Can AI teach you an opening? Give it a three-position test

An opening lesson earns its keep on the first move you didn’t practice. Take a line you already play, give your study tool three positions from it, and see whether it can explain what you should look at when the game stops following the script.

Position one: Ask for a plan you can test

Use the Caro-Kann as an example. After 1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5, ask what Black just attacked and why the pawn on c6 matters. Play 3.e5 and look at the position yourself. The e-pawn is now on a different square, the center is locked for the moment, and Black can develop the light-squared bishop before moving the e-pawn. Ask the tool to show you where that bishop could go and what White can do about it.

Position two: Change White’s third move

Go back and play 3.exd5 cxd5. Black’s c-pawn is now on d5 and the c-file is half-open for Black. Ask the same question about the bishop. A good explanation should account for the different pawn structure and name a move you can actually play. If it gives you a line, step through it on a board.

Position three: Bring in a move from your own games

Open a recent game and stop at the first move you didn’t recognize. Maia can suggest moves a human at a given rating might consider. Use a conventional engine to check a forcing sequence such as a capture or check. Finish by describing your plan in one sentence you could remember with the clock running.