[Dynasty]

I changed my openings as black every year while I was playing actively. As white, I always played 1 e4.

For somebody just starting the game, I reccomend Petroff's defense as black. 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nf6. It creates a structure for black in which he's able to actively develop both his knights and both his bishops. The ability to use all four of you minor pieces is good for learning the game.

However, most masters who teach would reccomend you defend via 1 e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6. Against 1 d4, they would reccomend 1...d5.