Chess Openings for White
White moves first, so White chooses the type of game. The question is what kind of positions you want: open and tactical, solid and systematic, or slow and strategic.
Pick one opening from the list below and stick with it for a while. Each links to a page with the main line, the common replies and how to handle them.
Open, attacking games (1.e4)
Fast development and early pressure on Black’s king.
- 1
Italian Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4BeginnerBishop to c4 hits f7 from move three. Plans are clear and easy to learn. - 2
Vienna Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nc3IntermediateNc3 first, then often f4 for a kingside attack. Fewer forcing lines than the Italian. - 3
Scotch Game
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4IntermediateOpen the centre right away with 3.d4 for free piece play. - 4
Ruy Lopez
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5AdvancedThe deepest 1.e4 e5 opening, with slow pressure that lasts into the endgame.
Solid, positional games (1.d4 and 1.c4)
Space, structure and long-term plans.
- 1
London System
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4BeginnerThe same setup almost every game: d4, Bf4, e3, Nf3, c3. - 2
Queen's Gambit
1.d4 d5 2.c4IntermediateOffer the c-pawn to win the centre. The most classical 1.d4 opening. - 3
Catalan Opening
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3AdvancedA Queen’s Gambit with a fianchettoed bishop on g2, a favourite of world champions. - 4
English Opening
1.c4IntermediateControl d5 from the side and keep the game flexible.
Traps to know
- Scholar's MateScholar's Mate is the four-move checkmate on f7 with queen and bishop. See how it works and the two simple moves that stop it for good.
- Fried Liver AttackThe Fried Liver Attack is a knight sacrifice on f7 in the Two Knights Defense. See the attack and how to counter it with 5…Na5.
- Halloween GambitThe Halloween Gambit sacrifices a knight on e5 in the Four Knights Game. It looks scary, but 7…d5 leaves Black better. See the attack and the defence.
- Elephant TrapThe Elephant Trap in the Queen's Gambit Declined punishes 6.Nxd5 with …Nxd5! and …Bb4+, winning a piece. See the trap and how White avoids it.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best opening for White?
- 1.e4 with the Italian Game or Ruy Lopez, and 1.d4 with the Queen’s Gambit, are the most popular and best tested choices.
- What is the most aggressive opening for White?
- Among sound openings, the Vienna Game with f4 and the Italian Game with an early Ng5 give the most direct attacking chances. The King’s Gambit is sharper but riskier.
The best opening also depends on who you play. Scout your next opponent and see what they play and where they go wrong.
Prepare for your opponent