Solid against d4

Hey,

I am searching a solid opening against d4. I have a book which was written by Lev Alburt, Roman Dzindi. and Eugen Perelshetyn. They recommend the nimzo-bogo-combi. But I dont feel comfortable in this positions. So I need another opening. Can you give me a suggestion? 

Oh no I dont like to play Queens Gambit declined. Its very difficult to win. In addition white can play the queens Gambit exchange Variation. Its difficult to defense against white attacks. Slav defense. Where can I find the theory?

Stonewall Dutch. Solid as a brick.

You wanted a solid option against d4, so you have to expect a lower amount of wins overall.  The best I can think of is the Slav, but some lines require a lot of theory, so you better have some time to learn the theory.

Oh, and don't rely on the book by Alburt and Dzindzi, it's not good, to put it VERY lightly.  Too many holes to hold water, and their suggestions aren't that good overall.  The Nimzo-Bogo combo CAN work, but you'll have to put in a good amount of work in it.

Play the Classical Slav!

It doesn't require too much theory. You just need to know the general ideas of the position after 1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 dxc4 5. a4 Bf5 6. e3 e6 7. Bxc4 Bb4 8. 0-0 0-0 and also something for the deviations 6. Ne5 and 4. e3, as well as 3. Nf3 followed by 4. e3, and finally the exchange variation with white playing an early cxd5. That's mainly it. You can have a solid position without a big space disadvantage, freedom to develop the bishop to f5 or g4 outside of the pawn chain in almost every single line, and clear strategic goals of playing for ...c5 in the middlegame, or occasionally ...e5 as well. If you know the ideas, it's very reliable and it is definitely the hardest of the double queen pawn openings for white to find a clear advantage against, and possibly of all QP openings, although the Nimzo/QID may have something to say about that. It is in my humble opinion (I am only USCF 1793, so I guess there are others who would know more) the most practical solid defense against 1. d4, as you can always get a solid position with few weaknesses and logical middlegame plans, and you do not need to know that much. The only line that I would say is very theoretical is the 6. Ne5 line, but there are several perfectly decent options for black to get a fair game.

You posted the czech variation in the slav defence: http://www.chess.com/opening/eco/D18_Slav_Defense_Czech_Variation_Classical_System

The statistic says that is very difficult for black to win a point against the queens gambit. But I think is a good choice. 

Thank you but I have the fear that black can play the Exchange Variation. The white play is very easy and for black it is difficult. I dont want to say that you will lose if white plays the Exchange Variation but I have some losing games as I answered with e6

Which variation should I play? The Cambridge springs, the variation with a fianchetto on b7? I am going to play some games with QGD but which variation?

Well you said "solid"..the QGD is solid as it gets. It's hard to win because it's so solid.

f5 stonewall

3...Be7 and no typical exchange variation OTB. A remote relative is 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4, which usually gets a very different character than the exchange variation- more tactical, and commital, both sides involved.

So you think I shpuld play sharper openings to win?

You can win a lot of games playing openings you understand regardless of their sharpness, or complexity.

The Queen's gambit declined is a perfectly sound opening, and not difficult to understand- you just have to deal with a couple of typical pawn formations, and learn the typical plans for attack and defense. Take the typical QGD exchange variation you have mentioned: Once Black understands the dos and donts of it, there is no reason to fear it.

See how Vlad handled, with his vast experience, the Short variation: Black had absolutely no trouble dealing with white's threats, and even came with a tiny advantage right after the opening phase.

Thanks a lot :)
This is very helpful  

The statistics show games played at a very high level, and as we are not 2400s, we do not have to worry too much about draw ratios. Our opponents will make mistakes and it will simply be a matter of who capitalizes on them. Besides, tons of top players do play the Czech Slav as more than just a drawing weapon. 

1. pawn e6 is good 4 me.

Why do you care about statistics?

Suffice to say Topalov lost with white two games in a row against Anand, in one of the most quiet/drawish variations of the Queen's gambit (the Lasker). Your opponent will not play as Topalov, and you will not play as Anand, but the chances are there. Who cares if the position is equal if the players are not?

Choosing openings, is a personal preference.  You need to fiind openings youre comfortable playing. 

Respected IM Greg Shahade wrote an article specifically recommending that Alburt book for a Black repertoire. What do you recommend instead, and why?

I only have the first edition of the Dzindzi/ Perelshteyn/ Alburt book, so I can't comment on the second edition.

You do need a hole counter to read the first book, else you will get lost. Better waste your money on popcorn instead of that one.