In today's article we will take a look at the 14 most important chess openings that chess players of all levels must know how to play. Many of the examples discussed here were used by the strongest players or the past and present to win world championship matches and 22nd category tournaments. That doesn't mean however that you have to be Kasparov to play the Queen's Gambit, or Kramnik to play the Catalan. By following through the examples you will be able to play these openings well, regardless of your current level.

Dutch defense is a great attacking opening choice where black prepares king's side attack from move one. In order to avoid complication in the center black usually locks it up early in the game. Dutch was never a super popular opening especially on the top level. Nevertheless, many strong players including Alexander Alekhine, Bent Larsen and Paul Morphy used this opening with a great success. Currently, Hikaru Nakamura is the only top-10 player that uses Dutch on regular basis. If you are a club player, looking for a new active opening choice, the Dutch may be exactly what you need.

Many chess players get in trouble in the openings because they are not familiar with general opening principles. These players may know the opening lines that they usually play, but if something goes differently they get confused and in danger to get inferior position and even lose the game. The goal of this article is to remind you of these seven very important opening principles that every chess player must know.