Open Sicilian
Use Nf3 and d4 to trade a wing pawn for Black's central c-pawn and enter highly dynamic open positions.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 followed by d4
Alapin Sicilian
Use c3 and d4 to build a strong center while reducing the amount of major Sicilian theory you must know.
1.e4 c5 2.c3
Closed Sicilian and Grand Prix
Keep the center closed, develop Nc3, and learn when f4 creates a kingside attack versus when central play is required.
1.e4 c5 2.Nc3
French Advance
Gain space with e5, attack the pawn chain with c3/d4 support, and understand Black's counterplay with ...c5 and ...f6.
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5
French Tarrasch
Use 3.Nd2 to support e4 and reduce some Winawer complexity while learning how the center transforms after ...c5 or ...Nf6.
1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nd2
Caro-Kann Advance
Use e5 space while respecting Black's active light bishop and preparing central or kingside expansion.
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.e5
Panov Attack
Create an isolated-queen-pawn structure with c4 and learn active piece play, open files and dynamic compensation.
1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.exd5 cxd5 4.c4
Pirc and Modern: Build the Center
Use e4-d4-Nc3 and decide whether to play f4, Nf3 or a quieter setup based on Black's delayed central attack.
1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6 3.Nc3
Playing Against the Scandinavian
Use the gain of tempo on Black's queen to develop while preserving a healthy center and avoiding premature queen hunting.
1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3
Playing Against Alekhine
Build a center only as large as you can defend, then use development to make Black's knight moves expensive.
1.e4 Nf6 2.e5