Opening Repertoire: Evolution from Beginner to Expert

Hi!

"How much openings should you play?". This is usually a hot topic everybody has their own say. I recently responded to a similar question on a forum (https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/how-many-openings-do-you-actually-use?page=3#comment-104163975). Inspired by that discussion, I decided to delve deeeper into the concept, drawing from my own experience - from beginnner to expert.

In my opinion, the number of openings you play should indeed correlate with your chess level. Or in other words, your opening repertoire should evolve as you advance in your chess journey. I don’t believe you can progress to a higher level without an appropriate command of openings. However, I also caution against devoting excessive time solely to openings. Striking a balance is essential.

The progression I typically recommend to my students is roughly as follows (based on my own, with adaptations according to the player’s style and preferences):

Beginner level: first of all, it is important to know the opening principles (you could check out my post: https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/instructive-games-i-opening-principles)

Then focus on one central opening as White (1. e4 preferred, but 1.d4 is good too) and symmetrical replies as Black (1...e5 vs 1.e4 and 1...d5 vs. 1. d4). See details on my post: https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/openings-for-beginners

Intermediate level: add one or two defenses as Black against 1.e4 and 1.d4, and perhaps go deeper in the 1.e4 (or 1 d4) repertoire as White. For further details you could check out my post: https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/openings-for-intermediates

Advanced level: it is good to explore mainstream hypermodern openings. For instance 1. Nf3 or 1.c4 as White, and 1...Nf6 followed by either 2...e6 or 2...g6 against 1.d4 as Black. And against 1.e4, a variation of the Sicilian that aligns with own playing style could come in handy.

Expert level:  some players may choose to either broaden their repertoires or delve deeper into what they know- it is a matter of personal preference and competitive considerations too. Personally, over the last year or two, I've been expanding my repertoire to include less common hypermodern openings, universal openings sytems and some gambits. You can find more details on the following links:

https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/opening-repertoire-the-nimzowitsch-larsen-attack,

https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/opening-repertoire-the-modern-defense

https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/opening-repertoire-universal-opening-systems

https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/gambits-for-speed-chess

Opening play is a fundamental chess skill that should be developed alongside other essential aspects of the game, such as tactics, strategy, and endgame play.

Good luck!