Pawns first?

 It is not easy to get the hang of what is going on in the opening. There are a lot of things that play a role, building a logical framework from there is no sinecure. Currently I'm working on the book about development from IM Andras Toth (in general IM's and CM's seems to be better in explaining stuff than GM's).

Generally, the advice for a speedy development is to limit the amount of pawns moves to two in the opening, in order to get you pieces out.

From a statistical point of view, there seems to be something to say for building the LoA landscape first (LoA = line of attack). The pawns decide where the LoA's will come, and you keep your opponent guessing which LoAs your pieces are going to utilize.

Pawn moves create space, and space = room to manoeuver for you and lack of space for your opponents pieces. Giving them less room to adapt to your final piece placement.

Your pieces are safer behind your pawns, hence it is more difficult to gain a tempo for your opponent by kicking your pieces away with pawns.

This is from a game at the club yesterday. I'm white.

White to move

2kr1b1r/pppqp1pp/2n2p2/3p1b2/2PPn3/PP1BPN2/5PPP/RNBQ1RK1 w - - 0 9

I have made 5 pawn moves, my opponent 2. I have 2 pieces developed, my opponent 5. So I violated an opening rule or two. Yet Stockfish deems this position 1.32 pp better for white.

• My pawns are limiting the black pieces
• My pawns are mobile
• I'm still free to decide where to put my pieces
• I can open new LoAs at will
• Black is a bit cramped
• Black is still a long way from a kingside attack