PLaying the same opening every game

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Evenflow322

I was wondering if playing the same opening every game is bad , I usually play queen's Gambit exclusive for (White) and The French for (Black), I'm only a 1200ish player,  is it better to just stick with what you know and try to get really good with it, or play different openings depending on what your opponent plays?

BlizzardLizzard

If you keep playing the same opening and others find out about it, like say frequent opponents, you're going to end up losing more games because they will be prepared for what you will no doubt play. It also has a tendency to adversely affect your growth as a player. There isn't anything wrong with having favorite openings that you play more than others especially in the beginning of your chess career but as you play more you should probably expand your opening arsenal. 

lostpawn247

I suggest sticking with the same opening to increase your understanding of what you play. This will ensure that you have positions that you are familiar with and make it easier to avoid time pressure. The reasons why I'd switch things up are if I want to have fun experimenting with something new, or I'm making a targeted opening choice for a specific opponent. As you get stronger, it could be helpful to have some variety to what you play to become less predictable and be able to play multiple types of positions well. I would either try and have 1 alternative to your pet openings or have multiple variations that you play within your pet opening.

MiyanneDella

How about researching your pet openings, see how masters play them and why they play it that way? I'm sure that will lead to new levels of appreciation for your favourites

kindaspongey
jtucker521 wrote:

... I'm only a 1200ish player,  is it better to just stick with what you know and try to get really good with it, or play different openings depending on what your opponent plays?

A 1200 player probably has many weaknesses. An expanded opening repertoire might be a plus, but it might be a negative if you find yourself neglecting other aspects of your game.