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Developing an Opening Repertoire

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14th March 2008, 05:42am
#21
by shleena
Sheffield United Kingdom
Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 50
caturcoach- I disagree that an opening is merely a means to an end and is an arbitrary choice for the improving player. I feel that learning an opening system is not only central to the type of chess player you will develop in to, but also it is the only reason you will arrive to a middlegame on an even footing. It is incidentaly also indicative of the type of middlegame you will face. Choosing an opening that is based on chess principles with natural moves, rather than deep strategy that is not at once apparent to beginners and improving players, has to be best. Mr Dzindzichashvili's cherry-pick method is probably completely correct and sound, however personally I see that a beginner or improving player is introduced to 'beginner openings' that ground them in opening principles that are simpler to understand.
14th March 2008, 05:20pm
#22
by StupidButt
Bloomington, Indiana United States
Member Since: Mar 2008
Member Points: 2
You may be past the point where my method is relevant, but i've recently started to try and develop my opening knowledge, and i've been using my correspondence games at this site and studying whatever openings come about as I go along.  It's a broad method, but by doing some research into the best lines of whatever is on the board, i am studying some of the specific theory involved, but more importantly i'm expanding my general understanding of opening principles.  For my level, i'd say the mix is just about right.  Eventually i'll expand the method by looking deeper at the opening theory involved in games that gave me trouble once I was out of book.  Hope this helps.
17th March 2008, 07:47am
#23
by ericmittens
London, ON Canada
Member Since: Sep 2007
Member Points: 1876

Why not buy a good book of games like Chernev's "Logical chess move by move" and play the openings played in the book. You'll know the first moves, the reasoning behind them, and the subsequent middlegame plans. Plus there will be a wide variety of openings shown so you can try out a whole bunch and see what you like!


17th March 2008, 08:06am
#24
by KillaBeez
Kansas United States
Member Since: Jan 2008
Member Points: 4074
Agreed
17th March 2008, 10:42am
#25
by ericmittens
London, ON Canada
Member Since: Sep 2007
Member Points: 1876
Graw81 wrote: Agreeing with pinkerton, perhaps the opening goal of a beginner or someone developing their 'first opening repitoire' (a bit easy on the 'first' part as it will probably just become adapted over time) would be to get to a playable middlegame position that they understand a little about. ie. Avoid terrible opening mistakes and be willing to battle the middlegame be the case +/= +/- or =/+ -/+. Inotherwords dont end up with +- or -+.

I think that's the point of ALL opening theory, not just for beginners.


17th March 2008, 12:51pm
#26
by ericmittens
London, ON Canada
Member Since: Sep 2007
Member Points: 1876
Oh I agree, I was talking about "getting into playable middlegame positions that they understand". I think this applies to all players of all levels.
27th March 2008, 03:27pm
#27
by pvmike
Voorhees, NJ United States
Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 947
For beginners I would recommend  simple opening  that lead  to  open positions. As white I would play 1.e4, play the Giuoco Piano, or maybe the Evans Gambit. Against the Sicilian play  the morra smith gambit  it's fairly simple  and there aren't too many variations to learn. As black play 1.e4 e5, if you don't like playing the black side of the ruy lopez, you can always play Petrov's defense or  Philidor's defense. Against 1.d4 , I would recommend the Albin-Counter gambit or the Slav.   
27th March 2008, 04:01pm
#28
by sstteevveenn
Wales United Kingdom
Member Since: Dec 2007
Member Points: 1634
I would say absolutely do not play a gambit.  They're often dubious enough when you know what you're doing.  Why play the smg for example, when you can just play the c3 sicilian.  As a beginner, the single most important thing, to the point of maybe being the only important thing, is keeping your pieces on the board, and taking pieces that you can take.  I would say this is tactics, but it's almost too simple to be tactics.  Dont give your pieces away for free, and do take any free pieces that are offered, once you are sure it is safe to do so.  This includes pawns.  Even though the Evan's gambit is probably perfectly fine, as a beginner, you will simply find yourself starting every game a pawn down. 
27th March 2008, 06:20pm
#29
by lostapiece
mercia England
Member Since: Aug 2007
Member Points: 5791
some ones already mentioned it , colle system excellent beginning rep , easy to remember , and gets you in to the habit of studying openings, as will all openings i think you got to play , play play it you will loose but you will learn about the opening and eventualy find answers were before you wouldnt
27th March 2008, 11:42pm
#30
by pvmike
Voorhees, NJ United States
Member Since: Feb 2008
Member Points: 947
The smith morra gambit is not dubious  neither is the Evan's gambit. Both openings allow white to gain the lead in development, and set up an attack. I play the smith morra gambit and the c3 Sicilain, morra smith gives white more attacking chances. And along with with keeping you pieces on the board it just as important that a beginner learns how to use the pieces and set up attacks and checkmate their opponent. These openings give white extra tempo to set up an attack. Also they are both alot of fun to play, for beginners give both openings a try if you don't like play something else. But really for a beginner don't worry to much about the opening study the middle and end games more.
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