Automatic Openings - Autopilot

My Opening consists of Dutch Stonewall vs d4 and Centre Counter/Scandinavian vs e4.

As White I play 1.e4 only and specialise in the Sicilian Grand Prix and Vienna Game (1.e4 e5 2.Nc3 … f4 at some point).

I’ve used this so often on WCN, that many of the opening moves can be played almost “without thinking”. I call this being on autopilot.

I’ve managed to hit 1700 again without any particular “training” - just had the rare 8 hours sleep last night.

I’ve played thousands of bullet, blitz and standard games on WCN and almost all the games use my autopilot openings. It’s good to be in a comfort zone right at the start of the game but I think relying too much on them is obviously a crutch.

Here’s an idea. Let’s treat the rating as new and try out new openings.
Of course initially the ratings will fall but I want to see if I can still reach 1600-1700 with completely new openings.

Bullet and Blitz although is frowned at by many people I’ve talked to. However, I still think it is is a good place to try out new opening ideas. Where else can you play 50+ games to get a feel of an opening?

Popularity: 8% [?]

Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.

Related posts:-

• WCN Rating (Jan 15,2007)
• WCN rating up
• Giving up bullet
• Chess at Burger King
• WCN 1800 not reached