I think theory is more important to learn than openings. Without a good understanding of positional theory openings are just rote-learning, and as soon as your opponent plays a move you haven't studied you're in trouble.
Basics first, openings later.
But I've just looked at your rating - you're no beginner! In that case, your question seems a little strange. How can you get a 1924 rating without a good understanding of theory?
because i have learned some openings without understanding and my question is for all player which have made this same mistake.
It depends to some degree on the opening.
If it's a sharp line where the best moves are critical then some learning by rote is essential, as general ideas and themes won't do.
In a more strategic opening, the variations don't matter so much and learning the themes is better.
With all openings though, it does make sense to analyse the typical pawn structures to decide where you should play in the middlegame. Also to see what pieces you should keep on the board. You can also study some typical plans and tactics.
It is also a good idea to look at endings that can arise out of your opening - it gives a better idea of the 'bigger picture'.
thanks for your good answer, but i think that a study of openings is not good for beginner and the question is : when or at what the level player is implicated by the study of openings? i think is after 2000elo.
In my experience the best way to really understand openings is to go over Grandmaster games (especially annotated ones) in the lines you typically play and compare the opening ideas you had in your own games to the ones employed by the GM. Looking at many games can also make your own play more creative since you see different ways to handle the positions you usually play.
If you really want to learn an opening it is a good idea to go over the games in chronological order. This way you can see clearly the novelties arising and their justification / refutation. This is the way I usually try to learn openings. You might want to pick up chess books too since they offer clear explanations of common opening ideas.
Going over complete games is probably more useful than opening theory. The Novice will get a broader understanding of all the elements. "Logical Chess: move by move" by Irving Chernev is highly recommened.
However, it is worth learning some theory. For instance, if you play 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 as Black, then it is very worthwhile taking a look at what to do against 4.Ng5 as if left to your own devices things could go very pear shaped.
But in general I would say that (with exception of these critical lines) that Novices would improve a lot more from studying other areas of the game.
You will know when you need to study openings more seriously because you will start being constantly outplayed in the openings by stronger players. When most of your middlegames are bad, or lost for you, when entering the middlegame then its time to work more seriously on openings. Remember that the only goal in the opening is to reach a playable middlegame ! If you are not doing so then its time to work on eliminating the problems .
thanks everybody for your comments, it's very interesting.
In conclusion, i'll say for all beginner: study progressively (play and think about position and problematic), and learn more about the ideas of openings!
I think theory is more important to learn than openings. Without a good understanding of positional theory openings are just rote-learning, and as soon as your opponent plays a move you haven't studied you're in trouble.
Basics first, openings later.
But I've just looked at your rating - you're no beginner! In that case, your question seems a little strange. How can you get a 1924 rating without a good understanding of theory?
Yes you are right. could you give me the moves for ruy lopez opening????????
I am interested by the openings but i think it's not very efficient to learn without comprehension also it's difficult to make a good comprehension, what do you think about this and what's a good method? and how find the idea of opennings by himself ?