Best Chess Openings for Black: 8 Defenses vs 1.e4 and 1.d4
The best chess openings for Black against 1.e4 and 1.d4 — Sicilian, Caro-Kann, King's Indian and more, with move orders and how to pick your two.
The LocalChess Blog
Guides, tips, and behind-the-scenes notes on chess and the game engine that powers LocalChess.
5 Best Chess Openings for White
Explore the 5 best chess openings for White. From the Ruy Lopez to the Queen's Gambit, find the perfect opening to match your playing style.
How to Read Chess Notation: Algebraic Notation Explained
Learn to read and write algebraic chess notation: piece letters, captures, check, castling, promotion, and PGN — with a full worked example game.
Top 10 Chess Tactics Every Player Should Know
Supercharge your tactical vision! Discover the top 10 chess tactics, from forks and skewers to pins and windmills, and start winning more games.
Chess Board Setup: How to Set Up a Chessboard Correctly
Learn how to set up a chessboard correctly with our step-by-step guide. Master the layout, piece placement, and orientation of the board.
How to Improve Your Chess Endgame: 5 Basic Rules
Struggling to win won games? Learn the 5 essential endgame rules every chess player must know to convert advantages and save tough positions.
The London System: A Solid and Easy-to-Learn Opening for White
Learn the London System, a highly reliable chess opening for White. Get a solid position against any Black defense with easy setups and clear plans.
The Caro-Kann Defense: Solid and Resilient Opening for Black
Looking for a reliable answer to 1.e4? The Caro-Kann Defense is a rock-solid opening giving Black safe development and excellent counterplay.
The French Defense: A Classic Counterattacking Opening
Counterattack from move one with the French Defense! Learn the key ideas, plans, and structures of this hyper-reliable chess opening for Black.
The King's Indian Defense: Hypermodern Opening Guide
Master the King's Indian Defense! Learn the hypermodern strategies, pawn storms, and dynamic attack patterns of this aggressive chess opening for Black.
The Scandinavian Defense: Tricky Opening for Beginners
Simplify your opening study with the Scandinavian Defense. Learn how 1...d5 forces White out of their prep and gives Black a direct, easy-to-play game.
Kasparov vs Deep Blue 1997: The Full Match, Game by Game
Garry Kasparov vs Deep Blue, 1997: Deep Blue won 3.5-2.5. Full game-by-game breakdown, the controversial Move 37, and the Game 6 blunder that ended it.