Starting Out 1.e4 e5 by WIM Anna-Maja Kazarian 20 Sep 2024

A Beginner Opening That Can Last You A Lifetime

The vast majority of beginner games start with 1.e4, and you should build a strong foundation with the most natural, principled response. And that’s 1…e5.

Best of all, 1…e5 is a move you can play for your entire chess career, at any level. Beginners and World Champions alike choose the “double king pawn” opening, and for good reason.

In this course, Woman International Master Anna-Maja Kazarian will take you on a move-by-move journey through the opening phase. You’ll learn a real battle plan that follows logical principles, giving you a basic strategy of what to do against every major attempt from White.

The logic & ideas of just about every serious move are explained, so you’ll build a genuine understanding of not just what to play, but why every move is played. Your 1.e4 e5 education is rounded out with some fantastic model games that show how your new opening works in practice.

This coherent repertoire aims to put your pieces on the same squares, giving you additional experience in the same types of structures, no matter what your opponent tries.

The course is split into White’s 4 main opening systems after 1.e4 e5.

The Italian Game

This is often the first opening new players learn, so you’ll see it a lot. WIM Kazarian shows the key ideas and principles, and then shows you how to punish your opponent if they aren’t accurate enough.

You’ll learn where the weak points of your opponent’s position are, and how to hit them

The Spanish/Ruy Lopez

Keeping your openings consistent, you’ll play the Archangel Variation, which allows you to develop your bishop to c5 (just like in the Italian). The positions are similar to the Italian but with some subtle differences, which WIM Kazarian explains in the course.

Learning where your pieces want to go is a huge step towards mastering the opening

The Scotch Game

The Scotch is a tricky, more forcing variation, but you’ll learn some interesting tricks that’ll make your life easier. 5…Qf6 threatens checkmate immediately, allowing you to recapture the knight on the next move.

This useful trick allows you to develop quickly – and might even lead to a quick win!

The Four Knights

Throughout the course, you’ll learn fun tricks and tactics to maximize the pressure on your opponents. Can you see why Black is completely winning here?

Nb3! with check, followed by Bxe3 is devastating for White

Other sidelines are also covered in a separate chapter, so you’ll be well equipped to deal with the King’s Gambit, the Danish Gambit or even the annoying Wayward Queen Attack with 2.Qh5. White won’t be able to catch you off guard, no matter how rare their opening choice is.

Anna-Maja Kazarian is a Women’s International Master from the Netherlands. Her peak FIDE rating is 2320, though she’s very ambitious on her quest for the Women’s Grandmaster title. She streams regularly on Twitch to almost 40,000 followers, often covering her over-the-board events with commentary.