The opening covers the first 10–15 moves of a game. Its goal is to place your pieces on good squares quickly and reach the middlegame with a sound position. You don't need to memorise hundreds of variations; following a few principles is enough to get a good position in most amateur games.
1. Control the centre
The squares e4, d4, e5 and d5 are the centre. Pieces in the centre influence more squares and can switch quickly to either wing. So in the first moves, advance the central e- and d-pawns or control the centre with pieces.
2. Develop your pieces quickly
Bring your knights and bishops out to active squares. A rule of thumb is 'knights before bishops', because the knights' best squares (f3, c3, f6, c6) are usually clear. Each move should bring a new piece into play.
3. Castle early
Tuck your king away in a safe corner and connect your rooks. A king left in the centre is exposed to attacks along opening files.
4. What to avoid
- Moving the same piece twice in the opening without need (losing tempo).
- Bringing the queen out too early: the opponent chases it while developing.
- Making too many pawn moves, especially in front of your king.
- Playing early with the rook pawns (a- and h-pawns).
- Grabbing material at the cost of development: taking a 'poisoned pawn' can leave your pieces behind.
Recommended openings for beginners
- With White: the Italian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4) teaches the principles naturally; the London System (1.d4 and Bf4) is a solid set-up with little theory.
- With Black against 1.e4: 1...e5 for open games, or the solid Caro-Kann (1...c6).
- With Black against 1.d4: the Queen's Gambit Declined (1...d5 2.c4 e6) is a reliable choice.
On mytourneys' opening pages you can find the main lines, variations and results of 2500+ rated masters for these openings. Members can study every line move by move on an interactive board.
💡 Instead of memorising an opening, understand the purpose of each move: does it control the centre, develop a piece or secure the king? Purposeful moves help you find the right path once you are out of book.