17 Oct 08
I am relatively knew to the wonderful game of chess, I have studied a few opening moves and while not committed them to memory I have the basic principles. In the few games that I have played so far, I have noticed I prefer to play as black. I'm not so sure why, is it because black is a bit more defensive and that suits my game style more? Is it luck?
I'd like to hear from some experienced players, do you prefer one colour to the other. I'm not saying one has an advantage over another, I'm just wondering if people have a preference and why?
17 Oct 08
2 edits
Originally posted by PawnOffShotgunI am actually more comfortable with black too. With white, I press too hard for an advantage or feel bad if I don't get one. I know I am only putting psychological pressure on myself, but I can't help it. It's even harder to get a white advantage in correspondence too. Everyone has access to books and databases, so it might actually be impossible. 🙂
I am relatively knew to the wonderful game of chess, I have studied a few opening moves and while not committed them to memory I have the basic principles. In the few games that I have played so far, I have noticed I prefer to play as black. I'm not so sure why, is it because black is a bit more defensive and that suits my game style more? Is it luck? g one has an advantage over another, I'm just wondering if people have a preference and why?
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsYou hit the nail on the head for me. Psychological pressure to attack was exactly how I felt, I've only just realised it. Think I'll try black a few more times.
I am actually more comfortable with black too. With white, I press too hard for an advantage or feel bad if I don't get one. I know I am only putting psychological pressure on myself, but I can't help it. It's even harder to get a white advantage in correspondence too. Everyone has access to books and databases, so it might actually be impossible. 🙂
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsGreat thread, interesting reading, thanks 🙂
This seems to be a similar thread.
Thread Thread 97853
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by tomtom232Too passive for White (eg. 1.d3, 1.e3, 1.c3, 1.Nc3)
Just play 1.e3.
Gratuitously weakens White's position (eg. 1.f3, 1.g4)
Does nothing to aid White's development or control the centre (eg. 1.a3, 1.a4, 1.h3, 1.h4)
Develops a knight to an inferior square (eg. 1.Na3 or 1.Nh3).
17 Oct 08
1 edit
Originally posted by MathurineOf course it's too passive, he wants to play like he is playing black.
Too passive for White (eg. 1.d3, 1.e3, 1.c3, 1.Nc3)
Gratuitously weakens White's position (eg. 1.f3, 1.g4)
Does nothing to aid White's development or control the centre (eg. 1.a3, 1.a4, 1.h3, 1.h4)
Develops a knight to an inferior square (eg. 1.Na3 or 1.Nh3).
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by tomtom232Not that I necessarily want to be passive, rather I felt as though as white, I was meant to be dictating the play until I made a mistake, where as, as black it is me waiting for the mistake.
Of course it's too passive, he wants to play like he is playing black.
I may have that wrong, but I guess sometimes with chess, psychology is half the battle. If you feel more comfortable doing something as a 'newbie' stick with it for a while. I have tried different openings with white, but feel a subtle defensive game is more my style. So far I haven't been a big fan of sweeping attacks, maybe this is something that I need to incorporate into my game.
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by PawnOffShotgunThe other thing I find is often black gets to dictate the opening moreso than white if you're following standard theory. After 1. e4 e6! there just isn't much deviation from 2. d4 d5 when I am comfortable. The most common one seems to be 2. d3 d5 which is also acceptable to me.
Not that I necessarily want to be passive, rather I felt as though as white, I was meant to be dictating the play until I made a mistake, where as, as black it is me waiting for the mistake.
I may have that wrong, but I guess sometimes with chess, psychology is half the battle. If you feel more comfortable doing something as a 'newbie' stick with i ...[text shortened]... big fan of sweeping attacks, maybe this is something that I need to incorporate into my game.
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by PawnOffShotgunIs it a case of you prefer to play as black or your opponents prefer to play as white?
I am relatively knew to the wonderful game of chess, I have studied a few opening moves and while not committed them to memory I have the basic principles. In the few games that I have played so far, I have noticed I prefer to play as black. I'm not so sure why, is it because black is a bit more defensive and that suits my game style more? Is it luck? ...[text shortened]... g one has an advantage over another, I'm just wondering if people have a preference and why?
Stick up say 20 open invites, 10 with you playing as black and 10 with you playing as white and I can almost guarantee that all your games where you start as black will be taken before those where you play as white.
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by adramforallNo, I think I prefer to play as black. When I first started, (I also play on an inferior CC website) I always chose white myself. This was for the reasons above. Now I much prefer black.
Is it a case of you prefer to play as black or your opponents prefer to play as white?
Stick up say 20 open invites, 10 with you playing as black and 10 with you playing as white and I can almost guarantee that all your games where you start as black will be taken before those where you play as white.
Zebano has just made me think too, black can dictate the opening. When I start as white I have an opening in my head, but as soon as black diverts from this it sends me into confusion.
Have I got this right..... white opens and wants to play Ruy Lopez. He plays 1.e4. Black plays e5. white then plays 2.Nf3. black plays Nc6. White plays Bb5 and instead of me (black) playing a6 as maybe I should, I decide I now want to dictate and so play Nf6 instead. From here is it now black who is dictating the opening by changing?
Sorry, I know what I want to say but I just can't convey this into words, if this makes no sense do not worry, I have "Understanding the Chess Openings: How Modern Openings Are Played: A Comprehensive Guide" on order from Amazon 😉
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by tomtom232I have considered 1.e3 myself !
I think a lot of newcomers to chess have this same problem. They get to respond to whites threats until they see a mistake as black but they don't know what to do when they have the first move. I think you can play white just as well... Just play 1.e3.
With black, I am playing 1. ... e6 vs 1.d4 and 1.e4. I then play the French or Dutch Defenses.
1.e3 e5 2.d4 exd4 (others seem risky being a French a tempo down) 3.exd4 d5 is the French Exchange. It's not bad for white but drawish.
1.e3 d5 2.f4 is a Bird's Opening.
The problem with these is that you don't get the quick kills that you would in an open game.
I'm trying to think of some new moves for a 1.e4 repertoire.
1.e4 c6 2.d3 d5 3.Bd2 (maybe with f4)
1.e4 c5 2.Be2
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Be2
1.e4 e6 2.d3 d5 3.Bd2
1.e4 e6 2.Qe2 (booked yes but not that theoretical)
These are some of my ideas to avoid theory. They run into the same problem though. They do not give good attacking chances. 🙂
17 Oct 08
Originally posted by adramforallYou'll also find that games that you are winning have a way of going days without a reply, while games you are losing will be ready for your move each time you check in.
Is it a case of you prefer to play as black or your opponents prefer to play as white?
Stick up say 20 open invites, 10 with you playing as black and 10 with you playing as white and I can almost guarantee that all your games where you start as black will be taken before those where you play as white.