Is 1) Nf3, The Strongest 1st Move?

Sort:
Avatar of One_Zeroth

Yes and 1) Nc3, cover the most squares on move one.

But Nc3 can be attacked more easily with; 1)...d5 2)...d4

Avatar of CraigIreland

c4 and d4 both have better odds at master level.

Avatar of DelightfulLiberty

Wouldn't opening up lines for bishop and queen whilst controlling some centre squares be better? Like good old e4?

Avatar of One_Zeroth

Nope. You would be advised not to bring out the Queen through there at all.

While the Bishop if moved with

Pointless aims at f6 from Black.

Which is why GrandMasters rarely play Bishop's or Guocio Piano.

But the Spanish/Ruy Lopez still remains promising. But entails 2) Nf3 First.

Avatar of PromisingPawns

Nf3 is best according to the computer because it waits for black to show his cards before white. But from a human perspective, e4 and d4 are the best as they directly control and occupy the centre.

Avatar of One_Zeroth

It technically doesn't matter what you occupy, but what you attack.

Avatar of DrSpudnik

A lot of stuff that starts with 1.Nf3 ends up transposing into d4 and c4 openings. In fact, if your opponent plays 1...c5 you can even transpose to a Sicilian.

Avatar of brianchesscake

Nf3 feels too passive to me, dont know why

Avatar of PromisingPawns

It's not passive. It just avoids some traditional lines which provide more chances of advantage. Nf3 is kind of a short cut to avoid lines but in return you also lose the ability to play some lines you like.

Avatar of DrSpudnik

You could also just play the garbage Carlsen is using these days to beat up GMs, like a4 or h4 and other nonsense.