I am going to base tomorrow's chess lesson at my chess club on this great video

Play Against the King's Indian Defense - GM Varuzhan Akobian - 2013.02.27


Click here for a link to the game.

This is my suggested method for studying openings:

1.  Don't play into your opponent's book.  It is better to play something a little unusual than to feel like a deer in the headlights not knowing what to do.  Don't worry if the line you play is the absolute best.  Not even Magnus Carlsen likes to play the absolute best lines.  He is just trying to get to a playable middlegame where he can find a plan.

2.  If you just learn a line from a general opening book then this won't tell you how to play the middle game.

3.  Don't rely too much on computer analysis because that won't tell you how to play the middle game either.

4.  Instead find a chess game that is well explained.  It turns out that youtube is a good source.  There are probably other sources on the internet or books.

5.  Memorize this game.

6.  I also recommend practicing the line from both sides with a friend for at least a month if you can find someone willing to do that.  Maybe play the line up to move 10 or 12.  Don't be afraid to try different ideas.

7.  The first time you play the line against someone who is experienced in the opening, they will play something you don't expect.  First try to see if there is a way you can take advantage of them playing something different.   Then after the game, it is a good time to go the computer or database to see if you can improve upon what you played in the game.  If you repeat this process a few times then you will get better at this opening.  

Also see if you can find games with the moves that your opponent played.  Maybe try to find a game with strong players where your side won, but if there is no commentary then annotate the game yourself with the help of a computer.  It might also help you to show the game to other people.  With this new game, start the process over again.

​Best wishes, 

John​