A. Rae^ky, M.

C h e ^ ^ i k

NO PASSION FOR
CHESS FASHION

Fierce Openings For Your New Repertoire

© 2011 A. Raetsky, M. Chetverik
English Translation © 2011 Mongoose Press

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First English edition

098765432 1
 CON TEN TS

From the authors...............................................................................................................................4

1. A. Raetsky. THE KING’S GAMBIT...................................................................................5

The variation 2… ef3.♘ f3 d6 4.d4 g5 5.h4 g4 6.♘g1 f5
2. A. Raetsky. PETROV’S DEFENSE...................................................................................15
The variation 3.d4 ♘xe4 4.de ♗ c5
3. M. Chetverik. THE RUY LOPEZ.......................................................................................24
The Alapin Defense 3 .. .♗ b4
4. A. Raetsky. THE SCANDINAVIAN DEFENSE...........................................................44
The variation 2… ♘ f6 3.d4 ♘xd5 4.c4 Ci:lb4
5. M. Chetverik. ALEKHINE’S DEFENSE.......................................................................57
The Cambridge Gambit 2.e5 ♘ d5 3.d4 d6 4.c4l♖l b 6 5.f4 g5
6 . A. Raetsky. THE FRENCH DEFENSE........................................................................... 65
The variation 3.e5 c5 4.♕ g4
7. M. Chetverik. THE St. GEORGE DEFENSE..............................................................82
l ,e4 a6
8 . A. Raetsky. THE SICILIAN DEFENSE........................................................................ 130
The Cobra system 2.♘ f3 ♘ c6 3.d4 cd 4.♘ x d4♘ f6 5.♘ c3 e6 6l♖
l d b 5 ♗ c5
9. M. Chetverik. THE ALBIN COUNTERGAMBIT.................................................... 149
l.d4 d5 2.c4 e5
10. A. Raetsky THE CHIGORIN DEFENSE...................................................................195
The variation l.d4 d5 2.♘f3 ♘ c6 3.g3 ♗g4 4.♗g2 ♕d7
11. A. Raetsky. THE ENGLISH OPENING.................................................................... 221
The variation l.c4 e5 2.♘ c3 ♗ b4 3.♘d5 ♗ a5

3
 F rom th e A u th o r s

The theory o f the most fashionable openings is now being updated to cover the first
30 moves, and even the first 40. The main purchasers of opening monographs are
candidate masters and club players. Not many of them are looking to fill their heads
with far too much information. So, understandably, they want to deviate from the
main lines as soon as possible and prefer to choose half-forgotten variations. Con­
trary to the opinion o f official theory, these variations are sometimes no worse than
the “ sophisticated” ones. Not even the objective shortcomings of such rarities should
frighten you away from trying them in practice —as besides the classical time control
there’s also Rapidplay and Blitz.
Eleven opening systems are presented in this work. The authors play White more
stri♘ y than Black, and with the ten plans for Black there’s just one for White (the
French with ♕g4 in chapter 6). Seven chapters were created by Alexander Raetsky
and four by Maxim Chetverik. We have frequently used games and analyses that
haven’t been published before.
The authors are sticking with forms of exposition that are identical to those in
our previous Russian-language works The Catalan and The Queen’s GambitAccepted
— games with notes and illustrative individual lines in the systems. If the duels don’t
go over the limit of 30 moves they’re included in full, othetwise they’re “cut” at
the point when the course of the battle no longer has any relation to the opening.
Without disregarding the computer’s prescriptions, we’ve tried not to go overboard
with specific variations and have given preference to explanations. Explaining the
confi guration of forces and the plans for both players is like hiring a navigator in the
unfamiliar waters of rare systems.
Hopefully the reader, armed with the unusual openings we suggest, will enjoy set­
ting fashions rather than merely following them.
 Chapter 1

The King’s Gambit

T h e v a r ia tio n l .e 4 e5 2 .f 4 e f 3.l2Jf3 d 6 4 .d 4 g 5 5 .h 4 g 4 6 .l2 Jg l f5

The glorious King’s Gambit was consigned to history inthe mid- l9thcentury. It may
have seemed that the romantic opening was destined for oblivion, but fortunately
the future World Champion, Boris Spassky, started using it regularly and success­
fully in the 1960s. Indeed, over the course of his career Spassky never lost a serious
game with the King’s Gambit and his victims included Bronstein, Fischer, Portisch,
Karpov and Seirawan. David Bronstein himself was also a fan of 2 f4; he played it
episodically over a period of 50 years.
In more recent times, the King’s Gambit has been occasionally adopted by Nigel
Short, Alexei Fedorov and all three of the Polgar sisters. Theory books are rarely
convinced about White’s chances and it is still comparatively rare, but playing l...e5
nevertheless requires the second player to be prepared in the event of a “ surprise” .
Meeting fire with fire, our recommendation is to remember that there are two f-
pawns which are permitted to move in the early stages o f a game of chess.

1.e4 e5 in the American Chess Quarterly, Vol. 1

2.f4 ef (1961), No. 1. The right move is 3...d6!”
3.R:'lf3 ... Although his analyses have been forgot­
In the very first Spassky — Fischer ten and the Americanneverhad a chance
duel (Mar del Plata, 1960) 3...g5 4.h4 to test them in practice, 3 ...d6 began to
g4 5.R'le5 LLlf6 6.d4 d6 7.LLld3 LLlxe4 be called the Fischer Defense.
8.♗xf4 was encountered, with repeated 3... d6
confirmation in practice of the com­ 4.d4 g5
pensation for the pawn. Fischer wrote 5.h4 g4
in My 60 Memorable Games. “ This loss 6 .LLlgl ...
spurred me to look for a “ refutation” of In the Rapid game Morozevich
the King’s Gambit, which I published — Kasparov (Paris, 1995) White rejected
Chapter I

this main continuation in favor of the miere (we were outdone by Metz and
theoretically unsound 6.♘g5?! After 6... Held, Vienna, 1980). But it was pub­
h6 (6...f6!?) 7.♘xf7 ♔xf7 8.♗xf4 ♗ g7 lished in Chess Informant and served as a
9.♗c4+ ♔e8 10.0-0 ♘ c6 1l.♗e3 ♕xh4 stimulus for practical testing. Previously
12.♖f7 ♖h7 there’s no real compensa­ my choice of defense against the King’s
tion for the piece. What specific reply to Gambit had been chaotic, but after the
6 .♘ g1 the 13’hWorld Champion planned Tallinn duel I exclusively championed
in the defense named after the 11thWorld my own idea 6...f5.
Champion remained a mystery. Play branches out: 7.ef (game 1),
7.♕ e2 (game 2), 7.♘ c3 (games 3­
5). 7.♗xf4 ♘ f6 8.♘ c3 overlaps with
7.♘ c3. The continuation 7.♗ d3 fe
8.♗xe4 doesn’t deserve attention, as
the bishop occupies the central square
that was intended for the knight. After
8 ...♘ f6 9.♕ e2 (9.♗d3 ♕ e7+ 10.'fi'e2
♘ c6 1l.c3 ♘ h5) 9...♘ xe4 I0.'fi'xe4+
♕ e7 11.♕xe7+ ♗xe7 12.♗ xf4♗f5 the
bishop pair determines Black’s advan­
tage.

The tabiya of the Fischer Defense. 1. K. ZUSE - T. MIK^HALCHAK

Here 6 ..♗ e7, 6...f3, 6...<i'lf6, 6...'fi'f6 Germany, 1997
and 6..♗ h6 have been played (from the
l.e4 e5
least— to the most-used). Black is great­
2.f4 ef
ly hindered by his opponent’s powerful
3.♘ f3 d6
pawn center, and sometimes the weak
4.d4 g5
f7 pawn makes itself felt. In the game
5.h4 g4
Shevchenko — Raetsky (Tallin, 1992)
6 .<i'lgl f5
the paradoxical idea of turning a neces­
7.ef •••
sity into an advantage dawned on Black
right at the board — ramming the enemy
center with the potential target.
6... f5!?
Manipulating pawns alone seems
ridiculous, but then again White has no
developed pieces! Black brings the ob­
ject of the attack out of his home front,
tying a knot of tension in the vicinity of
the demarcation line.
According to the database the game
Shevchenko — Raetsky wasn’t the pre­

6
 The King’s Gam bit

The exchange only makes it easier for 11.♔ d2! ...

Black to mobilize his army and doesn’t Forces an exchange o f queens by
inflict any inconveniences on him. aggravating the fact that the g-pawn is
7... ♕ e7+ undefended. 11.S c l ♗ f5 12.d5 ♘ f6
Inthe event of7...♗ xf58.♗
,x f 4 ♕ e7+ 13.♖d1 c5 14.♘b5 ♔ d7 is weaker, and
(unlike 8...♕e7+ 9.♘ e2 f3) White can the pawn advantage on the queenside is
cover with his knight without worrying gradually making itself felt.
about losing a piece. Then again, 9.♘e2 11... ♕xe2+
♘ c6 10.♘bc3 ♘ b4 11.♖cl ♘ f6 12.a3 12.♘gxe2 ♗g6
♘bd5 13.♘xd5 ♘xd5 14.♗g5 ♘ f6 is 13.♖e1 ♔d7
more likely to benefit Black. 14.h5 ♗ f7
8 .♕ e2 ... 15.♘g3 ♘ a6
After 8. ♗ e2 ♗xf5 9.♗ xf4 ♕ e4 He should have continued 15. ..
10.♕d2 ♘ c6 11.♘ c3 it goes without ♔ c7 and l6. ..♘ d7. Now 16.♗ e2 ♘h6
saying that the queen doesn’t destroy 17.♘ge4 would have been very unpleas­
the g2 pawn ( 11...♕ xg2?? 12.♕ e3+ and ant for Black.
13.♖h2, catching the queen), but the 16.♗d3 ♗e6?
d4 pawn. A queen excursion after the It was essential to complete the knight
g2 pawn is much more successful with maneuver (l6. ..♘ b4 or 16. ..♘ c7 ), es­
9.♘ c3 ♗h6 10.♘d5 ♕e4! 11.♘ xc7+ tablishing control over d5. Black’s sec­
♔ d7 ( 11...♔ d8 rules out a check from ond straight oversight allows Zuse to ef­
b5, but there’s also no reason to rule it ficiently achieve an advantage.
out!) 12.♘xa8 ♕xg2 13..♗ b5+ (13.♗f3
gf 14.♕xf3 ♕xf3 15.♘ xf3 ♘ f6 will cer­
tainly end withthedeath ofthe a8 knight)
13. ..♘ c6 14.d5 ♘ f6 (14...♘ ge7!?)
15.dc+ be 16.♕ d4 cb 17.♕ xa7+ ♔d8
18.♕ c7+ ♔ e8 19.♕ b8+ ♔ e7 19.♕ xh8.
White is two rooks up, but his pieces are
in such absurd corner spots that Black
wins almost any way he wants to.
8 ... ♗ xf5
9.♗xf4 ♗xc2
It’s better not to take the pawn, but
to solidify an advantage in development
17.d5! ♗ xd5
with 9 ...♘ c6 10.c3 0-0-0.
18.♗f5+ ♔d8?!
10.♘ c3 c6
The lesser of the evils is an evacua­
In the variation 10 ...♘ c6 11.♘d5
tion o f the king to the queenside after
♕xe2+ 12.♗xe2 0-0-0 13.♗xg4+ ♔ b8
18 ...♔ c7 19.♘ xd5+ cd 20.♖hfl ♗h6
14.♘e2 ♗g7 White won the pawn back,
2l.♗ x h6 ♘xh6 22.♖e7+ ♔ b6. Black
but didn’t achieve equality because of
finished his development and, although
his worse pawn structure.
now he also parts with the h7 pawn, he

7
Chapter I

somehow manages to block the enemy Black —as is the sharp variation 7… ♕e7
pawn on h5. 8.♘ c3 ♘ f6 9.e5 de 10.de ♘h5 11.♘d5
19.♘ xd5 cd (Neffe — von Buelow, Hamburg, 1997)
20♗.g 5 + ! ile7 l l...♕ f7 12.♕c4 ♘ a6 13.♘e2 ♗e6
21.♖xe7! ♘xe7 14.♕a4+ c6 15.♘dxf4 0-0-0 16.♘xh5
2 2 .♖e1 ♖e8 ♗ b4+! 17.c3 ♘ c5!
Thanks to the pin White has an op­ 8.♘ c3 ♗h6!?
portunity for a winning h-pawn push By keeping the f4 pawn Black pre­
— 23.h6! ♘ b4 24.♗xh7 ♘bc6 25.♘f5 vents the normal development of the
♔ d7 26.♘xe7 ♘xe7 27.♗d3, and the queen’s bishop. The modest problem
path to a queen is open. o f peacefully equalizing the chances is
solved by 8...fe 9.♘xe4 ♘xe4 10.♕xe4+
2. A. SHEVCHENKO - A. RAETSKY ♕e7 l l.♕xe7+ ♗xe7 12.♗xf4♗f5.
Tallinn, 1992 9.ef+ ...
How not to play the King’s Gambit
l.e4 e5 was demonstrated by White in the game
2.f4 ef Zuse — Raetsky (Biel, 1994): 9.e5? de
3.CfJf3 d6 10.♕xe5+? ♔ f7 l l.♗ c4+ ♔g7 12.♕c5
4.d4 g5 ♖e8+ 13.♔ d1 b6 14.♕a3 ♘ c6 15.♘ge2
5.h4 g4 ♗ b7, in which he was left a pawn down,
6 .♘ g1 f5 uncastled and undeveloped.
7.♕e2?! 9... ♔ f7
10 .♕ f2 ♖e8+
11.Wdl ...
It’s better to play this immediately
than out of necessity a little later. The
colorful variation 11.♘ge2 g3! 12.♕f3
♘ c6 13.♔ d1 ♘e5! 14.de de+ 15.♕d3
♗xf5 16.♕xd8+ ♖axd8+ 1 7.♔ e1 ♗f8!
(intending 18...♗c5 and 19. ..♗f2#) is
illustrative — White is a knight up and
with that there’s a lack o f even any
slightly tolerable continuations.
11... g3
It’s tempting to get onto the same 12.♕f3 ♗ xf5
file as the king, but here the queen is 13.♗c4+ ...
preventing its own pieces from getting From a practical point o f view de­
into play. fending this kind ofposition isa thankless
7... CfJf6 and most likely impossible task. Rybka
The very boring continuation 7...fe suggests 13.♕xb7 ♘bd7 14.♗d3 ♖b8
8.♕xe4+ ♕e7 9.♕xe7+ ♘xe7 10.♗xf4 15.♕c6 ♖b6 16.♕ a4♗ g4+ 17.♘f3, but
♗g7 1l.c3 ♘ bc6 is also favorable for that’s in Black’s favor too.

8
 The King’s Gam bit

13... ♔ g7 22.♕ xc7 Clf2

14.♘ge2 ♗g4 23.♔ f1 ♕ h1+
15.♕xb7 ... 24.♘ g1 Clg4
White resigned.

3. A. BALZAR - A. RAETSKY
Giessen, 1994

l.e4 e5
2.f4 ef
3.♘ f3 d6
4.d4 g5
5.h4 g4
6 .♘ g1 f5
7.♘ c3 ...
15... d5! Developing the minor pieces on the
Cuts the queen off from its com­ queenside is the only decent plan in the
rades-in-arms. As a consequence a new situation that has arisen. Of course, on
wave of attack rebounds on White. 7...fe White doesn’t reply 8.♘xe4?! ♕e7
16.♗d3 ♘ e4! 9.♕e2 ♘ c6 10.c3 ♗f5 11.♘ f2 ♗h6
17.♕xa8? ... (without compensation for the pawn), but
An amusing coincidence: three years 8.♗xf4, switching to the main variations.
later the unknown Dutchmen Van der 7... ♘ f6
Kooij and de Laat found themselves 8.♗xf4 fe
in this same place. After 17 .♗xe4 de 8… ♘xe4!? 9.♘xe4 fe hasn’t been
18.♔ el (18.♕xa8? ♕xd4+ 19.♗d2 f3!) tested in practice, although an addition­
18...♘d7 19.♘xf4? e3 20.♘fe2 ♕ f6 a1 exchange of a pair ofknights theoreti­
21.♖t f l ♕xh4 2 2 .♔ d1 ♖
t f 8 23.♖e1 ♗h5 cally suits Black.
White gave up the fight, although with
19.♗xf4 ♗xf4 20.♘xf4 Sb8 21.♕ c6
♖xb2 22.♘ce2 e3 the rotten position
could still be defended. Shevchenko
leaves the deadly e4 knight alive and
loses as quickly as the Dutchman.
17... tlf2 +
18.♔e1 ♘xh1
But not 18...♘xd3+? 19.cd ♖xe2+
20 .♘xe2 ♕e8 21.♔d2!, and the king es­
capes punishment.
19.♕ xd5 ♕ xh4
20.♗ c4 ♔h8! Another fork in the road. Here 9.g3
21.♕ t7 ♗h5 is examined, in game 4 — 9.♕ d2, and in

9
Chapter I

game 5 — 9.d5. 9.♘ge2 may be associ­ 18.1{i"h6 S f8

ated with 9.g3 and with 9.1{i"d2, ending
up in the respective branches.
9.g3 ...
An unusual bishop fianchetto for
the King’s Gambit, coming up against
a reinforced pawn. White plans a quick
seizure of the f-file, and, if possible, an
explosive opening of the e-file.
9... d5
Exposes the dark squares, which is to
some extent forced. We’ve already con­
vinced ourselves of the power of an ad­
vance by a white pawn to d5, and here 9... 19.♗xe4⁉ ...
♘ c6 10.d5 ♘e5 11.I{i"d4 l{i"e7 12.0-0-0 The promised explosive sacrifice ex­
♗ f5 13.♗b5+ ♔ f7 14.♗g5 promises a ploits the undefended e6 bishop. In the
decent initiative for minimal losses. variation 19.♖f2 0-0-0 20.♖cfl ♕xb2
10 .♘ge2 c6 21.♖xf6 ♗xf6 22.♖xf6 ♖xf6 23.♕xf6
11.♗g2 ♗e6 ♖e8 White’s minor pieces look pathetic,
In a closed position the players have and only Black has chances.
to mull over the question of which side to 19... de
castle on. 12.1{i"d2 and 13.0-0-0 now de­ 20.♘xe4 0-0-0!?
served attention for White, retaining the By returning the extra piece Black
possibility ofh5 (and, if possible, h6). isn’t left short. Still, it wasn’t worth
12.0-0 ite7 parting with it so soon — after 20 ...
13.1{i"d2 ♘bd7 ♕ d8⁉ 2l.♖ f4 ♔ d7! (defending against
14J'♖
ae1 l{i"b6 22.♖efl) 22.<iJc5+ ♗xc5 23.dc ♘ d5
Conversely, Black plans to castle 24.♕xh7+ ♔ c8 or 24...♕e7 25.♕xe7+
queenside — in the case of 14...0-0 ♔xe7 White’s activity is temporary.
15.♗h6 ♖f7 16.<iJf4 itf5 17.<iJdl the 21.♘xf6 ♗ c4
appearance of a knight on e3 will be un­ 22.♘xg4 ...
pleasant for him. 22.♕g7!? ♗xf6 23.♖xf6 ♖xf6
15.♗h6 ♘h5 24.♕xf6 ♕xb2 is more precise, to take
15...♘.0-0 16.♗g7 ♖hg8 17.1{i"h6 the advantage o f the bishop pair away
♗ f8! 18.♗xf8 ♖gxf8 is unquestionably from his opponent.
stronger; there’s nothing for the pawn. 22... ♖ xfl+
16.♗g5 ♘df6 23.♖xfl l{i"xb2
17♗tx f6 ... 24.1{i"e3?! ...
Since control of the c5 square has Baltsar obviously hadn’t noticed that
been lost, 17.♗ J a 4 l{i"c7 18.<iJc5 i t f l he didn’t have to defend the knight. In
19.♘f4 is interesting, with counterplay. the case of 24.♕xh7! ♗xe2 25.1{i"f5+
17... ♘xf6 ♖d7 26.<iJe5 1{i"xd4+ 27.♖f2 White gets

10
 The King’s Gam bit

a rook with passed pawns against two been encountered more often than
bishops, and the battle can end in all others.
kinds of ways. Even with the very strong 9... d5
25 … ♔ b8 26.♕e5+ ♗ d6 27.♕xe2 ♗xg3 l 0.♗ e5?! ...
28.♔g2 ♗c7 (28...♗xh4? 29.♔h3!) The bishop frees a spot for the king’s
29.♕e4 White’s situation isn’t as dire as knight. The slightly cumbersome posi­
in the game. tion o f the minor pieces hasn’t had the
24... ♗d6 slightest success. Joseph Gallagher’s
25.♘f6 ♕xc2 analysis, 1 0 .♘ b 5 ♘ a6 11 .♗e5c612.♕g5
26.♖f2 ♕ xa2 ♗e7 13.♘d6+ ♔f8(?) 14.♕h6+ ♔g8
27.♘ c3 ♕ a1 + 15.♘xe4! (with a win) didn’t stand up
28.♔ h2 ♗b4 to testing by Rybka: 13. ..♗xd6 14.♗xf6
29.♘fe4 ♕ a5 ♕ a5+ 15.c3 ♖f8, with a clear advantage
Black took advantage of his extra for Black. By the way, the Anglo-Swiss
pawn. Grandmaster was the chiefproponent of
the gambit at the end of the 20thcentury
4. J. H E C T O R -P . LEKO and the author of a book with the ambi-
Copenhagen, 1995 tioustitle Winningwith the King's Gambit
Which makes it all the more interesting
l.e4 e5 that such an authoritative expert played
2.f4 ef I.♘ f3 against me in Baden (1995) and
3.♘ f3 d6 the Four Knights Opening in Grächen
4.d4 g5 (1999)...
5.h4 g4 It’s best for White to continue
6 .♘ g1 f5 10.0-0-0 c6 11.h5 (seizing space and
7.♘ c3 ♘ f6 taking a convenient square away from
8.♗xf4 fe the knight; 11.♘ge2 ♘h5 12.♗e5 ♖g8
9.♕d2 13.♘g3 ♘xg3 14.♗xg3 ♗e6 15.♗e2
♘ d7 is probably favorable for Black)
II...♗ e 6 12.♘ge2 ♘bd7 13.♘ g3 a5
14♗ e2 a4. Each player has his trumps:
White plans to put pressure on the f-file,
and Black has reciprocal chances on the
queenside.
10... c6
11.♘ ge2 ♗ e6
12.♘ f4 ...
Letting the queen go out in front
is useless due to an exchange sacrifice
— 12.♕g5 ♘bd7 13.♘ f4 ♕ e7! (13. ..
Logical preparation for castling ♗f7?! 14.♕f5 is less clear) 14.♘ h5
queenside. This continuation has ♘xh5 15♗ xh8 ♘g3 16.♖g1 0-0-0.

11
Chapter I

Getting the bishop off h8 will cost more ♕xe3+ 21.♔ b1 h5 I'll add the simpler
material, as in the example variation 17. ..c5 18.g3 d4 19.♕a3 ♕xe5. The only
17.0-0-0 ♕xg5 18.hg ♗e7 19.♗f6♘xf6 difficulty that the young Hungarian en­
20.gf ♗xf6 21.♗e2 ♗g5+ 22.♔b1 ♗e3 dured in this game was the problem of
23.♖gel ♗ f2. having too many good choices.
12... ♗f7 18.♘e2 ...
13.♘d1?! ... After 18.♘xh5 ♗xh5 19.♗e2 ♗g7
The Swedish Grandmaster recklessly 20.♘xg4 ♗xg4 21.♗xg4+ ♔ b8 or
follows his intended course, clearly un­ 20.♗xg4+ ♗xg4 2l.♘xg4 ♖he8 in ex­
derestimating his 16-year-old oppo­ change for the g4 pawn Black takes on
nent. He should have castled and in re­ e5 and finishes off his opponent with his
ply to 13. ..♘bd7 agreed to the exchange central pawns.
14♗ x f6. White has paltry compensa­ 18... ♗ b6
tion for the pawn, for which he should 19.♔b1 ♗xe3
“thank” the bishop, which wandered off 20.♕xe3 ♔ b8
to the wrong spot e5. 21.♕g5 ♖hg8
13... ♘ bd7 22.♕f5 ♗g6
14.♘e3 ♘ x e5! 23.♕g5 ♖de8
15.de ♕ c7 ! 24.♕xg4 ♕xe5
25.♕g5 ♕xg5
26.hg ♖e5
27.g4 ♘g7
28.♘ f4 ♘ e6
White resigned.

5. A. FEDOROV - Z. GYIMESI
Pula, 2001

Alexei Fedorov is a star o f Belarusian

chess and a true knight o f the King’s
Gambit. Only he could be destined to
16.♕ c3 ... deliver two terrible blows to my inven­
16.♕d4 0-0-0! 17.ef ♕xf4 18.♕xa7 tion...
♗h6! lost immediately. Now Leko’s l.e4 e5
variation should end with a similar result, 2.f4 ef
16. ..♕b6!? 17.0-0-0 ♗b4 18.♕b3 ♗ c5 3.♘ f3 d6
19.♘f5 ♕xb3 20.ab ♗g6, although cas­ 4.d4 gS
tling queenside may be even stronger. 5.h4 g4
16... 0-0-0 6 .♘ g1 f5
17.0-0-0 ♘h5 7.♘ c3 ♘ f6
To Leko’s prescription 17 … ♘d7 8.♗xf4 fe
18.e6 ♕xf4 19.ed+ ♔ c7 20.♕xh8 9.d5!? ...

12
 The King’s Gam bit

True, with the very strong 1 l...c6 the in­

teresting tactic 12.dc be 13♗ xe7 ♕xe7
14♗t x c 6 + ! ♘ xc6 15.♕d5 can be found,
winning back the piece favorably.
10♗ c4 ...
Fedorov develops a piece for now.
He is familiar with the previous games,
in which 10.h5 was tried without much
success. After 10...h6 1l.♕ d2 Black
can’t castle kingside, and in the duel
Matros — Hector (Stockholm, 1998)
he calmly prepared to castle queenside:
We’ve convinced ourselves ofhow lit- 11… ♘ bd7 12.♘ge2 ♘ b 6 13.♘g3 ♕e7
tie the speedy mobilization of the white 14.11.b5+ (14.0-0-0!?) 14..♗ d7 15.C1Jf5
army promises. Partly because White has ♕ f8 16.0-0 0-0-0 17♗ e3 (17♗ xd7+
run head-on into the pawn pair d5/e4. ♖xd7 18 ♗ t e 3 is more precise, preserv­
The idea of separating the central pawns ing the powerful knight on f5) 17..♗ xf5
ahead o f time creeps in, seizing territory 18.♖xf5 ♕e7 19.a4 a6 20♗ t e 2 C1Jbd7,
and freeing the d4 square for the pieces with good play. Against Shulman (Par­
along the way. Grandmaster David was dubice, 1999), Gorin didn’t even try to
the first to visit this idea (against Alkaer- slow the pawn down and didn’t regret
sig, Antwerp, 1996), with a subsequent it: 10...0-0!? 1l.h6 ♗h8 12.♕d2 ♘bd7
9..♘'lb d 7 10.l♖
l g e 2 ♗ g7 11.♘ d4 ♘ f8 13.0-0-0 ♘ c5 14.♘ge2 e3!? 15♗ xe3
12.11.b5+ ♗d7 13.C1Jf5 ♔ f7 14.♘ xg7 ♘fe4 16.♕e1 ♕ f6 17.♘d4 ♗ d7 (17. ..
♔xg7 15.0-0 h6 16♗ e3 ♘g6 17♗ xd7 ♘ f2 18♗ xf2 ♕xf2 19.♘db5 ♕ f7 is no
♕xd7 18.♕d4 ♘e5 19.♘xe4 ♘xe4 worse, at least) 18.♘xe4 ♘xe4 19♗ d3
20.♕xe4 — White won the pawn back Bae8 20.♖f1 ♕e5 2l.♖xf8+ ♖xf8
and wasn’t averse to keeping the enemy 22.11.g1 ♘ c5 23♗ c4 ♖e8, draw.
king busy. The maneuver ♘b8-d7-f8 10... ♘bd7
doesn’t impress at all, o f course. 10...0-0 11.♘ge2 (1l.h5?! ♘xh5!)
9... ♗ g7 11...♘h5 12♗ e3 a6 followed by ...b5
Against Fedorov (Katrineholm, is interesting, and we need proof o f the
1999), Ibragimov strove to exchange compensation for the pawn.
off the bishop: 9… ♘h5?! 10.♗g5 ♗e7 11.h5 0-0
11.11.b5+ ♔ f7? 12.♘ge2 a6 13.0-0+ 12 .h6 ♘ e8!?
♔ g8 (13...♔ g6 14.♘xe4 ab? 15.♕d3 By analogy with the example Shul-
♔g7 16.♕c3+withawin) 14.♗a4♗xg5 man —Gorin it wasworth thinking about
15.hg ♘d7 16.♘f4 ♘xf4 17.♕xg4! ♘ e5 12. .♗t h 8 13.♘ ge2 ♘ b6 14♗ b3 ♘fd7!?
18.♕xf4 ♔ g7 19.♘xe4 b5 20♗ b3 ♗ d7 (opening lines for three pieces at once!).
21.♘f6 h5 22.♖ae1, and Black resigned. 13.♘ ge2 ...
The miniature occurredasaconsequence For now all the variations are play­
o f a neglectful attitude towards his king. able for Black: 13.hg ♖xf4 14.♘ge2 ♖f7

13
Chapter I

15.♘xe4 ♘e5 16♗.d 3 ♗.f5; 13.♕xg4 The Hungarian Grandmaster misses

♘b6 14.♕g3 ♖xf4! 15.♕xf4 ♗ xc3+ asuperbtacticalchance: 15… ♘ f3+ ! 16.gf
16.bc ♘xc4 or 13.♗d2 e3! 14.hg ed+ ef 17.♗e3 ♕ e7 18.♕d4 fe 19Si.'xe2 tilf6
15.♕xd2 ♘xg7. — the passive bishops don’t compensate
13... ♗xc3+ for the lack o f a pawn, and the white
Dimeshi doesn’t miss the opportu­ king is also feeling uncomfortable.
nity to double his partner’s pawns. A 16.♕d2 a5?!
worthy alternative is 13..♗.e 5 14♗ x e5 Before putting pressure on his oppo­
♘xe5 15.♕d4 ♗ f5, with an excellent nent on the queenside he should have ac­
centralized knight. tivated his pieces. For example, follow­
14.bxc3 tileS ing Fedorov’s prescription: 16… ♘xf4
1S♗.b 3 ? ! ... 17.♘xf4 e3!? 18.♕xe3 ♕g5 19.g3 ♘ f6
The variation 15.♕d4 ♘xc4 20.0-0-0 ♖e8 2 l.♕ d 4 He4 22.♕d2 a5
16.♕xc4 b5!? 17.♕xb5 a5 demonstrates 23.a3 ♗.d7, with a complicated game.
an amusing “equality in poverty” —both 17♗. g5 e3?!
players’ pieces are disconnected, their Very weak resistance for such a strong
pawns are weak, and their kings aren’t player! With an active dark-squared
safe. Although it was worth it for White bishop pushing the central pawn is
to continue that way. useless; he had to look for chances af­
ter 17… ♕ d7 18.♘ g3 a4 19♗.c 4 tile5
20 ♗
. e 2 c6!?
18.♕xe3 tilf6
19.0-0 ♕e8
20.♕d4 tilh5?!
In the case o f 20...♕xe2 21.♖ael
♕ a6 22.♖xf6 ♕ a7 23.♖xg6+! hg
24.♕xa7 ♖xa7 25.♖e7 Black can’t avoid
losses, but it’s still the lesser ev♗.
21.♘ g3! ♖ xfl+
22.♖xfl tileS
23.♘ xh5 ♕xhS
24.♕ xe5! ...
15 ... ♘g6?!
Black resigned (24...de 25.d6+).

CONCLUSION:

If we ignore the results o f Fedorov's games and consider the essencc o f what hap­
pens with 9.d5!?, then an advantage for White doesn’t appear. There's compensa­
tion for the pawn, but Black’s good prospects arc just as obvious.
The current evidence concerning 6… f5!? reveals it be an objectively strong move
that forces fans o f the King's Gambit to rack their brains.

14
 Chapter 2

Petrov’ s Defense

T h e v a r ia tio n l .e 4 e5 2 .♘ f 3 ♘ f6 3 .d 4 ♘ x e 4 4 .d e J , c 5

Fashions in chess can bejust the same as fashions elsewhere; sometimes they are in­
teresting and sometimes they are dull. The Petrov has a solid reputation ofbelonging
to the latter. Is it possible to produce something colorful in a dull world? We think so!
And what’s more, the fun starts as early as the fourth move!

1.e4 e5 is sought with 4.de d5 5.♘bd2, but in

2.♘ f3 ♘ f6 advocating that students take the pawn
3.d4 ♘xe4 I stopped in confusion at 4… ♗ c5!? The
attack on the square by hanging piec­
es immediately changes the character of
the struggle — in the style o f the Traxler
Counterattack in the Two Knights De­
fense. The published evidence ofWhite’s
advantage isn’t too convincing, so in
practice I have preferred a bird in the
hand — the quiet equality after 4...d5.
In 2005 my co-author and I pub­
lished the monograph Petroff Defence in
the UK (Everyman Chess). Our inves­
tigations into 4… ♗ c5⁉ convinced me
4.de ... that you can and should play like that
There’s absolutely no reason to at­ (game 4 appeared), and that the disdain
tempt to prioritize the main line 4.♗d3 for bringing the bishop out by the chess
d5 5.♘xe5, although it has numerous world as a whole and top players in par­
admirers. White strives for solid play, ticular was a pure misunderstanding. Fi­
without getting involved in long-winded nally, in December 2007, Vassily Ivan­
theoretical discussions. The same thing chuk played this way (game 2). I’d like
Chapter 11

to dream that he was moved to try this The aggressive development of

experiment by reading our monograph, the bishop is yielding in popularity to
but the real reason was most likely the 5.♕d5, but if the centralization o f the
Ukrainian genius’s indifferent attitude queen doesn’t display any merits we’ll
towards entrenched opinions. Until a have to go back to the alternative.
horde ofimitators pounces on this “nov­ 5... ♘xf2
elty” , I ’ll hurry up with my own investi­ The most fundamental. After 5...
gations. ♗xf2+?! 6 .♔ f1 he has to be clever to
4 ... ♗ c5!? avoid losing one of his pieces. With 6...
The most fleeting familiarity with d5 7.♕xd5 ♕xd5 8.♗xd5 f5 9.ef ♘xf6
the position convinces one that White 10.♔xf2 ♘xd5 1 l.♖ e1+ ♔ f7 Black
should go on the attack, and not defend achieves his designated aim, but notice­
the f2 square. In the variation 5.♘d4? ably lags in development. 5...d5 6.Vj'xd5
♘xf2! 6.♔xf2 Vj'h4+ 7.♔ e3 ♗xd4+ ♕xd5 7.♗xd5 ♘xf2 8.♖ f1 ♘g4 is more
8.♕xd4 ♕e1+ 9.♔ f3 Vj'xcl Black solid, with a slightly worse position.
won the piece back, kicking the white 6 .♗xf7+!? ...
king out into the open, where it will Bearing down on the weak enemy
get slaughtered. Or 5.♗e3 ♗xe3 6.fe square with the same fervor that the en-
d5 7.ed ♘xd6 — for this White broke emyjust displayed against the f2 square.
up his pawn chain? My respect goes to Previously I had a lower opinion o f the
only two continuations — 5♗,c 4 (game thrust 6.Vj'd5 than it deserved. 6… ♕e7
1) and 5.Vj'd5 (game 24). 7.♖ f1? c6 8.♕d2 d5 has been encoun­
tered, and Black is left with an extra cen­
1. V. SIMAGIN - A. KHACHATUROV tral pawn. White still weasels his way out
USSR, 1959 somehow: 7.b4! ♗ b 6 (with 7… ♘xh1 ?!
8 .bc White freezes his partner’s queen­
l.e4 e5 side at the price of just the exchange)
2 .l♖
J f3 ♘ f6 8 .♖ f1 ♘g4 (8 ...c6?! is weaker here be­
3.d4 ♘xe4 cause of 9.Vj'd6) 9.Vj'e4 d5 (after 9...f5?!
4.de ♗eS 10.♕xf5 ♕xb4+ 11.♘fd2! there is im­
5.♗ c4 ... pending trouble on the f-file) 10.♗xd5
c6 1l.♗ b3 f5 12.♕e2 Vj'xb4+ 13.♗d2
♕ c5 , then most likely 14...♘e3, with
exchanges. Black is completely fine, so
we can go on.
6 ... ♔ f8
I’m in two minds about accepting
the sacrifice. On the one hand, this may
be best objectively. On the other, after
6...♔xf7 7.♕ d5+ ♔ e8 it’s not only un­
pleasant to lie low under attack in the
example variation 8.♕xc5 ♘ x h ! 9. ♗g5

16
 Petrov’s Defense

d6 10.♕e3 ♕d7 11.♘c3 h6 12.♗h4 g5 ♕ e8 11.♗e3 ♕e6 12.♕e4 d6 13.0-0-0

13. ♘ d5 ♔ f8, but also to oppose the ♘ c6 14.♖xh1 ♕ f5.
centralization with 8.♗g5 ♗e7 9.♗xe7 11.♗g5 c6
♕xe7 10.♔xf2 (Yusupov). Replacing 12.♕d4 ♕ e8!?
7... ♔ e8 with the harsher retreat 7 ... ♔ g6,
after 8.0-0 d6 9.♖xf2 Jl,xf2+ 10.♔xf2
(8.♖f1 d6 9.♖xf2 ♗xf2+ 10.♔xf2 is
identical) 10 ...h6 11.♘c3 promises
White the initiative for the exchange.
Next may follow 11... ♘ c6 12.e6 ♕ f6
13.♕d3+ ♕ f5 14.♘d5 ♕xd3 15.cd
♗xe6 16.♘xc7 ♗g4 17.♘xa8 ♖xa8, a1­
most certainly with a drawing outcome.
7.♕d5 ♘xh1
8.♕xc5+ ...
Khachaturov recommended 8.♗h5!?
♕ e7 9.♗g5 ♗ f2+ 10.♔e2 ♕e6 11.♘c3. 13.♘e4?! ...
An extremely dangerous plan — it isn’t Simagin declines his partner’s in­
difficult for Black to fall into a desperate vitation to take the pawn with check.
position, as in the variation 11...@xd5? After 13.♕xd6+ ♔g8 14.0-0-0 ♘ f2
12.♘xd5 ♗ b6 13.♗e7+ ♔g8 14.♘g5 (the queen is no longer preventing the
g6 15.♗f3. Still, Rybka sees a draw: 11... knight’s escape, but then again the latter
h6! 12.♗d2 g6 (with an immediate 11... can’t get very far) 15.♖f1 ♘g4 16.h3 h6
g6 the bishop transferred to f6) 13.♖xh1 17.♗ d2♘ a6 18.hg ♗xg4 Black remains
♗ b 6 14.♖f1 ♔g7 15.♘h4! gh 16.♖f6 the exchange up and with 19. ..♖d8 plans
♕xd5 17.♘f5+ ♔g8 18.♘e7+, with to force the queen back to the unappeal­
perpetual check. ing spot a3. Instead o f the slightly ad­
8 ... ♔xf7 venturous onslaught it was worth elimi­
9.♕ d5+ ... nating the knight first (13.0-0-0 and
Either side can vary their play with 14.♖xhl), and then acting according to
no change to the evaluation — White’s his opponent’s strategy.
activity is counterbalanced byhislackof 13... de
material. Using the constrained position 14.♕ c5+ ...
of the queen with the help of 9.♕ c4+ 14.♘xe5 isn’t enough because o f
♔ e8 10.♗g5 doesn’t work due to 10... 14… ♘ d7 15.♗f4 ♘xe5 16.♗xe5 ♕d7
d5 11.♕e2 ♕ d7 12.♘c3 h6 13.♗e3 c6 17.♗d6+ ♔g8 18.0-0-0 ♕g4 19.♖xh1
14.0-0-0♕ e715.♖ xhl ♗e6and ...♘ d7, ♗ f5, and there’s nothing to compensate
rousing the queenside to life. for the loss.
9... ♔ f8 14... ♔g8
10.♘c3 d6 15.0-0-0 CZJd7
Blackmailing your opponent with an 16.♕ e3 h6
exchange ofqueens isn’t bad either: 10... 17.♗h4 b6

17
Chapter 11

18.♕c3 ♕ e6
19.♖d6?! ...
Tempting Khachaturov with the a2
pawn. Taking it would be rash, as shown
by the colorful variation 19...♕xa2?
20.♕xc6 ♖b8 2l.b3! ♕ a1+?! 22.♔d2
♕ a5 + 23.♔e3 the white king is liter­
ally mocking his opponent’s larger, but
completelyuncoordinated and therefore
helpless army.
Chess isn’t checkers — captures are
not obligatory! Black doesn’t touch the
Trojan horse, and Simagin may have re­ main line, but 5… ♘xf2? doesn’t deserve
gretted that he left the wayward knight a recommendation. After 6.♕xc5 ♘ x hl
immune. Then again, after 19.♖xhl c5 7.♗g5 f6 8.efgf9.♗h4 ♕ e7+ 10.♕xe7+
Black completes his development, and ♔xe7 11.♘ c3 White gets two pieces for
there’s nothing real for the exchange a rook and an overwhelming position.
and a pawn. 5... ♗ xt2+
19... ♕ f5 Reinforcing the knight with the help
20.♕ xc6 ♖b8 of 5...f5 isn’t as bad as leaving it forked.
21.♕ c4+ ♕ f1 Still, it’s a second-rate move: 6.♗ c4
22.♕d3 ... ♗ xf2+ 7.♔e2 (the king has let the bish­
The scales then started tipping back op go forward—quite a success!) 7...♕e7
and forth wildly — probably because of 8.♘ c3 c6 (it’s worth testing 8… ♘xc3
time trouble. Simagin won on the 33rd 9.bc ♗ b6 10.♗ g5 ♕ e6 11.♕d3 ♕g6)
move; here after 22...♗b7! things would 9.♕ f7+ ♕xf7 10.♗ xf7+ ♔xf7 11.♘xe4
have been bad for him. fe 12.♘g5+ ♔g6 13.♔xf2 ♖e8 14.♘xe4
♖xe5 15.♘d6 ♘ a6 16.♗ f4 ♖e6 17.♖adl
2. L. BRUZON - V. IVANCHUK ♘ c 5 18.♔f3 (P. Carlsson — Mellado,
Merida, 2007 Calvia, 2004). The knight has nailed the
extra d7 pawn to the spot, and White has
l.e4 e5 nothing to complain about.
2 .♘ f3 ♘ f6 6.♔ d1 ...
3.d4 ♘xe4 Unlike 6.♔ e2 (games 3 and 4), the
4.de ♗ c5 king doesn’t flounder around so much
5.♕d5 ... in the way o f its comrades-in-arms here.
Although it doesn’t keep the bishop in
(See Diagram)
its sights, and Black gets a reprieve.
The attack on two minor pieces at 6... f5
the same time is the most principled 7.♗ c4 ...
continuation. Unlike 5.♗ c4 it’s all the After 7.ef ♘xf6 8.♕ e5+ Black is a
other way around here: 5...♗xf2+ — the full pawn up both without queens (8...

18
 Petrov’s Defense

VJ/ie7 9 . ' e 7 + ♔xe7) and with them 10.♗b3

— 8 ...♔ f8 9.♗d3 (A Vovk — Ovanisy-
an, Moscow, 2007) 9...d5 10.IIfl ♘ c6
l l.VJ/if4 ♗ c5 followed by ...♗ d6.
7... VJ/ie7
7… ♖f8 8.♘bd2 c6 allows a posi­
tional queen sacrifice similar to the
one that occurred in game 3. After
9.♘ xe4!? cd 10.♘d6+ ♔ e7 11.♗g5+
IIf6! 12.♗xd5 ♘ c6 13.ef+ gf 14.♘ xf5+
♔e8 15.♘d6+ ♔e7 White can settle for
perpetual check or move his pieces some
more (16.♗f4!?). Because of the lag in
development there’s no point in giving 10... a5
the queen back: 11...♔e6?! 12.♗xd8 Against Maze (Biel, 2008) I con­
Bxd8 13.♘ g5+ ♔xe5 14.♘df7+ ♔ d4 tinued 10 ...♘ a6 , returning the pawn
15.♗b3!or 12. ..dc 13.IIfl ♗ c5 14.♘g5+ in the interests o f development. I knew
♔xe5 15.♘df7+ ♖xf7 16.♘xf7+ ♔ e6 nothing about the prior game, played six
17.♘g5+ ♔ e5 18.♔d2!, with a formi­ months earlier. Then again, my strong
dable initiative in both cases. French opponent was also uninformed.
If Black doesn’t want to force events There followed 11.♘xe4 fe 12.VJ/ixe4 d5
there’s the unclear variation 8 ...♘ g5 (simultaneously opening up his bishop
9.IIfl ♗ b6 10.c3 ♘ c6 11.'tlc2 ♘ e6. and “ ^ k ilg ” the enemy one) 13.VJ/ie2
Replacing 8.♘bd2 with 8.♘ c3 rules out ♗ b 6 14.c3 ♘ c5 15.♗c2 0-0 16.♗g5
transferring the knight via g5, but offers ♕e8! 17♗t e 3 ♕h5 18.♔d2?! ♗g4?!
the equally indeterminate possibility 8 ... (missing a simple win — 18...♘e4+
♘xc3 9.bc VJ/ie7. 19.♗xe4 de 20.<1Jd4 l.g 4 2 l.♕ e1 c5!
8.♘ c3 c6 22.♘xb5 ♖fd8+ 23.'♗ ? c 2 ♗e2) 19.IIafl
In the interesting variation 8 ... Bae8 20.li_d4 ♘ d7 2l.h3 ♗xf3 22.♖xf3
♘xc3 9.bc ♘ c6 10.IIfl ♗ b6 l l ♗,g 5 Bxf3 23.o/ixf3 ♕xf3 24.gf c5 25.1H5!
VJ/ie6 12.♘h4 h6 13.VJ/ib5 hg 14.♗xe6 ♘ f8 26.♗f2 2xe5. Having avoided op­
de 15.♘f3 g4 16.♘g5 ♗d7, by contrast posite-colored bishops, I still couldn’t
with game 3 Black now gets two minor make the most ofmy extra pawn.
pieces for the queen he gave up. But the 11.a4 ...
merits o f the position are balanced by After l l.a3 ♘ a612.♘ xe4fe 13.♕xe4
the insufficient material. d5 14.VJ/ie2 ♗ b6 a position arises from
9.V/id3 b5 the game Maze — Raetsky with the in­
In the case of 9...♗c5 10.♖fl b5 significant addition ofa3 and a5.
11.♗b3 ♘f2+?! 12♖ xf2 ♗xf2 13.VJ/ixf5 11... b4
Black wins the exchange but concedes the Again after 11...ba 12.♖xa4 ♘ a6
initiative to his opponent. So it’s better to 13.♘xe4 fe 14.o/ixe4 ♘c5 15.♗g5 VJ/if8
avoid acquisitions and prefer l l...a5. 16.♕e2 ♘xa4 17.♗xa4 Black gains the

19
Chapter 11

exchange (this time after catching the 3. P. GLAVINA - A. J U ^ Z

queen’s rook in a fork) to the detriment Argentina, 1987
of his position.
122.1xe4 fe 1.e4 eS
13.%\Ve2 ... 2 .tt:Jf3 tt:Jf6
In the event of 13.%\Vxe4 d5 14.%\Ve2 3.d4 ♘xe4
♗ a7! 15.♗ g5 %\Ve6 16.♗ e3 0-0 the ex­ 4.de i i c5
change o f bishops includes the queen’s 5.%\Vd5 ♗ x f2+
rook in the game in the best way pos­ 6 .♔ e2 ...
sible. White has problems everywhere
with his king, and there’s a feeling that
Ivanchuk isn’t about to give up his own.
And only a dozen or so moves have been
made!
13... d5!
13...ef? 14.%\Vxf2 fg 15.%\Vxg2 opens
up the game in White’s favor. Now Bru-
zon decided not to burden himself with
the stupefied b3 bishop in the variation
14.%\Vxf2 ef 15.%\Vxf3 and, perhaps, his
decision was the wrong one.
14.ed %1Vxd6+ An unaesthetic and apparently risky
15♗ d2 e3 advance. But how to save the piece?
16.♖f1 ♗ a6 6 ... fS
17♗ c4 ♗xc4 7.tt:Jc3 ...
18.%\Vxc4 ♖a7! After 7.ef ♘xf6 8.%\Ve5+ the king
19.♔e2 ♖e7 moves away to the f-file, and the bish­
20 ♗ el ♕g6 op is inviolable due to the knight fork
21.g3 ♖e4 (which had already been noticed by von
22.%1Vd3 ♘d7 Bilguer!). But where exa♘ y to put the
ü

After 23. king? It seems that there isn’t a signifi­

♖
?
0
-
0!
2

x
d
7
h
S
d1

4.

.g4 %\Vh3 26.♘g5 ♕ g2 27.♗xf2 cant different. In the variation 8 … ♔ f8

♖xf2+ 28.♖xf2 ef+ the Cuban ended 9.♗g5 ♗b6 l0.♘ c3 ♘ c6 11.%\Vf4 h6!
the battle, not surviving the appear­ 12♗ xf6 %1Vxf6 13.%\Vxf6+ gf Black is left
ance o f a second queen. He should have a pawn up. The piece sacrifice 12♗ h4
looked for practical chances in the varia­ g5 13.♘xg5 hg 14.♗xg5 ♗d4 shouldn’t
tion 23.♗xf2 ♘ c5 ! 24.%\Vdl ef+ 25.♔xf2 worry him. Then again, with 8… ♔ f7
0-0 2 6 .♔ g1 %1Vf6, with the threat of27. .. 9.♘g5+ ♔ f8 10.♘c3 ♗b6 11.♘d5 h6
Sd8. Ivanchuk’s energetic and precise 12.♘f3 ♘ c6 13.%\Vf4 ♔g8 the knight’s
actions eliminated the threats on the brief visit to g5 turns out to be useless. It
a2-g8 diagonal and unexpectedly turned goes without saying that Black shouldn’t
play against the white king. allow himself recklessness like 9...♔g6?

20
 Petrov’s Defense

10.♔f3! (opening a path for his own culties in coordinating his forces Black
bishop, while not parting from the en­ has to playvery precisely.
emy one) 10. ..♖f8 1L♗ d3+ ♘ e4+ 11.♔g3!? ...
12.♔e2 or 12.♗f4, with a win. A weighty decision, as in the middle­
7... c6 game the third rank isn’t intended for
By comparison with 7.♘bd2 (with a the king. Probably with 11.♗e3 d4!?
possible transposition ofmoves) the pos­ 12.♗f4 (12.♘xd4? f4!) 12...h6 13.h4
sibility of7...♘ x c3+ 8.bc has opened up ♕ b 6 14.♗d3 ♕xb2 Glavina considered
for Black. Greed is contraindicated here; his initiative to be insufficiently distinct.
8 ...c6?! 9.♕d6 ♗h4 10.♘xh4 '<lixh4 11... '<!ib6
l l.g3 ♕ e4+ 12.♔f2 ♕xhl? (only 12. ..
f4! stops the queen’s bishop) 13.♗g2
♕xh2 14.♗g5 ♔ f7 15.♖h1. It’s better
to drag the bishop over to e7 via h4, and
only then think about ...c6. Overall the
impression is that the advantage in space
and development compensates for the
lack of a pawn.
The author’s bet — 7… ♗ b6⁉ — was
encountered in the concluding game.
8.♘xe4⁉ ...
A subtle, positional — and almost
correct — queen sacrifice for two mi­ 12 .1H4? ...
nor pieces. The unprotected white king Encounters a concrete refutation;
prevents it from acquiring the status of 12.Ad3! l'Lxe5 1 3 ..:e1 is correct, start­
a completely correct sacrifice. In the ing a direct attack on the king. The
game Lozenko — Titlyanov (Sverdlovsk, geometrically strict perpetual check
1974) a queen retreat allowed Black to after 13. ..♕xd6 14.♖xe5 g5!? 15.♗xg5
castle and free himself immediately: ♖g8 16..:ael h6 17.'if2 hg 18.♖xf5+
8.'<!id3 0-0 9.Ci:Jxe4 fe 10.'<!ixe4 d5 l l.ed ♔g7 19.♖xg5+ 'ih 8 20.♖h5+ is logi­
♖e8 12.'<♗ xe8+ ♕xe8+ 13.♔xf2 ♗g4?! cal enough. 13. ..g5!? 14.♗xg5 f4+!?
(13...♗e6 14.♗d3 ♘ d7 is more solid) deserves attention, in its turn stripping
14.♗c4+ ♔h8 15.♖e1 ♕ f8 16.♖e7♘d7 down the white king.
17.♗d2, and now 17...'<♗ f5 18.♖ael ♘ f6 12... g5!
holds the defense. 13.♘xg5 ♘xe5?
8... cd 13 ...♖g8! 14.♘xf5 d6 won easily.
9.♘ d6+ ♔ f8 Now the fog is thickening over the board
10 .♔xf2 Ci:Jc6 again.
Intending 11...♘xe5! 12.♘xe5 14. liYe3+
♗
x
e5

♕ b6+ , with the aim o f eliminating the 15.♘ f3 Hg8+

d6 knight — the key piece in the enemy 16.♔h3 ♖g6
position’s clamp. Because of his diffi­ 17. S e i '<lih6+

21
Chapter II

18.♘h4 Bxd6 8.♘ xe4 fe

19.♗xd6 ♕xd6 9.♘g5?! ...
20.♗d3 ♕h6 White is still searching for an ad­
The players then started blundering vantage, although he should have come
in turn, and we should end the demon­ down to earth already. In the variation
stration here. 2l.g3 d6 22.♔g2 would 9.♕ xe4 ♕ e7 10.♗ [ g 5 ♕ e6 l l.l':I:d1 tlc6
have preserved approximate equality. 12.♔ e1 d5!? 13.♖xd5 ♕ g4 14.♕ xg4
♗xg4 Black has excellent play, but it’s
4. A. LUKOVNIKOV - A. RAETSKY still for a pawn. 9 ...0-0 is stronger, not
Voronezh, 2005 fearing a cavalry swoop: 10.♘1g5 g6
11.♔ d1 d5 12.ed ♕ xd6+ 13.♗d2 h6
l.e4 e5 14.♘f3 ♗ f5 15.♕ e5 ♕ xe5 16.♘ xe5
2 .♘ f3 ♘ f6 ♘ d7 17.♘xd7 ♗xd7 18.♗c4+ ♔g7
3.d4 ♘xe4 19.♖e1 ♖ae8, with a more pleasant
4.de ♗ c5 ending, as the queen’s rook is out ofthe
5.♕ d5 ♗xf2+ game.
6 .♔ e2 f5 9 ... ♕ e7
7.♘ c3 ♗b6! 10.♘xe4 ...
Wasting valuable time on winning
a pawn is an impermissible luxury:
10.b2.xh7?! ♘ c6 11.♘g5 ♘xe5 12.♗ [f4
d6 13.V;Wxe4 J[g4+ 14.\t>d2 0-0-0,
and, despite material equality, White’s
chances ofsaving himself are slight. The
black king is safe, which can’t be said
about the white one.
10 ... Ci:Jc6
11.♗f4?! ...
Clutching for the e5 pawn like a
drowning man clutching at a straw,
The right time to return the extra White scorns the exchange o f queens
pawn. The praise isn’t so much for the in vain: 11.\!/d 1 ♕xe5 12.♗c4 ♕xd5
quality o f the move (although the move 13.♗xd5. A draw a pawn down can’t be
is good), as for the psychological calcu­ ruled out.
lation. Master Lukovnikov played the 11 ... ♖f8
opening at an energetic pace and had 12.♗g3?! ...
almost certainly thought of a queen sac­ Lukovnikov gives up the game with­
rifice on 7...c6. That scenario suits his out resistance — opening the file enables
rather one-sided aggressive style better Black’s success. No matter how woeful
than anything else, but now he faces White’s position was after 12.g3 ♕ b4!
either the prosaic, or... allow me to de­ (with a subsequent ...♘ e7 or ...♕ d4),
fend! his only chances were here.

22
 Petrov’s Defense

12... '?i'b4! 15.'.t>d3 ...

12...d6? 13.ed ♗g4+ 14.♔d2 0-0-0 It’s naive to think that the king will
15.♖e1 is premature. The king hides on defend itself, Steinitz-style. Black’s re­
c 1, and the white pieces have suddenly ply underlines the fact that the central­
improved. It’s hardly possible to talk ized queen is also in danger. Then again,
about an advantage for Black here. 15.♔ e1 ♗f5 16.♗d3 0-0-0 is no stron­
13.b3 d6 ger.
14.c3 ... 15... ♘e7
On 14.ed the following chain of 16.♕b5+ ♗d7
moves is possible: 14...♗g4+ 15.♔d3 17.'?i'b4 ♕ b2
0-0-0 16.c3 ♖fe8! 17.cb (17.♕xc6 ♕a5!) 18.♗e2 d5
17...♘xb4+ 18.♔c4 ♘xd5 19.♔xd5 c6+ 18...♘d5 18.♕c4 ♘ e3! won just as
20.♔c4 ♖xe4+. Everything is equal for quickly.
now — but not for very long. Rybka sug­ 19.♗h5+ g6
gests a more soothing version of the ex- 20.♘d2 a5!
changeofqueens— 17.h3♗e618.♕xe6+ White resigned. That same “ move”
♖xe6 19.cb ♘xb4+ 20.♔c3 ♖xe4, and a would obviously have followed on 20...
win isn’t far off. The same Rybka advises c5!, with the similar idea o f deflecting
14. ..♗f5! 15.Sel 0-0-0 16.♔d1 ♕ a3!, the queen from the b5 square. A check
not letting the king sneak off. with the bishop from b5 will finally de­
14... ♕ a3 stroy my opponent’s defenses.

CONCLUSION:

It’s difficult to believe that everything we've se n c ^ e atout from a symmetri­

cal Petrov’s Defense, which hasn’t vercome (despite the Cochrane Gambit and
various sharp systems) its reputation as a dry opening. of4.de won’t get
their desired peace! Even less so after 4… ♗ c5!, where I ^ n ’t s e any advantage
all for White.
It is not often that Black gets to displace the enemy so early in the game.
Black kings have more experience in such matters but wMte monarchs may strug­
gle to navigate their way to subsequent safety. Look at your opponent’s face as
you unveil your new fashion with 4… ♗ c5! and you should be able to detect their
discomfort — proof enough that it is an excellent practical choice.

23
 Chapter 3

The Ruy Lopez

T h e A la p in D e f e n s e 3 . . ♗, b 4

There’s little doubt that The Ruy Lopez opening has stood the test of time. As far
as chess fashions go, 3.♗b5 has outlived all of its rivals for attention. Black needs a
reliable defense, but how is it possible to avoid all o f the long theoretical lines?
In the 20thcentury the continuation 3 ...a6 gradually supplanted all the other de­
fenses. Enthusiasm for the classical Chigorin systems was replaced by interest in the
Open variation, and most recently overwhelmingly by the Marshall Attack. Alterna­
tives to 3 ...a6 were thus left by the wayside of theory. Only one branch of the Berlin
Defense was lucky — a test of the stability of one particular tabiya was done at the
highest level, playing in a big part in Vladimir Kramnik’s successful title challenge
against Garry Kasparov in 2000.
We have in mind a surprise for the opponent, which may nevertheless appear
somewhat familiar in some respects...

l.e4 e5 prevents active play on the b-file and

VZ'lf3 LLlc6 the a3-f8 diagonal.
3.♕ b5 i.b 4 The idea of bringing the bishop out
The black bishop copies the posi­ comes from the Russian master Alapin,
tion o f the white one. The d-pawn who stood up for Black’s interests virtu­
is instantly pinned, and on ♘ c3 the ally single-handed at the turn o f the 19'h
bishop can be exchanged for the knight and 20thcenturies. So 3 ...♕ b4 has right­
when necessary. David Bronstein no­ fully been named the Alapin Defense.
ticed the similarity o f 3… ♗ b4 to the Even in a number of forgotten and
Evans Gambit, with the favorable dif­ discarded defenses on the third move,
ference for White that there’s no need Alapin’s child turned out to be a Cinder­
to sacrifice a pawn to create the pawn ella. Opening books brushed it off with
center (c3 and d4). The comparison very truncated variations, and a harsh
falls short, though, as the saved pawn verdict for Black came in positions where
 The Ruy Lopez

the theory should have only just begun. the knight on f6, and on 5.c3 they’ve
Strong practitioners avoided the varia­ naively continued 5...♗ c5 (although 5...
tion, although the tests from the pen of ♗ a5 6.♗xc6 already leads to the loss of
Mark Taimanov and Ratmir Kholmov are a central pawn without any particular
well known, and the Swede Jonny Hector compensation), switching to the system
was seriously interested in 3 .. ♗
,b 4 . 3 ...♗ c5 a tempo down.
White’s preference has been given in
roughly equal proportions to the con­
tinuations 4.c3 and 4.0-0, often inter­
woven with each other. Other possibili­
ties aren’t likely to refute 3 ...♗ b4 such
as the expanded fianchetto in the game
Kupreichik — Chetverik (St. Petersburg,
2000): 4.a3 ♗ a5 5.b4 ♗b6 6.♗b2 d6
7.d4 ed 8.♘bd2 (in the case of 8.♘xd4
♘ge7 9.0-0 0-0 it’s difficult to bring
the queen’s knight into play) 8 ...♗ d7
9.♗xc6bc 10.♗xd4♗xd4 11.♘xd4♕f6
12.♘2b3 ♘ e7 13.0-0 0-0 14.♖ i : e1 ♖ae8 5.d4 ...
15.♕f3 ♕g5 16.♕g3 ♕ h5 17.♕c3 (win­ 5.c3 ♗ a5 is in the same category as
ning the pawn instead o f repeating moves the line 4.c3. Here White decides not to
puts the white king in danger) 17. ..♔h8 create a pawn center, reserving the c3
18.♕c4 ♘g6 19.♘xc6 ♘ f4 (19...♘h4 is square for the knight.
even more energetic) 20.♖e3 (it’s more 5... ed
solid to return the knight to the center 6.♘xd4 0-0
first: 20.♘cd4 ♖e5 2 l.♖ i :e3) 20...♕g4 7.♗g5 ...
2l.g3. Black’s initiative soon hit a wall. I On 7.♘ c3 most often it’s been sug­
hadn’t noticed that after 2l...f5! 2 2 .♔ h1 gested that the bishop establish itself
♘h3 23.f3♕g524.f4 ♕ h 5 my opponent — 7...a6. In the example variation 8.♗c4
couldn’t stabilize the center — 25.e5? b5 9.♘xc6 dc (9 ...♘xc6 l0.♗ d5 is evi­
♕ f7!, an unusual deflection, winning dently in White’s favor) 10.♗d3 ♘g6 the
material. activity of Black’s pieces compensates
for the defects in his pawn structure.
1. R. B ^W E - J. HECTOR 7... f6
London, 1991 It’s unseemly for “true Alapiners”
to fear this insignificant weakening.
1.e4 eS It’s useful to break loose with a tempo
2 .♘ f3 tlc 6 and keep the e5 square under observa­
3.♗b5 ♗b4 tion.
4.0-0 ♘ge7 8.♗e3 d5
The knight absolutely must support Release in the center is the best re­
its colleague. Weak players have placed action to any bishop retreat. But more

25
Chapter Ill

modest behavior isn’t criminal either: Black doesn’t want to exchange on

8 … ♔h8 9.a3 it,a5 10.c4 d6 l l ♗t,xc6 be c3, allowing the creation of an isolated
12.♘b3 ♗b6 13.c5 de 14.♗xc5 ♕e8 pawn. A strange but not very significant
15.♕c2 ♖f7 16.♘ 1d2 ♘g6 (Isonzo - moment.
Bobras, Chania, 1994). Black’s queen­ 16.♗c4 ♕ c7
side is disfigured and blocked, but over­ 17.h3 ♗e6
all the position remains robust. 18.♖ adl ♘xc3
9.a3 ... 19.♗xe6 ♘ xd1
2 0 .♗xg8 ♘xf2
2 i.♗xf2 ♖xg8
22.♗xa7 ...
The mutual destruction of forces has
led to a cloudless endgame for Black. But
the imagination o f the inventor Jonny
Hector ran dry here and the technique
of the very experienced Robert Byme
prevailed. On the 42nd move White cel­
ebrated his victory.

The position o f the bishop on b4

After 9.ed ♕xd5 White has the in­ does nothing less than provoke White
genious possibility of exploiting the to attack it with the help of 4.c3, when
strongest enemy pieces on the a2-g8 di­ the response 4.c3 ♗ a5 is encountered
agonal. An immediate 10.♕d3 doesn’t in the majority of games played with
work because o f 10… ♘ e5, but in the the Alapin Defense. They then con­
case of 10.♘c3⁉ ♗xc3 11.♕ d3⁉ ♘e5 tinue 5.♘a3 (to conclusively hunt down
the queen happily hits the bishop. Of their prey after 6.♘ c4) and 5.0-0 (to
course, 11… ♕xd4 12.♗xd4 ♗xd4 is determine their plan on the next move).
stronger, with three minor pieces for the 5.♗xc6⁉ has also been used. After 5 ...dc
queen and a very decent position. 6.♘xe5 the c3 pawn prevents the reply
9 ... ♘xd4 6… ♕ d4, and Black chooses between 6...
10.♕xd4 ♗d6 ♕ e7 7.d4 f6 and 6… ♕g5. In both cases
11.ed ♗eS White gives the pawn back, but con­
12.♕c4 ♔h8 strains the a5 bishop and gets a stable
There’s nothing wrong with win­ advantage. There’s nothing terrible for
ning the pawn back immediately. Black Black here, but it isn’t very pleasant to
postpones the measure by one move, as play, especially when you’re trying to
13.♘c3 a6 14.♕a4 ♗ f5 15.♗e2 ♗xc3 win against a lower-rated opponent. So
16.bc ♘xd5 can’t suit White. it’s worth thinking about 5… bc⁉ Forex-
13.♕b3 ♘xd5 ample, 6.♘xe5 ♕e7 7.d4 f6 8.'iVh5+ g6
14.♗ c5 ♖g8 9.♘xg6 ♕xe4+ 10.♗e3 ♕xg6 l l.♕xa5
15.♘ c3 c6 ♕xg2 12.♖ fl ♕ d5, and in the event of

26
 The Ruy Lopez

13.♕xc7?! ♗ a6 the light squares fall. Or knight and then plays to keep the bish­
6.0-0 ♕ f6 7.d4 ed 8.b4 ♗b6 9.cd ♘ e7 op on a5.
10.♘c3 h6 11.♗e3 0-0 12.♕d2 d6, with 6.♘ c4 a6
views to counterplay (Glek —Veselovsky, I tried 6 ...0-0 in a game with Za­
Moscow, 1980). grebelny (Harkany Tenkes Cup, 1991).
After 7.♕ a4 ♗ b6 8.0-0 d5 9.ed ♕xd5
2. A. IVANOV-B. LUGO 10.♘xb6 cb 11.♗ c4 ♕ d6 12.♖e1 a6
San Diego, 2004 13.♕a3 White’s advantage gradually
disappeared, and after an exchange of
l.e4 e5 queens 13. ..♕xa3 14.ba b5 15.♗b3 ♘g6
2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6 the opening problems should be con­
3.♗b5 ♗b4 sidered solved. However, after castling
4.c3 ♗ a5 White can win a pawn. And if 7.♘cxe5
5.♘ a3 ♘xe5 8.♘xe5 d5 9.♗d3 ♕ d6 l0.♘ f3
♘g6 promises Black reciprocal chanc­
es, then 7.♘xa5 ♘xa5 8.♘xe5 d5 9.d3
♕ d6 10.♘ f3 de 11.de ♕ g6 12.0-0 ♕xe4
13.♖e1 ♕ d5 14.♕a4 ♘ ac6 15.♗f4
(Howell —Lach, Germany 1991)threat-
ens disaster for the c7 pawn and the en­
tire line 6 ...0-0. By the way, the Austrian
Willibald Lach, who was playing Black,
is the author o f a good pamphlet on the
Alapin Defense.
7 .l.a 4 ...
Grandmasters Bruzon and Ivanov
To exchange off the bishop and then in their duels with Lugo retreated the
show off the bishop pair in an open bishop, disregarding its exchange in
game. Bilger, Suetin (in the mono­ vain. In the example variation 7.♗xc6!?
graph The Complete Spanish) and some ♘ xc6 8.d4 d5 (8..b5 and especially 8...
other theoreticians considered the de­ ♗ b6 are even less attractive) 9.♘xa5
velopment of the knight a refutation of ♘xa5 10.de de 11.♕xd8+ ♔xd8
the Alapin Defense, without troubling 12.♘g5 the compensation for the pawn
themselves with weighty arguments. It is indiscernible.
isn’t easy for Black to play this, but he 7... b5
can — and should! 8.♘ xa5 ♘xa5
5... ♘ ge7 9.♗ c2 ♘ c6
The more flexible move 5 ...♗ b 6 10.d4 ...
is the main one here and is exam­ Against Lugo (Dominican Republic,
ined below. 5… ♘ f6 is similar to the 2003) Bruzon embarked on play in the
move-order 5… ♗b6 6 .♘ c4 ♘ f6 . With center a little later: 10.0-0 d6 11 ,h3 0-0
5… ♘ge7, Black reinforces the queen’s 12.d4 ♘g6 13.a4 ♖b8?! (why not 13 ...

27
Chapter Ill

2id7, not conceding the file?) 14.ab ab 3. BARLOV - D. VELIMIROVIC

15.2ie3 h6 16.1/j'd2 ed 17.cd d5 18.e5 Tivat, 1994
♘ce7 19.♘e1 2if5 20.♘d3. White is
appreciably better. 1.e4 eS
10... ed 2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6
11.cd d5 3.2ib5 2ib4
12.e5 ... 4.c3 2ia5
A typical metamorphosis in the cen­ 5.tiJa3 2ib6
ter for 3 ...2ib4, which is almost always 6.♘ c4 ...
playable for Black. He usually manages
to subjugate the light squares.
12... 2ig4
13.2ie3 1/j'd7
14.h3 2if5
15.0-0 0-0
16.Sc1 f6!?
In a maneuvering battle White’s
chances are a little better. Lugo doesn’t
want to be outplayed by a stronger oppo­
nent and so he complicates the game.
17.ef ♖xf6
18.♗g5 ♗xc2 6... ♘ f6
19.1/j'xc2 ♖xf3!? For a long time it seemed necessary
20.2ixe7 ♘xd4 to reinforce the e5 pawn, until in 1988
21.1/j'xc7 ... the Moscow theoreticians Pimonov and
The ideahasjustified itself. Black has Veselovsky researched a counterattack.
a sensible choice between a practically As a consequence, the knight move out
drawn endgame (21.. .1/j'xc7 22.♖xc7 shares favor with 6 ...d 6 . Against Kalegin
♖f7 23.♖e1 ♘ f5 24.g4 ♘xe7 25.♖exe7 (Anapa, 1981) Kholmov preferred 6 ...f6 ,
♖xe7 26.♖xe7 ♖ c 8 ) and a decent mid­ but here you don’t manage to complete
dlegame (2 l...♘ e 2 + 22.♔h2 1/j'f5). your development without weakening
The game itself concluded quickly after your position: 7.d4 ed 8 .cd d5 9.♘xb6
Black tried a third choice and White re­ ab 10.e5 2ig4 11.0-0 ♘ e7, and now
acted badly: 21...1/j'f5 22.gf?? (22.♖ce1!) 12.ef gf 13.h3 2ih5 14.2if4 is indisput­
22… ♕xh3 0-1 ably in White’s favor.
7.d3 ...
It seems that 5… ♘ge7?! should be White settles for little, declining an
rejected. On the other hand it has be­ exchange on c 6 with an elimination of
come clear what Black should worry the e5 pawn. The extensive analyses by
about. The dark-squared bishop needs the Muscovites concern exceptionally
special care, and it should be put in a complex positions that are difficult to
more stable position. understand even for advanced analytical

28
 The Ruy Lopez

programs. Pimonov and Veselovsky con­ S a e 8 23.Sfdl (Sofia Polgar — Berkov­

sidered the variation 7 . 1txc6 be 8 cxe5 ich, Amsterdam, 1995) by the pres­
♘xe4 9.%Ye2 d5 10.d3 1ta6 11.c4 f6 ! ence o f opposite-colored bishops. Sofia
12.♘xc6 %Yd6 13.cd ♗ xf2+ 14.♔ f1 f5 didn’t even begin to look for chances
15.♗e3 ♗xe3 16.%Yxe3 a bottleneck, and settled for a draw.
but it can be “opened” . Instead of an 13... 1te6
unhappy endgame after 16 … ♕xd5?! Black isn’t ready to advance in the
17.♘b4 %Yc5 18.%Yxc5 ♘xc5 you should center yet: 13. ..d5?! 14.ed ♘xd5 15.d4!
play a dynamic middlegame — 16. ..0- 0 ! e4 16.♘e5, and the pawn can’t be con­
17.♔ g1 ♘ f 6 . Black’s initiative isn’t as gratulated for losing contact with its col­
convincing with l l.♘ x c 6 %Yd6 12.♘b4 leagues.
0-0 13.0-0 —the white king hasgone off 14.♗xe6 ♖xe6
to its own flank, and the pawns fall short 15.♘h4 d5
for now. Nowispreciselythetime! Onthe next
7.d4 hasn’t been successful, used move the pawn could go on through, but
by Psakhis against Berkovich (Tel Aviv, Velirnirovic considered the exchange in
1992): 7… ♘xe4 8 .♘ xb 6 ab 9.de d5 the center playable.
10.ed ♘xd 6 11. ♗ e2 ♕ f 6 12.1tg5 @g6 16.%Yf3 ♘e7
13.♗ f4 0-0 14.0-0 ♖d 8 15.1td3 %Yh5 17.1te3 %Yc7
16.♘g5 %Yxd1 17.Sfx d 1. The queens 18.♘ f5 de
have left the board, and the chances 19.de ♘xf5
have equalized. 20 .ef Md6
7... d6 21.♕ g3 ♖e8
8.a4 a6 22 .M:adl ♖xd1
9.♘xb6 cb 23.M:xd1 ♕ c6
The similar change in structure in 3 ... 24.♕ h4 a5
1tb4 is often harmless for Black. The po­ Takes the valuable M square away
sition is closed for now, and it isn’t easy from the queen. White is slightly better,
to get to the weak b 6 and d6 pawns. but it’s difficult for him to improve his
10.♗ c4 h6 position.
11.h3 0-0
12.0-0 ♖e8 Practitioners haven’t followed the
13.♖e1 ... paths o f Pimonov and Veselovsky, so
After 13.1te3 d5! the b 6 pawn falls without drawing any definite conclu­
anyway, but nothing terrible happens. sions about the quality of 6 … ♘ f 6 , let’s
In the variation 14.ed ♘xd5 15.♗ xd5 switch to 6 ...d 6 .
%Yxd5 16.1txb6 ♗ f5 17.d4 ♗ e4 18.Hel
ed 19.♗xd4 ♘xd4 20.cd S a c5 the loss 4. E. MORTENSEN - M. CHElVERIK
is made up for by piece activity, and in Copenhagen, 2004
the event of 15.d4 ♗ e6 16.♗ xd5 1txd5
17.de ♘xe5 18.♘xe5 ♖xe5 19.%Yd4 Se4 1.e4 eS
20.%Yxb6 %Yxb6 21.1txb6 He2 22.b4 2.♘ f3 ♘ c6

29
Chapter Ill

3.♗b5 ♗b4 ♘ c 6 14.♕ d1 ♕ h4, with an imitation

4.c3 ♗ a5 of activity from Black now. Or 12… ♘ c6
5/Z'la3 ♗b6 13.♕ d1 ♗ e 6 14.a3 ♘ a5 15.♗f4 ♕ f 6
6.♘ c4 d6 16.♗g3 (Czarnota — Kuzmicz, Poland,
2007) 16...♘b3 17.Sbl ♖fd 8 18.♕e2
♕e7 19.f3 f6 , with impenetrable fortress
walls.
How great the value o f each move
is for Black is illustrated by the con­
tinuation 7.0-0 ♘ge7 8.a4 ♗ e 6 ?!
(the extremely strong 8 ...0- 0 is dis­
cussed below in example 6 Prochazka
— Chetverik). The “ childish” thrust
9.♘g5 follows, with the subtext 9...
♗xc4? 10.♗xc4 0-0? 11.♕ h5. In the
case o f 9...a6 10.♘xe6 fe 11.♘ xb 6 ab
7.d4 ... 12.♗xc6+ ♘ x c 6 13.♕h5+ g6 14.♕h6
Actually 7 .a4 ♗ e6 8.d4 ed was played Black has bunched-up pawns and a
in the game, but out o f methodological bad king, and with 12 ...bc 13.♕ g4 he
considerations I’m slightly changing loses a pawn altogether. There’s still
the move-order. Most likely, on 7.a4 the good news that in the variation
the reply 7 ...a 6 is a little weaker. Then 9 ...0-0 10.♕ h5 h6 11.♘ xe6 fe 12.♕ g4
8 .♘ xb 6 cb 9.♗ c4 ♘ f 6 10.d3 takes us ♖f 6 13.♗fi.xc6 ♘ x c 6 14.a5 ♗ c5 15.b4
to the game Barlov — Velimirovic. It d5 16.ed ♕xd5 White doesn’t succeed
is better to double the pawns another in winning a piece because o f 17 ...S f4 ,
way: 8 .♗ xc 6 + be 9.d4 ♘ f 6 10.0-0 ed and settles for a positional advantage.
l l.e5! de 12.♘fxe5, with a decent ini­ Evidently with 12.♗xc6 ♘ x c 6 13.a5
tiative. ♗ c5 14.b4 d5 15.a6! his advantage is
It makes sense for White to castle, as even more impressive.
his opponent has established a pawn on 7... ed
d6 , and later it will advance with the loss 8.a4!? ...
o f a tempo. Forsome reasonWhite hasn’t A gambit here is more interesting
exploited this nuance in the necessary than the line 8 .cd d5. In the old game
way in practice: 7.0-0 ♘ge7 8.d4 ed 9.cd Wolf — Alapin (Vienna, 1900) "White
d5 10.ed ♕xd5 l l.♕ a4 ⁉ , and it seems kept the enemy king in the center:
that on 1 2 .♘xb 6 the pawn will have to 9.♘ xb6 ab 10.♘e5 ♘ e7 11.♗g5 ♕ d 6
be knocked out o f the center. In an en­ 12.♗xe7 ♔xe7 13.0-0 de 14.♗xc6 be.
counter with Lukez (Stockholm, 1990) But he didn’t have enough strength to
Tiviakov continued 9.♘xb6 ab (after the seriously bother it. Even with the best
“ correct” capture towards the center no 15.♕h5 g6 16.♕h4+ ♔ f 8 17.♕xe4 ♗ e 6
more problems are evident) 10.♘xd4 18.♘xc6 ♖xa2 19.♖xa2 ♗xa2 the posi­
0-0 l l.S e l ♘xd4 12.♕xd4 ♗ e 6 13.a3 tion equalizes.

30
 The Ruy Lopez

We’re already familiar with the idea l l.♘xd4 ♗d7 12.♘f5 (probably a little
9.ed ♕xd5 10.♕a4, to force the oppo­ premature) 12...♗xf5 13.ef♕d7 14.g4 f6
nent to strike out from the center after 15.♗f4 h5 16.f3 g6 17.fg ♘xg 6 18.♗g3
an exchange on b 6 . Hector has tried 0-0-0 19.0-0 hg 20.fg ♘ge5. And how
three different defenses here, and the are the bishops better than the knights
third one was logically the best: 1 0 ... here? Again, we’ve convinced ourselves
Cf'Je7 11.Ci'Jxb6 cb 12.0-0 0-0 13.♖e1 a 6 that the exchange ♘ xb 6 , ab isn’t a great
1 4 ♗ c 4 '{i'd6 15.♕a3 ♕xa3 16.ba b5 achievement.
17.♗b3 ♗ e 6 18.♗xe6 fe 19.♖xe6 ♘ d5 9... d5?!
2 0 .♗ d 2 ♖fe 8 2 l.♖xe 8 + ♖xe8 2 2 .♖ e1 Black isn’t keeping an eye on the
♖xel + 23.♗xel ♔ f7 (Lima — Hector, outside pawn, which could cost him
Manila, 1992). Having solidly reinforced dearly. True, with the stronger 9...♗xc4
on d5, there’s no way that Black should 10.♗xc4 ♘ f 6 l l.d5 ♗ a5+ 12.♗d2
lose. Subsequently, due to a blunder, ♗xd2+ 13.♕xd2 ♘ b 8 14.♘d4 0-0 it’s
White almost lost. difficult to get reciprocal play.
8... ♗e6 10.ed ...
Black has only accepted the sacri­ After 10.a5! de 11.♘fe5 ♗xc4
fice in the “ excavated” game Betinsh 12.♘xc4 ♗xd4 13.a6 ♕ f 6 14.0-0 ♖d 8
— Lebedev (1900): 8 ...dc 9.a5 ♗ c5 15.♕g4 ♘ge7 16.ab 0-0 in the duel Hell­
10.b4! ♗xb4 11.♕ a4 ♗ c5 12.a6! b 6 ers — Hector (Malmö, 1988) Black suc­
13.♗xc6+ ♗d7 14.0-0 ♘ e7 15.♗xd7+ cessfully positioned his pieces, but the
♕xd7 16.♕b3 b5 17.♘ce5! de 18.♘xe5 passed b7 pawn was unpleasant enough.
♕ d4 19.♕xf7+ ♔ d 8 20.li1Wxg7 ♖g8 11.ab ef l2.♕xf3 ♗xc4 13.♗xc6+ be
21.♕f6 ♕xe4 22.♖d1+ ♗ d 6 23♗tg 5 , 14.♕ xc6+ ♔ f 8 15.♕ xc4 cb 16. 0-0 is
with a win. A superb attack by Betinsh even better — Black has big problems
but a far from ideal defense by Lebedev. with his development.
So, with l l...♔f 8 12.♗xc6 ♗ c5 his own 10... ♗xd5
pieces prevent his bishop from sneaking If 10...♕ xd5, then 11.♘e3 ♕ h5
off (the variation 13.♗d5 c 6 14.♗xf7 12.♗xc6+ be 13.0-0 a5 14.b3 and ♗ a3.
♔xf7 15.♗a3 promises the initiative, The bishops can’t deploy here, and the
but in no way a win). Instead of 12...b 6 ? king is stuck in the center — Black is no­
the continuation 12… ♘ e7 13.♘a5 ba ticeably worse.
14.♗xc6+ ♗d7 15.♗xd7+ ♕xd7 was 11.0-0 ♘ ge7
incomparably more stubborn — Black 12.a5 ♗xc4
has preserved all his pawns for now, It’s precisely this knight that should
while half o f the white pawn chain has be taken. 12. ..♗xf3? 13.♕xf3 ♗xd4?
been removed.. leads to a fiasco because of the battering
9.cd ... ram 14.a6!
Against Hector (La Coruna, 1995) 13.♗xc4 ♗xd4
Suarez tried to prove the superior­ Dangers lie in wait at every step! On
ity of the pair of bishops over the pair 13. ..♘xa5? the response 14.♖xa5! ♗xa5
o f knights: 9.♘xb6 ab 10.♗g5 ♘ge7 15.♘g5 wins.

31
Chapter I ll

an exchange o f queens 18.♕c2! ♕ x c 2

19.♗ xc2. In the variation 19… ♗xb2
20.Sa2 ♘ d 6 21.♖xb2 ♘xa5 three con­
nected passed pawns still don’t compen­
sate for the loss o f the piece.
18.Sixf5 hg
19.♗e4 g4
2 0 .♗xc6 gf
21.Sixb7 Mab8
2 2 .♕xf3 ♕ b4
23.Sie4 ...
The chances have equalized. The
14.♕b3! ... simplest thing here was also to equalize
The queen has chosen the best park­ the number o f pawns by taking with the
ing spot. After 14.♕a4 ♗ f 6 15.a6 ba bishop on b 2 .
16.Sd1 ♕ b 8 17.Sig5 0-0 18.Sixf6 gf
Black has six (!) isolated pawns, but two And so, with 5.l♖l a 3 White strikes,
of them are extra. but he won’t win without blunders by
14... 0-0 his opponent. At the same time, after
15.♖d1 ♘ f5 castling kingside the development of
With 15… ♕ d6 16.♗ e3 ♘ f5 the op­ the knight to the edge of the board loses
position of the rook and queen unex­ force.
pectedly has an effect —with the help of
the temporary covering o f a file 17.♗d5! 5. R. ^KALOD - M. CHETVERIK
(17...♗xe3 18.♗xf7+). A l possible sup­ Frydek-Mistek, 1996
port from the cavalry for the centralized
bishop also has negative aspects: 16.a6!? l.e4 e5
ba 17.♖xa6 (the pair ofblack horses has 2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6
been split up!) 17. ..S b 8 18.♕c2 ♘ b4 3.♗b5 ♗b4
19.♕xf5 ♗xf2+ 20.♔xf2 ♕ xd1 21.♘g5 4.c3 ♗ a5
♕h5 22.Sa4, with an advantage. 5.0-0 ♘ge7
16.♗g5 ♕d6
17.♗d3?! ...
In the event of 17.g4! I was counting
on staying afloat with the help of 17...h6
18.gf hg. It seems that this life preserver
has a hole in it — 19.♗d5! (19...♕ c5
20.S acl or 19...♕f6 20.♕xb7).
17... h6!
Black has avoided the worst fate,
but shouldn’t relax. 17… ♕ c5?! didn’t
work because ofthe hanging pieces after

32
 The Ruy Lopez

The fundamental position of the Alapin 9.♘xe5 is also harmless, as the knight
Defense. White usually a pawn here can’t hold out in the center. For exam­
with a f1^ank onslaught (games 7 and 8) or ple, 9...de 10.d4 f6 11.♘g4 c5! 12.lZ'le3
creates a pawn center (games 9 and 10). a6 13.♗e2 cd 14.♕xd4 ♕xd4 15.cd
6.Ct'la3 ... ♗e6 l6.b3 ♘ ac6 17.♗b2♖fd8 18.♖fdl
We’ve looked at a combination ofthis ♖ac8 19.♗c4 ♘ d5, with a good block­
kind of knight move out both with a de­ ading position for Black (Jansa — Khol­
cisive pawn attack and with level-head­ mov, Trencianske Teplice, 1979). On
ed castling. But here the queen’s pawn l l.b4!? the continuation 11...c6 12.♗a4
advances from its initial position to d5 in fe 13.ba ♕xa5 14.♗a3 ♖e8 15.♗b3+
one move, and then there’s nothing for ♘ d5 16.♗d6 ed 17.♕xd4 ♔ h8 main­
Black to fear. tains equality.
6... 0-0 9 ... ♗g4
7.♘ c4 ... The author’s specialty — defending
A 19‘h-century miniature by the a pawn with a pin and the exchange of
master Max Harmonist vividly demon­ a knight. However, there’s no reason to
strates that it’s unseemly to chase ma­ reproach the primitive defense o f the
terial to the detriment o f development: pawn 9… f6 either. For example, 10.♗a4
7.♕ a4 d5! 8.♗xc6 ♘xc6 9.♘xe5? ♘xe5 (or 10.b4 ♘ ac6 11.♗e3, with a micro­
10.♕xa5 ♘ f3+ ! l l .♔ h1 ♕ d6 12.gf♕f4 scopic advantage) 10… .♗d7 l l.♗ c2 de
13.♔g2 ♗h3+! 14.♔xh3 ♕xf3+ 15. 12.de ♗ b5 13.♖ el ♕ xd1 14.♗xd1 c5
♔h4g5+! 16.♔xg5♔h8!, with unavoid­ 15.b4 cb l6.cb ♘ c4 17.a4 ♗e8 18.♘d2
able mate (Stutzkowski — Harmon­ ♗f7 19.♘xc4 ♗xc4 (Rozentalis — Hec­
ist, Berlin, 1898). Obviously 13.♕xd5 tor, Stockholm, 1990), and the endgame
♕xf3+ 14.♔ g1 ♗h3 15.♕g5 ♕e2 can’t justifiably resulted in a draw. As in a
be considered an improvement o f the typical closed Spanish, the pair ofwhite
defense, but it’s already too late to bring bishops doesn’t manage to obtain suffi­
the knight in to help — 13.♘c2 ♕xf3+ cient space for productive activity.
14.♔ g1 ♕g4+ 15.♔ h1 ♕xe4+ 16.♔ g1 10.h3 ♗ xf3
♕xc2, and eliminating the pawn after 11 .♕xf3 a6
17...♗h3 costs White the exchange. 12♗ a4 ...
7... d5
8.♘ xa5 ♘xa5
9.d3 ...
Suetin considered this variation
unsatisfactory on the basis o f his game
with Gusev (Dubna, 1979): 9.♕ a4 c6
10.♗e2 ♘g6 l l.d3 b5 12.'ic2 f5 13.a4.
The knight shouldn’t vegetate on the
periphery; 9...de l0.♘xe5 c6 l l.♗ e2 f6
12.♘ c4♘ xc4 13.♕xc4 ♕ d5 is stronger,
or simply 9… ♘ ac6.

33
Chapter I ll

12... d4 17... Mb8

In a battle with a pair of enemy bish­ 1 8 .1 M ♕ c7
ops it’s best to close the position, of 19.'iVf3 a3
course. Against Alpert (Budapest, 1994) Offering my opponent a strong
I attacked impetuously with my pawns square on an open file. After 19… ♘ f4
without coming into contact with my 20.♗xf4 ef (the a5 pawn has lost its de­
opponent’s army: 12. ..b5 13.♗c2 f5?! fender) or simply doubling the rooks,
(it isn’t too late for 13… d4 here either) neither player has an advantage.
14.ed ♕xd5 15.♕xd5 ♘xd5 16.♖e1 20.Mb3 Mb7
♖fe 8 17.♗d2, threatening 18.c4 with 2 1.Mab1 ...
clearly better prospects. In the case of21 .♖xa3 ♖fb 8 2 2.♕ d1
13.♕g3 ♘g6 ♘ f4 23.♗xf4 efthe weak a5 pawn makes
14.♗d2 ... it difficult for White to contest the dis­
Let’s try to break up the pawn pair puted file.
by undermining it from the right. After 21 ... ♖tb 8
14.f4 ♘xf4 15.♗xf4 ef 16.♖xf4 ♕ d 6 2 2 .♕d1 h6
17.♖g4 ♕xg3 18.♖xg3 b5 19.♗c2 c5 the 2 3 .♕ c1 ...
d4 pawn gets a new support, and there’s Now 23...♖xb3 24.♖xb3 ♖xb3 25.ab
nothing for Black to worry about. ♘ h4 26.♕xa3 ♕ c 6 followed by ♕ g 6 is
14... c5 correct, with sufficient counterplay for a
15.b4 ... draw.
Kalod may have rushed a little with
this decision, which is correct in prin­ 6 . P. PROCHAZKA- M. CHETVERIK
ciple. 15.cd?! ♕xd4 16.♗xa5 ♕xa4 de­ Budapest, 2005
fines the position unfavorably for White,
so it was worth not defining anything l.e4 e5
for now. 15.♖fcl!? is appropriate (the 2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6
queen’s rook supports b4 later from b1). 3.♗b5 ♗b4
15... b5 4.c3 ♗ a5
16.ba ... 5.0-0 ♘ge7
No matter how modest the oppor­ 6.d3 ...
tunities are for the white bishops in the
case o f 16.♗ d1 cb 17.cb ♘ c 6 , hopes of
an advantage are preserved.
16... ba
17.c4 ...
We can crack the game open in the
interests o f the white bishop: 17.cd
♕xd4 18.♗e3 ♕xd3 19.♗xc5 ♕xg3
20.fg ♖ fc 8 . Then the knight acquires a
new lease of life via 8f , and we get an
equal endgame.

34
 The Ruy Lopez

A completely predictable strategy, if ly valid plan: 10.♘ xb6 ab l l.♘ g5 ♗d7

White had encountered the Alapin De­ 12.f4 ef 13.♗xf4 ♘ g 6 14. ♗g3 ♘ ce5,
fense for the first time and didn’t want with a satisfactory position.
to argue in the main lines with a more 10... a6
learned partner. After reinforcing the e4 11.♘ xb6 cb
pawn it’s more difficult for Black to start 12.♗c4 ♗xc4
reciprocal play. I repay the debt with an equivalent
6... 0-0 measure — doubling the enemy pawns.
7.♘bd2 ♗ b6 12...d5 13.ed ♗xd5 14.♖e1 ♕ c7 is no
Black should forget about moving worse, and since the e5 pawn is eas­
the queen’s pawn two steps forward for ily defended, the game is virtually
now. In the case o f 7...d5?! 8 .ed ♕xd5 equal.
9.♗c4 ♕ d 8 10.S e l ♘g 6 11.b4 ♗ b 6 13.dc ♕ c7
12.b5 White takes on e5. A preliminary 14.♕d3 S ac8
defense of the f 6 pawn didn’t help Hec­ 15.♖d1 ♖fd8
tor in his encounter with Davies (Swe­ 16.♗a3 ...
den, 1987): 7 ...f 6 8.♘ c4 d5?! 9.ed ♕xd5 The talented Hungarian junior is
10.a4 ♗ e 6 11.♗xc 6 ♘ xc 6 12.b4, and aiming at d6 via the b4 pawn. It was bet­
the compensation for the piece here will ter to put the b 6 pawn dire♘ y in the
be as dubious as it was in the previous beauty spot (16.♗e3).
variation for the pawn. 16... ♘g6
The bishop retreat can change plac­ 17.g3 ♕d7
es with 7...d6. With 8.♘ c4 a 6 9.♗xc6 17 ...f 6 is stronger, proactively de­
♘ xc 6 10.d4 ♗g4 11.de ( 11.d5 b5) fending the pawn and preparing 18...
11...♗xf3 12.♕xf3 ♘xe5 13.♘xe5 de ♘ ce7, with an attack on the c4 pawn.
14.♗e3 White’s achievements are more Possibly Prochazka would then have had
than modest. Against Lugo (Havana, to transfer his bishop via c1 to e3 any­
1992) Hemandez continued 9.♗ a4 b5 way. A very complicated position with
10.♘xa5 ♘xa5 11 .♗ c2 ♗g4 12.h3 ♗h5 approximate equality.
13.b4 ♘ a c 6 14.a4 f6 15.♗b3+ ♔ h 8
16.♗e6 ♗ f1 17.♗xf7 ♖xfl 18.♕b3 ♖f8
19.♗e3, and couldn’t break through his
opponent’s cast-iron reinforcements.
8.♘ c4 d6
9.a4 ...
This position can be reached via
5.♘a3 — the knight has changed its
route, but it still ends up on c4.
9... ♗e6
10.b4 ...
Destroys his opponent’s pawn struc­
ture. Activity on the kingside is an equal­ 18.♘ e1

35
Chapter Ill

18.c5 be 19.bc ♘ a5 20.cd ♘ c4 leaves

few chances to make a conquest, as the
a4, c3 and d6 pawns need protection.
18... ♘ce7
19.♘g2 ♕xa4
20.♘ e3⁉ ♕ c6
The rather sluggish knight maneu­
ver gave me the courage to remove my
partner’s outside pawn. Now is the time
to regret being greedy. After 20...♕ e8
2l.b5 the black horses are completely
sidelined, although that’s still better
than switching to an endgame. It seems that the practice of the sys­
21.b5 ab tem 3 ...♗ b4 should be considered fin­
22.cb ♕xc3 ished with this. The white knight has
23.♕xc3 ♖xc3 eliminated the central pawn and based
24.♗xd6 ♖cc8 itself on a commanding height. The
Here Prochazka played 25. ♗xe7 black knight has wandered off to the edge
♘xe7 26.♖xd8+ ♖xd8 27. ♖a7 ♖b8 of the board without visible prospects for
28.♘c4 ♘ c8 27.♖a2 f6 and his advan­ active participation in the coming bat­
tage was eroded because of an inaccu­ tle. But back in the century before last
rate move-order. Whether I would have Semyon Alapin displayed extraordinary
managed to make a draw after 25.♖a7 skill and saved Black’s position with his
♖d7 26.♗ xe7 ♖xd1 + 2 7 .♘ xd1 ♘xe7 successful play against Schlechter and
28.♖xb7 ♖ c1 29.♔g2 ♘ c 8 30.♘e3 is Bird. Still, the queen’s wing of White’s
still a big question. camp has been dented, and the kingside
is insufficiently defended.
And now it’s the turn of the most 9 ... 0-0
surprising line in the Alapin Defense! 10.d4 ...
After the game Bird — Alapin (Vi­
7. V. ANAND - J. HECTOR enna, 1898) White deviated from the
Palma de Mallorca, 1989 continuation 10.♘ f3 d5 11.e5 because
of the quick opening of files: 11... ♗g4
l.e4 e5 12.d4 f6 13.♗a3 ♖e 8 14.ef (14.♖e1 fe
2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6 15.♖xe5 ♘ c4 16.♖xe8+ ♕xe 8 17.♗ b4
3.11,b5 ♗b4 ♗xf3 18.gf ♕ h5 is in Black’s favor)
4.c3 ♗ a5 14 … ♕xf6 15.♘bd2 a 6 (with 15… ♘ c4
5.0-0 ♘ge7 Black’s initiative should be enough for
6 .11,xc6 ♘xc6 perpetual check — 16.♘ xc4 de 17.♕a4
7.b4 ♗b6 ♗xf3 18.♕xc4+ \£?h8 19.gf ♕xf3
8.b5 ♘ a5 20.♖ael ♕g4+) 16.ba ♖xa6 17.♖e1
9.♘ xe5 ♖ ea 8 18.♗e7 ♕ g 6 19.♘e5 ♗ xd1

36
 The Ruy Lopez

20.♘xg6 hg 21.♖axd1. I can’t say that lable (13. ..♘xc4? 14.♖b1 ♕ a6 15.♘b4
Alapin’s switching of the activity to the ♕ b5 16.a4), but with the inclusion of
queenside was the best decision, but 12...f5 13.e5 his greed is unpunished.
nevertheless Black even won a slightly In the forced variation 13. . .♕xb5 14.c4
worse endgame. ♘xc4 15.a4 ♕ d5 16.♘xc4 ♕ xc4 17.a5
10... ♕ e8! ♗xd4 18.♖a4 ♕ d5 19.♘f4 ♗xt2+
A multidimensional move. After ...d6 20.♔xf2 ♕ xd1 21.♖xd1 fe 22.♘d5 ♖f7
the queen casts an unfriendly look at the Black collected four pawns for the lost
weak b5 and e4 pawns, and the advance bishop and didn’t have to lose.
...f5 opens a way out for it to the kingside. 12.♘ec4 ...
In the famous game Geller — Taimanov In the interests of consolidation
(Zürich, 1953) Black preferred 10...d5, Anand returns the pawn. Let’s have a
presumably not being familiar with Ala­ look at the way the duel Ernst — Hector
pin’s find. In reply l l.♘ d 2 f6 12.♘d3 (Malmö, 1990) went: 12.ef d6 13.♘ef3
de 13.♘xe4 ♕d5 14.♖♖e1 ♕xb5 15.♗a3 ♕xb5 14.g4 g6 15.♘b3? g fl6.♗ h 6♖ e8
deserves attention, and having returned 17.g5 ♕ e2 (17. ..♗e6!?) 18.♕xe2 ♖♖xe2
the extra pawn, White solidly holds the 19.♖♖fel ♖♖xel + 20.♖xel ♔ f7. The h6
initiative. bishop no longer outweighs the locked-
1l.♘ d 2 ... in b6 bishop, and Black won in the
Defending the vulnerable pawns end. O f course, 15.c4 ♕ d7 16.c5! de
with the help o f 11.♕ d3 was encoun­ 17.♗a3! is more energetic, so it’s worth
tered in game 8. 11.♖e1⁉ is interest­ muddying the waters with a piece sacri­
ing, completing the mobilization of fice, 16. ..gfi? 17.cb fg 18.♘g5 ab. Pos­
forces at the price of the b5 pawn. In sibly Hector activated the wrong pawn.
the game Toenniges — Chetverik (Bad 13...1.xf5 14.a4 ♕ f7 leads to a standard
Ems, 2007) after l l...d6 12.♘d3 ♕xb5 position for the variation, in which
13.♘a3 ♕ c6 14.d5 ♕ d7 15.♗e3 f6 Black’s command o f the light squares
16.c4 ♗xe3 17.♖xe3 b6 18.♖c1 a6 prevents his opponent from stirring up
19.♕d2 ♘ b7 20.♘ c2 White seized the queenside.
space, constraining his opponent con­ 12... fe
siderably. It wasn’t worth prodding the 13.CZle3 ...
enemy chain into an advance; 13. ..♕ e8 "White abstains from putting pres­
14.♘f4 ♗d7 15.♘c2 f6 maintained ap­ sure on the e-pawn. With 13.♕a4 ♘xc4
proximate equality. 14.♕xc4+ ♔ h8 15.♖♖e1 an attempt
11... fS to preserve the pawn balance no mat­
Against K. Hansen (Kiljava, 1984) ter what makes mobilizing the queen­
a very young Dreev rushed to win the side difficult — 15 ...♕h5?! 16.♘xe4
pawn back: l l...d6 12.♘d3 ♕xb5 13.c4 d5 17.♘g3 ♕xh2+ 18.♔xh2 de 19.a4.
♕ d7 14.♗b2 c5 15.d5 ♗ c7 16.♖b1 ♖b8 He should open a second front: 15...a6
17.♘f4 ♕ g4 18.♕xg4 ♗xg4 19.♗c3. 16.ba ♖xa6 17.♘xe4 ♖a5, with rich re­
Thanks to the inactive a5 knight Black’s ciprocal play. Even without queens ( 14...
position is poor. The c4 pawn was invio­ ♕ f7 15.♕xf7+ ♖xf7 16.♘xe4 a6 17.ba

37
Chapter I ll

♖xa6 ) definite compensation for the

loss is at hand.
13... c6
With the aim o f returning the bishop
from a lethargic snooze to fully-fledged
life. Although 13. ..d 6 14.a4 a 6 15.♘d5
ab 16.ab ♕xb5 was perhaps objectively
stronger, with complicated play.
14.♗ a3 S f6
15.♗b4 d5
16.bc ...
Opening a new route for the c 8 bish­
op; 16.f3 efl7.♖xf3 ♖xf3 18.♕ xf3 leaves 11... f5
more chances of an advantage. The pawns should only be advanced
16... be in this order. In the case of 11...d 6 ?
17.♕ a4 ♕d8 12.♘f3 f5 13.e5 White stabilizes the
18.f3 ... center, leaving his opponent no com­
Hector meets the undermining move pensation for the loss. For example, 13 ...
at full force: by transferring his bishop he f4 14.♗a3 ♗f5 15.♕e2 ♗g4 16.♘bd2
manages to preserve his central pawn. ♖f5 17.h3 ♗h5 18.♕e4 (18.♕d3 is even
18... ♗ a6 stronger, then on 18. ..♗ g 6 there’s a le­
19.♖fe1 ♗d3! thal choice between 19.c4 and 19.♘h4)
20.♘g4 ♖e6 18...♗ g 6 19.ed ♕xe4 20.♘xe4 ♘ c4
2 1 .fe de 2 l.♗ c5 (Zetocha — Chetverik, Buda­
Black’s chances are no worse. Af­ pest, 1995).
ter big adventures the skirmish ended 12 .♘ d2 ...
peacefully on the 58* move. An historical excursion to the 19th
century —play on the light squares in the
8 . V. V^ARADI - M. CHETVERIK encounter Schlechter — Alapin (Berlin,
Harkany Tenkes Cup, 2003 1897): 12.♕g3 ♔ h 8 (12. ..fe 13.♘ d2 d6
14.♘g4 ♗d7 15.a4 a 6 16.ba ♖xa 6 isn’t
1.e4 e5 bad for Black, but he probably didn’t
2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6 want to worry about the e4 pawn) 13.ef
3.♗b5 ♗b4 d6 14.♘f3 ♕xb5 15.♗e3 ♗xf5 16.♘bd2
4.c3 ♗ a5 ♕ a4 17.♘h4 ♘ c4 18.♘xf5 ♖xf5
5.0-0 ♘ge7 19.♕h3 ♘xd2 20.♗xd2 ♖af8 21.♕ d3
6 .♗xc6 ♘xc6 c5 22.dc ♗xc5 23.♗e3 b 6 , and nothing
7.b4 ♗b6 interesting happened up until the draw­
8.b5 ♘ a5 ing outcome on the 37thmove.
9.♘ xe5 0-0 The move in the game Andrijevic
10.d4 ♕ e8! — Hector (Cannes, 1989) is instruc­
11.♕ d3 tive: 12.♖e1 d6 13.♘f3 fe 14.♖xe4 ♕ g 6

38
 The Ruy Lopez

15.♘h4 ♕h5 16.♕e2 ♕xe2 17.♖xe2 22.f5 h6

♗g4 18.f3 ♗d7 19.♘a3 c6 20.bc ♘xc6. 23.♘ e6 ♖f6
White keeps the extra pawn, but his army 24.♗ g5 ...
is scattered across the whole board, and
he has to look for equality, not for an ad-
vantage.
12... d6
13.♘ ef3 fe
14.♘xe4 lifS
Ten years earlier I continued 14...
♕g6 (then assuming … ♗d7 and ...♖ae8
with normal play), but that time I pre­
ferred to follow the analysis of Cordel —
the forgotten German theoretician who
had a sober look at many things, includ­
ing the Alapin Defense.
It’s all heading for a draw: 24 … ♖xe6!
15.Se1 ♔h8
25.♖xe6 ♘ e5 26.♖xh6+ gh 27.♕xh6+
16.♘f6+! was threatened. Instead
♔g8 28.♕e6+ ♔h7 29.♕e7+ or 25...
of a purely defensive move 15...♕ f7
♔g8!? (intending not only 26. ..hg, but
16.♘fg5 ♕ c4 deserved attention, aim­
also 26… ♕xc3) 2 6.♕ e1! hg 27.♖e8+
ing to conquer the light squares.
♖xe8+ 28.♕xe8+ ♔h7 29.♕h5+. I
16.♕e2 ...
didn’t notice the second variation, and
Regarding White’s position Cordel
instead o f the first one I decided not to
is full of despair. He gives the variation
receive a check, but to declare one. But
16.d5 ♕g6 17.♘h4 (?) ♗xf2+! (while
after 24… ♘e5? 25.♖xe5! de 26♗ xf6
17.♗f4 ♗g4 18.♗g3 ♗xf3 19.gfis com­
♕ e3+ 27.♔g2 ♕ e2+ 28.♔h3 ♕ f3+
pletely playable, despite the misshapen
29.♕g3 the perpetual check didn’t hap­
pawns), but he calls the worthy move in
pen and the affair came down to a hope­
the game the lesser ev♗.
less endgame.
16... ♗xe4
17.♕xe4 ♕ x b5
And so, the exotic continuation from
18.♘g5 ♕ f5
games 7 and 8 is a real success for Black.
19.♕h4?! ...
He has counterplay everywhere, and
Instead o f exchanging queens with
objectively his position is most likely no
approximate equality Varadi embarks on
worse. Let’s have a look at how play un­
a rather adventurous attack.
folds with a “central” strategy by White.
19... ♘ c4
20.g4 ♕g6
The queen disregards the promising 9. N. DJUKIC - M. MARKOVIC
retreats to d3 or c2, provoking a risky at­ Kopaonik, 2005
tack by the f-pawn. 1.e4 eS
21.f4 ♕d3 2 .♘ f3 li:lc6

39
Chapter I ll

3.li,b5 li,b4 for White: 8.♘ c3 ♗xc3 9.bc de 10.♘g5

4.c3 li,a5 ♗ f5 1 l.♕ e2 (on 1 l.f3 the response 11...
5.0-0 ♘ge7 e3! is good, although 11.♖e1 looks more
6.d4 ed natural and stronger) 11...0-0 12.♘xe4
7.cd d5 ♖e 8 13.f3 a 6 14.♗ t d 3 l♖d 5 15.li,d2 li,g6
16.♕f2 b5 17.♖fe1 ♘ a5 , blocking the
pawn duo with good prospects.
A mass attack on the c 6 knight guar­
antees that he wins a pawn, but in return
Black gets a powerful bishop pair and a
palpable advantage in development. The
instructive game Mukhin — Veselovsky
(Moscow, 1970) deserves to be given in
ful♖ 8.♘ e5 0-0 9.♕ a4 ♗ b 6 10.l♖ lx c 6
♘ x c 6 1 l.♗ xc 6 be 12.♕xc6 ♗ a 6 13.♖d1
de 14.♕xe4? (it was time to pull back
— 14.♘c3 ♗d3 15.♘xe4 ♕xd4 16.♕c3
Only conveniently-developed piec­ ♕ xc3 17.♘xc3) 14… ♖e8 15.♕f4 c5!
es can put up a worthy fight against 16.♘c3 cd 17.♘e4 ♗ e 2 18.Se1 ♗c7
White’s pawn superiority in the center. 19.♕d2 d3 20.♘ c3 ♕ d 6 2l.g3 ♗f3
No problems with development are ex­ 22.♖e3 ♗b7 23.♖xd3 ♕ c 6 24.f3 ♗ b 6 +
pected here. First let’s investigate open­ 25.♔g2 ♕ c5 26.♖d6 ♕ g1+ 27.♔h3
ing up the position with an exchange in ♗xf3 . An impressive rout!
the center (either e4xd5 or ...d5xe4). In 8... 0-0
game 10 we’ll look at the advance 8.e5. In a duel between two experts on the
8.♕ a4 ... Alapin Defense, Veselovsky — Gusev
Almost always associated with an (Rostov-on-Don, 1969) the reason­
exchange on d5, although the exchange able alternative 8 ...de!? was tested. Af­
is sometimes practiced without ♕ a4. A ter 9.♘e5 ♗ b 6 10.♘xc6 be 11.♗xc6+
typical structure for the variation arises ♗d7 12.d5?! ♗ xc 6 13.dc ♕ d4! 14.♕xd4
with 8 .ed ♕xd5 9.♗xc6+ ♘ xc 6 10.♘c3 ♗xd4 15.♘d2 f5 the c-pawn, which has
♗xc3 11 .bc. Obviously it doesn’t make been chipped away from its colleagues, is
White happy, but, fortunately for him, defenseless. O f course, instead o f 12.d5?!
he can put pressure on c7. White has he should have simplified the game with
a minuscule advantage, as in the game a double exchange on d7.
Klovans — Muratov (Moscow, 1959): 9.ed ...
11...0-0 12.♗f4 ♗ g4 13.♗xc7 ♖ ac 8 9.li,g5, threatening to win the dark-
14.♗g3 ♘ e7 15.lJ:e1 ♘ g 6 16.♕b3 ♗xf3 squared bishop, was encountered in the
17.gf♕xf3. game Navara — Czerwonski (Olomouc,
The encounter Mikhalchishin — 2000). Black went out to an endgame
Chetverik from a clock simul (Voronezh, with bad pawns: 9...de 10.li,xc6 be
1982) was marked by a slight advantage 11.♘e5 f6 12.♕xa5 fg 13.♘c3 ♕xd4

40
 The Ruy Lopez

14.♕xc7 ♕d8?! 15.♕xd8 ♖xd8 16.:&!:fel 19.:&!:db1 c6

♗ f5 17.♘xe4 ♗xe4 18.♖xe4. The con­ 20.a4 a6
tinuation 14… ♘ d5! 15.♘xc6 ♕xc3! 21.:&!:e1 f6
16.♕d6 ♕ f6 17.♕xd5+ (it’s because of A classic of the blockading genre: the
this capture that defending the knight is c3 and d4 pawns don’t even dare make
useless) 17... ♔h8 is stronger, with coun­ a sound. The magic of the opposite col­
terplay. ors didn’t work either - Grandmaster
9... ♕xd5 Djukic didn’t save a slightly worse end­
10.11'lc3 ♕h5 game.
Blackisn’t rushing to create the pawn
pair c3/d4 for his opponent, although 10. N. KALESIS - M. CHETVERIK
10… ♗xc3 11.bc ♗ g412.♗ e2 ♕e6looks Primorsko, 1990
more or less satisfactory.
11.♗g5 ... 1.e4 e5
Let’s glance at the following short, 2 .11Jf3 1l'c 6
very boring, but equal game: 11.S e l 3.li,b5 ♗b4
a6 12.♗d3 b5 13.♕b3 ♗ f5 14.♗xf5 4.c3 ♗ a5
♕xf5 15.♗e3 ♖ad8 16.Hedl ♗b6 5.0-0 ♘ge7
17.11'le2 ♘ d5 18.11'lg3 ♕g6 19.♕a3 ♖a8 6.d4 ed
20.♕b3 ♖ad8 21.♕ a3, with a repetition 7.cd d5
of moves. Strange as it may seem, this 8.e5 ...
was the romantic 19th century (Metger
—Alapin, Berlin, 1897)!
11... ♗xc3
This exchange is probably appropri­
ate here. On 11 ...f6 the response 12.d5!?
♗xc3 13.dc fg 14.♕b3+ ♔h8 15.♕xc3
g4 16.♕e5! ♕xe5 17.11'lxe5 be 18 .♗ c4 is
possible, and the black pawns have ac­
quired a pathetic look.
12.bc ♗g4
13.♗xe7 ♗xf3
14.♗xc6 ♗xc6
15.♕d1 ... White stabilizes the position in the
A fruitless attempt to extract divi­ center more often than he chooses other
dends in the endgame, as perpetual moves including captures. Seizing space
check was possible in the middlegame is a useful measure, but that makes it
- 15.♕a3 ♗xg2! easier for the black pieces to come into
15... ♕xd1 the battle.
16.♖fxd1 ♖fe8 8 ... h6
17.♗g5 ♗d5 A non-compulsory prophylactic
18.♗e3 b5 move. With immediate castling Black

41
Chapter Ill

shouldn’t fear the pin 9.♗g5 at least turn the bishop to h7 (so as not to deal
because o f a concentrated attack on the with an exchange on e4) and to release
base of the d4 pawn: 9...h6 10.♗h4 g5 the pressure with an exchange on e5 at a
1l.♗g3 ♗ g412.♘ c3 ♗ b 6 13.♘e2 ♕ d7. convenient moment, with a satisfactory
In the line 8.e5 a closed center and un­ position.
problematic development allow Black to
hazard the ...g5 thrust.
9.h3 0-0
10.CZlc3 ♗b6
Against Macieja (Czestochowa,
1992) Czerwonski made the undermin­
ing move 1 0 ...f6 , riskywithout 8 ...h 6 be­
cause ofthe exchange on f6 , and on ♖xf6
— ♗g5. In this case the light squares are
exposed, although that’s also insignifi­
cant! There followed 1 l .♖ e1 fe 12.♘xe5
♘xe5 13.♖xe5 (13.de ♗ b 6 14.♖e2 c 6
15.♗d3 maintained approximate equal­ 17... ♕ e6?!
ity) 13. ..c 6 14.♗f1 ♗ c7 15.♖e2 ♘ f5 To take on f6 with the queen on
16.♕d3 ♕ f 6 17.♗e3 ♗d7 18.♖♖d1 ♘xe3 e5xf6 after an advance by the f-pawn.
19.♕xe3 ♖♖ae 8 20.♕d2 ♖♖xe2 21.♕xe2 However, the queen is positioned poorly
♖e 8 22.♕d3 ♗f5 23.♕f3 ♕ g 6 , and on e6 . This is evident from the variation
even with some simplifications Black is 18.♘g3 f6 ?! 19.♘ xe4 de 20.CZlg6! (20...
feeling fantastic. ♘xg 6 ? 21.li,b3). I f 18… f6?! is replaced
11.♘ e2 ♗f5 with 18 ...f5, there follows an exchange
12.♘h4 a6 on e4 and g4. Kalessis immediately gets
Instead of an immediate bishop re­ the g-pawn moving.
treat to e4 or h7 I succumbed to the 18.g4 f5
temptation of clarifying the white bish­ 19.♘ gl ♔h7
op’s intentions. 13.li,xc6 be 14.♘xf5 20.b4 g6
♘xf5 15.♕d3 ♕d7 is playable for Black, 21.♗b3 ...
but it isn’t worth doubling pawns unnec­ His stubborn rejection of♘ g3 (which
essarily. is strong on any move, starting with the
13.♗a4 ♗h7 16th) offered Black the good recipro­
14.♗e3 ♕d7 cal chance 2l...fg 22.hg g5!, and Rybka
15.f4 ♗e4 only sees a draw for White — 23.f5 ♕d7
16.♕d2 Sae8 24.♗xg5 hg 25.♕xg5 ♗xd4 26.♕h5+
17.\t/h2 ... ♔ g 8 27.♕g5+. Having missed the con­
White is preparing the advance venient opportunity, later — in a rather
18.g4. The alternative 17.CZlg3 creates dubious position — I outwitted my op­
the unpleasant threat of 18.f5, but then ponent. Whatever happens, happens for
17...f6 defuses it. Next it’s useful to re­ the best!

42
 The Ruy Lopez

CONCLUSION:

After everything that has been stated above there’s no basis to consider the Alapin
Defense incorrect. Black experiences certain difficulties (probably the most with
4.c3 ♗a5 5.♘ a3), but where are things easy for him? White players will be
very well prepared for 3… a6, and will be ready for early deviations such as Berlin
Defense, the Jaenisch Gambit or Bird’s Defense, but how much will they have in
store for 3… ♗ b4 ? Even if they suspect you will play this way, quickly choosing
the best setup in preparation isn’t easy, and the detai s hhave to be thought up at the
board all the more. The Alapin Defense makes its fans happy with varied methods
o f fighting and comparatively stable reinforcing. Why not include it in your open­
ing repertoire?!

43
 Chapter 4

The Scandinavian Defense

T h e v a r ia tio n 1. e 4 d 5 2 .e x d 5 ♘ f6 3 .d 4 t2Jxd5 4 .c 4 t2Jb4

The Scandinavian Defense achieves the dream o f many black openings: the liberat­
ing ...d5, eliminating the proud e4 pawn, is carried out without extensive prepara­
tion! The lines with 2… ♕xd5 have become very fashionable in recent years, espe­
cially when it became clear that the queen can hold her own in a central position
after 3.♘ c3 ♕ d 6 rather than scurrying to the edge of the board.
We would like to suggest a less fashionable option, which will take opponents
away from their normal experiences and force them to think for themselves at a very
early stage.

1.e4 d5 started developing his pieces yet. The

2 .ed LLlf6 pawn advanced in the first well-known
3.d4 ♘xd5 duel on 2… ♘xd5 — the fifth game of
the Morphy —Anderssen match (Paris,
1858). Adolph Anderssen established
the fashion for the indifferent 4… ♘ f6,
and for almost half a century only this
was played.
Then Black decided to try 4… ♘b6
(it became the most popular), and the
provocative 4… ♘b4.
4... LLlb4
This was first played by Marshall
against Tartakower (Karlsbad, 1907).
The foray has a stri♘ y tactical character
4.c4 and highlights the vulnerability o f the c 2
This seizing of space is only appar- square. If White thinks about winning
ently highly threatening, as White hasn’t the overreaching knight, unpleasant
 The Scandinavian Defense

surprises lie in wait for him. My coach, ponent’s actions and loses the advantage
International Master Mikhail Kislov, of the first move.
showed me this variation in the early 5... ♗ fS
1970s. Forces the queen’s knight to occupy
Black shouldn’t automatically car­ the unappealing a3 square. The tempt­
ry out the direct threat 5 .. .♕xd4. On ing blow in the center 5… e5⁉ only jus­
5.LLlc3? the indicated trick gives White tifies itself with captures. On 6 .de there
full compensation for the pawn thanks follows 6 … ♕ xd1+ 7 .♔ xd1 ♗ f5 or 7...
to his advantage in development. In the ♗g4. I f 6.♘xe5, then 6… ♕xd4 7.♕e2
example variation 5… ♕xd4?! 6.♕ a4+ ♗ f5 8 .♘ c 6 + ( 8 .♘ g 6 +?? ♗e4) 8 ...
♘ 8 c 6 7.♗e3 ♕g4 8.a3 ♘ a 6 9.♘f3 ♗d7 ♕ e4 9.♕xe4+ ♗xe4 l0.♘xb4 ♗xb4+
10.0-0-0 0-0-0 l l.h3 ♕h5 12.♖d5 the 11.♗ d2 ♘ c 6 12.♘c3 ♗ f5 13.0-0-0
queen thrashes about under attacks from 0-0-0, with faster development. 6.a3! e4
the enemy soldiers. While 5.LLlc3? leaves 7.♘g5 ♗e7 8.♘xf7! ♔xf7 9.ab ♗xb4+
the c2 square undefended, and 5… ♗ f5 10.♘c3 is correct, with a clear advan­
practically wins. tage as a consequence of the unstable
The continuation 5. LLlf3 was encoun­ position of the black king.
tered in game 1 , and direct play against Instead of 8… ♔xf7 an energetic
the b4 knight in the next games. counterattack with sacrifices has been
tested: 8… ♕xd4?! 9.♘xh8 ♗g4!?
1. V. BAK^LAN - A. MUZYCHUK 10.♕b3 ♘ 8 c 6 11.♗e3 0-0-0 12.♗ .e 2
Calvi, 2005 11.xe2 13.♗ . x d 4 ♘xd4 (Genba — Ulko,
Moscow, 1995) 14.♕h3+! ♔ b 8 15.ab
l.e4 d5 11.xc4 16.♘a3 ♗ . x b 4 17.♕c3 or 17.♔ d1,
2 .ed LLlf6 with a win. There weren’t enough re­
3.d4 LLlxd5 sources, and at the decisive moment
4.c4 LLlb4 there was nothing to throw into the fur­
s.LZJo ... nace...
6.LLla3 ...
There’s little sense in a preliminary
check from a4, as he’ll have to put his
knight on the edge of the board any­
way, and the queen has nothing to do
in its company. For example, Zakha­
rov — Prokopchuk (Kolontaevo, 1997):
6.♕ a4+ ♘ 8 c 6 7.♘ a3 e6 8.♗ .e 3 ♗
.e 7
9.♗. e 2 0-0 10.0-0 ♕ d 7 11.S fd l ♖fd 8
12.Hd2 ♗ f 6 ?! 13.Sadl a5 14.LLlb5
♘e7?, and here 15.g4! ♗xg4 16.♘e5
won immediately. Instead o f the mis­
An insufficiently concrete move. taken bishop maneuver an exchange of
White isn’t paying attention to his op­ queens is stronger, 12. ..♘e5!? 13.♕xd7

45
Chapter IV

♘ xd7, with equality, or the more com­ 1 l.Ilfcl ♘ d7 12.♘ b1 a5 13.♘ c3 ♗ f 6

plicated 12...a6, intending 13. ..b5. 14.a3 ♘ a 6 15.♕e3 ♖e8 16.♘ e4 ♗e7
6 ... e6 17.♖d1 a4 18.♘ e5 ♘ xe5 19.♗xe5 ♗ g 6
7.Si,e2 Si,e7 20.11.d3 ♗ 8f 2 l.♕ f4 , fundamentally
In the game Van Der Weide — Kue- constraining the opponent (Fedorchuk
hn (Trizen, 1984) Black immediately — Zubarev, Kharkov, 1998). The con­
subjected the enemy center to fire: 7 ... tinuation 9… ♘ 8c6 pins your opponent
c5!? 8♗ e3 ♘ 8 c 6 9.dc ♕xd1 + 10.♖xd1 down to defending the central pawn; as
a 6 11.0-0 ♖ c 8 12.♖d2 ♗e7 13.Ilfd 1 e5 a counterbalance White gets the possi­
14.h3 0-0 15.b3 ♖fd 8 16.g4 ♗ e4 17.♘ b1 bilities ♘ b5 and d5. After 10.♘ b5 ♖ c 8
♗xb1 18.♖xbl ♖xd2 19.♘ xd2 ♘ xa2 11.d5 ed 12.a3 ♘ c2 13.♖c1 de 14.♖xc2
20.♘ e4, with a definite initiative. If you ♕xd1 15♗ xd1 ♗ xc2 16♗ xc2 (Miru-
want achieve more, you should choose mian — Simacek, Pardubice, 2000) two
9...♕ a5 10.0-0 ♖d 8 1 l.♕e1 ♗xc5. minor pieces are preferable to a rook
8 .0-0 0-0 and two pawns. On the other hand, with
10. ..a 6 !? 1 l.♘ xc7 ♖ c 8 12.d5 e5!? 13.dc
ef 14.♘ d5 be 15.♘ d4!? cd 16.♘ xf5 de
no advantage is evident.
9 ... c6
The decisive 9 ...c5 with the position
ofthebishop on f4allowed 10.♘ b5, with
an attack on the c7 square, and deserved
close attention here. In the variation
10.♕b3 ♘ d7⁉ 11.dc a5 12.♖fdl ♕ c 8
Black wins the pawn back with sufficient
counter chances.
10.♕b3 ...
The pawn pair c4/d4 determines The battle has a maneuvering char­
White’s space advantage, but all its mag­ acter, and the significance of individual
nificence comes crashing down around moves isn’t as important as the value of
the ill-fated a3 knight. The social reha­ the chosen plan. In a constrained po­
bilitation of the outlaw is a task for the sition Black must strive for exchanges
near future. The position in the diagram following the example o f the game
often comes about after 3.♗b5+ ♗d7 Areshchenko — Kreindl (Rethymno,
4.♗e2 ♘ xd5 5.d4 ♗ f5 6.♘ f3 e6 7.0-0 2003): 10.♕d2 ♘ d7 1 l.♖ fdl h6 12.h3
♗e7 8.c4 ♘ b4 9.♘ a3 0-0 (with an in­ ♘ f6 13.♘ e5 ♘ e4 14.♕ e1 a5 15.♗f3
significant one-move delay). ♘ g5 16♗ g4 ♗ xg4 17.♘ xg4 ♘ h7
9♗ e3 ... 18.11.f4 ♘ f6 19.♘ e5 ♘ d7, with chances
9.♗f4 shares sympathies approxi­ to equalize. 17.hg is a little more precise,
mately equally with a move out to e3. without the knight leaving the center.
Black’s passive play allows the hermit 10... a5
knight to come to life: 9...c6 10.♕d2 h6 11.S fd l ...

46
 The Scandinavian Defense

Black’s last move exposed the b6 22.Si.e4 tlb8

square, which 1l.c5!? emphasizes. Then 23.♘ f3 ♘ x e3
again, after 11...♘ d7 12.♘ c4 W/ic7 24.W/ixe3 tld7
13.♖acl tld 5 both the white knight and 25.♘ e5 ♘ x eS
the black one have improved, and the 26.de W/ic7

W
position is approximately equal. g6

2
11... tld7 28 .♖d6⁉ W/ia7
12.♖d2 a4 29.h4 Si.xd6
13.Widl ♘ f6 30.ed ...
14.Wticl tle4 For the exchange sacrifice White has
15.♖ dl b6 obtained a strong defended passed pawn,
Anna Muzychuk didn’t exploit the extra space and chances ofexploiting the
fruits of the sharp activation of her forc­ defects on the kingside.
es. She should have prepared the liber­
ating ...c5: 15. ..W/ia5 16.♘ bl Wtia6 (16... A comparatively boring line is behind
c5!? 17.d5 tld 6) 17.♗f1 c5!? us. It’s now the turn of the ambitious
16.♘ b l tld 6 continuation 5.W/ia4+ (games 2 and 3).
17.♘ el b5
18.a3 Si.xbl?! 2. J. ^A N D - A. RAETSKY
Parting with the most active piece Lausanne, 2001
on the board without regret. 18 ...♘ a6
19.♘ c3 tlc 7 20.cb ab 21.♘ d3 ♖c8 a1­ l.e4 d5
lowed her to count on equality. 2 .ed ♘ f6
19.♖xbl tla 6 3.d4 ♘ xd5
4.c4 tlb4
5.W/ia4+ tl8 c6

20.c5 ...
20.♕ c2 tlc 7 21.♘ f3 isn’t bad either,
with favorable maintaining of the ten­ 6.d5?! ...
sion. White has succumbed to the provo­
20... ♘ fS cation. It’s difficult to believe that the
21 .Si.f3 ♖c8 attempt to win the knight will turn into

47
Chapter IV

a boomerang, and that the only one with A queen retreat to its initial position
problems from now on will be White. often neutralizes the enemy’s intrigues.
The circumspect 6.a3 was encountered At the same time it’s an admission of
in game 3. rejecting material gains and the fail­
6 ... b5! ure to mobilize pieces. The onslaught
Deflecting the queen from the c2 o f the black cavalry is tough: 7 .♕ d1
square (with 7.♕xb5), and simultaneous­ ♗ f5 8.♘ a3 ♘ e5, descending on the
ly covering the a4-e8 diagonal, unleash­ d3 square. Or 7 . ...Ct:ld4 8.♘ c3 e5 9.♗e3
ing the c6 knight (in the event of 7.cb). ♗ c5 10.♘ f3 0-0, with the tactical jus­
In a worse version the idea works in the tification 11.♘ xd4? ed 12.♗xd4 Se8+
variation 6 ...♗ f5 7.♘ a3 b5!? 8.♕xb5 e6 13.♗e2 ♗g4 14f3 ♗xf3!
9.dc ♖b8 10.♕a4. Now with 10. ..♘ d3+ 7... ♘ d4
1 l.♗xd3 ♗b4+ 12.♕xb4 ♖xb4 13.♗xf5 The alternative 7...♗f5 is possibly no
ef 14.♘ e2 0-0 15.0-0 White gets three less strong than the more popular line.
^minor pieces for the queen and an excel­ After 8.♘ a3 ♕xd5 9.♗e3 ♕e4 (the
lent position. In the case of 10. ..♘ xa2!? threat to the white queen on the fourth
1 l.♖xa2 ♗b4+ 12.♕xb4 ♖xb4 an un­ rank should be borne in mind) 10.b3
equal exchange takes place in a substan­ ♘ d4 11.0-0-0 e5 12.♗xd4 ed 13.♘ f3
tially better situation for Black. But White ♘ xa2+ 14.♔b2 ♘ c3 15.♕xd4 ♘xd1+
isn’t left in debt either, if he makes an 16.♕xd1 ♗xa3+ 17.♔xa3 0-0 (Carras­
improvement: 11.♕ d1 ♘ xcl 12.♕xd8+ co — Peric, Verona, 1995) Black is the
♖xd8 13.♖xcl ♗ b4+ 14.♖c3.♗xc3+ exchange up and has an overwhelming
15.bc —two pieces against a rook give him position. An unusual position with two
some winning chances in the ending. half-dead black knights arises with 8.♗e2
7.cb ... ♘ c2+ 9 .♔ f1 ♘ xal l0.♘ c3 ♘ e5 1l.♕ f4
After 7.♕xb5?! ♘ c2+ 8 .♔ d1? ♗d7 ♘ d3 12.♕xf5 ♘ xc1 13.♗c4 ♕d6. Black
Black plans to win the rook or the queen. is apparently in great danger, but Rybka
O f course, on 9.dc he spares the queen still gives preference to him.
(three pieces compensate for the loss) 8.♘ a3 e5
in favor of pursuing the white king — 9... I remember that my coach and I
♗g4+! 10.♔xc2 ♕ d1+ 1 l.♔ c3 ♕ x cl + looked at 8...♕xd5. Now I rejected
12.♔b4 ♕xb2+ 13.♔a5 ♕xa1. Some­ the capture because of 9.♕xb4 ♕e4+
how or other the king has avoided mate l 0 .♔ d1 ♗g4+?! 11.f3 0-0-0 12.♗d2
for now, but Black (who is already the e5 13.♕c4, with a desperate position
exchange up) doesn’t leave it in peace. for Black. Then again, 10 ...e5 11.♕ c3
Obviously the king should step onto a ♗xa3 12.ba 0-0 13.f3 ♕ h4 promises
dark square to avoid double check. Then counter chances, while 8...e5! aims for
Black “ only” has an endgame with win­ an advantage.
ning chances: 8.♔d2 ♗d7 9.dc ♗ f5+ 9.de ...
10.♕d5 ♘ xal 1 l.♗ d3 ♗xd3 12.♕xd3 If 9.♗d2, then the maneuver 9...
♕xd3+ 13.♔xd3 0-0-0+ 14.♔e2 ♘ c2 ♘ xd5 and 10. ..♘ b6 forces the queen off
15.♘ f3 ♘ d4+ 16.♘ xd4 ♖xd4. a4 and the matchless d4 knight deter­

48
 The Scandinavian Defense

mines Black’s advantage. 9… ♕xd5 isn’t The Swiss player demonstrates a

bad either, as the knight is inviolable strange indifference to the c 2 square.
— 10.♗xb4? ♕ e4+ 1 l .♔ d1 ♗g4+ 12.f3 With 12.♕ d1 ♗ d 6 13.♗c4 0-0 Black
♗xb4 13.♕xb4 ♖d 8 , with a win. has excellent compensation for the ma­
9... ♗xe6 terial loss, but that’s all.
12 ... LlJbc2+
13.LlJxc2 LlJxc2+
14.♔d1 LlJxa1
15.♗c4? ...
A fateful loss of a tempo. With the
comparatively better 15.LlJf3 ♗e7 16.♔c1
0-0 17.♔ b1 c5 18.♔xal ♗ c 8 ! 19.♕xd8
♖xd8 the a 6 pawnperishes, and being the
exchange up should make a difference.
15... ♗e7
16.♔c1 0-0
17.LlJf3 ♗e6
10.♗ d2?! ... 18.♗xe6' fe
10.♗e3 is significantly stronger — 19.♔b1 LlJb3!
due to a small detail mentioned in the 20 .ab ♕ d3+
next note. Now 10...♕h4 penetrates the White resigned.
fourth rank with an X-ray through two
knights! The careless 1 l.S d l? costs him 3. A. ABREU - F. CRUZ
thegame—1 l...♘ bc2+! 12.llJxc2LlJf3+. Mislata, 2005
The b5 pawn relieves White: 11.b 6 +!
. d 7 12.b7! ♖ b 8 13.♕ d1 LlJf5 14.LlJf3
♗ l.e4 d5
LlJxe3 15.LlJxh4 LlJxd1 16.♖xd1 Bxb7, 2 .ed LlJf6
and the chances are virtually equal. 1 0 ... 3.d4 LlJxd5
l/i;Yd5 (controlling the b7 square, where 4.c4 LlJb4
the valiant pawn can’t be any more) 5.♕ a4+ LlJ8c6
1 l.b 6 + ♗d7 12.♕ d1 c5 13.LlJf3 LlJxf3+ 6.a3 ...
14.gf ♕ xd1 + 15.♖xd1 ab 16.♗c4 ♗e7
is better, with a more pleasant endgame.
10... a5?!
On 10...♕h4! the response 11.b 6 +
♗d7 12.b7 doesn’t work any more due
to 12. ..♕ e4+ (the bishop isn’t protect­
ing the king!). The white queen is also
in for it after 1 1 .0-0 - 0 LlJe2 +! 1 2 .♔ b1
♗ f5+ 13.♔ a1 LlJc2+.
11.ba+ ♗d7
12.♕ a5? ...

49
Chapter IV

We’ve convinced ourselves o f how the trap. The lucky ones get an amnesty:
great the danger emanating from the b4 weaving a net for the queen with the help
knight is. By forcing it out of his half of of an immediate 8...b6? is only enough
the board White protects himself from for a draw by repetition of moves — 9.b4!
the main tactical difficulties. ♘ b3 l0♗ b2 a6 11.♕ xc6+ ♗ d7 12.'iVb7
6 ... ♘ a6 ♘ xal 13♗ xal ♖b8 14.♕xa6 ♖a8
7.d5 ... 15.♕b7 ♖b8. To stop the queen from
On 7.♘ f3 we have to acknowledge buying itself out you have to move the
that the best method is the typical blow e-pawn — it doesn’t matter whether it’s
in the center 7...e5! In the variation 8.de one or two steps forward. After 8...e5 (or
♘ c5 9.♕ c2 g6! l0.♗ e3 ♗ f5 11.♕ c3 8 ...e6) 9.dc b6! there’s no good defense
♘ d3+ 12.♗xd3 ♕xd3 after exchanging to 10...a6. Just one nuance remains: on
queens the pawn is inevitably won back. 10.'ie2 (to retreat to b4 without fearing a
In the duel Gunnarsson — Bronstein discovered check) the solution is 10. ..a5!,
(Reykjavik, 1996) after 8.♘ xe5 ♕xd4 with the irrefutable 1 l...♗ a6.
9.♘ xc6 ♕e4+ l0♗ e3 ♗ d7 11.♘ c3 8 ... ♘ e5
♗ xc6 12.♘ xe4 ♗ xa4 13.♖c1 ♗ c6 9.b4 ♘ cd7
14.♘ c3 ♗ c5 15.b4 ♗ xe3 16.fe ♗ d7
17 .c5 the queens were exchanged some­
what favorably for White because o f the
poor position o f the a6 knight. David
Ionovich won anyway, and in a conver­
sation with me after the game he com­
plained about how difficult it was to beat
today’s young players, even in such “ off­
beat” systems. 10. ..♘ c5 is still stronger,
to take on c6 with the queen.
An energetic advance by the central
pawn works wonderfully with 7 ♗ e3 too.
For example, 7 ..♗ d7 8.♕ c2 e5 9.♘ f3 Events are developing according
ed 10.♘ xd4 ♘ xd4 1 l ♗ xd4 (Herrera — to an unusual (although also usual for
F. Cruz, Spain, 2007) 11… ♕ h4 12♗ e3 4 ...♘ b4) scenario. Out o f nine moves by
♗ c5, with a lead in development. White Black two-thirds of them have had to go
himself should untie the knot in the cen­ to the wandering king’s knight (...♘ g8-
ter — 9.de ♘ xe5 10.♘ c3 ♗ d6 l l ♗ e2 f6-d5-b4-a6-c5-d7), another two to the
and ♘ f3, with equality. queen’s knight, and only the first move
7... ♘ c5 was made by a pawn! But the cavalry was
8 .'iVdl ... only pursued by a foot soldier with the
An attempt to win the pinned knight seizing of territory, although without the
by means of 8.♕b5?? is a step towards mobilization ofpieces (the queen’s voy­
the abyss. According to the database, a age with its subsequent return doesn’t
couple of dozen victims have entered count). As in Alekhine’s Defense, the

50
 The Scandinavian Defense

advanced pawns are subject to a coun­

terattack.
10 ♗L b2 ...
There’s a point in exacerbating the
absurdity of what’s going on by forc­
ing the ninth straight knight move with
the help of 10.f4!? White has conquered
so much space that getting free with
all conveniences is difficult. After 10. ..
[iJg6 11.GLlf3 e 6 12.de fe 13.trlc3 ♕ f 6
14.♕d4!? White exchanges queens with
somewhat better prospects.
10 ... trlg6 18.ba ...
To avoid driving the horses into the The pawn should have been won
ground it was worth stopping the gallops in another version: 18.♗xf6 gf 19.trle4
and starting undermining moves ( 1 0 . ..c 6 ♗e7 20.bc 0-0 21.trld4. The centralized
or 1 0 ...e 6 ). white knights are much more imposing
11.h4 ... than the black bishops.
Rybka gives the variation 11.GLlf3 18... ♕ c7
♘ f6 (the “ celebratory” 1 0 th knight 19.♕b3 0-0
move!) 12♗Ld3 e6 13.0-0 ♗e7 14.♕c2 2 0 .♕ b2 ♖fe8
0-0 1 5.Sd l, with an advantage for In a complicated position Black’s
White, and not a particularly small one. chances are evidently no worse. An ex­
Since fairly normal play with kingside ample variation is 2i.♗xf6 gf 22.trle4
castling by both players can be forecast ♕xa5+ 2 3.♔ f1 ♗ e7 24.trlxf6+ ♗xf 6
now, moving the outside pawn isn’t 25.♕xf6 ♗ g4, with excellent play for
completely appropriate. the pawn.
11 ... h5
12.g3 a5 From what we’ve seen it’s obvious
13♗Le2 trlf6 that the check with the queen doesn’t
14.trld2 e6 promise much. Isn’t it betterto force the
15.de ♗xe6 knight back without delay? In games 4-6
16...tc3 ♗d6 5.a3 was encountered.
17.trlgf3 ...
(See Diagram) 4. E. VASYUKOV - D. BRONSTEIN
Moscow, 1973, Blitz
17... c5?!
It wasn’t worth knocking out l.e4 d5
the support from under the bishop. 2 .ed trlf6
17. ..0-0 18.0-0 ♖e 8 19.♖e1 ♗g4 20.c5 3.d4 trlxd5
trld5 2 i.♗ b2 ♗ f 8 22.♕b3 ♕ d7 was log­ 4.c4 trlb4
ical, with roughly equal chances. 5.a3 ...

51
Chapter IV

to come out to c5. In the variation 8...

e6 9.♘ f3 ♗d6 10.de ♗xe6 1l.c5 ♗e7
12.♕xd8+ ♗xd8 13.♘ d4 ♗d7 14.♘ c3
the white pieces are more active.
8 ... eS
Instead o f a barrier in the way o f the
bishop another structure is also feasible:
8 ...e6 9.♘ c3 ♗d6 10.♗e2 0-0 1 l.♘ f3
♖e8 12.0-0 ed 13.cd. There’s a slight
space shortage, but the position is solid.
9.♘ c3 ♗ c5

5... lZJ4c6
Quite a few players have retreated to
a6, but all o f them, without exception,
were amateurs. In arbitrary order White
plays ♘ c3, ♘ f3, ♗e2, 0-0 and easily
mobilizes his remaining soldiers, while
Black constantly worries about the idea
—where to put the rootless knight?
6.d5 ...
Defending the pawn is the theme of
the next examples (6.♗e3 — game 5,
6 .♘ f3 —game 6). 10.h4 ...
6 ... ♘ eS Itmakes sensetobotherthe livelybishop
7.♗f4 ... a little: 10.b4!? ♗d4 1l.♘ ge2 c5 12.h4 0-0
The bishop has picked up the func­ 13.h5♘ f414.♘ xd4cd 15.♗xf4dc 16.♗e3
tion of pursuing the knight from the f5 17.f4 (17.♕b3 is even more precise, re­
pawns. An exchange is also encoun­ moving the impediment on c3) 17…Be8
tered, 7.♘ f3 ♘ xf3+ 8♗Vxf3, and on (Handke — Meisenhaelter, Bad Wiessee,
8 ...g6 the retort 9.♕ c3⁉ prevents Black 2002) 18.fe ♖xe5 19.♔f2, and the sleep­
from castling kingside. Then again, the ing queenside makes it impossible to have
alternative 8...e6 equalizes: 9.♗d3 ♗d6 a fully-fledged battle. It’s better for Black to
l0.lZ'lc3 0-0 11.0-0 ♘ d7. continue 1l...♗xc3+ 12.♘ xc3 0-0 13.♗e2
7... ♘ g6 a5 14.0-0 ♗f5, with chances to equalize.
The record for uninterrupted knight 10... 0-0
moves has been broken — that’s six! It l l ♗¥d2 f5?!
seems that the wanderer will reinforce The queen has apparently deterred
itself on g6 anyway. .. the latest knight move 1 l...♘ f4, although
8 .♗ g3 ... it was possible to play this way regardless
8.♗e3 deserved attention, to then of the pawn sacrifice. After 1 l...lZ'lf4!?
make it difficult for the black bishop 12♗ x f4 ef 13.♕xf4 ♖e8+ compensa-

52
 The Scandinavian Defense

tion is on hand thanks to the unprotected This isn’t stri♘ y the only solution
white king. Besides that, developing with (23...♕h6+!? 24.f4 ♗xe5 is playable for
11...liJd7 is also appropriate. Black), but it’s unquestionably beautiful
12.h5 f4 and guarantees a draw.
13. ♗h2?! ... 24.c;xb2 ♕b6+
In the case o f 13.hg fg 14.gh+ ♔ h 8 25.<;a2? ...
15.f3 ♗ f2+ 16.♔ d1 White is clearly bet­ After 25.♔c3 ♕a5+ 26.♔d4 ♕ b 6 +
ter, despite his dislodged king. Ofcourse, 27.c5 ♕b2+ 28.♔e3 ♕xa3+ 29.Hd3
with a walled-in bishop achieving an ad­ ♕xc5+ perpetual check is unavoidable.
vantage is considerably more difficult. Now 25...♗c2! won instantly, while the im­
13... t'Llh4 pressive move in the game is far from clear.
14.0-0-0 t'Lld7 25... ♗ h3⁉
15.t'Lle4 t'Llf5 26.♕g5 ♖xf2+
16.t'Llt3 t'Lld4 And 27.♖d2? h6! 28.♗g1 ♗ f5!
17.Wc3 ... 29.♗d3 hg 30.♗xf2 ♕ a5 31.♖hd1
An unenviable fate awaited the white ♗g4 32.♗e2 ♗xe2 33.♖xe2 ♕ c3 soon
bishops in the future, and here there was brought Bronstein success in this ex­
an opportunity to put one of them on traordinarily fascinating battle. Only
its feet — 17.♔ b1 and 18. ♗ d3. But now by returning the bishop with 27. ♗e2!
Bronstein makes the tenth and last move Bxe2+ 28.♗:d 2 could Vasyukov have
by the traveling knight, exchanging it for continued the fight for equality.
its newly-developed antagonist.
17... 5. H. J O N ^ ^ N -
18.♕xf3 ♗d4 J. HOOGENDOORN
19.g3 t'Llf6! Soest, 2001
20 .gf t'Llxe4 1.e4 d5
21.♕xe4 ♗fS 2 .ed t'Llf6
22 .♕g2 ♕ f6 3.d4 t'Llxd5
23.fe ... 4.c4 t'Llb4
5.a3 ♘ 4c6
6♗t e 3 ...

23... ♗xb2+!

53
Chapter IV

One of two defenses of the central 11.♗ d3 0-0

pawn that gives fans of 4...tt:lb4 a cold Without reciprocal castling the cen­
shower. It’s very difficult for Black to tralizing move 1 l...tt:ld4!? deserved at­
find reciprocal chances. tention (the seventh jump in 11 moves!).
6 ... e5!? After 12.♘ xd4 ed+ 13♗ e2 c5 Black has
A typical undermining move for chances to equalize.
this system, clarifying the situation in 12 .0-0 tt:lh4
the center. It isn’t lost for Black if he 13.tt:lxh4 ♕xh4
plays it later either, for example: 6 ...g6 14.tt:lc3 a5
7.h3 !ig 7 8.tt:lf3 0-0 9.♘ c3 f5!? 10.g3 15.f4!? tt:ld7
tt:ld7 l l ♗ e2 e5 (with a tolerable po­ 16.♕d2 fS
sition). You constantly have to keep 17.♘ b5 ♕d8
an eye out for the d5 advance; in the
case o f 6 ...♗ f5 7.tt:lc3 e6 8.♘ f3 ♗e7?
this advance wins a piece (9.d5 tt:la5
10.b4).
7.d5 tt:le7
8 .tt:lf3 ...
To transfer the bishop to g5 on the
subsequent ...tt:lf5. After 8.tt:lc3 tt:lf5,
evidently you have to accept an ex­
change o f the bishop and equalization
of chances: 9.♕d2 tt:lxe3 10.♕xe3 tt:ld7
11.♘ f3 ♗ c 5 12.♕d2 0-0 13.♗e2 a5
14.0-0 f5.
8 ... tt:lfS 18.b4?! ...
Modest development is probably in­ Now Black has weaseled his way out
appropriate already. For example, 8... successfully. Jonkman missed the pawn
tt:lg6 9.tt:lc3 iie7 10.h4!? tt:lxh41l .♘ xh4 sacrifice 18.c5! tt:lxc5 19♗ c4, with a
♗xh4 12.♕h5 ♗ f6 13.♗d3, with a very strong initiative.
strong initiative for the pawn. 18... e4
9.♗g5 ♗e7 19♗ e2 ♘ f6
Edging out the bishop 9… f6⁉ gives an 2 0 .Mad1 ab
impetus to the career of the neighboring 21.ab ♗d7
pawn: I0♗ d2 e4 1 l.g4!? ef 12.gf ♗xf5 22.♘ c3 Wh8
13.♕xf3 ♕ e7+ 14.♕e3, and without 23.c5 ...
the queens White loses his advantage. 24.d6 is on the agenda, creating a
Or 1 0 ♗ cl e4 11.♘ fd2 e3 12.fe tt:lxe3 central passed pawn, but how is it bet­
1 3 ♕ e 2 ♕ e7 14.♘ e4 ♘ x fl 15.Hxfl f5 ter than its counterpart that has already
16.tt:lg3 ♕xe2+ 17SiJxe2, with a very been prepared on e4? Now transferring
insignificant advantage. the bishop via e8 to f7 was the best way
10.♗xe7 ♕xe7 to maintain equality.

54
 The Scandinavian Defense

6. A. GRILLON - A. RAETSKY 7... e6

Lausanne, 2008 In my childhood I was more deci­
sive! Against Goncharuk (Voronezh,
l.e4 d5
1975) I was lucky enough to get through
2 .ed tiJf6
the opening stage relatively successfully
3.d4 tlJxd5
— 7...e5 8.d5 ♗xf3 9♗,x f 3 tiJd4 10.0-0
4.c4 tiJb4
5.a3 tlJ4c6 g6 1 l.S e l tiJxf3 + l2.♕xf3 ♗, g 7 13.tiJc3
0-0 14.tiJe4 c 6 l5 ♗,d 2 , and replacing
6 .tiJf3 ...
10...g6 with 10 ...♗ e7 1l.♗e3 tiJxf3+
12.♕xf3 0-0 13.tiJc3 tiJd7 promises
complete prosperity. Alas, the favor­
able picture is spoiled by the exchange
operation 8.♘ xe5 ♗xe2 9.♘ xc6 ♗xd1
10.tiJxd8 ♗b3 1l.tiJd2 ♗xc4 12.♘ xc4
♔ xd 8 13♗,f 4 , or, even more strongly,
11.tiJxb7 tlJc6 12.0-0 ♗xc4 13.♖e1 +
♔ d7 14.♘ c5+ ♗xc5 15.dc, with an ad­
vantage.
After the exchanges 7… ♗xf3 8 . ♗xf3
♕xd4?! 9.♕xd4 tlJxd4 10.♗xb7 tlJc2+
And so, the bishop is vulnerable on 1 l.♔ e2 tlJxa1 12.♗xa8 tiJb3 13.♗e3 a 6
e3, and White is protecting his central 14.liJd2 ♘ xd2 15.♗xd2 it’s hardly pos­
pawn in the most natural way. sible to oppose the bishop pair. Let’s try
6 ... ♗g4 to free ourselves in the center again: 8 ...
By tradition we need to test a break­ e5 9.de ♕ xd1+ 10.♔xd1 ♗ c5 1l.♗ d5!
through in the center: 6...e5 7 .d5 e4 tiJd7 12.♗xc6 be 13.f4 — White is a
8.♘ d4♘ xd49.♕xd4f5 10♗,e 2 h 5 1l.h4 pawn up and has a good position.
c5 12.♕c3 ♕c7 13♗,g 5 ♗ , d 6 14.0-0 with 8.0-0 tiJd7
play on the dark squares and a defended 9.tiJc3 ,e 7
♗
passed pawn (Vlcek — Krajnak, Martin, 10.♖ el 0-0
1996). The threat of 1l♗,h 5 + was re­ l l ♗,e 3 tiJb6
pelled a little more cunningly with 1 0 ...
c,i(f7 ( 11.♗h5+?! g6 12.'iVxh8?? ♗ ,b 4 + ) .
In turn, 8.tiJg5 tiJe5 9.tiJxe4 f5 10.tiJg5
♗
, e 7 1l.♕ h5+! g6 12.'iVe2! is simpler for
White, with a full extra pawn.
7♗,e 2 ...
A promising alternative is 7.d5!? In
the example variation 7 ...♘ e5 8♗,e 2
♗xf3 9♗,x f 3 tiJbd7 10.0-0!? tlJxc4
11J:te1 Black wins a pawn, but seriously
lags in development.

55
Chapter IV

12.b3 ... 15... 'lx c 6

I racked mybrains to no avail—howto 16.'lg4 ♔h8
create winning chances against an oppo­ 17.li:le4 Si,e7
nent who was lower-rated than me? That 18.li:lg5 Sae8
isn’t easy to do with 12.d5!? either. The 19.Sad1 Si,xgS
logical chain of moves 12. ..ed 13.cd ♗xf3 20.Si,xg5 li:lc8
14.♗xf3 li:le5 15.♗e2 li:lec4 16.♗d4♗f6 21.h4 d6
17.♗xc4 li:lxc4 18.li:le4 ♗xd4 19.♕xd4 22.h5 h6
li:ld6 leads to a solid position for Black Now transferring the bishop to e5
without real winning chances. doesn’t promise much: 23.♗ f4 b5!?
12... ♕d7 24.♗e5 f6 25.♗xd6 ♕xd6 26.cb 'lx a3
13.h3 ♗xf3 27.♖xe6 'lx b 3 28.♖ xe8 Bxe8, with
14.♗xf3 ♗ f6 prospects o f mutual destruction o f the
15.♗xc6 ... pawn islands. After 23.♗ c1 f5 24.♕h4
Or 15.c5!? li:ld5 16.li:lxd5 ed 17.♗g4 li:le4 25.f3 li:lf6 26.♗ b2 'ld 7 27.d5 ed
'ld 8 18.'ld3. Black is too constrained 28.♖xe8 ♕xe8 29.♗ xf6 Bxf6 30.♖ xd5
to lay siege to the weak d4 pawn, and an equalposition arose, and on the 38th
for the moment you have to worry about move the players made peace.
equalizing.

j CONCLUSION:

I Attempts by White to refute 4... ♘ b4 right off the bat turn against him. This is
I news only to impatient amateur players. The game Grillon — Raetsky demon-
i strates that with a sensible strategy has a stable minimal advantage, and so
! playing for a win isn’t easy. But the reserve o f stability in Black’s position is big
I enough, and there can’t be any discussion o f refuting 4... ♘ b4. The variation is
! good as a reserve weapon based on the effffec o f surprise.

56
 Chapter 5

Alekhine’ s Defense

T h e C a m b r id g e G a m b i t 2 .e 5 ♘
' l d 5 3 .d 4 d 6 4 .c 4 ♘
' l b 6 5 .f 4 g5

Alexander Alekhine may not have played “ his” defense on many occasions, but
the rich positions which can arise certainly reflect the fourth World Champion’s
intense style of play. Black invites the white pawns to chase his loose knight across
the board and in one o f the most popular lines no fewer than four of them join the
fun.

1.e4 LiJf6
2.e5 LiJd5
3.d4 d6
4.c4 LiJb6
5.f4 ...
There’s a popular opinion that if any
setup has the best chance of refuting
Alekhine’s Defense, it’s the Four Pawns
Attack. Testing this is easy. IfWhite can
go on to achieve the advance d5 then
the long chain with pawns side by side
on d5 and e5 would curve a formidable 5... g5!?
arc, severely cramping Black’s position. You recall the well-known gambit l.e4
The would-be daring b6 knight (the LiJf5 2.e5 LiJd5 3.d4 d6 4.liJf3 de 5.♘ xe5
only developed piece for now) doesn’t LiJd7 6.LiJ:xf7!? An unusual case of sacri­
inspire optimism. Adherents of l...LiJf6 fice being made famous due to a game in
can be consoled only by the big choice which.. ♗t wasn’t played! When M^ikhall
o f retorts, one of which looks like pure Tal (in game 4 of his 1965 Candidates
adventurism. match against Bent Larsen) declined to
capture on f7 it set the analysts t ^ ^ ^ ^ . It
is, of course, merely one way in which the
Chapter V

first player can precipitate a sharp tactical The many-times Portuguese cham­
battle. Yet White doesn’t enjoy a complete pion wasn’t against repeating an attack
monopoly in this department. .. “ for an encore” , but he didn’t catch his
opponent unawares. The example Durao
With an expanded fianchetto Black — Pomar was unconvincing, as instead
contests his opponent’s privilege of sharp­ of 8...♘ f4? the move 8 ...♘ b4 is strong,
ening the game in Alekhine’s Defense. He threatening the c2 and d4 squares. But
hasn’t reconciled to a reinforce­ White is also prepared to “work on
ment of the e5 pawn and immediately un­ his mistakes” by replacing 7.c5?! with
dermines the base. This was first played in 7.♘ f3! ♗f5 8.fe — and what to do about
1967 bythe Yugoslav Gmndmaster Planinc. the g5 pawn?
The enthusiastic King’s Gambit fan wasn’t 6... gf!
afraid of a n ^ ^ ^ , but other adherents of 7.♘ f3 %Vd7!
Alekhine’s Defense were skeptical about To cover his “Achilles heel” , specu­
the novelty. A literal quote from a mono- lating on an exchange of queens (which
gmph by Bagirov: “ ...perhaps the strongest is usually useful for Black in the Cam­
blow 5...g5?! brings the following continua­ bridge Gambit). After 8.♗xf4 ♕g4
tion: 6.♕h5! de 7.c5! ♘ d5 8.fe ♘ f4 9.♗xf4 9.♕xg4 ♗xg4 the game is approximate­
gf 10.♗ c4 e6 l l ♘ e2 ♘ c6 12.♘ bc3, with ly equal.
avery strong attack on the f7 square (Dumo 8.♘ g5 %Vf5
—Pomar, Madrid, 1983)”. 9.g4?! ...
With the sacrifice 9.♗d3! ♕xd3
1. J. DURAO - M. CHETVERIK 10.♘ xf7 White has reached the vulner­
Cappelle-la-Grande, 2005 able square. Black shouldn’t go into the
variation 10 ...♗g4? 11.♘ xd6+ ♔ d7
l.e4 ♘ f6 12 .e6+!, but can declare perpetual
2.e5 ♘ d5 check if he wants to, with 10 ...%Ve4+
3.d4 d6 11.\t>f1 %Vd3+ 12.\t>e1 %Ve4+. If he
4.c4 ♘ b6 doesn’t want to, then after 10… ♕ g6⁉
5.f4 g5 1 l.♕xg6 hg 12.♘ xh8 ♗ f5 he can try to
6.♕h5 ... catch the knight that has wandered into
the corner. With 13.♘ c3 de 14.de ♗g7
15.g4!? fg 16.hg the knight is saved, but
the chances are probably on Black’s
side.
9... %Vg6
Opening lines is in no way worse
than relocating the queen. In the ex­
ample variation 9...fg 10.hg ♘ c6 1 l.e6!?
♗xe6 12.♗h3 ♕ g6 13.♕xg6 hg 14.d5
Bxh3 15.♘ xh3 ♗xh3 16.dc ♗g2 17.cb
♗xb7 18.♖ h8 ♔ d7 Black has two pawns

58
 Alekhine’s Defense

and clearly better prospects for the ex- 21 .l1Jd 6 ...

change. Now reinforcing the pawn, 21...
10.ed cd ♗ h 6 , promised more chances o f win­
11.c5 ♕xhS ning. Soon, because o f his opponent’s
12.gh dc mistakes, the Portuguese veteran found
13.dc ♘ d5 himself with a choice: force perpetual
14♗,c 4 e6 check by sacrificing a knight or con­
14...f6! 15♗,x d 5 (15.l1Je4? l1Jb4) tinue the battle with chances o f success.
15...fg smoothed out the pawn chain A third thing happened — unable to
and apparently promised a win without choose between the two paths, White ...
major worries. lost ontime!
15.l1Je4 l1Je3
16.1,xe3 fe And so, 6.♕ h 5 doesn’t refute the au­
17.l1Jbc3 ... dacious pawn dash. We should look for
something else.

17... l1Ja6?!
After 17...f5 18.l1Jd6+ ♗ xd 6 19.ed 6 .fg?! Badly timed. After 6 ...de
♗ d7 Black completes his development the pawn center falls to pieces even
without incurring any damages. White, with 7.d5 — 7 ...e 6! 8.l1Jc3 ed 9.lLlxd5
at most, takes on e3, but his partner still l1Jxd5 10.♕xd5 i,b 4 + 1 l ♗,d 2 i,x d 2 +
has a pair o f connected passed pawns in 12 ♕ xd2 ♕ xd 2+ 13.♔xd2 l1Jc6, with
reserve. an appreciably better ending. Exchang­
18.♗ b5+ ?! ... ing queens with 7.de ♕ xd1+ 8 .♔ xd1
Losing an important tempo, since t l c 6 is completely unpromising, a1­
the black king itself isn’t against being though the clarification 7.c5 t1Jd5 8 .de
on e7 either. In the case o f 18.l1Jd6+ is also in Black’s favor. There follows
♔ e 7 19.♗xa6 ba 20.♖ dl ♗ h 6 2 l.♖ g1 8… ♗ f5 ! 9.t1Jf3 e 6 , aiming at the c5
Black’s advantage isin question. pawn.
18... r:;i;e7 6.d5?!. Without the support o f the
19.r:;i;e2 f5 pieces the pawn ridge is harmless for
20 .1 .x a 6 ba Black. After 6 ...e 6 the continuation o f

59
Chapter V

the premature attack 7.f5?! can be re­ 6 ... gf?!

pelled most simply with the help o f 7 ... L tx f4 ♗.g7
ed 8 .e 6 @f 6 9.cd @xf5 10.ef+ @xf7 — The outwardly unattractive 7 ...de
again the phalanx is smashed to smith­ 8.♗xe5 ♖g8 is probably already the
ereens. It’s better to call on the knights strongest. As a consequence the rook can
for assistance — 7.Cf'Jc3 ♗ g7 8.Cf'Jf3. start to speak with its full voice: 9.Cf'Jf3
Then there can be 8 ...g4 9 .♘ d4 (after Cf'Jc6 10♗. g 3 iU S 1 l.a3 e 6 12.Cf'Jb5 S c 8
9.Cf'Jg5 de his own knight prevents him 13.@d2?! (finishes o ff any possibility o f
from taking on g4 with a tempo) 9...ed favorably exchanging the light-squared
10.ed @xd 6 1 1 .♘ db5 @ e7+ 12.@e2 bishops with the help o f 13♗.d 3 ) 13...
♗ x c3 + ! 13.bc Cf'Ja6 14.@xe7+ ♔ xe7 a 6 14.Cf'Jc3 Cf'Ja5 15.@d1 ♗.g7 16.c5
15.cd Cf'Jxd5 — the bishop pair still Cf'Jd5 17.@a4+ Cf'Jc6 18.Cf'Je5? (with the
doesn’t fully compensate for being a comparatively better 18.♗f2 @d7 19.g3
pawn down. Cf'Jxc3 20.bc @d5 2 l ♗.e 2 ♗.h3 the white
Give the more fundamental continu­ king comes to a standstill in the center
ations special attention! right after the black one) 18. . ♗ x e5
19.11.xe5 Cf'Je3 20.'1!if2 ♘ g4+ 2l.'l!ie2
2. N. FERCEC - S .DRAZIC Cf'Jxe5 22.de @d3+ 23.'1!if2 @d2+
Bizovac, 2006 24.11.e2 (D . Barthel — C . Scheerer, Ger­
many, 1995) 24… ♖g4! 2 5 .S h d l ♖ tf4 + ,
l.e4 ♘ f6 with a win.
2.e5 Cf'Jd5 8.c5 ♘ 6d7
3.d4 d6 9.e6!? ...
4.c4 Cf'Jb 6 Now the king loses the right to cas­
5.f4 g5 tle, which is partly compensated for by
6.Cf'Jc3 ... the extra pawn and the strong “ fist” in
the center. But with 9.@g4! ♔f8 10.ed
cd 1 l.cd Cf'Jf6 12.@h4 ed 13♗.d 3 noth­
ing compensates for the ordeals with the
king.
9 ... fe
10.@ h5+ ♔f8
11.0- 0-0 @e8
l2.@ h4 Cf'Jf6
l3.g4 ...
Fercec doesn’t let the enemy queen
get to h5. "Which, by the way, isn’t ter­
rible at al♖ 13.Cf'Jf3 @h5 14.@g3 Cf'Jc6
The usual development o f the 15♗.c 4 , with an advantage.
knight brings with it the threat o f c5, 13... Cf'Jc6
as the d5 square has been taken under
control.

60
 Alekhine’s Defense

an immediate refutation o f the auda­

cious 5...g5.

3. T. GEORGESCU - M. CHETVERIK
Eger, 2005

1.e4 ♘ f6
2.e5 liJd5
3.d4 d6
4.c4 ♘ b6
5.f4 g5
6 .♘ t3 ...
14.♗ c4 ...
With 14.tt:lf3 ♕ g 6 15.g5 tt:lb4
16.tt:lel Black has a choice between 16...
♘ e4 and 16...♕ h 5, but not such a strik­
ing initiative as there could be now after
14 ...♕ g 6! 15.g5 ♘ b4 1 6 .♕ f2 ♘ g4.
14... ♘ b4?!
15.a3 liJbd5
16.♘ ge2 h6
17.♖ dfl ♕g6
18.♖hgl ♔ e8
19.♗ d2 ♔d8
20.♘ f4 Clxf4 6 ... gf
21.♖xf4 ♗ d7 Here the pawn could advance further.
2 2 .♕ e1 Ci'lh7 Very complicated play can arise, sup­
23.h4 ♖f8 posedly with better prospects for White,
24.♖ gfl ♖xf4 as in the variations 6… g4!? 7.♘ g5 de
25.♖xf4 ... 8.c5 ♘ d5 9.de h6 10.♘ c3 c 6 11.tZ:lge4
White’s advantage isn’t in doubt. or 8...f 6 9.cb fg 10.fe tt:lc6 1 l.bc ♕ xc7
The main reason for Black’s dif­ 12.♗e3.
ficulties was the exchange on f4. 6 ... 7.♗ xf4 ♗g7
♗ g7 is correct, not helping his oppo­ 8 .♗ e 2 ...
nent to mobilize. Then 7.c5 leads to an 8.♗ d3 doesn’t make much sense as
exchange o f queens in an inconvenient long as the black king is hiding on its
way for White, so it’s better for him to be own flank. After 8...de 9.de ♘ c 6 it’s
busy on the kingside. now White who needs a defense: 10.♘ a3
As it happens, in the next game ♗g4 1 l.♗ e 4 ♕ d7 12.♕xd7+ ♘ xd7,
White did engage in this straightforward with equalization after the exchange o f
task. This is the most predictable strat­ queens.
egy o f behavior, which doesn’t envisage 8 ... ♘ c6

61
Chapter V

9.ed ... Now everything is coming together,

Black has already prepared the ex­ while with 17.♗ d3 play in the spirit o f
change on e5 with the desired disap­ the Exchange Variation didn’t justify it­
pearance o f the queens. After 9.♘ c3 de self.
10.de ♗ g4 11.0-0 ♕xd1 12.Haxd1 l♖d 7 17 ... ♘ f5
13.e6 ♗xe 6 14.♘ d5 0-0-0 the chances 18.♗d3 a6
are roughly equal. In the game Incedi 19.♗xf5 ab
— Chetverik (Frydek-Mistek, 1996) 20 .♗ b 1 ♖ a4!
with the breakthrough on e6 White 21.b3 ♖xd4
didn’t come out looking too good: 22.♗xd4 ...
11.♕xd8+ Hxd 8 12.e6 ♗xe 6 13.♗xc7 Now 22… ♗ xd4 guaranteed an abun-
Hc 8 14.♗xb6 ab 15.l♖ l g 5 ♗ f5 16.0-0 dance o f compensation for the exchange,
♗ g 6 — Black is wonderful. but in the game after 22...l♖
l x d 4 23.♕ e3
9 ... cd ♕ c 7 24.b4 l♖c 6 25.♖xd5 ♘ xb4 26.♖f5
10.l♖ lc 3 ♗ g4 ♕ e7 Black limited himself just to suffi­
11.♗ e3 ... cient compensation. A series ofblunders
A very strange version o f the Ex­ in time trouble doomed him to defeat.
change Variation ofAlekhine’s Defense
has come about. Since Black has bor­ If we open a games database at 5...
rowed some o f the ideas from it very g5, the first game that is mentioned is a
successfully, it was worth thinking about convincing win by Tringov over Planinc
11.d5 ♗xf3 12.♗xf3 l♖e 5 13.♗xe5 (Varna, 1970). White quicklywon a pawn
♗xe5 14.0-0, with equality. and subsequently made good on his ad­
11... ♗xf3 vantage — 6 .ed gf 7.dc ♕ xc7 8.♘ c3 e5
Against Winter (G och, 1995) Pol- 9.de ♘ c 6 10.♗xf4 ♗ e 6 11.♘ e4 ♗ b4+
zin chose a more dynamic plan: 11... 12.♔ f2 l♖x c 4 13.♗xc4 ♗ xc4 14.l♖ lf3
d5 12.c5?! (12.cd ♘ xd5 13.l♖ l x d 5 ♕xd5 H d 8 1 5 .♕ c1 ♕ b 6 + 16.♗e3 ♕ b 5 17.a4
14.0-0 is more solid) 12 ...♘ c4 13.♗xc4 lWia6 18.♖d1 ♗ b 3 19.Hxd8+ ♔ x d 8
dc 14.d5 l♖e 5 15.♕ a4+ ♗ d 7 16.c6 20.♘ c5 ♗ xc5 21 .♗ xc5. It’s easy to ridi­
l d 3 + 17.♔ e2 bc 18.dc ♗ e 6 19.Hhd1
♖ cule 8… e5, but what to suggest instead?
0-0 — the result o f the battle is a fore­ Whatever happens, normal development
gone conclusion. doesn’t solve the problems: 8… ♗ g7 9.c5
12.gf e6 ?! l♖6 d 7 10.l♖ l f 3 , and thanks to the coming
12… e5!? 13.de ♘ xc4! is very interest­ l♖d 5 the f4 pawn is on its last legs.
ing. A slow relocation o f the knight with Nevertheless, the Cambridge G am ­
an exposed kingside isn’t completely ap­ bit hasn’t been written out o f the ar­
propriate. chives. It has been found that on 6 .ed!?
13.♕ d2 d5 the response 6 ...♕ xd 6 is possible. The
14.c5 ♘ c8 pawn fork isn’t dangerous — the queen
15.1:1:g1 ♗ f6 moves out from under it with check. In
16.0 -0-0 ♘ 8e7 practice Black has confidently held the
17.l♖lb 5 ? ! ... position in a very complicated battle. It

62
 Alekhine’s Defense

was only in 2007 after laborious home exchange and another wonderful adver­
preparation that the Czech master Zvara tisement for exchanging queens.
demonstrated serious arguments in Let’s have a look at 7.fg. Now 7 ...
White’s favor. ♗ g7 8.c5 can lead to the main game,
but 7...c5 has lost its former force —
4. P. ZVARA - M. CHETVERIK 8.Ci:lc3 ♕ xd4 9.♕ xd4 cd 10.Ci:lb5 C la 6
Olomouc, 2007 11.Ci:lf3. 7 ...♘ c 6!? is more interesting,
gaining a tempo when desired with a
1.e4 Ci:lf6 sacrifice o f the b 6 knight. For example,
2.e5 Ci:ld5 8.c5 ♕ xd4 9.♕ xd4 (9.cb? ♕ h 4 + ) 9...
3.d4 d6 Ci:lxd4 10.cb C lc2+ 11.<:♕ dl C lx al, and
4.c4 Ci:lb6 it isn’t completely clear how White
5.f4 gS can eat the knight. Or 8.Ci:lf3 ♗g4 9.c5
6.ed ♕ xd6 ♕ e 6+ 10.♔f2 ♗xf3 1 l.♕ xf3 ♗g7 12.cb
♗xd4+ 13.♗e3 ♗xb2 — the bishop
tramples on everything that crosses its
path. I suspect that both variations are
favorable to White anyway, but there’s
no certainty about this.
7 ... ♕ e 6+

7.c5 ...
White disconnects his pawns any­
way, offering the enemy knight a luxuri­
ous stall in the center. On the other hand
the black queen is poorly positioned and
won’t find a suitable parking spot. 7 ♗ e2
was encountered in the game K o ^^o v - 8 .♔f2 ! ...
ich — Devyatkin (Smolensk, 2005): 7... What do we think about a queen ex­
c5 8.Ci:lc3 ♕xd4 9.♕xd4 (perhaps 9.♕ b3 change after 8.♕ e 2 ? After studying what
is better, although 9...g4 doesn’t let the was stated above, we warmly welcome it!
knight come out) 9...cd 10.♘ b5 Cla 6 Black conveniently positions his pieces,
11.fg e5 12.Ci:lf3 ♗g7 13.c5 (prepares a and White’s extra pawn doesn’t make
knight diversion, but 13.b3 is more solid) itself felt with such a compromised
:♕ e7 15 .♗ xa 6 ba
13 ...Ci:ld5 14.Ci:ld6+ < structure: 8....Ci:ld5 9.fg ♗g7 10.Ci:lf3
16.0-0 ♗ e 6 17.♗d2 ♖hd 8 18.♗a5 ♖xd 6 C lc 6 11.♕ x e 6 ♗xe 6 12.♗b5 Ci:ldb4
19.cd+ ♔ x d 6, with superb play for the 13.♘ a3 0-0-0 14.♗xc6 Clxc 6 15.♘ c2

63
Chapter V

♗ f5 16.♘ e3 ♗ g 6 (Sieber — Chetverik,

Worms, 2006).
8 ... Cld5
9.fg h6
A natural opening o f files onthe flank
where the white king is hanging out. But
developing an attack that bypasses the
solid enemy center isn’t one o f the easi­
est tasks. On 9… ♗g7 "White defends his
backward pawn with the help o f 10.♘ f3
C lc611.♘ c3 'if5 1 2 .♗ b 5 ♗ d 7 13.♘ xd5
♕ xd5 14.♗e3.
10.♘ f3 hg
11.♗xg5 ... Embarking on a somewhat question­
In the event o f 11.♗c4?! g4 1 2 .Se l able exchange sacrifice. Consolidation
♕ f 6 13.1l,xd5 g f 14.'ixf3 1l,g7 Black suggests itself: 18.♘ c3 S g 8 19.Sg l (19.
wins the pawn back with a comfortable ♗ f1?! doesn’t consolidate anything due
position. to transferring the queen’s knight to
11... 1,h
l 6 the kingside) 19 ...♘ d7 20.♘ e2 Cld3+
1 2.♗ b5+ !? ... 21.1l,xd3 ♕ xd2 22.♘ xd2 1l,xd3, and
Pursuing the queen is even more Black will have to search for a draw.
promising than exchanging it o ff (with 18... e6
12.♗xh6 ♕ xh 6 13.♕ d2 ♗ e 6 14.♕xh6 19.♘ c3 Cld7
♖xh 6 it isn’t easy for White to take ad­ 20.♖xf5 ef
vantage ofbeing a pawn up). 21 .S e l + ...
12... c6 After 2 l ...♔ f8 2 2 .'ie 3 Clg 6
13.♖e1 'ig 4 23.♕xh6+ ♖xh6 24.♘ g5 Clh 8 25.1l,d3
14.h3 'ih 5 White will take on f5. But that’s only a
15.♗xh6 'ix h 6 second pawn for the exchange he’s given
16.1l,c4 Clf4 up, and Black has no grounds for serious
1 7 .'id 2 f5 concern.

CON CLU SION :

We sh ouldn’t rush to the con clusion that the excha nge 6.ed refutes the C a mbridge
G am b♗. Not everything is clear with 6… ^ x d 6 , but we still haven't evaluated 6 …
cd. After 7.fg Ä xg7 Black will most likely prepare . ..d5 in the spirit o f the Ex­
change Variation . White's extra pawn won’t play any role in the near future. It
isn’t clear what will be more important next — the seizing o f space on the kingside
or the defects in the pawn structure. Practice is the path to the truth and with
so much waiting to be discovered, this could become your specialized weapon
against the Four Pawns Attack.

64
 Chapter 6

The French Defense

T h e v a r ia t i o n l . e 4 e 6 2 .d 4 d 5 3 .e 5 c 5 4.ti¥ g4

Here, at the midway point o f our ten recommendations for black, we present an
idea for white against the French Defense. l.e4 e6 can hardly be refuted and French
supporters are generally well prepared against surprises in the main lines o f the Wi-
nawer, Classical and Tarrasch variations. Where, then, can we hope to offer some­
thing sharp, unusual and genuinely surprising? It is time for a backwards glance...

My generation o f players didn’t know 2.d4 d5

computers in our childhood and youth; 3.e5 c5
we gathered chess wisdom exclusively
from books and magazines. The timeless
textbooks by Aron Nimzowitsch were a
real repository o f this kind o f wisdom.
The brilliant master o f combinational
play preferred to reveal the laws o f p o­
sitional play to the chess world, and he
presented them in a fascinating way. In
the past century the theory o f the mid-
dlegame has been enriched by valuable
discoveries, but the foundation from
Nimzowitsch has remained whole and
intact. The theory o f openings (which 4.'iVg4 ...
Nimzowitsch didn’t leave without at­ The early queen thrust, attacking
tention) has moved a long way forward, the g7 square, freezes the opponent’s
but the temptation to take the maestro’s kingside. White parts with his central d4
recommendations into our armory was pawn, which doesn’t affect the fate ofits
too great. ward on e5. With the help o f Nimzow-
l.e4 e6 itsch’s favorite method — over-protec-
Chapter VI

tion — the advanced pawn remains alive The key position ofthe Nimzowitsch
and helps to suppress the enemy. Aron variation. Black now has to determine
Isaevich played like this in games I and how to oppose the clampdown strategy.
2. My coach Mikhail Kislov successfully With the help o f6 ...f5 Hakansson places
employed 4.♕ g4 (game 3) and inculcat­ a barrier in the path o f the bishop, seiz­
ed a taste for it in his pupils. Your humble ing territory along the way. 6… ♕ c7 was
servant adopted his teacher’s precepts encountered in games 2 and 3, 6 ...g 6 in
(games 4-6) and, in turn, passed them game 5, and 6 ...♘ ge7 in games 6 and 7.
on to his student Jaroslaw Gelfenboim The natural development 6 ...♗ d 7 can
— an emigre from Ukraine who lives in easily work with any o f the moves and
Germany (game 7). usually leads to transpositions.
So as not to violate the continuity o f The continuation 6 ...♕ a5+ , which
the generations, a slight deviance in the was used later against Nimzowitsch by
logic o f presenting the material has been Vera Menchik, is belated (by compari­
allowed. The continuation 4 ...♘ c6 5.♘ f3 son with game 4) and only deserves a
♕ a5+ from game 4 (Raetsky — Miezis) is passing mention. Mter 7.♘ bd2 and then
a detour offthe main line ofthe variation. Cl b3 it’s simpler for White to take on d4.
In the notes to that game branches on the Strong players haven’t been enthusias­
fourth move are also examined. tic about the bishop exchange 6 ...♘ b4
7.0-0 Clxd3 8 .cd either. The advantage
in development and space is apprecia­
1. A. NIMZOWITSCH - bly stronger than the power o f Black’s
A. H^AKANSSON bishop pair.
Kristianstad, 1922 6 .. .♘ h6 7♗,x h 6 gh is still worth­
while, to get active play on the opened
l.e4 e6 file later. For example, 8.0-0 ♗ d 7
2.d4 d5 9.♘ bd2 ♕ c 7 10.♖♖fe1 0-0-0 11.♘ b3
3.e5 c5 ♗ b 4 12.♖e2 f5 13.ef (it’s more sen­
4.♕ g4 cd sible to retreat the queen and keep the
5 .♘ f3 C lc 6 pawn, for which this all started) 13 ...
6♗,d 3 ... ♖♖hg 8 14.♕h5 ♕ f4 15.f7 ♖♖g7, with
mutual chances (Raetsky — K. Fischer,
Apolda, 1994). In his namesake Kay’s
place Robert Fischer would probably
have improved his position in the cen­
ter — 13 ...e5!? 14♗H 5 i , d 6 15♗,x d 7 +
♕ xd7 16.♕ h5 S h f 8 .
6 ... fS
7.♕ g3 ...
The queen is occupying the best spot
a la Nimzowitsch, over-protecting the
e5 pawn. Naturally we won’t discuss

66
 The French Defense

7.ef?! ♘ xf6 , with wonderful develop­ 10 … ♗ c 5 1 l.h5 ♘ f8 was tested in the en­
ment and a potentially formidable cen­ counter Yuchtman — Gorodetsky (Tyu­
ter for Black. men, 1959): 12.c3!? dc 13.♘ xc3 h 6?!
7 ... ♘ ge7 (13. ..a 6 is stronger) 14.!li.f4 a 6 15.!fi.xf5!,
In his monograph French Defence and accepting the sacrifice after 15...ef
Suetin considered speedy queenside 16.e6 ♕ a 5 17.a3 leads Black into a cui-
castling to be a refutation o f 4 .♕ g 4 on de-sac. In the variation 4.'l'Wg4 the Kiev
the basis o f the game Honfi — Portisch master Jacob Yuchtman demonstrated
(Budapest, 1964): 7… ♗ d 7 8.0-0 ♕ c 7 the not-inconsiderable power o f his
9.c3!? 0-0-0 10.!fi.f4 ♘ ge7 11.cd ♘ g6 combinational gift .
12.♘ c3(?!) ♘ xf4 13.♕xf4 h6 14.h4 10... !fi.d7
g5! 15.hg hg 16.♘ xg5 ♗ h 6! 17.♘ b5 11.a3 0-0-0
♕ b 6 18.♘ d6+ ♔ b 8 19.♘ df7 ♗xg5 12.b4 ...
20.♘ xg5 I:'ldg8 2 l.H fd l ♘ xd4 22.!fi.f1 Nimzowitsch corre♘ y pointed
t : c 6 23.g3 ♖h5 24.♘ f7 ♖g4 25.♕ f3 out that winning the exchange with
Sh7 26.♘ d6 ♘ xe5 2 7 .♕ a3 f4. White 12.h5 ♘ ge7 13.♘ g5 ♖ e 8 14.♘ f7 ♖g 8
resigned — the queen has rescued the 15.♘ d6+ doesn’t lead to weighty
hyperactive knight, but there’s no one achievements because o f the lag in de­
to help the king... Honfi didn’t exploit velopment and weakness o f the h-pawn.
the reciprocal chances on the queen­ Now with 12… ♔ b 8 White’s advantage is
side with 12.♗g5 ♗ e7 13.♗xe7 ♘ gxe7 o f the same modest proportions as win­
14.♘ c3 ♖hg 8 15.H fcl c;i;b8 16.b4. The ning the exchange. Hakansson slips up,
move 10.cd may be even more pre­ creating a hook for an attack.
cise, and after 10...♘ b4 1 1 .♘ g5 ♘ h6 12... a6
12.♘ c3 ♘ xd3 13.♕xd3 ♔ b 8 14.!li.f4 13.h5 ♘ ge7
♗ e7 15.♖ fcl Black is cramped. Or 14.♗d2 h6?
10...'l'Wb6 1 1 .♘ c3 ♘ xd4 12.♘ g5 ♘ h6 And this is now a mistake that the au­
13.!fi.e3 c;i;b8 14.♖ acl !fi.e7 15.♘ xe6! thor o f My System ignored. After 14… g5!
1Lxe6 16.♘ b5 ♕ xb5 17.!fi.xb5 ♘ xb5 15.♗xg5 ♖g 8 the half-open file doesn’t
18.!fi.c5 — here the disconnected mi­ allow White to quietly bring his plans to
nor pieces are weaker than the white life.
queen. 15.a4 gS
8 .0 - 0 ♘ g6 16.b5 f4
9.h4!? ... For some reason Hakansson goes
The appearance o f a black knight on along with his great opponent’s provo­
g6 is a green light for the outside pawn! cation too meekly. A knight sacrifice
9 ... 'l'Wc7 left him practical chances o f saving
10.♖ le 1 ... himself, 16 ...♗ e 8 17.bc ♘ xc6 , count­
Nimzowitsch solidly reinforced the ing on taking the third pawn for the
attacked pawn and was ready to send his piece on h5.
knight out from g6 at an inconvenient 17.'l'Wg4 ♘ b8
moment for his opponent. His advice 18.c3 ♖ e8

67
Chapter VI

19.cd ♔d8
20 .♖ c1 ♕ b6
21.a5 ♕ a7
22 .b 6 ♕ a8

An immediate attack on the cen­

tral pawn is encountered more often in
other continuations. Stri♘ y speaking,
Szekely played like this after ...L♖ Jge7-
Thebest comment we can make here g6, but the main line came about with
is... no comment! the branch 6 ...♕ c 7 .
J f5
♖
L 7.♕ g3 ...
3.
2

24.L♖
Jc3 ♗ e7 After the natural pawn reinforce­
25.L♖
Jxd5 Jxd4
♖
L ment the game develops in a traditional
26.L♖
Jxd4 ed way for the Nimzowitsch variation.
27.♕ xd7+! Jxd7
♖
L 7.!1Lf4 is completely tame, as after 7...
28.L♖
Je6# L
J g e 7 8.0 -0 L
♖ J g 6 9 .S e l Black plays
♖
for the pin 9...f5 or 9...L♖ J x f 4 l0.♕ xf4
It seems that 6 ...f5 isn’t the best f5. It’s more circumspect to exchange
decision. The escaped e5 pawn takes o ff the knight as was done in the game
space away from Black, cutting the en­ Rogers — Davies (Sydney, 1975):
emy army in two. Next we’ll see a very 9.♗xg6 hg 10.L♖ J b d 2 ♗ e7 l l.♘ b3 !1Ld7
valuable resource in the battle with the l2.♗ g 3 S h 5 l3.L♖ Jbxd4 ♖ JLx d 4 14.♘ xd4
pawn outpost — the undermining move 0-0-0 15.♖acl ♖dh 8 16.L♖ J f3 ♕ c4
...f 6 . 17 ♕ d 4 ♕xd4 18.♘ xd4 ♔ b 8 19.c3 ♖ c 8
20.f4 ♗ c5 2 l.♗ f2 ilx d 4 22.♗xd4 ♗ b 5
2. A. NIMZOWITSCH - J. SZEKELY 23.♖f3 — playing for a ceasefire without
Kecskemet, 1927 attempting to get an advantage.
About 7.0-0 — in the next game.
l.e4 e6 7 ... Jge7
♖
L
2.d4 d5 We can feel out the weakness on
3.e5 c5 c2: 7...L♖ J b 4 8.0-0 L J x c 2 9.♗ xc2 ♕ xc2
♖
4.♕ g4 cd J x d 4 ♕ a 4 (10. ..♕ g 6 11.♕ b 3 a 6
10.L♖
5.L♖
J f3 JL c 6
♖ 12.♘ c3 b5?! l3 .♘ dxb5!) l l ♗ e3 ♗ d7
6♗t d 3 ♕ c7 12.♘ c3 ♕ a5 l3.a3 L J e 7 14.b4 ♕ a 6
♖

68
 The French Defense

15.b5 ♕ a5 16♖ fc1 ♕ d 8 17.a4 (Gergel how White shouldn ’t play the Nimzow­
— Hlavacek, Pardubice, 1998). Out o f itsch Gambit! Only after 11.♗g5 ♖ e 8
16 moves seven have been made by the can White advance b4 without fearing ...
black queen, and there has been no time f6 , but then he can ’t win the pawn back.
to develop the kingside. The compensa­ In this position it’s better to sacri­
tion for the pawn is indisputable. fice, evidently: 9.c3!? dc 10.♘ xc3 a 6
Let’s carry out the main undermin­ 11.♗ e3 g6 12.♖ acl b5 (in the varia­
ing move in the Nimzowitsch varia­ tion 12… ♗g7 13.♕h4 ♗xe5 14.♖e1
tion: 7...f6!? White can ’t preserve his ♗g7 15.♗h6 the exchange o f bishops
foundations in the center, as on 8.♗ f4 exposes the dark squares considerably)
there follows 8...g5. The continuation 13.♖fel ♗g7 14.♗ c5 ♕ a5 (Gelfen-
8.♗xh7?! prevents Black from castling boim — Khadempour, Germany, 2001)
at the price o f colossal concessions: 8 ... 15.♕h4 b4 16.♘ e2. White has a superb
♘ xe5 9.♗ g6+ ♔ d 8 10.♘ xd4 ♘ xg6 blockade for the pawn; furthermore, the
1 l.♕ xg 6 e5 12. ♘ e2 tlJe7 13.♕g3 ♕ xc2 black king remains in the center.
14.♘ bc3? d4, and it’s already time to 9.♖e1 ♗ c5
resign (Prelati — Naumkin, Italy, 1996). The siege o f the e5 pawn has hit a
In the variation 8.ef ♕xg3 9.f7+ ♔xf7 brick wall, shouldn’t he start undermin­
10.hg tlJf6 1 l.♗ f4 h6 12.♗ : J e 5 White ing it?! The course o f the game Yucht-
blockades the center somewhat, but it’s man — Matulovic (Kiev, 1953) wasn’t
frightening to imagine what will happen completely logica♖ 9...f6!? 10.♗xg6+
as a result o f the movement o f the black hg 1 l.c3 d3! 12.♕xg6+ ♕ f7 13.♕xd3
pawns. fe 14.♘ xe5 ♘ xe5 15.♖xe5 ♗ d 6 16.♕e2
8 .0- 0 tlJg6 ♗xe5 17.♕ x e5♕ f6 18.♕ g30-0 19. ♘ d2
The maneuver finishes logically. 8... e5 20.l't:f3 B e 8 2 l.♗ g 5 ♕ f5 22.♖ e1,
♗ d7 has also been employed, to castle with an advantage in development. In­
queenside at a suitable moment. Now stead o f 17… ♕ f6 the move 17 ...♕ h 5 is
White has two standard plans for the stronger, with the kind o f ungracious in­
Nimzowitsch variation at his disposa♖ vitation to exchange queens that White
the pawn sacrifice 9.c3 to open up the can’t refuse. And then neither a block­
game and an expanded fianchetto with ade o f the center nor an attack on it will
a removal o f the d4 pawn. The latter work.
encountered powerful resistance in the The continuation 9 ...♘ b4 10.♘ xd4
center in the game Janzen — Zumsande ♘ x d3 1 l.cd isn’t as favorable for Black,
(Germany, 1999): 9.a3 tlJg6 1O.♖ el as the queen on an open file here is less
0-0-0 1 l.b4?! f6 12.♗xg6 hg 13.♗b2 likelyto be the attackerthanthe attacked.
♘ xe5 14.♘ xe5 fe 15.♕xg6 e4 16.h3 After 1 l...♗ e 7 12.♘ d2 0-0 13.♘ 2f3 f6?
♕ e5 17.♘ d2 ♗ e 8 18.♕g4 ♗ h 5 19.f4 14.ef ♕xg3 15.hg ♗ xf 6 16.♘ xe6 ♗ xe 6
♕ f 6 20.♕g3 ♗ d 6 21.♖f1 ♖hf8 22.♘ b3 17.♖xe6 B a c 8 18.♖e2 ♖c7 19. ♗g5
♗xf4 2 3 .♕ e1 e5, with an unusual pawn (Genocchio —Van Der Burch, Belgium,
formation and a completely won posi­ 2007) White is a pawn up in the ending.
tion for Black. A wonderful illustration o f The moral is that the undermining move

69
Chapter VI

...f 6 , which is favorable for Black in prin­ On 16.ef ♗ d 6 17.1/ih4 e5 18.♗b5 ♗ d7

ciple, shouldn’t be made automatically! Nimzowitsch far-sightedly remarked
13… ♕ b6 is playable, pinning the enemy that some sacrifice would decide mat­
down to a defense o f the b 2 pawn. ters, but he didn’t see it. Rybka did:
10.h4 ♔f8 ?! 19.♗xc6 ♗ x c 6 20.f7! ♔xf7 21.11Jxe5+!
Nimzowitsch thought that with the ♗xe5 22.11Jf3 ♗ f 6 23.♗xf6 ♘ xf6 24.
best 10 … ♗ d7 11.h5 I1Jge7 12.1/ixg7 11Je5+. Another good path ended with
0-0-0 the continuation 13.♗g5 was un­ 16.1/if4!? ♔ e 8 17.♗xf6 11Jxf6 18.1/ixf6
pleasant for Black. Hardly: after 13...h6 19.1/ih4.
14.♗xe7 ♗xe7 15.1/ixf7 ♖df 8 16.1/ig7 16... b 6?
Black is guaranteed a draw by repetition With the help o f 16...fg 17.11Jxc5
o f moves. In the case o f 13.♗xh7 ♘ f5 l/ie7 18.11Jb3 11Jxh6 19.11Jxg5 a4 Black
14.♗xf5 ef 15.h6 1/ib6 White strives for an rips out the “nail” on h6 and forces one
advantage, but he should expect counter­ o f the aggressive knights out o f its de­
play (the f2 square). His initiative can be fended position.
extinguished by returning the pawn and 17.ef l/ixg3
exchanging queens — IO. ..h5 l l.♗xg 6 fg After 17...♗ d6 18.1/ih4 e5 White
12.1/ixg6+ l/if7 13.1/ixf7+ ♔xf7. emphasizes the weakness o f the c 6
11.h5 ♘ ge7 square which was provoked by 16.♘ b3:
12.h6 g6 19.♗b5! ♗ d7 20.♗xc6 ♗ x c 6 2 l.♗ f4 ! ef
The battering by the outside pawn 22.11Jbxd4 ♗ d 7 23.f7!, with a win.
has exposed the dark squares and marked 18.fg ♗d6
out a clear advantage for White. Szekely covers the e5 square but
13.a3 a5 leaves the d4 pawn undefended. In the
14.♗ g5 ♘ g8 variation 18...a4 19.11Jxc5 be 20.f7! ♔xf7
15.♘ bd2 ... 2 l.♗ b 5 ♘ ge7 22.♖ f1 ♗ a 6 23.♗xc6
♘ xc6 24.11Jxd4 ♗ x fl 25.♖xfl + White
gets two pieces for a rook and all the
winning chances.
19.♗ b5 11Ja7
20.11Jfxd4! ♔ f7
Blocks the pawn whose advance
brings so much unpleasantness. Exploit­
ing the hanging minor pieces doesn’t
work - 20...e5 2 l.♗ c 6 ♖ b 8 22.11Jb5.
21.c4! eS
22 .cd! ed
23.♗ e8+ ♔f8
15 ... f6 24.f7 ...
16.11Jb3 ... A decisive rush by the unblocked
Sophisticated analytical programs passed pawn (24 ...11Je7 25.♗ f6). After
are merciless towards the old analyses. 2 4 ...♗ f5 25 .♘ xd4 ♗ c5 2 6 .Sad 1 t l b5

70
 The French Defense

27.fgi!l+ ♖xg 8 28.♗ xb5 ♔ f7 29.d6 (with the tactical subtext 13.♘ d2 J:h 6
Black ceased his resistance. 14.♗d3 e4 15.♗e2? d3! 16.cd ♖xh3!).
In the line 8.2H4 fe 9.tt:Jxe5?! (9♗ h5+
3. M . KISLOV - J. NOVOSAK ♕ f7 10.♕xf7+ ♔ xf7 11.tt:Jxe5+ tt:Jxe5
Frydek-Mistek, 1996 12.♗xe5 tt:Je7 13.f4 is stronger, settling
for equality) Watson corrects Keres —
l.e4 e6 9...tt:Jf6!, with a formidable center in the
2.d4 d5 variation 10.tt:Jxc6 tt:Jxg4 l l.♗ x c7 be. In
3.e5 c5 my opinion Black’s center demonstrates
4♗!lg 4 cd its grandeur even more strikingly with
5.tt:Jf3 C lc 6 8...g5!? 9.♗ d2 fe 10.♗b5 tt:Jh6 l l ♗ xg5
6.♗ d3 i!lc7 tt:Jf7 12.♕h5 a 6 13.♗xc6+ be.
8.tt:Jxe5 i!lxe5
9 .♗ f4 ilif 6
The alternative is the reciprocal at­
tack 9… ♘ f6!?. It isn’t advantageous to
White to prevent his opponent from cas­
tling, as after 10.♗b5+?! ♗ d 7 l l.♗ x d7+
♔xd7 l2.♕ g 3 (1. Rabinovich — Ilyin-
Zhenevsky, Leningrad, 1932) 12 … ♕ f5
there’s no playable defense to 13...tt:Jh5.
The eccentric 13.♗b8!? can be met by
a calm capture on c 2 , but the simplest
is the accurate 13… ♘ e8! The continu­
7.0 -0!? ... ation 10♗!lx g 7? ♕xf4! l l ♗ xh 8 i.d 7
My coach prefers to sacrifice the is completely bad, and there’s nothing
pawn, as a result o f which the center to counter the plan 12. ..0-0-0 and 13. ..
turns black. In exchange White counts ♗ h 6.
on exploiting his significant lead in de­ In the variation 9 ...tt:Jf6 10♗!lg 3
velopment. ilih5 l l.c3 ♕ g 4! 12.♕xg4 tt:Jxg4 13.cd
7 ... tt:Jxe5 ♗ d7 the compensation for the pawn is
The American International M as­ in question. In the battle for the initia­
ter John Watson published a number o f tive White should certainly keep the
valuable analyses in a monograph from queens on the board, striving for the
the pre-computer era on the French continuation 11.♗ e5!? ♕g4 12.♗b5+
Defense. Here he turns his attention ♗ d 7 13.♗xd7+ ♔xd7 14.♕b3 ♔ c 8
to 7...f6!?, which occurred in the long- 15.f3 ♕ g5 16.f4 ♕ g 4 17.♗xd4.
ago game Smyslov — Lisitsyn (Moscow, 10.♗g5 ...
1942). After 8.♗xh7 tt:Jxe5 9.tt:Jxe5 fe N ot with the aim o f repeating
10♗. g 6 + ♔ d 8 l l.h3 ♘ f 6 12♗ dl the moves, ofcourse (too modest a success),
future World Champion would have but with the idea o f restructuring for a
been in trouble in the event o f l2. ..♗ c5 ! new wave o f attack. On 10.S e l the re­

71
Chapter VI

sponse 10 ...h5! 11.♕ g3 h4 12.♗ b5+ 14♗ xf5 ef

♗ d 7 13.♗xd7+ ♔ x d 7 14.♕ b3 ♕xf4! 15.♖ fel+ ♗ e6
15.♕xb7+ ♕ c 7 16.♕xa8 LZ:lf6 is strong, 16.<Llxd4 g6
threatening 17. ..♕ xh2+! 17.c4! ...
10... ♕ e5 Efficient and effective. After 17...de
11.LZ:ld2 LZ:lh6 ?! 18.♖ adl ♕ c7 19♗ f6 there’s no need to
Novosak didn’t foresee White’s in­ continue.
terim 13thmove. We can send the knight 17... ♗ g7
to the center instead: 11...<Llf6 12.♕ h4 18.cd 0-0
<Lle4 13♗ xe4 de 14.<Llxe4 ♕ f5 !? Black 19.<Llxe6 fe
is ready to build the chain f6/e5/d4, 20 .de ...
but 15 ♗ f6 ! disrupts his plan, confus­ Not very long ago White was two
ing the game. Black’s best option is the pawns down, but now he has an extra
very strong l l...h5! 12.♕ h4ii.e7 13.<Llf3 passed pawn. There followed 20...♖ fe8
♗ xg5 14. ♗ b5+ ♔f8 15.<Llxg5 <Lle7 2l.Mad1 ♕ c 6 22.e7 ♗ xb2 23.♕ b4 ♗ g7
Black should gradually consolidate, pre­ 2 4 .♕ b 3 + ♔ h 8 25.Md8 h6 , and capitu­
serving his extra material. lation without waiting for 26.♖e6.
12.♕ h4 <Llf5?!
The Czech player doesn’t get off 4. A. RAETSKY - N. M IEZIS
the false trail; then again, after 12... Seefeld, 2000
♕ c 7 13.♖fe1 and 14.<Llf3 the advantage
in development is starting to become 1.e4 e6
threatening. 2.d4 d5
3.e5 c5
4 .♕ g4 <Llc6
A flexible continuation, useful to
Black one way or another, and he reveals
his true intentions a move later.
The variation 4...f5 5.♕ g3 cd 6.<Llf3
<Llc6 leads to the tabiya, and only 6 ...
<Lle7 has independent significance, to
establish the king’s knight on c 6 and
put the queen’s knight on d7. 7♗ d3
<Llec6 8.0-0 <Lld7 9 .♖ e1 <Llc5 10.<Llg5
h6 11.<Llh7!? (unconventionally detain­
13.♘ f3! ♕ d 6 ?! ing the enemy monarch in the center)
In the case o f 13 ...f 6 !? 14.♕ h5+ 11.. .♔ f7 12.<Llxf8 ♕xf8 (Berza - Haga-
g6 15.<Llxe5 gh 16♗ xf6 ♗ g7 17♗ xg7 rova, Nove Zamky, 1999) 13.<Lld2 <Lle4
<Llxg7 Black takes the queens o ff the 14 ♗ xe4 de 15.<Llc4 is possible. An
board and is doomed to vegetate in a unclear position. Behind the colorful
strategically joyless position. On the fa<;ade (the pawn pair d4/e4) the black
other hand, he avoids a crushing defeat. king isn’t feeling very comfortable.

72
 The French Defense

The centralizing … ® e4 is a trademark to continue 5.♗ d2 ♕ b 6 6.b3 cd 7.® f3,

method for Black with this configuration switching to the main game.
o f the knights. A siege o f the d4 pawn is 5.® f3 ...
recommended for White: 9.® bd2 ® c5
10.®b3 ®e4 11.♕ h 3 ♕ b 6 (apparently
solidly defending the pawn, but that’sjust
an illusion!) 12.®fxd4! ®xd4 13.♗e3
♗ c5 14.®xc5 ♕ xc5 15.♖fd1 0-0 16.c3
V/ie7 17.cd Jtd7 18.f3 ®g5 19.♕g3 ® f
20.♖ d cl, and after kicking the knight off
e4 White is preferable. Instead o f 10...
® e4 an exchange o f knights keeps the
extra pawn, but then with 10...®xb3
l l.ab ♕ b 6 12.♗td 2 Jtd7 13.h4 0-0-0
14.®g5 ♖ e 8 15.®f7 ♖g 8 16.♖fc1 and
17 .c4 White gets compensation. 5 ... ♕ a5+
Miezis intended to check with the 5...cd has been discussed (and will be
queen from a5, which also deserved at­ discussed) via 4...cd. The move 5...® xd4
tention on the fourth move. Especially has been encountered, to exchange o ff
as Botvinnik played that way (in a train­ the “bad” bishop when desired with the
ing game with Ilya Rabinovich, Luga, help o f … ♗ d7-b5; an additional ex­
1937): 4 ...♕ a5 + !? 5.c3 cd 6.♕xd4?! change o f knights doesn’t do any harm
(the gambit continuation 6 .®f3 !? cor­ either. Grechkin and Alatortsev (USSR,
responds better with the spirit o f the 1941) conducted the battle in a typical
variation) 6 ...® c 6 7 .♕ f4 ®ge7 8.♗ d3 style for the Nimzowitsch variation:
® g 6 9.♗xg6 hg 10.®f3 ♕ a 6 l l.® g5 6.®xd4 cd 7.♗td 3 ® e7 (7 ...♗ t d 7 8.0-0
® d 8 12.®d2 (to castle anyway after c4) ♕ b 6 9.® d2 Jtb5 is principled, although
12 ...♕ d 3 !?, with better prospects. The hardly more solid) 8.0-0 ® c 6 9.♖e1
covering move 5.® d2 leads to the loss ♕ c 7 10.♗t f 4 g6 l l.® d 2 ♗g7 12.®f3
o f castling because o f the vulnerability Jtd7 13.a3 0-0-0 (Rybka much prefers
o f the c2 square: 5 ...® c6 6.®gf3 ® h 6 castling kingside) 14.b4 ♔ b 8 15.b5 ® a5
7 .♕ f4 ® b4 8.♔ d1 c4 9.c3 ♕ a4 + 10.b3 16.♗g5 ♖ c 8 17.♕xd4 ® c4 18.a4 h6
cb 1l.® xb3 ® xa2 12.\t>c2 Jtd7 (12.. . 19.♗f6 ♗ xf 6 20.ef. White’s pieces have
b5 13.♗b2 ♗ a 6 is interesting, then 13.. . more freedom.
♖ b 8 and ...b4) 13.®fd2 ♖ c 8 14.♗tb 2 Sometimes in the interests o f devel­
♗ b 4 15.♔ b1 ♗ xc3 16.♖xa2 ♗ xd2 (Nei opment Black makes a pawn sacrifice
— Gleizerov, Osterlars, 1995). The data­ (a fleeting one, it’s true). After 5...®ge7
bases are silent about subsequent events. 6.dc ® g 6 7.♗ e3 ®gxe5 8.®xe5 ®xe5
After an unusual exchange o f queens 9.♕ g3 ® g 6 10.®c3 Jte7 11.0-0-0 0-0 a
there’s a definite initiative for Black double-edged position arises. In an en­
— 17.♕g3 Jtf4! 18.♕xg7 ♖g 8 19.♖xa4 counter with Sikora-Lerch (Trnava,
♖xg7 20.♖xa7 ®g4. It’s better for White 1980) Ambroz preferred to activate the

73
 Chapter VI

queenside: 9...d4?! 10.♕xe5 de 11.fe And here 7 ...♗ : lh 6 !? is worthy o f at­

♕ a 5 + 12.Ci'lc3 ♗ d7 13.0-0-0 ♗ c 6 . tention, without fearing doubled pawns.
The duel ended in a wondrously beau­ You only have to worry about a static
tiful draw — 14.♗ : ld 5 !? 0-0-0 15.♗ :l b 6 + ! endgame with the doubled pawns turn­
ab 16.♖xd8+ ♔ x d 8 17.♕ b8+ ♔ d 7 ing into an incurable defect, as happened
18.♗ b5!♕ x b 51 9 .♖ d 1 + ♗ d 5 2 0.♕ x b 7+ to Ivanovic with Antic (Vrnjacka Banja,
♔ e 8 21 .♕ b 8+ ♔ d 7 . The knight thrust 1999): 8.♗ xh 6 gh 9.♗ d3 c4 10.♗e2
should have been done differently — ♕ a 5 + 11.li:lbd2 ♗ b 4 12.bc ♗xd2+?!
14.♗e2! ♕xc5 15.♘ d5! ♗xd5 16.♖xd5 13.♗ : lx d 2 ♕ c 3 14.♖c1 ♕ xd4 15.♕xd4
♕xd5 17.♗b5+ ♔ d 8 18.♖d1 ♕ xd1+ li:lxd4 16♗.d 3 ♗ d 7 17.cd ed 18.♗ :l b 3
19.♔xd 1, and the queen is clearly stron­ li:lc6 19.f4. Black missed an opportunity
ger than the rooks. to complicate the game with the help
If on 5 ...♗: lg e 7 we continue in the o f 12...♗ : lx d 4 !? 13.♕xd4 ♗ c3 14.♕f4
spirit o f the variation 6♗.d 3 , then again ♗ x a l. Besides that, the deflection 9...
holding back from the exchange ... c5xd4 h5!? is promising — on 10.♕ f4 there fol­
justifies itself — 6...c4!? 7.♗ e2 li:lf5 low 10… ♖g8, and on 10.♕xh5 — 10...
8.c3 ♗ e7 9.h4 f6 10.♗ : lb d 2 b5 11.h5 b4 c4 l l.♗ e 2 li:lxd4 12.♗ : lx d 4 ♕ xd4 13.c3
12.♗: l f l fe 13.de be 14.bc ♕ c 7 15♗.f 4 ♕ e 4 , and there’s nothing for Black to
0-0, with a surpassing initiative for Black complain about.
(Egorov — Lependin, Novokuznetsk, 8.♗ d3 ♗ d7
1999). l l.♕ h 5 + !? g6 12.♕g4 deserved Miezis prefers to act in an aggres­
attention, followed by attacking the sive key, rejecting the peaceful equality
weakened pawn structure with h5. after 8 ...♗ : l b 4 9.0-0 li:lxd3 10.cd li:le7
6 .♗ d 2 ♕ b6 l l.♕ x d 4 ( 11.li:lxd4 h5 12.♕ f4 li:lg6
There is another method, character­ 13.♕e3 ♗ d7 is somewhat weaker) 11...
istic ofthe Nimzowitsch variation: when ♕xd4 12.♗ : lx d 4 ♗.d7 13.♖c1 li:lg6 14.f4
one player attacks the queen, the other h5.
doesn’t move it away immediately, but 9.0 -0 0-0-0
turns to a reciprocal attack. Here this try 10.c3 f 6!?
is demonstrated by Atalik against Po- Trying to start reciprocal play as
padic (Budva, 2003): 6 ...♗ : lh 6 !? 7.♕ g5 soon as possible. After 10. ..dc 11.li:lxc3
♕ b 6 8.b3 li:lf5 9.♗ d3 li:lfxd4 10.♗ : lx d 4 ♔ b 8 12.♕f4 this is more difficult to do
li:lxd4 11.0-0 ♗ d7 12.♗ : l c 3 h6 13.♕h5 because o f the vulnerability o f the 7 f
♗ e7 14.♖fel g 6 1 5 .♕ d1 h5 16.a4 ♗.c 6 square.
1 7 .♕ c1 h4 18.h3 ♖h5 19.♘ e2 li:lxe2 11.cd h5
20.♖xe2 c4 21.bc de 22♗.e 4 ♗xe4 12.♕ g3 h4!?
23.♖xe4 ♕ c 6 2 4 .♕ e1 ♖ d 8 — the game 13.♗: lx h 4 ...
is following Black’s will. After an ex­ The game enters a zone ofcom plica-
change o f queens, 7.♗ xa5 li:lxg4 8.♗ b5, tions that don’t give up their control eas­
White is a little more pleasant because o f ily. With 13.♕g4 f5 14.♕f4 ♖h5 15♗.e 2
the poor position o f the g4 knight. ♗ e7 and ...g5 it’s difficult to calmly op­
7.b3 cd pose the oncoming pawn wave.

74
 The French Defense

13... ♕xd4 ♔ a 5 2 8 .♕ a7 + ♔ b 4 2 9 .♕ d 4 + — which

14J♖
Jg6 iVxal certainly doesn’t exhaust all the possi­
bilities.
17.♕g5! ♕ b2
18.♖ b1 ♕ a3
19J♖Jxh 8 ike 8
20 .♘ g 6 ♗ xg 6
21 .♗ xg 6 tilf 6
2 2 .♘ b5⁉ ...
Passions have abated. White has the
bishop pair and a better pawn structure,
and the black king is unstably posi­
tioned. I rushed a little with the knight
thrust; I only should have resorted to
l5.ef! ... sacrifices after 22.♖ c l a 6 23.♕ e3 e5?! —
In the event o f 15.Ii"lxh8 ♕xe5 24.♘ b l! ♕ xa2 25.♕ b6 tild7 26.♖xc6+
16♗H 4 ♕ h 5 17.♘ g6 ♗ c 5 Black has be 27.♕ xc6+ ♔ b 8 28.♕xd5, and White
an extra pawn in a formidable chain, should win.
and the counterplay doesn’t fully com ­ 22 ... ♕ xa2
pensate for it. In this sample variation 2 3 .♖ c1 ♔ d7
18.♗ c7 B e 8 19.♗ d6 ♗ x d 6 20 .♕ x d 6 24.h4 ...
CfJge7 2l.CfJc3! tilxg6 22.♗xg6 ♕ xg 6 Imminent time trouble interferes
23.CfJb5 ♔ d 8 2 4 .♕ c7 + ♔ e 7 2 5 .♕ d 6 + with the course o f events. 24.♕ e3 tile4
♔ f7 26.♕ xd7+ ♖e7 27.CfJd6+ ♔ g 8 25.♗xe4 de 2 6 .♗ e1 should have been
28.♕ c8+ ♔ h 7 29.♘ xb7 tild4 the ma­ preferred, with a serious initiative.
terial equalized, but the advantage re­ 2 4 ... ♕ xb3
mained. White will try to take the rook 2 5 .♖ b1 ♕ a4
after first breaking up the chain. 2 6.♕ g 3 ♖ c8
15... tilxf 6 27.♘ c3 ♕ a6
On the retreat l5. ..♖h5? a sudden In the variation 27… ♕ d 4 28.♖ xb7+
attack has been prepared 16.CfJc3 ♕ b 2 ♔ d 8 29.♗ f4 e5 30.♗ e3! ♕ xc3 31.♗ b6+
17.CfJb5 (17. ..e5 18.♗c3 ♕ x a2 19.CfJxf8 ab 32.♕xc3 tila5 White has to return the
♖xf 8 20.♕xg7, with a win). queen and switch to an endgame with­
16.1:Z"lc3 tilh5?! out real winning chances — 33.♕ xc8+
Instead o f an interim attack 16... ♔ x c 8 34.♖ f7 ♗ c5 35.♖ xg7.
\'Wb2 immediately is more precise. 28.♗ d3 ♕ a5
Rybka gives extensive analysis right 29.♖xb7+ ...
up to perpetual check: 17.♘ b5 e5 Mter 2 9 ...♔ d 8 30.♖ xg7! ♗ e7
18.♗ c3 tilh5 19.♕g5 ♕ x a 2 20 .♖ al 31.♖f7 it’s difficult for Black to de­
\'Wxb3 21.♖ xa7! tilxa7 22.♘ xa7+ ♔ c 7 fend, but that’s still the best chance.
23.♗ xe5+ ♗ d 6 24.♗ xd6+ ♔ x d 6 Miezis continued 2 9 ...♖ c 7 ? ! 30.♘ xd5!
25.♕ e7+ ♔ c 7 26.♘ b5+ ♔ b 6 27.♕ e3+ ♕ a1 + 3 l .♖ b1 ♕ x b l+ 3 2 .♗ x b l tilxd5

75
Chapter VI

3 3.♗
, e 4 , and here there’snothing for the ment) 10.c3 Si,d7 l l.h4 Llh 6 12.a4 ♘ g 4
lost queen. In a completely won position 13. ♘ a3 Si,g7 14.♗,f 4 0-0 (in the event o f
I blundered my bishop, then let go o f the 14… ♕ x b2 15.♘ b5 de! does White have
remnants o f my advantage, and, finally, anything more than the repetition of
the draw. moves 16.♖abl ♕ a 2 17.♖a1 ?) 15.♘ b5
de 16.bc ♕ c 5 17.♖fel t l d 8 18.♘ fd4
5. A. RAETSKY - M. SCHAERER Llf7 19.♖acl ♖ ae 8 20.f3 ♘ g xe5
Geneva, 2007 21.l♗: x e 5 ♘ x e5 22♗ xe5 f4 2 3 .♕ e1. The
duel ended with an absurd blunder —
1.e4 e6 23 ...♖e7?? 24.♗ d6. It’s surprising that
2.d4 d5 the commentator on the game, Lane
3.e5 c5 (in his book), had already buried Black
4.♕ g4 cd here, and doesn’t explain how to achieve
5.♘ t3 tlc 6 an advantage in the variation 23 … ♗xb5
6♗,d 3 g6 24.ab ♕ e 7 25.h5 ♗xe5 26.♕xe5 ♕ f 6
2 7 ♕ d 6 ♕ e7.
8 .S e l ♘ g e7
9.h4!? ...
A flank assault as a result o f 6 ...g 6.
Pressure on d4 has also been tested:
9.♘ bd2 ♕ c 7 10.♕g3 0-0 l l.Llb3, and
in the event o f 11. ..f6 12.ef ♕xg3 13.hg
♗ xf 6 14.♗f4 White blocks the center
with somewhat better prospects. It’s
better to preserve the enemy pawn as
a target: 11...♘ f5 12.♗xf5 ef 13♗ g5
♗ d7 14♗ f6 ♕ b 6 15.♖adl ♖ ac 8 — the
Intending an attack on the central chances are roughly equal.
pawn by the bishop. The fianchetto 9 ... 0-0
hasn’t gained supporters, as the e5 pawn 10.h5 tlb 4
won’t be eliminated anyway, and the The danger posed by the white
black pawn chain loses its elasticity. bishop is too insignificant to rush to ex­
7.0 -0 Si,g7 change it off. In the example variation
It isn’t clear whether it’s worth rush­ 10 ...Llf5 l l.♕ h 3 ♕ c 7 12.♗xf5 ef 13.hg
ing to relocate the bishop. Against Hec­ fg 14.♗ h6B e8 15.♘ bd2 f4 16.♕h4 ♗ ,f 5
tor (London, 1991) King seized ter­ White doesn’t get anything real.
ritory first: 7...f5 8.♕ g3 ♕ b 6 9.a3 a5 11.♗ ,g 5 ♘ x d3
(exposes the b5 square, but on the other 12.cd f 6?!
hand rules out one o f the main plans in 12...♖ e 8 was necessary, to retreat to
the Nimzowitsch variation, b4, ♗ b2 , f8 on 13.h6. White has the initiative, but
tld 2 -b 3 , and forces you to switch to an­ it’s far less pronounced than it would be
other one — c3, with play for develop­ after opening up the game.

76
 The French Defense

13.ef ♗ x f6 6. A. RAETSKY - V. LISIK

14.♗xf6 ♖xf 6 Voronezh, 1987
15.♘ bd2 eS
My opponent is desperately trying to l.e 4 e6
break through the blockade, which even 2.d4 d5
Nimzowitsch wouldn’t be ashamed o f 3.e5 c5
after 15 ...♘ c 6 16.♘ e5 ♘ x e5 17.♖xe5. 4.♕ g4 cd
Unfortunately, every opening-up o f 5.♘ f3 tlc 6
the position deepens the dificulties for 6.♗ d3 ♘ g e7
Black because o f her weak pawns and

1
ig
th

tu
si
T
h
e
k
n
i

e
o
poorly-covered king. ways accompanied by its subsequent re­
16.♕g3 ♗ fS location to g6 (game 7). The annotated
17.♘ xe5 tlc 6 game was an original exception.
18.♘ df3 ♕d6

7.0 -0 tlb 4
19.♘ xc6 ... The queen’s knight is exchanged for
With the disappearance ofthe queens the enemy bishop, and the king’s knight
part o f my advantage evaporates. With replaces the queen’s knight. A com­
19.hg hg 20.♕ h 4 ♘ x e5 21.♘ xe5 ♖ e 8 pletely playable continuation.
22.♘ f3 ♖ff8 23.♕xd4 the resistance 8.♘ xd4 ♘ x d3
didn’t promise to be protracted. 9.cd tlc 6
19... be In the structure that has arisen the
20.♕ x d 6 ♖xd 6 e5 pawn is ready to reinforce its new
21.♘ xd4 ♗xd3 neighbor, so the g6 knight isn’t doing
M2.H 3.

♖ c8 much good — as in the variation 9… ♘ g6

2 2

a e
c 3
l

♗ a6 10.♘ f3 h5 l l.♕ g 3 h4 12.♕g4 h3 13.g3

24.b4 ♗ c4 ♗ d 7 14.♘ c3 ♕ b 6 15.d4.
H 5.

a6 10.♘ f3 ...
2

e
7

26.h6 .. Retreating the knight or exchanging

On the 38th move White took his ad- it on c 6 is a matter o f taste. After an ex­
vantage to victory. change it’s easier for Black to mobilize

77
Chapter VI

the queenside, but the problem o f the

kingside still hasn’t been solved.
10... ♗ d7
11.tiJ c3 tiJb4
A repeat thrust by the knight is use­
less; 11...♕ b 6 12.♖ b1 ♖ c 8 is prefer­
able.
12.Sd 1 h5
13.♕ g3 a5
So that after a3 White can ’t advance
b4 immediately. Trying to get rid o f the
pressure on the kingside doesn’t work
whatever he does — after 13... h4 14.♕ f4 king’s rook and bishop, which are fro­
(with the idea o f ♘ g5) the queen has its zen in their initial positions, are pow­
sights on the f7 square, and with 14... erless to help. The variation 19 … ♕ xa4
♗ e7 15.♕g4 it takes the g7 pawn into 20.♖xc8+ ♗ x c 8 2 l .♘ c7+ ♔ d 7 22.♖ c1
the beauty spot. ♗ c 5 ! (the knight is in danger, but it can
14.♗g5 ♕ b6 still find a refuge) 23.tiJa8! b 6 24.♗e3
15.♖ac1 ♖ c8 ♕ g4 25.♘ xb6+ ♗ xb 6 26.♗xb6 ♕xg3
15...d4 wins a pawn; in return 27.♖ c7+ ♔ d 8 28.hg ♗ d 7 29.♗xa5 is
16.t£Je4 t£Jxa2 17.♖a1 ♘ b4 18.Ci:1d6+ interesting, and, despite the opposite-
♗ xd 6 19.ed gives White a strong passed colored bishops, Black is highly unlikely
pawn and obvious compensation. to hold out.
16.a3 t£Jc6 19... ♖ xc l
17.a4 ... 20 .♖ xc 1 ♗xb5
Creating a base for a knight invasion 21 .ab ♕ xb2
on b5. In the case o f 17. ..♕ xb2 18.tiJb5 22.h4 ♔ d7
♕ b 4 19.h3 (against 19...♕ g4) 19...♕ xa4 23.♕ f4 f5
20.♖ b1 an initiative for the loss is at 24.b6! ...
hand. Lisik should have continued like Finishes the battle. The rook gets
that anyway, consoling himselfwith ma­ a support on the seventh rank, and the
terial superiority —what ifthe onslaught queen gets access to the enemy king via
gets bogged down! a4. Exchanging queens is useless — 24...
17... tiJd4?! ♕ b 4 25.♖ c7+ ♔ e 8 26.♖xb7 ♕ xf4
18.tiJxd4 ♕xd4 27.♗xf4 ♔ d 8 28.♖ c7! ♗ e7 29.♖a7!
♖ f 8 30.♗ d2. In the game the black king
(See Diagram)
proceeded to its “home” flank under an
19.Ct:lb5! ... avalanche of checks, where it was mat­
With exchanges White paves a road ed: 24… ♔ e 8 2 5 .♕ a 4 + ♔ f7 26.♕ d7+
to the king, which is stuck in the center. < ;g 6 27.♕ xe6+ <;b7 2 8 .♕ xf5+ g6
But these are exchanges o f the monarch’s 29.♖ c7+ ♗ g7 30.♖ xg7+! ♔xg7
few guards, and the troubled queen and 31.♕ d7+.

78
 The French Defense

7. J. GELFENBOIM - P. SC H W SSE R ♗ d 7 14.♖ac1 (14.♘ b3?! ♘ xb4! 15.ab

Germany, 2001 ♕ x c2), then 15.♘ b3 and won the pawn
back with roughly equal chances.
1.e4 e6 9 ... de
2.d4 d5 The universally-acknowledged ex­
3.e5 c5 pert on the French Defense, Grandmas­
4.Vj/g4 cd ter Uhlmann (against Honfi, Leipzig,
5.♘ f3 ♘ c6 1982), didn’t accept the sacrifice, drag­
6.♗ d3 ♘ ge7 ging his opponent into long maneuvers:
7.0 -0 ♘ g6 9 ...0-0 10.cd ♘ b4 1l.:i:tdl f5!? (restrict­
ing the bishop is no worse than exchang­
ing it oft) 12.♕h5 ♕ e 8 13.♘ e1 ♗ d7
14.♘ c3 ♕ f7 15.♗e2 S f c 8 16.♗g5 ♗ f 8
17.a3 ♘ c 6 18.♖ d 3 ♗ e 8 19.♕h3 b5
20.♖ad1 2 ab 8 2 l.♗ h 5 b4 22.ab ♖xb4
23.♗ c1 ♕ b 7 , and gradually outplayed
him.
10.♘ xc3 ♗ d7
In the case o f 10...0-0 1l.h4!? taking
on h4 is risky: 11...♘ xh4?! 12.♗xh7+!
♔ xh7 13.♘ g5+ ♗xg5 14.♗xg5 ♘ f3+
15.gf f6 16.ef ♖xf 6 17.♔g2, with a
8 .♖ e1 ... very strong attack. It’s necessary to
On 8.♕ g3 ♗ e7 9.a3 you have to concentrate the threats against the e5
reckon with an exchange operation, 9... pawn with 11...♕ c 7 . In the example
♗h4!? 10.♘ xh4 Vj/xh4. variation 12.♕g3 f5 13.h5 f4 l4 .♕ h 2
8 ... ♗ e7 ♘ gxe5 l5 .♘ xe5 ♘ xe5 16.♗xf4 ♘ f3+
9.c3 ... 17.gf ♕ xf4 18.♕xf4 2xf4 19. ♘ xd5 ed
In accordance with his adventurous 20.♖ t e 8 + ♔ f7 22.♗ b5 a 6
t x e 7 ♖xf3 2 l .♖
style (and following my recommenda­ 23.♗ d7 ♗xd7 24.2xa8 2 h 3 an approxi­
tion) Jaroslaw plays aggressively against mately equal ending arises.
the Grandmaster. He was burdened with 11.a3 ...
the unsuccessful experience o f using the It isn’t essential to prevent 11...♘ b4,
variation against Kritz (Germany, 2000): as later the knight will be invited to leave
9.a3 0-0 10.t'♖
l b d 2 f5 l l.Vj/g3 a5 12.t'♖
lb 3 b4. That happened in the game Svesh-
♕ b 6 13.h4 a4 14.♘ bd2 Vj/c7 15. ♘ fl? nikov-Komarov (Vmjacka Banja, 1999):
(l5 .♕ h 2 is correct, to meet ...f4 with an l l.♗ d 2 ♘ b4 12.♗b1 2 c 8 l3.a3 ♘ c 6
exchange on g6) 15. ..f4 16.Vj/h2 ♘ gxe5, 14.♗d3 0-0 (14...♘ a5, recommended
and White considered further resistance by Sveshnikov, allows the combination­
pointless. He should have completed the a1 explosion 15.♘ xd5! ed 16.e6! ♗xe 6
expanded fianchetto by means o f 10.b4 17.2xe6! fe 18.♗xg6+ hg 19.♕xg6+
a 6 l l.♗ b 2 ♕ c 7 12.♗xg6 hg 13.t'♖ lb d 2 ♔ d 7 20.♘ e5+ ♔ c7 2l.♗ x a5+ b 6

79
Chapter VI

22.♘ f7 ♕ d7 23.lt'lxh8 ♗ f 6 !, and Black 17.ef gf

should hold out) 15.h4!? f5 (15. ..liJxh4?! 18.ctJf4 ♖g 8
16.♗xh7+! ♔xh7 17.♘ g5+ ♗xg5 19.CZlxe6 ♕d6
18.♗xg5 is as dangerous for Black as Nominally the forces are equal, but
10...0-0 l l.h4!? CZlxh4?!) 16.ef ♖xf6 the material advantage is gradually mov­
17.♗g5 ♖xf3! 18.♕xf3 ♗xg5 19.♗xg6. ing away towards Black because o f the
Komarov continued 19...♗xh4?! opposition on the g-file. On 20.f4 the
20.♗f7 + ♔ h 8 21.♖ ad l ♕ b 6 22.♗xe 6! response 20...♘ f 8 wins, combining a
♗xe 6 23.♖xe6 ♘ d4 24.♖xd4 ♕xd4, not defense o f the h7 square with an attack
coping with the active white pieces. While on the queen.
with 19 ...♗ f 6 perpetual check is reason­ 20.♕ g4 CZleS
able (20.♗d3 ♗xh4 21.♕h5 g6 22.♗xg6 21.♖xe5 ♕ xe5
hg 23.♕xg6+ ♔ h 8 24.♕ h6+). 22.f4 ♕ xb2
11... 0-0 2 3 .♖ b1 ♕ c3 ?
12.♗g5?! ... 23...♕ xa3 is correct, to protect the
He should have preferred the stan­ dark-squared bishop in the event o f
dard dash by the outside pawn 12.h4, for ♖xb7. After 24.♕ f5 ♖xg5+! 25.hg ♗ g 6
example, 12. ..f5 13.ef♗xf6 14.♗xg6 hg 26.♕xd5 ♕xd3 Black is left a piece up.
15.♕xg6 CZle7 16.♕d3 CZlf5, with mu­
tual chances.
12... ♔h8
Black shouldn’t exchange bishops on
his own initiative, so as not to bring the
knight out to an attacking position. Af­
ter 12...♗xg5 13.CZlxg5 ♕ b 6 14.♕h5 h6
15.♘ xf7 ♖xf7 16.♕xg6 ♖xf2 17.♕h7+
♔f7 1 8 .♔ h1 the position is very sharp
and the chances are roughly equal.
13.♕h5 ♘ d4!
This elegant exchange operation re­
duces White’s attacking potential. In the 24.♗xh7! ♔xh7
case o f 14.♗xe7 CZlxf3+ 15.♕xf3 CZlxe7 25.♖xb7 ♕ x a3 ?!
White’s activity clearly isn’t worth a pawn. In the case o f 2 5 ...♕ e1+ 26.♔g2
Gelfenboim embarked on an onslaught in ♕ e 4+ 2 7 .♔ g1 ♖g7 28.CZlxg7 ♔xg7 the
adventurous style and didn’t miscalculate queen has not only defended the bishop,
— under pressure from the threats Grand­ but also prevented its white counterpart
master Schlosser, a stronger opponent by from establishing itself on the b1 -h7 diag­
300 Elo points, he went on to let go o f the onal (which happened in the game). Then
win, and then the draw too. there follows 29.♗xf6+! ♔ x f 6 30.♕g5+
14.h4 ♘ xf3+ ♔ f7 31.♖xe7+! ♕xe7 32.♕xd5+ ♕ e 6
15.gf ♗ e8 33.♕xa8, and making the best o f the ex­
16.CZle2!? f5 tra bishop is in serious doubt.

80
 The French Defense

2 6 .♕ f5 + ♔h8 30.♔ h3 ♕ f3 + ). But the armor in this

27.♔ h 2 :l g 6
♗ game has clearly yielded to the ammuni­
28.h5 ... tion — 28… ♖xg5? 29.lZJxg5 fg 30 .♕ e 5 +
Schlosser should have been satisfied ♔ g 8 31.♖xe7 ♗ f7, and here 32.h6! ♔ f 8
with a draw here (28...♕ f3 29.hg ♕ xf2+ 33.h7 won immediately.

CONCLUSION:

Aron Nimzowitsch's original opening idea 4 ♕ g 4 has turned out to be not as du­
rable as his strategic principles. Black gets too many options for good play. More­
over, he immediately plays for a trap, and White has to be careful so as not to
fall into the abyss. There’s no way that the Nimzowitsch Gambit can be a main
weapon against the French Defense, although it remains playable as an occasion­
a1 surprise in serious games. As a continuation with considerable internal energy,
4 .y$g4 is appropriate in Rapid and Blitz chess - Black is driven out o f the main
developed plans and from the first moves he has to strenuously take pains over the
safety o f his king.

81
 Chapter 7

The St.George Defense

Is it possible to surprise a World Champion on the very first move, with a reply
to 1 e4 he definitely won' have analyzed? Just how likely would it be to go on to beat
one o f the kings o f chess after such a start? It seems very unlikely, but it has happened
(and not in a Blitz game, either).

l.e4 a 6 !? ny byulleten. The editorial staff, who

From personal experience, I can previously hadn’t been inclined to com ­
confirm that this inconspicuous pawn ment on publications, censored the ma­
move provokes an ironic smile from terial, and only Perestroika and Glas-
most opponents and spectators. Besides, nost opened the way for this “ nonsense”
everyone has heard o f the sensational in its full glory. Meanwhile, Remizov’s
win by Tony Miles over Anatoly Kar­ interesting analyses are conscientious
pov in 1980, which was in the era o f the and sufficiently objective. After pick­
latter’s unchallenged reign on the chess ing up the “virus” I ’ve played l ...a 6
Olympus. We can assume that Karpov over the past 10 years in more than 100
lost his internal equilibrium as a result of games with the classical time control.
his partner’s monstrous impudence, but I ’ve lost more often than not to stronger
Miles didn’t suffer from tremors before opponents, fought with varying success
the greats and could wipe the floor with with my equals, and almost always won
anyone and in any opening. But that against those who are lower-rated than
would hardly work, let’s say, in l.e 4 f5?!, me. We can predict a similar result with
but l ...a 6 , itturns out, still doesn’t over­ any “correct” reply to l.e4, but on the
step the boundary o f acceptable risk... other hand the “incorrect” one is much
The English player’s success drew more fun!
attention to l ...a 6. In the USSR Yuri In the 19th century the modest ad­
Remizov became a fan o f the system, vance by the outside pawn was used by
placing theoretical articles in Shakhmat- the English amateur Baker — in simulta­
 The St.George Defense

neous games against Steinitz and Black- 1. D. WERNER - M. CHETVERIK

burne. Early publications named 1 e4 a 6 Budapest, 2003
the Baker Defense, but it was renamed
the St. George Defense after Miles de­ 1.e4 a6
feated Karpov. Sometimes it is even 2.c4 e5
called the Birmingham Defense, after 3.ti'lf3 ♕ c6
the English Grandmaster’s home city.
International Master Mike Basman
— another Englishman! — did more
analysis than most on the St. George.
He published a book on the subject and
even produced a series o f audio cassette
tapes (this was back in the days before
DVDs) featuring his games and thoughts
on 1 e4 a 6.
After l.e4 a 6 2.d4 Black plays 2 ...
b5 , then the bishop comes out to b7
with its sights on e4. Ifth e pawn moves
forward, the knight gets a fantastic And so, we won’t have a Spanish or an
parking spot on d5. If the pawn stays Italian. However, some variations simi­
where it is, an undermining o f the lar to the Four Knights Game are possi­
neighboring d4-pawn will most likely ble. In the encounter Haidu — Chetverik
follow with ...c5 . The pawn pair d4/e4 (Aggtelek, 2002) this happened: 4 .♕ c3
constrains Black, and at the same time ♘ f 5.d4 ♗ b 4 6.'{i'd3 ed 7.♘ xd4 tile5
he’s subjected to pressure from the en­ 8 .♕ c2 d6 (provoking 9 .♕ a4 + ♕ fd7
emy army. Later we’ll see that along 10.♕xb4 c5, and the white queen is
with the original positions that are spe­ out o f position) 9.f4 itx c3 + (9 ...♕ c6!?
cific only to the St. George, positions 10.♕ xc6 be) 10.'{i'xc3 ♕ g6 (redeploy­
reminiscent o f the Sicilian and French ment via d7 to c5 is more aggressive)
can often arise. l l.♗ d 3 0-0 12.0-0 ♖ e 8 13.♕ c2 ♕ e7
To hinder the queen’s bishop from 14.♕ f5 ♗xf5 15.ef tilf 8 16.♗d2 c 6
coming out White has used 2.a4 and 17.♖ael ♕ c 7 18.♗e3 ♕ 8d7 19.♗d4,
(slightly more often) 2.c4. After l.e4 with a freer position for White.
a 6 2.a4 Black has a pleasant choice be­ 5.a3!? isn’t poison-free. On 5 ...♗ c5
tween 2 ...c5 and 2...e5 — the inclusion the standard exchange combination
o f a4 and a 6 will benefit him. The con­ 6.♕ xe5! ♕ xe5 7.d4 ♗xd4 8.♕xd4 d6
tinuation l.e4 a 6 2.c4 c5 3♘ f3 leads 9.♗g5 h6 10.♗h4 c5 11.\\id1 (Teger -
to positions from the Paulsen System, Chetverik, Worms, 2006) 11...0-0 12.♗e2
which are alm ost always achievable via ♗ e 6 13.b3 b5!? works with counterplay,
l.e4 c5 2 .♘ f3 a 6 3.c4. Open games with while 9.♗ e2 preserves the opening ad­
the unusual inclusion are presented in vantage. The g7 square after 5...g6 looks
game 1. like a convenient place for the bishop.

83
Chapter VII

But why don’t we try something in 11.\t/xd2 0-0

the style o f the Scotch? 12.♗d3 ♕ c6
4.d4?! ed 13.♖ c1 tle 4 +
5.li'Jxd4 ♕ h4! 14.♗xe4 ♕ xe4
In the real Scotch (l.e4 e5 2.CZJf3 15.f3 ♕g6
t l c 6 3.d4 ed 4.♘ xd4) the thrust 4... 16.g4 b6
♕ h 4 isn’t the “bestseller” because o f 17.c5 ♗ b7
the knight thrust to b5 in various modi­ 18.cb cb
fications (5.♘ b5, 5.♘ c3 ♗ b4 6.♘ b5, 19.♖hfl ...
5.♘ c3 ♗ b 4 6.♗ e2 ♕xe4 7.♘ b5). With Wemer didn’t dare to return the
the inclusion o f ...a 6 , all thoughts o f tlb 5 pawn, as with 19.♕xb6 ♗ c 6 20.♖hfl
are ruled out, and White’s supposed ini­ ♖fe 8 21.♕ d4 ♖e 6 22.♗ f4 ♖ ae 8 the
tiative for the pawn wanes considerably. white king is hardly likely to escape the
fire from the enemy army.
19... b5
20.♕ d 3 ♕ e6
21.b3 ♗ c6
22.♕ d4 a5
23.♖ c5 ♖fe 8
Making the best ofthe extra pawn took
place without any adventures andwas suc­
cessfully completed on the 44* move.

What else can White do on the second

move? 2.♘ c3 doesn’t impress, as after
6 .♘ c 2 ... 2...b5 he has to watch out for ...b4. The
The German master, afterblundering course o f the game Reinisch — Chetverik
at the very beginning o f the game, tries (Stare Mesto, 2008) is amusing: 3.f4 ♗ b7
to avoid exchanges. 6.♘ c3 ♗ b4 7.♗ e2 4.d3 e6 5.♘ f3 b4 6.♘ e2 ♗ c5 7.d4 ♗ b 6
♕ xe4 8 .♘ xc6 de 9.0-0 ♕e7 10.♕b3 is 8.♘ g3 h5 9♗ d3 h4 10.♘ fl ♘ f 6 l l.♕ e2
still stronger, and White scrapes together ♕ e7 12.♘ ld2 t l c 6 13.c3 t la 5 14.c4 d 6
compensation for half a pawn. 15.e5 ♘ h5 (15. ..♘ d7!?) 16.♘ b3. The
6 ... ♕ xe4+ opposition o f the a5 and h5 knights with
7 .♗ e 3 ♘ b4 the four white central pawns is a sight that
Exchanges should be done with cau­ would have given Tarrasch a stroke! The
tion! The variation 7… ♗ b4 + 8.♘ xb4 funniest part is that I didn’t do anything
♘ x b4 9.♘ c3 tlc 2 + 10.\t/d2 ♘ x e3 criminal, and after 16. ..♘ xb3 17.ab 0-0
l l.♘ xe4♘xd1 l 2.♖ xd1 isfarfrom clear or 16...♖d8 counterplay is at hand.
due to White’s lead in development. If White intended f4 in combination
8 .♘ xb4 ♗ xb4+ with d3, then the place for the queen’s
9 .♘ d2 ♘ f6 knight is on d2. An example sketch: 2.f4
10.♕ b3 ♗xd2+ b5 3.♘ f3 ♗ b 7 4.d3 e6 5.♗ e3 (otherwise

84
 The St.George Defense

5… ♗ c5 !?) 5...c5 6.® bd2 ® f 6 7Yie2, although in the event o f 5.f4 1tg7 6.® f3
then the king moves away to the queen­ d 6 7.0-0 ® d7 8.c3 c5 9.♕ e2 ® h 6 !?
side and after h3 and g4 we switch to the Black shouldn’t worry.
attack. Black, however, doesn’t lose his 5 .® f3 c5
optimism, as he has solid bastions. Stri♘ y speaking, Grandmaster Bar­
tel was playing the French, and his op ­
2. L. CYBOROWSKI- M. BARTEL ponent responded with a King’s Indian
Poland, 2007 setup. This position comes about even
more often via l.e4 c5 2.® f3 a 6 3.g3 b5
1.e4 a6 4.1tg2 1tb7 5.d3 e 6 . White makes his
2.g3 ... own hay without thinking ofrefuting the
enemy’s flank action.
6 .0 - 0 d6
7 .S e l ...
Occasionally the rook has been left
where it is to support an attack on the
kingside. Then 7.a4 ® d7 8.♕ e2 ® gf 6
9.® h4 1te7 10.f4 0-0 11.1te3 1tc6
12.®d2 Vlic7 13.g4 is possible, with an
unpredictable outcome o f the attack due
to the absence o f flaws in the fortress.
7 ... ® f6
8.a4 ...
White opposes the formidable b7 With 8.e5 ® fd7 9.ed 1txd6 10.®c3
bishop with the g2 bishop. Fans o f 0-0 11.® e4 1te7 12.b3 ® c 6 13.1tb2
the King’s Indian use a universal set ♕ c 7 14.♕d2 ♖fe 8 15.h4 e5 (Nishimura
o f moves in the opening, and the St. — Movsesian, Mlada Boleslav, 1994)
George doesn’t ruffle their feathers. a barrier goes up in the path o f the b 2
2 ... b5 bishop, and the onslaught burns out.
3.1tg2 1tb7 8 ... ®bd7
4.d3 e6 9.ab ab
A double fianchetto 4...g 6 is appro­ 10.♖ xa 8 ♕ x a8
priate here, as the g7 bishop isn’t com­ 11.® a3 ♗ c6
ing up against the standard pawn barrier After c4 Bartel intended to lock the
c3/d4. In the duel Mueller — Chetverik chain. Meanwhile, after l l ...♕ a 6!? 12.c4?!
(Bad Wildbad, 2004) White opened the be 13.®xc4 ®xe4! (Gachon — Miralles,
a-file, which only played into Black’s France, 2002) a pawn is lost, and the bish­
hands: 5.® f3 1tg7 6.0-0 d6 7.c3 ® d7 op pair doesn’t compensate for that.
8.♖ e1 ® gf 6 9.a4 0-0 10.ab ab 11.♖ xa 8 12.c4 b4
♕ xa 8 12.®a3 ♕ a 6 13.®d4 c 6 14.1te3 13.®b5 ♕ b7
♖ a 8 15.h3 e5 16.®b3 c5. The kingside A subtle psychological moment.
is more suitable for energetic actions, Having rejected 13...♕ a5, Black sug­

85
Chapter VII

gests that his opponent defends on b5 Let’s go one more step forward.
(with rather dismal play after 14.♕ a4 1.e4 a6
♗ e7 1 5 .!if4 e5 I6 .!ig 5 0-0 17.♖ a1). 2.d4 b5
Cyborowski justifiably considered the
pawn sacrifice more promising.

White now has to choose a piece

setup. Let’s divide up contact (3.a4 and
14.d4! !i x b5 3.c4) and non-contact lines, among
Taking on e4 and thereby opening a which the set up involving putting the
central file is too dangerous — 14 … ♗ xe4 bishop on d3 and the knight on f3 pre­
15.fi.f4 or 14 . ...Ci:Jxe4 15.d5! ed 16.♘ g5! dominates. Lower-rated players some­
15.cb ♕ xb5 times use 3 .!if4 , although on that
16.e5 de square the bishop is useless, and with a
Black can’t avoid opening up the subsequent e5 tld 5 it’s attacked and a
game. In the case o f 16. ...Ci:Jd5?! 17.♘ g5! tempo will be lost. In the game Csikos —
h 6 18.♘ xf7 ♔ xf7 19.!ixd5 ed 20.♕ f3+ Chetverik (Balatonfoldvar, 2008) there
there’s a strong attack for the sacrificed followed 3… ♗ b 7 4.♘ d2 ♘ f 6 5 .!id 3 e6
piece. 6.♘ gf3 c5 7.c3 cd 8 .cd t l c 6 9.0-0 ♕ b 6
17.tZlxe5 tZlxe5 (9 ...!ie 7 !? ) 10.!ie 3 (10.d5! ed 11.e5
18.de tld 7 — you have to watch carefully for this
19.♕ f3 tlb 8 standard sacrifice in the St. George)
20.♕ a8 !ie 7 10 ...♘ g4 1 1 .♕ e2 ♘ x e3 12.fe !ie 7 13.a4
There then followed 2 1 .♗ c 6 + t lb 4 14.♗ b1 f6 ! (neutralizes my oppo­
♕ x c 6 22 .♕ x b 8 + ♗ d 8 2 3 .S d l ♕ b 6 nent’s onslaught) 15.♘ h4 0-0 16.♕h5
2 4 .♕ x b6 ♗ x b 6 — in the endgame the ♖f7 17.ab ♕ xb5 18.♕ xb5 ab 19.♖xa8+
remnants o f White’s initiative were ♗ x a 8 20.♖ c1 ♖f8 21.♘ hf3 ♗ c 6. Black
only enough to win a pawn back, and a simply has a pleasant position, and
draw loom ed on the horizon. It’s more without exchanging queens (17. ..ab!?)
difficult to defend after 2 1 .♕ a7 !? C a s­ it’s pleasant in all respects.
tling doesn’t work, and with queens on 3.c3 ♗ b7 4.f3 (Werching —Chetverik,
the board the king feels uncomfortable Harkany Tenkes Cup, 2001) hasn’t lost
in the center. its rationale. White has removed targets

86
 The St.George Defense

for an attack from his partner and plans 4.♗ d3 e6

to develop without impediment. Black 4...LZ'lf6, and also 4...c5 usually lead
started new provocations: 4...e 6 5.♗e3 to a transposition o f moves. After 4...
♕ h4+!? 6.g3 ♕ d 8 7.♗ g2 h5!? 8.h4 c5 c5 accepting the sacrifice promises rich
9.LZ'le2♕c7 10.a4 b4 11.cb?! (it was worth counterplay: 5.dc e6 6.♗ e3 ♕ c 8 7.b4 a5
maintaining the tension) 11...cd 12.♗xd4 8.c3 LZ'lf6 9.LZ'ld2 ab 10.cb B a3! 1 l.♕ e 2
♗ xb4+ 13.LZ'lbc3 LZ'lf6 14.Hcl LZ'lc6 LZ'lc6 12.Hb1 LZ'lg4!?
15.♗f2 d5 (it’s better to make impor­ 5.LZ'lf3 ...
tant decisions after castling) I 6 .ed ♖ d 8 5.♗ e3 is associated with underesti­
17.0-0 ed 18.LZ'ld4 (18.LZ'lf4!?) 18...0-0 mating the b7 bishop: 5...f5!? 6 .ef (with
19.LZ'lce2 ♕ d 7, with a decent position. 6.LZ'ld2 LZ'lf6 the “ugly” 7 .♕ f3 is re­
The paradoxical idea 4...e5!? 5.♗e3 f5!? quired to hold the center) 6 ...♗ b 4 + (6 ...
6 .ef LZ'lh6!?, with perplexing play will be a ♗xg2 7.♕ h 5 + g6 8.fg ♗ g7 9.gh+ ♔ f 8
reason to work on the line 3.c4, which is l0.h g ♕ + ♔ xg 8 1 l.♕ g 4 ♗xh1 12.LZ'ld2
far more relevant than 3.c3. ♕ h 4 + 13.♕xh4 ♖xh4 leaves Black with
We can’t ignore the impulsive 3.f4. the exchange for a pawn, but he wants
There’s no doubt that this advance has to play with the queens on the board)
energy, but its drawbacks just slightly 7 .♔ f2 ef 8.c3 ♗ d 6 9.♘ f3 LZ'lf 10..l'le1
outweigh that — the restricting o f the c1 0 -0 11.♔ g1 LZ'lg4 12.g3 ♕ e 8 13.LZ'le5?
bishop, the weakness o f the g1-a7 diago­ (13.♗.f2 or 13.♕e2 maintained the ten­
nal, and the difficulties in defending the sion) 13 … ♗xe5! 14.de d 6! 15.LZ'ld2 de
central pawns. 16.♘ f3? ♕ c 6 ! 17.h3 ♘ x e3 18.♖xe3
♕ c 5 19.♔ f2 ♗xf3 20.♕xf3 e4 21.♕h1
3. M . COZETTE - M . CHETVERIK ed 22.Vxa8 0 c 6 23.♕ b7 ♖ e 8, with c a­
La Fere, 2008 pitulation by White in the game Sikula
— Chetverik (Dyu1a, 1999).
1.e4 a6 5 ... c5
2.d4 b5 6.c3 LZ'lf6
3.(4 ... It isn’t worth recommending the
provocation 6 ...♘ c6 here: 7.d5 LZ'lce7
8.d 6 LZ'lg6 9♗.c 2 , and there’s nothing to
compensate for the “nail” on d 6 . Later
we’ll see that this isn’t always the case.
7.♕ e 2 ...
The advance e5 in the St. George
always increases White’s chances o f an
attack, and then Black’s chances if the
attack runs out o f steam. The latter did
happen in the encounter Machata —
Chetverik (Bratislava, 2001): 7.e5 LZ'ld5
8.0-0 g6 9.a3 (possibly the pawn should
3... ♗b7 have been bolder) 9… ♕ b 6 10.♔h1 ♗ e7

87
Chapter VII

1 l.♕ e 2 cd 12.cd t l c 6 13.♗ e3 ♖ c 8 9 ... cd

14.♖c1 0-0 15.♘ c3 t la 5 16.♘ e4 t l c 4 10.cd ...
17♗ x c4 be 18.♖ab1 ♖c7. As prom­ In connection with the imminent
ised, the dark-squared bishop is looking exit from the stage o f the d3 bishop
shabby, and Black has the initiative on 10.♘ xd4 looks stronger. But after 10 ...
the queenside. ♘ x d4 1l.cd 0-0 12.a3 ♖ c 8 13.♘ c3 d 6
If 7.♘ bd2, then another “perk” o f 14.f5 tld 7 and ..♗. f 6 Black meets the
the opening works — an immediate ex­ enemy onslaught at full force.
change on d4, so that the knight can’t go 10... tlb 4
to c3. After 7 ...cd 8 .cd ♘ c 6 9.a3 (against 11.e5 ♘ x d3
9… ♘ b4) 9...'{i'b6 10.♘ b3 i.e 7 11.0-0 12.'{i'xd3 ...
a5 the merit ofhaving played f4 isn’t o b ­ The variation 12.ef!? ♘ xc1 13.fg!
vious, and White will probably have to ♖g 8 14.♖xcl ♖xg7 justified 10.cd in the
worry about equalizing. well-known way. The black bishops are
7 ... i . e7 superb, but no reliable refuge is evident
The Dutch master Welling, a player for the king.
with an eccentric style and an admirer o f 12... CZld5
l ...a 6 , won a pawn after 7… ♕ b 6 8♗.e 3 ? 13.♘ c3 ♖ c8
c4 9 .♗ c2 i.x e 4 (which without ...c4 led
to the loss o f a piece). 8 .dc ♗ xc5 9.b4
♗ e7 10.a4 is correct — the undermining
move without the possibility o f the reply
...b4 wins on strength, and this method
is also worth remembering.
8 .0 - 0 tlc 6
Black doesn’t rush to castle, so as not
to face a sacrifice on h7 after 8 ...0-0 9.e5
tld 5 10.dc i.x c 5 + 1 l .♔ h1. The con­
tinuation 11...f5 12.ef ♖xf6 is relatively
playable, but with incomplete develop­
ment it’s better to avoid these kind o f 14.a3?! ...
weakening moves. With 14♗.d 2 ♘ x c3 15♗ x c3 the c3
9 .♔ h 1 ... bishop doesn’t shine in particular, and
Against Pergericht (Lucerne, 1982) neither does White’s position as a whole.
Moraza prevented ♘ b4, allowing an ex­ On the other hand, his pawn structure
change o f the dark-squared bishop: 9.a3 remains fine.
cd 10.cd ♕ b 6 l l ♗.e 3 ♘ g 4 12.♘ bd2 14... ♘ x c3
♘ x e3 13.♕xe3 a5 1 4 .♔ h1 a4 15.♖♖ac1 15.bc i . d5
t la 5 16.f5. Now in the case o f 16...0-0 16.♖f2 ♕ c7
17.♘ e5 ♕ d 8 by kicking the knight off 17.♗ b2 ♕ b7
e5 Black won the tempi back that were No matter how wretched White’s
lost on … ♕ d 8-b 6-d 8. position looks in the event o f 17 ...♕ c 4

88
 The St.George Defense

18.'♗
' x c 4 Bxc4, considerable effort is
required to break open his defenses. I
suggested that Cozette should attack,
controlling the situation and waiting for
new mistakes. Typical play for an open
tournament for my partner’s strength
(Elo 2026).
18.♖ e1 g6
19.CZlg5 0-0
20.'♗
'h 3 h5
21.'♗
? g1 ♔ g7
22.'♗
'd 3 ♖c4
W3.

h4 Using this bishop sensibly in the St.

3
2

24.♖h3 ♖h8 George is another problem! White im­

25.g3 B 4c8! mediately takes a parking spot away
26.gh ♖h5 from it, but its comrades-in-arms estab­
White has even won a pawn, but only lish themselves.
to.the detriment ofhis position. It wasn’t 3 ... ♗ b7
difficult to take the game to victory. 4.CZld2 ...
The Danish master Daniel Vester-
The line 3.f3 ♗ b7 comes about more baek Pedersen used nothing more nor
often via l.d4 b5 2.e4 ♗ b 7 3.f3 (defend­ less than the English Attack here! But
ing the pawn and attacking an enemy Black didn’t sign up for a Sicilian! Af­
one) 3 ...a 6. And now an intersection ter 4.f3 e 6 5 .♕ d 2 tbffi 6.g4 d5 7.e5 CZld7
leads to other branches — 4.a4 to 3.a4, 8♗t g 2 c5 9.c3 ♘ c 6 10.lt'ie2 h5! 11.0-0
4.c4 to 3.c4 and 4.♗e3 to 3.♗ e3. E c 8 12.?2:f4 h4 (dulls the game, more
promising is 12. ..hg 13.fg ♕h4 14.h3
4. J . MCDONNELL - M . BASEMAN ♗ e7) 13.L"L:d3 h3 1 4 .l.h1 ttJa5 15.b3 g6
Torquay, 1998 16.f4 c4 1 7 / ic l (Pedersen — Chetver­
ik, Copenhagen, 2004) 17. ..tZ:lb6 18.b4
1.e4 a6 tZ:lc6 the position closed with conflict-
Michael Basman has been a promi­ free tendencies.
nent personality in British chess since O f course, it’s better for White to
before the advent o f Miles. He has stuck complete the mobilization o f the king­
to an off-beat style that is also distinctive side, as in the game Z. Szabo — Csom
o f a number o f today’s British stars. Far (Budapest, 1992): 5.♗ d3 d6 6.CZle2 CZld7
more often Basman has used the French 7.0-0 c5 8.c4 cd 9.tZ:lxd4 b4 10.tZld2 CZlc5
move-order l.e4 e6 2.d4 a 6, with a sub­ l l.♗ c 2 ♗ e7 12.♗ a4+ '♗ ? f 8 13.♗c2
sequent ...b5, but here he immediately CZlf6 14.♕e2 h6 15.♗f2 ♕ c7 16.a3 ba
played l ...a 6. 17.b4 CZlcd7 18.♖xa3. White has broken
2.d4 b5 through the blockade and has notice­
3 .♗ e3 ... ably more freedom. You should fight

89
Chapter VII

for space anyway in the St. George and 12.Ci.♗ e2 0-0

prevent c4 when possible. You can give An insufficiently concrete decision;
the game a “ French” character: 5... it’s more difficult for White to prove his
i.♗ f6 6.Ci.♗e2 d5 7.e5 C
C i.♗ fd7 8.0-0 c5 9.c3 superiority in the complicated play after
♘ c 6 10.Ci.♗ d2 ♕ b6 l l.f4 g 6 12.Ci.♗f3 iie 7 12...♘ g4 13.♗d4 e5 14.h3 ed 15.hg de.
13.dc ♗xc5 14.♗xc5 (14.Ci.♗ed4!?) 14... 13.h3 i.♗ e5
C
C
i.♗ xc5 15.♔h1 b4 16.cb C i.♗ xb4 17.♗ b1 14.♗ c2 ♗ c6
Ci.♗ c 6 , and the position has opened up in 15.♕ a 5 ♕ b7
Black’s favor (Shinzel — Klaric, Tmava,
1980).
4 ... i.♗ f 6
C
5.♗ d3 e6
6.c3 ...
White masks the intentions o f the
king’s knight. After 6.♘ gf3 ♗ e7 7.0-0
0-0 or 6.f3 (with a choice o f parking spots
on e2 or h3) Black will most likely ad­
vance ...d5, with decent “ French” play.
6 ... c5!?
7.dc ...
Wins a pawn and subsequently holds It’s no longer clear how Black can
onto the gain. Purtov played more cau­ win the pawn back. But the white king
tiously against Remizov (Novosibirsk, hasn’t taken refuge on the flank yet, and
1995): 7.Ci.♗h3 cd 8.cd ♗ b4 9.f3 C i.♗ c 6 the position isn’t devoid o f attack tar­
10.♕e2 d 6 11.lli'f ♗ a5 12.0-0 ♗ b 6 gets — heightened caution was required.
13.♖ac 1 0-0 14.♖fd1 ♕ e 7 15.Ci.♗b3 ♖ fc 8 Instead o f 16.♕ b6! lli'c8 17.Ci.♗ d4 White
1 6 .♔ h1 C i.♗b4 17.♗ b1. Then again, played routinely and yielded the advan­
Black’s position, which is like a coiled tage to his opponent.
spring, is capable o f resisting the enemy 16.f3?! ♗ b5
aggression. 17.lli'b6 ♕ d7
7 ... ♕ c7 18♗ f2 S fc8
8.b4 d6 19.f4 i.♗ c 6
C
9.a4 ba 20 .♗ b 3?! ...
This is questionable. With the very McDonnell didn’t notice the “long”
strong 9...dc 10.ab cb 11.cb ♗ xb4 the tactic or didn’t calculate it to the end.
material and the position have equal­ 20.♖a2 ♖ ab 8 21.♕ e3 ♗ xb4! 2 2 .♗ b1
ized. was necessary, with chances o f resis­
10.♕ xa4+ i.♗bd7
C tance.
11.cd ♗ xd 6 2 0 ... i.♗ xb4!
C
If Black takes on c3 the d 6 pawn re­ 21.cb ♗xb4
mains alive — l l...l!i'xc3? 12.♖a3 ♕ c1+ 22.♕ d4 ♕ xd4
13.♔ e2 ♗ xd 6? 14.Ci.♗ c4, with a win. 23.Ci.♗xd4 i.♗ xe4
C

90
 The St.George Defense

24♗,e 3 ♖ c3 and blocking the chain would have been

25.liJxe4 ♖xe3+ more accurate if it had been done differ­
26 .♔ f2 ♖xe4 ently: 5...♗xf3 6.VI!ixf3 ♘ c 6 7.♗ xc4 e6
27.♘ xb5 ♗ c5+ 8.VI!if4 d5 9.♗ b3 ♗ b 4 + 10.♘ c3 ♘ ge7,
One way or another a loss can’t with good play.
be avoided. If 2 8 .♔ f1, then 28… ♖b8 In the variation 4.d5 e6 5.♘ f3 i,b 4 +
29.♖xa6 ♖xb5. The king’s flight to the 6.♗ d2 Vl!ie7 7.♗xb4 Vl!ixb4+ 8.♕ d2
enemy front only hastened the con­ Vl!ixd2+ 9.♘ bxd2 be 10.de fe l l ♗tx c 4
clusion: 2 8 .♔ f3 ♖e3+ 29.♔ g 4 ♖xb3 White is preferable. Instead o f 4...e 6 ,
30.♘ c7 ♖ c 8 31.♘ xa6 f5+ 32.♔ h 4 undermining the pawn cabin from the
♗ e7+ 33.♔ h 5 g 6 + 34.♔ h 6 ♖g3!, and other direction is much more interesting
mate on the next move can’t be pre­ — with the help o f 4...c6! The beautiful
vented. “ checkers” position deserves a diagram.

Let’s switch to the contact lines on

the third move. Firstly about the ad ­
vance 3.c4. In reply to such a shameless
seizing o f space Black should continue
his development without disrupting his
pawn chain: 3 ...bc?! 4 ♗ xc4 e6 5.♘ c3
c 6 6.d5! (pre-empts the prepared ...d5)
6 ...ed 7.ed ♘ f6 8.♘ ge2 ♕ c7 9♗,b 3
♗ b7 10♗,f 4 Vla5 11.0-0 ile 7 12.♕ d3
0-0 13.♖ fdl ♖ e 8 14.a3 ♗ d 8 15.♗ c2 g6
16.b4 ♕ b 6 17.♗b3 (Van Hoolandt —
Lebel, Cannes, 2007) — Black’s queen­ Covering the b7 bishop shouldn’t
side hasn’t been mobilized and his king­ upset you, as the diagonal will inevitably
side has been weakened. open up. On the other hand, the black
After 3.c4 ♗ b7 the attack on the e4 king is feeling calmer. Remizov sug­
pawn forces White to decide: change the gests the variation 5.♘ c3 cd 6 .ed e6 7.cb
structure in the center (4.e5 or 4.d5) or ♘ f6 8 .de fe 9.♘ f3 ♗ c5 , with sufficient
defend the pawn (4.♘ d2 or 4.f3). compensation for the pawn. In fact, the
The rare move 4.e5 justified itself bishops are very attractive and the cen­
in the game Strand — Chetverik (Oslo, tral pawn pair is potentially strong.
2006): 4 ...bc 5.♘ f3 d5 6.ed cd 7.♗ xc4
e6 8.♘ c3 (8.d5!?) 8...♗ xf3 9.♕ xf3 d5 5. E. VOROBEV - B. SAVCHENKO
10♗t b 3 ♘ c 6 ? (10...♘ f6 11.0-0 ♗ d 6 vir­ St. Petersburg, 2003
tually equalized the chances) l l .♘ xd5!
S c 8 12. ♘ c3 ♕ xd4 13.♗e3 Vlf6 l.e4 a6
14.♕ e2 ilb 4 15.0-0 ♘ ge7 16.♕ xa6 0-0 2.d4 b5
17.♖ ac 1, and there’s no compensation 3.c4 ♗ b7
for the pawn. Exchanging o ff the bishop 4.♘ d2 ...

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Chapter VII

Not a very active continuation. But tive away to Black: 8.0-0 ♕ f6 9.♗xd5
the e4 pawn is defended, and Black has ♕xd5 10.♕ a4+ ♕ b 5 11.♕ c 2 t l c 6
to think about the fate o f the b5 pawn. 12.Cile4 ♗ e7 13 .♗ f4 ♖ c 8 14.♖fcl Cilb4
15.Cilxf6+ gf 16. ♕ c4 ?! (16.♕ d2 holds
onto a minimal advantage) 16 ...Cild3
17. ♕ xb5+ ab 18.♖xc7 ♖xc7 19 . ♗ xc7
♔ d 7 20. ♗g3 Cilxb2 2 l.♖ b1 ♖ c 8!
7.e5 ...
7.♗ d3 ♗ e7 8.0-0 a5 9 .♖ e1 0-0 is a
roughly equivalent continuation. Then
Black can exchange offthe light-squared
bishops via a 6 and close the center with
...d5.
7 ... Gild5
8.0 -0 ♗ e7
4 ... be 9.l':Iel ...
In the case o f4 ...b 4 5.Cilgf3 e6 6.♗ d3 After 9.♗ d3 f5!? 10.ef♕ xf6 1 l.♕ c 2
(and on ...c5 then d5) Black has local­ (Ippolito — Stripunsky, NewYork, 2002)
ized achievements on the queenside, Black retained a satisfactory position by
and after ...g5 — also on the kingside. means o f 11 ...0-0 12.♘ e4♘ xe413.♗xe4
But the battle in the center is hopelessly ♗xe4 14.♕ xe4 Cilc6 15.d5 ed 16.♕ xd5+
lost, and his position is firmly worse. As ♔ h 8. Without the committed 9...f5 you
a result o f a pawn sacrifice, 4...e6 5.cb can get by with the substitute 9 ...♘ c6.
Cilf6 6.e5 Gild5, the compensation is
probably insufficient.
5.♗ xc4 e6
5...Cilf6?? is refuted by the double
attack 6.♕ b3. There have been prec­
edents!
6 .Cilgf3 ...
6.♕ b3 isuseless here due to 6 ...Cilc6 !
(7.♕ xb7? Cila5 costs White his queen).
On 6.d5 Black successfully brings his
army into the battle with the help o f 6 ...
♗ c 5 7.Cile2 ♕ f6 8.0-0 0-0 9.♘ c3 ed
10.ed d 6. 9 ... d6
6 ... ♘ f6 Savchenko immediately puts pres­
6...d5 7.ed ♗ xd5 doesn’t complete­ sure on the e5 pawn. In the St. George
ly equalize because o f the weakness there’s a high probability o f an attack by
on c7. Then again, in the game Jacko White on the kingside, and you shouldn’t
— Chetverik (Presov, 2004) eliminating always rush to castle. Here, on the other
the pawn resulted in giving the initia­ hand, after 9 ...0-0 10.Cile4 h6 an attack’s

92
 The St.George Defense

chances o f success are insignificant. The 6 . Y. SEIRAWAN - B. SPASSKY

fact that reciprocal chances for Black USAvs. the World, (Rapid) 1990
aren’t evident either is another matter.
10.tZle4 tZld7 1.e4 a6
11.tZlfg5! de 2.d4 b5
After 11...h 6 the knight sacrific­ 3.c4 i,b 7
es 12.tZlxe6! fe 13.ed cd 14.tZlxd6+! 4.f3 be
♗ xd 6 15J:Ixe6+ ♗ e7 16.♗xd5 ♗xd5 The actual move-order in the game
17.♕h5+ ♔ [8 18.♕xd5 give White three was 1 d4 b5 2 e4 ♗ b 7 3 f3 a 6 4 c4 be.
pawns for a piece and the initiative.
12.'iVh5 g6
13.♕ f3 ♖f8
Rationally fearing for the future o f
his king with 13...0-0 14.'iVh3, Savchen­
ko leaves it in the center.
14.tZlxh7 ed
Black loses the exchange in any case.
It’s better to give it up by means o f 14...
:i.h 8 15.tZlg5 ♖xh7 16.tZlxh7 ed 17.QJg5
♗xg5 18.♗xd5 ♗ xd5 19.♕xd5 ♗ f 6 .
15.tZleg5 tZlc5
16.QJxf8 ♗xg5 D o n ’t think that the 10th World
17.♗xg5 ♕xg5 Champion was holding back by ad­
18.tZlh7 ♕d8 vancing his outside pawn so early in the
19.♕g4 Q'lf6 game. The fact that Spassky didn’t con­
20 .QJxf6+ ♕ x f6 sider it a sin in the decisive game o f his
21.b4 tZla4 World Championship match with Petro­
22 .♗ x e 6 ! ♔f8 sian (although it was after that game that
23 .♗ c4 Md8 Petrosian kept his crown), completely
24.♗d3 ... complements the unofficial match...
Black doesn’t even have a pawn for S♗,x c 4 e6
the exchange, and his position looks More lively play occurs in the case
worse. But he won anyway! o f 5...d5. For example, 6.♕ b3 ! de
7.♕ xb7 tZlbd7 8 .♕ c 6 e5 9.de ♗ b 4 + (in
And so, the bland continuation the case o f 9...tZle7 l0 .♕ a 4 tZlg6 l l.f4
4.tZld2 promises White slightly better ♗ c 5 12.♕xc4 ♗ xgl 13.♖xgl ♕ h 4 +
play. D oesn’t the more natural defense 14.g3 1/;l!ixh2 15.♗e3 ♕ xb2 16.♗d4 ♕ b 5
4.f3 promise even more? Now 4...b4 the queen won the pawns back with
demonstrates the same indifference heroic efforts, but the chances didn’t
to White’s center as with 4.tZld2, and equalize) 10.li,d2 ♘ e7 11.♕ a 4 ♗ c5
doesn’t deserve a recommendation ei­ 12.f4 0-0 13.♕xc4 ♕ b 8 14.tZlc3 l/;l!lxb2
ther. Let’s turn to 4...bc. 15.♖b1 l/;l!la3 16.♖b3 tZlb6 17.♕e2 ♕ a 5

93
Chapter VII

18.♘ f3 ♖ ad 8 19.g3 ♖d7 20.\£7fl ♖ fd 8 In the structure that has arisen c5 is

21.11,e1 ♗ b 4 22.♔ g2 (Pataki — Nurkic, the best square for the king’s bishop. It
Tuzla, 2003). White has made his king was also worth establishing it here, be­
safe, and the compensation for the pawn fore Seirawan could interfere.
is in question. 8♗,e 3 a5
6.V:Vb3 ... 9 .♘ c3 ♘ a6
The queen thrust is a persistent ideain 10.de fe
the line 4...bc. It enabled the creation o f
the miniature Euwe — Abrahams (Bour­
nemouth, 1939): 6.♘ c3 d5 7.1/li¥b3 ♘ c 6 ?
(7...de is better, in the spirit o f the game
Pataki — Nurldc) 8 .ed ♘ xd4 9.1/li¥xb7
♖ b 8 10.♕xa6 ♖ a 8. Black naively be­
lieved in the mechanism o f perpetual
pursuit o f the queen, but l l.♗ b 5 + ♔ e7
12.d 6 +! dispelled the illusion.
It’s worth resorting to the advance
...d5 a little later: 6 ...♘ f6 7.♘ ge2 d5
8.♕ b3 ♖ a7 (atemporary inconvenience)
9.ed ed 10♗,d 3 c5 11.dc ♘ bd7 12♗,e 3 11.e5 ...
♘ xc5 13.1/li¥c2♖a8 14.0-0 ♗ d 6 15.♘ b5! Instead o f 11.♘ ge2 and 12.0-0 the
(Drozdovskij — Karanda, Kiev, 2003) American opens up the long diagonal,
15 ...ab 16.♗xc5 0-0 17.b4. Although which is dubious out o f tactical consid­
even here White’s chances should be erations.
preferred. 11... a4!?
6 ... ♕ e8 Spassky was presented with an op ­
The example ofVorobev — Savchen­ portunity to start complications with
ko suggests that 6 ... ♘ c 6 !? is available 11...♘ g4! 12♗,f 4 ♗ , c 5 (and then 13...
and probably stronger than defending the ♘ e3) or 12...g5!? 13♗,x g 5 ♘ xe5
bishop. After 7.♘ e2 ♘ a5 8.1/li¥c3 ♘ xc4 14.♗f6 ♘ xc4 15.♕xc4 ♖ g 8. But the
9.1/li¥xc4 d5 10.1/li¥a4+ ♕ d7 11.1/li¥xd7+ interim attack doesn’t spoil anything, as
♔ xd7 12Llbc3 White can count on on 12.♘ xa4 the continuation 12...♘ d5
only a minimal advantage. 13♗,f 2 ♗ , b 4 + 14.♘ c3 ♗ , x c 3 + 15.bc
7.d5 ... ♘ f4 gives good play for the pawn.
After this game only 7.♘ e2 was en­ 12. 1li¥
/ d1 ♘ g8 ?!
countered. On 7 ...♘ c6 the potential Why on earth be so passive?! 12...
bishop exchange after ...♘ a5 prevents ♘ g4! 13♗,f 4 g5 or 13. ..♗ c5 as before
8.11,d2. The black pieces don’t have the led to a double-edged game.
strength to deploy within the framework 13.♘ ge2 a3
o f the existing possibilities; the position 14.♖b1 ♘ e7
is cramped. 15.0 -0 ♘ fS
7 ... ♘ f6 16♗,f 2 ab

94
 The St.George Defense

17.♖xb2 ♗ c5 ter, preventing me from castling) 16 ...

18.♕ d2 0-0 ♗ xf3 17♗ xf3 ♘ x f3+ 18.gf0-0 19.♕e4
19.♘'l g 3 ♗ xf2+ ♕ f7 20♗ g3 be, and Black won quickly
20 .♕xf2 ... and easily. White blundered with her
The white pieces are positioned sig­ castling choice — after 11.♕ d3! 0-0
nificantly more actively. Subsequently 12.0-0-0 de 13.♘ d5 there’s a solid ad ­
Seirawan exchanged queens unsuccess­ vantage on her side. Black shouldn’t try
fully and suffered a defeat on the 58* to be too original; in the case o f 5 ...ed
move. It is worth noting that Seirawan 6.♕ xd4 t l c 6 7.♕ d2 b4 it’s difficult for
and Spassky contested the position af­ White to bring her queen’s knight into
ter 1 d4 b5 twice more at the same event the game.
(this time in Blitz games; one win for 5 ... f5!?
Seirawan and a draw). Spassky clearly
had faith in Black’s chances!

Having concluded the conversation

about 3.c4 on a high champion’s note,
we risk missing the most extravagant line
o f the St. George.

7. TIAN, TIAN - M . CHETVERIK

Budapest, 2001

l.e4 a6
2.d4 b5 The right way to root the attention o f
3.c4 ♗ b7 players and spectators at the tournament
4.13 e5!? to your board is to reach the position in
5.cb ... the diagram! Remizov, in the analysis
Two more possibilities require study. that I depended on, subtly perceived the
On 5.de Black takes back on e5, sta­ hidden tactical nuances: after clearing
bilizing the queenside (5 ...b4 6♗ e3 the long diagonal and the fourth rank
♕ h 4 + 7.g3 ♕ h 5 and 8 ...♕ x e5), or by the black pieces work very productively.
sacrificing the b-pawn (5 ...♘ c 6 6 .cb ab 6.ef ...
7.♗ xb5 ♘ x e5). There probably isn’t A speedy development o f the queen­
anything for him to fear. The continu­ side, 6♗ e3 fe 7.♘ c3, doesn’t solve the
ation 5♗ e3 didn’t have any success in problems with the kingside — Black con­
the game Chorvatova —Chetverik (H lo- tinues 7… ♕ h 4 + ! 8.g3 ♕ e 7, with good
hovec, 2000): 5 ...f5 6 .e f♘ h 6 7.de ♘ x f5 play. After 6 .de!? fe 7.♘ c3 ♗ b4 8.♕ d4
8.♗ f2 ♗ b4+ 9.♘ c3 ♕ e 7 10.f4 d6 (10. .. \ it isn’t clear whether the queen should
t l d 6 !?, intending tld 6 e 4 ) l l .♘ f3 de go to e7 immediately or after 8 ...♕ h4+
12.fe tld 7 13♗ e2 ♗ xc3+ 14.bc ♘ x e5 9.g3. Evaluating the irrational positions
15.0 -0 ♖d 8 16.♕ c2?! (16.♕ b3 is bet­ that arise isn’t too easy for a computer

95
Chapter VII

brain. Black isn’t as bad as Rybka thinks Time trouble had crept up on us, and
he is! Black decided to force the game. There
6 ... ♕ h4+ was nothing wrong with the restrained
7.g3 ,b 4 +
♗ 17...♘ d6!?, o f course.
8 ♗L d 2 ... 18.♘ xh7 Sh8
On 8.♔ f2!? Remizov suggests a vari­ 19.♘ g5 ♘ x g3
ation that wins the exchange, 8 ...♕ xd 4+ 20.♘ ti+ c;i;e7
9.♕ xd4 ed 10.♘ e2 ♘ f6 (?!) 1 1 .♘ xd4 21 .♘ xh8 ...
Jlc5 12♗ , e 3 ♘ g 4+ 13.fg ♗ x h l l4 .♘ c3
♗ b 7 15.♖ c1 0-0. If we continue the
analysis, then after 16.♘ d5!! ♗xd4
17.♘ e7+ ♔f7 18.♗ . x d 4 ♔xe7 19.♖xc7
♗ d5 20.b6 Black is a rook up, but his
fate isn’t enviable. While with 10. ..♗ c5
11.b4 ♗ b 6 12.♗b2 d3+ 13.♘ d4 ♘ h6
the chances are roughly equal. White
can count on an advantage by replac­
ing 10.♘ e2 with 10♗L d 2 ( 10. ..♗xd2
11.♘ xd2 ab 12.♗xb5 ♘ h6 13.♘ e2
♘ xf5 14.S:hcl, with a trump in the form
o f an outside passed pawn). There followed 2 1 ... ♘ gxe2 22.
8 ... ♕xd4 ♘ g 6 + ♔ f 6 23.S:xc7 ♗ c 6 24.♘ h4 S:h 8
9.♗ xb4 ♕ xb4+ 2 5 .♘ g2 ♘ g 3 26.hg S :x h l+ 27.c;i)f2
10.♕ d 2 ♕ xd 2 + ♔ e 6 , and the game was drawn very
11.♘ xd2 ♘ h6 quickly. A superficial glance at the
l l...ab 12.♗xb5 tle 7 is a little more variation 21… 2xh8 22.S:xc7 ♗ c 6
precise, with good potential for the 23.hg ♖xhl + 2 4 .♗ f1 ♖h2! frightens us
pawn trio. o ff that choice — White is a pawn up,
12.S :c1 ♔d8 and also has an advanced passed pawn.
13.♘ h3?! ... Nevertheless, due to the activity o f the
By breaking up the chain with 13.b6! black pieces the Chinese woman would
cb 14.♘ c4, the Chinese player insured still have had to work to achieve equal­
herself against any problems. ity.
13... ab Without pronouncing a final verdict
14.a3 ♘ c6 on the advance 3.c4, let’s switch to the
It’s difficult to decide which o f the undermining move 3.a4. It makes clos­
knights to send to the center. 14. ..♘ xf5 er contact with the main lines, as a4 is
15.♗xb5 tld 4 16.♗e2 S :f 8 is also at­ a tried and tested weapon in the battle
tractive for Black. against the St. George. On 3 ...b4 an ad­
l S ♗L x b5 ♘ d4 vance o f the c-pawn one or two squares
16.♗ e2 ♘ hxfS forward suggests itself above all. This
17.♘ g5 af 8 action is associated with taking en p as­

96
 The St.George Defense

sant, o f course. That doesn’t inspire be­ seizing the initiative. But Basman twist­
cause o f 4 ...b c 5.bc e6 6.l1Jf3 lZ'lf6 7.e5 ed things here, too: 6.lZ'ld2 e6 7.♗xb5
l1Jd5 8.c4 lZ'lb4 9.♗ e2 ♗ e 7 10.lZ'lc3, or, f5 8 .♕ e2 lZ'lf6 9.li,d3 c5 10.l1Jgf3 c4
even more likely, because o f 5.lZ'lxc3. llj_ x c 4 fe 12.lZ'le5 ♗ d 6 13.c3 0-0
On 4.c3 the response 4 ...♗ b 7 5.♗ d3 14.0-0 ♕ c7 15.f4 (Chandler — Basman,
♘ f 6 6 .♕ e 2 e6 is good by comparison, London, 1979). White just had to bring
and with 4.c4 there’s at least the rather his queen’s bishop into the battle, and
sad continuation 4 ...c5 5.d5 d 6, as the the fate o f the romantic would be a fore­
bishop hasn’t got onto the long diago­ gone conclusion.
nal yet. 5.l1Jf3 ...
The main reply 3 ... ♗ b7 offers White After 5.ba l1Jxa6 Black could rightly
the choice o f 4.ab, 4.lZ'ld2, 4.f3 and leave his knight under fire as long as the
4.♗ d3, with a separate example for each g2 square was unprotected. Potentially
o f these moves. In the event o f 4.d5 (as his chances are even a little better be­
with 3.c4) the response 4 ...c 6 isn’t bad, cause o fh is pawn superiority in the cen­
but it’s even better to play an undermin­ ter. 5.d5!? is more interesting, disengag­
ing move after 4...lZ'lf6 (5.ab l1Jxe4 is ing the bishop from the rook and thereby
probably better for Black). freezing the queenside. In the example
variation 5...e6 6.lZ'lc3 ♗ b4 7.♗ d2
8 . Z. JONAS - M . CHETVERIK ♗xc3 8.♗xc3 ♘ f6 9.ba l1Jxd5 10.♕d4
Veszprem, 1998 lZ'lf6 11.lZ'lf3 White keeps his passed
pawn and has hopes o f an advantage.
1.e4 a6 Here 9...l1Jxa6? didn’t work because o f
2.d4 b5 10.f3 ♗ x c 2 l l .♕ d 2 ! (but not l l.♕ x c 2?
3.a4 j_b7 lZ'lb4!).
4.ab ... 5 ... e6
Now and in the coming moves I
didn’t want to exchange rooks after ...ab.
But with 6.ba!? ♗ b7 7.a7 l1Jc6 8 j_ d 3
efforts to avoid an exchange are futile.
6.lZ'lbd2 i.b 7
7.♗ e2 lZ'lf6
8.0 -0 ♗ e7
9.ba ♗ xa6
Celebrating the fact that his partner
had “given in” , Black made a slight mis­
calculation in a long variation. 9...l1Jxa6
is simpler.
4 ... ♗xe4 10.♗ x a 6 ♖ xa 6
Meatier than 4...ab 5.♖xa8 ♗ x a 8 — 11.♖xa 6 ♘ xa 6
in a symmetrical structure Black has to 12.♕ e 2 ♕ a8
fight to equalize without real chances o f 13.lZ'lb3 0-0

97
Chapter VII

14.♗g5 ♕ b7 4.♘ d2
15.♘ e5 ...
Having prevented the pin 15.♖a1 ,
I planned to kick the knight out o f the
center, but on 15...d6? I saw the zwisch­
enzug 16.♘ a5 here. The reserve o f sta­
bility in Black’s position is very big, and
nothing terrible happened.
15... ♖d 8
16.♖♖a1 ♘ b4
1 7 .♕ c4 h6
18.♗h4 ...
Jonas hadn’t realized that the next
edging out o f the bishop would exclude 4… ct'lf6
it from play, and that that was more sig­ A game against Semenyuk turned
nificant than weakening the kingside. out very badly for Remizov (Novosi­
Exchanging on f6 preserved a slight ad­ birsk, 1996): 4...{{5?! 5.dc e6 6.b4 ct'lf6
vantage. 7.ab a5? 8 .♗ b 2 ab, and the simplest
18... gS here is 9.♖xa8 ♗ x a 8 10. ♕ a1 ♗ b7
19.♗g3 £2fd5 11.♕ a 7 ♕ c 8 12.♗e5, winning a piece.
20.♖♖a5 d6 Sacrificing the c-pawn is incorrect in
21.♘ d3 <£c6 this specific case, as the hanging white
22 .♖ a 1 ♗ f6 pawns can be easily defended or given
23.c3 ... up without regret.
Not falling into the trap (23.b2.a5? In the branch 4...b4 catastrophe lay
♖ a 8!). in wait for Alexandria against Lputian
2 3 ... B a8 (Biel, 1997): 5.c4 be 6.bc a5 7.♗ a3 d6
24.♖♖xa8+ ♕ xa8 8.♕ b3 ♖a7 9.ctJgf3 e6 10.♗b5+ ct'ld7
25.♕ b 5 ♔ g7 11.d5 ed 12.ed g6 13.0-0 ♗g7 14.c4
26.f4? ♘ e3 b2.gf6?? 15.♕ e3+. We can easily explain
27.♗ f2?? ♘ xd4 the blunder in an unhappy position —it’s
Zolt had forgotten about the queen wrong forthe rook to vegetate on a7, and
on a 8 so completely that for a couple o f it doesn’t usually go there. Play that goes
minutes he couldn’t get his head around according to the game Zaja — Tomescu
it! Then, naturally, he resigned. (Reggio Emilia, 2001) is more solid: 5...
c5 6.d5 e5 7.g3 d 6 8.♗g2 g6 9.ct'le2 ♗g7
9. D. FROLOV - D. KUTUZOV 10.0-0 ct'le7 11.f4 ct'ld7 12.ct'lf3 ♕ c 7 .
Novosibirsk, 2002 It’s very difficult for White to fight his
way through the pawn obstructions, a1­
1.e4 a6 though Black doesn’t have any recipro­
2.d4 b5 cal chances, it’s true.
3.a4 ♗ b7 5.e5 ...

98
 The St.George Defense

In the St. George the undermin­

ing move a4 shouldn’t be met with the
exchange ...ba, as lines open in White’s
favor. But on 5.f3 following Remizov we
can approve 5...ba!? The “principled”
6.c4 collides with 6 ...♘ c 6 !, and it’s in­
convenient to defend the central pawn.
Mter 7.e5 0 g 8 8.♘ e4 e6 and then most
likely ...f 6 Black has nothing to com­
plain about.
5 ... t l d5
6.♘ b3 ...
It isn’t possible to win a pawn here! 9 .♘ c5 ...
The duel Ninov — Chetverik (Gien, White couldn’t take the pawn im­
2004) unfolded in an unusual way: 6 .ab mediately, o f course, because o f 9...
ab 7.♖xa8 ♗ x a 8 8.♗xb5(?) tlc 3 (? ) 9.bc ♗ xc3+ !, but 9.♘ bd2 ♗ e 7 10.♖xa4 0-0
♗xg2 10.f3 e6 1 1 .♘ e4 ( 11.♔ f2 ! ♗ xhl l l .♘ c4 is quieter and more precise.
12.♘ e2 took dut the bishop without 9 ... , x c5
♗
adventures) 11...♕ h 4 + 12.♘ g3 ♗ xh l 10.dc Wlfe7
13.♕e2 c 6 14.♗d3 c5 15.♕f2 cd 16.cd 1 1 .!:x a4 Wxc5
♗ b4+ 1 7 .♔ f1 (on 1 7 .♔ d1 I intended 1 2 .!:g 4 [£"b6
17 ...♗ g 2!? 18.♕xg2 ♕xd4, with some 13.Äe3 ♗xf3
chances) 17...♘ c6 18.♗e3 (18.♗ b2!?), 14.gf ...
and now 18...♗ c3! maintained approxi­ After exchanging queens, 14.♗ xc5
mate equality, as 19.♘ le2? is beauti­ ♗ xd1 1 5 .♔ xd1 0 c 6 16. ♖xg7 ♘ x e5, at
fully refuted by the variation 19 ...♕ h 3+ a stretch the bishops compensate for be­
20.♔ g1 ♗ e1! 21 .♕ f1 ♕ x fl+ 22 .♔ x fl ing a pawn down.
♗xg3 (given by Ninov). I had lost sight 14... ♕xeS
o f the simple continuation 8 ...♘ e3! (in­ 15.♖g5 f5?
stead o f 8 ...♘ c3?) 9.fe ♗xg2, and the Ignoring his opponent’s zwischen­
bishop successfully leaves the corner. zug, 15...♕ f6 16.♖hgl t l c 6 17.♖xg7 h6
6 ... e6 is completely playable.
7.♘ f3 ♗ b4 + 16.f4! ♕ a5
8.c3 ... 17.♖xg7 tld 5
8.♗ d2 ba 9.♖xa4 ♗xd2+ 10.♘ bxd2 18.♖hgl c5
doesn’t create perceptible problems for 19.♗g2 ...
Black, but on the other hand it doesn’t The extra pawn can’t console Black
permit tactical liberties either. Anyway, — his queenside is dozing and his king
Black decided not to go into the compli­ is in danger. In the variation 19...c4
cated variation 8 ...♘ xc3!? 9.bc ♗ xc3+ 20.♗xd5 ♕xd5 2 l.♕ x d 5 ed 22.♖g8+
10.♗ d 2 ♗ x a l 11.♕ x a l. ♖xg 8 23.♖xg8+ ♔ f7 24.♖c8 getting
8 ... ba!? disentangled isn’t on the cards.

99
Chapter VII

19... ♔d8 file. Inthe meticulously-prepared line 5.ab

20.♗xd5 ed f5 6.ef♘ h 6 7.de ♘ xf5 the variation 8.♗f4
21.♕xd5 ♕ a1 + ♗ c5 9.♘ c3 ab 10.♖xa8 ♗ x a 8 l l.♘ xb5
22 .♔ e 2 ♕ x b 2+ 0-0 12.♘ h3 (with a highly likely move on
23.Wf3 ♖a7 foot by the white king to the queenside)
24.♕ x c5 ♕ b7 + doesn’t promise Black compensation
25.♔ g 3 hS for the two pawns. And how to play after
26.♔ h 4 ♘ c6 6.de!? fe 7.♘ c3...? It isn’t surprising that
27.♕ d6 Be 8 4...e5 has hardly found any supporters.
28.Sg 8 ... 5.c4 ...
The white king feels like it’s on a The next example for 5.♗ e3 is nota­
feather pillow on h4, while its opposite ble for the colorful names o f the players:
number is facing the prospect o f a termi­ Raetsky — Ghuloom Salem (Abu Dhabi,
nal sleep. Black resigned... 2005). In 1990 my co-author unsuccess­
fully tried playing 1... a 6 and has been
10. J . LEVITT - D . HOWELL somewhat disparaging o f the St. George
Staunton Memorial, London, 2006 ever since. Ghuloom Salem is that same
Arab personage who suddenly started
1.e4 a6 creating unbelievable miracles against
2.d4 b5 strong Grandmasters. -A suspicion arose
The actual move-order in the game (which quickly transformed into a cer­
was 1 d4 b5 2 e4 Bb7 3 f3 a 6 .. tainty) that his Eastern headgear was
3.a4 ♗ b7 hiding a modem means o f communica­
4.f3 ... tion with a powerful computer that was
lurking somewhere in the background.
To avoid new scandals the organizers in
the Emirates, according to rumors, now
pay their “prodigy” not to participate in
tournaments! And so, the bland but pure
draw Raetsky —Fritz (or some other iron
monster): 5...d5!? 6.♘ d2 ♘ d7 7.e5 c5
8.f4 e6 9.♘ e2 ♘ h6 10.ti'lf3 ♗ e7 11.g3
0-0 12.♗h3 a5 13.0-0 ♗ a 6 14.♖f2 ti'lf5
15.♗xf5 ef 16.dc ♘ xc5 17.♗xc5 ♗ xc5
18.♘ ed4 ♖ e 8 19.♔g2 ♕ d7.
5 ... e5!?
4 ... b4 After eliminating the tension on the
Remizov published extensive analyses queenside the decisive advance in the
that presented the continuation 4...e5!? in center gained strength. Levitt doesn’t
a very winning light. Evidently it’s less jus­ want to play with an extra pawn, so as
tified here than with 3.c4, because o f the not to lag in development after 6.de ♘ c 6
activity o f the white rook on the outside 7.f4 ♗ c 5 8.♘ d2 f 6 .

100
 The St.George Defense

6.tt:Je2 f5!? 1 9 .♕ a5 ♗d8

Howell is clearly “going with the 20.♕ g5 ♕xg5
flow” . 6 ...ed 7.tZ:lxd4♕f6 8.tZ:lb3 tt:Jc6 is 21 .hg tt:Jxa1
still stronger, with comfortable equality. 22 .gf ♗ x f6
7.ef ♕ h4+ 23♗t f 5 0-0
8.g3 ♕ f6 24.♗d3 ♗e5
9.d5 ... 25.f4 ♗ f6
Not covering the long diagonal for Capitalizing on being the exchange
long enough; 9 .♕ d 3 ⁉ ed 10.tZ:lid2, with up is a matter o f straightforward tech­
the idea o f tZ:le4, would have forced nique.
Black to rack his brains.
9 .... ♕ xf5 11. Y. GOZZOLI - M. CHETVERIK
10.tZ:ld2 tZ:lf6 La Fere, 2006
11.h4 c6
l.e4 a6
2.d4 b5
3.a4 ♗ b7
4.♗ d3

12.dc?! ...
Here and later White doesn’t even
try to develop the queenside (12g4⁉
♕ g 6 13.tZ:lb3). An army that is cut in
half isn’t battle-ready! Now play flows in a normal direction
12... tZ:lxc6 for the St. George.
13.♗h3 ♕ d3 4 ... e6
14.♕ b3 ♕g6 5.♘ f3 c5
Exchanging queens is already very Sometimes Black prefers 5 ...b4,
good (14… e4!? 15.♕xd3 ed 16.tZ:lf4 so as not to deal with an exchange o f
♗ d 6 ), but Howell hasn’t extracted ev­ rooks. Usually after 6.0-0 c5 7.tZ:lbd2
erything from the rniddlegame yet. cd 8.tZ:lxd4 there’s a grafting with a rare
15.♕ e3 ♗ e7 branch o f the Paulsen System ( l.e4 c5
16.0 -0 tt:Jd4 2.tt:Jf3 e6 3.d4 cd 4.tZ:lxd4 a 6 5.♗ d3 b5
17.Wh2 tt:Jc2 6.0-0 ♗ b 7 7.a4 b4 8.tt:Jd2). The breach­
18.'iYxe5 d6 es on the queenside demand careful

101
Chapter VII

play from Black. Then again, in the ♘ f 6 8.e5 ♘ d5 9.♘ bd2 b4 10.♘ e4 Sie7
game Predojevic — M. Popovic (Plovdiv, 1 1 .♘ fd2!? 0-0 12.♘ c4 f5 (Black is still
2008) he gradually managed to over­ prepared to tolerate one strong knight,
come the difficulties: 8 ...♘ c 6 9.♘ xc6 but not two!) 13.ef ♘ xf6 14.♘ xf6+
♗ x c 6 10.b3 ♘ f6 11.♗ b 2 Sie7 12.♕e2 ♗ xf 6 15.♘ d6?! Sid5 16.♘ e 4 ♘ c6 17.c4
a5 13.♖ad1 ♕ c 7 14.♘ f3 (it was prob­ be 18.bc ♘ e5 19.Sia3 Sie7 20.♘ d6??
ably worth sending the knight to c4) (an exchange of bishops continued the
14 ...0-0 15.♘ d 4 ♗ b 7 16.♔h1 ♕ f4 17.f3 battle, although also under Black’s dic­
d5 18.e5♘ d7 19.Sib5li1c5. tates) 20...♗ x d 6 2 l.♗ x d 6 ♕ g5 22 .f3
6.dc ... ♕ e 3 + , and White resigned (Schiff —
In the encounter Sessler — Chetverik Chetverik, Linz, 2007). White’s actions
(Bad Ems, 2008) after 6 .ab ab 7 J:x a8 before the rash maneuver 0Jc4-d6-e4
Sixa 8 8.dc the weak amateur offered were completely rational, and 15.♕g4
peace. It’s lamentable that these kinds o f ♘ c 6 16.♗f4 with a subsequent Sid 6 re­
positions with an exchange o f rooks pro­ tained the initiative.
vide a weighty basis for the blackmailing Instead o f 1 1 .♘ fd2 Khalifman rec­
of more sophisticated opponents. Sub­ ommends 11.c4 be 12.bc, somewhat
sequently White’s small advantage only overestimating the strength ofthe knight
grew: 8… ♗ xc5 9 .♕ e2 b4 10.0-0 ♘ f6 invasion on d6 after 12...♘ c6 13.Sia3
11.♘ bd2 d5 12.e5 ♘ fd7 13.♘ b3 Sie7 0-0. The knight isn’t all-powerful, and
14.♘ fd4 ♘ c 6 15.♘ xc6 Sixc 6 16.♘ d4 its support on e5 is shaky (especially af­
♕ c 7 , and now the most precise is 17. Be1 ter ...f 6 ).
♘ c5 18.♕g4 g6 19.Sih6. 8 .♘ bd2 ...
6 ... Sixe5 8.♘ g5!? ♕ f 6 9.♕ h5 g6 10.♕e2 t l c 6
7.0 -0 ... 11.♘ 3f d6 (here the pawn is subjected to
Against Cebalo (Yugoslavia, 1987) danger; it was worth thinking about 12. ..
Drasko started a battle for the light ♕ g7, with a subsequent knight move
squares, skipping castling: 7. ♕ e2 b4 out to e7 or f 6) 12.♘ bd2 ♘ ge7 13.♘ c4
8.♘ bd2 d6 9.e5 ♘ d7 10.ed ♗ xd 6 0-0 14.♗g5 ♕g7 15.♕d2 ♖ fe 8 16.♕f4
1 1 .♘ c4 Sic7 12.♗e4 ♗xe4 13.♕xe4 d5 (Zelcic — Jeric, Ljubljana, 2000)
♘ gf6 14.♕ c6?! (most likely not noticing 17.♗ f6⁉ g5!? 18.♘ xg5 ♘ g6 19.♕f3
Black’ssubtle l 6thmove) 14 ...0-0 15.Sig5 tld 4 ! 20.♗xd4 ♗xd4 21.♘ d6 is more
h 6 16.♗h4 ♕ b 8! 17.a5 ♖ c 8 18.Sixf6 aggressive, with complications that are
♘ xf6 19.♕ a4 ♕ b 7 20.♘ e3 Sif4 2 l.♕ b 3 presumably favorable for White.
♗xe3 22.fe ♕ e 4 23.0-0-0 ♖c5 24.♖ d4 8 ... d5
♕ g 6 — White has weak pawns and an Instead of blocking the center 8...
unstably-positioned king. Instead o f the t l c 6 9.♕ e2 d 6 10.♘ b3 ( 10.♘ c4 ♘ a5
exchange ofbishops 12.Sie4 it was worth 11.Sie3 Sixe3 12.♘ xe3 ♘ f 6 13.e5 de
castling anyway. 14.♘ xe5 ♕ c7) 10...Sib6 11.Sie3 ♘ f 6
7 ... b4 12.♖ i :fd l ♘ g4 (it’s better to exchange
For now Black has no reason to bishops on your own initiative) 13.Sixb6
provoke the automatic thrust e5: 7 ... ♕ x b 6 14.a5♕ a7 15.♗ c4♖ d8 16.h3♘ f 6

102
 The St.George Defense

17.e5 de 18.♖xd8+ t,IJxd8 19.t,IJxe5 0-0 17.VIf4 g5

2 0 .S a4 is playable. Little by little Stajcic 18.♕ g4 d4?!
outplayed Csom (Budapest, 1993); then Not a very tenacious defense! In the
again, the affair ended in a draw. case o f 18. ..♖ g 8⁉ taking on b4 is unfa­
9.t,IJb3 t,IJd7 vorable because o f the deflection 19...
10.e5 Vl/ic7 h5, and on 19.VIh5 the move 19...g4
is relevant. True, 19.h3 creates the un­
pleasant threat of20.VIh5 — it’s very dif­
ficult for Black to defend.
19.VIh5 ♔ e7

11.a5 ...
A typical breaking-up o f the chain
for the St. George. Often it’s perfe♘ y
good, but with the presence o f the obvi­
ous alternative 1l.t,I♗ xc5 t,IJxc5 12.♗d2 20.♘ xg5! t,IJdxe5
t,IJxd3 13.cd a5 1 4 .S c l Vld8 15.t,IJd4, In the case o f 20... hg 2l.♗ x g5+ f6
that’s hardly the case here. 22.ef+ -;td 6 23.♕g4 e5 24.f4 the execu­
11... t,IJe7 tion o f the black takes place in a
12.♖ e1 t,IJc6 very short time.
13.t,IJxc5 t,IJxc5 2♕ fx7 !? ...
14.♗d2 h6 If we stri♘ y stick to the truth, the
On 14...0-0?! G ozzoli wouldn’t have punctuation marks should change plac­
failed to sacrifice — 15.♗xh7+! ♔xh7 es. Now the win is more complicated,
16.t,IJg5+ ♔ g 8 17.VIh5 ♖ fe8 18.VIh7+ while 2l.LZ'e4 concluded the battle.
♔ f 8 19.VIh8+ ♔ e7 20.VI/ixg7. Undoubt­ 21 ... t,IJxf7
edly a favorable enterprise, although also 22 .♖ xe 6 +! ♔f8 ?
not a winning one. According to Rybka, accepting the
15.♕ e2 ♖ c8 rook sacrifice loses in all variations,
16.VIe3 t,IJd7?! the m ost inventive o f which is 22 ...
Black’s trump card was the possibili­ ♔ x e 6 23.♖ el + t,IJce5 24.VIf5+ ♔ d 5
ty o f exchanging off the dangerous light- 25.♗xb4 ♖he 8 26.f4 ♖ cd 8 27.fe t,IJxe5
squared bishop. This should have been 28.VIe4+ ♔ e 6 29.VIg6+ ♔ d 5 30.c4+!
done now (16...t,IJxd3 17.cd 0-0 18.VIf4 de 3l.VI/ie4+ ♔ e 6 32.VIf5+ ♔ d 5 33.bc
Vl/ie7) or after 16...VI/ie7 17.t,IJd4. ♔ c 6 34.♗ e4+ ♔ b 5 35.♖ b1 ♔ c 4

103
Chapter VII

36.♗ c2! Gozzoli didn’t have much time ly-fledged play after 4...h6 5.♗ h4 c5!?
left at his disposal, so it was worth forc­ 6 .dc ♕ c 8! (here the queen doesn’t suf­
ing him to work a little. fer when ♗g3 is played) 7.♘ d2 (being a
2 3 .S a e l ... pawn up in the variation 7.b4?! g5 8.♗g3
There’s no shield from the f7 knight, ♗g7 9.c3 a5 doesn’t bring White joy) 7...
o f course... ♕ xc5 8.♘ e2 g5 9.♗g3 ♗ g7 10.c3 ♘ c 6
2 3 ... ♗ d8 11.0-0 ♘ f6 l2.a4 b4 (evidently 12...0-0
2 4 .♕ c 5 + ♖d 6 13.ab ab 14.♕b3 b4 is even more sol­
2 5.♗ f4 ... id) 13.♖c1 0-0 14.cb ♕ xb4 15.f4 ♘ g4
Black resigned. 16.♘ c4 ♘ a5 17.♕d2 ♕xd2 18.♘ xd2
♘ c 6 (18. ..♗ xb2 19.♖c5 allows unnec­
12. Z. SZABO - M . CHETVERIK essary activity) 19.h3 gf 20.♗xf4 ♘ ge5
Gyongyos, 1998 2 l .♗ b1 ♘ g6.
1.e4 a6 4 ... e6
2.d4 b5 With 4 ...♘ f6 it’s necessary to reckon
3.♕ d3 ... with 5.e5. The knight isn’t as active on e2
The most predictable reply to the St. as on f3, but on the other hand the path
George. All measures are postponed un­ for the f-pawn is open. The latter cir­
♘ the completion o f development. cumstance helped Ulibin to energetical­
3 ... Jlb7 ly demolish Beck (Budapest, 1989): 5 ...
4.LZ'le2 ... tld 5 6.0-0 e6 7.a4ba 8.♖ xa4♘ b 4 9 .♗ c4
(the alternative is an unusual knight po­
sition for the system after 9.♘ f4!? ♘ xd3
10.♘ xd3) 9 ...♗ e4 10.♗b3 ♗e7 11.♗ d2
♘ d5?! (the signal for a pawn attack;
the knight should have been reinforced
by means o f 11...a5) 12.♘ g3 ♗ g 6 13.f4
♘ b 6 14.f5! ef 15.♘ xf5 ♗f8 ? (15. ..0-0
16.♘ xe7+ ♕xe7 17.♗b4 d6 wasn’t lost
yet) 16.♕f3 f 6 17.♖e1,an d Black ceased
his resistance.
5.0 -0 c5
6.c3 ♘ f6
Almost always associated with rein­ 7.f3 ...
forcing the center by means o f f3. We Grandmaster Ovsejevitsch shuffied
saw this setup in the line 3.♗ e3, and the knights in an unusual way and won
now priority is given to mobilizing the almost as quickly as Ulibin did: 7.♘ d2
kingside. ♘ c 6 8.a3 ♖ c 8 9.♘ f3 ♗ e7 10.♘ g3 0-0?!
There’s definite sense in 4.♗g5, l l.e5 tld 5 12.dc ♗xc5? 13.♕ xh7+!
to double the opponent’s pawns on ♔xh7 14.♘ g5+ ♔ g 8 15.♕h5 ♖e 8
♘ f6 . In the game Terek — Chetverik 1 6 .♕ x f7 + ♔ h 8 1 7.♕ h 5+ ♔ g 8 18 .♕ h 7 +
(Gyongyos, 2004) Black obtained ful­ ♔ f 8 19.♕h8+ ♔ e7 20.♕xg7 mate

104
 The St.George Defense

(Ovsejevitsch — Koeffner, Erbendorf, Rybka suggests the typical battering

2006). The most important rule of the ram for these kinds o f positions: ...h5-
St. George was violated —before moving h4-h3 (if you’re able to go that far).
your king to the flank, look around! 12. .. Black, though, decided not to neglect
♕ c7 prevented the standard sacrifice, castling.
and with the interim exchange 10 ...cd 14.♕ d3 d6
l l.cd castling is completely safe. 15.♗b2 tld 7
7 ... tlc 6 16.♘ d2 ♗ f6
8 .♗ c 2 ... 17.f4 g6
In the case o f exchanging off the 18.♖f2 ♗ h4!?
light-squared bishop only blocking play 19.♖f3 0-0
promises White any hope. But in the 20.♖h3 ♕d8
variation 8.♗e3 cd 9.cd tlb 4 10.♘ bc3 21 .♖♖f1 f5!
♘ x d3 l l.♕ xd3 b4 12.♘ a4 ♗ c 6 13.♕c2 22 .♗ b1 ♗ f6
♖ c 8 14.♘ c5 ♗ b5 15.♕d2 d5 16.e5 tld 7 23.♕ g3 ♗g7
the “ French” bishop looked out from be­ The strong Hungarian master was a1-
hind the pawn stockade, and there are no most outplayed! But time trouble inter­
problems. In the game Liasota — Chet­ fered, and in the end White celebrated
verik (Harkany Tenkes Cup, 2000) there success.
followed 12.♘ d l ♗ e7 13.d5 ♕ b 8! 14.de
fe 15.♘ d4 (15. ♗ f4 prevented the creation 1.e4 a6
ofadark-squared battery) 15. ..♗ d 6 16.h3 2.d4 b5
(16.g3? ♗xg3! 17.hg ♕xg3+ 1 8 .♔ h1 3.♗ d 3 ♗ b7
♘ x e4! 19.fe ♕ h 4+ 2 0 .♔ g1 ♗xe4 — with 4.♘ f3 ...
the bishops on the board jokes are bad!)
16...0-0 17.g4? (17.♘ f2 provides a solid
defense) 17. ..^ ^ 2 + 1 8 .♔ h1 li';xe4! Now
the defense collapses, and ^White resigned
right on time. Rarely in 1...a6 do you
manage to extract so much from the g l-
a7 diagonal; you can’t do it without all
possible help from your partner!
8 ... ♖ c8
9.a3 ♕ b6
10 .♔ h1 ...
If 10.♗e3, then 10 ...cd 11.cd d5!?,
and White can ’t close the position. And We’ve come to an important fork in
so 12. ..de brings the bishop to life. the road with the signposts “ 4...e6” and
10... cd “4 ...♘ f6 ” . Let’s obey the signs in turn.
11.cd tla 5 4... e6
12.b3 b4 Up until now transpositions of
13.a4 ♗ e7 moves have hardly bothered us, but now

105
Chapter VII

they provide no respite! Every new move 7.0 -0 ...

brings new nuances to the position, but The clamp on the center 7.e5 can
if White varies his play without worry­ be “opened” by two equivalent meth­
ing about it, Black will sometimes find ods. Firstly, 7...d5 8.ed Llf6 ! (to stop the
himself teetering between life and death. knight from going to e4). Secondly, 7...
You can’t continue l ...a 6 and then act f5 8.ef ♘ x f 6 9.♗g5 ♗ b4!? 10.0-0 ♗xc3
lackadaisically! 11.bc Vl/ic7 12.♗ J d 4 0-0 (12. ..VI/ixc3
13.♗xf6 gf 14.VI/ih5+ ♔ e7 15.VI/ih6 ♔ f7
13. A. ZOZULIA - V. B^AKLAN 16.♕h5+ ♔ e 7 leads (to a repetition o f
Werther, 2004 moves, and consequently a small moral
victory for Black) 13.a4 e5 (winning a
l.e4 a6 pawn with the help o f 13 ...ba 14.♖xa4
2.d4 b5 ♕xc3 15.♗xf6 ♖xf 6 16.VIh5 g6 17.VI/ie5
3.♗ d3 ♗ b7 is risky) 14.♗xf5 2xf6 15.VIh5! g6 (15. ..
4.Llf3 e6 ed? 1 6 .:fe l ♘ c 6 17.ab is already more
5.♘ c3 ... than risky) 16.♕g5 ♔ f7 17.VIh6 ♔ g 8. In
Development that is uncharacteristic the game Kosztolanczi —Chetverik (Rev-
ofthe St. George makes definite sense at fulop, 1998) White wasn’t satisfied with a
this point. Now the logical edging out o f draw, but 18.♖ael⁉ is very far from a win
the knight with 5 ...b4 is hardly good be­ after the correct 18. ..d5! 19.ab Lld7.
cause of6.L la4 — the knight disrupts the 7 ... Vl/ic7
liberating ...c5 and itself is ready to go to 7 ...♘ ffi 8.e5 i.'Zld5 9.♘ e4 ♗ e7 isn’t
c5 at an inconvenient moment for Black. very attractive, as we’ll see in example
The variation 5...Llf6 6.e5 liJd5 7.c'2.xd5 19. Evaluating the merit o f 8.e5 in reply
♗xd5 can ’t be refuted (in the system 1... to 7 ...♘ e7 is difficult because o f the lack
a 6 the bishop is generally positioned ex­ o f practical material. Tigran Petrosian
cellently on d5), but it’s uncomfortable and Simonian (Yerevan, 2006) arrived
for Black to play with an undefended at this position by a torturous route after
kingside. There remains... 7 ...♘ e7. Then there was 8.♗ f4 d6 9.♗g3
5 ... c5 &-=:bc6 10.e5 de 11.Lle4 ♗ b 6 12.♘ x e5
6.dc ♗ xc5 13.♕h5 Vl/ie7 14.♖fel Llxg3, and
the World Champion’s namesake van­
quished his partner with the zwischen­
zug 15.Lld6+!? In a groggy condition
Simonian “set sail” : 15. ..♔f 8 ?! (the
ending after 15. ..VIxd6 16.VI/ixf7+ ♔ d 8
17.♕xg7 ♖f 8 18.♘ f7+ ♖xf7 19.VI/ixf7
♕ e7 20.VI/ixe7+ ♔xe7 21 .hg doesn’t look
unhappy for Black at all) 16.VI/ixf7+ ♕xf7
17. ♘ exf 7 i.'Zlh5? (17. ..♔ e 7 18.hg ♖hf 8 is
considerably more stubborn) 18.♘ x h8
♔ e 7 19.Llxb7 ♖xh 8 20.♗e4 Lle5 2l.b4.

106
 The St.George Defense

8 .♕ e 2 C lc 6 14. A. PETROSIAN - I. C SO M
9.♗ e3 ♗ e7 Yerevan, 1989
10.♘ d4 Ci:Jf6
11.f4 d6 l.e4 a6
12.♔ h 1 ... 2.d4 b5
We’ve encroached on Sicilian ter­ 3♗ d3 iib 7
ritory, where with a delay o f three (!) 4.♘ f3 e6
moves Roy Chowdhury and Fominykh 5.Ci:Jbd2 ...
found themselves (Kolkata, 2007):
12.♘ b3 0-0 13.a3 ♖fe 8 14.♖ aelb4 15.ab
Clxb4 1 6 .♔ h1 e5 17.♕ d2 Clg4 18.♗ gl
e f 19.♕xf4 Cle5 20.Ci:Jd4 ♗ f 6 21.♕ d2.
Equality wasn’t violated in a peaceful,
completely normal Sicilian battle.
12... b4
13.Ci:Jd1 ...
Possibly 13. ♘ a4 Clxd4 (in the event
o f 13...0-0 14.♘ b3 Ci:Jd7 15.♖ acl White
is preparing c3) 14♗ xd4 e5 15♗ gl
♗ c 6 16.♘ b6 ♖ b 8 17.fe de 18.♘ c4 is
stronger, settling the knight on a good Most often after e5 the knight re­
spot. locates to e4, although the b3 and c4
13... 0-0 squares also work for it.
14. ♘ f2 Clxd4 5 ... c5
15♗ xd4 e5 The natural move 5 tO was thrown
16.fe de into doubt by master Eric Peterson,
17♗ e3 ... who was carefully prepared by his wife,
No active plan is visible for White Grandmaster Eva Repkova: 6.a4! c5 7.ab
— only perhaps preparing c3, which is ab 8.♖xa 8 l .x a 8 9.dc l.xc5 10.0-0 ♕ b 6
easy to hinder. In the example variation 11.♕ e2 b4 12.C:2c4 'fi/c7 (and sensing
17… ♖ad8 18.♖acl ♕ a 5 19.♗c4 Clxe4 disaster I offered a draw. ..) 13.e5 ♗xf3
20.♘ xe4 ♗xe4 21.♕ f2 ♖ c 8 22.♗xf7+ 14.♕xf3 LL:d5 15.♕g3 g6 16♗ h6 Clc 6
♔ h 8 Black retains the better prospects. 17.♖a1 ♕ b 8 18.♗e4 ♘ d4 19.♕h4 ♖g 8
17... ♔h8 20♗ xd5 li'f5 21.♕ e4 ed 22.♕ xd5 iia 7
To meet the thrust ♗ g5 with an ex­ 23.♘ d6+ ♘ xd6 24.ed, and Black re­
change ofbishops by means o f ...♘ g 8. signed (Peterson — Chetverik, Presov,
18.♖ac1 ♗ c6 2004). A very effective transfer of fire
19.c3 ♕ b7 from the queenside to the kingside with
20.♗ g5 ... a concluding breakthrough in the cen­
Here 20...a5 maintains approximate ter. Black’s play can be corrected (it was
equality. The fire on her central pawn worth thinking about sacrificing the b5
doesn’t allow White to deploy. pawn with l l...♕ c7 12.♕ e2 ♘ c 6 or re­

107
Chapter VII

placing 10...V:Vb6 with 10...b4), but that On 7...ti:lf6 the response 8 .dc de
search is the lesser ofthe evils. So here 5 ... 9♗ c2 ile 7 10.e5 ti:ld5 1 l.♘ e4 0-0
c5 is more solid, and with the move-order 12♗ g5 can follow, with the initiative.
4.. .♘ f 5.ti:lbd2 e6 6.a4, the continua­ Now the knight takes on c5 with an ad­
tion 6 ...ti:lc 6 7.c3 b4 8.0-0 be 9.bc ♗e7 vantage.
10.♖ b 1 ♖ b 8 probably keeps you afloat. 8 .♖ e1 ...
6.c3 ... Csom should have defended Black’s
After6 .dc!? ♗ xc5 7.0-0 Black doesn’t interests earlier here. After 8.a4 c4 9♗ c2
have to continue 7...ti:lf6, exposing him­ ti:lgf6 10.♖e1 ♗e7 11.e5 ti:ld5 12.ed
self to e5. Then again, both 7...ti:lc6 and ♗ xd 6 13.ti:le4 ♗ e7 14.ab ab 15.♖xa8
7...ti:le7 allow the familiar breakthrough ♗ x a 8 16.ti:le5 0-0 17.♕ h5 f5 18.♘ g5
a4 with better prospects for ^White. ♗xg5 19.♗xg5 (Browne — Csom, Sura­
6 ... d6 karta, 1982) he achieved a draw with dif­
The pawn’s modest behavior corre­ ficulty, and possibly in the repeat expe­
sponds with White’s restrained strategy rience intended a preliminary exchange
(ti:ld2 and c3). Shengelia advanced his on e5 in response to 11.e5.
pawn more decisively against Aloma 8 ... ile 7
Vidal (Banjol, 2007): 6...d5 7.0-0 ti:lf6 9.ti:lf1 ...
8 .♖ e1 cd 9.ti:lxd4 ti:lc6 10.e5 ti:lxd4 The plan from the game Marin —
11.cd ti:ld7 12.a4 b4 13.a5 ♗ e7 14.f4. Nanu. Opening up the game promised
Because o f the poor position o f his mi­ more, 9.e5!? cd 10.ed ( 10.cd de 11.de
nor pieces Black didn’t achieve equality. ti:lc5 12.♗c2 ♘ h6 !? doesn’t give any­
In my opinion, switching to the French thing) 10… ♗ xd 6 11.♗e4! ti:lc5 12.♗xb7
track limits Black’s possibilities in the ♘ xb7 13.♘ xd4 ti:le7 14.ti:le4.
St. George, and you should only resort 9 ... ti:lgf6
to ...d5 in the face o f direct danger. 10.♘ g3 c4
7.0 -0 ... 1 1 .♗ c 2 ♕ c7
In a game against Nanu (Bucha­
rest, 1998) Marin carried out the clas­
sic knight transfer to the kingside:
7.V:Ve2 ti:ld7 8.ti:lfl ti:lgf6 9.♘ g3 e5?!
10.a4 c4 11♗ c2 g6 12.b3 cb 13♗ xb3
ilg 7 14♗ a3 V:Vc7 (14...V:Ve7 defends
the weak f7 square and therefore is
preferable) 15.0-0 h5 16.♕ a2 ♘ b 6 ?!
17.♗xd6! l!i'xd6 18.♗xf7+ ♔f8 19.de
l!i'e7 20.♗xg6 ti:lg4 21.♘ f5, with a ca­
pitulation by Black. The main reason for
the difficulties was the advance 9...e5?!,
which unmanned the a 2-g 8 diagonal; 12.d5!? ...
9 ...11 .7 10.0-0 0-0 is natural and safe. Black has delayed castling, which has
7 ... ti:lbd7 become an incentive for a correct pawn

108
 The St.George Defense

sacrifice. 12 ...ed? 13.ed ltJxd5 14.lLlf5 Black is waiting with ...ttJf6 until
doesn’t work atall, and exchanging knights White has played c3.
doesn’t equalize either, 12. ..ltJe5 13.de 6.c3 ...
♘xf 3 + 14♕xf3 fe 15.1:Z'le2!? e5 16.♘ g3. The exchange 6.d5 ed 7.ed ♗xd5
Csom closes the position and accurately 8.♗xb5! compromises Black’s posi­
guides the ship to the drawing harbor. tion. But why play into your opponent’s
12... e5 hands?! After 6 ...c4 7♗,e 2 0 f 6 8 .de fe
13.lLlf5 ♗f8 9.e5 lLld5 the strong pawn chain is a
14.a4 h6 guarantee of safety.
15.h3 g6 A duel with Schussler (Reykjavik,
16.ltJ g3 ♗ g7 1980) turned out to be much more dif­
17♗,e 3 0-0 ficult for Miles than the one against
18.'i!ld2 ♔h7 Karpov: 6.dc ♗ xc5 7.♕ e2 ♘ e7 8.lLlbd2
Ww

ttJc5 ltJg6?! 9.lLlb3 ♗ b 6 10.a4 b4 l l.a5 ♗ c7

& e
3&
1 2
9. 0.

lLlfd7 12.<ltJc5 ♗ c 8 13.e5 ♕ e7 14.♗e4 lLlc6

1

21 .'i!ld 1 lLlb6 15.♗xc6 de 16.♕c4 ♕ d 8 17.ltJd3 0-0

22 .ab ab 18.♕xb4 c5 19.♕e4 B b 8 20.ltJxc5 ♗xa5
23.♖xa8 ♖ xa 8 2l.c3, and the English Grandmaster held
wx4.

ltJxa8 out only thanks to his partner’s leniency.

2

25.'i!la1 ... He should have left the knight on e7 and

Draw. preferred 8 ...0-0 9.ltJb3 ♗ b 6 l0 .♗ f4 f5!?
6 ... lLlf6
15. K. VAN DER WEIDE - The setup 6… ♕ c7 7.'i!le2 d 6 in the
M . CARRABEO GARCIA spirit of game 14 is less justifiable, as
Seville, 2007 White positions his pieces more active­
ly: 8♗,f 4 ltJd7 9.ltJbd2 e5 10♗, g 3 ♗ e7
1.e4 a6 l l.a4 c4 12.♗ c 2 ♖ c 8?! 13.ab ab 14.b3
2.d4 b5 h5 15.h4 0 g f6 16.bc be 17.♖fbl 0-0
3.♗ d3 / ♗b7 18.l'la7 B b 8 19.ltJxc4, winning a pawn
4.ltJf3 e6 with an overwhelming position (Saric
5.0 -0 c5 — Poley, Saint-Lo, 2005). Black moved
his rook o ff the outside file in vain, and
his position still didn’t shine.
7.ltJM2 ...
7.e5 ltJd5 takes us to game 19.
7 ... ♗ e7
Previously the thought flashed
through my mind that after the knight
comes out to d2 an exchange on d4 in­
creases its strength —but it’s not a pana­
cea for all ills. An example — Crouch —
Rogers (London, 1992): 7...cd 8 .cd ♗ e7

109
Chapter VII

(in the case o f 8 ...Ci'lc6 9.d5! ed 10.♖el! 10... c4

11.e7 11.e5 the knight has no suitable 11.♗ c 2 h6
retreat) 9.a4 b4 10.♕e2 d 6 11.e5 de 12.a4 0-0
12.de I'Llfd7 13.1'Lle4 li,d5 14.♖ dl I'Llc6 13.1'Llfl ...
15.♗f4 h6?! (castling here is awful, but In the case o f 13.e5 I'Lld5 14.1'Lle4 ba
essential anyway) 16.♖ acl 'i\la5 17.♗c4 15.♗xa4 I'Lla7 and ...I'Llb5 it isn’t clear
0 b 6 18.1'Lld6+! ♗ xd 6 19.£t.xd5 I'Llxd5 how White should conduct the attack.
20.ed I'Llxf4 2l.d 7 + ♔ e 7 22.'i\le4 I'!Jd5 13... d6
23.♖xc6 'i\lxa4 24.♖ dcl ♖hd 8 25.1'Lle5 14.1'Llg3 \ ♖ fe8
Ba7 26.♘ xf7! ♔xf7 27.♕xe6+ ♔f8 15.♕ e2 ♗f8
2 8.♕ f5+ I'Llf6 29.'i\lc5+ ♔ g 8 30.♕xa7 16.e5 de
♖xd7 31.♕ b8+ ♔ h 7 32.h3, and the 17.de I'Lld5
combinational attack concluded by pro­ 18.li,d2 la d 8
♖
saically capitalizing on the material. 19.ab ab
Switching to the French Defense no­ 20.1'lh5 g6
ticeably cools down the game, as usua♖ 21.♘ g3 ♗ g7
7...1'Llc6 8.S e l d5 9.e5 1'Lld7 10.I'Llfl ♗e7 22.h4 l'lde7
l l.I'Llg3 h 5 12.h3 cd 13.cdI'Llb614.b3 ♖ c 8 There isn’t even any sign o f an attack,
15.a3 g6 16.♗e3 ♔ d 7 17.♘ d2 b4 18.a4 and Black’s chances are really no worse.
a5 19.1'Llf3 ♔ c7 20.♕ d2 ♔ b 8 21.1'Lle2 Only a higher class o f play brought Van
I'Lld7 22.♗g5 Sf8 23.h4 ♕ b 6 (Hracek Der Weide a victory.
— L. Karlsson, Gothenburg, 2005). Black
exchanged off the light-squared bishops 16. A. DELCHEV — M . CHETVERIK
and gradually defended. Cannes, 2005
8 .♖ e 1 ...
Again after 8 .dc ♗ xc5 9.e5 (i':d5 l.e4 a6
we find ourselves in game 19. It wasn’t 2.d4 b5
worth neglecting this. 3.A d3 ♗ b7
8 ... ♕ c7 4 .♘ f3 e6
9.a3 I'Llc6 5.0 -0 I'Llf6
10.b4 ... 6. : : e 1 ...
Against Band (Balaguer, 1996) Be-
serra carried out a typical knight ma­
neuver 10.I'Llfl h6 l l.I'Llg3 d6 12.♕e2 c4
13.♗c2 e5 14.1'Llf5 ♗ f 8 15.h3 g6 16.1'Lle3
I'Lla5 17.de de 18.1'Lld5 1'Llxd5 19.ed 0-0-0
20.1'Llxe5 ♗xd5 21.♗ f4 ♗ d 6 22.♖ ad l,
and White is on the verge o f winning. 13...
e5? exposed the d5 and f5 squares; after
13. . .0-0 14.e5 de 15.de I'Lld7 the sacrifice
16.♗xh6!? is far from deadly (16. ..1'Llcxe5
17.I'Ll xe5 ♕xe5 18.♕g4 ♕ f 6 ).

110
 The St. George Defense

The possibility o f defending the the bishop. For example, 9.♗ e3 (9.a4
pawn with the rook opened up thanks to c4 10.lic2 is a little stronger) 9 ...♘ bd7
the “inert” 4...e6. 10.♘ bd2 c4 1 u t c 2 ikd 6 12.h3 h6
6 ... c5 13.♕e2 '1♗ c7 14. ♘ fl ♕ b 7 15.♗d2 0-0
Without this planned advance Black 16.b3 t:Lb6 17.♘.e 3 18.gf (Forgacs
was doomed to passive defense. Spassky — Chetverik, Gyongyos, 1998) 18. ..♖ fc 8
had to do that against Zhu Chen (C o ­ 19.♘ g4 ♕ e 7, with an excellent posi­
penhagen, 1997): 6… ♗ e7 7.♘ bd2 d6 tion.
8.c3 Clbd7 9.a4 ba 10.♕xa4 0-0 11 .♘ b3 8 ... Cle4
c'iJb6 12.♕ a2 ♖ a7 13.♘ a5 S ia 8 14.b4 After 8 ...♘ fd7 9.♘ g5! it’s difficult
c♕ fd7 15.♕e2 c5 16.bc de 17.SLd2. In­ for Black to stop the various tactical
stead o f 9...ba it’s sounder to maintain threats. It’s possible to lose in one move:
the tension with the help o f 9...c6. 9...cd? 10.♘ x e6! (Jowett — Andersen,
7.c3 ... Denmark, 1991). In the case o f 9...g6
By comparison with 5 ...c5 the ad­ 10.♕g4 ♕ e 7 11.♘ xh7! ♖xh7 12.♗g5
vance d5 has gained strength, as after Clxe5 13.de ♕ d 7 Black is floundering
7.d5 c4 the f1 square has been freed for somewhat, but he’ll hardly want to re­
the bishop. Then again, the position peat the experience o f trying to survive.
is very unclear: 8.♗ f1 ♗ c5 9.♗g5 h6 9.® bd2 ®xd2
l0.♗ h 4 g5 1l.♗ g 3 0-0. 10 .♗ xd 2 ® c6
7 ... d5 A preliminary exchange on d4 isn’t
In accordance with Remizov’s rec­ an improvement: 10...cd 1l.® xd4 tZ:1c6
ommendation Black blocks the center. 12.a4 ®xd4 13.cd b4 14.a5, and Black
In a battle with such a formidable op­ has no counterplay. Delchev recom­
ponent I decided not to fight in an open mended 10...c4 as the best continuation,
game with major pieces on the central preparing to castle queenside. Against
files. Nevertheless, the main reply here Bukal junior (Zagreb, 1998) Hecimovic
is 7… ♗ e7 (game 17). In the game Lutz was apparently also dreaming about cas­
— Laveryd (Katrineholm, 1999) there tling queenside, but he didn’t manage to
followed 7… ♕ b6 8.:1Lg5 cd 9.cd C lc 6 do it: l l.A c 2 L'2c6 12.®g5 ♗ e7 13.♕h5
10♗L fl Cla5 11.♘ c3 ♗ b 4 ( 11...h 6 !? g6 14.♕g4 ♕ d7 15.h4 h5 16.'¥!if3 iLfS
12.♗ xf 6 gf deforms the pawns but re­ 17.!:e3 l ih 6 18.®f6 ♖g 8 19.♖f3 ♗xg5
inforces the center) 12.d5 0-0 13. ♘ e5 20.lixg5 '¥ie7 2 l.♕ f4 '¥!if5 22.♕ d2 '¥!ig7
'¥!ic7 14♗Lxf6 gf 15.♘ g4 '¥ ♗ f4 16.e5 f5 23.a4 ♘ e7 24.ab ab 25.♖xa8+ ♗ x a 8
17.♘ f6+ ♔ h 8 18.♕h5 h6 19.♖e3, and 2 6 .♕ c1, with a decisive advantage.
eight moves later the attack was crowned 11.dc ...
with success. A timely relinquishment of the cen­
8.e5 ... ter. After 11.♗ e3 cd 12.cd ♗ e7 13.♖c1
Once again I’ll draw your attention h 6 14.®d2 ® a5 15.b3 ® c 6 16.♕g4 g6
to the superb position o f the bishop after 17.f4 h5 18.'¥♗ h3 (Kojs — Chetverik,
8 .ed ♗xd5 — it’s working in two direc­ Karvina, 1999) the attack fizzled out,
tions, and the c 6 knight isn’t blocking and with it the advantage. The “bad”

1 ll
Chapter VII

bishop gets a little better in the case o f take on d4 later, when ♖ ac 1 doesn’t stop
12.♗xd4, although in the chain b2/c3/ Black.

n.7
d4/e5 it looksjust like a big pawn. ♔ b8

1
11... ♗ xc5 18.c4 be
12.1:Z'lg5 ... 19.♖xc4 'Wid7
The standard operation to slow down 20.♗g5 liJe7
and undermine the b-pawn, 12.b4 ♗ b 6 21 ♗6H ♖hf8
13.a4 ba 14.2xa4, is unquestionably fa­ 22.♗Jg5 h5
vorable for White. The choice between 23.♗Jh 7 ♖fe 8
that plan and getting things going on the 24.♗g5 ...
kingside, as the Bulgarian Grandmaster Opens a path for the knight to e4
did, is a matter o f taste. via f6 . Despite the material equality,
12... ♕ c7 Black is bad, as both flanks are in ruins.
13.'Wih5 g6 Delchev didn’t delay in-finishing o ff his
14.'Wlh3 0-0-0 vanquished enemy: 2 4 ...♕ a4 25.♗ J f6
Evacuating the king to the half-de­ t h 8 26.♗
♖ J e 4 ♗xe4 27.♗xe7 ♗xd3
stroyed flank deepens Black’s difficul­ 28.'Wixd3 ♖d5 29.b5 ♕ a5 30.♗ b4 ♕ x a2
ties. 14...♗J x e 5 was refuted by the tem­ 3 l.b a ♔ a 7 32.♖ec1 ♖hd8 33.♗ d6 ♖d7
porary sacrifice 15.♗ J x e 6 ! It was worth 34.♖ c8 ♕ a5 35.♕ c4 and Black re­
thinking about 14… ♗ e7, and castling signed.
kingside can soon come to the fore.
15.b4 ♗ b6 17. E. GLEIZEROV - C. IONESCU
Predyal, 2007

l.e4 a6
2.d4 b5
3.♗ d3 ♗ b7
4.♗J f3 e6
5.0-0 liJf6
6 .♖ e 1 c5
7.c3 ♗ e7

16.♗J f3 ...
16.a4 liJxe5 17.♖xe5!? ♕ xe5
18.♗J x f 7 , like the more primitive 17.ab
liJxd3 18.'Wlxd3 ab 19.♕xb5, favors
White. Delchev preferred to defend the
e5 pawn.
16... d4!?
On 17.cd I planned 17...♔ b8, to

112
 The St.George Defense

Since with 7...d5 Black doesn’t even 11.llJa3 ♕ b6

get close to equalizing, the natural bish­ 12.d5 ...
op development is a priori the strongest.
8.1,g5 ...
Is the bishop move refuted by the ad­
venturous 8.e5 ♘ d5 9.dc ♗xc5 10.♘ g5
(Glek — Giffard, Le Touquet, 1994)?
Hardly, although you have to defend ac­
curately. The variation 10… ♕ b 6 l l .♘ e4
♗ e7 12.♕g4 is in White’s favor, but in
the case of 10… ♕ c7 !? a similar measure
doesn’t achieve its aim due to the hang­
ing pawn on e5.
8 ... d6
8...h 6 9♗,x f 6 gf has also been en­ 12... e5?
countered. Later we’ll see more than The Romanian Grandmaster makes
once that doubling the pawns isn’t too a blunder that is catastrophic in its con­
dangerous for Black, but here 10.d5! no­ sequences. Closing the center unties
ticeably pins down the opponent. After Gleizerov’s hands on the queenside,
10...c4 11.♗ f1 ♕ b 6 12.b3 i ,c 5 13.♕ d2 and with logical play he destroys his
cb 14.ab b4 15.♖a2 a5 16.♕ f4 i,e 7 opponent in the shortest possible time.
17.♖d2 llJa 6 18.♗ c4 llJc5 19.♕g3 ♔f8 12 ...0-0 13.de fe 14.ab ab 15.llJd4 llJc5
in the game Kovacs — Csom (Szent- is correct, and White’s advantage is im­
gotthard, 2001) the chances equalized. perceptible.
White forgot to give his queen’s knight 13.Ae3 ♘ c5
a start in life; 15.cb l?ixb4 16.llJc3 a5 14/L:d2 0-0
17.♖acl is definitely in his favor. 15.b4! cb
9.a4 c4 16.♘ xb3 llJfd7
A more traditional exchange was en­ 1 7 .S b l ♗ c8
countered by Erdos with Paschall (Bu­ 18.ab ab
dapest, 2004): 9...cd 10.cd ba 11.♖xa4 19.♘ xb5! ♕xb5
♘ bd7 12.llJc3 llJb6 13.♖a2 d5 14♗,x f 6 20.llJxc5 ♕ c4
1Lxf6 15.e5 i,e 7 16.♕ a1 0-0 17♗,x a 6 21.llJxd7 ♗xd7
♗ x a 6 18.♖xa6 ♕ d7 19.♖xa8 ♖xa 8 22.♖b7 ♕ c8
2 0 .♕ c1 ♖ c 8, and White’s extra pawn 23.♕ b1 Sal
is worth very little. With an exchange o f 24.♕ x al ♕ xb7
the dark-squared bishops, 14.e5 llJfd7 25.c4
15.♗xe7 ♕ xe7 16.♕c2 h6 17.♖ eal, And a few moves later the extra pawn
winning a pawn is more valuable. 10... brought White victory.
b4!? and ...d5 are more interesting, re­
stricting the b1 knight. 1.e4 a6
10.1,c2 llJbd7 2.d4 b5

113
Chapter VII

3.1ld3 1lb7 1le4 8.li:Ja3 e6 9.0-0 ba 10.c3 li:Jd5, with

4.£{jf3 li:Jf6 an intricate game.
Unlike 4...e6, Black limits White’s 6 ... e6
possibilities, but provokes 5.e5!? I’m Here 6...li:Jb4!? is at least no weaker.
afraid of that move! An imitation of After exchanging bishops, 7.♗ e4 ♗xe4
confidence in my powers comes to the 8.li:Jxe4 e6 9.0-0 d5 10.ed cd l l.c3 d5!,
rescue: the knight decisively gets into the pawns are sensibly positioned on the
play, so an opponent who isn’t that light squares, and the chances equalize.
competent doesn’t dare to cross the de­ In the sharper variation 7.♗xh7 ♖xh7
marcation line. But why tremble with 8.li:Jxh7 ♗ e 4 9.li:Jxf8 li:Jxc2+ 10.♔ f1
fear every time, isn’t it smarter to look ♔xf8 11.li:Jc3 ♗ h7 12.♖b1 Black can
the danger in the face and try to under­ fight for an advantage.
stand it?! 7 .♕ f3 ...
Defending from ...li:Jb4 with 7.c3
18. F. ^HANDKE - V. POLEY provokes Black to take the knight down
Stockholm, 2004 from its commanding height with the
help o f 7… ♗ e 7. On a reinforcement o f
l.e4 a6 the knight with a pawn, 8.h4, Remizov
2.d4 b5 devised some wonderful variations, the
3.1ld3 ♗ b7 most colorful o f which is 8 ...c5 9.♕ f3
4.li:Jf3 f6 ♗xg5 10.hg cd 11.g6! (a dagger blow
5.eS d5 that seems to finish o ff Black) 11. .. f5!!
12.♖xh7 ♖ g 8 13.♕h5 ♕ c 7 ! 14.♖h8
♕ xe5+ 15.♗e3 de 16.♖xg8+ ♔ e7
17.♕g5+ ♔ d 6 , with the noncommittal
evaluation “unclear”. It seems that the
queen is the best support for the knight,
and after 8.♕ g4!? h5!? 9.♕ h3 li:Jc6 (or
9...d6) White is preferable.
Castling kingside doesn’t harmonize
too well with the knight thrust, as, firstly,
the rook moves off a promising file (which
makes a difference in the variation 7.0-0
♗ e7 8.li:Jxh7?! g 6), and secondly, unlike
6.li:Jg5 ... the variation 7.c3, the d4 square is left
The energetic knight surge has to unguarded (7.0-0 ♗ e7 8.h4 c5! 9.dc li:Jc6
be examined first o f all. Example 19 is 10.♖e1 ♗xc5 is favorable for Black).
dedicated to the more solid branches 7 ... ♕e7
6.0-0 and 6.c3 (which are often interwo­ With 7...f5!? 8 .ef ♕ x f 6 9.1lxh7
ven with each other). It isn’t bad to meet ♗ d 6 !? being a pawn up doesn’t guaran­
the undermining move 6.a4 with pres­ tee White an advantage either with the
sure on the c2 square — 6...li:Jb4!? 7.1le2 queens on the board (10.♕ h 5+ ♔ f 8

114
 The St.George Defense

l l . ♘ c3 ♘ x c3 12.bc ♗xg2 13.♖g1 ♗ d5) he doesn’t get a real advantage. 13.♕f4! e5

or without them (10.c3 ♕ xf3 1 l♗ g6+ 14.♘ e4! is correct, and the material won
♔ f 12.♘ xf3 tle 7 13.♗ c2 ♗xf3 14.gf should be enough for victory.
♖xh2 15.♖xh2 ♗xh2). 13... ♔xb7
8.♘ xh7 tlc 6 14.♘ e4 ♕f7
The half-open file almost compen­ 15.cd S e8
sates for being a pawn down, but he 16.♘ c5+ ♔ b6
should think carefully about the posi­ 17.b4 e5
tioning o f his minor pieces. Is it worth 18.d5!? ♕xd5
overloading the long diagonal with 19.♗ e4 ♕ d4?
knights? 8...♗ c 6 9.♘ xf8 ♔ xf 8 10.0-0 Why has the queen gone into a hud-
t lb 4 11 .♕ g3 ♘ xd3 12.cd ♕ h 4 deserves dle o f white pieces?! Especially in the
preference. presence of the decent continuation
9.c3 0-0-0 19… ♕ f7 20.♘ c3 c 6 .
10.♗ g5?! ... 20.0 -0 ♗ xc5
After 10.0-0 f 6 11.a4 b4 12.♕g3 21.bc+ ♔ a7
White defends the weak link in the p o ­ 22 .♘ d2 ♔ b8
sition — the kingside — and is ready to 23.a4 ...
advance on the strong queenside. White’s army has closed ranks and
10... f6 switched to an attack on the enemy
11.ef ♘ x f6 ?! king’s bastions. And things don’t look
A beautiful exchanging combination good for it! White won on move 30.
has been missed: 11...gf 12.♘ xf6 ♗ h 6 !
13.♗ xh6 ♘ x f 6 14.♗ g5 tlb 4 15.♗ xf6 19. A. KH^AMATGALEEV -
♘ x d3+ 16.♕xd3 ♕ x f 6 . Despite being M. CHE1VERIK
two pawns down, Black is fantastic. Presov, 2000
12.♘ xf6 ♘ xd4
l.e4 a6
2.d4 b5
3 .♗ d3 ♗ b7
4 .♗
' 1 f3 ♘ f6
5.e5 tld 5
6.c3
Here and after 6.0-0 everything usu­
ally moves towards the main position
that arises in two moves’ time.
6 ... c5
7.0 -0 ...
White is right to take the pawn and
13.♕ x b7+ !? ... hold onto his gain: 7.dc!? e6 8.b4 a5
Handke gets three minorpieces forthe 9.1lib3 t l c 6 10.♗ d2 1!ib8 11.0-0 ♘ x e5
queen, but because o f his unsecured king 12.♘ xe5 1/ixe5 13.♖ e1 1lif6 14. ♘ a3

115
Chapter VII

♗ e7 15.♘ xb5 0-0 16.a3 Hfb 8 1 7 .Sad l 10.♘ e4 ♕ b6

♘ f 4 18♗ xf4 ♕ xf4 19.♕ c4 ♕ xc4 l l ♗ e3 ...
20♗ xc4 (Bellin — Ljubojevic, Tees- No matter how dear the pair o f bish­
side, 1972) - Black has to look for a ops keeping a lookout on the kingside is
draw. So a more precise move-order is to White, he doesn’t fear an exchange
6 ...e 6 7.0-0 c5. By the way, Ljubojevic on e3 due to the reinforcing o f the cen­
shouldn’t be counted as an admirer o f ter and the opening o f the f-file.
the expanded fianchetto, as in fact what 11... f5
occurred was l.e4 c5 2.♘ f3 a 6 3.c3 b5 Nevertheless, with 11...♘ cb4
4.d4 ilb 7 5♗ d3 ♘ f 6 6.e5 0 d 5 . 12♗ b l ♘ xe3 13.fe CL1d5 14.♕ e2 f5 the
7 ... e6 exchange takes place in such favorable
circumstances for Black that it’s better
for White to give up his light-squared
bishop: 12.a3 ♘ x d3 13.♕ xd3 and after
♖ c l the knight goes to c5. It seems that
l l … ♗ e 7 12.♖ cl ♘ cb4 13.♗ b1(?!) is
more favorable for White, as the bish­
op hasn’t locked the rook in. But that
concern for the rook costs him a pawn:
13. ..♘ x a2! 14♗ xa2 ♘ x e3 15.♘ d6+
♗ x d 6 16.fe ile 7 17.♕ d3 0-0 18.♖ c2
b4 19.♖ cf2 a5 20.♘ d2 ♗ a 6 21♗ c4
d5 22 .ed ♕ xd6 23.♕ e4 B a c 8 24.b3
8 . ♘ bd2 ... a4, with a win very soon (Sandstrom
White should probably exchange — Laveryd, Haninge, 1997). Again he
on c5 and then send his queen’s knight should prefer relocating the knight to
to the center as in the game M ana- c5 after 13.a3 ♘ x d3 14.♕ xd3. I de­
gadze — G ogolis (Icaria, 2002): 8 .dc cided to exchange off the constraining
♗ xc5 9.♘ bd2 ♗ e 7 10.♘ e4 t2c6 e5 pawn before the knight achieved its
l l ♗ g5 f6 12.ef gf 13♗ h6 ♕ c7 14.a4 desired goal.
b4 15.cb tlcx b 4 1 6 .S c l ♕ b 6 17♗ c4 12.ef gf
Hg8 18.♘ h4 ♗ c 6 19.♕ h 5+ ♔ d 8
2 0 .S fd l, with the initiative. The varia­
tion 15.c4 Ci:lf4 16.c5 Ci:lxd3 17.♕ xd3
tle 5 18.♘ xe5 ♕ xe5 1 9 .S fe l is also
more attractive for White, while with
16.♕ d2 Ci:lxd3 17.♕ xd3 f5 18.♘ g3
S g 8 19.♕ e3 S g 4 ⁉ (Teichmeister
— Chetverik, Linz, 2007) Black’s situ­
ation works out fine.
8 ... cd
9.cd Ci:lc6

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 The St.George Defense

The pawn chain d7/e6/f6, which is 16... 'i!d8

far from exotic in the St. George, is play­ 17.♘ e2 ...
able for Black with the presence o f good White hasn’t exploited the fruits
pieces and even not such a good king. o f his find; 17.♘ a4 ♖g8 18.Glb6 ♖b8
13.a4 ... 19.♕ a4 noticeably constrained his op­
13.♖c1 f5 l4 .♘ c5 doesn’t promise ponent.
any real advantages because o fl4 . ..♘ xe3 17... S g 8 ?!
15.fe ♖g8 16.♘ h4 0-0-0!? In the game After 17...♘ xa5 18.♕ a4+ ♘ c6
Basagic — Steffens (Bled, 2003) Black 19.d5!? ed 20.Glf4♗ d6 21.♘ xd5 Black’s
neglected elementary caution — 14... extra pawn isn’t worth much, but the
f4? 15.♘ g5! fe 16.♕ h5+ ♔ d 8 17.♘ f7+ position is sufficiently unclear.
♔ c 7 18.♘ xh8 (taking the rook with the 18.d5! ♘ e7
queen after 18.♕ e5+ is even stronger) 19.de de
18...♗ e7 19.♘ f7, and the subsequent 20.Glf4 ...
battle is pointless. Then came 2 0 ...♗ d5? 21.♘ e5, and
13... f5 it’s impossible to defend against two
14♘ c3 ... deadly queen checks at once. I should
Winning the exchange, as in the have looked for salvation by exchanging
example Basagic — Steffens, isn’t as o ff one o f the knights: 20...♗ h 6 2l.♖ f2
clear: 14.ab fe 15.bc ♗xc6 16.♘ e5 ed ♗xf4 2 2 .e f♘ d5.
17.♕ h5+ ♔ d 8 18.♘ f7+ ♔ c 8 19.♘ xh8
'i!xb2, and the passed d-pawn doesn’t 20. A KARPOV - A. MILES
allow White to relax. Although 14...ab Skara, 1980
15.♖xa8+ ♗ xa8 is objectively stronger
— the dividends for White from the ex­ l.e4 a6
change o f rooks aren’t immediately o b ­ 2.d4 b5
vious. 3 .♗ d3 ♗ b7
14... ♘ xe3 4 .♘ t3 ♘ f6
15.fe b4 5 .♕ e2 ...
In connection with White’s excellent Most people play like this automati­
retort 15… ♗ h6 16.♖e1 ♖g8 is prefer­ cally, without thinking about the possi­
able, with roughly equal chances. bility o f e5. O f course, the queen move
16.a5! ... doesn’t allow the opponent to breathe a
Rybka doesn’t approve o f accepting sigh o f relief either.
the sacrifice, in particular because o f the 5 ... e6
variation 16...♘ xa5 17.♘ a4 ♕ d8 18.e4! 6.a4 ...
fe?! 19.♘ e5 ed? 20.♕ h5+ ♔ e 7 2 l.♖ f7+ The World Champion is in such a
♔ d 6 22.♘ c4+! ♔ c 6 23.♘ d6!!, with un­ hurry to plunge into the battle that he
avoidable mate. Khamatgaleev hadn’t skips castling. He didn’t have many fol­
calculated up to 23.♘ d6!!, but he sensed lowers — not because o f the quality o f
the dynamic o f the position and sacri­ the move, but under the influence o f the
ficed calmly. result.

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Chapter VII

After the exchange o f rooks 7.ab

ab 8.♖ xa8 ♗ x a8 White’s opening ad ­
vantage gradually disappears. For ex­
ample, 9.dc b4 10.<♘ bd2 ♗xc5 11.e5
♘ d5 12.♘ e4 ite 7 13♗tg 5 f6 14.ef
♘ xf6 (14. ..gf?! allows the trick 15.♘ e5!
h5 16.♘ g6 fg 17.♘ xh8 ♘ f4 18.V/f3)
15.♘ e5 ♗xe4 16.♗xe4 (Kovacik —
Chetverik, Hlohovec, 200 1) 16… ♕ a5
17♗t c l ♘ xe4 18.V/xe4 V/a6 19.V/e2,
with a likely draw after exchanging
queens. By comparison with the simi­
6... c5 lar variation in the line 4...e6 5.♘ bd2!?
6… b4, is probably weaker because o f ♘ f6 (Peterson — Chetverik) a tempo
7.c4, reinforcing the center. In the en­ has been lost on V/e2.
counter Lindberg — R. Agrest (Stock­ 7 ... ♗ xc5
holm, 2004) Black came out o f the You can start with 7...b4, as the c5
opening in full health: 7 ...bc 8.bc d5 pawn isn’t going anywhere. In the game
9.♘ bd2 c5 10.0 -0 ♘ c6 11.S b l V/c7 Eisenbeiser — Chetverik (Budapest,
12.dc ♗ xc5 13.ed ♘ xd5 14.♘ e4 ite 7 2003) after 8.e5 ♘ d5 9♗tg 5 V/lic7 10.c4
15.V/b2 H b 8 16.c4 ♘ f6. This was a be 11.♘ xc3 ♘ xc3 12.bc ♗xf3 13.gf
consequence o f the premature relin­ V/lixc5 14.0-0 ♘ c6 15.f4 h6 16♗t h 4 g5!
quishment o f the center; the unexpect­ 17♗tg 3 gf 18.♗xf4 h5 1 9 .♔ h1 ♗g7
ed tactic 12.♘ g5! h6 13.♘ xe6! fe 14.ed 20.♖ fel V/xc3 2 l .♖ acl V/a5 22.V/e4
remained out o f the picture, with a very ♖ c8 Black achieved a good position, and
strong attack. would have had a better one by destroy­
7.dc ... ing the pawn on the 18th move. 9♗tg 5
After 7.c3 cd 8.cd b4 9.0-0 ♗ e7 didn’tjustify itself, although even with 9.
10.♘ bd2 none o f the sensible replies is 0-0 ♗xc5 10.c4 be l l.♘ xc3 ♘ xc3 12.bc
without drawbacks. On 10. ..♘ c6 there V/lic7 13.♖ el ♘ c6 there isn’t anything
follows the sacrifice l l.d5! ed 12.e5; on particular to praise. The advance c4 as a
10 ...d 6 — 11.e5 de 12.de and ♘ e4, and reaction to ...b4 isn’t as strong after the
the continuation l l.e5 ♘ d5 12.♕e4 g6 exchange on c5.
13.♘ b3 is met with castling. In the ab­ 8.t;iJbd2 b4
sence o f anything better I advanced 10 ... 9.e5 ...
d5 against Pribyl (Presov, 2000). And If White stubbornly refuses to move
after 11.e5 ♘ fd7 12.a5! how I suffered the pawn, his opponent seizes the im­
with my knight on d7! Evidently on 7.c3 portant central square: 9.0-0 V/lic7
the best thing isto establish a pawn chain 10.♘ b3 ite 7 1L♗ , d 2 ♘ c6 12.a5 (12.e5
— with chances o f equalizing in the ex­ ♘ g4 13.♖ fel f6! 14.ef♘ xf6 clearly suits
ample variation 7...c4 8 .♗ c2 ♗ e7 9.0-0 Black, so the appropriate moment for e5
0-0 10.e5 ♘ d5 11.VIe4 g6. has been missed) 12. ..♘ g4 13.♖ fcl h5

118
 The St. George Defense

14.h3 ♗ f 6 15.c3 ♕ d6 16.♗, e1 (Farkas - tage here), but 13.♘ e5! causes serious
Chetverik, Kecskemet, 2002) 16...♘ ce5 inconvenience.
17.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5 18.♗c2 be 19.♗xc3 It’s better for Black to castle as soon
♖ c8, with fully-fledged play. as possible, keeping the advance o f the
9 ... t l d5 f-pawn in reserve. As in the game T.
10. ♘ e4 ... Mesaros — Chetverik (Zalakaros, 2004):
In practice White has always brought 11...0-0 12.♘ d6 ♗ c 6 13.h4 (and with
his knight closer to the kingside, a1­ the very strong 13.♗xe7 ♕ xe7 14.♕ e4
though it’s possibly worth keeping it f5 15.♕ d4 g5 Black doesn’t lose hope o f
near the queenside: 10.♘ c4!? f5 1l.ef stirring up the queenside) 13...f6 14.ef
♘ xf6 ( 11...gf?! 12.♘ fe5! ♔ e 7 13.♗e4 ♘ xf6 15.♘ c4 ♗ d5 16.♘ ce5 ♕ e8 (ev­
♕ c7 14.♕ h5) 12.♗e3 ♕ c7 13.♗xc5 erything’s going according to Remizov
♕ xc5 14.♕ e5 ♕ xe5 15.♘ fXe5, with so far...) 17.♗xf6 ♖xf6? (the result o f
slightly better chances. a miscalculation; 17. ..gf 18.♘ g4 t l c 6
10... ♗ e7 19. ♘ e3 ♗xf3 20.♕ xf3 tle 5 21.♕ e2
♘ x d3+ 22.♕ xd3 d5 is correct) 18.♘ g5
h6 19.♗h7+! ♔ h 8 20.♕ d3! (only here
did I see on my planned 2 0 ...♘ c6? a
mate o f wondrous beauty — 21.♘ gf7 +!
♖xf7 22.♘ g6+ ♔xh7 23.♘ f8+ ♔ g 8
24.♕ h7+ ♔ x f8 25.♕ h8!) 2 0 ...♗ ,c 5
21.♘ g6+ ♖xg6 22.♗xg6 ♕f8 , and for
some reason Mesaros didn’t think being
the exchange and a pawn up was enough
after 23 ..tf7 ! g6 24.♕xg6 ♕g7 25.♘ f3.
11... ♘ c6
It isn’t worth following the example
Remizov analyzes the position that ofthe white king yet: 11...0-0?! 12.♘ eg5!
arises in deta♗. It’s interesting to see g6 13.♕e4 ♘ c6 14.♕h4 h5 15.g4.
whether White’s initiative will grow into 12.♗ d 2 ...
a serious attack... Against Schulz (Hamburg, 1980)
11.0 -0 ... Westerinen tried to improve on Kar­
.. .like the one that finished o ff Pre­ pov’s play. Without the slightest success:
drag Popovic in a speed duel with Carnic 12.♗g5 f 6 13.ef gf 14.♗h6 ♕ c7 15.g3
(Belgrade, 2006): l l.♗ g5 f6 12.ef ♘ x f6 ♖g8 16.♖fc1 tle 5 (16...f5 17.♘ ed2
13.♗xf6 gf 14.♘ e5!? 0-0? 15.♕ g4+ ♖g6 18.♗e3 d6 is even more promis­
♔ h 8 16.♘ g5! ♕ e8 17.♕ h3 h5 18.♗g6. ing) 17. ♘ x e5 ♕ xe5, and Black has no
O f course, 14...fe didn’tleave White any­ regrets about delaying castling.
thing better than an exchange o f queens, 12... ♕ c7
winning the piece back, 15.♕ h5+ ♔ f 8 If 12...f5, then 13.efgf 14. ♘ d4! tle 5
16.♕ f3+ ♗ f 6 17.♕ xf6+ ♕ xf6 18.♘ xf6 (accepting the sacrifice leads to a forced
(there isn’t even a shadow of an advan- mate) 15.♕ h5+ ♘f7 . Black’s position is

119
Chapter VII

far from lost, and there’s also no need to

weaken it.
13.c4 be
14.GZ:lxc3 GZ:lxc3
14...GZ:ldb4 is more precise. Black has
already achieved an excellent position
on the queenside, and all that’s left is for
him to castle at a point when it won’t be
risky.
15.♗ xc3 GZ:lb4
16.♗xb4 ♗xb4
1 7 .♖ acl %Yb6
1 8.lie 4 ... The pin isn’t threatening to win a
It was worth reminding Miles about piece at all (on e5 there follows ...h 6,
the existence o f the backward d7 pawn obviously). It isn’t easy for White to find
(18.♖ fdl!?). useful activity for his queen’s bishop,
18... 0-0 and this is just a variation for employ­
19.GZ:lg5 h6 ing it.
2 0 .lih 7 + ♔h8 6... c5
21.l i b l ♗ e7 What to take the bishop with after
22.GZ:le4 ♖ ac8 6...h 6 7.lixf6 ? Whatever you like! In the
I don’t know what happened to the game R. Schmidt — Chetverik (Mari­
World Champion at this point (in an im­ anske Lazne, 2002) the queen took:
portant matchin the European Champi­ 7… ♕ xf6 8.GZ:lbd2 c5 9.e5 ♕ d 8 10.dc
onship!). Mter some inexplicable blun­ ♗xc5 11.GZ:le4 lie 7 12.a4 (the under­
ders, 23.♕ d 3? ♖ xcl 24.♖ x cl ♕ xb2 mining move should have been played
2 5 .♖ e1? ♕xe5 26.♕ xd7 ♗ b4 27.♖e3 after castling) 1 2 ...♕ a5 + 13.GZ:lfd2 ba
♕ d5 28.♕ xd5 ♗xd5 Black easily made 14.♕ g 4 ♕xe5 15.<GZ:lc4 h5! 16.♕f3 ♕ d 5 ,
the best o f his advantage. A sensation and Black is guaranteed an extra pawn.
had occurred, and from that moment on In a duel with Kap (Bad Ems, 2007) I
the new history o f the St. George De­ chose 7...gf 8.GZ:lbd2 (here, in contrast,
fense had begun. it wasn’t worth delaying with a4) 8...
c5 9.c3 cd 10.cd GZ:lc6 l l.a3 ♕ b 6 12.d5
21. P. FREISLER - A. JANTURIN GZ:le7 13.de de 14.Ikcl ♖ d 8 1 5 .lib l
Pardubice, 2007 Li:'lg6 16.♕e3 ♕xe3 17.fe l i d 6 18.0-0
♔ e7 and with the bishop pair I won in
l.e4 a6 the end. Woolley also gave me the ad­
2.d4 b5 vantage o f the two bishops (Cappelle-
3 .lid 3 lib 7 la-Grande, 2008): 7 .lih 4 lie 7 8Lbbd2
4.GZ:lf3 GZ:lf6 ♕ h5!? 9.♗ . g 3 (exchanging bishops is
5.♕ e2 e6 sounder) 9 ...♕ xg3 10.hg c5 l l.dc ♗xc5
6 .lig 5 ... 12.e5 ♕ c6 13.♕ e4 lie 7 14.a4 b4 15.g4

120
 The St.George Defense

♕ c7 16.♘ ed2 d6 17.ed ♕ xd6 18.0-0-0 The very strong 14 ...♗ d6 contains
♕ f4, although Black’s advantage hasn’t the dangerous threat 15...LlJe5, and
been delineated yet. its tactical basis is 15.hg hg 16.♕ xg5?
7.dc ... LlJd4 17♗ h4 LlJf5! 18.ef LDh3+! 19.gh
Out o f respect for one o f the lords o f i i h 2#.
the St. George — an example o f a battle 15.LlJef3 ...
by him with a higher-rated opponent: The continuation 15.a4 would have
7.c3 cd 8.cd h6 9♗ h4 (in this posi­ been more to the point. In the variation
tion it’s better to move the bishop away 15. ..LlJe5 16.♗xf4 LlJxg4 17.♗xc7 ♔xc7
to d2) 9 ..♗ e7 10.a4 LDc6 11.ab LlJb4!? 18.ab ab 19.♗xb5 gh there are mutual
12.♗xf6 ♗ xf6 13.ba LDxd3+ 14.♕ xd3 chances. Not bothering the king, Fre-
♕ b 6 15.0-0 ♗ x a6 16.Wid2 0-0 1 7 .S c l isler gives the initiative away to his part­
♖ fb8 18.♖c2 ,♗b7 19.♖xa8 Hxa8 20.e5 ner.
♗ e7 (Shavtvaladze — Remizov, Halki- 15... ♖hg8
diki, 2000). Despite being a pawn up, 16.hg hg
it’s time for White to worry about equal­ 17.♖fe1 f6
izing. Evidently the exchange on c5 is 18.a4 b4
stronger. 19.LlJc4 ♖h8
7 ... ♗ xc5 20.e5 fS
8.LlJbd2 ... 21.♕ xg5 ...
After 8.e5 h6 9.ef hg 10.fg ♖ g8
11.LlJbd2 ♗ e7 12.LDe5 ♖xg7 13.0 -0-0
d6 14.LlJef3 LlJc6 15.LDb3 ♕ c7 16.LlJfd4
LlJe5 (Linik — Kutuzov, Calvia, 2006)
with the help o f the pin White stopped
his opponent from castling, but this
won’t scare fans o f the St. George. The
pair o f black bishops is worth more
here.
8... h6
9♗ h4 ♕ c7
10.0 -0 LlJhS
11.LDe1 LlJf4 2 1 ... LlJhS
12.♕ g4 gS In the case o f 21...LlJxg2! 22.♔xg2
13♗.g 3 LlJc6 LlJd4 23.LDd2 S d g 8 24.♕ f6 ♕ c6 the win
14.h4?! ... was achieved more easily, but the move
White is operating where he’s weak­ in the game doesn’t let victory slide ei­
est. Bearing in mind the likely relocation ther.
o f the black king to the queenside 14.a4 22.LlJd6+ \t;b8
is logical, and in the event o f 14… b4 the 23.LDxb7 ♕ xb7
knight acquires the excellent c4 square. 24.♗h2 ♖dg8
14... 0-0-0?! 25.♕ h4 ...

121
Chapter VII

Here 25.. J:rg4 26.♕ h 3 ♕ c 8 fin­ 16.♘ xe6! fe 17.♕xe6+ ♔ h 8 18.♗xd5

ished the battle immediately. Not a c ­ ♖e8 19.♕xe8+ ♕ x e 8 20.♗xb7 ♗ xh2+
knowledging the straightforward paths, 2 1 .♔ f1 ♖a7 22.♗ f3.
Janturin continued 25 .. .Ci'ld4 26.♘ g5 7.c3 ...
♘ g3!? 27.♕ xg3 ♖h5 28.♘ e4 ♖xg3
29.♘ xg3 ♖g5, and won a dozen moves
later.

l.e4 a6
2.d4 b5
3 .♗ d3 ♗ b7
4 .♘ f3 ♘ f6
5.♕ e2 e6
6.0 -0 c5
We’re steadily approaching the tabi-
ya o f the St. George. The last chance to
turn o ff the smooth path is 7.dc. Here We’ve reached the tabiya. White
the curious trick 7… ♗xc5 8.t1Jbd2 d6 demonstrates the most predictable
9.e5 de 10.♗xb5+!? is well known. Ac­ strategy — not being deflected towards
cepting the sacrifice can lead to a rep­ original ideas, he has made the most
etition o f moves: 10...ab 11.♕xb5+ natural moves, obtained a balanced p o­
♘ bd7 12.♕xb7 ♖ b8 13.♕ c6 ♖ b6 sition and is waiting for Black’s choice.
14.♕ a4 ♖b4. Against Nicevski (Trna- Playing 7 ...♘ c6 is hair-raising, as the
va, 1980) Klaric preferred to get more: central white pawns get moving (game
10 ...♘ bd7!? 11.♗ xd7+ ♘ xd7 12.♘ xe5 23). But this is a double-edged sword
♗xg2! 13.♔xg2 ♕ g5+ 1 4 .♔ h1 ♕xe5 and as St. George fans welcome unclear
15.♕xe5 ♘ xe5 16.♘ e4 ♗ a7 17.♗f4 positions, it is still choice o f the major­
t1Jf3 18.♖ad1 0-0. Black achieved his ity. But first — a look at the minority’s
aim on the 37th move, but there are no choice.
conditions for that here yet.
In the encounter Duman — Gelas- 22. N. VITIUGOV - B. SAVCHENKO
hvili (Adana, 2006) White didn’t try to Kazan, 2003
force events: 9.♘ b3 ♗ b 6 10.a4 b4 11.a5
♗ c7 12.♘ fd4 ♘ bd7 13.♖d1 d5 (with­ l.e4 a6
out worries, as e5 is impossible here) 2.d4 b5
14.ed t1Jxd5 15.♕h5?! CZJ7f6 16.♕h4 3.♗ d3 ♗ b7
♗ d 6 17.♗d2 ♕ c 7 18.♖e1 0-0 19.c4?! 4.t1Jf3 ♘ f6
be 20.bc ♘ f4 2 1 .♗ f1 ♘ g6 22.♕h3 ♘ e4. 5.♕ e2 e6
The white queen’s excursion clearly 6.0 -0 c5
hasn’t justified itself; the computer sug­ 7.c3 ♗ e7
gests the complicated (and, perhaps, fa­ The interim exchange opens up a c ­
vorable for White) variation 15.♗ c4 0-0 cess to c3 for the knight, as in the game

122
 The St.George Defense

Rublevsky — Drazic (Bastia, 2004):

7 ...cd 8.cd Jle7 9.li:Jc3 0-0 10.♕ g5 d6
11.e5 ♘ fd7 12.♕ f4 ♗ xf3?! (instead o f
12. ..de 13.de ♘ c 6 Black exchanges o ff
the bishop and creates a light-squared
chain — strategically flawless, but a s­
sociated with risk to the king) 13.♕xf3
d5 1 4 .♕ g 4 ♔ h 8 15 .♖ acl ♖ a7 16.♖ fel,
and then ♖ e3, switching to the attack.
Closing the center, 7...d5 is only
allowable in the case o f subsequent
blocking o f the position after 8.e5 ♘ e4
9.♘ bd2 ♘ xd2 10.♕ xd2 with 10 ...c4. 8... ♘ c6
The move 10...♘ c6? is significantly Provokes White into a breakthrough
weaker because o f 11.dc ♗xc5 12.b4 in the center. In a game with Ponfile-
♗ b 6 13.a4 (a familiar method!) 13… ba nok (St. Petersburg, 2006) Gorovykh
14.♖ xa4 ♘ b8 15.♖ fal h6 16Jle3 ♗xe3 slowed down the d-pawn, agreeing to
17.♕xe3 0-0 18.b5, with an overwhelm­ passive defense: 8...cd 9.cd d5 10.♕ xf6
ing advantage (Miles — Chaivichit, (an equivalent continuation is 10.e5,
Thessaloniki, 1984). I wasn’t familiar with an exchange o f the dark-squared
with Miles’ experience o f playing against bishops) 10 … ♗ xf6 11.a4 b4 12.e5 Jle7
the St. George and I repeated the Thai 13.♘ bd2 0-0 14.l'Llb3 l'Llc6 15.♖fcl a5
player’s mistake in my encounter with 16.Ci:Jc5 ♗xc5 17.♖ xc5 ♕ b 6 18.♖acl
D. Mesaros (Kecskemet, 1999): 14...a5 h6 19.h4 S f c 8 2 0 .♕ c2 l'Lla7, with ex­
15.b5 ♘ b 8 16.♘ d4 ♕ c 7 17.♕g4 ♘ d7 changes o f major pieces on the open file.
18.♘ xe6! fe 19.♕xe6+ ♔ d 8 20.♗g5+ A solid plan, but at the same time Black
♔ c 8 2 l.♗ f5 . At the price o f a knight immediately limits his claims to equal
White has his opponent in a vice and chances.
preserves a decisive attack even in un­ 9.d5! ed
forced continuations. The position has to be opened up, o f
8.♕ g5 ... course. After 9...c4?! 10.♕ c2 l'Lla5 11.d6
N ot bad. But still White has some­ J l f 12.b4 cb 13.ab h6 14.♗td 2 (Sermek
thing a little better: 8.e5 ♘ d5 9.dc ♗xc5 — Cigan, Bled, 1998) White cut the en­
(losing an important tempo right away!) emy camp into two and dominates.
10.a4 b4 l l.c4 ♘ e7 12.♘ bd2 ♘ g6 10.♗ x f6 ...
13.♘ e4 ♕ c 7 14.♘ xc5 ♕ xc5 15.♕ e4 The correct version o f the sacrifice;
♗xe4 16.♕xe4 ♕ c 6 17.♕e2 ♕ c 7 18.b3 in the case o f 10.ed?! ♘ xd5 l l.♕ e 4 h6
0-0 19.♖d1 ♘ c6 20.♗ b2 (Shirjaev 12.♗h4 ♘ c7 13.♖e1 d5 14.♕f5 ♘ e6
— Remizov, Angarsk, 2007) — Black has Black successfully consolidates.
no counterplay. 10... de
11.♗t x e 4 gf
12.S d l /c7
♗
V

123
Chapter VII

13.a4 ba 3 ♗ d3 iib 7
Savchenko probably went slightly 4.♘ f3 0 f6
overboard in his effort to play creative 5.♕ e2 e6
chess. After 13. ..b4 14Jt'lbd2 C2ld8 6.0 -0 c5
15.® c4 ® e 6 the knight maneuver takes 7.c3 0c6
place in a safer situation. 8.d5 ...
14.♖xa4 C2ld8
15.® a3 ...
^White had an attractive knight trans­
fer to f5 via h4 at his disposal. It’s im­
portant that the rook is defending the
bishop, and there’s no point in ...♕ e 5 (a
valuable resource with 13. ..b4 14. ♘ h4).
15... ® e6
16.♘ c2 ...
Vitiugov almost certainly had a subse­
quent exchange sacrifice in mind, but his
priorities were misplaced. There he had
sufficient compensation, here — a clear If the “ nail” that is to be hammered
advantage after 16.♗xb7 ♕xb7 17.C2lc4. in on d6 compromises Black’s position,
16... d5 then there’s no reason to further discuss
17♗ xd5 ♗xd5 the merits o f 7 ...® c6 . But Basman had
18.♖xd5 ® f4 already demonstrated the presence o f
19.♖xf4 ♕ xf4 rich reciprocal tactical chances. Varia­
20.® e3 ♕ e4 tions with a rejection o f the ambitious
21.® d 2 ♕ e6 advance in the center are in the next ex­
The battle ended in a draw by per- ample.
petual check: 2 2.♕ d 3 ♖d8 2 3 .:x d 8 + 8 ... 0e7
♗ xd8 24.® e4 ♗ e7 25.® f5! ♖g8 26.g3 9.d6 ...
♖g4 27.f3 ♖g6 28.♔ g2 ♔f8 29.♘ x e7 The rising star o f French chess Ed­
♕xe7 3 0 .♕ x a6 f5 3 1 .♕ c 8 + ♔ g7 ouard tried to reinforce his pawn cen­
3 2 .♕ x f5 ♖ b6 3 3 .♕ g 4+ . The strong ter against me (Cappelle-la-Grande,
Grandmasters, finalists in the 2008 Rus­ 2004), but the enterprise ended in c o l­
sian Cup, were no more than promising lapse — 9.c4?! be 1 0 ♗ xc4 ♘ x e4! l l.de
juniors five years earlier, but they played fe 12. ♘ e5?! ® g 6 13.<®xg6 hg 14.♕g4
a wonderful, substantial game. ♕ f 6 15.♗d3 ♕ f5 16.h3 ♗ d 6 . The trick
11.♕ xe4 ed 12.♘ g5!? is harmless: 12. ..
23. A. VESZPREMI - M. CHETVERIK ♕ b 6 13.♕ f4 f6 14.♗ d3 fg 15.♕xg5
Balatonfoldvar, 2008 ♕ f 6 , and he can ’t scrape together
compensation for the two pawns.
1.e4 a6 An exchange on e6 isn’t particularly
2.d4 b5 dangerous, but it also isn’t that hard to

124
 The St.George Defense

fall into a difficult position: 9.de de (9...

fe is more dynamic, but weakens your
position unnecessarily) 10.♗ .g 5 ♕ b 6
11.♘ bd2 tlJg6 12.c4 b4 13.e5 li:Jd7
14.♖adl h6 15.♗ . x g 6 hg 16♗.e 4 1Le7
17.h3 0-0-0 18.♗ . x b 7 + ♔ xb7 19.tZ',e4
g4 20.hg ♔ a 7 21.♖d3 ♕ c 7 22.CLJg3 tlJb8
23.♖ fdl tlJc6 24.♕ e4 ♖xd3 25.♖xd3
♖ d 8 26.♖ xd8 ♗ xd 8 27.♘ h5 g6 28.® f4,
with an extra pawn and a better position
(Potkin — Landin, St. Petersburg, 1998).
It was essential to prevent e5 by means o f
10 ...® g 6 11.♘ bd2 ♗ . d 6 12.♖ fdl Vfc 7 ,
♗ A very complicated position with a
with an equal game. choice o f different strategies. Firstly, a
9 ... tlJg6 battle for space: 12...f5 13.a4 b4 (13...
10.e5 Si.xf3! c4!? 14.♗. c 2 b 4 deserved attention, not
He has to part with his superb bishop opening up the queenside too much)
without regrets! It comes up against the 14.cb cb 15.♗ . x a 6 1!Wh4 16.♗ . b 7 (16.
wonderful d5 knight anyway with 10. .. Si.b5 ♖ c 8 17. ♘ d2 tlJgf4 18.V♗ f e l g5, with
tlJd5?! 11.Si.xg6 hg 12.h3 f6 13.♕c2 ♔ f7 counterplay) 16...♖a5 17.♗ . x d 5 ♖xd5
14.♘ bd2 and has nothing to do. Onthe 18.f4 (Kulesza — Chetverik, Karvina,
other hand, now the breaches near the 2001) 18. ..® xf4 19.V♕ c4 V f h 3 20.♗
♗ .x f 4
king guarantee Black counterplay. ♕ f3 + 2 l .♔ g1 V ♕ g4+, with perpetual
11.gf q jd5 check.
12.♔ h1 ... Evidently the most promising idea
The best defense to 12. ..Ci:Jgf4 and is to underline the enemy pawn duo,
… ♕ g5. 12.V♗f e 4 ? was refuted in the min­ which occurred in the source game
iature L. Cako — Jap Tjoen San (Gron­ Afek — Basman (Biel, 1979): 12. ..
ingen, 1999): 12 … ♗ x d 6! ( 12. ..f5 13.ef f6 !? 13.Si.xg6+ hg 14.♕d3 (14.f4 g5!?
gf??, like 13. ..® xf6??, isn’t worth dis­ 15.V♕ e4 f5 16.'#g2 g4 doesn’t claim an
cussing, although 13… ♗xd6! 14.fg ♖g8 advantage, but it’s really time for White
1 5 .♔ h1 ♖xg7 16.flgl ♕ b 8 17.♖ g2 ♖f7 to think about safety) 14 … ♔ f7 15.flgl
doesn’t depress Black either) 13.ed f5 g5 16.♘ d2? i.x d 6 !, with a winning p o­
14.V♕ el tlJgf4 15.♗ . x f 4 tlJxf4 16.♗
.x f 5 ? sition (17.ed ♖xh2+! 18.♔xh2 V f h 8+
♗
1!Wg5+ 17.♗ . g 4 h5 18.Vf♗e 3 hg. I had a 19.♔g2 ® f4+ ).
fortunate opportunity to repeat the suc­ Against Steffens (Binz, 1994) Mov-
cess o f the Dutch player. Against Kes- sisyan was unable to improve on White’s
kowski (Wunsiedel, 2008) I hit upon the play: 12...f6 13.♗ . e 4 fe 14.♗. x d 5 ed 15.f4
idea o f playing 12. ..♗ x d 6! 13.ed f5, but . x d 6 16.fe ♗ xe5!? (a correct sacrifice;
♗
I parried 14.V♕ el with inexplicable cas­ then again, 16...V♗ f e 7 is no worse) 17.f4
tling and didn’t get any compensation 0-0 18.fe I x f l + 19.V♗ fx fl V
f h 4 20.♗
♗ .e 3 ? !
for the piece. (he should have gone for an exchange o f

125
Chapter VII

queens by means o f 20. CZJd2 ♖f8 21.1fi'g 1 19.♖g1 h6

♖f2 22.1fi'g3 lfi'xg3 23.hg) 20...♖f8 19...♘ h3 20.♖gfl Clf4 leads to a
21.1fi'g2 1fi'e1+ 2 2 .♗ g1 Clf4 23.1fi'f3 ♖f5 repetition o f moves, and on 20.♖g2
24.1fi'e3 lfi'd1, with a win. The branch the defense o f the pawn 20...h 6 gains
8.d5 Cle7 9.d6 probably brings with it strength. 21...lfi'b6 is threatened, and
more danger for the white king than any in the event o f 22.1fi'e3 ♖ a 8 Black takes
other. away the file.
12... Clgf4 20.1fi'e3 ...
Black positions his knight on a weak I was waiting nervously for Vespre-
square, not doing anything with the f- mi’s reply — I’d just seen the queen
pawn. Then again the pawn pair can sacrifice 20.1fi'xf4!? gf 21.♖xg7 ♔f8
also catch its breath. Snubbing Basman 22.♖ ag l, with very decent compensa­
I continued this way three times, reject­ tion. Now, though, a repetition o f moves
ing the tried-and-tested 12 ...f6. is again logical (20...♘ d5 21.1fi'd4 Clf4
13.♗xf4 Clxf4 22.1fi'e3), but fortunately for him (yes,
14.1fi'e4 gS exa♘ y!) my partner blundered.
15.a4 c4 2 0 ... Cld5
There’s no certainty that this is the 21.1fi'e 1 ?! lfi'b6
strongest either. In the example variation 22.b3? Clxc3
15...♗g7!? 16.♖e1 ♖ b 8 17.abab 18.1fi'e3 23.bc ...
( ...♘ g6 was threatened) 18...0-0 19.♗c2 In the end the prosperity o f the play­
f5 20.1fi'xc5 b4! Black loses a pawn ers depends on the stability o f the e5/d6
and a file, but gets excellent counter­ chain. 23...1fi'd4! destroys it and prom­
play. Against Branding (Prague, 2002) ises an almost won position. In the game
I continued 15 ...b4 16.cb cb 17.tbd2 there was 23...b4?! 24.f4 lfi'd4?! (belat­
♗g7 18.♖ acl?! Clxd3 19.♕xd3 itxe5 edly this is just a loss o f time and a bad
20.♖c7 lfi'f6, with a full extra pawn. If alternative to the continuation 24...f5!?
he doesn’t chase an ephemeral initiative 25.♕ e3 ♔ f7) 25.♕ e3 ♕xe3 26.fe. The
and defends the pawn, Black becomes chain now has a support, and the advan­
active: 18.♘ c4♖ b8 (18… ♖c8!? 1 9 .S ac l tage is already with White.
f6) 19.♖ acl f5 20.1fi'd4 0-0 21.♖fel
b3! 2 2 .♗ f1 ♖b4 23.1fi'a7 g4 24.fg fg 24. A. HUNT - M . BASEMAN
25.♖c3 h5 26.♘ d2 Cld5 27.♖xb3 ♖xb3 Torquay, 1998
28.♘ xb3 lfi'h4 29.♖e2 g3! 30.fg (Kalata
— Chetverik, Bardejov, 2004) 30 ...1fi'xa4, l.e4 a6
with an advantage. Again the weakened 2.d4 b5
kingside has been subjected to an attack, 3.♗ d3 ♗ b7
and there was nobenefit from the appar­ 4.♘ f3 Clf6
ently formidable central pair. 5.♕ e 2 e6
16.♗ c2 ♖b8 6.0 -0 c5
17.ab ab 7.c3 C lc6
18.♘ d2 ♗ g7 8.♘ bd2 ...

126
 The St.George Defense

ter 8...h 6 9.1th4 cd the pawn pair in the

center doesn’t survive because o f ...g5
followed by ...g4, with a removal o f the
d-pawn. The more solid exchange on f6
mainly leads to equality: 9.♗xf6 ♕ x f6
10.d5 tile5 1 1 .♘ xe5 ♕xe5 12.f4 ♕ c7
13.de de (Wigger — Chetverik, Essen,
2006) 14.c4 b4.
8.a4 with a subsequent exchange o f
rooks has lost its former strength, as it
doesn’t go well with c2c3: 8...cd 9.ab
ab 10.♖xa8 ♕ x a 8 11.e5 tild5 12.cd b4
Black’s positional threat shouldn’t 13.♕e4 (13.♗e3 and 14.♘ bd2 is more
be ignored here. It’s illustrated by a frag­ judicious) 13. ..f5 14.ef ♘ x f6 15.♕h4
ment from Zemlicka — Chetverik (Stare ♗ a 6! 16.♗xa6 ♕ x a 6 (Reyer — Chet­
Mesto, 2008): 8.h3 cd 9 .cd (9 .♘ xd 4tle5 verik, Werther, 2009). Black hides his
10.1tc2 1tc5 is a little stronger, but h3 is king on the flankwithout any problems,
completely unnecessary here) 9 ...♘ b4 while it isn’t easy for White to complete
l0 .♖ e1 ♘ x d3 l l.♕ xd3 ♖ c8 12.1tf4 his development sensibly.
♕ b 6 13.♘ bd2 ♗ e7, and with the bish­ Khalifman deals with 7 ...♘ c6 in one
op pair Black welcomes any opening-up stroke: “ 8.e5 tld 5 9♗ e4 cd 10.♗xd5 ed
o f the game, and White isn’t capable o f 11.cd ♕ b 6 12.♖d1 ♗ e7 13.♘ c3 t l d 8
closing it without cooperation from his 14.♗g5 ♗xg5 15.♘ xg5, and Black has
partner. a bad bishop, weakened dark squares,
8.a3 radically prevents ...♘ b4; then and a weak d5 pawn (Douven — Welling,
the knight can change its route: 8...cd Eindhoven, 1983)” . Out o f what he list­
9.cd t la 5 10.♘ bd2 (the privilege o f de­ ed only the bad bishop is noticeable, but
veloping the knight to c3 can’t be used, is that really a life sentence? The correc­
alas...) 10...d5 11.e5 tld 7 12.b4 t lc 4 tion l l...b4 12.l.e3 lie 7 13.♘ bd2 0-0
13.♘ b3 ♗ e7 14.♘ el ♗ c 6?! 15.♕g4 g6 14.♘ b3 a5 demonstrates how easy it is
16.1th6 ♕ c 7 17.1te2 ♖g8 18.h4 0-0-0 for the bishop to rise from the ashes. It’s
19.♘ d3 ♖de8 20.♘ bc5 ♗xc5 21.♘ xc5 indicative that Douven didn’t have any
♘ x c5 22.bc ♔ b7 23.1tg5 ♔ a7 24.♖fbl imitators.
(Katsuhara — Chetverik, Budapest, 8... cd
2005). Black came under pressure only In accordance with the well-known
because he neglected to castle kingside rule: “the knight has come out to d2
on the 14thmove and was unable to do so — exchange on d4 immediately” . Espe­
later. If the “ French” structure doesn’t cially as you have to reckon with d5, as
appeal to him, it’s worth thinking about did occur in the game Ligterink — Hodg­
8...c4, which gains strength after a3. son (Manchester, 1981): 8...♕ b 6?! 9.d5
8.1tg5 is used comparatively often, tle 7 10.c4 ♘ g 6 11.g3 b4, and instead o f
but without any particular success. Af­ the tame 12.b3?! e5 13.1tb2 d6 with im­

127
Chapter VII

passable obstructions the continuation By analogy with 1 0...Sc8 11.L'Llb3. In

12.e5 ♘ g 4 13.h3 L'Llh6 14.♗e4 suggested the encounter Dochev — Laveryd (Swe­
itself, and you wouldn’t envy Black. den, 1997) there followed 11.a3 L'Llc2
9.cd ... 12.Ma2 b4 13.e5 L'Lld5 14.L'Llb3 ♘ x a3!
In the event of9.L'Llxd4 it’sbest to ex­ 15.ba L'Llc3 16.♕ c2 (a pin that’s impos­
change off the knight immediately, be­ sible in a similar variation from 10. ..
fore it gets reinforced by its double ( 10. ♖ c 8) 16… ♗ e 4 17.1/ixe4 ♘ x e4 18.♗xe4
L'Ll2f3 ) —the character ofthe battle is the : b 8 19.Mc2 1/id8 20.a4 ♗ e7 2 l.♗ b 2
♗
same as with the knights on the board. ♖ c 8 22.S d 2, and a draw was agreed. A
9 ... L'Llb4!? drawn position, there’s nothing to say!
A sound idea — chase the bishop to Then again, the game in the database
b1, seize the c-file and extract something may have been cut short.
from this. Unsophisticated develop­ 11... 1/ic4
ment, 9 ...♗ e7 places the familiar pawn 12.♖ e1 ...
sacrifice 10.d5!? ed l l.e5 in doubt. In the case o f 12.1/ixc4 be 13.L'Llbd2
1 0 .♗ b1 V/ilc7 ♖ c 8 14.♘ e5 t l c 6 the white bishops
After 10...♗: c 8 11.a3 L'Llc2 12.♖ a2 “don’t make a sound” .
the threat o f capturing the knight is re­ 12... ♖ c8
pelled by 12. ..b4! (in the variation 13.e5 13.L'Lle5 ♕xe2
L'Lld5 14.L'Llb3 ♘ x a3! the knight sells its 14.♗:x e 2 d6
life for a high price). The duel Bielc- 15.♘ d3 d5
zyk — Dey (Berlin, 1994) went sharply: Exposes the dark squares; then again,
11.e5 L'Llfd5 12.L'Lle4 1/Jc7 13.a3 tlc 2 with 15...tt:lc6 16.d5 tt:ld8 17.a4♗ e7 too
14.L'Lld6+ ♗ xd6 15.ed ♕ c 4 16.♕e5 f6 !? Black has to fight for equality.
(16. . .♘ xal 17.♕xg7 ♕ x fl+ 18.♔ xfl 16.L'Lldc5 ♗ xc5
♖ x cl+ 19.♔e2 L'Llf4+ 20.♔ e3 0:'1d5+ 17.♘ xc5 ♗ a8
forces an amusing perpetual check, 18.e5 tt:ld7
but Black is striving for more) 17.V/ilg3 19.tt:lb3 ♖c4
♔ f7 18.b3 ♕ c3 19.♗ : a 2 L'Llxd4 20.♗e4 20.♗ e3 0-0
♘ x f3+ 2l.gfV/ifxb3 22.Md2 V ♕ c3. White 21.a3 tt:lc6
has very vague compensation for the two 22.f4 ...
pawns, and only serious blunders by his Black didn’t want to send his rook to
opponent gave him the win. The stron­ the periphery with 22 ...g6 23.♗ d3 ♖ a4,
gest continuation is 11.L'Llb3, prevent­ although it’s far from clear how it could
ing ...L'Llc2 (l l...♗ e 7 12.a3 or l l...V/ilc7 be reached there. Basman sacrificed the
12.e5 L'Llfd5 13.♗d2). exchange and made a draw on the 58th
11.L'Llb3 ... move, not without difficulty.

128
 The St.George Defense

CONCLUSION: i

We shouldn't exaggerate the merits o f the St. George Defense. White gets a slight !
advant age with very varied setups. But, firstly, it’s a slight one, and for a big one he !
requires mistakes by his partner. Secondly, it’s very useful for While lo have some i
experience o f playing in such structures and to know the pitfalls ofthe opening. 1
But even a devotee o f opening preparation is unlikely to study t...a 6 in depth. So j
the St. George works perfe♘ y well as a reserve defense to l.e4, a perfect surprise j
against players who think routinely (we’ve already noted that young talents who j
have been hastily whipped into shape can cause a lot o f trouble here!), and a won- I
derful weapon in Ra pidplay and Blitz games. j

129
 Chapter 8

The Sicilian Defense

The Cobra System, l.e4 c5 2.♘ f3 ♘ c 6 3.d4 cd 4.♘xd4 ♘ f6

5.♘ c3 e6 6.t1Jdb5 Jlc5

T h e popularity o f the Sicilian Defense has led to the development o f an enormous

body o f theory, covering virtually all variations. It is not so easy to hide away from the
heavily analyzed branches o f the main lines. Fashion dictates that a deep knowledge
o f the likes o f Dragon and Najdorf are required to stay alive if the white d-pawn is
advanced two squares on the third move. Fortunately, there are still some variations
which have largely evaded the attention o f the theorists.

l.e4 c5 (2002’s Meeting I e4) by the authors for

2.1 f3 0 c6 the British publishing company Every­
3.d4 cd man Chess. Despite the growing popu­
4.♘ x d4 0 f6 larity o f the continuation 6.♘ x c6 be
5.♘ c3 e6 7.e5, the knight thrust to b5, emphasiz­
ing the weakness o f the d6 square, is still
considered the main line.
6.♘ db5 ...
In our monograph we only the ex­
amined the solid move 6… ♗ b 4 here. In
essence it hasju st one drawback — after
7.a3 ♗ xc3+ 8.♘ x c3 d5 9.ed ed in a very
simple position the probability o f a draw
is too high, and it’s extremely difficult
for Black to play for a win on command.
The continuation 6...d 6 7♗t f 4 e5 leads
to a wide-ranging investigation o f posi­
The initial position o f the Four tions from the Chelyabinsk Variation,
Knights Variation o f the Sicilian — the which doesn’t always suit Black either.
subject o f the research in the first book 6... ♗ c5 !?
 The Sicilian Defense

This attracted my attention after a 12.0 -0-0 Vlixe3 13.h3 Vlixd2+ 14.♖xd2
publication by the Swedish International is stronger, preserving the powerful
Master Jesper Hall in the magazine New blockading knight.
in Chess (2002). In turn, the source o f 7 ... We7
inspiration for H all was the research by Black has undertaken the unprin­
the Swedish theoretician Rolf Martens. cipled exchange o f a bishop for a knight
The latter only analyzed unorthodox more often after 6… ♗ b4 7.CLid6+. In
plans and came up with unusual names the variation 7 … ♗ x d 6?! 8.♕ xd 6 ♕ e7
for them. On a whim from an associa­ 9.♗ f4 e5 10.VIixe7+ ♔xe7 11.♗g5 the
tive idea o f Martens 6… ♗ c5!? became white knight proudly establishes itself on
the Cobra — and the funny name caught d5 without the slightest reciprocal play
on. from the opponent.
The continuation 7.ctJd6+ was en­ 8.CLixc8+ ...
countered in games 1 and 2, and 7♗ f4
in games 3-5.

1. A. LUKYANENKO - A. RAETSKY
Voronezh, 2003

l.e4 c5
2.ctJf3 CLic6
3.d4 cd
4.CLixd4 CLif6
5.CLic3 e6
6.ctJdb5 ♗ c5
7.CLid6+ ... White doesn’t try to preserve her
The most natural reaction to 6 ... knight on the commanding height
♗ c 5 , but probably not the most cor­ (8.♗ f4 — game 2), counting on a sub­
rect one. 7.:1Le3 has been used o cca­ sequent opening-up o f the game. Then
sionally, with the aim o f exchanging the advantage o f the two bishops can
o ff the c5 bishop and thereby stabiliz­ make itself felt, and also the central­
ing the position o f the knight on d6 at ized black king. No matter how sad it is
the price o f an undesirable doubling to exchange the knight for the sleeping
o f p a w n s:7 ...♗ x e 3 8.CLid6+ ♔ e 7 bishop, 8 .ti:lc4 ?!is noticeably weaker
9.fe Vlic7 10.CLidb5?! Vlie5 11.VIid2 due to 8...d5. The game T. Ponomariov
a6 12.CLid4 b5 13.0 -0-0 iib 7 14.CLif3 — Raetsky (Voronezh, 2003) turned out
♕ c 5 15.a3 ♖ a c 8 16♗ d3 ♖ c7 1 7 .♔ b1 to be one-sided: 9.ed ed 10.CLia3 (10.
♖ h c8 18.♖hfl d6. Black’s chances are Vlie2+ ♔f8 11.t♗J a 3 iig 4 12.f3 CLid4 is
significantly better, above all thanks no better) IO. ..♖ e8 11.♗ e2 ♔f8 12.0-0
to his control o f the e5 square (Wells ♗ xa3 13.ba d4 14.t♗ J b l ♗ f5 15.♗g5 h6
— Hall, Germany, 1999). In H all’s 16.♗h4 ♖ c8 17.♗d3 ♗xd3 18.♕xd3
opinion, 10.CLicb5 Vlib6 11.VIid2 CLig4 CLie5 19.♕b3 t♗ J g 6 20.♗xf6 ♕ x f6,

131
Chapter VIII

and Black soon won. The alternative White avoids the simplifications that
9.e5 tld 7 10.♕g4!? only justifies itself led to a completely equal position in the
with the greedy 10...dc? — 1 1.♗g5+ f6 encounter Fercec — Doncea (Oberwart,
12 .♗ x f6 + !g fl3 .♕ x g 7 + ♔ e 8 14.♕xh8+ 2003): 11.0-0 ♘ x c3 12.bc tle 5 13♗t f 4
♘ f8 15.♖d1 ♕ c 7 16.ef, with the initia­ ♘ x d3 14.cd it.d6 15 .♗ g5+ f 6 16 .♗ d2
tive. 10. ..♔f8 11.♗g5 ♕ c 7 12.♘ d2 ♕ c 7 17.♕g4 ♔ f7 18.♕ h5+ g6 19.♕h3
♗ xf2+! 13.♔xf2 ♕ b 6+ 14.♗e3 ♕ xb2 ♗ f4 20♗t.x f4 ♕xf4.
is correct, exploiting the weaknesses on 11... tle 5
b2, e5 and f2. 12.0 -0 tlb 4
8 ... ♖xc8 13.♕ h 5!? ...
9.♗ d 3 ... Saving the bishop from the exchange
So as not to worry about the fate o f with 13.♗e2?! doesn’t work due to 13...
the central pawn in future. After 9♗t.e 2 ♘ x c 2!, winning a pawn without com ­
♗ b 4 10♗t.d 2 ♗ xc3 11.♗ xc3 ♘ x e4 pensation.
12.♗xg7 ♖ g8 13♗t.d 4 d 5 Black’s superi­ 13... f6!?
ority in the center promises better pros­ The unsafe position o f the king is
pects. Or 10.♕ d3 tle 5 l l.♕ g 3 ♗ xc3+ Black’s main problem. Against Shtyka
12.bc ♕ a 5 13.0-0 ♘ x e4 14.♕ h 4+ ♘ f 6 (Voronezh, 2005) I didn’t manage to
15.♗: b1 J:c7 16.♖b5 ♕ xc3 17.♗b2 solve it: 13...♘ bxd3 14.cd ♗ d 4 (14. ..
♘ g 6 1 8.♕ a4 ♕ c 6 19.♗ a3+ d6 (L os­ ♘ x d3?! 15.♖d1 ♕ d 5 16.♕ h 4+ f6
kamp — Raetsky, Cappelle-la-Grande, 17.♘ xc5 ♕ x c5 18.♕g3, with a double
2004) — White’s activity isn’t worth two attack) 15.♗ d2 ♕ d5 16.♗ b4+ ♔ d 7
pawns. 17.♘ d6 (17.♘ c3 ♗ xc3 18.♗xc3 ♘ g 6
9 ... d5 19.♕g4 is more precise, threatening
Having surpassed his opponent in 20. ♕ a4+) 17 ...g6? (misses an oppor­
development, Black embarks on an open tunity to complicate the game with the
battle. He has normal play even without help o f 17. ..a5 18.♗ a3 b5 19.♘ xf7 b4)
...d5, which is evidence o f his prosper­ 18.♕h4 J:c2 19.♘ xf7! ♘ x f7 20.♕ e7+
ity. For example, 9 ...♘ e5 10.0-0 a6 ♔ c 6 21.♕xf7 it.xb2 2 2 .♖ ae l, and,
l l .♔ h1 d6 12.f4 ♘ x d3 13.cd (13.'ixd3 in addition to the difficulties with his
♘ g 4 14.♕g3 h5) 13. ..♗ d 4 14.♗d2 ♕ b 6 king, Black can’t maintain the pawn
15.♘ e2 ♗ e3 16 .♗ c3 ♘ g 4, controlling balance.
the dark squares (Del Rio Angelis — Bel- 14.♕ xe5!? ...
lon, Albacete, 2004). The tactical exchange o f queens is
10.ed ... conditioned by a fizzling-out ofth e ini­
After 10.0-0 de 1 1 .♘ xe4 ♘ x e4 tiative in the middlegame. With 14♗t.d 2
12♗t.x e 4 ♕ xd1 13.♖xd1 ♖hd8 the tlbxd3 15.cd ♘ x d3 16.♘ xc5 ♘ x c5
bishops can’t display themselves at full 17.Hadl ♕ e 8 18.♕h3 ♔ f7 it compen­
force because o f the activity o f the black sates for the loss with difficulty.
pieces. 14... fe
10... ♘ x d5 15.♗g5+ ♔ f7
11.♘ e4 ... 16.♗xd8 ♘ x d3

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 The Sicilian Defense

ko had to work some more to achieve a

draw. An immediate 23 ...c4 is also good,
as after 24.♗xa7 ♖d2 25.a4 ♖xc2 26.a5
♖ xb2 the passed c-pawn is in no way
worse than its white antagonist.

2. J. ZAWADZKA - A. RAETSKY
Lausanne, 2005

l.e4 c5
2.♘ f3 tlc 6
3.d4 cd
1 7 .a 5 ! ... 4.♘ xd4 ♘ f6
Continues the battle for the advan­ 5.♘ c3 e6
tage, while in the rook ending after 17.cd 6. ♘ db5 ♗ c5
♖hxd8 18.♖fcl b 6 1 9 .♔ f1 ♖xd3 20.b4 The talented Polish player, despite
♖d4 21.♘ xc5 be 22.bc ♖d2 it’s time to her young age, knows a lot and is capa­
make peace. ble o f a lot, and just imagine — the bish­
17... ♘ f 4! op on c5 looks lost! I ’ve used the Cobra
The pawn structure that has arisen four times against women Grandmas­
requires you to protect the knights and ters. The inevitable reply was the not-
not miss the bishops. The variation 17... so-strong 7.♘ d6+, and only Zawadzka
♘ x b2 18.♖ abl b6 19.♗xb6 ab 20.♖ xb2 left the snake’s stinger alive.
leads to an unpleasant ending for Black. 7.Ci:'.d6+ 1Je7
18.♖fdl ♔ g6 8 .♗ f4 ...
19.♖d7 b6
20.♗ d 2 ♖hd8
21.♘ xc5 ...
On 2l.♖ xa7 Black has the interesting
possibility 2 l...♗xf2 +!? 22.♔ xf2 ♖ xc2
at his disposal. It’s difficult for White
to coordinate her forces, which is why
in the case o f 23.b3 ♖dxd2+ 24.♘ xd2
Hxd2+ or 23.g3 tild3+ 24.♔ f3 ♘ x b2
it isn’t clear how she can get winning
chances, and 23.♖ d1 ♖d4 24.♔ f3 ♖d3+
basically forces a repetition o f moves.
21... be 8... eS
22.♖xd8 ♖xd8 Forces the knight o ff d6, although
23.♗ e3 ... now in addition to the weakening o f the
There followed 2 3 ...a6 2 4 .♔ f1 c4 d6 square the d5 and f5 squares are ex­
25.♗ xf4 e f26.♔ e2 ♔ f5, and Lukyanen­ posed. A double attack on the b2 and f2

133
Chapter VIII

pawns with the help o f 8. . . ' ! b 6 produc­ planned ...d5. Mter 11.♕ d 3 d5 12.ed
es no results due to 9.♕ d 2 (threaten­ ♕ xd5 13.0-0-0 ♕ xd3 14.♗xd3 ♗ e 6
ing 10.♘ c4) 9 .. .♗ xf2+ 10.♕xf2 ♕ xb2 15.♘ e4 ♘ g4 16.♘ c5 ♗xf5 17.♗xf5
11.' ! c 5 ♕ x a l+ 12.♔ d2 ♔f8 13.♘ f5+ ♘ xe3 18.♘ d7+ ♔ e 7 19.fe S a d 8 in a
♔ g 8 14.♘ e7+!(the false trail l4 .♘ h6+? quiet situation the chances are equal
gh 15.♗xh6 is refuted by the impressive (Schaub — Raetsky, Basel, 2004). If
15...1♗
V xc3+!) 14...♘ xe7 15.'!x e7 h6 you’re looking for a more complicated
16.♗d3 ♕ x h l 17.♕ d8+ ♔ h 7 18.e5+ game it’s worth choosing 12. ..♗xf5!?
♘ e4 (18. ..g6 19.♗xg6+!) 19.♗xe4+ g6 13.♕xf5 0 d 4 !? 14.♕d3 ♘ x d5 15.♗xd4
20.♕ e7, with a rout. ed 16.♕xd4 ♕ a 5 , with both kings in a
9 .♘ f5+ ... shaky position.
Unlike game 1, the exchange on c 8 10... ♗ b4
has a worthy substitute. On 9.♘ x c8+ Again the pin is the strongest deci­
♖xc8 10.♗g5 the continuation 10... sion. 10...d 6 is timid, as in this branch
♔ f 8?! 11.♗ e2 ♗ b 4 12.0-0 ♗ xc3 13.bc it’s assumed that the pawn will take a
♕ e 7 14.♗xf6 gf 15.Sb1 S c 7 16.♗g4 double step. Then again, after l l ♗,c 4
is insufficient to equalize — the bishop ♗ b4 12.0-0 ♗xf5 13.ef ♗ xc3 14.bc h6
is clearly superior to the knight, which 15.♗xf6 (Hall examines 15.♗h4 ♘ e7
has no strong squares. 10 ...♗ b 4 1 l.♕ d 5 16.♗xf6 g f 17.♕f3 ♕ c 8 18.♗d5 ♘ xd5
♗ xc3+ 12.bc ♕ a 5 13.0-0-0 ♕xd5 14.ed 19.♕xd5 ♔ e 7 20.♖fdl ♕ c 6, and Black
(14.♖xd5 S h d 8 15.♔ b2 h6 16.♗xf6+ is no worse) 15… ♕xf6 1 6 .S b l S b 8
♔ x f6 preserves equality) 14...♘ a5 15.f4 17.♗d5 (Mista — Raetsky, Cappelle-
h6 16.♗h4 ef 17.d6+ ♔ e 6 18.g3 ♘ e4 la-Grande, 2004) 17 ...♘ e7 18.♗xb7
19.♗h3+ f5 20.S h e l S c 4 2 l.S d 4 ♖xd4 ♘ x f5 19.♗e4 ♖xb l 20.'!x b 1 g6 or
22.cd (Purkashian — Raetsky, Abu D ha­ 18.♗e4 ♔ g 8 19.♕d3 d5 20.♗xd5 ♘ x d5
bi, 2004) 22… ♔ xd6 23.♗xf5 0 c 3 24.gf 2 l.♕ x d 5 ♔ h 7 Black is close to equality.
0 c6 is stronger. In a position with such In the game there was the blunder 17. ..
pawn islands the black knights are pref­ ' ; a5?, which was left unpunished by the
♖
C
erable to the white bishops. Polish Grandmaster, who didn’t spot
9 ... ♔f8 18.li.xf7!
10.♗g5 ... Defining the intentions o f the en­
In reply to 10.♗e3 the modest ad­ emy bishop does no good at al♖ 10...h 6?!
vance 10 ...d 6 preserves an insignificant 11.♗ x f6 ♕ xf6 12.♘ d5 ♕ d 8 13.♗c4 g6
advantage for White. For example, 14.♘ fe3 ♔ g7 15.0-0 d6 16.c3 a5 17.a4
l l.♗ xc5 de 12.♕xd8+ ♘ xd8 13.♘ d6 af8 18.♔h1 f5 19.efgf20.f4 e f 2 l.♖xf4.
♗ e 6 14.0-0-0 S b 8 15.♘ d5 (15.g3 0 c 6 Against Giffard (Cappelle-la-Grande,
16.f4 is equivalent) 15...♘ xd5 16.ed 2004) Inarkiev achieved a better config­
♗ d7 17♗,d 3 f6 18.f4!? ef 19.Shf1 uration o f forces, in particular his king,
0 f 7 20.♘ x f7 ♔xf7 2 l .♖xf4 (Zozulia with simple moves.
— Raetsky, Basel, 2003). It’s better for l l ♗,c 4 ...
Black to threaten the e4 pawn with the If 1l.'♗V f3, with the idea o f castling
knight pin 10 … ♗ b 4 and prepare the queenside, then it’s expedient for Black

134
 The Sicilian Defense

After 15.0 -0 ♗xc2 16.♖d2 ♗ f5

to go into the variation 11...♘ d4!?
17.♖fdl h6 18.♗e3 g6 Hall gives prefer­
12.♘ xd4 ed 13.a3 de 14.ab cb 15.♖ ' !:b1
ence to Black. Let’s continue the analy­
Vl/ie7 16.♗xf6 gf l7.♖xb2 d5 18.♗e2 (18.
sis: 19.f3 ♔ g7 20.a3 ♗xc3 21.bc ♖he8
♗ d3 f5!) 18...de 19.VI/ie3 Vl/ie5 20.♖b3
22.S d 6 ♘ d5 23.♗xd5 cd 24.♖6xd5
♔g7, with a more promising game.
— the opposite-colored bishops presage
11... d5!
a draw.
This thematic breakthrough in the
15... ♗xd3
center solves the problem o f mobilizing
16.cd ...
the queenside and emphasizes the hang­
There’s no point in tearing down the
ing position o f the f5 knight.
smooth pawn chain. A logical develop­
12.ed ...
ment o f events is 16.♖xd3 ♘ d5 17.♗d2
In the variation 12.♗xf6 ♕ xf6
♗xc3 18. ♗xc3 f6 19.♗d2 ♔ f7 20.c4
13.VIxd5 ♗xf5 14.ef ♗ xc3+ 15.bc g6!
♘ b6 2l.b3 S a d 8, with an exchange o f
16.♖b1 b6 because o f the broken chain
rooks on the open file and equality.
the compensation for the loss is obvi­
16... ♘ d5
ous. In the game Vasey — Raetsky (Lenk,
17.♗ d2 ♖b8
2005) there followed 13.♗xd5 ♗xf5
18.0 -0 ♘ xc3
14.ef 5 d8 1 5 .♕ f3 ♘ d4 16.VI/ie4 g6! (16. ..
Black leaves too few pieces on the
♖xd5 17.VIxd5 ♗ xc3+ 18.bc ♘ xc2+ is
board. 18. ..f6 19.♘ e4 ♔ f7 20.a3 Jle7
premature for now, the rook in the cor­
21 .b4 ♖hd8 preserved a few more prac-
ner should be activated first) 17. fg hg
tical chances.
18.g3? (prevents 18 ...S h 4 , but 18.♗ b3
19.♕ xc3 ♗ xc3
♔ g7 19.0-0-0 is stronger, with an unclear
20.bc ♔ e7
game) 18… ♖xd5! 19.VI!ixd5 ♗xc3+ 20.bc
21.S f e 1 ♔ f6
♘ xc2+ 2 l.♔ e 2 ♘ xal 22.♖ xal ♖^xh2
22.d4 Sbe8
and Black made good on his advantage.
23.de+ ♖xe5
12... ♗:xf5
2 4 .♔ f1 :x e l +
13.dc Vl!ixd1+
25.♔xe1 ♔ e6
14.♖ xd1 be
Zawadzka’s cautious play neutralized
her opponent’s minimal advantage, and
10 moves later a peace was concluded.

3. A. DEW RM E - A. RAETSKY
Sautron, 2007

l.e4 c5
2.♘ f3 ♘ c6
3.d4 cd
4 .♘ xd4 ♘ f6
5.♘ c3 e6
15.♗d3 6 .♘ db5 ♗ c5

135
Chapter VIII

7 .♗ f4 14 ...♕ x e 3+ 15.♖f2 ♖f8 16.♕h5 the f7

square is undefended) 15.♘ b5 ♕ xe3+
16.♖f2 ♕ c 5 17.b4! ♕ xb4 18.♕ d5 ♘ e6
19.♘ d6+ ♔ f 8 20.♖xf7+ ♔ g 8 21 .♖ af1,
with a rout.
8.♗ d 6 ...
It’s more precise to put the bishop
here after 8♗ c7 ♕ e 7 (game 4). Seizing
space has been tried several times, 8.e5!?
♘ e8 9.♘ e4. In H all’s opinion, coor­
dinating it with an attack on the black
king is wrong, as there aren’t enough
offensive resources. That’s probably
Strong pressure on the dark squares the case, although extreme caution is
is undoubtedly more promising than the necessary in defense. For example, 9...
hasty onslaught 7.tiJ d6+ . Here the anal­ iie 7 I0♗ d3 a6 11.♕ h 5!? ab 12.♘ f6+
yses (with subsequent successful prac­ tiJx f 13.ef iib 4 + 14.c3 g6 15.♕g5
tical experiences) by Jesper Hall have e5! 16♗ e3 i ia 5 17.h4 e4 18♗ xb5 h6
been subjected to revision. 19.♕f4 (Hermansen — Melikadamian,
7 ... 0-0 Los Angeles, 2003), and now it’s vital to
In the first well-known game in the pull out the nail on f6 with 19 ...♖ e8 and
Cobra, Osnos versus Suetin (Leningrad, 20...♖e6. Hall suggests acting in a stra­
1963) 7...e5 was tried. The weakening tegic key with play for a blockade: I 0.c3
o f the d5 square leads to a solid advan­ (an invasion on d6 requires preparation;
tage for White. Anyway, with 8♗ e3 d6 10.tiJbd6?! f6 11.ef ♘ xf6 12.♘ xf6+
9♗ xc5 de 10.♕xd8+ ♔ x d 8 11.0-0-0+ ♗ x f6 13.c3 ♗ x c3+ is premature) 10 ...
♔ e 7 12.♘ c7 ♖ b 8 13.liJ7d5+ ♘ xd5 f6 (now in the case o f 10...a 6 11 .♘ bd6
14.♘ xd5+ ♔f8 15.♘ e3 ♗ e 6 16♗ c4 f6 12.ef ♘ xf6 13.♘ xf6+ ♗ x f6 14.♕d2
(Dochev — Lindgren, Sweden, 1997) Black remains under pressure) 1l.ef
16 ...♔ e 7 17.♗d5 ♖ h d8 Black’s posi­ ♗ xf6 12.♗d6 ♘ xd6 13.♘ bxd6, and in
tion is defendable. But relative prosper­ its turn 12… ♗ e 5!, with a subsequent
ity can’t be achieved just any old how. ♘ c6e7d5 (or f5) and ...♕ c 7 evidently
Unlike the branch 7 ♗ e3 the variation removes the blockade.
8 ...♗ xe3? 9.♘ d6+ ♔ f 8 10.fe gives 8 ... ♗ xd6
White a colossal initiative in return for After 8...♕ b 6!? (with the prosaic
his ruined pawns, above all on the f- idea o f 9 ♗ xf8?? ♗ x f2+ 10.♔e2 ♕e3#)
file. The miniature Grospeter — Orso 9♗ xc5 ♕ xc5 10.♕d6 ♕ b 6 11.♕ c7
(Berlin, 1996) is instructive: 10 ...♘ e8 ♕ c5 12.♕d6 ♕ b 6 some games have
11.♘ xe8 ♔ x e 8 12♗ c4 (here castling ended in a repetition o f moves. White’s
would really have helped Black, but refusal to pursue the queen is associated
his king has already moved... ) 12... with a definite risk: 13.♕d2 d5 14.ed ed
♕ h 4 + 13.g3 ♕ h 6 14.0 -0!? liJd8 (after 15.0-0-0 ♗ e 6 16.f3 ♖ fe8, getting free

136
 The Sicilian Defense

with all conveniences, or 13.0-0-0 ♕xf2 Delorme doesn’t rush to castle king­
14.♘ c7 ♕ e 3 + 15.♖d2 ♘ e8 16.♘ xe8 side, so that after l l ...♘ e8 he can keep
♖xe8, and the compensation for the a piece on d6.
pawn requires proof. The exchange on 11... e5
d6 allows him to avoid the undesirable 12.♘ f5 ...
repetition o f moves. A voluntary knight retreat with the
9 .♘ xd6 ... aim o f destroying the f1eeing enemy king
In the case o f 9.♕xd6?! the queen — a debatable decision. 12.f4!? is stron­
comes out to b6 with even more impact, ger (repelling Black’s unpleasant threat
probing the weaknesses on b2 and f2: 9... 12. ..♘ d4, and the knight stays in the en­
a6 10.♘ d4 ♕ b 6 1 1 .♘ b3 a5 12.a4 ♘ g4 emy’s rear) 12 ...b5 13.fe ♘ xe5 14.0-0-0
1 3 ♕ c 5 ♕xc5 14.♘ xc5 b6 15.♘ d3 f5!?, ♗ b7 15.♕d4 ♘ c6 16.♕ c5, with an ap­
with superb play. preciable advantage.
9 ... a6 12... d5
Here with 9 ...♕ b 6 the queen is 13.♘ xg7!? ♘ xe4
kicked out — 10/ i c 4 ♕ c 5 l l.♕ d 6 ♕ g5 14.♘ xe4 de
12.f4 ♕ g 6 13.♗d3 ♕xg2 14.0-0-0, with 15.♘ h5 ♕ e7
an initiative for the pawn that was given 16.♕ h 6 f6
up. Adventurous actions quickly led to
collapse for Iordachescu in a duel with
Solak (Predyal, 2007): 9 ...♘ e8 10.♘ xe8
♖xe8 11.♕ d 6 ♕ b 6 12.♘ b5 S f8
13.0-0-0?! ♕ x f2 14.♘ c7 ♖ b 8 15.Rb5
♕ b 6 16.♖hf1 a 6 17.♗e2 ♕ e 3+ 18.Sd2
b5 19.♘ d5 ed 20.ed ♘ d4 21.'ix b8? (21.
♗ g4 ♗ b 7 22.♕ f4 is more stubborn, as
the black knight has been caught in the
centerofthe board) 2 l ...♘ xe2+ 22.♔ d1
d6!, and White resigned. Again kicking
the queen off b6 was a vital necessity
— 13.a4 a6 14.a5 ♕ d 8 15.♘ c7, and then The attack by a small number ofpiec-
16.♗d3 with pressure. es has been slowed down, and Black’s
10.♗ e2 ♕ c7 predominance in the center has become
In the variations 10...e5 1 1 .♘ d5 palpable. White maintains approximate
♘ d4 12.♗ c4 b5 13♗ b3 ♘ e8 14.♘ xc8 equality anyway after 17.♗ c4+ ♔ h 8
♖xc8 15.c3 ♘ e6 16.0-0 and 12. ..♘ xd5 18.c3 ♗ g4 19.0-0 ♘ a5 20.♗ d5 ♖ ad 8!
13.♗xd5 ♕ c 7 14.c3 ♕ x d 6 15.cd ♖ b 8 21.c4 (if 21.♗xe4?, then 2 l...f5 and in
16.0-0 b5 17.♖ t : c1 ♗ b 7 18.♖c5 White association with 22 … ♖d6 it’s necessary
didn’t keep his knight on d6, although to part with a piece) 2 l...♗ e 2 22.♖
t :fc l
he solidly established a piece on d5 and f5. Delorme chooses a somewhat riskier
looked more promising. plan with queenside castling.
11.♕ d 2 ... 17.0 -0-0 ♗ e6

137
Chapter VIII

In the event o f 17...ttJd4 White 7.li.f4 0-0

manages to emphasize the instabil­ 8.♗.c 7 ♕ e7
V
ity o f the knight’s position with the 9.♗.d 6 ...
help o f 18.li.c4+ ♔ h 8 19.ttJf4! V/ilg7?
20.ttJg6+.
18.c3 ♔h8
The variation 18...li.xa2 19]:;,d6! f5
20.g4 f4 21.ttJf6+ ♔ h 8 22.ttJxe4 doesn’t
suit Black, but on the other hand he
had the unexpected tactical opportu­
nity 18...ttJd4!? 19.cd ♗ xa2 20.de fe
2U'!:d2 H ac8+ 2 2 .♔ d1 ♗ b 3 + 23.♔ e1
H cl+ 24.♗d1 ♗xd1 2 5 .::xd1 ♖xd1+
26.♔xd1 Bxf2 at his disposal, and the
exposed position o f the king isn’t likely
to let White count on success. 9 ... li.xd6
19.♖d6?! ... 10.V ♕ xd6 ...
After 19.'1t'b1 V
♕ f7 a rook invasion is Only by blackmailing his opponent
advisable and makes claims on an ad­ with an exchange o f queens can White
vantage, but here after Black’s obvious count on an advantage. In the event of
reply the rook is hanging. 10.ttJxd6 the simplest is to exchange o ff
19... Hf7 the knight with 10...ttJe8 — in the varia­
20.♖hd1 ttJd4 tion l l.ttJcb5 a6 12.ttJxe8 ab 13.ttJd6 b4
21.♖1xd4 ed 14.li.c4 b6 15.0-0 li.a 6 16.li.xa6 Hxa6
22.♖xd4 ♗ xa2 Black rid himself o f the problematic c8
White has been left the exchange C obra bishop and thanks to counterplay
down, but there’s no reason to panic. on the a-file was no worse.
Now a non-stop attack on the bishop Against Wyss (Lenk, 2006) I pre­
makes sense with 23.♖ a4 ♗ b3 24.♖ b4 ferred 10...e5, with the idea o f 11...
li.a 2 (24.♗.d 5 ? 25.ttJf4) 25.♖ a4. As a ttJd4 (as in game 3 with Delorme) — the
result o f crude blunders Delorme was author’s original method o f fighting
mated as soon as the 29thmove. against the d6 knight, which has been
successfully tried several times. Then
4. Y. BERTHELOT - A. RAETSKY came 11.ttJf5 V ♕ b4 12.a3 VliJa5 13.VIilf3?
Sautron, 2005 d5 14.0-0-0 ♗ . x f 5 15.VIilxf5 d4 16.ttJe2
b5 17.h4 b4 18.♖ h3, and with the very
l.e4 c5 strong 18....ttJe7 19.♕f3 ♖ fc 8 White’s
2.ttJt3 ttJc6 army presents a pathetic spectacle. In
3.d4 cd the event o f 13.b4 ♕ d 8 (the queen’s
4.ttJxd4 I{Jf6 journey has come full circle) 14.ttJd6 a5
5.ttJc3 e6 Black hooks the b4 pawn and gets recip­
6.ttJdb5 li.c5 rocal chances.

138
 The Sicilian Defense

10... ♕d8 manage to get counterplay: 16.♕d4 d6

Deviating from the exchange and 17.b3 ♖b8 18.a3 c5 19.♕c3 ♕ d 8 20.e5
preparing to chase the queen o ff d6 with (20.tt:lxc5 ♕ e7 21.♘ a4 ♗ b 7 , getting
the help o f l l...tt:le8. The mainline 10... free) 20...♗ d 7 21.♘ b2 de 22.♕xe5 ♘ f 6
tt:le8 l l.♕ xe7 tt:lxe7 and then ...f5 is in­ 23.♕ xc5, and nothing real is evident for
vestigated in game 5. The drawback o f the pawn. Nevertheless, I was able to
the version o f the exchange 10 ...♕ xd 6 win in my opponent’s time trouble.
11.♘ xd6 tt:le8 12.♘ xe8 ♖xe8 is that the 11... ♖b8
rook doesn’t support ...f5, and 13.tt:lb5 12.♗e2 b5!?
♖ d8 14.tt:ld6 b 6 15.0-0-0 ♖ b 8 16♗,b 5 This sacrifice is more adventurous,
fundamentally turns the screw. more interesting and probably stronger
11.tt:lc7!? .. than the modest little step 12. ..b6. In
Now the knight is exchanged off on the latter case Vokarev didn’t create any
e8 and the queen stays on d6. 11. t e 2 problems for Chuprov (Nizhny Tagil,
a6 12.tt:lic7 ♖a7 is quite another matter, 2007) — 13.e5 tt:le8 14.tt:lxe8 ♖xe8 15.f4
as the knight is threatened with danger ♗ b7 16.♗f3 tt:la5 17.tt:le4?! i,d 5 18.b3
from the a7 rook. On 13.e5 the tactic 13. .. tt:lb7 19.♕b4 ♗xe4 20.♗xe4 d5! 2l.ed
tt:lxe5!? 14.♕xe5 b6 15.♘ xe6 fe 16.0-0-0 a5 22.♕d2 tt:lxd6 23.♗d3 tt:lb7 24.♕e3
♖c7 17.♗f3 ♗ b7 18.♗xb7 ♖xb7 main­ tt:lc5 25.0-0-0 ♕ f 6 26.♕ e5 ♕ xe5 27.fe
tains approximate equality, and also the ♖ ad8 — but White’s play is corrected
variation 13...b5 14.tt:lxe6 fe 15.ef ♕ x f by 17.0-0 tt:lc4 18.♕ d4 ♗xf3 19.♖xf3
16.0-0-0 ♕ f4 + 17.♕xf4 ♖xf4 18.f3 d5 20.ed ltJxd6 21.♖d1 tt:lf5 22.♕xd8
(Baramidze — Chernov, Nuremberg, ♖bxd8 23.♖ fd3 ♖xd3 24.♖xd3, with
2007) 18. ..♖c7 19.g3 ♖f8 20.f4 i,b 7 . a minimal advantage. In Khalifman’s
The main continuation is 11.0-0-0. opinion, instead o f 16.♗f3 the continu­
In the encounter Tosic — Bakic (Bel­ ation 16.0-0-0!? tt:le7 17.♕xd7 ♗xg2
grade, 2007) Black achieved a solid p o ­ 18.♕xa7 tt:ld5 19.♖hgl ♖ a8 20.♕ b7
sition after 11...a6 12.♘ d4 (12.♘ c7? tt:lxc3 2l.♕ xg2 tt:lxe2+ 22.♕xe2 ♖xa2
♖ a7 doesn’t work at all here) 12...♕ b 6 23.♖xg7+ ♔xg7 24.♖xd8 ♖xd8 25.c3
13.tt:lxc6 de 14.♖d2 ♕ a 5 15.♗e2 e5 promises more, with the advantage o f
16.a3 ♗ e 6 17.♖hdl ♖fe8 18.f3 ♖ ac8 the queen over rooks.
19.♕ b4 ♕ c7 . Or 13.f4 t l e 8 (unfor­ 13.tt:l7xb5 ...
tunately it doesn’t win the knight) Against Brochet (France, 2007) Ber­
14.tt:la4 ♕ a 5 15.tt:lxc6 (Sasu-Ducso- thelot acted according to ourjoint anal­
ara — Raetsky, Sautron, 2004). I didn’t ysis o f the ending o f the game: 13.e5!?
find any resources to play for a win b4 14.ef bc 15.fg ♔xg7 16.♕g3+ ♔ h 8
(which I needed to continue the battle 17.♕xc3+ e5. White has kept his ex­
for a Grandmaster norm) with 15... tra pawn, but does he have an advan­
de 16.♕d4 e5!? 17.fe ♗ g4 18.♖d2 b5 tage (let’s say, with 18.♘ b5 ♕ f 6 19.0-0
19.♘ c3 b4 20.tt:lbl ♕ c 7 , and I preferred ♖g8 20.♖ adl)? The variation 13...♘ e8
the asymmetrical 15...bc?! Because o f 14.tt:lxe8 ♖xe8 15.0-0 b4 16.tt:le4 ♗ b7
the passivity o f his pieces Black didn’t isn’t as attractive for Black as it seemed

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Chapter VIII

to Khalifman, and actually after 17.♗d3 ♔ g7 doesn’t give him any reason to
♕ a 5 18.♘ c5 he has major problems. complain about his fate.
White takes the pawn specifically 19.♕ d3 ♖xb2
with the c7 knight, as with 13.♗ xb5? A colorful position comes about in
♖ c7 14.♗xc6 de the knight gets entan­ the case o f1 9. ..d4!? 20.♘ dl 21.♕ d2
gled in the enemy nets. ♖ a4 22.♕ xa5 ♖xa5 23.♗d3 ♗ xd3 24.cd
13... ♕ a5 ♘ d5, with the embodiment o f wretch­
If he had wanted to achieve a draw edness on d1 and its smug counterpart in
Black could have gone down the path of the center. Still, thanks to his extra pawn
simplifications — 13. ..a6 14.♘ d4 ♖xb2 White should hold out.
15.♘ xc6 de 16.♕ xd8 ♖xd8 17.♖ dl 20.♖ ab 1 ♖ xb1
♖ xd1 + 1 8 .♔ xd1 ♔ f 8 and ...♔ e 7 . But 21.♖xb1 d4
there was no such desire. 22.♖ d1 ...
14.♕ d2 d5 Rushing with 2 2 ...♗ f5, I missed
The alternative is the tactical op­ 23.♕ b5! ♕ xb5 24.♘ xb5 ♗ xc2 25.♖xd4
eration 14… ♗ a6 15.a4 ♗xb5 16.♗xb5 ♖xd4 26.♘ xd4, with exchanges and a
♘ xe4! 17.♘ xe4 ♖xb5 l 8.ab ♕ x a l+ quick draw. 22… g6 23.♕ d2 ♕ e 5, with a
19.♕ d1 ♕ a 5 + 20.♘ c3 ♘ b4 21.0-0 definite advantage maintained the ten­
d5, which is more common in the Ben- sion.
ko Gambit. The players’ chances are
roughly equal. 5. M . C^ARLSEN - R. VIDOl^NYAK
15.ed ed Gausdal, 2005
16.0-0 Sd8
17.♘ d4 ♘ xd4 l.e4 c5
18.♕ xd4 ... 2 .♘ f3 ♘ c6
3.d4 cd
4 .♘ xd4 ♘ f6
5.tiJc3 e6
6/:i:Jdb5 ♗ c5
7.♗ f4 0-0
8 .♗ c7 ♕ e7
<*4.9

♗ xd 6
6d

10.♕ xd6 ♘ e8
1 1 .♕ xe7 ...
11.♕ d 2 leads to a normal Sicilian
in a playable form for Black. Then 11...
a6 12.♘ d4 ♘ xd4 13.♕ xd4 b5 14.0-0-0
d6 l5.h4 ♖ b8 16.a3 (16.e5 de 17.♕ xe5
Before taking on b2, Black prevents ♕ c7 l8.♕ x c7 ♘ xc7, with approximate
a reciprocal capture on d5. Then again, equality) 16 ...♗ b 7 17.♕b6 ♖ c 8 18.f3
18 … Bxb2 19.♘ xd5 ♖xc2 20.♘ xf6+ ♖ c6 19.♕ e3 ♘ f6 20.♘ e2 e5 2l.® g3
gf 21.♕ e4 ♗ f5 22.♕ e7 ♖d7 23.♕ e8+ ♗ c 8 22.♗d3 ♕ c 7 2 3 .♔ b1 ♗ e 6 is pos-

140
 The Sicilian Defense

sible (Wedberg — Hall, Sweden, 2000). 13... ♘ xd6

Black has successfully regrouped and his 14.♖xd6 fe
position is preferable. 15.♘ xe4 ♘ f5
11... ti'Jxe7 16.♖ d2 d5
12.0 -0-0 ... 17.♘g5 ...

A position that arises compara­ This position from the Cobra can be
tively often in the Cobra. Apart from called a key one with full justification.
the advance ...f5 there are no other It’s more typical o f the French Defense
sensible plans for Black. Accompany­ — with a “bad” light-squared bishop and
ing it with an expanded fianchetto only a backward e6 pawn. No matter how
weakens the queenside: 12. ..a6 13.♘ d6 passive Black’s position is, he still has a
♘ xd6 14.♖xd6 f5 15.♗ . d 3 fe 16.♗ .x e 4 choice between a strategy o f simplifica­
♖ a7 17.f3 b5 18.b4 ♘ f 5 19.♗ . x f 5 ♖xf5 tions (with play most likely heading for a
20S£ib2 ♔ f8 2 l .♘ e4 ♔ e 7 22.♖hdl draw) and trying to maintain the heat o f
♖ c7 23.♘ c5, with the classic advan­ the battle in the hope o f grabbing some­
tage o f the knight over the bishop (Jenni thing.
— Raetsky, Lenk, 2003). 17... b6
12... f5 Grandmaster Beilon prefers 17. ..
13.♘ d6 ... ♘ h4, giving up his ambitions. Then
A fundamentally different pawn again, he achieved an armistice against
structure is created with 13.e5. After 13. .. Coleman (England, 2006) relatively eas­
♘ g6 the rook is def1ected tothe defense ily: 18.g3 ♘ f3 19.♘ xf3♖xf3 20.♗ .g 2 ♖ f 7
o f the advanced pawn, and the expand­ 2l.f4 g6 22.h4 h5 2 3 .♖ e1 ♗ . d 7 24.♗ .h 3
ed fianchetto gains strength: 14.♖e1 a6 ♖f6 25.♖de2 ♔ f7 — the weakness on e6
15.♘ d4 b5 16.h4 .♗b 7 17.h5 ♘ e7 18.a3 is solidly defended, and it isn’t clear how
♖c8 19.♖h3 t lc 7 20.f4 ♘ cd5 2 l .♘ xd5 White can make progress.
(Barua — Bellon, Gibraltar, 2004) 21... Smoothing out the chain in the cen­
♘ xd5. Now 22.g3 is forced, and it’s ter with the help o f 17 ...♗
. d 7 18.♗ . d 3 e5
completely unclear what the rook is do­ doesn’t work because o f 19.♗ . e 4 ! Let’s
ing on h3. Black is fine. follow H all’s analysis: 19...de 20.♖xd7

141
Chapter VIII

e3 2l.fe tt:lxe3 22.♖ e1 tt:lxg2 23.♖xe5 iLd7 20.♖ e1 ♘ f7 2 l.c4 ♖ a c 8 22.1!/b1

♖ ad8 24.♖xd8 ♖xd8 25.♖e7 ♘ f 4 26.b4, ♖fe8 23.cd (according to Khalifman,
with excellent activity from the white 23.♖c2!? iLc6 24.ti:ld4 iLb7 25.cd iLxd5
army. 26.f3 is a little more precise) 23...ed
18.tt:lt3 ... 24.♖xe8+ ♖xe8 25♗L c 2 iLg4 26♗L b3
With the aim o f establishing the iLxf3 2 7 .g f♖ e1+ 28.1!/c2 1!/f8 29.♖xd5
knight on e5 and advancing c4. Now ♔ e7. The extra pawn can only nomi­
with 18♗L d3?! e5 there’s no pin on the nally be considered extra, and with ac­
file, and 19♗L e4 would fa♗. The contin­ tive pieces Black held out without much
uation 19.♖e1 e4 20♗L b 5 tt:le7 21.♖ e3 trouble. 2 0 ...♖
r f 6 21.♖de2 ♖ e8 22.tt:le5
h6 22.♘ h3 iLe6 23♗L a4 ti:lf5 24.♖c3 iLb5 23♗Lxb5 tt:lxb5 24.tt:lc6 ♔ f7 25.a4
(Czebe — Chemov, Interlaken, 2003) ti:ld6 26.f3 g5 27.b3 a5 has also been en­
24...d4 25.♖c7 e3 demonstrates how countered (Edouard —Brochet, France,
easily the unprepossessing pawn duo in 2007) — after exchanging bishops Black
the center gains strength ifit’s left with­ didn’t completely equalize the chances.
out the required attention. 20.c3 tt:lc5
It’s better to develop the bishop 21♗L c2 a5
another way: 18♗L b 5 a6 19♗L c 6 ♖a7 22.♖rel ...
20.♖e1 ♖ c7 (20… ♖f6? 21.♖ r x d 5!) White has a solid advantage. Rybka
21.tt:le6 ♖ xc6 22.♘ xf8 ♔xf8 23.ti:lxd5 suggests 22 ...b5 here, and, if allowed,
tt:lh4. In H all’s opinion, Black’s chanc­ 23...b4. True, most probably you won’t
es are no worse thanks to the possibility be allowed to do it — 23.♖e5!? (23… b4?!
o f attacking pawns on the kingside. 24.c4). Separated from their own kind,
18... ti:ld6 the pawns become more vulnerable, and
19♗L d 3 tt:lb7 the Norwegian wunderkind reminded
Vidonyak transfers his knight from his partner o f this incontestable truth:
one strong spot to another, which 2 2 ...a4 23.tt:le5 a3 24.b3 Ba7 25.b4
doesn’t change the evaluation o f the tt:Ja6 26.♘ ♖ c7 27.♖ e3 ♗ b7 28.♖d4
position as diff i cult for Black. In the ♘ b8 29.1!id2 iLa6 30.c4 de 31.♖ xa3
duel Berg — Hall (Germany, 2002) the ♗ b 5 32.♖c3, winning the c4 pawn and
knight preferred a stall in the rear: 19. .. the game.

CONCLUSION:

G ood news for C o bra-tamers: in the main line l.L f4 0-0 8. -i c7 t i e ! 9. Vd6
;.xd6 10.;r 'xd6 White is guaranteed an advantage. Comforting news for fans ofthe
poisonous snake — after an exchange o f queens 10... e8 1 l.¥4xe7 xe7 it's far
from decisive, and with 10...^'dX Wliite only gets into a tense battle ( 11 : c7!?).
The Cobra is only a couple o f decades old, and so it can be a surprise, especially
against an unsophisticated player. Lots o f players have a pet line in the Sicilian and
we encourage the reader to adopt the pet Cobra into their repertoire.

142
 Chapter 9

The Albin Countergambit

T h e Romanian master Adolf Albin confidently advanced his e-pawn against Lasker
in 1893 and ventured the same step against Chigorin three years later. Albin’s novelty
was in tune with an era that was the heyday o f the Orthodox Defense, when Black
invented deviations at the early stages o f the opening. From the very beginning the
gambit acquired a reputation for being incorrect and was used by famous players epi­
sodically. It was only in the new millennium that Morozevich breathed life into the
almost-forgotten opening, and 2...e5 gradually started being played.
In 1998 the authors published with the company Schachverlag Kania the mono­
graph Albins Gegengambit. The work was presented in the format o f the Encyclopedia
o f Chess Openings, i.e. without words. By comparison with the comprehensiveness
o f chess databases the value o f such books has evaporated, so priority has been given
to explanations. Only the main line is investigated here, which arises after 3.de d4
4.t1Jf3 t1Jc6. The rest either doesn’t provide a critical test for the Albin or switches
to other openings. An exception is the solid line 3.de d4 4.e4, where the author has
no ideas o f his own — for some reason my opponents have ignored the natural pawn
advance. The continuation 4.e4 hardly claims to refute the gambit, and games from
recent years haven’t changed that.
Alexander Raetsky is respectful towards 2...e5, but on l.d4 d5 2.c4 he prefers
the greedy, banal and f1avorless capture on c4. So his co-author — a fan o f the Albin
Countergambit — will take over.

1.d4 d5 c3 and e3 squares away from the op­

2.c4 e5 ponent and splits the enemy camp into
3.de d4 two halves, destroying the cooperation
4.t1Jt3 t1J c 6 between them. Thanks to the advanced
The d4 pawn is unquestionably the pawn Black gets various tactical possi­
star on the board. It takes the important bilities. The main problem is rooted in
Chapter IX

the fact that this is a gambit, and White

is a pawn up from the start. An exchange
o f the e5 pawn for the d4 pawn is fairly
common, with accompanying simplifi­
cations — nothing less than a misfortune
for Black. Even if you manage to grab
another pawn along the way (usually
c4), equality isn’t guaranteed.

LLlb3) 8...a5 9.LLlb3 'iVe7 (9...b6 10.e3!)

10.LLlfxd4 ♘ x d4 l l.LLlxd4 LLlxe5 12.e3,
and a favorable exchange o f pawns has
been carried out. 7 ...♗ f5!? 8.'iVa4 ♕ d 7
9.0-0-0 0-0-0 10.LLlb3 ♗ c2 ! deserves
attention, exchanging o ff the knight.
The d4 pawn remains alive, and White’s
kingside is locked up, as before.
In the position in the diagram 5.g3 is Markos used 5.♗g5 against me
encountered more often than all the other (Bratislava, 1998): 5...f6 6.ef gf 7.♗ f4
moves put together. A fair distance behind LLlge7 8.e3 LLlg6 9.♗ d3 (9.♗g3 Si.b4+
it are the continuations 5.a3 and 5.LLlbd2. 10.LLlbd2 lays claim to an advantage)
O f the others, 5.e3, 5.ASH4 and 5.♗g5 de­ 9 ...♗ b 4 + 10.LLlbd2 de 1l.♗ xg6+ hg
serve a mention. After 5.e3 ♗ b 4 + 6.♗d2 12.♗xe3 ♗ f5 13.a3 ♗ e7 14.'iVb3 ♕ d 7
de 7.fe the extra pawn is devalued in a 15.0-0-0 0-0-0 16.'iVc3 ♕ e 6 17.♗d4
standard gambit structure. An exchange ♖d7 18.♖he1 ♕ f7 19.LLlb3?! (in the case
on d2 leads to equality. Winning the pawn o f 19.LLlg5 ♕ f 8 20.LLlgf3 ♕ f7 is a justi­
back has been encountered a few times, fiable repetition o f moves) 19. ..♖ hd8
7...♗ g4 8.♗e2 ♗xf3 9.♗xf3 'iVh4+ 10.g3 20.h3 g5 2 l.♗ e 3 ? ♖d3 22.♖xd3 ♖xd3
♕ xc4 1 l.♗ x c6+ ♕ x c6 12.0-0 —here the 2 3.♕ c2 i.h 7 ! (then again, 23...♖ d1+! is
chances are also equal. just as lethal). The future Grandmaster
After 5.♗f4 LLlge7 6.LLlbd2 LLlg6 7.♗g3 didn’t display tenacity in defense, nor
did he distinguish himselfin the opening.
(See Diagram)
Capturing on f6 with the pawn is only
White solidly defends his pawn weak­ justified by winning a tempo; in other
ness at the price o f mobilizing the king­ lines such weakening moves are avoided.
side. Inventiveness is still required from Basically, the undermining move ...f6
Black to prevent events from unfolding is encountered rarely these days. Black
according to his opponent’s scenario — frees himself, but it’s a shame to part
both after 7 ...♗ c5 8.a3 (preparing b4 or with the pawn irretrievably.

144
 The Albin Countergambit

On 5♗,g 5 the response 5 ..♗,e 7 6.a3 i1xd2+ 7.♕xd2 i1g4 8.b3 (8.♕ f4!?)
6.1,xe7 ♘ gxe7 is solid, but 5 ...♘ ge7!? 8..♗,x f 3 9.gf ♘ xe5 10.f4 ♘ c6 l l ♗1 b 2
is more substantial, with a subsequent ♕ h 4 12.e3 ♘ f6 13♗,g 2 0-0 (Riordan
6.tiJbd2 (and with 6.e3 i,g 4 7.h3 ♗ xf3 — Sagalchik, USA, 2001), and instead o f
8.♕xf3 h6 9♗,f 4 ♘ g6 10.tiJd2 de 14.0-0 ♖ ad8 15.ed tiJh5 with imminent
11.1,xe3 ♘ gxe5 12.♕e4 ♕ e7 Black play against the king, castling queenside
doesn’t experience any difficulties) 6... preserved the opening advantage.
h6 7♗,h 4 i , e 6 8 .♕ a4 ♕ d 7 9.tJ'Je4?! In the event o f 5..♗,e 6 it’s possible
(9.0-0-0 tiJf5 10♗,g 3 0-0-0 11.tiJb3 to part with the c4 pawn: 6.tiJb3!? i,x c4
♕ e 7 is correct) 9...tJ'Jf5 10.0-0-0 ♘ xe5 7.tiJbxd4 i,c 5 8.e3 (8♗,e 3 !? and ♖c1 are
l l.♕ x d7+ ♘ xd7 12.g4 ♘ xh4 13.♘ xh4 also promising, although the kingside still
i1xc414.♖ xd4i1xa2 15.f40-0-0 16♗,g 2 needs to be developed) 8..♗,x f1 9.IIxf 1
c6 17.tJ'Jf5 ♔ c 7 18.♖hdl i,d 5 (Ovsi- ♕ d7 10.♘ xc6 ♕ xc6 1l♗,d 2 i , b 6 (the
annikov — Zablotsky, Saratov, 2006) comparatively better l l...a5 didn’t allow
— Black is now a full pawn up. you to hold out on the c-file either— 12.♖ c1
♘ e7 13.a3 a4 14.♕c2 b6 15♗1 b 4 i,xb4+
l.d4 d5 16.ab ♕xc2 17.♖xc2 tiJd5 18.c;i;e2 with
2.c4 e5 an advantage in the ending) 1 2 ♖ c1 ♕ g 6
3.de d4 13♕ c 2 ♕xg2 14.♕a4+ c;i;f8 15.♕e4 ♖d8
4.tJ'Jf3 ♘ c6 16♗,b 4 + ♘ e7 17.♖ ':tgl ♕ h3 18.tiJg5 ♕h5
5.tiJbd2 ... 19.e6! c5 20♗,c 3 , and Dzevlan quickly
crushed Furhoff (Stockholm, 1992).

1. I. SOKOW V - A. MOROZEVICH
Wijk aan Zee, 2005

l.d4 d5
2.c4 e5
3.de d4
4.tJ'Jf3 ♘ c6
5.tiJ M2 ♘ ge7

An original kind o f bridge between

5.a3 and 5.g3. The continuation 5.tiJbd2
i1g4 6.a3 was examined in the line 5.a3,
and 5.tiJbd2 i,g 4 6.g3 in 5.g3. The f3
knight is defended, and a substitute
for the bishop move out to g4 must be
sought. An exchange o f the bishop for
the d2 knight in the interests o f the safety
o f the d-pawn doesn’t impress: 5 ..♗,b 4

145
Chapter IX

Morozevich has also played like this 10.♔ f2 0-0 11.ji,d3 L'Llh6 12.h3 L'Lle6
on 5.a3, and on 5.g3. But the position 13.♗ d2 ji,xd2 14.♘ bxd2 t!lc5 15.ji,c2
in the diagram was defended as Black j'l,f5 16.e4 ji,e6 17.b4 0 a 6 18.♖ hbl
for the first time by none other than the c5 19.a3 Bad8 20.♔ e3 — those knights
teacher ofthe chess world, the dogmatist wouldn’t have appealed to Tarrasch!
Dr. Tarrasch! Not a bad advertisement! 7 ... ji,e7
6.L'Llb3 ... As a result ofweak play by ^Whte inthe
Again we’ll see the continuations game Napier — Tarrasch (Monte Carlo,
6.a3 and 6.g3 in the lines 5.a3 and 5.g3 1902) only Black was happy with the po­
respectively. sition that arose: 7... e6 8.h3 h5 9.j'l,g5
6... ♘ f5 Ae7 10.Axe7 ♕ xe7 11.♕ d 3 0-0-0 12.h4
7.a3 ... a5 13.g3 a4 14.♗ h3 g6 15.L'Llbd2 ♕ c5
White isn’t in a hurry to change the 16.0-0 ♔ b 8 17.®g2 ♘ x e5 18.♘ x e5
deadlocked situation around the pawn. Vj<xe5. Against Nabaty (Kemer, 2007)
Strangely, up until now only Nielsen Pavlidis rounded on the central pawn —
against Nevednichy (Warsaw, 2005) 8.'i!fd3 a5 9.g4L'Llh410.L'Llfxd4a411.♘ x e6
has had the idea o f economizing on fe, and instead o f 12.♘ d2?! ♕xd3 13.ed
the prophylactic move: 7.g3 a5 8.j'l,g2 ♘ x e5 1 4 .♔ d1 0-0-0 15.♔c2 CZlxg4 (with
a4 9.♘ bd2 ji,e7 10.0-0 g5!? (a modern an advantage for Black) he should have
trend — a pawn dash not to attack the exchanged queens on his own initiative —
king, but to fight for the central squares!) 12.♕xd8+ ♖xd8 13.j'l,g5! ji,e7 14♗ xe7
11.tZl e4 g4 12.tZle 1 LLlxe5 13.'i!fc2 0-0 ♔xe7 15.♘ c5, with better prospects.
14.♘ d3 ♘ g6?! (exchanging knights pre­ Avrukh corrects White’s play: 9.j'l,f4!?
vented a trip after the pawn) 15. ♘ ec5 a4 10.♘ bd2 iie 7 11.h4! (against ...g5)
♖ a7 16.L'Llxa4 ♖e8 17.b3?! (in Dautov’s 11...♘ xh4 12.♘ xh4 iLxh4 13.L'Llf3 :1Le7
opinion there’s nothing for the bishop 14.♖xh7 ♖xh7 15.♕xh7 ♕ d7 16.♕xg7
to do on b 2 ; 17. ♘ ac5 L'Lld6 18.♘ b3 l i f 6 0-0-0 1 7 .Scl 0 a 5 18.L'Lld2, and there’s
19.e3 promised a clear advantage) 17 ... nothing real for the two pawns.
j'l,f6 18.♘ ac5 1'11d6 19.♗ b2 .If!f5 20.e4!? 8.g3 a5
Llxe4 21.L'Llxe4 ♗ xe4, and now the ad­ 9.® d3 a4
vantage is most likely with Black. 10/£)bd2 h5
But it’s worth starting to think about
how to reply to 7.e4!?, and your mood
immediately sours... 7 ...L'Llh4 has been
tried, with the confused knight o ff in the
distance. An exchange o f queens, 7...de
8.'i!fxd8+ ♘ x d8 9.ji,xe3 L'Llxe3 10.fe, was
encountered back in von Bilguer’s day.
Later a stable advantage was held with­
out exchanging o ff the bishop so soon.
A fragment from Pena Riasco — Fluvia
(Spain, 2007) is instructive: 9.fe ji,b4+

146
 The Albin Countergambit

Devotees o f the gambit won’t be uating his king to g1 via f1 he f1ung open
surprised by this kind o f f1ank strategy the doors and windows o f its residence
as a counterbalance to play in the cen­ - 21.e3? ♘ b3 22.♖d1 ♕ a 5 + 23.♔ e2
ter — since the situation in the center ♘ ec5 2 4 .♕ g 2 ♕ a 6, with a rout.
has temporarily stabilized, and excur­
sions on the periphery go unpunished. 2. M. ILLESCAS - J. FLUVIA
It isn’t worth winning the pawn back Spain, 2005
— in Rybka’s variation 10. ..S a 5 11.b4 ab
12Ci:Jxb3 ♘ xe5 13.♘ xe5 3xe5 14.♕ f4 l.d4 d5
♖e6 15.jl,h3 ♖ b6 16.c5 ♖ f6 17.jl.g5 the 2.c4 e5
castaway rook f1ounders around under a 3.de d4
hail ofblows. 4.♘ f3 ♘ c6
11.jl,b3 g6 5.♘ bd2 Ylg4
12.♘ e4 h4?! 6.h3 . ••
The exchange operation 12 ...♘ h4!?
13.Axc8 ♘ xf3+ 14.♕xf3 ♖xc8 15.jl,f4
♕ d7 (Dautov) left few chances for suc­
cess, so Morozevich bluffs.
13.jl,f4 hg
14.hg ♘ g7
The knight leaves a space for the
bishop. 14 ...♘ xg3 15.fg ♖xh3 16.0-0-0
established a pawn balance at the price
o f the king’s safety.
15.jl,g2?! ...
By exchanging rooks Sokolov
makes his opponent’s defense easier. Illescas suggests getting some cer­
After 15.♘ f6+! jl,xf6 16.ef it’s impos­ tainty about the bishop, which, as a rule,
sible to take on f6 immediately due to leads to total simplifications.
17.jl,d7+!, and in the case o f 16. ..♘ e6 6... Axf3
17.♕e4 ♕ x f6 White recoupswith the c7 Exchanging is encountered more of­
pawn. ten than retreating, as Black maintains
15 ... ♖ xhl+ a course to an apparently harmless end­
16.3i,xh1 jl,f5 game. 6...jl,h5 7.a3 ♕ e7 with a trans­
17.♘ fg5 ® a5 position o f moves is examined with 6.a3
18.♕ f3?! ♘ e6 jl,g4 7.t?ibd2 ♕ e7.
19.♘ h7 3i,xe4 7.♘ xf3 jl,b4+
20.♕xe4 c6 It isn’t worth deviating from the
Sokolov had lost the thread o f the chosen course, as gambit play dries up
game (as evidenced by the loss o f a tem­ without the light-squared bishop. After
po on the 18th move), and here he made 7 ...jl,c5 8.a3 a5 White has his sights on
an unforgivable blunder. Instead o f evac­ the b7 square with ♕ b3 immediately or

147
Chapter IX

with the inclusion o f 9.g3 CfJge7 10♗ g2 and all White can do is dream o f one
CfJg6. A fragment from the offhand game on the kingside. But his pawn march
Capablanca — Aurbach (Paris, 1914) on the queen’s f1ank, supported by the
isn’t an example to imitate either: 7 ... killer from g2, was so dangerous that
f6 8.ef CfJxf6' 9.g3 ♗ b4+ 10♗ d2 V/ile7 Miralles won eight moves later. 11...
l l.a3 ♗ xd2+ 12.V♕ xd2. Here the little- ♗ xd2 12.♕xd2 CfJf6 13.♖fdl CfJc6 is
known player equalized his chances with probably more solid.
12. ..C!Je4 13.VIilc2 CfJc5, and if desired 9 ... ♕ xb4+
V
could declare smothered mate against 10.VIild2 V/ilxc4
the future World Champion (if the latter A novelty, but not an improvement.
didn’t snap out o f his laid-back condi­ 10...VIilxd2+ 11.♔xd2 CfJge7 12.e4 de+
tion) — 14.b4 d3 15.VIildl d2+! 16.CfJxd2 13.♔xe3 CfJg6 was played previously.
CfJd3! But the prophylactic 9.a3 doesn’t White parts with his extra pawn on the
let you serenely slide through the open­ e5 square or hurls it forward to its doom
ing stage — there’s no convenient spot with e6 — his advantage evaporates in ei­
for the dark-squared bishop. ther case.
8.♗ d2 V/ile7 11.e3 de
9.♗ xb4+ ... 12.♗ xc4 ed+
The draw Meessen —Henry (Namur, 13.Wxd2 CfJge7
2006) was appealing: 9.a3 ♗ xd2+ 14.Wc3 0-0
w5.

10.V/ilxd2 0-0-0 11.e3 (11.0-0-0 CfJxe5 Sad 8

1

a
d
l

12.♘ xd4♘ xc4 13.♕ c3 CfJd6 14.e3 CfJe4 16.e6 fe

— the knight, having drawn a polygon, 17.♗ xe6+ Wh8
has based itself on a superb spot) 11...
CfJh6 12.CfJxd4 CfJxd4 13.ed c5 14.V/ila5
♖xd4 15.V/ilxa7 ♖ e8 16♗ e2 ♖e4
17.0-0-0! (now there’s no way to avoid
perpetual check!) 17. ..♖xe2 18.f4 ♖e4
19.♖d5 ♖ xc4+ 20.♔ b1 ♖ d8 21.VIila8+
♔ c 7 2 2 .♕ a5 + ♔ c 8 23.V/ila8+. But with
14.d5!? V/ilxe5+ 15♗ e2 ♖he8 16.f4 V/ile7
17.♔ f2 White consolidates with an ex­
tra passed pawn. Instead o f 11...CfJh6 the
continuation 11...CfJxe5 12.CfJxe5 V/ilxe5
13.0-0-0 c5 is more natural and stron­
ger, equalizing. The pieces on the board are the same,
A typical Albin structure arose in the but the situation has changed. Here the
game Miralles — Pergericht (Cannes, bishop is fantastic and in an asymmetri­
1988): 9.g3 0-0-0 10♗ g2 CfJxe5 cal structure it defines White’s advan­
11.0 -0 CfJxf3+ 12.ef1? ♗ xd2 13.VIilxd2 tage. The knight jump that Illescas un­
♕
V f6 14.a4 CfJe7 15.f4 h5 16.h4 ♔ b 8 dertook is only good with a preliminary
17.a5. Black has a central passed pawn, exchange o f rooks.

148
 The Albin Countergambit

18.♘ g5 ♖xdl 3. S . FARAGO - M. CHETVERIK

19.♖ xdl ♖xf2 Budapest, 2002
20.♘ f7 + ♔g8
21.♘ d8 + ♔f8 l.d4 d5
22.♘ xc6 ♘ x c6 2.c4 e5
23.♖ d7 Bxg2 3.de d4
2 4 .1 f7 + ♔ e8 4.♘ f3 tlc 6
25.♖ xc7 ♖ g3+ 5.a3 a5
2 6 .♔ c4 ♖g5
The position is equal and the battle
should have ended in a draw. However,
Black went on to lose.

l.d4 d5
2.c4 e5
3.de d4
4.♘ f3 tlc 6
5.a3 ...

A very natural desire — to stop the

b-pawn. Now the prophylactic role o f
5.a3 comes to the fore, and by com­
parison with 5.e3 the move 6.e3 gains
force (there’s no ..♗ b4+ ). Bareev and
Morozevich found themselves here with
a transposition o f moves (Elista, 1997).
They started with the Chigorin Defense
(l.d 4 d5 2.c4 li".c6 3.e3 e5 4.de d4 5.a3
a5 6.'i'\f3), and the duel was illuminated
This modest pawn move is consid­ in a corresponding monograph by M o­
erably better than it looks. The black rozevich and Barsky. I’ll direct anyone
pieces can ’t get to the b4 square. To an who’s curious to it, only commenting
even greater degree this is a support for that after 6 ..♗ c5 7.ed ♗ xd4 (to hook
b4 — a useful advance in a gambit even the e5 pawn; 7 ...♘ xd4 is at least no
if Black castles kingside. The queen’s worse) 8.♗ e2 ♘ g e7 9.0-0 0-0 I0 .♘ c3 it
bishop comfortably makes its way to b 2, looks like equality can be achieved with
and the permanent threat o f b5 inf1u­ 10. ..♗ xe5 1 1 .♘ xe5 ♘ x e5 12.♗ g5 f6
ences the center in the strongest p os­ 13.♗ e3 ♗ e6.
sible way. 6.♘ bd2 ...
On 6.g3 Black has to choose a setup
from the system 5.g3, in which the inclu­

149
Chapter IX

sion o f a3 and ...a5 does him no harm. ...a4 and ..♗ a5 White still doesn’t suc­
This is unlikely to be a plan with castling ceed in completing his development.
queenside, but on the other hand the Schiffers fairly points out that instead o f
fashionable maneuver . ..♘ e7-g6 is rel­ the futile blocking o f the bishop 9.e3 de
evant. 10.♕xd8+ ♘ x d8 l l ♗ xe3 ♗ x e3 12.fe is
6... i i c5 more promising.
The clamp on the queenside ...a4 7 ... i ia 7
fixes the weaknesses b2 and c4 in place 8♗ g5 ♘ g e7
at an appropriate moment. Here it’s 9 .♕ d 2 h6
premature: 6...a4?! 7.b3 ab 8.Li'lxb3 10♗ h4 ...
i i e 6 9.Li'lbxd4 ♘ x d4 10.♕xd4 ♕xd4
l l .♘ xd4 ♗ x c4 12♗ b2 ♖ a4 13.e3 ♗ x fl
14.♖ xf1 iic 5 15.Li'lb5 c6 16.Li'lc3 ♖c4
17.♔ e2 tle 7 18.♖fdl Li'lc8 19.a4, and
White made the best o f his pawn (Dy-
achkov — Kanep, Moscow, 2005).
In the game Clery — Chetverik (La
Fere, 2006) Black relocated his knight
to f5 to defend his central pawn, but he
didn’t pay enough attention to its safe­
ty: 6 ...♘ ge7 7.♘ b3 ♘ f 5 8♗ g5 ♕ d7?!
9.g4 h6 1 0 ♗ c l a4 11.gf ab 12♗ h3
♖a5 13♗ d2 S c 5 14.♕xb3 (and why 10... a4
not 14.e6! ?) 14...♘ xe5 15.♘ xe5 ♖xe5 Saleh Salem, the young talent from
16.0-0-0, with a justified swift victory. the United Arab Emirates, repeated
I should have looked for compensation Farago’s moves against me (Parubice,
for the pawn with 8 ..♗ e7 9♗ xe7 ♕xe7 2007). But an improvement lay in wait
10.♘ bxd4 Li'lcxd4 11.Li'lxd4 ♘ x e5 12.e3 for White — 10..♗ f5 l l .♘ g3?! g5!, and,
0-0. Without a doubt the exchange o f having been disappointed with the vari­
queens 8.e4.de 9.♕ xd8+ ♘ x d8 10.fe is ation 12.♘ xf5 ♘ x f5 13♗ g3 g4 14.♘ gl
just as pleasant for White as it is without 'i/lie7 (winning the pawn back with bet­
the addition o f 5.a3 a5. ter chances) he went for a dubious
7.♘ e4 ... sacrifice, 12.♘ xg5?! hg 13♗ xg5 ♕ d 7
International Master Farago (who 14 ♕ f 4 iic 5 15.h4. The continuation
has the same name as the famous l l.♕ c 2 ♕ d7 12.0-0-0 is more accurate,
Grandmaster) follows an old recom­ although no one wants to go into a pin
mendation by Schiffers. Against Cohn voluntarily.
(Munich, 1900) Showalter contin­ 11.0 -0-0 ♗ fS
ued 7.♘ b3 iia 7 8♗ g5 Li'lge7 9.c5 h6 12.♘ g3 i ig 6
10♗ xe7 ♕xe7 11.I c l 0-0 12.♕d2 Having convinced myself that af­
iig 4 13.♘ bxd4 ♗ x f3 14.♘ xf3 ♗ x c5 ter 12. .♗th 7 ? 13.♘ h5! 0-0? the move
15.♕ c3 i i b 6. Because o f the threat of 14.♘ xg7! ends matters, I don’t let the

150
 The Albin Countergambit

knight into my camp. 12. ..g5 13.Ci'lxf5 23.Ci'lf3 f6

Ci'lxf5 14.♗ g3 g4 is too late, as with tran­ 24.Ci'lxe5 fe
sit via e 1 the knight defends the pawn 2 5.♗ g4 ♕ f6
from d3. There’s approximate equality on
13.e4 ... the board. In time trouble Black blun­
13.♕ f4 0-0 14.e4 is more precise, dered again and ruined the game con­
ruling out a capture en passant. clusively.
13... de
14.♕ c3 ♕ c8 4. N. PERT - I. ROGERS
15.♗ xe7 ♔xe7 England, 2002
So as not to lift the attack on the
pawn, although with 15. ..♘ xe7 16.fe 0-0 1.d4 d5
17.♗ e2 ♗ e6 there’s nothing to worry 2.c4 e5
about with a pair o f1ong-range bishops. 3.de d4
16.fe ♗ c5?! 4.Ci'lf3 C lc6
Useful in principle, but played at the 5.a3 A e6
wrong time. I should have finished my
artificial castling with the help o f 16. ..
♖ d8 17.♗ e2 ♔f8 .
17.♖d5 b6
18.e4 ...
Notonlyblunts Black’s light-squared
bishop, but also White’s. After 18.♗ d3!
winning the pawn back opens the way to
winning combinations like 18. ..♗ xe3+?!
1 9 .♔ b1 ♕ e 6 20.♖ e1 ♗ c5 2l.♖ d6!
18... ♖ e8?!
Black returns to artificial castling in
an unsuitable form. In the case o f 18. .. The attack on the pawn isn’t condu­
♖ d8 19.♗ d3 ♔ f 8 20.♗ c2 White’s ad­ cive to possibilities for White to defend
vantage isn’t huge. In the sharp variation it. 6.b4!? is very unclear, with the exam­
19.e6?! ♕xe6 20.♕xg7 ♗ xe4 2l.Ci'lxe4 ple variation 6 ...♗ xc4 7.Ci'lbd2 ♗ e6 8.b5
♖xd5 22.cd ♕xe4 because o f his poor Cla5 9 .♕ a4 c5 10.bc Clxc6. Neverthe­
development only White has problems. less, practical players prefer to keep their
19.Ci'lh4?! ... pawn superiority.
Now 19.e6! ♕ x e 6 20.♕xg7 was rel­ 6.e3 ...
evant and led to an advantage, as the ac­ Leads to an important typical posi­
tive rook isn’t exchanged off. tion for the gambit. If he wants to keep
19... c;!Jf8 the queens on the board White chooses
20.♗ e2 ♔g8 6.Ci'lbd2. Volzhin conducted his attack
21.♖hd1 ♕ e6 beautifully and energetically against Re-
22.Ci'lgf5 Clxe5 witz (Orhus, 1997): 6 ...♕ d 7 7.b4 Clge7

151
Chapter IX

8 ♘ b3!? Llg6 9.Llbxd4 ♗ xc4 10.Llxc6 9...Llg6 10.Llg5 (9...h6!? precluded the
Vjlxc6 11..t b 2 a5 12.Lld4 Vjla6 13.b5! knight thrust) 10 ...Llgxe5 1 1 .♘ xe6 fe
li,xb5 14.♖ cl .t c 4 15.Vjlc2 b5 16.Vjle4! 12.h3 tld 3 + 13..txd3 ♖xd3 14.♔e2
.te 7 17.h4! 0-0-0 18.h5 ♘ f 8 19.Llc6 ♖d7 15.b4 tld 4 + 16 . ♗ xd4 ♖xd4
♖d7 20.♖xc4! be 2l.e3 .t c 5 22..tx c4 17.♖ acl ♗ e7 18.♘ f3 ♖ d 8 19.♖hdl
Vjlb7 23.0-0 Lle6 24.a4! t l d 8 25.li,b5 ♖ xd120.♖ xd1 ♗ f6 21.Lld2 ♖f8 22.Lle4
— the outcome o f the skirmish is prede­ ♗ e7 23.♖d3. It’s more pleasant to play
termined. In the unusual variation 8 ... White, but no real chances o f success
♗ xc4 9.Llc5! Vjlc8 (9. ..Vjld5? 10.e4! de are evident.
11..tx c 4 ef+ 12.♔xf2 ♕ xc4? 13.♕d7#) 9 ... LlfS
10. ♘ x d4 Llxe5 l l.f4 b 6 12.fe be 13.bc With the aim of exchanging o ff the
the chances are still with White. bishop or forcing it away and seizing
We can send the knight after the the d4 square. After 9...Llg6 10.Llb5
pawn without losing time on ...Vjld7: ♖d7 11.Llbd4 Llgxe5 12.Llxe5 Llxe5
6 ...Llge7 7.g3 Llg6 8 ..tg 2 .te 7 9.b4 13.Llxe6 fe 14..te2 tld 3 + 15..txd3
0-0 10.0-0. As promised, thanks to the ♖xd3 16.♔e2 ♖ d 8 (1. Farago — Mestel,
b-pawn the situation is gradually being Rakovica, 1982) a structure arose from
clarified in White’s favor: 10. ..♖ b 8?! the fragment Leitao — Mekhitarian, and
11.li,b2 Llgxe5 12.b5 ♘ x f3+ 13.Llxf3 against the bishop Black makes a draw
Lla5 14.Llxd4 Llxc4 15.Llxe6 Vjlxdl without difficulty.
16.♖fxd1 fe (Johannessen — Hector,
Sweden, 2005) 17.♖d7!, with a winning
position. It’s vital to provoke a conf1ict
in the center before the bishop comes
out to b2: 10...a5 11.b5 Llcxe5 12.Si,b2
c5 13.bc Llxc6, with a decent game.
Replacing 7.g3 with 7.Llb3 Llf5 8.Vjld3
leads to a favorable position for White
from game 1 (5.♘ bd2 ♗ e6 6.Llb3 Llf5
7.a3 .t e 6 8.Vjld3).
6... de
7.Vjlxd8+ ♖xd8
8 .♗ xe3 Llge7 l 0.♖ d1 ...
It’s easier for the black pieces to get Babula pointed out that after 1 0 .tf 4
into play, and the extra pawn on e5 needs Llcd4?! 11.Llxd4 ♖xd4 12.g3 it’s unfa­
defending. It’s still difficult to believe vorable to return the pawn: 12. ...tx c4?!
that with normal play White is capable 13..te3! Llxe3 14.fe ♖g4 15.h3. But
o f losing, but that has happened fairly with the inclusion o f 10...h6 11.h4 in the
often anyway. indicated variation the rook retreats to
9.Llc3 ... g4 with a peaceful heart. Winning a sec­
9.Llbd2 was encountered inthe game ond pawn with 10.Llb5 ♖d7 11..tx a7
Leitao — Mekhitarian (Brazil, 2006): Llxa7 12.Llxa7 c6 13.Llc8 almost cer­

152
 The Albin Countergambit

tainly isn’t enough for victory. So with

Sadler (Germany, 2003) Agrest pre­
ferred 11.♖d1 ♘ xe3 12.fe g6 13.♘ bd4
♗ g7 14.♘ xc6 be 15.♗ e2 c5 16.♔f2
a5 17.b3 ♔ e 7 18.♘ g5 ♖b8 19.♘ xe6 fe
20.♖xd7+ ♔ xd7 21.♖♖d1+ ♔ e 7 22.♖d3
♗ xe5. There were no resources left to
continue the battle.
10... ♘ xe3
11.♖xd8+ ♔xd8
12.fe g6
13.♗ e2 ♗ g7
14.♘ d4 ♘ xe5 Current fashion prescribes bringing
Rogers would have avoided destroy­ the knight to g6. Its legislator was Mo-
ing the chain by retreating his bishop to rozevich, who used 5 ...♘ ge7 in a Rapid
d7 (which is impossible with 14.♘ g5). game with Topalov (M onaco, 2005).
In any case, it’s now White who’s look­ 6.b4 ...
ing for equality. We familiarized ourselves with the
15.♘ xe6 fe continuation 6.♘ bd2 ♗ e6 in the line
16.h4 h6 5 ...♗ e6. The response 6...♘ g6 7.♘ b3
1 7 .S fl ♔ e7 ♗ e7 is logical and good, with subse­
18.♔ d2 quent kingside castling.
19.c5 S d 8+ The repetition o f moves after 6.e3
20.♔ c 2 ♗ xc3 itg 4 7♗.e 2 de 8.♕ x d 8+ ♖ xd8 9.♗ xe3
21.♔ x c3 ♖d5 ♗ xf3 10.♗ xf3 ♘ xe5 11.♗xb7 ♘ xc4
22.b4 Se5 12. xa7 ♘ a5 13.♗ d 3 ♘ b3 14.♖a2 ♘ cl
23.♔ d 4 ♖d5+ (Parker — Pert, Swansea, 2006) is a1­
2 4 .♔ c3 Se5 ready used to make draw agreements! By
Pert didn’t agree to a repetition o f the way, with 7.ed ♗ xf3 8.♕xf3 ♕xd4
moves. 25.♖f3 dragged the game out 9.♘ c3 ♕xe5+ 10.♗ e2 ♘ g6 Black also
until the 75th move but didn’t inf1uence gradually equalizes his chances.
the result. After 6.e3 ♘ f5 7.e4 ♘ h4 Black
is fine. The d-pawn has acquired the
privileged status o f a passed pawn, and
5. Y. YAKOVICH - V. VOROTNIKOV the seizing of space doesn’t take strong
Moscow, 2007 squares away from the black pieces. 7.b4
is more promising, initiating a favorable
l.d4 d5 exchange o f queens: 7...de 8.♕ x d 8+
2.c4 e5 ♘ xd8 9.fe a5 10.b5 ♘ e6 1 1 .♘ c3 ♗ e7
3.de d4 12.♗ d3 ♘ c5 13.♗ c2 ♗ e6 14.♘ d5 ♗ d8
4.♘ f3 ♘ c6 15.♘ d4 ♘ h4 16.0-0 ♘ g6 17.♘ xe6 (17.
5.a3 ♘ ge7 ♗ b2 ♗ xd5 18. cd ♘ xe5 19.♘ f5 i l f 6

153
Chapter IX

20.11,d4 b6 2 l.♖ a d l is equivalent) 17. .. %Vd7 13.♘ c3 or 13.♘ d2 ♘ f 5 14. ♘ f3,

fe 18♗,x g 6 + hg 19.♘ f4 ♖h6 20♗,b 2 with an advantage for White.
g5 21.♘ e2 ♗ , e 7 22.♖adl (Conquest 8.b5 tlcxe5
— Acher, France, 2008). It’s useful for 9.♘ xe5 ...
Black to delay a little with the exchange An exchange o f queens was encoun­
— 7 ..♗,e 6 8.b5 de 9.%Vxd8+ ♘ x d8 10.fe tered in a Rapid game between World
♗ c5, and after ...b 6 and ...♘ b7 the Champions Karpov and Kasimdzhanov
knight comes back to life. (Tallinn, 2006): 9.%Vxd4 %Vxd4 10♗,x d 4
6... ♘g6 ♘ x c4 l l .♘ fd2 t l d 6 12.a4 ♘ f 5 13♗,c 3
The following duel between strong , c 5 14.e3 0-0 15.♘ b3 ♗
♗ , b 6?! (15...
Grandmasters is reminiscent o f the ♗
, b 4 l6 ♗,x b 4 ab is harmless for Black)
“golden age” o f the Albin Counter­ 16.♘ ld2 t l d 6 17.♘ c4 ♘ x c4 18♗,x c 4
gambit: 6 ..♗,g 4 7♗,b 2 ♘ f 5 8.%Vd3 g6 ♖ e8 19.0-0 tle 5 20.♗ e2 ♗ , e 6 21.♘ xa5
9.e6!? ♗ , g 7 10.ef+ ♔ xf7 l l .♘ bd2 ♖ e8 ♖xa5 22♗,x e 5 ♗ , b 3 , and now 23♗, d1
12.g3?! tle 3 ! 13.c5 ♕ d 5 14.♖ c1 ♘ x fl ,♗c 4 24.♗ c3 ♗ xf1 25♗,x a 5 ♗ ,x a 5
15.♖xf1 ♖xe2+!? (a speculative sacri­ 2 6.♔ x f1 preserved the extra pawn and
fice for the spectators instead o f the cor­ chances o f success with opposite-col­
rect 15. ..♖ ad 8) 16.♔xe2 tle 5 17.♕xd4 ored bishops. For White it’s worth rec­
♗
, x f 3 + 18.♘ xf3 %Vxf3+ 19.♔ d2 (Ba- ommending 11.e3 t l d 6 l2 .♘ bd2 ♗ ,d 7
bula — Banikas, Turin, 2006), and now 13.a4 ♘ f 5 14♗,c 3 ♗ , b 4 15.♖c1, with a
it wasn’t worth scorning the beautiful more harmonious configuration o f his
draw 19..♗,h 6 + 2 0 .♔ c2 ♖ d 8! 21.%Vxd8 forces.
%Vf5+ 2 2 .♔ c3 %Vf3+. Babula acciden­ Yakovich is following the mentioned
tally hit upon a tactical swindle; 12.h3 duel Topalov — Morozevich for now, and
, x f 3 13.♘ xf3 preserved his advantage.
♗ that’s not the worst example to imitate.
In Avrukh’s opinion, 9.%Ve4 ♗ , x f 3 10.ef Without exchanging a pair o f knights,
, g 7 l l.f4 0-0 12.♘ d2 is even more pre­
♗ taking with the bishop on d4 is less
cise. precise: 9.li,xd4 ♘ x f3+ 10.ef %Ve7+!
7♗,b 2 a5 11.'!Jje2 >!i'xe2+ 12♗,x e 2 ♘ f 4 13.g3
It’s useful to mess up the queenside. ♘ xe2 14.♔xe2 ♗ e6, and the bishops
In the game Zarubin — Kanep (St. Pe­ compensate for the shortfall.
tersburg, 2006) White kept his extra 9 ... ♘ x e5
pawn without the slightest trouble: 7... 10.e3 ,e 6
♗
tlcxe5 8.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5 9.e3 ♗ , e 6 10.c5 l l ♗,x d 4 ♘ x c4
%Vh4? 11.%Vxd4 ♘ g 4 12.%Vf4 0-0-0 12.1/1!Vc2 ...
13.11,e2 ♗ , e 7 14.%Vg3 %Vxg3 15.hg ♗ ,f 6 After 12.♘ d2 ♘ x d2 13.♕xd2 ♕ d5!?
16.11,xf6 ♘ x f6 17. ♘ c3 h5 18.♘ b5 ♔ b 8 winning a pawn with the double attack
19.♘ d4 ♗ , c 8 20.♖ d1. With the bet­ 14.1/1!Vc3 provides Black with compen­
ter 10...♘ c6 11.ed ♗ , e 7 ! 12.b5 tla 5 sation due to the activity o f his pieces
13.♘ d2 ,♗g 5 counterplay can be found. — 14..♗,d 6 !? 15♗,x g 7 ♖g8 16♗,f 6 a4.
And again “ two cents” from Avrukh: In the case o f 15.f3 f6 16♗,d 3 (Kri-
10.11,xd4 ♘ x c4 11.'iVc2 t l d 6 12♗,d 3 voshey - Lorenzo, Balaguer, 2006) the

154
 The Albin Countergambit

kings can get to their “ home” f1ank; the celona, 2007) Arias covered the vul­
chances are also equal. nerable g7 square with his queen: 17...
12... tld 6 ♕ d 3 18.♘ c3 ♕ g 6 19.♕f3 ,♗c 5 20.♘ e2
13♗,d 3 ♕g5 , d 6 2 l.♕ x b 7 0-0 22.♘ g3 h5 23.f4
♗
, c 4 24.♖ fcl h4 25.♘ f1 ♖c7 26.♕ f3
♗
, d 3 27.♖xc7 ♗
♗ , x c 7 . Here the bishops
compensate for being a pawn down, but
on the other hand with the very strong
19.♖fbl! ♕xg3 20.hg ♖c7 21.♖b5 and
22.♖xa5 no compensation is in view.
18.♘ c3 ♕ c6
19.♖ fcl h4
20.♕ g5 h3
21.e4 f6
22.♕ x a5 ,d 6
♗
23.g3 0-0
14.0-0 ... White has won a pawn, while Black
Topalov took pity on the b-pawn, has mobilized and doesn’t lack counter­
exposing the light squares: 14.f4 ♕ h 4+ play.
15 .g3 ♕ h 5 ( 15...♕ h 3!? prevents kingside
castling) 16.♘ c3 ♘ f 5 17.0-0. Instead o f 6 . V. G O W D - A. RAETSKY
17. .♗,d 6 with opportunities to castle Biel, 2007
on either side, Morozevich laid himself
open — 17 ...0-0-0?! 18♗,a 7 ! # g4?! I l.d4 d5
wonder how after 19.♘ a4! to neutralize 2.c4 e5
the innocent idea 20.♘ b6 #?! 3.de d4
14... ♘ x b5 4.&2f3 li:c 6
15♗,x b 5 + ... 5.a3 li,g4
In the case o f 15♗,b 2 0 - 0 - 0 16.a4tla7
17♗,e 4 f5 18♗,f 3 ♗ , b 4 the black king is
safe, and if his knight can get o ff a7, his
extra pawn can make the difference.
15... ♕ xb5
16.♕xc7 ♖ c8
Vorotnikov would immediately have
achieved comfortable play with the help
o f 16 ...♕ d 7 !? 17.♕g3 f6, 18. .♗,d 6 and
19...0-0.
17.♕ g3 h5!?
Black’s bishops are potentially dan­
gerous, but first he has to complete his An old-fashioned line. Before the
development. Against Gonzales (Bar- discovery by Morozevich ( ...♘ ge7-g6)

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Chapter IX

the bishop move out with subsequent ♗ xc5 13.♘ c4 ♘ f6 14.b4 ♗ xb4+ 15.ab
queenside castling was the main and uni­ ♖xb4 16.♕ c2 ♕ d5 17.e4 de 18.♘ xe3
versal reply to 5.g3, 5.♘ bd2 and 5.a3. ♕ xf3 19.♗ g2, and Black resigned.
6 .♕ b 3 !? ... 7 .♘ bd2 ...
Logically aiming at the b7 pawn, as A good alternative is 7.♗ g5, to shel­
soon the bishop won’t be defending it any ter the king on the queenside as soon
more. The queen move is encountered as possible (7 ...♕ d 7 8.♘ bd2 ♘ ge7
much less often than 6.♘ bd2 (game 7), 9.0-0-0). You have to look for reciprocal
although it’s no less strong. The logi­ play with 7...f6 8.ef ♘ xf6, with pressure
cal 6.b4 was played by Petrosian against on the open lines.
Porreka (Belgrade, 1954): 6 ...♕ e7 (an 7 ... ♘ ge7
immediate exchange o f the bishop a1­ 8.h3 ♗ f5
lows a favorable capture “ away from the Exchanging offthe bishop to speed up
center” for White) 7 .♕ a4 0-0-0 8♗H 4 the mobilization o f your forces doesn’t
♗ xf3 9.gf ♔ b 8 10.♘ d2 ♘ xe5 11.♕ b3 equalize either — 8 ...♗ xf3 9.♘ xf3 ♘ g6
♘ g6 12.♗ g3 f5 13.f4 ♘ f6 14.♕d3 ♘ e4 10.e3 ♗ e7 l l.ed ♘ xd4 12.♘ xd4 ♕xd4
15.♗ h3 ♘ xd2 16.♔xd2 ♘ xf4?! 17.♗ xf4 13.♗ e3 ♕xe5 14.♕ b5+ ♕ xb5 15.cb
g5 18.♗ xc7+ ♕ xc7 19.♗ xf5 ♕ f4 + ♖ d8 16.♖c1 ♗ d6 17.g3. The number
20.♔ c2 ♕xf2 21.♖ af1 ♕e3 22.♗ e4. The o f pawns has evened out, but it won’t be
opposite-colored bishops are unques­ easy to oppose the two bishops.
tionably in White’s favor, but the future 9.e4 de
World Champion extracted nothing from On 9 ...♗ e6 there would at least fol­
the opening. Instead o f the unconsidered low 10.♘ g5 ♘ g6 l l .♘ xe6 fe 12.c5, fir­
tactic 16. ..♘ h4 and ...g6 is stronger; Eu- ing at a new pawn weakness. By the way,
we’s recipe l l ...♘ f6 and ...♘ h5 deserved 9.e3 ruled out a bishop move out.
attention earlier — the white bishops are 10.♕xe3 ...
working below capacity. Another advantage o f 6 .♕ b3 !? — the
6... Hb8 queen feels fantastic on e3, as in the
The sacrifice o f the b7 pawn perfo­ example variation 10 ...♘ g6 11.g4 ♗ e6
rates the queenside, not helping to acti­ 12.b4 ♗ e7 13.♗ b2 0-0 14.♗ e2.
vate the black pieces much. Then again, 10... ♗ g6
with 6 ...♘ ge7 7.♕ xb7 ♖ b 8 8.♕ a 6 ♕ d 7 11.g4 ...
9.b4 ♘ g6 10.♘ bd2 ♗ e7 there’s com ­ As a result o f the exchanges l l.e 6!? fe
pensation — the white queen is a long 1 2 ♕ x e6 ♕ d 7 13.♕xd7+ ♔ xd7 14.♗ e2
way away. Creating a pawn pair in the White is a pawn up and has an excel­
center to the detriment o f his develop­ lent position. G olod follows a more in­
ment quickly ruined Vlahos against Ata- genious path, and Black even manages
lik (Halkidiki, 1998): 6 ...♕ d 7 7.♕ xb7 to open a file for his rook. As a conse­
♖ b8 8.♕ a 6 f6 9.♘ bd2 fib 6 10.♕ a4 quence, the king stays in the center.
♗ xf3 l l.gf ( 11.ttJxf3 is no worse, but the 11... h5
Turkish Grandmaster had another route 12.♖g1 hg
in mind for the knight) 11...fe 12.c5! 13.hg ♕ d7

156
 The Albin Countergambit

14.b3 ♖d8 3.de d4

15.♗ b2 ♗ d3 4.♘ f3 Llc6
5.a3 ♗ g4
6.♘ bd2 ♕ e7

16. ♘ g5 ...
The knight supports the break­
through e6 and frees a path for the f- Developing the queen with an ac ­
pawn. Black’s problem is that simplifi­ companying attack on the central pawn
cations aren’t good news for him either: became well known after the duel Lask­
16.0-0-0 ♗ xf1 17.Ildxf1 ♕ d 3 18.♕xd3 er — Alekhine (St. Petersburg, 1914),
♖xd3 19.\!/c2 ♖d7 20.e6 fe 21.♖ e1. although, in fact, Lasker himself had
Which is why the exchange ...♕ d 3 didn’t played this way as Black in a simul six
occur in the game (on the 17thmove). years previously. The queen isn’t posi­
16... ♗ x fl tioned as well on d7, as without the fi­
17.Llxf1 tld 4 anchetto g3 and ♗ g2 there’s no benefit
18.0 -0-0 c5 from the diagonal battery. For example,
19.f4 Llec6 6… ♕ d 7 7.b4 ♘ g e7 8.h3 ♗ e6 9.b5 Lla5
20.f5 ♕ e7 10.♕ a4 b6 l l .♗ b2 c5 12.bc ti:lexc6
21.H e1! ... 13.Llxd4 lic 5 (13. .. Llxd4 14.♕xd7+
In severe time trouble my co-author ♔xd7 15.♗ xd4 Llxc4 16.♘ xc4 ♗ xc4
lost in one move — 21… ♔ d7? 22.♘ xf7! 17.0-0-0 ♖ c8 18.♔ b2 isn’t enough ei­
The unequal battle could have contin­ ther) 14.e3 0-0 15.1'Llxc6 ti:lxc6 16.♗ e2
ued with 21 ...♘ xb3+ 22.\!/b1 tlb d 4 (I. Farago — Bukal, Austria, 2008). Even
23.f6 ♕ d 7 . With a lucky convergence o f if Black were to win one o f the missing
circumstances it’s even possible not to pawns back with the help o f 16. ..♘ xe5
lose here. 17.♕xd7 ♘ x d7, he wouldn’t get any
compensation for the other.
7. V. S ^ ^ ^ N K O V - M . CH^EfVERIK 7.h3 ...
Karvina, 1998 The less-common 7.g3 is no worse.
For example, 7 ...0-0-0 8.♗ g2 ♘ x e5
1.d4 d5 9.♘ xe5 ♕xe5 10.♘ f3 ♕ e 8 (testing a du­
2.c4 e5 bious recommendation from the mono­

157
Chapter IX

graph Albins Gegengambit) 11.0-0 Ci'lfS A g6 9.♗ g2 0-0-0 10.♕b3 h5!? 11.g5
12.Ci'lxd4 A c5 13.♕b3! ♖xd4? (why grab h4 12.Ci'lf1 f6 (12. ..♕ e 6 13.♗ f4 Ci'lge7
undefended pieces? It’s better to cover 14.Ci'lld2 ♔ b 8 and then ...♘ c8-b6 is
the king with 13. ..c6) 14.♕xb7+ ♔ d 8 more solid) 13.♗f4 ♖h5 14.♖g1 ♕ c5
(Ramlow — Chetverik, Gyongyos, 1996), 15. ♘ ld2 A e7 16.♗ h1 ♗ f5 17.♖c1 a6
and on 15.b4! no playable reply is evident 18.efgf 19.♕ i a 2 Axh3 20.g6 A e 6 21.b4
at all. It’s better for Black to exchange off ♕ f5 22.♗ h2 0 h 6 23.♕ i b 2 0:'lg4 (Nedela
the bishop for the sake o f the d4 pawn’s — Chetverik, Frydek-Mistek, 1996). The
safety — 10. ..♗ xf3 1 l ♗ xf3 (1:f6. battle was, is and will be very confusing.
7 ... AhS We’ve skipped past two critical points:
Exchanging on f3 means agreeing to 12 … f6 ?! — a serious decision, as Nedela
a permanently worse position. There’s could defuse the situation at a conve­
a certain sense in 7… ♗ f5 : 8 .♕ a4 0-0-0 nient moment, and 17.gf gf 18.0-0-0
9.b4 ♔ b 8 10.g4 A c 8 (the bishop was ap­ — that’s the moment.
propriate for guarding the king) 11.♗ b 2 8 ... 0-0-0
Ci'lxe5 12.0-0-0 c5!? 13.bc A d7 14.♕ ib 3 9.b4 ♔ b8
♗ c6 15.Sg1 ♕ i x c 5 16.Ci'lxe5 ♕ ix e 5 10.♗ b2 ...
17.♕
ig 3 ♕ i x g 3 18.♖xg3 li1f6 19.♖d3 It’s useful to put the central pawn in the
A e7, with a roughly equal game (Jovan- beauty spot as soon as possible. After 10.g4
ic — Dimitrov, Zadar, 2007). O f course, Jtg6 11 .Ag2 Blackgets time to open up the
8.g4 Ag6 is identical to 7… ♗h5 8.g4 kingside: 11...h5 12.♗ b2 hg 13.hg Hxhl+
A g6. 14.Axhl, with interesting variations like
8.♕ia 4 ... 14...f6!? 15.0-0-0 A e8!? 16.ef♘ x f6 17.b5
Virtually forces queenside castling ♘ x g4!? 18.bc Axc6 19.'♗ ' b 3 tlixf2 20.♖f1
and opens the hunting season on the ♘ x h1 2I .Hxh1 ♕xe2 22.♖e1 ♕ i f 2 23.♖f1
black king. In the game G raf — Barua Wg2 24♗ xd4 b6. On the whole White’s
(Tripoli, 2004) White preferred to shake chances are slightly better.
up the queenside with a siege o f the d4
pawn: 8.b4 0-0-0 9.Wb2 tixe5 10.'#b3
Ag6 11.♘ x e5 ♕xe5 12.g3 'li'e6?! 13.♕f3
d3 14.e3 ♕ f5 15.jJ,g2 ♕ i x f 3 16.♘ x f3 f6
17.0-0 tile7 18.♖fdl Ci'lc6 19.kracl. The
pawn has become more vulnerable on
d3, which is characteristic o f the Albin
Countergambit. The central pawn’s dash
should be like a small explosion with the
quick achievement o f an advantage! He
should have reduced the pressure on d4
with the maneuver 12. ..♗ e4!?, agreeing
to exchange off the bishop. 10... f6
An expanded fianchetto on the king­ 10. ..Ci'lxe5 used to be considered rash
side provides a hook for an attack: 8.g4 on the basis o f the textbook rout Goldin

158
 The Albin Countergambit

— Mengarini (New York, 1991): 11.♘ xe5 12.e6!? ...

♕xe5 12.g4♗ g6 13.♘ f3 ♕ e 4 14.♗ xd4!? Now not with the aim o f def1ecting
c5? 15.♗ e5+ ♔ a 8 16.♗ g2 (16.l"♖d1 the queen from the c5 square, but to
♖ xd1+ 17.♕ xd1 allows you to resist entice it to the tempo tilf3xd4. If 12.b5
without the queens on the board with tilxe5 13.♘ xd4, then 13 ... ♘ d7!, trans­
the help o f 17. ..♕ b1) 16...♘ f6 17.0-0 ferring to the superb c5 spot.
♕ xc4 18.♖fcl ♕ e 6 19.bc ♘ d7 20♗ d4 12... a 6?
♕ e 4 21.Li1e5. Black’s play was substan­ I should have continued 12...♕xe6
tially improved by Bergez against Brun­ 13.b5 ♘ e5 14.♘ xd4 ♕ e 8 anyway, not
ner (France, 2005): 14...l"♖ xd4! 15.♘ xd4 weakening my king’s cover. At the same
tilf6 16.l"♖d1 ♕ xhl 17.♘ b5 ♗ c5!? 18.bc time the white king is exposed, which
a6 19.Llid4?! (19.♕ a5!? ♕ h2 20.♘ c3 is compensates to some degree for being a
stronger) 19 ...♘ e4 2 0 .♕ b 3 ♘ xc5 21.♕e3 pawn down.
h5 22.♘ f3 hg 23.hg b 6, and the white 13.b5 ab
king is now the one being subjected to se­ 14.cb liVe5+
vere danger. The leader o f Danish chess, 1S.♘ c4 tileS
Nielsen, gave a convincing retort in his 16.e3! tilxf3
encounter with Rasmussen (Silkeborg, 17.gf d3
2008): 13.♗ g2 ♘ f6 14.♘ f3 ♕ f4 15.0-0 18.♕ b3 ...
h5 16.♗ xd4 ♖xd4 17.e3, with a winning The simplest here is 18.♗ d4 l"♖ xd4
position. There’s no way to radically im­ 19.ed ♕ xd4 20.♕ b3. The passed pawn is
prove Black’s defense, which means that doomed, and there’s no point for Black
10. ..♘ xe5?! is suspect. in fighting any longer.
11.0-0-0 ... 18... 0e7?
A beautiful variation from the mono­ After 18… ♕ f5 I should have liqui­
graph is 11.ef tilxf6 12.g4 ♗ g6 13.b5 dated on e6 and, gritting my teeth, con­
tile5 14.0-0-0 (14.♗ xd4? Hxd4!) 14... tinued to fight a pawn down. Suddenly
♘ e4 15.♘ xe4 ♗ xe4 16. Äxd4 ♖xd4 remembering too late about my devel­
17.1xd4 tilxf3 18.ef ♗ xf3 19.llig2! opment, I allowed the Grandmaster to
♗ xg2 20.♖ hdl, with a double-edged make the most o f things.
game — Rybka puts it in doubt. On 19.Ad4 ♖xd4
13.b5?! it suggests playing for opposition 20.ed ix d 4
♕
on the central file — 13. ..1{Jd7! 14.bc 21.A xd3 ♕ f4+
♘ c5 1 5 .♕ d1?? tild3 #! 2 2 .♔ b 2 ♕ d4+
11... ♗ g6 23.♔ b 1 ♕ xf2
In the case o f 11...a 6 12.b5 ab 13.cb 24.♗ xg6 hg
♕ c5 + 14.♕ c4 tilxe5 15.♕xc5 ♗ xc5 25.♖d8+ ♘ c8
16.♘ b3 ♗ b 6 17.♘ fxd4 ♘ e7 Black has 2 6 .♕ a4 .
the initiative for a pawn. After the subtle Black resigned.
overture 12.e6! ♕xe6 13.b5 the exchange
o f queens is canceled, and White’s ad­ The part o f the path we’ve made
vantage is obvious. our way along has convinced us that

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Chapter IX

with 5.♘ bd2 and 5.a3 not everything liberated, but White also adapts to the
is cloudless for Black. But the block­ disappearance o f the e5 pawn: 7♗.g 2
ing o f the working lines for the queen ♗ f5 8.0-0 ♕ d 7 9.a3 a5 10.♗ f4 h6?!
and bishop with 5.♗ J b d 2 and the pro­ 11.♕ b 3 0-0-0 12.♘ e5 ♕ e 6 (Bagaturov
phylactic 5.a3 aren’t the most natural — Schumacher, Schw bisch Gm nd,
continuations. More likely we can ex­ 1999) 13.♗J d 2 ! ♘ xe5 14.♕xb7+ ♔ d 7
pect the logical bishop fianchetto from 15.♕ b5+ c6 16.♕xe5, and, having oc­
White 5.g3, 6.♗ g2, and a refutation o f cupied the cleared h2-b8 diagonal,
the “ incorrect” gambit by the mobilized White is on the verge ofwinning. Since
forces. As White isn’t pouncing on the with ...f6 the gambit pawn isn’t won
d4 pawn immediately, Black’s choice is back, White doesn’t mind an exchange
very large. o f queens: 7 ..♗.g 4 8.0-0 ♕ d 7 9.♗
Jbd2
Black’s possibilities are examined in 0-0-0 10.♘ b3 ♗ h3 1 l♗.g 5 ♕ g4
the following order. In game 8 the move ( 11...♗ e7 12.♗ xf6 ♗ xf6 13.♘ c5 ♕ f5
5 ...♗ c5 was used; then the establish­ 14.♗ xh3 ♕xh3 15.♕ a4, with an at­
ment o f a battery on the c8-h3 diagonal, tack) 12.♕d2 ♗ d6 13.♗ xf6 gf 14.♕h6
starting with 5 ...♗ g4 (games 9 and 10) ♗ xg2 15.♔xg2 ♖he8 16.♖ad1 ♗ f8
and 5 ...♗ e6 (games 11-13). For dessert 17.♕xh7 ♖xe2 18.h3 ♕ d 7 19.♕xd7+
— the fashionable idea o f removing the ♖xd7 20.♘ bxd4 ♘ xd4 21.♘ xd4 ♖xb2
e5 pawn by means o f 5 ...♘ ge7 (and, if 22.♖ fel, and Gligoric made the best of
possible, ...♘ g6xe5) occurred in games his advantage against Ljubojevic (Porto-
14-20. roz, 1975).
5 ...♗ f5 will transpose to lines with
5...♗ g4 and 5...♗ e6 in the case o f a 8. V. INKIOV - G. SZITAS
subsequent ...♗ h3. However, playing Condom Open, 2002
the bishop to f5 doesn’t have the mer­
its o f developing to g4 (with pressure on 1.d4 d5
the d1-h5 diagonal) and e6 (with sights 2.c4 eS
on c4). It isn’t worth taking the threat to 3.de d4
the c2 square into account. In the curi­ 4.♗
J f3 ♘ c6
ous variation 5 ...♗ f5 6.♗ g2 ♘ b4 7.0-0 S.g3 ♗.c5
♘ c2 8.♘ h4 ♕ d 7 9.♘ xf5 ♕xf5 10.e4 de
11.fe ♕ g 6 12.e6! fe 13.♕f3 ♘ f6 14.♕xb7
♖ d8 15.♗ c6+ ♖d7 16.♕xc7 it’s time for
Black to resign, without even having tast­
ed the rooks. This is by no means the only
time the Albin has suffered after an e6
thrust. Indeed, watching out for this ad­
vance should be considered a golden rule
for players on both sides o f the board.
5...f6 6.ef liJxf6 is used very rarely
by strong players. The black pieces are

160
 The Albin Countergambit

Reinforces the star o f the show — the the unsuccessful provocation I should
d4 pawn. The battle is going on in a pre­ have castled) 18.f4 ♕ f 6 19♗ x f5 ♕ xf5
dominantly strategic key with the queens 20.♖fel ♖ c6 2 l.♖ e5 ♕ g 6 22.b4!!, de­
on the board. stroying Black’s defenses. Again White
6.♗ g2 ... was dictating the conditions, missing the
On 6 ♘ bd2 (to send the knight to very strong continuation 11.l♖ l h 4 ! ♖ a6
b3 immediately) it’s best to reject 6...a5. 12.f4.
After 7.1:Z:Jb3 ♗ b4+ 8.♗ d2 ♗ e7 9.♗ g2 7.a3 ...
a4 10. ♘ c1 ♗ e6 11.♕ c2 the knight, The advance ...a5 isn’t without its
which has been forced back, will com ­ drawbacks, but Black feels out o f his
fortably reposition itself on d3. Or 7... element without it, too! An immedi­
♗.a7 8.c5 Clge7 9♗.g 2 0-0 10.0-0 Clf5 ate knight excursion to b3 emphasizes
11.♗ g5 ♕ d 7 12.♕ c2, and Black keeps the f1aws in the position o f the knight
the d4 pawn at the price o f bricking up on e7: 7.l♖ l b d 2 !? l♖g 6 8.l♖ l b 3 ♗.b4+
the bishop. With the very strong 6… ♕ e7 9.11.d2 ♗.e7 (as if the shuttle maneuver
7♗.g 2 Clxe5 8.♘ xe5 ♕ xe5 the number had achieved its aim ...) 10.l♖ l a 5 ! l♖g x e 5
ofpawns is the same, and the chances o f l l.l♖
l x e 5 l♖x e 5 12.♘ xb7. The knight
equalizing are high. only threw a nasty look at the central
6 ... Clge7 pawn, but reached the distant one!
Black shouldn’t move his outside 7 ... a5
pawn without good reason. I was suc­ 8.♘ M2 ♗ a7
cessively convinced o f this by Seres In the old game Schlechter — Mar­
(Revfulop, 1995) and C saba Horvath shall (Paris, 1900) there followed 8...
(Budapest, 1996). In the game Seres k g 4 9.0-0 0-0 10.h3 ♗ x O 11.l♖ lx f3
— Chetverik the knight went to b5: 6...a5 l♖g 6 12.e6! fe 13.l♖ l g 5 ♖e8 14.♕b3 S a 6
7.0 -0 Clge7 8.♘ a3!? 0-0 (doubling the 15.♕ b5! a4 (to trap the queen on a cap­
pawns only opens the valuable b-file for ture o f the bishop by means o f 16… ♖a5)
White: 8 ...♗ xa3 9.ba 0-0 10♗.b 2 Clf5 16.11.d2. Carl Schlechter is conducting
l l.♕ d 3 ♕ e 7 12.♘ xd4 Clfxd4 13♗ x d4 the game faultlessly and on 16 ..♗.a 7 has
Clxe5 14.♕e3 S e 8 15.Sab1) 9.♘ b5 prepared the devastating blow 17 .♘ xh7!
a4 10♗.g 5 ♖ e8 11.♕ c2 h6 12♗ x e7 For some reason he was rattled by the
♖xe7!? 13.Ilfdl ♗.g4 14.h3 ♗.h5 15.g4 pre-death “ja b ” 16...d3!?, and after
♗ g6 16.♕d2 ♖d7 17.♕ f4 ♗ c2! 18.♖d2 17.♕xc5?! de 18♗.c 3 ef 1 + 19.♖xf1 he
g5 19.♕g3 ♗.g6. Black stays af1oat with had to win the game all over again. 17. ed
titanic efforts, but 10♗.f 4 ! with a sub­ ♗.d4 18.c5! is correct, demolishing the
sequent e6 threatens the c7 square and queenside.
leads to an advantage. Against Nemeth (Zalakaros, 1995) I
Horvath exchanged the dark-squared continued 8...l♖ l g 6 9.♘ b3 ♗.a7 10♗.g 5
bishops: 8.b3!? ♗ f5 9♗.a 3 b6 10♗.c 5 ♕ d7 1l.c5 h6 12♗. c1 ♘ gxe5 13.♘ xe5
be l l.♘ bd2 ♖ a 6 12.e6!? fe 13.♘ e 1 l♖x e 5 14.♕xd4 ♕ xd4 15.l♖ l x d 4 ♗ x c5
♘ e5 14.l♖ l e 4 ♗ x e4 15♗ x e4 ♘ f5 16.l♖l b 5 ♗.b6 17♗.f 4 f6 18.Sc1 c 6
16.l♖
l d 3 ♘ xd3 17.ed ♕ g5?! (instead o f 19.♘ d6+ ♔ e 7 20.l♖ l x c 8 ♖ axc8 21♗ x e5

161
Chapter IX

fe 22.e3 ♖ cd8 23.♔ e2 S d 6, draw. I was 10.h5 ♘gx e 5

lucky that my opponent, an amateur, l lh 6 g6
wasn’t thinking big, otherwise with 12.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5
18.♗ e3! ♖ a 6 19.b4! ab 20.♗ xb6 ♖xb6 13.♘'l f 3 ...
21.♘ xc7+ ♔ f7 22.♘'ld 5 ♖b5 23.♘'lx b 4 The Bulgarian Grandmaster thought
the circuitous knight maneuver would it would be easier to beat his less so ­
have returned his pawn superiority. phisticated partner in a simple position
than in the more complicated one after
13.♕ a4+ c6 14.♘ e4 0-0 15.c5. True, the
more complicated path is more promis­
ing here.
13... ' lx f3 +
♘
14.Axf3 c6
Prepares the bishop for changing
diagonals. A rather cumbersome pro­
cedure; it’s also possible to play with a
blunted bishop — 14...0-0 15.b4 d3!?
16.c5 ♕ f 6 17.♖♖b1 ♖ d8 18.♗ b2 ♕ e 7 .
15.b4 ♗ b8
9.h4!? ... 16.♗ b2 ..lies
This pawn dash sows confusion in 17.♖h4 ...
his opponent’s ranks, although all is A debatable decision, instead o f
not lost on the queenside yet: 9.0-0 0-0 which it was more natural to castle or to
10.b4!? (sacrificing his extra pawn with a continue 17.b5!? c5 18.e3, retaining the
convincing demonstration o f the differ­ possibility o f castling.
ence in strength o f the opposing armies) 17... ab?
10. ..ab l l.ab ♘' lx b 4 12.♗ a3 (12.♕ b3 c5 17...♘.♘ 18.♗ xd4 ♗ f6 19.♗ xf6♕xf6
13.♘'l e 4 is also good) 12. ..♘'l b c 6 (12. ..c5 2 0 J:d 4 ♗ h3 suggested itself, and the
13.♘'l b 3 ♗ b6 14 ..♗ xb4 ♖xal 15.♕xa1 unsecured king doesn’t let White calmly
cb 16.c5 .♗ c7 17.♘'lb x d 4 ) 13.♘'l b 3 ♗ g4 make the most ofh is extra pawn.
14.h3 .♗ h5 15.g4 ♗ g6 16.♘ el f5 17.ef 18.ab ♖ xa 1
2xf6 18.♘ 'l d 3 ♗ f7 19.♕ c2, with an ad ­ 19.♕ xa1 l!i'g5
vantage (Ligterink — Brenninkmeijer, 20.1!1f1 0-0
Groningen, 2001). Incidentally, that 21.Axd4 Se8
example was taken from an exotic the­ 22..♗ xe5 ♕xe5
matic tournament for our era (dedicated 23.♕xe5 ♖xe5
to the Albin Countergambit). 24.♖e4 ♖xe4
9 ... 'l g 6
♘ 25..♗ xe4 ...
Otherwise the attacking pawn takes Being a pawn up like this is a piece
the g6 square away from the knight, and o f cake for a Grandmaster! Victory was
it will be difficult to destroy the e5 pawn achieved a couple o f dozen moves later.
(9 ...0-0 10.h5 h6 11.♘ e4 ♗ g4 12..♗ f4).

162
 The Albin Countergambit

l.d4 d5 In the game V. Milov — Renet (France,

2.c4 e5 2002) White conducted an attack on the
3.de d4 queenside, not worrying about the fate
4.♘ f3 tlJc6 o f his king: 7.'iVb3 0-0-0 8.♗ d2 tlJge7
5.g3 ♗ g4 9.♘ a3 d3 10.e3 ♕ f5 1 1 .♘ h4 ( 1 1 .♘ d4?
is refuted with 11...♖xd4! 12.ed ♗ f 3!,
and the king will be introuble here!) 11...
♕ h5?! 12.♘ b5 g5 13.h3 ♗ e2 14.♘ f5!
♘ xf5 15.♘ xa7+ tlJxa7 16.'iVxb7+
♔ d 7 17.g4 ♕ h 6 18.gf♕ b6 19.♕xb6 cb
20.♗ c3, with three pawns for a knight
and better chances. But after l 1…♕xe5
12.♘ b5 ♕ c5 the White onslaught is
hard to implement.
7 ... 0-0-0
And if you hold backwith the queen­
side castling?! 7 ...♘ ge7 provoked Tolush
The bishop joins the game on the into beautiful pawn sacrifices against
d1-h5 diagonal (X-raying the e2 and d1 Home (Hastings, 1953): 8.b4!? ♘ xb4
squares). I f necessary it exchanges itself 9.e6!? ♗ xe6 10.♘ e5 ♕ c 8 11.♕ a4 +
for the f3 knight. ♘ b c6 12.♘ xc6 ♘ xc6 13.♗ xc6+ be
6 .♗ g2 ... 14.♕xc6+ J.d 7 15.♕e4+ J.e7 16.♗ a3,
There’s no reason to focus our atten­ and Black castled sadly, washing his
tion on the fairly popular continuation hands o f the dark-squared bishop. It
6.♘ bd2. It isn’t possible to avoid play­ isn’t all so tragic here (for example, in
ing ♗ g2 anyway, and the development the case o f 12 ...♕ d 7 13.♕b4 be 14.♘ d2
o f the knight to d2 may be postponed or the battle continues), and subsequently
canceled. strong players have ignored the sacri­
6... ♕ d7 fices. As we’ll see later, the most suitable
Logically creating a battery for a re­ time for ...♘ ge7 has passed ...
ciprocal attack with opposite-side cas­ In this position Rybka doesn’t ap­
tling. Other methods o f mobilizing the prove o f the exchange 7 ...♗ h3, which is
forces are almost never encountered. For favorable for Black in principle, due to
example, after 6 ...♗ b4+ 7.♗ d2 ♕ e 7 8.♗.x h 3 ♕xh3 9.e3! de 10.♗.x e 3 . Black
8.0-0 0-0-0 9 .♕ b3 ♗ xd2 10.♘ bxd2 f6 doesn’t get the pawn back or mate the
11.ef ♘ xf6 12.♖ael ♖he8 13.e3 Black’s enemy king, and he can’t really hide his
development is fine, but he has no good own king. It’s strange that such a simple
specific plan and therefore no compen­ and convincing recipe has hardly been
sation for the pawn. tested in practice!
7.0 -0 ... After 7 ...0-0-0 the classic Albin tabi-
Sometimes White delays castling, ya is on the board (a discussion o f the
not determining the target o f his attack. modern Albin tabiya is still to come).

163
Chapter IX

8...a 6 has been used. Then 9 J:d 1 t la 5

10.♕d3 t l c 6 l l ♗':lbd2 f6 12.♘ e4!?
fe 13♗ g5 He8 14.a3 h6 15♗ c1 i':lf6
(Roeder — Kistella, Groningen, 1996)
16.♘ h4 is possible. Black has to defend
against a knight invasion on g6 and a
march by the b-pawn. In the case o f 13. ..
11.e7 14♗ xe7 ♕xe7 15.a3 i':lf6 16.b4
the hook ...a 6 also makes itself felt, a1­
though there are no grounds for serious
concern.

Violent routs caused by Black don’t 9. V. ^ ^ ^ ^ T K O - C . PHILIPPE

count. But there are always those who Marseilles, 2006
want to reach the white king a little more
quickly. “The great equalizer” , the Albin 1.d4 d5
Countergambit, has brought numerous 2.c4 e5
victories to its adherents over stronger 3.de d4
partners, which is virtually impossible to 4♗':lf3 tlc 6
do in orthodox defenses. 5.g3 ♗ g4
Along with 8 .♕ a4 (game 9) and 6♗ g2 ♕ d7
8♗':lbd2 (game 10) the move 8.♕ b3 7.0 -0 0-0-0
has been encountered just as often. The 8 .♕ a 4 ...
queen frees a place for the rook, aiming
at the b7 square. Exchanging off the a c ­
complice in the pressure, 8 ...♗ h3?, sub­
jects you to a fiasco as a consequence o f
the typical sacrifice 9.e6! as in Spassky
— Forintos (Sochi, 1964): 9 ...♗ xe6
10.♘ e5 ♕ d 6 (10...♘ a5? l l ♗ xb7+!
— this miniature has also occurred)
11.♘ xc6 be 12.♕ a4 ♕ c5 13. ♘ a3 ♕ b 6
14.♗ xc6 ♗ xa3 15.ba tle 7 16♗ b5 c6
17♗ a6+ ♔ d 7 18.♗ f4 ♕ c 5 19.Habl
♗ h3 20.Hb7+ ♔ e 6, with a subsequent
short-term visit by the monarch to the The queen frees a spot for the rook,
kingside and its inglorious return to the aiming at the a7 pawn. While, impor­
center to meet its death. tantly, not closing o ff the path for the
After 8.♕ b3 t la 5 9 .♕ b 5 ♕xb5 10.cb b-pawn. The opposition o f the queens
f6 1 l.e f ♘ x f6 the compensation for the on the line a4-e8 will probably play into
pawn is in question. To force out the White’s hands.
queen without allowing ♕ b 5 , the move 8 ... ♔ b8

164
 The Albin Countergambit

Unlike the variation 8 .♕ b3 , an of­ d1 are a zone o f special attention in the

fer to exchange bishops, 8 ...♗ h3, isn’t gambit.
criminal here. Jettisoning the pawn with 10.b4 ...
9.e6 has lost its force; he should prefer Let’s have a look at how the authori­
9 .a 3 ♗ xg2 10.♔xg2h5 11.h4♘ h6 12.b4 ties treat the gambit: 10.♘ b3 t l c 8 l l .c5
♔ b 8 (12. ..♕ e 6 13.b5 ♘ x e5 14.♕xa7 is ♗ e7 (and with 11...♗ xf3 12.ef tlcxe5
rife with unpleasantness for the black 13.♕xd7 tilxd7 14.c6 tile5 15.cb Lilxb7
king) 13.b5 tle 7 14.♗ g5 ♕ g4 15.Lilbd2 you’re facing a battle for a draw) 12.H dl
f6 16.efgf 17.♗ xf6 ♖g8 (Akobian — Tay­ ♗ xf3 13.ef ♘ x e5 14.♕xd7 1xd7
lor, Los Angeles, 2003). Black’s initia­ 15.f4 t l c 6 16.♗ xc6 be 17.1xd4 I h d 8
tive is hardly going to make up for being 18.1xd7 1xd7 19.♗ d2 ♗ xc5 2 0 .1 c l
two pawns down. ♗ b 6 2 l .!x c 6 ♘ d6 2 2 .♔ f1 tle 4 23.♗ e1
9 .♘ bd2 ... (Polugaevsky — Vasiukov, Moscow,
With 9 .♖ d1 the tete-a-tete on the 1964). Taking advantage o f the extra
a4-e8 diagonal works against White: 9... doubled pawn didn’t work out. The m a­
♗ xf3! 10.♗ xf3?! ♘ x e5 1 l.♕ x d 7 ♘ x f3+ neuver ...♘ ge7-c8 is a logical reaction
12.ef Ix d 7 13.♘ c3 ♘ e7 14.♘ e4 t l c 6 to ♕ a 4 , it’s just that the knight didn’t
15.b3♗ e7 16.f4a5 17.♗ b 2 b 6 1 8 .1 ac l get to b6 due to the efforts o f the white
♔ b 7 19.a3 1h d 8 (Burke - Reprint- c5 pawn. As a result o f simplifications
sev, Chicago, 1997). Reprintsev likes 10 ...♘ g6 1 l .S d l tlcxe5 12.♕xd7 1xd7
and is capable o f playing the Albin 13.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5 14.♖xd4 ♖xd4 15.Lilxd4
Countergambit; the advantage in the ♘ x c4 the position is almost equal.
ending f1oated over to him by itself. 10... ♘g6
True, with 10.ef ♘ x e5 1l.♕ x d7 ♖xd7 11.b5 ...
12.Lild2 things are still more pleasant An advance by its neighbor deserved
for White. attention, 11.c5. After 11... ♘ cxe5
9 ... ♘ g e7 12.♕xd7 1xd7 13..tb2 t l c 6 14.b5
As a rule the inclusion o f ...h5 and tlce 5 15.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5 16.♘ b3 ♗ xe2??
h4 is favorable for Black, if it’s only the 17.♖fel Black’s back rank is suddenly
white king that’s hiding on the kingside. destroyed.
The short skirmish Korotylev — Muel­ 11... tlcxe5
ler (Biel, 2003) was decided in White’s
favor with a series o f zwischenzugs. 9...
h5 10.h4 ♘ g e7 l l.b4 ♘ g 6 12.b5 tlcxe5
13.♘ b3 (13.c5!?) 13. ..♘ xf3+?! 14.ef
♗ h3?! 15. ♘ x d4! ♗ xg2 16.♘ c6+! be
17.bc ♕ c 8 18.♗ e3 a 6 19.♖ fbl+ ♔ a 8
20.♖b7. Black relieved the tension in­
stead o f inf1aming it — 13. ..d3! 14.♘ xe5
♘ x e5 15.♗ e3 b6 16.♗ d4 de 17.♗ xe5
e « + 18.1xf1 ♕ e 7 19.♘ d4 I h 6! The
symmetrical diagonals a4-e8 and h5-

165
Chapter IX

12.liJb3 ... 19.1!j'f3 ...

Malakhatko doesn’t determine Black resigned.
the intentions o f the queen’s bishop.
Then again, in opposition to Mosion- 10. J . VAN DER WIEL­
zhik (Moscow, 1966), Kortchnoi was S . T^MAKOV
convincing enough: 12.♗ b 2 ♘ xf3 + Groningen, 2001
13.ef ♗ f5 (or 13 ...♗ h3 14.tiJb3 ♗ xg2
15.♔xg2 d3 16.♗ d4 b6 17.1!j'a6 c5 18.bc 1.d4 d5
♕ x c6 19.c5, destroying the king’s apart­ 2.c4 e5
ments) 14.tiJb3 ♗ c2 15.1!j'a5 d3 16.Ci'id4 3.de d4
♗ c5 17.tiJxc2 de 1 8 .S ac l f6 19.f4 h5 4.tiJt3 tiJc6
20.♕ c3 tiJe7 2 l .♗ a3 ♗ xa3 22.♕ xa3, 5.g3 ♗ g4
andthenthe elimination ofthe doomed 6.♗ g2 l!j'd7
passed pawn on c 2. 7.0 -0 0-0-0
12... 8.♘
"M 2
Without the addition o f h4 and
...h5 the familiar move from the frag­
ment Korotylev — Mueller 12. ..d3 is
insufficient: 13.ti♗ xe5 t1Jxe5 14.,Jte3
15.♗ d4 de 16.♗ xe5 e « + 17.♖xf 1 ♕ e7
18.tiJd4, and for the knight you have to
give up not the anemic rook in the cor­
ner (which can’t get to the h6 square),
but the central one.
13.ef l!j'fS
White’s attacking potential is so
great that it doesn’t dissolve in the varia­
tion 13. ..1!j'e6 14.c5 l!j'd5 15.f4 tiJO+ The knight decides to make its way
16♗ xf3♕xf3 17.♘ xd4♕ c3 18.b6! even in the world without delay. Most likely it
with an exchange o f the key bishop. would then go to b3, letting the pawn go
14.f4 tiJd3 to M or leaving it on b2, depending on
15.tiJa5 tiJc5 circumstances.
16.1!j'd1 h5 8... h5
Not having thought about how to con­ In the case o f 8 ...♗ h3 9.tiJb3 h5
nect the mobilization o f the kingside with (on 9 ...♗ xg2 10.♔xg2 h5 the move
a defense o f the king, the French player l l.h4 slows the onslaught) 10.♗ g5 ♗ e7
undertakes a desperate onslaught. Mal­ l l .♗ xe7 tiJgxe7 12.tiJc5 l!j'g4 13.♗ xh3
akhatko doesn’t attach the slightest signif­ ♕xh3 14.1!j'a4 ♔ b 8 15.1!j'b5 b6 16.a4
icance to the harmless demonstration and White gets ahead.
completes his unusual queen pirouette. The continuation 8...tiJge7 9.1!j'a4
17.♗ a3 h4 ♔ b 8 goes offto the preceding game. The
18.♗ xc5 ♗ xc5 momentary closure ofthe a3-f8 diagonal

166
 The Albin Countergambit

provokes White into playing in response The crossfire on the long diagonal
to 8 ...♘ ge7 the move 9.b4!? Opening and the half-open file is so intimidating
the b-file would have meant being sub­ that we’ll designate the aim differently
jected to an attack (9 ../ix b 4 10.♖bl — don’t catch a mate! A reciprocal on­
♘ g 6 l l ♗ a3 t l c 6 12.c5). After 9 ...♘ g6 slaught with an exchange o f two pieces
10.♕ a4 or 10.b5 with a subsequent ♕ a 4 for a rook solves this problem, but that’s
we again find ourselves in game 9. al♖ 10...h4 11.Mbl hg 12.fg d3 13.♖xb4
9.b4!? ... de 14.♖ e1 ♘ x b 4 15.♕ xb4♘ e716.♖xe2,
A standard correct sacrifice, the ef­ and there’s no compensation for the
fectiveness o f which depends on spe­ damages. It’s better to undertake an ex­
cific circumstances. More often White change operation, 1O..♗ xd2 l l ♗ x d2
goes for safety — 9.h4, for example, 9... ♗ xf3 12♗ xf3 ♘ x e5 13.♕ xa7 ♘ x f3+
♘ h 6 10.♘ b3 ♗ e7 l l ♗ f4 ♗ h3 12.♕ d3 1 4.ef♕ c6, with chances o f equalizing.
11.xg2 13.♔ xg2♘ f 5 14.♘ bd2g5!? 15.hg 10.a3 tla 6
h4 16 .S h l . Black advances his pawn to To block the c5 square. Doing the
h3 or chooses exchanges — 16 ...hg 17.fg same with the a5 square, an exchange sac­
♖xhl 18. ♖xhl (Golubovic — Matetic, rifice breaks through: 10...♘ c6 11.S b l
Rijeka, 2004), and the initiative gradu­ b6 12.♕ a4 t la 5 13.♖b5 c5 14.♖xa5!
ally fades. It’s better not to sacrifice, but 11.♘ b3 d3
to win material back with the help o f After 11..♗ c5 the block doesn’t with­
10....11.xf3 l l ♗ xf3 ♘ x e5 12♗.d 5 ♘ f 5. stand the pre^ure either as a result o f the
9 ... ♘ x b4 non-obvious 12♗.d 2 ! and 13♗ b4! Van
Tiviakov is playing the gambit in Der Wiel scrupulously researched 12...
accordance with the conditions o f the ♕ a 4 , and, a s the main reply, 13♗.g 5 .
thematic tournament, which go against The practical value ofhis analyses was re­
the grain for the acknowledged expert duced by the fact that he lost sight o f the
on the classical openings. The aim o f alternative 13lZlfxd4!, and a pin on the
his novelty is to take the a4 square away central file doesn’t work, for example,
from the queen. After 9 ..♗ xb4 10.♕ a4 13. ..c5 14.♖b1 ♖d7 15.h3 ♗ e6 16. ®xe6!
catastrophe awaits Black at every step: ♖xd1 l7 ♗ xb7+!, with a win.
10... ♗ h3? l l.e 6! ♗ xe6 12 .S b l i.h 3 ? 12♗ e3! ®e7
(this persistent idea doesn’t lead to any­
thing good!) 13.♘ e5! ♘ x e5 14♗ xb7+!
♔ xb7 15.♕xb4+ ♔ c 6 16♗ a3, with
mate no later than the l9 th move (O st­
berg — Unander, Sundsvall, 1979). Or
10...11.c3?! 11.Mbl ♗ f5? ( 11...♘ a5
12.♖b5 b6 is more stubborn, connect­
ing the soldiers in a ring), and against
D. Mesaros (Hungary, 1993) Cziszar
missed the knockout continuation
12.♖xb7! ♔ xb7 13.♘ b3!

167
Chapter IX

13.♘ a5!? ... less in the face o f the onslaught by the

The Dutchman recklessly throws enemy’s superior forces. 19 ...♔ d 7 , then
himself into the attack. 13.ed ♕xd3 the simplest is 20 .♕ a4 + ♔ c 8 2 l.♕ x a7 .
14.♕ b 1 ! is no worse, although it isn’t as
clear either, and in the event o f an ex­ And so, with 5 ..♗,g 4 a tangible ad ­
change o f queens the a6 knight looks ex­ vantage for White protrudes through the
tremely shabby. web o f tactical variations. Now we’re
13... b6 going to combine the construction o f a
If the knight continues its route — battery with an attack on the c4 pawn
13...11'lc6, then besides 14.♘ xc6 ♕ x c6 — 5 ..♗,e 6 .
15.ed, the sacrifice 14.♘ xb7! ♔xb7
15.♘ d4! de 16.♕ a4! wins.
14.e6! ...
The most common sacrifice in the
Albin Countergambit! To successfully
develop the assault a knight rebound
with a tempo is needed.
14... ♕ d 6?
Tiviakov doesn’t take the pawn so as
not to be attacked by the knight, there­
by shortening his life. Although with
14 … ♕ xe6 15.♘ g5 ♕ f 6 16♗,b 7 + ♔ b 8
17.1,xa6 .tx e 2 18.♕b3 i ,x f1 19.♖xf1 Before investigating the main de­
the black king’s situation is also alarm­ fense 6.♘ bd2 we’ll mention the second­
ing, due to c4c5. ary ones.
15.♘ g5! de 6.b3 withopposite-side castling is too
In the variation 15. ..ba 16.♘ xf7 timid: 6… ♕ d7 7♗,g 2 0-0-0 8.0-0 i,h 3
♕ xe6 1 7 ..tb 7 + ! ♔ xb7 18.♘ xd8+ the 9♗,b 2 i,xg2 10.♔xg2 h5 11.h4 ♘ h6
queen doesn’t manage to dodge the 12.♘ a3 (12.♘ bd2 is more precise, not
nimble knight either. giving the opponent the favorable chance
1 6 .♕ a4 exf1♕+ 12. . ♗,x a 3 13♗,x a 3 ♖he8 and 14...
17.♖xf1 i,x e 6 ♘ xe5) 12… ♕ g4 13.♕ d2 i,e 7 14.♕ f4
The database’s version is 17...fe, on 15.♘ c2 d3 16.ed ♖xd3 17.♕ xg4 fg
which White also wins. The commen­ 18.♘ g5 i,xg5 19.hg ♖d2 20.♖ acl ♖h3
tator Van Der Wiel says that capturing (A. Jussupow — Chetverik, Deizisau,
with the bishop made sense, and you 2006). Now perpetual check was a jus­
have to believe a Grandmaster. In the tifiable result o f the battle after 21. ♔ g 1!
case o f l7 ...b a the response 18.♕ b5! im­ ♘ xg3 22.fg ♖xg3+ 2 3 .♔ h1 ♖h3+.
mediately ended matters. The more sensible defense 6 .♕ b 3 is
18.♘ b7 ♕ d3 encountered far less often. The queen
19.♕ xa6 ... doesn’t plan to take the b7 pawn im­
Black resigned. The king is defense­ mediately (with 6… ♕ d 7 7.♕ xb7 ♖ b 8

168
 The Albin Countergambit

8.♕ a 6 ilb 4 + 9♗ d2 tlJge7 the initiative 4.♘ f3 tlJc6

costs two pawns), but at an appropri­ 5.g3 ile 6
ate moment. The best thing for Black 6 .♘ bd2 ♕d7
is to exploit the vulnerable position
o f the queen with the help o f 6 .. ♗¥ d7
7♗ g2 0-0-0 8.0-0 tlJa5 9.♕ b5 ♘ xc4
10.♕xd7+ ♖xd7 l l.b3 tlJa5 12♗ b2 c5
or 12. .. ♘ c6, getting close to equality.
6 .♕ a4 also subjects the strongest
piece to an attack, but from the king’s
knight, not the queen’s knight. I ’ve
used 6 ...♕ d 7 7♗ g2 tlJge7 8.0-0 tlJc8
twice, but now I ’m not sure about my
choice. After 9.♕ d 1! i1xc4 10.♘ bd2
and 11.♘ b3 ^White takes on d4 with a
clear advantage. 7...d3 doesn’t refute Two games that are important for
the queen’s absence on the f1ank either: the theory o f 6 ..♗1 b 4 (renewing the
8.0-0! de 9.♖e1 tlJxe5 ( if9 ...0-0-0, then threat to the c4 pawn) were played at
10.♘ c3, 11♗ e3, and elimination o f the same tournament (Buenos Aires,
the e2 pawn) 10.♕xd7+ tlJxd7 l l .♘ d4! 2003) by Grandmaster Sagalchik. In
ilx c4 12♗ xb7 ♖ b 8 13♗ f3 ilb 4 the second round he quickly equalized
14♗ d2 tlJe7 15♗1 x e 2 ilx e2 16.♖xe2, his chances against Scarella: 7. ♕ c2
and it isn’t easy for Black to hold the tlJge7 8.a3 i1f5 9.♕ a4 ilxd2+ 10♗1 x d 2
endgame. The very strong 7 ...0-0-0 ♕ d 7 l l ♗ g5 (11.♗ . g 2 d3!? 12.ed ♕xd3
8.0-0 ♔ b 8 9.♘ bd2 takes the game to 13.♗. e 3 0-0-0 14.♖d1 ♕ xd1+ 15.♕ xd1
6.♘ bd 2. ♖ xd1+ 1 6 .♔ xd1 is a little better) 11...
In the interests o f development it’s h6 12.♗ .x e 7 "i!ixe7 13..♗ g2 0-0-0 14.0-0
possible to disregard the attacked pawn. ♔ b 8 15.♖fd1 ile 4 . In the eighth round
6♗1 g2 hasn’t been spoiled with atten­ Shabalov didn’t try and cling to the
tion from practical players, and Rybka’s pawn: 7♗ g2!? ilx c4 8.0-0 ♗ . x d 2 (8 ...
interesting line 6 ..♗ xc4 7.0-0 ♕ d 7 ild 5 9.♘ b3, and also 8..♗ a 6 9.a3 ile 7
8.♘ bd2 i1 a6 hasn’t been encountered a 1O.b4 and 1l.♖ b1 are unquestionably
single time. It’s best to leave this virgin in White’s favor) 9♗¥xd2 tlJge7 10.♖ d1
branch in an uncertain condition and 0-0 11.♘ xd4 ♘ xd4 12.♕xd4 ilxe2
move on to 6.♘ bd2. 13.♕xd8 ♖axd8 14.♖xd8 ♖xd8 15.♗ .g 5
♔f8 16.♗.x b 7 ♖ b8 17.♗ . e 4 ♖xb2, and
11. G. DANNER - M . KEKELIDZE here the strongest is 18.♖c1 c6 19.a4
Batumi, 2002 ♖b4 20.♗ .x e 7 + ♔xe7 21.♗ .x c 6 , with
play for two results.
l.d4 d5 7♗fig 2 .h 3
♗
2.c4 e5 7 ...♘ ge7 was encountered in game
3.de d4 12, and the main 7 ...0-0-0 in game 13.

169
Chapter IX

By exchanging bishops Black tries to the black pieces easily come into play.
emphasize a certain passivity from the Against Westerinen (Pelaro, 2002) 01s-
d2 knight. son exploited his advantage in develop­
Having suffered with castling queen­ ment, opening up the position: 9.0-0
side, I started using 7...1l,e7 8.0-0 h5. ♗
, h 3 10♗,x h 3 ♕xh3 1l.e3 de 12.ti:le4!
After 9.h4 ti:lh6 the knight heads for f5 ef+ 13.♖xf2 ♕ d 7 14.♖d2 ♕ g4 15.1{ie2
or g4, depending on ^ ftite ’s behavior. ♗
, e 7 16.♖d5 ♔ f 8 17.♕,f 4 ♘ f6 18.ti:lxf6
It isn’t easy to refute Black’s harmoni­ Jl,xf6 19.♖e1 — the initiative outweighs
ous configuration, for example, 10.♕ a4 the deficit. Rybka touches up Black’s
♖d8 1 l.♕ b 5 !? (transferring the queen play beautifully: 12… ♕ g4!? 13.♖e1 ♖ d8
to a defended square with a tempo) 11... 14♗ d2 ♖d3 15.ti:lc31l,c5 16.1{ie2 tZld4
♖ b8 12.tZlg5 a6 13♗ xc6 ab 14♗ xd7+ 17.ti:lxd4♕xe2 18.♖xe2 ♖xd2 19.♖xd2
, x d 7 15.ti:lgf3 ti:lf5 16.b3 c5 17.a4 ba
♗ ed 20.ti:lb3 ♗ , b 4 , and the black-and-
18.ba ♖ h6!? 19.ti:lb3 ♖ a 6 20.a5 ♗ e6, white tangle has come undone to mutual
with excellent play (Bove — Chetverik, satisfaction.
Cappelle-la-Grande, 2004). Instead The success o f the exchange 8.1l,xh3
o f 13.1l,xc6 it was worth sending the ♕xh3 depends on the success o f the
queen back: 13.1{ia4 tZlxe5 14.1{ixd7+ evacuation o f the white king (evidently
,♗x d 7 15.ti:lgf3, and it’s difficult to de­ now to the queenside) and the mobil­
fend the weak pawn. Against Brennink- ity o f the black queen. After 9.tZlb3
meijer (Groningen, 2001) Tiviakov de­ 0-0-0 10♗, g 5 f6 11.ef tZlxf6 12.a3 d3
layed castling for a little while and soon 13.ed ♖ e8+ 14.1l,e3 ti:lg4 15.1{ie2 g6
found himself two pawns up: 8.1{ia4 h5 16.ti:lg5 ♕ h 5 17.tZle4 ti:lce5 18.ti:lbd2
9.ti:lb3 ♖d8 10.0-0 h4 l l ♗H 4 hg 12.fg (18♗,d 4 ♕ f5 19.0-0-0 is even stron­
,♗h 3 13.1l,xh3 ♖xh3 (on 13… ♕xh3 ger, solidly covering the king) 18 ....♗,g 7
the thrust 14.tZla5 forces the queen to 19.h3 ♖hf8 20♗,c 5 ♖ f7 2 l.f4 ti:lxd3+
get moving) 14.♖adl ti:lh6 15.ti:lbxd4 22.1{ixd3 tZlf6 2 3.♔ f2 (Jumabayev —
tZlxd4 16.1{ixd7+ ♖xd7 17.tZlixd4 Kuderinov, Astana, 2007) there’s no full
tZlg4?! 18.tZlf3. It was better to look for compensation for the piece. It was nec­
compensation for the pawn after 9... essary to be more aggressive about keep­
d3!? 10.tZlfd4 tZlxe5 1l.l{ilxd7+ ♗ ,x d 7 ing the enemy king in the center: 11...
12.1l,xb7 ♖ b8 13♗,d 5 tZlf6. g f 12.♗,f 4 Jl,b4+ 13.ti:lfd2 ♕ g2 14.♖f1
8.0 -0 ... ti:le5 15.1l,xe5 (otherwise the knight
In the Albin Countergambit an ex­ gives check from d3 or f3) 15...fe.
change o f the light-squared bishops 8 ... h5
is almost always a small (and some­ A familiar nuance — throwing the
times a considerable) achievement for pawn forward before the exchange on
Black. White has returned the pawn a g2, to prevent the blocking move h4. But
few times with the help o f 8.e6, but af­ now is exa♘ y the right time to exchange
ter 8...:ax e 6 the exchange hasn’t been on h3. After 9♗,x h 3 ♕xh3 10.ti:le4
prevented yet. In the case of9.ti:lg5 Jl,f5 0-0-0 1 l♗ H 4 or 11.1l,g5 ♗, e 7 12.1l,xe7
10.I{ilb3 0-0-0 11.0-0 ti:lh6 and 12. ..f6 tZlgxe7 13.1{id3 the white king is safe,

170
 The Albin Countergambit

and it’s completely unclear what plan ant for White thanks to his centraliza­
Black should choose. tion.
9 .♕ a 4 ♗ xg2 16... ♗ xb4
10.♔xg2 h4 17♗ e3 ♘ h6
11.b4 ... 18.♖d1 ♖ a3
In the variation 1 1 .♘ xh4?! g5 19.♕ c2 ♘ g4
12.♘ hf3 Vjlh3+ 1 3 .♔ g1 ♗ e7 1 4 . ! d1?! 20.♕ f5+ ♔ b8
g4 15.♘ h4 ♗ xh4 16.gh d3! White’s de­ Danner lost a piece here (2 l.♘ g5?
fense comes apart atthe seams. With the ♕ h 5 22.♘ xf7 ♘ xe3 23.♘ xe3 ♖xe3
help o f 14.♖e1 g4 15.♘ h4 ♗ xh4 16.gh 24.♕xh5 ♖xh5), and the battle lost
♕xh4 17.♘ f1 0-0-0 18.♗ f4 White re­ its purpose. Only 2 l.S e 2 ♖ a5 22.Hbl
pels the direct threats, although with would have just about held the position.
such a lacerated kingside he can’t even
dream o f an advantage. 12. A. LILIENTHAL -
11... hg S .TARTAKOWER
12.fg Vjlb3+ Paris, 1933
N ot getting def1ected by an elimina­
tion o f the pawn, Black plans a break­ 1.d4 d5
through in the center. After 12. ..♗ xb4 2.c4 e5
1 3 .2 b l ♗ xd2 14.♗ xd2 0-0-0 15.♕b5 3.de d4
b6 in a complicated position the chances 4 .♘ t3 ♘ c6
are roughly equal. 5.g3 ♗ e6
13.♔ g1 d3 6.♘ bd2 ♕ d7
14.ed 0-0-0 7♗ g2 ♘ ge7
1 5 .2 C ♖xd3

The knight is going to g6, and elimi­

16.♘ f1 ?! ... nating the central pawn restores the
But here it isn’t a good idea to leave balance. With opposite-side castling an
the pawn undefended. In the variation attack by White will most likely outstrip
16.a3 ♘ h6 17.Vjlc2 Md8 18.♘ f1 Vjlh5 his opponent’s assault, so Black doesn’t
19.♗ xh6 ♖xh6 2 0.♕ e4 it’s more pleas­ rule out castling kingside for himself.

171
Chapter IX

8.0 -0 ... where to put it that would help the situ­

There’s sense in advancing pawns ation.
more quickly, saving a tempo on castling. After 9 .♕ a4 Black also risks par­
For example, 8.a3 tL:lg6 9.b4 lih 3 10.e6!? ticipating in a miniature with the ti­
lix e 6 l l.b5 tL:ld8 12.h4 (a more natural niest slip-up. A brief confrontation
siege o f the d4 pawn is 12♗ b2 c5 13.bc between two future stars o f German
tL:lxc6 14.tL:lb3) 12. ..f6 13.♕c2 c5 14.bc chess: 9 ...♗ e7 10.a3 tL:lgxe5 11.tZ:lxe5
tL:lxc6 15.h5 tL:lge5 16.tL:lxe5 fe 17♗ e4 h6 tL:lxe5 12.♕xd7+ ♔xd7?? (12. ..tL:lxd7
18.♖b1 ♗ c5 19.♖b5 ♗ b 6, with a satis­ 13♗ xb7 ♖ b 8 14.lie4 0-0, and Black
factory position (Fedorowicz — Couche, doesn’t lose hope a pawn down) 13.f4
Las Vegas, 1995). Instead o f 9 ...♗ h3 it tL:lxc4 14.f5 (Unzicker — Schmid,
was worth thinking about development Heidelberg, 1949). Or 10.tL:lb3 0-0-0
— 9 ...♗ e7 10.b5 tL:lcxe5 l l.tZ:lxe5 tL:lxe5 11.tZ:lfxd4 tL:lxd4 12.♕xa7! c6 13.Ae3
12♗ xb7 ♖ b8 13.tL:lf3!? c5! tL:lxb3?? (13 ...tL:lxe2+ 1 4 .♔ h1 ♕ c 7
8... tL:lg6 15.♖fel tL:lxg3+ 16.hg ♕ b 8 17.♕xb8+
9 .a3 ... ♔ x b 8 is a safe improvement) 14.Ab6!
Concentrating attacks on the d4 (Jaracz — Krahe, Bad Wiessee, 2007).
pawn is promising: 9.tL:lb3 0-0-0 1 0 ♗ g5
(a standard def1ection o f the pawn’s de­
fender) 10...♗ e7 1 U ix e 7 ♕ x e7 12.♕c2
tL:lgxe5 13.tL:lxe5 tL:lxe5 14♗ xb7+!
♔ xb7 15.♕ e4+. An improvement for
Black is 9...♖ d8, and an evacuation o f
the king to the short side.
Against Gasic (Sarajevo, 1972) Hart
immediately got the advantage ofthe two
bishops: 9.tL:lg5 tL:lgxe5 10.tL:lxe6 ♕ xe6
11.tZ:lf3 0-0-0 12.♕b3 tL:la5 13.♕b5
tL:lxf3+ 14.lixf3 tL:lc6 15♗ d5 ♕ d7
16.♖ d1 a 6 17.♕b3 ♗ c5 18.♕f3 — the 9 ... 0-0-0
turn by the queen enabled the creation Grandmaster Kostic chose king­
o f a formidable battery on the long diag­ side castling several times. Then an ex­
onal. Success is unattainable with 12. .. change o f the e5 and d4 pawns is likely,
tL:lxf3+ 13♗ xf3 h5 14.h4 A c 5 , with an and White retains the extra pawn with­
insignificant advantage for White. out compensation. Counterplay against
With 9.♕ b3 a trap appears, which the king doesn’t work out: 9...A e7 10.b4
should be remembered. After 9 ...lie 7 ?! ♖ d8 1♗ b2 0-0 12.♖ t c l lih 3 13.tL:lb3
10.♕xb7 ♖ b 8? 11.tZ:lxd4! (Sorm — Va- Axg2 14.♔xg2 ♕ g 4 15.tL:lbxd4 tL:lxd4
hedi, Bad Homburg, 2008) White is left 16.tL:lxd4 tL:lxe5 17.f4 c5 (R. Byme
two pawns up. 9 ...0-0-0 10.♖d1 h6 is — Kostic, radio match, 1950) 18.fe cd
correct — because o f the knight on d2 19.♖
t f 4 ♕ g 6 20.♖xd4, increasing the
there’s no 11.tZ:lxd4, and there’s no­ advantage to two pawns.

172
 The Albin Countergambit

10.b4 ... 22.♖ fd 1, and for victory all that remains

10.♕ a4 allows an exchange o f is to restructure the major pieces.
queens with approximate equality: 10. .. 19.bc be
♔ b 8 1l .S d 1 ♘ cxe5 12.♕xd7 ♖xd7 20.♘ a5 hg?!
13.b3 f6 14.h3 1Le7 15.♘ e1 ♖hd8 16.f4 Now 2l.fg (in connection with the
♘ f7 17.♘ df3h5 18.e4 de 19.♖xd7♖xd7 threat 22.♖ xf5!) would have immedi­
20♗ xe3 ♘ h6 21.♘ d4 ♘ f5 22.♘ xf5 ately ended the battle. Lilienthal me­
ilx f5 (Asgeirsson — Raetsky, Reykjavik, chanically played 21.hg?!; anyway 21...
1996). The possession o f an open file is ♖ h6 22.S c d 1 ♕ e 7 23.♖xd8+ ♔ x d 8
neutralized by the miserable g6 knight. 2 4 .♖ d1+ ♔ c 8 2 5 .♕ c3 and iLf1 were
10... ♘ cxe5 hopeless in the end for Black.
11.♘ xe5 ♘ xe5
12.♕ c 2 ... 13. C . CROUCH - A. SPICE
The queen is heading for e4, which is England, 2006
easy to prevent. If the chain is straight­
ened out with 12.c5, then the simplifica­ 1.d4 d5
tions 12. .♗ h3 13♗Lxh3 ♕xh3 14.♘ f3 2.c4 e5
l2Jxf3+ 15.ef1L e 7 16.Se1 ♕ f 6 maintain 3.de d4
equality. On 12♗ b2 an exchange o f the 4 .♘ f3 ♘ c6
light-squared bishops can also be ex­ 5.g3 ile 6
pected — White is slightly better. 6.ll'lM2 ♕ d7
12... d3 7.lLg2 0-0-0
13.ed ♘ xd3?!
The backward d3 pawn in the gambit
is only a burden for White, and so there’s
no reason to rush to take it. The useful
prophylactic 13. ..♔ b 8 or the aggressive
13. ..h5 are both more relevant.
14.♘ b3 ♘ x cl
The knight, reinforced on a fantas­
tic spot, doesn’t stop White from con­
ducting an attack: 14..♗ f5 15.♘ a5 c6
15.♕b3 ♕ c 7 (against b5) 16..1le3 a6
17.♕ c3. Tartakower exchanges o ff the
potentially dangerous bishop. An unsophisticated strategy — the
1 5 .S a x c l ilf5 king immediately makes its choice, and
16.'iYb2 h5 mutual pawn attacks with opposite-side
17.c5 c6 castling is most likely.
18.b5 h4 8.0 -0 ...
Bringing the rook to the defense o f As with 7 ...♘ ge7, delaying kingside
the palace ruins is already useless — 18 ... castling is o f interest. A fragment from
S h 6 19.bc b c 2 0 .♘ a5 ♕ c 7 2 l.♕ b 4 iLd3 Zimmerman — Chetverik (Harkany

173
Chapter IX

Tenkes Cup, 1996) is instructive: 8.a3 probing the weakness o f f7. I don’t see a
/]jge7 9.b4 /]jg6 10.♕ a4 ♔ b 8 1 1♗ b2 good reply to 9.b4!
/]jcxe5 12.♕xd7 ♖xd7 13.c5 ♗ d5 But even with 9 .♕ a4 Black’s path
14./]jxe5 /]jxe5 15♗ xd5 ♖xd5 16./]jb3 isn’t strewn with roses. After 9 ...♔ b 8
d3 17 .♖d1 /]jc4 18♗ c1 ♗ e7 19.♖xd3 10./]jg5!?/]jxe5 l l.♕xd7/]jxd7 12./]jxe6
♖hd8 20.♖xd5 ♖xd5 2l.f4 b6 22.cb cb fe 13./]jf3 e5 14./]jg5 /]jh6 15♗ d2 ♗ e7
23./]jd2 /]je3 2 4 .♔ f2 /]jc2 25./]jc4. De­ 16./]je6 ♖dg8 17.f4 (Garcia Palermo —
spair emanates from what we’ve seen: Cockcroft, Palma de Mallorca, 1992) the
White gradually won the weak pawn, road opens for the long-range bishops.
easily overcoming the pathetic attempts An exchange o f queens was also favorable
at resistance. We have to change this for White in the encounter Mchedlish-
scenario immediately — 8 ...h5!? 9.b4 h4 vili — Raetsky (Yerevan, 1996): 10./]jb3
(even bearing in mind the position ofthe /]jxe5 11.♕xd7 /]jxf3+ 12♗ xf3 ♖xd7
white king in the center). 13.♖d1 ♘ f6 14.♖xd4 2xd4 15./]jxd4
8 ... h5 11.xc4 16♗ g5 /]je8 17.b3 ♗ a6 18.♖d1
Against Onkoud (France, 2003) /]jd6 19./]jc2 ♗ b5 20♗ f4 ♗ e7 21./]je3
Inkiov after 8 ...Cjge7 9./]jg5 /]jxe5 h4 22./]jd5 ♗ f8 23./]jc3 ♗ c6 24♗ xc6
10./]jxe6 ♕ x e6 11./]je4 ♘ 7c6 12.b3 bc 25./]ja4. It’s particularly unpleas­
f5 13./]jg5 ♕ f 6 14./]jh3 h6 15./]jf4 g5 ant that Black is choosing between vari­
16./]jd5 ♕ f7 17♗ b2 ♗ g7 18.e3 com ­ ous difficulties, and the top prize is a
pleted his lengthy knight maneuver draw! In pursuit o f the modest prize
with rather modest success. The situ­ 13. ..c5 14♗ f4+ ♔ c 8 15.e3 d3 16♗ e4
ation suggests not only maneuvering b6 17.♖xd3 (17♗ xd3 ♗ e7 and ..♗ f6,
play, but also the wild complications with pressure) 17. .♗ xc4 18. ♖xd7 ♔xd7
that arise with 1 l...♕ x c 4 12♗ g5 f6 19. ♖ d l+ ♔ c 8 is preferable.
13.♖c1 ♕ b 5 14./]jxf6!? gf 15♗ xf6 9 ... ♘ h6
(15. ..♖ g 8? isn’t good because of 16.a4 10.M !? ...
♕ a5 17.b4). Having rejected 9./]jg5, Black has used a tempo on develop­
White will probably arrive at the varia­ ment, but White has only slowed down
tions from game 12. the onslaught. So the conditions for the
9.h4 ... sacrifice have probably changed for the
9.b4!? ♗ xb4 10.♕ a4 is useful to worse.
compare with the similar branch from 10... Cjg4
5 ..♗ g4 (game 10). Here on 10. ..h4 Having concentrated his attacks on
there follows 11./]jxh4 (the bishop the e5 pawn, Black doesn’t have to ac­
doesn’t keep the e2 pawn in its sights). cept the sacrifice. Although destroying
The exchange 10. . ♗ xd2 11♗ xd2 can’t the pawn with either o f the pieces is
be combined with an exchange on f3 due playable. The sharp variation 10 .../]jxb4
to the arrival o f the bishop on e6, and 11./]je4 d3 12♗ g5 ♖e8 13.ed /]jg4
White puts paid to the playable varia­ 14. ♖ b1 /]jxd3 15.♕ b3b5 16.♕xb5♕xb5
tion for Black 1l. ..Cjge7 12.♖ab1 ♗ f5 17.cb ♗ xa2 18.♖a1 ♗ d5 establishes
13.♖b2 ♗ e4 with the thrust 13./]jg5!, equality after an exchange o f queens.

174
 The Albin Countergambit

In the case o f 10 ...♗ xb4 11.♕ a 4 ♗ f5 In the changed structure it’s normal
12.♗
J b 3 the right choice at the junction to put the bishop on c5 and keep it there
is essential. On 12 ...♗ e4 the response for as long as possible. With 13. ..♗ c5
13.♗ g5 is strong, and on 12. ..♗ e7 an ex­ 14.♗
J x e 5 liJxe5 15.♗J e 4 ♕ e 7 the chanc­
change ofknights is favorable for White, es are roughly equal, but after opening
13.♗
J a 5 liJxa5 14.'!Wxa5 c ;b 8 1 5 .S d l c5 the b-file they establish themselves on
16.♗ f4 '1Wc7 17Vilixc7+ ♔ xc7. The best White’s side.
decision is 12. ..♗ J g 4 13.♗ b2 (13.♗ g5?! 14.bc liJxc6
f6) 13...♗ e4 14.♗ J fx d 4 ♗ xg2 15.♔xg2 15.♗ Jg5 ♗ e7
liJgxe5 16.♗ J x c 6 liJxc6. Eliminating 16.Mab1 ♗ xg5?!
the g7 pawn secures Black counterplay Playing without queens, 16...♗ Jce5
on the kingside: 17.♗ xg7 ♖hg8 18.♗ f6 17.♕xd7 I x d 7 18.♗ J x e 6 fe 1 9 .S fcl
♖de8 19.♗ J d 4 ♖g6 20.IiJxc6 ♖xg3+! ♖hd8, is difficult for Black; neverthe­
21.fg Ix e 2 + 2 2 .Sf2 ♖xf2+ 23.♔xf2 less, it was already better to continue
'lWd2+, with perpetual check. that way.
11.'!Wa4 ♔ b8 17.hg ...
12.b5 ... The beautiful zwischenzug 17.♗ a3⁉
Another modification o f the pawn frees the key file more quickly. After
sacrifice is 12.♗ b2⁉ Now 12...♗ Jxb4 17. .. ♗
J g e 5 18.hg there’s no good defense
13.♕xd7 ♗ xd7 14.♗ xd4 liJc2 1 5 .S ab l to the threat o f 19.f4.
liJxd4 16.♗ J x d 4 , and, not having suc­ 17... ♗ f5
ceeded in winning the pawn back, Black 18.♗ Je4 ...
acquires a pair o f good bishops anyway. Tactical blows are hanging from all
Evidently 12. ..♗ xb4 1 3 .S adl She8 directions — l8 . ..♗ xe4 l9 .♗ xe4 ♔ a 8
14.♗J b 3 ♗ f8 is better, harmoniously 20♗ xd4! Black has fatefully advanced
positioning his pieces for the coming his pawn, and the white knight has
battle. made six straight jumps to achieve a
12... liJcxeS victory.
13♗ b2 ... 18... h4?
19.♗ Jc5 '!We8
20.♗ Jxb7! hg
21.♗ Jxd8 ♗ xb1
22.♗ Jxc6+ ♔ c8
23.♗ Jx a7+ .
Black resigned.

In the case o f 5 ...♗ e6 Black has it no

easier than after 5 ...♗ g4. With the high­
ly likely opposite-side castling White
calmly parts with the c4 pawn, which is
positioned on the same file as the black
13... c5?! king. So a new system o f defense ap-

175
Chapter IX

peared in practice thanks to the difficult l l ♗U 4 iib 4 + 1 2 .♔ f1 (White doesn’t

times. want a draw) 12. . ♗ h3+ 1 3 .♔ g1 (Bar­
sov — Adnani, C asablan ca, 2005)
1.d4 <15 13 . . .0 -0 14♗ xc6 bc 15.♕xd4 ♕ c 8 is
2.c4 e5 better, and it isn’t easy for the rook to
3.de d4 get o ffh l.
4.♘ f3 tlc 6 The pin 6 .♗ g5 prevents the knight
5.g3 ♘ g e7!? from going after the pawn. Then it
makes sense to acquire the advan­
tage o f the two bishops: 6 ...h6 7♗ xe7
♗ x e7 8♗ g2 g5!? (the standard pawn
dash isn’t for an attack on the king,
but aims to inf1uence the center) 9 .0 -0
(with 9.h3 iie 6 l0 .♕ b 3 ♕ d 7 castling
is more difficult) 9...g4 10.<:1'lel ♘ x e5
1 1 .♘ d3 ♘ g 6 12.♘ a3 0-0 13.♘ c2 c6
14.♘ c l i if 6 15.♘ b3 ♕ e 7 16.♘ cxd4
♖d8 17.c5 a5 18.a4 li,e6 19.e3 li,xb3
20.♕ xb3 li,xd4 2 l.e d ♖xd4 22.♖ fel
♖ b4 2 3 .♕ c 3 ♕ g 5 24.♖e4 ♖xe4
It’s astounding how rarely anyone 25♗ xe4 ♘f8 , and the black knight
has continued this way in the past! Ap­ doesn’t concede to the white bishop
parently it’s because the Albin C oun­ here (Anastasian — Abbasov, Abu
tergambit has always had a reputation Dhabi, 2006).
for mutual attacks with opposite-side 6 ... ♘g6
castling and wasn’t considered a po­ There’s a junction here: 7.0 -0
sitional opening. With 5 ...♘ ge7 the (games 15-17) after winning the pawn
game doesn’t f1are up with com bina­ back leads to relatively quiet positions,
tional fire very often. With Morozev- while an attempt to destroy Black’s
ich’s touch the excursion after the e5 plans by means o f 7♗ g5 (games 18­
pawn has acquired considerable popu­ 20) — to more complicated ones. Nev­
larity in the 21' 1century, and its theory ertheless, White’s opportunities aren’t
is still in the process o f being estab­ exhausted with this...
lished.
6♗ g2 ... 14. I . KHENKIN - V. IKONNIKOV
6 .♘ bd2 ♘ g 6 7 .♘ b3 has also been Port Erin, 2006
encountered, immediately aiming
at the d4 pawn. Black shouldn’t be l.d4 d5
greedy: 7 ...♘ gxe5 8♗ g2 iib 4 + 9♗ d2 2.c4 e5
♗ x d2+ l0 .♕ x d 2 ♘ x c4 11.♕ d3 ♕ d 5 3.de d4
12.♘ h4 ♕ b 5 13.0 -0 — the queen is out 4.♘ f3 tlc 6
ofplace on b5. 9 ...♘ xf3+ 1 0 ♗ xf3 iie 7 5.g3 ♘ g e7

176
 The Albin Countergambit

6♗t g 2 ♘g6 is more aggressive, then 11...♖g8, ...h6

and ...g5 also shakes the white king’s
cabin.
7 ... ♗ b 4+
Black is trying to castle as soon as
possible, to unpin the knight. Unbur­
dening in the center after 7 ...♕ d 7 is in­
sufficient: 8.0 -0 ♘ g xe5 9.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5
10. ♕ xd7+ . Taking withthe knight or the
king isn’t on the cards at all, and in the
case o f 10 ..♗tx d 7 l l ♗tx b 7 ♖b8 12♗tg 2
♘ x c4 13.b3 tle 5 14♗t f 4 f6 15.♘ d2
White has a better pawn structure and
7 .♕ a 4 ... an advantage in development.
This pin has been encountered at the Opposing the queen, 7 ..♗td 7 isn’t
Grandmaster level several times in re­ dangerous at all for the latter. An exam­
cent years. 7♗t f 4 , defending the pawn ple is D. Gurevich — Nakamura (USA,
in a direct — albeit primitive — way, 2007): 8.0-0!? (on 8 .♕ b3 the reply 8...
shouldn’t be dismissed either. At least ♗ b 4+ disengages the queen from the
at a thematic tournament in Groningen undefended pawn) 8 ..♗t c 5 (now on 8...
(2001) Tiviakov very quickly achieved tlcxe5 the retreat to b3 gains strength)
a winning position against Ligterink: 9♗tg 5 f6?! 10.♕ b5! ♗ b6 11.ef gf 12.c5
7 ...♘ xf4 8.gf f6 9.♘ bd2 fe 10.fe ♗ f5 tlce 5 ?! 13.♕b3 itx c5 l4 .♘ xe5 ♘ x e5
l l.♕ b 3 ♗ b 4 12.a3 itx d 2+ 13.♘ xd2 15.♕xb7 ♖c8 16.♕d5, and Black is a
♕g5 14.♖g1 0-0-0 15.♕xb7+! ♔xb7 pawn down, as well as being in a pulver­
16♗t x c 6 + ♔ xc6 17.♖xg5 g6 18.0-0-0, ized position. The fault was with 9...f6?!
two pawns up in the ending. Hoekse- — an advance that requires caution in the
m a’s correction 11...♘ b4 doesn’t actu­ gambit. There’s nothing wrong with 9...
ally correct anything due to 12.♖c1 a5 ite 7 10♗tx e 7 ♕xe7. In the picturesque
13.c5! You should transpose the moves: variation 11.♕ b 3 ♘ g xe5 12.♕xb7 0-0
7...f6 8.ef ♘ x f4 9.f7+!? ♔ xf7 10.gf ♕ f6 13.♘ xe5 ♕xe5 14♗tx c 6 ♖ab8 15.♕ a6
11.♘ g5+ ♔ e 8 12.♕d3 ♕ xf4 13.♕ e4+ ♖b6 16.♕xb6 ab 17♗tx d 7 ♕ xe2 White
♕ x e4 14♗tx e 4 h6 15.♘ f3 g5, with a has a rook, bishop and knight for the
playable ending. queen, but adapting such a diffuse army
If timed corre♘ y, opposite-side to useful plans isn’t easy.
castling doesn’t have to be bad news 8.♘ bd2 ...
for Black. For example, 7 ..♗ g4 8.0-0 With 8♗t d 2 the play is typical for
♘ x f4 9 .g f♕ d 7 10.♘ bd2 0-0-0 1 1 .♘ b3 the quiet branches o f 5 ...♘ ge7. Black
h5 1 2 .♕ c1 h4 13.♖d1 h3 14♗t h l itxf3 has no cause for concern: 8 ..♗tx d 2 +
15♗tx f 3 ♖h4 1 6 .♔ h1 g5!, with coun­ 9.♘ bxd2 0-0 10.0-0 ♘ g xe5 11.♘ xe5
terplay (Cebalo — Fontaine, Subotica, ♘ x e5 12.♖adl d3 13.ed itg 4 14.♖del
2005). The setup 10.♕ b3 0-0-0 11.l'Zdl ♘ x d3 15.♖e3 c6.

177
Chapter IX

8 ... 0-0 better) 15. ..♕ e7 16.1Lf4 g5!? 17.1Ld2

9.0 -0 a5 c6 18.♕ c2 a4 19.e3 1Le6, and now it’s
In the simul game Alekhine — Pires Black who’s aiming for an advantage.
(Lisbon, 1941), after9...♗ xd2 10.♗ xd2 Exchanging o ff all the knights doesn’t
'igxe5
♘ (1 0 ...♘
'icx e 5 ?! 1 1 ,tb 4 !) cause him any problems at all.
11.♘
'ix e 5 CDxe5 12.♕ b5 ♖e8 13♗ g5 11... ♗ g4
f6 14.♗ f4 c6 15.♕ b3 ♕ b 6 16.♖fd1 c5 Ikonnikov could have immediately
17.1Ld5+ ♗ e6 18.♗ xe5 fe 19.♗ xb7 continued 11...CD cxe5, but he waits until
♖ ab8 20.♕ xb6 ab 2 l .♗ c6 ♖ec8 one more pawn step relieves the tension
22.♗ b5 the unknown amateur saved on the queenside. There’s sense in that,
the endgame a pawn down against the as the pawn chain loses its elasticity.
World Champion, but by replacing 12.b5 CDcxeS
16. ..c5 with 16. ..Ct'lg6 he would have 13♗ b2 ♗ f6
been heading for equality. Even stron­ It’s a shame that invading through
ger is 9...1Le7 10.a3 CDcxe5 1l.b4 d3! the breach doesn’t work — after 13. ..
12.e3 (Lautier — Kanep, Gothenburg, ♗ c5 14.♘'ix e 5 '♘ix e 5 15.♖fe1 the bishop
2005) 12. . .♘
'ix f3 + (he should exchange is kicked away by the maneuver CDb3.
with the knight, intending to separate 14.♘'i e 4 ...
the queen from the passed pawn after After 14.♘'ix e 5 ♘' ix e 5 15.1Lxb7 1Lxe2
CDd4) 13.CDxf3 ♗ f6 14.I:I:b1 ♗ f5, with 16.♖fe1 d3 17.♗ xa8 ♕ xa8 ^ ftite won
good play (Dautov). the exchange at the price of his crucial
10.a3 ♗ e7 light-squared bishop. His advantage
here is in serious question. Defending
the pawn with 14.♖ae1 deserved at­
tention, to exchange on e5 on the next
move.
14... ♗xß
15.ef ...
On 15.♗ xf3 Rybka came up with the
ingenious variation 15. ..d3 16.♗ h5⁉
(not losing sight o f the e2 pawn) 16. ..
' i f 3 + 17.♗ xf3 1Lxb2 18.Sad1 de
♘
19.♖xd8 e # + 20.♔xf1 ♖axd8 (spe­
cifically the queen’s rook, so that on
11.b4 ... 2l.CDc5 you can reply 2 l...b 6 ) 2 l.♕ x a5
Khenkin is playing this game consid­ b6 22.♕ b 4 ♗ d4, not giving preference
erably more adventurously than he did to either player.
inthe “ active” game against Morozevich 15... CDd3
(Mainz, 2005): ♗ .S d i ♘ ' ic x e 5 12.CDxe5 16.♕ c2 ...
♘
' ix e 5 13.CDf3 CDxf3+ 14.♗ xf3 ♗ f6 16.♖ab1 ♘ ' ix b 2 17.♖xb2 is o f in­
15.c5 (15.e3 ♗ e5 16.ed ♕ f6 !? 17.♔g2 terest, and after 17 ...CD e5 (the knight
♗ xd4 18.1Lg5! ♕ xg5 19.♖xd4 is a little should be taken o ff the poor spot) the

178
 The Albin Countergambit

c4 pawn isn’t hanging. If 16 .. J:re8, then

White succeeds in moving his bishop
away to a1.
16... ♘ xb2
17.♕xb2 ♘e5
18.l'lfd1 d3
A more complicated continua­
tion than 18...♘ xc4 19.♘ xf6+ ♕xf6
20.♕xd4 ♕ xd4 21.♖ xd4 ♘ d6 (where,
despite his pawn advantage on the
queenside, Black should be happy with
a draw).
19.♔ f1 ... Black doesn’t rush to take the
Possibly 19.♕c1 ♕ d 4 20.♘ xf6+ gf doomed pawn (7 ...♘ gxe5 — games 16
21.f4 ♘ d7 22..♗ xb7 is more precise. Af­ and 17), preferring to complete his de­
ter ...♘ c5 Black successfully positions velopment.
his knight but is still a pawn down and 8.b3 ...
worse off. Striving to destroy the central pawn
19... ♘ xc4 as quickly as possible. A worthy alter­
20.♘ xf6+ ♕ xf6 native is 8.e3!? de (the complicated
In the case of 20...gf 2 l.♕ c 3 ♕ d 5 play with 8...d3 9.♕ b3 ♖b8 1 0 .♘ el
22.f4 ♕xb5 23.l'lab1 Black is two pawns itf5 11.♘ c3 is supposedly favorable for
up at this point. Here only a small suc­ White, but without the queens on the
cess is likely — preserving the pawn bal­ board the advantage comes along all
ance. by itself) 9.♕ xd8+ i.x d 8 10..Itxe3 0-0
21.♕ x f6 gf 1 l .♘ c3 ite 6 (after 11...♘ gxe5 12. ♘ xe5
22.l'lxd3 Sfd8 ♘ xe5 13.lic5 ♖ e8 14.Sfel you have to
2 3 .S c 3 ♖d4 defend the rook with the help o f 14...
24.f4 Sb8 lid 7 , parting with the b7 pawn) 12.b3
Achieving a draw cost Black consid­ l'le8 13.♖adl lig 4 14.h3 ♗ x f3 15♗ xf3
erable effort in the endgame. ♘ gxe5 16.lig2 ♘ g6 17.♖ fe1 a6 18♗ c5
Be6 19.♖xe6 fe 20.♘ e4 lif6 2 l .♖ d7
15. Y. PISKOV - M . MOZNY l'lc8 22.♘ xf6+ gf 23.lixc6 bc 24♗ b4,
Clichy, 1990 and Epishin easily put the squeeze on
Kostic (Bad Wiessee, 2006).
1.d4 d5 8 ... ♘ gxeS
2.c4 e5 Nothing else works. The Czech
3.de d4 master Mozny, who championed 5...
4.♘ f3 ♘ c6 ♘ ge7 before the advent ofMorozevich,
5.g3 ♘ ge7 unsuccessfully used 8...lig 4?! against
6♗ g2 ♘ g6 Panzalovic (Germany, 1993): 9♗ b2
7.0 -0 lie 7 ♗ x f3 10.ef ♘ gxe5 11.f4 ♘ d7 12♗ xc6

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Chapter IX

be 13.♕ x d4♘ f 6 1 4 .Se l ♕ xd4 15♗ xd4 14.♘ xc5!! ...

♔ d 7 16.♘ c3 c5 17♗ e5, with a won Impressively destroying Black’s p o­
endgame. sition. Against Gries (Germany, 2008)
9.♘ xe5 ♘ x e5 Legde was satisfied with an insignifi­
10♗ b2 ♗ f6 cant advantage: 14.♕h5 0-0 15.ed ed
The American master Mark Gins­ 1 6 .Sad l g6 17.♕f3 ♗ f5 18.♕f4. The
burg threw the entire line 7 ..♗ e7 into continuation 15.♘ xc5 g6 16.♕d5 de
doubt with the variation 10 ...c5 11.e3! 17.♘ e4 ♗ e6 18.♕xd8 ef+ 19.♖xf2
♗ f6 12.ed cd 13.♘ d2 ♗ g4 1 4 .♕ b1!? Baxd8 20.♘ f6+ ♗ xf6 2 l ♗ xf6 is stron­
Without disputing the overall conclu­ ger, with a pair o f powerful bishops in
sion, I ’ll point out that after 14 ...0-0 the ending.
15♗ xb7 ♖b8 16♗ g2 d3 there’s dishar­ 14... ♗ xc5
mony in White’s army, and 14.f3 ♗ f5 15.ed ♘ x d4
15.f4 ♘ g 4 16.♘ e4 promises more. With No good defense is apparent: 15. ..
11.e3 ♗ g4 12.♕d2! ♘ f 3+ 13♗ xf3 ♗ f8 16.d5 tle 7 1 7 .S e l; 15. .♗ e7 16.d5
11.xf3 14.ed the breaches in the king’s 0 b 4 17♗ xg7 ♖g8 18♗ c3; 15..♗ b6
refuge evidently don’t compensate for 16.d5 tle 7 17♗ a3 0-0 18.c5; 15...♕f6
the loss o f a pawn. 16.♕e2+ ♕e7 17♗ xc6+ be 18.♕f3 0-0
11.♘ d2 c5 19.dc ♕xc5 20.♖fel — it’s all depressing!
If 11...♘ c6, then 12♗ xc6+ be 16.b4! ♗ xb4?!
13.♘ e4, and a capture on d4 with all You wouldn’t envy Black either in
conveniences. On 11.. .d3 the simplest the case o f 16..♗ b6 17.c5 tle 6 18.cb
is 12.ed 0-0 13.♕ c2 ♕xd3 14.♕xd3 ♕ xb6 19.♕g4, but at least some kind o f
♘ x d3 15♗ xf6 gf 16.♘ e4, although resistance is possible here. Now Piskov
12.♘ e4 ♘ f 3+ 13♗ xf3 ♗ xb2 14.♖b1 finishes the battle with sweeping queen
♗ e5 15.♘ c5 c6 16.♕xd3 ♕ e 7 17.♕e3 moves.
♗ d6 18. ♘ e4 ♗ c7 19.♕ c5 f5 20.♕xe7+ 1 7 .♕ a4 + 0c6
♔xe7 21.♘ c5 (Antic — Sarkar, Fox­ 18.11.xc6+ be
woods, 2006) is also in White’s favor. 19.11.xg7 ♖g8
12. ♘ e4 ♗ e7 2 0.♕ x c6+ ♗ d7
13.e3 tlc 6 21.♖fe1+ ♗ e7
22.♖xe7+! ♕xe7
2 3 .♕ x a8+ ♕ d8
24.♕ e4+ ♕ e7
25.♕xh7 ...
Black resigned.

16. V. MILOV - A. RAETSKY

Biel, 2005

1.d4 d5
2.c4 e5

180
 The Albin Countergambit

3.de d4 The b3 square is generally intended

4.1:t:Jf3 tlc 6 for a pawn (9.b3 —game 17), but you also
5.g3 ♘ g e7 have to reckon with this queen thrust.
6.♗ g2 ♘g6 An exchange o f the remaining knights,
7.0 -0 ♘gx e 5 9.♘ d2 ♗ e7 10. ♘ f3 ♘ x f3+ 1 l♗,x f 3 , is
8.♘ xe5 ... completely harmless. The internet duel
It’s not at all certain that White Lautier — Raetsky (2004) may at least
has to rush with the exchange. 8.♘ bd2 convince you o f this: 11...0-0 12.A,f4 c5
♗ e7 9.b4!? (the threat o f 10.b5 virtu­ 13.11,d5 ♗ , d 6 (13. ..♕ b 6 14.♕ d2 ♗ ,e 6
ally forces an exchange o f this pawn is more accurate, as later an exchange
for the central one) 9 ...♘ xf3+ 10.♘ xf3 o f the dark-squared bishops reinforced
♘ x b4 1 1 .♘ xd4 0-0 12♗,e 3 is interest­ the minimal advantage) 14.♕d2 ♗ ,h 3
ing. Whether Black kicks the enemy 15.1':rfe1 ♖b8 16.e4 b5!? 17.e5 ♗ ,c 7
knight out o f the center or prefers to put 18.♕ c2 ♗ , e 6 19♗,x e 6 fe 20.cb ♖xb5
up a barrier on the long diagonal, 12. .. 21.b3 ♕ d 5 — this is the kind o f position
c6, — time and effort are still needed you can only dream about in the Albin
to equalize his chances. After 12 ...c6 Countergambit!
13.♕ a4 t la 6 14.1':rfdl t lc 5 15.♕ c2 ♕ a5 9 ... ,e 7
♗
16.1':rab1 ♕ a 4 17.♘ b3 (Petkov — Niko- My first experience o f opposing
lov, Plovdiv, 2006) instead o f 17 ...♘ e6 9.♕ b3 turned into a catastrophe: 9...
with a slightly worse position Nikolov c5 10.e3 ( 10♗,x b 7 l':rb8 11.♕ a 4 + ♗ ,d 7
preferred the more aesthetically pleas­ 12.♕ a6 ,♗h 3 13.♖d1 ♕ d7 14♗,d 5 ♗ ,e 7
ing 17 … Be8?!, and was immediately left is unconvincing) 10 ...♗ e7 11.ed ♕xd4?
a pawn d ow n - 18.♗ xc5! ♗ , x c 5 19♗t e 4 ! ( 11 ...cd 12.'1'Wb5+ t lc 6 13♗,x c 6 + bc
, e 7 20♗,x h 7 + ♔ f8 2 l .♗ e4. In the
♗ 14.'t,'xc6+ itd 7 15.'1'Wd5 0-0 16.♕xd4,
variation 12. ..c5 13.♘ b3 ♕ b6 14.a3 and despite White being two pawns up,
♖d8 15.'iYb1 t lc 6 16.♕ c2 g6 17.1':rab1 it isn’t very clear) 12♗,f 4 ♗ , g 4 ? (with
White has the more promising position. 12. ..♘ g6 13.1':rd1 ♘ x f4 14.1':rxd4 tle 2 +
8 ... ♘ x e5 15.♔h1 ♘ x d4 I should have given up
the queen for a rook and bishop) 13.♘ c3
f6 14.♕xb7 ♖d8 15.1':rael ♗ , d 7 16.1':rdl
tld 3 17♗,e 4 ♘ x f4 18.1':rxd4 ♘ h 3+
19.♔g2 cd 20.♘ d5 ♗ , d 6 2 l ♗,f 5 ! ♗
,x f 5
22.♕xg7 ,♗e 5 23.♕e7# (Galianina Ry-
janova — Chetverik, Gyongyos, 1999).
Four months later in the game Deak
— Chetverik (Gyula, 1999) Black pre­
ferred to develop his bishop —with com­
plete success, overshadowing the past fi­
asco: 9 ...♗ c5 10.♕ b5+ tld 7 1l.b4 ♗ ,e 7
12.11,b2 c6 13.♕ a4 tlb 6 14.♕ c2 ♗ ,e 6
9.': b3 15.c5? t l c 4 16.♘ d2 d3! 17.ed ♘ x b2

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Chapter IX

18.1'le4? (in a groggy condition the 11. .. ♕xd4

Hungarian master didn’t want to fight 12.♗ f4 ♗ f6
the exchange down) 18. ..♕ d 4 19.♖abl The foray 12. ..1'ld3!? deserved the
l'lxd3. White could still claim an ad­ closest attention. After 13.♗ e3 ♕ xb2
vantage with the help o f 15.♖d1 ♗ f6 14.1'lc3 ♕xb3 15.ab in the best case
16.1'ld2 0-0 17.1'le4 l'lxc4 18.1'lxf6+ White wins a pawn back on the queen­
♕ xf6 19.♗ xd4 ♕ g 6 20.e4, and thus 9... side. He should go down the path o f sac­
♗ e7 (not coming under attack from b4) rifices: 14.♕xd3!? ♕ x al 15.1'lc3 ♕ b 2
looks like the strongest. 16.1'ld5 ♗ d6 17.♗ d4 ♗ f5! 18.♕e3 ♕ c 2
10.e3 ... 19.♖c1 ♕ a 4 . The initiative and the ma­
After 10.♗ xb7 ♖b8 11.♕ a4 + ♗ d7⁉ terial roughly balance each other.
12.♕xa7?! c6 (13.♕xd4?! ♗ f6) White’s 13.1'l a3?! ...
queen and bishop stood apart from their I’ll venture to assert: high-class
comrades-in-arms. With the strongest players often play against the Albin
12.♕a6 the bishop returns home without Countergambit at lower than usual
hindrance, but that doesn’t resemble an strength! In this case not because of
advantage. An expedition to the rear ofthe the non-standard nature of the posi­
weak d4 pawn promises more: 10.♕b5+!? tion (everything is within the bounds
l'ld7 l l.♕ d5!? c5 12.e3 de 13♗,x e 3 , with o f decency here), but for psychologi­
pleasant play. Against Zablotsky (Kemero­ cal reasons. In the pursuit o f the elusive
vo, 2007) Zakhartsov continued 10.S d l advantage (assumed in the Albin from
0-0 l l.l'lc3, exploiting the pin on the the start) Milov positions his knight
central file. Black should have maintained poorly. Then again, with 13.1'ld2! l'lg6
approximate equality in a complicated 14.♗ e3 ♕ xb2 15.♕xb2 ♗ xb2 16.♖ abl
position with the help o f l l...c5 12.1'ld5 ♗ c3 17.♗ xb7 ♗ xb7 18.♖xb7 l'le5 no
i,d 6 13.f41'lc6 14.♗ d2 ♖e8. real advantage is visible.
10... 0-0 13... c6
In contrast to the fragment Ryzha- 14.♖fel l'lg6!
nova — Chetverik, the king moves o ff 15.♗ c1 ♕ b6
to the f1ank and there’s no reason to 16 .♕ c2 ♗ e6
fear a premature centralization of the A second straight move with the de­
queen. With 10. ..de l l.♗ xe3 c6 12.1'lc3 velopment of a piece out of concrete
0-0 13.♖adl ♕ c 7 14.♗ f4 because ofthe considerations was the strongest here
pressure on b7 Black has some problems and led to a clear advantage: 16. ..♕ b 4 !
with his queenside. 17.♖e2 ♗ g4 18.f3 ♗ e6 19.♗ e3 ♖ad8.
11.ed ... Now after 17.c5 transferring the queen
If he’s slow with the exchange then to M loses its force due to 18.♖e4.
it’s not the queen that establishes itself 17.c5 ♕ c7
on d4, but a pawn: l l .♖ dl c5 12.ed cd 18.11.d2 ♖ad8
13.♗ f4 1'lc6 14.1'lc3 1'la5 15.♕ c2 ♗ g4 19.11.c3 l'leS
16.1'le2 ♗ f6 — Black’s situation isn’t This was precisely the right time to
to o bad. hook the c5 pawn— 19 ...♗ d4!? 20.b4 a5

182
 The Albin Countergambit

2 l ♗ x d4 ♖xd4 22.b5 ♖fd8, with better 2 7 .♕ b 3 i .f 6

prospects. 28.♖xb7 ♕ xc5
20.♖e2 i.d 5 29.tt:e3 ♖d2
2 1 .♖ ae l i.x g 2 30.tt:g4 ...
22♗ x e5 i.x e 5 The pathetic white nag has turned into
23.♔ xg2 ... an unbridled mustang! Now its exchange
Milov was facing a choice — which should have been provoked (30...h5
o f his opponent’s bishops to stop. Prob­ 3 1 .tt:x f+ gf 32.♕f3 ♔ g7 33.♖e2 ♖xe2
ably the dark-squared one was right: 34.♕xe2 ♖d8, approaching a draw), and
after 23.♖xe5!? i.d 5 24.tt:c4 the latest if the bishop is saved, then it covers the
exchange o f minor pieces leaves White back rank. On 30 ..♗.d 4 ? the rabid pranc-
more commanding major ones, and er won the bishop by force —31.♖e8! ♕ d5
otherwise the knight enthusiastically 32.♕xd5 cd 33.♖bb8 i.c 5 3 4 . M +
moves to d6. 35.Ci'le5 f6 36.tt:d7 \tff7 37.tt:xf8.
2 3 ... ♗ d4
24.♕ c4?! ... 17. V. EPISHIN - M . CHETVERIK
A repetition o f moves is objectively Bad Wiessee, 2006
stronger (24.b4 a5 25.♖e7 ♖d7 26.♖e8
♖d8 27.♖e7 ♖d7), but cynically count­ l.d4 d5
ing on his opponent’s time trouble the 2.c4 e5
Swiss Grandmaster bluffs. 3.de d4
2 4 ... ♕ a5 4.tt:f3 tt:c6
25.♖e7 ... 5.g3 tt:ge7
6 ♗.g 2 tt:g6
7.0 -0 tt:gxe5
8.tt:xe5 tt:xe5
9.b3 ...

25... i.x b 2 ?
Instead o f this poorly-timed pawn
capture 25...♗ f6! 26.♖7e3 ♖d4! 27 .♕ c2
♖d2 28.tt:c4 ♖xc2 29.tt:xa5 ♖xb2 is
correct, and whether White will achieve 9 ... ♗ c5
a draw is still in question. Now this energetic bishop thrust
26.tt:c2 ♖d5 looks like the strongest move. The draw­

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Chapter IX

backs o f 9 ..♗ e7 were revealed in game fg 2 l.♕ g 4 + ♔ h 8 22.♖xf8+ ♕xf8

15. Against Gnusarev (Astana, 2007) 23.♕ d 4+ ♔g8 24.♕ g4+ ♔ h 8 , draw.
Kairbekov confirmed his knight in the In the game Malinin — Chetverik
center — 9...c5 10.e3 ♕ c6 11.ed tilxd4 (Sukhumi, 2006) as a result o f home
12.♕ c3 ♗ e7 13♗ b2 0-0. White replied preparation my opponent sent his knight
with the same measure and with more to e4, not determining the place for the
active bishops looked more promising: queen’s bishop immediately. There fol­
14.♘ d5 ♗ f6 15.♕ d2 ♗ e6 16.♕ xf6+ lowed 10. ♘ d2 0-0 1 1 .♘ e4 ♗ e7 12♗ b2
♕xf6 17♗ xd4 cd 18♗ xb7 1 ad 8 c5 13.e3 ♕ c6 14.ed cd 15.a3 a5 16.♕d3
19.11.g2 d3 2 0 .!a e l ♗ g4 2l.♖ e3 ♗ e2 ♗ g4 17.h3 ♗ e6 18.f4 ♕ d 7 19.'\t/h2
2 2 .S c l. 1ad8 20.1f2 h6 2 l .S d l ♖fe8 2 2 .♕ f1?!
10♗ a3 ... (in a “ stagnant” position the blockade
When I was preparing for Epishin shouldn’t be removed) 22...f5 23.♘ d2
I took into account his uncertain play ♗ f6 24.♘ f3 a4! 25.b4 ♕ f7 26.c5 ♗ c4
against Teran (Calvia, 2005): 10♗ b2 2 7 .♕ h1 d3 — with such a strange queen
0-0 1 1 .♕ a3 ♕e7 12.♕ c2 1d8 13.♕d2? White’s position doesn’t instill one with
(the logical conclusion o f the maneuver confidence. Against Strohhaeker (Dres­
13. ♘ xd4 after 13. .. ♗ g4 14.h3 ♗ xd4 den, 2003) Neverov seized the initiative
15.11.xd4 c5 16.hg ♖xd4 17.♕ c2 1xg4 after 15.f4 ♗ f5 16.g4 ♗ xe4 17♗ xe4
leads to an equalization o f the mate­ ♗ c5 18.♕d3 ♕ h 4 19.a3 ♕ xg4+ 2 0 .♔ h1
rial and the position, with which it’s f5 2 l ♗ d5+ ♔ h 8 22.b4 ♗ b6 2 3 .!f 3 ,
also necessary to come to terms) 13 ... which was the legacy o f greed — 19. ..a5
d3! 14.♕ e3, and 14..♗ b4! is very strong 20.h3 ♖fe8 is solid.
here. White doesn’t lose a piece, as it may 10... ♗ xa3
seem, but after 1 5 .♕ d1 de 16.♕xe2 ♖d2 1 1 .♕ xa3 c5
17.'♗
' h 5 1x b2 18.♘ d5 ♕ d 6 19.♕ xb4 Exchanging o ff the dark-squared
♗ g4 20.♕g5 c6 he isn’t celebrating. bishops is no better or worse than
More often the knight chooses an­ 10.lLb2. Castling immediately was re­
other route — to e4 via d2, with the aim jected because o f 12.♕ b5 c5 13.e3, a1­
o f disturbing the bishop. Ginsburg thinks though 13. ..d3 14.♕d2 ♗ g4 15.f4♕ c6,
that on 10♗ b2 0-0 l l.♕ d2 the only re­ and also 13 ...de 14.♕xd8 ef+ 15.♖xf2
ply is l l...a 5 !, providing the bishop with ♖xd8 16♗ d5 ♗ e6 17♗ xb7 ♖ab8
a refuge on a7. In the encounter Kachur 18.11.e4 ♖d7 don’t disturb the approxi­
— Koziak (Barlinek, 2006) Black radi­ mate equality.
cally prevented the centralization o f the 12.♕ c2 ...
knight: 11...f5!? 12.e3 (12.♘ f3 with an The position allowed for a dynam­
exchange o f knights guaranteed a slight ic decision: 12.b4! cb 13.♕ a4 + ♕ c6
advantage) 12. ..de 13♗ xe5 ed 14.♕ c2 14.11.xc6+ bc 15.♕xc6+ ♗ d7 16.♕e4+
f4 15♗ xf4 ♗ f5 (the exchange sacri­ ♗ e6 17.♕ c2, with an advantage.
fice 15. ..♖xf4!? 16.gf ♕ d4 is roughly 12... ♖b8
equivalent) 16♗ e4 ♗ xf2+!? 17.♔xf2 Now the plan to advance 13.b4 has
♗ xe4 18.♕xe4 g5 19.'\t/g2 gf 2 0 .1 ad l become obvious; Black has disentangled

184
 The Albin Countergambit

himself and is ready to meet the under­ Epishin has adroitly positioned his
mining move with the solid defense 13. .. pieces so that he can advance one of
b6 14.♖b1 ♗ g4 15/Z'lel 0-0. The con­ his pawns, depending on the actions of
tinuation 12 ...0-0 13.b4!? cb 14.'t'lxb4 his opponent. As a consequence a de­
trlxc4 15.trld5 ♗ e6 16.♕xd4 trlb6 17.e4 f1ecting sacrifice o f the b-pawn is rather
♖ c 8 probably isn’t enough for equality. questionable. 19 ...♗ h3 20.♗ xh3 ♕xh3
13.♕ d2 ♕ f6 seemed dangerous due to 2l.f5 , but
There’s no way I can find time to let’s look further: 21...trle5 22.♖f4 ♕ h6
castle! 13...0-0 14.e3 d3 15.trle1 and ♖ d1 23.f6 g6 — the queen is safe, but the po­
almost certainly end with the fall o f the sitional concessions are irreversible. Af­
advanced pawn, and it’s doubtful wheth­ ter 2 l.♕ f3 it’s better for White to strive
er I’d manage to get compensation for it. for e5.
But in the case o f 13. ..de 14.♕xe3 ♕ c7 19... b5!?
it isn’t clear how to install the unsightly 20.cb ...
knight on the first-class d5 spot. The Grandmaster had apparently
14.f4 trlc6 decided to win with little blood, devi­
15.e4 ... ating from the principle continuations.
White’s pressure demands extreme 20.trlxc5 bc 2 l.b c ♕ d6 22.trlb3 ♖d8
concentration from Black, but he has 23.e5 ♕ c 7 24.♗ e4 doesn’t promise
already achieved a small bonus in the Black full compensation for his losses.
shape o f a defended passed pawn. It was 2 0 ... ♖ b5
worth thinking about 15.e3!? 0-0 16.ed 2 1 .1 ß trlb4
trlxd4 17.trlxd4 cd 18.♖fe1, with a typi­ 22.e5 iib 7
cal position for the gambit, in which the 23.Axb7 trlxd3
passed pawn is more o f a weakness than 24.Wxd3 ♖xb7
a strength. 25.f5 ♕ c6
15... 0-0 A timely change o f f1ank. On 25...
16.trle1 ♕ h6 ♖be7 the unpleasant 26.e6! fe 27.♕ c4!
17.trld3 b6 lay in wait.
18.♖ae1 ♖e8 26.♖ fe2 ♕ b5
19.♕d1 ... 27.♕ xb5 ♖xb5
28.♗:c 2 hS
29.e6 ...
The result of the simplifications is a
drawn rook ending. After 29...fe 30.fe
g6 it’s difficult to even imagine a dif­
ferent outcome, but what occurred in
the game, 29...f6?!, gave White a stable
advantage. Anyway, balancing on the
edge o f the abyss, I exchanged o ff all the
pawns and forced a ceasefire on the 81”
move.

185
Chapter IX

18. D. RAT - M . CHETVERIK virtually rules out a retreat to h4 or f4,

Budapest, 1999 so the bishop has to go a long way away
to its own home front. More important
1.d4 d5 is the established pawn superiority, and
2.c4 eS also the prospects o f an assault on the
3.de d4 black king, if it heads for the queen­
4.♗
: J f3 ® c6 side.
5.g3 ® ge7 9 ♗t c l ...
6♗t g 2 ®g6 The bishop isn’t preventing the
7♗t g 5 ... knight from coming out to d2. Never­
theless, the bishop should have been p o­
sitioned on d2, and the knight won’t be
an orphan on a3 either. In a duel with
Arlandi (Imperia, 1996) Mozny didn’t
rush to castle, and after 9.li,d2 ite 6
10.♕ a4 ♕ d7 11.0-0 ith 3?! 12.e3 h5?!
13.ed li,xg2 14.♔xg2 h4 15.♕ c2 ♕ g 4
16.♖e1+ ♔ f7 17.♕e4 he was left two
pawns down in a poor position. In the
game P. Horvath — Chetverik (Harkany
Tenkes Cup, 2001) a rout also lay in wait
for Black: 11... 0-0-0 12.b4 ♔ b 8 13.c5
Prevents the normal course o f events d3?! 14.ed ith 3 (14...♕ xd3 15♗t e 3
— winning the pawn back with subse­ ♕ c 4 16.®fd2, and the pawn can’t be
quent kingside castling. The choice of taken due to 17.Lixc6) 15.b5 ®ce5
defenses has narrowed down a lot. Af­ 16.®xe5 ®xe5 17.c6! ♕ xd3 18♗tx h 3
ter 7… ♗ e7?! 8♗tx e 7 capturing with the ® f3+ 19.♔h1 itc 5 ? ! (after 19 … ♖d4
queen or either o f the knights doesn’t 20.♕ d1 or 20.♕ b3 ♕xb3 21.ab I win
regain the loss and does nothing to com ­ the piece back, but Black’s situation is
pensate for it, so 8… ♔xe7?!? has been bad) 20♗t f 4 itd 4 21.® a3 itx a l 22.b6!
tried twice. In the curious variation Instead of the mistimed breakthrough
9.♕ d3 ®gxe5 10.®xe5 ®xe5 1 1 .♕ e4 in the center a prophylactic was appro­
♔ f6 by a happy coincidence you don’t priate — 13. ..a6 14.®a3 itd 5 15.b5 ab
get mated, which isn’t much consolation 16.®xb5 li,xc5, and it isn’t easy to reach
for Black, o f course. The most relevant the king. The advance b5 is more dan­
7… ♕ d 7 was encountered in games 19 gerous after 15.♖fbl ♖g8 16.♖b2 and a
and 20. doubling of the rooks. Then a discharge
7 ... f6 is justified, 16. ..® ce5 17.♕xd7 ♖xd7,
8.ef gf fighting a pawn down.
By attacking the bishop Black has 9 ... ,f S
♗
won time for development. Besides 10.a3 ♕ d7
that, the position o f the knight on g6 11.0-0 ...

186
 The Albin Countergambit

A couple o f months later (Hlohovec, 15... ♕ g4!?

1999) International Master Gladischev Leads to incomparably more com­
awaited me here, not knowing about plicated play than the “ dual” 15. ..♕ f5
his predecessor, apparently. White left 16.c5 (16.b5 l1Jce5 17.l1Jxd4? l1Jh4+!
his king in the center, which didn’t kills the white king) 16...a6. The dual
justify itself: 11.b4 0-0-0 12.♕ a4 ♔ b 8 isn’t bad, by the way, as it’s very difficult
13.ct:Jbd2 ♖g8!? (13. ..d3!? 14.b5 ct:Jce5) to attack the black king.
14.♗ b2 ♗ h6! (prevents castling; the 16.h3 ...
tenacious 15.♖ d1 meets with a rebuff, Another move-order is 16.b5 l1Jce5
15...♗ h3 16.♗ xh3 ♕xh3 17.b5?! ♖ge8! 17.h3, to take on d4 after kicking out
18.bc ♖xe2+! 19.♔xe2 d3+ 2 0 .♔ e1 the queen. In the fascinating varia­
♖ e8+) 15.b5 l1Jce5 16.l1Jxd4 l1Jf4! tion 17. ..♕ c8 18.l1Jxd4 ♗ c5 19♗ e3
17 ♗ c6? (allows a combination; with ct:Jh4+! 20.♔ h 2 ♗ xd4 2 l ♗ xd4 ♖xd4!
17. gf ♖xg2 18.fe ♗ xd2+ 19.♔xd2 fe 22.♖xd4 l1Jhf3+! 23.ef t1Jxf3+ 24.♔g2
20.♖hgl he has chances to save him­ l1Jxd4 Black is a pawn down in the end,
self) 17 ...t1Jed3+! 18.edl1Jxd3+ 1 9 .♔ f1 but he has at his disposal a choice be­
lLlxb2 20.♗ xd7 iid 3 + ! 2 l.♔ g 2 l1Jxa4 tween 17. ..♕ e 4 18.ctJc3 l1Jh4+! 1 9 .♔ f1
22♗ e6 ♗ xd2 23.♗ xg8 ♖xd4, with a ♕ f5 20.♘ xh4 ♕ xh3+ 2 l .♔ g1 ♖g8 and
quick win. 17 … ♕ f5 18.l1Jxd4 l1Jh4+! 19.gh ♖g8+
11... 0-0-0 20♗ g5 ♖xd4! 2l.♖xd4 ♗ c5 2 2 .♕ d1
12.♕ a4 ... ♗ xd4 23.♕xd4 fg, with tangled play in
Typical play for this gambit to get both cases.
ahead probably isn’t the best here — af­ 16... ♕e4
ter exchanging the light-squared bish­ 17.b5 ...
ops the king’s residence is open to the
four winds. White’s main trump card is
his extra pawn, and so he should strive
for simplifications. After 12.e3!? d3
13.♘ d 4 ♘ xd4 14.ed iih 3 (14. ..♕ xd4??
15.♕ f3) 15.♕xd3 ♗ xg2 16.♔xg2 l1Je5
17.♕ e4 ♕xd4 18.♕xd4 ♖xd4 com ­
pensation is at hand, but no more than
that.
12... ♗ h3
13.b4 ♗ xg2
14.♔xg2 ♔ b8
15.♖d1 ... 17... l1Jh4+!?
15.e3 is already late because o f 15... Instead o f 17...l1Jce5, switching
♗ h6! (16.l1Jxd4? lLlh4+!; 16.ed ♗ xcl to a variation from the previous note,
17.♖xcl l1Jf4+!; 16.♖ e1 ♖hg8), empha­ Black goes for a combination regard­
sizing the weakness not only o f the light less o f consequences. If the knight is
squares, but also the dark ones. taken, then after 18.gh ♖g8+ 1 9 .♔ f1

187
Chapter IX

Ci'le5 20.b6!? cb 21.♖xd4! (21.Ci'lbd2? likely leads to a draw. A draw also o c ­

♕ f5 !) 2 1...♖ g1+! 22.♔ xgl Ci'lxf3+ 23.ef curred in the game — after 2 4 ..♗ h6
♕ xd4 the piece is won back, and with 2 5 .♕ c 4 ♕ a5 2 6 .♖ cd l ♕ c3 2 7 .♕ f7
his pawns disintegrating there’s nothing ♕ x c5 28.♕ x h 7 ♕ g 5 and another 50
for White to count on. moves with double time trouble and
18.c;irgl Ci'le5! vacillations o f the evaluation from one
19.Ci'lxh4 Sg 8 extreme to the other.
20.Ci'lg2?! ...
In such a sharp position it’s difficult April 22, 2005, Lenin’s birthday. A
to decide at the board which road leads match in the Russian Club Champion­
to Rome and which one into the abyss. ship between Maksven (Ekaterinburg)
Rat justifiably rejected 20.Ci'lf3? Ci'lxf3+ and Red October (Voronezh). Maksven
2 1 e f♕ x f3 (with the idea o f ...♗ d6), but is advancing; October unquestionably
with the help o f2 0 .♔ h 2 !? ♕xe2 2l.♖ d 2 has the worst-rated combatants among
♕ e4 2 2 .♕ d1 he retained chances o f all the teams in the premier league. On
defending himself, being left with extra board two Raetsky has to battle Dreev.
material. With great difficulty I persuade Sasha to
2 0 ... ♕xe2 play the Albin, motivated by the simple
21.Ci'ld2! ... slogan, “ If you have to die, do it with a
The Romanian master corre♘ y fanfare!”
noticed that he had to cover the f3
square, even at the price ofhis conquest. 19. A. DREEV - A. RAETSKY
2 l.♗ e3? ♗ c5 22.Ci'lc3 ♕ h 5! 23.Ci'lf4 Dagomys, 2005
♕ f3 ! lost immediately. In the variation
2 l.♗ f4?! Ci'lf3+ 2 2 .♔ h1 ♕ xf2 23.Ci'ld2 1.d4 d5
Bxg3! 24.♗ xg3 ♕xg3 25.Ci'lxf3 ♕xf3 2.c4 eS
White is a rook up, but can he with­ 3.de d4
stand the pressure from his opponent? 4.Ci'lf3 Ci'lc6
And the fatal continuation for White 5.g3 Ci'lge7
2l.Ci'lc3?! Ci'lf3+ 2 2 .♔ h1 ♕xf2 23.Ci'le4 6♗ g2 Ci'lg6
♕ e2 24.♗ e3 ♗ h6! 25.♗ xh6?! ♕xe4 7.♗ g5 ♕ d7
26.♗ f4 ♕ f5 27.g4 Bxg4! can be edited
only by throwing out some of the mate­
rial — 25. B el Ci'lxel 26.♖ xel ♕ h 5.
2 1 ... Ci'ld3
22.♖f1 Ci'lxcl
23.♖axc1 ♕xd2
24.c5 ...
The passions have abated, all things
are equal, and the endgame in the case
o f 24...d3 25 .♖ fd l ♕ b 2 26.♖ c2 ♖ d4
27. Bxb2 Bxa4 28.♖ xd3 ♗ xc5 most

188
 The Albin Countergambit

The queen isn’t positioned very well The pockmarked kingside forces Black to
in the path o f the bishop, but on the resort to castling long: 9...h6 l0 .♗ c1 e5
other hand the e5 pawn’s time is nearly l l.tiJbd2 ♕ f7 12.e3 ♗ e6 13.ed ed 14.♕ a4
up. 'White can only choose how exa♘ y 0-0-0 15.b4 ♔ b8 16.♖e1 ♗ e7 (16...♘ xb4
to part with it. 17.♖b1 ♗ d7 18.♕a5 b6 19.♖xb4 ♗ xb4
8.e6 ... 20.♕xb4 c5 21.♕b3, with two pieces fora
Castling was encountered in game rook andan advantage, although also with­
20. Now Black’s pawn skeleton changes out an attack) 17 .1a3 ♗ f6 18.♘ e4 ♗ xc4
its form in typical fashion for the gam­ 19.♘ :xf5 gf 20.b5 tzlce5 21.♘ xd4 (Akes-
bit. son — Feygin, Belgium, 2006) 2 l...♗ d5
8 ... fe 22.tzlc6+ tzlxc6 23.bc ♗ xg2 24.♔xg2
Bearing in mind that deploying a ♕d5+ 25.♕e4 ♕xe4+ 26.♖xe4, with a
central pawn duet on the dark squares better ending.
can knock o ff the dark-squared bish­ 10.♘ bd2 ...
ops: 8 ...♗ b4+ 9.♗ d2 fe 10.♗ xb4 Clxb4 That also occurred in the first well-
11.0-0 e5 12.♘ bd2 0-0, with a view to known game on 8.e6, Krasenkow — M o­
equalizing. Taking on e6 with the queen rozevich (Moscow, 1993). The newtrends
isn’t favorable — 8… ♕xe6?! 9.♘ xd4 in the gambit ( ...♘ ge7-g6) hadn’t ma­
♗ b4+ 10.♘ c3 ♗ xc3+ 11.bc Clxd4 tured yet back then, and only the Rapid
12.cd (12.♕ xd4 is also good) 12 … ♕ xc4 game Van Wely — Morozevich (Monte
13.0-0. It’s very difficult to oppose the Carlo, 2004) spurred interest in the varia­
white bishops. tion: 10 .♕ a4 ♗ d 6 11.♘ bd2h 612.c5!♗ f8
9.0 -0 ... (12. ..hg 13.cd g4 14.♘ g5 ♕xd6 15.lZJc4
The home preparation was based on ♕tO 16.t1Je4, like 12...♗ xc5 13.♕ c2
the January game Dreev — Nakamura hg 14.♕xg6+ ♕ f7 15.♕xf7+ ♔xf7
(Gibraltar, 2005): 9.a3 a5 10.♕ a4 h6 16.♘ xg5+ ♔ g6 17.♖ acl, are in White’s
11.♗ c1 e5 12.♘ bd2 ♗ e7 13.0-0 0-0 favor) 13.♗ h4 a5 14.a3 ♖a6?! (the rook is
14.b4 (bringing his knight to d3 via e1 out o f place here; 14… ♕ e 6⁉ 15.b4 ♗ d7
immediately is a little more unpleas­ 16.b5 ♘ ce7 is playable) 15.♖fel ♕ f5
ant for Black) 14...♘ d8 15.♕ xd7 16.♖acl ♗ e7 17.♗ xe7 Clgxe7 18.e3 0-0
♗ xd7 16.b5 a4 17.♘ e1 c6 18.♖b1 cb 19.ed ed, and 20.♕ c4+ ♔h8 21.♘ b3 d3
19.cb ♖ a5 20.♗ e4 Clh8 21.♘ d3 Clhf7 22.♖cdl destroys the d-pawn, which has
22.tzlc4 ♖xb5 23.♖xb5 ♗ xb5 24.♘ cxe5 been chipped away from its colleagues.
tzlxe5 25.tzlxe5 ♗ d6 26.♗ d5+ ♔ h 7 To avoid being subjected to c5 it’s worth
27.♗ e4+ ♔ g8 28.♗ d5+, with a repeti­ thinking about 10...♗ e7 l l.♗ xe7 LZJcxe7
tion o f moves. A recurrence o f♕ a 4 isn’t 12.♕b3 0-0, or testing the bishop’s in­
assumed, as exchanging queens in this tentions after 10...h6.
situation is harmless for Black. The retreat 10.♗ c1⁉ demonstrates
9 ... e5 that the play here is more blocking in
On 9...h6 there follows l0 .♗ c1 — the nature than tempo-seeking. After 10 ...
bishop is also ready to move away to its ♕ f7 it isn’t obligatory to defend the
home haunts on 9...e5 without any duress. pawn; against Szoen (Poland, 2006)

189
Chapter IX

Lagowski achieved a tangible initia­

16.fe ♕ g6!? 1 7 .♕ b1⁉ ♘ x e5 18.gh ♗ h3
tive with l l .♘ g5!? ♗ xc4 12.b3 Vjyg8
19.♘ d6+ ♕xd6 20♗t,x h 3. The path for
13. ♘ c3! it,e6 14.♘ xe6 ♕ xe6 15.♘ e4
the black king has been blocked on both
♗ d6 16.Vjyd3 h6 17.Vjyb5 0-0-0 18.♗ d2
f1anks, which is o f little consequence.
♘ g e7 19.a3 tld 5 20.♖ fcl ♗ e7 2l.b4.
Or 12.♘ b3 0-0 13.a3 it,d6 14.c5 ♗ e7
The continuation 10. ..♗ e7 1 1 .♘ g5
15.♗ xe7 ♕ xe7 16. ♘ fd2 ♗ f5 — in the
♗ xg5 12.♗ xg5 0-0 is more solid, and
pursuit o f an exchange ofbishops White
again the bishop has to be brought back
has messed up his queenside and is
into its own camp in order to bring ac­
hardly likely to get an advantage.
tive plans (like e3) to life.
12... Vjyf7
10... h6
13.♘ e4 ...
l l ♗ h4 ♗ b4!?
The tactic 13.♘ xd4?! ed 14♗t,d 5
The h4 bishop can be counted in the
♗ e6 15.♕e4 ♔ d 7 l6 .♘ f3 causes Black
bad pieces department, and exchanging
some concern, but his extra piece prob­
it o ff is undesirable: 11...♗ e7 12♗t,xe7
ably outweighs that. Worrying about the
Vjyxe7 13.Vjyc2 Vjyf7 14.♘ el 0-0 15.♘ d3
fate ofhis king, Black can satisfy himself
♔ h 8 16.b4 it,g4 17.♖ael ♖ae8?! (you
with being the exchange up — 13. ..♘ xd4
should stop the aggression on the queen­
14.Vjya4+ Vjyd7 15.Vjyxb4 tZ:lc2 l6.Vjyc3
side with the help o f 17. ..a6) 18.b5 tld 8
♘ x al l7.♖ x al c6.
19.♕ a4 Vjyf5 20.♘ e4 ♕ h 5 2l.f3 Ae6
13... ♘ xh4
22.♖ c1 ♘ f 23.♕xa7 ♗ c8 24.Vjyc5, with
After 13. ..0-0 14.a3 ♘ xh4 15.♘ xh4
an extra pawn but no hint o f counterplay
♗ e7 16.♘ f3 ♗ f5 17.♘ fd2 a5 the black
(Krasenkow - Morozevich, Podolsk,
pieces are positioned fantastically. Now
1993). But it’s already time for the king
the position opens, and whatever hap­
to leave the center, which is just open­
pens a f1ight by the monarch to the king­
ing up after e3. In the variation l l...Vjyf7
side has been ruled out.
12.e3 ♘ x h4?! 13.♘ xh4 g5 l4 .♗ xc6+! bc
14.♘ xh4 ♗ e7
15.♘ hf3 the pawn pair is doomed. Then
15.f4!? ♗ xh4
again, with a material sacrifice it’s still
16.fe Vjye7
possible to correct everything: 12. ..♗ b4!?
17.gh ...
13.ed 0-0 14.de it,g4 or 14.d5 tld 4
15.♘ xd4 ed 16.♘ e4 ♘ x h4 17.gh Vjyf4.
Why not put the bishop on b4 with­
out wasting time on … ♕ f7 ? Black took
advantage o f his own recommendation
from New in Chess, which Dreev was
unlikely to know about.
12.Vjyc2 ...
If the knight retreats without an in­
terim attack, there’s the possibility of
the sharp variation 12.♘ e4 Vjyf7 13.a3
♘ x h4 14.♘ xh4 it,e7 15.f4!? ♗ xh4

190
 The Albin Countergambit

17... ♗ d7?!
Preparing an evacuation o f the king
to the queenside — out o f the frying pan,
into the fire! But the heat in the center
wasn’t even f1aring up that much: 17. ..
♕xe5 (17. ..♘ xe5 18.♕b3 ♖f8 19.c5 is
more risky) 18.Ci.♗d2 ♗ e6 19♗ xc6+ be
20.♕ g6+ ♔ e 7 , with an unclear posi­
tion.
18.b4! 0-0-0?!
In the case o f 18...Ci.♗ xb4 19.♕ b2!
♗ c6 20.a3 C i.♗ a6 2 l.♕ x d 4 ♖d8 22.♕ f2
the king is stuck fast in the center, where, 2 5 .♕ a5 ? ...
nevertheless, it feels more comfortable He should have organized coop ­
than on the f1ank. eration between his major pieces with
19.Ci.♗c5 ♕xe5 25.♖xg7 ♖hf8 2 6 .♕ d1. The move in
2 0 .♕ a 4 a6 the game probably lets his advantage
21.Ci.♗xd7 ... slip.
21.Ci.♗ xb7! ♔ xb7? 22.b5 won, so he 2 5 ... b6
had to look for chances after an ex­ 26♗ d5+ ...
change o f queens: 21...Ci.♗b8 22.♕ a5 As a result o f sacrifices, 26♗ h3+!?
♖de8 23.♕xe5 ♖xe5 24.Ci.♗c5 — rather ♕xh3 27.♖e7+! ♔xe7 28.♕xe5+
nebulous. ♕ e 6 29.♕xg7+ ♔ e 8 30.♕xh8+ ctid7
2 1 ... ♔xd7 3 l.♕ x d 4 + ♔ c 8 White returned mate­
22.♖ f7+ ?! ... rial, and Black settled his king in a safe
Here and later Dreev conducts his place (which was rejected a dozen moves
attack inaccurately: 22.b5 ab 23.cb ago) — chances are equal.
♕ e 3 + 2 4 .♔ h1 C i.♗e5 25.♗ xb7 ♖hf8 2 6 ... ♔ d6
26.♗ g2 put Black in an extremely dif­ 2 7 .♕ a4 c6
ficult position. Forces events, unlike 27.. .VJ/ixe2
2 2 ... ♔ e6?! 28.♕ xa6 d3, with utter vagueness. Now
It would be great to at least change 28.♖xg7 ♖M8 29.♗ f3 d3! 30.c5+ be
the punctuation marks around — the 3 l.b c+ ♕ xc5 32.♖ d1 made it possible
black king boldly heads for the center, to avoid total simplifications, but with
counting on slight disharmony in his virtually no benefit for White.
enemy’s army. 22… ♔ c 8 23.♗ xc6 d3! 2 8.♕ x a6
2 4 .♕ a5 ♕ x a5 (but not 2 4 ...♕ x a l +? After 29.♕xb6 C i.♗ e5 30.♕ c5+
25.♔ g 2) 25.ba be 26.ed Bxd3 is cor­ ♔ c 7 31.♕ a7 + ♔ c 8 32.♕ a6 + White
rect, with a likely draw in a rook end­ only has perpetual check at his dis­
game. posal. Dreev preferred 29.♖xf7 Shf8
23.♖ af1 ♕ e3+ 30.♕ xb6 ♖xf7 31.♕ xd8+ ♖d7 32.c5+
2 4 .♔ h1 i.♗ e5
C ♔ xd5 33.♕ x d7+ ♔ c 4 3 4 .♕ x c6 ♕ f2 !

191
Chapter IX

(most likely an unforeseen resource) o f water. Against Riazantsev (Noyabrsk,

3S.Vj'g2 Vj'e1+ 36.Vj'g1 Vj'xe2 37.Vj'c1+ 2005) S . Novikov forced the bishop
♔ xb4 38.c6 d3 39.c7 d2 40.Vj'b2+ ♔ a 4 away, to calmly position his own on e7.
4l.Vj'c2+ ♔ b5 42.Vj'b1+ ♔ a 4 43.c8Vj' As a consequence, after 9 ..f6 10♗ f4
dlVj'+ 44.Vj'xd1+ Vj'xd1+ 45.♔ g 2 ® xf3+ l l.® xf3 ♗ e7 12.♕b3 due to the
Vj'e2+ 46.♔ g 3 Vj'e3+ 47.♔ g 4 Vj'e2+, hanging pawns on c7 and d4 he had to
and Black declared perpetual check. And create new breaches: 12. ..g5 13♗ d2 g4
so, in honor o f Lenin on the anniversary 14.®h4 CZle5 15♗ xb7 ♗ xb7 16.Vj'xb7
of his birth, the Red October team beat ♔ f7 17.b3 ®g6 18.CZlg2 — Black’s po­
the favorites by a minimal margin and sition looks ruinous. In the game Wer­
thus created the biggest sensation of the ner — Czebe (Balatonlelle, 2007) White
championship. gradually outplayed his opponent quite
out o f the blue: 9...CZlxf3+ 10.®xf3
20. B. GELFAND-A. MOROZEVICH 11.c5 11.♘e1 0-0 12. ♘ d3 (a knight ma­
Monte Carlo, 2004 (blindfold) neuver that is relevant to the Albin as a
whole and here in particular) 12. ..♕ f5
l.d4 d5 13.♕ d2 ♗ e7 14♗ xe7 ®xe7 15.Vj'b4
2.c4 eS ♕ f6 16.♕c5 c6 17.♖adl ♗ e6 18.b3
3.de d4 1fd 8 19.Sd2 b6 20.Vj'e5 Vj'xe5 21.®xe5
4.® f3 ® c6 ♖d6 22.♖fdl ♖ad8 23.e3 c5 24.ed ♖xd4
S.g3 CZlge7 25.♖xd4 ♖xd4 26.♖xd4 cd, and White
6♗ g2 ®g6 gradually worked on the weak pawn,
7♗ g5 Vj'd7 which is easier to hold onto with the four
8.0 -0 ... rooks on the board.
9♗ f4 ...
Gelfand clings to material, agree­
ing to ruin his pawn structure. Grand­
master Obukhov prefers 9♗ d2 — this
slightly clumsier retreat can only be
made in connection with e3. For exam­
ple, 9 ..♗ c5 10.Vj'b3 0-0 11.e3 ®gxe5
12.♘ xe5 CZlxe5 13.ed ♗ xd4 14.♘ c3
♕ g4 (this should have been played af­
ter the prophylactic 14...c6) 15.♘ b5
♗ b6 16♗ f4 ♕ h 5 17.♖ ael ♘ g4 18.h3
CZlxf2!? 19.♖ xf2 ♗ xh3 20.♖ e5!? (Ryb­
8 ... h6 ka calculated 20♗ e3 up to a difficult
8 ... ljgxe5 9.CZlbd2 leads to a posi­ endgame for Black: 20… ♖ae8 2 l.♕ c 3
tion from the branch 7.0-0 with the in­ ♕ e 5 22.♖fe2 ♕ x c3 23.CZlxc3 ♗ g4
clusion o f ♗ g5 and … ♕ d 7 . Ifthe bishop 24♗ xb6 ♗ xe2 25♗ xa7 ♗ xc4 26.♖xe8
outing is a useful developing move, ♖xe8 27♗ xb7) 20..♗ xf2+ 2 l.♔ x f2 g5
then the queen on d7 is like a fish out 22.♘ xc7 (Obukhov — Kurenkov, Vo­

192
 The Albin Countergambit

ronezh, 2005) 22...♗ xg2 23.♔xg2 ♖ad8 13.tL:lb3 tL:lxe5 14.tL:lfxd4 0-0 15.'iYc2
24.♘ d5 f6, with mutual chances. ♕ g 4 (15. ..♕ e 7 is stronger, n ot rel­
Mter 9 ..t c l tL:lgxe5 a position aris­ egating the queen to the f1ank) 1 6 ..te 4
es from 7.0 -0 with two extra tempi for ♕h5 17.♖g1 c5 1 8 ..tf3 (18.tL:lxc5?
Black — ...h6 and … ♕ d 7 . These don’t tL:lg4 costs him the exchange, but
look like they should do any harm — 18.tL:lb5!? is interesting) 18. ..tL:lxf3
10.tL:lbd2 .t e 7 1 l.♕ a 4 ⁉ (to get a slight­ 19.tL:lxf3 ♔ h 8 2 0 .♕ d 2 ♕ f5 (N arciso
ly better position after 11. . .0-0 with the — Fluvia, Badalona, 2005) — the two
exchanges 12.tL:lxe5 tL:lxe5 13.♕xd7 bishops are payback for the defects in
tL:lxd7 or 13....txd 7) 11...tZ:lxf3+ the pawn structure.
12.tL:lxf3 0-0 1 3 ..tf4 (Riazantsev — Ku- 12... .te 7
renkov, Minsk, 2005) 13. ...t f 6 14.♖ad1 12....tg 7!? with sights on e5 isn’t
♕ e 7 15.♖fel ♗ e6 16.a3 ♖ad8 17.b4 thrown into any doubt by the variation
a6 18.♕ c2. In Riazantsev’s opinion 13.'iYd2 tL:lxe5 14.'iYxf4 tL:lg6 15.tL:lf6+?
White has a slight advantage here, un­ The paradoxical 15. ..♔ e 7 ! is easy to
noticed by Rybka. In the encounter overlook even in a “sighted” battle! He
Postny — Abbasov (Bad Wiessee, 2007) has to retreat, and 15.♕d2 ♕ g 4 16.tL:lg3
White preferred a standard fianchetto: tL:lf4 is attractive for Black.
10.tL:lxe5 tL:lxe5 1l.b3 .t c 5 1 2 /id 2 0-0 13.'iYd2 ...
13 .♗ b2 tL:lc6 14.tL:lf3 ♖e8 15.♕ d2 ♕ d 6 13.♘ f6 +?! ♗ xf6 14.ef ♕ d6 freeing
16.♖ad1 ♗ f5 17. tL:lxd4 tL:lxd4 18..txd4 up the game is hardly worth studying.
♕ xd4 19.♕xd4 ♗ xd4 20.♖xd4 ♖xe2 There’s sense in moving the king off the
2 l..tx b 7 ♖b8 2 2 ..td 5 ♖xa2 2 3 .♖ e1. dangerous line: 1 3 .♔ h1 ♖g8 14.♖g1
By this exchange operation White got ♖g6 15.♕d3 ♕ e 6 ⁉ , then ...♗ d7 and
a promising endgame, which is unat­ ...0-0-0, when Black successfully com­
tainable with 16 ...♗ g4!? (17.h3 ♗ xf3 pletes his development.
18.♗ xf3 a5 19.♕ c1 ♖ ad8, with equal­ 13... ♕ g4
ity). 14.♔h1 AfS
9 ... tL:lxf4 15.tL:lxd4?! ...
10.gf g5! In the case o f 15.h3 ♕ h 5 16.♕xf4
Only this! He has to destroy the ♗ xh3 no discovered check finishes
strong pawn pair and open a valuable White off, so he can make a useful move
file in the process. White returns his (17.♖ adl!?) and take the battle virtually
acquisition, as with 11.♕ d2 gf 12.♕xf4 to equality.
♖g8 13.♔h1 ♕ g 4 compensation for 15... ♖d8?!
one pawn appears, and in the case o f Not the strongest pin. With
1 l.fg hg 12.tL:lxg5 ♕ g4!? 13.f4 ♗ c5 15...0-0-0! 16.tL:lxc6 ♖xd2 17.tL:lxe7+
— for two. ♔ d 8 18.tL:lxf5 ♖d7 he doesn’t get three
11.tL:lbd2 gf pieces for the queen, as there’s nowhere
12.tL:le4 ... to retreat to from f5.
Possibly it’s better to send the
knight after the d4 pawn: 12.<;i;>h1 ♗ g7

193
Chapter IX

sible to prevent H adl with a subsequent

♕ a 8 . The computer accurately (a1­
though not immediately) sees similar
tricks, while playing without looking
at the board even elite Grandmasters
chicken out here.
16... ♖xd2
17.♘ xe7 ♔ xe7
18.♘ xd2 ♕ xe2
19.♘ f3 ♖g8
20.b3 i.♗ b4
C
21.♘ d4 ♕ g4
16.♘ xf5? ... 22.1,e4 ...
Gelfand doesn’t exploit a fantas­ Despite missing the immediate de­
tic chance: 16.♘ f6+! ♗ xf6 17♗,x c 6 + stroying def1ection 2 2...♘ d3!, M o­
bc 18.ef c5 19.♕ a 5 ! Hxd4? (after 19... rozevich didn’t let the win slip (22... ♖g5
cd 20.♕ xc7 i,d 7 2l.f3 ♕ e 6 22.♕ xf4 2 3 .♖ g1 ♕ d7 24.♘ f3 ♖ xgl+ 25.♖xgl
the initiative for the bishop is obvious) ♘ d3 26.♖g2 c6 27♗,h 7 a5 28.♘ h4
20.♕ xc5! ♖d7 21.♕ c6!! - it’s impos­ ♘ xe5).

CONCLUSION:

I n the line 5.g3 ■ ge7 the frivolous gambit undergoes a surprising metamorphosis,
acquiring a respectable image a nd hopes o f rehabilitation. If White doesn’t have
the luck to find anything convincing, the continuations 5.a3 and 5 / ib d 2 come to
the forefront. Here, judging by the clearly iinsufficient practice, White is guaran­
teed a slight advantage.

194
 Chapter 10

The Chigorin Defense

The variation l.d4 d5 2 .♘ f3 ♘ c 6 3.g3 ♗ g4 4♗ g2 ®d7

M ikh ail Chigorin, challenger for Steinitz’s World Championship title on two occa­
sions, produced several original paths in the openings. Blocking the c-pawn with his
knight was considered almost a crime in queen’s pawn openings, but Chigorin liked
to go his own way and enjoyed considerable success with his defense. Here we look at
using the Chigorin Defense specifically against the setup with an early g3.

1.♘ f3 d5 po) a position from the classical Benoni

2.g3 tZ:lc6!? arises. Not everyone likes these kinds o f
opening chameleons, as the advantage
ofthe extra tempo has a tendency to dis­
appear. So in practice White often stops
being coy about the intentions o f his d-
pawn and decisively takes a double step.
3.d4 ...
Let’s go back to the initial position.
The overture can look a little different.
1.d4 d5
2.tZ:lf3 tZ:lc6!?
Takes control o f the very important
d4 and e5 squares, preparing a move out
This continuation, not the most by the light-squared bishop (an imme­
popular one, came to my attention in diate 2 ...,tg 4 is met by the centraliza­
the mid-1990s. After 3 .,tg 2 the advance tion 3.tZ:le5!?). Here 3.c4 and 3 .,tf4 are
3 ...e5 leads to the Pirc Defense with played, but the subject o f our investiga­
colors reversed and an extra tempo for tion will be a logical development o f the
White. In the case o f 3 .c4 d4 with colors kingside.
reversed (and once again an extra tem­ 3.g3 g4
Chapter X

A more ambitious way to develop the 5♗ e5!? ...

bishop than 3… ,if5 . The first thing that should be tested
4.11.g2 ♕ d7 is a centralization o f the knight. In the
With 4...e6 Black marshals a solid variation l.d4 d5 2.♘ f3 ♗ g4 that’s the
chain and satisfies himself with a small main and unquestionably the strongest
achievement — the light-squared bish­ continuation, but here the knight is im­
op, which is passive in orthodox plans, mediately exchanged off.
has come out to freedom. With his relo­ 5 ... ♘ x e5
cation o f the queen Black expressed his 6.de ...
desire to mobilize the queenside first and
foremost, which is very uncharacteristic
o f closed systems. Aggressive play begins
in the spirit o f the Albin Countergam­
bit, only inverted. Black first organizes
a battery on the c8-h3 diagonal, castles
queenside and only then, at an appro­
priate moment, advances … e5. If he
plays ...f6 beforehand, he doesn’t have
to sacrifice a pawn.
As a result o f my relentless use o f3 ...
♗ g4 and 4… ♕ d 7 against strong Grand­
masters I positioned myself as a promi­ Who benefits from a change in the
nent expert (let’s drop any inappropriate pawn structure? By relocating to e5, the
modesty!). It’s just that my love for the pawn constrains the enemy consider­
variation turned out to be unrequited ably, in particular taking the f6 square
— no other one has been marked by such away from the knight. The valuable
poor statistical results for me! d4 square has been freed for the white
Firstly the rare continuations 5C le5 pieces (the queen above all). At the same
(game 1) and 5.♗ f 4 (game 2) are in­ time a path has been cleared for the c7
vestigated. Then the turn comes for the pawn, and the entire chain acquires
previously rejected 5.c4 (games 3-5). elasticity. White would like to advance
The logical 5.0-0 is presented in games e4 and Black ...f6, although both the one
6 and 7. Finally, an offer to the bishop to and the other are difficult.
define itself, 5.h3 — in games 8-13. 6 ... c6
Inthisspecific situationyou shouldn’t
1. P. Jagstaidt — A. Raetsky rush to castle queenside. The example
Lausanne, 2001 o f Lieb — T. Paehtz (Bad Worishofen,
2000) is a vivid illustration: 6 ...0-0-0?!
1.d4 d5 7.♕ d 4! b6 8.tt:lc3 ♗ h3 9.♕ xd5! ♕xd5
2.♘ f3 tt:lc6 (impatiently awaiting 10.♗ xd5? ♖xd5!
3.g3 ♗ g4 l l ♗ xd5 ♗ g2… ) 10.♗ xh3+! ♕ d 7
4.11.g2 ♕ d7 11.♗ xd7+ Bxd7 12.♗ d2 e6 13.0-0-0,

196
 The Chigorin Defense

with an extra pawn. Or 7… ♔ b8 8.♗ e3 by his own pawns. So very accurate de­
b6 9.tt:c3 c6 10.a4, assaulting the black fensive play is required — 14.♕d2 tt:e7
king’s rickety refuge. 15.c3. My opponent remembered c4 at
Against Drexel (Switzerland, 2004) I a very inopportune time.
undertook an accelerated mobilization 14.c4?! hg
o f the kingside: 6...e6 7.c4 c6 8 .♕ d 4 15.hg Hxh1+
♗ h5 9.cd?! cd 10.tt:c3 tt:e7 11.f4 tt:c6 16♗ xh1 ♕ e7!
12.♕ a4 ♗ c5 13.e3 d4!? 14.tt:e4 ♗ b4+ The queen is squinting atb 4 with one
15.♗ d2 ♗ xd2+ 16.♔xd2 de+ 17.♔xe3 eye and at h4 with the other. It’s time to
0-0 18.tt:c5 ♕ e 7 1 9 .g acl Hac8. The think about how to avoid losing in a few
white pieces are positioned superbly, and moves...
only the king is following Steinitz’s pos­ 17.cd ♕ h 4+
tulate too literally. The exchange on d5 18.'it>d2 ...
presented the excellent c6 square to the
knight; in the case o f9 .tt:c3 tt:e7 10.0 -0
it isn’t so easy for Black to deploy.
7.h3 ♗ f5
It’s best for the bishop to stay on the
c8-h3 diagonal, not allowing castling.
Preference over the e6 square is based on
control o f the e4 square and an attack on
the c2 pawn.
8.g4 ...
In the variation 8.tt:c3 ♕ c 7 9 .♕ d 4
♗ xc2 10.♗ f4 ♕ b 6 l l.♕ d 2 ♗ g6 12.0-0
White is better-developed, but due to the 18... tt:e7!
closed nature o f the position Black’s ex­ Ignoring pawn losses, Black sends
tra pawn may make a difference. his knight to the ideal spot in the center
8 ... ♗ g6 for an attack on the king.
9♗ f4 ... 19.d6?! ...
Instead o f this rather abstract bishop With the best 19.e4 cd 2 0 .♕ e1 ♗ f2
move out he should have played for the 2 1 .♕ f1 de 22.fe H d8+ 2 3 .♔ c 2 tt:d5
center — 9.c4 dc (9… d4!?)10.♕xd7+ the knight still ends up on the corn-
♔ xd7 11.tt:d2 e6 ( 11...b5? 12.a4) manding height and salvation is highly
12.tt:xc4 h5, and the chances are equal. unlikely.
9 ... h5 19... ctJd5
10.f3 e6 20.e3 tt:xf4
11.tt:d2 ♗ c5 21.ef ♕ f2 +
12.tt:b3 ♗ b6 22.♕ e2 ♗ e3+
13.a4 a5 23.'it>d1 ♗ c2+!
White’s dark squares are weak, and An appealing combination for de­
his light-squared bishop is blocked in f1ection forces mate. White resigned.

197
Chapter X

2. V. BAK^LAN - A. RAETSKY There’s sense in 8...♖ d 8, to eliminate

Cappelle-la-Grande, 1997 the constrained d5 pawn. The interesting
variation 9.0-0 ®xd5 10.®xd5 ♕xd5
l.Ci'lf3 d5 11.♕ c2 A f5 12 .♕ a4 + ♕ d7 13.♕xa7
2.g3 Ci'lc6 e5 14.♕xb7 ef 15.®e5! fe 16. .t c 6 ♗ d6
3.d4 ♗ g4 may occur, with unclear consequences.
4 .♗ g2 ♕ d7 9.0 -0 e5
S .♗ f4 Here 9 ...♘ xd5?! doesn’t work be­
cause o f 10.®xd5 ♕ xd5 11.♕ a 4 ♕ c 6
12.♕xa7 ♕ a 6 13.♕xa6 ba 14.♖fcl e5
15..te3 ♗ e6 16.®d2 and by taking on
c4 White gets an obvious advantage. If
the pawn can’t be won, it at least has to
be exchanged off.
10.de ♗ xe6
With the inclusion o f an exchange
o f major pieces playing this way isn’t fa­
vorable: 10 ...♕ xd1?! 11.S f xd1 ♖ xd1+
12.♖xd1 ♗ xe613.® d4♗ d7?! 14.®db5,
with a win, thanks to the colossal advan­
A slightly premature development o f tage in development. On the other hand,
the bishop. After his reply Black intends 10...♕xe6 l l.♕ a 4 ♕ a6 12.♕xa6 Ci'lxa6
the advances ...e5 and/or … g5 with a 13.<®d2 ♗ e6 isn’t bad — White’s ini­
tempo. tiative completely goes toward winning
5… f6!? back a deficient pawn.
6.c4 ... 1 1 .♕ c1 ♗ c5
Only with an attack on the d5 12.b3!? ...
square can White continue the battle Baklan is trying to open a file for
for opening superiority. Against Janse an attack. 12.♖d1!? deserved attention,
(Calvia, 2006) Romanishin succeeded with the example variation 12 ...♕ e8 13.
in his play for an advantage: 6.Ci'lbd2?! Hxd8+ ♕xd8 14.® a4 ♕ e 7 15.®xc5
0-0-0 7.h3 .t h 5 8.c3 g5 9 .♗ e3 e6 ♕ xc5 16.♗ e3 ♕ d 6 17.b3!, and holding
10.b4 ♗ d6 11.Ci'lb3 ♔ b 8 12.a4 .t e 8 onto the extra pawn isn’t possible any
13.♕ d 2 h5 14.b5 ® ce7 15.® c5 ♕ c 8 longer — 17… ♕ a6 ?! (17. ..® e7 preserves
16.0 -0 ® f5 1 7 .® e1 ® ge7 18.®ed3 chances o f equalizing) 18.Ci'ld4 .t f 7
♗ f7 19.a5. However, in the case o f 6 ... 19.bc ♕ xc4? 2 0 .♕ a3 !, with a devastat­
e5!? 7.de g5 8.♗ e3 d4 the bishop is ing attack.
lost without sufficient pawn compen­ 12... ®e7
sation. 13.®e4 ♗ b6
6 ... de 14.bc ♗ b3
7.d5 ® b4 15.♗ xh3 ♕xh3
8 .® c3 0-0-0 16.Mbl ♕ e6!

198
 The Chigorin Defense

17.♘ fd2 ... 23.♖tb1! ♖xd2

The combinational path 17. c5 It seems that my opponent has got
i ia 5 18♗ xc7!? ♔ xc7 19.♕ f4+ ♔ c8 the better o f me, and the next blow puts
20.♘ d6+ ♖xd6 2 l.cd Llec6 22.♖fc1 the dot on the “ i” . With ideal coopera­
♖d8 23.♖xb4 ,tx b 4 24.♕ xb4 ♕ xd6 is tion between his pieces White completes
only enough for equality. his pursuit o f the exposed black king.
24.♖ xc7+! ♕ xc7
2 5 .♕ a 6 + ♔ d7
26.♖b7 ♖ d 1+
27.♔ g 2 g4
28.Llc5+ ♔ e8
2 9 .♕ e 6 + ...
Black resigned.

3. I. BALINOV - A. IRAETSKY
Seefeld, 2000

l.L lf3 d5
17... g5? 2.g3 Llc6
Enthusiasm for zwischenzugs destroys 3.d4 ,tg 4
Black’s strong position in a matter of 4 .,tg 2 ♕d7
moves. After 17. ..c5 18.♕ b2 h5 19♗ e3 5.c4!? ...
Lla6 attacks on the c5 square produce
no result due to the hanging piece on
d2. 17. ..Llec6 18.♕ c3 itd 4 19.♕b3 g5
20♗tx g 5 fg 2 l.a3 ,tg 7 is also fully per­
missible, and it isn’t easy to evaluate the
players’ chances precisely.
18♗t x c 7 ! itx c7
19.♖ xb4 Llc6?!
After 19...♕ c6 20.♕ b 2 or 20.♕ a3
defending is very difficult, but not hope­
less. Black was counting on 20.♖b2?!
Lld4 and missed a tactic.
20.♖xb7! Lld4 O f course, without the inclusion o f
In the case o f 20...♖xd2 21.♖xc7+ itf4 and ...f6 this blow in the center is
♔ x c7 22.♘ xd2 ♕ xe2 23.♖ e1 ♕ d 3 more dangerous for Black.
24.♖e3 ♕ d 7 25.♕ c3 or 25.Lle4 with an 5 ... e6
extra pawn White is on the verge o f win­ Reinforcing the center is best in more
ning. static positions, but here it separates the
2 1 .♕ a 3 ! Llxe2+ queen from the bishop and destroys the
2 2 .♔ h1 ♕ c6 battery. 5...dc was encountered in games

199
Chapter X

4 and 5. On 5 ...0-0-0 there may fol­ 7.ll'lc3 ...

low 6.ll'lc3 dc 7.d5 J.xf3 8.♗.x f 3 GZle5 On 7 .♕ a4 the best is 7...tZlge7, so
9.♕ d4!? l2Jxf3+ 10.ef ♔ b 8 11.♗ . e 3 b6 that on 8.♕ xc4 you can take the central
12.♕xc4 e6 13.♖ d1 Jld6 14.ll'lb5 (pre­ pawn - 8 ...♕ xf3 9.♕ xf3 ♕xd4.
mature; 14.0-0 ed 15.♕xd5 preserved 7 ... 0-0-0
the initiative) 14 ...ed 15.♖xd5 ll'le7?! 8 .♕ a 4 ♔ b8
(after 15… ♕ e 6 White has to exchange After castling queenside the cost o f
queens with the help o f ♖ d4, which, a mistake increases. Against Kumaran
considering the pawn structure, isn’t (Dublin, 1993) Miles killed everything
very favorable) 16.♕ a4 a5 17.♖xd6! cd with the careless bishop move 8 ...♕ b4?,
18.♕ xb6 ♕ e 6 + (Ribli — Ruck, Hun­ getting mated on the l6 th (!) move:
gary, 1998) 1 9 .♔ f1 ♕ h 3 + 2 0 .♔ g1 ♖d7 9.ll'le5! ll'lxe5 10.♕xa7! c6 11.♕ f4!
21.♕xa5 ♖ c 8 22.♕ a7+ ♔ b 7 23.♕ e3, Jld6 12.♕ a8+ ♔ c 7 13.ll'lb5+! ♔ b 6
and defending isn’t easy for Black. (the knight can ’t be taken, as his own
6.0 -0 ... bishop is blocking the escape hatch on
The exchange 6.cd ed restores the d6) 14.♕ a7+ ♔ xb5 15.a4+, and Miles
battery on the c8-h3 diagonal. It’s also resigned here; 15. ..♔ b 4 16.♕b6# re­
harmless because the black king can move mained offstage. Losing the a7 pawn
away to the short side: 7.ll'lc3 J .b 4 8.0-0 isn’t always so fatal — in the variation 8...
l2Jge7 9.♕ b3 a5 10.:C:d1 0-0 11.♗ . g 5 f6 Jlxf3!? 9.♕ xf3 ll'lxd4 10.♕xa7 l2Jxf3+
12.♗.f 4 ♔ h 8 13.a3 Jlxc3 14.♕xc3 ll'lg6 11.ef♕ c6 12.♕ f4ll'lf6 13.:C:fdlll'ld5 the
15.♗. e 3 a4 16.♖e1 GZlce7 17.♖acl c6 king escapes via d7, and there’s nothing
18.ll'ld2 Jlh3 19.♕ h1 ll'lc8 20.f3 tZld6 for Black to fear.
21.♗.f 2 f5 22.e3 ♖fe8, with equal chances 9 .♖ d1 Si.xß
(Oliva — Rabiega, Guben, 2008). 10.♕ xf3 ♘ b4
6 ... de The central pawn is poisoned here
Since d5 has been neutralized, Black — 10 ...ll'lxd4?? l l.♖xd4! ♕ xd4 12.♕ e3.
gives up the center. Although this is ♕ 1 1 .♕ a5 ...
ogical —first reinforcing the center and Played for a fight. Peaceful play­
then giving it up immediately. The prob­ ers will be pleased to find an appealing
lem is that holding the center doesn’t option here; after 11.♕ xd7 Bxd7 12.e3
rid you o f difficulties: 6...GZlge7 7.tZlc3 ♘ f6 13.♕ e2 ll'ld3 14.♗ .x d 3 cd 15.:C:xd3
h5 (after 7 ...ll'lf5 an exchange on d5 c5 16.:C:d1 cd 17.:C:xd4 Sosonko and
sharply increases its strength) 8.b4!? dc Fressinet (Cannes, 1996) agreed a draw.
(forced by the threat o f 9.b5) 9.b5 Jlxf3 11... tZlf6
10.♕ xf3 ll'lxd4 11.♕ xb7 :C:b8 12.♗ .g 2 Greedy play by Black was convinc­
g6 13.:C:b1 Jlg7 14.♕ a3! h4 15.e3 ll'ldf5 ingly refuted in thegame Zablotsky—Tu-
16.♗.c 6 ! ll'lxc6 17.bc ♕ xd1 18.:C:xb8+ zhik (Novokuznetsk, 2007): 11...ll'lc2?!
♕ d 8 19.:C:fbl, and White reached the 12.♕ f4 Jlb 4 13.♕ b5 ♕ xb5 14.ll'lxb5
king, stuck in the center, even without ll'lxal 15.♕ xc7+ ♔ c8 16.♕ xd8 ♔xd8
the queens on the board (Larsen — Gar­ 17.♕ xb7! ll'lc2 18.♖ cl ll'lel 19.♖xc4
barino, San Martin, 1995). a5 20.a3 Jld2 21.ll'ld6 ♔ e 7 22.tZle4,

200
 The Chigorin Defense

and the ill-fated black knight has only squares can’t be ruled out, but on the
changed the location o f its demise rath­ other hand 17.... t d6 guarantees safety.
er than avoiding it. On the other hand, 15.♘ xb5 ♘ a6
l l...b6 !? shifts the white queen, presum­ 1 6 .♖ acl ♔ b7
ably in Black’s favor: 12.♕e5 ♘ e7 13.a3 17.♖xc4 c6
CfJbd5 or 12.♕ a3 a5 13.b3 ♘ c2 14.♕ b2 18.a4!? ...
cb (14...♘ xal 15.bc leaves ^White more The knight sacrifice can ’t be ac­
chances) 15.♖b1 ♘ xd4. cepted due to the crushing power o f
12♗.f 4 ... the white bishops: 18 ...cb? 19.ab ♘ b8
Against Wells (Harkany Tenkes Cup, 20.♖ c7+ ♔ a8 21.♖xf7 ♖d7 22.♖xd7
1994) Loginov continued 12.a3 CfJbd5 ♘ xd7 23.♖ c1 ♗.e7 24.♖c6! As it hap­
13.e4 b6 14.♕ a6 ♘ xc3 15.bc ♕ c6 pens, the sacrifice isn’t forced, as with
16.a4!? ♘ xe4 17.a5 f5 18.ab ab 19♗.f 4 18.♘ c3 b5 the bishops come to the res­
♕ b 7 20.♕ xc4 ♗.d6 2 l.♕ x e6 and ob­ cue again — 19.♘ xd5 be 20.♘ e3 e5!
tained a noticeable advantage. The 2 l ♗ x e5 f6 22.♘ xc4 fe 23.♘ xe5 ♖c8
knight should have been retreated in a 24.d5 cd 25♗ x d5+ ♔ b 8 26.♘ f7 ♖g8
way that would avoid an exchange on 27.♘ e5 ♖h8 28.♘ f7, with a repetition
c3 later, opening the b-file. In the varia­ o f moves.
tion 12 ... ♘ c6 1 3.♕ a4 CfJd5 14.♕xc4 18... ♘ ab4
♘ b6 15.♕d3 ♘ xd4 16 ♗.f 4 the activity 19.♘ c3 ♘ xf4
for the insufficient pawn doesn’t seem 20.gf ♗ e7
threatening. 21.♖ c 1 ♖ c8
12... ♘ fd5 2 2 .♘ e4 h6
13.a3 b6 23.♘ g3 g6
14.♕ b5 ... 24.h4 ...
The simplest now was 24...f5 25.♔ g2
g5 26.hg hg 27.fg ♗ xg5 28.e3 a5, with
comfortable equality. After 24...CfJd5
25.h5 ♘ xf4 26.hg ♘ xg6 27.♗ xc6+
♔ b 8 28.b4 ♖bd8 29.a5 definite difficul­
ties arose, which became insurmount­
able as a consequence o f blunders in
time trouble.

4. V. TUKMAKOV - A. RAETSKY
Biel, 1997

14... ♕ xb5 1.♘ f3 d5

The exchange o f queens destroys 2.g3 ♘ c6
Balinov’s aggressive plans. After 14 ... 3.d4 ♗.g4
♘ xc3 15.♕xc4 ♘ xe2+ 16.♕xe2 CfJd5 4 .♗ g2 ♕ d7
17.♖ acl ♘ xf4 18.gf play on the light 5.c4 de

201
Chapter X

6.d5 it.x ß 9 ... 0-0-0

6 ...0-0-0 7.Z:Jc3 with a transposition After 9...ed 10♗t.f 4 ♘ g 6 1l.'iVxd5
o f moves is identical to 5 ...0-0-0. ♕ xd5 12♗t.x d 5 c6 (12. ..♘ xf4?! comes
7♗t.x f3 tle 5 up against the zwischenzug 13♗t.x b7!)
8♗t g 2 ... 13 ♗t.x c 4 ♘ x f4 14.gf Tukmakov gives
preference to White. This is an almost
imperceptible advantage, which has
been disappearing as a result ofthe neu­
tralization ofWhite’s activity.
10.0 -0 ...
White also preserves the initia­
tive without the queens: 10♗t.f4 !? ♘ g 6
l l ♗te 3 ed?! 12.♕xd5 ♕ xd5 13♗t.x d 5
tle 5 14.0-0-0 ♖e8 15.f4 tld 3 + (♕ -
helmi — Loeffier, Hamburg, 1996) 16.ed
Bxe3 17♗t.x f7 cd 18.♘ d5 B e 4 1 9.♖ tx d 3 .
The move 12.♕d4!? isn’t bad either, so
8 ... e6 that on 12… b6 he can take on d5 with
It’s impossible to avoid the undermin­ the knight. It’s best to continue develop­
ing o f the constrained pawn, but it canbe ing with l l ...♘ f6, with complicated p1ay
postponed by a move by castling first. in the example variations 12.♕ d4 c5!?
9. ♘ c3 ... 13.♕xc4 ed 14.♕b3 and 12.de ♕xe6
9.♕ d4 was encountered in game 5. A 13.♕ a4 a6 14.0-0 tle 5 .
harmless exchange ofqueens, 9♗t . f4 ♘ g 6 10... ♘ f6
10.de ♕ xd1+ 11.♔ xd1 0-0-0+ 12.♔ c2 In the variation 10. ..ed 1 l.♕ d 4 t lc 6
♘ x f4 13.gf fe, has been used against me 12.♕xd5♕ xd5 13♗t.x d 5 tle 5 1 4 .f4 tle 7
twice. First I got a short draw with Logi­ 15♗t.x b 7 + ♔ xb7 16.fe t lc 6 17.♖xf7
nov (Seefeld, 1995): 14.♘ d2 it.d6 15.e3 ♘ x e5 18.♖ t f 5 White won the pawn back
e5 (15. ..c3 16.bc ♘ f 6 17.♖abl c6 is at and achieved a slightly better ending.
least no worse) 16.feit.xe5 17.♘ xc4it.f6 l l ♗t f 4 ♘g6
18.♖adl tle 7 19.f4 c6 20.e4 it.d4. Then 12♗t.g 5 it.c5
I unsuccessfully tried to beat a lower­ An insufficiently solid continuation.
rated Icelandic opponent and convinced The correct path to restrain my partner’s
myself that it isn’t difficult for Black to initiative is 12...ed 13.♘ xd5 ♕ e 6 14.e4
make a draw here, but achieving more is c6 15♗t.x f6 gf 16.♕h5 ♕ e 5 17.♕g4+
problematic. ♕ e6, with a repetition o f moves (17. ..
An immediate 9.de is harmless be­ ♔ b 8 18.♘ e3 ♕ xb2 is risky, but with
cause o f the same exchange o f queens. the help o f 18… ♕ b 5 you can play for a
9… ♕xe6 10♗t.x b7 tld 3 + 1 1 .♔ f1 (11. win).
♔ d2?? ♘ x b2!) 11...♕ b6 12.ed ♕xb7 13.'iVc2! h5
13.♕ a4+ ♔ d 8 14.♖g1 cd is more fun, The point o f relocating the queen
and it isn’t clear whose king is worse. becomes apparent, in particular, in 13...

202
 The Chigorin Defense

ed 14♗t.xf6gf15.'8:Jxd5♘ e5 16.b4! it.d6 20♗ xe5 ♗ xe5

17.f4 ♘ g4 1 8 .'ix c4, with an advantage. 21.♕ x c4 ...
Black advanced the pawn to get an at­ The combined attack on b7 and f7 is
tack in the event o f an exchange on f6. decisive. There then followed 2 1 ...♘ g4
Tukmakov immediately slows down the 22.♕ b3 c6 23♗ xc6 ♗ d4 24♗ d5 ♖xd5
pawn, although it isn’t too late to do that 25.♕xd5 ♖ : d 8 26.♕xf7 ♗ xt2+ 27.\t>g2
♗
after 14♗t.x f6 gf 15.♕ e4 e5 16.♕ xc4 ♘ e3+ 28.♔ h 3 ♕ x f7 29.♖xd8+, and
it.d6 either. Black resigned.
14.h4 ♔ b8
Closing the position with the help o f 5. V. TKACHIEV - A. RAETSKY
14...e5 doesn’t work due to 15.♘ e4 it.e7 Cape d’Agde, 1994
16.d6! cd 17♗t.x f6 gf 18.♕xc4+ ♔ b 8
19.♕xf7. 1.♘ f3 d5
l S .l a d l ♘ eS 2.g3 ♘ c6
Here on 15 ...e5 there follows 16.♘ a4! 3.d4 ♗ g4
it.d6 17.♕xc4, since because o f the po­ 4♗ g2 ♕ d7
sition o f the king the pawn fork doesn’t 5.c4 de
win the knight. 6.d5 it.x ß
16.♘ e4 ♗ e7 7♗ xf3 ♘ e5
17♗ f4! ... 8♗ g2 e6
9 .♕ d4 ...

17... ♗ d6?!
17...♘ g6?! 18.de ♕ xe6 19.♘ g5 ♕ c8 The queen kicks the knight out o f
20.♕ xc4 isn’t favorable either, coming the center to restore material equality
down on the f7 square. Black’s position with a capture on c4, not wasting the
remained sound after 17… ed 18.♘ xf6 advantage o f the first move. If 9...f6,
(on 18♗t.xe5?! there’s the impressive re­ then 10.f4 it.b4+ 11 ,♘ c3 ♘ f7 12.♕xc4
ciprocal pin 18 … ♕ f5 !) 18 ...gf 19♗t.x d 5 it.xc3+ 13.bc ed 14♗t.x d 5 ♘ d6 15.♕b3
it.d6. ♘ e7 16♗t.f3 , with a wonderful bishop
18.de ♕ xe6 duet.
19.♘ g5! ♕ e7 9 ... ♘ c6

203
Chapter X

9 ...,td 6 !? hasn’t been tested in prac­

tice — but why not? It’s vital that after
1O.f4 ♘ g6 the move 11.♕xg7? doesn’t
work because o f l l...e5 !, with the hor­
rible threat o f 12 ....,tf8 , and with 11.0-0
e5 12.fe ♘ xe5 13 ..,tf4 ♕ e 7 the chances
are equal.
10.♕ xc4 ed
10 ...0-0-0 leads to more complicated
play. In the case o f l l.e4 ed 12.ed ♘ f6
13.♘ c3 ♘ e5 14.♕e2 ,t c 5 the space-
removing d5 pawn doesn’t stop Black
from ideallypositioning his pieces. After Black’s army has successfully mobi­
15.0-0 ♖he8 16♗t e 3 ♘ eg4 17 ..,th3 h5 lized, and only the white bishops inter­
18.♕ c4 .,txe3 19.fe ♖xe3 20 .♕ c5 ♔ b 8 fere with his complete happiness. I prob­
2l.♖ xf6 Bxc3! 22.bc gf (Ledger — Pein, ably didn’t activate the c6 knight in the
England, 1997) Black won a pawn. best way here. After 15...♘ e5 16.0-0-0
It’s better for White to sacrifice ♘ c4 17♗t f 4 itx c3 18.bc ♘ g6 19..,td5
a pawn for the initiative by means o f ♘ xf4 2 0 ..tx c4 ♘ e6 the divided pawns
11.♘ c3 ♘ b4 12.0-0 ed 13.♕b3. In the on the queenside didn’t leave White
duel Skachkov — Zemerov (St. Peters­ chances o f an advantage.
burg, 2002) excellent play on the dark 15... ♘ d4
squares was achieved at the price o f the 16.0 -0-0 ♖he8
exchange: 13. ..♘ f6 14..,tg5 c6 15.♖fdl The e2 pawn is inviolable, o f course —
♕ f5 16.♗ f4 g5 17..,te3 ♘ c2 18♗tx a 7 16....,txc3?! 17.bc ♘ xe2+? 18.♔c2 ♖he8
♘ xal 19 .♖ xal ♗ d6 20.♖ c1 .,tc7 19..,te3, destroying the surrounded knight.
21..,td4 .,te5 22..,tb6 itxc3 23.♕xc3. 17.♖he1 ...
By replacing 15.♖ fdl with 15.♖adl, In the case o f 17.e3 itxc3 18..,txc3
White rids himself o f the need to sacri­ ♘ e2+ 19.♔ c2 ♘ xc3 20.♔ xc3 c6 the
fice the exchange. endgame is more pleasant for White; but
11.♕xd5 ... drawish tendencies are still to the fore.
l l..,txd5? is rash due to l l ..♗t b 4 + Tkachiev tries to remind his opponent
12.♘ c3 .,txc3+ 13.bc 0-0-0 14.e4 ♘ f6, about his pawn majority. ..
winning a pawn. Mate from the d 1 17... f5
square also turns up with an attempt to 18.e3 ...
win a piece: 1 2 .♔ f1 0-0-0 13♗tx c 6 ? ...but his attempt is illogical. 18.e4!?
♕ h3+ 14.,tg2 ♖ d l# fe 19..,txe4 h6 20♗te 3 .,txc3 (the knight
11... ♗ b4+ can ’t hold out in the center: 2 0 ...♘ ec6?
12.♘ c3 ♕xd5 21..,txd4t♖ J x d 4 22..tx b 7 + !) 2 l.b c ♘ dc6
13.,txd5 ♘ ge7 22.f4 is more energetic, with a pair o f
14..,tg2 0-0-0 bishops in an asymmetrical structure
15..,td2 ... and better prospects.

204
 The Chigorin Defense

18... L'Zle6
19.a3 ♗ d6
2 0 .♔ b l L'Zlc5
2l.L'Zlb5 ♗ e5
22♗ b4 L'Zld3
23♗ xe7 ♖xe7
24.L'Zlxa7+ ♔ b8
25.L'Zlb5 ♖ed7
26.♖ e2 ...
Now 26 ..♗t.x b 2 27.L'Zld4 it.xd4
28.♖xd3 it.f6 29.♖xd7 Bxd7 led to op­
posite-colored bishops and a very prob­
able draw. In the game a drawing out­ White’s main plan is c4; the only
come was also preordained by the oppo­ question is whether to include an ex­
site-colored bishops in the final analysis: change on h3. It seems that with his
26...L'Zlxb2 27.♖xd7 ♖xd7 28.e4 (28. queen on d7 Black has nothing to fear.
♖xb2?? it.xb2 29.♔ xb2 S d 2 + 30.♔ c3 The success o f White’s actions on the
Bxf2 3 l ♗t . h1 ♖xh2 32♗t.f 3 ♖h3) 2 8... queenside in the game Beltran — Gual
L'Zlc4 29.f4 ♗ f6 30♗ h3 c6 31♗ xf5 (Barcelona, 2008) wasn’t completely
(with 3 l.e5 it.xe5 32.fe cb 33♗t.x f5 Be7 justified: 6.c4 it.xg2 7.♔xg2 e6 8.L'Zlc3
34♗t.xh 7 L'Zlxa3+ 35 .♔ a2 L'Zlc4 36.e6 it’s it.b4 9 .♕ a 4 L'Zlge7 10♗t.d 2 0-0 l l.H fdl
still possible to torment Black a little) it.xc3 12♗t.x c 3 f5 13♗t.b 4 f4 14.♖acl
31… ♖d8 32.e5 ♗ e7 33.L'Zlc3 L'Zlxa3+ ♖ f6 15♗t.x e7 V/lixe7 16.♕ b5 ♖d8
3 4 .♔ a 2 h6 35.♖ e3 ♔ c 7 36.♖d3 L'Zlc4 17.V/Iixb7 V/lie8 18.b3, with an extra pawn
37.♖xd8. and a better position. 10. ..dc!? 11.♕ b 5
I.'Zlf5 12.V/Iixb7 ♖b8 13.♕ a6 0-0 deserved
6.R. SHCHERBAKOV - V. IVANOV attention; giving up the center was also
St. Petersburg, 2000 playable on the next move.
6 ... ♕xh3
l ♗.'Zlf3 L'Zlc6 7.c4 e6
2.d4 d5 8.L'Zlc3 ...
3.g3 ♗ g4 Bearing in mind the possibility o f8 ...
4♗ g2 ♕ d7 dc it was worth thinking about 8.cd ed
5.0 -0 ... 9.L'Zlc3 0-0-0 10.a3 and b4. A queen on
h3 alone isn’t enough for mating threats.
(See Diagram)
For example, with the appearance o f a
There can ’t be anything more natu­ pawn on h4 the moves it.f4 or L'Zlg5 are
ral. True, Black has a chance to ex­ possible.
change the light-squared bishops, which 8 ... L'Zlf6
does occur here (5 ...0-0 — game 7). The game Roeder — Dueckstein
5 ... ♗ h3 (Vienna, 1990) went fairly quietly: 8...
6♗ xh3 ... d c 9.V/Iia4 I.'Zlf6 10.♖d l it.e7 l l ♗t.g 5 0-0

205
Chapter X

12.♗ xf6 it.xf6 13.♘ e4 1/jff5 14.♘ xf6+ 24.♗ xf8 Bxf8
l/jt'xf6 15.♕xc4 ♖fd8 16.♕b5 ♖ab8 25.♖ e6 ♘ b8
17.♖acl g6. A typical picture for closed 26.♖ a e l ...
systems with a fianchetto and exchange On the 57th move White converted
o f the g2 bishop — White is a little more the advantage he’d achieved into a vic­
active, but the breach in the kingside tory.
doesn’t enable progress.
9/♖
l g5 ... 7. D. ZAGORSKIS - A. SAVICKAS
Shcherbakov rejects an exchange on Vilnius, 2004
d5 in vain. The plan with the advance
e4 and an accompanying exchange of 1.♘ f3 ♘ c6
queens (otherwise the knight thrust is 2.d4 dS
useless) only justifies itself if his oppo­ 3.g3 ♗ g4
nent makes mistakes. 4♗ g2 l/jt'd7
9 ... 1/jt'b5 5.0 -0 0-0-0
10.cd ed
11.e4 1/jt'xdl
12.♖ xdl de
13.d5 ♘ eS
14.♘ gxe4 ♘ xe4
15.♘ xe4 0-0-0
16♗ e3 ♔ b8
17.♔ g2 f6
Instead of advancing the pawn to
a dark square (undesirable with dark-
squared bishops on the board) 17. ..♗ d6
18♗t.d 4 ♖he8 is stronger. Winning a
pawn by means o f 19.♘ g5 h6 20♗t.xe5 6.c3 ...
it.xe5 21.♘ xf7 is no more than a fig­ The black king has chosen its shel­
ment due to 2 l...♖ d 7 22.♘ xe5 ♖xe5, ter, and an attack on the queenside is
with a drawing outcome. White’s main plan. A more decisive
18♗ d4 ♘ f7? pawn advance, c4, leads to positions
With 18..♗t.d 6 19.f4 ♘ g6 the un­ from game 3.
equal exchange that occurred in the 6 ... f6
game produces no result: 20.♘ xf6 gf With the twofold aim of supporting
2 l ♗t.x f6 ♘ xf4+ 22.gf ♖hg8+ 2 3 .♔ h1 and onslaught on the kingside (...g5), or,
♖de8 — the position is equal. primarily, enabling a seizure o f the cen­
19.♘ xf6! gf ter (...e5). In a game with Weindl (Swit­
20♗ xf6 ♗ d6 zerland, 1995) I exchanged offthe light-
21.f4 ♖df8 squared bishops first: 6 ...♗ h3 7.b4 ♗ xg2
22♗ g7 ♔ c8 8.♔xg2 f6 9.♘ bd2 e5 10.b5 e4 (a typical
♖hg8 counterattack) 11 .bc ef+. After 12.♘ xf3
3.B
2
.
e
l

206
 The Chigorin Defense

♕ xc6 13.♕d3 g5!? play on the f1ank ♕xe2 12.He1 ♕ a6 13.♕xa6 tlJxa6,
(replacing an operation in the center) with a roughly equal game) 10...♘ xf6
bothers the knight, and Weindl decides 1 l.a4 ♕ a6 12♗t.e 3 ♘ c6 (12. . .♘ bd7
to send it closer to the black king. But 13.♘ bd2 it.c5 is even more solid)
then the defects in the pawn structure 13.♕ c2 ♘ a5 14.♘ bd2 it.d6 15.c4 dc
allow Black to put the heat on his oppo­ 16.♖fc1 it.b4?! (a booby-trapped move,
nent with an exchange o f queens: 12.ef instead o f which 16 … ♖he8 is prefera­
♕ x c6 13.♖b1 h5 14.h4 ♘ e7 15.♘ b3 ble) 17. ♘ xc4 tlJxc4 18.♕xc4?? S d l + ,
b6 16.♕d3 ♕ c 4 17.♕ c2 ♘ c6 18.a4 a5! and White resigned (Ayral — Flear,
(blocks White’s attack) 19♗t.f 4 ♕ xa4 France, 2001). The Grandmaster was
20.♖ a1 ♕ c 4 , and no compensation for probably consciously bluffing; a more
the pawn is visible. sophisticated opponent would have
7.b4 e5 found 18.♘ e5!, with an indisputable
A reciprocal f1ank storm was tried, in advantage for White.
particular, in the duel Valden — Skem- 10♗ xf3 ...
bris (Greece, 2005): 7...g5 8.♘ bd2 h5 Again the zwischenzug 10.e6!? is favor­
9 .♕ a 4 h4 (9...a6 after the queen retreat able for White but playing adventurously,
provides a hook for a4 and b5) 10.b5 Zagorskis gets byjust fine without it.
♘ b8 11.♕xa7 hg 12.fg ♕ xb5 13.c4 1 0... fe
♕ a 6 14.♕xa6 ♘ xa6 15.cd ♘ b4 16.♘ b3
(16.e4 ♘ c2 17.♖b1 ♘ e3 18.He1 Glxg2
19.♔xg2 isn’t a bad alternative) 16...
♘ xd5 17.♘ xg5. White has won a pawn,
but the position remains fairly compli­
cated. Both players could vary their play
in multiple ways — also with unpredict­
able consequences.
8.b5 ...
If 8.de, then 8...fe?! 9.b5 costs him
the pawn, and on 8 ..♗t.x f3 (counting on
getting a tight-knit pawn pair in the cen­
ter) there follows the interim poke 9.e6!? 11.e4! ♘ f6
The continuation 8 ...♘ xe5 9♗t.e 3 ♔ b 8 12.ed e4
is stronger —it’s difficult for White to at­ 13♗ g2 ...
tack the enemy king. This is precisely how you have to
8 ... ♘ b8 speculate on a pin on the c8-h3 diago­
9.de it.xf3?! nal. In the case o f 13♗t.e 2 h5! 14.h4
In this case, with the king stuck on ♕ xd5 15.♕xd5 ♘ xd5 the white bishops
the c8-h3 diagonal, the bishop should aren’t as dangerous.
be preserved. Black has got an opportu­ 13... ♕xb5
nity to destroy the constraining pawn: The variation 13. ..♕ xd5 14♗t.h 3 +
9...♕ x b5!? 10.ef (1 0 .♕ d 4 h5 1 l.♕ x a7 ♘ bd7 15.♕xd5 ♘ xd5 16♗t.g 5 it.e7

207
Chapter X

17♗ x e7 ♘ xe7 ends with a solid advan­ The main continuation. “ Putting
tage for White, whether he plays 18.♖d1 the question to the bishop” can be use­
to enforce the pin or continues to de­ ful in principle, but the pawn on h3 may
velop with 18.♘ d2, simply winning the become a hook for an attack. White pro­
isolated pawn. poses that the bishop makes a difficult
14.♘ d2 'iYxdS choice between an exchange and the
1 5 .♕ a4 ♕ c6 retreats 5 ..♗. f5 (game 9) and 5 ..♗.h 5
16♗.h 3 + ♘ fd7 (games 10-13).
After 16...♘ bd7 17.'iYxa7 b6 18.♖d1 5 ... ♗ x f3
♕ b 7 19.'iYxb7+ ♔ xb7 the diagonal pin 6.ef ...
hasn’t disappeared, but only shifted After the exchange on f3 the battle
— 20.♘ xe4! ♘ xe4 2 l ♗.g 2 . most often takes on a maneuvering
17.'iYxc6 ♘ xc6 character, in contrast to the other lively
18.♘ xe4 ♗.e7 branches. I don’t play such boring games
19.♖ dl h6 anymore! The peculiarity o f taking with
20♗.e 3 b6 the pawn “ away from the center” is the
2 l.♖ d 5 ♘ cb8 pressure on the central file that is crack­
22.H adl ... ing open.
The deathly pin dooms Black to ca- On 6♗ x f3 the simplest is to fian­
pitulation, which, then again, had to chetto the bishop: 6...g6 7♗.g 2 ♗.g7
wait another 36 moves. 8.e3 ♘ f6 9.0-0 0-0 10.c4 dc (10. ..e6
l l .♘ c3 ♘ e7 and ...c6 create stable bas­
8. V. TUKMAKOV - A. RAETSKY tions with absolutely negligible activity)
Geneva, 1999 l l .♘ a3 e5! (a timely blow in the center)
12.♘ xc4 (with 12.de ♘ xe5 13.'iYxd7
l . ♘ f3 dS ♘ fxd7 14♗ x b7 ♖ab8 15♗.e 4 the pres­
2.g3 ♘ c6 sure on b2 is palpable) 12 ...ed 13.ed
3.d4 ♗.g4 ♖ad8 14.'iYb3 ♘ xd4 15.'iYxb7 ♕ e6
4♗.g 2 ♕ d7 16.b3 (Markowski — Gajewski, Krakow,
5.h3 ... 2006) 16. ..♖d7!? 17.'iYxa7 ♘ e4, with
an impressive knight stronghold in the
center.
In the case o f 6 ...0-0-0 7.c3 libera­
tion follows — 7...e5 8.de ♘ xe5 9♗.g 2
♔ b 8 10.♘ d2 ♘ f6 11.♘ b3 ♕ a4 !? (11...
♘ c4 is more natural, with sights on b2)
12.0-0 ♗.e7 13♗.f 4 ♘ c4 14.♘ d4 'iYxdl
15.♖axd1 ♖he8 16.♘ b5, draw (F. Por-
tisch — Chetverik, Harkany Tenkes
Cup,l999). Then there may follow 16 ...
♘ d6 17.♘ xd6 ♗ x d6 18♗.g 5 ♖xe2
19♗ x f6 gf 20♗ x d5 ♖xb2 2 l ♗ x f7,

208
 The Chigorin Defense

with the well-known tendencies o f an 12 ...[iJce7 13.a4 [iJc8 deserved at­

ending with opposite-colored bishops. tention, suggesting that your opponent
7 ♘ c3 doesn’t let you get free, but then storms the solid bastions.
the setup ...e6 and … f5 is assumed. 13.a4 a5
6 ... 0-0-0 14.b5 [iJce7
White most likely takes control o f 15.[iJb3 b6
the e5 and g5 squares with the help o f 16.♕ f3 [iJd6
f4, and the dash ...h5 blocks the recip­ 17.[iJd2 ...
rocal h4. The tempo o f the game trails
off, and the black king doesn’t feel too
bad in the center. For example, 6...
e6 7.0-0 h5 8.h4 [iJge7 9.c3 ♘ f5 10.b4
a5!? 1l.b5 [iJa7 12.a4 [iJc8 13.f4 [iJcd6
14.[iJd2 g6 15.♖e1 ♗ e7 16.♘ f3 [iJc4
17♗. f1 ♘ fd6 18♗.d 3 (A. Vaida — Chet­
verik, Gyongyos, 1999), and it’s time to
castle — on either side. Against Dizdar
(Sibenik, 2006) Golubovic didn’t mind
creating a weakness on e6 under the per­
sonal protection o f the king: 6...h5 7.h4
e6 8.c3 it.d6 9.0-0 [iJge7 10.f4 f6 (com­ 17... c6?
pletely unforced!) 11.♖e1 ♔ f7 12.<[iJd2 The king’s fortress can no longer
[iJd8 13.♘ f3 c6 14.♕d3 g6 15.♖e2 a5 be called impregnable, but neverthe­
16.a4 ♘ f5 17.♗ d2♖e8 18.b3 it.c7 19.c4 less 17. ..g6 18.c4 ♗.g7 is useful for the
it.b6 20.c5 ♗ c7 2 l ♗.c 3 ♖e7 22. ♗.h3 coming battle. Black has given a jolt
♕ e 8 23.♖ ael. Breaking down the de­ where he’s weakest, and Tukmakov
fense turned out to be too difficult, as achieves success without a single set­
there was only one weakness. back.
7.f4 e6 18.bc ♕ x c6
A creative approach is possible 19♗.a 3 ♘ ef5
even to such a lackluster position: 7... 2 0 .S fc l [iJc4
g5!? 8.fg h6 9.gh [iJxh6 10.0-0 (Goldin 21.[iJxc4 ♕ xc4
— Tate, Philadelphia, 1998) — a kind o f 22♗.f l ♕ c7
Benko Gam bit with a change o f f1ank. 23♗ x f8
Now the setup ...♘ f5, ...e6, ....ltd 6, 24.c4 de
...♖dg8 is capable o f wearing down 24...♖ c8 is a little more
White’s nerves. although in the variation 25.cd ♕ b 7
8.0-0 Wb8 26♗t.g 2 ♕xd5 27.♕ d3 ♕ d 7 2 8.♕ a6
9.c3 hS 'Wia7 29.'Wib5 [iJd6 30.'Wie5 the rest­
10.h4 [iJge7 less queen takes on g7, and that’s also
11.[iJbd2 ♘ f5 enough for victory.
12.b4 a6 25.♖xc4 'Wid7

209
Chapter X

26.♖ b1 ♔ a7 trols the important b1 square. The

27.♖xb6! ... game Obukhov — Zemerov (Omsk,
Black resigned without waiting for 2001) took on a maneuvering charac­
the violence against the king: 27… ♔ xb6 ter: 7 .g4 ♗ g6 8 ♗ f4 e6 9.CZJbd2 ♗ d6
28.♕ b3+ ♔ a 7 29.♖c5. 10.11.xd6 cd (the consolidation o f the
center compels you to castle kingside)
9. G. KAIDANOV-I. KHMELNITSKY 1 l .♘ h4 ♘ ge7 12.f4 ♗ f1 13.e3 ♖ c8
Parsippany, 1996 14.0 -0 ♘ a5 15.♕ e2 f5 16.♖ fcl 0-0
17. ♘ df3 ♘ g6 18.♘ xg6 ♗ x g6 19.♘ h4
l.d4 ♘ c6 ♗ f7 20.gf ef 2 l .♕ d3 ♗ e6, with ap­
2 .♘ f3 d5 proximate equality.
3.g3 ♗ g4 6 ... de
4♗ g2 ♕ d7 6...e6 is more solid, but then not even
5.h3 ♗ f5 a trace o f the battery remains. A tense
battle for the e4 square began in the
encounter Bromberger — Lyell (Ban-
yoles, 2005): 7 .♘ c3 ♗ b4 8.0-0 ♗ xc3
9.bc ♗ e4 10.♖e1 ♘ ge7 1lU if1 (mov­
ing away from the exchange o f bishops
is a standard trick in closed systems)
11...0-0-0 12.♘ d2 ♗ f5 13♗ g2 h5 14.e4
de 15.♘ xe4 b6?! (15. .♗ xe4 16♗ xe4 h4
17 .g4 e5 is correct, counting on hooking
White) 16.♕ f3 e5 17♗ a3, and White
has already established a formidable
light-squared battery, while no satisfac­
The bishop retreats in a way that tory defense is evident.
preserves the light-squared battery and 7 .♘ c3 e6
doesn’t let the opponent castle. In the Taking control o f the d5 and e4
young years o f the variation (which has squares in one go doesn’t work. Anyway,
especially attracted Czech players), spe­ with 7 ...♘ f6 8.d5 ♘ b4 9.♘ e5 ♘ c2+
cifically in the mid-20mcentury, this was 10.♕ xc2 ♗ xc2 1 1 .♘ xd7 ♘ xd7 12♗ f4
the only continuation used. This duel (Chuchelov — Gasparian, Pyramiden
tarnished the reputation o f 5 ..♗ f5. Franken Cup, 1999) Black’s situation
6.c4! ... isn’t that bad. Only instead o f1 2 ...0-0-0?
Undermining the center here is 13.♖c1 ♗ f5 14.♘ b5 e5 15.de ♗ b4+
definitively stronger than the plan 1 6 .♔ f1 ♗ xe6 17♗ xc7 you should con­
with c3 and b4. After 6.c3 f6 7.b4 g5 tinue 12...a6 (against ♘ c3b5) 13.♖cl
8 .♘ bd2 h5 9.♘ b3 e6 10.♘ fd2 0-0-0 11.g6 14.♘ e4 b5 15.b3 ♘ b6 16.bc ♗ xe4
Black shouldn’t be afraid o f the b-file 17.11.xe4 CZJxc4 18.d6 0-0-0!, with a de-
opening up, ♗ .♘ c5 ♗ xc5 12.bc, in fendable position.
particular because the bishop con­ 8.e4 ♗ g6

210
 The Chigorin Defense

9.0-0 i.d 6 18.f4

Khmelnitsky doesn’t castle here or
later. Now 9 ...0-0-0 10.d5 ed l l.ed ♘ a5
12.♘ e5 ♕ d6 13♗.f 4 ♕ b 4 promised
more chances for a fully-f1edged battle.
10.♕ e2 lLla5
l l ♗.e 3 b5?!

1 8... ef?!
Khmelnitsky opens up the game and
thereby hastens his demise. On 18 ...
i .d 6 Kaidanov recommended 19.♖d5,
but 19...♘ e7 20.fe i .b 8 forces him to
look for a more energetic continuation,
Instead o f l l ...♘ e7 with subsequent and one can be found — 19.♕ f2! f6 20.fe
kingside castling Black has carelessly ex­ i.xe5 21♗.f 4 i.x f4 22.e5.
posed himself. 19.e5 ♕ c8
12.a3 ... 20♗xf 4 A c5+
Kaidanov had the blow 12.b4! i.x b 4 ♘ h6
3e
2

13.♘ e5 ♕ d8 14.♕b2!? i.x c 3 15.♕xc3 22♗L x a8 i.x e 3 +

c6 16♗.d 2 lLlb7 17.lLlxc6 with devasta­ 23.♕xe3 ♕ x a8
tion, but he missed this concealed op­ 24.♕ b6 ♘ c6
portunity. 25.lLld5 ...
12... c6 Black can ’t possibly succeed in cas-
13.♘ h4 i.e 7 tling — 25 ...0-0? 26.♕xc6! The king’s
Black nudges his opponent towards sojourn in the center has brought it
an exchange on g6, as with 13. ..♖d8 heavy losses and a swift capitulation:
14.d5! e5?! 15.dc ♕ x c6 the knight in­ 2 5 ...♕ a 7 26.lLlf6+! gf 27.♖ d8+! ♔ e7
vades on f5 with a big impact. Never­ 28.ef+ ♔ e 6 2 9.♕ x a7 ♘ xa7 30.♖xh8
theless, the variation 14… cd 15.♘ xg6 lLlf5 31.♖ a8.
hg 16.ed e5 17.a4 b4 18.♘ b5 is more
playable for Black than what happened 10. F. GHEORGHIU - A . RAETSKY
in the game. Lenk,2005
14.♘ xg6 hg
15.d5! e5 1.d4 d5
16.♖
tad 1 a6 2.lLlf3 ♘ c6
17.dc ♕ x c6 3.g3 Äg4

211
Chapter X

4♗.g 2 ♕d7 6...e6 without worries. For example, 7.

5.h3 i.h 5 0-0 dc 8 .♕ a 4 i.x f3 (the unloading 8...
tle 5 9.♕ xd7+ ♘ x d7 gives you a slightly
passive but stable position) 9♗ x f3 ♖d8
10.♕xc4 ♘ x d4 l l ♗ x b7 c6 12♗.a 6
e5 13.♔h2 ♘ f 6 14.♘ c3 ite 7 15♗t e 3
0-0 16.♖adl c5 17♗. c1 ♖b8 18.♕d3
♕ c 6 19♗.c 4 e4 2 0 .♕ b1 (A. Ivanov
— Raetsky, St. Petersburg, 1999). Now
20...h6?! 21♗t f 4 ♖bd8 22♗t e 5 tld 7
23.♘ d5 ♖ fe8 24♗tx d 4 cd 25.♘ xe7+
♖xe7 26.♖xd4 ♖de8 27.♖ fdl ♘ f 6 28.b4
led to the loss o f a pawn and a defeat.
20… ♖ b4 2l.b3 ♖fb8 maintained ap­
Evidently the most precise reaction. proximate equality.
The bishop isn’t working in harmony In the case o f 6.0-0 f6 undermin­
with the queen any more, but by staying ing the center with 7 .c4 gains force.
on the d1-h5 diagonal it actively partici­ In the interesting variation 7...dc 8.d5
pates in the battle. tlb 4 9.♘ c3 itf7 (9...♖d8 10.♘ d4 i .f 7
6.♘ bd2 ... 11.♘ e6! itxe6 12.de ♕xe6 13.♕ a4+
The fianchetto 6.b3 0-0-0 7♗.b 2 t l c 6 14♗t e 3 , with a very strong initia­
neutralizes the main plan ...e5, but tive for two pawns) 10.e4 e5 1 1 .♘ d2
doesn’t interfere at all with actions on c6 12.a3 ♘ x d5!? 13.ed cd by means o f
the f1ank: 7...f6 8.0-0 g5 9.♘ bd2 g4 14.♘ xc4! dc 15.♕xd7+ ♔ xd7 16♗ xb7
10.hg i.x g 4 l l.c4 e6 12.a3 ♘ g e7 13.b4 White returns the piece and achieves an
dc? 14.♘ xc4 h5 (14. . ♗tx f 3 15♗tx f 3 advantage. 7...e6 8.cd (8 ...dc was already
♘ x d4 16♗ x d4 ♕ xd4 17.♕ c2 doesn’t planned here) 8...ed 9.♘ c3 0-0-0 isn’t
make the black king happy) 15.b5 tlb 8 enough for equality either. On 6.0-0 cas­
16.%Yb3 ith 6 17.a4 h4 18.♘ fe5! fe tling queenside is moreprecise, and only
19.♘ xe5 ♕ e 8 20.♘ xg4 ♘ f 5 2 l.♕ f3 c6 7.c3 serves as a signal for 7...f6.
22.bc ♘ x c6 23.d5!, with a rout (Chu- The main continuation 6.c3 with a
prikov — Raetsky, Voronezh, 2004). subsequent b4 is illuminated in games
Black did everything right until the reck­ 11-13.
less exchange on c4, which f1ung open 6 ... 0-0-0
the doors and windows for an invasion 7.a3 ...
by his opponent. In the variation 13. .. This support for the advance b4 is
♘ g 6!? 14.c5 h5 15.b5 tlb 8 16.b6 ab encountered comparatively rarely. The
17.cb c6 18. ♘ h2 itd 6 the moves ...f5 b-pawn hurl is such an important ele­
and ...h4 were planned, with sufficient ment o f White’s attack that it’s even
counterplay. used without support in the form o f
Since the light-squared battery has a sacrifice: 7.0-0 f6 8.b4!? ♘ x b4 9.c3
ordered a long life, on 6.c4 Black replies t l c 6 10.%Ya4 e5 11.de fe 12.e4 ♘ f 6

212
 The Chigorin Defense

1 3 .S b l ♔ b8 14.ed tt:Jxd5 l5 .♕ b 5 (Huss The presence o f good alternatives

— Raetsky, Martigny, 2007) 15. ..tt:Jb6 testifies to Black’s prosperity. Here this
16.tt:Jxe5 tt:Jxe5 17.♕xe5 Ag6. Black’s is 10...tt:Jd4!? 11.tiJxd4 ed 12.tt:Jf3 ♕xb5
chances are still preferable thanks to his 13.tt:Jxd4 ♕ d7 14.0-0 ♘ f6 15.♖b1 A c5
better piece configuration and the ob­ — the light-squared bishop is almost
struction on the b-file. dead.
In the game Sale — Raetsky (Abu 11.tt:Jxe5 ♕xb5-
Dhabi, 2001) White completely re­ 12.tt:Jd3 ♘ f6
jected b4, and the pawn pair that ap­ 13.0 -0 ♕ a4!
peared in the center felt completely The queen blocks the advance o f two
safe: 7.0 -0 f6 8.c3 e5 9.de fe 10.lt'lb3?! pawns simultaneously — an excellent
(10.b4 e4 l l.b5 ef 12.bc ♕ x c6 13.tt:Jxf3 defensive resource!
doesn’t give any noticeable benefits, 14.tt:Jf4 Äf7
but he should have continued that way 15..1b2 ♗ e7
nevertheless) 10... ♘ f6 l l ♗t.e 3 ♔ b 8 16.A c3 ...
12.tiJc5 it.xc5 13♗t.x c 5 S h e 8 14.♖ e1 The bishop changes diagonal before
tt:Je4 15♗t.e 3 d4 16.cd ed (Black has ...d4 takes it out o f the game. In the
seized the center and has better pros­ variation 16.tt:Jf3 tt:Jc4 17. it.c3 tlJe4!?
pects) 17..ltf4 h6 18.g4 .ltf7 19.♖c1 g5 18.Axg7 ♖hg8 the bishop gets to the
20♗t.h 2 h5 (20 ...A xa2?! 2 l.♕ a 4 .ltf7 long diagonal at the price o f a sharp ac­
22.tiJd2! Ag6 23♗t.x e 4 !? .ltxe4 24.b4 tivation o f the black army.
promises an attack on the black king) 1 6... d4
2 l.♕ a 4 hg 22.hg. The time trouble 17.A M ':the8
♖
blunder 22 ...A d5? after 23.tt:Jxd4! 17 ...A xb4 18.ab ♕ x b4 opens anoth­
tt:Jxd4?! 24. Axc7+ ♔ a8 25.♕ xd4 er file near the king, which didn’t seem
killed the game. With 22...a6 the tactic safe. True, in the case o f 19.tt:Jd3 ♕ b5
23.tiJxg5!? in the case o f the sacrifice 2 0 .♕ b1!? ♕ x bl 2l.♖fxb1 b6 22.♘ b3
being accepted is enough for a draw tt:Jxb3 23.cb A d5! everything is fine for
(23...tt:Jxg5 24.♖xc6 bc 25.♕ xa6 it.d5 Black.
2 6 .♕ b 6 + ), but it probably turns against 18.c3 ♕xd1
White after 23 ...A d 5!? 24.tt:Jxe4 ♖xe4! 19.♖fxd1 ...
25.f3 ♖xg4!
7 ... f6
8.b4 e5
9.de fe
9...tt:Jxe5 10.tt:Jxe5 fe 1 l.♗ b2 ♕ e 6
12.c4 d4 13.c5 ♘ e7 is roughly equiva­
lent, with a subsequent ...♘ d5. It’s
very difficult to evaluate each player’s
chances in the non-standard position
that arises.
10.b5 ♘ a5

213
Chapter X

19... de right away: 6...e6 7.♘ bd2 f5 8.b4 a6

After 19 ...,tx b 4 20.ab? dc 2 l.♖xa5 9.♘ b3 lLlf6 10.lZJc5 ,tx c 5 11.bc lZJe4
♖xd2 2 2 .S c l c2 the passed pawn is 12.♕d3 0-0 1 3 .,tf4 Sfe8 14.♘ e5 ♘ x e5
decisive, but after 20.cb ♘ b3 21.lLlxb3 15♗t.x e 5 . Because oftheweakness on b7
,tx b3 2 2 .Sd 2 there’s no passed pawn Black has to defend passively.
— and no advantage. 7.b4 ...
20♗ xc3 lZJc4 Prevents the pawns from seizing the
21.Mdbl c6 center, which followed on 7.♘ bd2. In
2 2 .♘ x c4 ♗ xc4 the game Royer — Raetsky (Cappelle-
2 3 .,t a5 ♖d6 la-Grande, 2002) the pawns didn’t
24.h4 ♘ d5 experience an unhealthy interest on
The short battle ended in a justifi­ White’s part: 7… e5 8.de ♘ x e5 9.♘ x e5
able draw two moves later: 25.♘ x d5 cd fe 10.c4 c6 l l.cd cd 12.0-0 lLlf6 13. ♘ f3
26♗t.b 4 S a 6 . In the variation 2 5 ..♗ xd5 it.d6 14♗t.g 5 it.f7 15♗t.x f6 g f 16.♘ h4
26.e4 ,te 6 2 7 .,tc3 g6 the play is a little i lc 7 17.♕ c2 0-0-0 18.♖fdl ♔ b 8
more complicated, but also within the 19.♕ f5 it.e6!? 20.♕xf6 ♖df8 2 l.♕ h 6
bounds o f equality. ♖hg8, with the initiative for a minimal
loss. Ramming the center is also use­
11. M. NOVIK - A. RAETSKY less: 8 ..fe 9.e4 0-0-0 10.ed (10.♘ x e5
Dagomys, 2008 ♕ e8! 11.♘ g4 lLlf6, seizing the initia­
tive) 10 … ♕xd5 11.♕ b 3 ♕ d 3 1 2 .,tf1
l.lL lß d5 ♕ d6 13.♘ g5 e4 (13. ..♘ f6 is more ac­
2.g3 lLlc6 curate, so as not to worry about the cen­
3.d4 ,tg 4 tral pawn after an exchange o f queens)
4♗ g2 ♕ d7 14.♕ e6+ ♕xe6 15.♘ x e6 ♖e8 16.♘ ixf8
5.h3 ,th S ♖xf8 17♗t.g 2 lLlf6 18.0-0 ♖e8 19.♘ b3
6.c3 ... lZJe5, maintaining equality ( Rahman
— Saptarshi, Kolkata, 2007).
7 ... a6
Bearing in mind my opponent’s
preparation for my favorite 7 ...0-0-0
(games 12 and 13) Black doesn’t define
the position o f the king for now. But, as
is well known, if a tram driver looks for
new routes, the tram goes o ff the rails.
Another two defeats occurred, the rea­
sons for which weren’t rooted in the
opening. There’s nothing bad about the
prophylactic move by the outside pawn,
6 ... f6 neutralizing b5.
Against Tkachiev (Bastia, 1997) Another method o f delaying c a s­
Flear preferred to build a “ stonewall” Hing was encountered in the game

214
 The Chigorin Defense

Kengis — Short (Yerevan, 1996): 7...e6 18.tiJxe7+ CZJxe7 19♗ xf6 gf 20.♕ e6+
8.tiJbd2 tiJge7 9 .0 -0 tiJc8 10.e4!? ♗.e7 ♖d7 21.♖ bdl, with a win. Problems
l l.tiJe5!? (a surprising attempt to turn with the black king have come to light,
the opposition on the diagonal in his so it’s best to abstain from ...e5 here.
favor) 11... i . xd1 12.tiJxd7 ♗.a4 13.ed 9.tiJbd2 f5!?
♔ xd7 14.dc+ ♔ x c6 15♗ x c6+ ♔ x c6 Black has to switch to a “stone­
16.a4 ♔ d 7 17.tiJb3 b6 18.♖ t e l tiJd6. wall” if he doesn’t want to allow e4. 9...
The chances gradually equalized, and ♗ d6 10.e4 CZJge7 11.S e l de 12.<tiJxe4
on the 29th move a draw was estab­ 0-0 13.a3 is tolerable for him, while
lished. 11...0-0? 12.e5! fe 13.de tiJxe5 14.CZJxe5
8.0-0 ... ♗ xe5 15.♕xh5 costs him a piece.
The provocation 8♗ f4 g5 9♗ c 1 10.a4 ♗ d6
temporarily postpones ...e5, which isn’t 11.tiJb3 tiJf6
such a great loss for Black. In the game 12.b5 ...
Shorokhov — Raetsky (Dagomys, 2008) An attack on the queenside can be
tension in the center soon arose: 9... undertaken in various ways. Novik de­
♗ g6 10.tiJbd2 e6 11.tiJb3 b6 12.h4 g4 cided that after 12.tiJc5 ♗ x c5 13.bc 0-0
13.tiJfd2 h5 14.e4 tiJge7 15.0-0 ♗ g7 14.♖b1 ♖ab8 15♗.f 4 the weak b7 pawn
16.a3 0-0 17.♖ e1 ♖ ad8 (it was better wouldn’t be enough.
not to leave the pawn undefended, but 1 2... tiJd8
to clarify the situation with the help o f Opening up the game when you’re
17...f5!?) 18.'iVe2 e5 19♗ b2 ed (it was behind in development is dangerous:
worth relieving the situation by means 12 ...ab 13.ab tiJa7 14.tiJc5 ♗ x c5 15.dc
o f 19 ...de 20.tiJxe4 ♗ f1 2 l.♕ c 2 ♕ e 6 ♕xb5 16.tiJd4 ♕ d7 17.♕b3 or 15 ...
22.tiJbd2 ♕ d 7 ) 20.cd f5 2l.ed tiJxd5 ♗ x O 16♗ xf3 ♕ xb5 17.c4! dc 18.'iVc2,
22.♖ acl ♖fe8 23.♕ xa6 Bxel + 24.♖xel with the initiative.
f4 2 5 .♕ c4 ♗.f7 26.♕ c2, and there’s 13.tiJe5 ♕ e7
nothing for the pawn. If 13 ..♗ x e5 14.fe CZJe4, then
8 ... e6 1 5 .♕ e1!, covering not only the c3 pawn
In reply to 8… e5?! he can go into but also the g3 pawn (after 16.f3, catch­
a clinch — 9.e4!? de l0 .♘ xe5! ♗xd1 ing the knight).
11.tiJxd7 ♔ xd7 12.♖xd1 f5 13.a4 tiJf6 14.c4 tiJe4
14.tiJa3, with a very promising bishop After castling opening the a-file
pair in an asymmetrical position. The comes in handy — 14...0-0 15♗.b 2 ab
duel Kengis — Ilczuk (Suwalki, 1999) 16.ab B xal 17♗ xal dc 18.tiJxc4 ♕ d 7
turned out to be fast-f1owing: 9.de fe 19.tiJxd6 cd 20.♕d3 ♗.e8 2l.b 6 ♕ b 5 ,
10.e4!? ♗ x f3 11.♕ xf3 d4 12.cd ♕ xd4 with equality.
(12. ..ed 13.b5! ab 14.♕ h5+ g6 15.♕xb5 15.'iVd3 0-0
11.g7 16.♖d1) 13.tiJc3 tiJf6 14♗.g 5 16♗ b2 ♘ f7
♗ xb4 15.tiJd5 0-0-0 16.♖ab1 ♗ e7? 17.tiJf3 ...
(now it becomes clear that the place 17.tiJxf7 ♕ xf7 18.c5 ♗ e7 19.tiJa5
for the bishop is on d6) 17.♕b3 ♕ a 7 ♖fb8 is stronger, with approximate

215
Chapter X

equality, as now an opportunity to coun­ either. Under severe pressure from the
terattack appears. clock, in a confused (presumably better)
position I missed an elementary mate on
the back rank.

12. A. KOGAN - A. RAETSKY

Sautron, 2001

Contrary to the information in the

databases, I played against the Israeli
Grandmaster as Black, not White. And
accordingly I didn’t win, but lost, suc­
cumbing to the evil hand o f fate that has
harshly haunted me in the system 3 ...
17... de i.g 4 .
In the case o f 17 ...f4! 18.c5 fg 19.cd 1.♘ G d5
gf+ 20.Hxf2 ♘ ftd6 21.♖ m ♘ c4 2.g3 ♘ c6
22♗. c1 i.g 6 Black has two pawns for a 3.d4 i.g 4
piece and a serious initiative. 4♗.g 2 ♕ d7
18.♕ xc4 ♔ b8 5.h3 i.h 5
19.d5 e5 6.c3 f6
19...ed in the example variation 7.b4 0-0-0
20.♕ xd5 ab 21.ab H xal 22♗t.x a l c6!?
23.bc bc 24.♕ xc6 ctJxg3! 25.fg ♕ e3+
2 6 .♔ h1 ♕xb3 27♗t.xg7+ !? ♔xg7
28.♘ d4 ♕ b8 29.♘ e6+ <;g8 30.♘ xf8
i.x f8 31♗t.d 5 forces total simpM ca-
tions with a very likely draw.
20.ctJh4!? ♕ f6 ?
In impending time trouble my part­
ner’s unexpected move knocked me off
balance. The position remained un­
clear: 20...g6 21♗ x e4 fe 22.♕ xe4 ♘ g5
23.♕ e3 ab 24.ab Hxal 25.♗ xal tiJxh3+
26.♔ g2 g5!? 27.<;xh3 gh.
21.♘ xf5! ♕ xf5 As a result o f this pawn advance the
22.g4! ♕ d7 black knight isn’t badly positioned on
23.♕ xe4 ♗ g6 a5, and White is only capable o f pro­
24.♕ c4 ... voking an insignificant weakening o f
Novik has won a pawn without com­ the king’s bastions. On two occasions
pensation, but he didn’t manage to avoid Burmakin continued 8.a4 against me
time trouble and its associated blunders first. Then 8… ♕ e8!? is good, to support

216
 The Chigorin Defense

...e5 and the opposition on the d-file. 2002) the g2 bishop is shut in fast, and
In Seefeld in 2000 we then went 9♗ a3 Black is safe. In the game 21... c5 (21...
e5 10.de fe 1l.b5 ♗ x f3 12♗ xf3 CDa5 a6!? 22.ba+ ♔ xa6) 22.bc+ ♔ x c6 23.c4
13.0-0 CDf6 14♗ g2 ♗ x a3 15.♘ xa3 dc 24.f3 ef 25♗t.x f3 + ♔ d 7 26.CDxc4
♕ e 7 16.♕ c2 ♕ c 5 (instead o f the sub­ CDxc4 27.♖xc4 suddenly brought the
sequent exchange o f the e-pawn 16. .. bishop to life — without noticeable ben­
♕ e 6 or ...h5 and ...h4 are also inter­ efits. The impression is that the advance
esting) 17.♕ f5+ ♔ b 8 18.♕xe5 ♖he8 a4 doesn’t create problems for Black.
19.♕ d4 ♕ xd 4 20.cd ♖xe2 2 l .♗ . f 3 ♖d2 9 ... b6
22.♖ fdl CDb3 23.♖xd2 CDxd2 24♗ g2 It’s no longer news for readers that
CDfe4 — Black has a more compact pawn the pawn exchange 9...CDc4 10.♕xa7
structure and active knights. Two years ♕ xb5 is far from fatal for the black king,
later in the same Seefeld Burmakin tried as the queen comes out by itself, and
9.b5, f1owing into the main game (note there’s a high probability that it will be
to 9.♕ a4 ). exchanged. For example, 11.CDbd2 ♕ a 5
8.tt:lbd2 (game 13) isn’t the most 12.♕xa5 CDxa5 13.CDb3 CDc4 14.tt:lfd2
natural move here, but there are quite CDxd2 15.♔xd2 e5, with approximate
a few examples, as CDbd2 is played a equality.
move or two earlier with a subsequent 10.CDbd2 ...
interlocking o f branches. The same also White didn’t sense the danger that
goes for 8.0-0, with the possible con­ was threatening the b5 pawn. Evidently
tinuation 8...e5 9.b5 CDa5 l0 .♕ a 4 CDc4 to protect it the knight is better-posi­
11.de (the unusual exchange o f queens tioned on a3. In the variation 10.0-0
11.♕ xa7 ♕ xb5 12.de .ltc5 13.CDd4 a6 11.CDa3 e6 12.c4 it.xa3 13.♕xa3 ab
♗ x a7 14.CDxb5 iib 6 preserves approxi­ 14.c5 ♔ b 7 White has compensation for
mate equality) l l ..♗ c5 12.CDbd2 .ltxf3 his loss.
13.CDxf3 CDxe5 14♗ a3 ♗ xa3 15.♕xa3 1 0... a6!?
♔ b 8 16.CDxe5 fe 17.♖fdl CDf6 18.c4 d4 11.S b l iie 8 !?
19.♖ abl (Chuchelov — Raetsky, Cap- Judging by his long think, the relo­
pelle-la-Grande, 2002) 19 ...♖hf8 20.c5 cation o f the “ forgotten” bishop was a
CDd5 21♗ xd5 ♕ xd5, and Black doesn’t surprise for Kogan. Then again, 11... e6
experience difficulties. 12.0-0 .\tg6 13.♖b2 CDh6 is also favor­
8 ... CDa5 able for Black.
9 .♕ a 4 ... 12♗ a3 ab
After 9.a4 ♕e8 10 ..\ta3 e5 l l.♗ x f8 1 3 .♕ d1 CDh6
♗ x f3!? 12. ♗ xf3 (inthevariation 12..\txg7 The m ost convenient moment pre­
.ltxg2 13.♖h2 iie 4 14..\txh8 ed 15.cd sented itself to exchange o ff the dark-
♕ g6 the bishop doesn’t get itself out o f squared bishops: 13. ...\tg6 14.♖b2
the corner) 12… ♕ x f8 13.0-0 e4 14. .\tg2 e6 15♗ xf8 ♖xf8 16.0 -0 CDe7. Now,
f5 15.CDd2 CDf6 16.♕ c2 ♕ f7 17.♕b1 b6 though, something o f an initiative
18.♕ b4 ♕ f8 19.♕xf8 ♖hxf8 20.e3 ♔ b 7 for the lost pawn is beginning to take
21.♖ac1 (Burmakin — Raetsky, Seefeld, shape.

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Chapter X

14♗ b4 t lc 4 fe the problem diagonal is completely

15.0 -0 ... closed, but a reciprocal sacrifice o f the
15.♘ xc4 bc 16.0-0 ♕ a 4 17.♕ d2 outside pawn, 25.a4, still promises an
ilg 6 18.♖b2 .lie4 is premature — all the initiative.
operative lines are blocked. 19.f4?! h4
15... e6 20.g4 ♕ a4
16.e4 ♘f7 21.♕ e2 .lic6
Mter 16 ...A g6 17.♘ xc4 bc 18.♘ d2 Playing it safe. The variation 21...
♘ f 7 19.a4 the pawn advance can inf1ict ..txb4 22.♖xb4 ♕ xa2 23.ed ed 24.♕ e6+
damage. To slow down its start I keep ♖d7 looks like a blind alley in White’s
the bishop on e8. attack, and the correctness o f the sac­
17.CDxc4 be rifice 25.♘ xc4!? dc 26.♖bbl is in ques­
18.♘ d2! ... tion.
22.ed .lixd5
23.♘ xc4 ♕ c6
24. ♘ e3 .lixg2
25.CDxg2 ♔ b7
26.♖fe1 ilx b4
27.♖xb4 ...
Damn time troubles have destroyed
my successful career in the Chigorin set­
up! Perhaps 27...CDd6?! 28.c4 ♖ a8 29.c5
CDc8 isn’t so bad, but with a shortage o f
time playing with an unsecured king
isn’t pleasant — the result was a defeat
The bishop is simply penetrating on the 53ri move. 27… ♖de8⁉ neutral­
the long diagonal, which creates pre­ ized 28.c4? due to 28 … e5!, with a hang­
conditions for a sacrifice on c4. In the ing rook on b4.
case o f 18. ..♘ g5 19.ed ed 20.h4 tle 6
21.♘ xc4! dc 22.♕ f3 c6 23..♗ xf8 ♖xf8 13. A. K O R O L E V - A. RAETSKY
24.♖xb6 ♕ c 7 25.♖ fbl it almost wins, Biel, 2003
and with 18....♗ xb4 19.♖xb4 h5 20.ed
ed 21.♘ xc4!? dc 22.♕ f3 ♕ e 6 23.♕ b7+ l . ♘ f3 d5
♔ d 7 24. .♗ d5 ♕ d 6 25. ♖ xc4♖ c8 26.♖c6 2.g3 t lc 6
♕ xd5 27.♖xc7+ ♖xc7 28.♕xd5+ tld 6 , 3.d4 ..tg4
it preserves the balance, according to 4...tg2 ♕ d7
Rybka. 5.h3 ♗ b5
18... h5 6.c3 f6
A def1ecting sacrifice o f the ex­ 7.b4 0-0-0
tra pawn, which was worth accepting. 8.♘ bd2
Mter 19♗ xf8 ♖xf8 20.♕xh5 ♘ g5
21.♕ e2 f5 22.efef23.h 4 t le 4 24.♘ xe4

218
 The Chigorin Defense

has to go backwards: 9...CDb8 10.a4 e5

11.0-0 e4 l2.CDh2 f5 13.c4 CDf6 14.c5 —
a very complicated position that’s prob­
ably a little more favorable for White.
9 ... e5
10.b5 e4!?
11.CDh2 ...
Inthe variation l l.b ce f1 2 .cb+ ♔ x b7
the king is naked! But a pin on the e-file
can’t be ruled out — 13.♗f1 fe 14♗Lxe2
♗ f3 15.♖ gl ♕ e 6 (against 1 6 .♔ f1), with
approximate equality.
8 ... ♕ e 8 !? 11... CDce7
We’ve already seen this idea in the As a result o f the typical zwischenzug
battles against Burmakin. The advance for the system (...e4) Black has success­
...e5 wasn’t necessary in such a sound fully stabilized the position in the cen­
shelter: 8...e5 9.b5 CDb8 10.de ♕ xb5 ter.
11.♕b3!? ♕ a 6 12.0-0 CDc6 13.e4 iLfl 12.a4 ♔ b8
14.a4 ♗ c5 15.ef CDxf6 16.e5 CDh5?! 13.♘ f1 ...
(16...CDd7 retained a playable position) An overture to an expansion o f the
17.♕ b5! !iLb6 18.♕xa6 ba 19.♔h2 ♗ g6 bridgehead on the kingside. A debatable
20.CDb3 !iLd3 21.CDbd4!? (it’s even better decision and not as natural a one as cas­
to sacrifice the exchange in the following tling with a subsequent pawn attack on
fashion: 21.a5! ♗ xf1 22.ab ♗ xg2 23.ba the queenside.
CDxg7 24.♔xg2, with an overwhelm­ 13... ♘ f5
ing advantage) 2 l ...♗ xd4 22.cd iLxfl 14.h4 ...
23.!iLxf1 ♖df8 24.♗ xa6+ ♔ d 7 25.♗ e2, After 14.g4 CDh4 15.CDe3 CDxg2+
with more than sufficient compensation 16.CDxg2 iLf1 the weakness o f the king­
for the material (Badea — Milliet, Saint side is palpable.
Affrique Open, 2003). Instead o f play­ 14... CDgh6
ing for an exchange o f queens 11.0-0 fe 15.!iLh3 ♗ g4
12.g4 ♗ e8 13.CDxe5 CDf6 is more natural The time has come to choose what
— White’s prospects are slightly better. set o f pieces to leave on the board. With
9.♘ b3 ... 15...CDg4 16.♗ xg4 ♗ xg4 17.CDe3 CDxe3
9.b5!? deserved attention. With the 18 .♗ xe3 the black bishops oppose bish­
position o f the knight on d2 it isn’t op and knight, but in the game bishop
favorable to retreat to a5: 9...CDa5?! and knight battle the white knights.
10.♕ a4 b6 11.CDb3 CDc4 12.♕xa7 ♕xb5 Later Black tries to open lines on the
13.♕ a8+ ♔ d 7 14.CDc5+! ♔ e 8 15.♕b7 kingside by exploiting the breaches in
CDd6 16.CDe6!? ♕ xe2+ 17.♔xe2 CDxb7 the enemy camp.
18.CDxd8 ♔xd8 19.!iLa3, with the ex­ 16♗Lxh6 CDxh6
change and a betterposition. The knight 17 .!iLxg4 CDxg4

219
Chapter X

18.e3 hS 2 5 ... de?!

19.CDa5 g5 After 25...h4 26.0-0-0 hg 27.fg ♕ g8
20.CDh2 ♘ x h2 28.c5 Hxhl 29J:txhl i .f 8 it’s getting
The difference in the position o f the better and better for Black. Returning
knights suggests rejecting a voluntary the knight to the game was careless at
exchange: 20… ♕ e6!? 2l.hg ♗ e7!? 22.gf minimum.
(22.g6 ♕ f5 23.♕ e2 ♕xg6) 22...CDxf6 26.♘ xc4 ♕ g8
23.♕ e2 h4 24.0-0-0 hg 25.fg ♖ h 3, with 27.0 -0-0 ...
a very strong initiative for the deficient In the case o f 27.b6!? cb 28.a5 h4
pawn. 29.ab a6 the black king still feels more
21.Hxh2 gh comfortable than its centralized coun­
22.Hxh4 fS terpart.
23.♕ b 3 Wa8 2 7 ... h4
Repels the transparent threat 28.gh Ilxh4
24.♘ c6+! 29.Hhgl Hg4?!
24.c4 iie 7 In the ritual time trouble I instinc­
25.H hl tively strove for simplifications, but
that’s the wrong strategy here. I should
have preferred 29 … ♕ e 6 , and then ha­
rassed the f2 pawn when possible.
30.Ilxg4 ♕xg4
31.CDe5 ...
Here 3 l...♕ g 2 32.Hd2 ♖h8 led to a
difficult but defendable position. After
the disappearance o f the queens, 3 1 ...
♕ g8? 32.♕xg8 Hxg8 Black has a bad
king and weak pawns — I didn’t manage
to save myself.

CONCLUSION:

There's no way that the system 3 … ♗ g4 4 .♗ g 2 # d 7 can be called incorrect! In

a meaty battle Black always finds plenty o f counter chances. Furthermore, with
opposite-s ide castling you get a worthy choice between playing in the center and a
f1ank onslaught. It’s a little more difficult to play against 5 x 4 , but even here with
accurate play Black maintains equal ity. The Chigorin has ne ver been the height
o f fashion, but it remains a challenging openi ng capable o f produc ing unusual
problems for the opponent to solve.

220
 Chapter 11

The English Opening

The variation l.c4 e5 2.tZ:lc3 k b 4 3.tZ:ld5 k a 5

Solid English players are difficult to surprise but even here we can suggest something
a little unusual as early as the second move.

1.c4 eS rupts Black’s plan. The bishop has to

2 .♘ c3 .ltb4 define itself.
3 ... ♗ a 5 !?
Breaking loose from the solid rank
o f 3 ..♗t.c 5 , 3 ...♗ d6, 3 ..♗t.e 7 and 3 ...
a5 . The bishop again provokes aggres­
sion against its person, this time from a
pawn.
4.b4 ...
Otherwise with the help o f ...c6 and
...d5 Black most likely seizes the center
with his pawns. Very timid play by White
enabled the creation o f the miniature
Bairaktari — Raetsky (Lucerne, 2003):
This bishop move is encountered 4.g3 c6 5.♘ c3 d5 6.cd cd 7..\tg2 ♘ f6
much less often than 2 ...♘ f6 and 2 ... 8.♘ f3 d4 9.♘ b1? (missing a chance
♘ c6. Black tries to deform his oppo­ to start complicated play by means o f
nent’s pawn structure with an exchange 9.b4! .ltxb4 10.%Va4+ ♘ c6 l l.♘ xe5 dc
on c3 — exa♘ y as in the analogous Ros- 12♗t.x c 6 + bc 13.%Vxb4 %Vd5 14.♘ f3)
solimo system from the Sicilian Defense: 9...e4 10.♘ g5 A f5 11.0-0 ( l l.%Vb3 %Vd7
l .e4 c5 2.♘ f 3 ♘ c6 3.♗ b5. 12.-Ci.♗xf7 %Vxf7 13.%Vb5+ C i.♗ fd7 14.%Vxa5
3.♘ d5 ... wins a pawn, but White’s position is
Unlike in the Sicilian, an unhin­ close to lost) l l...h6 12.%Va4+ C i.♗ c6 13.f4
dered centralization o f the knight dis­ %Vd7 14.g4 hg 15.gfgf 16.d3 f3! 17.efe3
Chapter XI

18.f4 e2 19♗t.x c6 e » + 20.♔ xf1 ♕ xc6, penetrated by his opponent — 10...Ci:lf5!

and resistance ceased. 11.Ci:l)xf5 ♕ f6 , with an advantage for
After 4.Ci:lf3 c6 5.Ci:lc3 d6 Black gets Black. Kaidanov recommended 8.♘ b5
an Indian structure with a dark-squared d5 9♗t.b 2 f6 10♗t.a 3 Ci:le7 1l.Ci:ld6+ ♔ f8
bishop that’s no longer hemmed in by 12.e3, with the initiative for the pawn.
its own pawns. In the case o f 5.Ci:le3 e4
6.Ci:ld4 ♘ f 6 7.g3 d5 8.cd the position in
the center stabilizes by various meth­
ods. In the game Romanishin — Hodg­
son (Moscow, 1987) there followed 8...
Ci:lxd5 9♗t.g 2 0-0 10.0-0 Ci:lf4! 11 ,gf(with
11.♘ xc6 Ci:lxc6 12.gfit.c7 13♗t.x e 4 it.xf4
White’s kingside has disintegrated and
the compensation for the pawn is obvi­
ous) 11… ♕ xd4 12.♕c2 ♖e8 13.Ci:lc4
it.c7 14.♕c3 ♕xc3 15.dc it.e6 16.Ci:le3
f5 17.♘ c2 c5 18.f3 ef 19♗t.x f3 t lc 6 ,
with a slight advantage for Black. In the In the ^ t i o n a l position that has arisen
variation 8...cd 9.b4! it.b6 10♗t.b 2 ^W te White has a pawn majority (three against
successfully blocks the center, but the in­ two) in the center and a space advantage.
terim attack 8 ..♗t.b 6 !? is o f indisputable The asymmetry with the bishop pair fa­
interest: 9.Ci:ldf5 0-0 10.dc Ci:lxc6 1 l♗t.g 2 vors White. His main plan is the advance
♖e8, with the idea o f 12.0-0?! ♖e5! d4 with an unpleasant dilemma for his op­
4 ... c6 ponent. Conceding the center with ...ed
The retreat 4 ..♗t.b 6 , which has enables very strong pressure on the a1-h8
hardly ever been encountered in prac­ diagonal, and after d4 d6 the exchange de,
tice, not only doesn’t lead to the loss o f de creates a defended passed pawn on d5.
a piece, but is even completely playable. Besides that, the weakness o f the d6 pawn
White has an insignificant advantage in is the source o f a headache. Black has to
a complicated position: 5.c5 c6 6.♘ e3 start reciprocal play based on his advan­
it.c7 7♗t.b 2 Ci:le7 8.Ci:lf3 f6 9.d4 or 5.a4 tage in development. Most often this is an
c6 6.Ci:lxb6 ab 7♗t.b 2 d6 8.g3 ♘ f 6 9♗t.g 2 activation on the kingside with the help of
0-0 10. ♘ f3 it.e6 11.d3. the undermining move ...f5.
5.ba cd In games 1 and 2 the move 6 ...♘ f6
6.cd ... was tested and in games 3-6 — the main
Against Kaidanov (Irkutsk, 1983) continuation 6… ♕ xa5.
after 6.♘ f3 e4 (6...d6?! 7 .♕ a4 + it.d7
8.♕ b4! is weaker for Black, with White 1. R. SOFFER - I. ^MANOR
coming down on the weak d6 pawn) Israel, 2000
7.♘ d 4 d c 8 .♕ a 4 ♘ e79.♘ b50-0 10.♘M6
Timoshchenko established a blockade, 1.c4 eS
which was unexpectedly and beautifully 2.CDc3 ♗ b4

222
 The English Opening

3.tt:Jd5 ♗ a5 7 ...0-0 8.tt:Jf3 ♖e8 9.e3 \jx a5 10.d6!?

4.b4 c6 tt:Je4 1 l ♗ d3 tt:Jxd6 12♗ a3 e4 13♗ xd6
S.ba cd ed 14.♖c1 tt:Jc6 15.♖c5, and Black
6.cd tt:Jf6 “jolted” — 15. ..♕ b4?? 16.♖e5! ♖xe5
17.11.xb4. Then again, after 15. ..\ja 6
16.0 -0 it’s impossible to negate White’s
initiative.
8.tt:Jf3 ...
The double attack 8.\jg3?! loses
time to the detriment o f development.
8 ...0-0 9.\jxe5 tlJc6 10.\jc3 \jxd5
11.11.b2 d6 12.e3 tt:Je5 (12. .♗ e6!?)
13.f4 tt:Je4 1 4 .\jc2 (Azmaiparashvili
— Eingorn, Riga, 1980) 14. ..tt:Jg4!?
15.11.c4 \ jc 6 16.tt:Jf3 ♗ e6 17♗ d3
tlJgf2 18.0-0 tt:Jxd3 19.\jxd3 is pos­
If he continues 6 ...♘ e7 without sible, with an unclear game. 10 ...\jx c3
shutting in the f-pawn, then White re­ 11.dc tt:Jxd5 is simpler: the weak white
strains his opponent in the center un­ pawns stand out, and the two bishops
impeded with 7.e4 0-0 8.d4!? f5 9.de fe don’t, for now.
10.\jd2! 8 ... d6
7 .\jb 3 ... Mter 8...e4?! 9.♘ g5 h6 10.\jc4!
Defending the pawn by means o f 0-0 11.♘ xe4 tt:Jxd5 12.tt:Jd6 (12♗ b2
7.\ ja 4 was encountered ingame 2. 7.e4!? \jb 4 !? ) 12 ...tt:Jb6 13.\jc3 \jx c3 14.dc
\jx a5 8.f3 leads to the main line, but, the white knight paralyzes the enemy
o f course, above all we should evaluate army. It’s better for Black to continue
7...tt:Jxe4. Mter 8.\jg4?! tt:Jf6 9.\jxg7 9...d6 10.f3 0-0 11.tt:Jxe4 tt:Jxe4 12.fe
♖g8 10.\jh6 ♖g6 11.\jh4 d6 White has tt:Ja6, with definite compensation for
ruined pawns and inactive pieces. O f the pawn thanks to his advantage in
course, he should destroy not the f1ank development. It’s worth sending the
pawn but the central one: 8 .\je 2 f5 9.f3 knight on a different route — 9.♘ d4!?
tt:Jf6 10.\jxe5+ ♔ f7 11.\jc3 ♖e8+ and tt:Jf5.
12.♔ f2 b6!? 13.♘ h3, with better pros­ 9♗ a3 tiJe4
pects. This rather awkward defense o f the
7 ... \ jx a5 weak pawn is essential. Exchanging off
If Black doesn’t rush with ...d6, then the d-pawns with a simultaneous ex­
the white pawn gets through to d6 when change o f queens is unsatisfactory: 9...
the opportunity arises. A seizure o f ter­ \jxd5?! 10.\jxd5 tlJxd5 l l ♗ xd6 e4
ritory and the initiative takes place even 12. ♘ d4ii.d7 13.f3ef14.gftlJc615.♘ xc6
after the fall o f the overreaching pawn. ♗ x c 6 16.♖g1 ♖d8 (16. ..0-0-0? 17♗ h3+
The “little tragedy” J. Kristiansen leads to losses) 17♗ c5 g6 18.♖c1 (L.
— Rausis (Ljungby, 1989) is instructive: Christiansen — Chekhov, Germany,

223
Chapter XI

1992). Black couldn’t do anything to changes in White’s favor. 12...♘ dc5

stop the central pawns supported by the 13.♕ b4 ♕ x b4 14.♗,x b 4 a6 15♗t.e 2
bishops. ,♗g 4 16.d4 ed 17.ed (distances the
10.e3 liJd7 knight from the superb spot at the price
Castling is less precise because o f o f spoiling the pawn chain) 17 ...♘ a4
1 l.Lid3 liJc5 12.♗,x c 5 , and after the 18.♖ fcl ♖fe8 19.♗,d 3 it.xf3 20.gf ♘ f6
forced capture with the queen the weak­ 21.♗, c 2 ♘ b6 22♗t.x d 6 ♘ c4 23.♗,x h 7 +
ness on d6 is tangible — 12… ♕ xc5 ♔xh7 24.♖xc4 ♖ad8 25.♗,c 7 ♖xd5
13.♗J g 5 h6 14.liJe4 ♕ c7 15.0-0. (Agrest — Adianto, Biel, 1997) is stron­
11.♗, b5 ... ger. The chain has been completely
White prevents the appearance o f a deformed, and despite being a pawn
knight on c5 with a tempo. Exchang­ up White doesn’t dare to even dream
ing queens has been tried, 1 l .♖c 1 about winning.
0-0 12.♕ b4 ♕ xb4 13.♗,x b 4 ♗ J b 6 14.d3 12.♗,x d 7 + ,x d 7
♗
liJxd5 15.♗,a 3 . Black gets reciprocal play 13.♕ xb7?! ...
with various knight retreats. 15...♗ J e c 3 !? It was worth completing his develop­
(Eliseev — Chepukaitis, St. Petersburg, ment, postponing the elimination o f the
2001) 16.♗,x d 6 ♖d8 17 .♗ ,x e 5 liJxa2 pawn to the future: 13.0-0 ♖c8 14.♖ac1
18.♖c4 b6 isn’t bad. Against Kramnik 0-0 15.d3 ♘ c3 1 6 .♔ h1 ♗ , a 4 17.♕xb7
(Kherson, 1991) Kharlov chose 15. .. or 15 ...♘ c5 16♗t.x c 5 ♖xc5 17.♕xb7.
♘ c5 16.♘ xe5 (16.♗,x c 5 dc 17.♖xc5 13... Hc8
, e 6 18.e4 ♘ f4 19.♘ xe5 f6!? 20.♘ c4
♗ After 13 ...0-0 14.♗ ,x d 6 liJxd6
♖ ac8 21.♖xc8 ♖xc8 22.♔ d 2 ♘ xd3! 15.♕xd7 ♕xd5 16.0-0 ♖fd8 17.♕ a4
23.♗ ,x d 3 ♗, x c 4 is preferable, although ^Wh_ite should consolidate, although
this is almost certainly a draw) 16...de definite compensation for the loss is at
17.♗,x c 5 ♖d8 18♗t.e 2 b6 19.♗,a 3 ♗ ,a 6 , hand.
gradually outplaying his opponent. 14.♕ b3 ...
In the variation 14.♗ , b 4 ♕ a4
15.0 -0 0-0 16.♖fb1 ♖b8 17.♕ a7 ♗ ,f 5
18.d3 ♖xb4 19.♖xb4 ♕ xb4 20.de ♕xe4
21.♕ xa6 ♕xd5 Black won the pawn
back and was positioned more actively.
14... , b5
♗
Castling doesn’t necessarily have to
be prevented — with 14...0-0 15.0-0 ♖b8
16.♕d3 f5 17.♖fb1 ♖fc8 the black piec­
es are fantastic.
15.♗,b 4 ♕ b6
16.♖ b1 ♘ c5
11... a6 Manor missed the interesting tactical
After 11.. .0-0 12.0 -0 ♘ df6 13.d3 opportunity 16 ...0-0 17.d3 (before ♖b1
♘ c5 14♗t.x c 5 dc the pawn structure this didn’t work because o f ...♗ ,x d 3 ) 17...

224
 The English Opening

t♗a 4 ! 18.♕ a3 (18.♕ xa4?! CDc3 19.♕ ib 3

CDxbl 20.♔ e2 a5) 18...CDc3 19.♖b2
CDb5! 20.♗ td 2 ♗
t c 2 ! , with better chances
in a very complicated position.
17.♗t x c5 ♕ xc5
18.d4 ...
After 18.d3 0-0 castling immedi­
ately isn’t favorable for White due to
19 ...e4!, but if the bishop is kicked away
first the goal is achievable — 19.a4 t♗d 7
20.0-0 ♕ a5 2 1 .S fc l ♕ x a4 22.♕ ix a 4
t x a 4 23.d4 f6 24.de fe 25.CDd2, with a
♗
more pleasant endgame. Black has spared the a5 pawn, and
18... i♕c 7 the desire to defend it is natural. The
19.de ♕
i a5 + demise o f the central pawn doesn’t
20.CDd2 de have to be taken into account, as White
21.a4 td 7
♗ wins it back with the e5 pawn, block­
22.♕ a3 ♕ xdS ing his opponent’s camp and eliminat­
23.e4?! ... ing his counterplay: 7...CDxd5?! 8 .♕ e4
Haste. Correct is 23.f3 f5 (against CDe7 9.♕ i x e 5 0-0 10.♗ t b 2 f6 11.♕ d 6
24.CDe4) 24.e4 ♕ d 4 25.ef ♗ t x f 5 26.♖b7. CDbc6 12.e3 (12.♗ t c 3 doesn’t give up
The kings feel equally uncomfortable. a pawn, but Black didn’t consider its
2 3 ... ♕ d4 elimination a relief) 12 ...♔ h 8 13.CDf3
24.♖b4 ♕ d6 CDf5 14.♕ i f 4 CDfe7 15.a6 b5 16 .♗ t d 3 d5
25.♕ b 2 0-0 17.0 -0 (Slobodjan — Bluvshtein, H a­
26.0-0 ... vana, 2004).
It’s amusing that the players have 7 ... 0-0
only now got around to castling. After 8.e4 d6
2 6 ...a5 27.♖ c4 ♗ t e 6 28.♖xc8 ♖xc8 a 9..1.a3 ...
clear advantage for Black made itself Immediately taking the Achilles heel
felt. in his sights. Mobilizing the kingside also
holds onto an insignificant advantage:
2. L. GOFSHTEIN - A. VTOESLAVER 9.d3 CDa6 10.♗ t e 2 CDd7 1 l.CDf3 f5 12.ef
Tel Aviv, 2002 CDdc5 13.♕ ia 3 ♗ t x f 5 14.0-0 CDc7 (14. ..
t g 4 is more solid, as now 15.CDxe5!?
♗
1.c4 eS CDxd5 16.♗ tf3 ♗ t e 6 17.d4 led to a no­
2.CDc3 tb 4
♗ ticeable advantage in the center) 15.d4
3.CDd5 t♗ a5 ed 16.CDxd4 ♗ t e 4 17.CDe6 CD7xe6
4.b4 c6 18.de ♕ f6 19 .♗ t b 2 ♕xe6 20.♕g3 ♕g6
S.ba cd 21.♖ fdl ♕xg3 22.hg (Hauchard — Cha-
6.cd CDf6 banon, Toulouse, 1995).
7.♕ a4 ... 9 ... tle 8

225
Chapter XI

9 ...♘ a6 10♗t.x a6 ba creates an amus­ 21.♕ e3 is unquestionably in White’s fa­

ing column on the outside file. 11.♕b4 vor, but now in the analogous variation
♘ e8 12.♘ f3 f6 13.0-0 it.g4 (with the the f1 rook is hanging.
idea o f smashing the pawns) doesn’t give 17... ♖b8
White anythmg substantial. After 11.♘ e2 18.♕ c2 ♖b4
Black doesn’t letthe queen go to b4 at all 19.d3 ♕ b6
— 11..♗:b 8 12.0-0 it.d7 13.♕c2 tile8 20.0 -0 ♖b2
14.Hab1 S c 8 15.♘ c3 ♕ xa5 16♗t.b 4 2 l.♕ c 1 ♖xa2
♕ d 8 , planning ...f5 with counterplay. 22.♘ d2 ♕ b4
10.♗ .b 5 ... 23.♘ c4 ...
10.d4 is the ideal advance in prin­
ciple, but with an undeveloped kingside
it’s premature. Black achieves wonder­
ful play: 10. .♗t.d 7 11.♕ b 4 ed 12.♕xb7
. c 8 ! 13.♕ b4 (13.♕xa8?? ♕ x a5+
♗
14.♔d1 tilc7) 13 ...♘ a6 14.♕d2 f5.
10... tild7
The logical consequence o f9 ...♘ e8 is
an f-pawn dash: 10...f5!? 11.♗ . x e 8 ♖xe8
12♗t.x d 6 fe 13.♘ e2 tilc6! 14.dc ♕xd6
15.♖c1. White is still a little better.
11.S c l tile5!?
Wideslawer gives up a second pawn The pawns are now equal, but the
to bring at least some dynamics to the doubled passed pawns aren’t equivalent
position. 11...♘ df6 12.♘ e2 a6 13♗t.xe8 in strength to the defended passed d5
tilxe8 14.0-0 it.d7 15.♕ b4 it.b5 16.♖fe1 pawn. It’s difficult to believe that seven
preserved the extra pawn for White in a moves later White concludes the battle
quiet situation. with a mating attack. The prelude was
12.♗ .x c 5 de an invasion on the c-file, so 23 … ♖c8
13.♗ .x e 8 ♖xe8 was the strongest here.
14.♖xc5 ♗ d7 2 3 ... .b 5
♗
15.♕ b3 b6 24.♘ e3 a4
16.♖c3 ... 25.♖ c8 a3
Gofshtein was probably right to give This pawn march is late; it was nec­
up the insignificant pawn so as not to essary to bring the queen into the de­
open a file for the black rook. But bring­ fense — 25… ♕ f8 (with less success — on
ing it back to the first rank is technically the next move).
better. 26.♘ f5 g6
16... ba 27.H c7! ...
17.♘ t3 ... This change o f front (from the eighth
Carelessness again; 17.♘ e2 ♖b8 rank to the seventh) is decisive. The
18.♕ c2 ♖ b4 19.0-0 it.a4 20.♕ d3 it.b5 knight can’t be taken due to 28.♕ g5+

226
 The English Opening

♔ f8 29. 'l f 6 , and in the game there was 13.♖b1 0-0 14.♖ t b 5 'l a 6 15.0-0 B ac8,
27 .. .♖ f8 2 8 .% 5 'l b 2 29.♘ h6+ ♔ g7 and Black is close to equalizing (D.
30.CZlg4. Horvath — Sherzer, Brno, 1993).
8.♗ d3 ...
3. J . LAUTIER - V. KOTRONIAS White is trying to get by without f3,
Halkidiki, 1992 which exposes the dark squares. Af­
ter 8♗,c 4 the response 8...CZlxe4? loses
l.c4 e5 because o f 9.♕ g4 CZld6 10.♕xg7 ♖f8
2.CZl c3 ♗ b4 1 l.'lx e 5 + , but 8 ...0-0 forces him to de­
3.♘ d5 ♗ a5 fend the pawn. Meanwhile, the defense
4.b4 c6 9 .♕ e2 probably doesn’t promise an ad­
S.ba cd vantage due to 9...b5! 10♗,x b 5 CZlxe4
6.cd 'l!ixa5 11.'l!ixe4 'l!ixb5.
7.e4 ... 8 ... ♘ a6
Against I. Ivanov (New York, 1990)
Rohde attacked on the kingside without
the slightest success: 8...d6 9.♘ e2 0-0
10.0-0 ♘ h5?! 11.♗ c2 f5 12.d4! (timely!)
12...f4 13.de de 14.♘ d4! ♘ f6 (14. ..ed?!
15.1lixh5 'l c 3 16.♗ b3 ♕ xa1? 17.♗ a3
'l!ic3 18.♗ xf8 ♔ xf8 19.d6 and wins)
15.♘ b3 'l a 6 16♗,d 3 'l!ia4 17.♗ b2
♘ bd7 18.♕e2 f3!? (frees a wondernil
blocking square for the knight, but that
isn’t enough either) 19.gf ♘ h5 20.♔h1
CZlf4 21.♕ d2 b 6 2 2 .♖ t fclCZlxd3 23.♕ xd3
The tabiya o f the system 3 ...♗ a5. ♗ a6 24.♕ e3, with a full extra pawn. Op­
7 ... CZlf6 erations on the queenside aren’t without
Immediately undermining the center defects either. After 10. ..♘ bd7 11♗,c 2
with 7...f5 isn’t so easy to refute. 8.♗ b2 b6 12.d3 ♗ b7 13.♗ d2 ♕ c5 14.♖c1 the
d6 9.♗ c3 'l!id8 10.f4 CZld7 is presum­ queen feels uncomfortable, and in the
ably in White’s favor, but the position is variation 11… b5 12.Ci.♗g3 ♗ , a 6 13.CZlf5
unclear. More promising are 8.ef 'lx d 5 g6 14.♘ e7+ (14.♘ xd6?♕ b4!) 14...♔g7
9 .'lh 5 + ' l f1 10. ' l x f1+ ♔xf7 11.♗ c4+ 15.d4 and C i.♗ c6 the “circumnavigation”
or 8...CZlf6 9.d6!? (the creation o f the confirms the knight on a weak square in
solid central duet d6/e5 is postponed) the enemy camp.
9 ...0-0 10.'1!ib3+ ♔ h 8 11.'lb 5 !? 'l!ixb5 9.f3 d6
12.♗ xb5. Preparing ...f5 with the help o f 10.♗ b2 CZlc5
7...d6 looks more solid: 8.CZle2 f5 9.CZlc3 11.♗ c2 ♗ d7
CDf6 10.♗ b5+ ♗ d7 11.Axd7+ CZlbxd7 12.a4! ...
12.ef CZlb6 (12. ..b5!? 13.0-0 b4 14.CZle2 After the exchange ofqueens 12♗t.c 3
'lx d 5 15.d4, with approximate equality) ♕ a 3 13.♘ e2 ♗ b5 1 4 .♕ c1 ♕xc1

227
Chapter XI

15.♖xc1 ♗ , d 3 White’s advantage evapo­ constrained position with three pawn is­
rates. Lautier constrains his opponent lands against two Black faces a difficult
even more... battle for a draw
12... 0-0 17... tZ:le8
13.tZ:le2 ... Kotronias plans ... f5, which his op­
...but is powerless to neutralize all his ponent deters. This isn’t obligatory,
active possibilities. Now the trick 13... as 18.♖e1 f5 19.e5 de 20.♗ , x e 5 tZ:lf6
, x a 4 !? 14. ♖xa4 tZ:lxa4 15.♗
♗ , x a 4 b5 of­ 2 1 .\ig l is favorable for White.
fered reciprocal chances on the queen­ 18.g4 tZ:lc7
side. With 13.♗ ,c 3 V / c 7 14. tZ:le2 Black
♗ 19.g5 b5!?
has other counterplay — 14… b5 15.ab Black has brought his reserve plan to
, x b 5 16.♗
♗ ,a 5 ♗/Ve 7 . life. On the queen’s wing he’ll achieve
13... Sac8 definite progress: 20.ab V ♕ b6 2l.tZ:lc3
14.11,c3 /V
♗a 6 tZ:lxb5 22.tZ:lxb5 ,♗x b 5 .
15.d4 ed 20.tZ:lf4 b4?!
16.11,xd4 ... It’s more difficult for White to prove
his advantage in the case o f 20 ...ba
2l.tZ:lh5 tZ:le8.
21.V♕ d2! ...
Now winning a pawn costs you a
piece — 2l...tZ:lxa4? 22.V♕ d l! Subse­
quently Lautier prevailed in play against
the king: 21...V♗ / b 6 22.a5 V ♕ b5 23.♖hb1
b3 24.♗ , d 1 ♘ 7a6 25.♗ ,e 2 V ♕ b7 26.tt:Jh5
, g 4 !? 27.tZ:lxg7, with a triumph on the
♗
39th move.

4. V. T U ^ ^ O V - A. RAETSKY
16... /V
♗a 5 + Lausanne, 2005
The French player has successfully
carried out his planned advance, and 1.c4 e5
Black is already in trouble. 16. ..♖ fe8 2.tZ:lc3 ,♗b 4
1 7 .♕ d 2 tZ:lxa4?! is unfavorable because 3.tZ:ld5 ,a 5
♗
o f 18.0 -0 b5 1 9 .S fb 1 , with very strong 4.b4 c6
pressure on the queenside. The tempt­ S.ba cd
ing action on the kingside 18.♗ ,x f 6 ? ! 6.cd /x a5
♗
V
g f 19.tZ:lg3 doesn’t achieve its aim be­ 7.e4 tZ:lf6
cau se o f the unexpected retort 19... 8.f3 ...
Se5! This is played far more often than
1 7 .'it2 ... 8.♗
, d 3 , although even by the next move
It was worth thinking about 17.V♕ d2 it’s possible to cast doubt on the gener­
V
♕ xd2+ 18.♔xd2 ♖c7 19.♖hbl. In a ally-accepted move.

228
 The English Opening

tice the zesty refutation) 17...ed 18.♕xd4

♗ g2! 19.♖f1 (19.♖g1? ♘ d3+!) 19 ...:ilxfl
20.♔xf1, and no full compensation for
the exchange is visible.
9. ♔ f2 !? ...
A home-made dish. Tukmakov is
trying to carry out the general idea d4
without delay. It isn’t that easy to exploit
the insecure position o f the white king.
Games 5 and 6 are dedicated to the
continuation 9.®e2. The move 9.♕ b3 has
also been used, to support a bishop move
8 ... 0-0 out to a3. But rejecting the main plan with
8 ...d6 doesn’t usually have indepen­d4 doesn’t promise much: 9...d6 I0.:ila3
dent significance. 8...® a6!? deserves at­ ®e8 1l.® e2 f5 12.®c3 ♕ d8 13.ef (or
tention, to occupy the ideal spot on c5 13.,ilb5 ®d7 14.ef a6 15.:ilxd7 :ilxd7
with the knight as quickly as possible. 16.g4g6, with clear counterplay) 13. ..:ilxf5
On 9.:ilb2 Black has the curious tactic 14.♕xb7 ®d7 15.♕a6 ® b6 16.♕a5?!
9 ...0-0 I0.:ilxe5 ®xd5 1 1.♖b1 ® e3! (16.♖l c 1 is better, with the queen not leav­
12.:ilc3 ♕ c 7 13.de ♕ x c3 + 14.♔ f2 ® c5, ing the a6-f1 diagonal) 16...♕ h 4 17.g3
with tangled play. Enterprising play on ♕ h 5 18.:ile2 :ild3! 19.0-0 ® c4 20.♕b4
the kingside brought Black wonderful a5 2 l.♕ b 7 :ilxe2 22.®xe2 ®xd2 23.♖f2
play in the encounter K. Hansen — Sosa ti:lxf3+ 24.♔h1 ® f6, with a quick win
(Istanbul, 2000): 9.® e2 ® c5 (count­ (Donchenko — Najer, Moscow, 1996).
ing on 10 ...® d3# !) I0.® c3 0-0 11.a4 9 ... d6
a6 12.:ila3 d6 13.:ile2 ® h5!? 14.0-0 10.d4 ®bd7
ti:lf4 15.\t>h1 f5 16.:ilc4 fe (16. ..:ild7!?) Besides this, I thought about the
17.®xe4 ®xe4 18.fe ♕ c 7 19.d3 h5 piece sacrifice 10 ...® xe4!? 1 l.fe f5,
20.♖ b1 b5 2 l.:ilb3 :ilg4 22.♕ d2 ♕ e 7. but I considered it insufficient. Indeed,
If 11.:ilb2 (instead o f 11.a4) 11...d6 there aren’t enough resources for an at­
12.®b5, then the queen has to retreat tack: 12.®e2 fe+ 13.\t>g1 :ilg4 14.:ilb2
to b6, and 13.d4 ®cxe4! 14.fe a6 15.de ® d7 15.h3 (before exchanging on e5 a
de 16♗ xe5 ab exposes the white king. bolt hole has to be opened for the king;
In a game with Schlosser (Cappelle-la- 15.de? :ilxe2!) 15. ..:ilh5 16.de ®xe5
Grande, 2003) I returned the queen to its 17.:ilxe5 de 18.d6.
initial position, and in the variation 12. .. 11.:ilb2 ...
♕ d8 13.d4 ed 14.♕xd4 a6 15.®c3 ♖ le 8 11.♕ d2 or 11.tZ:l e2 are more circum­
16♗ e2 the battery on the long diagonal spect. Now a very promising opportu­
is no joking matter. The German Grand­ nity arose, 11...® h5!? 12.®e2 f5! 13.ef
master blundered: 13♗ e2 a6 14.®c3 e4!! (the key move!) 14.g4 (14.fe ti:ldf6
®h5 15.g3 ♕ b 6 16.1b1 :ilh3 17.d4?! 15.®c3? ®xe4! 16.®xe4 :ilf5) 14...ef
(splitting up the pawns, White didn’t no­ 15.® c3 ®hf6 16.h3 ® b6 or even 15...

229
Chapter XI

LLle5! 16.de ♗ x f5. If Blackhas sufficient defines White’s clear advantage. Black
counterplay then it’s only in the vicinity is facing a thankless defense. Failing to
o f the white king’s residence. Unfortu­ exploit a saving chance at one point, he
nately I didn’t find it and turned my at­ admitted his defeat on the 48thmove.
tention to the queenside.
11... ♖e8 5. S .AGDESTEIN - T. B ^
12.LLle2 b5 Oslo, 2006
13.a4! b4
14.♘ c l ! ... l.c4 e5
2 .♘ c3 iib 4
3 .♘ d5 i ia 5
4.b4 c6
5.ba cd
6.cd ♕ x a5
7.e4 LLlf6
8.f3 0-0
9 .♘ e2 d6

14... A a6
After this, with the help o f 16.a5,
Tukmakov turns the screw even tighter.
Meanwhile, 14 ..♗ b7!? 15.♘ b3 ♕ d8
16.a5?! LLlxe4! 17.fe ♕ h 4 + is probably
favorable for Black, and White has to
reconcile himself with the generally-re­
inforcing ...a5. The move 15.♗ b5 pre­
serves his advantage, with a subsequent 10.♘ c3 ...
exchange ofbishop for knight. Opens up the bishop and at the same
15.♘ b3 ♕ b6 time sends the knight to b5 with the aim
16.a5 ♕ b7 o f putting pressure on d6. 10♗ b2 was
1 7 .♖ cl ♖ ac8 encountered in game 6.
18♗ xa6 ♕ x a6 The advance 10.a4 restricts the enemy
19.♕ e2 ♕ b7 queen and provides an outlet for the bish­
20.de de op to a3 thanks to an attack on that same
21.♖xc8 ♖xc8 chronic weakness on d6. With counter­
2 2 .♖ c l LLle8 play on the kingside Psakhis equalized
23.a6! ♕ b8 his chances against IUescas (Novi Sad,
The powerful defended passed pawn 1990): 10 ...♘ a6 11.♘ c3 LLlc5 12♗,a 3
on d5 together with the weakness on e5 ♘ h5 13♗ c4 iid 7 14.♕ b1 f5 15.0-0

230
 The English Opening

(progress on the queenside meets with a tila6 13.♖b1 (in the case o f 13.Si,a3
reaction on the kingside — l5.Si,b5 Si,xb5 Si,d7 the minor pieces are hanging, but
16.♕xb5 ♕ d8!? 17.Si,xc5 dc 18.♕xc5 it.a3 is on the agenda now) 13. . ♗t.d 7
fe 19.♘ xe4 tilf4) 15 ...fe 16.fe ♖xf1+ 14.♘ xd6! Si,a4 15.♘ xb7 it.xc2 16.♘ xa5
17.51,xf1 ♖f8 18.Si,b5 ♕ c7 19.Si,xd7 Si,xbl 17.Si,xa6, with a colossal advan­
tilxd7 20.♕ b4 tilc5, and a draw was es­ tage. Black’s chances are only on the
tablished in an equal position. kingside. In the example variation 11...
Lautier successfully played the stan­ ♕ d 8 12.Si,a3 ♕ h 4 + 13.♔ e2 tilf4+
dard d4 in an encounter with Torre 14.♔ e3f5! 15.g3♕h6 16.gffe 17.fe♖xf4
(Manila, 1992): 10.<tilg3 Si,d7 l l ♗,b 2 18.♔d3 ♖xe4!? accepting the rook sac­
♖ c 8 (with the idea o f 12..♗t.a 4 , which rifice guarantees him perpetual check.
was neutralized on the next move) 12.a4 11... fS
tila6 13♗t.e 2 ? ! tilc5?! 14.Si,c3 ♕ d8 12.ef Si.xf5
15.a5 h5 16.h4 b6 17.♖a3 ba 18.Si,xa5 13.♕ b3 ...
♕e8 19.0-0 ♖ab8 20.Si,c3 tila4 2 l ♗t . a1 In the main line 13.g4 ♕ d 8 14.♕b3
♖ b4 22.d4. There was a serious obstacle ♕ h 4 + 1 5 .♔ d1 tilg3 16.gf tilxh1
on the path to prosperity: 13. ..♖ c7!? 17.♕xb7 White’s chances are probably
14.51,c3 ♖ xc3! l5.dc ♕ x c3 + 16.♔f2 preferable, but I don’t think I’ll try and
♕ c 5 + 1 7 .♔ f1 tilb4, with more than prove that — it’s all too confused. An im­
sufficient compensation for the ex­ mediate queen move out doesn’t force
change. He should have prepared d4 Black to make weighty sacrifices.
with the help o f l3.Si,xa6 ba 14♗t.c 3 13... tilf6
♕ b 6 15.♘ e2. 14.A a3 e4!
10... tilh5!? 15.51,xd6 ...
On the prophylactic 10...a6 it’s The position with 15.f4 has a more
useful to offer an exchange o f queens closed character. Then there follows 15. ..
— 11.♕ a4!? If the offer is accepted, a e3! l6.de ♖e8 17.♕ b4 ♕ xb4 l8.Si,xb4
better ending for White comes about tilbd7 19.♔d2 ♖ ac8, with comiortable
— 11… ♕ x a4 12.<tilxa4 tilbd7 13.Si,a3 b5 play.
14.♘ c3 tilc5 15♗t.b 4 ! tile8 16.a4! tilxa4 15... tre8
17.♘ xa4 ba 18.♖xa4. In the Rapid 16.51,b5 tilbd7
game M. Gurevich — Adianto (Batumi,
2001) Black declined the exchange and
couldn’t prevent d 4 - 11… ♕ d 8 12.Si,e2
tilbd7 l3.d4 b5 14.♕ b4 a5 15.♕ b2 b4
16. ♘ d1 ed 17 .♕ xd4 Si,a6 18.Si,xa6 Bxa6
19.♘ e3 tilc5 20.♘ f5 ♖e8 21.0-0 tilcd7
22.51,e3, with a clear advantage.
11.g3 ...
11.♘ b5 is more logical, and the de­
fense o f the pawn by the rook is unques­
tionably insufficient: 11… ♖d8 12.♕ c2

231
Chapter XI

17.0 -0-0 ... S.ba cd

The king can’t go off to its own 6.cd iVa5
f1ank because o f 17..♗¥ b6+ , but with a 7.e4 ♘ f6
preliminary exchange on d7 the choice 8.f3 0-0
o f castling short is sounder: 17.,txd7 9.♘ e2 d6
,txd7 18.0-0 ,th 3 19.♖f2 e3 20.de ♖xe3 1 0 .,tb2 ...
2 l ♗¥ b4 ♕ x b 4 22.,txb4 a5 23Lld1 ♖d3
24.,td2 ♖xd5, with approximate equal­
ity.
17... ef
1 8 ..tc 7 ...
Ifhe removes the passed pawn White
risks being left the exchange down
- 18.♖hf1 ♖ ac8 19.♖xf3 ,tg 4 20.♖xf6
,txd1 21.♔xd1 ♘ x f6 22.,txe8 ♘ x e8
2 3 .,te7 i¥b6 24♗¥xb6 ab.
18... b6
19.d6+ ♔ f8
20♗¥ a4 ... To kick the queen o ff a5 and quickly
The Grandmaster doesn’t want to undertake d4.
play the unpredictable middlegame 10... tla 6
any more (20.♖df1 t l c 5 2 l.♕ b 2 ♖e4!? 11.♘ g3 ...
G 2.

and forces White doesn’t advance d4 as enthusi­

×
2

e4

x
4)
e4

change ofqueens. astically here. Against A Ivanov (London,

20... ♕ x a4 1994) Bogdan Lalic continued 1 l.,tc 3
21.♘ xa4 ,te 4 i¥a3 12.d4 tld 7 (12...ed 13.,txd4 tlc 5
22.♘ c3 ,tb 7 14.♘ g3 ,td 7 15.,te2 i¥a5+ 16♗ ¥ d2
23.♖ hfl a6 ♕xd217.♔xd2, with afavorable exchange
24.,txd7 ♘ x d7 o f queens, as in the game) 13♗¥xb3 i¥xb3
The passions have abated. White 14.ab 15.ef tlc 7 16.de ♘ x e5 17.,txe5
doesn’t even have a shadow o f an advan­ de 18.♘ g3 tle 8 (Lalic demonstrates a
tage, and in his obstinate search for one win for White after 18 ...,txf5? 19.d6 tle 8
Agdestein killed the game with a crude 2 0 .,tc4 + ♔h8 21.♘ xf5 ♖xf5 22.d7 tld 6
blunder. 23.♖xa7! ♖d8 24.,te6) 19.,tc4 tld 6
20.♘ e4 ♘ x c4 2l.bc ,tx ß 22.♘ d6 b6
6. A. KOSTEN - A. RAETSKY 23.0-0, and won in the end.
Sautron, 2004 A retreat home by the queen doesn’t
change the evaluation o f the posi­
l.c4 eS tion: 11..♗¥d8 12.d4 ed 13.♘ xd4 tlc 5
2. ♘ c3 ,tb 4 14.,te2 ,td 7 15.0-0 ♖c8 16.♖ c1 t l a 4
3.♘ d5 , t a5 1 7 .,ta l i¥a5 18.♘ b3 i¥b4 19♗¥ d4
4.b4 c6 ♕ xd 4 20.,txd4 b6 2 1 .,ta 6 ♖xc1

232
 The English Opening

22.♖xc l , with an advantage (Ermenkov Now the duel goes into a sphere o f
— Simanjuntak, Halkidiki, 2007). Black incalculable complications. The alter­
accidentally got the tactical opportu­ native is 18...ed 19.♗ xd4 h4 20.♘h1
nity 13… ♘ xe4!? 14.fe ♕ h 4 + 15.♔d2 lih 3 21.♖f2 iid 7 , asking White to prove
Clc5 (with foggy complications), but that the knight has a future.
13.♕ xd4 prevented it. 19.♔h1 Cla4!
11... ♕ d8 2 0 .lib 4 Clc3!
12.♗ c3 CZlcS In for a penny, in for a pound! 20...
13.a4 ♗ d7 ♕xd4? doesn’t work because of21.♖ xa4
14.a5 ... 'iYxd1 22.♗xd1 S c 4 23.♗ b3 ♖ d4
In the variation 14.d4 ed 15.lixd4 24.♘ e2 ♖d3 25.♖ a3.
♕ a 5 + 16.♔ f2 a6 17♗t e 2 S fc 8 Black 21.l':rxc3 ...
latched onto the a4 pawn and stayed There was still the possibility o f qui­
af1oat. The target has moved, but the eting the position with 21.♕ d3 ♕xd3
rook takes the bishop in its sights and 22.♗ xd3 ed 23.lixc3 dc 24.♘ xh5 f5
thereby prevents d4. 25.♘ g3 — White’s chances here are a
14... ♖ c8 little better.
15♗t e 2 Cle8 2 1 ... ♖xc3
15 ...h5 deserved attention, to pro­ 22.de h4!
voke h4. And then White may have to 23.e6!? ...
think twice before castling. This pawn breakthrough is best with
16.0 -0 ♕ g5 precisely this move-order. The posi­
Again not allowing d4 (17...♕ e3+). tion with pronounced asymmetry after
The variation 17.lib2 h5 18.d4 ed 19.f4 23.♗ xc3 ♕ xc3 24.e6 fe 25.de lix e6
♕ h 6 20.♘ xh5 d3 2 l .♗ g4 f5 22.ef lixf5 26.♘ f5 ♕ x a5 27.♘ xh4 isn’t conducive
is completely unclear, and Kosten de­ to precise evaluation. O f the two knight
fends the bishop with the rook. retreats 23.♘ f5 lix f5 24.ef ♕ xe5 de­
17. ♖ a3 h5 forms the structure, and 23.♘ h5 de
18.d4... 2 4 .S e l h3 25. .♗ xc3 ♕ xc3 26.♕ a1 hg+
27.♔xg2 ♕xa1 28.l':rxal f6 and ...♘ d6
can lead to a blockade and a likely
draw.
2 3 ... fe
24.de lix e6
25.♘ f5 lix f5
26♗t x c 3 ...
The complicated variation 26.ef1':rc6
27♗t c 4 + ♔ h 8 2 8 .♖ e1 ♕ f4 29.♖e4
♕ xe4 30.fe ♖xc4 doesn’t disturb the ap­
proximate equality.
2 6 ... ♕ x c3
18... ♕e3+⁉ 27 .♕ d 5 + ...

233
Chapter XI

This interim check seems to weigh ♖ xf1 + 3 5 .♕ x f1 ♕ x a 5 . The white pawns

the scales in White’s favor. But the sub­ are shattered, and only the not entirely
sequent course o f the game doesn’t con­ solid position o f the black king prompt­
firm that theory: 27 … ♔ h 7 28.ef ♘ f 6! ed Kosten to look for practical chances.
29.♕ x d 6 S e 8 3 0 .♕ d 3 ♕ b 2 3 1 ,Ä d l On the 52"ct move the game concluded a
h3!? 32.gh ♕ b 4 3 3 ♗ b3 ♖ e1 3 4 ♗ t7 peacefully.

CONCLUSION:

We've proved to ourselves that despite enjoying an abundance o f tactical chanc­

es. the continuation 3... ♗ a5 lacks a sound strategic basis. You shouldn't use this
rather dubious system all the time. Nevertheless, it’.s good against player.s who
neglect opening theory, and also in Rapid and Blitz to urnaments. 3… ♗ a5 is prob­
ably capable o f puzzling even strong opening experts if the element o f surprise
works.

234
Professi onal grandmasters study the latest wrinkles of the ir favorite openings.
They have ti m e to think about innovations in the Sicilian Najdorf, the Marshall
Attac k, or the Semi-Slav. It's part of their job. But club players can rarely afford
such luxury, and an excellent way for them to beat their busy schedules is to play
good, solid opening lines that happen to be out of style.
GM Raetsky and IA/1 Chetverik have turned their backs on current fashion and
have delved deep into the wardrobe of chess openings. These two opening
specialists have selected eleven unusual variations to help readers refresh their
repertoires.
Using key illustrative games (many previously unpublished), the authors present a
host of surprising and accessible opening ideas. Never refuted, these openings
have numbered Wo rl d Champions among their victims.
Will your opponents really be so well prepared for the Albin Countergambit? Can
they f ind their way against the tricky St. George Defense? Just how comfortab le
will fans of the Ruy Lopez feel when they have to think for themselves on their
fourth move? Setting fashions can be a lot more fun than merely following them!

Grandmaster Alexander Raetsky and International Master Maxim Chetverik

have collaborated on numerous opening books. Their previous works have
featured excellent , clear explanations of the ideas behind the chess openings,
and have given them a worldwide reputation as top authors.

MONGOOSl

ISBN 978-1-936277-26-1
$24.95
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^ ^ ® 9 781936 277261 >