MGs Joe,

 Just like to butt in if you'll excuse me...

JB>Well, I was judging by the 4 games you showed us, three with the black
JB>pieces, one with the white pieces.  The only game he had winning chances
JB>was the game in which he played the white pieces.  It is easier, and allows
JB>him to develop his own ideas rather than be responding to your plans,
JB>which, while easier in that regard, also limits his thinking.  He's
JB>more likely to be thinking about responding to your threats instead of
JB>trying to be creative and make things happen on the board.

 I take your point, but would like to point out that many beginners (and
 some not-so-beginners) like to play with black. I believe it's because
 having the second move allows you to respond, to react and be
 constantly thinking about what your opponent is doing. With white,
 especially if you're told early on that the white pieces are an
 advantage, you'll be likely to over-reach yourself believing that you
 must attack as white rather than worrying about quite reasonable
 attacks from the other side.

 I think it is quite important to allow beginners to come to their own
 conclusions. If they are desitined for GMhood then they'll probably
 see the advantage of the first move, but telling them what 'should be
 best' will be as likely to stiffle creativity as playing too often with
 the black pieces.

        There, I've finished, I'll blend back into the background now,

        Dave
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 * OLX 2.1 TD * The founding of the last of the Babylon stations.

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