1.c4

"Beating Unusual openings" by Richard Palliser has several chapters on 1.c4 -

For practical play you could review the games of MotownDave one of the 2000+ players here on RHP.

Here's a flavour from the Richard Pallisers book:

Chapter 1

White Fianchettoes and plays Nf3

1.c4...c5, 2.Nc3...Nc6, 3. g3...g6, 4. Bg2...Bg7, 5. Nf3 and then: A: 5...e5, B:...d6!?, C:...a6!?

Chapter 2

White Fianchettoes without Nf3

1.c4...c5, 2. Nc3...Nc6, 3.g3...g6, 4. Bg2...Bg7 and then : A: 5.a3, B: 5.b3, C: 5.e4

"These three systems can lead to some strategically rich positionjs, and that has helped each of them to gain a dedicated following. Ahain the Botvinnik set up is a good way for bloack to respond although he must be alert to move order nuances especially in line A.

Chapter 3

The Three Knights Variation

1.c4...c5, 2.Nf3...Nc6, 3. Nc3 A: 3...e5, B: 3...Nd4!?

Chapter 4

White Plays and Early d4

1.c4...c5, 2. Nf3...Nc6, 3. d4...cxd4, 4. Nxd4...Qb6!, 5.Nb3...e6, 6.Nc3...Nf6 and then

A:7.e4, B: 7a3, C: 7g3

I play 1...f5 heading for dutch leningrad, against pretty much anything except 1.e4 nowadays. I'm even thinking about moving to 1.f4 as white, and playing leningrad with reversed colors. and in fact I've been playing both of them exclusively in blitz for months already...

Lots of stuff to examine.Thanks people 🙂

Originally posted by coquette
1. c4; c5

not the most dynamic, not the most interesting, it is the most balanced and symmetrical

Another fun one that i love to play:

1.c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nf6 3. Nf3 e4 4. Ng5 b5 !!!!!