Beginner Opening for Black - Chess Forums

Castle_Fast

Jan 30, 2023

0

#1

I find it harder to choose an opening to play that I like and can use as a lower rated player for the black pieces. I chose a couple of white openings that I enjoy and have success with relatively easy, but haven’t been able to for the black pieces.

For one thing, it seems that white controls the opening and if I try to play a specific opening it doesn’t work most of the time.

Can anyone recommend a d4 and e4 response for black?

Thanks

ErnestoCampoverde

Jan 31, 2023

0

#2

If you want to have any chance of improving, DON'T play the Englund (d4 e5). Statistically, it amounts to the same as if you would start all your games in which your opponent plays d4 with a pawn less.

ThrillerFan

Jan 31, 2023

0

#3

You basically have to research the sound openings for yourself and see which you UNDERSTAND. This means getting out a board and pieces, and going through maybe 20 games with each of these openings (eco codes provided) and spend about 30 minutes on each game and see if you can explain in words what each player is doing. When you find the one that makes the most sense to you are 1.e4 and 1.d4, you then invest in literature that covers the theory of said openings, and study thoroughly.

If you do this correctly, this project should take you over a year to accomplish. This is not something that can be done overnight.

Sound Defenses to 1.e4:

1...e5 - C20-C99

French - C00-C19

Sicilian - B20-B99

Caro-Kann - B10-B19

Against 1.d4:

QGD - D30-D42 and D50-D69

Slav - D10-D19

Semi-Slav - D43-D49

QGA - D20-D29

Nimzo/Queen's Indian/Catalan - E00-E59

King's Indian - E60-E99

Grunfeld - D70-D99

Dutch - A80-A99

You need ONE from each list.

Castle_Fast

Jan 31, 2023

0

#4

If the work has already been done to make this list of sound openings, could I not just pick one from each list and get started with it now?

I am not trying to learn all of the theory for a bunch of openings, just a set of moves and ideas that I can stick to so I can improve my position out of the opening.

Ethan_Brollier

Jan 31, 2023

0

#5

ThrillerFan wrote:

You basically have to research the sound openings for yourself and see which you UNDERSTAND. This means getting out a board and pieces, and going through maybe 20 games with each of these openings (eco codes provided) and spend about 30 minutes on each game and see if you can explain in words what each player is doing. When you find the one that makes the most sense to you are 1.e4 and 1.d4, you then invest in literature that covers the theory of said openings, and study thoroughly.

If you do this correctly, this project should take you over a year to accomplish. This is not something that can be done overnight.

Sound Defenses to 1. e4:
1...e5 - C20-C99
French - C00-C19
Sicilian - B20-B99
Caro-Kann - B10-B1

Sound Defenses to 1. d4:
QGD - D30-D42 and D50-D69
Slav - D10-D19
Semi-Slav - D43-D49
QGA - D20-D29
Nimzo/Queen's Indian/Catalan - E00-E59
King's Indian - E60-E99
Grunfeld - D70-D99
Dutch - A80-A99

You need ONE from each list.

You present the Dutch Defense as being as solid as the other defenses on that list, which I disagree with.
In the 1. d4 defenses, you omit the Old Indian, Modern, Tarrasch, and Bogo-Indian for no reason.
In the 1. e4 defenses, you omit the Modern and Pirc. I would argue that at this point they are as viable as any of the main four defenses. The Pirc is very critical and the Modern is very flexible, but both retain very solid winning chances for Black.