I guess I am. :)
Chess is my strategy game of choice. I play almost everyday online, and Tactics Trainer as well, despite my free membership. I have a pretty good knowledge of theory, despite not having any training and just reading them and playing by experience. I dunno, just feel like trying to break the 2000 rating barrier. I'm getting there. :)
I'm itching for a second opinion here. ;D
You seem to like to pursue positions that require tactical / initiative types of thinking. Maybe you like semi-open positions with flank attacks?
But your d4 catalan and closed ruy may be a bit off in that respect? (I don't know a lot about openings so correct me if I'm wrong :)
A better question is what kinds of positions are you comfortable in, not what openings you use. During the game what types of advantages do you feel give you an edge? For example if I have a space advantage I don't necessarily think "oh, I'm doing well now" but when I have the initiative I like that.
@wafflemaster - Hm...I'm most comfortable choking my opponent to death...I generally try to lock up positions and work on my miniscule advantage, or create counter-play using pawn sacs to gain development/mobility tempos, so, in a way, busting up the position. I am still more comfortable playing solid, dead-even endgames, generally with a minor piece or rook and some pawns left on the board. I seem to be able to calculate those positions especially fast and find simple plans and defences.
I think I'm happy when I have complete control of an open file, have a strong knight outpost, or have a space advantage on the opponent's king's flank as well as a few pieces aimed there...so I like a touch of initiative as well.
Estragon - I think I am in the first group. :) Imo, it's best to have an "external auditor" to probe my strengths/weaknesses...and I don't have a mentor for that, or irl friends to play with, so I figure I'd ask here.
I've asked this question before way back in Oct. of 09.
I'm always looking for different opinions since I'm eagar to improve at chess. Tips/suggestions for future focuses and goals will be greatly appreciated. I play Blitz, bullet, and turn-based games.
My current repertoire (not in order of use frequency):
As white:
e4 - Ruy Lopez, King's Gambit (rare usage), Yugoslav Attack (vs. Sicilian Dragon), Austrian Attack (vs. Modern/Pirc Defense)
d4 - Queen's Gambit, Catalan (vs. Nimzo-Indian)
Nf3 - King's Indian Attack (used when I'm tired/in a losing streak)
As black:
e4 - Ruy Lopez (Closed, Chigorin variation), Sicilian Sveshnikov, Sicilian Dragon (rare usage), French Defense (Winawar/sometimes Classical if 3. Nf3), Scandanavian Defense (Marshall Variation/Icelandic Gambit only)
d4 - King's Indian Defense, Grunfeld Defense - looking to add Modern Benoni to this list
Nc3 - King's Indian Defense setup if white claims center or Grunfeld setup if white does not claim center
Any criticism/feedback will be much appreciated. Thank you for your time.
ruby7