Build a 1.d4 Repertoire by Nigel Davies seems like it would be a good fit for you.
He starts out with stuff like the Colle and the London and graduates to stuff with c4
http://www.chessbase-shop.com/en/products/4298
White opening recommendation for an 1800?
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Dec 24, 2010
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#3
I was in a similar boat until recently; I had been playing the orangutang (1.b4) for nearly two years when I switched in July to 1. e4. I was initially scared to do so because I thought my results would suffer due to the mountains of theory, but it's been a great experience. I am really enjoying the variety and quicker paced games. In the past couple of months I saw my rating jump from 1700otb to the 1800s. I attribute some of that to my switch as I felt I needed to learn to play and appreciate dynamic chess more. I think your idea of following Heisman's advice is on point.
Hi. I'm OTB USCF 1800 and I currently decided to change most of my opening repertoire. I know you're probably like: "Stop being stupid and just stick with one opening." I have stuck with one opening as White and Black (vs 1 e4 and 1 d4) for about 2 or 3 years now. As white, I play London System (upon my used-to-be-coach's recommendation) and as black, e5 against 1 e4 and semi-slav against 1 d4.
I'm actually okay with sticking to semi-slav and e5. It's the London System that I'm not okay with. Sure the London System makes studying white opening lines really easy but the play is sometimes too equalizing / passive / boring (although chess could never be boring :)). The reason my used-to-be-coach told me to play the London System was because it suited my "style" (many players have told me that it wasn't a compliment). So according to my used-to-be coach, my style is solid, a little bit passive (which I'm trying to work on), and steady. However, I feel like playing the London System has not helped me improve a lot. I used to play e4 Ruy lopez (although I don't know the variations; I just impromptued it). If I switch to e4 then it means I'll have to learn variations against the sicilian, french, etc. And also, I listened to Dan Heisman's Opening Repertoire video on ICC and he said something about playing openings that are the opposite of your style to help you overall.So now, I'm confused about what opening to play as White. Thanks!