Matthew...play the freaking dragon.

Yours Truly,

Drake lAlondian

Ps. ...Play the freaking dragon

Well, look, I also started off as a kid with the Dragon and then became a CK player, which suits me very well...

However, I am reluctant to play it in a must-win situation... Lower rated players are certainly not gonna crack my defense, but if White playes without ambition and opts for let's say the exchange variation with c3/Bd3, etc. - I don't get a lot of counterplay and they get good drawing chances... so I've decided to use Sicilian in such cases, either the Sveshnikov which is really tactical and they are rarely prepared for it in depth or the Old Sicilian lines 1.e4 c5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.Nxd4 Qb6

Of course, you could also try the Scheveningen or the Kan... they offer slow positional play... unless you do something stupid and get blown off the board, of course :)

Btw, I've started playing OTB again, won one tournament (started posting games on my newly started blog here, actually), but I'm in the process of rebuilding my opening repertoire... so if you'd like to share some ideas, just send me a message ;)

I'm still stuck on the title....you're thinking? Really? Dont hurt yourself big guy.

I think you should really think about the delayed Steinitz defence.

Matt,

I have recently taken up the Caro-Kann with good results in my over the board matches. The CK is solid, has stood the test of time, and usually gives black a fighting chance in all variations.

Petrov! :P