The first ten moves of a chess game are arguably the most important moves of the game. If you don't have a clue how to position your pieces in the opening, then you are going to be in serious trouble against someone who knows standard opening theory. A more correct way of stating that "openings are not important," would be to say that it is not necessary to know a particular opening, as long as you play the opening moves with common sense. And that common sense chess opening goes all the way back to Philidor. You must play the opening correctly, or hope that your opponent is a dolt.
wow... nice thread
I think the last 10 moves are the most important... otherwise they wouldn't be the last 10.
Savate, you don't have to know openings to learn to count. That game was traumatic but it started to go wrong because you didn't do a forcecount. If you don't have as many defenders as he has attackers don't stick the pawn out there.
Your second move 2. g4 dropped a pawn to the bishop. I don't mind that move much since I have been playing a lot of gambits lately but it's only a gambit if you meant to do it...
I wouldn't worry about your openings at all right now except to say that your first 4 moves until you know better should always be!!! 1. e4, 2. Nf3, 3. Bishop to somewhere safe (not d3) then 4. Castle.
From there make sure you know who is attacking what before you begin exchanging pieces and pawns.
For your studying... you only need tactics.
nevermind the debate about strategy vrs tactics... it's dumb... It's like runners debating which foot makes them fastest, right or left.
Until you understand tactics you won't understand openings or the threats hidden in strategy.
Most important, have fun.