Chess rules · beginner
How to Start a Chess Game
Three simple rules for the opening.
Last updated
touch_appLearn it by doing: read the short explanation, then play it on the board.
Quick answer
Start by moving a centre pawn (e4 or d4), then bring out your knights and bishops towards the centre, castle to make your king safe, and connect your rooks. Don't move the same piece twice without a reason, don't bring the queen out early, and watch for quick traps.
Step by step
Avoid moving the same piece again and again, and don't bring your queen out too early: it can be chased around and lose time.
Test yourself
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Common mistakes
- Bringing the queen out early to attack: it gets chased while the opponent develops.
- Moving lots of pawns and leaving the knights and bishops at home.
- Falling for Scholar's Mate (an early Qh5 and Bc4 against f7). Defend f7 and develop.
Tips from the lesson
- Centre, develop, castle.
- Block the line to f7.
Where you'll use this
FAQ
What is the best first move in chess?add
1.e4 and 1.d4 are the most popular: they take the centre and open lines for the bishops and queen.
What are the opening principles?add
Control the centre, develop knights and bishops, castle early, connect the rooks, and don't waste moves.
When should you castle?add
Usually within the first ten moves, once the knight and bishop between the king and rook have moved.
Do I need to memorise openings?add
Not at first. Following the principles gets you a good position; learn named openings once you play regularly.