Elo 800–14005 weeks

Opening Foundations

Principles over memorisation

A 5-week path that gives you a functional opening repertoire based on understanding, not memory. Learn the ideas behind the moves so you can handle any deviation your opponent throws at you.

✓ By the end you will have a complete opening repertoire for both colours based on principles — no rote memorisation required.

For: Players rated 800–1400 who want a reliable, principled opening repertoire

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Path Units (5)

1

Opening Principles

  • •Understand why each opening principle exists
  • •Prioritise development over early attacks
  • •Castle before move 10 in 90% of games
2

Playing as White — e4

  • •Play the Italian Game or Ruy Lopez with understanding
  • •Handle the Sicilian Defence with confidence
  • •Respond to irregular Black defences with principles
3

Playing as White — d4

  • •Play the Queen's Gambit or London System
  • •Understand the key ideas against common defences
  • •Maintain pressure in closed positions
4

Playing as Black against 1.e4

  • •Choose and understand your e4 defence
  • •Reach playable middlegames with black pieces
  • •Handle White's attacking tries
5

Playing as Black against 1.d4

  • •Choose and understand your d4 defence
  • •Understand typical pawn structures
  • •Find your standard plans in the middlegame