I'm looking to make one opening and one defense mine for a while so I may understand them better and learn a little more about chess. In another thread, someone had listed that a certain defense was rated as "extremely solid" by most sources. It would be nice to see what other systems are extremely solid, strong, etc., do a little reading about their basic themes, and make a decision from that. Does anyone know of a site or any books that list the different, over-all strengths and weaknesses of openings and defenses (in the broadest sense)?
So, two things:
1) Any sources out there for me to read, Web or book?
2) Any suggestions for white and for black? I want to hear what you like about your favorite openings and defenses.
I look forward to reading your posts on this subject. Thanks in advance.
I'm working on using one opening and one defense. My choices are the English for White and the Pirc for Black. There are some threads below that discussed openings and some of them have book listings with them, you may want to read them as they may help you.
I wanted systems where the other player couldn't completely determine what I play. ie. 1.e4 if they play c5 I have to play a Sicilian, e5 and I have to play a Ruy Lopez or Scotch, etc. By playing 1.c4 I can keep the game 'English' and keep them away from their comfortable lines as much as possible. (Or hopefully I can once I learn some more 😉)
How important is it to be familiar with different chess openings. I just recently purchased a book titled "Play Winning Chess" by Yasser Seirawan. Haven't read much of it yet, but it was recommended to me by Dave.
I am simply lost when it comes to the different types of openings. I simply play the same way almost ever time, react to how the other player moves, and hope for the best. Dave taught me quite a bit about protecting my pieces and looking at all possible moves that can be made by my opponent in response to my moves, but that is as far as I know.
When I see people talk of their different move by saying bc6, I get lost. I need to memorize the board I guess, but I'm not sure what else to do.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Doug
So, two things:
1) Any sources out there for me to read, Web or book?
2) Any suggestions for white and for black? I want to hear what you like about your favorite openings and defenses.
My advice is:
1) stop reading about openings! Studying openings will not make you play better chess. Study tactics instead and...
2) start out with endgames. Especially pawn and rook endgames. Also be sure to learn how to mate the king with king and queen, king and two rooks, king and two bishops. Do you know the opposition?
Just by studying these endgames will take you rating up at least 200 points.
3) then study middle game. Study typical positions. Find out what positions you like and which you don't.
4) Play in a club. Try to avoid playing fast chess. Play slow chess against stronger players. Remember to write down your moves.
5) The games you lose are very important. Analyse them deeply! You made some mistakes! Find out what you thought. Write down you analysis. Don't stop playing that opening because it wasn't the opening it was you who made the mistakes!
6) Beware the pawns! Once you have moved them... they cannot go back!!
Start out with that! You've got work to do. Do these things and in a year you'll be laughing at the moves you play now!
Originally posted by ucpalexi agree with all that, except the 'stop reading about openings' bit. while it is important to study end games and so on, you're not even going to reach the end game a lot of the time if you can't handle the opening well. i don't advocate simply memorising openings, but trying to understand the ideas/logic behind each move - that can improve your chess in general, i think. the way to go is to get a sound knowledge of opening principles, while not neglecting other aspects of your chess. i have found Batsford's Modern Chess Openings 14th ed useful, if a little daunting at first sight. It talks a bit about the strengths and weaknesses of all the major variations of openings. I used it to select a set of openings i stick to pretty much now 9although i intend to expand the list in the future). mess up the opening and you will probably have a hard time getting back into the game, so i think it is worthwhile studying. Again, though, I agree that a study of openings is not in itself sufficient to make a good player - middle and end game tactics etc are also very important.
So, two things:
1) Any sources out there for me to read, Web or book?
2) Any suggestions for white and for black? I want to hear what you like about your favorite openings and defenses.
My advice is:
1) stop reading about openings! Studying openings will not make you play better chess. Study tactics instead and...
2) start out with endgames. Especi ...[text shortened]... e got work to do. Do these things and in a year you'll be laughing at the moves you play now!
David
Good information here--just like the books I've read. 🙂
I've done all the things you've mentioned, but the most useful was (by far) joining a chess club. I have to say that playing in real life with someone better than me on a 3D board really helps. I've switched my practice games vs. the PC to 3D now (instead of the flat 2D) to help me get used to "board vision".
Thanks for the info, everyone.
Actually, if you want to get a taste of some openings without buying a book right away, check out www.chesscorner.com and go to the 'learn' section. under 'intermediate' there are moves for many openings. doesn't say much about them, though. also there are sections on tactics. probably worth a look at.
David