1400 player, need a good opening to combat e4

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Tdrev

look at that 53%. against exchange french

spell_part_backwards

Sicilian, Pirc, E5, Scandanavian, Nimzowitsch defense, etc

 

Point is that there are a lot of sound replies to E4, and as such look through them and see which ideas you like best.

chamo2074

@Tdrev same I learned how to grind against it and I grind well to say the least

hevoisten_invaasio

d6 maybe?

stozz20

Speaking as a similar-rated rapid player to the OP, I have tried out the different responses and found that the Sicilian was my favourite. I get a surprising amount of 2. Bc4 (Bowdler attack - worth a look) where white risks trapping their bishop, and I just find the flow of the main lines feel quite natural. 

JackRoach

     French defense is pretty good. Of course, they won't always (almost never) play the main lines, and the exchange is boring but I guess you learn how to spice up bad positions. Usually they play advance, which I think is actually better for black.

Awesometrsqa

Sicilian is good

chamo2074
JackRoach a écrit :

     French defense is pretty good. Of course, they won't always (almost never) play the main lines, and the exchange is boring but I guess you learn how to spice up bad positions. Usually they play advance, which I think is actually better for black.

I doubt there is a main line french, although the classical is what you can call the main line...

chamo2074
JackRoach a écrit :

     French defense is pretty good. Of course, they won't always (almost never) play the main lines, and the exchange is boring but I guess you learn how to spice up bad positions. Usually they play advance, which I think is actually better for black.

Btw you started talking like Ginger GM xDDD That's one more

ShamusMcFlannigan

If you want to stick to the big 4, the French is the most straight forward and thematic overall. You could also consider the petrov which would cut out most white gambits, the Ruy, Scotch, Italian, etc.

Tdrev
chamo2074 wrote:

@Tdrev same I learned how to grind against it and I grind well to say the least

im not really a good grinder but when you face the exchange in incredible many games you gotta end up learning something

Tdrev

but yeah only pick the lines you want to play. if you start using an opening but liked another opening more, the regret will slowly creep in on you

chamo2074
Tdrev a écrit :
chamo2074 wrote:

@Tdrev same I learned how to grind against it and I grind well to say the least

im not really a good grinder but when you face the exchange in incredible many games you gotta end up learning something

I play this line:

that's generally how I grind if my opponents plays that simply, then I plan Ne4 and hopefully a Kingside attack:

and if they try to prevent me from continuing my plan

PunchboxNET

e4 d5

nTzT

Caro-Kann wink.png

dave0100

https://chessmood.com/course/nightmare-of-rossolimo I recommend Sicilian Rossolimo, check out the course

ShamusMcFlannigan
dave0100 wrote:

https://chessmood.com/course/nightmare-of-rossolimo I recommend Sicilian Rossolimo, check out the course

That's not really a choice black can make.  Also he would have to know a lot of other mainline sicilian lines as well as a mess of anti sicilians as well.

advaithone

I say as a 1400, and former 1500, the caro kaan is goated because no one knows how to play againts e4, c6, d4, d5, e5, c5

advaithone

But if that doesnot work just play e6 and you win automaticly

OldPatzerMike

If you want an offbeat opening without tons of theory, take a look at the Czech Pirc. The YouTube channel "NM Robert Ramirez" has a playlist of 4 videos that do a nice job of setting out the ideas and plans involved. This is important for sutdying any opening: learn the ideas behind the moves and the plans you are trying to execute instead of trying to memorize moves. NM Ramirez does this very well.