The modern chess opening trainer
Drill your repertoire with FSRS spaced repetition, import your Lichess and Chess.com games to auto-detect deviations, and train every line on any device. Free to start, no credit card.
Free · No credit card · Works on any device
Why this chess opening trainer wins
Most opening trainers help you memorize. ChessAtlas helps you memorize AND auto-corrects the lines you forget in real games.
FSRS algorithm
The newest spaced repetition scheduler. ~30% fewer reviews than SM2 for the same retention, that's hours saved every week.
Game import
Link your Lichess or Chess.com account. We pull your recent games automatically and feed them into the training loop.
Deviation Finder
Scans every imported game and flags the exact move where you left your prep. Adds the correction directly to your review queue.
21+ opening courses
From the Sicilian Najdorf to the London System, drill every major opening, or build your own from scratch in the Repertoire Builder.
How the trainer works (3 steps)
Most players bounce off opening trainers because the workflow is tedious. ChessAtlas keeps it tight.
Pick or build your repertoire
Start from the Course Library (French Defense, Sicilian, Italian Game, Queen's Gambit, 21+ fully-analyzed openings) or build your own lines in the Repertoire Builder. PGN import works too.
Train daily with FSRS spaced repetition
10-15 minutes per day. The scheduler surfaces each position at the optimal interval, positions you know get pushed further out, positions you miss come back sooner. 30% more efficient than legacy SM2 algorithms.
Fix real-game gaps with the Deviation Finder
Connect Lichess or Chess.com, and ChessAtlas imports your recent games. The Deviation Finder flags every position where you left your repertoire, and adds the correct move to your training queue. That's the full loop: game → detection → fix → drill.
21+ chess openings covered
Every major opening comes with main variations, traps, ELO-specific advice, and a ready-to-drill repertoire file. Browse a few, then see the full library.
French Defense
Black1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5
A solid, strategic answer to 1.e4 with a clear game plan.
Sicilian Defense
Black1.e4 c5
The fighting answer to 1.e4 that gives Black real winning chances from move one.
Caro-Kann Defense
Black1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5
Solid, resilient, and Carlsen-approved. The structure-first answer to 1.e4.
Scandinavian Defense
Black1.e4 d5
The fastest way to challenge e4. Direct, tactical, and easy to learn.
Petrov Defense
Black1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
The 'symmetric' defense. Rock-solid and endorsed at the World Championship level.
Italian Game
White1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4
The fastest-developing 1.e4 opening. Aim the bishop at f7 and play for the attack.
Ruy Lopez
White1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5
The king of 1.e4 openings. Deep theory, long-term pressure, grandmaster-tested.
Scotch Game
White1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4
The center-breaking alternative to the Italian. Kasparov's weapon against Karpov.
Fried Liver Attack
White1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Ng5
The most famous attacking line in chess. A knight sacrifice for a devastating king hunt.
How ChessAtlas compares
| Feature | Chessable | ChessTempo | Lichess | ChessAtlas |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR algorithm | SM2 | Custom | None | FSRS (newest) |
| Free tier useful | Limited | Yes | Yes | Yes (200 variations) |
| Auto game import | No | Manual PGN | Built-in | Lichess + Chess.com |
| Deviation Finder | No | No | No | Yes |
| Custom repertoire | Paid | Yes | Via Studies | Yes (free) |
| Price (paid) | Per-course + PRO sub | Gold subscription | Free | $9.99/mo Premium |
Frequently asked questions
What is a chess opening trainer?
A chess opening trainer is a tool that helps you memorize and drill your opening repertoire. It presents positions from your lines one at a time and asks you to play the correct move. Good trainers use spaced repetition to schedule each position at the optimal interval for long-term retention, so you actually remember your preparation when you need it over the board.
Is ChessAtlas free?
Yes, the free tier includes 200 variations, 1 linked Lichess or Chess.com account, full spaced repetition training, deviation detection, and access to the Course Library. No credit card. Premium ($9.99/mo or $6.99/mo billed annually) unlocks unlimited variations and accounts.
How is ChessAtlas different from Chessable or ChessTempo?
Three concrete differences: (1) FSRS algorithm (newer, research-backed, ~30% fewer reviews for the same retention vs SM2), (2) automatic Deviation Finder, import your Lichess or Chess.com games and see the exact move where you left your prep, (3) full custom repertoire builder on the free tier, no course purchase required. Chessable is stronger on GM-authored content; ChessTempo is stronger on database research.
What is FSRS?
FSRS (Free Spaced Repetition Scheduler) is a research-backed algorithm trained on hundreds of millions of real Anki review logs. For the same retention, it schedules about 30% fewer reviews than SM2, the 1980s algorithm still used by Anki default and most older chess trainers. Translation: less time reviewing, better long-term recall.
Can I import my games from Lichess or Chess.com?
Yes, both. Link your Lichess or Chess.com account in 30 seconds and ChessAtlas pulls your recent games automatically. The Deviation Finder then scans each game and flags the exact position where you deviated from your prepared repertoire. Those positions go straight into your review queue.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes, ChessAtlas is a web app that runs on any device including mobile browsers. A native iOS/Android app is on the roadmap. The mobile web experience is fully responsive and suitable for daily review sessions.
How long does it take to see results?
Most users see measurable improvement within 2-3 weeks of 10-15 minutes daily training. Spaced repetition compounds: by day 30, you're reviewing positions that would have been forgotten and you'll recognize exactly which lines you struggle with, that's where the Deviation Finder becomes your best tool.
Start training in 2 minutes
Create a free account, pick your opening, link your Lichess or Chess.com if you want auto-import, and start drilling. Your first review session is today.
Create free accountFree · No credit card