Index of Some Chess Opening Moves
The Basic Opening Moves in Chess
In the opening, you should develop your chessmen quickly; that is, move them to squares where they can see action as soon as you can. Develop as many of your valuable pieces as you can. Do not over-develop pawns. Save the queen for later since it is not a good idea to put her at risk early. Also, put the king in a castle at the soonest possible time.
When making your moves, remember that the objective is to develop your pieces and to take control of the middle of the board. Keep your focus on this area the most. Do not confine your chessmen to the sides since this would limit their effectiveness.
Traditional Chess Openings
There are many traditional opening moves. Here is a list of some of the best-known openings. The list uses abbreviated algebraic notation. We have omitted commentary on these openings so you can explore them on your own.
A List of Some Common Chess Openings
Albin Counter-Gambit 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5
Alekhine's Defence 1.e4 Nf6
Benko Gambit 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5
Benoni 1.d4 c5
Bird's Opening 1.f4
Bishop's Opening 1.e4 e5 2.Bc4
Caro-Kann Defence 1.e4 c6
Centre Counter 1.e4 d5
Centre Game 1.e4 e5 2.d4
Danish Gambit 1.e4 e5 2.d4 exd4 3.c3
Dutch Defense 1.d4 f5
English Opening 1.c4
Evans Gambit 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.b4
Four Knights' Game 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3 Nf6
French Defense 1.e4 e6
Giucco Piano 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. Bc4 Bc5
Grunfeld Defense 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 d5
King's Gambit 1.e4 e5 2.f4
King's Indian Defense 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 g6 3.Nc3 Bg7
Nimzo-Indian Defense 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Bb4
Nimzo-Larsen Attack 1.b3
Petroff's Defense 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6
Philidor's Defense 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d6
Pirc 1.e4 d6 2.d4 Nf6
Queen's Indian Defense 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 b6 4.g3 Bb7
Queen's Pawn Game 1.d4 d5
Reti Opening 1.Nf3
Ruy Lopez 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 2Nc6 3.Bb5
Scotch 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4
Slav Defense 1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6
Two Knights' Defense 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6
Vienna 1.e4 e5 2.Nc3
This is of course by no means a complete listing chess openings. However they will give you enough to practice with until you learn more moves. The grandmasters learned these openings and so should you. Do not be afraid to experiment. Try different strategies and even if you like one, be sure to change tactics now and then. Chess is a game of mental skills and the best players are always learning.