[dandersh]

"White can start by moving his King's pawn 2 spaces, i.e. playing "e4". This move has many strengths - it immediately works on controlling the center, and it frees two pieces (the Queen and a Bishop). This is a popular first move, leaving Black with two options"

I don't remember much from my chess obsessed youth, but going e4 and moving the bishop/queen into position for a 4 move checkmate will always remain. When I subbed middle school years ago it was my go to whenever playing students. Oh man the reactions I'd get when it worked, lol.

I've been meaning to get back into chess more seriously, this looks like a helpful guide.

[unkulunkulu]

If you can get your hands on Chessmaster X for windows with Josh Waitzkin, I highly recommend it, a strong all around introduction to chess with interesting interactive stories of real games by him as well as chess greats