The Most Popular Chess Openings of 2023

🏆The Bone Cloud opening, popularized by Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen, is one of the most played and considered the worst opening.

🎯The Grub Attack, known for its trap, has been played over 300,000 times and requires careful execution to benefit from the opponent's mistake.

📜The Nimo-Larson Attack, also called 1.B3, is a less popular opening but often mocked by chess players due to its dubious nature.

♕The English Opening, characterized by the move 1.C4, has been played over 32 million times and is favored by players like Anish Giri and Adhiban Baskaran.

🏰The Radi Opening, named after Richard Reti, has been played over 34 million times and offers diverse gameplay options.

What is the Bone Cloud opening?

—The Bone Cloud is a chess opening that starts with the moves 1.e4 e5 2.Ke2 Ke7. It is considered one of the worst openings due to its dubious nature.

What is the trap in the Grub Attack opening?

—The trap in the Grub Attack opening occurs after 1.g4 d5 2.Bg2 Bxg4 3.c4. If black captures the pawn on c4, white can gain an advantage by playing 3...Qd5 4.Qb3 Qxg2 5.Qb7+.

Why is the Nimo-Larson opening sometimes mocked?

—The Nimo-Larson Attack, also known as 1.B3, is often mocked by chess players due to its dubious nature and lack of strong theoretical foundation. However, it can still lead to interesting gameplay.

Who are some notable players of the English Opening?

—The English Opening, characterized by the move 1.C4, is favored by players like Anish Giri and Adhiban Baskaran. They have showcased innovative ideas and strategies in this opening.

What makes the Radi Opening special?

—The Radi Opening, named after Richard Reti, offers diverse gameplay options and has been played over 34 million times. It allows for creative and strategic play, making it a favorite among chess enthusiasts.

00:00In this video, Gaspar and Kaya explore the most popular chess openings of 2023.

00:45The Bone Cloud opening, popularized by Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen, is one of the most played openings but considered the worst.

01:40The Grub Attack, known for its trap, has been played over 300,000 times and requires careful execution to benefit from the opponent's mistake.

03:35The Nimo-Larson Attack, also called 1.B3, is a less popular opening but often mocked by chess players due to its dubious nature.

05:51The English Opening, characterized by the move 1.C4, has been played over 32 million times and is favored by players like Anish Giri and Adhiban Baskaran.

06:46The Radi Opening, named after Richard Reti, has been played over 34 million times and offers diverse gameplay options.