Expert: Wuyanbu Zutali - 10/8/2011

Question
Hi, i am an intermediate level player i always play openings by following the basic principles like control the center,develop pieces quickly before attack etc etc......but i never play openings in order like the strong players do.I always go out of book by about 5th move....so i want to know what is the best way to learn new openings in chess?.....should we just memorize the main lines or just know the ideal setup of pieces and basic ideas of the openings......what's the best way to train and learn openings in chess so that i can play properly?

Answer
This is a very good question!

Grandmaster Ruben Fine once said that the purpose of the openings is to get to a playable middle game.
What he says in principle is very true. However, in modern chess, the openings are analyzed in great detail.
I would say you need to memorized and study some aspects of the opening but keep in mind what Fine said.
You have to develop your pieces and you still have to control the center. Some GM's have limited openings while others play anything and everything. It  depends upon your style and time you have to study. However, as an intermediate player (under 1500) I suggest you learn one or two openings from both sides of the board and once you get more advance (1800) maybe experiment with other openings. Bobby Fischer was a King pawn Ruy Lopez and Sicilian player until he played Boris Spassky for the world title.
Then he switched up on him with different openings as a surprise.

I hope this helps.