I'll open with 1. g4 and beat Enviro.
If I win convincingly, I'll beat Enviro by opening with all 4 of my wing pawns.

I wonder who gave a downvote to this topic, as the advice it gives is good and useful.
As long as you don't take it too far and make it a dogma which rules your thoughts.

The way to avoid that pitfall is to understand the reasoning behind it, exceptions, and just how bad it is (or not) to not listen to that advice.

So - first of all - the really bad wing pawn moves (1.a4 and 1.h4, for instance), while definitely NOT a move to start with if you're interested in playing well, don't make the position lost by any means. That is - a player could still beat you by playing them. He would still be playing bad moves and only exploiting totally unrelated mistakes...

That's why the comment about opening that way and winning is rather pointless, childish, confuses other beginners, and have nothing to do with the original poster's claim.

Also, some of the other pawn moves referred to - such as 1.b3, are actually a valid opening, and some beginners actually find it easy to play. It's also a way to learn about other common structures.

1.c4 Is actually a great opening...and while most beginners would gain a lot more from playing 1.e4, and get the tactical training they need sooo badly... What works for me, you, or even most beginners shouldn't be assumed to be best for everyone.
Personally I recommend 1.e4 as the opening move beginners should play most (a lot more than 1.d4), but it's just a recommendation.

I could go on about 1.g4 (grob) and 1.b4, which (especially 1.b4), Aren't as bad as their reputation, they just mean white's position isn't as good as it could have been. 1 move each turn, we should make the most of it

The logical reasoning behind the central pawn pushes is simple:
1. Opening a route for the bishop to enter the fray.
2. Getting a hold on the center of the board, thereby disrupting some of your opponents movement options.

My advice would be - never play anything unless you know WHY you are playing it. To become strong, that is the best option of all.

1. b3 - can be played only if you know the piece formation and ideas behind it.

Do the same with every idea you want to try. Make sure you know what is your plan and why you play it, and you will learn from it.


Summarizing - pushing the center pawns is an excellent advice, but make sure you know why, and it's ok to play some other things... If you understand the reason for them,

True you should never end a sentence with a preposition, but NEVER is not the right word here. "Seldom" is a better word. I love the Orangutan, Polish or Sokolsky Opening, b2-b4, is a favorite of mine. It often is misinterpreted as a novice move. your opponent is off balance.
Fian

thanks for nugget