vs computer or stronger human I like to keep the position closed (Dutch, Cambridge Springs, or Slav)
vs lower strength human, I like Benoni, Nomzo-Indian, or Gruenfeld. Each allows my opponent to keep things closed, but they usually open it up.
against d4...
Sort:
Smartattack wrote: ericmittens wrote: I like the benko gambit
Benko needs a lot of theory backup.
Not in the fully accepted variations!
But yes in the declined variations one does need a bit of theory, but generally that is not a big deal in correspondence chess.
Mar 24, 2008
0
#24
I just recently switched from the Tarrasch (which is a great dynamic response to 1.d4) to the Slav, largely because I am a very comfortable Caro-Kann player. Interested in giving the Slav a real workout? Join the Slav Open tournament starting later today.
I used to play the KID, now I play the Nimzo-Indian as my main defense to d4. But I recommend you try the Albin Counter-Gambit. It's very sexy. Still, if you're looking for something nerdy, aim for the QGD.
Smartattack wrote: farine22 wrote: budapest gambit (ng4 variation)
Budapest is quite inferior, gives white too many chances.
How is the Budapest Gambit inferior? Black gets room for all of his pieces and gets dynamic and a lot of static potential.
Mar 25, 2008
0
#27
As has been pointed out by Reb, there are a lot of different defenses to 1.d4, and the resulting positions vary greatly in character, so what one player likes doesn't have to be good for another one, a fact which is proven by the diversity of answers in this very thread.
Recently I have posted an article "Meeting 1.d4" in the articles section of chess.com, where I give short characterisations of all theoretically approved answers to 1.d4. This was intended as an overview for players searching for a suitable answer to 1.d4, so rather than explaining the various openings deeply I have given brief sketches of Black's possible answers so you can figure out in which direction you might want to look further. I'd like to invite interested players to have a look and give me your opinion.
Regards,
Torkil
i play always with blak sicilian
d4 wont stop me!
if he defends i take his pawn
if he takes c5 i play without problem e4 or b4 and if he takes it Nxb4
I play the gruenfeld and the occasional dutch, but I'm not saying that they're the best, they just fit my style.
Polish Defense!
1. d4 b5
Usually yields fairly exciting games. Try it if that's your style.
Dutch_Defense wrote: I'm disappointed that I'm only the second person to suggest the Dutch Defense.
Let me toss in a vote for the Leningrad! Interesting variation-- seems like a "kill or be killed" type of defense-- which is great against d4, Nf3, c4, etc. Although in the Dutch there are alot of landmines you have to sidestep in the first few moves, you don't have to worry too much about the passive d4 openings (Colle, Stonewall, Torre, etc.) -- I can't stand those anymore!!
Mar 26, 2008
0
#32
There is no "best" defense towards d4; if there was then chess would seriously become soo boring as every tournament player would play the single "best" defense.
Play different defenses, and see what fits you best. Do you like playing positionally with the nimzo-Indian, attacking with the KID, or something else? Your choice and choices galore!
I'm a fan of open positions with attacking, but I also like playing congested positions in which I have more space.
If you are looking for a really sharpe opening check out the albin counter gambit. 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5 3.dxe5 d4.
Mar 26, 2008
0
#35
Gambits like the Albin or the Budapest (1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5) are certainly very entertaining, their main disadvantage is that White can circumvent them quite easily by playing 2.Nf3, so you would obviously need another weapon against 1.d4, too.
what is the best food in the world? what is the best movie? who is the most attractive actress?
maybe if we knew more about you or your playing style we could recommend something other than just our own opinions? :)