Is the Caro-Kann the opening I was searching for or should I go for 1...e5 ?

Sort:
apostolis1

I am searching for a solid opening against 1.e4

I normally play the sicilian, but I would like to add something in my repertoire ! So, I am between 1...e5 and 1...c6 (caro kann defence). Which of them do you think offers (in generally, I know that there mihgt be some difficult variations in which I have to play in) more solid postions ?

Thank'you in advance for your answers Smile

Phelon

Probably e5. c6 leads to varied and sometimes tactical play. With 1. e4 e5 you can keep things closed down pretty easily.

apostolis1

Ok, thank you for writing your opinion !!! Smile

Anyone else  ??

AKJett

You know I am a fan of the Russian Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nf6) It is easy to learn and it leads to solid position, so it is especially good against higher-rated players. Ican give you a few lines, if you'd mind.

Swindlers_List

e5

baddogno

Almost by definition, c6 leads to a more solid position.  e5 is an open position, c6 is a semi-open.   I'm wrong a lot...Laughing

konhidras
apostolis1 wrote:

I am searching for a solid opening against 1.e4

I normally play the sicilian, but I would like to add something in my repertoire ! So, I am between 1...e5 and 1...c6 (caro kann defence). Which of them do you think offers (in generally, I know that there mihgt be some difficult variations in which I have to play in) more solid postions ?

Thank'you in advance for your answers

the caro kann is indeed a solid opening i used myself but i always get cramped positions and mostly i head for an endgame which i sometimes misplay due to time scrambling. Usually white sets the pace but the games are usually drawish for me. The reason why i chose the caro is because i also play the slav so any white transposition can be handled. 1...e5 is also good but the set back is that what if white transposes to a scotch..or exchange variation of the ruy or ponziani, vienna. Too much theory with the caro its just the patterns youll get used to.

VLaurenT

Caro-Kann

pfren

1...e5 is the ideal choice for beginners, as well as world champions.

Not sure about the other player classes, though... Tongue Out

Yaroslavl

apostolis1 wrote:

I am searching for a solid opening against 1.e4

I normally play the sicilian, but I would like to add something in my repertoire ! So, I am between 1...e5 and 1...c6 (caro kann defence). Which of them do you think offers (in generally, I know that there mihgt be some difficult variations in which I have to play in) more solid postions ?

Thank'you in advance for your answers

________________________________________________________________________________

The answer depends on whether you play (OTB) Over The Board tournament chess. If you do then 1...c6 would be best. If not then either 1...c6 or 1...e5 would be fine to add to your repertoire.

If you would like to know more please let me know.

HourraPapa

Please, write "Caro-Kann", not "caro kann". Question of respect. Thank you !

P.S. I always play 1. ...c6 on 1.  e4. Question of taste.

QueenTakesKnightOOPS
apostolis1 wrote:

I am searching for a solid opening against 1.e4

I normally play the sicilian, but I would like to add something in my repertoire ! So, I am between 1...e5 and 1...c6 (caro kann defence). Which of them do you think offers (in generally, I know that there mihgt be some difficult variations in which I have to play in) more solid postions ?

Thank'you in advance for your answers

I am also a Sicilian player but I am helping my wife learn openings & she has decided on the Karo-Kann & since I began working on it with her I am pretty impressed with it. As a Sicilian player originally I didn't think it would suit my style but it's starting to get me hooked so I would say go for it.

apostolis1

Ok, thank you everyone !!!! I can't decide, both are great !! I started to learn some lines of 1...e5 , but after that I've seen the Caro-Kann, so that's why I became interested in this opening! Thank you again!

KnightsRuleTheGame

I like to play e6 and enter French Defense, I know that your question was rather Kings pawn games or Caro-Kann was the best, but I would really recommend to play the French:) If you like locked positions and a lot of strategical play that is:P

To answer your question, I don't play Caro-Kann at all becouse I myself finds it illogical and hard to play. Between the two options I would say play e5, it leads to the Berlin Defense when playing against Ruy Lopez (a rock solid Defense) and it can also lead to Italian Games and Russian and so on:) It may be the most open and exciting opening there is:)

apostolis1
KnightsRuleTheGame wrote:

I like to play e6 and enter French Defense, I know that your question was rather Kings pawn games or Caro-Kann was the best, but I would really recommend to play the French:) If you like locked positions and a lot of strategical play that is:P

To answer your question, I don't play Caro-Kann at all becouse I myself finds it illogical and hard to play. Between the two options I would say play e5, it leads to the Berlin Defense when playing against Ruy Lopez (a rock solid Defense) and it can also lead to Italian Games and Russian and so on:) It may be the most open and exciting opening there is:)

I also thouth about the french but I didn't like it too much. Anyway, thank you for your advice ! Smile

ViktorHNielsen
pfren wrote:

1...e5 is the ideal choice for beginners, as well as world champions.

Not sure about the other player classes, though...

I think for all classes. Since I started play 1.. e5! I NEVER lost because of the opening. In blitz, I've lost quite a few times, but I would also lose with the caro-kann, or the Najdorf or whatever opening I would have played. In serious chess, from 9 serious (2+ hours) games with the black pieces, all games except 1, I equalised or got advantage right from the opening, and in all games I got a decisive advantage, but in 1 I failed to convert it (because of TACTICS, not because of the opening).

1.. e5 can be kinda boring sometimes, but often you just get a position, where it's possible to play for a win. And more often than not, you need to play f5-f4, and mate white on the kingside.

 

The worst thing about 1.. e5 is that there are so many lines. But once you studied Marins book, the only thing you are afraid of is the Ruy Lopez. And once you found a defence which works for you there, you are only afraid of 1. d4. I've played 1.. e5 for half a year now, and by sticking to it, I've learned the position types quite rapidly. And when I get a opening problem, I find out why it's a problem, how to counter it and how to WIN against it.

 

1... e5! instead of 1.. c6

plexinico

You could spend a lifetime preparing with 1. e4 - 1...e5.
The Ruy Lopez alone is insane!  Having said that, you will learn a lot of chess this way.  So I would say e5.

apostolis1
ViktorHNielsen wrote:
pfren wrote:

1...e5 is the ideal choice for beginners, as well as world champions.

Not sure about the other player classes, though...

I think for all classes. Since I started play 1.. e5! I NEVER lost because of the opening. In blitz, I've lost quite a few times, but I would also lose with the caro-kann, or the Najdorf or whatever opening I would have played. In serious chess, from 9 serious (2+ hours) games with the black pieces, all games except 1, I equalised or got advantage right from the opening, and in all games I got a decisive advantage, but in 1 I failed to convert it (because of TACTICS, not because of the opening).

1.. e5 can be kinda boring sometimes, but often you just get a position, where it's possible to play for a win. And more often than not, you need to play f5-f4, and mate white on the kingside.

 

The worst thing about 1.. e5 is that there are so many lines. But once you studied Marins book, the only thing you are afraid of is the Ruy Lopez. And once you found a defence which works for you there, you are only afraid of 1. d4. I've played 1.. e5 for half a year now, and by sticking to it, I've learned the position types quite rapidly. And when I get a opening problem, I find out why it's a problem, how to counter it and how to WIN against it.

 

1... e5! instead of 1.. c6

Thank you, you helped me a lot ! I am also planning to get the Marins book! There is also one in the Ruy lopez !!

Thank you also plexinico !!!!!

Lou-for-you

HourraPapa wrote:

Please, write "Caro-Kann", not "caro kann". Question of respect. Thank you !

P.S. I always play 1. ...c6 on 1.  e4. Question of taste.

Sir, it is just a chess opening. Not a monument for dead soldiers or a place of worship.

Phelon

Well I suggested learning 1... e5 because you dont have to learn as much or as many styles of play as you do with 1... c6.