8 points
I don’t agree and don’t think the data agrees. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/First-move_advantage_in_chess
Two thoughts: white can more easily set the speed of the game, as well as not have to adapt to their choices (which black must do)
2 points
Almost certainly for elo play and stuff where people learned all the first 10+ moves of all the viable opening strategies.
But as a casual player (ok, I was chess club in Jr high if that counts for anything) I always chose to play as black and have always won at least 90% of all my games played. I’d be confused as hell if I played as white, at this point.
2 points