Expert: Len Molden - 6/11/2007

Question
Hi,
I am a beginner player (rated about 1200, and 1500 on the internet), and I usually play 1. e4. Against 1. e4, I normally reply 1.e5.

I read somewhere that beginners ought to play open games to improve their tactical skills before starting to play closed games, and I am following this advice.

However, my problem begins when the opponent starts with d4, c4, or Nf3, which tend to lead to closed games.

What do you recommend against these 3 moves that are suitable for beginners like me? Thanks!

And do you know any website that has some free tactics training, as I wish to further improve on my tactics.

Answer
Hi Doglas - A good defensive system against closed openings is:

A:
1.d4 d5
2.c4 e6 Queen's Gambit Declined.

B:
1.c4 e6 followed by d5, often transposes to the above line.    
The Slav Defense is a good choice for beginners as it's solid and keeps the Queen's Bishop free.  Another good line is the Tarrasch Defense:

1.d4 d5
2.c4 e6
3.Nc3 c5

Black challenges the center immediately and White now has to constantly consider the consequences of captures in the center. Garry Kasparov and Boris Spassky used to play this a lot with good results. Usually White exchanges the c-pawn for Black's d-pawn and the later the White d-pawn can be exchanged for the Black c-pawn. Black ends up with an isolated d-pawn but with open piece play.

C:
1.Nf3 d5
2.g3 Nf6
3.Bg2 c6
4.0-0 Bg4

More important however than the actual lines, is to understand the ideas behind the openings.  

These two books will give you almost everything you need at this stage in your development to confidently play the opening correctly:

http://www.chessmastery.com/chess-opening-ideas.html

You can find a Daily Chess Puzzle for free tactics training at the home page of http://www.chessmastery.com which has three different levels.

Regards,

Len Molden