Free · Beginner Openings

Openings

Simple opening systems for beginners. Learn the final setup first, then add deeper Lichess studies later.

Playing White

With the White Pieces

Three beginner-friendly openings for White. The boards show a clean final setup to recognize.

Italian Game

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4

London System

1.d4 d5 2.Bf4 Nf6 3.e3 e6 4.Nf3

Queen's Gambit

1.d4 d5 2.c4

Playing Black · Responses

With the Black Pieces

Reliable, tested responses to common White openings.

The Scandinavian Defense

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3 Qa5

The Caro-Kann Defense

1.e4 c6 2.d4 d5

The Slav Defense

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3