22 Jan 07
Originally posted by bassoIf you play the English it's actually possible to avoid those variations, just don't follow up with 2.d4. 🙂 I think a lot of people use the accelerated fianchetto against nearly everything.
Since the English can transpose into so many different openings, I'm wondering if it would be smart to familiarize oneself with these variations BEFORE getting into the English per se. Smart, or no? And secondly, what are those other transpositions, anyway? Thanks.
22 Jan 07
Originally posted by cmsMasterIf not the accelerated fianchetto then possibly e3.
If you play the English it's actually possible to avoid those variations, just don't follow up with 2.d4. 🙂 I think a lot of people use the accelerated fianchetto against nearly everything.
22 Jan 07
Originally posted by bassoI suggest you learn the Catalan. Everything else can be handled from a purely english setup.
Since the English can transpose into so many different openings, I'm wondering if it would be smart to familiarize oneself with these variations BEFORE getting into the English per se. Smart, or no? And secondly, what are those other transpositions, anyway? Thanks.
22 Jan 07
1 edit
Originally posted by zebanozebano is right, definantly learn the Catalan if you plan on playing the english. I do know that there are some black lines that will force you to go into this opening, so definantly be prepared.
I suggest you learn the Catalan. Everything else can be handled from a purely english setup.
EDIT: but if black simply plays 1....d5 then play 2. cxd5 and be prepared to tourment the poor soul.
22 Jan 07
Originally posted by c guy1Actually to follow up what Tony said in the other English thread...
zebano is right, definantly learn the Catalan if you plan on playing the english. I do know that there are some black lines that will force you to go into this opening, so definantly be prepared.
EDIT: but if black simply plays 1....d5 then play 2. cxd5 and be prepared to tourment the poor soul.
To paraphrase... The dutch is worse against the english than against 1. d4 as you can play d3 and e4.
The key in the english is that while most games are closed, strategic games, you have to be willing to exchange one advantage for another. For instance, when you play d3 and e4 against the dutch, all of a sudden you have a wide open game and your advantage is usually a lead in development or the fact that his centralize dark squared bishop is now exposed to attack.
and just to contradict myself, here is an english game of mine vrs. the dutch with d3 and e4 that locked the center, but I was able to sac my b pawn in order to obtain play on the wing.
Game 2504036