How should I study chess openings?

@RemRus said in #6:

Use Colle!

1. You can make 10 moves according to the script, on any moves of the opponent.
2. You will not get a mat after 15 moves.
   What I need is exactly this kind of system that can handle various variations, so that I can spend more time on tactical training and endgames.

100%
1.d4 2.Nf3 3.e3 4.Bd3 5.c3 6.Nd2 7.h3 8.O-O 9.Re1 10.e4!!!
And try modern defence for black.
Play rapid 10+5

Mainline theory is a bit less useful at lower levels. What you should do, is have a good understanding of the openings core principles and ideas. The reason people are told to play theory, is that other moves are inaccurate and can often be punished. When your opponent goes off theory, you can try punishing them with calculated play. When they do go off theory, you dont have your memorized lines anymore but with a good conception and ideas, you can get an advantage.

For example, in the london, the main main line is for black to go d5, Nf6, e6, Bd6, c5, Nc6, Qb6 in around that order. If black goes Nc6 before C5, you can often go c4 and it is a better queens gambit for white. If black goes Bf5 or Bg4, you can also go C4 and you should most often be at least slightly better. Small ideas like this - using the c pawn to play against blacks inaccuracy - are what will get you going, far more than memorizing specific lines, at least at lower levels. Hope that helps

chessable.com is for sure one of the best ways. most of the courses you have to purchase but there are still some good freemium content. this course, for example, is based on what club players most often play and is more ideas based than memory based: www.chessable.com/the-classical-bird-for-club-players/course/132444/

Understanding chess openings is way better than just studying a chess opening. When you grasp the underlying principles, like controlling the center, ensuring material safety, and developing your minor pieces first you will be able to apply that knowledge to any opening, even if you're faced with something unfamiliar or unconventional like developing your major pieces first. Find the balance within your opponent's moves and you will survive the opening phase.

If you want to only maintain the race of development, you might want to match what your opponent is developing. Try different approaches until you find what works for you at your present level of comprehension. @fengfeng2025

Play more games, use databases

You don't need to specifically memorise opening theory. You can slowly build openings by referencing books by analysing your games. You only need to know the main line of the opening and the plans and ideas in the middlegame. Most players don't know much theory or they rarely apply the plans in the opening. I'm 2000 in chess.com and at least half of my opponents don't follow up with the correct plan after the opening phase is done.

To study chess openings effectively, choose a few that match your playing style and stick with them. Focus on understanding the purpose behind each move instead of just memorizing sequences. Watch model games to see how strong players handle typical positions and plans. Play regularly using your chosen openings and review each game to learn from mistakes. Use tools like Chessable or flashcards to reinforce key lines and ideas. Staying consistent and gradually deepening your knowledge will help you build a strong opening foundation.

Unless you are playing very sharp openings memorising the best moves is not necessary. There are probably 2-3 good moves in a position.

I'll contribute a few pieces of standard advice I received long ago:
.

1. Divide your OTB USCF rating by 200. You will need to know that many moves on average. After that, it is FAR more important to know where the pieces go, the MG plans and ideas.
   .
2. One way to learn openings is to pick a player (with a clear style) to emulate. Get his/her book of annotated games. Play through them and learn their openings as part of what they are doing thru their games.
   .
3. A general book of openings for beginners, stressing ideas, understanding and having lots of words and little computer analysis, is also valuable.
   .
4. When you analyze your games, look at the openings played and try to understand just 1 move further than you did before. (Take ''small bites'' of the opening apple)
   .
5. For each opening, you should have an idea of a position you are aiming for. Learn that first (and its plans). Then work backward to move 1 and see how you get to it.
   --Bill