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Why My Favorite Opening Isn’t the Best, but I Still Play It

Why My Favorite Opening Isn’t the Best, but I Still Play It

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avii_ar
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Every chess player has that one opening they feel comfortable. For me, it’s the Scotch Gambit. I know it isn’t considered the strongest line at the higher levels. In fact, most coaches would probably suggest something more solid and less risky. But still, I play it. And honestly? I enjoy every game that starts with it.

So why stick with an opening that isn’t the most “theoretically correct”? Because chess isn’t just about following the engine’s best move. It’s also about comfort, confidence, and having fun with the positions you get. When I play the Scotch Gambit, I know the ideas, I understand the traps, and I feel like I can create the kind of sharp games that suit my style. That confidence often matters more than squeezing out a +0.2 advantage from the engine.

The Downsides of My Favorite Opening

  • It’s not engine-approved: Stockfish doesn’t really smile upon the Scotch Gambit.

  • Experienced opponents know the refutations: If someone has studied it deeply, they can equalize pretty quickly.

  • It doesn’t always scale well: At higher levels, my opening might not hold up as strongly.

Why I Still Play It

  • Attacking chances everywhere: The opening creates dynamic, tactical positions.

  • Exciting traps: Even solid opponents can fall into sharp pitfalls if they’re careless.

  • Brilliant moves possible: Perfect For a person who loves brilliant moves.

  • Fun factor: It keeps the game lively and far from boring.

What This Taught Me

Chess improvement is about finding the right balance. Yes, it’s important to learn solid openings and understand positional play. But it’s also important to play something you like. If you only play what the books say is “best,” you might lose interest. Playing your favorite opening, even if it isn’t perfect, keeps you motivated and helps you grow in your own style.

So while my favorite opening isn’t the strongest, it’s my favourite. And until I become a 2000 rated player , I’ll keep playing it proudly.