Okay here's a quick summary of how to choose an opening (this is actually an hour if not two of lessons ... the non summarized version... I'll do my best).
- Experiment with openings or ask around for suggestions from players that know your style well... they can often point you in the right direction.
That's all I can really say... if you want a quicker method, take your fav. GM and steal his opening repertoire... see if you like it.
AtIas> If you ever try to play c4, the English, I will hunt you down and stick my king in your eye. I can't believe people think that its sound!
That's absurd... even super-GMs play the English on occasion and score.
AtIas> Plus + Would you play differently against a GM? I wouldn't.
I would play differently. Against a master I aim for a draw, and against a novice I aim for a win--sometimes even a quick win. My choice of openings, strategies, tactics, and even endgames will be affected by my opponent. I also mix it up from time to time even against equal opponents so I'm not too easy to prepare for.
In responce to the controversy about the english opening...
I think it's a fine opening, but a terrible one to start out with. The problem with it is that it often ends up transposing into a myriad of other openings (such as the queen's gambit declined, various indian systems, polish opening, Reti opening, etc.). You need to be familiar with the openings as well to effectively use the english.
I would recommend ruy lopez. There is a ton of opening therory to it, but it's worth it to learn because it's such a common opening.
You guys have turned me toward the English opening. From now on I will only play the English in all of my games. Once I play that c4 my opponent will scream in terror and resign. I'll even play the English as black, take up the English horn, and major in English literature. :)
For a student of chess just starting out, the typical advice is to stay away from openings that are positional in nature. The advice continues:
Consider double king-pawn openings and go for a Giuoco Piano set up. When confronted with the French or Sicilian etc., choose a forcing variation. You can also go for 1. d4 and choose the Colle, also pretty tactical and a system that is not so hard to learn.
Or you can just play what you like and enjoy yourself even if the results may not be optimal.
If you are enjoying yourself I tend to declare mission accomplished.
Google is nice, www.chessgames.com is far superior. Much better Openings database, not to mention a wonderful array of games to study for whatever opening you choose.
AtIas> I'll even play the English as black,
That would be the Sicilian Defense. It scores well and demands some study, too. ;)
Can I play you evilHomer? That would make my day.