What is the first-move advantage in chess?
Q: What is the first-move advantage in chess?
A: The first-move advantage in chess is the advantage of the player (White) who makes the first move in chess.
Q: Is there statistical evidence to suggest that White scores better than Black in the main four opening moves?
A: Yes, statistics of results on chess databases include almost all published games since 1851, and in all forms of statistics, White scores better than Black for the main four opening moves 1.e4, 1.d4, 1.c4 and 1.Nf3.
Q: How is White's overall winning percentage calculated?
A: White's overall winning percentage is calculated by taking the percentage of games won by White plus half the percentage of drawn games.
Q: Can you provide an example of how White's overall winning percentage is calculated?
A: For example, if out of 100 games White wins 40, draws 32, and loses 28, White's total winning percentage is 40 plus half of 32, i.e. 56 percent.
Q: Is White's advantage equally significant in all types of games?
A: No, White's advantage is less significant in rapid games or novice games.
Q: When did the overwhelming consensus emerge regarding a perfectly played game of chess?
A: Since about 1889, when World Champion Wilhelm Steinitz addressed this issue, the overwhelming consensus has been that a perfectly played game would end in a draw.
Q: Does White still hold an advantage in games between computers?
A: Yes, it is about the same for tournament games between humans and games between computers.
