The 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐖𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐞 (Beginners)

Learning how to play the opening can be a great way to get better results, but it also demands time and effort. While there are many openings you can play as White, some may not be the best option for beginners. That's why it's so important to pick the right opening for you, especially when you're just starting out.

In this article, we'll go over great White openings for beginners. This list includes reputable openings that are easier to learn and understand, while also avoiding tricky lines and heavy memorization.

Focus On Learning The Fundamental Opening Principles

Especially as a beginner, it's not a good idea to focus on memorizing specific opening moves. Instead, you should learn the basic opening principles that will guide you through the opening. This way, you'll have a good idea of what to play even if you can't remember the exact move of a variation, or if your opponent plays a move not covered in this article.

Opening principles suggest controlling the center, actively developing your pieces to fight for premium squares, and castling your king to safety. Generally speaking, you want to move every one of your pieces only once until you've developed all of your army and castled to keep your king safe—unless there's a direct threat against you, of course.

These principles also apply to many different openings, so learning them early will benefit your overall chess game, not just your first moves.

How Many Openings Should Beginners Learn?

When starting out on your chess journey, it’s desirable to have a simple, reliable opening companion that can grow with you. Focusing on playing one opening will deepen your understanding of it and boost your confidence in knowing where your pieces belong, setting the stage for a good game.

That's why it's a good idea to learn a single opening for each of Black's responses and stick with it until you've mastered it.

The Best Two Starting Moves For Beginners As White

There are many possible ways to open a chess game, but it's usually a good idea to narrow it down to two. The moves 1.e4 and 1.d4 are your best choices as a beginner, and they are also the top two moves played by grandmasters. While these two pawns are next-door neighbors, the one you choose to move forward first can determine the nature of the entire game.

• 1.e4 typically leads to more open games, where you must be vigilant for tactics and sharp play. This move is usually a good choice for the more aggressive players. For this reason, it’s also more challenging to learn, and you'll need to study considerably more opening theory.
• 1.d4 usually leads to slower, more positional games, where you can get away with memorizing fewer opening moves. However, this also means you'll have to dedicate yourself more to learning how to conduct the middlegame.

Both of these moves have been tried and tested for hundreds of years. They are equally good, so choosing one comes down to personal taste.

Best 1.e4 Openings For Beginners

1.e4 is the most popular opening move in chess. It immediately controls the center and opens up the diagonal for your light-squared bishop and queen. This allows White to rapidly develop and castle the king.

When opening with 1.e4, you need to be ready to face the "big four" defenses: 1...e5, the Sicilian, the French, and the Caro-Kann. Here are beginner-friendly responses to each:

Italian Game

If Black responds with 1…e5, the Italian Game is a great option.

• Easy, straightforward development for beginners.
• White can castle the king to safety on the next move.
• The light-squared bishop immediately targets the weak f7 pawn, creating early tactical pressure.

Recommended course: Short and Sweet: Kalyan's Italian Game

Alapin Sicilian

Against the Sicilian Defense (1.e4 c5), the Alapin Variation (2.c3) is beginner-friendly.

• Prepares to build a solid two-pawn center with 3.d4.
• Allows safe development of kingside pieces and early castling.

Recommended course: c3 Sicil for the Kill

French Defense: Exchange Variation

If Black plays 1...e6, the French Defense Exchange Variation is simple and reliable.

• White can respond to attacks on the e4 pawn by simply exchanging pawns.
• Keeps the center open and avoids heavy memorization.

Recommended guide: French Defense: Exchange Variation

Caro-Kann Exchange Variation

Against 1...c6, the Caro-Kann Exchange Variation works similarly to the French Exchange.

• White may advance the e4 pawn, support it with a knight, or capture the attacking pawn.
• Keeps lines clear for piece development and castling.

Recommended course: GM Neiksans Boot Camp #10: Exchange Caro-Kann

Best 1.d4 Openings For Beginners

1.d4 is another excellent first move, aiming to control the center. White can follow with 2.e4 to claim more space if Black allows. Common Black responses include 1...d5, leading to the Queen's Gambit.

Queen's Gambit

• Begins with 1.d4 d5 2.c4.
• Black cannot safely capture and hold the c4 pawn, allowing White to fight for central space.
• Often leads to slower, strategic games but can also produce tactical fireworks if both players are aggressive.

Recommended course: Short & Sweet: Finegold's 1.d4

London System: Building a House

If you prefer to avoid immediate central tension, the London System is perfect.

• Requires little opening study.
• Offers a reliable pawn structure and predictable piece development.
• Helps build a solid "opening house," ready for middlegame plans.

Recommended course: Short & Sweet: Banzea's London

Conclusion

Now that you have taken your first steps in exploring opening ideas with the White pieces, you can also round out your journey by checking out the best openings for Black for beginners.

While these openings are great for beginners, it’s important to remember that learning the fundamental opening principles is the most effective way to improve your opening play. These principles also apply to any opening you play.

Check out lessons by our team of master players to learn everything you need to know to play the opening well!