e4 vs a4

I generally prefer e4 because I like open games. However, I occasionally play a4 when I'm playing for a draw. What are other people's thoughts?

I have never tried 1. a4...is there actually any theory behind it, or is it designed for "shock value"?

Assuming, of course, that this thread isn't a prank.

Well... what do you think?

I avoid both!  e4 is clearly the better move of those two, but I won't play either one!

Don't see any top level players opening a4 ....

1. a4 lets you steer the game into a reversed Budapest after 1...d5  2. Nf3 (Usually arrived at via the "Potato" move order: 1. Nf3 d5  2. a4) 2...c5  3. e4.  Somehow though this is not so great for White though of course it is well known the Budapest is the refutation of 1. d4 Nf6  2. c4?

a4, it has been proven time after time to be a much superior move, i also like to stay in mainline theory for the first 10 moves which makes a4 obiously a better choise for me.

With 1.a4 I can play Na3 without doubling my pawns. I also avoid 1.e4 f5 -/+ 

The quality of troll threads has gone down a lot lately. It's so predictable and boring these days.

Oh? I assume you must not have heard of a player by the name of Magnus Carlsen then: http://www.chessgames.com/perl/chessgame?gid=1671724

(granted, it was only a blitz game where he used it)

We can end this real easy.

All the d4 players slap the e4 players in face and challenge them to a game.

Well a slap is better than a punch in the face.

Are you mad.The objective in the opening is to control and centre and not give it just like that to the opponent.a4 is a move wasted. 

A4 (D5)

E4

I must have lost my mind. I thought this was a e4 vs d4.

I see so many that i assumed it was as soon as i saw " e4 vs     ...."

I had my .....not  another e4 vs d4   speech prepared.

No comment!

But isn't controlling the flanks just as important? It's just like in soccer - some teams like to organize their attacks through the middle, other like to attack from the two flanks.

A4 - forget this this rubbish.It has no shock value and is bad chess.

Yeah it does!

What defense is black thinking on their first move?  

??? duh is his/her response for atleast a while.

Black moves in to take center white can time an attack in ctr and blow it up.

Pop the top and share!

Opening this thread has the same quality as playing 1.a4

They say the a4 openings will take the chess world by storm.

Tropical Storm  a4 ..... really sounds threatening.

Oh watch out for Storm a4 jr!