smrex13 wrote on 11/01/09 at 04:25:55:


The truth is, there is no such thing as a single set of lines that will last you an entire lifetime. You can certainly play the same opening variations for a few years to gain experience and familiarity in these lines, which is a good idea, but eventually you will encounter some of the following problems:

a) You will be a sitting duck when it comes to preparation - after a few years of playing the same variations over and over, your opponents will know exactly what you will play and can prepare very easily for you. If you have a hole in your repertoire and no other variations you can play, you are in some strife. It is much better to be flexible, with at least 2 repertoire choices against every important option White can play. Obviously this is not an issue when you start playing the opening as your opponents will not have games of yours in the opening that they can use as part of their preparation.
b) If you don't have some variety, you will inevitably reach a point where you become stale/bored and as a result will not play the variation as well as you used to. The time when this occurs varies considerably depending on how many games and tournaments you play, but if you make at least one addition to your repertoire each year, you can avoid this problem. This also helps considerably with issue a.
c) As opening theory develops, some lines become inferior, so one must be willing to make changes and improvements to the repertoire. For example, if 4.Ng5 against the Two Knights Defence is one day shown to give White a slight and pleasant advantage by force, then you will need to look at 3...Bc5 or even 3...d6. Not that I believe that 4.Ng5 is better for White, this is just an example. 

It is a good idea to try to form a solid repertoire, but accept that you will later need to broaden, modify and possibly even rework it throughout your career. If you only play chess on the Internet or in local club tournaments, then you can probably get away with having the same set of lines throughout your life, but if you have a flexible repertoire and broaden it once or twice a year for some variety, I think you will find that you will derive more enjoyment from your repertoire. 

As for repertoire suggestions, I offer the following:

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bb5: Play both 3...a6 and 3...Nf6. 

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4: Play both 3...Bc5 and 3...Nf6.

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Nc3: Play both 3...Nf6 4.Bb5 Bb4 and 4...Bc5. 

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.d4: Play both 3...ed4 4.Nd4 Nf6 and 4...Bc5.

2.Nf3 Nc6 3.c3: Play both 3...d5 and 3...Nf6. 

I recommend you start with just one of the above two moves against each, and gradually add an extra option against each major White variation as it suits you.

Thanks,

Yes, I feel like 3...Nf6 against the Ponziani is the most efficient and theoretically sound move.  The King's Gambit is a different story...

Scott

Hi everyone,

I hope that this message finds everyone well.  I have posted here with various frustrations over the last year or so as I have come to grips with playing 1...e5.  I am finally starting to feel at home with the Black side of 1. e4 e5, and I am now building a long term repertoire with 1...e5.  I'm not worried about the Ruy Lopez as I’m fascinated by every line for Black.  However, at my level I face the Italian, Scotch, King's gambit, Ponziani, Center Game, etc. far more often than the Ruy.   
In forming a repertoire for long-term (maybe lifetime) study, there are a few dilemmas with which I hope you can provide some insight.

a.      3.Bc4 Bc5.  I truly believe in Black’s resources here, but I’m not sure whether to play against the Max Lange Attack (as advocated in Marin) or 5…Bxd4 (as advocated in Kaufman)

b.      King’s Gambit – 2..exf4 (Emms) or Modern 2…d5 3…exf4 (Kaufman)

c.      Ponziani – 3…d5 (Kaufman) or 3…Nf6 (Marin)

d.      Scotch 4…Nf6 (Kaufman)  or 3…Bc5 (Davies)

Basically, I’m trying to put together a cohesive repertoire that is not based on ‘surprise value’.  I want to play fundamentally sound lines.  If that means that I have to give up a draw to a lower rated player from time to time, that’s ok. 
I’m working on a long-term study plan, so I don’t want quick fixes or trappy lines.  If any of you can offer some suggestions, I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks!

Happy Halloween and Día de los Muertos,
Scott