openings

Where can I find a primer about chess openings. What's the real strategic difference. I'm talking the basics, here. I'm just starting.

 Why not MCO-15? Although theres a price difference, this one is more up-to-date.

 I would recommend Ruben Fine's  Ideas behind The Chess Openings if you are just starting. It has text/explanation of the openings and ideas behind them. The MCO and similar opening "bibles" are reference books with practically no explanation/text, they have columns of moves with an evaluation at the end of each. They are better after you understand openings better and need such reference books.

*Points to Rebs post*

Thats a good idea. I was simply countering scottk74, not answering the thread question.

Sorry.

  Carl,

I played chess for years without knowing there was such a thing as an "opening". I was taught that the idea behind the opening was just to survive without being crushed. After that everyone is on their own. Learning the principles, making logical moves, and watching your opponents moves for threats, is more important than memorizing reams of "lines" that only the big guns use. I followed the guidlines: In the first 10 moves try for: pawns on e4 and d4 (this is for white), Knights on f3 and c3, Bishops on b5 or c4, and e3 f4 or g5, and castle. Then Rooks to the middle, on open or half open files. Try not to move pieces more than once, and get ALL or most of your pieces active, before trying a major attack.

  Most games are not won in the opening, but by a mistake made by you or your opponent, until you reach a higher level of play. Good teachers will tell you to study tactics over openings. For a general overview, a good book is "First chess openings" by Eric Schiller. If you are not seeing threats or moves, I like "Everyones 2nd chessbook" by Dan Heisman.  Chess.com has videos, and a tactics trainer for practice. I think that going over your games, (if possible with somone else) is a big help. And you learn more playing stronger players, maybe 100 points over your rating..

Thank for that. You're not trying to psyche me out are you? :)

I always just moved pieces out, and again, try not to get jumped. I'm just fascinated by chess theory and trying to learn from people. That's why I play a lot of "Vote Chess" games. 2 or 3 days of discussing the moves with my teammates helps me learn something.

Good luck in the game.

I think "FCO: Fundamental Chess Openings" by Paul Van Sterren is a better choice than MCO or Fine's book.  FCO is modern version of the ideas behind the chess openings by Fine.  Van Sterren is a strong grandmaster and can communicate his knowledge very clearly.  Don't just take my word for it check out this review by IM Donaldson:

http://www.jeremysilman.com/book_reviews_jd/F_C_O.html

Possibly this book is too advanced, but it is a good long term investment.  Winning Chess Openings by Yasser Seirawan would be a less advanced book I would recommend.  Actually his whole Winnning chess series of books beginning with the book "Play Winning Chess" is excellent and systematic (Books on tactics, strategy, openings, endings, etc).  Gives players a sound foundation to build on.