Opening Recommender Quiz
Not sure which openings to study? This quiz asks about your preferences - do you like open or closed positions? Are you aggressive or patient? Do you prefer memorisation or understanding? Based on your answers, you get personalised recommendations for both White and Black, with links to learn each opening in depth.
Professor Archer says: Choosing an opening is one of the most personal decisions in chess. I have seen students struggle for months with openings that did not fit their temperament, then flourish overnight when they switched to something that felt natural. This quiz helps you find that fit. But remember - any opening played with understanding is better than the "best" opening played without it.
Features
- 8 style-preference questions
- Top 3 opening recommendations for White
- Top 3 opening recommendations for Black
- Links to full opening guides for each recommendation
- Explanation of why each opening suits your style
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the opening recommender work?
The quiz asks about your preferences across several dimensions: tactical vs positional play, risk tolerance, preference for open vs closed positions, how much theory you want to study, and whether you prefer aggressive or solid setups. Your answers are scored against a matrix of opening characteristics to find the best matches.
Should beginners worry about choosing openings?
At the beginner level, understanding general opening principles matters more than specific opening choices. However, having a few openings you enjoy playing gives your study direction and makes the learning process more engaging. Start with one opening for White and one for Black, and expand from there as you improve.
Can I play openings that do not match my personality?
Absolutely. Many strong players deliberately play openings outside their comfort zone to develop new skills. If you are naturally tactical, studying a positional opening can round out your game. The recommendations are starting points, not limitations.