Openings
A reference library of the great openings. Play each main line by hand while the Trainer explains the plans and ideas behind every move.
Opening ExplorerFree playRoam the whole book — move both sides and see every known continuation, ranked by real Lichess masters popularity.Closed Games
- London SystemD02A solid, reusable setup for White — bring the bishop out to f4 *before* e3, build the c3–d4–e3 triangle, and play it against almost anything.
- Slav DefenseD19The Classical main line — answer the Queen's Gambit by supporting …d5 with …c6, so the light-squared bishop gets out to f5 before …e6 can lock it in. Played from Black.
- Queen's Gambit DeclinedD37Hold the centre with a rock-solid pawn chain and develop behind it. Played from Black.
Indian Defences
Open Games
- Scotch GameC45The Classical Variation — meet 1.e4 e5 with an early d4, opening the centre for fast, active piece play.
- Italian GameC54The Giuoco Pianissimo main line — the *very quiet game*: develop the classic c4-bishop, then build slowly with c3 and d3 before breaking in the centre with a well-timed d4.
- Ruy LópezC84The Spanish — pressure the knight that guards e5, then build a big, slow centre.
Semi-Open Games
- Caro-Kann DefenseB18Challenge e4 with a solid pawn and a good bishop — the Classical line. Played from Black.
- Open SicilianB90Meet the Sicilian head-on: trade a flank pawn for the centre and reach the Najdorf.
- French DefenseC18Concede space, then strike back at the centre — the sharp Winawer. Played from Black.