Probably the statistics favor White because more people are better with White than with Black. This is most likely because Black has to unbalance the position to play for a win, while White has a tempo advantage in the Opening. Thus, White is easier to play; thus, more wins with White.

I am of the opinion that a perfectly played game will never be played simply because chess is so enourmously complex. We haven't even unlocked all its secrets yet; after nearly 500 years of playing it! (The modern version, anyway.)

In addition, the best move is not relative. Say, for instance, you play for the attack. There could be loads of good moves, but only one that wins. You play it, and win brilliantly. But then let us also speculate that the same position is played by a positional player who is interested in the strategy of the game. To him, the best move is a different one, and he plays it and goes into a winning Endgame. Both players won; both with good moves. Neither of the two moves, however, was better than the other. They were both winning.

On top of all that, some old smart people somewhere estimate that it would take computers hundreds of thousands of years to calculate the first single "best" move in the "best" game ever played. Based on this, I don't think that the perfect chess game will ever be played. In fact, since there are so many different styles and therefore different ways to win in chess, it is theoretically impossible to play a perfect game; even by computers. (Who are, by the way, extremely good at tactics but spotty at strategy.)

I say it's a draw. White starts with the iniative but, with perfect play, black can counter every move. That's my theory. Mankind has spent countless hours over countless boards for hundreds of years trying to settle this argument.

Once and for all.

White picks the attack so I would say white since the winner is usually the person who makes the next to last mistake.

Technically, assuming both players never make a mistake, the game's a draw. Even though white has the first move, Black SHOULD be able to equalize. Mistakes and how players capitalize on those mistakes are what decides a game. in an ideal sequance of moves, the games a draw.

Agreed!