How to create winning openings !
HOW TO CREATE WINNING OPENINGS !
Hello all
In this blog entry, I will go about my experience about creating a nice opening repertoire and studying efficiently. You can do it to!
I am a titled player, specifically a Candidate Master (CM). You can find the exact definition here (https://www.chess.com/terms/candidate-master-chess)
My rating in blitz online is around 2600, and 2500+ for bullet. My online profile is here
https://www.chess.com/member/newchesscorner64
Due to changes in chesscom policy, I created this new account months ago. I will also use games from my former account https://www.chess.com/member/thechesscorner64
I am happy to report that I wasn’t able to break the 2600 blitz level with my former account but managed to do so now.
Tactics are important, positional chess matters, but also endgames and openings. When playing strong players and titled players, it is important to refine every part of the game because the game will be decided in a fraction of a second, or by a small nuance somewhere. The threshold between victory and loss is very thin !
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Openings with Black
- Opening with White
- Role Model, Model Games
- Practice
Openings with Black
When I play online , I play for the win regardless of the color. Its not like a closed tournament or a world championship. I play for the win like in a swiss open.
If I have to settle for a draw after a fight, so be it, but I will seize any chance to over take my opponent. Even if he is a GM.
I like to play the Sicilian against 1.e4
I like to play the Nimzo Indian against 1.d4
I like to play 1c4 e5 with Black against the English
I am looking for imbalances. I want a fight and sharp positions. This is why I won’t play 1e4 e5 and 1d4 d5. Magnus Carlsen plays 1..e5 against 1.e4. This fits his style. I like to play the Sicilian and many strong GMs do.
Openings with White
I play 1.e4
This enables me to play for a win and brings me many choices against the French, the Sicilian, 1e4 e5.
But I make sure to find surprises and leave the main lines at some point. I won’t study until move 25.
Want an example ? Lets see 1e4 e5
What are my stats here in the Italian ?
The statistics speak for themselves. (how did I dare write this ? don't take it seriously, I am just saying I consistently score much above 50%, I don't pretend I will be ever be world champion either unlike Hans...)
What about the Pirc Defense ?
Not too many players play 4 h3. I don't like when Black plays Bg4 and then Bxf3.
Another example is how to tackle the Scandinavian.
while 4.d4 is the approved "theoretical move" , I also played the rare 4a3!?. Guess what , my stats with that move are 80% on 5 games.
Model Games and Players
We have lots of games to pick from. The following is a strong blitz event held weekly here
Who are the leaders in this weekly tournament ?
So it is logical to look at @Hikaru ‘s games
How does he play against 1e4 c5 2 Nc3 with Black ?
What a brilliant way to play and win !
And what kind of games inspire me to play the Nimzo ?
what about @Firouzja2003 ?
Let's see how he plays this opening from the Black side
Practice
Then you need to analyze variations and prepare the opening phase. You can use books and videos. I use a database program, store games and prepare a repertoire. I do also leverage Stockfish 17, reach out to me if you dont' know how to install it on your PC.
And then I practice these openings and try to get better at it.
In a next blog, I can showcase my favorite games with White and Black.
Italian with White
Sicilian with Black
Nimzo with Black
