a4

My opponent generally opens this way. Although there are no immediate threats to these moves I can not find a way to stop it. We are both beginners so any tips to what I can do better are appreciated.

When your opponent plays a "Rook-Pawn" up two squares (i.e., a2-a4 or h2-h4) on the first move, it is very often a give-away that he is planning to move the Rook to the square right behind the Pawn, as shown in your diagram.

This is very easy to counter. Although this is not the only proper way to play, if my opponent begins with 1. a4, I always reply 1. ... e5. This reveals my f8-Bishop's patrol of the a3-square. Oddly enough, my opponent will often still play the Rook to a3, even though the Rook is more valuable than the Bishop.

In summary, I would play 1. a4 e5, 2. Ra3 Bxa3, and however White recaptures, I will have an immediate, large, long-term advantage.

The same goes for the move 1. h4. I would play 1. h4 d5, 2. Rh3 Bxh3, when the same material advantage results.

I played an IM on CB in a rated blitz game. Seemed strange that he would open that way. Never guess who won?