Do you like active piece play? Fighting for the initiative from move one? The Tarrasch Defense just may be what you are looking for. Its advantages include:

(1) It can be played against pretty much anything: 1.Nf3, 1.c4, 1.g3, 1.d4. Play 1...e6, 2...d5 and 3...c5 and you are there!

(2) It leads most of the time to a typical IQP pawn structure, and it is difficult for the opponent to shape the game into another course.

(3) Black’s pieces naturally enjoy open lines and active posts so it’s easy to play the opening moves quickly and successfully!