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Is it advantagious to have the first move in draughts?

Is it advantagious to have the first move in draughts?
And why? Why not?

Unlike in chess, first move privilege does not grant some advantage. With regards to development, black side doesn't lose any tempo: it is the reason why in International draughts many players prefer to meet 1. 32-28 by exchange 1. .. 19-23 or 1. .. 17-22, as well it is why many players restrain from occupying central squares immediately by playing first move to edge square 1. 31-26.
Moreover, in Frisian draughts it is black side who has some opening advantage, because it is white who needs to solve space related issues.

@barkbagarn Checkers is known to be a theoretical draw with perfect play. That means that, between two perfect players, it doesn’t matter.

Against an imperfect player, though, you can win if your opponent makes a mistake. Therefore, you want to make sure your opponent is more likely to make the first mistake of the game so you can capitalize on it. In checkers, it appears that the second player is more likely to make the first mistake, because the second player has to react to the first player’s initiative, and they may react incorrectly.

Interesting that it can be advantageous to move to the side squares in the opening than control the centre,I always go for the centre as in chess

Thank you kalnap and AnonymousNewAccount for your answers.
What you said about opening moves and "initiative" inspired me to play the opening differently and it worked out really well. I have become a better player.

I'm a complete beginner. If you want to share some other tips or general strategies that a beginner needs that would be welcome!
(I have worked my way through Tjallings pre-course allready)

What I’m finding is since I’ve begun to concentrated on improving in Brazilian draughts for a while, my play in International draughts has improved immensely. Im getting into more drawing or even winning positions but the stronger players still have the advantage in the endgame

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