I am generaly very happy when my opponents play the QG refused ( the Marshall defence) Out of curiousity I did an opening tree.com search of my white blitz games from January 1st 2022 to today.
Of 2977 white games the Marshall defence occured 42 times. with stats of + 33 -8 =1 almost an eighty percent win rate.
I find it is easier to play for white as our goals are quite clear and classically principled.
I suspect this isn't an efficient use of 'surpise weapon' time for players rated over 2100 online.
i think Old indian or Kings indian sidelines that give white a similar advantage on paper ( engine eval) are a more fertile soil for study if someone wishes to get there opponent off balance. I suspect higher outplay potential.
Of 2977 white games the Marshall defence occured 42 times. with stats of + 33 -8 =1 almost an eighty percent win rate.
I find it is easier to play for white as our goals are quite clear and classically principled.
I suspect this isn't an efficient use of 'surpise weapon' time for players rated over 2100 online.
i think Old indian or Kings indian sidelines that give white a similar advantage on paper ( engine eval) are a more fertile soil for study if someone wishes to get there opponent off balance. I suspect higher outplay potential.
All fair points. But that 80 per cent score is due to people playing it unprepared. On the surprise weapon idea, please reserve judgement for now. It is not the best surprise weapon, but there are reasons why those top GMs have used it...