What Chess Opening Should I Play?
Answer 6 questions about how you like to play. We'll recommend specific openings for White and Black — with links to our full guides.
Question 1 of 6
What’s your current ELO rating?
Frequently Asked Questions
What chess opening should a beginner play?
Beginners should choose openings that are easy to learn and teach sound principles. As White, the London System or Italian Game are excellent choices. As Black against 1.e4, the Caro-Kann is solid and straightforward. The key is picking one opening and sticking with it.
Should I pick one opening or learn several?
Start with one opening as White and one as Black. Play them for at least 50 games before considering alternatives. Switching openings too often means you never learn any of them deeply.
How much opening theory do I need to know?
At the club level (under 1600 ELO), you need to know the first 5-8 moves and the main plans. Understanding why you play each move matters more than memorizing 20-move lines.
Does my opening choice really matter at my level?
It matters less than you think for winning games, but more than you think for learning chess. Below 1500 ELO, how you play moves 10-40 matters far more than moves 1-10.