16 Best Chess Openings for Black

When first introduced to the chess game, we start by learning the basic rules before moving on to learning opening principles, tactics, and complex strategies. The piece values and how they move should be second nature before you study more in-depth chess openings for Black. Later, you can learn the long-term strategy that each one offers. 

And even when you already know the rules and basic tactical patterns, your first step for opening theory should be basic opening principles instead of any specific chess openings for Black that you memorize out of context. The basic principles are:

Develop all your pieces but avoid moving any piece twice in the opening
Aim to have firm control of the center
Castle early to protect your king
 

Once you understand these basics, you can fit the chess openings for Black into a larger theory/framework in which you will understand how the opening supports proper piece development. Memorizing the moves and variations of an opening also saves you in fast-paced timed games where you do not want to waste time in the opening stage.

So if you feel ready to dive into the specifics of chess openings for Black, keep reading to learn how some of the most popular ones beg

 basic tactical patterns, your first step for opening theory should be basic opening principles instead of any specific chess openings for Black that you memorize out of context. The basic principles are:

Develop all your pieces but avoid moving any piece twice in the opening
Aim to have firm control of the center
Castle early to protect your king
 

Once you understand these basics, you can fit the chess openings for Black into a larger theory/framework in which you will understand how the opening supports proper piece development. Memorizing the moves and variations of an opening also saves you in fast-paced timed games where you do not want to waste time in the opening stage.