Chess openings are a lot like pizza toppings, as there are plenty to choose from, but only a few are universally loved. Let’s explore the best first moves in chess, ranked by popularity.
“Why?” Tier
Moves that scream, “I play chess for fun, not to win.”
10. 1.Nc3 (1%)
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack’s more eccentric cousin. Sure, it develops a piece, but does it have to be this knight? The lack of immediate central control is a downer, and even your opponents might feel confused, though not in the way you’d hope.
9. 1.d3 (1%)
This move says, “I’m thinking long-term.” The problem? Chess isn’t a retirement plan. Blocking your queen’s pawn and slowing your own development means you’re playing a tempo behind. It’s fine, but don’t expect fireworks.
“Maybe… Don’t” Tier
For those who march to the beat of their own chess clock.
8. 1.f4 (1%)
The Bird’s Opening is bold, bordering on reckless. The f-pawn move opens attacking possibilities, but it also weakens your king’s position. It’s like skydiving, thrilling but full of risks.
7. 1.b3 (2%)
The Nimzowitsch-Larsen Attack: cool name, quirky move. The idea is to fianchetto the queen’s bishop early and target e5, but honestly, it feels like you’re gearing up for the side quest instead of the main battle.
“Actually, Not Bad” Tier
They’re decent, but not quite top-tier mainstream.
6. 1.g3 (2%)
Ah, the King’s Fianchetto. Flexible and sneaky, this move quietly builds toward a strong kingside setup. Great for players who love long games or don’t want to reveal their hand too early.
5. 1.e3 (2%)
Meet the Van’t Kruijs Opening, a solid yet unambitious choice. It’s like arriving at a fancy dinner party with a peanut butter sandwich: practical, but you’re probably not impressing anyone.
“That’s More Like It” Tier
Now we’re cooking with central control and good development.
4. 1.c4 (3%)
The English Opening: classy, flexible, and a favorite of strategists. It’s a great choice for players who like to build their position before committing to the chaos of the center. Bonus points for sophistication.
3. 1.Nf3 (3%)
The Reti Opening is your go-to if you value versatility and safety. Developing the knight early while eyeing the center is just smart chess. Plus, it’s a favorite of legendary players like Magnus Carlsen, so you’re in good company.
“Simply the Best” Tier
The heavyweights of chess. Play these, and you’re in it to win it.
2. 1.d4 (25%)
With this move, you grab space, develop your pieces, and say to your opponent, “Let’s dance.” d4 is the hallmark of classical chess, leading to famous openings like the Queen’s Gambit and King’s Indian Defense. It’s not flashy, it’s effective.
1. 1.e4 (59%)
The king of first moves. e4 does it all: opens lines for your queen and bishop, grabs central space, and leads to the sharpest and most popular openings in history. From the Italian Game to the Sicilian Defense, e4 is where the real action starts. It’s no surprise this move has dominated chess for centuries.
So what should I choose?
The popularity of the 10 very first moves above is based on Lichess database of almost 6 billion games. And here’s the winning rate of each move for White.
| First move | Popularity | Average rating | Win | Lose |
| e4 | 59% | 1639 | 49% | 47% |
| d4 | 25% | 1704 | 50% | 45% |
| Nf3 | 3% | 1809 | 51% | 45% |
| c4 | 3% | 1767 | 51% | 45% |
| e3 | 2% | 1606 | 47% | 49% |
| g3 | 2% | 1723 | 50% | 46% |
| b3 | 2% | 1767 | 50% | 46% |
| f4 | 1% | 1758 | 50% | 46% |
| d3 | 1% | 1700 | 48% | 48% |
| Nc3 | 1% | 1721 | 49% | 47% |
What have we make up this table? e4 might be the king of popularity, but d4 gives you better results. However, chess is not all about the very first move, right? Try both, or even try all 10 of them to give your opponents a surprise.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a fan of bold sidelines or sticking to the classics, each first move has its own charm and philosophy. But if you’re looking for the most practical (and proven) options, the top two are where it’s at. Just don’t let your mouse slip to 1.f3. You deserve better.