ChessOpening
English
More opening guides

Chess openings for beginners: build your first repertoire

Start with one opening as White and one response to each of e4 and d4 as Black. Learn development, central control and king safety through a complete line before adding branches. These are editorial starting suggestions, not a popularity ranking or a promise of rating gains.

What to focus on

The Italian Game teaches open-piece development; the London System offers a familiar d-pawn structure. As Black, the Caro-Kann and Queen’s Gambit Declined introduce supported central play. The Scotch Game makes central exchanges visible early. Choose the positions you understand rather than memorizing every opening at once.

Compare your options

OpeningStarting movesWhat to focus on
Italian Game1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4Develop your pieces, secure your king and support e4. In a quiet center, c3 can prepare d4 when your pieces are ready.
London System1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. Bf4Keep the bishop active, develop and secure the king. Prepare e4 when supported; choose Bd3 or Be2 according to Black's threats.
Caro-Kann Defense1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5Develop the queen bishop when possible, then complete development. Challenge the center with c5 or e5 after checking the resulting exchanges.
Queen's Gambit Declined1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6Develop and secure the king, then free the queen bishop. Prepare c5 or e5 to avoid a permanently passive position.
Scotch Game1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. d4Use the open center to develop with tempo and secure your king. Keep e4 defended before moving the central knight again.
As White

Italian Game

Develop quickly, keep f7 in view, and choose when to open the center. Learn the common trunk before adding opponent replies.

140 Practice lines
As White

London System

Develop the bishop before closing the pawn chain and build a sound center.

44 Practice lines
As Black

Caro-Kann Defense

Support d5 with c6 and learn how White's central choices change your development.

86 Practice lines
As Black

Queen's Gambit Declined

Support the center, develop safely, and learn how central exchanges change the structure.

176 Practice lines
As White

Scotch Game

Open the center early, then develop with active central pieces.

46 Practice lines

Learn the idea. Recall the line. Review difficult positions.

Start practicing The basic starting line of every opening is free. No account needed.