1. d4 Defence Options - OzChess

**Calvin** · 12-26-2010, 01:08 AM

I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense.

Thanks in advance.

**Just2Good** · 12-26-2010, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Calvin

I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense.

Thanks in advance.

Why don't you just play e6 to d4. If white then plays e4, it transposes to a French. If white plays c4, then after d5 you have a Queen's Gambit.

**mowcop** · 12-26-2010, 09:53 PM

If you play Alekhine's Defence, you probably enjoy watching your opponent build a centre and then you attack it. Why not try the Grunfeld as it is based on the same philosophy?

**Brian** · 12-27-2010, 08:36 AM

English Defence: 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6.

Not very popular, but quite tricky and surprisingly robust.

**Simon** · 12-27-2010, 04:22 PM

Originally Posted by Calvin

I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense.

Thanks in advance.

the QGA looks like a good equivalent of the Alekhine, if it's really what you're after. Among the common points :
- narrow & frequent repertoire (complemented with your 1.c4 e5 and maybe 1.Nf3 d5 intending 2.c4 dc) ;
- in main lines (Alekhine's 4.Nf3, QGA's 6.a4) Black has to wait for his opponent to mishandle the position or make mistakes ;
- White can sometimes play aggressively (QGA's 3.e4 should be more frequent than Alekhine's 4pawns) ;
- Black has some early variations depending on White's move order (e.g. Bg4 systems).

About other suggestions in this thread :
- The Gruenfeld is quite different in nature, you have to prepare a lot of theory and a lot of lines, only to find out that every <2200 has a pet anti-gruenfeld ;
- The Chigorin requires mindset & bravery rather than theory, but only works well against people playing "general" moves. Consistent opponents will give you a fight, stronger will draw you into some bishop-pair ending ;
- the Dutch is another standalone opening, and the ...g6 system can be played against 1.c4 or 1.Nf3. However, due to the Alekhine you have to play 1.d4 f5, allowing the rather threatening Staunton gambits.

So, the QGA looks like a good candidate. Later on, when you're comfortable against Queen's Gambit Exchange Variation, you may steer toward the Lasker, which is also very alekhin-ish. Note that the exchange variation requires you to "threaten" a kingside attack in order to balance White's ambition on the queenside.

**Garetoe** · 01-09-2011, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by Calvin

I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense.

Thanks in advance.

What is your rating? It is difficult to offer constructive advice without knowing some information about your playing strength.

The Queen's Gambit Declined is the oldest defence to 1.d4, meaning it cannot be a bad option.

**APBCPT** · 06-02-2011, 09:11 AM

Hi,

I have played 1...Nc6 for years - probably about 15 years - you can play it against ANY first move for white. It is worth the effort to learn.
Buy the book (if it is in print still!) "A Complete Defence for Black" by Keene and Jacobs. All you will ever need. I suppose it depends on your rating too - but it has taken me over 2000 FIDE so I reckon it is good enough

Regards.

**Sheroff** · 06-03-2011, 06:42 PM

I think statistically, the most successful defense against 1.d4 is the Nimzo-Indian.

Cheers,
Kevin Casey

**Just2Good** · 06-04-2011, 11:18 AM

Originally Posted by Sheroff

I think statistically, the most successful defense against 1.d4 is the Nimzo-Indian.

Cheers,
Kevin Casey

Is that taking into account only the games played by titled players, or just Grandmasters?

I have always liked the Dutch Leningrad, however, so few GM's play it that the stats for it must be inaccurate due to small sample size.

**Blake7** · 10-15-2011, 02:05 AM

I like playing Nimzo in long games..... Benko in blitz but maybe not against strong players

**Grant Szuveges** · 10-18-2011, 01:10 AM

Why not the Budapest?

1.d4,Nf6 2.c4,e5

The philosophies are similar to that of Alekhines Defence: White has a good position, but it isnt so clear what he/she can do with it. If white pushes too hard (in either Alekhines or Budapest) black will vaccum them!

The only problem is that after 1.d4,Nf6 2.Nf3 you will need to have another defence prepared... Maybe 2...b6 in that position.

I also like the idea of 1.d4,Nc6 - that is quite a reasonable system. Erik Teichmann has been playing it for years and has really good results with it.

**flavid dude** · 02-02-2012, 06:29 AM

Originally Posted by APBCPT

Hi,

I have played 1...Nc6 for years - probably about 15 years - you can play it against ANY first move for white. It is worth the effort to learn.
Buy the book (if it is in print still!) "A Complete Defence for Black" by Keene and Jacobs. All you will ever need. I suppose it depends on your rating too - but it has taken me over 2000 FIDE so I reckon it is good enough

Regards.

If you play 1.Nc6 then the book you need is Play 1...Nc6 by Wisnewski. However I shall make another post about choosing your opening systems in general.

**flavid dude** · 02-02-2012, 07:03 AM

One very good piece of advice was given to Ortvin Sarapu when preparing for an interzonal by a Russian GM. It was to select the repertoire of a GM whose style is similar to yours.

For example Moskalenko has a very interesting opening repertoire and even better has written really good books on the openings he plays.

Another piece of advice I was given by a New Zealand IM was that it often pays to play an opening not knowing whether much about it to see if you like the positions that arise. Read the article by the Smurf in the latest issue of Auslralasian Chess. This indicates a really good way to learn a New Opening.

Just don't try it in correspondence unless you are happy with the positions that arise from the opening. I have months of work ahead of me playing positions which do not suit my style just by trying a new opening.

Which Grandmasters to copy.

Bent Larsen if you are a warrier. His book of games is brilliant.

Ulf Andersson if you are a stodge merchant. Anyone who can reach number four in over the board rankings and number one in ICCF correspondence rankings has got to be good. Maybe you should play the hedgehog as both white and black. But you need to be sneakier than a Chicago Democrat politician. Incidentally the book "Grandmaster Chess Strategy" about the games of Ulf Andersson is a great text on middle game play and includes some nice hedgehogs.

As far as the Modern Benoni is concerned it is not an easy opening to play. The theory is always in a state of flux. Furthermore you have to have some unusual variations in your repertoire in case the play goes 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3

Incidentally if white plays 1.Nf3 you need to be well prepared.

12-26-2010, 01:08 AM	#1 (permalink)
Calvin Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Melbourne Posts: 268	1. d4 Defence Options I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense. Thanks in advance.

12-26-2010, 01:38 PM	#2 (permalink)
Just2Good Tin Cup Champ 2004 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cairns Posts: 6,233 ICC Handle: Advantage FICS Handle: Advantage	Originally Posted by Calvin I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense. Thanks in advance. Why don't you just play e6 to d4. If white then plays e4, it transposes to a French. If white plays c4, then after d5 you have a Queen's Gambit. __________________ . "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." ~ Isaiah Berlin ~

12-26-2010, 09:53 PM	#3 (permalink)
mowcop fireeater Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne Posts: 825	If you play Alekhine's Defence, you probably enjoy watching your opponent build a centre and then you attack it. Why not try the Grunfeld as it is based on the same philosophy? __________________ Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand I'm trying out a new blog site..... http://gorkachc.blogspot.com/

12-27-2010, 04:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
Simon Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 182	Originally Posted by Calvin I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense. Thanks in advance. the QGA looks like a good equivalent of the Alekhine, if it's really what you're after. Among the common points : - narrow & frequent repertoire (complemented with your 1.c4 e5 and maybe 1.Nf3 d5 intending 2.c4 dc) ; - in main lines (Alekhine's 4.Nf3, QGA's 6.a4) Black has to wait for his opponent to mishandle the position or make mistakes ; - White can sometimes play aggressively (QGA's 3.e4 should be more frequent than Alekhine's 4pawns) ; - Black has some early variations depending on White's move order (e.g. Bg4 systems). About other suggestions in this thread : - The Gruenfeld is quite different in nature, you have to prepare a lot of theory and a lot of lines, only to find out that every <2200 has a pet anti-gruenfeld ; - The Chigorin requires mindset & bravery rather than theory, but only works well against people playing "general" moves. Consistent opponents will give you a fight, stronger will draw you into some bishop-pair ending ; - the Dutch is another standalone opening, and the ...g6 system can be played against 1.c4 or 1.Nf3. However, due to the Alekhine you have to play 1.d4 f5, allowing the rather threatening Staunton gambits. So, the QGA looks like a good candidate. Later on, when you're comfortable against Queen's Gambit Exchange Variation, you may steer toward the Lasker, which is also very alekhin-ish. Note that the exchange variation requires you to "threaten" a kingside attack in order to balance White's ambition on the queenside.

01-09-2011, 09:05 PM	#6 (permalink)
Garetoe Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 24	Originally Posted by Calvin I'm trying to build a repertoire against 1. d4. I've tried several systems: the modern benoni, the leningrad dutch, the benko gambit and the tarrasch defense. But there are problems with all of them: the modern benoni is not easy to learn, and it's theory always changing. I don't like the leningrad dutch because it's too aggressive for my style, and it's also pretty theoretical. If I play the benko gambit, then I'll have no answer against 1.Nf3. The tarrasch defense is too aggressive for me, like the leningrad dutch. So anyone have suggestions to help me to find a defense against 1.d4 which has non of the problem of the systems above and which will fit together with the alekhine defense. Thanks in advance. What is your rating? It is difficult to offer constructive advice without knowing some information about your playing strength. The Queen's Gambit Declined is the oldest defence to 1.d4, meaning it cannot be a bad option.

12-27-2010, 08:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
Brian Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 149	English Defence: 1.d4 e6 2.c4 b6. Not very popular, but quite tricky and surprisingly robust.

06-02-2011, 09:11 AM	#7 (permalink)
APBCPT Junior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: London Posts: 20	Hi, I have played 1...Nc6 for years - probably about 15 years - you can play it against ANY first move for white. It is worth the effort to learn. Buy the book (if it is in print still!) "A Complete Defence for Black" by Keene and Jacobs. All you will ever need. I suppose it depends on your rating too - but it has taken me over 2000 FIDE so I reckon it is good enough Regards.

06-03-2011, 06:42 PM	#8 (permalink)
Sheroff Member Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 30	I think statistically, the most successful defense against 1.d4 is the Nimzo-Indian. Cheers, Kevin Casey

06-04-2011, 11:18 AM	#9 (permalink)
Just2Good Tin Cup Champ 2004 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Cairns Posts: 6,233 ICC Handle: Advantage FICS Handle: Advantage	Originally Posted by Sheroff I think statistically, the most successful defense against 1.d4 is the Nimzo-Indian. Cheers, Kevin Casey Is that taking into account only the games played by titled players, or just Grandmasters? I have always liked the Dutch Leningrad, however, so few GM's play it that the stats for it must be inaccurate due to small sample size. __________________ . "The fox knows many things, but the hedgehog knows one big thing." ~ Isaiah Berlin ~

10-15-2011, 02:05 AM	#10 (permalink)
Blake7 Junior Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Posts: 24	I like playing Nimzo in long games..... Benko in blitz but maybe not against strong players

10-18-2011, 01:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
Grant Szuveges Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 1,003	Why not the Budapest? 1.d4,Nf6 2.c4,e5 The philosophies are similar to that of Alekhines Defence: White has a good position, but it isnt so clear what he/she can do with it. If white pushes too hard (in either Alekhines or Budapest) black will vaccum them! The only problem is that after 1.d4,Nf6 2.Nf3 you will need to have another defence prepared... Maybe 2...b6 in that position. I also like the idea of 1.d4,Nc6 - that is quite a reasonable system. Erik Teichmann has been playing it for years and has really good results with it. __________________ People who have nothing to hide post using their real names...

02-02-2012, 06:29 AM	#12 (permalink)
flavid dude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 336	1...Nc6 Originally Posted by APBCPT Hi, I have played 1...Nc6 for years - probably about 15 years - you can play it against ANY first move for white. It is worth the effort to learn. Buy the book (if it is in print still!) "A Complete Defence for Black" by Keene and Jacobs. All you will ever need. I suppose it depends on your rating too - but it has taken me over 2000 FIDE so I reckon it is good enough Regards. If you play 1.Nc6 then the book you need is Play 1...Nc6 by Wisnewski. However I shall make another post about choosing your opening systems in general. __________________ Box Hill Chess Club -website http://www.boxhillchess.org.au/ Canterbury Junior Chess Club -website [url]http://canterburychess.org.au/index.php

02-02-2012, 07:03 AM	#13 (permalink)
flavid dude Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 336	Choosing your opening systems against 1.d4 One very good piece of advice was given to Ortvin Sarapu when preparing for an interzonal by a Russian GM. It was to select the repertoire of a GM whose style is similar to yours. For example Moskalenko has a very interesting opening repertoire and even better has written really good books on the openings he plays. Another piece of advice I was given by a New Zealand IM was that it often pays to play an opening not knowing whether much about it to see if you like the positions that arise. Read the article by the Smurf in the latest issue of Auslralasian Chess. This indicates a really good way to learn a New Opening. Just don't try it in correspondence unless you are happy with the positions that arise from the opening. I have months of work ahead of me playing positions which do not suit my style just by trying a new opening. Which Grandmasters to copy. Bent Larsen if you are a warrier. His book of games is brilliant. Ulf Andersson if you are a stodge merchant. Anyone who can reach number four in over the board rankings and number one in ICCF correspondence rankings has got to be good. Maybe you should play the hedgehog as both white and black. But you need to be sneakier than a Chicago Democrat politician. Incidentally the book "Grandmaster Chess Strategy" about the games of Ulf Andersson is a great text on middle game play and includes some nice hedgehogs. As far as the Modern Benoni is concerned it is not an easy opening to play. The theory is always in a state of flux. Furthermore you have to have some unusual variations in your repertoire in case the play goes 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 Incidentally if white plays 1.Nf3 you need to be well prepared. __________________ Box Hill Chess Club -website http://www.boxhillchess.org.au/ Canterbury Junior Chess Club -website [url]http://canterburychess.org.au/index.php

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