I strongly agree with Vio7. Playing gambits is the way to go for sure when you're getting your feet wet. You'll learn super important things, such as the value of a tempi and how to use the initiative, which will serve you wonders later on in your chess development, even if you eventually move away from gambits in your later career. Even "solid" players like Karpov were swashbucklers in their early careers, only becoming more solid as they matured. Simply put, it is much easier to take a player who has developed a strong attacking sense and reign him in a bit later on as opposed to taking a solid player and trying to teach him later on how to attack. That's long term though. In the short term you will get lots of fun games that are more likely to be exciting and keep you interested, which is never a bad thing. In your study time, learn a decent gambit as white (Evans, King's, Vienna, Smith Morra, etc), maybe as a gambit or two black as well (Benko, Albin, etc), and learn some basic endgames. After that, tactics tactics tactics. Become a tactical monster and you'll see your rating sky rocket and have a nice repertoire that suits your sharp tactical eye.
This topic has been archived and can no longer be replied to.

