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Understand why a move works, what it threatens, and where the position is going. Study essential openings move by move, then recall them from memory.
Curated for real study: beginner-friendly lines, core theory, side variations, and practice.
Library
53 curated openings
Depth
218 variations
Instruction
1,000+ explanations
Practice
Recall, hints, review
Opening of the week · C50
Development. Central pressure. King safety. The weakness of f7. It is simple enough to start with and rich enough to keep studying for years.
Pressure before tactics. The bishop is not attacking f7 because a tactic is immediately available. It is establishing a long-term target while developing naturally.
The FirstMoves method
FirstMoves is organized around a learning cycle, not a list of disconnected chess features.
01 / Understand
Watch the line unfold with a short explanation at the moment it matters.
02 / Recall
Reproduce the line from memory rather than passively replaying it.
03 / Repair
See where recall failed and ask why the correct move belongs there.
Move explanation
Bc4 improves a piece, prepares castling, and creates immediate pressure on f7. One move advances three goals.
Lesson deep dive
The board is the content. The interface should support it, not bury it under generic cards and marketing furniture.
Explore the library
Your first move
Start with the Italian Game, the Queen's Gambit, or a defense you already play.
Browse the opening library04 / Retain
Review weaker lines before they fade and leave strong ones alone.