Chess opening principles for beginners
The three opening principles every beginner should know: control the centre, develop your knights and bishops, and castle early. Opening principles · lesson 1 of 2.
The lesson in words
You don’t need to memorise openings. Follow three principles:
1. Control the centre (the four marked squares). 2. Develop your knights and bishops. 3. Castle to keep your king safe.
The best first moves grab the centre with a pawn and open lines for your pieces.
Try it: Push a centre pawn two squares.
Black replied in the centre too. Now bring out a piece.
Try it: Develop a knight or bishop towards the centre.
Centre, develop, castle. Follow those and you’ll get a good game every time.
Questions
Which is the weakest plan in the opening?
Moving the queen early lets your opponent attack her while developing their pieces, gaining time.