Originally posted by sorrymateBlindly playing down lines from a database or an openings book is not much fun and, of course, does not require thought. That's not what I intend. I'm sorry if that was implied.
If people are suggesting moves from theoretical lines that they read from some book that's really sad. I thought this was going to be a sort of free jam analysing where you think for yourself.
In an established, deeply analyzed opening system that may require very sharp, accurate play, such as Dragon, it's highly unlikely that we will find a good novelty in the first 15 moves. There are a myriad of options for lines that we may play down - subtleties in move order are key in a sharp opening system such as the Dragon.
Against a strong player, or a chess engine, simply following lines from a database will usually result in a loss. At some point, it is extremely likely that one player or another will deviate from opening theory.
All I suggested is that we play down viable opening lines that have been tested and may be proven to be playable. Of course I expect solid reasoning behind every move that is suggested.