Common Questions About Chess Openings for Black

Let’s first answer some common questions about Black openings.

What is the best opening for Black chess?
The Sicilian Defense—along with its variations of Dragon, Najdorf, Scheveningen, and Classical—is one of the most direct ways Black can challenge White’s initial advantage.

What opening does Magnus Carlsen use on Black?
Magnus tends to play e5 openings against an e4 move from White and pushes for the closed variations of the Ruy Lopez. Magnus also uses the Berlin Defense.

Why is Black a disadvantage in chess?
The disadvantage that Black has in chess comes from the fact that White moves first. By moving first, White has tempo and can force Black to continually respond to its moves.