Hello everyone,

As a relatively new player to the game of chess, I have experimented with various openings as White. Recently, I switched to 1. d4 and started playing the London System, Trompowsky Attack, and the Dutch Defense: Hopton Attack.

At my current skill level (1200 elo), these openings have been somewhat successful. However, as I face stronger opponents, I find that I am at a disadvantage early on in the game.

I am seeking advice on how to improve the effectiveness of the London System in my games. Should I continue to work on this opening or is it time for me to switch to a different one, like the Queen’s Gambit? I have also been considering switching from the Trompowsky Attack to the Catalan but heard it is rather difficult to learn and use in lower intermediate levels.

Lastly, I have watched the GothamChess video on how to play the Trompowksy Attack and while the video was helpful, I still feel uncertain about this opening, and I am not entirely convinced that it is the right choice for me. I am open to feedback about whether I should give the Trompowksy Attack another chance or if there are any alternative openings I should consider. I am also curious to hear about any tips or resources that might help me to improve my play with the Trompowsky attack, as I am still unsure if my struggles are because of a lack of understanding or something else entirely.

Any tips or recommendations would be greatly appreciated.