5 Chess Openings a Beginner Should Know First

Given the profusion of theoretical openings, a beginner does not need to know all of them: five are more than enough to get a good start, provided they understand the underlying ideas rather than mechanically reciting them. This guide presents these five openings, along with the principles that make them particularly suitable for a beginner player.

The Italian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4)

One of the oldest openings and most taught to beginners, the Italian Game quickly develops the knight and bishop to active squares, while targeting the f7 square, often fragile for the opponent at the start of the game. Its popularity among beginners is explained by its simplicity of implementation and the clear principles it illustrates: rapid development and immediate pressure on the opponent's camp.

The Ruy Lopez (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5)

Considered one of the most solid and studied openings in the history of the game, the Ruy Lopez puts pressure on the black knight defending the e5 pawn, while preparing harmonious development. It requires a little more positional understanding than the Italian Game, but remains accessible to a motivated beginner, particularly because it teaches good development reflexes applicable to many other positions.

The London System (1.d4 followed by Bf4)

Particularly appreciated by beginners and players who prefer to limit theoretical learning, the London System consists of developing the bishop to f4 and then establishing a solid pawn structure, almost independently of the opponent's responses. This flexibility makes it an ideal opening for anyone who wants to focus on a general understanding of the game rather than on memorizing precise variations for every possible response.

The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4)

For players who prefer to start with 1.d4, the Queen's Gambit remains an essential historical reference, played at all levels for over a century. Contrary to what its name suggests, it is not about actually sacrificing material: the idea is to temporarily offer a pawn to gain better control of the center and a lead in development, which the opponent generally does not retain if they try to keep the pawn.

The Scandinavian Defense (1.e4 d5)

For Black, against 1.e4, the Scandinavian Defense offers a simple and direct alternative for beginners: it immediately contests the center by offering a pawn exchange, before achieving rapid development of the queen or knight depending on the chosen variation. Its main advantage for a beginner is the clarity of its game plan, which is easier to remember than some defenses richer in theory like the Sicilian.

Why understand rather than memorize

None of these five openings requires learning long sequences of moves by heart: they are all based on the fundamental principles of chess strategy (control of the center, rapid development, king safety), already detailed in our article on the basics of chess strategy. Our article on learning openings by heart also details why this understanding of principles remains more useful, in the long run, than mechanical memorization.

What to remember

Five openings are enough for a beginner to get a good start in their games: the Italian Game and the Ruy Lopez after 1.e4, the London System for its simplicity of implementation, the Queen's Gambit for 1.d4 enthusiasts, and the Scandinavian Defense for Black. All are based on clear principles rather than long sequences to memorize, making them an excellent starting point before gradually expanding one's repertoire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best opening for a beginner playing White?

The Italian Game is generally recommended first, for its simplicity of implementation and the clear development principles it illustrates.

Do I need to memorize long sequences to play these openings?

No, these five openings are primarily based on principles of development and center control, applicable even without knowing every variation by heart.

Is the London System really simpler than other openings?

Yes, that's one of its main advantages: the development structure remains broadly the same regardless of the opponent's response.

Does the Queen's Gambit involve actually sacrificing a pawn?

Not permanently: the opponent generally cannot keep the pawn without conceding unfavorable development or center control.