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The ECO Code Index: A Guide to Opening Classifications (A00-E99)

If you look at a chess database, you will see cryptic codes like B90 or E15 next to the opening name. These come from the Encyclopedia of Chess Openings (ECO), the standard system for classifying every possible chess opening into five volumes (A through E).

🔥 Opening insight: Memorizing ECO codes is not the same as knowing the opening. You will get crushed if you don't understand the principles behind the moves. Master the ideas, not just the labels.
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Volume A Flank Openings & Irregular Lines
A40-A44 Queen's Pawn (1. d4 without 1...d5)
Volume B Semi-Open Games (Sicilian, Caro-Kann)
B30-B39 Sicilian: Accelerated Dragon / Kalashnikov
B40-B49 Sicilian: Taimanov / Kan / Paulsen
Volume C Open Games (1.e4 e5) & French Defense
Volume D Closed Games (1.d4 d5) & Grünfeld
Volume E Indian Defenses (1.d4 Nf6)
E12-E19 Queen's Indian Defense
Your next move:

ECO codes are filing labels, not opening theory. Use them to navigate databases—not to memorise lines.

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