There are so many different aspects to take into consideration. 

For example, in sharp openings for example gambits for white after 1.e4 e5, the gambiteers are usually much more informed the stronger they are. So a bad line for white can have a very good score due to the wins accumulated before it was refuted, then the ambitious players stop playing it, while it continues to score well on lower levels where neither player knows the refutation!

But statistics can be a useful tool, e.g. when looking for traps or improvements, by searching for discrepancies between evaluations and results, though it's of course very time consuming to compare evaluations with statistics trying to determine which is right, but sometimes one can find a diamond in the rough...

Hello everybody,

I've recently started looking at websites and books that make reference to the statistics for black and white in various openings.  I'm wondering if any of you have an opinion on how much these statistics matter.  I've read authors who say they mean nothing, while others will strongly recommend an opening because it scores a tiny percent better than another.  I'd like to know what your opinions are on looking at stats to various openings.   
 
Thanks,
Scott Rex