1. e4 ?

1. ...e5 is great for starters. I slowly switched to c5 but still do play e5 constantly.

I don't like the idea of new players using the Scandinavian Defense 1. ...d5 because it encourages them to bring their Queen out early, which can put them in a dangerous mindset if they get too used to doing it.

but if you do use 1. ...e5 please please please don't play

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 f6?

where white get's the beautiful Nxe5!

A fun one is the Scandinavian Defence: Icelandic Gambit. 1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Nf6 3. c4 e6 4. dxe6 Bxe6 is how I think it goes.

Originally posted by chesskid001
It seems appropriate for a person rated 300 points higher than me.

Originally posted by buffalobill
Read this which is about the best opening primer you'll find on the Web:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chess_opening

Testes differ, of course. But we must always have connection between begining and out methods in a middle of game

Originally posted by trevor33
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?