Ten rules made by the Grand Master Reuben Fine (photo right) which help beginners in the complex world of chess openings:

1.) Start the game either with 1.e4 or 1.d4.

2.) If it is possible choose a move which also attacks and develops your pieces at the same time.

3.) Develop the knights before the bishops (Lasker's law).

4.) Choose the best square for a piece and move it directly there.

5.) It's not well to do more than 1 - 2 pawn moves in the opening.

6.) Don't get the queen involved in the game too early.

7.) Castle your king as fast as possible, prefferably kingside (0-0).

9.) Try obtaining control of the center of the board. 

10.) Do not sacrifice pieces without a clear motivation.