Is opening theory really that important?

studying openings is a waste of time

@Devil_fish said in #43:

It's a fact that ppl with time get taller, heavier, faster, smerter, and so on.

Definitely heavier.

Not so sure about faster, smarter. I looked at the math problems on the university entrance exam that Lasker did way back when and they looked like Olympiad problems of today. Most young people I see would [on average with exceptions] have trouble sprinting 100 meters.
Taller: since WWII yes but last 10 years I think you'd find the data mixed.

ps: There are also more people playing. If ratings/performance is Gaussian then more playing would contribute to more extreme 'events'. I wonder how much of the evolution of the top few is explained by simple statistics related to playing population?

I'm guessing a lot of beginners spend way too much time memorizing opening lines (proportionally to other efforts which would improve their chess way more efficiently).

E.g.

• understanding and implementing sound opening principles in their games ,
• reviewing their games to understand what types of mistakes they are making and working on those
• studying and practicing basic mating, attacking, and other tactics
• working on basic endgame skills

I suspect this is because memorizing opening lines is something that seems straightforward and easy to do. 'this is the right way' 'if i just memorize this i'll automatically improve'

But nothing could be further from the truth. Memorizing lines doesn't further your understanding. On the contrary. What is really needed is understanding concepts and practicing them in your games, learning from your mistakes which requires more intellectual effort.

As for opening theory, having a basic understanding of the purpose of moves in a given opening and the plan that you are trying to realize is a more worthwhile goal.

@EmaciatedSpaniard said in #53:

I'm guessing a lot of beginners spend way too much time memorizing
opening lines (proportionally to other efforts which would improve their
chess way more efficiently). ... Memorizing lines doesn't further your
understanding. On the contrary. What is really needed is understanding
concepts and practicing them in your games, learning from your mistakes
which requires more intellectual effort. As for opening theory, having a
basic understanding of the purpose of moves in a given opening and
the plan that you are trying to realize is a more worthwhile goal.
Is there a way for moderators to decide that a topic no longer moves to the top of the list when someone makes a contribution? I suspect that such a decision has been made in connection with this topic.