The Three Opening Principles Every Beginner Should Know

If you’re stuck under 1000 elo, it’s usually because your openings are all over the place. When I first started, I had no plan, I just moved pieces in a way that “felt” right. Then I learned three simple principles that changed everything: center control, piece development, and king safety.

To watch my in-depth Youtube video on this topic, click here! 

Center Control

Your first moves should fight for the center squares. That’s where most of the action happens in chess. Moves like e4 or d4 for White, or e5 or d5 for Black, give you more space and better piece activity. 

Piece Development

Get your minor pieces - knights and bishops - out quickly, aiming toward the center. Developing knights before bishops is a good habit because knights have fewer squares to go to. Don’t move the same piece twice in the opening unless you have to. And, leave your queen alone for now, bringing her out early usually just gives your opponent free tempos while you run away from attacks.

King Safety

Castle early to ensure your king can't get attacked easily, and also get a rook into the game. Once you’ve castled and your rooks are connected, you’re usually done with the opening.

Final Tip

Don’t launch an attack before you’re fully developed. You’ll be fighting with fewer pieces and your opponent will often gain time by kicking your attackers away. Develop first, then attack.

If you stick to these principles every game, you’ll not only survive the opening but set yourself up for a much stronger middlegame.