hi all,

I recently found the opening training in chessmaster 11 which i think is amazing, using the "practice" feature to keep replying them till they stick in your memory. However, do chess masters know most or ALL of these openings by heart? including variations. i've just spent a few days learning all the scotch game variations and can't imagine learning all of them for other openings like ruy lopez etc.. how do you choose which ones to learn and how many of each opening? advice on best way to learn openings would be appriciated. thanks

How to learn openings? I think it's the same way you get to Carnegie Hall --

Practice, practice, practice!

Seriously, it requires a lot of practice, much reading, and many games played. That also includes losing... learning from your mistakes is extremely valuable.

I was just wondering if learning these openings in chessmaster by just playing them till they stick is good or not.

also sorry to be off-topic but didn't want to create a new post just for this, but what is "Selective Search"

Chessmaster defaults to 14 what happens if i increase or reduce this?

Well, I'm not saying there might be a more effective way, but I don't see how practing them in Chessmaster would be detrimental.

As for a definition of Selective Search, see this post.

Chess masters generally study the favorite openings of the opponents they will be playing.

As to general advice for openings: learn one King's pawn and Queen's pawn opening for when you play white, and learn a defence for each for when you play black.

If I had to pick three I would say learn the Ruy Lopez, Queens Gambit (declined), and Sicilian defense (there are actually several here - pick one that matches your playing style). If you know those three pretty well, and understand the principles and goals of the other ones, you should be off to a good start.

Oh, and no one knows all the openings by heart. Chess theorists keep researching and coming out with new variations and better lines every day.

Edit: I forget who said this, but it definitely applies here:

"Studying openings teaches you openings, studying endgames teaches you chess."

1.Don't study opening by rote. You must learn them comprehendingly.
2.You don't need to study all openings. For example, Ware opening(1.a4 e5 2.h4). An experienced player will not do that when playing white. I think you will not too.
3.The most important thing is opening principles. Learn it by heart.
4.You must know some opening traps beside learning opening principles.(1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 f6)
5.You just only need to study the variations you use or face frequently. Such as Sicilian Defense / Najdorf Variation.
6.Don't take too much time on studying openings, because the game will never stay in opening. It will develop to mid-game and endgame. When your practised opening is over, what can you do now?

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