Response to 1. d4 similar to Kan Sicilian?

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Grunyarth

I enjoy playing the Kan as black, as you can employ more or less the same hedgehog system every game and you end up with a playable middle game with some attacking chances and avoid early trading. I'm wondering if there is some similar response to d4. I've tried the Nimzo/QID but didn't like it because there are too many choices for white and loads of theory to go with them. I tried KID and Leningrad a couple of times but I always seem to get screwed over in the center, same with modern Benoni. The Chebanenko Slav seems interesting, I've heard the slav has a load of theory but maybe it's doable, and I'm not sure how easy it is for white to forcibly trade off all the pieces (I don't mind endgames, just boring games). BTW I'm around 1800 elo.

TL;DR: any low theory openings for black against d4 that avoid trading pieces and still have potential for aggression? Thinking maybe chebanenko slav

ThrillerFan

Chebanenko Slav is a very slow and defensive system for Black.  About the only plus compared to the normal Slav is you do not need a whole separate line for the Exchange Variation.

 

There is no opening that avoids theory completely, and there is no real hedgehog system against 1.d4.  Pretty much Kan and Symmetrical English.

 

But now you also contradict yourself with looking for a hedgehog-like position, yet aggression at the same time.  Again, the hedgehog is very m uch a defensive system, waiting for the moment for White to over-extend.

 

So it is really hard to answer your question.  Also, outside of the highly theoretical Kings Indian or Modern Benoni, there is no opening where trades are avoided.  Knights get traded early on in the Grunfeld.  Same with the Semi-Slav.  Both HIGHLY theoretical.

 

If you are looking for an opening that is not high in theory (you need to know 3 lines basically plus non-2.c4 stuff, like the London) and at least retains some pieces - Black usually trades both Bishops for both Knights - Try the Chigorin Defense.  1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6.

 

I have not kept up with the opening, so I do not know what the latest book is on it.  I know Morozevich wrote a book on it about 5 to 10 years ago that got good reviews.  I also believe a book on it came out in the Move by Move series in the last year or two.

Grunyarth

Yeah by "some attacking chances" I mostly just meant that you can often at least have some threats of a kingside attack in some lines, but only after 15 or so moves. Not really that it's an aggressive opening, just a side effect of not trading anything. I'll make sure to check out the Chigorin.

I guess there's probably no perfect solution. I'm starting to understand why GMs consider d4 to be a bit better than e4...

Dzindo07

Why not just play the QGD?

beginner7196