In chess, as in life, the beginning and the first move made are crucial. Chess is a complex game that requires perseverance, concentration, constant thinking, and the ability to anticipate the opponent’s moves before they make them.

The first move in chess, or the chess opening, is of paramount importance for establishing early dominance in the chess game and gaining an advantage over the opponent on the other side of the board. If played well and wisely, it can be said that half of the chess game is already won. Therefore, the following lines are dedicated precisely to that move, which can be decisive.

What are the best first moves in chess that can be played?

As chess is a game that has occupied the minds of people for centuries, it has developed through theory and countless played chess games. Thus, the thoughts on chess openings have changed and evolved. It can be freely said that to this day, there has not been a single conclusion about what the best first move in chess is.

However, there are chess openings that have proven to be good through many chess games and have led to the ultimate goal of every chess game, which is checkmating the opponent.

Some of these first moves in chess that have brought results to professionals, masters, and grandmasters, as well as to those who play chess out of love and enthusiasm.

E4 – King’s Pawn Opening

This move is considered one of the best first moves that can be played because it is aggressive and shows good results. This chess opening starts by allowing White to open the path for the queen and bishop, thus enabling fast development and control of the central part of the board. From this first move in chess arises the Spanish Opening, which focuses on establishing a constant presence of pieces in the center of the board and thus exerting pressure on the opponent with the black pieces. The strategy of this chess opening is based on complex combinations, which, if played well, lead to the end of the game.

D4 – Queen’s Pawn Opening

One chess opening that is now considered classic is the queen’s pawn opening. The aim of this move is to dominate the center of the board and prepare for further development of pieces, which includes the queen and bishops. Such first chess moves can lead to numerous move variations where understanding of the game is of crucial importance. One variation of this move is the Queen’s Gambit and the Indian Defense. These moves are defensive but provide the opportunity for further development of the game leading to checkmating the opponent.

C4 – English Opening

This chess opening begins with the move 1.C4, which is a somewhat less conventional opening but still effective in creating moves that can confuse the opponent. With this chess opening, the game is somewhat prolonged and opens up the battle for control of the chessboard. Such a first chess move is particularly favored by players who want to be less predictable to their opponents and enjoy positional chess games.

This first move in chess is especially good in games against opponents who primarily rely on routine moves because it offers a very wide range of potential maneuvers with the pieces and allows for making plans for victory.

Réti Opening – Rf3

The first move in chess, known as the Réti Opening, gives the player with the white pieces the opportunity to be flexible when considering the further development of their pieces, while also preventing Black from responding with classic moves. Later in the game, this opening can transition into different systems of play, which, it must be admitted, depend on the moves made by the opponent with the black pieces but are difficult to counter, especially at the very beginning of the game.

This first move in chess is valued by players who have the ability to change plans and thinking during the course of the game, depending on how their pieces are positioned on the chessboard.

Bishop’s Fianchetto – G3

The first move in chess, 1.g3, is an introduction to placing the bishop in a fianchetto position on G2. With this move, the bishop gains very strong control over the long diagonal of the board. This move is used in Catalan and even in certain versions of the English Opening. They can provide a strong foundation for further development of the game, which is based on long positional play. This chess opening is particularly effective when facing an opponent who utilizes wide control of the center of the board and gives White the opportunity to create a better position that is crucial in later stages of the game.

Those who understand chess understand the world. Therefore, becoming good at this game means discovering the ancient secret of patience, tactics, and quick thinking.

You can learn all chess tactics and techniques in our carefully curated chess courses for all skill levels. Our grandmaster chess coach has combined his years of chess experience from tournaments, chess clubs and lessons to give you the most optimal and fun way to master the chessboard.

The best first move in chess is sometimes decisive for victory. What are you waiting for? It’s time for chess!

Chess is more than just a game. Its significance extends through the culture and history of almost all nations worldwide, as it knows no boundaries of depth and complexity. Therefore, it’s no wonder that it has attracted people from all walks of life for centuries.

Through moving pieces on the chessboard, the strength of intellect, sense of strategy, and fighting spirit are demonstrated. Thus, to become better at this game, often referred to as the “royal game,” requires constant learning, effort, and daily dedication.

However, even if approached with great passion regardless of experience and knowledge, there are tips that can help to consistently progress from game to game and become better at chess.

Better Understanding of Chess

Chess is not just a game of making moves and shifting pieces across the board. It’s much more than that. Chess is a game of ideas, concepts, and schemes. Therefore, to completely master the skill of chess, it’s important to better understand its basic principles. These primarily include controlling the center of the board, development and value of pieces, as well as opening, middle game, and endgame techniques.

Develop Mental Skills

Chess is a game that demands mental agility. To become better at chess, it’s necessary to further develop skills such as analytical thinking, planning, and better concentration. This can be achieved through solving chess problems or tactical puzzles. Doing so will make one a sharper and more skilled chess player.

Developing Intuition

Apart from intellect, chess is also a game that requires strong intuition. By developing intuition, which involves anticipating opponents’ moves, planning one’s moves in advance, and assessing the position of pieces on the board, anyone who loves playing chess can make quicker and more effective decisions during the game, consequently leading to a checkmate. Developing intuition can be practiced by solving chess problems and analyzing games.

Practice Chess Opening Techniques

A good opening plays a crucial role in the further development of a chess game. Knowing basic types of openings and different variations can greatly assist in laying a solid foundation for a successful game. The importance of opening in chess is evident from the fact that books have been written about it, and great chess masters have analyzed different types of openings. Reading such books is an excellent way to delve into the essence and develop a diverse repertoire of opening strategies.

Analyzing Chess Games and Learning from Mistakes

Analyzing playing chess games and learning from one’s own mistakes is crucial for progress in chess. By studying chess matches, one can identify and understand mistakes made, and thus come to the conclusion of what could have been played better. This way, repeating the same mistakes can be prevented.

Learning from Chess Grandmasters and Playing with Stronger Opponents

To become better at anything in life, one must first learn and then compete with those better than oneself. Chess is no different in this regard. Studying chess matches played by grandmasters can provide insight into how chess is played when the best players face each other, as well as into their tactics and strategies. Playing chess with opponents stronger than oneself is also an ideal way to improve. By observing moves and thought processes, new skills can be developed and an even better understanding of chess can be achieved.

Chess Courses and Training

Thanks to the internet, online chess has become a very good way to improve and progress. Today, there are already many platforms that offer courses and training for learning chess at different levels, from initial moves to more complicated methods. A general recommendation is to follow courses and training that cover a wide range of topics, from openings to checkmate, as well as those that offer interactive games and tasks.

Chess District

One of the best platforms that help to become a better chess player is Chess District. This, one could freely say, chess network offers plenty of opportunities for improvement and progress. From an interactive community, training, to articles and video materials. What sets it apart is its approach to learning through a community where chess players share their experiences and tactics.

Chess, like love and music, can make a person happy. Therefore, it should be given a chance and doors to continuous learning should be opened, because only in this way can a person progress and become better.