e4, d4, c4

I've taken up c4 because I am loathe to learn all the theory required to play e4 and not play a wussy system.

Still, c4 is not as active as I might like...maybe I'll slowly but surely decide on an e4 repertoire.

I would recommend c4 if you are lazy like me 🙂

Originally posted by ericmittens
I've taken up c4 because I am loathe to learn all the theory required to play e4 and not play a wussy system.

Still, c4 is not as active as I might like...maybe I'll slowly but surely decide on an e4 repertoire.

I would recommend c4 if you are lazy like me 🙂

That's the book I use, and I recommend it...but the english just isn't that aggressive by nature.

Originally posted by wormwood
1.e4 small wave surfers. lots of little tactical stings, like a million mosquitoes attacking you. but still, malaria mosquitoes kill more people every year than anything else.

1.d4 big wave surfers. at first there's nothing to be seen. the surface looks calm. but the wave is building up far from the shore, slowly but unstoppably, building, building... un of natural moves. but hey, I'm not really hoping black just stumbles and throws the game.

Originally posted by cmsMaster
Interesting suggestion with 1.f4 there, wormwood. You interested me enough to at least convince me to play a blitz game using it:

[Event "RHP Blitz rated"]
[Site "www.playtheimmortalgame.com"]
[Date "2008.1.27"]
[Round "?"]
[White "cmsMaster"]
[Black "fishedout"]
[Result "1-0"]

1. f2-f4 Ng8-f6 2. g2-g3 d7-d5 3. Bf1-g2 c7-c5 4. d2-d3 b7-b6 5. e ...[text shortened]... am aware that the game I posted is awful, but I figured I should show it anyway.

all those moves are fine but to pick which is best i say e4 then d4 then c4.

Originally posted by ares3
Here we are.

[Event "RHP Blitz rated"]
[Site "www.redhotpawn.com"]
[Date "2007.12.13"]
[Round "?"]
[White "mjolnir"]
[Black "sathyam"]
[Result "1-0"]

1. e2-e4 e7-e5 2. Ng1-f3 h7-h6 3. Nf3xe5 f7-f6 4. Qd1-h5 Ke8-e7 5. Ne5-g6 Ke7-e6 6. Qh5-d5 1-0

Now that I think about it,regarding the inherent aggressiveness of c4...doesn't larry christiansen often play the english?

Maybe a review of his english games can shine some light on aggressive c4 strategies.

Originally posted by Kepler
None of those. 1. Nf3. Keep your options open.

Here is my tip for any beginners looking to pick an opening.

1.e4 - loses quickly but fun

1.d4 loses slowly and becomes disheartening

1.f4 - opponent plays the from gambit and blasts you off the board in under 20 moves.

Originally posted by wormwood
1.f4 my current favourite. it's not d4, but it's okay. and at this point I almost always know the positions better than my opponents. I get good, active positions, and the opponents almost invariably overestimate the weakness of my king. it's not weak, it's active. I get to play the same moves against almost anything. as a plus, there's almost no est ...[text shortened]... of natural moves. but hey, I'm not really hoping black just stumbles and throws the game.

Originally posted by ericmittens
I've taken up c4 because I am loathe to learn all the theory required to play e4 and not play a wussy system.

Still, c4 is not as active as I might like...maybe I'll slowly but surely decide on an e4 repertoire.

I would recommend c4 if you are lazy like me 🙂

Originally posted by ares3
Which do you prefer out of these? Just interested to see, e4 is the best move but c4 is the best chance for a win, apparently. 😛
So you d4 players take a hike. 😉

Originally posted by Red Night
from this game, one learns nothing.