Bobby Fischer once said "E4, best by test", so always start with E4 as white.
Beginner tips?
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I give you one brilliant advice after which you will improve dramatically!
Listen carefully two things
1)DON'T play any games less then 30 minutes per side
2)Don't rush with your moves.
Found a good move? Good now stop and look for a better one, wait you just found a much better move you are so happy now that you didn't make the first one , now you will crush him with your second move oh yeah! Got you now(you think)! STOP! Keep looking for a better move!
Always find 3-5 best moves first, only then choose and move.
I just started playing chess about a week - week and a half ago, and I understand how all the pieces work and such. Are there any major beginner tips that you know of?