1. e4 is the first opening move many students of chess encounter and for good reasons. It takes control of the center squares e4 and d5, while also opening up the diagonals for the bishop on f1 and the queen on d1. Starting the game with the king's pawn will usually take the game into more of a tactical battle. Where sharp positions in openings such as the Sicilian, King's Gambit, Fried Liver Attack and many others will see an all out battle on the board.