Italian Game as white C50
Classic open game starting 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 — fast development and quick king safety.
Ruy Lopez (Spanish) as white C60
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 — pressures the c6 knight defending e5; deep strategic main lines.
Queen's Gambit as white D06
1.d4 d5 2.c4 — challenges the d5 pawn to fight for central control.
London System as white D02
1.d4 followed by Nf3, Bf4, e3, c3 — a solid system you can play vs almost anything.
English Opening as white A10
1.c4 — flank opening, often transposes to many structures.
King's Indian Attack as white A07
1.Nf3 followed by g3, Bg2, O-O, d3, Nbd2, e4 — a flexible system for white.
Sicilian Defense as black B20
1.e4 c5 — the most popular reply to e4. Asymmetrical play, fights for the center indirectly.
French Defense as black C00
1.e4 e6 — solid, often leads to closed positions with chain pawns.
Caro-Kann Defense as black B10
1.e4 c6 — solid and resilient, prepares ...d5 with a strong pawn structure.
King's Indian Defense as black E60
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 — hypermodern: cede the center early, then strike back.
Nimzo-Indian Defense as black E20
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4 — pin the c3 knight; deeply strategic lines.
Scandinavian Defense as black B01
1.e4 d5 — direct challenge to the e4 pawn from move 1.