Yes, I posted another opening video.
jacklemoine.com/2010/03/dutc … ewall.html
I wrote that I had a hard time busting this formation. Does anyone else have any opinions on this opening?
I have used that opening in the distant past (when I was playing pretty actively in HS) with some success. Certainly as a defense it will tend to put B and C players (like I was, and was playing) on their heels - particularly those that prefer the more positional battles that might otherwise ensue from their 1.d4. In other words it takes that class of 1.d4 players out of their comfort zone.
A few differences of opinion (minor) with ‘JRobi’ on this one. Yes, the e5 square is vulnerable for Black (in the Stonewall Defense) - but to counter that, take advantage of the e4 square with your own Knight. I liked to play my QN to d7, use it to exchange the Knight off e5 (if present), preferably to induce my opponent to initiate the exchange and use the recapture to mobilize the passive QB, at least to d7. Otherwise do the same with the Knight but discharge the Bishop later to the flank (maybe even a6) after a Q-side pawn initiative.
I remember reading about this opening for White (of course, gaining a tempo) and using it a few times also (the "Stonewall Attack) - a long time ago, but I think I had moderate success. (For nonrelevant reasons I’ve found myself more fascinated with 1.e4 these days, however.) Naturally you can start it via 1.f4, but also can transition into it from your own 1.d4. The key was getting the K-Knight to e5 (as White). And if it gets exchanged off, take advantage of that to open the f-file, once you were in the castled position. From there the lingering threat is always Rf3, then Rh3, etc… pretty basic concepts, which again makes it attractive in the B/C pool. So you can get a pretty decent K-side attack from this, provided you are aware of the two weaknesses created: e4 (as White), and of course f2. Again you have to work a bit to deploy the QB, but have two options there.
It doesn’t seem to be played that often at higher levels; I’m guessing this is because that two Qside pieces (K, B) tend to be difficult to develop. Maybe others will have opinions on this point.
Thanks for posting the blog/link.
I have played it a lot during the past 41 years. I definitely would not recommend using it against anyone rated above 1900. Basically, Black has to cooperate with double-Queen Pawn openings and allow himself to get boxed in. When Black does that White has a lot of fun using the space advantage on the King side. Again, Black has to cooperate so you need to understand your opponent before playing this.
The antidote was published in Chess Life about 35 years ago. A Russian ship arrived in Houston and asked if any of the Houston Chess Club players could play. The Harrington brothers went on board and Chess Life published one of the brother’s victory playing an Indian-style defense as Black. White ended up with two isolated king pawns that could not be defended and, worst of all, an open position with great attacking chances by Black.
I think most masters, even young ones are aware of this game. So, if you still want to use it do so against C players and below (and enjoy).
Blowing it up is one of the rights of passage on the way to Class A and beyond, as mentioned previously. It tends to baffle lower-rated players because there aren’t many open lines, and it’s hard to get an attack behind the pawns. You have to blow it up using levers.
I think this technique (…f6 and …e5) has been called the Cannonball.