Should I switch to playing 1.e4 (from 1d4) to improve
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Chess is chess. It makes no difference which pawn you push, as long as you have some idea of the plans in your opening
As someone who has been a bit of an opening nomad and switched from 1.e4 to 1.c4 to 1.e4 to 1.c4 (with short stints in 1.Nf3 and 1.d4) I will say that switching first moves comes with some trade-offs.
Main drawback: It is a lot of work to learn an entirely different first move. You should expect to take a step backwards in performance before moving forwards. While you're putting in the time to learn your new repertoire that's time you could be putting towards expanding your understanding of middlegame plans or grinding endgames or tactics.
Main benefit: It fights stagnation and naturally exposes you to new chess ideas. You'll be comfortable in more chess positions and thus able to find plans better when they opponent drags you into a game you don't normally play. You'll also learn "the other side" of an opening you have to defend as black. As a concrete example I used to be very hesitant to push pawns in front of my king until I picked up the Botvinnik English. After learning to play that opening I'm much more willing to attack with kingside pawns when it's warranted.
Bottom line: Do you have to switch? Absolutely not, BUT it might help.
Jan 18, 2023
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#4
Switch to 1. e4 if you want to bring new fresh ideas to the table and more exciting play. Stick to 1. d4 if you want to develop your theory and lines and keep in more solid play.
Jan 18, 2023
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#5
Yes , it is necessary to play a few open games (games starting with e4) to widen your chess understanding, if u only play closed games( games starting with d4) then it may leave some holes in your knowledge of chess, the main difference between open and closed games is that in closed games pieces are developed behind the pawns, and in the opening stages there is more emphasis on strategy rather than tactics, how ever in open games pieces of both sides are engaged in combat in early stage pawn moves are only made to enable piece development, there r more tactics and calculation involved even in opening stage, regards
Jan 19, 2023
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#7
playonlinesecretly1 wrote:
Yes. I was a an f4 player when I was a beginner. Then tried d4. And I totally switched all openings. Put some hard work. And I had massive improvement.
Did you just say you play the Bird as a beginner?
Jan 21, 2023
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#8
playonlinesecretly1 wrote:
Chuck639 wrote:
playonlinesecretly1 wrote:
Yes. I was a an f4 player when I was a beginner. Then tried d4. And I totally switched all openings. Put some hard work. And I had massive improvement.
Did you just say you play the Bird as a beginner?
Yes. When you don't have a clue. It was my favorite. Then ok good players play d4, so I tried 1.d4. And, "Oh no people say I should be playing 1. e4 first". But it was an experience after all. I am planning to play 1.d4 again or 1.c4
That’s awesome. I wasn’t sure a typo.
Good luck with d4 or c4.
Is it neccessary for my improvement or can i stick with 1d4?