Caro-kann vs French Defense

French Vanilla or Caro-Kann Chocolate?

The OP asks: "Which is the better opening for someone who does not want to spend too much time studying theory and is not very good?"

I don't know if any devotee of the Sicilian would assert it is great for someone who wants to avoid a lot of theory.

I bet Magnus Carlsen would love to play against the french exchange . Actually, I think he did win a nice game a few months ago against vallejo pons, might have been on the white side of a winawer exchange or something, which of course is similar to playing either side of the french exchange proper.

For me, I just can't be dissatisfied with a fairly easy time getting equality. From there I can try to grind, and I may not win, but at least that's the most of my problems -- it's a more pleasant scenario than trying to hold on for a draw when under pressure as black instead.

Black can do a setup with ...Nc6, ...Nge7, ...Bg4, ...Qd7, and ...0-0-0, which leads to interesting tactics. In fact, in most lines I believe white has the better of it, but it's nice for black to have this sharper option. I often play it against lower rated players who play the exchange (In other words, against people who play the exchange ), because they are unlikely to play the best moves and we get a position where I will surely outplay them if their rating is accurate.

If the choice has to be between French and Caro-Kann, I would play Caro-Kann, because I have always beaten the French defense. But as you can see from my name, I play e5 and then f5, because I hate the passive lines of the Ruy and the Guioco. Give me a good Latvian Gambit anyday.

As for vs 1.d4, I like the Grunfeld, but I want to learn the Benko.

I can not understand e6 on the first move. I play c5 and then e6

Also, if you don't want to study opening lines, there's a book called "How to Play Good Opening Moves" by Edmar Mednis. Treats the opening from first concepts. Very good for learning the theory of openings without endless study of this variation and that variation. Just know good piece placement and pawn structure.

Carlsen avoids the main lines because he is lazy.

jeevason I don't really understand the najdorf very well it is very complicated and has immense theory  my assumption is that it is a solid postional safe varation of the Siclian defense the most aggresseve varation hands down is the siclian dragon your playing for the win all the way. it is the most fun I have played in any opening

the french and caro-kann are both great defenses for players who don't mind defending in the early parts of the game getting into an even middlegame and possibly a even endgame though the French can be more aggereseve then the Caro-Kann in some lines the Caro-Kann can also be wild. it depends on what your opponent plays really. just pick what suits your style and play the opening you enjoy

PLay as black a gambit against white playing d4: Nf6 followed by e5.This gambit is not well known and therefore you don't need much time to study master this opening.

Playing as white you may choose the pawnmoves d4,e3 and c3, placing your bisshop at d3, the horses at f3 and d2: simply and good, and here too you don't need much time for studying.

On a higher level the Budapest gambit isn't good enough, indeed. In so far you're right in your opinion. But the question had not the intention to play chess on a level that high. He just wanted to play chess on a reasonable level without loosing directly by lack of knowledge of the opening. And I believe these choices of an opening could be an answer to his question.

What's interesting is that my book on a collection of many of Kasparov's games has much to say about how Kasparov's games show that opening preparation is capable of so much. Indeed Kasparov's preparation was outstanding. But Carlsen is able to do just as well as Kasparov by simply giving away equality with white, something which is probably alien to Kasparov!

It really says a lot that Carlsen, at super GM level, still does not have to try for an opening advantage to be the clear number one player in the world.

Disagree ?

Well the question was an answer for someone WHO WAS NOT VERY GOOD. So I still stick to my opinion that there was asked for a choice of openings at a lower level.

The Budapest is a decent enough choice for someone at a lower level. The main drawback I would say is that it only really works against 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4, and plenty of 1.d4 players do not play 2.c4 at the lower levels.

But please stop the ...e5 madness before you start to recommend the Englund Gambit! (-:

The french has alot of theory to it I would recommend the caro-kann i play that i also know the french. the car-kann is a legit opening and easy to play! Against d4 just play the king's indian defense not much theory on it and its a very solid defense also if your feeling up to iit look at the grunfeld i play that against d4 and its usually an exciting game! hope this helps!

the french I think is more tactical because you start off in a good position and one of your bishops are out.

As black would in any opening.

This is like Star Wars vs. Star Trek, it is a potentially endless debate that no one can decisively 'win'....  This debate is probably a draw, but still fun.  As much as I am on the side of the Caro-Kann in this one, I have lately grown tired of Advance variation, after Advance variation, after Advance.  So much so, I've gone back to 1...e5 for the time being.  That e4 pawn shall not advance, not this time!!!  :)