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How do you study an opening ?

#1

My question might seem basic to some of you, but I'm struggling to understand how to effectively study an opening. I’m familiar with the fundamentals, like trying to grasp the main ideas and typical responses, but I feel like I’m not doing it very well.

Let's take an example : If I decide to study the Caro-Kann Exchange variation, I often hear experienced players say it's a more drawish opening, but I don't really understand why. So, what’s the best approach—should I focus on studying all the main lines or just the best moves?

On a practical level, how do you actually memorize the moves? Do you repeat them on an analysis board until they stick? Do you play against Stockfish or bots before facing human opponents? Do you learn openings by learning traps (and is that a good method) ?

My question might seem basic to some of you, but I'm struggling to understand how to effectively study an opening. I’m familiar with the fundamentals, like trying to grasp the main ideas and typical responses, but I feel like I’m not doing it very well. Let's take an example : If I decide to study the Caro-Kann Exchange variation, I often hear experienced players say it's a more drawish opening, but I don't really understand why. So, what’s the best approach—should I focus on studying all the main lines or just the best moves? On a practical level, how do you actually memorize the moves? Do you repeat them on an analysis board until they stick? Do you play against Stockfish or bots before facing human opponents? Do you learn openings by learning traps (and is that a good method) ?
#2
  1. Read good chess books (good books on openings, strategy and opening mistakes), as well as collections of games by leading chess players that have good commentaries. You can even use books and games from the last century.
  2. Create a database for storing chess information. It is better to use computer files that can be printed if necessary.
  3. Enter into this database the information you need from the books and notes to the games of grandmasters.
  4. Analyze your games using a computer and enter your mistakes, as well as your strongest opening moves, into this database.
    You can use the built-in Lichess engine, but it seems to me that it is better to supplement the analysis on your home computer using the ChessBase, Fritz program, etc.
    Save your analysis results and convert them into a form that is convenient for study and subsequent repetition.
  5. Repeat the opening variations using the Chess Position Trainer and (or) Anki programs and (or) periodically review the opening variations in the ChessBase or Fritz programs or on the website (the moment when you need to repeat the variation will be indicated by the Anki program - the card is a link to the variation). As you repeat, you will not only remember the opening line, but you will also understand it better.
  6. It should be noted that. 1) There are also tutorials for openings and other programs that I didn't mention because I don't use them or am not familiar with them. 2). To use Anki in .fen (.pgn) viewer mode, you will need to do more work to set up the program. 3) I myself do not use the described methodology to study openings to the fullest extent. I consider myself old and I don’t have time, so I can’t give uor a full guarantee of excellent knowledge of opening
1. Read good chess books (good books on openings, strategy and opening mistakes), as well as collections of games by leading chess players that have good commentaries. You can even use books and games from the last century. 2. Create a database for storing chess information. It is better to use computer files that can be printed if necessary. 3. Enter into this database the information you need from the books and notes to the games of grandmasters. 4. Analyze your games using a computer and enter your mistakes, as well as your strongest opening moves, into this database. You can use the built-in Lichess engine, but it seems to me that it is better to supplement the analysis on your home computer using the ChessBase, Fritz program, etc. Save your analysis results and convert them into a form that is convenient for study and subsequent repetition. 5. Repeat the opening variations using the Chess Position Trainer and (or) Anki programs and (or) periodically review the opening variations in the ChessBase or Fritz programs or on the website (the moment when you need to repeat the variation will be indicated by the Anki program - the card is a link to the variation). As you repeat, you will not only remember the opening line, but you will also understand it better. 6. It should be noted that. 1) There are also tutorials for openings and other programs that I didn't mention because I don't use them or am not familiar with them. 2). To use Anki in .fen (.pgn) viewer mode, you will need to do more work to set up the program. 3) I myself do not use the described methodology to study openings to the fullest extent. I consider myself old and I don’t have time, so I can’t give uor a full guarantee of excellent knowledge of opening
#3

Forgot. Read the book Pump Up Your Rating by Axel Smith. There is an entire chapter dedicated to studying openings using the ChessBase program. The author spent all his energy writing the book. Unfortunately, I don’t know English well and couldn’t read it completely.

Forgot. Read the book Pump Up Your Rating by Axel Smith. There is an entire chapter dedicated to studying openings using the ChessBase program. The author spent all his energy writing the book. Unfortunately, I don’t know English well and couldn’t read it completely.
#4

Relax and have fun and don't put so much pressure on yourself...remember it's only a game. Your not studying for SAT's here...

Below is what I thought was some pretty good advice from a review of a chess book by William Hartston...

Choose what openings to play by looking at grandmaster games and picking those systems in which you find it natural to identify with the moves of one side. When you have found a opening you like, look through chess magazines, newspaper columns, book, on the Internet, YouTube, chess databases, chess engines, etc for as many complete games in that opening as you can find. Then play them all quickly. Ideally, you want to look at about 100 games with the opening you wish to study. Some of the games will have unnatural moves, such as a knight on the rim, or castling queenside instead of the expected kingside, etc. But, after a dozen or so games, you will find that similar maneuvers crop up again and again. Just learning variations will never enable you to develop a proper feel for a particular opening. Try to avoid the more complex and fashionable systems unless you have lots of time and can keep up with the latest theoretical developments.

Just my two cents..

Relax and have fun and don't put so much pressure on yourself...remember it's only a game. Your not studying for SAT's here... Below is what I thought was some pretty good advice from a review of a chess book by William Hartston... Choose what openings to play by looking at grandmaster games and picking those systems in which you find it natural to identify with the moves of one side. When you have found a opening you like, look through chess magazines, newspaper columns, book, on the Internet, YouTube, chess databases, chess engines, etc for as many complete games in that opening as you can find. Then play them all quickly. Ideally, you want to look at about 100 games with the opening you wish to study. Some of the games will have unnatural moves, such as a knight on the rim, or castling queenside instead of the expected kingside, etc. But, after a dozen or so games, you will find that similar maneuvers crop up again and again. Just learning variations will never enable you to develop a proper feel for a particular opening. Try to avoid the more complex and fashionable systems unless you have lots of time and can keep up with the latest theoretical developments. Just my two cents..
#5

@acercamp said in #4:

Relax and have fun and don't put so much pressure on yourself...remember it's only a game. Your not studying for SAT's here...

Below is what I thought was some pretty good advice from a review of a chess book by William Hartston...

Choose what openings to play by looking at grandmaster games and picking those systems in which you find it natural to identify with the moves of one side. When you have found a opening you like, look through chess magazines, newspaper columns, book, on the Internet, YouTube, chess databases, chess engines, etc for as many complete games in that opening as you can find. Then play them all quickly. Ideally, you want to look at about 100 games with the opening you wish to study. Some of the games will have unnatural moves, such as a knight on the rim, or castling queenside instead of the expected kingside, etc. But, after a dozen or so games, you will find that similar maneuvers crop up again and again. Just learning variations will never enable you to develop a proper feel for a particular opening. Try to avoid the more complex and fashionable systems unless you have lots of time and can keep up with the latest theoretical developments.

Just my two cents..

No pressure at all, I actually enjoy studying stuff, not only for chess

@acercamp said in #4: > Relax and have fun and don't put so much pressure on yourself...remember it's only a game. Your not studying for SAT's here... > > Below is what I thought was some pretty good advice from a review of a chess book by William Hartston... > > Choose what openings to play by looking at grandmaster games and picking those systems in which you find it natural to identify with the moves of one side. When you have found a opening you like, look through chess magazines, newspaper columns, book, on the Internet, YouTube, chess databases, chess engines, etc for as many complete games in that opening as you can find. Then play them all quickly. Ideally, you want to look at about 100 games with the opening you wish to study. Some of the games will have unnatural moves, such as a knight on the rim, or castling queenside instead of the expected kingside, etc. But, after a dozen or so games, you will find that similar maneuvers crop up again and again. Just learning variations will never enable you to develop a proper feel for a particular opening. Try to avoid the more complex and fashionable systems unless you have lots of time and can keep up with the latest theoretical developments. > > Just my two cents.. No pressure at all, I actually enjoy studying stuff, not only for chess
#6

@alexur60 said in #2:

  1. Read good chess books (good books on openings, strategy and opening mistakes), as well as collections of games by leading chess players that have good commentaries. You can even use books and games from the last century.
  2. Create a database for storing chess information. It is better to use computer files that can be printed if necessary.
  3. Enter into this database the information you need from the books and notes to the games of grandmasters.
  4. Analyze your games using a computer and enter your mistakes, as well as your strongest opening moves, into this database.
    You can use the built-in Lichess engine, but it seems to me that it is better to supplement the analysis on your home computer using the ChessBase, Fritz program, etc.
    Save your analysis results and convert them into a form that is convenient for study and subsequent repetition.
  5. Repeat the opening variations using the Chess Position Trainer and (or) Anki programs and (or) periodically review the opening variations in the ChessBase or Fritz programs or on the website (the moment when you need to repeat the variation will be indicated by the Anki program - the card is a link to the variation). As you repeat, you will not only remember the opening line, but you will also understand it better.
  6. It should be noted that. 1) There are also tutorials for openings and other programs that I didn't mention because I don't use them or am not familiar with them. 2). To use Anki in .fen (.pgn) viewer mode, you will need to do more work to set up the program. 3) I myself do not use the described methodology to study openings to the fullest extent. I consider myself old and I don’t have time, so I can’t give uor a full guarantee of excellent knowledge of opening

Thank you very much)) so from what I understand, I shouldn't rely solely on lichess's analysis but try also other programs and repeat the moves for memorization, that was my question.

I use Anki for other purpuses, I didn't think of using it for chess, that's a good idea, thank you !

@alexur60 said in #2: > 1. Read good chess books (good books on openings, strategy and opening mistakes), as well as collections of games by leading chess players that have good commentaries. You can even use books and games from the last century. > 2. Create a database for storing chess information. It is better to use computer files that can be printed if necessary. > 3. Enter into this database the information you need from the books and notes to the games of grandmasters. > 4. Analyze your games using a computer and enter your mistakes, as well as your strongest opening moves, into this database. > You can use the built-in Lichess engine, but it seems to me that it is better to supplement the analysis on your home computer using the ChessBase, Fritz program, etc. > Save your analysis results and convert them into a form that is convenient for study and subsequent repetition. > 5. Repeat the opening variations using the Chess Position Trainer and (or) Anki programs and (or) periodically review the opening variations in the ChessBase or Fritz programs or on the website (the moment when you need to repeat the variation will be indicated by the Anki program - the card is a link to the variation). As you repeat, you will not only remember the opening line, but you will also understand it better. > 6. It should be noted that. 1) There are also tutorials for openings and other programs that I didn't mention because I don't use them or am not familiar with them. 2). To use Anki in .fen (.pgn) viewer mode, you will need to do more work to set up the program. 3) I myself do not use the described methodology to study openings to the fullest extent. I consider myself old and I don’t have time, so I can’t give uor a full guarantee of excellent knowledge of opening Thank you very much)) so from what I understand, I shouldn't rely solely on lichess's analysis but try also other programs and repeat the moves for memorization, that was my question. I use Anki for other purpuses, I didn't think of using it for chess, that's a good idea, thank you !
#7

I don't recommend memorization as the main way. I would focus on studying the main-lines and ideas first. Then go through a lot of master games in those openings to get a feel for how you want to develop your pieces, and middlegame plans.

Then I would also play a lot of blitz/rapid in those openings against a variety of players, since nothing can beat practice and experience. Analyze with an engine afterwards and don't make the same mistake twice, and you will slowly build up your intuition and experience in that opening.

I don't recommend playing against engines because they will never make a tactical mistake, which doesn't resemble real gameplay against humans, which is presumably what you're practicing for.

I don't recommend memorization as the main way. I would focus on studying the main-lines and ideas first. Then go through a lot of master games in those openings to get a feel for how you want to develop your pieces, and middlegame plans. Then I would also play a lot of blitz/rapid in those openings against a variety of players, since nothing can beat practice and experience. Analyze with an engine afterwards and don't make the same mistake twice, and you will slowly build up your intuition and experience in that opening. I don't recommend playing against engines because they will never make a tactical mistake, which doesn't resemble real gameplay against humans, which is presumably what you're practicing for.
#8

@crtex said in #7:

I don't recommend memorization as the main way. I would focus on studying the main-lines and ideas first. Then go through a lot of master games in those openings to get a feel for how you want to develop your pieces, and middlegame plans.

Yes, that's what I am trying to do but sometimes it's not so easy to understand the strategical ideas (pawn structure, asymetry...)

I don't recommend playing against engines because they will never make a tactical mistake, which doesn't resemble real gameplay against humans, which is presumably what you're practicing for.

Thanks for the piece of advise, yeah, i noticed that stockfish isn't the best for practice because of its inhumanity. What do you think about "humanized" bots such as BotMaia ?

@crtex said in #7: > I don't recommend memorization as the main way. I would focus on studying the main-lines and ideas first. Then go through a lot of master games in those openings to get a feel for how you want to develop your pieces, and middlegame plans. Yes, that's what I am trying to do but sometimes it's not so easy to understand the strategical ideas (pawn structure, asymetry...) > I don't recommend playing against engines because they will never make a tactical mistake, which doesn't resemble real gameplay against humans, which is presumably what you're practicing for. Thanks for the piece of advise, yeah, i noticed that stockfish isn't the best for practice because of its inhumanity. What do you think about "humanized" bots such as BotMaia ?
#9

For many, a good starting point (for openings) would be:
"... For beginning players, [the book, Discovering Chess Openings by GM Emms,] will offer an opportunity to start out on the right foot and really get a feel for what is happening on the board. ..." - FM Carsten Hansen (2006)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627114655/https://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen91.pdf
https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Chess-Openings-Building-Principles/dp/1857444191?asin=1857444191&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1
"... Once you identify an opening you really like and wish to learn in more depth, then should you pick up a book on a particular opening or variation. Start with ones that explain the opening variations and are not just meant for advanced players. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2001)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140626180930/https://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman06.pdf
"... For new players, I cannot recommend books that use [an encyclopedic] type of presentation [of opening theory], because the explanatory prose that elaborates typical plans and ideas is usually absent, thus leaving the student without any clear idea why certain moves are played or even preferred over other apparently equivalent moves. .... For inexperienced players, I think the model that bases opening discussions on more or less complete games that are fully annotated, though with a main focus on the opening and early middlegame, is the ideal. ..." - FM Carsten Hansen (2010)
"... As [First Steps: 1 e4 e5 is] a First Steps book, I’ve tried to avoid encyclopaedic coverage. In any case, you certainly don’t need to remember every single variation and all the notes before playing the opening. Take in the first few moves and the key ideas, and then try it out in your games! ..." - GM John Emms (2018)
https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/7790.pdf
"... Review each of your games, identifying opening (and other) mistakes with the goal of not repeatedly making the same mistake. ... It is especially critical not to continually fall into opening traps – or even lines that result in difficult positions ... Read many annotated game collections ... By looking at entire games, the aspiring player learns about openings, middlegames, and endgames all at one fell swoop. Playing through annotated games spurs improvement as the reader learns how good players consistently handle common positions and problems. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2007)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627062646/https://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman81.pdf
"... I am not a big fan of weaker players memorizing lots of opening lines they will never play. However, it is quite a different issue to spend a small amount of time learning how to play your openings a little better each time they occur. A long journey begins with a single step. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2005)
https://web.archive.org/web/20140627023809/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman50.pdf
"... the average player only needs to know a limited amount about the openings he plays. Providing he understands the main aims of the opening, a few typical plans and a handful of basic variations, that is enough. ..." - FM Steve Giddins (2008)

For many, a good starting point (for openings) would be: "... For beginning players, [the book, Discovering Chess Openings by GM Emms,] will offer an opportunity to start out on the right foot and really get a feel for what is happening on the board. ..." - FM Carsten Hansen (2006) https://web.archive.org/web/20140627114655/https://www.chesscafe.com/text/hansen91.pdf https://www.amazon.com/Discovering-Chess-Openings-Building-Principles/dp/1857444191?asin=1857444191&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 "... Once you identify an opening you really like and wish to learn in more depth, then should you pick up a book on a particular opening or variation. Start with ones that explain the opening variations and are not just meant for advanced players. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2001) https://web.archive.org/web/20140626180930/https://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman06.pdf "... For new players, I cannot recommend books that use [an encyclopedic] type of presentation [of opening theory], because the explanatory prose that elaborates typical plans and ideas is usually absent, thus leaving the student without any clear idea why certain moves are played or even preferred over other apparently equivalent moves. .... For inexperienced players, I think the model that bases opening discussions on more or less complete games that are fully annotated, though with a main focus on the opening and early middlegame, is the ideal. ..." - FM Carsten Hansen (2010) "... As [First Steps: 1 e4 e5 is] a First Steps book, I’ve tried to avoid encyclopaedic coverage. In any case, you certainly don’t need to remember every single variation and all the notes before playing the opening. Take in the first few moves and the key ideas, and then try it out in your games! ..." - GM John Emms (2018) https://www.newinchess.com/media/wysiwyg/product_pdf/7790.pdf "... Review each of your games, identifying opening (and other) mistakes with the goal of not repeatedly making the same mistake. ... It is especially critical not to continually fall into opening traps – or even lines that result in difficult positions ... Read many annotated game collections ... By looking at entire games, the aspiring player learns about openings, middlegames, and endgames all at one fell swoop. Playing through annotated games spurs improvement as the reader learns how good players consistently handle common positions and problems. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2007) https://web.archive.org/web/20140627062646/https://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman81.pdf "... I am not a big fan of weaker players memorizing lots of opening lines they will never play. However, it is quite a different issue to spend a small amount of time learning how to play your openings a little better each time they occur. A long journey begins with a single step. ..." - NM Dan Heisman (2005) https://web.archive.org/web/20140627023809/http://www.chesscafe.com/text/heisman50.pdf "... the average player only needs to know a limited amount about the openings he plays. Providing he understands the main aims of the opening, a few typical plans and a handful of basic variations, that is enough. ..." - FM Steve Giddins (2008)
#10

It's not about the quality of the analysis. The point is the variety of modes. The Fritz program has many analysis modes, the results can be remembered. You can create your own opening book. (I forgot to mention studying openings using a book in .ctg format. I use the book UpdateImmprtal2012a_finalv6. It is the most detailed - 3.6 GB of text information. It is already outdated, but inaccuracies in the analysis can always be checked using a computer. More modern .ctg books are not for me find.) As for the Anki program, you will need to install add-ons. At one time, for convenience, I even slightly changed the code of the front panel template. I use Anki 2.0 offline. I don’t want to switch to the more modern version of Anki 2.1.

It's not about the quality of the analysis. The point is the variety of modes. The Fritz program has many analysis modes, the results can be remembered. You can create your own opening book. (I forgot to mention studying openings using a book in .ctg format. I use the book UpdateImmprtal2012a_finalv6. It is the most detailed - 3.6 GB of text information. It is already outdated, but inaccuracies in the analysis can always be checked using a computer. More modern .ctg books are not for me find.) As for the Anki program, you will need to install add-ons. At one time, for convenience, I even slightly changed the code of the front panel template. I use Anki 2.0 offline. I don’t want to switch to the more modern version of Anki 2.1.

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