What is the best opening?
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No opening is unbeatable, and no opening is best either. There are a finite number of sound openings and different levels of understanding for each. Like a beginner should not be trying to play the English or Reti or King's Indian Attack or the Bird or Sokolsky.
But 1.e4, contrary to another post, is not the Ruy Lopez. The Ruy Lopez is one of many possibilities after 1.e4. It is only possible if Black plays 1...e5 and 2...Nc6. Perfectly sound for Black is also:
Petroff's Defense (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6)
Sicilian Defense (1.e4 c5)
French Defense (1.e4 e6)
Caro-Kann Defense (1.e4 c6)
And while the other 16 responses for Black are all weaker (to varying degrees, like 1...f5 is far worse than 1...d6), you must know what to do against them.
So unless you are at least 1800 OVER THE BOARD, do not try to delve into openings. Stick with the 3 main opening concepts:
1) Control the Center
2) Do not move the same piece in the opening more than once unless it is attacked, like after 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5, if Black plays 3...a6, of course you move the Bishop again (4.Ba4 or 4.Bxc6). If say, 3...Nf6, do not move that Bishop. Castle instead.
3) Do not develop your queen early.
And focus on Endgames, Tactics, and Strategy, in that order.