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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a (Read 12642 times)
HoemberChess
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #17 - 01/21/09 at 12:01:15
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yes, it would have been more appropriate to open a new topic for your question and refer to mine in it, becuase now i can no longer expect answers to my own question, and people seem to mistake you for me at that... (i have not been able to say this earlier because i was on a trip for 5 days where i did't have access to the net.)

Quote:
Maybe I should start a new topic for this (since this topic is for your questions) so if you want I'll start a new topic for this. However, I see similarities with my problem, and maybe you could also help me with this, so I'll post a reply here for now.

As black I always liked to play the Scandinavian 3... Qa5 as black. The positions were easy to play and I always felt comfortable in such open positions. A while ago I saw my results with the Scandinavian get worse, and in some variations I didn't feel comfortable as black (sharper white tries), and I switched to the Berlin Wall which I also like for now (because I generally like queenless & open positions).

Positions I hate though are closed positions (KID as black, Benoni structures, French structures) and positions with so many intricacies that the correct plan depends on so many details (like in the Nimzo, when to play c7-c5 or d7-d5). I like it when the positions are open and the plans are quite clear. 

Now I see you play the Slav with an early dxc4. I guess those positions could be very similar to the Scandinavian structures if you can play Bf5, e6, Nbd7 etc. afterwards. But how well do those positions really compare? And what do you (or others) think would fit me best against 1. d4, given my preferences? The Slav with an early dxc4? Something else? 

Thanks in advance. And Hóember, if you feel this is too much off-topic, I'll move this to a new topic.

  
as
*W 1d4) Torre/Barry/Pirc/Philidor/ early _d5:early c4(QGD/Slav/QGD/etc)
*B) 1e4:e6 [+1_c5 2Nf3 a6]| 1d4:e6 2c4 Bb4+ BID/pseudoNID [+1_Nf6 NID]| 1c4:c5,_Nc6,_e5,_g6| 1Nf3:c5
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Phobetor
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #16 - 01/18/09 at 22:55:08
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Miki wrote on 01/18/09 at 15:18:51:
Quote:
Anyone? Any suggestions for openings that lead to open, "simple" positions after 1. d4?

In my opinion, all of these could fit well within your conditions:
1) Normal Slav (which is a bit too theoretical for my taste, but definitely not as critical as let's say Semi-Slav), or for a less theoretical alternative that allows for creativity - Chebanenko Slav.
2) Tartakower defence in QGD (but you would also have to cover exchange variation and some early Bf4 lines by white) - the only QGD line I would ever play if I really had to play QGD. 
3) Queen's gambit Accepted could also be an option - it will definitely give you open positions and enough space in most of the variations. Good thing is that black usually has few alternatives to whatever variation white selects, therefore you probably could find appropriate response (one that best fits your style) to each of white's lines. Main line is a bit too theoretical but if you have better things to do in your life there are solid alternatives in form of Alekhine and some other variations. Smiley

Btw, what are you playing against 1.d4 at the moment?


Thanks for the detailed reply! To first answer your question, what I currently play otb against 1. d4 depends on my mood and taste for that particular game Cheesy Sometimes I play some form of an Old Indian (1... d6), sometimes I play the KID (and often regret choosing this around move 10), and sometimes I just play 1... g6 which mostly transposes to one of the above. 

About your suggestions:
1) I guess the Slav could be fine. However, it seems to me that if white wants a draw, he can get this easily, when for example he plays cxd5 at some point and just puts rooks on the c-file and his queen on b3. I guess I'd prefer more asymmetrical structures than this.
2) Well, that's less symmetrical, but after an early cxd5 exd5 (or will black play Nxd5?) I still prefer white's structure over black's any day.
3) That looks like a serious option, but it makes more sense to me to not put the cards out on the table yet and first play something like c6, Nf6 and only then take on c4. If possible I would also try to hang on to the pawn as long as possible with black, I've always been a materialist Smiley Do you know if there is any such way for black to hold on to the c-pawn with b5, a6, c6 etc., without losing the game quickly on the rest of the board? Smiley

I was also thinking about the Grunfeld. The positions are quite open, the pawn structure is asymmetrical, and the positions I've seen when black played the Grunfeld appeal to me. Drawbacks seem to be that there's quite alot of theory you need to know as black (I'm prepared to spend quite some time to this though), and, well, is it even solid enough? I remember seeing Topalov crush Shirov in the Grunfeld in one of the nicest games of Corus 2007. Has this "problem" been "fixed" yet for black? And are there other variations where black struggles for equality?
  
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Miki
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #15 - 01/18/09 at 15:18:51
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Quote:
Anyone? Any suggestions for openings that lead to open, "simple" positions after 1. d4?

In my opinion, all of these could fit well within your conditions:
1) Normal Slav (which is a bit too theoretical for my taste, but definitely not as critical as let's say Semi-Slav), or for a less theoretical alternative that allows for creativity - Chebanenko Slav.
2) Tartakower defence in QGD (but you would also have to cover exchange variation and some early Bf4 lines by white) - the only QGD line I would ever play if I really had to play QGD. 
3) Queen's gambit Accepted could also be an option - it will definitely give you open positions and enough space in most of the variations. Good thing is that black usually has few alternatives to whatever variation white selects, therefore you probably could find appropriate response (one that best fits your style) to each of white's lines. Main line is a bit too theoretical but if you have better things to do in your life there are solid alternatives in form of Alekhine and some other variations. Smiley

Btw, what are you playing against 1.d4 at the moment?
  
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Mortal Games
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #14 - 01/17/09 at 17:09:37
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I voted for CK first and French second and I agree with TN points. CK and Slav are good for first defences. The question can be in what second systems to choose or not. Bareev and Dreev are good model players and I think you don´t need the Sicilian because if you choose 2...d6 than 3.Bb5+ and you can end up in French Structures and is very dificult to win with Black too. I prefer to play the Exchange Slav with Black! In the last two years Topalov changed is repertoire from Najdorf to CK and he is on top! I do not think that to reach 2400 is a question of opening systems exclusively. Endings and what TN pointed out are the way. My choice is the CK and Slav and master them and then as a second choices, I choose only the French and the Semi-Slav (nothing else) because then you can choose 1...e6 against 1.c4 if you want and be more flexible and more complete against 1.d4 (Slav complex) and 1.e4
     
  
It has been said that chess players are good at two things, Chess and Excuses.  It has also been said that Chess is where all excuses fail! In order to win you must dare to fail!
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MilenPetrov
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #13 - 01/16/09 at 09:54:45
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OK, I voted for 1)French and 2)CK.
But i think that if you really want to reach 2400 level it will be very difficult with these two defences.
Maybe they will work for some time and will give you 2300-2350 level, but i think no more. At least one reason - it is very hard to win the game with Black if White is well prepared or if he simply chooces Exchange variation.
So I would propoese to use these defences but you should think seriously to consider Sicilian Defence at some point of your career.
Good luck in your study and games Smiley
  
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Phobetor
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #12 - 01/16/09 at 00:24:17
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Anyone? Any suggestions for openings that lead to open, "simple" positions after 1. d4?
  
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Phobetor
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #11 - 01/14/09 at 01:42:27
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Maybe I should start a new topic for this (since this topic is for your questions) so if you want I'll start a new topic for this. However, I see similarities with my problem, and maybe you could also help me with this, so I'll post a reply here for now.

As black I always liked to play the Scandinavian 3... Qa5 as black. The positions were easy to play and I always felt comfortable in such open positions. A while ago I saw my results with the Scandinavian get worse, and in some variations I didn't feel comfortable as black (sharper white tries), and I switched to the Berlin Wall which I also like for now (because I generally like queenless & open positions).

Positions I hate though are closed positions (KID as black, Benoni structures, French structures) and positions with so many intricacies that the correct plan depends on so many details (like in the Nimzo, when to play c7-c5 or d7-d5). I like it when the positions are open and the plans are quite clear. 

Now I see you play the Slav with an early dxc4. I guess those positions could be very similar to the Scandinavian structures if you can play Bf5, e6, Nbd7 etc. afterwards. But how well do those positions really compare? And what do you (or others) think would fit me best against 1. d4, given my preferences? The Slav with an early dxc4? Something else? 

Thanks in advance. And Hóember, if you feel this is too much off-topic, I'll move this to a new topic.
  
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HoemberChess
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #10 - 01/12/09 at 23:12:33
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Thanks every one of you for the advice! 
Yes, I will have to study endgames. I often play them badly.
Yes, accepting draws quickly without thinking on offer from a higher rated opponent is bad for one's confidence.

It seems for me that knowing opening sequences is not the most important thing against U2300 opponents, but still it makes sense to have preferences.
After losing in a club match on Sunday because of very weak play--due to prolonged very bad mood--against a far-from-too-strong opponent (I'll upload the PGN here in a few days), I have made a decision. 
I have never lost a game U2250-opponents with the Modern Defense and I have always found the positions exciting. So, I will apply it again occasionally when I must win. I feel a little bit more comfortable with the positions than those of the Slav after dxc4 because here it is easier to find something to play for. After Slavic moves like ..dxc4 ..Bf5 ..e6 I _sometimes_ get bored. Sad


Here are my choices:

  "1)" -- the safe defense vs. stronger opposition, the one I have to know best.
  "2)" -- my choice vs. weaker/equal opposition, more strategical than tactical
  "3)" -- occasionally, tactical

1.e4
1) 1..c6 (C-K) 
  Because for me it is safer than the French and because of the Slav. I will have more chance against stronger opponents who know what to do with the space advantage after 1..g6.
2) 1..g6 2.d4 Bg7 3.Nc3 (3.c4 d6 or ..c5, the Maroczy or Benoni-like positions) d6 4.f4 a6 (Modern)/ 4.Nf3 a6 (or Nf6 Pirc) / etc
3) 1..d5 2.exd5 Nf6 (Scandinavian w/ 2..Nf6, after 3.c4 c6 4.d4 cxd5 5.Nc3 C-K Panov)

[I am only a club player, so I am not going to have time left to learn the French Defense. Sad Sad (Only on special occasions against special opponents' special systems at most.)]


1.d4
1) 1..d5 2.c4 c6 (Slav proper w/ 4..dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 if allowed)
2) 1..d6 2.c4 e5 3.Nf3 (3.Nc3 exd4) e4 / 2.Nf3 g6 (Modern)
3) 1..d5 2.c4 e5 (Albin CG) / 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 dxc4 4.e3 Bg4 (a side variation of the QGA. it is a little bit passive especially compared to the Albin CG Smiley, but good for must-win situations.)

1.c4
1) 1..c6 (possible transpositions to the Slav)
2) 1..e5 2.Nc3 Nc6 3.g3/Nf3 f5 (Modern, but this time w/o an early ..d6)

1.Nf3
1) 1..d5 2.g3 Bg4 3.Bg2 Nd7 4.0-0 c6 / 2.c4 c6 (or ..d4 in the future) 
2) 1..d6 2.g3/c4 e5


Sounds good, doesn't it?
  
as
*W 1d4) Torre/Barry/Pirc/Philidor/ early _d5:early c4(QGD/Slav/QGD/etc)
*B) 1e4:e6 [+1_c5 2Nf3 a6]| 1d4:e6 2c4 Bb4+ BID/pseudoNID [+1_Nf6 NID]| 1c4:c5,_Nc6,_e5,_g6| 1Nf3:c5
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TN
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #9 - 12/28/08 at 07:05:56
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Brief conclusions after playing through your games:

1. Cease the offering of draws. In many of the games you posted, you offered a draw when there was still play in the position, and often you offered draws in clearly better or even winning positions. It is better to try to win the better position and lose than it is to agree a draw, for the following reasons:

a) You won't learn how to convert winning positions if you don't attempt to convert them!

b) Ending the game prematurely reduces the amount that you learn from each game.

c) Offering draws in better positions has a negative effect on your confidence. 

d) Next time you play the same person, your opponent will be much more confident, as he will feel that even if he/she plays a few bad moves, they can still offer a draw in the knowledge that you will probably accept it.

Other conclusions:

2. Don't let feeling tired stop you from trying to win. At the end of a long, drawn out game, the opponent will be tired as well. Even if you are feeling lethargic or haven't had enough sleep, don't let it stop you from concentrating - quite often such feelings are only temporary and there are numerous ways to boost one's energy during the game (e.g. eat, drink water/juice, walk, psyche up). 

3. If you continually find yourself feeling tired, I can offer the following advice:

a) Exercise regularly. 
b) Eat healthily.
c) Stick rigidly to a sleeping regime. 
d) Drink sufficient quantities of water.
e) If you do a-d consistently and are still frequently tired, have a medical checkup with your doctor. 

4. As a final bit of advice, study endgames. You don't have to know every variation of Rook + f- and h-pawns vs. Rook off by heart, but you do need to know all the essential positions, themes and ideas in relation to the endgame. 
  
All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #8 - 12/27/08 at 12:32:58
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Hoember - your situation is very similar to mine. I am 2200-2300 FIDE and have the same aims as you. What is interesting is that my opening systems are very similar - 1.d4 systems with White (many Torre attacks, which I see is in your .cbv file) and Slav/French as Black. I have recently started playing the Caro-Kann as well, since I play 1.c4 c6 as Black. I have also had ongoing problems with time-trouble and occasional nerves.

Having used this repertoire for years I have come to several conclusions. Firstly, I wish to break the 2300 level but find that I concede too many draws and/or do not have enough chances against strong opponents, particularly with Black.

The most important thing is to find a repertoire with Black you feel comfortable with (pawn structure, king safety etc) but also has enough complexity to play for an advantage. To this end, I find that, in certain situations, the Slav is not enough. Specifically, White can restrict Black's chances considerably with early e3 or exchange systems. So I have been experimenting with the Dutch, and so far so good.

Regarding your choices - the ...Qa5 Scandinavian is a bit limited. Sure, you will be solid in the opening, but White will be under no pressure at all. The Caro-Kann is very good, as is a better winning attempt than many people believe. The French, my choice against 1.e4 for over 10 years, is the best option.

Basically, if you wish to win with Black as well, you need to play systems that put pressure on White. Remember, a safe system for you is also a safe system for your opponent.
  
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed fr
Reply #7 - 12/27/08 at 10:03:38
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Please answer my poll
  
as
*W 1d4) Torre/Barry/Pirc/Philidor/ early _d5:early c4(QGD/Slav/QGD/etc)
*B) 1e4:e6 [+1_c5 2Nf3 a6]| 1d4:e6 2c4 Bb4+ BID/pseudoNID [+1_Nf6 NID]| 1c4:c5,_Nc6,_e5,_g6| 1Nf3:c5
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HoemberChess
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #6 - 12/26/08 at 10:33:10
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O.K., here is the direct link to the .cbv file.  But analyzis and the comments are left out intentionally. I have had no persons to train me at all, so advice is appreciated. 

I am copying the games here as well.



A 2304 FM defeating himself against me the other day in an OTB team championship game:

[Event "?"]
[Site ""]
[Date "2008.12.21"]
[Round "4.2"]
[White "FIDE Master"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "-+"]
[ECO "A12"]
[WhiteElo "2304"]
[BlackElo "2070"]
[PlyCount "63"]
[EventDate "2008.10.25"]
[EventRounds "11"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. c4 c6 2. Nf3 d5 3. b3 Nf6 4. Bb2 Bg4 5. Ne5 Bh5 6. g3 e6 7. Bg2 Nbd7 8. O-O
Nxe5 9. Bxe5 Bd6 10. Bb2 Qe7 11. d4 O-O 12. Nd2 Rfe8 13. Re1 Rad8 14. c5 Bb8
15. f4 h6 16. Bf3 Bg6 17. b4 Bf5 18. Qb3 g5 19. fxg5 hxg5 20. e4 dxe4 21. Nxe4
Bxe4 22. Bxe4 Nxe4 23. Rxe4 Rd5 24. Rae1 Red8 25. Qe3 Rf5 26. Rg4 Rdd5 27. h4
Qf6 28. Kg2 Kf8 29. Re2 gxh4 30. Rxh4 Rg5 31. Rh3 Qg7 32. Rf2 -+

Both 31..Bxg3 and 32..Bxg3 (or even Rxg3) win for Black without excuse. 
However, I was after a sleepless night and agreed to a draw right here--which I cannot help but regret now, but which I had been striving for from the 1st move--, without thinking for a second. Taking on g3 is a shot which I can spot easily with a fresh head. 
Now I am trying to console myself by saying that my winning position at the end was also the merit of White who himself destroyed his own king's position in hope of an attack against my king...

I get a lot of winning positions without calculating much. That was the case this time as well.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
A game where I was striving for a draw from the beginning. But in the end I was the one who ended up with an extra pawn. I offered the draw.

[Event ""]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2008.??.??"]
[Round "1.3"]
[White "Opponent"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "B01"]
[WhiteElo "2226"]
[BlackElo "2070"]
[Annotator ""]
[PlyCount "102"]
[EventDate "2008.??.??"]

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 6. Bc4 Bf5 7. Bd2 e6 8.
Qe2 Bb4 9. Bb3 Nbd7 10. O-O O-O 11. a3 Bxc3 12. Bxc3 Qc7 13. Ne5 Nxe5 14. dxe5
Nd5 15. Bd2 b5 16. Rac1 Qb6 17. Kh1 Qd4 18. c3 Qd3 19. Qe1 Qe4 20. c4 Nb6 21.
cxb5 cxb5 22. Qxe4 Bxe4 23. Ba5 Bd5 24. Bxb6 Bxb3 25. Bc5 Rfd8 26. Rc3 Bc4 27.
Rfc1 Rd5 28. Be3 Rad8 29. h3 Rd1+ 30. Rxd1 Rxd1+ 31. Kh2 a6 32. Kg3 h5 33. Kh4
g6 34. g4 hxg4 35. hxg4 Kh7 36. Bg5 Rh1+ 37. Kg3 Rd1 38. f3 Rd3 39. Rc2 Bd5 40.
Rh2+ Kg8 41. Bf6 Rxf3+ 42. Kh4 Kf8 43. Kg5 Ke8 44. Rh8+ Kd7 45. Rf8 Rg3 46.
Rxf7+ Kc6 47. Be7 Be4 48. Bd6 Bf5 49. Rc7+ Kb6 50. Kf4 Rxg4+ 51. Kf3 Rc4
1/2-1/2


--------------------------------------------------------------------
Defeating a +2650 GM, 3rd ranked nationally, in an April simultan.
He plays 1.e4 in normal games and scored very well at the chess olympic in Dresden.


[Event "simultan (20-board)"]
[Site ""]
[Date "2008.04.10"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Grand Master"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "A25"]
[WhiteElo "2674"]
[BlackElo "2016"]
[PlyCount "54"]
[EventType "simul"]

1. c4 e5 2. Nc3 Nc6 3. g3 f5 4. Bg2 Nf6 5. d3 Bb4 6. a3 Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 d6 8. Nf3
O-O 9. O-O Qe8 10. Qb3 Kh8 11. Bg5 Qh5 12. Bxf6 Rxf6 13. c5 d5 14. d4 Rh6 15.
h4 e4 16. Ng5 Ne7 17. f3 Rf6 18. fxe4 fxe4 19. c6 bxc6 20. Rxf6 gxf6 21. Qb4
Qe8 22. Nh3 Nf5 23. Rf1 Nxg3 24. Rxf6 Kg7 25. Rf2 e3 26. Rf3 Nxe2+ 27. Kf1 Ba6
0-1

To my surprise, a GM reached out his hand to congratulate me. But without doubt Black was winning.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
A 2237 player dances on the edge of defeat but escapes finally with a draw.
33.Qxf5 was my last chance for winning.


[Event ""]
[Site "?"]
[Date "2008.12.07"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Hoember"]
[Black "Opponent"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "D08"]
[WhiteElo "2070"]
[BlackElo "2237"]
[PlyCount "95"]
[EventDate "2005.??.??"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e5 3. dxe5 d4 4. a3 Nc6 5. Nf3 Nge7 6. Nbd2 Be6 7. Nb3 Nf5 8.
Qc2 h5 9. g3 Be7 10. Bg2 g6 11. h4 Qd7 12. Bf4 a5 13. Rd1 a4 14. Nbd2 Na5 15.
O-O Ng7 16. Ng5 Bf5 17. Nde4 Nb3 18. e3 c5 19. Qe2 O-O 20. Nf6+ Bxf6 21. exf6
d3 22. Qe1 Ne6 23. Nxe6 Bxe6 24. Qc3 Rfd8 25. Bd5 Bxd5 26. Rxd3 Nd4 27. exd4
Be4 28. Rd2 cxd4 29. Qb4 Re8 30. f3 Bc6 31. Qc5 Rad8 32. Qg5 Qf5 33. Qh6 Qxf6
34. Bg5 Qe6 35. Bxd8 Rxd8 36. Qg5 Rd7 37. g4 hxg4 38. Qxg4 Qe3+ 39. Rff2 d3 40.
Qg5 Qe1+ 41. Rf1 Qe6 42. h5 Qxc4 43. Qf6 Qc5+ 44. Kh1 Rd6 45. Qf4 Rd4 46. Qf6
Rd6 47. Qf4 Rd4 48. Qf6 1/2-1/2

White missed a lot of wins throughout the game.
Black had spent 40+ minutes finding 32..Qf5?, so being in time trouble, he agreed to drawing by repetition.

--------------------------------------------------------------------
[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "2008.11.08"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Opponent"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "-/+"]
[ECO "B01"]
[WhiteElo "2154"]
[BlackElo "2070"]
[PlyCount "57"]
[EventDate "2008.11.07"]
[EventRounds "6"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. e4 d5 2. exd5 Qxd5 3. Nc3 Qa5 4. d4 Nf6 5. Nf3 c6 6. Bc4 Bf5 7. Ne5 e6 8.
Qe2 Bb4 9. Bd2 Nbd7 10. O-O-O Nxe5 11. dxe5 Nd5 12. g4 Bxc3 13. gxf5 Bxd2+ 14.
Rxd2 O-O-O 15. fxe6 fxe6 16. Rhd1 Rde8 17. Qg4 Re7 18. a3 Kb8 19. Qh4 Rf7 20.
Bb3 Qc5 21. Kb1 Qe7 22. Qg3 Rhf8 23. Rd3 Rxf2 24. c4 -/+


24..Nb6 would secure an extra pawn and better position (-/+) for me. I offered a draw at once after 23..Rxf2 (-/+), but White declined it and... Because I was tired and in time trouble I played 24..Nf4?? and lost the game.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
A 2336 FM only wins in the endgame (time trouble for me), while the most part of the game it is += for White.

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "2008.08.19"]
[Round "3"]
[White "Hoember"]
[Black "FIDE Master"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "B06"]
[WhiteElo "1986"]
[BlackElo "2336"]
[PlyCount "113"]
[EventDate "2008.08.18"]
[EventType "team"]
[EventRounds "6"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. d4 g6 2. e4 Bg7 3. Nf3 d6 4. c3 a6 5. Bg5 Nd7 6. Nbd2 c5 7. Bc4 Qb6 8. Rb1
Ngf6 9. b4 cxd4 10. cxd4 h6 11. Bf4 g5 12. Be3 Ng4 13. Qb3 O-O 14. O-O Nxe3 15.
fxe3 Bf6 16. Kh1 Qd8 17. b5 axb5 18. Qxb5 Qa5 19. Qxa5 Rxa5 20. Bd5 Ra7 21.
Rfc1 e6 22. Bb3 b5 23. Rc6 g4 24. Ne1 Bg5 25. Nc2 Nf6 26. Rxd6 Bb7 27. d5 exd5
28. exd5 Re8 29. Re1 Raa8 30. Nf1 Rac8 31. Ng3 Nxd5 32. Nf5 Re4 33. Rd7 Bc6 34.
Rxf7 Kxf7 35. Nd6+ Kg6 36. Nxe4 Nxe3 37. Nxe3 Bxe3 38. Nd6 Rd8 39. Rxe3 Rxd6
40. Re6+ Rxe6 41. Bxe6 b4 42. Kg1 Kf6 43. Bb3 Ke5 44. Kf2 Bd5 45. Bxd5 Kxd5 46.
Ke3 Kc4 47. Kd2 Kd4 48. Kc2 Ke3 49. Kb3 Kf2 50. Kxb4 Kxg2 51. a4 Kxh2 52. a5 g3
53. a6 g2 54. a7 g1=Q 55. a8=Q h5 56. Qd5 Qg4+ 57. Kc3 0-1

According to Rybka, White's 48th move was fatal. 


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
An 2255 FM defeating himself against me (I was unrated at the time).


[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "2007.06.30"]
[Round "1"]
[White "Hoember"]
[Black "FM"]
[Result "1-0"]
[ECO "D30"]
[BlackElo "2255"]
[PlyCount "81"]
[EventDate "2007.??.??"]
[EventType "swiss"]
[EventRounds "9"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 d5 3. c4 e6 4. Bg5 c6 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. e3 h6 7. Bh4 Bb4 8. a3
Bxd2+ 9. Qxd2 g5 10. Bg3 Ne4 11. Qc2 g4 12. Bh4 Qb6 13. Nd2 Nxd2 14. Qxd2 h5
15. Be2 Rg8 16. O-O f5 17. f3 Kf7 18. e4 dxe4 19. fxe4 Nf6 20. Bxf6 Kxf6 21. c5
Qd8 22. Bc4 Rg6 23. Qc3 Kg7 24. d5+ Qf6 25. e5 Qg5 26. dxc6 bxc6 27. Rad1 h4
28. Rd6 Kh6 29. Rxc6 f4 30. Qd2 Qxe5 31. Qxf4+ Qxf4 32. Rxf4 a5 33. Rf8 Bb7 34.
Rxa8 Bxc6 35. Rxa5 h3 36. Ra6 e5 37. Bf7 Rf6 38. Be8 Kg5 39. Rxc6 Rf8 40. Re6
Kf5 41. Bd7 1-0


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This opponent gives thanks to my tiredness on escaping defeat. If it is not perpetual kept by White, then 27.Rf3 +- for White. 


[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "2007.07.07"]
[Round "8"]
[White "Hoember"]
[Black "Opponent"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "E14"]
[BlackElo "2256"]
[PlyCount "53"]
[EventDate "2007.??.??"]
[EventType "swiss"]
[EventRounds "9"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. d4 Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 b6 4. e3 Bb7 5. Bd3 c5 6. Nc3 cxd4 7. exd4 d5 8. cxd5
Nxd5 9. O-O a6 10. Ne5 Be7 11. Qa4+ Kf8 12. Qd1 Nd7 13. f4 N7f6 14. f5 exf5 15.
Rxf5 Nxc3 16. bxc3 Rc8 17. Bc4 Rxc4 18. Nxc4 Qc8 19. Rxf6 Bxf6 20. Ba3+ Kg8 21.
Qe1 Qd8 22. Rd1 g6 23. Nd6 Bc6 24. d5 Ba4 25. Rd3 Kg7 26. Nf5+ Kg8 27. Nh6+
1/2-1/2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This White also escapes defeat in a -/+ position, which he had been dancing on the verge of.

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "2007.07.03"]
[Round "4"]
[White "Opponent"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "D31"]
[WhiteElo "2224"]
[PlyCount "60"]
[EventDate "2007.??.??"]
[EventType "swiss"]
[EventRounds "9"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 c6 4. Nc3 dxc4 5. e3 b5 6. Ne5 Nf6 7. Qf3 Bb4 8. Be2
Bb7 9. O-O Qc7 10. Qg3 O-O 11. Bf3 Rd8 12. e4 Bd6 13. Bf4 Nbd7 14. Nxd7 Bxf4
15. Nxf6+ Kh8 16. Qh4 gxf6 17. Qxf6+ Kg8 18. e5 Rxd4 19. Ne2 Qxe5 20. Qxe5 Bxe5
21. Nxd4 Bxd4 22. Rab1 Rb8 23. Rfd1 e5 24. Be4 c5 25. Bxb7 Rxb7 26. Rdc1 a5 27.
Kf1 Rb6 28. Ke2 Rg6 29. g3 a4 30. f3 h5 1/2-1/2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
This opponent with plenty of time on his clock should keep perpetual in my time trouble. Smiley But I acknowledge that I was lucky before that.


[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "2007.07.01"]
[Round "2"]
[White "Opponent"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "1/2-1/2"]
[ECO "B40"]
[WhiteElo "2233"]
[PlyCount "78"]
[EventDate "2007.??.??"]
[EventType "swiss"]
[EventRounds "9"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 e6 3. Be2 Nc6 4. O-O Qc7 5. c4 Nge7 6. d4 Nxd4 7. Nxd4 cxd4 8.
Qxd4 b6 9. Nc3 Nc6 10. Qd3 a6 11. b3 Bb7 12. Bb2 Bd6 13. g3 Be5 14. Rad1 h5 15.
Ba3 Bd4 16. Kg2 h4 17. f3 d6 18. b4 e5 19. Nd5 Qd7 20. g4 Nd8 21. f4 Ne6 22. f5
Bxd5 23. exd5 Nc7 24. Bf3 f6 25. Rfe1 Kf7 26. Bc1 Qa4 27. a3 Rac8 28. Rd2 Rhd8
29. g5 fxg5 30. Rde2 Rh8 31. Bg4 h3+ 32. Bxh3 Nxd5 33. f6 Rxh3 34. Qxh3 Rxc4
35. Bxg5 Qc6 36. Qh5+ Ke6 37. Qg4+ Kf7 38. Qh5+ Ke6 39. Qg4+ Kf7 1/2-1/2


----------------------------------------------------------------------------
And finally, 11 years ago, as an unrated (with a national rating of 1700-something) I defeated a FIDE 2260 player with the French. I should mention that the game was theory--according to databases, we repeated all the way a game from 1985.

[Event ""]
[Site ""]
[Date "1997.??.??"]
[Round "?"]
[White "Opponent"]
[Black "Hoember"]
[Result "0-1"]
[ECO "C06"]
[WhiteElo "2260"]
[PlyCount "46"]
[EventDate "1997.07.??"]
[EventType "swiss"]
[EventRounds "9"]
[EventCountry ""]

1. e4 e6 2. d4 d5 3. Nd2 Nf6 4. Bd3 c5 5. e5 Nfd7 6. c3 Nc6 7. Ne2 cxd4 8. cxd4
f6 9. Nf4 Nxd4 10. Qh5+ Ke7 11. Ng6+ hxg6 12. exf6+ Nxf6 13. Qxh8 Kf7 14. Qh4
e5 15. Nf3 e4 16. Nxd4 Bb4+ 17. Bd2 Bxd2+ 18. Kxd2 Qa5+ 19. Kd1 exd3 20. f3 Bd7
21. Qf2 Rc8 22. Re1 Rc4 23. Qe3 Qb4 0-1



Marry Christmas.
« Last Edit: 12/26/08 at 19:18:24 by HoemberChess »  
as
*W 1d4) Torre/Barry/Pirc/Philidor/ early _d5:early c4(QGD/Slav/QGD/etc)
*B) 1e4:e6 [+1_c5 2Nf3 a6]| 1d4:e6 2c4 Bb4+ BID/pseudoNID [+1_Nf6 NID]| 1c4:c5,_Nc6,_e5,_g6| 1Nf3:c5
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HoemberChess
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #5 - 12/23/08 at 18:20:49
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Reading your advices, I have found nobody reasoning heavily against the French. 
So, I will alter the 3..Qa5 Scandinavian (which I have studied already) and the 3.Nc3/Nd2 Nf6 French (no fresh experience) according to the specific opponents and study the CK (no fresh experience) in the meantime. 
I will meet only "-2300"-opponents in the next 13 games.

As for the Pirc, I made mention only of the 3..e5 Pirc--without ..g6--, but you say something... The Philidor and the endgame variatons are a little passive--I wouldn't feel confident against strong players, so I'll put it aside.

Anyway, I still want to send the games to a volunteer.



PS.:
I have _never_ had a system to stick with. I have played almost everything in OTB play. (French, CK, Scandinavian, Sicilian, 1..e5, Alekhine, Pirc w/ or w/o ..g6, Modern w/ ..d6 + ..a6) 
As soon as I work through a repertoire book (or sg) and try it in a few games, I already begin to look for something else... It has always been the case. While I like them all... But I have always felt I would miss something if I didn't play the other defenses as well. Sad
  
as
*W 1d4) Torre/Barry/Pirc/Philidor/ early _d5:early c4(QGD/Slav/QGD/etc)
*B) 1e4:e6 [+1_c5 2Nf3 a6]| 1d4:e6 2c4 Bb4+ BID/pseudoNID [+1_Nf6 NID]| 1c4:c5,_Nc6,_e5,_g6| 1Nf3:c5
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Smyslov_Fan
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Progress depends on the
unreasonable man. ~GBS

Posts: 6902
Joined: 06/15/05
Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #4 - 12/23/08 at 14:52:37
Post Tools
If you really want to break 2400, then perhaps you should look at openings that give you strong winning chances as Black aganst 2300+ players and that expose you to different pawn structures.   

While the Caro-Kann is a good complement to the Slav, perhaps you need to branch out a bit.  You will still reach a few Caro-Kanns using the move order you've described, so definitely continue to work on it.  But you should have at least one and perhaps two other openings that you are familiar with.  Check out the games of Bareev or Dreev.  They both play the Slav, and both play the Caro-Kann.  But you will also find Frenches and even an occasional Sicilian thrown in.

I would recommend against playing the Pirc as a consistent winning attempt against 2300+ rated players. 

This advice is the opposite of what I would give to someone trying to reach 2000+.  In order to reach your level, you must master one system completely.  In order to break 2400, you will need to come up with your own theories of what is and isn't playable, work on your tactics, and spend a great deal of time on complex endings.   

Good luck!
  
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TN
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Re: which defense suits me best? (advice needed from a
Reply #3 - 12/23/08 at 06:35:45
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Definitely the Caro-Kann. If you like the Slav and the 3...Qa5 Scandinavian, then the Caro is the 1.e4 opening most similar to the Slav. 

Alternatively you could make the Caro-Kann and the French your two main weapons, using them both equally depending on yourself and the opponent. 

If your main weakness is time-trouble/drawing winning positions, you should work on the following:

a) Confidence. Obviously this is an assumption and I could be completely wrong (I am rated in the 2200-2300 range), but I think you may not be confident enough against higher rated players, which could explain why you get into time-trouble quite often and offer/accept draws in clearly better positions.

b) You should do some tactical drills every day (or, if you are very busy, every second day). This will make you more confident in your tactical ability, and you will be less likely to double-check variations for fear of missing a tactic. 

c) Calculation. There are plenty of good books on the market for improving calculation, and a quick search of this forum should locate some threads with good advice.

d) Finally, if you still find yourself continually falling into time-trouble, playing some blitz is a good idea. As long as you play in moderation. 

A cbv file would definitely help confirm whether these conclusions are correct. 

As a final note: Write down the clock times for every move (yours and your opponent's), until you are down to 5 minutes or less. Very important.
  
All our dreams come true if we have the courage to pursue them.
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