So I'm probably not at the stage where I'm ready to do this yet, but I'm curious. I know that some openings (like the Najdorf, the Grünfeld, and the Ruy Lopez) are considered highly theoretical openings where knowing the theory is very important, but I'm kind of at a loss as to how to study them. I know the idea of looking at an openings database or plugging positions into Stockfish to see what it likes, but the weakness there is I don't know the ideas that the masters/engines have and how to apply that to my own game.
So, how do you recommend:
- Learning both the theoretical moves and the ideas behind them; and
- Learning how to take advantage of non-theoretical moves by your opponent?