I was having a conversation with a local player the other day who said he had read something recommended by an author (Soltis?) that black play 1...c6, 2...d5 against any white opening. This would give you the Caro-Kann against e4, and the Slav against 1.d4, 1.Nf3, or 1.c4. Of course you have to like these openings, but it seems like an interesting approach that would lead to two very solid, well respected openings. Clearly, the CK and the Slav each has its own body of theory, but it seems like a good way to get into a familiar position regardless of white's first couple of moves. Have any of you tried this approach?
Thanks,
Scott
p.s. Happy Thanksgiving to all
2 edits
Originally posted by smrex13Interesting. Must say I can't remember ever replying with either of those moves, although I'm sure I've tried 1. d4 d5 before. Consulting my database reveals:
Clearly, the CK and the Slav each has its own body of theory, but it seems like a good way to get into a familiar position regardless of white's first couple of moves. Have any of you tried this approach?
e4 (53.95% ) d5 (56.08% )
e4 (53.95% ) c6 (55.62% )
d4 (55.55% ) d5 (57.71% )
d4 (55.55% ) c6 (62.20% )
nf3 (55.85% ) d5 (55.53% )
nf3 (55.85% ) c6 (61.38% )
c4 (55.68% ) d5 (70.51% )
c4 (55.68% ) c6 (56.92% )
In most cases, white's chances (the %'s in brackets) tend to improve with either of these replies. but apart from 1. c4 d5 most are relatively "sound". Of course, all of this is presented with the caveat that stats never quite tell the entire story.
In my opinion there are stronger replies to each of these openings, and a one reply fits all, while an appealling concept, may not be an optimal approach.
1 edit
Originally posted by smrex13EDITED: I wouldn't always play c6 first. d5 is required sometimes if your opponent doesn't occupy the center early. May as well take it for yourself first. But against e4 and d4 you can play c6 first if you like.
I was having a conversation with a local player the other day who said he had read something recommended by an author (Soltis?) that black play 1...c6, 2...d5 against any white opening. This would give you the Caro-Kann against e4, and the ...[text shortened]... approach?
Thanks,
Scott
p.s. Happy Thanksgiving to all
Against:
1.e4 ...c6 (you can play 2...d5 against almost everything)
1.Nf3 ...d5
1.d4 ...d5 (or c6 first, but you can afford to wait and see what white does)
1.c4 ...c6 (the 2...d5 transposes to QGD usually and keeps you out the English)
1.f4 ...d5
1.b3 or 1.g3 ...d5
1.a4, h4, b4, g4, Nc6, or any other odd opening. ...d5
