Willempie,
Thanks for the response. I'll try to clarify the type of openings I'm looking for. I've often been advised to play the open games for several years before trying other systems. Thus, the Spanish would more clearly illustrate the importance of the basic opening principles (control the center, castle early, develop your pieces, etc.), than the French, say, with its blocked bishop, cramped positions, and games in which castling is delayed or omitted. In short, I've been told by more experienced players to play 1.e4, and meet e4 with e5 and d4 with d5. The Kaufman book does exactly that.
Another concern is that I don't feel like I have a "style" at this point. I seem to favor positional games slightly, but that may just be a fear of getting destroyed by brilliant combinations early in the game (slowly getting squeezed to death in 45 moves feels like a closer game than resigning on move 18 facing mate in 2). It's difficult for me to say that a particular opening is too positional/tactical or that some lines in repertoire are not to my liking until I play them for a while. But, then, how do I choose the openings to test out? The Kaufman book seemed to provide a very solid foundation in one volume. I can say, for the time being, "this is my repertoire" and feel secure that I can look up lines that trouble me and be prepared for most things that my opponent will throw at me.
Thanks again, Scott
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