Why do you play your opening?

I am really enjoying the Black Lion, aka Philidor Hanham Variation. I find that I can use it against anything and often allows me an attack on white's kingside.

With the white pieces I don't have a favorite.

It's the only way to reach the middle-game. 😵

Originally posted by BigDoggProblem
It's the only way to reach the middle-game. 😵

About half the time I realky don't like the middle game I get.

Because I felt like it :3

Originally posted by 64squaresofpain
Because I felt like it :3

What do you like about it?

I like the English, because of its flexibility and it requires me to learn lots of variations that are relevant to other openings.

Originally posted by Eladar
I am really enjoying the Black Lion, aka Philidor Hanham Variation. I find that I can use it against anything and often allows me an attack on white's kingside.

With the white pieces I don't have a favorite.

English as white because of it's diversity. Caro Kann vs e4 and Slav vs d4 because they have similar pawn and piece structures, this eliminates studying massive amounts of opening theory.

Originally posted by mchill
English as white because of it's diversity. Caro Kann vs e4 and Slav vs d4 because they have similar pawn and piece structures, this eliminates studying massive amounts of opening theory.

You have a split personality, diversity for white, consistency as black. Why do you like the pawn structure as black?

Originally posted by Eladar
About half the time I realky don't like the middle game I get.

Sounds like your openings need a tune-up.

Originally posted by BigDoggProblem
Sounds like your openings need a tune-up.

More likely my middle and end games.

Originally posted by Eladar
You have a split personality, diversity for white, consistency as black. Why do you like the pawn structure as black?

Why do you like the pawn structure as black?

1. It's not because of the pawn structure. These were the weapons of choice Karpov used successfully many times, even Kasparov found them tough to crack, that's good enough for me.

Originally posted by mchill
Why do you like the pawn structure as black?

1. It's not because of the pawn structure. These were the weapons of choice Karpov used successfully many times, even Kasparov found them tough to crack, that's good enough for me.

So you play it to copy your hero.

Originally posted by Eladar
So you play it to copy your hero.

Perhaps a little, but, I also play them because they are solid, don't require a massive amount opening study, and have a proven track record of success.

So, what's your attraction to the Black Lion?

Originally posted by mchill
Perhaps a little, but, I also play them because they are solid, don't require a massive amount opening study, and have a proven track record of success.

There are many defenses that have a proven track record when played by great players.

Originally posted by Eladar
There are many defenses that have a proven track record when played by great players.

True, but I found it's best learn a little bit about all the openings, and a great deal about a few. I had to make a choice, so these are mine.