user16626: For example, based on the database at lichess, after 1. e4, 46.3% of the master games continue with 1... c5 while only 23.4% of all games continue with 1... c5 (31.7% continue with 1... e5).
Another example: after 1. e4, the response 1... d5 (9.9%) is the fourth most popular response for all players, but for masters, 1... d5 (2.0%) is only the seventh most popular response.
What makes some openings more popular in master's games and less popular in lower-level games?

user12873: On average, masters have played/studied chess for longer, and their experience informs them on which moves are better (and/or more suited to their playing style). If you've spent years analyzing openings with databases and engines, and also had years to experiment with these openings in tournaments, you will play better moves than the average person.

user18809: Amateurs will sometimes be happy to accept a slightly worse position if that gets them a position they're familiar with or enjoy playing more than other lines. There's also the surprise factor. A 1600 Elo player will probably not know any lines too deep into the Scandinavian, but a professional player will definitely have something prepared.
There are also other positions one would never reach without prior knowledge (think for instance the lines in the Scheveningen Sicilian where Black goes ...e6 followed by ...e5 only one or two moves later).
Finally, if we're including all the way down to beginner level, "copycat" tends to be some sort of default, so you'll see a lot more of 1.e4 e5 and 1.d4 d5 than among people who have made a conscious choice to build an opening repertoire.

16626: <p>For example, based on the database at lichess, after 1. e4, 46.3% of the master games continue with 1... c5 while only 23.4% of all games continue with 1... c5 (31.7% continue with 1... e5).</p>
<p>Another example: after 1. e4, the response 1... d5 (9.9%) is the fourth most popular response for all players, but for masters, 1... d5 (2.0%) is only the seventh most popular response.</p>
<p>What makes some openings more popular in master's games and less popular in lower-level games?</p>
 12873: <p>On average, masters have played/studied chess for longer, and their experience informs them on which moves are better (and/or more suited to their playing style). If you've spent years analyzing openings with databases and engines, and also had years to experiment with these openings in tournaments, you will play better moves than the average person.</p>
 18809: <p>Amateurs will sometimes be happy to accept a slightly worse position if that gets them a position they're familiar with or enjoy playing more than other lines. There's also the surprise factor. A 1600 Elo player will probably not know any lines too deep into the Scandinavian, but a professional player will definitely have something prepared.</p>
<p>There are also other positions one would never reach without prior knowledge (think for instance the lines in the Scheveningen Sicilian where Black goes ...e6 followed by ...e5 only one or two moves later).</p>
<p>Finally, if we're including all the way down to beginner level, &quot;copycat&quot; tends to be some sort of default, so you'll see a lot more of 1.e4 e5 and 1.d4 d5 than among people who have made a conscious choice to build an opening repertoire.</p>
