20 Essential Chess Openings Every Beginner Should Know

Defined by 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4, this is the quintessential beginner opening focusing on rapid development and attacking the vulnerable f7 square.

Also known as the Spanish Opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5), it is one of the oldest and most thoroughly studied openings in chess history.

The most popular and best-scoring response to 1.e4, where Black fights for the center asymmetrically with 1...c5.

A solid, defensive choice for Black (1.e4 e6) that leads to a closed pawn structure and sharp counter-attacking opportunities.

Known as a 'rock-solid' defense for Black (1.e4 c6), it prioritizes pawn structure and endgame safety over immediate aggression.

One of the most prestigious openings (1.d4 d5 2.c4), White offers a side pawn to gain better control of the center and develop pieces.

A flexible 'system' opening for White that can be played against almost any Black setup, characterized by an early Bf4.

Black immediately challenges the center with 1...d5 after White plays 1.e4, leading to an open game and unique tactical patterns.

A hypermodern defense where Black allows White to occupy the center with pawns to later attack it with pieces.

A popular way to meet the Queen's Gambit, Black supports the d5 pawn with c6, maintaining a strong central presence.

White plays 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4, immediately opening the center for piece activity and tactical skirmishes.

A very symmetrical and instructive opening (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6) that emphasizes basic development principles.

A flexible and provocative defense (1.e4 d6) that invites White to build a big center which Black intends to undermine.

A flank opening starting with 1.c4, controlling the d5 square and leading to unique positional struggles.

An aggressive, romantic-era opening (1.e4 e5 2.f4) where White sacrifices a pawn for rapid development and attacking lines.

One of the most respected responses to 1.d4, Black develops a bishop to b4 to pin White's knight and control the center.

A hypermodern choice (1.e4 Nf6) that lures White's pawns forward to later attack them as targets.

A move-order alternative to the Italian (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3), keeping the f-pawn free to move later for aggressive setups.

Also known as the Russian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6), it is famously drawish and solid at higher levels.

A universal setup for White (Nf3, g3, Bg2, d3, O-O) that can be used against almost any Black setup.