Chess Opening Theory Table

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. A chess opening theory table or ECO (Encyclopedia Of Chess Openings) table presents lines of moves, typically (but not always) from the starting position. Notated chess moves are presented in the table from left to right. Variations on a given line are given horizontally below the parent line. Chess opening theory tables are commonly published in opening books with annotations by experienced chess players. These tables are typically arranged in a compact manner to allow experienced players to see variations from a position quickly. Usually, the table indicates that either White or Black has equal, slightly better, or better chances at the end of the variation. Often, this information is distilled down to mere symbols or the percentage of games (usually tournament games) where White won - no information is usually given on what the assessment is based on or how to proceed in the game.