Italian Game
A classical 1.e4 opening where White develops quickly and fights for the center with e4–Nf3–Bc4. Ideal for learning basic tactics, open positions, and piece activity.
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Featured opening families
Here are a few popular opening families with their own dedicated pages. Each page explains key ideas and links directly to the Trainer with an appropriate line selected.
Ruy Lopez
One of the most deeply studied openings in chess, starting with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5. Learn the main plans and how to handle typical structures for both sides.
Sicilian Defense
Black’s most popular response to 1.e4, leading to rich, asymmetrical play and sharp middlegames. Practice mainlines and systems tailored to your style.
French Defense
A solid yet dynamic defense to 1.e4. Learn how Black challenges the center with ...d5 and how each side handles the characteristic pawn chains.
Queen’s Gambit
One of the main 1.d4 openings, emphasizing strong central control and harmonious piece development. Great for understanding classical pawn structures.
King’s Indian Defense
A dynamic response to 1.d4 where Black allows a broad center and later strikes back with pawn breaks. Excellent for learning attacking plans and piece play.
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Browse the openings we currently support and jump straight into training lines with Free Chess Trainer.
White openings
Italian Game
Classical 1.e4 e5 opening with quick development and pressure on f7.
Ruy Lopez
Strategic 1.e4 e5 opening where White builds long-term pressure on the queenside.
Scotch Game
A direct 1.e4 e5 system where White opens the center quickly with d4.
Queen's Gambit
The most famous 1.d4 opening, sacrificing a flank pawn for central control.
Catalan Opening
Combines Queen's Gambit structures with a kingside fianchetto for long-term pressure.
London System
A solid and easy-to-learn 1.d4 system with a strong dark-squared setup.
Black against 1.e4
Sicilian Defense
Sharp counterattack against 1.e4, leading to rich, tactical middlegames.
French Defense
Solid 1.e4 reply with a strong pawn chain after ...e6 and ...d5.
Caro Kann Defense
Reliable alternative to the Sicilian with fewer structural weaknesses.
Pirc Defense
Hypermodern setup where Black allows a big center and later strikes back.
Scandinavian Defense
Immediate central challenge with 1...d5 and early queen activity.
Black against 1.d4
Slav Defense
Rock-solid answer to the Queen's Gambit with a flexible light-squared bishop.
Nimzo-Indian Defense
Flexible defense with Bb4, trading bishop pair for structural targets when it suits Black.
Queen's Gambit Accepted
Active defence where Black takes on c4 and strikes back with ...c5 or ...e5.
King's Indian Defense
Dynamic system where Black allows a big center and attacks the king later.
Benko Gambit
Queenside pawn sacrifice that gives Black long-term pressure on the a- and b-files.
All supported openings
We support a large collection of openings and lines. Use the search box to filter by name or ECO code. Click on any opening family to jump straight into training with that opening.
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