How do I study openings?

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Avatar of c1note12

I have been scouring YouTube lately for some chess openings. The 1 thing just about everyone who makes those videos tells you, is that, when you encounter a weird move, you should study that on the computer with an engine (after the game obviously). There is just one problem with this: I have no idea how to use the information I get from looking at those openings. I also don’t know what my opponent would most likely play. The engine does tell me what all the good moves are, but seeing as to how I’m low elo, that’s probably not gonna be played. So if you have any advice on how to study weird opening moves, it would be much appreciated

Avatar of Number_1_Grandpa

The way I approach this, is I follow my opening if it's sound to do so. If my opponent pops off an odd move I check to see if it creates any immediate threats or something that will threaten me 2-3 moves down the line.

If no, I continue with my opening.

If Yes, I deal with the threat the best I can either by trying to block the move, pin or make a counter threat, depending on the situation.

 

Don't worry too much, the more you play, the more experience you will get, stick to your opening until you know it like the back of your hand, that in combination with experiencing what others do against it will make you strong in the long run.

Avatar of Jalex13
c1note12 wrote:

I have been scouring YouTube lately for some chess openings. The 1 thing just about everyone who makes those videos tells you, is that, when you encounter a weird move, you should study that on the computer with an engine (after the game obviously). There is just one problem with this: I have no idea how to use the information I get from looking at those openings. I also don’t know what my opponent would most likely play. The engine does tell me what all the good moves are, but seeing as to how I’m low elo, that’s probably not gonna be played. So if you have any advice on how to study weird opening moves, it would be much appreciated

You haven’t played any games here yet. Nonetheless, if this is a serious question that you’re asking, you don’t need to study openings in the method of memorizing all the possible variations and outcomes of your play. Learn the basic opening principles and they will guide you suitably until you reach a rating where you are fundamentally familiar and comfortable with them (and other game strategy). For me, this was around 1400-1500. Maybe it’s different for you.