<P> The first - move advantage in chess is the inherent advantage of the player (White) who makes the first move in chess . Chess players and theorists generally agree that White begins the game with some advantage . Since 1851, compiled statistics support this view; White consistently wins slightly more often than Black, usually scoring between 52 and 56 percent . White's winning percentage is about the same for tournament games between humans and games between computers . However, White's advantage is less significant in blitz games and games between novices . </P> <P> Chess players and theoreticians have long debated whether, given perfect play by both sides, the game should end in a win for White, or a draw . Since approximately 1889, when World Champion Wilhelm Steinitz addressed this issue, the overwhelming consensus has been that a perfectly played game would end in a draw . However, a few notable players have argued that White's advantage may be sufficient to force a win: Weaver Adams and Vsevolod Rauzer claimed that White is winning after the first move 1. e4, while Hans Berliner argued that 1. d4 may win for White . </P>

Who moves first in chess black or white