user3405: I am having some trouble on defeating this opening. Any general tips you can offer me? I use the d4-Nf3-Nc3-Bd3-Be3 formation.

user3895: I'm not a long time member here but I was pretty sure that question regarding this opening will show up. First of all, this kind of defense is really great against weaker players, let's say <1800, who don't know how to place their pieces/how to maneuver properly. By doing this, black dodges theoretical conversation, which can be pretty desirable. Since you gave us only two moves of black g6 and b6, I can't provide you lines or variations, no point to consider all possible setups of black pieces. If you want - share a game with us, I'll be glad to point out not-the-best moves. For now I can only give you few tips:

Avoid playing Bd3 and Be3. That's too squeezed. The light-squared bishop should be placed on c4 in most cases. (I assume black plays e6 and d6 not d5. (See, you should be more precise!:)).
You can wait to develop the dark-squared bishop a bit. g5 might be a nice spot occasionally.
As "waiting moves" to use above, you can castle, or play Qe2.
When your opponent plays a6 consider responding with a4 to avoid some b7-b5-b4 followups.
And the most important: do NOT hurry here. Don't go all in too early, in such set-ups black has an easy counter-attack in the center once you commit to go all in on a side. It's serious. I saw many people losing games due to immediate attacks like Be3, Qd2, Bh6, h4 and stuff.


3405: <p>I am having some trouble on defeating this opening. Any general tips you can offer me? I use the d4-Nf3-Nc3-Bd3-Be3 formation.</p>
 3895: <p>I'm not a long time member here but I was pretty sure that question regarding this opening will show up. First of all, this kind of defense is really great against weaker players, let's say &lt;1800, who don't know how to place their pieces/how to maneuver properly. By doing this, black dodges theoretical conversation, which can be pretty desirable. Since you gave us only two moves of black <code>g6 and b6</code>, I can't provide you lines or variations, no point to consider all possible setups of black pieces. If you want - share a game with us, I'll be glad to point out not-the-best moves. For now I can only give you few tips:</p>

<ul>
<li>Avoid playing <code>Bd3 and Be3</code>. That's too squeezed. The light-squared bishop should be placed on <code>c4</code> in most cases. (I assume black plays <code>e6 and d6</code> not <code>d5</code>. (See, you should be more precise!:)).</li>
<li>You can wait to develop the dark-squared bishop a bit. <code>g5</code> might be a nice spot occasionally.</li>
<li>As "waiting moves" to use above, you can castle, or play <code>Qe2</code>.</li>
<li>When your opponent plays <code>a6</code> consider responding with <code>a4</code> to avoid some <code>b7-b5-b4</code> followups.</li>
<li>And the most important: do NOT hurry here. Don't go all in too early, in such set-ups black has an easy counter-attack in the center once you commit to go all in on a side. It's serious. I saw many people losing games due to immediate attacks like <code>Be3, Qd2, Bh6, h4</code> and stuff.</li>
</ul>
