We play one of the oldest responses to 1.e4 -- 1...d5.

This move is most popular among beginners and novice players and chess masters use it regularly throughout their careers. It's a respectable opening reply to 1.e4 and, unlike most Blackside defenses, it reduces your opening preparation substantially.

Stay on the distant horizon of other club players' opening preparation and use the time you save on your own opening prep to work on other aspects of your chess game -- to get ahead of them!

Recapture in the center with your queen and play one of the three major variations shown below. 

 

1.e4 d5 2.exd5 Qxd5 3.Nc3

Or play more aggressively with 2...Nf6 in the style of the great attackers of the Romantic Era of chess. 

The Scandinavian is a robust unrefuted defense to 1.e4 that has enough variety and punch to be your main weapon or a great second option. 

The Whiteside plays 1.e4 almost sixty percent of the time so make a thrifty and wise choice about how to respond to it and gather here with like-minded players like us. 

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