[chess] Grandmaster Repertoire 9 -Avrukh Boris - The Grunfeld defense vol 2 - (Quality Chess, 2011)

Grandmaster Repertoire 9
The Griinfeld Defence
VolumeT"Wo
By
Boris Avrukh
Quality Chess
.qualitychess.co. uk
www
First edition 20 I I by Quality Chess UK Ltd
Copyright© 20I I Boris Avrukh
Grandmaster Repertoire 9
The Grfinfeld Defence Volume Two
-
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Preface
The position which occurs after the opening moves l .d4 lt:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.ltlc3 d5 4.cxd5 lt:lxd5 will
provide the starting point for this, the second volume in my two-part work on the Griinfeld. (I
am not sure if" Griinfeld Defence" is really an accurate term.) In case the reader is not yet familiar
with Volume One, I will once again share the story of how I became a devotee of this wonderful
opening. As I wrote in the Preface to the first volume:
"After I moved to Israel in 1 995 my opening repertoire was rather shaky, so during my first
few months there I made a serious effort to improve it. Fortunately the Beer-Sheva Club
and its manager Ilyahu Levant provided the best possible conditions for such work. My first
coach in Israel was Mark Tseitlin, whom I continue to regard as something of a 'Griinfeld
guru'. I also received high quality support from Alex Huzman, a strong player who is best
known for being the long-term coach of Boris Gelfand.
Ever since my first few lessons with Mark, I immediately understood that the Griinfeld was
the opening for me. I was attracted by the combative and dynamic positions to which it leads,
and relished the prospect of fighting for the initiative with the black pieces. It was especially
helpful that all the strong players in my new club knew this opening well. Indeed, in the
present work the reader will find plenty of references to the games of Mark Tseitlin, Alex
Huzman, Alon Greenfeld, Victor Mikhalevski and Alex Finkel. At that time the influence of
the computer was not so strong, and by analysing together we managed to discover a lot of
interesting ideas. The Griinfeld has remained my first choice against 1 .d4 for sixteen years
(and counting!), whereas against l .e4 I have changed quite a lot."
In the first volume I mentioned the problem of fighting against the Fianchetto Variation, which I
had recommended in Grandmaster Repertoire 2 -I.d4 Volume Two. But this was not the only time
I had to offer an antidote 'against myself'. I have used the main lines involving 3.ltlc3 d5 4.cxd5
lt:lxd5 5.e4 in numerous games with the white pieces, and I continue to relish the challenges
presented by the Griinfeld from either side of the board. One of my favourite weapons with the
white pieces has been the famous 8J!b 1 system, but as you can see in Chapters 1 3- 1 6, Black is
currently doing fine there, so I have been forced to explore other avenues when playing against
my pet opening. Another critical battleground is the 7.i.c4 system, against which I decided
to offer a choice between two different approaches for Black, details of which can be found in
Chapters 1 7-2 1 .
This second volume completes my Grandmaster Repertoire i n the Griinfeld. I have gained a lot of
enjoyment as well as excellent results over the board with this great opening, and I hope that my
two books will help the reader to do the same.
Boris Avrukh
Beer-Sheva, June 201 1
Contents
Key to Symbols used & Bibliography
6
Various 5th Moves l.d4 lLJf6 2.c4 g6 3 . lLJc3 d5 4.cxd5 lLJxd5
4.cxd5 ctJxd5 5.ctJf3
7
2
5.ctJa4
19
3
5.id2
26
4
5.g3
41
Various 7th Moves l.d4 lLJf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLJc3 d5 4.cxd5 lLJxd5 5.e4 lLJxc3
6.bxc3 �g7
5
7.ig 5
57
6
7.ia3
62
7
7.\Wa4t
69
8
7.ib5t
78
l .d4 lLJf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLJc3 d5 4.cxd5 lLJxd5 5.e4 lLJxc3 6.bxc3 �g7 7.�e3
9
Two Rook Moves
10
8.ctJf3
108
11
8.\Wd2
134
89
l .d4 lLJf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLJc3 d5 4.cxd5 lLJxd5 5.e4 lLJxc3 6.bxc3 �g7 7.lLJf3
12
Various 8th Moves
144
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3 .�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6 . bxc3 J.g7
7. �f3 c5 SJ�bl
13
Various 9th Moves
162
14
ll.YMd2
169
15
ll..id2 YMxa2 - Introduction and other 13th Moves
181
16
13.i g5
194
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5 .e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 7.J.c4
17
Various 9th and 1Oth Moves
203
18
10... ig4
12.E:b1
212
19
20
10... YMc7
229
21
ll...b6!?
241
Variation Index
222
255
Key to symbols used
t
i
±
+
+-+
iii
�
m
--+
t
??
!!
!?
?!
#
White is slightly better
Black is slightly better
White is better
Black is better
White has a decisive advantage
Black has a decisive advantage
equality
with compensation
with counterplay
unclear
with attack
with initiative
a weak move
a blunder
a good move
an excellent move
a move worth considering
a move of doubtful value
mate
Bibliography
Aagaard: Starting Out: The Grunfeld Defence, Everyman 2004
Avrukh: Grandmaster Repertoire 2 -J.d4 Volume Two, Quality Chess 20 1 0
Cox: Starting Out: 1 d4!, Everyman 2006
Davies: The Grunfeld Defence, Everyman 2002
Dearing: Challenging the Grnnfeld, Quality Chess 2005
Delchev & Agrest: The Safest Grnnfeld, Chess Stars 20 1 1
Dembo: Play the Grunfeld, Everyman 2007
Rowson: Understanding the Grunfeld, Gambit 1999
Sakaev: An Expert's Guide to the 7.Bc4 Gruenfeld, Chess Stars 2006
Periodicals
New in Chess Yearbooks
Secrets of Opening Surprises (SOS)
Electronic/Internet resources
ChessBase Magazine
ChessPublishing.com
Various 5th Moves
4.cxd5 �xd5 5.�£3
Variation Index
I.d4 tDf6 2.c4 g6 3.tDc3 d5 4.cxd5 tDxd5 s.tDf3
s ....ig7
A) 6.g3
B) 6..id2 0-0 ?.:acl tDb6
B 1 ) 8.e3
B2) 8 .ig5
C) 6.�b3
D) 6.�a4t
E) 6 .ig5 c5 ?.:acl tDxc3 8.hxc3 0-0
E1 ) 9.�d2
E2) 9.e3
8
9
9
10
13
14
16
16
17
•
•
B2) note to l l .d5!?
a
b
c
d
e
1 2 ... g4!N
f
g
E2) afrer ll.�e2
B2) after l l .d5!?
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
l l ...�xc3t!N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
l !...Wid5!N
g
h
8
Various 5th Moves
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.c:xd5 �xd5
5.�f3 .ig7
6 �xc3 7.bxc3 b6!?
..•
The normal continuation would be 7 ... c5
8 ..!g2 tt:lc6, transposing to the line 5 .g3 .!g7
6 ..!g2 tt:lxc3 7. bxc3 c5 8.tt:lf3 tt:lc6, as analysed
in line B of Chapter 4. The immediate
fianchetto of Black's light-squared bishop is
an interesting and quite promising alternative,
which enables the second player to neutralize
any pressure along the h 1 -a8 diagonal.
s..ig2 .ib7 9.� �
Black's position should be perfectly safe, as
shown by the following illustrative lines.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This position is frequently reached via the
move order of 4.tt'lf3 .!g7 5.cxd5 tt:lxd5. The
main line is of course 6.e4, but in the present
chapter we will pay attention to the significant
sidelines of A) 6.g3, B) 6..id2, C) 6J�Yb3,
D) 6.WI'a4t and E) 6..ig5.
6.tt:la4 0-0 7.e4 tt:lb6 leads to a position from
Chapter 2, beginning with the 4.cxd5 tt:lxd5
5.tt:la4 move order.
a
A) 6.g3
IO
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
.ie3
•
1 0 ..!a3 was played in the older game Cotta
- Mori, Belo Horiwnte 1 966. At this point
Black could have questioned the positioning
of the bishop with the energetic 10 ... c5!N,
with the point that after l l .dxc5 tt:ld7 1 2.!!bl
'Wic7 1 3.cxb6 tt:lxb6 Black has promising
compensation.
10 �d7 l l.WI'cl c5 12 .ih6 !!cS 13 ..ixg7
�xg7
•..
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This particular move order allows Black an extra
option, which I have chosen to explore here.
•
White has managed to trade the dark-squared
bishops, but the idea has cost him quite a lot of
time, and in the following game Black was able
to obtain the upper hand.
14.WI'a3 Wl'c7 15.!!fdl e6 16.!!acl !!fd8 17.e3
9
Chapter 1 - 4.cxd5 tLlxd5 5 .tLlf3
�e4 18.c4 Y;Yb7 19.c!Llel hg2 20.c!Llxg2 c!Llf6i
Black was more comfortable in Meier Vachier Lagrave, Khanty-Mansiysk 2009.
B) 6.�d2
9 ... .ixc3t!
This is an important idea which solves Black's
problems easily.
1 0.bxc3
1 0J'!xc3 also leads nowhere for White:
10 .. .'Wxd l t 1 1 .'it>xd1 tLla4! 1 2.l'!a3 (1 2.l'!cl
l'!d8t 1 3.'it>e1 tLlxb2 also gives Black no
problems.) 12 ... ttJxb2t 1 3.'it>cl tLlc4 1 4.l'!c3
ltla5 1 5.e4 .ig4 16.ltle5 .ie6 Black was
absolutely fine in Partanen - Halmeenmaki,
Finland 200 1 .
1 0 ...Wxd l t 1 1 .l'!xd1 ltJa4 1 2.c4 ttJc6 1 3 ..ih6?!
l'!e8 1 4.�e3 �e6 1 5 .l'!b1 .ixc4 1 6.g3 .ia6
Black's position was already preferable in
R. Nilsson - Koranyi, corr. 1 988.
Bl) 8.e3
8
This can sometimes transpose to the better­
known 5.�d2 line, but there are also some
independent possibilities.
7
6...0-0 7Jkl
5
7.e4 tLlxc3 8.�xc3 �g4 reaches a position
examined via the 5 ..id2 move order in line E
of Chapter 3.
6
4
3
2
7...�b6
Now White's main possibilities are Bl) 8.e3
and B2) 8.�g5.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8 ...�c6!
8.�f4
This is not dangerous at all.
8 ... c5 9.dxc5
Black prepares the ... e5 advance, which
should ensure an active game for him.
It is worth mentioning that 8 ... ttJ8d7 is too
passive, and following 9.a4! a5 10.e4 e5 1 1 .d5
c6 1 2.�g5! .if6 13.�e3 White obtained some
advantage and won a very nice game, Topalov
- Cheparinov, Sofia 2008.
8
7
6
5
4
9.�b5
3
It is natural for White to try and discourage
his opponent's idea. In the event of 9.�e2 e5
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
10
Various 5th Moves
1 0.dxe5 lt:\xe5 1 1 .lLlxe5 .ixe5 1 2.0-0 .ie6
Black has absolutely no problems.
9...e5!
15 ...�e7N 16.�c3 gdsi
Black has the more promising game, as
his bishop pair and active pieces are more
significant than his damaged pawn structure.
This thematic move still works in spite of
White's last move!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
B2) 8 ..ig5
h
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
IO ..ixc6 exd4 l l.�xd4 bxc6 12.ttlce2
8 h6 9 .ih4
Accepting the pawn sacrifice with 1 2.lt:\xc6
leads after 1 2 ...Wd7 13.lZle2 .ib7 14.Wc2
E:fe8! to a position in which Black has excellent
compensation.
An interesting alternative is:
9 ..if4!?
This move is tricky and relatively unexplored.
9 ... lt:\ a6!?
One of the points of White's idea is that
Black is unable to equalize in the same way as
after 8 ..if4, as after 9 ... c5?! 1 0.dxc5 .ixc3t?
1 l .bxc3 Wxd l t 1 2.E:xd1 lt:\ a4 White gets a
winning position with the simple 1 3 ..ixh6.
Some players have responded with 9 ... lt:\c6
1 O.e3 g5 1 1 ..ig3 g4 but I find Black's play
quite risky, and after 12.lt:\h4 I prefer White's
position.
The text move is rare but logical, as Black
wants to carry out the usual ... c5 advance. In
the following encounter White was unable
to pose his opponent any problems.
1 0.e3
Maybe White should search in the direction
of 1 0.e4!?N. In this case I am pretty sure
Black should go for the sharp 1 O ... c5 1 1 .d5
f5! with double-edged play.
1 0 ... c5
12...�d5 13.0--0 c5 14.�£4 �d6 15.ttlb5
This position occurred in Marcelin Sasikiran, France 2008. At this point the most
accurate continuation would have been:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
..•
.
11
Chapter 1 - 4.cxd5 l2Jxd5 5.tLlf3
win by Morozevich over Shirov. Naturally we
will consider the alternatives as well.
8
7
6
In the event of l l .dxc5, Black should play in
exactly the same way as he does against 8. .if4,
as given on page 9: 1 1 ... .ixc3t! 1 2.E:xc3 'Wxd l t
1 3.<>t>xdl tLla4 1 4.E:c l E:d8t 1 5 .<>t>el Ulibin ­
Ris, Hoogeveen 20 1 0.
5
4
3
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
8
h
g
7
1 1 ..ie2
1 l ..ixa6 can be met by 1 1 . . .cxd4! 1 2.exd4
bxa6 1 3 . .ie5 .ib? when Black has no
problems.
1 l . ..cxd4 1 2.exd4 tLlb4! 1 3.0-0 .ie6 1 4.a3
lt'l c6 1 5 .E:e 1 E:c8
Black easily solved his opening problems in
Epishin - Lalic, Seville 2006.
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 . . . tLlxb2N This natural improvement
gives Black a good game with at least equal
chances.
8
7
6
l l .lt'lb5?!
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
9 g5!
3
2
...
By safeguarding the e?-pawn Black prepares
to counterattack using his c-pawn.
lO..ig3 c5
From here White can choose between
aggression and solidiry.
l l.d5!?
According to the database this ambitious
move has scored 3Y214 for White, including a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This kind of material-hunting rarely works
well against the Griinfeld, especially when
White is behind in development.
l l ...cxd4 1 2.lt'l bxd4
In the event of 12.tLlc7 tLlc6 13.tLlxa8 lLlxa8
Black has more than enough compensation
for the exchange.
12
·
Various 5th Moves
The same player later 'improved' with
1 2.tlJfxd4?! but soon came unstuck:
1 2 . . . a6! 1 3 ..ic7 Wfd5 1 4 ..ixb6 axb5 1 5 .e3
l=!xa2 Black was already winning in Priehoda
- Sutovsky, Kaskady 2002.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2 . . . g4!N
After 1 2... tlJc6 1 3.tlJxc6 Wfxd 1 t 1 4.l:!xd 1
bxc6 1 5 ..ie5 .ie6 1 6..ixg7 'itlxg7 1 7.b3 a5!
Black equalized comfortably in Priehoda Rotstein, Wattens 2000, but thanks to his
lead in development can play for more.
1 3.tlJe5 Wfd6! 1 4.f4
1 4.tlJb5 Wfb4t 1 5.tlJc3 Wfxb2+ is even worse
for White.
14 ... tlJ8d7
White is obviously in trouble.
Finally, White has also tried the quiet move:
1 1 .e3
Needless to say, this is unlikely to cause Black
any serious problems.
l l . . .tlJc6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2.d5
1 2.dxc5 is harmless: 1 2 ... .ixc3t! 1 3.bxc3
Wfxd 1 t 1 4.l:!xd l tlJa4 Black regains his
pawn with a comfortable game, for example:
1 5 .l:!cl tlJxc5 1 6.tlJd4 tlJe4 (Another
idea is 16 ... .id7!?N intending ... l:!ac8.)
1 7.tlJxc6 bxc6 18 ..ic4 tlJxg3 1 9.hxg3
'itlg7= Schmidt - Ribli, Wijk aan Zee
1 972.
1 2 ....ixc3t
This is the simplest solution, although
Black can also consider 1 2 . . . tlJb4!? 13.d6
with complex play, as in Safin - Greenfeld,
Calicut 2007.
1 3.l:!xc3 Wfxd5 1 4.Wfxd5 tlJxd5 1 5.l:!xc5
We have been following the game Bukic Ribli, Bucharest 1 97 1 . At this point Black's
most accurate continuation would have
been:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... tlJf6N
With the following possible continuation:
1 6 ..ib5
After 16 ..id3 .ie6 17 ..ib 1 1'!fd8 White's
bishop pair is not particularly significant,
and in the event of 1 8.0-0 Black can even
think about the sharp 1 8 ...g4!? followed by
...l:!d2.
16 . . ..id7 1 7.0-0 tlJe4 18.l:!d5 .ie8
I prefer this over 1 8 ....ie6 1 9 ..ixc6 bxc6
20.l:!a5! when White has a nagging edge.
19.l:!cl f6!
Black is absolutely fine.
13
Chapter 1 - 4.cxd5 ltJxdS S.ltJf3
15 ..ic7
8
Otherwise ... lt::l e4 might prove annoying.
7
15 :!::!:e8 16.e3 .ie6
6
.••
Black has the initiative.
5
4
3
8
2
7
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
6
h
g
5
l l .txc3t!N
..•
This new move enables Black to solve his
problems with ease. So far the only move to
have been tested is 1 l .. .e6, after which 1 2.d6
lLldS 1 3.h4 led to an extremely complex game
in Morozevich - Shirov, Pamplona 2006.
4
3
2
a
12Jhc3 �xd5 13J!:xc5
Obviously
1 3 ... %lfa5t.
1 3J:!d3?
can
be
met
by
13 Jt:Jf6! 14.'!Wxd8
.•
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I was surprised to discover that this odd­
looking move has been played in over 500
games, and has been tested by several strong
players from Capablanca to Kasimdzhanov.
14.lt::ld4 lt::l e4 looks risky for White.
6 lthc3 7.bxc3 c5
•..
14...:!::!:xd8
Black is at least equal in this queenless
position, for instance:
This thematic reaction should enable Black
to count on a good game.
8.e3 0-0 9 .ia3
•
The only significant alternative is 9 ..ie2,
which transposes to line A2 of Chapter 12 in
Volume One, in which the position is reached
via the move order 4.e3 .ig7 5.lt::l 8 0-0 6 ..ie2
c5 7.cxd5 lt::l xd5 8.%lfb3 lt::l xc3 9.bxc3.
8
7
6
5
9 cx:d4!
4
•..
A well-timed decision.
3
10.�xd4
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 0.cxd4
This natural recapture has been less popular,
for reasons that will soon become clear.
14
Various 5th Moves
l O... lLlc6
The point is that Black now threatens an
annoying check on a5.
l l .E:cl
Preparing to block with the queen on c3.
1 l .. ..ie6 1 2.'\Wb2 Wfa5t 1 3.lLld2
Now in the game Sandoval - Corsi Ferrari,
Mar del Plata 2008, Black should have
played:
l l .Ae2 c!Lla5 12.Wfb4 c!Llc6
8
7
6
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.�b2?!
3
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
13 . . . E:fc8N 14 ..ie2 Wfb6
Attacking the a2-pawn.
1 5.lLlb3 .id5 16.0-0 e5
Black has obtained comfortable equality
without any difficulties.
8
7
This strange-looking move was an attempt to
continue the fight. The intention is admirable,
but objectively White should have admitted
that he achieved nothing from the opening
and settled for 13 .lLlxc6 (or 13.Wfb3 repeating
the position) 13 ... bxc6 1 4.0-0 .if6 when the
position is equal.
13 ...�b6! 14.0-0 �xb2 15.hb2 Ad7
In this position the players agreed a draw in
Bruzon Bautista - Sutovsky, Pamplona 2004.
However, it seems to me that Black's superior
pawn structure offers him the better long-term
chances.
6
D) 6.�a4t
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
IO �c6
•••
It is hard to imagine that White can aspire to
an opening advantage in a position with this
pawn structure.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15
Chapter 1 - 4.cxd5 ttJxd5 5 .ttJf3
This early queen sortie has not attracted
many followers, but it is occasionally used as a
surprise weapon.
6 .id7 7.'flYc2
l l ... cxd4!?
Normally Black would be in no hurry to
release the tension, but in the present position it
makes some sense to harass the white queen.
•.•
7.�b3
This move is also harmless.
7 ... tLlxc3
Black has more frequently defended or
retreated his knight, but exchanging it is the
simplest way to solve his opening problems.
8.bxc3 c5 9.e3 0-0 I O.i.e2 �c7 1 1 .0-0 ttJc6
We have already seen several examples
featuring the same pawn structure. It is
virtually always good for Black, and the
present case is no exception.
1 2.E!:d l E!:ac8 1 3.i.a3
This was Turner - Seidman, New York 1 957,
and here I would recommend the natural­
looking continuation:
12.cxd4 gc8 13.'flYb3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13... b5! 14 .id2
•
The b5-pawn is untouchable, as demon­
strated by 1 4.i.xb5? E!:b8 1 5.�a4 E!:xb5!
1 6.�xb5 ttJxd4 when Black wins.
8
7
6
5
14 ... e5! 15.dxe5
4
3
1 5.d5 runs into 1 5 ... e4 16.dxc6 i.e6! when
Black is doing well.
w�\Uii�rN£'=/-��
2
15 ...ltlxe5 16.tthe5
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
13 ... tLla5N 14.�b2 b6
Black has a comfortable game.
7. .tthc3 8.bxc3 c5 9.e3
This position occurred in Mohr - Krasenkow,
Palma de Mallorca 1 989. At this point I would
suggest:
8
.
9.e4?! looks too loosening, and after 9 ... cxd4
1 0.cxd4 ttJc6 1 l .i.e3 i.g4 1 2.E!:d 1 0-0 Black
was already more than happy in Berezovics Pribyl, Decin 1 996.
9 ... ttJc6 IO .ie2 0-0 1 1.0-0
7
6
5
4
•
Once again, the same pawn structure results
in a pleasant game for Black, especially with
the white queen misplaced on c2.
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16
Various 5th Moves
I6...i.e6N
Based on the following line:
17.�xb5 �xd2 18.ttlf3 �d5 19.�xd5 .ixd5
20.�d4 i.xd4 2I.exd4 gfd8
Black will regain his pawn to reach an
absolutely equal endgame.
E) 6..ig5
b
a
c
d
f
e
h
g
Here I believe we should follow the example
of Emil Sutovsky, a leading Griinfeld expert.
9 ....ig4 IO.e3 L£3 l l.gxf3 �c6 1 2..ig2
Another idea is:
1 2.d5 lUeS 13 ..ie2
Gavrilov - Bagirov, Vladimir 2008. Now an
obvious improvement would be:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is quite a serious sideline which should
be considered carefully.
6... c5 7.gcl
This is the consistent follow-up to the
previous move.
7... ttlxc3
This has been employed by some strong
players, and overall it seems like the best
solution for Black.
8.bxc3 0-0
In this position White's main moves are
El) 9.�d2 and E2) 9.e3.
9 .e4 transposes to variation B of Chapter 1 5 .
EI) 9.�d2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 ... c4!N
Preventing White from supporting his
centre by means of c3-c4, and even more
importantly, creating tactical opportunities
associated with a knight jump to d3. Here
are some lines I analysed:
1 4.h4
14.f4? runs into 14 ... tt'ld3t! 15 ..ixd3 'Wxd5
with a serious advantage for Black.
1 4.e4 f5 1 5 .f4 tt'lf7! is also poor for White.
1 4 . . . l::k8 1 5.E!:g1
17
Chapter 1 - 4.cxd5 tbxd5 5 .lbf3
I n the event o f 1 5.h5 Black once again has
1 5 ... tbd3t! as after 1 6.i.xd3 Wfxd5 both of
White's bishops are under attack.
1 5 ... Wfd6 1 6.h5 e6
Black has the better game.
8
the bishops must be the critical idea. ( 1 5 .d5
tbe7 looks comfortable for Black.) 15 ... Wfxe5
1 6.Wfd5 The most challenging move. (After
1 6.0-0 Wfh5 1 7.i.g3 !!adS Black has a good
game.) 1 6 . . . Wfb2 1 7.0-0 Wfxa2 1 8.Wfxc5 a5!
The a-pawn offers Black good counterplay.
14 YMc4! 15.f4
..•
7
6
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
12 YMd5!
••.
Black must play energetically, otherwise
White will have time to consolidate his two­
bishop advantage with f4.
13 ..ih4 e5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 ltlxe5!
•..
This strong idea was missed by White.
16.fxe5 Wfxh4 17.0-0 !'!:adS 18.YMe2 Le5
19.f4 .ic7
8
Despite the opposite-coloured bishops Black
maintained a strong initiative in Hochstrasser
- Sutovsky, Zurich 2009.
7
6
E2) 9.e3
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.dxe5?
This is a serious mistake which allows Black
to obtain a powerful initiative.
The correct continuation was: 1 4.c4 Wfd6
1 5 .dxe5 Attempting to open the position for
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18
Various 5 t h Moves
9.: ..ie6!?
13.dxc5
Black ignores the traditional rule of"knights
before bishops" in order to attack the a2-pawn,
highlighting a drawback of White's early rook
development. In my view it is Black's most
promising idea in the position.
White cannot play 1 3.d5? in view of
1 3 ... .ixd5!, exploiting the pin along the fourth
rank.
IO.'%Ya4
In one subsequent game White tried
1 0.Wfd2 but without much success: 10 ... lt:lc6
1 l ..ie2 E!:c8 1 2.0-0 h6 1 3 ..if4 cxd4 1 4.cxd4
Wfa5! 1 5 . .ic4 .ixc4 16.l'l:xc4 '%Yxd2 17.lt:lxd2
e5 1 8.dxe5 lt:lxe5+ Babu - Gupta, Hyderabad
2005.
1 3... h6 14.J.f4
8
7
6
5
4
3
IO t£lc6 II.J.e2
•••
Now in the game Banikas - Eljanov, Plovdiv
2003, Black missed a very strong idea:
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 g5!
•••
Black continues to play energetically.
15.J.g3 g4 16.c!Llh4 !:!:adS 17.0-0 E!:d2t
Black has great compensation for the pawn.
Conclusion
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l...'%Yd5!N
This queen activation is surprisingly
problematic for White. First he must worry
about the a2-pawn.
12.c4
In the event of 1 2.E!:b 1 Black can simply play
1 2 ...cxd4 1 3.cxd4 a6! followed by ... b5.
12 '%Ye4!
•••
The queen does a great job on this unusual
square.
Over the course of this chapter we have
examined a wide variety of set-ups, each giving
rise to disparate sets of problems for each
player. There are not really any common themes
that can be applied across all the variations
examined here, although certain ideas, most
notably the inclusion of a timely ....ixc3t,
occurred in a few different lines. Instead of
trying to formulate general principles, in the
present chapter we would do better to keep in
mind that all of the lines examined are distinct
from one another. Only by focusing on the
specific features of the position in front of us
can we optimize our chances of success. I hope
that the material presented here will help to
facilitate that goal.
Various 5th Moves
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Variation Index
Ld4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.ll:k3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.�a4
s ...i.g7 6.e4 �b6 7.i.e3 0-0
20
21
21
22
A) 8.�xb6?!
B) 8.�f3 i.g4
8 1 ) 9.i.e2
82) 9.�c5
B I) after 13.f4
a
b
c
d
e
13. . .f6!N
f
B2) note to l l .ia6
g
h
1 2...l='i:d8!?N
B2) after 15.fxe3
h
20
Various 5th Moves
I.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.�a4
12.ie2 '1Wb6 White is behind in development
and his next move doesn't help. 13.l::k 2?! ixf3
14.gxf3 E:d8 1 5 .E:d2 'WaS Black had an edge in
Legky - Mrdja, Cannes 1 999.
8.ie2 tt:lc6 9.tt:lf3 ig4 transposes to B l .
A) 8.�xb6?!
The knight exchange on b6 cannot promise
White any advantage, but it has nevertheless
occurred several times in tournament
practice.
8...axb6
This remarkable move was introduced
into practice by the Armenian IM Nadanian
in 1 996. It quickly gained considerable
popularity, but Black has gradually found some
effective weapons against it. White is aiming to
get control over the centre, while avoiding the
knight swap on c3.
5 ... .ig7
The most natural move and a good one.
There are several alternatives for Black
and I would just like to mention 5 ... e5!?
6.dxe5 tt:lc6, which I think leads to an
interesting battle where Black is by no means
worse.
6.e4 �b6 7..ie3
7.tt:lf3 does not have any independent value,
since 7 ... 0-0 8.ie2 ig4 9.ie3 leads into line
Bl.
7...0-0
We shall examine A) 8.�xb6?! and B)
8.�f3, although White also has:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
9 ..ic4
In one game my opponent chose the
prophylactic 9.h3?! but that appears too slow
when White is lagging in development. Black
managed to seize the initiative with energetic
play: 9 ... c5 1 0.tt:lf3 tt:lc6 1 l .d5 tt:lb4! 1 2.'1Wd2
(the tactic 12.a3? ixb2 shows how useful the
semi-open a-file is to Black) 12 ... f5! Black
was clearly better in Legky - Avrukh, Paris
1 998.
9...c5 10.t£le2 t£lc6 l l.dxc5 bxc5
8.tt:lc5 doesn't make much sense when the
b7-pawn is def<?nded. Play may continue:
8 ... tt:\6d7 9.E:cl tt:lxc5 1 0.E:xc5 c6 1 1 .tt:lf3 ig4
h
1 1 . . .tt:le5!? looks promising as well.
12.'\WxdS E:xdS
21
Chapter 2 - 5.tlJa4
Bl) 9..ie2 �c6
Once again I would not recommend: 9 . . . tt:\xa4
10. Wfxa4 c5 1l .dxc5 .ixb2 1 2.l'!b 1 .ic3t
13.'it>fl .ic8 14.g3 tt:\c6 15 .'it>g2 White's
queenside pressure gave him a pleasant edge in
Oms Pallisse - Lopez Martinez, Lleida 2009.
lO.dS
1 0.tt:\xb6 axb6 l l .d5 tt:\e5 transposes to the
note to White's eleventh move below.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Unexpectedly White finds himself in trouble,
due to Black's pressure on the queenside.
8
7
6
13 ..L:c5 �eS! 14J�cl Ae6 15..ib5 Ad7!
Black is making all the best moves.
5
4
16.f4 .ixbS 17.fxe5 .ih6! 18J;al gd2-+
Black had a decisive advantage in Suvrajit Konguvel, Raipur 2002.
B) s.�f3 Ag4
3
2
a
Black shouldn't rush to strike in the centre with
8 ... tt:\xa4 9.Wfxa4 c5 since White can obtain
the better chances by: 1 0.l'!d1 Wfb6 1 l .l'!d2!
8
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
lO...lLleS
Black can temporarily win a pawn by
1 0 . . . tlJxa4 1 l .Wfxa4 .ixb2, but after 1 2.l'!b 1
.ic3t 13.'it>fa White will regain the b7-pawn
with dividends, Juszczak - Zielinska, Wisla
1998.
l l.�xe5
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White now chooses either Bl) 9.Ae2 or B2)
9.�c5.
I don't believe in the knight exchange:
1 1 .tt:\xb6?! axb6
White's score from this position is horrible,
and surely the most White can hope for is
equality.
12.tt:\xe5
Clearly inferior is: 12.tt:\d4 .ixe2 13.Wfxe2 c5!
Black takes over the initiative. 1 4.dxc6 bxc6
1 5.l'!d1 Wfc8 16.a3 c5 1 7.tt:\b5 c4! 1 8.0-0
Wfc6 19.tt:\c3 e6 Black had a clear positional
edge in Schnider - Feher, Zalakaros 2004.
Various 5th Moves
22
Another possibility is 1 4.lt::lf3 f5 and now it's
important that the tactical idea 1 5 .d6 is not
dangerous for Black: 1 5 ... fxe4 1 6.'\M!c4t e6!
17.dxc7 '\M!d3! 1 8.'\M!xd3 exd3 1 9.lt::l e5 Elac8
Only Black can be better here.
14...5
The point of Black's novelty; White is unable
to maintain his centre.
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
15.0-0
12 ....!xe2 13 .'\M!xe2 .!xe5 14.0-0
Black has comfortable play in this roughly
equal position.
14 . . . '\M!d? 1 5 .a3 e6
1 5 . . .f5!? also comes into consideration.
I 6Jl:adl Elfe8 1 7.Eid2 exd5 1 8.Eixd5 '\M!e6
1 9.Eifd 1 .!g7
The position was balanced in Legky Mikhalevski, Montreal 2003.
Or 1 5 .'\M!c2 '\M!d7 1 6.0-0 ( 1 6.0-0-0 fxe4
1 7.'\M!xe4 Elad8 is also fine for Black) 16 ... fxe4
17.Eiad1 lt::l b6 1 8.'\M!xe4 '\Mff5 with roughly
equal play.
15...fxe4 16,gad1 lL!b6! 17.hb6 axb6
18.'iNxe4 'iNd7 19.a3 b5 20.l£le5 'iNd6
Black is by no means worse.
B2) 9.l£lc5
1 I. he2 12.YMxe2 lL!xa4 13.f4
.•
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13...f6!N
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This makes some sense here, as White is
attacking the b7-pawn.
In my opinion this is a significant
improvement over 1 3 ... c6 Kaufman - Aagaard,
Hampstead 1 998; I am then slightly concerned
by: 14.b3N lt::l b6 1 5 .dxc6 .!xe5 1 6.fxe5 bxc6
17. 0-0 White has good attacking chances.
I like this approach, which is clearly in the
spirit of the Griinfeld; Black sacrifices the b7pawn for the initiative.
14.l£lc4
IO.t£!xb7
9 ... lL!c6
Chapter 2 - 5 .lLla4
23
White has to accept the challenge, as
otherwise he is not really fighting for an
advantage. For instance: I O.d5 lLle5 I I ..ie2
.ixf3 1 2.gxf3 lt:\ec4 1 3.1.Mfc2 ( 1 3 ..id4?! lt:\xb2
I4.Wfd2 lt:\ 2c4 I 5 .Wfc3 e5! left White a pawn
down for no compensation in Kantorik Llaneza Vega, Pardubice 2008) I 3 ... lt:\xe3
( 1 3 ... .ixb2 I 4J!bi lt:\xe3 I 5.fxe3 ig7 I 6.a4!
is far from clear) I4.fxe3 e6! I 5 .dxe6 Wfh4t
Black has an initiative.
b
a
10 '\WbS!
.•.
Weaker is: IO ...\Mfc8 I I .lt:\c5 .ixf3 I 2.\Mfxf3!
lt:\xd4 13.\Mfdi Wfd8 (13 ... :B:d8 I4..ia6 \Mfb8
I 5 .0-0 is good for White) I4.:B:cl White was
slightly better. Luehrig - Svartbo, e-mail 200 I .
8
7
6
5
c
d
e
f
h
g
I 2 . . .:B:d8!?N
I think this is the simplest solution. After
1 2 ....ixd4 Pridorozhni - Kalod, Pardubice
I 999, I found 13.\Mfc2!N and White keeps
some pressure, thanks to his strong knight
on c5. For example: I 3 ... :B:d8 14. 0-0-0 a5
I 5 .'tt> b U
I 3.d5 e6 1 4.lt:\a6 \Mfb7
But not: I4 ... \Mfc8? I 5 .:B:c l ±
I 5 .lt:\c5 \Mfb8=
White doesn't have anything better than
taking the repetition.
4
l l ...e5
3
2
8
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l.�a6
This is clearly the critical continuation. Black
has no problems after:
1 I .lt:\c5 .ixf3 1 2.gxf3
Recapturing with the queen is no good:
1 2.\Mfxf3 lt:\xd4 I 3.Wfdi lt:\c4! This tactic
strikingly demonstrates why the black queen
should go to b8 rather than c8. I 4 ..ixc4
(after 1 4 ..ixd4 \Mfb4t 1 5.'tt> e2 lt:\xb2!
White has nothing better than 1 6.a3 Wfxd4
1 7.Wfxd4 .ixd4 and Black is a healthy pawn
up) I4 . . . Wfb4t I 5 ..id2 Wfxc4 I6.:B:cl Wfxa2
Black was just a pawn up in Cody - Barnsley,
e-mail I 998.
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12.d5
I also examined 1 2.dxe5 lt:\xe5 I 3.0-0 and
from several attractive ideas my preference is for:
13 ... \Mfc8! 14 ..if4 .ixf3 1 5 .gxf3 :B:b8! Chasing
the knight from b7 so that the dB-square will
24
Various 5th Moves
become available for a black rook. 1 6.ltk5 '%Yh3
1 7.i.e2 ( 1 7.i.g3 leads to a difficult position for
White after 1 7 .. .!!fd8 1 8.'%Ye2 E:d2! 19.'%Ye3
ll:\bc4+) 1 7 ... ll:\bc4 1 8.i.xc4 E:fd8! Black has
a serious initiative. (Less strong is 1 8 ... ll:\xc4
1 9.'%Yd3! ll:\e5 20.i.xe5 i.xe5 2 I .f4! and White
forces simplification to an equal endgame.)
and the exposed white king offers Black good
attacking chances) 1 5 . . . ll:\xa6 1 6.0-0 E:e8
1 7.ll:\g3 i.xf3 1 8.'%Yxf3 '%Yxb2 Black is at least
equal.
14 ... �xe3 15.fxe3
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
a
2
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 ...Lf3N
b
a
c
d
f
e
h
g
13 ... �6xd5!
A nice tactical idea that gives Black good
play.
14.�b7
I also looked at: 14.exd5 e4
I found this relatively clear-cut route to
equality. Instead in Kiss - Gara, Hungary 2008,
Black understandably couldn't resist playing
the fantastic 1 5 ...ll:\a6 1 6.i.xa8 ll:\xc5 17.i.d5.
The situation is rather unclear, although Black
should have enough compensation for the
exchange.
I6.gxf3 E:ds I7.'1Wb3
After 1 7.'%Ya4 ll:\d3t 1 8.ll:\xd3 '%Yxb7 White
is worse.
17...�£8!
The key move.
18..lxa8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 .ll:\xe4 (or 1 5 .0-0 ll:\xa6 [ 1 5 ...exf3 16.gxf3
i.h3 1 7.i.b7! i.xfl 1 8.'it>xfl;!;] 1 6.ll:\xa6 '%Yc8
17.ll:\xc7 '%Yxc7 �8.h3 i.xf3 1 9.gxf3 E:ae8!
Another important line is: 1 8.'%Yxb4 a5!
1 9.'%Yb5 (After 19.'%Yb3 E:a7 20.i.d5 i.xc5
White can win a pawn but he finds himself
in trouble: 2 I .i.xf7t 'it>g7 22.i.d5 c6! 23 .i.xc6
.ib4t Black will continue 24 ... E:d2 with a
powerful initiative.) 1 9 ...i.xc5 20.'%Yxc5 '%Yxb7
2 1 .'%Yxe5 E:ab8 Despite being a pawn up, it is
White who is fighting for equality.
25
Chap ter 2 - 5.lt:la4
18 ... .ixc5 19.i.d5 �xd5 20.exd5 'ilYxb3
2l.axb3 he3
Conclusion
Nadanian's 5.lt:la4 can be answered in many
ways, but I consider the natural 5 ....ig7 6.e4
t!Jb6 7.ie3 0-0 to be entirely satisfactory for
Black. The most critical line is then 8.t!Jf3 ig4
9.l0c5, but I believe that the combative 9 ... ltk6
l O.t!Jxb7 Wfb8! offers Black full compensation
for the sacrificed pawn.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I believe that only Black can try to win this
endgame.
22.'i!?e2 i.d4 23J:�hdl :axd5 24.:axa7 gb5
25.ga3 'i!?g7
Black is marginally better, although White
should be able to hold.
Various 5th Moves
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
s.id2
Variation Index
I.d4 lLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 lLlxd5 5.�d2
5 ...�g7 6.e4 tDxc3 7.hc3 0-0
27
29
30
31
32
32
33
35
35
36
36
37
37
38
A) 8.�e2
B) 8J�d c5!? 9.d5 �xc3t 10.�xc3 e6
B l ) l l .�c4
B2) l l .d6
C) 8.'1Wd2 c5!
C l ) 9.dxc5
C2) 9.d5
D) 8.�c4 c5 9.d5 �xc3t 10.bxc3 '!Wd6!
Dl ) l l .'!We2
D2) l l .tDB
D3) l l .tDe2
E) s.lLJB �g4
El) 9.'!Wd2
E2) 9.�e2
C2) after 1 2.lt:lf3
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 2 ...lt:lb6!N
g
E l ) after 1 8Jid l
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 8 ... \Wg4!N
E2) after 1 3.\Wb3
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 3... lt:ld7!?N
g
h
h
27
Chapter 3 - 5 . .id2
l.d4 c!L!f6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!Llxd5
5 ..id2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7 0-0
.••
White's last move sets up a clear idea: he
would like to play e4 next, and in the event
of a knight capture on c3, to recapture with
bishop. For some reason this rather fashionable
line . has rarely occurred in my own games.
Of course I was always aware of it, and for
many years my intended response was the
system starting with the retreat 5 ... tt:lb6.
However, I have more recently been inspired
by the ease with which Emil Sutovsky, one
of the world's leading Griinfeld theoreticians
- not to mention my team-mate from both
the ''Ashdod" Club and the Israeli national
team - has solved his problems in this
line.
s....ig7 6.e4
6.tt:lf3 reaches line B of Chapter
Another interesting idea which has recently
become popular is 7. .. c5 8.d5 .ixc3t 9.bxc3
0-0. Black has achieved decent results from
this position, nevertheless castling immediately
is my preferred choice.
We have reached the main tabiya for this
variation. At this point White has a wide
choice, the main options being A) S .ie2,
B) SJ�kl , C) 8.�d2, D) S .ic4 and E)
•
.
s.ttlf3.
A) S .ie2
•
I.
6...c!Llxc3
In terms of both popularity and statistical
success, this move ranks as a clear second choice
behind the main line of 6 ... tt:lb6. However, as
long as it is followed up correctly, I believe it is
the preferable solution for Black.
7.hc3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
At first glance this move looks strange, but it
is actually quite logical as White wants to play
tt:lf3 without running into the pinning ... i.g4.
The drawback is that this move does not exert
28
Various 5th Moves
any direct influence on the centre and Black
easily carries out his planned counterplay.
natural 13 . . .lt:\d7N 14.0-0 tt:lf6 1 5J!fd 1 E!:e8+
Black's position is more comfortable.
8 . c5 9.d5 e6
12.0-0
..
This undermining move is typical for the
present variation, and for the Griinfeld in
general.
10.�f3 exd5 l l.exd5
In the event of 12.'Wd2?! as played in B.
Schmidt - Schlick, Germany 2009, Black can
reply with the extremely strong 12 ... lt:\f6!N
with the point that 1 3.E!:d 1 lt:\e4! 14.'Wc2 lt:\xc3
15.bxc3 'Wa5+ is highly unpleasant for White.
12 tt:lb6 13. i.xg7 c;.t>xg7 14.'Wc2
•..
8
White must work for equality, and this move
looks like the right way to do it.
7
6
14.d6 is riskier as the d-pawn lacks support:
14 ... 'Wf6 1 5 .'Wd2 E!:d8 1 6.E!:fd 1 This was
Teodorescu - Ocnarescu, Buzias 2002, and
now after the strong 16 ... .ie6!+N (intending
....id5) it will be hard for White to hold onto
the d6-pawn.
5
4
3
2
14...'i'xd5 15JUdl 'i'f5 16.'Wc3t 'i'f6
b
a
c
d
f
e
g
h
l l ... �d7
1 l ...'.Mfd6!? This natural blockading move
is a good alternative. 12 ..ixg7 This seems
slightly inaccurate. (Preferable was 1 2.0-0,
although after 12 . . . lt:\d7 13.'Wb3 tt:l b6 1 4J!fd1
.ig4oo Black has a decent position.) 12... �xg7
13.'Wd2
1 6 ... 'kt>g8 is not an improvement, as after
1 7..id3 the c-pawn will soon fall.
17.'i'xc5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 J.e6!
•.•
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This position occurred in Fedorowicz Kadhi, Novi Sad (ol) 1 990, and now after the
Black wisely avoids 1 7... 'Wxb2, after which
1 8.lt:\d4!� gives White a nice initiative for
the pawn, while Black's pieces remain very
passive.
29
Chapter 3 - 5 .id2
1 8.%Yd4 l:Ud8 19.%Yxf6t �xf6
The position was equal in Zueger - Schlick,
Germany 2006.
B) SJ�cl
8
7
6
b
a
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This can be considered a thematic move for
the present line, as White once again wants
to recapture on c3 with a piece rather than a
pawn.
8•.•c5!?
Amazingly this natural move has only been
seen in two games, but a more telling fact is
that both of them were high-level grandmaster
affairs.
9.d5
This was White's choice in both games.
Presumably the reason why Black's previous
move has been so rare is that players have been
worried about:
9.dxc5N
This is playable enough, but Black's resources
are quite sufficient.
9 . . . Wfxd l t l O.'i!?xd l
The exposed position ofWhite's king clearly
gives Black some compensation, although
it is not completely clear how he should
proceed on the next move.
c
d
e
f
h
g
1 0 ... ih6!?
This is my first choice, although Black
is probably also fine after 1 o .. J'!:d8t or
1 0 ...ie6.
l l .id2!?
This looks like White's best move.
Instead after l l .:B:c2 ie6 1 2.b3 :B:c8 13.id2
ixd2 14.<;t>xd2 ttlc6 Black has powerful
compensation and it seems to me that it is
White who will be fighting for equality.
l l ...:B:d8 12.ttlf3 ig4
Black can also consider 1 2 ...ie6!?.
1 3.<;t>el ixf3 14.ixh6 ixe4 1 5 .f3 id5
The position is roughly equal, as White's
bishop pair is balanced by Black's healthy
development and coordination.
9•.•i.xc3t IO.:B:xc3
Of course White recaptures this way in order
to make sense of his previous rook move.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
30
Various 5th Moves
IO e6
•••
Black follows his usual plan. I would also like
to point out an interesting alternative, which
is in the spirit of line D below: 1 0 . . . Wfd6!?N
The following line looks logical: l l .lt:lf3 ig4
1 2 .ie2 ixf3 It is important to play this before
White can retreat his knight to d2. 1 3.ixf3
lt:ld7 1 4.0-0 bS Black has reasonable chances
in this complex position.
After the text move Black has a positional
threat of ... exdS, leading to a pawn structure
which is almost always pleasant for him in the
present variation, as the previous exchange of
two sets of minor pieces reduces the dynamic
potential of White's position with the passed
d-pawn.
With this in mind, it is logical for White to
try and prevent this structure from occurring,
and so far he has tried both Bl) I I ..ic4 and
B2) l l.d6.
It is hardly worth mentioning that l l .E:xc5?!
is too greedy, and after l l .. .lt:ld7 or simply
l l ... exd5 Black will obtain more than enough
activity for the pawn.
comfortable position.) 14 ... Wfe7! Black easily
solves his problems.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...lt:\xd5
Perhaps an even simpler route to equality
would have been 14 ...E:e8N 1 5 .E:xc5 Wfe7
16.Wfc2 lt:lxdS 17.E:xd5 Wfxe4 1 8.Wfxe4 E:xe4
1 9 .E:d8t �g7 when White is unable to exploit
the pin along the back rank.
15.exd5 b6
This move not only defends the c5-pawn,
but also prepares to activate the bishop via b7
or a6.
Bl) l l ..ic4
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
1
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l ..exd5 12.obd5 �d7 13.�e2
.
3
2
1 3.lt:lf3 can be met by: 13 ... lt:l f6 14.E:xc5
( 1 4.0-0 lt:lxd5 1 5 .exd5 Wfd6 gives Black a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
31
Chapter 3 - 5.�d2
15 ..ih3
17...J.xe2!
This secures
middlegame.
an
equal
major
piece
18.g lxe2 '%Yd6 1 9.h4 gadS 20J�d2 gres
I also examined 1 5 .d7 Wi'e7 16.E:d5
tLld4 17.�h3 f5 ! when Black has great
compensation.
Black has no problems and the players soon
agreed a draw in Shirov - Sutovsky, Kallithea
2008.
7
B2) l l.d6
6
8
5
4
3
2
b
a
d
c
e
f
h
g
15 ...'%Yf6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is a more challenging move, although
the resulting positions are just as dangerous for
White as for Black.
l l...e5!
With this strong reaction Black not only
isolates the d6-pawn, but also creates a nice
outpost for his knight in the future.
This is not a bad move, but the following
alternative may be even stronger:
1 5 ... tLld4! ?N
This energetic move is very much in the
spirit of Black's previous play.
1 6.E:d5
16.E:xe5?! Wfxd6 17.E:d5 Wfb4t is unpleasant
for White.
1 6 ... Wfh4 1 7.�g2
1 7.E:xe5? tLlc6!-+
1 7 . . . E:fd8
Black is doing well, for instance:
1 8.0-0 E:ac8 1 9.Wfa4
12.tLlf3
If White takes the pawn immediately with
12.E:xc5 then 12 ... tLld7 13.E:d5 Wi'b6 gives
Black enough counterplay, for instance: 1 4.tLlf3
Wfb4t 1 5.Wi'd2 Wfxe4t 16.�e2 Wi'b l t 17.�dl
Wfe4t The game ends in perpetual check.
12 ... .ig4 13.gxc5 hf3 14.gxf3 c!Llc6
Black's strategy is clear: he will strive to
maintain control over the dark squares and
install his knight on the ideal outpost d4 (and
perhaps later f4).
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
32
Various 5th Moves
1 9 .. .'1Wf4!
Not only attacking the f3-pawn, but also
threatening an invasion on c l . White's position
already looks precarious.
E!:xf5 24. <i>g2 <i>g7
To me the position seems dynamically equal,
as White's strong passed pawn is balanced by
the exposed position of his king.
C) s.V!fd2
16.0-0
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16 .ll:�d4 17.d7 E!:ad8 18.El:d5
8 c5!
We have been following the game Moiseenko
- Rodshtein, Rijeka 20 1 0. At this point the
most consistent continuation would have
been:
This temporary pawn sacrifice is more
challenging than the more frequently played
8 ... tt::l d7. White can choose between Cl)
9.dxc5 and C2) 9.d5.
.•
•••
Cl) 9.dxc5 V!fxd2t IO.<i>xd2 E!:dSt
8
The misplaced position ofWhite's king should
offer Black full compensation.
7
6
l l.<i>c2
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 tlhf3tN 19.<i>g2 �g5
•.•
This irregular position seems to be balanced.
I analysed the following continuation:
5
4
3
2
20.f3 V!fe7 2I .V!fa4 f5 22.exf5 �xh3 23.<i>xh3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
33
Chapter 3 - 5 . .id2
l l .id7!?N
.••
I decided to analyse this interesting new idea,
although it is certainly not the only playable
continuation.
The following is perhaps the simplest route to
equality: l l .. ..ixc3 1 2.';!{xc3 .ie6 White can
hardly hope to retain his extra pawn with his
king in such an exposed position. 13 .lLlf3 lLld7
( 1 3 ...!!c8N 14.b4 aS was also good enough.)
14.b4 aS 1 5 .ib5 lLl f6 16.!!hel axb4t 1 7.<;!{xb4
ixa2 Black had no trouble holding the draw
in Dreev - Roiz, Russia 2009.
vulnerable in the near future, and his kingside
pieces still need to be developed.
16. .lt:lf6
.
In this position 1 6 ... lLlxc5?! does not work:
1 7.!!xcS ixe4t 1 8.fxe4 :Bxc5 1 9.lLlf3;!; The
resulting position may still be tenable, but it is
only White who can play for a win.
After the text move Black has rich compensation
for the pawn, especially taking into account
the fact that White is still unable to complete
his development in the natural way, as shown
by the following line.
12.:Bcl
This seems like the only serious attempt for
White to hang onto his extra pawn.
17.ltlh3?
12 ....ic6 13.f3 �d7 14 ..ixg7 �xg7 15.�bl
17... � xe4! 18.fxe4 he4t 19.�al .ixg2
20..ig4 bhl 21.bc8 .ic6 22 .ig4 :Bd2
This careless move can be refuted tactically:
•
After a forced sequence of moves, the arising
endgame is clearly in Black's favour.
8
7
C2) 9.d5
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15... :Bac8
Black calmly activates his last piece.
16..ie2
White's biggest problem is that the natural
1 6.lLlh3 allows 1 6 ... lLlxc5! with the following
justification: 17.!!xc5 ixe4t 1 8.fxe4 !!xeS
1 9 .ie2 !!d2+
Another idea is 1 6.b4, but after 16 ... lLleS�
White's queenside pawns could easily become
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
9 . e6
..
I like this more than 9 ...ixc3 1 0.bxc3, even
though Black has achieved good results with
the latter.
IO ..ixg7
�xg7 l l ..ic4
Various 5th Moves
34
Another idea is 1 1 .0-0-0 exd5 1 2.exd5
as played in Lampen - Holmsten, Tampere
1994. The position is complicated, but I find it
hard to believe in the concept of long castling
for White. After spending some time on this
position I finally found a strong idea for Black:
14.J.xd5 So far we have followed Mamedyarov
- Sutovsky, Baku 20 1 0. At this point Black
should have played:
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
c
d
e
f
h
g
14 . . . J.e6N
15.J.xe6
( 1 5.0-0?
lt:lxe4!)
1 5 ...'1Mfxd2t 1 6.'it>xd2 fxe6 17.f3 E:ad8t 1 8.'it>e2
lt:ld7 1he endgame is roughly balanced.
h
g
b
1 2 .. .'1Ml'f6!N This move is directed against the
development of the white knight to e2, which
would now drop the f2-pawn. 1 3.f3 seems like
a logical reply, but after 1 3 ... E:d8 1 4.lt:le2 lt:lc6!
Black has an excellent game.
"'
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12... �b6!N
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
ll. ..�d7! 12.�f3
The justification for Black's last move is
revealed after 1 2.dxe6? lt:le5 13.'1Mfc3 'IM!d4!
when Black is already better.
12.lt:le2 lt:lf6 ( 1 2 ... lt:lb6N 13.b3 'IM!h4!? also
comes into consideration.) 13.lt:lc3 exd5
Even better than 12 ... exd5 1 3.J.xd5 lt:lf6
14.'1Mlc3 'it>g8 which was also decent for Black
in D. Rombaldoni - Cmilyte, Novi Sad 2009.
13.0-0 �xc4 I4.'1Wc3t '%Yf6 15.'%Yxc4 exd5
16.'%Yxd5
After 1 6.exd5 b6+ the d-pawn is more of a
weakness than a strength.
16....ig4!
Black has the more pleasant position.
35
Chap ter 3 - 5 .�d2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This time White arranges his bishops into
an attractive formation.
This logical move has so far only been tried
once. White threatens to push his e-pawn,
but the plan can be thwarted by the following
remarkable idea:
8 c5 9.d5
l l... "?Ne5!
Harmless is:
9.lLle2 cxd4 1 0.lLlxd4
1 0.�xd4 #Jc6 1 l .�xg7 <;!;>xg7 1 2.0-0
occurred in Roussel Roozmon - Prahov,
Montreal 2000. At this point Black should
have played 1 2 ...�g4N 13.�d5 '?Nb6+ when
he is slightly better.
1 O '?Nb6! l l .lLle2
White felt compelled to play this in view of
the impending . . .gds.
l l ...�xc3t 1 2.bxc3 lLlc6
Black was already better due to White's
damaged queens ide structure, Fries - Mendege,
Budapest 2006.
The natural 1 1 lD d7 is met by 1 2 .lLl f3 when
Black's position does not look very promising.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
•..
...
...
12."?Ne3 f5!
The following continuation looks sensible
enough.
13.c!i)f3 'Wfxe4 14.'Wfxe4 fxe4 15.c!i)g5 .if5
16.0-0-0
1 6.gb l can be met by 1 6 ... <;!;>g?! 1 7.gxb7
lLld7 intending ... gfbg when Black is by no
means worse.
9 hc3t IO.bxc3 'Wfd6!
•..
This is a thematic idea in positions with this
central structure. Black takes control over the
important e5- and f4-squares before deciding
how to deploy his pieces. White has tried three
moves: Dl) l l."?Ne2, D2) II.tl:lf3 and D3)
II.c!i)e2.
Dl) l l ."?Ne2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Various 5th Moves
36
03) l l.c!i:le2
16 ... �d7 17.d6t �g7 18.c!l:!xe4 �e5 19.dxe7
�Ue8 20.�d6 �xc4 21.�xc4 gxe7=
The complications have subsided and the
position remains balanced, Zhou Weiqi Sutovsky, Khanty-Mansiysk 2009.
8
7
6
D2) 1 1.c!l:!a
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 1 .£5!
3
..
Thanks to Black's control over the e5-square,
this move is possible.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l ... i.g4
Obviously Black should take the opportunity
to pin the knight.
12.e5
This must be the critical continuation.
Instead after 12.h3 ixf3 1 3.'1Mfxf3 f5!?
( 1 3 ... lt:ld7N is also fine.) 1 4.0-0 lt:\d7 15.exf5
�xf5 Black had a healthy and active position in
Gazarek - Bastijanic, Pula 1 993.
12... Yic7 13.0-0 i.xf3 14.VIxf3 Ylxe5
15.gab1
White
seems
to
have
promising
compensation, but with a few accurate moves
Black can easily return his extra pawn and
neutralize his opponent's initiative.
15 ... c!i:ld7 16,gfel Yld6 17.gxb7 g fbg
18,gb3 �e5 19.VIe4 c!l:!xc4 20.Yixc4 gxb3
21.axb3 gds
12.exf5
A recent game saw 12.id3, Vidit - Vakhidov,
Burdur 20 1 0, and now instead of rushing
with 1 2 ... fxe4, Black should have preferred
1 2 ... lt:\d7N 1 3.0-0 lt:\e5 with a great position.
12 ..i.xf5 13.0-0 c!i:ld7 14. c!l:!g3 �b6 15.Yib3
Ylf4 16.i.e2 c4 17.Yib5
.
This position was reached in Dreev Kozakov, France 2009, and one subsequent
game. At this point I found a clear-cut path
to equality:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
In this equal position the players agreed a draw
in Grachev - Vachier Lagrave, Moscow 20 1 0.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 3
17 .id3!N 1 8.L.d3 cxd3 19.:aadl
••.
19.Wxd3 is met by 1 9 ... E:ad8 regaining the
d5-pawn.
-
37
5 .id2
.
This rare move has so far scored three wins
and two draws without a defeat for White,
so it should not be underestimated. I like the
following idea of Sutovsky:
19 ... d2 20.'We2 ttlxd5=
Both sides have a weak pawn, and overall the
position is balanced.
E) s.tt! a
9 c5! IO.d5 .ixf3 l l.gxf3 .ixc3 12.bxc3 e6
•.•
The position is rather irregular and double­
edged, but it seems to me that Black has
adequate play.
13.d6
8
This must be critical. I also examined 1 3 .j.c4,
which can be met convincingly by means of:
1 3 ...Wf6! 1 4.f4 ltJd7 White's centre is starting
to look vulnerable, for instance: 1 5 .e5 'Wh4
1 6.j.e2 (or 16.dxe6 ltJxe5!) 1 6 ...ttJb6 1 7.d6
ltJd5+
7
6
5
4
3
13 '%Yf6 1 4.£4
.••
2
1
8
a
b
c
d e f g h
..
This has been White's most popular choice
in the position.
6
8 .ig4
4
•..
From here White has occasionally tried El)
9.'%Yd2, but the main line is E2) 9..ie2.
El) 9.'%Yd2
7
5
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 e5!
•..
Black must of course prevent his opponent
from setting up a pawn chain from f4 to d6.
15.fxe5
White should probably have preferred
1 5 .f5N ltJd7 although Black is not worse here
either.
15 '%Yf3!
.•.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White must have underestimated this move.
Various 5th Moves
38
This natural move is the clear main line.
16.E:gl tl:lc6 17..ig2 �xe5!
This simple tactic justifies Black's previous
play.
9...c5
Black responds in the usual way.
lS.E:dl
We have been following the game I. Sokolov
- Sutovsky, Kragujevac 2009. At this point
Black could have obtained better chances by
means of:
10.d5 e6
Black has an interesting alternative:
1 o ... .ixc3t l l .bxc3 e6
This undermining move almost always
figures in Black's plans at some point.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 ...�g4!N 19.�e2 �h4
1 9 ...'Wf4 is also good.
20.�e3 E:ad8!
Bringing another piece into play. Black
has the initiative in a position with equal
material.
E2) 9..ie2
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2.dxe6
I checked two alternatives as well:
1 2.c4 is risky due to 1 2 . . . exd5 13 .cxd5 E:e8,
for instance 1 4.tLld2 .ixe2 1 5 .'Wxe2 lLla6
and White still cannot castle as his d5-pawn
would hang.
1 2.0-0 is safer, but after 1 2 ...exd5 1 3.exd5
'Wd6 1 4.'Wb3 b6 Black has a pleasant
position.
12 . . .'Wxd 1 t 1 3.'it>xdl
13.E:xd 1 .ixe6 does not change much.
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
39
Chapter 3 - 5.i.d2
13 ...i.xe6 1 4.�c2 lt:l c6 1 5 .:1!hd1
In this balanced position the players agreed a
draw in Dreev - Smirin, Plovdiv 20 1 0.
1 1.0-0
8
13 lt:l d7!?N
.••
This is my improvement over the following
game: 1 3 ...i.xc3 14.bxc3 b6 1 5.l'!fe 1 ixf3
16.i.xf3 lt:ld7 1 7.a4 lt:le5 18.i.e2 Black's
position was solid but slightly passive in
Nikolov - Sutovsky, Rijeka 20 1 0.
14.Wfxb7
7
This is the most principled reply. Instead
after 1 4.h3 .ixf3 1 5 .i.xf3 b6 16.l'!fe l l'!fe8
Black is fine.
6
5
14 ....L:c3 15.bxc3 t£Je5!
4
Perhaps unexpectedly, it turns out that Black
has full compensation for the pawn.
3
2
16.W!'b3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
ll exd5 12.exd5 W!'d6!
Before developing the knight on d7, the
queen occupies her best possible square.
•••
I also analysed 1 6.'1Wa6 lt:lxf3t 17.gxf3
'1Wxa6 1 8.ixa6 ixf3 19.c4 l'!fb8 20.l'!fb 1 l'!b6!
21 .l'!xb6 axb6 22.i.b5 l'!a3 when White may
even end up worse.
8
l3.Wfb3
In the event of 1 3.1MI'd2 Black soon gets
a comfortable position by playing natural
moves: 1 3 . . . lt:\d7 1 4.h3 ixf3 1 5 .i.xf3 This
was Mambrini - Beggi, Monrecatini Terme
1 994, and now after 1 5 ... l'!fe8N 1 6.l'!fe 1 i.xc3
17.bxc3 b5 it is White who should be thinking
about equalizing.
7
6
5
4
3
2
8
a
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16 . L£3 l? .L:£3 c4 18.W!'dl gadS=
6
.
.
.
Black easily regains his pawn and the
resulting position will be equal.
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
40
Various 5th Moves
Conclusion
The 5.id2 system has become quite fashionable
in recent years, and its popularity shows no
sign of abating. Many players have favoured
a knight retreat to b6, either immediately or
on the following move, but I believe that my
recommendation of 5 ...ig7 6.e4 lt:lxc3 7.ixc3
0-0 is a preferable solution. White has tried a
number of different set-ups, but in virtually all
cases Black will respond in the same way, by
playing the thematic counterattacking move
... c5 at the earliest convenience. Normally
White responds with d5, after which the
further undermining . . . e6 will form the basis
of Black's counterplay. Throughout the chapter
we have seen plenty of evidence for Black's
dynamic potential and tactical resources, and
overall I believe that the second player has a
full share of the chances.
Various 5th Moves
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
5. g 3
Variation Index
l.d4 lL!f6 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 lL!xd5 5.g3
5 ....tg7 6.e4 lLlxc3 7.bxc3 c5
A) 8.e3 V;Va5
A1) 9.lLle2
A2) 9 ..td2
B) 8.lL!f3 lL! c6!
B 1 ) 9.d5!?
B2) 9.0-0
B3) 9.e3 0-0 10.0-0 .te6
B3 1 ) 1 l .V;Va4
B32) 1 1 .lLld2
B33) l l ..ta3
B4) 9 ..te3 0-0 10.0-0 cxd4
B41 ) 1 l .cxd4
B42) 1 1 .lLlxd4 lL! a5!
B421 ) 12.V;Vc1
B422) 12.lLlb5
B423) 12.V;Va4
B424) 12.V;Vd3
B425) 12J�b1
42
42
43
44
44
45
48
48
49
50
51
51
52
52
53
53
54
55
h
42
Various 5th Moves
. l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 l£lxd5
5.g3
In the end I decided to recommend this
slightly unusual move, although the more
orthodox alternatives of 8 ... 0-0 and 8 ...tLlc6
also promise Black a good game.
From here we will analyse A1) 9.�e2 and A2)
9.J.d2.
A1) 9.�e2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is a different version of the Fianchetto
System, which was analysed in Chapters 3-7 of
the first volume. This way White bypasses the
... c6 and ... dS system which I recommended,
but allows Black the option of creating a
traditional Griinfeld structure by exchanging
on c3.
5 ...J.g7 6.J.g2 �xc3!
As I explained in the aforementioned
chapter, I have no intention of entering the
6 ... l£lb6 7.tLlf3 line, unless I am sitting on the
opposite side of the board.
7.bxc3 c5
From this position White can choose between
A) 8.e3 and B) 8.�£3. When I checked the
database I was surprised to learn that the
former has been played more frequently,
as I believe the latter to be clearly the more
challenging option.
A) 8.e3
This move ensures White of a solid foothold
in the centre, but it is too slow to offer realistic
prospects of an advantage.
8...'1'a5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is not a bad move, but it allows Black to
force a desirable pawn structure.
9...cxd4 10.exd4
This structure is virtually always harmless for
Black, as demonstrated in several lines in the
first volume.
10 ...0-0 1 1.0-0 l£lc6 12.'1'b3
This has been the usual choice, although two
other moves have been tried.
1 2.a4 .ifS 1 3 ..ia3 1'!fd8!? (Black opts for an
interesting pawn sacrifice, although there
was nothing wrong with 1 3 ...1'!fe8.) 1 4 ..ixc6
bxc6 1 5 ..ixe7 1'!e8 1 6 ..ib4 WfdS 1 7.tLlf4
Wfc4� Black's bishop pair and light-squared
control gave him sufficient compensation for
the missing pawn in Korchnoi - Huzman,
Beersheba 2004.
43
Chapter 4 - 5 .g3
1 2.:B:e I :B:d8 With this useful move Black
prepares ... e5. Here is a nice illustrative game,
which once again involved a sacrifice of the
e7-pawn: 1 3 ..id2 .ig4 1 4.h3 .ie6 1 5.lt:lf4 .ic4
1 6 ..ixc6 bxc6 1 7.:B:xe7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
a
c
d
e
f
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black has absolutely no problems and
positionally he stands better, so in the following
game White took the opportunity to simplifY.
h
g
b
1 7... c5! 1 8.d5 .if8 1 9.:B:e l 'Wa6 20.'Wf3 :B:d7
2 I .'Wg4 :B:ad8 Black regained his pawn with a
comfortable game in Louro - Krueger, e-mail
2006.
18..ixe5
After other moves White would simply be
worse.
1 8....ixe5 19.�c6 �xc3 20.�xc3 .ixc3
2l.�xa7 !:!.aS 22.�c6 l::!.xa2 23.gxb6 gb2
8
At this point a draw was agreed in
Georgiev - Kramnik, Belgrade 1 997.
7
Ki.
6
A2) 9..td2
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12... l::!. d8 13.d5 �e5 14..ig5
1 4.lt:ld4 .id7
1 5 . .ig5
occurred in
Mamedyarov - Grischuk, Almaty 2008, and
now 1 5 . . . :B:e8N would have transposed to the
main line below.
a
14 ... ge8 15.�d4 .td7 16.l::!. abl b6 17..tf4
l::!. ac8
b
c
e
g
With this move White prevents an
unfavourable change in the pawn structure.
44
Various 5th Moves
9... 0-0 10.ttle2 t£l c6 1 1.0-0
Black has tried several moves here, but my
favourite is:
8
7
6
l l ...YMa6!?
1 1 .. .:B:d8 has been the most popular choice,
while 1 1 . . .id7 looks like another reasonable
option.
5
4
3
12.t£lf4
White tries to improve his passive knight.
He attempted a similar idea with 1 2.ttlcl in
Avontuur - Schenning, Veldhoven 1 992, and
here I would suggest: 1 2 ... id7N 1 3.ltlb3 b6
1 4.a4 (Black should almost never be afraid of
1 4.dxc5?!, and indeed after 14 ... :B:ac8 he has
wonderful compensation for the pawn, thanks
to White's dreadful queenside structure.)
14 ...:B:ab8 The position is unclear and
approximately equal.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16.'iMb3?! YMxb3 17.axb3 e5 18.dxe5 ttlxe5i
This queenless position is more pleasant for
Black thanks to his superior piece coordination,
Annakov - Svidler, Internet (rapid) 1 999.
B) s.ttlf3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12....id7
1 2 ... :B:d8 looks like a good alternative.
13.�e1 �ac8 14.-ifl
White tries to harass his opponent's queen,
but the idea does not lead to any special benefit
for him.
I4 ...YMa3 15.�b1 b6
Black has a comfortable position, and in the
fo llowing game White now went astray:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8 ... ttlc6!
Black must be precise with the move order.
Instead after 8 ... 0-0 9.0-0 ltlc6 White has the
promising option of 1 0.d5! which has recently
yielded good results for him.
After the text move it is worth considering B1)
9.d5!?, B2) 9.0-0, B3) 9.e3 and B4) 9.ie3.
B1) 9.d5!?
45
Chapter 4 - 5 .g3
l l 'Mfa5t!
..•
Black should take the opportunity to pick
up a pawn, while also activating his queen.
12.J.d2
In the event of 1 2.ttld2 'Mfxc5 1 3.0-0 (or
1 3.tt:le4 'Mfd4+) 13 ....ig7 1 4.tt:le4 'Mfd4 Black
is doing great.
12 ...'Mfxa2 13.0-0 J.g7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This surprising new move was played for the
first time in 20 1 1 .
Since move 9 both sides have played logically,
and the present position seems critical for the
assessment of the whole line. I was unable to
find any truly dangerous ideas for White, for
instance:
14.J.f4
9 tL!b4!?N
•••
This seems like a promising reply. White
obtained interesting compensation after
9 ....ixc3 t 1 0..id2 .ixa 1 1 l .'Mfxa 1 ttl d4
12.tt:lxd4 cxd4 1 3.'Mfxd4 f6 1 4.0-0 0-0
1 5 . .ib4� in Khismatullin - Kozul, Aix-les­
Bains 20 1 1 .
IO.cxb4
Otherwise White just loses material without
getting much in return.
Or 1 4.e4 a5! 1 5 ..ie3 a4 1 6.e5 0-0 and Black
is better.
14 0-0 15.d6
..•
Another line is 1 5 . .ie5 .ixe5 16.tt:lxe5 'Mfb2
1 7.tt:ld3 'Mfd4 when Black seems to be safe
enough .
15 ... exd6 16.hd6 .ie6
Black is certainly not worse.
IO hal l l.bxc5
B2) 9.0-0
..•
I find it hard to believe that 1 1 .0-0 cxb4
1 2 ..ih6 ic3 can be a serious option for
White.
a
9 cxd4!
...
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Various 5th Moves
46
·Black should accept the pawn sacrifice.
Besides, 9 ... 0-0 would transpose to the
undesirable line mentioned in the note to
Black's eighth move after 1 0.d5!.
8
7
6
10.cxd4 tll xd4 l l .tll xd4 �xd4 12J:i:bl
5
White clearly has compensation for the
pawn, thanks to his superior development and
powerful light-squared bishop. Nevertheless it
is doubtful that he can aspire to anything more
than equality.
4
1 2.Wxd4?!
Black should be happy to see this inaccurate
move.
1 2 ....ixd4 1 3 .E:b 1
Now Black has a strong defensive idea.
8
7
6
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2 ...0-0 13.i.e3 �c4
This is the move I like best. 1 3 ...Wxd1
14.E:fxd1 a5 gave Black a tenable, though
somewhat passive position in Gritsak Schmidt, Warsaw 2009. Please note that
14 ... E:b8?! would not be an improvement, as
after 1 5 ..ixa7 E:a8 1 6 . .ic5 E:xa2 1 7 ..ixe7 E:e8
1 8 ..if3!t White retains unpleasant pressure.
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 . . ..ib6!
Blocking the b-file makes Black's life a lot
easier.
1 4.a4
Black should not be concerned by 14 ..ih6
preventing castling, as he can solve his
problems easily by means of 14 . . . f6 intending
. . . �f7.
14 ...0-0 1 5 ..ia3 E:e8
Black has managed to protect all his pawns
and will soon be ready to develop his queen's
bishop.
16.a5 .ixa5 17 ..ixb7 .ixb7 1 8 .E:xb7 e6+
It was clearly White who was fighting for the
draw in Schroeder - Hebels, corr. 1 990.
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.i.d5
I consider this the most important move,
not least as it was the choice of Aronian.
Nevertheless White has a few playable
alternatives.
According to theory, 1 4.Wd2 leads to a drawish
position after the following sequence: 1 4 ....ie6
1 5.E:xb7 E:ad8 1 6.Wa5 Wxe2
Chapter 4 - 5 .g3
47
1 6."/J.fe1 �h5 1 7."/J.bcl occurred in Vidarte
Morales - Cuadras Avellana, Spain 2003, and
here Black should have played: 1 7 ... e6!N (The
game continued 1 7 ....ig4 18."/J.c5 e5?! 19."/J.c?t
when Black had some problems.) 18 ..ig2 a5+
8
7
6
5
4
3
8
2
7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7.:1ha7 ( 1 7."/J.xe7 �xa2 leads to dry
equality.) 1 7 ... "/J.d1 1 8.h3 "'J.xfl t 1 9 ..ixfl �d 1
20.�d2 �xd2 2 l ..ixd2 .id4 22."/J.xe7 .ixa2=
Krivonosovs - Sykora, Spain 2004.
6
5
4
3
2
1 4.a4 �a6 1 5 ..ie4?! Being a pawn down,
White should play more incisively. ( 1 5 ."/J.b5N
looks better, after which 1 5 ... "/J.bS 16 ..if4 e5
1 7 ..ixe5 .ixe5 1 8 ."/J.xe5 .ie6 reaches a balanced
position.)
8
7
6
1
a
b
d
C
f
e
..•
This is a necessary improvement over 1 6 ... .ie6
1 7.ixe6 �xe6 1 8.�xe6 fxe6 19."/J.xb7 "'J.f5
20."/J.c?;l; when, despite his extra pawn, Black
was doomed to a passive defence in Aronian Radjabov, Nice (blindfold) 2009.
5
17J�bel
I also analysed:
1 7."/J.fe 1 �d2 1 8."/J.bd 1
Another interesting line is
( 1 8 ...�d3!? is not bad either.)
20.�xc2 �xb4 21 ."/J.e4 �a3
23.ixf7t 'it>h8 with equality.
1 8 . . .�c2 1 9.�xc2 .ixc2 20."/J.c l
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... "/J.bS! White's compensation is in question
and after the further mistake 1 6."/J.b4? .ih3
Black was clearly better in Grynszpan - S.
Alonso, Argentina 2000.
14 �a6 15.'!�Yb3 Wfxe2
•..
Black should take the opportunity to bag
another pawn. Instead after 1 5 ..."'J.b8 1 6 ..if4!
e5 17 ..ie3 White retains some pressure.
h
16 .if5!N
4
3
g
1 8 .ib4 �d4
19."/J.bd1 .ic2!
22."/J.d3 "'J.ac8
if5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
16..ic5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
48
Various 5th Moves
2 1 ..ixb7
After 2 Uhe7 Elad8 22.ixb7 Elfe8 the
evaluation is the same.
2 1 . ..Eiab8 22.Eixe7 Elfe8
The position is equal.
17 %Yd3
.••
This time White plays more patiently and
secures his centre before castling.
9 ...0-0 10.0-0 J.e6
This is my preferred choice although there
are numerous alternatives. Now it is White
who must make a choice, the main options
being B31) I I.%Ya4, B32) l l.�d2 and B33)
8
Il.J.a3.
7
l l .�e2
This has been played in a few games, but it
should be harmless.
l l . . .Eic8 1 2.�d l
Jedlicka - Akesson, Pardubice 2008. Now I
developed the following idea:
1 2 ... cxd4N 1 3.cxd4
Alternatively after 1 3.tt:lxd4 tt:lxd4 1 4.cxd4
ic4 1 5 .�d2 �d7= Black has a good game.
13 . . . tt:la5 1 4.tt:le5 b6 1 5.ia3 tt:lc4 1 6.tt:lxc4
ixc4 17.�d2 �d7=
The position is balanced.
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
18.�xe7
In the event of 1 8.'1Wxb7 Black can simply
play 1 8 ...if6.
B31) 1 1 .%Ya4
18 ...%Yxb3 19.axb3
19.ixb3 b6 20.ia3 ie6! is also equal.
19 ...�ad8 20..ixb7 .if6
White has nothing here, for instance:
21.�c7 .ie5=
B3) 9.e3
8
7
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l . cxd4
.
.
The untested
interesting.
5
4
l l .. .!k8!?N
also
looks
12.cxd4
3
1 2.tt:lxd4 was played in Ngo - Vu Dinh
Hung, Kuala Lumpur 200 1 . Here I would
2
a
b
.c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 4 - 5 . g3
49
suggest 12 ... .id7N when 1 3.lt:Jxc6 .ixc6
1 4 ..ixc6 bxc6 1 5 .ia3 Vf!c7= is just equal.
B32)
l l .�d2
8
12 ...'1Wd7!
Setting up an important tactical moti£
7
6
13J:�dl
Defending, at least for the moment.
In the following game both players were
oblivious to the opportunity: 1 3 . .ia3? This
was Stajcic - Szekely, Kecskemet 1 990, and
here Black missed: 1 3 . . .lt:J xd4!N 14.Vfixd7
lt:Je2t 1 5.i>h1 .ixd7 16.E!.ab 1 b6 17 ..ixe7 El.fe8
18.ib4 :i:'!ac8 Material is equal, but Black's
superior pieces give him the advantage.
13.. JUd8 I4..ib2?
White should have guarded against the
following tactical strike, although Black has
clearly solved his opening problems in any
case. At this point, in the game Aaron - Geller,
Stockholm 1 962, Black should have played:
5
4
3
2
a
l l .. J:'ic8
b
c
d
f
e
g
h
12..ia3
1 2.Vfia4 was played in Rodjko - Shadrin,
Novosibirsk 1 998, and one subsequent game.
8
7
6
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...�xd4!
discovered an interesting response in
12 . . .Vfia5!N when 1 3.ixc6 leads to the
following forced line: 1 3 ... Vf!xc3 1 4.ixb7
Vf!xa 1 1 5 .ixc8 El.xc8 16.lt:Jb3 Vfib 1 1 7.lt:Jxc5
Vf!xa2 1 8.Vf!xa2 ixa2 Black is at least
equal, and can try to make something of
his two bishops and passed a-pawn in the
endgame.
Once again the complications work out well
for him:
12 ... cxd4 13.cxd4 \WaS
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15.\Wxd7lDxf3t 16.Lf3 �hd7 17J�xd7 hd7
18.hg7 i>xg7 19.hb7 El.bS 20.id5 El.b2i
White will have to fight for a draw.
Immediately exploiting the vulnerable
position ofWhite's dark-squared bishop.
14..ib2 lDb4 15.a4
50
Various 5th Moves
We have been following the game Barlov
- Akesson, Valjevo 1 984. At this point Black
should have continued:
b
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 ... b6N I6.�b3 YNa6i
The position remains complex, but Black's
active pieces give him the better chances.
c
d
e
f
h
g
14 ... b6N It is useful to safeguard this pawn
from a future attack along the b-file, not to
mention the X-ray vision of the bishop on g2.
1 5.tt:ld2 tt:lb4 ( I S ... tt:le5!? 16.dxe5 :B:cd8 is also
worth considering.) 16 ..ixb4 Wfxb4+ Black's
bishop pair gives him the better chances.
12....id5
This move equalizes easily, as shown by the
following illustrative example.
B33) II..ia3
13 ..ixd5 YNxd5 14.'iNb3 YNxb3 15.axb3 i:Ue8
1 5 ... :B:fc8 1 6.:B:fd 1 .if6= is fine for Black.
I6J:Ucl
Akopian - Kuzmin, Dubai 2000.
8
7
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Forcing Black to release the tension.
l l ... cxd4 12.�xd4
Recapturing with the knight is quite thematic
for this variation. The alternative is 1 2.cxd4
Wfa5 13.Wfd3 :B:ac8 14.:B:fcl Edouard - Vachier
Lagrave, Chalons 2008, and here Black should
have played:
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16... :B:ac8N
This natural move would have maintained
easy equality.
51
Chapter 4 - 5 .g3
1 5 ... b5! 16.Wfxb5 lt:lxd4 17.Wfxd7 .ixd7
1 8.E!:xc8 .ixc8 1 9.'it>fl With equality.
14 ... .id5 1 5 .E!:ab l
This position was reached in A. Rodriguez
- Valverde Lopez, Peru 2000. Here Black
could have safely played:
B4) 9..ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
White supports his centre while developing
a piece. In my view this is the most challenging
continuation at his disposal.
9 ...0-0 10.0-0 cxd4
From this position White can play both
B41) l l.cxd4 and B42) l l.ttlxd4.
B41) l l.cxd4
By recapturing with the pawn White keeps his
structure intact, but in doing so he restricts his
dark-squared bishop.
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
1 5 ... b6N
In the game he was most probably worried
about:
1 6.lt:le5
But there is a clever retort available.
16 ....ixe5 1 7.dxe5 Wff5!
Black takes over the initiative.
8
7
l l ....ie6 12.'ilYd2
White has also tried a different queen move:
12.Wfa4
Here I recommend:
12 ...Wfd7!? 13-l:l:fdl E!:fd8 14.Wfa3
I also examined: 14.E!:ac1N E!:ac8 1 5.lt:lg5
6
5
4
3
2
8
1
7
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
5
12....id5 13.:Sabl
4
Another game continued 1 3.E!:fdl E!:c8
1 4 ..ih6 Wfd6 1 5 ..ixg7 'it>xg7 16.E!:ab l b6 when
Black had no problems in Faraci - Torrarolo,
Imperia 1 996.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
52
Various 5th Moves
13.. J�c8 I4JUdl
II... ttl aS!
This position was reached in Beliavsky Balogh, Austria 2005, and here Black should
have played actively by means of:
7
With this multi-purpose move Black
safeguards his knight, defends the b7-pawn
and eyes the c4-square, which could become a
juicy outpost for his knight later in the game.
In this complex position White has a wide
choice between B421) 12.�cl, B422)
12.ttlb5, B423) 12.�a4, B424) 12.�d3 and
6
B425) 12J�bl .
8
5
B421) 12.�cl
4
The plan of trading the dark-squared bishops is
slow and absolutely harmless for Black.
3
2
12 ... �c4 1 3J�dl
1
The consistent 13.i.h6 actually leads to
trouble for White: 1 3 ... e5! 14.i.xg7 'tt>xg7
1 5.lLlc2 Wlc7 16.lLlb4 i.e6+ Black is in
control.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 .. .lt�a5N
The following continuation looks normal:
13 ... tllxe3 14.�xe3 �c7
15.i.h6 �c4 16.�£4 �d6 17.\Wh4 !xh6
}8.�xh6 f6CD
Black is by no means worse in this
complicated position.
B42) II.tllxd4
8
7
6
5
4
a
3
15.h3?!
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is considered to be the main direction.
White 'sacrifices' his pawn structure in order to
maximize the activity of his pieces.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Too slow. Instead the energetic 1 5 .lLlbS!?N
WleS 16.Wlxe5 Axe5 17.f4 would have given
White just enough activity to maintain the
balance.
15 ...a6 I6J�acl gbs 17.c4 gdsi
White does not have enough activity to
compensate for his opponent's bishop pair and
53
Chapter 4 - 5.g3
better pawn structure, Lew - Rawlings, e-mail
2008.
B422) 12.c�b5
8
7
6
5
4
a
3
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
12 .id7 l3.'1Wb4 E:cS
••.
2
White must react precisely in order to avoid
falling into an inferior position.
a
b
c
d
f
e
g
h
This move is a bit premature and not
dangerous for Black.
12 .id7! l3J;bl
•..
The main point behind Black's last move
is that 1 3.lDxa7?? is refuted by 1 3 ... lDc4
14 ..id4 e5 1 5 ..ic5 '1Mfc7! 16 ..ixf8 .ixf8 when
Black picks up the stranded knight to reach a
winning position.
The text move was played in Rustemov Yuferov, Minsk 1 994. Here Black could have
solved all his problems by means of:
14.E:fdl
In a few games White has chosen the other
rook:
1 4J!ad1 E:c4 1 5.'1Mfb 1
1 5.'1Mfa3?! allows Black to consolidate his
position: 1 5 . . . E:a4 16.'1Mfb2 '1Mfc8 17 . .ig5 e6+
White has no compensation for his positional
defects, Kampenuss - Suetin, Riga 1 962.
1 5 ... '\MfeS 16 ..ixb7 e5 1 7.lDf3 .if5 1 8.'1Mfb2
lDxb7 1 9.'1Mfxb7
Ftacnik - Bacrot, Hamburg 20 1 0. It is clear
that Black has good compensation for the
pawn and he is not worse at all. Still, from
this position his most precise continuation
would have been:
13...a6N 14.tLlc7
Senseless is 14.ltJd4?! '1Mfc7 when Black is just
better.
14 ...'1Wxc7 15..ib6 '!WcS 16 .ixa5 .ic6=
•
Black is doing fine.
8
7
6
5
4
B423) 12.'1Wa4
This is playable but slightly risky for White,
as his queen can become a target for Black's
pieces, starting from the very next move.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
54
Various 5th Moves
1 9 . . .Wfa4N 20.\Wxa7 \Wxa7 2 l .i.xa7 E!:a8
22.i.e3 E!:xc3 23.E!:d2 E!:ca3
With a level endgame.
at which point White should have played
1 7.Wfxe7N E!:e8 1 8 .\Wh4 I!Nxc3 19.E!:acl I!Nb2
20.i.d5 when Black is under some pressure.
14.. J�c4 1 5.Wfb2
17.Wfxe7 ges 18.Wfh4 gxc3
In another game White tried a different
queen move:
1 5.\Wa3 b6 16.i.g5?!
Every move has a high price for White, and
with this inaccuracy he slips into a worse
position.
Instead 1 6.ltJb3N would have maintained
the balance.
1 6 ...E!:c5! 1 7.h4 h6 1 8.lLlb3?
A blunder in a bad position.
1 8 ... lLlxb3 19.axb3 hxg5 20.\Wxa7 E!:c7-+
Gibbons - Akhayan, Kallithea 2008.
Black has nothing to worry about.
B424) 12.Wfd3
15 ...Wfc8
It is useful for Black to remove the queen
from d-file in anticipation of lLlb5.
a
16.Wfa3
1 6.ltJb5N \We8!? (Alternatively 1 6 . . .i.xb5
1 7.\Wxb5 b6 looks extremely solid.) 1 7.E!:ab l
a6 1 8.ltJa3 E!:a4oo In this complex position
Black's chances are by no means worse.
8
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12...a6
The need for this prophylactic move is
demonstrated by the line 1 2 ... i.d7?! 13 .lLlb3!
lLlxb3 1 4.axb3t when White obtained some
pressure in Benko - Chandler, Lone Pine
1 979.
13.gacl
7
13.c4 \Wc7 1 4.E!:acl is an equally valid move
order.
6
5
13...Wfc7 14.c4 gdsN
4
I found a convincing route to equality,
beginning with this move.
3
2
16... b6N
1 4 ...i.d7 was Black's choice in Bolbochan
- Najdorf, Buenos Aires 1 949, but after the
natural 1 5 .E!:fd l N White has promising play.
(The game continued with the inferior 1 5 .ltJb3?!
i.f5! when Black was already better.)
This is my improvement over 1 6 ... E!:a4 as
played in Banus'Z - Wittmann, Budapest 2005,
15,gfdl
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
55
Chap ter 4 - 5.g3
B425) 12.gbl
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
2
h
15 ....L:d4!
This exchanging operation solves all Black's
problems.
16 ..ixd4 c!Llc6 17.�e3
1 7.Wic3 can be met in exactly the same way.
Black has comfortable equality,
demonstrated by the following lines:
as
8
7
6
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
12...a6
It is essential to take control over the b5square. By doing so Black not only stops a
knight invasion, but also secures a comfortable
square for his queen on c7.
13.ltlb3
13 .'W'c l ?! Wic7 I4J:'!:dl E:b8 1 5 .lt:lb3 �f5+
White's play over the last few moves lacked
vitality and he quickly found himself in an
unpleasant situation, Bewersdorff - Gutman,
Hessen 1 990.
I also analysed a natural alternative: 13.Wia4N
Wic7 I4.�g5 e5 1 5 .lt:l b3 lt:lc4 1 6.lt:ld2
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20.�b2
20.c5 E:d8 2 I .Wib4 �d5 is also equal.
20.. Jk8 2l.c5 �a5! 22..ixb7 E:xc5 23J:!xc5
�xc5 24..L:a6 �a5
Black regains his pawn to reach a dead equal
endgame.
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I6 ... b5! This temporary sacrifice solves all
Black's problems. 1 7.E:xb5 axb5 1 8.Wixa8
56
Various 5th Moves
ke6 19.'Wc6 'Wxc6 20.kxc6 f6 2 1 .ltJxc4 kxc4
22.ke3 Ei:c8 Black regains the pawn to reach an
equal position.
13... �c4 14. .id4
This position occurred in Banusz Wittmann, Balatonlelle 2005, and here I
suggest the natural improvement:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 'Wc7N
.•.
In the game Black opted for the passive
1 4 ... ltJd6?! and soon found himself in a
difficult position.
15.�d2
White needs to exchange the strong knight at
some point. My analysis continues as follows:
15 .. J:id8 16.�xc4 'Wxc4 17.'Wb3 'Wxb3
18J��xb3 Ld4 19.cxd4 :!3xd4 20.Lb7 gbs
21.Lc8 gxc8=
With full equality.
Conclusion
The idea of fighting against the Griinfeld
bishop by employing a symmetrical set-up
with a bishop on g2 is not without logic.
Nevertheless we have seen that this does not
stop Black from obtaining his typical pressure
against the enemy pawn centre.
In variation A with 8.e3, White supports
his centre solidly but is slow in developing
his pieces, which enables Black to develop
smoothly and actively, and so B) 8.tt::l f3 is
rightly considered more challenging. Then after
the correct 8 ... tt::l c6! White has a surprisingly
wide choice. The aggressive B l ) 9.d5!? is a nice
idea, but I believe I have shown a good way to
defuse it. The pawn sacrifice B2) 9.0-0 leads
to a simplified position in which White has
full compensation, but no advantage. B3) 9.e3
can be compared with 8.e3 on the previous
move; again, Black obtains easy development
with good chances in the middlegame. Finally,
the more active B4) 9 ..ie3 aims for more fluid
development, but we have seen that Black can
claim a full share of the chances here too.
Various 7th Moves
7.ig5
Variation Index
l .d4 tl::J £6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 tl::l xd5 5.e4 tl::lxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ig5
7... c5 8J:!:cl 0-0
A) 9.d5
B) 9.tl::l f3 .ig4 1 0.d5 �d6 l l .ie2 tl::l d7
8 1 ) 12.0-0
82) 12.h3
58
59
59
61
•
A) after 9 .d5
a
b
c
d
e
f
82) after 1 4.c4
B) note to l i . . .ti::l d 7
g
h
9 .. .f5! - the spirit of the Griinfeld
a
b
c
d
e
1 3... e6N
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 4 . . . bxc4!N
g
h
58
Various 7th Moves
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3Jl:k3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ig5
White's main idea in this line is to provoke
the move ... h6, and then to continue with .ie3
and Wfd2; compared with Chapter 1 1 , White
would gain a tempo by attacking the black
h-pawn. However Black can easily manage
without moving his h-pawn.
7. .c5 8.�cl
.
0-0
Griinfeld; Black attacks the white centre,
aiming to use his lead in development.
10 ..ic4 �h8 l l.�e2
Probably the most challenging move. The
alternatives are:
1 1 .exf5 E!:xf5 1 2.ltlf3 tt:ld7 13.Wfe2 tt:le5
1 4.tt:lxe5 :!'!xeS 15 ..ie3 e6 Black has comfortably
equalized.
In Troff- Haessel, Las Vegas 20 1 0, White tried
to hold the centre with 1 1 .f3. It is now very
tempting to play: 1 l . . .Wfd6N 1 2 ..id3 tt:ld7
1 3.ltle2 c4 14 ..ib 1 fxe4 1 5 ..ixe4 tt'l c5 1 6.0-0
.if5 Black has the better chances.
8
7
6
5
l l...fxe4 12.�g3 if5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Here play may take two directions: A) 9.d5
or B) 9.�f3.
A) 9.d5 f5!
If Black would prefer to avoid the repetition
in the main line, I can offer a reasonable
alternative in 1 2 ... tt:ld7N 1 3.tt:lxe4 tt:lb6
1 4.Wfe2 h6 15 ..ie3 tt:lxc4 16.Wfxc4 b6 with
double-edged play.
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.0-0
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is very much in the spirit of the
Inferior for White is 13.Wfe2 ltld7 1 4.tt:lxe4
h6 1 5 ..ih4 g5 16 ..ig3 tt:lb6 17.:!'!d 1 Lysyj Sutovsky, Dagomys 2008. Now I recommend
the straightforward: 1 7 . . . tt:lxc4N 1 8.Wfxc4 b5
1 9.'11Me2 .ixe4 20.Wfxe4 .ixc3t 2 1 .\t>fl Wfd7
Black is clearly better.
59
Chapter 5 - 7.i.g5
l l �d7
13 ... �d7 14.d6
••.
White cannot afford to play slowly, for
example: 14.'We2 tt:le5 1 5 .tt:lxe4 tt:lxc4 1 6.'Wxc4
b5 1 6.Wfd3 c4 White is losing his d-pawn.
14 ...J.f6 15.i.h6 i.g7 16.i.g5 J.f6 17.i.h6
It seems that neither side can avoid the
repetition, Polak - Ftacnik, Czech Republic
2009.
White's main options are B1) 12.0-0 and
B2) 12.h3, although he has also tried:
1 2.tt:ld2 It looks quite natural for the knight to
head for the c4-square, but Black's counterplay
arrives just in time. 1 2 ....ixe2 13 .Wfxe2
B) 9.tLlf3 i.g4 10.d5 vtfd6
much prefer this positional concept to
the sharp 1 O... f5 which leads to crazy
complications: 1 l .'Wb3 �h8 12.tt:ld2 fxe4
1 3.'Wxb7 tt:ld? 14.h3 I don't have much faith
in Black's position here.
a
8
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
This was Jenkinson - Fenwick, e-mail 2008.
Black should now play: 13 ... e6N 1 4.tt:lc4 (no
good is 1 4.c4 E!:ae8! and White cannot hold
the centre) 14 ...Wfa6 1 5 .tt:le3 Wfxe2t 1 6.•;he2
exd5 17 .exd5 (after 17 .tt:lxd5 f6! Black
shouldn't experience any problems) 17 ... E!:fe8
The position is pretty much balanced.
7
6
5
4
3
2
B1) 12.0-0 h£3 13.hf3 b5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 1.J.e2
It is quite risky for White to play: 1 l .'Wd2
tt:ld7 (I would prefer to limit White's options
with the move order 1 1 . ..i.xf3 1 2.gxf3 tt:ld7)
12.i.e2 i.xf3 1 3.gxf3? (This is a serious
strategical mistake; it was necessary to recapture
with 13 .i.xf3, when a logical continuation
is 13 .. .f5 14.exf5 E!:xf5 1 5.0-0 i.e5! 1 6.h3
E!:xg5 1 7.'Wxg5 i.h2t 1 8.�h1 i.f4 1 9.Wfh4
g5! 20.Wfg4 tt:le5 2 1 .'Wh5 tt:lxf3 22.Wfxf3
i.xcl 23.Ei:xcl E!:f8 24.Wfe3 Wfxd5 25 .c4 Wff5
26.Wfxe7 E!:£7 with an equal position.) 13 .. .f5!
14.i.f4 tt:le5 Black was clearly better in Eperjesi
- Farkas, Hungary 2007.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
A very interesting concept. Black has given
up his light-squared bishop, but in return
60
Various 7th Moves
has made various gains: he has completed his
development and connected his rooks, his
queen is well-placed on d6, and he has started
to advance his queenside pawns.
8
7
6
5
14..ie2 c4!
Black now has the c5-square at his disposal.
15.f4
4
3
White has also tried:
1 5.Wc2 ttlc5
1 5 ... f5 deserves serious attention.
1 6.l3fdl
Mter 1 6.f4 Black has the strong idea
1 6 .. .f6 17 ..ih4 .ih6 and White has problems
defending the f4-pawn.
White's best option is 1 6 ..ie3, although
1 6 ... a6 17 .!!fd I tLla4 secures Black good
counterplay.
8
7
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20J�xc4!?
The best try. Black is out of danger after
20.d5 tLlxf4! 2 l .!!xf4 g5.
20...£5!
A very strong response. After 20 ...bxc4
2 1 ..ixc4 followed by 22.f5 White has good
chances of obtaining an advantage.
6
2l.e5?
5
This is going too far. White could maintain
equality with 2 1 .!!b4 tLlxd4 22 ..ixb5 .
4
3
2I. ..bxc4
2
Now taking the rook is a different story.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 . . . f5! 1 7 .exf5 !!xf5 1 8 ..ie3 !!af8
Black had taken over the initiative in
Karavade - Gupta, Reykjavik 20 1 0 .
15 .. £6
.
There is an interesting alternative: 1 5 . . . ltJ b6N
1 6.W/c2 !!adS Black is intending to continue
with . . . f5 .
16.J.h4 �c5 17.'1Wd4 e5!
The key move, otherwise Black would be in
trouble.
18.dxe6 'IW.xd4t 19.cxd4 �xe6
22..L.:c4 l:Ue8 23.d5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 5
23...g5!
This is simply a refutation ofWhite's idea.
24.fxg5 �c5 25.d6t �h8 26.e6 �adS
27.�dl �xe6!
Black had a winning position in Nyback Kovchan, Aix-les-Bains 20 1 1 .
B2) 1 2.h3 La 13.Lf3 b5 14.c4
White decides to prevent Black playing ... c4.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...bxc4!N
This is a natural improvement over 14 ... b4
1 5 .0-0 a5, which led to complex strategical
play in Nyback - Svidler, Khanty-Mansiysk
2009.
15J�xc4 .id4! 16.0-0 �e5 17J�a4 f5
Black has an excellent game.
-
61
7 .�g5
Conclusion
Developing the bishop to g5 leaves the d4square poorly defended and means that the
white d-pawn will soon have to advance.
After A) 9.d5 Black can immediately attack
the centre with 9 . . .f5, easily obtaining equal
chances. When White opts for B) 9.ltlf3 �g4
1 0.d5, then 1 0 ...f5 is not so clear; however
1 0 .. ."\Wd6 and l l .. .ltld7 offers Black fine play.
Various 7th Moves
7.ia3
Variation Index
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ia3
7... �d7!
63
64
64
66
66
67
A) 8.�b3
B) 8.�f3 c5
Bl) 9..ic4
B2) 9.�b3 0-0
B21) 10 ..id3
B22) 10..ie2
A)
after
13.�b4
after
Bl)
17.�b4
B22)
after
13.ti'ld2
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
13...�b6!N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
17...:1'k7N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
13 ...b5!N
f
g
h
63
Chapter 6 - 7 .�a3
I.d4 tllf6 2.c4 g6 3.tllc3 d5 4.cx:d5 tll xd5
5.e4 tllxc3 6.bxc3 �g7 7..ia3
9
Quite a popular sideline, directed against
...c5.
the note on 10Jl:d1 in line B2 .
•..
0-0
IO..ie2
1o.lLlf3 is another transposition, this time to
10 '1Wa5 II.l£lf3 l£1£6!
•.•
7... �d7!
A very strong idea; before White manages to
escape with his king, Black starts to attack his
central pawns. The main idea of White's set­
up can be seen in the following continuation:
1l...cxd4 12.ib4 '1Wc7 13.cxd4 lLlf6 14.\We3
White had the better chances in V. Milov V. Mikhalevski, Biel 2002.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
A very concrete approach, preparing to
carry out ...c5 anyway. An important point is
that White will then be forced to waste time
defending against the threat of ...cxd4 followed
by .. .'Wa5t.
a
We have arrived at the first crossroads in
this variation, with the main options being
A) 8.'!Wb3 and B) 8.l£lf3.
Other possibilities to take into account are:
8.ic4 c5 9.'1Wb3 0-0 10.lLlf3 cxd4 leads into
line B1.
8.:!'k1 c5 9.d5 An interesting idea, but the
white bishop on a3 is clearly misplaced.
9...\Wa5 10.'1Wb3 0-0 11.tLlf3 Garcia Gonzales
- Lechtynsky, Cienfuegos 1985. Black should
now play 11...tLlf6 12.id3 e6 and White is in
trouble.
A) 8.'!Wb3 c5 9J�dl
9.ic4 0-0 10.tLlf3 transposes to B1, while
9.lLlf3 is B2.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12 .ixc5
•
Black's 11th move was a novelty I found
several years ago, although it has since been
played. I would like to share some of the
variations I examined:
12.tLld2 cxd4 13.ib4 (13.cxd4? tLlxe4 14.ib4
lLlxd2+) 13...\We5 14.cxd4 '1Wxd4 15.ixe7
lLlxe4! 16.lLlxe4 '1Wxe4 17 ..ixf8 .ixf8 Black has
a strong initiative for the exchange.
12.id3 ie6!
13.'1Wb2 (After 13.d5
id7
14.!'k1 !'1ac8 Black threatens ...c4 and holds
the initiative. For example 15.\Wb2 e6 16.d6
ic6 17.tLld2 '1Wd8 18.ixc5 ixe4 and Black is
doing well.) 13 ...b6 14.0-0 ig4! Black has the
better chances.
64
Various 7th Moves
It is dangerous for White to capture the
e-pawn: 13.ixe7 :B:e8 1 4.ib4 Wffc7 1 5 .c4
(after 1 5 .0-0 a5 White loses his c-pawn)
1 5 ... a5 1 6.ia3 a4 17.Wib2 ig4 1 8.0-0 tt::l g5
Black has the initiative.
15 c!tld6 16.0-0 Y!ll'c7
•••
Black is planning 1 7 ... a5 next, and he is
absolutely fine.
B) 8.c!tlf3 c5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This occurred in De Virgilio - Molo, e-mail
2008. I believe that here Black should play:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White now chooses between Bl) 9.Ac4 and
B2) 9.Y!ll'b3, although the two moves quite
often transpose.
l3 Y!ll'b6!N 14.c!tld2
•.•
Bl) 9.Ac4 cxd4
After 1 4.c4 a5 1 5 .ia3 '!Wxb3 16.axb3 tt::lc3
1 7.:B:d3 tt::l xe2 1 8.'ihe2 a4! only Black can be
better.
14 .ie6 15.Y!ll'a3
•••
Of course not 1 5 .d5 '!Wxf2#.
8
7
6
5
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
IO.Y!ll'b3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The idea 1 0.0-0? as played in Hvenekilde
- Fries Nielsen, Aalborg 1 979, is not
correct. Black should accept the challenge:
1 0 . . . dxc3!
1 I .ixf7t
�x£7
1 2.tt::l g 5t
lii e8 13. tt::le6 (13.'1Wb3 tt::l e5+) 13 ...'1Wa5
65
Chapter 6 - 7.ia3
14.lt:lxg7t c.t>f7 1 5 .'1Mfb3t c.t>xg7 1 6 . .ixe7 lt:lf6
1 7 ..ib4 Wfb6 1 8.Wfxc3 1:!e8 Black is clearly
better.
8
7
6
10 ... 0-0 l l.cxd4 ltlb6 12.0-0
White can try to retain his light-squared
bishop:
1 2..ie2 .ie6 1 3.Wfb4 1:!c8
The thematic idea 1 3 ... f5!? is worth
considering, aiming to secure the d5-square
for the knight. After 1 4.e5 lt:ld5 1 5 .Wfd2 1:!c8
1 6.0-0 lt:lc3 Black was doing very well in
Dinerchtein - Wister, e-mail 2009.
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13....ig4 14J�ad1
I also checked: 1 4.lt:le5 .ie6 1 5.Wfb4 Wfb6!
1 6.Wfxb6 axb6 17 ..ixe7 1:!fe8 18 ..ib4 .ixa2=
14...i.xf3
1 4 ...1:!c8 is also promising.
15.gxf3 �d7
Black already has the better chances.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 4.0-0
After 14.Wfxe7 Svidler, in his comments in
Chess Informant 83, provides the following
line: 14 . . .Wfxe7 ( 1 4 ... lt:lc4 looks tempting
as well) 1 5.ixe7 1:!fe8 16 ..id6 (or 1 6 ..ig5
.ic4 1 7.e5 f6!) 16 ....ic4 1 7.e5 .ixe2 ( 1 7 .. .f6
may be even stronger) 1 8.c.t>xe2 lt:l c4 Black
is fine.
1 4 ... .ic4
Svidler pointed out that 1 4 ... lt:lc4!? is a
worthy alternative.
1 5.1:!fe1 .ixe2 1 6.1:!xe2 lt:l c4
Black had no problems in V. Milov - Svidler,
Moscow (3.2) 200 1 .
1 2... ltlxc4 13.�xc4
In my opinion, the power of the bishop pair
ensures that Black will not face any problems.
16J3d3 �:Uc8 17.�b4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have been following I. Ivanov - Lonoff,
Chicago 1 990. Here I recommend the
natural:
17... 1:!c7N 18J3cl
20.�b3 b5i
a:xci t
19.bcl
a5
Various 7th Moves
66
Black's chances are better thanks to the plan
of advancing his queenside pawns.
B2) 9.�b3 0-0
1 1 ... b5! and the pawn seems to be taboo.
For example: 12.i.xb5 :!:l:b8 1 3.Wfc4 Wfa5!
14.i.xd7 Wfxa3 1 5 .i.xc8 (or 1 5."1Mfxc5 Wfb2!)
1 5 ...:!:l:fxc8 Black clearly has the better
chances.
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
b
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Another crossroads, the main choices being
B21) 10.i.d3 and B22) 10.i.e2. Other
possibilities are:
1 0.i.c4 :!:l:b8?!
I played this idea in Golod - Avrukh,
Gibraltar 2009, but here it's quite dangerous
in view of White's concrete threats. The
simplest option for Black is to play IO . . . cxd4
1 1 . cxd4 lLlb6 transposing to B 1 above.
1 1 .lLlg5!N
My opponent missed this brilliant idea.
1 1 . . .e6 1 2.ltJ xf7! :!:l:xf7 13 .i.xe6 Wfe8 1 4.0-0
I don't like Black's position.
1 0.:!:l:d l Wfc7!
Black shouldn't rush with 1 O . . .cxd4 1 1 .cxd4
lLlf6 1 2.i.d3 i.g4, as White can play the
natural 13 .0-0N with chances for an
advantage. (Instead, in every game that
reached this position, White has continued
with the risky 1 3.Wfxb7 against which Black
has scored terrifically.)
1 1 .e5
Defending against the idea of . . . lLl f6. After
1 1 .i.d3 Black can strike with the unexpected
c
d
e
f
h
g
1 l ...cxd4N
This is an obvious improvement over Katki
- Koch, corr. 1 958, in which 1 l .. .b6 1 2.i.e2
i.b7 1 3.e6! gave White the initiative.
1 2.cxd4 lLl b6
Black has good play.
B21) 10.i.d3 gb8!
This strong idea introduces the correct plan.
Black is going to play ... b5, which will make
the white pieces feel uncomfortable on the
queenside.
1 1.0-0 b5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
67
Chapter 6 - 7 .ia3
12.'1'c2
13...b5!N
Another line is: 1 2 ..ie2 .ib7 13.'<Mfc2 ( 1 3.d5
is strongly met by 13 ... b4!) 13 ... b4 ( 1 3 ...'<Mfa5
is also very promising) 14.cxb4 cxd4 1 5.E:adl
B:c8 Black was better in Gomez Fontal Herrera, Santa Clara 200 1 .
An interesting improvement over the quiet
1 3 ... b6. Evidently Black was concerned about
the c5-pawn, but I don't believe it is such a
big deal.
14.c!tle4 i.b7!
12...'1'a5 13.i.b2 i.a6 14.'1'e2 �b6!
The black knight is heading for the a4square.
I consider this to be stronger than 14 ... b4
1 5 .cxb4 cxd4 1 6.f4! when White is doing well.
(Instead 1 6.b5 'Wxe5 1 7 ..id3 .ib7 is far from
clear.)
1 5.dxc5 ltla4 16.c!tld4 c!tlxb2 17.'1'xb2 b4!t
Black had a clear advantage in Goldenberg ­
Roos, Courchevel l 979.
15.ltlxc5
The reader should always remember this
thematic idea when the white queen is placed
on b3.
Black is ready to meet 1 5.ltld6 with: 1 5 . . . .id5
1 6.ltlxb5 (or 16.'Wc2 a6 17.B:acl 'Wc6 1 8.g3 f6
and only Black can be better) 16 ...'Wc6 1 7.c4
ixg2 18.E:fdl a6 19.d5 exd5 20.cxd5 '<Mfb6
2 1 .\t>xg2 .ixe5 22.B:abl axb5 23 ..ixb5 'Wd6
White should be worried about his weakened
king.
12.e5 e6
15 ... c!tlxc5 16..ixc5
B22) IO..ie2 'i'c7 1 1.0-0 Eib8
Stopping e5-e6. Not so good is: 12 ... b5
1 3.e6 c4 14.'Wb4! White benefits from his
bishop being on e2, rather than hanging on
d3! 14 ... fxe6 1 5.'Wxe7 White is better.
13.�d2
With his last move Black weakened the d6square, so the white knight immediately heads
there.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16....ixe5!
The point behind Black's play.
17.Lfs .ixh2t IS.i>hl i>x£8
There is no doubt that Black has excellent
compensation for the exchange.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19.i.f3
68
Various 7th Moves
. Defending against Black's idea of ...Wff4h4(h6) .
19 ...ixa
.
Very entertaining play arises after 1 9 ...Wff4,
with the following line looking more or less
forced: 20.i.xb7 Wfh4 2 l .g3 i.xg3t 22.�g2
i.d6 23J!h l Wfg4t 24.�fl l:!xb7 25 .l:!xh7
�g8 Black is not in any danger.
20.gxf.3 .i£4
Black has fine compensation, although
White probably has good chances to hold.
Conclusion
I recommend 7 ... lt::l d7! followed by 8 ... c5 as
an entirely adequate way to meet White's early
bishop excursion to a3. White will usually
continue with Wfb3 at some point, after which
preparing . . . b5 with ... l:!b8! is generally Black's
correct reaction - although not in all cases,
as my comments on Golod - Avrukh in B2
indicate. However, in line B22 for example,
the improvement 1 3 ... b5!N provides a good
illustration of Black's active possibilities in this
variation.
Various 7th Moves
b
a
c
d
f
e
g
7.1a4t
Variation Index
I.d4 t[)f6 2.c4 g6 3.t[)c3 d5 4.cxd5 t[)xd5 5.e4 t[)xc3 6.bxc3 �g7 7.�a4t
7... t[)d7
A) 8.�e3
B) 8.�g5
C) s.t[)f3 o-o
Cl) 9.�e2
C2) 9.�e3
C3) 9.�g5 c5
C31) IOJ!bl
C32) IOJ�dl
C33) IOJ!cl
70
71
72
72
73
74
74
75
75
Cl) after 14 ..1ll.xf3
a
b
c
d
e
f
14 ....1ll.xd4!N
g
C33) after 17.�bl
C31) after 13.cxd4
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
13...'Wd6!N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
17 ...'1\VbS!N
g
h
h
70
Various 7th Moves
l.d4 t£1£6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 tLlxd5
5.e4 tLlxc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 7.YlYa4t
IO.t£1£3
Another possible set-up is:
1 0 . .id3 ltl b6 1 l .�a3
1 1 .�b3 places the queen on a none too safe
square. For example 1 1 ... .id7!? threatens
... .ia4, and the queen has to move again.
1 l ...cxd4 1 2.cxd4
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
7...�d7
Black's most popular option in practice, and
in my opinion justifiably so, although theory
considers 7 . . .�d7 to be playable too.
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
9.l::k 1 c5 1 O.ltlf3 transposes to C2.
1 2 . . .�d6!
This typical idea helps Black to easily solve
his problems.
1 3.�xd6 exd6 1 4.ltle2 f5 1 5.0-0
Also after 1 5. f3 fxe4 1 6. fxe4 .ie6 White is
hardly fighting for an advantage.
1 5 ... fxe4 1 6 ..ixe4 .ig4 17.f3 E:ae8 18.ltlc3
.if5
Black had slightly the better chances in V.
Milov - Ivanchuk, Warsaw 2005.
9...c5
lO...YlYc7
White now chooses from A) 8..ie3, B) 8.J.g5
and C) s.t£lf3, though the first two moves
frequently transpose into line C if White
subsequently plays ltl f3.
A) 8..ie3 0-0 9J�dl
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
71
Chapter 7 - 7.'\Wa4t
l l .id3 b6
•
This is a thematic set-up in this variation,
and promises Black decent play.
Black was doing fine in Schandorff Khalifman, Fuegen 2006.
B) S.J.gS 0-0 9J�d1
Black can also consider the more active:
l l ...cxd4 1 2.cxd4 '1Wc3t 13 .c;t>e2 lt:lb6 1 4.'1Wb3
'1Wxb3 1 5 .axb3
9.lt:lf3 would transpose to C3.
9 ... c5 10.Y;Ya3
Here too, 1 0 .lt:\ f3 transposes, this time to
C32.
8
7
6
10 Y;Yc7 1 1 .�f3
•..
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
5
1 5 ... f5 ( 1 5 ... �g4 was played in Holm Borge, Denmark 1 998. Now White should
play 16.h3N �xf3t 17.c;t>xf3 and retain some
pressure.) 1 6.h4 This was Yurkov - Pospelov,
Vitebsky 2006. Here l like 1 6 . . .�e6 fighting for
the d5-square and at the same time attacking
the b3-pawn. Mter 1 7.exf5 gxf5 1 8.:B:b l �d5
Black has a nice game.
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 1 . b6
•.
As in line A above, I consider this set-up to
be the most reliable.
12.0-0 i.b7 13.:B:fe1
Another good option is l l ...lt:lf6 12.�d3 �g4
1 3.�e3 Berczes - Sebestyen, Hungary 2009.
It is now tempting to play the aggressive:
1 3 ... c4N (the more restrained 1 3 ... :B:fd8 14.0-0
:B:ac8 is also fine for Black) 14.�c2 lt:lh5
1 5 .0-0 lt:lf4 Black has a promising game.
8
7
6
5
4
12..id3 i.b7 13.0-0
3
White should avoid 1 3.d5 lt:le5! when
continuing with 14 .lt:lxe5 '1Wxe5 1 5 .�d2 �xd5
would just lose him a pawn.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13 e6 14.:B:fel a6
..•
13 a6 14.Y;Ya3 e6 1S.Y;Yb2 bS
..•
Preparing ... b5.
Various 7th Moves
72
15.e5
Quite a thematic idea with this type of pawn
structure. White wants to transfer his knight
to the d6-square, while i.e7-d6 might also be
an option.
8
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
5
a
4
b
d
c
e
f
h
g
10.0-0
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 J�Uc8!
••
A very accurate move, which allows Black to
equalize comfortably.
16..ie4?!
1 0 .i.e3 tLl f6
Black starts to attack the white centre.
1 1 .tt:ld2
1 1 .i.d3 was Danner - Birnboim, Lugano
1 989. I do not see any reason for Black to
avoid: 1 1 ...tt:lg4N 1 2.i.f4 i.d7 13.'1Mfa3 cxd4
1 4.cxd4 i.c6 1 5.�d 1 i.xd4 Black seems to
be able to get away with grabbing this pawn.
1 6.tt:lxd4 1Mixd4 17.0-0 �feB After this calm
move Black has nothing to worry about.
White should prefer 16.l2Jd2N after which
16 ...cxd4 17.cxd4 i.f8 18.'1Mfb2 '1Mfc3 1 9.'1Mfxc3
�xc3 20.i.e4 i.xe4 2 1 .tt:lxe4 �c2 leads to an
equal game.
16 J.xe4 17.gxe4 b5
•..
Black easily develops good play on the
queenside.
18.h4 cxd4 19.cxd4 �b6 20.h5 Yfc3
Black was definitely better in Pliasunov Neverov, St Petersburg 2003.
White now has various ways of developing
his bishops: C1) 9 .ie2, C2) 9 .ie3 or C3)
•
•
9 .ig5.
.
C1) 9 .ie2 c5
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 1 ...tt:lg4 1 2.i.xg4 i.xg4
White cannot seriously hope for an advantage
against the bishop pair.
1 3.f3 i.d7 14.1Mfb3 cxd4 1 5.cxd4
This was Korobov - Obodchuk, Moscow
2002, and now I recommend:
1 5 ...i.e6N 1 6.1Mib2 1Mia5 1 7.0-0 �fc8
Black has the better chances.
73
Chapter 7 - 7.Wfa4t
IO ..cxd4 l l.cxd4 �c5!
C2) 9.J.e3 c5 IO.l3c1
.
A key idea in this variation; this elegant
tactic allows Black to create pressure against
the d4-pawn.
1 O.:B:d 1 transposes to line A.
12.Wfc2 J.g4
8
1 2 ... tt:le6 is also enough for equality: 13 ..ie3
tt:lxd4 14 .tt:lxd4 .ixd4 1 5 .:B:ad 1 e5 16 ..ixd4
exd4 1 7.Wfb2 .ie6 18.Wfxb7?! ( 1 8.l3xd4 Wff6=)
18 ...Wfb6 1 9.Wfxb6 axb6 20.:B:xd4 l3xa2 Black
managed to convert his slight advantage into a
full point in Miron - lvanchuk, Havana 2007.
7
13.J.b2?!
This is a serious inaccuracy. White should
settle for an equal position after: 1 3.:B:b 1 .ixf3
14.dxc5 .ixe2 1 5 .Wfxe2 1'ffic7=
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
IO. .cxd4!
13...L£3
.
Also interesting is 1 3 ... tt:le6!? 1 4.d5 :B:c8
1 5 .Wid2 .ixb2 1 6.Wfxb2 tt:lf4 when Black had
an edge in Loeffler - Balleer, e-mail 2007.
Once again, Black starts playing against
the centre before White has completed his
development.
14.L£3
l l.cxd4 �b6 12.Wfa5
Another game continued 12.Wfb4 Wfd6.
Not the first time that we have seen this idea.
1 3.Wixd6 exd6 1 4 ..id3 f5! 1 5.0-0 fxe4 1 6 ..ixe4
d5 Black has no problems and very soon took
over the initiative in Karner - Rytshagov,
Tallinn 1 989: 1 7..ic2?! ( 1 7 ..id3 .if5 1 8 ..ie2
would maintain the balance) 1 7 ... tt:lc4 18 ..ib3
b5 1 9.:B:fe 1 .if5+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14....ixd4!N
In Thilaganathan - Knott, Hastings 2006/7,
Black opted for 14 . . . tt:le6, which was good
enough for equality.
15.l3fdl �e6
White must fight to equalize.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
74
Various 7th Moves
12....tg4N
8
This natural move seems to me more
convmcmg than
1 2 ...f5 Pisulinski
Malisauskas, Warsaw 1 989, when 13 ..id3!?N
is rather unclear.
7
6
5
13.�e5 .te6 14.J.e2 f5!
4
Black advances his f-pawn in a better
version.
3
2
15.exf5 gxf5 16.0-0 c!Lld5
1
Black is at least equal.
a
C3) 9.J.g5 c5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l.Wfa3
Instead 1 I .Wfa5 would not be so good, in
view of 1 l ...cxd4 1 2.cxd4 .ig4! targeting the
d4-pawn.
8
7
6
l l ...h6
5
It is essential to relieve the pressure on the
e7-pawn.
4
12.J.e3 cxd4 13.cxd4
3
2
8
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have reached the last big crossroads in
this variation, as White decides where to place
his rook: C31) lO.gbl , C32) lO.gdl or C33)
lO.gcl.
7
6
5
4
3
White has also tried 1 0.Wfa3 h6 1 I ..ie3 b6
12 ..id3?! which runs into: 12 ... cxd4 1 3.cxd4
l0c5! 1 4.0-0 l0xd3 1 5 .Wfxd3 .ib7 1 6.E:ad 1
e6 17.l0d2 Wfd7 1 8.f3 E:ac8 Black enjoyed
the better chances in Varga - Navara, Pula
2003.
C31) lO.gbl c!Llb6
The most aggressive approach, although there
is nothing wrong with 1 0 ... h6 1 I ..ie3 Wfc7.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13...Wfd6!N
Yet again, this idea crops up. It is clearly
improvement over: 1 3 ...f5 14 ..id3 fxe4
1 5 ..ixe4 .if5 1 6 ..ixf5 E:xf5 1 7.0-0 White was
better in Moiseenko - Ganguly, Edmonton
2008.
an
75
Chapter 7 - 7.Wfa4t
14.Wfxd6 exd6 15.i.d3 f5 16.0-0 fxe4
17 .L.:e4 i.f5 18..L.:f5 g:xf5
14.tll d2
•
Black should have no problems at all.
8
C32) 10.gd1 'i:Vc7 l l .i.e2
7
1 l .Wfa3 is a transposition to line B. White has
also tried:
6
1 1 ..id3 cxd4 1 2.cxd4
4
5
3
8
2
7
6
a
5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have been following Schandorff Jasnikowski, Copenhagen 1989. Black should
now continue:
4
3
2
14 .ia4 15.tll b3 'i:Vc7 16.c4 V:Ve5! 17 .ixf6
'i:Vx£6 18.0-0 b6 19.£4 'i:Vc3 20.'i:Vxc3 .L.:c3
•.•
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This occurred in Szeberenyi - An. Horvath,
Budapest 2006. A clear improvement of
Black's play here is:
1 2 ...Wfc3t!N 1 3.:gd2
Or 13.\tJfl lt'lb6 1 4.Wfb3 Wfc?!? and
White's king cannot feel safe on fl in this
middlegame.
1 3 . . . e5 1 4.d5
A nice variation is 1 4.dxe5 lt'lxe5 1 5 .lt'lxe5
Wfxe5 16 ..ie3 Wfa l t! 1 7.Wfd1 Wfxd 1 t
1 8.\tJxd1 .ie6 and Black is slightly better.
1 4 ... lt'lc5 1 5 .Wfc2 lt'lxd3t 16.Wfxd3 Wfxd3
17.:gxd3 f6 1 8 ..ie3 b6
Black has a fine game.
1 1. tll f6 12.d5
••
If White could complete his development
safely then the pawn structure would be
favourable for him; however Black is in time
to create enough counter-chances.
.
The chances are equal.
C33) 10.gcl 'i:Vc7
This is more flexible than: 1 0 ... h6 1 l ..ie3 e6
1 2 . .ie2 b6 1 3.0-0 .ib? 1 4.lt'ld2 a6 1 5.Wfb3
Wlc7 1 6.f3 White was slightly better in Belichev
- Avrukh, Cappelle Ia Grande 1 999.
1 I..id3 a6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
12 ....id7 13.'i:Vc2 V:Va5!
Threatening ... .ia4.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
76
Various 7th Moves
12.YlYa3
This is the right way to defend against the idea
of ... b5. After 1 2.0-0 b5 1 3.'Wd 1 ( 1 3.i.xb 5?
loses to 13 ... ltJb6) 1 3 ... e5 14.'Wd2 l:!e8 1 5 .i.b 1
Gavrilov - Yuferov, Moscow 1 990,
16.i.b 1 .ixe5 1 7 .f4
It is more circumspect to play 1 7.h3, as in
the variation with 1 4.dxe5 below, although
Black still has a comfortable position.
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
the simple 1 5 ... ltJb6N 1 6.d5 ltJc4 leads to a
good game for Black; if necessary he can later
blockade the d-pawn by . . . ltJd6.
12 ...e5 1 3.0-0 ges
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7 ...i.d6! 1 8.'Wb2 f6! 1 9.i.xf6
Practically forced, since 1 9 .i.h6? loses
unexpectedly to 1 9 ...'Wc5t 20.'tfi h 1 'Wh5!.
1 9 ...i.xf4 i.g4+
White is losing material, Shipov - Ma.
Tseidin, Groningen 1 994.
1 4.dxe5 c4! 1 5.i.c2 ltJxe5 1 6.ltJxe5 i.xe5
We have almost the same position as above,
but with the bishop on c2.
1 7.h3
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
5
2
4
1
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
14..ic4
White has also tried:
1 4.ltJxe5
This looks very natural, but somehow it fails
to impress.
14 ... ltJxe5 1 5 .dxe5 c4!
A key intermediate move.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was Nagel - Roeschlau, Kaufungen
2003. Now I like:
1 7 . . .i.d6N 1 8.'Wb2 .ic5
Winning the exchange with 1 8 ... 'Wa5 1 9.i.f6
i.a3 may be objectively stronger, but after
77
Chap ter 7 - 7.'\Wa4t
20.�b 1 E!:e6 2 1 .id4 ixcl 22.�xcl White
obtains reasonable compensation.
1 9.o;!;>h1 b5
Black has a pleasant game.
14.E!:fd1 if8!?
With this unusual manoeuvre, Black forces
through the ... b5 advance.
1 5 .�b2 b5 1 6.�d2 ib7 1 7.d5 c4 1 8.ic2 f6
19.ih6 lt:\c5 20.ixf8 E:xf8 2 1 .�e3 �d6
Black was fine in Gavrilov - Smikovski, St
Petersburg 2004.
14 ... �b6 15.�a5
The alternative is: 1 5 .ib3 c4 ( 1 5 ...if8
1 6.�a5! is not good for Black) 1 6.ic2 exd4
(the immediate 1 6... lt:ld7!? could also be
considered) 1 7.cxd4 lt:ld7 Black will continue
with ... b5 and ...ib7. The position is very
complicated, with mutual chances.
15...�c6 16..id3 c4 17..ibl
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have been following Lev - Ma. Tseitlin,
Israel 1 990. Here a nice continuation for Black
is:
17 ...�b5!N 18.�xb5 axb5 19.dxe5 .id7!?
An interesting positional idea. A natural
alternative is to regain the pawn with 1 9 ... lt:\d7
20.lt:ld4 ixe5. The position is roughly level,
since after 2 1 .lt:lxb5 E!:a5 White cannot keep
his extra pawn.
20..ie3 �a4 21.h3 .ic6
Black is not interested in regaining the e5pawn at the cost of his dark-squared bishop.
Instead he intends to start play on the queenside
with ...if8 followed by ... b4. It looks very
promising for Black.
Conclusion
After 7.�a4t lt:ld7 it seems to me Black is not
seriously inconvenienced by having developed
the knight to the slightly passive d7-square.
In some instances, for example line C 1 , Black
can utilize the pin on the long diagonal to
later activate the knight by . . . lt:\c5 with good
play. More commonly the knight will hit
the white queen from the b6-square. When
the white queen retreats to a3, an important
resource for Black, which features in several
lines throughout the chapter, is to offer the
exchange of queens with ... �d6; this generally
offers Black comfortable equality.
Various 7th Moves
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
7.ih5t
Variation Index
l.d4 ltlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ltlc3 d5 4.cxd5 ltlxd5 5.e4 ltlxc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.b5t
7 ... c6 8.i.a4 0-0 9.ltle2 c5
80
82
83
84
85
85
86
A) lO.d5
B) 10.i.e3
C) 10.0-0 ltlc6 l l .i.e3 ltla5
C l ) 12.dxc5
C2) 12.i.b3
C3) 12.d5
C4) 12J�bl
A) after 1 7 id2
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 7 . . 11Nc7N
.
C4) note to 14.ib3
C l ) after 1 7 .11Nc2
.
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
1 7 . . . a6!N
f
g
h
h
79
Chapter 8 - 7.�b 5 t
l.d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 �g7 7 .ib5t
Other options include:
.
9 ..ie3 c5 1 0.t0e2 transposes to line B.
9.tiJf3 Wla5!?
This is Black's most annoying approach,
although he can also play 9 . . . c5 1 0.0-0 cxd4
1 1 .cxd4 t0c6 1 2 . .ie3 .ig4 1 3 ..ixc6 bxc6,
leading to a position which is examined as
line 0 of Chapter 12.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7 c6
•.•
This natural response is considered most
reliable for Black, according to the latest
theory.
a
8 ..ia4
Other retreats do not make much sense. I
would just mention that 8 ..ic4 c5 leads into
Chapters 1 7-2 1 .
8 . 0-0
.
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
9.ttle2
This flexible move is by far the most popular.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l O ..id2
After 1 0.0-0 Wlxc3 it is hard to believe that
White has sufficient compensation. The only
game from this position continued: 1 1 ..ig5?!
.ig4! 12 ..ixe7 :B:e8 13 ..ic5 .ltJd7 1 4.:B:cl Wla5
1 5 ..ib3 Tsiganova - Richtrova, Germany
1 995. Now 1 5 ... .ih6!N would take control
of the g5-square, thereby defending against
the threat of .ixf7t. Black is clearly better.
1 0 . . .Wla6!
Temporarily keeping the white king in the
centre.
1 1 ..ib3 c5 1 2.d5 e6!
Logical and very strong.
13.Wfe2 Wfxe2t 1 4.�xe2 exd5 1 5 ..ixd5 .ltJd7
1 6.:B:ab1 t0 b6
Black was already better in Drozdovskij Sutovsky, Moscow 2007.
9 ..ia3
This has been played by a couple of strong
players. Here I found a remarkable idea:
80
Various 7th Moves
A) 10.d5
Quite an interesting alternative. As White I have
scored two nice wins using this continuation,
bur objectively Black is doing fine.
10 .. e6
.
The key idea in this kind of Griinfeld
position.
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
9 . . .Wa5!?N
Not only attacking the c3-pawn, but also
threatening ... b5. White's reply is practically
forced.
lO.ib4 We? l l .lLle2 b6
The white bishop is misplaced on b4,
allowing Black to create counterplay very
quickly. l l . . . a5 1 2.ia3 b5 13.ib3 lt:\a6
1 4.0-0 c5!? also comes into consideration.
1 2.0-0 c5 13.ia3 ia6
Black has an excellent position, especially
taking into account that White cannot play:
14.d5? b5 1 5.ic2 b4
Black wins material.
9 . c5
.
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
C
d
f
e
h
g
1 1.0-0
When I played this variation, my idea was
to play:
l l .ie3
But Black has a strong response.
l l ...Wa5!
After the natural l l ... b6 1 2.ib3 Avrukh Greenfeld, Haifa (rapid) 2000, Black can no
longer exchange pawns on d5, and White
has chances to fight for the advantage.
h
White now chooses from A) 10.d5, B)
10 .ie3 and C) 10.0-0. Instead l O.Eibl lt:\c6
.
l l .ie3 lt:\a5 1 2.0....:.0 transposes to line C4.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
81
Chapter 8 - 7.�b 5 t
12.ib3
After 1 2 .!'k 1 exd5 13 .exd5 b5 14.ic2 :t:!d8
1 5.0-0 ib? Black has the better chances.
However, White should prefer 1 2.0-0, after
which 1 2 ... exd5 13 .exd5 lt:ld? transposes to
the main line.
1 2 ... exd5 1 3.exd5 ixc3t 1 4.lt:lxc3 Wl'xc3t
1 5 .'j{fl
This happened in Tyomkin - Ma. Tseitlin,
Givataim 2000. Here simplest for Black is:
1 5 ... b6 1 6.E:cl Wl'e5+
Black will continue with ... lt:ld7-f6. I do not
see enough compensation for the pawn.
because the black queen is too far from the
kingside.
17.lt:lg3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
l l ...exd5 12.exd5 � d7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7 . . . lt:lc8!
A very thematic idea for this kind ofstructure;
the knight is heading for the d6-square.
1 8.E:e1
If White tries to stop Black's idea with
1 8.if4, then Black can strike from other
side with 18 ... b5 followed by ... lt:lb6, with
nice counterplay.
1 8 ... lt:ld6 1 9 .if4 Wl'a6
The position is balanced.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
14 ... �e5 15.c4 if5 16.�£4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White will have to worry about the knight
jumping to any of the squares b6, e5 or f6.
In my game against the Topalov's manager,
I opted for:
1 6.E:cl lt:ld3 1 7.E:c2
8
13.ie3 'l1lYaS 14.ib3
7
Another continuation is:
1 4.E:b1 lt:l b6 1 5.ib3N
This is of course critical. The strange
1 5.ib5? was played in Ristic - Misailovic,
Vrnjacka Banja 2006. Here I can find no
decent answer to 1 5 ... a6!N when White loses
material.
1 5 ...E:e8 16.c4 id?
It is too dangerous to win the exchange by
1 6...if5 1 7.E:cl ib2. After 1 8.lt:lg3 ixcl
19.WI'xcl White has great compensation
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The simplest way to solve all Black's problems
is:
82
Various 7th Moves
1 7 ... lt:\e5N
My opponent played 17 ... lt:\b2 18.'1Mfd2
'1Mfxd2 1 9.!!xd2 b5?! and ran into trouble after
20.cxb5 c4 2 1 .lt:\d4± Avrukh - Danailov,
Wijk aan Zee 2000.
1 8 .!!d2
No good for White is: 1 8 .'1Mfd2 '1Mfb4! 19.!!ccl
a5!
Accepting a repetition with 1 8 .!!cl may be
White's best option.
1 8 . . . !!fe8
I do not believe that Black can be worse, since
the white bishop on b3 is so badly placed.
B) lO ..ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
16 lt:\g4! 17..id2
.•.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
10...cxd4
The main point behind White's bishop
development is that 1 0 ...lt:\ c6? can be met by
1 l .d5 followed by 12.ixc5 .
8
7
6
l l.cxd4 YlYa5t! l2 ..id2 YlYa6
5
A very interesting idea. Somehow White's
pieces have lost some of their coordination,
and moreover the black queen can be pretty
annoying on a6.
4
3
2
13.gcl
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have been following Hellsten - T. Ernst,
Sweden 2000. Here Black should play:
I also briefly checked a couple of other
moves:
1 3J!:b1 id7 1 4.ixd7 lt:\xd7 1 5 .0-0 !!ac8
offers no problems for Black.
17 ...YlYc7N lS.!!cl .ib2
Winning the exchange may look a bit risky;
however with such a passive light-squared
bishop, White can hardly create anything
dangerous. For example:
19.h3 �e5 20.J.c3 bel 2l.d6 YlYc6
22..ixe5
Or 22.\Mfxcl f6.
22....ixf4 23..ixf4 :aad8
Black has the better chances.
1 3.0-0 id7 14.ixd7 lt:\xd7 1 5 .ib4 !!fe8 is
similarly comfortable for Black.
l3.. Jt:Jc6 14.J.c3
This was Schulze - Hage, e-mail 2000, and
now I recommend the natural:
14 .id7N
.••
This turns out to be unexpectedly strong;
White cannot castle as he would be hit by
1 5 ... lt:\xd4.
83
Chapter 8 - 7.�b5 t
15 ..ib3
Other moves are also unimpressive:
1 5 .d5 fails tactically to: 1 5 ... tLle5 1 6.ixd7?
tLld3t 17.<i>fl tLlxcl 1 8 .'11*'x cl �ac8!-+
1 5 .ixc6 ixc6 1 6.d5 ib5 is certainly fine for
Black.
1 5...ltl a5 16.d5 lLlxb3 17.axb3 hc3t
18J�xc3 gac8 19.0-0 .ib5:j:
C) 10.0-0 ltlc6
1 3.ic2 (I also examined 1 3.Wfd3 h6! 14.ie3
fxe4 1 5 .WIxe4 if5 and Black is better.) 1 3 ... tLl c4
14.f3 b5oo The position is double-edged and
very interesting.
l l .ixc6 bxc6 1 2 ..ia3 cxd4 1 3.cxd4
1 3.tLlxd4?! has been played several times
by Bonin, but there is a clear refutation:
13 ... c5! 1 4.ixc5 Wfc7 1 5 .tLl b3 ia6 16.�el
ixc3 1 7.�c l Axe l 18.Wfxe l �fd8+ White
did not have enough compensation for the
exchange in Bonin - G. Shahade, New York
2002.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
1
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
1 1 .Ae3
By far the most popular continuation. A
couple of rarer alternatives are:
l l .d5 tLla5 12.ig5 Here I propose the active:
1 2 . . . f5!?N (I do not find the usual 1 2 . . . b6 very
convincing.)
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 ...Wfa5!N
This is a clear improvement over: 13 ... ia6
14.ic5 ixe2 1 5.Wfxe2 ixd4 1 6.�adl ixc5
1 7 .�xd8 �fxd8 Black had to fight hard
for the draw in Karpov - Morovic, Kansas
(rapid) 2003.
1 4.ic5
Black has an edge after 14.ixe7 �e8 1 5 .ic5
�xe4.
14 ... E:d8 1 5.Wfc2 e5 16.E:fd l ia6+
Only Black can be better here.
1 I...ti�a5
Black's main choice according to theory.
In my experience with this variation I have
noticed that the c4-square is highly important
in this structure, especially in this line when it
is not controlled by the white bishop. We have
now arrived at the most important crossroads
in this variation, with White having a wide
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
84
Various 7th Moves
choice: Cl) l2.dxc5, C2) l2 .ib3, C3) l2.d5
or C4) l2J�bl.
•
Cl) l2.dxc5
8
All these logical moves occurred in Avrukh
- I. Sokolov, Amsterdam 1 999, and now I
missed a very strong positional idea: 2 1 .c4
.ie8 22.ltlc3 .ixc5 23 ..ixc5 :B:xc5 24.:B:d8
i>f8 25.ltle4 :B:xe5 26..ia4 lt:lc6 27..ixc6 bxc6
28.:B:a8±
7
l3.c!l)f4 e6 l4.c!l)d3
6
14.Wfd6 doesn't work, since after 1 4 ...Wfxd6
1 5.cxd6 :B:d8 1 6.:B:fd 1 .id7 Black will eventually
take the d6-pawn and then remain with the
better pawn structure.
5
4
3
l4... b6 l5 ..ib5
2
a
b
d
c
f
e
h
g
I am never afraid to sacrifice the c5-pawn in
return for damaging the white pawn structure.
Nevertheless, capturing the c5-pawn is a
very concrete approach and requires serious
investigation.
l2...ti'c7!?
I also examined 1 5.:B:b 1 , but Black can react
with 1 5 ....ia6 16.cxb6 axb6 17 . .ixb6 Wfxc3
1 8 . .ib5 .ixb5 1 9.:B:xb5 lt:lc4. It is White who
must take care to maintain the balance.
l 5 ....ib7 l6.f3 :B:fd8 l7.ti'c2
Also after 1 7.Wfe2 Black can reply 17 ... a6!
due to the following variation: 1 8.cxb6 Wfxc3
19 .:B:fc l Wfa3 20 . .ic5 .id4t! Black is at least
equal.
I prefer to keep the queens on the board
here. First of all because it's more combative;
and secondly I have not been able to find a
clear route to equality after the exchange. For
example: 1 2 ... ltk4 1 3.Wfxd8 :B:xd8 14 ..ig5 .id?
1 5 ..ib3 ltla5 1 6.:B:fd1 (This is of course more
challenging than 1 6 ..ixe7 :B:e8 17 ..id6 :B:xe4
1 8.lt:ld4 lt:lxb3 1 9.axb3 .ixd4 Y2-Y2 Topalov ­
Kasparov, Linares 1 998.) 16 ....ic6 17.f3 .if8
1 8.e5 :B:xd 1 t 1 9 .!hd 1 e6 20 ..ie3 l:!c8
8
a
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
6
l7...a6!N
5
This is a convincing way to equalize. In
Shariyazdanov - Dvoirys, Moscow 1998,
Black traded light-squared bishops by 17 . . ..ic6
1 8 ..ixc6 Wfxc6. After the further moves
1 9.:B:fd1 bxc5 20.ltlxc5 lt:lc4 2 l ..if2 Black
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
85
Chapter 8 - 7.�b5 t
13 ....ib5!
undoubtedly had positional compensation,
but he still needed to prove that it was worth
a pawn.
This manoeuvre now appears in an even
better version for Black.
18..ia4
14.E:el �xdl lS.:aaxdl :afc8 16.£3 e6
The main point of Black's idea is that 1 8.cxb6
loses material after: 18 . . .�xc3 1 9.�xc3 .ixc3
20.E:acl .if6-+
8
7
18...bxc5
White cannot take the c5-pawn with either
piece, and so Black has no problems.
6
5
4
C2) 12..ib3
3
In this line White is ready to give up his light­
squared bishop in order to maintain control
over the c4-square.
2
1
a
12....id7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black is absolutely fine.
Black is not obliged to rush with ... cilxb3.
17.�d4 �a6 18..ia4?
A move such as 1 8. <;!;>f2 would probably hold
the balance, but after the text White's position
goes quickly downhill.
18 ... �c4 19.c6 bxc6 20..icl c5 21.�e2 �b6
22..ib3 he2 23.:axe2 hc3+
Hellsten - Avrukh, Kavala 2003.
C3) 12.d5
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7
13.dxc5
A logical alternative is 1 3 .E:cl C. Pedersen
P.H. Nielsen, Denmark 200 1 , although Black
can now solve his opening problems with the
help of a forced line: 1 3 ... cxd4N 1 4.cxd4
.ib5 1 5 .E:el E:c8 1 6.�d2 E:xc 1 1 7.E:xcl .ixe2
1 8.�xe2 .ixd4 1 9.E:d l cilxb3 20.axb3 e5
2 l ..ixd4 exd4 22.�c4=
-
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
86
Various 7th Moves
C4) 12.a:b1 �c4
12...b6 13.YHd3
Otherwise the black bishop will be very
strongly placed on a6. For example: 1 3 ..ig5
.ia6 1 4.:!:'kl 1M'd6 Black prepares to undermine
the white centre. 1 5 .:!:!el e6 Black was already
better in Beliavsky - Belov, Moscow 2005.
The alternative 1 2 ... b6 is more popular, but I
definitely prefer this straightforward move - as
White I have had some unpleasant experiences
facing it.
8
13 ... e6
The calm 1 3 ... .id7!? also deserves attention.
7
6
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
3
a
2
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
13..ig5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.d6
A very ambitious move, but it risks the d6pawn becoming a target.
14 ...J.d7 15 ..ic2?!
White should probably prefer 1 5 ..ixd7
1Mfxd7 16.f4, but after 1 6 .. .:!:!ad8 1 7.l'!adl f6! I
still prefer Black.
The bishop may also retreat:
1 3 ..ic l 1M'c7
Not so accurate is 1 3 ... b6 1 4 ..ic6 !!b8
Avrukh - Simonenko, Ubeda 200 1 . Here
I missed the chance to play: 1 5 ..id5N .ia6
16.1M'd3 b5 1 7 ..if4 White has a promising
position.
1 4.d5
After 14 ..ib3 Black should react with
14 ... cxd4 1 5 .cxd4 b5 with complex play.
8
15 ...J.c6 16.£4 YHd7 17.a4
1 7.e5 runs into 17 .. .f6! when White cannot
keep the pawn on e5.
7
6
5
17... a:ad8 IS.a:fdl
4
We have been following Dyballa - Petzold,
Germany 2009. Black now has the strong
positional idea:
3
18 ...f5 19.�g3 c4
Black is clearly better.
2
a
1 4 . . . e6!?N
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
87
Chapter 8 - 7.i.b5t
This natural idea is a novelty here.
In Shariyazdanov - Rade, Sibenik 2005,
Black opted for 14 . . . e5 1 5.i.c2 ttld6 1 6.f4.
In this very complicated position it seems
to me that White has the more promising
chances.
1 5 .i.b3 lLld6
1 5 ... exd5 runs into 1 6.ttlf4! lLl b6 1 7.lLlxd5
ttl xd5 1 8.i.xd5 with better chances for
White.
1 6.dxe6 i.xe6 1 7.if4 �adS 1 8.i.xe6 fxe6
We have reached a very complex position,
from which I offer one illustrative line:
19.Wfa4 e5 20.ig5 �d7 2 1 .Wfxa7 lLlxe4 22.ie3
c4
The game is balanced.
13 Y:Yc7
••.
Another option is 1 3 ... h6, but there is no
need to kick the bishop yet, and I prefer to
retain the possibility of playing ... f6.
18.ig3N, as indicated by Krasenkow in
ChessBase Magazine 7 1 , although after
1 8 ...ie6 1 9.d5 c4 20.i.c2 i.d7 Black is
doing fine.
1 8 ... fxe5 1 9.c4
I had high hopes for the forthcoming transfer
of my knight to d5, but it turns out not to be
dangerous for Black.
1 9 ...i.e6 20.ttlc3 Wffl 2 1 .tLld5 ixd5 22.cxd5
.if6 23 ..ig3 Wfe7!
With this strong prophylactic manoeuvre
Black has prevented f2-f4, and he is ready
to advance his queenside pawns. The game
ended in a painful loss for White in Avrukh Ma. Tseidin, Tel Aviv 1 999.
14.Wfd3 ttla3 1 5 .�b2 Wfa5 1 6 ..id l has occurred
in three games, and here I offer the following
improvement:
8
7
14 .ib3
•
I once tried:
1 4.Wfcl b6 1 5 .i.b5 ttld6
Black's knight is well-placed on d6.
16.id3 f6
To secure the position of his knight Black
needs to push ... e5.
1 7.ih4 e5
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ... b6!N This has the concrete idea of
...i.a6, and an important point is that White
cannot afford to take the e7-pawn. 1 7 .ixe7?
�e8 18 ..ig5 �a6 1 9.Wff3 ( 1 9.Wfg3 :!:'!:xe4+ is
unpleasant for Whire) 19 . . . cxd4 20.cxd4 lLlc4
White cannot avoid losing material.
8
7
6
5
4
3
14... �a3 15.�cl c4 16 ..ic2 b5
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 8.dxe5
The wrong plan. White should have played
The black knight looks strange on a3, but
White's light-squared bishop cannot easily
escape from a future exchange.
17.Y:Yd2
88
Various 7th Moves
Conclusion
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was Lauber - Naumann, Bundesliga
1 998. Now I suggest the following
improvement:
17....ib7 18.£3 e5
Aiming to clarify the position in the centre.
19.d5 VNd6!?
Black does not insist on exchanging knight
for bishop, since it turns out that the a3-knight
is useful for supporting the advance of the
queenside pawns.
20.�g3 a5
The position is very complex, but I feel Black
has slightly the more promising chances, as he
has a clear plan of advancing his queenside
pawns.
As the reader will have gathered from many of
the game references throughout the chapter, this
variation used to form part of my repertoire as
White. However, after several painful reverses
I abandoned it a decade ago, and I have found
no reason to be tempted back. Black seems
assured of at least equal chances in all lines.
Perhaps line C4 is most critical, leading to a
complex strategical battle, but overall I would
(nowadays!) certainly prefer to be playing the
black side.
7.i.e3
Two Rook Moves
Variation Index
l .d4 tt'lf6 2.c4 g6 3.tt'lc3 dS 4.cxdS tt'lxdS S.e4 tt'lxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ie3
7... cS
A) 8J�b1 �aS 9.�d2 cxd4 10.cxd4 �xd2t 1 I .@xd2 0-0
A1) 12 ..id3
A2) 12.-ihS
A3) 12 ..ic4
A4) 12.ttlf3
B) SJ��cl �aS 9.�d2 cxd4 10.cxd4 �xd2t
8 1 ) 1 I ..ixd2 0-0
81 1 ) 12.dS
812) 12.ttlf3 .ig4
8 1 2 1 ) 13.dS
8122) 1 3.!k7
8123) 13 ..ie3
82) 1 I .@xd2 0-0
821 ) 12.dS
822) 12J�c7
823) 12.-ihs
824) 12 ..id3
90
90
91
92
93
9S
9S
96
97
97
99
100
101
101
102
103
10S
90
7.ie3
l .d4 lLJ£6 2.c4 g6 3.lLJc3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 tLlxc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 7.J.e3
Certainly in terms of popularity it lags well
behind the other rook move examined here.
8 ...�a5
I prefer this to 8 ... 0-0, after which 9.'\Mfd2
prevents us from exchanging queens.
9.�d2 cxd4 10.cxd4 �xd2t
A useful rule of thumb is that, as long as
White is unable to recapture with the knight
on d2, all queenless positions of this type
should be fine for Black.
l l.�xd2 0-0
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This became fashionable after Karpov
adopted it in his 1 990 match against Kasparov,
and it has remained popular ever since.
7...c5
From this posltlon 8.lLlf3 will form the
subject of Chapter 1 0, and 8.'\Mfd2 will be
covered in Chapter 1 1 . In the present chapter
we will focus on the two rook moves A) SJ!�bl
and B) S.:!�cl .
Now White faces a choice between Al)
12.J.d3, A2) 12..ib5, A3) 12..ic4 and A4)
12.tLlf3.
Al) 12..id3
8
7
6
5
4
A) s.gbl
3
2
8
7
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12 .. ,gds 13.�e2
5
White's set-up does not work in the present
variation, for reasons that will soon become
clear.
4
3
2
13 ...�c6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This move contains a few tricky points,
but overall it should not worry us too much.
It turns out that White does not have a
desirable way to protect his d-pawn; compared
with the analogous position with the rook on
cl instead of b 1 , he is unable to move his rook
to the fourth rank.
91
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
14.d5
The alternative is 14.e5 as played in Garza
Marco - Exposito Amaro, Sants 200 1. This
move is also a concession, and Black could
have obtained a great game with:
8
7
White aims to provoke ... a6, in the hope of
compromising Black's queenside.
12.. J:!d8 13.�e2
This position was reached in Cibin Parnenzini, corr. 1 993. At this point I think
Black should have played:
13 ...a6N 14.i.d3 �c6
6
Compared with the previous line A I , it
is true that the weakening of the b6-square
improves White's chances slightly. Nevertheless
the overall assessment is still by no means bad
for Black.
5
4
3
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
15.d5
h
g
14 .. .f6!N With the following tactical point:
1 5 .f4 fxe5 1 6.fxe5 .ixe5! 1 7.dxe5 tt:lxe5 1 8.tt:lcl
if5 1 9J::!:b3 :B:ac8 The plan is ...:B:xcl followed
by ... tt:\xd3(t) . It is obvious that White will
have to fight for a draw.
1 5.e5 meets with the same strong response
as in the aforementioned line: 1 5 ... f6! 1 6.f4
fxe5 1 7.fxe5 ixe5! 1 8.dxe5 tt:lxe5 1 9.tt:\c1
.if5 20.:B:b3 :B:ac8 Once again White will
be struggling after ...:B:xcl followed by
. .. tt:lxd3(t) .
14... �e5
15 ... �e5 16..ib6
Now White will have to worry about ... e6.
8
15.�d4 �xd3 16.i>xd3 e6i
White was under pressure in Dearing Varley, England 1 998.
7
A2) 12 ..tb5
5
6
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16 .. J!d7!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This strange-looking move appeals more to
me than 1 6 . . . :B:d6. The point is that White
has an interesting exchange sacrifice available:
17.:B:hc 1 f5 1 8.f3 e6 19 ..ic7 .ih6t 20.�c3
tt:lxd3 2 l .�xd3 fxe4t 22.fxe4 :B:d7 23.d6
7.ie3
92
ixcl 24J:!:xc l Black should be able to hold,
but his position is a bit unpleasant all the
same.
8
7
6
17J:!hcl e6 18.lilc3 f5!
5
It is useful for Black to clear some space for
his bishops.
4
3
2
19.f3 fxe4 20.fxe4 �U7 2U�fl .id7
Black has no problems, and the position is
roughly equal.
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
Black has already taken over the initiative and
in the following game White went downhill
rapidly: 20.'.t> c l l'!c8 2 l .l'!c7? (2 l .<;!;>b 1 was
necessary) 2 l ...l'!c5t 22. <;!;>d 1 l'!xc7 23.ixc7
ih6 24.l'!e1 lt::l b4 25.ib8 l'!cl t 26.<;!;>e2
l'!c2t 27.<;!;>fl lt::l d3-+ Varga - Szeberenyi,
Balatonlelle 2005.
A3) 12..ic4
8
7
6
5
14... �xd4 15.lilxd4
1 5 . .ixd4 .ixd4 1 6.lt::l xd4 e6 1 7 ..ixb7 .ixb7
1 8.l'!xb7 l'!xd4t 1 9.<;!;>e3 l'!a4 was also just
equal in Niebler - Laibold, Germany 2006.
4
3
2
15 ... e6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This third bishop development looks
reasonable, but it is harmless and normally
leads to a drawn double-rook endgame.
8
7
6
12... �c6 13.lilf3
5
13.lt::l e2 l'!d8 ( 1 3 ... e6!? has hardly ever
been played, but the move is interesting and
deserves consideration.) 14.id5 lt::l xd4! This
can be compared with the main line below;
the position of the knight on e2 makes no real
difference, and the most likely outcome is a
direct transposition.
4
13 .. J�d8 14..id5
14.d5 gives Black easy counterplay:
1 4 ... e6 1 5 .ig5 f6 1 6.if4 exd5 1 7.ixd5t ie6
1 8.l'!xb7 ixd5 1 9.exd5 l'!xd5t
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The game now follows a forcing path to dry
equality.
16..ixb7 .ixh7 17J�xb7 .ixd4 18.�e2
Another
game
finished
1 8.l'!hb 1
l'!d6
93
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
19.i.xd4 :B:xd4t 20.'tt> e3 :B:a4 2 1 .!'!: 1 b2
Dahmen - Mander, Kranenburg 2003.
Yz-Yz
18 .ixe3 19.�xe3
•.•
This position was reached in Kleyner Verner, Moscow 1 995. Now the easiest route
to a draw would have been:
8
7
6
5
12 l::!:d8 13 .td3 e6
•.•
.
Black wants to develop his knight on the
active c6-square, so first he prevents the d-pawn
from advancing.
14.a:hcl
1 4.:B:hd1 lLlc6 1 5 .e5 was seen in Van Beek
- Bolwni, Antwerp 1 999, but having the
rook on d 1 instead of c1 can hardly be an
improvement for White. Black can try to take
advantage by means of 1 5 . . . b6!?N (this would
not be possible with the rook on c l ) intending
. . .i.b7 and ... lfle7 with a good position.
14 lflc6 15.e5
4
•..
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19 l::!:ac8N 20.l::!:xa7 gc3t 21.�£4 !:!:d2
22.!:!:0 a:cc2
.•.
Regaining the pawn to reach a completely
dead drawn endgame.
A4) 12.<�:lf3
A serious alternative is:
1 5.:B:c4 i.d7 16. 'tt> e2
White has also tried 1 6.h4. The plan of
advancing the h-pawn is unlikely to cause
Black many problems in a position without
queens. 1 6 ...i.e8 1 7.'tt> e2 :B:d7 1 8 .h5 gxh5!
The queens are off and there is no rook on
the h-file, so why not take the pawn? 1 9.:B:b5
!!adS 20.i.g5 f6 2 1 .i.h4 Now in Sherbakov
V. Mikhalevski, Leeuwarden 1 994, Black
should have played 2 1 . . .ig6N to preserve
his extra pawn, which is a significant asset,
notwithstanding the fact that it is doubled.
-
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
According to theory this is White's main
line.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6...i.e8!?N
In my opinion this thematic idea makes total
sense.
I should add that there is also nothing wrong
with 16 . . . b6 17.:B:bcl :B:dc8 1 8.h3. 1his was
94
7.ie3
Wiley - Voloshin, Olomouc 2000, and now
Black should have played 18 ....if8N when
the idea of ... tt:l b4 enables him to maintain
the balance.
1 7.e5 l:!d7 1 8.g3 .if8 19 ..ie4 l:!c7=
Black intends ... l:!ac8, with a compact and
harmonious position.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1 8 ... tt:ld5N
Black blundered a pawn with 1 8 ... l:!b8?
19 .ixh6!± in Verdnikov - Kochurov, lzhevsk
2008.
After the text move the following sequence
looks logical:
19.ixd5 exd5!
After the more natural 19 . . . l:!xd5 White
has the strong positional idea of 20.tt:ld2!
heading for e4.
20.ltld2
Black's position looks a bit passive, but with
accurate play he can equalize comfortably.
20 ... b6 2 1 .l:!bcl .ie6 22.ltl b 1 l:!dc8 23.f3 a6
Black can also consider 23 . . .a5 with the
simple idea of trading both pairs of rooks. In
both cases the position looks like a comfortable
draw.
1
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
15 ...h6!
8
It is essential to take control over the g5square in order to prevent plans such as .ig5 and
tt:lg5-e4. I am less attracted to the weakening
1 5 .. .f6 16.exf6 .ixf6 which has been played in
a few games.
7
16.cbel
3
White has also tried:
1 6.'it>e2
This makes no significant difference, and
Black merely follows the same plan.
16 ... .if8 1 7.ie4 tt:lb4 1 8.l:!c7
6
5
4
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16...J.f8
Black should refrain from the tempting
1 6 ... tt:lxe5?! as the endgame arising after
17.tt:lxe5 .ixe5 1 8.dxe5 l:!xd3 19 .ixh6;!; is a
bit unpleasant for him.
8
7
6
5
t7..ie4 �b4 ts.J.d2
4
I also checked:
1 8.l:!c7N
This leads to similar play to the 1 6. 'it>e2 line
examined above.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
95
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
18 ... tt::l d5 1 9.t.xd5 exd5!
We know already from the aforementioned
line that 1 9 .. Jl:xd5 runs into 20.tt::l d2!;i;.
20.t.d2
In the event of20.tt::l d2 b6 2 1 .f3 ie6 22.:B:bcl
:B:dc8 Black experiences no problems.
21.axb6 axb6 22..ixd5 .ixd5 23J��xb6 i.x£3
24.gxf3 gxd4=
The simplifications resulted in a drawn
endgame in Gelfand - lvanchuk, Astrakhan
20 1 0.
B) SJ�cl
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
3
5
2
4
3
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
20 ... b6 2 1 .:1l:bc 1
The tempting idea of exchanging the dark­
squared bishops does not really work:
2 I .t.b4 t.f5 22.:B:b2 t.xb4t 23.:B:xb4 :B:dc8!+
Black seizes control over the c-file.
2 1 ...t.a6 22.a3 :B:dc8 23.t.b4 ic4
The position is balanced.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This move has become quite topical in recent
years, having been employed by Kramnik and
Aronian amongst others.
8 ...'�a5 9.Wfd2 cxd4 IO.cxd4 Wfxd2t
Now we must consider both Bl) l l ..ixd2
and B2) l l.�xd2.
18 .. Jl::J d5 19.a4 b6 20.a5
Bl) l l ..ixd2
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20....ib7
Black completes his development just in
time.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
96
7 ..te3
This has been the less popular of the two
options, but it is still a serious line which has
been used twice by Kramnik.
Isolating the weak d6-pawn. The plan of .. .f6
followed by ... 'tt> f7-e6 is not easy for White to
meet.
1 1 ...0-0
From here White has dealt with the attack
on his d-pawn with either Bl l) 12.d5 or
B12) 12.c�f3.
Bll) 12.d5
This allows Black to begin a rapid counterattack
in the centre.
1 2...e6 13.-tbs
Weaker is:
1 3 ..ib4 l:!e8
Now White is more or less forced to play:
1 4.d6
This pawn will soon become a target for the
black pieces.
1 4 ... tt::l c6
Also worthy of consideration is 1 4 ... .id7!?
followed by ....ic6 and ... tt::l d7.
1 5 ..ia3
This position occurred in Vaisser - Schmidt,
Trnava 1 983. Now the most logical
continuation would have been:
a
b
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... .id7N 1 6.tt::l f3 l:!ac8 1 7 ..ib5
In the event of 1 7..ie2 Black has the strong
idea 1 7 ... f5!.
17 ... a6 18 ..ixc6 l:!xc6 1 9.0-0 e5 !+
e
f
h
g
13 ... Ad7 14.hd7 �xd7 15.dxe6 fxe6
Black has also tried the interesting pawn
sacrifice 1 5 ... tt::l e 5!? in a couple of games. The
idea is probably sound, but the main line seems
like a more reliable route to clear-cut equality.
16.c!tlf3
White can also try: 1 6.l:!c7 tt::l f6 17.f3
a
a
d
c
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7 ... l:!f7N I find this to be the simplest solution.
(After the provocative 17 . . .l:!fc8!? a draw
was agreed in Yuferov - Lanka, USSR 1 982.
Logical would be 18 .l:!xb7 l:!c2 19. ttJ e2 l:!xa2
when the position indeed looks balanced.)
1 8.l:!xf7 'tt> xf7 19.tt::l h3 h6 20.'tt> e2 l:!c8 2 1 .l:!cl
l:!xcl 22..ixcl tt::l d7 1he endgame is equal.
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
16 J:Uc8
.•
8
The best reaction. Instead after 1 6 . . . ltle5
1 7.ltlxe5 .ixe5 18 ..ie3 White retains a slight
edge.
7
17.�e2 ttlc5 18.ttlg5
5
We have been following the game Schmidt
- Jansa, Vrnjacka Banja 1 983. At this point I
believe Black should have played:
97
6
4
3
2
8
1
7
a
b
c
d
f
e
g
h
6
13 �d7 14.ttlg5
5
Two other moves have been tried, but Black
gets a comfortable game in all cases.
•••
4
14.h3 .ixf3 1 5 .gxf3 �feB 16 ..id3 was seen in
Tomescu - Zentgraf, Cesenatico 2002, and
now Black has a simple improvement:
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 .if6N 19 .ib4!?
•.•
•
After 1 9.f3 �c7 20.�hd1 �ac8 Black is fine.
8
7
6
5
19 ttla4!
4
This accurate move solves Black's problems
with ease.
2
•.•
20.ttlxe6 gxcl 21 .gxcl ge8 22.ttlc5 ttlxc5
23 .bc5 gxe4t
•
The ending is equal.
B12) 12.ttlf3 .ig4
12 ... e6!? is a reliable alternative, but the text
move seems like the most challenging option.
White can choose between B121) 13.d5,
B122) 13.gc7 and B123) 13.Ae3.
Bl21) 13.d5
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ... �xc l tN 1 7 ..ixcl �c8 1 8.'it>e2 ltlc5
1 9.id2 e6! 20.�cl exd5 2 l .exd5 ie5 With
....id6 coming next, Black has easy equality.
14 ..ib5 �fc8 1 5 .h3 �xc l t 16.ixcl .ixf3
1 7.gxf3 �c8 1 8.ie3 ltle5 1 9.f4 ltlc4 20 ..ixc4?!
A clear inaccuracy. (White could still have
maintained a balanced position with: 20.'it>e2
ltlxe3 2 J .\j;>xe3=) 20 ...�xc4 2 I .e5 g5! 22.fxg5
ixe5+ Black already had the better game and
he went on to win in Kantorik - Bobras,
Pardubice 2002.
7 . .ie3
98
I also felt obliged to examine the active move:
1 5 .�c7N
This has never been played, for reasons that
are about to become clear.
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
5
2
4
3
a
b
d
c
f
e
h
g
2
14 ... �b6
Improving the knight while also making
room for the bishop to retreat.
15.i.e2
Other moves are no better:
1 5.h3 i.d7 16 ..id3 �fc8 1 7.0-0
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7 ... tt:la4!
This aggressive idea enables Black to seize
the initiative on the queenside.
1 8 . .ib4 h6 1 9.tt:lf3 e6 20.�xc8t
For better or worse White should have
played 20.d6N, although after 20 ... tt:lc3 I
still prefer Black.
20 . . . �xc8 2 l .�b I b6+
Black's chances were higher in J. Pinter Shirov, lzmir.2004.
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
1 5 ....ie5!
It transpires that White's rook will run out of
squares on the seventh rank.
I 6.�xe7
Obviously the rook could retreat, but this
would be a clear admission of failure.
I 6 . . ..id6 1 7.�xb7 .ic8
The rook is trapped, so White has nothing
better than:
18.�xf7 �xf7 19.lt:Jxf7 \t>xf7 20 ..id3 �b8
Material is roughly balanced, but Black's
chances are higher as his extra piece will enable
him to create threats on the queenside. The
immediate plan is ... tt:la4.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
99
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
15 ... .ixe2 16.�xe2 h6 17.�f3
20.gxb7 e5=
We have been following the game Maduekwe
- Bongiovanni, e-mail 2003. Here I found a
nice idea for Black:
Black's activity makes up for his isolated
e-pawn, and the position remains dynamically
balanced.
Bl22) l3.gc7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17... f5!N
It is hard to imagine that Black will get a
better chance to carry out this thematic
undermining move, and indeed it works nicely
here.
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
This principled move leads to sharp play, but
the position soon peters out to equality.
l3 .ixf3 14.gxf3 .ixd4
•••
Black should accept the challenge.
18.exf5 gx5 19.gc7
Otherwise White simply loses his d-pawn.
15J�xb7
The alternative is:
1 5 .gxe7 lt::l c6!
This pawn sacrifice enables Black to activate
his pieces quickly and efficiently.
1 6J!xb7 gab8 1 7J�b3
17.gc7 can be met by 17 ... lt::l e 5 1 8.i.e2 �b2
1 9.f4 i.b6 20.�cl lt::l d7 2l .a4 lt::l c5 when
Black regains the pawn while keeping some
initiative.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
8
7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19... tl:Jxd5
Black can even consider 19 ... g5!? intending
. . . g4. Taking away the f4-square from the white
bishop might also prove useful in some lines.
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
100
7 ..ie3
17 ... l:l:fd8! 1 8 ..ie2 !!xb3 19.axb3 .ixf2t
20.'Jixf2 !!xd2
The complications have subsided, and the
resulting endgame should be equal.
2 1 . <;t>e3 !!b2 22 ..ic4
From this position, in the game Fish - Van
de Monel, Haarlem 200 1 , Black played
inaccurately and got into trouble. The correct
path would have been:
22 . . . <;t>g7N
Black easily maintains the balance.
8123) 13..le3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
8
7
a
b
d
c
f
e
g
h
Around the start of 20 1 1 I had completed
most of my work on the present chapter, and
was happy with the results. However, I was
forced to make some changes after the Wijk
aan Zee festival in January, during which the
Armenian grandmaster Gabriel Sargissian
employed the present continuation twice.
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15...ltlc6 16.Aa6
In this position the players agreed a draw
in Kramnik - Svidler, Dortmund 2004. The
continuation might have been:
16 .. J�ab8 17.0-0
1 7. <;t>e2 .ib6 is safe enough for Black.
17 ... t£ie5 18.�g2 gxb7 19 ..ixb7 gbs
2o.i.dS gb2
Equally valid is: 20 ...e6 2 1 ..ib3 lDd3 22 ..ih6
lDc5 23 ..ic2 f6=
2l..lb6 gc2
The position is equal.
l3...La
My original recommendation was 1 3 ... lDc6
1 4.d5 .ixf3 1 5.gxf3 ltJd4, but this was dealt a
severe blow by the following improvement:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 . .ih3! f5 1 7.<;t>f1 Black has failed to equalize,
and after the further 1 7... e6 1 8.dxe6 lDxe6
1 9.exf5 gxf5 20.!!d l ! White's bishops were
extremely strong in Sargissian - Li Chao, Wijk
aan Zee 20 1 1 .
101
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
14.gxf3 e6
23 .ixd4 !'!xd4 24.�e3 !'!a4 25 ..id5 !'!a3t
26.�f4 ga7 27.�g3
•
This solid continuation was Black's choice in
the second of Sargissian's games.
15 .ic4
•
1 5.i.b5 should be met by 1 5 ... a6 1 6.i.a4 b5
1 7.i.b3 a5! 1 8.a4 bxa4 1 9.i.xa4 lLla6 20.\t>e2
!:l:ab8 2 1 .!:l:hd1 :B:fd8 with equality.
1 5 .!'!c7 also allows Black to solve his opening
problems: 1 5 ... ll:\c6 16.d5 exd5 1 7.exd5 lLlb4
1 8.d6 i.e5 1 9.!'!xb7 lLlc2t 20.\t>d2 lLlxe3
2 1 .fxe3 i.xd6 The endgame is equal.
Neither side can make progress and so a
draw was agreed in Sargissian - Navara, Wijk
aan Zee 20 1 1 .
B2) l l .�xd2
8
7
6
5
15 . . lLlc6 16.d5
18 ..ixb7!?
.
exd5
17..ixd5
tLlb4
White tries to complicate the game with
the help of an exchange sacrifice, having
presumably judged that lines such as 1 8 .!'!d1
ll:\xd5 1 9.!:l:xd5 !:l:fd8 would pose Black no
problems whatsoever.
18 tLld3t 19.�e2 ttlxcl t 20J::�xcl
••.
In the game Black now found a convincing
way to neutralize his opponent's initiative.
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This can be considered the main line of the
present chapter, at least in terms of popularity.
1 1 ...�
From here it is worth considering B21)
12.d5, B22) 1 2.!'!c7, B23) 12 .ib5 and B24)
12..id3.
20 :B:ab8 21.!'!bl
•••
•
8
It is worth mentioning that the most
popular move of all has been 1 2.lLlf3, after
which 1 2 ... ll:\c6 transposes to variation C2 of
Chapter 1 0.
7
6
5
B21) 12.d5
4
This move has never been popular, with good
reason as the d5-pawn is a clear target for
counterplay.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
21..J�bd8! 22 .ixa7 .id4
•
After exchanging the dark-squared bishops
Black will easily be able to fight against the
passed a-pawn.
1 2 e6 13 .ic4 exd5 14..ixd5
•••
•
1 4.exd5 seems risky: 1 4... lLld7 1 5 .lLle2 !'!d8
1 6.:B:hd1 lLlb6 1 7.i.xb6 After swapping his
dark-squared bishop for a knight, it is clear
that White is not fighting for the advantage.
1 7 ...axb6 1 8. \t>e 1 This was Bender - Pielmeier,
1 02
7.ie3
Germany 200 1 , and now after 18 ... ie5N
19.ib3 id6+ Black's bishop pair offers him a
slightly better game.
8
7
6
16.ib3!?N
I decided to check this move in order to see
if White was justified in playing for a win. In
the one practical encounter from this position
White settled for a repetition: 1 6.ic5 ih6t
1 7 .ie3 Y2-Y2 Agdestein - Tisdall, Espoo
1 989.
16.. ..id7
This is my recommended solution, which is
connected to the following idea:
5
4
17J�c7 gadS! 18.ig5 ltla6! 19.Ld8 gxd8
20J�c2 ic6t 21.cbc1
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14... c!tlc6
This is the most principled continuation,
although 1 4... lt:ld7 1 5.f3 lt:l b6 1 6.ib3 ie6
also seems to be playable.
Black has full compensation for the exchange,
and he can choose to force a draw should he
wish it:
2I. ..Le4 22J!:c4 id3 23.gdl
24.cbb2 ig7t=
J.h6t
The game ends in perpetual check.
B22) 12Jic7
15.ltlf3
It would be much too optimistic for White
to grab a pawn with his king misplaced in the
centre: 1 5 .ixc6? bxc6 16J�xc6 ib7 Black
easily generates a strong initiative, for instance:
17J!c4 ia6! 1 8 .l'l:c l l'l:fd8t 1 9.\t>e1 l'l:ab8
With ... l'l:b2 coming next, White is in serious
trouble.
8
7
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
It looks strange to lunge forwards with
the rook while White's three kingside pieces
remain on their original squares; nevertheless
this continuation is quite interesting.
5
4
3
12... ltlc6
2
I was slightly less happy with the alternative
1 2 ... l'l:d8 13.ib5.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
13.d5 gds 14..id3 ttle5 15.gxe7
Black's pawn sacrifice is justified by his lead
in development and the vulnerability of the
rook on e7. Nevertheless he must still play
accurately.
103
2l.e5 he7 22.he7 ga6 23J:�bl ga4t
24.�e3 gas
I would evaluate the position as dynamically
equal, but essentially it is just unclear.
B23) 12.J.b5
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
1
h
b
a
15 ...i.d7!N
c
d
e
f
h
g
This is my improvement over 1 5 ... lt:Jd7
1 6. lt:Jf3 if8 as occurred in Dumitran - Karr,
Paris 1 998. At this point I was not completely
happy with the position resulting from
1 7.�xd7!?N ixd7 1 8.�b1 b6 1 9 . lt:Je5 when
White has interesting compensation for the
exchange.
This thematic continuation is quite popular
in the present position. White tries to provoke
... a6 in the hope of weakening his opponent's
queenside.
16.ttlf3 �xd3
13.�e2
It is important to eliminate White's light­
squared bishop. Black could also have won the
exchange by means of 1 6 ... tt:lxf3t 17.gxf3 if6,
but after 1 8.�xd7 �xd7 1 9.f4 White has solid
compensation, due to his strong centre and
bishop pair.
13.'it>e2 is absolutely harmless: 13 ... lt:Jc6!
1 4.d5 lt:Jd4t 1 5 .ixd4 ixd4 16. lt:Jf3 ig4
1 7.�c7 From here Black's key idea is:
Black refuses to take the bait.
8
7
6
17.�xd3 .i£8 18 ..ig5
1 8.�xd7 �xd7 19.�c l can be met strongly
by 1 9... 5! when it is obvious that White will
be the one fighting for a draw.
5
4
3
2
18... h6 19. .if6 .ib5t 20.�d4 l::fd6!
It is important that Black takes
opportunity to activate one of his rooks.
1 2..J�d8
the
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 04
7.ie3
17 ... ie5! Not for the first time, Black can
exploit the rook's lack of escape squares on
the seventh rank. 1 8Jk2 (After 1 8.E:xb7 ic8
1 9.lthe5 ixb7 White will have to fight for a
draw.) 1 8 ... E:ac8+ Black's bishop pair gave him
a slight edge in Crouch - Rowson, Oxford
2004.
8
7
6
1 7...if5! 1 8.E:d 1 ( 1 8.E:xe7 is too risky, as
1 8 ...E:db8 gives Black a serious initiative.)
1 8 ... @f8+ Black had the more pleasant game
thanks to his bishop pair, Kelecevic - Smejkal,
Sarajevo 1 982.
1 5.E:hdl is not a bad move, but nor does it
challenge Black in any serious way: 15 ... E:b8
1 6.@e l E:b2 1 7.E:xc6 ib7 1 8.E:c7 ixe4 1 9.f3
idS 20.E:xa7 ixa2= The simplifications have
resulted in equality, Grabowski - Coenen,
Germany 2007.
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
13 .tl:k6!
4
3
..
Black should not be afraid to incur a slight
pawn weakening. The text move is the best
way to pursue his counterplay.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 ..ixc6 bxc6 1 5.f3
1 5 . f5!N
This is the main line. Others moves are not
dangerous.
This is an ideal moment for this thematic
move. Black has achieved solid results with
1 5 ... e5, but I was not altogether happy with his
position there. Instead I believe it makes more
sense to play on the light squares, considering
the minor piece exchange that took place on
the previous move.
..
1 5 .E:xc6?! is clearly inferior: 1 5 ...ib7 1 6.E:c7
ixe4 1 7.f3
8
7
16.exf5
6
I also analysed 1 6.E:xc6 fxe4 17.fxe4 ib7
1 8.E:c7 ( 1 8 .E:e6? does not work: 1 8 . . . @f7
1 9.d5 ixd5!+) 1 8 ...ixe4 1 9.E:xe7 ixg2 and
only Black can be better.
5
4
3
2
16...i.xf5 17J�hdl
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7.E:xc6 can be met by 17 ... E:ab8 1 8.@c3
E:dc8 1 9.E:xc8t E:xc8t 20.@b3 ie6t 2 l . @b2
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
105
.ixa2 and once again Black is pressing for the
advantage.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
b
a
c
d
f
e
h
g
14....ie6!?
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 ... E:ac8 lS.i>el E:d5 19J�d2 E:a5=
Black has no problems.
15.ga4
B24) 1 2..id3
a
b
c
d
e
f
I found and analysed this remarkable idea in
the summer of20 1 0, but since then it has been
tested twice in practice.
This was White's choice in the second game.
The first saw instead:
1 5 .d5 lt:le5 1 6.E:c7
Alternatively after 16.E:b4 .ic8 1 7.E:cl e6
Black commences strong counterplay against
White's centre.
g
h
Nowadays this is generally considered the
most challenging of White's options on the
twelfth move, but we will see that Black is in
good shape here too.
12 ... l£lc6 13.l£le2 E:ds 14J�k4
The ability to defend the d4-pawn from the
fourth rank constitutes one of the advantages
of 8.E:c l over 8.E:b 1 .
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ... lt:lxd3N
Black preferred 16 ....id7 and eventually drew
in Solomon - Kislik, Budapest 20 1 0, but it
seems to me that White was too hasty in
grabbing the b-pawn with 17.E:xb7. Instead
the superior 17 .E:b l !N b6 1 8 ..ia6 would
have been quite unpleasant for Black.
106
7.ie3
.
I found the stronger text move in my initial
analysis before the aforementioned game.
1 7.'iilxd3 f5 1 8.f3
Alternatively after 1 8.lt:\f4 i.d7 1 9 .:!:l:xb7 e5!
20.lt:\e2 fxe4t Black is fine.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 ...Ad7 16J:�bl �e5!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 8 ...i.xd5!
This move is rather surprising, but such
ideas are always possible when the white
king settles on a square such as d3.
1 9.exd5 E:xd5t
The next few moves are more or less forced:
20.'iilc2 E:e5 2 1 .E:c3 E:a5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
It turns out that the rook is not entirely safe
on a4 either, and Black can exploit this by
threatening the bishop on d3.
17.Ab5 �c6!?
This tacit draw offer seems to be the soundest
continuation. It is important for Black to trade
the opponent's light-squared bishop for the
knight, rather than his own bishop. The point
can be illustrated by the following line: 1 7 ... e6
1 8.ixd7 E:xd7 1 9.E:ab4 b6 20.f4 lt:\c6 2 1 .E:c4
lt:\a5 22.E:c2 White keeps a slight edge.
h
22.E:b3
Other moves are even less impressive:
22.a4 i.xc3 23.lt:\xc3 E:d8+
22.E:c7 E:xa2t 23/Jid l b5 Black's queenside
pawns are dangerous.
22 . . . E:xa2t 23.'i!ld l E:d8t 24.'iil e l E:c8+
Material is currently about equal, and Black
has kept a nice initiative.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18.6
White cannot prevent the exchange of his
light-squared bishop, as 1 8.E:a3? runs into
1 8 ... lt:\xd4! winning a pawn.
1 07
Chapter 9 - Two Rook Moves
Obviously White also has the option of 1 8 ..id3
tLle5 repeating the position.
18...a6 19..bc6
1 9 ..id3 can be met by 1 9 ... tLle5 followed by
capturing the bishop on the next move.
19 ....bc6 20.:Sa5 e6 21.:Sc5
We have been following the game Melkumyan
- P.H. Nielsen, Plovdiv 20 1 0. At this point I
like the following idea for Black:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
21. f5!N
..
Yet again this move works well.
22.e5
This looks like the best attempt to keep the
black bishops out of the action.
22....if8 23J�k2 Ae7
Black has absolutely no problems and in
the long term his bishop pair might become a
serious factor.
Conclusion
Both 8.:Sbl and 8J'kl lead to broadly the
same type of queenless middlegame after the
standard sequence of 8 .'�a5 9.'Wd2 cxd4
1 0.cxd4 'Wxd2t, although of course the slight
change in the rook's positioning will lead to
some nuances. The analysis presented here
indicates that Black has sufficient resources to
hold the balance in all variations. Typically he
will rely on the traditional Griinfeld methods
of undermining the enemy centre. Particularly
noteworthy is the ...£7 -f5 thrust, which proved
to be of key value in sever:illines.
..
7.ie3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Variation Index
l .d4 tLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 tLlxd5 5.e4 tLlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7. .ie3 c5 8.tLlf3
8...Wfa5
A) 9.tLld2
B) 9 .id2 0-0 10 .ie2 .ig4 1 1 .0-0 �d8
B1) 12.d5
B2) 12.�b1
B3) 12.tLlg5
C) 9.Wfd2 tLlc6
C1) 10.�b 1 a6 1 1 .�cl .ig4 12.d5 �d8
C 1 1 ) 1 3.tLlh4
C12) 1 3 ..id3
C13) 13 ..ie2
C2) 10.�cl cxd4 1 1.cxd4 Wfxd2t 12.@xd2 0-0
C21 ) 13 .ib5
C22) 1 3.d5 �d8
C22 1 ) 14.@c2
C222) 14.@el tLla5
C222 1 ) 15 ..if4
C2222) 15 ..id2
C2223) 15 ..ig5
•
•
•
109
1 10
1 10
111
1 13
1 13
1 14
1 16
1 17
1 18
120
122
124
124
125
127
128
1 29
h
109
Chapter 1 0 - 8.l'Llf3
l.d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 ttlxd5
5.e4 ttlxc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.e3 c5 8.�f3
This is a major line, which is often reached
via the move order 7.l'Llf3 c5 8.i.e3.
8...'ilYa5
Once again we begin in the same way
as in the previous chapter. White can
choose between A) 9.�d2, B) 9.i.d2 and
1 3 ... Wfc3!N 14.�xd4 �xd4 1 5.Wfe2 0-0
16.0-0 �g4! 17.Wfxg4 Wfxd2 The position is
absolutely equal, for instance: 18.Wfe2 Wfxe2
1 9.�xe2 b6=
The present position was reached in Kuligowski
- Adorjan, New York 1 98 1 . Here I found an
interesting idea:
C) 9.'ilYd2.
A) 9.�d2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12...i.d7!?N
Threatening ...�a4.
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
This should not pose many problems.
9 c:xd4 IO.c:xd4 ttlc6 l l.d5 ttld4 12J�cl
•••
There is also 1 2 .Eib 1 �d7 1 3.�d3 as played
in Sek - Namark, corr. 1 988, and now the
easiest solution for Black would have been:
13.Eic4
In the event of 1 3.�d3 �a4 1 4.Wfg4 Black
already has a draw in his pocket with 1 4... �d7,
when White has nothing better then retreating
to d 1 . Ifhe tries to play for more with 1 5 .Wfg3?!
then 1 5 ... Wfa3! is unpleasant.
13 �b5 14.Eia4
..•
14.Wfb3 is not an improvement, and after
1 4 ... 0-0 1 5 .�d3 l'Llc3 16.Eic5 b5 1 7.0-0
Elfc8'+ Black already has the more comfortable
position.
8
7
6
5
4
14...'ilYc7
3
If Black wishes to play for a win then he can
play 1 4 ... Wfd8!?c.o with a complex game.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15.Eic4
White has nothing better.
7 . .ie3
1 10
12.tLlg5.
1 5.. .'!Wa5=
Repeating the position from two moves
ago.
B) 9 .id2
.
8
1 2.a4
This has been used by a few good players,
but it allows Black to mount an immediate
central attack.
1 2 ... .ixf3 1 3 ..ixf3 cxd4 1 4.cxd4 \MI'b6
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Retreating the bishop looks odd, but
White hopes to show that the enemy queen is
misplaced.
9. 0-0 IO .ie2 .ig4
..
.
This is the main line, and the move I like
most.
ll.O-Ogds
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5.d5
Objectively White should probably have
preferred 1 5.:B:b 1 N Wfxd4 16 ..ie3 Wfxd 1
17.:B:fxd 1 :B:xdlt 1 8 ..ixd 1 b6, when his lead
in development bishop pair should enable
him to regain his pawn to reach an equal
endgame.
1 5 . . ..ixa 1 1 6.\MI'xal tt:ld7 1 7.e5 :B:ac8+
The position is complicated but it is hard to
believe that White has full compensation for the
exchange, Polak - Timoscenko, Austria 2007.
Bl) 12.d5
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Here we will consider three main options
for White: BJ) 12.d5, B2) 12.gbl and B3)
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
111
Chapter 1 0 - 8.l2Jf3
This pawn sacrifice is thematic in some other
lines of the Griinfeld, but in this particular case
it is unpromising.
15.�e5 h:e2 16.'1Wxe2 �d7
8
7
12...h:c3 l3.h:c3
Krasenkow mentions the following line in
ChessBase Magazine 89:
1 3J3:bl ixd2 1 4.ltJxd2 ixe2 1 5 .Wfxe2
Here I suggest the improvement:
1 5 . . . lLl d7!
Krasenkow only gives 1 5 ... Wfc7 1 6.lLlc4
lLl d7, after which 17.f4 leaves White with
definite compensation for the pawn.
1 6.13:xb7
Certainly White cannot play 16.e5? in view
of the simple 1 6 ... lLlxe5.
1 6.lLlc4 Wfa6 also leaves White with
questionable compensation.
16... Wfxa2
Black's chances are higher, as his extra pawn
counts for more than White's space advantage
in the centre.
l3...'1Wxc3 14J�1cl
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17.tthd7
This seems to be best. For instance, if the
knight retreats with 1 7.lLlc4 then 17 ... Wfa6! is
annoying for White.
The alternative 1 7.f4 runs into 1 7 ... lLlxe5!
1 8.fxe5 Wfc7 1 9.Wff3 Wfxe5 20.Wfxf7t \t>h8+
when White has no compensation.
From here Black should play:
17..J�1xd7 18.£4 '1Wc7
8
White certainly has some positional
compensation, but I doubt that it is really
enough for the sacrificed pawn.
7
B2) 12J;b1
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...\WaSN
In the stem game Black decided to return
the pawn for no apparent reason: 1 4 . . .Wff6?!
1 5.13:xc5 ixf3 1 6.ixf3;!; Maslik -Timoscenko,
Slovakia 2009.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7 . .ie3
1 12
Played in the spirit of the 8.E!:b 1 variation
(see Chapters 1 3- 1 6).
plus a bishop controlling the promotion
square.
12...cx:d4 13.cx:d4 Y:'fxa2
17J:�c4 �b3 18 ..ig5
Taking the pawn is the most principled and
strongest response.
Attacking the e7 -pawn is one of White's
typical resources in this kind of position.
14.d5
18 Lf3 19..ixa
.•.
White has the option of repeating the
position with 1 4 .E!:a 1 '!Wb2 1 5 .E!:b 1 , as avoiding
the repetition would only lead to trouble for
Black. But we will assume that our opponents
will want to try and achieve something with
the white pieces.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19....if6!
This is the right way to neutralize the attack
against e7.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14... �d7!
Just as in several other variations of the
Griinfeld, Black takes a pa�n but then returns
it in order to activate his pieces. The text
move is the one I like most, although there is
a serious alternative in 1 4 ... b6 when 1 5 ..ig5
�c6 1 6.E!:cl led to a highly unclear position in
Degtyaryov - Pellen, e-mail 2009.
20.E:c2?!
This is not sufficiently active. Black also has
no problems after 20 ..ixf6 exf6, when White's
central pawns are somewhat immobilized.
White's best continuation would have been
20 ..if4N after which 20 . . . l2Jd2! 2 l .E!:a4
l2Jxf3t 22.gxf3 Wb2 promises Black adequate
play.
20...Y:'fa3 2I..ie3
15.E!:xb7 �c5 16.E!:b4
If 1 6.E!:xe7 .if6 1 7.E!:c7 l2Jxe4 1 8 ..ic4 Wb2
1 9 ..ic l Wc3 White should be careful.
Also after 2 1 ..ixf6 exf6 22. Wd3 a4 Black has
the better game.
21. a4 22.Y:'fd3 Y:'lb4
•.
16 a5!
•..
Emphasizing one of Black's biggest trumps,
the passed a-pawn, supported by the a8-rook,
Black's strong a-pawn gave him the better
chances in Roiz - Avrukh, Natanya (rapid)
2009.
113
Chapter 1 0 - 8.lDf3
B3) ll.<��g5
15 ...c4!
Vacating the c5-square for the knight, from
where it will join the game effectively.
16..ie3 :Sac8
Insisting on activating the knight.
8
7
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12 ....ixe2 13.�xe2 �a6!
This nice idea practically forces a queen
exchange, thus resulting in a pleasant queenless
position for Black.
It is important to be precise with the move
order. In the event of the preliminary central
exchange 13 ... cxd4 14.cxd4 followed by
1 4 . . . Wa6, White has the additional option of
1 5 .'1Wf3! after which 1 5 . . .f6?? allows 1 6.'1Wb3t
winning on the spot.
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17..ixa7?!
White's position was already inferior, but
this pawn trade only worsens his situation, as
Black obtains a dangerous passed pawn.
17....ixc3 18.:Sabl :Sd7
14.�xa6
In this position 1 4.'1Wf3?! f6! 1 5 .lDh3 cxd4
wins a pawn for scant compensation.
Black was clearly better in Korchnoi Smirin, Biel 2002.
C) 9.�d2
14 ..}2ha6 15.d5
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 14
7.ie3
Having dealt with two relatively minor
options, we come to the move which is White's
clear first choice in the position.
knight, which improves his chances in some
lines.
l l .E:cl
9 l£lc6
•••
9 ... cxd4 I O.cxd4 Wxd2t I I .lLlxd2 is possible,
but as a general rule I prefer not to allow
White to recapture on d2 with the knight.
Objectively Black's position is not so bad; it is
just my personal preference.
After the text move we reach an important
crossroads where White normally chooses
between the two rook moves: CI) IOJ::�b l and
C2) IOJki.
CI) IOJ�bl
White hopes that the extra move ...a7-a6
will prove detrimental for Black. Other moves
fail to pose any real problems, for example:
1 1 ..ic4 e6!
Black has several good options, but this is
my favourite.
1 2 ..id3
Admitting the failure of the previous move,
but after 1 2.E:cl b5 1 3 ..ie2 cxd4 1 4.cxd4
Wxd2t 1 5.'k!?xd2 .ib7 Black has a pleasant
version of a traditional Griinfeld endgame.
1 2 . . . b5
There is nothing wrong with 1 2 ... 0-0N.
1 3.h4
This position occurred in Carrettoni
D'Amato, e-mail 2002. At this point Black
should have played:
-
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
IO...a6
There is an interesting queen sacrifice in the
form of 1 0 ... 0-0!? l l .E:b5 cxd4 1 2.E:xa5 dxe3
1 3.\Wxe3 lLlxa5, but I consider the text move
to be sounder.
Before moving on, it is worth comparing the
recommendation given in line C2 later in the
chapter: 1 0 . . .cxd4 1 1 .cxd4 Wxd2t 1 2.'k!?xd2
In this position the placement of the rook on
b 1 instead of cl favours White. The point is
revealed after 1 2 ... 0-0 1 3 .d5 E:d8 and now
after 14 ..id3! the rook on b1 guards the b4square against an invasion from the black
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 . . .0-0N
Black has little to fear on the kingside, as he
can simplify with ...cxd4 at any moment.
1 4.e5 E:d8 1 5.ie4 .ib7
Black has no problems and I regard his
position as slightly preferable.
1 1 ..ie2
This is also pretty harmless.
1 1 ...0-0 1 2.E:b3
Chapter 1 0 - 8.tt::\f3
1 15
Another idea is 1 2.0-0 cxd4 1 3.lLlxd4 lLlxd4
14 ..ixd4 .ixd4 1 5.'Wxd4. This position was
reached in Kozma - Mullner, Hungary 200 1 .
Here I recommend:
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
l l .ig4
...
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 .. J!d8!N (So far Black has always chosen
1 5 ...'Wxa2, but after 16 ..ic4 followed by :i:!b6
White's compensation is quite real.) 16.'Wb6
'Wxb6 1 7.:i:!xb6 :i:!d2 18 ..ic4 :i:!c2! Black has
a risk-free advantage, and White will have to
fight hard for a draw.
1 2 ... b5 13 ..ih6 cxd4 14 ..ixg7 i>xg7 1 5 .cxd4
In the event of 1 5 .tt::\xd4 .ib7+ White has
no compensation for his damaged queenside
structure.
The present position was reached in Frajka ­
Banszegi, Slovakia 2009, and here I suggest:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Compared with line C2, exchanging queens
is less desirable here:
1 1 . ..cxd4?! 1 2.cxd4 'Wxd2t 13 .i>xd2
The problem is that the inclusion of ... a7-a6
weakens the b6-square, which could prove to
be of great significance in certain variations.
1 3 . . . 0-0
I will take this as the main line, in order to
highlight the difference compared with line
C2.
The usual continuation is 13 .. .f5 but I was
not happy with Black's position here either.
I found the following game particularly
impressive: 1 4.e5 .ie6 1 5 ..ic4 .ixc4 16.:1!xc4
0-0 1 7.i>e2 :!:!adS 1 8.:i:!b 1 :i:!d5 1 9.a4 :i:!fd8
20.g3 h6 2 1 .h4 lLla5 22.:1l:c7 :1!5d7 23.:i:!c5
:i:!d5 24.:1!xd5 :i:!xd5 25 .:i:!b6 i>f7 26 ..id2
.if8 27 ..ic3 e6
h
1 5 ... .ig4!N
With the possible continuation:
1 6.d5 :i:!fd8 1 7.'Wc3t 'Wxc3t 1 8.:1!xc3 .ixf3
1 9..ixf3 ltJd4+
Black has an excellent game.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
116
7.ie3
28.ltJ e 1 ! White went on to win convincingly
in Giri - Sutovsky, Wijk aan Zee 20 1 0.
1 4.d5 gds 1 5 .<j{e1
The immediate 15 ..ib6 is premature due to
15 ... .ih6t.
8
7
in this line. We will analyse Cl l) l3.�h4,
Cl2) l3..id3 and Cl3) l3.ie2.
1 3.ih6 was suggested as interesting by
Krasenkow in ChessBase Magazine 1 06, but
according to my analysis Black has nothing to
fear: 1 3 ... ixh6 14.'Wxh6 .ixf3 1 5 .gxf3 ltJd4
1 6.ig2 e6! 1 7.'Wd2 ltJb5 1 8 .0-0 0-0+
6
Cl l) l3.�h4
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
5
1 5 ... ltJb4
Finally the difference is revealed! Black is
unable to continue in the same vein as in
line C2, as 1 5 ... ltJa5?? loses to 1 6 ..ib6.
Now in Bener - Ramon Pita, Novi Sad (ol)
1 990, White missed a strong continuation:
1 6. .id2!N
Winning a pawn by force.
16 ... a5 17.a3 ltJ a6 1 8 ..ixa5
Black is obviously struggling.
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This move has some logic, but it is rather
slow.
13 ...0-0 14.h3 .icS 15 ..ie2 e6 16.0-0 exd5
17.exd5
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
t2.d5 gds
This interesting move is the latest trend,
which seems to be solving all Black's problems
a
17...c4!
b
C
d
e
f
g
h
1 17
Chapter 1 0 - 8. tLlf3
Preventing the advance c3-c4 is as always a
key component of Black's strategy.
18J�fdl
18 ..ixc4 can be met by 18 . . .'1Wa4! when
Black is better.
18 ... �e5! 19.ll:H3 �d3! 20..ixd3 gxd5
2l..id4 cx:d3 22.'ilVxd3 J.h6i
Black's bishop pair and sounder pawn
structure gave him the better chances in Khenkin
- Fernandez Garcia, Las Palmas 1994.
(This is clearly stronger than 1 6.lt:lxe4 lt:le5
when Black was fine in Khenkin - Dominguez
Perez, Havana 2009.) 1 6 . . . tLle5 1 7.h3 .ic8
1 8.'We2! Black's position looks somewhat
suspicious to me.
15.gxf3 e6
8
7
6
5
Cl2) 13..id3
4
8
3
7
2
6
a
5
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
16.c4!?
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13...0-0!
It transpires that there is no need for Black
to move his knight.
14.0-0
The point of the previous move is revealed
after 14.dxc6?! .ixf3 1 5 .gxf3 c4 1 6 ..id4 bxc6!
1 7 ..ixc4 c5 with better chances for Black.
This may be the most challenging option.
The alternative is:
16.dxc6
This was mentioned by Krasenkow.
16 ... c4 17.cxb7
1 7.'Wb2 might lead to a forced draw:
17 ...gxd3 1 8.'Wxb7 ( 1 8.cxb7 transposes to
the line 17.cxb7 gxd3 1 8.'Wb2.) 1 8 ...'Wh5
1 9.c7 .ie5 20.f4 'Wg4t 2U!lh 1 'Wf3t=
The Polish grandmaster evaluated the
present position as favourable for White, but
according to my analysis Black is okay.
8
7
14....ixf3N
This new idea was mentioned by Krasenkow,
although he considered it dubious. I have a
different opinion.
14 ... f5 has been played twice, but I discovered
an unpleasant retort: 1 5 .tLlg5 fxe4 1 6 ..ixe4!N
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
118
7 ..ie3
1 7 ... 1'hd3 18.Wfb21:l:b8
The b-pawn does not decide the game, and
the exposed position of White's king gives
Black enough counterplay, for instance:
1 9 ..ia7 Wfg5t 20.'Jih l .ie5 2 l ..ixb8 .ixb8
22.1:l:gl Wfh5 23.f4 Wff3t 24.1:l:g2 1:l:d l t 25 .1:l:xd l
Wfxd l t 26.1:l:gl Wff3t
The game ends in perpetual check.
19 axb5 20.a3 ¥Na4! 21.axb4 ¥Nxb3 22.bxc5
exd5 23.gbl 'fNa3 24.exd5 .ic3 25.¥Nc2 gxc5
26.hc5 ¥Nxc5 27.gxb5 ¥Nd4
.•.
The position is equal, as White's extra pawn
is balanced by his fractured kingside structure,
and the opposite-coloured bishops could help
to facilitate Black's kingside counterplay.
CI3) I3.Ae2
16...tLlb4!
In the event of 1 6 . . .Wfxd2 17 ..ixd2 lLld4
18.<i>g2 Black is under some pressure, especially
as the move . . . a7-a6 has compromised his
queenside.
7
17.1:l:bl
5
I also examined 1 7.a3 Wfxa3 1 8 ..ixc5
Wfxd3 19 ..ixb4 Wfxf3 20 ..ixf8 Wfg4t with a
perpetual.
4
8
6
3
2
17 gc8 18.gb3
.••
White can win a pawn with 1 8 ..ixc5 Wfxc5
1 9.Wfxb4, but after 1 9 ...Wfd4 20.1:l:fd l Wff6�
Black's control over the dark squares gives him
excellent compensation.
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
This is the main line according to theory.
13... 0-0 14.0-0
In one game White tried:
14.Wfb2 .ixf3 1 5 .ixf3 l2Jd4
8
7
6
8
5
7
4
6
5
3
4
2
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 b5!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
•..
From here I analysed:
19.cxb5
1 9.a3 can be.adequately met by 1 9 ... Wfa4!.
1 6 ..id l
I also checked 16 ..ig4 and found a
remarkable idea for Black: 1 6 . . .lLlb5 1 7.i.d2
f5! 1 8.exf5 Wfa4! 1 9 ..if3 :!:l:xf5 20.0-0 :!:l:xf3!
1 19
Chapter 1 0 - 8.ltJf3
2 1 .gxf3 E:xd5 t Black has great compensation
for the exchange.
16 ... tt:lb5 1 7..id2
This position occurred in Ehlvest Rytshagov, Tallinn 1 998. Here Black should
have played the simple and natural move:
1 5 . . . f6
One of the main points behind White's idea
can be seen in the following remarkable
line: 1 5 ...E:d7 1 6.Wff4! .ixf3 1 7.dxc6! .ixe2
1 8 .cxd7 f6 ( 1 8 ....ixf1 1 9.E:d 1 f6 20.Wfd6!±)
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19.Wfd6!! fxg5 20.Wfxe6t E:f7 2 l .e5! Black is
in trouble.
1 6 ..if4
1 7 . . . e6!N
With some advantage for Black.
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 Lf3
...
An important moment. The text move has
only occurred in one game so far, but I believe
it to be an improvement over the alternative:
1 4 . . . e6
After this natural move I found the following
idea is rather unpleasant:
1 5 ..ig5!
Black is doing fine after 1 5.E:fd 1 exd5 1 6.exd5
E:fe8, as seen in a number of games.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 . . .exd5
If Black is to have any chance of making
14 ... e6 viable then he needs an improvement
somewhere. One idea is 1 6 ... b5!?N 1 7.h3
.ixf3 18 ..ixf3 tt:le5!? with a playable position,
although I would still prefer to avoid this
whole line altogether.
1 7.exd5 g5 1 8 ..ig3 .ie6 1 9.c4 Wfxd2 20.tt:lxd2
.if7 21 .tt:lb3 tt:\d4 22.tt:\xd4 cxd4 23 ..ic7 E!:d7
24.d6
Black faces serious problems in the endgame,
Standaert - Nogga, e-mail 2009.
1 20
7.ie3
C2) lOJ:�cl
is.h£3
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 e6
••.
Naturally Black should not defer his central
counterplay.
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
This has been White's most popular choice.
There are some similarities with line C I , except
that here White has chosen not to provoke
. .. a7-a6.
16J:Udl exd5 17.exd5 ttle5 18.d6
1 8 ..ie2 c4! gives Black a good game.
The present position occurred in Ding Liren Li Chao, Olongapo City 20 1 0. At this point
Black could have easily solved his problems
with:
8
7
6
5
10 cxd4
.••
This is my personal preference, although
it is important to mention that Black has an
equally valid alternative:
I O . . ..ig4!?
Just as in line C I. The posltlon of the
black pawn on a7 instead of a6 does not
significantly alter the evaluation.
I I .d5 E!:d8
Compared with the position from line C I ,
White only really has one way to try and
exploit the absence of the move . . . a7-a6.
4
8
3
7
6
2
5
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 c4!N 19.'1Wd5 '!Wxd5 20.E:xd5 ti:Jxf3t
2l.gd'3 E:d7=
..•
Black is absolutely fine in this endgame.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
121
Chapter 1 0 - 8. lt:Jf3
1 2.Wfb2!?
Against other moves, Black should respond
exactly as indicated in lines C 1 1 , C 1 2 and
C 1 3. There could be a few sub-variations in
which the position of the a-pawn provides
an additional possibility for one side or the
other, but I am not aware of any lines in
which where the evaluation will be altered
dramatically.
Now the following sequence is more or less
forced:
1 2 ... .ixf3 1 3.gxf3 tt:ld4 1 4 ..ixd4 cxd4
1 5 .Wfb5t
This is the point ofWhite's idea, but it brings
him no advantage.
1 5 ... Wfxb5 1 6. .ixb5t 'it>f8 1 7.cxd4 .ixd4
1 8.!k7
From here Black only needs to find one good
idea to ensure equality:
8
7
6
5
richer play with greater potential for Black
to take over the initiative, although of course
the game should remain balanced if both sides
play accurately.
Obviously this is just my own point of view,
and other players may see things differently.
Therefore I invite the reader to check the
remainder of the chapter and make up his own
mind.
l l.cxd4 Y;Yxd2t 12.�xd2 0-0
Now White's main options are C21) 13 ..ib5
and C22) 13.d5.
.
Alternatives are almost never played. Here is a
brief example:
13 . .id3 E:d8 1 4.E:c4
1 4.d5?! is worse: 14 ... tt:lb4 1 5 ..ic5 tt:lxd3
1 6.'it>xd3 Now in the game Sakaev - Ruck,
Panormo 2002, Black missed the powerful
1 6 .. .f5!, after which 17 . .ixe7 fxe4t 1 8 .'it>xe4
if5t 1 9.'it>f4 E:xd5 reaches a position in
which Black's bishop pair gives him a clear
advantage.
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 8 ... .ie5! 1 9.!hb7 E:b8!=
A draw was soon agreed in Yusupov - Anand,
Wijk aan Zee 1 994.
To summarize, if the reader wishes to reduce his
study time by employing the ....ig4 line against
both C l ) IO.E:b l a6 l l .E:cl and C2) 1 0.E:c l ,
then he should feel absolutely comfortable
in doing so. However, I would like to make
it clear that I did not produce the following
detailed analysis of the 1 o... cxd4 variation
merely to amuse myself! It is my opinion that
the queenless middlegame positions lead to
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 4 . . . f5 !
This typical undermining move works nicely.
1 5.exf5 ixf5 1 6 ..ixf5 gxf5 1 7.'it>e2 E:d5!
Emphasizing Black's control over the light
squares.
1 8.E:b l E:ad8
Black was at least equal in Damljanovic Antic, Subotica 2000.
122
7 ..ie3
C21) 13..ib5
17 . . ..ib7 18.E:c7 E:ad8t 1 9.�c2 .ixf3+
Black was better and went on to win in
Ligterink - Smejkal, Amsterdam 1 980.
14 . Lf5
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
.
g
This has been quite a popular choice, but
Black has a well-established solution.
l3...f5! 14.exf5
a
White lacks reliable alternatives, for
instance:
14 .d5? fxe4!
Black soon takes over the initiative.
15 .dxc6
1 5 .ttlg5 occurred in Plachetka - Smejkal,
Trnava 1 980. At this point Black should have
played the natural 1 5 ... ttld4!N when best
play continues as follows: 16 ..ixd4 .ixd4
1 7.ttlxe4 .if5 1 8.f3 E:ad8 1 9 ..ic4 �g7 Black
has a positional advantage and virtually no
risk.
1 5 ... exf3 1 6.gxf3 bxc6 1 7.E:xc6
Material is equal, but it is obvious that Black
has the superior position.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
c
d
e
f
g
h
15.hc6
I once had a somewhat unpleasant experience
on the white side of this variation: 1 5 .�e2 .ie6!
16 ..ic4 .ixc4t 17.E:xc4 E:ad8 1 8.E:b l E:d7
19.E:b5 E:fd8 Black had a very comfortable
position and I soon got into trouble, although I
eventually managed to save a difficult endgame
in Avrukh - Van Wely, Ohrid 200 1 .
15 . .bxc6 16Jhc6
.
a
a
b
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
123
Chapter 1 0 - 8.l2Jf3
16 .. J�ab8!
After this move Black gains full compensation
for the sacrificed pawn, as demonstrated in
several games.
17 ...Ae4 18.l:!c7 l:!fc8 19.l:!xc8t l:!xc8t
20.�b4
20.'it>b2 !!bSt 2l .�c3 !!eSt leads to a
repetition.
20 J::tbst
17.�c3
•.
White has also tried:
1 7.l:!al !!b2t lS.'it>el
There is little for Black to fear, especially
after the following suggestion:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
a
c
d
e
f
1 S ... ih3!N
Black is doing quite okay after 1 S ...ie4,
but it is hard to refrain from the more eye­
catching continuation.
19.l2Jh4
Inferior is 1 9.ltlg5?! ixg2 20.l:!c7 if6+.
19 . . . ig4 20.h3 l:!e2t 2 l .�fl !!xe3 22.hxg4
ixd4 23.!!dl l:!e4 24.tt:lf3 ib6
The position is roughly equal.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
c
d
e
f
g
h
2l.�a5!?
h
g
b
This is White's only chance to play for a win.
2 1 . �c3 !!eSt leads once again to a repetition.
2l...l:!d8 22.cll�e5
This allows Black to regain the sacrificed
pawn, but the alternative of 22.!!dl e5! looks
risky for White.
22...Lg2 23.l:!cl
We have been following the game Pasierb
- Chovanec, corr. 2005. Now the simplest
continuation would have been:
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 24
7 ..ie3
23.. Jld5tN 24.cba6 he5 25.dxe5 :Sxe5=
The endgame is equal.
C22) 13.d5
1 8.ig5
Now in the game Heinig - Gauglitz,
Fuerstenwalde 1 98 1 , Black could have
executed a strong exchange sacrifice:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is the critical continuation.
13 ...:Sd8
From here White's main options are C221)
14.cbc2 and C222) 14.cbel.
14 ..id3?! tLlb4 transposes to the line 13 ..id3
:B:d8 1 4.d5?! tLlb4 as analysed on page 1 2 1 .
1 4 ..ic4 is also unimpressive: 1 4. . . tLla5 1 5 .:B:hd1
(There is no time for 15 ..id3? as after 1 5 ... e6!
White is in trouble.) 1 5 ... tLlxc4t 1 6.:B:xc4 f5
17.<it>e 1 fxe4 1 8.:B:xe4 .ic3t!? 1 9.mfl .if6+
Hoi - Helmers, Esbjerg 1982
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 8 ... exd5!N 1 9 ..ixd8 :B:xd8 20.tLlxa5
After 20.tLld2 .ie6t Black is clearly better.
20 ... bxa5 2 l .:B:c7 dxe4 22 ..ic4 ie5 23.:B:xa7
e3!
White can probably still hold this position,
but Black clearly has the initiative.
15... cb£8 16..if4
1 6 ..id3 b6 1 7.md2 f6 1 8 ..ie3 was played
in Mathe - Swahnberg, e-mail 2006.
Black should now have played the obvious
move:
C221) 14.cbc2
Curiously, this has been an especially popular
move in correspondence games.
14 ... �a5 15.J.g5
Absolutely harmless is:
1 5 .tLld2?! .id? 1 6.mb 1 e6 17.tLlc4 b6!
This strong idea is made possible by the
placement of the king on b 1 , which would
be in dire trouble in the event of an exchange
on a5.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 8 ... f5!N The following continuation looks
logical: 19.:B:hd1 fxe4 20 ..ixe4 tUb?! 21 .tLld4
tLld6 22 ..if3 .ixd4 23 ..ixd4 ib7 Black has
equalized.
1 25
Chapter 1 0- 8. itJf3
practically forces his opponent to accept the
pawn sacrifice.
8
7
19J�xc8
6
White does best to insert this exchange, as
the immediate 19.ixb5? E:b8 20.ixb8 E:xb8
sees Black win two pieces for a rook.
5
4
3
19 ...:axc8 20.hb5 �c4 21 .hc4 :axc4
2
From this position the following sequence is
more or less forced:
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16....ig4N
I prefer this active move over the softer
16 ... b6, as played in Dothan - Acevedo
Villalba, e-mail 2006.
8
7
6
5
4
17..ie2
1 7.ic7?! does not work due to 1 7 ... E:dc8
1 8.�bl lt:'lc6! when Black is already better.
3
2
17..J�ac8t 18.�bl
1 8.'tt>d2 invites 18 ... e6, and after 1 9.E:xc8
E:xc8 20.E:cl E:xc l 2 1 .�xcl <J;;e7 the position
is equal.
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22.�d2 :ab4t 23.�c2 :ab2t 24.�d3 :axa2
25J�bl ga3t 26.:ab3 :axb3t 27.�xb3
.id7=
7
The dust has settled, and the resulting
endgame is balanced.
6
C222) 14.�el
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
4
18...b5!?
3
This is an interesting way to develop
counterplay. Black intends to play ... lt:'lc4 and
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
126
7.ie3
14...�a5
We have reached the last major branching
point of the chapter. White has tested a wide
variety of continuations, the most important
being C2221) 15.i.f4, C2222) 15 ..id2 and
C2223) 15 ..ig5 .
1 5 .ib5?!
White fails to anticipate his opponent's
counterplay.
This move also fails to prevent the attack on
White's centre.
1 5 ... e6 1 6 ..ig5
Rogetzer - Gerold, Vienna 2003. Here a
serious improvement would be:
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... f5 ! 1 6 ..id2 b6
White's pawn centre is on the brink of
collapse.
1 7.ixa5 bxa5 1 8.e5 .ib7 1 9 ..ic6
This was Kamble - Ganguly, New Delhi
2006. Now Black's strongest continuation
would have been:
8
7
6
5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 . . . E:d7!N
After this move Black soon takes over the
initiative, for instance:
17 ..ib5 E:d6 1 8 ..if4 E:b6 1 9.id3 exd5 20.exd5
.ig4
The opening of the centre is clearly in Black's
favour, bearing in mind that White has already
forfeited the right to castle.
Finally, let's check one more minor
continuation:
1 5 .lt:\d2 .id7 16 ..id3 e6 17.'tt> e2 exd5
1 8.exd5
This position was reached in Chachere Chow, Illinois 1988, and one subsequent
game. At this point Black could have exploited
the vulnerability of the d5-pawn with:
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
h
4
1 9 ... E:ab8N 20.h4 .ia6 2 l .'tt> d2 E:b4
Black has the initiative.
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
2
1 5 ..id3?!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
127
Chapter 1 0 - 8.lDf3
1 8 . . .ie8!N
The game continuation of 1 8 ...ia4 is not
bad for Black, but the text move has one
major advantage.
1 9.ie4 f5 20.if3 if7!
This is it! The d-pawn will perish, and White
faces an uphill battle to draw.
1 8 ...ie8! 1 9.'tt> e2 E:xd5 20.ixa5 E:xcl 2 1 .!'i:xcl
E:xa5 22.E:c8 'it>f8+
White has some compensation for the
missing pawn, bur overall Black's chances are
higher and he eventually prevailed in Akobian
- Negi, Wijk aan Zee 20 1 0.
8
C2221) 1 5 ..if4
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
Threatening ic7.
15 ....td7 16..td3 f5!
A clear improvement over 16 .. .!!dc8, as
played in a few other games.
17.�d2
White has also tried:
1 7.ic7 E:ac8! 1 8.e5
At first sight this seems very tempting, but
in fact it leaves the d5-pawn vulnerable, as
demonstrated in the following game:
8
b
c
d
e
17 ...fxe4 18 ..ixe4 �ac8
20.<i!?e3
f
g
h
19.'i!?e2 J.b5t
The position looks like it should be roughly
equal, but with the help of a nice idea Black
managed to pose some problems for his
opponent.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
7
1
6
a
5
b
c
d
e
20 ....ib2!? 21J�c7 .ia3!
23..ixc7 gffit 24. <i!?g3 b6i
4
3
f
g
h
22.<i!?f3
gxc7
White's position was a bit unpleasant in
Karpeta - Plebanczyk, e-mail 2008.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7.i.e3
128
C2222) 15..id2
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
3
5
2
4
3
b
a
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 ... b6
Black has no reason to fear the doubling of
his queenside pawns, as his bishop pair and the
open b-file would be far more relevant factors.
16..ib4
White's bishop manoeuvre is rather time­
consuming and thus fails to cause Black
problems.
Nevertheless
the
following
alternatives are even worse:
16.!k7?! e6 17 .i.xaS bxaS 18.i.c4 E:b8+
White's inability to castle gave him real
problems in Sondermann - W. Schneider,
Dortmund 200 1 .
1 6.i.bS?! f5 ! 17.i.xaS bxaS 18.eS E:b8 1 9.i.c4
i.h6 20.E:d 1 E:b4 was clearly better for Black
in Bazant - Yandemirov, Prague 1 990.
16...e6 17 ..ie7
White makes a third consecutive bishop
move; at least he is being consistent. The
alternative is:
1 7.d6
This untested move was mentioned by
Krasenkow in ChessBase Magazine 89.
1 7 ...i.b7 1 8.E:c7
Here I found an improvement:
c
d
e
f
h
g
1 8 ... ixe4!
Krasenkow gave 1 8 ... E:dc8 which is also
interesting, but it seems to me that Black can
follow the more critical path of capturing the
central pawn.
19.lLlgS
From here I analysed the following
continuation:
1 9... tLlc6 20.id2 .idS 2 I .tLlxf7 E:dc8 22.ia6
E:xc7 23.dxc7 Wxf7 24.c8=Wf E:xc8 2S.ixc8
tLle7 26.ia6 ixg2 27.E:gl idS+
Black has two pawns for the exchange and
can play for a win without risk.
17..J�d7 18.d6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18...a6!
It turns out that White is unable to maintain
his outposts in the heart of the enemy position.
The threat is ... ib7 followed by ... tLlc6.
1 29
Chapter 1 0 - 8. ctJf3
1 9..id3 .ib7 20J��c7 gxc7 21.dxc7 .i£8
15....id7 16..id3
It is well established that taking the e7-pawn
leads nowhere for White: 1 6 ..ixe7?! l:!e8 17 .d6
lt::l c6 18 . .ib5 .if8 Black easily regains his pawn.
1 9 ..ixf8 l:!xe4t 20.'it>d2 1his position occurred
in Saucey - Atakisi, Antalya 2004, and now
the most accurate continuation would have
been:
8
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
4
3
22..if6?!
This just loses a pawn.
2
The best chance was 22 ..ixf8 'it>xf8 23.'it>d2
gc8 24.gcl 'it>e7 25 .'it>e3 when Black cannot
capture the c7-pawn easily due to ctJg5 ideas.
Nevertheless Black certainly has the better
chances after 25 .. .f6, as noted by Krasenkow.
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
20 ... Wxf8N 2 1 .l:!hel l:!f4! With a slightly
better endgame for Black.
8
22....id6+
White lost a pawn without obtaining the
slightest compensation in Cyborowski Krasenkow, Warsaw 2002.
7
6
5
4
C2223) 15..ig5
3
8
2
7
1
6
a
5
1 6 . £5!
4
My decision to recommend the entire line
beginning with 1 0...cxd4 was dependent upon
this move working well for Black.
.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
.
The more popular 1 6. . . l:!dc8 17. 'it>e2 e6 is
playable, but in my opinion Black is fighting
for a draw here, whereas after the text move
1 30
7.ie3
the position is just as dangerous for White as
it is for Black.
17.e5
This central advance is White's most popular
and principled response. Here are a few other
possibilities:
17 ."8c7 has not been tested, and indeed after
17 ... fxe4 1 8.J.xe4 "8ac8 it is only Black who
can be better, as he is about to exchange his
opponent's most active piece.
Much more interesting is:
17.ixe7!? "8e8 1 8.d6 fxe4 1 9 .ixe4 ic6
Worse is 1 9 ...if8?! 20.id5t i>g7 when
2 1 ."8c7! suddenly proves effective.
After the text move I found an important
improvement for White.
20 ...ih6 2 1 ."8c5 ixg5 22."8xg5 ixe4
23."8xa5 ixg2 24."8gl ic6 25.i>d2 i>f7=
Despite the strong d6-pawn, I think Black
should be able to hold this endgame with
ease.
The other playable line is: 20. . . if8 2 l .ixf8
i>xf8 22.f3 h6 23."8c5 hxg5 24."8xa5 "8ad8
The position is close to a draw.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 l .ixg6 hxg5 22.ixe8 "8xe8 23.f3 i>f7
In this unbalanced position the chances are
approximately equal.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20.l2Jg5!N
The only game here continued 20.ixc6?!
l2Jxc6 2 Li>dl tD xe7 22.dxe7 "8xe7 when
Black was already better in Truharr Kherubim, Internet 2004.
20 ... h6!?
This is the most ambitious move, although
there are plenty of other ideas.
One of White's ideas is revealed in the
following line: 20 ...ixe4 2 1 .l2Jxe4 l2Jc6
22."8xc6! bxc6 23.i>d2:i5 1he strong d6-pawn
gives White fine compensation. Nevertheless
Black has two reliable alternatives:
Finally, White's most popular alternative to the
main line has been:
1 7.l2Jd2 "8dc8
Black can also consider 17 ... fxe4 1 8.ixe4
( 1 8.l2Jxe4? runs into 1 8 ...if5 when the d5pawn is in trouble.) 18 ... "8ac8 with a playable
position, as demonstrated in a few games.
1 8 .�e2 e6!
Increasing the pressure against the enemy
centre.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
131
Chapter 1 0 - 8 .tt:lf3
19.ie3
The strange 1 9.h4? is a clear mistake, and
after 1 9 ... exd5 20.exd5 :B:e8t 2 l .�f3 :B:e5+
White lost his central pawn in Markos Sutovsky, Bled 2002.
I also checked the untested 19.exf5N gxf5
20.d6, but this fails to bring White any
benefit due to 20 ...ie5 2 l .ie7 tt:lc6 22.tt:lf3
if4 23.:B:c4 tt:lxe7 24.:B:xf4 tt:ld5 25 .:B:c4 :B:c6!
when Black is better.
White has also tried:
1 9.�d2
But Black has a strong reply:
1 9 ... exd6 20.exd6
8
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
4
3
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
h
g
1 9 . . . fxe4
The untested 1 9 ... exd5N 20.exd5 :B:e8!? also
deserves consideration.
20.ixe4 ib5t 2 l .'it>f3 exd5 22.ixd5t �h8
The simplifications resulted in an equal
position in Ftacnik - Sutovsky, Kaskady
2002.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20 ... iffi!
This gives White serious problems with the
d6-pawn.
2 l .if4
Another game saw 2 l .ie7 ixe7 22.dxe7
tt:lc6 23.:B:he1 :B:c7 24.tt:ld4 if7! and White
was unable to hang onto the e7-pawn in
Schrancz - Pasko, e-mail 200 1 .
2 l ...:B:d8! 22.:B:he 1
This position was reached in K.i. Georgiev Krasenkow, Rethymnon 2003. At this point
Black's most accurate continuation would
have been:
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
17 ... .ie8! 18.d6 :B:dc8 19.dxe7
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22 . . . :B:d7!N
White will have serious problems dealing
with the attack on the d6-pawn.
132
7.ie3
A similar idea is:
1 9.�e2 exd6 20.exd6 .if8
Once again the same response works well.
Black has another solid route to an equal
position: 2 1 ...tt:\c6 22..ic4t Af7 23.e6 .ie8
24 ..ia3 E:c8 25.�d2 tt:\xe7 26.E:cl .if6=
Lennox - D. Blair, corr. 200 1 .
8
22.<i!?e2
7
22 ..ie3 does not change the assessment:
22 ... tt:\c4 23 .ixa7 tt:\xe5 24.tt:\xe5 Axe5
25 .�e2 �f7= Black regains the pawn to reach
full equality, Piot - Spielmann, Rosny sous
Bois 2002.
6
5
4
3
2
8
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 1 .E:xc8 E:xc8 22.E:d 1 !
Compared with the previous line, the white
king is not blocking the d-file, thus enabling
him to maintain the balance.
22 ....ixd6 23 ..ixf5 .ib5t 24 ..id3
The position was equal in Kalinski - Dvoirys,
USSR 1 982.
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
a
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22...l'flc6 23.J.e3
6
2
Another idea is 23 ..ic4t, after which the
players agreed a draw in Banet - Hi. Krueger,
e-mail 2003. The continuation would have
been 23 ... .if7 24.e6 ie8 followed by ... tt:\xe7,
when the position remains complex but
roughly level.
1
23... lthe7
5
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19... h6!
This intermediate move is an important
detail, as it is essential to cover the g5-square
before the rook exchange.
20.J.e3
20 ..id2 E:xcl t is the same of course.
2o.. J::�xcl t 21.Lc1 gcs
Equally playable is 23 ... tt:\xe5 24.tt:\xe5
Axe5 25 .Axa7 (25 ..ixh6 �f7=) when a draw
was agreed in Karpeta - Krzyzanowski, corr.
2008. Black's next move would surely have
been 25 ... E:c7, regaining the pawn with full
equality.
24.ha7 ttldS!
This active move ensures Black of a good
position.
Chapter 1 0 - 8.ltJf3
133
Conclusion
8
7
We have seen that the set-up involving 7.ie3
c5 8.lt'lf3 can lead to rich positions offering
plenty of interesting possibilities for both
players. Following the standard response of
8 ... Wfa5, both A) 9.lt'ld2 and B) 9.id2 are pretty
harmless, although the latter has developed a
fair-sized body of theory. The really important
line is C) 9.Wfd2 lt'lc6, when the game might
veer in one of two main directions.
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
25.ie3 tLlc3t 26.�d2 tll e4t 27.�e2 tllc3t
28.�d2=
We have been following the game Zhou
Jianchao - Ni Hua, Hyderabad 2005. Black
chose to play for a win but the game was
eventually drawn. In any case, from a theoretical
perspective, the soundest continuation is:
28 c!L!e4N=
•.•
Forcing a repetition.
In the event of Cl) lOJ!b l a6 l l .!!cl , Black
should avoid exchanges with l l ...!g4 1 2.d5
!!d8, when the latest games and analysis suggest
that he is doing fine.
After the more popular C2) lO.!!c l there is
nothing wrong with 1 O ...ig4, with similar play
to the aforementioned line, but my personal
preference is 1 0 ... cxd4 l l .cxd4 Wfxd2t
1 2.�xd2 0-0, reaching a queenless position
which has undergone thorough analysis and
practical testing. So far Black's position has
proven resilient enough to withstand whatever
the opponent might throw at him, while also
providing enough dynamic resources to fight
for the initiative.
7.ie3
8.�d2
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ie3 c5 8."Wd2
8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4 � c6
135
136
137
138
139
140
141
A) 1 o..ibs .id7
A1) 1 1 J�b1
A2) 1 1 .� e2
B) 10J�d1 0-0
B1) 1 1 ..ie2
B2) 1 1.d5
B3) 1 1 .�f3
note t o
a
b
c
d
9 ... ti'lc6
e
f
1 5 .. :1'\abSN
.
AI)
g
h
a
b
note to
c
d
B3)
1 3 ..ixc6!?N
e
!6 ... f5!N
f
g
h
a
b
note to
c
d
1 3.0-0
e
1 5 . . . a6N
f
g
h
Chapter 1 1 - 8 .'1Wd2
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.tLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 tLlxd5
5.e4 tLlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ie3 c5 s.'l'd2
8
7
6
5
4
135
variation B3, which occurs via the move
order 1 0.1:'!:d 1 0-0 1 l .�f3 .ig4 "12 ..ie2.
1 l .. ..ixf3 1 2.gxf3 0-0 13 ..ixc6 bxc6 1 4.1:'!:c l
1 4.0-0 runs into 14 . . . c5 1 5.1:'!:adl cxd4
1 6 ..ixd4 .ixd4 1 7.�xd4 �a5 with equality,
Karpov - Ponomariov, San Sebastian 2009.
1 4 ...�d7 1 5 .0-0
This position was reached in H. Andersen
- Tschann, Germany 2004. Here the best
solution for Black is:
3
2
7
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
Here we see another slightly different way for
White to arrange his pieces. The queen takes
the sting out of any ... �a5 ideas, and sets up
the possibility of .ih6 later on. I recommend
the following line for Black:
5
4
3
2
b
a
c
e
d
f
g
h
1 5 . . .1:'!:ab8N
For example:
1 6.1:'!:c5
After 1 6.1%fd 1 1:'!:b5 17 ..if4 a5 the evaluation
is similar.
1 6...�h3 1 7.�e2 1:'!:b4!
Black is doing fine.
8...cxd4 9.cxd4 tLlc6
A) 10 .ib5
•
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
Immediately attacking the d4-pawn. White's
two main responses are A) 1 0 .ib5 and
•
B) lOJ�dl.
A few games continued:
1 0.�f3 .ig4 1 l ..ib5
1 1 J�d 1 0-0 1 2 ..ie2 transposes directly to
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
136
7.ie3
IO ...J.d7
Now we reach a further division between
AI) I U�bl and A2) l l .tC!e2.
AI) l l .:Bbl 0-0 12.�e2
White has also tried a different knight move:
1 2.lt:lf3
Graf- Krasenkow, Berlin 2003. Here I like
the natural yet untested move:
1 2....ig4! ?N 1 3.d5
I also examined 13 ..ixc6 bxc6 1 4.lt:le5 .ixe5
1 5.dxe5 :B:b8 when the position is equal.
1 3 ... .ixf3 1 4.gxf3 lt:le5 1 5 ..ie2
1 3.d5 .ia4 14.lt:le2
1 4.:Bxb7?? loses on the spot to 1 4...1Mfc8!.
White would like to castle and play .id4. If
he had time to carry out this plan then he
would have some chances for an edge, but
Black can throw a spanner in the works:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
8
7
b
a
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Here the important move is
1 5 ...1Mfc8!
We have reached a position examined in
variation B2 of Chapter 1 3, beginning with
the move order 7.lt:lf3 c5 8.:!'!b 1 0-0 9 ..ie3.
I also checked a new idea for White:
1 2 ..ixc6N .ixc6
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 4 ...:Bc8!
Black takes advantage of his lead in
development.
1 5 .:B:xb7 :!'!c2 1 6.1Mfd3 'Mfc8 1 7.:!'!xa7 :B:xa2
1 8.0-0 .ic2!
Black regains the sacrificed pawn to reach
the more comfortable side of equality.
12...a6
8
7
6
5
4
8
7
3
6
2
5
1
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.i.xc6!?N
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This untested move appears logical, so I
decided to analyse it as the main line.
1 37
Chapter 1 1 - 8 .'�'d2
13 ..id3
This has been played in a couple of games,
but it is not really dangerous.
1 3 ... b5 14.0-0
Another game saw 1 4.h4 �a5 1 5 .�xa5
ltJxa5 1 6.md2 �fc8 1 7.�hcl e6 and a draw
was agreed in Vyzmanavin - Huzman,
Vilnius 1995.
1 4 ...�a5 1 5.�xa5 ltJxa5 1 6.d5
This position occurred in Hillarp Persson Kaufman, Hampstead 1 998. At this point
Black's best continuation would have been:
15 ....ixd4! 16.ltlxd4 �c7!
This is the simplest solution to Black's
problems.
17.tthb5 axb5
Black's pawn weaknesses are balanced by his
lead in development.
18.0-0
1 8.�xb5 might lead to a forced draw:
1 8 ...�xa2 ( 1 8 . . . �a4!? is also possible) 1 9.�xa2
�cl t 20.'it>e2 �xh 1 2 l .�xb7 �xg2 22.�xe7
�g4t 23.'it>fl �d1 t=
18 .. J�a4
Black has enough activity to maintain the
balance, for instance:
19.�d3 �e5 20J��xb5 �xe4 2l.�xe4 �he4
22.�xb7 �aS
Black regains his pawn to reach a drawish
endgame.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
A2) l l.c!be2
h
1 6. . . f5!N 17.f3 fxe4 1 8.fxe4 �xfl t 1 9.mxf1
�c8
Black has no problems and even has the
more promising position.
13....ixc6 14.d5 i.b5 15.i.d4
This is the only reasonable try, since 1 5 .0-0
runs into 1 5 ... e6! with a good game for Black.
8
7
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This has been White's most popular choice in
the position, but it is harmless and has yielded
a dreadful score for the first player.
5
4
3
l l a6 12.i.d3
2
..•
Alternatively, 1 2 ..ixc6 .ixc6 13.f3 0-0
1 4.0-0 .ib5 1 5.�fd 1 was played in Lehtivaara
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
138
7 ..ie3
- Rytshagov, Finland 1 996. From here the best
way for Black to organize his position would
have been: 1 5 ....ic4!N 1 6Jl:acl E:c8 17 .d5 b5
1 8.tlJd4 e6! With a comfortable position.
8
7
6
12 0-0 13J:l:cl
5
1 3.E:b l b5 reaches the note to White's 1 3th
move in line A l above.
4
..•
3
8
2
7
1
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 ... ttlb7
5
There is nothing wrong with 17 ... tlJc4
1 8 ..ixc4 bxc4, but the text move keeps Black's
position more fluid.
4
3
2
1 8Jt�d4 Ah6! 19Jl:cd1 ttld6 20.ttlb3 �c4i
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
Black slowly took over the initiative Wang
Yaoyao - Alterman, Beijing 1 995.
13 ..J:l:c8 14.0-0 Yl9'a5 15.Yl9'xa5 ttlxaS 16.d5
This is the only challenging idea at White's
disposal.
B) 10J��d 1
8
16...b5 17 .ib6
7
1 7..id4 .ixd4 1 8.tlJxd4 was seen in Pascua
Vilches - Villamanan Alonso, Valladolid 2000,
and now I foun? an easy solution for Black:
6
•
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have seen that developing of the bishop
on b5 is pretty harmless, so it is not surprising
that this flexible rook move is the main line.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 ... e6!N 1 9.dxe6 .ixe6 20.tlJxe6 fxe6 Black
has the slightly better endgame.
10...0-0
Now White's main options are B1) 1 1..ie2,
B2) l l .dS and B3) 1 I .ttlf3.
139
Chapter 1 1 - 8.'\Wd2
Less important is:
l l .�c4 �d7
The position of White's bishop invites a
quick ...l::k 8.
1 2.tt:le2 l::k8 1 3.0-0
Also after 13.Ek l e6 1 4.0-0 'W'a5 1 5 .'W'xa5
tt:lxa5 16.�d3 b5 Black has no problems.
8
7
6
l l e5!
...
Black takes immediate advantage of the
vulnerability of the d4-square.
12.d5
1 2.dxe5 is absolutely harmless, and after
1 2 ...'W'xd2t 1 3.�xd2 �xe5 1 4.�c4 as occurred
in Eperjesi - Dobos, Budapest 1 993, Black
could have simply continued 1 4 ... E:e8N
1 5.tt:le2 �e6+ with the more pleasant
game.
5
12 ... �d4 13.�f3 �xe2 14.Yfxe2
4
If White had time to castle then he would
have the makings of a positional advantage
thanks to his passed pawn, but it is Black's turn
to move.
3
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 ... tt:la5
1 3 ...'W'a5!?N is not bad either.
1 4.�d3 tt:lc4 1 5 .�xc4 E:xc4 1 6.E:cl �b5
1 7.E:fd 1 'W'd7 1 8.E:xc4 �xc4 19.tt:lc3 b5+
Black had the more comfortable game in
Alavi - Ghollasi Moud, Mashhad 20 1 0.
8
7
6
5
4
3
81) I I..ie2
2
1
8
a
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...Yfa5t! 15 .id2
6
•
One of the main points of Black's idea is
that 1 5.'W'd2 runs into 1 5 ...'W'a4! when the
weakness of the e4-pawn causes problems for
White.
5
4
3
15...Yfa4!
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White wants to put his knight on f3 without
allowing the pinning ...�g4, but the idea
carries a drawback.
This important move was employed in
Gelfand - Svidler, Ohrid 2009. Previously
Black had played 1 5 ... 'W'xa2, but I suspect
that Boris was ready for this, and indeed after
1 6.0-0 White has rich compensation.
140
7 ..ie3
After the text move the players agreed a draw,
but perhaps Black should have played on. The
following continuation looks logical:
16.0-0 b6 17.l3fel .ia6 18.�e3 l3ac8i
The initiative is with Black.
B2) l l.d5
8
13.�xd2 looks strange, and after 13 ... tLla5
the prospect of a timely . . . e6 or ... f5 gives
Black excellent chances.
1 3 . . . tDd4 1 4.tDe2
14.t2Jf3
f5
1 5 .lDxd4 .ixd4 merely
transposes.
14 ..ib4 is pointless, as Black can exploit
his superior development follows: 14 ....id7
1 5 ..ixe7 �ac8! 1 6.�b 1 �feB 17 .d6 .if8 Black
has the better chances.
7
8
6
7
5
6
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
l l ... �a5!
A strong move. Instead after l l ...tLle5 1 2 ..id4
White has good chances for an advantage.
12.�xa5
This is the only move to have been tested so
far, but the following alternative should also
be considered:
1 2.�c1N �xd2t
8
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 . . . 5!
This undermining move often proves to be
of key importance in Griinfeld endgames.
1 5.lDxd4
After 1 5 .f3 fxe4 1 6.fxe4 .ig4 1 7.tDxd4 .ixd4
1 8 ..ig5 �ac8 Black is at least equal.
1 5 ....ixd4
The following sequence looks logical:
16 ..ih6 �d8 17.f3 .id? 1 8 ..id3 �ac8 19.'kt>e2
�f7
The position remains balanced.
12...tL!xa5 13..id2
6
Alternatively 1 3 . .ib5 a6 1 4..id3 was played
in Lim Chuing Hoong - Vu Dinh Hung,
Kuala Lumpur 200 1 , and now with the help
of some energetic play Black could have
obtained an excellent game: 1 4 ... f5!N 1 5.f3
b5 1 6.tDe2 fxe4 17.fxe4 e6+ White's position
is unpleasant.
5
4
3
2
a
1 3 ..ixd2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13... b6
Chapter 1 1
-
141
8 .'1Wd2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
Black need not fear an exchange on a5, as
the loss of White's important bishop would
outweigh the slight weakening of Black's
queenside pawns.
14.ttlf3
14.ib4 can be met strongly by 14 ... f5!
1 5 .id3 fxe4 16.ixe4 ib7 17.f3 Arreaga
Orozco - Soederberg, e-mail 2003. Now after
the simple improvement:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16...dxe4!
White must have either overlooked or
underestimated this intermediate move.
17..ib4 exf3 18.gxf3 .ie6 19.Lfs .ix£8
20.a4 a6 2I..ic6 gc8
With a pawn for the exchange, a sounder
structure and a lead in development, Black
was clearly on top in Oumitrache - Vokarev,
Bucharest 1 998.
B3) I I.ttlf3
8
7
6
5
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7 ... if6N Black has the more pleasant
position.
3
2
14...e6
1 4 . . .ig4 1 5.ie2 :!!ac8= is also reasonable.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is the clear main line.
15 ..ib5 exd5 16.ha5?
White commits an error. The correct
1 6.exd5N :!!d8 would have maintained the
balance.
l l ..ig4 12..ie2 'ti'a5 13.0-0
..
A playable though less popular alternative
is 13 .'1Wxa5 tt:lxa5 1 4.0-0 :!!ac8 1 5.d5 ( 1 5 .:!! c l
142
7.ie3
transposes to the main line below.) Arpa Pardo
- Ferreruela Romero, Aragon 2005. Now I like
the following idea:
8
7
most accurate continuation for Black would
have been:
1 8 ...13fd8N 1 9.d5 Wf8 20 ..ig4 13c5 2 1 .13c1
b6
With easy equality.
14... ttlxa5 15.13cl
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... a6N 16J'k1 b5 1 7.h3 .ixf3 1 8 ..ixf3
ltl c4 1 9 . .ig5 .if6!= Black easily solves his
problems.
4
3
2
1
l3 .. J�ac8 14.YlYxa5
Another direction is:
1 4.h3 .ixf3 1 5 ..ixf3 V:lfxd2 1 6.13xd2 ltla5!
The simple plan of bringing the knight to c4
offers Black good counterplay.
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
15...La!
This concrete approach to the position is
justified by the fact that both recaptures imply
certain drawbacks for White.
The alternative is less inspiring: 1 5 ... ltlc6
1 6.d5 ixf3 17 ..ixf3 ltld4 1 8.ig4 f5 1 9.exf5
gxf5 20 ..ih5 Khashper - Khairullin, corr.
2002. Black's position is solid and reliable
enough, although I am not sure if he can claim
to have fully equalized as White's bishop pair
might yet become an important factor.
16.Lf3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7.ig5 ttl c4
Another method of handling the position is
17 ....if6, for instance 1 8 .ixf6 exf6 1 9.13b l
13fd8 20 ..ie2 13c3 2 l .d5 b6 and Black was
not experiencing any problems in I. Sokolov
- Ehlvest, Sweden 2003.
1 8.13d3
This position occurred in Melkumyan Areshchenko, Rijeka, 20 1 0, and now the
The alternative is:
1 6.gxf3 ltlc6!
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
143
Chapter 1 1 - 8.WI'd2
1 7.d5
White cannot protect the d4-pawn with
1 7.E:fd 1 ?, as 17 ... l2Jxd4! wins a pawn.
In the event of 17 .E:cd 1 N Black can consider
returning with 17 ... l2J a5!? for instance 1 8.d5
a6 1 9.E:cl b5= and Black is fine.
1 7 ... l2Jd4 1 8 ..ixd4 .ixd4
Black is marginally better although of course
White should be able to hold the position,
Danner - Gustafsson, Budapest 200 1 .
16 .. )L�c4 17.e5
White cannot avoid giVIng up his dark­
squared bishop, so he concentrates on
activating the other one.
8
game continuation, which aims for an improved
version of the same type of endgame.
18.i.b7
Keeping the dark-squared bishop does not
promise White much: 18 ..if4 e6 1 9.E:fd1
E:fd8=
18 E:b8 19.J.d5 l2Jxe3
•.•
I definitely prefer this to the risky 1 9 ...E:fc8?!
20.e6 E:b6 2 1 .exf7t ill f8 .as played in Hartwich
- Michna, Internet 200 1 .
20.fxe3 e6 2I.i.c6
2 1 ..ie4 can be met by 2 1 . . .E:fc8 when there
is no .ib7.
2I...i.h6 22.�fl b4 23.J.a4 E:fc8=
7
6
Black achieved comfortable equality in
Akesson - Rytshagov, Stockholm 1997.
5
Conclusion
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 b5!
..•
Black should not rush to exchange on e3, as
White retains some pressure in the opposite­
coloured bishop endgame. This point has been
illustrated in a couple of games.
1 7 ... l2Jxe3 1 8.fxe3 .ih6
Another game continued: 1 8 ... b6 1 9 ..ib7!
E:xcl 20.E:xcl e6 2 I .ill f2! f6 22.exf6 .ixf6
23.'it>e2 E:e8 24 ..ia6! Black's passive play left
him in an unpleasant position, Epishin Rytshagov, Paernu 1 996.
19.illf2 b5
This was lvanchuk - Svidler, Nice (blindfold)
20 1 0. Black was able to hold this position
without too much trouble, but still I prefer the
8.Wfd2 is a reasonable-looking move, but it is
a little on the slow side, and so the immediate
attack on the centre with 8 ... cxd4 9.cxd4 l2Jc6
makes a good deal of sense. Variation A with
1 O ..ib5 .id7 is playable for White, but he can
hardly hope to achieve any advantage following
the early exchange of his light-squared bishop
for the enemy knight. Line B with 10.E:d 1
seems more principled, although here too
Black's position seems to be perfectly in order.
After 10 ... 0-0 the critical line is B3) 1 I .l2Jf3,
but my analysis shows that Black currently has
no problems here, with the main line leading
to an equal endgame.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Various 8th Moves
Variation Index
I .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.� c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.�f3
7... c5
145
1%
146
148
1 50
151
1 52
1 53
A) 8.i.c4
m 8�� ��
B1) 9.i.e3
B2) 9.d5
C) 8.h3 0-0
C1) 9.i.e3
C2) 9.i.c4
C3) 9.i.e2
D) 8..ib5t �c6 9.0-0 cxd4 10.cxd4 0-0 I l.i.e3 i.g4 12.i.xc6 bxc6
13J�cl 'WaS
D1) 14J�xc6
D2) 14JWe2
D3) 14JWd2
B I ) afrer 1 6 . .ib5
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 6 ... .ixf3 N
g
C2) afrer 2 J .�a4
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
2 J . . . .id3!N
g
155
1 57
1 58
160
02) afrer 2 1 .li'le I
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
2 l . . .�b2!N
g
h
h
145
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
I.d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5
The same position is frequently reached
via the alternative move order of 4.ll:\f3 .ig7
5.cxd5 ll:\xd5 6.e4 ll:\xc3 7.bxc3.
4 .tt�xd5 5.e4 ttlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.ttlf3
.•
The combination of ll:\ f3 and .ic4 tends not
to work well against the Griinfeld.
8 0-0
...
After bringing his king to safety Black will
be ready to hit the enemy centre with ... ll:\c6
and . . ..ig4. Note that the immediate 8 ....ig4?
should be avoided due to 9.ixf7t, which
would be embarrassing.
9.0-0
This seems to be the logical continuation,
although it allows Black to develop decent
counterplay, so perhaps White should consider
9.h3 transposing to line C2.
a
b
c
e
d
f
g
h
7...c5
From this position by far the most important
move is 8.�b l , which will receive full coverage
in Chapters 1 3- 1 6. In the present chapter we
will deal with A) 8 .ic4, B) 8 . .ie2, C) 8.h3
and D) 8 .ib5t.
The alternatives are nothing special; 9 .�b 1 ?!
reaches line A of the next chapter, while 9 ..ie3
lL\ c6 1 0.0-0 ( 1 0.h3 transposes to line C2)
I O . . . cxd4 1 l .cxd4 .ig4 is just a different
route to the position reached in the present
variation.
9 cxd4 IO.cxd4 ttlc6 l l .ie3 .ig4
...
.
•
•
The most significant deviation is actually
8.i.e3, but this has already been covered in
Chapter 1 0 via the move order of 7..ie3 c5
8.ll:\f3.
A) 8 .ic4
•
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12 .id5
•
Worse is 1 2.e5?! .ixf3 1 3.Wfxf3 (Another
game continued: 1 3.gxf3 e6 14.f4 ll:\e7 1 5 .Wff3
�c8 1 6.�acl Wid? 1 7.�fd 1 �fd8+ Khlebovich
- Uzhva, Smolensk 200 1 .) 1 3 ... ll:\xd4 1 4.Wfxb7
.ixe5 1 5 .�ad1 �c8+ Buczinski - De Melo,
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
146
7.lLlf3
e-mail 2008. White's bishop pair gives him
some chances to hold, but he certainly does
.
not have full compensation for the m1ssmg
pawn.
This allows Black to strike at the centre
.
.
1mmed1ately.
12 ... .ixf.3 l3.gxf3 Y*fd7
B2) 9.d5.
.
1 3 ....ixd4!?N 1 4 . .ixd4 lLlxd4 1 5.Wfxd4 e6
also leads to roughly equal play.
8...�c6
White's main responses are Bl) 9,£e
"' 3 and
9 .E!:b 1 leads to simplifications: 9 ...cxd4 1 0 . cxd4
lLlxd4 1 1 .lLlxd4 Wfxd4 1 2 ..ib5t
14J::! b l
This position was reached l·n T:syvarev Kuzneszov, Volgograd 1 996. At this point my
preferred continuation would be:
6
5
4
3
5
a
4
3
2
c
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 � · .. .id7! (Black should not become too greedy
. dangerous
. qutte
. . as 1 3 .ae2
With 1 2 . . . �f8�1
\1.11 IS
.
for htm.) 1 3 ..ixd7t Wfxd7 1 4.Wfxd7t 'it>xd7
1 5.E!:xb7t �e6 1 6 ..ia3 .if6 1 7 .�e
..t.- 2 1=.
o:o:>hc8
w·Ith fulI equality, Summerscale - Jelen '
Cannes 1 996.
14 ... 6N 15.Lc6 �xc6 16.Y*fb3 b6
�
Bl) 9..ie3
With a balanced position.
B) 8 ..ie2
4
3
4
2
3
2
a
9....ig4
a
f
g
h
e
f
g
h
147
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
White will not be able to hold his centre
together without making some kind of
concession.
14 ...'Wc8N 1 5.1'!b3 :!'!d8+ With some initiative.
IO.e5
With this move White gives up the d5-square
and loses his flexibility in the centre, but there
was no other reasonable way to defend the d4pawn.
1 O.d5? is too optimistic, as shown by the
following game: 10 ...ixf3 1 l .gxf3 ixc3t
1 2.c;t>fl ixa 1 13.'Wxa1 lLld4 14.ib5t cj;>fg
1 5.ixd4 cxd4 16.'Wxd4
a
8
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
IO cx:d4 l l.cx:d4 Wfa5t
••.
7
Black is also fine after 1 1 ...0-0, but I like
the queen check as it forces White to make a
difficult decision.
6
5
4
12.i.d2
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16 .. .f6 1 7.c;t>g2 'Wd6! White failed to obtain
sufficient compensation in Zhu Chen - Van
Wely, Batumi 200 1 .
1 2.'Wd2 'Wxd2t 1 3.lLlxd2 ixe2 14.c;t>xe2
:!'!d8 gives Black a pleasant endgame, and after
1 5.lLlb3 :!'!d5 1 6.1'!acl 0-0 1 7.1'!hd1 :!'!fd8
the players agreed a draw in Kotnik - Bozic,
Otocec 2009.
1 2.lLld2 ixe2 1 3.'Wxe2
1 0J�b 1 ?! ixf3 1 l .gxf3 cxd4 1 2.cxd4 ixd4!
Black has every reason to fight for the
advantage. 13 .1'!xb7 0-0 14.0-0 Gezaljan Svidler, Leningrad 1 990. At this point Black
could have maintained an edge by means of:
8
7
6
a
5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 ... 'Wc3! Now White loses his central pawn,
although he can probably scrape together
enough compensation to equalize. 1 4.0-0
lLlxd4 1 5 .ixd4 'Wxd4 16.lLlf3 'Wa4 1 7.1'!acl
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
148
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
4
5
3
4
2
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1
17 ... 0-0 (17 .. .'\MfaS!?N 1 8.e6 f5 deserves
attention.) 1 8.1:k7 e6 1 9.!!xb7 l:!ab8 20.!!fb 1
!!xb7 2 I .!!xb7 !!c8 Black was doing fine in
lstratescu - Gupta, Differdange 2008.
20 gxcl t 21..ixcl gcs 22..id2 YlYg2 23.gfl
YlYxh2 24.�e2 .ih6i
1 2 YlYc7 13J�cl gd8!
White should probably hold this position,
but he will have to work for a draw.
•.•
After this move it seems that Black already
has the better chances.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
.•.
B2) 9.d5
14.YlYa4 YlYd7 15 ..ie3 0-0 16 ..ib5
This position occurred in Tishin- Zinchenko,
Alushta 2006. At this point the natural and
strong continuation would have been:
8
7
6
5
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This sacrificial continuation is more
challenging, but Black should be fine after
correct play.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
9 Lc3t 10.i.d2 hal
••.
16 L£3N 17.gxf3 YlYh3 18 .ixc6 bxc6
19.YlYxc6 gcs
••.
1 9 .. .f6!? is also interesting.
20.YlYe4
•
This move provides a sharp reminder of why
the 8.!!b 1 variation is so much more popular
than the present one!
l l.YlYxal �d4 12.tLlxd4 cxd4 13.YlYxd4 0-0
149
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8 th Moves
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
White certainly has some compensation
for the exchange, but objectively the most he
should be able to hope for is equality.
1 8 ... :1k8!
This looks like the best chance for an
advantage.
In the event of 1 8 ...\Wxa2 1 9.�a1 '1Wc2
20.�fl ! White should be able to hold a draw.
It is worth mentioning that 20.�xa7? would
be a mistake, as after 20 ... �xa7 2 1 .'1Wxa7
�b5 22.'1We3 �c4 the b-pawn is dangerous
and White faces a difficult defence.
19 .�b 1 �c2 20.�b2 �xb2 2 1 .'1Wxb2 \WeSt
22.�g3 b5+
Black retained a pleasant edge in Hernandez
Onna - Sisniega, Matanzas 1 992, due to the
possibility of creating a strong passed pawn on
the queenside.
8
14.0-0
White can win back the exchange:
14.�h6
However, this move squanders his initiative
and is not really in the spirit of his earlier
play.
1 4... '\Wast I s.c;!;>fl f6 1 6.�xf8 �xf8
Material is equal but Black has the more
comfortable game.
1 7.f3
1 7.g4 �d7 18.e5 was played in Lerner Malaniuk, Yalta 1 982, and now the accurate
18 ...\Wa4!N 1 9.'1Wxa4 �xa4+ would have led
to a better endgame for Black.
1 7. . . �d7 1 8.�f2
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 t!fb6
...
Now White must decide where to retreat his
queen.
15.t!fal
White has also tried: 1 5 .\Wc3 f6 1 6.�h6 �£7
White has no serious attacking ideas and Black
slowly consolidates. 17 .�e3 'lWd8 1 8. f4 �d7
19.�b 1 b6 20.e5 fxe5 2 1 .fxe5 e6 Black had the
upper hand and eventually prevailed in Mohr
- Lputian, Altensteig 1 989.
15 i.d7
...
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is the only move to have been tested.
It works out fine for Black, but still I found
1 50
7.liJ f3
a serious alternative: 1 5 ...�d8!?N Preventing
White from regaining the exchange so easily.
18...'%Ya5 19.hf8 �xf8
2U=!xc8t hc8 22.e5
20..ifl
�c8
It looks like Black is under a bit of pressure,
but with the help of an accurate manoeuvre
he can completely neutralize his opponent's
initiative.
8
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
b
a
c
d
e
5
f
g
h
1 6.i.d3 (The active 1 6.i.h6 Wi'f6 1 7.e5?! Wl'h4+
only worsens White's position.) 1 6 ...i.d7
1 7.�b l Wl'c7+ White keeps a degree of
compensation, but I do not believe he has full
value for the exchange.
4
3
2
a
16-l::� b l
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22...'%Yb6! 23.d6 '%Yc5! 24.dxe7t �xe7
25.exf6t �f7=
1 6.i.h6 f6 1 7.�b l Wl'c7 transposes.
Black will quickly regain his pawn to reach
an equal endgame, Szabo - Lahdenmaeki,
e-mail 2009.
16 ...WI'c7 17..ih6 f6
8
C) 8.h3
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18.�cl
In the following game White fell into an
inferior position relatively quickly: 1 8.i.xf8
'it>xf8 19.WI'd4 b5 20.WI'e3 �c8 2 l .f4 Wl'c2
22.�dl �c3 23.Wi'd2 b4+ Pein - Rowson,
Birmingham 2000.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This continuation experienced a brief spurt
of popularity after Kramnik employed it
against Kasparov in the 2000 Wijk aan Zee
151
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
tournament, but nowadays i t is hardly ever
seen at the top level.
8...�
White must decide which bishop to develop,
and on which square. His main choices are Cl)
9 .ie3, C2) 9..a.c4 and C3) 9 .ie2.
•
•
14.id5 was played as far back as the game
Vidmar - Alekhine, Nottingham 1 936, as
well as a few subsequent encounters. So far
no one has replied with the straightforward
1 4 ... e6!N 1 5 .ixc6 bxc6 1 6.E!:acl e5 when
Black is clearly better.
1 4. . . lLla5 1 5.ie2
Cl) 9..ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
9 ttlc6 10.'1Wd2
.•.
I O.ie2 transposes to line C3.
10 Wl'a5 l l.gdl
•.•
White has to cover the d4-pawn, otherwise
he quickly falls into a worse position, for
instance:
l l .ic4?! cxd4 1 2.cxd4 '!Wxd2t 1 3.'it>xd2 E!:d8
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ...ie6
It is obvious that the white king is seriously
misplaced on c3.
16.E!:hcl E!:ac8t 1 7.®b2 lLlc4t 1 8.ixc4 ixc4
Black obtained a pleasant edge in Seider Stefan, Slovakia 2002.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l. .b6!
.
a
1 4.®c3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White's eighth move ensured that the g4square would not be available for Black's
pieces, but fortunately the bishop has another
attractive post on b7.
1 52
12.Ae2
Another game continued 12.ic4 ib7
13. 0-0 cxd4 14.cxd4 '!Wxd2 1 5 .:1hd2 B:ac8
16.id3 B:fd8 1 7.ib1 Bouwmeester - Peelen,
Netherlands 2000. Here the most logical
continuation would have been:
a
b
c
d
e
g
9 ... ttlc6 lO.i.e3 cxd4 l l.cxd4 Y4'a5t 12..td2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 ... tLla5!N Intending . . . tLlc4, with better
chances for Black.
12 ...Ab7
15.B:xd2
13.0-0
cxd4
14.cxd4
Y4'xd2
This position was reached in Koch - Gerland,
Germany 1 994, and here I would suggest:
a
b
c
d
e
15 .. .ti�a5N 16.d5 B:fc8
Black is at least equal.
C2) 9.Ac4
f
g
White has little to gain from forgoing
the right to castle: 1 2. cj;>fl ?! b5 1 3.ib3
'!Wa6 1 4.'>tg1 tLla5 1 5 .ic2 tLlc4 Black was
better in Borges Mateos - Djuric, Cienfuegos
1 989.
12...Y4'a3 l3.B:bl
The usefulness of the black queen was nicely
illustrated by the following game: 1 3.d5?! lLla5
1 4.ie2 tLlb3! 1 5 .B:b 1 lLlxd2 1 6.lLlxd2 '!Wxa2
1 7.0-0 b6 1 8 .ttJ c4 ia6+ Salinnikov - Kovalev,
Alushta 2000.
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13...ttlxd4!?
This requires precise judgement, but analysis
shows that Black can get away with it.
1 53
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
The alternative 1 3 . . . 1:'!:d8 leads to highly
complex play: 1 4.d5 lt:la5 1 5 ..ie2 This was
Ahlander - Eriksson, Malmo 2000, and now
Black should have accepted the challenge:
1 5 .. .'\Wxa2N 1 6.0-0 .id7 With a double-edged
position.
19.�h2 .ie5t
19 ... :!:'!:d7 is also possible.
20.g3 i.e2 21.'Wa4
This position occurred in Adler - Strobel,
Germany 1 978. At this point a clear path to
equality would have been:
14..ib4! �x£3t 15.�e2!
Black's queen is trapped on a3, but it turns
out that he has enough resources.
1 5.c;!;>fl ? can be instantly refuted: 1 5 ....ie6!
1 6..ie2 Wfxa2 1 7.gxf3 E:fd8-+ Worek Moniszka, Wisla 1 998.
15 ... tl:ld4t
8
7
a
6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2I. ..i.d3!N 22.�xb7
5
Also after 22 ..ixe7 :!:'!:e8 23 ..ic5 b5 24.Wfa3
lt:lf3t 25.<;!;>g2 .ixe4 Black is not worse.
4
3
22 ....ixe4 23J;xe7 �f3t 24.�g2 tl:ld4t=
2
The game ends in perpetual check.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
C3) 9.i.e2
h
16.�£1!?
White can force a draw by means of 1 6.<;!;>e1
lt:lf3t 17.c;!;>e2, but the text move must be
critical.
16...i.e6!
The key counter-blow.
17.ha3 .ixc4t 18.�gl �fd8
A remarkable position has arisen. Black
has only two minor pieces and a pawn for
the queen, but his tremendously active pieces
combined with the vulnerability of the white
king give him sufficient compensation.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
This is the main continuation.
g
h
1 54
9. ltlc6 IO .ie3 cxd4 l l.cxd4 f5!
..
.
This is the move I like the most, although
1 I .. .Wa5t 1 2.i.d2 Wa3 1 3.d5 ltJe5 should also
be okay for Black.
a
b
c
d
e
g
f
1 2.'1Wb3t 'it>h8 From here rwo moves have
been tried:
1 3.!!d 1 ?!
This is not at all promising.
1 3 . . . fxe4 1 4.ltJg5?!
1 4.ltJe5 was a better try, but in any case
White is already fighting to equalize.
1 4... ltJxd4
h
12.exf5
Other options are not dangerous for Black
either.
12.i.c4t 'it>h8 1 3 .e5 (In the event of 1 3.0-0
Black can safely capture the pawn with
1 3 ... f4 14.i.d2 ltJxd4 1 5.Ac3 i.e6! 16.i.xe6
ltJxe6 1 7.'1Wb3 Wb6! although White should be
able to hold.) 1 3 ... f4 1 4.i.c1 1his position was
reached in Belov - Timofeev, Serpukhov 2008.
At this point Black missed a nice idea:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5.\Wc4
1 5 .ltJf7t !!x£7 1 6.\Wx£7 i.e6 1 7.'1Wf4 Wa5t
1 8.i.d2 Wa4 is winning for Black.
1 5 .i.xd4 Wa5t 16.'it>fl Wxg5 is also clearly
favourable for him.
15 ...Wa5t 1 6.!!d2 ltJxe2 1 7.ltJf7t !!x£7
1 8.\Wx£7 i.d7! 1 9.'it>xe2 i.b5t 20.'it>e1 !!c8-+
White's position was already hopeless in
Arencibia - Eljanov, Ubeda 200 1 .
1 3.exf5 Wa5t!
An important idea - Black wants to recapture
the f5-pawn with his queen.
1 4.i.d2 Wxf5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 ... b5!N 1 5 .i.b3 ltJa5 1 6.0-0 i.b?+ Black's
control over the light squares gives him the
better chances.
a
b
c
d
e
g
15 5
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
1 5 .'1Mfe3
A natural alternative is 1 5 .0-0N .ie6
16.'1Mfxb7 .id5 1 7.l"!acl ttlxd4 1 8 .ttlxd4
.ixd4 1 9.'1Mfxe7 .ixf2t 20.'tt> h2 l"!f7 2 1 .'1Mrg5
'1Mfxg5 22 ..ixg5 .id4 with full equality.
1 5 . . . .ie6 1 6.0-0 l"!ad8 1 7 . .ic3 .id5=
Black had no problems in Mikanovic Turov, Quebec 200 1 .
1 6 ... .ixh3!N Perhaps he was afraid of 1 7.ttlg5,
but after 1 7 ....ixg2 1 8. ttl f7t l"!xf7 1 9 . .ixf7
ttlxd4 Black is clearly better.
13 ...YNxf5 14.i.c3 i.e6 15.0-0 .id5
The bishop is superbly placed here.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
g
f
h
12 .. .'1Wa5t!
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16J�bl b6 17.l:!b5 e6 18.i.c4 �e7
Black's position was slightly preferable in
Fedukovic - Rada, e-mail 2006.
Once again Black exploits the uncastled king
to activate his queen.
D) 8 ..ib5t
13.i.d2
Another game continued: 13.'1Mfd2 '1Mfxd2t
14.�xd2 .ixf5 White's king is clearly
misplaced. 1 5 ..ic4 t �h8 1 6.l"!hd 1 This was
Grachev - Belov, Vladimir 2002, and here for
some reason Black rejected the simple tactical
blow:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8 .ti�c6
••
This is considered to be a safe route to
equality.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
9.0-0 cxd4
156
As an alternative I can recommend:
9... 0-0 I O ..ie3 �a5!?
Instead I O ....ig4 or I O ... cxd4 would lead to
our main line.
l l .�a4 �xa4 12 ..ixa4 cxd4 1 3.cxd4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
l l .Ae3
White has also tried:
I I ..ixc6 bxc6 12 . .ia3
1 2 ..ie3 allows 1 2 ... c5 when Black has an
easy game.
1 2 ....ig4 1 3 ..ic5
Most games have continued with 1 3 ...E:e8,
but Black has an easier way to solve all his
problems.
13 ... .ixf3 1 4.�xf3
h
1 3 . . . f5 !
As we have already seen in many lines, this
move is a key resource for Black after the
queens are exchanged.
14.exf5 .ixf5 1 5 .E:acl .ie6!
This accurate move equalizes on the spot.
16 ..ixc6 bxc6 17.E:c2 .id5 1 8 .ltle5 .ixe5
1 9.dxe5 E:fb8 20.f3 'tt> f7=
Black managed to grind out a win from this
drawish endgame in Komarov - Sutovsky,
Israel 20 1 0. Interestingly, a year later Emil
went on to win a simUar endgame against Shi
Porat in the Israeli league.
IO.cxd4 0-0
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 . . ..ixd4! 1 5 .E:adl .ixc5 I 6.E:xd8 E:fxd8
The queen sacrifice works nicely for Black,
who risks virtually nothing.
17.�c3 .ib6 18 .a4
White's problem is that 18 .�xc6 allows
the enemy rooks to penetrate to the second
rank: 1 8 . . . E:ac8 1 9.�b7 E:c7! 20.�a6 E:d2+
The f2-pawn is a target.
1 8 ...E:d6
It transpires that it is White who should be
more careful.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
c
d
e
f
g
a
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
157
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
1 9.a5 .ad4 20.Wfb3 E:ad8
Objectively White should still be okay here,
but in the gameTimman - Kasparov, Kopavogur
(rapid) 2000, he eventually succumbed.
l l. ..Ag4 12..ixc6 bxc6 13J�cl
Otherwise ... c5 was coming.
13...'i;Ya5
This time the idea of giving up the queen
does not work so well: 1 3 ....axf3? 14.Wfxf3
.axd4 1 5 .1:'!:fd1 c5 1 6.1:'!:xc5 .axe3 1 7.1:'!:xd8 .axc5
1 8 .E:xa8 E:xa8 1 9 .WIc3;!; Kramnik - Kasparov,
Moscow 1 998. Black was unable to hold this
position, and indeed the absence of the c-pawn
makes a big difference to the evaluation
compared with the aforementioned Timman
- Kasparov game, which took place two years
after his defeat to Kramnik.
1 5.Wfa1
But this is hardly a serious try for an
advantage.
1 5 ...Wfxa1 1 6.1:'!:xa1 a5!?
16 ... E:fd8 is also fine.
1 7.h3 .ad? 1 8.1:'!:c7 E:fd8 1 9 ..ag5?!
White should have preferred 1 9.tt::l e5N .axe5
20.dxe5 a4 with equality.
1 9 ... f6 20 ..ad2 a4 2 L.ab4
This was Hawksworth - Knott, London 1 980,
and now the most accurate way to secure an
edge would have been:
We have reached the final branching point
of the chapter, where White can choose
between Dl) 14J�xc6, D2) 14.'l;Ye2 and D3)
a
14.'l;Yd2.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 l ...ct?f7N
Intending ... 'it>e8 to liberate the d8-rook.
Dl) 14J:!xc6
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Capturing the pawn is an important option,
but it should not worry the second player.
14...'l;Yxa2 15Jk7
White has also tried:
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15 ... a5!
This is certainly the most active and
interesting approach, although Black is
probably doing okay after the slightly passive
1 58
1 5 ...'%Ve6 1 6.h3 '%Vd6 1 7.:1l:c5 i.xf3 1 8.'%Vxf3
a5 1 9.e5 '%Vd7 as seen in I. Sokolov - Leko,
Sarajevo 1 999, plus a few other games.
16J�xe7 a4
20...i.e6!N
Followed by ... a2, when White will have
a hard time dealing with the mighty passed
pawn.
D2) 14.�e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
17J:tb7?!
b
c
d
e
h
g
f
This has been played in two games, but it
might have led to trouble for White.
Connecting rooks while defending the
a-pawn.
According to my analysis 1 7.h3N is best. Play
continues 1 7 ... i.xf3 1 8.'%Vxf3 a3 1 9.e5 '%Vb3
20.:1!b7 '%Va4 2 1 .;ga 1 ;gab8! when Black's strong
passed pawn offers him full value for being a
pawn down.
14...gfd8 15.gc5 �a3
17 ... a3 lSJ�bl :!:!:fbs 19.gal �b2 20.h3
This position occurred in Lugovoi - Svidler,
St Petersburg 1 995, and now Black missed a
strong idea:
This is the best square for Black's queen.
16.�c4
The following attempt is even less
convincing:
1 6.;gd 1 e5! 17.dxe5
1 7 .d5 cxd5 1 8 .exd5 was played in Sasikiran
- Sutovsky, Pune 2004.
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
159
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
The present posltlon can be better only
for Black, and indeed I found that after
18 .. J�ac8!N 19.%Vc4 id7! 20.d6 E:xc5
2 l .ixc5 %Va4!+ White should be very careful.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
a
h
1 7 ... %Vxa2!
This is the key point behind Black's previous
move. White is already a bit worse, and in
the following game he failed to hold the
position:
1 8.%Ve l ?! E:xd l 19.%Vxd l a5 20.E:xc6 a4 2 1 .h3
ixf3 22.gxf3 ixe5+
The a-pawn decided the issue in Ligterink Smejkal, Ter Apel l 987.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
17 ... cxd5 18.exd5 j,f5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19J�dl
1 9 .iLld4!N id3 20.%Vcl is the only way for
White to maintain the balance.
19...E:ac8!
Now Black has better chances, for instance:
20.h3 h6 2l.�el
We have been following the game F. Portisch
- Groszpeter, Zalakaros 2000. Black already
has a pleasant position, and at this point
his most accurate continuation would have
been:
h
16...i.e6! 17.d5
Exchanging the weak c6-pawn is not ideal
for White, but after 1 7.%!fcl %Vxa2 1 8.E:xc6
a5 Black was also fine in Pranjic - Debevec,
e-mail 2006.
a
b
C
d
e
f
g
h
2l...�b2!N
Preventing lLlc2. A possible continuation is:
160
7.lLlf3
22J�xc8 :Sxc8 23.'!Wa6 :Sc3!
17.:Sxc6
Black maintains his advantage, relying on
the fact that 24.\Wxa?? loses to 24 ... \We2.
The alternative is:
1 7.f3 ie6 1 8.tLlc5
1 8 .:Sxc6?! is a mistake: 1 8 ... a4 19.tt::l c l .ixd4
20 ..ixd4 E:xd4
D3) 14.YlYd2
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This has been the most popular choice,
although Black has little to fear in the ensuing
queenless position.
14 YlYxd2 15.tihd2 :Sfd8 16.lLlb3
•.•
16.e5 fails to pose Black any problems after
1 6 . . ..ie6 1 7.l:hc6 ixa2 1 8J!a 1 .id5 1 9 .:Sca6
E:d7 with equality, Skembris - Stohl, Vrnjacka
Banja 1 989.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The endgame is dangerous for White, as
demonstrated by the following encounter:
2 l .E:f2 E:d 1 t 22.E:fl E:ad8 23.E:c3 E: 1 d2+
White faced serious problems in Ehlvest Shirov, Tallinn 2000.
18 ... ixd4 19.ixd4 E:xd4 20.tt::l xe6 fxe6
2 l .E:xc6
8
7
6
5
16 a5!
.•.
According to the latest theory this move
enables Black to solve all his problems.
4
3
2
8
a
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 1 ...E:d2!
This forces a draw on the spot.
22.E:f2
Otherwise the planned ... E:b8-b2 would be
dangerous for White.
22 ... E:dl t 23.E:fl =
Due to the impending threefold repetition
the players soon agreed a draw in Ftacnik -
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 1 2 - Various 8th Moves
Krasenkow, Jakarta 1 996, as well as a few
subsequent games.
161
22.gxe7
8
17...a4 Is.tl:k5
Here Black can choose between a safe road to
dry equality and a more combative path which
ultimately still results in a balanced position.
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22...gc8!?
3
Black continues to play for the win. Instead
22 ... !!d2N would force a repetition after
23.!!fL !!d1 t 24.!!fl !!d2.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18...i.xd4!?
This is the more enterpnsmg path.
Objectively it does not lead to an advantage
for Black, but it keeps the game alive.
The no-nonsense route to equality is 1 8 ....ie2
1 9.!!e l .ixd4! 20.!!xe2 .ixc5 2 l .g3 .ixe3
22.!!xe3 !!d2 23.a3 !!b8 and a draw was soon
agreed in Razuvaev - Tseshkovsky, Minsk
1 979, as well as a few more recent high-level
games.
19.i.xd4 !!xd4 20.£3 .id7 21.�k7 .ieS!?
There is nothing wrong with 2 l .. .!!d8, but
Black is determined to break the equilibrium.
23.gcl gd2 24.a3 ga2 25.gc3 .ib5i
Black's activity fully compensates for his small
material deficit, and his uncompromising play
eventually earned him a full point in the game
Akobian - Ni Hua, Wijk aan Zee 20 1 0.
Conclusion
In this chapter we have analysed four alter­
natives to the main line of 8.!!b1 (coverage of
which begins shortly in the next chapter) . All
of them are decent, but none presents a serious
threat to a well-prepared opponent. Both A)
8 ..ic4 and B) 8 ..ie2 allow a quick attack in the
centre with an early ... �c6 and possibly ....ig4,
giving Black adequate counterplay. With
C) 8.h3 White prevents the latter idea, but
spends a valuable tempo in doing so. Finally
we checked D) 8 . .ib5t tDc6, which normally
leads to positions in which Black's bishop pair
gives him a full share of the chances.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Various 9th Moves
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.�f3 c5 8J�b 1
8...0-0
163
163
164
166
167
A) 9 .ic4?!
B) 9 .ie3 � c6
B1) 10 ..ie2
B2) 10.�d2
C) 9.�d2
•
•
B 1 ) after 1 5.0-0
A) after 1 5.gxf3
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 5 .. Jhd8N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 5 . . !d7!
.
g
B2) note to 1 5.0-0
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 6 ... Elfc8!N
g
h
h
163
Chapter 1 3 - Various 9th Moves
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 tbxd5
5.e4 tbxc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.�8 c5 sJ:tbl
14.Wlxa5 tbxa5 1 5.gxf3
This was Yamamoto - Rain, Brazil 1995,
and here the correct plan would have been:
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The 8.l'l:b 1 system is one of the most
dangerous at White's disposal. The rook steps
onto an open file while vacating its vulnerable
position on the long diagonal.
a
b
c
f
g
h
Intending ... l'l:fd8 and ...e6 when the d4pawn will come under heavy fire.
B) 9.J.e3
8
7
6
A) 9.J.c4?!
5
I have already mentioned that the moves lLlf3
and i.c4 tend not to combine well. That is
especially true in the present position, as White
has spent a tempo on the move l'l:b 1 which is of
limited value here.
4
9 ... tbc6 IO.J.e3 J.g4 I l .J.d5
e
15 ..J�ad8N 16.�e2 gd7
8...0-0
From this position White's most important
option by far is 9.i.e2, which will be covered
in the next three chapters. Before then we will
consider the somewhat offbeat continuations
of A) 9.i.c4?!, B) 9.i.e3 and C) 9.Wld2.
d
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White already has to resort to this artificial­
looking move just to keep his centre together.
Instead after 1 1 .0-0 cxd4 1 2.cxd4 i.xd4
1 3.l'l:xb7 i.xe3 1 4.fxe3 lLla5 1 5 .l'l:b4 lLlxc4
1 6.l'l:xc4 Wib6 White was already struggling in
Koops - Dragojlovic, Cesenatico 2004.
This is not a bad move, although it does
nothing to facilitate the important task of
castling. White also forgoes the option of i.c 1 g5 which can be useful in some positions.
ll ...cxd4 12.cxd4 Wla5t 13.Wld2 i.xf3
B2) IO.Wld2.
9... tbc6
Now the main options are Bl) IO.J.e2 and
8.�b l
164
l O.ib5
This has been tried a few times.
1 0. . ..ig4 l l ..ixc6 bxc6 1 2.0-0 cxd4 1 3.cxd4
%Vd7
I prefer not to rush with ...ixf3.
8
7
This is unimpressive, for reasons that will
soon become clear.
10 . cx:d4 l l.cx:d4 �a5t
.
.
The point is revealed: Black has an improved
version of the well-known ...%Va5t variation
which can be found in Chapter 1 4- 1 6.
12 .id2
.
6
Clearly worse is:
1 2.%Vd2?! %Vxd2t 1 3.'kt>xd2 �d8
White is already obliged to sacrifice the d4pawn.
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.%Vd2N
This seems like the best try in an uninspiring
position for White.
1 4.h3 .ixf3 1 5 .%Vxf3 ixd4 16 ..ixd4 %Vxd4
1 7.�b7 %Ve5 White was struggling to
demonstrate compensation in D. Rosner ­
Garcia Rojas, e-mail 200 1 .
1 4.%Va4 ixf3 1 5.gxf3 was seen i n Appeldorn
- Ju. Wagner, e-mail 2000, and now the
simple 1 5 ...%Vh3N would have given White
problems on the kingside.
14 ....ixf3 1 5.gxf3 �ad8 1 6.�fd 1 %Vh3 1 7.%Ve2
f5
Black has the initiative.
Bl) 10.Ae2
8
7
6
5
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 4.�hcl
14 .'Jic3?! .ig4 1 5 .�xb7 �ac8! leaves White in
an even more difficult situation, for instance
1 6.Wd3 .ixf3 1 7.ixf3 lDxd4 and Black was
clearly better in Maly - Yandemirov, Tula
200 1 .
1 4 ... ltJxd4 1 5.ltJxd4 .ixd4 1 6 ..ixd4 �xd4t
1 7. We3 �a4 1 8.ic4
This position has been reached in a number
of games. White has reasonable chances to
fight for a draw, but I do not see much point
in conducting a detailed investigation of this
endgame, as it is obvious that Black has won
the opening battle and runs virtually no risk
of losing.
12...�:xa2
3
Compared with the main line of the 8.�b 1
variation, Black has gained the extra move
... ltJ c6.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
165
Chapter 1 3 - Various 9th Moves
to repeat, but can instead try 1 3 . . .'1We6!?N as
14.d5 can be met by 14 ...'1Wf6 attacking the
rook, thus giving Black time to play ... lt:le5 on
the next move.
8
7
6
5
13 ...�e5 14.�xe5 .L.:e5 15.0-0
4
3
8
2
7
1
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
5
13.d5?!
4
This seems like the most principled idea, but
the position does not justify it.
3
Objectively speaking, White's best continuation
is 13.'1Wcl lt:lxd4 1 4.lt:lxd4 i.xd4 1 5.ic4 which
more or less forces a repetition: 1 5 ... WIa4
16.ib5
8
7
6
5
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15...i.d7!
Just as in many other lines of the Griinfeld,
Black should not cling to his extra pawn. By
returning it he can dramatically increase the
activity of his pieces.
16J�xb7
4
White should regain the pawn while he has
the chance.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ...'1Wa2 (16 . . . i.xf2t? is too risky: 1 7.mxf2
'1Wd4t Wochnik - Pellegrinon, e-mail 2000,
and now after 1 8.i.e3N '1Wxe4 1 9 J��d1 White's
lead in development more than makes up
for his slight material deficit.) 1 7.ic4 '1Wa4
1 8.i.b5 Y2-Y2 Werbeck - Goormachtigh,
Eupen 1 99 1 .
The less accurate 1 3.�a1 ? ! was seen in Nguyen
Hoai Nam - Truong Due Chien, Thua Thien
Hue 2000. In this case Black is not forced
The slower 16.i.d3 was played in Stotika Yandemirov, St Petersburg 200 1 , and here
Black should have taken the time to consolidate
with 1 6. . . b6N 1 7.i.b4 �fe8 when White's
compensation is questionable.
16 ....ia4 17.Wfel E:fb8
We have been following the game J. B.
Gonzalez - M. G. Sanchez, corr. 2009. Black
is fully mobilized and his passed a-pawn is
an important asset. Overall his chances are
somewhat higher, although White should still
be able to hold the position.
166
8.:1:'ib l
incidentally preparing a knight jump to c4 in
case it is needed.
B2) IO.�d2
8
15.0-0
This leads to forced a draw, but it is doubtful
that White has anything better.
7
6
5
The risky 1 5 ..id4 'Wh3 16.:1:'ib3 occurred in
Raj kovic - Laketic, Kragujevac 2009. Here
Black should have played:
4
3
8
2
7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This seems like a more consistent follow-up
to the previous move, although Black still has
nothing to fear.
6
5
4
3
2
1 o... cxd4 l l.cxd4 .ig4
This is the most principled continuation,
although I I .. .'Wa5 should be good enough to
equalize.
12.d5 .La l3.gxf3 �e5 14.J.e2
If White had time to castle and push his
central pawns then he would stand better, but
Black's counterplay arrives just in time.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16 ... :1:'ifc8!N 17.'Wf4 ( 1 7.f4? 'Wg2 1 8.:1:'1[1
tt:lc4-+) 1 7 ... 'Wg2 1 8.:1:'ifl g5! 19.'Wd2 b6 White
is under serious pressure due to the awkward
position of his king.
Another game continued: 1 5.'Wd1 tt:lc4 16 ..ixc4
'Wxc4 17.'We2 'Wc3t 1 8.'it>fl b6 19.'it>g2
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...�c8!
The queen is heading for h3, while
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19 ... f5! 20.:1:'ibcl 'We5 Black had promising
counterplay in Rashkovsky - Ghinda, Lvov
1 98 1 .
Chapter 1 3 - Various 9th Moves
15 Wfh3
167
9...�g4 IO.d5
••.
This has been White's usual choice, but we
will check some other moves as well.
8
7
10 ..ie2 cxd4 1 l . cxd4 .ixf3 1 2 ..ixf3 .ixd4
1 3.E!:xb7 li:) c6 14.0-0 was seen in Pallnstorfer
- Takac, Scharnstein 1 999. Now Black has a
simple improvement:
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
4
3
16.Wfdl
1 6 ..id4 .ih6 1 7 .ie3 is merely a different
move repetition, Lacko - Marttala, Stockholm
1983.
16...�xf3t 17.Lf3 �e5 ISJ!�el .txh2t
19.@hl �g3t=
With a perpetual check, Gallardo Garcia J. C. Fernandez Fernandez, La Roda 20 1 0.
C) 9.Wfd2
8
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14 ...Wfc8 1 5.E!:b3 E!:d8+ Black has a risk-free
edge, thanks to the passivity of White's light­
squared bishop.
1 0.E!:xb7 .ixf3 1 I .gxf3 cxd4 1 2.cxd4 occurred
in Kotlyar - E. Klein, New York 1 993, and
a few other games. Black is not obliged to
capture on d4 immediately, and I found a
strong novelty:
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I was surprised to find more than 1 50 games
with this move in my database. It is hard to
believe that such a move can seriously trouble
Black.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12 ... li:)c6!N 1 3 .d5 li:)d4 White is in trouble as
he cannot defend the f3-pawn with the natural
14 ..ig2? in view of the elegant 14 ...Wfc8!
168
8 .�b l
1 5 .�xe7 tt::l xf3t 1 6 ..ixf3 .ic3 winning the
queen.
10 '%Ya5 1 1J�b3
•••
13 '%Yc7
•.•
White's rook is misplaced on a3, and it will
take some time for it to find a meaningful role
in the game.
Here I like the following idea very much:
14J�a4
I also checked 14.h4 tt::l d7 1 5.h5 b5 1 6 ..ie2
a5 17.WIg5 b4 1 8.cxb4 axb4 when Black's
queenside pawns are a dangerous force.
8
7
6
14 b5 1 S.:ab4 '%VaS
•••
5
1 5 ... a6 intending . tLl d7-c5 also looks nice
for Black.
..
4
3
16.'%Yc2??
2
White's opening has not been a success, and
with this move things go from bad to worse.
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
l l . .La 12.gxf3 c4!
.
This excellent positional pawn sacrifice
increases Black's influence on the dark squares.
13J�a3
1 3 ..ixc4 �c8 14.Wfe2 tt::l d7 gives Black
superb compensation, for instance:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 .0-0 Wfc7 1 6.id3 tt::l c 5 1 7.�a3 ie5+ White's
extra pawn has no real influence, and Black's
domination of the dark squares offers him fine
prospects.
16 �a6-+
•..
White suffered a fatal loss of material in
Tritschler - Urban, corr. 1 990.
Conclusion
From the tabiya which occurs after 8.�bl
0-0, the three deviations examined in this
chapter only account for around five percent
of all games. This is hardly surprising, as they
all suffer from a drawback of some kind. A)
9.ic4?! is just a weak move, after which White
immediately has to struggle for equality. B)
9 ..ie3 is not so bad, but if White wants to
put his bishop on e3 then he does not yet
need his rook on b 1 , and would be better off
going for the system analysed in Chapter 1 0.
Finally the quirky C) 9.Wfd2 has been tested
by some strong players, but we saw that logical
development in conjunction with the strong
pawn sacrifice 1 2... c4! should offer Black a
fine game.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Variation Index
l .d4 liJf6 2.c4 g6 3.liJc3 d5 4.cxd5 liJxd5 5.e4 liJxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.liJf3 c5
8J�b1 0-0 9 ..ie2 cxd4 10.cxd4 WfaSt 1 l.Wfd2
1 l . ..Wfxd2t 12 ..ixd2 b6
A) 1 3 ..id3
B) 1 3 ..ie3
C) 13.d5
D) 13J�cl .ih7
D 1 ) 14..id3
D2) 14.d5
E) 1 3.0-0 .ih7
E1) 14 ..id3
E2) 14.d5
170
171
172
173
173
174
176
176
177
D l ) after 20.exf5
B) after 1 6.1"1hcl
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 6 ...E:fd8N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
20 ... exf5!N+
g
E2) note to 1 6.�e3
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
2 1 ...E:f5!N
g
h
h
170
8.1::1b 1
l.d4 c!b f6 2.c4 g6 3.c!bc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!bxd5
5.e4 c!bxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.c!Llf3 c5 SJ�bl 0-0
9..te2
recent years. Nevertheless it is not a bad move;
it was popular during the mid- 1 980s and was
once used by Karpov against Kasparov in their
1 987 Seville match.
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This is overwhelmingly the most important
of White's options on the ninth move.
9...cxd4
Black has tried a variety of alternatives, the
two most significant being the solid 9 ... b6 and
the bold 9 . . . l2k6!?, both of which I have used
successfully in my own games. However, I have
decided to recommend the text move - which
incidentally happens to be the main line based on some important recent developments
in some of the critical variations. Though I have
not yet had a chance t<! use this line in my own
games, I believe it to be the most promising
line at Black's disposal at the present time.
10.cxd4 '!WaSt
By targeting the a2-pawn, Black highlights
one of the drawbacks of the 8.E:b 1 variation.
From here, the critical continuation is the
pawn sacrifice 1 1 ..id2 l.Wxa2, which will be
covered in Chapters 1 5 and 1 6. Before that,
we need to consider the alternative:
1
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l. ..'!Wxd2t 12.hd2 b6
1 2 ... e6 is a serious alternative which was
used by Kasparov to draw with Karpov, but I
decided to concentrate on the text move. Now
we reach an important branching point at
which White can choose between A) 13..id3,
B) 13 ..ie3, C) 13.d5, D) 13.E:cl and
E) 13.0-0.
A) 13 .id3
•
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
l l .'!Wd2
This is less critical than the main line, and it
has seldom been seen at grandmaster level in
b
13 J�d8
••
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
171
Chapter 1 4 - l l .Wfd2
Also interesting is the untested 13 ...i.g4!?N
14.d5 e6 when a possible continuation is
1 5 .�c4 lLld7 1 6.dxe6 i.xe6 1 7.�xe6 fxe6 with
equality.
20.�d2 bxa5 2l..ic6 Aa6 22 .txa8 gxa8
.
Despite being the exchange down, Black was
clearly better in Novikov - Lputian, Kharkov
1 985.
14..te3
B) 13..ie3 e6!
White has nothing better:
14.0-0?! was played in Kiriakov - Kalod,
Olomouc 1 999, and here Black could have
safely eaten the pawn with 1 4 . . ..txd4N as
White will not get much compensation.
The odd-looking 14 ..ic4 was seen in Mrkvicka
- Steffelmaier, e-mail 1 989, and here the best
way of dealing with the threat of �d5 would
have been 1 4 . . .i.b7N, when Black is at least
equal.
14 �c6 15.d5 e6 16 ..tb5 �a5 17..ig5 f6
1S..td2?
•..
White should have opted for 1 8.�f4N exd5
19.�c7 dxe4 20.�xd8 exf3 2 1 .0-0 �e6 with a
balanced position.
18... exd5 1 9.ha5
Before developing his bishop Black prevents
d4-d5 .
14..id3
14.1:k 1 ?! looks strange, and after 1 4 ... �b7
1 5.�d3 lLlc6 1 6.i.b5 gac8 White was already
struggling in Maloberti - Migliorini, e-mail
200 1 .
Also after 1 4.0-0 i.b7 1 5.i.d3 lLlc6 1 6.e5 lLle7
Black was fine in Jezek - Ebeling, corr. 1 994.
14 ....tb7 15.i>e2 �c6 l6,ghcl
Now the following idea looks logical:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16... gfd8N
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Alternatively after 1 6 ...gfc8 1 7.gc4 a draw
was agreed in Dao Thien Hai - Sasikiran,
Esfahan 2005, and indeed the position is
balanced.
19...dxe4!
White must have failed to evaluate this move
properly.
17.gc4 £5!
This thematic move enables Black to fight
for the advantage, for instance:
172
8.Elb1
18.e5 h6 19J�bcl gac8 20.h4 i.£8
Black has the more promising position.
8
7
C) 13.d5
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14... £5!
Not fol the first time we see this idea working
nicely for Black after the queen trade.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13 ... �a6!
In response to White's last move the knight
wastes no time moving ro within touching
distance of the outpost on c5. Depending on
how White responds, the knight may even find
a home on b4.
14.i.e3
Another option is:
14.i.b5 i.b7 1 5 .0-0 lt:\c5 16J!fe 1 e6!
It makes sense ro undermine White's centre
while also getting ri� of the potentially weak
e7-pawn.
1 7.i.c4
This position was reached in Cebalo - C.
Wagner, Paris 1 988, and one subsequent
game. On both occasions Black exchanged
on d5, but I prefer not to open the e-file
for the enemy rook at this stage. Instead I
propose:
1 7.. J!ac8N 18J!bcl h6!
It is useful ro take control over the g5square. Black intends to play .. J!fd8 next,
when White will be virtually forced ro capture
on e6, after which either recapture will offer
Black a promising game.
15.i.c4
White has also tried: 1 5 .e5 f4 1 6.i.d4 i.f5
Black has a good game and in the following
encounter White's position went downhill
very quickly: 1 7.Elc l ?! lt:\b4 1 8.i.c4 lt:\d3t
1 9.�d2? lt:\xcl 20.!'!:xcl !!feB 2 1 .d6t �f8
Black was winning in Hertneck - Kasparov,
Munich 1 994.
15 ...�h8 16.e5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
16...£4!
Grabbing important space.
f
g
h
173
Chapter 1 4 - l l .Wfd2
17.J.d2
20 hf3N 2l.gxf3 J.e5i
Perhaps White should have preferred
17.�d4N although after 17 . . .�b7 ( 1 7 ...�f5!?
is also interesting) Black still gets strong
pressure against the enemy centre: 1 8.0-0 E!:fc8
1 9.Ei:fcl l0c7 Here White's only decent idea is
20.�b3 l0xd5 2 1 .l0g5 h6 22.£0e6 g5 when he
has sufficient compensation to maintain the
balance, but not to fight for the advantage.
The most logical outcome is a draw, but
Black has a risk-free position and so he can
prolong the fight for a while longer.
.••
D) 13J�cl
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
a
2
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l3...J.b7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 c!Llc5 18 ..ib4
Now White can choose between Dl)
14..id3 and D2) 14.d5.
•.•
1 8.0-0 runs into 18 ...�g4 1 9 .E!:fel �xf3
20.gxf3 E!:f5 when White has to fight for
equality.
18 J.g4 19.e6 E!:ac8 20.0-0
.•.
We have been following the game Baba
- Kaabi, e-mail 2007. At this point I would
recommend:
Dl) 14..id3
8
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Now the right response is:
3
14...Ei:d8 15.E:c7
2
1 5 .�e3?! is too slow: 1 5 ... £0c6 1 6.d5 l0b4!
17.�b 1 �a6 Black already has the initiative,
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
174
8.:!'%b l
and after the further 1 8.tt:ld4 e6! 1 9.a3 tt:ld3t
20.ixd3 ixd3 2 1 .tt:lc6 :Bd7 he had a serious
advantage in Petursson - Conquest, Hastings
1 986.
8
19.h3?!
Strangely enough this is a significant
inaccuracy. White should have preferred
1 9.1'!c i N :Bxcl 20.ixc l tt:lf6 with an equal
position.
19...f5!
Suddenly White faces unpleasant problems.
7
6
20.exf5
5
This position occurred in Gaprindashvili
- Roesch, Baden-Baden 1 990. In the game
Black recaptured with the wrong pawn; the
correct choice was:
4
3
2
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7
6
15 .. J�d7!
The rook trade leaves White with virtually
no chance of obtaining the advantage.
5
16J�xd7 �xd7 17.'ii>e2 gc8
3
17 ...e5 also leads to easy equality.
4
2
18..tf4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8
20...exf5!Ni
7
Followed by ...idS with a pleasant positional
advantage.
6
D2) 14.d5
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18... e6!
With this important move Black prevents
d4-d5 and prepares to challenge the e4-pawn
with ... lt:\f6 or .. .f5.
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
175
Chapter 1 4 - l l .'Wd2
14 ttla6!
..•
Just as in line C above, this knight move
proves an effective counter to the d5-advance.
15 .tg5
•
After the soft 1 5 ..ie3 l'!fc8 1 6.0-0 lL:lb4
Black already has chances to take over the
initiative, which is exactly what happened in
the following encounter: 1 7.a3 lL:lc2 1 8 ..id2
.ib2 1 9.l'!b 1 .ixa3+ Black was simply a pawn
up in Kiriakov - Vorobiov, Moscow 1 996.
17 ... l'!c2!N The game might continue 1 8.a3
lLlc5 1 9 ..ixc5 bxc5 20.'�d 1 l'!a2 when Black
has the upper hand.
8
7
6
5
4
3
8
2
7
6
a
5
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
16 <i>f8
•.•
4
Black has emerged from the opening with
a comfortable position and can think about
striving for the advantage.
3
2
17.ttld2
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
15 J::!fc8!
••
An important nuance; Black refuses to waste
time defending the e7-pawn, and immediately
strives for counterplay.
1 7.e5? is a mistake as White's central pawns
become unstable: 1 7 ... h6 1 8.ih4 g5 19.ig3
Now in Pavlovic - Mikhalchishin, Trnava
1 988, Black should have improved his knight
by means of:
8
16.0-0
In the event of 1 6.l'!xc8t l'!xc8 1 7.ixe7, as
occurred in Tschann - E. Schulze, Germany
1 995, Black should obviously play:
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 9... lLlc5N 20.d6 lL:le4! 2 l .dxe7t 'kt>xe7 White
is worse and will have to fight hard for a draw.
3
2
17...ttlc5 ISJUel
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
176
8.Elbl
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 .c!tla4!
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
14...e6
••
Heading for the attractive c3-square.
19 ..id3 h6 20..ie3 gc3 2l .gxc3 �xc3 22.a3
e6 23.dxe6 fxe6 24.h4 gds
At this point the players agreed a draw in
Noble - Ainutdinov, e-mail 2006, but it seems
to me that Black is slightly better and could
easily have played on without much risk.
E) 13.0-0
Again we see this thematic move which is
intended to prevent d4-d5.
15.gfcl
I doubt that White has anything better.
1 5.a4 is not dangerous for Black, since after
the simple 1 5 ... tLlc6 1 6.d5 exd5 1 7.exd5, as
played in Lion - Belov, Internet 2004, he can
reply with:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l3....ib7
Once again White can choose between El)
14.J.d3 and E2) 14.d5.
El) 14..id3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 ... tLl d4N 1 8.lLlxd4 .ixd4+ White's d-pawn
is a significant weakness.
1 5.E!:fdl tLlc6 16 ..ie3 ( 1 6.d5 exd5 17.exd5
tLle5 1 8.lLlxe5 .ixe5 was equal in Brotherton
- Crisci, e-mail 2008.) 16 ...E!:fd8 17 ..ig5
E!:d7 1 8 ..ib5 a6 1 9 ..ixc6 .ixc6 Black had no
problems in Nylen - Moberg, Sweden 2007.
177
Chapter 1 4 - l l .�d2
In this position Black prematurely accepted
a draw in Beaumont - Gormally, Newport
1 997, when in fact he has a strong continuation
available:
8
7
6
5
18 ... e5!N 19.J.g3 c!t:lxd4 20.c!t:lxe5 �e6!t
4
White has some problems, as his minor
pieces are unstable.
3
E2) 14.d5
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8
7
1 5 c!t:lc6 16.J.e3 gfd8 17.J.g5
••.
1 7.e5? just loses a pawn: 1 7. . . tt:lxe5! 1 8.tt:lxe5
ixe5 1 9.dxe5 (Or 1 9.ia6 ixh2t 20.\t>xh2
ixa6+ Dihm - Vetter, corr. 1 996.) 1 9 .. Jhd3
20Jk7 E:ad8 2 1 .h4 1':!:8d7 Black's extra pawn
gives him decent winning chances despite
the opposite-coloured bishops, Stelting Brettschneider, Germany 1 997.
White could consider defending the d-pawn
with 1 7.E:c4N, but after 1 7 ... ia6 1 8.E:c3
ixd3 1 9.E:xd3 E:ac8 Black is doing fine.
17 . J:!d6
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This can be considered the main line of the
present chapter.
.
White does not have a comfortable way to
defend the d4-pawn, for example:
18.J.f4
.•.
This is my first choice, although 1 4 ... E:c8
1 5 .1':!:fcl tt:ld7 is a reasonable alternative.
1 5.ha6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
14 J.a6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
In some games White has preferred:
1 5.E:fe 1 ixe2 1 6.E:xe2
I believe the most accurate move is:
1 6 . . . E:c8!
1 6 ... tt:la6 has been much more popular, but I
prefer the rook move which enables Black to
defend the e7-pawn in a convenient way.
17.ig5
17.ib4 can be met by: 17 ... E:c7 18.e5 tt:la6
19.d6 E:d7 20.ia3 exd6 2 l .ixd6 (After
2 1 .exd6? tLlc5 White's d-pawn is too weak.)
2 1 . ..E:e8 With a balanced position.
178
8 .E:b l
1 7 ... �f8!
This is only possible thanks to Black's
previous move.
1 8.e5 h6 1 9 ..if4
This position occurred in Koch - Bakalarz,
Germany 1 992. At this point Black should
have reacted with:
8
7
6
Another possibility is:
1 6.E:fcl f5!
Once again we see this thematic idea in
a queenless position. It works especially
well after the exchange of light-squared
bishops.
17.E:c4 fxe4 1 8.E:xe4 .if6!?
Black avoids 18 ... E:f5 1 9.E:xe7 E:xd5 20.g3
which looks rather drawish.
1 9 ..ig5 lt'lc5
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
3
h
1 9 ... :1:k4N 20..ig3 lt'la6
I prefer Black's position, due to his active
pieces and compact pawn structure.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20 ..ixf6?
This exchange sacrifice is not completely
sound. 20.E:ee 1 N was the lesser evil, although
White is fighting for equality.
20 ...lt'lxe4 2 l ..ixe7
This position was reached in Danner Schigan, Austria 1 996, and here Black
should have played:
15 c!!ha6
...
8
7
6
5
4
8
3
7
6
2
5
1
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16.J.e3
In the event of 1 6 ..ig5, as played in
Falkenhagen - Hustert, corr. 1 987, Black's
simplest reply is 1 6 . . . f6 1 7 ..ie3 f5 transposing
to the main line below.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 1 ...E:f5!N 22.E:e1 lt'l c3 23.d6 E:d5+
White is in trouble.
179
Chapter 1 4 - 1 1 .'1Wd2
In most games Black preferred 2 1 ...E:f5 but
after the unpleasant 22.g4! Black will have to
fight for the draw.
22..ib2
I also examined 22.E:b4N E:d7 23.E:e4 ltlc5
24.E:xf4 E:fd8 when Black picks up the d6pawn to reach comfortable equality.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16...£51
This move should come as no surprise by
now!
17.e5 f4 IS ..icl
White needs to keep the d-file clear for
defending his d5-pawn.
1 8.. J�ad8 19.gdl �c7 20.d6 exd6 21.exd6
White achieves nothing with 2 l ..ia3 ltle6
22. .ixd6 E:f7 23.h4 E:fd7 24.E:dcl .if8 25 ..ixf8
i'xf8 26.i'h2 i'e7 when Black has slightly the
more comfortable side of equality, Kiriakov Belov, Ramenskoe 2006.
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22...t£lc5N
I believe this is slightly more accurate than
the game continuation of 22 ... E:f5 23 ..ixg7
'it>xg7 24.E:d2 ltlc5 25.E:el 'it>f6 26.h4 E:d7
27.ltlh2 h5 28.ltlf3, when Black surprisingly
failed to hold this roughly balanced position
in Ernst - Nijboer, Oieren 2002.
23..ixg7 <tt>xg7 24.gb4
7
6
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
21. .. �e6!
Strangely this accurate move has only been
played once so far.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 80
8 .:1:lb l
Conclusion
24 J36!
..
This is the thematic way to activate the
rook.
25.l!�d4
25J'!bd4 can be met by 25 .. J'!d7 when
White has no way to improve his position.
25 JU6 26.ll:�b5 gd7 27.f3 i>f7
..
8
7
6
5
After the standard sequence of 9.ie2 cxd4
10.cxd4 '�WaSt there is no doubt that l l .id2
(coverage of which begins in the next chapter)
is White's most challenging continuation, but
our present subject of 1 1 .'1Wd2 is certainly not
a move which should be underestimated. After
1 1 . ..'1Wxd2t 1 2.ixd2 b6 Black should be able
to generate sufficient play against the enemy
pawn centre, using a number of thematic ideas
which have featured throughout this and other
chapters. Depending on the specific features of
the position, Black's ideas will include:
a) Playing an early ...e6 in order to inhibit the
advance of the enemy d-pawn, followed by
moves such as ...:1:ld8 and . . . tt:lc6 to attack it.
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
The position is equal.
e
f
g
h
b) If White plays an early d4-d5, then the a6square becomes an excellent location for Black's
knight. It can go there either immediately or,
in the case of variation E2, after a preliminary
bishop exchange on a6.
c) Finally, the undermining move ... f5 is
an important theme in this and many other
Griinfeld positions in which the queens have
been exchanged.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
l l.id2 �xa2 - Introduction and other 13th Moves
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 dS 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.�f3 c5
8J�bl 0-0 9 ..ie2 cxd4 IO.cxd4 'lNaSt I l ..id2
1 1 ...11Nxa2 12.0-0 .ig4
A) 13J�xh7 hf3 14 ..ixf3 hd4
AI) 15.e5
A2) 15 ..ih4
B) 13 ..ie3 �c6
81) 14J�xh7 �ab8
8 1 1) 1 5.�xb8 �xb8
812) 1 5.�c7
82) 14.d5 �aS
821) IS ..icS
822) IS ..igS
A) note to 1 4 ... .ixd4
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 7 . . J''l fb 8!N
g
1 83
1 84
185
1 86
186
186
189
190
190
192
B22) after 25J''l d 3
B2 1 ) note to 1 6.e5
h
a
b
c
d
e
22 a4!N
...
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
25 .. -Ek?!?N
g
h
h
8.:B:b l
1 82
l.d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 ttlxd5
5.e4 ttlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.ttlf3 c5 SJ�bl 0-0
9 .ie2 cxd4 10.c:xd4 Wfa5t ll.Ad2
•
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
b
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l l . ..Wfxa2
Black bags a pawn, while also making his
now passed a-pawn into a serious long-term
asset. On the other hand his queen manoeuvre
has taken up valuable time, and White enjoys
a healthy lead in development and a mobile
pawn centre as compensation.
As I explained at the start of the previous
chapter, I have never employed this system
with Black in my own games, although I
have faced it successfully from White's side.
I decided to recommend it because it is the
reason why the entire 8.:B:b 1 system has been
virtually abandoned at the top level, ever since
a particularly important discovery which can
be found in line B22 of the present chapter.
c
d
e
f
h
g
Black has tried numerous alternatives,
but this logical developing move is widely
regarded as the most reliable option. White's
most frequent reply has been 13.ig5, which
has developed a large body of theory and will
therefore receive dedicated coverage in Chapter
1 6. The present chapter will focus primarily
on the important alternatives of A) l3.:B:xb7
and B) l3.Ae3. The second is especially
important as it was the weapon of choice
of many top players before a new discovery
altered the evaluation. Before exploring these
moves in detail, let's first check a few rare
sidelines.
13.ib4 ltl c6 1 4.ic5 b6 1 5 .:B:al Wfe6 16.d5
was Livecchi - Terreni, Palermo 2000:
12.0-0
1 2.Wfcl is not a serious alternative, as after
12 ...ig4 (if Black wishes to play for a win then
1 2 ... Wfe6 keeps the game going) White has
nothing better than 13.ic4 Wfa4 14.ib5 Wfa2
1 5 .ic4 repeating the position, as has occurred
in a few games.
12 i.g4
.••
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
And now after 1 6... Wff6!N Black wins
material.
1 83
Chapter 1 5 - l l ..id2 'Wxa2 - Introduction and other 1 3th Moves
1 3.l'!a 1 1!Ne6 1 4.lDg5 .ixe2 1 5 .1!Nxe2 1!Nd7
1 6 ..ie3 This was Bernabe Duran - Olivera
Gutierrez, Oviedo 2000. Now instead of taking
the d-pawn immediately, Black should have
preferred 1 6 . . . ltk6N with the better chances.
1 3 ..ic3 .ixf3 ( 1 3 ...!!c8 is also fine) 1 4.gxf3
(If I4 ..ixf3 lDc6 Black has strong pressure in
the centre.) 1 4 . . .!!c8 1 5.l'!a1 1!Ne6 1 6.d5 1!Nd6
1 7 ..ixg7 ct;>xg7 1 8.l'!xa7 l'!xa7 1 9.1!Nd4t
8
7
6
5
1 5.!!xe7
The alternative is: 1 5 .!!b4 !!fc8 ( 1 5 ...a5!?N
1 6.!!c4 !!ac8 was worth considering)
1 6 ..ie3?! Too passive. (Correct was 1 6 ..ig5N
!!ab8 with a very complex game.) 1 6 . . . a5
1 7.l'!c4 lDb3 1 8.h3 .ixf3 1 9.gxf3 a4+ Black's
a-pawn was becoming dangerous in Littke ­
Livshits, Canada 1 995.
15 ....if6 1 6.l'!c7
In the event of·1 6.d6!? as played in Danner ­
Sande, corr. 198 1 , Black's safest continuation
looks to be 16 ... !!fd8N, declining the
material and keeping a reliable position.
16 ... lDxe4 1 7..ic4
This position was reached in Engelhardt
J. Wells, corr. 1 994, and here the best
continuation is:
1 7 . . .1!Na3N
With a balanced game.
-
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
A) 13J�xb7
h
This was Panush - Vorontsov, Serpukhov
2003, and now after the accurate 1 9 ...1!Nf6N
20.1!Nxa7 1!Nb2! Black has the better chances.
1 3.d5
This is the only sideline of any real
significance.
1 3 ... lDa6!
This simple and strong idea should give
Black a good game.
1 4.!!xb7 lDc5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
8
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White captures a pawn, but Black can
immediately do the same thing in return:
6
5
13 ....Lf3 14..Lf3 .ixd4
4
A well-prepared Griinfeld player should have
a relatively easy life from here. White's two
main options are AI) 15.e5 and A2) 1 5..ib4.
3
2
I
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ..ig5?!
1 84
8.8:b 1
This has seldom been seen, and looks rather
risky for White.
1 5 ... e5 16.1Mfcl lDa6
It will not be easy for White to obtain
compensation for the pawn.
1 7.i.e7?
A better try was 1 7.i.f6N 1Mfe6 1 8.1Mfg5 1Mfc6
1 9.8:d7 lDc5 20.8:d5 when White has good
chances to hold.
The present position was reached in
Matthiesen - Antonsen, Silkeborg 2009. At
this point Black should have played:
8
7
5
4
3
2
b
c
d
e
f
g
Theory and practice have demonstrated that
Black should have no problems here.
16.gxe7
Other moves also fail to threaten Black:
After: 1 6.i.g5 8:fd8 1 7.1Mfb l 1Mfxb l 1 8.8:bxb l
(the alternative 1 8.8:fxb l N lDc5 leads to
equality after both 1 9.8:xe7 8:ab8= and
1 9.8:7b4 8:ac8 20.i.xe7 lDd3=) 1 8 . . . 8:ab8
1 9.ixe7 8:xb l 20.8:xb l 8:b8 it was White who
had to think about equalizing in Haroutjunian
- Davtian, Yerevan 1 996.
1 6.ie3 i.xe3 17.fxe3 8:ad8 1 8 .1Mfal 1Mfxal
1 9.8:xal lDc5 20.8:xe7 It is obvious that
Black should have no problem holding
this endgame; the clearest path seems to
be 20 . . . 8:fe8 2 1 .8:axa7 8:xe7 22.8:xe7 'it>f8
23.8:a7 8:e8 24.i.d5 8:e7 when a draw was
agreed in Kerkvliet - Rodriguez, e-mail
2000.
6
a
1 5...ttla6
h
17 ... 8:fb8!N
Exchanging the opponent's best piece.
18.8:xb8t 8:xb8+
Black retains a healthy extra pawn.
8
7
6
5
AI) 1 5.e5
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
4
I6... gad8 17.1Mfe2
3
The alternatives are unimpressive, for
instance:
1 7.1Mfel lDc5 1 8 .i.e3 lDd3
There is also nothing wrong with the solid
1 8 . . . lDe6.
1 9.1Mfe2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 1 5 - l l ..id2 Wfxa2 - Introduction and other 1 3th Moves
185
18..ig5 Wfxe2 19 .ixe2 he7 20.he7 �c7
2 1..ixd8 !!xd8
8
•
7
The endgame was level in Cech - Konopka,
Czech Republic 2005.
6
5
A2) 15 ..tb4
4
3
8
2
7
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
6
1 9 ...Wfa3!?
It seems that Black was not content with
the drawn endgame which could have
arisen after 1 9 ... Wfxe2 20 ..ixe2 .ixe3 2 l .fxe3
a5.
20..ixd4 !!xd4 2 l .!!b7 !!e8
The e5-pawn is a clear target.
22.Wfe3?!
Correct was 22 . .id5N !!e7 23.!!b8t 'tt> g7
24.Wff3 !!f4 25.Wfg3 with a balanced
position.
22 ... Wfc5 23.!!b5 Wfxb5 24.Wfxd4 tt:lxe5
25.Wfxa7 tt:lxf3t 26.gxf3 WfgSt 27.\t>h l Wff4
White was unable to defend this slightly
inferior but objectively drawish position in
Ochkoos - McTavish, Toronto 1 993.
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 J�d8
.•
In my opinion this is a much easier solution
than 1 5 ... tt:lc6.
16.Wfcl
The next two moves look pretty forced.
16 ... �a6 17.he7 gac8
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17.. .ic5
.
In one game Black played 1 7...!!fe8, which
also seems perfectly adequate.
1
a
18.Wff4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 86
8.E1b l
This was White's choice in all five games
in which this position appeared. A queen
exchange gives White nothing: 1 8."\Wb 1 "Wxb 1
1 9.!'!:fxb 1 !'!:e8 20.!'!:d7 tLlc5 2 l .!'!:xd4 !'!:xe7=
From this position White has two options.
BI) I4Jlxb7 is harmless according to current
theory, but there are a number oflines that need
to be studied. The main line is B2) 14.d5.
Bl) I4Jhb7
18 �c5 19.hd8
•••
1 9.ixc5 ixc5 20.ig4 !'!:c6! is absolutely
equal, for instance 2 1 .e5 !'!:d2 22. "Wh6 !'!:dB
and here White found nothing better than a
repetition with 23."1Wf4 !'!:d2 24."\Wh6 in Petzold
- Krueger, corr. 2004.
19 �xb7 20..if6 h:£6 2I .Yfxf6
8
7
6
5
•••
4
8
3
7
2
6
1
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
As said, present theory considers this line
harmless for Black, but there are some lines
that need to be studied and memorized.
3
2
I4 Jlab8
••
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2I. Yfe6
••
This is the most �ccurate route to equality.
Black should begin by challenging his
opponent's active rook. White can choose
between Bll) 15J�xb8 and BI2) 15J:!:c7.
Bll) 15J::!:xb8 gxb8
22.Vfd4 Vfb6 23.Yfxb6 axb6
The endgame was balanced in Ding - Negi,
Subic Bay 2009.
8
7
B) 13 .ie3
•
Until a few years ago this was considered one
of the most dangerous lines at White's disposal,
and was the first choice of some leading
experts, most notably Boris Gelfand. Later in
the chapter we will see how a discovery in 2006
caused a re-evaluation of the entire variation.
13 .. .ti:�c6
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
187
Chapter 1 5 - l l .id2 '1Wxa2 - Introduction and other 1 3th Moves
16.h3
Obviously 1 6.d5 ltle5 cannot promise White
much, for instance: 1 7.lt:ld2 .ixe2 1 8.Wfxe2 a5
(I also like 1 8 ...Wla3N 1 9.f4 lt:ld3=) 1 9.�c l
a4 Black has a nice position, though after
20.W/a6 White's well-timed counterplay was
enough to maintain the balance in N. White
- Normando, e-mail 2006.
16....ixf3 17.i.xf3 e6!?
With this move Black anticipates the d5push, which would otherwise have left him
with a potentially weak pawn on e7.
I must stress that Black also has the option
of 17 ... �d8 transposing directly to line B 12
below, the only difference being in the move
numbering. From a practical perspective this
option may well be the better choice, as it
enables the reader to learn one line instead of
two. Nevertheless I decided to provide coverage
of the text move in order to demonstrate some
of the interesting developments which may
occur, and I will leave it to the reader to decide
which option he prefers.
Before moving on, it is worth pointing out
that 17 . . . lt:lxd4?? 1 8 ..ixd4 �d8 does not work
due to 1 9.Wla 1 ! +-.
8
7
Another option is:
1 8.e5 lt:le7N
This is my new idea, which seems like the
most natural choice to me. The knight is
heading for f5, from where it can eliminate
White's dark-squared bishop.
In the only practical encounter Black opted
for 1 8 ... lt:lb4 1 9.Wla1 a6, Drummond Berkley, e-mail 200 1 . Black's position should
be tenable, but his defensive task might be
unpleasant.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19.Wla1
This is the only reasonable idea for White.
1 9 ...Wlxa 1
In the event of 19 ...�b2? 20.Wfxa2 �xa2
2 1 .�b 1 ! Black experiences definite problems.
20.�xa1 ltl f5
In return for the sacrificed pawn, Black ensures
a transition to an opposite-coloured bishop
endgame which should be easy to hold.
2 1 .�xa7
6
5
4
3
2
a
18.d5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
188
8.E:b l
21 ... h5!?
It is hard to believe that White has any
real winning chances after the primitive
2 1 .. .lt:lxe3 22 .fxe3 .ih6 23.E:a3 E:b2.
Nevertheless the text move seems slightly
more accurate as it secures the future of
Black's dark-squared bishop on the c l -h6
diagonal. Another obvious point is that any
g4-advance will lead to a pawn exchange
which will bring the game closer to a draw.
Here is an illustrative line:
22 ..ie4 lt:lxe3 23.fxe3 E:b3 24.d5 .ixe5 25.dxe6
fxe6 26. i>f2 g5
The position is equal.
Also 20 ... exd5 2 l .exd5 E:b2 22 ..ie4 E:d2 was
sufficient to maintain the balance, as indicated
by Ftacnik.
2l.d6
Less challenging is 2 l .dxe6?! Wfxe6+ when the
passed a-pawn could cause a serious headache
for White.
21...gd2 22.VHb1
8
7
6
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
3
a
2
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22...YHa4!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18. .�e5 19..tg5
.
In the event of 1 9.dxe6N it is important to
insert the minor piece exchange: 1 9 . . . lt:lxf3t!
(In ChessBase Magazine 66 Ftacnik gave
1 9 ... fxe6?! 20 ..ie2 Wfa3 as equal, but
in fact the position after' 2 l .Wfc2 Wfb2
22 .Wfc7! is extremely unpleasant for Black.)
20.Wfxf3 fxe6= Black has nothing to worry
about, but this is still probably White's best
option.
19.. h6!
.
Thanks to this accurate move Black will not
have to worry about his back rank.
Black correctly assesses that his strong knight
will restrain White's seemingly dangerous
pawn, while it is not so clear how White should
handle the a-pawn.
Black could have reached an easy draw by
means of 22 ... '\Wxb l 23.E:xb l lt:lc4 24.E:b8t
'ifih7 25 .E:b7 lt:lxd6 26 ..ixd6 E:xd6 as pointed
out by Ftacnik.
23.YHb8t?
A mistake in a difficult situation. The only
way to maintain the balance was 23.'\We l !N
after which Black has several satisfactory
responses including 23 ...E:d4, 23 . . . Wfa2,
23 ...Wfd4 and 23 ... lt:lxf3t 24.gxf3 Wfd4. Each of
these moves is fine, but none of them promises
any more than an equal game after correct
play.
1 89
Chapter 1 5 - 1 l .�d2 'Wxa2 - Introduction and other 1 3th Moves
23 �h7 24.'Wc7 'Wd4+
•••
Black had the more dangerous passed pawn
and the safer king in Wells - Rowson, London
1 998.
Bl2) 15J�c7
2 1 .�xf6 exf6 Thanks to the structural change,
White's e-pawn finds itself restrained. 22.'Wd4
l:'!b8 Black has no problems and he even
gained the better chances after 23.�d 1 l:'!b2
24.�a4 a5+ in Chernin - Stohl, Hungary
1 998.
20 �c4 21.�g5 ges 22.gel
8
.•.
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
1 5.. JUc8 16J:!:xc8t l::!:xc8
Compared with the previous variation, the
position of the black rook on c8 instead of b8
leads to some differences, although the overall
evaluation remains similar.
17.h3
One game continued: 1 7.l''!e l lt'lb4 1 8.h3
This was Schandorff - Akesson, Skaenninge
1 998. At this point there is no need for Black
to trade his light-squared bishop, and instead
he should prefer 1 8 ... �d7N 19.'Wa 1 a5 with a
balanced game.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22 e6
•.•
Black can also consider the more double­
edged 22 ... a5!? as in Hedlund - Cipolli, corr.
2002.
23.ge2 'Wb3 24.dxe6 gxe6 25.gc2 ltld6
26.gc6
8
7
6
t7...ha ts.ha gds!
This is a key move in this line, which forces
White to advance his d-pawn. Compared
with line B 1 1 above, the slower 1 8 ...e6 is less
attractive when the black rook does not have a
clear view of an open file.
19.d5 ltle5 20.'Wcl
20.�g5 �f6! This is often a strong positional
idea, as the doubled pawns will not be weak.
5
4
3
2
a
b
C
26... h5! 27.�e3
d
e
f
g
h
190
8.:B:b l
Black had no problems and the players
agreed a draw in Khalifman - Stohl, Germany
1 997.
20 ..ixa8 :B:xa8+ Black's chances are better as
his connected queenside pawns might tell in
the long term.
B2) 14.d5
B21) 1 5 ..ic5
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
14...tll a5
15 ...if6
We have reached a serious tabiya, from which
a considerable number of games have been
contested between high-level grandmasters.
White's two main options are B21) 1 5..ic5
and B22) 15 ..ig5 .
This seems rather provocative, but it is a
tried and tested route to solid equality. Black
could also consider 1 5 ... b6!? as it is doubtful
that White has anything better than 16 .ixe7
transposing to line B22 below.
1 5 .:B:b4 has occurred in a few games. The
logical 1 5 . . . b6 1 6.e5 was played in Bolduc ­
Barbeau, Montreal 2006, and now Black has a
simple solution:
16.e5
.
8
7
•
Another idea is the thematic rook lift:
16.:B:b4
This not only threatens :B:a4 but also prepares
e4-e5, hitting the g4-bishop along the fourth
rank.
16 ... :B:fc8! 1 7.:B:a4 "!Wb3 1 8.:B:xa5
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16 ....ixf3N 17 ..ixf3 .ixe5 1 8.:B:a4 "!Wb2 1 9.d6
.ixd6 (I 9 ... :B:ad8!? also deserves attention)
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
191
Chapter 1 5 - l l .�d2 '\Wxa2 - Introduction and other 1 3th Moves
1 8 . . .'\Wxd 1
Black can even try 1 8 ... '\Wc3!?N 1 9J'ha7
'\Wxc5 20.E:xb7 E:a2� when he should hold
easily.
1 9.E:xd l b6 20.�xe7 �xe7 2 1 .1:'1:a2
2 1 .E:a6 runs into 2l ...E:c2.
2 1 . . .aS 22.E:b 1
This position occurred in Tanggaard - Cu.
Hansen, corr. 1 998, and here I like the
following active idea:
1 7.h3 �xf3 1 8.�xf3 E:ae8 1 9.1:'1:e1 was seen
in Rodriguez - Mueller, e-mail 2002. Here I
propose the natural improvement 19 ... ll:l c4N
20.E:xb7 �d6 2 1 .E:xa7 '\Wd2 with full equality.
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
3
2
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l?.. L£3 IS.i.x£3
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22 ... a4!N
White's best response is:
23.�b5 �xf3 24.gxf3 a3 25 .�c6
After 25 .e5 E:c3! 26.f4 �c5 Black is out of
danger.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
From this position Peter Leko demonstrated a
clear path to equality in two different games.
18 ... E:ae8! 19.La7 b5
Defending against E:a4.
20.'\We2
The first encounter continued 20.E:xb5
lt:lc4 21 .'\We2 '\Wxa7 22.'\Wxc4 E:c8 when the
position was marginally more pleasant for
Black, although White held it easily enough in
Krasenkow - Leko, Madrid 1 998.
h
25 ... E:xc6! 26.dxc6 �c5
The c6-pawn will soon perish, so Black is
absolutely safe.
1 6...Le5 17.1:'1:b4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
192
8J!b l
20 ...�xe2 21.Axe2 c!Llc4
16.Axe7 gfe8 17.d6 c!Llc6 18 ..ib5
White's 'improvement' has brought him
very little.
White's latest attempt here was:
1 8.'Wcl 'Wxe2 1 9.'Wxc6 !'!ec8! 20.'Wd5 i.e6
22..ic5 c!Lld6 23.Axb5 gbs 24..ic6 gxb4
25.Lb4 gbs
8
7
The position is equal and the players soon
agreed a draw in Van Wely - Leko, Tilburg
1 998.
6
5
4
B22) 15 ..ig5
3
2
8
b
a
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
For a time this was considered one of the
most challenging lines of the entire 8.!'!b1
system, but according to current theory it has
been rendered harmless by the following idea:
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 l .'Wb7
In the event of 2 l .'Wd l 'Wxd l 22.!'!fxdl
Black can block his opponent's passed pawn
with 22 . . . i.d7! followed by advancing his
own queenside pawns. This type of position
might easily become dangerous for White.
2 l . . .!'!cb8 22.'Wc6 !'!c8 23.'Wa4?
White should have settled for a repetition
with 23.'Wb7.
23 ...'Wc2! 24.'Wxc2 !'!xc2 25.e5 i.d7
The white position is still not so bad, but
over the next few moves he goes further
astray.
26.tt:lel ?! !'!c4 27.f4 b5 28.!'!b2 a5+
Bacrot - Svidler, Marseille 20 1 0.
15 ...b6!
This is Black's latest word in this line, and one
ofthe key factors in my decision to recommend
the scheme beginning with 9 . . . cxd4.
8
7
6
The main move used to be 15 .. .'\Wa3, after
which 16.!'!e l reaches an extremely complex
position from which I once won a nice game
with thewhite pieces: 1 6 ... b6 1 7.e5 !'!ad8 1 8.d6
exd6 19 .i.xd8 !'!xd8 20. ttJ g5! if5 2 l .!'!cl ±
Avrukh - Ruck, Gothenburg 2005. Later
Black managed to find some improvements,
nevertheless the text move has taken over as
his clear first choice.
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
193
Chapter 1 5 - 1 1 .id2 '!Wxa2 - Introduction and other 1 3th Moves
18 )Lhe7!
23JUel id4 24.:abdl '!We5 25.:ad3
•.
This sacrifice is the key idea which justifies
Black's 1 5 th move. It has been played twice
against Boris Gelfand, the world's leading
expert on the white side of these positions. In
order to demonstrate the validity of Black's
concept, I need only mention that Boris scored
just half a point from these two games, and has
since abandoned 8.E!:b1 entirely.
19.h3
The first game continued: 1 9.i.xe8 E!:xe8
20.dxe7
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
25 :ac7!?N
•..
25 ... a5 led to an eventual victory for Black in
Gelfand - Shirov, Odessa 2007, but I consider
the immediate rook activation to be a slight
improvement.
26.E!:edl :ac4 27.'1We2 b5i
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20...Wi'a3! (Necessary prophylaxis, since
20 ... E!:xe7?! runs into the unpleasant 2 l .Wi'd8t
if8 22.E!:al .) 2 l .h3 ixf3 22.Wi'xf3 Wi'xf3
23.gxf3 E!:xe7= The players soon agreed a draw
in Gelfand - Van Wely, Wijk aan Zee 2006.
Black is in no danger as he can restrain his
opponent's pawns with a subsequent ... ie5
and, if necessary, ... g5.
19 ...ha 20.Y:Y:x::f3
This was Gelfand's attempted improvement.
Once again Black must give up the exchange,
but we will see that his compensation is entirely
adequate.
20 '1We6 21.he8 :axeS 22.dxe7 :axe7
.••
Black's powerful bishop and connected
passed pawns give him a full share of the
chances.
Black's chances are not worse in this double­
edged position.
Conclusion
The variation beginning with the moves
1 l .id2 Wi'xa2 1 2.0-0 is one of the richest
battlegrounds in all of chess theory, and can
lead to fantastically complex play. Several
different lines have jumped in and out of
fashion over the years, as players on both
sides struggled to navigate the complications.
In the year 20 1 1 the scheme beginning with
1 2 . . .ig4 has become established as the clear
front-runner, in connection with the line B22)
1 5.ig5 b6! leading to a promising exchange
sacrifice for Black. At the time of writing this
plan has defied all ofWhite's attempts to fight
for an advantage, and is responsible for the
widespread decline of the 8.E!:b 1 system.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
13 .ig5
Variation Index
l .d4 lLJf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 d5 4.cxd5 tDxdS 5.e4 lLlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 ?.lLJ £3 c5
8J�b1 0-0 9 ..ie2 cxd4 1 0.cxd4 YMaSt 1 l ..id2 YMxa2 1 2.0-0 .ig4 1 3 ..ig5
13 ...h6
195
1 96
1 98
1 98
201
A) 14.he7
B) 14..ih4
C) 14..ie3 lLl c6
C1) 1 5.:Sxb7
C2) 15.d5
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 6 ... lLlxc5N
Cl) after 26.l"1d l
C l ) note to 17 ...�d7
A) after 1 6.�c5
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
22 ...lLlxf3tN
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
26 ... l"1e2N+
g
h
h
195
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 ..tg5
l.d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3Jt�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 ttlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.ttlf3 c5 SJ::lb l 0-0
9.Ae2 cxd4 10.cxd4 Ylfa5t l l..ld2 Ylfxa2
12.0-0 .ig4 13..ig5
1 5... �d7!?
I rather like this rare move, although the
more common 1 5 ... �c6 is also quite reliable,
as shown in the game Kramnik - Kasparov,
Novgorod 1 994.
8
16.Ac5
7
Another encounter continued 1 6 ..tb4 E:xe4
1 7.E:e l .txf3 1 8 ..txf3 E:xd4 19.'Mfcl 'Lle5+
when Black was a pawn up for very little,
Hultin - Ernst, GaU$dal 1 9 9 1 .
6
5
4
Th e present position was reached i n Tolkmitt ­
Schwenck, corr. 1 997. Here I like the following
simple idea:
3
2
16 ... �xc5N 17.dxc5 E:ad8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This natural move has been White's most
popular choice.
From here I have only found one reasonable
response for White.
8
13...h6
We have reached our first crossroads, where
White can choose between A) 14..ixe7,
B) 14..lh4 and C) 14 ..ie3. The first is harmless
but the other two demand careful study.
7
6
5
4
A) 14..ixe7
3
This was once used by Kramnik but it should
not trouble Black.
2
14..J��e8 15J��xb7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18.E:e7!?
8
7
Obviously after 1 8.'Mfb3 'Mfxb3 1 9.l:!xb3
E:xe4 White will have to fight for a draw.
6
18 E:xdl 19.E:xe8t �h7 20..ixdl
..•
White has a slight material advantage, but
after the next accurate move it becomes clear
that Black is at least equal.
5
4
3
20.. ..le6!
2
Black will soon capture the c-pawn and will
shortly thereafter start advancing his a-pawn.
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 96
8.:i:!b l
this and one subsequent game that reached
the same position, I would not recommend
following this path.
B) 14..ih4
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14. g5!
..
Analysis and tournament practice have
established this as the right direction.
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
18.ic7
White's hopes are mainly connected with
this move, although the following alternative
is not bad:
1 8.d6
I analysed this idea myself, before discovering
that it had been played in a correspondence
game.
1 8 ....ixf3 1 9 ..ixf3
Dubious is 1 9.gxf3?! tt:ld4 20 ..id3 e5! when
White will lose his d-pawn.
1 9 ...WI'a6 20.WI'b 1 .ie5
8
7
6
5
4
3
8
2
7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 e6!
...
This has only occurred in a few games, but it
came under the spotlight when Anand used it
against Kramnik in 2009.
For a long time 17 ... f5 was considered Black's
main continuation, but to me it seems rather
shaky due to the following line: 1 8.Ek7! fxe4
1 9 Jhc6 exf3 20 ..ic4! Wl'a3 2 1 .:i:!e1 Shulman ­
Votava, Pardubice 1 999. Although Black drew
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 1 .:i:!d1
2 1 .d7 .ixg3 22.hxg3 tt:le5 23.:i:!d1 Wl'c6
24.:1!xa7 :i:!xd7 reaches the same position.
197
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3.ig5
2 l . ..�xg3 22.hxg3 tLle5 23.d7 \Wc6 24J:!xa7
:B:xd7
White's last chance to cause problems is:
25.:B:dxd7 tLl xd7 26.e5
But Black has an easy solution.
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
20.dxc6!?
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
The queen sacrifice is interesting, but Black
manages to keep everything under control.
h
26 ...\Wb6!= 27.\Wxb6 lLlxb6 28.�h5
A draw was agreed in Zeihser - Aleksandrov,
corr. 20 1 0.
It is important to point out the line 20.d6N
\Wa6! 2 1 .:B:b l tLld4 when Black is doing fine,
with ...�e5 coming next.
20.\Wb l ! ?
This was White's choice in the most recent
game to reach the position.
20 ...\Wxb l 2 l .:B:fxb l
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18 .lxf3!
...
This was Anand's new approach, which
has rehabilitated the 17 ... e6 line for Black.
Previously 1 8 ... exd5 had been seen, but after
1 9.�xd8 :B:xd8 20.exd5 :B:xd5 2 1 .\Wel ! Black
was suffering in Lechtynsky - Mankeyev,
Olomouc 2007.
19 .lxf3 gd7
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2l ...:B:c8!N
In the game Black blundered with
2 l .. .exd5? 22.�g4! f5 23.�xf5 :B:e7 24.exd5
:B:xf5 25.dxc6 :B:e6 26.:B:b8t 'it>h7 27.�d6!
and White won easily, Gareev - Bykhovsky,
Berkeley 20 1 1 .
22.�g3
22.d6 ie5=
198
8.l:!b l
22 . . J'l:xb7 23.l:!xb7 llJd4
Black has no problems in the endgame.
position is dangerous for both sides, although
ultimately it should still be balanced.
20.. -l:�xdl 2l.gxdl
26..ic7 :axd7 27.hb6 :axdl t 28..ixdl axb6
29.i>fl
A draw was agreed in Kramnik - Anand,
Moscow 2009.
8
7
C) 14..ie3
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2l...�c2 22..id6 g4!
This important resource diverts the bishop
away from the h l -a8 diagonal.
4
3
2
a
23.i.xg4 �xc6 24J�c7 �b6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The position is the same as in variation B of
the previous chapter, except that Black's pawn
is on h6 instead ofh7, which could potentially
benefit either player. The pawn move may have
loosened the black kingside, but on the other
hand White does not have the use of the g5square for his pieces.
8
7
6
5
4
I4 �c6
•..
3
Once again White can choose between CI)
15.:axb7 and C2) 15.d5.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
25J�d7!
Without this White would simply be worse.
2s ...gds
This was certainly the safest practical
decision. In the event of 25 ... l:!c8 26.i.h5 the
CI) 15.:axb7
Here we should play by analogy with line B 1
of the previous chapter.
1 5...:aab8 I6.gxb8
The alternative is 1 6.l:!c7 !!feB 1 7 .l:!xc8t
!!xeS 1 8 .h3 i.xf3 1 9.i.xf3 transposing to the
note to Black's 1 7th move below.
199
Chapter 1 6 - 13.i.g5
16.. J:txb8 17.h3
17 .d5 lt:\e5 1 8 .h3 is unimpressive, despite
having yielded two victories for White from
two games. Black should play 1 8...i.xf3
1 9 ..ixf3 as in Bouma - Erkens, corr. 2004,
and now after the simple 1 9... a5!N+ White
will have to worry about the strong pawn.
8
7
6
5
4
3
20 ... a5
Mter the inaccurate 20 . . . �h7?! 2 l .Wfc7 l:!d7
22.Wfc8 Wfc4 23.Wfe8! White obtained a
serious advantage in Gelfand - Kamsky, Dos
Hermanas 1 995.
However, Black could consider 2 1 . . .lt:\c4!?N
with the possible continuation: 22 ..ixh6
.ixh6 23.Wfxh6 lt:\d2 24.l:!d 1 (24.l:!e1 should
be met by 24 . . .l:!b8 when Black has enough
counterplay) 24 ... lt:\xf3t 25.gxf3 Wfe2 26.l:!a1
Wfxf3 27.Wfe3 Wfxe3 28.fxe3 l:!d7 29.l:!a6 f5
30.l:!xg6t 'kt>f7 3 1 .exf5 l:!xd5 32.e4 l:!e5 The
endgame is an easy draw.
2 l .Wfc7 l:!e8 22 ..if4
This position was reached in Arun Prasad
- Negi, Nagpur 2008, and here I found an
improvement:
2
8
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
17....td7
Black has a second decent line available. Even
if the reader prefers the positions which occur
in the main line, it is still essential to check
the following, as White can more or less force
a transposition to it by choosing the 1 6.:!'k7
move order as noted above.
1 7 ....ixf3 1 8 ..ixf3 l:!d8
Play closely resembles line B2 1 of the
previous chapter. The pawn on h6 leads to
some differences, but the overall evaluation
remains balanced.
1 9.d5 lt:\e5 20.Wfcl
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22 ... lt:\ xf3tN 23.gxf3 Wfb3 24.'kt>g2 a4 25.Wfd7
l:!a8 26.Wfxe7 a3 27.d6
Mter 27..ie5 a2 28 ..ixg7 'kt>xg7 29.'We5t
'kt>g8� Black is at least not worse as his
a-pawn is powerful.
27 ...Wfb8
Black should make an easy draw here.
18.d5
7
The tame 1 8 ..id3?! was played in San
Segundo - Azmaiparashvili, Madrid 1 996.
Here Black missed an opportunity to seize the
initiative with 1 8 ... a5!N, for instance 1 9,.if4
l:!b2 20 ..icl l:!b7+ and Black's position is more
promising.
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
8.!!b l
200
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
b
a
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
18...�e5!
A well-timed pawn sacrifice.
19..if4
1 9.lt:\xe5 .ixe5 20.f4
So far nobody has risked capturing the
unimportant h6-pawn, and indeed after
20 ..ixh6 a5!� Black's passed pawn starts to
run very quickly.
20 ....ig7 2 1 .e5
This looks tempting but it weakens the d5pawn, and in the following game Black was
able to make good use of this fact.
c
d
e
f
g
h
25 ... 13b3N
Obviously White should draw from here,
but from a practical point of view his position
is mildly unpleasant.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19 . �b2
.
.
This good positional move maintains
control over the e5-square. Another idea is
1 9 . . .lt:\xf3tN 20 ..ixf3 13b2 when Black should
also be fine.
20.�cl g5 2I ..ixe5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 1 . . ..ia4! 22.'?9e l .ib3! 23 ..if3 .ixd5 24 ..ixd5
'?9xd5 25 .ixa7
At this point the players agreed a draw in
Haveland - Lohmann, e-mail 2002, but it
would have been worth playing on a little
longer for Black. I would suggest:
As Gelfand pointed out in ChessBase
Magazine 54, both 2 I ..ig3 13c8 22.'?9xb2
tt:lxf3t 23 ..ixf3 .ixb2 24.13bl 13cl t 25 .13xcl
.ixc l , and 2 1 .tt:lxe5 .ixe5 22.'?9xb2 13xb2
23 ..ixe5 13xe2 24.f3 f5 lead to roughly equal
endgames.
2I ....ixe5 22.1�he5 �xe5 23.�al :E:b2
20 1
Chapter 1 6 - 1 3 .�g5
Up to this point both sides have played
logically, but now White went slightly astray.
15...ttla5
This must be the correct decision.
I do not like 1 5 . . .�xf3? 1 6.�xf3 ltJeS since
after 1 7J'!:xb7 e6 1 8.Wfe2! Black is in trouble,
for instance: 1 8 ... ttJxf3t 1 9.Wfxf3 exd5 20.exd5
aS 2 1 .d6 I found five examples of this position
in my database, but even without any further
investigation it is clear that White's d-pawn
is extremely dangerous and Black will need a
miracle to escape.
8
7
6
5
4
3
16..ic5 b6!
2
24 .. J�xe2 25.Yfxd7 gxe4 26.gdl
On this occasion Black should avoid the
path of line B21 of the previous chapter, as
the position of the pawn on h6 instead of h7
proves to be a liability: 16 ... �f6?! 1 7.e5 �xe5
1 8J::l:b4 .ixf3 1 9 ..ixf3 l::!:ae8 Here White has
ideas such as 20 . .ie3!, threatening !!a4 while
targeting the h6-pawn. Black is under some
pressure.
Gelfand - J. Polgar, Novgorod 1996. Here
Black should have tried:
17.he7
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
24.Vfxa7?!
Correct was 24.�h5N when the position
remains equal.
26...ge2Ni
White should of course be able to hold this
position, but he will have to tread carefully for
a few more moves.
We have almost transposed to line B22 of
the previous chapter, except for the inclusion
of the move ... h7-h6 which actually benefits
Black in this instance.
17 ... gfe8 18.d6 �c6 19.Ab5 ttlxe7
C2) 15.d5
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White has tried a couple of ideas here:
8.E:b l
202
20.h3
20..ixe8 !he8 2 l .dxe7
Once again Black's most accurate move is:
2l .. .'�a3!
Just as in the note to White's 1 9th move in
line B22 of the previous chapter. I would
like to draw your attention to one additional
possibility afforded to Black by the extra
move ... h7-h6.
22.h3 .ie6!?
There is nothing wrong with 22 ...ixf3 as
played in the Gelfand - Van Wely game (with
the pawn on h7), but the idea of keeping the
bishop pair also seems attractive. Here is one
illustrative example:
23.lt:\d4 1lNxe7 24.lt:\xe6 1lf1xe6 25.E:el a6!
With this important move Black slowly
starts to advance his queenside pawns.
26.E:cl b5 27.1lf1d2 E:b8
The position is dynamically balanced,
Alferov - Bobel, e-mail 2008.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black should be fine here, as illustrated by
the following game:
25.Y;Ya3 a5 26.Y;Ye3 '!Wxe4 27.l:lxb6 i.d4
2S.Y;Yxe4 l::!:xe4 29.a:a6 a4 30.g3 i.b2 3I.:adl
a3
Black made an easy draw in Leupold Lahdenmaeki, e-mail 20 1 0.
Conclusion
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20 ... Lf3 2I.Y;Yx£3 l::!: ec8!?
There is nothing wrong with 2 I ...'Ilf1e6 as
recommended in the position with the pawn
on h7, but once again the pawn on h6 gives
Black an additional possibility.
22.dxe7 Y;Ye6 23.e8=Y;Yt a:xe8 24 ..L:e8 a:xe8
We have reached the end of our investigation
into the fascinating 8.E:b l system. 13.ig5 has
been White's main line in terms of popularity,
but the resolute 1 3 . . . h6 has proven a reliable
counter, against which White has tested three
replies. A) I 4.ixe7 is not really a serious move
and after my recommended solution Black
can soon fight for the advantage. B) I4 ..ih4
is more challenging, but unless White can
find a serious improvement over the Kramnik
- Anand game from 2009, he will have no
chance of an advantage here. Finally C) 14 ..ie3
is a good move which closely resembles line B
of the previous chapter. Overall Black should
be doing fine here, although he should study
both sets of positions thoroughly in order to
appreciate the pluses and minuses of the extra
... h7-h6 move.
7.Ac4
a
b
c
d
e
f
Various 9th and 1Oth Moves
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.c4
7... c5 8.�e2 � c6
A) 9.d5
B) 9.i.e3 0-0
Bl) IO.h4
B2) I O.�bl
B3) IO.�cl cxd4 l l .cxd4 V:Va5t!
B3 1) 12.V:Vd2
B32) 12.i.d2
B33) 12.@fl V:Va3!
B33 1) 13.V:Vb3
B332) 13.V:Vd2
B333) 13.�c3
B3 1 ) after 1 4.l"lhd l
204
205
205
206
207
207
207
208
208
209
210
B333) note to 1 5.f3
B32) after 1 4.Wfb3
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 4 ... b5!N
g
h
g
h
7.ic4
204
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.c!Llc3 dS 4.cx:d5 �xdS
S.e4 c!Llxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ic4 cS
A) 9.d5
This definitely shouldn't pose Black any
problems, although it is useful to have a little
knowledge of what to do.
9 �a5 10 .ib5t .id7
.•.
•
The exchange of light-squared bishops
combined with the black knight coming to
the c4-square is liable to be very good for
Black.
1 1.�a4
White has a couple of other ways to defend
his d-pawn:
In one game White tried: 1 1 .a4 0-0 1 2.0-0
b6 ( 1 2 ... c4, 1 2 ... e6 and 1 2 .. .f5!? are all playable
alternatives) 1 3 ..ig5 .ixb5 1 4.axb5 Wid?
1 5.:B:b l e6 1 6.W/d3 exd5 1 7.exd5 :B:fe8 Black's
position was slightly preferable in Komljenovic
- Herrera, Malaga 2002.
8. ttJ f3 transposes to line A of Chapter 1 2.
1 1 . b6 12.0-0 a6 13.hd7t �xd7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
s.c!Lle2
•.
In my opinion 8 ..ie3 is a slightly inaccurate
move order, since 8 . . . 4J c6 9.4Je2 is just a
transposition to line B, while Black is allowed
an extra option in 8 . . .'Wa5.
8
7
6
5
a
4
14.�c2
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
As usual, the endgame is very comfortable
for Black: 1 4.W/xd7t c;t>xd7 1 5 .:B:b1 ltJc4
16.f4 b5+ Muci Kuechler - Vargas Solano,
Hermosillo 2002.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We shall take a brief look at A) 9.d5 before
turning to the usual B) 9..ie3.
14 0-0 15 .ig5 �c4 16.a4 eS
•.•
•
The immediate 16 ... b5!? is also fine for
Black.
205
Chapter 1 7 - Various 9th and 1 Oth Moves
17.Y¥b3 b5
Black had a comfortable game in Christiansen
- Gulko, Estes Park 1 987.
B) 9..ie3 0-0
cj;>xg7 2 1 .E:al '1Wb2 White's strategy had failed
and Black's advantage was undisputable in
Murey - Dvoirys, Cappelle Ia Grande 1 999.
15 .. J:Ud8 16.V¥d2 V¥a4 17..ih6 .ih8
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White now chooses from Bl) 10.h4, B2)
lOJ::�b l and B3) lOJ�cl.
Bl) 10.h4 Y¥a5 l l.<i!?fl b6
It's clearly favourable for Black to trade the
light-squared bishops.
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18.i.f8!!
White finds a brilliant idea; however it
seems to lead only to a forced draw! Previously
the same player had lost a game from this
position: 1 8.'1We3? cxd4 19.'1Wh3 dxc3 20.id2
ie5 21 .'\Wh?t cj;>fg 22.tt:lxc3 '1Wc2 White had
a hopeless position in Nikolaidis - lvanchuk,
Peristeri 20 10.
18...i.f6 19.Y¥h6 cxd4 20.f4! dxc3 2l.e5
tt:lxe5 22.fxe5 he5 23 .L:e7 E:dl t 24Jhdl
Y¥xdl t 25. <i!?fl
7
6
•
5
4
8
3
7
2
6
5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12.h5 .ia6 13.ha6 Y¥xa6 14.hxg6 hxg6
15.<i!?gl
An example I like is 1 5.f3 cxd4 16.cxd4
E:ac8 17.cj;>f2 tt:lb4! and Black takes over the
initiative: 1 8.E:b 1 E:c4 19.ih6 '1Wxa2 20.ixg7
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7.ic4
206
25...i.d4t 26.lthd4 f;Vxd4t 27.�f3 f;Vd5t
28.�fl f;Vd4t
As so often happens, all the crazy
complications have resulted in a perpetual
check, Nikolaidis - Banikas, Vrahati 20 1 0.
B2) IOJ:�bl cxd4 ll.cxd4 f;Va5t
1 2.'Wfd2
8
7
6
5
4
3
8
2
7
6
b
a
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We shall see the same reaction in line B3
after 1 0 .lk 1 .
12.i.d2
Other continuations for White are:
1 2.'tt> fl 'Wfa3!
This has not been the most popular option
here, but I cannot find any reason why not.
1 3.'Wfd2
The endgame with the white king on f1 can
be better only for Black: 13.'Wfcl Wfxc l t
(the standard 13 ... 'Wfd6!? is not bad either)
14Jl:xcl :B:d8 1 5 .d5 lLle5 16.ib3 b6 17.'tt>g l
ia6 18.lL!d4 :B:ac8 Black was slightly better in
Kwatschewsky - Wittmann, Beersheba 1 985.
1 3 ... :B:d8 14.f3
This was Hertneck - Golod, Bad Wiessee
2000. Black should now play:
1 4 ... lLla5N 1 5.id3 ie6
Black is planning ...ic4 with a nice game.
1 6.d5 ixd5! 1 7.exd5 :B:xd5 1 8.lL!f4 lL!c4
Black has a strong initiative.
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2 . . .E!:d8!N
There is no reason to rush with 12 ... 'W/xd2t
1 3.�xd2 E!:d8, as that gives White the
additional option of 1 4.E!:hd l .
13.id5
Exchanging queens on a5 does not benefit
White: 13.'Wfxa5 lL!xa5 14.id3 lL!c6! 1 5 .d5
lLle5 1 6.ic2 b6 Black will play ...ia6 next,
with the better chances.
1 3 ...'Wfxd2t
It is worth considering 1 3 ... E!:xd5!? 1 4.exd5
'Wfxd5 1 5 .0-0 b6 1 6.lL!f4 'Wfd6 1 7.d5 lLla5
1 8 .'Wfb4 ie5 with complex play.
1 4.\hd2 lLlxd4!
This equalizes comfortably.
1 5.lLlxd4
Black also has no problems after 1 5.ixd4 e6
1 6.ixb7 ixb7 1 7.E!:xb7 ixd4.
15 ... e6 1 6.ixb7 ixb? 1 7.E!:xb7 ixd4
The position is absolutely equal.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
207
Chapter 1 7 - Various 9th and 1 Oth Moves
12...ti'h5!N
This active square for the queen is best.
8
7
13 ..ie3
I also examined 1 3 ..ic3 Wl'g4! 14.lDg3
Wl'xd l t 1 5.!l:xdl .id7. Black will play ...:B:ac8
next, with an edge.
6
5
4
13 ti'g4 14.l2Jg3 ti'xdlt 1 5Jhdl .id7
3
The endgame is comfortable for Black.
2
..•
B3) IO.�cl c:x:d4 l l.c:x:d4 ti'a5t!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14....ixd4!N
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This check is Black's principal option. White
replies with B31) 12.ti'd2, B32) 12 .id2 or
•
B33) I2.<;f?fl.
I believe that capturing the d-pawn in this
way is an important nuance. In practice,
Black has always played 1 4... l2Jxd4 but White
maintains some pressure: 1 5 .lDxd4 .ixd4
1 6.c;!;>el (16 ..ixd4 :B:xd4t l ?.<;i;>e3 :B:xdl
18.:B:xdl .ig4 1 9.f3 :B:c8! was equal in Juptner
- Mikuev, Czech Republic 2000) 1 6 . . . e5
1 7 ..ixd4 exd4 1 8 ..id5 .ie6 This occurred in
lngersol - Krueger, Internet 2004, and here I
would be slightly worried by 1 9 ..ixe6N fxe6
20.�c7. Although it is probably tenable, Black
is doomed to passivity.
15.lthd4 �xd4 16.�c3
16 ..ixd4 :B:xd4t transposes to Juptner Mikuev in the previous note.
B31) 12.ti'd2 ti'xd2t 13.�xd2 �d8
16 ltlc6 17.�xd8t �xd8 IS.�dl �c6
19..id5 .ie6
••.
Quickly attacking the d4-pawn is always a key
idea when the white king is on d2.
Black has comfortable equality.
B32) 1 2 .id2 ti'h5
14.�hdl
1 4.d5 has been more popular, but it does
not look good: 1 4. . . e6 1 5 .lDc3 (after 1 5 .:B:hdl
lDa5 1 6.'it>el lDxc4 1 7.:B:xc4 exd5 1 8.exd5 b6!
the bishop pair gives Black the advantage)
1 5 ... lDa5+ White had serious problems with
his centre in Hohl - Niebergall, Budapest
2000.
•
This is my preference, although 1 2 ...WI'b6 may
well be good too.
13.d5
This looks to be the most challenging. After
1 3 ..ic3 Harmon - Dorn, San Francisco 1 974,
Black has the thematic 13 . . .WI'g4N 1 4.lDg3
208
7.ic4
'!Mfxd l t 1 5 .�xdl �d?+. We have reached the
same position as in the note to White's 13th
move of B2.
18.0-0 b4 19J�c6 Ad7 20J�c7 �Uds
Black is doing fine, with his bishop pair and
potential passed pawn on the queenside.
B33) 12.�fl
13 Jt�e5 14.VNb3
•.
A principal idea in this line; White will leave
his king on fl and try to launch an attack on
the black king with h4-h5 etc.
8
7
6
I2 VNa3!
.••
5
A remarkable move, which I would designate
as prophylactic! First of all Black prevents
1 3.h4, as then 1 3 ...ig4 is highly unpleasant
because f2-f3 would leave the bishop hanging
on e3. For the same reason the standard idea of
f2-f3 followed by �f2 is ruled out.
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
In two games where this position occurred,
Black now played 1 4 ... 1Mfh4, but it was far from
convincing. I felt obliged to find a new idea:
Some years ago, Black used to automatically
react with 1 2 ...id7 but then 1 3.h4 leads to
very complex play.
8
I4...b5!N 1 5.Ad3
Both ways of accepting the pawn sacrifice
are dangerous for White:
1 5 .�xb5 �b8 1 6.1Mfa4 (or 1 6.lt::l g3 1Mfh4
1 7.'1Mfa4 f5! with a serious initiative for Black)
1 6 ... a6 17.�c4 �d7 1 8.1Mfxa6 �a8 19.'1Mfb6
lt::l xc4 20.�xc4 �xa2 It is clear that Black's
initiative is worth more than just a pawn.
1 5 .1Mfxb5 a5! Black's bishop will join the game
from a6 with great effect. 1 6.lt::l g3 '1Mfh4 1 7.�e2
�a6 1 8.1Mfc5 �xe2 1 9.�xe2 �ab8 Black again
has long-term compensation, due to the
exposed white king.
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Now White's options are B331) 1 3.VNb3,
B332) 13.VNd2 and B333) 13.l::!:c3.
B33I) 13.VNb3 VNd6!
1 5 VNg4 I6.ttlg3 �xd3t 17.VNxd3 a5
..•
Black's plan is very simple; he just wants to
activate his light-squared bishop via the a6square. Play could continue:
Before Black found this move, there were quite
a few games in which he suffered in the slightly
passive endgame after 1 3 . . .1Mfxb3 14.�xb3.
Chapter 1 7 - Various 9th and 1 Oth Moves
209
B332) 13.¥Nd2 :gd8
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
1
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
2
14.e5
Equally common is 1 4.i.d5, after which
I like 1 4... tLla5 1 5.'Wb5 'Wb6! 1 6.'%Vxb6 axb6
1 7.f3 e6 1 8.i.b3 tLlxb3 1 9.axb3.
8
7
6
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
14.d5
After 1 4.h4 Black has the tactical blow
1 4 ... tLlxd4! 1 5.lthd4 i.xd4 16.h5 McDonough
- Masse, Montreal 2004. Here Black missed a
very strong move:
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This occurred in Atalik- Rytshagov, Cappelle
Ia Grande 1 997, and here the following
improvement is very logical: 1 9 ...i.d7N
20.'tt> f2 !!a3 2 I .b4 i.b5 22.!!a1 !!b3 23J:l:hb 1
!!xb1 24J:l:xb 1 !!c8 25.!!cl !!xcl 26.tLlxcl
i.c4+ Although White should most likely be
able to hold, Black can play for a win.
14 ¥Nd8 1 5.¥Na3 .if5 16.f3 c!tla5 17.<i>fl
ttlxc4 18.l:!xc4 .ie6
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ...ib6!N 1 7.hxg6 hxg6 1 8 ..id5 .ixe3
1 9.fxe3 e6 20.l:!c7 'Wf8! 2 I .'We1 'Wg7 22 ..ixb7
!!b8+ White has restored material equality, but
his damaged pawn structure gives Black a clear
advantage.
•..
1 8 ... f6!? is also worth considering.
19J:�b4 VNd7
The position was roughly equal in Ingersol ­
Da Costa Junior, corr. 2007.
14... ttle5 1 5 .ib5
•
After 1 5 ..ib3 b6 the play is very complex.
I prefer Black, since the exposed position of
the white king should tell at some point: 1 6.f4
tLlg4 1 7 ..id4 .ia6 1 8.e5 !!ac8 Black had the
initiative in Anderson - Martin, e-mail 1 998.
7 ..ic4
210
14.h4
1 5...a6 16..ic5 �f3!
The most challenging continuation. Quiet
play does not promise White anything, for
instance: 14.f3 !!d8 Black immediately starts
to attack the white centre. 1 5.!!d3 lt:la5
16 ..ib3 .id7 17.'it>f2 .ib5 1 8 .!!d2 !!ac8 Black
was significantly better in Brettschneider Schmenger, Binz 1 995.
I like this idea a lot.
8
7
6
5
4
14... h5 1 5.£3
3
By far the most popular option. Other
possibilities are:
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17)t�g3?
Missing Black's elegant follow-up blow. The
critical line is: 1 7 ..ixe7 '1Mfxe4 (or 1 7 ....ih3!?
1 8 .lt:lf4 axb5 19.lt:lxh3 '1Mfxe4 20 ..ixd8
!!xd8 21 .!!d 1 '1M!a4 and Black has sufficient
compensation) 1 8 ..ixd8 axb5 19.lt:lg3 'IM!g4
20.h3 '1Mfd7 2 1 ..ig5 lt:lc4 Black has fine
compensation for the exchange.
1 5.'1Mfd3 lt:la5!N
This was pointed out by Predojevic in Chess
Informant 94, and improves on 1 5 ... e5,
which is very unclear.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
17....ih3! 18.gxh3 axb5
Black had a clear advantage in Kobylkin Khamrakulov, Menorca 1 996.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
b
c
d
e
f
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6..if4
Black has a pleasant game after 16 ..id5 e6
1 7 ..if4 '1Mfe7.
1 6 ... e5 1 7.dxe5
White achieves nothing after 1 7..ixe5 .ixe5
1 8.dxe5 '1Mfxe5 1 9 . .id5 .ie6.
1 7 ... \Mfxd3 1 8 ..ixd3 lt:lc6!
Predojevic recommended 1 8 ....ie6, but I
am concerned about Black's position after:
1 9.lt:ld4 .ixa2 20.'it>e2 !!fd8 2 1 .'it>e3!;!;
White's army is very nicely centralized.
1 9 ..ic4 lt:lxe5 20 ..id5 .ie6
Black has good play.
B333) l3J�c3 �d6
a
a
g
h
1 5.'1Mfd2
211
Chapter 1 7 - Various 9th and 1 Oth Moves
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 . . .1'M8!?N
This very natural idea is a novelty. In practice
Black has played 1 5 ... e5 16.d5 lLl a5 1 7..id3
b6, but here I don't like: 1 8.8N (less
convincing is 1 8 ..ih6 .id7 19.g3?! lLl b7
20.'i!ig2 lLlc5 2 I ..ie3 lLlxd3 22.1'hd3 f5
and Black had a promising game in Elsness
- Predojevic, Pula 2005) 1 8 ... .id7 (or
1 8 .. .f5 1 9.'i!ig l ) 1 9.g3;!; The position is very
complex, but White's passed pawn may be a
telling factor in the long term.
1 6J!d3 "I!Nb4 1 7 ..ib3 "I!Nxd2 1 8.!!xd2 b6 1 9.d5
lLla5
19 ... lLle5!? is also interesting.
20.f3 .ia6 2 I .'i!if2 !!ac8
Black has no problems.
l5 .. J:�d8 l6..id5
After 1 6. 'i!if2 Black has the tactical solution:
16 ... lLlxd4! 1 7.lLlxd4 (clearly inferior is 1 7.!'!:d3
e5 1 8 ..id5 .ie6 1 9.lLlxd4 exd4 20 ..ixd4 .ixd4t
2 l .!'!:xd4 1!N c5+ Lillevold - Martinsen, Oslo
2008) 1 7 ....ixd4 1 8 ..ixd4 "I!Nxd4t 1 9."1!Nxd4
!!xd4 l!z-llz Grego - Kolodziejski, e-mail 2009.
White has decent compensation for the pawn,
but perhaps Black should play on.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
l6...e5! l7..ig5
Black obtains a good game after 17.'i!if2
.ie6!.
l7....if6 l8.dxe5 V:Yxe5
20.V:Yb3 .ie6 2l.he6
l9.Lf6 Wfxf6
A draw was agreed in Murray - Freeman,
e-mail 2002. The position is somewhat unclear,
but it is roughly balanced.
Conclusion
The lines in which White forgoes castling
can be very double-edged, especially when
White continues with h4-h5. But provided
he knows what he is doing, Black can meet
such attacks with confidence. In particular,
White's attack in line B l looks extremely scary,
but it offers him no more than a draw. I have
recommended meeting both B2) I O.!!b l and
B3) I O.!!cl with the natural l O ... cxd4 l l .cxd4
"I!Na5t. Depending on White's reaction, Black
must play inventively with his queen (the
manoeuvres ... "I!Nh5-g4 and ... "I!Na3-d6 both
feature prominently), but with accurate play
Black can count on achieving at least equal
chances.
7.ic4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
10 ig4
...
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7 ..ic4 c5
8.�e2 �c6 9 . .ie3 0-0 10.0-0
10....ig4
213
214
215
216
216
218
219
A) 1 1 .d5
B) 1 1 .f3 .id7!?
B1) 12.'!Wd2
B2) 12.�h1
B3) 12.d5
B4) 12 ..id3
BS) 12J:�cl
A) after ! 6.f4
84) after 1 5 .Wa4?
B I ) after ! 6.Wb2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... �xe2 1 6.�xe2 liJxd4!
h
213
Chapter 1 8 - 1 O . .ig4
.
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 Eilxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.ic4 c5 s.Eile2 �c6
9..ie3 0--0 10.0--0 !g4
This is one of the few places in this repertoire
where I have recommended two main options
for Black, as I also cover the little-explored line
10 ...Wfc7 1 l .:B:cl b6 in the final two chapters.
The reader may of course choose whichever
line he feels more comfortable playing.
.
1 5 ...i.xe2 (of course Black cannot play as in the
main line with 1 5 ...i.g7? because of 1 6.i.b6)
1 6.Wfxe2 b5 1 7.f4 1his was Sjoberg - Nylen,
Stockholm 1 992, and here Black should play:
17 ... tLlb7N 1 8.:B:fd1 f6 The position is very
complicated and optically White has decent
compensation, but I believe that the extra
pawn is the more important factor.
12 ...c4 13.i.c2 iJc3 14J�b1
Sacrificing the exchange does not work:
1 4.f3 ixa l 1 5.Wfxal i.d7 1 6.i.h6 Wfb6t
1 7.'it>h 1 f6 1 8.i.xf8 :B:xf8 White has hardly any
compensation for being a pawn down.
14 ... i.g7 15.f3 .id7 16.£4
8
7
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
5
White now chooses between A) l l .d5 and
B) l l.f3.
4
A) l l .d5
2
This relatively rare option is actually a pawn
sacrifice.
ll ... Eila5 12.!d3
Matters are slightly different after 1 2.i.b5 a6
l3.i.d3 c4 14.i.c2 i.xc3 1 5 .:B:b l .
3
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Here I like the idea of giving back the extra
pawn in exchange for activity.
16... c3!?N
Most of the games from this position have
gone 1 6 ... b5 1 7.e5 a6 18.tLlc3. Although
White's results have been far from impressive,
I feel that his strong centre gives him serious
compensation for the pawn.
8
7
6
5
4
17..id4
3
The only reasonable idea for White. Mter
17.e5 i.g4 1 8.:B:f2 tLlc4 White is unable to
create any play.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
214
7 ..ic4
17....ig4 18.hg7 ��7 19J�f2
19 ... �g8 20.%Yd4 .ixe2 2U�xe2 %Yc7 22.f5
Another important line is:
1 9.Wfd4t
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 9 ... e5!
The key idea.
20.Wfe3
Of course White cannot play 20.Wfxe5 f6
and his knight drops.
I also checked the piece sacrifice: 20.fxe5
.ixe2 2 1 .e6t (after 2 1 .1:!f2 .ic4 22.e6t Black
can play 22 ... '\t>gS! with advantage) 2 1 . ..f6
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22 J:�ac8
•.
It is a good practical decision to return the
pawn in order to exchange queens.
23.%Yxa7 %Yc5t 24.%Yxc5 1:!xc5:j:
Black's c-pawn is strong in the endgame .
B) l l.f3 .id7!?
This move, which leads to typical Griinfeld
play, has recently become quite a fashionable
alternative to the well-known and exhaustively
analysed 1 1 ...ltla5. The resulting play is
similar to that which arises after I O ....id7, but
the inclusion of f2-f3 gives Black additional
resources connected with the vulnerable
position of the e3-bishop.
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22.1:!f2 (Another variation runs 22.d6 .ixfl
23.e7 Wfd7 24.exf8=Wft 1:!xf8 25.'\t>xfl b5
26.Wfxc3 ltlc4. White will lose the d6-pawn
and he is facing a struggle to draw.) 22 ....ia6
23.e5 ltlc6 24.exf6t Wfxf6! 25.Wfxf6t 1:!xf6
26.1:!xf6 'it>xf6 27.dxc6 bxc6 White finds
himself in a clearly inferior endgame.
20 ....ixe2 2 1 .Wfxe2 Wfd6
With such a solid blockade, Black has
nothing to worry about.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
215
Chapter 1 8 - 1 O ...i.g4
White now has a very wide choice. 1 2.1:'!:b 1
is examined in the following chapter, as is
1 2.dxc5 'We? 13.1:'!:b 1 , while here we look
at Bl) 12.Wfd2, B2) 12.i>hl, B3) 12.d5,
B4) 12.i.d3 and B5) 12J::k 1 .
B l ) 12.Wfd2 Wfa5!
The standard response, threatening to capture
on d4.
13.Wib2 b5! This equalizes on the spot. 14.Wlxb5
(1 4.id5 cxd4 1 5.cxd4 e6 16.ib3 E:ac8 gives
Black good play) 1 4... Wlxb5 1 5 .ixb5 li:lxd4
1 6.id3 Other moves would leave White
worse. Michaelsen - Joecks, Hamburg 1 989,
was agreed drawn here, in view of 16 ... li:lxe2t
17.ixe2 ixc3 1 8.1:'!:ad1 followed by ixc5.
13 .. J'!:ac8
8
I also quite like: 1 3 ... cxd4 1 4.cxd4 b5N
1 5.Wlxa5 (or 1 5.ib3 Wlxd2 1 6.1:'!:xd2 li:la5=)
15 ... li:lxa5 1 6.id3 1:'!:fc8 Black has decent play.
7
14J�abl b6
Black tries to maintain his pressure on the
centre, and avoids the simplifying line: 14 ... cxd4
1 5.cxd4 Wlxd2 16.1:'!:xd2 li:la5 17.id3 e6=
6
5
4
15.i.b5
3
After 1 5 .dxc5 li:le5 1 6.ib3 bxc5 Black has
no problems.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
13JUdl
1 5..J�fd8 16.Wfb2
8
Other options are:
7
1 3.d5 li:le5 14.i.b3 was played in Naumkin ­
Kyas, Cattolica 1 993:
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16...cxd4!N
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
And now simply 1 4 ...ib5!N would promise
Black excellent play.
This is the right moment to release the
pressure. After 1 6 ...ie8 Barkhagen - I.
Sokolov, Malmo 1 992, White missed the
powerful 1 7.id2N, when the threats against
the black queen would force the undesirable
1 7 ... c4.
216
7.ic4
17.cxd4 a6 1 8.hc6
14.Yfb3
1 8.ic4 b5 1 9.ib3 e6 is also fine for Black.
18 ..J�xc6 19.t£!f4 e6
After 14.ib3 Black can choose between
1 4 . . J:!fd8!? and 1 4 . . . cxd4 1 5 .cxd4 'Wa6, with
a reliable position in either case.
14... b5!
This blow equalizes immediately. If Black
would rather keep things less clear-cut, he
could consider 14 ... 'Wc7, threatening ... lLla5.
8
7
6
5
4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The position is roughly level, but I would
rather be Black.
3
2
B2) 12.<;f?h1 gcs 13J�cl
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
15.Yfxb5
After 1 5 .ixb5 Black strikes with: 1 5 . . . lLlxd4!
(but not 1 5 ... 1'!b8 1 6.a4 a6 1 7.'Wd5!) 16.ixd4
(or 1 6.lLlxd4 cxd4 1 7.ixd7 1'!b8!+) 1 6 ....ie6!
Black is slightly better.
8
7
6
5
15 ...Yfxb5 16.Lb5 t£lxd4 17.�xd4 Ld4!
4
The position is level.
3
B3) 12.d5
2
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7
encountered this position in the game
Beliavsky - Avrukh, Netanya (rapid) 2009,
but I failed to find a reasonable response and
obtained a worse position. With hindsight I
recommend:
6
13 ...\Wa5N
2
Black intends to continue with ... b5.
5
4
3
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
217
Chapter 1 8 - 1 O . . i.g4
.
12...l£le5N
14 .. J�ac8 1 5.c4
I believe that this is Black's best option. The
problem with 1 2 . . . lt:\a5 13 ..id3 is that Black
cannot obtain a desirable pawn structure:
1 3 ... c4 (or 13 ... b6 14Jk1 e5 1 5 .c4 lt:l b7
1 6.lt:\c3 lt:\d6 1 7.a4t) 1 4 ..ic2 e5
After 1 5.�c l e6 White should probably
transpose to the following note by 1 6.c4, rather
than play 1 6.dxe6 .ixe6 1 7 ..ixe6 fxe6 1 8.Wb3
Wa6 when Black has the advantage.
1 5 ..e6
.
8
7
6
5
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
This occurred in Kiselev - Borisek, Internet
2006, and now the correct 1 5.dxe6N .ixe6
16.Wb 1 would give White the better chances,
thanks to his control over the d4-square.
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
h
g
16)t�f4
Another line I analysed is: 1 6.�c 1 exd5
17.cxd5 ( 1 7.exd5 �feB leads to quite
comfortable play for Black. In general the
pawn structure after White recaptures with the
e-pawn is pretty harmless.)
l3 ..ib3 tYa5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.a4
The alternatives are not impressive:
1 4.f4 lt:\g4 1 5 . .id2? c4! followed by ...WeSt
wins material for Black.
14.c4 b5 gives Black lots of counterplay.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 7... c4 1 8 ..ic2 c3! The c-pawn is strong
enough to demand attention. 1 9 ..id4 l3c4
Black has good counterplay.
16.. J:Ue8CD
218
7 ..ic4
The position is tense and very complicated.
Black will aim to find an appropriate moment
to release the tension in the centre by capturing
on d5.
1 8 ..ib3 (after 1 8.e5 \Wxd 1 19.:!'!xdl lL:lc6
Black has no problems) 1 8 ... \Wb5 Black has
active play on the queenside.
16 ... e6 1 7.a3 lLlc6 1 8.'1Wb2 b5 1 9..id3 b4
Black has good counterplay.
B4) 12.i.d3
13.£4
If White plays 1 3.:!'!cl then Black should
probably reply 1 3 ...:!!ad8 with similar play to
line B of Chapter 19.
8
7
6
13...cxd4 14.cxd4 i.g4 15.V:!fa4?
5
A tactical oversight. White should prefer
1 5 .:!'!clN, although Black is okay after:
4
3
8
2
7
6
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
5
4
12 V:!fc7
..•
Black has an interesting alternative in:
1 2 ... cxd4 13.cxd4 lL:lb4 14 ..ic4
14.:!'!b 1 lL:lxd3 1 5.'.Wxd3 a6! 1 6.:!'!xb7 .ib5
17.'1Wd2 .ixe2 1 8 .\Wxe2 .ixd4 results in
equality.
1 4...:!'!c8 1 5 .:!'!c l
1 5 ..ib3 is strongly met by 1 5 ... .ib5!.
3
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ... e6 1 6.h3 ixe2 17 ..ixe2 :!!fd8 1 8.e5 \Wd7
(or 1 8 ... 1Mfa5) 1 9 ..ib5 \Wd5 Black has a sound
position.
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was M. Braun - Benes, Czech Republic
2009, and here I like:
I 5 . . . \Wa5N I 6.'1Wd2
Another line is: 1 6 ..id2 '1Wa3 1 7.:!'!c3 Wa4
2
a
b
c
d
e
15 ...he2 16.he2 lLlxd4!
f
g
h
Chapter 1 8 - 1 0 ....ig4
219
Black seized the initiative in Prohaszka Valsecchi, Herceg Novi 2008. His tactical blow
relies on the following key variation:
17.hd4 '!Wc6! 18.'\Wdl E:ad8 19.e5 '!We4i
a
b
c
.d
e
f
g
h
1 9 ....ixc4N
There seems to be no good reason not to
grab this pawn, although 1 9... .id7 was also
quite promising for Black in Pinter - Brkic,
Fuegen 2006.
20 ..ixc4 tt:lxc4 2 1 .e5 b5
It is difficult to believe that White has
sufficient compensation for the pawn.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.'1Wd2
Once again White is presented with a wide
choice:
1 3.d5
Black should always be ready for this advance
and know how to react.
1 3 ... tt:le5 1 4 ..ib3 'Wa5!
This allows Black to obtain counterplay on
the queenside.
1 5 . h3
White prepares f3-f4, but this plan appears
to be slow.
After 1 5 .c4 b5! Black would clearly have the
initiative on the queenside.
1 5 ... 'Wa6! 1 6.f4
Continuing with his mistaken plan. It
was more advisable to prevent ... .ib5 with
16.a4, although 1 6 ... tt:lc4 is still pleasant for
Black.
16 ... .ib5! 1 7.l:'k2 tt:lc4
17 . . . c4!? is not bad either.
1 8 ..if2 tt:l a3 19.c4
1 3.dxc5 promises Black rich compensation.
Here is one illustrative example: 13 . . .'Wc7
1 4.tt:ld4 tt:la5 1 5 ..ie2 E:fd8 1 6.'We1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was Levin - Kalinitschew, Novosibirsk
1 989, and now Black should play: 16 ... e5N
17.tt:lb3 .ie6 18 .c4 tt:lxb3 (a safe approach,
although Black could consider 1 8 ... tt:lc6
followed by ... tt:ld4) 1 9.axb3 .if8 20.b4 a5
Black has comfortable equality.
1 3 ..id3 has occurred only once and the game
continued with the interesting: 13 ... e6!?
220
7 ..ic4
1 4.'Wd2 'Wa5 1 5.e5 CfJe7 16.CfJg3 cxd4 17.cxd4
'Wxd2 1 8 ..ixd2 f5! Black had a good game in
Volke - ). Horvath, Ljubljana 1 995.
13 'Wa5
...
1 3 . . . cxd4 14.cxd4 'Wa5 should also be good
enough for equality.
8
1 9.f5
1 9.dxe6 i.xe6 leads to good play for Black.
1 9 ...c4 20 ..ic2 'Wxa2
I think that capturing the a-pawn is a risk
that Black can afford to take, although he
has a decent alternative in 20 . . .'Wd6 2 1 .�hl
b5 followed by the advance of his queenside
pawns.
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
14.%¥b2
I also examined two other moves:
14.d5 CfJe5 1 5 ..ib3 'Wa6!
We have already seen this typical idea in
previous variations.
1 6.f4 CfJc4 17.'Wd3 CfJxe3 1 8.'Wxe3
8
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2 1 .f6 .ih8
Obviously the bishop is not ideally placed
on h8, but I don't see any clear way for White
to make use of it. Meanwhile Black has a clear
plan of pushing his pawns on the queenside.
I 4.dxc5 cannot pose Black serious problems:
14 ... !!fd8 1 5 ..id5 e6 1 6..ib3 .if8 1 7.�h l .ie8
1 8.'Wel
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 8 . . . e5N
Black has opted for 1 8 . . . c4 in three games,
but it seems too risky; and so I recommend
the text.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was Nasybullin - Voitsekhovsky, Roslavl
1 989. Black should now play 1 8 ....ixc5N
1 9 ..ig5 .ie7+ when White has no compensation
for his damaged queenside pawn structure.
22 1
Chapter 1 8 - 1 O ... ig4
Conclusion
14 ... cxd4 15.cxd4 �b4
A very sensible move, because endgames in
this line tend to be perfectly playable for Black.
Also worth considering is 1 5 ... b5!?N.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16.�xb4 ltlxb4 17.a3 ttlc6 18.id3
It is possible for White to slip into a worse
position: 1 8J!fd 1 lt:l a5 1 9 .id3 ia4 20.!!e 1 ?!
(the correct 20.!!xc8 !!xc8 2 l .!!cl would
maintain equality) 20... lt:lb3 2 l .!!xc8 !!xeS+
Black is better due to his control of the c-file,
Cooke - Szeberenyi, Budapest 2000.
18 a6 19.!!c2 ttlaS 20.!!fcl !!xc2 2l.!!xc2
!!c8 22.!!xc8t hc8 23 .id2 ttlc6 24..ic3 e6
25.a4 .if8
•.•
•
In this equal position a draw was agreed in
Dimitriadis - Kruger, e-mail 200 1 .
The pawn sacrifice A) 1 1 .d5 should not worry
Black unduly, but it needs to be met with some
care; I believe that my suggestion of 16 . . . c3!?N
is a good way to defuse White's initiative and
ensure Black an edge.
The principal branching point of this chapter
arises after B) 1 1 . f3 id7. White's main reply of
1 2.!!b 1 is the topic of the following chapter,
but we covered no fewer than five alternatives
here. In these various lines there are some ideas
which keep reappearing, such as the move
.. JWa5. Black's main intention with this queen
development is to advance on the queenside
with ... b5 (sometimes as a temporary sacrifice,
as in line B2), although he may also be looking
to exchange queens, since most endgames in
this line tend to be comfortable for Black.
7.ic4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
12J!bl
Variation Index
l .d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.c4 c5
8.�e2 � c6 9.i.e3 0-0 10.0-0 i.g4 1 l .f3 i.d7!? 12J�� b 1
12 ...Wfc7
223
224
225
226
227
A) 13.�£4
B) 13.i.d3 gadS
B1) 14.d5
B2) 14.W/d2
C) 13.i.f4
note after 1 2 ... 1Mfc7
a
1 6 ... e5N
C) after 20.ia4
B) note after 1 3 .. ./'hdS
b
c
d
e
f
1 4 ... cxd4!?N
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20 . . . exf4N 2 I .ixf4 !'1e8f:!
h
223
Chapter 1 9 - 1 2.E!:b I
l.d4 ttlf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ic4 c5 8.ttle2 �c6
9 .ie3 0-0 10.0-0 .ig4 l l.f3 .id7!? 12.E!:bl
Y!'!c7
•
I have recently switched to this move, having
previously employed 1 2 ... E!:c8. I have found
that playing ... E!:ad8 and then ...�c8 results in a
more logical arrangement of Black's pieces; the
kingside rook can be useful on the f-file should
Black carry out ... fS, or on the e-file when Black
plays ... e6 followed by capturing on d5.
This occurred in Pribyl - P. David, Czech
Republic 1 995, and now the simple 17 ... lt'l c4N
would leave Black with a very comfortable
game.
1 3.'Wd2 E!:ad8 14.E!:fcl �c8 1 5 .'Wb2 lt'la5
1 6.�d3
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
b
a
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
White's main options here are A) 13.ttlf4,
B) 13 ..id3 and C) 13 ..if4, but he has also
tried a couple of other moves:
1 3.dxc5 as always promises Black good long­
term compensation: 13 ... E!:fd8 14.'We1 lt'la5
1 5 .�b3 e6 Black prepares the manoeuvre
. . .�f8xc5 to regain the pawn. 1 6.'Wf2 �b5
1 7.E!:fdl
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was Timoscenko - Zysk, Budapest
1 989. Here I offer the following solution:
16 . . . e5N 1 7.�g5 (after 1 7.d5 c4 1 8.�c2
b6 Black would be happy with the pawn
structure) 1 7 . . .f6 1 8.�e3 f5! The position is
very complex, but it seems to me that Black is
well prepared for a tactical battle.
A) 13.ttlf4
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The idea of this move is easy to understand,
since in this line the white knight can be a bit
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
224
7.ic4
passive on the e2-square. However, thanks to
the move f2-f3 which the manoeuvre ... .ig4-d7
provoked, Black has a tactical solution here.
I also checked the natural 1 7.Wfb3, when
the simplest solution is 1 7... e5 1 8.Wfxb7 Wfe3t
1 9.'i!i>h 1 ll'la5=.
13... cxd4
17...b6 18.YMc3 e5 I9.E:bdl YM£6 20.£4 YMe7
21.E:f2 .ig4 22.E:c1 c!Lld4 23.fxe5 .ie6
13 ... e6 was played in the game Computer
Rebel 1 0 - Anand, Ischia (blitz [ 1 ] ) 1 998, but
after 1 4.d5N ll'le5 1 5 ..ie2 Black's position
does not appeal to me.
Black had finally emerged from the complex
battle with a good position in De Ia Calle Kuosa, e-mail 2007.
B) 13.id3 E:ad8
14.cxd4
I also examined 1 4.ll'ld5, after which Black
can equalize with 14 ...Wfa5 1 5.cxd4 e6 1 6.ll'lf4
Wfc3 1 7.Wfcl Wfxe3t! 1 8 .Wfxe3 .ixd4 1 9.Wfxd4
ll'lxd4 20J::!:fd 1 .ic6 2 1 .E:xd4 e5.
8
7
6
14...i.xd4
1 4 ... ll'lxd4?
1 6.E:c l !±
doesn't
work:
1 5 . .ixd4
e5
5
4
3
I5.Ld4 Wfx£4
2
1
8
a
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
b
c
d
f
e
h
g
We shall now examine the direct Bl) 14.d5
and the natural B2) 14.VMd2. White has also
tried:
1 4.Wfcl cxd4!?N
I suggest this as an improvement over
14 ....ic8 1 5 .E:d1 e6 1 6 ..ib5 and White was
slightly better in Gual Pascual - Kouatly,
Lyon 1 99 1 .
1 5.cxd4 Wfd6!
16.i.al
8
White is hoping for compensation due to
the absence of Black's dark-squared bishop.
Regaining the pawn by 1 6.E:xb7 is hardly
advisable, in view of 1 6 ...E:ad8 when White has
serious problems arising from the vulnerability
of his pieces on the d-file.
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 1 9 - 1 2.!!b 1
1 6.d5
After 1 6J!xb7 ltlxd4 1 7.l'!xa7 ltlxf3t!
1 8 .gxf3 1Mfxd3 only Black can be better.
16 ... ltle5 17.1Mfd2 b6
Black has good play; he will start attacking
the white centre with either ... e6 or ... f5 .
225
18...gxf5
Aiming for a complex fight. Black could easily
choose 18 ... exf5 with a roughly equal game.
8
Bl) 14.d5
7
This line was suggested by Glenn Flear on
Chesspublishing. com. We shall follow the game
in which I faced it.
6
5
14... �e5 1 5.c4 f5
4
I played this move instantly, as it activates
my f8-rook and secures the position of my
central knight.
3
2
1
a
8
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19...Yfe7
7
Also interesting is: 1 9... exd5 20.l'!be1
(20.ltlxd5? runs into 20 ... l'!xd5! 2 l .cxd5 c4
22.�xc4 1Mfxc4 23 .1Mfxc4 ltlxc4 and Black's
material advantage should tell) 20 ... l'!fe8
21 .ltlxd5 1Mff7 Black has active piece play.
6
5
4
3
20J�bdl �g6 2 l..ig3 e5�
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
8
g
h
16 ..if4 e6 17.Yfb3
I carefully checked that 17 .�xe5 �xe5
1 8.f4 is not dangerous. Black can reply:
1 8 ... fxe4! 1 9.�xe4 �g7 20.d6 Wfa5 2 l .�xb7
(after 2 l .l'!xb7 1Mfa6! Black will play ... �a4
or ...�c8 next, followed by capturing the d6pawn) 2 l ...�a4 22.1Mfd3 l'!f7 The d6-pawn is
falling.
17 ....ic8! 18.exf5
Again I was ready for 1 8.�xe5 �xe5 1 9.f4.
Continuing 19 ... fxe4 20.fxe5 exd3 2 l .d6 1Mfg7!
leads to an advantage for Black.
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The position remains very complex.
eventually managed to score an important
victory in Antonsen - Avrukh, Helsingor 2009.
226
7.i.c4
B2) 14.'\Wdl i.cS 15JUcl
This reminds me of the line with 1 2 .. J'!c8,
which I have also employed in a few games.
Then after 1 3 ..id3 1lflc7 I 4.1lfld2 :B:fd8 White
has recently been playing 1 5 .:B:fc l , which is
considered to be quite annoying for Black.
ll'le5 20 ..ib5 (after 20.1!fld2 e6 Black has the
initiative) 20 ...f5 (20 ... a6 2 I ..ic6 b5 is also
playable for Black) 2 I .ll'lc3 a6 Black has decent
chances in this complicated position.
19...ti)xe5 20.i.e4
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5...b6 16.i.h6
This looks natural, but Black is ready for the
exchange of dark-squared bishops.
16....ixh6 17.'1Wxh6 cx:d4 18.cx:d4 '1Wd6
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20...£5!
I wanted more than the draw by perpetual
check which results from 20 ... ll'ld7 2I .:B:c6
1lfla3 22 ..ixg6 (White cannot develop his attack
with 22.ll'lg3 because of 22 ... 1lfla4Ft) 22 ... fxg6
23.:B:xg6t hxg6 24.1!flxg6t �h8 25.1lflh6t.
Immediately attacking the d4-pawn.
2l.dxe5 '!Wxe5
The alternative 2 1 ...1lfld2 leads to an equal
endgame after 22.1lflxd2 :B:xd2 23.:B:c2 :B:fd8
24.:B:bcl .ia6 25.ll'lg3 fxe4 26.lt'lxe4 :B:xc2
27.:B:xc2 :B:d5.
8
7
6
5
22.'1Wg5 i.a6
4
A very concrete approach, although my
engine prefers the "inhuman" 22 ... �g7.
3
2
23.ti)f4 '!Wd4t 24.�hl fxe4 25.ti)e6 '1Wd6
26.ti)x:f8!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19.e5
White tries an interesting tactical idea.
Objectively the stronger option may be: 1 9.d5
Capturing the other rook is wrong: 26.ll'lxd8
exf3! 27.ll'lc6 (27.gxf3 runs into the nice
27 ....ie2!) 27 .. .f2 28.lt'lxe7t �g7 29.:B:fl
.ixfl 30.:B:xfl 1!fle6 Black obtains a winning
advantage.
227
Chapter 1 9 - 1 2.:Bb 1
26...exf3 27.gxf3 .ih7!?
13 Y;Ycs
A more or less equal position also arises after
27 ...:Bxf8 28.:Bd 1 !.
I prefer this retreat to 1 3 ... e5 1 4.ig3 cxd4
1 5 .cxd4 :B:ad8 Kaspi - Khmelniker, Israel 2007;
with 1 6.c;!/h 1N White would keep annoying
pressure along the h2-b8 diagonal.
•••
14.d5 �a5 1 5 ..id3 e5
After 1 5 ... c4 1 6.ic2 e5 1 7.dxe6! ixe6
1 8.Wfcl White is slightly better.
16..ie3
8
7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2S.Y;Yg4?
My opponent played this mistake rather
quickly. The correct continuation is 28.lt:lxg6!N
ixf3t 29.<;t>g1 Wfd4t 30.c;!/fl Wfd3t 3 l .c;!/g1
and Black must give perpetual check, as after
3 1 . . .hxg6? 32.:Bb3 he would be in trouble.
Black had a clear advantage in Dubessay Avrukh, Cannes 20 1 1 .
C) 13 .if4
•
b
c
d
5
4
3
2
a
28 .. J3xf8 29.:Bb3 g£4+
a
6
e
f
g
The most popular move in practice.
h
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
16. ..c4
An important move; Black should prevent
c3-c4. The alternative is somewhat risky, but at
the same time very interesting:
1 6 ... f5 1 7.exf5 gxf5 1 8 .c4
Black has a sound game after 1 8.<;t>h 1 b6
19.ig5 Wfe8 20.lt:lg3 Wfg6.
1 8 ... b6
The alternative 1 8 ... e4 1 9.fxe4 fxe4 20.:B:xf8t
Wfxf8 2 l .ixe4 lt:lxc4 leads to a complicated
game with mutual chances, Trajanovski Jakovljevic, Yugoslavia 199 1 .
19.id2 lt:lb7
It might be interesting to try 1 9 ... e4N
20.fxe4 fxe4 2 l .ixe4 lt:lxc4oo.
20.lt:lg3 Wfe8 2 l .:B:e 1
Black had no problems after 2 l .ic3 Wfg6
22.ie2 lt:ld6 23.f4 e4= in Seirawan Ftacnik, Lugano 1 989.
228
7.�c4
2 i . ..'Wg6 22.�c3 :gae8 23 .'Wc2 :ge7 24.'Wb2
:gfe8 25.:ge2 h5 26.:gbel h4 27.tt:lfl 'Wh6
28.�hl tt:ld6
A position of dynamic equality has arisen,
Weber - Karasek, corr. 1 995.
17.�c2 b6
This prepares the manoeuvre . . . tt:lb7-d6.
18.£4 f6 19.tt:lg3 tt:lb7 20.�a4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have been following J. Ivanov - Koziak,
La Roda 2007. Black should now unexpectedly
change direction and play:
20 exf4N 2I ..ixf4 :ge8f!
•..
After the trade of light-squared bishops
Black may bring his knight to c5, with the idea
of penetrating to the d3-square.
Conclusion
After 1 2.:gb l 'We? White can take the game
in various directions. Against A) 1 3.tt:lf4 Black
should accept the challenge and grab the pawn;
although White obtains some compensation,
Black is fine. Following 13.�d3 :gadS, I have
personally faced both B 1 ) 1 4.d5 and B2)
1 4.'Wd2; in each case the position remains
complex and roughly balanced. With C)
1 3.�f4 White crosses Black's plan of ... :gad8
and then ...�c8. However the bishop is a bit
exposed on f4, and in the main line Black plays
1 5 ... e5 followed by 16 ... c4, and obtains good
play.
7.ic4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
Variation Index
I.d4 lLlf6 2.c4 g6 3.lLlc3 dS 4.cxd5 lLlxdS 5.e4 lLlxc3 6.hxc3 .ig7 7..ic4 c5
8.lLle2 lLlc6 9 ..ie3 0-0 1 0.0-0
10 ...�c7
A) 1 1 .�d2
B) 1 1 ..if4
C) 1 1 .d5
D) 1 1 .�cl .id7
D 1 ) 12.�d1
D2) 12 . .id3
D3) 12.�h 1
E) 1 1 .�b1 b6
E1) 1 2.dxc5
E2) 1 2.0
E3) 12 ..if4
230
23 1
233
234
235
236
237
237
238
238
239
a
b
c
d
e
I S ... gS!N
f
E3) after 1 8J''1 fd I
02) after 1 2.id3
B) note ro 1 3.d5
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 8 ... E\c5N
g
h
h
7 .i.c4
230
I.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5
5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.c4 c5 8.�e2 �c6
9.i.e3 0-0 10.0-0 Y*fc7
repertoire. Luckily Black can use the slightly
vulnerable position of the c4-bishop:
l l...cxd4
I would like to briefly mention the following
alternative: 1 I . . .i.d7 1 2.l:!acl l:!ad8 1 3 .i.h6
lLl a5 1 4.i.d3 e5 1 5.\tlh1
8
7
6
8
5
7
3
4
6
5
2
4
1
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
2
h
This move usually leads to a big main line
after 1 1 .l:!cl l:!d8, but this is not my intention
here. Instead I will give the lesser known, but
equally viable 1 I .. .b6!?. The details of this line
can be found in the next chapter.
In this chapter we shall cover all the other
relevant options: A) l l.Y*fd2, B) I I.i.f4, C)
l l.d5, D) l l.Y*fcl and E) I I .l3bl.
A) l l .Y*fd2
�
��A·�J
-$
� · � f� i m i
. . %U��
4iU� . . .%U� .l��
� �
�Rto!a��
3 wfi � U
8··- j·����
�
-� �.,. .%·!=-- -
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
This all happened in Lutsko - Azarov, Minsk
20 1 0. Now 1 5 . . . f5!N would have lead to a
complex game with fully adequate play for
Black.
12.cxd4 �xd4
Less good is 1 2 ... lLle5, as after 13.i.b3 tt:lg4
14.i.f4 e5 1 5 .ig3 White was simply better in
Bonrud - Hendrick, Dallas 1 997.
8
8
7
·
7
6
.
6
5
4
2
1
5
3
4
2
.
.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Here a small problem is that if Black plays
1 I .. .l:!d8, then 12.l:!acl leads us straight into a big
tabiya, which falls outside of the recommended
a
13.i.xf7t
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The only move that avoids losing a pawn.
23 1
Chapter 20 - 1 0 ... 'Wc7
13 . Jhf7
.
13 ... 'kt>xf7 was tried out in Vuong Trung Pham Hoai, Vung Tau 2005. This is brave,
of course, but I am a bit concerned about the
vulnerable position of the black king. White
can improve upon that game by capturing
the knight with his bishop: 14 ..ixd4N l:'i:d8
1 5 .Wfe3 White has the better chances.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
8
a
7
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
5
A complicated battle lies ahead. Black should
have at least equal chances thanks to the two
bishops and the extra pawn on the queenside.
4
B) I I..if4
6
3
A provocative move, but at the same time quite
a standard idea in this variation.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14....id7N
The idea behind this novelty is of course to
quickly mobilize the queenside forces, but it is
also important to have the resource ....ia4 to
harass White, should he decide to place one of
his rooks on d l .
l l ...e5
Black might experience some problems
after l l .. .Wfd7 1 2.dxc5, so quickly fixing the
structure in the centre is my preference.
8
7
6
I n Bouma - Thomas, e-mail 1 996, Black
went for 14 ... Wfd6. Here White should have
continued with 1 5 .l:'i:fd 1 N .id7 1 6.Wfe2! .ia4
17.l:'i:d2;!;, instead of 1 5.l:'i:fcl b6 1 6.l:'i:c6 Wfd8
1 7.f3 e5 1 8 .itJb3 Wfxd2 19.ltJxd2 .ib7, which
gave Black a decent game.
5
4
3
2
15.a4
Black easily solves his problems after:
1 5.l:'i:acl Wfd6 1 6.l:'i:fd l .ia4 17.lUb3 Wfxd2
1 8.l:'i:xd2 b6=
15 ...l�M8 16.�a2 .ig4! 17.gacl �d7
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12 .ig3
.
This is the most natural move, keeping Black
restrained, but we should of course also look
at:
232
7.i.c4
1 2.dxe5 i.xe5
In this instance it is useful for Black to
exchange the dark-squared bishops in order
to avoid an unpleasant pin.
1 3.Wd2
More principled is 1 3 .i.xe5N and after
13 ... tt:lxe5 14.i.d5 i.e6 1 5 .tt:\f4 E:ae8 1 6.c4
We7 the position is complex, offering the
players mutual chances.
13 . . .ie6 1 4.id5 !!adS 1 5 .ixe5
After 1 5 .E:ad1 i.xd5 1 6.exd5 l:'!:fe8 1 7.i.g3
the position is more or less equal.
1 5 . . . tt:\xe5
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
12 We7
...
Black has a reasonable alternative in:
1 2 . . .i.d7!?
The following interesting game showcases
some of Black's ideas.
13 .d5 tt:la5 1 4.d6
This looks quite challenging for Black, but
Vallejo found a remarkable {and strong)
idea.
1 4 ... Wb6 1 5 .id5
The main point behind Black's play is of
course the queen sacrifice 1 5.E:b 1 tt:lxc4!
1 6.l:'!:xb6 axb6, when Black has nice positional
compensation.
h
1 6.f4?
This is too aggressive. White could have
maintained the balance with 16.tt:\f4N.
16 ... tt:\c4 1 7.Wd3 b5
Black already had a clear positional advantage
in Caceres - Retamozo, Lima 1 993.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 5 ...'i!ih8! 1 6.f4 Wxd6 17.fxe5 We7
The most accurate move.
1 8 .l:'!:b 1 E:ad8 1 9.tt:\f4 i.xe5+
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
3
5
2
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black was already a pawn up and on his way
to claiming the full point in Del Rio Angelis Vallejo Pons, Calvia 2005.
2
a
b
g
h
233
Chapter 20 - I O . WI'c7
. .
13.d5
Again we should consider 1 3.dxe5. The
correct response is 1 3 . . . tt:\xe5 14 ..id5 .ie6,
when after 1 5 .tt:\f4, as in Bator - Konopka,
Gistrup 1992, Black should play:
have a thematic position for this variation.
Black should have reacted with the standard
idea 1 5 ... b6N 1 6.'®'d2 tt:\b7, transferring the
knight to the ideal d6-square, with promising
play.
14...%Yd7 15.i.d5 �h8 16.f4 %Yxd6 17.&e5
he5 18.i.xf7 Lg3 19.�xg3 %Yxdl
20J�axdl �g7 2I.i.d5 i.g4=
8
7
6
5
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
4
1 5 ... g5!N Fighting for the d5-square. After
the possible line 1 6.tt:\d3 tt:\c4 1 7.E:b l .ixd5
1 8.exd5 b6 1 9.'®'g4 tt:\d2 20.E:fe l '®'d8
2 l .E:bd l f5 22.'®'h5 tt:\e4 Black consolidates
just in time, with a decent game.
3
2
a
13 ...�a5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black is by no means worse in this endgame,
Davidov - Gusan, e-mail 2007.
8
C) l l.d5 ttla5
7
6
8
5
7
4
6
3
5
2
4
3
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
2
14.d6
Again this push looks to be the most
challenging move.
After 1 4 ..id3 c4 1 5 ..ic2, which was White's
choice in Csonkics - Kis, Hungary 1 992, we
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12.i.d3
As the bishop has no other sensible squares,
there is only one alternative to consider:
7 ..ic4
234
1 2 ..if4 1lMd7 1 3 ..ib3
This slightly odd move has actually occurred
twice in practical play.
After 1 3 . .id3 I strongly recommend:
1 3 ... e6N (after 1 3 . . . e5 14 ..ie3 c4 1 5 ..ic2 b6
1 6.f4 f6 1 7.f5t Black looked to be in some
danger in Bator - Zezulkin, Gistrup 1 992)
1 4.dxe6 fxe6! Fighting for the d5-square. (I
prefer this to 14 ...1lMxe6 1 5 ..ig3! followed by
the tt:lf4-d5 manoeuvre.) 1 5.!!b l b6 Black
has a good game.
b6 17.h4 exd5 1 8.exd5 llMe7 19.!!el llMe3t
leading to a big advantage for Black.
13...exd5 14.exd5
At this point there is only one sensible
move.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14...b6N
a
b
d
c
e
f
g
h
1 3 ... b6N
This idea appeals to me a lot more than
13 ... b5, which has previously been played
here. Black's idea is to activate the bishop on
a6, which is logical now that the queen is
on d7.
1 4.!!cl
14.1lMd3 e6 is good for Black.
1 4 . . . tt:lxb3!
14 ....ia6 1 5 .c4 b5 1 6.cxb5 llMxb5 1 7.!!e1
tt:lxb3 18.axb3 might be slightly worse for
Black, so the bishop should be eliminated.
1 5.axb3 a5
The idea of ... a5-a4, along with the two
bishops, should offer Black great counterplay
in the middlegame.
1 4 . . . c4? is premature. After 1 5 ..ic2 .ig4
1 6.f3 .id7 1 7.d6 1lMc8 1 8 . .id4± White had a
clear positional edge in Vasilev - Drenchev,
Borovets 2008.
1 5J�el .ie5 16.h3 ge8 17.c4 �b7
With ... �d6 coming soon, promising Black
adequate counterplay.
D) 1 1.\Wcl
·
12...e6 13J�bl
White has so far failed to prove sufficient
compensation for the exchange after 1 3 .c4 .ixa 1
1 4.1lMxal. Willetts - D. Howell, Kidlington
200 1 , continued with 14 .. .f6 1 5 ..ih6 !!f7 1 6.f4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
235
Chapter 20 - 1 0 ...'Wc7
This move has been played many times, but
has never been rated highly by theory.
continue with 1 5.:1'i:ad l , when I fear he will
achieve a favourable version of that line.
I I .. .id7
.
Out of the huge range of possible
continuations, this is the one I like the most.
Black immediately tries to underline the
somewhat vulnerable position of White's
bishop on c4. He intends to follow up with
. . . !'i:ac8, after which White must constantly
watch out for ...cxd4 followed by a random
knight jump.
We should look briefly at what the options
would be if Black decided to play similarly to
our main line:
l l ...b6 1 2 ..ih6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
At this point there are three reasonable
moves to consider: Dl) 12J3dl , D2) 12 .id3
and D3) 12J:�bl.
.
Dl) 12J�dl gac8
Although I believe strongly in Black's position,
I don't want the reader to overrate it based
on the games played from here. For some
reason the White players all played quite
unconvincingly.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2 ....ib7N
The only game played from this position
went 1 2 ....ixh6 1 3 .'Wxh6 cxd4 14.cxd4
ltlxd4, but after 1 5 .ixf7t !'i:xf7 1 6.ltlxd4
Black had definite problems. In the game he
lost quickly after 1 6 .. .'Wc5 (I tried to make
1 6 ...'Wf4N work, but after 1 7.'Wxf4 !'i:xf4
1 8.f3 .id7 1 9.:1'i:acl White has unpleasant
long-term pressure.) 1 7.ltlf3! .ig4?! 18.:1'i:acl
'Wa3? 1 9.ltle5+-, and it was already
reasonable to contemplate resigning, Cerezo
Montes - Garcia Carpalia, Aragon 1 997.
13 ..ixg7 �xg7 14.'We3 !'i:ad8
Instead of 1 5.:1'i:ac l , which transposes to line
03 in the following chapter, White can now
13 .ih6
.
In one game White played 1 3.ib5?. This
serious error allows a typical tactic:
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 3 . . . ltlxd4! 14.ltlxd4 cxd4 1 5 ..ixd7 Wfxd7
( 1 5 . . . dxe3!? also looks quite tasty) 1 6.Wfa3 d3
236
7.ic4
Black was clearly better in Dudyev - Ziuliarkin,
Rodatychi 2006.
I believe White's best move is 13.;gb 1N. Then
after 1 3 ...cxd4 1 4.cxd4 Black has a choice
between 14 ... a6 1 5.%Va3 b5 16.id3 VMa5 with
balanced play, and the more energetic 14 ... ltla5
1 5.id3 ia4 16.;gel ic2 1 7.ixc2 YMxc2
18.%Va3 ltlc4 1 9.%Vxe7 ltlxe3 20.fxe3 b5! when
Black has good compensation for the pawn.
15 ... c!Llb4! 1 6.J.b3 'l'xc1 17.gaxcl J.b5i
Black has taken over the initiative and will
surely enjoy playing this endgame.
D2) 12.J.d3
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This retreat has occurred twice in practical
play. Here I found an unexpected way to put
pressure on the white centre.
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13... cxd4!N
An obvious novelty. For some reason Black
opted for 13 ... ltla5 in the two previous games
to reach this position. Maybe this is a typical
case of knowing some standard ideas, but not
understanding when they are desirable and
when they are unnecessary.
12...\Wd6!?N 1 3.'i'b2
There are a few ideas behind the last move.
One of them works out after: 1 3.;gd l cxd4
14.cxd4 ltlb4 1 5.ib l White cannot aspire to
play for an advantage if he gives up the light­
squared bishop. 1 5 ... ;gfc8 16.%Vb2 %Vb6!
14.Lg7 �xg7 1 5.cxd4
8
7
6
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Here we see the idea, to meet 1 7.a3 with
1 7 ... ltlc2! invading the white position. And
after 1 7.;gd2 Black plays 17 ... ;gc4 with the
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
237
Chapter 20 - 1 0 . . .'1Wc7
powerful idea 1 8.a3 E!:ac8!, which offers
him good counterplay. The knight remains
untouchable, as after 1 9.axb4? E!:xb4 20.Wa2
E!:a4 Black wins.
13 cxd4 14.cxd4 :i:Ud8 1 5JUdl
••.
15.E!:adl is comfortably met by 1 5 ... Wb4=.
1 5 �e6
D3) 12.gbl gac8 13.'1Wa3 cxd4 14.cxd4
8
7
6
5
4
.•.
3
8
2
7
6
a
5
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
3
This position occurred in Paessler - Balcazar
Novoa, e-mail 200 1 . Now I like the natural
idea:
2
14 a6N
1
The following approximate line seems
reasonable:
4
.•.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I6J�acl
If White gets greedy with 1 6.Wxb7?! his
fortune will quickly turn after 16 ...E!:ab8
1 7.Wa6 lt'lxd4+, when he will need to play
some accurate moves to avoid drifting into a
seriously worse position.
15.:i:Uc1 'YlYa5 16.'YlYb3
Black is absolutely fine after 16.Wxa5 lt'lxa5
1 7..id3 b5.
16 b5 17.�d3 e6
..•
We have a thematic, complex Griinfeld
middlegame, with chances for both players.
And if White plays 16 ..ib5, then 16 . . . a6
17 .ia4 .ic4! Black has the better bishops and
the more pleasant game.
E) l l .gbl b6
8
16 ... tihd4 17.'1Wxb7 gabS 18.'YlYxa7 gaS
19.'1Wc7
7
Also 19.Wb7 E!:db8 20.Wc7 lt'lxe2t 2 l ..ixe2
Wxc7 22.E!:xc7 E!:xa2= is quite safe for Black.
6
19 'YlYxc7 20J�xc7 c!Llxe2t 21.be2 gxdl t
22.hdl gxa2=
4
5
.••
The game will end in a draw, or with one of
the players committing suicide, on the board
and then outside the playing hall.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
238
7.ic4
I like this move, played in the spirit of our
main line. At this point it is worth considering
the following options: E1) 12.dxc5, E2) 12.6
and E3) 12.�£4.
20 . . . "Wa3! Black had nice play in Hirscheider ­
Baumann, e-mail 2005.
14 axb6 15."Wa4 e6 16.ib3 �b7 17.6
.•.
So far we have been following Rao - Kamsky,
Chicago 1 99 1 . Here an obvious improvement
can be found:
E1) 12.dxc5
This move always needs to be checked, but
almost universally Black gets good positional
compensation for the pawn.
12 ... tl:!e5 13.�d5 gbs
8
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
4
a
3
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17 ga8N 18.'\Wb4 �a6 19.c4 gfc8
••.
2
Black has excellent compensation.
1
a
b
c
d
f
e
g
E2) 12.6
h
14.cxb6
14.f4 is quite challenging, but also rather
likely to backfire. Black played strongly in
the following encounter: 1 4 ... lt::l g4 1 5 .cxb6
axb6 16.i.d4 i.xd4t 1 7.cxd4 (1 7."Wxd4 i.a6!
is inferior for White) 1 7 ... lt::l e3 1 8."Wcl lt::l xd5
1 9.exd5 "Wd6 20."Wc6
8
7
6
5
4
3
8
2
7
6
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12...gd8
3
Again we have the tactical option 1 2 ... cxd4
1 3.cxd4 lt::l xd4, but after the counterblow
1 4.ixf7t! !l:xf7 1 5 .lt::l xd4 i.a6 1 6.!l:f2t, White
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Chapter 20 - 1 0 ... \Wc7
239
emerges with a better position due to the
slightly weakened black pawn structure.
E3) 12..if4
8
13 ..if4 Wfb7
This non-standard square looks a strange
place to put the queen, but concretely it works
out well.
7
14.d5 �a5 15 ..ib5
4
If White plays 1 5 ..id3, then Black replies
1 5 ... c4 1 6.ic2 e6 with good counterplay in
the centre.
6
5
3
2
15....id7 16.Wfc2 e5 17..ig5 f6 18 ..ih4 hb5
19J::�xb5 �c4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
12...e5
Again this makes most sense.
8
7
13..ig3 Wfe7
6
5
Black does not delay removing his queen
from the unpleasant pin.
4
14..id5 .ib7 15.Wfa4 E!fc8
3
It is also worth considering the following
idea: 1 5 ... tLla5!?N 1 6.dxe5
2
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black cannot be prevented from completing
the thematic transfer of the knight to the
excellent d6-square. Furthermore the threat of
... tLle3 means that White does not have time to
arrange to meet ... t2Jd6 with c3-c4.
20.Wfd3 �d6 2U�b2 c4!
It is essential to prevent White from
reinforcing his centre with c3-c4.
22.Wfc2 :e!£8
Black is preparing the ...f5 advance, and
clearly has a fine game, Laurier - Kamsky,
Belgrade 1 99 1 .
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6...ixd5! (accurate play is needed, as White
would be better after 16 ....ixe5 1 7.c4!)
1 7.exd5 ixe5 1 8.!!fe 1 Wff6 With a complex
game ahead.
I6.dxe5 �xe5
240
7. .ic4
21 ...li:ld3!?
8
I find this exchange sacrifice very tempting.
The powerful knight on d3 offers Black fine
compensation.
7
6
5
22.�c7 �hc7 23 ..ixc7 YlYe7 24..ig3
4
3
8
2
7
1
6
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
5
h
17.�£4
4
17 .c4 leads to an unbalanced position:
1 7 ....ixd5 1 8.exd5 ( 1 8.cxd5 allows 1 8 . . . c4!
with nice counterplay for Black; the passed
c-pawn is certainly an asset.) 1 8 ...E!:e800
3
2
a
17...c4 1 8JUd1
This position occurred in Le Quang Ponomariov, Dortmund 20 1 0. Here I found a
nice improvement:
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
24...YlYa3!i
8
IfWhite chooses to return the exchange then
Black will obtain strong counterplay against
his pawns. I have not been able to find a way
for White to play for an advantage.
7
Conclusion
6
5
4
3
2
a
18 ..J�c5N
21.YlYc2
b
c
19.£3
d
e
.ixd5
f
g
h
20.lthd5
flYe8
The endgame after 2 l .Wfxe8t E!:xe8 22 ..ixe5
E!:xe5? should give Black adequate play, based
on the .. .f5 break.
10 ...Wfc7 is Black's most popular move from the
starting position of the chapter, and has been
played in thousands of games. The queen move
is normally associated with a quick . . . E!:d8, but
I am yet to be convinced of the merits of this
plan, which is why I am advocating a different
approach based on an early ... b6. We saw this
plan working well against E) 1 1 .E!:b 1 in the
present chapter, although White's position
is not without bite and the lines should be
studied carefully.
Of course the real test lies in the main line
of 1 1 .E!:c 1 , after which my recommendation of
1 l . . .b6!? can be found in the next chapter.
7.ic4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
11 b6!r
...
Variation Index
·
l.d4 tDf6 2.c4 g6 3.tDc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!Llxd5 5.e4 tDxc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.c4 c5
s.tDe2 tD c6 9.i.e3 0-0 10.0-0 Y*fc7 1 l .gcl
1 1 ...b6!?
A) 1 2.f4
B) 12.i.f4
C) 1 2.dxc5
D) 12.Y*fd2 i.b7 1 3.i.h6 gadS
D 1 ) 14.Y*fg5
D2) 14.gfd1
D3) 1 4.i.xg7 i>xg7 1 5.Y*fe3 e5
D31) 1 6.d5
D32) 1 6.i.b5
D33) 16.i.d5
B) after 1 9 .�xe4
a
b
c
d
e
f
1 9 ... Ei:ae8!N
g
243
245
246
247
248
249
249
250
251
252
033) after 1 8.f4
D 3 1 ) after 1 9 .�d3
h
a
b
c
d
e
1 9 ... c4!N
f
g
h
a
b
c
d
e
f
! 8...1i:lc4!?N
g
h
h
242
7.�c4
I.d4 c!ilf6 2.c4 g6 3.c!ilc3 d5 4.cx:d5 �xd5
5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ic4 c5 8.�e2 �c6
9..ie3 0-0 10.0-0 Y!!c7 1 1J�k1
The main continuation, played in no less
than 84% of the games from this position. So
although it is important to keep an eye on the
lines in the previous chapter, this is where you
are likely to do business.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
I I...b6!?
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
Rather a forgotten continuation, played in
less than one in forty of the games from this
position. Your opponents will certainly be
familiar with the standard move l l ...E:d8,
which is played in more than nine out of ten
games.
But obviously White has plenty of legal
moves in this position, many of them tried
out in practice, creating quite a few branches
for us to climb along. The main options are
A) 12.£4, B) 1 2..if4, C) 1 2.dxc5 and finally
D) 12.9d2. The lastfsrillth is by far the main
line here, and we shall spend a lot of time on it
later on in the chapter.
We should also have a quick look at the
following options:
12.lLlf4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 2 . . . e6N
I prefer to immediately control the d5square, rather than allowing any ideas
connected with ll.Jf4-d5.
12 ...�b7 was Black's choice in Berczes
- Szeberenyi, Budapest 2005, but now
1 3.ll.Jd5N '!Wd8 1 4.dxc5 e6 1 5 .ll.Jb4 would
have been quite dangerous for Black.
1 3.d5
This is obviously the testing move.
1 3 .e5 �b7 14.'1Wg4 ll.Je7 followed by ... ll.J f5
leads to a very nice game for Black.
1 3 ... E:d8!
Accurate play is needed. 13 ... ll.Ja5 14.�b5
a6 1 5.�e2 e5 1 6.d6 '!Wd8 1 7.lLld5 '!Wxd6
1 8.E:b l gives White a lot of activity.
1 4.'1Wc2 lLla5 1 5 .�e2 e5 1 6.ll.Jd3 ll.Jc4
Black has a decent game.
1 2.f3 .ib7
Now 1 3.'1Wd2 would transpose to a position
examined in line D after 1 2.'1Wd2 �b7 1 3.f3.
For this reason we only need to check the
following move here:
1 3.'\Wel
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
243
Chapter 2 1 - 1 l . . .b6!?
This has been played in two games.
managed to find a logical continuation:
1 3 .. .l'!ac8N 1 4.'Wh4
If White plays 1 4.'Wf2, then Black replies
with 1 4... lt'la5 1 5.�d3 cxd4 16.cxd4 'Wd6
1 7.lt'lc3 a6, with ideas such as ...'Wa3 and
...'Wb4 securing Black a good game.
14 ... cxd4 1 5 .cxd4 'Wd6! 1 6.e5 'Wb4 1 7.�g5 e6
Black is doing fine. 1 8.�f6 is not a dangerous
idea, as after 1 8 . . .�xf6 1 9.exf6 E:fd8! Black
always has the defensive resource . . .'Wf8.
A) 12.f4
14.�d3 f5
This is the standard reaction to White's
aggressive stance on the kingside. Black does
not want the battle for his king's future to
take place on the sixth or seventh rank.
1 5.dxc5 bxc5 1 6.'Wf2
8
7
6
5
4
White is looking for immediate action on the
kingside. This certainly has some logic given
that Black has been focusing on the centre and
queenside with his last two moves. Black has to
react precisely:
12. e6!
..
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ... E:d8
Giving up the f5-square with 1 6 ... fxe4 would
be a positional concession. It is important to
keep this square and restrict White's minor
pieces. 1 7.�xe4 �b7 was played in Shen
Yang - Bu Xiangzhi, Hefei {rapid) 20 1 0,
and now the simple 1 8.lt'lg3N would have
offered White the better chances.
17.E:fd l �f8!
Black keeps everything under control.
1 8.�h l
3
8
2
7
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.f5!?
Quite a principled way of playing the
position - White is certainly not thinking
about the endgame.
We should also have a quick look at a few
other options:
1 3.'Wel lt'la5
1 3 ...�b7N 14.'Wh4 lt'le7 is also an option
worth considering.
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
So far we have followed Krush- Charochkina,
Moscow 2008. At this point I don't see any
reason to refrain from natural development:
7.i.c4
244
1 8 ...i.b7!N
The bishop belongs here and the e6-pawn is
a grown boy in no need of protection.
1 9.ll::l g3 :B:ab8+
Black's position seems preferable.
8
7
6
5
4
13.i.d3 :B:d8
3
2
8
7
b
a
6
c
d
e
f
g
h
Black had the better chances in this complex
middlegame in Kudrin - Elizarov, Tula 2004.
5
4
3
13 exf5
2
Black's move requires no explanation.
Now White has two attempts to develop an
initiative, but analysis shows that both of them
fall short.
...
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.'\We1
I also examined the following principled
continuation: 1 4.f5 exf5 1 5 .exf5 ( 1 5 .i.g5
is not dangerous, in view of 1 5 . . . ll::l e7
1 6.exf5 i.xf5! 17 .i.xf5 ll::l xf5 1 8 .i.xd8
:B:xd8 when Black has great compensation
for the exchange) 1 5 ...'We7 (not 1 5 ... 'Wd6
1 6.i.g5 :B:d7 1 7.ll::l g3! followed by ll::l e4,
with an initiative for White) 1 6.'Wd2 cxd4
1 7.cxd4 ll::l xd4 1 8 .i.xd4 i.xd4t 19.ll::l xd4
:B:xd4 20.:B:ce1 Now Black should take
the chance to simplify the position with
20 ... :B:xd3! 2 l .'Wxd3 'WeSt 22.'We3 'Wxe3t
23.:B:xe3 i.xf5, leading to a drawish
endgame.
1 4 . . .'Wd7!?
Increasing the pressure on the d4-pawn.
1 5 .i.b5?!
It is understandable that White did not like
1 5 .e5 i.b?+, but still this was already the
lesser evil.
1 5 ...a6 1 6.i.xc6 'Wxc6 17.ll::l g3 cxd4
1 7 ... a5N followed by ... i.a6 also looks very
strong.
1 8.cxd4 'Wa4+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
14.ti)g3
White offers a pawn, but he can of course
also recapture at once:
14 .exf5 'We?!?
14 . . .i.xf5 is also possible. In Chess Informant
1 8 Savon gives 1 5 .:B:xf5 gxf5 1 6.ll::l g3,
considering this position to be dangerous for
Black. In the computer era such emotional
evaluations are becoming rare, as it is possible
to check such assumptions accurately. In this
case Black is almost winning after 1 6 ... cxd4!
245
Chapter 2 1 - l l . . .b6!?
1 7.cxd4 llJxd4!. For example: 1 8.llJh5
( 1 8 ..ixd4 E1ad8 1 9.llJxf5 .ixd4t 20.llJxd4
'W'f4!-+) 1 8 ...'11*fe 5 1 9.if4 'W'e4 20.ih6
(20.id3 'W'e6+) 20 . . .ie5 2 I .ixf8 'W'e3t
22.<;t>h i E1xf8 Black is much better.
1 5 .'W'd2 .ixf5 1 6.ig5 'W'd7 1 7.llJg3 llJa5
1 8.ie2
16....ixd5!N 17.exd5 t!lc4 18..id4 bxc5
19..ixg7 �xg7+
White has no compensation at all for the
sacrificed/lost pawn.
B) 12.i.f4 e5
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
b
a
c
d
e
f
g
h
All this occurred in the game Knaak Savon, Halle 1 974. The improvement is not
surprising:
1 8 ...ie6N
However, it leaves Black with a serious
advantage.
14 Jl:la5! 15.i.d5 .ib7 16.dxc5
.•
Just bad is 1 6.ixb7? 'W'xb7 1 7.exf5 llJc4+.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13 .ig3
•
The standard idea in these positions, as we
saw in the previous chapter. Fortunately it
fails to pose Black any serious problems in this
version either.
13...i.b7 14.d5
7
I also checked 14.id3, when 14 ... llJa5
1 5.d5 transposes to the main line, while 1 5 .f4
is strongly met by 1 5 .. .f5! giving Black nice
counterplay.
6
14... �a5 15.i.d3 c4 16.i.bl �c5
5
It is useful to get this move in before carrying
out the standard break ... f7-f5.
8
4
17.�hl f5 18.£4
3
2
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This occurred in Grigorian- Bronstein, USSR
(ch) 1 972. Now Black should continue:
White needs to play actively. After 1 8.f3 f4
19.if2 'W'd6 Black has a clear focus on the
kingside in the spirit of the King's Indian,
while it is entirely unclear what White is trying
to do.
18 ... fx.e4 19..ixe4
7 ..ic4
246
So far we have been following Ludgate J. Littlewood, Blackpool 1 97 1 . It is not hard
to improve upon Black's play here:
can also be lured by the apparent weakness of
the c5-pawn.
The active 13.1Mfd5N looks quite tempting. I
think this is best met with the following idea:
1 3 ... tt:\e5! 14.1Mfxa8 tt:\xc4!? (an interesting
alternative is 14 ....ia6!? 1 5 .1Mfxf8t .ixf8
16 ..ixa6 1Mfc6, with the idea that after
17 ..ixc5 1Mfxa6 1 8 ..id4 tt:\d3! Black has good
compensation) 1 5 .1Mfd5 tt:\xe3 1 6.fxe3 .ih6�
Black has a lot of play for the exchange. The
dark squares look very tender.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19 .. J�ae8!N 20J�el
20.fxe5 E!:xfl t 21 .1Mfxf1
pleasant.
.ixd5+ is also
I also considered what would happen after the
'too greedy to be true' 1 3 ..ixc5 ?. Still this most
unfortunate decision was taken in R. Graf Brunsch, Leipzig 2000. Here Black missed the
strong idea 1 3 ...E!:d8!N, with the point that
after 1 4.tt:\d4 tt:\e5 1 5 .tt:\b5 1Mfa5 1 6.1Mfb3 tt:\xc4
1 7.1Mfxc4 .id7 Black is clearly better.
13...ltle5N
20...E!:d8 21.Ei:c2 .ih6!
This novelty is a good deal stronger than
13 ... e6 1 4.tt:\d3 tt:\a5 1 5 .1Mfa4! which allowed
White to apply serious pressure on the
black position in Pekarek - Smejkal, Prague
1989.
With nice active play for Black.
C) 1 2.dxc5 bxc5
8
7
14.ltld5
6
The most challenging move. After 14 ..ie2 e6
Black has a comfortable game.
5
14...'i'd7 15 ..ib3 e6 16..ixc5
4
Another line goes 1 6.f4 tt:\c6 1 7 . .ixc5 exd5
1 8 ..ixf8 .ixf8 1 9 ..ixd5 E!:b8+ and Black's
position seems preferable to me.
3
2
1
16 ...exd5 17..L:f8 <i!?xftl 18.hd5 Ei:b8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.ltlf4
A reasonable positional idea. The knight is
going to d5 (and if that is prevented, White
has a nice idea up his sleeve) . However, White
Black has a good position, with two pieces
for the rook and control of the open b-file. As
it is quite natural for White to challenge this,
I examined:
19.Ei:bl E!:xbl 20.'i'xbl
Chapter 2 1 - l l . . .b6!?
247
D) 12.Y;!fd2 J.b7
8
7
8
6
7
5
6
4
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1
20...�f3t!
Black has other playable options, but this is
too attractive to ignore.
2I.cbhl
White should refrain from capturing the
knight, since after 2 l .gxf3 .ie5 followed by
...W/h3, Black has a crushing attack.
21. J.e5 22.Y;!fd3! �xh2 23.£4 �xf1 24.fxe5
J.b7 25.c4 J.xd5 26.cxd5
.•
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
13.J.h6
There has only been one game in this position
in which White did not play this logical move;
or two if you include transpositions.
1 3.f3 l:!fd8
There is also nothing wrong with 13 ... 13ad8,
as played in Vedrunes - Zigura, Massy 1 993.
1 4.13fd 1 13ac8 1 5 .W/e1 cxd4 16.cxd4
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
26 Y;Yg4 27.Y;!fxfl Y;!fxe4 28.e6=
•••
The position is drawn. The power of the
white pawns forces Black to take a perpetual
check, sooner or later. Sooner makes more
sense.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
1 6 ... W/d6!N
An active new idea. In Urbankova Koutecky, Klatovy 1 999, Black played less
energetically with 1 6 ... W/b8 1 7.W/h4 ltJ a5
1 8 ..id3 e6, but still obtained a decent, if
slightly passive, position.
1 7.e5
If White plays into 1 7.W/h4 ltJa5 1 8 ..id3
248
7.ic4
14...J.xh6N
Wl'a3t he will find Black's counterplay to be
very annoying.
17 ...Wb4 1 8.id2 Wl'a4
Even the seemingly risky 1 8 . . .Wb2!? comes
into consideration.
19.ib3 Wa6
Black has a good game.
An improvement on the only game to reach
this position, which continued: 1 4 ... li:la5
1 5 .ixg7 �xg7 1 6.id3 f6 1 7.Wh4 g5?! 1 8 .Wh5
e5 19.li:lg3 ic8 20.d5 White was better due
to the weakness of the f5-square, Gligoric Razuvaev, Lj ubljana/Portoroz 1973.
13.. J:!:ad8
15.'i;Yxh6 tll a5 16..id3 e5
8
8
7
7
6
6
5
5
4
4
3
3
2
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
a
h
Here we have a serious branching point.
The most common approach is to exchange
the bishops, but White has tried other moves
as well. So our lines are Dl) 14.'i;Yg5, D2)
14JUdl and then of course D3) 14.ixg7.
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
With or without bishops, this is a standard
push in these lines. Black is hoping to get his
knight to d6 as usual, as well as simply wanting
to challenge the white centre.
17.f4
Dl) �4.'i;Yg5
The most dangerous option. After the
compliant 1 7.d5 c4 1 8.ic2 ic8! Black reaches
exactly the type of position he is aiming for.
We can imagine the natural continuation
19.f4 f6 20.�h l li:lb7 2 l .fxe5 fxe5 22.li:lgl
'We? 23.li:lf3 li:ld6= leading to simple equality.
8
7
6
5
17...£6
4
This move not only reinforces the centre,
it also gives Black the important defensive
resource . . .WI'g7.
3
2
18.d5
1
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
I also examined 1 8.Wh4, but White's centre
looks vulnerable: 1 8 . . . exd4 1 9.cxd4 'We?!
249
Chapter 2 1 - l l . . .b6!?
20.f5 g5 2 l .WI'g4 'it>h8! With better chances
for Black.
of the standard structure after 1 7.d5 c4 1 8 ..ic2
Wl'c5! 1 9.l2Jg3 .ic8, followed by the ... l2J b7-d6
manoeuvre. I prefer Black.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
a
18...c4 19 ..ic2 .ics
Black has achieved exactly the kind of
position he is has been praying for; similar to
the one examined in the note to move 17.
02) I4JUdl
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
17...�d6!N
This idea is also becoming standard by now.
White is forced to clarify the pawn structure
in the centre.
18.dxe5
6
After 1 8.d5 c4 1 9 ..ic2 .ic8 Black's knight
is ready to go to the c5-square via b7. Black is
also thinking about how to carry out the .. .f5
break.
5
18 ...�xe5 19.£4 �e7 20.ltlg3 f6
8
7
Black has a good position.
4
03) 14..ixg7 cbxg7
3
2
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
7
I hope that by now Black's reaction will seem
quite standard to you.
6
14...lt�a5 15 ..id3 e5 16..ixg7 cbxg7 17.�e3
4
Up to this point we have been following
Liang Chong - Bu Xiangzhi, Shandong 2007.
3
5
2
I should mention that Black has a good version
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
250
7.�c4
15.'1We3
16 ll'le7
Mter 1 5J:!:fd 1 , as played in Pesout - Zigura,
Pardubice 1 992, Black should continue with
1 5 ... lt:la5 1 6.�d3 e5, transposing to line 02
above.
This move is fully playable, but I actually
prefer the following active option:
16 ... lt:la5!?N 1 7.�d3 c4
17 . . 5 is quite challenging for White, but
at the same time also quite risky for Black:
1 8.exf5 Otherwise .. .f5-f4 is coming.
1 8 ...�xd5 19.fxg6 hxg6 I don't see any
concrete problems, but the vulnerable position
of Black's king might tell in the long term.
1 8.�c2 �c8
Black is ready to follow up with ... lt:lb7-d6,
with a good game.
••.
15 e5
•.•
8
7
6
5
.
17.ll'lg3 f6 18.h4
4
White probably wasn't satisfied with 1 8.f4
exf4 19.E:xf4 'Mfe5! when Black is ready to
follow up with the ... lt:lc8-d6 manoeuvre and
has prospects of an easy game.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
We have reached the last branching point of
the book (unless you are the type that reads
indexes for fun) . The options to consider at
this point are: 031 ) 16.d5, 032) 16 .ib5 and
the main line 033) 16 .id5.
On top of this I should mention that after
16.dxc5?! lt:la5! Black is already a bit better.
18 tt'lc8 19 .id3
•••
•
8
7
•
•
6
5
4
031) f6.d5
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19 c4!N
•••
It is vital to play this intermediate move.
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
After 1 9 ... lt:ld6, as played in Fier - Caruana,
Gibraltar 20 1 1 , White can reply with the
typical 20.c4!N. (Instead he played 20.f4 in the
game. After 20 ... exf4 2 l .'Mfxf4 \We? 22.:9:£2 'Mfe5
23.'Mfxe5 fxe5 24.lt:lfl c4 25.�c2 �c8 Black
got a nice position, with a structure and ideas
25 1
Chapter 2 1 - l l ...b6!?
typical for this line.) After 20 ... h5 2 1 .a4;!; I
don't like Black's position. It seems passive, and
even thought it might be tenable, White has a
much more joyful experience ahead, combining
queenside play and kingside ambitions.
20..ic2 �d6 21.£4
2 1 .h5 is not dangerous for Black, as he can
react calmly with 2 1 ....ic8.
2l...exf4 22.'ilVxf4
22.�xf4 'l'!!fe7 is not that much different.
22 'ilVe7 23-l:�fl 'ilVeS 24.c!t�e2 .ic8 25.tLld4
gde8
•.•
18.dxe5
White initiates an attack on the kingside,
which can seem quite a challenge for Black to
face. But at the same time White is making
a long-term concession, weakening his pawn
structure slightly. Although this is all very
fascinating, we should not lose sight of the
other options at this point:
1 8.dxc5 is a concession of sorts. After the
natural 1 8 ...V!fxc5 White almost has to force a
draw by perpetual with 1 9.ttlh5t, otherwise he
will be positionally worse.
If he is eager to avoid the draw, Black can
play 1 8 . . . bxc5 1 9 .�fd 1 oo leading to a complex
and interesting game.
8
1 8.l:l:fdl cxd4 1 9.cxd4 exd4 20.�xd4 �xd4
2 l .'l'!!fxd4t f6= Black has no problems finding
adequate play.
7
6
5
1 8.d5 c4 1 9.f4 exf4 20.'1'!!fxf4 f5! leads to a very
complex game, which is in no way worse for
Black.
4
3
2
18...'ilVxe5 19.£4
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The position seems pretty balanced.
White has also tried: 1 9.�fd 1 'l'!!fe7 20.'1'!!f f4
ttlc6 2 l ..ie2
8
032) 16 .ib5 �aS 17.tLlg3 'ilVe7
•
7
6
5
8
4
7
3
6
2
5
a
4
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
This was played in the old game Averbakh
- Botvinnik, Moscow 19 56. I believe Black
could have secured himself a slightly better
game with 2 1 . ..ttle5N 22.'1'!!f e3 f6 23.f4 ttlf7+.
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
252
7.ic4
Had he played this, White would have had to
use a lot of his energy defending his e4-pawn.
An understandable decision. Black wants
to bring his misplaced knight to the defence.
Obviously White cannot allow this.
8
23.ixc6 .ixc6 24.f5!
7
The correct decision. It seems that, although
certainly unbalanced in nature, the position
should ultimately be evaluated as balanced
nonetheless.
6
5
4
24 ... Eifd8 25.YlYg5 EIId6 26.ltlh5t �f8
27.ti�f6 �g7
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
19...'ilYd6! 20JUdl!?
A strange decision at first sight. White wants
to use the tandem of the queen and knight in
an offensive against the black king.
20.f5 should also be considered. I find the
following line to be quite instructive: 20 ... 'W'd2
(20 .. .f6 should not be too bad for Black either)
2 l .'W'f3 'W'g5 22-Ekd l E!:xdl 23.E!:xdl �c6!
Black is in excellent shape thanks to his control
of the dark squares.
20...'ilYxdl t 21J�xdl Eixdl t 22. �fl
8
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
28.�h5t �f8 29.�£6 �g7 30.�h5t
White has nothing better than this draw by
perpetual, Renet - Vachier Lagrave, Aix-les­
Bains 2007.
D33) 16.id5 � a5 17..ixb7 'ilYxb7
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
22...ltlc6!
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
253
Chapter 2 1 - l l .. .b6!?
1 8.f4
This is the critical continuation. In another
game White tried:
1 8.lt::l g3
There is no time for such moves, and it is
not surprising that this line is quite harmless
for Black.
1 8 ...'11Me7
Another option worthy of consideration is
1 8 ... lt::l c4 19.'11Me2 bS.
Black could also choose the safety-first
option 1 8 ...exd4 1 9.cxd4 :B:xd4, when White
is to forced to make a draw with 20.lt::l f5t
gxfS 2 1 .'11Mg5t �h8 22.'11Mf6t 'it>g8, and there
is nothing more than a perpetual. Note that
23.:i:l:c3? :B:e8! just loses for White.
19.:B:fd 1 hS 20.dxe5 lt::l c4 2 1 .'11Me2 lt::l xeS 22.f4
lt::l g4 23.h3 lt::l h6
The
position
remained unclear in
Kindermann - Hort, Germany 1 988.
8
a bit scary, so I had to find a new way to play
the position.
19.�d3 <lLld6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
20.d5
Black is almost begging for this to be played,
but White does not have any challenging
alternatives:
20.lt::l g3 is met strongly by 20 . . .exd4 2 1 .cxd4
fS !. Black is making the most out of the
active position of the knight on d6, and after
22.'11Mc3 lt::l xe4 23. lt::l xe4 '11Mxe4 24.dxc5t '11Md4t
25.'11Mxd4t :B:xd4 his chances are not worse.
7
6
5
4
3
Even weaker is 20.fxe5 '11Mxe4 2 1 .'11Mf3 '11Mxf3
22.:B:xf3 lt::l e4 23.:B:e3 lt::l d2! 24.:B:e 1 :B:fe8+,
when Black has the better chances in the
endgame.
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
18... tt:lc4!?N
This is my new idea, intended to revitalize
the whole line. Maybe this is not the only
playable move, but Black's position does not
appeal to me after 1 8 ... exd4 1 9.cxd4 :B:fe8, as
played in Hoen - Olsson, Lidkoeping 1 969.
The issue is that instead of 20.e5, White could
have played 20.d5!N, with the main point that
20 ... f5 2 1 .lt::l c3 fxe4 22.f5 gives White a strong
attack. Also 1 9 ... cxd4 20. lt::l xd4 bS 2 l . f5 looks
20 JUe8 2I.f5
••
Again it is worth looking for dangerous
alternatives, although the search may be
futile.
After 2 1 . lt::l g3 exf4 22.:B:xf4 '11Me7 23.:B:cfl
'11Me5 Black is fine, enjoying a nice thematic
dark-squared blockade.
And after 2 l .:B:ce1 c4 22.'11Mf3 fS Black has
strong counterplay in the centre.
21...gx5 22.exf5 whs
254
7.ic4
Conclusion
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
23J�cdl
Also after 23.c4 b5 24.cxb5 c4 Black has
enough counterplay to equalize. For example
25 .'Wg3 lLle4 26.'Wh4 'Wxd5 27.lLlc3 'Wd4t
28.\t>hl lLlxc3 29.'Wf6t \t>g8 30.'Wg5t i>h8
3 l .'Wf6t with a perpetual.
23 f6CD
...
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
a
b
c
d
e
f
g
h
The opening is over and we have reached
a complicated middlegame, in which Black
should not be worse.
The l l ...b6!? variation has not been a popular
choice at either amateur or grandmaster level.
However, I believe it to be a serious option
whose popularity looks set to increase.
Despite leading to tactically fertile ground,
the emire variation runs along clearly defined
positional contours. Throughout the chapter,
we have seen that Black's play tends to revolve
around the plan of ... lLla5, ... e5 and later ... c4,
...ic8 and ... lLlb7-d6. If Black gets that far ­
which seems to happen remarkably often - he
may be able to follow up with .. .f5, destroying
White's optically impressive pawn centre.
White's main plan is to soften up the black
kingside by exchanging the dark-squared
bishops, followed by a quick f2-f4 to launch an
attack. There are a number of ways in which he
can go about this task, some more dangerous
than others, but all of them insufficient to
claim an advantage according to the analysis I
have presented here.
Theory will surely march forward and new
ideas will be found for both sides, but at this
stage it seems to me that White will have a
hard time searching for an advantage against
the 1 1 ... b6 line.
Variation Index
Chapter 1
l.d4 c!l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.c!l:l c3 d5 4.cxd5 c!l:lxd5 5.c!l:lf3 i.g7
A) 6.g3 8
B) 6 ..id2 0-0 7.1'!c l lLlb6 9
B l ) 8.e3 9
B2) 8 ..ig5 1 0
C) 6.�b3 1 3
D ) 6.�a4t 1 4
E) 6 ..ig5 c 5 7.1'!cl lLlxc3 8.bxc3 0-0 16
E l ) 9.�d2 16
E2) 9.e3 17
Chapter 2
l.d4 c!l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.c!l:lc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!l:lxd5 5.c!l:lf3 i.g7 6.e4 c!l:lb6 7.i.e3 0-0
A) 8.lLlxb6?! 20
B) 8.lLlf3 .ig4 2 1
B l ) 9 ..ie2 2 1
B2) 9.lLlc5 22
Chapter 3
l .d4 c!l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.c!l:lc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!l:lxd5 5 .id2 .ig7 6.e4 c!l:lxc3 7..ixc3 0-0
A) 8 ..ie2 27
B) 8.1'!cl c5!? 9.d5 .ixc3t 1 0.1'!xc3 e6 29
B 1) 1 I ..ic4 30
B2) 1 I .d6 3 1
C) 8.�d2 c5! 32
C l ) 9.dxc5 32
C2) 9.d5 33
D) 8 ..ic4 c5 9.d5 .ixc3t 1 0.bxc3 �d6! 35
D 1 ) 1 l .�e2 35
D2) 1 1 .lLlf3 36
D3) 1 1 .lLle2 36
E) 8.lLlf3 .ig4 37
E l ) 9.�d2 37
E2) 9 ..ie2 38
•
Chapter 4
l .d4 c!l:lf6 2.c4 g6 3.c!l:lc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!l:lxd5 5.g3 ig7 6.e4 c!l:lxc3 7.bxc3 c5
A) 8.e3 �a5 42
A l ) 9.lLle2 42
A2) 9 ..id2 43
256
Grandmaster Repertoire 9 - The Griinfeld Defence Volume Two
B) 8.lLlf3 lLlc6! 44
B l ) 9.d5!? 44
B2) 9.0-0 45
B3) 9.e3 0-0 1 0.0-0 .ie6 48
B3 1 ) 1 l .�a4 48
B32) 1 I .tLld2 49
B33) 1 I ..ia3 50
B4) 9 ..ie3 0-0 10.0-0 cxd4 5 1
B4 1 ) 1 l .cxd4 5 1
B42) 1 1 .lLlxd4 lLla5! 52
B42 1 ) 1 2.'<!;lfcl 52
B422) 1 2.lLlb5 53
B423) 1 2.Wla4 53
B424) 1 2.�d3 54
B425) 1 2.�b 1 55
Chapter 5
l.d4 ti:)f6 2.c4 g6 3.tDc3 d5 4.cxd5 tDxd5 5.e4 tDxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ig5 c5 S.:!�cl 0-0
A) 9.d5 58
B) 9.lLlf3 .ig4 IO .d5 W/d6 1 l ..ie2 tLld7 5 9
B 1 ) 1 2.0-0 5 9
B2) 1 2.h3 6 1
Chapter 6
l.d4 tDf6 2.c4 g6 3.tDc3 d5 4.cxd5 tDxd5 5.e4 tDxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ia3 tDd7!
A) 8.Wfb3 63
B) 8.lLlf3 c5 64
B l ) 9 ..ic4 64
B2) 9.�b3 0-0 66
B2 i ) 1 0 ..id3 66
B22) 1 0 ..ie2 67
Chapter ?
l .d4 tDf6 2.c4 g6 3.tDc3 d5 4.cxd5 tDxd5 5.e4 tDxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.YlYa4t tDd7
A) 8 ..ie3 70
B) 8 . .ig5 71
C) 8.lLlf3 0-0 72
C l ) 9 ..ie2 72
C2) 9 . .ie3 73
C3) 9 ..ig5 c5 74
C3 1 ) I O.�b 1 74
C32) I O.�d 1 75
C33) 10.�cl 75
Variation Index
257
Chapter S
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cx:d5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ib5t c6 8..ia4 0-0 9.�e2
c5
A) I O.d5 80
B) I O ..ie3 82
C) 1 0.0-0 tt:lc6 I I ..ie3 tt:la5 83
C 1) 1 2.dxc5 84
C2) 12 ..ib3 85
C3) 1 2.d5 85
C4) 1 2.l:!b l 86
Chapter 9
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cx:d5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ie3 c5
A) 8.l:!b l �a5 9.�d2 cxd4 IO.cxd4 �xd2t l l .Wxd2 0-0 90
AI) 12 ..id3 90
A2) 12 ..ib5 9 1
A3 ) 1 2 ..ic4 92
A4) 1 2.tt:lf3 93
B) 8.l:!cl �a5 9.�d2 cxd4 I O.cxd4 �xd2t 95
B I) I I ..ixd2 0-0 9 5
B I I ) 1 2.d5 96
B I 2) 1 2.tt:lf3 .ig4 97
B l 2 1 ) 1 3.d5 97
B l 22) 1 3.l:!c7 99
B l 23) 1 3 ..ie3 1 00
B2) I I .Wxd2 0-0 1 0 1
B2 1 ) 1 2.d5 1 0 1
B22) 1 2.l:!c7 1 02
B23) 1 2.i.b5 1 03
B24) 1 2.i.d3 1 05
Chapter 10
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cx:d5 �xd5 5.e4 tLlxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ie3 c5 8.�f3 'llYa5
A) 9.tt:ld2 1 09
B) 9 ..id2 0-0 I O.i.e2 i.g4 1 1 .0-0 l:!d8 1 1 0
B l ) 1 2.d5 1 1 0
B2) 1 2.l:!b l I l l
B3) 1 2.tt:lg5 1 1 3
C) 9.�d2 tt:lc6 1 1 3
C l ) I O.l:!b l a6 I I .l:!cl i.g4 1 2.d5 l:!d8 1 1 4
C I I ) 1 3 .tt:lh4 1 1 6
C I 2) 13 ..id3 1 1 7
C l 3) 13.i.e2 1 1 8
Grandmaster Repertoire 9 - The Griinfeld Defence Volume Two
258
C2) 1 0Jk 1 cxd4 1 l .cxd4 '1Mfxd2t 1 2.'t!;>xd2 0-0 1 20
C2 1 ) 13 ..ib5 122
C22) 1 3.d5 :Bd8 1 24
C22 1 ) 14.'t!;>c2 1 24
C222) 14.'t!;>e1 ltla5 125
C222 1) 1 5 .if4 1 27
C2222) 1 5 .id2 1 28
C2223) 1 5 .ig5 1 29
Chapter 1 1
l .d4 ltlf6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.i.e3 c5 8.'1Mfd2 cxd4 9.cxd4
�c6
A) 1 0.ib5 id7 1 3 5
A1) 1 l .:Bb1 1 36
A2) 1 1 .ltle2 1 37
B) 1 0.:Bd 1 0-0 1 38
B 1 ) 1 l ..ie2 139
B2) 1 l .d5 1 40
B3) 1 1 .ltlf3 1 4 1
Chapter 1 2
l .d4 � f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.�f3 c5
A) 8.ic4 145
B) 8.ie2 ltlc6 1 46
B l ) 9.ie3 146
B2) 9.d5 148
C) 8.h3 0-0 1 50
C l ) 9.ie3 1 5 1
C2) 9.ic4 1 52
C3) 9.ie2 1 53
.
D) 8 ..ib5t ltlc6 9.0-0 cxd4 1 0.cxd4 0-0 1 l .ie3 ig4 1 2.ixc6 bxc6 1 3.:Bc l '1Mfa5 1 5 5
0 1 ) 1 4.:Bxc6 1 57
02) 14.'1Mfe2 1 58
03) 14.'1Mfd2 160
Chapter 13
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.�0 c5 8.:!3b1 0-0
A) 9.ic4?! 1 63
B) 9 ..ie3 ltlc6 1 63
B 1 ) 1 0 ..ie2 1 64
B2) 1 0.'1Mfd2 1 66
C) 9.'1Mfd2 1 67
Variation Index
259
Chapter 14
l.d4 ti)f6 2.c4 g6 3.ti)c3 dS 4.cxdS ti)xdS S.e4 ti)xc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 ?.ti)£3 cS 8J�b1 0-0 9.J.e2 cxd4
10.cxd4 Wast n.Wd2 Wxd2t 12.J.xd2 b6
A) 1 3 . .id3 1 70
B) 13 ..ie3 1 7 1
C) 13.d5 1 72
D) 1 3.!k1 .ib7 1 73
D l ) 1 4 ..id3 1 73
D2) 14.d5 174
E) 1 3.0-0 .ib7 176
E 1 ) 14 ..id3 1 76
E2) 1 4.d5 1 77
Chapter I S
l.d4 ti) f6 2.c4 g6 3.ti)c3 dS 4.cxdS ti)xdS S.e4 ti)xc3 6.bxc3 i.g7 7.ti)f.3 cS 8Jtb1 0-0 9.J.e2 cxd4
IO.cxd4 WaSt I l .J.d2 Wxa2 1 2.0-0 J.g4
A) 1 3.:E\xb7 .ixf3 1 4 ..ixf3 .ixd4 1 83
A1) 1 5 .e5 1 84
A2) 15 ..ib4 185
B) 1 3 ..ie3 tbc6 1 86
B l ) 1 4.:E\xb7 :E\ab8 1 86
B 1 1) 1 5 .:E\xb8 :E\xb8 1 86
B 1 2) 1 5 .:E\c7 1 89
B2) 14.d5 tLla5 1 90
B2 1 ) 1 5 .ic5 1 90
B22) 1 5.ig5 1 92
Chapter 16
l.d4 ti)f6 2.c4 g6 3.ti)c3 dS 4.cxdS �xdS S.e4 ti)xc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 7.ti)f.3 cS SJ�bl 0-0 9.J.e2 cxd4
10.cxd4 WaSt n.J.d2 Wxa2 12.0-0 J.g4 1 3.J.g5 h6
A) 1 4.ixe7 1 95
B) 1 4.ih4 1 96
C) 1 4.ie3 tbc6 1 98
C l ) 1 5.:E\xb7 1 9 8
C2) 1 5.d5 20 1
Chapter 17
l.d4 ti)f6 2.c4 g6 3.ti)c3 dS 4.cxdS ti)xdS S.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 7.J.c4 cS s.ti)e2 ti) c6
A) 9.d5 204
B) 9.ie3 0-0 205
B l ) 1 0.h4 205
B2) 1 0.:E\b1 206
Grandmaster Repertoire 9 - The Griinfeld Defence Volume Two
260
B3) 10.!!cl cxd4 1 l .cxd4 �a5t! 207
B3 1) 1 2.�d2 207
B32) 1 2.i.d2 207
B33) 1 2.'kt>fl \!;!fa3! 208
B33 1 ) 1 3.�b3 208
B332) 1 3.�d2 209
B333) 1 3.!!c3 2 1 0
Chapter 18
I .d4 c!Ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!Llxd5 5.e4 c!Llxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ic4 c5 s.ttle2 c!Llc6 9..ie3 0-0
10.0-0 .ig4
A) 1 l .d5 2 1 3
B) 1 l .f3 i.d7!? 2 1 4
B 1 ) 1 2.�d2 2 1 5
B2) 1 2.'kt>h1 2 1 6
B3) 1 2.d5 2 1 6
B4) 1 2.i.d3 2 1 8
B5) 1 2.!!cl 2 1 9
Chapter 1 9
I.d4 c!Ll f6 2.c4 g6 3.ttlc3 d5 4.cxd5 c!Llxd5 5.e4 c!Llxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7.i.c4 c 5 s.ttle2 c!Llc6 9 .ie3 0-0
10.0-0 .ig4 1 1 .£3 .id7!? 12.!!b1 YlYc7
A) 1 3.lLlf4 223
B) 1 3.id3 !!ad8 224
B 1 ) 1 4.d5 225
B2) 1 4.\!;!fd2 226
C) 1 3.if4 227
•
Chapter 20
I.d4 c!Llf6 2.c4 g6 3.ttl c3 d5 4.cxd5 c!Llxd5 5.e4 c!Llxc3 6.bxc3 .ig7 7..ic4 c5 s.ttle2 c!Llc6 9..ie3 0-0
10.0-0 YlYc7
A) 1 1 .\!;!fd2 230
B) 1 l .i.f4 231
C) 1 1 .d5 233
D) 1 l .�c l id7 234
0 1 ) 1 2.!!d1 235
02) 1 2.id3 236
03) 1 2.!!b 1 237
E) 1 l .!!b1 b6 237
E1) 1 2.dxc5 238
E2) 1 2.f3 238
E3) 1 2.if4 239
Variation Index
261
Chapter 21
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 g6 3.�c3 d5 4.cxd5 �xd5 5.e4 �xc3 6.bxc3 J.g7 7.J.c4 c5 8.�e2 �c6 9.J.e3 0-0
10.0-0 'f1Yc7 1 1.l:l:cl b6!?
A) 1 2.f4 243
B) 1 2 ..if4 245
C) 1 2.dxc5 246
D) 12.'Wd2 !b7 13 ..ih6 �adS 247
0 1 ) 14.'Wg5 248
02) 1 4.�fd 1 249
03) 14 ..ixg7 Wxg7 1 5.'We3 e5 249
03 1 ) 16.d5 250
032) 1 6.J.b5 25 1
033) 16 ..id5 252
Grandmaster Repertoire
An update to a Classic Concept
Creating the Grandmaster Repertoire series seemed a natural idea. There has been a glut of
opening books offering simplistic coverage of a subject. Apart from a few exceptions, it al most
seemed like the concept of a high-level repertoire book had been forgotten. As chess players
and fa ns, we felt we were missing out, and because we can, we decided to do something about
it.
The books in the Grandmaster Repertoire series are written by grandmasters, edited by
grandmasters, and will certainly be read by grandmasters. Of course, this does not mean that
players who are not grandmasters cannot benefit from them. We have worked hard to make our
books clear in their presentation and to make it possible for the readers to decide the depth to
which they want to study them.
It is our conviction that most players will eventua lly enjoy greater success by playing the main
li nes, simply because they are, in most cases, based on stronger moves. Instinctively most
players know this, but for one reason or another they employ easy-to-learn but unambitious
systems, or dubious gambits. These a pproaches may yield success from time to time, but we
would argue that they are less conducive to a player's overall development.
In these days of multi-million game databases, we all have access to information. The difficulty
comes from trying to navigate through the ever-expa nding jungle of games and variations. I n
this groundbreaking new series, readers will b e guided b y t h e insights of grandmasters, each
chosen for their special expertise in the opening in question.
We are immensely excited about this new series, and we hope that the readers will share our
enthusiasm.