1...Nf6, 1...d5, 1...e6, 1...d6, 1...f5, 1...g6, 1...c5, 1...c6, and perhaps even 1...Nc6, 1...b6, 1...b5, or 1...a6 are all perfectly playable.
I think you need to be more specific about what you're after. In particular, what'd be "suitable" for you?
I'm in the same boat, Im still fairly noobish and havent commited to any opening repetoires. As white I always play e4, and through that and some of the resources on chess.com have become comfortable with many of the lines it leads to. As black however I get a bit squeamish with d4 openings and beyond QGD I usually get lost. Any good places to start exploring would be greatly appreciated.
Tarrasch, Kings Indian, Slav.
1...Nf6, 1...d5, 1...e6, 1...d6, 1...f5, 1...g6, 1...c5, 1...c6, and perhaps even 1...Nc6, 1...b6, 1...b5, or 1...a6 are all perfectly playable.
I think you need to be more specific about what you're after. In particular, what'd be "suitable" for you?
And why do i miss 1...e5???
The glorious Englund-Gambit?!?
Shame on you! 
I'm looking for an alternative to Kings Indian Defense. It just seems to be too passive for me, plus I'm always getting my Kings Knight in trouble.
So this is a good thread for me, I'll check out some of these openings and see what's up.
I always play d5, or just start with the Sicilian Defense Dragon Variation.
Anything other than those that I include in my openings?
As a player that plays Benoni a decent amount, I dont' know if I'd recommend it unless you're willing to study some theory... the backward pawn that black has to deal with becomes a target, and for me, it's a tough opening without some accurate play... The nimzo-indian, however, has always come easily to me...
As a player that plays Benoni a decent amount, I dont' know if I'd recommend it unless you're willing to study some theory... the backward pawn that black has to deal with becomes a target, and for me, it's a tough opening without some accurate play... The nimzo-indian, however, has always come easily to me...
Usually the move a6 will eliminate that problem. With 3 pawns to 2 on the queenside.
Haha, yeah, I think ..a6 was the move I'd neglected in a recent game... I still had decent chances in it, but it was an annoying bind I was in without getting in a6 on time.
I'm looking for an alternative to Kings Indian Defense. It just seems to be too passive for me, plus I'm always getting my Kings Knight in trouble.
So this is a good thread for me, I'll check out some of these openings and see what's up.
As a player of the KID, I wouldn't call this passive:
Note: not all moves are best, just a sample line.
Please be relevant, helpful & nice!ok
I'm partial to the Cambridge Springs Defence and Tarrasch Defence in the QGD. Lots of traps for Black to set. There are other branches in the QGD as well. And then the Indian defences, the Slav, and the Benoni are also good. There are other options than those but those are the main ideas you'll see.
Semi Slav, Tarrasch, Kings Indian, Benoni, Nimzo imo are the best tries imo
Queens Gambit A and D are also good.
You cannot put the slightly-but-not-really-sound Tarrasch varation before the grunfeld. One must always play the grunfeld, even against 1. e4.
Here's me beating up a 1900+ USCF player in the opening who decided to play a Tarrasch gambit line - which probably is not completely sound.
Shepi - I don't know what you're on about. The Tarrasch main line is completely sound. That's a Von Hennig Schara gambit you posted, which might actually be sound. Still very contentious that one. Looks like it shouldn't work but nobody has a refutation. Your opponent blundered on move 11: should've recaptured with the Queen. Generally the idea is queenside castling with immediate rook threats on the open files, and sharp attacks on White if he tries to kingside castle.
IQPs can be powerful if you make sure they're not weak; huge space-gainer and tactical threats are possible too. I like the Tarrasch, personally. It appeals to me.
I was looking for suitable openings against d4 .