Beginners switching chess openings makes a lot of sense actually. You can't find what types of things you like to play by playing the same thing indefinitely. And online rating doesn't matter so you are free to trash your rating to explore what interests you. Also, one way to stop being bothered by an opening is by learning it yourself. I hated the French, and then played it myself and found out the ideas against it that way. OTB it makes a little more sense to stick with something as you want to get the most bang for your buck.
But there's no reason to stick to an opening if you don't enjoy the positions you get most from it. A lot of people get tricked into playing the London by Youtube videos, and end up bored after awhile.
Though there's the second trap of switching openings to try and gain rating people fall into. And that is something people really should be warned about as beginners. You shouldn't try to chase ratings via openings.
I actually think switching openings over time is a good idea in general. But usually you need to play a bunch of games to figure out if it really doesn’t work for you. Hence, stick with it for a “long time”. I really mean, maybe like a month. Don’t switch out every week, that’s just not enough time to learn it.
Great post, and love the thumbnail! (I wasn't a fan of Season 2 though, did you watch the show?)
Thanks for reading! And, yes (personally I loved Season 2, but Season 1 was quirkier and more fun).
Beginners switching chess openings makes a lot of sense actually. You can't find what types of things you like to play by playing the same thing indefinitely. And online rating doesn't matter so you are free to trash your rating to explore what interests you. Also, one way to stop being bothered by an opening is by learning it yourself. I hated the French, and then played it myself and found out the ideas against it that way. OTB it makes a little more sense to stick with something as you want to get the most bang for your buck.
But there's no reason to stick to an opening if you don't enjoy the positions you get most from it. A lot of people get tricked into playing the London by Youtube videos, and end up bored after awhile.
Though there's the second trap of switching openings to try and gain rating people fall into. And that is something people really should be warned about as beginners. You shouldn't try to chase ratings via openings.
I actually think switching openings over time is a good idea in general. But usually you need to play a bunch of games to figure out if it really doesn’t work for you. Hence, stick with it for a “long time”. I really mean, maybe like a month. Don’t switch out every week, that’s just not enough time to learn it.