Monocle wrote on 04/15/18 at 13:54:22:
First game, I tried playing the Ruy Lopez, and he played the Schliemann.
Against 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 3...f5! is the most principled move and scores best against the Ruy Lopez below 1600.
Monocle wrote on 04/15/18 at 13:54:22:
Next time I had white, I tried d4/c4 instead, and he played the Budapest.
With 1.d4 2.c4 White has developed nothing and has neglected his king side. It is obvious that after 1...Nf6 and 2...e5 White should be careful.
Please look at the stem game Rubinstein - Vidmar, 22.4.1918, Berlin, Viermeisterturnier (commented in mega).
I think beginners should avoid the Ruy Lopez and 1.d4 2.c4 with White. 1.d4 2.Nf3 moveorder is more sensible for beginners.
Bronstein wrote about the advantages of 2.Nf3 somewhere and says Black is in a "Minizugzwang"
at move two.
Monocle wrote on 04/15/18 at 13:54:22:
It's better to play mainline openings against them,
so that they don't fear the opening,
learn that they can make good moves without knowing theory,
and don't blame their mistakes and losses on opening surprises.
Better said than done. Look how Rubinstein (without knowing theory) goes down against Vidmar in the Budapest.
I think you should fear the opening - especially if you are behind in development.