This is the longest-running debate in chess. Which is the stronger opening move for white – the king pawn or the queen pawn?
The debate is pointless and the answer is clear: 1.e4 is best.
Because it prevents the Dutch.
Glad I could clear that up.
Blog is an anagram of glob (but then again so is oblg)
This is the longest-running debate in chess. Which is the stronger opening move for white – the king pawn or the queen pawn?
The debate is pointless and the answer is clear: 1.e4 is best.
Because it prevents the Dutch.
Glad I could clear that up.
And yes, that means 1.g4 is the next-strongest.
I vote for 1.d4 (despite my oft-worn nifty 1.e4 t-shirt)
Ha – but you don’t play against any Dutch players. :)
Incorrect. 1. e4 permits the uncomfortable Basman Defense (1. … g5)
Dang. Back to the drawing board.
Tim wrote:
“I vote for 1.d4 (despite my oft-worn nifty 1.e4 t-shirt)”
Shameless plug:
http://www.cafepress.com/1e4
http://www.cafepress.com/1d4
-Matt
To answer the question at hand, the obvious solution is 1. f4!!
Play the Dutch with an extra tempo.
I have used this as a surprise weapon on several occasions and haven’t lost yet.
You can see my position from a win with it on Board 3 at MetroWest here, http://globularchess.blogspot.com/2006/04/playing-with-big-guns.html
re: Your shameless commercialism: You’re welcome :)
re: The tempo in hand: John Watson says one of the great mysteries of chess is that this approach simply doesn’t work, trying to play black openings with the colors reversed.
Once upon a time Joe Francis gave me a tempo in the most curious manner: 1.e4 e6 2.d3 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4. So now, with the black pieces, I’m essentially white in an exchange French. Bizarre.