A Secure Opening for White by Bo Bredenhof Last month I recommended the Leningrad Dutch as a secure choice against the queen pawn openings. This time I will have a look at the white side. Most players select 1.e4 or 1.d4. It is understandable but probably not optimal if one wants an opening in CC primarily to avoid losses. Both lead to very large opening complexes depending on black's answer. It is then impossible to avoid entering an opening or variation where your opponent is much more experienced. Instead I am looking for a relatively small opening where it is possible to become my own expert, and where I decide what type of position we will play. If you already play the … [Read more...]
How to Answer 1.d4 in CC
How to Answer 1.d4 in CC by Bo Bredenhof Last month I discussed my experiences in how to answer 1.e4. This time I will talk about different answers to 1.d4. I have tried many different opening variations over the years. I believe I started with 1...d5, with the Tartakower Defense as my main variation. This is very solid, and GM Adams has had a lot of success with it in OTB games. There is a problem of course; White do not have to comply. He often chooses the Exchange variation or the Bf4 QGD, just to mention two common alternatives. Both of these can be very difficult for Black to handle; and are more solid for White. The winning chances for Black are small in these variations. I … [Read more...]
Openings in CC
by Bo Bredenhof Opening choice and preparation in OTB chess are important. The goal is to reach a known position that offers adequate chances, and, if lucky, the opponent goes astray somewhere. It also saves important reflection time. In CC opening choice is even more important. There are many openings that are suitable for OTB play, but are not strong enough in CC, and these should be avoided. There is no room for bluffs, sudden tactical traps, or playing on the clock. Gambits are mostly only good for draws. Ratings are also a consideration of course. In CC it is very hard to win a game. Our computer engine assistants are very strong and they tend to find a way to a draw even in … [Read more...]
A New Style
This is my fiftieth chronicle, but I still feel privileged to be able to write about our fine CC sport. You can find the previous columns in the ChessCafe.com Archives. Last month I wrote about my new openings: the English as white, and the Caro-Kann and King's Indian as black. My games with these new openings have advanced to between ten and twenty moves and I am satisfied with the resulting positions. I am not worse in any game and may have a small edge in a few. The English can be played in many ways. Presently, I prefer the classical variations with 1.c4, followed by 2.Nc3. After that I vary between 3.g3 and 4.g3. There is also the Kosten/Marin alternative with 2.g3, which I use … [Read more...]