A lot of ppl start out with 1. e4, someone said that 'technically, e4 is the best move.' Of course a lot of ppl would disagree (including me) but it teaches a lot about open games and there are many oppurtinities for early tricks. For example the 4 move checkmate and knight forks. SO it is advisable to start with 1. e4 and either Giuco Piano (i can never spelt it) or Ruy Lopez.
Beginner Openings
Sort:
I wont go so far as to say that 1 e4 is the best first move but I will say I dont believe there is a better first move. I think 1 e4 and 1 d4 are roughly equal and nothing is better than either of these first moves for white.
Hello herrickc24,
Another suggestion might be to look at who you are playing. You appear to be a beginning player. If you play people rated 100+ points higher, you are going to lose a lot no matter what opening you play. (sorry but it's true). I would say for now just learn a few moves of a reliable opening, like the giuoco piano, and play people close to your own strength so you can have some success. And absolutely study those tactics.
Also live chess is NOT the best way to progress, at least not if you're playing blitz. You have no time to think. Make sure you have 10 - 20 minutes for the game, at least.
Reb wrote:
I wont go so far as to say that 1 e4 is the best first move but I will say I dont believe there is a better first move. I think 1 e4 and 1 d4 are roughly equal and nothing is better than either of these first moves for white.
What's wrong Reb, doesn't 1 f4 win for White? 
bigdoug wrote:
Reb wrote:
I wont go so far as to say that 1 e4 is the best first move but I will say I dont believe there is a better first move. I think 1 e4 and 1 d4 are roughly equal and nothing is better than either of these first moves for white.
What's wrong Reb, doesn't 1 f4 win for White?
According to chess assistant it doesnt win for white. 1 f4 scores only 48% and there are at least 6 fist moves for white that score better than 50%.
Focus on your postition, tactics. Have a strong endgame first. As far as your opening focus on your basic principles first. Develop your pieces, Castling, aim your rooks, and also control the center. In your opening just remember to keep your pieces protected. It is also better to move your pices only once in the opening. Not always true, depending on your opponent. It will help your develepment toward the center of the board.
Eric Schiller's First Chess Openings is a good book for begginers.
Anyway...
If ur white... if u hav limited study time, u can choose between Italian Game, King's Indian Attack, or the London System...
with black... 1...e5 against 1.e4, 1...d5 against 1.d4, and 1...e5 against 1.c4