Hi everyone. I was wondering if I might tap into your experience. I've seen a lot of discussion here about the various drawbacks to e4 defenses (Caro-Kann = too passive, French = Kingside decimation, Sicilian = massive theory, etc.). But, at least in the brief time I've been reading these discussions, I haven't seen too much discussion of 1 e5. I realize that this, in some ways is waiting move, because white can then go into any number of systems. But, from what I've read the Ruy Lopez is the most promising for white. As I experiment with 1...e5, I'm finding that I like staking out my territory immediately. I get frustrated with the French and Caro Kann because I don't like letting white have a pawn on e5 if he wants it. It seems to cause development problems in many cases. I like the classical development plans of 1...e5, but is the Ruy too promising an opening for white in your opinion? I know there are probably as many opinions as there are chess players, but I'd like to hear what you all have to say.
Thanks,
Scott
there is nothing wrong with 1...e5. There are many people here who are tired of this opening, and they want to try something else. That's why people are discussing other openings that much. There is no doubt that 1..e5 is a good opening, but most players like to discuss other (less common) openings.
I don't use 1...e4. If you think the sicilian has "massive theory," just look at the black side of, say, the ruy lopez. And some of the theory goes back to the old Spanish priest himself. I've started using the Scandinavian (center counter) to oppose e4 as there is not so much theory.
e5 is my favorite reply to e4...
and as for the ruy lopez, i think the archangel defence is great and creates much activity and counterplay for black, its used by many top english and russian grandmasters...
1. e4 e5
2. nf3 nc6
3. Bb5 a6
4. Ba4 Nf6
5. 0-0 b5
6. Bb3 Bb7
is the main line where white has some choices now...
black has the idea of Bc5 and 0-0, this opening provides great piece activity etc. and if you have a book on the ruy lopez or a database, then getting through the first couple of moves should be no problem
i feel that e5 is the best response to e4, i think it is the easiest response with which to equalize and is the easiest to learn. The classic fight for the center and development, with emphasis on tempo and piece activity, I think it is the best answer for a beginner who wants to work on basic opening principles and the moves after e5 seem more intuitive and natural than in the french sicillian or caro-kann.
As for theory, there are over 500 variations of Ruy Lopez, the only way to avoid this, is to play, ugh, the King's Gambit maybe. (not recommended) Anyways, I find you don't need to know that much theory about the Ruy, just play practicly, and you will do fine. It is a very even and symetrical position. Anyways, a lot of players do not like 1.e5 in reply to e4 anymore because they feel it's too symetrical and essentially copying white were he has the extra move, although, all things considered, positionally, it's probably the best move but boring as heck to many ppl.
The Sicilian, c5, also challenges the center like e5, but doesn't lead to symetrical positions, and gives both sides huge attacking chances, which is why it's so popular right now.
The Caro-Kann, is a good opening that can make your white opponent fall asleep, or get frustrated, and get draws. No pun intended to Caro players, but look at the stats, this opening has so many draws, it's rediculous. Mind you, that is probably why they like this opening for black, just ask Karpov.
The French, well, it's ok and usually white has to sacrefice a peice for a couple of pawns to breakthrough, but black's bishops are kinda useless I find and there is really little attacking chances. Call that stereotypical, if you will, but I don't care.
Anyways, I think e5 or c5 are the best replies to e4, I know this will cause a huge debate, and I don't care. To even cause a greater debate, I'll say d4 is slightly superior for white then e4, now yell at me!
Originally posted by mateuloseYou know, until I saw this post, I liked the King's Gambit. I now renounce it utterly, shattered by mateulose's scorn.
As for theory, there are over 500 variations of Ruy Lopez, the only way to avoid this, is to play, ugh, the King's Gambit maybe. (not recommended)
If you like e5, but don't want to face the Ruy I can only think of three choices: the Petroff, the Philidor, or the Latvian.
From your initial post I'd rule out the Latvian since Black usually gives up the e5 pawn as soon as White attacks it.
The Petroff and Philidor are both solid and playable. I usually lose with them because I can't stay awake...
😴
Originally posted by lloydki really dont think anybody should be scared of the ruy lopez, and actually most e4 openings end up a giuoco piano anyway, but stilll the ruy does not scare me at all, and id much rather play the ruy as black than the petroff latvian or philidor
If you like e5, but don't want to face the Ruy I can only think of three choices: the Petroff, the Philidor, or the Latvian.
From your initial post I'd rule out the Latvian since Black usually gives up the e5 pawn as soon as White attacks it.
The Petroff and Philidor are both solid and playable. I usually lose with them because I can't stay awake...
😴