Answers.Body: <p>This is a subjective question, so I'll give a subjective answer. In my opinion, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus_Defence" rel="nofollow">Hippopotamus Defense</a> is the most defensive opening. Here's a typical Hippopotamus structure - </p>
  
  <pre><code>   [FEN "r2qk2r/pbpnnpbp/1p1pp1p1/8/2PPP3/2N1BN2/PP2BPPP/R2Q1RK1 w kq - 0 9"]
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>Black doesn't even move a pawn to the 4th rank! All of Black's minor pieces are developed on the second rank and Black keeps his pawns on the third rank. Essentially, Black plays a waiting game for a while, and tries to provoke White into doing something concrete and then Black reacts accordingly. </p>
  
  <p>P.S. <em>Since you're a beginner, <strong>I would advise NOT to use this opening</strong>. Yes, it is the most defensive opening, but if you're afraid of playing 1...e5 then you ought to first correct that instead of trying to play something else! Even with 1...e5, Black can reach defensive setups.</em> </p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2021-03-21T22:17:06.790Z
Answers.Text: The hippopotamus is good against senior players, no need to control the center, not recommended to play if you are new to chess.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mr.ray.
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-11-29T01:51:39.907Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-11-29T01:51:39.907Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: NM Wesley Falcao
Answers.Body: <p>One chess opening you can use is the Hedgehog formation, it is very defensive if you are playing black. Black exchanges a pawn on c5 for a white pawn on d4 and then places his pawns on a6, b6 and e6. The bishops are placed on b7 and e7, then the knights are placed on d7 and f6, the queen is on c7 and the rooks on c8 and e8. This position is cramped, however it has great defensive capabilities.</p>
  <pre><code>[FEN &quot;2r1r1k1/1bqnbppp/pp1ppn2/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1&quot;]
  </code></pre>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-04T04:12:52.530Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2021-03-23T06:58:31.787Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2021-03-23T06:58:31.787Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Guest User
Answers.Body: <p>In a standard French exchange defense the goal is to reach the endgame as soon as possible. It typically leaves the king's rook file open with pawns on b2, b3, and c2 for white and vice versa for black and a castled king-side. Only the rooks and queens are left in play. Besides all the exchanges it leads to a long and tedious (very passive)endgame.
  In my studies I find the Sicilian dragon in response to the English fianchetto (copy cat essentially) leads to a waiting game until the first decides to make an advancing move. </p>
  
  <p>Ultimately however it all relies on the player. Garry Kasparov for example loves to attack and with devastating effect. However one can choose to play passive and slowly take their opponent down. The best advice would be to experiment with all the defenses mentioned and see which you prefer or find some of your own.
  Best of luck with your search!</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-12-06T13:34:26.710Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-12-06T13:34:26.710Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: theeppright
Answers.Body: <p>If you are looking defensive openings for black I would recommend Caro Kann Against 1.e4</p>
  
  <pre>
  <code>
  [FEN ""]
  
  1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5
  
  </code>
  </pre>
  
  <p>and</p>
  
  <p>Slav defense against 1.d4</p>
  
  <pre>
  <code>
  [FEN ""]
  
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6
  
  </code>
  </pre>
  
  <p>Be careful though, Because Caro Kann isn't exactly an opening for beginners and Some variations of Slav can lead to position requiring precise Tactical play.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-12-06T05:48:42.360Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-12-06T05:48:42.360Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Sarrus1811
Answers.Body: <p>Looking back to my earlier days I would recommend Petrov's Defence. 
  1) e4 e5
  2) Nf3 Nf6
  which, with a bit of luck, will turn into the safe, boring 4 Knights.</p>
  
  <p>I know you think e5 is too aggressive. It isn't. Other moves are too passive and according to Chessbase you will lose more games with other replies. You will find defence much easier if you haven't already given away the center.</p>
  
  <p>You will need to have an answer to the King's Gambit. Either an early d4 or Fischer's Defense were what I used in my early days.</p>
  
  <p>Nowadays I play either the French or the Lion (a variation of Philidor's which delays e5 until move 3 or later) but both of these require more book learning and can have some very aggressive variations indeed.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2018-06-04T21:03:42.777Z
Answers.Text: Petroff..3.Nc3 Nc6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5 (Safe, boring??) There is always an opponent...
Answers.UserDisplayName: Philip Roe
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-12-09T09:59:19.640Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-12-09T09:59:19.640Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Brian Towers
Answers.Body: <p>You could try <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caro%E2%80%93Kann_Defence" rel="nofollow">Caro-Kann Defense</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Defence" rel="nofollow">French Defense</a>. Both are famous for being very solid and less risky.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-12-01T18:41:12.910Z
Answers.Text: yeah, I remember that when I use to play the french, in the lower levels I would always win a pawn. The french is pretty trick for white.
Answers.UserDisplayName: CognisMantis
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-12-01T03:21:52.840Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-12-01T03:21:52.840Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Keshav
Body: <p>I am relatively a new chess player and been improving my strength in the opening for a while and would like to know which opening is the most defensive. 1.e5 seems a little too aggressive.</p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-11-28T22:02:03.490Z
Comments.Text: 1...e5 is not always aggressive. If your opponent plays the ruy lopez, the berlin defense is quite defensive e4 e5 nf3 nc6 bb5 nf6. Probably what your looking for would be some hyper modern opening like owen's defense. e4 b6
Comments.UserDisplayName: CognisMantis
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-11-29T03:03:03.907Z
Comments.Text: Check out the Caro-Kann. Known to be rock solid.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Tony Ennis
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2014-11-29T05:38:03.307Z
Comments.Text: I would say that instead of avoiding aggressive positions, you should embrace them because they give good practice with tactics.
Comments.UserDisplayName: CognisMantis
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2018-06-04T06:49:02.497Z
Comments.Text: What do you actually mean by "defensive" and why do you want to play defensively? I suspect that you mean "closed/positional" rather than defensive. In many cases the "aggressive" openings have a clear plan which would make them easier to understand for beginners. Lastly, the character of the opening is not decided by you only, but also by your opponent.
Comments.UserDisplayName: user1583209
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-03-22T12:48:25.827Z
Comments.Text: What does it mean to be "deffensive"? Sometimes it's not easy to categorize moves into "attacking" or "deffensive". Would an opening that accepts a slightly inferior position just to stay out of trouble be "deffensive"? Or is a "deffensive" opening just one that punsihes imprecise attacks more harshly?
Comments.UserDisplayName: David
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2021-03-26T10:50:56.303Z
Comments.Text: I can understand your reasons for not going into an aggressive opening. But, why go for the *most* defensive one? You should instead look for a *solid line*, that is, one that leaves no clear weakness in your camp while still preparing for the clash to come. If you are playing too afraid, you are playing against two opponents at a time.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Cyriac Antony
Tags: <opening>
Title: Which opening is most defensive as black?
ThreadText: # Which opening is most defensive as black?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2014-11-28)
  
  I am relatively a new chess player and been improving my strength in the opening for a while and would like to know which opening is the most defensive. 1.e5 seems a little too aggressive.
  
  **Tags:** opening
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: 1...e5 is not always aggressive. If your opponent plays the ruy lopez, the berlin defense is quite defensive e4 e5 nf3 nc6 bb5 nf6. Probably what your looking for would be some hyper modern opening like owen's defense. e4 b6  
  > **username_2**: Check out the Caro-Kann. Known to be rock solid.  
  > **username_1**: I would say that instead of avoiding aggressive positions, you should embrace them because they give good practice with tactics.  
  > **username_3**: What do you actually mean by "defensive" and why do you want to play defensively? I suspect that you mean "closed/positional" rather than defensive. In many cases the "aggressive" openings have a clear plan which would make them easier to understand for beginners. Lastly, the character of the opening is not decided by you only, but also by your opponent.  
  > **username_4**: What does it mean to be "deffensive"? Sometimes it's not easy to categorize moves into "attacking" or "deffensive". Would an opening that accepts a slightly inferior position just to stay out of trouble be "deffensive"? Or is a "deffensive" opening just one that punsihes imprecise attacks more harshly?  
  > **username_5**: I can understand your reasons for not going into an aggressive opening. But, why go for the *most* defensive one? You should instead look for a *solid line*, that is, one that leaves no clear weakness in your camp while still preparing for the clash to come. If you are playing too afraid, you are playing against two opponents at a time.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 6 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2014-11-29. Score: 4
  
  This is a subjective question, so I'll give a subjective answer. In my opinion, the [Hippopotamus Defense](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hippopotamus_Defence) is the most defensive opening. Here's a typical Hippopotamus structure -
  
  ```
     [FEN "r2qk2r/pbpnnpbp/1p1pp1p1/8/2PPP3/2N1BN2/PP2BPPP/R2Q1RK1 w kq - 0 9"]
  
  ```
  
  Black doesn't even move a pawn to the 4th rank! All of Black's minor pieces are developed on the second rank and Black keeps his pawns on the third rank. Essentially, Black plays a waiting game for a while, and tries to provoke White into doing something concrete and then Black reacts accordingly.
  
  P.S. *Since you're a beginner, **I would advise NOT to use this opening**. Yes, it is the most defensive opening, but if you're afraid of playing 1...e5 then you ought to first correct that instead of trying to play something else! Even with 1...e5, Black can reach defensive setups.*
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_7**: The hippopotamus is good against senior players, no need to control the center, not recommended to play if you are new to chess.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2018-06-04. Score: 2
  
  One chess opening you can use is the Hedgehog formation, it is very defensive if you are playing black. Black exchanges a pawn on c5 for a white pawn on d4 and then places his pawns on a6, b6 and e6. The bishops are placed on b7 and e7, then the knights are placed on d7 and f6, the queen is on c7 and the rooks on c8 and e8. This position is cramped, however it has great defensive capabilities.
  
  ```
  [FEN "2r1r1k1/1bqnbppp/pp1ppn2/8/8/8/8/8 w - - 0 1"]
  
  ```
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_9 on 2014-12-06. Score: 0
  
  In a standard French exchange defense the goal is to reach the endgame as soon as possible. It typically leaves the king's rook file open with pawns on b2, b3, and c2 for white and vice versa for black and a castled king-side. Only the rooks and queens are left in play. Besides all the exchanges it leads to a long and tedious (very passive)endgame.
  In my studies I find the Sicilian dragon in response to the English fianchetto (copy cat essentially) leads to a waiting game until the first decides to make an advancing move.
  
  Ultimately however it all relies on the player. Garry Kasparov for example loves to attack and with devastating effect. However one can choose to play passive and slowly take their opponent down. The best advice would be to experiment with all the defenses mentioned and see which you prefer or find some of your own.
  Best of luck with your search!
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_10 on 2014-12-06. Score: 0
  
  If you are looking defensive openings for black I would recommend Caro Kann Against 1.e4
  
  ```
  
  [FEN ""]
  
  1. e4 c6 2. d4 d5
  
  ```
  
  and
  
  Slav defense against 1.d4
  
  ```
  
  [FEN ""]
  
  1. d4 d5 2. c4 c6
  
  ```
  
  Be careful though, Because Caro Kann isn't exactly an opening for beginners and Some variations of Slav can lead to position requiring precise Tactical play.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_11 on 2014-12-09. Score: 0
  
  Looking back to my earlier days I would recommend Petrov's Defence.
  1) e4 e5
  2) Nf3 Nf6
  which, with a bit of luck, will turn into the safe, boring 4 Knights.
  
  I know you think e5 is too aggressive. It isn't. Other moves are too passive and according to Chessbase you will lose more games with other replies. You will find defence much easier if you haven't already given away the center.
  
  You will need to have an answer to the King's Gambit. Either an early d4 or Fischer's Defense were what I used in my early days.
  
  Nowadays I play either the French or the Lion (a variation of Philidor's which delays e5 until move 3 or later) but both of these require more book learning and can have some very aggressive variations indeed.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_12**: Petroff..3.Nc3 Nc6 4. d4 exd4 5. Nd5 (Safe, boring??) There is always an opponent...  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_13 on 2014-12-01. Score: 0
  
  You could try [Caro-Kann Defense](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caro%E2%80%93Kann_Defence) and [French Defense](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Defence). Both are famous for being very solid and less risky.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: yeah, I remember that when I use to play the french, in the lower levels I would always win a pawn. The french is pretty trick for white.  
  
  ---
  
  