Choose by character, not by fame.
Every defence on this page is sound. Grandmasters play all of them. Choosing between them isn't about which is objectively best. It's about which positions you'll understand at move fifteen, after the theory you memorised has run out.
So start with a question about yourself. Do you want the game sharp and unbalanced from the start, or solid now and complicated later? Do you mind memorising, or do you want plans you can work out at the board? Scroll through the answers to 1.e4 below with that in mind.
See each one played.
The first moves of each main line, played out. Look at where Black's pawns go: the structure is the opening's personality.
The Sicilian Najdorf
…a6 keeps every option open. The richest and most demanding answer to 1.e4.
The French Defence
White grabs space with e5; Black strikes the chain with …c5. Every move has a reason.
The Caro-Kann
The bishop comes out to f5 before …e6 locks it in. Solid, and hard to beat.
The Scandinavian
The queen steps to a5, …c6 and …Bf5 follow. The same set-up almost every game.
Sharp or solid?
Most of the choice comes down to one trade-off. Neither side of it is wrong.
SolidEqualise, then outplay
- ✓Caro-Kann, French, Slav
- ✓Sound structures, fewer traps
- ✓Plans you can find at the board
- ✕Fewer quick wins
SharpUnbalance from move one
- ✓Sicilian, King's Indian
- ✓Real winning chances as Black
- ✓Rewards calculation
- ✕More theory to keep up
Don't forget 1.d4.
Your answer to 1.e4 doesn't help when White opens with the queen's pawn, so you need a second defence. Two pair especially well with the 1.e4 choices above.
The Slav Defence
…c6 supports d5, and the bishop again comes out to f5. The natural partner for Caro-Kann players.
The King's Indian
Black lets White build a centre, then attacks it and the king. Sharp, like the Sicilian.
Whichever pair you choose, learn the main line properly before adding sidelines: the moves, the reason behind each one, and enough drilling that you can play them without thinking. After twenty games your own results will tell you which sideline to learn next.
Questions, answered.
What is the best opening for Black against 1.e4?
There is no single best one. The Sicilian is the most popular at every level and gives the most winning chances, the Caro-Kann and French are the most solid, and the Scandinavian has the least theory. Choose by the kind of position you enjoy.
What should beginners play as Black?
The Caro-Kann or the Scandinavian against 1.e4, and the Slav against 1.d4. All three have clear plans, few early traps, and pawn structures you can understand without memorising long lines.
Should I play an aggressive or a solid defence?
Play the one that matches how you like to win. If you enjoy sharp, unbalanced positions and calculating, try the Sicilian or the King's Indian. If you'd rather equalise first and outplay later, try the Caro-Kann, French or Slav.
Do I need a different opening against 1.d4?
Yes. Your answer to 1.e4 doesn't cover 1.d4. The Slav pairs naturally with the Caro-Kann (both start with ...c6), and the King's Indian suits players who like the Sicilian's fighting style.
How long does it take to learn a defence?
A playable first version takes a week or two: the main line and the reason for each move, drilled from memory. Then add sidelines as they turn up in your own games.
