Openings MYTH #1: "The Early Deviation"

Most chess players have several misconceptions about opening preparation.

It's not too hard to understand why. When we hear about Grandmasters with photographic memories playing 30 moves from memory, "opening theory" can feel out of reach for most players to grasp. It's easier to believe that it "doesn't apply" to us and it's "best left for Masters"

So, let's begin exploring these myths that are holding you back!

Here's one I heard recently:

"I prepared 14 moves of the Marshall Attack (Ruy Lopez) with white and was really excited to use it in a game. Then, after I played 1. e4 in my next chess game, my opponent played 1...a6 and I realized all my preparation was for nothing. This sucks. Just goes to show you that opening preparation doesn't work at my level"

A compelling argument at first glance, perhaps. But this is an absurd outlook to have!

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Let's assume that you get to play your "14 moves of theory" in the Marshall. Now you're on your own on move 15, and you probably have a slight advantage. Great.

Or, your opponent plays 1...a6. Now you're on your own as well, and you have more than a slight advantage.

It seems that many players measure their "opening success" by the number of memorized moves they got to play, rather than the end result! Be careful of falling for this mental trap.

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