Ranking Opening Moves in Chess [All 20]

We rank the top first moves in chess.

Chess openings are a big part of success in the game, so knowing what the best first moves are is almost the very beginning of one’s chess learning.

They are, of course, of top interest to the top players in the world as well and new things are always being learned about the game.

There are 20 possible opening moves.

We have a summary below, then a more explained overview in the main body of the article.

Ranking Opening Moves in Chess, 1-20

1. e4 (+0.40) – King’s Pawn Opening: The King’s pawn opening (e4) is a popular and strong opening move in chess. It immediately asserts control over the central squares of the board, particularly d5 and f5. The e4 pawn also allows the bishop on f1 to be developed quickly and easily.
2. d4 (+0.30) – Queen’s Pawn Opening: The Queen’s Pawn Opening (1. d4) is a strong and flexible opening move in chess. It immediately asserts control over the central squares of the board.
3. Nf3 (+0.20) – Reti Opening: Nf3 is the first move of the Reti Opening, a popular and flexible opening that can lead to a wide range of positions and strategies.
4. c4 (+0.20) – English Opening: C4, also known as the English Opening, is a flexible and strategic opening move that can be highly effective for White.
5. g3 (+0.10) – King’s Fianchetto Opening: The King’s Fianchetto Opening (1.g3) is a strong and flexible move that is widely played at all levels of chess.
6. e3 (+0.10) – Van’t Kruijs Opening: The Van’t Kruijs Opening (1.e3) is a solid and flexible opening move that has been used successfully by many strong players.
7. c3 (+0.05) – Saragossa Opening: The C3 Saragossa Opening is a relatively uncommon opening move in chess that involves moving the c2 pawn one square forward on the first move.
8. Nc3 (+0.00) – Van Geet Opening: The Van Geet Opening is an uncommon chess opening that begins with 1.Nc3.
9. a3 (-0.10) – Anderssen Opening: The Anderssen Opening, also known as 1.a3, is an uncommon opening move in chess.
10. b3 (-0.10) – Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: The B3 Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is an opening in chess that begins with the move 1.b3.
11. d3 (-0.15) – Mieses Opening: d3 is known as the Mieses Opening and is generally less solid than other passive first moves.
12. h3 (-0.20) – Clemenz Opening: The Clemenz Opening, also known as h3, is a chess opening move that involves advancing the pawn on the king’s flank.
13. b4 (-0.30) – Polish Opening or Sokolsky Opening: The Polish Opening, also known as the Sokolsky Opening (1.b4), is a rare opening that can be used to surprise your opponent.
14. a4 (-0.35) – Ware Opening: The Ware Opening (a4) is a rarely played opening move in chess that represents a flank pawn opening.
15. f4 (-0.40) – Bird’s Opening. Bird’s Opening is a more tactical opening that represents aggressive play.
16. h4 (-0.60) – Kádas Opening. Flank pawn attack that gained more popularity with AlphaZero supporting flank pawn attacks.

17. Nh3 (-0.60) – Amar Opening or Ammonia Attack. Unusual attack that involves moving a knight to the outside square.

18. Na3 (-0.60) – Sodium Attack. Opposite side as the above. Slightly inferior because it takes longer for the king to castle queen-side.

19. f3 (-1.00) – Barnes Opening. Not an objectively good opening due potential compromising of king safety, doesn’t help control the center, and slows down development (take away f3 development square for the knight).

20. g4 (-1.40) – Grob Opening. Considered the worst with 1. f3. Create a vulnerable pawn, vulnerable king, and poor center control.

Best First Moves in Chess [Ranked]

We rank them approximately and also provide an approximate evaluation for each opening move, as evaluated by the latest version of Stockfish.

There are roughly a “Big Four” (e4, d4, Nf3, c4).

And about 7 out of the 20 possible openings have a positive evaluation.

Let’s take a look.

1. e4 (+0.40) – King’s Pawn Opening

The King’s pawn opening (e4) is a popular and strong opening move in chess, but it is not necessarily the “best” opening move.

In fact, there is no universally agreed-upon “best” opening move in chess.

That being said, the King’s pawn opening has some advantages that make it a popular choice for many players.

First, it immediately asserts control over the central squares of the board, particularly d5 and f5. This can be useful for establishing a strong position in the center of the board and controlling the flow of the game.

Second, the e4 pawn also allows the bishop on f1 to be developed quickly and easily, which can put pressure on Black’s defenses and potentially lead to an early advantage.

Finally, the King’s pawn opening also allows for a wide range of possible variations and responses, which can make it difficult for an opponent to prepare for and anticipate.

Bobby Fischer called it “the best by test.”

Magnus Carlsen and Ian Nepomniachtchi both prefer 1. e4 over 1. d4 at 9:06 of the video below from World Chess Championship in 2021.

Carlsen explained that there’s more variety from e4.

1. e4 tends to have more sharper tactical lines, while 1. d4 tends to be more positional.

That being said, other opening moves such as d4, c4, and Nf3 can also be strong and effective, depending on the player’s style and strategy.

Ultimately, the “best” opening move will depend on the individual player and their specific goals and approach to the game.

2. d4 (+0.30) – Queen’s Pawn Opening

The Queen’s Pawn Opening (1. d4) is a strong and flexible opening move in chess, and is one of the most popular alternatives to the King’s Pawn Opening (1. e4). Here are some reasons why 1. d4 can be considered one of the best opening moves in chess:

1. Control of the center: Like 1. e4, 1. d4 immediately asserts control over the central squares of the board. The pawn on d4 controls e5 and c5, and puts pressure on Black’s position right from the start.
2. Flexibility: Unlike 1. e4, which commits the king’s pawn and limits the options for the f1 bishop, 1. d4 is a more flexible move that allows for a wide range of possible pawn and piece developments. For example, after 1. d4, White can develop the knight to f3 or c3, play c4 to support the pawn on d4, or even fianchetto the bishop on g2.
3. Solidity: 1. d4 can lead to a more solid and defensive position for White, which can be particularly useful against aggressive players or in closed positions where space is limited.
4. Strategic depth: The Queen’s Pawn Opening can lead to a variety of strategic themes and ideas, including control of the center, space advantage, and piece mobility. This can make the opening particularly attractive to players who enjoy deep strategic planning and maneuvering.

Of course, like any opening move, 1. d4 has its own drawbacks and weaknesses, and its effectiveness will depend on a variety of factors, including the player’s style and the specific game situation. However, for many players, the Queen’s Pawn Opening is a strong and reliable choice that can lead to interesting and challenging games.

3. Nf3 (+0.20) – Reti Opening

People will debate whether 1. Nf3 is a better move than 1. c4. They are comparable.

4. c4 (+0.20) – English Opening

C4, also known as the English Opening, is a flexible and strategic opening move that can be highly effective for White.

It’s become more common at the grandmaster (GM) and super-GM level over the years.

Here are some reasons why c4 can be considered one of the best opening moves in chess:

1. Side control of center: Like 1. d4 and 1. e4, c4 immediately asserts control over a central square of the board. The pawn on c4 controls d5, and can prepare for a later advance to gain additional space and control.
2. Flexible pawn structure: The pawn on c4 allows for a wide range of possible pawn and piece developments, including the possibility of a pawn chain with d3 and e4, or a reversed Sicilian with g3 and Bg2. This flexibility can make it difficult for opponents to prepare and anticipate White’s moves.
3. Strategic depth: The English Opening can lead to a variety of strategic themes and ideas, including control of the center, space advantage, and piece mobility. It also often involves an early development of the knight to c3, which can put pressure on Black’s position and prepare for a later advance to d5.
4. Surprise factor: Like the Reti Opening, the English Opening can be a surprising and unsettling move for opponents who are used to more common openings like 1. e4 or 1. d4.
5. Reduced risk: Because c4 does not commit any central pawns, it can be a safer and more flexible choice for players who are looking to avoid sharp and risky lines.
6. Less theoretical: Most chess theory has come out of the first three openings on this list, especially e4 and d4. Even at the GM level, the theory behind 1. c4 isn’t always as well understood as more popular openings. As a form of flank attack, it can be more awkward for some players to play against.

Overall, c4 is a strong and flexible opening move that can lead to a wide range of positions and strategies.

However, like any opening, its effectiveness depends on what follows from it.

As mentioned, 1. c4 benefits from its somewhat anti-theoretical nature.

In other words, players benefit from their opponents not always being well-prepared against it.

As we go down this list, this “anti-theory surprise factor” becomes a key theme.

5. g3 (+0.10) – King’s Fianchetto Opening

The King’s Fianchetto Opening (1.g3) is a strong and flexible move that is widely played at all levels of chess.

Here are some reasons why it’s considered to be one of the best opening moves:

1. Indirect control of the center: While 1.g3 doesn’t directly control any central squares, it prepares to do so by fianchettoing the king’s bishop to g2. From there, the bishop exerts pressure on the central d5 and e4 squares, making it difficult for Black to occupy them with pawns or pieces. This indirect control of the center can lead to a strong position for White.
2. Flexibility: 1.g3 allows White to choose from a wide range of pawn structures and piece placements, depending on how Black responds. For example, White might play d3 and e4 to control more central squares, or play c4 to create a strong pawn chain. Alternatively, White might play Nf3 and d4 to aim for a more classical pawn structure. This flexibility makes it harder for Black to prepare against the opening, as there are many possible paths White can take.
3. Bishop development: By fianchettoing the king’s bishop to g2, White develops a powerful piece that can control many squares on both flanks of the board. The bishop can also support White’s pawn advances on the kingside, or participate in a kingside attack.
4. Reduced risk of early attacks: 1.g3 creates a solid foundation for White’s position, as the fianchettoed bishop protects the king from early attacks along the long diagonal. This makes it harder for Black to launch a quick counterattack or gain any immediate advantage.

Overall, the King’s Fianchetto Opening is a strong and versatile opening that can lead to a variety of positions and strategies for White.

Its flexibility and reduced risk make it a popular choice at all levels of chess.

Will it become more popular at the GM or super-GM level over time?

It remains to be seen.

6. e3 (+0.10) – Van’t Kruijs Opening

The Van’t Kruijs Opening (1.e3) is a solid and flexible opening move that has been used successfully by many strong players.

Here are some reasons why it’s considered to be one of the best opening moves:

1. Control of the center: While 1.e3 doesn’t directly control any central squares, it prepares to do so by supporting the pawn on d4. This pawn structure can exert pressure on the central d5 and e4 squares, making it difficult for Black to occupy them with pawns or pieces. This indirect control of the center can lead to a strong position for White.
2. Flexibility: 1.e3 allows White to choose from a wide range of pawn structures and piece placements, depending on how Black responds. For example, White might play d3 and c3 to create a strong pawn chain, or play Nf3 and d4 to aim for a more classical pawn structure. Alternatively, White might fianchetto the king’s bishop to g2 to control more squares on the kingside. This flexibility makes it harder for Black to prepare against the opening, as there are many possible paths White can take.
3. Reduced risk of early attacks: 1.e3 creates a solid foundation for White’s position, as the pawn on e3 protects the king from early attacks along the diagonal. This makes it harder for Black to launch a quick counterattack or gain any immediate advantage.
4. Bishop development: By playing e3, White prepares to develop the king’s bishop to e2, where it can control many squares on the kingside and support White’s pawn advances. The bishop can also be repositioned later in the game to support White’s plans on other parts of the board.
5. Surprise factor: The Van’t Kruijs Opening is not as well-known or heavily analyzed as some other openings, such as the Sicilian Defense or the Ruy Lopez. This can give White an advantage, as Black may be less familiar with the nuances of the opening and may have to spend more time thinking about their response.

Overall, the Van’t Kruijs Opening is a solid and flexible opening that can lead to a variety of positions and strategies for White.

Its reduced risk and surprise factor make it a popular choice for players who want to avoid heavily analyzed opening lines and keep their options open.

1. e3 was also a popular opening before chess allowed pawns to move forward two squares on their opening move.

7. c3 (+0.05) – Saragossa Opening

The C3 Saragossa Opening, also known as the “Saragossa Defense” or “Saragossa Variation,” is a relatively uncommon opening move in chess that involves moving the c2 pawn one square forward on the first move.

One reason why some chess players consider the C3 Saragossa Opening to be one of the best opening moves is because it is a flexible and solid opening that can be used to control the center of the board and prepare for a variety of different strategic plans.

Wtih c3, White gains control over the d4 square, which can exert pressure on the center and support other pieces.

Additionally, the C3 Saragossa Opening can lead to a variety of different pawn structures and positional setups, depending on how the game develops. For example, White may choose to play for a closed game by advancing the d4 pawn and creating a pawn chain, or they may opt for a more open game by playing for quick development and tactical opportunities.

Furthermore, the C3 Saragossa Opening can catch some opponents off guard and force them to think on their own early in the game, which can give White a psychological advantage. The opening also has a relatively low risk of exposing White’s king to danger compared to some other opening choices.

Of course, as with any opening in chess, the effectiveness of the C3 Saragossa Opening ultimately depends on the skill of the player using it and the response of their opponent. However, many chess players believe that the opening offers a strong foundation for a solid and flexible game plan.

So… those are the 7 or so openings out of the 20 possible that give an opening advantage.

Let’s explore those that are neutral or a bit less than neutral.

8. Nc3 (+0.00) – Van Geet Opening

The Van Geet Opening is an uncommon chess opening that begins with 1.Nc3. It is named after Dutch player Geert van Geet. While it is not as popular as other chess openings, it can still be a good choice in certain situations. Nc3 is considered an evaluation of about 0.00, neither giving an opening advantage nor a disadvantage.

It’s another move to mostly avoid theory and surprise an opponent who may not know how to reply to it or follow-up moves.

Many chess players have a set repertoire that they are comfortable playing, and by playing an uncommon opening, you can throw them off balance and force them to think more critically about their moves.

Additionally, the move 1.Nc3 develops a knight and controls the center of the board. The knight on c3 can also support a potential pawn push to e4, which would further control the center.

However, there are also some weaknesses to the Van Geet Opening. One issue is that it can be difficult to fully capitalize on the surprise factor if your opponent responds well. If your opponent makes strong moves and develops their pieces efficiently, you may not be able to take advantage of the opening surprise.

Another weakness is that the knight on c3 can become vulnerable to attack. For example, if Black plays 1…d5, they have the potential to attack the knight with their pawn. If the knight moves, Black can gain control of the center with …e5.

Overall, the Van Geet Opening can be a good choice in certain situations, but it is important to be aware of its strengths and weaknesses and to play it strategically.

9. a3 (-0.10) – Anderssen Opening

The Anderssen Opening, also known as 1.a3, is an uncommon opening move in chess that has both strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some of the most notable ones:

Strengths:

1. Flexible pawn structure: By advancing the a-pawn, White gains control of the b4 square and creates a flexible pawn structure that can adapt to different positions and pawn breaks.
2. Surprise value: The Anderssen Opening is not commonly played, so it can catch opponents off guard and force them to spend time and mental energy to figure out how to respond.
3. Discourages common responses: The move 1.a3 can discourage Black from playing the popular 1…e5 or 1…d5, as these moves would allow White to gain even more space with 2.axb4. This can force Black to play a less familiar or desirable move, or to waste time by repositioning their pawn before advancing it.

Weaknesses:

1. Weakens the queenside: Advancing the a-pawn can weaken White’s queenside and create weaknesses that Black can exploit later on. For example, the b3 square can become a target for Black’s pieces or pawns.
2. Wastes time: The move 1.a3 does not contribute to the development of White’s pieces and can be seen as a waste of time, especially if Black responds with a move that does contribute to development.
3. Potentially leads to an inferior position (no center control): If White does not follow up the move 1.a3 with a strong plan or fails to take advantage of any surprises it may have caused, they can end up in a suboptimal position where Black has more space and better development.

Overall, the Anderssen Opening can be a viable option for players who want to surprise their opponents and create a flexible pawn structure, but it should be played with caution and a clear plan to avoid falling into an inferior position.

10. b3 (-0.10) – Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack

The B3 Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack is an opening in chess that begins with the move 1.b3.

This opening is named after the Danish Grandmaster Aron Nimzowitsch and the Danish International Master Bent Larsen, who both favored this opening in their games.

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The B3 opening is not as commonly played as other openings such as the Sicilian or the Ruy Lopez, so opponents may not be as familiar with the theory behind it, giving the player a psychological advantage.
2. Flexibility: The B3 opening can lead to a wide variety of positions, allowing players to choose the type of game they prefer to play.
3. Control of the center: By playing b3, White indirectly controls the center by putting pressure on the d4 and e5 squares when Fianchetto-ing the dark-squared bishop. This can make it difficult for Black to develop their pieces efficiently.

Weaknesses:

1. Lack of direct control of the center: While the B3 opening puts pressure on the center with a bishop development follow-up, it does not directly control the e4 and d4 squares, which are traditionally considered the most important squares in the center of the board for white to advance to.
2. Vulnerability of the b3 pawn: By playing b3, White may weaken their queenside pawn structure in some scenarios and creates a potential weakness on the b3 square.
3. Slow development: The B3 opening typically involves a slower development of White’s pieces, which can give Black the opportunity to seize the initiative and gain an advantage in the opening.

11. d3 (-0.15) – Mieses Opening

d3 is known as the Mieses Opening and is generally less solid than other passive first moves because of how it may open the king up to early attacks.

Strengths of Mieses Opening:

1. Surprise factor: Mieses Opening is not as commonly played as other openings, which can catch opponents off guard and force them to play reactively.
2. Flexible: Mieses Opening allows for flexible pawn structures, allowing players to adapt to different positions on the board.
3. Control of central squares: The pawn on d3 can support control of e4, which can give players a strong position to launch attacks from.

Weaknesses of Mieses Opening:

1. Slower development/passive: Mieses Opening delays taking control of the center, which can make it harder to put pressure on the opponent’s position.
2. Vulnerable: The king is more open to attacks, which can create weaknesses in the player’s position.
3. Limited attacking opportunities: Mieses Opening can be more defensive in nature, which can limit the player’s attacking opportunities and make it harder to seize control of the board.

12. h3 (-0.20) – Clemenz Opening

The Clemenz Opening, also known as h3, is a chess opening move that involves advancing the pawn on the king’s flank.

Here are some strengths and weaknesses of this opening:

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The h3 opening is not commonly played, so it can catch an opponent off guard and disrupt their planned response.
2. Flexibility: The move allows the player to control the g4 square and prepare for possible attacks on the kingside.
3. Avoiding theory: By avoiding more common opening moves, the player can steer the game away from heavily researched theory and force the opponent to think for themselves from an early stage.
4. Prevents knight entry: h3 is often a move played to limit the opponent’s knight from going from its natural development square (f6) to g4.

Weaknesses:

1. Pawn structure: By advancing the pawn in front of the king (in an eventual castling situation), the player may weaken their kingside pawn structure and may make their king vulnerable to attacks.
2. Development: The move does not immediately develop any pieces, which can give the opponent an advantage in occupying the center of the board and developing their own pieces more quickly.
3. Losing tempo: By playing h3, the player may lose a tempo and give the opponent an opportunity to gain an advantage in development or occupation of the center of the board.

Overall, the h3 opening can be a useful surprise weapon in the player’s arsenal, but it should be used with caution as it can also come with potential weaknesses.

13. b4 (-0.30) – Polish Opening or Sokolsky Opening

The Polish Opening, also known as the Sokolsky Opening (1.b4), is a rare opening that can be used to surprise your opponent.

Like any other chess opening, it has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some of them, numbered for clarity:

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The Polish Opening is not a common opening, and most players are not familiar with its nuances. This can throw off your opponent’s game and give you an advantage.
2. Control of the a5-e1 diagonal: By playing 1.b4, White gains control of the a5-e1 diagonal. This can help in developing the bishop on b2 and putting pressure on Black’s position.
3. Flexibility: The Polish Opening is a flexible opening that allows White to transpose into other openings.

Weaknesses:

1. Weakness of the b4 square: By playing 1.b4, White creates a weakness on the b4 square. Black can exploit this weakness by playing moves like …a5 or …d5 or d6, attacking the b4 pawn.
2. Lack of central control: The Polish Opening does not immediately control the center of the board. This can allow Black to occupy the center with their pawns and pieces, gaining an advantage in the game.
3. Vulnerability of overextended flank pawn: When pawns get too over-extended too early, they may be lost. For example, Black may advanace its pawn to e5, directly targeting b4 with the dark-squared bishop.

Overall, the Polish Opening can be a good surprise weapon, but it has some weaknesses that should be taken into consideration when playing it.

It is important to be familiar with the different variations and plans that can arise from the opening in order to make the most of its strengths and mitigate its weaknesses.

14. a4 (-0.35) – Ware Opening

The Ware Opening (a4) is a rarely played opening move in chess, where white moves their a-pawn two squares forward instead of the more common e4 or d4.

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The Ware Opening is not a common move, and opponents may not be familiar with the resulting positions. This can give white a psychological advantage over their opponent.
2. Flexibility: By delaying the development of the central pawns, white can choose to adopt a more flexible and nuanced approach to the opening, potentially adapting to the specific strengths and weaknesses of their opponent’s position.
3. Flank attack: The engine Alphazero showed that flank pawn attacks may be somewhat underrated. Pushing flank pawns up the board can limit an opponent’s maneuverability and provide long-term advantages when they’re employed effectively. There also tends to be more space on the flanks, as opposed to the center of a chess board, which can get crowded.

Weaknesses:

1. Loss of control of the center: By not advancing the central pawns, white cedes control of the important d4 and e4 squares, which can allow black to take control of the center and potentially gain an advantage in the early stages of the game.
2. Limited options for piece development: The a4 pawn move can limit the options for white’s minor pieces (knights and bishops), making it harder to develop them effectively and potentially resulting in a cramped position.
3. Vulnerability of the a-pawn: Moving the a-pawn exposes it to attack from black’s minor pieces, and if not protected properly, can result in a weakened position for white.

Overall, while the Ware Opening can be a surprise weapon in a player’s repertoire, it also comes with some drawbacks that make it less popular than more traditional opening moves like e4 or d4.

Generally, speaking as we get further down this list, the more room for bad when playing these openings.

You rarely tend to see them in serious games.

15. f4 (-0.40) – Bird’s Opening

Here are the strengths and weaknesses of F4, also known as Bird’s Opening, in chess:

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: Bird’s Opening is not played very often at high levels of chess, so opponents may not be as familiar with it and may not know how to respond effectively.
2. Control of the center: F4 immediately places pressure on the center of the board (the e5 square), which can give White a strong control of the board and the ability to dictate the flow of the game.
3. Flexibility: F4 can be played in a variety of different positions, so it allows for some flexibility in terms of strategy and can be used as a surprise weapon to catch opponents off guard.
4. Aggressive play: By playing F4, White is signaling their intent to play an aggressive game and put pressure on their opponent from the very beginning.

Weaknesses:

1. Vulnerability of the King: By pushing the F pawn forward, White’s king is left more exposed and vulnerable to attacks from the opponent’s pieces, especially if Black responds with counter-attacking moves.
2. Weakness of the e4 pawn: Pushing the F pawn forward also weakens the e4 pawn if that’s played as a follow-up, which can make it difficult to defend and can create potential weaknesses in White’s position.
3. Lack of development: Playing F4 early in the game means that White is delaying the development of other pieces, such as the knights and bishops, which can lead to a disadvantage in terms of piece coordination. 1. f4 doesn’t allow an “out” squares for either bishop. 1. c4 does the same but doesn’t expose the king like 1. f4.
4. Dependence on opponent’s response: The success of Bird’s Opening depends heavily on how the opponent responds to it. If Black responds with strong and accurate moves, White may find it difficult to maintain.

16. h4 (-0.60) – Kádas Opening

The Kádas Opening, also known as 1.h4, is an uncommon chess opening that involves moving the pawn on the h-file two squares forward on the first move.

Like any other chess opening, it has its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are some of them:

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The Kádas Opening is not a common opening, so it can be used to surprise opponents who are not familiar with it. This can throw them off their game and give you an advantage from the start.
2. Control of the g5-square: By advancing the h-pawn, you gain control of the g5-square, which can prevent the opponent’s knight or bishop from occupying that square.
3. Creates asymmetry: The Kádas Opening creates an asymmetrical pawn structure, which can make it more difficult for your opponent to develop their pieces harmoniously.
4. Can put pressure on the king: If the h4 pawn can advance to h5 and h6, that can start to disrupt the king’s defenses, especially when castling king-side. There may be long-term merits to playing h4 if the position is played well.

Weaknesses:

1. Weakness on the kingside: By advancing the h-pawn, you weaken your kingside and make it easier for your opponent to launch an attack there.
2. Risk of losing tempo: The Kádas Opening does not contribute to the development of your pieces, which can lead to a loss of tempo if your opponent develops their pieces more quickly.
3. Potential isolation of the h-pawn: The h-pawn can become isolated and vulnerable to attack if not supported by other pawns or pieces.

Overall, the Kádas Opening is a risky opening that can lead to either an advantage or a quick disadvantage, depending on how it’s played.

It is not recommended for players who prefer a more solid and traditional approach to chess.

17. Nh3 (-0.60) – Amar Opening or Ammonia Attack

The Nh3 Amar Opening, also known as the Ammonia Attack, is a relatively uncommon opening in chess where White moves their knight to h3 on their first move.

Here are the strengths and weaknesses of this opening:

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The Amar Opening is rarely played in high-level chess, so it can catch your opponent off guard and disrupt their preparation.
2. Control over f4 square: By moving the knight to h3, White can exert control over the f4 square, which can limit Black’s ability to play their own pieces to that square.
3. Avoiding established defenses: By avoiding the more commonly played openings, such as preventing the Sicilian Defense or the French Defense, White can avoid lines that their opponent may have studied in depth.

Weaknesses:

1. Loss of tempo: By moving the knight to h3, White is delaying the development of their more important pieces (such as their king’s knight and bishop), which can allow Black to gain a lead in development.
2. Weakness: The knight on h3 can be vulnerable to attacks from Black’s g-pawn or other pieces, which can force White to waste more time moving the knight back to a safer square.
3. Lack of clear plan: The Amar Opening doesn’t lead to any immediately obvious follow-up moves or specific goals, which can make it difficult for White to maintain a consistent strategy throughout the game.

18. Na3 (-0.60) – Sodium Attack

The “Na3” or “Sodium Attack” refers to a chess opening where the white player moves their knight to a3 on the third move.

This opening is considered very unusual and rarely played at high levels of chess.

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: The Na3 opening is very uncommon and unexpected, which can throw off an unprepared opponent and disrupt their plans.
2. Control over c4 and b5 square: By placing the knight on a3, White gains control over the c4 and b5 squares, which can limit Black’s options and prevent them from advancing their pawns on the queenside.

Weaknesses:

1. Lack of development: Moving the knight to a3 on the third move does not contribute to the development of White’s pieces and may delay the activation of other pieces.
2. Vulnerability of the knight: Placing the knight on the edge of the board makes it vulnerable to attack, and Black can easily gain an advantage by targeting the knight with their pawns or pieces.
3. Neglecting the center: The Na3 opening does not directly influence the center of the board, which is considered a key area in chess. Black can take advantage of this by “playing normal moves,” seizing control of the center, and gaining a stronger position.
4. Losing tempo: The Na3 opening loses a tempo by moving the knight twice in the opening, which can put White at a disadvantage in the long run, especially against more experienced opponents.

In summary, the Na3 or Sodium Attack has the potential to surprise and confuse unprepared opponents, but it also has several weaknesses that can be exploited by skilled opponents.

Therefore, it is not a recommended opening for serious tournament play.

19. f3 (-1.00) – Barnes Opening

The Barnes Opening, or 1.f3, is a relatively uncommon first move in chess, often considered an offbeat or unconventional opening.

Like any chess opening, it has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths:

1. Flexibility: By playing 1.f3, White is not committing to any particular pawn structure or plan, which gives them greater flexibility to adapt to Black’s response.
2. Control of e4: By supporting the pawn on e4, White can prevent Black from occupying the center with their own pawn, which can limit Black’s options and make it easier for White to control the board.
3. Surprise factor: Since 1.f3 is a less commonly played opening, it may catch opponents off-guard and force them to think on their own from the very first move, potentially giving White a psychological advantage.

Weaknesses:

1. Weakness of the f2-square: By moving the f-pawn, White weakens the square directly in front of their king, potentially leaving it vulnerable to attacks from Black’s pieces later on in the game.
2. Slow development: By playing 1.f3, White is not immediately developing any pieces, which can give Black the opportunity to take control of the center of the board more quickly.
3. Lack of pressure on Black’s position: Unlike some other openings, such as 1.e4 or 1.d4, 1.f3 does not put immediate pressure on Black’s position, which can allow Black to develop their pieces more easily and establish a more comfortable position on the board.

Overall, the Barnes Opening can be a useful tool for surprising opponents and maintaining some flexibility in the early stages of the game, but it may also come with certain risks and limitations that must be carefully considered.

20. g4 (-1.40) – Grob Opening

The Grob Opening (1. g4) is a chess opening characterized by the move 1. g4, which aims to gain control over the center of the board and develop the bishop to g2.

It is considered the weakest opening move of the 20 possible opening moves in chess.

But like any chess opening, it has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Here are some of them:

Strengths:

1. Surprise factor: 1. g4 is not a common opening, so it can surprise opponents who are not familiar with it, and force them to think from the very beginning of the game.
2. Rapid development: The move g4 allows for rapid development of the bishop to g2, which can control key central squares and pressure Black’s position.
3. Attacking potential: The Grob Opening can lead to an aggressive and attacking game, especially when combined with other aggressive moves such as f4, Nf3, and h4.
4. Strategic flexibility: The Grob Opening can be used as a transpositional tool, allowing White to enter into various types of positions depending on how Black responds.

Weaknesses:

1. King safety issues: Playing g4 prematurely (especially on move 1) creates king vulnerability.
2. Pawn structure vulnerability: The move g4 weakens the pawn structure on the kingside, making it easier for Black to launch an attack on White’s king.
3. Space disadvantage: Playing g4 creates a space disadvantage for White on the queenside, which can limit White’s options for piece development.
4. Poor center control: The Grob Opening does not directly control the central squares e4 and d4, which are key squares in the center of the board. This can give Black an opportunity to gain control over these squares and establish a strong position.

FAQs – Ranking First Move Chess Openings (All 20)

What is an opening move in chess?

The opening move is the first move played by each player at the beginning of the game.

Why is it important to choose a good opening move in chess?

Choosing a good opening move can set the tone for the rest of the game and give a player an advantage by controlling the center, developing pieces quickly, or putting pressure on the opponent’s position.

What are the most popular opening moves in chess?

The most popular opening moves in chess are 1. e4 (the King’s Pawn Opening), 1. d4 (the Queen’s Pawn Opening), and 1. Nf3 (the Reti Opening).

What are the best opening moves in chess?

There is no universally agreed-upon “best” opening move in chess, as the effectiveness of any opening move will depend on a variety of factors, including the player’s style and the specific game situation.

However, some of the strongest and most flexible opening moves include 1. e4, 1. d4, 1. Nf3, and 1. c4.

What is the Sicilian Defense, and why is it a popular response to 1. e4?

The Sicilian Defense is a popular opening for Black that begins with the moves 1. e4 c5. It is popular because it allows Black to control the center and put pressure on White’s position with early pawn advances and piece developments.

What is the French Defense, and why is it a popular response to 1. e4?

The French Defense is a popular opening for Black that begins with the moves 1. e4 e6. It is popular because it allows Black to control the center with the pawn on d5 and puts pressure on White’s pawn on e4.

What is the Caro-Kann Defense, and why is it a popular response to 1. e4?

The Caro-Kann Defense is a popular opening for Black that begins with the moves 1. e4 c6. It is popular because it allows Black to control the center with the pawn on d5 and potentially develop the bishop to c5 or d6.

What is the Indian Defense, and why is it a popular response to 1. d4?

The Indian Defense is a popular opening for Black that begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6. It is popular because it allows Black to control the center indirectly and potentially put pressure on White’s position with early pawn advances and piece developments.

What is the Queen’s Gambit, and why is it a popular opening for White?

The Queen’s Gambit is a popular opening for White that begins with the moves 1. d4 d5 2. c4. It is popular because it allows White to gain control of the center and potentially put pressure on Black’s position with the pawn on c4.

What is the King’s Indian Defense, and why is it a popular response to 1. d4?

The King’s Indian Defense is a popular opening for Black that begins with the moves 1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 g6.

It is popular because it allows Black to control the center indirectly and potentially put pressure on White’s position with early pawn advances and piece developments.

What is the English Opening, and why is it a popular choice for White?

The English Opening is a flexible and strategic opening for White that begins with the move 1. c4.

It is popular because it allows White to control the center, while still maintaining flexibility in terms of pawn structure and piece development.

It can lead to a variety of strategic themes and ideas, and often involves an early development of the knight to c3, which can put pressure on Black’s position.

What is the Reti Opening, and why is it a popular choice for White?

The Reti Opening is a popular and flexible opening for White that begins with the move 1. Nf3.

It is popular because it allows for a wide range of possible pawn and piece developments, while still preparing to exert influence over the center with moves like c4 and e3. It can be a surprising and unsettling move for opponents who are used to more common openings like 1. e4 or 1. d4.

What is the Scandinavian Defense, and why is it a popular response to 1. e4?

The Scandinavian Defense is a popular opening for Black that begins with the moves 1. e4 d5. It is popular because it allows Black to control the center and potentially put pressure on White’s position with the pawn on d5, while still maintaining flexibility in terms of piece development.

Are there any opening moves that should be avoided in chess?

While there are no opening moves that should be completely avoided, some opening moves may be riskier or less effective than others depending on the player’s style and the specific game situation.

It’s important to study and understand different opening variations and their potential strengths and weaknesses before making a decision on which opening move to play.

Conclusion

There are a variety of strong and flexible opening moves in chess that can lead to interesting and challenging games.

The King’s Pawn Opening (1. e4), Queen’s Pawn Opening (1. d4), and Reti Opening (1. Nf3) are some of the most popular and effective opening moves, while the English Opening (1. c4) is another solid opening that has gained in popularity through the years.

It’s also worth noting that there are many unconventional and offbeat opening moves in chess that can be effective in certain situations.

These include moves like 1. b4 (the Sokolsky Opening), 1. g4 (the Grob’s Attack), and 1. f3 (the Barnes Opening), among others.

While these moves may not be as well-studied or widely used as more conventional openings, they can surprise and unsettle opponents and potentially lead to interesting and unpredictable games.

Overall, the best opening move in chess will depend on a variety of factors, including the player’s style, the specific game situation, and the opponent’s strengths and weaknesses.

It’s important for players to study and understand different opening variations and their potential strengths and weaknesses in order to make informed and strategic decisions at the beginning of each game.