, Black can copy with 1...d5 or imbalance the game with 1...Nf6 and the various Indian Defense, including the sharp Black Knights' Tango.

Learn The Flank Openings

Learn how to play the flank openings, particularly the Orangutang, Larsen's Opening, and Bird's Opening for both sides.

Learn The Dutch Defense

Learn the main lines and key ideas for both sides in the dynamic Dutch Defense.

Learn The King's Indian Attack And The Reti Opening

With the move, 1.Nf3 White typically aims for the King's Indian attack and an early kingside initiative. In the Reti White allows Black to build a big center and then aims to break it down.

Learn The Pirc Defense And The Modern Defense

When Black wants to avoid theory and play an imbalanced position straight from the opening, the Pirc and Modern Defenses are both good choices.

Learn The English Opening

When White wants to avoid 1.e4 and 1.d4 openings, 1.c4 is a great opening to try. The English Opening leads to unique positions where both sides can play for a win.

Learn The Alekhine's Defense

Learn the main lines and key variations in the Alekhine's Defense.

Learn The Scandinavian Defense

The Scandinavian Defense is a way for Black to take the game in a unique direction right from the first move.

Learn The Caro-Kann Defense

What's the most solid defense against 1.e4? Learn the Caro-Kann Defense, one of the most popular variations at the top level.

Learn The French Defense: Tarrasch And Advance Variations

When White avoids the main lines of the French Defense, she or he usually chooses the Tarrasch or Advance variations. Learn the key ideas for both sides in these tricky openings.

Learn The French Defense With 3.Nc3

When White wants to play the main lines of the French Defense, he or she heads for 3.Nc3, leading most often the to Winawer or Classical variations. Learn the key ideas for both sides.

Learn The Center Game And Danish Gambit

Learn how White can play for a quick attack with the Center Game and Danish Gambit as well as Black's ideas to find counterplay.

Learn The Vienna Game And Bishop's Opening

Learn the key ideas and move orders in two tricky open games, the Vienna Game and the Bishop's Opening.

Learn The Philidor Defense

Learn the ins and outs of the solid Philidor Defense for both Black and White.

Learn The King's Gambit

The King's Gambit has been a favorite of romantic attacking players for centuries. Learn the key ideas for both sides in this amazing opening.

Learn The Four Knights Game

The Four Knights Game begins symmetrically, but that's often a prelude to a complicated middle game. Learn the key ideas for both sides.

Learn The Two Knights Defense

When Black wants to avoid the Italian Game then the Two Knights Defense is the way to go! Learn the key tactics and strategic ideas for both sides.

Learn The Italian Game

Which opening was popular in 1600 and still all the rage today? Learn the key ideas in the Italian Game in order to play it with either color.

Learn The Petroff Defense

The Petroff Defense is one of the most solid defenses against 1.e4 and is played frequently at the highest level. Learn the key ideas for both sides.

Learn The Trompowsky And Torre Attack

When White tries 1.d4 and an early Bg5, the game typically enters the Trompowsky and the Torre Attack. Learn the key ideas for both sides.

Learn The Budapest Defense

Not many openings allow you to sacrifice a pawn on the second move. Learn the ins and outs of the Budapest Defense, a tricky way to complicate the game against 1.d4.

Learn The Benko Gambit

The Benko Gambit is one of Black's most aggressive ways to fight for the initiative against 1.d4. Learn the essentials to play this opening for both sides.

Learn The Queen's Indian Defense

The Queen's Indian Defense is a common opening at high levels, even among the strongest engines. Learn the ins and outs to be able to play it well from either side.

Learn The Bogo Indian Defense

If your opponent dodges the Nimzo Indian, you can still place a bishop on b4 and reach the Bogo-Indian Defense. Learn the key ideas and tactics for both sides.