My Situation:
Average/low intermediate player (at moment) approx 1600-1700 on chess.com over the board BCF grading approx 110 (has been as high as 139 - years back). haven't played real otb for a few years now though.
I do not have a decent opening repetoire (especially as black).
As white I always (99%) play 1 e4 (best by test), if 1...e5, I play kings gambit usually. In fact I play 2 f4 against sicilian and french and caro kann aswell.
As black i quite like the Petroff (Russian) and also pirc/modern.
Any advice or ideas?
I need direction e.g. I am swashbuckling/19th century as white and hypermodern as black. I need a style and systems.
Any help??
Personally, I stay away from 1. e4 because of all the theory involved, but I used to play it a lot! I liked the Scotch (open games!) the best. Nowadays I'm fooling around with the bird (which many times turns into KG positions) and I love it!
As black, I almost always play the Alekhine's Defense to e4, and lately the Dutch or Nf6 (I like that move haha) against d4. The Dutch is cool because it's basically a reversed Bird opening. Hypermoderrn openings really appeal to me for some reason. Probably because I love the era lol.
fantasy/tarkatower vs caro 1e4 c6 2d4 d5 3f3 often sacing a pawn with bc4 and open f file like kings gambit.
grand prix is fine vs sicilan but i recommend 2.Nc3 to avoid tal gambit after e4 c5 f4 d5
also i think you might like the grunfeld/kings indian defense vs d4
2.f4 vs the sicillian is ok and vs the French I guess it's ok but vs. the Caro-Kann I don't like it due to something like this.
It is interesting that you mention style, cause its a good point. From what i read, I'm guessing that you're the attacking kind, so working on your positional game maybe a good idea. Or, you could stick to your old guns and always go for sharp openings, with both colors. Anyway and for my part, being conscious about what kind of game you want to play every time you start one, is valuable.
Attacking games as black:
against e4
against d4
As white, perhaps you should have another look at queens pawn games in general. Positional games as black:
Against e4, try the caro cann (1. ..e6) or even scandinavian (1....d5) and main line spanish. Against d4 always play Nf6 and check out kings indian, queens indian type openings. Its good to keep things simple so, develop a repertoire depending based on just a few base openings. And finally, invest in a good book! Good luck
There is nothing wrong with your choices. They don't neccessarily denote a differnece in style. Playing a Hypermodern defence where you many need to be patient is not a bad idea for someone who likes to attack at all costs with White. After all you are a move behind. IF you are getting good results with your choices then why change? Perhaps your Hypermodern choices are teaching you much needed patience.
Just my thoughts.
thanks for your comments and advice. Much to ponder!!
Good advice except Gruenfeld. I do not recommend this opening, since it is very difficult, even for very experienced players. Try Chigorin (1...d5, 2...Nc6) or Tarrasch (1...d5, 2...e6, 3...c5) against 1.d4. Kings Indian is also OK. Against 1.e4 Scandinavian or Jaenisch Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5 f5) are good choices for an aggressive player.
Against 1.d4, how about the Catalan? Its classy.
Sorry, meant if you're looking for a d4 opening. Lots of variations in the Catalan that a lot of people won't be familiar with.
As White, play what makes you happy as long as you are satisfied with the positions you get.
With Black, first learn the classical defenses, 1...e5 and 1...d5. It's basic, and Steinitz, Lasker, Rubenstein, Capablanca, and Alekhine scored most of their Black victories with these moves. Play at least a few dozen serious games this way, then begin to branch out and explore. You will be better prepared to appreciate the different approaches if you have a foundation in the basic lines.
I would stick with 1. e4 as white.
Join Chess.com for free to add your comment! Already a member? Then login now to comment.