Is this a good opener that can be played safely? - Chess Forums

rorytrotter86 · 01-22-2009, 11:10 PM

I like to open this way with the night/bishop fork.

Is it okay at higher levels or no?

YouTube - A great chess tutorial - Two knights opening

Kronsteen · 01-22-2009, 11:47 PM

The two Knights a very basic opening, but nothing wrong with it. However you can’t rely on black co-operating with what you want to do – for instance he may respond to 1.e4 with 1… e6 (the French) or 1…c5 (the Sicilian) and your off the plan shown here before you’ve even brought a Knight out!

That’s why I’m a 1.d4 man – there’s only about 3 things Black can sensibly respond with – on the downside 8 of 10 times you find yourself in dull Catalan-like positions if black plays the KID.

Abba · 01-22-2009, 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by Kronsteen

That’s why I’m a 1.d4 man – there’s only about 3 things Black can sensibly respond with – on the downside 8 of 10 times you find yourself in dull Catalan-like positions if black plays the KID.

Lol, what variation do you play against the KID? It's anything but dull, which is why I like to play both the black and white side of it.

Perseus · 01-23-2009, 12:36 AM

The Two Knights is fine and not-so-basic when it transposes to the Max Lange..

Abba · 01-23-2009, 01:58 AM

Originally Posted by Perseus

The Two Knights is fine and not-so-basic when it transposes to the Max Lange..

Yeah, in fact I'd say it's a little too complex for a beginner. Too much theory to memorize. 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 is much simpler.

Eladar · 01-23-2009, 02:00 AM

That’s why I’m a 1.d4 man – there’s only about 3 things Black can sensibly respond with – on the downside 8 of 10 times you find yourself in dull Catalan-like positions if black plays the KID.

If they play g6 soon enough, try playing the Barry!

Perseus · 01-23-2009, 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by Abba

Yeah, in fact I'd say it's a little too complex for a beginner. Too much theory to memorize. 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 is much simpler.

I find the 2N infinitely simpler to play than 3. Bc5... That could be just me; I don't think the 2N is the most safe opening for pure beginners or beginners in general, but it teaches the right sort of lessons and gives you decent games.
You would have to know what to play against those Ng5 attacks though ceteris paribus they're all rubbish!

Kronsteen · 01-23-2009, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by Abba

Lol, what variation do you play against the KID? It's anything but dull, which is why I like to play both the black and white side of it.

I usually go for something like 1.d4, Nf6 2.c4, g6 3.Nf3, Bg7 4.g3, 0-0 5.Bg2 and see what black does from there - of course the Nimzo Indian tends to be more popular, but I generally avoid it by delaying Nc3 and wait for black to play the more passive Be7 so he can castle.

Abba · 01-23-2009, 01:06 PM

Haha, well the fianchetto is the safest, slowest, and probably most dull way to play against the KID. If you want the most action, try the 4 pawn attack:

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 Bg7 4 e4 d6 5 f4 0-0.

The Bayonet (my personal favorite) is also interesting:

1 d4 Nf6 2 c4 g6 3 Nc3 Bg7 4 e4 d6 5 Nf3 0-0 6 Be2 e5 7 0-0 Nc6 8 d5 Ne7 9 b4