I think I read somewhere that if you play the best move on the board, the whole offense/defense debate pretty much takes care of itself.
EDIT: Some more brain cells just kicked in. One of the things IM Danny Rensch has said is that as black you need to equalize the position before going on the offensive.
jmoorerjr wrote:
I'm getting mix feelings about playing black. Some of my friends say play defense and some say play as if you're were white. Any suggestions on the true way to play as black?
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There are 2 ways to defend:
1.DIRECTLY - usually involves you moving one of your pawns or pieces to defend one of your undefended pawns or pieces from a threatened capture by one of your opponent's pawns or pieces. the problem with defending this way is that almost always you lose the INITIATIVE/ATTACK and your opponent gains the INITIATIVE/ATTACK
2.INDIRECTLY- ex. Your opponent is threatening to capture your Q. You make a move that threatens to mate your ooponent's K on the move. Do you think your opponent will go ahead and capture your Q? The key is you have successfully defended and you keep the INITIATIVE/ATTACK.
When it involves the first few in the opening direct and indirect defense applies as follows:
1. Avoid symmetry. In other words, don't copy White's moves
2. Assymetric pawn formations allow Black to fight for the initiative from the very first move.
Ex. Respond to 1.e4 with 1...c5. Respond to 1.d4 with 1...Nf6
I'm getting mix feelings about playing black. Some of my friends say play defense and some say play as if you're were white. Any suggestions on the true way to play as black?