An Introduction to Winning Opening Moves in Chess

Good opening moves in chess provide you with better control over a specific area of the board (preferably the center), greater protection of the king, excellent mobility for different pieces, and more opportunities to capture opposing pieces, while reducing danger for your own. Possible chess opening moves and strategies in chess have been studied extensively over the years. Many sequences are widely used by seasoned players who have learned how to make them their own by adding inflections that enhance their overall strategy.

A good way to learn winning opening moves is to know common approaches. However, it is important to note that you have to study moves in a more in-depth manner before you can master them. The struggle for key territory is common in most openings. This is mostly concentrated in the center squares and in deploying pieces in their most useful positions. It is good to make direct as well as more subtle approaches toward your goals.

The following are examples of good openings:

• White can start by moving the King's pawn 2 spaces (e4). Playing e4 has much strength as it gives you immediate control of the center and frees two of your back pieces (a Bishop and the Queen). This opening move also leaves the Black with 2 options, either to mirror you (replying with an e5) to follow openings like the Ruy Lopez, Giuco Piano, or King's Gambit, or move to set up openings like the Sicilian Defense, Caro-Kann, French Defense, Pirc/Modern, or Center Counter.

• White can also start by moving the Queen's pawn to d4, which can in turn lead to openings like the King's Indian Defense, Queen's Gambit, Bogo Indian, Nimzo Indian, Dutch Defense, or Queen's Indian Defense.

• Opening moves other than e4 or d4 usually lead to other less used openings like the English Opening.