Why is 1.e4 really common for the first move in chess? Why can't it be something like knight first or a breathing space. Please reply about why it is so common.
GM Robert James Fischer (11th World Chess Champion) once said that 1.e4 is "best by test". Moving the King Pawn two squares has been historically White's most popular first move, one that poses Black immediate theoretical challenges that he must address. However, these days the notion that 1.e4 is the "best" way to begin a chess game is up for debate. Double King Pawn theory is well analyzed, and White, after 1.e4, needs to be well-prepared to meet the Sicilian, French, Caro-Kann, Scandinavian, Pirc and Modern, not to mention the occasional Alekhine, Nimzowitsch, or even Owen's Defense. Each one of these Black defenses has its own character and aims to create certain positional problems for White to solve. So, White has a lot to learn in order to be fully prepared after 1.e4. Fortunately there are 3 other excellent first moves from which White can choose (1.d4, 1.c4 and 1.Nf3), plus a host of other interesting choices, albeit less theoretically challenging to the Black player. In short, players who enjoy attacking chess, especially gambits, normally begin with 1.e4, since it's the most straight-forward method to achieve that type of game.
The reason that 1.e4 has traditionally been the most popular first move stems from its underlying logic - 1.e4 controls the center and allows the rapid development of the Bishop and Queen, which can often lead to early attacks on f7. In other words, one can win quickly if the opponent goes wrong. Openings like Scholar's Mate and the Fried Liver Attack come to mind as a way for White to play for a win right out the gate. And who can forget the famous Paul Morphy Opera House game from 1858? Playing the King Pawn openings can be a lot of fun too. I once beat a player at this chess club with White after only 8 moves.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Bb4+ 5.c3 dxc3 6.bxc3 7.Be7?? 8.Qd5! Black resigns 1-0
This one is even more insane, from a tournament in Las Vegas NV.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.O-O Nc6 6.c3 Nf6 7.d4 Nxe4 8.d5 Nb8 9.Re1 Nf6 10.Bg5 Na6 11.Nbd2 Nxd5 12.Ne4 e6?? 13.Qxd5! exd5 14.Nxd6# 1-0
Other opening moves lack the same punching power. After 1.d4, 1.Nf3 or 1.c4 (English Opening), White must prioritize positional play, development and pawn structure, and build for the middlegame attack.
1.e4 also signals White's strategic intention of 2.d4, establishing a classical pawn center (pawns on e4 and d4). This concept is extremely important in understanding the theory of the game. Having two pawns in the middle of the board grabs space and allows the pieces freedom to move, at the same time making it difficult for the other side to develop naturally. Black will usually prevent White from establishing a classical pawn center, but not always. The hypermodern defenses encourage White to build an imposing pawn center, which Black will seek to destroy later. However, this strategy can be risky.
Bobby Fischer was convinced 1.e4 was White's best attempt at an opening advantage, because of all the problems White can set for Black. If Black can't solve the problems, then White will stand better and have the first chance to launch an attack.
The reason that 1.e4 has traditionally been the most popular first move stems from its underlying logic - 1.e4 controls the center and allows the rapid development of the Bishop and Queen, which can often lead to early attacks on f7. In other words, one can win quickly if the opponent goes wrong. Openings like Scholar's Mate and the Fried Liver Attack come to mind as a way for White to play for a win right out the gate. And who can forget the famous Paul Morphy Opera House game from 1858? Playing the King Pawn openings can be a lot of fun too. I once beat a player at this chess club with White after only 8 moves.
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 exd4 4.Bc4 Bb4+ 5.c3 dxc3 6.bxc3 7.Be7?? 8.Qd5! Black resigns 1-0
This one is even more insane, from a tournament in Las Vegas NV.
1.e4 c5 2.Nf3 d6 3.Bb5+ Bd7 4.Bxd7+ Qxd7 5.O-O Nc6 6.c3 Nf6 7.d4 Nxe4 8.d5 Nb8 9.Re1 Nf6 10.Bg5 Na6 11.Nbd2 Nxd5 12.Ne4 e6?? 13.Qxd5! exd5 14.Nxd6# 1-0
Other opening moves lack the same punching power. After 1.d4, 1.Nf3 or 1.c4 (English Opening), White must prioritize positional play, development and pawn structure, and build for the middlegame attack.
1.e4 also signals White's strategic intention of 2.d4, establishing a classical pawn center (pawns on e4 and d4). This concept is extremely important in understanding the theory of the game. Having two pawns in the middle of the board grabs space and allows the pieces freedom to move, at the same time making it difficult for the other side to develop naturally. Black will usually prevent White from establishing a classical pawn center, but not always. The hypermodern defenses encourage White to build an imposing pawn center, which Black will seek to destroy later. However, this strategy can be risky.
Bobby Fischer was convinced 1.e4 was White's best attempt at an opening advantage, because of all the problems White can set for Black. If Black can't solve the problems, then White will stand better and have the first chance to launch an attack.
Thanks
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