One of the things that I've struggled with during my whole chess career is finding something that is both theoretically sound and enjoyable to play against 1. d4, but without a ton of memorization. I think I have finally found an opening that checks all of the boxes.
For this topic, I will be looking at the position below, and I'm not covering any other options that White has on move 2 such as Nf3, Bf4, Nc3, and e3 at this time. My recommendation for Black is to play 2. e6 as shown:
In this position, White has basically 3 or 4 options, and they can often transpose, but whatever White chooses, our 3rd move will be the same: 3. a6!?
Why is this a good move? Aren't we all taught as a beginner to follow the opening principles and try to control the center with our pawns, develop our minor pieces quickly and actively, and to get our king castled to safety as quickly as possible? Why would seemingly waste our time on a move like this?
The answer to all of these questions is that a6 is a move that, while it looks slow, is actually quite clever and helps Black to develop his Light Square Bishop more actively than in other Queen's Gambit lines, where that Bishop is often blocked by it's pawn on e6 for a long time.
The immediate threat created by a6 is simply to play dxc4 and then reinforce with b5. But by capturing on c4, we open up the long diagonal for our Bishop, which will be placed comfortably on b7, aiming at White's King which will most likely castle onto g1.
The great thing about this line is that it can be played almost regardless of what White chooses to do, which cuts out a lot of opening theory that we would need to learn if we were to play other d4 defenses (like starting with 1. Nf6). I will now give some sample lines with each move that I showed above, and go a little more in depth. Please feel free to post any questions or comments below!
When White plays 3. Nc3
Also note that we can use the same plan if 4. Bf4 because a6 stops any Nb5 threats!
When White plays e3
When White plays Nf3
When White plays the Catalan Opening (lines with g3)
As we can see, playing 3. a6 gives us a comfortable game regardless of what White plays. Of course, we still have to play good moves in the middlegame and endgame to win, but this opening helps us get off to a nice start.
Here is one example game in the Catalan Opening that I just played. I was winning up until I made a mistake in the endgame and sadly lost the game. But this is still a great game that shows just how strong this line can be:
Let me know in the comments what you all think and be sure to ask questions about anything explained here!
One of the things that I've struggled with during my whole chess career is finding something that is both theoretically sound and enjoyable to play against 1. d4, but without a ton of memorization. I think I have finally found an opening that checks all of the boxes.
For this topic, I will be looking at the position below, and I'm not covering any other options that White has on move 2 such as Nf3, Bf4, Nc3, and e3 at this time. My recommendation for Black is to play 2. e6 as shown: