By Do you really think there is a best first move in Chess? Well, the opening sets the foundation for the whole game. A good opening helps you build the next move more easily and reach the positions you need to win. However, there is no single best opening for everyone. It depends on individual game style, strategy, and mindset.
In this guide, we will uncover the best first move in chess to help you pick the one suitable to your game.
First Move in Chess: 3 Best Openings for White You Should Learn
These are the best first moves in Chess that’ll have you conquer the game from the start.
1. Italian Game
The Italian Game is the most played opening in chess. Even though it involves a tactical opening, when you play the Italian, you only have 2 or 3 main lines to learn, which makes it a really accessible opening for chess lovers.
e4 e5 – Both sides’ e pawns step into the centre in front of each other.
Nf3 Nc6 – The White side develops a knight to f3 while black defends by developing a knight to c6.
Bc4 Bc5 – Natural movement of both bishops into the centre.
C3 Nf6 – White plays c3 to prepare d4 and support the center, while black develops a knight to f6.
d3 d6 – White plays d3 to support the e4 pawn and open the diagonal for the c1-bishop; black mirrors this with d6 to do the same for the c8-bishop.
O-O – White completes development with kingside castling, tucking the king safely away.
2. London System
The London system is another easy opening in chess. The beauty of this opening is that it can be played against almost anything that black decides to play. Let’s take a look at the main line of the London system.
d4 d5, Bf4 Nf6 – The deciding move for the London system is already in place: Bf4.
e3 c5 – The move e3 opens up the way for the light bishop, and black decides to come into the centre immediately.
c3 Bf5 – Black decides to play a mirror move with Bf5.
Ngf3 e6 – White develops the knight to f3, while black plays e6 to support the center.
3. King’s Indian Attack
The King’s Indian Attack is another first move in chess that is beginner-friendly and can be played vs virtually everything your opponents decide to do.
Nf3 Nf6 – The move Nf3 allows white to play various openings. In this case, white will play the King’s Indian attack.
g3 d5 – Now it is very obvious that white intends to play the King’s Indian attack.
Bg2 c6 – White prepares to castle while black supports the pawn on d5.
O-O Bg4 – Black develops the bishops to g4.
D3 Nbd7 – d3 and Nbd7 are typical supporting moves in the King’s Indian Attack.
Nbd2 e5 – Although white keeps developing, black comes into the centre.
e4 – White responds to e5 by playing e4 and challenging black centre.
3 Best Openings for Black You Should Know
Here are the best first moves in Chess for black that help you win the game by understanding the moves.
1. Scandinavian Defense
The Scandinavian Defence is a great opening as it forces the other player to come out of their comfort zone and play an opening.
e4 d5 – Black decides to challenges the center with 1…d5 challenging white’s pawn on e4.
exd5 Qxd5 – Here, white captures on d5 while black immediately recaptures with the queen, breaking the classic rule of not moving the queen early.
Nc3 Qa5 – White develops the knight and attacks the queen right away. The queen retreats to a5, where it stays safe and keeps an eye on the c3 knight.
d4 c6 – White claims the centre with d4, and black plays c6 to keep the position solid and give the queen a safe retreat to c7.
Bd2 Qc7 – White develops the bishop to d2 while Black’s queen retreats to c7, a safe place.
Nf3 Nf6 – At this point, Black has completed a solid opening setup with no weakness at all. And all pieces are ready to come out.
2. Petroff Defense
Petroff Defence is a great opening; if you follow its moves, it’ll be impossible to get in trouble during the game.
e4 e5 – White moves its pawn in the starting position.
Nf3 Nf6 – Black responds with Nf6, immediately putting pressure on white’s pawn on e4.
Nxe5 d6 Nf3 Nxe4 – White takes on e5 but must retreat after black plays d6. Then black captures on e4.
d4 d5 – Both sides move their d pawns to the centre.
Bd3 Nc6 O-O Be7 – White moves the bishops and develops castles. Now black comes in front again; the knight comes out to c6, and the bishop goes to e7. In the next move, black will castle too.
3. Slave Defense
The Slave Defence is the most respected move in chess because it works best against the Queen’s Gambit. It is one of the most practical defences for black at any level.
d4 d5 c4 c6 – Black supports the d5 pawn without blocking the light-squared bishop.
Nc3 Nf6 – White develops the knight to c3 while black responds with Nf6 that controls the e4 and prepares to castle kingside.
Nf3 e6 – White develops the second knight, and black plays e6, entering the semi-Slav, which is the most theoretical, dense opening of this game. The e6 pawn reinforces d5 and opens the diagonal for the dark bishop squared bishop.
e3 Nbd7 – White chooses a solid setup with e3. Black develops the Knight to d7, the best square from which it can support the centre and eventually move to f8 or b6.
Bb3 Bd6 – Both sides develop their Bishops. The position is solid and completely balanced, where Black has no weaknesses, no cramped pieces, and a clear plan, i.e, castle, then decide how to fight back in the centre.
O-O O-O – Both sides castle and complete their development. Black has achieved everything a beginner could want from an opening: a solid pawn structure, active pieces, a safe King, and no weaknesses. It is no surprise that the Slav Defence is used at every level of chess, from complete beginners to world champions.
Choose the Opening That Suits Your Game!
Chess requires strong strategy and moves to win the game, especially in openings. The first move in chess is really important, as it helps you build your next move in advance and eventually make a way for further game and do the fastest checkmate that your opponent’s jaw drops. Understanding these first moves for black and white can improve your game and help you fight effectively against the opponent.
