Question: What's the trick to memorize openings, especially replies to opponents' moves?
Answer:
The trick is : don't memorize anything. Learn the whys and the wherefores.
The moves that aren't played are just as important as those that are played. Why, in this opening, is the Bishop always developed to one of the same two squares? Why, in that opening, is the Queen placed on b3(b6) and not on e2(e7)? Why, in another opening, doesn't White castle Kingside as soon as possible?
The order in which moves are played is also important. One guideline is to play your obvious moves first. If the King's Knight can only move to one square, then move it to that square. This will let you see one more move by your opponent, giving you one more clue as to how you should develop the rest of your pieces. Other than that, there are no tricks!
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