I wonder about this myself. If the theory behind it is that it's drawish, then why hasn't Grischuk played it in the Candidates?
d4 without c4
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May 24, 2011
0
#3
c4 applies pressure on the center. I would say that if you want to play for a win, you need more than one pawn in the center. That being said, there are plenty of other ideas out there that at our level works great, with only one pawn in the center (KIA, Colle, etc.), but at the upper levels, they generally prefer greater central control. Plus, playing c4 gives them an opportunity to seek an open c-file.
I think this is a nice example of how to make use of it, if the opponent does not play c4. You are in a better position up to the end (not after the blunder ofc).
May 24, 2011
0
#5
trysts wrote:
I wonder about this myself. If the theory behind it is that it's drawish, then why hasn't Grischuk played it in the Candidates?
I see what you did there.
Thanks freesta. It's good to know I was playing the opening properly. And by the way everyone, I was extremely distracted when I made that last move so dont judge!! One question though, how should black proceed if he played 4. dxc5
d4 without c4? Play 2. e4 then!
2.e4 dxe4 then what?
It's playable, but sub par imo
invaders622 wrote:
2.e4 dxe4 then what?
Look up the Blackmar-Diemer gambit.
...exd4 then Nc3.
I'm running into alot of players who play d4 openings, but don't play c4. Going by the master games I have studied, I am guessing that c4 needs to be played, according to theory. Is this true? Is there a way to capitalize when the opponent doesn't play c4?