Hello everyone, I am a relatively new player ('just' 8 months now). I recently realized that, as black, I am clueless on what to do when white plays d4 (ergo, the queen's game). Some background: as a player, one of my favorite defence for e4 is the Karo-Cann, which permits me to be as flexible as possible. Are there similiar openings for a queen game? Thanks in advance everyone!
I concur: Caro-Kann is the closest to Slav Defence.
@Tae7 Thanks for the heads-up on the slav defence! will definetly check it out!
@mariolinoperfect I would suggest queen's gambit declined. It doesn't require learning much opening theory. The opening positions tend to be safe and both players make many quiet moves to find the best squares for their pieces. But don't just sit and wait, because eventually the opponent will come at you with an overwhelming attack, especially if they are rated above 1500.
I agree - generally the QGD or the Slav (or semi Slav) are recommended as the first defenses to 1.d4. Either one is an excellent choice at any level, and I agree you may find the Slav suits you if you like the Caro-Kann. Keep in mind that it will be different than the CK due to where White's pawns are. The Tarrasch Defense is also another one that is recommended for beginners as it generally plays more like the open games with play revolving around Black having the IQP.
Isn't QGD virtually the same as the semi-slav lol? correct me if I'm wrong
@Tae7
No, there's differences between the QGD, Slav, and semi-Slav:
- QGD defends d5 with e6, hems in the bishop for a while, but facilitates easier kingside development at the start.
- Slav defends d5 with c6, allowing the bishop to develop easier although it may be pushed around, takes away c6 from the knight, and delays the kingside slightly for strategic pursuits.
- Semi-Slav, as the joke is, is for those who can't decide and reinforce d5 with both c6 and e6 (hemming in the bishop temporarily).
All 3 are principled choices, but can lead to very different positions.
No, there's differences between the QGD, Slav, and semi-Slav:
- QGD defends d5 with e6, hems in the bishop for a while, but facilitates easier kingside development at the start.
- Slav defends d5 with c6, allowing the bishop to develop easier although it may be pushed around, takes away c6 from the knight, and delays the kingside slightly for strategic pursuits.
- Semi-Slav, as the joke is, is for those who can't decide and reinforce d5 with both c6 and e6 (hemming in the bishop temporarily).
All 3 are principled choices, but can lead to very different positions.
@Mezmer Thanks for clarifying! I need to learn more theory xD...
One of my coaches had recommended the slav coz I am a caro player (and by slav I mean slav, not semi-slav. But that's your choice)
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