e4 e5 Nf3 d5

Hi , im an only a Beginner at chess so have been starting my games with E4 mostly.

But sometimes my opponents play this, Why are they playing the D5 move and what advantages does it have for them?  

  also what moves are best for me as white to play  after such a move?

    I also find that i am great during the middle and endgame but i seem to mess it all up in the opening what opening would you suggest i use to get into a great position for using my middlegame skills ?

Hi! I'm glad to hear you're interested in improving in chess. As for your question, not too many players play this at higher levels, it gives you a pretty significant advantage at the beginning of the game.

You could respond to their move like this:

I believe, when someone plays this, their intention for doing so is to develop more quickly. While, in the above diagram, you are ahead a pawn, they have 3 pieces developed.

I hope this helped you! =)

Thanks for the reply.  much appreciated

After 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 d5 3.exd5, some players will play 3...e4, while others will play 3...Qxd5, which may be weaker.  Most players against me seem to play 3...Qxd5, but get in trouble fast as the queen is attacked.  Here is a recent game.

 Chrz.             Yes most of The games i Play are followed up with Qxd5 , I usually just force the queen away with the knight like you said.  hopefully i will be able to take advantage of My opponents mistakes in the opening

White has a comfortable position

all of this is bullsh..

the only correct move is 3...Bd6.

Its called the Elephant Gambit!

Despite of the Latvian Gambit with 2...f5, its my standard answer against 1.e4

Best that White can achieve is a += position, but its not easy to find.