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What are the most popular chess openings?

Based on games played at all levels, the most popular openings are:

For White (1.e4):

  • Ruy Lopez - The most analyzed opening in chess history

  • Italian Game - Classic development, popular at all levels

  • Sicilian (Open) - When White plays 2.Nf3 and 3.d4

    For White (1.d4):

  • Queen's Gambit - Solid, strategic, used by world champions

  • London System - Low theory, consistent setup

  • Catalan - Positional squeeze with fianchettoed bishop

    For Black vs 1.e4:

  • Sicilian Defense - Fighting, asymmetrical positions

  • French Defense - Solid, strategic counterplay

  • Caro-Kann - Reliable, leads to stable positions

    For Black vs 1.d4:

  • King's Indian Defense - Dynamic, attacking chances

  • Nimzo-Indian - Flexible, strong central control

  • Queen's Gambit Declined - Classical, solid defense

    Popularity shifts over time based on fashion and theoretical developments.

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