1. b3 or 1. Nf3

Recently I have been studying 1. b3, and have enjoyed some fantastic results.  Almost to the point of playing this system exclusively.  I am however confused as to the best option of how to play the Queenside Fianchetto, preventing 1. ... e5 with 1. Nf3, then b3; or allowing 1. b3 e5. Thanks in advance for your responses,

Arcanus_Lupus

1.Nf3 2.b3 is better than 1.b3 IMO. 1.b3 gives black many options to reply.

I agree with Mandy have a little experience on both sides of this and I think 1.Nf3 is better   Black can equalize fairly easily after 1.b3 e5

In playing 1. Nf3 ... 2. b3 or 1. b3, I don't think whether or not Black can equalize easily is a question.

It will depend on you and your playing preferences. After 1.Nf3 you are more likely to get 1...d5 > ...c4 variations. In the group's VC games we play 1.b3 almost exclusively, but now and then I throw in a 1.Nf3 2.b3 game for the "Knight People". In fact a new 1.Nf3 game is due to start soon.

Also - be sure to look in the group forum topic "Group Index and FAQ". Lots of good stuff there.

Alright thanks!

Well, pretty much depends on preferences. Try to play 3-4 moves in all lines with 1. Nf3 and 1. b3, and find out which ones black can play after 1. Nf3 which he cannot against 1. b3, and vice versa. Then find out what you want to allow.

I've read somewhere (not that I am a big expert) that 1. b3 is slightly better because of the possibility of attacking the e5-pawn with a rapid f2-f4, or simply get this kind of position. Maybe another idea is 1. f4!? with the idea 2. b3, also avoiding 1.. e5 (Or rather, the position types, 1.. e5!? is a very interesting games)

EDIT: 1. Nf3 g6 is maybe annoying if you only play b3. Obviously, Nc3 doesn't fit together with Bb2

The answer is quite simple. If you like to play positions that may arise after b3-e5 then play b3. If you don't like them or just want to simplify your task (you have to know less lines) than play Nf3. Although even if you play 1. Nf3 black can still play 1. d6 followed by e5 transposing back to lines with e5.
The most dangerous lines againt b3 are the ones where black fianchettoes the dark squared bishop.
 

Obviously ch3sstroll3r knows more about trolling than about 1.b3

What happens if 1.Nf3 g6?