After 1. c4 c6 , your choices are basically:
2. e4 which transposes to a variation of the Caro-Kann after 2... d5
or
2. d4 which transposes to the Slav after 2... d5 (2. Nc3 is also playable, but commits to a specific variation of the Slav, whereas 2. d4 is more flexible)
or
the Reti Opening with either 2. Nf3 or 2. g3 or 2. e3 or 2. b3 or 2. d3 (of which 2. Nf3 is probably best)
All of the above are reasonable and your choice is a matter of style.
Originally posted by AudreyxSophieI would recommend 2.Nc3. I don't know why it's better than any other move, but I like it. the game usually follows 2...d5 3.cxd5 cxd5 4.d4 and usually a closed, symmetrical game arises.
I've seen a friend of mine using Nf3, And a player playing it on Uchess, tought his opponent were not good.
Originally posted by AudreyxSophieI have analyzed and annotated one of my games in that opening!
Like this...
1. c4 e5. 2. g3 Nf6 3.Bg3 and now, ... c6.
http://blog.chess.com/philidor_position/finally-broke-1900
the idea there is that now 4.d4! doesn't lose tempo because Nc6 isn't possible. (after exd4 Qxd4)
I prefer to go for a bottvinnik position or sicilianish position. I play c5 and follow with e6 and develop. Once white forces me to protect my c5 pawn I play d6 and then I have a pretty comftorable position. Black really has a lot of say in what type of positions will come about in the opening. e5 is also a good move because it limits white to what he can do.
Originally posted by AudreyxSophieActually it does. 1.c4 e5 2.g3 Nf6 3.Bg2 c6 4.d4! d5 5.dxe5 Ne4 6.cxd5 cxd5 7.Bxe4 dxe4 8.Qxd8+ Kxd8 most other lines end up also a pawn down or worse. Edit: whereas after 4.Nf3 e4 5.Nd4 and now ...d5 is just fine and 4.Qa4 Na6 5.Nc3 Nc5 6.Qd1 d5 is pretty passive for white. edit2: and 4...exd4 5.Qxd4 d5 6.Bg5 Be7 7.cxd5 cxd5 8.Nc3 Nc6 9.Qa4 is good. i have played this thrice and won thrice... and you could also just follow the book.
I dont like the fact that it does not prevent ... d5, as planned by black.
Originally posted by AudreyxSophiewell you came on here asking for help and you shunned the answers that were given by people who have books on the english and/or have studied it. what makes you think people will want to help in the future? when you are just rude and answer your own question anyway.
too bad, I have no book on the english.