What's the best reply to d4 in chess?

Answer 1

"there is no such thing as a best opening or best reply to an opening in chess... it all depends on your AND your opponents style of play."

^ not exactly true. some defences are played for the
purpose of drawing, some openings are played with the intention to win, some lines are bad and risky, some leave one side
with an advantage for a long time, etc.


"i know of players that can do nasty things with their knights, and of other who happily exchange them for their opponents bishops... you will have to try various answers, preferably with a chess program on not too high level :) and see what suits you best."

^ i'm sorry. i know you're trying to help the guy, but i can
tell by your responses that you don't really play chess in
a competitive environment.

"oh, and i am not going to tell you what i do either, because i strongly discourage prefabricated moves. often you dont understand them fully, and that leaves you vulnerable. it is always best to work out yourself. "

^ prefabricated moves? playing chess w/out any opening
knowledge is like playing football and throwing away the
playbook. all too often chess is romanticized for its intellectual
aesthetics, and its sporting side is neglected.
preparation is VITAL in chess.


i'm a tournament chess player, and although i may
seem arrogant and condescending- trust me.
your question is exactly the kind of question you should
be asking yourself.

i recommend the following:

1..c6 inititates the caro-kann. this is a drawish opening that
you will have to study. it is best used against stronger
opponents, when a draw is all you need.

1..d5 will allow white to keep the initiative for a loooong time.
you'll most likely end up playing a queen's gambit. d4 openings
aren't as tactical as e4, so you should be fine if you play
actively.

1..Nf6 is what you play to win. the indian defences are very
popular amongst grandmasters, and for good reason.
the game will be fun, and both sides will fight.
also, after 2. e4 d6 you can transpose into the pirc.
this opening greatly favors the more knowledgable
opponent.

links:

eudesign.com/chessops
chessgames.com (opening explorer)

books:

yasser seirwan's winning chess openings

Answer 2

there is no such thing as a best opening or best reply to an opening in chess... it all depends on your AND your opponents style of play.
i know of players that can do nasty things with their knights, and of other who happily exchange them for their opponents bishops... you will have to try various answers, preferably with a chess program on not too high level :) and see what suits you best.
oh, and i am not going to tell you what i do either, because i strongly discourage prefabricated moves. often you dont understand them fully, and that leaves you vulnerable. it is always best to work out yourself.

Answer 3

Knight F6

Answer 4

King pawn to d5 followed with queen pawn to e6

Answer 5

sorry unrelated more fish tycoon combos for differant fish

http://www.cleverarts.com/fishtycoon/default.asp
shows what other fish you can make from the combo of the fish

Answer 6

Open with the en passant...

Answer 7

d5

Answer 8

g2