7 Best Openings for Aggressive Players

The most aggressive opening in chess history. White sacrifices a pawn on move 2 to seize the centre and open the f-file for attack. Bobby Fischer called it "a decisive opening" and Spassky used it to great effect. Not theoretically refuted, just out of fashion. See our King's Gambit opening page and browse King's Gambit games.

Black's most aggressive response to 1.e4. The Dragon variation features a fianchettoed bishop on g7 that breathes fire down the long diagonal. The Yugoslav Attack (Be3, Qd2, O-O-O) creates opposite-side castling chaos. See opening encyclopedia. Explore the Sicilian Defense opening page.

A romantic-era gambit that sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and a strong centre. Kasparov revived it in his prime. White gets fast piece play and open lines against the black king. See our Evans Gambit opening page.

An aggressive choice against 1.d4. Black immediately stakes a claim on the kingside with ...f5, planning a kingside pawn storm. The Leningrad Dutch (g6/Bg7) is particularly sharp. See our Dutch Defense opening page.

White immediately opens the centre, creating sharp positions with clear attacking plans. Kasparov used it in his World Championship matches. More concrete than the Italian or Ruy Lopez. See our Scotch Game opening page.

Black accepts a space disadvantage in exchange for dynamic counterplay. The Modern Benoni creates asymmetrical positions where both sides attack on opposite flanks. Not for the faint-hearted. See our Benoni Defense opening page.

A surprise weapon that takes Black out of mainstream theory immediately. White's bishop challenges the knight, and the resulting positions are sharp and unbalanced. Great for well-prepared aggressive players. See our Trompowsky Attack opening page.