07 Jan 07
I would recommend you to not play the latest and greatest variations of any modern systems because they are very delicate, and they will not be a good base for continuing learning about new openings. I think it is better to learn more "naive" systems first. When you understand those, you will also understand why newer systems are improvements over older ones (as well as how much more difficult they are to play). For example, learn to play the Italian before you start playing the Spanish. You could try for example the Orthodox Queen's Gambit declined against 1. d4 and Philidor Defense against 1. e4.
07 Jan 07
Originally posted by Golubthe Spanish is pretty old too...anyways...
I would recommend you to not play the latest and greatest variations of any modern systems because they are very delicate, and they will not be a good base for continuing learning about new openings. I think it is better to learn more "naive" systems first. When you understand those, you will also understand why newer systems are improvements over older ones ( ...[text shortened]... xample the Orthodox Queen's Gambit declined against 1. d4 and Philidor Defense against 1. e4.
Orthodox QGD is a good suggestion vs d4, and if you take up the Colle like I suggested, then you'll be ready for that too. The Slav and Semi-Slav have way too much evolving theory.
if you're suggesting Philidor's Defense, make sure to learn Legals Mate.
07 Jan 07
1 edit
Originally posted by pawntorook4When studying the ending, as one person has already said, you can start from extremely simple positions and get gradually more complicated. This actually lets you master at least some aspect of the game, then as you improve you study more complicated end game scenarios.
i have a question about endgame vs opening study.. if i dont have a good opening, how can i get to the endgame.. course, i understand, what good is a solid opening if i cant finish?? can you say "chicken vs egg"???
Beyond that though, another good reason to study end games is because when you are playing the middle game you can try to create an end game scenario that is favorable for you, or at least one that you know how to play well. It helps you to win a 'won' position, and it helps you to draw in a normally 'lost' position.
A great thing about this site, especially for beginners, is that you can use references in the opening. That means you can study middle or end game first and not even worry all that much about the opening (at least for games here). It also helps you find an opening that you like as you get to see positions that develop from various openings you play from your reference materials.