13 Jun 07
Originally posted by Jake EllisonKing or Queen's Gambit as white, Sicilian of some type (I like the dragon) against 1.e4 and against 1.d4 maybe a Budapest Gambit or Slav/Semi-Slav.
Any recomendations for a few openings to try and master? This is from the point of veiw of someone who normally moves randomly at the start of games and knows nothing about the various advantages or disadvantages of any openings.
There are hundreds of openings you could use and still win with, it just all depends on style and preference.
13 Jun 07
1 edit
Originally posted by Jake EllisonYou should use some books or databases and look through some openings and find the one you are comfortable with.
Any recomendations for a few openings to try and master? This is from the point of veiw of someone who normally moves randomly at the start of games and knows nothing about the various advantages or disadvantages of any openings.
1.e4 e5 compared to 1.e4 c5 leads to very different games.
Some people like to be cramped and then strike back at the center while others want an equal share of the center right away. Really depends what you prefer.
I think 1.e4 e5 is easy to play and learn.
Edit: http://www.chessgames.com/perl/explorer
Look through that for some openings you like.
13 Jun 07
Originally posted by Jake EllisonGame 3652310
I think I'd go for an equal share. Not that great at striking back. But then againk, maybe I should practise that.
Looks like you're already a 1...e5 player. I think you should probably study 1...e5 openings - focus particularly on the Ruy Lopez and Giuoco Piano/Two Knights Defense (whatever you choose to focus on) and you should probably go for a slav/semi-slav against 1.d4.
13 Jun 07
Originally posted by cmsMasterLearn the Traxler variation of the FLA.
Game 3652310
Looks like you're already a 1...e5 player. I think you should probably study 1...e5 openings - focus particularly on the Ruy Lopez and Giuoco Piano/Two Knights Defense (whatever you choose to focus on) and you should probably go for a slav/semi-slav against 1.d4.
If you accept 3-5 minutes blitz games here or on uchess as black against -1500 players & they open 1.e4, many times they go for the Fried Liver:
1.e4...e5
2.Nf3...Nc6
3.Bc4...Nf6
4.Ng5...Bc5?!
5.Nxf7...Bxf2+
Often they then play
6.Kxf2
then the virtually forced 6...Qe7
7.Nxh8...Qc5+
& it's anybody's game.
white to move
Thing is, they were expecting a juicy attack on your K, maybe bringing it to the center of the board, but instead they have entered a minefield!
If you habitually play 1...e5 then you must learn the Traxler if you value tactical fun, especially in blitz.
13 Jun 07
2 edits
The traxler is perfectly fine in CC too. I'll post a few games I've played in it... it is FUN. Hard too though. a single slipup and your game is lost as black or white.
Here's one game I played that was quite fun... can't find any others right now.
Game 3533228
Here's another I just found... Game 3475013 .. against a higher rated player too.
13 Jun 07
Originally posted by Jake Ellison1. g4!!
Any recomendations for a few openings to try and master? This is from the point of veiw of someone who normally moves randomly at the start of games and knows nothing about the various advantages or disadvantages of any openings.
It beats all comers!
13 Jun 07
Originally posted by KorchProbably right!
I think - its for people with rating at least 1700-1800
1. g4 is not for the faint hearted and those that struggle with basic tactics. In fact it should probably not be played by the brave and tactically proficient player against strong opposition.
... but if you are seeking a fun and different game then with 1. g4 you will get it.