Q&A for How to Win Chess Openings: Playing Black

Statistically speaking, white is a better color because you get to move first, so you'll have an advantage after 10-15 moves. However, I actually prefer black, because you have the advantage of seeing your opponent's strategy before you move.

One of the best lines for Sicilian Defense is called the Najdorf, and it's often used by higher-rated players because it hasn't been defeated. The Sicilian Taimanov is another good one. However, I wouldn't recommend these lines to a beginner because they're highly complicated. If you're just getting started, it's best to play a line that doesn't require so many variations, because it's easy to get overwhelmed when it's all combined.

There are over 100 different openings in chess, but you don't have to memorize them all. To have a good repertoire, you should probably know about 15-20 openings, and those should include both black and white. However, it's also really important to know a proper response to each of the openings. That way, if your opponent opens with e5, Sicilian, Ilya Kan, or French, you'll know what to do.

You just have to learn the best responses to each opening move. It all comes from experience and practice, there isn't an easy shortcut to chess.

I play the French currently and have reached 1900. I think it's a very solid opening. For a more aggressive double-edged opening, choose the Sicilian.

No, there are many openings and moves in chess. I personally love the Queen's Gambit Declined and Accepted as you gain control to the center and are able to demolish the Rook and outside pieces.

Yes, it is okay. You need practice with the opening because it's a tough one!

No. The queen starts on a square of her own color. (The queen wears the crown; the king wears the cross.)

The Sicilian defense is a response to the standard opening where you begin by moving the king's bishop pawn out two to deny the King's pawn access to the central 4 squares. It controls the center by threatening those squares from afar.

"Queen to her color": the white queen starts on a white square; the black queen starts on a dark square.

It's more of a reactionary move. If an opposing pawn moves two spaces forwards while your pawn is in position to go behind their pawn diagonally, you can execute en passante.

Yes, check out wikiHow to Perform a Fool's Mate in Chess for info.

It depends on the situation, as it can help you get your king to safety and get your rook active, but it's risky. Doing it at the wrong time can lead to defeat.

Overall, the best choice is going to come down to your playing style and how good your opponent is at attacking pieces. I would try both and see which one is more suited to you.

Personally, I think it's better to attack first to keep your opponent on their toes and questioning what you're about to do. It really depends on your playing style though. Some people prefer to be cautious and stick to defense.

Not going to happen. It would take a year of significant study to have a chance to beat an average tournament player over the board.

That will be an opening too. You can refer your preferring a move at that time. Mostly, use can use the most common app, chess.com to play and improve your chess knowledge. They will be teaching you every opening.

Yes, it can provide a higher chance. But only if you think well and play well. You know, if you can't play well, then it is no use trying to win merely through using different openings.

Whatever opening you play, you can get checkmated if you didn't play well.

No, because neither king can get close enough to the other king in order to capture it. (In other words, it is illegal for a king to move into a square right next to the other king, since that would be placing the first king in check.)

The King’s Indian Defense is a chess opening for black that can be played when your opponent begins starts with d4, the Queen’s pawn opening. The main idea for black is to let white gain initial space in the center while black develops minor pieces to attack the center later.

Chess players are rated based by their skill performance and by how much they play. In tournaments, players are assigned to a board number (with board 1 being the best player, board 2 the second best, etc.. The games have time control and you must write down your moves and your opponent's moves.

Then black gains space. Which is bad for white, so white needs to defend the pawn.

You could go for the Slav Defense (Queen Gambit is common). It is better than e6 because white can trade a wing pawn for your central e-pawn.

d5 is the best move. Moving either knight is also good. 1 Nc3 can transpose to other openings pretty easily, so pick a move that you can transpose to an opening you're comfortable with.

Any player can be beaten, depending on conditions. For example, they may be tired or distracted. However, b4 is a very unusual move, as players are usually trying to develop their defense/attack in the center of the board.