i dont know if im asking this question in the right way, but could anyone suggest a few basic openings that dont have to many variations that a beginner could learn the basic ins and outs? Maybe an opening that has good beginner strategy that someone could learn easy enough without having to the know a broad array of variations. Im not looking for a "perfect" opening, just one a beginner can start out on, and give a good game to another beginner. There are so many openings, its overwelming. Ive tried alot of them, but not understanding the strategy involved in each one, my game quickly falls apart in the middle/end game more times then not. i dont wanna get flamed, but does anyone have a favorite they started out with when they first began to play chess?
Originally posted by DierksFor black play the french, e6. The only move you can play to white's 20 options.
i dont know if im asking this question in the right way, but could anyone suggest a few basic openings that dont have to many variations that a beginner could learn the basic ins and outs? Maybe an opening that has good beginner strategy that someone could learn easy enough without having to the know a broad array of variations. Im not looking for a "perfec ...[text shortened]... ed, but does anyone have a favorite they started out with when they first began to play chess?
In my opinion, I don't think beginners should learn any openings at first. I've been playing otb for a year or two, and I haven't needed to learn any specific openings yet. Just try to learn the principles behind the opening, and that should be good enough for a while.
The purpose of the opening is to get you safely into the middlegame. If you're getting into the middlegame OK most of the time, then that's good enough. (If not, then maybe you don't know the opening principles well enough.) Trying to learn the subtleties of opening variations is useless if you start dropping pieces in the middlegame due to tactics.
Spend a little time studying the basic opening principles, then spend most of your time studying tactics and your endgame. That's my plan, at least.
sounds good to me. my problem has been in the middle game when i dont see a threatning combo against me. ive at least gotten past the part where i leave pieces out hanging, it still happens OTB but, not as often as it used to. i guess studying tactics like you said is what i need to work into my learning routine. thx for the advice.
Originally posted by kmac27I would recommend *against* playing the Sicilian as black. I find it extremely difficult, complicated, and demanding. Personally I do much better meeting e4 with e5, and just taking it from there. As white, I would suggest learning the Giuoco Piano or the Ruy Lopez. And do study those tactics -- it'll help immensely.
i dont know about you but its hard to get to the middle game without an opening to know. e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bb5 is a good opeing that beginners play as white and learn the sicicilian e4 c5 Nf3 d6 d4 exd4 Nxd4 Nf6
Originally posted by bassoRuy is also theory heavy. Scotch Game seems to be one very highly recommended, though I've not used it myself. I play the King's Gambit, which seems easy enough, but you're probably best learning something more simple like the Scotch.
I would recommend *against* playing the Sicilian as black. I find it extremely difficult, complicated, and demanding. Personally I do much better meeting e4 with e5, and just taking it from there. As white, I would suggest learning the Giuoco Piano or the Ruy Lopez. And do study those tactics -- it'll help immensely.
You don't necessarily need openings, but knowing them has always made me feel more comfortable. So, if you want to learn some, and have the time make sure you choose 1 for white and 2 for black (for facing e4 and d4).
BTW if you're a 1.d4 player then the Queen's Gambit is very reliable.
Originally posted by DierksWhen we learned the rules of play, we played the game based on some games we found in some books. I remember trying to play the opening moves of such players as Fischer, Larsen, Alekhine and Keres. I played the French Defence. I played a lot of Philidor's Defence at that time. We all had the same playing strength. It seems to me that a beginner can play any opening that he wants too as long as he is playing players of the same playing strength. The chances will be even? P.S. "We" would be the guys that I was with at that time. All we had was a chess set a understanding of the rules of play and some GM games.
isnt the French a difficult defense for novices, its alot of closed off positions if i remember.
The first opening I ever played as black was the Alekhine defence which is immensely complicated and requires careful handling.
If you want to find an opening try to think about middle game positions in which you feel comfortable and understand then analyse the openings that led to them. The best thing for a beginner to learn is the endgame. Makes sense: there are less pieces on the board.
Originally posted by demonseedHmm, I thought the endgame learning had more to do with the fact that it is much easier to raise your rating by knowing endgame skills than in any other part of the game. (Excluding tactics)
The first opening I ever played as black was the Alekhine defence which is immensely complicated and requires careful handling.
If you want to find an opening try to think about middle game positions in which you feel comfortable and understand then analyse the openings that led to them. The best thing for a beginner to learn is the endgame. Makes sense: there are less pieces on the board.
[ could anyone suggest a few basic openings that dont have to many variations that a beginner could learn the basic ins and outs? Maybe an opening that has good beginner strategy that someone could learn easy enough without having to the know a broad array of variations.I'm perhaps just a little further down the line than you so I've grappled with the same questions recently. This is what I've foundt. I have a couple of simple opening books that go about 6 or 8 moves in and cover the most popular openings (although you could just as easily find them on the net) but I like to read "about" the game as well as study the moves. You could narrow it down by starting with 1e4...and waiting a while before going into 1d4... The Italian (also called Giocco Piano) often taught to beginners, The Ruy Lopez...and others mentioned in this thread...more important than which opening you study is that you study the principles behind each move 1e4...this allows my queen and bishop to develop and and attacks two of my opponents squares etc. Having a grasp of the principles behind the moves will help you think for yourself when in unfamiliar lines. Now you can take these first half dozen moves with a friend and "play on" from this position as a way of practicing. You can also use a refernce book for your first few moves when playing on RHP...so if your opponent answers 1e4 with say 1...c5 look it up and you'll probably be able to follow the first few moves of one of the lines in The Scilian. Try thinking what you think the best move is (and why) then see what the book suggests. In time you'll find an opening or two that you like and you can go for some deeper study (I chose The Scotch, The Pirc and Nimzo Indian with a bit of time on Ruy Lopez, Queens Gambit & Scicilian. Also study tactics and endings...hard work but essential. Playing through Grand Master games and going over your own games are other good ways to learn quickly. You get some lovely Eureka moments and more than a few frustrations. One piece of advice I read somewhere was to spend about 25% of your study time on openings. Best luck it's a long journey and the more you look the deeper you see...
Originally posted by DierksIf you are a beginner, you shouldn't be memorizing openings. For a beginner, you just need to know the opening principles.
i dont know if im asking this question in the right way, but could anyone suggest a few basic openings that dont have to many variations that a beginner could learn the basic ins and outs? Maybe an opening that has good beginner strategy that someone could learn easy enough without having to the know a broad array of variations. Im not looking for a "perfec ...[text shortened]... ed, but does anyone have a favorite they started out with when they first began to play chess?
1. Take control of the center
2. Develop your pieces to help take control of the center
3. Get your king safe