"BLUNDERS"- Nov.24 - TOPIC # 4: When to change your opening??

Pardon Our Blunders Show Review: Nov. 24, 2010

    Welcome to the weekly review of Pardon Our Blunders. Every week our Hosts cover varied topics—all chess-related. As regular viewers know, their coverage normally leads to some very interesting and entertaining banter. Here’s a rundown of this week’s Topic #4:

As a class player, when is it good to switch your opening repertoire?

     In wanting to improve a part of your chess game, David mentioned some examples.  For instance: if you want to improve your maneuvering, you play the Ruy Lopez, BUT—if you want to improve your endgame play, you use the Berlin!

     Danny said that no one under 2200, even 2300, does not have a chess “style”; they just have weaknesses in other areas they need to work on. If you switch your openings, then you stunt your growth. The best way to learn is to “stick with it, and stick with it, and stick with it.”

     Danny, during this topic exchange and discussion, guaranteed victory if David played him in a “King’s Gambit” theme game…which would come at the end of the show.

     What do you think? Do you stick with an opening even through your worst games to stick with it? Or do you give up and try to learn something else? Your thoughts and feedback are welcome here.