raptureready19
9 ( +1 | -1 ) QuestionI'm new to the tactical side of chess, always just played for the fun of it, but what is the best defense to 1. e4? Is it d5?
mattafort
12 ( +1 | -1 ) A matter of tasteBut it is hardly d5. Most used: 1.e4 e5 .... e6 .... c5 .... c6 What you want to play is a matter of taste and style. Other moves: Nf6, d6, Nc6 and also d5
hardcorepawn
15 ( +1 | -1 ) d5 - Centre CounterIs an underrated defence, if you know it well you can have a good game. If you play it badly you can get into a lot of trouble quickly. Particually if you opt for 2. exd Qxd5 line.
keiserpaul
16 ( +1 | -1 ) "Hardly" d5 ?What is wrong with the Scandinavian ? It is a perfectly reasonable defence to 1.e4. Even played at top level (Anand in the World Championship match versus Kasparov)
kremator
26 ( +1 | -1 ) Sicilian = evilI despise this defense all those lines to learn. I don't want to play the Nadjorf the Shevshnikov, Kan, Dragon, Kalashnikov, and all those other annoying variations. I wish I could find a cheap, decent book on the c3 sicilian or the Grand Prix Attack.
mattafort
44 ( +1 | -1 ) I say Hardly d5, againIf d5 was the best defense to 1.e4 so why is it only used in 0.6% by worlds best players? Maybe they are not as good in selecting openings as we are?
peppe_l
54 ( +1 | -1 ) As far as I know1...e5, 1...c5, 1...e6, 1...c6, 1...d6, 1...d5, 1...Nf6 etc are all good ways to meet 1.e4
Saying one of them is better or worse than others is completely pointless at amateur (or even professional) level.
Choose the one that 1) you like 2) suits your style 3) is easy enough to understand 4) doesnt require too much studying
Or even better, give them all a try! You will gain experience of playing different positions before choosing your weapon vs most popular opening move in chess.
Forget databases, winning percentages or what Kasparov plays.
rommel13
64 ( +1 | -1 ) peppe_lAgreed. Part of chess is the element of surprise. If everyone plays c5 vs e4, then guess which defense white will be most skilled at attacking?
By the same line of thinking, if the response d5 occurs only .06% of the time, chances are white will play the opening out of their element and may offer you opportunities.
Unless there is a gaping weakness to d5 that can be exploited by all level of players, amateurs and masters alike, I don't see why you should avoid it.
As was previously mentioned, if top level players have opened with this and won, you can too.
That is as long as you can withstand some snickers from your opposition after you have moved.... :))