French players respond please(for you Thrillerfan)
Sort:
1Lindamea1
Sep 2, 2023
0
#1
Whats the easiest way to play the french defence? I mean the least theoretical and fastest to learn. And what to pair with the french against d4 and other openings?
“Easiest” way? Delayed Exchange Winawer, Eliskases Chistyakov Open Tarrasch, and Wade Advance. Pair with sidelines in the NID and Ruy Lopez.
Best way? Learn the Boleslavsky Steinitz, McCutcheon/Burn/Mainline, Mainline Paulsen Advance, Milner-Barry Gambit, Symmetrical Exchange, Monte Carlo, and Open Tarrasch.
Pair with mainlines in the KID and Ruy Lopez.
The simplest way to play the French is the Rubinstein Variation: 1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nf3 (or Nd2) dxe4. Black's winning chances are minimal, but it's strategically straightforward. And it's been played by the likes of Karpov, Anand, Gelfand, Ivanchuk, So, Rapport, and Carlsen.
Remember that even if you want to play the Rubinstein, you have to know how to meet the Exchange, the Advance, and the King's Indian Attack, along with some rare sidelines.
Sep 3, 2023
0
#4
As mentioned, the Rubinstein against 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 may be the "Simplest", but winning chances are minimal. It is more ideal as a drawing weapon.
That said, I am in a 6 round over the board tournament this weekend, and my round 2 was a draw playing a more complicated line.
Bad bishop has its perks. I think that you don't have any idea about openings so listen, every major opening is hundred percent sound (atleast below super GM level) and has both its perks and downsides. It all comes down to what you want to play.
Sep 3, 2023
0
#6
ChessIsLikeFire wrote:
ThrillerFan wrote:
As mentioned, the Rubinstein against 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 may be the "Simplest", but winning chances are minimal. It is more ideal as a drawing weapon.
That said, I am in a 6 round over the board tournament this weekend, and my round 2 was a draw playing a more complicated line.
Should I be learning the french? As a 2000 rated player, my opening repertoire is very limited compared to people who grind openings. I believe that the french is an opening that is only used to draw (or sometimes win, but that's very seldom). Every time I encounter a french, I always push my pawn up to e5. My opponent will often times play c5, and then I will play c3. Their french defense opening backfired since it is basically now a caro khan for black but with an undeveloped light square bishop and a pawn on e6.
Therefore, I don't find how the french defense is that good. I've seen Magnus play it a lot, but I don't understand why people would play the french defense when you can force it into a bad caro khan (as a caro player, I know how to play the caro and counter it). As white with e4, I usually play the Italian. I don't particularly know a lot of theory for the french defense, but if anyone can recommend any lines, I'll be more than glad to look them over.
Can anyone suggest good openings to improve my repertoire? I'm currently playing the English opening with Nc3 and g3, which I found has been pretty successful because I like positional play. Anyone know good, solid openings against d4, and should I really be learning the french defense as a 2000 rated player? I'm also learning the catalan, but I have never played it nor the queen's gambit. Any suggestions will be helpful.
What attracted you to the English? Typically English players are Sicilians players as well, the group I associate with at least.
You’re kind of at a crossroads with a lot of studying that is unnecessarily.
If you want to play the Catalan, I would recommend 1.Nf3 move order to bypass the theory and tricks. You can also decide if you want transpose to an English or Catalan from this.
If you’re going to stick with the English, add the Botvinnik System to your game to get a favourable game against black’s fianchetto set-up; such as a KID or QID.
I skimmed your one English game, and I was screaming for e4…
Sep 3, 2023
0
#7
You had the opportunity to seize the center with c4 and e4, hence the Botvinnik System, instead of playing on auto-pilot.
You’re playing Ne2 anyways. It’s these small nuances you need to pick up on to maintain your slightest advantages against the expert level players above you…
Sep 3, 2023
0
#8
“English totally unlike the Sicilian” that’s a bold statement.
I would have to disagree being a Sicilian and English player lol.
How you use the two tempi up is a hard question you need to ask yourself?
Sep 3, 2023
0
#9
ChessIsLikeFire wrote:
Chuck639 wrote:
You had the opportunity to seize the center with c4 and e4, hence the Botvinnik System, instead of playing on auto-pilot.
You’re playing Ne2 anyways. It’s these small nuances you need to pick up on to maintain your slightest advantages against the expert level players above you…
How is the botvinnik system good? What are some advantages and disadvantages of it? Can you send some videos of this system?
You lock the center which shuts down blacks favourable bishop, then you initiate play on the files(s). Either on the f, or if you want to go slower, initiate play on one of the a, b, c and d (d4) files.
Or create two threats.
Sep 3, 2023
0
#10
ChessIsLikeFire wrote:
Chuck639 wrote:
You had the opportunity to seize the center with c4 and e4, hence the Botvinnik System, instead of playing on auto-pilot.
You’re playing Ne2 anyways. It’s these small nuances you need to pick up on to maintain your slightest advantages against the expert level players above you…
How is the botvinnik system good? What are some advantages and disadvantages of it? Can you send some videos of this system?
My last Botvinnik System went like this. You can play it against the symmetrical English as well but it’s primarily a strong weapon against an Indian set-up.
https://youtu.be/lKW2srRUmtY?si=rfAqkXcUJY4-HTfu
Ginger GM and RobRam/Robert Ramirez (Some Cuban NM) are good resources.
Chuck639 wrote:
Ginger GM and RobRam (Some Cuban NM) are good resources.
I believe RobRam is NM Robert Ramirez -- searching YouTube for RobRam brings up his channel. He has some good stuff, from total beginner to about expert level. He's from Cuba but lives in the Miami area and is a USCF NM.
Sep 3, 2023
0
#12
OldPatzerMike wrote:
Chuck639 wrote:
Ginger GM and RobRam (Some Cuban NM) are good resources.
I believe RobRam is NM Robert Ramirez -- searching YouTube for RobRam brings up his channel. He has some good stuff, from total beginner to about expert level. He's from Cuba but lives in the Miami area and is a USCF NM.
Thanks!
Hanging Pawns just learned the Botvinnik System so it may be more applicable because it will be new and fresh experience.
That could be good or bad if you like Stefan.
Chuck639 wrote:
Hanging Pawns just learned the Botvinnik System so it may be more applicable because it will be new and fresh experience.
That could be good or bad if you like Stefan.
I do like Hanging Pawns, as well as Robert Ramirez, Danya Naroditsky, and GM Talks (GM Sune Berg Hansen). Until a few months ago, I scoffed at videos as a means of chess instruction. Then I realized that they are ineffective only when you do nothing but passively watch them. It's just like a chess book: you won't learn anything if you just read it. In both cases, you have to set up the positions on a board and work at them. Then the lessons from the presenter or author can become part of your chess knowledge.
Sep 3, 2023
0
#14
OldPatzerMike wrote:
Chuck639 wrote:
Hanging Pawns just learned the Botvinnik System so it may be more applicable because it will be new and fresh experience.
That could be good or bad if you like Stefan.
I do like Hanging Pawns, as well as Robert Ramirez, Danya Naroditsky, and GM Talks (GM Sune Berg Hansen). Until a few months ago, I scoffed at videos as a means of chess instruction. Then I realized that they are ineffective only when you do nothing but passively watch them. It's just like a chess book: you won't learn anything if you just read it. In both cases, you have to set up the positions on a board and work at them. Then the lessons from the presenter or author can become part of your chess knowledge.
Interesting points. I recently learned that everybody learns differently.
I work a lot with training partners in the 1200-1800 range and videos are convenient in that they can access them at their time of convenience which makes our zoom meetings more effective.
Myself, I am an abstract and analytical learner so understanding key ideas and analysis works best.
Sep 3, 2023
0
#15
I enjoy Danya’s videos as well. I like how he goes thru the thought process in complex positions.
I would recommend him for advanced players.
Chuck639 wrote:
I enjoy Danya’s videos as well. I like how he goes thru the thought process in complex positions.
I would recommend him for advanced players.
Danya is an excellent teacher. As you said, he goes through the thought process, which is essential to playing good chess but is neglected in so many books and videos. His endgame series, most of which is about K+P endings, is outstanding. But as you also said, his material is for more advanced players.
Sep 4, 2023
0
#17
ChessIsLikeFire написал:
ThrillerFan wrote:
As mentioned, the Rubinstein against 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 may be the "Simplest", but winning chances are minimal. It is more ideal as a drawing weapon.
That said, I am in a 6 round over the board tournament this weekend, and my round 2 was a draw playing a more complicated line.
Should I be learning the french? As a 2000 rated player, my opening repertoire is very limited compared to people who grind openings. I believe that the french is an opening that is only used to draw (or sometimes win, but that's very seldom). Every time I encounter a french, I always push my pawn up to e5. My opponent will often times play c5, and then I will play c3. Their french defense opening backfired since it is basically now a caro khan for black but with an undeveloped light square bishop and a pawn on e6.
Therefore, I don't find how the french defense is that good. I've seen Magnus play it a lot, but I don't understand why people would play the french defense when you can force it into a bad caro khan (as a caro player, I know how to play the caro and counter it). As white with e4, I usually play the Italian. I don't particularly know a lot of theory for the french defense, but if anyone can recommend any lines, I'll be more than glad to look them over.
Can anyone suggest good openings to improve my repertoire? I'm currently playing the English opening with Nc3 and g3, which I found has been pretty successful because I like positional play. Anyone know good, solid openings against d4, and should I really be learning the french defense as a 2000 rated player? I'm also learning the catalan, but I have never played it nor the queen's gambit. Any suggestions will be helpful.
I think that you shouldn't treat french as an undeveloped caro kann, since(I am a 1400 that knows only the botwinnik-carls, dont take me seriously) white doesn't have to play c3. If they take, they force your caro kann to become a heavily nerfed french defence.
Sep 4, 2023
0
#18
ChessIsLikeFire wrote:
ThrillerFan wrote:
As mentioned, the Rubinstein against 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 may be the "Simplest", but winning chances are minimal. It is more ideal as a drawing weapon.
That said, I am in a 6 round over the board tournament this weekend, and my round 2 was a draw playing a more complicated line.
Should I be learning the french? As a 2000 rated player, my opening repertoire is very limited compared to people who grind openings. I believe that the french is an opening that is only used to draw (or sometimes win, but that's very seldom). Every time I encounter a french, I always push my pawn up to e5. My opponent will often times play c5, and then I will play c3. Their french defense opening backfired since it is basically now a caro khan for black but with an undeveloped light square bishop and a pawn on e6.
Therefore, I don't find how the french defense is that good. I've seen Magnus play it a lot, but I don't understand why people would play the french defense when you can force it into a bad caro khan (as a caro player, I know how to play the caro and counter it). As white with e4, I usually play the Italian. I don't particularly know a lot of theory for the french defense, but if anyone can recommend any lines, I'll be more than glad to look them over.
Can anyone suggest good openings to improve my repertoire? I'm currently playing the English opening with Nc3 and g3, which I found has been pretty successful because I like positional play. Anyone know good, solid openings against d4, and should I really be learning the french defense as a 2000 rated player? I'm also learning the catalan, but I have never played it nor the queen's gambit. Any suggestions will be helpful.
The French is NOT a "Bad Caro-Kann".
You do not understand the aspects of chess if you really think that!
There are numerous factors to a chess game. Good vs Bad and Active vs Inactive Bishops is merely one factor. The same can be said about knights. Centralized Knights vs Bad knights on the rim, like in the Chigorin Variation of the Ruy Lopez.
Well, only of those factors is TIME! In the Caro-Kann, Black is using his c-pawn instead of his e-pawn to stabilize the d5-square so that he can play ...d5 to contest the e-pawn without having to recapture with the Queen if the d5-pawn is taken. He then brings the Bishop out, plays ...e6 to stabilize the d5-pawn, and then needs to play ...c6-c5 to break the White center. You just moved the c-pawn a second time, and it is VERY SLOW. In 5 moves, you have developed nothing but your Bishop, and it is still a bad bishop with your pawns on light squares. It is considered "Bad but Active".
In the French, Black is blasting White's center at full force at the cost of his Bishop being temporarily inactive. It still plays a very key defensive role!
After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6, unlike the Caro-Kann where after 5 moves, the d-pawn was hit once, it is now hit thrice! White does not really have time to castle at this point. For example, after 6.Be2 cxd4 7.cxd4 Nge7, the move 8.O-O is borderline between a bad move (?) And a blunder (??) As after 8...Nf5, White cannot avoid dropping a pawn. The only way to cover d4 is with 9.Be3, but then the b2-pawn falls and Black is better.
Therefore, more common is 6.a3, looking to play b4, like after 6...Nh6 7.b4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 9.Bb2, but an improvement has been found for White in 8.Bxh6!!. Therefore, Black should play 6...c4 (since 6.a3 weakened b3) 7.Nd2 Na5.
The French is a fighting weapon, with many similarities to the Sicilian. The Najdorf, for example, sees the hole on d5, backwards pawn on d6, and bad dark squared Bishop. The French sees the hole on e5, the backwards pawn on e6, and the bad light squared Bishop.
In the Tarrasch (3.Nd2), Black takes the isolated pawn (3...c5 4.exd5 exd5) to get at White's center fast while White's play is slow. The Knight on d2 impedes the Bishop on c1 which impedes the Rook on a1.
After 3.Nc3, the Winawer sees some of the wildest games in all of chess, especially the Poisoned-Pawn Variation.
The French is not played for a draw, and is NOT a "Bad Caro-Kann". The Caro-Kann is an ultra slow defense where Black is looking to avoid all weaknesses but usually has a passive position. In the French, Black is out for blood!
Sep 4, 2023
0
#19
Chuck639 wrote:
You had the opportunity to seize the center with c4 and e4, hence the Botvinnik System, instead of playing on auto-pilot.
You’re playing Ne2 anyways. It’s these small nuances you need to pick up on to maintain your slightest advantages against the expert level players above you…
The Botvinnik setup is not that good unless Black has Fianchettoed his Bishop AND played ...e5, blocking the Bishop.
For example: 1.c4 e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7 5.e4!
But in lines where Black does not fianchetto or lines where the Bishop is not blocked, like say, 1.c4 c5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3 g6 4.Bg2 Bg7, the move 5.e4 is dubious at best, and more likely bad.
Anybody that plays the English as a "System" with the same setup against everything does NOT understand the English Opening!
Sep 4, 2023
0
#20
ThrillerFan написал:
ChessIsLikeFire wrote:
ThrillerFan wrote:
As mentioned, the Rubinstein against 3.Nc3 and 3.Nd2 may be the "Simplest", but winning chances are minimal. It is more ideal as a drawing weapon.
That said, I am in a 6 round over the board tournament this weekend, and my round 2 was a draw playing a more complicated line.
Should I be learning the french? As a 2000 rated player, my opening repertoire is very limited compared to people who grind openings. I believe that the french is an opening that is only used to draw (or sometimes win, but that's very seldom). Every time I encounter a french, I always push my pawn up to e5. My opponent will often times play c5, and then I will play c3. Their french defense opening backfired since it is basically now a caro khan for black but with an undeveloped light square bishop and a pawn on e6.
Therefore, I don't find how the french defense is that good. I've seen Magnus play it a lot, but I don't understand why people would play the french defense when you can force it into a bad caro khan (as a caro player, I know how to play the caro and counter it). As white with e4, I usually play the Italian. I don't particularly know a lot of theory for the french defense, but if anyone can recommend any lines, I'll be more than glad to look them over.
Can anyone suggest good openings to improve my repertoire? I'm currently playing the English opening with Nc3 and g3, which I found has been pretty successful because I like positional play. Anyone know good, solid openings against d4, and should I really be learning the french defense as a 2000 rated player? I'm also learning the catalan, but I have never played it nor the queen's gambit. Any suggestions will be helpful.
The French is NOT a "Bad Caro-Kann".
You do not understand the aspects of chess if you really think that!
There are numerous factors to a chess game. Good vs Bad and Active vs Inactive Bishops is merely one factor. The same can be said about knights. Centralized Knights vs Bad knights on the rim, like in the Chigorin Variation of the Ruy Lopez.
Well, only of those factors is TIME! In the Caro-Kann, Black is using his c-pawn instead of his e-pawn to stabilize the d5-square so that he can play ...d5 to contest the e-pawn without having to recapture with the Queen if the d5-pawn is taken. He then brings the Bishop out, plays ...e6 to stabilize the d5-pawn, and then needs to play ...c6-c5 to break the White center. You just moved the c-pawn a second time, and it is VERY SLOW. In 5 moves, you have developed nothing but your Bishop, and it is still a bad bishop with your pawns on light squares. It is considered "Bad but Active".
In the French, Black is blasting White's center at full force at the cost of his Bishop being temporarily inactive. It still plays a very key defensive role!
After 1.e4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.e5 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nf3 Qb6, unlike the Caro-Kann where after 5 moves, the d-pawn was hit once, it is now hit thrice! White does not really have time to castle at this point. For example, after 6.Be2 cxd4 7.cxd4 Nge7, the move 8.O-O is borderline between a bad move (?) And a blunder (??) As after 8...Nf5, White cannot avoid dropping a pawn. The only way to cover d4 is with 9.Be3, but then the b2-pawn falls and Black is better.
Therefore, more common is 6.a3, looking to play b4, like after 6...Nh6 7.b4 cxd4 8.cxd4 Nf5 9.Bb2, but an improvement has been found for White in 8.Bxh6!!. Therefore, Black should play 6...c4 (since 6.a3 weakened b3) 7.Nd2 Na5.
The French is a fighting weapon, with many similarities to the Sicilian. The Najdorf, for example, sees the hole on d5, backwards pawn on d6, and bad dark squared Bishop. The French sees the hole on e5, the backwards pawn on e6, and the bad light squared Bishop.
In the Tarrasch (3.Nd2), Black takes the isolated pawn (3...c5 4.exd5 exd5) to get at White's center fast while White's play is slow. The Knight on d2 impedes the Bishop on c1 which impedes the Rook on a1.
After 3.Nc3, the Winawer sees some of the wildest games in all of chess, especially the Poisoned-Pawn Variation.
The French is not played for a draw, and is NOT a "Bad Caro-Kann". The Caro-Kann is an ultra slow defense where Black is looking to avoid all weaknesses but usually has a passive position. In the French, Black is out for blood!
I also thought that bishop on f5 is misplaced because the knight would like to go there. And it can be a target while it the french it stays in safety