I've noticed that I have a lot of trouble after my opponent plays c3 in a kings pawn game, both as white as well as black.  I'm trying to figure out what my goal should be when this happens.  My trouble comes because It seems like the c3 d4 move gains so much control of the middle, and I don't know how to combat that.  I think I'm probably being a little too vague, but if anyone understands what I'm asking I'd appreciate some input on how perhaps my goal should change, or where I might be stronger after this move.

 

I mean, if I take the pawn my opponent gains an extra center pawn, if I don't, they can push the pawn forcing my knight to move as well as getting pretty strong control of the center.

Maybe you could include a diagram for all of us to see.

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Edited.

Woah, it seems quite hard to counter that!

Maybe you could just let white control the center in the opening first, then come up with a counter in the middlegame.

Does it work?

This opening is too slow.

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3 d5! and black equalizes easily.

Well that's why I was saying that I didn't actually mean the moves played in that order, rather the position of the c pawn, this can be reached even after several other moves.

This c3 move is actually not strong. I guess you may just counter it with 3...Nf6 (exploiting the fact that the e4 pawn is unprotected). If 4.d4 (other moves are artificial) then ed 5.e5 (White's pawn is hanging!) Nd5 6.cd Bb4 7.Bd2 Bd2 8.Nbd2 0-0 and Black has a comfortable position since White is behind on development.

d5 or Nf6 would be acceptable responses.

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I had just read your article on Getting Better at Chess before you posted, great article.  Thank's for the input, I've kind of understood that it wasn't exactly a strong move, but it was one that I've found throws me off a bit, But I think I see the weakness of the e4 pawn.   I guess you get ahead in development because white looses a tempo on ...cxd.

WGM Natalia Pagonia is right, it is  really a weak move, you can just counter it with Nf6, and since he cant move Nc3 to protect the e-pawn he will be forced to move d3 which gives your opponent an early bad bishop...

d5 is a normal response to c3 in alot of openings like the alpin in the Sicilian etc. Since after recapture on d5 with the queen it has a strong position since nc3 is not possible, unless white wants to accept an isolated d pawn.

There are some trappy lines after 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 Nf6 4. d4 exd4 5. e5 where black needs to play precisely to avoid disaster. I think that White should be able to reclaim the gambit pawn in most cases.

 

After 1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3 d5 4. Qa4 (if I recall the line correctly), it's a pretty chaotic, roughly equal game. Like most openings, it's a question of appropriate timing.