what is e4 in chess

In chess, e4 refers to the move where the player moves their kings pawn two squares forward, occupying the e4 square on the board. This move is known as the Kings Pawn Opening and is the most popular first move in chess at all levels of the game. It is also the oldest known recorded game of modern chess, recorded as a poem in 1475, begins 1.e4. The move immediately stakes a claim in the center and frees two pieces, the queen and kings bishop, for action. The resulting position is known as an Open Game, where ranks, files, and diagonals are open, and tending to more tactical gameplay.