Preparing for a specific opponent
In short
Before an important game, look up the opponent’s games (online platforms and databases). Note which openings they play, how often, and how they score.
By the end you can
- Find an opponent’s repertoire from game databases
- Prepare a practical line within a few hours
The lesson
Before an important game, look up the opponent’s games (online platforms and databases). Note which openings they play, how often, and how they score. Choose a line from your repertoire that leads to positions they dislike or handle badly.
Prepare practically: the main line plus the most likely deviations, with an understanding of the resulting plans. Fresh knowledge you understand is worth more than deep lines you will forget at the board.
Key points to remember
- Collect the opponent’s games
- Find their habits and weak structures
- Prepare main line + likely deviations
- Understanding beats memory
Examples
Homework
Before your next tournament, prepare a one-page file for one likely opponent.
More openings lessons
- Three golden opening rules (Novice)
- Scholar’s mate and how to stop it (Novice)
- Italian Game: plans, not just moves (Class F)
- Answering 1.d4: the Queen’s Gambit Declined (Class F)
- Meeting the Sicilian with 2.c3 (Class E)
- From moves to structures (Class D)