After School Chess Program

I've casually played King's Indian openings, alongside Benko's and Larsen's. I don't have the time/skill to focus on highly developed opening theory, so I deliberately focus on flexible strategies. Younger players seem to have a harder time defending against flanchetto bishops, which isn't surprising since most people are taught open game tactics first at a beginner level.

I personally make too many mid-game blunders to fully exploit this approach, but it's fun to play, especially against people unprepared to face it. Best played conservatively, imo, to avoid overplaying and let opponents stretch themselves in the middle.

2020 USCF and a bit of teaching experience, so take this FWIW.

1.e4 e5 is the golden standard of beginner openings. King pawn and open games use a lot of the "classical" concepts taught to early players: occupying the center with pawns, developing one's pieces, castling early... etc. The moves follow naturally (i.e. 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.d4).

Honestly though, openings for younger/beginner players generally don't matter nearly as much as teaching the proper opening concepts. It doesn't matter if a beginner can rattle off 10 moves of theory if they don't understand the resulting position. Just teach players how to get into an open, acceptable position and go from there.

that's what I am aiming for, I want them to find an opening they enjoy out of let's say a basic 3 and have them immerse their games around that opening, looking for variations in it and how to convert it to a good middle and end game. it's not to just blow them away with 30 openings just one they can enjoy and explore