Originally posted by mipmcptIMHO there is no balck and white answer to your question. It is not an opening so much as a system. Therefore you must understand a lot about what you are trying to achieve, otherwise Black can walk all over you.
As a relative begginer to the world of chess! Though i did play at school a long tima ago now!!
I have started to use the Colle system as white for the openning!
What do folks think of it as openning for a relative begginner?
Thanks
I play colle exclusively as white it just suits me. I like positional closed type games, tatics are my weak point. Plus I have had a lot of practise.
I strongly advise you to either get the chessbase Colle CD or "The Ultimate Colle" Book.
cheers
-t
The Colle is a frequent, but poor choice among beginners. Most choose it because they think they can avoid studying opening theory. To play it well, however, requires understanding of positional subtleties.
Players should first play the Spanish opening (and learn to deal with the French, Sicilian, Scandinavian, and Russian defenses, as well as some wierd stuff). Then, learn the Queen's Gambit. Only after lots of experience with these systems, should one adopt a repertoire that includes giving up white's initiative in the first five moves, as is the case with the Colle, Reti, KIA, and other such positional openings.
But, you said *relative* beginner, so perhaps my advice is off the mark. 😛
There is a lot I agree with in the above posting. Only one remark: to a beginner, I would advise not to start with the Spanish which itself requires a large amount of study and positional insight, but with more tactical openings like Gioco Piano or Scottish. And practise tactics. Gradually introduce positional play as your tactical gamei mproves.
Most games are concluded by tactics. In that respect, the idea of 'I have a good position' is based on 'this position offers more (or exclusively) tactical chances to me than to my opponent'. Evaluating a position includes evaluating tactical opportunities. But how can you dothat without sufficial tactical insight?
Originally posted by mipmcptTo be perfectly honest, I know jack about the Colle System. I do know that it's very popular with amateurs. I'm not so sure that I'd recommend it, but if you like it - and it works - then why not use it? People here are suggesting that beginners start with 1.e4, but this isn't always best. I remember Xanthos saying once that he always though 1.d4 was easier for him, and so perhaps it will be for you also.
That makes sense. I realise the colle system is very postional and closed in many ways and i like what yourself and the other posting said about tatics.!!
I use the Colle a lot and I feel the most important thing to learn is when to unleash what you have built up.
I can offer up a good attack with the Colle, but understand that expert players can and will tear it apart. It is good to have knowledge of the Colle, try it for awhile and see what you think.
Sometimes it's all about a comfort level.