Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsThread 100914
The Tchigorin is a whole different planet. 🙂
1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6
In this one, black must prefer knights to bishops. In quite a few variations, black has knights on c6 and e7 (or f6) with a pawn on e6, while white has a pawn in the center and the two bishops. If you like having the knights, then by all means play it. It is certainly playable.
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsWhen I learned to play chess, in the older days, I used Cambridge Springs variation with good result. It is easy to play as black. You have some strait lines to follow, not much theory to know and it is easy for white to fall in some of blacks traps.
C.2. 3. ... Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.Nf3 c6 6.e3 Qa5 is the Cambridge Springs
Black tries to get active very early. I haven't had much experience with this one. The games that I have played I have either won very early from traps, or lost very theoretically from positions that lacked counterplay.
When you play against stronger players, this variation is not so good, there are some positional way to treat the variation that is not so healthy for black.
The second recomendation is Albin counter gambit, 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e5 if you like some "wild things" with good attacking possibilities.
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsexcellent post by paulbuchmanfromfics. I played the QG as white for awhile (exchange variation) and since I didn't really care for the system as a whole, I won't comment on the defenses too much except to say that the only one I have had luck with is the Tarrasch. I tend to enjoy IQP positions from either side.
I assume you mean for black after 1.d4 d5 2.c4
A. dxc4 is the QG Accepted
A common theme in this one is white gets an isolated d pawn and extra space with attacking chances. Black's position is slightly restricted but certainly playable.
B.2. ... c6 is the Slav/Semi-Slav
3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 is the Slav. Black gives up his presence ...[text shortened]... play.
I hope this little overview helps.
You will obviously need more analysis. 🙂
If you're keen to avoid 1. d4 d5 I suggest either a nimzo / bogo indian (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 e6 (3. Nc3 Bb4 is nimzo) 3. Nf3 Bb4+ is bogo) which yield decent counter play and simple c5/d5 pawn breaks for a clear middle game. I personally play the Benko gambit (1. d4 Nf6 2. c4 c5 3. d5 b5!?) where black gets rid of his a & b pawns for white's c-pawn then sets his heavy pieces up on the a & b-files.
I play the semi slav but there are some annoying variations which I dont like white playing and also the exchange variation is very difficult for black to ever have a chance of winning, even against a lower rated opponent.
Lately I have been playing this sort of opening - 1.d4 g6 2.c4 Bg7 3.Nc3 d6 4.e4 Nc6 5.Be3 e5 6.d5 Nce7 .... and with the idea of playing f5 and then Nf6 - it does not always go exactly into this variation, as white obviously has options of how to develop, but this is probably the one you will see most frequently against a d4 player.
Originally posted by paulbuchmanfromficsthank you i'll try that
The Tchigorin is a whole different planet. 🙂
1.d4 d5 2.c4 Nc6
In this one, black must prefer knights to bishops. In quite a few variations, black has knights on c6 and e7 (or f6) with a pawn on e6, while white has a pawn in the center and the two bishops. If you like having the knights, then by all means play it. It is certainly playable.
First, I agree with DeepThought that you should play a defense that you feel comfortable with -- try them all! (That also applies to openings you play as White.)
If the QG gives you headaches, 1...Nf6 and 1...f5 have the advantage of avoiding it from the start.
Most players -- maybe all -- find that there are certain openings that they just don't do well in. Why bang your head against a stone wall? (Which reminds me, how about the Dutch Stonewall?) :-D