Openings Theory
Discover the first steps to control the board and understand opening plans without random memorization.
Opening names, ECO codes, and reference lines are aligned with the curated Lichess chess-openings dataset. Plans are concise instructional guidance, not game-result statistics.
E61
Advanced
King's Indian Defense
A dynamic defense that allows White a broad center before Black challenges it with ...e5 or ...c5 after castling.
Reference line
1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6 3. Nc3 Bg7 4. e4 d6
Main idea: Fianchetto the bishop on g7 and use the long diagonal.
C60
Advanced
Ruy Lopez
A classical opening that pressures the knight defending e5 and builds long-term central pressure.
Reference line
1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bb5
Main idea: Increase pressure on e5 by pinning or exchanging the knight at the right moment.