Ooh, them's fightin' words.
@Dark_Falcon, to get us up to speed, what are some of the critical lines? I agree with ponz that it is not very good, at least at my level, but it can certainly have surprise value, for example, in a g/30 type of thing where it may net you a large time advantage.
I agree with falcon, I absoloutely love the BDG, would be my favourite opening and I agree it is very difficult to play against.
However I find the white side of the french and caro kann very boring, and since they can transpose to both I dont play it.
White will be fighting for the draw IF black knows what he is doing, but how many players know BDG theory past move 7?
So what you're saying is 1.d4 d5 2.e4 c6! and black is better.
At least that's what I heard.
haha, yeah caro kann is a forced win for black. White resigns out of boredom.
Ooh, them's fightin' words.
@Dark_Falcon, to get us up to speed, what are some of the critical lines? I agree with ponz that it is not very good, at least at my level, but it can certainly have surprise value, for example, in a g/30 type of thing where it may net you a large time advantage.
The Ziegler-variation maybe the most critical line from a theoretical point of view...
And i agree, the transposition to the french or the caro-kann can be annoying for white, but if you play the BDG you have to be prepared for both defences.
Thanks @Dark_Falcon
I think the funniest transposition would have to be 1.e4 d5 2.d4 c6.
Thanks @Dark_Falcon
I think the funniest transposition would have to be 1.e4 d5 2.d4 c6.
Yeah...thats funny...3.c4 e6
I am saying I have seen the refutation to the BDG on these forums and this convinced me.
I do know some things other than the Ponziani 
However I will say 95% of the players do not know the refutation so in practical play the BDG is often a great way to play. [don't try it at correspondence chess]
I am saying I have seen the refutation to the BDG on these forums and this convinced me.
I do know some things other than the Ponziani
However I will say 95% of the players do not know the refutation so in practical play the BDG is often a great way to play. [don't try it at correspondence chess]
This is another strange point with the BDG...although with best play from both sides, Black seems to better, the opening is still very popular in correspondence chess. And today´s professional correspondence chess players have powerful tools, like strong computer programs and big databases...
I am very surprised it is popular in correspondence chess. Do you mean at the lower rating levels?
In my IECG database, after 1.d4 d5, I see these top moves
In my ICCF database, after 1.d4 d5, I see these top moves
So while I wouldn't say it is "very popular", I am surprised at how popular it is, especially in IECG - fully half as popular as 2.Nf3.
In my IECG database, after 1.d4 d5, I see these top moves
2.c4 (9519 games) 2.Nf3 (2289 games) 2.e4 (1147 games) 2.e3 (230 games)In my ICCF database, after 1.d4 d5, I see these top moves
2.c4 (14407 games) 2.Nf3 (2921 games) 2.Bf4 (430 games) 2.e4 (356 games)So while I wouldn't say it is "very popular", I am surprised at how popular it is, especially in IECG - fully half as popular as 2.Nf3.
Sure it isnt as popular as 2.c4 or 2.Nf3...
What i mean is, that it is played quite often by strong correspondence players with good results, although it seems to be near refutation.
Personally i have very good results with the BDG, in OTB-games, blitz and corr.chess and its fits to my style of playing chess, thats why i play it.
If i would start losing constantly with the BDG, i would search for other options.
The BDG is surely not the Holy Grail, its just a Gambit, not more, not less.
But it is a fascinating opening regarding to the endless discussions between worshippers and haters.
What I've found to be the best antidote to being a "worshipper" or a "hater" is to take the other side and try to prove what is the best line for them.
I consider the BDG a good way to practice tactics from a 1600-2200 level but I don't think it's sound when played on the second move. And unless someone has a game-changing modification after that, it's a done deal. Throwing away an important central pawn that early, when your opponent is in a good position is reckless.
...
That said, there are transpositions from other openings like the London and Trompowsky that lead to BDG positions where White gets an extra tempo. These look sound, from where I'm sitting. The Tromp is a playable enough opening that can win tournaments at all levels and GMs use the BDG within the Tromp (including Kasparov). White has been winning a lot of games from this. So for now it appears to be sound when arrived at situationally from other d4 openings, as a reaction to certain types of commitments that Black makes.
...
So I think keeping it as a tool for certain situations that arise from d4 is good. Forcing the issue with 1.d4 d5 2.e4 is not as good. I only do it because I can't guarantee my opponent will give me a chance to play it if I do 2.Bg5, and I could get stuck with a very dull positional game instead. My goal is to improve right now, not necessarily to pay the mortgage. When I get to a certain point I expect I'll shift over to 2.Bg5 or 2.Nf3 more from 2.e4
...
The situation with 2.e5 against the Scandinavian is analogous in some ways. Black has not committed his king's pawn to e6 yet, which is the difference between it being a good move and a bad one. Under certain situations, an e4-e5 push is just groovy for White. Against the Scandinavian is not one of those situations, and forcing the issue here is much like trying to force e4 on the second move in a Queen's pawn opening.
Why not 5...Bg4? Bad bishop is gone and Black can make White choose between either protecting his pawn on e5 or on b4.
Sorry you are correct I wrote it wrong. I should have written"
"Sorry, but the BDG loses is BLACK knows what he is doing."
But its wonderful, that most black players dont know what they are doing versus the mighty BDG.
And even with perfect play from black the position is =+ maximum...stay with your Ponziani Opening...you are a great expert in this opening and i really enjoy your analysis in this variation, but dont judge about a gambit you dont understand.