Quote:In your intitial post you said you hated the dull positions that arose from some of the anti-sicilian systems. I can certainly sympathize with your feelings but what defence doesn't have this problem?
Like anyone else, there are lines I like to play and those I don't, but there's no such thing as a dull position--just positions in which the beauty of the struggle escapes us.
For example, in looking for a way to counter the Slav a number of years ago, I spent some time exploring the Exchange variation (1 d4 d5 2 c4 c6 3 cxd5). I was playing against stronger opposition, so it was a useful tool to try and simplify and play for the draw. As I analyzed the variations, I found myself intrigued by some of the positions of what is typically regarded as a dull and drawish opening.
Having dabbled with the Kalashnikov myself, it certainly is a swashbuckling way to play, but careful preparation for responses to 2 c3 yielded interest in that variation (not to mention some rather strong results!). When preparing our opening repertoire, I think amateur players start with the romantic or "desirable" lines, which renders the more practical analysis of sidelines and less topical variations (the ones we're likely to play at least 75-80% of the time) much less attractive.
Just an observation, but any position can be rich and interesting. Chess is chess!
Pages: 
Opening repertoire: Scandinavian vs. Alekhine (Read 44948 times)
