How Do You Choose the Right Opening For You?

[@TonyRotella]

If you dig my videos - please like and subscribe! If you have any suggestions for future content, shoot me a comment below or a message on Twitter or IG.

[@bwgolem]

I was saddened to hear it would be a quick video, then saw it was 40 minutes. Perfect!

[@TonyRotella]

1200 at brevity! :)

[@s.g.johnson3403]

Hi Tony! I'm really glad that you're posting again. I always loved your longer time control videos and am glad to see you're doing well. I am a 25 year old 1950 rated class A club player looking to improve to the expert level (short term) and to the national master level (long term). Here is my data: - Prefer semi-closed to closed positions - Prefer openings with simple ideas but not necessarily simple - prefer classical openings - prefer space - prefer the Bishop pair - prefer a fluid cente - do not like gambits - do not like forcing variations - what I already play: as white, I usually just post d4, c4 and improvise from there. As black against e4 I usually play c5, c6, or philidor like defenses. Against d4 I almost always go for a QGD, slav, or reversed London. - favorite player: Bobby Fisher, tigran Petrosian - prefer light square strategies I'd say I would love your opinion on what openings you may see as suitable for me. I want to focus in and become more consistent and disciplined in what openings I play. I tend to just play a simple position and let my positional knowledge (hopefully) outdo the opponent. Thanks a bunch!

[@TonyRotella]

Tough to map out an entire d4/c4 repertoire for you, but given your taste for straightforward ideas, I'd recommend reasonable main lines that aren't crazy intense like the QGD Exchange, KID Bayonet, Exchange System Bc4 or Russian System against the Grunfeld, etc. Those are the big ones. As Black, maybe the Najdorf? The ideas are straightforward enough, it's semi-closed, the center is fluid, and it's a Fischer favorite. Against 1.d4, I'd just stick with the QGD or Slav, both are very solid, lifetime type moves. No problems there whatsoever!

[@s.g.johnson3403]

@@TonyRotella Thanks Tony! You're the man!

[@shikamarunara6244]

Tony my man so glad to see videos from you again, I really love your approach to the game and your videos, still saying your old 3h video on dragon is best masterclass on dragon I heard. Keep it up my friend and hope you're in good mood and health!! About openings I will put some questions, if you have time answer it, if not ( it's not a big deal I will still enjoy your content my friend). So about me: 25 years old want to improve and play tournaments, Have rating 1730 FIDE( my starting rating was 1700 after my worst performance, didn't played tournament in six years ) Short goal: get 2000-2100FIDE Long goal: Get FM title My favourite player: Mikhail Tal Style: Attacking/Aggressive Gambits: Like unless its something that can easily be destroyed like Latvian or Albin. Open position prefer, semi close are fine also, closed only if its like KID Mar de plata where I know what I do otherwise I struggle. I like space, I like complex positions but from time to time like to play something quiet and easy. Think I like fluid pawn structure, I don't mind playing systems or similar pawn structure for example played dragon as black and Kings Indian,KIA, closed Sicilian... Dont care about classical or hyper openings its same... Been playing both... Now my reportaire ( you can find me on lichess: Kaidrin) but I will write it anyway: Been e4 whole life, scotch and scotch gambit were my main for some time, lately I took bishop oppening ( Vienna) really liked it actually. Also been playing a lot of King gambit online lately. And I want to learn Spanish or guico Piano cause I think those are probably best openings on e4. Scotch sometimes is too confusing since it has no clear pawn play. Been playing open Sicilian as white, struggling incredibly with sveshnikov i hate it, if you know some line where you shut down that f5 plan and those bishops please tell 😂😂. I play morra if I know he is sveshnikov player. Struggling against French also in Rubenstein and Steinz, also in advanced idk how to play it properly without gambit line. But thoghest is e4-e5 if someone knows open games, that's why i thought to learn Ruy and Piano. Question ? would like something on d4/c4 as white so i can side step some opponents that are tough for me on e4. Would to be something to learn and use it occasionally not my main?! As black on e4 I play Sicilian mostly, Dragon variation but even tho I love it, the problem is I feel with higher rated it comes to that do I know right defense and it's draw or guy is having an attack for free. So thinking I should swap to another Sicilian but dunno which one. I hate antisicilian and doing bad against them especially rossolimo... Also sometimes I like playing philidor and e5. Against d4 it's struggle, been playing Kid, love mar de plata but then there are so many other sidelines that are so much other type for example G3 fianchetto which if I see you play i lost desire, then been trying Nimzo and really good and happy but then everyone can avoid it with nf3 d4 and you should play Qid which I played twice and lost under 25-35 moves without any understanding. That's why i quited Nimzo , lately been trying semi slav ( love Botvinnik variation) but not sure to some exchange variation and some others, slav played one or two with confusion. On c4 been playing basically Kid set up and we get into fianchetto variation. Thanks in advance on everything 😁😁

[@EITSlover91]

Love seeing you active on KZbin again Tony! I’m 30 and around 1750 USCF I play 1.e4 as white and am most at home in the Vienna/Vienna Gambit scoring 75% online. Against the Sicilian I’ll play the Alapin/Morra/Grand Prix all with pretty good success based on the mood. I like 3. Nc3 against the French and Caro as well. I’ve played both the French and the Kan Sicilian for a while against 1.e4 and had pretty good success. I even scored 1.5/2 against NM’s OTB with the Kan. Lately I’ve been tackling 1.e4 e5 as my main repertoire as black and feel my chess has gone to another level in understanding. I am happiest in the Marshall/anti Marshall positions but find I really struggle in the Gucci Pianissimo. Sometimes slow maneuvering games where there are no clear plans forward I struggle with. I don’t mind closed positions, but I play my best when I have the space/pawn breaks and piece maneuverability. Also against the English I’ve had a lot of success with the reverse Grand Prix. (8-0 in classical games last year) My trouble is I have yet to find my home in 1.d4. Seems to be a common theme. I’ve always just played the QGD because I’m familiar with the e6 d5 pawn structures from being a French Player. I’ve never given the Slav too much thought because I’m not as comfortable in the c6 d5 structures. Maybe the Semi-Slav is the answer? I like the slow build type of positional openings, but I like space (especially as Black) I love the Benko Gambit, but feel it’s a little too risky to make my main repertoire especially in tournament play. The Benoni, I honestly don’t really understand and I tend to stray away from the Hypermoderns (King and Queens Indian) I’ve done okay in the Nimzo but feel there’s a lot I don’t understand about that opening as well. I feel like the Dutch could make some sense with my tendencies to push the forget about it pawn as white (Vienna/Grand Prix) but I don’t tend to go for the throat as much with Black. Basically as I see my options (no particular order) 1. Stick with the QGD and maybe go for the Ragozin or even the Vienna variations? 2. Semi-Slav 3. Benko Gambit because the point is to have fun right? 4. The Dutch 5. Something else? 6 I’ve neve given the grunfeld much thought either because it sounds hard but maybe?

[@prussia9255]

Another option maybe is Queen's gambit accepted

[@TonyRotella]

A few things! First, thanks - I'm happy to be back! Trying to make the KZbin thing into a routine and something real. Secondly, 3...Bc5 is not forced against the Italian, and in fact I'd encourage you (given your generally aggressive repertoire and intentions) to explore the Two Knights with 3...Nf6. I think it might suit you better than the more somber 3...Bc5. Also that's an insane score in the Reversed GP, respect! If I were you I'd play the Grand Prix as White all the time - you can actually reach similar positions with 3.Be2 btw - look up McShane there. And I'd totally go Dutch there as Black for you - agreed on the Benko, and if you like slow build-ups, wouldn't recommend the Semi-Slav. The Botvinnik, Moscow, and even Meran are all kind of shootouts right out of the gate. And the Leningrad especially has the build-up feel. In a lot of positions you're shooting for ...f4, but you lurk and prepare it, similar to f5 in the Grand Prix proper. Plus, you and that f-pawn...best buds!

[@mickeymcintyre6156]

Hi Tony! Hoping you may be able to help me settle on some openings here, if you have the time. I am about 1750 lichess rapid and have traditionally favored the Scotch as white, and then either 1...e5 or the Caro-Kann against 1.e4 and the Nimzo (formerly KID) against 1.d4. I've found that I do very well against the Petrov as well, but not so much the Sicilian (although I haven't tried the Rossolimo/Moscow yet). Does that say anything about pawn symmetry perhaps? Also, as I've progressed in rating, the Scotch has not been as stellar for me as it once was, and sometimes I feel a little lost with all the space on the board, oddly enough. I also, to my surprise, have found that I'm fairly comfortable against 1.d4, so I'm perfectly fine with sticking with the Nimzo there, although I'm not sure what else to explore if white doesn't allow that. And then while the Caro-Kann has served me well too, I don't feel like the games are all that exciting. I'm more interested in improvement and don't have a special preference for light or dark square control. Lately I've experimented with 1.d4 and 1.Nf3, and in fact I used to try to pull off some weird Réti stuff with the latter, but I found that play was much too subtle there for it to be fun for me. But, I do well playing the Queen's Gambit as white overall. I've actually played 1...e5 more than 1...c6, but that hasn't performed as well for me since I feel like white can just play their own game and I'm having to adjust to them. Thus, I've been looking towards the Sicilian (specifically, the Kalashnikov... Go figure!). I like the idea of being forcing with both colors (hence the Caro), but am not interested in being so forcing as the London, for example. I guess that's out of fear of being exposed to too many lines, but I feel like there's a balance to be struck between keeping your repertoire clean and focused, and narrowing your scope for learning too much. I also feel like I struggle being forced to take the initiative, but I also feel like I have no clue what to do if no one has the initiative period. That's probably just a general improvement thing though. I also draw significantly more with white than with black, although maybe that's coincidence. I've been leaning towards the Kalashnikov because while I'm interested in the Sveshnikov, that sounds positionally unlike my current comfort zone, and also requires a lot of memorization as time goes on apparently (which I'm honestly not so sure about... Should I pursue openings that require memorization, considering I think about them so much? Lol). I also like the idea of how it fights for the center immediately and doesn't concede space too much, at least to my understanding. I like intuitive moves (e.g. that Réti stuff was terrible for me in that regard, and I also feel like when I see stuff in the ...d6 Sicilians I just scratch my head). Oh, and I really don't want to explore gambits. I also tend to shy away from openings like that Benoni or Scandi which aren't as theoretically sound at top level (even though that doesn't necessarily matter for my level). Ugh, what a ramble. My main gripe is that I honestly don't know about 1.e4 or 1.d4 for me, and while I'm still doing alright with the Caro, whether or not delving into 1...c5 is worth it for me. And what else should I pair with the Nimzo? Thanks so much in advance for getting through this, haha

[@TonyRotella]

Hey Mickey, sorry for the late response - this video generated a lot of buzz and I fell a little behind and missed a few! Thanks for watching, and also all the info! As far as 1.e4 vs. 1.d4 goes - here are my thoughts. I think it's better for people in your rating range and experience level to start/stick with 1.e4, so I'd start there. It's just good for you development, and 1.d4 can be trickier to understand. If the Scotch isn't working for you, I might suggest the Italian with 3.Bc4, or perhaps the Ruy Lopez Exchange Variation. You seem to prefer some of the slower, more positional options elsewhere (e.g. Caro, Nimzo, etc), so I think those are reasonably easy to play options that don't require a ton of work. As far as picking up the Sicilian goes, I'd be lying if I didn't say it was good fun, but it really comes down to whether or not you like the Caro and are happy playing it, but also how you're scoring. You can use the lichess personal opening explorer to see how 1...c6 is going and then perhaps decide if it's worth considering a switch. The Sicilian is more work than the Caro for sure, and at your rating range you should be aware that your choice of Open Sicilian variation matters a lot less, as you'll see a TON of Anti-Sicilians. So if you don't like the idea of playing against Morra Gambits, Grand Prix Attacks, Alapins, Closed Sicilians, Bb5 variations, etc in 80% of your games, I'd avoid it for now and stick with the Caro-Kann. With regards to pairing with the Nimzo, the classic choices are the Queen's Gambit Declined, Queen's Indian, or Bogo-Indian. I'd recommend the Queen's Gambit Declined - there are a lot of options there to choose from, but if you like the Nimzo, the QGD Ragozin is a natural pairing, since Black goes ...Bb4, etc. Depending on which variations you play in the Nimzo with 4.Nf3, they can even transpose to one another. Playing the QGD also allows you to drop the Nimzo move order and learn a little bit more QGD theory to just take that up against everything if you like enough down the road as well. Hope that makes sense! Cheers Mickey!

[@dannycao6470]

Hi Tony Ro, I'm 51 years old... starting playing correspondence chess on my phone at 45 y.o. on public transit...and in 2019 started OTB...my otb rating is just under 1200... I'm a musician (trumpet) (a little bass guitar- I own 4 less basses than you do)... I teach music mostly... but recently started teaching beginner beginner scholastic chess.....After toggling between the Queen's Gambit Declined and the Chebanenko Slav (cramped position or drawish exchange slav) I started making my own private repertoire on Chessable using the Lasker variation of the Queen's Gambit Declined, and your exchange variation video was a revelation... and a good compliment to the Lasker.... vs 1.e4 I started with c5 - Kalashnikov after a friend showed it to me but gravitated towards Sicilians with e6 because open Sicilians at my rating level are rare.... also tried Caro Kann but not fond of cramped space in advance Caro or theory in Panov attack..... and now since I started teaching beginner chess and I'm not an advanced player myself have been making an effort to play 1... e5.... so Question #1 - curious as to what you'd recommend vs the Ruy Lopez. I've been trying out the Rio-Berlin... maybe that's fine for my level and I should stick with that...or maybe there might be something more appropriate.... as white I had mainly played 1. Nf3 (transpose to d4 or c4 openings) to avoid unpredictable gambits that my more experience friends would spring on me.... but as an inexperienced player (and now scholastic teacher) I have taken the advice to play open games...1. e4.... Question #2: Do you recommend a simplified repertoire like 1.e4 Keep It Simple.... or diving into more aggressive mainline stuff.. or maybe a combo of both... I should mention that I can be prone to getting in time trouble.... so getting to a playable middle game without burning clock against more experienced players is preferable... ironically as much as I didn't enjoy advance Caro as black... I feel pretty hesitant to overextend and push e5 against French, Caro, or Alekhine as white.... Thanks for your time.. look forward to digging into your past videos and future ones as well

[@TonyRotella]

There are lots of playable lines in the Ruy that are decent for newer players that accentuate more open lines. I think the Open Variation is a great choice, the different variations with ...Bc5, even the Schliemann, but that's obviously riskier. I am honestly not sure what the Rio Berlin is, so I can't comment on that! :) The only ones I wouldn't recommend would be the ones that require huge amounts of memorization or ones that are excessively closed and require a lot of nuanced manuevering. As for question #2, for someone at your age/rating (and perhaps time given your other interests), it doesn't hurt to start simple and work your way up. I think "Keep it Simple 1.e4" would be a good start, but you can also pick and choose lines that you like or would enjoy playing and build your own repertoire that way. But then again you have to consider the fun/results/learning thing - if you like playing the more complex lines then go nuts! Hope you like my videos, and a special fist bump to a fellow bass player!

[@dannycao6470]

@@TonyRotella thanks for your suggestions... just noticed your older videos on practical endgames... going to check those out... thank you

[@TonyRotella]

@@dannycao6470 Any time - hope you get something out of them!

[@andrewglass7208]

Hi Tony, Great stuff! I subscribed and even went and bought the book (more on that in a second). I’m in my 40s, have a full-time job, two kids, etc. I have migrated to the Accelerated Dragon after dabbling with 1.e4 e5 but mostly playing the Scandinavian for years (For under 2000 players, I think it’s a great opening which helps you learn some fundamentals). I went with the Accelerated Dragon because I played the English as White, almost always fianchetto the g2 bishop. Against KID players I prefered a Botvinik set-up and I use the Mikenas Attack against Nimzo players. In closed structures, I played for f4, d4, or even b4 pawn breaks. In general I find most black players at my level are just winging it against the English. As you stated, the Accelerated Dragon and English have similar ideas. When I started playing the Accelerated Dragon, however, I found that more than half the time, we get some sideline, i.e. Alapin, delayed Alapin, Grand Prix, Morra Gambit, etc. At my level, in the lichess stats the Maroczy set-up by white with c4 is less than 5% of games. Hence why I bought your book-need more lines against these anti-sicilians. Against the English, I do a symmetrical set-up with a reversed Botvinik set-up. Alas, my question is what you’d suggest I'd do against d4. I have spent a lot of time learning the Benko structures-similar again to the English and Accelerated Dragon. But again, the problem is that white often avoids the Benko and we get into some sidelines that resemble the QGD where I go with the Vienna and take on c4 and often go a6 and b5. Would you suggest I abandon the Benko/QGD and just focus on the KID, which I know will take a lot of time? Or should I stick with a Benko/QGD, with mostly QGD set-ups? Cheers!

[@TonyRotella]

Hi Andrew - I like your repertoire! I could play all of that happily as well stylistically. You're right that when you play 1...c5 at the lower levels you need to be better prepared in the Antis, as they're way more common. That's not bad though, as most are kind of, at least in spirit, Reversed English positions! Thanks for buying my book - hope you like the Anti-Sicilian coverage, I think it's quite good. The first question I'd ask is how you're reaching the QGD from the Benko - I'd presume that maybe you're going 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 (2.c4 c5 obviously) e6? And then pushing ...d5 later? Keep in mind that it is possible to go 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 c5: if White goes 3.c4 then you are in a symmetrical English just like you'd have after 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.Nf3, etc. If White goes 3.d5 instead, then you can try and "punish" this move order with 3...b5!? which I think is holding for Black. This might "shrink" your repertoire down relative to learning the QGD and the Benko. That said, the KID holds a special place in my heart and has it's own set of advantages and disadvantages. For a guy who likes the Accelerated Dragon, English, etc, the Benko or Benoni might be a better fit, especially if you're short on time. The KID demands a lot of "responsibility" in that a few inaccuracies (on either side) can lead to a lot of suffering. There's a tremendous amount of theory there. So for a 40 year old guy with a job and kids it's a tall order if you're not super enthusiastic about it.

[@MithrilJack]

Hi Tony! OK here goes. I'm 62 years old, been playing USCF tournament since 1974, although due to Covid I haven't been active for the last couple of years. I've been rated as high as 2101 and am currently in the 1900s. My opening choices have been very fluid. To paraphrase Will Rogers, I've never met an opening I didn't like. ;0 I'm thinking about getting back into active OTB play so I need to update/revamp my openings. I'm looking ar playing 1.e4 for White, with the Bishop's Opening or the occasional King's Gambit because it's fun. Against 1.d4 I'm trying to decide between the QGD, Slav, and Semi_Slav. Any opinions? Finally, I'm thinking of playing the Kalashnikov, which I have never played before. Do you think the lines in your book still hold up theoretically? What would you choose to play today against the Rossolimo or 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3? Thanks for your attention.

[@TonyRotella]

First of all, respect for still getting out there for battles at 62, that's awesome! We have a similar affinity for playing a lot of things, I get that! :) Out of the three defenses that you mention against 1.d4, based on all of the other info I'd recommend the Semi-Slav. It seems like you're a relatively combative player based on the KG and Kalashnikov interest, and having to play Exchange QGDs or Slavs might not be to your taste. I am obviously VERY biased, but I think the Kalashnikov is a great choice overall. It's a relatively easy Sicilian to pick up because the limited White responses. Your king is super safe too, and White players are definitely less prepared here than against the main open Sicilians. Do it! I would still play 3...Nf6 against the Rossolimo and 3...e5 against 3.Nc3, just as in my book.

[@ScottTK]

Great vid! Give us more Tony rants!

[@TonyRotella]

Happy to oblige Scott. As always, thanks for your support - hope you're doing well and 2022 is treating you GREAT!

[@tuatarian6591]

Loved the vid! I generally like playing slightly/very offbeat openings which lead to very complicated positions (I don't care too much about computer eval as long as it's not like completely lost if opponent finds or knows one move). I don't really care about much else, but I'm playing almost entirely for fun. I play almost exclusively 3|0 on lichess, and am rated about 1870. Big fan of Eric Rosen, nowadays I play london as white, not super systemically though, I like it mostly because I feel like I can deviate from established theory and generate consistently strange and complicated positions. I have no black openings whatsoever, I play random stuff, e5, alekhine, modern, etc etc. Against d4 I'm even more lost than against e4. I don't mind having less space (honestly, I feel like I'm not great at utilizing space advantages generally). I have no issue with gambits. I don't really have an opinion on closed vs open, it's more about complexity for me. I'm totally happy with offbeat openings too, not very concerned with theoretic reputation. If you have any reccomendations for white or particularly for black, I'd love to hear them!

[@prussia9255]

Here are some offbeat openings I like to get complex positions: Black Knights Tango, Vienna gambit, Steinitz gambit, Fantasy caro kann.The Modern Defense is also interesting because there are probably a million different ways you can play it.

[@TonyRotella]

A refreshing perspective! Man, if you're really all about fun and not much else besides complexity, the world really is your oyster! As White I'd mix in some other wacky lines where White avoids c4, e.g. the Tromp (for max wackiness consider stuff like 2...Ne4 3.h4!?, etc), Jobava Attacks, and Blackmar-Diemers. Tons of fun attacking positions to be had there! As Black, you know I'll always sign people up for the Alekhine! But if you want more direct attacking options, you could try the Elephant Gambit or the Portuguese Gambit. Both are very sharp and hard to refute OTB. Against 1.d4 there are tons of sharp options, some more sound than others. Englund Gambits, Benko Gambit, Modern Benoni, Budapest Gambit, Leningrad or Classical Dutch. There is also a fun sideline in the QGA that involves a sharp exchange sacrifice: chess-news.ru/en/node/18112. Tons of fun options!

[@tuatarian6591]

@@TonyRotella Thanks! Great reccomendatons!

[@hassengawwad1739]

Thank you tony for your tips, i was wondering as a nimzo Indian player and have to face Nf3 but haven’t found a satisfying answer that is “fun “ in your experience which of the 3 following is more interesting and dynamic (and more sound than theBenoni) - Queen Indian defense -bogo Indian defense - QGD -

[@TonyRotella]

Hi Hassen, thanks for watching! I think the Benoni is doing reasonably, but if you're not into it all of those options are fairly sound. If you really like the positions you get out of the Nimzo I think the Ragozin is a a logical choice!

[@hassengawwad1739]

@@TonyRotella thank you for your guidance 🙏 I will explore your recommendation

[@stobco1]

Hey Tony, Late to the party, but hopefully not late for an answer. I'm 47 and have about 30 minutes a night (mostly on tactics) to devote to chess. I starting playing in my mid 20's for about two-three years. My last OTB rating was 1100in 1999. I want to play chess to keep my mind sharp and challenge myself in 2-3 OTB classic time control tournaments per year. So, here are my thoughts, concerns, etc.: - System openings: Seeing as I don't have a tone of time to chess each night, I like the idea of a system opening. I'm not going to be any kind of Master player, but I'd like to be a decent club player and give 17-1800's a tough game, maybe the occasional 2000 player as well. I'm thinking the KIA or Colle (Zukertort), but not the London. I don't like the bishop outside the pawn chain. - Type of games I like to play: I like closed slow games, where I slowly gain space and suffocate the other player. I don't like tactic heavy games. That's a young persons game. I'm old, so keep it slow and closed. I'd rather a slow, clogged up center, and getting to an endgame I can win. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to checkmate my opponent with a beautiful 5 step tactics, but I love to grind a game to the end more. - I don't like Theory! - So, I know you have to learn opening theory, no matter the opening. Again, at 47, with 30 minutes a nights to study, I don't have the memory or the time to do that. If it's possible, I like an opening that is more idea focused based on my opponents moves. For example; he attacks on the king side wing, I do this, attacks an the queen side wing, I do this, etc. not sure if this exists or not... - Off beat openings: Well, not really, nothing crazy... I like the idea of playing an opening that isn't the usual opening that opponents are used to seeing. For example, I played the English almost all the time because most players aren't used to seeing c4 vs e4 and d4. I say I played the English, but I don't really know much about it. I would play c4 mostly followed up with g3 and Bg2 followed up with whatever my opponent starts to do. Thing is, the English transposes to many other openings and I found when they would, the other players kinda knew them and I didn't. That being said, I also feel that some nice wins were because c4 caught them off guard. - I looked at closed up "systems" like the Stonewall Attach, Stonewall Dutch, but they seem so limited. But is that really a problem with my goals listed above? That's it I think. Hopefully you're still around to answer this. All the best, Stephan

[@TonyRotella]

Always around to answer, and you're never too late! For me, if you really have just 30 minutes a night, I would indeed keep your repertoire simple. At around 1100, openings just simply aren't that important anyway. If the choice as White is between the Colle proper, the Zukertort, or the KIA, I would probably go with the Colle Zukertort. That is probably the easiest to understand and also will better prioritize the things you will need to improve at if you want to make headway in the ratings department. As Black it's a little tougher because systems tend to not exist or be as successful. I really enjoy Christof Sielecki's "Keep it Simple: Black". The lines are solid and easy to understand, and there are only 300 of them. Even part time @ 30 minutes a night, you can whip through the important ones quickly. Keep up the tactical study, and I'd work in some analysis of well annotated games in your systems, and I'm sure you will do well! Good luck out there.

[@CarmenRivera-cp2ys]

What do you do if you love the non-critical lines of an opening but don't like, understand and isn't your type the critical lines. For me I love the Tromp when black doesnt play an early ...c5 or doesnt know what they're doing after 2...d5. The line that goes 1. d4 Nf6 2. Bg5 g6 3. Bxf6 exf6 4. c4 Bg7 5. g3 I find particularly nice btw. Is this a situation where I should learn a second opening while keeping the first so I don't get rusty on the lines I'm good at?

[@TonyRotella]

My answer to a lot of these types of questions is usually that you haven't done enough work in the spots that you don't like. I find that especially surprising for 2...c5 specifically, because White has so many acceptable options that are different. Taking on f6 right away, playing d5 right away, or something like 3.Nc3!? cxd4 4.Qxd4 followed by castling long, etc. Lots of good options there. Of course, if you really dig in and don't find anything, you can switch of course. I just don't think it needs to be that drastic right away. ;)

[@CarmenRivera-cp2ys]

@@TonyRotella Hi, thanks for the reply! I'm sure you're right even though it hadn't felt like that. The 3.Nc3 line I haven't seen before and looks real nice especially putting my Queen on h4. Looks like Tromp's back on the menu 😈

[@TonyRotella]

@@CarmenRivera-cp2ys Good luck!

[@MTuver8168]

I just discovered your KZbin channel and I like it a lot!! I'm wondering what your honest opinion is about the hippopotamus defense and the black lion old Indian system.thanks in advance and please continue to download videos.why not doing a tier list of openings?

[@younggabriel]

Glad I found this gem, I’ll take some advice. I’m around 1100-1200. I prefer over the board play and rapid chess. I prefer attacking over positional play yet understand I must adjust based off my opponent. I’m a working young adult who wants to win more games in club play.Any opening recs for more serious play? One black and one white. Other notes. I enjoy watching end game videos and I’m always going for checkmate over winning by time or drawing games.

[@TonyRotella]

If you're a young professional (I assume that means not a ton of time for chess), 1200, and you want to attack, I'd stick to open games that are not super theoretical, but that will focus on sound development towards the center and easy play. Just to keep things simple and help your development as a player. I'd probably recommend going 1.e4 as White, and meeting 1...e5 with the Scotch Gambit, Dubov Italian, something like that. Smith Morra, Grand Prix, or the 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.Bb5 stuff against the Sicilian. Both the French and Caro-Kann can both be met by 2.exd5 and 3.c4, which leads to open games where you can attack and learn some things about the IQP. For Black, it's tougher! You don't find as many SOUND attacking chances since you move second, you sort of just have to work on getting good positions, play well, and then attack once you turn the tides. I really like to recommend the QGA because it's hard to avoid, sound, and you get good, semi-open positions against 1.d4. Against 1.e4, I'd recommend you either 1...e5 or 1...c5 depending on your taste. Without more info, it'd be hard to go much further! :) Good luck!

[@younggabriel]

@@TonyRotella Thank you so much will give these a go!

[@TonyRotella]

​@@younggabrielGood luck and have fun!

[@camp7212]

Great video! Thanks Tony!!

[@TonyRotella]

YOU'RE MY BOY PRUNE

[@jonaltenburger5515]

Hey Tony, great video as always! I took up chess about two and half years ago so I am still very much a patzer. I only play online for fun. Between kids and work I'm probably not going to any OTB tournaments any time soon and I don't have the time to do intense studying. But I enjoy learning chess and want to get better. I'm around 1750 rapid on Lichess, mostly playing 10 minute games. I don't really have a preference between open and closed positions. I mostly play e4 but I've played some Queen's Gambit and mostly enjoyed it but got overwhelmed by the amount of theory. I've had a lot of success with the Scotch Gambit versus e5 but I'm struggling a bit versus the Sicilian. Since I don't have a ton of time to study I've mostly tried anti-Sicilians so I can control the opening. I've tried the Smith Mora but found it difficult to play, so I'm currently trying out the Grand Prix. I kinda like it but have only played a few games. Any suggestions would be great! As black I play the French versus e4. I know the French doesn't have the best reputation but I find it very easy to play. I generally only see two variations, the Exchange and the Advance, so I pretty much know what I'm going to get. Against d4 I'm a little lost. At my level I see a fair number of Londons and I've been fine playing main line stuff (d5, Nf6, c5, etc.) but I don't have a good weapon against the Queen's Gambit. The Slav actually gave me trouble when I played the QG (can't really explain why) so I've thought about taking that up. But maybe I'll take your suggestion and give the QGA a try.

[@TonyRotella]

Hey Jon, thanks for watching! I actually think the GPA is a great starter choice for the Sicilian. Relatively easy to understand, and you can rack up a ton of points if you know the typical plans and ideas. I'd study that and stick with it for a while and see what happens. And the French's reputation is not that good - and frankly if it's good for strong GMs it's definitely good enough for us - keep up with it, especially if all you see is the Advance or Exchange - that's the dream man. I think it's a good idea to take up lines that trouble you as the opposite color, as you learn from both sides quite well that way and it will no doubt help your understanding. The Slav is quite solid as well, can't go wrong there. The QGA is also underrated, as I've said before a few times. Relatively few major variations, which is great for a guy with kids and work!

[@thelight288]

Hey Tony, im a club player around 1700 - 1800 rated. Im happy with my D4 repertoire as White I love space and positiond where there are still many pieces on the board. And I have active pieces. But with black I have Trouble, since I also would love to play for a win if I can. At the moment I play E5 against e4 with ntirlis repertoire. And nimzo/bogo with the book of sielecki (but have experimented with different lines there. Im thinking to play more risky openings, but not completely sure if IT fits my style, I like to combine positional and tactical moves and generale look for the best move in the position. But In think In tactically a tad stronger. The problem is of nu opponent plays well I sometimes dont know what to do anymore to push for a win I like the White side of KID, clear plan. But never been that fond of playing IT with black. What kind of openings would you recommend for black? Ive been looking into openings like Leningrad dutch and sicilian sveshnikov. But not sure if thats the best choice. What do you think?

[@thelight288]

I've kinda figured it out. Playing najdorf and Grünfeld with black. I know it sounds daunting, but at my level no one knows 25 moves of theory and even if I dont get a very theoraticsl line I kinda know what im doing. Love the assymetrical positions. I dont like giving my opponent that much space, but if I get dynamic play in return it doesnt feel as bad for me as the KID with black side. Also play your kalashnikov from time to time and the nimzo/bogo I stated before

[@benjimanblakely2293]

Bit late to the party but throwing this out there. I'm 30yr with a kid and a wife. I play fairly actively at my local club. I do want to improve. Currently I play the Queens Gambit as white and the QDG as black. However I've yet to find an opening against e4 that I really like. I've played the Sicilian and am currently playing with e4 E5 options. Generally I prefer to have slightly closed positions with space and active peices. i also strongly prefer more classical openings. e4 e5 has seemed like the best fit for my disposition and goals but I wanted your thoughts.

[@TonyRotella]

I definitely agree - it seems like you've taken a pretty classical approach being on both sides of the QG, and I think 1.e4 e5 will suit you well. Maybe shoot for the Italians with 3.Bc4 Bc5, and one of the many closed Ruy systems that start with the usual 3...a6 4.Ba4 Nf6 5.O-O Be7 6.Re1 b5 7.Bb3 d6 8.c3 O-O 9.h3 and now there are a ton of good ninth moves for Black. If you're really into the slower maneuvering battles, the Breyer with 9...Nb8 is a very good choice. Depending on your level you won't see those positions very much however - just like when you play 1...c5, when you play 1...e5 you need to be more ready for all of the other stuff like the Scotch, all the gambits, etc, because that stuff is more popular at the less-than-titled level. But the great news with 1...e5 is that you're gravy everywhere, you just have to know it. ;) Good luck Benjiman and thanks for tuning in!

[@miljansavic3850]

Tony! Greetings from Serbia. Long time listener, second time commenter. :) Just for the record, I hope that you make a twitch channel someday. I really enjoy watching your games on KZbin and always look forward to your videos. I think that people would love to watch you play in real time. If that is something that you would find enjoyable of course. TLDR: - 32 years old. - New-ish player. Been fascinated with chess since childhood but didn't play much until two years ago when I serendipitously came across a John Bartholomew chess fundamentals video. - I mainly watch JBs games, your channel and sometimes Eric Hansen on Titled Tuesday because something about his play style appeals to me. - In two years, I went (on Lichess, never played OTB tournaments) from 1300 to 1800-1900 blitz; from 1000 to 1900 bullet. I hover around 1800 in rapid also. - I am aiming to improve but would prefer if I have fun games while am at it. - I do not like system openings - When I started playing, mostly I played timidly, released tension, and exchanged too soon, but as I improved, I learned that I much, much prefer bonkers and sharp positions. - I prefer open positions - I enjoy opposite side castling - I do not like gambit/offbeat openings - I preffer to play mainline theory/openings - I do not like having to slowly meander with my pieces and to grind down closed positions; - I do not mind having a space disadvantage (I play the Scandi) - As white played 1.d4 Queens Gambit but changed to 1.e4. Ruy Lopez - Open to suggestions for variations against the french, caro - As black played the Scandi but trying to learn the Sicilian. Started with the Dragon. Have the Khan or Kalashnikov or Classical in the back of my mind as appealing variations if the Dragon proves to be unsurmountable. Open to suggestions. - I can dedicate time to learn theory but mainly look to learn and improve as a hoby that I enjoy Now for the nitty-gritty: After one year of playing 1. d4 I repeatedly found myself having to slowly grind down my opponents and it was usually involving a long battle with endless piece adjustments/improvements. So, I started playing 1. e4 Ruy Lopez and much prefer the positions I get caught up in. If they go for the Sicilian, I exclusively play the open Sicilian. Against the French, I mostly play 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 exd5 4. c4. Similarly, against Caro-Kann 1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. exd5 cxd5 4. c4. To be frank I wish I knew better ways to combat them that do not involve releasing the tension too soon. With black I exclusively played the Scandi but started slowly learning the Sicilian to make a transition because I wanted a sharper defense as black. I watched your reddit opening of the week videos and started learning the Dragon because it looked as the most fun variation ever. I also dabbled in other variations trying to find what suits me best. At my level I am mostly greeted with 1. e4 c5 2. Bc4 and I find myself learning theory that I do not get to play, except when I play higher rated opponents in arenas (where, dare I say I beat every fifth or sixth 2000-2100 range player that I get paired against. So I suppose I have space for progress. The rest beat me pretty easily though. :) ) As a defense against 1. d4 I played almost anything trying to find a defense that I could love and settled on Grunfeld off all things, which I suppose a player of my range does not have a clue about but I like the arising positions and tactics. I'm sorry if that was too exhaustive. Best wishes, Miljan

[@prussia9255]

In the two knights French I think you can get into some nice positions for white, also some straight up winning positions if they allow Greek gift or poisoned pawn on b2 tricks. Against the caro-kann the fantasy variation (1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5 3. f3) to open the f file is a great aggresive way to play. Or there's also two knights against the caro-kann as well which seems good.

[@TonyRotella]

First of all, FANTASTIC comment - great effort. At some point I will stream on Twitch or KZbin, just focusing on building an audience first! I feel honored to be your choice alongside of JB and the Chessbrahs. Given your affinity for more complex games, main lines, opposite sides castling, and your improvement mindset that still wants fun, I'd say definitely stick to the Dragon to fight 1.e4! Just keep slowly chipping away it, and you'll have tons of fun along the way. No matter the level, you'll always have to deal with Anti-Sicilians like 2.Bc4 - at some point you just have to have the mindset that you're okay there and it's easier than the Open Sicilian. That one specifically people usually choose to try and blunt the bishop with 2...e6 and look to push ...d5 later to further embarrass it. There are alot of Dragon players who also like the Grunfeld, and I think it's a very good opening for improvers. It's sharp, fun, and it shares that powerful Bg7 too! Against the French, I'd encourage you to check out this line, which is very dangerous and becoming popular with top players. It goes 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 (Advance) 3...c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6 6.Bd3 (Milner-Barry) 6...cxd4 7.O-O Bd7 8.Re1!? - this line was also just recommend in Gawain Jones' "Coffeehouse Repertoire" series. The Advance also really limits Black's replies compared to something like 3.Nc3 or 3.Nd2 as well, which is a bonus. Check out this game: www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=2086858 Against the C-K, you could try the Advance too! Play 3.e5 Bf5 4.h4!?, which is good, sharp, and fun like you seem to enjoy. See John Shaw's 1.e4 book for that one, though just to give you a taste: lichess.org/FYQWfkPm Hope this helps, and let me know if you have any questions!

[@miljansavic3850]

@@TonyRotella thanks so much man! I appreciate you taking the time to give suggestions. The variations against the French and CK seem really fun, especially against the CK. I will definitely try them out. I saw JB playing the CK variation a couple of times and it always resulted in really fun looking games. Thanks again.

[@TonyRotella]

@@miljansavic3850 No problem Miljan, hope some of those work out for you! Those French and C-K lines are popular now and scoring pretty well, so I trust them to score you some points if you book up a bit! If something I recommended doesn't suit you, just comment back and we'll see about finding something else.

[@thinboxdictator6720]

15:22 there's fun e5 Nb5 d5 cxd5 Bc5 , (Anti-Benoni English - Kasparov-Vaganian Gambit) which I liked but almost never played when I used to play Benko I know you were showing transpositions so it wasn't the point,just a fun line

[@TonyRotella]

Indeed a good one, and one I've looked at a bit as well. Never felt at home there though.

[@fareastern8201]

(Trying to repost the comment) Hey Tony, great video! What defense against the Ruy Lopez would you recommend for me after 6. Re1? I play 1. e4, Ruy Lopez, 2. Nc3 against the Caro-Kann and the French, Open Sicilian against the Sicilian - English Attack against the Najdorf, Richter-Rauzer against the Classical and Maróczy Bind against the Accelerated/Hyperaccelerated Dragon, Austrian Attack against the Pirc/Modern Defense, 1...e5 against 1. e4, 1...d5 against 1. d4, the 3...c5, 4...Nc6, 5...Qb6 line against the London and the Queen's Gambit Declined, aiming for the Tartakower variation. I dislike not having my fair share of space or not having counterplay. I care about the theoretical status of my openings, since I don't want to learn something only to discard it at a certain rating. I've played the Nimzo-Indian previously, but felt that I didn't have enough experience in d4 d5 structures to play the Nimzo's varied pawn structures well. I've tried the Sicilian, but got destroyed when I played the Najdorf without understanding it, and I felt that the Sicilian is more sophisticated than 1...e5 to play. I do want to play the Sicilian at some point, but not rn and maybe not as a main defense. I've tried 1. d4 years ago when I started but I switched to 1. e4 because I felt I needed to work on the open games and exposure to tactics first. Generally, I don't play gambits but I've tried them. I've just never felt fully comfortable playing them. I'm at 965 rapid on chess dot com and 1400+ on lichess classical, but lichess is still provisional. Also, what do you think of my current repertoire? It might seem highly theoretical, but I don't mind getting into theory and learning how to play these theoretical positions. Chess is still mostly a hobby for me though, even though I'm relatively young at 26, so I'm not sure if I'm being overly ambitious. I just like to try to play critically against my opponent and test them.

[@TonyRotella]

I know this is perhaps not helpful, but it would be hard for me to suggest anything more venerable. I'd say if you find that you're getting playable positions and that it's not too much work, those are all obviously great choices! Agreed that it's probably easier to start off with the QGD over the Nimzo, which has a higher degree of difficulty and level of nuance in my opinion. That is definitely a repertoire you can grow into over time. You can play 1...e5 and QGD lines your whole life, they'll never be bad or go out of style.

[@fareastern8201]

@@TonyRotella Ah, I see. But still, thank you for responding Tony! My repertoire indeed doesn't feel like too much work yet, so I'll keep building on it. Good to know that 1...e5 and the QGD won't go out of style! Maybe in the future, openings like the Sicilian and Nimzo-Indian are just my surprise weapons.

[@alinevennemann1904]

@Tony Rotella Hello Tony, this is the second time I watched a video of yours and I 😍them! I hope you still want to help me, despite the video being "old"!? I like an open or fluid pawn structure, complex or forcing lines, am willing to take some risks (like a gambit or slightly unsound) for a little play but not being down -1 and exploitable immediately. Level 2000 FIDE, plenty of time but the memory gets worse already 😉 Even with black I like playing active, as white I kind of like 1.e4 and the light squares. Which repertoire do you suggest for me?

[@Torpeh]

Hi Tony - thanks for this and your other great videos. I've seen you recommending the QGA as perhaps an under-appreciated option for black, and since I'm trying to spice up my repertoire vs. 1. d4, took a look into the lines myself. The main thing that concerned me was the popularity of the early queen exchange line (1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bxc4 e6 5. Nf3 c5 6. O-O a6 7. dxc5 Qxd1 8. Rxd1 Bxc5), which seems to take a lot of life out of the game. Looking deeper, however, there seemed to be a more fighting alternative, involving a pawn sacrifice, which has been played only a handful of times on Lichess, and which Stockfish appears to deem playable: 1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4 3. e3 Nf6 4. Bxc4 e6 5. Nf3 a6 6. O-O Be7! 7. Qe2 b5 8. Bd3 Nbd7 9. a4 Bb7 10. axb5 axb5 11. Rxa8 Qxa8 12. Bxb5 O-O. Can I ask whether you think there's merit in playing this line as black? (My Lichess rapid rating is just below 1600, and I'm keen on open, unbalanced positions, so am currently also exploring the semi-slav as black.) Thanks again for sharing all this great material!

[@TonyRotella]

Hi Palest Blue! Pretty interesting find! Indeed, this does seem playable, but the question I'd ask is - does this actually yield Black better winning chances than playing a queenless middlegame? Best case scenario, at least as far as I can see it, is that Black rids himself of the c-pawn with ...c5 and then wins the b-pawn back due to his activity on and open lines on the queenside. That would likely yield a totally symmetrical 4 vs. 4 pawns on one side of the board. I personally am not all that upset by just a queen trade - there is tons of chess to be played there, and a quick scan of the database shows some really high level Black wins anyway. Caruana has won a few games, Anand beat Kramnik, etc. It's still hard-fighting chess, but only you can decide what makes you happy OTB. I would also point out that you're black, and the physics of the game really allows White to try and sterilize the game in almost any opening, even the ones considered to be fighting options. The KID Exchange, various lines in the Grunfeld trickle out to lifeless equality, Bb5+ options against the Sicilian, Exchange variations in the French and Caro, etc. You really just have to pick your poison. All things considered, I am not sure 7.dxc5 is really all that bad of a downside, but by all means try the other line and see what you think!

[@Torpeh]

@@TonyRotella Thanks for your thoughts, Tony - much appreciated! I take your point on the dynamics of playing black - it does seem that most reputable options do have lines in which white can simplify and sterilise if they want.

[@TonyRotella]

@@Torpeh White wouldn't be White if Black could equalize AND play for a win in all of the lines! :) Hope you find something that works for ya!

[@Hyphon]

Hey, I came across a video and I am really struggling to find a good otb repetoire right now. Ive played the Kings gambit for a long time, my favourite opening is the modern benoni, and I love the closed positions that arise from the modern benoni and how I know what to do because I know a lot of ideas in it. I like the wacky stuff and it doesnt have to be equal, just complicated. I am currently looking for a repetoire where I can have a lot of fun with white, and something to play with black versus 1. e4. I saw you recommend the Jobava London to someone else, I think I will look into that, but id love to hear your opinion.

[@TonyRotella]

I think if you're into the Modern Benoni, a natural e4 companion would be the Dragon. Quite sharp, strong bishop on g7, queenside counterplay, a willingness to be attacked so you can attack too, etc. The Jobava London is an interesting choice because it's hard to stop - you can get there via 1.d4 Nf6 or 1.d4 d5. For someone who is more concerned with getting weird positions, it's a decent choice! This is especially true if your Black openings are a lot of theory and work and you just want to get positions as White.

[@Hyphon]

@@TonyRotella Wow! thanks

[@benen-a6373]

hello tony, hope you have time for yet another comment :) I'm pretty happy with my black repertoire, classical dutch vs d4/c4 and for e4 a (classical?) exchange philidor, usually followed by a c5 push. Currently playing the giuco piano with white, but most of those games feel a bit dull. Other than that I usually play the alapin vs c5 and an exchange variation vs caro, french and alekhine. Thought about trying 1.e3 ... 2.e4/2.f4, but I actually want to learn something with new/interesting ideas (not the bird), so any suggestions for white (or black)? I guess I like dynamic unbalanced positions and can live with an inferior opening, as long as it also helps me improve general chess concepts. lichess 2000 btw also, it's nice to see new content from you

[@TonyRotella]

Always have time, sorry I missed this one! If you want something more dynamic against 1.e4 e5, you can always try out the King's Gambit, especially if you're a Dutch player and know you like to get that f-pawn moving! There's also the Evan's Gambit if you want something slightly more respectable. Against the Caro and French the Exchange Variations are okay, but if you want them to be more dynamic you can push 4.c4!? in either one and get pretty reasonable IQP attacking positions.

[@dominicvenuso8219]

I find a huge factor for me is how clear the plans are. I like openings where I know what I’m building toward.

[@prussia9255]

Good openings with clear plans could be system openings like the stonewall setup (with white or black), London System, King's Indian Attack. Though he did say in the video he thinks system openings aren't the best for learning.

[@dominicvenuso8219]

@@prussia9255 Yeah, I don't play system openings. But, like, Barrish's d4 course often has very clear ideas for each variation, so I love it. It's not one idea for all variations, but each one has pretty clear ideas with some common big picture themes. With black I've struggled to find a response to d4 that I understand a lot of the variations and middle game plans clearly.

[@TonyRotella]

Totally agree with you Dominic! I tend to score better in slower lines with less concrete play and more planning as well. Glad you found something in Barrish's course that works for you!

[@1ntelligentDiscourse]

I'm 27 years old and fluctuate between 1400-1600 rapid. I mainly play 15|10 and sometimes 3|2. I've played a lot of different openings and find that I always sour on them after a month or two and start hating every position I get, even if I previously enjoyed them and/or they're objectively good. If I had to guess, it's less to do with the opening itself and more a psychological problem of getting the same good position and throwing it all away enough times to frustrate myself. I'm going to try to keep a more even keel this time, but I'm looking for a bit of a reset, particularly with black. I don’t mind a bit of study and memorization, enjoy opposite side castling, and don't like having the space advantage in closed positions, though I generally prefer to play with the IQP over playing against it. I'm willing to make theoretical concessions for winning chances with black. With white, I play the Vienna Gambit, English/Yugoslav Attacks in the Open Sicilian, KIA vs. the French and Caro, Blackmar-Diemer Gambit vs. the Scandi, and 150 Attack vs. the Pirc. Thanks for the flurry of Tony Ro YT content. I hope it keeps getting traction for you and that there’s more to come!👍

[@TonyRotella]

Seems like you're pretty into sharp and wild stuff. Given your taste for the IQP and for aggressive options, against 1.d4 I think you'd do well to look into the Tarrasch. Dubov has pioneered a particularly aggressive version involving an early ...cxd4 and ...Bc5 which has become popular. Check out here: en.chessbase.com/post/dubov-s-tarrasch and this game: lichess.org/2AIOYRST/black for more info and inspiration! You could also try the KID as well, which is sharp and certainly does not leave you with more space! And if you're looking for sharp options against 1.e4 too and you like opposite-side castling, attacking play, etc, is there a better choice than the Dragon? Especially if you play some of those positions as White. Hope that helps, and thanks for the kind words! :)

[@1ntelligentDiscourse]

@@TonyRotella I had never really considered the Tarrasch. Seems like I have some studying to do! 😀 Thanks again!

[@TonyRotella]

@@1ntelligentDiscourse If weeks or months pass and you find it's not working for you, you can always comment back and we can try something else! ;)

[@TechnicalVoodoo]

Thanks for the video; the transpositions were fascinating. I'm a mid-life player that picked up chess recently; I often win games after coming out of the opening in terrible shape (move pieces following basic development rules to reach mid game) and have no preferred repertoire. I don't have a rating but regularly play against players in the 1500-1700 bracket with reasonable results. I have no opening choices as I am currently bouncing around looking for something to suit. Alexey Sokolsky is what made me pick up chess (1.b6, French Winawer, Nimso Indian, Occasional Zukkertort / A06: Santasiers Folly) but I'm struggling to find quality 1.b4 information. Should I play something else as white and continue to use French Winawer / Nimso Inidan? I'm looking to get into a tactical fight as early as possible. 1.b4 has given me a good center but I find myself struggling with the queenside and I'm wondering if perhaps I've chosen a bad white opening. Not afraid of theory; however I dislike openings with a great number of responses leading to different theory (1. e4 gave me difficulty as I was reading too much different theory). Any suggestions?

[@prussia9255]

If you don't like e5 caro- kann is good and has a more limited amount of responses. As white you can try the vienna gambit.

[@TonyRotella]

1.b4 is definitely on the riskier side, and I generally wouldn't recommend a flank opening like that to a relative newcomer to chess. But this plays into the fun vs improvement vs results thing, and so I'd leave the final decision for you if you're scoring okay with 1.b4 and like the positions you're getting! I would however point out that Sokolsky played 1.e4 more frequently. There is more work there but that's more of an opening you could grow into, and there are sources that try and make it easier on you, e.g. Christof Sielecki's "Keep it Simple: 1.e4". FWIW though, Carsten Hansen JUST published a book on 1.b4 3 months ago - check it out on Amazon!

[@tommarcoen6758]

Hey Tony, I am a big fan of your videos. Thank you for making them. As for the openings, I am 36 years old, have two little kids so little time to study a lot of theory. I also noticed that I generally cannot remember the lines a month or two after studying and since I cannot spend every waking hour on chess, I need something easy. As Black I used to play the Dragon against 1.e4 but I now switched to the Scandinavian as John plays it: with ...Qd8. Against 1.d4 I switch around a bit between the Benko Gambit and the King's Indian Defense (the last one matches the Dragon in style, I think). As White I always have been a 1.e4 player. I went from the Giuoco Piano/Pianissimo as a beginner to the Scotch Gambit from Lev Alburt's opening books to now sometimes playing the Evans or King's Gambit. I sadly do not have a favorite GM whose games I watch and study and I should really find one. I like the tactical and open positions that arise after the Scotch, Evans and King's Gambit though I think I would prefer the Scotch/Evans over the King's Gambit from the resulting positions. I think I would prefer Bishops over Knights as I will generally also prefer open positions. I find it hard to manoeuvre around (semi-) closed positions. On a blue Monday I once dabbled a bit in the French defense but I really disliked the cramped positions. I have an OTB elo-rating of about 1650 but on Lichess my rating is higher (depending on the tempo it goes from 1610 in bullet to 2100 in correspondence). I would however say I am a 1800 at best since I legally use the opening book in correspondence ALL THE TIME to navigate the details of the sometimes weird openings I get myself into. I think my biggest weakness is coming up with good plans to play once the opening has been played. I assume that is also the reason why I prefer open positions with easier plans over (semi-) closed positions. I prefer to attack but I have played some good games where I managed to outgrind my opponent by switching between two weaknesses in his position. So should you find the time to read through this HUGE message and have a good idea about some openings to recommend (perhaps more as Black than as White where I perhaps am not yet ready to give up on the Scotch & Evans gambits), drop me a comment. Thank you once more for the great videos you make!

[@prussia9255]

There is also the Vienna Gambit and Fantasy Caro-Kann which are both similar to King's Gambit and Scotch Gambit in my opinion. As black a good line to avoid theory could be Queen's Gambit Accepted.

[@tommarcoen6758]

@@prussia9255: I have looked at the Vienna but never really played it. I have recently heard of the Fantasy variation for the first time and might look into it. About the QGA, I heard someone recommend it on KZbin, not sure whether it was Tony or someone else, exactly for that reason: not a lot of theory.

[@prussia9255]

@@tommarcoen6758He actually said in this very video that he recommends the Queen's Gambit accepted to avoid theory, lol. (I think)

[@tommarcoen6758]

@@prussia9255: lol see... that is why I need openings without too much theory! A day after watching the video, it is all fuzy to me.

[@TonyRotella]

I think as Black you're kind of in the ballpark already. The Qd8 Scandi is a solid choice for your rating and amount of time you have. It's easy to play and your pieces find decent squares. And yeah, I'd at least look into the QGA and see what you think. As I said in the video, there are some similarities to the Scandi in a few spots and it also has that minimalist kind of feel. The game is mostly open, your pieces find good squares, and there isn't a lot of maneuvering relative to other 1.d4 defenses. I think it's an underrated choice!

[@gbo5808]

Hi tony I am looking for new white openings and new black openings against d4 im about 1500 elo and am focused on improving my rating. My favourite opening to play is actually the French defence advanced variation are there any openings / lines that are similar to this for black against d4 and what white openint would match it

[@jocke12122]

Hi Tony. Thanks for a great video. Subscribed. I'm a beginner looking for a complete suite of openings. Some of my 'requests' may be contradictory - I wouldn't really know. :) I'm looking for openings that gives me a great basis for improvement, while of course also being fun. I'm 35, 2 kids, rating around 1000 lichess. I prefer classical, sound, simple, open games with little focus on pawn structure. I somewhat prefer bishops over knights. Forcing openings, not requiring heaps of line-knowledge would be preferable. Thanks!

[@TonyRotella]

Hi Joakim, thanks much appreciated! For beginners looking for openings, I suggest more simple classical options. Start with 1.e4 and shoot for the open games - whatever catches your eye. It can be the Scotch/Italian/Ruy Lopez against 1...e5, Open Siclian/Grand Prix/Bb5(+) stuff against the Sicilian. Against the Caro/French you can play both Exchange variations with c4 to follow. Those are nice options that keep the game relatively lively and open. As Black, 1...e5/1...c5/1...e6 and 1...c6 are all good, I'd either study some games or intro KZbin videos that give you an idea of what they're about to decide on choices you like. It's hard for me to recommend you any of those without knowing more, and who knows this early into your chess development anyway! Against 1.d4, start with the Queen's Gambit Declined. It's solid and classic - never goes out of style! Two good guides here would be Christof Sielecki's "Keep it Simple: 1.e4" and "Keep it Simple: Black" in book or Chessable form. Those are relatively low upkeep, easy to learn repertoires for White and Black that will cover you for everything!

[@thelazymanatee2506]

Hey Tone, love the video, as usual! I'm looking for something that creates sharp/complex winning chances against 1.d4. Games where both sides have play, and where white can't calmly sit on a small static advantage. I don't mind some extra risk, but it needs to be sound enough at 2000+ lichess (ideally even for classical), with the exception of some insane prep maybe. I don't mind having less space or being attacked, but I do mind a dry equalish position where I can't create active play for myself. I've tried the Dutch against 1.d4 but found it often leads to a pretty narrow repertoire with little room to deviate? So the games feel less diverse and opponents are often quite solidly prepped. But maybe I threw that option out too soon because of that? Or maybe there are good sidelines in the Dutch that I ignored so far? The Slav has many variations where it feels like white can keep it simple, and I preferably want to give white the least possible chances to keep things simple. I've tried the Grunfeld too. But that has some deep mainline theory that leads to many exchanges. Maybe I should chose a sideline there that keeps things more complex, if there is one? Against 1.e4 I play a Najdorf, which I highly enjoy. In blitz or rapid I like the Alekhine too. And as white I enjoy playing against the Najdorf, but also against the French, especially the sharper lines like the poisoned pawn, but also something like the Polerio Defense with 8.Bd3. I don't mind risk, don't mind theory, don't mind complexity, don't mind being attacked or cramped, noth open and closed games are okay as long as there are winning chances for both. I do mind slow grindy games where I have to suffer without counterplay. And to a lesser extend also mind games where you equalise as black, but then have to be happy with a dead drawn position. I'm not playing a game to equalise, I'm playing to win! Basically looking for a way to minimise the chances for white to play a simple game with 1.d4, and to maximise my chances to create active play and take some kind of fight to white. I'm 27, and open to try various openings to see what sticks.

[@prussia9255]

I like the Mexican Defense (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Nc6) and playing for e5. Here's an example of a setup you can go for and how white can go wrong: 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 Nc6 3. Nc3 e5 4. d5 Ne7 5. e4 Ng6 6. Bd3 Bc5 7. Nge2 Ng4 8. O-O Qh4 9. h3 Nxf2 10. Rxf2 Qxf2+ If 3.Nf3 you could try e6 and Bb4. Another option is Cambridge Springs QGD.

[@TonyRotella]

I'd go with the King's Indian! There is no better choice for generating winning chances, and complex positions and relative to the Dutch, Black and White both have a ton of options. It's a favorite of many famous Najdorf players as well. If you don't mind risk and theory, that might be your ticket! It's also quite a nice choice against the Flank Openings, and you don't have to really worry about transpositions in any way.

[@thelazymanatee2506]

I'll give it a shot! No idea why I haven't tried playing that before honestly, it seems very suitable. Thanks :)

[@TonyRotella]

@@thelazymanatee2506 Let me know how it goes!

[@thelazymanatee2506]

Most definitely! Any possible failures will be on you Tony, cause it can't possibly be my lack of skill or experience :P Currently looking through youtube to find a few good lectures to get me started. So far I've got an hour long one by Jonathan Schrantz, and generally I love his lectures, so that's good! Any other recommendations by chance?

[@grantc.7838]

I just play the big main line of everything with white i.e. 6.Bg5 vs najdorf, 3.Nc3 french, etc etc and with black I play the najdorf vs e4 and a pretty random assortment of stuff vs d4 (Benoni, benko, leningrad dutch etc etc)

[@TonyRotella]

Grant coming in with that Big Brain Energy! Thanks for watching! :)

[@teflaime]

I tend to play the Modern Slav and the Caro Kann as black and get a lot of similar positions as black. I tend, lately, to play Nf3 and then either go for a psuedo-Catalan or a Ruy Lopez depending on whether they play d5 or e6/e5. Don't really have a good plan for the Sicilian with White or the English with black.

[@prussia9255]

Good simple lines against the sicilian could be Nc3 closed sicilian and play with g3 Bg2 fianchetto, or lines where you play Bb5 and trade off to double their pawns. One line is called Rossolimo (1. e4 c52. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5) but you can play Bb5 in most cases when they play Nc6. Against English you can also try to play reverse Rossolimo type stuff with Bb4 and trade off but it's easier for white to mix it up Nd5 or Qc2 to stop that with the extra tempo. Could also maybe try queenside fianchetto against the English.

[@TonyRotella]

As far as dealing with the English, I always try and tie whatever my repertoire is against 1.d4 in so that you don't have to worry too much about transpositional tricks. So in this case I'd recommend you start with 1.c4 c6!, that way if White ever plays d4 you're back in a Slav. The main deviation that keeps things in English territory would 1.c4 c6 2.Nf3 d5 3.g3, and in this case I think that 3...Nf6 4.Bg2 Bg4 is very reasonable. Then if 5.O-O e6 you would probably get a position that's solid and relatively familiar for you (light-square strategy, etc). Do note that 5.Ne5!? must be met by 5...Be6!, as 5...Bf5 and 5...Bh5 allow White some tricky traps that are too long to type. After the correct 5...Be6 play usually goes 6.cxd5 Bxd5 7.Nf3 and now Black should play 7...c5! 8.Nc3 Bc6! with a solid position. Because you seem to shoot for relatively solid options and are already used to Ruy Lopez-esque positions, I might recommend Bb5 options in the Sicilian where possible, e.g. 1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 or 2...d6 3.Bb5+. Not only are they legitimate tries for advantage, but White risks little and they're relatively easy to play too. You can adopt similar c3+d4 plans just like the Ruy too to get you started.

[@Weeshnaw997]

Nice video, perfectly timed since I'm trying to change up my openings as white. I would like a quick rec if you see this. I have generally played 1. Nf3 2. d4 and then usually 3. c4 but I find myself uncomfortable against the slav which is among the most common responses I see to this system. As black, I play Pirc against 1. e4 and King's Indian otherwise, and I am very happy/confident in these. Should I go for something dark square centric as white? Or do you have any specific recommendations? I'm about 1000-1100 and in my early 20s.

[@TonyRotella]

It's hard to really go dark-centric against the Slav - so many of those positions are really fights on the light-squares for both sides in a way. So a counter-question - what do you play against the QGD when Black goes ...e6 instead of ...c6?

[@Weeshnaw997]

@@TonyRotella Usually I develop normally, typically Nc3 followed by Bg5 and/or e3. I usually do not play cxd5 unless black really pushes me to after several more moves, i.e. Ragozin followed by Bxc3+ (which 1000s do play, trust me) resulting in white getting doubled c-pawns. And thanks for the response!

[@TonyRotella]

@@Weeshnaw997 Have you ever looked at 4.Qb3!? in the Slav? For a guy who plays flankish kind of stuff as Black, it sort has that Catalan/English feel as White. Black normally plays 4...dxc4 5.Qxc4 Bf5 and then White goes 6.g3 and 7.Bg2. You slowly prepare e4. It's a very nice practical option in my opinion. I asked what you play against the QGD because most people that start with 1.Nf3 play the Catalan, and this would obviously fit right in as well.

[@Fowzi__Al-somali]

My main goal in the opening is not to go wrong and loose pawn or sometimes the game, for me, I like to play safe in the opening and in the middle game (depending on my mood) sometime play safe and sometime I go all in (in the middle game) So, play in the center and develop the peaces is the safe approach add to that I am have dutey and I have little time to spend it to study chess opening and chess related. But I would like to improve as much as I could and cross 2000 (lichess blitz rating)

[@prussia9255]

Try the London System as white, maybe Jobava London

[@TonyRotella]

The Scandinavian is a very low theory response to 1.e4 and yields very solid positions that resemble the Caro-Kann. I would check out the ...Qd8 variation on John Bartholomew's channel perhaps. You could also play the 4...Nf6 5.Nxf6+ exf6! variation of the Caro-Kann, which is also very solid and easy to understand. Against 1.d4, I'd recommend the QGD. Again, very solid and easy to understand and play for the most part, and not super theoretical relative to other more dynamic options. Check out "Keep it Simple: 1.d4" by Christof Sielecki if you're looking for material on the Caro and QGD.

[@bhopfan2700]

Hey Tony, I have a question but it's a little vague. Do you really believe some openings are better for development? How much would your chess development be hampered by playing a "lower tier" defense as black such as the French (I'm a big Botvinnik/Korchnoi/Petrosian fan) vs. 1.e4 e5 or the Sicilian? For reference I am about 1950 on Lichess classical time control. I've heard Botvinnik and Anand said the Ruy Lopez and Sicilian are two openings you need to know to understand Chess. Does playing the exchange Spanish as white count?

[@TonyRotella]

I do think beginners and lower rated players should PROBABLY start with the open games IF they're results-oriented (that's an important facet to this conversation), and the more aggressive and "strategically simple" options too, e.g. the Italian, Scotch Gambit, Evans, etc, and work your way up to things like the Ruy Lopez or d4. The basic idea is that you're learning chess in the order that history shows humans learned the game, and emphasizing the skills that are important at that lower rating range - king safety, easy development, tactical acumen, attacking skills. Things like the Catalan, closed French positions, Ruy, the Sicilian, tend to be a lot more nuanced on some level and require way more position understanding to really play well. That's not to say that you can't play them, but I don't think it'd be as easy or important for newer players to wrap their heads around them entirely or play according to the demands of the position. With all that said, I think most people should simply play what they enjoy, because that's what it's all about anyway. You may find you improve more playing things you enjoy as well. At around 1950 lichess, you're probably around 1700-1800 USCF, at which point it's totally reasonable to experiment or start moving over into things like the Sicilian, Ruy Lopez, whatever you want really. Just have fun!

[@bhopfan2700]

@@TonyRotella I can't tell you how cool it is that you went through these comments and replied to them. Decided to play 1.e4 e5! Can't wait for your next video

[@TonyRotella]

@@bhopfan2700 Thanks! I'm a glutton for punishment! ;) Good luck with double king-pawn - literally cannot go wrong with that. The Rolls Royce of 1.e4 defenses - so much history and flexibility there.

[@reubenr1143]

Hi Tony, I play the Scandinavian with ...Nc6 and I noticed that more than one strong player in the database who plays this also plays the Rubinstein French as their other weapon. I was wondering why.

[@TonyRotella]

Great question! I see a rough similarity in that they both trade the d-pawn for White's e-pawn and yield similar structures in that, where Black needs to break out with either ...e5 or ...c5 to ensure equality.

[@reubenr1143]

@@TonyRotella Awesome 😎 Thanks 🙏

[@parker_chess]

I basically agree with you on everything. And the classical openings are best for the improvers. I see all the time intermediate players killing their own chess by trying to play gambits/off beat openings and you see them plateau and not really going anywhere. It's because the classical openings are what builds a well-rounded and complete player. Trying to win based purely on surprised value or knowing a bunch of theory won't help you actually improve your chess at the amateur level.

[@TonyRotella]

Preach Parker! 🙌🏻👏🏻💯

[@twngrd]

even if you play a bunch of gambits and off beat openings, you won't be able to win very often by the "tricks." You will still have to play chess.

[@TonyRotella]

@@twngrd Agreed!

[@dm9910]

I'm rated about 1700-1800 on Lichess and find that a lot of my opening prep is wasted on positions that don't come up because my opponent immediately diverges from theory. For example I studied the Marshall Gambit as Black and only managed to get a true Marshall Gambit on the board a couple of times in dozens of games before I went back to playing 1..c5 because I didn't much like the positions I was getting when White did something else (even if they played suboptimally). I like asymmetric positions, prefer doubled to isolated pawns, don't mind open or closed positions. Any suggestions for openings that I'll be able to reliably reach, and/or have a clear gameplan should my opponent get me out of book? Like for example I win loads as White against sicilians because my opponents don't know theory and I just castle long and crush them with a pawn storm while they're making slow suboptimal moves. Whereas in something like the London (with or against) I find I end up giving my opponents leeway to make opening mistakes because while I'm developing sensibly and my pieces are all fine, I'm not really putting much pressure on my opponent. I play mostly blitz (and some bullet) so I often end up spending lots of time coming up with my first plan, get a good position but then make mistakes later due to time trouble. Thanks for the great video.

[@prussia9255]

Against the London I really like the second line shown in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmTamSmrtGqsKc Also early c5 stuff might be interesting. If you're trying to limit black's responses so you don't get into a position where you have no clue what you're doing I think d4 or Nf3 might be better since e4 has a million different responses. Personally though I like the Vienna gambit which has a simple plan to attack f7, and it starts on move 2, limiting black's responses. Even the main line can be dangerous if you play Qf3 because you get a broad center ex. 1. e4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. f4 d5 4. fxe5 Nxe4 5. Qf3 Nxc3 6. bxc3 Be7 7. d4 If they play Nc6 and refuse to take ,you can play it sort of like a London with Bc4 and d3 except more dangerous for black because once you castle you will have your rook on the F file and you can try to get your queen there too with h3 when they play Bg4. And if they play Bh4 g5 is usually very strong.

[@TonyRotella]

To a certain extent, the lower the ratings go, the less you should care about the exact theory and the more you should care about the principles and ideas for this exact reason. I actually play the Sicilian mostly for the same reason - I would rather play 1...c5 in the event that White avoids the open instead of 1...e5 in the event that White avoids the Ruy - the positions are just much more interesting for me in those cases. So in that way, and especially given your preference for asymmetric positions, I'd stick with 1...c5. Just dedicate a bit more time to the Anti-Sicilians - they're all generally pleasant for Black and interesting to play, and certainly the earlier you get into the mindset of "Okay my opponent DIDN'T play the Open Sicilian, that's great news for me", the better. If you're looking to insist on an opening with few deviations that gets you into the positions you want right away, there aren't as many choices. The 3rd tier are really the best for that - it's hard to stop the Alekhine, Scandi, Pirc, etc. But they are riskier, and the Sicilian will serve you for life! As far as recommendations against the London, what do you typically play against 1.d4? I usually like to start there, because White can also start the London with 1.d4 Nf6 (or 1...d5) 2.Nf3 and still kind of threaten to go back to the Queen's Gambit with 3.c4, so you need to be consistent there. The bottom line generally is that there are a ton of lines against the London that are good, you just have to find one you enjoy the most and learn it well. The London will also pop up a ton regardless of your rating level, so it's time well spent.

[@dm9910]

@@TonyRotella Thanks for the in-depth response. Against d4 c4 openings I normally go for a semi slav with a tendency to take on c4 and push b5 (I'll try to hold on to the c4 pawn if possible, or otherwise play the Meran). If my opponent doesn't play c4 (e.g. a London) I usually just develop and play c5 but I wouldn't say I'm following any kind of theory there, just playing natural moves. Often unsure how to play the midgames from there.

[@TonyRotella]

@@dm9910 Ah okay - there is a new Chessbase article on a really cool and aggressive new idea against the London: en.chessbase.com/post/surprise-in-the-london-system. At some point soon I might take a look at it and see what's up in a video. Maybe worth a look early!

[@dm9910]

@@TonyRotella Looks fun, I'd definitely be interested in a video from you on it. I still go back to your videos on the sicilian. Thanks for the help!

[@physics2112]

Like or Dislike: Like. Do you also upload your games to the channel (live or reviewed)?

[@mrt3432]

When you or people recommend playing the open games - what does this mean exactly - should we be playing stuff like the scotch/italians where we go d4 early or as long as it is 1 e4 its ok?- I am around 1500 Fide and play slow italian, playing against e5 is probably where I get my best results everything else I struggle against.

[@TonyRotella]

The general idea (at least for me) is to get newer players to play positions with lots of tactics, straightforward development, and easy to understand ideas. Even stuff like the Dragon or Grunfeld are great in a way - they are generally tactical and based on play in the center and have relatively easy to understand plans. You could play 1.d4 and still shoot for similar, it's just hard to avoid more nuance, maneuvering and closed structures there, but not impossible. Imagine f3 Nimzos, 4PA against the KID and Benoni, f3 ideas against the Benko, etc. Open up the game, attack the game, calculate, etc. If the Slow Italian is working for you and you dig it, then by all means stick with it!

[@mrt3432]

@@TonyRotella Thanks Tony - given that you mention the grunfeld is something like that better to learn tactics /motifs than QGD - I played a few long games recently where I was playing QGD as black or against catalan and felt there were hardly any tactics going on, what do you like against D4?

[@prussia9255]

​ For tactical defenses against d4 there is black knight's tango/Mexican defense or Cambridge Springs QGD. More dubious imho there is stonewall Dutch and albin countergambit.

[@TonyRotella]

@@mrt3432 I have played nearly everything against 1.d4, but mostly the KID, Grunfeld, and QGD lately. The QGD is definitely a little more solid and less dynamic, which can be an upside depending on your mood. It's also much easier to grasp and build up a repertoire in, but arguably less fun depending on what you're into. Agreed that there are sharper openings out there. Grunfeld, Modern Benoni, even stuff like QGA if you'd rather go 1...d5.

[@TonyRotella]

@@prussia9255 There are a ton - the Grunfeld and Semi-Slav are probably the highest tier, but the QGA, Benoni, the Nimzo, and many more can also be played very dynamically. Not sure I'd call the Stonewall all that dynamic or tactical, however, nor would I recommend anyone pick up the Albin or Two Knights Tango!

[@joaolucasbraga4642]

Can someone give me a sugestion of what to play against 1.d4? I'll play a tournament this weekend and I'm not sure of what to play against 1.d4. I almost always face 1.e4 as black on lichess. As white I play the Jobava london and against 1.e4 I play the sicilian (kalashnikov in the open sicilian).

[@TonyRotella]

Just not enough info here to really make a decision? What's your rating, how much time do you have to spend studying, what kind of positions do you like, what have you tried already and liked/disliked, etc? :)

[@joaolucasbraga4642]

@@TonyRotella thanks for the answer! :) I'm from Brazil. My current rating is 1545 but it's a local rating so my FIDE rating would probably be even lower lol. I don't have too much time to study chess although I'd say I have a good memory. In terms of what I like to play, i'd say i like to attack and i like a strong centre. Recently i've been trying the black lion but didn't really like it so I switched to the sicilian. I also gave up on the QGD as black cause I find it kinda passive. I'm sort of intending to play the old indian defense against 1.d4 but after 1.Nf6 white might not play c4 at all and actually play let's say Nc3 and transpose to some kind of pirc defense which I'm not sure I want to play as black.

[@TonyRotella]

@@joaolucasbraga4642 If you want more lively positions, something in the Indian complex will probably make you the happiest. Nimzo, KID, Benoni, Grunfeld. Be aware that most people who play 1.d4 Nf6 are not going to allow the transpo to the Pirc after 2.Nc3, they will play 2...d5 and force White into a Veresov after 3.Bg5 or a Jobava London after 3.Bf4. Cheers and good luck!

[@jaybingham3711]

Bulls swipe up with horns. Thumbs up. Bears swipe down with claws. Thumbs down. You're bearish on systems.

[@TonyRotella]

JAY YOU'RE A GENIUS!

[@love4thegame877]

Legend!!!! 🐐 🔥

[@TonyRotella]

*Thumbs Up, Jean-Claude Van Damme Style*

[@sooooooooDark]

10:27 "girlfriend - sucking away all that elo" dont we all wish that 😞

[@TonyRotella]

That was a very unfortunate choice of words. Glad I always check the "Not Made for Kids" box during uploading!

[@fareastern8201]

I think I got flagged as spam when I tried to post my long-ish comment about my openings. If so, sorry about that! Didn't mean to spam. But I hope you could still get back to me on my opening repertoire question!

[@TonyRotella]

Hey fareastern - there aren't any comments held for review, any chance you could repost?

[@fareastern8201]

@@TonyRotella Sure! Let me try to write it again: What defense against the Ruy Lopez would you recommend for me after 6. Re1? I play 1. e4, Ruy Lopez, 2. Nc3 against the Caro-Kann and the French, Open Sicilian against the Sicilian - English Attack against the Najdorf, Richter-Rauzer against the Classical and Maróczy Bind against the Accelerated/Hyperaccelerated Dragon, Austrian Attack against the Pirc/Modern Defense, 1...e5 against 1. e4, 1...d5 against 1. d4, the 3...c5, 4...Nc6, 5...Qb6 line against the London and the Queen's Gambit Declined, aiming for the Tartakower variation. I dislike not having my fair share of space or not having counterplay. I care about the theoretical status of my openings, since I don't want to learn something only to discard it at a certain rating. I've played the Nimzo-Indian previously, but felt that I didn't have enough experience in d4 d5 structures to play the Nimzo's varied structures well. I've tried the Sicilian, but got destroyed when I played the Najdorf without understanding it, and I felt that the Sicilian is more sophisticated than 1...e5 to play. I'm at 965 rapid on chess dot com and 1400+ on lichess classical, but lichess is still provisional. Also, my repertoire might seem highly theoretical, but I don't mind getting into theory and learning how to play these theoretical positions. Chess is still mostly a hobby for me though, even though I'm relatively young at 26.

[@GauravSingh-ns7dp]

Why no uploading 😢💞

[@TonyRotella]

Soon! New video in the works!

[@MTuver8168]

@@TonyRotella Please do an opening tier list

[@TonyRotella]

@@MTuver8168 Not a bad idea! That'd be a LONG video! 😁

[@S1neWav_]

silian defnse

[@sourandbitter3062]

This could almost be a podcast XD

[@TonyRotella]

God help us all if someone let's me talk for the length of a typical podcast.

[@Neojimmy6]

Awesome video, but too much for my feeble brain. Tony please name me a random opening and I will play nothing but that in 2022. I dare you.

[@TonyRotella]

Be right back, thinking up the Hyper-Accelerated NeoJimmy. The name has legs for sure.