I want to form a repertoire. Recommendations?

Hi!

I'm 1300 rapid and recently obtained a copy of Fundamental Chess Openings. I am looking to use this as a tool to start looking into a few openings deeper, and to build a basic repertoire. 

I already have decided to study the Old Benoni Defense against 1.d4, but I need a defense against 1.e4, and a white opening. 

Any suggestions?

Even if you could explain why you enjoy your favorite openings, that would really help. 

Thanks

@1

"I'm 1300 rapid" ++ Then you should not worry about openings.
You do not win or lose because of the opening, but because of tactical mistakes.

"obtained a copy of Fundamental Chess Openings"
++ Fundamental Chess Endings Müller & Lamprecht were more useful.

"I already have decided to study the Old Benoni Defense against 1.d4" ++ OK.

"a defense against 1.e4" ++ Maybe the Hyperaccelerated Dragon Sicilian: 1 e4 c5 2 Nf3 g6.

"a white opening" ++ Maybe the English 1 c4.

Use the openings that you use right now. Why would you want to change?

I play only c5 against e4, but e6 is also good. and Nf6 after d4. As white i play only d4

Generally, e4 playes are usually tactical players and d4 strategical ones.

the best thing about old benoni is limiting white options, dragging them into unknown territory and giving you closed positions. There are two approaches now:

a) try to transpose into old benoni or benoni-type positions: use either the franko-benoni(e4 e6 d4 c5) or the dragon(hyperaccelerated)-pterodactyl sicilian(e4 c5 nf3 g6 d4 bg7)

b) try to find something similar: french or caro(they give closed positions with limited space), or the hyperaccelerated dragon sicilian since it gives you the similar pawn structure.

As to what to play as white, I think there is only one option for you - reti gambit, which is basically a reversed old benoni(nf3 d5 c4)

1300 rapid is a pretty good starting place for learning basic openings.

I’d recommend going with the Bishop’s Opening/Giuoco Pianissimo or Polish as White and the Fort Knox or Petroff as Black against e4. I’d also recommend the Slav as an alternative if the Old Benoni doesn’t appeal to you.

I am not happy with my current openings. I dislike the London and don't really enjoy the Sicilian either. I might however pursue the Vienna which I have recently experimented with, but I can't decide between that and the Queen's Gambit as my white opening.

Skip Old Benoni. It is terrible defensive. You seem to seek more positional openings. QGD as both white and black should suit you.They last a life time. As black you can add Tarrash. Against 1.e4 the French is good. Start with 4.Bd7 and 4.Nd7 against Nc3Nd2. Expand later.

Hi!

I was and Old Benoni player and I think it is kind of fun for a try but I wouldn't recommend it as making part of a permanent repertoire. It would be best to go for the Modern Benoni instead, but the choice depends on you and your playing style of course.

If you are interested in some guidelines for building a healthy repertoire, you might check out my post:

https://www.chess.com/blog/maafernan/openings-for-intermediates

Good luck!

I agree, the Old Benoni is fun at my level now, but I'm starting to realize that it won't hold in higher rating ranges

Considering you’re familiar with London play but dislike its passivity and are looking into the Vienna and Queen’s Gambit, I think you’d really like the Bishop’s Opening. 2. Bc4 appears like a London, but 5. f4 is in very Vienna fashion but stronger than 3. f4, and the resulting play often transposes into Classical King’s Gambit Declined positions which are equal or better for White.

or just move on to the regular benoni(there is literally no reason to pick old benoni over the regular one except avoiding the trompowsky) and maybe try the benko gambit

If you're looking for a tool to store and memorize your openings, try www.pawndojo.com. Free for basic usage, very small fee to practice on unlimited depth. Now 50% discount for the producthunt launch! See: https://www.producthunt.com/posts/pawn-dojo

Hi,

Another tool is available to help you build, maintain and memorize your repertoire.

It's a free web application, no ads, nothing to download, mobile friendly...

Give it a try - > https://chess-repertoire-companion.com

Cheers

white can transpose the old Benoni defense into a open Sicilian by playing e4.

No, not really. The Morra Gambit, yes, but not the Open Sicilian.

1.d4 c5 2.e4 cxd4 3.Nf3 e5

1.d4 c5 2.e4 cxd4 3.c3 dxc3 is the moral gambit. Declining it with 3...d5 or 3...Nf6 will typically transpose to the Alapin Sicilian.

So you can reach certain anti-Sicilians, but you cannot get an open Sicilian as White from the Old Benoni unless Black is cooperative about it.

Memorizing an opening is useless. You need to understand it, not memorize it.

Great book for complete repertoire is https://www.amazon.com/Kaufmans-Repertoire-Black-White-User-Friendly/dp/9056918621/

I made my own version where I modified some of the variations from this book. The book is now in its third edition and for example in the older editions the recommended first move is 1.d4 and now it is 1.e4. So one should buy the edition accordingly as well. 
But there are several similar books.

I completely agree that understanding an opening is crucial.

Personally, I find that memorizing the opening moves helps me identify gaps in my understanding. It's a process where I initially play by memory but then delve deeper to comprehend the 'whys' behind each move. This dual approach of memorization and comprehension enhances my overall grasp of the opening strategy.

Additionally, the process of building the repertoire before drilling plays a significant part in understanding, and it also facilitates memorization. It's not about one versus the other; both memorization and understanding, especially when woven into the repertoire-building process, complement each other in becoming a well-rounded chess player.