20 Best Chess Openings for Black

Choosing the best chess openings for Black is a task that every player does at some point. Some decide to experiment with different openings to get a feel for positions, whereas others follow the recommendations of stronger players like their coach or friends.

One thing’s for sure, with the multitude of options available for Black it is not easy to choose the best openings for Black.

In this guide, we will give you an overview of the best openings for Black. Each opening has a Style, Elo Range, and Notable Players.

From this list of chess openings, you can decide what opening you like and make an informed decision.

French Defense

The French Defense is a deceptive opening. It is a prime example of how optical biases can lead a player astray. This makes the French Defense one of the best chess openings for Black.

Black announces his opening intentions with a timid-looking pawn move.

1.e4 e6

The move by black 1..e6 ignores the principle of piece activity as it blocks the light-squared bishop’s diagonal. This is a key strategic aspect of the French Defense

But it is a subtle opening that requires a gentle touch from the player. This is the reason why for many players it takes a long time to master the French Defense. It requires a good opening play by Black to demonstrate the fundamental ideas.

The White player has many optimal strategies to play for. First of all, Black doesn’t challenge the status quo in the center. This gives White the leverage to choose what sort of setup and opening moves they are going for.

This leads to a battle of statics in the mainlines where the player with more knowledge will usually prevail. Some lines like the Winawer variation can lead to sharp, dynamic battles as well.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Solidly block the center with pawns (e6 and d5).
• Develop pieces slowly into squares like f5,c6,b6
• Aim for a kingside pawn break (f6).
• Exchange Sacrifice on f3.

Style: Solid, Positional, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 1200+

Notable Players: Wolfgang Uhlmann, Akiba Rubinstein

Sicilian Defense

Fighting with asymmetry. That’s the founding principle of this dynamic chess defense. Due to this chess strategy, the Sicilian defense has ardent fans from all levels of play. The opening Black moves are:

1.e4 c5

This chess opening for black is all about ideas and more often than not brute force calculation. The first move is a gentle push by Black to claim territory. But this is an aggressive chess opening for black.

You develop pieces to ‘unusual’ positions. But they serve the overarching strategy from those posts.

Concepts like ‘Always move forward to active positions’ often backfire in the Sicilian Defense. It’s not like the concept is bad, but it’s the nature of the opening that demands creative thinking from the player.

The founders of the opening couldn’t have imagined how vast the opening would grow. There are so many variations that it’s difficult to find a player who can name them all!

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Fight for central control with pawns and pieces.
• Kingside Pawn Storm.
• Opposite Side Castling.
• Develop pieces actively, aiming for kingside pressure.
• Piece Sacrifices on d5, b5 and f5

Style: Sharp, Tactical, Complex

Suggested Elo Range: All levels

Notable Players: Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov

Caro Kann Defense

The Caro Kann Defense is another potent chess opening for black that a player can possess. While it may not boast the flashy tactical fireworks of some other openings, the Caro Kann Defense is known to stand its ground and face any assault the White player can throw at it.

This makes it a favorite among many players, from amateur enthusiasts to seasoned grandmasters.

This chess opening starts with the moves

1.e4 c6

In these starting positions rather than rushing to bring out all their pieces in the early stages of the game, black often prioritizes solidifying their pawn structure.

The goal is to control key central squares before committing to specific piece placements.

This patient and methodical approach can frustrate aggressive white players who are looking for immediate tactical opportunities. Therefore it is a good choice for chess opening against aggressive players.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• c5 Pawn Break in the Center.
• d5 square is critical in many lines.
• Fianchetto on g7.
• Play strategically for long-term positional advantages.
• Be flexible and adapt to White’s variations.

Style: Solid, Flexible, Positional

Suggested Elo Range: 1400+

Notable Players: Anatoly Karpov, Vishy Anand

The Slav Defense

The d4 complex is home to many strategically rich openings. The Slav defense exists more out of will than a wish. This is because Black desires to get open lines for the pieces. Although it does come at a cost.

The opening moves are:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6

By playing black pawn to c6, Black wants to keep the diagonal for the c8 bishop open. However, the downside is that the Knight on b8 cannot go to the natural c6 square.

The opening is so diverse that it can lead to mind-numbing complexities or simple symmetrical positions. This makes it one of the best chess defenses for black against 1.d4

It is up to the player, often White, to decide what path they want to take. Whatever White chooses Black is ready to face it. Black’s position is like a rock upon which you can stand steady.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Control the center with pawns (d5 and c6).
• Develop pieces quickly, aiming for a fianchetto on the light squares (b7)
• Queenside Expansion.
• Critical minor piece: Light Square Bishop.

Style: Solid, Strategic, Complex

Suggested Elo Range: 1600+

Notable Players: Tigran Petrosian, Vladimir Kramnik

The Double King’s Pawn Game

For a moment if a person forgets the strategies and openings in chess and relies on pure logic then the Classical King’s Pawn game is what they’ll get.  It is arguably the most famous chess opening move for black.

1.e4 e5

The simple and easy pawn move does many things at once. It gains space and opens the diagonals for the Bishop and Queen. This makes it a simple and good chess opening for Black.

The opening is so grounded in logic and simplicity that it is easier to grasp for players of any level. This is the reason why many coaches start chess opening lessons with the Classical King Pawn’s game.

Moreover, it has been seen on the board for so many decades that it is safe to assume it’s a sound opening.

If a player finds it tough to decide on the opening then they can’t go wrong with the king’s pawn opening.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Gain space and kingside control with kingside pawn pushes. (h6-g5-Ng6)
• Nc6-e7-g6 maneuver is common in many lines.
• Develop pieces actively and create attacking chances.
• Timely d5 break to equalize in the center.
• Play dynamically and be prepared for sharp tactical battles.

Style: Solid, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: All Levels

Notable Players: Magnus Carlsen, Vishy Anand

The Queen’s Gambit Declined

The Queen’s Gambit Declined (QGD) is a timeless chess opening. It has a rich history and many strategic variations. So much so that very few openings for black can hold a handle to it in this regard.

The opening moves are:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6

With two simple pawn moves, Black efficiently achieves some of his opening goals.

The opening is held in such high esteem that more than 90% of the games in the Alekhine Capablanca World Championship match witnessed the QGD. Sure to say, the QGD was a favored chess opening of these legendary players.

In this opening, black gracefully declines the gambit offer. Black chooses to prioritize strengthening their position over illusory material gains.

Such an approach embodies the essence of chess – a delicate balance of offense and defense, aggression and restraint.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Adapt to White’s chosen variation (Exchange, Kingside Fianchetto, etc.).
• Fight for central control with pawns and pieces. – Nf6 to e4 is an equalizing move in many lines.
• c5 pawn break
• Queenside Expansion
• Aim for active piece play and kingside pressure when the center is secure.
• D6 is a strong outpost for the Knight in the Exchange Structure.

Style: Solid, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: All Levels

Notable Players: Alexander Alekhine, Jose Raul Capablanca

Dutch Defense

The Dutch Defense is an opening of boldness and originality in chess. It’s a dynamic opening choice for black players seeking to dictate the flow of the game from the start. The chess opening is named after the country of the Netherlands.

1.d4 f5

When a player sees the Dutch Defense for the first time, he can draw parallels with the Sicilian Defense. Although optically the Dutch Defense is the mirror image of the Sicilian Defense, there are a lot of additional factors involved.

One is that, unlike the Sicilian, The Dutch defense weakens the kingside with f5. Therefore in many lines, White directly attacks this weakness. But Black can play actively to counterbalance those weaknesses.

At the club player level, if a player plays the Dutch Defense it steers the game into uncharted territory.

The Dutch defense offers a wealth of tactical possibilities.  This possibility attracts many aggressive players looking to capitalize on their attacking instincts.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Control the center with f5 and e6/d6.
• Critical Minor Piece: Light Squared Bishop
• Pawn Sacrifice is a common method to gain initiative.
• Play dynamically and create attacking chances on both sides of the board.
• Sharp tactical battles.

Style: Attacking, Tactical

Suggested Elo Range: 1600+

Notable Players: Mikhail Botvinnik, Hikaru Nakamura

The King’s Indian Defense

A classy opening to stay the least, the King’s Indian Defense (KID) is arguably the most aggressive opening that has a huge fanbase. The reasons for this are manifold but to sum it up in two phrases it would be – dynamic counterplay and strategic complexity.

The opening moves are

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7

It’s a bold choice for black players seeking to unbalance the position. KID games are often a constant struggle for initiative and control over the board.

This chess strategy for black is suited for advanced players who know how to handle imbalances well.

Some of the variations in this d4 opening for black are so double-edged that they demand precise calculation and evaluation skills.

With such a high stake opening the rewards are equally good. Against an unsuspecting opponent, you can land a quick knockout blow.

From the classical lines to the hypermodern setups, the King’s Indian Defense offers a wide array of options.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Kingside Expansion (f5-g5-h5)
• c5 is a well-known outpost for the Knight
• Queenside play to stop White’s expansion before focusing on the Kingside.
• Piece Sacrifice to destroy enemy pawn shelter.

Style: Complex, Attacking, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 1800+

Notable Players: Bobby Fischer, Garry Kasparov, Efim Geller

You should also take a look at The Petrosian System Against the King’s Indian.

The Benko Gambit

It takes immense tactical creativity and strategic ingenuity to come up with an opening like the Benko Gambit. In the early days, Grandmaster discounted the opening as inferior until Pal Benko gave life to the opening that made it last to this day.

Even though Black offers a pawn in the opening, it is one of the best chess openings for black as beginners.

The opening moves are

1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5

In the Benko Gambit, black willingly sacrifices a Pawn early in the game to gain dynamic piece activity and seize control of the initiative.

Black gets open lines and clear plans that he can follow. One of the biggest advantages of the Benko gambit is that endgames are often better for Black! considering all else equal.

This is due to the superior pawn structure of Black.

It’s a great strategic opening choice for black players seeking to materially unbalance the position and play a strategic game full of maneuvering.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

Sacrifice a pawn for rapid development and kingside pressure.

• f5 break to break up White’s center.
• Ng4 to e5 maneuver.
• Critical minor piece: Dark Squared Bishop
• c4 pawn sacrifice to vacate the c5 square for the Knight.
• Be prepared to play materially unbalanced positions.

Style: Complex, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 1400+

Notable Players: Pal Benko, Magnus Carlsen

Grunfeld Defense

The Grunfeld Defense is a hypermodern opening strategy at its finest. The Black player feints first by preparing a kingside fianchetto but quickly strikes back in the center with d5.  It is one of the most provocative chess moves for black.

The opening moves are:

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5

For the uninitiated, it might look downright bad to allow such an imposing pawn center.

But that’s where the genius of this d4 opening for Black lies. The phrase ‘Appearances can be deceptive’ is apt for this opening.

It argues that the big pawn center which a player considers to be an asset is not an asset but instead an object of attack. This is not a common chess strategy but a novel invention of Hypermodern thinking.

With precise play, Black can break it down and what’s remaining is a bunch of weaknesses that White has to defend for the rest of the game. It leads to a highly dynamic and complex game.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Control the center with d5 and c5.
• Develop pieces actively, aiming for a kingside fianchetto (g7).
• Critical minor piece: Dark Squared Bishop
• Be prepared for complex and long-term strategic battles.

Style: Complex, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 2000+

Notable Players: Peter Svidler, Garry Kasparov

Pirc Defense

The Pirc Defense, this chess opening name is pronounced as the ‘peerts’. This is one of the best chess openings for black against 1.e4

The opening moves are:

1.e4 d6

The opening pawn moves are optically identical to the KID. But there are significant differences. These differences drive the strategic play in the middle game. One such difference is that White doesn’t include c4. So we have a different pawn center to deal with.

The Black player needs to have patience while building up the position. Unlike the classical king’s pawn opening. Direct logical play will lead to trouble. The player must be ready to engage in a prophylactic and maneuvering battle.

Such opening play often catches club players off guard, and this can lead to quick victories.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Develop pieces harmoniously(Nf6-Nbd7-c5) and aim for long-term positional advantages.
• Control key squares in the center (d5, e4, c4) with pieces.
• Dark square color complex.
• c5 pawn break.
• Be prepared for a positional and maneuvering battle.

Style: Complex, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 1400+

Notable Players: Bobby Fischer, Vladimir Kramnik

The Scandinavian Defense

This opening by black goes against an important opening maxim that you should not expose your queen too early in the fame. However, Black manages to hold on and gets a fight in the middlegame.

The opening moves are:

1.e4 d5

This aggressive counterpunch reminds us of the counterpunching in boxing. The goal is to establish early central control and force White off their usual path.

The Scandinavian defense aims to hold ground and wait for the opportune moment. In some ways, it’s related to the Caro Kann as well.

Some of the structures that arise directly transpose into the Caro Kann structure.

Unlike other openings that prioritize occupying the center directly, the chess moves in Scandinavian aim to create imbalances and exploit weaknesses. By striking back at white’s pawn, black invites White for an open battle where Piece play is supreme. This often leads to quick short battles in different sectors of the board.

The Scandinavian defense with its simple plans and structures is an attractive and good opening option for players of all levels.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Develop pieces quickly and aim for queenside pawn break (c5).
• Maintain central tension and create tactical opportunities.
• Queenside Expansion (a5-a4)
• Kingside Fianchetto
• Exchanges usually help Black.

Style: Unorthodox, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: All Levels

Notable Players: Magnus Carlsen, Sergei Tiviakov

The Nimzo-Indian Defense

One of the most favored and popular opening responses as Black. The Nimzo Indian Defense is an elegant opening with clear-cut ideas. So many Grandmasters play this opening for Black that some even consider it the best black chess opening.

The opening moves are:

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6

The Nimzo Indian has clear ideas that it is an ideal opening for beginners and intermediate players to learn.

Everything is about color complexes and critical squares in this opening. The play revolves around the subsequent color complex that the players go for.

The most critical square in the Nimzo Indian is the e4 square. All chess strategies of this opening stem from this.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• e4 is a critical square.
• d5-c5 breaks are common.
• Dark Square control with d6-e5 structure.
• Doubled pawns on c-file for White.
• Prepare for long manoeuvering battles.
• Piece exchanges are critical.

Style: Strategic, Complex, Positional

Suggested Elo Range: 1400+

Notable Players: Magnus Carlsen

Alekhine Defense

The Alekhine Defense is an audacious opening choice for Black players. Luckily analysis shows that this opening is playable and doesn’t lead to forced losses.

The objective of this defense is to lure White into overextending their central pawn structure while black patiently prepares to strike back.

The opening moves are:

1.e4 Nf6

This seemingly passive approach belies black’s true intentions – to undermine white’s central control and provoke weaknesses that a player can exploit later in the game.

Like other Black openings mentioned above, this chess opening embraces asymmetry and unbalances the position. This leads to dynamic possibilities and double-edged chances for both sides.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• d6 break to clarify central structure.
• Kingside Fianchetto.
• Control and attack key squares in the center (d4, c4) with pieces.
• Piece exchanges are generally favorable for Black.
• Play dynamically and create tactical opportunities.
• Be prepared for complex positional struggles.

Style: Tactical, Counterattacking

Suggested Elo Range: 1600+

Notable Players: Alexander Alekhine, Vladimir Bagirov

The Budapest Gambit

Unlike many chess openings that fixate on central control, the Budapest Gambit throws a curveball with its dynamic and gambit approach. It is one of the most popular chess gambits for Black against 1.d4

The opening moves are:

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e5

In chess, White has the first move so he has the liberty to invest tempi and sacrifice pawns. But for Black to do the same is audacious play. Still, such an approach can give you the desired results. Since when humans play it’s imbalances that decide the game and not any decimal number.

This gambit for Black creates imbalances to play for and the player who is better tactically will come out on top.

Accepting the pawn leads to complex and often unbalanced positions. White cannot decline the pawn as well as it can transpose to different openings, but also allows Black to develop comfortably and exert pressure on White’s center.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Rapid Development of Kingside.
• Queenside expansion
• Maintain attacking pressure
• Tactics on the long diagonal (a3-f8)

Style: Risky, Tactical, Aggressive

Suggested Elo Range: 1400+

Notable Players: Jon Spielmann, Igor Nikolayev

Calabrese Counter Gambit

The Calabrese Counter Gambit is a name that rolls off the tongue with the same swagger as the opening itself.

As for any gambit by Black, this opening is for those who embrace risk and reward.

The opening moves are:

1.e4 e5 2.Bc4 f5

The opening is highly tactical and Black must find some only moves to stay in the game. However that being said, it is not easy for white either.

The majority of the players will not know how to play against the Calabrese Counter. This gives you a chance to come on top of the tactical battle.

That’s the essence of the Calabrese – it throws the traditional opening principles out the window and challenges you to think unconventionally.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Attack down the f-file.
• Domination in Central squares.
• Be prepared for sharp and unbalanced positions.

Style: Risky, Tactical, Aggressive

Suggested Elo Range: 1200+

Benoni Defense

The Benoni is a unique opening option for Black players seeking an asymmetric position in the d4 complex.

The opening moves are:

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 c5

The Benoni wholeheartedly embraces asymmetry. The result is that we see a delayed central combat. This makes it one of the more aggressive chess openings for Black.

But it’s still a famous chess opening with many high-profile players using it. The asymmetric nature of the pawn center means we see dynamic battles. Often it’s a battle of which minor piece is the stronger or who gets to the open file first.

Players should evaluate pawn breaks carefully as they can change the nature of the position.

Intricate strategic maneuvering is also seen in the Benoni. The asymmetric pawn structure requires creative piece positions to get the best out of them.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Ng4 to e5 maneuver.
• a6-b5 Queenside expansion
• b5 pawn sacrifice
• Critical minor piece: Dark Squared Bishop
• Be prepared to play materially unbalanced positions.

Style: Dynamic, Unbalanced, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 1800+

Notable Players: Mikhail Tal, Magnus Carlsen

The Semi-Slav Defense

A variant of the Slav defense it seemingly combines the Slav Defense and the QGD. At first glance, this looks like a super solid way to play the game. But things can quickly sharpen up.

The opening moves are:

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 c6

This interesting approach to the opening relies on knowing when to attack in the center. The opening moves build a strong center that is not easy to break down.

Sometimes flank attacks are also seen when the center is stable for both sides.

It was highly popular in the late 2000s and a go-to chess opening for Black against 1.d4 for many top players.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Queenside expansion (a6-b5-c5)
• E4 is a critical square.
• C5 pawn break.
• Using Queenside pawn majority.

Style: Strategic, Complex

Suggested Elo Range: 1600+

Notable Players: Vladimir Kramnik, Vishy Anand

The Queen’s Gambit Accepted

The opening moves are:

1. d4 d5 2. c4 dxc4

Many beginner players don’t expect Black to capture the pawn on c4. They anticipate the Queen’s Gambit Declined, the safe and sound option.

But the QGA isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about taking the initiative and sacrificing a pawn for rapid development and dynamic changes.

It forces you to think differently. Black hopes to equalize by rapidly developing in exchange for the pawn on c4. Black indeed gives up the center, but he has enough central counterattack to meet it.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• c5 and e5 pawn break.
• Queenside fianchetto
• d5 square is a critical square.
• Tactics along the a8-h1 diagonal.

Style: Strategic, Complex

Suggested Elo Range: 1200+

Notable Players: Vishy Anand, Garry Kasparov

Philidor Defense

The Philidor’s defense is more than just an opening – it’s a philosophy. It’s not the flashiest opening for Black out there, but it is perfect for those who appreciate solidity.

The opening moves are:

1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 d6

It goes against the popular “fight for the center as soon as possible” mantra.

The beauty of the Philidor lies in its deceptiveness. You concede some central space initially, but that’s a calculated risk that Black takes.

You develop your pieces quickly, fianchettoing the dark-squared bishop for long-range pressure.

Common Plans and Strategies in this Opening for Black

• Queenside expansion (a6-b5)
• Setting up b5-c6-d6-e5 structure to maintain central control.
• Nd7-f8-g6 is a common maneuver.
• Kingside expansion with h6-g5

Style: Positional, Strategic

Suggested Elo Range: 1200+

Notable Players: Anatoly Karpov, Aron Nimzowitsch

We also recommend reviewing 10 Reasons to Study Strategy for Club Players.

FAQ

What is the best opening for black?

There is no single best opening for black. It all depends on your preference and style. At the amateur level, you can choose any opening you like and make the most out of it. You can choose any chess opening for Black from the list above and it will score you well.

Is there an opening system for black?

Yes, there are opening systems for Black that you can learn. These opening systems provide safety to the player because they follow a set pattern of development. Such an approach can be good for beginners and casual players.

What is the most aggressive opening for black?

Some of the most aggressive chess openings for Black are opening gambits. Gambits imbalance the position right away and give rise to tactical opportunities. The two aggressive chess openings in this list are the Budapest Gambit and the Calabrese Counter Gambit.

What is the hardest chess opening?

Openings like the Sicilian Defense or the Semi-Slav Defense can be hard to master. This is because of the theory associated with the opening. However, you can find certain lines in the opening that are not so theoretical and hard to play.

What opening does Magnus Carlsen use for black?

Magnus Carlsen is a former World Champion and he can play all the openings. In his career, he has played all the opening moves for Black either offline or online. This shows that he is a universal and versatile player, which makes him hard to beat in the opening phase.