Originally posted by trevor33I think for beginners, the most logical response would be e5. That would normally lead to so many choices of opening, most of which can become very sharp. The reply e5 challenges the control for the centre immediately. Since the main scheme of most openings is to control the centre, e5 is a logical choice.
i've been playing chess for nearly a year now and i still don't know a response to e4 that i'm comfortable with. i like playing pretty open games and don't mind sacrificing a pawn to get a better position. any ideas? what do you like playing?
But after a while, most people would eventually learn to play c5 against e4. The Italians started playing it about 400 years ago. The idea is to eventually trade off a flank pawn with a centre pawn. It is generally known as the sicilian defense, but of course there are so many variations, eg the dragon, pelikan, najdorf etc.
Then finally when people learn some more about chess, they start playing the dreadful and positional d4 opening. Unfortunately, I'm not very good with it. Too positional and sometimes can become boring. But that's just my personal opinion.
i disagree, i think d5 is the best defence for a beginner who is good at the bloody side of chess, as gettin your queen (assuming it is taken and white doesnt play 2. e5, and if he does Bf5) out will allow for that if you want. but if you dont like a big tactical bloodbath go for e5, which is nice and safe
Originally posted by mazziewagThe way I see it, better to learn from basic. Learn the more straight-forward opening (if there is such a thing). Learn about systematic development of pieces, castling for king's safety, connect rooks and head for open files etc. Then yes, later on, play all the tactics you want. sacrifice as much as you like, but without basic understanding, tactics won't come. At least that's my opinion.
i disagree, i think d5 is the best defence for a beginner who is good at the bloody side of chess, as gettin your queen (assuming it is taken and white doesnt play 2. e5, and if he does Bf5) out will allow for that if you want. but if you dont like a big tactical bloodbath go for e5, which is nice and safe
Originally posted by ckoh1965I agree with that 1...e5 is the way to go (as opposed to Sicilian)
I think for beginners, the most logical response would be e5. That would normally lead to so many choices of opening, most of which can become very sharp. The reply e5 challenges the control for the centre immediately. Since the main scheme of most openings is to control the centre, e5 is a logical choice.
But after a while, most people would eventually ...[text shortened]... with it. Too positional and sometimes can become boring. But that's just my personal opinion.
There is a lot of theory either way, but I think a lot of the ideas are more intuitive and logical.
It seems understanding the basics of 1...e5 is almost a pre req for understanding the motivations of the Sicilian's. I don't play Sicilian so I could be wrong about this.
Game 2018941
Game 2366384
Game 2376197
here's three of my games where e4 was played first. as you can see i don't have a clue what to do in response. the problem i see with e5 is that i never know how to protect it after kf3.
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3
At this point I see you played 2. ... d6 in one of your games. much better is 2. Nc6, developing a piece while protecting that pawn. This will lead you into some fun, very playable openings like the Ruy Lopez (3. Bc5) or the Guioco Piano (3. Bb4). Both are very common and can be sharp or mild - there is tons of material out there on both of them. The Ruy Lopez is probably one of the most studied openings in chess!
Originally posted by trevor33Trevor, a friendly advice; try not to make too many pawn moves in the opening. Instead try to protect your e5 pawn while developing a piece. For example, you can do the Nc6 move. That is a time-tested move you can rely on. Generally speaking, develop the knights first, then the bishops (normally on the kingside first so that you can castle quickly). Try to resist early queen sortie unless it's really, really necessary. Study high-level games and you'll notice that the GMs hardly ever bring out their queen early in the game. I say hardly ever, not never! For example in the first game you have given here, you made too many pawn moves in the opening. Look at the game again and see how your opponent brought out his pieces against your pawns, and I'm sure you can see something there.
Game 2018941
Game 2366384
Game 2376197
here's three of my games where e4 was played first. as you can see i don't have a clue what to do in response. the problem i see with e5 is that i never know how to protect it after kf3.
Originally posted by OrangeKingI think you mean 3.Bb5 and 3.Bc4 respectively. Also 3...d6 is not bad as such but it is quite passive, and certainly 3...Nc6 can be recommended over this.
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3
At this point I see you played 2. ... d6 in one of your games. much better is 2. Nc6, developing a piece while protecting that pawn. This will lead you into some fun, very playable openings like the Ruy Lopez (3. Bc5) or the Guioco Piano (3. Bb4). Both are very common and can be sharp or mild - there is tons of material out there on both of them. The Ruy Lopez is probably one of the most studied openings in chess!
If you like open games & want to try something a little different why not try this:
1.e4...e5
2.nf3...nf6 (both players now attacking each other's king pawns)
3.nxe5...d6 (forcing white knight back & preparing some play in the centre)
4.nf3...nxe4
5.d4...d5
These are all likely moves I think & give you play in the centre & attacking chances with an open centre without an over-reaching gambit.