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Openings to Avoid as a Beginner

Some openings break opening principles and hurt beginners. Avoid openings that move the queen early, move the same piece many times, or move too many pawns.

Queen out early

White plays Qh5 and then Qf3 after Black plays g6. The queen has moved twice while Black develops.

FEN: rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 r n b q k b n r 8
7 p p p p p p p p 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 P P P P P P P P 2
1 R N B Q K B N R 1
  a b c d e f g h

Too many pawn moves

White plays e4, then h4, then a4. Pawns have moved, but no piece has developed except in the first move.

FEN: rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 r n b q k b n r 8
7 p p p p p p p p 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 P P P P P P P P 2
1 R N B Q K B N R 1
  a b c d e f g h

Develop instead

White plays e4, Nf3, and Bc4. Pieces develop, the center is controlled, and castling comes next.

FEN: rnbqkbnr/pppppppp/8/8/8/8/PPPPPPPP/RNBQKBNR w KQkq - 0 1

a b c d e f g h
8 r n b q k b n r 8
7 p p p p p p p p 7
6 . . . . . . . . 6
5 . . . . . . . . 5
4 . . . . . . . . 4
3 . . . . . . . . 3
2 P P P P P P P P 2
1 R N B Q K B N R 1
  a b c d e f g h

Key points

  • Avoid moving the queen out in the first moves. The queen gets attacked and wastes moves.
  • Avoid moving the same piece three or four times while other pieces stay home.
  • Avoid moving many pawns in the opening. Pawn moves do not develop pieces.
  • Avoid leaving the king in the center for long. Castle early to bring the king to safety.
  • Choose an opening that develops pieces, controls the center, and castles early.

Try it Yourself

Edit the code, then press Run.

Running is simulated · Rust Playground

Exercise

Which opening habit should a beginner avoid?