e4, d4, c4

Originally posted by cmsMaster
It helps with white too, especially in CC. If I know my opponent, then I can basically choose which lines I want to go into by choosing between 1.e4 or 1.d4 - or even something else if I think I can still win.

Yeah definitely... I need to play with 1.d4 more. You heard it from the source, if you play me, 1.d4 is the opening I have least experience against. 😀

Originally posted by ChessJester
I think they are all different games. It comes down to personal preference which is exactly what CMS was getting at.

However, you have to know your opponent in order to know which opening will be most effective against that opponent in the next game... because everyone has their own style.

I do think it is wise to be well versed in the main lines o ...[text shortened]... ch one, one-by-one until you get a good idea of how those moves influences the rest of the game.

I agree with you. It's to every chess player's benefit to have at least a basic knowledge of how to play all those openings moves. It may seem like you'll never use the knowledge but ideas are surprisingly transferable.

Originally posted by exigentsky
I'm not usually so blunt, but that's just stupid. White's half move advantage is often best realized through attack. There are numerous position when kingisde attack is THE RIGHT IDEA and sometimes the only one. Many e4 openings bring positions in which this is the case. I already mentioned some.

No!