The first few moves of a chess game can be some of the most important moves you make. In those moves, you will establish your early plans and fight for your place on the board. Most beginners don’t need to memorize exact opening moves and should instead focus on good opening principles like controlling the center and developing your pieces. However, it is useful to know some openings as they can be common, and they do help reinforce good plans. But don’t become too reliant on memorization or you will soon find yourself feeling lost.

1. The Italian Game
2. The Sicilian Defense
3. The French Defense
4. The Ruy-Lopez
5. The Slav Defense