Answers.Body: <p>If you want to start playing 1.d4 you should as first thing have a look at some theory about the Queen's gambit declined, as it is the most natural (and historical) way to play 1.d4: even if you will not end up adopting it in your repertoire, it will give you a taste of the major ideas behind the queen's pawn opening (minority attack usually against c5-c6, occupation of c-d files) and a sense of where the pieces belong.</p>
  
  <p>After you do so you should start preparing for precise defences to play against (as in every opening although White has the first move, the order strongly depends on what Black plays next): in this respect you might have a look at any online database to find what is played most - but to spare the time, among all the most often played are:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>Slav defence</li>
  <li>semi-Slav</li>
  <li>Indian defences (at least King's Indian and Grünfeld)</li>
  </ul>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>Or is the Catalan a better start? </p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>I myself do play the Catalan (when given the chance to do so) and therefore by all means I suggest you to look into it: it is however a heavy theoretical opening (from both sides) but it does provide White with a slight edge throughout the whole game (at best play).</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>I am considering the London system against things</p>
  </blockquote>
  
  <p>The London system is somehow more "natural" to play and it is lately gaining a lot of respect at high level (Carlsen and Aronian above all play it very often): you may find quite a few GM games to take examples from.</p>
  
  <p>In general, as any other opening in chess, you cannot have your way around without putting some study into a few specific lines; however, there is a lot of free content online that you may surf, especially the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM-ONC2bCHytG2mYtKDmIeA" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Saint Louis Chess Club</a> channel contains a lot of opening videos suitable for any level (according to me very thorough).</p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-21T20:40:08.313Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-09-21T20:40:08.313Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: gented
Answers.Body: <p>I recently switched from 1 e4 to d4 by following the repertoire book <em>A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White</em> by John Watson. It recommends 1 d4, 2 c4, 3 Nc3 against everything, so the first three moves are easy ;-)</p>
  
  <p>After a while, I experienced some pitfalls and I started playing other variations as well. For example, I don't particularly like his line against the Grünfeld (exchange, Bg5, Rc1). In fact, the antidote is mentioned in one of the sidelines as an interesting idea by Svidler.</p>
  
  <p>So I'm not saying all of his choices are ideal, but this book will get you started. Also, it saves a lot of time, since you'll don't want to play the other stuff anymore (1 e4, 1 Nf3, 1 c4) :-)</p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-26T16:55:41.600Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-09-26T16:55:41.600Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: René Pijl
Answers.Body: <p>As you are probably aware of, <code>d4</code> is a totally different territory. In one word, the amount of possible replies is lower and there are also fewer move-by-move trickery, but <code>d4</code> is much more prone to transpositions, which makes it so interesting from my point of view. You'll have to know them. Some lines of the KID, Grünfeld or Benko are also very sharp of course, so be prepared.</p>
  
  <p>You should obviously start with the Queen's gambit and build a repertoire for the main lines.
  If you have been a <code>c4</code> player already, I advise you to play the Reti, which will teach you power of transposition btw. As I've explained in another post, you can dodge sharp positions with it.</p>
  
  <p>There are too much to say, so I'll advise you to see the 15 videos that Christof Sielecki did (aka Chessexplained) on <code>d4</code> repertoire for White. These are excellent, and will introduce you to the main d4 openings and ideas. Here is the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww5kyjKbhu0" rel="nofollow noreferrer">introduction video to <code>d4</code> repertoire for White</a>. </p>
  
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Answers.Text: *" In one word, the amount of possible replies is lower and there are also fewer move-by-move trickery"* this is clearly wrong.
Answers.UserDisplayName: gented
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-21T20:39:51.220Z
Answers.Text: This statement - which might be sweeping - does not change anything to rest of my post. I can remove it if it bothers you that much.
Answers.UserDisplayName: loukios
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-21T20:43:10.290Z
Answers.Text: I am not criticising your post, which I believe is correct; I only wanted to emphasise that such a statement can give the wrong impression to someone who wants to approach a new territory.
Answers.UserDisplayName: gented
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-21T20:50:14.620Z
Answers.Text: Sure, I understand your point of view :)
Answers.UserDisplayName: loukios
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Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-21T20:19:43.643Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2017-09-21T20:19:43.643Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: loukios
Answers.Body: <p>I've personally been stuck on the same problem when I tried to learn d4 seriously. There are many solid systems for Black, with many reasonable looking moves on both sides, and move order or transposition problems. IMO, playing opening preparation is one of the best way to memorize it, so it's frustrating when the opponent plays a valid but totally different system.</p>
  
  <p>My solution for that has been to learn d4 openings from the earliest, solid enough deviations up to the longest analysed variations. I started a month ago so I haven't progressed much, but up until now I've learned a lot about BDG (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit), and I'm starting to learn about Stonewall Attack, Richter-Veresov Attack and Colle System.</p>
  
  <p>The point is that this way, I can steer the game into an opening I've prepared early on, which gives me more opportunities to gain experience in it while avoiding famous Black systems. In particular, BDG covers 1... d5, and Stonewall Attack covers basically everything else. Once I've gained enough experiences with these openings, I'll move on to others that go a few plys further, and so on, eventually covering the big openings.</p>
  
  <p>The problem with that approach is that it's very slow, and commits me to learn openings that didn't really interest me in the first place, even though the openings themselves are nice to play. If you want to quickly learn a famous opening, the best is probably to buy a book talking about it, study the proposed lines and positions, and then play it online while adapting to other systems Black may choose.</p>
  
  <p>If you'll excuse the self-promoting, I have started a <a href="https://lichess.org/study/5WOny7ar" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Lichess study</a> following the method I've described, which I update every few days with new variations from books, games (including my own), and mostly computer analysis. It's very empty right now though, with only a lot of material on the BDG, but you could also start a study of your own and fill it with what you've learned through games or exploring variations.</p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2018-07-06T13:57:45.477Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2018-07-06T13:57:45.477Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Umlin
Answers.Body: <p>You could also consider the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_Gambit" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Queen's Gambit</a> ("QGD") in addition to the Catalan. </p>
  
  <p>One major difference with 1. d4 is that the pawn in question is supported by the White queen, whereas with 1. e4 the pawn is not supported. So you need to study how to adjust to that at the start of play. </p>
  
  <p>Also, I have heard it said that 1. d4 tends to lead to more closed positions, although I don't know enough theory to explain why, or even if that is true overall. But it is also something to look into if you are considering adding 1. d4 to your repertoire. I do know from a bit of experience that many players from the black side are lulled into thinking 1. d4 is safer, but there are plenty of examples, including the QGD and the Catalan, where White can launch devastating attacks that come seemingly out of nowhere.</p>
  
  <p>Finally, I would strongly suggest that you study the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Defence" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Dutch Defense</a> and <a href="https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/what-is-the-best-counter-towards-the-dutch-defence" rel="nofollow noreferrer">anti-Dutch strategies</a> (to the extent that there are any), because the Dutch can be a really effective counter to 1. d4.</p>
  
  <p>Also, if you haven't already read it, check out <em>My System</em> by <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aron_Nimzowitsch" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Aron Nimzowitsch</a>. His advice on chess fundamentals has become standard, but he also relied on a <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermodernism_(chess)" rel="nofollow noreferrer">hypermodern</a> chess style that was able to make good use of 1. d4.</p>
  
  <p>Good luck.</p>
  
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Answers.UserDisplayName: jrdevdba
Answers.Body: <p>d4 is the second best initial move because it frees a Bishop and the Queen while making e5 and c5 harder, but it does not stand on a winning line. Both you and your opponent will have many chances to make losing mistakes. Choice of opening rests with White, but after about 10 moves, both will have to deal with their opponent. You must play well to avoid losing. Your opponent must play poorly before you have any chance of victory. Pick an opening you like, and you may recognize your opponent's mistakes.
    Several following comments recommend following d-side openings in some order or another. Pick an order that is interesting and works for you. You will achieve your maximum playing strength because of who you are and how hard you work, not because you followed someone else's path. World champions accept worthwhile instruction, but they are not limited by it. Follow your path noting what others have accomplished, but keep remembering that your accomplishment must come from inside you.</p>
  
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Answers.CreationDate: 2017-09-22T06:25:29.223Z
Answers.Text: Your philosophical advice sounds nice and all, but it doesn't really answer the question. The guy (girl?) came here to seek specific advice, an answer that can be summed up as just "do whatever your heart tells you" (embellished with some commonplace stuff like "play well to avoid losing") isn't very helpful imo.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Annatar
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Answers.UserDisplayName: Roland Booker
Body: <p>As a long time 1.e4 player and short time 1.c4 player, I'd like to add 1.d4 but there are so many defenses.    I am considering the London system against things, while adding mainlines vs. all the various openings one by one.  Or is the Catalan a better start?  </p>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-09-21T20:01:32.923Z
Comments.Text: I casually play 1. d4 online as well, being a 1. e4 player since forever, and I think the London system is decent. This also aligns well with my black defenses (Slav, Scandinavian) where the pawn structure and piece placement is very similar for black. The main thing to worry about I feel is an early ...c5 by black, followed by e.g. Qb6 to pressure b2 and d4. Against all other lines, natural developing moves (even without knowing theory) should lead to pretty balanced positions.
Comments.UserDisplayName: TMM
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2017-09-22T09:53:10.260Z
Comments.Text: A major difference between 1.e4 and 1.d4 is that against 1.e4 you can treat the various defences all individually, but with 1.d4 they're all interconnected as black can often switch around early move orders easily. So it's not easy to add mainlines one by one.
Comments.UserDisplayName: RemcoGerlich
Tags: <opening>
Title: What's the best approach to adopting 1.d4?
ThreadText: # What's the best approach to adopting 1.d4?
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2017-09-21)
  
  As a long time 1.e4 player and short time 1.c4 player, I'd like to add 1.d4 but there are so many defenses. I am considering the London system against things, while adding mainlines vs. all the various openings one by one. Or is the Catalan a better start?
  
  **Tags:** opening
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: I casually play 1. d4 online as well, being a 1. e4 player since forever, and I think the London system is decent. This also aligns well with my black defenses (Slav, Scandinavian) where the pawn structure and piece placement is very similar for black. The main thing to worry about I feel is an early ...c5 by black, followed by e.g. Qb6 to pressure b2 and d4. Against all other lines, natural developing moves (even without knowing theory) should lead to pretty balanced positions.  
  > **username_2**: A major difference between 1.e4 and 1.d4 is that against 1.e4 you can treat the various defences all individually, but with 1.d4 they're all interconnected as black can often switch around early move orders easily. So it's not easy to add mainlines one by one.  
  
  ---
  
  ## 6 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_3 on 2017-09-21. Score: 2 | Accepted answer
  
  If you want to start playing 1.d4 you should as first thing have a look at some theory about the Queen's gambit declined, as it is the most natural (and historical) way to play 1.d4: even if you will not end up adopting it in your repertoire, it will give you a taste of the major ideas behind the queen's pawn opening (minority attack usually against c5-c6, occupation of c-d files) and a sense of where the pieces belong.
  
  After you do so you should start preparing for precise defences to play against (as in every opening although White has the first move, the order strongly depends on what Black plays next): in this respect you might have a look at any online database to find what is played most - but to spare the time, among all the most often played are:
  
  * Slav defence
  * semi-Slav
  * Indian defences (at least King's Indian and Grünfeld)
  
  > Or is the Catalan a better start?
  
  I myself do play the Catalan (when given the chance to do so) and therefore by all means I suggest you to look into it: it is however a heavy theoretical opening (from both sides) but it does provide White with a slight edge throughout the whole game (at best play).
  
  > I am considering the London system against things
  
  The London system is somehow more "natural" to play and it is lately gaining a lot of respect at high level (Carlsen and Aronian above all play it very often): you may find quite a few GM games to take examples from.
  
  In general, as any other opening in chess, you cannot have your way around without putting some study into a few specific lines; however, there is a lot of free content online that you may surf, especially the [Saint Louis Chess Club](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM-ONC2bCHytG2mYtKDmIeA) channel contains a lot of opening videos suitable for any level (according to me very thorough).
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_4 on 2017-09-26. Score: 1
  
  I recently switched from 1 e4 to d4 by following the repertoire book *A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White* by John Watson. It recommends 1 d4, 2 c4, 3 Nc3 against everything, so the first three moves are easy ;-)
  
  After a while, I experienced some pitfalls and I started playing other variations as well. For example, I don't particularly like his line against the Grünfeld (exchange, Bg5, Rc1). In fact, the antidote is mentioned in one of the sidelines as an interesting idea by Svidler.
  
  So I'm not saying all of his choices are ideal, but this book will get you started. Also, it saves a lot of time, since you'll don't want to play the other stuff anymore (1 e4, 1 Nf3, 1 c4) :-)
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_5 on 2017-09-21. Score: 1
  
  As you are probably aware of, `d4` is a totally different territory. In one word, the amount of possible replies is lower and there are also fewer move-by-move trickery, but `d4` is much more prone to transpositions, which makes it so interesting from my point of view. You'll have to know them. Some lines of the KID, Grünfeld or Benko are also very sharp of course, so be prepared.
  
  You should obviously start with the Queen's gambit and build a repertoire for the main lines.
  If you have been a `c4` player already, I advise you to play the Reti, which will teach you power of transposition btw. As I've explained in another post, you can dodge sharp positions with it.
  
  There are too much to say, so I'll advise you to see the 15 videos that Christof Sielecki did (aka Chessexplained) on `d4` repertoire for White. These are excellent, and will introduce you to the main d4 openings and ideas. Here is the [introduction video to `d4` repertoire for White](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww5kyjKbhu0).
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_3**: *" In one word, the amount of possible replies is lower and there are also fewer move-by-move trickery"* this is clearly wrong.  
  > **username_5**: This statement - which might be sweeping - does not change anything to rest of my post. I can remove it if it bothers you that much.  
  > **username_3**: I am not criticising your post, which I believe is correct; I only wanted to emphasise that such a statement can give the wrong impression to someone who wants to approach a new territory.  
  > **username_5**: Sure, I understand your point of view :)  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2018-07-06. Score: 1
  
  I've personally been stuck on the same problem when I tried to learn d4 seriously. There are many solid systems for Black, with many reasonable looking moves on both sides, and move order or transposition problems. IMO, playing opening preparation is one of the best way to memorize it, so it's frustrating when the opponent plays a valid but totally different system.
  
  My solution for that has been to learn d4 openings from the earliest, solid enough deviations up to the longest analysed variations. I started a month ago so I haven't progressed much, but up until now I've learned a lot about BDG (Blackmar-Diemer Gambit), and I'm starting to learn about Stonewall Attack, Richter-Veresov Attack and Colle System.
  
  The point is that this way, I can steer the game into an opening I've prepared early on, which gives me more opportunities to gain experience in it while avoiding famous Black systems. In particular, BDG covers 1... d5, and Stonewall Attack covers basically everything else. Once I've gained enough experiences with these openings, I'll move on to others that go a few plys further, and so on, eventually covering the big openings.
  
  The problem with that approach is that it's very slow, and commits me to learn openings that didn't really interest me in the first place, even though the openings themselves are nice to play. If you want to quickly learn a famous opening, the best is probably to buy a book talking about it, study the proposed lines and positions, and then play it online while adapting to other systems Black may choose.
  
  If you'll excuse the self-promoting, I have started a [Lichess study](https://lichess.org/study/5WOny7ar) following the method I've described, which I update every few days with new variations from books, games (including my own), and mostly computer analysis. It's very empty right now though, with only a lot of material on the BDG, but you could also start a study of your own and fill it with what you've learned through games or exploring variations.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2017-09-21. Score: 0
  
  You could also consider the [Queen's Gambit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Queen%27s_Gambit) ("QGD") in addition to the Catalan.
  
  One major difference with 1. d4 is that the pawn in question is supported by the White queen, whereas with 1. e4 the pawn is not supported. So you need to study how to adjust to that at the start of play.
  
  Also, I have heard it said that 1. d4 tends to lead to more closed positions, although I don't know enough theory to explain why, or even if that is true overall. But it is also something to look into if you are considering adding 1. d4 to your repertoire. I do know from a bit of experience that many players from the black side are lulled into thinking 1. d4 is safer, but there are plenty of examples, including the QGD and the Catalan, where White can launch devastating attacks that come seemingly out of nowhere.
  
  Finally, I would strongly suggest that you study the [Dutch Defense](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_Defence) and [anti-Dutch strategies](https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/what-is-the-best-counter-towards-the-dutch-defence) (to the extent that there are any), because the Dutch can be a really effective counter to 1. d4.
  
  Also, if you haven't already read it, check out *My System* by [Aron Nimzowitsch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aron_Nimzowitsch). His advice on chess fundamentals has become standard, but he also relied on a [hypermodern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypermodernism_(chess)) chess style that was able to make good use of 1. d4.
  
  Good luck.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2017-09-22. Score: -5
  
  d4 is the second best initial move because it frees a Bishop and the Queen while making e5 and c5 harder, but it does not stand on a winning line. Both you and your opponent will have many chances to make losing mistakes. Choice of opening rests with White, but after about 10 moves, both will have to deal with their opponent. You must play well to avoid losing. Your opponent must play poorly before you have any chance of victory. Pick an opening you like, and you may recognize your opponent's mistakes.
  Several following comments recommend following d-side openings in some order or another. Pick an order that is interesting and works for you. You will achieve your maximum playing strength because of who you are and how hard you work, not because you followed someone else's path. World champions accept worthwhile instruction, but they are not limited by it. Follow your path noting what others have accomplished, but keep remembering that your accomplishment must come from inside you.
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_9**: Your philosophical advice sounds nice and all, but it doesn't really answer the question. The guy (girl?) came here to seek specific advice, an answer that can be summed up as just "do whatever your heart tells you" (embellished with some commonplace stuff like "play well to avoid losing") isn't very helpful imo.  
  
  ---
  
  