Beginners
Before memorising opening lines, every new chess player needs these five habits that decide most beginner games. A coach's guide from Darklight Chess Academy.
New players often ask us which opening they should memorise first. Our answer is always the same: none. At the beginner stage, principles beat memorisation every single time. Master these five habits and you will reach a playable middlegame against anyone at your level.
The four central squares are the high ground of the chessboard. Pieces placed there control more squares and reach both wings quickly. Start with 1.e4 or 1.d4 (or meet them symmetrically) and let your pieces support those central pawns.
Every move you spend on a pawn that doesn’t help the centre is a move your opponent uses to bring out a piece. Aim to have both knights and both bishops off the back rank within the first eight moves.
A king in the centre is the number one cause of quick losses in junior tournaments. Castling tucks your king away and connects your rooks — two benefits in a single move.
Unless there is a concrete tactical reason, moving an already-developed piece again wastes time. Count your developed pieces after ten moves; if your opponent has more, you probably broke this rule.
When your rooks see each other along the back rank, your opening is complete. Place them on open or half-open files — usually where a pawn exchange has happened or is about to happen.
In our beginner chess classes these five principles are drilled through mini-games and puzzles until they become automatic. Want your child to build the habit early? Book a free demo class and see how we teach it.
