https://www.wiley.com/Chess+Openings+For+Dummies%2C+2nd+Edition-p-9781394344994
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Published:
November 10, 2025

Chess Openings For Dummies

Overview

Set yourself up for success by understanding the art of the chess opening

Chess Openings For Dummies helps beginning and intermediate chess players improve their game by making the first few moves count. With a strong opening, you can dictate the flow of the game, control the center, and keep your king safe. This book shows you how to make tactical early moves that put you on a strong footing for the rest of the game. Chess master James Eade shares his expert knowledge for coming out triumphant in open, semi-open, closed, and semi-closed games. Plus, you'll discover the perks of advancing with flank openings and learn the major mistakes to avoid. Learn the importance of online competitions, computers, and faster-paced chess events and their impact on the game. In language anyone can understand, this Dummies guide helps you gain a strategic advantage in chess.

  • Discover the most effective openings for open and closed games
  • Advance your game with new and advanced opening techniques
  • Learn why certain openings have become more popular—and why you should use them
  • Gain the upper hand in the first few moves and keep opponents on their toes

Looking to improve your chess openings? Chess Openings For Dummies makes it easy.

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About The Author

James Eade became a United States Chess Federation chess master in 1981. International organizations awarded him the master title in 1990 (for correspondence) and in 1993 (for regular tournament play). Today, he writes about and teaches chess.

Carsten Hansen is a FIDE Master (1990) and Trainer (2016) and is one of the most prolific authors of chess books, with more than sixty books to his credit.

Sample Chapters

chess openings for dummies

CHEAT SHEET

Chess openings can be broken down into categories based on their pawn structures and how much mobility the pieces have. Players often prefer a certain category of chess opening because of the type of game it can lead to. Open games lead to a lot of piece movement, while closed games involve a lot of strategic maneuvering.

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Articles from
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Chess openings that occur after the moves 1.d4 d5 often result in closed games. These games emphasize maneuvering because pawn exchanges are delayed. Players who prefer strategic clashes to tactical melees like closed chess games. Opening Name Opening Moves Albin Counter-Gambit 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 d4 Blackmar-Diemer Gambit 1.
Chess openings can be broken down into categories based on their pawn structures and how much mobility the pieces have. Players often prefer a certain category of chess opening because of the type of game it can lead to. Open games lead to a lot of piece movement, while closed games involve a lot of strategic maneuvering.
In chess, the openings for flank games avoid or delay moving either the d-pawn or the e-pawn to the fourth rank. They appeal to chess players who want to play their system regardless of how Black responds. Opening Name Opening Moves Anderssen Opening 1.a3 Barcza System 1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 Bird Opening 1.f4 Dunst Opening 1.
In chess, open games are defined by the moves 1.e4 e5. Many of these chess matches feature open files, ranks, or diagonals that facilitate piece movement. People who enjoy attacking early and often are typically drawn to open games. Opening Name Opening Moves Alapin’s Opening 1.e4 e5 2.Ne2 Bishop’s Opening 1.e4 e5 2.
Semi-open chess games are those in which White plays 1.e4, but Black doesn’t respond with 1.…e5. These chess openings typically result in asymmetrical games where finding the right plan may be difficult. Players who like complications, and mixing it up, often adopt a semi-open defense. Opening Name Opening Moves Alekhine’s Defense 1.
Semi-closed chess games are those in which White plays 1.d4 and Black responds with anything other than 1.…d5. As with semi-open games, these openings can result in asymmetrical positions that can become quite complicated. They appeal to the player who likes to counterattack. Opening Name Opening Moves Benko Gambit 1.
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Frequently Asked Questions

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