Chess Openings For Beginners: Moves That Guarantee Wins

Chess, a game of strategy and mental prowess, can be intimidating for beginners, especially when it comes to mastering the opening moves. But here’s the good news—by learning a few key chess openings for beginners, you can set yourself up for a successful game right from the start. The opening phase of chess is crucial because it lays the foundation for the middle and endgame. If you’re looking to improve your chess skills and give yourself an edge, this guide to basic chess openings strategy for beginners will equip you with powerful moves that can lead to more wins.

Let’s dive into some of the best and easiest openings that help you understand chess better and increase your chances of success.

#1 The Italian Game

Let’s begin with the Italian Game, one of the most popular chess openings for beginners. It’s a basic chess opening strategy that teaches you the basic principles of controlling the centre and preparing for an attack.

• Moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4

In this opening, you immediately move your pawn to e4, which is considered one of the strongest first moves. Your opponent will likely respond by mirroring your pawn move (e5). By the third move, when you advance your knight to f3 and bishop to c4, you’re already targeting the centre of the board and putting pressure on your opponent’s defences.

What Makes It One Of The Best Starting Moves In Chess:

• Teaches you to control the centre (e4 and d4 squares).
• It helps you develop key pieces early on.
• Sets up potential early attacks on your opponent’s king-side.

#2 The Ruy-Lopez (Spanish Opening)

Another classic and one of the best chess openings for beginners is the Ruy-Lopez, also known as the Spanish Opening. This basic opening strategy for beginners is named after a 16th-century Spanish priest and chess player, Ruy López de Segura. 

Moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bb5

Just like the Italian Game, the Ruy-Lopez chess openings for beginners begin with the pawn move to e4 and the development of the knight to f3. However, on the third move, you develop your bishop to b5 instead of targeting the centre, attacking the knight on c6. It is seemingly simple, but one of the best starting moves in chess to exert pressure on your opponent, who must now consider defending the knight or finding another way to counter.

What Makes It One Of The Best Starting Moves In Chess:

• Put your opponent under pressure right from the opening.
• Simple yet effective, allowing you to learn attacking principles.
• It provides a smooth transition into the middle game, often leading to favourable positions.

Also read, Proven Chess Strategies Used By Grandmasters To Win The Game

#3 The Sicilian Defence

If you’re playing as Black, you’ll need some solid defences. One of the best defences, even for beginners, is the Sicilian Defense. It’s one of the most played chess openings for beginners, from casual games to world championships. This basic chess opening strategy allows Black to counter White’s common e4 opening by striking back with the c5 pawn.

Moves:

e4 c5

The Sicilian Defense is a great response to e4 because instead of directly mirroring White’s move (like e5), you challenge the centre from the side with c5. 

While it’s a bit more complex than other chess openings for beginners, mastering the basics of the Sicilian can really pay off as you progress in your chess journey.

Why It Works for Beginners:

• Counters White’s aggressive e4 move.
• It teaches you how to play for control of the centre from a different angle.
• It provides many opportunities for blacks to go on the offensive.

Crush Your Opponent With Simple Chess Openings – No Experience Needed!

Mastering these chess openings for beginners will give you a strong foundation and increase your chances of success on the board. Whether you’re playing the Italian Game, the Ruy-Lopez, and more, these openings teach you valuable principles like controlling the centre, developing pieces, and attacking early. While no chess opening guarantees a win, learning and practising these strategies will help you start off on the right foot and improve your overall game. So grab a chessboard, practise these moves, and watch your skills grow!