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Normal Topic Nf6, d5 or something else (Read 2582 times)
TN
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Re: Nf6, d5 or something else
Reply #2 - 07/19/09 at 06:33:36
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Black has several options against 2.c3, but as most variations after 2...d5 or 2...Nf6 lead to positions where Black has equality, I will evaluate Black's less common alternatives, which haven't been covered in as much detail. 

I wouldn't worry about any variations being particularly 'drawish', since even in the comparatively drawish lines, there is still sufficient scope for either side to outplay the opponent. 

  • 2...Qa5: This was mentioned in SOS 1 (2003), but White should be slightly better after 3.Nf3 Nc6 and now either 4.Na3 or 4.Bc4. 
  • 2...b6 3.d4 Bb7 also appears better for White after 4.Bd3, intending to meet 4...Nf6 with 5.Nd2. The position is similar to the Owen's Defence, with White adopting one of the recommended setups against the Owen's.
  • 2...g6 is solid and was recommended in COBE (2005, 1st edition). It is a good choice if you want an easy-to-learn antidote to the Alapin, but White retains a pull after 3.Nf3 Bg7 4.d4 cd4 5.cd4 d5 6.e5 Nc6 7.h3 or 6...Bg4 7.Qb3 Qd7 and now 8.Nbd2!?. 
  • 2...d6 is an option that has been recommended by MNb on this forum and it is a good option for playing for a win. However, although Black achieves reasonable counterplay in an unbalanced position, he has to be willing to accept a slight disadvantage after 3.d4 Nf6 4.Bd3 when Black has several options, albeit none that quite equalise.
  • 2...e6 is an excellent option if you are familiar with the French as Black. Most Alapin devotees will play 3.d4 d5 4.ed5 or 3.Nf3 d5 4.ed5 to avoid the transposition to the Advance French, when Black can either transpose to 2...d5 variations with ...Qd5 in reply, or recapture with ...ed5, leading to French-style IQP positions where White has no edge. Black still needs to know the theory, though. 
  
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Gorath
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Re: Nf6, d5 or something else
Reply #1 - 07/19/09 at 04:26:42
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Almost every line with reasonable traffic is theoretically equal, so it's just a matter of taste.

The least likelyhood for a draw has 2. - Nf6 with quick e6 & d6, IMHO. It gives reasonably complex positions with lots of opportunites to make errors for both sides. Precise theoretical knowledge is necessary though. You need especially an answer to a standard kingside attack with pawn e5, battery Bd3 & Qe4, Q moves to g4, Bh6, pawn h2-h4-h5.

A very aggressive line is 2.- d5 3. exd5 Qxd5 4. d4 Nc6 5. Nf3 cxd4 6. cxd4 e5. This sharp variation was recommended in a couple of repertoir books. When I briefly looked at it last year it seemed to be equal / unclear.
  
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Nf6, d5 or something else
07/19/09 at 04:04:28
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Hi all,
What to play vs 2.c3 2...d5 2...Nf6 or something else?  I am a tactician who likes semi open/open play.  I have heard that Sveshnikov thinks Nf6 is best but Tiviakov likes 2...d5.  ALso which has least likelyhood of a draw!?!?!
thanks,
Zatara
  
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