Study ??

What is the best way to study an opening, OR study blacks response to a particular opening. I am talking about leaning all the main variations, and the theory behind them. Is it study of a games database, working with a chess engine, specialised DVD, You Tube, books ??? there seems so many options. Can anyone offer any advice please ? Thank You.

Like most subjects, if you look to see what has been written previously, here and elsewhere, you will find it easier to get a good answer.  

People have been writing chess instruction for hundreds of years. Much of it is available online. A lot is in your local library or bookstore.

There is no need to reinvent the wheel.

"... In general, working by yourself with a database is probably more helpful than a poor opening book, but a good opening book can open up new vistas that you would probably not discover by yourself. ..." - GM John Nunn (2006)

In the 2006 GM John Nunn book, in connection with opening study, it is stated that, if a "book contains illustrative games, it is worth playing these over first".

"... I feel that the main reasons to buy an opening book are to give a good overview of the opening, and to explain general plans and ideas. ..." - GM John Nunn (2006)

In one of his books about an opening, GM Nigel Davies wrote (2005), "The way I suggest you study this book is to play through the main games once, relatively quickly, and then start playing the variation in actual games. Playing an opening in real games is of vital importance - without this kind of live practice it is impossible to get a 'feel' for the kind of game it leads to. There is time enough later for involvement with the details, after playing your games it is good to look up the line."

Memorize every computer line and you will increase from 900 to 2000 in under 1 month gaurenteed

In the 2006 GM John Nunn book, in connection with opening study, it is stated that, if a "book contains illustrative games, it is worth playing these over first".

"... I feel that the main reasons to buy an opening book are to give a good overview of the opening, and to explain general plans and ideas. ..." - GM John Nunn (2006)

""What is the best way to study an opening, OR study blacks response to a particular opening. I am talking about leaning all the main variations, and the theory behind them. Is it study of a games database, working with a chess engine, specialised DVD, You Tube, books ??? there seems so many options. Can anyone offer any advice please ? Thank You.""

Yes.

All of the above.

The most efficient progression...? Hmmm that might be a better question.

1. Learn the ideas behind different openings and variations

2. Play live games with those openings.

3. Review immediately in a database after to see where you could have improved.

I think this is the best way to learn and most efficient use of your time.

Don't forget learning openings should only be a portion of your study plan.

Rather than others telling you blithely not to study at all... That's silly advice. Everyone study's. Just keep it to those essentials above.

Boo on NO study

no matter how talented (or Not) you are in chess-

you will get MUCH further ahead with study

(and since the average beginner misses SO many tactics- that should be in that list of Essential topics)

otherwise than that I like post #8

I was referencing the progression for how one should study openings, not how someone should progress studying in general. Just to clarify.

The stronger you are the deeper and more concrete should be your study about any opening.. Now figure out by yourself

The way to go is buy a good book about certain opening or get an opening encyclopedia. Having a chessdatabase is mandatory for every chess player

wikipedia articles.