Best response to 1.d4

Hey guys, what do you think is the best defense against 1.d4? My opinion in the Semi-Slav but you guys can leave your own opinion down here! Eager to see your thoughts.

I like the Dutch defense although in my opinion the most flexible is the kings indian but if youre trying to catch people off guard use the benoni or queens gambit accepted

1. d5!!

e5

Of course, there is no "best" defense. You can play almost everything. Look into the data base. 😇

c5 dutch

There's no "best defense, if your new try d5, if you feel like you have a good grasp of the basics I recommend king's indian defense (Nf6, b3, Bb2, O-O)

I like the Englund gambit, London players sometimes blunder their bishop on the second move. The gambit generally takes d4 players out of their comfort zone.

c5 is Benoni

The Dutch is f5. 😇

I like the benko gambit if they play into the benoni, not the best according to engines but it's usually a fun game at my level of play.

I like the Dutch and Indian systems. I absolutely never play the Englund; being a d4 player myself, I see what poor positions my opponents get into after playing it.

Seriously if you count on your opponents being surprised with the Englund Gambit more often than not then good luck getting better at chess.

Nf6

Nimzo indian or transposing into french

Depends what level you are. Don’t study openings too much if you aren’t right level. I don’t really either.

d5

honestly, I have played D4 for the past few years, and I definitely agree. from my personal experience, I would say that the Benko gambit and the Benoni are the most annoying. Although, the Budapest gambit is also a very solid option.

pretty much anything is possible at beginner level, as long as it is reasonable.

I’ve played 1.d4 since the 1970s. Weird stuff often gives me a good game. KID, Slav, and classical Queen’s Gambit declined are solid. Of course, I don’t always play 2.c4. You might see the Levitsky, Trompowski, or London.

Nf6 all the way. It's so versatile and is my go to.