Bowen wrote on 10/11/09 at 13:45:38:
Nigel Davies has released a new DVD recommending 1. d4/e4 e6 as a general all purpose response to allow players, with little time to study theory, an opportunity to develop an all purpose defence as Black. Recently, Davies has been addressing the issue of older players trying to avoid sharp lines when meeting younger, more aggressive competitors. This would seem to play into Black's desire to avoid anti-Dutch lines (1. d4 e6, 2. c4/Nf6 f5). Any comments from anybody who has seen the DVD or those who have an opinion as to whether it is better to play the Dutch and learn anti-Dutch lines, or pick up the French Defence. Also, does anyone play 1. d4 e6 as a means of entering the Dutch at present?
The decision of which move order to play is ultimately a matter of taste. A 1...e6 move order rules out the Lenningrad and the Antoshin, but still allows you to play the Stonewall, Iljin-Zhenevsky and the ...Bb4 variations. Also, you are not forced into a French Defence after 2.e4; you can also play the Franco-Benoni (which often transposes to a Sicilian) with 2...c5 or 2...b6, although these lines have inferior theoretical reputations. This isn't the place to offer a French Defence repertoire for a Dutch player, but studying a good repertoire book and following the recommendations should suffice since most 1.d4 players will not be entirely comfortable in a French Defence.
When I play the Dutch, I quite like facing White's Anti-Dutch lines as then I obtain equality straight out of the opening, but if you dislike lines such as 2.Bg5, 2.Nc3, 2.e4 and 2.g3 without c4, then the 1...e6 2.c4 (or even 2.Nf3 f5) f5 is the best move order. You will still face some Anti-Dutch lines after 1.d4 e6 2.Nf3 f5, but if you play the Stonewall, you can use a 2...d5 move order instead and make sure you are prepared for White's sidelines such as the London, Torre and Colle.
I only play the Dutch as a surprise weapon, but I use both the 1...e6 2.c4 f5 and the 1...f5 move orders depending on the opponent, although if I want to play the ...Bb4 lines I will start with 1...e6. Also, if you like the idea of the Franco-Benoni, then 2.Nf3 c5 is another good option which could force the opponent out of their repertoire after 3.c4 cd4 (Symmetrical English) or 3.e4 cd4 4.Nd4 (Open Sicilian), and 3.c3/e3 d5 promises absolutely no advantage for White.
I can't comment on Davies' DVDs since I don't own either of them, but from what I have heard from others, they seem to be a worthwhile purchase if you like the DVD format and are within the target audience.