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26 studies · Curated by Bosburp
These are my picks for building a Black repertoire. I love tricky, aggressive positions, but you do not have to play that way. Start by choosing a defence against 1.e4 and 1.d4 that you enjoy, then fill in the gaps against the other systems.
The levels and style descriptions are my personal recommendations, not strict rating cutoffs or engine assessments. A practical blitz weapon is not necessarily what I would choose for a classical game. Pick alternatives that fit together rather than trying to learn everything here.
Original studies belong to their credited creators and open on Lichess.
Advanced study; a defence to explore from late beginner level
For late beginners, I would try both the French and the Caro-Kann, then pick the one you enjoy. I used to play the French and loved it: solid, but with some very aggressive ways to play. This particular study is more advanced and very complete.
Late beginner+
If the full French study feels like too much, start with this simpler option. This is the more aggressive style I would look at first.
Late beginner+
A solid, powerful alternative to the French. One thing I like is being able to develop the light-squared bishop before closing it in. This is my full-repertoire pick.
Late beginner+
Another full guide I would recommend for the Caro-Kann, especially if you want something easy to follow while you get comfortable with the defence.
Intermediate+
For players who love tactical, very aggressive openings, this Scandinavian approach with 2...Nc6 is a fantastic option to explore.
Late intermediate+
Meeting 1.e4 with 1...e5 can be a very good choice, but be ready to study carefully. You are often walking into White's preparation, so I would take the theory seriously. This is my full-guide recommendation.
Intermediate+
My personal favourite for an aggressive Black repertoire. I love how unusual 1...Nc6 is and how tricky it can be to face. This is the one I would try if you enjoy surprising your opponents.
Intermediate
If you want to play the Sicilian, I would look at the Accelerated Dragon first. To me, it is one of the more accessible ways in, with the active play I enjoy.
Intermediate
Another Sicilian I like for intermediate players. The O'Kelly can be a nice surprise if you want to take your opponent somewhere less familiar.
Advanced
For a more classical, traditional Sicilian choice, there is the Najdorf. I would reserve this recommendation for advanced players who genuinely enjoy studying a lot of theory.
Beginner+
The Dutch is my suggestion if you want a broadly usable system against 1.d4. I like the mix of a clear setup and aggressive possibilities, without starting with a huge theoretical workload.
Early intermediate
For a more daring approach against 1.d4 and 2.c4, try the Budapest. I enjoy its aggressive character, although prepared opponents can steer it into more positional lines. At higher levels, I find that takes away some of the fun.
Late intermediate+
The King's Indian is another defence I really like from late intermediate level onwards. This is my first recommendation if you want to explore it.
For an easier route into the King's Indian, I would use this full guide alongside the first recommendation.
Of these King's Indian studies, this is the one I would start with if you want the most beginner-friendly explanation. That does not mean you have to learn a full King's Indian repertoire immediately.
A nice aggressive option against the Queen's Gambit. I like the Albin when I want to give White something tricky to deal with early on.
Intermediate
Not in the mood to let White play a comfortable London setup? This is my intermediate recommendation for meeting it.
Beginner+
For a more beginner-friendly answer to the London, I would start here.
Keep an answer to the Jobava London in your repertoire too. This is the study and chapter I would use for it.
If you really want to avoid a normal London game, this is my offbeat blitz suggestion. It belongs to the Englund family, but it is this particular gambit I am recommending, not the usual Englund lines. I see it as a practical surprise weapon, especially below 2000, not my first choice for classical over-the-board chess or a promise of results.
Advanced
For advanced players ready for a more theoretical repertoire against 1.d4, I would look at this Nimzo-Vienna recommendation.
Very advanced
This is the more demanding recommendation. I would save it for players who want to go deeply into theory and are happy to put in the work.
Intermediate
My recommendation for dealing with the Colle. Add this once you have settled on your main answer to 1.d4.
Intermediate
For an answer to the English, this is the study I would work through.
Intermediate+
My favourite answer to the Bird. The Horsefly is one I would definitely learn if you enjoy the kinds of openings I recommend.
Against the King's Indian Attack, I would go with the Spassky Variation. Start with this chapter.
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