What is the worst possible first move for White: 1.f3 or 1.g4? After making my engines evaluate the starting position for more than 10 hours each, here is what I got:

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Fritz 12:

Depth = 25/65

Time = 10 hours and 30 minutes


1.f3 : -0.90 
1.g4 : -0.77
1.Nh3 : -0.56
1.Na3 : -0.52
1.h4 : -0.47
1.b4 : -0.47
1.a4 : -0.42


All 13 other moves are -0.25 or more.

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Houdini 3 Pro x64

Depth = 29/76

Time = 11 hours and 45 minutes


1.g4 : -0.51
1.f3 : -0.50
1.Nh3 : -0.38
1.Na3 : -0.37
1.h4 : -0.25
1.b4 : -0.20
1.a4 : -0.17


All 13 other moves are -0.12 or more.

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One thing seems very probable: the worst possible first move is either 1.f3 or 1.g4.

So between these two moves: which is the number #1 worst possible move?
What is the worst possible first move for White: 1.f3 or 1.g4?


f3 doesn't contribute to the piece development ( it actually hinders it by taking away the best square for the Ng1 ), it doesn't fight for the center ( it only strengthens the e4 square that White can claim anyway with 1.Nc3 or 1.e4 ) and above all it exposes the king. 

g4 vacates g2 for the Bf1 ( fianchettoed bishop is usually good ), it helps in the fight for the center indirectly ( you can weaken Black's control of d5 and e4 if Black plays ...Nf6 at some point, by simply playing g5 ) and pawn at g4 can be useful in kingside attack if Black castles short. It does weaken f4 and h4, so it is somewhat dubious, but it is playable ( although I doubt White can reach full equality...).

Therefore, when we compare the above facts, we can see that 1.f3 is clearly the worst first move, based on the opening theory ( since only one move is played it is to early to make final conclusions, since White may transpose into decent position with his next moves ).