HgMan wrote on 12/08/07 at 21:03:07:



What is offensive (imho) is this sort of politically correct fanaticism (or near fanaticism).    I don't see what was so terrible about "old woman," "weeny" and making a mild joke/comment about the possible sexual fetish of certain kinds of French players.     

drkodos wrote on 12/09/07 at 01:46:57:


First of all..Have you really played someone who knows how to play against this system ?

Second I didnt see anything in your reply telling me where the universlism is in this french 3..dxe4 opening. 

* In this opening you dont get too many different kind of endgames. Very many are the same.

* The game doesnt get very tactical.

* Its not dynamic.

* Its rather passive. When white get a space advantage wich he can hold for a long time if he so wishes. Black is passive and doesnt have much more counterplay than the -c5 push. A push that white is just sitting and waiting for.

*Compare this to other french setups. Where black is very active once he has got out of whites grip. You can get offensive king side attacks as well as a nice attack on the queenside. In those french set ups you will be able to play more different endgames (wich will make you a better player as a whole).

By chosing a different french set up you will be a better player. Not only that you will have much more fun when playing chess also !!

Can it be better ?

kalle99 wrote on 12/08/07 at 21:03:07:


Defence. I haven't played this particular system myself, but I've played other lines which you would probably render as "boring." In fact, against stronger players I enjoy playing such lines in order to see what they can come up with. Strong players always manage to come up with something, and then I have to find the best defence. I know many disagree with me, but I actually enjoy defending as much as attacking!

And against weaker players, any opening not leading to a perpetual check can be a winning try - somehow winning chances always appear if you play better than the opponent after the opening. At least, that's my experience.

You're still a "real muppet."  My main comments had to do with:

1. A rather inappropriate use of gendered language that I find rather offensive.  It has no business on this forum.  You may not like the opening, but your opponent's decision has nothing to do with his/her virility, sexual orientation, or anything else of that nature.  Grow up!

2. You must have a limited appreciation for chess if you can't appreciate the beauty of simple positions.  Don't complain; study.  Learn to appreciate them.

If you have a plus score against this, then congratulations.  But, if so: 

1. Why complain?
2. Why spend money on a DVD to beat it?
3. Why assume your opponent is only trying to draw?

This is a perfectly solid and sound line for Black.  I've not played it, but I spent a lot of time playing the Caro Kann and have a good record with it.  Black is playing patiently and soundly and maybe has some endgame skills.  If chess is war--hmmm...--Black may be playing to his or her strengths.

Nuff said.  If you have any theory or lines you want to discuss, go ahead.  Otherwise, sod off...

HgMan wrote on 12/08/07 at 18:29:36:


HGman you probably missed my earlier post where I wrote that I have a plus score against this boring opening and the french as a whole. I am just telling people to chose another french system. It will develop their game better and lead to more exciting chess. Not boring chess.

You dont have to go for a draw as black. You can play for the win!! Ask Andres Adorjan who wrote : Black is OK!

http://www.chessfighter.com/

I'll ask again: stick to chess and leave out the sexual/gendered rubbish.   

What's wrong with ...dxe4?  It's legal, it's a perfectly good move, and it seems to get you off your game.  Seems as though it deserves a "!" if you ask me.

If you're facing this a lot, I think your opponent has little respect for your ability to make sensible moves in an even middlegame.  Judging by your crass impatience, I would say that s/he is onto something...

I must admit I find the endless gendered associations on these threads to be inappropriate and rather offensive.  I would much prefer that we analyzed chess on its merits than on the relative "masculinity" of a line.  I suspect that Kalle's original complaint had as much to do with his not being able to beat these "weak and feeble" lines.  Lack of imagination, lack of preparation, and lack of appreciation of chess' true beauty.  Who's the muppet now?  Go play checkers.  I hear Risk is a pretty good game...

The people at the Pub have spent a great deal of time and energy discussing annoyingly boring lines such as this and the Exchange French.  Of course everyone has the right to be boring, but we also have the right to complain about it!

I'm not into the zen of chess in which every move made by my opponent must be met with equanimity.  I liked it when Kasparov expressed shock, disappointment, disapproval and sheer exasperation at his opponents' poor moves.  It's ok for us to say that passive play is bad play!  It's ok to say that boring chess is "anti-chess"!

I say this knowing full well that I have been accused of playing boring chess.  But my win/loss to draw ratio is much lower than some who play "exciting" gambits!