Odd first moves.

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Blackfoxx

Hello. With Black I am a Sicilian Dragon and King's Indian Defence (KID) player. The latter has the advantage that it's rather move order proof and can be played against 1 Nf3 1 c4 1 g3 too, at least with a decent chance to transpose in 'real KID territory'. However, I'm trying to find out what would suit best to play against these moves:

1) b3
2) f4
3) Nc3
4) b4

Against b3 I play Nf6, g6, Bg7, 0-0 and usually see from there. Basically the same for f4. Against Nc3 I play c5 to avoid getting into Pirc territory after 1 Nc3 Nf6 2 e4 d6 3 d4. Against b4 I currently do the same against as b3.

Basically, what I'm asking is, are there any other ways for me to get into somewhat familiar territory or is what I'm doing already the way to go? Thanks for reading. 

Ultraman81

I wouldn't treat b4 the same as b3. There's a topic on the Polish Opening on The Unsound Opener's forum, as a member you can check it here.

And there's quite some blogs available as well, check these variations:

Exchange variation
Sokolsky Gambit (Accepted)

Sokolsky Gambit (Declined)
Bugayev Advance Variation
Czech Defense
Baltic Defense
King's Indian Variation
Queen's Indian Variation

Blackfoxx

Thanks for the replies. So far I just need to figure out a b4 response. As for Ultraman, I am afraid I am not anymore a member of The Unsound Openers because I don't really consider the openings I now play as unsound =P

Ultraman81

Well we at TUO play openings that are considered unsound. But we know it's all fully sound of course. Wink

Anyway, even without membership, those blog links should give you more than enough inspirations to counter b4. 

GreenCastleBlock
  • 1.b3 e5 2.Bb2 d6 with the idea of ...g6 ...Bg7 is a good defense.  You should keep in mind the idea that if White takes on e5 with a pawn you don't necessarily have to take back right away because White's Bb2 is hanging.
  • 1.f4 g6.  With the idea of ...Bg7 ...c5.  If White plays 2.e4 Bg7 3.d4 you have 3...d5.
  • 1.Nc3 c5 is a pretty good answer, White really doesn't have better than 2.e4.  Frankly I would play 1...d5 which totally neutralizes 1.Nc3 but if you are intent on staying in your comfort zone 1...c5 is the way to go.
  • 1.b4 a5 more or less forces 2.b5, and then you can play 2...e5 going into a KID structure where you may be able to use c5 for a knight.
Blackfoxx

Thanks for the replies. Your b3 and b4 ideas seem really interesting Smile And I will check some of those blogs out.