1.d4 openingsThe London System and the Queen's Gambit: one to play always, one to understand trading in the centre.

1.d4 leads to slower, more closed games than 1.e4. The practical difference is that: with e4 the game opens quickly and tactics arrive early; with d4 positions take longer to blow up. These two are the most useful for someone starting out with 1.d4.

The London System. Its charm is barely depending on what Black does: you build the same formation in almost every game. While you are learning that is worth a lot — one less thing to worry about.

The Queen's Gambit. The name is misleading, because it is not a real sacrifice. Look at White's second move.

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