What should I play as a new player?

Question

I've heard that 1.e4 is good for tactical players, and 1.d4 is good for positional players

Answer 1

Hi! The choice between 1.e4 and 1.d4 has been debated between chess players for a very, very long time.

There's lots of "common wisdom" like the statements you just made. 1.e4 is better for tactical players. 1.d4 is better for positional players. Some say you should pick one and stick to it. Afterall, didn't the great Bobby Fischer play 1.e4 all the time?

The problem is, none of that is true.

In his 1972 championship match with Spassky, Fischer played 1.c4! (which transposed into a queen's gambit declined.) He also played Alekhine's defense as black. People were shocked! Wasn't Fischer a tactical, 1.e4 player?

Fischer's secret was that he understood chess. While he played mostly 1.e4, he knew how to play many, many other openings. The truth is, a player should master 1.e4 and 1.d4, regardless of which one he chooses to play most frequently OTB. An e4 player should know how to play a queens gambit as white and black. A d4 player should know how to play an Italian or a Ruy Lopez. A player like this, like Fischer, will understand chess, and be able to play any position.

Answer 2

As a new player, I’d usually recommend starting with 1.e4, since it leads to straightforward positions and helps teach basic opening ideas like development, center control, and attacking play. Openings that come from 1.e4, like the Fried Liver, can be especially useful for beginners because they show how to bring pieces out actively and coordinate an attack.

That said, 1.d4 is also completely fine. It often leads to slightly slower, more positional games, while 1.e4 can become sharper more quickly. In the end, though, it does not make a huge difference for a beginner. What matters much more is learning the basic principles, playing consistently, and understanding the ideas behind your moves rather than worrying too much about which first move is “best.”

Answer 3

Hi! I like the answers that the other tutors have provided, so I've decided to supplement with the attached video.

Answer 4

As a beginner, the main priority should be to play a lot of games and gain experience with the common patterns seen in the opening, middlegame, endgame. e4 and d4 are both very good opening moves. My suggestion would be to pick one and stick to it for a few months at least before switching. I prefer e4 for my beginner students since it often leads to open positions with more tactics, which is something they need to learn. But both moves are fine.

The main focus at this stage should be to learn opening principles - how to control the center, develop pieces effectively and castle the king to safety. Watch videos, read books or hire a coach to learn these principles and then just start playing. Which move you ultimately choose will NOT determine your progress. What will determine your progress is how much you play and how quickly you can learn to apply the basic principles.

Good luck with your Chess improvement. Most importantly, have fun playing Chess!