Chess Openings for Beginners : Essential Strategies Every Player Should Know

Make your first move with confidence

During a chess match, your opening strategy can determine how the rest of the game will go―but how do you know which strategy to use? Stick to the most effective techniques, master the five opening principles, and become a worthy opponent with this beginner-friendly guide to the top 25 openers, from the Scotch Game to the French Defense.

What sets this book apart from other chess strategy books:

• Step-by-step advice―Start with a refresher on chess basics, then find clear and thorough explanations of each opening strategy, complete with illustrations.
• The most common variants―Be ready for anything with tips for executing other popular variations of each opener.
• Ways to practice what you've learned―Try sample chess scenarios that challenge you to come up with the next move and test your new skills.

Plan your strategy and take on the competition with Chess Openings for Beginners.

JESSICA ERA MARTIN has been a chess instructor for 20 years. She has coached teams in three states at the state and national championship levels. She’s the former Scholastic Vice President of the North Carolina Chess Association and the founder of Over the Chessboard, an organization dedicated to promoting chess for everyone. She’s the author of My First Chess Book, reprinted in 2021 as Learn to Play Chess, and How to Play Chess for Kids.