Should a beginners start with c4?

Anyone can play anything, the idea that you have to be a certain level to play an opening is stupid. Playing c4 and g3 is just the traditional English idea: clamp down on d5. White can play this way whether he's rated 800 or 2800.

Most traditional teaching methods recommending learning open games before playing things like the English. The downside to the open games it that, well, the position is open and it is much easier to blunder a piece.
Yasser Seirawan said, and he recommends, going with a 'fortress' setup, which he meant a Kingside fianchetto. The position is safe and solid, your pieces are well protected and you are less likely to lose in six moves. This gives you experience in longer games, at least in terms of moves, before one side has a decisive advantage. c4 and a Kingside fianchetto works precisely into Yasser's idea.
I don't know who is right, but I've learned it's rarely a good idea to second guess Yasser.

What's you point?
His point is that that kid fluffed his rating through illegitimate means.

My suggestion would be to start with either 1.d4 or 1.e4, and concentrate on learning standard openings until you get a feel for them. 1.c4 is also good, of course, but why not start with 1.d4 instead if you want that kind of position?

I would start with 1.e4. e4 has many more chances for the game to become tactical and tactics is very important to be good at tactics at lower levels.

What's hilarious is if that excuse actually worked. That's so old it's like saying your dog ate your homework.


Anyone can play anything, the idea that you have to be a certain level to play an opening is stupid.
Agreed.

Lmao, one of the worst excuses I've ever heard.
Anyone can play anything, the idea that you have to be a certain level to play an opening is stupid. Playing c4 and g3 is just the traditional English idea: clamp down on d5. White can play this way whether he's rated 800 or 2800.
It`s too sophisticated for beginners; you should know that!
I seen many kids who played c4 and their rating is just 1200 like that