Yeah, even before I ever knew a single opening, moves like h4 just don't make sense anyway compared to, for example, e4 which is a logical move based on principles of controlling the centre, opening lines for your bishop and queen.
The Ruy Lopez is a waste of time
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Studying openings is never a waste of time unless this is the principal and only focus in your preparation. Probably a beginner should concentrate more on middlegame planning and endgame technique. Why? Because this sharpens your strategical view and your ability to create the more appropriate plans according to the position on the board. Studying an opening can enrich your knowledge if you familiarize yourself with plans commonly made in that opening. So it is not memorizing move after move just for the sake of it, but it is trying to understand the creative plans and ideas looking at the different games in your database. At lower levels you can't really benefit from this very deep work but in the future you will for sure.
Or instead of trying to analyse or rote learn an opening, just look at a few nice Lopez games for entertainment. Chess can be fun to watch even without total understanding. The odd snippet will filter through. I appreciate a master's aim is to improve but mine isn't for the most part. I just want to enjoy this more than my other hobbies.
pfren wrote:
SonofaBishop67 wrote:
In my humble opinion, it is better for a beginner to familiarize himself / herself with some elementary openings, provided that the opening moves are provided with reasons also. Otherwise they are apt to give up on chess after some unsuccessful 1.h4 openings.
You don't seem to understand anything.
Someone who knows no openings at all, and is just following the elementary opening principles, will NEVER play 1.h4.
This is a candidate first move for an "opening student" of woodpusher strength, who has been advised by his "expert" friend that 1.h4 is at least as good as the Parham.
Pfren, it only 'seems' that I do not understand anything 
; the point I was hoping to make was that as most chess games begin in the opening, especially for us weaker players, it would not hurt a student to examine a few lines (along with tactics 101!) to see how it is best to start the contest; perhaps a well marked trail is better for the novice hiker then a machete. The Ruy is wonderful place to start because it marries sound development principals with tactics and the struggle for the center. Of course not all beginners begin with 1. h4, but again, in my opinion, it is better for a beginner to play king pawn openings then, say, the English or queen pawn openings, because of the importance of getting ones self involved in tactical melee early on in chess development. I wasted years on the English, and have only now come to respect the importance of improving my tactical eye with sharper 'theoretical' openings. At my level, I need not fear my opponents 'theoretical knowledge', because if it was all that hot he would not be playing at my level. Most of my current study involves solving tactical problems. OP, play the Ruy! Perhaps you should look into playing in a Ruy Lopez thematic tournament, or starting one...
SonofaBishop67 wrote:
pfren wrote:
SonofaBishop67 wrote:
In my humble opinion, it is better for a beginner to familiarize himself / herself with some elementary openings, provided that the opening moves are provided with reasons also. Otherwise they are apt to give up on chess after some unsuccessful 1.h4 openings.
You don't seem to understand anything.
Someone who knows no openings at all, and is just following the elementary opening principles, will NEVER play 1.h4.
This is a candidate first move for an "opening student" of woodpusher strength, who has been advised by his "expert" friend that 1.h4 is at least as good as the Parham.
Pfren, it only 'seems' that I do not understand anything ; the point I was hoping to make was that as most chess games begin in the opening, especially for us weaker players, it would not hurt a student to examine a few lines (along with tactics 101!) to see how it is best to start the contest; perhaps a well marked trail is better for the novice hiker then a machete. The Ruy is wonderful place to start because it marries sound development principals with tactics and the struggle for the center. Of course not all beginners begin with 1. h4, but again, in my opinion, it is better for a beginner to play king pawn openings then, say, the English or queen pawn openings, because of the importance of getting ones self involved in tactical melee early on in chess development. I wasted years on the English, and have only now come to respect the importance of improving my tactical eye with sharper 'theoretical' openings. At my level, I need not fear my opponents 'theoretical knowledge', because if it was all that hot he would not be playing at my level. Most of my current study involves solving tactical problems. OP, play the Ruy! Perhaps you should look into playing in a Ruy Lopez thematic tournament, or starting one...
You are right in the Ruy Lopez both White and Black apply the Classical Chess Opening Theory of controlling the center by occupying it with your pawns and pieces. It's a mix it up right away tactical melee.
Hypermoder Chess Opening Theory advocates cntrolling the center with the power of your pawns and pieces. With this method you do not give your opponent any targets in the center to attack. Openings that apply this opening theory are the English, the Sicilian, Alekhine's Defense. The Reti, etc. A much more complicated manouvering strategical game. results.
yes and no e4 is the best first move ( from a d4 player) the main thing to remember is that most club player play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian
bkakachess wrote:
yes and no e4 is the best first move ( from a d4 player) the main thing to remember is that most club player play the Grand Prix against the Sicilian
I don't understand. Is your post addressing my post #60?
The Ruy can be very tactical (Jaenisch, Neo-Arkhangelsk, Cordel, Zaitsev) or heavily positional (Chigorin, Berlin, Neo-Steinitz). It can be extremely theoretical (Marshall), mildly theoretical (Graf variation, old Keres variation) or terra incognita (Cozio improved).
It is the richer of all openings by a big margin, and mastering the whole Ruy complex is really a pain. But then, there is no knowledge without pain.
Jun 19, 2012
0
#52
pfren wrote:
The Ruy is one of the most complex and strateically deep openings around, and any ADVANCED player should study it, regardless if he plays it with any color or not. But for a beginner... ummm, better learn elementary tactics and combinational motifs, basic endgames which are met frequently, and leave the openings well alone. All that a beginner should know about the opening is: 1.Fast piece development to active and safe squares 2.Occupation of the center with an absolute minimal of pawn moves 3.Castling fast 4.After doing the above, form a plan.
That's ALL a beginner should knw about the opening.
Wait, whats a beginners level to you? (Rating wise)
The Ruy López opening, also known as the Spanish Opening, is actually one of the most well-respected and frequently played chess openings. However, some players might criticize it based on certain perspectives or preferences. Here are some reasons why some might consider it "bad" or less favorable in certain situations:
1.Leads to Complex Positions: The Ruy López can lead to very deep, strategic games. Some players prefer more straightforward or tactical positions and may find the complexity overwhelming or unnecessary, especially if they prefer sharp, aggressive lines.
2.Can Be Slow to Develop: The Ruy López doesn't typically lead to an immediate attack. It emphasizes slow buildup and positional play. If you prefer aggressive or direct attacking chess, it may feel too slow or passive at the beginning.
3.Black Has Many Good Responses: While White usually achieves a solid advantage, Black has many well-established defenses (e.g., Morphy Defense, Berlin Defense) that can neutralize White’s opening advantage. For instance, the Berlin Defense often leads to endgames that are seen as drawish and dull.
4.Requires Deep Preparation: To play the Ruy López effectively, you need to be well-prepared for many different variations and responses. If you're not well-versed in theory, it’s easy to get outplayed by someone more familiar with the intricacies.
5.Some Variations Are Drawish: Certain defenses, like the Berlin Defense, can lead to early simplifications and dry positions that are hard to push for a win, which might not be appealing to players seeking more dynamic or decisive play.
6.Popular and Well-Known: Since it’s such a popular opening, many players—especially at higher levels—are very familiar with its main lines. This can make it harder to surprise your opponent or gain an advantage through unfamiliarity.
Despite these points, it's important to note that the Ruy López is a solid, time-tested opening used at all levels, including by top grandmasters. The criticism usually comes from stylistic preferences rather than objective weakness.
In my humble opinion, it is better for a beginner to familiarize himself / herself with some elementary openings, provided that the opening moves are provided with reasons also. Otherwise they are apt to give up on chess after some unsuccessful 1.h4 openings.
You don't seem to understand anything.
Someone who knows no openings at all, and is just following the elementary opening principles, will NEVER play 1.h4.
This is a candidate first move for an "opening student" of woodpusher strength, who has been advised by his "expert" friend that 1.h4 is at least as good as the Parham.