Grandmaster Repertoire Marian Petrov The Modern Benoni , - - - .... ., - ... . " '---'" ---' Tired of bad positions? Try the main lines! . QUALITY CHESS _�_ e, II!!' '" .. . �p� Grandmaster Be ertoir. � 9 .... ,. I...,'�. I 4 . ..� .... 4 �: " The Modern . Benoni "- ( "' by Marian Petrov The Modern Benoni arises after 1.d4 � f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6. It leads to unbalanced structures and exciting play, so it has naturally been a favourite of ambitious attacking players such as Tal, Fischer and, more recently, Topalov, Ivanchuk and Gashimov. The Modern Benoni is a bold answer to 1.d4 and GM Marian Petrov shows it is possible to play this line confidently without memorizing extreme levels of theory. Black must certainly be well prepared, but the workload is less than for most aggressive defences - this book supplies all Black needs to know. · Expert guidance on an exciting counterattacking line · Fight against 1.d4 with a concise effective repertoire · Hundreds of novelties Marian Petrov is a grandmaster and former Bulgarian Champion. He has great experience in the Modern Benoni and has used it successfully in many international events. €29.99 ISBN 978-1-907982-60-6 ��_ QUALITY CHESS\.-' !!!!!' www.q ua I itychess.co. uk 9 781907 982606 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 The Modern Benoni By Marian Petrov '---\ I Quality Chess www.qualitychess.co. uk First edition 2013 by Quality Chess UK Ltd Copyright @ 2013 Marian Petrov GRANDMASTER REPERTOIRE 12 - THE MODERN BENONI All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher. Paperback ISBN 978-1-907982-59-0 Hardcover ISBN 978-1-907982-60-6 All sales or enquiries should be directed to Quality Chess UK Ltd, 20 Balvie Road, Milngavie, Glasgow G62 7TA, United Kingdom Phone +44 141 333 9588 e-mail:
[email protected]. uk website: www.qualitychess.co.uk Distributed in North America by Globe Pequot Press, roo Box 480,246 Goose Lane, Guilford, CT 06437-0480, US www.globepequot.com Distributed in Rest of the World by Quality Chess UK Ltd through Sunrise Handicrafts, ul. Skromna 3, 20-704 Lublin, Poland Typeset by Jacob Aagaard Proofreading by Colin McNab & John Shaw Edited by Andrew Greet & Nikolaos Ntirlis Cover design by www.adamsondesign.com Cover photograph by www.capture365.com Printed in Estonia by Tallinna Raamatutriikikoja LLC Contents Key to symbols used & Bibliography 4 Introduction 5 £4 Systems 1 Mikenas Attack 9 2 The Four Pawns Attack 18 3 Flick-Knife Attack - 8...lLJbd7 32 4 Flick-Knife Attack - 8...lLJfd7 without 9.a4 42 5 Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 Wh4t 49 6 Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 62 e4 Systems 7 Classical Variation with 9...�e8 79 8 Classical Variation with ...�g4 101 9 Modern Main Line 117 10 Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 127 11 Kapengut 144 12 7.lLJge2 160 13 7 .�d3 and 8.lLJ ge2 165 14 Sidelines 184 Lines without e4 15 7.�f4 �g7 192 16 7 .�f4 a6 205 17 Fianchetto System 221 18 Knight's Tour Variation 248 19 Lines with an early �g5 261 20 4.g3 269 21 Rare 4th moves 290 Index of Variations 298 Key to symbols used � White is slightly better + Black is slightly better :!: Whi te is better + Black is better +- White has a decisive advantage -+ Black has a decisive advantage = equality ;; with compensation f1 with counterplay co unclear ? a weak move ?? a blunder a good move !! an excellent move !? a move worth considering ?! a move of doubtful value # mate Bibliography Avrukh: Grandmaster Repertoire 2 - 1.d4 Volume Two, Quality Chess 2010 Cox: Starting Out: 1 d4!, Everyman Chess 2006 Kaufman: The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White, New In Chess 2012 Nunn, Burgess, Emms & Gallagher: Nunn's Chess Openings, Everyman Chess 1999 Palliser: Chess Developments: the Modern Benoni, Everyman Chess 2011 Palliser, Emms, Ward & Jones: Dangerous Weapons: The Benoni and Benko, Everyman Chess 2008 Schandorff: Playing 1.d4 - The Indian Defences, Quality Chess 2012 Semkov: Kill KID 1, Chess Stars 2009 Watson: A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White, Gambit 2012 Watson: The Gambit Guide to the Modern Benoni, Gambit 2001 Periodicals Chess Evolution by Arkadij Naiditsch Encyclopaedia of Chess Openings New In Chess Yearbooks Internet/Other Media Chesspublishing.com Ziegler: Modern Benoni for Advanced Players (DVD), Chess Base 2012 Introduction By the Author Welcome to the Modern Benoni, one of the most dynamic openings in all of chess. Make no mistake: this book is for players who enjoy the wild and adventurous side of the game. Modern Benoni devotees are forced to play on the edge, and will often have to live with positional weaknesses and/or sacrifice material to avoid being driven into passivity. On the plus side Black gets active piece play with rich counterattacking possibilities, perhaps more so than in any other opening against l.d4. The Benoni got its name from a German manuscript published in 1825 entitled Ben-Oni. For the rest of the 19th century it was rarely seen and had a poor reputation. Then in the early 1900s it was adopted by a few maestros of the day, most notably Frank Marshall. Even the great Alekhine played it a few times, despite having stated it was not a good opening. It was not until the late 1950s that the Modern Benoni really became popular, thanks to the great Mikhail Tal. The Benoni, with all its dynamism and counterattacking potential, suited Tal's aggressive tactical style perfectly. His games say more than my words ever could, so let's whet our appetites by seeing a couple of them. Bukhati Gurgenidze - Mikhail Tal Moscow 1957 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.e4 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0 Gurgenidze employs the Classical System, which can be found in Chapters 7 and 8. 9...�e8 10.�d2 �a6 11.�el tlJc7 12.a4 b6 At this stage it is hard to predict where Black's counterplay will come from, but just watch how quickly the situation changes. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 6 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni 13.�c2 Nowadays the main move is 13.f4. 13...�g4! 14.h3? White must have been asking himself where the knight could be going. Playing against Tal, perhaps he should have been more cautious. 8 .i--.i.�.i_.- 7 r.'",,/,_ .. r 6 "m/.�l��L";_ �_ 'l�� .""7..�/._ �_ /. : !� "m/.� 8'� 6)'� 3 �m���_8 ��,�''''''�;o//� ��'''0 � � " � �2 �ff�\UlJ,�� � �ff� A � iO% � /�_J � iO% 0 /.� ""/.wK"' m�� "" /'�1 � � �� �� /"",� //////� /"" � //"",/h a bed e f g h 14...�xf2!! A brilliant combination! Suddenly White's king is in grave danger. 15.�xf211Mh4t 16.�f1 �d4 17.tlJdl 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 18.�f3 18.gxh3? ixh3 is mate of course. 18...11Mh2 19.�e3 5! The quote from The Lord of the Rings, "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future", applies just as much to pawns as it does to hobbits. 20.�dc4 fxe4 21.�xe4 �a6! The bishop finds a perfect home. There are too many pins, open files and diagonals for White to deal with. 22.�f3 �e5 23.�a3 �ae8 24.�d2 �xd5! An excellent demonstration of team play. After the earlier sacrifice Tal has simply brought his pieces to good squares and the white position soon crumbles to dust. 8 _ _.1_._ 7 �� � �i 6 1_�_�� f� 5 . ""����:i�_ �� Y;1",,��,;;{m"�� %� 4 �,_��%'o//-��� 3 � _ ��_ '''''%�'0 ��,�''''';� �:V-"LO2 r�iV� �8� 1 � ""'/.8 Nm %a;.o",% a bed e f g h 25.�xd5t �xd5 26.�e2 �xe3 27.�xe3 �xc4 t 0-1 Any player would be proud to win such a game, and Tal's play from 1957 showed he was way ahead of his time. No wonder his opponents became scared to sit down opposite him before a game! Here is one more game from the following year. Introduction Yuri Averbakh - Mikhail Tal Riga 1958 l.d4 �fG 2.c4 e6 3.�c3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�e2 �g7 8.�f3 0-0 9.0-0 �e8 10.Wfc2 �a6 11.�f4 �b4 Another knight attack, this time from the other side. 12.Wfbl 8 7 6 12...�xe4!? This move must have come as a huge psychological shock to Averbakh. In fact it is not fully correct, but over the board it caused problems that were too much for White to handle. The fact that Black can even contemplate giving up a piece in this way says something about the wealth of possibilities offered by the Benoni. 13.�xe4 �f5 14.�fd2 �xd5 15.�xd6? 15.ig3 would have made it harder for Black to prove his compensation. 15...�fG 16.�f3 �xe4 17.�xe4 �xe4 18.�xe4 Wfxd6 Black has emerged a pawn up with a more active position. 7 8.iR _.i�.. '��� � m'�� 71%i. .imi 6 /'uu7.� �r' 8 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 -The Modern Benoni 32.11Mest 32.Wixd2 Wic6t leads to mate. 32...�g7 33.gxh411Md4 34.�h311Md3 35.�g2 �dl 0-1 About this book I have been playing the Modern Benoni for about a decade. Before then I played the King's Indian, so it was a natural transition as I was already used to having my bishop on g7. For my own reasons I have usually preferred the move order l.d4 g6, intending to transpose to a Benoni after a subsequent c2-c4. Of course I understand most readers will prefer a more conventional move order, so I have taken the position after the standard moves l.d4ltJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 as my starting point for the book. A friend of mine once told me "Every time when I see your pawn on d6 it makes me sick!" However, he also admitted he wished he could get such interesting positions from the black side of the Queen's Gambit Declined, which is his favoured defence. The thing I like about the Modern Benoni is that it almost always gives rise to a tense position where both players must make concrete decisions. I have also observed that there are many players who do not enjoy facing the Benoni, as White finds it hard to control the game the way he often does in most l.d4 openIngs. In this book I have departed slightly from the strict repertoire approach' of giving one recommendation against each of the opponent's options. Against most major options I have provided coverage of two or more lines; the Benoni is a versatile beast and I hope the reader will find it useful to have multiple weapons in his arsenal. In some cases I have even spent time covering a less promising alternative, in order to provide some theoretical background and highlight the reasons that led me not to recommend something different. No doubt some readers would argue in favour of a more detailed 'one recommendation' approach, but I am happy with the final balance of detail versus choices. I also made the decision to focus my attention on the most popular and critical attempts for White to handle each major variation. In almost every early position there are probably ten or more uncommon moves that have been played at some point, but does anyone really need a recommendation against every possible move that they're unlikely ever to face? I hope you will enjoy reading this book and putting its recommendations into practice. Remember one thing: the Modern Benoni is not an opening that can be played by book alone. Preparation has its place of course, but more important are the resolve, wit and ingenuity of the brave warrior who puts his pawns on c5 and d6. Thus I invite you to summon your inner Tal, turn the page and get started. Marian Petrov Burgas, Bulgaria February 2013 £4 Systems Mikenas Attack Variation Index l .d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£4 7...iLg7 8.e5 A) 8...dxe5 10 B) 8...tlJ£d7 9.tlJb5 dxe5 10.tlJd6t @e7 II.tlJxc8t �xc8 12.tlJf3 �e8 12 Bl) 13.£5 14 Bll) 13...tlJb6N 14 B12) 13...e4! 15 B2) 13.fxe5 17 A) note to 11...ttJf6 a bed e f 23...i.g4!N B) note to 12...!!e8 b) 13...i.d4!?N B 12) after 18.ttJe6 a bed e f g 18...ttJ bc6!!N 10 f4 Systems l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The first six chapters of the book will focus on this aggressive continuation, which continues to be a source of headaches for a lot of Benoni players. 7 ...�g7 8.e5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This is known as the Mikenas Attack. It is rarely played, but Black should be prepared. The two main replies are A) 8...dxe5 and B) 8...tlJfd7. A) 8...dxe5 This is an acceptable choice for players who don't wish to study long variations. 9.fxe5 tlJfd7 10.e6 fxe6 II.dxe6 � �� A Wl1.� � ��(8 .sa �_f.JL%g�U� �a tll"� i)� �_'l : /,uu�� �� !� �l�� 5 �_�� �� � �",3 �� �� 4___� 3 ��%� %� �?Jr(UU';� �� �?Jr�2 �j!J�///"0 �Y�'0 �7.�j!J7. ��� ��\UlJ� � �� � 1 � ������.J� , ",� /"",� //",/;/' � "", a bed e f g h 11...tlJf6 Now White must go into an endgame. I believe this is the best move, although I will mention three other options: The tempting 11...Wih4 t?! does not work: 12.g3 ixc3t 13.bxc3 Wie4t (13...Wie7 14.CtJf3 Wixe6t lS.ie2 0-0 16.0-0 rJl g 7t) 14.Wie2 Wixe2t lS.CtJxe2 CtJf8 16.e7t White has good compensation. 11...CtJf8 occurred in Alfonso Nogue - Almeida Quintana, Badalona 2009. Here White has a natural improvement: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14.ibSt Chapter 1 - Mikenas Attack Finally there is: 11...Wie7 This has been the most popular move, but I don't like it much. 12.CtJdS Now you must enter a long forced line: 12...Wixe6t 13.Wie2 Wixe2t 14.ixe2 0-0 14...ieS? IS.CtJf3 id6 16.ih6:t 1 S. CtJ c 7 CtJ c6 16. CtJ xa8 CtJ b4 1 7 .id 1 17.CtJf3 CtJc2t 18.rJldl CtJxal 19.ic4t rJlh8 20.�el a6= 21.ie6 CtJeS 22.�xeS?? ixeS-+ Shereshevski - Semeniuk, Vilnius 1974. After the text move Black needs to fight hard just to stay in the game, while White has many ways to stay a piece up for one or two pawns. 17...CtJd3t 17...CtJeS 18.CtJf3 CtJed3t 19.rJlfl CtJdS 20.ib3 ie6 21.igS �xa8 22.�d 1 c4 23.ixc4 CtJe3t 24.ixe3 ixc4 2S.rJl g l ixb2 26.h4t 18. rJle2 CtJ f2 19.ie3 CtJ xh 1 20. CtJ f3 c4 21.ic2 CtJf6 22.�xhl CtJdS 23.ixa7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 23...ig4!N I prefer this over 23...CtJf4tt as played in Marcotulli - Fredriksen, e-mail 2002. 24.CtJ b6 CtJf4 t 2S. rJld2 2S.rJlf2? CtJxg2 26.ie4 ixf3 27.ixf3 CtJh4 28.CtJxc4+ 2S...CtJxg2 26.CtJel �d8t 27.rJlcl ih6t 28.rJlbl CtJe3 29.b3 29.h3? ifS-+ 11 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 29... CtJxc2 29...ifS 30.ixfS �dlt 31.rJlb2 ig7t 32. rJla3 gxfS 33.CtJxc4 �xel 34.�xel CtJc2t 3S. rJla4 CtJxelt 30. CtJxc2 cxb3 31.axb3 �d3 Black keeps a playable position, but overall I don't find this line particularly appealing. 12.11MxdSt 12.ibSt?! CtJc6 favours Black. 12... s!?xdS 8 7 6 5 13...�xe6 14.�xc5= The q ueenless middlegame is balanced. 12 f4 Systems B) S...tlJfd7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This is the main line, and leads to more complex play. 9.tlJb5 9. CtJ e4 dxeS 10. CtJ d6 t is the same. 9.e6?! is worse: 9...fxe6 10.dxe6 CtJb6 II.CtJe4 dS 12.ibSt (12.CtJxcS Wie7+) 12...CtJc6 13.CtJxcS This position occurred in Kratochvil - Hradecky, Frydek Mistek 200S, and now 13...Wie7!N would have left Black clearly better. Finally, 9.exd6 0-0 10.CtJf3 CtJf6 II.ie2 Wixd6 12.0-0 CtJbd7= is not dangerous. 9...dxe5 10.tlJd6t In return for the sacrificed pawn White has managed to give an early check, forcing our king to stay in the centre for a while. 10... s!?e7 II.tlJxcSt II.CtJ bS? is deservedly rare: 11...�e8 12.d6t rJlf8 13.CtJc7 For some reason the natural 13...Wih4t!N has not been played so far, but it brings Black a clear advantage as shown after: 14.g3 (14.rJle2 CtJf6 IS.CtJf3 ig4 16.CtJxe8 CtJxe8 + ) 14...exf4t IS.rJlf2 fxg3t 16.rJl g 2 Wie4t 17.CtJf3 gxh2 + 11...11Mxcs 8 .i�iV� _ �� 'W'u"'� ��'��'dmu7�i_4a).imi mu7.� /,� hU'''� 'l�� 6 ��'''0 ��'''0 �� � 5 � �8�& �� 4__�� �� �� �UU%� � 3 ��'''0 �� �� ��,� 2 �w�!�'M/' 1 gff; ���id!b���� /. ,,;' /;,1';, /j.,/ ;' �" ;' a bed e f g h 12.tlJf3 White needs to catch up on development. 12.d6t?! is premature: 12...rJlf8 13.CtJf3 CtJc6 14.ie2 (14.ic4 CtJb6 Is.id3 Wid7 16.ie4 �e8 17.0-0 exf4 + Nogues - Bertorello, Villa Martelli 2008.) 14...e4 IS.CtJgS CtJd4 + 16.ic4 The counterattack is not working. 8 7 6 5 12..J�eS This is the main move, but there are a couple of promising alternatives. 12. . . e4! ? Keeping the e- and f-files closed is a rare but nice idea which seems to work well. Chapter 1 - Mikenas Attack 13. CtJ gS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a) 13...CtJb6 This has been the most common choice, although I only found six games in which it was played. 14.d6t The untested 14.Wib3!?N may be White's best bet: 14...f8 IS.ie3 h6 The safest move. 16. CtJ xe4 Wi e8 17. Wi c2 g8 18. f2 CtJxdS 19.ixcs CtJxf4 00 14...f8 IS.a4 h6 16.aS hxgS 17.axb6 a6 18.WidS Wid7 19.fxgS CtJc6 20.ibS id4+ 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 22.Wixd4 cxd4 23.ixd7 CtJd3t 24.fl CtJxf4 + b) 13...id4!?N An ambitious but risky move which I found. 14.Wib3 14.ic4?! looks dangerous, but after 14...CtJ b6 I think Black has enough resources to repel the attack: IS.d6t (IS.ib3 �d8 16.CtJxe4 CtJxdS + ) IS...f8 16.ixf7 h6 17.ie6 Wie8 18.fS hxgS 19.Wig4 g7 20.ixgS gxfS 21.ixfS WihS 22.Wig3 �g8 23.ie3t h8 24.ixd4t cxd4 2S.WieSt �g7 + 14...f6 IS.d6t? IS. CtJ e6 CtJ b6f! IS.CtJxe4 �e8 16.ie2 CtJb6f! IS...xd6 16.CtJf7t c7 17.CtJxh8 Wixh8 18.ie3 fS Black has excellent compensation. 19.0-0-0 CtJ c6+ Black has a second promising alternative in the form of: 12...�d8!?N The rook is going directly after the dS-pawn. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13.fxeS 13.ic4 CtJb6 14.Wie2 e4+ 13.d6t f8 14.te2 CtJc6 IS.0-0 e4 16.CtJgS id 4 t 1 7. hI h 6 18. CtJ xe4 fS 19. CtJ c3 CtJ f6 + 13...CtJxeS 14.ie2 Black's 12th move was also suggested by Ziegler, who offers the following line: 14.igSt f6 IS.ie3 CtJg4 16.id2 WifS+ 14...CtJxf3t Is.ixf3 f8 16.0-0 CtJd7+ 14 f4 Systems To summarize, it seems Black really is spoiled for choice at move 12. Let us now return to the main line of 12. ..�e8 which, as we will soon see, is also promising for him. From this position it is worth considering both Bl) 13.£5 and B2) 13.fxe5. Bl) 13.£5 8 .i�iV-.i- � � ,�/y"u" � � 7 �� & � � .� & Wlti & 6 'uu/._ �_ ,uu%� 'l�� .�A-.�AWA '�'''0 ��'''0 �� 5 � ��8��8� 4 �� �"U7-� �UU%� �� �� �� �7. 3 � _ _�_ 2 8Wfj %� �� r� ,u"Jm'%�'0 ��'0" ��£'u, 1 /,� �V��B1:t a bed e f g h This move has only been seen in a few games, but it is my engine's first choice. For instructive purposes it is worth analysing Bll) 13...11Jb6!?N, but the strongest move for Black is B12) 13...e4!. The following alternatives are less appealing: 13...CtJf6? 14.fxg6 hxg6 IS.CtJgS rJlf8 16.ic4:t Inkiov - Hamdouchi, Cap d'Agde 2010. 13...gxfS looks playable but risky: 14.CtJh4 CtJf6 IS.Wic2 f4 16.CtJfSt rJlf8 17.CtJd6 Wic7 18. CtJ xe8 rJlxe8 00 Bll) 13...tlJb6N Although this is not the move I recommend, I decided to include it mainly for its entertainment value. 14.d6t s!?m 15.�b5 8 .i�iV-.i_ � � '!./'l,,,,,, � /, /%'� � �"'�'% 7 ,�i_ _imi 6 � � � 'l�� 5 �/I;.uu/'_!m 4 �� �m'%� �uu%� �� 3 ������ � �///" �� ���, , 2 8�[j _ _8� ;�l"jw�!� ��� 1 � ���'g(� �� a bed e f g h 15...tlJc6 IS...e416.CtJgS �eS 17.f6ih818.if4�dS 19.Wie2 CtJc6f! 16.fxg6 hxg6 17.0-0 e4 IS.tlJ g 5 �d4t 19.s!?hl f6 Now White has to find some accurate moves: 8 .igiVY�.i_ � 7 �if� �� �"U�� � /'uu7.7.'n/ h �?;(O,� �?;(o'0 �7. 6 .�� W�i_ 5 .I '_'m7.� mU7.rJj �� uU'/.�Ji,j'0,? �� /�u'u;�4 _ mi� � � %� 'UU%� �� �3 �///"0 _� � � 2 8Wf!fi . -8� u,,}'u"%�'0 �� ��£,u'7- 1:� �iV� 1:t �� a bed e f g h 20.�e3! s!?g7 21.�xd4 I have chosen this as the main line for instructive and aesthetic purposes, but it should be noted that 21.ixc6!t is the strongest move. 21...tlJxd4 22.�xeS 11MxeS 23.b4! 11Me5 24.bxc5 fxg5 24...�h8 2S.ttJh3 CtJd7 00 1 - Mikenas Attack Chapter ncentrate from fantasy land to co Let's return r move.on the stronge 15 8 rJl xg 5 16 f4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 White's knight has made a long journey, but just look at his other pieces. Now the punishment comes: 18... tlJ bc6!!N This beautiful move emphasizes development above all else! It is worth comparing this move with the following practical example: 18...c4 19.ie2? 19.CtJxg7N rJlxg7? was correct. Now in Szczesniak - Radecki, corr. 1992, Black could have used the same idea as in our main line, in an even more favourable settlng: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19.tlJxg7 @xg7 Now we reach a comical situation where all of White's pieces are on their starting positions! 20.dxc6 tlJd3t 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 21...tlJf2 22.11Mb3 e3t 23.@c2 e2 24.11Mc3t @h7 25.11Mf6! Only this move can save White. 25...11MfSt 25.. . CtJ xh 1 = Chapter 1 - Mikenas Attack B2) 13.fxe5 8.i�iH�.iB _ � 'W"uu� ��,��,�� 7 ��i.�.i�i 6 7.u,,%� �� '''u,,� 'l%� � ��'''0 ��'''0 �� 5 � ��8i� . 4 �� �u"7.� �"U�� �� 3 � ������ ' 2!����.!� uuJuu� , �0 ��£uu 1 / � �V � �_1:t a bed e f g h This is the more popular move. 13...tlJxe5 14.�b5 tlJbd7 15.0-0 15.CtJxe5 rJlf8 leads to the same thing. 15...@f8 16.tlJxe5 �xe5 17.�f4 c4 This is the main move, although 17...�e4 is also possible: 18.Wif3 f5 19.�ael �xel (19. ..id4 t 20. rJl hI CtJ f6f!) 20.�xe 1 a6 21.ifl id4t 22.ie3 oo Saint Amour - Hase, Internet 2004. 17 18.11Md4 18.ixd7?! Wic5t 19.rJlhl �xd5 20.Wig4 f5 21.Wih3 �xd7 22.Wixh7 rJlV 23.�ad1 (23.ih6+) 23...�ad8 24.�xd7t �xd7 + Yuferov - Kapengut, Soviet Union 1976. The text move leads to an endgame. 8.i_iHB _ _ ,�, �� ",u%�,�� 7�i_�_i�i 6 /'uu7.� �� �� 'l%� 5 '�'B!�:I�_ �� �f"L'f"u��:� ��4 �iii1 � � � �� U,u%� m"%� 3 ��'''0 �� �� ��,�2 8� � ��/�� 1 ��. _ _1:t� a bed e f g h 18...�f5 This is my preferred square for the rook. 19.11Mxc4 11Mxc4 20.�xc4 �xb2 21.�adl �e5! It is important to challenge the strong bishop, even though Black's kings ide structure now gets destroyed. 22.�h6t @e7 23.�xf5 gxf5 24.g3 �g8 25.�f1 �g6= Kirsanov - Smirnov, corr. 2002. Conclusion The Mikenas Attack is not too dangerous, and Black has the luxury of more than one good reply. Players wishing to avoid heavy theory can play 8.. .dxe5 which leads to a balanced endgame. Those who desire a full-blooded fight will get their wish after 8...CtJfd7, and I would encourage the reader to investigate the alternatives analysed at move 12, as they may well be as strong or stronger than the main line. £4 Systems The Four Pawns Attack Variation Index 1.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 cS 3.dS e6 4.tlJc3 exdS S.cxdS d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.tlJf3 8...0-0 9.�e2 A) 9..J��e8 B) 9...tlJbd7 C) 9...�g4l0.0-0 tlJbd7 11.h3 �xf3 l2.�xf3 �e8 l3.�el Cl) l3..J�;YaS C2) l3...c4 l4.�e3 �aS C2l) lS.�d4 C22) lS.@hl A) note to 12.i.g5 a b 25...i.xe7!N A) note to 14.ttJxe5 a bed e f 28...ttJe4!N 19 22 23 27 29 29 30 C21) after 19.i.xc5 a bed e f 19. ..ttJxe4! Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.tlJf3 The main theoretical line is 8.ibSt, which can be found in Chapters 3-6. The knight move is an important alternative, and we will deal with it thoroughly over the coming pages. 8 .I _.i._ cm � �� 7 tllu� h'd"� f_'i 6 mu7.� �_��fl%� ��'�UU7.� /�u",;�5 �� ��� ��'0 �//h 4 . .8rfj � 3_�m�_�m 2 r�'u,,;� �� r� 1 �sf""7._I�'.� a bed e f g h 8...0-0 9.�e2 A harmless alternative is: 9.id3 The bishop is more vulnerable on this square, and Black has many good options. 9...�e8 A decent alternative is: 9...b5!? 10.ixbS CtJxe4 II.CtJxe4 WiaSt 12.f2 WixbS 13.CtJxd6 Wib6 14.CtJc4 Wia6 IS.Wie2 ib7 16.�dl CtJd7 00 17.CtJceS Wixe2t 18.xe2= Parr - Prods, Melbourne 1972. 10.0-0 c4 II.ic2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19 11...bS 11...CtJa6!?� IS a suggestion from Nikos N tirlis. 12.a3 Wib6t 12...CtJbd7 13.ie3 a6 14.id4 ib7 IS.�el Wic7= Felmery - Sallai, Hungary 2010. 13.hl CtJbd7 14.h3 ib7 IS.�el CtJcS 16.ie3 �ad8 With equal chances in Kolba - Ivanenko, Lugansk 2010. � �_ A � ���. � �8 .sa /�l.L�m� ��_� 7 �.lu� '''''''� '1Y-� i 6 /,u,,/,� �_�a)fl%� 5 � �.�7.� /�"",;� 4 ���,uJ_!��� 3 � �m���� ��,�""';� �� ��,� 2 /'�J[j?%o'0 -!��JfJ 1 �� �V � .1:t a bed e f g h This is the main tabiya of the Four Pawns Attack. The position often arises from the King's Indian Defence, and there are many players who are happy to use one line to meet two openings. Here Black has several playable choices, and I decided to cover three of them: A) 9...�e8, B) 9...tlJbd7 and C) 9...�g4. The last of them is my personal preference, although the choice is at least partially a matter of taste, and when preparing for an important game it may be useful to have more than one option available. A) 9...�e8 Although it is not my favourite, this move has actually been the most popular choice, and to cover it extensively would almost require a separate book. Instead I will provide a concise summary of the most important lines. 20 f4 Systems 10.e5 10.CtJd2 CtJbd7 11.0-0 leads to variation B21 of Chapter 7 - see page 87. 10...dxe5 II.fxe5 tlJg4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 .i_.i.E.i� ... � � ,�m"; �""� �.� 7 ��,i_ _i'_i 6, _ _ '_ '.. 5_ _8� '� 4 _ 7._"'''/'_i)� 3� m �:�� �,�"'''; ��� 2 �,�, _�'_ 8'� 1 f� �,iV= �.� a bed e f g h 12...11Mb6 If you want to avoid long forced variations, you can try: 12...f6!? 13.exf6 ixf6 14.Wid2 if5 14...ixg5!? 15.Wixg5 Wib6� 15.0-0 ixg5 16.Wixg5 CtJd7= Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack 17.h3 CtJe3 18.Wih6?! 18.�f2 Wixg5 19.CtJxg5= 18...CtJxfl 19.CtJg5 Wie7 20.d6 Wie3t 21.xfl CtJf8 22.�dl �e5 23.d7 This occurred in Szabo - Timman, Amsterdam 1975, and now Black could have played: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 23...Wif4t! 24.gl �d8 Black is winning, for example: 25.CtJd5 �xd5 26.�xd5 Wie3t 27.fl ie4 28.if3 id3t-+ 8.i�.i.U.i_.m ,wum;� �� �� ,;F� 7 ��i� �i_i 7.uu7.r'L'� �� �� mu�� 6 WJ}i£�'0 ��'0 �j� 5 _ f�8f� � 4 �� mu/'� m"7.� i)� �%'N//- �� �� 7. 3� m .�_ � u}/uu,;,//, � //� � � �'� � � �'�2 8f� ���8ftj 7.uu�""/'� ��'0� �."u1� �iV� �1:t a bed e f g h 13.0-0 tlJxe5 14.tlJxe5 The alternative is: 14.d6 And here everything is almost forced: 14...Wixb2 15.CtJd5 CtJxf3t 16.ixf3 Wid4t 17.hl Wixal 18.Wixal ixal 19.�xal CtJd7 20 .ie7 �b8 21. CtJ c7 �f8 22.�e 1 c4 23.ixf8 21 xf8 24.�e8t g7 25.CtJb5 CtJf6 26.�d8 a6 27.CtJa7 c3 28.idl Now in Murin - Pertlova, Tatranske Zruby 2009, Black could have improved with: 14...�xe5 8.i�.i._.i_. � ,�m";� �� �� 7 ??�i� �i_i 6 /'''U7.E�� �� i_ , �"u�?;(o'0 �?%o'0 �?%o'� 5 � ��A�� �� � �.%OW � 4 �� mu/'� nm�_ nm%� 3��m�� �� �7. ,�m";� �� �///,,� 2 8� _�_8�tj "ui{m'�� �� �f&"0f"u1 /Q �iV�1:t� a bed e f g h 15.�c4? This has almost always been played, but it is a mistake. Maybe White should try 15.Wid2, although after 15...if5 Black is f4 Systems at least level better. ' and perhaps alread 1 . y a Itde 22 exd5 11...11Me7!? 12J��el 12. CtJ d2 is II f':\ we met b 1..."lJExd5 Y 2...ltJb6' th . ' reatening 12...tlJ b6! Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack Intending to put the bishop on g4 and take on f3 when the time is right. Later Black can develop his queenside counterplay, perhaps rerouting the b6-knight to another post if necessary. 13.h3 Preventing the aforementioned plan, but allowing a second idea: 13...tlJxe4! 8 .i�.i._.i . �._ � ,�� �;""L'��m'�� : %I�'�.��f� 5 .mm.�7.� �� 4 ���uu��I��� � �%'N//- �� �uu\ 3_ � -�-8 2 8'�jf� f� r- %'mJ1u,,�?%o,% ��u," ��,� 1 i�� �� 0�� ,�, � � �� �/", � / // " /" //"" a bed e f g h 14.�d3?! 14.ib5 ixc3 (14...if5!? also seems to work) 15.bxc3 id7 leads to unclear play. 14...�f5! 15.tlJxe4 c4! Black emerges with the better chances. My thanks to Nikos Ntirlis for showing me this variation. C) 9.. .�g4 Overall this is my preferred choice. Black intends to exchange the bishop and complete development while restraining the e4-e5 break. 10.0-0 10.e5 This move is not dangerous, but of course we should still check it. 23 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10...ixf3 A reasonable alternative is 10...dxe5 II.fxe5 CtJfd7 12.e6 fxe6 13.0-0 and now instead of 13.. .ixf3 transposing to the main continuation, Black can consider 13...CtJa6!? with interesting play. II.ixf3 dxe5 12.fxe5 CtJfd7 13.e6 CtJe5 14.0-0 fxe6 15.ie3 CtJ xf3 t The safest move. The knight concludes its dance. 16.�xf3 �xf3 17.Wixf3 exd5 18.CtJxd5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b 18...CtJd7 Or 18...CtJc6 19.ixc5 h8 20.�dl Wia5 21.ia3?! �e8+ Matisson - Thimognier, e-mail 2003. 19.�dl CtJe5 20.Wie4 Wid6 21.CtJc3 Wic6 22.Wixc6 CtJxc6 23.ixc5 b6= Monin - M. Nepomniashchy, St Petersburg 1997. 1 O...tlJbd7 24 f4 Systems 8.1_ � ��._ 7 d� �� '1/'.; ,uu%� �W� ��.U&%�6 . �_ /_;A� ��'�'U'7.� /uuu� '5 � ¥��_ �, 4 �� '''''/,� � �.i.� �7.'u//- �� m"/'� 3 � � _�_ 2 ��r(UUU_l_ �'� � i�� � � �ju" UU� "", '��\Uf1m 'R � 1 ,� ����� a bed e f g h II.h3 11.�e 1 should be met by 11.. .�e8 when it is doubtful that White has anything better than 12.h3 ixf3 13.ixf3 transposing to the main line. 11...�xf3 12.�xf3 From here Black has a wide choice of possible plans. He can prepare ...b5 either with or without ...a6; alternatively he might look to improve his position on the queenside with ...c4 and ...CtJc5. The que en's rook may go to either b8 or c8, depending on Black's other queenside plans. Finally the king's knight on f6 might drop back to d7, or switch to the queenside via e8 and c7. As for White, it will be hard to get in the e4-e5 break, so he often resorts to advancing his g-pawn in a bid to gain space on the kingside. 8.1- � ��._ '�� 'u,,/,� u,uY-�,�� 7 7.�£ �!��!!�� 6 � ¥� �liti� ��'�"u/,� /uuu� : ���i !��_ �7.'u//- �� '''''/,� 3� � .�_8 2 f�'uu;_�_:_ uuIUU��'% �� ��,� 1 / � � iV�1:t m a bed e f g h 12...�e8 I will take this as the main line. Another interpretation of the position is: 12...a6 After this move White can either ignore the queens ide counterplay with a) 13.g4 or restrain it with b) 13.a4. a) 13.g4 b5 14.CtJe2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...CtJb6 Another possibility is 14...�e8 15.CtJg3 CtJb6 16.g5 CtJfd7 17.�b 1 c4� and Black has a good position. 15.g5 CtJe8 1 5... CtJ fd 7 = 16.h4 This occurred in Jobava - Kotronias, Rijeka 2010. Here I suggest: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack b) 13.a4 8�. S �..� 7 r� i)� 'iy-.r �� ��,� �"'N,)L�� 6 i� r� .i� 5 �_�"� ,/,,,,,;� 4 !��''''�� !��� �%N'" �� 7:",,�� 3� � .��� 2 ��''''';.�. �� fii!lf""�w��� ,� W ' ,��1 � ��� �� � , z a bed e f g h 13...CtJe8 With this move Black restrains the e4-eS break while preparing to deploy the knight on c7. From there it will support the ...bS plan, and if White prevents it with a4-aS then the knight might go to bS and later d4. 13...�e8 transposes to 13.a4 in the notes to the main line - see 12...�e8 13.a4 a6. 13...�b8!? is also interesting, as shown by the following example: 14.aS CtJe8 IS.Wid3 CtJc7 16.id2 bS 17.axb6 CtJxb6 (17...�xb6N 18.CtJa4 �bS� may be a little more precise.) 18.ie3 CtJd7 19.�f2 �e8 20.eS dxeS 21.fS c4 22.Wixc4 gxfS 23.d6 CtJe6 24.CtJdS h 8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25 14.�el CtJc7 IS.ie3 (15.aS CtJbS=) IS...bSN Strangely this has not been played yet. 16.axbS CtJxbS= The text move is fighting against ...bS, but invites Black's counterplay with ...c4. 14...�c8! IS.aS c4 16.Wie2 CtJc7 17.ie3 CtJbS Black succeeds in exchanging another piece, which gives him more breathing space. 8 ��B ��.� 7 �rDi)D'iy.�r 6 r.���.'i�� 5 ��.��. �. ""'�� �� ��,� �� 4 �i��� � 3����_£.� 2 �d'''':� \tI� �� ",,{,,3� �� �%'�1 � . �:� a bed e f g h 18.CtJxbS axbS 19.a6 bxa6 20.�xa6 CtJcS 21.ixcs �xcS 22.eS dxeS 23.fxeS Wic8= V. Georgiev - Chatalbashev, Struga 2011. 8.1_ B.i�.- ,�� ,,,,,7,� ��'hF� 7_i_��i.i 6 /'u"7.� �_ ��fl%� 5 � �.�7.� /"m;� 4 ��'L'%� ,��� � �7.'o//- ���u,,�� � 3. � .�.8 2 8�uu';_�_8_ uu}'u,,%W%�� ��,�1 �� �iV_1:t �� a bed e f g h 13.�el Supporting a future e4-eS is certainly logical. White has tried several other moves, and I have summarized a few of the key examples below. 13.ie3 bS 14.eS?! dxeS IS.CtJxbS Wib8 16.Wib3 exf4 was a clear failure for White in Lahiri - Dochev, Paracin 2010. 26 f4 Systems 13.a4 a6 14.�el c4 15.ie3 Wa5 16.hl CtJc5= a bed e 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The most popular alternative has been immediate kingside expansion, but Black is well placed to meet that plan: 13.g4 h6 14.h4 h5! 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 15.g5 The justification for Black's last move is seen after: 15.gxh5?! CtJxh5 16.ixh5 Wxh4! 17.g2N (17.Wg4 Wxh5 18.Wxd7 �ad8-+ Otano - Otero, Cuba 1997.) 17...gxh5 18.�hl Wg4t 19.Wxg4 hxg4 + 15...CtJg4! 16.ixg4 16.g2 occurred in Jobava - A. Tate, Porto Carras 2011, and here 16.. .c4!N would have given Black equal play. In the game he preferred 16...b5?!, after which White could have claimed some advantage with 17.CtJxb5N ixb2 18.�bl ixcI19.Wxclt. 16...hxg4 17.�el 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17...Wa5! 17...c4 18.ie3 ixc3 19.bxc3 �xe4 20.Wxg4 We7 21.if2 CtJc5= Kouatly - Kindermann, Trnava 1987. 18.id2 c4 19.g2N 19 .�b 1 b5 was also pleasant for Black in Merilo - Alvarez Rouchaud, corr. 1996. 19...CtJc5 20.f5 ie5 21.Wxg4 b5 22.fxg6 fxg6+ Mter the text move Black should aim to advance his queenside play by preparing ...b5 and/or ...c4. We will investigate two main continuations: Cl) 13...11Ma5 and C2) 13...c4. I will also mention a playable sideline in 13...�c8!? 14.ie3 b5 which might lead to an equal endgame as in the following example: 15.CtJxb5 CtJxe4 16.ixe4 �xe4 17.CtJxd6 �xe3 Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack 18.�xe3 id4 19.Wif3 �b8 20.h2 CtJf6 21. CtJ c4 ixe3 22. Wi xe3 Wi xd5 = N ogueiras Santiago - Kasparov, Barcelona 1989. Cl) 13...11Ma5 8.1_ B.iB._ ,�� �� ��,�� : %�� �rNf� ; 28 f4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 20.f5! If White plays too slowly then he could become worse, so he needs to open the kingside. 20...b4 20...gxf5!? 21.Wd2 b4 22.CtJe2 c4 23.CtJg3 c3 24.bxc3 bxc3= Mercadal Benejam - Hervet, e-mail 2001. 21.axb411Mxb422.11Md2 8 ,/_ _.i�.- 7._ _iWK'r /'u,j �//A � �m� 6 _ _ �i� �//A'�'m%� �7. 5 � ��8�8. �.'m%� �� ��4 �"d�7.'n//- �%um �7. 3 � m ���. 8 �//A,�mu;: Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack 24...11Mh6 24...Wig3 2s.ixfS �el = 25.�xf5 �xh3 26.�xh7t @xg7 27.11Mxh6t �xh6= This sharp line seems perfectly playable, although players who are not keen on memorizing so many forced moves may prefer the following alternative. C2) 13...c4 With this thematic move Black sets his queenside counterplay in motion. This should provide roughly even chances without as many long forced lines as we saw in the previous variation. 14.�e311Ma5 The two main options now are C21) 15.�d4 and C22) 15.@hl. C21) 15.�d4 tLJc5 16.b4 81��_�_;� 7 [�� ���"� : E�.�7.� �uuu� �'uu;-;� ,�mub'0 �?;(o'0 �� 4 �i�8�� � 3 .'m/'�5fm%� �� 8 2 !.Y'''N;_��!_ /,'NU �� � �%'UU ��,�1 ��� �\UlJ��� ,�, f� ��p� � a bed e f g h Such a move could be easy to overlook! Fortunately for us, Black is adequately placed to meet it. 16...11Mxb4 Less convincing is: 16...cxb3?! 17.axb3 Wib4 18.CtJa2 WibS 18...Wia3 19.eS dxeS 20.fxeS CtJfd7 21.b4 29 CtJxeS 22.ixcs b6 23.if2 CtJxf3t 24.Wixf3 Wixf3 2S.gxf3 ixal 26.�xal �ac8 27.bS �c4 28.�bl �d8 29.CtJb4 30 f4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 C22) 15.@hl 8 __, _.1_,*- 7 &rr_Ail- i IYr O Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack 26...�g7 Settling for a repetition of moves. If Black was determined to play on then he could consider 26...if8!?N when his position is not worse, but neither is White's. 27.�d2 �h6 1/2-1/2 Cebalo - Timoscenko, Lido Estensi 2003. 31 Conclusion Although the Four Pawns Attack looks and sounds dangerous, White is unable to generate much of an attack. Black can develop his pieces and castle in relative ease, and has a wide choice of playable plans in the middlegame. My personal preference is the 9...ig4 line followed later by 13...c4 as we saw in variation C2, but the reader is invited to examine the different options and make his own choice. £4 Systems Flick- Knife Attack - 8... � bd7 Variation Index l.d4 � f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£4 �g7 8.�b5t 8...�bd7 9.e5 dxe5 10.fxe5 �h5 II.e6 �h4t A) 12. �d2 B) 12.g3! B) note to 14.i.e3 B) note to 18.�g4t! 33 35 B) note to 22..J!c8 a bed e f g 24...�xg3!?N a bed e f 26..J!d2tN16..J!e8! Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJbd7 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJbd7 8 .I � .i.�.' �� · 7 ??�f�)j;_f_'l 6 /,u,,%� ���_fl�� 5 � !.�7.� //"m;� 4 �.UU%�!��� � '// �ij"� �,u,% 3� � � � � ,:'l",,,; � � 28wtJ � �8� %",,}L'�///"0 �Y�'0 �/"u//'l'u 1 ��� ��\UlJ� ?� � t� OO�� ��;� /, /, %- �" a bed e f g h This move is generally thought to be suspicious, and rightly I think. Since I am not recommending it, I will just show you what I consider the most important and critical lines. 9.e5 dxe5 10.fxe5 tlJh5 II.e6 11. CtJ f3 0-0 12.ig5 Wib6 13. Wi e2 a6 is about equal. 11...11Mh4t Now the two options are A) 12. �d2 and B) 12.g3!. A) 12.�d2 8 7 6 5 33 This move allows White to claim an extra piece, but Black gets plenty of attacking chances. 12...fxe6 13.dxe6 13.CtJf3? ixc3t 14.bxc3 Wif2t + is poor for White. 13...0-0 14.exd7 �xd7 15.�xd7 15.CtJf3? Wig4 16.ixd7 is refuted by 16...Wixg2t! 17. 34 f4 Systems ltJxd2 25.�e7 ttJ bd7 Flick-Knife Attack - 8... Chapter 3 - , reasonable Black retams It 27:>!d , for the matena rt-.. d 4 !:'i:e2, when , I but any resucompensatlon . P ossible. IS @b4 - 2 4 @c511Me5t 25. 11Mxb2t+ . 23... y�'� ' %UU� B ti - ��7. �� "&8 '0 �� '*' B _ . 7 �i�t��_ &,_ 6 -7. �\UU %� /'"u7.� _ . .� �iV_ %�� �'''%.5 �m & _ _/,,�4 '� A �� � �f{� . �"u,,� � �� � � /m'/'�,�3 � �_.:��� ?t�7. %B ..�&�£"U/'2 �� �Bl.um/'_ 1,� �defgh a b c 27 @b6 ¥;Yb8 '-+ 26.@xaS �a8t 30.�dS ¥;Ya7t 2S...aSt. 29.¥;Yb3 �d4 i.c6 �f5t 28.¥;Yb2t c3 @d6 ¥;Yb6t 33. ¥;Y 7t 31.@c7 bSt 3:; @d6 �e8t 36.@e7 ��6t34.@e6 �g7t 38. @e6 �e2t 39.@f7 37.i.d7 ¥;Yd8t i. @f6 ¥;Yg7# 40 ¥;Yxd6 ¥;Yg8t 4 · , Seville 2004. · Chepannov,J. Ivanov- B) 12.g3! %" ''/:: ' � �B � � � _.i._� ��kiu& � i _.�7.. �""��8 B.��.�&�.7 /,uu�� �_ 8 _�i � 6 �q&"0 A %. _� � ��� 0 . ��"/.,< 5 ��uu�_ %-7. ,)"4 ����. � � � . �uu7.�,�3 �wAi'uu;_ /'-7.'n/J�2 A �b% �y�% ?m� F? Qz",,%� � ,% iV � ��; �� ' � �+� /� �mm 1 � � � %,,,, /, h u,� "",,% d e f g a b c k most of the h . m ove ta es l y t ISU fortunate . . n f Black's posltlon.fun out 0 35 36 f4 Systems 12...tlJxg3 13.hxg311Mxhl 14.�e3 A simple move, but a strong one. 14.exd7t? ixd7 is poor: IS.Wie2t (IS.ixd7t �xd7 16.Wig4t fS 17.Wia4t �c8 18.ie3 ixc3t 19.bxc3 WixdS 20.�dl Wic6 21.Wixc6t bxc6 22.ixcs �b8+ Thorsteins - Ashley, New York 1989.) IS...�f8 16.ie3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 16...�e8! 17.ixd7 �xe3 18.Wixe3 id4 19.Wif3 Wixglt 20.Wifl Wixg3t 21.�d2 �g7 22.Wih3 ixc3t 23.bxc3 WigSt 24.�c2 WixdS + Kantsler - Battaglini, Herzliya 2009. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 14...�xc3t! 14...Wig2 is worse: IS.exd7t ixd7 16.ixd7t �xd7 17.Wia4t �d8 (17...�c8 18.0-0-0 Wixg3 19.if4 Wig4 20.d6 Wid7 21.Wic4:t) 1 8.0-0-0 ixc3 1 9. bxc3 Wi xg3 8 7 15.bxc3 a6 16.exd7t �xd7 17.�xd7t @xd7 18.11M g 4t! It is important to provoke Black's next move in order to weaken the dark squares. Other moves are less challenging: 18.Wia4t bS 19.Wig4t (19.Wif4 �he8 20.0-0-0 Wie4 + ) 19...fS 20.Wif3 Wixf3 21.'tJxf3 �he8 22. �f2 8 7 6 5 Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJbd7 37 18.Wif3 Wixf3 19.CtJxf3 �he8 20. 38 f4 Systems 8.1_ _ _ �� 7 ��-i-:-�i 6 i_�p_�_,i� 5 � t�8_i- '� "m'� %i� ��4 _, _ _ � 3 � � ��'� 2 ���,'u,,/'_ um%_ � mu/'� l�_M_ uu, � �, � a bed e f g h 20...�he8! Black was facing a difficult case of the ((which rook?" problem, but after analysing both of them I am pretty sure the king's rook should be preferred. 20. ..�ae8 21. Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ctJbd7 Attempting to exploit the absence of a black rook on the h-file leads nowhere: 22.�h 1 40 f4 Systems 2s.ib4 2s.id4 is also promising: 2S...�e7 26.CtJe6 (26.�bl rJld6 27.CtJh3 bS 28.a4:t) 26...rJld6 Rej - Smerdon, Canberra 2007. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 27.�bl!N (27.�el!?N rJlxdS 28.CtJf4t rJld6 29.icst rJlxcs 30.�xe7 �xc3t 31.rJlf2 �c2t 32.rJle3 �xa2t) 27...bS 28.a4 rJlxdS 29.CtJf4t rJlc6 30.axbSt axbS 31.CtJd3 �d2 32.CtJeSt rJlc7 33.�xbS:t 2S...�ee2!?N I tried to improve Black's play, but the idea falls short. I doubt that the alternatives are any better. 2S...h6 occurred in Summerscale - Snape, Coulsdon 2010, and now 26.CtJe6:t would have been the easiest solution. 2S...�h2!?N is also unsatisfactory: 26.CtJe6 b6 27.�bl! �xa2 28.�hl hS 29.CtJf8t rJld8 30.CtJxg6:t 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 26.CtJxh7 �f2t 26...�xa2 27.CtJf6t rJld8 28.�xa2 �xa2 29.if8 �aI30.rJle2 �a2t 31.rJld3 �al 32.d6 �el 33.rJlc4 �eS 34.rJld4 �el 3S.rJlcS+- 27.rJle3 f4t 28.gxf4 �ce2t 8 7 6 The conclusion is that 22...�ae8?! fails to equalize. If Black is determined to explore this path then the 24...�d2!? line looks like the way to go, although I am not convinced that it represents an improvement over the main line. � � � � 8 �i���� � /, �?%o'0 �� �7. 5� �8�i- 4 �� ,¥""�� r� �_ , ��'0 �� ��,� 3 � �� � ��� � /i��,��_ � a bed e f g h Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ctJbd7 23.�d4 @d6 24.�dl White was eventually successful with 24.CtJgS �e7 2S.�hl rJlxdS 26.CtJxh7 in Barkhagen - Ziegler, Sweden 2008, but at this stage Black could have equalized with either 26...b5!N or 26... rJlc4!N. 24...@xd5 I checked a couple of other ideas, but in this case the obvious move is the best: 24...h6?!N 2S.CtJh4 �g4 26.CtJg2 bS 27.CtJe3 �e4 28. rJle2:t 24...bS?!N 2S.CtJgS �e7 26.�d3 �c4 27.CtJf3 �a4 28.ieSt:t 8 �.i� � � � � � 7_i_ _ -i �, ���, �� 6 i_ _ _i� ��� '���� : �� �����- � ��,��! ��,� 3 � if� _�if� 2 8� �UU�� ��"U�� � ��£,uj 1_ _1:t_ _ a bed e f g h 25.tlJ g 5 �ee8 26.tlJxh7 @c4 27.tlJ g 5! 27.a4 �e7 28.CtJf6 �c6 29.�bl �f7 30.�b4t rJld3 31.CtJdS gS= 27...�c6 41 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 28.�bl!?N 28.a4 led to an eventual victory for White in Schoen - Blokh, corr. 1995, but I like the more forcing approach. 28...b5 28...�e7 29.CtJh3 rJld3 30.�b2j; 29.a4 bxa4 30.�b4t @d3 31.�xa4� Black will have to defend for a good while longer. Conclusion This was a chapter of two contrasting sections. In variation A White grabbed a �aterial advantage, but in return Black obtained a long-lasting initiative and excellent practical compensation. Unfortunately variation B was a differen t story, and led to a one-sided endgame in which I see little chance of Black winning. For this reason, I would not recommend using 8...CtJbd7 as your primary response against the Flick- Knife Attack. However, it might have some value as a surprise weapon, especially at rapid time controls where there is more chance of the opponent making a mistake somewhere. £4 Systems a bed Flick- Knife Attack - 8... � fd? without 9.a4 Variation Index 1.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 .ig7 8..ib5t 8...tlJfd7 A) 9.tlJf3 B) 9..id3 C) 9..ie2 Cl) 9...0-0 C2) 9...YNh4t A) note to 12...�e8 17...a5N B) after 14 .�e3 c d e f 14...�b8N 43 44 46 46 47 C2) note to 10..JWd8!? a bed e f 16...c4!?N Chapter 4 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJfd7 without 9.a4 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This is the most reliable method of blocking the bishop check. Black now has a positional threat of ...a6, when White must either relinquish the bishop pair or allow ... b5. For this reason he normally continues 9.a4, which can be found in the next two chapters. In the coming pages we will look at the following alternatives: A) 9.tlJf3, B) 9.�d3 and C) 9.�e2. A) 9.tlJf3 This line is not dangerous, and Black will be happy to expand on the queenside with ...b5. Meanwhile the knight on d7 helps to restrain any early e4-e5 ideas, thus allowing Black to finish his development in peace. 9...a6 10.�d3 10.ixd7t CtJxd7 II.a4 prevents ...b5, but giving up the bishop is arguably an even greater concession from White. Play continues 11...0-0 12.0-0 �b8 and Black should be fine. 10...b5 11.0-0 Another game continued: II.a3 0-0 12.0-0 �e8 13.rJlhl (13.Wiel can also be met by 13...�a7!?N 14.Wig3 CtJf6 with reasonable play for Black.) 43 8�...t.��.. 7 '''''''� i)� !.r 6 !.���.�i�� 5 l_ti/-� m� 4 �� ""'/-� !� �� '0 �/-N'/. �� �""�� 3 r!1 ��.12J. ""'��'�"'''�� �� ��'02 n,� ��lfj 1 /� �if.�.� a bed e f g h 13...�a7!? It is worth remembering this method of activating the rook in positions where ...b5 (or ...b6) has been played. 14.id2 CtJf6 15.b4 CtJ bd7 16.�c 1 �c7 Black obtained sufficient counterplay along the c-file in Gonzalez Garcia - Lie, Turin (01) 2006. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 12...�e8 Another option to consider is: 12...CtJ b6 13.f5 b4!? This leads to highly complex play. 13...CtJ8d7 14.ig5 if6 15.if4 Wie7 16.Wid2 ib7 was about equal in Glek - Anikaev, Minsk 1983. 14.CtJe2 CtJ8d7 15.ig5 if6 16.if4 Wie7 44 f4 Systems 16...ixb2!?N 17.ixd6 ixal 18.ixf8 Wixf8 19.Wixal c4 20.ic2 c3? 17.Wid2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b 17...aSN I think Black should improve his position before jumping with the knight in the centre. 17...CtJeS allowed White to make some progress on the kingside in the following game: 18.CtJxeS ixeS 19.ixeS WixeS 20.f6 rJlh8 21.CtJgl �a7 22.�ael aSt Fiala - Claridge, e-mail 2002. 18.�acl �e8 The position is unclear but roughly balanced in my view. a b c 13.£5 tlJf6 13...b4 14.ttJe2 gxfS IS.ttJg3! (IS.exfS CtJf6�) IS. oottJ f6 16.igS gave White a strong attack in M. Kaufmann - Compagnone, e-mail 1999. 14.�g5 tlJbd7 15.fxg6 hxg6 16.11Mel c4 17 .�c2 b4 18. tlJ e2 11Mb6 19.11Mh4 8 .i_.i.�.i_,._ _�_iwir 7 �:C""L" ��'0 �%'n/;uu � ��6 i� r� .i� 5 'Suu,,� '�7.� /uu,,� ' ��'''0�� �� �m��4 Wfl�i �8 � %"u� 3 _mu,,� ��� 2 ,��,_!.!� o iO�� � � . ""%1 u,,�um '� '-1:t � � ,�/- � � � a bed e f g h 19...tlJh7!f! A draw was agreed here in Travnik - Vrkoc, corr. 2003, and indeed it seems to me that Black's chances are not worse. By the way, the tempting 19... CtJxdS? should be avoided on account of 20.CtJfd4! when 20...CtJc7 runs into 21.�xf7! rJlxf7 22.Wih7 CtJf8 23.�fl t ifS 24.Wih4 with a decisive attack. B) 9.�d3 This often transposes to one of the 9.a4 variations, as there is a good chance that White will want to restrain ...bS at some point. Chapter 4 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJfd7 without 9.a4 9...0-0 Black can also play by analogy with Chapter S: 9...Wih4 t 10.g3 Wie7 10...Wid8 II.CtJf3 0-0 12.0-0 a6 13.a4 transposes to variation Al2 in Chapter S - see page S4. 11. CtJ f3 0-0 12.0-0 CtJ b6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13. rJl g 2 13.fS CtJ8d714.igSif61S.ih6�e816.rJlhl CtJeS 17.CtJxeS ixeS 18.Wid2 occurred in Ravikumar - Thorsteins, Copenhagen 1982, and here 18...CtJd7N seems logical, when the position remains about equal. 13...ig4 14.h3 ixf3t IS.Wixf3 CtJ8d7 IS...c4 is perhaps a bit too ambitious: 16.ic2 CtJa6 17.a3 CtJcS 18.ie3 CtJbd7 19.�adl �ab8 20.�fel bS 21.eS b4 22.axb4 �xb4 23.iclt Lau - Dolmatov, Graz 1981. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b 16.ie3 �fe8 45 16...c4?! loosened Black's position and gave White an edge in Van Wely - Topalov, Monte Carlo (blind) 2004. 17.�ael �ac8 18.g4 c4 N ow is a better time to get active, as all of Black's pieces are in play. 19.ic2 CtJ cS? Ackley - Hanison, England 2000. 10.tlJf311Mc7!? This is an independent line. Alternatively, 10...CtJa6 11.0-0 CtJc7 (11...�b8 12.rJlhl CtJc7 13.a4 a6 also transposes to Chapter 6) 12.a4 a6 13.�el �e8 14.ie3 �b8 reaches variation A3 of Chapter 6 - see page 6S. 11.0-0 c4 Black should always think carefully about the timing of this move, but here it seems to work okay. 12.�c2 tlJa6 13.a3 tlJac5 14.�e3 Here the most logical continuation seems to be: 8.i_J._ �._ (;�tJ�� _ �'&�W;rf7 .%A�g�.�A�A /,u"x� 'Ud7.� �� 'l�� : �.�7.� �� � /U"'; �///,,// � 4 _i_8*[g � YA%��� �W��M 3 �d �� ��. /""'7.�I;� 'nn�� t!;� � ��u"/'� I� ,�U" /,"� � � � 'd� a bed e f g h 14...�b8N 14...CtJf6?! failed to equalize in Van Wely - Pantsulaia, Dubai 2012. 15.�d4 b5 16.�xg7 i>xg7 17.11Md4t f6 18.tlJ g 5 11Mb6 19.£5 tlJe5 20.tlJe6t tlJxe6 46 f4 Systems 21.11Mxb6 �xb6 22.dxe6 �b7� I think Black is okay here. The e6-pawn is mighty indeed, but Black has a beautiful knight on eS and a useful queenside majority. C) 9 .�e2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e With this move White steers the game towards a version of the Four Pawns, where the black knight is on d7 instead of f6. Let's see who will derive the greater benefit from this difference. It is worth analysing both Cl) 9...0-0 and C2) 9...11Mh4t. Cl) 9...0-0 10.tlJf3 �e8 This was the choice of one of the greatest Benoni players of all, in a game that we will follow shortly. Black can also consider doing without the rook move: 10.. . CtJ a6 With the d7-square blocked, the knight has no real choice but to head for c7, so it is reasonable to consider doing so immediately. 11.0-0 CtJ c 7 12. a4 a6 12..J�e8 might transpose to the Furman - Tal game in the main line if White responds with 13.CtJd2. 13. CtJ d2 Now Black has the option to play for complications. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 13. . . fS!? 14. CtJ c4!? This dynamic move only leads to equality. Perhaps White should prefer 14.exfS gxfS IS. CtJ c4 as played in Hua Lefong - Dias, Yerevan 1997. Here IS...CtJf6N 16.if3 �e8 looks best, reaching a complex position where White's chances are slightly higher. 14...fxe4 IS.CtJxd6 IS. CtJ xe4 CtJ f6 16. CtJ exd6 CtJ fxdS 17. CtJ xc8 Wixc8= Gilimshin - Grigoryev, e-mail 2003. IS.. .id4 t 16. rJl hI CtJ f6 17. CtJxc8 �xc8= Arnelind - Nikolov, Rethymnon 2011. 8.i".i.�.i�.� 7 �l';� i)� f�t 6 �U"7.� �_�� 'l%� 5 �.8%� �� 4 ���L'��!��� //h �7.'n/" �� �u,,?,7. � 3- � ��B � u�uu,; � � 2 8� _�_8� 1 0Iiu,,��'� ��� / u , Y- /"",'7, /" /h _ I a bed e f g h 11.0-0 tlJa6 11...ixc3?! is too risky. 12.bxc3 �xe4 13.id3 �e8 14.c4 CtJf6 Now in Shafei - Sabitov, Kuala Lumpur 1993, White could have obtained good attacking chances with IS.fS!Nt. 12.tlJd2 tlJc7 13.a4 tlJf6 Chapter 4 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJfd7 without 9.a4 Black accepts the loss of a tempo, but it does not harm his chances too much. 14.�f3 b6 This method of developing the bishop is quite typical, and works well here. 15.tlJc4 �a6 Exchanging the bishop will ease the congestion in Black's camp. 16.11Md3 �b8 17.�bl?! White should prefer 17.id2 ixc4 18.Wixc4 a6 with a balanced position, as in Putzbach - Kolthoff, Pinneberg 2001. 17...b5! 18.axb5 tlJxb5 19.tlJxb5 �xb5 20.�d2? 20.b3N was necessary although Black would have remained at least equal. 8 �� B.i�.- � ,�"n'�� '''u,,� �m'��7 JI�7. �?;(o'0 �%�h'l4i 6 _ �� �i� 5 r.�7.� /Ynm;� �� �nn�7. �?;(o'0 �7. 4 .�_8� � � ��'�l£� 3 �Wc%�W��.'W� 2 �� 00 .O�O 1 .f.mn�_i=nu a bed e f g h 20...tlJxe4! 21.�xe4 �d4t 22.hl �xc4 23.11Mxc4 �xe4+ Furman - Tal, Tbilisi 19S9. C2) 9...11Mh4t With this move Black takes the opportunity to provoke a kingside weakness before the knight comes to f3. 10.g311Md8!? 47 The queen goes all the way back to d8 in order to keep the e-file clear for the rook. Also possible is: 1 o. . . Wi e 7 11. CtJ f3 0-0 11... CtJ b6!? is a rare move, which has the idea of immediately opening the diagonal for the bishop: 12.eS 0-0 13.0-0 ig4 14.CtJbS CtJc8 8 �.�� ��.� '�'uu:� �;(L"'JUU'Y-�'�� : '��Jli'� ��f�""��'� �� 5 ��r�8r� . 4 �� 'uu"� uu'/'� l.� �� �� �:,u%�,� 3 ��,� �� �i���'�2 �.1!], , �,j, ��,�l� 1 � �if��= /,1 /: a bed e f g h IS.�el !?N (IS.CtJgS ixe2 16.Wixe2 a6 1 7. CtJ c3 dxe S 18. fS gxfS 19 . �xfS CtJ d 6 00 Baron Rodriguez - Glavina Rossi, Spain 2004.) IS...a6 16.CtJc3 ixf3 17.ixf3 dxeS 18.fxeS ixeS 19.if4 CtJd7 20.d6 CtJxd6 21.CtJdS Wie6� 12.0-0 CtJa6 13.�el CtJb6 14.rJl g 2 ig4 IS.h3 ixf3t 16.ixf3 8 7 but it 48 f4 Systems II.tlJf3 0-0 12.0-0 �e8 13.tlJd2 13. 8 �;.t.t�. � . 7 .Ii�..i.'i 6 . . �i� 5 ��.lS� � � � �....� � � 4 �� �lS� . f4 S � � .....z///- ".., 3 � � �ystems � ..�...... � � 2 � � �lS� ....J:....� . � �/-, /J....1 �Fr� �c@\Ufr� �� Fr � ���� �� a bed e f g h Flick-Knife Attack - 9 .a41h4 t Variation Index l.d4 � f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 cig7 8.cib5t 8...�fd7 9.a4 ¥Mh4t 10.g3 A) 10...¥Md8 11.�f3 0-0 12.0-0 AI) 12...tlJa6 A2) 12...a6 A21) 13.cie2 A22) 13.cid3 �f6 A221) 14.¥Mb3 A222) 14.g2 B) 10...¥Me7 11.�f3 0-0 12.0-0 �a6 Bl) 13.e5 B2) 13.�el All) note to l4.Wg2 18...i.xc3N B 1) after 16.l2J eg5 16..J&e8!N 50 50 52 52 54 54 57 58 58 59 B2) note to 16.i.f2 a bed e f 24...h5!N 50 f4 Systems 1.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 S.ib5t �fd7 9.a4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e For a time this line was believed to be almost winning for White, but we will find out that the rumours of Black's demise are premature. From this position the main line is the natural 9...0-0, which we will deal with in the next chapter beginning on page 62. Over the coming pages we will analyse an interesting alternative for Black. 9...11Mh4t This strange-looking move has gained in popularity in recent years. Although checks are usually thought of as aggressive, this move is actually played with more defensive ideas in mind. An important point is that, after the forced 1 0.g3, White's dark-squared bishop will be unable to reach the g3- and h4-squares, which it might otherwise occupy for attacking purposes in the middlegame. Black may also look to post his bishop on g4 or h3, and perhaps exchange it for White's light-squared bishop. Such simplifications will tend to favour the side with less space, and may pave the way for a subsequent counterattack with ...fS. 10.g3 Now there are two possibilities: A) 10...11MdS and B) 10...11Me7. A) 10...11MdS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e On the face of it this may look like a shocking waste of time, but White also will have to spend a few moves retreating the bishop to cover the weakened light squares on the kingside. 11.�f3 0-0 12.0-0 Now we will consider two ways for Black to develop his queenside: AI) 12...�a6 and A2) 12...a6. AI) 12...�a6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 13.�el White can also continue aggressively: 13.fS!? ttJf6 14.if4 gxfS IS.eS ttJe4 16.�el ttJb4 Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Mfh4t 17.ic4 This was Sasikiran - Berg, Warsaw 2008. White certainly has compensation for the sacrificed pawn, but Black is not without his chances. The right continuation is: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13...�c7 14.ifl 14.ic4!?N is untested but looks interesting. The idea is to lure the enemy knight to the slightly unfavourable b6-square, for instance: 14...�e8 (14...lDb6 IS.ifl ig4 16.h3 ixf3 17.Wxf3t) IS.h3 lDb6 16.iflt 14...�e8 8.i_.i.�.i�._ �'�7.'n/d""""� ��,�� 7 if�i.�.i�i 6 /'''''7.� �'uu_ �� 'l�� 5 � �.8%� �� 4 !�""�_!��_ 3_������ 2 �wum;_ �_mu7.� %uuYuj� '/ �%mu �wJluu 1 �� DiV �� � � " ,,� / /// /", ,� //' ,/h a bed e f g h 15.h3 I also considered IS.eS!?N when a funny line is possible: IS...dxeS 16.d6 lDe6 17.lDdS exf4 51 18.lDc7 fxg3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 15...�b8 16.ie3 b6 Black can also consider 16...a6!?N immediately, as after 17.aS bS 18.axb6 �xb6 the position is balanced. 16...ixc3!?N is also playable, although White will get enough compensation: 17.bxc3 lDf6 (17...�xe4 18.c4 lDf6 oo ) 18.eS lDe4 (18...lDcxd5 19.id2 lDhS 20.g4 lDg7 21.c4 lD b4=) 19.if2 lDxc3 20.exd6 lD 7xdS 21. Wb3 00 8 ��.i.�.i � .� /, ,�umY-7.'N/d"u,,7.� �7. ,��71� ���i�i 6 �U"%�'Uu;_ �� 'i�� 5 .""%.�%�% �� 4 !� u,u7.� !��_ , �7.'n//- �?%o'k?u"�?;(o'dff� 3 _ � ��w� 8 2 ��"''';� mN%_ mu7.� 1 .u,,/'_'��!� a bed e f g h 17.in a6 18.11Md2 b5 19.axb5 tlJxb5 20.tlJxb5 axb5= Fraczek - Brzeski, Krakow 2011. 52 f4 Systems Al) 12...a6 .I � . '///� .i. � � ��'/-�; � B uu� .� %08 " � � � �.. � / : % % /.. /' �u"u� "u,%� ,""Y-�,� ; f� �I��'� �� ,dL,%� �� 5���8_ _ 4 8� �"U�� t� %_ �/.'n//- �� �'m7-�'� 3 � m _�W� 2 ��"""_ �_ mu/.� "ur{,m%w Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Mfh4t a concession as it would be in some other Benoni variations. A possible continuation is: 15.f5 ttJa6 16.fxg6 hxg6 17.ib5 ttJ b4 1 8. \¥f f2 � f8 1 9.if4 ttJ b6 20. 54 f4 Systems A possible improvement is: IS...tDf6!?N 16.e5 dxe5 17.fxe5 tDxd5 18.tDgS ie6 19.c4 tDb4 (19...tDc3? 20.Wxd8 �xd8 21.tDxe6 fxe6 22.ig4+-) 20.tDxe6 fxe6= 16.�d3 �e8 17.c4 tlJf6 18.h3 tlJbd7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 19...�b8 20.£5 b5 21.axb5 axb5 22.fxg6 hxg6 23.�xg6! 11Me7 24.�el 11MfS 25.�b2 �xel 26.�xel fxg6 26...bxc4 27.ifS:!: a b c 27.11Mxg6t 11Mg7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 @xg7 30.�e7t @g6 31.tlJh4t @h6 32.�cl t @h5 33.�g7 bxc4 34.�g5t @h6 35.�g6t @h7 36.�xf6� Black's king survived the middlegame, but the draw is not yet secure. Therefore he should consider the proposed improvement at move IS. A22) 13.�d3 This has been the most popular choice among high-rated players. 13...tlJf6 White has tried several moves here, but I will concentrate on the two most popular ones: A221) 14.11Mb3 and A222) 14.@g2. A221) 14.11Mb3 This enables Black to develop strong counterplay. 14...�h3! 15.�el tlJg4 Black can ignore the hanging b-pawn and focus on the weaknesses created by the g2-g3 move. 16.11Mxb7 This move is consistent at least. Refusing the pawn does not promise much for White: Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Mfh4t 16.ifl ixfl 17.�xfl ttJd7 18.h3 18.Wxb7 �e8 19.�el c4+ 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 18...id4t This leads to complications and eventual eq uali ty. Black can also consider the thematic tactical resource: 18...c4!? 19.Wxc4 Wb6t 20.rJlhl (20.rJl g 2 Wxb2t-+) 20...�ac8 21.We2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 21...ixc3! This exchange is necessary for Black to obtain his counterplay. 22. bxc3 ttJgf6 23.c4 Wb3 24.eS ttJhS 2S.rJl g 2 �xc4f1 19. rJl g2 19.ttJxd4 cxd4 20.hxg4 dxc3 21.Wxc3 �e8 22.�el ttJf6 23.Wd4 ttJxg4 24.b3 Wf6 2S.ib2 Wxd4t 26.ixd4 �ac8 is equal, for example: 27.eS dxeS 28.d6 �ed8 29.fxeS f6 30.�adl fxeS 31.ixeS ttJxeS 32.�xeS �d7= 19...ttJgf6 Now the e4-pawn is under fire. 20.eS dxeS 21.fxeS ttJxeS 55 Within a few more moves the table will be almost cleared of pieces. 22.ttJxd4 cxd4 23.igS dxc3 24.ixf6 Wd6 2S.�ael ttJd3 26.ie7 ttJxel t 27.�xel Wd7 28.ixf8 �xf8 29.bxc3 bS 30.axbS Yz-Yz Utesch - Claridge, e-mail 200S. 8.i� � ���_ 7 R._'''''/._'ly-.r �� �� '0 �� mn�� 6 i_ E �i� , ��,�,u'7.� �� 5_ �8_ _ �� um/.� �� '0 � � %�4 8_ _8��� � ��:'//--; �� �:,u��,"0 3. ��:���w�.i. 2 ��"""� '� um7.� 7.U,,}'u"�///.;'0 �7.m" �y£�"u 1 /'� �� �� � � 00 �� ��"" , / // � /, ....,....,� /). ",,% a bed e f g h 16...�d7 17.a5 Immediate central action promises White nothing: 17.eS dxeS 18.ttJgS e4 19.ttJcxe4 id4t 20.rJlhl This was Teboul - Marques, e-mail 2004. Here Black has more than one playable move, but the most convincing is: 20...c4N 21.ixc4 �b8 22.Wxa6 Now at the minimum Black can force a draw with: 8 17...11Me7 18.11Mb3 56 f4 Systems 18.ixa6? is too greedy, and after 18...�ab8 the white queen is in trouble: 19.Wc6N (After 19.Wc7? ttJdeS! White had to resign in Garcia Martinez - Pigusov, Moscow 1987.) 8 ��U�.� 7 �'''''Y.. �if ''& Y.� & 6 i..i. u ",". 'i�� 5 � �Wti�. �. � �.-.J� � A �. � A 4 ""''''.'''''''. ��,. �z"//. �� �""%�r� 3 � � .tZJ��.i. ��'�"""� %i� ""'''�'0 2 'WP�P0 �%""� �rJ? 1 � � �� k "� a bed e f g h 19...�b4! Preparing a beautiful trap. The key line is 20.ifl ttJb8 21.Wa8 ixfl 22.�xfl and now 22...�b7! followed by ...�a7 snaring the queen. 8.i� � �S.- �� ���,,hl �d3 On this occasion it is best not to give away the g7-bishop: 21...ixc3 22.Wxc3 ttJd3! (22...ttJxe4 23.Wd4:t) A beautiful idea, but White has an equally clever defence: Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 �h4t 8 .1 _ _ _ ��.. 7 � _ �'ly-.r 6 "I/._ 7.� �� 'l�� 5 � %� '�/.� �� /'",,7.� �� ��'0 � � ��4 � _/,!_����� 3_ m�.��.i. 2 �Dif_�� m"/.� %"u/"u%�'0 �%u'U � . � �uu1 �� � �� �� /"" /", � / Y, � a bed e f g h 22.�xd3 tlJf2t 23.@gl tlJxd3t 24.�e3 tlJxcl 25.11Mxcl �ab8 Black has good compensation, as demonstrated in the following game. 26.�a2 �xc3 27.11Mxc3 �fc8 28.11Md4 �cl t 29.@f2 �f1 t 30.@e211Md7� Dufour - Weegenaar, e-mail 2003. A222) 14.@g2 8 .i_.i.� ��._ rr'u,,;� ,,,u7.� "mY-�,lfY� 7 _£� '/ �i,_i 6 iB _ �i� 5 � �.��� '/mu;� 4 !8'm%_!B�_ 3_ ��_�� 2 �����LU;_�_�� �m'�u,,7.�/� 7.� �.""1 h� �iV�1:t. a bed e f g h 14...�g4 Black should take the opportunity to develop and exchange his light-squared bishop before h2-h3 comes. Less logical is: 14...�e8 IS.h3! c4 16.ic2 ttJ bd 7 57 8 E..i.ilE..� 7�'...'.' 6'. . .'i'� �� '2r� "uu,� :!.f.f��� 2 �dI:� ���� 3 � � .lZJ��8 UU�"U%�7��� �*.1 /Q �VUg. a bed e f g h 17.ie3!N (17.fS allows Black to obtain good counterplay: 17...ttJcS 18.ttJgS?! h6 19.ttJxf7 rJlxf7 20.fxg6t rJl g 8 21.ie3 Grigorian - Kononenko, Internet 2009, and now 21...ttJfxe4!N 22.ttJxe4 ttJxe4 23.\¥If3 ttJf6 gives Black a big advantage.) 17...\¥Ic7 18.\¥Ie2 �b8 19.94 b6t Black lacks counterplay and his position is generally unimpressive. 15.h3 �xf3t 16.11Mxf3 tlJbd7 This is the type of position Black aims for when playing 9...\¥Ih4t. It's close to equal, as the chances of White executing a successful e4- eS break or kingside attack are quite low. 17 .�d2 Another game continued 17.aS ttJe8 18.id2 ttJc7 19.�abl �e8 20.b4 �c8 21.ttJa4 cxb4 22.�fcl ttJbS 23.�xc8 \¥Ixc8 24.�xb4 \¥Ic7 2S.�c4 \¥Id8 and White kept just a modest edge in Braziulis - Betker, e-mail 2008. 17...11Mc7 After 17...�c8?! 18.b3 ttJe8 19.ic4 �b8 20.\¥Id3 ttJc7 21.�aelt White was in control in Akesson - Solomon, Budapest 2008. 18.b3 �fe8N I think the rook should stay in the centre, as opposed to 18...�fb8 as played in T. Paehtz - Goldberg, Glauchau 1987. Another game saw: 18...�ae8 19.�ael (19.ic4N �e7 20.\¥Id3 �fe8 21.�ael ttJb6t) 58 f4 Systems 19...�e7 20.�e2 �fe8 21.�fel rJlh8 22.�cl Wb8 23.�cel Wc7t Tate - Gantar, Pardubice 2012. 8.1_ �.i�.- 7 �&����'� 6 i _ """� ��fl%� �.�m��_i�i 5 � .�/._ �,"m_ 4 �_"o,/.� �� �_ '/.'N/ h �� o'o/,�,� 3�8m�.if�8 2 '��""o����� "m ��£Nn�� � 1 � _ �1:t_ a bed e f g h 19.�fel �e7 20.a5 �ae8 21.g4 h6� Black has arranged his pieces in as good a way as he can hope for in this line. He is well placed to meet any immediate attacking try from White, but on the other hand it is hard to see how Black can improve his position further. Perhaps his best winning strategy will be to offer a draw and hope the opponent overreaches. B) 10...11Me7 8 .I .J._.� �I (iJ"io. ���,�o"7 _...�m�i � i 6 "''''� /..""'/,� mN�� ��,�m'% � i �� 5 ����8- � ' 4 C.""�� 8rr� ""n/' �� "m/.-3��_�rrr �,,/?,uu; � %'O� 2 � _ '_mo'� ,uu/'uu%, , � � .iO � �. �/.I � 0/ iV � '/.'N//hm"1 � �+ � ; � � m � 1:t � � % � � " ,/""y.: /"" :/-", � � : a bed e f g h I think this is the better move. II.tlJf3 0-0 12.0-0 tlJa6 This time I have a clear preference for the knight move. I am less keen on 12...a6, and will say no more about it other than mentioning one game showing a good path for White: 13.id3 ttJf6 14.eS ttJe8 IS.Wb3 ttJd7 (IS...ig4 16.ttJe4 dxeS 17.ttJxeS ifS 18.ie3 ixe4 19.ixe4:t) 16.e6 fxe6 17.dxe6 ttJdf6 18.fS 8 _ UJ._ ��._ 7 (;rf. ._oiY-W;r� A.�. �.�m�. m i 6 �_, , '.0"'7._ 'l�� 5 ��_8_ '_ 4 l_o",/._ �� �_ 3_ ��_tE� ���'mo� �� �"o%, ,2 �()..W� , "", �""� � ,/ ' / / � � .fO � �. �/' �iV� � '2:,�u,u1 � �+� � � 1:t ; � � / � // / �"", ,,/////,,% %:% " % a bed e f g h Here White can choose between the sharp Bl) 13.e5 and the more measured B2) 13.�el. Bl) 13.e5 tlJb4! Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Wh4t 13...dxeS?! is inadvisable: 14.d6 Wid8 IS.CtJdS e4 16.CtJgS CtJf6N (16...id4t 17.ie3 ixe3t 18.CtJxe3 CtJf6 19.ic4� Van Dijk - Guido, e-mail 2002) 17.CtJe7t rJlh8 18.fS ixfS 19.CtJxfS gxfS 20.�xfS:t 14.tlJe4 dxe5 Now is the time to take the pawn. Avoiding it may lead to trouble: 14... CtJ b6?! IS.CtJxd6 CtJ6xdS (IS...ih3 16.�f2 a6 17.ifl ixfl 18.Wixfl CtJ6xdS 19.id2:t Bielik - Gazi, e-mail 2008.) 16.id2 ig4 17.Wib3 �ad8 18.ic4 (18.�ad I!N:t) 18... CtJ b6 (18. ..�xd6 19.exd6 Wixd6t) 19.ixb4 cxb4 20.ixf7t �xf7 21.CtJgS �xd6 22.exd6:t Bagirov - Malaniuk, Baku 1983. 15.d611Me6 16.tlJeg5 This position was reached in Yuneev - Goldberg, Dresden 1981. Here I found a useful improvement for Black: 81�£ ����i� 7�i_�_i�i 6 :m'7._�,)1�_�I. 5 ��W� W� m 4 8. " ,,/._ '''''7.�m'';_ ."""� �� ':"'7.�,� � �����i���r� �'mrl""%Wt;� �� ��,J�1 �� �iV�1:t� a bed e f g h 16...11Me8!N In the game Black put the queen on the more exposed fS-square, but soon fell into trouble and lost quickly. 17.fxe5 Mter 17.CtJxeS!? a6 18.ic4 ixeS 19.fxeS CtJxeS 20.�el CtJbc6 21.if4 Wid8 22.idS ifS 59 White has fair compensation for a pawn, but no obvious advantage that I can see. 17...a6 18.�c4 tlJb6! 18... CtJ xeS? does not work: 19. CtJ xeS Wi xeS 20.CtJxf7 Wid4t 21.Wixd4 ixd4t 22.rJl g 2 ifS 23.CtJh6t rJl g 7 24.CtJxfSt gxfS 2s.if4:t 19.�xf7t �xf7 20.tlJxf711Mxf7 The game is finely balanced, and it is by no means clear whether White's mighty central pawns or Black's slight material advantage (two strong minor pieces versus rook and pawn) will ultimately prove more significant. Here is an illustrative line: 21.�e3 �h3 22.�f2 11Md5 23.11Mxd5t tlJ6xd5 24.�xc5 tlJd3 25.�d2 tlJxc5 26.�xd5 tlJd7f! The endgame is not worse for Black. B2) 13.�el 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 13...tlJ b4 The knight settles on a good outpost. 14.�f1 White uses his bishop to shore up the weakened light squares on the kingside. Now Black must decide what to do with his own light-squared bishop. 14...b6 60 f4 Systems White has tried several different moves here, but there is no clear front-runner. Since Black's general scheme of development is unlikely to vary a great deal, I will just mention a few examples to illustrate the most important ideas. 15.�e3 IS.Wib3 a6 16.id2 ib7 17.CtJdl as 18.�cl 8�. . �... 7 � l.lstiy-�r ��f% ��f�'u,/.� 'uu>.� 6 �� �� �i� 5 fiuu>'.ti%� >.� uU'%%'N,2u3,� �W.'0 � � /';�4�. .��� � 3 _ii� �� �� 2 �����.�'W%� 1 �J,u'%��i��W'� !m" "" � f��f� � % a bed e f g h 18...CtJf6!N Preparing to move the light- squared bishop to a better place. (18...�fe8 19.CtJf2 ia6 20.ixa6 �xa6 21.ic3t Cutillas Ripoll - Kovernikov, e-mail 2004.) 19.CtJf2 �ad8 20.ibS ic8= 15...�b7 The bishop will not want to spend the rest of its days on this square, but for the time being it fulfils an important defensive role in discouraging e4-eS. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 16.�f2 Another game continued: 16.�cl a6 17.if2 �ac8 18.b3 tLJf6 19.h3 �fe8 20.g4 White should always consider this move carefully. It does not cause any immediate problems, but there may come a time when ...hS becomes troublesome. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c This position occurred in D. Gurevich - Nun, Eksjo 1982, and now was just the right time for 24...hS!N + , based on the fact that 2S.gS? is met by the crushing 2S...CtJfxdS!. 16...�fe8 17.h3 a6 18.11Md2 We have been following the game Tanggaard - May, corr. 1996. So far Black has developed most of his pieces to normal places, and here I believe the most precise continuation would have been: Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Wh4t s 2 _.i�.-7 �.i._�Bt.r 6 r_ �_'''''7._'1�� 5 ."U�.��� �� �7.,,,/y,,,,�� ��'0 � � �� �7. ,�m";'L�"L" �///,'�'''' � '/,� � 4�. _�w� � 3 .u""� 7.� t15� � 2 Wf)����� �O% ��� M � 1 � 'U'7..""' 7.�:f= a bed e f g h 18...tlJf6N The knight is quite safe here as White will not be able to play e4-eS. 19.�adl 11Md7 Mter this move we have transposed to a game that reached this position via the 9...0-0 move order; the transposition is also noted in the IS...CtJf6line in the notes to variation B21 of the next chapter, which can be found on page 70. But please stay on this page for the continuation from the present position. 20.i>h2 �ad8 Black is doing everything possible to prevent the e4-eS break. White is not really in a position to attack on the kingside, so it remains to be seen how the first player may try to make progress. The one game to have reached this position soon ended in a draw. 8 � � ��.i�.- � �� m"y.� ��,��7 ������!1�j 6 i�� �� �.i� 5 �ru'7..�7.� �mm_ -f"/�uu/'� ��'''0 � � '� -?;(o'�"U';'LL"L' . �?%o'�""7.�'�4 ��.; _8w� � 3 .L"'� �� t15� 8 2 �f)� � �� ,� �O% ��� � � 1 .UU7..��:f.'u, a bed e f g h 61 21.�c4 Trying to overprotect the dS-pawn in preparation for e4-eS, but Black can easily counter this plan. 21...�c8! 22.�f1 �b7 23.�c4 Of course White could try searching for another idea, but I do not see any real problems fo r Black. 23...�c8 Black might also keep the game going with 23...hS!?N 24.We2 Wc8 2S.�d2 ih6= although he is unlikely to get anywhere unless White makes a mistake. 24.�f1 �b7 1/ 2 _1/ 2 H. Muller - Chetvertakoff, e-mail 2002. Conclusion 9... Wh4 t is a respectable alternative to the main 9...0-0 line (which we will encounter in the next chapter), especially for players who prefer a more cautious approach against the Flick-Knife Attack. I devoted quite a lot of space to the provocative I 0... W d8 move, but found that White was slightly better in quite a lot of the ensuing lines. On the other hand, variation B with 10...We7 seems more solid, and I failed to find any major problems for Black in the ensuing positions. £4 Systems Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 Variation Index l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t 8...tlJfd7 9.a4 0-0 10.tlJf3 tlJa6 11.0-0 A) 11...tlJc7 AI) 12.�c4 Al) 12.�xd7 A3) 12.�d3 B) 11...tlJ b4 Bl) 12.h3?! B2) 12J�el a6 13.�f1 �e8 14.h3 B21) 14...b6 B22) 14...f5!? B221) 15.exfS B222) 15.�d2 B223) 15.e5 B224) 15.YMb3 AI) after 18. ttJd6 18..j�f8!N A3) after 17.e5! 17...c4!N 63 63 64 65 67 68 69 70 71 72 72 73 76 B224) after 20.ttJg5 a b g h 20...b5!N Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 9.a4 0-0 This will be our starting position for the present chapter. Black gets on with his development and prepares for a sharp fight. 10.tlJf3 tlJa6 11.0-0 Now there are two main lines that Black can consider: A) 11...tlJc7 and B) 11...tlJb4. A) 11...tlJc7 8 .I _.i.� ��._ �'�/.'n/;!"d�� umY-�,yw� 7 ??�i.A))_i�i 6 ��,J��-i � ,uu/'� 'mm�'0 �� dm�� 5 ����[j� � �� "m%� ��'0 ��4 � -/.'n/ h �� ��� � 3� � _�_ ��,�,uu;� �� ��,�2 "uJ�?%o'0 �� ��!� 1 �� �V�1:t � a bed e f g h Black nudges the bishop and hopes to use the knight to support a future ...bS break. White has tried virtually every legal move from this position, but I will focus on the three most important ones: AI) 12.�c4, A2) 12.�xd7 and A3) 12.�d3. AI) 12.�c4 a6 12...CtJb6!? This move looks a bit strange but it seems playable. 13.ia2 ig4 14.h3 ixf3 lS.Wxf3 CtJa6!? IS...CtJd7 fails to equalize: 16.ie3 CtJe8 (16...a6?! 17.eS! dxeS 18.fS:t Lupini - Purdy, e-mail 1997.) 17.�ad1 CtJef6 (17...Wb6 18.Wf2 Wb4t) 18.CtJbS CtJe8 19.CtJc3t Vernay - Spraggett, Metz 2009. 16.eS CtJ b4 17.aS This was L. Muller - Vazquez Reyes, 63 Khanty-Mansiysk (01) 2010. Here Black should have played: 17...CtJc8N The position remains unclear and roughly eq ual. 13.�el �e8 14.e5 This is the most popular move. 14.h3 seems pretty harmless, and after 14...�b8 IS.Wd3 CtJb6 16.ib3 CtJd7 it is not clear if White can do any more than repeat the position. 17.aSN is one way of continuing the fight, although after 17...bS 18.axb6 CtJxb6f! Black is not worse. 14...tlJb6 15.�a2 �g4 16.a5 tlJd7 Black is okay here, and in the following game White overplayed his hand. 8.iB B.i_.- �r/ 64 f4 Systems A2) 12.�xd7 �xd7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13.f5 Obviously White did not give up the bishop pair while helping Black's development just for fun - he did it to start an attack. Fortunately Black has plenty of resources, and can decide whether to grab the f-pawn or start a counteroffensive on the other flank. 13...gxf5 13...bS is playable, although after 14.igS f6 ls.if4 b4 16.tLJe2 it seems Black should take the f-pawn after all: 16...gxfS!?N (16...Wie7 17.CtJg3 gS 18.ie3 as Building the great wall, but the g7-bishop may not be so happy to see it. 19.CtJd2 ic8 20.CtJc4 ia6 21.�c1 ixc4 22.�xc4t Nikolov - Pantsulaia, Chalkidiki 2003.) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 17.ixd6 (17.CtJg3 fxe4 18.CtJxe4 CtJe8 19.CtJxd6 CtJxd6 20.ixd6 ixa4 21.Wixa4 Wixd6 oo ) 17... fxe4 18.ixf8 exf3 19.ixcs fxe2 20. Wi xe2°o In this murky position both sides have their chances. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14.�g5 Now we must decide whether or not to block the Benoni bishop. 14...f6 I prefer this move, although the alternative also seems okay: 14...if6 ls.if4 IS.Wid2 ixgS 16.CtJxgS f6 17.CtJe6 (17.CtJf3 fxe4 18.CtJxe4 ifS 19.CtJg3 ig6 20.CtJh4 Wid7 21.�a3 �ae8 oo Xiu - Liu, Jinan 200S.) 17...CtJxe6 18.dxe6 ixe6 19.�adl fxe4 20. CtJxe4= Blair - Kramer, corr. 1999. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 IS...�e8 16.Wiel rJlh8 17.Wd2 bS 18.CtJgS Now in Ataman - Erdogan, Ankara 2008, Black should have played: 18...rJl g 8N 19.exfS ixfS 20.axbS ig6� With mutual chances. 15.�f4llJe8 16.exfS �xfS I don't see any major problems for Black here. 17.11Md2 �g6 R. Fernandez - H. Fernandez, Santos 1998. White has obtained a reasonable level of compensation for the pawn, but not enough to claim the advantage. A3) 12.�d3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e Finally we come to the most popular move. 12...a6 13.�el 13.ie3 �b8 can be compared with the main line. Apart from that White has tried a whole host of alternatives at one time or another, but I want to focus on the most challenging line. 13...�e8 14.�e3 �b8 Now Black is ready for ...bS. 15.�f2 The main move. White wants to exploit the fact that the black queen is surrounded and cannot move. 65 Less challenging is: IS.aS bS 16.axb6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 15...b5 16.axb5 axb5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 17.e5! This move is the most dangerous for Black. 17.ih4 if6 18.ig3 This is the other idea, hoping to break through with e4-eS. 18...c4 This would be my choice. 18...b4 19.CtJa4 ig7 is also playable, 66 f4 Systems although Black must be willing to accept a repetition of moves. 20.�a2 (20.ih4 if6=) 20...CtJf6 21.ih4 Wd7 22.Wd2 CtJhS= Molo - Noronha, e-mail 200S. 19.ifl ib7 20.eS ie7 21.if2 if8 22.Wid2 �a8 23.CtJgS Dannehr - Pommrich, e-mail 2008. Now I think Black's best continuation would have been: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 CtJ e6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The other main line I analysed is: 17...dxe5 18.ih4 if6 19.d6 8 7 6 5 thinks this is 18.cih4 I also analysed: 18.ic2 ib7 19.ih4 Wic8 20.CtJe4 if8! This may look a little scary, but do n't wo rry. Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 18...�f6! This resource is the key to our survival. 19.exf6 This seems like the most ambitious move. 19.ixf6 CtJxf6 20.exf6 cxd3 21.Wixd3 �xel t 22.�xel Wixf6 gives White a modest edge, but I do not believe Black should be in much danger. 19..J�xel t 8 � .i.E � . � 7 .u,uY-.�� f� i 6 ��/�"u';_��f� 5 �f.��_�""�_ � � �'0 W 04 �7.� � ���� 3� ��_�_ 2 ��uu,;� �� �W!! 1 td'm%_'�� �m m, a bed e f g h 20.11Mxel!? This is the most energetic move, but not necessarily the best. 67 20.ixel cxd3 21.CtJd4 ib7 22.CtJc6 ixc6 23.dxc6 CtJcS 24.b4 CtJSe6� 20. CtJxe I! looks like the right route to an edge for White: 20...cxd3 21.CtJxd3 b4 22.CtJe4 CtJ xdS 23. Wi d2t 20...cxd321.tlJd4 21.Wie7 ib7 22.�a7 Wixe7 23.fxe7 CtJb6 24.CtJxbS CtJe8� 21...�b7 22.tlJc6 �xc6 23.dxc6 tlJc5 24.b4 24.fS b4� 24...tlJ5e6 25.11Me4 d5 26.11Mxd3 tlJxf4 27.11Md2 tlJfe6 The position is about equal. Although my new 17...c4!N idea seems to improve over existing theory, Black still falls slightly short of equality in a few of the variations noted above. B) 11...tlJb4 .i-.i.E B.- 8 ,�� N'07.� umY-�,�£?7 7.�i�'�i�A 6 _ � _i� 5��.8_ _ �7.'N/)UU�� �W0 �7. 4 8. _8�� � 3 �£"'u;� �� lLS� _�,�uu,;� �� ��'0 2 ""PW 68 f4 Systems 12.ie3 a6 13.ic4 CtJ b6 14 .ie2 �e8 IS .if2 ig4 16.Wid2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Bl) 12.h3?! 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This has been tried by some strong grandmasters, but with ...CtJf6 not having been played yet, it may amount to a waste of time. 12...a6 13.�c4 Thanks to the slowness of White's previous move, Black can now take the opportunity to sharpen the fight. 13...f5! 8 7 6 5 14.tlJ g 5 Of course we should also consider the central breakthrough: 14.eS dxeS IS.d6t Another idea is IS.ie3!? h6!? (IS...exf4N and IS...e4N both deserve serious consideration.) 16.fxeS CtJ xeS 17. CtJxeS ixeS 18.ixh6 �e8 19.Wid2 Wid6 20.�ael id7 with balanced play, Gretencord - Lahdenmaeki, e-mail 2008. IS...rJlh8 16.CtJgS White is poised to win an exchange, but Black should be able to claim excellent compensatIon. 16. .. e4 16...CtJb6!? 17.CtJf7t �xf7 18.ixf7 Wif8 19. Wib3 00 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 17.CtJe6 17.CtJf7t? is premature due to 17...�xf7 Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 18.ixf7 id4t followed by ...t[)f8, with a big advantage to Black. 17...Wif6 18.t[)xf8 Wid4t 19.Wixd4 ixd4t 20.rJlh2 t[)xf8+ 14...�b6 15.�b3 as! It is worth weakening the b5-square in order to maintain the knight's position on b6. 16.�e3 fxe4 17.@hl �d3 18.11Md2 Now Black has a few tempting options. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 18...�xc3!?N Black trades off the important dark-squared bishop in order to preserve the knight on d3, which has become even more valuable. 18...�e8?! led to an eventual victory for Black in Bareev - Topalov, Dortmund 2002, but at this point 19.t[)cxe4!N t[)xb2 20.�ac1 would have turned the tables and given White a promising initiative. 18...c4!?N is tempting when you see that 19.ic2 if5 20.t[)gxe4 t[)xd5 21.CtJxd5 ixe4 22.t[)b6 d5 23.t[)xa8 Wixa8 is an excellent exchange sacrifice. Unfortunately White can improve on move 19 by capturing on e4 with either one of his knights, each leading to approximate equality. 69 Finally 18...if5!?N deserves attention, based on the fact that 19.94 h6! favours Black. 19.bxc3 19.Wixc3 Wie7 is better for Black. 19...11Me720.g4 Most other moves will be met by .. .h6. 20...�d7 Black is at least equal, for instance: 21.�e611Mh4t B2) 12.�el a6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c 13.�f1 This is the best retreat square for the bishop. 13.ic4?! gives Black time to exchange his problem bishop: 13...CtJ b6! 14.ifl (14.ie2 ig4 15.h3 ixf3 16.ixf3 1. Watson - Nunn, Brighton 1980. 16...t[)c4Nt) 14...ig4 15.ie3 ixf3 16.gxf3 CtJd7 Black is at least equal, Cori Tello - Padilla, Callao 2007. 13...�e8 14.h3 The most popular alternative has been: 14.ie3 t[) f6 15.if2 ig4 One top-level game continued: 15...t[)h5!? 16.Wid2ig417.ie2ih618.ie3 t[)f619.h3 70 f4 Systems ixf3 20.ixf3 ltJd7 21.a5 �b8 22.ie2 ltJf6 23.if3ltJd7 24.ie2ltJf6 25.if3ltJd7 and a draw was agreed in Jakovenko - Gashimov, Astrakhan 2010. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16.�cl ltJd7 16...ltJh5!? 17.h3 ixf3 18.Wixf3 id4! 19.94 ltJf6 was also balanced in Bosschem - Mirzoev, Livigno 2011. 17.h3 ixf3 18.Wixf3 �c8= Guevara Castillo - G. Mueller, e-mail 2006. Black was fine in all these games, so we may conclude that White's only chance for an advantage is to prevent the enemy bishop from exchanging itself via the g4-sq uare. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c e Mter the text move Black has to make an important decision. Although bringing the knight to b4 was a good achievement, we must make sure it does not end up out of play. I have analysed two contrasting approaches, the first being solid and the other more aggressive and risky: B21) 14...b6 and B22) 14...f5!? B21) 14...b6 15.�e3 �b7 15...ltJf6 is another decent option, which is directed against the manoeuvre of the enemy bishop to h4. Here is a good example: 16.if2 ltJh5 17.g3 (or 17.ih4 if6 18.ig5 Sundararajan - Satyapragyan, Negombo 2003, 18...�a7!f!) 17...ib7 18.Wid2 ltJf6 19.�adl Wid7 This was the game H. Muller - Chetvertakoff, e-mail 2002, and we encountered the same position at the end of the previous chapter. Turn back to page 61 for the continuation from here. 16.�c4 16.if2 ltJf6 17.Wid2 ltJh5 18.ih4 if6 was equal in Galvn - Fages, Internet 2009. 8 H� el-;� 7�.i._�_i�i 6 i_ _ _i�� 5 �u,,%.�%� �� ' �7.'n/�'u,%� �?;(o'0 �� 4 8.��8f� _ 3 �/m";��.lL)�8 2 �du,u�� �'U�� r� �t'm%� !����� 1 /,� ���� � a bed e f g h 16...�f6 I think Black should improve his position on the kingside and in the centre, rather than the queenside. In the following game he went for a different plan but failed to equalize: 16...�b8 17.if2 ia8 18.ih4 if6 19.ig3 id4t (19...b5 20.axb5 axbS 21.ltJxb5 ltJb6 22.ifl ixb2 Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 23.�bl ig7 24.f5 t[)c8 25.fxg6 hxg6t) 20.t[)xd4 cxd4 21.t[)a2:t Moskalenko - Janev, Alicante 2000. 17 .�f2 tlJ h5 17...ih6!?N IS an interesting alternative: 18.ig3 t[)h5 19.ih4 Wic8 20.ig5 ig7 21.g4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e Is.11Md2 �h6 19.9311Md7 20.�h2 �cS We have reached a similar situation to that at the end of the previous chapter. White has more space, but Black has no weaknesses and is well placed to meet any show of aggression. In the one practical example from this position, White lost his way and fell into difficulties. 8 7 6 5 a c e 71 21.tlJgl?! White should have preferred 21.if1 N ib 7 when the position resembles the end of the previous chapter. 21...�bS 22.11Me211MdS 23.�adl 5!? Black finds an interesting way to exploit the unfortunate position of the knight on gl. Quieter moves are also fine of course. 24.e5 �.i.�.i�.� 8 .um�� ''',,%� �� i :f_�_��f_ 5 �LUU7..�7.�f� i) �7.'n/J:u3� �UU��'% � � %�4 8.�. :f� D 3 �uu';m �_ mu7.� r; .�A("uu� �_ ,U' 7.�2 zq�7. �J!f�,/�u�7.'n/J'u, 1 �� _1:t� � a bed e f g h 24... tlJxf4! The point behind the previous move. 25.gxf4�xf4t 26.�g3 �xg3t 27.�xg3 dxe5 2S.d6t �g7 29.tlJf3? 29.t[)d5N would have kept the game unclear. 29...e4+ Lautier-Nun, Dortmund 1989. B22) 14...5!? This is the more aggressive line. Black opens the game and trusts in his dynamic potential. I examined four main moves from this position: B221) 15.exfS, B222) 15.�d2!?, B223) 15.e5, and B224) 15.11Mb3. 15.t[)g5 is not dangerous, as after 15...t[)f8 the e6-square is well protected. 72 f4 Systems B221) 15.exfS �xel 16.�xel gxf5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Almost all White's pieces are on the first rank, and Black should be at least equal from here. 17.�c2 Mter 17.ltJf3 ltJf6 Black already controls all the important squares in the centre. 18.rJlh2 id7!?N (18...ltJe4 was equal in Starke - Nowak, e-mail 2004, but maybe it is better to develop the pieces before coming forwards.) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17...�f6 17...Wie7 is also reasonable, preventing the bishop from coming to e3. 18.aS Now in Backe - Riccio, e-mail 2002, Black could have virtually forced a draw with: 18...ltJxc2N 19.Wixc2 id4t 20.rJlh2 ltJf6 21.id2 ltJg4t 22.rJlhlltJf2t= 8.i_.i.� _._ �� "u,%� ��,�� 6 i� � . � � ��,�m'7.� //-uu;�5 �7.'n/J�7.8�! �� 4 8. _ 8 � 3 .u,u rn �� um7.� 8 �w�:uu;� �� � � ��2 ���� � 8 � 7.uu}'uu%�'0 �� ��'0�1 /� �if_�k� a bed e f g h 18.�e3 11Me7 19.�f2 �e4 19...id7!?N looks quite promising as well. 20.�xe411Mxe4 21.�xb4 11Mxb4= Berkvens - Allemann, Zug 2003. B222) 15.�d2!? 8 H .i.�.i_.-7 B {BiJB �.r �� ��,/ �� �m'�7. 6 i_ �� _i_ � ��'�'U'7.� �� 5 � 'n//-� 8 �%i � 4 8� _8� � 3 ."m;� �� �� :- ��'�"";�'0 �� ��2 ;�P_!%,��'� 1 �� .���dib�� a bed e f g h This move should not really amount to anything more than a quirky move order, but I want to draw your attention to a nasty trap into which a few players have fallen. Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 15...tlJf6? The correct response has still not occurred in practice: 15...fxe4!N 16.t[)xe4 t[)f6 17.t[)xf6t ixf6 18.Wib3 �xel 19.�xel and we have transposed to variation B224 below, which can be found on page 76. 16.e5! tlJfxd5 17.tlJxd5 tlJxd5 IS.�c4 �e6 19.tlJ g 5 tlJxf4 20.tlJxe6 tlJxe6 21.exd6 The pin will cause Black to lose material. 21...@hS 21...Wixd6? 22.ic3 is even worse for Black. 22.�xe611Mxd6 23.�f7 �f8 24.�a211Md4t 8.i� � �S � �� �� '''''Y. m ,4'''''' 7 �������� 6'�_��f� : �� �",,%{ 74 f4 Systems This is objectively playable but practically dangerous. 20.ixd4 20.�adl ixe3t 21.�xe3 b6 22.t[)d5 t[)xd5 23.Wixd5 �a7 24.ic4 ib7 25.Wif7 Wixf7 26.ixf7 �b8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h Now 27.�g3? ic6 + occurred in Battaglini - Janev, Sautron 2002. Instead 27 .g4N = was correct. 20...Wixd4 t 21.rJlh 1 t[)f8 21...Wif6? 22.t[)cxe4! fxe4 23.t[)xe4 Wixf4 24.t[)xc5 �xel 25.�xel t[)f6 26.Wif7 ixh3 27.gxh3 Wixd6 28.Wixb7 �b8 29.�e6 Wid5t 30.Wixd5 'LJfxd5 31.a5:t Kordts - Stefanov, e-mail 2002. 21...Wig7!? seems to be the safest move, for instance: 22.�adl (22.'LJf7t rJl g 8=) 22...h6 23.t[)e6 Wig8 24.t[)xc5 Wixb3 25.'LJxb3= 22.�adl Wif6 Wild complications can occur from here. 23.�xe4! fxe4 24.t[)cxe4 Wig7 24...�xe4 25.t[)xe4 Wig7 26.t[)xc5 a5 27.�el if5 28.�e7 Wif6t 25.t[)f7t rJl g 8 26.t[)h6t rJlh8 27.t[)g5 ie6 28.t[)gf7t ixf7 29.t[)xf7t rJl g 8 30.t[)g5t rJlh8 31.d7 �e7 32.d8=Wi �xd8 33.�xd8 t[)c6 34.�c8 Wif6 Black has survived and should hold the endgame, but the whole line comes with a health warning! b) 19...ixe3t!N This is much safer. 20.�xe3 Wif6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c Now White does not have the same resources involving sacrificing on e4, and he will struggle to justify his material investment. A possible continuation is: 21.ic4 h6 22.t[)e6 t[)b6 23.t[)c7?! Wid4 + Let's return to the main line. Black has a choice of possible continuations, but needs to be careful. 17...�f8 Black wants to regroup, but does he have time? We will find out shortly. Another playable option is: 17...id4t 18.ie3 Wif6 18...ixe3t!?N 19.�xe3 Wif6 also looks interesting, for instance: 20.Wib3t Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 21.�ael h6 22.ltJgxe4 fxe4 23.ltJxe4 Wid4 24.�dl Wig7 25.ltJxc5 �xe3 26.Wixe3 ltJxc5 27.Wixc5 ltJc6+ Wif8 8.i_.i.�.i�.� 7 _,A_ "",7,_ /""".r 6 i_ � _'1:- 5_ _'_Am 4 8 '.''''7.� r�"''';� 3 �£"m'm �� m"/'� _�,�"m;, � _ 8 2 7. � ""�?%o'0 -X"'" -�. 1 /, � � \Wl �� � � o I� � /j � 0 // � � � " , /, / / /, a bed e f g h 75 18.�c4t �e6 19.�xe6 Here too Black has a choice of playable continuations. 19...�xe6 This is the safer choice, and the one I would recommend. More complicated is: 19...�xe6 20.ltJxe4!N 20.ie3?! ltJd3 21.ixd3 exd3 22.Wixd3 id4 23.ixd4 Wixd6 + Rain - Eiben, e-mail 2004. 20...fxe4 21.�xe4 8 7 6 5 4 20.tlJxe4 fxe4 20...rJlh8 is not so good: 21.ixe6 �xe6 22.ltJg5 �xel t 23.Wixe1 Wd7 24.We6! Wixe6 25.ltJxe6t 21.�xe411Md7 22.11Mb3 22.Wie2 Wixd6= 76 f4 Systems 22...@hS 23.�xe6 Now in K d Bl or ts - M k acks . ar us . simplest . ' e-mail 1998been' contmuation I ' . wou d h ave 17.tlJxf6t �xf6 a bed Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 �� �S �. �8 ��L,� �. 7�'�.l. .. '� '�'% ��,� � _ %�6'� W� �.� 5 "_2r� ""'�� 4 f.''''''� �ftu",;. "u''';� �� U"'''; 78 f4 Systems 20...t[)c2!? should be enough to hang on although Black will need to play accurately to prove it: 21.�cl bS 22.�xc2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8.1_ B �.� 7 � �_'''''''U�_ i 6 i_, _, '_I. 5 ����_j;jt;j� 4 %�i,_W�� 3 . '/ _, /'_,'''''/'_ 8 2 � _ _8- � _ �i£�1 � . f��� a bed e f g h 23...a5 23...�b8 24.Wia4 as 2S.Wic6 �c8 also looks fine. 24.11Mb7 �d7 25.�e6 11Mcs 26.11Mxcst �xcS 27.b3 �c3 2S.�bl h6;; The endgame holds no danger for Black. Conclusion Although 11...CtJc7 seems playable, the 11... CtJ b4 line is the one I would recommend. I� variation B21 we saw Black playing solidly wIth ...b6 and ...ib7, which seems perfectly okay. Nevertheless it was in line B22 that the real highlights occurred, and according to my analysis Black has good chances in the resulting complications. Overall I would say the Flick-Knife Attack is one of the most difficult variations for ei ther side to play, as there are lots of playable deviations and it is hard to be prepared everywhere. Still, I don't think Black should be afraid to dive headfirst into the flames. e4 Systems Classical Variation with 9 ..J�e8 Variation Index l. d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.� £3 7...lLg7 8.lLe2 0-0 9.0-0 �e8 A) 10.�c2 B) 10.�d2 Bl) 10...�a6 11.£3 �c7 12.a4 �d7 Bll) 13.�c4 B12) 13. hl B2) 10...�bd7 B21) 11.£4 B22) 11.�c2 B23) II.a4 B231) 11...�e5 B232) 11...a6 B2321) 12.£4 B23211) 12...�b8 B23212) 12...c4 B2322) 12.�c2 B23221) 12...�b8 B23222) 12...�e5 80 82 82 84 85 87 87 89 90 91 93 93 94 95 96 96 98 80 e4 Systems l.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This classical set-up has been a main line for many years, although nowadays it is not the most popular, as many players prefer one of the more aggressive modern lines. 8...0-0 9.0-0 �e8 This is by far the most popular move, although we will also discuss 9...ig4 in the next chapter. 8 .i�.i.B.i'�.& 7 .l';� 'SUU%� f.r mu7.� ��'''0 ��'N/�U'U�� 6 _ r� �.i� 5 %.�7.� /uuu� 4 ���L'%�!� �� �7.'N//- �� �� 3 � m .�_ ��,�,,,,,;� ��'0 �7. '� 2 8r� q�r�8� uu�,u'7.�W� �.,u'7.(�'0("u1� �iVB1:t� a bed e f g h From this, the starting position for the present chapter, White has two logical ways to deal with the threat to the e4-pawn: A) 10.11Mc2 and B) 10.tlJd2. A) 10.11Mc2 This is a relatively rare choice, and Black gets a good game without too much difficulty. 1 O...tlJa6! Immediately Black hints at the possibility of harassing the queen. ll.�el II.a3 has been played in quite a few games, but apart from guarding the b4-square, this move is of little use to White. Therefore I will not pay much attention to it here, other than noting that 11...CtJc7 12.�el �b8 13.if4 bS was quite satisfactory for Black in Vexler - Shestoperov, Omsk 1973. 8 .i'�.i.�.i�.& '� %� u'd7.� �m'�7 ,I�£ �?;(o'0 �7.�.7.i 6�_ � �im � ��'�U"7.� /�u",;� � : ����i!�B� �7.'N//- �� �� � 3 � m _�_ 2 87. n�� %1�r� � UU 7.� ��� "U 7.� UU ,1 /; �� � /; � % /" ;';' /;' /" ;';' z ;' :% a bed e f g h 11...�g4 11... CtJ b4?! sets a small positional trap, as after 12.Wibl ig4 13.a3?! Black can play 13...ixf3! 14.gxf3 (14.ixf3? CtJbxdS!) 14...CtJa6 and point to White's fractured kingside. But of course White can easily avoid this with something like 13.ie3N CtJd7 14.a3 CtJa6t. 11...CtJc7 seems quite playable though, for instance: 12.if4 (12.CtJd2 bS 13.CtJxbS CtJfxdS was good for Black in Materne - Krauhausen, corr. 1969.) 12...�b8 13.a4 a6 14.aS This occurred in Vichnar - Pribyl, Mlada Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9.. .�e8 Boleslav 2008, and here the most consistent continuation would have been: 8 .%!)'it� .*� 7 �.� ..wi �� >�uu';�'0 �%u,)u3� 6'. W. ..� 5 � %.;0;%. �u'u;. 4 ,uu%� �UU%� ��/% �� �%'u/ ��� 3 � m DlZJ. 2 ��1i�f�f� �''''%� ��r;;Ji/tuU %f!J uu1� � �� %% / a bed e f g h 14...bSN IS.axb6 �xb6 Black has good counterplay, for example: 16.CtJd2 CtJ bS 17.CtJc4 CtJd4 18.Wd1 CtJxe2t 19.�xe2 CtJhS 20.CtJxb6 CtJxf4 21.CtJxc8 CtJxe2t 22.Wxe2 Wxc8= 12.�f4 tlJ b4! On the previous move this idea was dubious, but here it works well. 13.11Mbl 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 81 13...Wie7 This move was played in Kolus - Bulgarini Torres, e-mail 2008. Black is determined to dine on the e4-pawn, but the plan is a little too risky. 14.a3!N 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14. . . CtJ xe4 ! ? There is no way back for the brave. Of course 14...CtJa6 could be played as a last resort, but after IS.eSt White is just better. IS.ibS! IS.axb4 gives Black a choice of acceptable lines: IS...ixc3 (IS...CtJxc3 16.bxc3 ixc3 17.ibS! [17.ie3? cxb4 + ] 17...ixel 18.Wxel Wxel t 19.CtJxe1 �e4 20.ixd6 �xb4 21.ifl �d4 22.ixcS �xdS=) 16.bxc3 CtJxc3 17.ifl CtJxbl 18.�xe7 �xe7 19.�xbl �e4 20.ixd6 �xb4 21.�xb4 cxb4 22.ixb4 ixf3 23.gxf3 �d8 24.d6 a6 2S.f4 bS= IS...ixc3 16.bxc3 CtJxdS 17.ixe8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 82 e4 Systems 17.. ..ixf3 17...CtJdxc3? 18.Wid3 �xe8 19.id2! c4 20.Wixc4 d5 21.Wixc3 CtJxc3 22.�xe7 �xe7 23.ixc3+- 17...ifS?! 18.ixd6! CtJxd6 19.Wia2:t 18.Wid3! 18.gxf3 CtJxf4 19 .�xe4 Wi gst 20. Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8 players. I will discuss a couple of other ideas as well: 12...CtJhS? With most of the pieces on the back rank it is a lost cause to start an attack so early. 13.CtJc4 id4 t 14. rJlh 1 fS (14...Wih4 IS.Wie 1 Wif6 16.id3:t Furman - Kirchberg, e-mail 200S.) IS.g4 fxg4 16.fxg4 CtJf6 17.igS! �f8 18.if3 Wid7 Now in Delchev - A. Kovacevic, Zadar 2007, White could have obtained a serious advantage with 19.CtJe2!N. Historically, Black's most popular option has been: 12. . . b6 13. CtJ c4 ia6 Black wants to exchange the worse of his two bishops for the annoying knight on c4. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14.igS 14.CtJe3 ixe2 IS.Wixe2 a6 16.g4 �b8� Karasev - Stein, Leningrad 1971. 14...Wid7 14...h6?! IS.ie3 ixc4 16.ixc4 a6 17.Wid2 rJlh7 18.�abl Wid7 19.b4 bS 20.ie2 c4 21.aSt This position occurred in several games in the later decades of the last century, but most Benoni players avoid it nowadays. Black has no serious weaknesses, but his position is passive and generally unappealing. IS.Wid2ixc416.ixc4a617.Wd3 White has two bishops and more space. Black's only real option is to aim for kingside counterplay. 83 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17...CtJhS 18.rJlhl The direct 18.g4!? is also promIsIng: 18...id4t 19.rJlhl CtJg7 (Or 19...CtJf6 20.�abl intending b2-b4 with an edge to White, Banet - Chiru, e-mail 200S.) 20.id2 fS?! Evdokimov - Berg, Helsingor 2008. 21.gxfSN gxfS 22.b4:t 18...h6 19.id2 gS 20.�fbl CtJf4 Zilka - Fauland, Austria 2011. Now the right way would have been: 21.ixf4N gxf4 22.Wid2 ieS 23.CtJe2 bS 24.id3 Wie7 2S.CtJxf4:t Black has no real compensation. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e g Returning to the main line, White has two main options: coming forward immediately with Bll) 13.tlJc4 and waiting with B12) 13.�hl. 84 e4 Systems Bll) 13.�c4 �e5 Black's previous move prepared this method of challenging the strong knight. 14.�e3 f5 15.exfS IS.f4?! is an inaccurate move order which needlessly gives Black an additional option: IS... CtJf7 16.exfS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 15...gxf5 16.f4 �f7 Both sides have strengths and weaknesses here, but overall White's chances seem to be slightly higher. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c 17.hl b6 IS.�d3 �h6 The knight does not sit prettily here, but there was not much choice as the fS-pawn needed to be defended. 18. .. Wi f6 can be met by 19.Wic2 forcing 19...CtJh6 when we reach the main line. 19.11Mc211Mf6 20.�d2 �d7 8 ��7.'N/.!-*� 7??� ..i.� � i u,j�,�um��'0 �: Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8 8.i � �_U_ ///,'0 �/.'n/�%U"_//h'0;'U" ��� �� A ��� �Ki 7 /'/� �_� .JL�� � 6 %,,,,/..,,,m_uu,v._ ii� 5 .uu/'_�/'� f� i 4!�lS_��lu �7.'0//- �� �u"%%u,,� 3� ��U �8 2 % �VW� %_'�Y-� 1 .",,/..mo%_ r_� a bed e f g h 27.hxg4!N 27.CtJe3?! maintained a slight plus but Black was eventually able to draw in Kramnik - Topalov, Monte Carlo (rapid) 2001. 27...hxg428.tlJe3 White faces some temporary coordination problems, but eventually his extra piece should tell. A possible continuation is: 28...�d4 29.tlJe2 �xe3 30.�xe3 �xe3 31.�xe3 tlJxd5 32.�d2 tlJf6 33.b4 g3 34. c;t>gl +- B12) 13.c;t>hl 8.iM.i.�.i�.� 7 ".i)_f�r 6 %uu/'� '/,,,u;� �� 'l�� 5 � �.�%� �� !��Uu%� ,� �� : �����!� ��,�,u";/.'n//- �� ��,� 2 t� ���8t� 1 ��,u,%_iV_ r.� a bed e f g h 13...b6 14.�a3!? I decided to analyse this somewhat rare move, in order to provide a contrast with the 85 previous variation with 13.CtJc4. However, I should not hide that fact that the knight move leads to some advantage for White in this position too: 14.CtJc4 CtJeS IS.CtJe3 �b8 IS...fS 16.f4 CtJf7 17.exfS gxfS leads back to variation B 11, which favours White as we have already seen. 16.id2 a6 17.f4 CtJd7 18.CtJc4 CtJf6 19.if3 bS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 86 e4 Systems 25.'tJd5!N ixb2 26.�a7 �b7 27.�a8 White has a serious initiative - the main threat is f4-f5. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...11Me7 Although this position should be close to equal, Black remains at a small but unpleasant disadvantage. 15.a5! 15.'tJb5 is slightly less accurate: 15...CtJxb5 16.ixbS E1:d8 17.aS a6 18.ic6 �b8= Kramnik - Topalov, Dortmund 2001. 15...�b7 15...a6!?N I was hoping to find something encouraging here, but if White finds a few good moves the situation will be anything but rosy. 16.axb6 CtJxb6 17 .�b3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17... 'tJ bxd5!? This was my big idea, but it does not quite work. Objectively 17...CtJb5 is the best chance, followed by attempting to hold the ensuing pawn-down endgame: 18.'tJxb5 axb5 19.ixb5 id7 20.ixd7 'tJxd7 21.'tJc4 'tJe5 22.CtJe3 �eb8 23.�xb8t �xb8t 18.exd5 ixc3 19.�xc3 Wixe2 20.'tJe4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 20.. .�xe4 20...Wixdl 21.�xdl �e7 22.igS! (22.'tJxd6 'tJxd5 23.�xcS ie6t) 22...f6 23.CtJxf6t Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8 8 ��fN/�;I.:� 7 ��.i.�.;A))E i m i 6 uu'7.w6uU'.'''d/-� 'l�� 5 ri'U'%.�%_�_ 4 /'UU7.� m"7._l� �� "", �7.'n//- �� �� 3;� � �8� 2 �u'�d,uu�mr_�� 1 .,u'�.iW_r.� a bed e f g h 16.tlJb5 tlJxb5N This is a better chance than 16...CtJf6?! 17.CtJxc7 Wixc7 18.ibS:t as occurred in Mamedyarov - Ivanchuk, Khanty-Mansiysk (01) 2010. 17.�xb5 �ed8� Black has reasonable defensive chances, but I don't see any active ideas for him. B2) 10...tlJbd7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c d e f g h This normally leads to a more complicated position than 10...CtJa6, and is my primary recommendation. As with most major opening tabiyas, a whole host of different moves have been tried at one time or another, but I will 87 focus on the three most important ones: B21) II.f4, B22) 11.11Mc2 and B23) II.a4. Before diving into the analysis, let me explain a bit about the different move orders. Things can get rather confusing as the moves a2-a4 and ...a6 can be played at any moment. (For example, in many games Black has favoured the move order 10...a6 II.a4 CtJbd7, leading immediately to variation B232 on page 93.) The other two lines will cover some specific situations in which Black may steer the game in a different direction, hoping to exploit the absence of the.. .a6 move in some way. B21) II.f4 8.i_.i.B.i�._ , ,�� 'SUdX� ��'h?� : ���a��f� � ��,�m'7.� /�"m;� : �J�'!��� � �7.'N//- � um7. 3�m__ 2 :o,uu;ff[jl� l� z",,�,u'7.�;�mu;� �%'i{m'1� �iV_1:tm a bed e f g h White supports a future e4-eS push, while also stopping the black knight from going to eS. Fortunately this piece has another way to get active. 11...c4! The same move can be played with or without the inclusion of the moves a2-a4 and ...a6, but we will see that leaving the a-pawns at home should benefit Black slightly. The position after 11...a6 12.a4 c4 will be examined later in variation B23212, beginning on page 9S. 12. hl 88 e4 Systems After 12.ixc4 CtJ cS Black immediately regains the pawn: 13.eS (13.ibS does not help: 13...�e7 14.�el? CtJg4 IS.eS CtJd3 + Nemec - Sikora Lerch, Stary Smokovec 1977.) 13...dxeS 14.fxeS �xeS IS.f3 �e8+ B. Toth - Velimirovic, Budva 1981. 12...llJc5 13.e5 There is no point in trying to protect the pawn: 13.if3 bS! With pawns on a4 and a6, this would not be possible. 14.CtJxbS CtJfxe4 IS.CtJxc4 �b8 16.CtJd4? (16.CtJba3 ia6+) Now in Weber - Hartmann, Berlin 1972, Black could already have got a winning position with 16...ia6N-+. 13...dxe5 14.fxe5 �xe5 15.llJxc4 8.i�.i.� �.. ,����""�� �m'� 7 JI�i � �,,!�i 6 m _ .i_ � ��� '��;r""';� � �5 � �_�O�� . �� /,:uu;� ,uuy,� �� : �B���� � ��,�"u,;� �� ��,� 2 �JI]r;P0-�-�ltj 1 /,� �iV_1:t �� a bed e f g h 15...�e8 lS...�fS is slightly less accurate. The stem game continued: 16.if3 (The rare 16.if4! seems more promising, and has made a heavy score for White.) 16...CtJg4 (16...b6 17 .d6 �b8 18.CtJe3 �eS=) 17.CtJe3 CtJxe3 18.ixe3 b6= Rytov - Tal, Tallinn 1979. 16.�g5 h6 17.�xf6 17.ih4 is well met by 17...CtJce4 18.CtJxe4 �xe4. Here we see another advantage of leaving the a-pawns on their original squares, as after 19.ig3 WixdS the b6-square is protected and White must fight for a draw as follows: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 20.WixdS CtJxdS 21.if3 �d4 22.�adl CtJb6 23.�xd4 ixd4 24.�dl if6 2S.b3 CtJxc4 26.bxc4 g7+ Hage - De Smet, corr. 1995. 17...�xf6 18.tlJb5 a6 Whi te has active knights and a passed d-pawn, but Black has good prospects for counterplay on the dark squares. We will follow a top-flight game for a few more moves. 8 .i�.i.�.i�.� 7 � f��"d�� f� � 6 i- � �iW 5 � ��f�?#dj��",,, 4 ��/�;� �� �� -�� �� ��3 �Y/.' � ��� 2 8Wf!fi B�.8� 1 �d""�_I_r.� a bed e f g h 19.1lJbd6 �f8 20.b4 llJa4 21.�cl llJc3 22.11Md2 b5 23.�xc3 bxc4 24.llJe4 �xc3 25.11Mxc3 f5 26.llJc5 This position was reached in Jobava - Radjabov, Novi Sad 2009. White has made an interesting exchange sacrifice, but I believe Black could have maintained at least equal chances with: Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8 8 .I � .i.� ��e> � � �� "",z� umY-� � f� ��-�,� � �/,'n//- �� �7. �"u 5_ m8�i� 4 ��l';_�_�� 3 �j'm'�� %� %� -� %,uu� �'l" � 28� ���8� 1 � �_��,r.� a bed e f g h 26...i>h7N 27.�xc4 �a7!f! Intending ...Wd6 and rook(s) to the e-file. B22) 11.11Mc2 8.i_.i.�.i�._ �,/�� 'S"u�%0 �7. ,�� 7 �i_A))-i�i 6 /'u,,7.� �_ �l6fl�� 5 � �.lr� /�",,,;� �� um� �� �" 4 _ _8_ � 3������� ��'�Um;7.'N//- ��'0 �% '� 2 8 �iV��¥� 8 � �f#tuu7.wKmu,_w7._"" 1 �� � .�� a bed e f g h White overprotects the e4-pawn and prepares CtJc4. 11...�e5 Black can postpone moving his a-pawn for a moment. Instead 11...a6 12.a4 reaches line B2322 on page 96. When discussing the present variation one cannot avoid mentioning the following move: 11...CtJhS!? This was famously played by Fisher in his match against Spassky. 89 12.ixhS gxhS 8XU.ti.iX�.. 7 .r.l.I). i.r 6 'uu�� �. �� iL1� �9�i.�. i : ��uj.�. �� � � � 3 � � � �" ,�,u";",,,,,, ��'1< ��,� 2 ��if� wfj�w� 1 ,_''''''If'''mB :m '''' a bed e f g h The idea of allowing doubled h-pawns was revolutionary at the time. Despite Fischer's eventual success, the plan is considered strategically risky and most Benoni players do not trust it nowadays. I will give a few more moves of the game for historical in terest. 13.CtJc4 13.a4 CtJeS transposes to a slightly more popular version of the ... CtJ hS idea. From here 14.CtJdl has scored heavily for White, and 14.b3!? may also be a good move. 13...CtJeS 14.CtJe3 Wh4 IS.id2?! Too timid. White could have obtained some advantage with: IS.f3! id7 16.a4 a6?! (16...Wf6N 17.We2t) Pojedziniec - Widera, Polanica Zdroj 2010, and now 17.CtJe2!N Wf6 18.CtJg3:t with a firm grip on the fS-square. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 90 e4 Systems lS...CtJg4 16.CtJxg4 hxg4= Spassky - Fischer, Reykjavik (3) 1972. Having straightened out his kingside pawns, Black had a comfortable position and went on to outplay his opponent. 12.f4?! Stopping ...gS, but this is too risky without preparation. The superior 12.a4 transposes to the later variation B231 on page 91. As you will see, from that position Black can opt for the main lines with 12...a6 or venture the quirkier 12...ig4!? 12...�eg4 13.�f3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13...c4! This seems to be the most energetic. 13...We7!?N is also interesting, for instance: 14.ibS CtJxe4 lS.ixe8 CtJxc3 16.bxc3 ifS 17.ixf7t Wxf7 18.Wb3 id3 19.�el c4t with good play for the sacrificed exchange. 14.�xc4 b5 This more or less forces a draw. If Black is determined to play for more he could also consider: 14...CtJxe4!?N lS.CtJxe4 ifS 16.id3 ixe4 17.ixe4 Wb6t 18. Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9.. .�e8 B231) 11...tlJe5, but focused mainly on B232) 11...a6, which reaches a popular position that can arise via many different move orders. B231) 11...tlJe5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 With this move Black activates his pieces in the centre while potentially trying to save a tempo by doing without the ...a6 move. 12.11Mc2 The immediate attempt to chase the knight meets with a stern punishment: 12.f4? CtJeg4 13.CtJc4?! This is the move White would like to play, but it fails for tactical reasons: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 91 12J��a3 gS 13.Wc2 resembles variation B23222 on page 98, and may transpose immediately if Black plays 13...a6. 8.i-.i.E.i_._ �� ,,,,,7. �� �� 7 ,I i _///. _/,�_ i 6 _ _ �i� 5 �¥�7..um;� �� �Lj� '/"m;� �� 4 8 �F/\�j �� � 3 ��,��'1�;n//-� ��'''0 ��,� 2 r�iV����r� 8 r� '�tuu?-wK"uu� m � � 'w%r«""1�� 00 ��� /, / " ,� // % a bed e f g h 12...�g4!? A rare move, but one which I believe deserves attention. 12...a61eads to variation B23222, while 12...gS 13J��a3 is the same as the 12J��a3 note above. 13.f3 This seems like the most ambitious attempt. 13.ixg4 CtJ fxg4 14. h3 CtJ f6 Black should have no problems here, as he has managed to exchange a pair of minor pieces while White's remaining bishop is still undeveloped. lS.f4 CtJed7 16.CtJf3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 92 e4 Systems 16.. .c4!N I found one game which continued: 16.. .�c8 17 .�e 1 c4 18.eS dxeS 19.fxeS CtJxdS?! 20.CtJxdS CtJxeS 21.CtJxeS WixdS 22.CtJf3 �xel t 23.CtJxel c3 24.b3 Kozul - Chatalbashev, Zagreb 2010. The machine rates this position as close to equal, but I don't see a great deal of compensation for Black and in the game he lost quickly. Black can improve on that line with 19...CtJhS!?N but after best play it gets him no more than equality: 20.igS f6 21.exf6 Wib6t 22.Wif2 Wixf2t 23. Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9..j��e8 17...tlJf6!N I prefer this over the more obvious 17...CtJg7, after which 18.if4 hS 19.h3 Wh4 20.Wh2! tpaintained an edge for White in Markus - Dvirnyy, Nova Gorica 2011. The text move keeps the knight in a better position. In the aforementioned game Black may have been rei uctan t to leave his dark- squared bishop short of squares, but I have not found a convincing way for White to exploit this. .i- E.i�.� � �if� 1:� f� i 6 �"U�� �_�_f� /, ��'�U"7.� /�"u,;�5 �������� �� : � -I!�'!'� ��iW� �� ��2 %""J,,��,% �� �W},,, la � _1:t_� a bed e f g h 18.tlJe2 �e5 19.tlJf4 19.f4? loses at least a pawn after 19...id4. 19...�d4!? The tempting 19...hS?! is not quite correct. I spent some time checking variations such as 20.gxhS ixf4 21.ixf4 CtJxhS 22.ie3 a6 23.aS Wh4, but eventually judged that the tremendous potential of White's dark-squared bishop was more significant the slight damage to his kingside. If Black does not wish to allow the weakening of his own kingside structure, then 19...ic8!? could be considered, in order to free the d7- square for the knight. 20.g5 20.CtJe2= repeats the position. 93 20...tlJh5 21.tlJxh5 gxh5= Black's position seems okay, as it will be hard for White to get to the weak hS-pawn without leaving himself exposed in some other area. B232) 11...a6 This pOSItlOn can be considered the most significant branching point of the present chapter. It has occurred in over a thousand games, via numerous move orders whereby Black plays ...a6 and White answers with a2-a4 at some stage in the opening. We will consider two main plans for White: B2321) 12.f4 and B2322) 12.11Mc2. B2321) 12.f4 8.i�.i.E.i�._ � �� �,,3� ��,� 7.i.4).i�i 6 r� �_�_'l�� 5 � �.�7.� /�'uu;� !��""%� !��� : � �m�� ""'7.� ��,�""u�:'//-� �� ��,� 2 r� :��_8r� 1 � ""7. �i!i� 1M "" / u" , / " ,� � //u, a bed e f g h If White wishes to playa set-up with f2-f4, it would be advisable for him to aim for this version with the pawns already on a6 and a4. Compared with the earlier variation B21, the inclusion of those two pawn moves should help White slightly should Black play ...c4. Here I have analysed two replies for Black: B23211) 12...�b8 and B23212) 12...c4. (Even though the latter move com pares a Ii tde unfavourably with variation B21, it is still qui te playable.) 94 e4 Systems B23211) 12...�b8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 13. i>hl This has been the most popular move. Several others have been tried, but as usual I will keep the focus on what I believe to be the most important lines. One noteworthy game continued 13.aS bS 14.axb6 ttJxb6 lS.rJlhl c4 16.�a3 Wc7= 17.b4?! cxb3 18.�xb3ttJfd7 with good play for Black in Navara - Gashimov, Reggio Emilia 2007. It is also worth pointing out that 13.Wc2 transposes to variation B23221, which can be found on page 96. 13...11Mc714.e5!? This is by no means forced, but it certainly seems to be the critical move. 14...dxe5 15.tlJc4 b5 This forcing move has been Black's most popular reply. lS...e4!? leads to an interesting struggle, although after 16.fS �a8 17.if4 Wd8 White's chances were slightly higher in Ponomariov - Gashimov, Nice 2010. IS...b6!? This rare move deserves consideration. 16.fxeS ttJxeS 17.d6 17.ttJxeS �xeS 18.if4 ttJe8 00 17...Wd7 18.igSttJfg4 19.ttJdSttJxc4 20.ixc4 ttJeS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 21.�xf7!? A beautiful combination, even if it not entirely correct. 21...ttJxf7 22.ttJe7t rJlh8 23.ixf7 �f8 The simple 23...ib7!?N 24.ixe8 �xe81eaves Black with an excellent position where his bishops dominate the board. 2S.Wd2 �f8 + 24.ixg6 Wg4 2S.Wd2 id7 26.ic2 Wd4 27.We2 ig4 28.Wel Now in Jobava - Vocaturo, Reggio Emilia 2009, Black could have taken control with: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8 8 ����_;.7 � �T3�6J�i�i �� ",,,7. � Jum% 6i� � _i� ��'''0 ��,�uu;� 5 �i��8�� � 4 r.�B�''''�� �� 3 � �����U,,�� 2 ��,,,u,�!�!� m1u,,7.�'0 �� � . � u'u1� �iV�1:t�� /. � /// a bed e f g h 16.axb5 axb5 17.tlJxe5 c4 17...CtJxeS? has never been played for good reason: 18.fxeS �xeS 19.if4 c4 20.Wid4 CtJd7 21.d6 WicS 22.ixeS ixeS 23.WixcS CtJxcS 24.CtJxbS id7 2S.CtJc7 CtJe4 26.ixc4 CtJxd6 27.idS:t IS.tlJc6 In this sharp position I found an important improvement over the existing games. %""% . � %0 � �8 &�.i.�.i� .� . u'u�\, 96 e4 Systems where the inclusion of the moves a2-a4 and ...a6 makes a difference. 13.hl This has been the most popular reply, and I think it is the strongest one available. In the event of 13.if3 Black does not have the same... bS idea that was noted in line B21, but 13... CtJ cS still offers him a fine position. 13...tlJc5 14.e5 Once again 14.if3 is not too impressive after 14...id7, for instance: IS.eS dxeS 16.fxeS �xeS 17.CtJxc4 �e8 18.if4 CtJfe4+ Ehlvest - Szekely, Tallinn 1983. 14...dxe5 15.fxe5 �xe5 16.tlJxc4 �e8 16.. .�fS?! is risky as the rook is short of squares: 17.if4 CtJfe4 18.CtJxe4 CtJxe4 19.Wc2 CtJf6 20.CtJe3 WaS 21.CtJxfS ixfS 22.Wb3 WxdS 23.ic4+- Schmidt - Olszewski, Warsaw 2009. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a �xe4 21.�xh5 �xc4= Hage - Ziegert, corr. 1999. B2322) 12.11Mc2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 g This move is more solid. White overprotects the e4-pawn in preparation for f2-f4 and/ or CtJc4. We will investigate two responses for Black: B23221) 12...�b8 and B23222) 12...tlJe5. B23221) 12...�b8 This move leads to a sharp struggle with White preparing e4-eS and Black preparing ...bS. 13.f4 This has not been the most popular choice, but it immediately transposes to a position that has occurred more frequently than that after any other move. Therefore I will treat it as the main line. It is also worth mentlOnIng: 13.CtJc4 CtJ b6 14.CtJe3 (14.CtJa3 We7 IS.aS CtJbd7 16.�el bS 17.axb6 CtJxb6�) 14...We7 IS.f3 CtJhS! A typical method to obtain counterplay on the dark squares. 16.aS CtJd7 17.g3 id4 18.CtJcdl CtJeS 19. Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8 8 �� �.i�.� 7 �'iY.R �BTR i 6 i R .'''''''R iZ� 5 � z.lr. �� 1.1) 4 "",zR uu,z.�"R �� 3 �� "m%� ��r 2 ��1�1i'� "",z� uuJ,,,,��,� �z'"'' ��}", 1 � � tZJ�� .� a bed e f g h Now in Levar- Sutkovic, Rijeka 2011, Black should have played 20...CtJf6N maintaining sufficient counterplay. 21.Wd2 CtJeg4!? 22.Wc2 CtJeS= is one amusing line, although it would be a shame if such a rich position were to end in aprennature dravv. 8 7 6 5 3 2 1 14...b6!? Black is waiting for the right moment to spring forwards. The main alternative is: 14...c4 This move is certainly spirited, although Black may fall a little short of equality. IS.eS! 97 White should strive for the initiative instead of material gains. IS .ixc4 leads to an endgame where Black is doing fine: IS...bS 16.axbS axbS 17.id3 b4 18.CtJdl Wxc2 19.ixc2 CtJcS 20.CtJf2 b3 Black has good compensation, for instance: 21.ibl CtJg4!?N (21...ia6 22.�dl �b4 Y2-Y2 Gauri - Homatidis, Chalkidiki 2007.) 22.CtJxg4 ixg4 23.�el �b4 24.h3 id7 2S.�a7?! fS+ 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 98 e4 Systems But even here White maintains some ini tiative. 19.CtJxeS �xeS 20.if4 �e8 21.if3 ib7 22.ixb7 �xb7 23.Wid3t 15.tlJc4 Most players have chosen this move, which meets the challenge head-on. If White does not want to follow this path then he could try just about any sensible non-committal move. In most cases Black can reply with either a delayed ...c4 or the waiting move ...hS to improve his prospects on the kingside. 15...b5 16.axb5 axb5 17.tlJxd6 This has been the most popular move but it is not dangerous. 17.CtJaS!? is more challenging, but Black is surviving and thriving here too. 17... b4 18.CtJbS Wb6N (18...�xbS!? was also interesting in Lauber - Syperek, Halle 1993, but I prefer the text move slightly.) 19.CtJc4 WixbS 20.CtJxd6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17...11Mxd6 18.e5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c 18...tlJxe5!?N I like this new idea, although there is nothing wrong with following the existing examples: 18...Wib6 19.exf6 CtJxf6 (19...ixf6 20.ixbS ixc3 21.ixd7 ixd7= B. Toth - Cosulich, La Spezia 1973.) 20.ixbS �d8 21.ic4 ifS= Pulvett - Diamant, Montevideo 2009. 19.fxe5 �xe5 20.�f4 c4 21.�f3 �f5 22.�xe5 11Mxe5 23.11Mf2 b4;; Not for the first time, Black has a pawn and a promising initiative for the exchange. B23222) 12...tlJe5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 b c d e f g h I find this to be the more natural move, and it does not lead to excessive complications. Overall I would prefer this method of playing Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...:ge8 - not only is Black theoretically okay, he also avoids having to learn too many long forcing lines. , 13.�a3 This move is by no means uncommon in several Benoni lines. The rook waits on standby, ready to swing into action if needed on the other side of the board. 13.h3 is the second most common move in the position. Black can reply with the thematic 13...g5 14.CtJc4 CtJxc4 15.ixc4 g4 16.hxg4 CtJxg4 17.if4 Wif6 (or 17...id4!?Nf!) with a good position, Napalkov - Grigoryev, corr. 2004. 13.f4?! CtJeg4 is risky for White, for instance: 14.CtJc4CtJxe415.CtJxe4id4t 16. 100 e4 Systems Black reasonable chances in D. Berczes - Bluvshtein, Budapest 2007. 19.�dl tlJh5t Overall I like the scheme with ...CtJe5 and ...g5, as Black gets to follow a simple and active plan without having to remember any complex variations. Conclusion Black seems to be alive and well in the main lines of the Classical Variation, whether they involve wild complications or relatively calm manoeuvring. As in other chapters I covered a variety of playable options, so you can choose the one that best matches your own style and tournamen t tactics. e4 Systems Classical Variation with ...ig4 Variation Index l. d4 tl)f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tl)c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tl) f3 7...i,g7 8.i,e2 0-0 9.0-0 A) 9...a6 B) 9...i,g4 BI) 10.h3?! B2) 10.tl)d2 B3) 10.i,f4 A) note to IS.aS a bed e f 24...c4!N Bl) note to 13..-'�Mc7!? a bed e f g h 17...tDcS!N 102 109 109 110 III B3) after 17.i.fl g h 17...gS!?N 102 e4 Systems l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0 � �� It. W11 ���. � �8 .a�_�.JL�m� �B.� 'rmu;� "uJ� m"Y-m'� 7 /'I� i � � �h'�� 6 B � _i� ��,�,u,7.� /"u,,;� 5 ����I���� : ���I�� �7. ,�",u;7. ��'0 ��,� 2 t3J � _�� t3J r� "u�""7.�;��.W7.�uu1 � ��.�?� a bed e f g h The plan with ...ig4 is quite popular because it solves two of the problems that Black traditionally faces in the Benoni. First and foremost, he guarantees himself the chance to exchange his light-squared bishop, which might otherwise struggle to find a meaningful role in the game. Secondly, in the likely event of the bishop taking the knight on f3, Black will gain improved control over the e5-square, making it hard for White to execute one of his most important ideas. If Black wants to put his bishop on g4, the first decision he must make is whether to insert the preliminary moves ...a6 and a2-a4. I don't know of a truly compelling reason to favour one approach over the other, so I decided to analyse both A) 9...a6 and B) 9...�g4. A) 9...a6 10.a4 �g4 10...�e8 II.CtJd2 takes us back to the previous chapter. 11.�f4 II.CtJd2 can be compared with variation B2 on page 110. In a recent game I encountered another idea: 11.�e 1 This move does little to improve White's position, and could prove to be a loss of time. 11...�e8 12.CtJd2 ixe2 13.�xe2 Attempting to justify the rook's position. 13.. . CtJ bd 7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14.f4?! This only succeeds in creating weaknesses in White's camp. 14. CtJ c4 CtJ b6 15. CtJ a3 W1 c7 16.a5 CtJ bd7 17.CtJc4 CtJg4 18.if4 CtJge5= Smirnov - Zhao, North Geelong 2011. 14...�c8 14...CtJh5!?N 15.CtJf3 c4+ 15.a5 c4 Black often plays this move against a white pawn on f4. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16.�a4? This terrible move quickly backfires. Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ...�g4 16...CtJcS Almost everything is wInnIng here, for instance: 16...CtJg4!?N 17.CtJxc4 bS + 17.�xc4 CtJd3 18.�xc8 Wixc8 + 19.CtJb3 Wic4 20.eS dxeS 21.fxeS CtJxdS 22.CtJxdS WixdS-+ Jepson - Petrov, Malmo 2012. 8.i� � � �_ 7 _1"_ "",/,_ '1/'_. �� ��'0 � , ��,j 6 iB � _i� 5 � �.�/,� /"",,;� � ���""%� ��;���4 ,,8 �"M �� �,.i. 3'� m .�_ ��,�m";� �W"0 ��,� 2 if� �j"if� 8 � 1 ��""%� ;�j{�"" /"m� � �, L, � a bed e f g h 11...�e8!? "Let him live" said he, and gave the knight a chance to escape! This move leads to a more complicated position. The alternative is, or course: 11...ixf3 Got you! 12.ixf3 Wi e7 For more on this position, refer to the variation B3 on page Ill. Personally I would choose to aim for this posi tion, no matter in what move order. 12.tlJd2 White defends the e4-pawn and prepares the usual knight dance here to c4. Usefully, his dark-squared bishop has already developed as opposed to being blocked on c 1. 12.h3? does not work: 12...CtJxe4! A nice combination! 13.hxg4N (13.CtJxe4 �xe4 14.igS Wie8 IS.id3 ixf3 16.Wixf3 �b4 17.�ael ieS + Uhlmann - Fischer, Palma de Mallorca 1970.) 13...ixc3 14.Wib3 ib4+ IfWhi te is determined to avoid exchanging his light-squared bishop then he may try: 103 12.Wic2 Here the game is more positional and slow. 12...Wic7 13.�fel Here is an example involving the great master of the Benoni: 13.b3 CtJbd7 14.�fel �ab8 IS.aS �bc8 16.id2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16...c4!? A nice trick, and of course a thematic one for this opening. 17. bxc4 CtJ cS 18.h3 id7 19.ie3 CtJfxe4 20.id4 ixd4 21.CtJxd4= Tukmakov - Tal, Leningrad 1971. 13...CtJbd7 14.aS White has done quite well from this position, but I do not believe Black should be in much danger. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 14...c4!?N It's strange nobody has tested this thematic move. Unlike several of the other examples we have seen, here it is not even a pawn sacrifice! 104 e4 Systems 14...�ac8 was played in Kristiansen - Ornstein, Polanica Zdroj 1975, and here White could have claimed a slight edge with: 15.�a4N �h5 16.id2t 14...�ab8 looks reasonable though, and 15.�d2 ixe2 16.�xe2 �e5 was equal in Eperjesi - Perenyi, Hungary 1980. 15 .�a4 Trying to prevent ...�c5, but Black can modify the plan slightly. 15...b5 16.axb6 �xb6 17.�a5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8.1_ �.i�.. 7 W£l';� '''d/.� f�r _ I � '/ � " j';d'� 6 i_ � �i� 5 �.�/,� /�"m;� � 4 !.mj_!�'� 3 � ����mN%� ' ��'�''''''7.'n//- �W0 ��,� 2 r� m�r�8r� 1 �""/'.iW.im"" %" /, a bed e f g h 12...�xe2 13.11Mxe2 This position can be compared with the later variation B2, which begins on page 110. It remains to be seen which side will benefit from the inclusion of the moves if4 and .. .�e8. 13...tlJh5 This is necessary if Black is to develop the other knight smoothly. 14.�e3 tlJd7 8.i� �.i�.- � ;s",,\1 ��,�� 7 i�4a)_i�i 6 ��,�""%� �� � 5 �����8 �� �I : �BrP�_/' � �W�""';%'N/4.mN%�'''0 ��,� 2 W�Wf}t[jiVr� 8 r� 1 �Jf""h_ /""".im"u a bed e f g h 15.a5 I also checked a few examples where White advanced on the kingside. 15.g4 �hf6 16.f3 h6 17. Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with.. .�g4 15. 106 e4 Systems 17.Wd2? has never been played and can be refuted by means of a simple combination: 8 K� �K..� � �� ��'0 7�'.�.'.' 6 l. �� �.�i"� 5 ��.�". '.. 4 "",%� ::"'''� . & .%� ��?''''';� ","3��U� ��,�uu;/-/."L,/u//'��'0 A %�N 2 �� � f�o�b 1 �""%_""'%_i="" a bed e f g h 17... CtJxg2! 18.ig5 (18. Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ...�g4 To summarize, 15...Wih4 leads to rich and dynamic play. In general Black's chances are pretty good, although White may be able to claim an edge with precise play, as mentioned in the note to move 21 above. 16.g4 Here are two other ideas: 16.CtJc4 Wif6 (16...Wic7 17.Wid3 CtJe5 18.CtJxe5 ixe5 is another idea) 17.Wid2 ixe3 18.Wixe3 CtJe5 19.CtJxe5 Wixe5= Pelletier - Mantovani, Pula 1997. 16.�a4 can be met by 16...Wif6!? insisting on a battle for the dark squares. (16...ixe3 17.Wixe3 f5 18.CtJc4t Olsen - Ruben, corr. 2001.) 17.Wid3 CtJe5 18.ixd4 CtJxd3 19.ixf6 CtJxf6 20.�a3 �ad8= Blatsky - Hladik, corr. 1999. 16...tlJhf6 17.f3 Now Black must decide on which flank to take action. 8.i� E.i�.� 7 � r�i)� i�� i 6 i � W� �.1:i 5 � W.��_ �mm� 4 "u'7.� UU'7.� �_l� /, �7.'N/«um��'0 �� 3� � �8� ��,�um;�:N/�'m'%� ��,� 2 W� ��iV_ � 1 _m'7..uuu�,i=uu a bed e f g h 17...b5 The alternative is: 17...h5!? 18.g5 CtJh7 19. 108 e4 Systems 20.h3? is the only move to have been played, but it allows Black to obtain an improved version of the main line: 20...CtJbxd5! 21.exd5 CtJxd5 22.CtJc4 �b8 23.�a3 �b4 + Rajkovic - De Firmian, Vrsac 1983. By comparison with the main line, the move h2- h3 has seriously weakened White's kingside. 20...cxd421.Wif2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Both kings are in danger, and the position balances out to equality in a few moves. 26...�g8 27.Wih6t CtJh7t 28.�g3 Wie7 29.CtJf3 �xg3t 30.hxg3 �g8 31.Wif4 d3= 20.exd5 tlJxd5i 21.tlJc4 I left my engine running on this position for a while, but the only enlightenment I received was a list of lines with zeroes in evaluation. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 21...£5 Here are a couple of playable alternatives: 21... Wi f6N 22. Wi d2 CtJxe3 23. CtJ cxe3 �e5 (23...�ab8 24.�a3 ixb2 25.CtJxb2 �xb2 26.Wic3 Wixc3 27.�xc3 �e2 28.CtJd5 Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ....ig4 B) 9...�g4 '=' ?- � ��� � � �8 '&/g): �FS� �� � 7 'lu_ "u,%� '1Y,� i 6 /,"u�� �_ �"r� 5 � �_�/,� /�u",;� �� �uu%� � � 4 _ _8_.i.� 3 � ������ 'w�um;� 'WM 'W� 2 0 �c1 _ dibfr� 0 frb , uu�''',%�/� �.uU%fb:'ifu"1� �iV_1:tm a bed e f g h From here White's three most popular continuations have been: Bl) 10.h3?!, B2) 10.tlJd2 and B3) 10.�f4. Bl) 10.h3?! This has been played in well over a hundred games, but it is practically a waste of a tempo as Black is usually willing to take on f3 voluntarily. This does not mean White is immediately worse, but at the same time it can hardly be good for his chances of achieving an opening advantage. 10...�xf3 11.�xf3 a6 11...CtJbd7 12.if4 Wie7 13.�el a6 14.a4 �fe8 is another route to the 13...We7 line noted below. 12.a4 tlJbd7 13.�f4 YMc7!? In the analogous position from line B3, this move would be slightly risky, for reasons noted on page 111. Here on the other hand, the wasted h2-h3 move noticeably improves Black's chances. Of course there is nothing at all wrong with the more traditional queen move: 13...Wie7 109 From here the queen supports the ...CtJe5 move if and when it is needed. 14.�el �fe8 15.Wic2 15.ih2 seems odd, and after 15....�ac8 16.a5 c4 Black was fine in Van Hoolandt 7"" Chatalbashev, Val Thorens 2008. 15...c4 16.ig3 �ac8 17.�adl Now in Petkov - Berelowitsch, Eupen 2007, Black could have played: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 8.i� � ��._ �; 110 e4 Systems This leads to mass exchanges culminating in an amusing draw. s _.1 _ -.1-.- 'S �� ��,� 7 �itj ��,-i 6i� _ _i� 5 � �.�7.� /./um;� mu7. /Ym,,; �"�, 4 _i-8� � 3 �rn �� m"%� 8 2 ��ii� ,�!� ""/"',% � % �%UU�Uu"'�,�1 ��� � � ��� �� ��f�� , % /, , " //, ,; , a bed e f g h 18.�xc4 tlJcxe4 19.tlJxe4 �xe4 20.�xe4 tlJxe4 21.11Mxe4 11Mxc4 22.�cl 22.Wixc4 �xc4 23.ixd6 ixb2 24.�bl �cl t 25.�xcl ixcl= Forintos - Anka, Hungary 2005. 22...11Mxe4 23.�xc8t �f8 24.�h6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25.@h211Me5t 26.@gl 1;2-1;2 Rezsek - Leviczki, Balatonlelle 2009. B2) 10.tlJd2 s.i� B ��._ 'r"u,,� "'''''� "m/'m'�� 7 ",1�4 ��p �7.�t�4 6 _ ff� .i� ��'if'U'7.� /�um;� : �J�i!_f_ 3 rn � � ��,�""';�:'//� ��'''0 ��,�2 A ��� ,�� � �ff� A �� o iQ/:: /)£J: � iO/:: 0 iQ 1 �""7. l1ji.[M U" a bed e f g h Compared with the 12.CtJd2 move seen in the main line of variation A, here the knight retreat has the disadvantage of blocking the dark-squared bishop on its original square. This means that when the knight arrives on c4, it can be chased away before the bishop arrives on f4 to attack the d6-pawn. 10...�xe2 11.11Mxe2 a6 12.a4 tlJ bd7 13.tlJc4 tlJb614.tlJe311Me7 14...�e8 is slightly less accurate: 15.a5 CtJ bd7 (15... CtJc8 16.f3 CtJd7t) 16. CtJc4 CtJe5 17. CtJ b6 �b8 18.ig5t Black's pieces are slightly lacking in coordination and he still has to work for equality. s 2 � ��.- � �� �;(' Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ....ig4 15.a5 tlJbd7 16.tlJc4 tlJe5 17.tlJb6 �ae8! Compared with the previous note, it is obvious that Black's pieces are working more harmoniously here. 18.�g5 h6 19.�h4 8 � _.i��.m � l� %��"d'''''Y-�'�7 �7.! �///o,J'it t!�� '0 6 &�� �� P_&W� . ,�, �.� ,g)' . �. 5 �"u';_�7-.L";� "m 'u,,/,� m"7.� /��';� ��4 �7.'N//- �7. �� �m 3�m_� ��,�,,,,,;7. ��'0 �7. '0 2 �� _iV��8� 1 �m�7._ %m!=r " , a bed e f g h 19...g5 It is worth breaking the pin, and White is hardly poised to land a knight on f5 here. 20.�g3 tlJfd7= Jaracz - Vaulin, Polanica Zdroj 1999. B3) 10.�f4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c This is the main line and IS the most challenging move. 111 10.. .�xf3 If Black wants to exchange this knight then he should do so immediately, as it might run away at any moment. That being said, he could consider 10...:ge8 when II.CtJd2 ixe2 12.Wxe2 resembles the earlier variation A, and is likely to transpose directly as soon as the moves .. .a6 and a2-a4 are played. By the way, I don't see a good reason for Black not to insert these moves, as without them he will have be to mindful of a knight or even queen coming to b5. 11.�xf3 a6 12.a411Me7 12...Wc7 has been played, but I like it less here than I did in variation B 1, when we effectively had an extra tempo. One potential problem is the sharp approach with 13.e5!?, but even if White proceeds more quietly with 13.Wd2 CtJbd7, there is still an interesting plan available in 14.a5!? followed by :gfcl and a timely b2-b4 to cast doubt on the queen's position. Another idea is: 12...4Je8 This move has been tested by some top players, but it is too passive for my liking. 13.Wd2 CtJd7 14.ig5! This is the most unpleasant move, although 14.:gfel :gb8 15.ie2 We7 16.ig5 also gives White an edge. 14...if6 15.ie3 :gb8 16.ie2 CtJc7 17.f4:t Black is poorly placed to meet the following sacrificial breakthrough. 112 e4 Systems 17...E!:e8 17...ig7 18.eS dxeS 19.fS CtJe8 20.d6 WiaS 21.fxg6 hxg6 reaches a sharp position, but if White manages to find a couple of good moves he will get a big advantage: 22.Wic2! CtJef6 23.ic4!:t Wojtyra - Rupsys, e-mail 2004. 18.eS dxeS Now in Kuzmin - Simacek, Pardubice 2009, White should have continued in thematic style with: 19.fS!N A typical pawn sacrifice. 19...e4 19...E!:f8 20.CtJe4 CtJe8 21.d6:t 20.d6 CtJa8 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 21. as! Paralysing the knight and effectively forcing the following move. 21...bS 22.axb6 CtJaxb6 23.E!:xa6 E!:a8 24.E!:xa8 Wixa8:t Material is equal and White has a strong initiative, with a powerful passed pawn and two great bishops. 13.�el It is important to note that 13.eS leads nowhere: 13...dxeS 14.d6 Wie6 IS.E!:el CtJbd7 16.ixb7 E!:a7= Browne - D. Gurevich, New York 1984. 13.Wib3 has also been tried, but Black can happily sacrifice a pawn with: 13...CtJ bd7! 14.Wixb7 E!:fb8 lS.Wic6 CtJe8 (lS...CtJeS 16.ixeS WixeS oo ) 16.aS CtJeS 17.ixeS ixeS oo Svetushkin - Foisor, Eforie Nord 2009. 13...tlJbd7 Both sides have more or less completed development. Black's position is pretty fluid, and he may look to develop play in the centre and/or on either flank. Compared with some other Modern Benoni lines the position is relatively stable here, and White will have to try and improve his position gradually, perhaps with a view to exploiting his bishop pair later. 8.i� � �S.. �� ���"L,,/mUy,�,� 7 � i _'Jit4!��i 6 iB � �i� 5 ���7.� /",u,,;� � � �UU� �Y/. '/ �, 4 8- _8� _ �7.' '/. �� �L� � 3� m B�B �� ,/�uu,; ��,/ �� � 2 u"l�, _, m,j�, 4Jf! 1 ��� � � \Utf��� � � � ��� �/ /, /,. % a bed e f g h 14.a5 Lots of other moves have been played, and the position is generally of a non-forcing character. Therefore I will limit the coverage to a few of the more interesting and instructive examples I found. 14.Wid2 c4 The following game shows an interesting plan involving kingside play: 14...E!:fe8 IS.aS hS!? 16.h3 CtJh7 17.ie2 E!:ac8 18.ifl Wif6 19.E!:acl gS 20.ie3 g4? Tukmakov - Spraggett, 1993. Here is another example where Black combined kingside and queens ide play: 14...hS IS.h3 (IS.aS can be compared with the main line.) IS...c4 16.ie2 E!:ac8 17.ifl Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ....ig4 :gfe8 18.ih2 Gual Pascual - Cramling, Barcelona 1989. 8 .i.�i�;� 7 �� ��iit.,m 6'� W� ..� �� '�%� ,/,,,,,;� . : !.f�!� �� '%'N//- �� �% 3� � . 88 � ?2I'�UU';� � ' ,�, '/ �, ,2 :i� �� ��A � �O% % � �O%Q� ��tuU%� . � ,u"/,��t�%� � ' '�1"'u1 � � f'��% � % / /: a bed e f g h 18...CtJeS!?N With the typical idea of sacrificing the c-pawn. 19.f4 CtJd3 20.ixd3 cxd3 21. Wi xd3 CtJ d 7 Black has fair compensation, for example: 22.eS dxeS 23.d6 Wid8 24.fxeS CtJxeS= IS.ie2 :gac8 16.f3N I decided to examine this untested move. 16.ifl CtJg4 17.h3 CtJgeS was pleasant enough for Black in Boensch - Perenyi, Leipzig 1988. 8 .� '�z/.""B;�7�'.��'�' %� %�Jr�"u'/'%'///d/U//';� 6'. W� ..� �, ""'%� '"",,;5 ��.�.�, . 48.'.8� � 3 � ���.���� '�K?''''''� �� ��r�2 �cj ��J�. 8 �� ��tUU%� . % 'Ud"�� � � ""1 � � �� % � / a bed e f g h 16.. .:gfe8 Here is another version of the aforementioned pawn sacrifice: 16...CtJeS 17.ig3 CtJfd7 18.f4 CtJd3 19.ixd3 cxd3 20.Wixd3 :gfe8 21.if2 CtJcS 22.ixcs :gxcS oo 17.aS CtJhS Black chases the enemy bishop with a view to developing play on the dark squares. A possible continuation is: 113 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 After the text move we must decide where to put the rooks. Another key question is what to do with the knight on f6, as we may wish to move it to open the long diagonal. 8.1_ _ �._ 7 � i _'�ifly-.r 6 i/._ /..NU'7.�fl�� 5 '��.�/.� '''uu� 4 uu'7.� u"'/'� !� �� �%'n//- �� ';m� 3� m _�_ %�'�,u'u� ��'0 ��,� 2 ,�P_!��/!Jl;Jfj 1 �� .��� �� a bed e f g h 14...�ab8 In this particular position I prefer to play for ...bS rather than ...c4. 14...:gfe8 Of course playing in the centre is also not bad. IS.Wic2 hS Initiating one of the typical plans in this position. The knight will retreat to h7 to 114 e4 Systems allow Black's other pieces to fight for the dark squares. 16.h3 CtJh7 17.Wd2 id4 18.ie3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 18...We5!?N Fighting for the dark squares. I am less keen on the following three alternatives: 18...ie5?! 19.idl b5 20.axb6 CtJxb6 21.ib3t Kononenko - Delchev, Solsones 2004. 18...Wf6 19.:gadl ixe3 20.:gxe3 CtJg5? 21.ixh5! Wf4 (21...gxh5 22.:gg3+-) 22.ig4:t Gupta - Girinath, Visakhapatnam 2006. 18...ixe3N 19.Wxe3 CtJhf6t 19.:g ad 1 19.idl CtJhf6 20.ic2 ixe3 21.Wxe3 h4 is also abo u t equal. 19...ixe3 20.Wxe3 Wg5= I see no major problems for Black. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 15.tlJa4 If Black gets to play ...b5 and recapture with the rook, then he can expect a good deal of activity on the b-file. Here are three examples demonstrating how Black can obtain easy play if White fails to prevent this. 15.Wd2 b5 16.axb6 �xb6 17.:ga2 :gfb8= Roeder - Galje, Graz 1997. 15.Wc2 CtJe8 Before implementing the plan, Black carries out a typical manoeuvre. 16.ie2 CtJc7 17.ifl b5 18.axb6 �xb6= Black had a good position in Vukic - Tringov, Borovo 1980. 15.ie2 CtJe8 16.Wd2 CtJc7 17.ig5 if6 18.ixf6 Wxf6 19.:gadl b5= Hudak - Harvey, corr. 2009. 15...tlJe5 A firmly-established knight on e5 is normally a sign of good health for the Benoni player. 16.�e2!? This is the most ambitious move, avoiding simplifications and daring Black to capture the e4-pawn. Several game have continued with 16.ixe5 Wxe5 but Black obviously has nothing to fear here. One example continued 17 .:gb 1 CtJd7 18.b4 Wd4 19.We2 cxb4 20.:gedl Wf6 21.ig4 b5 22.axb6 CtJxb6 23.:gxb4 CtJxa4 24.:gxa4 and a draw was agreed in Browne - D. Gurevich, Estes Park 1985. Curiously, a year later Gurevich reached the same position with Black against a less formidable opponent, but that time he played on and won. 16...tlJxe4!? With this move Black drags his opponent into deep water, though it remains to be seen who is more likely to drown. Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with.. .ig4 The more solid 16...�fe8 is also quite playable, for instance: 17.f3 CtJh5 18.ie3 f5 19.4Jc3 f4 20.if2 if6 21.Wid2 ih4= 17.�f1 , 8 �� � �S . � � . " '" Y- �" u ", / "", Y-ij"/.I' i� �i �7 � �� ,/J"d�� �m]�i 6 i_ _ _i� �'''0 �'� r//-� � : ������I��� � �� ���"U��3 ��,/�, ��,/ �� '/ 2 ""J�� -7.""J��'� 1 /� �iV�� �� a bed e f g h 17...g5!?N 17...f5? White is more prepared for the open centre here. 18.f3 CtJf6 (18...CtJg5 does not help either: 19.ixe5 ixe5 20.f4 id4t 21.Wixd4 Wixel 22.�xel:t) 19.ixe5 dxe5 20.d6 Wie8 21.CtJxc5:t The one game on the database took an in teresting course: 17...4Jxf2!? 18.Wi d2? For better or worse, White should have taken the knight. Mter 18.rJlxf2N Wif6 19.rJl g 3 Wif5 00 Black has nothing forced, but White's pieces lack coordination and his king is a little vulnerable. Play may continue: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 115 20.CtJb6 �fe8 21.h4 if6 22.id2 h5� 18. . . CtJ fg4 Mter 18...CtJh3t 19.9xh3 CtJf3t 20.rJl g 2 Wixel 21.�xel CtJxd2 22.ixd2 �be8 23.�bl �e4 24. CtJ b6f! the endgame is unclear. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 24.CtJxb7 24.�xe5? CtJh5-+ 24...�xe7 25.ixa6 e4 The b2-pawn will not escape. 26.CtJc5 �c2 27.CtJb3 �a7+ 18.�cl f5 Another idea is: 18...CtJg6!? 19.Wi c2 f5 20.f3 CtJe5 21.fxe4 (21.�e2 CtJf6 22.ixg5 Wif7f!) 21... CtJ g4 22.e5 ixe5 23. rJl hI CtJxh2f! 19.f3 116 e4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e g 19...�beS! White must tread carefully now. 20.fxe4 tlJg4 21.g3 �d4t 22.@g2 tlJf2 For the moment Black is down a bishop for a pawn, but just look at the difference between the two sets of pieces. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 24.�a3 tlJxe4 25.tlJb6 fxg3 26.hxg3 �f2t 27.@h3 @hS 2S.�e3 hb2 29.�g2 8 � �.i� _ � �� ��"L'�� �"u 7�i_ � _i 6 i � _'''''7.� ._ 5 �,um_�7.��.f 4 uu,%� �UU�� r� �u,,�_ mu �� ��'0 ��'Jfff! 3 �� _ � W�� 2 /mu Y-� �� mU ��ii1Z � 1 � nu,�_ ��.,u"Y-� a bed e f g h 29...g4t!? 29...ixa3 should not change the final result: 30.ixe4 ib4 (30...Wif7 31.ig6 g4t 32.Wixg4 hxg6 33 .ixf2 �xe 1 34 .ixe 1 Wi fl t 35. rJl h2 Wixel=) 31.ixf2 ixel 32.ixel Wixe433.ic3t rJl g 8 34.Wixg5t Wi g6 35.Wixg6t hxg6 36.CtJc4 �e2 37.CtJxd6 �e3 38.ib2 �d3 39.CtJe4 c4= 30.11Mxg4 �xg2 31.@xg2 �xa3 32.�h6 �b4 33.tlJcS 11Mf6 34.�xe4 �xe4 35.11Mxe4 11Mxh6 36.11Mest @g7 37.11Me7t @gS 3S.tlJxd611Md2t 39.i>h311Mh6t= As often occurs, the wild complications eventually led to a draw after accurate play from both sides. Conclusion The .. .ig4 variation remains in good health. Compared with some other Benoni lines it is pretty solid, and you do not need to learn much theory in order to play it. At the same time there is scope to interpret the position in different ways, whether by manoeuvring for solid equality or conjuring up a tactical storm as we saw in the final part of the chapter. e4 Systems Modern Main Line Variation Index l.d4 tiJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tiJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.ird3 ir g7 8.h3 8...0-0 9.tiJf3 b5 A) 10.tiJxb5 �e8 118 AI) II.tiJd2 119 Al) 11.0-0 121 B) 10.irxb5 tiJxe4 II.tiJxe4 �a5t 12.tiJfd2 �xb5 13.tiJxd6 �a6 14.tiJ2c4 tiJd7 15.0-0 tiJe5 16.tiJxc8 �axc8 17.tiJxe5 irxe5 18.�el 123 Bl) 18...�d6 125 B2) 18...�fe8 125 AI) after 17.ig5 17...Wfb8N B2) note to 20.�b I 24...ixf2t!N B2) after 22.g4!? 22...�xel t!N 118 e4 Systems l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4. tlJ c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.h3 0-0 9.tlJf3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This is the main tabiya for what has become known as the Modern Main Line. As the name suggests, this variation has become one of White's most popular and highly-regarded weapons against the Benoni, so it is essential to be prepared for it. Before discussing the possible continuations from this position, I would first like to replay the opening moves in order to discuss a few move-order subtleties. l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 This is the usual move order; the nuances of 6.CtJf3 g6 can be found on page 128 in the next chapter. 6...g6 7.�d3 There does not seem to be anything wrong with 7.h3 as an alternative move order, although if I was playing White, I think I would prefer to develop the bishop and overprotect the e4-pawn before spending a tempo on a pawn move. 7.CtJf3 a6!? can be found on page 129 in the next chapter. 7...�g7 8.h3 8.CtJf3 can be met safely by 8...ig4! - see variation C of Chapter 14, which can be found on page 189. 8...0-09.tlJf3 Finally we reach the main starting position of the Modern Main Line. Compared with the Classical Variation from the previous two chapters, White has developed his bishop to a more active square where it reinforces the e4- pawn. True, he has had to invest a tempo on h2-h3, but now the f3-knight will be secure for a long time. Black has several ways of responding, but in this chapter we will focus on the main theoretical line. 9...b5 This remains the most popular move, although it has some practical drawbacks, as Black needs to know a lot of theory just to reach a slightly inferior endgame offering few winning chances. Readers looking for a different approach may skip ahead to the next chapter beginning on page 127, where I discuss a number of other plans. Mter the text move White's main options are A) 10.tlJxb5 and B) 10.�xb5. 10.0-0 b4 is not dangerous for Black, for instance: 11.l2Je2 ( II.CtJ b 1 c4 12.ixc4 CtJxe4= Karpov - Andres Mendez, Buenos Aires 2001; II.CtJa4 ia6 12.:ge1 ixd3 13.Wxd3 4Jbd7 14.if4 4J b6= Z. Polgar - Gdanski, Adelaide 1988.) 11...�e8 12.l2Jg3 i.a6= Malaniuk - Feygin, Nikolaev 1995. A) 10.tlJxb5 This leads to a complicated game. Black should be able to win back his pawn, but he must take care and do it in the correct way. 10...�e8 Chapter 9 - Modern Main Line The following alternative may appear tempting, but it is inferior: 10...CtJxe4?! II.ixe4 �e8 11...\¥faSt 12.CtJc3 ixc3t 13.bxc3 �e8 . 14.CtJgS \¥fxc3t ls.id2 \¥f c4 16.f3 fS 17. rJlf2 fxe4 18.CtJxe4 CtJd7 19.�el ia6:t Erdogan- Pantsulaia, Kocaeli 2002. 12.CtJgS \¥faSt 12...h6 13.CtJe6 \¥faSt 14.CtJc3 ixc3t IS.bxc3 \¥fxc3t 16.id2 \¥fc4 17.\¥fe2 \¥fxe2t 18. rJlxe2 CtJa6 19.ixh6 fxe6 20.ixg6 �e7:t Baier - Lamy, email 2002. 13.CtJc3 ia6 14.id2 CtJd7 lS.\¥fc2 �ab8 16.0-0-0 CtJeS:t Bern - Ha. Olafsson, corr. Sweden 1994. 8.i�.i.E.i�._ � 'ru",,� ""'7.� �m'�� 71j% _ -imi 6 /'"u7.� /,_ �lifl�� 5 � �.�7.� �m";� 4 �� um/'� !� �� ���� � 3� ��_�_8 2 r��� ��r� , u"}'''''%�'0 ��'�Uu%�1 /,� �iVm _1:t a bed e f g h From here White's most important options are AI) II.tlJd2 and Al) 11.0-0. II.CtJc3?! CtJxe4 12.CtJxe4 fS 13.CtJfgS? fxe4 14.ixe4 ixb2! lS.CtJe6 \¥fh4 16.\¥fe2 ic3t + Del Prado Montoro - Izeta Txabarri, Ponferrada 1991. II.igS c4 12 .ixc4 �xe4 t 13.ie2 \¥f as t 14.rJlfl ia6 IS.a4 CtJbd7 gave Black nice compensation for a pawn in Lipinsky - Palkovi, Balatonbereny 1997. AI) II.tlJd2 119 This tricky move can lead to heavy complications. 11...tlJxd5 Sometimes the simplest moves are the best. 11...CtJxe4!? This leads to interesting play although I do not completely trust it. 12.ixe4 ia6 13.a4 \¥faS 13...fS? 14.0-0 fxe4 IS.CtJc4 ieS 16.�el ixbS 17.axbS CtJd7 18.CtJxeS �xeS 19.if4 �e8 20.ixd6:t Nikolov - Rabrenovic, Obrenovac 2010. g h 14.CtJxd6 CtJd7 IS.\¥fc2 fS 16.CtJxe8 �xe8 17. rJld1 fxe4 18.CtJxe4 c4!? Vescovi - Jobava, Wijk aan Zee 2006. 19.f3!?N This looks like the only chance for White to fight for the advantage. 120 e4 Systems The game continued 19.CtJc3 ixc3 20.\¥fxc3 \¥fxdSt 21.id2 CtJcS 22.�el, and now 22...CtJe4N would have forced 23.�xe4 leading to equal chances. 19...\¥fxdSt 20.\¥fd2 \¥fb7 21.�a3 c3 22.CtJxc3 CtJeS 23.�el \¥fa8 24.�e4 id3 25.\¥fe3 ixe4 26.\¥fxe4 \¥fc8 oo So maybe this line is playable for Black too, but I find the main move more convincing and less risky. 12. tlJ c4 tlJ b4 12...�e6!? seems playable too, for instance: 13.ie2 (13.0-0 is not dangerous: 13...CtJb4 14.ie2 ia6 IS. CtJ c3 CtJ d7 16.ie3 CtJ b6 17.CtJxb6 \¥fxb6 18.�el �ae8 19.\¥fd2 ixe2 20.�xe2= Shishkin - D. Kononenko, Kharkov 2007.) 13... CtJ b6 14. CtJ cxd6 ia6 15.ig4 f5 16.ie2 CtJc6 17.ie3 CtJd4 18.ixd4 ixd4 19.\¥fb3 c4 20.CtJxc4 ixbS 21.\¥fxbS �xe4= Carpenito - Novak, e-mail 2008. 8.i_.i.E.i_.� 7 tI"""_ '""'/._ f.r 6 '''''7.� �_�_'l�� ��,�m'%� �� �5 ��J�� �� �� 4 .�_8_ � ."""� �� ��3 �/, '0 �� ��'0 �� 2 �!�//�'0 -y/. '09� - 1 "� �iV � _1:t a bed e f g h 13.tlJcxd6 13.ie2 ia6 A pawn sacrifice, which could be temporary. Another intriguing possibility is: 13...�xe4 14.CtJcxd6 �xe2t!? (14...�eS is also quite playable.) 15.\¥fxe2 Lazarev-Cebalo, Cannes 1995, and now 15...ie6N 16.a3 CtJ4c6 17.if4 a6 18.CtJc3 CtJd4 19.\¥fd3 c4 would have given Black ongoing compensation. 14.CtJbxd6 �e6 15.if4 CtJd7 Black has good compensation, and in the following game he soon regained his pawn to equalize: 16.0-0 CtJeS 17.ixeS ixe5 18.a3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Persson Gdanski, 8.i�.i.�.i�._ �'W"""� ,""'h� �m'�� 7 I� � �imi 6 "",%� �� �� 'l�� 5 R�.''''';_�� 4 �.m'%� 8� �� ."m;� �� �� � !��, ��!, 1 1� 'm�� '� ""�_1:t a bed e f g h 13...�a6 14.0-0 tlJxd3 15.11Mxd3 Compared with the previous note White has avoided losing time with his bishop, but he obviously has less stability on the light squares. 15...�e6 16.11Md5 tlJc6 17.�g5 This position occurred in Konca - Blokh, corr. 1992, and here I suggest the improvement: d Main Line Chapter 9 - Mo ern 18.�xc6 llJxb5 kf8 20.'\Wc4 llJa5 18.'\Wxc5 kxb5 19. �xg5 23.llJxa8 '\Wf4 1 '\Wa4 �e5 22.llJc7 '\Wf3 26.g3 �xg3t2 · J':\ 4 25.'\Wxc4 24.\¥fc2 vue 27.fXg3 '\Wxg3t= , \UP d 6 20.�e3 �b8. 19 �xb5 EU ate'18...i.xb5. 'f li htly less accur . �xe4 is playable, I s g 20... 2 '\Wa5 '\Wc6;!;21.ixcS �b8 2 . 7.' "� � �._ �� �7. �� r8 ,j""y� � & � � a �� � �,a 'f'n�� 7 %'.� �:t""L'; � � i � 6 . �'"'' '� . 7. n n q �.a �� .\Wi_ -7. ��5 .� "n'7.� A � � '- -%q�� A4 �� � �o 3. -7. �n'�WM � . '� �?;(o'''0 . �� 0 � A f� ��£m, %� '2 ,Q�u,,7.� _1:t k � 1 � �, h ' d e f g a b c 11Mxc5 22.�xc5 �xe4 21.�xc5 a draw. Black is close to 121 A2) 11.0-0 :t/."L'; � �._ � �.i.tit.a �� r8 .a./L'u� � & � � a W� . �,�)L'�%0 � /,,,,, '� �� � '�r a7.� �///o'0 �� & � 6 _ �i�7. /'m";� �?;(o,� A � .�f:'.f� 0 �/, ��5 .��uu7.� A � � '- -7. 0 �� 84 � %_�_� � . '� 3 ��'''0�� �8�2 8 � _�£uu�� 0wtuu/'�iVR 1:t � 1 ��} /u//,� f g h /" U , d e a be. b no means evious line IS y I rAlthough the pr b a lot more popu a .has een bad, the text move 11 tlJxe4 12.�el . Ith ou g h 12.ixe4, ... , Ime a d bThis is the mam 11 been teste yd 12 \¥fb3 have a 12.\¥f a4 an . ndmasters. strong gra 12...a6 13.tlJa3 Black at all: 13...�xe: 13.�xe4 does not test �b4 15.a3 '\Wxd bS - ) 14.llJxd6 _ Zhang,(13...ax - '\W 2 kb7= Guo 6 b4 cxb4 17. e 1 .ax China 2010. . te resting is: More In 13.\¥fa4 13...CtJd7! 122 e4 Systems An important move! Black is developing his pieces with the help of tactical resources. 14.�xe4 �xe4 IS.Wxe4 IS.ixe4? ltJb6 16.Wb3 axbS 17.WxbS ia6 18.Wb3 ic4 19.Wc2 ixa2 + Schmidt - Myakutin, e-mail 2001. IS...ltJf6 16.Wh4 axbS 17.ixbS Wb6 18.a4 ib7 19.ih6 ixdS 20.ltJd2 Wb7 21.ixg7 rJlxg7= Lobron - Topalov, Dortmund 1996. 8.i�J.�.i_._ 7 ��"uu_'uu/-_ fEr 6 f� 7._ �� 'l�� �.8%� �� 5 ���"3� �� �� : m��!I��: �um;7. '0 �� �� '0 ��2 ��?%o'0 -7.UU��. 1 ��� ��\UlJ��� ,� � ���� �� , , y, /" � /" Y, /:: " /, a bed e f g h 13...tlJf6 14.�xeSt tlJxeS 15.�g5 11Mc7 16.11Ma4 16.ltJc4 ib7 17.�cl ltJd7 18.ifl ltJef6 19.if4 if8 was balanced in Ki. Georgiev - Aroshidze, Balaguer 2009. 16...tlJf6 White is ahead in development, but Black has no weaknesses and should be able to catch up within a few moves. 17.tlJb5 Black is fine against other moves as well. Here are two brief examples: 17.ixf6 ixf6 18.Wf4 ltJd7 19.1tJc4 ib7? Romanov - Hardicsay, e-mail 2002. 1 7 .�e 1 ib 7 18.ixf6 ixf6 19 .�e8 t rJl g 7 20.Wb3= McArthur - Jurca, e-mail 1999. 17...11Mb6 Black has a second good option: 17...\¥fd7 18.�el ib7 19.ixf6 ixf6 20.Wf4 ieS 21.�xeS axbS 22.�el ixdS 23.ltJgS= Polak- Simacek, Decin 2009. IS.�xf6 �xf6 19.11Mf4 8 7 6 5 19...axb5! 20.11Mxf6 tlJd7 The knight will save his king now. 21.11Me7 @g7 Now we are heading for a practically forced draw. 22.tlJ g 5 tlJe5 23.tlJe4 tlJxd3 24.tlJxd6 �a7 8 _J._ - _ ""-� �,wj�w�� 7 /,� _ �i.i 6 u"'Y-� 0rn'''u/-� '17.� 5 0 '17..�';� �� 4 ���u'3� �� �� 3 ��'''0�! ��'''0 � � 7.�2 8�f!J _ �f!J8� %"U�u,,%� 0�"U%�'0�1/Q � _ � a bed e f g h Chapter 9 - Modern Main Line 25.tlJest 2S.ltJxc8?! �xe7 26.ltJxb6 �b7 27.ltJc8 ltJ xb2+ 25...@gS 26.tlJf6t @g7 27.tlJeSt= · Palliser - D. Kononenko, Plovdiv 2010. B) 10.�xb5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This leads almost by force to a famous endgame. 10...tlJxe4 II.tlJxe4 11Ma5t 12.tlJfd2 11Mxb5 13.tlJxd611Ma6 13...\¥fd3?! is worse: 14.ltJ2c4 \¥fxdl t IS.rJlxd1 ia6 16.rJlc2ltJd7 17.if4t Epishin- San Segundo Carrillo, New York 1990. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f 123 14.tlJ2c4 tlJd7 I prefer this over 14...�d8 IS.if4 CtJd7 16.0-0 ltJb6 17.ltJxb6 \¥fxb6 18.ltJxc8 �axc8, when the position can be compared with IS...ltJb6 as mentioned in the notes to the main line below. 15.0-0 To draw or not to draw- that is the question! 15...tlJe5 I think this is the most precise move. Many games have continued: IS...ltJb6 16.ltJxb6 \¥fxb6 17.ltJxc8 �axc8 18.�bl �fd8 19.if4 \¥fb7 20.d6 if8 21.\¥fd3 ixd6 22.ixd6 �c6 23.�fdl Black should be able to hold this, but it is not my idea of a dream Benoni position, especially if I happen to be facing a lower- rated opponent. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 23...�cxd6 23...\¥fd7 24.\¥fa3 �xd6 2S.�xd6 \¥fxd6 26.\¥fxa7 �e8 27.\¥faS �e2 28.\¥fc3 \¥fb6 29.a4 c4 30.�f1t reaches a different type of endgame, but here too Black will have to defend without having the slightest chance to play for a win. 24.\¥fxd6 �xd6 2S.�xd6 c4 26.�d2 c3 27.�c2 \¥fe4 28.�bc1 cxb2 29.�xb2t With two rooks against a queen, White can press for a long time, although the majority of games have been drawn from this position. 124 e4 Systems 8 _�,.i._, ��.� 7 ,I _ _i�i 6 iH� m �'l�� ��,�"u';fn//� �� 5 � ��8�.: . 4 '_�_ /uuu� �� 3 � ��� � 2!��_��!' 1 ;�t'U'7.W�� . � � 'W%� � /'� � OO���% �/" " /,//// , // , a bed e f g h 16. tlJxcs 16. CtJxeS \¥f xd6 This leads to a position where White has many choices, none of which lead to an advantage. 16.. .ixeS is also playable, for instance: 17.CtJe4 ifS 18.CtJxcS \¥fc4 19.ie3 ixb2 20.g4 ixal 21.\¥fxal ixg4 22.�cl \¥fe2 23.ih6 f6 24.ixf8 �xf8 2S.hxg4 \¥fxg4t 26. rJlfl \¥fh3t 27. rJl g 1 = Seres - Ovsejevitsch, Budapest 2003. 17.CtJc4 17.CtJc6 ib7 18.ie3 ixc6 19.dxc6 \¥fxc6 was equal in Grabarczyk - Simacek, Wroclaw 2010. 1 7... \¥f a6 White must not be allowed to develop his queenside easily. 18. CtJ e3 18.\¥fb3 ib7 19.�dl id4 20.CtJe3 Y2-Y2 Wang Yue - Gashimov, Kallithea 2008. 18.\¥fe2 ib7 19.�dl id4 20.\¥fc2?! ixdS+ Lenderman - Fernandez, Mesa 2009. 18...ib7 19.\¥fc2 id4 20.id2 �fd8= Guramishvili - Gaponenko, St Petersburg 2009. 16...�axcS 17.tlJxe5 �xe5 We have reached a typical scenario for the present variation. For the moment White has an extra pawn, but the weakness of the dS- and b2-pawns gives Black sufficient compensation. IS.�el There are many deviations, but the final result is almost always a draw. Here are a few examples: 18.ih6 �fd8= Batkovskyte - Anu, Kemer 2009. 18.\¥ff3 �fe8 19.�dl (19.�bl? ih2t 20.rJlxh2 \¥fxfl + Andonovski - Jianu, Tivat 2011) 19...c4 20.a4 \¥fb7 21.�a3 ixb2 22.d6 \¥fxf3 23.�xf3 ixcl 24.�xcl �ed8 2S.�f4= Shengelia - Gashimov, Novi Sad 2009. 8 7 5 4 3 2 1 From this position Black has at least two good moves: Bl) Is...11Md6 and B2) IS...�feS. Chapter 9 - Modern Main Line IB...\¥ff6 also seems decent, for instance: 19.ih6 (19.�bl �fdB 20.\¥fg4 h5 21.\¥fc4 \¥ff5 22.\¥fe4 \¥fxe4 23.�xe4 �xd5 24.ie3 c4 25.f4 ig7 26.�c 1 ixb2 Yz-Y2 Polak - Chatalbashev, Heraklio 2007.) 19...id4 20.ixfB ixf2t 21.rJlhl ixel 22.\¥fxel �xfB 23.�dl \¥fd6 24.b3 h5 25.\¥fe3 a6 26.�cl \¥fxd5 27.\¥fxc5 \¥fd2 2B.\¥fc2 �dB 29.\¥fxd2 �xd2 30.a4 �b2 31.�c6 Yz-Yz Ki. Georgiev - Delchev, Sunny Beach 2009. Bl) 18...11Md6 19.�h6 19.�e2 id4 20.ie3 \¥fxd5= 19...�fd8 20.11Me2 �d4 Now Black regains his pawn by force, and the chances of White claiming a notable positional advantage are minimal. 21.11Mf3 �xb2 8 7 6 22.�abl �g7 23.�f4 11Mf6 23...\¥fxd5?? 24.�eBt! would be embarrassing. 24.11Me4 11Md4 25.11Mf3 11Mf6 26.11Me4 11Md4 27.11Mf311Mf6 28.11Me4 11Md4 29.11Mf3 1/ 2 _1/ 2 This was the game Blagojevic - Nikolov, Valjevo 2011. So overall IB...\¥fd6 looks like a fully viable route to equality. 125 B2) 18...�fe8 8 -.i-.i_.� "���� �, 7� . _i�i 6 ii��� '�r� � ��'��m'r� ��5 � {'�8� �//h 4 � � � � �������8 �fft)�-�ft)!. 1 i�� ��\UlJ��� ,�, �� ���� �/", ,� /", /� /"", , // ", a bed e f g h This move is slightly more complicated, but is still good enough to equalize. 19.�g5 �d4 20.�bl White has several other options. 20.\¥ff3 ixb2 21.�adl \¥fd6 led to yet another quick draw in the following game: 22.if4 ie5 23.�xe5 �xe5 24.ixe5 \¥fxe5 25.d6 �dB 26.\¥fc6 \¥fe2 27.�cl \¥fd2 2B.\¥fxc5 Yz-Y2 Polak - Simacek, Czech Republic 2011. 20.�cl \¥fd6 21.\¥fa4 �e5 22.�xe5 \¥fxe5 23.\¥fd7 �bB 24.ih6 occurred in Meier - Gashimov, Novi Sad 2009. Here Black's most convincing route to equality would have been: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 126 e4 Systems Finally 20.ie7 forces Black to find (or know in advance) a nice idea: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c Wi f6 t �dB= 20...11Md621.11Mf3 21.Wia4 �xel t 22.�xel WixdS 23.ih6 WidB 24.b3 c4 2S.bxc4 ixf2t 26.rJlxf2 Wih4t 27.rJlfl Wixh6= Mahnke - G. Mueller, e-mail 2007. 21...�xb2 22.g4!? This seems like White's best chance to create problems. Instead 22.if4 ieS 23.�xeS �xeS 24.�dl �ceB 2S.ixeS �xeS 26.Wid3 hS Y2-� was another thrilling outcome in Blagojevic - Colovic, Porto Carras 2011. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e f 22...�xel t!N It is important for Black to get this right. I also considered 22...id4N, but after 23.if4 ieS 24.�xeS �xeS 2S.ixeS WixeS 26.�b7 �fB 27 .�xa7 Black still has a way to go before he can claim equality. The one game on the database continued in a more exciting manner than is typical for this line: 22...ieS 23.�b7 f6 24.�xeS! A promising exchange sacrifice. 24...�xeS 2s.ixf6 WixdS 26.�g7t rJlfB 27. Wi c3 00 Acevedo Villalba - Soltau, e-mail200B. Black managed to defend for a draw, but would you want to risk this position over the board? 23.�xel �e5 This is much safer now that there is no white rook landing on b 7. 24.11Me4 f6 25.�e3 �d8= Black will soon eliminate the d-pawn. Conclusion The 9... b S line seems to be in good theoretical shape, but it has some practical disadvantages. One important point is that White has the freedom to choose between a complex game with 10.ltJxbS and a more simplified, technical battle with 10.ixbS. The latter case is a particular problem when one is facing a weaker opponent, or simply wishing to keep winning chances alive with the black pieces. Nevertheless, the bottom line is that Black's position is viable, so the readers can decide for themselves. Those who are not attracted to 9...bS are invited to turn the page and check some of the ideas presented in the next chapter. e4 Systems Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 Variation Index l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 6...g6 A) 7.�f3 a6!? AI) 8.a4 Al) 8JWe2!? B) 7.�d3 �g7 8.h3 0-0 9.�f3 Bl) 9...a6 B2) 9...ge8 10.0-0 c4 B21) 11.�c2 B22) 11.�xc4 B3) 9...�h5!? 10.0-0 �d7 11.�g5 �f6 12.�e3 ge8 B31) 13.�d2 B32) 13.VNdl AI) after 13.ih3 13...c4!N A2) after 18.d6 a bed e f 18...l2Je8!N 129 129 131 134 134 135 135 136 138 140 142 B22) note to 13...Wfb6?! a bed e f 21...ia3!N e4 Systems128 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 8.a41!ge7!? Now there is no check on a4, so Black really is restraining the e-pawn. 8 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 4 4 3 3 2 2 1 1 a b c a c e Although the main 9...bS line is fully playable, it will definitely not be to everyone's taste. Black has several ways of avoiding it, and in this chapter we will discuss a few of them. Our main topic will be Black's alternatives on move 9, although before then I will also mention some ways to bypass the Modern Main Line altogether in the event that White's move order allows it. That's why we are beginning the discussion at move 6: to pay attention to the different move orders and the possibilities to which each of them may lead. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 6.e4 Sometimes White develops the knight first: 6.CtJf3 g6 But already Black can choose to prevent the Modern Main Line if he wishes to. 7.h3 7.e4 transposes to line A on the following page. Other CtJf3-based systems which do not involve an early e2-e4 will be examined in Part 3 of the book. 7...a6!? Note that 7...1!ge7?! does not prevent 8.e4 due to the standard trick: 8...CtJxe4?? 9.1!9a4t +- Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 6...g6 From here the chapter will be divided according to move order, beginning with A) 7.tlJf3 and ending with B) 7.�d3. If White is l?oking to employ the Modern Main line, the second option is the more accurate in terms of limiting Black's options. By the way, to repeat a point that was made in the previous chapter, 7.h3!? seems to be a valid way to initiate the Modern Main line, despite the fact that it appears slightly strange to move the h-pawn before either of the minor pieces on the kingside. A) 7.tlJf3 This gives Black the option of avoiding the Modern Main Line. 7...a6!? 7...!g7 8.h3 0-0 9.!d3 leads to the main tabiya, which will be discussed later under variation B. It should be noted that 7...!g4? is a mistake due to 8.Wia4t! (8.Wib3!? is also promising) 8...!d7 (8...CtJbd7?! runs into 9.CtJd2!:t or 9.CtJgl !:t) 9.Wib3 and Black has problems. (Compare with Chapter IS - here Black has lost a tempo by playing ...!d7 in two moves.) Mter the text move White may react with AI) 8.a4 and A2) 8.11Me2!? In several games White has ignored the coming advance of the b-pawn, but I do not believe this should be dangerous: 8.!f4 bS reaches variation B of Chapter 16. 8.h3 bS (8...!g7 could be met by 9.a4) 9.!d3 !g7 10.0-0 0-0 11.!f4 (11.a3 �e8 12.�el CtJ bd7 13.!f4 Wib6 gave Black satisfactory play in Ibragimov - Batsanin, Novgorod 1997.) 129 11.. .�e8 12.�e 1 �a7 Developing the rook along the second rank is a useful option that the early ...bS has made possible. 13.a3 �ae7 14.�cl Wib6 IS.b41LJbd7 16.Wid2 !b7 17.!e3 Wid8! Aleksandrov - Sherbakov, Kolkata 2002. Black's last move prevents a3-a4 and leaves him with roughly equal chances. AI) 8.a4 �g4!? Black avoids the Modern Main Line and aims for a transposition to Chapter 8. 9.11Mb3!? This is an attempt to punish Black's move order, but it turns out that White is risking just as much, if not more than his opponent. The other move is 9.!e2, when it is worth considering two paths for Black. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 b) 9...!xf3! 10.!xf3 CtJbd7 is the best move order. After the coming .. .!g7 Black achieves the desired transposition to Chapter 8, without allowing the line noted above. 130 e4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 9...�xf3 This move is forced, otherwise the knight will drop back to d2. 10.11Mxb7 tlJ bd7!? This ambitious move is slightly risky, but it seems to work. A safe alternative is 10...!xg2 11.!xg2 CtJ bd7 12.0-0 !e7 13.f4 0-0 with equality, for instance: 14.eS!? dxeS IS.d6 !xd6 16.WixaB WixaB 17.!xaB �xaB= Crouch - Emms, Millfield 2000. 11.gxf3 �g7 12.f4 Grabbing a second pawn with 12.Wic6 0-0 13.Wixd6 seems excessively risky: 13...CtJhS 14.f4 �eB IS.!g2 �a7! 16.aS Wih4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17.CtJe2? (17.Wic6N was move, although even here after 17...CtJxf4 IB.!xf4 Wixf4 Black has a great initiative on the dark squares.) 17...�cB! IB.eS !fB-+ Cordova - Smerdon, Turin (01) 2006. 12...0-0 13.�h3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 13...c4!N The black cavalry will soon be galloping with tremendous energy. 13...�eB? 14.0-0 �e7 IS.Wic6t left Black struggling for compensation in Khmelniker - Nikolov, Ziirich 2010. 13...WiaS!?N is quite playable, and after 14.eS �abB IS. Wi a7 Black can immediately force a draw by attacking the queen. This would be a perfectly adequate improvement were it not for the fact that the text move gives Black chances to claim the advantage. 14.0-0 tlJc5 15.11Mb4 tlJh5! Having brought one knight to a fine square, Black improves the second one while also making room for the queen to join the action. 16.tlJe2 tlJb3 17.�bl11Mh4t Black intends to exchange on cl and take on f4, with a strong initiative on the dark sq uares. Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 A2) 8.11Me2!? � ?� A. IDll .� �!(8 A ��t.JL�ei� � � � , 7 �,�lu_h'''/'_'l�_'l 6 i_ _ �i'� 5 �.�7.� �""u� ���UU% � � 4 . -8- � //h � � � 3D � ��� ��,�uu,;� ��,/ �7. " 2 8r� _iVr�8� %m'�""7.�/% %�'i{';'7.W'm1 f� � � ��1:t a bed e f g h This aggressive move was introduced by Vladimir Epishin in 2004, and has since been tested by many strong players. It was also the subject of a Dangerous Weapons chapter by Chris Ward in 200B. 8...�g4 According to the database this move has achieved a dismal score of less than 200/0, but all of Black's losses have resulted from subsequent errors. 9.e5 �xf3 10.gxf3 dxe5 11.11Mxe5t 11Me7 12.�f4 This has almost always been played. Ward analyses the following alternative: 12.Wxe7t ixe7 13.!f4 CtJhS! It is important to challenge the strong bishop. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 131 14.ic7 14.ie3 should be met by: 14...f5! Black wants to put his bishop on d6 without fearing harassment from a knight on e4. IS.d6!? This seems to be the only way to cause problems. 15...ixd6 16.0-0-0 ieS 17.ic4 CtJd7 IB.if7t!? rJlxf7 19.�xd7t rJle6 20.�xb7 �abB Ward evaluates the position is roughly equal. 14...rJld7 14...CtJd7 IS.d6 favours White according to Ward. Is.ib6 IS .ig3 can be met by IS... fS! when Ward points out the following line: 16.CtJa4? f4! 17.CtJb6t rJld6 IB.CtJxaB CtJd7 + IS... rJld6! Black can get away with this bold method of development. 16.0-0-0 16.CtJe4t rJlxdS 17.0-0-0t rJlc6 gives White nothing - Ward. 16.. .fS Black is ready to complete development with ...CtJd7, and the following attempt to invade on the e6-square backfires: 17 .�e I? igSt lB. rJlc2 CtJf4 + Ward mentions that Black has nIce coordination, but I would go further and claim a clear positional advantage. 12...11Mxe5t 13.�xe5 tlJ bd7 132 e4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 14.�c7 Keeping the bishop is more important than improving White's pawn structure, as shown by the following line: 14.f4 !g7! 14...!h6 15.!h3 0-0 16.0-0 b5!? 17.�adl �a7 IB.�fel CtJh5! 19.!d6 CtJxf4! 20.!xd7 �xd7 21.!xfB Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 17.d6N f5 ensures Black of a decent position by shutting the enemy bishop out of play. 17...tlJxc7 18.d6 Here I offer an improvement. 8 7 6 5 However, IB...CtJb5!?N 19.!xb5 axb5 20.ctJxb5 !g7f1 is a valid alternative which the reader may wish to investigate. 19.tlJe4 The alternative is: 19 .!xeB �fxeB 20.d7 20.�fel �xel t 21.�xel �dB+ 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 133 20...�e6 Of course Black must avoid the trick 20...�e7? 21.ctJd5!. 21.�fel �dB 22.�xe6 fxe6 23.ctJe4 !fB 24.�dl 134 e4 Systems 22.CtJe4 �adB 23.�fdl fS gIves us no problems. 22...b5 23.tlJc5 �f8 24.�fdl 24.CtJd7 �e6 wins back the pawn by force. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 24...�ed8 25.a4! If Black is allowed to capture on d6 with impuni ty, he will have chances to claim an advantage thanks to his superior minor piece and White's weak kingside pawns. Therefore White should attack the queens ide to ensure his own safety. 25...bxa4 26.�xa4 �xd6 27.�ad4 �e7 28.�xd8t �xd8 29.tlJxa6 �f6= Black will restore material equality shortly, but with only kingside pawns remaining, there is little chance of making his better pawn structure count for anything. B) 7.�d3 This is a more accurate way for White to initiate his set-up. Pins on g4 will not be permitted. 7...�g7 This time 7...a6 B.a4 does not give Black any special options, and the likely outcome is a transposition to line B 1. 8.h3 0-09.tlJf3 8 .I _.i.B ���_ 7 Irl"_ ""'/-� 'l/'I(t "",7.� /,�'� �r/�u"n�� 6 _ � �.:i� 5 %.�7.� �"""� 4 �� �""%� �� �� �7.'n//- �� ��- 3� ��.�.8 2 �n""';_���� ;�t""%W���"" %"1 � ���� �� a bed e f g h Prom here we will investigate Bl) 9...a6, B2) 9...�e8 and B3) 9...tlJh5!? Bl) 9...a6 Standard Benoni development is playable, but I think it is too passive. More than a thousand games have been played from here, so I will just mention a few key examples to illustrate the character of the play. 10.a4 tlJbd711.0-0 �e8 12.�f411Mc7 13.�el b6 13...CtJhS?! 14.th2 CtJeS IS.te2 CtJxf3t 16.txf3 CtJf6 17.eS dxeS IB.d6 Wb6 19.txeS te6 20.aS:t Dreev - Malakhov, Villarrobledo 2007. 14.11Md2 �b7 15.�c4 tlJh5 16.�h2 h6 Black's position is solid but passive. 8 .I �;/-"L'�i -;rp7 �J;}�!�£��,� 6 i�� �� .i�i 5 .""%.8%� �� � 4 �� ";'/,� �� �� 3 j �����I �� ��'����/-"L" �� �7. t:: 2 � � �8� 1 �t""/,� . � � '''''7.��t'''' 7.�n ''''% � � �� % �/ � /, /::, a bed e f g h Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 17.�adl 17.g4 gives Black some chances to obtain counterplay on the kingside: 17...CtJhf6 IB.�adl hS 19.9S CtJh7 20.!g3 �e7 21.�e2 �aeB 22.�del !cB 23. 136 e4 Systems 14...�b7 15.tlJd4 Black has a good position and can arrange his pieces in a few different ways. 15...a6!? 15...Wb6 looks natural but gives White the option of 16.CtJc6!?, when 16...!xc6 17.dxc6 �e6 IB.b4 cxb3 19.!xb3 CtJxb3 20.Wxb3 Wxc6 21.�acl WeB 22.Wxb5 Wxb5 23.CtJxb5 �xe4 simplified to an equal endgame in Ki. Georgiev - Chatalbashev, Blagoevgrad 2010. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 16.11Md2 Now 16.CtJc6?! Wc7 achieves nothing for White. 16...11Mb6 17.�adl tlJfd7 IS.�e3 �acS 19.f4 11MdS 20.�f2 tlJb6 21.tlJf3 8 �.iB.i_.. 7 �� �"d%� ��,�� : '1';.�7.� �� � 4 �� /l';� !��� '0 �7.'d//- �� �uu%� 3 � � ��� 8 2 uU'/'Wf((�';��W�� � %� ?f0%���� M 0 _ 1 .u"7.. ��Jl md y.� m a bed e f g h 21...tlJd3!t A typical sacrifice for the Benoni. Black will get the c4-square for his knight which, along with the combined power of the bishop on g7 and rook on cB, will ensure a powerful initiative. 22.�xd3 cxd3 23.11Mcl as 24.11Mal b425.axb4 axb4 26.tlJa4 tlJc4 27.11Mbl? 11Ma5+ Rusev - Quillan, Sunny Beach 2011. B22) 11.�xc4 This move is more challenging. 11...tlJxe4 12.tlJxe4 �xe4 Black should be careful here, as the position is more open and White has the better development. 13.�g5 The other option for White is: 13.!d3 �eB 14.!g5 Wa5 15.�el !d7 16.�xeBt !xeB 17.Wel Wxel t IB.�xel CtJd7= Notkin - Totsky, Moscow 1995. 8.i�.i.� _._ 7. '�Ud"� "'d/'� �m'�7/i%i. .i�i 7.u,,7.� ��'0 �� "m�� 6 _ . _i- 5 � _8� m � 7.� ""'7.� ��,� 4 _�_.i_ _ 3� � ���8 ��'0 �� ��'0 �� 2 8� _ �8- %"U�du7.� WA:.""7.�:�1 /,m �iV_1:t� a bed e f g h 13...11Mb6?! This is the move I would ideally like to play, but I was unable to make it work. Still, I have made it the main line as it is the most principled attempt to obtain an active position. Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 13...WifB!? seems objectively better, and in the following game I found a nice improvement to neutralize the pressure: 14. Wi c2 �eB IS.�ael !fS 16.Wib3 Now Black has to make a temporary pawn sacrifice. 16...CtJd7 17.�xeB WixeB' IB.Wixb7 WicB 19.Wic6 ixb2 20.if4 CtJ b6 21.ib3 Stoever - Van Seben, e-mail 2004. 8�.iH� .. 7 IfJA� �.l� i ""'�ZN//. �@'0 �� �� 6 .VW� .i� ��"",;� "",z� �� 5 .��i�'�� : ������fj 2 !��� ��! _ Z� ,,/U� � . ""/,� � � Fr�1 � � ���� a bed e f g h 21...ia3!N This move saves the day for Black. 22.�el id7 23.WixcBt �xcB= Despite the satisfactory outcome of this particular line, putting the queen on fB does not seem like a pleasant way to conduct the game. If this is the best Black can do, then I would rather play a different line entirely. Besides, we have not even mentioned potential improvements for White in the above game. 8 '=' f� A. _ _� � � ��,.JL � �'=' 7 �lu_ _i�i 6 �uu�E�_ �_'l:i._ _N'''''� mo/'� 7.�;� � -�!I'��� 3_�_�_!_8 ��'0 �� �W'0 � � %�2 8rf!j _ @8� 1 �uu�'u,�� i�'N' %rf:i �� � _1:t L ,j a bed e f g h 14.tlJd2! 137 White must be precise if he is to turn his dynamic advantage into something tangible. This move forces the rook back while defending the bishop and preparing to deploy the knight on a more favourable square. Mter 14.id3 �eB IS.�el id7 Black has few problems, and the position can be compared wi th the following line. 14.Wic2 �eB IS.�ael id7 16.�xeBt ixeB 17.�el CtJd7 Black has managed to develop his pieces and is close to equalizing the game. IB.ib3 CtJeS 19.CtJxeS ixeS 20.ie3 Gavrilovic - Palosevic, Serbia 200S. 20...WiaSN= 14...�e5 14..J�eB 15.�el !d7 16.tLJe4:t Annakov - Totsky, Russia 1995. 15.�f4 �f5 16.�h2 We have been following the game Nava Baro - Migliorini, e-mail 2002. Black is under some pressure here; his rook is oddly placed and g2- g4 could be awkward at some point. I tried, unsuccessfully, to rescue the position with the following idea: 8.i�.i._ _.� 7 ifluB 'B i.r 6 7.UU7.E�_�_'l�� _uu'''� ,uu7.� %� /, 5 ���I�i�� 4 � �i���� � 3 ��'0 �7.'n//- ��'% ��,� 2 8�[j � w[j8 � o u�"" /'�o 0 oW' u, /,�' �u u,1 �� _V�1:t� a bed e f g h 16...�e5!?N 17.�xe5! 17.CtJe4 CtJd7 is nothing special for White. 17...�xe5 18.�b3! 138 e4 Systems Another precise move, vacating the c4- square for the knight and forcing Black to waste additional time. Is...11MdS 19.tlJc4 �eS 20.11Md2:t This would be absolutely no fun to play for Black. The story so far has been less than inspiring, so let's see if things will improve in the final section of the chapter. B3) 9...tlJhS!? 8 .i_.i.� ���B 7 tll"� "'d7.� 'ly-�r um���, '/ ���'''�� 6 _ _ _i� 5 � �.�%B �B� 4 �� mu,� 8_ �� �7.'d//- �� �� 3 m����8 2 ��/, '/ �///'0��� 1,� � iV � _1:t a bed e f g h This move was recommended by John Watson in his 2001 book, and has since become a common guest in tournaments. The point of the knight move is to prevent !f4 and prepare ...CtJd7-eS to exchange a pair of knights. Later Black may aim to take control of the dark squares with moves like ...Wif6 or ...Wih4. By the way, in discussing the ... CtJ hS plan I should also mention a system recommended by Chris Ward in a Dangerous Weapons book, whereby Black puts the knight on h5 before castling. This idea definitely warrants consideration but I decided not to cover it here, partly to avoid duplicating another author, and also because I believe White has a route to a slight plus. So instead I will cover the... CtJ hS system in conjunction with castling, and leave it to the reader to carry out his own research on the delayed-castling approach if he wishes. 10.0-0 tlJd7 11.�gS This natural move is the main line. Alternatives are unlikely to trouble Black: 11.�el CtJeS 12.!e2 CtJxf3t 13.!xf3 Wih4! 14.!xhS gxhS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 11.g4 gains time but weakens the kingside: 11...CtJhf6 12.if4 Wie7 13.�el CtJe8 (13...hS!?) 14.ifl a6 lS.a4 CtJeS 16.CtJd2 gS 17.ig3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This was Kanko - Kosmo, Helsinki 2002, and now after 17...CtJc7!N Black intends ...id7 and ...bS with counterplay. If White blocks the Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 queens ide with a4-aS, the knight on c7 can go to bS and later d4. II.ie3 allows Black to carry out the intended knight exchange, which is the main idea behind putting the knight on hS. 11...a6 12.a4 �e8 13.Wid2 CtJeS 14.ie2 CtJxf3t Is.ixf3 CtJ f6= The knight carried out his duty so now he can go back. The position is balanced and it is worth seeing the rest of the game. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 139 8 .I _ .i.B r'� ..�_ �,�, ""J Bh .�� 7 ,�i_�_'i'�i 6 � � ��um�� � � 1,3 �.. 5� _8_ '�� 4 '-�:::�h�i��'%� 3 �7. ,�?1:t�-�- 8 2 8� U �8'- 1 �uu7.� �_uu7.�'� mY- �iV�1:tm a bed e f g h 11...�f6 It is not only the knights that Black will be happy to exchange. If the bishops come off then he will have chances to exploit the dark squares, especially with the queen coming to f6. 12.�e3 12.ixf6 does not seem to have been tested, and after 12... Wi xf6 Black has a comfortable position, thanks to his active queen and ideas of ...ttJf4 and/or ...CtJeS coming at some point in the future. White's other important option is: 12.ih6 ig7 12...�e8 is also playable. One game continued: 13.Wid2 a6 14.a4 CtJeS IS.ie2 CtJxf3t 16.ixf3 CtJg7 17.aS bS 18.axb6 Wixb6 and White had a small advantage at best, Makovsky - Donnelly, corr. 2004. 13.Wid2 13.igS if6= repeats the position. 13.ixg7 occurred in Fries Nielsen - Maus, Germany 1989, and here Black evidently should have recaptured with the king: 13...rJlxg7N 14.Wd2 Wif6 IS.CtJe2 �e8 According to Watson Black has a reasonable game, with ideas such as ...bS and ...CtJeS on the agenda. 13...a6 140 e4 Systems 13...ixh6 14.Wixh6 Wif6 Is.ibS!? gave White good chances in Heigl - Beyer, corr. 1995. 14.ixg7 14.a4 ixh6 IS.Wixh6 Wif6= is pleasant for Black without any CtJ bS ideas to worry about. 14... CtJxg7 14... rJlxg7!?N IS.a4 Wif6 looks sensible. IS.Wif4 Wie7 16.�fel Jenneborg - Pott, e-mail 2003. Here I would suggest: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16.. .�e8N Preventing the e4-eS break. 16...bS 17.eSt 17. a 4 CtJ h S 18. Wi d2 18.Wih6 Wif6 keeps the kingside under control. 18...�b8 19.aS bS 20.axb6 �xb6f1 12...�e8 12... CtJ eS is possible, but it is always useful to activate the rook. Mter the text move I considered two main options for White: B31) 13.tlJd2 and B32) 13.VNd2. Once again Black does not have to be concerned about the advancing g-pawn: 13.g4 CtJg7 14.rJl g 2 (14.gS ixc3 IS.bxc3 c4! gives Black interesting play on the light squares.) 14...a6 IS.a4 Bern - Gallinnis, corr. 2002. IS...hS!N 16.gS id4!f1 B31) 13.tlJd2 8.i_.i.B.i�.� 7 �r�i)�f�f m"�� ��,� ��Fh �� 6 _ W� �i� 5 �.�7.� um%� , ���uu�� �� ��4 �7.' �7.� � � 3� ��� -8 ��,�'m';� :,/���L1�,"0 � � %�2 8w� �� w�8. 1 �"U7..v.fm ' a bed e f g h 13...�d4! Black is looking to play on the kingside dark squares. 14.�xd4?! A mistake, but it is worth highlighting the refutation. A better, if still harmless continuation is: 14. �e 1 CtJ e S IS. CtJ f3 CtJ xf3 t Or IS...ixe3N 16.�xe3 Wif6 with comfortable equality. 16.Wixf3 ieS 17.g4?! 17.ibSN id7= 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 21.�d� \Wxe3 22.fXe3 dxe5 + 3 \Wh4--+ 21 \Wxh3 22. Manslysk 0 21.:9:e :9:e3 \Wxg4 t 23.:9:� ( I ) 2010.F��r - Brunello, Khanty- 15...�e5! S CtJcS as had been played . ver 1 . . . ImprovIng 0 before. . us16.�b3 �f3t! . h 'ustifies Black's prevlo k . de a whic JThe ey I , play. . en better17.�hl? , ht would have glV \W 5t Taking the klllg f3 �xh3 (I 7... g . al chances: 17.gxsurVIV 141 20, \W � 1 � lLJ f4 is the end. 1':\ d 4 CtJ 5 f4-+ 20 '6'xg . lLJ h3 22. "lJX � h3 t 21.\Wxh3 x . ' o n advantages,20...BX 'al and pOSltl With both maten, much trouble.h id win without Black s ou 142 e4 Systems The main move occurred in Biliskov - Zufic, Zadar 2008. Now Black's easiest route to victory is: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 21.'t1Mg3 21. Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 Gibraltar 2008. Here the logical continuation would have been: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16...�e5 17.b4 b6 18.�f4 This position was reached in Schandorff - E. Pedersen, Denmark 2007. Since the queens ide has now become a key battleground, I think Black should have taken the opportunity to take the enemy queen in the opposite direction: 8.i-.i.S.iU.- 7 ��_'''U%gT.r 6 '''''7.� ��_ �l';� 5 �L'U'%.�%��� ��,{uu�� �tJ�/��� 4, ��\'N//--��' 2 :_ /u",;� ���_ 3� � ��_8 �.,,,,,%.u"7.�'�1 �1:t_ _1:t� a bed e f g h 18...�xf4!?N 19.VNxf4 �a6 20.�fel cxb4 21.�xb4 �c8� Black has sufficient counterplay on the c-file. 143 Conclusion Against the 7.CtJf3 move order 7...a6!? seems perfectly valid, although Black had better be prepared for the tricky 8.W1e2!? line as examined in line Al. If White wishes to play the Modern Main Line then the 7.id3 move order is the best way to do it, and after 7...ig7 8.h3 0-0 9.CtJf3 we reach the main tabiya for the system. According to my analysis neither 9...a6 nor 9...�e8 10.0-0 c4 is particularly appealing for Black, so if the reader is looking for an alternative to the theory-laden 9...bS variation of the previous chapter, 9...CtJhS!? looks like the best bet. e4 Systems Kapengut Variation Index l .d4 tLJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tLJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£3 7...�g7 A) 8.tLJ g e2 0-0 9.tLJ g 3 AI) 9...a6 Al) 9...h5 A3) 9...tLJh5!? B) 8.�e3 0-0 Bl) 9.tLJ g e2 B2) 9.VNd2 C) 8.�g5 0-09.VNd2 Cl) 9...a6 C2) 9...h6 10.�e3 h5 II.tLJ g e2 C21) 11...�e8 C22) 11...tLJbd7 AI) after I8.f6? a bed e f I8...llJxf6!N A3) after 2I.id2 2I...llJe5!N 145 145 146 148 149 149 150 152 152 155 156 157 C22) after 2o.id3 20..j�b4!N Chapter 11 - Kapengut l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£3 This set-up is named after the Belarusian master Albert Kapengut, although the main lines of the present chapter arise more frequently via the Samisch Variation of the King's Indian Defence. White's last move prepares to develop the bishop on e3 without fearing harassment from a knight on g4. On the negative side, White not only spends a tempo on a pawn move, but will often spend considerable time on manoeuvres such as CtJ g l-e2-g3 followed by CtJ h I-f2 or CtJ fl-d2. But as we say in my country: for every train there are passengers! 7...�g7 From here White usually proceeds with one of the following developing moves: A) 8.tlJ g e2, B) 8.�e3 or C) 8.�g5. Obviously transpositions are possible, but each move can give rise to independent possibilities as well. A) 8.tlJ g e2 0-0 9.tlJ g 3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 9.ie3 leads straight to line B 1 on page 149. Mter the text move it is worth considering three main options for Black: AI) 9...a6, A2) 9...h5 and the remarkable A3) 9...tlJh5!? AI) 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7 145 This is the most natural scheme of development for Black. 11.�e2 Once again II.ie3 will lead to variation B 1. 8 H .i.� ��.- �� 'u,,/.� u,uY-�r�� 7 �,i �,� �7.�J�� 6 i- � .i� 5 ��.�7._/u"u_ 7. 4 8� mu/'� 8_ �_ � �7.'O//- �� �7.'O/� 3� m g8m 2 ��,u";�l.y�';� %'u,�''''��;� ��'0� '%�""1 /,� �iV� _1:t a bed e f g h 11...�e8! I like this move a lot. Instead of chasing the knight away from g3, where it is not brilliantly placed anyhow, Black manoeuvres his knight to support the ...bS plan. 11...hS This is the main line. It seems okay too, even if it is not my favourite plan in the position. 12.igS The black queen has a couple of options. 12...Wic7 12...Wib6 13.Wi d2 CtJh7 14.ih4?! (14.aS is better) 14...�e8 IS.0-0 c4 t 16. rJlh 1 CtJcS 17.�ab1 CtJb3 18.Wie1 Wie3+ Dambacher- Bojkov, Belgium 2011. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 146 e4 Systems 13.W1d2 �b8 14.0-0 c4 IS.ie3 h4 16.CtJhl h3 16... CtJ cS is also decent. 17.CtJf2 hxg2 18. Chapter 11 - Kapengut 147 more sense in Dreev - Tkachiev, Shanghai Now Black has a couple of contrasting 2001.) 16.CtJe3 Now in Kopasov - Oortwijn, options. Internet 2003, I think Black should have played: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10...11Mb6 11.11Md2 tlJh7 12.�h4 It seems a bit odd to combine a knight on g3 with a bishop on h4, but several strong players have followed this path. 12.ie3 CtJd7 13.0-0-0?! is hardly an improvement: 13.. .h4 14. CtJ ge2 WaS IS. rJl b 1 bS 16.CtJcl b4 17.CtJ3e2 CtJeS 18.CtJf4 8 ��.i. � ��.. 7 � �. �.'iY.�i 6 uuj��. ���f� 5 iJ�.tiU.�� ,u".%� I '�uu"� '/'A';� �� I '�4 � % .O/�, � 3 u'u,,� �.ti';� uU' �w.'� �:«" 148 e4 Systems A3) 9...tlJh5!? 10.tlJxh5 gxh5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This looks like an even more extreme version of the famous ...�h5 idea as used by Fischer against Spassky. Here Black incurs a similar shattering of his kingside pawns, without gaining the advantage of the bishop pair as a consolation. Fortunately the news is not all bad; the ...f5 break will come quickly and the f2-f3 move has weakened White's dark squares, in addition to shielding the h5-pawn from attack. 11.�d3 f5 12.0-0 tlJd7 If the knight has the chance to settle on the splendid e5-square, all other options should be skipped. For instance: 12...�a6 13.a3 id7 14.Wic2 Wif6 15.rJlhl �ac8 16.Wie2 �c7 17.if4 �ce8 18.Wid2t Taborov - Pavlov, Kiev 2003. 13.�c2 13.exf5 �e5 14.f6Wixf615.�e4 Wig616.ic2 if5 17.rJlh 1 b5 gave Black fully satisfactory play in Novikov - Langer, Lindsborg 2002. 13...tlJe5 Black can also establish a dark-squared blockade with: 13...f4!?N 14.�e2ie5 15.rJlhl h4= 14.tlJe2 tlJg6 It is worth pOIntIng out the erroneous 14...Wh4? as played in Dreev - Peng Xiaomin, Beijing 2000. Here White could have obtained a pleasant advantage by simple means: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 15.exfS �xfS 16.�xfS �xfS 17.tlJ g 3 �f7 8.1_ B �._ �,�� �,,3� �m'�7 ii�i � n�.i�£ 6 � _ � �� //h �7. '0J-iuu%� � 5� �8_ _i 4 �� �U,,�� �� �� 3�����!� ��'''0 �� �� /'b';�,�2 %�� '0� �4P 1 �/�� W�\UlJ� � � � 0� OO�-�� /" "y, /"",� � /. " /- a bed e f g h 18.tlJxh5 Taking the pawn must be critical. 18.CtJe4 was played in Kraft - Kuhn, e-mail 2008, and here I suggest 18...Wid7N 19.�g5 id4t 20.rJlhl �f5 21.Wib3 �c8 when Black has sufficient counterplay. 18...�d4t 19.hl11Mh4 20.f4 �af8 21.�d2 We have been following the game Iljin - Sjugirov, St Petersburg 2005. So far Black's Chapter 11 - Kapengut play has been excellent, and here he could have obtained the upper hand with: 8 _ � ��.� . � �, �,,3� 7 if�i_ _.i_i 6 /,uu/._ �_ '_4a)� 5 � �.�/,� '_� � um/., , ��,� :tr L " 4 _�W�� � �� "m%� "m/.� ,,,"3 -/. '0 �� '0 �� ��,� 2 8f!j D _8�� %,u,{[uu/._\illI� F? 'W�1 �� .�_�_W /" v- a bed e f g h 21...tlJe5!N 22..iel1W g 4 23.1Wxg4t tlJxg4i Black is temporarily a pawn down, but his pieces are much more active and several of White's pawns are weak. B) 8.�e3 8 '=' �� 6 mu.� �� ������rlii 7 ¥�.. � �u"",�u�� 6 uuu,_ _ .i� 5 _�.�/._/u""_, �� m"/.� 8 � � 4 � �"�� 2 ��u"';_ ''',,%_ 8%fj 3. rn �8_ �uut'u,%� \UlJ� � ��r:pr /� �� //1 0F?� _����:� a bed e f g h 8...0-0 Now it is worth checking both Bl) 9.tlJge2 and B2) 9.1Wd2. Bl) 9.tlJge2 tLJbd7 10.tlJg3 Deciding the knight's position so early gives Black an attractive option. 149 10...h5! This is an easy and straightforward route to a good game. It is worth comparing the alternative: 10...CtJe5 11.�e2 8 �..t. ��.. 7 iT.,u'�_�i�l(r 6 u","� �� . i � �� � '�l�%�d'U"'�5 � � �O�. � �� u,u"� 8u� . �4 _ � �"'''/� � '�� � A��3 � '�' � //-o'�. ��r�"'u;� '�"./8':�2 8 �� .di6 ��£'u, 1 �uu"�% iV= .:r a bed e f g h This position is more commonly reached via the King's Indian move order: 1.d4 CtJ f6 2.c4 g6 3.CtJc3 �g7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 0-0 6.�e3 c5 7.CtJge2 CtJc6 8.d5 CtJe5 9.CtJg3 e6 10.�e2 exd5 11.cxd5. Notice that in the above move order Black is forced to put his knight on e5 before playing ...e6. In our Benoni move order this is not the case, and we can obtain a good game by leaving the knight back on d7 for a few more moves. So although transposing to the King's Indian is a valid option which leads to interesting play, I see little point in doing so when an easier and less theoretically dense alternative exists. 11.�e2 h4 12.tlJf1 tlJh7 13.tlJd2 The knight must be feeling tired already. 13...a6 Black can also do without this move, for instance: 13...f5 14.0-0 (14.exf5 gxf5 15.0-0 f4 16.�f2 h3�) 14...f4 15.�f2 CtJe5 16.a4= Lapiccirella - Chatalbashev, Bratto 2010. 14.a4 f5 15.exfS gxf5 16.0-0 tLJe5 17.@hl Korchnoi - Saric, Porto Carras 2011. 150 e4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 17...f4N Cementing the knight's position in the centre. 18.�f2 h3� Black has a full share of the chances. B2) 9.V!fd2 8 .i�.i.B ��.. ,�mm� "u'''� ""'/'m'� 7 JI�i � n��,�i 6 � � _i� ��,�u,,/,� /�u",;� � : ����!��� �, 'n/ h ��, �� � 3 � "m /-'d� � ' 8 _2 AW� � � � AW� o �O% ��� W� 0 �O% 1 �UU7.."u' ''� .im� a bed e f g h Although White's set-up resembles the Yugoslav Attack against the Sicilian Dragon, don't expect any craziness involving long castling and marching the h-pawn. 9...�e8 It is worth pointing out that 9...CtJbd7 is inaccurate due to 10.CtJh3! when the knight finds an ideal home on f2. On the other hand 9. ooh5 is perfectly playable and immediately transposes to line C2 on page 156. 10.tlJge2 tlJbd7 11.tlJcl 11.CtJg3 h5 is hardly an improvement for White over the previous variation, as the white queen is blocking the knight's route via fl-d2. 11...a6 12.a4 Mter some standard opening moves it is time for Black to decide on a plan. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e I also like the following option: 12...h5 Even without a knight on g3 this move makes some sense. The knight can drop back to h7 to make way for ...f5, while in some positions the further advance of the h-pawn could be considered. 13Jie2 CtJh7 14.0-0 CtJe5 15.CtJ 1 a2 15.�b 1 f5 16.b4 c4= 17.f4?! Hobaica - Barbosa, Brasilia 2010. 1700.CtJg4N 18Jixg4 hxg4+ 15...Jid7 16.�ab 1 f5 17.b4 c4= 18.f4?! Once again this aggressive move does more harm than good to White. 18...CtJd3 18...CtJg4+ Chapter 11 - Kapengut 19.�xd3 cxd3 20.Wixd3 CtJf6+ Moutousis - Kotronias, Aghia Pelagia 2004. 8.i_.i.B.i�._ � �� ,,,u"� ��,yw� 7�i.61.i�i �� �?;(o'0 �� mu%///- 6 i. � Bi� � ��'d'm'%7. �� 5 � ��8_ _61 4 l_UU%_l_ %� 3 � � ��8'� ��,�um;�/-"L'Fu,�� ��,�2 %,u,J[S�7.'n/ )Wj� '0 �t;Jtj 1 �� � � �_1:t a bed e f g h 13.g4? A clear mistake, but it is worth seeing the refutation. White should prefer 13.�e2 although here too Black is in good shape: 13...f5 14.exf5 gxf5 15.�g5 Wia5 16.0-0 Wib4 17.�c2 CtJf4 The imaginative plan of utilizing the queen to support a kingside outpost along the fourth rank makes a nice impression. 151 13...tlJe5! 14.11Mg211Mh4t 15.�fl It is possible that White calculated this far but missed the crushing follow-up. 8 .i_.i._.i_.� 7 i7.� � i�i //h �///o'0}im'\,u//- �� 5 � ��8. _61 �� �'''�� /�,u,,;� �7""L'/4 8� ����� 3 � �8� 2 �O'uu;���,� 1 7.�m'/'� �m :r_� /" "y- ;//,,,,,; //,,,,% . I a bed e f g h 15...tlJxf3t! 16.11Mxf3 �xg4 17.11Md3? The only chance was: 17.Wixf7t rJlxf7 18.�xh4 �xc3t 19.bxc3 �xe4t 20.rJlf2 �f8 21.�g2 rJl g 7t 22. rJl g 1 �e3 + 17...�xc3t 18.bxc311Mf6 White can do nothing to prevent a decisive breakthrough along the e-file. 152 8 Chapter 11 - Kapengut 16.rJlhl 16.�xc4 Wic5t 17.CtJe3 h6 18.�xf6 �xf6 19 .�fe 1 �b8 20 .�ab 1 b3 21. CtJ gfl Wib4 00 White remained a pawn up but paid a substantial price in the shape of his dark- squared bishop in Stolz - Boos, e-mail 2006. 16. . . CtJ e 5 1 7. CtJ e3 c3 18. bxc3 bxc3 19. Wi c2 �b8 20.CtJdl 8 7 6 5 20...h6! Black's little 'Hobbit' starts its journey! 21.�e3 h5! 22.�el h4 23.CtJfl h3! The humble pawn has single-handedly pushed back White's pieces and facilitated the destruction of his entire position, as demonstrated by the game continuation: 24.g3? CtJxd5! 25.exd5 �f5 26.Wixc3 Wixd5 27.Wid2 Wia8-+ Gross - Kende, Budapest 1998. White faces imminent disaster on the f3-square. 81_�_1_$!� 7 _�_!���{�� 6 ��,.��,�� �Itj� 5a ��8_ � 4 /'�7.� '''u/,� 8%� muY- m Y'uu �/.'n/h �� �/.'n/� 3�� � -8m 2 /muv-�,uu ;� �_ /�';� 1 _UU7._'''''''�fw� � � L} �, a bed e f g h 153 13...11Mb4 Another game continued 13...h5 14.�e2 CtJh7 15.�f4 CtJe5 16.0-0 �d7 17.�h6 h4 18.�xg7 with equality, Martin - Arakhamia- Grant, Sunningdale 2007. 14.�e2 tlJ e5 8.i_J._.i_._ 7 Bi_ _ilfr 6 f� �_ �.r- � ��'d'm'7./.,u/d/umb'� 5. w�8. � 4 8SUU7.� //8';_ muY- m , u,,/'uU"/.'''/h �� �/.'u/� 3�� m _8m 2 /umY-�mu ;� r.��';� 1 _UU7._"u7.�,�� �Wuu � � � �1:t a bed e f g h 15.0-0 tlJfd7! A queen exchange only helps White: 15...Wid4t?! 16.rJlhl Wixd2 17.�xd2 c4 18.a5 �d7 19.CtJa4 �xa4 20.�xa4 �ac8t Mortensen - Hoi, Ringsted 1995. A somewhat better alternative is 15...CtJc4 16.�xc4 Wixc4 17 .if4 �f8 18.�h6 �e7 (18...�xh6 19.Wixh6 CtJd7=) 19.CtJa2 a5 20.�cl Wia6 21.�e3 �d7 with a reasonable position for Black in Papaioannou - Gagunashvili, Budva 2009. Nevertheless I find the text move the most logical. The knight is going to support Black's queenside play, while all the white pieces seem to be sitting on strange places. 16.@hl c4!?N I find this move the most interesting, although 16...CtJb6 gave Black an acceptable position in Puschendorf - Heyn, e-mail 2000. The main move is technically a novelty, although it immediately transposes to another game which we will follow for a few moves. 154 e4 Systems 17.tlJdl?! After the superior 17.a5N b5 18.axb6 CtJxb6 the position is roughly equal. 17...1Wxd2 18.�xd2 Peralta - Ferreira, Asuncion 1999. Here I found a nice idea for Black: 8.i_J._.i_._ 7 �i_�_ilYr � � '/ ���L� 6 i_ _ _i� 5 �� '�%� �� 4 !� f� //�,;� �m mu �� �� �7.'''/� 3 � _ _8m 2 mj���f��8'�� 1 .u"7..�_r.� a bed e f g h 18...h5!N Black must disrupt his opponent's position before CtJe3 puts him in defensive mode. 19.tlJe3!? Attempting to provoke a conflict. 19 .�e 1 CtJc5 20.CtJe3 �d7 21.�xc4 CtJxa4 favours Black slightly. 19...h420.f4 8 .I _J._.i _,__ 7�i_�_i� 6 :������i� 5 �� �uu�r'//-� �� � 4 !� f"�;��_ '"'' �� �7.,,,/Y,u'%7.'n/,}'''u 3�_mm ,ujw� �wt.i�'�� � ��A'�WM2 �Q% ���O�Q 1 � mu%."m%� r.� a bed e f g h 20...hxg3! Black must avoid the seemingly tempting alternative: 20... CtJ d3? The complications are not in our favour. 21.CtJxc4 CtJxb2 22.CtJxd6 �d8 23.e5 hxg3 24.�a2 CtJc5 24...CtJxe5 25.fxe5 �xe5 26.CtJxf7 �xd5 27.�cl �g7 28.�xb2 �xb2 29.�xb2 �e6 30 .�c4:t e f 25.CtJxc8 25.�xb2? �xd6! + 25...�axc8 26.�xb2 CtJxa4 27.�a2 CtJc3 28.�xc3 �xc3 29.�f3 f6t 8.i_J._.i_._ W/i � � �'�7�i��_i� �� ��,� �� "m%� 6 i_ f� _i� 5 /, �� '�7._ �_ 4 !� f� ��u��� z""� �� ��:'/�uu��,� 30�. ��� W� 'uu'/'�'0 ��,�m'''� "m7.�,� 2 f� ��_8f� .uu7._m"%� �.uu1� _ _1:t�� a bed e f g h 21.fxe5 tlJxe5 22.hxg3 White is poised to win a pawn, but Black's active pieces and dynamic energy will prove far more significant: Chapter 11 - Kapengut 22...�d7 23.�xc4 b5! 24.axb5 tlJxc4 25.tlJxc4 �xb5 26.b3 �xe4 27.tlJxd6 �d4 28.tlJxb5 �xd2 29.tlJc7 �c8 8. � _.i� _._7 �� i7.� � /�"",; � �n� 6 i_ _ _i� � � 8� ��5 ���" � �� � � � -4 UU��� �� ��,� 3 �8� � v� 2 ",uY-� ��� �� '�/,� 1 ��.um��'� � a bed e f g h White is in trouble. Note the following attractive point: 29.tlJxa6 �d4! With the terrible threat of ... rJl g 7 and mate. C2) 9...h6 8 .I _.i.S ��._ � 'r"uu� ""'''� ,,,uY-m'�7 JI�7. i �?;(o'0 �7.�J-I?;(o,� 6 _ v� .ivi �Y//"du,,/' �� % //u'//;@'�////5� ��A_ �� �.%O � 00 4 �� U'''%� l� m"�� � '''/' �� � 3� � _8- ��,�",,,;� 156 e4 Systems Let me repeat a point that was made earlier on page 152. If you intend to chase the bishop with ...h6, I would suggest doing it on move 8 in order to avoid giving White the option of playing the above line. 1 0.�xh6 may not be theoretically dangerous for Black, but why allow it at all when we don't have to? .I % . '//.� .i. ; � /'/-� � B u� .� �8 " / '/ � %.. � , , % 'l. /.. // 7 �l';� '''dX� '1Y-_ ""'% �� �///o'/ �"'ndmn�, , �� D ?i� �- & �� 6 � �� '_'A�. 5 �.�%� /�u",;� �uu 4 ���UU%�!� �� �7.'n//- �?%o'0 �� 7. 3� m �8_ 2 r�uu,;.",�_ r� ,,,,},u,�� . � %"n��'0 �%'n/)u,,':1 � � � ��1:t u " , /.:, % �; a bed e f g h 10...h5 If Black wants to put his rook on e8 (as in variation C21 below) there is nothing to stop him from doing so immediately. However, the .. .h5 move will normally be played at some point so I will assume Black plays it now before discussing the options for his other pieces. By the way, it is worth mentioning that 1 O...CtJ bd7 needlessly gives White the useful option of 11. CtJ h3! when he has good chances for an ad van tage. Here is one interesting example where Black managed to do without the ...h5 move: 1 000.�e8 II.a4 11. CtJ ge2 h5 reaches line C21 below. 11 . 00 a6 11...CtJbd7 12.CtJh3! is worth mentioning agaIn. 12.CtJge2 CtJbd7 13.CtJcl CtJh7!? An interesting way of utilizing the .. .h6 move. Black prepares not only to play .oof5, but also to station his knight on g5. 14.�e2 f5 15.0-0 CtJg5 16.CtJd3 This position was reached in Sasikiran - Radjabov, Kallithea 2008, and here Radjabov points out two ways to improve on his play: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16.oofxe4N 16...�xc3!?N 17.bxc3 fxe4°o IS also in teresting. 17.CtJxe4 CtJf6� 18.CtJxg5?! CtJxd5+ 8 .I _.i.e ��e� 7 if61"� '''n/'� 'l/'� O Chapter 11 - Kapengut to cl and later perhaps d3 or even b3. This strangeness is all due to the earlier f2-f3 move. 12...tlJbd7 13.�e2 tlJe5 Meanwhile the black knight takes up its typical post in the centre. 14.0-0 tlJh7 Preparing to launch the f-pawn. 8.im.i.�.i�.m �,�� �""�� �m'�� 7 ��i �� �i�& 6 _ _ _i� � . 87.� � i : �� um/'�/�mu;� �� � �8� 3� ID �8� '�A{"""-'�%� ,��2 0 �O� ����. 0 �O 1 ��,m7.��jfU'7._ i� uu /,uuY.: �u,; � /;'// % a bed e f g h 15.�h6 �h8 It is also quite possible to exchange the bishops: IS...�xh6!?N 16.Wixh6 Wib6 17.Wid2 CtJ f6= 16.tlJd3 16.a4 a6 17. 158 e4 Systems 19.�xf6 Wixf6 20.CtJd3 Wih4t 21.CtJf2 �g2 (21...f5? 22.0-0-0 Wixf2 23.�xhl f4 24.�fl Wixh2 25.e5:t) 22.�d3 Wixh2 23.0-0-0 �f3 24.�el rJl g 7= The text move could lead to some wild complications. The following line is nowhere near forced, but it illustrates some important tactical resources while also providing considerable entertainment. 16.h4!? 16.a4 gives Black a choice between 16...�xh3 by analogy with the note to the previous move, and 16...Wia5 renewing the possibility of ...b5. 16...b5 17.h5 b4 18.CtJdl Wie8 19.�gl 19.hxg6?? CtJxf3t! 20.�xf3 CtJxe4 21.gxf7t �xf7 22.Wie2 �xf3-+ 19...CtJxh5 20.f4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 20...CtJc4!! 21.�xc4 Wixe4 t 22.�e2 22.Wie2 Wid4 23.�fl �g4 24.Wixg4 Wixc4+ 22...�e8 23.CtJf2 Wif3 24.CtJcd3 �d4 25.rJldl 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 25...�xe2! 26.Wixe2 Wixd5 + Black is a rook for two pawns down, but his pieces dominate the board and the white king faces a turbulent future. 8 7 6 5 4 3 13...�e8 14.�e2 14.f4? is premature due to 14...CtJed7 15.�d3 b5! + . 14...tlJh7 8.i�.i.�.i_._ '��� "'''''� /,�'�� : /,�� �_��'a /, �w�m'%7.'n//- �7. 5� �8. _i 4 �� '''u/,� /��,;� �� � � � � 3� � �8�8 � u�"m; / �u� � 2 8 � ��- il � Zuu/' ./Nu,/' � 1 ���. ?m � � � � '�_J � ��/ , ,y, � ",,; /j.",,, � a bed e f g h 15.f4? This tempting move only leads to trouble for White. Correct is: 15.0-0 f5 16.CtJb3 fxe4 17.CtJxe4 Shishkin - Ionescu, Bucharest 2004, and now 17...CtJf6N would have kept the position roughly equal. Chapter 11 - Kapengut 15...tlJd7 16.tlJd3 Now Black has more than one way to exploit the vulnerability of White's centre. 16...b5 16...ixc3!?N Yes, I know it's difficult to exchange this bishop for a knight, but here it is okay! 17.bxc3 �xe4 (17...CtJhf6 18.CtJf2 CtJxe4 19.CtJxe4 �xe4 20.0-0 CtJb6+) 18.0-0 CtJb6 + 8 7 6 5 4 3 a e f gc 17.tlJxb5?! This does not help. The sacrifice 17.e5!? dxe5 18.f5 looks like White's best chance to complicate the game, although Black is still better. 17...tlJdf6 18.tlJf2 �xe4 19.tlJxe4 �xe4 20.�d3 Now in Nikolov-Chatalbashev, Blagoevgrad 2010, Black's strongest continuation would have been: 159 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 20...�b4!N In the game Black quickly got a winning position with 20...W1h4t 21. e4 Systems 7.�ge2 Variation Index l.d 4 tl)f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tl)c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tl)g e2 7...�g7 8.tl)g3 A) 8...h5 B) 8...a6 C) 8...0-0 A) after 12.ttJ f1 a bed e f 12...h3!?N B) after 14.g3 a b 14...c4!?N 161 162 163 C) note to 16.ttJh1 18...ttJe5!N Chapter 12 - 7. Cfj ge2 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJ g e2 a c This rare but quite sophisticated system was recommended by Lars Schandorff in his recent book covering the Indian Defences from White's side. The idea is to put the knight on g3 and develop in a similar manner as in the previous chapter, but without spending time on f2- f3 until there is a good reason for it. So in a nutshell, White is aiming for an improved version of the Kapengut System. 7...�g7 8.tlJ g 3 From this position I will cover two interesting plans in A) 8...h5 and B) 8...a6, both of which involve delaying castling, followed by the main line of C) 8...0-0. A) 8.. .h5 Certainly the most direct challenge to the knight sortie. 9.�e2 a6 10.a411Me7!? Persisting with the plan of early disruption. The following game led to a complicated struggle: 10...0-0 II.ig5 CtJ bd7 12.0-0 �e8 13.f4!? Wib6 161 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 11.11Mc2 II.ig5 allows Black to display one of the points behind his previous move: 11...Wie5! 12.Wid2 h4 13.if4?! Wie7i- 14.CtJfl h3 Is.if3 hxg2 16.ixg2 ih3 1 7.ixh3 CtJ xe4 18. CtJ xe4 Wixe4t 19.Wie3 Wixe3t 20.CtJxe3 �xh3 and Black maintained slightly better chances in Dreev - Art. Minasian, Moscow 2009. 11...h4 I also considered 11...a5!?N but after 12.ig5 CtJa6 13.ib5t id7 14.0-0 CtJb4 IS.Wid2 O-Ot White's chances are higher. 162 e4 Systems 12.tlJf1 This position was reached in Perdomo - Rodi, Sao Paulo 2008, and here I propose: 8 .i�.i.�.- �� �£,&,;� ��W�'''u 7 �.. &m�.w 6 r_�."U'7._'l�� 5 ��.�7._/uuu_ 7.� uU'7.� '� '�'� : 8�m�I��� 2��iW_'�!� m'Z-m7.�'0 '%�'i{u,,7..uu1 /,� � � �.1:t a bed e f g h 12...h3!?N 13.g3 �bd7 The advance of the pawn to h3 will grant some stability to the knight on eS, as f3-f4 can be answered by ...CtJg4. A possible continuation IS: 14.�g5 �e5 15.�e3 V!fc7 16.f4 �eg4 17.�xg4 �xg4 18.£5 �e5 The computer favours White slightly, but both sides have certain weaknesses and I would call the position unclear. B) 8...a6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This time Black makes a few moves on the queenside before commencing his kingside play. 9.a4 tlJbd7 10.�e2 h5 10...0-0 reaches line C below, but for now we will concentrate on delaying castling. 11.�g5 V!fa5 12.0-0 h4 13.�hl h3 14.g3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 14...c4!?N 14...CtJh7 was the expert's choice in �H. Nielsen - Gashimov, Khanty-Mansiysk (4) 2011, but it did not work out well for Black. The text move leads to interesting complications. 15.�xc4 IS.Wic2 CtJcS 16.ixc4 Wib4 17.Wie2 CtJfd7 18.if4 gives Black a choice between 18...CtJb6 19.ia2 CtJbxa4 with complex play, and 18...CtJeS 19.ixeS ixeS with ongoing compensation for the pawn. 15...11Mb4 16.�b3 16.Wie2?? and 16.Wib3?? are both met by 16...CtJeS winning outright. 16...tlJc5 17.�c2 0-0+1 Black will capture one of the pawns on e4 or b2, maintaining a satisfactory position. Chapter 12 - 7. ctJ ge2 C) 8...0-0 8 .I �.i.� ���_ 7 �lu� h'''Z� '1/'.. ""u7.� ��,� �7.'n//h''''''�7. 6 . � .i� 5 � �.�7.� /YUU';� 4 ���uu��!��_ � �7.'n//. �� �7.'n/� 3� m _ m 2 lrJm";� �rJ�';� 1 ��m'7.D'=£W� /muY- h" 'V- /,,,,,7. _ ' a bed e f g h 9 .�e2 9.f3 and 9.id3 lead to Chapters 11 and 13 respectively. 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7 11.0-0 II.h4 has been played, but a kingside attack is unlikely to succeed here. The simplest reply is 11...hSN when the chances of White arranging a successful sacrifice on hS are minimal, and if White changes plans and castles short then the h4-pawn will be weak. 11...�e8 12.�g5 Many other moves have been tried, but the text is the most common and natural, and is given by Schandorff. 12...h6 13.�e3 �b8 14.YMd2 h5 Black plays all the standard moves. 15.f3 tlJh7 Now that White has played f2-f3 the position strongly resembles the previous chapter, although there are some subtle differences such as the knight's placement on g3 instead of c 1. 16.tlJhl In another game White made room for the knight on fl instead: 16.�fdl h4 17.CtJfl (17.CtJh 1 h3�) 17...h3 18.g3 163 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This position was reached in Ivanchuk - Andreikin, Havana 2011, although in that game the move count was one higher. Whatever the move number, at this point Black can obtain a satisfactory, if still rather unclear position with 18...CtJeS!N, as noted by Stohl. 8 ��.i.�.i�.� 7 .'lY-_i)_f� r� �_ %� 'l�� 6 ��,�UU%� �� � : !���!��� �7.'n//. ��'0 �� �3� m �8_ 2 �D'u,, ;S£ � 8%� 1 �""7._'''''/'� r=� /, 'u� _ � � " � a bed e f g h 16...tlJe5 17.tlJn �d7 18.a5 f5 19.b4?! The critical continuation is 19.�felN, which Stohl rates as slightly better for White. This may be true although I do not believe it is anything serious, and Black is very much in the game after something like 19... CtJ f6 20.h3 fxe4 21.CtJfxe4 CtJxe4 22.CtJxe4 CtJf7 intending .. .ifS. 19...cxb4 20.tlJa4 �b5 20...fxe4!? leads to heavy complications and eventual equality: 21.CtJxe4 CtJg4 22.id4 164 e4 Systems CtJhf6 23.Wixb4 (23.CtJxd6? Wic7 24.icS ixa4 2S.ixb4 ih6 26.Wia2 ib3 27.Wixb3 �xe2 28.fxg4 CtJxg4 + ) 23...CtJxe4 24.ixg7 Wi gst 21.�b6 �xe2 Another intriguing possibility is: 21...CtJxf3t!?N 22.ixf3 (22.gxf3? f4 23.ixf4 ixe2 24.Wixe2 ixal 2S.�xal Wif6 26.�bl Wi xf4 + ) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 22.11Mxe2 �d7N 22...fxe4 23.CtJxe4 was decent for White in Bratanov - Petrov, Blagoevgrad 2010, although I eventually managed to get the better of the struggle. 8 �_, �,.i_.. 7.i_�_ _� 6 4�, _ '_'l'� 5 ,rf, _,8_i_i 4 _ _8_ � 3 � _ �8'- �� ���nn�7.'n �, , 2 _ _iVm8� 1 � '8 �m� 'muu, a bed e f g h 23.�acl f4 24.�xf4 �xb6 25.axb6 11Mxb6 26.�e3i White has sufficient compensation for the pawn, but nothing more. Conclusion The 7. CtJ ge2 line should be taken seriously, and Black must take care not to fall into an inferior version of the previous chapter. Of the three app roaches examined here, the first two are tricky if slightly risky, while the third is more reliable yet still dynamic enough to lead to an in teresting middlegame where both sides will have their chances. e4 Systems 7.id3 and 8.�ge2 Variation Index l.d4 tl)f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tl)c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.ird3 irg7 8.tl)ge2 8...0-0 9.0-0 a6 10.a4 tl)bd7 A) II.irg5 167 B) II.h3 169 C) 11.tl)g3 �e8 172 Cl) 12.h3 172 C2) 12.f4 Y!Jc7 173 C21) 13.Y!Jf3 174 C22) 13.h3 �b8 175 C221) 14.ire3 175 C222) 14.Y!Ja c4 15.irc2 b5 16.axb5 axb5 17.ire3 tl)c5 18.e5 dxe5 19.fxe5 �xe5 20.ird4 b4!? 178 C2221) 21.irxe5 179 C2222) 21.Y!Jf4 181 Cl) after 15.Wfd3?! 15...ttJxb2!N C2221) after 22J�ae 1 a b g h 22...Wfc7!N C2222) after 23.ixe5 a bed e f 23...ttJd3!N 166 e4 Systems l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.tlJge2 8 .I �.i.SJ._ �� �'�"u,,� uu,%� �m'�uu,7 %I�£ -7. '0 �7.�/-�£ 6 _ � �iW&a 5 � �_�/'_'/u",;_ �� ,uu7.� '� '�4 � �7.'n//- �� �� � 3 � m�_ _ ��,�m";� ��'0 ��,� � �il��'rii a bed e f g h This is an aggressive system based on the following attacking scheme. After castling White intends to place the knight on g3 and advance with f2-f4, threatening e4-eS. If Black overprotects the eS-square, then White will push with e4-e5 anyway, meeting ...dxeS with f4-fS (although we will see some cases, including the main line, where a sacrifice with fxeS is played instead). If timed correctly, this pawn sacrifice combined with a bishop on gS, rook on the f-file and knight on e4, not to mention the dynamic potential of the passed d-pawn, could lead to a devastating attack. Fortunately there is no need to sink into despair just yet. White's entire set-up is geared towards the e4-eS break, usually connected with a pawn sacrifice (involving either f4-fS or fxeS), so the first good thing is that we know exactly what is coming. The attack will take a good deal of time to prepare, and the presence of the knight on g3 (compared with d2 in the Classical Variation) makes it easier for Black to obtain counterplay with moves like ...c4, ...bS and ...CtJcS. Summing up, both sides have concrete plans and in the sharpest lines a single tempo could prove decisive. 8...0-0 9.0-0 a6 This is the most common move order. 9...�e8 and 9...CtJbd7 are both quite playable, although in most cases .. .a6 and a2-a4 will be played anyway within the next few moves. 9...CtJa6 is another option, but I don't like it very much. 10.a4 tlJbd7 Sometimes Black plays 1 0...�e8 first, but the knight has nowhere to go apart from d7, so we may as well play that move first. 8 .I � .i.� ��._ 7 f� i)� 'ly-.r 6 f� �_��fl%� ��.�7..�um;_� : !� ""'7.� !� �� ��'n/%1���� � 3 � m�� � 2 �n,uu;B��8� ;�t"U7.W��.W/'_u,,%1,� ��.�� a bed e f g h From this position we will examine three main options: A) 11.�g5, B) II.h3 and C) II.tlJ g 3. II.f3 reaches a strange form of Kapengut System, and after 11...CtJeS 12.ic2 �b8 Black had good prospects in Marinelli - Martorelli, Chianciano 1990. II.if4 does not make a great deal of sense, as after 11...W1c7 White's bishop is left blocking his main attacking plan involving f2-f4. II.f4 �e8 (11...W1c7!? can also be considered) 12.CtJg3 transposes to line C2 on page 173. Chapter 13 - 7.!d3 and 8.CZJge2 A) 11.�g5 8 /,.1 �ft.�, �� � � 7 B,i_,�_i� 6 iB, _ .i'- 5 _, .8_ m"'� 4 8 -7. '''/h _ 8 '_ m"�� 3 �"/��_ B 2 m" tt _�'� 8'� 1 0� _\UlJ." "7.f0 'if " " /m"Y- � � � 1:t m a bed e f g h 11...�e8 I think it is worth playing this move, and I have recommended it in most of the lines featured in this chapter. Nevertheless Black can also consider the immediate 11...CtJe5 with similar ideas as in the main line below. 12.YMd2 White has tried several other moves, but in most cases Black's basic plan will remain the same: the knight will come to e5, and later c4 and a5 if and when it becomes appropriate. C�mbined with his typical queens ide play WIth ...id7 and ...b5, this should ensure good chances. Here are a few alternatives: 12.CtJg3 is covered on page 172 - see the 12.ig5 line in the notes to variation C. 12.f4? is premature due to 12...c4! 13.ixc4 Wib6t 14.rJlhl CtJg4 + Parr - Pritchard, York 1959. 12.h3 CtJe5 13.ic2 h6 14.ie3 CtJc4 15.icl Now in Sagalchik - Epstein, San Diego 2004, Black could have obtained good prospects with 15...id7N 16.b3 CtJa5. The knight has arrived at his destination and ...b5 is on the way. 167 8 .i_%.i.�,.i_.� 7 �,i_,4IlBi�i 6 i_ _ '_'1_ 5�, .�/'_/mm� 4 8_"" _,8,_"m,_ 3� ��� � ��'�''''';�''L' �, � 2 m"�� � ��8� 1 � _ W m '7. F 'if"" , /, _ �1:t� a bed e f g h 12...�e5 13.�c2 �c4 The knight was not forced to move immediately, but it is tempting to gain a tempo against the queen. 14.YMcl �d7 15.b3 �a5 The knight is well placed here in this line. Now ...b5 is inevitable. 8 .I - � � �� � �, %"j.i �.� 7 �,i_.i._i'�i 6 i � � r'/�rm�� a ��,�""�� �I);��� 5 �r �1i8_ � 4 8_" _8_ m ",_ 3 �8m � �� Wh � �m,,; � _ 2 m" _,�_�'� �'� ��� � . � m ' 1:t ////%� � /'�'u"1� ��� � /� �, /" , �",% a bed e f g h 16.YMf4 16.�b 1 occurred in Sadler - Kempinski, Germany 2003, and here I would suggest: 16...b5 17.axb5 axb5 18.b4 cxb4 19.�xb4 CtJc4 20.id3 Wia5 21.Wibl �ec8= 16...�e5 Another interesting line is 16...b5!?N 17.axb5 axb5 with the possible continuation: 168 e4 Systems 18.Wixd6 b4 19.�xaS �xaS 20.eS if8 21.Wixf6 ie7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 � � ,\IDJ � . � �8 � � � � �� �� �Ud%� ��,� 'n/ h ��'d'm'7.7.u"'?UUU�'0 5. w�8 �� � 4 /�"� ,m'7.� '�Y-���f"'%� 3 'm�� U'd/-� �7. /�"m;7. �?;(o'0 ��,� 2 _�_lZJ��8�l57. u", �� � � � � . % � �� �,u,%%:,�uu%1 ��� � � Fr ��, � ��� � " //', , a bed e f g h 17.YMd2?! This feeble retreat hands Black the initiative. Of course the point of Black's move was to meet 17.Wih4?! with 17...h6!. Instead White could have kept the game unclear with a move like 17 .�ab 1, bearing in mind that ...CtJxdS tricks will not work due to the hanging knight on as. 17...b5 18.axb5 axb5 19..if4?! 19 .f4N �e8 20.eS dxeS 21.fxeS �xeS 22.Wif4 �xgS 23.WixgS Wib6 leaves Black with more than enough play for the exchange, but the position remains complicated. Mter the text move the play becomes one-sided. s p � �.. �7. 'S""x� ��'if�7� _.i..i�i � � � ��A'� �%'/'/d//'''� � /� �6 � � ��� ��&� �.% '.' A 5 :_ :.�7.�U"';� 4 �L";� u"'7.� '�Y-� �� , �7.'d/" �� �'d�� � 3_8� - e �� /uuU�"L'. ��'0 ��'� 2 .���� 8 �� /, UU� �W'Ud/-W""7.�'i{""1 /� � �1:t� a bed e f g h 19...�e8 20.�g3 b4 21.�ce2 �b5 22.�adl h5!+ Black managed to carry out all his ideas, and White faces problems all across the board. 23.�g5? 23.h4N CtJg4 + 23...h4! 24.�xh4 �xe4 s.i� B.i�. � � 7. �� �"d%, �///"0 � 7� _ _i� �� �?;(o'0 �, �UU�, 6 e �� _i� 5 _l.�%� �� � �L";�,%",,,/,� �� ��;�4 /i% .�. �/ �L'u,7.� � �,jdm 3H8� � � �� �;(/-"L'. �//A'�U"':7. '� 2 -����8� 1 _�_l_i�uU � _I _I //u, a bed e f g h 25.YMf4?! g5 26.�xe4 gxf4 27.�xd8 �axd8 28.�xf4 �xf1 29.@xf1 �xb3-+ Chatalbashev - Banikas, Kallithea 2009. Chapter 13 - 7 .�d3 d an 8.l2Jge2 B) II.h3 8 .iB A OW'"" ' ��/..JL� � e� 7 . i B.� "'"v-�,�� 6 &/._���i� & . � � %'u//,!um�, . : -:����� � � 8 -/.'u//. _,8 - '� /',�!""�/. '/ .�f� A � �3 � ?� �� ��' � � o�+� �2 %�,�",,,;/. � - A tfg m If':-. �'0 � 01 � W� iV� %0 � u'U%%q � ,,,,,,Y; � _ RJ � /////,� � � � � a bed ' /'N"X Th' e f g h IS has been Wh. , in h Ites most co t e position. Befote 1 �mon choice attack he g uar d . aunching into 4 s agaInst a ' ang -squate. ny Invasions on the 11...�b8 Black can also ado t th we saw in the P r ,P ,e same strategy that h evlOUS lIne- 1 1 J:":\ as only rarely been 1 . ..."lJe5!? This to me. The k . h . p ayed, but it looks g d mg t IS goi 00 world, at least on th h ng to the end of the e cess board. 12 .ic2 �e8 8 ��A'mu' � �.JL �5i$ , 7 � & � '''''\ �.� 6 A'. %'� I '�%�,(�" �.. �&�� -, �� .&� 5 � � 1 '�'A"%fJf(("'"'' · � �, � �ogf . 4 8. "'''''./'A''. �� 3 � �m�'o� � � � . "%, �2 �/%,,,,,,:,,�, . 8 ,�!�,,�.�� ��1 � D Yi. �m- a b % Z c d e f 13. f4!? (13 llJ 3 g h h . . g transpose .w Ich can be found 1 s, to vanation Cl, page 172.) The t ater In the chapter on M ext move anzone _ B . t I . was P la y e d . 1 te maJer A In here I am n ot ' rgentina 200 1 a d sure wh Bl k ' n the consistent 13 llJ r ac refrained from he would ha b ... c N 14.CtJg3 id7 h ve een doin g fi w en nee 169 8 �� .i. z/-/'/.. /. ' � � � � C'0 � % ",,,v-, � �� e � 7 .i_�_'lY;�' 6 &. '?f� �% . '///,)'//�' A : �� _�8 _:"''''_ � .- �- � � & � � ''11''''/.' / 0 . � � 8 -/.'U/h _ 8 - '�3 � �� �� ��' � � ��-j+� � '2 ,?;(o,�",,,;/, �, - A �N� .1f':-.�'0 � 0 � ""zQ�/. '/ .,�9 A � � �1 � � � � iV� � ""'/., 0 � � 0.\'+ � � 1:t � �//-,,, " ,'" %: ; � / / � % % abcdef' 12.llJ g 3 g h 12.f4 is the ot h . 12 \!Xi er major 0 . ... Ed c7 1 3 � 3 0:0:> ptlon, and afi te ..!i!.e C!.e8 14 llJ r C221 on page 175, . g3 we reach line 12...11Mc7 13.�e3 8 �A . � ' �,j�,�, ��.-7 �,i �.. "i.Y-W;r� i � 6 & � ,,,,,/,.. · W . � ?f� /.�fIi{{;,ui/., � � ogfi� : !J 1 '-:""';- 3 � ����/.� - ..� �� ,��,� � ��2 � . um%�,�,u,,;�8 , ""ZN"/. . t� A.. 1:� '�w.i� a b �� c d e f 13...h5!? g h This leads to a shar d The fact that it has �n�n double-�dged fight. of practical encou nte y ° ak ccurred In a cou p le Inrnguing. es It the more . . rs m . all I should mention that 1 . and after 14.f4 w h 3...�e8Is a vaildo p tion I ' eave the 'to Ine C221 as same transposition was noted at move 12. 14.f4 h4 170 e4 Systems 14...c4!?N IS.ic2 bS 16.axbS axbSf! is also possible, for example: 17.�a7 Wid8 18.Wif3 Now Black's pawns gather momentum. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 8 �.i.� �.. .umY-;�"�'�� "mY-m'� : f�iia��f� 5 � �.�h� /u",,� �� �u,,%� ��'0 ��,�4 7.8 �7.'n//- ��Jt]7.'N/Ji 3B m�� m8 2 ��mu;� mN%� /��';_ uuJ1uu�� �� ��,�1 i�� � \UlJ � 1:t F� �h %� � a bed e f g h 15.tlJ g e2 �e8 16.11Mel In such a tense position other moves are of course possible. Here are a few brief lines I checked: 16.if2N c4 17.ic2 CtJcS 18.eS dxeS 19.fxeS �xeSf! 16.fS!?N is aggressive, but Black seems to be holding his own: 16...CtJhS 17.fxg6 fxg6 18.Wid2 CtJeS 19.igS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19...bS!? Who counts pawns in such a position? (19...�f8 is also possible, based on the following point: 20.ixh4?! [20.�xf8t=] 20...ixh3! 21.gxh3? �f3! 22.ic2 Wid7-+) 20.axbS CtJxd3 21.Wixd3 axbS 22.ixh4 b4 23.CtJdl id7 00 Black's bishops are excellent. The text move is also quite challenging. White wants to capture the h4-pawn, so Black must take immediate action. Fortunately he has more than one satisfactory solution. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 16...c4 16...CtJxe4!?N is another obvious candidate, which may appeal to aggressive players. 17.CtJxe4 (17.ixe4? CtJf6 + ) 17...fS 18.Wixh4 fxe4 19.ic2 CtJ b6°o Black has a good position. 17.j,c2 tlJc5 18.e5 tlJd3 19.11Mxh4 dxe5 Chapter 13 - 7.�d3 and 8.'t:Jge2 20.�xd3?! Better is 20.fxe5N �xe5 21.id4 �h5, although I believe Black is at least equal here too. 20...cxd3 21.tlJg311Mc4 22.�acl 8 ��.i._.i_.- . ' '�� �� 7.�,� : f� �� �'T� � �� ��,�"'u;� 5 �� �i -�'0 �f 172 e4 Systems 2S.tlJf6t �xf6 29.11Mxf6 �f5 30.@h2! 11Mxf1 31.he5 � � � .i-.�8 ������ 7 �� �� ���'i�� 6 �i �� ��:J�� 5� � �.i.�_ : 8 -�-� -rIff; � � '// �� /uuU Y //' 2 _ _ -8� 1 �.,uj_'.,,,,, a bed e f g h 31...�xeS The spectacular 31...Wig1 t!? is reasonable, if not a real improvement: 32.rJlxgl dl=Wt 33.rJlh2 �xeS 34.WxeS Wixa4 35.Wb8t rJlh7 36.CtJxfS gxfS 37.Wixb7+ 32.11MdSt �eS! 33.11Mxest @g7 34.11Mest @h7 3s.tlJxf1 dl=11M Black keeps an extra pawn and some winning chances. C) 11.�g3 .i�.i.� �.g 8 � �� '''''/,� 'u,,/,�'�� 7 �i �!��h'�i 6 i_ W� �i� 5 _ �.�7.� �/"",;� 4 :��UU%�!� �m �,/ � �,/� 3 � ��_ � 2 '�"u,,_���u� uu"m%�:� �.uu�fb:';�u"1 ,Q �iV.1:t�� a bed e f g h 11...�eS Once again I favour this rook development. 11...CtJeS is playable although White may be tempted to consider 12.ie2!?, losing a tempo with the bishop but hoping to regain it with interest after a subsequent f2-f4. Mter the text move White has two maIn options: Cl) 12.h3 and C2) 12.f4. 12.igS Wic7 13.Wid2 c4 14.ie2 occurred in Chatalbashev - Melnikova, Sautron 2006, and now after 14... CtJ cS N IS .ixc4 CtJ cxe4 16.CtJgxe4 CtJxe4 17.CtJxe4 �xe4= Black is fine. Cl) 12.h3 8.i�.i.�.i�._ �� �"A ��,� 7 �£_�_,�,m,i 6 iU _ _i_ 5 �.�7.� //"",;� � 4 !��UU%�!� �m 3���'_�� 2 �duu,:� �d�':� ;�ruu�w�!_W%� 1� ��.�� a bed e f g h 12...�eS!? It is important to mention that 12...Wic7 is perfectly fine, and is likely to transpose to variation C22 below after White plays f2-f4. 13.�c2 13.ie2!? has been played in a few games, and here 13...Wic7N looks like a sensible response. Compared with the 11...CtJeS 12.ie2 line mentioned on the previous move, here White has invested a tempo on h2-h3, so I do not see much for Black to fear. The position after the text move can also arise via variation B with II.h3 - see the note on page 169 with 11...CtJeS!? 12.ic2 �e8, after which 13.CtJg3 reaches the present position. Chapter 13 - 7.�d3 and 8.l2Jge2 8 " .i.B.i�.� � �� 'S,,,,:%, �?;(o,��7�i� �i�i �� �?;(o,� �7.',w,,(m"�� 6 i_ r� �i� 5 � �.lr.""';� 4 !��'''�./�';� �� � �/,'n//- 7.� �/,'n/. 3- � . �8 2 ��I;� ���';� , uu}'m'�///;'0 �� . � �uu:%/�,�1»� �iV.1:t � /, 'U� �, � � � u � a bed e f g h 13...tlJfd7 14.f4 tlJc4 15.11Md3?! White should try something else here, although I think Black is okay in any case. His plans include ...id7 (or ...�b8) preparing ...bS, and/or ...CtJa5 with ideas of ...c4 and ...CtJc5, with enough queenside counterplay to keep White from executing his kings ide attack unhindered. Before seeing the problem with the main move, it is worth mentioning the only other practical encounter on the database: 15.�f3 A. Roberts - Flores Gutierrez, corr. 1995. 15...�b8N 16.b3 Most other moves can be met by ...CtJa5 followed by ...b5. 8 7 6 5 4 16...id4t!? (16...CtJa5=) CtJce5!? 18.fxe5 CtJxe5 00 The text move occurred in Aleshin - Lubbe, 173 Pardubice 2006. At this point Black missed a tactical opportunity: .i�.i.B.i�.- 8 �� 'S"u:%� ��,��7 �,i�!�£-A 6 iB W� .i� ��'Juu�� �� : !�II!��- �7.'n//. �� �uu:%/",wjW� 3� �iV_ �8 2 ��I;_�_"lr- uu/'m7.�'0 �� �w��1 J�� � �1:t m a bed e f g h 15...tlJxb2!N The game continuation of 15...CtJa5 was only good enough for equality. 16.�xb211Mb6 Now White must find some good moves just to stay in the game. 17.a5 11Mxb2 18.tlJ g e2 c4 19.11Mxc4 b5 20.axb611Mxb6t 21.@hl11Mc5i Black's powerful dark-squared bishop ensures his advantage. C2) 12.f4 8.iB.i.S1.iB.- �� �uu�� ��,�� 6 i- _ �i� �?;(o,�"u7.� �""u� � 5� �8_ _ 4 8��UU%�8��_ //h �/,'n//- �� �U"%7.'N/� 3� ��_ � ��'�""';� �� 'zuub'� 2 ""�?%o'0 � � � ��JfJ 1 0�� ��\UlJ� � ,�, �� �� ��� a bed e f g h 174 e4 Systems Wi th this direct move White refuses to give the knight another chance to come to eS. On the negative side, White loses the option of developing the bishop to gS, for the moment at least. 12...11Mc7 Now the two main moves are C21) 13.11Mf3 and C22) 13.h3. 13.ic4!? Wi th this rare move White blocks the ... c4 advance. 13...CtJ b6 Chasing the bishop away seems logical. 14.ie2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 14...CtJ bd7!?N Insisting on ...c4 and ...CtJcS, even if the first move no longer gains a tempo. 14...id7?! IS.aS CtJc8 16.fS gave White some initiative in Chatalbashev - Moradiabadi, Peristeri 2010. IS.rJlhl Is.ic4= repeats the position. IS.ie3 allows the typical trick IS...CtJxe4! 16.CtJcxe4 fS when Black is at least equal. IS.. .c4f! Intending ...CtJcS, with typical Benoni counterplay. C21) 13.11Mf3 8.i_J._.i_.- 7 �i��_l.r 6 :� "'''/,� �_'l%� 5 � �.�/'�//m";� 4 ,��""%� !��� �7.'n//. �� �""%7.'N/� 3� ID�_iVID 2 �d''''':� �� ��8'!� ;�t""%W��� 'M""1,� � ���� a bed e f g h This move has scored quite highly and seems like a logical attempt to do without h2-h3. 13...c4 14.�c2 �b8 ECO evaluates this as unclear, but obviously we should investigate the position in more depth. 15.a5!?N This untested move is possibly the most challenging. IS.ie3 CtJcS 16.h3 bS 17.axbS axbS transposes to line C222 below. In one game White tried the immediate sacrifice: IS.eS dxeS 16.fS �f8 17.ie3 Wehnert - Espig, Weimar 1968, and now 17...CtJcSN would have been okay for Black, whose ideas include ...CtJd3 (or ...CtJb3-d4), not to mention ...bS at some point. 8 �J. . h.i_.� 7 .'1��1� :.r 6 i/'� '''d''��_'l�� 5 � �� '�/,� /�,,,,,;� � 4 /,""/,� f� ,��� //h �%'d//- �� �""%7.'d/� 3- m -iVm 2 �OI;� �� //�,;wtf , ,,,,}'''A/�'0 �� � //h �/'w0!"m7.1 i�� �� � F:r � 0� � ��� / , / " /, , a bed e f g h Chapter 13 - 7.�d3 and 8.'t:Jge2 15...tlJc5! Taki ng control of a4 before advancing the b-pawn. lS...bS 16.axb6 �xb6 17.CtJa4 is less clear. 16.h3 It is natural to cover the g4-square. White can also try taking immediate action: 16.eS dxeS 17.fS bS 18.axb6 �xb6 is not bad for Black at all. 16.fS bS 17.axb6 Wixb6 18.rJlh1 (18.fxg6 fxg6) 18...Wic7 Black intends ...CtJcd7-eS with a good game. 16...�e7! I t is useful to cover f7. 17.£5 17.eS dxeS 18.fS �d7 is unclear but not worse for Black in my view. 8 ��.i. . '� _� � � � . ",u�/-/-/'/J' �%uu_,��7 � & Wli �/!a'� & �� �,.%�� �.�i 6 ,4 _, 'U ."m '.'l�� 5 � af8_ A ". %'u,%% /uuu, � 0 . 4 7. -z�_,8- 'm 3 -7. '/ �, _v�� 2 ,,,,,U�- _ �"m 1 ��� W� � � 1:t ,� � /,;r �� � � / � / / � � /:: a bed e f g h 17...tlJfd7 18.�e3 b5 19.axb6 �xb6 20.�abl �b4 21.11Mfl tlJd3 22.�xd3 cxd3+! Like ma�y other variations in the present ch.apter, thIs whole line is complicated but I thInk Black is holding his own. C22) 13.h3 175 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13...�b8 We have arrived at a popular position which can be reached via several different move orders. At this point we reach an important division between C221) 14.�e3 and C222) 14.11Mf3. C221) 14.�e3 c4 15.�c2 tlJc5 16.�d4 16.Wif3 bS 17.axbS axbS transposes to variation C222 on page 178. Another option is: 16.aS bS 17.axb6 �xb6 18.CtJa4l2Jxa4 19.ixa4 Now Black must decide which rook should sacrifice its life for an enemy bishop. 176 e4 Systems 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 19...�e7!N The dark-squared bishop is the one we want to eliminate. 19...CtJxe4? is too optimistic: 20.ixe8 CtJxg3 21.�f3! It is important to drive the knight away from the king. (21.�e I? �xb2 + Spassov - Petrov, Sofia 2009.) 21...CtJf5 22.ixb6 Wixb6t 23.rJlh2 ixb2 (23...CtJh4 24.�cl CtJxf3t 25.Wixf3 Wic5 26.Wie2 c3:t) 24.�b 1:t Leitao - Bachmann Schiavo, Sao Paulo 2006. 20.ixb6 Wixb6t oo 21.rJlh2 21.rJlhl CtJxe4 22.CtJxe4 �xe4 23.Wic2 f5= 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 21...h5 22.e5 h4!? 22...dxe5 23.d6 �e6 24.d7 CtJxd7 25.f5f! 23.CtJe2 dxe5 24.d6 �e6 oo Black is not worse. 16...bS 17.axbS axbS 18.£5 18.e5 CtJfd7!? (18...dxe5 19.fxe5 �xe5 20.Wif3 transposes to line C222; see page 179 for the continuation after 20...b4!?) 19.exd6 Wixd6 20.ixg7 rJlxg7 21.CtJce4 CtJxe4 22.CtJxe4 Wib6 t 23. @ h2 CtJ f6 24. CtJ xf6 Wi xf6+ Paradella - Letelier Martner, Mar del Plata 1973. 8 ��.i. . m.im._ "'UY-;(VL'. 7.� �,yw� 7 �� E�,"0 ��!!�£ 6 � . �r.ti� r_�/'� ��"� 5 ��/�u'u;�:��� � . 7.�4 � i,� 8 �"'n/' � 3 � _ �8 ��,�"'u;� �� /�uu � ';�2 ��_ _8� 1 ",,�uu7.� ii� '� ' ,� � �1:tL,J a bed e f g h 18...gS This natural move has been the usual choice, but it is not the only viable continuation. The untested 18...Wie7!?N looks quite playable, for instance: 19.Wif3 CtJcd7 20.�a7 b4 21.CtJce2 CtJe5 22.Wif4 �b7= 19.11Mcl The other queen move is unconvincing: 19.Wif3?! b4 20.CtJce2 Here Black has a few good moves. 20...Wie7 20...ih8!?N 21.CtJh5?! CtJcxe4+ 20...c3!?N 21.bxc3 b3 22.id3 b2 23.�ab 1 h6 00 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e Chapter 13 -7.�d3 and 8.'t:Jge2 21.CtJhS CtJxhS 22.WixhS f6°o Black was okay in V. Georgiev - Nedev, Plovdiv 2011, and he could have done even better with one of the alternatives noted above at move 20. 19...h620.h4 Here Black needs to choose carefully. 8 . �_£_,_;.7 � �m� �i � �� NU'%�'0 �7.'u/'0'''UN%�'�6 _¥�.¥j 5 � {.�/,� /'l�';.m' �� /�m";,//. // � "",/, 4 _i��� � //. �7.,,,/)uJ� �/"u/)uu 3/� � _ � 2 ��I;- �_'/�';_ , uu�""/'�fX� �� �%'�1 f� ��� _1:t � a bed e f g h 20... tlJ d3!? 20...b4? 21.hxgS bxc3 22.gxf6 gave White a decisive attack in Dicker - Marcotulli, e-mail 2002. (White went wrong with 22.bxc3? in Knaak- Bangiev, Bremen 1998, and eventually lost a wild back-and-forth game.) 20...gxh4!?N This untested move is a viable alternative to the main line. 21.ixf6D ixf6 22.Wixh6 ig7 22...id4t? 23.�hl hxg3 24.f6+- 8 7 6 5 4 3 177 23.Wixh4 id4t 24. 178 e4 Systems 22.ixd3D hxg3 23.ic2 b4 24.CtJe2 CtJxe4 25.ixe4 �xe4 26.f6 if8 27.CtJxg3 c3 28.bxc3 bxc3+ 21...cxd3 22.hxgS At first Black's position looks desperate, but he has a clever rejoinder. 8 7 6 5 4 23.f6! 23.ixg7? d2 24.Wic2 CtJxg3 25.gxh6 Wic5t 26.rJlh2 CtJxfl t 27.�xfl Wie3 + 23...tlJxg324.fxg711Mc4 24...Wixc3?! is not a great idea, as after 25.ixc3 CtJe2t 26.rJlh2 CtJxcl 27.�axcl hxg5 28.�f3 �e4 29.�xd3 the g7-pawn means Black will have to be slightly careful in this endgame. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 2s.11Mf4 tlJrs 26.�f6 11Mxf4 27.�xf4 hxgS 28.�xgS �xg7 29.�g4 tlJh6 30.�g3 tlJg4 m Black is at least not worse in this complex endgame. We have witnessed some wild complications in this line, but ultimately I think the positions are just as risky for White as they are for Black. C222) 14.11Mf3 8 e.i. . �.i�.- ",,,V-'W'L' �� ��,�� 7�i��_i�i 6 i�m '''d/'� 7._'1%� ��'�''''/,� /�"m;� : !��I'��- �7.'d//- �� �""%7.'n/F� 3� ��_iV�8 2 ��""';� �� /��,;� ,,,,,(,,,,7.?%o'0 �� � ��,�1 R� �� � F:r ,�, /,� � ���� a bed e f g h 14...c4 1S.�c2 bS 16.axbS axbS 17.�e3 This position can also be reached via a 14.ie3 move order if White follows up with Wi f3. 17...tlJcS 1 7... b4 ! ? This move has been less popular, but I think it is okay for Black, and could be considered as a valid alternative to the main line. Here is a sample continuation: 18.�a7 Wid8 19.CtJce2 ib7 20.CtJd4 CtJxd5 20...CtJc5!? 21.f5N Wib6f! 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chapter 13 - 7.id3 and 8.l2Jge2 21.�xb7 21.exdS? �xe3! 22.Wixe3 Wib6 23.CtJdfS Wixe3t 24.CtJxe3 id4 + Louis - Moeldner, Deidesheim 2000. 21. ..�xb 7 22.exdS Lutz - Norwood, Arnhem 1987. 22...b3N 23.ibl CtJcSf! Mter the text move both sides have mobilized their pieces just the way they wanted, so the stage is set for a bloodthirsty battle! 8 ��.i. . � .i�._ � . ,,,,,y,;c/.,,/.,, �� ��'bJff�7. � .i�i 6 �_'''d7.��_'l�� 5 � r.�7.� /�""';� �� /�,,,,,;� � '0 �m 4 �� �/,� ��4P7.'n/. 3 � ?� ��\UlJ?� A � '�' ��'�'O ��I;� ,;,,,�� �/�';� � �d'm%� �� " �'d� � � L j a bed e f g h 18.e5 Wi th ... b4 coming, Black is poised to take over the initiative so White cannot afford to hesitate. 18...dxe5 19.fxe5 The thematic 19.fS? is just a mistake here: 8 7 6 5 4 3 179 19.. .e4! 20. CtJ gxe4 CtJ cxe4 21. CtJ xe4 CtJxdS 22.fxg6 hxg6 23.�a7 �b7 + Gayer - Schmidt, Germany 1995. 19...�xe5 We have reached one of the critical positions of this line, which has been tested in over thirty games. 20.�d4 The most popular move, and the best. 20.if4?! blocks the f-file, allowing the following strong reply: 20...CtJfd7! 21.rJlhl b4 22.CtJce4 b3 + Chatalbashev - Pantsulaia, Izmir 2002. 20...b4!? According to the database the more popular 20.. .�gS has appeared in thirty games, while the text move has occurred in just three. Nevertheless I have found it to be just as promising as the main line. In this highly complex position it is worth analysing both C2221) 21.�xe5 and C2222) 21.11Mf4. C2221) 21.�xe5 11Mxe5 ��.i.� -.- 8 � . ,,,,,y,� �� �m'�� 7�, �� �7.�-£ 6 _ _ .i� /, �/,'N//- �;c/."/.,p,,,,,,� 5� .8� � 4 �.l';� �,,,J_ �� � . ""7.%'n//- �� '/"N/�3- � �iV�8 2 ��I;� �� /��';_ (m�HH7.� �� ��,�1 �� � �1:tm a bed e f g h With a pawn plus some initiative for the exchange, Black should be at least equal here. 180 e4 Systems 22.�ael The alternative is: 22. CtJ ce4 CtJ cxe4 23. CtJ xe4 Now Black has a choice between keeping the game complicated and going for simplifications. 23...CtJxdS A relatively simple drawing line is: 23...b3N 24.CtJxf6t Wixf6 2S.Wixf6 ixf6 26.�xf6 bxc2 27.�c6 ifS 28.�xc4 �xb2 29.�el!= 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 8 ��.i.B �._ 7 .'m'�_�_rlfr 6 �� �� �_fl%� �/.'n/h �� Chapter 13 - 7.id3 an reasonable h d 8.ctJge2 . c an ces t amst Wh" , 0 mmor 2 6pIeces count a g " 0 make his tw ' 181 Ites rook. ...\Wxd6 2 A 23...tlJfxe42 4 J!:\ 29.�hl ,t, b2 7 . + d5t@f8 2 \U1 Thi ."Z.Ixe4 c!tJxe4 25 ,t, £x 3o.Axc4 8.se4 Ad? s enables Bl k .£xe4 f5' chances al' ac to kee p · Ive, some W I . n . ning The followin g al ternati I accurate 1 ve eads toi.e6 pay: 25...i.xb2 26 d6 equality aftet . Wiest 27.rJlhl 182 e4 Systems 8 �.i. . _ _._ . '/.. � �/'/.'/. � �� � @'��7 ;, � � &��& � � AWA 6 �� "'-'/._ �� 'l�� /, �� /,um;�;0i �� 5 ��,��� ��� � ��4 ��� i _� �,,-'� 3� ��� �8 2 ��I'� �� /� � u� uu}'uu?' �� //. �� � //h �,//,/1/-��� � � �� � � ���/u, , , � � /:: u � a bed e f g h 24.�xd311Mc5t 25.�h2 The machine is optimistic about Black's chances from here, despite the fact that he is temporarily a rook down. 25...11Mxe5!= This is not the only move, but it is the most interesting and problematic for White. 2S...ixeS is also possible: 26.CtJce4 Wid4 (26...ixf4 27.CtJxcS ieS 28.�acl hS 29.h4 cxd3 30.CtJxd3t) 27.CtJf6t rJl g 7 8 26. tlJ ce4! This is virtually the only move. 26...11Mxf4 27J��xf4 cxd3 27...ixb2 is good enough for equality: 28.CtJxd6 (28.�el CtJxe4 29.ixe4 ic3 30.�e2 ieS 31.�f3 ie6 32.ibl �bS-+) 28...ixal 29.ixc4 ie6 30.ixe6 fxe6 31.CtJc4 b3 32.�fl id4 33.�bl b2 34.CtJe4 �a8= % U'l- � � �8 �� .i. � e � ."mY-� �� ��'% 7 �� � �, 'n �� � i�, i - ? � � &�6 � ,g)' A� /, �� /�"",;� �� 5 ��'''0 �� �%u,,� � � ��4 �� ���� � 3 � �u,,�� r� umi m 8 2 ���� ��/��';m 1 .'m7.����.'u, a bed e f g h 28.tlJxd6 �xb2!? 28...ieS 29.�f3 ixd6 30.�xd3 ieS oo 31.�d8t rJl g 7 32.�el (32.�cl? ie6 33.�xb8 ixb8-+) 32...ie6 33.�xb8 ixb8 34.�e3= Despite being a rook down, Black has a full share of the chances. In the following analysis we can admire the amazing power of the bishops. 29.�af1 Chapter 13 - 7.id3 and 8.ctJge2 29.�aS d2 29...b3 30.CtJxcB icl 31.CtJe7t rJlfB 32.�fl b2 33.CtJc6 bl=Wi 34.CtJxbB WixbB 3S.�xcl Wid6 36.�dl hS 37.h4 d2= 3 0 .�fl 30'.�dS? ie6 31.�xd2 icl 32.�df2 b3 + 30...ie6 31.CtJge4 icl 32.�a7 ib2 33.�dl iest 34. rJlh 1 ixd6 3S.CtJxd6 b3 36.CtJe4 ifS 37.CtJxd2 �dB 3B.rJlh2 ic2 39.�fl �xd2 40.�fxf7 ie4= 8 �11.i.� � em .""'�� �� �� 7 �� �7.'N//- �£ �£ 6 _ m .i� � �� /�"",;� �� 5 ��'''0 �� ��""� � . %�4 f�_��� 3 .""%� l� m"�m 8 �///o' �� �� /"",,;, , � - -8m � �"�� �� ��"" � � �1:t� a bed e f g h 29...�e6 30.tlJxf7! White must be careful, for instance: 30.�4f3 b3 31.�xd3 ieS 32.�ddl b2 33.�fel f6-+ 30...d2 The queenside pawns are extremely dangerous, but White can narrowly force a draw. 8 � � �.� 7 .""'�� �� �� i 6 ����f�f� 5 ������� �?;(o'0 �� �7."''' � . %�4 f�.��� 3 �£""%� �� "'''�m 8 -�,/ �///o'0 � � � /""';//.'/ �Iii �� � � A (M2 W �.% O� 1 �{m'�_''''/'� �Wo'u � _ �1:t� a bed e f g h 183 31.tlJh6t �g7 32.tlJ g 4 b3 33.�e4 �b6 34.tlJe2 g5 35.�dl �xg4 36.hxg4 �f6 37.�xd2 b2 38.�xb2 �xb2 39.tlJ g 3= Conclusion This chapter has featured some of the sharpest variations in the book. We have seen many wild positions, the evaluations of which depend almost exclusively on tactics. In such situations it is impossible to memorize or calculate every possibility, so you will also have to rely on intuition to some degree. Overall Black has a lot of exciting possibilities and in theoretical terms he seems to be at least okay everywhere. e4 Systems Sidelines Variation Index l.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.llJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d66.e4 6...gG A) 7.�b5t B) 7.�e2 C) 7.llJf3 D) 7.�d3 A) after 12 .�f4 12...llJg4!N B) after 13.llJh3 13...c4!?N 185 187 189 191 C) after 20.E1:xa6 a bed e f 20...llJg4N Chapter 14 - Sidelines l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 '=' �� A IDU e� ��8 .sa �-;.JL�m� �« � 7 .lu� uu'''� 'l�� '1 �u,,�� ��'0 �7.'n//. ��6 � �� .i� 5 � �_�7.� �uuu� 4 �� �""�� !� �� 3 ��m���� � ,�um;7. � '/ � '/ 2 %�Jfj� '0 -�,JtJ%�ltj 1 �� �iVm�m1:t /, " " � /""",,;" //", " 0. ", , a bed e f g h In this chapter we will round up a few of White's rare possibilities with the pawn already on e4. I will divide them according to four options on the next move: A) 7.�b5t, B) 7.�e2, C) 7.tlJf3 and D) 7.�d3. 7.1Mfa4t is not dangerous. 7...CtJbd7 (7...id7?! 8.1Mfb3 would justify White's last move.) 8.CtJbS?! This attempt to use the queen's position aggressively soon backfires. 8...a6 9.if41Mfb6 1 O.�b 1 �b8 11.CtJc3 8 7 6 Now in Vidalina - Bernal Varela, e-mail 2002, Black could have obtained the better chances with 11...1Mfc7N with ...bS to follow. 185 for Black; 8.ie2 transposes to line B of the present chapter - see page 187.) 8 �..i. S .� �I 'f"''';� "'''/.� ��'�"'"7 ,I�� ��//.' / N �"AJf�� 6 � W� .i� �::�r�""%� ,/"",;�p"5 � w�8. � 4 �� "',,%� �� 'NN�� 3 �m'I�� ��,�"''';� ��'% ��'0 2 �P�I��W� 1 � � �� �:M a bed e f g h 8...0-0 9.CtJf3 (9.h3 is likely to lead to the Modern Main Line after a subsequent CtJf3; 9.CtJge2 takes us to Chapter 13 with White having committed the bishop to gS rather early.) 9...a6 10.a4 ig4 This is similar to variation C on page 189, but again with the bishop committed too early to gS. A) 7.�b5t tlJbd7 7...id7 8.a4 ig7 9.CtJf3 0-0 10.0-0 ig4 (10...a6 11.ie2 ig4 transposes to Chapter 8.) II.h3 ixf3 12.1Mfxf3 a6 13.id3 CtJbd7 leads to variation C. The text move is more ambitious and keeps us in independent territory. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8.a4 7.igS ig7 8.id3 (8.f4 0-0 9.CtJf3 �e8 is good 8.if4 a6 9.id3 CtJeS= 186 e4 Systems 8.. .�g7 9. tlJ f3 9.if4 Wie7 10.id3 CtJeS 11.ie2 0-0= Stefanova - Muzychuk, Dresden (01) 200B. 9...0-0 10.0-0 a6 11.�d3 �e8 The immediate 11...CtJg4!? also seems okay. 12.�f4 12.h3 CtJhS! leaves Black a tempo up on line B3 of Chapter 10. The present position occurred in D. Andersen - Rustemov, Pinsk 1993, and several other games. White has lost a tempo with his light- squared bishop, but if he is allowed to play h2-h3 next, he can argue that he has been able to reach a version of the Modern Main Line where Black has been denied some of the critical options that we examined in Chapters 9 and 10. For this reason I would like to recommend a new idea. H .i.�.i�.-8 �� �",J� ��,� 7 �i����-A 6 i� � �i� ��'�""7.� /"uu;� : !J�i!��� 3 ��mfB�- % � . .j'luu,; ��� � � �'� � �'0 �'�2 �� � ��8��% 1 duu�� '�i�"u ,Y- � _ ' fi, u% a bed e f g h 12...tlJ g 4!N Black takes advantage of the absence of the h2-h3 move and aims to take control over eS. Of course we must also consider the small matter of the hanging pawn on d6. I was not satisfied by 12...c4 13.ic2 CtJcS 14.CtJd2t. 13.�xd6 Other moves are not dangerous. 13.CtJd2 CtJdeS 14.ie2 fS lS.Wic2 (lS.h3 CtJf6 16.exfS ixfS=) lS...gS 16.ixeS ixeS 17.ixg4 fxg4 1B.CtJc4 Wie7 19.aS id7= 13.h3 CtJgeS 14.aS Wif6 lS.CtJxeS Wixf4 (lS...CtJxeS 16.ih2 CtJxd3 17.Wixd3 �bB=) 16.CtJc4 CtJeS might lead to an early draw: 17.CtJxd6 8 7 6 5 13...11Mb6 8.i�.i.�.i�._ 7. �� �� ��,�� 7 �tA,;�a��-� 6 i� � .i� 5 ."u,%�,�%� �� 4 !��uu��!� �� � �7.'n//- �� �� 3- ��.�. 2 ��uu;����� 1 7.duu�� ;�i�uu ::,3 � _, L � a bed e f g h 14.tlJd2! White must show some resourcefulness, as meekly retreating the bishop would allow 14...Wixb2 winning material. Chapter 14 - Sidelines 14...tlJxf2! 15.tlJ c4! In this complex position Black has two promIsIng moves. 15...tlJxdl IS..:�xd6 16.CtJxd6 (16.�xf2 WifB 17.rJlhl CtJeS+) 16...CtJxdl 17.�axdl (17.CtJxeB?? id4t IB.rJlhl CtJxb2-+) 17...id4t IB.rJlhl �fB= is a simple way to reach an equal endgame. 16.tlJxb6 �d4t 17.�hl 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 17...tlJxb2!? This is playable, although there is no real need for such risky moves. 17...CtJxb6 IB.�axdl CtJd7 19.aS CtJeS= is a no- nonsense alternative. IS.tlJxaS tlJxd3 19.tlJc7 �e5!f! Now there are many possibilities, and it is not clear who should be playing for win. 20.�adl tlJ b2!? 20...c4 21.ixeS CtJ7xeS 22.CtJe2 CtJf2t 23.rJl g l CtJh3t= could lead to a quick draw. 21.�xd4 cxd4 22.�xe5 tlJxe5 23.tlJbl d3= Any result is possible although, for what it's worth, at this stage the computer favours Black just slightly. 187 B) 7.�e2 �g7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e S.�g5 B.CtJf3 takes us back to the Classical System of course. The variation with bishops on e2 and gS is not so common against the Benoni, but is often occurs via the Averbakh Variation of the King's Indian. S...o-o 9.11Md2 The King's Indian move order is l.d4 CtJf6 2.c4 g6 3.CtJc3 ig7 4.e4 d6 S.ie2 0-0 6.igS cS 7.dS e6 B.Wid2 exdS 9.cxdS - although it should be mentioned that 9.exdS is a much more popular option in that position. 9...�eS 10.f3 a6 II.a4 This position could be viewed as a version of the Kapengut System in which White has played ie2 instead of CtJge2. One advantage of doing this is that if the bB-knight moves to d7, White will move his own knight to h3 and f2, which is more efficient than the Kapengut route of e2-g3-h I-f2. For this reason it makes sense for us to delay ...CtJbd7 for at least one more move. 11...YMc7 11...WiaS is more common, but I noticed that in some games the queen ends up going via b4, b6 and finally back to c7, so I decided I 188 e4 Systems would prefer to put it there immediately. Now the ...c4 advance becomes an important source of counterplay. 12.a5 I only found six games with Black's last moves, and White has tried several different replies. Here are a few examples. 12.�c 1 was played in Rej - Eriksson, Canberra 2004, and now 12...c4!?N 13.aS WixaS 14.ixc4 would have been about equal. 12.h4?! occurred in Kopylov - Sharafutdinov, Khanty-Mansiysk 2007, and here Black missed a good opportunity: 12...CtJhS!N 8 7 6 5 4 13.g4 CtJg3 16.hS CtJeS+ CtJd7 12.idl This typical move makes room for the knight to come to e2. 12...CtJ bd7 13.CtJh3 13.CtJge2 �bB 14.0-0 bS IS.axbS axbS 16.ic2 CtJeS 17.Wif4 CtJfd7+ Abbasov - Wickstrom, Sautron 200B. 13...c4! 14.CtJf2 CtJcS IS.Wie2 id7 16.Wixc4? 16.aSN= 16...bS 17.Wi a2 Ilinsky - Djurhuus, Gausdal 1991. Here Black missed a strong tactical blow. 8 7 6 5 17...CtJfxe4!N IB.CtJcxe4 lB. fxe4 ixc3 t 19. bxc3 CtJ xe4 + IB...fS 19.0-0 fxe4 20.�cl Wib6 + 8.i_J. . U.i_.. . '''''';; Chapter 14 - Sidelines 18.�cl �xe4t! 19.fxe4 Wxe4t 20.�e3 Wh4t 21.�f2 We4t 22.�e3= C) 7.tlJf3 �g7 8 i�.i.B � � � 7 W61"� "'''7.� f_'i 6 /,""�� �_ �lil�� _ �.�7..�m";_ : �-" -8- '� � � � 3 � � � �� �///. ,,;?/,,"'; �//. � 2 ��fj � �8� ��t"U7.W�!��7. . � 'w1 � �����.� /"" Y- /"",� /",,/% � a bed e f g h 8.�d3 Now we will see what happens if White tries playing a Modern Main Line without the h2- h3 move. By the way, BJMfa4t does not achieve much here due to B...CtJbd7 9.if4 O-O!, based on the simple trap 10.ixd6?? CtJb6 and White loses a pIece. 8...�g4! There is a reason why h2-h3 is normally played. Black could play B...O-O first, intending 9.0-0 ig4, but this would needlessly give White a chance to transpose to the more challenging system with 9.h3!. 9.0-0 9.Wa4t?! carries no sting whatsoever here: 9. .. CtJ bd 7 1 o. CtJ d2 0-0 11. f3 CtJ e S 12. W c2 id7+ Karpov - Timman, Moscow 1993. 9...0-0 10.h3 �xf3 II.Wxf3 a6 12.a4 tlJbd7 Let's evaluate the opening. White has the bishop pair, but Black can feel happy to have swapped off his troublesome light-squared 189 bishop. The loss of the f3-knight also means that White has little chance of breaking in the centre with e4-eS. .I � � �:I.- 8 f� 4i� 'ly-.r 7 � � '/ � 'u//.�u,,� 6 i_ _ �i� � �.�7.� /�"",;� : !� �""%� !� �� � �7.'N/- �� �� 3- ���iV_� 2 ��m"'� �� r- 1 0�"U7.��_�� �uu� �//,� _ I �'u/� a bed e f g h 13.�f4 13.Wdl can transpose within a few moves. 13...�eB 14.�el Wc7 IS.ie3!? (ls.if4 transposes to the main line.) IS...c4 16.ic2 Saidy - Sherwin, New York 1966. 16...CtJcSN 17.aS CtJfd7 (17...CtJfxe4? IB.CtJxe4 CtJxe4 19.ib6+-) IB.We2 CtJeS 19.�fl= 13...Wc7 The queen goes to a typical square where she monitors the queenside and supports a future .. .cS-c4 push. 14.�fel A glance at the database reveals that a huge number of alternatives have been tried here. I don't consider White's set-up to be especially important so I will mention just a couple of other possibilities. 14.�acl should, just like most other non- forcing moves, be met by 14...�feB. 14.We2 �feB Is.ih2 sees White preparing for the e4-eS break. IS...�acB 16.ic4 CtJeS 17.f4 CtJxc4 IB.Wxc4 CtJd7! The first knight has gone from d7 but the second immediately takes its 190 e4 Systems place, while also opening the diagonal for the bishop. Watch how the great master of the Modern Benoni skilfully develops a decisive initiative on the queenside. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c � _ � %UU� i).8 .I ��"L'.�% ��iF� 7 �,iE�_,��A 6 i- �� �i� 5 �.�/,� /�'uu;� � � �""� �� / �� 4 �_%" _�� _ 3� ��-if_8 ��,/�,u,,;, ��,/ �� 2 ;�ltJ�-��ltJ� l/��f��� a bed e f g h 14...�fe8 15.Wdl White must retreat his queen in order to avoid unnecessary exchanges. IS.�acl CtJeS 16.ixeS �xeS+ was worse than harmless in Santos Folch - Barriga, Asturias 1995. 15...c4 16.�c2 16.ifl was seen in Fleur - Irwin, Leiden 2002. Here I suggest the logical 16...CtJcSN with the possible continuation: 17.eS (17.Wc2 CtJb3 IB.�adl CtJd7=) 17...dxeS IB.d6 Wb6 (IB...Wic6 19.ixeS=) 19.ixeS CtJce4! 20.CtJxe4 �xeS 21.CtJxf6t ixf6 22.�xeS ixeS 23.ixc4 Wixd6 The tactics have petered out to dry eq uali ty. 16...�ab8 16...CtJcS 17.aS CtJfd7= 17.a5 b5 18.axb6 �xb6= 19.�e3!? White forces a pawn trade, hoping the activity of his rook on the queenside will count for more than Black's passed c-pawn. Overall the chances remain about level. 19...�xb2 20.�xa6 This position was agreed drawn in Kliewe - Pajeken, Germany 1995, while in another encounter Black went astray - see the next note for details. Instead a logical continuation would have been: 8 � _ _ _.1_.- � ��� m'�� 7 �� �",j///.' � �JJ]; i 61:t_ _ _i� � �8� � : �_f�!� �� � %/.'n/ h ��'0 �/, 3� m � _8 2 �� IiI ;� �uu��r� � . ,u"Y-� �ru�m'/.%,�1 � �iVr� � a bed e f g h 20... tlJ g4N 20...CtJbB? 21.�a7 WeB occurred in Conlazo Zavalia - Beckerman, Buenos Aires 1999, and now 22.ia4! would have been unpleasant for Black. 21.hxg4 �xc3 22.�f1 tlJc5 23.�c6 We7� White has two bishops and the structural advantage of a single pawn island, but Black's active pieces and powerful c-pawn give him sufficient counter-chances. D) 7.�d3 Chapter 14 - Sidelines 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 9...�e8 10.tlJf3 10.CtJge2 a6 (10...c4? now is met by II.ixc4) II.a4 CtJ bd7 12.0-0 transposes to 12.h3 in the notes to line A of the previous chapter - see page 167. 10...c4 11.�c2 II.ixc4? is met by 11... CtJxe4! with the idea 12.ixdB? CtJxc3t and Black wins. 11...b5 12.0-0!? According to Watson this slightly unusual move deserves serious attention. 12.a3 has been more common, but I do not believe it is dangerous. Here is one top-level example to show the way for Black: 12...CtJbd7 13.0-0 a6 14-'Mfd2 ib7 IS.�fel �cB 16.�adl Wc7 17.CtJd4 CtJcS IB.CtJc6?! (IB.ih6N is better. Now IB...ihBoo is playable, but I prefer the strategic IB...CtJfd7!? 19.ixg7 Lines without e4 7.1£41g7 Variation Index l.d 4 ttJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.ttJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.ttJf3 g6 7.� f4 7...�g7 8J�Na4t �d7 9J�Nb3 A) 9...b5 AI) 10.ttJxb5 Al) 10.�xd6! B) 9..J�Nc7! 10.e4 0-0 II.ttJd2 ttJh5 12.�e3 Bl) 12...ttJa6 B2) 12...£5 A2) note to 12...c4 17...l2Jxe5!?N A2) after 17.�e2 a bed e f 17...l2Jxal N 193 193 194 199 200 202 B2) note to 15.h3 28...ixg2!N Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7 l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4. tlJ c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6. tlJ f3 g6 7 .�f4 '=' �� A � e� ��[8 .sa �gt.JL�JS� � � �B 7 ��l"� '''''7.� mu%� "," /-,,,,% � � i � i 6 _ _ �i� 5 � '.lr� /"""� 4 �� �m'%� ��7� �� 3 � �rn���� ��,�''''';� ��'''0 ��'0 2 8wf1 _8w�8wfj 1 ��"" '_ i�ff�� a bed e f g h With this move White can try to disrupt our natural scheme of development. 7 ...�g7 This could be the choice of adventurous types who wish to venture into the jungle, or at least the variation-heavy chess version of it. 7...a61eads to calmer play and can be found in the next chapter. 8.Wa4t This is White's most important idea. Moves like 8.e4 and 8.CtJd2 will usually transpose to variations considered elsewhere in the book. 8.h3 0-0 9.e3 a6 10.a4 transposes to the next chapter, while Black also has the option of deviating with 9...�e8. 8...�d7 9.11Mb3 At this point Black has to make an important choice between A) 9...b5 and B) 9...Wc7!. As you can tell from the choice of punctuation, I believe the second option to be the more promIsIng. A) 9...b5 193 Even though this is not my recommendation, it is an interesting line to analyse. It used to be quite popular, but unfortunately the trend in terms of both analysis and practical analysis results has not been going Black's way. White can consider both AI) 10.tlJxb5 and A2) 10.�xd6!. AI) 10.tlJxb5 This line is not the critical theoretical challenge, but it still poses some practical problems for Black, who must play accurately for many moves just to reach an equal position. 10...�xb5 11.11Mxb5t tlJbd7 12.�xd6 tlJe4 13.�e5 0-0 14.�xg7 @xg7 15.Wa4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 15...�b8! An important move which forces the play and does not gives White time to complete development. 16.Wxe4 Wast 17.tlJd2 �xb2 18.�dl tlJf6 18...�fb8? 19.Wif4 �8b4 20.e4 �d4 21.ic4 �xc4 22.0-0 �cc2 23.CtJf3:t Bus - Skrobek, Poland 1988. 19.Wc4 �fb8 20.e3 �xa2 21.�d3 �bb2 194 Lines without e4 8�___ 7 �� �i.t 6 7.UU�� �� �.l�� Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7 x. ..� %I/. 8 '��� �� �m,J'" 7 !;��£�f�'4 6 .-.J�8� � �� A � '''''/,� '��� /"""� : ������ ��4 .'.8. � 3� m �tiJ� ""'7.w/%"",,;� ��r� ��r� 2 8if� a if�8if� 1 d""%. �.:rrfi"" a bed e f g h 14...4Jc7 Is.ixc7 Wixc7 16.eS 4JhS 17.CtJe4 ifB IB.CtJd6t ixd6 19.exd6 Wib7 20.�ael t 196 Lines without e4 tempo afterwards. For instance, if White tries 16.ibSN then 16...CtJxeS 17.CtJxeS CtJe4 IB.CtJxe4 ixeS 19.CtJg3 Wif6 gives Black reasonable compensation. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13.11Mdl tlJa6 The alternative is: 13... b4 14. CtJ b 1 Black also has to be ready for: 14.CtJe2 ibS IS.CtJed4 (or IS.CtJf4 CtJbd7 16.id4 Wib7 17.ie2 Kaluga - Badmatsyrenov, Barnaul 2011, 17...�fdBN=) IS...CtJbd7 16.CtJxbS WixbS 17.id4 WixdS IB.ie2 CtJb6 19.0-0 �acB 20.�cl Aronian - Gashimov, Wijk aan Zee 2012. After 20...Wie6!?N Black is close to equal. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...�cB I think this is Black's best chance. The more popular 14...ibS does not equalize: IS.a4 ia6 16.CtJbd2 c3 17.bxc3 CtJxdS IB.ixg7 rJlxg7 19.cxb4 CtJxb4!?N (Even worse is: 19...�eB 20.bS CtJc3 21.CtJc4 CtJxdl 22.CtJxb6 axb6 23.�xdl ib7:t Llanes Hurtado - Del Rio Angelis, Ayamonte 2007.) 20.Wib3 ixfl 21. rJlxfl CtJd7 22.g3 CtJcS 23.Wic3t f6 24.rJl g 2 Black does not have much to show for the sacrificed pawn. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IB... CtJxdS!? I also checked IB... bxc3 19.ixc3 Y rj ola - Winants, Dubai 19B6, and now the best line seems to be: 19...Wia6tN 20.rJl g l CtJbd7 Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7 21.g3 CtJxdS 22.ixg7 xg7 23. g2 Wixa2 24.�al Wic2t Here too Black must fight for a draw. 19.cxb4 Wia6t 20. gl CtJd7 21.ixg7 xg7 22.�xc8 �xc8 23.Wial t CtJ7f6 24.g4 h6 25.h4 CtJc3 26.g5 CtJ fdS Black has enough play to keep the game interesting, although he is still falling short of full eq uali ty. A long time ago, the text move was believed to be fully adequate for Black. Unfortunately modern analysis paints a different picture. 8 7 6 5 3 2 1 14.a4! Breaking up the queens ide pawns forces Black to embark on a wild attack, for which he is not yet fully prepared. 197 White has a second good option: 14.ie2 Even after this simple move Black will struggle to find enough coun terplay. 14...CtJcS 14...b4 IS.CtJbl �ac8 16.0-0 �fd8 17.CtJbd2 ib5 18.id4 Wib7 (18...CtJcS!? may be the best chance, for instance: 19.CtJxc4 Wia6 20.Wic2 CtJxdS 21.ixg7 xg7 22.CtJd4 CtJf4 23.CtJxb5 CtJxe2t 24.Wixe2 WixbS 2S.b3 CtJe4 26.Wib2t CtJc3t) 19.a4! bxa3 20.�xa3 CtJxdS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IS.0-0 �fd8 IS...b4!?N may be a slight improvement. 16.CtJbl ia4 Now a possible continuation is: 17.Wid4 CtJd3 18.a3 CtJxeS 19.CtJxeS '2Jd7 20.CtJxd7 Wixd4 21.exd4 ixd7 22.axb4 �fb8 23.ixc4 �xb4 24.b3 ixd4 2S.�a2 as 198 Lines without e4 26.CtJa3 �b6 Black has some compensation, but it only gives him good chances for a draw. 16.Wid4 16.a3 4J b3 00 16...b4 Black has managed to develop some initiative, but as usual he falls a little short of full equality. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17.CtJd2!? The unassuming 17. CtJ bIN is also not bad. 17...bxc3 18.CtJxc4 Wia6 19.WixcS cxb2N 19...�ac8?! was played in Scott - Marcotulli, e-mail 2002, and here 20.Wid6! would have brought White a clear advantage. 20.ixb2 CtJe4 21.Wib4 �ab8 22.Wel 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 23.CtJxb2 ibS 24.ixbS WixbS 2S.f3 CtJf6 26.�f2 CtJxdS 27.�dlt The general pattern here is clear: Black is struggling to justify his pawn sacrifice and the most he can hope to achieve against an accurate opponent is to fight for a draw. But let us now return to the main line where White is playing more ambitiously. 8.1_ _ ��.� '�� �� ,,,uY-m'��7 ,I�y- Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7 8.1_ _ �i%.m 7 �� �� _ U&/'�;rf 6 � _ �_fl"� /;,,,,/; � � . �/ . 5 .8_8'�I'm 4 /,_�� mu%� �� � �k'//-1 ��'''0 ��3 � ��� r��. 2 �ni;��D�� 1 �uu�u"7.� �W'm7.."u /,� �iV m _1:t a bed e f g h 17...tlJxalN Black can easily improve on this game: 17...CtJg4 18.ixg7 CtJgxe3 19.fxe3 Wxe3t 20. 200 Lines without e4 IS.exd6 Wb7 and White's queen is a target. IS...CtJa6 16.Wxd6 Wxd6 17.exd6 CtJcS 18.0-0 b4 19.CtJdl CtJd3°o (Analysis by Miton.) Black has pretty good chances in all these lines. 11...tlJh5 Black needs to do something about the threat of CtJc4. 12.�e3 Now I have chosen to analyse the interesting sideline Bl) 12...tlJa6!? in addition to the main line of B2) 12...f5. Bl) 12...tlJa6 13.�e2 �ab8 a c 14.a4 This is the most popular move, although it is important to stress that ...bS is not strictly a threat at this point. 14.0-0 bS? Black should prefer 14...�fe8 IS.h3 as in Colovic-Aranovitch, Milan 2010, and now IS...CtJf6N looks best, for example: 16.�fel bS 17.CtJxbS Wd8 18.a4 CtJxe4 19.CtJxe4 �xe4= IS.CtJxbS ixbS 16.ixbS We7 17.Wa4 CtJc7 18.ic6 �b4 18.. .�xb2?! 19 .�ab 1:t Ki. Georgiev - Fier, Benasque 2010. Moberg - Eklund, Sweden 2008. Now the most accurate continuation looks to be: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 �� � ��._ (�"&��.U&�WA 7 .�.�m�.JLR.w. /'''U7.� ,u"h�'0 �� nm%� 6 '-�,J��-�� 5 ���j���' 4 ��7.'n//--t1-�� 3_iVm � � ��,�",u;�:,/�,J�,"0 ��,�2 �ff� ,�� � �ff� A ifr�% iQ/:: . /�Ll � iO% 0 ?'Q1 %""�"u/,� /"''''f0'i(uu/'W u " ,� � �� �1:t a bed e f g h 14...tlJb4 15.0-0 IS.CtJc4 fS 16.0-0 transposes to the note to White's next move. If Black wants a safer alternative he can consider IS...CtJf6 16.if4 CtJe8 17.0-0 Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7 16.exfS 16.CtJc4 f4 17.id2 was played in Flear - D. Lund, Birmingham 2006, and here my suggestion would be 17...a6!?N, with the possible continuation 18.eS ifS 19.exd6 Wif7 with interesting play. I'm not sure if I would completely trust Black's position against a computer, but it looks messy enough to be considered unclear over the board. We still have the main line with 12...fS to consider shortly, so I will not take up too much space with the present variation. I do, however, want to present one sacrificial line which I found especially interesting to analyse. 16. ..�xfS 8 � _ ��._ 7 _'lY- B �� uu' y-� r 6 /'uu7.� N'U7.� �� 'l�� 5 � �.���,� A)) 4 !."u7.� �� �� � � /�"m;7.'''//- ��,� ��3�iVm � _ ��,%t,u"k'/-1mN%�'''0 ��'� 2 W� �0��w� 8 W� 1 /"u,�m'7.�UUUWu"7.f0'�'u, � _ _1:tm a bed e f g h 17.g4!?N This untested move is obviously critical, and leads to great complications. 17.CtJbS Wid7 18.�acl b6 19.CtJc4N (19.�fdl a6 was more pleasant for Black in Hardicsay - Fronczek, Prievidza 1978.) 19...CtJxdS 20. CtJ cxd6 ie6 21.ic4 CtJ hf6 looks roughly eq ual. 17...�c2 18.11Mc4 tlJf6 19.tlJal �f7 20.�fcl 201 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c 20...�d3! This is not the only playable move, but it is sound and deserves the exclamation mark for its shock value alone. 20...bS!? is the 'calm' alternative which might lead to an early draw: 21.axbS ia4 22.CtJc3 (22.CtJxb4? ixbS + ) 22...ic2 23.CtJa2 ia4= 21.hd3 tlJxd3 22.11Mxd3 tlJxg4 Black's attack is more potent than its initial appearance may suggest. Of course there are many possible deviations, but I will give you some illustrative lines to show the correctness of the sacrifice. 8 �� . '�._ ,J?'u,�: Lines wi th oute4 Or 23.CtJc3 �e with a dan 8 24,tLJde4 'Wd8 2 � gerous attack. 5..I Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7 18.�fel:t Almost all the games from here were won by White, and I do not recom- mend volunteering to be the next victim. 8 � 1 ,J'�Wffi.;�7 %.�B�.JL� �i 6 U'''%� 'uu/.. %� ""'�� 5 ��,�u3� �� ��.� ��/.' / u �! 4 ..�.� �%",/. ��'Ju3�3 �� / �m,,, J���/., / � �t � /:: "/0 �t � �'� 2 8f� m�f�8�� 1 �'U,%.u"u='U'%.11 a bed e f g h Is.ixcS! f3? IS... CtJ a6?! 16.ia3 �ae8 17. CtJ ce4 was also winning for White in Malaniuk - Norwood, Lvov 1986. IS...WixcS is perhaps the best chance, but after 16.ixhS I am not convinced by Black's compensation. 16.ixf3 �xf3 17.gxf3 WixcS 18.Wixb7 +- Korchnoi - Nunn, London 1984. 8.1_ U �.- 7 ;:l';�� ""'/,.r 6 /',m7.� h"J� 7.� 'l%� � �� ,J:u3,� �� 5. �8_.i._A)) 4 �� mu/'� �� �� � ��:'//-� ��7� �� 3 �'j� i/,'n/d��'0 -�'02 A �f)� �� �f)� A �� o i07. W"£'�: �O7. 0 �O 1 1W""7._ /u'm�:f.� a bed e f g h 14.�e2 14.h3 Wi e7f!. (Miton) 14...tlJf6 15.h3 1 S. CtJ c4 This move has scored a hundred percent on 203 the database so is worth checking. 1 5 . . . 'tJ e4! ? Not the only option, but it seems a logical way to 'exploit' White's last move. 16.'tJbS 16.0-0N may be a slight improvement, although after 16...CtJxc3 17.bxc3 CtJd7 I think Black's position is okay. 16...Wid8 17.a4 a6 18.'tJc3 CtJxc3 19.bxc3 CtJd7 8 7 20.0-0 20.CtJxd6? Wif6 is bad for White. 20...CtJeS 21.CtJb6 �b8 22.aS Wif6 23.Wb2 gS 24.�fel g4 2S.Wid2 ie4 26.�a4 Wig6 27.igS �be8 28.if1 Erbe - Berger, Internet 2004. At this point the game score ends mysteriously with 1-0, just as Black was poised to seize the advan tage. 28...ixg2!N 29.ixg2 'tJf3t 30.ixf3 gxf3 31.�e6 31.�g4 h6 also gives White some problems. 31...�xe6 32.dxe6 �e8 Followed by .. .h6, with better chances for Black. 15...tlJa6 16.a3 This has been the usual choice. A couple of other examples: 16.0-0 lZJ b4= Mons - Kaphle, Oberhof 20 11. 204 Lines without e4 16.g4 id7 17.0-0 �ae8 18.a3 �e7 19.if3?! 19.�fel Wib8 20.�adl �fe8� 19...Wib8= 20.a4 hS 21.gS CtJe8 2.h4? ih3 23.�fel Wic8 24.Wic4 CtJb4 + 2S.CtJe2 Povah - Lund, West Bromwich 2004. Now the most convincing would have been: 2s...ifS!N-+ Black has numerous threats and will soon win material. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 16...�ab8!? 16...�ae8 was the only move mentioned by Kaufman in his repertoire book, but then after 17.0-0 Black has no good way to counter a later CtJc4. In contrast, after 16...�ab8 a later CtJc4 will generally be met by ...bS. 16...Wif7N 17.CtJc4 �ad8 18.�dl;!; IS mentioned by Miton. 17.tlJb5N This would appear to be the critical test of Black's last move. Mter 17.0-0 Wid8 Black is not troubled by 18.CtJbS CtJc7= Del Rey - Forcen Esteban, Utebo 2012, nor by 18.igS bS�. And as previously suggested, 18.CtJc4 would be answered by 18...bS. For example: 19.CtJxbS CtJc7 20.CtJcxd6 CtJxbS 21.CtJxbS a6, when White's extra pawns just barely compensate for the piece he is about to lose. 17...11Me7 18.tlJxa7 tlJc7 8 �� � �._ �U&Y-��IDff""' Y-� t7 ��.�_� �g� ��. 6 /u""� /"u,,_uu'%_'l�� 5 ��.�7..I;_� 4 ���UU%� �� �� 3�'_���_' 2 7."U%�� ��� f_ 1 �m'7.�,uu;=m'/'� I uuY- _ /,,,,,7. � a bed e f g h 19.tlJb5 tlJxb5 20.hb5 �d7= So ultimately it seems Black can get through the opening and obtain a reasonable position by playing 12...fS and recapturing with the bishop. Conclusion The 7.if4 ig7 line is quite demanding and will not be to everyone's taste. It would have been nice to recommend the sharp 9...bS line, but I don't really believe in it, especially in the critical 10.ixd6! as analysed in variation Al. Instead variation B with 9...Wic7 is more reliable, although even here the play can be quite double-edged. My advice is to compare these positions with the ones in the next chapter and make your own choice. Lines without e4 7.JJ4 a6 Variation Index l.d 4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exdS 5.cxd5 d6 6.�f3 g6 7.� f4 7...a6 A) 8.�d2 B) 8.e4 b5 9.YMe2 �e7 BI) 10.e5 B2) 10.YMc2 C) 8.a4 �g7 9.h3 0-0 10.e3 CI) 10...�e8 C2) 10..J��e8 C21) 11.�e2 C22) 11.�d2! A) note to 10...llJh5 a bed e f 13...llJf6!N B2) note to 14...llJf6 a bed e f g h 22...E:xel t!N 206 208 210 211 214 215 217 217 218 Cl) note to 13.a5 18...�b5!N 206 Lines without e4 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�f4 a6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This is the most popular move nowadays. Black wants to provoke a2-a4 to take away the option of the troublesome queen check. We will analyse A) 8.tlJd2, B) 8.e4 and C) 8.a4. A) 8.tlJd2 This rare move has some logic to it, but I don't think it is too dangerous. 8...b5 9.a4 White's idea is to exert pressure against d6, but as we know, playing several moves with one piece in the opening rarely leads to anything good. 9...b4 10.tlJce4 '� /-://.h'. /:: %% "/:: 8 .I ..i.� *� �� ."''''� '''d''� 'l�� 'Iv- 7 �, �� //. �" �"N/ �, � 5 '_�"� /"""� ' i �� / � %1 1 % � . � i %06 � �� � � � � %I � /. ,��'d0""%� �///,,/ �� 4 8. .�� m �d""7.� �� um%� � 3 R�,��:,//-��,��,� 2 r� ���8r�8r� 1 :_""7..ii=l£.� a bed e f g h 10... tlJ h5 Black has a couple of playable alternatives. 10...CtJxe4 II.CtJxe4 ie7 is perhaps the safest way to deal with this line. 12.ih6 CtJd7 13.Wi d2?! (13.e3N =) 8 �B.l... �ir ���tYt� 'i 7 �� ��,��,�� ��,� 6'. �� ..� 5 �.�?� �� ,;'" 4 !.",,%�!� �� iL,?� �� ��3 ��,� �Z Chapter 16 - 7 .�f4 a6 12.fxe3 ixd6 13.'tJc4 ie7 14.'tJcd6t (14.Wxd8t xd8 IS.'tJb6 �a7 16.0-0-ot c7 17.'tJdSt c6 18.g3 ie6+) 14...ixd6 IS.'tJxd6t e7 16.'tJxc8t (16.WdS? Wixd6 17:Wxa8 �d8 18.We4t ie6 19.Wc2 WeS 20.�cl c4 + ) 16...Wxc8 17.WdS 'tJd7 18.g3 Wc7= 12...ixd6 13.'tJxd6t Wxd6 14.Wxe3t We7 IS.Wxe7t xe7 16.�cl ie6= 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 g h With a little trap: 17.�xcS? CtJd7 18.�cl �ac8 + 13...tlJf6 Black wants to remove the strong enemy knight. 207 13...fxg4?! leaves the white knight in the centre, where it is highly influential: 14.h3 g3? IS.fxg3 ig7 16.igS 'tJf6 17.ig2 0-0 Aronian - Gashimov, Nice (blind) 2010. 18.'tJc4N+- %'/ /� � /-/'/.//. . ij'./.'I'� %'" 'l-�?�A' '" �� �/!a8 .a.��.JL� �..W �a /u"u� "u,7.� mu�� um7 �� ��'''0 �rn//-� �� 6 i� � :.:i� 5 �.�7.� '/1';_ ��,�uu7.� �� �� 4 8�� ���8� .'m�� ��;0i��3 �7. '0 �7.'n/d�� '0 �� '0 2 Wf)� �� A W� W� �O% ,�, 0 �O� �O 1 �'U'7..ii=if_� � ���, /% � I a bed e f g h 14.gxf5 tlJ xe4 15. tlJ xe4 �xf5 = The other knight will be expelled too. 16.tlJ g 311Mf6 Now White does not have any threats and must think about where to put his king - not an easy decision with both flanks having been weakened. � �� � m .�� %,�(8 .a. �_� � U'� �a �£m";� �� um�� mu 7 -� ��'��r, 208 Lines without e4 18...11Mxf5; 19.h4 tlJd7 Attempting to force the play with 19...WieS leads to no more than equality: 20.0-0-0 Wie4 21.f3 Wic4t 22.Wic2 Wia2 23.Wibl and now Black can either take a perpetual or play on with 23...Wixa4, although in the latter case 24.hS gives White enough counterplay. , � � %UU% 8 .I �� �i ��,JI 7� _�� mi 6 r� ���� 'l�� 5 ��.�%_,� 4 8.m'������ 3 � �UU%� �����"" 2 W� � 81� � 1 d''''7._''U'%=�� i / � h a bed e f g h 20.�h3 11Me4 21.f3 11Mxh4t 22.i>f1 11Mf6 23.�cl ? 23.�bl was essential. In that case White's bishops would have provided some compensation for the missing pawn, although I still prefer Black's chances. 23...11Mxb2-+ Salvador - Drei, Cesenatico 2010. B) 8.e4 "� '/../- 'L /, �'0 %UU,% 8 .I ..i.� *� �� 7 .l"� 'Ud%� 'l�� '1 6 fB�_�_f� 5 � �.�/,� /�mu;� ���u3� ��;���4 � �8� � 3 � 7.� /,� lL5� ' ��,�"'u;� ��,/ �/, '/� 2 8@ � ��8� 1 �;gJ'm�_I=�.� a bed e f g h This time White aims for direct action in the centre, hoping to expose Black's queens ide expansion as a loss of valuable time. 8...b5 8.. .ig7 could transpose to Chapter 8 after 9.a40-0 10.ie2 ig4 11.0-0, but White can keep the game in the realm of the present system by playing 9.Wia4t id7 10.Wib3. 9.11Me2 The main line. It is an unusual place for the queen, but the idea is to prevent Black's natural development. The natural 9.id3 is not too dangerous. 9...ig7 10.0-0 0-0 II.h3 �e8 12.�el �a7! Using the fact that the seventh rank is free, Black improves the position of the rook. a bed e 9...�e7 The main move. Don't be afraid, the bishop will go to the long diagonal eventually! The need to take the long route to g7 is highlighted by the following short line: Chapter 16 - 7.if4 a6 9...ig7? 1 0.ixd6 Wixd6 II.eS Wie7 12.d6 Wie6 13.tLJgS+- A few players have fallen for this; make sure you are not one of them! 9...tLJhS!? This is not a bad move if you don't mind a draw and there are no Sofia rules. 10.igS ie7 II.ih6 if8 12.Wie3 12.igS= 12...ixh6 13.Wixh6 b4 14.tLJd 1 Wif6 14... Wi e 7 IS .id3 ig4 16. tLJ d2 ixd 1 17.�xdl Wif6 18.0-0 Wif4 19.Wixf4 tLJxf4 20.tLJc4:t Agdestein - Bjornsson, Reykjavik 1998. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 IS.tLJd2 Yusupov - Dolmatov, Minsk 1987. Here I suggest: IS...tLJd7N 16.tLJc4 CtJeS 17.tLJde3= And now there are many good moves, for example: 17...aS 17...id7 18.f3 ibS= 18.�b 1 tLJxc4 19.ixc4 a4= Whi te's grip over the c4-sq uare is balanced by Black's extra queenside space and control over the dark squares. Returning to the main line, White's main options are Bl) 10.e5 and B2) 10.11Mc2. 10.ih6?! tLJ g4 II.ig7? �g8 + 209 10.0-0-0?! I think this is too optimistic for White. He has nothing on the kingside while on the queens ide the black pawns are ready to hurl themselves forward. 1 o. . .0-0 11. e S II.h3 b4 12.tLJbl WiaS 13.b3 A. Ponomarev - Wilke, corr. 2001. 13... tLJ bd7N 14. Wi c2 Wi c7 IS. tLJ bd2 tLJ b6 16. tLJc4 tLJ fd7+ 8 �?� A � ���-� a /!AI;.JL �8� ��� '''''''� '''''%_'iY-� . 7 �� �W.'�""�%'u,/. �� 6'. �� ..� 5 � r.2r�"""� �� �''''%� L,%�/� 7/.� 4 ����!5� 3 ��r�''''';� ��'% ��,�2 �� �!P�P 1 =gB�Bg a bed e f g h 11...tLJg4! 12.tLJe4 dxeS 13.tLJxeS 13.ig3!?N looks like a good attempt to complicate the game, although Black still remains on top with precise play: 13...fS 14.d6 fxe4 IS.dxe7 Wixe7 16.Wixe4 �a7 17.h3 ifS 18.Wie2 tLJf6 19.WixeS Wf7+ 13...tLJxeS 14.ixeS tLJd7 IS.if4 �e8 16.Wic2 tLJf6 17.d6 tLJxe4 18.Wixe4 Alburt - D. Gurevich, Estes Park 1986. Here Black's most convincing path to a huge advantage would have been: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 210 Lines without e4 18...if6!N 19.Wif3 �9.Wfxa8? .ixb2t! 20.i>xb2 Wff6t 21.i>c2 ifSt picks up the queen. 19...c4 20.ie3 id7 With ...c3 coming next, Black's attack should decide the game. Bl) 10.e5 .I -7..i.�.- �- � - �� "m, �_ �?;(o,�,,�, 4 � i 6 .U, "� _i� 5 �i.8�"""� 4 _,':"'/'_ um�� �� 3 � � �_liS_ � 2 �Jt1"""_i�:� 1 � � ��,."u , 7. ��_1:t a bed e f g h This direct attempt does not P romise h muc . 10...dxe5 11.�xe5 tlJbd7 12.0-0-0 Not working here is 12 d6;> tLJ S 13.dxe7 CLJxf3t 14.Wfxf:3 Wfxe7t � Marsa: e _ Novgorodskij, Nizhnij Novgorod 2008. 12.ig3?! Now dS-d6 is inevitable, but... 12...0-0! Black will win back the piece at least 13.d6 �e8 14.dxe7 �xe7 IS.tLJeS. tLJ S 16..ixe5.ib7!N xe �lack �s d�ing okay after other moves, but I lIke thIs trIcky option the mos t N Wh . h ,ow lte as to find a few good moves to stay in the game. 1 7. f4 17.�dl? Wie8 18.ixf6 �xe2t 19.tLJxe2 Wie6 20.igS Wixa2 + 1 7... tLJ h S 18. Wi f2 18.�dl? Wie8 19.tLJe4 ixe4 2 0 \lli 4 CLJxf4-+ .8xe �h5� 19..ie2 fXe5 20J�dl Wfc7 21..ixh5 8 r7..i. �.- �:I7 �7. _�I{r�'i 6 ,i_, ,_ _i'� 5 � & �� A �I+(m"'� � �.i.%O� � . "m '� ""'�, � 4 �"n'- _ � 3 _ � _�'� 2 A W{f{mw� �iV �?;(o'0 �� '0 o �d _ if,f)� A ���/'W�, , �WJ£Q� 0 �Q 1. m1:t��;.� a bed e f g h 12"'�,xe5 13.�xe5 �d6 14.�c6 J.g4 The Immediate 14...id7N IS 1':\ 7 \lli . I . "'lJxe axe7 ISa so fine for Black. Chapter 16 - 7.if4 a6 15.f3 �d7= 16.a4?! b417.tlJxe7 s p �.� �_7 � �.i.�r� i � � w � ��"L,/Y,uU;7.'n//- �//h � �6 &� � ��&� . � �m� ,gJ,.� ��'d""d/'� /�um;� 5 � 1�8� _ 4 l_uu7.� �� �� 3 .'U'7.� �� !� ��,�m";� �� ��'0 2 �[g BiVB 8 �� . �uu�'// / ��h � � � . � �uu� ��� ���1 � ��� ���� a bed e f g h 17...11Mxe7N The remarkable 17... 212 Lines without e4 1700.tlJg4! 18.ixe7 id4t 19.rJlhl tlJf2t= 14.tlJdl tlJxdS IS.exdS �xe2 16.ie3 Now in S. Schneider - De Firmian, Copenhagen 1999, the best continuation would have been: 8�..t S �.� 'HH"� '''H%� mH"� : !� ����!� ��'�'H'?� �� � ��i.��� '''H%� ��;� ��3 � �z".A � 2 [j�V���[j� 1 �HH%.�'Wim'H / Y- _� _ I % , a bed e f g h 16.ooig7!N More precise than 16.ooaS, which still brought Black a decent position in the game. 17.Wid3 �xe3 18.Wixe3 tlJd7 The pair of bishops and extra pawn give Black more than enough for the exchange. 19.tlJc4 tlJeS 20.�cl tlJxc4 21.�xc4 id7 22.�el WiaS+ 8 .I _.i.E �mt1> � 7 ."'m� ""'%_'1V-� f �� �///o'0r"'�7.'N//- �� 6 i. �� .i- 5 � r_�7.� /�"m;� � �� �L,%� ��7���4 8 � 'N �,8 � � 3 � ��� ��,�"u,;� ��'''0 ��,� 2 ��iV� �� 8 �t!1 1 du,,�� �=1�� h" ,v- � /"",% _ ' a bed e f g h 11...b4 White lost so much time in the opening that Black can fight for the advantage. 12.tlJbl 12.tlJdl A strange place for the knight, but eventually it can go to c4 via e3. 12...b3 I like this move most, although of course it is not the only playable one. 13.Wixb3 Perhaps White should consider an alternative, such as: 13.Wic4 tlJbd7 14.�a3 �b8 IS.�xb3 �xb3 16.Wixb3 tlJxe4 17.id3 WiaSt 18.tlJc3 tlJxc3 19.bxc3= Samraoui - Christiansen, e-mail 2003. 8 6 5 4 3 2 1 1300.tlJxe4 14.id3 fS 16.0-0 tlJd7 17.tlJc3 Yusupov - Cheparinov, Amsterdam 2008. Here I found an improvement: 17...�b8!N 18.Wic2 8 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chapter 16 - 7.il.f4 a6 19.ixgS ixgS 20.CtJxgS WixgSt Black has the initiative. � �� A ID11 ��i.%0 8 .sa��t.L�m� ���� /"""� "",/,�,�,,,,,y.� 7 �� �///o'0/�/'� �i 5 � ���/,� /"""�6 i� �� .i� ��,�""�� ��'0 ��4 8�� _8� � �L""/'� 7.� ::m%� 3 -�'0 �� �� ��,� 2 ""!�I ��,J��[j 1��� ���1:t a bed e f g h 12...b3! This dynamic continuation offers Black good chances. The solid 12...CtJhS should be enough for equality, for example: 13.ih6 �e8 14.id3 CtJd7 IS.0-0 if6 16.CtJ bd2 CtJeS 17.CtJxeS ixe S 18. CtJ c4 if4 19.ixf4 CtJ xf4= Yakovich - Martin Gonzalez, Terrassa 1999. 13.11Mxb3 tlJxe4 Black has succeeded in exchanging a flank pawn for a more central one, which is especially useful when you consider that he will soon be able to attack with his rooks along at least one of the newly-opened files. 14.�d3 tlJf6 This has been the most popular choice, but I am not sure if it is best. 14.. . fS ! ? Black's position is good enough to justify this ambitious move, which aims to keep the knight on its active outpost. IS.0-0 CtJd7 16.CtJc3 �b8 Black can consider getting aggressive with: 16...gS!?N 17.icl g4 (If you don't feel 213 the urge to give up a pawn, you can play 17...�b8 18.�c2 ttJxc3 19.bxc3 g4 20.CtJd2 CtJeS 21.ie2 f4 with a promising position.) 18.ixe4 fxe4 19.ttJd2 e3 20.fxe3 �b8 21.�xf8 t Wi xf8 22. � c2 ttJ eS oo 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17.Wic2 CtJdf6 The opening phase has more or less concluded, and Black is not worse. 18.ih6 �e8 19.CtJd2? ttJg4 20.if4 CtJxd2 I am not sure if White has enough compensation after: 20...CtJexf2N 21.�xf2 CtJxf2 22. 214 Lines without e4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e IS.�d2 tlJg4 19.tlJe4 f5 20.tlJg3 20.'2JegS? is too ambitious: 20...'2JdeS 21.ie2 (21.ixb4 ixgS 22.'2JxeS '2JxeS 23.ic2 if4 24.ic3 ixh2t-+) 21...ixgS 22.'2JxgS �d4 23.b4 ib7 Now Black is winning a pawn. 24.bxcS ixdS 2S.Wc2 dxcS + 8 �.i.S _.� �� 'S,u,%?%o,�u,u�� � 7 �Ai1� �i 6 �� ,�u3,� �� � 5� _8_i_ 4 l�U"%� �_�_ 3 "'uv-� r� �'� �?;(o'0 �?%o'0 �?;(o,�u"';�,� 2 \UlJ�f)� �� �f)� A �N � �O% 00 �O% 0 �O/. 1 �""/'� . 7. � ,m'%_fm uu /, /, � . I /::, a bed e f g h 20...�bS 21.�fel �f6 22.�c3 tlJde5 Black's position was more comfortable in Vaassen - Daurelle, Internet 2003. Overall I found no major problems, and in some places Black has the luxury of choosing between a couple of promising lines. C) S.a4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e Preventing ...bS is the main line. S...�g7 9.h3 This is the most important independent line. Instead 9.e4 ig4 10.ie21eads to Chapter 8. 9...0-0 10.e3 1 0.'2Jd2 �e8 II.e3 transposes to variation C22 on page 218. This line has become quite popular for White, who hopes to slow the game down and limit Black's counterplay by putting his pawn on e3 instead of e4. From here I analysed both Cl) 10...tlJeS and C2) 10...�eS. The first leads to a relatively slow positional struggle, whereas the second is more sharp and active. 10...We7 has actually been the most popular move, and sometimes transposes to line C 1 after a subsequent ...ttJe8, but I don't see any special advantage in developing the queen first. The aggressive 10...ttJhS II.ih2 fS 12.ie2 f4 was proposed by Watson, but both Kostas Oreopoulos and Kaufman have pointed out that after 13. o-Ot White is better. Chapter 16 - 7.Jif4 a6 Cl) 10...tlJeS �?_ A �.���. � �8 .sa /-;.L�m�.��w� �"""� '''''7.� "",Y-�,��7 �£ ��'''0 �£ �£ 6 i_ �� _i� 5 � '.�/.� �_ 4 8 '_ m,,/._ �� �� 3� /.� %n�_8 2 ����L";_ "m/'� 8� 1 �d""�� 1r:d1 � 1:t /"mY- � /, ''',/. � a bed e f g h Black guards the d6-pawn, thus allowing the knight to come to d7. 11.�e2 tlJd7 12.0-0 11Me7 As mentioned previously, this position might also be reached after 10... W e 7. Mter checking various plans I finally formed a clear picture of what Black should be doing. The first step is to redeploy the knights on eS and c7. If it looks like White is threatening to play e3- e4, Black should take countermeasures with ...fS. Depending on what White is doing, we may also look to develop counterplay on the queens ide with ...E!:b8 and ...bS, and/or on the kingside with ...gS. 8.i_.i.�6J_._ 7 � i � 6JB i/,.r : � �.�%� �� �� �""%� ��;���4 ,8 -/.'U/h ��,J�/' - 3 � � ���� 8 2 ��uu';�lZ��� 1 �:f""/._I�i� a bed e f g h 215 13.a5 White has tried several different moves here, but since the general character of the position will remain similar, I will focus on a few illustrative examples. White's most popular move has been: 13 .E!:e 1 CtJ eS This looks to me like the most natural response. 13...h6 can be played in the 'slow-motion' style. 14.aS CtJc7 lS.E!:cl fS 16.Wb3 gS 17.ig3 E!:b8 18.CtJa4 bS 19.axb6 CtJa8 20.E!:al CtJaxb6 21.CtJc3 CtJa8 22.W c2 CtJc7 White was just a little better in Aronian - Gashimov, Linares 2010. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 216 Lines without e4 18...ibS!N If Black can prevent e3-e4 the bishop on h2 will not feel well. 19. tlJxbS 19.ixbS axbS 20.tlJxbS tlJxdS 21.tlJc4 tlJ b4= 19...axbS 20.ixbS tlJxdS 21.e4 fxe4 22.tlJxe4 tlJe3 23.Wd3 ixb2? 8 .I � .i.� 4a)��.- �� �/-/-"L'/U'UY-�'�7�i.4a)�i�i 6 r� �.'''''/,� '1%1j '''0��,�u3� �� � 5 � �i%8_ _ 4 /'''U%� �UU%� �� �� �7.'n//- ��,%m"%� � 3 � � w��_ 8 2 ��um;�1L� t� 1 "uf"u%� ��UU%�'� h� �V_1:t� a bed e f g h 13...�bS When the time is right, Black will play ...bS and obtain counterplay down the b-file. 14.tlJd2 tlJe5 14...tlJc7?! is less accurate due to IS.e4, but 14...fS!? could be considered and may transpose to the main line within a few moves. 8 _.i.� 4a)��.. 7 .'l/'� �S{lY-.f 6 f� �.uu���r� '''0 ��,�u,,%C'//-� �� � 5 � wi%8,. _ 4 um/,_ "'''/'B�mu;� �_ 3 � �� ��"m%_ It 2 �dum�?flii� r- 1 "u�UU7.�'mu�uu%�,� /� _V�1:t� a bed e f g h 15.tlJa4 IS.e4N is not a real threat here as after IS...bS 16.axb6 �xb6 17.�a2 tlJc7? Black has adeq uate play. IS.Wc2 occurred In Maletin - Kopylov, Samara 2012, and here too IS...bSN 16.axb6 �xb6 looks okay for Black. 15...�d7 White may have prevented the pawn from going to bS, but now the bishop is heading for the same square. 16.tlJb6 �b5 17.�el f5 17...tlJc7N also looks playable, for instance: 18.Wb3 �bd8 19.tlJe4 ixe2 20.�xe2 tlJbS= Is.11Mb3 tlJc7 Also after 18...ixe2N 19.�xe2 tlJc7 20.tlJdc4 tlJxc4 21.tlJxc4 tlJbS the position is close to equal. 8 �� � _._ _"iY-��IDfi",uY-w;rf 7 _a'�' �� wa 6 i%��Lu;."u%1j '1%1j �,�,uu;�,�u"7.C'//� �� 5 ��.i.wi% 8 �.� i . 4 /,"u/,� '''u/,� /�""';?ff:� �� 3�'��J��8 ��'''0 ��:,/-?uu��'''0 � � %�2 w� ������ 8 � 1 �� "U%.u" u�� U" 7.m � /'''uY- _ h""Y- �"," , a bed e f g h 19.tlJdc4 tlJf7 19...tlJxc4N 20.ixc4 gS 21.ig3 �be8? 20.�adl 11Mf6 21.�g3 �bdS 22.tlJa4 tlJaS 23.tlJc3 �xc4 24.�xc4 �bS 25.tlJa4 tlJe5 26.�f1 11M dS Although minor improvements could surely be found on both sides, the general standard of Chapter 16 - 7.�f4 a6 play has been quite high, and pretty thematic for the whole variation. Over the next few moves White goes astray. � 4a) �� E ��e>- 7 .'1Y-� "'''''� ""'Y-E'i 6 i/.� �_�� 'l�� ///.'0 �?;(o'�""7.Y-'''//- �i%m 5 ¥� .8.i� 4 lb'� ""'/._ �"""� �� � �� ��,���;�3 .V� !�% �8 2 �� �_ m"/'wtJ'�%_ 1 .""7.� 1��1.fir � � �""� L,j a bed e f g h 27.tlJb6 tlJxb6 28.axb611Me7 29.�xe5? 11Mxe5 Black had much the stronger bishop and he went on to convert his advantage in Parligras- Gashimov, Porto Carras 2011. C2) 10...�e8 8.i�.i.�.i�._ 7 _1 "a ""'''_ f.i 6 r� �� �"r� 5 � �.t�� /�"''';� �� �""%� ��7� �� 4 j ��;u//� ��,��� 3 ��,�tjjWA ��� �� 2 � _ �[!}8� 1 �:i''''�_i=1_1:t a bed e f g h Overall I tend to prefer this active approach over the previous line. Now it is worth considering C21) 11.�e2 followed by the more challenging C22) II.tlJd2!. 217 C21) 11.�e2 This allows Black to get a good position with a typical simplifying procedure. 11...tlJe4! 12.tlJxe4 �xe4 13.tlJd2 �b4 .i�.i.E �.- 8 � �"""� ""'''� ��,�� 7 �/,i -�'0 �£ �£ 6 i- r� _i� 5 � �_�/,� �� �C'}'''''%� ��'0 �� 4 8�� _ � � 3 .""'/,_ �U"'''%_ 8 �'� �:///< �'� � 2 r� ���w�8� r"�"" /.�" ""(0 'if" "7.�la �iV� �1:t a bed e f g h The rook is both safe and active here. 14. tlJ c4 14.0-0 CtJd7 (14...ixb2!? IS.�bl ieS 16.ixeS dxeS 17.CtJc4 oo ) IS.CtJc4 leads to the main line. 14...tlJd7 15.0-0 The d6-pawn is safe for now: IS .ixd6?? �xc4! 16.ixc4 Wb6 wins material, while IS.CtJxd6?! ixb2 16.�b 1 ic3t also favours Black. 15...tlJb6 This is the no-nonsense approach, forcing an equal endgame. IS...CtJeS can also be tried: 16.ixeS dxeS (16...ixeSN is also okay: 17.CtJxeS dxeS 18.b3 ifS=) 17.aS id7 (17...WgS!?N 18.rJlh 1 if Sf!) 18.CtJb6 �b8 19.Wic2 if8 20.b3= Wojtaszek- Gashimov, Warsaw 2010. 218 Lines without e4 8.iB.i.E _.- 7 �f_'''U%_f.r 6 l11J %_ %_ 'l�� WdLu;�,�m'/'� ��5 R7.uu.� ��'0 �� 4 8 ��_ � � . ,,,uY-� ��,%mu%� 3 ��'0 �� ���'0 � � /,�2 @ _���8� 1 ,s(u3� i.1i= a bed e f g h 16.tlJxd6 �xf4 17.tlJxcS �b4 17..J�xa4N is also fine: 18.E!:xa4 CtJxa4 19.Wixa4 E!:xc8= IS.tlJxb6 11Mxb6 19.a5 11Md6 20.�a2 �xb2 21.11Mc2 �g7= Onischuk - Gashimov, Ningbo 2011. C22) II.tlJd2! 8.i_.i.�.i�.. W£m";� 'u""� ��,� 7 R� ��'0 �7.�J�� 6 iR �� .i. 5 ��.�7._�"UUB� 4 8�m'%_���_ , �7.'u//- �?;(o,�u,,�7. � 3 � � w� _8 2 ��A("u,;?�U"%���. iO% /�_J iO% 0 � 1 /�,m/'.v=I� 1:t a bed e f g h With this move White prevents the knight exchange and plans to put the knight on c4, where it has the potential to exert troublesome pressure against the d6-pawn. To stop this, we must plant a knight on e5. 11...tlJbd7! Black can afford to leave the d6-pawn hanging. 12.�e2 12.ixd6 is almost never played, and after 12...CtJb6 13.ixc5 CtJfxd5 14.ixb6 CtJxb6 Black had good compensation in Biriukov - Tselkovskiy, St Petersburg 2012. 12.CtJc4 CtJe4 (12...CtJe5 13.ixe5 dxe5t) 13.CtJxe4 E!:xe4 14.id3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...E!:xc4! 8.i_.i.�.ia.. � %� '''d''� %�,?'� 7�i�6J�imi �� �%0'0 �7.'N'dmn%� 6 i. . .i� 5 � �.�/,� //um;� �� �u,,%� ��:� ��4 8_ _ � � � �%'////.: ��,�/////:%� 3. � �[g .8 �ij'/t'/' .0"",;, ,//./ �"'�ij'/t'/ �, ?{� �m � �M A � 2 �� W�W�O� 1 .uu/'.V=uu/'_1:t a bed e f g h 12...tlJe5 13.0-0 13.a5N CtJfd7 14.0-0 transposes to the next note. Chapter 16 - 7.if4 a6 13...tlJfd7 14.11M c2 It is worth mentioning a couple of other plans here. 14.e4 occurred in Dubov - Gabuzyan, Jermuk 2011, and in this position I found a nice plan for Black: 14...b6!?N 8Z-..tEZ�.� ���UU�� ��,�� :!.�a��!� 5 �'U,%.�%.�. 4 �� �UU�� //'uu:�:� �� 3 � �m�I�� � �m,�u,uk""� �m'% �� 2 W� ���W��� 1 �'U'%.iV.f� a bed e f g h Intending ...g5, ...4JfB and ...�a7!, followed by using the rook to support active operations on the kingside. 14.a5!? This move has only been played once, but it presents an interesting challenge. 14...f5!?N 14...�bB?!N 15.Wic2 f5 16.�a3:t Kostas Oreopoulos. 14...b5!? 15.axb6 Wixb6 gave Black some counterplay in Kosteniuk - Cmilyte, Tbilisi (rapid) 2012, but the machines love White's position and Kosteniuk went on to win the game. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 219 15.Wic2 b5 16.axb64Jxb6� The machine thinks White is a bit better, but I think Black has enough counter-chances thanks to the strong knights and the slight weakness of the d5-pawn. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...£5 As is typical for this line, Black takes control over the e4-square and prepares a possible pawn march on the kingside. 15.�h2 8 .I �.i.�.i _._ �� ",u7.� ��'7� : f� �a��'� ����A�?_'�5 � �.%O/_:.. '� m"/'� �"""� ��4 � �7.'n//. �?;(o'0 �� � 3 � � :itJ .8 �?f Aiwi� "J���� �W�2 �O% ,�,��O% 0 � 1 �'''' 7.B, uu;�i='u" a bed e f g h Here Black has a few ways to arrange his pieces, but the following would be my recommendation. 15...b6 16.b3 �b7 220 Lines without e4 This may not be the typical square for the bishop in the Benoni, but here the d5-pawn is slightly weaker than normal. 17.tlJc4 11Me7 18.�acl Kaufman claimed a slight edge for White after 18.�ab 1, but it makes no difference, and after 18...�f8! Black is ready to follow exactly the same plan as in the main line below. It is worth adding that 19.b4?! 4Jxc4 20.ixc4 cxb4 21.�xb4 �ac8+ does not help White's cause. 8.1_ _.i�.- �� �; Lines without e4 Fianchetto System Variation Index l. d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7. g3 7...�g7 8.�g2 0-0 9.0-0 A) 9..J��e8 223 B) 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7 224 Bl) 11.�f4 224 B2) II.e4 225 B3) II.tlJd2 �e8 227 B31) 12.a5 228 B32) 12.tlJc4 229 B33) 12.h3 �b8 13.tlJc4 tlJe5 14.tlJa3 tlJh5 232 B331) 15.@h2 234 B332) 15.e4 �d7 236 B3321) 16.g4 236 B3322) 16.f4 237 B3323) 16.a5 238 B33231) 16...VMxa5 239 B33232) 16...b5 17.axb6 �b5 18.tlJaxb5 axb5 19.tlJxb5 VMxb6 241 B332321)20.tlJc3 242 B332322) 20.tlJa3 244 222 Lines without e4 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.g3 �g7 8.�g2 0-0 After White castles we will reach the basic position for the Fianchetto System. White has a solid position on the kingside and his strategy is mainly preventative. Black has the freedom to choose different plans, depending on the style of the player. The main goal is to mobilize the queenside majority, but we will see in the main line that if White prevents that, we can switch to kingside coun terplay, often involving material sacrifices. 9.0-0 The Fianchetto System was recommended in Boris Avrukh's popular Grandmaster Repertoire 2 - 1.d4 VOlume Two, which has led to it becoming particularly topical over the past few years. The rare move order with 9.CtJd2 promises nothing good to White. 9...CtJ bd7 10.CtJc4 (10.0-0 �e8 could soon lead to the main line) 10...CtJb6 11.CtJe3 �e8 12.0-0 CtJg4! 8 �...l��'�.� 7 �r�""'7..i.r 6 "'''7..�.�. 'i"� .",,,,�,�''''7.� �� :�..i�.I� �"'N//. �"'N//. ��,� 3� � � f� 2 �ft"''';.'/�'; ftf � 1 �"""W�! . � '�iii/�rMuu � ���M� " z a bed e f g h 13.CtJxg4 (13.4Jc2 id7 14.h3 CtJeS IS. Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System 2S.CtJc4 CtJxc4 26.bxc4 icB 27.�f3 �gB 2B.�gl if6 29 .ih I? Allowing a nice tactic. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 29...CtJeS! 30.�fg3 (30.fxeS ixeSt 31.�f4 �xgl 32.xgl WigSt 33.fl ixf4 34.exf4 �xf4t 3S.Wif2 �xc4t-+) 30...�xg3 31.�xg3 lDxc4-+ Sasikiran - Short, Gibraltar 2012. A) 9...�e8 8 7 6 5 3 2 1 This has been the choice of many of the world's top players, and is directed against the following move: 1 0.�f4 The more common 10.CtJd2 a6 11.a4 CtJbd7 transposes to the main line B3. 10... tlJ e4!? This implies an exchange sacrifice. 223 A good alternative is 10... CtJ a6 11.�e 1 ig4 when Black manages to develop all his pieces comfortably. 12.Wib3 bS!? 13.CtJxbS �bB 14.Wia4 Wid7 IS.Wixa6 �xbS 16.Wixd6 Wixd6 17.ixd6 CtJe4� Black has a lot of activity. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8.i�.i.S.i_._ 7 _l"B ""'%B lift 6 h""7._�_��'l�� /, ��,�m'7.� �� : �J�il��- , �%'N//- �� "m%?;(o,� 3 � � ��r� 2 rft''''';�rd�� 1 i�""%_ '.Im"" a bed e f g h II.tlJxe4 �xe4 12.tlJd2 �b4 I prefer this over 12...�xf4 13.gxf4 ibxb2 14.�bl ig7, as I believe the position after IS.CtJc4! is better for White. 13.a3 Another idea is: 13.b3 Instead of playing to win the exchange, White offers a sacrifice of his own! 224 Lines without e4 13...ixal 14.'iMfxal 8 Z...lB � .'.� 7 fli';� L,�� �:� ",,%� ��,� �,i . i 6 �. J� .i� 5 �%''''_' � . '. 4 .%.,�'� 3��. . � 2 �,., ��'�:f� 1 i! . .!m"" a bed e f g h 14...�xf4! The bishop is too strong and our rook was in trouble anyway. 15. gxf4 CtJ d 7 16. CtJ e4 16.'iMfc3 Leitao - Rocha, Sao Paulo 2011. 16...b5!N= 16...'iMfe7 17.�el 17.�cl!? b6 IB.�c3 CtJf6 19.�e3 CtJxe4 20.ixe4 �dB 21.�g3 f5! 22.id3 id7 followed by ...�e7 and ...b5 seems okay. 17...b6 IB.�c3 ib7 19.�d2 �eB 20.f5 CtJf6 Black was fine in Akesson - Brynell, Swedish League 2005. 8.i".i.S1 �.� 7 ri1';a""�.WflKf 6 _ _ 'Bu&%� %uu%, � �.�. Y'��,pi""'/" � · � 5 �/.""J�, 8 _ _ ' 4 �_�'_ 3 r/""�- ��u�WJf{� %uu�, , � � iQ% 2 "'" D, � 8 'n'1Z� 1 � .iv�!�"" , a bed e f g h 13...�xf4! This is the right way to give up an exchange. Instead 13...�xb2 14.CtJc4 �b6 15.CtJxb6 axb6 16.�a2 b5 (16...id7!?) 17.�d2 CtJa6 IB.�bl CtJc7 19.e4 was somewhat better for White in Moiseenko - Miroshnichenko, Kharkov 2009. 14.gxf4 �xb2 15.�a2 15 .�b 1 ixa3 allows Black to claim a second extra pawn. 15...�g7;; With a pawn.for the exchange and a mighty dark-squared bIshop, Black was not worse in Alburt - Peters, South Bend 19B1. B) 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7 From here we will analyse the sidelines Bl) 11.�f4 and B2) II.e4, followed by the main line B3) II.tlJd2. Bl) 11.�f4 8 /,.1 _/..i.E, _.� 7 �,i_�_i�i 6 i _, _ '�f1%� 5 -/. .�r_�"""_ 4 8_ _ '� /._ 3_ m�_�� 2 �"""_ ��rf'�%� , ",,,/,,,,,/, ��£O%�iO 1 ��. _V�'�'='''' a bed e f g h �i�h this move White avoids the sharpest vanations and just plays normal and solid moves in the centre. Black does not have the same antidote as in the previous line, but even so he has nothing to fear. 11...11Me7 This line is the most popular nowadays although I think 11...�c7 is also fine. One example continued: 12.�cl �eB 13.b4 CtJh5 14.id2 b6 15.�el CtJhf6 16.h3 ib7= Glejzerov - Oleksienko, Romania 200B. Chapter 17 - F. Ianchetto S ystem 12.h3 �b8 13.e4 Here is another I. nowhere: 13 � b Ine where Wh. M' . g5 Wi e8 17 Wi 1 ;.. g5 f6 15,!d,d2f5 16!d, , 1 lLJh5 14 � lte gets lroshnichenk . c "lJe5= G' 0, Greece 2009, ngorov - b4 225 8 _.i.�.� � 7 � ,_��!�"m 6 '%um ��S & W;r� i 5 .1!ii.tS� ��i � �� '�If/u"x, . w � � �� � um%, 4 .m,�� �� '0- 3 �mu��_,8� � � � � � m,,%, �2 �?;(o'0 �, _��� A � � //-/JP� 01 ;�tu,j� �,.n,�'- ?g/- � �� � � � � ; � a b /, � � c d e f The knight on g h capture b . b5 can avo . d . , ut It rem" I Immed' a10S 10 an odd " late posItIon 18.�a7 .ib7� . With mutu� ch . - oelhocorr. 1993 ances, De Morais C , B2) II.e4 8 H A.�'< ' ��i _,�D�'&�WJP i7 �,.JL� �.� 6 & � _ ?;(o'0 �.� 5 � ?;(o'0,7.u,,�, ;, : � . - ??� % . '/'//�""'�' � * ?' � i� �� �� A � �u,,,;,4 ��luj7.0 - B O. _A���3 � 7.����O� .- � �� _ J:":'\ f{� 2 W(f('m" � � �,�W� �d _ f{tfI,m% 1 � UU%W�� . 7. ���� / � ��� F? � uu a b �z � c d e f A rare mov e N g h . ow Wh. to transfer his kn . h Ite will not ha . Ig t to c4. ve time 11...�e8 12.� 1 12lLJ e . d2 CtJe5 13 Wi b h e compared wit h t . h c2 CtJh5 14.h3 f 5tee m' I . can presence O f h ain Ine B 33 Hd' t e kn' h . ere Isappointme c 19 t on d2 . nt for the b. h IS a bi g IS op on 1 c . 226 Lines without e4 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 CtJf6= ) ixe5 + 12...c4!? This dynamic move implies a pawn sacrifice. Black can of course choose a more solid move, but I believe in his chances. White must try to capture the brave pawn, otherwise Black will get an easy game after ...CtJc5. 13.�f1 13JMfe2 CtJc5 14JMfxc4? White can try a counter-sacrifice with 14.CtJd2!? CtJd3 15.CtJxc4 CtJxe 1 16JMfxe 1 00 . 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...b5! This simple but pleasing move releases the dynamic energy in Black's position. 15.axb5!?N The best chance to trick the opponent. 15JMfa2 b4 + 15JMffi b4 16.e5 dxe5 17.CtJe2 CtJb3-+ Dol - Faber, corr. 1995. 15...axb5 16JMfxc5 8 7 6 5 16. . . �xa 1 ! 16...dxc5? is a bad idea: 17.�xa8 b4 18.CtJa4 Wic7 19.if4 Wib7 20.�a5 �xe4 21.d6t 17.Wixb5 ia6 18.Wib4 Wib8! + 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13...11Mc714.11Md4 The more patient 14.h3 b6 15.Wid4 was played in Steckner - Kopp, corr. 1987, and here Black should have continued developing with 15...ib7N. From here play may continue: 16.Wixc4 Wixc4 17.ixc4 CtJc5 18.CtJd2 CtJfd7 19.rJl g 2 �ac8t Black has full compensation and White has a problem with the bishop on c 1. 14...tlJc5 15.11Mxc4 �g4 Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System 8 H _ _.im*-7 �iB _i.r 6 r_N"'/-��af1�� 5 � '_�7.� �"uu� 4 !�i'�!� ,_ � �7.'n//- � ��� �?;(o,�3 � ?� /"� � ��� � ��: ���� ��'�"''';� ��,�uu7.�,�2 7.U"J�W0 �7.U,,��,J� 1 �� �� �� � rf4:P 228 Lines without e4 had a strong initiative for the pawn in Leong- Palliser, York 2009. B31) 12.a5 8.i�.i.�.i�._ �� �''',%� ��'bF� 7 �£ -'-/.!h'-' i 6 im t� �i� 5 � �_�/,� //u"';� 4 u,3� �u3� �� �� �/.'N//- �� �/. ,�3 ��';��;N//-�-�,Jt]�,�2 �ff� ,�� A �ff� � �� %'Q/:: ,u�_J 0 iO% � %'Q 1 f�uu/'�il. !� "" a bed e f g h 12...b5 This is my preference, although several games have continued 12...�bB 13.CtJc4 CtJe5 14.CtJb6 CtJed7 15.CtJc4= followed by an early handshake. 13.axb6 tlJxb6 14.tlJb3 Another option is: 14. e4 Black is fine here, since his knight controls the c4-square and he is free to develop the .. . remaInIng pIeces. 14...�bB The less common 14...a5 also leads to a good position. 15.'iMfc2 a4 16.h3 ia6 17.�dl CtJfd7 Black has made all the normal moves here. IB.ifl ixfl 19.�xfl This was Ilincic - 1. Rajlich, Budapest 2006, and now after 19...c4N 20.CtJdbl (20.CtJxa4 CtJc5 21.CtJxb6 �xal 22.CtJbxc4 �e7+) 20...CtJc5 21.ie3 CtJ b3 22.�a3 id4= Black has a comfortable position. 15.�c2 Now we have to decide where to put the knight. IS...CtJg4!? There is also 15...CtJfd7 with the same ideas as in the previous line. 16.CtJdl a5 17.CtJe3 ia6 IB.�dl a4= Soppe - Hoffman, Buenos Aires 199B. 16.h3 CtJe5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17.f4 White preferred the more patient 17.CtJd 1 in Baburin - J. Cobb, Birmingham 2001. Here I would suggest 17...a5!?N IB.f4 CtJed7 19.rJlh2 ia6= with good chances for Black. 17...CtJec4 IB.CtJf3 f5t Black obtained good play in Willsch - Heller, Schleswig Holstein 1991, and several subsequent games. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c 14...�f5 This is the most interesting continuation and it leads to a complex game. Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System It is important to mention that Black has a solid equalizing option: 14...ctJc4 IS.�a4 ctJb6 16.�a2 ctJc4= Black offers a move repetition. White does not have to accept it, but he gains no advaQtage from declining, for instance: 17.Wid3 �bB IB.Wixc4 �b4 19.Wid3 �xb3= Redolfi - Mulder van Leens Dijkstra, corr. 19B7. 15.f3 lS.ctJaS ttJe4 16.�a3 occurred in Stempin - Nowak, Poznan 1997, and now after 16...Wid7N� Black's pieces are well placed and he has no problems. 15...tlJc4 16.e4 �d7 Note the usefulness of the knight on c4 in preventing the white knight from going to as. The young Italian GM Sabino Brunello has reached this position three times with White but has failed to achieve anything special. 8.1_ �.i-.- � �� h'''X� ��,�� 7 �7. �! �/'!J�£ 6 iB W �i� � �.lr� /�''''';� : ��-�!��- � �?:n//-��� ��,� 3 .���: _8� 2 ��"""B �_j£� 1 �d""%�;B rWi "" �u,� �////� � � u/� a bed e f g h 17.�f2 Brunello's most recent outing with this line continued 17.'We2 ibS= IB.ih3? ttJaS 19.Widl ctJxb3 20.Wixb3 ixf1 + Brunello - Naiditsch, Plovdiv 2012. 17...a5 18.�f1 tlJe5 19.tlJd2 tlJh5 20.�e2 f5 21.f4 tlJg4 This natural move forces White to exchange a valuable bishop. 229 The more adventurous 21...fxe4!?N is also possible, for instance: 22.ctJdxe4 ctJf7 23.ixhS gxhS 24.WixhS id4°o 8.1_ �.i_._ 7 � -J.- �r 6 ���_���r� � "}!,,,,% � 5 11 �8_i_� 4 "'U�� �UU�� :0:- �/,'n//- �� "''' ,�,� 3- � � i[g �WMm";?� ��t:I "jWM2 �� ��:�� � �O 1 /'"u�"u/.?& /4�� . "'''/' f!i u" /,� � � L, � a bed e f g h 22.�xg4 fxg4 23.�e2?! More challenging is: 23.ctJc4N icB 24.eS dxeS 2S.fxeS ixeS 26.ctJxeS �xe5°o 23...�d4t 24.@g2 tlJf6i White had to work hard for the draw in Brunello - Rotstein, Brescia 2009. B32) 12.tlJc4 .i�J.�.i�.- 8 �� '''''7.� ��,�� 7 �i ���?!1�£ 6 i- �� �.i_ ��'�""7.� �"""� : !�!5'���- � �7.'N//- �� ��,�3m m m f� 2 �D"''';_8n�� 1 �'U'7.�'W!�U" �, ,� �, � _ I � u � a bed e f g h With this move White tries to save a tempo by omitting h2-h3, but this policy may easily backfire. 230 Lines without e4 12...tlJe5 Black proceeds analogously to the main line. 13.tlJa3 This ambitious move is riskier for White than for Black. Objectively White should probably exchange knights: 13. ctJxe5 �xe5 Black is practically assured of equality here, but he is unlikely to achieve much more. The knight exchange should generally favour the side wi th less space, especially when it means eliminating the powerful knight on c4. 14. e4 14.if4 .�eB 15.Wic2 also leaves Black with a few good options. One noteworthy game continued: 15...ctJg4 16.�abl Wic7 17.h3 ctJe5 IB.ctJe4 if5 Black was comfortable and after 19.94 ixe4 20.ixe4 b5 21.b4? c4 + he had a big advantage in Arkell - Vallejo Pons, Rijeka 2010. 14...�eB 15.h3 15.if4 �bB 16.a5 is well met by 16...b5! 17.axb6 �xb6 IB.Wic2 ctJg4 19.h3 ctJe5. The b2-pawn was weak and White was left without a truly promising plan in D. Fernandez - Kacheishvili, Orlando 2011. 15...�bB 16.Wid3 16.�b 1 was played in Palliser - Richardson, Birmingham 2001, and now after 16...b5N 17.axb5 axb5 IB.b4 ctJd7! Black has nothing to worry about. 16...ctJd7 17.ie3 f5 IB.Wic2 ctJf6 19.exf5 ixf5 20.Wid2 Kempinski - Istratescu, Plovdiv 200B. Here I found a modest improvement: , /- � �8 � ��.. "",y.� '''''%� y.�r% 7 �j ��'0 �%n4.j 6'. W� ..� 5 �_�%� I;� 4 !� �""�� �� � � y.� �'n �lj'kH �lj'A" � �� �� �ff1 A3 � &1 � �C9o 2 �WA(''''''IDk£'nn%Wff{� _ /-� �O� ��� �O��� 1 �''''h_'''''h_jW _ _I z, a bed e f g h 20...Wid7!N Based on the following point: 21.g4 ctJe4+ 8.i_.i.�.i_._ 7 7. �� '''d/'� ��,� 6 i � r� .i 5 � �wzr."u,;� � 4 !� �"'�� �/""';� �_ 'H/h �7.'H/h �� �//A'� 3'� "m _ ,,�t] �'� � �'� �'�2 u"'�, '/ ���,!�� 1� �iVB1:t � a bed e f g h 13...tlJh5 14.h3 In most games White has felt the need to cover the g4-square anyway, but now the problem becomes apparent: Black is by no means forced to transpose to the main line by putting his rook on bB. Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System Here is another nice line illustrating Black's resources: 14.e4 f5 15.h3 b5! Black has managed to open the whole board, while conveniently taking advantage of the rook's position on aB instead of bB. 16.axb5 axb5 17.ctJcxb5 ia6 IB.id2 8 X� BX..� �� "''''%� ��'�� 7 '��'l/ � ."�/ ��,� 6 -L. ���� ..� ��,Ji,3%n,/, �% 5 �l2J��8.iB� 4 �� "',,%� 'Y;0;':� �� ��_�_�W� 3�: . . W�O 2 Y""J� '� � �:f� 1 �""%_".:� a bed e f g h IB...fxe4!N (IB...Wib6 is also excellent and led to an eventual victory in Ogloblin - Obukhov, Alushta 2004, but the text move is even stronger.) 19.�el WibB! 20.ctJc3 ctJd3 21.�xe4 �fB! White's position is on the verge of collapse. 14...£5! 14...�bB 15.e4 id7 leads to the main line, but from this position Black can do better. 15.f4?! This is not the best move, but I want to highlight an important improvement over the existing games. Here are a few other exam pies: 15.e4 b5! gives Black excellent play, while once again highlighting the usefulness of the rook on aB. 1 5 . 232 Lines without e4 8 7 6 5 4 3 a b c lS...tLtxg3!N d h' It is strange that nobody has playe t IS thematic sacrifice. 15 CtJ f7 is to be fair, also not bad. One exa��le cont�nued: 16.c;t>h2?! (16JWe1 �d7+) 16...b5! + 17.axb5? axb5 IB.CtJcxb5 ia6 19.�bl Wd7 20.CtJc3 ixc3 21.bxc3 ixe2-+ Tuhrim - Can, Rethymnon 2011. 16.fxe5 tlJxf117.1];\fxf1 b5! Yet again we see this move. It is important to open more files and diagonals. 8 r .i._.i�.� .B. �� ""'7.� '�r 7�, -�'0 �.��� 6 i- W� .,.� ��,�U" '�M & .5�i�8U.. �� 'uu/,_ "'" '_ � 4 ,�� �F'//� �� �_ 8 3�: /�, � � � �� ;'luuu?1r(uuu� A _ ��2 !8� � Q �, '/ ,u'0uu7.�,% � \UlJ m1 / ,� � �,�Lj a bed e f g h 18.axbS 1 Th IB 6 b4 19.CtJc4 bxc3 20.bxc3 a5. e .e � 3�1 strong knight must be de stroy�d! (2.0...Ji!.XC .. 21.if4 ixal 22.Wxal oo ) 21.if4 ifB 22.e4 ia6 + 18...axb5 19.tlJcxb5 �xe5 20.�f4 8�m.i.B.i_.� .B. �� "'u/,� '_ i 7 �7. -�'0�. ,. 6 _ _ .,.. ��,�uu '?f� & .5.�.8�.. 4 �B""'/'_"'''%�, � /.;n//-��� '� _ 8 0um;�,"0 '_ A . � � �3�; _ � �7.2 � .Q.,�� �""�''''/,� �iV�1 � _ � �,,,,,/. /, , " Y- a bed e f g h 20...i.a6! . 21 E1b 1 �xa3 Better than 20...ixb2 . 22.CtJxd6 �fB 23.CtJxcB �xcB when White has some compensation for the exchange. 21.,heS :axeS 22.c�jc3 :ab8+ , Material is approximately even, but Black s superior coordination makes him the clear favourite. B33) 12.h3 � � � ? 1 �.�8 .I �.i.�,.i �///"0 ' � '�JIi\_ i � i 7 _ i �,� �7.'N/�m�� 6 �i �� ,;m'%� �"uu� '- _ .i_5 � �8_ �, �� um7.� 'm � �4 8. � �"/ � �7.'n//-/. � m ?rM A� m ?� . ��O3 � ��; � �",,�, �///,,�m"', � ,///�/- 8 '� � '� �� %0 � % 0't � � �# � � � + � �� � ;' � � % %2 � � u//. ' . ",,%///'// %""/'''' '�'%\iitf� � �1 �� ����� / / a bed e f g h F . II we arrive at the main line. With the Ina y . . black knight heading for e5 at some pOInt, It . fi I e WhI . t e to take the g 4-square underIS use u for control in advance. Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System 12...�b8 It is too early to put the knight on e5, so Black needs a waiting move of sorts, and this is the most purposeful one available. 13.�c4 Black was threatening ...b5, so White's choices are limited. 13.a5 This is not dangerous for Black. 13... b5 14.axb6 CtJxb6 15.e4 15.Wc2 a5 16.�dl a4 17.e4 �a6= 15...CtJfd7 8 7 6 16.f4?! This has been the most popular move but it is not a good one. 16. W c2 W c 7 1 7. CtJ d 1 c4 lB. CtJ e3 CtJ e 5 19 .�a3 W c5= V. Alterman - Yudasin, Haifa 1993. 16...c4+ 17.CtJa4 CtJxa4 IB.�xa4 CtJc5 There are too many weaknesses in the white camp. 233 19.�a3 19.�xc4 a5 20.e5 �a6 (20...Wb6 21.�c2! CtJe4t 22. 234 Lines without e4 After the text move Black's main plan is to play ...fS and attack on the kingside. Here White sometimes plays B331) 15.@h2 but the main line is B332) 15.e4. IS.f4? can be refuted as follows: IS...ctJxg3 16.fxeS ixeS 17.ctJc4 (17.�f2N Wh4�) 17...ixc3 IB.bxc3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c B331) 15.@h2 8 ��.i.�.i� ._ '''''Y-� '''''7.� ��,� :f'���"� 5' �.�/,� ���' 4 !� "'''/,� /�"",;� �_ :'//� �C'//� �� ��,�� 3 �� ;�� � ��8 2 0m";�"m;� 8� £� 1 �''''/'�'Wf_'''' /" ,Y- "",,% � ' � a bed e f g h 15...£5 This is the main move, but there is an intriguing alternative: IS...gS!? Black's idea is to discourage f2-f4, thus enabling his knight to remain on eS, which will in turn keep the white one tied back on a3. 16.f4? The obvious question is: what happens if White stubbornly tries to remove the knight anyway? 16. ctJ c2 occurred in L. Szabo - Christiansen, Hastings 19 Bl, and here I like the look of: 16...Wif6!N 17.ctJe3 (17.f4? gxf4 IB.gxf4? [ 1 B .ixf4 Wi g6 + ] lB. . . Wi g6-+ ) 1 7... Wi g6 IB.Wic2 fS 19.id2 �fB+ Maybe White's best is 16.e4N g4 1 7 .f4 (or 17.hxg4!?N ixg4 IB.f3 id7 19.ih3f!) 17...ctJg6 IB.Wid3 with unclear play, Skjoldager - Rydell, Helsingor 2012. 16...gxf4 17.gxf4?? The lesser evil is 16.ixf4 as played in Sisak - Marusak, Bratislava 1991, but in that game Black obtained a clear positional advantage after eliminating the bishop on f4. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17...ttJg4t! Or 17...Wih4! IB.Wiel ctJg4t 19. Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System the text move is much stronger. 17.gxf4 I also considered 17.ixf4 ctJxf4 IB.gxf4 Wih4! and now 19.fxeS Wif4t 20. 236 Lines without e4 17...tlJf6 Another idea is 17...b6 18.e4 ltJf6 as in Cuevas Rodriguez - Marin, Andorra 1997. 18.11Mc2 �d719.a5 �b5 20.tlJb611Mc7 21.�el �e7 22.�d2 �be8= Barmbold - Philippe, Germany 2007. B332) 15.e4 This is the main line and by far the most popular move. White wants to stop ...f5. 15...�d7 Leaving both knights in danger, but completing development and preparing to launch the b-pawn. 15..J%f8 16. Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System 17...axb5 18.tlJcxb5 �xb5 19.tlJxb5 �xb5 20.gxh5 11Mb6� 8 _ _.i�.� 7__ Bi�i �r'L'; 7.�,� �� um�� 6 � ii� .i� 5 .i_�7.��� 8 4 �_ "u'7.� /y�,;� �� � ������3� � � _8 �'� � �'� � '�2 �� _ ���� uu�uu��/� �_uu��'0"1 �� �iV.1:t� a bed e f g h 21.�a2 �b3 22.h6 Alternatively after 22.h4 CtJd3 23.ie3! �xb2 24.�xb2 CtJxb2 25.We2 CtJa4 26.Wg4 White drummed up just enough counterplay to maintain the balance in Mikheev - I. Brooks, corr. 2007. 22...�f6 23.�d2 �xb2= Murden - Lambert, e-mail 2003. B3322) 16.f4 8 �� S.i_.- ."mY-� nu,7.� ��,�� : f� �,��,� � �J!u"�,, // � 5� �8� -A)) 4 f� u,u7.� ��';��� 'u// �/"u//- �� "m7.?;(o,� 3 � m _ ��8 2 ;'l,u";wmu;� ���_ "ur!:u,,��;� �� ��,�1 Q: �iV� 1:t � / / /, , a bed e f g h Showing a good appetite may not be healthy for White. 237 16... tlJxg3 17.fxeS cixeS 18.�f2 There are two noteworthy alternatives: IB.ctJc4 id4t 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 19 .�f2 19. 238 Lines without e4 and here Black could have capitalized on his advantage with: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 lB. � f3 This was played in a game that I had the opportunity to witness from a short distance. IB...bS 19.axbS axbS 20.ie3? 20.CtJaxbSN is better although 20...Wh4!� still favours Black. (But note that 20...ixbS? should be avoided due to 21.CtJxbS �xbS 22.�xg3 ixg3 23.Wd3t.) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 20...fS! 21.�xg3?! This does not help, but White's position is bad after other moves too. 21.. .ixg3-+ Berg - Hoyos, Tromso 2010. 18...b5 Once again Black's initiative extends across the entire board. I believe he has, as a bare minimum, enough compensation for the knight. IB...ixc3!?N 19.bxc3 CtJxe4 20.�f3 bS 21.axbS axbS 22.CtJc2 fS= is a playable alternative, but the text move is more thematic. 19.�f3 f5 20.exfS Here it was necessary to improve on Black's play in the game Maletin - Vocaturo, Balaguer 2010. 8 7 6 5 3 2 1 20... tlJxfSN Black can even consider 20...gxfS!?N 21.axbS axbS 22.if4 Wh4 23.ixeS �xeS 24.CtJc2 b4! 2S.CtJe2 CtJe4 26.�ffl Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System ��� IDl1 � � r>m 8 �& �eT�.ea � ..� 7 .'lY-.t�fli 6 i_ '� '�'1�� '0 %?;(o'd'"u7. � 5 7.� ¥��� _� 4 U"'%_ u"'/._ ��,;� � � �� � �/,'n//- ���, '/ 3d m � W(!f8 2 �u"';�u"';_ ��i� 1 ;�t"u /.� � . � uu'7.%'� 0� � �iV�R/� ,,, � Nu, ��� a bed e f g h This is the most popular move, and Avrukh's recommendation. Here I would like to present two contrasting approaches for Black: B33231) 16...11Mxa5 and B33232) 16...b5. B33231) 16...11Mxa5 This may lead to heavy complications. 17.g4 tlJf6 18.f4 IB.gS does not seem to be an improvement: IB...ttJhS 19.f4 ttJc4 20.ttJxc4 Wixal 21.ttJxd6 ixc3 22.bxc3 Wixc3 Black had at least equal chances in Avrukh - Kamsky, Khanty- Mansiysk 2007, and several subsequent games. 239 Black has three pawns for a piece, and the more reliable pawn structure. White has tried a few moves, but his only really dangerous approach is to start an attack. 20.f5! tlJe5! I like this move the most. 20...id4t?! 21.rJlhl CtJf2t 22.�xf2 ixf2 23.igS is dangerous for Black. It is worth mentioning a high-level game: 20...hS!? I prefer the main-line move, but this alternative is certainly playable. 21.igS Wib4 22.f6 ihB 23.Wid2 (Perhaps White could try to improve here; 23.ttJa2!? is one possibility.) 23...Wid4t 24.Wixd4 cxd4 2S.ttJe2 �eS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 240 Lines without e4 21.f6 Avrukh proposed this move, and it was later tested in a few games. 21...�h8 22.�g511Md8 23.tlJc2 b5! Avrukh gave the line 23...h6 24.ih4 gS 2S.ig3 ixf6 26.ttJe3t which indeed looks promising for White. Black has freed his dark- squared bishop, but in the process he has permanently weakened his kingside. The text move is more ambitious, and just a better move all round. Black leaves his bishop buried on hB for the time being, having confidence that a suitable opportunity will arise to free this piece later in the game. Meanwhile he sets his queenside pawns in motion and challenges White to find a good plan. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e g 24.b4!?N White needs to do something about the queenside pawn roller. The following two examples highlight the need for an Improvement. 24.ttJe3?! b4 2S.ttJe2 h6 26.ih4 (26.ixh6 ixf6 also favours Black.) 26...aS 27.ttJcl c4 2B.Wid2 a4 Black was in full control and White already felt compelled to resign in Claridge - Catt, corr. 2010. 24.�xa6 b4 2S.ttJe2 ibS 26.�al �aB was also promising for Black in Mareco - Flores, Moron 2012. 8 �� B.i- �� ,u"y,� :r� r� 'i :f��_��f- ��,�'" '�7. 'n/�" ,,%�,� 5 �iw��. � 4 7.n""7.� /��,;� ,uu%� 3 .UU7.��� �� � 2 ��/�S� ��!_ u,,� �� �� �%,i{�1 /� �iV�1:t� a bed e f g h 24...cxb4 24...Wib6!? also looks playable, but I like the text move. The following sequence is not completely forced, but I believe it represents best play on both sides. 25.tlJxb4 as 26.tlJc6 tlJxc6 27.dxc6 �xc6 28.tlJd5 �xd5 29.exd5 Black has four pawns for a piece, but for the time being the bishop on hB is incarcerated. Still, Black will always have ways to free it, for instance by playing ...h6 or ...�eS at the right moment. The continuation might be: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c e g Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System 29...11Mb6t 30.h2 b4 31.�cl b3 It is hard to give a definitive evaluation, but I would say Black is, at the very least, not worse. It is not easy for White to restrain the queepside pawns while also keeping the f6- pawn secure. B33232) 16...b5 8 �� �.i�.- 7. uU ,y,_:r_fBt 6 l� %� �� 'l�� �'0 ��'�''''%7.'''//- �� 5 ��i��. -41) 4 ",u'7.� U'''7.� /ouu� � � 7.� � �8��� �� � �'0 3 W W . 1�8 2 0u",;�u",;_�O�_ {"'�u,,%�;� % . � �uu%,%:,�1 � �iV� 1:tm / , ,V, / /:: ,,/; a bed e f g h This move leads to somewhat more simplified positions, although both players will need to continue playing accurately. 17.axb6 �b5 Black offers a pawn in the spirit of the Benko Gambit. In return he will obtain pressure along the b-file plus the use of the d7 -square for his knights. 17...�xb6!? This is a playable alternative, especially if Black is happy with a draw. lB. g4 IB.f4 ttJxg3 19.�f2 �b4 20.fxeS ixeS 21. ttJ c2 occurred in Dziuba - lordachescu, Bratto 2010, and here I suggest 21...Wih4!N 22.ttJxb4 cxb4 23.ttJe2 ixh3 when Black's attack fully compensates for the material defici t. 8 7 6 5 241 20...hxg621.Wie2 8 7 6 5 Let's return to the main line. WgSt 242 Lines without e4 �,�� ���. � �8 �� %g�.a�.� .'''''�� 'S,,"%� �%F� :f��_��T� 5 .£.�7.��� Ai) 4 �_ "'''7..y�,;_�_ 3 �� �� � rff(jff(f �' '�' _ �@8 2 �""';�""';_ ���_ ''''d/'''''%�'% �_''''%�'�1 �m � V_1:t � a bed e f g h 18.tlJaxb5 If White goes IB.�e 1 then Black can safely play IB...Wixb6, since 19.f4? runs into 19...ttJd3, and 19.ttJaxbS axbS 20.f4? also allows 20...ttJd3!. 18...axb5 19.tlJxb5 11Mxb6 From here White has tried both possible knight retreats: B332321) 20.tlJc3 and B332322) 20.tlJa3. B332321) 20.tlJc3 8 � _.i_.� 7. _ _i_i 6 E _ � '1'� 5 .""'7..�%_�� Ai) 4 '� ""'7.� ��"� �� 3������� 2 �ftm";_�n'£_ 1 ���""7.W��� . ' 1:t UU%� W /'� ��/ ���/- % �/" Y, / //, /::" a bed e f g h 20...tlJc4 This move is active, although Black should take care as the knight could be a little bit unstable here. The alternatives are worth checking: Compared with line B332322 below, White's knight on c3 supports e4 and blocks the long diagonal, therefore 20...Wib3 no longer seems quite so purposeful. Nevertheless I suspect it's still fully playable, with, for example, 21.g4!? ttJf6 22.f4 ttJc4 23.Wixb3 �xb3 24.�f2 ttJd7 giving Black continued queens ide pressure. 20...c4!? seems like a valid alternative, with the idea of planting the knight on d3 where it dominates the centre. 21.g4 ttJf6 22.�a2 ttJd3 23. Wi e2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 �� _.1_._ 7. _ _i.r ��/-"L' � � �m� 6 � W� .&� �g� �.% ..� . '''''7.�'�''''7.� �� �5�, �.I� � �Ai) 4 _�_�_�,� 3 � ,�: _ f�8 �rff(?'uu;� �rff(Z� � %�2 �@ � ��dib� "",(,,3///0'0 � �. � �",,%% '/ �1 �Fr0 ��\UlJ� Fr � /� �� ��� a bed e f g h 21.11Me2 Against 21.�a2 Black has a nice improvement in 21.. .id4! ensuring that the bishop stays active. (Instead after 21...Wib3 22.g4 ttJf6 23.if3! Wixdl 24.�xdl �b4 2S.ie2 White Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System 243 was able to swap off his bad bishop and had chances to be better in Lemos - Mayorga, Asuncion 2011.) ,8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 The value of Black's last move can be seen after 22.g4 ttJ f6 00 when the bishop is strong on d4. Black has pressure against the e4-pawn and keeps the ... Wib3 idea in reserve. Another possible plan is exchanging off the useful defensive rook with ...�a8. I also decided to analyse the untested but fairly logical move: 21.g4!?N ttJf6! (21...ttJxb2 22.Wif3 Wib3 23.�a7 �f8 24.ttJa4 ttJxa4 2S.Wixb3 �xb3 26.�xa4 ttJf6 27.�a6t) 22.�a2 �a8 23.Wic2 ttJd7 24.�xa8 �xa8 2S.if3 �b8 Finally Black is poised to capture the b-pawn. 8 �� � �.� ",,,y.� �� ��&V� 7 ��" 244 Lines without e4 an obvious move. Unfortunately for White, his chosen move loses a more important pawn than the weakling on b2. A better attempt was 2S.f4!? h4 26.g4 CtJxb2 27.ixb2 Wixb2 28.ttJdl when White's kingside looks rather overextended, but at least this way he would have been able to complicate the struggle. Overall I would evaluate Black's chances as only slightly better here. 25...11Mxdl 26.tlJxdl tlJxe4 27.�xe4 �xe4 28.�a4 Indirectly defending b2, but with the e4- pawn already having fallen, Black has a more attractive target. 8 �� _ _.� .,uuy.� %� %� 7. : �� �_�� f� � �.�%� ��! 5 ���UU%�'0i�� � � 7.�4 1:t �Ai)�.i � '/ � 3� _ _ W[j8 ��'''0 �� ��,JuJ� 2 ��.��_ Wf£"u%�'r� �.'U,%� �1� ��_1:t�� a bed e f g h 28...tlJb6! 29.tlJc3 �e5 White's position has become distinctly unappetizing. Such a scenario is far from unknown in Benko-type positions, in which Black restores the material balance while maintaining pressure against other weaknesses. 30.�a7 tlJxd5 31.�d7 �xc3 32.bxc3 �e6 33.c4 The c-pawn will fall after this. I dare say that the dark-squared bishop would have liked to have moved at some point, but here 33.id2 �b2 34.�dl ttJf6 3S.�d8t rJl g 7 followed by some combination of ...�c2, ...�e2 and ...ttJe4 would have left Black with an overwhelming . .. . Ini tIatIve. 33...tlJb6 White resigned in Sturt - Berg, Helsingor 2011. B332322) 20.tlJa3 8 �� _.1_._ 7 _"'u�_ �_ i �r �r'L'���']���"��6 ii1 /i% .i� .uU'7..�7._�_i 5 �� ""'7.� /uu,,� 7._4 �:'//��� �� ��,� 3,�: . . :f�8 2 �Lu;��� �wtJ�� ��{U"%��!.��l�1 r� m�.�� a bed e f g h 20...11Mb3! This move was not mentioned by Avrukh, and to be fair it had not been played at the time his book was published! In the last few years it has been played several times at GM level and is currently considered the critical path of the 16...bS line. It's important to realize that, just as in the previous line, the present position is essentially a Benko Gambit. As is often the case in that opening, Black should not fear the exchange of queens as his compensation will persist and quite possibly grow in an endgame. The text move also has the benefit of controlling the third rank. By the way, it is worth pOInting out that 20...c4?! is premature: 21.rJlh2! WicS 22.ie3 Wib4 23.ttJc2 Wixb2 24.�a6 �ed8 2S.CtJd4 c3 26.ttJc6 c2 27.Wicl ttJxc6 28.�xc6:t Anastasian - Gopal, Abu Dhabi 2007. Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System 21.@h2 White has several other candidates here. a) 21.Wie2?!N CtJd3 is good for Black. b) 2i.f4? Wixg3! 22.fxeS ixeS shows that the position might quickly return to Benoni waters, with White in huge trouble here: 8 7 6 5 23.�f3 Wih2t 24.rJlfl id4 �xb2 26. ttJ c2 ttJ f4 !-+ c) 21.g4 CtJf6 22.�bl Wixdl 23.�xdl �b3! 24.rJlfl Sasikiran - Battaglini, Bastia 2011. (24.id2 CtJfd7 2S.ic3 gS! ) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 d) 21.�b 1 Wi xd 1 22.�xd 1 �b3 Not only blocking the b-pawn, but also exerting pressure on the third rank. 245 8 7 6 5 23.id2 The last point can be highlighted by 23.ie3? CtJxg3! + . 23...�aB 24.g4 CtJf6 2S.ic3 �xc3 26.bxc3 �xa3 27.f4 ttJc4 27...ttJed7 2B.�b7 �xc3 also leads to a draw: 29.gS CtJh5 30.�xd7 id4t 31.rJlhl ie3 32.�xd6 ttJg3t 33.rJlh2 ixf4 34.�dBt rJl g 7 = 2B.eS! This saves the day for Whi tee 2B...dxe5 29.d6 exf4!?N 29...�a7 led to a draw in Le Quang - Giri, Beijing 2011. 30.�bBt ifB 31.d7 ttJxd7 32.�xd7 �al t 33.rJlf2 �a2t 34.rJl g l f3 Unfortunately this is not quite winning. a bed e f g h 3S.ixf3 ttJeS 36.�ddB ttJxf3t 37.rJlfl rJl g 7 3B.�xfB �d2= Black is poised to deliver perpetual check with the knight. 246 Lines without e4 e) 21.Wixb3 �xb3 22.�dl We have reached the same position as the main line, but the king is on g 1. 8 � BE... �� �� ���� : ���.��,� �ij'/O"'}""%"'" �� �. �. .� : �� �,j.'E:.�� ''',/. �� �� �w.'� 3 �E� � �fj� 2 '''''';��.���. ''''1'''''''�/� �� _ ' "'Uh�,�1 � m�� W� , z a bed e f g h 22... ttJ f6! The knight embarks on a long journey. This is better than 22...�ebB 23.rJlfl f5 24.exf5 gxf5 25.�a2 �fB 26.rJl g l �aB 27.ifl c4 2B.rJl g 2 ttJd3 29.ttJxc4 �xa2 30.�xd3 �b4 31.ttJxd6 ixb2 32.�d2 f4 33.ie2 ttJf6 34.gxf4 ttJxd5 35.ic4 ixcl 36.ixdSt 1-0 Sasikiran - Arnold, Bastia 2011. 23.id2 ttJfd7 24.ic3 ttJb6 25.�acl ttJed7 26.ixg7 rJlxg7 27.�d2 �aB 2B.ifl ttJe5 Black's moves are natural and easy to find. 29.rJl g 2 �a4 30.f4 ttJf3= Malikentzos - Grigorov, Plovdiv 2012. 8 � B.i..� � . ,,,,,y.� �� ��,��7 _� �///.'0 �A �ti 6 _ �� _i� � �Y/. '�UU�7.'N//, �� 5. ��. .4i) � �",j� �/,,,u\%i �� � �8�-4 7.'N//. �� �� �7. ,�� 3�"iWD . �8 %-u""�'0 �� � � ��,�u"7.�'�2 �� � �� �� � }�� %'0% iO%� � 1 f_""7.�-i.j."'u a bed e f g h 21...11Mxdl 22.�xdl �b3 Black has good compensation here too. 23.g4 Preven ting ... f5 . 23...tlJf6 24.@gl tlJfd7 I found an amusing draw in the following line: 24...�ebB!?N 25.f4 ttJf3t 26.ixf3 �xf3 27.e5 dxe5 2B.fxeS ttJd7 29.e6 fxe6 30.dxe6 ttJe531.e7 8 7 6 5 8 � � _.i_. � � � �� ������7- _4i)_i�i 6 ���_���r� //h ��,�uu%7.'n/h �� � 5- ���. . 4 �� �u,j� �/�';� f� 7.'N/h �� �/, �� � %-'''u;� '0 �� �?;(o'0 ��3 ,�.i- B _8 2 � D if[g�_ ""r£uu�Wc;� �.u,,��,�1 f� �1:t. m a bed e f g h 25.f4 tlJf3t 26.@f2 26.ixf3 looks risky, as after 26...�xf3 27.ttJc4 �xe4 2B.�aBt ifB 29.ttJxd6 �e2°o the black rooks are extremely active. 26...tlJh4 27.tlJc4 id4t 28.@f1 �g3 29.tlJxd6 Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System 29...�xg2?? 30.�xd4+- Grischuk - Vocaturo, Khanty-Mansiysk (01) 2010. 30.�d2 tlJxg2 31.�xg2 �xh3 32.@el Now we will make way for the knight. 33.tlJxc4 tlJc5 34.�c2 34.�a3?! �hl t 35.rJld2 �b4 36.CtJe3 (36.CtJd6? ixb2-+) 36...CtJb3t 37.�xb3 �xb3 38.CtJdl �b4+ 247 34... tlJxe4 34...�hl t 35.rJle2 �h2t= Conclusion The Fianchetto System presents a good challenge but it seems to me that Black can obtain an active and promising game in all the major variations. Avrukh's recommendation deserves especially close attention, but we have seen that Black has the relative luxury of being able to choose between two quite satisfactory options on move 16. Lines without e4 Knight's Tour Variation Variation Index l.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.llJc3 exdS 5.cxdS d6 6.llJf3 6...gG 7.llJd2 A) 7...llJbd7!? B) 7...lLg7 8.llJc4 0-0 Bl) 9.g3 B2) 9.lLg5 B3) 9.lLf4 B31) 9...b6 B32) 9...llJe8 B2) after 19.icl a bed e f 19...c4!N B31) note to lS.ixbS c d e f 16...c4!?N 249 250 251 252 253 253 257 B32) note to 13.ie2 Chapter IB - Knight's Tour Variation l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.tlJd2 In this variation we see the white knight making an early journey from gl-f3-d2-c4, hen�e the name "Knight's Tour". The main reason for executing this manoeuvre so early in the game is to attack the d6-pawn, with the help of if4 and perhaps even CtJbS. This all takes time of course, and we will see some lines where Black just abandons the d6-pawn in search of the initiative. We will consider A) 7... tlJ bd7!? followed by the main line of B) 7...�g7. A) 7...tlJbd7!? Black has the simple idea of countering White's manoeuvre with a knight tour of his own. 8.e4 B.CtJc4 allows Black to implement his plan and achieve almost instant equality: B...CtJb6 9.e4 CtJxc4 10.ixc4 ig7 11.0-0 0-0 8.i�.i.� �.� 7 � t.''''%.'i''.r "",%� �W.'0 �%'n'd'HH"� 6 . �� .i� % ��'%'''''/,� y,,,,,,� 5 ���j �� ��4 .Ji.8. � 3 �m � � ��,�''''';� ��,� ��,� 2 8�� . ��8�fj uu�""/-�'� � �. //h � uU'/-'2:'�,{uu1 �Fr� ��\UXJ� Fr �, � ����� a bed e f g h 12.igS a6 13.a4 h6 14.ih4 �eB= Ramakrishna - Rathnakaran, Mumbai 200B. 8...�g7 9.tlJc4 White's play makes more sense than in the previous note, as now the knight can drop back and avoid being exchanged without blocking the e-pawn. Obviously he could also head for the Classical Variation with 9.ie2. 249 9...tlJ b6 10.tlJe3 0-0 11.�d3 8 .I -.i.B ��._ 7 7/�_ '''''/._ 'iY.wj{r /'UU�%'n//- �//A'0 �%'n/�m�//h � W .""';.�/._//""';- 6 �- ��� �_&� '.' �.% '.' . 5 ���UU�� �� �� 4, �/,'n//- �7.Q �� � 2 r�uu,;.�u",;�:� 3D m�m _ 0"H�U"7.W� �� u,,/..W/.1 /,�� ��L,J .� a bed e f g h 11...tlJh5!? The knights on e3 and b6 are already sitting a little strangely, and now a third knight embarks on a journey. Black can also develop normally with: 11...�eB This has been the most popular move. Here are some illustrative lines: 12.0-0 a6 12...c4 13.ic2 id7 14.a4 as IS.f4 Wic7 16.Wif3 WicS= Bastos - C. Jones, e-mail 2003. 13.a4 8 7 6 a b c 13...CtJbd7 The knight is ready to take another route. Another option is: 13...id7 14.id2 (14.aS CtJcB IS.CtJc4 ibS 16.�el Tarjan - Rohde, 250 Lines without e4 Lone Pine 197B. 16...b6N=) 14...c4 Is.ic2 Wic7 16.Wie2 as 17.f4 WicS IB.rJlhl �e7 19. Wi f3 �aeB� Jankovic - Gashimov, Kusadasi 2006. 14.f4 Preventing ...CtJeS, but Black is ready with a typical pseudo-sacrifice. 14...c4!? IS.CtJxc4 CtJcS 16.ie3 CtJfxe4 17.CtJxe4 CtJ xe4 8 7 6 5 4 8 .I � .i.� ��._ ,��� '''''/.� umY-m'�� 7 JI�/'A �/. '0 �z i �� 6 . W B.- �£"'u;�,�,,,,/,� �� � : ����'!��I �/,'O/h �/,'n/h �� � 3� ��m _ 2 �W�'''u;� //,u";WM �W� O�O� � �do�d 1 ,�t'u,7.W���''''/'� . �'W ' � ��� ��", ,y, /"",� //", � � a bed e f g h 12.0-0 tlJf4 Here is an old example to illustrate the Modern Benoni's long history: 12...ieS 13.a4 CtJf4 14.aS CtJd7 IS.CtJc4 CtJxd3 16.Wixd3t Nimzowitsch - Marshall, New York 1927. 13.�c2 �e5 13...�eB 14.Wif3 ieS IS.a4 as 16.CtJbSt 14.g3 tlJh5 15.f4 �d4 16.tlJb5 �h3 17.�f2 17.CtJxd4!?N ixfl lB. rJlxfl cxd4 19.Wixd4 Wif620.Wib4 oo 8.i� � �� � � , �� ''',,%� umY-� � 7 ili._ -..i /'uu� � �� �� 6 � � �.� 5 .(jj;wi!i�� �� I 4 ���"'��!��� � �� ,:m.f;/.,o/;'}u"X/. '0 � 3� _ � �.i. �� '0 �� /,uu'%"u/--m7.� '� 2 �!�i��m . //h �y�,/!� 1 ��� W�\UlJ� � � �� ��� � /"",y, /"",� � //",,� a bed e f g h 17...�xe3! 18.�xe3 tlJf6 19.�cl tlJ g 4f! Black's kingside activity was enough to compensate for the loss of the dark-squared bishop in Postny - Holst, Helsingor 2009. B) 7...�g7 8 .I �.i.�.� �� 7 .i"� ""'/.� r_'l' /."u7.� � 0 � jom� 6 � � �i� � � ,�/-,u'/.Y/. //"",;/. � 5_ �8B B � �////��h�' � 4____ 3' m � � �/. '0?/uu';/,'O/h �/. '0 �/. '0 2 AW� ��AW�AW� o �O� /�, 0 �O� 0 �O 1 �.m'7..v=�.i a bed e f g h This is the most obvious and popular move. Black does not go out of his way to fight against the knight coming to c4, and is willing to give up the d6-pawn if necessary. Chapter IB - Knight's Tour Variation S. tlJ c4 B. e4 0-0 9.ie2 leads to Chapter 7. S...o-o 8' .i�.i.B �e- 7 �&f1u� ."""� 'i/,.r 7.u,,%� �� '0 �7.'N/d"'N�� 6 � _ �i� 5 � �.��� //u",;� 4 ���� �� �� 3 � ������ �7. ,�m";� �7. '0 �7. '� 2 8� _8�8� 1 ��U" '�i=£�� a bed e f g h Now it is worth considering three main options: Bl) 9.g3, B2) 9.�g5 and B3) 9.�f4. Bl) 9.g3 b6 Black immediately goes after White's prized knight. 10.a4 �a6 II.tlJb5 tlJeS 12.�g2 8 .I a1 ���� �� �'r"""� "',,%� ""'Y-m'�� /'uu%�,"0 ��'''0 �� m"��7 Ji% � �imi 6 .i. ifi% ifi% _ i � 5 .�.�%� �� 4 !�tS����� � �� �///, m3� � � �r � / �� � J!uu� / 2 � _8��� 1 ��U"7.� 'm 'u,/'.� a bed e f g h 12...�xb5 This may seem anti-positional, but Black needs to eliminate at least one of the trouble- 251 some knights. We will see that there may be chances to fight back on the queenside later with a timely ...a6. 13.axb5 tlJd7 14.�f411Me7 14...CtJeS!?N has not been tested but seems playable, for instance: IS.ixe5 ixe5 16.CtJxe5 (16.0-0ig7=) 16...dxeS 17.d6 CtJxd6 IB.ixaB WixaB 19.0-0 CtJxb5 20.e3 Wic6= 8 .I _ _���.. �,W�� �;C�"L';/'UUY-�&,(&JW�7 �� .��i�i 6 /,uu7._ �."".%� 'i�� 5 .��.�%� �� 7. 4��tS����_ 3 � �� �� mN%wr ��'0 �� ��,�"U��,� 2 W� _8W��W� 1 _'U'7.� i='U' 7..� a bed e f g h 15.0-0 Another game continued IS.Wid2 CtJeS 16.Wie3 �dB 17.0-0 �d7 IB.ixeS ixeS 19.�a4 fS 20.�fal �f7 21.Wid2 ig7 22.�la3 id4 Y2-Y2 Postny - Mecking, Lodi 2006. 15...g5 IS...CtJeS?! 16.ixeS ixeS 17.CtJxb6 �bB 252 Lines without e4 IB.CtJc4 �xb5 19.Wic2t Rodshtein - Romanov, Yerevan 2006. 16.�d2 tlJc7 17.11Mb3 f5 8 .i � � _ ��. � � ///.'0 �7. '''/�:d-' 'L'/'" ,,/,///.1 '0 7 �� ?�.mu (f� & .� �_t.�m� W . 6 /,''''/,.''''''_'''''''_ ""'%_ 5 .�/,.�%� i'� 4 -� �� �� r,,,,, � �� ������ ' / � �iV� � �3 ��,� ��'0 ��,J,,��,� 2 r[j � 8 f[j�r� 1 _""/,.'"''%.fm''''' a bed e f g h 18.�ael?! IB.f4N is more critical. Then IB.gxf4 19.ixf4 favours White, but IB...a6!? 19.bxa6 b5 20.CtJa5 Wixe2 leads to highly unclear play. 18...f4 19.9xf4 gxf4 With the knight coming to e5 next Black had the initiative in Ivanchuk - Topalov, Novgorod 1995. B2) 9.�g5 .I % . /� .i. � � / /"//, :/. B " � .� �8 � � � / � � .'. � ; % � � � 7 �1"_'''''7._'1Y-� i 6 /'''''7. m �� ��f1%- 5 ��.�%.Y"m;� 4 �� �� �� ,;",,,� 3 ��m���� �W�""';� ��'''0 �W� 2 8r� m8r�8r�� 1 .""7.�;=�.� a bed e f g h Why is the bishop going to g5 instead of f4, where it would attack the d6-pawn? The answer is that White wants to bring his queen to f4, where it will hit d6 while also establishing a bind over the kingside. 9...11M e7! 9...h6?! has been the most popular move, but I don't like it. 10.if4 CtJeB II.Wicl g5 12.id2t Black's position is slightly unpleasant due to the constant presence of h2-h4 ideas, for example: 12...CtJc7 13.a4 CtJba6 14.h4 f6 15.e4:t Portisch - Spassky, Turin 19B2. 10.11Md2 b6 11.11Mf4 �d8 The rook looks a little peculiar here, but White's pieces are also rather oddly placed. 12.0-0-0 12.CtJe4?! is too risky for White. There can follow: 12...CtJbd7 13.CtJexd6 h6 14.ih4 8 �� � J..t,,",-�� 7 I � � � /A\� & W� 6 UU,%� � '� ���""'%�i&�f&�� I '� � � .-.J�8�. W � � /�J /g): . � 5 �L""%��"� /"""� "'" �� �:"'�� ��L' Chapter 18 - Knight's Tour Variation 17.@bl b5 IS.�f1 h6 19.�cl Portisch - Horvath, Hungary 1984. s p �� �._7'� �� 4i� 'I". �� ��p �%'n/)L��,� 6 i� ff� _iff" 5 � {_�7.� /�'uu;� "", 4 ���UU%�,� �� 3 � �� �� �� �,,," '�Muu,;� ��M'�� 2 o�C3 . �C3o�b 1 ���r�d�.uu �\ 'm,,% /,,'" , _ a bed e f g h 19...c4!N Black's queenside initiative gives him the better chances. B3) 9.�f4 Attacking the d6-pawn is White's main plan. Now Black has an adventurous option in B31) 9...b6 and a more solid alternative in B32) 9...tlJeS. B31) 9...b6 � �. A :m1/� ��d. � %08 a��.JL%m1 ��U� 7 w6u,,,,� "u,/-� '1/'� i �"j�,"0 ��'''0 �fN/-1�"�� 6 �i% �i% �.� i � 5 .""7._�7.� �uuu� �� ':m7.� ��7��� 4 _�_ � � 3 � �� �� ';m%� ��,�"'u;��, '/ �7. " 2 8fftj _8�8� 1 ��"u/,� 'fi1tfW� / u, � %u,,7. _ a bed e f g h With this move Black invites his opponent to go along a path to massive complications. 253 10.�xd6 1 0.e3!? This modest move is actually rather challenging, as it invites a transposition to the 9...CtJe8 variation that Black has just tried to avoid. 10...CtJh5!?N If you are determined to obtain a complicated position you could try this aggressive move. I do not trust it completely, but in a practical game it could prove quite tricky. For 10...CtJe8 II.Wid2, see 9...CtJe8 10.Wid2 b6 II.e3 on page 259. 10...ia6?! does not work: II.ixd6 �e8 12.ig3 CtJe4 13.CtJxe4 �xe4 14.Wic2 Wixd5 15.�dl Wic6 Dmitrenko - Arutyunova, Simferopol 2003. 16.ie2N:t 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 254 Lines without e4 14...bxc4 14...gxhS?! is interesting, but does not quite work against accurate play: IS. Wi f3 bxc4 16.Wig3t rJlh8 17.ixb8 WixdS 18.�dl 8 ��.t.�/� �. rI""�� �� r� �'i 7 "",%� �� �� �� 6 ��,��� �� : ���fl�.�' �7Xn" �W-'0 �: Chapter IB - Knight's Tour Variation 255 Black has a promising position, for example: 17.Wib3 a6 IB.a4 ttJd7+ 8.i_.i.�.i�._ ,�"m;� h'''h� ��,�� 7 ,1�?;(o'0 �% '� �7.!Jj];, � �i 6 �� W� ?_&� i.� � /�): . � 5 .""7._'�%� /"""� 4 �������� �7.'N//- �7. '0 �//h 3���_ 2 f�''''';B "'''/,� f� 1 �a(""�_;=�.� a bed e f g h 11...tlJe4 Thanks to White's accurate move order there is no way to implement the ...CtJhS idea, so Black may as well transpose to the main path. 12.tlJxe4 �xe4 13.�g3 b5 14.tlJd6 The alternative is 14.CtJd2 �b4 IS.b3 when the critical continuation seems to be: 8�..i.� ..- 7 i(''''';. "",h. rift 6 ""'h� �� �� 'iY-� ��,��� �� 5 �i��8� . 4 �_""h����� � UAY,� � �W� �W�3 �Q� �O� � 2 r;. r#.m""hft'[�Y-� l��_V=j£.1I a bed e f g h IS...ixal!? This has only been played in one game so far. (IS. ..c4 has been the usual choice. It leads to interesting play but I do not fully trust it.) 16.Wixa 1 Now I would like to improve on the game Reeh - Wallinger, Germany 1991, by recommending 16...WixdSN. The rook on b4 is in danger and the dark squares in our camp are exposed, but on the other hand we do have an extra exchange, and it will take some time for White to create an attack. A possible continuation is: 17.�e2 �b7 IB.if3 Wid7 19.a3 �g4 20.Wif6 CtJc6� 8 .i�.i.� �.� 7 ti""';B '''''''B f.r 6 ""'/,� �m �� 'l%� � ,�,,,,,;� � 5�i�8� _ 4 �� ""'/,� r� �� �� ��'0 ��,�3�.r�� 2 8��_'''''%D'�%� 1 id""�� vI=�.� a bed e f g h 14...�b4 15.�xb5 Grabbing the b-pawn seems like the most ambitious choice, and leads to interesting complications. IS.�e2!? has only been played once, but could be a serious alternative: IS...�xb2 16.0-0 8 �..i.S �.- 7 �""';."d7.. lift 6 "",/;� �� �� 'iY-� ��,�""';� �� : ��.i���� �� ��,���,� 3� . �� � 2 ��� .�n '�i� 1 �,,,,,y.� I.i m"" a bed e f g h 16...c4!?N (16...�a6 occurred in Garcia Ilundain - Spraggett, Ampuriabrava 1997, and now after 17 .�b 1 N c4 IB.�xb2 �xb2 19.a4 b4 20.CtJxc4 Black's compensation is questionable.) 17.a4 CtJd7 IB.axbS c3 The machine still favours White, but I would expect the strong c-pawn to be a source of at least some discomfort to most players. 256 Lines without e4 8 .i�.i.B �._ �,;?mu;� ""'/-� ��,�� 7 � . _i�i 6 "u,,7.� �� �� '1�� /, �� ,�,,,u;� �� � 5���8_ _ �%u,,}uu�� %� % � /';�4 �� � � � � um�� ��'0 �7. '0 � 3�.W�� ��'''0 �� "u,7.�,%,um%� '� 2 8� . if�8� , uu�m'�� �W�""�.m'/'1 �� �iV� _1:t a bed e f g h 15...�f8 16.�c6 tlJxc6N It is necessary to improve on: 16. ..ia6? This led to success for Black in two games, but White's play can easily be improved. 1 7.ixaB :gxb2 It may look as though Black has dangerous counterplay (...WiaSt being the obvious threat) but White can obtain a serious advantage with the help of some accurate moves. 2 1 sJi. � �.B 7 �fI''''''. �� ��� 6 �i.�.��!� 5& .�. . ""'?� "'''''%� �� �� 4 �� ��'0 .�,� 3 �� �%",J��,J��,� 2 �� �� r[j�rfJ 1 ��.ii=''''%-� � � �" , � a bed e f g h 23.ic7! Wic3 24.ieS Wib4 2S.f4 CtJd7 26.d6 CtJxeS 27.fxeS Wic3 2B.if3 ibS 29.ig4 �al 30.rJlf2 :gxdl 31.:ghxdl WixeS 32.d7 Wif6t 33.rJl g l WidB 34.ie2+- 17.dxc6 �a6 Black has good compensation here, as the white king is stuck in the centre. 18JWd5 I also analysed: IB.Wid2 ig7 19.:gb 1 Wib6 20.f3 Wixc6 21.rJlf2 :gdB 22.:ghdl ifB 23.WidS WixdS 24.:gxdS :gb6 2S.:gbdl :gxb2t+ 18...�xd6 19JWxd6 �a5 20.0-0-0 �xa2!? Black can force a draw immediately: 20...:gxb2 21.rJlxb2 Wib4t 22.rJlc2 Wic4t= 'm � � � � ����fl: /'u,,7.� �r"'i �� �� 6 £�//�B �i % 5� � _ _ �%uu}"u,� � � 4 �ifBB- . 1u,,�� ��'0 �7. ,/�3�.�m ��'0 �� mu/,�,�um%� '� 2 if��"N/ � . �� B 8 � 1� �1:tB B1:t � �// ,/� � � a bed e f g h 21.�e5! Now Black really must take the draw. Chapter 18 - Knight's Tour Variation 21...�c4t 22.�c3 �xc3t 23.bxc3 �c4 24.�d211Mal t 25.c211Ma2t 26.cl= So the main line ended peacefully, but we saw there were many possible deviations along the way. The next option is much calmer. B32) 9...tlJeS � �� A �Wl1Jk\��i. � �8 .a �!A)�.JL%m�.��U� �'W"''''� '''d%� "mY.�'0 ' : /,�� �-��,� 5 � �.��� �� 4 ��tS����� 3 � �m�� ';n'%� � �Y/. "/'i",,,; � � 2 8� �8�8� 1 �:tm'7._'=:fU� a bed e f g h 10.11Md2 This is the main line. Several other moves have been tested, but none of them pose much of a threat. The first point worth mentioning is that going after the d6-pawn is a road to misery for White: 10.CtJe4 b5 II.CtJcxd6 CtJxd6 12.CtJxd6 g5 13.ig3 ixb2 + Sadauskas - Bianchi, corr. 1989. It is a similar story after 10.ttJb5. Now in Van Rensburg - Solomon, Cape Town 2007, Black should have played 10...ttJd7!, for instance: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 257 II.CtJbxd6? White should avoid this move, but then what was the point of putting the knight on b5? 11...CtJxd6 12.�xd6 �e8 13.Wib3 CtJb6 14.�xc5 CtJxc4 15.Wixc4 �xb2 16.�bl Wif6 + What about moving the e-pawn? 10.e4 allows immediate counterplay with: 10...f5! II.exf5 �xf5 12.�g3 a6 13.a4 CtJd7 14.�e2 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This position was reached in Kopsa - Moettonen, Finland 1987, and here I recommend 14...�d4!N 15.0-0 CtJe5 with equal chances. The last of White's noteworthy alternatives is: 10.e3 Compared with the main line this gives Black a few extra options. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 10...g5!? It is hard to say if this aggressive move is really the best, but it is certainly tempting. 258 Lines without e4 10...b6 can be compared with the main line, and may transpose after a subsequent Wid2. Another good option is 10...ttJa6 which leads to a solid position: II.ie2 ttJac7 12.a4 b6 13.0-0 ia6 14.Wid2 f5 15.ig3 (15.�ab 1 Burkart - Auer, Germany 200B. 15...Wie7N=) 15...Wie7= Petrosian - Ehlvest, Ivano Frankovsk 19B2. II.ig3 f5 12.Wid2 Wie7 13.f4 This was played in the only game, but White may look to improve with 13.ie2!?N ttJd7 14.f3 ttJe5 15.0-0 ttJxc4 16.ixc4 id7 with mutual chances. 8 �..t ����.� 'V'u'u;� !m. uu,"�,�7 EiR � � �i 6 "'u,,� �_uu'''� uu'''� ��}.rluu7.� �?ai'� 5 � ��8.i�� 4 �� lS� ��uui Chapter 18 - Knight's Tour Variation 8 .I �.i.E4I1�� e- 7 ."m'� '''''%B 'ly-.r 6 /'''''7.����_'1�� 5. .""%.�%� �� �� '9:",%� ��7� ��4 _�_ � � 3 � %� 7.� m"%� ��,�m";;W'L" ��'0 �� '� 2 ��[j � 8�[j8� 1 ��""7._,,,u%=£_� /"", R /::",/% R I a bed e f g h II.e3 �a6 Not for the first time in the book, Black makes it his priority to challenge the strong knight on c4. 12.a4 f5 There is no need to hurry with the exchange on c4. Instead Black should wait for the enemy bishop to develop so that he can win a tempo. Exchanging immediately with 12...ixc4 13.ixc4 a6 14.0-0 'LJd7 15.Wie2 Wic8t left Black a little short of equality in Sakurai - C. Sanchez, Haifa 1976. 13.�e2 White has tried a few different ideas here. 13.'LJ b5 ixb5 14.axb5 �f7!? An interesting idea. In other parts of the book we have seen the other rook swing via a7 to the kingside, but here Black uses the same idea in reverse! (There is also nothing wrong with natural development: 14...'LJd7N 15.ie2 'LJe5=) 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 259 Is.ie2 a6 16.0-0 �fa7 17.bxa6 'LJxa6 18.�a3 Wic7 19.e4 fxe4 20.�e3 b5 21.'LJa3 Wif7 22.g3 'LJac7f! Lie - Arakhamia-Grant, Reykjavik 2008. 13.h3 occurred in Viner - Schutt, corr. 1965, and here a logical reply would have been: 13...'LJd7! Offering a pawn for compensation. The continuation might be 14.'LJxd6 ixfl 15.rJlxfl 'LJxd6 16.ixd6 �f7 17.ig3 c4 00 with good chances for Black. 13.h4!? This is a logical idea, even though it has not been played in the last thirty years. 8 K. B.��.. 7 .''''''. ,,,u%. ""'y-.r 6 :r.�.�.'i"� 5 -""%.;�r� r� -z �",,%� ��,� �%i ' 260 Lines without e4 16...fxe4 17.h5 Black has many good moves here, but I like the following idea the most: 8E�, �.�.� 7 � ..� �r 6 i '. �. �� ""'''� »'% '0",,%, ""�''',% � i 5� .8. .A �� �",,%% �, � 0 4 8. .i� � 3 m %� "'''''� �, 'd}L,,;, ,� � %i � � . � ' /.J,, � � � '0 ' � � �2 �� � /+�t�A� ?I /. % � �j % Q 1 ,�''',x_'''"x=''"x�,.: a bed e f g h 17...ixc3!?N 17...CLJdf6 was playable but less convincing in Farago - Velimirovic, Amsterdam 1976. IB.bxc3 Wif6 19.ie3 CLJg7 20.hxg6 hxg6f! Black remains a pawn up and his knights are poised to take up excellent positions on e5 and f5, enabling them to fight against the enemy bishop pair. 13..-'�Mf6 14.tlJ b5 I also analysed: 14.ig3 ixc4 15.ixc4 a6 16.0-0 CLJd7 17.f4 CLJc7 Black has a comfortable and solid position. IB.if2?! b5 19.axb5 CLJb6 20.i.e2 axb5+ Osnos - Forintos, Leningrad 1962. 14... tlJ d7!?N 14...ixb5 15.axb5 CLJd7 16.h4 Wie7 17.Wic2t Hanison - Giobbi, e-mail 2002. 15. tlJ bxd6 15.h3 g5 16.ih2 f4f! 8 ,�� _���._ 7 _ _.� � m"Y-�� 6.i.� '���f1h� 5 . '''' '.�"_ 'I/._ /'uu% �. � �/ . 4 �_�_ '� '� 3 _ � ��"m�� ��M �. �%�'''0 ��,�2 r� � �dibr� � ��� 1 B''''7._h''J�",,�.Q, h"", _ � �1:t a bed e f g h 15...�xc4 16.tlJxeS 16. CLJxc4? g5 1 7.ig3 f4 wins a piece for questionable compensation. 16..-'�Mxb2 17-'�Mxb2 �xb2 IS.�xc4 �xal 19.d6t �hS 20.tlJc7 �abSi The position is balanced, as White has sufficient compensation for the exchange but not more. Conclusion We have seen that Black has more than one acceptable way of meeting the Knight's Tour Variation. 7...CLJbd7 seems quite playable and can be recommended to players who are happy to avoid the main theoretical paths. In the main line with 7...ig7 B.CLJc4 0-0 9.if4, we looked at two contrasting approaches for Black. B31) 9...b6 requires a lot of preparation and willingness to take risks, so it should only be .used by players with an especially strong desIre to reach a complicated position. The more reliable B32) 9...CLJeB will be a more appropriate choice for most readers. I believe in Black's chances here, and like a wise man said a long time ago, it is not good to move the same piece several times in the opening! Lines without e4 Lines with an early ig5 Variation Index l.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 3.. .e6 A) 4.cig5 h6 5.cih4 AI) 5...d6 A2) 5...g5!? B) 4.llJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.llJf3 g6 7.cig5 BI) 7...h6 B2) 7...cig7 B21) 8.e4 B22) 8.llJd2 AI) after 13.hxg3 B21) after 20.lD f5 13...if6N+ 20...�g5Nf1 262 263 263 265 265 266 266 267 B22) note to 9...g5 a bed e f 19...cxb4N 262 Lines without e4 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 % '/'/� 'L/-/ '/.J/. �'� %'U''/:: 8 .i..i.� em �� �i"� 'i"� 'l%W'lY. : /,""�� �� f�'''�� ��,� �� /Y"m;� �5 � ��8� �� 4 _8_ _ U � � - 3 ��,� �� �W0 ��,�2 �!!]�'0 ��J!]7.�l!] l���iV���1:t /, , , , / / / / � //" " �, a bed e f g h In this chapter we will deal with some lines where the white bishop comes to gS in the early stages. We will begin by analysing the extremely rare A) 4.�g5 before considering the more common B) 4.tlJc3 (followed by igS in the near future). A) 4.�g5 This Benoni- Trompowsky hybrid is nothing special, but we should check it all the same. 4...h6 As a general rule, if White plays igS early then it is usually good to nudge the bishop. There is also nothing wrong with 4...exdS S.cxdS d6, when 6.CtJc3 g6 (6...ie7 is also playable) 7.CtJf3 leads to variation B. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 5.�h4 White can also exchange: S.ixf6 Wixf6 6.CtJc3 d6 7.CtJf3 eS!? The solid 7...ie7N is fine, for instance: 8.g3 0-0 9.ig2 CtJd7 10.dxe6 fxe6= 8.e3N 8.e4 ie7 9.ie2 0-0 was equal in Trohimchuk - Mirzoian, Orel 1998. Mter the text move I considered a somewhat amusing continuation. 8...g6 9.id3 Wie7 10.h4 fS II.e4 f4 12.hS gS Black is playing provocatively, moving virtually nothing but pawns so far. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13.1Mfa4t id7 13...rJlf7!? is an interesting attempt to confuse the opponent, but objectively White must be a little better here. 14.Wib3 ic8= , / /.% " --: � � %'" '/:: 8 .I ..i.� �m �� 7 1�i"� 'i"� '1�_"'" , 6 �""�� �� f.""%� � , �� /�"",;� ,,,,, , 5_ �8. . � �u,� � � 4 _8_ _ � 3 � �_ �_ �_m'" � � � � '�'''0 � �'''0 �'02 z��� !�J�7.�J� l��_�m��1:t a bed e f g h Chapter 19 - Lines with an early �g5 Now Black can choose between the solid AI) 5...d6 and the sharp A2) 5...g5!? AI) 5...d6 .I % . '/'/0 .i. f' � /-/'/.J/ . ij'/.I � '� /;""'/-8 /. � / i', m� �/� � : � �..�' � �a 7 .1uBu'''''B''&%��'''U /-u,,%, � � ..�.% 6 B _i,_u""� I '� � � ,jmu/' /z' � 5 � �'� � uuu� "''' �, �i�,8� _ 4 -8- � '�� , � � � � 3 _, '/ B, _,�_um 28� _8�8� % � ""t � ""'% � � �iV �� � / ,¥ � "",;0/: 0 '///�uU1 � �,.. � � � � + %� � 1:t � � / � " , /uu,y, � �/ u/.% �u, ,; a bed e f g h 6.tlJc3 �e7 7.tlJf3 0-0 By delaying the pawn exchange on d5, Black threatens to win a pawn with ...'LJxd5. (Please note that the immediate 7...'LJxd5?? is refuted by 8.cxd5 ixh4 9.Wa4tL) 8.�g3 8.e4? has been seen in a couple of games, but on both occasions Black failed to carry out his threat: 8...'LJxd5!N 9.ixe7 'LJxe7 1 0.Wd2 Wb6 11.0-0-0 �d8 + 8 .i�.i.� � .'ai>_ 7 .1u_'''d ''.' 1/'� 6 . ?t� & '?"" '?t� . �.%./_; �. 5 � '_�7.� �uu,,� m" �, �"U� � _ 4 7. -/.�-7. '-'- 3�,,� _�� 2 8� _8n'�'� 1 �1J"m/'_vlfi{�/-.W /uu,y, � ��_ � a bed e f g h 263 8...exd5 9.cxd5 tlJh5 Also after 9...if5!?N I prefer Black slightly. 10.e3 tlJd7 11.�e2 �e8 12.tlJd2 tlJxg3 13.hxg3 This position occurred in Golod - Anastasian, Ubeda 2001. Black has a few good options here but my choice would be: 8 ,_�,.i.�.iU.- 7 �i_&�r� 6 _ _mu%� u"'/,� 4 �� mu%� ��-� 5 � �.�/,� �� "m � � �7.'n/z �//k0 �7. ,/-3 _ �� �f)0 'ffrf� ����d�� 2 8�mm�"£rI�%� 1 ��UU7.�,,,,u�'i{""/'� �uuY- BVm _1:t a bed e f g h 13...�f6Ni Black has a comfortable Benoni position with slightly better chances in my opinion. A2) 5...g5!? .I % . '/'/0 .i. � � /'/.. /, . �'� %""'/::8 (� j j .'. � �� �'�� �� � 7 �lz1u_ '1"_ '1%_ mu 6 _ � i � '�'� � ��'0�' /�um;, "d l 5� ��8_ _ 4 /,_ '�/,_ %_ u"'/,� 3 � �� �����m 2 !��� !�!� 1 �s�_I="£mw /", , , � /n", �" � a bed e f g h This ambitious move aims to immediate problems for the opponent. create 264 Lines without e4 6.�g3 Dollah - Oberholzer, Istanbul 2000. Here I found a promising way for Black to exert immediate pressure on the queenside. 6...�b6!N 7.tlJc3 7.ieS ig7 8.'LJc3 d6 9.ixf6 ixf6+ 7...�xb2 Having threatened the b-pawn Black must call his opponent's bluff. Now there are some complications, but it all seems to turn out well for Black. � �� A � � .�� ���8 a��f.JL��� �� 7 7.tf1"� r� 'l�� mu , 6 U'U%� �� f_�� � �, , �� /�u'u;, "0'uu, 5q _8� _ 4 �� ��%� %� 'L,%� % �%'n//- �� ��,� 3��_� 2 8�u",,_ 8W[J'��� %",-J,,3� ��,;j;uu�/,'n/}'u,�1 �� �iV � ��1:t a bed e f g h 8.�e5 8.'LJ bS? 'LJe4! + I also considered 8.�cl d6 9.e4 exdS 10.cxdS CtJbd7 when White has a bit of compensation but Black's chances are higher. 8...tlJ e4! The brave pirates attempt a daring raid! 9J3cl 9.�b I? lets Black take everything: 9...'LJxc3 1 0.�xb2 'LJxd 1 The final step of the knight's short but glorious career. 11. Chapter 19 - Lines with an early �g5 13.�c2 �f6 14.tlJc7t @dS 15.tlJxaS �g7+ Black's ambitious opening play has clearly been justified. B) 4.tlJc3 � �� A �.�� ��� 8 a��f.JL�eJ��� �� 7 1f1u_ 'i"_ 'l%.'i 6 � �i_ � 5 ��_!�//"m;� �� �,,3� � � 4 _8_ _ _ 3� � � � � u;'lu",; � � �'� � �'''0 �'� 2 �Ql�W�!J}/��W�/. 1 �� ����dib��� /.1' ;' , ;' , � /;' /;' /;' � /'/;" , /./;. :/:/'... , , , , , a bed e f g h In this section we will look at some systems involving an early ig5 after a couple more conventional Benoni moves by both sides. 4...exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�g5 /: '/'/� '/../-/ '/../1'. �'� %U'U/, 8 .I ..i.� e� �B 7 �61u� '''''''� '1�� 'i �uu� � '/ �"n/h �� 6 _ _ �i- � �� '�uu/,� //u"';7. ,� 5 ��_8_ �, 4___� 3 � � � �� ��,�"'u;� ��'''0 ��,�2 7.�J�/' �/tJtj��l[j 1 �� _iV=��1:t a bed e f g h Now there are two distinct approaches for Black: Bl) 7...h6 and B2) 7...�g7. The former implies an immediate hunt for the dark-squared bishop, while the second involves more straightforward development. 265 Bl) 7...h6 S.�h4 g5 9.�g3 tlJh5 8 .i�.i.B *� �� 7 .iu� '''u,,� '1�� um �uu% � � � 6_�.� � ",%Uu% � ,,1; � �'� � �'� u'u5 � �� 8 � ��6) 4 ___ � � � � � 3� � ��� ��,�um;� ��,w'm'%�,�2 �J�, �rL4j��J[j 1 �� _iV=�_1:t a bed e f g h The bishop's days are numbered, so White will attempt to make use of the soon-to-be- open h-file and the slight weakness of the kingside light squares, especially f5. 10.e3 tlJxg3 II.hxg3 �g7 12.�d3 tlJd7 12. . .0-0 13. Wi c2 f5 14.0-0 'LJ a6 15. a3 'LJ c 7 was also satisfactory for Black in Razuvaev - Holm, Polanica Zdroj 1972, and a few subsequent games. .I - .i.�.� �� 8 /�� 'SuuX � �um' 7 _ i _�_ i �///.'/// 6 _ � _ �./. � /Juj ��,J'" , 5 _ _8- if� �� 7,u,,�� �� 7"U'%_4 � �7.'n//. �?;(o'0 ��,� 3 � � �� � �f{� � �f{� � ,�,��O%��O% 2 8�l���LU;_ mu7.ft�/'� 1 �lfuu/'� im'u,/'� 1:t /u uY. � /",,," � a bed e f g h 13.�c2 �e7 The bishop pair gives Black good chances, and the weakness of the f5-square does not hurt him too much. If White could somehow 266 Lines without e4 exchange the light-squared bishops and plant a knight on f5 then things would be different, but that is not going to happen anytime soon. 14.a4 It seems logical to keep the rook on the h-file for a few more moves at least. The following game saw a different approach: 14.0-0 h5!? (14...0-0 15.�ae1 a6 16.a4 �bB= was also comfortable for Black in Antoshin - Honfi, Luhacovice 1971.) 15.if5 CtJe5 16.ixcB CtJxf3t 17.gxf3 �xcB 1B.Wf5 �dB 19. Chapter 19 - Lines with an early ig5 16.�g3 8.i_.i.�.i_._ ���i)�:� 7 � � �7.' ,/,�,,1///. 6 '& � � W� ?- �� .� �.% 'g)' �.� ��,�uu/'� /�um;�,�u" 5 � if�8. if� 4 8.'U'%_ 8.'u,�_ .� � �3 ��'''0 ��;,,//� ��'J,3�,� 2 r�iV�m�r� 8 r� 1 ��UU 7..l1S 'W�Mu" /umy. � _ ' /,",," a bed e f g h 16...tlJxd5! This kind of tactic can occur in many Benoni positions with a rook on e8. 17.tlJc4 17.if3?! lLJf4 18.e5? dS (18...�b8N + is also strong) was excellent for Black in Groffen - Berg, Liverpool 2008. 17...tlJf4 18.�xf4 gxf4 19.tlJxd6 �e6 20.tlJrs Lubas - Emelyanov, e-mail 2008. Here it is worth considering: 8 ,.i_.i.� _.� 7_ _411_._ 6i� �.i� � � ��� �uu 5� � ��_ �?;(o,�uu�� �W0 �� 4 8�� _8�� � .���3�, ��� � 2 �if���8� 1 ��"U7._����"" a bed e f g h 20...V!fg5Nf! 267 Black has an active, dynamic position. Meanwhile the knight on d 1 will need some time to find a good place. B22) 8.tlJd2 8 ��� A �.. �/� B. ;g)�.JL �g�.� �.8 �,?uu,;� u"'7.� �m'�'uu7 }��i ��'0 �7.�J�7.i 6 _ � _i� 5_ .8_ � 4___� 3��� � � ��,�um;7.'''//- ��'0 ��,�2 A �f)� �� A �f)� A ��% o iO� /�_J 0 iQ% 0 %'Q 1 �_uu7._VMj£W� /, u,y' _ \ /,,,,,,, _ ' a bed e f g h This time White has the idea of pushing his e- and f-pawns, but once again we can employ the typical plan of hunting the bishop. 8...h6 9.�h4 g5 This works fine, but it is also worth mentioning a second decent line: 9...0-0 10.e4 a6 11.a4 �e8 12.ie2 lLJbd7 13.0-0 g5 14.ig3 CtJe5 15.f4 Opening the kings ide is White's most challenging plan, but the strong knight on e5 holds everything together. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 268 Lines without e4 It is hard for White to develop an attack, so he switches his attention to the other flank. 18.�b 1 �ab8 19.b4 Now I would like to offer an improvement on the game Cherniaev - Kuznetsov, Moscow 2008. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f 19...cxb4N It is best to open the c-file. 20.�xb4 �ec8 21.Wib3 CtJg6 Black has sufficient counterplay. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a 11...�f8 Black must forfeit the right to castle, as 11...id7? 12.Wie4t is unplayable. 12-'�Mc2 tlJxg3 13.hxg3 tlJd7 As usual in such positions, Black's bishop pair gives him good chances. The king is slightly misplaced on f8 but it is of no great consequence. 14.e3 Wfe7 I prefer this move over 14...CtJeS, after which IS.ie2 a6 16.a4 Wie7 17.aS gave White a slight edge in Voronov - Zherebukh, Alushta 2008. 15.�d3 In the event of IS.ie2 Black may be tempted to try IS...CtJf6!?f! with ideas of ...hS. The text move provokes simplifications which are not dangerous for Black. 8 .i-.i.� _ �� 7 ¥f_1.1�.u,,' 6 �"U�_ �wu"�_�m1� � �W,J,,3 � ,/Jm/' 5� ��8� � 4 �� �L,%� �� �L,�_ � �7.'''//. ��'0 ��,� 3 � m��� � 2 8 n�m ,u'/'8�7.� 1 BUu /'.u uu=u,,/'� 1:t /" "y, � /'// , /, � a bed e f g h 15...�e5 16.�f5 �xf5 17.Wfxf5 Wff6 18.Wfxf6 �xf6 19.�ce4 �e7 20.tlJxf6 �xf6 21.�e2 �g6= Kempinski - Kanovsky, Czech Republic 2012. Conclusion In general we have seen that the earlier White plays igS, the brighter Black's prospects for early counterplay. Even when White leaves the bishop development until slightly later, the second player keeps a sound position and will usually have more than one good way to navigate the opening. Lines without e4 4.g3 Variation Index l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e64.g3 4...exd5 5.cxd5 b5!? A) 6.�g2 d6 AI) 7.e4 A2) 7.b4!? B) 6.tlJf3 �b7 7.e4 tlJxe4 8.�g2 BI) 8...�d6!?N B2) 8...�e7 C) 6.e4!? tlJxe4 CI) 7.�g2 C2) 7.VNe2 VNe7 8.�g2 C21) 8...tlJd6 C22) 8...£5 9.tlJh3 b4 C221) 10.0-0 C222) 10.�e3 C223) 10.d6 AI) after 17.ltJe4 A2) after 12.0-0 17...f5!N 12...ltJbd7!N 270 270 272 273 274 275 277 277 280 281 283 285 286 288 C222) after 15.ixe4 270 Lines without e4 l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.g3 Whi te's last move is exceedingly rare in this particular move order sequence. However, the above position often occurs via the move order l.d4 CtJf6 2.c4 e6, which has the idea of answering 3.CtJc3 with 3...ib4, and 3.CtJf3 or 3.g3 with 3...cS inviting a Benoni. Thus after 3.g3 cS 4.dS we reach the main position. Why should Black use the 2...e6 move order? There are many players who are only willing to enter a Modern Benoni after White has committed himself to CtJf3 or g2-g3, usually due to fear of the Flick-Knife Attack. In the early part of the book I analysed this sharp system and concluded that Black had fully adequate resources, but I am well aware that many readers will continue to prefer the 2...e6 move order for their own reasons. So let's see a couple more moves. 4...exd5 5.cxd5 %'/I'/� '/../-/'/.JI'; �'� %""% 8 .I ..i.� �� �� 7 /,.lu� '17._ '1�_'1 ' 6 uu'7.� �� �.'U'7.� � ��'''0 �� '/um;� � : ��������- 3 ��_�_��� ��'''0 �� ��,Ju,,��,�2 �J��'0 ���J�7.'n/J� l � ��iV � ��1:t /;'"" ;' //////� //",/% �",,.,, a bed e f g h 5...b5!? Now we reach a second topic of discussion in the early phase of the game. In the present position many players will prefer the simple S.. .d6, which almost always transposes to a Fianchetto System (see Chapter 17). If you wish to minimize your workload then feel free to skip this entire chapter and play S...d6 followed by 6...g6, as White can hardly hope to do anything better than putting his bishop on g2 and knights on c3 and f3. Nevertheless there are many players who like to challenge White's move order by opting for the immediate queenside expansion, and ultimately I felt as though I would have been leaving the book incomplete if I had failed to cover this ambitious plan. % '///� ',(./-/ '/..//. �'� %""% 8 .I ..i.� �� �� 7 ,mm� '1%� 'l�W'l 6 /,uu�� �� �.m�� 5 � f�!� /uuu� /, � �uu� � � 4 � � � _ 3������� 2 !��_!ft"U%� ��� W� !� �7.?Jf 2 0 - 4.g3 Chapter , d . but he has pal a P Iece, . d . I n a Ig d his kmg ns Wh ite has won . behmSo . d d He IS way ht h . h P rice In ee .. . ks being caugdevelopment an in the centre. 271 a �b8' 13... .. ouchable. The rook IS unt tlJ xd5 272 Lines without e4 17...f5!N Amongst others we could mention 17...ixb2N 18.ixb2 �xb2-+. 18.11Mxd5t 11Mxd5 19.tlJf6t �xf6 20.�xd5t i>g7 21.�c4 �xe2 22.�xe2 �xb2-+ White is two pawns down with an exposed king and poor pieces, so it is safe to say that the opposite-coloured bishops offer him scant hope of saving the game. A2) 7.b4!? 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This would make a promising gambit, if only Black was forced to accept it. 7 ...�b7!? Inviting White to exchange on cS, which will lead to a sharp and unbalanced position in which both sides have significant pawn majorities in their respective areas of dominance. It is worth mentioning a couple of other possibilities. Taking the pawn is risky: 7...cxb4?! 8.a3 bxa3 (I also considered 8...aS!?N 9.axb4 �a6!? 10.�xaS �xaS 11.bxaS WxaSt when Black has managed to clear the flank, although after 12.id2 White still has the initiative.) 9.CtJxa3 Black has many options here, but White has good compensation everywhere, for instance: 9...id7 10.CtJf3 ie7 II.CtJd4 b4 12.CtJc4t Another option is: 7. . . CtJ bd 7 8. CtJ c3 8.bxcS dxcS!? can be compared with the main line below. 8...cxb4 9.CtJxbS ib7 8 7 6 5 10.CtJf3 10.e4 CtJcS II.f3 ie7 12.CtJe2 Wb6 13.CtJbd4 0-0 14.0-0 CtJfd7 IS.ie3 CtJeS= 16.h3?! if6 17.�bl CtJc4 18.if2 �ac8+ Vertes - Zebre, e-mail 2006. 10...Wb6 11.Wa4 CtJxdS!?N 11...a6 12.CtJ bd4 CtJe4 13.ib2 ixdS 14.0-0 �c8 oo Murden - Kauppinen, e-mail 2008. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12.ib2 0-0-0 This may look risky, but I think it is okay for Black. 13.CtJbd4 CtJcS 14.Wc2 Chapter 20 - 4.g3 8.bxc5 Quiet moves achieve nothing, for instance: B.a3 CtJ bd7 9.CtJc3 a6 10.CtJf3 E:cB II.ib2 CtJ b6f1 Mascaro March - Carlsson, Soller 2006. 8...dxc5 9.e4 �d6 10.tlJd2 0-0 II.tlJe2 �e8 12.0-0 Now in the game Chernin - Timman, Saint Vincent 2000, Black made the slightly odd decision to put his bishop on a6. Instead I would like to propose a more natural al ternative: 8.1_ �.i�.m �,�u",;� �""�� ��,�� 7 ��i�w��*iI�� 6 Um�gt� 5 7. i�_'��� �uuu� 4 �� mu7.� !� �_ 3������� �� �7.'''//- �?;(o,�m'��'0 2 8 � ������� 1 i� �_iV.i� uU a bed e f g h 12...tlJbd7!N This brings Black a good game, especially if White gets too aggressive. 13.a4 This natural move backfires. White should try playing more patiently although I don't believe Black has anything to fear, especially after the following unfortunate try: 13.f4? c4 + 14.eS Wb6t IS.rJlhl CtJxdS 16.CtJxc4 bxc4 1 7.ixdS E:adB-+ 13...b4 13...a6 14.ib2 ieS is equal, but Black should be happy to advance his pawn majority, as the loss of the c4-square does not hurt him. 14.tlJc4 273 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 14...tlJe5! Forcing an immediate exchange of the strong knight. Here is an illustrative line: 15.tlJxd6 11Mxd6 16.f4 tlJed7 17.e5 tlJxe5 18.fxe511Mxe5 19J�a2 �xd5 20.hd5 tlJxd5-+ Black's pawns are too much for White to handle, even with an extra piece. B) 6.tlJf3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This tricky move was recommended by Boris Avrukh in the popular Grandmaster Repertoire 2 - 1.d4 Volume Two, so we had better be ready for it. By delaying the e2-e4 advance for a move, White maintains the option of deploying his bishop on the fl-a6 diagonal. 274 Lines without e4 6...�b7 This seems critical. The main alternative is 6...d6, but then 7.e4 gives White quite good chances. 7.e4 tlJxe4 8.�g2 White has given up a pawn for the initiative, and Black must play carefully to avoid being pressed. B.ixbS is not dangerous, as shown by the following example. B...WaSt 9.CtJfd2 ixdS 10.0-0 WxbS II.CtJxe4 Wc6 12.CtJbc3 ie6 13.f4 fS 14.CtJgS ie7 IS.WhSt g6 16.Wh6 ifB 17.Wh3 ig7 IB.ie3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e In this posItIon Black has two playable continuations: Bl) 8...�d6!?N and B2) 8...�e7 . Bl) 8...�d6!?N Avrukh does not like this move much, but I think it is okay. The idea is not only to develop, but also to prevent if4. 9.0-0 The immediate 9.CtJh4!? CtJf6 10.CtJfS can be met by 10...0-0, relying on a basic tactical defence: II.CtJxd6 (11.0-0 transposes to the main line below.) 11...We7t 12.CtJe4 CtJxe4 13.0-0 CtJd6 14.�el Wf6 Is.if4 CtJa6 16.CtJc3 �aeB= 9...0-0 10.tlJh4! Avrukh's recommendation, and definitely the critical test. Less dangerous is: 1 o. �e 1 fS 1 O...�eB is also good: 11.CtJh4 CtJf6 12.�xeBt CtJ xeB 13. CtJ c3 b4 14. CtJ e4 if B oo II.CtJc3 CtJxc3 12.bxc3 CtJa6 Black has kept his extra pawn and does not face any major threats. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13.�bl CtJc7 13...WaS 14.a4 b4 also looks okay. 14.igS WeB White has some compensation but I would take Black if given the choice. Chapter 20 - 4.g3 � �� IDi1 ���. � �8 .a �_� &m� ���� 7 tiI'� '1%� '1Y-_ i /'''''7.� ��,�� �� '''''7.� 6, � ��,J�� �� : ����j I� �rn �� �� ��,�"'"3 ��'''0 �� ��,J��,� 2 8w� _ w��w� 1 ,�t15�vi.j���r'" a bed e f g h 10...tlJf6 II.tlJrs �e5! Avrukh only mentions 11...Wb6 12.a4! with some initiative for White. Instead I think Black should return his extra pawn after first provoking the following pawn move, which slightly exposes White's king and restricts his dark-squared bishop. 12.f4 �d4t 13.tlJxd4 cxd4 14.11Mxd4 tlJa6 White has the bishop pair, but Black is close to finishing development and the f4-pawn looks a little out of place. 8.1_ _ �.. %d� '1%� '1/'.. � �� �� �.o,,�� � ,� � ,� � /./'uu;� �5-.�o� � �� �t"L'; �lfir� ��4 .Ni�%- � �� '''''/,� 'o,,/,�,�3 _ '0- �� ��//.,/ 2 8 b _ _�� r"if:'" '�7i �� �wi(""1 ,a�� �1:tm a bed e f g h 15.tlJc3 b4 16.tlJe4 tlJxe4 17.�xe4 11Mb6 18.�e3 �fe8 After a likely exchange of queens Black will obtain counterplay against the d5-pawn, although there is a potential risk of ending up 275 with a tricky endgame against the two bishops. If this is not to your taste, then see the next line below. B2) 8...�e7 8.i� _._ �� ,�"o,;� ""'%�;f��'�"'" 7 �.i._i�iw�i 6 /'''''7.� �� mu�� "'''7.� ��'0 �� �� 5�i.8� _ 4 �� �""�� �� %_ �/, �� �?;(o,� 3 � _ _�� ��'''0 %� ��,�""��,� 2 8 �f!} . �f!} � �l1h �uu� �'//.�uu� . � �uu""% �'0 �'� �1 ,���iV� �1:t a bed e f g h 9.0-0 0-0 10.�el rs II.tlJc3 In this position I found an interesting new idea. .I � . .///� ; � /-/,/-,� � � UU� .� �8 " /. '/ � %.. � , , % 'l: /.. //. ?? 6I ;� '1 %11° "'/,_ i ' : 7.oo7.� �� mu�� ""'7.� �" ���� � 5�i_8.i. 4 �� �"O�� r� �_ �/,'''//. �� ��,� 3 � � ��r� �� 'd'"",;7. ��,�''''7.�,� 2 �J�?%o'0 -�"o ��p 1 ��� ��\UlJi�� ,�, � m��� ��/., , , , , Y- / "" � /., ", Y- /:: , % a bed e f g h 11...tlJa6!?N Returning the pawn to catch up on development. 12.tlJxe4 12.CtJe5 id6 13.CtJxe4 fxe4 transposes to the main line. 276 Lines without e4 Avrukh briefly mentions 12.ttJxbS Wb6 13. ttJ c3 as favouring White, but I think Black can improve with 12...ttJ b4!? A possible continuation is 13.ttJc3 if6 14.ttJxe4 fxe4 IS.�xe4 �cB! with equal chances. 12...fxe4 13.t2Je5 13.�xe4 d6 14.�g4 ttJc7 IS.ttJgS �fS leads to equality after the following forcing line: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 16.ttJxh7! rJlxh7 17.ie4 icB IB.�f4 g6 19.ixfS ixfS 20.�xfS gxfS 21.WhSt rJlgB 22.Wg6t rJlhB 23.WhSt= 13...�d6 8 7 6 5 4 3 14.if4 c4 IS.ixe4 ttJcS 16.ic2 �xf4 17.WhS (17.gxf4 Wh4 oo ) 17...g6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14.�xe4 ttJc7 14...�fS IS.f4 ixeS 16.�xeS is not what Black wants. 14...c4 IS.�h4 ixeS 16.WhS h6 17.WxeS �eB IB.Wc3 b4 19.Wd2 �cB is more interesting but still favours White. IS.�el Is.if4 ttJxdS 16.Wb3 c4 17.WxbS Wb6 IB.Wxb6 ttJxb6 19.ttJxd7 ixe4 20.ixe4 ixf4 21.ttJxfB �xfB 22.gxf4 �xf4 23.f3 �f7 24.�dl g6= 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chapter 20 - 4.g3 22.axb4 axb4 is similar. 22...icB 23.axb4 axb4= White has the bishop pair but the d5-pawn requires constant protection, so I think Black is ok-ay. 14...11Mf6 15.f4 �xe5 16.fxe511Mf2t 17.i>hl It is important for Black to do something with his temporary initiative before White catches up on development. 17...�ae8 It is not so easy for White to develop the dark-squared bishop, as the b2-pawn would be left hanging. 18.a4 This appears critical, but Black can maintain the balance by tactical means. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e 19. ..�xe4 20.�xe4 tlJ b4 21.11M e2 11Mxe2 22.�xe2 tlJxd5 The complications have resulted In an approximately equal endgame. 277 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e C) 6.e4!? 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c e This is White's most aggressive attempt to fight for the advantage. The total number of games on the database is still relatively small (less than a hundred at the time of writing), so this line could be recommended to adventure- seeking players on either side. 6...tlJxe4 Now White has two significant options: he can develop his bishop immediately with Cl) 7.�g2 or play C2) 7.11Me2 first. Cl) 7.�g2 tlJd6 278 Lines without e4 I also considered an untested but quite in teresting alternative: 7...WiaSt!?N 8.CtJd2 Alternatives are worse: 8.id2 CtJ xd2 9. CtJ xd2 d6 10. CtJ gf3 ie 7 11.0-0 0-0 12.�el Wid8+ 8. CtJ c3 CtJ xc3 9. bxc3 Wi xc3 t 1 0.id2 Wif6 II.CtJf3 id6+ White clearly has compensation, but the two-pawn sacrifice is perhaps pushing his luck too far. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8...CtJd6 9.CtJgf3 ie7 10.0-0 0-0 Compared with the main line the white knight has been driven to d2 instead of the more natural c3-square, but the black queen is also slightly exposed. II.a4! CtJa6 11...if6 12.CtJb3 Wib6 (12...W c7?! 13.axbS CtJxbS 14.igS! is excellent for White) 13.ie3 CtJa6 14.CtJxcS! CtJxcS IS.b4 puts Black under some pressure. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12.CtJb3 Wid8 13.axbS CtJxbS 14.CtJeS if6 IS.d6 �b8 16.�el 16.if4 CtJxd6 00 16...CtJxd6 17.Wixd6 �xb3 18.�xa6 ixa6 19.Wixa6 �b6 20.Wixa7 �e6 21.CtJf3 �xel t 22. CtJxe 1;t; White has good chances with two pieces against a rook. 8.tlJf3 The overoptimistic 8.b4? was played in Cativelli - Rodriguez Vila, Buenos Aires 2008, and here Black should have played 8...CtJa6!N 9.CtJf3 Wie7t 10.ie3 CtJfS with a clear advantage. 8...�e7 9.0-0 0-0 10.�f4 1 O.�e 1 is likely to come to the same thing after a subsequent if4. Another game continued: 1 0.a4 ib7 II.if4 b4 12.CtJbd2 CtJe8 13.CtJeS Alvarado - B. Socko, Warsaw (rapid) 2010, and now after 13...d6N 14.CtJc6 CtJxc6 IS.dxc6 ia6 16.�el CtJc7 the si tuation is dynamically balanced; White has about enough compensation for a pawn. %'///� �' ,/. z' U% r>B 8 �;t1£��,% ��� 7 � .i�iw�i 6 m"7.� ��Ifnn�� um7.� ��,�m";� ��5 �i��8 �'l/.'/ �� 4__�_ �� �� �:n1�,�3 ��'0 �� ��J�� '� 2 8 �t!fl . �t!fl � � 1 dtbm ;��m'u" , �� �I /, % a bed e f g h 10...tlJa6 I briefly checked 10... CtJ c4, but found that after II.CtJc3 ia6N (11...d6 was played in Koneru - Dzagnidze, Mardin 2011, but after 12.CtJxbSN White is just better) 12.d6 if6 Chapter 20 - 4.g3 13.�e4 White's chances are excellent. 11.�el �b7 Another game continued: 11...�eB 12.�c3 �c7 13.Wic2 (13.�gS!?N looks like an improvement.) 13...ib7 14.h4 g6 lS.�gS �cB 16.�ad1 b4= 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 8.1_ B ��._ ,�� "u'%�i�uu,Y-�,�� 7 �.i.�i�i�i 6 4i� �_m"�� u"'/.� 5 �f.�';_�_ 4 �� �"U%� %�7� %_ �� �� �?;(o,� 3 � _ _�W� 2������£� ""J1uu�� �%uu}'m'%�'i?'u, l��_iV� � a bed e f g h 12.�c3 �c7 I also analysed: 12...b4 13.ixd6 13.�a4 �eB 14.b3 ifB lS.Wid3 g6 16.h4 �xe 1 t 17 .�xe 1 Karner - Palac, Oberwart 2010. 17...Wif6 oo 13...ixd6 14.�e4 Wic7 14...ie7 lS.d6 if6 16.�xf6t Wixf6 17.�eS ixg21B.rJlxg2�adB19.WidStTomashevsky 279 - Bocharov, T aganrog 2011. 14...WibB lS.�h4 �eS 16.d6 g6 17.�xc5 �xcS 1B.�xeS �xg2 19.�xg2 �e6 20.�e3 rJl g 7 21.Wid3 Wib6 22.�bS Wia6 23.�dS �abB 24.�c7 Wic6 2S.�xe6t fxe6 26.Wid4t rJlgB 27.�xb4 �xb4 2B.Wixb4 a6 Oren - Hicdoenmez, e-mail 2011. Black eventually drew the game but White is a pawn up in a one-sided endgame, so I cannot recommend this for Black. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 lS.�h4!N Improving on the game Gleizerov- Medvegy, Banska Stiavnica 2011. With the knight on its way to fS (which can even be played after lS...g6), White has the initiative. 8.1_ B ��._ ,�/. '''/d'' , ',%�'�"'" Y-�'� 7 �.i..i�iw�i 6 /'u"7.� �"uu�f"u�_ um/._ 5 �f.�u_ 'B ' 4 �� ,,,u7.� ��'_ �/.'''/" �� Yi",�?;(o,� 3 � m .��[g 2 �du,,)� �di� ;�tuu/.� !�Ji��t'm/.�uu 1 /,� ��f� � a bed e f g h 13.�d2!? This seems like the best way to create problems. 280 Lines wi th out e4 13...tlJce8 13...fS led 14 � b to a draw . ,"lJ 3 c4 15 ttJ In anothe �cxbS 1 8 illr ' c5 ic8 16,a4 o:o:> b8 r game: Brencher _ E g o h? 19.ie5 if6 20,if4;� 5 .Ba4i 5 17 b s In, e-mail 201 72-Y2 1. 14.a4 a6 14...b4 enables Wh. on th Ite to cl . e quee . d aIm so17ttJ nSI e: 15.ttJb5 ttJ me squaresG' c4 a5 18.iWd3 a4 1 xb5 16.axb5 d6 rammatica _ Sem 9.iWc2 b3 20,iWd = mler, e-mail 201 300 1. 8 H � �/'/.'//. .e. � " z""/,/. �, ��� �.' � 7 �/..i._'i/-If':� 6 i _ _@'%� �fIi1�. 5 �/.i .�';__� �4 8B '� � �/. ,/- ,__W� �� � . /" � � m,,%3 � '�'n//-�' 00 �2 �� � '0frD - �� ' �r � % � '/'//- � iO� � � :':' � � '0 "mX, 1 � uuil:"u,f, . , �/m": rJ &, W� � � iV %'U'ZUU���O/ ,/ � � '� "" , � � � � a b /, % � c d e f "'" >; 15.axb5 axb g h 18 .t 5 16J3xa8 .t . �g5 �xg5 19. t lM 4 xa8 17.11Me2 � 5WhIte h e g as maint. d for the paw aIne a reasonabl ' , ,did not n, but in the follo ' e Inltlative take long for Bl WIng game it pressure. ack to neutr al . Ize the g h 19... tlJ xe4 2 0 1':\ . r.zJ xe4 11M 7 21.�xc S \Ur S e 21.11Mxb 5 axe 22.W1xe8= 21...�xd5 22 11M 24.�xg2 ttJf6: xe5 �xe5 23.ttJxe5 .txg2 8 � _ ' � %"'" %% � � � 7 _ z_ �� �-1!- 6 '_�zi_,�.r 5 ���� .�"�-4 _ ,,�-�- 3 _ �� � �/. -, � � _ . rftfJW42 WA"0 �� · wcj �d _ �'�""x,1 .",,%. �%""J�,� R . @ . ''''/. a b c d /,u,Y- � e f 25J3dl �b8 26 ttJ g h Y2-Y2 C · xd7 �xb2 2 7 1':\ xf6 errato _ K d .r.zJ t on ra ty ev, e-mail 2011. C2) 7.11Me2 Chapter 20 - 4.g3 C21) 8...tlJd6 9.�e3 tlJa6 There is another option here: 9...ib7 This may lead to an endgame where Black has to fight for a draw. 10.ixcS Wixe2t 11.ctJxe2 ctJa6 8 K� �.� �� ,�� �� ';""h,,'%'"'' 7 �.t�i�ir�i 6 i'� �. �� "'''''� ��(�''''';� �� 5�i�lS. . 4 �� 'NU"� �� �� �� �� ��r�3 �W'0�" �� ,J�" '0 2 �![J� B$)J ��tj 1 /�tZJB � .� a bed e f g h 12.ixd6 12.id4 ctJb4 13.ctJa3 ixdS 14.ixdS ctJxdS lS.0-0-0= 12...ixd6 13.ctJbc3 ctJc7 14.ctJd4 0-0 The tables have turned and it is now Black who goes a pawn down in return for compensation. 14...b4 lS.ctJe4 ieS 16.0-0-0t IS.ctJdxbS ctJxbS 16.ctJxbS ieS 17.0-0-0 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 281 1B.ctJc3 1B.ctJd4 g6 19.�he1 �feB oo 1B...�fcB 19.rJlc2 �abB Black has compensation, but only enough for a draw, for example: 20.�he1 �xb2t 21.rJlxb2 ixc3t 22.rJla3 ixe1 23.�xe1 rJlfB= 8.i_.i.�.� � ,�/. �"w, 282 Lines without e4 12.�xa4 �b4 13.�f3 �b6 13...�fS?! 14.d6! CtJxd6 lS.0-0 �fS 16.�xb4 �xb4 17.�dS+- 13...aS 14.0-0 ia6 lS.�xb4! axb4 16.W1xa6 bxc3 1 7. bxc3:t 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14.0-0!N A powerful exchange sacrifice. The game continued 14.�xa7? �a6 + Wagner - Postny, Aix les Bains 2011. 14...ia6 lS.W1d1 ixf1 16.ixf1 �cB 17.�d2t d6 1B.�c4 �bB 19.ih3 White has a huge initiative. 8 .i_.i.�.� �� ,�� �/.:""",,(nm��,�"n' , 7 � _i�i¥�i i)� �.'nn7._ 'm'/.� 6 ��,�m";� �� : �J�� �� � � /,� �"n� " "� , �, � � ?�����3�,�,��� �wri"n';� � \ili:W{f{��W�2 0 �O% ���O%��O% ,�t""7.� �.""7.��W1 � . �'g� ,�,� /, //, � /;, � 0, // ; a bed e f g h 11.�a4 11.�bS is riskier, and White must find a few good moves to stay out of trouble. 11...�xbS 12.W1xbSN (12.d6? �xd6 13.ixaB �c7 14.ig2 ia6 + Sharevich - Mkrtchian, Paks 2011.) 12...�c7 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 11...�b7 11 . . . g6 Only tested once, this also seems playable. 12.�xcS Perhaps White could consider delaying this move, which would at least prevent the new idea mentioned below. 12...�xcS 13.ixcS 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chapter 20 - 4.g3 283 lS.ixb4?! 0-0 16.�f3 �ab8 White is in trouble. 8 , 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 17.ixd6 17.a3? if6 + 18.ixd6 �fe8t 19. 284 Lines without e4 games have been played, so there is still a lot to explore. The most popular alternative has been: 9.d6 Wie6 10.CtJc3 ixd6 11.CtJh3 11.g4 g6 12.gxfS gxfS 13.CtJh3 leads almost by force to the following endgame: 13...CtJc6 14.�xe4 fxe4 IS.CtJgS CtJd4 16.CtJxe6 CtJxe2 17.CtJg7t Chapter 20 - 4.g3 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12...CtJxc3! The tempting 12.. .ic4? does not work out so well: 13.�dl dS 14.b3 0-0-0 ls.id2!+- 13.�d2 Here is a funny example showing how a sharp position might lead to an early draw: 13.bxc3 ixg2 14.�hSt g6 lS.�xe7t ixe7 16.�h6 ie4 17.CtJgS ifB 1B.�h4 ie7 19.�h6= 13. . . CtJ e4 The safest choice and my recommendation. 13...ixg2!? is worth mentioning though: 14.�xe7t ixe7 lS.rJlxg2 CtJe4 16.�dS g6 17.ih6 CtJf6 1B.�d1 O-o-Ot 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 285 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a bed e f g h 14.W1xdS �f7 lS.ixe4 fxe4 16.�xe4t 16.�xe4t �e7= 16...ie7 17.�xcS 0-0 1B.�xbS �abB 19.�d3 if6= Black has good compensation and most probably will take on b2 with at least an equal position. Let's now return to the main line. At this point there are three moves worth analysing: C221) 10.0-0, C222) 10.�e3 and C223) 10.d6. C221) 10.0-0 Having already sacrificed a pawn, White now gives up an exchange to ramp up his initiative. 10.. .�a6 11.11M c2 �xf1 12. @xf1 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 286 Lines without e4 12...h6 If Black does not take care then he may lose quickly, for instance: 12...�f6 13.CtJd2 CtJxd2t? (13...CtJd6 14.CtJ b3 h6 15.CtJxc5 ie7 leads to the main line) 14.ixd2 id6 15.�el t Chapter 20 - 4.g3 I1jushin - Khismatullin, Dagomys 2010. Now the critical continuation would have been: . 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12...�g713.tlJxe4 fxe4 14.tlJ g 5 0-0 15.�xe4 8.i�.i.� �.. ,�uu,; � � �'/.."/,,,//uu,y,@'��7 �� _ XUU �� & .% . �m� wa 6 /,uu/,� �_'''d''� '1�� � ��,�"U�� �/.'N/� 5 � w�8_ m �W�m'/'� �� /"''' � ';�4 . ��� � � �UU% � � �@'0 ��'03 � � � �� �� 00 �Q% � � �'� "",� ///-",,%A �MUlfJ� �K� ��2 O���� �� �b 1 ,d"u�_ �=Uu%�� a bed e f g h 15...tlJd7!?N 15.. .if5 leads to an endgame: 16.0-0 ixe4 17.�xe4 �xe4 IB.4Jxe4 ixb2 19.�abl ig7 20.4Jxd6 �dB= I1jushin - Sharafiev, Moscow 2011. The text move is a good alternative which keeps more pieces on the board, and could lead to some exciting possibilities as shown in the following illustrative line. 287 16.0-0 tlJf6 17..ig2 tlJ g 4 18..if4 IB.4Je6 4Jxe3 19.fxe3 �f6= � � %0 A � %UU% � �� � / � IDll W� & 8 a..JL� ��� � ' / �ij'h �� 'l/- � / "",� 7.� � �m� wa 6 ",u/.� �_m'7.� '1%� ��,�''''%� �%'n/� 5 � ??��_ m ��'Iu,�� ��;�uu � ,;�4 /i� . ��� 3 ",u/.� �� mu�� ��'''0 �� ��'du,,��,� 2 � ��iVm r���� 1 ,�u"/'��.j�f'U a bed e f g h 18...�xf4! Opening up the white kingside. 19.9xf411Mf6 20.11Mc4 White has to be careful, for instance 20.h3? �xf4 21.hxg4 �xg5 and Black wins. 20...a5 21.11Mb5? 21.h3! is essential: 21...ia6 22.�e4 ixfl 23.�xfl 4Jh6 24.b3= 21...11Mxf4 22.11Me8t �f8 23.tlJa 8 7 6 5 3 2 1 288 Lines without e4 24.11Mxa8 �e4 25.11Md8 �xf3 26.11Mh4 hg2-+ Black is winning, since taking the bishop would cost White his queen after a knight check. C223) 10.d6 � /; � '� %" /:: 8 .i..i.�.� � 7 t/u m ;_ rSrm�_'l um/.� ��""'/,� "m/'� 6 ��,�u,,�� �� : �J��r'�� 3 .Uu%� �� ��,� �� '0 �� ��,J�� 2 8 � .iVw��w� ��t�w� �_""/,.W1 f��� �� .� a bed e f g h 10...11Mxd6 11.f3 �a6 12.11Me3 This time White wins material, but his king is stuck in the centre and the black pieces may become extremely active. 12...tlJc6 13.fxe4 This position has only been reached in one game, Sosonko - Barle, Ljubljana 1977. At this point I found a useful improvement: 13...�e7!N 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a c In the aforementioned game Black opted for long castling, but to me it looks more logical to park the king on the kingside, as it will be safer there while the rook will be happy on f8. 14.e5 After the greedy 14.exf5 0-0 Black has a formidable initiative, for example: 15.W1e4 �aeB 16.W1d5t rJlhB 17.rJld1 �xf5 1B.W1xd6 ixd6 + Another possibility is: 14.�f4 0-0 15.�d2 Whi te's king remains stuck in the cen tre and it will take a long time to develop his queenside. Black should be able to win in a few different ways. 15...�aeB 15...�d4 should also work, but the rook move is stronger and also brings a certain sense of harmony associated with developing the last piece. 16.�e2 if6 Black has a decisive initiative, for example: 17.0-0 �d4-+ 8.1_ �._ � ,/���, ,�: ,�"m� 7 � .i � �i 6 r� rSf'''�� ""'/.� �� ,;;j""�W"0 �� � 5 � _ if�im 4 �.""%� �Uu%� �� �"u�� �/.:/-w; ��'''0 � 3 � . � if�� ��'''0 �� 'S"u%� �uu%�,� 2 ��, '/ ��, � . !�� 1 'Fr��W� ,� � � ��OO � � �/. / / //...�, a bed e f g h 14... tlJxe5!! Welcome back in time to the 19th century, where we will play in the style of the old maestros! 15.�xa8 0-0 16.�f3 Chapter 20 - 4.g3 8 ,/�, _ ��.� 7 %1 �i_ �i 6.i.� sm"�� u",/'� ' � � j,,,u" � 5� � _i'_ 4 �_,u,/.� /"u,,� �� � �uu�� �;«" A) 4.dxe6?! fxe6 AI) 5.�f3 A2) 5.�c3 A3) 5.irg5 B) 4.�f3 A2) note to 12...c4 17...l2Jxe5!?N Lines without e4 Rare 4th Moves Variation Index l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 3. ..e6 A2) after 17.�e2 a bed e f 17...l2JxalN 291 291 292 294 295 B2) note to 15.h3 28...ixg2!N Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 c In this chapter we will round up a few rare and mostly insignificant lines, beginning with A) 4.dxe6?! and finishing with B) 4.�f3. 4.CtJc3 This move has been the focus of most of the book. We have already covered a few rare lines from this position, and there is not much more to add here. 4.ooexd5 5 .4Jxd5?! 5.cxd5 d6 6.if4 (Sidelines after 6.e4 can be found in Chapter 14, and various 6.4Jf3 lines in subsequent chapters.) 600.g6 Now it is hard to suggest anything other than 7.e4 or 7.CtJf3 transposing to normal positions. 5...CtJxd5 6.W1xd5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 291 but I see no reason to devote much space to such a timid line. Here is a good example of how Black should proceed. 600.CtJc6 7.CtJf3 d6 8.e4 ie6 9.1Wdl ie7 10.ie2 0-0 11.0-0 if6+ Seidemann - Wolf, Germany 1995. A) 4.dxe6?! fxe6 4. ..dxe6? needlessly hands White a slight edge after 5.1Wxd8t rJlxd8 6.CtJc3 4Jc6 7.if4. /- '///� '/../-' ',U/. �'� ' " " /:: 8 .I ..i.� e� �:i 7 /'.lu� '1"_ UU'%_'i 6 /,uu/.� �� l.u,,%� �� �� //u",;� : ����%����� � ������ �!��_!�!� //�£�W� �� �%?�W1 ����� ��,�,� /, , " / "/ / / � //" % � , , , a bed e f g h The text move is much better, and with a central pawn majority and open f-file it is Black who can fight for the advantage. We will analyse AI) 5.�f3, Al) 5.�c3 and A3) 5.�g5. Black has a comfortable game after 5.g3 ie7 6.ig2 0-0 7.4J f3 d5 8.0-0 CtJ c6+ as seen in Krausser - Sailer, Ingolstadt 1989. AI) 5.�f3 d5 Black can get a good position playing almost anything, but taking over the centre is the most logical idea. By the way, 5...b5?! 6.cxb5 leads to the Blumenfeld Gambit Accepted, but there is absolutely no need for it here. 6.e3 �c6 7.�e2 8 Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves 9...CtJf7 10.ig5N 10.CtJg5 g6 + Korban - Tsiganova, Tallinn 2008. 10...Wia5t 11.id2 Wib6 Black is clearly better here, for example: 12.0-0-0 ie7 13.id3 CtJc6 14.f4 14.CtJf3 g6 15.Wi g4 e5 16.Wi g3 if5 17.h4 0-0-0 + 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 14...e5! 15.�el 15.CtJf3?? g6-+ 15...g6 16.Wie2 0-0 + 6...exd5 8 ���A�.W� �� a/�:.JL�m��W �B 7 Y7.1"� '''''7.� um�_'i /.u,,� � � .7."u% 6 _ � _ � � ��'''0 �� /�u",;� : �J�'�_�� 3' ������ ��,�uuu� ��'''0 ��,�2 /.���'0 ��J�/.�J[j 1 �� �iV � ��1:t , /, /,." � , a bed e f g h 7 .�g5 This seems like the logical and principled try, but it just doesn't work. Objectively 7.e3 should be tried, but it is obvious that Black has the initiative. 293 7...d4 7...ie7 transposes to line A3, but via this move order advancing the d-pawn is more energetic. 8.�e4 �f5!? 8...ie7 is also good: 9.CtJxf6t (9.ixf6 R. Silva - R. Fernandez, Guarapuava 1992. 9...gxf6!?N 10.e3 Wia5t II.Wid2 Wixd2t 12.CtJxd2 CtJc6+) 9...ixf6 10.ixf6 Wixf6+ II.CtJf3 Obando - Guimoye, Lima 2002. Here I suggest the following slight improvement: 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c /;'/ � '/'. � � ;0'" /:: 8.1. � ce� �� 7 if61u� ,,,u/.� "m�_'l 6 /.""�_�_�."U%_ 5 _ �� �.I;� 4 �_�"j_�.u,�� � �� um/.� /.�3 �, ,�, ��'0 ��'0 2 8� _ 8fff] 8 / ,,��� ""� � iV � � /'� � ���1 ��� � � %�/�,� �/, /:: �' a bed e f g h 9.�xf6tN I decided to check this untested move. 9.CtJg3 ie6 was good for Black in Lenders - Bosshard, Zurich 2005. 294 Lines without e4 9...gxf6 Whi te is already in trouble. '=' �. :ml1.. � ��8 a �_� �ra���' � �a 7 tllu� U"'%� mu�� '1Y. 6 ,uu�_���_�- ��'0 ���uu��,�5 � r� ..i.� 4 �� u'''/,_�� mu%� 3 �� �uu�� �� ��/ � � � 2 8�f) B8�8� 1 /�u"/._ ;m� �� a bed e f g h 10.e4!? Attempting to complicate the game, rather than play something like 1 0.id2 Wb6 II.Wb3 W xb3 12.axb3 ie6 when Black is clearly better. 10...�xe4 11.11Me2 fxg5 12.11Mxe4t 11Me7+ White does not have much to show for his mIssIng pawn. A3) 5.�g5 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 6.tlJc3 d5 Just as in many of the earlier lines, White already has to be careful. 6...0-0 is also not bad, but it allows White to develop: 7.CtJf3 CtJc6 8.e3= 7.cxd5 7.CtJf3 d4 8.ixf6 gxf6 + Hillmann - R. Mueller, Jena 2005. 7...exd5 8.e3 Let's see what happens if White dines on the d-pawn: 8.ixf6 ixf6 9.CtJxd5N 9.Wxd5?? ixc3t actually occurred in one game which I'm sure White would rather forget. After 9.Wb3?N White will pay the price for not developing his kingside: 9... CtJ c6 There are other good moves, but one is enough. 10.0-0-0 (1 0.CtJxd5? Wa5t II.rJldl if5-+) 10...ixc3 II.Wxc3 We7 + 12.�xd5? CtJb4-+ 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves 13...ie6 Black must avoid 13..-'Mfxd5? 14.ic4 �xe4t 15.rJlfl Wixc4t 16.CtJxc4:!:. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 a b c 14.ie2 14.CtJf4 Wif6 + 14... CtJ c6+ The queens ide pawn majority and bishop pair offer Black a slight edge. 8 .i �.i.�._ �� % /w/""' � � ""'7.?%o'�?;(o,�,,,,,7 ���&� � �� ���& i.�. W �.%. /,,,,,/. �� "m� "7.,,,,/'� � �?;(o'0 �� � � //,,///;@/�6 � � __ 5 � ���&� � �� �.% . 00 4 �� ""'/.� �� m"%� �/.'n//- �?;(o'0 �� 3 � m i[g _ ��r�""';� �""��'''0 ��,� 2 �JI1//h � //. � �/�,J�/.�J[j i�� �\UlJ� � ?� �1 �� ���dib��� a bed e f g h 8...�c6N I prefer this over 8...d4, which has the disadvantage of giving the white knight a good square in the centre. 9.exd4 cxd4 10.ixf6 ixf6 II.CtJe4N= (Rather than II.Wie2t?! rJlf8+ Busch - Niessen, e-mail 2001.) 9.�xf6.hf6 10.�xd5 �xb2 IIJ�bl �e6! We must destroy the opponent's only active pIece. 295 12.�c4 After 12.�xb2 ixd5 White must find some only moves just to survive the opening: 13.e4! (13.CtJf3 is well met by 13...Wia5t 14.Wid2 CtJb4 + 15.ie2? ixf3-+) 13...�xe4 14.Wixd8t rJlxd8! 15.f3 id5 16.�xb 7 CtJ d4 17 .�b2 (17.�xg7 �b8 + ) 17...rJlc7+ Black has a lead in development and can press for a win with virtually no risk. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 12...0-0! Development is the name of the game, and Black can even afford to go a piece down temporarily. 13.�xb2 �e5 This wins back the piece immediately. 14.�e2 This leads to a tough endgame for White, but it is hard to suggest anything better, for example: 14.ib3 c4 15.�d2 Wia5 16.CtJe7t rJl f7 -+ 14...�xd5 15.�f3 �xf3t 16.gxf3 11Ma5t 17.11Md211Mxd2t 18J�xd2 �xf3+ Black's extra pawn gives him good winning chances. B) 4.�f3 296 Lines without e4 %'///� '/../-/'/..// �'� ' , u /:: 8 .i ..i.� e� �� tll"� 'l%� '1%_'1' 7 "'''�� �� f.''''�� 6 ��'''0 �� ,�,,,,,;� � 5 � �8 � �%0 4 _8_ _ ��t 3 � _ _�_ 28� �8�8r!; ;�£�W�!_�/'_W' 1 ,������.� a bed e f g h 4...exd5 If you want to save yourself the effort of looking at the remaining pages, you can just play 4...d6! followed by ...exdS, when White is denied the option of a quick e2-e4. Nevertheless I will cover the text move for the sake of completeness, as well as for the benefit of those who may reach the position via a different move order such as l.d4 e6 2.c4 cS 3.dS exdS 4.cxdS CtJf6 S.CtJf3. 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 This is about the only way for White to give independent value to the set-up with CtJf3 instead of CtJc3. He uses the fact that the e-pawn is presently untouchable (6...CtJxe4?? 7.Wa4t) to do without the knight on c3 for the moment. Still, one has to ask if the knight can realistically hope to find a better square than c3. 6...a6!? We can borrow an idea from Chapter 16, namely that if White puts his pawn on a4, his queen will not be able to give check on that sq uare. 6...g6 is possible, but after 7.id3 ig7 8.h3 0-0 9.0-0 White's idea of delaying CtJc3 starts to make a bit more sense. For instance, after 9...bS White can try 10.�el!? to create an escape square for the bishop on fl (rather than 10. CtJ c3 which transposes to the sideline 10.0-0 in the Modern Main Line with 9... b S - see page 118). This may not be so bad for Black, but it has been tested by some strong players and I see no reason to follow this path when a much simpler alternative exists. 7.�d3 �g4 8.tlJbd2 tlJbd7 9.h3 Black is also fine after: 9.Wc2 g6 1 0.h3 ixf3 II.CtJxf3 ig7 12.a4 �c8 8 7 6 5 Compared with the Modern Main Line, the exchange of Black's problem bishop eases his position considerably. One game continued: 13.ic4 0-0 14.0-0 We7 IS.�el �fe8= Garcia Palermo - Granda Zuniga, Benasque 2010. 8.i� � Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves Black took on f3 in Yermolinsky - Shaked, Denver 1998, but I find it more logical to exchange another pair of minor pieces. 10.�e2 �xf3 10...CtJxf3t 11.CtJxf3 ihS 12.0-0 ie7 its close to equal, but not much of a Benoni. 11.�xf3 �xf3t 12.�xf3 �e7 12...g6 is playable, but the bishop will soon reach the long diagonal anyway, and this time without any weakening of the kingside. 8.i� �._ �� � �� 'S""xm'��'�"'" 7 �i_ mi!i%i 6 r� �_'''''%.''''/,� 5 � �.�/,� /�",,,;� /, ���""�_!� �� 4 ��� ��!� 8 � !��� ��!� /'''''}'''''��'0 ��,�""%�1 �� �iV m �1:t a bed e f g h 13.0-0 �d7 14.�f411Mc7 Followed by ...0-0 and ...if6, with a pleasant game for Black. 297 Conclusion You hardly need to do much preparation for any of these lines, but now you can be ready in the event that someone tries to surprise you with one of them. I hope you enjoyed the book and wish you every success with the Modern Benoni. Variation Index Chapter 1 l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.e5 A) 8...dxeS 10 B) 8...CtJfd7 9.CtJbS dxeS 10.CtJd6t rJle7 II.CtJxe8t Wixe8 12.CtJf3 �e8 12 B 1) 13. fS 14 Bll) 13...CtJb6N 14 B 12) 13... e4 ! 15 B2) 13.fxeS 17 Chapter 2 l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�f3 0-0 9.�e2 A) 9...�e8 19 B) 9...CtJbd7 22 C) 9...ig4 10.0-0 CtJbd7 II.h3 ixf3 12.ixf3 �e8 13.�el 23 Cl) 13...WiaS 27 C2) 13...e4 14.ie3 WiaS 29 C21) Is.id4 29 C22) IS.rJlhl 30 Chapter 3 l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t �bd7 9.e5 dxe5 10.fxe5 �h5 II.e611Mh4t A) 12.rJld233 B) 12.g3! 35 Chapter 4 l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t �fd7 A) 9.CtJf3 43 B) 9.id3 44 C) 9.ie2 46 Cl) 9...0-0 46 C2) 9...Wih4t 47 Variations Index 299 Chapter 5 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 9.a4 11Mh4t 10.g3 A) 1 O. . . W1 d8 11. CtJ f3 0-0 12.0-0 50 AI) 12...CtJa6 50 A2) 12...a6 52 A21) 13.ie2 52 A22) 13.id3 CtJf6 54 A221) 14.W1b3 54 A222) 14. g2 57 B) 10...W1e7 II.CtJf3 0-0 12.0-0 CtJa6 58 Bl) 13.eS 58 B2) 13.�el 59 Chapter 6 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 9.a4 0-0 10.tlJf3 tlJa6 11.0-0 A) 11...CtJe7 63 AI) 12.ie4 63 A2) 12.ixd7 64 A3) 12.id3 65 B) 11... CtJ b4 67 B 1) 12.h3?! 68 B2) 12.�el a6 13.ifl �e8 14.h3 69 B21) 14...b6 70 B22) 14...fS!? 71 B221) IS.exfS 72 B222) Is.id2 72 B223) IS.eS 73 B224) IS.W1b3 76 300 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni Chapter 7 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0 �e8 A) 10.Wie280 B) 10.CtJd2 82 B 1) 10...CtJa6 II.f3 CtJe7 12.a4 CtJd7 82 B 11) 13.CtJe4 84 B12) 13.hl 85 B2) 10...CtJbd7 87 B21) II.f4 87 B22) II.Wie2 89 B23) II.a4 90 B231) 11...CtJeS 91 B232) 11...a6 93 B2321) 12.f4 93 B23211) 12...�b8 94 B23212) 12...e4 95 B2322) 12.Wie2 96 B23221) 12.. .�b8 96 B23222) 12...CtJeS 98 Chapter 8 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0 A) 9...a6 102 B) 9...ig4 109 Bl) 10.h3?! 109 B2) 10.CtJd2 110 B3) 10.if4111 Chapter 9 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.h3 0-0 9.tlJf3 b5 A) 1 O.CtJxbS �e8 118 AI) 11. CtJ d2 119 A2) 11.0-0 121 B) 10.ixbS CtJxe4 II.CtJxe4 WiaSt 12.CtJfd2 WixbS 13.CtJxd6 Wia6 14.CtJ2e4 CtJd7 IS.0-0 CtJeS 16.CtJxe8 �axe8 7.CtJxeS ixeS 18.�el 123 Bl) 18...Wid6 125 B2) 18...�fe8 125 Variations Index 301 Chapter 10 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 A) 7.CtJf3 a6!? 129 AI) 8.a4 129 A2) 8.W1e2!? 131 B) 7.id3 ig7 8.h3 0-0 9.CtJf3 134 B 1) 9...a6 134 B2) 9...�e8 10.0-0 e4 135 B21) II.ie2 135 B22) II.ixe4136 B3) 9...CtJhS!? 10.0-0 CtJd7 II.igS if6 12.ie3 �e8 138 B31) 13.CtJd2 140 B32) 13.W1d2 142 Chapter 11 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f3 �g7 A) 8.CtJge2 0-0 9.CtJg3 145 AI) 9...a6 145 A2) 9...hS 146 A3) 9... CtJ hS!? 148 B) 8.ie3 0-0 149 B 1) 9. CtJ ge2 149 B2) 9.W1d2 150 C) 8.igS 0-0 9.W1d2 152 Cl) 9...a6 152 C2) 9...h6 10.ie3 hS II.CtJge2 155 C21) 11...�e8 156 C22) 11...CtJbd7 157 Chapter 12 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJ g e2 �g7 8.tlJ g 3 A) 8...hS 161 B) 8...a6 162 C) 8...0-0 163 302 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 -The Modern Benoni Chapter 13 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.tlJ g e2 0-0 9.0-0 a6 10.a4 tlJ bd7 A) II.igS 167 B) II.h3 169 C) II.CtJg3 �e8 172 Cl) 12.h3 172 C2) 12.f4 Wie7 173 C21) 13.Wif3 174 C22) 13.h3 �b8 175 C221) 14.ie3 175 C222) 14.Wif3 e4 Is.ie2 bS 16.axbS axbS 17.ie3 CtJeS 18.eS dxeS 19 .fxeS �xeS 20.id4 b4!? 178 C2221) 21.ixeS 179 C2222) 21.Wif4 181 Chapter 14 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 A) 7.ibSt 185 B) 7.ie2 187 C) 7.CtJf3 189 D) 7.i.d3 191 Chapter 15 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�f4 �g7 8:t1Ma4t �d7 9:t1Mb3 A) 9...bS 193 AI) 10.CtJxbS 193 A2) 10.ixd6! 194 B) 9...Wie7! 10.e4 0-0 II.CtJd2 CtJhS 12.ie3 199 B 1) 12...CtJa6 200 B2) 12...fS 202 Chapter 16 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�f4 a6 A) 8.CtJd2 206 B) 8.e4 bS 9.Wie2 ie7 208 Bl) 10.eS 210 Variations Index 303 B2) 1 0.Wic2 211 C) 8.a4 ig7 9.h3 0-0 10.e3 214 C 1) 1 O. . . CtJ e8 215 C2) 1 0..J�e8 217 C21) II.ie2 217 C22) II.CtJd2! 218 Chapter 17 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.g3 �g7 8.�g2 0-0 9.0-0 A) 9..J�e8 223 B) 9...a6 10.a4 CtJbd7 224 Bl) II.if4 224 B2) II.e4 225 B3) II.CtJd2 �e8 227 B31) 12.a5 228 B32) 12.CtJc4 229 B33) 12.h3 �b8 13.CtJc4 CtJe5 14.CtJa3 CtJh5 232 B331) 15.h2 234 B332) 15.e4 id7 236 B3321) 16.g4236 B3322) 16.f4237 B3323) 16.a5 238 B33231) 16...Wixa5 239 B33232) 16...b5 17.axb6 ib5 18.CtJaxb5 axb5 19.CtJxb5 Wixb6 241 B332321) 20.CtJc3 242 B332322) 20.CtJa3 244 Chapter 18 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.tlJd2 A) 7...CtJbd7!? 249 B) 7...ig7 8.CtJc4 0-0 250 B 1) 9.g3 251 B2) 9.ig5 252 B3) 9.if4 253 B31) 9...b6 253 B32) 9...CtJe8 257 304 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni Chapter 19 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 A) 4.ig5 h6 5.ih4 262 AI) 5...d6 263 A2) 5...g5!? 263 B) 4.CtJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.CtJf3 g6 7.ig5 265 Bl) 7...h6 265 B2) 7...ig7 266 B21) 8.e4 266 B22) 8.CtJd2 267 Chapter 20 l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.g3 exd5 5.cxd5 b5!? A) 6.ig2 d6 270 AI) 7.e4 270 A2) 7.b4!? 272 B) 6.CtJf3 ib7 7.e4 CtJxe4 8.ig2 273 Bl) 8...id6!?N 274 B2) 8...ie7 275 C) 6.e4!? CtJxe4 277 Cl) 7.ig2 277 C2) 7.We2 We7 8.ig2 280 C21) 8...CtJd6 281 C22) 8...f5 9.CtJh3 b4283 C221) 10.0-0285 C222) 10.ie3 286 C223) 10.d6 288 Chapter 21 l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 A) 4.dxe6?! fxe6 291 AI) 5.CtJf3 291 A2) 5.CtJc3 292 A3) 5.ig5 294 B) 4.CtJf3 295