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Recommended for use in any type of competition.

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We do not feel that this opening can be used successfully in serious competition.

Poison

This opening will seriously damage your position and is considered toxic. Don’t play it!

Rabbit

This opening is only good for playing against lower rated competition. It is good for rabbit-bashing and can lead to a quick win, leaving you extra time to rest or prepare for your next game. Or enjoy a pint of your favorite beverage.

Monkey

This opening can be used just for fun (‘monkeying around’) but it is not recommended for your most important games. After all, chess is a game most people play to enjoy; these openings tend to be offbeat and will lead to original and entertaining situations.

Snake

This opening can bite you if you are not properly prepared, so you should study it. It is not likely to succeed against a well-prepared opponent. But there are traps and landmines that must be avoided.

Bomb

This is used on occasion to mark a move that is a blunder.

Check Mark

This opening is sound enough, but perhaps difficult to play well. Whether you’ll want to use it is a matter of taste.