Only Chess
19 Dec 06
19 Dec 06
the french defence is not a win by force!! and just to humor you on that: 1.e4 e6 d4 d5 exd5! the exchange variation really gives both sides an equal chance and therefore is not a win by force.
Anyway, the french defence is still a solid opening choice.
As well are 1...e5 and 1...c5, both require the knowledge of theory in order to be played successfully.
1.d4 and again there are the replies, 1...Nf6 1...d5 1...e6 1...c5 all of which are fine if you understand the theory behiend them.
The key to winning a chess match is bringing your opponent into unfamiliar territory and taking advantage of their unfamiliarity.
19 Dec 06
Originally posted by eagleeye222001The most popular defense at almost all levels against 1 e4 is the Sicilian Defense (1...c5). Of all of the popular defenses, the Sicilian clearly gives Black more winning chances than any other defense.
What do you think is the best defense black can play against e4 and d4?
I don't know the stats, but I suspect that the Nimzo-Indian Defense (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nc3 Bb4) might be the strongest defense to 1 d4.
Also very strong is the Queen's Indian Defense (1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 e6 3 Nf3 b6).
If you're not playing a master, then any opening that doesn't lose material by force or make any significant positional concessions is fully playable.
20 Dec 06
1 edit
Originally posted by AlphaAlekhineI've tried Alekhine's Defence but don't play it any more.
I try to stay away from the over-analyzed lines of 1)...c5. Against e4, I'll usually play Alekhine's Def, or the Ruy Lopez, if White doesn't go for a King's Gambit. Against d4, it's the Nimzo or Bogo Indians. You might see a Queen's Gambit, if I've been drinking 😛
It $hits me up seeing a barrage of pawns coming my way & is a bit too passive for me.
As a joke I've played the Hippopotamus twice & won both games.
Only because I think as the old chess adage goes "if you can't think of a plan & your opponent does, it'll almost certainly be a bad one!"
Edit:
Just found a Hippopotamus game. The first 9 moves show the development & latent counter-attacking play.
Patience is a virtue...
Game 2827410
20 Dec 06
Originally posted by SquelchbelchAh, the pawn storm is the theme though. Black invites White to over-extend himself. Then, flanking tactics avail. I've played several exciting lines in the Alekhine, and you can't really play the defense passively and expect good results. It's an opening all about timing. But each person has their preferance.
[b]I've tried Alekhine's Defence but don't play it any more.
It $hits me up seeing a barrage of pawns coming my way & is a bit too passive for me.
I've never played the Hippo before, but I played around with the Crab in passing fancy.
20 Dec 06
Originally posted by AlphaAlekhineI really like the Alekhine lines where white tries to play passivly
Ah, the pawn storm is the theme though. Black invites White to over-extend himself. Then, flanking tactics avail. I've played several exciting lines in the Alekhine, and you can't really play the defense passively and expect good results. It's an opening all about timing. But each person has their preferance.
I've never played the Hippo before, but I played around with the Crab in passing fancy.
ie 2. Nc3
cause then u really mess him with d5 and such...then its black who has the pawn attack
20 Dec 06
1 edit
Originally posted by SquelchbelchFunny you should mention the Hippo: A few days ago I bought "The Hippopotamus Rises" by IM Andrew Martin.
I've tried Alekhine's Defence but don't play it any more.
It $hits me up seeing a barrage of pawns coming my way & is a bit too passive for me.
As a joke I've played the Hippopotamus twice & won both games.
Only because I think as the old chess adage goes "if you can't think of a plan & your opponent does, it'll almost certainly be a bad one!"
E ...[text shortened]... evelopment & latent counter-attacking play.
Patience is a virtue...
Game 2827410
For those unfamiliar with the Hippo Defense, it usually envolves the fianchetto of both Bishops and the Knights placed on d7 and e7 after Black plays ...d6 and ...e6.
Martin has a great sense of humor, making the book very entertaining. Having said that, I'm not sure I would play the Hippopotamus in a serious game because Black must endure a cramped setup.
I should mention that Spassky played it twice against Petrosian in their World Championship Match in 1966. Both games were drawn.