1.e4 and the Reason Behind It

1. e4

E4 is the most common chess move. But why e4 and not e3? Today you will discover why most players play e4.

What does e4 do?

1. Does not leave any weaknesses.

2. The move takes over many squares.

12–4 White’s square advantage

3. The move opens the white-squared bishop and the queen.

How can Black reply?

1. e5

1. e4, e5

This move is good for Black, because it blocks the e4 pawn and opens the dark-squared bishop and the queen.

2. e6

The move opens the bishop and queen, but does not block the e4 pawn.

3. Nf6

The Black knight’s power

This move moves the knight to an outpost. However, e5 attacks the knight, forcing it to retreat.

4. f5

1. e4, f5

F5 attacks e4. However, it does not block it, but offers a sacrifice. It also opens the way for the queen to attack the king.

5. f6

f6 blocks e4’s advance

F6 prevents e4. However, the black king and knight are threatened.

6. d6

d6

D6 blocks e4’s advance. It opens the light squared bishop, but also opens the gap for the king, making it weaker.

7. d5

d5

D5 attacks e4. However, it does not force the e4 pawn to do anything. It also opens up the bishop and… the king.

8. Nc6

Nc6

Nc6 prevents white from playing e5 and d4.

There are many more replies to e4, but these are the most common. Part 2 will have the remaining replies. See you soon!