Originally posted by arrakis2 problems though, I'm tending less to like giving away pawns, and I don't want something that's going to bend me over with theory. But it seems to me like I can't avoid this. 🙁
You should study either the Budapest gambit OR the Grunfeld. Both of these openings are sharp lines for Black with lots of tactics, which is what you like.
Originally posted by cmsMasterThen you want to play the Grunfeld. BUT, in order to be good you MUST study the latest lines no matter what you play. 😕
2 problems though, I'm tending less to like giving away pawns, and I don't want something that's going to bend me over with theory. But it seems to me like I can't avoid this. 🙁
Originally posted by cmsMasterI've chosen the Nimzo to study. I have Tony Kostens DVD (Bad Bishop series) and Chris Wards book: Starting Out: The Nimzo Indian (Everyman Chess) both are excellent.
I still can't decide on a response, and it's driving me nuts.
I've tested:
KID - right when I started playing, it's nice but theoretical...
Semi-Slav - just doesn't feel wild enough
Benko - IDK, it's nice, but I don't really know if I like the resulting positions that much... :/
Considering:
Nimzo Indian/Bogo Indian - Just worried about the ...[text shortened]... ssible boring continuations
Grunfeld - Pretty much the same thing
IDK, any help here?
Some moves from a game in the book in the chapter on The Classical Variation 4.Qc2..d5
Likavsky Cvitan
Charleville 2000
1. d4... Nf6
2. c4... e6
3. Nc3... Bb4
4. Qc2... d5
5. a3... Bxc3+
6. Qxc3...dxc4
7. Qxc4.. b6
The text here explains how Black has conceded the bishop pair for a dangerous lead in devlopment.
8. Nf3... 0-0
9. Bg5... Ba6
10. Bxf6?!...Qxf6
11. Qxc7... Rc8
12. Qe5... Qg6
13. Qg5...Qc2
14. Qd2...Qb3
15. Rb1...Nc6
16. e3...Bxf1
17. Rxf1...Na5
18. Qd1...Rc2
19. Ne5...Rac8
20. Nd3...R8c3
21. Nc1...Qc4
22. Ne2...Rd3
23. Qxc2...Qxc2
24. Rc1...Qd2 Mate
Many of the moves are commented on but time won't allow me to transcribe it here - hope you find this useful.
Originally posted by cmsMasterIt's quite interesting what this article has to say about it:
Well, tbh, I'd prefer something that is sound - now that I'm over 1600 and trying for 1700/1800 I really want something pretty sound. In any case I've never heard of the Baltic Defense, but I generally assume QGD = boring.
http://www.chess-openings.info/Closed-Games.html
"The Baltic Defense (2...Bf5) takes the most direct solution to solving the problem of Black's queen bishop by developing it on the second move. Although it is not trusted by most elite players, it has not been definitely refuted and some very strong grandmasters have played it."
I've played it once OTB, in a blitz game against a much higher rated player, I was comfortably winning for much of the game but started to make mistakes under time pressure and eventually lost. Also, I used to play at chessworld.net and tried it a few times there, usually people had no idea how to play against it and I could win easily.
2 edits
In case anyone is interested, here's my personal rating of the instructional video disks from Foxy Openings on a scale of 1-10
Budapest Gambit - 8
Kasparov's Deadly Weapon - 7
Deadly Sicilian Shockers - 8
Annoying d-pawn Openings -6
Untamed Chigorin! - 7
Learn the Endgame - 8
Learn the Middlegame - 7
Alekine - 5
Benko Gambit Accepted - 7
Benko Gambit Declined - 4
A couple of these dvd's will put you to sleep! So if you have trouble sleeping just watch one of the lower rated ones. 😵