For chess beginners, choosing the right opening is a crucial step in building a solid foundation. The best openings should emphasize piece development, control of the center, and king safety — all without requiring deep memorization.

Openings that prioritize structure and understanding over memorized lines allow beginners to focus on improving their overall chess thinking. Whether it’s playing for central dominance with 1.e4 or building a solid setup with 1.d4, beginners benefit most from systems that reinforce core principles.

These principles include developing your pieces, controlling central squares and not moving the same piece twice unnecessarily. The following openings are especially well-suited to help new players internalize those ideas while still playing active, enjoyable games.

Be sure to click on the links to learn more about each of the openings. We’ve also included sample games for you to see.

The Italian Game

The Italian Game arises after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4. It is one of the oldest and most classical chess openings. This opening aims to develop quickly and target the f7 square — the weakest point in Black’s camp early on. The Italian Game teaches key ideas like central control, quick piece development, and early king safety through castling.

For beginners, the Italian Game is especially instructive because the moves follow classical opening principles closely. White gets both knights and the light-squared bishop out rapidly, often preparing to castle kingside.

The early positions are usually open or semi-open, giving players clear tactical opportunities while learning how to coordinate pieces. Plus, it can transition into other lines, like the Evans Gambit or the Fried Liver Attack, offering room for experimentation.

Paul Morphy vs Eugene Rousseau 1849

The London System

The London System begins with 1.d4 followed by 2.Nf3 and 3.Bf4, creating a solid, flexible setup that’s easy to learn and hard to crack. Unlike sharp, theory-heavy openings, the London allows beginners to focus on understanding plans and piece coordination rather than memorizing exact move orders.

For beginners, the London is ideal because it offers consistency. You can play the same setup against a wide range of Black responses. This allows you to focus on middle-game strategy and tactics.

The system emphasizes a strong pawn structure and safe development, making it a practical choice for players looking to avoid early traps. Key ideas include a strong central grip with e3 and c3, coordinated development, and attacking chances on the kingside. It’s a system that scales well with skill level — simple to start with but rich in strategic depth as you improve.

Historically, the London System was viewed as a quiet and slightly passive opening, but that perception changed dramatically in the 21st century. Vladimir Kramnik and later Magnus Carlsen showed how the London can be played aggressively and positionally at the highest level. This is especially true with a certain variation, the Jobava London System.

Vladimir Kramnik vs. Nils Grandelius 2016

1. b3 Larsen Opening

The Larsen Opening, named after Danish grandmaster Bent Larsen, begins with 1.b3. It aims to fianchetto the queen’s bishop to Bb2. From there, the bishop influences the central and kingside squares. It’s an unorthodox choice, especially compared to 1.e4 or 1.d4, but it can be surprisingly effective for beginners. This opening sidesteps mainstream theory and allows White to build a flexible, hypermodern setup that controls the center from a distance.

For beginners, the Larsen Opening is useful because it avoids sharp theoretical battles and encourages original thinking. It teaches players to fight for the center using pieces rather than pawns and often leads to unique middlegame positions.

While it may not offer the fastest path to an advantage, it gives White a clear plan and keeps opponents out of familiar territory. This is a valuable trait for players still building their tactical and positional skills.

Another appealing feature of the Larsen Opening is the possibility of transitioning into a double fianchetto system. After 1.b3 and Bb2, White can follow up with g3 and Bg2, placing both bishops on long diagonals that exert powerful pressure across the board. This setup can be especially tricky for unprepared opponents, as it combines solid defense with long-range attacking potential.

The double fianchetto also creates a strong foundation for a slow, positional buildup. This is ideal for beginners who want to avoid sharp early tactics.

Bent Larsen vs Silvino Garcia Martinez 1971

Conclusion: The Best Chess Openings

The best chess openings doesn’t just lead to a playable position; they teach key strategic ideas that apply throughout the game. That’s why certain classical systems have remained popular for over a century: they are logical, flexible, and forgiving of small mistakes.

In chess, building a strong foundation isn’t about memorizing endless theory. It’s about mastering the essentials that guide every phase of the game. Whether you’re learning to avoid blunders, improve your openings, or convert an advantage in the endgame, the right structure makes all the difference.

The openings we covered here are excellent tools to get started, but they’re only one part of the full picture. To truly grow as a player, you need a well-rounded approach that ties all aspects of chess together.

That’s exactly what you’ll find in our course Level Up Your Chess. It is a complete training program divided into 6 powerful sections, each packed with practical advice and focused lessons. With 26 step-by-step video lessons and a set of 50 exercises, this course will help raise your level no matter where you’re starting. Each section is self-contained and powerful enough to make a real difference in your results.