How to Master the Chess Opening

Think your gameplay is stumbling at the first hurdle? A great game starts with a great open. Learn how to master both the most accessible and the more advanced of chess openings with these handy 5 from chess trainer Sean Marsh, that’ll prove essential to your growing repertoire.

2 Nf3 Nc6 3 d4  — The Scotch Game

A popular choice; safe and sound. After 3 …exd4 4 Nxd4 Black has various ways to try to dislodge the centralized knight, with 4 …Bc5 being the normal choice. White can also try 4 c3, leading to the Scotch Gambit, but it is currently out of fashion and not considered dangerous. 

1 e4… Kings Pawn Opening

1 …e5 and now: 

1 e4 e5 2 Nc3: The Vienna Game

Play often transposes to the Bishop’s Opening after an early Bc4. Again, Black should be able to equalize with sensible developing moves. 

1 …c6: The Caro-Kann Defence

Another very reliable opening, similar in style to the French Defence. Black will play 2 …d5 to put the white centre under immediate pressure. Discover more about The Caro—Kann Defence here.

2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 Bg7: The King’s Indian Defence. 

Similar to the Pirc and Modern Defences. Black will once again have to break down a big pawn centre. It is safer and more popular than the Benoni, but requires careful handling and a good memory, because the theoretical lines can be extensive. 

All openings taken from Batsford Chess Bible by Sean Marsh.

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