Start with the sample size
A high win rate from a handful of games is weak evidence. Check the game count before comparing results.
Make a move on the board to see what players chose next, how often each move appeared, and how those games ended. Switch to the opening tree to follow several lines at once.
Opening statistics show what happened in past games. They do not tell you whether a move is objectively best.
How the chess opening tree works
The opening tree lays out the most played moves from the starting position, or from a position you load, as branches. It uses the same games and filters as the move list, so you can build it from master games or from players near your rating.
Only moves people actually play
Each position lists the moves chosen in at least 1% of its games, up to eight, most played first. The move on the board always stays listed, even when it is rare.
Your line opens by itself
The line on the board stays expanded. Open other moves to compare sidelines, and select any move to show its position on the board. A copied link reopens the same line in the tree.
Shares, results, and names
Each move shows its share of the games, a result bar for White, draws, and Black, the number of games, and the opening it reaches when Lichess names one.
How to read the explorer
Use players like you
Online-game filters show moves you are likely to face. Master games are better for studying established theory.
Follow the position
The explorer groups games by the current board position, so transpositions can lead back to the same statistics.
An explorer is not an engine
An engine evaluates move quality. An opening explorer reports what people played. Use the explorer to find practical branches, then use a guide or trainer to understand and remember them.
Try another free chess tool
Opening Quiz
Answer five questions to find which openings to play with White and Black.
Open tool →Opening Trainer
Play an opening line with coach notes, then replay it from memory for a score.
Open tool →Chess Traps Trainer
Practice 32 opening traps for White and Black until you can play them from memory.
Open tool →Chess Openings List
Search every named opening by name, ECO code, or moves, then step through its line.
Open tool →PGN Viewer & Opening Identifier
Replay a PGN on the board and identify its opening.
Open tool →PGN to GIF
Turn a chess game into a downloadable animated board.
Open tool →Chess Clock
Time over-the-board games with presets, increment, delay, and time odds.
Open tool →Board Editor
Set up any position, check that it is legal, then copy its FEN or save an image.
Open tool →Coordinates Trainer
Learn every square name by finding or naming squares against a 30-second timer.
Open tool →Rating Calculator
Enter your game results to see your new FIDE, US Chess, or Elo rating.
Open tool →