I think Kindermann overstates the problem of 1.Nf3 f5 2.d3. Black should play 1.Nf3 f5 2.d3 Nc6 3.d4 e6. In some "anti-Leningrad" lines Kindermann opts for Stonewall type positions but never for any e6/d6 positions. In this case I think this is what black ought to do (perhaps with Bb4(+) played before d6) if immediate e5 is not possible. There was a thread some time ago about this issue. 

I can't remember exactly how, but even after 1...d6 Kindermann suggested a certain move order to get to the Leningrad which might not lead to the Najdorf in case of e4.

1.Nf3 f5 2.d3 could be met by 2...Nc6/2...d6 intending 3.e4 e5!?. 3.d3 is pretty innocuous in any e-pawn opening, and my preference would be to go for the KGD minus a tempo. I can't see white having much chance of advantage.

Still, it's all about personal preference.. the Latvian-type positions that can arise after the transposition aren't to everyone's taste. 

After 1.Nf3 d6 white could very conceivably play 2.b4 (since all of the most dangerous lines for black have now been cut out), or 2.c4 heading for an English where he will not play d4 (most likely an early d3 and looking for queenside expansion as in some KIA lines).

If I knew my opponent played a Leningrad and played 1.Nf3 d6, 2.b4 would certainly be my preference.

Regards,
Craig  

Nice game indeed Mnb..!

But I... still have a liking for the Leningrad!

Of course my long-(long)-term plan is to incorporate other Dutch systems in my repertoire as alternatives (hence I hope that the time spent on the Leningrad won't be wasted..).

Moreover, having played the KID (& in fewer cases the Grunfeld & the Benko), seems to help in understanding its positional concepts (which I like anyway).

The one thing I haven't taken into account however is the following:

1) Which Dutch system stands/transposes better considering anti-Dutch lines? (or does it not matter at all, i.e. if we are talking about only 2-3 lines, then this won't affect my decision-making).

2) I have noticed (in Kindermann's book, this thread and some other thread on the flank openings) that 1. Nf3 f5, 2. d3 could be a problem for Dutch players. Since I like playing the Najdorf I was planning to go for 1. Nf3 d6. Will play go for Leningrad or Najdorf or is there something else I am missing?

Thanks, hck

CKH,

you might reconsider your initial preference for the Leningrad after playing through this game:

Sokolov,I (2689) - Williams,S (2452) [A96]
XXII Open Reykjavik ISL (2), 07.03.2006

1.d4 e6 2.c4 f5 3.g3 Pf6 4.Lg2 Le7 5.Pf3 0-0 6.0-0 d6 7.Pc3 Pe4 8.Ld2 Pc6 9.d5 Pxd2 10.Pxd2 Pe5 11.e3 c6 12.b4 Lf6 13.Dc2 Ld7 14.Tad1 a5 15.b5 cxd5 16.cxd5 Tc8 17.Pdb1 Lxb5 18.dxe6 Lxf1 19.Kxf1 Kh8 20.Lxb7 Tc7 21.Db3 a4 22.Pxa4 De8 23.Pbc3 Dh5 24.Lg2 Pf3 25.Lxf3 Dxf3 26.Dd5 Dh5 27.Dxd6 Tfc8 28.Kg2 h6 29.Pb5 Tc2 30.Pb6 f4 31.exf4 De2 32.Tf1 De4+ 33.Kg1 Txf2 34.Txf2 Tc1+ 35.Tf1 Tc2 36.Dd5 De2 37.Dh1 De3+ 0-1

White is Dutch champion and known as a player who knows how to combine solidity with winning chances. The game is rather typical for the messy, unbalanced play you can expect with this opening.

Thanks, I've just checked this out (as well as the "Dutch Leningrad by Neil McDonald" and some others). 

It looks as if Kindermann's book is the most fun (and has a better format too). With regard to analysis provided, it looks OK but I will have to read it first and keep you posted..

@Alias and all:

I got on my hands the english edition of the Kindermann book (for Leningrad), which looks very well written & organised. A friend of mine has also explained to me the main ideas which look wonderful, so I'm thinking about giving the Leningrad a try (it looks more familiar to me to be honest, resembles the KID in many plans).

(what I am afraid though, is the initial period wich may include a few set-backs.. But, I've been having a few set-backs with the KID anyway) - 

1. KID or Dutch? (just your gut feeling, no need to back up your opinion)

Dutch

2. If Dutch, what system ? (e.g. Leningrad)

The Leningrad with 7...Nc6 is quite underestimated imo, and also hardly mentioned by recent theory books. You even have a choice between 8.d5 Ne5 with very sharp play or the more positional 8...Na5. At your level this line could actually result in a KID with a few extra tempii for black, as low rated players frequently avoid d5xe6 e.p. when black goes e7-e5 later on. 

3. In view of the above, what book? (I have no experience with the opening / I'm about 1900 ELO / try first to UNDERSTAND my openings / able to learn a few variations) 

Suggested sources: NiC YB had some articles about 8...Ne5 by Michael Jensen one or two years ago. McDonald's book on the Leningrad is also interesting, especially since it's one of very few that mentions 7...Nc6 (& both Na5 and Ne5) and he does a good job of explaining the basic strategy etc.

Though, don't forget that with the Leningrad you're a dutch player first - i.e. you need to know what to do against: 2.e4, 2.g4, 2.Qd3, 2.Nc3 and 2.Bg5 and even if you know the theory, you should be prepared for a few setbacks in the beginning as it takes a while to develop the skill of handling the dutch. - But this is also why it's such a effective weapon once you learned it!

1. KID, if those variations are a turn off then any opening will. It is like saying you wont play the Najdorf because you dont like the c3 sicilian. Anyway for the g3 variations you could consider transposing to the grunfeld.

Though I have to admit I have a certain bias against moving the f-pawn so soon