Defense to e4

Can anyone reccommend a defense to e4?

As it stands my rep is just now:

Taimanov Sicilian against e4, Nimzo/Queens indian complex against d4 and as white 90% classical mainlines with only one or two deviations.

I like having space and don't like being cramped. I like slower, closed games (some may say boring) but I don't mind open games and I don't really care whether an openings drawish or not. I prefer the more concrete plans of the nimzo rather than the multi-plan nature of the sicilian lines. My true strength is in the endgame.

Obviously I know I'm not going to find an opening that tailors to all these needs but I'm just letting folk know my style and seeing if it helps.

Thanks

A closed Ruy Lopez of some sort would probably be good for you.

Also look into some 1.d4 d5 defences like the Classical Slav and QGD.

I usually take an irregular approach to answering this question: Do you have a favorite player whose style and games you like? If so, take a look at his/her defense to 1.e4. Consider giving it a try.

1...e5 can leads to quicker middle games because both side are able to develope there pieces quickly, so early exchanges are likely.

If you don't mind drawing, Petrov's defense sounds like a plausible system. Of course it won't work if your opponent doesn't play 2.Nf3. It can be tactical if you want, but is mainly positional. You will have space in the game.

Or, if you want to stay in the sicilian, the accelerated dragon is the most positional open sicilian.

And a third choice is the Caro-Kann. You may be slightly cramped in some of the lines, but it will be a positional battle (most likely)

berlin/marhsall lopez

Thank you for your responses so far. I've been thinking a lot about petrovs defense lately, it looks to be to my style but the drawback is that all those deviations from the second move.... and the transpositions into 4 knights games.... but they're all pretty slow too.... Hrm.... its a pickle.

What do people think abut the french

used to play the petrov but at club level you get the kings gambit 4 knights and gambits.

If you're going to play the french you have to get used to having less space. Really, I think going with some sort of e4 e5 system would be the best for you considering your preferences. There's lots to learn, but e5 is probably the most respected and most solid response to e4.

For your playing level I would recomend on leaving opeining study for a while and pick up on studying tactics. It will benefit you alot more than memorizing lines.

if you are after space, maybe the scotch, the french can get a little claustraphobic at times ( i still love it, but if you want your space it may not suit you). there are also a heap of ruy lopez lines that probably fit the bill.

i haven't really tried it, but you might want to look at the scandinavian? seems to make a strong claim for space straight off the mark, although the games i've seen have been wide open.

try the berlin defense or open defense in the ruy lopez

I like it. It has one particular feature I particularly like -- a lot of e4 players hate to play against it.

Some variations are cramped, but you can try either the Burn or Rubinstein variations which are less so. If white plays the Advance variation, there are some strong queenside possibilities which white has to guard against, and the black kingside may not be as easy to crack as it looks. You say you "like slower, closed games" and that's what the Advance will give you.