ChessOpeningSmith
Prepare for an opponent while keeping your repertoire in view
Before a game, the aim is to choose a few useful positions to study, not to predict every move. ChessOpeningSmith’s opponent preparation, available with Master Smith, connects the opponent’s games, reference databases and your own playing experience.
Create a free accountStart with relevant games
Examine the available games and distinguish the playing color, time control and period that matter to your preparation. A recent tournament game may answer a different question from an older blitz session. Check the player’s identity before drawing a conclusion from a name or username.
Work with OTB, Lichess and Chess.com games according to the sources and limits available in your account. An incomplete database remains incomplete: an opening missing from the observed games is not proof that the opponent never plays it.
Compare their tendencies with your options
Explore continuations alongside general databases and your own games. Look for branches that intersect with your repertoire before studying something entirely new. Tournament preparation should stay small enough to understand and review in the time you have.
Treat statistics as a starting point. A high score or frequent move in a small sample is not a certainty. Open the games and inspect the positions behind the pattern instead of selecting a variation solely from a percentage.
Turn preparation into practice
Explore and annotate useful variations on the board. Check a tactical question with Stockfish, then write down ideas you can recall without the engine. Train against the preparation directly or convert it into an opening repertoire.
After the encounter, compare the game with what you prepared. Keep branches that remain useful and revisit assumptions that did not hold. A one-game preparation can improve your repertoire without determining all your future opening choices.
Questions before you start
Does Apprentice include opponent preparation?
No. Opponent preparation requires Master Smith. Existing subscribers regain their account’s access after signing in.
Will the tool tell me exactly what my opponent will play?
No. It helps you examine available data and prepare variations. A player can change repertoire, and accessible games may represent only part of their experience.
