Chess on Tablet

Caro-Kann Defense

B10–B19 Black's defense Intermediate

1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5

Black answers 1.e4 with ...c6 and then challenges the center with ...d5. It is similar to the French Defense, but the bishop on c8 is not blocked in.

English Opening

A10–A39 White's opening Advanced

1. c4

White opens with 1.c4. Instead of occupying the center at once, White controls it from the side. Many different structures can follow, so it rewards understanding of plans.

French Defense

C00–C19 Black's defense Intermediate

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5

Black answers 1.e4 with the modest ...e6 and then challenges White's center with ...d5. It is solid, and the locked pawns lead to clear, contrasting plans.

Italian Game

C50–C54 White's opening Beginner

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4

A classic opening where White develops the bishop to c4, aiming at f7, Black's weakest square. It lets you bring out your pieces quickly and castle early.

London System

A48, D02 White's opening Beginner

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 g6 3. Bf4

White sets up the same formation with d4, Nf3 and Bf4 almost regardless of what Black does. There is little theory to learn, and the position is solid.

Petrov's Defense

C42–C43 Black's defense Intermediate

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6

When White's knight attacks e5, Black does not defend it and counterattacks e4 with ...Nf6. The position often becomes symmetrical and very solid.

Queen's Gambit Accepted

D20–D29 Black's defense Intermediate

1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4

Black takes the c4 pawn that White offers with ...dxc4. Black does not try to keep the extra pawn, but uses the time to develop and hit back in the center.

Queen's Gambit Declined

D30–D69 Black's defense Intermediate

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6

Black declines the c4 pawn that White offers and firmly supports d5 with ...e6. Black keeps a foothold in the center and can develop calmly.

Ruy Lopez

C60–C99 White's opening Intermediate

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5

One of the most famous openings. White puts the bishop on b5 to pressure the knight that defends e5. It does not win anything right away, but keeps up slow, lasting pressure.

Scandinavian Defense

B01 Black's defense Beginner

1. e4 d5

Black answers 1.e4 with an immediate ...d5, attacking the e4 pawn. The structure is set from the very first move, so there is little to memorize.

Scotch Game

C44–C45 White's opening Beginner

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4 exd4 4. Nxd4

White strikes early with d4 and trades pawns in the center. The pieces become active quickly, and the plans are easy to follow.

Slav Defense

D10–D19 Black's defense Intermediate

1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6

Black declines the c4 pawn and supports d5 with ...c6. Black gets a solid center without blocking the bishop on c8.