First chess moves: the centre and piece development
Choosing an opening move can be difficult: there are many pieces and no clear plan yet. Begin with three tasks: contest the centre, develop your pieces and prepare your king's safety. These guide your decisions; they are not a sequence to repeat against every reply.
In this article
Why a central pawn matters
The centre primarily means d4, e4, d5 and e5. After e2–e4, White's pawn occupies one of these squares, attacks d5 and f5, and opens the f1 bishop's diagonal. One move serves several purposes. Black replies e7–e5 with a similar idea, seeking space for the pieces. A pawn does not defend its own square, so it needs support.
Develop pieces with a purpose
In this example, g1–f3 brings the knight off its starting square and attacks the e5 pawn. The reply b8–c6 develops Black's knight and defends that pawn. Then f1–c4 points the bishop towards f7, but does not by itself create a winning attack. After g8–f6, d2–d3 supports White's e4 pawn and opens the second bishop's path.
Opening mistakes to avoid
A common mistake is chasing pawns with one piece while the others stay at home. Another is bringing the queen out too early: your opponent can attack it while developing. Avoid repeated edge-pawn moves without a concrete reason. If a piece is attacked or your king is in check, address that threat first: a general plan does not replace calculation.
Use the idea in your next game
Replay the example and explain the benefit of each move before playing it. Then try the “First move” lesson and a bot game. Count how many knights and bishops you have developed in the opening. Afterwards, identify one move that developed nothing and ask whether it had a necessary purpose.
Your move now.
Practise the idea on the board. You can make mistakes, try again and start over.
Open exerciseRules and sources
Use these links to check the rules and explore the topic further.