You've learned how the pieces move. Now the first question every new player asks: what should I play in the opening? The honest answer is that a solid opening gives you a safe start and a clear plan. Here are four openings built for beginners, with the key moves so you know exactly what to play.
The Italian Game (as White)
The Italian Game is one of the oldest chess openings and a perfect first choice for White. The moves are simple: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4.
Each move has a purpose. The pawn grabs space in the center. The knight develops and attacks the e5-pawn. The bishop goes to c4, where it eyes f7 — a square defended by nothing but Black's king in the opening. If Black mirrors you with 3...Bc5, you've reached the Giuoco Piano. From there, build a strong center and castle early. Your plan: develop pieces, control the center, keep your king safe. No deep memorization required.
The London System (as White)
The London System is a "system," which means White plays the same setup no matter what Black does. The backbone is 1.d4 followed by an early 2.Bf4, then e3, c3, Nf3, Bd3, and Nbd2 before castling. The bishop goes to f4 before e3 so it doesn't get trapped behind your own pawns.
Why beginners love it: zero guesswork. Against almost any Black reply, you know your next three or four moves already. The resulting position is solid and hard to crack. It's the opening equivalent of a comfortable couch — a little unglamorous, but reliable game after game.
The Queen's Gambit (as White)
The Queen's Gambit is one of the most popular 1.d4 openings, and despite the name, it isn't a real gambit — with correct play White can always regain the offered pawn. The moves are 1.d4 d5 2.c4.
White attacks Black's center pawn from the side to gain space. Black can accept (2...dxc4, the Queen's Gambit Accepted) or decline (2...e6, the Queen's Gambit Declined, the most common choice). Either way, White's plan stays the same: regain the pawn and build a strong center. It's slower and more strategic than 1.e4 play, which makes it a great lesson in positional thinking.
The Sicilian Defense (as Black)
When you're Black against 1.e4, you can't always use White's openings. The Sicilian Defense — 1.e4 c5 — is the most popular answer at master level. Black doesn't mirror the center; instead, Black attacks the e4-pawn from the side. If White plays 2.Nf3 and 3.d4, you capture with 3...cxd4 and the game opens up.
One honest warning: the Sicilian tends to lead to sharp, tactical battles. It's not the calmest choice, but lots of beginners love it for exactly that reason — you get a real game right away.
How to actually learn openings
Don't memorize move lists. That's the fastest way to forget everything and panic when your opponent plays something unexpected. Instead:
- Learn the idea, not the line. Ask why each move is played. If you understand the goal, you can find the moves in a game.
- Follow the three rules. Fight for the center, develop your pieces, and castle early. These cover 90% of the opening.
- Play one opening consistently. Pick one for White and one for Black, and replay them until they feel automatic.
- Review your games. After each one, check the first ten moves. Did you develop everything? Did you castle? That feedback beats any opening book.
Start with the Italian as White. It's the friendliest way into the game — and the rest of your openings can grow from there.