Solid Opening for Black against e4

Hi - I currently play e5 as black against e4 but I find that often I'm struggling very early on due to lack of theory knowledge.

I like openings that are solid- not too aggressive or messy, and ideally want to play something where the ball is in my court (i.e. I'm playing my opening, rather than theirs). I also don't want to have to spend days learning endless theory lines (like with the Sicilian), as I play chess purely for fun and really don't have the time to put much work into it outside games.

I was thinking maybe the French or Caro-Kann, but would appreciate any advice. My FIDE rating is around 1800.

Thanks

Definitely sounds like you're describing the CK to me. Scandinavian even.

I have lots of work done on the Qd8 Scandinavian Defence.

I find it a nice, solid reply with some nice winnable positions if white does not know his stuff.

When I had a similar problem, i started to play Caro - atleast in online blitz. It helped me gain quite a few points.

You would have to look up how to play the main line. 

Vs exchange it is usually no brainer, vs Panov and Fantasy - no clue myself :D
Vs advanced i played 3. ... c5 

Thanks :) - I think I'll try some online games with the CK - seems like my kind of opening.

I have 48 variations looked at on 3. Nf3 

I have 22 variations looked at on various fourth moves around 4. Nf3

In my booked up opinion, I would rather be black against 3./4. Nf3 as I get at least around equal positions and many nice positions for black and all preparation.

What one were you voicing your ignorant trollish opinion on? 3. or 4. Nf3?

I think e5 is best reply in full time games but in 3 or mins game u can try lot of openings

Seriously, various replies have been tried at normal GM level with many wins, draws and loses.  You should not be concerned.

Chess of Player, I am talking about 3.Nf3. Maxime used it against a 2650ish Scandinavian authority with good results(can't remember the name but I think it was Greek). And in my opinion it is rather clear that White has a bigger advantage than what he gets in other more common openings

MVL is among the chess elite and has lots of work on 3. Nf3 to combat the Scandinavian authorities preparation.  MVL won there forth because of his superior strenght in the middlegame to endgame.  Nothing with the opening. 

CK or maybe even French Fort Knox... Starting out vs e4 by Neil McDonald would be a good book for the french or Caro Move by Move for CK 

I didnt say he won because of the opening. I said White has a bigger advantage that in other principled openings. Seems like you did not understand my comment or that you can't accept that your opening is technically slightly worse than other openings. 

You basically implied it.  You said it is pretty clear that white has a bigger advantage in this opening than in other games.  With this "bigger advantage" given to a SGM it is only logical that it contributes greatly to the results.

You said above first that it is " refuted after Nf3 "

and now you say it is "technically slighly worse" than other openings after I grill you. xD

Ok I will leave it here lol.  Just don't say my opening choice is refuted after 3. Nf3 because then clearly you don't know what you are talking about.

Ok IrishDude, I will stop the joking with you. Thanks for the friendly discussion.

I switched to the French after many years playing the Sicilian and my win ratio went up considerably.

Caro Kann