Positional play

What exactly is the difference between 'positional' play, and 'normal' play (for want of a better term)? Why is it sometimes said the 1d4 is good for players who like positional play? Is there a good book on the topic?

That's an interesting question. Here is how I see it.

1.e4 : Starts up a more tactical game. Generally speaking, King's pawn games are more aggressive.

1.d4 : Queen's pawn games generally begin calmer than King's pawn games. The tactics don't kick in as quickly and therefore it has been labeled a positional game.

I view a positional game as one where long term strategies are more important than tactical considerations. You can get into such a game no matter how you open but some openings are more prone to evolve into positional middlegames. Maybe someone else can help define this better, I just thought I'd give it a go. 😉

That's pretty good....long term planning over tactics was key.....

Thanks for that...it does clarify things for me. The idea of long term strategic considerations being more important appeals to me, which might explain why i like to open 1d4. In fact, i always do now. this has the added advantage that i don't need to know king pawn openings as white. Also, it cuts out all the ruy lopez/ giucopiano games which i was getting quite bored with.