Practicing openings

Is there a way to input into analysis boards that you want to practice lets say ruy lopez, and have the computer play the black or white and you practice? You can't force the computer to do anything. I guess unless I am missing something is to set up the analysis board and move both black and white but that doesn't seem to train the skills the same

There's a button that allows you to play a certain position against a computer

Just memorize the moves from the book until you got them down cold.  Then play over the moves slowly reflecting on the ideas in the opening variations.  It’s that easy.  No need for technology even.  The more you do this the easier it gets. 

Chessable (google it) will do it, either using their courses or by creating your own. I think ChessTempo also has this feature. In both cases it might require paid membership.

No paid membership for chessable; I recommend using it for flashcards. 

Lichess, yes lets you setup the opens, but not sure the computer ever goes through the main lines, I know I know you need be be prepared for anything but that was not the point of the thread

Hi millerd66, did you find something already? I'm also looking for a way to build up a repertoire w/o having to read theory and memorize everything. I'm sure I will need it to a certain extent, but playing from a given position against a computer with opening book seems the nicer option. Thanks...

lichess does have some practice openings such as Ruy Lopez that people have set up so you can work through the main lines and it shows you the moves. that is the best I have found. The other option on Lichess, is you can set up and opening and play it, with different levels of difficulty and see how the computer reacts and how you should as well, but no forced drill per se

Chess.com has this exact feature.

I'm not sure why so many members on this website seem unaware of it. Perhaps the staff needs to advertise it more.

You can do it here:

https://www.chess.com/practice/openings

There we go! Yes chess.com does not really promote! So we can practice here, will it let you set up the opening like Lichess and have the computer play it out?

Yes, you can do that, too.

https://www.chess.com/analysis

You can simply make moves, or click on "Setup" to arrange a custom position.

The "Practice vs. Computer" button is on the bottom right. It looks like a dartboard with a dart in the center.

The chess.com one is really good for playing an opening against an engine, and I like importing a pgn into chesstempo to get drilled on certain lines. The advantage with chesstempo is you aren't limited to what openings they've got in their database - for example you can import some of the main lines from the Blackmar-Diemer Gambit, which isn't in chess.com's opening practice, and work through them until you know them all!

Thanks for the replies, and especially Stil1 for the links! Will try this out asap