They are risky. I mean the Najdorf and the semi slav are sharp, but the KG and the Dragon take it too a whole new level. I am sure at the top level people don't want to have to memorize reams of theory only to have some GM whip out some novelty and force them to work it all out over the board. Also, with white, why risk the KG when you can gain a safe edge with the Ruy Lopez. The KG is really interesting and I would definitely play it, but the Ruy Lopez is probably objectively the better choice. Maybe that's why the Dragon isn't played more. Maybe as of now people view the Najdorf/Svesh as just better. That doesn't mean the Dragon is bad, there are just better alternatives. Like a hot chick and a hotter chick. 😀
Originally posted by !~TONY~!I don't particulary care for the Ruy Lopez which is about as booked out as an opening can get. The edge White gets is quite minimal. I prefer the Scotch which opens up the position early and is far less familiar to most players.
They are risky. I mean the Najdorf and the semi slav are sharp, but the KG and the Dragon take it too a whole new level. I am sure at the top level people don't want to have to memorize reams of theory only to have some GM whip out some novelty and force them to work it all out over the board. Also, with white, why risk the KG when you can gain a safe edge ...[text shortened]... e Dragon is bad, there are just better alternatives. Like a hot chick and a hotter chick. 😀
The post that was quoted here has been removedOne of my best, though ultimately frustrating games here, is Game 716773
At the end, we were playing pretty much one on one one night. I should have taken some time and looked through an endgame book; the final position is a book win though my endgames were very rusty at the time and I didn't realize it and offered the draw. Dave was only too happy to accept!
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Originally posted by !~TONY~!I was talking to my tutor about the KG, she used to play it up until she was around 2300. I asked her why she gave it up and she explained that after 2300ish the players are so good that the KG isnt a great choice for white, black with precise play gets a very good game.
They are risky. I mean the Najdorf and the semi slav are sharp, but the KG and the Dragon take it too a whole new level. I am sure at the top level people don't want to have to memorize reams of theory only to have some GM whip out some novelty and force them to work it all out over the board. Also, with white, why risk the KG when you can gain a safe edge ...[text shortened]... e Dragon is bad, there are just better alternatives. Like a hot chick and a hotter chick. 😀
Originally posted by BedlamIf I ever do hit that point I'll have to consider switching I suppose. But I'm still very skeptical of those comments. Did you ask her how Spassky, Polgar, and others have managed to compile amazing scores with it playing some 300-400 points above that level?
I was talking to my tutor about the KG, she used to play it up until she was around 2300. I asked her why she gave it up and she explained that after 2300ish the players are so good that the KG isnt a great choice for white, black with precise play gets a very good game.
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- 4211
Originally posted by cmsMasterI think she ment as a regular opening. Its a good backup opening no doubt.
If I ever do hit that point I'll have to consider switching I suppose. But I'm still very skeptical of those comments. Did you ask her how Spassky, Polgar, and others have managed to compile amazing scores with it playing some 300-400 points above that level?