1.d4 ? :(

Since starting chess I've searched for an opening to play against 1.d4 - and so far nothing makes me happy. 🙁 I started with the KID, didn't like a lot of things about it, and then moved on to the Benko Gambit, which I felt was giving me bad results, and I was just too unaccustomed to the positions. Then I switched to the Semi-Slav, and got pretty decent results, but decided that if I were to use it it would be CC only, because there's so much evolving theory. After that I tested the Budapest with nice results, but decided that's best suited for blitz. After which I went to the Grunfeld, and I'm finding that the positions don't seem to suit me that well there either. I guess I can't find what I want because I simply don't like the positions after 1.d4. At this point I'm more confused than ever, and am looking back at the Benko Gambit (Pretty much full circle...). On the other hand, I scored very well with the Semi-Slav, I played 3 games on RHP with it, 2 convincing wins, and one loss due to a blunder in insane complications against Idioms. But I already have so much theory to study, that adding this might not be so beneficial, whereas something like the Benko can be played mostly based on positions and straightforward moves - but when I do that I seem to get into less than great positions. Maybe looking through a coverage of the Benko, but not really going through too many lines would be best.

In any case, I'm confused.

Why not give the Dutch a try? The Leningrad in particular is very sharp, and the advanced f-pawn might suit you and your KG tendencies.

Tmetz is right, but if you want to check out some material on the Benko, check it out:

http://www.exeterchessclub.org.uk/Openings/benko.html

Treat 1.d4 with the utter contempt it deserves. They want a plodding, strategic game, then fine!

Originally posted by tmetzler
Why not give the Dutch a try? The Leningrad in particular is very sharp, and the advanced f-pawn might suit you and your KG tendencies.

I like the nimzo indian, after bxc3 the doubled pawns it creates, the half open file, along with the bishop versus knight battle, creates alot of imbalances, and dynamic play insues.

Have you though about just playing c5 anyway? They cant keep the pawn, if they play dxc5

Originally posted by !~TONY~!
Tmetz is right, but if you want to check out some material on the Benko, check it out:

http://www.exeterchessclub.org.uk/Openings/benko.html

Originally posted by HomerJSimpson
I like the nimzo indian, after bxc3 the doubled pawns it creates, the half open file, along with the bishop versus knight battle, creates alot of imbalances, and dynamic play insues.

Have you though about just playing c5 anyway? They cant keep the pawn, if they play dxc5

Originally posted by cmsMaster
Since starting chess I've searched for an opening to play against 1.d4 - and so far nothing makes me happy. 🙁 I started with the KID, didn't like a lot of things about it, and then moved on to the Benko Gambit, which I felt was giving me bad results, and I was just too unaccustomed to the positions. Then I switched to the Semi-Slav, and got pretty decen ...[text shortened]... t not really going through too many lines would be best.

In any case, I'm confused.

Originally posted by cmsMaster
Benko is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5

Originally posted by Korch
Benko is 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 b5

Originally posted by Korch
Maybe try Benoni - old Benoni 1.d4 c5 or Modern-Benoni 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6

Why not go for a Queen's Gambit? Personally I hate playing against d4, but I do like the Bogo-Indian.

Originally posted by AlphaAlekhine
Why not go for a Queen's Gambit? Personally I hate playing against d4, but I do like the Bogo-Indian.

booo! KID all the way!!!!! My logic is that it's an uncompromising opening and you ARE a dragon player, so you clearly don't want to draw.