opening moves

Hi all,

This is the first time Í am posting on the forum.  M y question may sound rather simple but as a relative beginner I would appreciate some ideas.

My question is- What are the best opening moves for a beginner ?

Kind regards,

Swimfast

1. a4

1.e4

If you're completely new you should study some opening theory before studying openings. It's pointless to memorize opening moves if you don't know why you're doing them.

What opening theory books should he study?  I'm interested, too.  Perhaps Fine's Ideas Behind Opening Moves?  (which I just ordered by the way.)

stwils

Which is a dogmatic response to the opening.

"only deviate from book lines for a reason..." is probably the worst piece of advice ever.

Thank you all for your helpful advice.

Regards,

swimfast.

play the 4 knights game

1.e4 e5 2. nf3 nc6 3.nc3 nf6