Chess openings you can train.

The Sicilian (1.e4 c5) is the most popular fighting answer to 1.e4 at every level, and the opening where memorized fragments fail fastest. Chessmate covers it from both sides of the board: a White anti-Sicilian system, Black setups against the Alapin, and theory for the Najdorf, the Dragon, 2...e6 systems, and the Rossolimo and Moscow bishop checks.

The French Defense (1.e4 e6) gives Black a solid structure and clear pawn-chain plans. These Black courses cover every major White try: the Exchange, the Advance, the Tarrasch, and the critical 3.Nc3 main lines.

The Italian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4) is the most common open game in online chess. It is easy to reach and easy to misplay. Chessmate teaches it from both colors: White's main plans, White theory for the Two Knights and Italian Four Knights, and a Black repertoire for meeting the Two Knights with confidence.

The Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5) has been the main battleground of open games for over a century, and White players tend to know it well. These Black courses give you dependable theory against it: the Berlin, the Closed main lines, the Marshall Attack, and the tricky sidelines White uses to dodge all of that.

The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4) is White's most classical bid for a lasting opening advantage: the c-pawn challenges Black's grip on the center from move two. Chessmate's courses build a White repertoire against both main replies: capturing on c4 in the Accepted, and holding the center with 2...e6 in the Declined.

Alekhine's Defense (1.e4 Nf6) invites White's pawns forward so Black can undermine them later. This Black course teaches when the pawn chase is wrong and how to prove it.

The Benko Gambit (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5) trades a pawn for long-term queenside pressure that lasts deep into the endgame. This Black course covers the accepted main lines and White's declining tries.

The Benoni (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6) creates an unbalanced pawn structure where Black plays for active piece play against White's center. This Black course teaches the Modern Benoni plans and the move orders that make them work.

The Caro-Kann (1.e4 c6) is the solid classical answer to 1.e4: Black supports ...d5 while keeping the light-squared bishop free. The course gives you a dependable Black repertoire built on sound structure and manageable theory.

The Four Knights (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6) looks quiet but hides real theory, from the Spanish Four Knights to the aggressive Italian setups. This Black course covers the lines that actually appear in online play.

The Petroff (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6) neutralizes White's initiative by counterattacking the e-pawn immediately. The course teaches the key equalizing lines and the traps White hopes you don't know.

The Queen's Indian (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6) is Black's flexible answer when White avoids the Nimzo-Indian: pieces control e4 while the pawn structure stays fluid. This Black course covers the main fianchetto and 4.a3 battlegrounds.

The Scotch (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4) opens the center early and forces Black to know concrete theory from move three. This Black course gives you a reliable path through the main lines and the gambit tries.

The Vienna (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3) delays Nf3 to keep f2-f4 ideas on the board, and unprepared Black players walk into its gambits constantly. This Black course teaches the antidotes, including against the related Bishop's Opening move orders.