Software to help with openings

Can anyone recommend a computer game(software) that could help me learn different openings without having to setup positions manually.

I've done some quick searches but haven't seen any answers for the past few years so perhaps something new has been recently released.

For instance, concentrating on just the Spanish, Black might play moves from that so I could keep playing games until I gradually learn some positions from White's viewpoint. Perhaps even some random variations to make me think more. Perhaps then in Blitz mode. Also being able to play as Black.

I have a book 'Concise Chess Openings' by Neil McDonald that explains what each side is aiming for.  So some software to complement this would be great.

Apart from the the first move or so I don't know a single opening. I've been like this over 50 years and its never really mattered until now when I've more free time and chess seems much more fun again.

If there isn't any such specific software then suggestions on the nearest would still be helpful.

Actually, any advice.

Member Since: Aug 12, 2009

Played 0 games.

Done 14 tactics.

How serious are you?

Thank you for taking the time to reply.

Serious - compared to most members here - not serious - I guess most members make chess a huge part of their lives if not careers so in those terms I'm not classed as serious.

However, to  me, chess is meant to be fun, something to enjoy, more of a hobby.

I was here in 2009 and did have paid membership but sometimes life gets in the way and its only now that I'm partly retired that chess is something I want to learn. Perhaps I might even join the chess club in the nearest town.

For now though, I'd just like the pleasure of learning some openings. Perhaps if I ever do play another person, either online or in person, then they won't feel I've wasted their time.

I am already putting some time into this, but it looks infinite and I need a place to start.

Not sure if it's what you're looking for, but SCID vs PC can use a database to help train openings. Basically it plays responses based on their frequency in the database tree, so more popular responses are played more frequently. This may provide more variety than playing repeatedly against an engine.

If they're any help here are my notes on the method -

USING THE TREE'S TRAINING MODE TO TRAIN OPENINGS
Open a database with games of interest (e.g. a specific opening, or large game collection).
Open the Tree window.
Start a new game.
In the Tree window, click the light bulb icon. This enters Training mode, the moves in the tree window will be replaced by dashes.
Make a move on the game board.
If the move is in the Tree, SCID will respond with a move based on it's frequency in the Tree.
Test your responses against those in the database's Tree (if the move isn't found the Tree window will appear blank).
If you get stuck, click the light bulb icon to reveal the possibilities, then click it again to hide them.

Thank you so much for this - I've installed SKID and its opened up a new world in chess for me.

Your Tree Training Mode instructions are working fine and I found a Spanish game that loaded and lets me play - shows frequencies in the Tree window

Earlier tonight I searched the net and found something called Chess Position Trainer. I watched a few YouTube videos and managed to setup the Spanish before I hit some problems. Tomorrow I'll look at its manual.

Anyhow, SKID with its database, game history and trainer will certainly help me make progress.

I would like to recommend Chessable. www.chessable.com It is a website where you can practice opening interactively, with spaced repitition (sort of like memrise and duolingo, if you're familiar with the language-apps). 

Here you can listen to John Bartholomew talk about the software :https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBq1gsiLRgY

Thank you very much for the Chessable recommendation.

I watched the video and then signed-up  as its just what I'm looking for.

For me, the interactive practice is the easiest way to learn.

Embarassing, I keep calling Scid - Skid, but YouTube corrected me.

Now, I need to organise some routine - just started with a paper notebook and will then make a new YouTube account so all these Scid, CPT and Chessable videos can be kept track of.