How much opening prep is really necessary – especially in blitz and rapid games? Inspired by my coach Chebanenko, I continue the idea of a “lazy” but smart repertoire: minimal theory, rich ideas, and easy-to-remember structures.

In this second volume, we explore practical setups for White after 1.e4. Against 1...e5, I skip the overloaded Italian Game and recommend flexible systems with d3. Versus the Caro- Kann, the modest-looking 2.Nf3 followed by 3.d3 has become my favourite – and one of the most annoying for Caro-Kann players!

Against the Sicilian, I advocate for setups echoing the Closed Sicilian – strategic and easy to learn. The French is met with the classic King’s Indian Attack, focusing on lines with Nbd2. These systems are not just practical – they’re played by Magnus Carlsen himself. Let’s learn to play smart, not hard.

3 hours 15 min video running time (English)

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