Would you rather be white or black?
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I like black because I have all the defenses I like memorized, but as white I am still trying to find an opening.
I like defense so I would choose black but I get what I get
I hate playing black but the strange thing is I have a higher win percentage as black..I just might get to like it
I have a nagging suspicion that it's easier to develop a opening repertoire as Black. Play 1 e4 ... and you're likely to get saddled with my (admittedly badly played) Scandinavian Defence ( 1 ... d5). When I open 1 e4 ... I just have to wait and see whether my opponent prefers the French, Caro-Kann, Sicilian, Pirc, Modern, Alekhine or maybe even an Open game. Likewise when facing 1 d4 ... I most often manage to get my Slav in, but if I try 1 d4 ... myself I usually end up in some obscure Indian defence that leaves me reeling.
I favor an observational role which manifests itself, should my opponent have the first move. If I gain control, spotting how they've lost it seems much easier than if I were to have lost the advantage. In this, I usually get a more plentiful learning experience.
When I have the first move, I find the games less compelling. If my opponent blunders or walks into a tactical thrashing, I do not have the option (here) to give the move back (facilitating a more plentiful learning experience). Further, if they gradually gain the advantage (beyond my understanding), most of all do not offer to enlighten. All in all, I know how to analyze things a great deal more playing as the Black faction and find it more stimulating in-game.
As I learn how to seize and sustain any advantage which moving first may offer, I believe I'll begin to appreciate the nuance(s) which would make the choice elementary. Otherwise, I'll continue to favor the aforementioned learning/observational perspective.
Mind you, I haven't tallied the differential in my performance and/or outcome. 
Feb 21, 2008
0
#26
Whenever I do an open seek, I always play random. it's good to be both sides when playing. This will help you be more well rounded as a chess player!
black. I have a much higher win percentage..
lulubell83 wrote:
I perfer to be white because white goes first. How about you? I know some people like to be black, but I don't. either way black or white is the same, it is the game plan that matter,startegy less mistake, always move few stepsm ahead your opponents
either way black or white, it does not matter, is the game plan that matter, less mistake, strategize your move few steps ahead, analytical, stay focus that is vital!
I like Black because I get to steer the game into my territory rather than let my opponent dictate the positioin.
You shouldn't develop a preference for piece color as it hinders your development as a player. Learn to play both colors equally well.
I used to prefer Black because I had a chance to get a little more information and then pounce on mistakes. However, now that I'm stronger, I prefer White.
I can play either pretty well. I just need work on my scandinavian and sicilian lines to help my response to e4. No point noticing my opponent blunder on the first move if I can't exploit it.
Aug 26, 2008
0
#34
Personally, I prefer *playing* as black, largely because as someone mentioned, it's easier to have an opening repetoire as black than as white. I know I can win tactical games, so as black I feel that my relative skill level is higher.
Many people are mentioning the fact that white has an advantage in moving first. This is of course true, but, many people forget that this advantage is ONLY useful if you can maintain it and capitalize on it. In many instances, moving first is a DISADVANTAGE [when you're locked in near draw situations, or when establishing your pawn structure against your opponents, etc.] I have no doubt that at the GM level, white is an advantage, but at the club level? I'm not so sure.
