Why Do Most Chess Games Start with e4 or d4?
The two most popular first moves in chess history, and why they earned that reputation.
Published 2026-02-01 | Last verified 2026-02-12
Professor Archer says: Bobby Fischer once said that 1.e4 is "best by test." I would not go quite that far — 1.d4 has its own profound merits — but Fischer was onto something. Both moves do exactly what a first move should: they seize the center and open lines for your pieces.
The Logic of Central Pawn Moves
Every first move in chess should accomplish something constructive. The moves 1.e4 and 1.d4 each accomplish three things simultaneously: they place a pawn on a central square, they control another central square with that pawn, and they open a line for a piece to develop.
After 1.e4, the pawn occupies e4 and controls d5 and f5. Crucially, the diagonal from f1 is opened for the bishop. After 1.d4, the pawn occupies d4 and controls c5 and e5, and the diagonal from c1 is opened for the queen's bishop. No other first move accomplishes this much in a single tempo.
The Two Great First Moves
After 1.e4, White immediately controls two central squares (d5 and f5) and opens the f1-a6 diagonal for the bishop. The game tends to be open and tactical, with early piece contact and sharp play. Players who love combinations and attacking chess often prefer 1.e4.
After 1.d4, White controls c5 and e5 and opens the c1-h6 diagonal. Games tend to be more strategic, with slower buildup and longer-term planning. The d-pawn is already defended by the queen, making the center slightly more stable from the first move.
After 1.e4 — White occupies the center and opens lines for the kingside bishop.
e4: The Open Game
When White plays 1.e4 and Black responds 1...e5, we enter what is called the "Open Game." These positions tend to feature rapid development, early piece contact, and tactical fireworks. The center can open up quickly, leading to dynamic play where both sides must calculate carefully.
Classic openings like the Italian Game, the Ruy Lopez, and the Scotch Game all begin with 1.e4 e5. These openings have been analyzed for centuries and remain popular at every level because they teach fundamental chess principles: control the center, develop quickly, and castle early.
For beginners, I almost always recommend starting with 1.e4. It leads to positions where you learn the most about tactics, piece coordination, and attacking play.
d4: The Closed Game
When White plays 1.d4 and Black responds 1...d5, we enter "Closed Game" territory. The pawns are more likely to lock together, creating structures that demand strategic understanding rather than raw tactical calculation. You learn about pawn breaks, piece maneuvering, and long-term planning.
The Queen's Gambit (1.d4 d5 2.c4), the London System, and the Slav Defense are all part of the rich world of 1.d4 chess. These openings reward patience and positional understanding.
Many players eventually learn to play both 1.e4 and 1.d4, choosing between them depending on their mood, their opponent, or the tournament situation. Having both tools in your arsenal makes you a more complete player.
Questions About First Moves
Are other first moves bad?
Not at all. Moves like 1.Nf3, 1.c4 (English Opening), and 1.g3 are all perfectly sound. They just approach the center in different ways. But e4 and d4 are the most direct and the most instructive for learning players.
Which is better, e4 or d4?
Neither is objectively better. They lead to different types of positions. Try both and see which fits your style. Many world champions have preferred one or the other, and the debate is part of what makes chess endlessly fascinating.
Professor Archer says: Do not be afraid to experiment with other first moves once you understand why e4 and d4 work. Moves like 1.Nf3, 1.c4, and even 1.g3 are perfectly respectable. But understanding the central pawn moves first gives you the framework to appreciate everything else.
Quick Quiz
What are the three things 1.e4 accomplishes simultaneously?
- Attacks the opponent's king, develops the queen, and controls f7 - 1.e4 does not attack the king or develop the queen. It is a pawn move focused on the center and piece development.
- Occupies a central square, controls other central squares, and opens a diagonal for the bishop (Correct) - Exactly right. The pawn occupies e4, controls d5 and f5, and opens the f1-a6 diagonal for the kingside bishop. This is why it is such an effective first move.
- Defends the king, opens a rook file, and prevents Black from playing e5 - 1.e4 does not defend the king or open a rook file. And it does not prevent Black from playing 1...e5, which is one of Black's most popular responses.
- Develops a piece, creates a passed pawn, and threatens checkmate - A pawn move is not piece development, there is no passed pawn on move one, and 1.e4 does not threaten any checkmate.