The Modernized Queen's

Gambit Declined

A Dynamic Repertoire
for Black

Luis Rodi

Thinkers Publishing 2024

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Managing Editor: Adrien Demuth

Assistant Editor: Daniel Vanheirzeele

Proofreading: Kai Tan

Software: Hub van de Laar

Cover Design: lwan Kerkhof

Graphic Artist: Philippe Tonnard

ISBN: 9789464201970
D/2023/13732/27

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a re­
trieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written
permission from the publisher.

All sales or enquiries should be directed to Thinkers Publishing, 9850

Landegem, Belgium.

Email: [email protected]
Website: www.thinkerspublishing.com

First edition 2024 by Thinkers Publishing

Copyright © 2024 Luis Rodi
 Table of Contents

Title page
Key to Symbols
Bibliography
Foreword
Introduction

Chapter 1 – The Exchange Variation

Variations a-i
Variation j, Selected Games
Chapter 2 – The Cambridge Springs
Variations a-h
Variation i, Selected Games
Chapter 3 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4!?
Chapter 4 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7
Variations a-f
Variations g-h, Selected Games
Chapter 5 – The Vienna Variation
Variations a-g
Variations h-i, Selected Games
Chapter 6 – 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4
Chapter 7 – The Catalan Opening
Variations a-k
Variation l, Selected Games
Chapter 8 – White Sidelines on Moves 3 & 4
Bonus Track: Accelerated Catalan & London System

Index of Games
 Key to Symbols

! a good move
? a weak move
!! an excellent move
?? a blunder
!? an interesting move
?! a dubious move
™ only move
N novelty
‰ lead in development
ʘ zugzwang
= equality
∞ unclear position
© with compensation for the sacrificed material
² White stands slightly better
³ Black stands slightly better
± White has a serious advantage
µ Black has a serious advantage
+– White has a decisive advantage
–+ Black has a decisive advantage
‚ with an attack
ƒ with initiative
„ with counterplay
… with the idea of
¹ better is
≤ worse is
+ check
# mate

5
 Bibliography

AVRUKH, Boris - 1.d4 The Catalan (Quality Chess, 2015)

BOLOGAN, Victor - The powerful Catalan (New in Chess, 2012)
DELCHEV, Alexander & SEMKOV, Semko - Attacking the English / Reti (Chess Stars, 2016)
DELCHEV, Alexander & SEMKOV, Semko - Understanding the Queen´s Gambit Accepted (Chess
Stars, 2015)
DVORETSKY, Mark - Dvoretsky Endgame Manual, 5th ed. (Russell Enterprises, 2020)
GEORGIEV, Kiril - Fighting the London System (Chess Stars, 2017)
KAROLYI, Tibor - The Exchange Queens Gambit for Black (Chess Evolution, 2018)
KARPOV, Anatoly & KALINICHENKO, Nikolay - Gambito de Dama (Chess House, 2014)
KORNEV, Alexei - Play 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6! (Chess Stars, 2018)
KORNEV, Alexei - A Practical White Repertoire with 1.d4 and 2.c4 Volume 1 (Chess Stars, 2013)
MIKHALEVSKI, Victor - Beating Minor Openings (Quality Chess, 2016)
MOSKALENKO, Viktor - An Attacking Repertoire for White with 1.d4 (New in Chess, 2019)
NTIRLIS, Nikolaos - Playing 1.d4 d5 A Classical Repertoire (Quality Chess, 2017)
PANCZYK,Krzysztof & ILCZUK, Jacek - The Cambridge Springs (Gambit, 2002)
PERT, Richard - Playing the Ragozin (Quality Chess, 2016)
PRUSIKIN, Michael - Countering the Queen´s (Gambit New in Chess, 2022)
SCHANDORFF, Lars - Playing 1.d4 The Queen´s Gambit (Quality Chess, 2012)
SIELECKI , Christof - Keep It Simple 1.d4 (New in Chess, 2019)
TUKMAKOV, Vladimir - Modern Chess Formula - The powerful Impact of Engines (Thinkers
Publishing, 2020)
WATSON, John - A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White (Gambit, 2011)

6
 Foreword

“You can’t play the Queen’s Gambit with Black any more” said Hector, in a bitter tone of voice. My
friend, the ICCF grandmaster Hector Walsh, was trying to defend a difficult position in one of his
correspondence games where he had ventured to play the Queen’s Gambit Declined and faced the
dreaded Exchange Variation which, according to his words, offered White the chance to play for two
results (win or draw) while Black’s best result was a draw. After looking at the position on his board,
he came to this sinister conclusion, which, it must be said, was in keeping with the sentiment of the
time – the beginning of our century.
The possibility of playing almost without risk, with a draw in the bag and some chance of victory, had
meant that Botvinnik´s plan in the Exchange Variation, perfected by Kasparov, caused a sudden
cessation of use in the 1…d5, 2…e6 order, while promoting White’s scheme in several repertoire
books. This resulted from the practice of strong players from the area, such as the International
Master Juan Pablo Hobaica and the present writer, all living at that time on the beaches of the
Argentinean Atlantic coast, halfway between Buenos Aires and Mar del Plata, two chess meccas in
their own right.
At that time I was no longer playing the Queen’s Gambit Declined. After a brief and ill-fated passage
through the Grünfeld, I had found in the Leningrad Dutch the right defense to face 1.d4. In my
formative chess years I had indeed used the Tartakower, Bondarevsky and Makogonov variants of the
QGD based on Bobby Fischer’s model in his match against Spassky. But it was a brief passage, from
which I soon turned away in search of more dynamic schemes.
It was not until I moved to Brazil in the second decade of the century that I began to analyze some
positions of the declined Queen’s Gambit, in the footsteps of great champions such as Kramnik, who
showed that the order 1…d5, 2…e6 could be played with confidence even at the highest levels. So,
by 2013 I started to play the defense, alternating it with the other replies against the Queen’s Pawn
opening in my repertoire.
In the preparation prior to the Batumi Olympiad 2018, which I attended as a representative of the
team from my native country, Uruguay, I had prepared some sharp lines within the universe of the
declined Queen’s Gambit. Although I could not put them into practice on that occasion, they were
part of a series of surveys published in successive Yearbooks of the prestigious Dutch publisher New
in Chess, which ended up being the basis of this work.
The main aim of the present work is to show that Black can indeed obtain positions where all three
results are possible. The Queen’s Gambit Declined, about a century after its golden age, is still a
reliable and lively defense, where despite all the theory developed during its long existence it still
holds secrets for analysts and offers new positions to enjoy a lively game, both strategically and
tactically.
During the course of writing this book I have had the help of some great friends who have read,
reviewed and offered ideas for each chapter: they are the national masters Angelo Bil Ramos, José
Carlos Ferreira and Tadeu Santos Filho, all from Rio de Janeiro, the renowned film-maker and fan of

7
the sixty-four squares game Juan Carlos Desanzo, from Cariló (the Argentinean green beach), and Dr.
José Arlindo do Carmo, from Cuiabá (the capital of Mato Grosso, Brazil). My thanks go to them, as
well as to the many other friends that chess has given me over the years.
This book was initially written in Spanish, my mother tongue, and published a few months ago by the
well-known publisher Solis for the Portuguese-Spanish-American public. The English version has
been corrected, updated and expanded with three new model games. I grew up in a world where
famous chess publishers in South America published chess books of great theoretical significance and
with signatures that were among the most recognized in the world. The successive economic crises
that are frequent in this part of the world, technological advances and piracy have unfortunately
cornered them to the point of almost ceasing their efforts – and in some cases exterminating them.
That is why I welcome the existence of publishers specializing in chess such as Thinkers Publishing,
which since its foundation has been presenting books of an excellent technical level, the work of
authors who are well known in the field of chess literature and who have made technical contributions
of incommensurable value.
I am extremely grateful to them – and especially to Daniël Vanheirzeele, who was my first contact
with the publisher and Adrien Demuth, who did the always difficult job of editing – for giving me the
opportunity to bring this work to you, my readers.

Luis Rodi Maletich, Londrina, PR, Brazil, 2024

8
 Introduction

The history of the Queen’s Gambit is connected with the very beginnings of modern chess, the
opening being cited in the earliest published books on the science of the game, such as the Göttingen
manuscript (1490) and the books of Ruy Lopez (1561) and Salvio (1604).
The so-called Queen’s Gambit Declined – or Refused – is, together with the Slav, the main defense in
the universe of queenside openings, and shares with the aforementioned defense a well-earned
reputation for being a reliable and very solid scheme. It is mentioned in the above-referred book by
Salvio, although the first game that appears in the databases is one from the famous match between
Alexander McDonnell and Louis De Labourdonnais (1834).
With the new trends in positional play led by Steinitz at the end of the 19th century the queen pawn
openings gained a remarkable place in practice, and logically the Queen’s Gambit Declined was one
of the systems that began to be common in the practice of the masters. By the 1920s it had so
dominated the scene that it occurred in most of the games of the world title match between the then
champion Emmanuel Lasker and his challenger, José Raúl Capablanca, and made an almost
unanimous appearance in the games of the next match, held in Buenos Aires 1927 between
Capablanca and Alexander Alekhine.
It was at that time that the constant study of certain lines – the so-named Classical Variation, for
example – first raised the specter of a “death by draw” but, as we can now appreciate, it was a death
with excellent health.
In the following decades a more aggressive style of thinking on Black’s part led to the appearance of
schemes such as the King’s Indian Defense, the different forms of the Benoni or the Dutch, which
soon disputed the supremacy of the venerable and solid defense that is the subject of this work, even
though it remained popular. And positional alternatives such as the Nimzo-Indian were also gaining
ground.
From that moment on the Queen’s Gambit Declined had, from a theoretical point of view, good and
bad spells. Perhaps the nineties and the beginning of this century saw the most delicate of the bad
spells, when a classical plan by Mikhail Botvinnik as perfected by Garry Kasparov in the Exchange
Variation (with the development of the king knight to e2 and the f3/e4 plan) put it on the ropes.
Suffice it to say that among the elite, the masters avoided the order 1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 because of 3.Nc3
Nf6 4.cxd5, preferring instead 1.d4 1…Nf6 2.c4 e6 and only if 3.Nf3 then 3…d5; but in case of
3.Nc3 the usual choice was for the Nimzo-Indian (3…Bb4).
Those dismal prospects were gradually cleared up, thanks to the emergence of new ideas for Black
that allowed him to play for all three results. In the Exchange Variation, in particular, one such idea is
the jump of the knight to h5 to exchange the dark-squared bishops and then castle in the same sector
as that which White has chosen.
We are currently experiencing a new moment of theoretical explosion of the Queen’s Gambit, with a
multitude of novelties in practically every variation of the defense. The strongest exponents of our
noble game returned to rely on the natural order with 1…d5, and everyday interesting games are

9
played which add to the knowledge of these lines.
From a strategic point of view, and compared with defenses that leave the light- squared bishop free,
Black here has a difficult piece to develop on the queen’s wing, enclosed by his own pawns. As
compensation, the liberating break on c5 can be made in time and – not least – in case of an exchange
on d5 the result is an asymmetrical formation, with both sides having a moving pawn majority which
increases the chances of victory for both sides. These are some of the positional elements that the
defenders of Black’s position – and their opponents – will have to consider, as well as typical plans
that are already part of the rich classical heritage of these systems, such as the minority attacks, the
aforementioned Botvinnik-Kasparov plan or Capablanca’s simplifying maneuver.
To produce a book that considers each and every possibility arising from the opening position of the
Queen’s Gambit Declined is an encyclopedic task that would demand many volumes. Instead, my aim
is to present a simpler repertoire, with no more than one or two variation options for each important
position (in the latter case I generally present a more positional and a more aggressive line, although
in many cases these boundaries are blurred).
In the remainder of this introduction, I will cite the main variations discussed – and recommended –
in this book. Obviously, some less usual ideas also have their place, but here I limit myself to
pointing out the core of the work.
Let’s start with the 3.Nc3 continuation, which more than duplicates the second most commonly used
order in terms of preference. After 3…Nf6 (this is the only possibility I analyze, but Black has
interesting continuations such as the Alatorzev Variation with 3…Be7, or the Tarrasch with 3…c5)
White has several possibilities.
First of all, I would like to present the not-so-long-ago feared Exchange Variation, which arises after
4.cxd5 exd5.

Now the most popular order is 5.Bg5, which I recommend answering with 5…c6; and against 6.e3 (or

10
6.Qc2) then 6…Bd6!? (instead of the more classical 6…Be7 or 6…Nbd7). The more aggressive
development of the dark-squared bishop is strategically justified by the arrangement of the black
pawns and is often complemented by a quick maneuver of the king rook to e8. Despite being the only
solution I present against this variation, in the basic position of the system I offer Black different
plans, which undoubtedly hinders White’s preparation attempts. The reason for my choice is simple:
other interesting lines against the Exchange Variation have recently been analyzed in other repertoire
books, such as those of Tibor Karolyi, Alexei Kornev, Nikolaos Ntirlis or Michael Prusikin – the
interested reader can find in those works different ideas for dealing with the Exchange Variation, as
well as other lines of the Queen’s Gambit Declined. The variation with 6…Bd6 has been analyzed by
this author in Yearbook 130 of the Dutch publisher New in Chess, which provided me with an
effective basis for organizing the structure. And finally, I consider the positions Black achieves to be
of equivalent value, from a theoretical point of view, to those offered by more classical lines such as
6…Be7.
In the statistics, the most popular option by White is 4.Bg5, which after the ultra-popular 4…Be7 can
lead to different lines (the Lasker Variation, or the Tartakower-Bondarevsky-Makogonov are
examples). However in our case, after a switch on d5 this leads to a line of the Exchange Variation
which we want to avoid because it is not part of the proposed repertoire.
So, against White’s most popular idea I present two alternatives; one classical, the other more
experimental.
The classical alternative is 4…Nbd7 where the more popular sequence, 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5, takes us
to one of the most classical lines of the Queen’s Gambit: the Cambridge Springs, so-called because it
was played several times in a tournament held in 1904 in that American city.

The variation itself is a world of its own, with different plans for Black to fight for an advantage in
practice. However I think the path proposed in the section dedicated to this line is interesting and
offers equivalent chances to the second player in real strategic battles. In cases where I consider it

11
necessary I offer two theoretical possibilities (e.g. against the line 7.Nd2, where the replies …dxc4
and …Bb4 lead to strategically different scenarios). In the main line with the exchange on d5 (and
recapture with the knight) my basic idea is not to enter lines with pawn captures that delay
development which offer at worst an interesting compensation to White – unless the material gain is
fully justified by strategic details.
The most experimental possibility is 4…dxc4.

This leads to positions somewhere between the Queen’s Gambit Accepted and the Vienna Variation.
The critical continuation here is 5.e4 c5 6.d5 Be7 (threatening …Nxd5), which leads to complex
positions where the second player’s chances are not inferior. This is a line which has only recently
appeared in the masterly arena and has so far been little analyzed – one of the most recent
publications is my article in Yearbook 133.
In addition to 4.cxd5 and 4.Bg5 White has an “open” continuation, waiting for more definition of the
situation, such as 4.Nf3.
For awhile the very interesting Ragozin, 4…Bb4, was a central part of my repertoire, but this time I
have decided to make room for two other continuations. This is partly because the Ragozin was the
subject of two recent books of very good technical quality by Matthieu Cornette and Richard Pert –
but also because the space devoted to this variation would have considerably threatened the length of
the present volume.
One of my solutions is 4…Nbd7.

12
This is a move that can be played by transposition but which fits into our repertoire. Within that
framework, it is worth noting that the continuation 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 leads to a different
position from those appreciated in the first section devoted to the Exchange Variation (although Black
can of course transpose to it if he wishes), because the early development of the white knight allows
us to experiment with the idea 7…h6 8.Bh4 g5!? 9.Bg3 Nh5. Black takes some positional risks, but
wins the bishop pair and enters a double-edged position where he obtains suitable counterplay.
This section also presents an independent idea against the more usual move, 5.Bg5, which can lead by
transposition to the Cambridge Springs Variation, but here I analyze an alternative based on the idea
…h6, …g5. While usual possibilities like 5.e3 and 5.Qc2 have their place, with great chances of
transposing to positions from other schemes, the most interesting independent possibility, in my
opinion, is 5.Bf4, where my recommendation 5…dxc4 6.e3 b5!? leads to a lively game where the
theory has not yet had its last word.
The second continuation I offer as a reply to the order 4.Nf3 is 4…dxc4.

13
This is the Vienna Variation. In itself this line would be worthy of a whole volume, but here I try to
keep the material within certain spatial limits by choosing a more extreme selection of lines. Thus,
against 5.e3 we fearlessly enter a transposition into the accepted Queen’s Gambit where White has
lost some aggressive options along the way. Against the fashionable move 5.e4, I propose 5…b5!?
6.e5 Nd5 7.Nb5 Nb6, a recent line where the theory is still evolving. Finally, against 5.Bg5 my
recommendation is 5…a6, and against 6.a4 then 6…Nc6 (a line I recommended in Yearbook 134).
Ideas like …Na5 make White’s task of regaining the pawn difficult (here the aggressive 7.e4 offers
White less than 10% on the statistics!)
The other big possibility in White’s third move is 3.Nf3, which we also respond with 3…Nf6. Now
the exchange on d5 or the exit of the other knight to c3 transposes into one of the sections seen above.
White, meanwhile, has independent ideas.
One of the move orders recently favored in practice is 4.Bg5, which I recommend answering with 4…
dxc4.

14
This is perhaps a less critical line for Black than its cousin in the order 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg4 dxc4, but no
less interesting for that. Here 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 (a position I wrote about in Yearbook 132) or 5.e4 b5 are
my main recommendations, although in the corresponding section I offer some alternatives, since the
theory on this line is still being written. As in the other cases, various transpositions are possible.
Although it is not really part of the Queen’s Gambit Declined family I cannot omit the move 4.g3,
because of the frequency with which it happens and because otherwise this repertoire would not be
complete. This is the so-called Catalan Opening. Obviously it is a variation which would also need a
whole book to discuss, and which is also one of the main opening ideas today, but here we will limit
ourselves to just one line to integrate into our repertoire.
For this publication I have especially analyzed the variation 4…dxc4 5.Bg2 c5.

15
This is one of the many good continuations that the second player has at his disposal to tackle this
popular scheme. As I don’t want to repeat the theoretical information that I have just published for the
Bulgarian publisher Modern Chess (where I developed a repertoire against the Catalan based on the
active 4…Bb4+ continuation), I invite the interested reader to acquire that material if he wishes to
complete his knowledge of the variation or to arrange another line to combat White’s idea. However
my choice is also based on the confidence I have in Black’s ideas in the position arising from 5…c5.
The eighth section is devoted to the other possible schemes starting from different moves by White on
their third or fourth move. Here the chapters on the Catalan order 3.g3, which is among the
fashionable lines at the master level, and the move 4.e3 (preceded by a knight move to the third rank)
are highlighted.
As a bonus track I offer the reader an analysis of 2.Nf3, 3.g3, and the London System, both of which
have been widely used in recent times. In the latter case I present two systems, one more positional
and solid; the other sharper and riskier, but of equal theoretical value. In the first of these chapters
there are also some lines about the formerly more popular Torre Attack.
Each section presented here is composed of several chapters in which theory is developed with an
emphasis on the most modern choices in practice. At the end of each chapter I present analyzed
games that explore the most common ideas in middlegames that derive from the lines developed here.
I hope that by the end of reading this material the reader will not only have incorporated some new
ideas into his repertoire – and perhaps alter the perception that the Queen’s Gambit Declined is a
passive defense – but that this will also have contributed to his general knowledge of chess.

16
 Chapter 1
The Exchange Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5

Chapter Guide
Chapter 1 – The Exchange Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5

a) 5.Qc2 & Secondary Lines
b) 5.Bf4
c) 5.Nf3
d) 5.Bg5 c6 6.Qc2
e) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nf3
f) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nge2 Re8 9.Qc2 h6 10.Bf4
g) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 Nbd7
h) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 Be6
i) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 a5
j) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 b6
Selected Games

17
 a) 5.Qc2 & Secondary Lines
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5

Position after: 4…exd5

The Exchange Variation has always had prestige among the elite, based on the theoretical discoveries
of grandmasters such as Mihail Botvinnik or Samuel Reshevsky. However it was not until the late
1990s when, following the example of the then-world champion Garry Kasparov, it gained primacy
among the various options for White and was considered a weapon if the fight came down to two
outcomes. In particular Botvinnik’s plan with f3 and e4 was, in Kasparov’s hands, a constant source
of problems for the defenders with Black. Additionally it became the recommendation of practically
all the White repertoire books published at the end of the last century and the beginning of the present
one, which also favored its utilization. As I mentioned in the introduction, at that time the
grandmasters entered the Queen’s Gambit using the order 1. d4 1…Nf6 2.c4 e6 and only in the case
of 3.Nf3 (where Botvinnik’s and Kasparov’s plan was no longer possible) then 3…d5 (the Nimzo-
Indian was favored in the case of 3.Nc3). By the end of the first decade of the century, Black had
begun to employ with some success (i.e. obtaining positions where all three results were again
possible) different schemes for dealing with this dreaded variation, returning to the natural order with
1… d5 and 2… e6 to the master boards.
From a strategic point of view, the exchange on d5 produces a position where each side gains a half-
open file and a pawn majority. In that sense, the position differs from others produced in the Slav or
French for example, where the exchange on d5 produces a symmetrical structure and a single open
file – a type of position where the chances of a draw are greater. Here, after the consolidation of the
structure with e3 (usually played after Bg5 to leave that piece out of the pawn chain) and …c6 we get

18
the so-called Carlsbad formation, one of the most explored and practiced positions in modern chess.
At first the d5 exchange was viewed with some suspicion, because it opened up avenues for Black’s
limited bishop, but it soon became clear that it was not so easy to bring that piece into play, even with
the original diagonal open. If I am not mistaken, it was Savielly Tartakower in his book Suggestions
for Chess Strategy who warned about the difficulties of the possible developments of the bishop
which, in the first place, continues to be bad when moving through squares of the same color as its
central pawns. In that particular position the light-squared bishop often has to settle for a passive
position on e6 or b7, because f5 is generally forbidden (White usually plays Qc2, Bd3 quickly) and
on g4 it is exposed to knight jumps on e5 (in lines with Nf3) or pawn advances that gain time for
White’s plans. Meanwhile, White’s bad bishop finds a more active position on g5, where it is directly
involved in the fight for the d5-square.
It is details such as these that ensure White an early initiative, which Black must fight with patience
and with as much activity as possible. Dynamics are important in this type of position – passive
behavior leads Black to positions where he can only fight for a draw – and in this respect some of the
recent theoretical discoveries have shed new light on the variation. While the scheme with …Bd6 is
the central part of this section, let’s first consider some positions where White plays without Bg5.

5.Qc2

In principle, White wants with this move to make sure that …Bf5 will not be possible – or at least to
make it difficult. Black, of course, can respond with logical moves such as 5…c6 and wait for some
transposition, but he also has independent ideas. In addition to the move in the text, White can think
of one of the following ideas, rarely played but not without logic.
A) 5.g3 This is a Catalan where White has prematurely developed the queen knight and (also
prematurely) puts an end to the central tension which is important for these fianchetto formations.
5…Bd6 6.Bg2 c6 7.Nf3 0-0 8.0-0 Re8

19
Position after: 8…Re8

Black has an excellent position after the following. 9.Qc2 Nbd7 10.Re1 [10.Nh4 Nf8= Sasikiran –
Libiszewski, Stockholm 2019] 10…Nf8 [10…h6!? This also offers good results for Black.] 11.Bg5

Position after: 11.Bg5

11…Bg4 [11…h6 This is worse. 12.Bxf6 Qxf6 13.e4² Kaminski – Dolnik, Eslovaquia 2008] 12.e4
[12.Rad1 h6 13.Bc1 Qd7³ Miladinovic – Novikov, Khorintos 1999] 12…dxe4 13.Rxe4 [13.Nxe4
Rxe4 14.Rxe4 Bf5 15.Bxf6 Qxf6=] 13…Be6=

20
 B) 5.e3 This does not cause problems for Black, as it does not press on the center. A simple solution
is as follows. 5…c6 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.Nge2 0-0 8.0-0 Re8 9.Qc2 [9.f3 This can be answered
thematically with 9…c5³.] 9…Nbd7= Drozdova – Khavsky, St. Petersburg 2012. Without the dark-
squared bishop outside the chain, White has no way to challenge Black’s center effectively.
C) 5.a3 Bf5!? 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3 Nbd7 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Damm – Boensch, Bad Woerishofen 1992.
This is very comfortable for Black, who can continue with 9…Bd6!? or 9…Be7=.

5…Nc6!?

It seems to me that this move is the best attempt to take advantage of the move order played by
White, with immediate pressure on d4. As indicated, Black can hold on to his central idea and
continue with 5…c6 where a transposition to the more usual lines is likely to occur.

6.Bg5!?

A really speculative move, but one that gives White the best statistics (over 60%, although only in six
games). Other possibilities are as follows.
A) 6.Nf3?! Nb4 7.Qb1 g6µ

Position after: 7…g6µ

8.Bg5 Bf5 9.e4 dxe4 10.Nxe4 Bxe4 11.Bxf6 Bxb1 12.Bxd8 Nc2+ 13.Kd2 Nxa1–+ White’s
position quickly collapsed, in Teglas – Mullner, Hungary tt 2005.
B) 6.e3?! This is also answered as follows. 6…Nb4 7.Qb1 g6 8.Bd3 White at least has this move
here against the threat of …Bf5, but the following is obviously in Black’s favor. 8…c6 9.Nf3 Bd6
10.0-0 Nxd3 11.Qxd3 Bf5 12.Qe2 J. Christiansen – P.Hansen, Copenhagen 1989. Here Black

21
 played 12…Ne4; also good are 12…Qe7 or the simple 12…0-0µ.

6…Nxd4!

White’s statistical success in the position arising from 6. Bg5 is directly associated with the low
utilization of this critical capture.

Position after: 6…Nxd4!

7.Qa4+

7.Qb1 Bf5–+ Peters – Gheng, Stuttgart 2004

7…Nc6 8.0-0-0 Bd7

8…Be7 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Nxd5 0-0 This is another possibility.

9.Bxf6

9.e3 Nb4 10.Qb3 c6 11.a3 This can be answered in an original way as follows. 11…a5!

22
Position after: 11…a5!

12.axb4 axb4 13.Nb1 Bd6 Black has excellent compensation. 14.Bd3 0-0 15.Bc2 [15.Nf3 Be6
16.Nbd2 c5–+] 15…h6 16.Bh4 Be6µ

9…Qxf6 10.Nxd5 Qh6+ 11.e3 Bd6³

Black has given back the pawn, but instead won the pair of bishops in an open position, and also has
active pieces.

b) 5.Bf4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4

This development is relatively popular, but not critical from a theoretical point of view. On f4 the
bishop does not put pressure on the center as it does on g5 – White’s objective in choosing this move
is to develop as simply as possible, avoid theory and carry the fight to the middlegame.

23
Position after: 5.Bf4

5…c6 6.e3

The most common. The alternatives are as follows.

A) 6.Nf3 This allows Black’s pieces to develop easily. I imagine that Tartakower would have
allowed the ominous black queen bishop to come out here. 6…Bf5 7.e3 Nbd7 8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3
Be7 10.h3 0-0 11.0-0 Re8 12.Rab1 a5 13.Rfc1 Nf8

Position after: 13…Nf8

24
 14.a3 [14.Qd1 White doesn’t get much out of this. 14…Ng6 15.Bh2 Bd6 16.Bxd6 Qxd6= Eichlerr
– Dautov, Germany 2018] 14…Ng6 15.Bh2 Bd6 16.Bxd6 Qxd6 The position is balanced. 17.b4
White may think about the traditional minority attack, as in Thorfinsson – Akesson, Reykjavik
2006. 17…b5! However Black has this reply, with a balanced position.
B) 6.Qc2 This is directed against the idea of …Bf5. 6…g6 However after this move Black renews
the idea. [Black also has the following possibility. 6…Bb4 7.e3 Nh5 8.Bg3 Nxg3 9.hxg3 h6 10.Bd3
Nd7 11.Nf3 Nf6 12.0-0 0-0 13.Nd2?! Re8 14.a3 Bf8 15.b4 Bd7 16.Rfc1 Rc8 17.Nb3 Rc7 18.Bf5
Bd6µ Black prepares actions on the king’s wing, in Bashtavenko – Rodi, Caiobá 2022.] 7.e3 Bf5

Position after: 7…Bf5

8.Qd2!? [8.Bd3 Bxd3 9.Qxd3 Bg7 10.Nf3 0-0 This does not create problems for Black, in
Khurtsidze – Limontaite, St. Petersburg 2009.] 8…Nh5 9.Be5 f6 10.Bg3 Nd7 11.Bd3 Nxg3
12.hxg3 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 f5= Riediger – Froewis, Austria 2018

6…Bf5

Another case where Black beats White handily on the b1-h7 diagonal. Two factors to keep in mind
related to this development are that the reply Qb3 is not dangerous and that the potential exchange of
the light-squared bishops is strategically convenient for the second player.

7.Bd3

Despite being a positional concession, this move is by far the most common. Other ideas are as
follows.
A) 7.Nge2 Nh5!?

25
Position after: 7…Nh5!?

Black goes for the bishop pair. 8.Be5 Nd7 9.Ng3 Nxg3 10.Bxg3 (Gaertner – Betzel, Austria 2012)
10…Qb6=
B) 7.Qb3 Qb6 8.Qxb6 [8.f3!? h5 9.Nge2 h4∞] 8…axb6 9.Nge2 b5 10.Ng3 Bg6³ Lakner – Zhao
Zong Yuan, Brisbane 2005

7…Bxd3 8.Qxd3 Bd6

This is the simplest way to equalize but Black can also keep his pieces.
8…Nbd7 9.Nf3 Bb4 10.0-0 0-0 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Qxc3 Ne4 13.Qd3 g5

26
Position after: 13…g5

14.Be5 f6 15.Bg3 Qe7∞ M.Socko – Stefanova, Beijing blitz 2011

9.Bxd6

9.Nge2 0-0 10.0-0 Re8 11.Rab1 a5 This is also equal. 12.a3 Bxf4 13.Nxf4 Qd6 14.Rfc1 Nbd7= Rivas
Pastor – Baron Rodriguez, Barcelona 2000

9…Qxd6

27
Position after: 9…Qxd6

Black has comfortably reached equality. Here I will offer some examples taken from practice that
show how both players can maneuver to try to turn the fight in their favor.

10.Nf3

10.Nge2 0-0 11.0-0 Nbd7 12.Ng3 Rfe8 13.f3 Rad8 14.Rad1 Qb4„ Bezler – Donev, Austria 1995

10…Nbd7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rab1

12.b4 b5 13.a4 a5!? It is not clear that the minority attack will achieve anything. 14.axb5 axb4
15.Ne2 cxb5

Position after: 15…cxb5

(Perdomo – Leitão, São Paulo 2008) 16.Rxa8!? [In the game White went for the b5-pawn. 16.Qxb5
Rxa1 17.Rxa1 Rb8 However after this the resulting passed pawn on b4 is dangerous.] 16…Rxa8
17.Rb1 Qc7 Other moves can be answered with Qxb5 or Ne1-c2; 18.Rxb4 Ra1+ 19.Rb1 Qa5=
White’s knights are doing well to defend against Black’s passed pawn, although in practice their task
is certainly more difficult.

12…a5 13.Qc2

The following option is of similar value.

13.Rfc1 Rfe8 14.Nd2 g6 15.Na4 Ng4 16.Nf3 Adamski – Bagirov, Polanica Zdroj 1969. 16…Qe7
17.h3 Ngf6=

28
13…Rfe8 14.Rfc1

Position after: 14.Rfc1

14.a3 g6 15.Rfc1 Rec8 16.h3 Kg7 17.Nd2 h5= Yang Kaiqi – Bluebaum, internet blitz 2022

14…g6!? 15.h3 Kg7 16.Nd2 Re7 17.Na4 h5 18.Nc5 Nxc5 19.Qxc5

Position after: 19.Qxc5

29
19…Qe6=

Black has no problems in this position, with his control of the central e4-square, in Geivondian –
Timofeev, Russia rapid 2018.

c) 5.Nf3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nf3

Position after: 5.Nf3

In practice this is the second most popular idea, usually leading to the main lines by transposition. It
may be considered slightly premature, as White can make other moves while waiting to discover the
best square to develop this piece, but it is certainly not bad.

5…c6 6.Qc2

This move order results in different positions from those analyzed in subchapter a) from which it can
transpose. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 6.Bg5 The most popular here, which leads by transposition to the main lines after 6…Be7 or
6…Nbd7. After the natural 7.e3 a position arises which, although it is an integral part of the
Exchange Variation, I have included it, for reasons of order, the Chapter 4. Of course, Black also
has 6…Bd6 with more than likely transposition to the scheme analyzed in the following chapters.
B) 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.0-0 Re8 This is similar to our main line; however White is playing here
with the dark- squared bishop inside the pawn chain, which is less active. [8…Bg4!? This can also
be considered; in some cases Black has the maneuver …Bh5-g6 to exchange the light-squared

30
 bishops.] 9.Qc2 Nbd7

Position after: 9…Nbd7

B1) 10.e4 As is usually the case in such situations this has a structural disadvantage, since White
has to accept an isolated pawn in the center. 10…dxe4 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Bxe4 Nf6 13.Bg5 h6
14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Rfe1 Bg4³ Weiler – Doettling, Stafer 2000
B2) 10.Re1 Nf8 11.h3 Bd7 (Alternatively 11…h6 in order to prepare …Be6 is also popular.)
12.Bd2 Rc8= Grau – Maroczy, San Remo 1930

6…g6!?

In the present chapter I consider this independent idea, which aims at enabling the f5-square for the
bad bishop.
Alternatively, Black may prefer the simple 6…Bd6 which leads by transposition after 7.Bg5 to our
main line. Also possible are 6…Be7 or 6…Nbd7 for those who prefer classical schemes to combat
White’s plan.

7.Bg5 Be7!

31
Position after: 7…Be7!

This is the most accurate placement for the dark-squared bishop, solving the pin.
7…Bg7 On the other hand, this natural move has not worked so well in practice. 8.e3 Bf5 9.Bd3
Bxd3 10.Qxd3 0-0 11.0-0 Nbd7 White has some initiative, as in Botvinnik – Euwe, Moscow 1948
(and later).

8.e3

The most common, and the best attempt to gain an advantage in this line. The following are
alternatives.
A) 8.e4 This is the main alternative to the text; White accepts an isolated pawn in exchange for
some initiative. The fight is somewhat more complex but offers possibilities for both sides, for
instance as follows. 8…dxe4 [8…Nxe4 9.Bxe7 Kxe7 10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.Qxe4+ Be6 12.Bc4 Re8
13.Bxe6 Kf8 14.0-0 Rxe6 15.Qf4 Kg7 This is approximately balanced, in Nilsson – Cramling,
Tylosand 2018.] 9.Bxf6 Bxf6 10.Qxe4+

32
Position after: 10.Qxe4+

10…Qe7 [10…Kf8 This is another try. 11.Bc4 Kg7 12.0-0 Re8 13.Qf4 Be6 14.Bxe6 Rxe6 15.Rfe1
Qd6= Kamsky – Shulman, Saint Louis (USA ch) 2011] 11.Bc4 Bf5 12.Qxe7+ Kxe7 13.0-0-0 Nd7
The position is balanced. Here I will continue with some illustrative lines. 14.h3 [14.d5 Premature.
14…Bxc3 15.bxc3 Nb6 16.d6+ Kf6 17.Bb3 Rhe8³ Sanikidze – Gurevich, Metz 2012] 14…Nb6
15.Rde1+ Kf8 16.Bb3 h5 17.Ne5 Bg5+ 18.Kd1 Rd8 19.Nxf7 Rxd4+ 20.Ke2 Bd3+ 21.Kf3 Rf4+=
B) 8.Bxf6 Bxf6 9.e3 Bf5 10.Bd3 Bxd3 11.Qxd3 0-0 Black has no problems in this position. 12.b4
Qd6 13.Rb1 Nd7

33
Position after: 13…Nd7

14.0-0 [14.b5 This is answered thematically with 14…c5=.] 14…Rfd8 15.Rfc1 Nb6 16.Nd2 Qe7
17.Qc2 a6 18.a4 Bg7 19.Ne2 Bh6 20.Re1 Qe6 21.Nc1 Nc4 22.Qc3 Nd6 23.Nd3 Bg7= The black
minor pieces occupy good squares, as in Andersson – Kasparov, Belgrade 1985.

8…Bf5 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nbd7

Position after: 10…Nbd7

11.0-0

The most common continuation.

11.Bh6!? Bf8 [11…Ng4!? 12.Bf4 This allows you to choose between repeating moves with
12…Ngf6 and ideas such as 12…a5. However the following continuation is somewhat better for
White. 12…Nf8?! 13.h4 h5 14.Ng5² is Carlsen – Firouzja, Miami rapid 2022] 12.Bxf8 [12.Bg5
Bg7=] 12…Kxf8 13.0-0 Kg7= Boensch – Jussupow, Munich 1990

11…0-0 12.Rab1 a5 13.Qc2 Re8 14.a3

34
Position after: 14.a3

14…Ne4

14…b5!? This is another possibility. 15.a4!? [15.b4 (Arias – Kanep, Turin Olympiad 2006) 15…axb4
16.axb4 Nb6 17.Ne5 Qd6³] 15…b4 16.Ne2 Qb6=

15.Nxe4

15.Bxe7 Qxe7 16.b4 Nd6= Black also achieves a balanced position here, as in D. Stamenkovic –
Korneev, Forni di Sopra 2011.

15…dxe4 16.Bxe7 Qxe7 17.Nd2

35
Position after: 17.Nd2

17…c5=

This is from the game Houska – M. Muzychuk, Germany tt 2017 (and others). Black’s last move is
directed against the idea of b4. Black tries to open new paths for the knight by gaining access to the
c5- and e5-squares (if White takes on c5 or defends d4 with a piece) or else to leave White with an
isolated pawn. The position is equal, and the statistics show exactly that, indicating 50% for each side
(at the time of writing, out of eight games, plus one by correspondence).

d) 5.Bg5 c6 6.Qc2
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5

36
Position after: 5.Bg5

This move, increasing the pressure on d5, is the main line of the Exchange Variation. The move
below is my recommended order.

5…c6

However, those who are comfortable with the positions resulting from a rapid queen knight
development can try 5…Nbd7 but after 6.Nf3 or 6. e3 we have to decide on 6…c6 or 6… Be7. As we
shall see, in the first case we enter an order which I prefer to avoid, while in the second we go straight
out of our repertoire, entering the more classical lines of the variation. [6.Nxd5 Instead this move is a
well-known mistake (made in practice more than 450 times!), because Black wins a piece. 6…Nxd5
7.Bxd8 Bb4+]

6.Qc2

For practical reasons I have taken the most popular move in this position, 6.e3, as the main line, and
this order is followed in the next chapters. The order of the text is intended to prevent the plans with
…Bf5, which is otherwise possible with the order 6. e3. However as we shall see in the next chapter
this plan allows in its main line the exchange of queens and doubled pawns on f6, a scenario that is
not to everyone’s liking, especially because of the second player’s poor chances of playing for a win.
For the purposes of the scheme that I am analyzing, starting with Qc2 or e3 makes little difference, as
they are complementary ideas that generally transpose (in particular after the queenside move it is
difficult to continue without e3).

6…Bd6

37
Position after: 6…Bd6

My recommendation for dealing with the Exchange Variation. This development of the dark-squared
bishop, compared to the more usual e7, is more active, and fulfils Black’s objective of creating
activity on the kingside. It is much less analyzed than the main lines of the Classical system, against
which undoubtedly players with White are perfectly prepared after dozens of books recommending
various plans for his side. The scheme with …Bd6 only entered the masterly arena in the early 1980s
on the basis of examples by some grandmasters such as Ljubomir Ljubojevic or Sergey Arkhipov,
who nevertheless used a different plan to the one I propose in this work. From then on, its use
continued to be sporadic. Why? Because the bishop move to d6 also presents some drawbacks arising
from the pin along the h4-d8 diagonal. Moreover the exposure of the bishop on d6 can be exploited
with ideas such as e4, threatening a double attack on e5, and if Black takes on e4 then the knight
recapture creates some problems. This perception of Black’s possible drawbacks has caused most
masters to prefer the other, more passive but also more solid, position. If Black comes up with a
practical way of resolving such situations, then the position is playable and the bishop is a stronger
piece on d6. A step forward in the theory of this position was taken with recent articles published in
the New in Chess Yearbooks 130 and 133 (the former authored by your writer and the latter by
Grandmaster Vyacheslav Ikonnikov).
At the same time, the particular move order employed by White allows for other ideas aimed directly
against White’s scheme. One of the most interesting is as follows. 6…h6 7.Bh4 g6!?

38
Position after: 7…g6!?

This is a move that allows …Bf5, contesting the domination of the vital b1-h7 diagonal. While the
idea is common, in this particular position it is not so usual – perhaps because it took awhile and
several games by strong masters (playing even more radically with …g5 or …Nh5) to understand that
the weaknesses created on the kingside cannot be exploited immediately. Although the move 7… g6
was first used by the Finnish Vesa Meskanen, it was the Hungarian International Master Jevgenyij
Boguszlavszkij who at the beginning of this century began to use it frequently. In recent years
grandmasters such as Michael Adams, Ruslan Ponomariov or Vadim Zvjaginsev have discovered the
idea and experimented with it in practice.
8.e3 The most usual continuation, but White has also employed other ideas. [8.f3 Bg7 9.0-0-0 0-0
10.e4 dxe4 11.fxe4 Mamedyarov – L´Ami, Karlsruhe 2020. 11…Qa5!³ Black has the initiative; 8.0-
0-0 (Lodici – Gorodezky, internet 2020) 8…Bg7 9.e4 dxe4 10.Nxe4 0-0 11.Nf3 Bf5= At least Black
has equality here.] 8…Bf5

39
Position after: 8…Bf5

A) 9.Qb3 This is the way to play if White does not want to exchange the light-squared bishops. 9…
g5 10.Bg3 Qb6

Position after: 10…Qb6

This leads to a position with chances for both sides. 11.Nge2 [11.Nf3 Nbd7 12.Nd2 Nh5 13.Be2
Nxg3 14.hxg3 Nf6³ Debashis – Adams, Gibraltar 2017; 11.h4 Rg8 12.hxg5 hxg5 13.Nf3 Qxb3
14.axb3 Nbd7= Szeberenyi – Boguszlavszkij, Hungary tt 2014] 11…Nbd7 12.f3 Qxb3 13.axb3 a6

40
 14.Kd2 (Arutinian – Zhang Ziyang, Qinhuangdao 2011) 14…0-0-0∞
B) 9.Bd3 Bxd3 10.Qxd3 Nbd7

Position after: 10…Nbd7

11.Nge2 The most ambitious move, allowing plans with f3 [11.Nf3 Be7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rab1 a5
14.a3 Re8 15.Qc2 Nh5 16.Bxe7 16…Qxe7= A draw was declared, in Banusz – Forgo, Hungary
2000.] 11…Bg7 12.0-0 0-0 13.f3 Re8

Position after: 13…Re8

41
 14.Rae1!? [14.Bf2 Esipenko – Rakhmanov, Zurich 2017] 14…Nb6„ The idea is as follows. 15.e4
dxe4 16.fxe4 Ng4 17.Bg3 Ne5 18.Bxe5 Rxe5 19.Rad1 Re7∞] 14…Rc8 15.Qd2 b6 16.Nc1 Nf8∞
With chances for both sides. In summary, this line against the move order with 6. Qc2 is a good
alternative to the positions given in the present chapter, based on our main idea of developing the
king bishop on d6.

7.Nf3

7.e3 Most of the games continue here with this move, with a direct transposition to the move order
with 6. e3. The knight move can also lead to transpositions, but in this chapter I devote space to some
independent lines, for example as follows.
7.0-0-0 White is certainly planning to continue with e4, as in Sychev – Danilova, Vladimir 2004. So
much activity before completing the development can be counterproductive, as the following lines
show. 7…0-0

Position after: 7…0-0

A) 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.e4 b5!? Black wins the initiative. 10.e5 Qh6+ 11.Qd2 Qxd2+ 12.Kxd2 Be7 13.f4
f6 14.g3 b4 15.Nce2 Nd7³
B) 8.f3 h6 9.Bxf6 Qxf6 10.e4 Na6 11.e5 Qf4+ 12.Rd2 Nb4 13.Qb3 Be7 14.Nce2™ 14…Qf5 15.g4
Qh7 16.a3 a5‚ In practice, playing this position as White should not be easy.
C) 8.e4 dxe4 9.Nxe4 Be7 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.Nf3

42
Position after: 11.Nf3

This is the kind of position White has in mind when he plays a quick e4. But in the long run Black’s
better structure and the bishops (if White doesn’t exchange on f6) have to count for something.
11…Bg4 12.Kb1 Nd7 13.Be2 Re8 14.Rhe1 Nb6³ While my computer, with the latest version of
Stockfish, evaluates the position as close to balanced, I prefer Black here.

7…0-0 8.h3

A really strange move in this position, since it does not contribute to the development, nor is it so
important at this point to prevent the entry of a piece on g4. Other games that have reached this
position have continued with 8. e3, leading by transposition to the lines with Nf3 of the scheme that
we are studying.

8…h6 9.Bh4

9.Bxf6 Qxf6³ White has given up the pair of bishops for nothing.

9…g5!

43
Position after: 9…g5!

This is the kind of move that distinguishes a strong player. The cover for the black king deteriorates,
but the consequences of this advance on White’s position are more serious.

10.Bg3

Practically compulsory, since sacrifices on g5 fail due to the lack of pieces that can quickly join the
offensive.

10…Bxg3 11.fxg3 Nh5

This is how Black has played in a high-level game that reached this position. Furthermore, ideas such
as 11…Re8, 11…Qd6 or 11…Na6 are possible and very strong.

44
Position after: 11…Nh5

12.g4!?

The only way to stay in the game. In the aforementioned game White was quickly lost after the
following.
12.Kf2 Qd6 13.e4 Nxg3 14.Rg1 Qf4–+ Ivanisevic – Kramnik, Tromso Ol 2014 [14…f5 This can be
even stronger. 15.e5 Qg6–+ The invading knight is indirectly defended.]

12…Ng3 13.Rg1 f5 14.e3 Qe7 15.0-0-0 Be6

45
Position after: 15…Be6

Development! In this case the capture on e3 offers good counterplay for White. 15…Qxe3+?!
16.Kb1©

16.Bd3 Nd7³

Black’s position is preferable, starting with their better structure.

e) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nf3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3

46
Position after: 6.e3

6…Bd6

The distinctive move of “our” variation, attempting a more dynamic treatment. Some authors
recommend the order 6. Qc2 because they want to avoid (in the case of 6. e3) the following line.
6…Bf5 7.Qf3 Bg6 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.Qxf6 gxf6 Although interesting, this line has two drawbacks: a) it
is clearly out of our repertoire; b) the current theoretical state of this line shows Black playing only
for a draw.
7.Bd3
In this way White keeps the suspense about which way his king knight will go, while anticipating the
idea of …Bf5 which can appear once the conditions are right.
7.Nf3 Black can continue with 7…0-0 trying to transpose to the main line of this chapter, but he can
also find the right moment to interpose 7…Bf5 (the course followed, in Bagirov – Glotov, Moscow
2009, among others).

7…0-0!

This order is my recommendation, allowing a quick …Re8.

7…Nbd7 Instead, this popular alternative is much more difficult to play. The position appears in
some repertoire books (for example Kornev’s) starting from the following order. 6…Nbd7 7.Bd3
Bd6 8.Qc2 [8.Nf3 h6 9.Bh4 0-0 10.Qc2 This transposes.]

47
Position after: 8.Qc2

A) 8…Nf8 This is the treatment that Black used in the early days of this variation, and which still
remains interesting. White can try to show that Black’s plan is somewhat slow. 9.Nge2 This is now
the usual continuation. 9…Ng6 This position has appeared more than sixty times in practice (for
example, in a game between two of my fellow Olympians, Lopez Azambuja – Larrea, Montevideo
2019), but the move that makes me most uncomfortable here is the unpublished one: 10.f4!?.

Position after: 10.f4!?

48
 Here a possible continuation is as follows. 10…Be7 [10…h6 11.Bxf6 Qxf6 12.f5 Ne7 13.0-0±]
11.f5 Ng4 12.h3 Bxg5 13.hxg4 Ne7 14.Nf4² I certainly prefer White’s position here.
B) 8…h6 9.Bh4 0-0 10.Nf3! The development on f3 is the most critical continuation in the variation
where Black develops his queen knight early. [10.Nge2 This transposes to the following chapters.]

Position after: 10.Nf3!

10…Re8 The position is strategically complex, but White develops an annoying initiative, as shown
here. 11.0-0 Nf8 12.Rae1 Bg4!? 13.Nd2 Bh5!? [13…Be6 14.f4± Bareev – Ljubojevic, Monte Carlo
2003; 13…g5 14.Bg3 Bh5 15.Ne2² El Zein – Sabry, Cairo 2004] 14.f4

49
Position after: 14.f4

14…Ne6!? 14…g5 This is the main line in Kornev’s book. 15.fxg5 Ng4 16.Nf3 Nxe3 17.Rxe3
[Alternatively Kornev’s suggestion: 17.Qf2?.] 17…Rxe3 18.gxh6 Be7 19.g4 Bg6 20.Bxg6 fxg6
21.Qf2² Jones – Taksrud, corr 2010] The following lines are based on correspondence games which
may shed some light on how Black can fight for equality, but this is a position where Black suffers
more and his task is visibly more difficult. 15.Nf3!? Bxf3 16.Rxf3 Be7 17.Ref1 (Brzoza –
Hammerschmid, corr 2013) 17…Rc8!? 18.Bf5 Nd7 19.Bf2 Bf6„ White has some initiative, due to
the more active piece arrangement and the bishop pair. Although Black’s position can be
sustainable, especially in correspondence games where engines can help legally, he has a long way
to go to claim equality. My impression is that in the line we have just considered in this note Black
is walking a rocky road.

8.Nf3

The object of our study in this chapter are White’s schemes with the development of the king knight
on f3. From the next chapter onwards we will consider the lines where this piece exits on e2.
8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 This is the most usual continuation, usually leading to schemes with Nf3 or
Nge2. It is dangerous for White to seek an independent path with moves like 10.0-0-0 that allow the
second player to take the initiative, with 10…b5µ followed by ideas such as …Na6 or …a5.

8…Re8

Position after: 8…Re8

9.Qc2

50
Very natural. One of the typical drawbacks of lines with …Bd6, arising from the pin on the h4-d8
diagonal, is the need to deal with the threat Bxh7+.
9.0-0 Another possibility, that is growing in popularity. White leaves the queen on d1, which leads to
independent positions. 9…Bg4 The best reply here. The possible advance by the white pawns in the
sector to harass the bishop also weakens the security of the white king. Now the most critical seems
to be the following. 10.Qb3

Position after: 10.Qb3

[10.Qc2 h6 11.Bh4 Nbd7 12.Nd2 Bh5 13.Rae1 Qc7=] 10…Na6!? [10…b5 This is an option, but
possibly somewhat debilitating. 11.Ne2 Nbd7 12.Rfc1 Rc8 13.Qd1²]

51
Position after: 10…Na6!?

A) 11.Bh4 Sorensen – Abdrlauf, Uppsala 2022. 11…Qd7!? 12.Nd2 [12.Bxf6 Bxf3 13.Bh4 Bxh2+
14.Kxh2 Qg4 15.g3 Re6©] 12…Nb4 13.Bb1 Nh5 There are chances for both sides. An illustrative
line is as follows. 14.a3 Na6 15.Re1 Nc7 16.Bd3 Qe6!?

Position after: 16…Qe6!?

17.f3 Bf5 18.Bxf5 Qxf5 19.Qxb7 Qg6 20.f4 Rab8 21.Qxc6 Rxb2 22.Ra2 Reb8 23.Qd7 R2b7
24.Qh3 Nf6 25.Bxf6 Qxf6©

52
 B) 11.Rac1 Parkhov – Boruchovsky, Israel ch 2022. This move can also be answered as follows.
11…Qd7!? 12.Nd2 Nh5 13.Rfe1 Rab8∞
C) 11.a3 This was recently tested in master practice. However, the following responses show some
of Black’s resources in this type of position. 11…Nc7 Probably the most accurate. [11…Rb8
12.Ne5 Bxe5 13.dxe5 Rxe5 14.Bf4 Nc5 15.Qc2 Rh5 White gained the exchange in a position where
Black has compensation, in So – Shankland, Berlin (rapid) 2022. 16.f3± However, this is a powerful
intermediate move instead.] 12.Ne5 Bxe5 13.dxe5 Rxe5 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Qxb7 [15.h3 Bc8„ There
are ideas like …Rg5, …Qe7 or …Ne8-d6.] 15…Rb8 16.Qxa7 Ne6©

9…h6 10.Bh4 Be6!

Position after: 10…Be6!

This is the best scheme for Black when White develops his knight on f3 together with the bishop and
queen battery on the b1-h7 diagonal.
10…Bg4 Note that this option, which was useful in the position with queens on d1 and short castling,
cannot be recommended here because the capture on f3 opens lines against Black’s own king. 11.0-0-
0 Nbd7 12.h3 Bxf3 13.gxf3 Qa5 14.Kb1 Be7 15.Rhg1± Nakamura – Shabalov, Mashantucket 2005

11.0-0

The following is an important alternative.

11.Ne5 c5! 12.0-0 [12.Nb5?! cxd4 13.Nxd6 Qxd6 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Nf3 Bluebaum – Abdrlauf,
internet blitz 2022. 15…dxe3³ White’s compensation for the material deficit is not enough.]
A) 12…Nc6!? This was suggested by Botvinnik, and then used in Weber – Genga, corr 2011 and in

53
 Janzelj – Martinovic, Croatia 2019. In the latter game, White does not have enough resources to take
advantage of his better structure and bishop after the following. 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6
15.dxc5 Bxc5 16.Nxd5 cxd5 17.Qxc5 Qxb2 18.Rfb1 Qe5 19.Qd4 Qxd4 20.exd4 g5= The game
was drawn after 72 moves.
B) 12…cxd4 13.exd4 Nc6 14.Nxc6 bxc6 15.Bg3

Position after: 15.Bg3

15…Bxg3 [15…Nh5!? 16.Na4 Nxg3 17.hxg3 Rc8„ Nakamura – Kramnik, Paris blitz 2016]
16.hxg3 Botvinnik – Kottnauer, Groningen 1946 16…Qb6! This is my recommendation, as
originally published in the New in Chess Yearbook, where Black equalizes as follows. 17.Ne2 Bd7
18.Rfd1 a5=

11…Nbd7 12.Rab1

The most popular plan, linked to the minority attack. The alternatives do not cause problems for the
second player.
A) 12.Bg3 Bxg3 13.hxg3 Rc8 14.Na4 Ne4 15.Bxe4?! dxe4 16.Nd2 Nf6³ Tjomsland – Ofstad,
Norway tt 2000
B) 12.Rac1 Rc8 13.e4 dxe4 14.Nxe4 Be7= Unciti – Longa, Madrid 2010

12…a5 13.a3

13.Rfe1 Qc7 14.Bg3 In Croad – Krstev, Auckland 2010, the following continuation is now simplest.
14…Bxg3 15.hxg3 Qd6=

54
13…Qb8 14.Bg3 Bxg3

14…Bg4!? This is a possible option, as in Kovalenko – Hovhannisyan, St. Petersburg rapid 2018.
However the text is more thematic and safe.

15.hxg3 Qd6=

Position after: 15…Qd6=

The position offers chances for both sides, as in Passos – Santos Filho, São Paulo 2019. Once the
dark-squared bishops have been exchanged, the main strategic theme for Black is the organization of
the pawn majority’s set-up on the queenside, with actions such as …b6, …c5 or …b5. In the game
White tried to take the helm in that sector by executing the minority attack as follows, but Black had a
response.

16.b4

16.Rfc1 This move, with b4 on the next move, is a better version of White’s idea, with equality after
the following. 16…b6 17.b4 axb4 18.axb4 Rec8=

16…axb4 17.axb4 b5

Black has the thematic maneuver …Nb6-c4. White can attempt to create complications.

18.e4?

55
Position after: 18.e4?

This only weakens White’s structure (instead 18.Ne2 is approximately balanced, although I already
prefer Black’s position). The game continued as follows.

18…dxe4 19.Nxe4 Nxe4 20.Bxe4

Here Black had the following strong reply.

20…Nf6

20…Bc4 This is not bad either.

21.Rfe1

The captures on c6 lose material.

A) 21.Bxc6 Rac8 22.Rfc1 Bd5–+
B) 21.Qxc6 Nxe4 22.Qxe4 Ba2–+
C) 21.Bd3 Nd5 Black has clear strategic dominance.

21…Nxe4 22.Qxe4

56
Position after: 22.Qxe4

22…Red8µ

f) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nge2 Re8 9.Qc2 h6 10.Bf4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nge2

Position after: 8.Nge2

57
In recent years, following in the footsteps of Botvinnik and Kasparov, who implemented with great
success the plan with f3 and e4, the main repertoire books have chosen this development for the king
knight – and this was immediately seen in practice.
8.Qc2 An alternative, which is even more popular in practice. There is a threat of Bxh7+. 8…h6
9.Bh4 [ 9.Bf4 Allowing the doubling of pawns is much less logical. 9…Bxf4 10.exf4 Re8+ 11.Nge2
b6³] 9…Re8 Now 10.Nf3 leads to the previous chapter, while 10.Nge2 transposes to the following
ones. The choice of the move order with 8.Nge2 for this chapter aims to show the line with the retreat
of the bishop to f4.

8…Re8 9.Qc2 h6

With the bishop on d6, always remember to defend the pawn on h7!

10.Bf4!?

Position after: 10.Bf4!?

10.Bh4 By a wide margin, this option (which is studied from the next chapter onwards) is the most
usual retreat. The move in the text is also logical, proposing a strategically favorable exchange of
pieces for White given the central pawn formation on either side.

10…Bf8!?

Preserving the bishop on the dark squares is a logical alternative which has not yet been employed in
practice. However, this may be of equivalent value to some of the tested ideas. The alternatives to the
text are as follows.

58
 A) 10…Be6 This was Black’s choice in the opening game with 10. Bf4. 11.0-0 [11.Bxd6 Qxd6
12.0-0 Nbd7 13.h3 This is theoretically favorable for White, but Black’s position is very solid.]
11…Bf8 [11…Nh5 12.Bxd6 Qxd6 Black’s knights are not in a very graceful position, in Rozum –
Savcheko, Vladivostok 2015. 13.Rab1²] 12.h3 Nbd7 13.Rfd1 g6„
B) 10…b6!? This is another possibility, as in Vidal Zamora – Otarola, Barcelona 2019. 11.0-0
11…Ba6∞

11.0-0

The position of White’s pieces resembles those which the first player gets in some lines of the
London System. However here the knight is on e2 and not f3, which makes his control of the e5-
square less strong. Black should have no trouble developing his pieces and claiming equality.
11.h3 a5 An alternative to the text. One of Black’s typical ideas in this type of position is to advance
the pawn majority on the queenside, both to gain space and to distract White from his possible
offensive ideas in the other sector. [11…b6 This is also suitable, as in Milikow – Kapnisisis,
Heraklion 2022.] 12.0-0 b6 13.Rfd1 Ba6 14.Bxa614.Bf5 Nbd7„14…Nxa6 15.Be5 b5„

11…Nbd7

This development is the most natural of the alternatives. Black can also think about advancing his
pawns on the queenside, and if he wants more chaos he can gamble with the following move.
11…Nh5!? This creates a really difficult position to evaluate and play. 12.Be5 Nd7 13.f4 The pieces
are taking various risks on both sides. Objectively, it seems to me that White has the better chances
here, and that’s why I prefer the move in the text.

12.h3 a5!?

59
Position after: 12…a5!?

With the same intention, as explained in the note to the alternative 11. h3. Black, in my opinion, gets
adequate counterplay on the queenside. In a position that has not yet been subjected to any practical
experience it is not easy to predict future theoretical developments. However the illustrative line that
follows is in my view quite logical.

13.a3

A) 13.Na4 Ne4„
B) 13.Rfd1 b6„

13…b6

In principle Black can continue with …Ba6; however analysis of the position reveals that, as the
following lines prove, Black’s queen bishop can also develop on b7 and then fight for prominence on
the long diagonal.

14.Rfc1

14.Nb1 for Nd2-f3 This is another possibility. 14…Bb7 15.Nd2 Qc8 16.Rfe1 [16.Nf3 Ba6=] 16…
c5„

14…Bb7 15.Na4!?

60
Position after: 15.Na4!?

15…g6∞

Followed by …Bg7. Other ideas to consider are the timely occupation of the e4-square and the break
on c5 to open up the light-squared bishop’s diagonal. The line needs more practical experience, but it
can already be seen that it leads to original middlegames.

g) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 Nbd7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2

The most popular order.

61
Position after: 8.Qc2

8…h6

8…Nbd7 Amazingly in more than forty games Black didn’t spot the threat of taking on h7.

9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2

This is the basic position of our work in the Exchange Variation, with both sides almost completing
their development and having to choose their plans for the middlegame. White finds it difficult to
realize Botvinnik’s and Kasparov’s idea here (because of Black’s pressure on e3) so the minority
attack has become his most usual weapon in schemes where that side prefers to play with short
castling. The main alternative is the plan with long castling and advance of the pawns on the kingside.
And in both cases the first player can create piece play in the center with a timely e4, taking an
isolated pawn on d4 in return. Black, depending on the plan his opponent chooses, can either play
with pieces on the kingside (protected by his bishops which are directed against White’s possible
short castling); or use his queenside pawn majority (either to gain space, to create a passed pawn in
possible endgames, or to attack in positions where White has placed his king on the queenside). As
far as concrete continuations are concerned, I have decided to devote these last four subchapters to
different ideas. I apologize in advance to the readers for such a large number, but I have some
mitigating factors: a) the theory of this line is very recent, and the theoretical supremacy of one
continuation over the others has not yet been established; b) each of the four proposals leads to
different positions which enrich our chess knowledge with typical themes for this Carlsbad structure;
c) considering that this repertoire only includes a variation against the Exchange system (different, for
example, from the lines 4.Nc3 Nf6, 4.Bg5, or 4.Nf3), it seems to me that having different
possibilities for dealing with the main line of that scheme increases the surprise factor; d) if for some

62
reason someone wishes to focus on only one of the four ideas I present in this book, then go ahead.
Observe, compare and choose.

10…Nbd7

Position after: 10…Nbd7

This is the most classical option, and also the most popular in practice, especially since it often
appears by transposition from schemes where Black has developed his queen knight early. Black
wishes to move his queenside knight to f8 and from there to e6 where it defends the kingside and
helps to prepare the break on c5. The following subchapters are devoted to the variations with
10…Be6, 10…a5 and 10…b6 respectively.

11.h3

The most common move, preparing actions on the kingside which are often complemented by long
castling, creating a scenario of attacks in opposing sectors. The main alternatives to the text are as
follows.
A) 11.0-0-0 The immediate installation of the king on the queenside, planning to throw the kingside
pawns into the attack, is almost as popular as the main line. Black must react immediately. 11…b5
12.g4! White takes advantage of one of the themes derived from the placement of the black bishop
on d6, advancing this pawn under cover of the pin on the h4-d8 diagonal. [12.Kb1 Fuchs – Kulovic,
Germany 2006] 12…Nb6³ Again Black is quicker.] 12…b4 13.Na4 Nb6 14.Nc5 This was White’s
choice in the most recent game. [14.g5 Ne4³ This presents a jiu-jitsu case where the pinning piece is
itself pinned, in Mista – Vodicka, Prague 1966.] 14…a5

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Position after: 14…a5

15.Rdg1 [15.g5 Ne4 16.Bxe4 dxe4 17.Nxe4 b3 18.axb3 Bf5 19.Nf6+ gxf6 20.Qxf5 fxg5∞ The
position is double-edged but balanced.] 15…Bf8 16.g5 Ne4 17.Bxe4 [17.Nxe4 dxe4 18.Bxe4 a4
Black’s attack is faster. 19.g6 f6!–+] 17…dxe4 18.Nxe4 Bf5 19.Nf6+ Qxf6 20.gxf6 Bxc2 21.Kxc2
g6© Black’s compensation is sufficient for equality here.
B) 11.g4 This is another aggressive attempt at exploiting the pin, but Black has a good defense.
11…Nf8 12.h3 [12.g5 Nh5µ] 12…b5 Yes, sometimes the best defense is a good attack. 13.Rg1
[13.0-0-0 a5∞ Szustakowski – Fiedorek, Poland 2018] 13…Ne6 (Mamedyarov – Kramnik, Moscow
blitz 2018) 14.0-0-0 This should have been played by Shak here (but instead he made a serious
mistake by playing 14.f4 allowing the tactical coup: 14…Bxf4!.) 14…Bd7 15.Kb1 Rc8∞ With
chances for both sides.
C) 11.Bg3 This is the positional treatment, aiming to keep the best minor pieces. 11…Nf8 The
classic idea. 12.0-0 (Shabanov – Moskvin, Pushkino 2012) 12…Ne6!?

64
Position after: 12…Ne6!?

13.f3 White aims for the central idea of the Botvinnik/ Kasparov scheme. [13.Rac1 Bxg3 14.Nxg3
h5 15.Rfe1 g6„ This has similar ideas.] 13…c5 Black has played actively and is close to equality. A
possible continuation is as follows. 14.Bb5 Rf8 15.dxc5 Bxc5 16.Bf2 a6 17.Ba4 b5 18.Bb3 Bb7
19.Rfd1 Qb6 20.Qd2 Rfe8 21.a3 Rad8„
D) 11.0-0 Bxh2+!? 12.Kxh2 Ng4+ 13.Kg3 [13.Kh3 Ndf6© 13…Ndf6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6

Position after: 14…Qxf6

65
 15.e4 [15.Qd2 h5–+ 16.Nf4 h4+ 17.Kf3 g5 18.Rh1 Qxf4+ 19.exf4 Nh2+ 20.Rxh2 g4# Bryakov –
Urazayev, Internet blitz 2021; 15.Nf4 g5 16.Nh3 (Kretov – Levine, internet blitz 2020) 16…h5–+
15…h5 16.f4™ 16…h4+ 17.Kf3 dxe4+ 18.Bxe4 [18.Nxe4 Qg6–+] 18…g6³ Black has the best
practical chances here.

11…Nf8

Black continues with the classical plan of leading his knight to e6. Besides this move Black has
experimented with other ideas ranging from the solid 11…Be7 to 11…Qa5 looking for immediate
counterplay on the queenside. However the one in the text seems to me to be the most natural, as well
as the most usual in practice.

12.0-0-0

In the statistics this move shows an overwhelming advantage for White (more than 80%). The
alternatives are as follows.
A) 12.0-0 Qe7!? [12…a5!? Kurtenkov – Unalmis, corr 2016; 12…Ne6 This classical move is also
possible, as in Restas – Szalai, Hungary 2001.] 13.Rae1 [13.e4 g5 14.Bg3 Nxe4 15.Bxe4 dxe4
16.Bxd6 Qxd6 17.Nxe4 Qg6 Black is OK.] 13…Bd7 14.Nc1 Ne6 Now real chaos ensues in the
event of the following. 15.f4!? g5!? 16.fxg5 hxg5 17.Bf2 Bc7∞ However Black has a dynamically
balanced position here.
B) 12.g4 This transposes to the line with 11. g4 seen above.

12…a5!?

Position after: 12…a5!?

66
This move is my recommendation in Yearbook 130, associated with a pawn sacrifice in search of the
initiative.
12…b5 Instead, this natural move is somewhat better for White. 13.Kb1 Be6 [13…a5 14.e4± White’s
central offensive is stronger here, in Steingrimsson – Korley, New York 2019.] 14.g4²

Position after: 14.g4²

In Pähtz – Müller, Dresden 1994, Black’s position rapidly deteriorated after the following. 14…Rc8
[14…a5 15.Rhg1²] 15.Rhg1 a6 16.g5 Nh5 17.f4±

13.Kb1

The only practical examples with this position continued as follows.

A) 13.g4 b5 [13…a4!? This is also possible, as in the main line.]
A1) 14.Rdg1 (Coleman – Sigurjonsson, Reykjavik 201214…a4 Now this leads to a position with
chances for both sides. 15.g5 Nh5 Note that this does not allow White to continue with f4. 16.Ng3
If White play this, then Black has the following. 16…Bxg3 17.Bxg3 hxg5 18.Be5 Qe7

67
Position after: 18…Qe7

19.Be2 [19.a3 b4 20.axb4 a3³] 19…g6 20.Bxh5 gxh5 21.Qe2 Bf5 22.Qxh5 f6³ Black defends.
A2) 14.g5 Nh5 15.Rdg1 (Petrosyan – Kramnik, Moscow blitz 2019) 15…g6!? 16.Kb1 Bd7³
A3) 14.Kb1 Ba6 15.e4 b4 There are chances for both sides. A possible continuation is as follows.
16.e5 bxc3 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.exd6 Bxd3 19.Rxd3 cxb2 20.Ng3 Qxd6∞ This shows complications
for every taste.
B) 13.e4?! White can also think about this central blow but here it is clearly premature. 13…dxe4
14.Nxe4 Be7µ

13…a4!?

I really find this idea interesting. In positions with opposing castling, the main plan of action is the
direct attack, and the sacrifice of pawns to open lines is a common tactical theme. However keep in
mind that 13…b5 as indicated above is an inaccuracy because of 14.e4±.

14.Nxa4

White, of course, is not obliged to capture on a4. Instead, he can continue as follows.
14.a3 Be6 Black’s move is directed against White’s plans with e4. 15.Bg3 [15.Nxa4 N8d7©; 15.g4
b5„] 15…Be7 16.Nf4 Bd7 17.f3 b5 This leaves a position where, at the very least, Black has
equality.

14…N8d7

68
This prepares the queen’s exit to a5 without having to worry about the doubled pawns on f6, while
controlling c5 and b6.

15.a3 Qa5 16.Nac3

Position after: 16.Nac3

16…b5©

In my opinion, Black’s compensation is adequate. In return for the material investment Black is
developing their initiative on the opponent’s queenside, already weakened by the advance a3. In some
of the possible lines more pawns (those on the b- and c-files) can be sacrificed, but the opening of
new lines can also be a problem for the white king – as shown in the example below.

17.Na2 Bf8 18.Qxc6!?

18.Qc3 b4 19.Nxb4 Ne4 20.Bxe4 [20.Qb3 c5 21.Nxd5 Rb8µ] 20…Rxe4 21.g4 Bb7©

18…Qa7

69
Position after: 18…Qa7

19.Bxb5

The most natural idea, collecting another pawn.

19.Nec3!? This is another possibility. 19…b4 20.Nb5 [20.Nxb4 Re6 21.Nb5 Qa5©] 20…Qa4
21.Nxb4 Bxb4 22.Qc2 Qxc2+ 23.Kxc2 Ba5 24.Bxf6 Nxf6 25.b4 Bd8 26.Nd6 Re6 27.Nxc8 Rc6+
28.Kb2 Raxc8 29.Rc1 Rxc1 30.Rxc1 Rxc1 31.Kxc1 Kf8= A balanced endgame is reached. The three
white pawns compensate for the black knight.

19…Ne4

There are other ideas that deserve consideration, such as: 19…Bxa3!?, 19…Rb8, or 19…Nb6.

20.Nec3 Nb6!? 21.Qxe8 Nxc3+ 22.Nxc3 Bf5+ 23.Ka2

23.e4 Rxe8 24.Bxe8 dxe4 This is even better for Black.

23…Rxe8 24.Bxe8 Nc4

70
Position after: 24…Nc4

White still retains material advantage, but the black pieces are active and are all directed against the
white king in order to obtain adequate compensation. The most likely line is as follows.

25.Ba4 Qb6 26.Rb1 Bd6

26…Bxb1+ 27.Rxb1 Bd6 28.Nb5 Qa5 29.Nxd6 Qxa4 30.Nxc4 dxc4 31.Rc1 Qb3+ 32.Kb1 Qb7
33.Bg3 Qxg2 34.h4 Qd5=

27.Nb5 Bf8 28.Nc3

71
Position after: 28.Nc3

28…Bd6=

After this dive into the most classical of Black’s schemes in this line, my impression is that Black
comes out well from the complications proposed in the more aggressive lines. His task is more
difficult when White chooses more strategic ways of dealing with the position, such as 11.Bg3, where
you have to think of achieving gradual equilibrium as a first step.

h) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 Be6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
Be6

72
Position after: 10…Be6

Black adopts the same formation as in the line where White develops his knight on f3, taking the
bishop to e6 before playing the queen knight to d7. While the bishop may be a target here of a
possible Nf4, Black’s position is reasonable and deserves more practical experience. For now its
main advocate is the Venezuelan International Master who is based in the USA, Felix Ynojosa.

11.h3

In my opinion this move is the most critical here, incorporating preventative measures such as
protecting g4 or the possibility of short castling but also some offensive ones such as the chance to
attack with g4 in some cases. The options are as follows.
A) 11.f3 This is very logical, and Vyacheslav Ikonnikov’s choice for the main line in Yearbook 133.
In practice Black has tried out several moves in this position, of which the most interesting seems to
be 11…c5!?.

73
Position after: 11…c5!?

A1) 12.Nb5 White should prefer this immediate move, where the following continuation is
mentioned by Ikonnikov. 12…c4!? 13.Bh7+ Kh8 14.Nxd6 Qxd6 15.Bxf6 gxf6 Ikonnikov
indicates that the position offers chances to both sides. The grandmaster continues as follows.
16.0-0 Nc6 17.Ng3

Position after: 17.Ng3

17…h5!? [17…b5 18.Kh1 a5„ This is another possibility.] 18.Nxh5 Qf8 19.Nxf6 Qh6 20.Nxe8

74
 Rxe8∞ Up to this point, this is Ikonnikov’s line, with the following possible continuation. 21.f4
Qxh7 22.f5 Bd7 23.Rf3 Rg8 24.Raf1 Black has counterplay; however, I find White’s position
easier to play.
A2) 12.Bxf6?! Qxf6 13.Nb5 Bf8! 14.Nc7 Rc8 15.Nxa8 c4!

Position after: 15…c4!

16.Bh7+ Kh8© White has an extra rook, but two of his pieces are seriously compromised. 17.Nf4
Nc6 18.Rd1 Rxa8 19.0-0 g6 20.Bxg6 fxg6 21.Nxg6+ [21.Qxg6 Qxg6 22.Nxg6+ Kg7 23.Nxf8
Kxf8³] 21…Kg7 22.Nxf8 Rxf8³ After this the position is better for Black, in Fier – Ynojosa,
Batumi ol 2018.
B) 11.Bg3 Bxg3!? 12.Nxg3!? [12.hxg3 Qd6 13.Nf4 Nbd7 It is difficult for White to create a threat
on the h-file here. 14.f3 c5∞] 12…c5 13.dxc5 d4!

75
Position after: 13…d4!

14.Nce4 dxe3 15.fxe3 Nc6©

C) 11.0-0? A typical mistake. 11…Bxh2+ 12.Kxh2 Ng4+ 13.Kg3 g5µ Ballesein – Ynojosa,
Charlotte 2017.

11…Nbd7

The most natural idea.

11…a5 Recent practice has also seen this but the idea looks like a mixture of the plans in the present
chapter and the next one, devoted to 10… a5. 12.0-0 Nbd7 13.f3 c5 14.Bb5 Rc8 15.Qd2 cxd4
16.Nxd4± White has an obvious advantage, in Lenderman – Ynojosa, Charlotte 2020.

12.0-0

As in the previous chapter, positional lines are the biggest challenge Black faces in this variation with
the bishop on e6.
12.g4 This is possible, as in Collado – Saiz, Spain 2020, but Black has good counterplay by
continuing with 12…b5∞.
13.g5 Remember that against this move Black always has the knight jumps leaving White’s bishop at
h4 uncomfortable. 13…Nh5 14.Rg1 Nb6³

12…Rc8

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Position after: 12…Rc8

13.a3

A quiet treatment, preparing the classic minority attack and inviting Black to show a plan. In practice,
the following options have also been used.
A) 13.Rad1 b5 14.a3 [14.Kh1 a6 15.Qb1 Nb6 16.a3 Nc4= Wang – Ynojosa, Charlotte 2018] 14…
a5 15.Bg3 Bxg3 16.Nxg3 Nb6 17.b3 Re7 18.Rfe1 Ra7„
B) 13.Rab1 b5 14.Rbc1 [14.f4!? This is mentioned by Ikonnikov, with the following continuation.
14…Nb6 15.f5 Bd7 16.e4 dxe4 17.Nxe4 Be7 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.Nd6 Re3 20.Nxc8 Qxc8©] 14…a6
15.e4 Now, instead of the compromised 15…g5 seen in Searman – Ynojosa, Saint Louis 2018, it’s
better to play as follows. 15…dxe4 16.Nxe4 Be7„

13…a5

The line that follows is obviously risky for Black. Readers who prefer more positional play can
investigate options such as 13…Be7, 13…Nf8 or 13…Nb6. In all cases White retains the initiative,
and Black is left with the task of gradually gaining equality.

14.f3!?

14.Rad1 b5 15.e4 (Perelshteyn – Ynojosa, Dallas 2017) 15…dxe4 16.Nxe4 Bb8∞ The position offers
chances to both sides.

14…b5 15.e4 dxe4 16.fxe4

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White’s position impresses more, with its center, active pieces and more space. Black, however, has a
resource with the following pawn sacrifice.

Position after: 16.fxe4

16…c5!? 17.Bxb5 cxd4 18.Nxd4 Be5!?

Position after: 18…Be5!?

18…Qb6 This is the alternative, but White can claim a plus after the following. 19.Bf2 Be5 20.Nc6

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Qb7 21.Nxe5 Qxb5 22.Nxd7 Qxd7 23.Bh4²

19.Rad1

19.Bf2 This is another possibility but Black can seek compensation as follows. 19…Bc4 20.Bxc4
[20.Nc6 Qc7 21.Nxe5 Bxb5 22.Nxd7 Bxd7 23.Rfe1 Bc6©] 20…Rxc4 21.Rad1 Bb8 22.Qe2 Qc7
23.g3 Qc8 24.Rfe1 Ne5©

19…Qb6

The big question is whether Black’s compensation is sufficient. For the moment, his main argument
is the well-centralized and active forces and some weaknesses in White’s pawn formation. In a line
like this, with no practical experience, it is often pointless to go into long variations, especially when
the complexity of the position means that infinite possibilities appear in every move; so, by way of
illustration, I give a possible continuation.

20.Qf2 Rxc3 21.bxc3 Bxd4 22.cxd4 Qxb5

Position after: 22…Qxb5

23.d5 Nxe4 24.Qd4 Bxh3 25.gxh3 Re5 26.Rf3 Qe2 27.Rdf1 f6©

Despite the material difference and White’s passed pawn on the d-file, Black’s position is solid and
provides active counterplay.

i) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 a5

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1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
a5!?

Position after: 10…a5!?

The main idea behind this advance is to bring the queen knight to e6, as in the variation with
…Nbd7-f8-e6, but without interfering with the path of the light-squared bishop, while the rook
pawn’s advance gains space in a sector where Black has a majority of pawns. It has the merit of
having been used by Carlsen, albeit in a blitz game, and is the most popular idea today for Black’s
tenth move.
10…Na6 (Loiret – Hubert, France 2003) This is based on similar ideas, but saving the rook pawn
move is not a good idea. 11.Bxa6 bxa6 12.h3² After this White’s position should be preferred.

11.h3

This move is White’s main option, preparing to castle short. Because of Black’s last move, plans with
long castling seem more risky, as Black arrives quickly with his initiative in that sector, accelerated
after his …a5. In practice, White has also employed the following options.
A) 11.a3 Na6 12.h3 This transposes to the main line.
B) 11.Bg3 Na6 12.a3 Nc7 13.0-0 Ne6

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Position after: 13…Ne6

14.f3 [14.Rab1 Ng5 15.b4 axb4 16.axb4 Bxg3 17.Nxg3 (Lombaers – Zwirs, Netherlands Blitz
2019) 17…h5 18.h4 Ne6∞; 14.Rae1 This can be answered with 14…b6= as in Tari – Rosen,
Internet Blitz 2022.] 14…Bxg3 15.Nxg3 c5 With the help of the thematic break Black manages to
equalize.
B1) 16.dxc5 Nxc5 17.Rfd1 Rxe3 18.Bh7+ Kh8 19.Nxd5 Re5 20.Qxc5 Be6 21.Be4 Bxd5 22.Qb5
Qe8=
B2) 16.Nf5?! This was played in Cholleti – Chitlange, Delhi 2022, where Black was able to
acquire a big advantage as follows. 16…c4 17.Be2 Nc7µ The weakness of the pawn on e3 is
obvious.
B3) 16.Bb5 Bd7 17.Bxd7 Qxd7 18.dxc5 Nxc5 19.Rad1 Qe6 20.Nf5 Ncd7=
C) 11.0-0 This also loses a pawn due to the following. 11…Bxh2+ 12.Kxh2 Ng4+ 13.Kg3 g5
14.Bf5 gxh4+ 15.Kh3 h5µ Litvinov – Anufrienko, Barnaul 2013

11…Na6 12.a3 Nc7

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Position after: 12…Nc7

13.0-0

The most natural continuation, but White has tried several alternatives here.
13.g4 This leaves White with more questions than answers, especially regarding the safety of his
king. 13…Ne6 14.Kf1!? [14.f4 This can be answered, among other ways, as follows. 14…Bxf4!?
15.Bh7+ Kh8 16.exf4 Nxd4©; 14.Rg1 (Sorensen – Escudero, internet blitz 2022) 14…Ng5µ
14…Be7 15.Kg2 (A.Sorokin – Javakhadze, Irving 2019) 15…Bd7 16.Rac1 b5=

13…Ne6

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Position after: 13…Ne6

14.f3

This move is at the time of writing the most common move, preparing e4, in accordance with
Botvinnik’s and Kasparov’s scheme. As Black has been demonstrating antidotes to this, White has
recently been exploring other ideas, which I offer below.
A) 14.Rad1 Bd7 15.f3 Similar to the main line [15.Kh1!? b5 16.e4 dxe4 17.Nxe4 Be7 18.Bg3 Nxe4
19.Bxe4 Rc8„] 15…Ng5

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Position after: 15…Ng5

A1) 16.e4? This justifies Black’s whole plan. 16…Nfxe4 17.fxe4 Nxh3+ 18.gxh3 Qxh4µ Black
has excellent compensation, as in Ringoir – Korley, Charlotte 2019.
A2) 16.f4!? This seems more critical. 16…Nxh3+ 17.gxh3 Rxe3 18.Bf5 Qc8

Position after: 18…Qc8

This offers compensation to Black, but future practical experience will determine whether the
compensation is sufficient. For now, an illustrative line is as follows. 19.Bxd7 Qxd7 20.Bxf6 gxf6
21.f5 Rxh3 22.Kf2 Rh2+ 23.Ke1 Re8 24.Rd2 b5©
A3) 16.Bf2 b5 [In the Yearbook Ikonnikov considers the following line to be a little better for
White. 16…Bxh3 17.gxh3 Nxh3+ 18.Kg2 Nxf2 19.Rxf2 Rxe3 20.Qd2 Qe7 21.Rh1 However,
after 21…Re8 there is a lot of struggle ahead.] 17.Nf4 [17.e4 b4∞] 17…Qc7 18.Nce2 Rac8= The
position offers opportunities for both sides.
B) 14.Rae1 (Wu – Liang, San Francisco 2019) 14…Be7 White’s last move seems to point to a plan
with a quick e4, so this time I’ll go for the bishop’s retreat. 15.Bg3 b5 Now Black has the classic
counterplay using the pawn majority. 16.Nf4 Bd7∞
C) 14.f4

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Position after: 14.f4

C1) 14…g5?! This was Carlsen’s choice, but Black faces problems in the event of the following.
15.fxg5 [15.Bg3? This was played in Salem – Carlsen, Moscow blitz 2019, where 15…Nh5³ is
better for Black.] 15…Nxg5 16.Bxg5 hxg5 Borsuk – Siddharth, Belgrade 2020; now the simple
17.Rf2± with the idea of Raf1 offers an obvious advantage to the first player, although the move
played in the game, 17.Bf5 is not bad either.
C2) 14…Be7 Here this move also seems appropriate. 15.Rf3!? [15.Ng3? g5µ Dubov – Xiong,
internet rapid 2022] 15…Bd7 16.Raf1 Among various ideas (such as 16…Rc8 or 16…Nf8) Black
can also play 16…c5∞ without fear of the following. 17.Bxf6 Bxf6 18.Nxd5 cxd4 19.e4 Bh4!?
[19…Rc8 This is another possibility.] 20.f5 Ng5 21.Rf4 Nh7 22.Nxd4 Rc8© Black’s
compensation is adequate.

14…Ng5

This move is by far the most widely used in practice, because of the tactical possibilities it offers, but
Black can also try the most solid move here, as set out below.
14…Be7!? A recent practical example proceeds as follows. 15.Bf2 Nh5 16.Ng3 Nxg3 17.Bxg3 Bd6

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Position after: 17…Bd6

[17…b5!?∞] 18.Qf2 b6 19.Rfe1 Ba6 20.Bc2 b5 21.Bxd6 Qxd6 22.Ne2 [22.f4!?] 22…b4∞ There is
further discussion on this line and the game in the selected games section, in Zakhartsov – Grachev,
Khanty Mansiysk 2022.

Position after: 14…Ng5

15.f4!

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This move – a recommendation by the Dutch grandmaster Jan Timman – is critical to the evaluation
of this line.
A) 15.e4? This natural move allows Black to develop a very strong attack (this idea is the biggest
illusion for players who employ 10… a5 with the maneuver of the knight to g5) starting with the
following spectacular move. 15…Nfxe4! 16.fxe4 The quality of White’s position can be summed up
by the fact that my computer cannot find anything better than 16.Kh1 and resigning itself to losing
material. 16…Nxh3+ 17.gxh3 Qxh4
A1) 18.e5 The most natural idea, but it fails because of the following. 18…Rxe5–+ Black attempts
to open the g1-a7 diagonal. 19.Bh7+ Kh8 20.Bf5 Qg5+ 21.Bg4 Bxg4 22.dxe5 Bf5+ 23.Kh1 Bxc2
24.exd6 Qe3 Black won in 34 moves, in Roselli – Rodi, Uruguay ch 2022.
A2) 18.Rf2 Bxh3–+ 19.Rd1 [19.e5 Rxe5 20.dxe5 Bc5 21.Ne4 Bxf2+ 22.Nxf2 Qg5+ 23.Ng4 Bxg4
[23…Qxg4+ This is even stronger.] 24.Qc1 Qxe5 25.Qf4 Qxf4 26.Nxf4 Re8–+ Although Black
had sufficient advantage to win, White managed to draw, in Karpeshov – Meiser, Perm 1997.]
19…Re5! A beautiful move. There are others that win in this position, but the one in the text is the
most elegant. 20.dxe5 Bc5 21.Nd4 Bxd4 22.Rdd2 Qg3+ 23.Kh1 Bg4 24.Bf1 Bf3+ 25.Bg2 Qh3+
Moiseenko – Korley, Helsingor 2019
B) 15.Bxg5 hxg5 16.e4 For White, this alternative is inferior due to the following. 16…dxe4 17.fxe4
c5!

Position after: 17…c5!

The first player’s center is destroyed. 18.e5 cxd4 19.exf6 dxc3 20.Bh7+ Kh8 21.fxg7+ Kxg7
B1) 22.Rxf7+!? Kxf7 23.Qg6+ This forces the black king to take a walk. 23…Ke7 24.Qg7+ Ke6
25.Re1 Re7 26.Bf5+ Kd5 Despite the exposure of the black king, White has no resources to take

87
 advantage of this circumstance. 27.Be4+ Rxe4 28.Nxc3+ Kc6 29.Nxe4 Kb5 30.Nxd6+ Qxd6
31.Qxg5+ Ka6µ
B2) 22.Nxc3 Bf4³

15…Ne6

Position after: 15…Ne6

This sensible rejoinder is our main line. In the Yearbook, Grandmaster Ikonnikov also mentions the
more adventurous move below.
15…Nxh3+ White may continue the line as follows. 16.gxh3 Rxe3 17.Bh7+ Kh8 18.Bf5 It seems
that Black’s justification is not so simple. 18…Be7 19.Kh2 Bxf5 20.Qxf5 Ne4 21.Bf2 g6 22.Qg4
Nxf2 23.Rxf2 Bd6 24.Rf3 Ikonnikov writes that in the possible endgame the extra piece will come
into its own, and I agree with that assessment.

16.Rf3

White plans to double his rooks on the column. Other possibilities are as follows.
A) 16.Ng3!? Nf8 17.Nh5 [17.Rae1 Be7 18.Re2 Bd7„] 17…Be7 18.Nxf6+ Bxf6 19.Bf2 Bd7„
B) 16.Kh1 In recent games, White has also tried this move. 16…Nf8 17.Bf2 [17.Rf3 Be7 18.g4
b5∞] 17…Bd7 18.Ng3 b5 This is OK for Black, as in Krejci – Stinka, Czech Republic ch 2022.

16…Be7 17.Raf1 Bd7

According to Ikonnikov, Black should seek counterplay in the center and queenside gradually. The

88
grandmaster ends the line here, but we will continue for a few more moves.
17…Nf8 18.Ng3 Bd7 This is another possible order.

18.Ng3

While covering e4, this move has some offensive intentions.

18.g4!? b5 19.g5 Nh5 20.g6 Bxh4 21.gxf7+ Kxf7 22.Bg6+ Kg8 23.Bxh5 Rf8∞

18…Nf8

This move seems necessary. Otherwise the knight jump to f5 can be awkward.

Position after: 18…Nf8

18…b5 19.Nf5 b4 20.axb4 axb4 21.Ne2±

19.Na4

This seems to me the most natural idea, trying to exploit some of Black’s weaknesses on the
queenside. Possible alternatives are as follows.
A) 19.Kh1!? b5 The usual counterplay using the pawn majority. 20.Bxf6 [20.Nf5 Bxf5 21.Bxf5 Ra7
Black has reasonable counterplay; White can try to move his knight to d3. 22.Nd1 Ne4 23.Bxe7
Raxe7 However the continuation is OK for Black, for example as follows. 24.Bxe4 dxe4 25.R3f2
Qd6 26.Qc1 Rc7=] 20…Bxf6 21.Nh5 Bh4!?„
B) 19.Nf5 This is also logical. 19…Bxf5 20.Bxf5 N6d7 21.Bxe7 Qxe7 22.Bd3 Ne6 23.g4 c5
24.dxc5 [24.Nxd5 Qd6=] 24…Qxc5„

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19…b6!? 20.Nf5

20.Nc3 b5„

20…Bxf5 21.Bxf5 b5 22.Nc5 Bxc5 23.Qxc5 Ne4

Position after: 23…Ne4

24.Bxe4

24.Bxd8 Nxc5 25.Bxa525.Bf6 Ne4=25…Na4©

24…Qxh4 25.Bd3

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Position after: 25.Bd3

25…Qf6„

In the lines we have just seen, White maintains some initiative, but Black obtains counterplay in all
cases and stays close to equilibrium. The line with 10… a5 is developing theoretically, as is the case
with all the lines discussed in this section, and surely future experience will show which of the
possibilities seen here will emerge as the main line.

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 j) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2 b6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
b6

The start of a flexible and interesting scheme, where the queen bishop will develop on b7, seeking
prominence on the main diagonal, usually via the break on c5, while the knight in that sector exits
typically on d7. For now, the diagonal of the light-squared bishop remains open, in order to maintain
the threat …Bxh2 in the event of White short castling. To do so, White must either make a pre-
emptive move (such as h3 or Bg3) first, or make a useful move while waiting for the development of
Bc8 on the small diagonal to proceed to castling.

Position after: 10…b6

11.a3

This move is intended to realize one of White’s most typical ideas in this type of position – the
minority attack. Moreover it is a useful move while waiting for Black to show how he intends to
develop and coordinate his forces. As mentioned above, the placement of the queen bishop by
fianchetto allows the first player to castle without having to waste time on preventive measures on the
kingside. Alternatives to this idea are as follows.
A) 11.h3 Unequivocally preparing to castle short. In my publication for the Yearbook I
recommended 11…Ba6!? since the exchange of bishops on the light squares is always an interesting
strategic option. 12.Bxa6 [12.0-0 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 Nbd7=] 12…Nxa6 13.0-0 Nb8 (13…Nc7 This is
another idea, planning for …Ne6.) 14.Rac1 [14.Qa4 Re6= Halldorsson – Sigurjonsson, Iceland tt

92
 2018; however 14…b5!? is more expeditious.] 14…Nbd7 15.Qf5 Qc8„ The idea is …Qb7.
B) 11.0-0? As is the case in similar situations, this is a mistake, since it loses a pawn after
11…Bxh2+µ, as in Eriksson – Riipinen, Helsinki 1997.
C) 11.Rc1 This is the most serious option to the main line, and the engines’ favorite. Black can
continue as follows. 11…Bb7 12.0-0 Nbd7 13.Rfe1 Be7

Position after: 13…Be7

This is a usual move in positions where White has placed the rook on e1 to continue with e4
(alternatively 13…Qe7!? Is also possible). 14.Bf5 [14.f3 c5„] 14…Nf8 15.f3 [15.a3 Bc8„] 15…c5
16.Qd2 c4

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Position after: 16…c4

17.Bf2 [17.Rb1 Bc6 18.b3 b5 19.bxc4 bxc4„] 17…a6 18.a4 Bc6 19.e4 dxe4 20.fxe4 Bb4∞ There
are chances for both sides.

11…Bb7

The most natural continuation. An interesting alternative order is as follows.

11…Nbd7
A) 12.Rc1 This can be answered with 12…Bb7 with transposition to the main line after 13.0-0.
However Black can also try 12…Bf8 or 12…a5„.
B) 12.h3 This is a pre-emptive move that eliminates the possibility of any sacrifice on h2, but Black
has decent counterplay by continuing with 12…a5∞, as in Forslöf – Opperman, corr 2020.
Expansion on the queenside is one of the typical plans for the second player in this variation.
C) 12.0-0 Bb7 This leads by transposition to the text, but Black has an interesting option here.
12…Bxh2+!? 13.Kxh2 Ng4+ 14.Kh3 Ndf6 15.Bf5™ Otherwise the Ng4 discovery attacks are
deadly for White. 15…g5 16.Bg3 Re4!

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Position after: 16…Re4!

Black must know this resource to stay in the game. His compensation is sufficient for equality, for
example as follows. 17.Bxc8 Qxc8 18.Qd2 Re7 [18…Nxe3+ 19.Kh2 Nxf1+ 20.Rxf1 Re7∞ This is
another possibility.] 19.Rfc1 [19.f3 Nxe3+ 20.Kh2 Nxf1+ 21.Rxf1 Qd7∞] 19…Nxf2+ 20.Kh2
N2g4+ 21.Kg1 Nxe3∞. Black has three pawns against a piece, and his pieces are active enough to
claim a dynamic equilibrium, as in Weiss – Paladino, corr 2017.

12.0-0 Nbd7

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Position after: 12…Nbd7

With the bishop on b7 any delivery on h2 is no good – as the reader can see for themselves – so this
development, continuing the central idea of the line, is the most natural.

13.Rac1

This is one of the most critical alternatives. How White can also play differently.
A) 13.b4 This tries to counter Black’s liberating break on c5. 13…a5 14.b5 c5 However Black is
OK after the following sequence. 15.Rfd1?! [15.Bh7+ This is better. 15…Kh8 16.Bf5 Qc7 The
position is balanced with the following possible continuation. 17.h3 g6 18.dxc5 bxc5 19.Bxd7 Nxd7
20.Rfd1 Nb6∞] 15…c4 16.Bh7+ Kh8 17.Bf5 Nf8 18.Bxf6?! Qxf6³ With the queenside blocked,
Black can direct his efforts to the other sector, trying to create initiative by using the unopposed
dark-squared bishop, as in Gajewski – Nabaty, Stockholm 2019.
B) 13.h3 a5!? This move is one of my recommendations in the survey for Yearbook 130, since the
continuation of some correspondence games did not satisfy me. 14.Rfd1 [14.Ng3 Ba6!? [14…g5
This doesn’t work because of the intermediate 15.Nf5; however 14…Bf8 can be considered.]
15.Bxa6 Rxa6 16.Rfe1 Bf8 17.Nh5 g5 18.Nxf6+ Qxf6 19.Bg3 b5∞] 14…Nf8 15.Rac1 Ne6

Position after: 15…Ne6

16.Bg3 [16.Na4!? Be7„] 16…c5 Black has reasonable counterplay. 17.Bb5 [17.Bxd6 Qxd6 18.Bf5
Rac8„] 17…Bxg3 18.Bxe8 [18.Nxg3 Re7 19.Nf5 Rc7 20.dxc5 bxc5„] 18…Bxf2+ 19.Kxf2 Qxe8
20.Ng3 g6 21.Kg1 Qe7 While the bishop and pawn fall short mathematically as compensation for
the rook, White’s structure has some weaknesses that justify the compensation. 22.Na4 Nd7 23.Nf1
Bc6©

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13…Qe7!?

My main line choice among several possibilities, preparing …g6 while keeping the thematic break on
c5 in readiness. Black has some alternatives.
13…Qb8 This is the only move that has been tested in practice. 14.Bg3

Position after: 14.Bg3

14…c5!? [14…Bxg3 15.Nxg3 c5 (Olsen – Fries Nielsen, Aarhus 2019) 16.Rfd1²; 14…Nf8!? The
aim is …Ne6 and …c5, as proposed by Ikonnikov in Yearbook 133.] 15.Rfd1 c4 16.Bf5 Nf8 White
maintains some initiative in a still-complex position. Black’s aim is to advance the a- and b-pawns.

14.Rfe1

14.h3 This is another common move in this scheme; a possible continuation here is as follows. 14…
g6 [14…Qf8!?] 15.Rfe1 a6 16.Qd2 Qf8„

14…g6 15.Ng3

A) 15.Rcd1 Rac8„
B) 15.h3 (Hegde – Mohanakrishnan, corr 2019) 15…a6!? 16.Na4 Kg7„

15…Qf8

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Position after: 15…Qf8

Analyzing this position for the Yearbook I indicated that Black had adequate counterplay in this
position; as is the case in similar cases, the lack of practical examples makes it difficult to suggest
which of the myriad options should be preferred in practice here. However the moves that follow are
an example of possible play for both sides.

16.Nf1 Rac8 17.Red1

17.Qd2!? Be7 18.f3 c5 19.Bb1 a6 20.Ba2 Red8„

17…Be7 18.h3

18.f3 c5 19.dxc5 Nxc5„

18…c5 19.Bg3

19.dxc5 Nxc5 20.Be2 Nce4=

19…c4 20.Be2 a6 21.a4 Bb4 22.Ra1

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Position after: 22.Ra1

22…Bc6=

Black has his share of play on the queenside. The lines with …Bd6 need more practical experience,
but in summary they are a good alternative to the classical schemes with …Be7, with additional
surprise value. In some of the examples shown White retains the initiative, but in those cases Black
also shows reasonable counterplay and good chances of gradually equalizing – a situation similar to
the more theoretical lines of the Carlsbad system. The chosen main lines find Black fighting on equal
terms, which make them a good practical possibility.

Selected Games
Game 1
Andersson, Ulf (2575)
Kasparov, Garry (2715)
Belgrade 1985

1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 c6 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be7 7.Qc2 g6 8.e3 Bf5 9.Bd3 Bxd3
10.Qxd3 0-0 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.b4

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Position after: 12.b4

After the exchange on f6 White has a free path to carry out the minority attack, trying to seize the
initiative on the queenside. In compensation Black has a somewhat better combination of minor
pieces.

12…Qd6 13.Rb1

13.b5 This can be answered thematically with 13…c5=.

13…Nd7 14.0-0 Rfd8 15.Rfc1 Nb6 16.Nd2 Qe7 17.Qc2 a6 18.a4 Bg7 19.Ne2 Bh6!?

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Position after: 19…Bh6!?

20.Re1

20.Qc5 Qc7 21.b5

Position after: 21.b5

This is a way of executing the minority attack, but here Black has at least two satisfactory replies.
21…Bf8 [21…axb5 This is the other option. 22.axb5 Nd7 23.Qc2 Rac8 24.bxc6 bxc6 Black should

101
not lose despite the weakness on c6, but such a position would hardly have delighted Kasparov;
21…Nxa4? Instead this is a mistake because of 22.b6+–.] 22.Qc2 axb5 23.axb5 Ba3 24.Rd1 c5
25.dxc5 Bxc5=

20…Qe6 21.Nc1 Nc4 22.Qc3

22.Nxc4 This is a strategic mistake, allowing Black a strong passed pawn. 22…dxc4 23.Ne2 [23.a5
This would be a good idea were it not for 23…Rxd4!.] 23…b5³

22…Nd6 23.Nd3 Bg7

The position is roughly balanced. While White has more space on the queenside, where he hopes to
gradually develop his initiative, Black’s pieces are well placed to deal with any contingency.

24.Nc5 Qe7 25.Re2!?

The start of a somewhat slow, but effective plan. While the potential break on e4, designed to
maximize White’s chances, leaves an isolated pawn on d4 if played directly, it gains strength if
preceded by f3 – a method of fighting in the center that Kasparov himself initiated in positions in the
Exchange Variation.

Position after: 25.Re2!?

25…Re8 26.Rbe1 Qc7 27.a5 Re7 28.Qd3 Rae8 29.f3

As indicated, this move is necessary to better realize the break. White could also continue to
maneuver with his pieces, maintaining the status quo.

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29…Nf5 30.g3

30.Ndb3 Qd6ƒ

30…h5 31.Kg2 Qc8 32.Ndb3 Rd8 33.Rd1 Bf6 34.Qc3 Bg7?!

Position after: 34…Bg7?!

After placing his pieces in their most favorable positions for the break and capitalizing on the fact that
Black’s last moves were not particularly active, Andersson believes that the time has come to make
the break.

35.e4! dxe4 36.fxe4 h4!?

A typical Kasparov move, trying to create complications in a position where White threatens to
drown him strategically.
36…Nd6 Black has this alternative but after 37.Qc2 the position is more agreeable to the first player.
37…Nb5 38.e5²

37.g4?!

A provocative idea that allows Black to recover.

37.Rf2 This is better instead. 37…h3+ 38.Kg1²

37…Nxd4!?

Black is going to get two pawns for the piece and an exposed white king. It may not be enough, but it

103
is almost certainly unpleasant to face before the time control.
37…Nh6!? 38.h3 Nxg4 39.Qe1 Nf6 40.Qxh4 Rde8„

38.Nxd4 Qxg4+ 39.Kf1 Rd6?

39…h3! 40.Rdd2 Rd6©

Position after: 39…Rd6?

40.Rd3?

40.Qe3! Only then would Rd3 have been an effective reshuffle. Little by little Black is left with no
justification for the piece deficit. 40…Re8 41.Rd3 Red8 42.Nc2 Rxd3 43.Nxd3 Bh6 44.Nf2±/+–

40…Qf4+

40…h3!? This leads to major complications, for instance in the following line. 41.Qc4 Rf6+ 42.Ke1
Qg1+ 43.Kd2 Rf2 44.Rxf2 Qxf2+ 45.Ne2 Bh6+ 46.Kc3 Qxh2©

41.Rf2 Qe5 42.Rfd2

42.Ne2 This leads to a somewhat unclear position, but it is by no means inferior for Black. 42…Qxc3
43.Rxc3 Rd1+! 44.Kg2 Bxc3 45.Nxc3 Rc1 46.Rf3 Kg7 Black even has some initiative here. With
this in mind, the repetition of moves seems the most logical alternative, rewarding both players with a
draw after a real battle.

42…Qf4+ 43.Rf2 Qe5 44.Rfd2

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½-½

Game 2
Parkhov, Yair (2470)
Boruchovsky, Avital (2552)
Arad 2022

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nf3 Re8 9.0-0 Bg4

Position after: 9…Bg4

When White has not yet decided on the location for his queen, this development is the most logical
idea, while in schemes with Qc2 the black queen bishop is better placed on e6.

10.Qb3 Na6

This move, which defends b7 indirectly, is the most common in practice. However, although it seems
tempting to exchange on f3 to damage White’s formation, this favors the first side, which has a very
active bishop pair. 10…Bxf3 11.gxf3² Black is not prepared for a quick attack on the kingside – he
has not yet completed his development – and White can always strengthen his castling with the
maneuver Ne2-g3.

11.Rac1 Bxf3

Exchanging under these conditions is, as indicated, a temptation, but it may not be the most accurate
way to deal with the position.

105
11…Qd7 This is the recommendation in the theoretical part of this book. Like White, Black is not
afraid of the exchange that can damage his structure on the kingside because he expects the bishop
pair to offer satisfactory compensation.

12.gxf3 Nc7 13.Bh4?!

This can be considered to be a waste of time.

13.Kh1! Instead, enabling various offensive ideas complemented by the advance f4 would have been
critical here. It is difficult to find good counterplay for Black and lines such as the following are
favorable to the first player. 13…Qd7!? 14.Rg1 Qh3 15.Rg2 Qxf3 16.Be2 Qf5 17.Bxf6 Qxf6
18.Qxb7 Rab8 19.Qxc6±

13…Qd7!=

Position after: 13…Qd7!=

Now the plan mentioned in the previous commentary is impossible to realize and Black has acquired
sufficient counterplay for equality.

14.Ne2

14.Kg2 Nh5 15.Rg1 g6∞

14…Nh5!?

Black takes risks now, playing for the point, although objectively it may be a dubious decision.

106
14…Qh3 15.Bg3 Instead after White’s logical choice this presents a curious form of a draw after the
following. 15…Ne6 [15…Bxg3 This keeps the game alive but White re-composes his pawn
formation.] 16.Bxd6 Ng5 17.Qc2 Nxf3+ 18.Kh1 Nh4 19.Nf4 Qf3+ 20.Kg1 Qg4+=

15.Qxb7!

White accepts the challenge, correctly entering the complications.

15…c5 16.dxc5 Reb8 17.Qxa8 Rxa8 18.cxd6 Ne8?

Position after: 18…Ne8?

The idea of keeping the queen on the light squares and taking d6 with a knight is maximalist, but the
following move dismantles it.
18…Qxd6 This was necessary instead, with a somewhat better position for White after 19.Rfd1.
Nevertheless Black has some active pieces looking for counterplay.

19.Rc5! Qxd6 20.Rfc1+–

Now White’s position is strategically winning. There is a significant difference in activity between
each side’s pieces.

20…g6 21.b4 Qd7 22.Bb5 Qh3 23.Bg3 Nef6 24.a4 Nxg3 25.hxg3 Qe6 26.a5 h5 27.Bc6 Rb8

Up to this point White has played impeccably, but now it’s time for the harvest. A combination of b5
with Nd4 would have resulted in a win for White. However perhaps with little time on the clock the
first player misses the point.

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Position after: 27…Rb8

28.Nf4?! Qd6 29.b5?!∞

Suddenly the position is far from clear, and Black can get good counterplay by breaking on h4 and
d4, so a draw declaration at this point seems an appropriate decision. Instead of the move in the text,
White should have maintained a modicum of advantage by capturing on d5 with his bishop.
Game 3
Botvinnik, Mikhail
Kottnauer, Cenek
Groningen 1946

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nc3 Bd6 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2 0-0 8.e3 Re8 9.Bd3 h6 10.Bh4
Be6 11.Ne5 c5 12.0-0 cxd4 13.exd4 Nc6 14.Nxc6 bxc6 15.Bg3 Bxg3 16.hxg3

108
Position after: 16.hxg3

At first glance, White has managed to get the better of the opening, considering Black’s weaknesses
on the queenside and the difference in quality between the bishops; this coupled with the status of the
White player led commentators for years to underestimate Black’s chances. The second player has
suitable counterplay here, using some favorable aspects of his position: the pressure that can be
exerted on d4 and the play that can be made on the b-file.

16…Ng4?!

The wrong plan. Black tries actions on the kingside for which he is not prepared. In the theoretical
part of this section I recommended 16…Qb6! where the odds for both sides are approximately equal.

17.Qd2 Rb8 18.b3 Qf6 19.Qf4?!

A bet on technique, but with this move Botvinnik allows his opponent to equalize. While Black is not
yet threatening to capture on d4 because of the check on h7, moves such as 19.Rae1 or 19.Be2 are
possible, with a preferable position for White.

19…Qxf4 20.gxf4 Rb4„

21.Rfd1 Kf8 22.Bf1 Nf6 23.Rac1

A logical idea, targeting Black’s main weakness. In his comments on the game, Botvinnik described
it as slow, suggesting the following alternative instead.
23.Na4!? This nevertheless leads to an approximately balanced game after the following. 23…Ne4
24.Rac1 g6!? 25.f3 [25.Rxc6 Bd7 26.Ra6 Bxa4 27.bxa4 Re7©] 25…Ng3 26.Nc5 h5=

109
23…Bd7 24.f3?!

24.g3 Ne4 25.Bg2 Nd6= This is better instead.

24…Nh5!

Position after: 24…Nh5!

In the next phase, Black develops an annoying initiative.

25.Ne2 a5 26.g4 Nf6 27.Nc3 h5 28.g5 Ng8 29.Na4 Ne7 30.Nc5 Bc8

A shy move that loses the advantage. Black should have continued to play actively with 30…Bf5!?³.

31.a3 Rb8 32.Bd3 Nf5 33.Bxf5

110
Position after: 33.Bxf5

Although necessary, the exchange is another bet on technique; from this moment on, and from an
already balanced position, White is aiming for a knight versus bad bishop endgame.

33…Bxf5 34.Kf2 h4∞

35.Rh1 h3 36.Rce1 f6 37.g6 Rxe1 38.Rxe1 Rc8

38…Re8!? 39.Rxe8+ Kxe8= This is a version of the ending that White wants, but here it proves
premature because Black retains a dangerous passed pawn and can move with speed to the queenside
with his king to counter the plan with a4, followed by b4 to create a distant passed pawn.

39.Kg3

111
Position after: 39.Kg3

39…Bxg6?!

While this move is not terribly bad, Black could have kept his pawn free for longer, with moves such
as 39…Re8 or 39…Rb8. In this way he can ensure a balanced game, while in the position that arises
after the trade of the h3- and g6-pawns White has the better practical chances.

40.Kxh3 Bf5+ 41.Kg3 Rb8 42.Re2 Kf7

From this point on, while Botvinnik has a clear idea of how to try to make progress (his main idea is
to get his king to the queenside and prepare a break that ends with the pawn being free), Black begins
to exhibit a lack of plan that translates into uncoordinated pieces.

43.Kf2 Bc8 44.Ke1 Ra8 45.Kd2 Ra7 46.Re1 Re7

112
Position after: 46…Re7

47.Rb1

In the meantime, the rooks must be preserved.

47.Rxe7+ Kxe7 48.Kc3 Kd6 49.b4 axb4+ 50.Kxb4 This is one way to carry out White’s plan.
However with Black’s king so close, any progress is difficult. Black should not lose after, for
example, the following. 50…Bh3 51.a4 Kc7= [51…Bg2? Instead, this loses. 52.a5 Kc7 53.Ne6+
Kb8 54.Nxg7+–]

47…Ra7?!

47…Kg6!? The idea is to direct the king against the pawns on the f-file. This was possibly Black’s
last chance to create activity.

48.a4 Ke7?

48…Kg6 This was already a necessity, although White’s advantage is evident in lines such as the
following. 49.Rh1 Kf5 50.Rh8 Rc7 51.Ke3 Re7+ 52.Kf2 Rc7 53.Kg3±

49.Rh1+– Kd6 50.Rh8 Bf5 51.Re8 Kc7 52.Kc3 Kb6 53.b4!

113
Position after: 53.b4!

White achieves completion of the plan initiated at the exit of the time control.

53…axb4+ 54.Kxb4 Rf7 55.Ra8

Black is without defense against White’s various threats, including the advance of the passed pawn.

1-0

Game 4
Steingrimsson, Heddin (2549)
Korley, Kassa (2447)
New York 2019

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nge2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.h3
Nbd7 11.Qc2 Nf8

114
Position after: 11…Nf8

After a slight transposition we arrive at one of the most common positions in the classical system
studied. As long as the move order used in the game reaches familiar territory, Black can opt to save
the move …h6 until White decides to place the queen on c2.

12.0-0-0 b5

12…a5 This is the recommendation in the theoretical section, and if 13.Kb1 a4!.

13.Kb1

A good preventative measure.

13.e4 Note that this move is premature here because of 13…b4 where Black has at least equality.
14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.e5 Qxf2 16.Rdf1 Black can deviate from the game and choose between the simple
16…Qh4; or the intermediate 16…Qe3+ 17.Kb1 bxc3 18.Qxc3 (threatening check on h7) 18…Rxe5!

115
Position after: 18…Rxe5!

19.dxe5 Qxe5. Black obtains good compensation, for example with 20.Qxc6 Rb8 21.Qc3 Ne6©.

13…a5?

Black has made a series of natural moves consistent with positions where there has been castling in
opposite sectors – in which a direct attack initiated by pawn advances to open up lines is the usual
recommended strategy (even if it involves sacrificing those pawns). This is no different in the present
position, and it is precisely the philosophy followed by Black in the theoretical section; however
chess is a very complex science, where each position must be considered very concretely.
Unfortunately Black’s sequence here allows for a strong central reaction by White (demonstrating
here the old adage to respond to a flank action with a blow in the center, notwithstanding the fact that
this does not always work… ) and grants a strong initiative to the first player.

14.e4!

This advance exposes all the potential problems of schemes with the bishop on d6, where the double
attack on e5 and the pinning of the h4-d8 diagonal are a real nightmare.

14…b4

14…dxe4 In similar positions Black usually plays this. 15.Nxe4 Be7 However here the c6-pawn falls
(one of the differences between …a5, b5 and …a5, a4). There is nothing left but to continue as
follows. 15…g5 16.Nxd6 Qxd6 17.Bg3± However this is clearly in White’s favor.

15.Bxf6 Qxf6 16.e5±

116
Position after: 16.e5±

16…Qxf2

16…Qd8 17.Na4± This is objectively the lesser of the evils for Black, but it’s understandable that he
is trying to create complications here.

17.Rdf1 Qh4

17…Qxg2 18.Rhg1 Qxh3 19.Nf4+– This is no better.

18.Na4+– b3 19.Qxc6 bxa2+ 20.Ka1 Bd7 21.Qxd5 Bxe5 22.Rxf7 Be6 23.Rxf8+ Kxf8 24.Qxe5

117
Position after: 24.Qxe5

White has emerged victorious from the exchange of blows, taking advantage of his positional
supremacy. With a material advantage and the best pieces the game is decided.

24…Bf7 25.Qc5+ Kg8 26.Nb6 Rad8 27.Rf1 Re7 28.Nc4 Bg6 29.Bxg6 Rxe2 30.Ne5 Re1+ 31.Rxe1
Qxe1+ 32.Kxa2 1-0

Game 5
Fier, Alexandr (2558)
Ynojosa, Felix (2370)
Batumi 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
Be6 11.f3 c5 12.Nb5 Bf8?!

118
Position after: 12…Bf8?!

As mentioned in the theoretical part, this move is an inaccuracy (White could have gained a slight
advantage here with 13. dxc5) and instead 12…c4 should have been preferred.

13.Bxf6?! Qxf6 14.Nc7 Rc8 15.Nxa8 c4 16.Bh7+ Kh8

A very original position. At the moment White has an extra rook, but two of his minor pieces are
seriously threatened.

17.Nf4

White plays actively, trying to keep as much control of the g6-square as possible. This is a very
human decision; my computer instead prefers to erode Black’s spatial advantage on the queenside as
shown below.

119
Position after: 17.Nf4

A) 17.b3!? A possible continuation is as follows. 17…g6 18.Bxg6 fxg6 19.bxc4 dxc4 20.Rb1
[20.Qb1 Qg7³] 20…Nc6 21.Qc3 Nd8!? 22.d5 Qxc3+ 23.Nxc3 Bd7 24.e4 Rxa8 25.Kd2 b6µ
B) In his comments on the game for the Yearbook, Grandmaster Ikonnikov points out that the
attempt to keep at least one of the threatened minor pieces fails, giving the following line. 17.Qa4
Kxh7 18.Qxa7 Qh4+ 19.g3 Qd8 20.Qxb7 Nc6 21.0-0 Nb4µ

17…Nc6!

Black has the awkward threat of …Nb4 (on the other hand, the move …Nxd4 can still be answered
with Qc3), and additionally the obvious one made to the knight on a8.
17…g6 Playing this immediately justifies White’s idea. 18.Bxg6 Bb4+ 19.Kf2 fxg6 20.Qxg6 Qxg6
21.Nxg6+ Kg7 22.Nf4 Bf7 23.b3! White fights for the center and the initiative.

120
Position after: 23.b3!

23…Bd2 24.bxc4 dxc4 25.Rab1 b6 26.Rhd1 c3 27.Rxd2 cxd2 28.Rd1 Bxa2 29.Rxd2 Bc4 30.d5² The
most likely scenario shows White with three pawns for the piece in the center – the knight on a8 does
not come out alive.

18.Rd1

Not so much to defend d4 as to have the queen retreat to b1 as a reply to a possible …Nb4. Note also
that White cannot free his bishop by exchanging on e6, as this would lead to catastrophe on the dark
squares.

18…Rxa8 19.0-0 g6

Black decides that it is time to capture the white bishop, but other options such as 19…Bd6 are also
interesting.

20.Bxg6 fxg6

Recaptures are sometimes made mechanically, and in this case it’s a good move; however the
intermediate 20…Nb4 deserves attention. 21.Qb1 fxg6 22.Nxg6+ Kg7 23.Nf4 [23.Ne5 Bd6µ]
23…Bf7³

21.Nxg6+

Fier, an imaginative attacking player, prefers not to wrap the queen in exchanges, considering instead
exposing the black king.

121
21.Qxg6 Qxg6 22.Nxg6+ Kg7 23.Nxf8 Kxf8³

21…Kg7 22.Nxf8 Rxf8³

Position after: 22…Rxf8³

After a complicated opening, the present position makes the situation somewhat clearer(!). At the
moment, the two black minor pieces are stronger than the rook and the two white pawns. The second
player also has the usual majority of pawns on the queenside, which for now looks more threatening
than their white counterparts on the kingside.

23.a3 Bf7

23…b5!? This seems to be more in line with Black’s main plan.

24.Qd2 Rd8 25.Qf2 Bg6 26.Qg3 Qd6 27.Qxd6 Rxd6 28.Kf2 b5 29.g4 Rd7 30.h4 b4?!

122
Position after: 30…b4?!

This advance is premature. The changes in the sector will open up files for the white rooks, which
until now are without much prominence. Instead Black should have opted to prepare for
developments on the queenside with 30…a5 or to maneuver to improve his pieces, for example with
30…Na5. What follows seems to have been played under frantic time pressure.

31.Kg3?

31.axb4!?„

31…bxa3?!

31…b3!–+

32.bxa3

Here White gains the column, but also allows Black a passed pawn. The second player has the better
chances here, but soon the game devolves into a repetition of moves, perhaps motivated not only by a
lack of time, but also as a show of respect for the strength of the grandmaster who is playing as
White.

32…Rb7 33.Kf4

33.e4 Ikonnikov suggests this as a possible path to equilibrium, but the response 33…Bf7 further
increases Black’s advantage.

33…Rf7+ 34.Kg3 Rb7 35.Kf4 Rf7+ 36.Kg3 Rb7 ½-½

123
 Game 6
Ringoir, Tanguy (2510)
Korley, Kassa (2437)
Charlotte 2019

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 h6 8.Bh4 0-0 9.Nge2 Re8 10.h3
a5 11.Qc2 Na6 12.a3 Nc7 13.0-0 Ne6 14.Rad1 Bd7 15.f3

This is one of the critical positions in the system with 10…a5, trying to implement Botvinnik’s and
Kasparov’s famous plan. The following looks like the only possible idea to challenge White’s scheme
in this particular position.

Position after: 15.f3

15…Ng5 16.e4?

This natural move is a mistake. In the theoretical part I mention White’s best options, which are 16.f4
and 16.Bf2. With the following move Black gains a strong initiative.

16…Nfxe4!

A sacrifice that was first seen, in a similar position, in the game Karpeshov – Meiser, Perm 1997. In
exchange for the piece, Black gets two or three pawns and a powerful attack on the white king.

17.fxe4 Nxh3+ 18.gxh3 Qxh4

124
Position after: 18…Qxh4

19.Rf2

19.e5 One of the key features of Black’s attack is this advance. 19…Rxe5! Black can answer with this
move, which adds that piece to the attack, upon captures on e5 which lead to the collapse of the g1-a7
diagonal. White embarks upon a path of only moves. 20.Bh7+ Kh8 21.dxe5 Bc5+ 22.Nd4 Bxd4+
23.Rxd4 Qxd4+ 24.Kg2 Qxe5µ This results in a position where Black has four pawns for the piece
while the white king remains exposed.

19…Bxh3

Black renews the threat of …Re5 by taking control of f1 in anticipation of the defense with Rdf1. It is
hard to believe, but White’s next move is an only move!

20.e5 Rxe5!

125
Position after: 20…Rxe5!

21.dxe5 Bc5 22.Nd4 Bxd4 23.Bh7+ Kh8 24.Rxd4

Again the only move.

24…Qxd4 25.Qd3

Position after: 25.Qd3

126
25.Bf5 Bxf5 26.Qxf5 Re8µ

25…Qg4+?!

After handling the initiative excellently, Black fails to do the technical work. This check is an
inaccuracy that loses almost all of Black’s advantage.
25…Qxe5 Instead, this move is preferable, eliminating the vital pawn on e5, which allows a lot of
activity for the black rook on the open column. A possible continuation is as follows. 26.Qxh3 Kxh7
27.Rxf7 Re8µ This shows White facing a very difficult defense. Black has attacking ideas with his
rook, but also passed pawns to advance.

26.Kh2 Qh4 27.Qg3 Qxg3+ 28.Kxg3 Kxh7 29.Kxh3 Kg8

The endgame is still better for Black, but unlike the position in the previous commentary, here White
can create some counterplay.

Position after: 29…Kg8

30.Na4!

Necessary. The only way to stay alive in this type of position is to seek activity. White targets the
opponent’s pawns on the queenside.

30…Re8

30…b5 31.Nc5 Re8 32.Re2= White’s pieces occupy good squares and perform a proper blockade.
His position is obviously defensible.

127
31.Nc5 Re7 32.Rc2!?

The sequence that follows shows that such a move is somewhat risky.
32.Re2!? Perhaps White should have chosen this option instead. Any progress by Black seems
difficult here.

32…b6 33.Na4 b5 34.Nb6 Rxe5 35.Rxc6 Re2

35…d4!? The idea is to respond to 36.Rd6 with 36…Re6!. The exchange of rooks leaves White with
a lost endgame. 37.Rd8+ Kh7 38.Nc8 Re2 39.Rxd4 Rxb2 Black is in an endgame which, compared to
the game, finds the white knight further away. Even so White has a better chance of drawing than
losing, continuing with the exact 40.Rd5!.

36.b4 Re3+ 37.Kg4 axb4

37…Rxa3 38.bxa5 Rxa5 39.Nxd5 White should not lose this ending.

38.axb4 Re4+ 39.Kf3 Rxb4 40.Nxd5

Position after: 40.Nxd5

Nor this one. The isolated pawn on the queenside is easy prey for White’s pieces. After its fall, the
draw becomes evident; with a final sacrifice White provokes the decisive liquidation that leads to the
division of the point.

40…Rc4 41.Rb6 Rc5 42.Ke4 h5 43.Kd4 Rc4+ 44.Ke3 b4 45.Nxb4 Rc3+ 46.Nd3 Rc7 47.Nf4 g6 ½-
½

128
 Game 7
Vidit, Santos Gujrathi (2723)
Xiong, Jeffery (2685)
Chess.com 2022

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
a5 11.h3 Na6 12.a3 Nc7 13.0-0 Ne6 14.Rab1

Position after: 14.Rab1

The minority attack is one of the thematic plans for White, but here Black has made progress on the
queenside, so he is well prepared to deal with the idea.

14…Bd7 15.b4 b5 16.e4?!

The result of this impetuous advance is some deterioration in White’s structure.

16.Bg3 In the theoretical part, I indicated that this move would lead to a position that is close to
balanced.

16…axb4 17.axb4 dxe4 18.Nxe4 Be7 19.Bg3 Nd5 20.Nd6

20.Nc5 Nxc5 21.dxc5 This repairs the structure and should be preferred, although the initiative is still
with Black here. 21…Ra4

129
Position after: 21…Ra4

22.Bc4! White must find this move in order to avoid greater evils. A possible continuation is as
follows. 22…Nxb4 23.Qb3 Rf8 24.Nc3 Ra7 25.Qxb4 bxc4 26.Qxc4 Be6 27.Qb4 Qa5ƒ However,
any attempt by Black to make the position concrete seems difficult because of the prevailing
symmetry.

20…Bxd6 21.Bxd6 Qh4

21…Ng5³ Black invites White to make concessions in the kingside formation in the form of h4,
while threatening to sacrifice the bishop on h3; this may be a more accurate option and additionally,
the queenside rook can invade on the open column.

22.Bh7+ Kh8 23.Bf5 Ra4 24.Qd2?!

In a quick game (and even more so on the internet) such inaccuracies are common.
24.Rfe1 This is better here, with the position close to even.

24…Nef4 25.Nxf4 Bxf5³

130
Position after: 25…Bxf5³

Black gains time by attacking the rook on b1, and his pieces remain the most active. For White it is
essential to create counterplay, and to this effect placing the rook on c1 to attack the only black
weakness seems correct. The game move is less accurate.

26.Rbe1?! Rxe1

26…Rd8!? This deserves serious attention. 27.Nxd5 Rxd6 28.Nf4 Qf6µ

27.Rxe1 Nxf4 28.Bxf4 Kh7

Here Black’s slight initiative is very difficult to develop, not least because of the opposite-colored
bishops.

29.Bg3 Qd8 30.Re5 Be6 31.Qc2+ Kg8 32.Qxc6 Qxd4 33.Kh2 Rxb4 34.Rxb5 Rxb5 35.Qxb5 Bd5=

131
Position after: 35…Bd5=

The position is clearly balanced and a draw was reached after awhile.

36.Qb8+ Kh7 37.Qe5 Qd3 38.f3 Qd2 39.Bf4 Qd3 40.Qe3 Qg6 41.Qd2 Be6 42.Bg3 Bf5 43.Qd6
Be6 44.Qd2 Qb1 45.Qe2 Bf5 46.Qd2 Bg6 47.Bf4 Qf5 48.Bg3 Qe6 49.Qf2 Qd5 50.Qe3 Qa2
51.Qf2 Qa4 52.Qd2 h5 53.Bf2 Qb5 54.h4 Qc4 55.Bg3 Qe6 56.Bf2 Qb3 57.Bg3 Qb5 58.Bf2 Qe8
59.Bg3 Qe6 60.Bf2 Qf5 61.Bg3 Qd3 62.Qxd3 Bxd3 63.Bf4

½-½

Game 8
Zakhartsov, Vladimir (2531)
Grachev, Boris (2593)
Khanty-Mansiysk 2022

1.c4 e6 2.d4 d5 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
a5 11.h3 Na6 12.a3 Nc7 13.0-0 Ne6 14.f3

This is the most usual continuation, but as we have seen in the previous two games, White has a wide
range of possibilities at this juncture.

14…Be7!?

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Position after: 14…Be7!?

An idea that has recently appeared in practice, which is also the main recommendation of the engines.
As with the main line 14…Ng5, this move is directed against White’s thematic break on e4, by
allowing the queen’s x-ray to lock onto the pawn on d4.

15.Bf2

Possibly the most critical move, resurrecting the central idea from Botvinnik’s and Kasparov’s plan
by providing additional defense for the pawn on d4. In recent practice White has also tried the
following options.
A) 15.Kh1 This is hardly worrying for the second side, as in Piatrenka – Mikheeva, St. Petersburg
2022. Black can respond either with 15…Nh5 or 15…b5∞ obtaining a good position in both cases
B) 15.Rad1 This is the main alternative to the move in the text, adding a defense to the d4-pawn in a
subtle way. 15…b5 16.Bf2

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Position after: 16.Bf2

16…Bf8!? [16…Ba6!? 17.Ng3 Bf8 18.Nf5 b4 19.Bxa6 Rxa6 20.Na4 g6 21.Ng3 Qb8 22.e4 We are
following Sadhwani – Harutyunyan, Saint Louis 2022. Now Black should have preferred the
following. 22…Nd7 23.e5 Qb5∞ There are reciprocal chances.] 17.e4 b4 18.axb4 axb4 19.Na4
Nh5 The position is complex and dynamically balanced. A possible continuation is as follows.
20.Be3 Ba6 21.b3 [21.Qxc6 Bxd3 22.Rxd3 Qa5 23.b3 dxe4 24.fxe4 Rac8 25.Qb6 Qa8©] 21…Bxd3
22.Rxd3 Rc8∞

15…Nh5!

A thematic idea against the possibility of e4, preparing to occupy f4 in reaction to the central
advance.

16.Ng3

16.Bh7+ Kh8 17.Bf5 Ng5 18.Rad1 [18.f4 Ne6∞ The position is as in the main line.] 18…Kg8 19.f4
Bxf5 20.Qxf5 g6 21.Qc2 Nh7∞ There are chances for both sides.

16…Nxg3 17.Bxg3 Bd6?!

The exchange of the dark-squared bishops can only favor White. As indicated in the theoretical part,
17…b5∞ is a decent alternative.

18.Qf2!?

White can also make the exchange immediately. 18.Bxd6 Qxd6 19.Rfe1!? [19.Rae1 b5„ The white

134
queen rook seems to be better placed on this flank.] 19…Bd7 20.Qf2² White has the initiative and the
best minor pieces.

18…b6 19.Rfe1 Ba6 20.Bc2!

Position after: 20.Bc2!

White preserves his best minor piece. 20.Bxa6 Bxg3 21.Qxg3 Rxa6= This also leads to approximate
equality.

20…b5 21.Bxd6 Qxd6 22.Ne2

The maneuver initiated by this move allows Black to gain counterplay by taking advantage of the fact
that the white knight has moved away from the queenside wing. Instead it seems more appropriate to
leave that piece on c3 for the time being and make a useful move such as the following. 22.f4!? Here
the …b4 advance allows the white knight a good position on a4. 22…Rab8 23.Qd2 [23.f5 Ng5
24.Qf4²] 23…Bc8 24.Nd1² White has Nf2-d3 in mind.

22…b4„

23.Ng3 bxa3?!

For various reasons, an imprecision. The natural 23…g6 is preferable.

24.Nf5

This intermediate move is one of the reasons.

135
24.Rxa3 Alternatively, playing this immediate move exposes the pawn on a5. In this case the activity
of the white pieces means that this weakness is not comparable to that of the isolated pawn on b2.

24…Qc7 25.Rxa3 Rab8 26.Bb1?!

26.Rb1 Rb4 27.Qg3²

26…c5!?

Once again Black has achieved counterplay worthy of a dynamic equilibrium.

27.Rc3 Bc4

Position after: 27…Bc4

28.Rxc4?

This sacrifice of quality is very tempting, because of the strength of the resulting passed pawn, but
objectively it is not correct.
28.dxc5 Qxc5 29.Ba2= This is preferable, with approximately equal play.

28…dxc4 29.d5 Nf8 30.d6 Qd8

30…Qb7!?

31.Ne7+ Rxe7!

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Position after: 31…Rxe7!

The problem is that White fails to keep the passed pawn on the board and has to play a worse ending
with a pawn down.
31…Kh8 This alternative is also correct, for example with the following continuation. 32.Nc6 Qxd6
33.Nxb8 Rxb8³

32.dxe7 Qxe7³

While the ending is obviously favorable to the second player, some details in the position allow
White some practical chances to sustain the fight, such as the fragmented formation of the black
pawns on the queenside and the qualitative superiority of the bishop over the knight.

33.Ba2 Qe5 34.Re2 c3 35.f4 Qf6 36.bxc3 Qxc3

The recapture is very logical, but it allows the activation of White’s heavy pieces.
36…a4!? Instead this subtle move seems to put more pressure on White’s position after 37.Rc2 a3³.

37.Rc2 Qb4 38.Qf3©

Play on the light squares now offers satisfactory compensation to the first player.

38…Rd8

38…a4 39.Qc6=

39.Qh5 Ne6 40.Kh2 Qe4 41.Qe2?!

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Possibly without much time on the clock, Zakhartsov misses a clear way to draw here.
41.Bxe6! Qxc2 [41…Qxe6 42.Qxc5=] 42.Qxf7+ Kh8 43.Bf5 Qc3 44.Qg6 Kg8 45.Be6+ Kh8
46.Bf5=

41…a4 42.Bc4?!

42.Bxe6 Qxe6 43.Rxc5 Ra8³ Black has some practical chances but it shouldn’t be enough.

42…a3

42…g5!? 43.Qf2 a3µ The advance of the distant free pawn is a serious attempt for victory.

43.Rc3 Ra8 44.Qa2 Ra4?!

44…Ra7! This is more correct here, protecting f7 and thus enabling possible knight moves. 45.Bd5
Qb4 46.Rb3 Qa5 47.Rb8+ [47.Bxe6? fxe6 48.Rd3 c4–+] 47…Nf8³

45.Bd5!

Position after: 45.Bd5!

Again White has managed to get enough counterplay to compensate, which within the next few
moves allows him to regain the pawn.

45…Qf5 46.Bc6 Ra6 47.Bb5 Ra5 48.Bd3 Qf6 49.Rxa3 Rxa3 50.Qxa3 g5

138
Position after: 50…g5

Now this aggressive advance serves only to maintain the balance.

51.g3 gxf4 52.gxf4 Kg7 ½-½

Despite the inaccuracies, this was an interesting battle.

Game 9
Krejci, Jan (2520)
Stinka, Jakub (2345)
Usti nad Labem 2022

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Qc2 h6 9.Bh4 Re8 10.Nge2
a5 11.h3 Na6 12.a3 Nc7 13.0-0 Ne6 14.f3 Ng5 15.f4

This is Timman’s idea (instead of 15.e4 which allows combinations that are favorable to Black) and
is the critical continuation of the main line with 9… a5. White is hampered in carrying out his usual
plan with e4, but gains space on the kingside and tries to keep the opponent’s minor pieces limited,
which, as seen in the theoretical part, can be very dangerous.

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Position after: 15.f4

15…Ne6 16.Kh1!?

This is one of White’s recent ideas to deal with the position. In the theoretical part, I considered
16.Rf3 as the main line, mentioning also the alternative 16.Ng3.

16…Nf8 17.Bf2 Bd7 18.Ng3 b5∞

In this line it is traditional for the queenside pawns to advance, taking advantage of the momentum
that the previous …a5 advance has given them. The current position of the white pieces makes it
difficult for the weakness created by the pawn on c6 to be exploited.

19.Nf5

Logical; trying to collect the bishop pair is a favorable element. Nevertheless, Black has no problem
in giving up the most limited of his minor pieces for the advanced knight.
19.e4 Another possibility, but this advance loses strength when effected without the support of a
pawn on f3; Black achieves an easy balance after the following. 19…Nxe4 20.Ncxe4 dxe4 21.Nxe4
Bxf4 22.Bg1 Ne6 White can seek compensation here, for example as follows. 23.Qf2 Re7 24.Rae1
Qc7 25.Qh4 However Black’s defense is not complicated. 25…Rae8 26.Qg4 Bg5 27.Qf5 Nf8=

19…Bxf5 20.Bxf5 g6 21.Bd3 Rc8

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Position after: 21…Rc8

The result of the opening can be considered satisfactory for Black, who maintains a solid position on
the kingside while gaining space and initiating action on the opposite flank.

22.Rac1

22.e4 This should again be considered. 22…Bxf4 [22…dxe4 23.Nxe4 Nd5 This is another idea.]
23.e5 Nh5 24.Ne2 Bg5∞ White has some compensation, but nothing more.

22…Kg7

An additional protection for g6 that allows the knight on f8 to be engaged in other occupations. Little
by little, Black improves his position.

23.Qd1 N8d7 24.Qf3 Qe7³

Alternatively the immediate 24…b4!?.

25.Rce1 b4

25…Ne4³ This is another possibility associated with Black’s previous moves.

26.axb4 axb4

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Position after: 26…axb4

Black is developing a strong initiative. Aware of this, White tries to complicate matters with his next
move, but as often happens in such positions where the pieces are very passive, the tactics work out
poorly.

27.e4?

27.Na4 This is the logical answer. Black retains a slight advantage here by means of several moves,
one of them being 27…Ne4³.

27…bxc3 28.e5 Ne4µ

28…cxb2!–+ This would have been very strong. The passed pawn on b2 would have been considered
by Nimzowitsch as a great criminal!

29.exd6 Qxd6

29…Nxf2+ 30.Qxf2 Qxd6 31.bxc3 Rxe1 32.Rxe1 Nf6 This is also better for Black. As the game
develops in one sector, the difference in mobility between the bishop and knight is reduced.
Furthermore White’s pawn formation is weaker here.

30.Bxe4 dxe4 31.Qxc3 Nf6

Compared to the position in the previous commentary, this one is more complex, but also favorable
for Black because of his better structure and the limitations of the bishop.

32.f5

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It seems necessary to prevent Black from consolidating. White, for the moment, is holding his
position with the help of tactical ideas.

32…Nd5!

Position after: 32…Nd5!

33.Bg3 Nxc3

Correct. The exchange of queens limits White’s dynamic potential, so as to facilitate Black’s
technical work.

34.Bxd6 Nd5 35.f6+

Closing the sector is not a good policy, but White’s position is equally delicate in the event of 35.g4
Ra8µ.

35…Kh7–+

Black has an obvious advantage in this ending, considering that the knight is more useful than the
bishop in the present situation, and that the opponent’s pawn formation is much weaker.

36.g4 e3 37.Kg2 Ra8

37…Re6 38.Be5 c5–+ Playing this immediately is a simple way to realize the advantage.

38.Kf3 Ra4 39.b4 Re6 40.Be5 Rxb4 41.Ra1 c5

143
Black has implemented the idea seen in the previous commentary. The active move that follows is
objectively a mistake, but ends up being responsible for White’s resurrection.

42.Ra7 cxd4 43.Rxf7+ Kg8 44.Rg7+ Kf8 45.Ra1 Nxf6?!

45…Rxe5 Instead, this decides the game immediately. 46.Ra8+ Re8 47.Raa7 Ne7! Black has a
winning ending. 48.Raxe7 Rxe7 49.fxe7+ Ke8 50.Rxg6 Kxe7 51.Rxh6 Rb8–+ The more advanced
pawns make all the difference! First, Black threatens to give check from f8 and invade on f2 to
support the advance of those pawns.

46.Rxg6

Position after: 46.Rxg6

46…Kf7?

Now this move leads to a drawn ending. Black could have tried the following instead.
46…Rxe5 47.Rxf6+ Kg7 48.Rd6 Kf7³ There are some practical chances.

47.Rxf6+ Rxf6+ 48.Bxf6 Kxf6 49.Ke4!

With the white king so well placed, White’s extra pawn cannot prevail.

49…Kg5 50.Ra5+ Kg6

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Position after: 50…Kg6

Here even Black has to be careful.

50…Kh4? 51.Kf3+–

51.Ra6+ Kf7 52.Ra2 Ke7 53.h4 Kd7 54.g5 hxg5 55.hxg5 Ke7 56.g6 Kf6 57.Rg2 Kg7 58.Kd3 Ra4
59.Rg1

½-½

Game 10
Weiss, Lester (2116)
Palladino, Mario (2238)
ICCF 2017

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Bd6 8.Bd3 0-0 9.Nge2 Re8 10.Qc2
b6 11.a3 Nbd7

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Position after: 11…Nbd7

This move is an interesting alternative to the main line with 11…Bb7. It usually leads to
transpositions, but here we are going to see an attractive possibility with a sacrifice on h2. White
allows it because the diagonal of the second player’s light-squared bishop is momentarily stuck.

12.0-0 Bxh2+!?

12…Bb7 This transposes to the main line.

13.Kxh2 Ng4+ 14.Kh3

14.Kg3 Ndf6 This is no better for White. 15.Bxf6 Qxf6 16.e4 h5 17.f4 Ne3 18.Qd2 Qg6+ 19.Kf2
Nxf1 20.Rxf1 dxe4 21.Qe3 Bg4 Black has the initiative.

14…Ndf6 15.Bf5™ 15…g5 16.Bg3 Re4!

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Position after: 16…Re4!

As I mentioned in the theoretical part, without this resource Black would be inferior. The idea is to
dominate the h3-c8 diagonal.

17.Bxc8 Qxc8 18.Qd2

Objectively the best reply, removing the queen from any possible uncovered attacks and keeping an
eye on g5 in order to combat the idea of …h5. Otherwise Black acquires an initiative, for example as
follows.
A) 18.Qb1 Nxe3+ 19.Kh2 Nxf1+ 20.Qxf1 Re7 21.f3 h5³
B) 18.Qa4 b5 19.Qa5 Re7 20.a4 [20.f3 Nxe3+ 21.Kh2 Nxf1+ 22.Rxf1 h5³] 20…a6

147
Position after: 20…a6

21.f3 [21.axb5 Nxe3+ 22.Kh2 Nxf1+ 23.Rxf1 axb5µ; 21.e4!? dxe4 22.axb5 cxb5 23.d5 Rb7µ]
21…Nxe3+ 22.Kh2 Nxf1+ 23.Rxf1 h5³

18…Re7

The rook retreat is the most natural idea, and at the same time the one that allows you to keep more
material on the board by trying to exploit the exposure of the white king. However Black also has
other options, such as the following.
A) 18…Qf5!? 19.f3™ [19.Nxe4 Nxe4 20.Qe1 Qg6!–+] 19…Nxe3+ 20.Kh2 Nxf1+ 21.Rxf1 Re7∞
B) 18…Nxe3+ 19.Kh2 Nxf1+ 20.Rxf1 Re7∞

19.Rfc1 Nxf2+ 20.Kh2 N2g4+ 21.Kg1 Nxe3

The material balance has been restored, resulting in a position where Black has three pawns for the
white bishop. As White’s pieces are passive, the compensation is entirely appropriate.

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Position after: 21…Nxe3

22.Bf2 Nfg4 23.Bxe3 Nxe3 24.Ng3!? Qg4

The most accurate reply.

24…f5?! 25.Re1 f4 It is very apparent that here it is White who has the best chances after 26.Nf1±.
White is coordinating his forces and the black king has lost its protection, while the light squares in
his sector are now weak.

25.Nce4 Rxe4 26.Nxe4 Qxe4 27.Rxc6 f5!

With his queen centralized Black can afford to expose his king, unlike the previous comment. Here
the game was declared a draw. In a live game Black’s practical chances are perhaps preferable.
However in a correspondence match, where both opponents can make use of computers to assist their
analysis, it is clear that the continuation is approximately equal and a draw result is fair.
28.Rac1
(28.Rxh6? Not this, because of 28…Rc8 and Black gains a decisive advantage by invading on the c-
file.)
28…f4 29.Rxh6 Kg7 30.Rcc6 Rc8 31.Rxc8 Kxh6

½-½

Game 11
Gajewski, Grzegorz (2598)
Nabaty, Tamir (2670)

149
 Stockholm 2019

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.Nge2 Re8 9.Qc2 h6 10.Bh4
b6 11.a3 Bb7 12.0-0 Nbd7

Position after: 12…Nbd7

With both sides having finished their development, it is a good time for an evaluation. From a static
point of view, there are two elements that can be used to claim a slight advantage for White: a) the
relative exposure of the pawn on c6, situated on a half-open file; b) the better quality of White’s bad
bishop (the one on h4) compared to its counterpart on b7. The former can be conveniently positioned
on the h2-b8 diagonal. However, if we make an evaluation considering only the static elements, the
work done is similar to observing a photo: it captures the moment but not the experience. Every
position in turn contains dynamic elements that turn that photo into a video, where the possible
guidelines for action must be considered. In the concrete situation at hand, a closer look at the
abovementioned drawbacks shows that Black has a consistent solution for both elements with the
move …c5. The preparation and subsequent execution of that advance depends to a large extent on
the final evaluation of this line.

13.b4?!

In theory this move should hinder Black’s liberation ideas, but it ends up being the opposite. In the
theoretical part of this section the reader can find more critical alternatives.

13…a5!

A typical solution to combat the minority attack is as follows.

150
13…b5 The idea is …Nb6-c4. However in this particular position that plan seems a little slow, and
White can make a favorable break in the center. 14.e4! dxe4 15.Nxe4 Be7 16.Nc5²

14.b5

A) 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Be7 Now White does not have access to c5. 16.N2g3!? Nxe4 17.Bxe7
Qxe7 18.Rae1 Ndf6 19.Bxe4 Qd7ƒ Black’s position should be preferred.
B) 14.Qb3 Another natural move but here the maneuver detailed in the previous comment works
well. 14…b5 15.Rfd1 Nb6³ Once the queenside has been stabilized, Black can devote his full
attention to the other sector.

14…c5

Black makes this advance in the optimal circumstances, when White does not have Nb5. As indicated
in the previous commentary, if Black succeeds in closing the queenside he can concentrate his efforts
on fighting for the initiative on the kingside. In the game, Black also wins a practical passed pawn on
the c-file. It so happens that the attempt to keep the sector open by exchanging on c5 also has its
drawbacks, as Black then recaptures with a pawn, leaving open the possibility of opening up the
grand diagonal for his light-squared bishop with an opportune …d4. Instead, recaptures with a piece
on c5 (or the exchange on d4 if necessary) are of inferior value, as they provide a stable and strong
home on d4 for the white knights.

15.Rfd1?!

I am not certain that this is the best position for the rook. 15.Bf5!? Instead this deserves attention (or
alternatively 15.Bh7+ Kh8 16.Bf5 is of similar value).

15…c4 16.Bh7+

Before positioning on f5, this check moves the black king away; taking it to f8 resolves that issue, but
at the cost of occupying the logical square for the d7-knight.

16…Kh8 17.Bf5 Nf8³

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Position after: 17…Nf8³

The main aim of this retreat is the activation of this piece via e6 – a stan
dard idea in this section and one that can be complemented here with …g5 and …Ng7. However
provided the pawn on d5 is sufficiently protected, it also enables a future …Bc8 to try to restrict or
exchange White’s best minor piece.

18.Bxf6?!

Like the rook move on move 15, I have serious doubts about the necessity of this exchange. Black’s
dark-squared bishop is a strong piece, which can be used to attack White’s castled position, which has
no natural opposition. It is true that Black is threatening …g6, as shown in the following line.
A) 18.Bg3 Bxg3 19.Nxg3 g6 20.Bh3 N8h7µ
B) However White could also try the following. 18.Qd2!? Ng6!? 19.Bg3 Nh5 20.Bxd6 Qxd6
21.Bc2 Re7³

18…Qxf6 19.g3

Since it is difficult to get a knight onto f3 (the best defensive position usually for castling), Gajewski
modifies his castling by creating a scenario where the bishop can be used in a defensive role from g2.
The weakness of the d5-pawn means that the natural reply …Bc8 cannot be used against this idea.
However, White creates additional weaknesses, something Black intends to exploit by moving his
knight to g5.

19…Ne6 20.h4

152
The greater difficulty of White’s position is evidenced by this advance, which takes on more
commitments and leaves the castled pawn formation dangerously extended, while most of his pieces
do not find it easy to get there to contribute to the defense.

20…Rad8 21.Bh3 g5 22.hxg5

22.Qf5 White tries to alleviate the defense with an exchange of queens, but this can be met with
22…Qg7. The move in the text allows Black to develop a strong initiative.

22…Nxg5µ 23.Bg2

A) 23.Qf5 Qg7µ
B) 23.Bg4 h5! 24.Bf5 Ne4–+

23…Nf3+ 24.Kh1

A) 24.Bxf3 Qxf3–+ Black has …Rg8 or …Bc8 in sight.

B) 24.Kf1 This loses with the same idea as in the game.

24…Rxe3!

Position after: 24…Rxe3!

The beginning of the demolition of White’s defenses and an excellent job of calculation and
evaluation by Nabaty. In addition to the tactical part, Black had to consider the quality of the
compensation in the long term.

153
25.Ng1

25.fxe3 Bxg3 Black has a decisive attack. 26.Ng1 Qh4+ 27.Nh3 [27.Bh3 Nxg1–+] 27…Bc8 28.Bxf3
Bxh3–+

25…Bxg3!

An excellent complement to the previous move.

26.Nxf3

The capture on e3 transposes to the previous comment, and the other capture isn’t a solution either.
26.fxg3 Nxd4 27.Rxd4 Qxd4 28.Rc1 Rxg3–+

26…Rxf3 27.fxg3

27.Bxf3 Qxf3+ 28.Kg1 Rg8–+

27…Rxg3–+

Position after: 27…Rxg3–+

The consequences of the combination initiated on move 24 can be seen in this position. While
mathematically the three pawns almost compensate for the piece, the fundamental factor for
evaluation is that the white king lacks adequate defense against the joint work of the opposing pieces.
To begin with, Black plans to double rooks on the g-file.

154
28.Rd2

28.Ne2 This immediately loses. 28…Qh4+ 29.Kg1 Rxg2+ 30.Kxg2 Rg8+ 31.Kf1 Bc8 It is mate in a
few moves.

28…Rdg8 29.Kg1 Rh3 30.Rf2

30.Rf1 Qh4–+ Threatening mate on h1. After the move in the text this idea is answered by evacuating
the king onto f1, but even so, it is not saved. Furthermore Black has other good continuations at his
disposal.

30…Qxd4

A capture watched with great interest by the b7-bishop, which dreams of taking part in the attack.

31.Qf5

After this move Black gets the piece back with interest. Moreover Black wins after 31.Rc1 Rxg2+ but
other alternatives for White are no better.

31…Rxc3 32.Qh5 Qg7 33.Kf1 Rg3 34.Raa2 Rg5 35.Qh4 Bc8!

Position after: 35…Bc8!

The bad bishop makes its triumphant entry to decide the fight.

36.Rae2 Bf5 0-1

155
There’s no way to continue without suffering terrible losses. A brilliant attacking production by
Nabaty, with a game that at the time led me to incorporate the line with …Bd6 into my own
repertoire.

156
 Chapter 2
The Cambridge Springs

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5

Chapter Guide
Chapter 2 – The Cambridge Springs

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5

a) 7.Bxf6
b) 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7 10.— & 10.Be2
c) 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7 10.Rc1
d) 7.Nd2 Bb4
e) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qb3
f) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 b6
g) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 c5 – Introduction: Main Line
h) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 c5 – Main Line
i) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1
Selected Games

a) 7.Bxf6
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1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5

Position after: 4.Bg5

4…Nbd7

This is the most popular move order to arrive at the scheme studied in this section. Another possible
order is as follows.
A) 4…c6 The moves 5.e3 or 5.Nf3 probably transpose to the variation studied here, and 5.cxd5
transposes to the Exchange Variation analyzed in the previous section. An independent possibility is
5.e4 which has the Marshall Gambit from the Triangle System in the Slav as a reference, but here it
is not dangerous. 5…dxe4 6.Nxe4 Bb4+ 7.Nc3 c5 8.a3 Bxc3+ 9.bxc3 Qa5 [9…h6!?] 10.Bd2 Ne4=
Marshall – Lasker, Paris 1900. The American won that game, but not thanks to the opening.
B) 4…dxc4!? The most experimental move and the subject of the following section, while 4…Be7
leads to classical lines such as the Tartakower or the Lasker, not analyzed in this book.

5.e3

While this is the most usual order, White can also use the following order.
5.Nf3 c6

158
Position after: 5…c6

6.e3 This transposes now. An independent idea is as follows.

A) 6.a3 This was used by classical players such as Pirc or Spielmann, but in this particular position
Black has the advantage by proceeding as follows. 6…dxc4 7.e4 b5 Here for instance the line may
continue as follows. 8.e5 h6 9.Bh4 g5 10.Nxg5 [10.exf6 gxh4 11.Ne5 Qxf6 12.Nxc6 [Pacheco –
Vera Gonzalez, Buenos Aires 2005] 12…Bb7 13.Na5 Bd5–+] 10…hxg5 11.Bxg5 Bb7 12.exf6
Qb6³ Black has an improved version of the Botvinnik variation of the Semi-Slav, in Lama –
Megaranto, Doha 2006.
B) 6.e4 dxe4 7.Nxe4 h6!?

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Position after: 7…h6!?

[7…Bb4+!? Napier – Teichmann, Cambridge Springs 1904; 7…Be7!? Napier – Teichmann,

Glasgow 2005] 8.Nxf6+ [8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nc3 Bb4 10.Bd3 0-0 11.0-0 c5 12.a3 Ba5!?=; 8.Bh4?! g5
9.Nxf6+ Qxf6µ] 8…Nxf6 9.Be3 Bb4+ 10.Bd2 Bxd2+ 11.Qxd2 Ne4 12.Qe3 Qa5+ 13.Kd1 Nf6
14.Bd3 0-0= The chances are approximately equal, as in Stocek – Timoscenko, Slovakia tt 2008.

5…c6

Position after: 5…c6

160
6.Nf3

The usual continuation. Other possibilities are as follows.

A) 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bd3 This takes the game back to the lines discussed in the previous chapter after
7…Bd6. In the meantime, Black has an alternative with 7…h6 which is considered in the Chapter 4
devoted to the move order 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Nbd7.
B) 6.a3!? This was advocated by some great names (Alekhine, Capablanca, Euwe, Marshall,
Maroczy and many others). Although 6…Be7 is the most usual reply, one can consider 6…Bd6
where a possible continuation is as follows. 7.Nf3 0-0 8.Bd3 h6 9.Bh4 b6 10.0-0 Bb7

Position after: 10…Bb7

11.Qe2 [11.cxd5 cxd5! 12.Qb3 Rc8 13.Rfc1 a6=] 11…Be7 12.Rfd1 dxc4 13.Bxc4 Nd5 14.Nxd5
exd5 15.Bxe7 Qxe7 16.Bd3 a5 17.Rac1 c5∞ There are chances for both sides.
C) 6.Bd3 Qa5 7.Bh4 dxc4 8.Bxc4 b5

161
Position after: 8…b5

9.Bd3 [9.Bb3 Bb7 10.Nf3 c5 This offers Black an initiative, as in Capablanca – Alekhine, Buenos
Aires (m/31) 1927.] 9…b4 [9…Bb7!? Capablanca – Alekhine, Buenos Aires (m/33) 1927, which
ended in a draw, with only 18 moves played, the shortest game of the match.] 10.Nce2 c5 11.Nf3
Bb7 12.0-0 (Ornstein – Sveshnikov, Le Havre 1977) 12…Be7=
D) 6.Qc2 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.e4 Nxc3 9.Bd2™ 9…Qa4 10.Qxc3 a5 11.Nf3 Bb4 12.Qc1 [12.Qb3
Bxd2+ 13.Kxd2 Qb4+ 14.Qxb4 axb4= Eingorn – Panczyk, Polanica Zdroj 1984] 12…0-0 13.a3
Bxd2+ 14.Qxd2 b6 15.Rc1 c5=

6…Qa5

162
Position after: 6…Qa5

After this queen move we come to the base position of the Cambridge Springs Variation, so called
because several games were played with this position in the international tournament held in 1904 in
that city in Pennsylvania, USA (although there are isolated earlier games, e.g. Hodges – Lasker, New
York sim 1892). The passage of the black queen, unusual in other Queen’s Gambit schemes, has a
preventative function here in freeing that piece from being pinned on the h4-d8 diagonal, but it also
has offensive aims, pressing along the e1-a5 diagonal and in some cases benefiting from the
circumstance of being on the same file as the first player’s dark-squared bishop. In the first instance,
ideas such as …Bb4 and …Bc4 are continuations that put Nc3 under heavy pressure, and can grant a
noticeable initiative. Some reasons for Black using this scheme are: a) it is not fashionable and thus it
is only used sporadically among the elite – this means that many opponents will not be well prepared
against it; b) the main ideas of Black’s scheme are easy to implement and have overcome the
challenge that the passage of time imposes for every theoretical line; c) it is a schematic part of a
repertoire based on the development of the queen knight to d7, even if White can transpose to other
lines, for example the Exchange Variation.
6…h6 7.Bh4 g5 8.Bg3 Nh5 An interesting alternative to the text which in recent times has been
subjected to practical experience at grandmaster level. I consider this line in the chapter 4, as it has
points in common with the line discussed in the first subchapter of that chapter.

7.Bxf6

This move is second in popularity, with over two thousand games in the databases. Its idea is simple:
the exchange eliminates any gag on Bg5, but at the same time delivers the bishop pair. It was widely
used in the early days of this variation, but today it is out of fashion, being used mostly at club level.
The main lines – 7.Nd2 and especially 7.cxd5 – will be analyzed in the following chapters. Some

163
unusual options are as follows.
A) 7.Qc2 Ne4 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 Nxg5 10.Nxg5 h6 11.Nf3 Bd6 12.0-0 0-0

Position after: 12…0-0

There is equality. 13.a3 Nf6 14.h3 Re8 15.b4 Qd8 16.b5!? Bd7 17.bxc6 Bxc6 18.Rfc1 Rc8= Hajek –
Janos, Bratislava 2010
B) 7.a3 Ne4 8.cxd5 [8.Qc2 Nxg5 9.Nxg5 dxc4µ Vinagre – Eliskases, Rio de Janeiro 1943; 8.b4
Bxb4 9.axb4 Qxb4 10.Rc1 Nxc3 11.Qd2 Na2µ Corchette – Piermee, Champagne 2005] 8…exd5
9.Qc2 Nxg5 10.Nxg5 h6 11.Nf3 Bd6=
C) 7.Bd3
C1) 7…Ne4

164
Position after: 7…Ne4

8.Bxe4 [8.Qc2? A well-known mistake that has been committed almost fifty times. 8…Nxg5
9.Nxg5 dxc4–+ Black wins.] 8…dxe4 9.Ne5 Bb4 10.0-0 Nxe5 11.dxe5 0-0 12.Nxe4 Qxe5=
Obrezchikov – Vorontsov, Nizhnij Novgorod 2008
C2) 7…dxc4 8.Bxc4 Ne4 9.Bh4 [9.Bf4 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Qxc3+ 11.Nd2 [Winston – Lebrun,
Istanbul ol 2012] 11…Ba3³] 9…Nxc3 10.bxc3 [10.Qd2 Bb4–+] 10…Qxc3+ 11.Nd2 Bb4 12.Rc1
Qxd2+ 13.Qxd2 Bxd2+ 14.Kxd2 (Manjon – Cabo, Valencia 2003) 14…b6 15.Rc3 Bb7³ Although
White has some compensation for the pair of bishops, it may not be enough to justify the pawn
deficit.

7…Nxf6

165
Position after: 7…Nxf6

8.Nd2

Just over nine hundred games (more than twice as many as the continuation that follows it in
popularity) make this move the main line of this chapter. The most important alternatives, in order of
use, are as follows.
A) 8.Bd3 dxc4!? After this exchange Black’s structure is similar to that of the Caro-Kann, but in this
case the bishop on the light squares remains inside the chain; on the other hand Black always keeps
the pair of bishops. 9.Bxc4 Bd6 [9…Bb4 This is more popular here but I prefer the text.] 10.0-0 0-0
11.e4 [11.Nd2 Qc7 12.f4 b6∞] 11…e5 (Kenkre – Gliksman, Boston 1999) 12.d5 Bb4 13.dxc6 Bxc3
[13…bxc6∞] 14.Qb3!? Bb4 15.a3 Bd6 16.cxb7 Bxb7 17.Qxb7 Rab8©
B) 8.a3 This can be answered with the following. 8…Ne4!? 9.Rc1 Nxc3

166
Position after: 9…Nxc3

10.Qd2 [10.Rxc3 Bxa3–+ This is a well-known trap into which White has fallen more than twenty
times, for example in Wang Wenhao – Yu Lie, China 2006.] 10…Be7 11.Rxc3 0-0 12.Bd3 dxc4
13.Bxc4 Rd8 14.Bd3 (Dragunov – Letov, Russia 1997) 14…c5 15.dxc5 Bf6© A possible
continuation is as follows. 16.Nd4 e5 17.Nb3 Qc7 18.Qc2 e4 19.Bxe4 Bxc3+ 20.Qxc3 Re8 21.Nd2
Bd7∞
C) 8.Qc2 Bb4 9.Nd2 This is similar to the positions appearing in the 7. Nd2 line. 9…0-0 10.Bd3
c5!?

167
Position after: 10…c5!?

11.0-0 [11.Nb3 Qc7 12.dxc5 dxc4 13.Bxc4 Bxc5 14.Nxc5 Qxc5 The position is balanced, as in
Sahidi – Ognean, Pardubice 2019.] 11…cxd4 12.exd4 dxc4 13.Nxc4 Qd8 [13…Qc7 14.Rac1
[Hulak – Palac, Croatia 1995] 14…b6=] 14.a3 Bxc3 15.bxc3 b6 16.a4 Bb7 17.a5 b5 18.Ne3 a6=
The position is balanced, as in Thaler – Portisch, Helsingor 2012.

8…Bd6!?

An independent try.
A) 8…Bb4 9.Qc2 0-0 Instead, this transposes to a popular position from the 7. Nd2 line.
B) 8…Be7!? Black has another idea with this solid move, for instance as follows. 9.Bd3 0-0 10.0-0
Rd8 11.Qc2 [11.a3 Qc7= Bzdega – Duszczak, Poznan 2014] 11…Qc7= Black won a model game
for this line, in Ribeiro – Eliskases, Rio de Janeiro 1945.

9.Bd3

The most usual continuation. A couple of alternatives deserve attention.

A) 9.Be2 0-0 10.0-0 e5 (Antreasyan – Olsen, Copenhagen 1993) The position is balanced. 11.cxd5
exd4 12.Nc4 Qc7 13.Nxd6 dxc3 14.dxc6 cxb2 15.Rb1 Rd8 16.Nb5 Qb6 17.Qc2 bxc6=
B) 9.c5 Be7 Black has breaks on b6 or e5. 10.Be2 0-0 11.0-0 (Brown – Lei, Brisbane 2006) 11…e5
12.dxe5 Nd7 13.Nf3 Nxc5=

9…0-0 10.c5

168
Position after: 10.c5

In a way this move falls into Black’s provocation, made with the development of the king bishop to
d6; the following is another possibility.
10.0-0 e5! 11.cxd5 cxd5 12.Nb5 [12.Nb3 (Fabian – Kriz, Slovakia 1998) 12…Qb6 13.dxe5 Bxe5∞]
12…Bb8

Position after: 12…Bb8

13.dxe5 [13.Nb3 (Alvarez Fernandez – Perez Torres, La Habana 2009) 13…Qb6 14.dxe5 Bxe5∞]
13…Bxe5 The black bishops compensate for the weakness of the isolated pawn. 14.Nd4 Bg4 15.Be2
Bxe2 16.Qxe2 Ne4=

10…Be7 11.f4

So far I have followed the game Hallmann – Goldstein, Sydney (Australia ch) 1939. Now it is better,
instead of 11…Re8, to prepare the thematic break with the following.

11…Qd8 12.0-0 b6 13.b4 a5 14.a3

169
Position after: 14.a3

14…Ba6

It is important to be able to make the exchange of the bishops on light squares. This is strategically
favorable to the second player, who would otherwise have to face the rest of the game with a bad
bishop, even if he is defending good pawns (as grandmaster Mihail Suba humorously argues). In this
case I prefer to exchange it .

15.Nf3

15.Bxa6 Rxa6 16.Nf3 b5 17.Ne5 Qc7=

15…Bxd3 16.Qxd3 Nd7 17.Na4 Qc7=

The chances for both sides are roughly equal.

b) 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7 10.— & 10.Be2

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.Nd2

170
Position after: 7.Nd2

This is the most traditional reply, which has more games in the databases than White’s other ideas in
this position (including the critical 7. cxd5). The knight pirouette, used by classical grandmasters such
as Schlechter, Marshall, Teichmann or Capablanca, is directly targeted against the activity of the
opponent’s queen. Although today it has given way to lines with the exchange on d5, it is still a
common presence at the master level.

7…dxc4

The choice of one move over another, when they are of equivalent value, is largely a matter of
personal preference, and so I offer two alternatives here. The move in the text forces White to give up
the bishop pair, which is undoubtedly an achievement for Black; in return White will have an
appreciable space advantage and a majority of pawns in the center, which he can use to gain even
more space. The option 7…Bb4 is studied in the next chapter.

8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4

I assume this is the most logical continuation, but with over one hundred and sixty games in the
databases, I must mention the alternative.
9.Bxc4 A simple path to equilibrium follows with: 9…Be7 10.0-0 0-0.

171
Position after: 10…0-0

A) 11.Qc2 e5 12.Nb3 Qc7= In the only practical example with this position White immediately got
into trouble. 13.Nb5?! Qb8 14.dxe5 Ng4 15.Nd6?! Bxd6 16.exd6 Qxd6 17.g3 Qh6µ Babinetz –
Mroz, Austria 2003
B) 11.Rc1 e5 12.dxe5 Qxe5 13.Nf3 Qh5= Giles – Mazario, Benidorm 2003
C) 11.Nf3 The most popular idea, indicating that the knight had gone to d2 only to invite a capture
on c4 and thus to give White the majority of pawns in the center. However the tempi are also worth
something, and Black has comfortable equality here. 11…Rd8 12.Qc2 [12.Qe2 This can be
answered as follows. 12…c5 (or 12…b5) 13.Rad1 a6 14.Ne5 Qc7 15.a4 b6 16.f4 Bd6 17.Ba2 Bb7³
De Vos – Michiels, Gent 2015] 12…c5 13.Rfd1 a6 14.a4 cxd4 15.exd4 Qc7=

9…Qc7 10.Be2

This is the move with the most games in the databases. The usual sequence is as follows.
10.Bd3 Seemingly more active than the placement on e2 for that piece, but Black can even up.
10…Be7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rc1 c5!? 13.dxc5 [13.Nb5 Qb8 14.dxc5 Bxc5 15.Ncd6 b6 16.Nxc8 Declared
a draw in Malakhatko – Michiels, Belgium tt 2012. 16…Rxc8=; 13.Qf3 Bd7 14.Ne5 (Gil Capape –
Van Hasselt, Kiljava 1984) 14…cxd4 15.exd4 Qd6„] 13…Qxc5

172
Position after: 13…Qxc5

14.e4 [14.a3 Bd7 15.b4 Qc7 16.Na5 (P.Cramling – Flear, Palma de Mallorca 1991) 16…Qe5=;
14.Qf3 Rb8=] 14…Nd7 [14…b5!? This is another possibility, giving up the b6-square for the queen.]
15.Qe2 [15.Na4 Qg5 16.f4 Qh6 17.Nc3 Nc5=] 15…Ne5 16.Nd5!? Nxd3 17.Nxe7+ Qxe7 18.Qxd3
Rd8 19.Qg3 b6 20.Rfd1 Rxd1+ 21.Rxd1 Bb7= This shows a simplified version of the evaluation at
the end of the line above: White has space and Black has the best minor piece, as in A. Zhigalko –
Michiels, Belgium tt 2014.

10…Be7 11.0-0 0-0

173
Position after: 11…0-0

12.Rc1

A) 12.a3 c5 13.Nb5 Qb8 14.dxc5 Bxc5 15.b4 Be7 16.Rc1 Rd8 17.Qc2 Bd7 18.Nd4 Rc8= Gomez
Esteban – Flear, Elgoibar 1994
B) 12.Qc2 This can also be answered with 12…c5=.
C) 12.Bf3 Rd8 13.Rc1 Bd7 14.Qe2 Now Black has 14…c5 or 14…Be8=, as in Grochal – Salinas
Herrera, internet blitz 2021.

12…Rd8 13.Qc2

A) 13.Qb3 The main option. 13…Bd7 This is a good reply, for instance after the following. 14.Bf3
Be8 15.Rfd1 Rac8 16.e4 [16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.Bxe4 b6 18.Qc2 g6 19.a3 c5³ This is better for Black, as
in Dorrington – Lupulescu, Daventry 2020.] 16…b5 17.Ne3 White has better statistics in this
position, but that is exclusively because Deviatkin’s following idea was not employed more by
Black. 17…Qb8!

174
Position after: 17…Qb8!

18.e5 Nd7! [18…Nd5?! 19.Ne4²] 19.Ne4 c5! This is clearly better for the second player. 20.Nxc5
Nxc5 21.dxc5 Rxd1+ 22.Qxd1 Rxc5 23.Rxc5 Bxc5µ Kakageldyev – Deviatkin, Moscú 2017
B) 13.Bf3 This was White’s choice in Moiseenko – Castellanos Rodriguez, Kragero 2020;
13…Nd5!? [13…Bd7 14.Qc2 c5=] 14.Ne4 Bd7 15.Qb3 Be8 16.a3 Rab8= Black has equality and
the game ended in a draw in 76 moves.

13…Bd7

175
Position after: 13…Bd7

The first player must choose between several continuations.

14.Ne4

Kasparov’s choice, and one of the most critical continuations in this position.
A) 14.e4!? This is the move with the best statistics for the first side. 14…b5!? A dynamic reply by
Black. 15.Nd2 [15.Ne5 The main option. 15…Qb6„ Great complications arise in the case of the
following line. 16.Nxf7

Position after: 16.Nxf7

16…Kxf7 17.e5 Qxd4 18.exf6 Bxf6 19.Ne4 Be7 20.Rfe1 Kg8 21.Bg4 Be8 22.Bxe6+ Kh8 23.Bf5
g6 24.Bh3 Qd3=] 15…b4 16.Na4 e5 17.d5 [17.dxe5 Qxe5 18.b3 Be6 19.Rfe1 a5∞] 17…Qb7= Bu
Xiangzhi – Thorhallsson, Reykjavik 2013
B) 14.Ne5 This is another usual move. 14…Be8

176
Position after: 14…Be8

15.Ne4 [15.Bd3 Rac8 16.Ne4 Nd5∞ Khairul – Korneev, Jakarta 2012; 15.Nd3 Rac8 16.Qb1!?
(Smirnov – Bocharov, Saint Petersburg 2004) 16…a5=] 15…Nxe4 16.Qxe4 Bd6 The position
offers opportunities for both sides, for instance as follows. 17.f4 Rac8 18.a3 Qe7=
C) 14.a3 c5 Black gets comfortable equality. 15.dxc5 Qxc5 16.b4 Qc7 17.Qb3 Rac8 18.Rc2 Ng4
19.g3 Ne5 20.Nxe5 Qxe5= Molina – Rodi, São Paulo 2015

14…Nd5

14…Nxe4 15.Qxe4 c5 16.dxc5 Bc6 17.Qe5 Qxe5 18.Nxe5 Rd2 19.Bf3 Bxf3 20.gxf3 Rxb2 21.Rb1
Rxb1 22.Rxb1 Bxc5 23.Rxb7 f6 24.Nd7 Bd6 25.f4 White has the initiative in the endgame, as in
Kasparov – R.Rodriguez, Moscow izt 1982. The future world champion took the point from this
position.

15.a3

15.Ne5 Be8 16.a3 Rac8= Jadanowska – Stypczynska, Poland 2004

15…Be8

15…a5!? Candela Perez – Korneev, Madrid 2010

16.b4 Rac8 17.Qb2

17.Qb3 b6= This is similar.

177
17…b6

This was played in Miljkovic – Blagojevic, Serbia 2004.

18.Ne5

Position after: 18.Ne5

18…Qb7

The chances for both sides are roughly equal, while the initial conditions of the position remain the
same. White has more space, but Black has a solid position and the pair of bishops are the most
significant bet on the future.

c) 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7 10.Rc1

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7
10.Rc1

178
Position after: 10.Rc1

This x-ray move on the black queen is the previous preferred move by White for this position – linked
to the king bishop fianchetto – although there have been isolated games with it since the beginning of
the 20th century. The classical alternatives are as follows.

10…Be7

By far, this natural move preparing castling is the most usual option.
10…Bd7 The main alternative. White can now continue with 11.Be2 or 11.Bd3, with play similar to
the lines seen above, while the following continuation transposes directly to our main line. 11.g3 Be7
12.Bg2 0-0 13.0-0 Rfd8

11.g3

The development of the light-squared bishop by fianchetto makes the line with 10. Rc1 truly
independent. It was first employed in Leonhardt – Spielmann, Berlin 1920, but is only nowadays
gaining theoretical substance. Instead, the more popular moves are as follows.
A) 11.Be2 This transposes after 11…0-0 12.0-0 Rd8 to the line with 10. Be2.
B) 11.Bd3 0-0 12.0-0 c5 This transposes to the line with 10. Bd3.
C) 11.a3 0-0 12.b4 Rd8 This similarly transposes to the line with 10. a3.

11…0-0 12.Bg2 Rd8 13.0-0

179
Position after: 13.0-0

Almost 65% for White in the statistics show that this position is serious business.
13.Qb3 Bd7 14.0-0 This transposes to the text in the line with 14.Qb3, considered later.

13…Bd7

The most usual continuation is our main line, but there is also the following interesting option.
13…Nd5 A product of our century, which is a good spare wheel in case of a problem in the main
line.

180
Position after: 13…Nd5

A) 14.Ne4 Bd7 15.a3 Be8 16.b4 [16.h4 b6 17.Qe2 Rac8„ L´Ami – D.Blagojevic, Hersonissos
2017] 16…b6!? [16…Nb6 This was Black’s choice in Draskovic – T.Blagojevic, Montenegro
2014.] 17.Ne5 [17.Nc3 Rac8= This does not cause Black any problems.] 17…Qb7=
B) 14.a3!? This move may be the most critical here.

Position after: 14.a3!?

B1) 14…Bd7 This is the move that is seen in practice, but it allows White to execute his plan.

181
 15.b4 [15.Ne5 This is another thematic idea. 15…Be8 16.Qe2 a5 17.Rc2 f6 18.Nd3 Nxc3 19.Rxc3
Bd6=] 15…Be8 16.Qb3 Rac8

Position after: 16…Rac8

17.Rc2² Ivanchuk – Asrian, Yerevan 2004

B2) 14…a5!? I think this preventative idea is more appropriate here.
B2.1) 15.Ne5 This is again a possibility. 15…Nxc3 16.Rxc3 Bd7 17.Qc2 Be8 18.Rc1 Bd6 19.f4
f6 20.Nc4 Be7 21.Qe4 Bf7 The position offers chances for both sides. Although Black’s position
may appear passive, he has a solid structure and the pair of bishops – the latter element is ready to
act upon the slightest possibility of opening up the position.
B2.2) 15.Ne4 Bd7

182
Position after: 15…Bd7

16.g4!? [16.Ne5 Be8 17.Nc3 Rac8 18.Nxd5 exd5 19.Qb3 Bd6=] 16…h6 17.Qe2 Be8 18.Ne5 b6
19.f4 f6 20.Nf3 [20.Nd3 Rac8=] 20…Rac8 21.g5 hxg5 22.fxg5 f5 23.Ne5 c5∞ In this complex
position, the chances for both sides are roughly equal.
C) 14.Qe2 Bd7 15.Ne4 Be8 16.a3 b6„
D) 14.Qb3!? Nxc3 [14…Bd7 15.Ne5 Qb6 16.Qc2 Be8 17.a3 Rac8 18.Nd3 Qc7= Nakamura –
Gelfand, Moscow 2010] 15.Qxc3 a5 16.Ne5 Bd7 17.Nxd7 Rxd7 18.f4 g6 19.h4 a4= The position is
exemplarily balanced, in Abasov – Bu Xiangzhi, Astana 2019.

183
Position after: 13…Bd7

14.e4

Besides being the most popular continuation, this development gives White good results in the
statistics. The other options are as follows.
A) 14.a3 a5 [14…Be8 15.b4 Rac8 This was played in Capablanca – Michell, Hastings 1935.
16.Qb3!? Now this is more critical than the placement of the queen on e2 as employed in the game.
16…b6 17.Rfd1ƒ] 15.Ne5!? [15.Qc2 Be8 16.Rfd1 Rac8

Position after: 16…Rac8

(P.Cramling – Kamsky, Stockholm 2016) 17.e4 b5 18.Ne3 Qb8∞; 15.Qb3 (Gelfand – Bu Xiangzhi,
Hengshui blitz 2019) 15…a4!? 16.Nxa4 b5 17.Nab6 bxc4 18.Nxa8 Rxa8 19.Rxc4 Nd5∞] 15…Be8
16.Na4 Bd6 17.f4 Nd5 18.Qb3 Rab8∞
B) 14.Qe2 Be8

184
Position after: 14…Be8

15.a3 [15.Rfd1 Nd5 A new idea instead of 15…Rac8, as in Goganov – Bocharov, Chelyabinsk
2018; 15…Nd7 (Leonhardt – Spielmann, Berlin 1920) 16.Ne5 Rac8 17.Nxd5 exd5 18.a3 Qb6
19.Nd3 a5=] 15…Nd5 (Buhmann – Rowson, France tt 2008) 16.Rfd1 [16.b4!? b6 17.Rc2 Qb7„]
16…Nxc3 17.Rxc3 a5 18.Qc2 f6 19.e4 e5 20.d5 Bc5 21.Nxe5 Bxf2+ 22.Qxf2 Qxe5 23.Qf4 Qe7!?
24.d6 Qe6 25.h4 Bd7∞
C) 14.Qb3 Be8 [14…Rac8 15.Rfd1 Be8„ Grischuk – Carlsen, Paris Blitz 2017] 15.Rfd1 [15.Ne5
Qb6 16.Qc2 c5 17.Nc4 Qa6³ Black implements the …c5 advance in good conditions, opening the
position for the bishops, as in Bender – Rogic, Croatia 2013.] 15…Rab8 16.e4 [16.a4 This goes
against …b5, but at the same time weakens the b4-square. Black can exploit this with 16…Nd5!?=.]
16…b5 17.Ne3 (Contini – Bellini, Lombardia 1989) 17…Qb6= A possible continuation is the
following sequence. 18.e5 Nd7 19.Bxc6 Nxe5 20.Bxe8 Nf3+ 21.Kg2 Nxd4 22.Rxd4 Rxd4 23.Bxb5
Rb4 24.Qc2 Qb7+ 25.Kg1 Rxb5 26.Nxb5 Qxb5 The position is balanced.

14…b5

185
Position after: 14…b5

The most active idea. Black can also play classically as follows.
14…Be8 15.e5 Nd7 16.Ne4 Nb6 17.Ncd6 Nc8 18.Nxe8 Rxe8 This leaves White retaining his space
advantage and the initiative, while Black has lost the bishop pair. The favorable novelties allow Black
to generate counterplay on the d-file (by pressing on the d4-pawn or occupying the d5-square), but it
may not be enough to reclaim the balance. 19.f4 Nb6 20.Qf3 Qd7 21.Rcd1 Nd5 (Eljanov –
Blagojevic, Reykjavik 2015) 22.g4!?²

15.Ne3

The best retreat.

15.Ne5 Black has good play by continuing as follows. 15…Qb6 16.Nxd7 [16.Nf3 a5„] 16…Rxd7
Here too Black has given up the pair of bishops, but their counterplay on the d-file is instantaneous
and allows for equality. 17.Ne2 Rad8 18.Qc2 c5 19.dxc5 Qc7 20.Nf4 Rd2 21.Qc3 R8d4©

15…Qb6 16.e5 Nd5

186
Position after: 16…Nd5

17.Ne4

This is the only move used in live practice at the time of writing. A couple of alternatives are as
follows.
17.Qd2 This was used in a correspondence game. 17…Be8 18.Rfd1 Panievsky – Teichmann, corr
2016
A) 18…Nxe3!? 19.Qxe3 Rac8 This is another possibility. 20.Ne4 c5

187
Position after: 20…c5

21.Nxc5 [21.dxc5 Rxd1+ 22.Rxd1 Bxc5 This transposes.] 21…Bxc5 22.dxc5 Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 Qxc5
24.Qxc5 Rxc5 25.Rd8 Kf8 The resulting ending must be a draw, as in Loinjak – Oikamo, corr 2012.
B) 18…Nxc3 19.Qxc3 [19.bxc3 Rab8=] 19…Rac8 The position is equal. 20.h4 a5 21.Qd3 c5=

17…Be8 18.Nc5 Bxc5 19.Nxd5!?

19.dxc5 Less critical. 19…Nxe3 20.cxb6 Nxd1 21.b7 Rab8 22.Rfxd1 Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 Kf8 24.Rd6
Rxb7 25.Bxc6 Bxc6 26.Rxc6 g5=

19…Rxd5!?

This exchange sacrifice is an improvement over the following.

19…cxd5 20.Rxc5 [20.dxc5 Qa5 21.f4 Qxa2 22.Qd4 Rac8=] 20…Rdc8 [20…b4 21.Qd2 Rac8
22.Rfc1² Wojtaszek – Banusz, Spain tt 2017] 21.b4 a5 22.Qc2 Qb7 23.Rc1 Rxc5 24.bxc5²

20.Bxd5 Bxd4

Black has compensation with the pair of bishops and the pawn majority on the queen’s wing. A
possible continuation is as follows.

21.Be4 Bxb2

Position after: 21…Bxb2

This move ensures a greater imbalance on the queenside, but it is not the only way to treat the

188
position.
21…b4 22.b3 Rd8 23.Qc2 g6©

22.Bxh7+ Kxh7 23.Qc2+ Kg8 24.Qxb2

Position after: 24.Qxb2

24…c5©

Black’s light-squared bishop gains important activity on the main diagonal, and the pawns on the
queen’s wing gain more prominence. The position offers chances for both sides. Thus we come to the
end of a long and perhaps somewhat dense chapter, due to the enormous amount of material. In many
of the cases shown Black’s position, although it reaches equilibrium, is noticeably more difficult to
play, because in these instances of the game White’s spatial advantage is more obvious and easier to
exploit than the future potential of Black’s bishops. In the line with 7…dxc4 Black has a solid and
reliable system, although perhaps not too aggressive. Those who wish to approach the line with a
more dynamic reply can refer to the next section, where the 7…Bb4 option is analyzed. Nevertheless,
in the most important lines of this chapter Black has some dynamic ideas (such as the exchange
sacrifice in the main line) which show that Black’s strategy is not simply a wait-and-see policy.

d) 7.Nd2 Bb4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4

189
Position after: 7…Bb4

Pressure on the e1-a5 diagonal is used to combat the maneuver by the white knight. Black’s actions
can be complemented by a knight jump to e4, so as to exert even more pressure on d2 and c3.

8.Qc2

By far, this move is the most usual continuation, providing defense to c3. At master level, White has
also experimented with other ideas.
A) 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Qc2 This transposes to 8. Qc2. [9.Qb3 This is an independent possibility, but
Black is OK after the following. 9…0-0 10.Be2 Rd8 11.0-0 Bf8 12.Rad1 Qc7 13.Bf3 b6= Kalyndu
– Nigametzianov, Siberia 2007]
B) 8.Qc1 This allows for an improved version (for Black) from the previous section. 8…dxc4
9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.Nxc4 Qc7 11.a3 Be7

190
Position after: 11…Be7

12.Bd3 [12.g3 (Potapov – Fer, Russia 1993) 12…b5!? 13.Ne5 a6 14.Bg2 Bb7 15.0-0 c5=] 12…0-0
13.0-0 b6 14.Qc2 Bb7= Slampa – Petr, Teplice 2014
C) 8.Rc1 Ne4!? The elite’s preference.

Position after: 8…Ne4!?

C1) 9.Ncxe4 dxe4 10.Bh4 Qxa2 11.Be2

191
Position after: 11.Be2

11…Qa5 [11…Qxb2 12.Rc2 Bxd2+ 13.Qxd2 Qa3 14.0-0 0-0 White has compensation for the
pawn, but no more than that, as seen in the following example. 15.c5 b5 16.cxb6 axb6 17.Rxc6
Ba6 18.Bxa6 Qxa6= Wojtaszek – Navara, Gjakova 2016] 12.0-0 Bxd2 13.Ra1 Qb4 14.Qc2 c5
15.Ra4 Qb6 16.Qxd2 e5

Position after: 16…e5

17.dxe5 [17.Ra5?! Qh6 18.Bg3 exd4µ Grischuk – Mamedyarov, Tbilisi 2015; 17.Rd1!? 0-0 18.b4

192
 Qh6 19.Bg3 exd4 20.exd4 Qxd2 21.Rxd2 (Lei Tingjie – Goryachkina, Moscow 2016) 21…cxb4
22.Bd6 Re8 23.Bxb4 Nf6∞] 17…Nxe5 18.Qd5 f6 19.Qxe4 Bd7 20.Raa1 0-0 21.Qc2 Qe6 22.Bg3
Bc6 23.Rfd1 a5„
C2) 9.Ndxe4 dxe4 10.Bh4 Qxa2 11.Qc2 Nb6 12.Be2 [12.Kd1 Bxc3 (Ormasen – De Lange,
Hamar 1982) 13.bxc3 Qxc2+ 14.Kxc2 c5∞] 12…Na4 13.0-0 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Nxc3!?

Position after: 14…Nxc3!?

When I first wrote this chapter the capture on c3 was my recommendation. However it has
subsequently been used in a game. 15.Qxc3 Qxe2 16.Qa3 Mareco – Salinas, Chihuahua 2022. My
original analysis followed with 16…f6!. Black has two extra pawns, but his development is
behind. Normally I don’t like such lines, as I avoid going pawn-hunting without resolving the
running placement of my pieces, but the concrete continuations show that it is not so simple for
White to exploit Black’s delay. One possible continuation is as follows. 17.f3 c5 18.Rfe1 Qd3
19.Qxc5 g5!? 20.Bg3 exf3 21.e4 fxg2 22.Qb5+ Kf7 23.Qb2© Further practical experience is
needed to make a firmer assessment of these ideas.
D) 8.cxd5 Nxd5 9.Nce4 [9.Nxd5 Qxd5∞ Cordes – Stettler, Germany 1995] 9…N5f6 10.Bxf6 Nxf6
11.Nxf6+ gxf6 12.a3 Bxd2+ 13.Qxd2 Qxd2+ 14.Kxd2 e5 15.Bd3 Be6 16.Rhe1 Ke7 17.Kc3 a5=
Xu Yinglun – Wen Yang, China Rapid 2019

193
Position after: 8.Qc2

8…0-0

The main line, and the favorite at master level. Meanwhile, Black has two interesting alternatives.
A) 8…c5 This has been used sporadically by well-known masters such as Mamedyarov or
Savchenko.

Position after: 8…c5

194
 A1) 9.Nb3 This is the most common. 9…Bxc3+ 10.bxc3 Qa4 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.Bd3 (Lupik –
Kozlov, Peterhof 2006) 12…cxd4 13.cxd4 b6∞
A2) 9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.Nb3 Bxc3+

Position after: 10…Bxc3+

11.Qxc3 [11.bxc3 Qa4 This transposes to 9. Nb3.] 11…Qxc3+ 12.bxc3 cxd4 13.cxd4 dxc4
14.Bxc4 Bd7 15.f3 Rc8 (Nguyen Duc Hoa – Nguyen Ngoc Truong Son, Sharjah 2014) 16.Bd3
Ke7=
A3) 9.Be2 0-0 This transposes to the main line with the move order 8…0-0.
A4) 9.Bf4 cxd4 10.exd4 0-0 11.Be2 [11.Bd3 dxc4 12.Nxc4 Qd5 13.0-0-0 Bxc3 14.bxc3 (Meduna
– Plachetka, Pardubice 2000) 14…b6=] 11…Re8 A transposition to the main line takes place.
B) 8…dxc4 9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.Nxc4 Qc7 11.a3 Be7 This is similar to the examples seen in the
previous chapter and has several classic examples, such as two games from the match between
Capablanca and Alekhine, with the then-world champion taking the white pieces. The difference –
with the pawn on a3 – can favor White if there are plans to gain space on the queenside.

9.Be2

This is the main follow-up, with more than a thousand examples in the databases. From my point of
view, it is also the most critical, giving priority to healthy development before initiating concrete
actions. Other moves used by White in practice proved to be less effective. The most common are as
follows.
A) 9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.Bd3 Without the bishop on g5 this development is possible. 10…c5= This
transposes in the subchapter a), in the line with 7.Bxf6 Nxf6 8.Qc2.

195
 B) 9.Bh4 c5

Position after: 9…c5

B1) 10.Nb3 This was employed in another duel between Capablanca and Alekhine, in the seventh
game of their match in Buenos Aires 1927. 10…Qa4 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.dxc5 The challenger went
for 12…Ne4 and lost; instead 12…b6∞ offers chances to both sides.
B2) 10.dxc5 Qxc5 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Qxc3 b6 (Postny – Erenburg, Budapest 2002) 13.Nb3!? Qd6
14.Rd1 Bb7= Black has completed his development and is ready to fight for the c-file.
C) 9.Bd3? There are an incredible seventy-five games with this position. Black wins immediately
with 9…dxc4–+.

9…c5

196
Position after: 9…c5

This is my choice in this position, which is also the preference at master level. The main options are
9…e5 (introduced into practice by Bogoljubow) and 9…dxc4. The one in the text was first used in
the game Aguilera – Monticelli, Barcelona 1929, gaining popularity since the nineties.

10.0-0

The logical complement to White’s previous move, and the most usual continuation in practice. Some
alternatives worth considering are as follows.
A) 10.Nb3 This is the main option to the text, and one of the engines’ preferences. 10…Qa4!?
Ivanchuk’s idea which became Black’s main choice here, keeping the pressure on White’s position.

197
Position after: 10…Qa4!?

A1) 11.0-0 Bxc3 12.Bxf6™ 12…Nxf6 13.Qxc3

Position after: 13.Qxc3

Black has no problems in this position, with the following practical example. 13…cxd4 [or
13…Ne4=] 14.Qxd4 dxc4 15.Qxc4 Qxc4 16.Bxc4 Bd7 17.Be2 Rfc8 18.Rac1 Rxc1 19.Rxc1 Rc8
20.Rxc8+ Bxc8= Volodin – Dreev, Tallinn Rapid 2009
A2) 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.dxc5 [12.0-0 This transposes to 11. 0-0.] 12…dxc4 13.Bxc4 Qc6! Black

198
 equalizes with 14.0-0 Bxc5.

Position after: 14…Bxc5

A2.1) 15.Bb5!? This is another possibility. 15…Qb6 16.Nxc5 Qxc5 17.Rac1 Here the game Roiz
– Gurevich, Istanbul 2003 was declared a draw. Black can show equality in a number of ways.
17…b6 18.Rfd1 Bb7=
A2.2) 15.Be2 Bd6 16.Rfd1 Bd7 17.h3 Be5 18.Rac1 Rac8= Lobron – Ivanchuk, Munich 1994
A2.3) 15.Nxc5 Qxc5 16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.Qxe4 Qb6 18.Bd3 [18.Rad1 This is the preference in
correspondence games. 18…Qxb2 19.Rd4 White has compensation, but no more than that.
19…Qa3 20.Rfd1 Qe7 21.Bb3 a5 22.h3 Qg5 23.Rc1 Rb8 24.Rc7 g6 25.Qc2 b5∞ Trzcinski –
Brzoza, corr 2015] 18…g6 19.Qe5 Bd7 20.h4!? [20.Rfd1 This was declared a draw, in
Ambartsumova – Netchaeva, Serbia tt 2018. 20…Bc6=] 20…Rac8 21.Rac1 Bc6

199
Position after: 21…Bc6

22.h5 Qc7 23.Qxc7 Rxc7 24.hxg6 hxg6= Maze – Dreev, Plovdiv 2012
B) 10.dxc5 dxc4 11.Nxc4 [11.Bf4!? Qxc5 12.0-0 Nb6 13.Rac1©] 11…Qxc5 12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.a3
Bxc3+ 14.Qxc3 Bd7

Position after: 14…Bd7

15.0-0 [15.b4 [Almada – Vezzosi, Switzerland tt 2004] 15…Qc6!? 16.Bf3 Qa6³] 15…Rac8=
Voronov – Nadyrhanov, Krasnodar 2002

200
10…cxd4 11.Nb3

The main line.

11.exd4 This alternative allows Black to isolate the white d-pawn. 11…dxc4 A roughly equal ending
ensues after this. 12.Bh4 [12.Bxf6 Nxf6 13.Nxc4 Qc7 This does not cause problems for Black.
14.Rac1 Bxc3 15.Qxc3 Bd7 16.Ne5 Qb6 17.Bf3 Rfd8 18.Rfd1 Be8∞ Halkias – Luther, Fuerth 2002]
12…Nb6

Position after: 12…Nb6

13.Nxc4 [13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Nxc4 Nxc4 15.Bxc4 Bd7 This transposes.] 13…Nxc4 14.Bxc4 Bd7
[Options such as 14…Nd5 are more solid, but the queen bishop move is more combative.] 15.Bxf6
gxf6 16.d5 [16.Rad1 Bxc3 17.bxc3 Rac8 18.Qd3 Bc6=] 16…Bxc3 17.dxe6 Bxe6 18.Bxe6 fxe6
19.bxc3 Rac8 In this position, the game Kramnik – Ivanchuk, Lucerne 1993 was declared a draw.

11…Qb6

The more usual retreat, keeping the queen in an active position by continuing the pressure on White’s
center and inviting White to place his knight on c3 on the edge of the board.

201
Position after: 11…Qb6

11…Qd8 This is the alternative for Black. 12.Nxd4 Bxc3 13.Qxc3 However the position that
emerges from this may not be to everyone’s taste, although it allows a simplifying trick that is
common in the Classical Nimzo-Indian. [13.bxc3 White has also tried this, leading to position with
chances for both sides. 13…dxc4 14.Bxc4 Qe7 Bacrot – Moranda, internet 2020] 13…Ne4 14.Bxd8
Nxc3 15.bxc3 Rxd8 16.cxd5 exd5 Delchev – Malakhov, Pamplona 2008

Position after: 16…exd5

202
17.a4!? After this critical move Black still has to work out the best way to coordinate his forces. In
the Russian publication “64” (April 2020) Grandmaster Alexey Kuzmin points out the following for
this purpose. 17…Nc5 18.a5 Be6 However my impression is that White has the initiative here.

12.Na4!?

White accepts the challenge of taking his knight to the edge of the board, as this frees it from the
attack with time gains on the enemy queen. Although I put this move as the main line, I consider the
alternatives to be of equivalent value.
A) 12.Bxf6 This is a continuation that is underestimated by the theory. 12…Nxf6 13.c5 A trick
made possible by the deviation of the black knight, speculating on material gain in case of a bishop
capture, and should be answered as follows. 13…d3!

Position after: 13…d3!

The exact reply, allowing Black to keep the balance. 14.Bxd3 [14.Qxd3 Qd8 15.Rfc1 b6!? 16.Na4
Qe8 17.Qb5 Qxb5 18.Bxb5 bxc5 19.Naxc5 Rb8 20.Bd3 a5=] 14…Qd8 15.a3 [15.Rfc1!? Bd7∞]
15…Bxc3 16.Qxc3 (Basso – Van den Doel, Ferreira do Alentejo 2018) 16…a5! The idea of …a4,
…Bd7, …Rfc8, …Qa5 encircling the c5-pawn is interesting, as can be seen in the following
example. 17.Nd4 a4 18.Rac1 Bd7 19.Qb4 Qa5 20.Rc2 Qxb4 21.axb4 a3∞ There are chances for
both sides.
B) 12.exd4 This is in my opinion less logical, allowing the isolated pawn to appear on d4, but it is
the most commonly used in this position. 12…dxc4 13.Bxc4 Qc7 Black is OK after this. 14.Qe2
Bxc3 15.bxc3 Ne4 16.Qxe4 Qxc4

203
Position after: 16…Qxc4

17.Rfe1 [17.Rfc1 Nb6=; 17.Qf3 f6 18.Bf4 Nb6 19.Nd2 Qd5= Sulypa – Orlov, Kavala 2008]
17…Nb6= Babula – Mehar, Pardubice 2018
C) 12.Nxd4 This is more consistent with the idea of Nb3, and yet Black still gets equality after the
following. 12…Bxc3 [12…dxc4 13.Bh4 Ne5 This is also possible, as in Bacrot – Dreev, Moscow
Blitz 2007, where instead of 14.Bg3 the capture by doubling pawns is critical. 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Ne4
Be7∞] 13.bxc3 dxc4 A practical example from this position is as follows. 14.Rab1

204
Position after: 14.Rab1

14…Qc7 [14…Qc5!? 15.Rb5 Qa3=] 15.Rb4 a6 16.a4 [16.Rxc4 Qa5=] 16…Qa5∞ Steen – Lacrosse,
Gent 2011

12…Qc7 13.Nxd4 dxc4 14.Bxc4

The most critical capture.

14.Qxc4 Qxc4 15.Bxc4 Ne5 [15…Ne4!? Rietze – Glud, Germany tt 2017] 16.Bb5 Bd7= Black has a
comfortable balance, as in Ivanchuk – Bacrot, Saint Vincent 2005.

14…Bd6!

Position after: 14…Bd6!

14…Ne5? Black should avoid this. 15.Bxe6! The blow gains material – a theme first seen in
Flumbort – Volkmann, Zalakaros 1997.

15.Rac1!?

This pawn sacrifice – and not just any pawn, being one of the units defending the white king – is the
critical continuation here. While there are better statistics for White and fine compensatory
arguments, practice also shows how Black can weather the storm and maintain the position with
equivalent chances.

15…Bxh2+ 16.Kh1 Bd6 17.Nb5 Qc6

205
17…Qb8 This transposes in case of the capture on d6, but White also has independent options.
18.Be2!? Played in Ivanchuk – Bacrot, Wijk aan Zee 2006. This can be answered with the following
unpublished move. 18…Nd5!? A possible continuation is as follows. 19.Bf3 [19.Nxd6 Qxd6 20.Rfd1
Qe5 21.Bh4©] 19…h6 20.Bh4 Be5 21.Bxd5 exd5 22.Nc7 Qxc7 23.Qxc7 Bxc7 24.Rxc7©

18.Nxd6

18.Rfd1 In practice, this has also been seen as the alternative. 18…Bb8 19.Bh4!? [19.Qe2?! Qe4µ Li
Ruofan – Sukandar, Jakarta 2007] 19…a6 20.Nd4 Qc7 21.f4 After this Black chooses between two
very different positions. 21…Qa5 22.Be2 Ba7 This is the solid option which should be the choice of
most players, or a more complicated and tactical option as follows. 21…b5 22.Nxe6 fxe6 23.Bxe6+
Kh8 24.Qf5 Qd8 25.Rxc8 Qxc8 26.Nb6 Qe8 27.Nxa8 g5!!

Position after: 27…g5!!

28.Rd3™ [28.Bxd7 Qh5–+] 28…Ne5!? 29.Bxg5 Nfd7∞ The complications continue.

18…Qxd6 19.Rfd1 Qe5 20.Bf4 Qh5+!?

20…Qa5 (Grischuk – Shirov, Moscow 2010) 21.Be2©

21.Kg1 Ne5 22.Be2

206
Position after: 22.Be2

22…Neg4∞

With a pair of bishops and all his pieces taking part in the contest, White has compensation for the
given pawn. Black, in turn, has at least equality in this position. If he can bring the pieces on the
queenside wing into play to good effect (for instance, by making the advance …e5 to continue with
…Bf5) then the extra material will gain importance in the game.

e) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qb3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.cxd5

207
Position after: 7.cxd5

This exchange is the modern way of dealing with the position, seeking first of all to solve the effects
of the placement of the black queen on the same rank as the bishop on g5. It is complemented by
active development, sometimes giving away one or more pawns, but always delivering complex and
double-edged positions. Being the current preference in the masterly arena, it is not surprising that
new ideas and plans have emerged in recent years, some of which will be analyzed in these pages.

7…Nxd5

Some specific aspects give preference to this recapture: a) the possibility of Bg5 is maintained; b)
there is immediate pressure put on c3.
7…exd5 This is the main alternative, but here Black is playing a variation of the Exchange where the
queen is ostensibly out of place. True, Black can try to justify the position of this piece with a timely
…Bc4, but from my point of view White’s chances are a little better after 8.Nd2.

8.Qb3

This move is second in order of popularity, after 8.Qd2 and for now more so than 8.Rc1, which is
catching up year on year. Despite not solving the pin, the queen on b3 has the advantage of leaving
the pawns defended, although Black rarely captures them without suffering negative consequences in
the fight for the initiative. Other moves, as shown below, are rarely seen.
A) 8.Qc2?! This is imprecise. 8…Bb4 9.Rc1 [9.Kd2 c5µ Marshall – Tarrasch, Nuremberg 1905]
Black can take the offered pawn without any detriment to his development. 9…Qxa2 10.Bd3 Nxc3
11.bxc3 Qxc2 12.Rxc2 Bd6µ Zhang Xiao – Yan Tianqi, China 2019

208
 B) 8.Qa4?! Qxa4 9.Nxa4 Bb4+

Position after: 9…Bb4+

10.Nd2 [10.Kd1 b5 11.a3 (Tarnovetsky – Vavshko, Ucrania 2005) 11…Ba5 12.b4 Bc7 13.Nc5 h6
14.Bh4 a5µ] 10…b5 11.Nc3 [11.Nc5 Nxc5 12.dxc5 f6 13.Bh4 Kf7µ Dittrich – Eberz, Troisdorf
2001] 11…Nxc3 12.a3 Ba5 13.bxc3 Bxc3 14.Rc1 Ba5³

8…Bb4

Black has other moves to equalize, but this is the most enterprising and thematic.

9.Rc1

209
Position after: 9.Rc1

9…e5!

This possibility is different compared to lines where the white queen goes to d2. Black has
comfortable equality after this break, but another continuation is also possible.
9…c5 10.Be2 h6 [10…b5 11.0-0 c4 12.Qc2 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Ba3 14.Rb1 Nb6∞ Levenfish – Freiman,
Leningrad 1925] 11.Bh4 cxd4 12.Nxd4 0-0 13.0-0 Nxc3 14.bxc3 Ba3

Position after: 14…Ba3

210
15.Rb1 [15.Rcd1 Nc5 16.Qc2 Na4 17.Nb5 Bc5=] 15…a6 [15…Nc5!? 16.Qc2 Bd7=] 16.Qc2
(Nguyen Thi Diem – Pham Thi Thu, Vietnam ch 2017) 16…Bd6=

10.Bc4

The most popular and active continuation. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 10.a3 Bxc3+ 11.bxc3 exd4 12.exd4 0-0 13.Bd3 Re8+ 14.Kf1 [14.Kd1 Nf8³ Rabinovich –
Tartakower, Moscow 1925] 14…h6 15.Bd2 Qc7³
B) 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Be6 12.a3 Bxc3+ 13.bxc3 (Janowski – Tarrasch, Semmering 1926) 13…
h6 14.Bh4 g5 15.Bg3 0-0-0∞
C) 10.Bd3? h6 11.Bh4 exd4 12.Nxd4 Nc5 13.Qc2 Qxa2µ Elm – Schwammerhoefer, Vienna 1943
D) 10.dxe5? Nc5 11.Qc2 (Sapelkin – Wragg, La Pineda 2004) 11…h6 12.Bh4 Qxa2µ

10…exd4

A) 10…N7b6!? 11.Bxd5 Nxd5 12.Nxe5 Be6© Euwe/Weenink – Alekhine/Van den Bosch,

Amsterdam Exhibition 1931
B) 10…e4!? 11.Nd2 N7b6 This is another possibility.
C) 10…h6 Black can also insert this before continuing along the same lines as the main line. 11.Bh4
exd4 12.Bxd5 cxd5 13.exd4 0-0= Model – Botvinnik, Leningrad 1926

11.Bxd5

11.exd4 N7b6 12.Bxd5 (Landau – Spielmann, Zandvoort 1936) 12…Bxc3+ 13.bxc3 cxd5=

11…cxd5 12.exd4 0-0 13.0-0 Nb6

211
Position after: 13…Nb6

In this symmetrically structured position Black has achieved comfortable equality.

14.a3 Bxc3 15.Rxc3 Nc4

15…Bd7 16.Rc5 Qa6 17.Ne5 Bf5 18.Qg3² Flohr – Winter, Hastings 1935

16.Ne5

16.Bf4 Re8 17.Qc2 (Christensen – Korning, corr 1949) 17…Qb6=

16…Qb6!?

This move is my recommendation here, but Black has at least two viable alternatives, as shown
below.

212
Position after: 16…Qb6!?

16…Nxe5 17.dxe5 d4!? This is an interesting possibility, where the next move seems critical. 18.Rg3
Bf5 19.e6 Black now has the following move. 19…Qe5 There is complex play and chances for both
sides, for instance as follows. 20.Be7 [20.e7 Rfe8 21.Qxb7 Bg6©] 20…Bxe6 21.f4 Qe2 22.Qb4 Rfe8
23.Qxd4 Bg4∞

17.Qxb6

17.Nxc4 Qxb3 18.Rxb3 dxc4 is also balanced, e.g. 19.Rb4 b6 20.Rd1 f6 21.Bf4 Be6 22.d5 Rad8
23.Rxc4 Rxd5 24.Rxd5 Bxd5=

17…Nxb6 18.Nd3 Bf5=

The symmetrical structure, the presence of opposite-colored bishops and the possibilities of
exchanging heavy material on the open files are all signs pointing to absolute equality.

f) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 b6

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2

213
Position after: 8.Qd2

This is the most usual continuation and the old main line of the variation with an exchange on d5.
White anticipates the pin along the e1-a5 diagonal with the help of the moves Rc1 and a3. By doing
so White gives up a pawn, the compensation for which lies in better development, space and the pair
of bishops. I prefer to avoid this situation in the following lines that I recommend.

8…Bb4

This move, first used by Botvinnik in 1926 (whose contribution to modern opening theory is
impressive) is our main line and the most logical idea, putting as much pressure as possible on
White’s queenside. The main alternative is an idea by Becker.
8…N7b6 This is out of fashion but is the recommendation of Panczyk and Ilczuk in their book The
Cambridge Springs, published in 2002. Current practice has not adopted this line, but it can be
interesting for the occasional game as a surprise weapon. The type of position that results is not to my
taste – White is allowed to give up a pawn in exchange for an interesting initiative, but as chess is a
complex science and is ruled by concrete variations in many cases, there will be those who like to
play this position from the black side. Let’s go there.

214
Position after: 8…N7b6

A) 9.Nxd5 Qxd2+ 10.Nxd2 exd5 11.Bd3 a5!? 12.a4 [12.f3!? This is Lalic’s recommendation, but
here too Black is comfortably equal with, for example, 12…a4=.] 12…Bb4 13.Ke2 Bg4+ 14.f3 Bh5
15.h4 0-0= Karpov – Kasparov, Moscow (m/47) 1985
B) 9.Bd3 Nxc3 10.bxc3

Position after: 10.bxc3

10…Nd5 [10…Na4 This is another possibility. 11.0-0 Qxc3 12.Qe2 Qb2 13.Bc2 Qb5 14.Qd1 Nc3

215
 15.Qd2 Ne2+ 16.Kh1 Bb4 17.a4 Bxd2 18.axb5 Bc3 19.Ra2© Gerstner – Jirovsky, Germany tt
1999] 11.0-0 Qxc3 12.Qe2 White has good compensation. Here Black took the pawn without giving
up one of his bishops (for now!), but the superior development and the space in the center give
White obvious compensation. The main line runs as follows. 12…Bd6 13.Nd2 Qa5 14.Nc4 Qc7
15.Nxd6+ Qxd6 16.Bh4 0-0 17.Rac1 b6 18.Bg3 Qd7 19.Rfd1 f5 [19…Bb7 20.e4 Ne7 21.Bc4©
White has a strong initiative in exchange for the pawn and in practice Black’s defense is not easy, in
Vuckovic – Flear, Aix-les-Bains 2011.] 20.e4 (Mehlhorn – Drosson, corr 2003) 20…Nf6 21.exf5
exf5 22.Be5© While my computer still keeps Black close to equality, I would venture to say that in a
real fight over the board Black’s task is more difficult.

9.Rc1

The other alternatives here are pointless.

9…h6

This is the most usual option on the way to the main line with a quick …c5. The reader may wonder
about the feasibility of this move, since it has been said before that one of Black’s resources is the
placement of Black’s queen and White’s dark-squared bishop on the same rank. However it turns out
that this minor piece is well defended in this line (after all, the first player has kept his king knight on
f3), while the advance of the black rook pawn forces it to define its placement on a diagonal – in this
case the h4-d8 diagonal – since it is impossible to stay on the original one without being eliminated
by the centralized black knight. In addition to the move in the text, Black has various possibilities at
his disposal (for instance, 9…0-0, 9…e5, etc.), but as this is a repertoire book I shall decide, for
reasons of space, on only two of these: the main line which is studied in the following two sections
(by virtue of its historical recognition) and the schemes with …b6, which are one of the modern
preferences in grandmaster games for dealing with this position. The advance of Black’s b-pawn can
be made with or without the interposition of the move …h6. In this section I have chosen as my main
line the order 9…h6 10.Bh4 b6 for practical reasons: to consolidate the possible transpositions.
9…b6!? This direct move is a recent preference in rapid games of some strong masters such as
Mamedyarov; for example in the following lines.

216
Position after: 9…b6!?

A) 10.a3 Bxc3 11.bxc3 h6 12.Bh4 This transposes to the main line of this chapter. 9…h6 10.Bh4 b6
B) 10.e4!? Nxc3 11.bxc3 Ba3

Position after: 11…Ba3

White now has several options for his rook. 12.Rd1!? [12.Rb1 Ba6 [Moran – Korneev, Bunratty
2016] 13.Bd3 0-0 14.0-0 Rfe8=] 12…0-0 13.Be2 Re8 14.0-0 Ba6=

217
 C) 10.Bd3 Ba6!? [10…h6 11.Bh4 This still transposes to 9…h6 10.Bh4 b6.] 11.0-0 0-0 12.e4 Nxc3
13.bxc3 Ba3 14.Rce1

Position after: 14.Rce1

14…Bxd3 [14…c5 15.Bxa6 Qxa6 (Bacrot – Mamedyarov, Geneva Rapid 2013) 16.d5²] 15.Qxd3
h6 16.Bf4 Rfd8 17.Nd2 Bf8 Black is prepared to continue with …c5. 18.Rd1 Rac8 19.Qg3 Qh5
20.e5 c5 21.Ne4 cxd4 22.cxd4 Rc4= Black has comfortable equality here. In future they can exploit
the positive factors of their position, such as the pawn majority on the queenside, the weakness of
the pawn on d4 and the better bishop.

10.Bh4

218
Position after: 10.Bh4

10…b6

The next two sections are devoted to the most popular line: 10…c5. The one in the text is an
alternative that has gained ground in recent times, based on its use by well-known masters, with the
idea of obtaining a quick exchange of bishops on the light squares, which in theory could favor the
second player. As I mentioned earlier, Black has various alternatives which for reasons of space I will
not mention, although I will devote a few lines here to two options in order to enrich our knowledge
of the typical themes.
A) 10…Nxc3 11.bxc3 Ba3

219
Position after: 11…Ba3

This is a speciality of the Hungarian grandmaster Laszlo Gonda. 12.Rb1 [12.Rc2!? 0-0 13.Bd3 c5
14.0-0 b5 15.c4 Bb4 16.Qe2 bxc4 17.Bxc4 Nb6∞] 12…0-0 [12…b6 This is an order that deserves
attention. 13.Bd3 Ba6 14.0-0 0-0 This transposes, but White can try instead 13.Qd3 or 13.Rb3
which may lead to a small advantage for the first player.] 13.Bd3 b6 14.0-0 [14.c4!? Qxd2+
15.Kxd2ƒ This can be a problem in this move order, but Black’s position is still sustainable in the
last phase before the final.] 14…Ba6 Black is fulfilling his strategic plan – here are a couple of
practical examples. 15.Rfd1

220
Position after: 15.Rfd1

15…Bxd3 [15…Rfe8 16.Bxa6 Qxa6 17.Qc2 Be7 18.Bg3 c5∞ Bacrot – Gonda, Germany tt 2014]
16.Qxd3 Rfe8 17.Nd2 Bf8 18.e4 (Johannessen – Gonda, Germany tt 2008) 18…c5=
B) 10…0-0 This is a popular option.
B1) 11.Bd3 This is the most common idea here; Black can respond with 11…e5!?.

Position after: 11…e5!?

This is an idea that was inaugurated in the world title match between Alekhine and Bogoljubow in
1929.
B1.1) 12.a3 Bxc3 13.bxc3 exd4 14.cxd4 Qxa3 Black has the luxury of capturing the pawns in
this position, with a few moves to finish his development. 15.0-0 Qb4 16.Qc2 Re8 White has
compensation, but no more than that, as in Kamiljanov – Shabanov, Moscow 2001.
B1.2) 12.0-0 Re8 13.Qc2 exd4 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Rfd1 White has some initiative, for example as
follows. 15…Ne5 [15…Bf8!?] 16.Bh7+ Kh8 17.Nxe5 Qxe5 18.Rxd4 (Jobava – Gurevich,
Batumi 2002) 18…Qc5 19.Qd1 Qf8 20.Bb1 Be6 The white pieces are more active, but Black’s
position is still defensible.
B2) 11.a3 Not the most usual, but the strongest option. 11…Bxc3 12.bxc3 Qxa3

221
Position after: 12…Qxa3

The difference with the similar line seen above (11. Bd3 e5 12. a3) is that here White’s center is
stronger, and so it makes their compensation more interesting. 13.Bd3 [13.e4 Ne7 14.Bd3 Ng6
15.Bg3 e5 Now White has either 16.0-0 (Kramnik – Bruzón, Turin ol 2006) or 16.h4 (Khalifman –
Gurevich, Lanzarote 2003), which offer adequate compensation to the first player.] 13…b5!? 14.0-
0 Bb7 15.c4 Now this offers compensation for White, as in Kramnik – Shirov, Moscow 2010.
15.e4 However this seems stronger. 15…N5b6 (Girya – Guseva, Khanty Mansiysk blitz 2014)
16.g4!?ƒ

222
Position after: 10…b6

11.a3

The most usual and probably critical, as it eliminates Black’s pair of bishops. The options are as
follows.
A) 11.Bd3 This is also popular. 11…Ba6 12.0-0 0-0

Position after: 12…0-0

A1) 13.e4 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 Now the following is possible. 14…Nxc3 15.bxc3 Ba3 This is similar to
previous examples; 14…Nf4 In the current game this was played instead. 15.Qd2 Ng6 16.Bg3
Maletin – Dreev, Dubai rapid 2014. Here the following line deserves attention. 16…c5 17.a3 Bxc3
18.Rxc3 cxd4 19.Nxd4 Rfc8 20.Ne2 Rxc3 21.Nxc3 Nde5= Black’s idea is …Nc4, …b5.
A2) 13.Bxa6 Qxa6 14.e4 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Ba3 16.Rce1 Rfe8 17.e5 [17.Re3!? Rac8=] 17…Nf8
18.Re4 Ng6 19.Rg4 (Babula – Antoniewski, Slovakia tt 2016) 19…Bf8

223
Position after: 19…Bf8

There are chances for both sides, with the following possible continuation. 20.Bf6!? Qa5 [20…
gxf6?! 21.exf6±] 21.h4! White now has this move, with great complications. An illustrative line is
as follows. 21…gxf6 22.h5 f5 23.Rg3 Kh7 24.Ng5+ Kg7 25.Nh3 Be7 26.hxg6 fxg6 27.Nf4 Bg5
28.Nh5+ gxh5 29.Rxg5+ hxg5 30.Qxg5+=
B) 11.e4 Nxc3 12.bxc3 Ba3 13.Rb1 [13.Rc2!? 0-0 14.Be2 Ba6 15.0-0 (Fier – Navara, France tt
2014) 15…Rfe8=] 13…0-0 14.Bd3 Ba6 15.0-0 Rfe8

224
Position after: 15…Rfe8

16.Rfe1 [16.Rfd1 Rac8= Maletin – Dreev, Russia rapid 2012; 16.e5 Rac8 17.Rfd1 Bxd3 18.Qxd3 c5
19.d5 c4 20.Qe4 exd5 21.Rxd5 Nc5 22.Qxc4 Qa4³ Black has excellent compensation, in Dimitrov
– Delchev, Bulgaria ch 2020.] 16…Bxd3 17.Qxd3 Bf8= Once again, Black plans …c5, as in Ruck –
Grachev, Legnica 2013.

11…Bxc3 12.bxc3

At this point the most usual move is 12…c5, which transposes to the main line studied in the
subsequent chapters. Here I present instead the following alternative.

12…Ne7!?

A move that is awaiting more practical experience – so far it has only been used in correspondence
games. The knight goes to f5 or g6 to fight against White’s active dark-squared bishop, a necessity
since that piece has been unopposed since the departure of its black counterpart.

Position after: 12…Ne7!?

13.e4

The critical idea, taking f5 from the opponent’s knight.

A) 13.Bxe7 The exchange on e7 is not dangerous for Black, despite losing the right to castle.
13…Kxe7 14.a4 Bb7 15.Qc2 c5=
B) 13.Bd3 This is also harmless because of 13…Nf5=.

225
13…c5!

In my opinion, this is the most accurate continuation.

13…Ng6 This immediate move, which was Black’s choice in the correspondence games cited above,
faces problems. 14.Bg3 0-0 15.h4! A thematic resource to exploit the position with Ng6. 15…c5
[15…Re8 16.h5 Ne7 17.Bf4 Nf6 18.Bxh6 Nxe4 19.Qd3²; 15…Bb7 16.h5 Ne7 17.Bd6 Rfe8
18.Rh3±] 16.h5 Ne7 17.Rh3!

Position after: 17.Rh3!

17…Bb7 [17…f5!? 18.Bd6 Rf7 19.Ne5 Nxe5 20.dxe5 Kh7 21.Rd1 Qa4 22.Bd3²] 18.Bd6 Rae8
19.Bd3² White has a sustained initiative here, and although in the game Black snatched a draw, it was
not without much suffering, in Oreopoulos – Szczepanski, corr 2014.

14.Bd3

14.d5!? exd5 15.Be2 c4 16.Qd4 f6 17.0-0 Bb7 18.exd5 Bxd5 This is roughly equal. Black intends to
continue with …Qc5.

14…Ng6 15.Bg3 0-0

White has the two bishops, more space and some initiative. Nevertheless, the black position is solid
and the concrete lines show Black’s capability to defend, for example as follows.

226
Position after: 15…0-0

16.0-0

White has other alternatives.

A) 16.h4!? With extra time compared to the lines with the move order 13…0-0 this advance can be
contained. 16…Ba6 17.h5 Ne7 18.Bd6 [18.Rh3 Bxd3 19.Qxd3 cxd4 20.Nxd4 Nc5µ] 18…Rfe8

Position after: 18…Rfe8

227
 19.0-0 [19.Rh3 Bxd3 20.Qxd3 cxd4 21.Bb4 Nc5 22.Qc4 Qa4µ Again the rook passage does not
work.] 19…Rac8=
B) 16.Bd6 Re8 17.0-0 Ba6=

16…Ba6

The intention is to obtain a strategically favorable exchange, but Black has other ideas at his disposal,
as can be seen below.

17.d5!?

The most ambitious follow-up.

17.Rfd1 Rfc8 [17…cxd4 18.cxd4 Qxd2 19.Rxd2 Bxd3 20.Rxd3 Rfc8 This is also enough for equality,
despite conceding the c-file to White. 21.Rdc3 Rxc3 22.Rxc3 Nf6=] 18.Bxa6 Qxa6=

17…c4!

Black plans to use the c5-square.

18.Bc2 Nc5

Position after: 18…Nc5

19.dxe6!?

By transposition we are following a correspondence game that used the order 13…0-0 and continued
with this exchange. Other possibilities are as follows.

228
19.d6 This can be answered, among other ways, by the following. 19…e5!? 20.Nxe5 [20.Rfd1 f6
21.Qd5+ Kh7 22.Nd2 Qxc3³] 20…Nxe5 21.Bxe5 Nb3 22.Qf4 Nxc1 23.Rxc1 f6 24.Bd4 Qg5 While
White’s compensation seems adequate, I prefer to have the black pieces here.

19…fxe6

A new idea. In Kayis – Johnston, corr 2015 Black preferred the knight capture, keeping the pawn
structure intact.
19…Nxe6 20.Qe3 Rfe8 21.Nd4 Nc5 22.Nc6 Qb5 23.Nd4 Qd7!? 24.Rfd1 Ne7 25.Ra1 Nd3 26.Qf3
Rf8 The position offers reciprocal chances.

20.Nd4 Nb3!?

20…Rad8 This is a natural option, but White’s position is preferable after the following. 21.Qe3 Bb7
22.Rcd1 e5 23.Nf5² White has the initiative.

21.Nxb3

21.Bxb3 cxb3 22.Rfe1 Bc4 This is roughly the same, but in a live game Black’s passed pawn can be a
source of worry for White. The best course of action, as Nimzowitsch would approve, is to deal with
that unit immediately.
23.Qb2 Qa4 24.Rb1 h5∞

21…cxb3 22.Bxb3

Position after: 22.Bxb3

229
22…Rad8

22…Bxf1 23.Bxe6+ Kh8 24.Rxf1 Qxa3 25.f4©

23.Bxe6+ Kh8 24.Bd5 Bxf1 25.Rxf1 Qxa3 26.c4 Qc5∞

While White has adequate compensation for equality (with the bishop pair and a pawn), it doesn’t
seem enough to claim even the slightest advantage. I have presented some lines in a variation without
much practical experience, but I think they show that Black’s position, in the line with 12…Ne7, can
be sustainable and a viable option to the more usual lines.

g) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 c5 – Introduction: Main

Line
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6
10.Bh4 c5

Position after: 10…c5

This is the historical main line of the 8. Qd2 variation, inaugurated in the game Polugaievsky –
Janosevic, Amsterdam 1970. Black aims for immediate counterplay on White’s center.

11.a3

The advance of this pawn, demanding explanations from the bishop – and offering itself in sacrifice –
is the most usual continuation. The alternatives are less critical.

230
 A) 11.Bd3 cxd4 12.exd4 b6 This gives Black relatively comfortable equality, for instance as
follows. 13.0-0 [13.a3 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Bb7 15.Bg3 Ne7 16.c4 Qxd2+ 17.Kxd2

Position after: 17.Kxd2

This is similar to the main line; 17…0-0 18.Bd6 Rfe8 19.c5 Bd5 20.Bb5 Bc6 21.Bxc6 Nxc6
22.cxb6 Na5 23.b7 Nxb7 24.Bg3 Rec8=] 13…Bb7 14.a3 [14.Bb5!? Qxb5 15.Nxb5 Bxd2 16.Nd6+
Kf8 17.Nxd2 Ba6 18.Rfe1 N7f6= Hole – Kveinys, Gausdal 2005] 14…Bxc3 15.bxc3 0-0 16.Rfe1
(Beliavsky – Pinter, Hungary 1998) 16…b5!?

Position after: 16…b5!?

231
 17.Qb2 [17.c4 Qxd2 18.Nxd2 bxc4 19.Bxc4 N7b6=] 17…a6 18.Bb1 Rfc8=
B) 11.Bc4!? This is an idea first employed by Solak, but popularized after a win by Aronian over
Shirov in 2011. 11…N7b6!? The most natural reply. [11…cxd4 12.Qxd4 Bxc3+ 13.bxc3 0-0 14.0-
0² Aronian – Shirov, Wijk aan Zee 2011] 12.Bd3 [12.Bb5+ Bd7 13.Bxd7+ Nxd7 14.0-0 cxd4
15.Qxd4 Bxc3 16.bxc3 0-0= Bacrot – Ponomariov, Beijing 2014] 12…cxd4

Position after: 12…cxd4

13.Nxd4 [13.exd4 Bd7 14.a3 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Rc8 16.c4 Qxd2+ 17.Kxd2 Nf4= Mamedyarov –
Zherebukh, Khanty Mansiysk 2011] 13…Nxc3 A standard idea (instead of: 13…0-0 Berczes –
Madl, Zalakaros 2011; or 13…Bxc3 Babula – Manik, Teplice 2013 – both options are not
convincing to me). 14.bxc3 Ba3 15.Rb1 Bd7 16.0-0 0-0=
C) 11.Be2!? cxd4 [11…b6 12.0-0 A didactic example where Black must avoid the mechanical
12…Ba6 due to the following sequence. 13.Bxa6 Qxa6 14.Nxd5 exd5 15.Qc2± Hammer – Navara,
Tromso 2013] 12.Nxd4 So far we are following the game Dimitrov – Pelletier, Spain tt 2000, where
there is a simple way of equalizing. 12…Nxc3 13.bxc3 Ba3 14.Rb1 0-0 15.0-0 a6 16.Rfd1 Re8
17.Nb3 Qa4=
D) 11.e4!?
D1) 11…N5f6 12.Bd3 g5 This looks very good for Black, who has won all three games played
from this position, starting with Gauglitz – Pinter, Hungary 1989. 13.Bg3!

232
Position after: 13.Bg3!

13…g4 14.a3 Bxc3 15.Rxc3 gxf3 16.gxf3 b6 Despite the extra piece it is not easy for Black
because his pieces are not well coordinated and the king still has to find a safe haven. A typical
line would be as follows. 17.dxc5 bxc5 18.b4 Qb6 19.bxc5 Nxc5 20.0-0©
D2) 11…Nxc3!? 12.bxc3 Ba3 13.Rb1 0-0 14.Bd3 a6 15.0-0 cxd4 16.cxd4 Qxd2 17.Nxd2 b5∞

11…Bxc3 12.bxc3 b6

233
Position after: 12…b6

The most usual plan.

12…Qxa3 This is possible, but contrary to my philosophy of opening treatment. In a practical
situation such a capture without having completed the development is risky, considering that White’s
center is whole and moving. 13.e4 N5f6 14.Bd3©

13.c4

Our century saw the birth of this idea (Bareev – Fressinet, Cannes 2002 was the inaugural game),
where in the last phase before the final, perhaps White’s position is more comfortable to play. The
main alternatives are once again as follows.
A) 13.Bd3 Ba6

Position after: 13…Ba6

A1) 14.c4 Qxd2+ 15.Nxd2 [15.Kxd2 N5f6 16.Rhd1 Bb7 17.Ke2 cxd4 18.exd4 Nh5= Ruck –
Dreev, Saint Vincent 2005] 15…cxd4 16.exd4 Nf4 17.Be4 Rc8 18.Bg3 g5 19.h4 Ke7 20.hxg5
hxg5 21.Rxh8 Rxh8 22.Bxf4 Rh1+ 23.Nf1 gxf4= Mamedyarov – Ivanchuk, Plovdiv 2010
A2) 14.0-0 cxd4 15.Bxa6 Qxa6 16.Qxd4 [16.cxd4 0-0 17.e4 N5f6 18.Qe3 Rac8= Nielsen – Dreev,
internet 2004] 16…0-0 This leads to a complicated position. 17.e4 Nf4 18.Qxd7 Ne2+ 19.Kh1
Nxc1 20.Rxc1 Qxa3 21.Qd2 Rac8 22.Nd4 Qd6!? 23.f4 [23.f3 b5!?„] 23…Rc4 24.e5 Qd5 25.Qe3
Rfc8= Ruck – Grabarczyk, Grieshelm 2003
B) 13.e4 This transposes to the previous section if Black withdraws his knight to e7, but in this
particular position he has a more comfortable move. 13…N5f6 14.Bd3 Bb7=

234
13…Qxd2+ 14.Nxd2

White has no chance of an advantage with the alternative capture.

14.Kxd2 Ne7 15.Bd3 Bb7 16.Rhd1 (Real de Azua – Fabian, Villa Martelli 2013) 16…f6!?=

14…Ne7!

The idea is …Nf5, directed against White’s bishop pair. This is one of the basic positions of the
8.Qd2 variation and we will dwell on it for a moment. It is not surprising that recent practice has
favored the line with an exchange of queens; after all, the first player here has the pair of bishops and
a greater presence in the center. However Black also has his trumps: his minor pieces have good
squares to operate on and furthermore, when he thinks it fitting, he can exchange on d4, creating
hanging pawns for White, which can be put under pressure by Black’s pieces.

Position after: 14…Ne7!

15.Bd3

15.f3 This is the main continuation and grants an escape square for the black bishop. This possibility
is studied in the next section. The move in the text is aimed at guarding against possible jumps by the
opponent’s e7-knight.

15…Bb7

This is the most usual move in practice, but Black has at least two possibilities of equivalent value.
A) 15…Ba6!? 16.f3 This transposes to the next section.

235
 B) 15…f5!? This is more risky, but it seems possible. 16.Bg3 [16.f3 This transposes also to the next
section.] 16…Bb7 17.0-0 Kf7 18.Rfd1 cxd4!? 19.exd4 Rhd8∞

16.0-0

A natural idea to defend g2.

16.f3 Again this alternative transposes to the next section.

16…Rd8

Position after: 16…Rd8

17.Be4

17.Nb3 Bc6=

17…Ba6∞

The position offers chances for both sides, as in Van Wely – Shirov, Khanty Mansiysk 2010. White’s
advantages (the pair of bishops, space, and the center) are compensated against by Black’s
counterplay on White’s central structure, while relying on the flexibility of his pieces, which have a
variety of possibilities at their disposal.

h) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6 10.Bh4 c5 – Main Line

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6
10.Bh4 c5 11.a3 Bxc3 12.bxc3 b6 13.c4 Qxd2+ 14.Nxd2 Ne7 15.f3

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Welcome to the main line of the Cambridge Springs line with 8.Qd2. White’s previous move
preserves his dark-squared bishop in case it is attacked by the black knight on f5; and if Black
exchanges on d4 – a common policy to create hanging pawns in White’s structure – this piece when
placed on f2 is useful to defend the pawn on d4. The pawn on f3, moreover, becomes a barrier against
possible actions by Black on the long clear diagonal and in some cases can be a support for the e4
advance. For Black, the question of pressure on c4 and d4 is important in the formation of his plan, so
as not to leave White’s hands free to consolidate his position and make use of assets such as the pair
of bishops.

Position after: 15.f3

15…Ba6!

With this move, which is my preference, Black starts pressurizing White’s center. The second player
has alternatives, which I mention below to give the reader an insight into the different plans in this
position, but which seem to me to be more passive and generally lead to positions where the first
player is more comfortable with his advantageous positional elements.
A) 15…Bb7 This is a natural development idea, popular in practice, although in my opinion after
White’s f3 this is not the best diagonal for the bishop.
16.Be2 Here this is the most accurate, which allows if necessary the defense of the pawn on d4 with
a rook on d1 without the interference of the bishop.

237
Position after: 16.Be2

A1) 16…Rc8!? One of the most recent choices at grandmaster level in this position. 17.0-0 f5
[17…g5 18.Bf2 Ng6 (Donchenko – Gonda, Zalakaros 1014) 19.Rfd1²] 18.Bf2 Kf7² This
transposes to the line with 16…f5.
A2) 16…f5 This is the most usual idea here, controlling e4 and allowing …Kf7, thus connecting
the rooks. My impression is that White holds a slight advantage here, but this is also the case with
the alternatives. 17.Bf2 [17.Bg3 Kf7 18.a4 g5 19.Nb3² Bär – Pheby, corr 2016] 17…Kf7 18.0-0

Position after: 18.0-0

238
 A2.1) 18…Rac8 19.a4 Rhd8 [19…Ba6 20.Rfe1² Ragger – Dreev, France tt 2012] 20.Rfd1 Nc6
21.d5 Na5 22.e4²
A2.2) 18…Rhd8 This is the preference in various correspondence games. 19.Rfd1 g5 20.Nb1

Position after: 20.Nb1

20…f4 [20…Rac8 21.a4² Kreindl – Lovakovic, corr 2014] 21.exf4 gxf4 22.Nc3 Nf5 (Hauenstein
– Raivio, corr 2015) 23.d5² The lines show that Black’s position is passive but still sustainable,
and most of the games quoted above ended in a draw. However in all cases the black bishop on
b7 does not seem to shine. Here onwards, we will look at a more active placement for that piece.
B) 15…Nf5 The most classic option. 16.Bf2 Ba6! 17.Bd3
B1) 17…Rc8 18.g4 [18.a4 cxd4 19.exd4 0-0 20.Ke2² Carlsen – Artemiev, internet blitz 2021]
18…Nd6 19.Bg3 Ke7 20.Kf2 Grandmaster Lars Schandorff, in his recommended repertoire book
with 1. d4, rightly considers that White has a slight advantage, because of the pair of bishops and
superior space. 20…Rhd8 [20…Nb7!? 21.Rhd1 Rhd8 22.Nb3²] 21.Rhd1 Nb8

239
Position after: 21…Nb8

22.h4² Potkin – Malakhov, Russia 2008

B2) 17…cxd4!? This is a move that has been used exclusively in correspondence games – and
perhaps the most correct. 18.exd4 0-0 19.0-0 Rfd8 White retains the initiative, but Black has made
suitable moves to gain counterplay and gradually achieve equality. Two examples taken from
correspondence practice are as follows. 20.Rc3 [20.Rfe1 Rac8„ Alexa – Laurenc, corr 2012;
20.Bxf5 exf5 21.Rc3 Rac8 22.Rfc1 g5∞] 20…Rac8 21.Rfc1 Ne7„ Len – Gudkov, corr 2014
C) 15…f5 At the time of writing, Black only has wins and draws with this move, both in live and
correspondence games. However such statistical optimism does not seem to correspond to
theoretical reality, according to the following lines. 16.Nb3 [16.Be2!? Bb7 This transposes to
15…Bb7, which we have already established as favorable to White. 16…f4!? Black is left with this
move to experiment, with the following idea. 17.exf4 Ng6 18.Bg3 0-0„.] 16…cxd4 [16…Ba6 This
allows for a scenario favorable to the first player. 17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.Nxc5 bxc5 (Moiseenko – Dreev,
Khanty Mansiysk blitz 2013) 19.Kd2²] 17.exd4 g5!? [17…Ba6 18.Be2 Rc8 19.0-0 Kf7 20.a4²
Rydholm – Gusan, corr 2012] 18.Bf2

240
Position after: 18.Bf2

18…Bb7 With the …g5 advance made, this placement for the bishop makes more sense.
[18…Nf6!? 19.Bd3 Kf7 (De Bari – Laurenc, corr 2015) 20.a4²; 18…Ba6 19.a4²] 19.a4!? [19.Bd3
Ng6 20.Be3 Kf7 21.0-0 Nf4 22.Bxf4 gxf4 23.a4 Kf6 24.a5 h5 25.Rfe1 h4„ Pugh – Vonchev, corr
2013] 19…Kf7 20.Be2 Ng6 21.Be3²

16.Be2

In the possible resulting positions with hanging pawns this piece, as we have said before, is better on
e2, so as not to interfere with the rook’s possible defense of the d4-pawn. On the other hand, on d3 it
is exposed to possible jumps by the opposing knights. Some options are as follows.
A) 16.Bd3 cxd4 17.exd4 (Gyria – Guseva, Chakvi 2015) 17…Rd8!?

241
Position after: 17…Rd8!?

18.Be2 [18.Rc3 Nb8 19.Nb3 f6 20.0-0 Kf7=; 18.0-0 Ne5= This shows one of the problems with the
placement of the white bishop on d3.] 18…Nf8 19.Bf2 Nfg6 20.g3 0-0 21.0-0 Nf5 22.Nb3 e5=
Black has completed his development and created effective counterplay against White’s central
pawns.
B) 16.Ne4 Nf5 17.Bf2 cxd4 18.exd4 0-0=

16…cxd4

The creation of hanging pawns is an integral part of Black’s plan, as they will be the object of
pressure from the black pieces in order to obtain equal counterplay. Black can also postpone the
exchange by making useful moves, as the alternatives show.

242
Position after: 16…cxd4

A) 16…f5 17.0-0 Kf7 18.Nb3 Rac8 19.Rfe1 Rhd8 20.Bf1 g5 21.Bf2 cxd4 22.exd4 (So – Dreev,
internet 2017) 22…Nf6„
B) 16…Rc8 17.0-0 Now the following transposes to the main line. 17…cxd4 18.exd4; 17…Nf5
18.Bf2 This also transposes similarly, if Black exchanges on d4. Instead, an independent idea is as
follows. 18…Ke7!? 19.Rfe1 g5!? 20.Bf1 White is setting up the x-ray equipment. 20…Nd6 21.a4

Position after: 21.a4

243
 However White now decides to play across the board. [21.e4!? This is more consistent with White’s
previous moves.] 21…Rhd8 22.Rc3 Nf6 23.Rc2 Nd7 24.Rec1² Grischuk – Dreev, Poikovsky 2005
C) 16…Nf5 17.Bf2 0-0 18.d5!? [18.0-0 cxd4 19.exd4 Rac8 This transposes to the main line.] 18…
exd5 19.cxd5 Bxe2 20.Kxe2 Ne7 21.e4 [21.d6 Nc6„] 21…f5 22.Bg3 Rae8„

17.exd4 Rc8

The pressure on White’s pawns continues. Another, less thematic, possibility is as follows.
17…f6 18.0-0 e5 19.dxe5 Nxe5 20.f4 N5g6 21.Be1 In Joppich – Ivanov, corr 2012, Black reached a
draw, but the position seems to me less clear than the main line.

18.0-0 Nf5 19.Bf2 0-0

Position after: 19…0-0

20.Rfd1

This move seems to be the most critical. The following are some other options.
A) 20.g4 Nd6 21.Rfe1 Rfd8 22.Bf1 Nb7 23.Nb3 Nd6=
B) 20.Rfe1 Rfd8 21.g4 Nd6 22.Kg2 Nb8 23.Rc3 Nc6 24.Rec1 e5

244
Position after: 24…e5

The position is balanced. 25.c5!? Now this is the only way to fight for the initiative. 25…exd4
However after this we have a balanced position. 26.Bxa6 dxc3 27.Rxc3 Ne5 [27…Ne7 28.Bxc8
Ndxc8 29.Nc4 bxc5 30.Bxc5 Nd5=] 28.Bxc8 Nxc8 29.Ne4 bxc5 30.Bxc5 Nb6=

20…Rfd8

Alternatively 20…Nf6 and 20…Nd6 are also possible, but the text move is more thematic, pursuing a
policy of a direct siege on the white pawns.

21.g4

White dislodges one of the pieces attacking his central pawns and gains space on the kingside.
21.Ne4 The main option. 21…Nb8 [21…Nf6!? 22.Nxf6+ gxf6∞] 22.Bf1 Rd7 23.a4 Rcd8=

21…Nd6

Possibly the most accurate, always keeping pressure on the hanging white pawns.
21…Ne7 Another possibility that is favored by well-known grandmasters but I think Black still has
some problems to solve here to claim equality. 22.Bg3 The previous choice by White in high-level
games, which may not be the most critical. [22.a4!? An alternative with the thematic idea of breaking
on a5 and trying to open the way to the c-pawn or to discomfort Black’s a- and b-pawn duo.] 22…f5
23.a4 fxg4 24.fxg4 Nf6= Giri – Artemiev, Wijk aan Zee 2020

22.Bg3 Rc6 23.Bd3 Rdc8=

245
Position after: 23…Rdc8=

This was played in Bars – Zubov, corr 2013. The pressure on the c4-pawn offers adequate
counterplay for Black, and enough to claim equality. As an example, I offer the continuation of the
abovementioned game.

24.Ra1!? Nxc4 25.Be4 Nxd2 26.Bxc6 Rxc6 27.Rxd2 Nf6

The alternative is the immediate 27…Rc3!?.

28.Bb8 Rc3 29.Bxa7 Nd5 30.Kf2 Bb7 31.Bxb6 Nf4 32.d5 Bxd5

246
Position after: 32…Bxd5

33.Ke1

33.Be3 Nh3+ 34.Kg3 Rxe3 35.Rxd5 exd5 36.Kxh3 Rxf3+ 37.Kg2 Rf6=

33…Rxf3 34.Rc2 Nd3+ 35.Ke2

35.Kd2 Ne5©

35…Nf4+ 36.Ke1 Nd3+ 37.Ke2

Declared a draw.

247
 i) 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1

The fashionable continuation among the elite, having been used by the world champion Magnus
Carlsen and strong grandmasters such as Kramnik, Ding Liren, Gelfand, and Morozevich. Unlike the
more usual line with 8. Qd2, it leaves open the possibility of other destinations for the queen. White
sacrifices his a-pawn directly, but practice has shown that such captures associated with delayed
development are risky.

Position after: 8.Rc1

8…Nxc3

A) 8…Bb4 This can transpose to 8. Qd2, but White has a more interesting idea at his disposal. 9.a3
Bxc3+ [9…Nxc3 10.axb4 Nxd1 11.bxa5 Nxb2 12.Rc2 Na4 13.Rc4 b5 14.Rxc6 a6 (Gibson –
Langham, Great Britain tt 2010) 15. Be2±] 10.bxc3 h6 [10…Qxa3 This immediate move has also
been used. 11.Qd2© Nihal – Arjun, Kolkata 2018] 11.Bh4 Qxa3

248
Position after: 11…Qxa3

A Cambridge Springs classic – Black has captured a pawn on the queen’s wing at the cost of some
delay in his development. While the computer places Black close to equality, in practice White gets
better results – their position is easier to play. As I mentioned above, this type of position is not part
of the proposed repertoire, but if any reader is interested in them, he or she can investigate and
employ them. 12.Qd2 b5 [12…e5!? 13.e4 Nf4 14.Bg3©] 13.Bd3 (13.e4 N5b6 14.Bd3© Can –
Nadir, Batumi ol 2018) 13…0-0 14.0-0© Kramnik – Shirov, Moscow 2010
B) 8…h6 Another possibility is this intermediary which forces the first player’s dark-squared bishop
to decide on the diagonal. 9.Bh4

249
Position after: 9.Bh4

[9.Bf4 This retreat can be answered as follows. 9…Bb4 10.Qb3 Bxc3+ 11.bxc3 Nxf4 12.exf4 0-0=]
9…Nxc3 [9…Bb4 10.a3 Bxc3+ 11.bxc3 Qxa3 12.Qd2 This transposes to the variation with 8. Qd2
and was the original course, for example, of the abovementioned game, Kramnik – Shirov, Moscow
2010.] 10.bxc3 Ba3 11.Rc2 b6 Play is similar to the main line and even transposing in the case of
the following. 12.Be2 Ba6 13.0-0 Bxe2 14.Qxe2 As per the comments to the 13th move, …h6.

9.bxc3 Ba3

Development with a gain of time is always an action worth considering. Black has also played the
following here.
9…Qxa2 This is a slower version of this type of position with captures of White’s queen rook pawn.
Here in addition to the developmental delay Black has passive pieces. 10.Bd3 Qa5 11.0-0© Ivanisevic
– Kahn, Hungary tt 2014

10.Rc2 b6!

250
Position after: 10…b6!

Black now solves the development of his other bishop, with the intention of obtaining a strategically
favorable exchange.

11.Be2

This development is the current practical preference. The alternatives are as follows.
11.Bd3 This was White’s original reaction when the line with the exchange on c3 followed by …Ba3
and …b6 first appeared in practice. 11…Ba6 12.0-0 [12.Rd2 This is rarely used here. 12…h6 13.Bf4
Be7 14.0-0 Bxd3 15.Rxd3 g5 16.Be5 Rg8∞ Peralta – Agrest, Barcelona 2019] 12…Bxd3 13.Qxd3
Unlike the line with Be2, the white queen is positioned more actively here, but is also more exposed,
and can be under threat from the black pieces (for instance, whenever the advance d5 is considered,
the possible reply …Nc5 must be considered). Here are some examples from this position. 13…h6
14.Bh4 0-0 15.c4 [15.Nd2!? Rfe8 16.c4 Now this transposes and if 16.f4 Qh5=.] 15…Rfe8 Black has
good counterplay in this position, which practice has shown to be sufficient for equality. 16.Nd2
[16.e4 e5 17.d5 Nc5 18.Qe2 Qa4³ This is comfortable for Black, as in Malakhatko – Michiels,
Belgium 2011; 16.Bg3 Rad8 17.Qb3 (Sargissian – Smirnov, internet 2018) 17…c5=] 16…Bf8 The
standard reply, preparing …c5 with this piece in its own camp. 17.Nf3 [17.Bg3 Rad8 18.Nb3 Qa4
19.Bh4 Rc8 20.Rd1 c5³ Smirnov – Ganguly, Canberra 2015] 17…Qa4 [17…c5!?] 18.Rfc1 c5 19.d5
a6!? 20.dxe6 Rxe6=

11…Ba6 12.0-0 Bxe2

251
Position after: 12…Bxe2

13.Qxe2

The most common.

13.Rxe2 This is of equivalent value where White gets further piece organization with the queen being
able to position herself on c2. 13…0-0 Logically the capture on c3 is inferior – White regains the
pawn immediately with Rc2, then takes on c6, and keeps the column.

Position after: 13…0-0

252
 A) 14.e4 Rfe8
A1) 15.e5!? Bf8 [15…Qxc3 16.Re3 Qa5 17.Nd2 This gives White the usual compensation, as in
Vidit – Rodshtein, Jerusalem Rapid 2022.] 16.Re3 This was the course of the game Stocek –
Jirovsky, Czech Republic tt 2022. Black took on a2, which is risky. Instead I recommend 16…c5
with chances for both sides.
A2) 15.Re3 Bf8 [15…Rac8!? This is once again possible, as in Girish – Sidhant, Sitges 2019.]
16.e5 Two games have reached this position: Tomashevsky – Ipatov, Reykjavik 2015, and
Admiraal – Agrest, Porto Carras 2018. I think it’s time to hit White’s center with 16…c5!∞.

Position after: 16…c5!∞

Here I even prefer Black’s position. An example taken from correspondence practice follows.
17.d5 Qxa2 18.d6 b5 19.Nd2 b4 [19…a5!?] 20.Rfe1 Reb8!? 21.c4 b3 22.Nxb3 a5 23.Rc3 a4
24.Nd2 In Cade – Romero Rodriguez, corr 2017, White managed to draw, but now the initiative
undoubtedly belongs to the second player.
B) 14.Qc2 One of the most logical ideas in this position. 14…Rfe8 15.Rd1 [15.c4 Bd6!? 16.Bh4
Qh5 17.e4 e5 18.Bg3 Rac8 19.Rd1 Bb8 20.Nxe5 Nxe5 21.dxe5 Bxe5 22.f4 Bc7=] 15…b5!?
[15…Rac8 16.e4 c5 17.d5 exd5 18.Rxd5 Nf8 YuYangyi – Dreev, Riyadh Rapid 2017] 19.Nd4!?²]
16.Bf4 Nb6=

13…0-0

By analogy with the line with 11. Bd3, Black can interpose before castling with moving the king
rook-pawn, so that White has to decide on a diagonal for the bishop, as follows.
13…h6 14.Bh4 The only move tried in practice. 14…0-0 15.e4 Rfe8 16.Nd2

253
Position after: 16.Nd2

16…Bf8! Classical regrouping before breaking with …c5. [16…Be7 17.Bxe7 Rxe7 18.Nc4 Qa6
19.e5 Rd8 20.f4 c5 21.Nd6 Qxe2 22.Rxe2² Fier – Navara, France tt 2014] 17.Nc4 [17.e5 c5 18.Rfc1
Rac8=] 17…Qa6 18.f4 c5 19.Ne5 Qb7∞ There are chances for both sides. In short, schemes with …
h6 are of equivalent value to those where Black does not make this advance.

14.Rd1

Before taking measures that include advancing the central pawns, White positions his heavy pieces
harmoniously. This arrangement is a favorite in practice, but White has also experimented with the
following options.
14.e4 This is thematic, and the most popular idea when including correspondence games. As in
similar positions, Black can prepare …c5 with 14…Rfe8.

254
Position after: 14…Rfe8

A) 15.e5 h6 [15…Qa4„ Placing an obstacle to the idea Nd2-e4 deserves attention; 15…Bf8!?
16.Rd1 c5 17.d5 exd5 18.Rxd5 Qa4 19.Rcd2 Nb8=] 16.Be3 (Matthiesen – Nilssen, Denmark 2016)
16…Qa4∞
B) 15.Rd1 Rac8

Position after: 15…Rac8

B1) 16.c4 e5 17.Bh4 exd4 18.Nxd4 Nf8=

255
 B2) 16.h3 Bf8 17.c4 c5 18.d5 exd5 19.Rxd5 Nb8 20.Bd2 Qa4 21.Bc3 Na6 Black intends to follow
up with …Nc7-e6 but if White continues with 22.Rh5 then the return of the queen 22…Qc6=
ensures equilibrium, as in Kovalev – Weber, corr 2016.
B3) 16.Bf4 c5 17.Nd2 b5 [17…cxd4 18.Nc4 Qa6 19.Nxa3 Qxa3 20.cxd4 Qa4=] 18.dxc5 Nxc5
19.Nb1 e5 20.Bg3 a6 21.c4 (Cmilyte – Dreev, Gibraltar 2014) 21…Ne6∞

14…Rfe8

Black has other possibilities here, but the one in the text seems to me to respond to the clearest plan,
with …Bf8 and …c5. Once the break is effected, Black’s position is freed and his still-uncoordinated
pieces are activated.

15.c4

A) 15.Bf4!? Now 15…Bf8 and 15…Rac8 transpose to the line with 14. Bf4 above; another
possibility is 15…Qa4!? as in Zontakh – Guseva, Russia 2014.
B) 15.e4 Rac8 This transposes to the line with 14. e4 above.

15…Bf8 16.e4

Position after: 16.e4

16…Qa4

A useful waiting move, as would be the option 16…Rac8.

16…c5!? Also possible is this direct move. 17.d5 exd5 18.Rxd5 Nb8! 19.Rcd2 Nc6 20.Bf4 Qa4∞

256
17.e5

17.Rcd2 Rac8 18.h3 h6 19.Bh4 Bb4 20.Rd3 Bf8=

17…c5 18.d5 exd5 19.Rxd5

We are following the game Tomashevsky – Artemiev, Sochi 2016. Now, instead of 19…Be7, I
propose the following.

19…h6!?

Position after: 19…h6!?

Alternatively the direct 19…Nb8!?.

20.Bc1 Nb8

With this retreat the knight gains interesting activity, either via c6 or via a6-c7-e6.

21.Rc3 Qc6!?

21…Nc6 22.Ra3 Qb4 23.Rb3 Qa4=

22.Rcd3 Na6 23.Rd1 Nc7 24.R5d3

257
Position after: 24.R5d3

24…Ne6=

The position offers chances for both sides. At this point, Black has properly coordinated his forces,
creates a good central blockade and can hope to fight for the initiative by using his queenside pawn
majority.

Selected Games
Game 12
Ribeiro, Sabino Jr
Eliskases, Erich Gottlieb
Rio de Janeiro 1945

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Qa5 7.Bxf6 Nxf6 8.Nd2 Be7

This move is a solid option to 8…Bd6, which is the main continuation in the theoretical part of this
section.

9.Bd3 0-0 10.Qc2 Qc7 11.0-0 Rd8 12.Rac1 dxc4 13.Bxc4 Bd7 14.Nf3 Be8

258
Position after: 14…Be8

Black’s pieces may look passive, but it is a mirage. Black is organizing his forces in the best possible
way in order to make one of the breaks that will allow him to open up the game to exploit the strength
of the bishop pair.

15.Bd3

15.e4 Rac8 16.Rfd1 c5 17.d5 exd5 18.Nxd5 Nxd5 19.Bxd5 b5∞

15…Rac8 16.Rfd1 Qb8 17.Qe2 c5³

According to the plan. The exchange of this pawn for White’s d4 will result in a symmetrical pawn
formation scenario where Black has the better combination of minor pieces.

18.h3 g6 19.Ne4 cxd4 20.Nxd4

20.exd4 This is an attempt at rebellion, but now Black has, in addition to the pair of bishops, the
better structure. A possible continuation is as follows. 20…Ba4 21.b3 Rxc1 22.Rxc1 Bd7³

20…Kg7 21.Rc2 Ba4 22.b3 Bd7 23.Rdc1

A natural idea, but the successive simplifications of the heavy material, in accordance with
Capablanca’s postulate, remove the litter and leave the pieces that make the difference.

259
Position after: 23.Rdc1

23.Nxf6 Bxf6 24.Rxc8 Qxc8 25.Be4 b6³

23…e5 24.Rxc8 Rxc8 25.Rxc8 Qxc8 26.Nf3 Nxe4 27.Bxe4 f6 28.Qc2 Qxc2 29.Bxc2 Bc6µ

Position after: 29…Bc6µ

The pure minor piece ending is better for the second player, because bishops are a better combination
in positions with pawns on both sides of the board.

260
30.Nd2 Bb4 31.Nc4 b5! 32.Nb2 e4!

Position after: 32…e4!

According to Steinitz’s teaching, the side with the two bishops uses the pawns to gain space and
restrict the activity of the opponent’s pieces.

33.a4 a6! 34.axb5 axb5 35.Kf1 f5 36.Ke2 Kf6 37.f3 Ke5!?

The beginning of an imprecise phase, in which nevertheless Black always remained with a clear
advantage.
37…Ba3 38.Nd1 exf3+ 39.gxf3 Kg5–+

38.Nd1 h5 39.Nf2 Be7 40.fxe4 fxe4 41.g3 Kf5 42.Kd2 Bb4+ 43.Ke2 Bd6 44.g4+ Ke5 45.Nh1
hxg4 46.hxg4 Be7 47.Nf2 Bh4 48.Bd1 Bd7 49.Kf1

49.Bc2!? The invite to repeat moves can be met as follows. 49…b4 50.Nxe4 Bxg4+ 51.Kd2 Kd5µ
Black can fight for the win with his passed pawn and the increased activity of his minor pieces. Note
how the dark-squared bishop keeps restricting any possible jumps by the opposing knight.

49…Be7 50.Bc2 Bc6 51.Ke2 Bh4 52.Nd1

52.Bd1!? Bd7 53.Bc2 b4 As in the note to move 49.

52…Bd7

261
Position after: 52…Bd7

53.Nc3?

White tries a liberating pawn exchange, but the result is not good.
53.Nf2 This was the only move, although after 53…b4 we have the same scenario as above.

53…Bxg4+ 54.Kd2 Bf3 55.Nxb5 g5–+

Now the passed pawn supported by the two bishops is decisive, while its white counterpart on the b-
file is far from the goal.

56.Nd4 g4 57.Bd1 Bxd1 58.Kxd1 g3 59.Ne2 g2 60.b4 Bf2 61.Kd2 g1=Q 62.Nxg1 Bxg1 63.b5
Kd5 64.b6 Kc6 65.b7 Kxb7 66.Kc3 Bxe3 67.Kc4 Kc6

0-1

Game 13
Zhigalko, Andrey (2584)
Michiels, Bart (2546)
Belgium 2014

1.c4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5

In this game we come to the Cambridge Springs by way of its most common metamorphosis, the
Semi-Slav Defense move order. The variation offers more strategic positions than those arising from
the Botvinnik or Moscow variations of the aforementioned defense, where more concrete opening

262
knowledge and an excellent memory are required.

7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7 10.Bd3 Be7 11.0-0 0-0 12.Rc1 c5 13.dxc5 Qxc5

In this type of scenario Black has no problems. We have even seen that in the face of White’s
complacent play the second side wins the initiative with his bishop pair. White must therefore play
actively and put his faith in his favorable elements, such as the extra space that allows him to more
actively place his pieces.

14.e4 Nd7 15.Qe2 Ne5 16.Nd5!?

Position after: 16.Nd5!?

A clever trick to remove Black’s dreaded pair of bishops. Black can keep them for awhile with
tactical resources, but the sequence that follows is the most logical.

16…Nxd3

16…Bg5 This is the way to keep the bishop on dark squares, but not for long. The sequence that
ensues is forced until it is eliminated. 17.b4 Qd4 18.Nxe5 Qxe5 19.f4 Qd4+ 20.Kh1 exd5 21.fxg5
And now one way to enter an equal ending is as follows. 21…Bg4 [21…Be6!?] 22.Qxg4 Qxd3
23.exd5 Qxd5=

17.Nxe7+ Qxe7 18.Qxd3 Rd8 19.Qg3 b6 20.Rfd1 Rxd1+ 21.Rxd1 Bb7=

Despite not having the two bishops, Black still has a qualitative advantage in terms of his minor
pieces, compensating for White’s greater space.

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22.Nd6

22.Qd6!? This is another answer to the eternal problem of having to choose between different pieces
that can occupy a square. 22…Kf8 23.Qf4 Rc8 24.Nd6 Rd8 25.e5 Bd5=

22…Rd8 23.e5 f6 24.f4 fxe5 25.fxe5 Qc7 26.h4 Bd5

Position after: 26…Bd5

With each side enjoying strong squares in the middle, equality is evident and within a few moves it is
made official by a repetition.

27.h5 h6 28.Rf1 Rf8 29.Rxf8+ Kxf8 30.Qg6 Qc1+ 31.Kh2 Qf4+ 32.Kh3 Kg8 33.Qe8+ Kh7
34.Qg6+ Kg8 35.Qe8+

264
Position after: 35.Qe8+

35…Kh7 36.Qg6+

½-½

Game 14
Abasov, Nijat (2627)
Bu Xiangzhi (2731)
Astana 2019

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 c6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 dxc4 8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7
10.Rc1 Be7 11.g3

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Position after: 11.g3

This scheme, first employed by Leonhardt in the early 20th century, is considered the most critical
against Black’s chosen line. Considering that Black is going to advance his queenside pawns at some
point (the natural counterplay of the second player) the bishop is positioned on a diagonal that can be
important.

11…0-0 12.Bg2 Rd8 13.0-0 Nd5

As mentioned in the theoretical part, this move is a good alternative to the more usual 13…Bd7, with
the endorsement of having been chosen by some strong grandmasters.

14.Qb3 Nxc3

14…Bd7 The main option, as mentioned in the theoretical part. This position was the subject of a
high-level duel, which continued as follows. 15.Ne5 Qb6 16.Qc2 Be8 17.a3 Rac8

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Position after: 17…Rac8

Black’s philosophy is similar to the one seen in the Ribeiro – Eliskases game that introduced this
section. 18.Nd3 Qc7 19.Ne2 Nf6 20.Rfd1 Qb8 21.b4 a5 22.bxa5 Qa7 23.Rb1 Rc7 24.Rb3 c5 25.Rc3
Qxa5 26.Rc1 b6 27.dxc5 bxc5 28.Nxc5 Rdc8 29.Nb3 Rxc3 30.Qxc3 Qxc3 31.Rxc3 Rxc3 32.Nxc3
Bxa3= Nakamura – Gelfand, Moscow 2010, where the game moved inexorably towards a draw.
Black has the bishop pair, but has subtracted pawns in only one sector of the board, allowing the
knights to be more effective in their actions.

15.Qxc3

15.Rxc3 a5 16.Ne5 Bd7 17.Nd3 Be8=

15…a5 16.Ne5 Bd7 17.Nxd7

The appearance of a position with opposite-colored bishops is a step towards a draw. White could
play differently, as seen below.
17.Nd3 Be8 18.a3 However here too Black maintains the balance. An illustrative line is as follows.
18…a4 19.Rfd1 Qa5 20.Qxa5 Rxa5 21.Bf3 Kf8 22.Kg2 Rb8=

17…Rxd7 18.f4 g6

With both sides erecting Maginot lines, it is already possible to imagine the most likely outcome of
the contest. The trench fighting that follows is balanced.

19.h4 a4 20.a3 Ra5 21.Rfd1 Qd8 22.Bf3 h5 23.Kg2?!

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Position after: 23.Kg2?!

An inaccuracy. On the g2-square the white king is exposed.

23.Kf2 Instead this is correct. 23…c5 24.d5 exd5 25.Rxd5 Rxd5 26.Bxd5 Bf6 27.Qd3 Kg7=

23…Bf6

Black would probably settle for a draw here. However, a war-like adventure in the open was still
possible.
23…c5!? 24.dxc5 [24.d5 This fails to 24…exd5µ and it is clear that the white king is in a bad way.]
24…Rxc5 25.Rxd7 Qxd7 26.Qe1 Qd3 Black has some initiative.

24.Qc2 Kg7 25.Be2 Qb6 26.Kf2 Rd8 27.Rd3 Rdd5 28.Rc3 Be7 29.Bc4 Rd7 30.Rd1 Bf6 31.Be2
Rdd5 32.Bc4 Rd7 33.Be2 Rdd5 34.Bc4 Rd7

½-½

Game 15
Capablanca, Jose Raul
Alekhine, Alexander
Buenos Aires 1927
The match between the then-world champion Capablanca and his challenger Alekhine, held in
Buenos Aires in 1927, marked the rise of the popularity of the Queen’s Gambit, as almost all the
games of the match were played with it, including several games with the Cambridge Springs
variation. Among them was the following game, one of the most dramatic of the whole duel.

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1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 Nbd7 5.e3 c6 6.Nf3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Qc2 dxc4

Instead of our main line with 8…0-0 which had been used in the seventh game of the match with a
win for the Cuban master. After the text move, the game takes on similar contours to those of the 7…
dxc4 line.

9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.Nxc4 Qc7 11.a3 Be7

A typical position for the line with 7. Nd2, with White having a pawn majority in the center and
space, against Black’s pair of bishops.

Position after: 11…Be7

12.Be2

Subsequently (in the 27th game) White tried to improve his play. 12.g3 0-0 [12…c5!? Chistiakov’s
idea, which is considered more correct here.] 13.Bg2 Bd7 14.b4 b6 15.0-0 a5 16.Ne5² White was
better and won in 70 moves.

12…0-0 13.0-0 Bd7 14.b4 b6

Alekhine criticized this move, recommending instead 14…Rfd8 followed by …Be8, without
weakening his formation.

15.Bf3 Rac8 16.Rfd1 Rfd8 17.Rac1 Be8

This is a turning point in the game, demonstrative of the new ideas that were then beginning to take
shape as strategic concepts. The 13th world champion, Garry Kasparov, analyzes this game in depth

269
in his series My Great Predecessors, stating here that Capablanca “…imprisoned by traditional
concepts, evaluated this position in favor of White: ‘they have all the preconditions to win the game,
since Black’s development system is not happy’. But here is a more modern assessment: ‘Alekhine
treated the position in the spirit of Steinitz, with the black bishops waiting for the diagonal opening.
That is why Capablanca conducts a slow attack in the center and on the wings’ (Bronstein). Certainly
Capablanca arranges his pieces properly, but it seems that the resulting position is not to his liking
and Alekhine subtly senses that”.

Position after: 17…Be8

18.g3 Nd5 19.Nb2 Qb8 20.Nd3 Bg5

20…Qa8!? The idea is …a5 as an option.

21.Rb1 Qb7 22.e4

22.Qb3!? It is also possible for White to continue to maneuver without modifying the structure.

22…Nxc3 23.Qxc3 Qe7?!

“An unhappy move, involving the momentary exclusion from play of the bishop on g5” (Alekhine).
23…c5!? 24.bxc5 Bc6∞ Instead, this kept the position in a complex state.

24.h4 Bh6 25.Ne5 g6 26.Ng4

26.Nc4!² This was a better destination for this piece.

26…Bg7 27.e5 h5 28.Ne3 c5!=

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Position after: 28…c5!=

As Kasparov points out, Capablanca underestimated the latent dynamic in the position and did not
take measures against this break, which ended up freeing Black’s position and giving the bishops on
that side prominence.

29.bxc5 bxc5 30.d5!?

White enters into complications that are more to his opponent’s liking. Possibly the Cuban master,
who was winning the match 2-1 at the time, tried to continue the positive trend, disdaining lines such
as the following.
30.Rb7 Rc7 31.Rxc7 Qxc7 32.Rc1 Qe7= This offered comfortable equality.

30…exd5 31.Nxd5 Qe6 32.Nf6+!?

The resulting ending will be easier for Black to play, because of the presence of the passed pawn.
32.Rb7 This was again an option, with the following possible continuations.
A) 32…Bxe5!? 33.Qe3! This is perhaps somewhat better for White. An illustrative line is as
follows. 33…Rd7 34.Rxd7 Bxd7 35.Re1 f6 36.Qh6 Be8

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Position after: 36…Be8

37.Ne3!? [37.Nxf6+ Qxf6 38.Bd5+ Bf7 39.Rxe5 Bxd5 40.Rxd5 c4 41.Rxh5 Qa1+ 42.Kg2 gxh5
43.Qe6+ Kg7 44.Qxc8 Qd4= Black should not lose this ending.] 37…Rd8 38.Be2²
B) 32…Rd7!? 33.Rxd7 Bxd7 34.Re1 c4∞ There is approximate equality.

32…Bxf6 33.exf6 Rxd1+ 34.Rxd1 Bc6 35.Re1

35.Bxc6 Rxc6 36.Qb2!?=

35…Qf5 36.Re3 c4 37.a4!?

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Position after: 37.a4!?

A sacrifice that seeks to complicate matters.

37.Bxc6 Rxc6 38.Re8+ Kh7 39.a4 Rxf6 40.f4 This still offered White a chance to draw, although he
would have an unpleasant defensive task ahead.

37…a5!?

A) 37…Bxa4 38.Re7©
B) 37…Bxf3 38.Rxf3 Qe4³

38.Bg2 Bxg2 39.Kxg2 Qd5+ 40.Kh2 Qf5 41.Rf3 Qc5

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Position after: 41…Qc5

In this position the game was suspended, with Black holding better practical chances, but White still
within the drawing zone.

42.Rf4?!

42.Re3!? Perhaps this should be preferred here, keeping the rook active. Against Alekhine’s
recommendation 42…Qb6 43.Re2 is possible. 42…Qb4 Kasparov’s suggestion, which can be
answered with 43.Qd4 seeking salvation in centralization; in both cases with good chances of a draw.

42…Kh7 43.Rd4 Qc6

Very apparent, but it offers a chance that Capablanca takes.

44.Qxa5!

White correctly assesses that his counterplay will compensate for the opponent’s dangerous passed
pawn.

44…c3 45.Qa7 Kg8

Played after a think of more than an hour.

45…Rc7 46.Qb8 c2 This was the alternative, but it draws. 47.Rd8 and if 47…Qxf6 48.Rh8+ Qxh8
49.Qxc7=

46.Qe7 Qb6

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One of the critical moments of the game.
46…c2 This again falls short of the target. 47.Rd8+ Rxd8 48.Qxd8+ Kh7 49.Qe7 Qe6 50.Qc7=

47.Qd7?

Position after: 47.Qd7?

Kasparov attributes this move to Capablanca’s reluctance to analyze the acute position involving the
loss of the f2-pawn. But we have already seen that the then-champion did not shy away from
complications if they were necessary, as happened when he captured on a5 a few moves back. It
seems more likely that he missed the strength of the challenger’s next subtle move.
47.Rd7! This would have allowed the point to be split, for instance after the following. 47…Qxf2+
48.Kh1 [48.Kh3? loses after 48…Qa2 49.Rd8+ Rxd8 50.Qxd8+ Kh7 51.Qf8 Qe6+] 48…Qa2
49.Rd8+ Rxd8 50.Qxd8+ Kh7 51.Qf8= There is no check here to eliminate the pawn on f6, and
Black must settle for the perpetual.

47…Qc5!–+

Now White has to surrender the f-pawn in worse conditions, and the exposure of the king becomes a
negative factor in addition to the passed pawn that Black already has.

48.Re4 Qxf2+ 49.Kh3 Qf1+ 50.Kh2 Qf2+ 51.Kh3 Rf8 52.Qc6 Qf1+ 53.Kh2 Qf2+ 54.Kh3 Qf1+?!

Alekhine keeps repeating moves in an attempt to find the best arrangement for his pieces, but here he
missed a quick win.
54…Qf3 55.Kh2 Kh7 Compared to the game, White does not have the resource of Re7. 56.Rc4 Qe2+

275
57.Kh3 Rd8 Mate is unavoidable.

55.Kh2 Kh7 56.Qc4?

56.Re7 Qf2+ 57.Kh3µ This is better for Black but White retains some hope.

56…Qf2+ 57.Kh3 Qg1! 58.Re2

In his comments to the game, Alekhine shows the following nice line.
58.g4 c2 59.Qxc2

Position after: 59.Qxc2

59…Re8!!–+

58…Qf1+?!

Again an inaccuracy that offers White survival. Instead, Black wins as follows.
58…Qh1+ 59.Rh2 Qf3 60.Re2 [60.Qf4 Qd1–+ Alekhine] 60…Kg8 61.Qe4 Qxf6–+

59.Kh2 Qxf6 60.a5?

60.Rc2 Re8 61.Kg2! This would have reduced Black’s advantage to a minimum.

60…Rd8–+ 61.a6

This breakthrough allows for an original finish.

276
61.Kg2 This relatively better move also loses after the following. 61…Qf5!–+ The idea is …Rd2.
62.Qxc3 This is met with 62…Rd3.

61…Qf1 62.Qe4 Rd2 63.Rxd2 cxd2 64.a7 d1=Q 65.a8=Q Qg1+ 66.Kh3

Position after: 66.Kh3

66…Qdf1+

With this important victory Alekhine balanced the score.

0-1

Game 16
Grischuk, Alexander (2760)
Shirov, Alexei (2739)
Moscow 2010

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 c6 3.c4 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Qc2 0-0 9.Be2 c5 10.0-0
cxd4 11.Nb3 Qb6 12.Na4 Qc7 13.Nxd4 dxc4 14.Bxc4 Bd6

Black threatens to take on h2. However White completely ignores the threat! The following move is
Ivanchuk’s invention, who first used it in 2006.

15.Rac1!? Bxh2+ 16.Kh1 Bd6 17.Nb5

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Position after: 17.Nb5

17…Qc6

17…Qb8 This transposes to the text if White exchanges on d6, but White can continue with 18.Be2©
as in Ivanchuk – Bacrot, Wijk aan Zee 2006.

18.Nxd6 Qxd6

Some theorists, such as Larry Kaufman, consider the bishop pair to have a pure value of 7 units,
because of the combined power they exert. If this is so, the exchange White has just made
mathematically balances the game. At least in this particular position it offers undeniable
compensation to the first player, given the added space and Black’s developmental backlog.
Nevertheless, Black maintains a solid position with no obvious weaknesses; if he can get his pieces
into play effectively, the pawn can start to pay off in the endgame.

19.Rfd1 Qe5 20.Bf4 Qa5

20…Qh5+!? This is my main line in the theoretical part.

21.b4!?

Another pawn sacrifice, but this one is more crystalline, justified by the double attack from d6.
21.Be2 This is a possible, and perhaps more critical option, which eliminates the lines with check on
h5 and can bring the light-squared bishop to the grand diagonal, where it will be better than on c4.

21…Qxb4

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Shirov accepts the challenge, after which he will have the minor piece and two pawns for the rook;
critically, White loses the more powerful bishop, the one that was unopposed. However it was not too
late to play a position similar to the one in the main line of our theoretical part, as shown below.
21…Qh5+ 22.Kg1 Ne5 23.Be2 Neg4 The presence of the pawn on b4 instead of b2 does not change
the overall picture – the position offers chances for both sides in lines such as the following. 24.Bxg4
[24.Bg3 e5 25.Nc3 Be6 26.Ne4 Qh6 27.Nxf6+ gxf6!? This is perhaps preferable for Black.]
24…Qxg4 [24…Nxg4 25.f3 Nf6 26.g4©] 25.f3 Qh4 26.Nc3©

22.Bd6 Qa5 23.Bxf8 Nxf8∞ 24.Bb3 Qh5+ 25.Kg1 Bd7 26.Qc7

Position after: 26.Qc7

Playing on the dark squares is accurate, allowing the queen to join the defense of her king. Another
way of exorcising Black’s idea of …Ng4, which is perhaps preferable to the text, is as follows.
26.f3 White has ideas of Qf2, but at the cost of further weakening the castled structure. 26…Bc6
27.Qf2 Qe5!?∞

26…Bc6 27.Qh2 Qg5

Keeping the queens is the right decision. Black’s queen is more active.

28.Rc5 Qg6 29.Qh3 N8d7 30.Bc2?!

A questionable decision, because the exchange of bishops that takes place does not substantially
modify the relationship between the pieces on either side, while at the same time allowing a strong
centralization of the black queen, which also makes the loose white pieces suffer. The result is an

279
ending in which White has to fight for a draw. Instead moves such as 30.Rcc1 would have maintained
a roughly equal position.

30…Be4 31.Bxe4 Qxe4 32.Nc3 Qb4 33.Rc7 Qa5 34.Rcxd7 Nxd7 35.Rxd7 Qxc3³

Position after: 35…Qxc3³

Grischuk was obviously counting on the possible compensation from the initiative offered by his rook
on the seventh rank. The simplified position is more difficult than it looks for his side, but there is a
good chance of liquidating the queenside pawns, after which the resulting endgame with pawns in
only one sector of the board (with one extra for Black) is relatively easy to sustain.

36.Qf3 Rf8

36…Qa1+ This is another possibility. 37.Kh2 Rf8 38.Qxb7 Qxa2 39.Kg3 Here it seems that Black
would fail to hold the a-pawn, producing an ending similar to the one in the game. 39…Qc2!?
40.Qxa7 Qg6+ 41.Kh2 Qf6

280
Position after: 41…Qf6

42.f3!? Qh4+ 43.Kg1 Rc8 44.Rd1 Rd8 45.Rxd8+!? Qxd8³ According to Dvoretsky in his Endgame
Manual, this type of endgame with a pawn ratio of 4:3 is a draw, unless the structure of the defending
side has visibly deteriorated – which is not the case here.

37.g3 Qa1+ 38.Kg2 Qxa2 39.Qxb7 a5 40.Qb5 Qc2 41.Kg1 Qc1+ 42.Kh2 Qe1 43.Kg2 h6 44.Ra7
Qc3 45.Rxa5 Rd8³

Position after: 45…Rd8³

281
With all the surviving pawns on one flank, the practical chances of a draw are greater than those of a
win, but at this level, where every point is worth its weight in gold, many adventures are to be
expected before peace is agreed.

46.Ra7 Qf6 47.Qc6 Qg6 48.Rc7 h5 49.Qa4

Another possibility is as follows.

49.Rc8 Rxc8 50.Qxc8+ Kh7 However the queen endgame is obviously more difficult than the rook
endgame in this kind of position. That said, the position should still lead to a draw.

49…e5 50.Qc6 f6 51.Qe6+ Kh7 52.Qf7 e4 53.Qxg6+ Kxg6

Position after: 53…Kxg6

The rook endgame with 4:3 in the same sector is a theoretical draw, although White has a tedious task
ahead of him. Shirov is a great finisher and tries to win, but Grischuk is up to the task and defends
each and every position.

54.Re7 f5 55.Re6+ Kg5 56.f4+ exf3+ 57.Kxf3 Ra8 58.Rb6 Ra4 59.Rb7 g6 60.Rb6 h4 61.gxh4+
Rxh4

Even here, with Black having created a passed pawn, White can still hold his position and achieve a
draw.

62.Re6 Ra4 63.Rb6 Re4 64.Ra6 Kh6 65.Rb6 Kg7 66.Ra6 g5 67.Rb6 Kf7 68.Ra6 g4+ 69.Kf2 Rb4
70.Kg3 Re4 71.Kf2 Re6 72.Ra8 Kf6 73.Rf8+ Ke5 74.Ra8 Rh6 75.Re8+ Kf6 76.Rf8+ Ke6 77.Re8+
Kf7 78.Re5 Kf6 79.Re8 Rh2+ 80.Kg3 Re2 81.Kf4 Rg2 82.Rf8+ Ke6 83.Re8+ Kd7 84.Rg8 Rf2+

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85.Ke5 Rf3 86.e4 fxe4 87.Kxe4 Ra3 88.Rxg4 Ra4+

½-½

Game 17
Adhiban, Baskaran (2646)
Ding, Liren (2755)
Hyderabad 2015

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qb3 Bb4 9.Rc1 e5
10.Bc4 exd4 11.Bxd5 cxd5 12.exd4 0-0 13.0-0 Nb6 14.a3 Bxc3 15.Rxc3 Nc4

As indicated in the theoretical part, the position is balanced. The symmetrical pawn structure and the
presence of opposite-colored bishops contribute to this. However as we will see in this game, a
balanced position does not necessarily lead to a dead draw. There is a lot of fighting for the front!

Position after: 15…Nc4

16.Ne5 Bf5!?

16…Qb6 This is my recommendation here, as noted in the theoretical part.

17.Qxb7!?

This capture may not be the most critical continuation.

A) 17.Nxc4 dxc4 18.Qxc4 Black has yet to prove that his compensation is sufficient.
B) 17.Rf3!? Seemingly even stronger. 17…Be6 [17…Be4 18.Rxf7 Rxf7 19.Nxf7 Qb6 20.Qxb6

283
 axb6 21.Ne5 Nxb2 22.f3 Bf5 23.g4 Be6 24.Be7²] 18.Rg3 Kh8 19.Qxb7 Nxe5 20.b4 Qb6 21.Qxb6
axb6 22.dxe5²

17…Nxe5 18.b4 Qb6 19.Qxb6 axb6 20.dxe5 d4©

Position after: 20…d4©

Compared to the position with the queen exchange on b6 in the line with 17.Rf3, here Black has a
more aggressive passed pawn.

21.Rc6 Rxa3 22.Rxb6 h6 23.Bc1 Rb3 24.Rd6!?

White returns the pawn. In the ending that follows Black’s best chances are with the passed pawn, but
the opposite-colored bishops are a powerful defensive factor.

24…Rxb4 25.Ba3 Rc4 26.Bb2 d3 27.Rd4 Rfc8 28.Rxc4 Rxc4 29.Rd1 h5 30.Rd2 Kf8 31.f3 Ke7
32.Kf2 Ke6 33.Ke3 g5 34.g3 Kd5 35.h3 h4 36.g4 Bg6 37.Rf2 Rb4 38.Rd2 Kc4 39.e6?

Up to this point White has been holding his position without much difficulty, but here he complicates
things unnecessarily.

284
Position after: 39.e6?

On the other hand, it doesn’t look like Black can make any progress after 39.Kf2 or 39.Rf2.

39…Rb6! 40.e7

40.exf7 Re6+ 41.Kf2 Bxf7µ

40…Re6+ 41.Kf2 f6!³

285
Position after: 41…f6!³

White’s army has been cut in two, and his defense is more difficult now. That said, White retains
counterplay, as Black’s attempts to increase his advantage also involve some risk.

42.Ba1 Be8 43.Bb2 Bc6 44.Kg1 Re1+ 45.Kg2 f5!?

45…Rxe7 46.Bxf6 Rf7 47.Bxg5 Bxf3+ 48.Kg1 Kc3 49.Rf2=

46.Kf2

46.gxf5 Rxe7 47.Kf2 This transposes.

46…Rxe7 47.gxf5„ Rb7

47…Be8 48.f6 Re6 49.f4 gxf4 50.Kf3 Re3+ 51.Kxf4 Rxh3 52.Be5„

48.f6 Bd5 49.Ke3 Be6

After a consistent defense by White, the position is balanced again. But now come two terrible moves
by Adhiban, possibly due to extreme time pressure.

50.Rh2?

50.Be5=

50…Bxh3 51.f7?

286
Position after: 51.f7?

51.Bc1 Bf5µ

51…Rxf7–+

Suddenly, White is lost. He will get an extra minor piece, but the coordination of his forces will be
unfortunate as Black’s pieces are very active, starting with the king.

52.Rxh3 Re7+ 53.Kd2 Re2+ 54.Kc1 Rc2+ 55.Kb1 Rg2 56.Kc1

56.f4 g4–+

56…d2+ 57.Kc2 d1=Q+ 58.Kxd1 Rxb2 59.f4 Rb3 60.Rh2 Ra3 61.Kc1 g4! 62.Rxh4

Position after: 62.Rxh4

62…g3?

This impulsive move spoils the victory.

62…Kc3–+ Instead this is decisive, with the idea of replying to 63.Kd1 with 63…Kd3, or to 63.Kb1
with 63…g3. In both cases White is defenseless against the combined play of Black’s forces.

63.Rg4 Kd4 64.f5+ Ke5 65.Kd2 Kxf5 66.Rg8

A simple drawn position, already analyzed by Philidor, is reached.

66…Kf4 67.Ke2 Ra1 68.Rg7 Rh1 69.Rg8 Rg1 70.Rg7 Ra1

287
½-½

Game 18
Babula, Vlastimil (2554)
Antoniewski, Rafal (2522)
Slovakia 2016

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6
10.Bh4 b6 11.Bd3

Position after: 11.Bd3

This is the main alternative to the main line of the theoretical part (11.a3) seeking to save time in
order to complete development and at the same time obtain the most aggressive piece arrangement
possible.

11…Ba6 12.0-0 0-0 13.Bxa6 Qxa6 14.e4 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Ba3 16.Rce1 Rfe8 17.e5

This is a typical formation in many lines of the d5-exchange variation, with the obvious plan being to
attack on the kingside. Black usually counters with …c5 to open lines on the queenside and to put
pressure on d4, but here he will apply another idea, namely to add the knight to the defense of the
castled king.

17…Nf8 18.Re4 Ng6 19.Rg4

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Position after: 19.Rg4

19…Qc4?!

This move ends up being a waste of time in Black’s defensive scheme, because from this square the
queen does not get to assist with the protection of his castle. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 19…Nxh4? 20.Nxh4 Kh7 [20…Bf8 21.f4+– This is strategically winning for White. Black has
nothing to show against White’s attack.] 21.d5!

Position after: 21.d5!

289
 The threat of check followed by a4 gaining a piece practically forces the following reply. 21…Be7
22.d6 Bxh4 23.Rxh4± White has a strong initiative in the center and the king’s wing.
B) 19…Bf8!? This is my recommendation in the theoretical section, with the right balance between
attack and defense. 20.Bf6 Qa5 21.h4 gxf6 22.h5 f5 23.Rg3 Kh7

Position after: 23…Kh7

Black’s position looks risky, but the concrete variations here don’t show how White can exploit it.
24.Ng5+ [24.hxg6+ fxg6 25.Ng5+ Kg7=] 24…Kg7 25.Nh3
B1) 25…Kh7 26.hxg6+ fxg6 27.Nf4 g5 28.Nh5 Be7 29.Rh3 Qd5 [29…Rg8 30.g4 Raf8 31.Qd3
Qd5 transposes] 30.g4 Rg8 31.Qd3 Qe4 [31…Raf8 32.Re1±] 32.Qxe4 fxe4 33.Re3²
B2) 25…Be7 26.hxg6 fxg6 27.Nf4 Bg5 28.Nh5+ gxh5 29.Rxg5+ hxg5 30.Qxg5+= A perpetual
check ensues.

20.Bf6! Bf8?

Now this move comes too late.

20…Kh7 This is necessary, although White has a strong continuation. 21.h4! gxf6 22.exf6 Bd6 23.h5
Nf4 24.Rxf4 White has a positional advantage, for example after the following. 24…Rg8 25.g3 Bxf4
26.Qxf4 Qd3 27.Re1±

21.h4!+–

A vital idea, to dislodge the knight from g6 and open lines against the black king. Black’s position
was already very difficult to defend in practice, but now it is directly lost.

290
Position after: 21.h4!+–

21…h5

This breakthrough allows for an eye-catching rebuttal, but there are no better ones.
21…Kh7 22.Qc2+–

22.Rxg6! fxg6 23.Qc2?!

While not bad, this is not the most accurate move.

23.Ng5! This takes away Black’s chance to go with his king to h7, which would have been
immediately decisive. 23…gxf6 24.exf6

291
Position after: 24.exf6

Despite the extra rook Black is lost, unable to face the simultaneous threats Qc2 and f7+. 24…e5 The
most resistant move. 25.f7+ Kg7 26.fxe8=Q Rxe8 27.Re1 However it is difficult to avoid material
losses, after for example the following. 27…Qd5 28.Re4 Be7 29.Qe2 Bxg5 30.hxg5 b5 31.f4 c5
32.dxe5+–

23…Kh7 24.Ng5+ Kh6 25.Nf7+ Kh7 26.Ng5+ Kh6 27.Nf7+ Kh7 28.Re1±

Position after: 28.Re1±

292
Logically, White has every reason to stop the repetition of moves.

28…gxf6

This capture gives up the e5-square for the white pieces, but again there are no better options.
28…Be7 29.Ng5+ Kh6 30.Bxe7 Rxe7 31.Qd2 Rae8 32.Re3+–

29.exf6 e5 30.Ng5+ Kh6 31.dxe5

Position after: 31.dxe5

31…Qf4?

After this move Black has no salvation. He will soon cede control of the c1-h6 diagonal to the white
queen, and the potential discoveries decide.
31…Rad8 32.Qc1 Qd3 [32…Qxa2 33.Qf4 Qd2 34.Re3±] 33.Nf3+ Kh7 34.e6 Bh6 35.Qa3± The
passed pair of white pawns is imposing and should ultimately grant the win.

32.g3+– Qf5 33.Qd2 a5 34.e6 Ra7 35.Re5 Qb1+ 36.Kg2 a4 37.e7 Raxe7 38.fxe7 Bxe7 39.Qd7

An example of the effectiveness of the attack that White can mount on the kingside if Black does not
take the right defensive and counterplay measures.

1-0

Game 19
Kramnik, Vladimir (2780)

293
 Shirov, Alexei (2749)
Shanghai 2010

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2 Bb4 9.Rc1 h6
10.Bh4 c5 11.a3 Bxc3 12.bxc3 b6 13.c4 Qxd2+ 14.Nxd2 Ne7 15.Bd3

Position after: 15.Bd3

The main alternative to the main line 15.f3, with the same idea of putting a stick in the wheel to the
projected …Nf5. Now the most usual reply is 15…Bb7. The text move that follows remains little
explored, although it is riskier than the main line as it leaves the structure with a weak pawn on e6.

15…f5!? 16.Bg3 Bb7 17.0-0 Kf7

The usual way to connect the rooks and maintain the defense of Black’s central pawns.

18.Rfd1 Rac8

Black is sticking to his agenda. The idea is to continue with …Rhd8 and/or …cxd4, creating the
typical position with hanging pawns followed by pressure against those white units. However,
White’s plan creates practical problems that are difficult to solve in a live game, so Black’s move
may not be accurate; instead more concrete options are to be preferred, such as the following.
A) 18…cxd4 19.exd4 Rhd8∞
B) 18…Rhd8!? This immediate move is an alternative option.

19.d5!

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Position after: 19.d5!

A pawn sacrifice with the intention of opening up the game for the bishop pair, a circumstance which
in itself will give White compensation. Kramnik is a specialist in this kind of treatment, which in the
present case changes the character of the position. The natural alternative is as follows.
19.f3 cxd4 20.exd4 Rhd8 A typical scenario for this variation, with roughly equal chances. 21.Bf1
[21.Bf2 Ne5 22.Bf1 N5c6 23.Nb3 f4∞] 21…g5 22.a4 Nb8!? 23.a5 Nbc6 24.axb6 axb6 25.d5 exd5
26.Bf2 Ne5 27.Bxb6 Rd7∞

19…Nf6 20.f3

Now the advance e4 gives White an impressive center, so Black must employ drastic measures to
maintain his position.
The alternative is to allow the passed pawn with 20.d6 Nc6∞.

20…exd5

20…Ba6!? Black tries the trick of capturing on d5, but White’s compensation is evident and even
sufficient to claim at least the initiative after the following. 21.dxe6+ Kxe6 22.e4©

21.cxd5 Bxd5 22.e4

The general idea of opening the position continues.

22.Nc4!? However this alternative is possibly stronger. The threat is to enter on d6, among other
things, adding strength to a possible e4. This virtually forces Black into uncomfortable positions.
22…Kg6 [22…Bxc4 23.Bxc4+ Kg6 24.e4²; 22…Rcf8 This is my computer’s choice, but I can’t

295
imagine a human playing like this, even if Black’s position seems a little absurd.] 23.Nd6 Rcd8
24.e4²

22…fxe4 23.fxe4

Position after: 23.fxe4

23…c4?

The defense is always difficult, even if it is undertaken by an attacking and tactical wizard like
Shirov. However it was necessary here.
23…Be6 24.Nc4 Kg8!? At first sight this continuation is surprising, because it is easy to imagine the
difficulties the king rook will have in entering the game, but the concrete variations show the second
player holding the position. 25.a4 [25.Nd6 Rd8 26.Nb5 Kf7„] 25…Nc6 26.a5!? Nb4 27.axb6 axb6
28.Nxb6 Nxd3 29.Rxd3 Rc6 30.Nd5 Kf7=

24.Nxc4 Nxe4 25.Bxe4

A practical decision that maintains a clear advantage for White.

25.Re1 This is more expeditious. 25…Nxg3 [25…Rhe8 26.Ne5+ Kg8 27.Bxe4+–] 26.Nd6+ Kf6
27.Nxc8 Rxc8 28.Rxc8 Nxc8 29.hxg3+– White only has to solve the technical part. Black has no
compensation for the material.

25…Bxc4 26.Rd7!?±

296
Position after: 26.Rd7!?±

White retains a clear advantage and the initiative. However, with each and every move that was made,
and without any obvious mistakes, this advantage gradually diminished in the game, illustrating
Shirov’s formidable skills in defending a position that would have been desperate for players of a
lower level.
Having said that, instead of the text move, the following seems better instead. 26.Rd2! The idea is
Rf2+ and Black is clearly in trouble. 26…b5 27.Rf2+ Kg8 28.Bd6 Nc6 29.g4+–

26…Bb5™

27.Bd5+ Kg6 28.Rxc8 Nxc8 29.Rc7 Rd8 30.Bb3

White’s main problem is having to choose constantly between several attractive possibilities. Here,
for example, in addition to the text, the following is interesting. 30.Bf3!? Re8 31.h4±

30…Kf6 31.Rf7+ Kg6 32.Rc7 Kf6 33.Be1 g5 34.Bc3+ Kf5 35.Bc2+ Ke6 36.Rh7 Nd6 37.Rxh6+
Kd5 38.Rg6 Ne4 39.Bb4?

297
Position after: 39.Bb4?

39.Bxe4+ Kxe4 40.Rxg5± This is perhaps the last practical chance of victory, crediting the two
passed pawns on the kingside. Nevertheless, realizing the advantage would have required a very high
level of technique and perhaps some help from the opponent. The text move provides a clear
demonstration of Shirov’s defensive powers.

39…Rc8!

This move also gives check on the second rank, which makes it possible to obtain counterplay by
restricting the white king.

40.Bxe4+ Kxe4 41.Rxg5 Rc1+ 42.Kf2 Rc2+ 43.Ke1

A sad necessity. 43.Kg3 Attempting to give the king more action loses the g-pawn. 43…Bf1 44.Rg4+
Ke3 45.Kh3 Rxg2!=

43…Bd3 44.h4 a5 45.Bd6

45.Bd2 Ra2„

45…Ke3=

298
Position after: 45…Ke3=

The division of the point is now evident. Black has gained some impressive activity which adequately
compensates for the other elements playing against him.

46.Rg3+ Kd4 47.Bf4 Re2+ 48.Kd1 Ra2 49.h5 Be2+ 50.Ke1 Bxh5 51.Be3+ Kc4 52.Bxb6 a4
53.Ba5 Bf7 54.Bd2 Bd5 55.Rg4+ Kd3 56.Rg3+ Kc4 57.Rg4+ Kd3 58.Rg3+

½-½

Game 20
Giri, Anish (2768)
Artemiev, Vladislav (2731)
Wijk aan Zee 2020

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1 Bb4 9.a3 Bxc3+
10.bxc3 b6 11.Qd2 h6 12.Bh4 c5 13.Be2 Ba6 14.c4 Qxd2+ 15.Nxd2 Ne7 16.f3 Rc8 17.0-0 Nf5
18.Bf2 cxd4 19.exd4 0-0

299
Position after: 19…0-0

After a series of the usual metamorphoses – via the Semi-Slav and the Cambridge Springs variation
with 8. Rc1 – the game reaches a position which is the main line of the subchapter h). It is worth
remembering the main elements in this position: while White has the bishop pair and more space as a
result of the pawn duo on c4 and d4, the fact that those pawns have no protection from other pawns
(because they are hanging) makes them a counterplay target. Black has positioned his pieces
appropriately, so as to put pressure on those units. The assessment is one of equilibrium, but as we
have seen in similar positions, an arduous strategic struggle can be expected from this scenario.

20.Rfd1 Rfd8 21.g4 Ne7!?

Artemiev follows in the footsteps of Dreev, who used this move earlier. The knight can go to c6 to
put pressure on d4 or to g6, trying to exploit the weakness on the f4-square.
21…Nd6 Instead, this alternative is my main line in the theoretical section.

22.Bg3!?

The idea is to give the minor pieces more activity so that they are not just playing a defensive role,
but this move is not critical. Instead, White can fight for the initiative with 22.Bf1 (as in Potkin –
Dreev, Eilat 2012) or 22.a4.

22…f5!?

A sharp possibility.
22…Nf8!? More standard instead. 23.Nb3 Bb7 24.a4 g5 25.h4 Nfg6 26.h5 Nf4 27.Bxf4 gxf4 28.a5

300
Bc6∞ The position offers chances to both sides.

23.a4

It is natural for White to try to get rid of his isolated pawn. Another idea is to maintain the status quo
on the king’s wing.
23.h3!? Kf7 [23…h5!?] 24.Nb3 g5∞

23…fxg4 24.fxg4 Nf6 25.Bf2 Ng6∞

Position after: 25…Ng6∞

Dynamic equilibrium is the best definition for this position, with both sides presenting structural
weaknesses and pieces looking for a destination. My impression, however, is that White should play
more carefully here, because Black’s idea of …e5 can leave him with a compromised structure in
case of an exchange (it leaves the c-pawn isolated).

26.h3 e5 27.dxe5

The simplest-looking solution, but one that contains complexities that White will have to resolve in
order not to be left with the aforementioned structural problems. Instead 27.d5 loses the pawn due to
the pin along the f1-a6 diagonal. Another possibility is 27.Bf1 exd4 28.a5©.

27…Nxe5 28.Bg3

Giri plays to protect his bishops from possible knight jumps, even if this policy leads to the dark-
squared bishop oscillating between the g1-a7 and h2-b8 diagonals.

301
28.a5!? This dynamic move is an alternative that deserves attention. 28…Nd3 Here the consequences
of this move must be calculated, as the main line involves a piece sacrifice. 29.Ra1 Nb2 [29…Nxf2
30.Kxf2 Rxd2 31.Rxd2 Ne4+ 32.Ke1 Nxd2 33.axb6 axb6 34.Rxa6 Nxc4 35.Bxc4+ Rxc4 36.Rxb6=]
30.Re1 Rxd2 31.axb6 White has compensation. 31…Bxc4 [31…axb6 32.Rxa6 Nxc4 33.Bf1©]
32.Bxc4+ Nxc4 33.bxa7 Ra8 34.Ra4 [34.Rab1!?©] 34…Nd6 35.Rb4 Nd7 36.Re7 Rxf2 37.Rxd7 Rff8
38.Rxd6 Rxa7=

28…Nd3 29.Rc2 Nc5

Very natural, standing in front of the isolated pawn on c4 and attacking the other.
29…Rd7!? This is another possibility, trying to double rooks along the d-file.

30.Bf2 Bb7

With this move, the peace negotiations begin – there are various ways of proposing an exchange of
pieces.
A) 30…Nxa4 31.Ra1 Bb5 32.Bf3©
B) 30…Rc6!? The same idea of doubling rooks on the d-file is possible.

31.a5 bxa5 32.Ra1 a4 33.Bxc5 Rxc5 34.Rxa4 Re5=

Position after: 34…Re5=

35.Bf1 a6 36.c5 Rc8 37.Nb3 Bd5 38.Nd4 Be4 39.Rf2

The liquidation of pawns on the queen’s wing makes it impossible to imagine any result other than a

302
draw.

½-½

Game 21
Gelfand, Boris (2622)
Carlsen, Magnus (2872)
London ENG 2013

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Ba3
10.Rc2 b6

In the Queen’s Gambit Declined – and the Cambridge Springs is no exception – the light-squared
bishop is a problematic piece, so Black tries to get rid of it by proposing an exchange from a6. This
quick resolution of the bad bishop issue has now gained traction as the main line.

11.Bd3

At the time that this game was played, the more aggressive placement on this square – compared to
the development on e2 – seemed more logical, but nowadays this option is preferred because it is
considered that on d3 the white pieces are exposed to threats from the opponent’s pieces.

11…Ba6 12.0-0 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 0-0 14.e4!?

14.c4 Perhaps this move, as I pointed out in the theoretical part of this line, is more critical. The one
in the text allows Black a more comfortable equality by applying the Norwegian grandmaster’s plan.

14…Rfe8 15.e5

303
Position after: 15.e5

An aggressive continuation. Gelfand splits the board in two and threatens to gradually build up an
attacking position on the kingside. However, his move also gives up the light squares and puts an
extra pawn in the way of his bishop. Games at the highest level are full of such decisions, where each
master tries to make the favorable elements of his position more useful than those of his opponent.

15…h6 16.Bh4 c5 17.Nd2

Aiming for Nc4, but also thinking about future actions on the kingside, starting with the advance of
the f-pawn.

17…cxd4 18.cxd4 Rac8 19.Nc4 Qb5 20.f4

Now this advance also has a preventative function: it allows a future Bf2, to support the d4-pawn.
20.Qxa3 If instead of the text White opts for this move, then Black can put uncomfortable pressure on
d4. 20…Rxc4 21.Rxc4 Qxc4 22.Rd1 Rc8³

20…Rc7 21.Qxa3 Rxc4 22.Rxc4 Qxc4 23.Bf2 Qc7

23…Qd5 24.Rc1 Qb7 This is another way of arriving at the same position.

24.Rc1 Qb7=

White has the c-file, but Black is not empty-handed: the majority of pawns on the queenside is a good
factor and in some scenarios the limitations of the white bishop can be felt.

304
25.Qd6

A) 25.Qc3 Nf8 26.Qc7 [26.Qc6 Qxc6 27.Rxc6 Ng6³] 26…Qa6= Black has good counterplay on
the light squares.
B) 25.Qf3!? This is another possibility, leading to an ending where the deterioration of White’s
structure will be compensated against by the arrival of its rook on the seventh rank.

25…Nf8 26.g3 Rc8 27.Rxc8 Qxc8 28.d5

Position after: 28.d5

Correct. White has to open lines for the bishop, even if that means giving up the e6-square for Black’s
knight.

28…exd5 29.Qxd5 g6 30.Kg2 Ne6 31.Qf3?!

31.a4!? This is another idea, leaving the queen centralized. After the move in the text Black takes the
initiative on the queenside.

31…Kg7 32.a3 h5 33.h4 Qc2 34.Qb7 Qa4 35.Qf3 b5?!

305
Position after: 35…b5?!

One of Black’s main assets – the majority of pawns in the sector away from the kings – comes into
consideration. Gelfand had little time on the clock at this point, but his intuition was correct: it is
possible to abandon the queen’s wing in exchange for counterplay on the kingside, as the continuation
shows. With this in mind, it may be that the advance of the b-pawn is premature and moves that
hinder White’s plan such as 35…Qc2 or 35…Qa5 should have been preferred.

36.f5! gxf5 37.Qxf5 Qxa3 38.Qxh5 a5!?

The alternatives are no better.

A) 38…b4 39.Qg4+ Kf8 40.h5„
B) 38…Qa4!? Perhaps Black should have avoided the check on g4 with this move before advancing
his pawns, but White gets counterplay anyway. 39.Qf5 a5 40.h5 Qc4 41.h6+ Kf8 42.Be3 Qe2+
43.Bf2 a4 44.g4„

39.Qg4+ Kf8

306
Position after: 39…Kf8

In general, the black pawns are dangerous, but the placement of Black’s king in the way of the
opposing forces and White’s passed pawn itself offers counterplay that should be sufficient for a
draw.

40.h5?!

The last move before the time control, and what could be more natural than to advance the passed
pawn? However Gelfand’s decision is an inaccuracy.
40.Qh5! Instead this was necessary. 40…Ke8!? [Other moves lead to an immediate draw. 40…Kg7
41.Qg4+=; 40…Ke7 41.Qh8 Qa2 42.h5=; 40…b4 41.Qh8+ Ke7 42.Qf6+ Ke8 43.Qh8+=] 41.Qh8+
Qf8 42.Qh7 This is sufficient to divide the point.

40…Qc1! 41.Qe4 b4 42.Be3

307
Position after: 42.Be3

42…Qc7?!³

Here the black pawns are clearly more dangerous than White’s initiative on the kingside. However,
the text move is an inaccuracy.
42…Qc8! More accurate instead, without allowing the check on a8, thus maintaining control over
three vital light squares (a8, b7 and c6). White seems to be lost here. 43.Qh7 [43.g4 b3 44.g5 b2
45.g6 fxg6 46.Bh6+ Ke8 47.Qxg6+ Kd8 48.Bg5+ Nxg5 49.Qb6+ Qc7 50.Qxb2 Ke7–+] 43…Qc6+

308
Position after: 43…Qc6+

44.Kf2 [44.Kg1 Qc3 45.Qh8+ Ke7 46.Kf2 b3 This transposes.] 44…b3 45.Qh8+ Ke7 46.h6 b2
47.h7 Qc2+ 48.Kf3 Qf5+ 49.Kg2 b1=Q 50.Qf6+ Qxf6 51.exf6+ Kd6 52.h8=Q a4–+

43.Qa8+!?

The following alternative is of equivalent value.

A) 43.h6 Kg8 44.Qa8+ Qd8 45.Qc6 b3³ We will come back to this position in the commentary on
move 47.
B) 43.Kf2? Not this move, however. 43…b3–+

43…Kg7 44.h6+ Kh7 45.Qe4+ Kg8 46.Qa8+ Qd8

Position after: 46…Qd8

47.Qxd8+?

The pure minor piece endgame is lost for White – the black pawns on the queenside, already well
advanced, become stronger, while White’s pawns generate no danger. It was necessary instead to
keep the queens on the board.
47.Qc6! However, Black retains an advantage by continuing as follows. 47…b3 48.Bc1 Qb8 49.Bb2
Qc7 50.Qa8+

309
Position after: 50.Qa8+

50…Kh7 [50…Qd8 51.Qxd8+ Nxd8 White obtains a version of the endgame that is superior to the
game, which is apparently sufficient for a draw. 52.Kf2 Ne6 53.Ke2 Kh7 54.Kd2 Nc5 55.Ba3 Na4
56.Bd6 Kxh6 57.Bc7 Kg6 58.Bxa5 Kf5 59.Bc7=] 51.Qe4+ Kxh6 52.Qe3+ Kg7 53.Qxb3 a4 54.Qc3
Qb7+ 55.Kf2 Qe4³

47…Nxd8–+

In the present position the black pawns restrict the bishop, which was not the case in the line
discussed in the previous commentary. White has no defense.

48.Kf3 a4 49.Ke4 Nc6 50.Bc1

50.Kd5 In his calculations, Gelfand had counted on following up here with this move. However, he
realized in time that Black would win. 50…a3 51.Bc1 [51.Kxc6 b3–+] 51…Na5–+

50…Na5

The beginning of the end. White’s pieces can do nothing against the pawns which are united and
supported by the knight.

51.Bd2 b3 52.Kd3 Nc4 53.Bc3 a3 54.g4 Kh7

54…Ne3!–+ The idea is similar to the one finally applied by Black.

55.g5 Kg6 56.Bd4 b2 57.Kc2

310
Position after: 57.Kc2

57…Nd2!

0-1

Game 22
Carlsen, Magnus (2881)
Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar (2760)
Shamkir 2014

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Ba3
10.Rc2 b6 11.Be2 Ba6 12.0-0 Bxe2 13.Qxe2

Although the queen is apparently less active here than on d3 (where she could have been had White
developed the king bishop there) she is less exposed to possible knight jumps and reserves the d-file
for the rook on f1, so that the three central columns have their heavy pieces ready for action.

13…0-0 14.e4

311
Position after: 14.e4

14…Rac8

14…Rfe8 In the theoretical part I expressed my preference for this option, preparing …c5, and
generally bringing the bishop into the home camp before making this advance. I find this placement
more useful than the one chosen by Mamedyarov, especially if White responds to …c5 with d5. On
the other hand the break can be made without the extra support of the rook. That said, Black’s move
doesn’t spoil anything; Black is still within reach of neutralizing White’s natural opening advantage.

15.e5

Carlsen employs the same plan that Gelfand played against him a few months previously (the
previous game in this selection), clearly indicating his intentions against the opponent’s kingside. A
favorable difference here is that the queen on e2 can get to new squares, such as g4 or h5.

15…Qa4!

The idea behind this move – to prevent the Nd2-c4 maneuver – is already widely known and a
fundamental resource for adherents of this variation.

16.c4 Rfe8 17.Rd1 c5

17…Bf8 As indicated in the theoretical part, this is a safer way to achieve the c5-break.

18.d5 exd5 19.Rxd5

312
The rook capture emphasizes the question put to the black bishop, which has been separated from its
teammates. Nevertheless, it is possible that the other capture is stronger.
19.cxd5 Nxe5 20.Nxe5 Rxe5 21.Qxe5 Qxc2 22.Re1 h6 [22…Rf8 23.d6±] 23.d6!±

19…Nf8 20.h4 h6 21.Be3

Position after: 21.Be3

21…Ng6?!

An unfortunate position for the knight, which after the move that follows will not be able to complete
the maneuver …Be7-f5, and is of little use in this position.
21…Rcd8 Instead this move offers good chances of equality. 22.Qd3 [22.Rc3 Bb4 23.Rcd3 Rxd5
24.cxd5 Ba5∞] 22…Rd7 [22…Ne6!?] 23.h5 Red8=; 21…Rc7 This is another possibility, as indicated
by Krasenkov in his notes to this game for Chessbase Magazine. 22.Qd3 Rd7 Here this transposes to
the previous line.

22.Qd3! Re6

22…Nf8!? This may be the lesser evil here, recognizing the knight’s bad move, but here too White’s
position is preferable. 23.g3² [23.h5²]

23.h5 Ne7 24.Rd6±

A decision typical of Carlsen’s style, stepping confidently into a line where the positional advantage
is unassailable..

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24.Rd8+ Objectively this alternative is stronger. 24…Rxd8 25.Qxd8+ Kh7 26.Rd2 Play may
continue, for example, as follows. 26…Bc1 27.Rd7 Bxe3 28.fxe3 Black has no good options to save
the knight, with the following being the most critical line. 28…Qxa2 29.Rxe7 Rxe7 30.Qxe7 Qxc4
31.Qxa7 b5 32.Qa6 Qb3 However this position is not easy to evaluate from the opening where the
decision was between placing the rook on d8 or d6. White should win with his extra piece, but as
Carlsen’s then-coach, Grandmaster Peter Nielsen, pointed out (in his notes to the game published in
New in Chess magazine 2014/4), in a live game Black may have practical chances of reaching a draw.

24…Bb4

24…Nc6 25.Rxe6 Nb4 Here White has the following continuation, as indicated by Nielsen. 26.Qf5!
Qxc2 27.Qg4+–

25.Rc1 Re8 26.Rxe6 fxe6 27.Nh4+–

Position after: 27.Nh4+–

White has a clear positional advantage, based on his better structure and more active pieces. The sad
role of the black bishop seems to be a good reminder of the need to get that piece to f8 before
executing the break on c5.

27…Qc6 28.a3 Ba5 29.Rd1 Qc7 30.Ng6 Nxg6 31.Qxg6 Qf7 32.Rd3!

Taking away c3 from the bishop. Note that in the case of a queen exchange the ending would be
unpleasant for the second player due to the difference in activity.

32…a6 33.a4 Rf8 34.g4 Qe8 35.Rd6

314
With total domination. For Black, the phase of desperate decisions begins.

35…Qxa4 36.Qxe6+ Kh8 37.Bxh6!

Position after: 37.Bxh6!

While this blow is not difficult to see, White had to calculate that he could escape from the
opponent’s check.

37…Qa1+ 38.Kg2 Rxf2+ 39.Kxf2 Qe1+ 40.Kg2 Qe4+ 41.Kh3 Qh1+

41…Qf3+ 42.Kh4 Qh1+ [42…Be1+ 43.Kg5 Qe3+ 44.Kf5 Qf2+ 45.Kg6+–] 43.Kg5 Qc1+ 44.Kg6
Qxh6+ 45.Kf7+–

42.Kg3 Qe1+

42…Be1+ 43.Kf4+–

43.Kf4 Bd2+ 44.Rxd2 Qxd2+ 45.Kf5 gxh6 46.Qe8+ Kg7

315
Position after: 46…Kg7

47.Qe7+

White follows with Kg6.

1-0

Game 23
Tomashevsky, Evgeny (2722)
Artemiev, Vladislav (2669)
Sochi 2016

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Rc1 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Ba3
10.Rc2 b6 11.Be2 Ba6 12.0-0 Bxe2 13.Qxe2 0-0 14.Rd1 Rfe8 15.c4 Bf8

316
Position after: 15…Bf8

This can be considered the main line of the 8. Rc1 variation. As in other Cambridge Springs
scenarios, the first player has an appreciable space advantage, more central pawns and an initiative on
the kingside. However Black has a solid structure, which in some circumstances after the break on c5
may even be preferable by exposing White’s weak pawns on a2 and c4. Moreover Black has well-
positioned pieces and a future pawn majority on the queenside.

16.e4 Qa4

A useful move, even if White is not immediately threatening Nd2. At this point, alternatives such as
16…c5 or 16…Rac8 are possible.

17.e5 c5 18.d5 exd5 19.Rxd5 Be7?!

Usually the bishop exchange favors White in this kind of position, but the main problem with Black’s
move is that it does not attend to White’s actions on the d-file. 19…h6 Here Black should have
played this move, the recommendation in our theoretical part, with the idea of …Nb8; or alternatively
the immediate 19…Nb8. In the latter case the knight is activated via c6 or a6, giving sufficient
counterplay for equality to the second player.

20.Rcd2²

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Position after: 20.Rcd2²

20…Nf8

The best option here.

A) 20…Rad8 21.Bxe7 Rxe7 22.Qd3+– This illustrates the dangers awaiting Black on the d-file.
B) 20…Bxg5 21.Nxg5±

21.h4 Bxg5?!

21…h6 22.Bxe7 Rxe7 23.h5² This is one of the ideas behind the advance of White’s h-pawn on move
21, but the position that arises after the exchange on g5 is inferior still.

22.Nxg5 f6

An attempt at freedom. 22…Ne6 23.Qe4 Nxg5 24.hxg5± Alternative lines such as this deliver very
sad endings for Black.

23.Ne4 Rxe5 24.Rxe5 fxe5 25.Nd6?!

With this move Tomashevsky ensures that he recovers the pawn, but this allows an ending where he
will at most have a minimal advantage. White, meanwhile, could be more ambitious by creating his
own agenda on the kingside.
25.Qg4! A possible continuation is as follows. 25…Qc6 26.Nd6 Rd8 [26…Qd7 27.Nf5 Qc7 28.h5±]
27.Nf5 Rd7 28.Rd6 Qc7 29.Rf6! Ng6 30.Re6 Qd8 31.h5 Nf8 32.Rxe5±

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25…Qd7 26.Qxe5 Qe6! 27.Qxe6+ Nxe6 28.Nb5

Position after: 28.Nb5

The dominance on the d-file and his more active pieces offer White a microscopic advantage. Black
has a good chance to equalize, of course, although to do so some exact measures have to be taken.

28…Kf8

A first false step, although it seems natural to bring the king to the center. The specific problem with
this move is that after the next move, the knight must move, as the king’s defense allows taking on e6
followed by doubling on c7. There are a couple of alternatives.
A) 28…a6 Black tries to get the majority of pawns in place. 29.Nc3 After this, the threats of Rd6 or
Na4 are uncomfortable. 29…Rb8 However this allows Black to resist, for example as follows.
30.Rd6 Kf7 31.g3!? Ke7 32.Rxb6 Rxb6 33.Nd5+ Kd6 34.Nxb6 Ke5

319
Position after: 34…Ke5

The active king grants compensation and should ensure a draw. 35.f4+ Kd4 36.Kg2 g6 37.Kf3
Ng7©
B) 28…Nd8!? 29.Nc7!? [29.Nxa7 Rxa7 30.Rxd8+ Kf7 31.Rb8 Rxa2 32.Rb7+ Kf8 33.Rxb6 Rc2=
29…Rc8 30.Rd7 Nc6 31.Ne6 g6 32.Ng5 Ne5 33.Rxa7 [33.Rxh7 a5 34.Re7 Nxc4∞] 33…h6 34.Ne6
Kh8 35.Ra4 Rc6 36.Ra8+ Kh7 37.Ra7+ Kh8 38.Nd8 Rf6©

29.Rd6 Nd8?!

Black aims to seek activity with a pawn sacrifice.

29…Nd4!? 30.Nxd4 [30.Nc7 Rb8 31.Rd7 Kg8 32.Nd5 b5 33.cxb5 Rxb5„] 30…cxd4 31.Rxd4 Rc8
The ending is better for White, but Black retains practical chances of a draw by putting pressure on
White’s weak pawns.

30.Rd7± Ne6

30…Rb8±

31.Rxa7 Rd8 32.Rb7 Rd1+ 33.Kh2 Rd2 34.Rxb6 Ke7 35.a4+–

320
Position after: 35.a4+–

The passed pawn is very dangerous, being properly supported by its pieces. What follows is a matter
of technique, but not a simple one, as White has some fine coordination work ahead of him to get his
star pawn to the goal.

35…Ra2

35…Rxf2 36.a5 Ra2 37.a6 Nf4 38.a7+–

36.Rb7+ Kf6 37.Nc3 Rc2 38.Nd5+ Ke5 39.Ne3 Ra2 40.Ra7 Kf4 41.Nd5+ Ke5 42.Kg3 Nd4
43.Ne3 Ne6

43…Ne2+ 44.Kh2 [44.Kg4!? White’s idea is as follows. 44…Nc3 45.Kf3 Rxa4 46.Rxg7+–]
44…Nd4 45.a5 Ke4 [45…Nc6 46.Rxg7+–] 46.a6+–

44.a5 h5 45.a6 g6 46.Ra8 Ra3 47.a7 Kf6 48.f3!

It is game over, after some sound technical work by Tomashevsky.

48…Kf7 49.Nd5 Ra6 50.Nf4 Ng7 51.Nd3 Nf5+ 52.Kh2 Ra2 53.Nxc5 Kg7

53…Nxh4 54.Rh8+–

54.Ne6+ Kh7

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Position after: 54…Kh7

55.Nf8+

1-0

322
 Chapter 3
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4!?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

Chapter Guide
Chapter 3 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4!?

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

a) 5.e3
b) 5.e4 - Introduction
c) 5.e4 c5 6.d5 – Main Line
Selected Games

a) 5.e3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4!?

323
Position after: 4…dxc4!?

With less than four hundred games in the database, and only sixth in popularity, this capture is my
other recommendation against the line with 4. Bg5, producing a position somewhere between the
Queen’s Gambit Accepted and the Vienna Variation. The main aim, of course, is to have a line in the
repertoire which can be considered a surprise weapon and which can be used alternatively with the
more classical options. Compared with a similar line where White develops the other knight (3. Nf3
Nf6 4. Bg5 dxc4 (which is analyzed in the chapter 6), the implementation of the idea of …dxc4
seems more risky here, because the white knight can develop on e2 or f3 depending on the plan Black
adopts, and in some cases the advance e4 can be supported with f3. However, after studying the
concrete positions arising from this line, and not without some surprise because it is not very usual, I
was convinced of its correctness. The capture on c4 allows Black to play for all three results and so
far it has been little analyzed by players on the white side. In this particular position it was first
employed by the first world champion, Wilhelm Steinitz, in Vienna 1898, but did not gain ground in
practice until a century later, when players such as Pavel Blatny, Colin Crouch, Harmen Jonkman and
Andrei Kharlov included it in their repertoires. More recently advocates of the idea include the
Chinese grandmaster Lu Shanglei, while other well-known masters have used it sporadically as a
surprise weapon.
After the capture on c4, the move 5.Nf3 transposes directly to the Vienna Variation (and is therefore
analyzed in chapter 5); while the logical options 5.e3 and 5.e4 are the main subject of the present
section.

5.e3

The most solid, though not particularly ambitious, idea with parallels to the positions of the Queen’s
Gambit Accepted. The main difference with those lines is White’s queen bishop, here developed on

324
g5, which produces independent and theoretically fresh positions. In addition to 5. Nf3 (which as
discussed transposes to the Vienna Variation), and 5. e4 (which is the subject of the next two
subchapters), White has also employed the following ideas.
A) 5.a4 Nc6 6.Nf3 Na5!? 7.e3 c5 8.dxc5 [8.Be2 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Be7 10.0-0 0-0³ This is OK for
Black, while his opponent still has to think about how to regain the pawn.] 8…Qxd1+ 9.Rxd1 Bxc5
10.Ne5 Bb4

Position after: 10…Bb4

This is advantageous for Black; the recovery of the pawn does not change the picture. 11.Nxc4
Nxc4 12.Bxc4 Bd7 13.Rd4 Rc8³ The initiative is with the second player.
B) 5.a3 (Radu – Machado, Benidorm 2009) 5…a6!? 6.Bxf6 The exchange is necessary if White
wants to regain the pawn. [6.Qa4+ b5 7.Nxb5 Bd7–+; 6.e3 b5 7.a4 c6 White does not have
compensation for the material, and the forced use of tactics proves inappropriate. 8.axb5 cxb5
9.Nxb5? Qb6 10.Nc3 Qxb2 11.Nge2 Nd5µ] 6…Qxf6 7.Qa4+ Nd7 8.e3 c5 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.Bxc4
0-0³ White still has to solve development problems.
C) 5.Bxf6 Qxf6 6.e3 (Hessler – Schulz, Germany 2014) 6…Bb4 The Ragozin treatment is one of
several reasonable ideas Black has in this position. 7.Qa4+ Nc6 8.a3 [8.Nf3 Bd7 9.Qc2 b5³]
8…Bd6 9.Nf3 0-0 10.Bxc4 Bd7=
D) 5.g3!? Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Qa4 Be7 8.Qxc4 0-0 9.Rc1

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Position after: 9.Rc1

9…e5!?∞ With chances for both sides.

E) 5.Qa4+!? This is the usual idea in the line where White plays 3. Nf3 instead of 3. Nc3 (see in
Chapter 6), but here it is a recent addition to practice. 5…Nbd7 6.e4 Be7 (in order to play …0-0 and
…Nb6) 7.Nf3 After this the game transposes precisely to the line with 3.Nf3 Nf6 4. Bg5 dxc4 5.
Qa4+, analyzed in the above section. This was the order followed in Stocek – Cernousek, Slovakia
tt 2020.

5…a6

In my opinion, Black achieves comfortable equality against the scheme with e3 by combining …a6
and …c5, which can be played in a different order without any difference in evaluation. In practice,
5…Be7 is more popular, while 5…h6 and 5…Bb4 have also been used. However I will concentrate
on the proposed idea. In this respect, the other order with 5…c5 presents some independent ideas if
White does not wish to enter the main line with the capture on c4, as shown here. 6.dxc5 Nbd7 7.Nf3
Bxc5 8.Bxc4 0-0 9.0-0 h6

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Position after: 9…h6

A) 10.Bf4 [Perez – Laureano, Peru 2017] This is less critical, because White loses the pressure he
exerted on the h4-d8 diagonal. 10…a6 11.a4 [11.Ne5 Qe7=] 11…b6 12.Qe2 Bb7 13.Rfd1 Qe7=
B) 10.Bh4 a6 11.a4 [11.a3 b5 12.Be2 Bb7= The game was declared a draw in this position, in J.
Horvath – Z. Varga, Budapest 2020.] 11…b6 12.Qe2 Bb7 13.Rfd1 Qe7 14.Nd2 Bb4 15.Nde4 Rfd8
16.f3!? Qf8 17.Rac1 Be7 18.Bg3 Nc5= The game is approximately balanced.

6.Bxc4

This recapture of the pawn is the most critical continuation, especially since the natural reply with …
b5 and …Bb7 doesn’t work so well here. That’s the reason it’s not necessary to play 6.a4 to prevent
the advance of Black’s b-pawn (which also weakens some dark squares in the white camp); however
even so this move is popular and is often performed almost mechanically by White in this position.
6…c5 7.Nf3 [7.d5 Be7 8.Bxc4 Nxd5 9.Bxe7 Nxe7 10.Qxd8+ Kxd8= Vorel – Kokes, Chrudim 2001]
7…cxd4 The simplest. [7…Nc6 8.Bxc4 cxd4 9.exd4 Be7 10.0-0 0-0 This leads to another
transposition to a popular line that can appear from a variety of openings; 7…Be7!? This is also
possible, as in Furman – A. Ivanov, Pardubice 2009.]
A) 8.exd4 Black is not obliged to enter the aforementioned line with …Bc6, but can instead opt for
8…Bb4, as in Janowski – Capablanca, New York 1918; alternatively Black can continue as follows.
8…Qc7 9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.g3 (Shinkevich – Glukhov, Izhevsk 2014) 10…Bg7 11.Bg2 Nc6 12.0-0 0-
0µ White has some compensation, but in my opinion it is not enough.
B) 8.Qxd4

327
Position after: 8.Qxd4

8…Nbd7 [8…Qxd4 9.exd4 Bb4=] 9.Bxf6 gxf6!? Black seeks imbalances. Recaptures with pieces
are an easy way to equality. 10.Bxc4 Bg7 11.Qg4 0-0∞ Grygorian – K. Wang, London 2018

6…c5!

6…b5 Instead, this is widely played here, but it may be imprecise. 7.Be2 Bb7 [7…c5 As played in
Zviagintsev – Kharlov, Russia tt 2003, this can be answered as follows. 8.Bf3 Ra7 9.Nge2²] 8.Bf3!

328
Position after: 8.Bf3!

White has neutralized the enemy queen bishop and Black’s clear squares will suffer, as shown in the
following examples. 8…Bxf3 [8…Qc8 9.Bxf6 gxf6 (Koch – Sperlich, Berlin 1989) 10.d5±] 9.Qxf3
Nbd7 10.Bxf6 Nxf6 11.Qc6+ Nd7 12.Nf3 Bd6 13.Ne4 Bb4+ 14.Ke2 0-0 15.Rac1± Grandelius –
Westerberg, Växjö 2017

7.dxc5

While this capture is the most usual continuation – notwithstanding that it is a little-explored position
– White has other alternatives here.
7.Nf3 Now that White does not have the maneuver Be2-f3, Black obtains good play with 7…b5.

Position after: 7…b5

A) 8.Be2 Bb7 9.0-0 (Morgenstern – Bollmann, Hamburgo 2005) 9…Nbd7=

B) 8.Bd3 Bb7

329
Position after: 8…Bb7

9.0-0 [9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Be4 This was played in Postny – Banusz, Croatia tt 2022. 10…Nc6∞ There
are chances for both sides; 9.Be4!? Bxe4 10.Nxe4 Qa5+ 11.Nc3 Nbd7=] 9…Nbd7 10.Qe2 cxd4
11.exd4 Be7= Lopez Martinez – Gagare, Barbera del Valles 2013
C) 8.Bb3 Bb7 9.0-0 Be7 I think this is the most accurate move here. 10.Qe2 [10.d5 Nxd5 11.Bxd5
exd5 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Nxd5 Qd8 14.Nf4 0-0=] 10…0-0 [10…Nbd7!? Kazhgaleyev – Urazayev,
Kazakhstan 2022] 11.Rfd1 [11.Rad1 Qc7∞] 11…cxd4 12.Nxd4 Qb6

330
Position after: 12…Qb6

13.e4 [13.a4 b4 14.a5 Qc5 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 (Jerochoff – Devos, Brussels 1936) 16.Na4!? Qg5 17.f4
Qxa5 18.Rac1 Bxd4 19.Rxd4 Bc6∞ 13…Bc5 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Qg4+ Kh8 16.Nce2 (Gerusel –
Werner, Germany tt 1984) 16…Be7 17.Ng3 Nc6 18.Nxc6 Bxc6 19.Rac1 Rg8 20.Qh5 Raf8∞ There
are chances for both sides in a complex position. White maintains some initiative and has the better
structure, but it is not clear how he can improve, while Black’s long-term assets (such as the bishop
pair and the open g-file) can start to pay off offensively.

7…Qxd1+ 8.Rxd1 Bxc5

Position after: 8…Bxc5

9.Nf3

White develops. The alternatives are as follows.

A) 9.Bxf6 gxf6 This causes no problems for the second player. The pair of bishops is a more
important factor than the doubled pawns here. 10.Ne4?! Bb4+ 11.Ke2 b5 12.Bd3 f5 13.Rc1 Nd7µ
Viebahn – Jonkman, Germany tt 1997
B) 9.Ne4 In practice, White has also tried this move. 9…Bb4+ However after this, Black has no
disadvantages. 10.Ke2 Nbd7 11.Nxf6+ gxf6 12.Bh4 Be7 13.Nf3 b5 14.Bd3 Nc5 15.Bb1 b4 Black
can think about winning the initiative by using his bishops, as in Del Rio – Anton Guijarro, Spain ch
2019.

9…b5

331
Here Black has a good alternative. 9…Nbd7 In Akobian – Swiercz, Saint Louis 2018, White played a
version of the maneuver Be2-f3 starting with the following. 10.Nd2 b5 11.Be2 Bb7

Position after: 11…Bb7

However this is different from the example shown in the line with 6…b5. Here Black has completed
his development quickly and equalized comfortably. 12.0-0 [12.Bf3 Bxf3 13.Nxf3 Bb4µ] 12…Be7
13.Bf3 Bxf3 14.Nxf3 Rc8 [14…0-0-0!?] 15.Rc1 h6 16.Bxf6 Nxf6=

10.Bd3

The most usual retreat. Black also equalizes against the alternatives.
A) 10.Be2 0-0 11.0-0 Nbd7 12.Nd4 Bb7 13.Bf3 Bxf3 14.Nxf3 Rac8= Steinbacher – Troyke,
Germany 1994
B) 10.Bb3 Bb7 11.0-0 Ke7!?

332
Position after: 11…Ke7!?

[11…Nbd7 This is a natural alternative, with comfortable equality.] 12.Ne5 h6 13.Bh4 g5 14.Bg3
h5 15.h4 Rg8∞

10…Nbd7

Solid.
10…Bb7 An interesting alternative. 11.Bxf6 [11.Ne4 White explores the vulnerability of Black’s
back rank, as in Mojzis – Weglarz, Stare Mesto 2004. However 11…Be7 followed by …Nbd7 is a
good reply that at least ensures Black equality.] 11…gxf6 12.Rc1 Nd7 13.Be4 Bxe4 14.Nxe4 Be7=
The position is balanced.

11.Ne4!?

333
Position after: 11.Ne4!?

A) 11.Ke2 Bb7 12.Bb1 Rc8³ Pronoziuk – Melnyk, Ternipol 2003

B) 11.0-0 Bb7 12.Rc1 Be7=

11…Bb4+!?

My choice here.
A) 11…Be7 Instead this allows some initiative for White, as in Gurevich – Crouch, Eupen 1997.
12.Bf4!? 0-0 13.Bd6 However Black will equalize gradually here too. 13…Nd5 14.Bxe7 Nxe7
15.Nd6 Nc5 16.Bb1 Nd5„
B) 11…Bb7!? This is another possibility.

12.Ke2 Bb7 13.Nxf6+ gxf6!? 14.Bh4 f5

334
Position after: 14…f5

14…Rc8!?

15.Rc1 Bd5=

The position is dynamically balanced. The activity of the black pieces compensates for the doubled
pawns which, as they are located in the center, take away important squares from the opponent’s
pieces.

b) 5.e4 - Introduction
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4

335
Position after: 5.e4

In my opinion, and despite being less employed in practice, this advance is the critical continuation,
where White tries to prove that Black’s scheme – allowing the placement of both white pawns on the
fourth rank – is an inaccuracy. The first thing to know, from the black side, is that e5 is not really a
mortal threat, as it does not gain a piece due to the reaction …h6, …g5. Logically, at every point this
idea by White must be considered. It is also important to consider ways of hitting White’s center, and
to that end the break with …c5 seems very natural. In fact, its immediate realization is my main
recommendation.

5…c5!

In my database Black’s main continuations are 5…Be7 and 5…h6. However I’m not going to deal
with them here, mainly because this is a repertoire book and not an encyclopedia! Moreover they also
seem to fit less into the dynamic spirit of Black’s defense with the rapid capture on c4.

6.Nf3

After this move the game transposes into an unusual variation of the Vienna, which is not considered
dangerous for Black. While the main option is 6.d5 (the main line, considered in the next section)
6.dxc5 However in this particular position it does not cause problems for the second player. 6…Qa5
7.Bxf6 [7.Bxc4 (Slipak – Virgillito, Buenos Aires 2010) 7…Qxc5 Now the exchange on f6
transposes, but if 8.Bb5+ Bd7=.] 7…gxf6 8.Bxc4 Qxc5 9.Bb5+

336
Position after: 9.Bb5+

9…Nd7!? [More ambitious than the following alternative. 9…Bd7 10.Bxd7+ Nxd7=] 10.Nf3
[10.Rc1 This seems more critical, but Black maintains the balance as follows. 10…Qb6 11.Qa4 a6
12.Rd1 Qc7 13.Nf3 Rb8 14.Bxd7+ Bxd7 15.Qd4 Bg7 16.0-0 Rd8 17.Rfe1 0-0∞] 10…a6 11.Be2
Bh6!? [11…b5 An alternative, with the idea of …Bb7.] 12.0-0 0-0 13.Qd3 b5∞ The position offers
chances for both sides, as in Ren Xiaoyi – Ushenina, China tt 2018. As in similar positions, White’s
spatial advantage and stronger structure find worthy opponents in Black’s bishop pair and dynamic
possibilities.

6…cxd4

This exchange is the simplest way to ensure equality.

7.Qxd4

The queen recapture is not particularly aggressive, but a safe way for White to maintain the balance.
It will almost certainly be White’s choice if his opponent has a lower rating.
7.Nxd4 This is the alternative. Black has tried several moves in this position, but the most critical one
is 7…Bc5.
A) 8.Be3?! This gives up the pressure on the h4-d8 diagonal; Black can now take the initiative.
8…Qb6 9.Qd2 Bd7

337
Position after: 9…Bd7

10.Rd1 [10.Bxc4 Ng4³] 10…0-0 11.Bxc4 Ng4 12.0-0 Nxe3 13.fxe3 a6³
B) 8.Ndb5 Qb6³ Sumets – Fingerov, Odessa Blitz 2009
C) 8.Qa4+ This is now the most common, although White has also tried other moves. 8…Nbd7
Black can reply with this move against the queen’s check, and here White must play precisely so as
not to be outplayed.

Position after: 8…Nbd7

338
 C1) 9.Qxc4 (Tsurtsumia – Maglaperidze, Georgia 2002) 9…a6 Black is somewhat better, with
ideas such as …b5 or …Qb6 in the air. An illustrative line is as follows. 10.e5 Qb6 11.exf6 Bxd4
12.fxg7 Bxf2+ 13.Kd1 Rg8 After the capture of the g7-pawn, Black is left with an extra pawn. In
the following sequence, the complications created by White do not go far enough to achieve
compensation. 14.Rc1 Qd4+ 15.Kc2 Rxg7 16.Ne4 Nb6

Position after: 16…Nb6

17.Nf6+ [17.Qxd4 Bxd4 18.Rd1 e5µ] 17…Kf8 18.Qxd4 Bxd4 19.Rd1 h6! 20.Rxd4 hxg5 21.Bd3
Ke7³
C2) 9.0-0-0!?
C2.1) 9…0-0 10.Qxc4 [10.e5 (Overbeck – Teske, Pardubice 2012) 10…Bxd4 11.Rxd4 Qb6µ]
10…a6 11.Nxe6!? fxe6 12.e5 Qe7 13.exf6 Nxf6∞
C2.2) 9…h6!? An alternative to the move used in practice. 10.Bh4 Qc7 11.Kb1 0-0 12.Bxc4
Qb6∞ The position offers chances for both sides. In addition to the last move, Black can try ideas
such as 13…Nb6 or 13…Bxd4 followed by …e5. There is room for experimentation.

7…Qxd4 8.Nxd4 a6

Controlling b5 is a good preventative goal, but it also allows ideas such as …b5 and …Bb7.
8…Bd7 This is also possible, as in Diermair – Schnider, Vienna 2018.

9.Bxc4 Bc5

339
Position after: 9…Bc5

With this move White’s control of the center is challenged, trying to push the knight on d4 away from
its privileged position.
9…b5 10.Be2 Bb7 11.f3 Nbd7 12.Be3 (Khairullin – Oganian, St. Petersburg 2014) 12…Nc5!?
13.Kf2 The position is somewhat better for White.

10.Rd1!?

The way to maintain the central position.

10.Nb3 Ba7 11.0-0 b5 12.Be2 Nbd7=

10…b5 11.Be2 Bb7 12.f3 Nc6 13.Be3

We are following Postny – Volokitin, Germany tt 2009, where Black continued with 13…0-0-0.
Instead, there is an easy path to equilibrium, as follows.

13…Nxd4 14.Bxd4 Bxd4

14…Rc8!? 15.Bxc5 Rxc5=

15.Rxd4 Ke7!

340
Position after: 15…Ke7!

After taking a rook to d8 Black is not going to have any problems. The only way for White to disrupt
the plan is as follows.

16.a4!? bxa4 17.Rxa4 Bc6 18.Rc4

18.Rxa6 Rxa6 19.Bxa6 Rb8=

18…Rhc8=

However here too Black is able to activate all his pieces, achieving complete equality.

c) 5.e4 c5 6.d5 – Main Line

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 c5 6.d5

341
Position after: 6.d5

In my opinion, this is the most critical line in the 4…dxc4 variation. Despite being the most widely
used in practice, at first glance it is unimpressive because of its overall statistics, which seem to smile
upon Black – until it registers that in fact in the last decade those numbers have largely favored
White, coupled with its use by some well-known grandmasters. With this central advance, White
creates a strong point on d5 which in certain circumstances can ignite a passed pawn, although this is
not White’s most usual plan.

6…Be7

The usual reply, threatening …Nxd5. Here White has used various ideas, but the following is the
most natural.

342
Position after: 6…Be7

7.Bxf6

The exchange on f6 eliminates any tricks with capturing on d5 and strengthens White’s central pawn
complex by removing one of the pieces that could put pressure on it. The options, in order of
popularity, are as follows.
A) 7.Nf3 The most serious alternative to the text, with White showing a respectable 80% on my
database. While the knight capture on d5 is possible, here I prefer the alternative. 7…exd5 8.exd5
Now …Nxd5 doesn’t work, but Black can renew the idea. 8…0-0 9.Bxc4 h6
A1) 10.Bh4 This allows the following response. 10…Nxd5 11.Qxd5 Bxh4 12.Nxh4 Qxh4 13.0-0
Qe7 14.Rae1 Be6 15.Qe4 Nc6 16.Bxe6 Qxe6 17.Qxe6 fxe6 18.Rxe6 Rad8 White has regained the
pawn, but Black has some initiative because of his control of the d-file.
A2) 10.Bf4!? Bd6=
A3) 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.0-0 Bg4= Black can block White’s passed pawn safely and efficiently, and
his pieces remain active, especially the bishops, as in Agdestein – Kiselev, Alta 2003. However the
second player also fights for control of d4.
B) 7.Bxc4 Nxd5 [7…exd5!? This also deserves consideration here, with a possible transposition to
the previous line if it is followed with 8.exd5 0-0 9.Nf3.] 8.Bb5+!? [8.exd5 Bxg5 (Hoeksema –
Blatny, Groningen 1990) 9.Nf3 Bf6 10.0-0 0-0 White has some compensation, but it is debatable
whether it is enough.] 8…Bd7 9.exd5 Bxg5 10.dxe6

343
Position after: 10.dxe6

10…fxe6 [10…Bxb5 11.exf7+ Kxf7 This is another possibility to explore.] 11.Nh3 [11.Nf3 Bxb5
12.Nxb5 Qa5+ 13.Nc3 Bf6 14.0-0 0-0 15.Ne4© Benjamin – Nabaty, Internet Rapid 2020] 11…Bf6
12.Qh5+ g6 13.Qxc5 Bxb5 [13…Qb6!? 14.Qc4 Nc6∞] 14.Qxb5+ Qd7 15.Qe2 Nc6∞ While
White’s structure is preferable, Black’s minor pieces are more valuable.

7…Bxf6 8.Bxc4 exd5

This central shift is a logical continuation, but Black has an alternative here with Kharlov’s idea.
8…0-0!?
A) 9.Nf3 White can opt to continue as in the main line with this move, but this leads to approximate
equality. 9…exd5 10.Bxd5 Now 10…Qb6 Dydyshko – Kharlov, Swidnica Rapid 1997. However
Black can try the following reply. 10…Nc6!?

344
Position after: 10…Nc6!?

11.0-0 Qc7 12.Rc1 Rd8= Black achieves comfortable equality.

B) 9.dxe6 Bxe6 10.Bxe6 fxe6³ Black is better because of his control of the d4-square.
C) 9.Nge2 Black is not obliged to transpose; instead, he can continue as follows. 9…a6 10.a4
[10.dxe6 Bxe6 11.Qb3 Qe7 12.Nd5 Bxd5 13.Bxd5 Nc6∞] 10…exd5

Position after: 10…exd5

345
 11.Nxd5 [11.exd5 Nd7 Black develops comfortably. 12.0-0 Ne5 13.b3 Bf5= 14.Qd2 Re8³]
11…Nc6 12.0-0 Be6 There are chances for both sides. White’s pawn majority looks more attractive,
but Black controls the d4-square. Simplification does not help White here. 13.Nxf6+ Qxf6 14.Bxe6
Qxe6 15.f3 Rad8=

9.Bxd5

Position after: 9.Bxd5

The main continuation, establishing firm control of the central d5-square. In this line, the knight exits
on e2, so as to better control d4 (against …Bg4 White has the reply f3). Alternatively, some games
have continued instead with the pawn recapture, which has the attraction of leaving that unit free. In
the meantime, Black can create an effective blockade.
9.exd5 0-0 10.Nge2 Nd7 11.0-0 Ne5 One of the standard maneuvers of Black’s queen knight.
12.Bb3

346
Position after: 12.Bb3

[12.b3 g6 13.Rc1 Bg7³ Black’s minor pieces are better coordinated and of better quality than their
white counterparts.] 12…c4! [12…Bg4 This is inferior. 13.h3 c4?! 14.hxg4 cxb3 Pelletier – Nagy,
Radenci 2019. 15.Ng3² White looks to be better.] 13.Bc2 g6 14.a4 Bg7³

9…0-0 10.Nge2

While this development is the most natural here, in anticipation of possible pins on the d1-h5
diagonal, White has also experimented with developing on f3 instead. However, the position is
dynamically equal after the following.
10.Nf3 Nc6 11.0-0 Bg4 12.h3 Bh5

347
Position after: 12…Bh5

Some illustrative lines are shown below.

A) 13.Re1 Qc7 [13…Qa5 14.g4 Bg6 15.e5 Be7 16.Bxc6 bxc6 17.Qd7² Franic – Loncar, Pula 2018]
14.Bxc6!? bxc6 15.g4 Bg6 16.e5 Be7ƒ Although the game remains complicated, I prefer Black and
his bishops here.
B) 13.Bxc6 bxc6 14.e5! Bxf3 15.Qxd8 Bxd8 [15…Rfxd8 16.exf6 Bd5 17.fxg7ƒ] 16.gxf3 Rb8 17.b3
Re8=

10…Nc6

From this position the knight controls d4 and e5, and can also be used to attack d5. The latter idea can
also be implemented, albeit without controlling the central dark squares, as follows.
10…Na6 This was used in an old game. 11.0-0 Nc7 [11…Nb4∞ This seems more appropriate here.]
12.Qb3 Nxd5 13.Nxd5 b6 [13…Be6!?] 14.Rfd1 Here in Kupchik – Willman, New Yok 1933, Black
could have tried the following. 14…Ba6!?

348
Position after: 14…Ba6!?

15.Rd2 Bxe2 16.Rxe2 Bd4„ The position is approximately equal.

11.0-0

One of the critical positions to evaluate is the line with 4…dxc4. White has completed his
development and has strong control of d5, but Black has the bishop pair and furthermore the pawn
majority that is in the sector away from the kings may gain importance as the endgame approaches.
One of the virtues of Black’s position is that it allows for a variety of plans, generally focused on
challenging White’s central control.

11…Be6!?

349
Position after: 11…Be6!?

This move, although not yet seen in practice, is our main line, but Black has interesting alternatives at
this point.
A) 11…Bd7 Here the game Nociar – Solik, Slovakia tt 2006 ended in a draw. From my point of
view the passive disposition of Black’s queen bishop allows White to fight for the initiative with
12.f4, although Black also has his chances by continuing with the following dynamic move.
12…Bd4+!? [12…Qb6 13.e5²] 13.Kh1 Nb4 14.Bb3 Be6 15.Bxe6 fxe6 16.Qb3 Nd3 17.Nd1!? Be5
18.Qxe6+ Kh8 19.g3 b5 The evaluation of this complex position depends on the degree of
compensation Black gets for the surrendered pawn.
B) 11…Bg4!? 12.f3!? [Better is 12.h3 Be6 with a position similar to that of the main line.] 12…Be6
13.Qd2 [13.f4 This transposes to the main line, a variation of 12. f4.] 13…Qb6 The most active
continuation, with ideas such as …Rad8 or …Nb4. [13…Nd4 14.Rad1 Nxe2+ 15.Qxe2 Bd4+
16.Kh1 Qb6 17.Rd2 Rad8∞ This offers chances to both sides, as in Kuljasevic – A. Saric, Rijeka
2011.] 14.Rad1 Rad8 15.Nf4 Bg5 16.g3 Ne7³

12.Nf4!?

This move with pressure on e6 is one of the most logical available to White, but there are alternatives.
A) 12.f4 Qb6

350
Position after: 12…Qb6

13.f5 [13.e5 c4+ 14.Kh1 Rfd8 15.exf6 Nb4³; 13.Bxc6 Qxc6 14.e5 Be7 15.f5 Bc4³ Despite the
threatening position of the advanced white pawns, Black’s position is to be preferred.] 13…Bd7
14.Rb1 Rad8³ In practice, meanwhile, the bishop pair and control of d4 may be better factors,
making Black’s position easier to play.
B)12.Bxe6 fxe6 The change does not cause any problems for Black, who gains control over d5 in
exchange for a slight weakening of his structure, while remaining in control of d4. 13.Qb3 Qc8
14.Rad1 Ne5 Black follows with …c4, with initiative.

12…Nd4

The possibility of occupying d4 is the flip side of White’s control of d5. Black has different ways of
implementing this idea.
A) 12…Bxd5 13.Nfxd5 Bd4=
B) Another independent try is 12…Bd7!?.

13.Nh5 Be7

351
Position after: 13…Be7

14.f4

This move looks to be the most energetic, but in truth it is the start of a sequence that leads to
simplifications. White has more combative alternatives available to him here.
14.Qd3 Qb6 15.b4!? Qxb4 16.Kh1 Necessary, since Black threatens to take on c3. 16…Qa5 17.Bxb7
[17.f4 Bg4 18.Ng3 Rab8³] 17…Rab8 18.Bd5 g6 19.Nf4 Rb2 20.Rab1 Rc2∞

14…Bxd5 15.Nxd5 f5 16.Nxe7+ Qxe7 17.exf5

352
Position after: 17.exf5

White must agree to simplify.

17.e5 This alternative is worse for White. 17…Rad8µ White’s passed pawn can be effectively
blocked, while Black has better centralized pieces and a majority of active pawns on the queenside.

17…Qf7

17…Rxf5 18.Ng3 Rd5 19.Qg4 Rf8 20.Rae1 Qd7=

18.Ng3 Nxf5 19.Nxf5 Qxf5=

The ending with heavy pieces is balanced.

Selected Games
Game 24
Del Rio de Angelis, Salvador (2502)
Anton Guijarro, David (2686)
Marbella 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e3 c5 6.Bxc4 a6 7.dxc5 Qxd1+ 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Ne4!?

353
Position after: 9.Ne4!?

A tactical distraction (the capture on e4 is impossible) aimed at dislodging the opponent’s bishop
from c5. As that piece gains relocation to an even more active position, it is likely that White should
prefer the more secure 9.Nf3 which is the main continuation in the subchapter a).

9…Bb4+ 10.Ke2 Nbd7 11.Nxf6+ gxf6 12.Bh4 Be7

Now the bishop retreats to allow the knight’s actions on e5 or c5. Note that Black’s central pawn set,
despite being doubled pawns, is not weak because it controls important squares. Black tries to play
for the g-file and the light main diagonal, starting with …b5.

13.Nf3

The attempt to hinder Black’s plan with 13.a4 doesn’t work, as Black can still continue with the
following. 13…b5 14.axb5 axb5 15.Bxb5 Rb8 16.Rc1 0-0 17.Bxd7 Bxd7³ Black has excellent
compensation.

13…b5 14.Bd3 Nc5 15.Bb1 b4

This move gains space and intends to continue with …a5 and …Ba6+. Black has some initiative and
his pieces play more useful roles.

16.Rc1

Enabling d1 for the other rook. The main alternative is as follows.

16.Nd4!? a5 17.e4 Bb7³

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16…a5 17.Rhd1 Ba6+ 18.Ke1 Rc8 19.Nd2

19.Nd4 f5 20.Bxe7 Kxe7³ The black pieces are more active.

19…f5!

Position after: 19…f5!

The second player gives up his most passive piece for White’s only active one, while cutting off the
path of the white bishop and, more importantly, access to the e4-square. White must now decide
between a handful of inferior positions.

20.Nb3

The ending after this move is sad for White, but he faces problems with the alternatives as well.
A) 20.Bxe7 Kxe7 21.b3 [21.Nc4 Bxc4 22.Rxc4 Na4µ] 21…Rhd8µ
B) 20.Bg3 0-0 21.Nf3 a4³

20…Nxb3 21.Rxc8+ Bxc8 22.Bxe7 Kxe7 23.axb3 Bb7³

This ending is better for Black, who keeps the better minor piece.

24.g3

I think this move, despite following Capablanca’s famous advice about placing pawns in opposite-
colored squares to one’s own bishop, may be an inaccuracy.

355
24.f3 This seems more resistant, closing off some paths for the opposing bishop. 24…Bd5 25.Bc2
Rc8 26.Rd2 Kf6 27.Kf2 Ke5³

24…Rc8 25.Kd2 Kf6 26.Bc2 Kg5

Position after: 26…Kg5

Black’s king becomes the protagonist, while White’s king plays the role of a spectator. Even so the
white fortress is not easy to break.

27.Ra1!?

27.h3!? This prevents entry to g4. 27…Kf6 [27…h5 Instead this allows White to resist. 28.Ra1 Rc5
29.Bd1 h4 30.f4+„; 27…Bg2!? 28.Ra1 Rc5 29.Rg1 Bxh3 30.Rh1 Rd5+ 31.Ke1 Bg4 32.Rxh7 Kf6
This is better for Black, but he still lacks a concrete plan to increase the advantage.] 28.Ra1 Rc5
29.Rg1 Rd5+ 30.Kc1 e5 Black is better.

27…Kg4!?

27…Rc5 28.Bd1³ This was White’s idea, but in light of the continuation it may be Black’s best bet.
Black’s position is undoubtedly better, but there is still a huge technical task to increase the
advantage.

28.Rxa5

28.Bd1+ Kh3 29.Rxa5 Kxh2 30.Rb5 Be4 31.Rxb4 Kg2µ

356
28…Kf3

Position after: 28…Kf3

29.Rb5?

29.Ra7! This would have saved the game. 29…Rc7 Bringing the rook to c7 is of major importance in
the probable rook ending, as we will see in the following comments. 30.Ra4 Be4 31.Bxe4+ fxe4
32.Rxb4 f5 The difference in activity between the two kings offers Black the best practical chances,
but White has passed pawns on the b-file which gives him counterplay. The following is an
instructive line. 33.Rc4 Ra7 34.Rc6 [34.Ra4 Rb7µ] 34…Kxf2 35.Rxe6 [35.b4 Rd7+ 36.Kc3 Kxe3
37.b5 e5 38.b6 f4 39.Rc7 Rd6–+] 35…Rd7+ 36.Kc3 Kxe3 Black also has his passed pawn, which a
priori seems more dangerous as it is further forward. My commentary here is lengthy, but the line
that follows is too beautiful to omit. 37.b4 Rc7+! 38.Kb3

357
Position after: 38.Kb3

A) 38…Kf3!? 39.b5 [39.Rf6 e3 40.Rxf5+ Ke4 41.Rf8 e2 42.Re8+ Kd3 43.Rd8+ Ke3 44.Re8+ Kd2
45.Rd8+ Ke1 46.Rf8 Rd7–+] 39…e3 40.b6 Rg7 41.Kc4=
B) 38…Rf7 39.Kc4 Kf2 40.Kd5 e3 41.b5 e2 42.b6 e1=Q 43.Rxe1 Kxe1 44.b4™ 44…Kf2 45.b5
Kg1 46.Kc6 Kxh2 47.b7 Rf8 48.Kc7 Kxg3 49.b8=Q Rxb8 50.Kxb8 f4 51.b6 f3 52.Ka7 f2 53.b7
f1=Q 54.b8=Q+ Kh3 55.Qc8+=
C) 38…Kf2
C1) 39.b5? e3 40.b6 [40.Kb4 e2 41.b6 Rg7–+] 40…Rg7!!

358
Position after: 40…Rg7!!

And here, this is the only move that wins! [40…Rb7 41.Kc4 e2 42.Kc5=; 40…Rf7 41.Kc4 e2
42.Kc5 e1=Q 43.Rxe1 Kxe1 44.b4 Kf2 45.Kc6=] 41.Kc4 e2 42.Kc5 h5!! Again the only winning
move. Black only places the rook to g4 when the white king reaches the sixth rank, as otherwise
the advance …h4 allows the creation of another passed pawn. 43.Kc6 [43.b4 h4 44.gxh4 f4–+]
43…Rg4 44.b7 [44.Kc5 Re4 45.Rxe4 fxe4 46.b7 e1=Q 47.b8=Q e3–+ This is another detail of this
fascinating ending.] 44…Rb4 45.Kc7 Rxb2 46.b8=Q Rxb8 47.Kxb8 e1=Q 48.Rxe1 Kxe1 Black
wins the resulting pawn ending. 49.Kc7 Kf2 50.Kd6 Kg2 51.Ke5 Kxh2–+
C2) 39.Rf6! The only move to draw! 39…e3 40.Rxf5+ Here the draw is already clear. 40…Ke1
41.b5 e2 42.Re5 Rb7 43.Kc4 Kf2 44.Rf5+=

29…Be4 30.Bd1+

30.Bxe4+ fxe4 31.Rxb4 f5 This is a version of the endgame from the previous note which is favorable
to Black, as the rook is better placed on the last rank. 32.Rc4 Ra8 33.Rc6 Kxf2 34.Rxe6 Rd8+ 35.Kc3
Kxe3 36.b4 Rc8+ 37.Kb3 Rf8–+ Black follows with …Kf2.

30…Kxf2 31.Rxb4 e5–+

After the check on d8 and the fall of the e3-pawn, the black pawns are going to be quicker than
White’s doubled pawns. Although there is some technical work ahead, the resignation is correct.

0-1

Game 25
Gurevich, Mikhail (2620)
Crouch, Colin S (2375)
Eupen 1997

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e3 a6 6.Bxc4 c5 7.dxc5 Qxd1+ 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nf3 b5
10.Bd3 Nbd7 11.Ne4

359
Position after: 11.Ne4

11…Be7

11…Bb4+ 12.Ke2 Bb7 This is my recommendation in the theoretical part, entering a similar type of
position as in the previous game if White doubles pawns on f6.

12.Nxf6+

After this exchange Black has no problems.

12.Bf4!? Instead, Black’s position would have been more uncomfortable after this move, which
attempts to dominate the d6-square. 12…0-0 13.Bd6 A possible continuation where White has some
initiative, but Black will equalize gradually.

12…gxf6

The most ambitious recapture.

12…Nxf6 13.Ke2 Bb7 This is also possible, with balanced play.

13.Be4 Ra7 14.Bf4

This intermediate move ends up helping the opponent’s queen bishop.

14.Bh6 Perhaps this direct move should have been preferred. 14…Nc5 15.Rc1 Black has various
ways of maintaining equality. 15…Rg8 [15…f5 16.Bb1 Ra8=] 16.0-0 Bd7=

14…e5 15.Bh6 Nc5 16.Bc6+

360
16.Rc1 Rg8 17.0-0? White is worse because of the following. 17…Bg4 18.Bc6+ Nd7µ

16…Bd7 17.Bxd7+ Rxd7=

Position after: 17…Rxd7=

18.Ke2

In endgames it is logical to keep the king in the center, but here there is a problem.
18.0-0 This is objectively better. 18…Rg8 19.Nh4 The position remains balanced, but White must
have thought that his pieces on the edge of the board could constitute a long-term risk. 19…Na4
20.Rb1 Rd2 21.Nf5 Nxb2 22.e4 Rc2 23.Rfc1©

18…Na4!?

18…Rg8 Another possibility. 19.Nh4 Na4 with the idea of 20.Rb1 Rg4 21.Nf5 Rc4³

19.Rxd7 Kxd7 20.Rd1+ Ke6 21.Rc1 Nxb2 22.Rc6+ Kd7 23.Rxa6 Rc8³

361
Position after: 23…Rc8³

Black has more active pieces. In particular, White must solve the lack of activity of his bishop,
stranded on h6.

24.Ne1

24.e4 White tries to open the way for the bishop, but here the black pieces gain more activity.
24…Rc2+ 25.Kf1 Bc5³

24…Na4

24…e4! This seems counter-intuitive, since it delivers f4 as a possible destination for White’s bishop,
but the concrete continuations show that this ambitious move, aimed at restricting White’s other
minor piece, is effective. Black retains a small advantage, for example after the following. 25.Ra7+
[25.g4!? Nd3³] 25…Ke8 26.Bf4 Na4³

25.e4!

Now the game is balanced again. After the next exchange, White’s chances become even better, but
the game soon ends in a draw.

25…Rc6 26.Rxc6 Kxc6 27.Bd2 Kc5

27…b4 28.Nd3²

28.Kd3

362
28.Nc2!?±

28…Nb2+ 29.Kc3 Na4+ 30.Kd3 Nb2+ 31.Kc3 Na4+ 32.Kd3

Position after: 32.Kd3

32…Nb2+

½-½

Game 26
Shevchenko, Kirill (2549)
Parligras, Mircea (2645)
Romania 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 c5 6.Nc3

After this move the game transposes to an unusual line of the Vienna Variation, which is not
considered dangerous for Black from a theoretical point of view. On the board, it can be a source of
lively battles such as the one we will observe here.

6…cxd4 7.Nxd4 Bc5 8.Be3

White gives up the benefits of the pin in order to hold his knight on d4, but it also means making a
second move with the queen bishop. The alternative involves several knight retreats and the most
critical (although it does not create problems for Black) is 8.Qa4+.

363
8…e5

As tempting as it is to go against White’s plans to occupy d4 and give the queen bishop new horizons,
this move clearly weakens some central squares.
8…Qb6 Instead, this move is critical. The lines shown in the theoreticalpart indicate that the second
player may have a slight but obvious advantage here.

9.Ndb5

This move is the most natural one.

9.Nf5!? However this alternative also deserves attention. 9…Bxf5 10.Qxd8+ Kxd8 11.Bxc5 Nxe4
12.Nxe4 Bxe4 13.Bxc4 Nd7 14.Ba3©

9…Bxe3

Alternatively 9…Qb6 and 9…Qe7 are both possible options. In both cases White can continue to
exchange on c5, leading to clear equality. 10.Bxc5 Qxc5 11.Qd6 Qxd6 12.Nxd6+ Ke7 13.Nxc4
Nc6=

10.fxe3

10.Nd6+ Ke7 11.Nxc8+ Qxc8 12.fxe3 Nbd7 Black is OK. After the rook’s passage, the king castles
“by hand”.

10…Be6 11.Bxc4 Qxd1+ 12.Rxd1 Bxc4 13.Nd6+ Ke7 14.Nxc4 Nbd7=

364
Position after: 14…Nbd7=

After this simplifying sequence, the resulting endgame is balanced. On the queenside the symmetry
conspires against any attempts at unbalancing the position, while in the opposite sector the first
player’s doubled pawns are compensated by the play he can develop on the open columns.

15.Nd6

Very direct. 15.g4!? Instead this subtle move is a more interesting attempt to fight for the initiative,
but according to Steinitz, a balanced position generates other balanced ones, and this applies here,
even as the game becomes more dynamic. 15…h6 [15…b5!? 16.Nxb5 Nxe4 17.b3 Rhd8=] 16.Ke2
Rhc8 17.Nd6 Rc6 18.Nf5+ Kf8=

15…Rhd8 16.b4?!

An inaccuracy that Black does not go on to exploit.

16.Ke2 Nc5=

16…Nb6!?

This maneuver involves the sacrifice of the b7-pawn, for which Black will have sufficient
compensation due to the domination of the c4-square.
16…a5! Here Black tries to gain control of the c5-square, which would have given him an advantage,
because access to that square allows him to attack White’s static structure in the center. 17.a3 White
can try to resist with this move, but in this case the following continuation is even stronger than the
text. 17…axb4 18.axb4 Nb6

365
Position after: 18…Nb6

19.Nf5+ [19.Nxb7 Rxd1+ 20.Nxd1 Nxe4µ] 19…Kf8µ

17.Nxb7 Rxd1+ 18.Kxd1 Nc4 19.Ke2 Rb8 20.Na5 Nxa5 21.bxa5 Kd6©

The doubled pawns mean that White’s material advantage is a pyrrhic one. Black has no difficulty in
achieving balance in this position.

22.Rd1+ Kc6!? 23.Rd2 Rb4 24.Nd5?

Position after: 24.Nd5?

However this jump is a mistake that leads to a dangerous rook ending where Black’s chances are
going to be better. Instead the simple 24.Kd3= should have been preferred.

24…Nxd5 25.exd5+ Kd6µ

With both pieces more active than their white counterparts, Black’s advantage is obvious.

26.Rc2

Looking for practical chances by activating the rook. Black responds with a very strong plan
consisting of advancing his kingside pawns.
26.a3 Rb5µ

26…f5 27.Kf3?!

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This move ends up losing time by allowing the black pawns to advance in the future with check.
27.Rc8 Instead this immediate move was necessary. 27…Kxd5 28.Kf3 Now against …g5 White has
the check on d8. 28…Ra4µ Nevertheless this is still obviously better for the second player.

27…g5–+

After this move White’s position is lost.

28.Rc6+

28.Rc8 g4+ 29.Kg3 Kxd5 30.Rc7 Ke4 This transposes.

28…Kxd5 29.Rc7 g4+ 30.Kg3 Ke4 31.Rxh7

31.Rxa7 Kxe3–+ This is similar.

31…Kxe3 32.Rf7 f4+! 33.Kxg4

Position after: 33.Kxg4

33…f3+?=

It is likely that this phase of the game was played under terrible time pressure. Instead of the text
move which loses all the advantage, Black wins as follows. 33…Kf2 34.Rc7 Rb2 35.Kh3 Rxa2–+

34.Kg3 Rf4 35.Rb7!

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Possibly the move that Black missed. White saves the day by using a device inspired by the Vancura
position.

35…f2 36.Rb3+ Ke2 37.Rb2+ Ke3 38.Rb3+ Kd2 39.Rb2+ Ke1 40.Rb1+ Ke2

½-½

Game 27
Kuljasevic, Davorin (2560)
Saric, Ante (2497)
Rijeka 2011

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 c5 6.d5 Be7 7.Bxf6 Bxf6 8.Bxc4 exd5 9.Bxd5 0-0
10.Nge2 Nc6 11.0-0 Bg4

This move is of similar value to 11…Be6 which is my main line in the theoretical part, and in some
cases transposes to it.

Position after: 11…Bg4

12.f3

12.h3 Be6 This is similar to the above-mentioned line and possibly the best option.

12…Be6 13.Qd2

The queen does not occupy a very useful position, but the idea of connecting the rooks and playing on
the squares of the missing bishop is typical.

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13.f4 This is natural, with a transposition to the line with 11…Be6 12.f4. However after 13…Qb6 the
position is at least comfortable for Black.

13…Nd4

The occupation of the d4-square is a typical theme in this type of position. However Black should not
be in a hurry. He could fight for the advantage with the more flexible 13…Qb6!? as indicated in the
theoretical part.

14.Rad1 Nxe2+ 15.Qxe2 Bd4+ 16.Kh1 Qb6 17.Rd2 Rad8

Position after: 17…Rad8

With both sides having their share of the central squares the position is roughly equal. Possible
imbalances are due to pawn majorities or, as in the game, an exchange of pieces leaving different
material.

18.Rfd1 Rd7 19.Qc4

The exchange that follows is not forced (moves such as 19…Re8 or 19…Rfd8 could be considered
here). However it produces a new imbalance in the form of a different minor piece for each side.
While the bishop is superior in positions with pawns present in both sectors of the board, the white
knight is going to occupy an impregnable and well-centralized square.

19…Bxd5 20.Nxd5 Qh6

20…Qd6!? In the following phase Black plays somewhat passively and allows White some initiative

369
on the queenside.

21.g3 Qe6 22.b4 b6 23.Kg2 Re8 24.Qb5 Red8 25.Nf4 Qe7 26.a4 Rd6 27.a5 g6

Position after: 27…g6

Black stays within the zone of equilibrium, although the initiative is on White’s side. Here the
following was another possible alternative for Black.
27…Qe5 28.Nd5 h5 Black can play without fear of the following line. 29.axb6 [29.bxc5 bxc5=] 29…
axb6 30.Nxb6 Rb8 The reason is that Black has this move which offers reciprocal opportunities. A
possible continuation is as follows. 31.Qa5! [31.bxc5? Rdxb6 32.Qc4 Rb2–+; 31.Nc4?! Rxb5
32.Nxe5 Bxe5 33.Rxd6 Bxd6 34.Rxd6 cxb4³] 31…Rdxb6 32.Rxd4 Qxd4 33.Rxd4 cxd4 34.Qd5
Rxb4 35.e5=

28.Nd5 Qe5 29.axb6 axb6 30.Qc4 Bc3?

Black loses material, and the game, after this mistake. Instead, Black had various ways of maintaining
the balance, for example with 30…Ra8=.

370
Position after: 30…Bc3?

31.bxc5 bxc5

31…Bxd2 32.cxd6 Ba5 33.Qc7+–

32.f4+– Qe6 33.Qxc3 Qxe4+ 34.Qf3 Qxf3+ 35.Kxf3

The rest is simple.

Position after: 35.Kxf3

371
35…Kg7 36.Ke2 Ra8 37.Ne3 Re6 38.Kf3 Ra3 39.Rd3 Ra2 40.R1d2 Ra1 41.Rc2 Rh1 42.Kg2 Re1
43.Kf2 Rh1 44.Nf1

1-0

372
 Chapter 4
3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7

Chapter Guide
Chapter 4 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7

a) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4
b) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2
c) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3
d) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 h6
e) 5.e3
f) 5.— & 5.Qc2
g) 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Nd5
h) 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+
Selected Games

a) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4

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1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7

Position after: 4…Nbd7

This move was always considered to be a tool for transposing to the more usual lines, which remains
true if White follows with 5. Bg5 or 5. cxd5 and Black chooses to transpose to one of the lines seen in
the first two sections of this book. In that sense, the development of the queen knight lends uniformity
to the most classical part of our repertoire. However, even in the most hackneyed lines Black can seek
independent paths, such as those shown in the first three chapters of this section as an alternative to
the lines of the Exchange Variation or the Cambridge Springs. In the largest independent line, 5. Bf4,
both White and Black can be inventive and take the game into almost uncharted territory. While it is
true that Black, on his fourth move, has variations proven by theory and practice, such as 4…Be7,
4…Bb4 (Ragozin) or 4…dxc4 (the Vienna Variation, analyzed in the next section), as well as less
studied options such as 4…a6, Black can find some advantages by using the order 4. Nbd7. First, its
theory is recent, so many of the ideas shown in practice do not yet appear in the main repertoire books
for White; secondly, it forms a uniform part of the repertoire designed on the basis of the
development of the queen knight on d7, so as to cover possible deviations from other move orders.

5.cxd5

Theoretically, I should include the lines analyzed in the first 3 subchapters to the chapter devoted to
the Exchange Variation. However my intention is to present here a (relatively) new and completely
independent system. The reason for my organizational decision is that the appearance of such
schemes is restricted to positions where White develops his knight to f3 and is otherwise becoming
more usual in the basic order of the present section. In the following chapters I devote space to the
possibilities 5.Bg5, 5.e3 (some unusual lines for White’s fifth move are quoted here), 5.Qc2 and

374
5.Bf4.

5…exd5

Position after: 5…exd5

6.Bf4

While the more popular 6.Bg5 is the subject of the next subchapter, here we will consider the
alternatives, with special emphasis on the text move, which some authors (e.g. Jeroen Bosch in
Yearbook 113) indicate as a concrete problem for the order with 4…Nbd7. Other ideas for White
here are as follows.
A) 6.g3 c6 More usual. 7.Bg2 Bd6 This has been seen in Chapter 1.
B) 6.Qc2!? This is an insidious attempt to confuse Black with the move order and to put him in a
position he may not want to play. After 6…c6 this is likely to transpose to one of the lines seen in
chapter 1 or the present one 7.Bg5 h6 [7…Bd6 8.e3 0-0 9.Bd3 h6 10.Bh4 Re8 This transposes to the
commentary to the line for the seventh Black move in chapter 1, but note that we have established
that White’s position is easier to play here.] 8.Bh4

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Position after: 8.Bh4

8…Be7 [8…g5 9.Bg3 Nh5 Black attempts to transpose to the main line of the next subchapter, but
White can respond, as noted in the corresponding notes to the chapter cited above, with the strong
10.e4!.] 9.e3 0-0 This transposes to the line with 7. Qc2 in the next subchapter.
C) 6.e3 Generally schemes that leave the queen bishop inside the pawn chain are not dangerous for
Black, and this is no exception. 6…Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.0-0 Re8 9.Qc2 [9.Re1 (Ludwig – Wiche, Bonn
1996) 9…a6!? 10.a4 c5∞] 9…c5 10.e4!? [10.Nb5 Be7 11.b3 a6 12.Nc3 b5= Jimenez – Collell,
Spain 2010] 10…dxe4 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Bxe4 Nf6 There is equality, for example after the
following. 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.dxc5 Bxc5=

6…c6

The most classic and usual answer.

376
Position after: 6…c6

7.e3

The most popular move in this position. The main alternatives are as follows.
A) 7.Qc2 Nh5

Position after: 7…Nh5

8.Bg5 [8.Bd2 Be7 9.g4 Nhf6 10.g5 Nh5 11.h4 Nb6 12.e3 g6 13.Bd3 (I. Sokolov – Jussupow,

377
 Germany 2000) 13…Bd6=] 8…Be7 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.g3 [10.e3 This is more usual, with
transposition to the main line.] 10…Nb6 11.Bg2 g6 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rae1 Bf5 14.Qc1 Be4 15.Nd2
Bxg2 16.Kxg2 (Edouard – Hracek, Warsaw 2013) 16…Rae8=
B) 7.h3 Ne4!?

Position after: 7…Ne4!?

8.e3 [8.Nxe4 dxe4 9.Nd2 Nf6 10.e3 Nd5 11.Be5 f6 12.Bg3 f5=] 8…Bb4 9.Rc1 0-0 10.Bd3 (Le
Quang – Dominguez, Beijing Rapid 2013) 10…Nb6!? 11.Qc2 Re8 12.0-0 Bf5 13.Ne2 Bf8=

7…Nh5!?

Nowadays this jump is considered the best idea for the second player. In the main line it leads to a
similar variation (with a time difference in favor of Black) to one of the fashionable ideas against the
classical Exchange Variation (with …Be7).
7…Be7 8.h3 0-0 9.Bd3 Re8 This option is popular, with over two hundred games in the database.
However, as Grandmaster Mihail Marin points out in ChessBase Magazine, this type of line is
considered favorable to White: “A clear illustration of this is that White sometimes voluntarily moves
his bishop back from g5 to f4, arriving at this kind of position but with less time”. 10.0-0 Nf8 11.Qc2

378
Position after: 11.Qc2

11…Ng6 [11…Nh5 12.Bh2 g6 13.Rab1 a5 14.Rfe1 Ng7 15.e4 dxe4 16.Bxe4² Korotylev –
Magomedov, Russia 2005] 12.Bh2 Bd6 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.Rab1 Bd7 15.b4 Rac8 16.Rfc1² Carlsen –
Mamedyarov, Moscow Rapid 2019. White has implemented a favorable version of the minority
attack, without Black winning significant counterplay.

Position after: 7…Nh5!?

8.Bg5

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Other continuations also fail to create problems for Black.
A) 8.Be5 Nxe5 9.Nxe5 [9.dxe5 g6 10.h3 This is no better, in Balashov – Taimanov, Leningrad
1977. 10…f6 11.exf6 Nxf6 12.Bd3 Bg7³) 9…g6 10.Be2 [10.Bd3 Bd6 11.0-0 0-0 12.f4 Ng7³ Belov
– Margolin, Russia 1993] 10…Ng7 11.0-0 [11.g4 This is premature, as in De Andres – Filzmaier,
Kamena Vourla 2012; Black gains the better hand with 11…h5³.] 11…Nf5 12.Bd3 Bg7 13.Rc1 0-
0=
B) 8.Bg3 Nxg3 9.hxg3 Unlike the main line in the next subchapter, here Black has gained the
bishop pair without having to risk his structure. As a result, he achieves easy equality. 9…Nf6
[9…Bd6 10.Bd3 Nf6 This transposes.] 10.Bd3 Bd6 11.Qc2 g6

Position after: 11…g6

B1) 12.0-0 0-0 13.a3 Re8 [13…a5 14.Rfe1 Re8= Bu Xiangzhi – Mamedyarov, China tt 2016]
14.Rfe1 Kg7ƒ
B2) 12.0-0-0 Kf8ƒ Nikolic – Oll, Polanica Zdroj 1996. The bishop pair gives the initiative to the
second player.
C) 8.Bd3 Nxf4 9.exf4 Bd6 10.g3 0-0 11.0-0 Re8 12.Qc2 Nf8= Alekhine – Lasker, Nueva York
1924

8…Be7 9.Bxe7 Qxe7

380
Position after: 9…Qxe7

The present position is similar to – and perhaps a superior version of – one of Black’s latest
innovations against the classical Exchange Variation: 1.d4 1…d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5
5.Bg5 c6 6.Qc2 Be7 7.e3 Nbd7 8.Bd3 Nh5 (or 8…h6 9.Bh4 Nh5 10.Bxe7 Qxe7) 9.Bxe7 Qxe7.
These lines are recommended, for example, in the repertoire books of Tibor Karolyi or Nikolaos
Ntirlis. Here White has the knight on f3, but his king bishop and queen are on their home squares,
which leaves Black with one more tempo in comparison, a detail which suggests that Black has
comfortable equality.

10.Qc2

In addition to the one in the text, which is the most usual, White has employed options with
immediate development of the king bishop.
A) 10.Be2 Nhf6 The most natural response.

381
Position after: 10…Nhf6

A1) 11.0-0 0-0 12.Qc2 Re8 13.Rab1 Nb6 14.Rfe1 This was played in Gonzalez Trigal – Narciso
Dublan, Spain 2019. 14…Bg4

Position after: 14…Bg4

15.h3 [15.Ne5 Bxe2 16.Rxe2 Nfd7=] 15…Bh5 16.Ne5 Bxe2 17.Nxe2 Nc8 18.a4 Nd6 The
position is balanced.
A2) 11.Qc2 Nb6 [11…0-0 This is more popular, but in this type of position Black usually waits

382
 for White to castle in order to take up residence in the same sector. 12.Bd3 Re8„] 12.Ne5 (Ionescu
– Ovsejevitsch, Budapest 2003) 12…Be6 13.0-0 0-0 As in similar positions, Black can place one
of his knights on d6. 14.Bd3 g6 15.Rfe1 Ne8 16.Rad1 Nd6 17.e4 Rae8∞
B) 10.Bd3 The most aggressive development but it has a specific problem. 10…Nf4 11.0-0 [11.Bf1
Nb6=] 11…Nxd3 12.Qxd3 0-0 13.Rfe1 Nf6 14.Ne5 This position has been played since the 1940s;
Black’s idea in the inaugural game is still alive. 14…Ne8!?

Position after: 14…Ne8!?

[14…Be6!? Sjodahl – Jepson, Sweden 2013] 15.e4 dxe4 16.Qxe4 Be6 17.Rad1 Rd8 18.Nd3 Nf6
19.Qe5 Rd6= Kotov – Euwe, Groningen 1946

10…Nb6

This move is the preferred move at master level. 10…g6 This usually transposes to the main line.

11.h3

The effect of Black’s extra move is felt in such details – any plans for short castling would necessitate
the passive development of the king bishop to e2 (the exit on d3 is met with the reply …Nf4). As
such in most cases the first player would combine long castling with an offensive advance of the
kingside wing pawns. To this end the advance of the h-pawn is the most usual move, but in practice
White has also experimented with the following options.
A) 11.0-0-0 Logically, this immediate move is the popular choice. 11…g6 12.Bd3 [12.h3 This
transposes to the main line.] 12…Be6 [12…Ng7!? Vallejo – Oms, Spain 2006] 13.Kb1 0-0-0∞ The
position offers chances to both sides – a type of scheme that is well known from practice.

383
 B) 11.Ne5 g6

Position after: 11…g6

12.Be2 [12.0-0-0 Bf5 13.Qe2 Nf6 14.g4 Be6 15.f3 (Le Quang – Ponomariov, Dortmund 2011)
15…h5 16.g5 Nfd7 17.Nxd7 Nxd7 18.h4 b5∞] 12…Ng7 13.0-0 0-0 14.Rfe1 Bf5 15.Qb3 Nc8=
Beliavsky – Heberla, Plovdiv 2012

11…g6 12.g4

This is undoubtedly an offensive idea, but it also has a prophylactic component by preventing the
active development of Black’s queen bishop to f5, as happens in the case of the following direct
move.
12.0-0-0 This is indeed met by the following. 12…Bf5 Black equalizes without drawbacks. 13.Bd3
[13.Qb3 Nf6 14.g4 Be4 15.Be2 0-0-0 16.Rhg1 (Ftacnik – Van der Sterren, Germany tt 2001)
16…Bxf3 17.Bxf3 Kb8=] 13…Bxd3

384
Position after: 13…Bxd3

14.Qxd3 [14.Rxd3?! This is inferior. 14…Nf6 15.Nd2 0-0 The placement of White’s pieces invites
the creation of attacks on the opposite-castled positions. 16.g4 a5 17.f3 a4 18.Kb1 Nc4 19.e4 b5µ
Harikrishna – Gonda, Czech Republic tt 2020] 14…0-0-0 15.Kb1 Kb8 16.Rhe1 Rhe8= Radjabov – I.
Sokolov, Malmo 2001

12…Ng7

This withdrawal is the modern approach, but the following is of equivalent value.
12…Nf6
A) 13.0-0-0 White has also played this direct move. 13…Be6 14.Ne5 Ne4

385
Position after: 14…Ne4

The position is approximately equal, for example after the following. 15.Kb1 [15.Bd3 f6 16.Nf3
Nxc3 17.Qxc3 0-0-0= Cheparinov – Radulski, Bulgaria ch 2004 (17…Nc8!?); 15.f3 Nd6 16.h4 f6
17.Nd3 0-0-0=] 15…0-0-0 16.Rc1 Kb8 17.Ka1 f6 18.Nd3 Bc8 19.Nxe4 dxe4 20.Nc5 f5 21.gxf5
gxf5∞ Shankland – Lopez Martinez, Barcelona 2013
B) 13.Bd3 This is the most logical, controlling e4. 13…Be6 14.0-0-0 0-0-0 15.Kb1 [15.Ne5 Kb8
16.Kb1 Nfd7=] 15…Kb8 16.Rc1 Nfd7= Avrukh – Ivanchuk, Panormo 2001

13.0-0-0

The usual continuation.

A) 13.Bd3 Be6 14.0-0-0 Instead this transposes.
B) 13.a4!? Be6 14.a5 Nd7∞ No king sleeps.

13…Be6

386
Position after: 13…Be6

This square is the best destination for the queen bishop in this line, strengthening control over c4.

14.Ne5

The most popular idea, trying f4-f5, and with which White has shown good results. Some options are
as follows.
A) 14.Kb1 0-0-0 15.Na4 Following the plan of the famous Kasparov – Andersson match, Reykjavik
1988, with some differences (that game was played in the classical line, and White had Rc1 before
the knight jump). [15.Be2 Kb8 16.Na4 f6 17.Nc5 (Koneru – Harika, Tashkent 2013) 17…Ne8∞
Now this is interesting with the idea of …Nd6.] 15…h5!? 16.Rg1 [16.Nxb6+ axb6 17.Rg1 Ne8
18.Ne5 Nd6=] 16…Ne8 17.Nc5 Nd6=
B) 14.Bd3 0-0-0 15.Kb1 [15.Ne5 Kb8 16.f4 f6 17.Nf3 Ne8 18.Rde1 Nd6 19.Kb1 Rhe8= Istratescu
– Bricard, France 2001] 15…Kb8 16.Rc1 Ne8 17.Na4 Nxa4 18.Qxa4 Nd6

387
Position after: 18…Nd6

19.Qb4 [19.Rc3 This is one more step in Kasparov’s plan, but here in Kozlov – Graf, Moscow 1986,
Black could have played 19…Nc4∞.] 19…Ka8 20.Qc5 Rhe8 21.Rc3 Rc8=
C) 14.Be2 0-0-0 15.Ne5 Kb8 16.h4 h5 17.gxh5 Nxh5 18.Bd3 Ng7³ (Andreev – Radulski, Plovdiv
2012) 19.Bxg6 fxg6 20.Nxg6 Qf6 21.Nxh8 Rxh8 The black minor pieces proved to be better than
the white rook and two pawns.
D) 14.Rg1 f6!? [14…0-0-0 15.Kb1 Ne8∞] 15.Kb1 0-0-0 16.Nd2 Bf7 17.Qb3 Ne8 18.Na4 Nxa4
19.Qxa4 Kb8= Najer – Conquest, Rethymnon 2003

14…0-0-0 15.Kb1

This is the most classical idea, trying Rc1 and Na4. Here White has also played the following.
A) 15.Na4 Nxa4 16.Qxa4 f6 17.Nd3 Kb8 18.Nc5 Bc8 19.Rd3 (Hertneck – Kishnev, Germany
2001) 19…Ne6!? 20.Ra3 a6 21.Nxe6 Qxe6 22.Rb3 Ka8 23.Qb4 Qd6 24.Qxd6 Rxd6=
B) 15.Be2 Kb8 With transposition to 14. Be2 seen above.

15…Kb8 16.Na4

16.Rc1 Ne8 17.Na4 f6 18.Nd3 Nxa4 19.Qxa4 h5 20.Be2 hxg4 21.hxg4 Nd6=

16…Nxa4 17.Qxa4 f6 18.Nd3

388
Position after: 18.Nd3

18…h5

18…Bc8 19.Be2 h5∞ Parligras – Hracek, Legnica 2013, There is approximately equal play.

19.Be2 hxg4 20.hxg4 Bc8=

With chances for both sides. Black has his heavy pieces active. As for his minor pieces, while the
bishop waits expectantly at base, the knight can perform various dynamic maneuvers, such as …Ne8-
d6 or …Ne6. In general, the line with Bf4 causes no problems for the second player in its main
version, which shows White with one fewer tempo in relation to the popular line from the classical
system with …Be7 of the Exchange Variation. This tempo is noticeable from the fact that Black
equalizes with greater ease.

b) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.Qc2

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5

389
Position after: 6.Bg5

In my opinion, this is the most critical and logical move, putting pressure on the h4-d8 diagonal and
on the d5-square. For those who have in their repertoire the classical schemes with …Be7 nothing
changes; however as we saw in the first section the scheme with the exit of the bishop to d6 on that
particular line can be somewhat easier for White to play. In this chapter we will analyze a third
option.

6…c6 7.Qc2

The main option here, where Black has employed different possibilities. In aiming for independent
ideas it is interesting to look at the following.

7…h6

7…Qa5 The position is similar to the one that can emerge from the Cambridge Springs, and which in
the vast majority of cases transposes. This is one of the recommendations of the engines here, and
indeed has been used quite a lot in practice. Meanwhile, and despite the silicon monster’s
assessments, the placement of the queen on a5 does not seem convincing to me in this particular
position, and in many cases this piece retreats to c7. It can be said that the time lost is justified
because White also has to play an extra move – Nd2, to avoid the idea of …Ne4, which equalizes
immediately. However the truth is that White’s play in this line seems easier to me; Black also
usually employs options such as 7…Be7 (with a possible transposition to more classical schemes),
7…Bb4 and 7…Bd6.

8.Bh4 Qe7!?

390
Position after: 8…Qe7!?

A new move in this particular position, although it can lead by transposition to the main line of that
chapter. The main idea is to avoid schemes with e4 before playing …g5 and …Nh5.
8…Be7 This transposes to a well-known scenario and is the safest alternative. As the position has
been the subject of numerous repertoire books, I will only mention some of the main continuations.
9.e3 0-0 10.Bd3 Re8 11.0-0 Here 11…Ne4 is a well-known solution.

9.e3 g5 10.Bg3 Nh5!?

Also possible is 10…Bg7 preparing …Nh5. 11.h3 Now this is better creating a possible exit for the
black bishop. 11…0-0 12.Bd3²

11.0-0-0

11.Bd3 Nxg3 12.hxg3 Nb6!? [12…Bg7 13.0-0 0-0∞] 13.0-0 Bg7 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Be6 16.Nc5
0-0-0∞

11…Nxg3 12.hxg3

391
Position after: 12.hxg3

12…Bg7

12…Nb6 13.e4!? dxe4 [13…Be6 14.exd5 Nxd5 15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.Re1 Be6 17.Bc4 0-0-0 18.Bxe6+
fxe6 19.Qg6²; 13…g4 14.Ne5±] 14.Nxe4 [14.Re1 This is bad due to 14…Be6µ followed by …0-0-
0.] 14…Bg7 15.Nc5!²

13.e4!?

This independent move should be the critical option here.

13.Bd3 Nb6 14.Kb1 Be6 This transposes to the main line.

13…g4!?

The examples in the line with 12…Nb6 convinced me that it is necessary to move the white knight
away from the center.

14.Nh4

14.Nd2 dxe4 15.Ndxe4 Nb6∞

14…dxe4 15.Nxe4 Nb6 16.Nc5

392
Position after: 16.Nc5

16…Nd5 17.Bc4

17.Kb1 Another possibility. 17…b6 18.Ba6 bxc5 19.Bxc8 Nb4 20.Qf5 0-0 21.Rhe1 Qg5 22.Bd7
Rab8„

17…0-0 18.Rhe1 Qd8 19.Kb1 Re8

Position after: 19…Re8

393
20.Nf5

20.Rxe8+ Qxe8 21.a3 a5„

20…b6 21.Bxd5 cxd5 22.Rxe8+ Qxe8 23.Nxg7 Kxg7 24.Na4 Be6„

Black’s chances are not to be disdained. The line with 8…Qe7 deserves practical experience and can
be an independent option to the more reputable 8…Be7.

c) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6 7.e3

Position after: 7.e3

The most usual continuation.

7…h6 8.Bh4

8.Bf4 g5 9.Bg3 This transposes, but Black also has other possibilities, such as 8…Be7.

8…g5

Not so long ago this type of move was not seriously considered, because of the weakening of the
structure on the kingside. However times are changing, and so is the way of looking at things, with
the help of technology. In some Queen’s Gambit positions this maneuver is being considered
acceptable, which, yes, contains a degree of structural deterioration that in inexperienced hands can

394
lead to catastrophe. Nevertheless at master level it offers some interesting compensatory elements: a)
the advance of the g-pawn gains space on the kingside; b) when complemented by …Nh5, the
position generally results in the exchange of the knight for the bishop, which leaves the second player
with the bishop pair; c) there is almost no theory with Black applying such a plan, which leads to
original scenarios where the typical positional maneuvers of the Queen’s Gambit Declined may not
be as effective.

9.Bg3 Nh5

Position after: 9…Nh5

In this way Black acquires the advantage of the pair of bishops, which he will display in exchange for
the weakening of his structure on the kingside. The resulting position is double-edged and may not be
to everyone’s liking, but ultimately Black can choose one of the usual schemes beforehand with
…Be7 or …Bd6.

10.Bd3

The critical continuation, but White has tried other ideas in this position.
A) 10.Be5 This is the main option. 10…Ng7 If Black is not afraid of the possible repetition of
moves, this move, with the idea of …g4 and …Nxe5, is possible. [10…Nxe5 Another try. 11.Nxe5
Nf6 12.Bd3 Bd6 13.f4 (Todorov – Badev, Primorsko 2018) 13…Rg8!?„] 11.Bd3 [11.Bg3 Nh5
This is the aforementioned repetition; 11.Qc2!? g4 12.Bxg7 Bxg7 13.Nd2 Qe7 14.0-0-0 (Lupulescu
– Kuzubov, Hungary 2019) 14…Nb6 15.Nb3 Be6„] 11…g4 12.Bxg7 Bxg7 13.Ng1

395
Position after: 13.Ng1

13…Nb6 [13…h5!?∞ This was tested in Golod – Kobo, Israel tt 2023.] 14.Nge2 [14.h3 h5 15.hxg4
Bxg4 16.Qc2 Here Black has 16…Qe7 or 16…Qf6„ as in Zhao Jun – Xu Minghui, China tt 2018.]
14…h5

Position after: 14…h5

15.b4!? [15.Na4 Nc4 16.Bxc4 dxc4 17.Qc2 Qa5+ 18.Nac3 Bf5 (Mohammad – Stupak, St.
Petersburg 2019) 19.e4 Bg6³] 15…h4 16.b5 Qg5∞ Black has compensation for his structural

396
 weaknesses with the possession of the bishop pair and the activity of his pieces.
B) 10.Qc2 Nxg3 11.hxg3 This transposes to the main line after the opportune Bd3. However Black
gets an advantage after the following. 11…Bg7 12.0-0-0 Nb6 13.e4 (Costachi – Sarana, internet
blitz 2022) 13…Be6³

10…Nxg3 11.hxg3

Almost unanimously chosen. But there are some who prefer the following alternative instead.
11.fxg3 White tries to show that the f-file can serve a purpose and that the weak pawn on e3 can be
liquidated. 11…Bg7 12.0-0 Nb6 13.a4 [13.Nd2 Qe7 14.Qf3 0-0³ This is already better for Black, as
in Koch – Lupulescu, Alemanha tt 2022.] 13…a5

Position after: 13…a5

14.Qc2 [14.Nd2 Qe7 15.Kh1 0-0³ Barishpolets – Rambaldi, Saint Louis 2017] 14…Be6 15.Rae1
Qc7= The position is roughly equal, but White has to take care of the structural commitments he has
made.

11…Bg7

A dynamically unbalanced position has appeared on the board, with White having the better structure.
However Black has the bishop pair. Introduced into master practice by Khismatullin in 2015, this
variation has gained definite interest from chess players when it was subsequently used by Magnus
Carlsen in his game against David Navara in Wijk aan Zee 2016.
11…Nb6 This is another possible order, with a probable transposition after a later …Bg7. However
the bishop move is an almost unanimous choice.

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12.Qc2

This natural move constitutes the incipient main line of the variation. The alternatives, much less used
at the moment, are as follows.
12.0-0 a5!? Black anticipates White’s plan of a minority attack. 13.a3 0-0 14.Qc2 Re8 15.b4 b5
16.Na2 Bb7 17.bxa5 Rxa5 18.Nb4 Qa8= Navara – Carlsen, Wijk aan Zee 2016

12…Nb6

The plan popularized by Khismatullin. Black plans to continue with …Be6, …Qe7 and castle in the
same sector as White chooses.

Position after: 12…Nb6

13.0-0-0

The long castle scheme is the most critical, but in practice White has used a number of options here,
the main ones being as follows.
A) 13.0-0 Be6

398
Position after: 13…Be6

14.a4 [14.Rfe1 0-0 15.e4 dxe4 16.Bxe4 [Kozak – Livaic, Budapest 2017] 16…Re8=; 14.Ne5 Bxe5
15.dxe5 g4 16.Bf5 Bxf5 17.Qxf5 Qg5= Gyokbulut – E.Atalik, Turkey ch – W 2017] 14…a5
15.Ne5 g4 16.Bf5 Bxe5 17.Bxe6 fxe6 18.dxe5 (Mozharov – Khismatullin, Moscow 2015) 18…h5
19.Qg6+ Kd7∞
B) 13.Na4 Nxa4 14.Qxa4 (Pasko – Nikolaidis, Batumi 2018) 14…Be6 15.Rc1 Qd6 16.b4 0-0∞
C) 13.Bf5 Bxf5 14.Qxf5 Nc4

399
Position after: 14…Nc4

15.0-0-0 [15.b3 Nd6 16.Qd3 Qe7= Alshameary – Santos Latasa, Portugal tt 2018] 15…Qe7
[15…Nd6 16.Qc2 Qe7= Al Sayed – Gundavaa, Baku ol 2016] 16.Qc2 0-0-0 17.Rhe1 Kb8 18.e4
Qc7∞ Barlov – Petkov, San Cristobal de la Laguna 2019

13…Be6 14.Kb1

White also pursues a typical plan, in this case taken from the aforementioned game Kasparov –
Andersson, Reykjavik 1988 in a similar position; the main difference being that here Black still has
his dark-squared bishop. The then-world champion played on the queen’s wing with Na4 and then
doubled the rooks on the c-file. The main alternative is as follows.
A) 14.Ne5 Qe7

Position after: 14…Qe7

A1) 15.f4 White tries to strengthen in the center. 15…0-0-0 However after this move Black has no
problems and can fight for the advantage. 16.Rhe1 Kb8 A practical example is as follows. 17.e4?!
gxf4 18.gxf4 Bxe5 19.fxe5 c5 20.dxc5 Qxc5 21.Nxd5 Qa5³ Mulyar – Shabalov, Philadelphia
2018
A2) 15.Na4!? 0-0-0 16.Nc5 Bxe5 [16…Kb8 17.f4 Bc8= Esipenko – Erdos, Internet 2020] 17.dxe5
Kb8=
B) 14.Nd2 This was recently employed by the Czech grandmaster David Navara. 14…Qe7 15.Nb3
0-0-0 16.Nc5 Kb8= Black is OK here, in Navara – Stefansson, Terme Catez 2022.

14…Qe7

400
At this point (incidentally, the statistics show good results for Black here) White has tried various
moves.

Position after: 14…Qe7

15.Rc1

The intention is to be one step ahead with both sides castled in the same sector. This idea is one of the
most critical attempts by White and in many cases forces Black to opt to take his king to the opposite
sector. Other possibilities are as follows.
A) 15.Ne5 The occupation of e5 is a popular plan, but as we saw earlier, it is hardly critical. 15…0-
0-0 16.f4 Kb8

401
Position after: 16…Kb8

17.Na4 [17.e4 (Ornstein – Johansson, Vasteras 2018) 17…dxe4 18.Bxe4 Nc4³; 17.Rhe1 h5 18.e4
gxf4 19.gxf4 Bxe5 20.fxe5 Rhg8„ Van Wely – Buhmann, Berlín blitz 2018; 17.a4 Bxe5 18.dxe5
Qb4 19.f5 Bc8µ Kashlinskaya – Charochkina, Russia rapid 2017] 17…Nxa4 18.Qxa4 Rhe8 19.Qb3
[19.Rc1 f6!? 20.Ng6 Qd7 21.Qc2 Bg4µ] 19…Ka8= The position is roughly equal, but I would
prefer to play as Black here.
B) 15.Na4 More critical is this knight jump, which is another way of trying to get ahead in offensive
actions in case Black takes his king to the queenside. This is also the most logical plan for the
second player. 15…Nxa4 The change is necessary to reduce White’s firepower in the sector.
16.Qxa4 Qf6!?

402
Position after: 16…Qf6!?

One of the ideas behind this move is the exchange of the light-squared bishops. Once this is done,
Black can castle short without taking any risks. 17.Qb4!? [17.Rdf1 Bf5 18.Ne5 Qe6 19.Qc2 Bxd3
20.Nxd3 0-0 21.Nc5 Qe7 22.Qf5 Rac8„] 17…0-0-0 [17…a5!? 18.Qxb7 0-0 19.Qxc6 Rfc8©]
18.Rc1 Rd7∞
C) 15.Nd2 This is the most popular choice, but the results so far have been frankly poor for White.
15…0-0-0 16.Nb3 Kb8∞ This transposes to line (c) of the commentary to White’s 13th move.

15…Nc4

For the moment Black has not decided on the residence of his king and is threatening to advance the
pawns on the queenside. 15…0-0-0!? This seems to be an interesting alternative (which has also been
seen in practice), as in Kashlinskaya – Galliamova, Russia ch W 2016; or 15…Nd7 Li Di –
Lupulescu, China 2019.

16.Nd2 Nd6 17.Na4

403
Position after: 17.Na4

We are following the continuation of the only game that has so far reached this position. White,
meanwhile, has alternatives that deserve further experience.
A) 17.f4 Qd7 18.Na4 Bf5 19.Nc5 Bxd3 20.Qxd3 Qe7 21.e4 dxe4 22.Ndxe4 Nxe4 23.Rhe1 0-0-0
24.Rxe4 Qc7„
B) 17.Nf3 0-0-0 18.Na4 Kb8 19.Nc5 Bc8„
C) 17.Rce1 f5„

17…f5 18.Nc5 0-0

Every rule has its exception. Black usually castles in the same sector as White, but here the concrete
lines show that this would be counterproductive. On the other hand, the bishop on g7 is an excellent
defender and it is not easy for White to create an offensive despite the open h-file.
18…0-0-0 19.Qa4 Kb8 20.Rc3± If Black wishes to castle long, he must proceed to exchange knights
on a4, as in line (b) of the commentary on White’s 15th move.

19.Nf3

19.Nxe6 Qxe6 Black follows with …Ne4. 20.Rhf1 Ne4 [20…a5!?] 21.Ka1!? The idea is g4.
21…Qd7„

19…Ne4 20.Nxe6 Qxe6 21.Ne5

404
Position after: 21.Ne5

21…Rac8=

The position offers chances to both sides, as in Maatman – Krasenkow, Groningen 2018. With each
side holding their knight on a strong central square and opposite-colored bishops, the course of the
subsequent moves will be determined by each side’s attempts to open fronts against their opponent’s
kings by advancing their pawns. In short, the line with …g5 and …Nh5 to keep the bishop pair is a
little risky from a structural point of view, but it is nevertheless possible and Black certainly has his
chances. Even in the most critical lines (15. Na4 and 15. Rc1) the second player obtains counterplay.

d) 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 h6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3

At this point Black can play his queen to a5, entering the territory of our second chapter, devoted to
the Cambridge Springs Variation. However Black has another, less usual and more experimental
option.

6…h6

405
Position after: 6…h6

No Cambridge Springs today!

7.Bh4

7.Bxf6 This gives up the bishop pair without any visible compensation, allowing Black comfortable
equality. 7…Nxf6 8.Bd3 Be7 9.0-0 [9.Qc2 This transposes to 8. Qc2.] 9…0-0
A) 10.Qe2 This can be met in a similar way to the Merano structures, in Chen – Najendra,
Indianapolis 2016. 10…dxc4 11.Bxc4 b5 12.Bd3 Bb7 The alternative 10…c5 is also possible, with
the same idea of opening up the position for the bishop pair.
B) 10.Rc1 dxc4 11.Bxc4 c5

406
Position after: 11…c5

With the white rook on c1, this move seems more accurate than continuing with …b5. 12.Ne5
[12.Qe2 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Bd7= M.Piket – De Zeeuw, Nederland ch 1987; 12.d5 b5!? 13.Bxb5 exd5
14.Bc6 Rb8∞] Now in O’Kelly – Dunkelblum, Belgium 1956, the most practical way of dealing
with the position from the black side was as follows. 12…cxd4 13.exd4 Qd6 14.Re1 Rd8=

7…g5

At this point I suggest that the reader should review the concepts discussed in the commentary on
move 8…g5 in the previous subchapter, which are fully applicable to the present situation.

8.Bg3 Nh5

407
Position after: 8…Nh5

Here Black also wins the pair of bishops, but his pawn formation on the kingside is weakened. The
line bears a strong resemblance to the one seen in the previous subchapter, and in fact transposes to it
if White at any point exchanges on d5. Meanwhile, White does better to keep up the tension, trying to
show that the development of the black pieces on the queenside will not be easy. The second player
here has a typically bad light-squared bishop.

9.Qc2

One of the most logical ideas in this position. White has also employed the following moves.
A) 9.Bd3 Nxg3 10.hxg3 Bg7

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Position after: 10…Bg7

11.Qc2 Now this is the most usual, transposing to the main line of that chapter. White has
alternative independent moves.
A1) 11.Rc1 This can be met by 11…a6, as in Mareco – Quezada, Saint Louis 2017; 11…0-0 Peng
Xiongjian, China 2019; 11…dxc4 12.Bxc4 b6 13.Qe2 Qe7„
A2) 11.e4 g4 12.Nh4 (Maden – Rahmanov, Turkey 2017) 12…dxe4!? 13.Bxe4 Nf6 14.Bc2 b5!³
Black has the initiative.
A3) 11.Qe2 Qe7 12.0-0-0 [12.cxd5 exd5 This transposes to the moves in subchapter b), in the line
with 12. Qe2.] 12…dxc4 13.Bxc4 b5 14.Bd3 a6 15.Kb1 c5 16.Be4 Rb8∞ Grischuk – Carlsen,
internet 2016
B) 9.Be5 This is usual and in this particular position, with no exchange on d5, a better version than
in the similar one in the previous subchapter, which makes it one of the most critical lines for Black.
9…Ng7!? The second player can respond with this move, threatening to continue with …g4 and the
exchange on e5. [9…Nxe5 This secures the possession of the bishop pair at the cost of giving White
some initiative after the following. 10.Nxe5 Nf6 11.h4 Nd7 12.hxg5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 Qxg5 (Blasco –
Agrest, Sitges 2017) 14.Rh5ƒ] 10.h3!? [10.Bg3 Nh5 Repeating the position; 10.Bd3 g4 11.Nd2
Nxe5 12.dxe5 Qg5 13.0-0 (Jakovljevic – Abramovic, Montenegro 2018) 13…Bd7!?∞] 10…Nxe5

409
Position after: 10…Nxe5

11.Nxe5!? [11.dxe5 Less critical. 11…Nf5 (Vidit – Mamedov, Hengshui rapid 2019) 12.Bd3 Ne7
13.Qc2 Bg7∞] 11…Bd6

Position after: 11…Bd6

B1) 12.g4!? This leads to major complications. 12…h5 13.Qf3 f6 14.Ng6 Rh6 15.gxh5 Nxh5
16.0-0-0 Qd7

410
Position after: 16…Qd7

17.h4 [17.Bd3 Qf7 18.Rdg1 Rxg6 19.Qxh5 Rg7 20.Qxf7+ Kxf7 21.h4 dxc4 22.Bxc4 gxh4
23.Rxg7+ Kxg7 24.Rxh4 f5=] 17…g4 18.Qxg4 Qh7 [18…Qf7 19.Rg1 e5 This transposes.]
19.Rg1 e5 20.Qf3 Rxg6 21.Rxg6 Qxg6 22.Be2 exd4 [22…Ng7 This is risky. 23.cxd5 exd4
24.Rxd4 c5 25.h5© White has very good compensation.] 23.Qxh5 Qxh5 24.Bxh5+ Ke7 25.Rxd4
Be5 26.Rd1 dxc4 27.Rg1 Bxc3 28.bxc3 Be6 29.Rg7+ Kd6 30.Bg6 Rh8 31.h5 Bg4 32.Rf7 Bxh5
33.Rxf6+ Ke7 34.Rf7+ Ke6 35.Bxh5 b5 36.Bg6 Rg8 37.Rxa7 Rxg6= This position must be a
draw.
B2) 12.Bd3 One of the most complicated positions for the second player. 12…Bxe5 13.dxe5 Qc7
14.h4 Qxe5 15.hxg5 Qxg5 16.Qa4 dxc4 17.Ne4 Qe7 18.Be2 e5 19.0-0-0© White has good
compensation.

9…Nxg3 10.hxg3 Bg7

411
Position after: 10…Bg7

11.0-0-0

This is the most usual continuation, but White has several alternatives.
11.Bd3 Qe7 Black’s choice at master level, trying to reach positions similar to those in the previous
subchapter. This is a direct transposition if White exchanges on d5. 12.0-0-0 [12.e4 dxc4 13.Bxc4 g4
14.Ne5 (Gubernatorova – Charochkina, Russia blitz 2017) 14…Nxe5 15.dxe5 Qg5µ] 12…Nb6
13.c5 Nd7 14.e4 g4 15.Nh4 Bxd4 16.exd5 Nxc5

412
Position after: 16…Nxc5

17.Bf5! This is Matlakov’s idea, which is critical for the assessment of the line. [17.dxe6 Bxe6
18.Ne2 0-0-0–+ Vitiugov – Artemiev, Doha blitz 2016. White has no compensation for the pawn
deficit.] 17…Bg7 [17…Be5? This is inferior. 18.dxe6 Bxe6 19.Rhe1+– Black’s position is
strategically lost because of the problems in securing his king, as in Matlakov – Robson, Khanty
Mansiysk 2017; 17…exf5 18.Rxd4±] 18.Kb1 exf5!? 19.Rhe1 Be5 20.f4 gxf3 21.gxf3 0-0 22.dxc6
bxc6 23.f4 Ne4 24.Nxe4 fxe4 25.Rxe4 Rd8 26.Rde1 Be6 27.Rxe5 Qf6 28.Nf5 [28.Qc3 Rd6!=]
28…Rd5=

11…Qe7

The most usual continuation. Nevertheless Black, even in games played by well-known masters, has
sporadically chosen other moves, such as 11…Nb6, as in Koziak – Dreev, Corsica 2017.

12.Kb1

After the king’s move we enter a critical position, where Black must evaluate his position
accordingly: a) if the exchange on d5 has not taken place, the light-squared bishop is a limited piece –
once the useful moves are completed, the best development option is on the b7-square; b) the slight
delay in development makes long castling schemes less logical for the second player in this position,
as White has taken concrete steps (his last move is proof of this) to get ahead in the possible race to
attack. While other moves have been played in this position (such as 12. Bd3, 12. Be2 or 12. g4) they
transpose to lines that have already been seen. Alternatively White has some independent ideas.
A) 12.e4!? This move offers chances to both sides after the following. 12…g4 13.Nh4 [13.Nd2 e5!
∞ Harshavardhan – Aditya, Novi Sad 2022] 13…dxe4 14.Nxe4 Nf6 15.c5 Nxe4 16.Qxe4 Qg5+
17.Kb1 Bd7∞ Bykhovsky – Grischuk, internet 2020
B) 12.cxd5 This also offers great opportunities for transposition, in this case to the previous
subchapter. 12…exd5 13.Bd3 Nb6 Now the following effectively transposes. 14.Kb1 Be6 Other
options don’t seem to complicate Black’s task. 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 [15.Bxe4 Be6 16.Rhe1 g4
17.Ne5 0-0-0 18.Nxf7 Qxf7 19.Bg6 Qf8 20.Rxe6 Bxd4= Longa Yauca – Santos Ruiz, Sitges 2016]
15…g4 [15…Be6 16.Nc5 0-0-0 17.Rhe1² Indjic – Khartik, Moscow 2020] 16.Ne5 Be6 17.Nc5 0-
0-0 18.Nxe6 fxe6 19.Ng6 Qg5+ 20.Kb1 Rhe8= There are chances for both sides. Black has lost the
advantage of the bishop pair and his pawn formation is still in disrepair, but he has some very active
pieces in compensation, starting with the bishop on g7.

12…0-0

Considering the above, this decision to take the king to g8 happens to be one of the most reasonable,
despite the structural weakening in the sector and the fact that White has an open column for his
offensive ideas.
12…dxc4 This is popular and has given good results for Black. However White’s position is

413
preferable after the following. 13.Bxc4 Nb6 14.Bb3 Bd7 15.Ne4 0-0-0 16.Qc5 Qf8 17.Qa5 Kb8
18.Ne5 Be8 (Kuybokarov – Bartel, Abu Dhabi 2019) 19.Nc4±

13.cxd5

Once Black has castled short the exchange on d5 is logical. Another option is to keep this possibility
open and complete development. 13.Bd3 However Black has sufficient counterplay for equality, after
the following. 13…dxc4 14.Bxc4 Rd8

Position after: 14…Rd8

15.Ne4 [15.Ne5 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Rxd1+ 17.Nxd1 Bxe5 18.Rxh6 Bg7 19.Rh5 Bd7 Black is OK.] 15…
b5!? 16.Be2 [16.Bb3 Bb7=] 16…Bb7 17.Nc5 [17.Rc1 a5„] 17…Nxc5 18.Qxc5 Qxc5 19.dxc5 Bf8=

13…cxd5

The opening of the c-file aims to create counterplay on the queenside.

13…exd5 14.Bd3 Rd8„

14.g4 Nb6

A) 14…Rd8 15.Bd3 a6 16.Ne2 b5 17.Qc7 Re8 18.Rc1± Esipenko – Artemiev, Poikovsky 2019
B) 14…a6!? 15.Bd3²
C) 14…Nf6 15.Ne5 Bd7 16.Bd3 Rfc8„

15.Ne5 Bd7 16.f4

414
Position after: 16.f4

16…Rac8„

While the initiative is on White’s side, Black is not without counterplay based on the actions that can
be taken on the queenside with the advance of the a- and b-pawns. That said, White’s position is, in
our main line and in the 9. Be5 sub-line, easier to play for the first player, making that variation a
sporadic presence in our repertoire. Therefore it is more useful as a surprise weapon and a
complement to the more solid Cambridge Springs.

e) 5.e3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.e3

Another possibility with a strong tendency to transpose. Despite being fashionable, this voluntary
imprisonment of White’s dark-squared bishop should not be critical, and yet schemes with b3, Bb2,
Bd3 (in Zukertort style) must be carefully countered by Black.

5…a6!?

An independent idea. The most popular reply here is 5…c6, but it transposes directly into the Semi-
Slav Defense, which is outside our repertoire.

415
Position after: 5…a6!?

6.b3

Another solid idea, which also produces different positions from the most commonly used ones
because White can no longer play Bg5. With this move White anticipates Black’s idea of …dxc4 and
…b5. In practice the following alternatives have also been used, in order of popularity.
A) 6.Bd3 This is usual, but as I indicated, Black has a good reply. 6…dxc4 7.Bxc4 b5

Position after: 7…b5

416
 8.Bd3 [8.Bb3 Bb7 9.0-0 c5³ This is comfortable for Black, as in Enchev – Rusev, Bulgaria 2012;
8.Be2 Bb7 9.0-0 c5 10.b3 Bd6³ Ulrichsen – Sharif, Dresde 2018] 8…Bb7 9.0-0 c5 10.Qe2 Bd6
11.Rd1 0-0 12.Bc2 Qc7³ Black has a visible initiative, as in Enkhbat – Vaulin, Chelyabinsk 1990.
B) 6.cxd5 This is logical, similarly with the idea of pre-empting the aforementioned plan by Black.
However Black obtains easy equality. 6…exd5 7.Bd3 Bd6 8.0-0 0-0

Position after: 8…0-0

9.b3 [9.Qc2 Re8=; 9.e4 Nxe4 10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.Bxe4 Nf6 12.Bc2 h6 13.Qd3 Re8 14.Bd2 Be6=
Jaffe – Chajes, New York 1913] 9…Re8 10.Bb2 b6 11.Rc1 Bb7 12.Ne2 Ne4= Malakhov – Wang
Hao, China tt 2017
C) 6.c5 This is another radical way of preventing Black’s plan. 6…b6 7.b4 [7.c6 Nb8 8.Qa4
(Maiorov – Nevednichy, Avoine 2015) 8…Qd6 9.Ne5 Ne4 10.Bd3 f6³] 7…a5 [7…c6 8.Bb2 a5
Ding Liren – Aronian, Paris/St Petersburg 2013] 8.c6 [8.Qa4 Bb7 9.c6 axb4 10.cxd7+ Nxd7 11.Qc2
bxc3–+] 8…axb4!

417
Position after: 8…axb4!

9.cxd7+ Bxd7 10.Nb1 c5 Black has excellent compensation, for example after the following.
11.Ne5 c4 12.Nxc4 [12.Bb2 Ba4 13.Qc1 Ne4µ; 12.Nxd7 Qxd7 13.Nd2 b5 14.Be2 Be7 15.0-0 0-
0µ] 12…dxc4 13.Bxc4 Bd6µ Csiszar – Gonda, Harkany 2009

6…b6

Very logical, vacating the b7-square for the queen bishop, which in many Queen’s Gambit positions
is limited by the e6-pawn. From this location, the piece will have an impact on e4.

7.Bb2

A) 7.cxd5 exd5 8.g3 Bb7 [8…Bd6 9.Bg2 Bb7 This transposes.] 9.Bg2 Bd6 10.0-0 0-0 11.Bb2
(Shchekachev – Fontaine, Cappelle rapid 2019) 11…Ne4=
B) 7.Bd3 Bb7 8.0-0 Bd6 9.Bb2 This transposes to the text.

7…Bb7 8.Bd3

8.cxd5 exd5 9.g3 This is an idea that has been recently employed by Ivanchuk. 9…Bd6 10.Bg2
[10.Bh3 Qe7 11.Qc2 0-0-0 12.Ne5 Bxe5 13.dxe5 Qxe5³ It is difficult to justify White’s
compensation for the surrendered pawn, as in Ivanchuk – Lupulescu, internet rapid 2021.] 10…0-0
11.0-0 Re8 12.Rc1 (Vaganian – Buhmann, Germany 2004) 12…Ne4= Black has comfortable
equality.

8…Bd6 9.0-0 0-0

418
Position after: 9…0-0

Almost five hundred games have encountered this position, coming from various move orders.
Black’s minor pieces are actively positioned, so they justify an evaluation of equality. Here are some
examples from practice.

10.Rc1

This move is the most popular. White has employed various other ideas, the most common being as
follows.
A) 10.Qe2 This is the main option. 10…Ne4 However Black is comfortable here. 11.Rac1 [11.a4
c5= Sargissian – Bogner, Heraklion 2017] 11…f5= Spassky – Miles, Bugojno 1984. Black has
obtained the typical scheme of this variation and can look to the future with peace of mind. They
can play on the kingside by advancing the g-pawn or by employing their heavy pieces (…Rf6-h6)
and also on the queenside via the thematic break …c5.
B) 10.Qc2 This is an idea first used by Geller to avoid the plan with the black knight jumping to e4,
but at the same time it allows the doubling of pawns on f3. 10…dxc4 [10…c5 This is another
popular idea, as in Fedoseev – Inarkiev, Russia rapid 2015.] 11.bxc4 Bxf3 12.gxf3

419
Position after: 12.gxf3

12…c5 [12…Nd5!?] 13.d5!? [13.Ne4 Nxe4 14.fxe4 Bxh2+= Geller – Averbakh, URSS 1953;
13.Ne2 Re8=] 13…exd5 14.cxd5 b5∞ A complex position with obvious structural imbalances.
Although White has achieved the better results from this position, I prefer to play this as Black. A
high-level game continued as follows. 15.Be2?! c4!? 16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.fxe4 Qe7 18.f4?! f6 19.Rad1
The combination of moves …Rae8 and …Nc5 would have given Black a clear advantage, in Short –
Hou Yifan, Bangkok 2012.
C) 10.cxd5 exd5

420
Position after: 10…exd5

11.Rc1 [11.Ne2 Qe7 12.Ng3 g6 13.Rc1 Ne4= Nisipeanu – Oparin, Gjakova 2016] 11…Ne4
[11…Qe7 Black can precede the jump with this move, as in Dziuba – Leko, Germany 2019.]
12.Qc2 [12.Ne2 Qe7 13.Qc2 Rac8 14.Ng3 g6 15.Qe2 b5= Nikolac – Farago, Split 2000] 12…f5
13.Ne2 Rc8 14.Nf4 Qe7 15.Qe2 g5 16.Nh5 g4 17.Ne5 Nxe5 18.dxe5 Bxe5∞ Bachmann – Rodi,
Cuiabá 2019

10…Qe7

Another natural move, connecting the rooks, which in practice is almost unanimously employed. Here
Black has a good option. 10…dxc4 11.bxc4 c5= Vaganian – Miroshnichenko, Antwerp 2008

11.Na4

The most usual continuation, trying to exert control not only over c5 but also over e5 by opening up
the diagonal for the dark-squared bishop. The main options are as follows.
A) 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Ne2 Ne4= Harikrishna – Navara, Prague rapid 2018
B) 11.Qe2 Ne4 12.Rfd1 [12.Nd2 f5 13.cxd5 exd5 14.f3 Nxd2 15.Qxd2 (Mecking – Vescovi, São
Paulo 2000) 15…Rae8³] 12…f5 13.Bb1 Rac8= Lei Tingjie – H.Dronavalli, Hamedan 2018
C) 11.Re1 Ne4 12.Qc2 f5= Petrosian – Lengyel, Wijk aan Zee 1971

11…dxc4 12.bxc4 c5

Position after: 12…c5

421
13.Ne5

Mirroring some of Black’s schemes seen earlier, White occupies e5.

13.Rb1 White also gains no advantage from this move, for instance after the following. 13…Rab8
[13…cxd4 14.exd4 b5!? 15.cxb5 axb5 16.Bxb5 Nd5©] 14.Ba1 Rfd8 15.Ne5 cxd4 16.exd4 Bxe5
17.dxe5 Ne4= Malaniuk – Hjartarson, Tilburg rapid 1993

13…Rfd8

Position after: 13…Rfd8

14.Qc2

Other ideas have been tried in practice.

A) 14.f4 Rab8 15.Qe2 Ba8= Smith – Vl. Sveshnikov, Baku ol 2016
B) 14.Qe2 Rab8 [14…cxd4 15.exd4 (Marin – Nevednichy, Capo d’Orso 2018) Now, there is an
interesting sacrifice. 15…b5 16.cxb5 axb5 17.Bxb5 Nd5©]
B1) 15.f4 This can be met by 15…Ba8 with transposition to line (a) of this commentary, or with
the following response. 15…cxd4 16.exd4

422
Position after: 16.exd4

16…Ba3!? [16…b5!? 17.cxb5 axb5 18.Bxb5 Ba8©] 17.Nxd7 Rxd7 18.Nxb6 Bxb2 19.Qxb2 Bc6
20.c5 Qd8 21.Rfd1 [21.Be2 Rxd4 22.Rfd1 Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 Qe8=] 21…Nd5 22.Be4 (Stefanova –
Hou Yifan, Beijing rapid 2012) 22…Ba4 23.Bxd5 Bxd1 24.Qd2 Rxb6 25.cxb6 exd5 26.Rxd1
Qxb6=
B2) 15.Rfd1 Bc7 16.Nxd7 Qxd7 17.Bc2 cxd4 18.Bxd4 (Dizdar – Djuric, Yugoslavia ch 1989)
18…Qc6 19.f3 e5 20.Bb2 Rxd1+ 21.Rxd1 h6=

14…h6 15.h3 Rac8=

This was the game Portisch – Karpov, Novi Sad rapid 2006. Black’s pieces are active and can be
employed in actions against White’s castled position.

f) 5.— & 5.Qc2

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7

423
Position after: 4…Nbd7

5.Qc2

A continuation that can transpose to different scenarios, some of them outside our repertoire, so the
move order is important here. In this section, dedicated to the less usual lines, we also have the
following options.
A) 5.g3!? White transfers the game to a version of the Catalan opening, the main aspect of which is
analyzed in the chapter 7. In the present position one argument in White’s favor is that Black has
already defined the location of his queen knight on d7, while the queen bishop remains within the
pawn chain. However at the same time, White has already determined the placement of his queen
knight on c3, a development which in the Catalan is not so usual because it makes it difficult to
regain the pawn on c4 when Black captures it on this square. The time it takes White to regain this
unit in the line that follows allows Black to achieve comfortable development and a balanced
middlegame. 5…dxc4

424
Position after: 5…dxc4

A1) 6.Qa4 a6 7.Bg2 Instead, the queen capture on c4 is effectively met with …b5 or …c5. 7…Rb8
8.Qxc4 b5 9.Qd3 Bb7 10.0-0 c5 Black achieves comfortable equality. 11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.Bf4 Rc8
13.Rad1 0-0 14.Ne5 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Nxe5 16.Bxe5 Be7= Andersson – Kasparov, Belgrado m
1985
A2) 6.Bg2 Rb8 7.a4 [7.Qa4 a6 This transposes to 6. Qa4.] 7…Bb4 8.0-0 0-0

Position after: 8…0-0

425
 A2.1) 9.Qc2 This is the alternative. 9…a5 10.Rd1 [10.e4!? h6 11.Be3 b6∞] 10…Nb6 11.e4 Bd7
12.Ne5 (Vo Thi – Pam le Thao, Chengdu 2017) 12…h6 13.Bf1 Qe7= White has compensation
for the pawn, but no more than that.
A2.2) 9.Nd2 e5 10.Nxc4 exd4 11.Qxd4 Nc5 12.Qxd8 Rxd8 13.Bf4 Ne6

Position after: 13…Ne6

14.Rfd1 [14.Be3 a6 15.Rfc1 Nd4 16.Bxd4 Rxd4 17.b3 c6³ Topalov – Aronian, Saint Louis 2014]
14…Rxd1+ 15.Rxd1 Bd7 16.Ne5 Be8= The dynamically balanced position offers chances for
both sides. White’s pieces are somewhat more active, but Black has a solid structure and the
majority of pawns in the sector are away from the kings.
B) 5.a3!? dxc4 6.e4 b5!? 7.e5 [7.Nxb5 Nxe4 8.Bxc4 a6 9.Nc3 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bb7 11.0-0 Bd6
12.Rb1 Be4 13.Bd3 Bxd3 14.Qxd3 0-0 15.Rd1 Re8 16.Nd2 Rb8=] 7…Nd5 8.Nxb5 N7b6 9.Nd2
Ba6!?

426
Position after: 9…Ba6!?

The chances are equivalent. By way of illustration, a possible continuation is as follows. 10.Nxc4
Qd7 11.Nxb6 axb6 12.Nc3 Bxf1 13.Kxf1 c5 14.Be3 Nxe3+ 15.fxe3 Be7 16.d5 exd5 17.Qxd5
Qf5+ 18.Qf3 Qd3+ 19.Ke1 0-0 20.Rd1 Qg6 21.Qe4 Qe6©
C) 5.c5 b6 6.c6 Nb8 7.Qa4 Ne4 8.Bf4 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bd6 10.Bd2 0-0= Bucur – Bulmaga, Romania
tt 2018
D) 5.Qb3 This can be answered as follows. 5…dxc4 6.Qxc4 c5 Black already has the initiative due
to the exposure of the white queen, in Koshnitsky – Purdy, Sydney 1934 and later games.

5…dxc4!?

I choose this move as the main line because it does not transpose into one of the more well-known
scenarios, as do the moves 5…c6 (which can lead to the Exchange Variation after 6.Bg5 or to a Semi-
Slav Meran Variation with 6. e3) or 5…Bb4 (where the sequence 6.cxd5 exd5 7.Bg5 leads to a
popular line of the Ragozin Variation).

6.e4

This advance is the critical continuation.

6.e3 This alternative does not cause problems for Black. 6…Nb6 7.Bxc4 Nxc4 8.Qa4+ Bd7 9.Qxc4
Rc8 10.e4 c5 11.d5 [11.e5 b5 12.Qd3 c4 13.Qe3 Nd5 14.Nxd5 exd5³ Kempinski – Nikolic, Polanica
Zdroj 1996] 11…exd5 12.exd5 Bd6∞

6…c5

427
Position after: 6…c5

7.dxc5

This capture is White’s best attempt to get something out of the opening and is also by far the most
common in practice. The alternative options are as follows.
A) 7.d5 exd5

Position after: 7…exd5

428
 A1) 8.e5 This can be answered with a sacrifice. 8…Nxe5! Black’s compensation is excellent after
the following. 9.Nxe5 Bd6 10.Qa4+ Kf8³ After writing these lines, the position has since been
tested in practice. 11.Nf3?! Bd7 12.Qd1 Qe7+ 13.Be2 d4 14.0-0 dxc3 15.Bxc4 Bc6 16.Ng5 Rd8
17.Qb3 Qe5–+ Andreikin – Eljanov, internet blitz 2022
A2) 8.exd5 Bd6 [8…Nb6!? Gozzoli – Likavsky, Pula 2003] 9.Bxc4 0-0 10.0-0 Nb6ƒ
B) 7.Bxc4 This deserves serious attention as it has been chosen by strong masters in relatively
recent games. 7…cxd4 [7…a6 This is also possible, and was tested in another high-level game. 8.d5
Nb6 9.Be2 exd5 10.e5 Aronian – Hou Yifan, Karlsruhe 2017; 10…Ng8!? Now this was necessary.
11.a4 Be6 12.Ng5 Qc7∞ Here Krikor Mekhitarian suggested 12…Ne7.] 8.Nxd4

Position after: 8.Nxd4

8…Ne5!? Possibly this idea by Firouzja is the most accurate one here [The options are: 8…Qc7
9.Qe2 a6 Gajewski – Oparin, Warsaw rapid 2021; 8…Bc5 9.Nb3 Bb6 Giri – Anand, Moscow
2016.] 9.Bb5+ Bd7 10.0-0 [10.Bf4 Ng6 11.Bg3 Bb4 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rfd1 Bxb5 14.Ndxb5 Qa5=
Aronian – Firouzja, internet rapid 2021] 10…a6 11.Bxd7+ Nfxd7 12.Rd1 [12.Bf4 g5 13.Bg3 Bg7∞]
12…Qh4 13.Be3 We are following Narayanan – Eljanov, Munich 2022. 13…Bc5 14.Qe2 0-0=
Now this is the simplest way of equalizing (although the development of the bishop on e7 as in the
game is not bad).

7…Bxc5 8.Bxc4 a6

429
Position after: 8…a6

9.a4

A move with the added bonus of being Kasparov’s choice. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 9.e5 Ng4 10.0-0!? Ngxe5 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.Ne4 Be7 13.Rd1 Qb6 It is clear that White has
some compensation, but is it enough? Probably yes, for equality.
B) 9.0-0 b5 10.Bb3 (Heiszler – Mayer, Budapest 2011) 10…Bb7=

9…Qc7 10.0-0

We are following in Kasparov’s footsteps.

10.Qe2 (Gupta – Michalczak, Germany 2003) 10…Ne5!? 11.Nxe5 [11.Bf4 Nxf3+ 12.Qxf3 Bxf2+
13.Kxf2 Qxc4 14.Rhc1 0-0 15.Kg1³ White’s compensation is not enough.] 11…Qxe5 12.Be3 0-0=

10…Ng4

In practice Black has invariably continued with this attractive move – the idea is to tactically exploit
the position of the white bishop on c4, although options such as 10…0-0 or 10…Bd6 are also
reasonable.

11.h3!?

Taking the bull by the horns. Here are the alternative options.
11.Qe2!? This preventative move, providing defense to Bc4, is one of the most reasonable options
available to White. 11…Nde5 12.Nxe5 [12.Bf4 This leads to complications that are favorable to

430
Black after 12…Nxf2.] 12…Nxe5 13.Bf4 g5 14.Bxe5 Qxe5=

11…Nxf2

11…Nge5 This was subsequently recommended by Kasparov himself. 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.Be2 0-0

Position after: 13…0-0

Kasparov assesses that there is a slight advantage for Black. 14.Rd1 [14.Bf4 One of the ideas is to
meet this move as follows. 14…Nf3+ 15.Bxf3 Qxf4] 14…Qe7 15.Bf4 Ng6 16.Bg3 Bd7 The position
is approximately equal.

12.Rxf2 Bxf2+ 13.Qxf2 Qxc4 14.Qg3

431
Position after: 14.Qg3

A very complex position, which the machines in principle value in favor of Black but which
objectively shows decent compensation for the first player.

14…f6 15.Qxg7 Qc5+ 16.Kh1 Qf8 17.Qg4

So far this is the game Kasparov – Seirawan, Amsterdam 1996.

17…Ne5!?

Now this is an improvement for Black compared to the game.

17…Qg8!? This is another possibility. 18.Qh4©

18.Nxe5 fxe5∞

432
Position after: 18…fxe5∞

There are chances for both sides. The reader will forgive me for including the following long and
complicated illustrative line.

19.Nd5 exd5 20.Qh5+ Kd8 21.Qxe5 Rg8 22.Bg5+ Rxg5 23.Qxg5+ Qe7 24.Qxd5+ Kc7 25.Rc1+
Kb8 26.Qd4 Bd7 27.a5 Bc6 28.Qh8+ Qe8 29.Qf6©

433
 g) 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Nd5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bf4

Position after: 5.Bf4

If we do not consider the lines that lead to transpositions (for example 5. Bg5, 5. cxd5 and 5. e3) this
is the main continuation by White that leads to independent and very interesting sequences, the
highlights of which are presented in this and the next subchapter.

5…dxc4

An idea that was first used in Janowski – Wolf, Barmen 1905. Black has also employed moves such
as 5…c6, 5…Bb4 and 5…Be7. However the move in the text is the more independent option. It also
offers the second player the best statistics, possibly because the resulting positions are different from
the usual ones and the best theoretical path has yet to be discovered.

6.e3

This is the only critical continuation from a theoretical point of view. In practice, the following
options have also been played.
A) 6.e4 This offers good results for White. 6…Bb4 However this poses a version of the Vienna
Variation where the bishop is on f4, instead of g5, and puts less pressure on the opponent’s position
– it is therefore absolutely satisfactory for Black.

434
Position after: 6…Bb4

A1) 7.Qc2!? This is unjustly popular, because White’s compensation is difficult after for instance
the following. 7…b5 8.e5 [8.a4 Bb7µ Almagro – Barez, Madrid 2012] 8…Nd5 9.Bg5 f6 10.exf6

Position after: 10.exf6

10…gxf6 [10…N7xf6 This is also good, as in Van Wely – I.Sokolov, Tilburg 1994.] 11.Bd2 Bxc3
12.bxc3 N7b6µ
A2) 7.Bxc4 Nxe4 8.0-0 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Bd6 10.Bg5 Be7= Vescovi – Krasenkow, Malmo 1995

435
 A3) 7.Nd2 0-0 8.Bxc4 Nb6 9.Qb3 c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5= The position is approximately balanced, as
in Dzyuban – Baburin, Riga 1988.
B) 6.Qa4 Nd5 7.Bg5 N5b6

Position after: 7…N5b6

8.Qc2 [8.Bxd8 Nxa4 9.Bxc7 Bb4³ 10.Kd2? Nf6 11.Kc2 Bxc3 12.bxc3 (Schroer – Taylor, New
York 1983) Now the simplest is 12…Nd5–+.] 8…Be7 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.e3 0-0³

6…b5!?

The first appearance of this original idea was recorded in 2010. Black gives up a pawn which once
captured allows the threat of a double attack on c7. Moreover his queenside structure is damaged. All
this is in furtherance of the initiative that Black hopes to gain by checking on b4. So far, practice up
to this point has given the go-ahead to this seemingly risky strategy. Previously, the moves that have
been played almost exclusively here were 6…Nb6 or 6…Nd5. In the latter case, the following
sequence has been the main line since the beginning of the 20th century. 7.Bxc4 Nxf4 8.exf4
Teichmann – Lee, Ostend 1907. 8…Nb6 Here this is the most reliable move, where White has a
choice between 9.Bb3 or 9.Bd3. The latter seems the most critical. However this is a position for
future study, although it is no longer favored in current theory.

7.Nxb5

Obviously the only critical continuation.

7…Nd5!?

436
An idea that is in the background today, overshadowed by the more popular 7…Bb4+ (analyzed in
the next subchapter). However the text move is interesting and leads to dynamic positions, as well as
being an effective complement to lines with the direct check.

8.Bxc4

This move is the most independent option, forcing events. The alternatives mostly lead to
transpositions.
A) 8.Nc3 This transposes to the line with 7…Bb4+ 8.Nc3 if Black takes his king bishop to b4.
Black can play independently as follows. 8…Nxf4 9.exf4 Bd6!? However White can claim some
advantage. 10.Ne5 0-0 11.Bxc4²
B) 8.Bg3 Bb4+ 9.Nd2 N7b6 This transposes to 7…Bb4+ 8.Nd2 Nd5.

8…Bb4+ 9.Kf1

9.Nd2 Nxf4 10.exf4 Nb6

Position after: 10…Nb6

This causes no problems for Black. 11.Nc3 [11.Bd3 c6 12.Nc3 Qxd4³; 11.Be2 c6 12.Nc3 Qxd4
13.g3 Nd5³] 11…Qxd4 12.Bb5+ In the only game in which this position has been reached (Zhang –
James, Sunningdale 2013) Black has an obvious advantage by continuing with 12…Ke7³.

9…Nxf4 10.exf4 0-0

437
Position after: 10…0-0

11.g3

The most popular idea, enabling g2 to serve as a refuge for the king. In practice, White has also
experimented with various alternatives.
11.a3 This is one of the computer’s first options. In the inaugural game of the line with 6…b5, Black
played as follows. 11…Be7 [11…Ba5!? This deserves serious attention, trying to add to the pressure
on the d4-pawn from b6.] 12.Qc2 Bb7 13.Bd3 [The simplest is 13.Ne5 c5=.] 13…Nf6 14.Qxc7 Bxf3
15.Qxd8 Rfxd8 16.gxf3 a6 17.Nc7 Rac8 18.Nxa6 Rxd4© Black’s compensation is very good, and he
ended up winning the game, in Liang Chong – Wang Cheng, China tt 2010.

11…Bb7

11…a6 12.Nc3 Bb7

438
Position after: 12…Bb7

This is another possibility. 13.Be2 [13.Kg2 c5∞; 13.Rc1 c5 14.dxc5 Nxc5=] 13…Qe7 [13…c5!?
This may be the simplest path to equality.] 14.Kg2 c5 15.a3 L’Ami – Rabiega, Germany, tt 2013.
15…Ba5!?„ Here Black should have played this move, with reciprocal chances.

12.Kg2 c6

It seems counterproductive to close the paths of the light-squared bishop, but this is a momentary
inconvenience. After the opponent’s knight has been driven out the c-pawn continues to advance.
12…a6 13.Nc3 [13.Na3 Nf6„] 13…c5 This also leads to balanced play, for example after the
following. 14.a3 [14.dxc5 Rc8 15.Qe2 Bxc3 16.bxc3 Rxc5©] 14…Bxc3 15.bxc3 Qa5= Kopisch –
Stern, Berlin 2015

13.Nc3

This move has been tried in practice.

13…c5 14.dxc5 Bxc3 15.bxc3

439
Position after: 15.bxc3

15…Rc8

I think this is the most accurate continuation, although it is a matter of taste.

15…Qc8!? This is also not bad, as played in Swapnil – Heberla, Barbera del Valles 2015.

16.Bb5!?

16.Rb1 This is another possibility, with Black achieving equality. 16…Nxc5 17.Qxd8 Rfxd8 18.Rhd1
Rxd1 19.Rxd1 a5©

16…Rxc5 17.Qxd7 Qxd7

17…Qa8 18.Be2 Rxc3=

18.Bxd7 Rxc3

440
Position after: 18…Rxc3

Black recovers the piece, with equality, for example after the following.

19.Rhc1

19.Rhe1 Bxf3+ 20.Kf1 Rd8=

19…Bxf3+ 20.Kg1 Ra3=

After the move 7…Nd5 Black has no problems with the independent line 8. Bxc4. White’s best
chances lie in the alternatives 8. Nc3 or 8. Bg3, with transposition to the next subchapter.

h) 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+

This check is the main continuation of the variation, which otherwise leads to a completely
independent scenario, White can transpose to the present line with the 7…Nd5 option. This line was
introduced into practice by the Chinese International Master Wang Yeng in 2012.

441
Position after: 7…Bb4+

8.Nc3

This retreat is the most popular continuation in practice (both over the board and by correspondence),
leading to the position that theory considers most critical for the evaluation of the line with 4…Nbd7
5. Bf4. Meanwhile, the statistics show somewhat better comparative results for White for this option
(approximately 54.5% against 50.9% for the main line (for games post-2016).
8.Nd2 This maintains the threat on c7. 8…Nd5 9.Bg3 Obviously critical. [9.a3 Bxd2+ 10.Qxd2 Nxf4
11.exf4 Nb6 12.a4 (Andersen – Thorsteinsson, Iceland 2016)

442
Position after: 12.a4

12…Qd7!? 13.Be2 0-0 14.0-0 Bb7=; 9.Bxc4 Nxf4 10.exf4 Nb6 Black has the initiative, for example
after the following. 11.Be2 c6 12.Nc3 Qxd4³ Shauties – Di Candia, Berlín 2018] 9…N7b6 Black’s
counterplay is interesting. The pawn structure on that side is weakened, it is true, and in some cases
the fearless advanced pawn on c4 can be lost. However until that happens the aforementioned unit
restricts the mobility of the white pieces and creates space on the queenside, where Black also,
despite the circumstances, has a theoretical majority of pawns. His main compensation for the
structural disadvantages is the activity exerted by his minor pieces. The following practical examples
are a good illustration of the actions that can be taken by both sides.

443
Position after: 9…N7b6

A) 10.a3 This is an alternative that deserves serious attention. 10…Ba5 11.Rc1 [11.Qc2 0-0 12.Be2
Bd7 13.Nc3 (Sarana – Makarian, internet blitz 2021) 13…Nxc3 14.bxc3 Ba4 15.Qb2 Rc8³] 11…0-
0 12.Nc3 Bb7 13.Nxc4 Nxc4 14.Bxc4 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Bxg2 16.Rg1 Be4 17.Qh5 Bf5∞ Gelfand –
Kramnik, internet rapid 2020; 17…c5 This alternative is perhaps more accurate.
B) 10.Rc1 In practice, White has also used this. 10…0-0 11.Nc3 Bb7 This is OK for Black.
12.Nxd5 Qxd5 13.a3 Be7 14.Nxc4 Rac8©
C) 10.Qc2 The most common. 10…0-0 11.Be2 Ba6 The preference at master level. [11…Bd7!?
This was seen in a correspondence game. 12.Nc3 c5 13.dxc5 Nxc3 14.bxc3 Ba4 15.Qb2 Bxc5 16.0-
0 Qe7 17.Nxc4 Rfd8!?© Whaley – Arreaga, corr 2016] 12.Nc3 c5

Position after: 12…c5

13.dxc5 [13.0-0 cxd4 14.exd4 Rc8= Mkrtchyan – Hovannisyhan, Yerevan 2016; 13.a3 Bxc3
14.bxc3 cxd4 15.exd4 Bb5!? The idea is as follows. 16.a4 Nxa4 17.Rxa4 Bxa4 18.Qxa4 Nxc3
19.Qxc4 Rc8 20.Qd3 e5!!

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Position after: 20…e5!!

21.dxe5 Qa5©] 13…Nxc3! Restoring symmetry in the pawn formation seems the simplest solution
here. [13…Bxc5 Black’s task seems to me to be more complicated, as in Gelfand – Grachev,
Moscow 2016.] 14.bxc3 Bxc5 15.0-0 [15.Nf3 Rc8„]
C1) 15…Rc8 16.Rfd1 Qg5 17.a4!? [17.Nf3 Qg6„ Aronian – Anand, Moscow ct 2016] 17…Be7
18.a5 Nd5 19.Nf3ƒ
C2) 15…Bd6!? 16.Rfd1 [16.Nf3 Bxg3 17.hxg3 Qc7=] 16…Bxg3 17.hxg3 Qc7= The chances are
equivalent. The line itself deserves more practical experience, which we will certainly see in the
near future.

8…Nd5 9.a3

The most common, and possibly the most critical.

9.Rc1 N7b6 10.Bg3 Bb7

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Position after: 10…Bb7

11.Be2 [11.Ne5 0-0 12.Nxc4 Nxc4 13.Bxc4 Nxc3 14.bxc3 Ba3 15.Rb1 Bxg2 16.Rg1 Be4= Haugli –
Jepson, Sweden 2017] 11…0-0 12.0-0 Nxc3 13.bxc3 Ba3 14.Ra1 Be4 Both sides have reciprocal
chances. An example taken from the world of correspondence games is as follows. 15.Nd2 Bg6 16.h4
h6 17.Nxc4 Nxc4 18.Bxc4 Bb2 19.h5 Bh7 20.Qg4 Bxa1 21.Rxa1© Ferre Perez – Rodriguez Perez,
corr 2018. White has enough to show compensation, but in a live game I would bet on the second
side.

9…Nxc3

The sequence beginning with this capture is the current fashion in this position, and leads to one of
the most interesting positions arising from the declined Queen’s Gambit. Should it eventually prove
favorable to White, it would still be possible to investigate 9…Bxc3+.

10.Qd2

446
Position after: 10.Qd2

The tactical justification for White’s ninth move (10.Qc2 is similar), without which White would lose
material. The evaluation resulting from the following sequence, which damages White’s pawn
formation in both sectors of the board, is critical to the fate of the line with 9. a3.

10…Nd5

The most usual and probably the safest continuation. Black has various options here.
A) 10…Ne2 This transposes in the case of 11.axb4 Nxf4. This was the order used in the Nakamura
– Carlsen game, Paris (blitz) 2016. However White has an independent idea. 11.Qxb4 Nxf4 12.exf4
White has a slight initiative, for instance after the following. 12…Rb8 13.Qxc4 Rxb2 14.Qc3 Rb6
15.Be2 Bb7 16.0-0 Nevertheless Black should be close to equality here with ideas such as
16…Bd5„.
B) 10…Bxa3

447
Position after: 10…Bxa3

This was used by two world champions.

B1) Nikolay Ninov, in Yearbook 122 offers the following option. 11.bxa3 Nd5 12.Bg3 c3 13.Qc2
c5 14.Bb5 Here the Bulgarian grandmaster points out that 14…0-0 is the most solid move.
B2) 11.bxc3!? Bd6 12.Bxd6 cxd6 13.Bxc4 0-0 14.0-0 Bb7 15.Be2 Qc7 16.c4 a5„
Praggnanandhaa – Nihal, internet rapid 2021
B3) 11.Qxc3 Bd6 12.Bxd6 [12.Bg5 Less critical. 12…f6 13.Bf4 Nb6= Black can also consider the
exchange on f4, as in Gunina – Koneru, Warsaw blitz 2021.] 12…cxd6 13.Bxc4 0-0

448
Position after: 13…0-0

14.0-0 [14.d5 e5 15.0-0 a5 16.Nd2 Bb7 17.b3 Qb6„ Giri – Kramnik, internet 2020] 14…Bb7
15.Be2 Qb6 16.Rfc1 Rfc8„ This was played in So – Anand, London 2016. The line seems to me
easier to play as White and there may be improvements. On the other hand the fact that it was the
choice of these two superlative players gives confidence and no doubt there will be those who will
follow in their footsteps.

11.axb4 Nxf4 12.exf4

A picturesque position, with both sides’ structure compromised with doubled and isolated pawns.
Although the degree of deterioration of the white units is greater, White has compensation with
elements such as space, the better quality of his bishop and the work that it can undertake on the a-
file. All this gives the first player an initiative that must be neutralized gradually. Both sides also have
strong squares for their pieces in the center: e5 for White and d5 for Black, with a possible extension
in this case to the e4-square.

Position after: 12.exf4

12…Bb7

Black treats the position actively, based on control of the light central squares. I think that this order
is the most accurate one.
12…Nb6 However this is another continuation that has been tried in practice. It may be of equivalent
value, when it does not transpose directly into the text. 13.Be2 Bb7 14.0-0 Now Black has an
independent possibility. 14…Qd6!? This is nevertheless similar to the main line of this chapter.

449
Position after: 14…Qd6!?

[14…0-0 Black can still transpose to the main line with this move, which is the most usual option in
practice.] 15.Ra5 [15.Ne5 f6 16.Bh5+ g6 17.Bf3 Bxf3 18.Nxf3 Nd5= 15…0-0 16.Rc5 Rfd8 17.Rd1
f6!?

Position after: 17…f6!?

[17…Na4 18.Ra5 Nb6 19.Ne5² This was the course of Mamedyarov – Kuzubov, Tbilisi 2017. White
maintained a firm initiative, which was not ultimately reflected in the result.] 18.Ne1!? [18.Bxc4

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Nxc4 19.Rxc4 Bd5 20.Rc5 Bxf3 21.gxf3 Rab8©; 18.Ra1 Rd7„] 18…Bd5 19.Ra1 c6„

13.Be2 0-0

13…Nb6 14.0-0 0-0 This transposes to the text. [14…Qd6 Similarly this transposes to the previous
commentary.]

14.0-0 Nb6

Position after: 14…Nb6

This piece defends c4, but it is not the only motive behind Black’s move; the main idea is to open up
a file for the heavy pieces to create pressure on the opponent’s weak pawns.

15.Ne5

Utilizing the strong square. This move has become the main continuation of the variation by some
margin. The alternatives that have been seen in practice are as follows.
A) 15.Rfc1 Qd6 16.Ne5 Rfd8 The position transposes to the main line (the variation with 16. Rfc1).
B) 15.Rfd1 Qd6 16.Ne5 Rfb8 This transposes to the main line, but Black has independent ideas.
16…a6!? Smirnov – Karjakin, Tbilisi 2017
C) 15.Ra5 Qd6 16.Rfa1 Nd5 17.Ne5 Qxb4 18.Qxb4 Nxb4 (Sychev – Grachev, Moscow 2016)
19.Bxc4!? Nc2 20.Rd1 Rfd8„

15…Qd6 16.Rfd1

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This seems the most logical arrangement for White’s rooks.
16.Rfc1 Rfd8 17.Nxc4 Nxc4 18.Bxc4 [18.Rxc4 Ba6 19.Rc5 Bxe2 20.Qxe2 Qxf4 21.Qe3 Qxd4
22.Qxd4 Rxd4 23.Rxc7 g5= Sunilduth Lyna – Kryvoruchko, Sharjah 2017] 18…Qb6 [18…Qxd4
19.Qxd4 Rxd4 20.f5 Bc8 21.fxe6 Bxe6 22.Bxe6 fxe6 23.Rxc7 Rxb4„ Gustafsson – Naiditsch, Spain
tt 2015] 19.b3 Rxd4 20.Qe3 Rad8=

16…Rfb8

Position after: 16…Rfb8

Black places his rook on the file where White’s weakest pawn is situated. Furthermore the bishop is
defended, a useful prevention in lines where the queen uses the d5-square, for example: 17.b5 Qd5
18.Bf3 Qxb5.

17.Rac1

Another attacker is added against the advanced black pawn.

17.Ra5 This rook maneuver on the queenside deserves attention. Black has enough counterplay in
lines such as the following. 17…f6

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Position after: 17…f6

17…a6 Not this though. 18.Rc5± Sarana – Ivanisevic, Belgrade 2022] 18.Nxc4 [18.Ng4 Nd5 19.f5
exf5 20.Ne3 f4 21.Nxd5 Bxd5 22.Rc5 Re8„ Kovacs – Kravtsiv, Hungary tt 2017] 18…Nxc4
19.Bxc4 Bxg2 20.Kxg2 Qc6+ 21.d5 Qxc4 22.Rc5 Qe4+ 23.f3 Qg6+ 24.Kh1 Rd8= Mamedyarov –
Kuzubov, Tbilisi 2017

17…a6!?

This limitation of the b4-pawn is not essential, but it is an improvement over the following game.
17…Qd5 18.Bf1 h6 19.Nxc4 [19.Rc3!?] 19…Nxc4 20.Rxc4 Qd6 21.Rc5 Bd5 22.b5² Nakamura –
Carlsen, Paris rapid 2016

18.h4!?

A new front is opened up. White gains space on the kingside, trying to weaken Black’s castled
position in order to seize the initiative in that sector and taking advantage of the space advantage. One
of the benefits of having more space is that the pieces can position themselves more actively. Here,
for example, the passage of heavy material through the final third can be considered after the infantry
actions. Black shows that his counterplay is sufficient in this case, so White can consider options such
as the following.
18.Nxc4 Nxc4 19.Rxc4 [19.Bxc4 Be4„] 19…Bd5 20.Rc5 h6 21.Rdc1 Ra7„ The position offers
reasonable counterplay. 22.Bc4 Rab7 23.Bxd5 exd5 24.Qe3 Rxb4 25.Rc6 Qd8 26.Rxa6 Rxb2 27.Ra7
R8b3 28.Qe5 Rc3=

18…Bd5 19.h5

453
Position after: 19.h5

19…h6=

Black decides to stop the opponent’s pawn here, considering that the safety of his king can be
compromised if he allows that unit to advance to h6. After this move, the position offers chances for
both sides, as in Nakamura – Karjakin, Bilbao 2016. The continuation of the game is given in the
model games below.

Selected Games
Game 28
Parligras, Mircea Emilian (2570)
Hracek, Zbynek (2628)
Legnica 2013

1.Nf3 d5 2.d4 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 c6 7.Qc2

7.e3 Nh5 8.Bg5 Be7 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.Qc2 This transposes, being the move order offered as the main
line in the theoretical part.

7…Nh5

This challenge to White’s dark-squared bishop is for me the most critical continuation, not allowing
the first player to consolidate and gain a comfortable opening advantage. After this jump White must
choose between giving up the bishop pair and entering a strategically complex position or transposing
to a well-known line of the Exchange Variation but with one fewer tempo. The latter option is

454
preferred in practice.

8.Bg5 Be7 9.Bxe7 Qxe7 10.e3 Nb6 11.h3 g6 12.g4 Ng7 13.0-0-0 Be6 14.Ne5 0-0-0 15.Kb1 Kb8

Position after: 15…Kb8

Black has successfully implemented the defensive strategy of taking his king to the same sector as
White’s. The extra tempo helps, making it evident that the plan with actions on the c-file that is
typical for White in these positions here is not dangerous.

16.Na4 Nxa4 17.Qxa4 f6 18.Nd3 Bc8

The immediate 18…h5 is my recommendation in the theoretical part, but the one in the text here is
not inferior and is part of the thematic plan of Black’s actions in this variation.

19.Be2 h5∞

White’s advantages (a better quality bishop and a more active knight) are more theoretical than real,
which are always met with simplifications as in this game. On the other hand Black has good control
of the center with possibilities for an initiative on the kingside through pressure against the white
pawns. A fair assessment shows that the chances for both sides are roughly equal.

20.Nc5

This move is very apparent, but it allows a series of simplifications that lead to an even ending.
Perhaps White should consider the following instead.
20.gxh5!? Nxh5 21.Rc1 g5„

455
20…hxg4

20…Ne6!? This immediate move is an option; alternatively 20…g5!? is another possibility.

21.hxg4 Ne6 22.Nxe6 Bxe6 23.Qc2 f5 24.gxf5 Bxf5 25.Bd3 Bxd3 26.Qxd3 Qf6

After liquidating the light material, the final outcome shows a clear tendency towards a draw.

Position after: 26…Qf6

27.Qe2 g5 28.a3 Qf5+ 29.Qc2 Qf3 30.Rxh8 Rxh8 31.Rg1 Rf8 32.Rxg5 Qxf2 33.Qxf2 Rxf2 34.Rg8+
Kc7 35.Rg7+ Kb6 36.Ka2 a5 37.a4 Rf3 38.Re7 Rg3 39.Kb3 Rf3 40.Kc3 Rf1 41.b3

½-½

Game 29
Maatman, Nick (2363)
Krasenkow, Michal (2630)
Groningen 2018

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 c6

In this game the studied position is reached by means of a transposition from the Semi-Slav. The pure
order of the Queen’s Gambit Declined would be
3…Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 c6.

4.Nf3 Nf6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.cxd5 exd5 7.e3 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Bg3 Nh5

456
The plan with …g5 is to eliminate one of the white bishops. This is one of the modern ways of
treating Black’s position in the Exchange Variation. The version we have here, however, is slightly
more difficult to play than in the original line with exchange on d5 on the fourth move.

10.Bd3 Nxg3 11.hxg3 Bg7 12.Qc2 Nb6 13.0-0-0 Be6 14.Kb1 Qe7 15.Rc1

Compared with similar scenarios taken from other lines with the exchange on d5 (for example, as in
the previous game) here it is apparent that White has anticipated Black’s possible offensive actions
and therefore castled long as generally recommended for these lines. With a similar idea White has
15.Na4 at his disposal, while other moves allow Black an easier game by giving him just enough time
to castle without mishap.

15…Nc4!?

A move that is possibly explained by the rating difference between the opponents (the second player
had about 270 more Elo points). Black could have taken the risk and played as follows instead.

Position after: 15…Nc4!?

15…0-0-0 Kashlinskaya – Galliamova, Russia ch – W 2016. 16.Na4 Now this seems critical with the
following idea. 16…Nxa4 17.Qxa4 Kb8 18.Rc3 White retains the initiative, although it is fair to say
that Black should be able to hold the position.

16.Nd2 Nd6! 17.Na4 f5 18.Nc5 0-0

Castling short is now a necessity.

18…0-0-0 White has a strong attack. 19.Qa4 Kb8 20.Rc3±

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19.Nf3 Ne4 20.Nxe6 Qxe6 21.Ne5 Rac8=

Position after: 21…Rac8=

This is the end of our theoretical line, with an evaluation of equality. In the subsequent moves here
each side tries, by means of pawn advances, to gain the initiative by weakening the defense around
the opponent’s king. To that end, White’s task was made easier by the fact that Black’s pawns on the
kingside were more advanced. This circumstance gave the second player a space advantage, but also
sped up White’s breaks.

22.g4!?

22.f4 This is the alternative, with 22…c5∞ being an adequate response. The text is more direct and
requires a more concrete response.

22…fxg4 23.f3 Bxe5?!

The idea is to take advantage of the continuation with 24.dxe5 Ng3. However White has a stronger
reply. Instead Black should have preferred the following.
23…gxf3 24.gxf3 c5! With the following idea. 25.fxe4 cxd4 26.exd5 Qxe5 27.Qxc8 Rxc8 28.Rxc8+
Kf7∞

24.fxe4! Bg7 25.e5±

The passed pawn is strong in itself, but it also greatly restricts the opponent’s bishop and therefore the
difference between the minor pieces on either side is obvious.

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Position after: 25.e5±

25…c5 26.Rhf1 Rxf1 27.Rxf1 Qb6

27…cxd4 28.Bf5+–

28.Bf5 Rc7 29.dxc5?!

In the context of the lines that follow, this move is tempting, but not the strongest.
A) 29.Bxg4 cxd4 30.Qf5+–
B) 29.Qf2+–

29…Qa6?

459
Position after: 29…Qa6?

29…Rxc5 Black misses the chance to play this instead. It is possible that Black did not play this
because of the reply 30.Be6+. However Black has a response that offers an interesting position.
30…Qxe6 [30…Kh8 31.Qg6+–] 31.Qxc5 Bxe5!©

30.Rd1+– Bxe5 31.Rxd5 Qf6 32.Bxg4 Kg7 33.Bf3 Re7

Despite having a minimal material disadvantage and the presence of opposite-colored bishops,
Black’s defense is dire due to the lack of counterplay. The subsequent play by both players is not very
exact, but White makes progress with successive simplifications.

34.Rd1 Bg3 35.Bd5 Rxe3 36.Bxb7 Re7 37.Bf3 Qg6 38.c6 h5 39.Rd7 Rxd7 40.cxd7 Bc7 41.Bxh5!

460
Position after: 41.Bxh5!

41…Qxc2+ 42.Kxc2 Kf6 43.Kd3 Ke6 44.Bg4+ Kd5 45.b4 Bb6 46.a4 a5 47.bxa5 Bxa5

The material difference is decisive, because White has two passed pawns. The path chosen by White
to the end is probably not the quickest, but it is undoubtedly effective, and based on improving the
pieces as much as possible in the first instance.

48.Ke3 Ke5 49.Kf3 Bd8 50.Bh3 Ba5 51.Kg4 Kf6 52.Kh5 Bd8 53.Kh6 Ba5 54.Bg4 Bd8 55.Be2
Ke6 56.Bb5 Kf6 57.Kh7 Kf7 58.g4 Ba5 59.Bc4+ Kf6

59…Ke7 60.Kg6 Kxd7 61.Kxg5+– An important detail.

60.Kg8 Ke7 61.Bb5 Bb6 62.Kg7 Bd8 63.Kg6 Ke6 64.Bc6 Ke7 65.Kf5 Kd6 66.Bb5 Kd5 67.a5!

461
Position after: 67.a5!

A decisive simplification. For the remainder of the game Black was never able to defend against the
advance of the two pawns simultaneously with his bishop.

67…Bxa5 68.Kxg5 Ke6 69.Kh6 Ke7 70.g5 Bd2 71.Kh5 Bc3 72.Kg6 Bd2 73.Kf5 Be3 74.g6 Bd4
75.Ke4 Bb6 76.Kd5 Kf6 77.Bd3 Ba5 78.Kc6 Ke6 79.Kb7 Ke7 80.Kc8 Bb6 81.Be2 Ba5 82.Bh5

1-0

Game 30
Koch, Thomas (2472)
Wang, Hao (2680)
Novi Sad 2016

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 g5 8.Bg3 Nh5 9.Qc2 Nxg3
10.hxg3 Bg7 11.0-0-0

462
Position after: 11.0-0-0

This position is an example of the same plan by Black that was used in the previous game, but
without the exchange on d5. In principle this should favor White because Black should have greater
difficulty developing his queenside wing and the poor quality, in theory, of the bishop on c8. Here
11…Qe7 is the most usual continuation and the main line in the theoretical chapter, while the
following is perhaps the most interesting alternative to that queen move.

11…a6!?

This humble-looking move is, in truth, the beginning of hostile actions against the white king’s
position, providing support for further advances of the b- and c-pawns.

12.e4!?

Returning fire with fire. With this break White tries to open lines against the opponent’s king,
realizing one of the basic ideas of the queen’s move to c2.
12.Kb1 This is a more natural option, where 12…Qe7 transposes to the main line of the theoretical
part.

12…0-0!?

A positional pawn sacrifice, in order to open up lines for the bishop pair and thus enable a direct
attack on the white king. However this strategy is not without risk – for a start, White is not obliged to
accept the invitation and furthermore it may not be the best move here.
A) 12…g4!? 13.Nh4 [13.Nd2 e5„] 13…dxe4 14.Nxe4 Nf6„

463
 B) 12…dxc4 13.Bxc4 b5 14.Be2 c5 15.d5 [15.dxc5!? Qc7 16.b4 0-0© This is the type of scenario
sought by Wang Hao in the game continuation; 15.e5 g4∞] 15…b4 16.Na4 exd5 17.Rxd5 Qe7„
Obviously here too Black’s king runs risks, which leads me to conclude that the line with 11…a6 is
more difficult to play for the second side.

13.Kb1

The king takes measures against a hypothetical opening of the c-file. This move may seem in some
contexts to be a waste of time, but it is a good preventative measure that is also approved by the
engines. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 13.exd5 cxd5 14.cxd5 exd5 [14…Nf6!?] 15.Nxd5 Nf6© This shows Black’s idea.
B) 13.cxd5 exd5 14.e5 [14.Bd3!?] 14…f6 15.Qg6 [15.e6!?] 15…Qe8 16.Rxh6 White is better, for
example after the following. 16…Qxg6 17.Rxg6 fxe5 18.dxe5 Kf7 19.Bd3 Nxe5 20.Nxe5+ Bxe5
21.Rxg5²
C) 13.e5 This is another way to gain an advantage. 13…g4 14.Nh2 f5 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.Kb1±

13…dxc4

Black goes for a plan in the style of the Meran Variation, but the resulting position is favorable for
White. Somewhat better are moves such as 13…b5 or 13…dxe4, although in those cases White also
retains his advantage.

14.Bxc4

14.Nh2± This is another unpleasant reply, trying to continue with Ng4 with pressure on the
opponent’s castled position.

14…b5 15.Be2 c5 16.e5

Koch continues to work to dominate the center, gaining space and freeing up e4 for his pieces. Also
interesting, and perhaps even stronger, is the following option.
16.dxc5 Bb7 17.Nh2 White has the aforementioned Ng4 idea.

16…cxd4 17.Rxd4?

464
Position after: 17.Rxd4?

Very apparent, although not the best. This even allows Black to turn the game around.
17.Ne4 Instead this would have kept the advantage for White. 17…f5 18.Nxd4!±

17…Qe7!³

17…Qc7 Not this move because of 18.Nxg5, where White has a concrete way of exploiting the
fragility of Black’s structure. The black queen defends against this threat on the h4-d8 diagonal. At
this point it is worth assessing the middlegame that has emerged, which even with an advantage for
the second side is extremely complex and difficult to analyze.
1) The position with castling on opposite sectors dictates the policy to be followed, based on making
direct attacks.
2) Each side has made obvious progress in the sector where its attack is to be carried out.
3) Black has weakened his pawn formation on the kingside (as noted, the g5-pawn must be guarded
against surrender), and White has an open h-file. Both are important prerequisites for an attack and
must be permanently guarded against.
4) In this particular position, the above factors may not be sufficient to ensure a happy ending to the
attack, due to elements such as the weakness of the e5-pawn or the slower speed of the offensive
advance being blocked by the doubled pawns.
5) Although White’s attack seems quicker and demands original defensive resources, there is no
concrete line of advantage.
6) Black’s initiative on the queenside, directed against an almost intact structure, adopts classical
patterns in the form of control of the light squares with …Bb7, Nb6 (c5) and the occupation of the c-

465
file. It is precisely the fact that this file is completely open that is an important factor in favor of
Black’s actions.

18.Qe4?!

Once again White makes a very obvious move, with the dual threat of taking on a8 or continuing with
Bd3 – causing a decisive weakening of Black’s castled position. However the Chinese grandmaster’s
solution refutes this idea by changing the course of the game. The following are White’s other
alternatives.
A) 18.Nxg5 It is premature to make the sacrifice. 18…Qxg5 19.f4 Qxg3–+ White has no
compensation in sight for the piece.
B) 18.Rg4 This is also not enough, the idea being to strengthen the actions on g5. 18…Rd8 19.Nxg5
f5! 20.exf6 Nxf6 21.Nh3 Nxg4 22.Bxg4 Qf7µ
C) 18.Ne4! This seems to be the best idea here. 18…Nxe5 19.Nxe5 Bxe5 20.Rxh6 f5 This is the
only move, but it is sufficient to maintain Black’s advantage, albeit in a complicated position
requiring good calculation skills. The following is a possible continuation. 21.Rg6+ Kh7 22.Bh5
Bxd4 23.Nxg5+ Kh8 24.Bf3 Qb4! [24…Bb7 25.Qd1+–] 25.Bxa8 Qe1+ 26.Qc1 Qxc1+ 27.Kxc1
Bxf2 28.g4 Bd7³ However logically, the realization of this small advantage for Black is very
difficult and would require a high level of technique.

18…Nc5! 19.Qxa8 Bb7

The point of Black’s idea. Now White’s Qa7 is not possible because of the check on e4, making the
exchange of the queen for the two rooks obligatory. Mathematically this is an operation that should
favor White. However in the context of the game it is a beneficial change of scenery for Black, who is
no longer suffering under the attack and moreover gains a positional advantage.

20.Qxf8+ Bxf8–+ 21.Rhd1 Qc7 22.a3

This advance creates new weaknesses, but Black’s position is also better in lines such as the
following.
22.Bd3 b4 23.Ne4 Nxe4 24.Bxe4 Bc5 25.Rd8+ Kg7 26.Bxb7 Qxb7–+

22…Bc6!

466
Position after: 22…Bc6!

Wisely, Black does not win the e5-pawn at the expense of the bishop pair. The position with
opposite-colored bishops that would arise after the exchange on f3 would be more difficult to unlevel.
Instead, the knight is liberated from guarding the d7-square, freeing it for offensive tasks.

23.Re1

White anticipates a possible …Nd7 and prepares to defend the pawn on e4. However at this stage of
the game White appears to be lacking a certain plan, which shows that he did not adapt to the change
in the character of the position – a common occurrence .

23…Nb3 24.Rd3 b4

The realization of the break is evidence of Black’s initiative. From now on Black’s strength on the
board grows while White waits passively.

25.axb4 Bxb4 26.Bd1 Na5 27.Nd2 Bb5!?

Black now allows the exchange of his light-squared bishop to secure the domination of the c4-square
for his knight.
27…Bxg2 It is possible that Wang Hao didn’t want to take the risk of playing this move and having
to calculate the consequences of 28.f3 (although this would also have largely led to Black’s
advantage).

28.Nxb5 axb5 29.Re4 Bxd2 30.Rxd2 Nc4 31.Rdd4 Nxe5

467
On the basis of the superior activity of his pieces, Black starts to regain material. Another favorable
element is apparent in the evaluation: a dangerous pawn majority on the kingside. As Black maintains
all the best pieces (given that White’s rooks were never able to coordinate their efforts offensively)
the position is decidedly in Black’s favor. Nevertheless, there is still a technical phase that is not as
simple as it seems.

32.f4

It is usually better not to touch the pawns in the sector where the opponent is strongest, but White
makes this advance with the understandable purpose of opening lines against the black king that will
allow him some counterplay.

32…Nc6! 33.Rd3 Kg7 34.Bh5 Qa7!

Position after: 34…Qa7!

The concrete way to capitalize, leading to an advance of the f-pawn, or raids on the kingside or
mating themes in the other sector.

35.fxg5 hxg5 36.Rf3 f6

Black will play …e5, and …Nd4 and it is curtains. White will be forced to concede material to avoid
greater evils and what follows is pure agony.

37.Rf1 Nd4 38.Rd1 e5 39.Re3 b4 40.Bg4 Kg6 41.Rdd3 b3 42.Rxb3 Nxb3 43.Rxb3 Qg1+ 44.Ka2
f5 45.Be2 g4 46.Ba6 Qxg2 47.Bb7 Qd2 48.Rb5 Qd7 49.Rb4 e4 50.Rb6+ Kg5 51.Rb3 Qe6

468
The advance of the e-pawn has cost White more material. The game can be divided into two phases:
one arising from Black’s experimental opening, where White had the best chances, and another
resulting from the exchange of the queen for two rooks where the second side became more active
and gradually increased his advantage.

0-1

Game 31
Bachmann, Axel (2631)
Rodi, Luis Ernesto (2338)
Cuiaba 2019

1.Nf3 d5 2.e3 Nf6 3.c4 e6 4.b3

The game, which begins as a Reti, soon drifts into a scenario compatible with the positions of
subchapter d).

4…b6 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bb2 Bd6 7.Nc3 a6 8.d4 Nbd7 9.Bd3 Bb7 10.0-0 0-0

The move order given in the chapter referred to is:

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 5.e3 a6 6.b3 b6 7.Bb2 Bb7 8.Bd3 Bd6 9.0-0 0-0 10.cxd5
exd5.
From a theoretical point of view, Black came out of the opening without major problems, and in the
middlegame the occupation of the e4-square plus the possible initiative on the kingside are positive
factors. White, meanwhile, has his own ideas regarding that sector of the board, and can also think of
adding the queen knight via e2. The pressure on the half-open c-file is another possibility, and that is
what White will be working on next.

11.Rc1 Ne4 12.Qc2

12.Ne2 This is a popular alternative that Black can replicate with 12…Qe7=.

12…f5

This strengthening of e4 is natural, especially for those who have, as in my case, the Dutch Defense
in their repertoire. It can be associated with future advances of pawns on the kingside, or maneuvers
of heavy pieces. It is not the only way to deal with the position.
12…Qe7 Black connects the rooks in time which also defends e4. However it is difficult to continue
without making the f-pawn advance at some point in the future – or is the latter my Dutch spirit
speaking?

13.Ne2

469
The passage of this piece to the kingside seems to me more useful than my computer’s
recommendation: 13.Na4 – where it is not clear that any pawn advances on the queen’s flank would
benefit White.

13…Rc8 14.Nf4 Qe7 15.Qe2 g5!

Position after: 15…g5!

Another thematic action, demonstrating offensive intentions towards the white king.

16.Nh5 g4!?

Black goes too far. The strategy to attack at all cost can be successful against lesser players, but in the
present case it offers squares to White’s pieces, especially the knight on h5. Instead, options such as
16…a5 or 16…Rce8 are recommended, with the idea of slowly improving the pieces.
17.Bxa6 Note that in this case this would be a mistake – for a mere pawn this distracts the white
pieces from the defense. 17…Bxa6 18.Qxa6 f4µ Now …Qf7 is a threat.

17.Ne5

This jump leads to simplifications that result in a balanced position. 17.Nd2 Obviously White should
not play this. 17…Bxh2+ Black wins.
17.Bxe4 However this is worthy of attention, where a possible continuation is as follows. 17…fxe4
[17…Qxe4!? This is also possible.] 18.Ne5 Nxe5 19.dxe5 Bxe5 20.Qxg4+ Kh8 21.Bxe5+ Qxe5 An
interesting position ensues. It is difficult to know which king is suffering more here – the open lines
can be a problem for the black king but they also serve to facilitate actions for Black’s heavy pieces

470
against the white castle. Each side has a clear majority of pawns in their sector – Black’s is more
flexible. On the other hand, the white pieces have increased activity, which gives White the necessary
counterplay to avoid being outplayed, for example as follows. 22.b4 c5 23.bxc5 bxc5 24.Nf4 d4
25.Qe6 Rfe8 26.Qb6„

17…Nxe5 18.dxe5 Bxe5 19.Bxe5 Qxe5 20.Bxa6?

Position after: 20.Bxa6?

White regains the pawn immediately, but here an intermediate move by Black could have made life
difficult for him.
20.Nf4 c5 21.Bxa6 Nc3 22.Qd3 Bxa6 23.Qxa6 b5=

20…Bxa6?

Black loses his chance. Unfortunately I played too quickly here, and as happens in these cases I saw
the move I should have made immediately after capturing on a6.
20…Nc3! 21.Qd3 Bxa6 22.Qxa6 Ra8 23.Qd3 Nxa2µ This would have given Black a healthy extra
pawn.

21.Qxa6 Nc5?!

Still under the effect of the previous inaccuracy – the knight has nothing to do on c5. It ends up
improving the position of the white queen, whereas on e4 it was in its best position.

22.Qb5 Ra8 23.Rc2 Ne6 24.Rd1!?

471
The idea is to direct all the forces against the pawn on d5. Another strong possibility is as follows.
24.Nf4! Nxf4 [24…Qe4 25.Nxe6 Qxc2 26.Nxf8 Kxf8 27.Qxd5 Rxa2 28.Qd8+ Kg7 29.Qe7+ Kg6
30.Qe6+ Kg7 31.h4 gxh3 32.gxh3±] 25.exf4 Qxf4 26.Qxd5+ Kh8 27.g3 Qe4 28.Qxe4 fxe4 29.Re1±
However Black retains some small practical chances of a draw.

24…Rad8

Position after: 24…Rad8

25.Qe2?!

An inaccuracy of the same type as Black’s 21st move – the queen is better on b5. I was pleasantly
surprised by White’s move, as I feared the consequences of the line that we both subsequently
analyzed.
25.Rcd2!? Rd6 [25…f4 26.Nxf4 Nxf4 27.exf4 Qxf4 This was the sequence that made Axel
uncomfortable, but here White has an advantage after the following simple continuation. 28.g3 Qf7
29.b4±] 26.Rxd5 Rxd5 27.Rxd5 [27.Qxd5 Rd8µ A trick that we both found in our calculations.]
27…Qa1+ 28.Qf1 Qxa2 For some reason in this position we failed to evaluate the position as clearly
favorable to the first player after 29.Qd1±.

25…c5=

Now Black has solved all his problems. The black pawns, far from being a weakness, have gained in
strength as they united. Nevertheless the ensuing time trouble still leads to some mutual inaccuracies.

26.Rcd2 d4 27.Ng3 dxe3?!

472
27…Rde8³

28.Rxd8 Rxd8 29.Rxd8+ Nxd8 30.fxe3?!

A strange decision.
30.Qxe3 Qa1+ 31.Nf1²

30…Nf7= 31.a4 Nd6 32.Qd3 Kf7 33.Nf1

Position after: 33.Nf1

33…Ne4

33…Ke6!?

34.Qd7+ Kg6 35.Qc6+ Qf6 36.Qe8+ Kg7 37.Qd7+ Kg6 38.Qe8+ Kg7 39.Qd7+

Despite the typical inaccuracies of a morning round, the game illustrates some of the common ideas
for both sides in this variation.

½-½

Game 32
Giri, Anish (2755)
Anand, Viswanathan (2776)
Moscow 2016

473
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Qc2 dxc4 6.e4 c5 7.Bxc4

While this seems to be the latest trend among the elite, in the theoretical part I considered the
alternative 7.dxc5 as the main line which, by the way, was Kasparov’s choice in this position. The
text in the game continuation leads to a symmetrical structure where White’s slight superiority in
development is gradually contained.

7…cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bc5 9.Nb3 Bb6 10.0-0

10.Bf4 This requires concrete action from Black. 10…Bc7! [10…0-0 11.0-0-0 Instead this is
somewhat better for White.] 11.Bxc7 Qxc7 12.Be2 [12.Nb5 Qe5 13.0-0 0-0 14.Rae1 a6 15.N5d4
Qb8„] 12…0-0 13.0-0 Ne5„

10…0-0 11.Be2 Qc7 12.Bg5 Ne5!

Position after: 12…Ne5!

An ambitious continuation that is also the best in this position, facilitating the completion of Black’s
development.

13.Bxf6 gxf6∞

In exchange for the slight deterioration of his structure and castled position (although it has not been
subsequently seen how White can develop an attack to exploit this) Black has obtained the bishop
pair and a position of dynamic equilibrium.

14.Rac1 Rd8?!

474
In his post-game comments Anand was very critical of this move.
14…Bd7 Instead this should have been preferred, with reciprocal chances.

15.Na4!

White is aiming for both the exchange of queens (in order to throw firepower at Black, whose minor
pieces are more active) and also the elimination of one of the white bishops. Black must play actively
to prevent White from gaining access to these objectives without impairing his counterplay.

15…Qxc2 16.Rxc2 Bd7 17.Nxb6 axb6

Position after: 17…axb6

Black’s compensation in return for losing his main asset and having a poorer structure lies in his
greater control of the c5-square and the open a-file. Note that White’s a3 would now be
counterproductive because of the reply …Ba4. However White’s next move casts doubt on the
quality of Black’s positional compensation and clearly leads to White’s advantage.

18.Rd1! Kf8 19.a3 Nc6 20.Rcd2 Ke7 21.Nd4

21.f3!? e5 22.Kf2 This is another possibility.

21…e5 22.Nb5 Be6 23.Rxd8 Nxd8

Every piece exchange increases White’s advantage, given the superiority of his structure. Black faces
a tough defensive task here. However White’s subsequent moves do not prove to be the most active,
allowing his opponent to breathe.

475
24.Rc1 Nc6 25.Kf1 Rd8 26.Ke1 f5 27.exf5 Bxf5 28.Rd1 Rg8 29.g3 Be6 30.Kd2 f5 31.Ke3 f4+!

Position after: 31…f4+!

This may not be the best move from an objective point of view, but it is the most practical.

32.gxf4 exf4+ 33.Kxf4 Rg2 34.Ke3 Rxh2 35.Nc3 Rh3+ 36.f3 Rh5

While White still retains a slight advantage, Black has made advances by liquidating some pawns,
which brings him closer to a draw.

37.Rg1 Bf7 38.b4 Ne5 39.Ne4 Nd7 40.f4 Rh2 41.Rc1

41.Ng5!? Bd5 42.Re1² This is another idea.

41…Bd5 42.Nc3 Bc6 43.Rg1

While it is difficult to make progress, after this move Black manages to coordinate his pieces and
reach equilibrium.
43.Re1!? Perhaps White should have tried this instead although there is no guarantee of evident
progress, especially after 43…h5„.

43…Nf6 44.Rg7+ Kd6=

476
Position after: 44…Kd6=

Finally. In what follows, neither player gains an advantage and peace is soon signed.

45.Bd3 Rh3+ 46.Kd4 Rh4 47.Ne2 b5 48.Rg5 Nd5 49.Rf5 Nc7 50.Rf7 Ne6+ 51.Kc3 h5 52.Rf6

½-½

Game 33
Swapnil, S Dhopade (2453)
Heberla, Bartlomiej (2558)
Barbera del Valles 2015

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Nd5

477
Position after: 7…Nd5

This is an interesting alternative to the main line with the check on b4. It has the (theoretical)
drawback of transposing to the main line if White so wishes, whereas in the independent options,
Black achieves dynamic equilibrium.

8.Bxc4 Bb4+ 9.Kf1!?

As seen in the theoretical part, the option with 9.Nd2 causes no problems for the second player.
White hopes to solve the momentary lack of coordination of his pieces with a timely g3 and Kg2.
Nevertheless this position is not without its problems, since Black is going to develop his queen
bishop via a fianchetto.

9…Nxf4 10.exf4 0-0 11.g3 Bb7 12.Kg2 c6 13.Nc3 c5

478
Position after: 13…c5

14.dxc5

After this capture Black will be able to show adequate compensation, but the alternatives for White
are no better and may even allow Black an interesting initiative.
A) 14.Rc1 Nb6 15.Be2 cxd4 16.Nb5 g5! 17.fxg5 e5©
B) Or 14.Qe2 cxd4 15.Ne4 Qb6 16.Rhd1 Rad8ƒ

14…Bxc3 15.bxc3 Qc8

15…Rc8!? This is my choice in the theoretical section, but the text move is possible and should lead
to equality as well. Nevertheless the subsequent inaccuracies in the game made it an emotional
rollercoaster.

16.Be2?!

479
Position after: 16.Be2?!

This piece is exposed on the c-file; however it is also strengthening the defense of the knight on f3,
which is the focal point of both sides’ work to control the clear major diagonal. That said, the
downside of White’s move is that it is forgetting Black’s strong reply.
16.Rb1!? Instead White should prefer this more active move. 16…Nxc5 [16…e5? This does not work
because of 17.Rxb7+–.] 17.Be2 [17.Qe2 Ne4 18.Rhc1 Rb8© 17…Rd8 18.Qc1 Ne4 19.Rb2 Rb8© The
position is approximately equal.

16…e5!

Black takes the initiative with this blow, making use of his strength on the h1-a8 diagonal. Although
Black is two pawns down, the long-suffering opponent’s structure coupled with the problems along
the aforementioned line mean that Black’s compensation is more than adequate.

17.Rb1?!

17.Re1!? This is probably better, to throw the king off the firing line. 17…exf4 18.Kg1 Nxc5ƒ

17…Nxc5?

This capture not only dissipates Black’s advantage, but gives it to White.
17…exf4 Instead, this logical move would have given Black an obvious advantage. An illustrative
line is as follows. 18.c6 [18.Qd6 Nxc5 19.Qxf4 Re8µ; 18.Rxb7 Qxb7 19.Qd6 Rad8! 20.c6 Qb6µ]
18…Bxc6 19.Bb5 Ne5 20.Bxc6 Qxc6 21.Re1 Rae8 22.c4 fxg3 23.hxg3 Rd8 24.Qe2 Nd3 25.Red1
Qxc4µ

480
18.fxe5 Rd8 19.Qc1 Be4 20.Rb4

20.Rb5!?²

20…Nd3 21.Bxd3

After this move a draw was forced.

21.Qe3!? Instead this would have been one way to keep the game alive, with a complicated position
and chances for both sides. 21…Bxf3+ 22.Bxf3 Nxb4 23.cxb4 Rb8 24.Rc1 Qa6 25.a3 Rbc8∞

21…Bxf3+ 22.Kxf3 Rxd3+ 23.Kg2 Qc6+ 24.Kh3 Qe6+

Position after: 24…Qe6+

25.Kg2 Qc6+ 26.Kh3 Qe6+ 27.Kg2 Qc6+

½-½

Game 34
Aronian, Levon (2786)
Anand, Viswanathan (2762)
Moscow 2016

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+ 8.Nd2

481
Position after: 8.Nd2

The main alternative to the more usual 8.Nc3 line, maintaining for the moment the advanced position
of the queen knight and more importantly, the dark-squared bishop. That Aronian used it in such an
important situation speaks volumes about the theoretical quality of this idea, which is of equivalent
value to the main one.

8…Nd5 9.Bg3 N7b6 10.Qc2 0-0 11.Be2 Ba6 12.Nc3 c5 13.dxc5 Nxc3!

Position after: 13…Nxc3!

482
This restores symmetry in the pawn formation, giving Black a little more space in exchange for
having theoretically more passive minor pieces.
13…Bxc5 This is an alternative that I find to be more difficult for Black to play, for example as
follows. 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Bxc4 Bxc4 16.Nxc4 Gelfand – Grachev, Moscow 2016. Black has some
compensation for the given pawn, but perhaps not enough for equality.

14.bxc3 Bxc5 15.0-0 Rc8!?

Natural, giving support to the pawn on c4. Instead, my main recommendation in the theoretical part is
15…Bd6!?.

16.Rfd1

The rooks find their way to the open columns.

16.Nf3 This is another possibility, preventing the passage of the black queen that occurs in the game.
16…Qe7 17.Rfd1 [17.a4 Bd6=] 17…Ba3 18.Nd4 Qc5= The game is balanced.

16…Qg5

16…Qf6!? This was pointed out by Anand after the game. The former world champion wondered
whether this would have been a more correct destination for the queen, while Aronian pointed out
that for some reason …Qg5 was more accurate. The truth is that both masters were already out of
preparation, although they did remember the broad outlines of the plan they were supposed to follow.

17.Nf3

Aiming to dominate the central dark squares. However Black has a satisfactory position here. The
alternatives are as follows.
A) 17.Ne4 Qg6 18.Rd2 Be7=
B) 17.a4!? This can be critical, trying to break Black’s defensive structure on the queenside.
17…Be7 [17…Qg6 18.Qb2²] 18.a5 Nd5 19.Nf3 Qf6 20.Be5 Qg6 21.Qb2 White has some
initiative based on his domination of the d4- and e5-squares. However obviously Black’s resources
are far from exhausted and gradually he can fight for equality.

17…Qg6 18.Qd2

18.Qb2 This prevents the maneuver of Black’s light-squared bishop from occurring as in the game.
18…Na4 19.Qd2 f6 Black gains control over the important e5-square and the position is balanced.

18…Bb5!

The start of a maneuver aimed at fighting for domination of the d-file by removing the d1-square
from the white rooks.

483
19.Qe1 Ba4 20.Ne5!

Position after: 20.Ne5

Just in time.
20.Rd2 This is the alternative, where a possible continuation is as follows. 20…f6 21.Bd6 Bxd6
22.Rxd6 Qf7 Black prepares …e5 to control the knight’s possible jumps. 23.Nd4 e5 24.Nf5 Qc7ƒ
Black’s pieces are better coordinated.

20…Qg5!?

The placement of the queen on this square seems to be somewhat artificial. After the game, the
protagonists analyzed as follows.
A) 20…Qc2!?
B) 20…Qe4 This is possible, with the idea of 21.Bf3 Qc2∞.

21.Rd2 Rfd8?!

The continuation of the game shows that White has unexpected resources at his disposal due to the
position of Black’s pieces.
21…Rfe8!? Instead this could have been tried. 22.h4 Qe7 The chances are roughly equal.

22.Rxd8+

22.h4!? This also makes sense, where 22…Qe7 is similar to the text.

484
22…Qxd8 23.Nxc4 Nxc4 24.Bxc4 Bxe3

Position after: 24…Bxe3

25.Qxe3?!

Perhaps Aronian had already reconciled himself to the division of the point, but he could have
calculated the consequences of the following line.
25.Ba6!? 25…Bd2 26.Qe4 Bc6 27.Qg4 [27.Qe5 Ra8 28.Rb1²] 27…Qd5 28.Be5 Qxe5 29.Bxc8 This
leaves Black struggling to show compensation. 29…Bxc3 [29…Bf4!?²] 30.Rd1 g6 31.Ba6²

25…Rxc4

Here Black has no serious problems and the game is heading this time inevitably for a draw.

26.Rb1

26.Qxa7 h5© This is not difficult to sustain for the second player.

26…Rc8 27.h3 a6 28.c4 Rxc4 29.Rb8 Rc8 30.Qb6 Rxb8 31.Qxb8

½-½

Game 35
So, Wesley (2794)
Anand, Viswanathan (2779)
London 2016

485
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+ 8.Nc3 Nd5 9.a3

This move, tactically supported by the intermediate move that follows it, is the most critical
continuation. Here White did not set up problems with options such as 9.Rc1 or 9.Qc2, and the rook
pawn move, seen for the first time in 2015, became the main line.

9…Nxc3 10.Qd2!

Position after: 10.Qd2!

10…Bxa3!?

An alternative to the more usual 10…Nd5. So far this has been seen in a few games, but two world
champions count among the advocates of Black’s cause, which suggests that this idea may not be that
extravagant. Nevertheless I would consider it as a surprise weapon, or for a single game, which may
have been the reason for Anand’s choice to employ it.

11.Qxc3

Played after half an hour of reflection. 11.Rxa3 This is bad because of 11…Nb1 White’s other
options at this point are as follows.
A) 11.bxc3 Bd6 12.Bxc4 [12.Bxd6 cxd6 13.Bxc4 0-0 14.0-0 Bb7„] 12…Bxf4 13.exf4 0-0 14.0-0
c5„
B) 11.bxa3 Nd5 12.Bg3 c3 13.Qc2 c5 14.Bc4 cxd4 15.Nxd4 Bb7„

11…Bd6 12.Bxd6

486
12.Bxc4 Bxf4 13.exf4 0-0 This is another original position that needs practical experience. Compared
to the game, here both sides’ structure suffers more. An illustrative line is as follows. 14.Ne5 Nb6
15.0-0 Bb7 16.Rfc1 Any bishop retreats can be met with …Nd5. 16…Nxc4 17.Qxc4 a5„

12…cxd6 13.Bxc4 0-0 14.0-0

14.d5 This has been tried more recently by White. 14…e5 15.0-0 a5„ in Giri – Kramnik, internet
2020

14…Bb7

The position is roughly equal, due to the almost symmetrical structure (the b2- and a7-pawns cancel
each other out as weaknesses) and reasonable piece activity for both sides.

15.Be2

15.Nd2 This is another possibility, but here it seems that Black is no longer in trouble. 15…a5 This is
a possible rejoinder by Black. 16.Rfc1 Nf6 (Alternatively 16…Qb8 and 16…Nb6 are also possible.)
17.Bf1 [17.Bd3 Nd5 18.Qb3 Nb4 19.Bf1 Bd5 20.Qa4 Qb6„] 17…Ne4 18.Nxe4 Bxe4 19.f3 Bb7=

15…Qb6 16.Rfc1 Rfc8 17.Qa3 Bxf3

Position after: 17…Bxf3

A draw is imminent, which is by no means a bad result for Black at this level. The position can be
kept more alive, for instance with 17…a5!? which nevertheless does not change the evaluation.

487
18.Bxf3 Rab8 19.h4 Rxc1+ 20.Rxc1 Qxb2 21.Qxb2 Rxb2 22.Rc7 Nf8 23.Rxa7 d5

Position after: 23…d5

An obviously drawn position. The grandmasters made a few more moves to comply with the Sofia
rules (which prohibit draws before the 30th move).

24.Ra8 g6 25.g3 h5 26.g4 hxg4 27.Bxg4 Kg7 28.h5 gxh5 29.Bxh5 Ng6 30.Bxg6 Kxg6

½-½

Game 36
Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar (2797)
Kuzubov, Yuriy (2652)
Tbilisi 2017

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+ 8.Nc3 Nd5 9.a3 Nxc3
10.Qd2 Nd5 11.axb4 Nxf4 12.exf4

488
Position after: 12.exf4

12…Nb6

12…Bb7 This is the move order indicated in the main line, but the one in the text ends up
transposing.

13.Be2 Bb7 14.0-0 0-0

14…Qd6!? This is the independent try with this move order, but main line can also be reached even
after this move. The protagonists had already reached this position previously in the same match.
15.Ra5 0-0 16.Rc5 Rfd8 17.Rd1 Na4 [17…f6!?] 18.Ra5 Nb6 19.Ne5² White’s has the advantage
here, although ultimately Black won the game after many adventures, in Mamedyarov – Kuzubov,
Tbilisi (m/3) 2017.

15.Ne5 Qd6 16.Rfd1 Rfb8 17.Ra5!?

489
Position after: 17.Ra5!?

White tries to move his rook to c5 in order to defend his queenside structure and provide activity to
that piece. As we saw in the previous commentary, Mamedyarov repeated this idea in the next game
of the duel.
17.Rac1 This is my choice as the main line in the theoretical part, but the text is of equivalent value.

17…f6 18.Nxc4

18.Ng4!? It is possible to avoid simplifications, although the knight is momentarily out of play. In
some lines it can combine with the queen rook via a3-g3. 18…Nd5 19.f5 exf5 20.Ne3 f4 [20…Nxe3
21.Qxe3 Qxb4 22.Rc5 a5 This is the alternative, where a possible continuation is as follows.
23.Bxc4+ Kh8 24.Rxc7 Rc8 25.Rxc8+ Rxc8 26.b3 a4 27.d5 axb3 28.Bxb3 f4 29.Qd3 g6= 21.Nxd5
Bxd5 22.Rc5 [22.Qc3 c6 23.Rc5 Re8 24.Bxc4 a6 25.h3 Qe6=] 22…Re8 23.Bxc4 [23.Rc1 Re6= This
is a possible response, as in Kovacs – Kravtsiv, Hungary tt 2017.] 23…Bxc4 24.Rxc4 Re7=

18…Nxc4 19.Bxc4 Bxg2 20.Kxg2

The most logical.

20.Rc1 However this is one of the computer’s recommendations here. It is a difficult move to make in
practice, considering the weaknesses that have been created on White’s light squares around his
castled position; nevertheless the proposed bishop exchange is possibly the best idea. 20…Bd5
[20…Be4 21.Rc5² The heavy black pieces have no quick routes to the kingside to scare the enemy
king.] 21.Rc5 Rb7 22.Qe3 Rab8 23.Bxd5 exd5 24.f5 h6=

20…Qc6+ 21.d5 Qxc4 22.Rc5

490
22.Rc1 Qe4+ 23.f3 Qg6+ 24.Kh1 Qh5=

22…Qe4+ 23.f3 Qg6+ 24.Kh1

Position after: 24.Kh1

24…Rd8=

The heavy piece endgame is absolutely balanced. White’s forces are evidently more active, but the
structural weaknesses and the relative exposure of the king provide Black with fine counterplay.

25.Rg1

25.Rxc7 Rxd5 26.Qe2 Rxd1+ 27.Qxd1 h5 The position starts to become easier for Black to play.

25…Qf7 26.dxe6 Rxd2 27.exf7+ Kf8 28.Rxc7

½-½

Game 37
Nakamura, Hikaru (2787)
Karjakin, Sergey (2773)
Bilbao 2016

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 Nbd7 5.Bf4 dxc4 6.e3 b5 7.Nxb5 Bb4+ 8.Nc3 Nd5 9.a3 Nxc3
10.Qd2 Nd5 11.axb4 Nxf4 12.exf4 Bb7! 13.Be2 0-0 14.0-0 Nb6 15.Ne5 Qd6 16.Rfd1 Rfb8
17.Rac1 a6 18.h4!? Bd5 19.h5 h6=

491
Position after: 19…h6=

At this point we leave the theoretical part of the present section, with an evaluation of equality. Note
how both sides have become strong on one of the central squares, but this stability is deceptive. Black
can challenge this with a timely …f6, while the capture on c4 leads to the exchange of the bishop on
d5. Moreover, as we saw in the previous examples, any subsequent liquidation leads to heavy piece
endgame scenarios that are likely drawn.

20.Re1

The rook tries to gain access to a clear passage on the third rank (playing Rc3 leaves the pawn on b4
undefended), although it is evident that more forces are needed for a successful operation against
Black’s castled position. In any case, Black’s rapid counterplay on the queenside forces the issue.
20.g4!? This savage move is another idea, which tries to open up lines to Black’s castled king at the
cost of opening up his own. Nakamura prudently ruled out this possibility. Black has several good
replies, such as the following. 20…c6 21.g5 Rb7 22.Rc3 Qxb4 23.gxh6 f6 24.Ng4 f5 25.Ne5 Kh7=

20…Rb7

A preventative measure in principle, but with an aggressive touch by trying to double the rooks on the
b-file in order to put pressure on White’s weak pawns on that file.
20…c6= This is another possibility.

21.Nxc4

21.g3 Rab8= This shows Black’s idea.

492
21…Nxc4 22.Bxc4 Bxc4 23.Rxc4 Rab8

Position after: 23…Rab8

Black regains the pawn, after which equality is evident – the weak pawns on both sides conspire
against any attempt to fight for the point.

24.Ra1 Rxb4 25.Rxb4 Qxb4

Trapping the rook is also possible.

25…Rxb4 26.Rxa6 Qxd4 27.Qxd4 Rxd4=

26.Qxb4 Rxb4 27.Rxa6 Rxd4 28.Ra8+ Kh7 29.g3 Rb4 30.Ra7 Rxb2 31.Rxc7 Kg8

493
Position after: 31…Kg8

The draw is just around the corner, and both masters make it official after a repetition of moves.

32.Rc8+ Kh7 33.Rc7 Kg8 34.Rc8+ Kh7

½-½

494
 Chapter 5
The Vienna Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4

Chapter Guide
Chapter 5 – The Vienna Variation

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4

a) 5.—
b) 5.e3 a6 6.Bc4 & 6.a4 c5
c) 5.e3 a6 6.a4 b6
d) 5.e4 b5 - Introduction
e) 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Be3
f) 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Qd2
g) 5.Bg5 a6 6.e3
h) 5.Bg5 a6 6.e4
i) 5.Bg5 a6 6.a4
Selected Games

a) 5.—
495
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4

Position after: 4…dxc4

With this move we enter the Vienna Variation of the Queen’s Gambit, a line which alone is worthy of
a whole book. Indeed, other authors have done so, such as The Queen’s Gambit Declined: Vienna by
Jacek Ilczuk and Krzysztof Panczyk (although it doesn’t cover the whole spectrum, with special
emphasis on the line 5. Bg5 Bb4). As the latter can arise from the move order of the Ragozin
Variation, other authors who have focused on this possibility have included it, including Richard Pert
in his book on this variation.
Here in this chapter, the idea is to suggest a practical repertoire for Black without entering (insofar as
it is possible) into the most hackneyed lines. This is so as to avoid repeating what has already been
published by other authors, but also because after a dense chapter on the order with 3. Nc3 and 4.Nf3
I wanted to present an alternative that is organized as simply as possible. However this does not mean
that the lines presented here are less reliable or analyzed less rigorously. The position that arises after
4…dxc4 was introduced into practice by the first world champion, Steinitz, at the end of the 19th
century, and was later followed by Janowski. While the main continuations are 5. e3, 5. e4 and 5.
Bg5, here we will consider the less usual alternatives.

5.Qa4+

This immediate pawn recovery is the fourth most popular move, and its main endorsement is that it
has been used by none other than Karpov and Kasparov. There are several other underused options.
A) 5.g3 c5 [5…Nbd7 This transposes to a position seen in the previous chapter]

496
Position after: 5…c5

A1) 6.Qa4+ Nc6 [6…Bd7 T.L. Petrosian – Kovalev, Moscow 2019] 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.Bg2 [8.Qxc4
Qb6 9.e3 (Leinov – Lutsko, Bielorrusia 2016) 9…e5ƒ] 8…0-0 9.0-0 e5 10.Qxc4 (Hauck –
Becking, Germany 2001) 10…Qe7=
A2) 6.Bg2 Nc6 7.Qa4 This line has similarities with the variation suggested in this book for the
Catalan, except with the difference of the development of the queen knight on c3, which in this
opening is not the most usual choice. 7…cxd4 8.Nxd4 Qxd4 9.Bxc6+ Bd7

Position after: 9…Bd7

497
 A2.1) 10.Be3 Bxc6 11.Qxc6+ bxc6 12.Bxd4 Nd5 This was played in Sokolin – Kaidanov, New
York 1997. While White has compensation here, Black has satisfactory play which gives him at
least equality.
A2.2) 10.Bb5 Rc8 11.Be3 Bxb5 12.Qxb5+ Qd7 13.Bxa7 Qxb5 14.Nxb5 Bb4+ 15.Kf1 Ke7=
This is also OK for Black, as in Barlocco – Pesout, Imperia 2002.
A2.3) 10.Bxd7+ Qxd7 11.Qxc4 Rc8 The most natural. 10…a6 This deserves attention. 12.Qb3
Bc5 13.0-0 0-0 14.Bg5 [14.Rd1 Qc6= Vieira – Matsuura, Brasilia 2017] 14…Ng4 15.h3 h6
16.hxg4 hxg5= Borsuk – Fingerov, Odessa 2010
B) 5.a4 This has the disadvantage of weakening b4. Black has a number of good replies, including
the following. 5…c5

Position after: 5…c5

6.e3 [6.e4 Nc6 7.Be3 Ng4∞; 6.Bg5 Qb6³] 6…Nc6 Black is a tempo up compared to a popular line
in the Slav. 7.Bxc4 cxd4 8.exd4 [8.Nxd4 Nxd4 9.Qxd4 Qxd4 10.exd4 Bd7 11.0-0 Rc8 12.Be2
(Robles – Rubio, Spain 1997) 12…Bb4ƒ] 8…Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 10.Bg5 b6 11.Rc1 Bb7= Kretchetov –
Vazquez, internet 2017

5…c6

Other options such as 5…Nbd7 or 5…Nc6 are possible, but the text leads to interesting independent
positions.

6.Qxc4 b5

498
Position after: 6…b5

Black takes advantage of the (arguably premature) departure of the queen to gain space on the
queenside. At first glance, the pawns on c6 and b5 don’t make much of an impression, but they are
the start of a plan by Black that ensures comfortable equality, based on the placement of the pawns on
a6 and c5, interspersed with developmental moves such as …Bb7, …Nbd7, …Be7, and …0-0.

7.Qd3

7.Qb3 This is an important alternative. This position can also appear from the Semi-Slav where the
usual reply 7…Nbd7 offers Black good play.

499
Position after: 7…Nbd7

A) 8.g3 This is also popular, with a Catalan-type scheme. 8…b4 9.Na4 Ba6 10.Bg2 [10.Bg5 Qa5
11.Bxf6 gxf6³ 12.Rc1?! Bb5µ Rubinetti – Sveshnikov, Rio de Janeiro 1985] 10…Qa5 11.Qd1 Bb5
12.b3 (Hermann – Reich, Austria 1998) 12…Be7 13.0-0 Qa6 14.Re1 Bxa4 15.bxa4 0-0=
B) 8.Bf4 a6 9.Rd1 [9.e3 c5 10.Be2 Bb7ƒ] 9…Qa5 10.Bd2 Qc7 11.g3 c5 12.Bg2 Bb7= Black is OK,
as in Koneru – Stefanova, Calvia ol 2004.
C) 8.Bg5 a6 The usual preparation for …c5.
C1) 9.e4 It is not surprising to see Korchnoi employing this move, given the previous note where
he was even willing to do so by giving up the pawn. 9…c5 10.d5 c4 11.Qc2 Qc7 12.Be2 Bd6!?∞
Korchnoi – Novikov, Pamplona 1990
C2) 9.e3 c5 10.Be2 Bb7 11.0-0 Be7 12.Rfd1 c4 13.Qc2 Rc8= In this type of line Black’s play
seems more comfortable, with his active pawn majority on the queenside, although objectively the
position remains balanced, as in Jakobsen – Tischbierek, Copenhagen 1991.

7…a6

500
Position after: 7…a6

The options 7…Nbd7 and 7…Bb7 are also common among the elite, but the rook pawn move – as
always, enabling a future …c5 – is the current preference at master level.

8.e4

The occupation of the center with this advance is White’s main idea here, and the one that offers the
best statistics for the first player. In practice White has also played the following.
A) 8.Bg5 This is the main option, which defers defining the placement of the king pawn. 8…c5

501
Position after: 8…c5

A1) 9.Bxf6 This is popular, possibly because of the damage it causes to Black’s structure.
However in my opinion it gives the initiative to the second player. 9…gxf6 The capture with the
queen faces Ne4. 10.d5 [10.e3 Bb7 The continuation seen in most games. 10…cxd4 This is a valid
alternative, as in Van Wely – Parligras, Porto Carras 2011.] 11.Be2 f5 12.0-0 (Berkes – Motylev,
Germany tt 2012) 12…Bg7ƒ] 10…Bb7 11.e4 [11.dxe6 fxe6!? 12.e3 Qxd3 13.Bxd3 Nd7³]
11…Nd7 12.Rd1 Qc7 [12…c4!? Another idea, that was tested in Ipatov – Sandipan, Rethymno
2011.] 13.Be2 0-0-0 14.0-0 (Le Quang – Jumabayev, Zaozhuang 2012) 14…Kb8³
A2) 9.a4 cxd4 10.Nxd4 bxa4!?

Position after: 10…bxa4!?

11.e3 Bb7 12.Be2 Nbd7 13.0-0 Be7 14.Nxa4 0-0= Lupulescu – Gelfand, Heraklion 2017
B) 8.g3 This transposes to another version of the Catalan. 8…c5 [8…Bb7 This is of similar value.]
9.Bg2 Bb7 10.0-0 Nbd7

502
Position after: 10…Nbd7

Here White has employed various alternatives, of which the most popular is 11.dxc5. [There are
other usual moves here. 11.Bg5 h6 12.Bxf6 Nxf6= Norowitz – Naroditsky, Reykjavik 2015; 11.Rd1
c4 12.Qc2 b4 13.Nb1 Rc8 14.Ne5 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Be7ƒ Sente – Radovanovic, Tivat 2011]
11…Bxc5 12.Bf4 0-0

Position after: 12…0-0

13.Rad1 [13.Bd6 Bxd6 14.Qxd6 Nb6= Moradiabadi – Sjugirov, Greece tt 2010] 13…Qb6 14.Ng5

503
 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 h6 [15…Rfd8= Andersson – Kohlweyer, Benasque 2009] 16.Nge4 b4 17.Nxf6+
Nxf6 18.Ne4 Qc6 Here the game was declared a draw, in Szekely – Pinter, Hungary tt 1998.
Certainly Black has at least equality.
C) 8.g4!? This is an idea by Ferenc Berkes, first used in 2017. While Black can consider capturing
the g-pawn, the more accurate reply is 8…c5, which is also the most common in practice. Recent
examples include the following. 9.g5 c4

Position after: 9…c4

10.Qe3 [10.Qc2 Nd5 11.e4 Santiago – Fier, Niteroi 2022. Instead of taking the threatened knight to
b6 Black could consider the following instead. 11…Nb4 12.Qd1 e5! 13.Nxe5 Qxd4 14.Qxd4 Nc2+
15.Kd1 Nxd4 16.Be3 Bc5=] 10…Nd5 11.Nxd5 Qxd5 12.Bg2 Bb4+ 13.Kf1 Bb7 14.h4 Qf5!= Li
Di – Ding Liren, Hangzhou 2022

8…c5

504
Position after: 8…c5

Again Black has an alternative with the immediate 8…Bb7, while the text is the most direct way into
the scheme. In theory, Black starts by playing the forced moves, and he will decide later where to go
with the other pieces.

9.dxc5

White’s almost unanimous choice.

9.e5 This alternative gains space in the center. However White cannot maintain his supremacy in this
sector. 9…cxd4! 10.Nxb5 [10.Nxd4 Nd5 11.Qg3 Bb7 12.Be2 (Ekstroem – Nielsen, Ohrid 2001)
12…Ne7!?∞; 10.Qxd4 Qxd4 11.Nxd4 Nfd7 12.f4 Bb7 13.Nb3 Nc6ƒ Zaiatz – Paikidze, Russia ch –
W 2010; 10.exf6 dxc3 11.Qxc3 gxf6³] 10…axb5 11.exf6 Nc6

505
Position after: 11…Nc6

12.fxg7 [12.Qxb5 Bd7©; 12.Qe4 Bd7 13.Bd2 gxf6 14.Bxb5 f5 (Korchnoi – Movsesian, Budapest
2003) 15.Qe2 Bg7∞] 12…Bxg7 13.Be2 b4 14.Qe4 Bb7 15.0-0 (Xu Yinglun – Narayanan,
Bhubaneswar 2018) 15…Qd7= The position is approximately equal.

9…Bxc5

Black need not fear losing his castling rights in a queenless position. That said, the capture on d3 is
almost as popular as the one in the text.

10.Qxd8+

10.e5 This can be aggressively met by the following. 10…Ng4! 11.Qxd8+ [11.Qe4 Nxf2 12.Qxa8
Qb6 13.Ne4 Nxh1µ Can – Saric, Turkey tt 2019] 11…Kxd8 12.Bg5+ Ke8!

506
Position after: 12…Ke8!

In this way the king does not remain within any possible x-rays of White’s queen rook, as would be
the case if it were to go to c7. 13.Ne4 [13.0-0-0 Nd7 14.Ne4 Bb7 15.Nxc5 Nxc5µ Navara –
Kramnik, Prague rapid 2008] 13…Bb4+ 14.Bd2 Bxd2+ 15.Nexd2 Nc6 16.a4 Rb8 17.axb5 axb5
18.Rc1 Ncxe5 19.Nxe5 Nxe5 20.Rc5 Nd7 21.Bxb5 Ke7µ Polaczek – Sousa, Portugal tt 2017. The
endgame is better for Black because of his superior structure and more active pieces.

10…Kxd8 11.Bd3

A) 11.e5 Ng4 This transposes to the previous comment.

B) 11.Ne5 Ke7 12.Nd3 Bd4ƒ Tunik – Smirnov, Taganrog 2015
C) 11.Bg5 h6 12.Bh4 g5 13.Bg3 Bb7 14.Be5 Nbd7µ Sachdev – Rosen, internet blitz 2022

11…Nbd7 12.0-0

12.Bf4 Bb7 13.Rd1 Ke7 14.0-0 Rac8³ Dreev – G. Vazquez, internet 2017

12…Bb7 13.e5

507
Position after: 13.e5

Tregubov’s idea is the only critical continuation here.

13…Nd5 14.Ne4 Ke7 15.Bg5+

In a later game, perhaps to take his less experienced opponent out of theory, Tregubov chose the
following instead. 15.Bd2 However Black faces no problems here, and was able to even win the
initiative. 15…Rhc8 16.Nxc5 Nxc5 17.Be2 Na4ƒ Tregubov – Torkkola, Skopje 2015

15…f6 16.exf6+ gxf6 17.Bh6

508
Position after: 17.Bh6

So far we have been following the game Tregubov – Gelfand, Russia tt 2005, where 17…Kf7 was
played. Instead, I propose the following move.

17…Bb6=

The activity and better coordination of the black pieces compensate for the slight structural
deterioration. Black can play using the open files and prepare for the exchange of one of White’s
more active minor pieces, for example with the maneuver …Bc7 and …Ne5.

b) 5.e3 a6 6.Bc4 & 6.a4 c5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.e3

After this move the game transposes to a line of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted. This is not considered
to be dangerous for Black, because the white queen knight has developed prematurely on c3 which
does not allow White the necessary time to implement any of the more incisive schemes.

5…a6

509
Position after: 5…a6

The most usual reply, first used in Burn – Steinitz, Cologne 1898. Among the elite the equally
thematic move 5…c5 is the main choice.

6.a4

White takes action against …b5, at the cost of weakening b4. The alternative is to allow Black’s
expansion in the sector and to capture directly.
6.Bxc4 b5

510
Position after: 6…b5

A) 7.Bb3 Bb7 8.0-0 Nbd7 This offers Black comfortable equality, for instance as follows. 9.e4
[9.Qe2 c5 10.Rd1 Qb6 11.d5 c4 12.dxe6 fxe6∞ Hesham – Aradhya, Gujarat 2019] 9…b4 10.e5
bxc3 11.exf6 Qxf6 12.bxc3 Bd6 13.Ba4 Bxf3 14.Qxf3 Qxf3 15.gxf3 Ke7 The endgame is
approximately equal. 16.Bc6 Rab8 17.c4 Bb4 18.Rb1 (Nagy – Brkic, Austria 2021) 18…e5=
B) 7.Be2 Bb7 8.0-0 Nbd7

Position after: 8…Nbd7

9.b3 [9.a3 c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.b4 Be7 12.Bb2 0-0= Capablanca – Euwe, Amsterdam (m) 1931]
9…Be7 10.Bb2 0-0 11.Rc1 [11.a4 b4 12.Nb1 c5 13.Nbd2 cxd4 14.Nxd4 Nc5= Black is OK, as in
Hansen – Grandelius, Oslo 2015.] 11…c5

511
Position after: 11…c5

12.a4!? [12.Qc2 This does not cause problems for Black. 12…Rc8 13.Qb1 Qb6 14.Rfd1 Rfd8 15.h3
h6 16.dxc5 Nxc5= Mamedyarov – Carlsen, St. Petersburg blitz 2018; 12.dxc5 Nxc5= Hanssen –
Pert, London 2012] 12…b4 13.Nb1 Rc8 14.Nbd2 cxd4 15.Nxd4 Rxc1 16.Qxc1 Nc5= Black has at
least comfortable equality in this type of position, as in Benderac – Badelka, Chelyabinsk 2019.
C) 7.Bd3 Bb7

Position after: 7…Bb7

512
 8.0-0 [8.Qe2 Nbd7 9.e4 c5 10.d5 c4 11.Bc2 (Kottnauer – Donner, Amsterdam 1950) 11…Qc7=;
8.e4 c5 9.e5 (Wang Hao – Lu Shanglei, China tt 2015) 9…Nfd7∞; 8.a4 b4 9.Ne2 Nbd7 10.b3 c5
11.Bb2 (Savchenko – Deac, internet blitz 2021) 11…cxd4 12.Bxd4 Rc8µ] 8…c5 This ensures
equality for Black, as evidenced by more than six hundred practical examples of this position, most
of which continued as follows. 9.Qe2 [9.e4 cxd4 10.Nxd4 Nbd7 11.Bg5 Be7³ Tunik – Shelk,
Irkutsk 2014] 9…Nbd7 10.Rd1 [10.dxc5 Nxc5 11.Bc2 Be7 12.a3 0-0 13.e4 Qc7 14.Bg5 Rfd8³ This
is easy for Black, as in Abergel – Nabaty, Israel tt 2023.] 10…Qc7

Position after: 10…Qc7

11.Bd2 [11.e4 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Bd6= Tarrasch – Grunfeld, Merano 1924] 11…Bd6 [11…c4 12.Bc2
b4 13.Na4 Rc8= Veres – Federic, Slovakia tt 2008] 12.Rac1 Qb8= Black has the possibility of
exchanging the d4- and c5-pawns, as in Hamed – Goloshchapov, Cairo 1998. With absolute
symmetry in the pawn formation, this kind of position is difficult to unbalance. However with so
many pieces still on the board there is a lot of middlegame ahead. Black, for a start, has a slight
space advantage on the queenside. [12…c4 13.Bb1 0-0= Harestad – Haug, Norway tt 2020]

6…c5

The classical reply which is also the most solid, leading in its main line to a position with a clear
tendency to draw. More ambitious players or those who are in dire need of a win can choose the
option with 6…b6 instead (which is dealt with in the next subchapter) or opt to rely on superior
technique.

7.Bxc4 Nc6 8.0-0 Be7

513
Position after: 8…Be7

After this sequence, first used in Teichmann – Maroczy, Monte Carlo 1903, we have reached the
basic position of this line, where White has various plans. Being a sub-line of the Queen’s Gambit
Accepted, this position has been analyzed in books devoted to that opening, such as Understanding
the Queen’s Gambit Accepted by Alexander Delchev and Semko Semkov.

9.Qe2

The most usual idea, where White still hopes to transpose to one of the main lines of the Queen’s
Gambit Accepted, for example, if Black plays as follows. 9…cxd4 10.Rd1 0-0 11.exd4 Nd5 White
also has other possibilities here.
A) 9.dxc5 This is totally equal, but it may be the choice of a player trying to prove that his endgame
technique is superior. 9…Qxd1 10.Rxd1 Bxc5 11.Bd2 [11.h3 b6 12.e4 Bb7 13.e5 Nd7 14.Bf4
(Pomar – Van Scheltinga, Amsterdam 1966) 14…Ne7!?=] 11…b6

514
Position after: 11…b6

12.Bd3 [12.Rac1 Bb7 13.Na2 0-0 14.Be1 a5 15.Nc3 Rfd8= Karpov – Hjartarson, Seattle ct 1989]
12…Bb7 13.Ne4 Be7 14.Nxf6+ [14.Bc3 0-0 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 16.Be4!? Rfd8!? 17.Bxf6 gxf6=
Kulaots – Sulskis, Borup 2009; 14.Rac1 Nd5=] 14…Bxf6 15.Rac1 0-0 16.Be4 Rfc8 17.b3
(Ivanchuk – Naiditsch, Dortmund 2008) 17…Rc7= The idea is …Rac8.
B) 9.b3 cxd4 10.exd4 0-0

Position after: 10…0-0

515
 This is a good version of the positions against the isolated pawn, with Black controlling d5 with the
maneuver …Nb4-d5. 11.Bb2 Nb4 12.Ne5 b6 13.Qf3 Qc7!? [13…Ra7= This is more usual, as in
Marshall – Janowski, Marienbad 1925.] 14.Rac1 [14.Qxa8 Bb7 15.Qxf8+ Bxf8³] 14…Bb7 15.Qg3
Qd6 16.Rcd1 Nbd5= Piscopo – Nironi, Italy 1998

9…cxd4 10.Rd1

10.exd4 Nxd4 11.Nxd4 Qxd4 12.Rd1 This is a delivery that was first seen in Winter – Flohr, London
1932. In my opinion White does not obtain sufficient compensation for the pawn, for instance after
the following. 12…Qg4 13.f3 Qh5 14.a5 Bd7 15.g4 Qh3 16.g5 Bc6–+ Cori – Pelletier, Batumi ol
2018

10…e5!

This move makes all the difference, moving the game away from the usual lines of the Queen’s
Gambit Accepted. Black has comfortable equality here.

Position after: 10…e5!

11.exd4 exd4 12.Nxd4

12.Be3 Bg4 This is even better for Black. 13.h3 Bxf3 14.Qxf3 0-0³ Akesson – Jonkman, Helmond
rapid 2014

12…Nxd4 13.Qe5

13.Qe3 The main option. 13…0-0 14.Rxd4 [14.Qxd4 Qxd4 15.Rxd4 Bc5= This is similar to the main
line, as in Pogorelov – Drozdovskij, Balaguer 2010.] 14…Qc7 15.Qf4 Qxf4 16.Bxf4 Bf5

516
Position after: 16…Bf5

The position is balanced. An example is as follows. 17.Bd6 Rfd8 18.Rad1 Rxd6 19.Rxd6 Bxd6
20.Rxd6 Rc8 21.f3 Kf8= Andersson – Cifuentes,
Haninge 1992

13…Qd6 14.Qxd6

14.Qxd4 Qxd4 15.Rxd4 Bc5 This transposes, but in this move order Black also has 15…Be6, as in
Petrovic – Makarian, internet blitz 2023.

14…Bxd6 15.Rxd4 Bc5

517
Position after: 15…Bc5

This position has been known for almost a century. With a symmetrical pawn formation and different
possibilities to develop the pieces for both sides, equality is evident.
15…Be5 16.Rd1 0-0 17.Be3 Bf5= This is another possibility, as in Mueller – Bindrich, Germany tt
2010.

16.Rd1

The most common in practice. White also has other tries here.
A) 16.Rd3 Bf5 17.Rf3 This is the main alternative. 17…Be6!?

518
Position after: 17…Be6!?

18.Bxe6 [18.Be3 Rc8 19.Bxe6 fxe6 20.Re1 Le Quang – So, Saint Louis 2012] 20…Ke7=] 18…fxe6
19.Be3 [19.Bg5 0-0 20.Rd1 Rad8 21.Rxd8 Rxd8 22.Kf1 Kf7= Koneru – Ju Wenjun, Chengdu 2016]
19…Rc8 20.g3 Ke7 21.Bxc5+ Rxc5 22.Re1 Rd8 23.Rfe3 Rc6= Wen Yang – Lu Shanglei, China tt
2023
B) 16.Rf4 Be6 [16…0-0 This is also good. 17.Nd5 Nxd5 18.Bxd5 Here Black equalized in a simple
fashion with 18…Rb8, in Kempinski – Krejci, Czech Republic tt 2022.] 17.Bxe6 fxe6 18.Rc4 Ba7
19.Kf1 [19.Bg5 0-0 20.Re1 (Kiselev – Gascon del Nogal, Roquetas de Mar 2010) 20…Nd5=] 19…
0-0 20.f3 Rac8 21.Rb4 Rf7= Brunello – Thybo, Gilleleje 2020

16…0-0 17.h3

The alternatives are as follows.

A) 17.Bg5 This is a natural move which is the most usual in practice, but it does not complicate
Black’s play. 17…Be6!? 18.Bxe6 fxe6 19.Bxf6 gxf6

519
Position after: 19…gxf6

20.Ne4 [20.Rd7 Rf7= Wojtaszek – Nielsen, Greece tt 2006] 20…Rac8= Farago – Khalifman,
Dordrecht 1988
B) 17.Bf4 Bg4 18.Re1 Rac8 19.Nd5 Rfd8 20.Nxf6+ gxf6 21.b3 Kg7 22.h3 Bf5= Ivanchuk – Wang
Hao, Beijing 2013

17…Be6

520
Position after: 17…Be6

An idea that has been seen in several of the examples contained in the previous comments. Black
allows the weakening of his structure in exchange for opening the f-file and gaining control of d5.

18.Bxe6 fxe6 19.Re1

A) 19.Be3 Bxe3 20.fxe3 Rad8= Vajda – Johner, Hungary 1925

B) 19.Kf1 Nd5= Eljanov – Caruana, Douglas 2016

19…e5!?

19…Rfe8 20.Ne4 Nxe4 21.Rxe4 Rad8 22.Be3 Bxe3 23.Rxe3 A draw was declared in Bagaturov –
Jangjava, Panormo 1998. 23…Rd2=

20.Bg5

A) 20.Rxe5 Bxf2+ 21.Kh2 Bd4ƒ

B) 20.Be3 Bb4=

20…Rac8=

The activity of the black pieces compensates for the isolated pawn, giving a dynamically balanced
position.

c) 5.e3 a6 6.a4 b6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.e3 a6 6.a4 b6!?

Since the schemes with 6…c5 had been shown to yield ultra-solid positions that led to a draw, Black
had to find an alternative reliable system with which he could, if necessary, fight for the point instead.
In recent years that role has been fulfilled by the text move, which has been endorsed by strong
masters who have used it at the top level of competition.

521
Position after: 6…b6!?

Black does not give up the break on c5, but defers it to a later instance, which allows for a more
active development of the king bishop (on b4 instead of e7) and more dynamic positions. First used in
the game Schlechter – Janowski, Barmen 1905, it was employed sporadically throughout the 20th
century until its present explosion in popularity.

7.Bxc4 Bb7

7…Bb4!? This was the order used in some games, as in Jovanic – Jankovic, Rijeka 2005, but it soon
transposes to the main line. It is difficult for Black’s queen bishop to find a better square than b7 in
this position.

8.0-0

The usual continuation.

8.Qe2 Bb4 9.0-0 This transposes.

8…Bb4

Since the move a4 has weakened the b4-square, Black can occupy it stably, ensuring an active
placement for his two bishops.
8…c5 An alternative plan, consisting of making this break, was recommended by Grandmaster
Alexander Delchev in a survey for Modern Chess, and is also a move that has given Black good
statistics. However the following continuation delivers a position similar to that discussed in the
previous section. 9.dxc5 [9.e4!? This deserves attention; 9.Qe2 This is the most usual. 9…Qc7

522
10.Rd1 Nbd7„ Recommended by Delchev, as in Holt – Azarov, Chicago 2015.] 9…Qxd1 10.Rxd1
Bxc5 Candela – Moreno, Madrid 2016

Position after: 8…Bb4

9.Qe2

Again I have provided the most usual move as the main line, but at this point White has several
interesting alternatives.
A) 9.Qb3 This is the move that worried Delchev and the reason for not recommending the bishop
move to b4. 9…Qe7

523
Position after: 9…Qe7

A1) 10.e4 This was played in Sokolov – Golod, Gibraltar 2009, and is Delchev’s recommendation.
The intention is to open up the center, the sector where the black king still remains. 10…Nc6!?
This may be a suitable reply here. 11.Qc2 Na5 12.Bd3 c5=
A2) 10.Bd2 0-0 11.Ne4 Bxd2 12.Nexd2 Nbd7= Barsov – Pelletier, France tt 2011
A3) 10.d5!? Bxc3 The game enters a phase of great complications, but nevertheless always
remains within the scope of reciprocal chances. 11.dxe6!?

524
Position after: 11.dxe6!?

11…Bb4 [11…Bxf3!? Oparin – Maghsoodloo, internet rapid 2022] 12.exf7+ Kf8 13.Nd4 [13.e4
This is another possibility. 13…Nc6 14.e5 Ne4 15.Be3 Na5 16.Qc2 Nxc4 17.Qxc4 Bc5 However
here it is not so easy to show compensation for White; 13.Ng5?! Bc8 14.e4 Nc6µ 15.e5 Nxe5
16.Bf4 Nxc4 17.Qxc4 h6 18.Nf3 Be6–+ Savchenko – Afanasiev, Sochi 2022] 13…b5 14.axb5
axb5 15.Rxa8 Bxa8 16.Nxb5 Nc6 17.Qa4 Bb7 18.Nd4 Nxd4 19.exd4

Position after: 19.exd4

19…Bd6∞ The position is dynamically balanced. White has three pawns for the piece, one of
which is very dangerous on the seventh rank, but he must always keep the initiative alive so that
Black does not consolidate his position by bringing the h8-rook into play.
B) 9.Ne5 0-0

525
Position after: 9…0-0

10.Qb3 [10.Qe2 This transposes to the main line; 10.Nd3 (Nava – Vidit, Manila 2013) 10…Be7=;
10.f4 c5 11.Na2 Ba5 12.dxc5 bxc5ƒ Lalith – Matlakov, Chennai 2011; 10.Be2 Nbd7 11.Nxd7
Qxd7 12.Bf3 Bxf3 13.Qxf3 Rfd8= Morozov – Bluebaum, internet 2020] 10…Qe7 The position is
balanced. An example is as follows. 11.f3 c5 12.dxc5 Bxc5 13.Nd3 Nc6 14.Nxc5 Qxc5 15.Be2
Rfd8 16.Qc4 Qe7= Tadic – Perunovic, Serbia 2007

9…0-0 10.Rd1

White normally applies this plan that is taken from one of the main lines of the Queen’s Gambit
Accepted, trying to follow up with d5 at the right moment. The main alternatives are as follows.
10.Bd3 The second most popular in this position. 10…c5 11.dxc5 [11.Rd1 Qe7 This transposes to the
main line or as follows. 11…cxd4 12.exd4 h6 13.Ne5 Nc6 14.Nxc6 Bxc6 15.Bxa6 Bxc3 16.bxc3
Qd5 17.f3 Qa5 18.Bd3 Qxc3 19.Bb2 Qa5= Gladyszev – Grachev, Russia tt 2011] 11…Bxc5

526
Position after: 11…Bxc5

The position is balanced. 12.e4 [12.Rd1 Qc7 13.Bd2 Nc6 14.Rac1 Ne5 15.Nxe5 Qxe5= Medvegy –
Levin, Germany 2006] 12…Nbd7
A) 13.Bf4 Nh5 14.Be3 [14.Bd2 (Estremera Panos – S. Ivanov, Stockholm 2020) 14…h6!?=]
14…Qb8 15.g3 Nhf6 16.Bxc5 Nxc5 17.Bc2 (Assaubayeva – Kovanova, Russia 2016) 17…Qc7
Black has comfortable equality.
B) 13.a5 Qc7=
C) 13.Bg5 Qb8 14.Rad1 We are following Bacrot – Bluebaum, Germany tt 2016, which led to a
double-edged position after 14…Ne5. Black can also try 14…Rc8!?∞.

10…Qe7

The queen emerges from the x-rays of White’s rook – a very natural idea which is most often used in
practice.
10…Nbd7!? Another usual option, preparing …c5, as in Sedlak – Perunovic, Belgrade 2014.

11.Bd3

This move offers White the best statistics and is the most popular move. The alternatives are as
follows.
A) 11.Ne5 This is another version of Pillsbury’s idea, but again it does not give White an advantage.
11…c5!? [11…Nbd7 This is the unanimous choice in practice, as in Mikhalchisin – Delchev, Nova
Gorica 2005. However I prefer the move in the text.] 12.Bd2 [12.f4 Rd8=] 12…Rd8 13.Nd3 Nc6=

527
 B) 11.Na2 Bd6 12.Nc3 A tacit draw offer that was accepted in Mamedyarov – Grischuk, Huaian
rapid 2017. However Black could have refused the offer instead. 12…c5 13.e4 cxd4 14.e5!? Bxe5
15.Nxe5 dxc3 16.bxc3© White has compensation for the surrendered pawn, but no more than that.

11…Nbd7

The most common reply.

12.e4 e5

Position after: 12…e5

13.d5

Possibly the most critical, but there are several other alternatives,
A) 13.dxe5 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Qxe5 15.f3 Bc5+ 16.Be3 Rfd8 17.Bc4 (Paunovic – Delorme, Andorra
2010) 17…a5=
B) 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bh4 Rfe8 is balanced, e.g. 15.Rac1 exd4 16.Nxd4 Bxc3 17.Rxc3 Bxe4 18.Rxc7
Bxd3 19.Qxd3 Nc5 20.Rxe7 Nxd3 21.Bxf6 gxf6 22.Rxe8+ Rxe8 23.b3 Nc5= Abdyjapar –
Mastrovasilis, Batumi ol 2018

13…Nc5!?

A new idea for this position.

A) 13…Nh5 14.g3 g6 15.Bg5 f6 16.Bh6² Gurevich – Bartel, Kusadasi 2006
B) 13…c6 (Buckels – Stips, Wunsiedel 2014) 14.Nh4²

528
14.Bg5

14.Bc2 This is the main option. 14…Rfd8

A) 15.Nh4!? This is another logical idea. 15…Bc8 16.g3 Nb7 17.Bg5 h6 Other possibilities are
17…Qd6 or 17…Bxc3 followed by …Nd6 with equilibrium. Black’s idea is to deal with the
following sequence. 18.d6 Rxd6 19.Bxf6 Qxf6 20.Nd5 Here Black can answer as follows.
20…Rxd5 21.Rxd5 Be6 22.Rdd1 Na5©
B) 15.Bg5 h6 16.Bh4 Ncd7 17.Nd2 Nf8 18.Bg3 Ng6=

14…h6 15.Bh4 g5 16.Bg3

Position after: 16.Bg3

16.Nxg5 hxg5 17.Bxg5 The sacrifice does not work due to 17…Qd6µ.

16…Nh5!?

Possibly the simplest way to equalize.

16…Nxd3 An interesting alternative.
A) 17.Rxd3 Nh5

529
Position after: 17…Nh5

A1) 18.h3 This is the computer’s main choice, but the position offers opportunities for both sides.
18…Nxg3 19.fxg3 a5 [19…f5!?] 20.Kh2 Ba6 21.Nb5 f5 22.Rc1 Bc5 23.Rdd1 f4
A2) 18.Nh4!? Ng7 19.Nf3 Black can repeat the position with 19…Nh5. However he can also opt
for ideas such as 19…f6!? 20.Rc1 Rae8∞.
B) 17.Qxd3 The queen capture is directed against …Nh5, which can now be answered by capturing
e5 with the knight (and if …Nxg3 then Qxg3 renews the defense). 17…Bd6 This is an alternative,
where the idea of …Nh5 is renewed. 18.Nd2 The most straightforward move, planning the
maneuver Nc4-e3-f5 and supporting the center with f3 if necessary. [18.Qc2 Nh5=] 18…Nh5
19.Nc4 Nf4„

17.Bc2 Nd7 18.Rac1

18.Bd3 Nf4=

18…Rfe8

530
Position after: 18…Rfe8

The simplest continuation towards equality. A correspondence game continued instead as follows.
18…Rae8 This leads to a wild game. 19.Bd3 [19.Nd2!? This was possibly critical here.] 19…Nc5
20.Bc4 Nf4 21.Bxf4 exf4 22.e5 g4∞ Wojcik – Kulakiewicz, corr 2021

19.Bd3 Nf4 20.Qc2 Rad8

Alternatively 20…Rac8 and 20…Nf6 are also possible.

21.Bf1

531
Position after: 21.Bf1

21…Nf6=

The position offers chances for both sides. The system with 6…b6 still has theoretical innovations
waiting to be discovered, which makes it a viable practical option and a good field for
experimentation for both sides. Black takes visibly more risks in this line than in the reputable move
6…c5. However the chances for imbalance are also greater.

d) 5.e4 b5 - Introduction
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.e4

In my opinion, this move is the most critical, preparing the capture on c4 in time for a strong pawn
center to be erected. Its history began in 1911 when it was first seen in the game Rotlewi – Barton at a
tournament in Cologne, Germany.

532
Position after: 5.e4

5…b5!?

In this section I have focused on this move that has been popular recently in practice. It is an
interesting alternative to the main line.
5…Bb4 The coverage of this move could possibly fill an entire book like the present one. The
position arising from the continuations with 6.Bg5 and 6.Bxc4 have been extensively analyzed in
recent works such as those by Yannick Pellettier (for ChessBase), Alexander Delchev (for Modern
Chess), Jacek Ilczuk and Krzyszof Panczyk (for Everyman) or various articles and annotated games
in the New in Chess Yearbook. In the former line mentioned above there is also interesting material
in Richard Pert’s book (for Quality Chess) about the Ragozin. So as not to repeat material that has
already been published by others and to restrict the coverage of this chapter within a reasonable size, I
have decided on the original scheme with an advance of the side pawn. It is worth clarifying here: the
idea of 5…b5, despite showing statistics of around 50% (which is very good for Black), is still
experimental and without any firm theoretical evaluation. It is far from being a consolidated line such
as the main line with 5…Bb4, but nevertheless it leads to interesting double-edged positions and
certainly deserves our attention, just as it has aroused the interest of several strong masters.

6.e5

Before capturing on b5, White secures his e-pawn. This is by far White’s main choice, but in practice
the following alternatives have also been employed.
6.Nxb5 Nxe4

533
Position after: 6…Nxe4

7.Nc3 [7.Bxc4 Bb4+ This is OK for Black; 7.Qa4 c6 8.Nc3 Nxc3 9.bxc3 Ba6 10.Bxc4 Bxc4
11.Qxc4 Bd6= Black is preparing …c5, as in Nasshan – Kristoferitsch, Marianske Lazne 2023.]
7…Nd6 8.Be2 [8.Bxc4 Nxc4 9.Qa4+ This allows White to regain the material, as in Le Quang –
Grischuk, Huaian blitz 2017. 9…Qd7 10.Qxc4 Ba6 11.Qb3 Nc6³ Black has an obvious positional
advantage.] 8…Be7

Position after: 8…Be7

534
 A) 9.0-0 0-0 10.Ne5 Bb7 11.Nxc4 [11.d5 Nd7³ Zakarias – Meszaros, Hungary tt 2018] 11…Nxc4
12.Bxc4 Nc6 13.Be3 Bf6 14.Ne2 (Szusakowski – Schnider, Graz 2018) 14…Qd6³
B) 9.Ne5 0-0 10.Bf3!? Bb7 11.Bxb7 Nxb7 12.Nxc4 Nc6 13.Be3 Bf6∞ A line that needs more
practical experience, but Black certainly has a more than reasonable position and is fighting for the
initiative with his pressure on d4.

6…Nd5

6…Nfd7 7.Nxb5 Nb6 This is another move order to enter the main line, but the d5 route is the most
common option.

7.Nxb5

The most logical continuation. White has sporadically employed other ideas here.

7…Nb6

Position after: 7…Nb6

An idea first used in the game Franic – Loncar, Croatia 2014 and which has since seen an explosive
development. In one of his articles for the New in Chess Magazine, International Master Jeroen
Bosch observes: “Black makes another knight move, which has galloped along the same route as in
the Alekhine Defense. However, in comparison, the white center is rather less impressive than in that
defense, mainly because the pawn on c4 is black”. Black justifies his weakened structure (the doubled
pawns on the c-file are not an ornament and the pawn on c4 looks especially flimsy) with elements
such as the possession of the d5-square, the possible pressure against the backward pawn on d4, the

535
activity that can be carried out on the clear main diagonal and the restriction that the advanced pawn
performs (for example, by taking away d3 as a development alternative for White’s king bishop,
which is usually the most active option for that piece).

8.a4!?

This is one of the most fashionable continuations, having even been used by World Champion
Magnus Carlsen in a rapid game. The main line, which stems from 8. Be2, is analyzed in the next
section. Moreover White has experimented in practice with various other alternatives.
A) 8.Nc3 This has a strong transpositional character. 8…Nc6 9.Be2 Be7 10.0-0 This leads to a
position which is analyzed in the following section, under the move order with: 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0
Be7 10.Nc3 (which, by the way, is not one of the most popular ideas for White’s tenth move,
although it is not bad).
B) 8.Bg5 White tries a strategically correct exchange, but this also loses one of the defenders for his
weak pawn on d4. 8…Be7

Position after: 8…Be7

9.Qd2 [9.Bxe7 Qxe7 The position is balanced. 10.Nc3 0-0 11.Be2 Rd8 12.Qc2 Bb7 13.0-0 Nc6= A
practical example, seen in Sammalvuo – Grandelius, Puhajarve rapid 2017; 9.h4!? (Lehner –
Bosiocic, Austria 2021) 9…Nc6=] 9…0-0 10.Be2 Bb7 11.0-0 Bxg5 12.Nxg5 h6 13.Nf3 Now in
Sarana – Yu Yangyi, St. Petersburg blitz 2018, Black should have played as follows. 13…Qd7
14.Na3 Bd5 15.Rac1 Nc6∞ The c4-pawn is indirectly defended by pressure on f3 and d4.
C) 8.Be3 White strengthens the defense of his only structural weakness. 8…Nc6 [Alternatively
8…Bb7, 8…Bb4+ and 8…Be7 are other possibilities.] 9.Be2 [9.Rc1 Bb4+ 10.Nc3 0-0 11.h4 Bb7∞

536
 Stalmach – Czerw, Marianske Lazne 2022; 9.Qc1!? Bb4+ 10.Nc3 0-0=] 9…Be7 10.0-0 0-0 With
transposition to the line with 8. Be2 (see next section).

8…a6

This move is one of the most reliable in this position. The following is another interesting idea.
8…Qd7 9.Be2 Nc6 10.0-0 Na5 11.Ng5 h6 12.Ne4 a6 [12…Bb7!? 13.Nc5 Bxc5 14.dxc5 Nd5
15.Ra3ƒ Carlsen – Nakamura, internet blitz 2020] 13.Nbc3 [13.Nc5 Qd8 14.Na3 Rb8∞] 13…Bb7„
The position is roughly balanced but this is a line that needs more practical experience.

9.Nc3

White has two logical alternatives here.

A) 9.Bg5 Be7 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Na3 [11.Nc3 a5=] 11…Nc6∞
B) 9.Na3 (Tsolakidou – Guo, Charlotte 2020) 9…Bb7!? 10.Nxc4 Bb4+ 11.Bd2 Bxf3 12.gxf3
[12.Qxf3 Bxd2+ 13.Nxd2 Qxd4³] 12…Nc6 Black has good compensation, for example as follows.
13.Bxb4 Nxb4 14.Qd2 N6d5 15.Rg1 g6 16.Rg4 h5 17.Re4 a5 18.Bg2 Nc6©

9…a5 10.Be2 Nc6

This move is even more logical since White has weakened b4. Moreover, it still does not define the
fate of the light-squared bishop, which can develop on b7 or a6 depending on the circumstances.

11.0-0

This seems to me to be a more logical move than the one that is seen in practice.
11.Bg5

537
Position after: 11.Bg5

A) 11…Be7 This seems safer. Here the dark-squared bishop may have a future along the a3-f8
diagonal, but the exchange for its white counterpart eliminates one of the defenders of the d4-pawn.
However we are unlikely to see the black bishop attacking that unit. 12.Bxe7 Nxe7 13.0-0 0-0 14.b3
cxb3 15.Qxb3 Nf5=
B) 11…Qd7!? 12.0-0 Bb7 This is more complicated. 13.Nb5 (Werle – Kriebel, Novy Bor 2019)
13…Bb4 14.Rc1 Na7 15.Nd2!? Nxb5 16.axb5 Bxd2 17.Qxd2 h6 18.Be3 Qxb5 19.Rc3!?©

11…Be7 12.Be3

538
Position after: 12.Be3

12…0-0

With the inclusion of the moves a4 and …a5 and the move by White’s knight to c3 instead of b5, the
position is equivalent to one of the most popular in the main line (8. Be2). The general features are
retained, with the addition of the b5- and b4-squares weakened for good.

13.Rc1

In the similar position in the line with 8.Be2 this is one of White’s main choices. Some alternatives
are as follows.
A) 13.Qd2 Nb4 This shows one of the differences. The black knight can use b4 with impunity, so
that it can move to d5 whenever it thinks fit. 14.Rfc1 Ba6∞
B) 13.Nb5!? Logically, White can also claim that the difference is in his favor by immediately
occupying the b5-square. 13…Ba6 14.Nd2 Bxb5 15.axb5 Nxd4 16.Nxc4 Nxe2+ [16…Nf5!?]
17.Qxe2 Nxc4 18.Qxc4 Bb4=

13…Ba6 14.Ne4 Nb4

The position offers chances to both sides.

15.Nfd2

15.Bg5 Bxg5 16.Nfxg5 h6 17.Nf3 Bb7 18.Nc5 Bc6∞

539
15…Qd7 16.Nxc4 Qxa4 17.Nxb6 Qxd1 18.Rfxd1 cxb6 19.Bxa6

Position after: 19.Bxa6

19…Rxa6∞

The simplifications have delivered an ending that is not easy to evaluate. White has his pieces well
centralized (although the bishop on e3 is not exactly a luxury) and can try to put pressure on the b6-
pawn, but he also has weaknesses in his structure that need to be addressed, such as the perennial
weakness of the pawn on d4. The majority of pawns on the queenside is a trump card for Black, and
another asset for that side is their domination of the d5-square. In summary, I would say that the
chances for both sides are roughly equal. However the position is far from a forced draw, so we
should expect an extensive maneuvering struggle where each side will try to coordinate and improve
the placement of their forces.

e) 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Be3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2

540
Position after: 8.Be2

Clearly more often played than the other continuation, this developmental move is the most usual
continuation. White will castle short and then decide on actions depending on Black’s next moves.

8…Nc6

Black can use another move order.

A) 8…Be7 9.0-0 [9.h4!? Nc6 This leads to the line with 8…Nc6 9. h4 Be7 which we will look at
when discussing that move order.] 9…Nc6 This transposes to the text line.
B) 8…Bb7 This is another possibility with a high chance of transposition.

9.0-0

9.Be3 Bb4+!? An independent idea. [9…Be7 This transposes to the main line after 10.0-0.] 10.Nc3
0-0 11.0-0 (Santiago – Perez Ponsa, Buenos Aires 2016, as already mentioned in the previous
chapter.) 11…Ne7!? 12.Na4 Nf5 with the idea 13.Nxb6 axb6 14.Bxc4 Bb7©

9…Be7

The positional characteristics of this scenario are the same as those I outlined in the commentary on
Black’s seventh move in the previous section (worth re-reading). White has tried different
continuations here.

10.Be3

Continuing the development and adding to the defense of the pawn on d4, the most fragile point in

541
White’s pawn formation. The current practical preference, meanwhile, is for the alternative 10.Qd2,
which will be dealt with in the next section. While these two ideas are clearly the most critical, some
of the less usual alternatives are of interest. Let us see.
10.Nc3 Bb7 [10…0-0 11.Qd2!? This is a preview of the next section.] 11.Be3 0-0 This transposes to
one of the lines arising from 10. Be3 which we will see later.

10…0-0

This is an important position for the history of this line, as for awhile it was considered to be White’s
main continuation. The results, however, did not go White’s way and efforts were soon directed
towards the line with Qd2 instead. Nevertheless, the scenario presented here is strategically complex,
with weaknesses in both camps and specific subtleties to be aware of. For Black, the star piece is the
light-squared bishop, which has an excellent future on the main diagonal (or on f1-a6), and which
fully compensates should White choose a plan with rapid pressure (and to capture) on c4.
10…Bb7 This is another move order, with Black transposing after a future …0-0.

Position after: 10…0-0

11.Rc1

I have chosen this as the main line because it is the most widely used in practice, but with no
guarantee that it is better than the alternatives other than the fact that it is one of the engines’
favorites. The alternatives, in order of popularity, are as follows.
A) 11.Nc3 This is another of my computer’s main tips, repositioning that piece to a more
centralized position. Perhaps because of this endorsement, the move has been gaining ground in
practice. 11…Rb8 This move by Caruana seems to be the most accurate, although other strong

542
 masters have opted for 11…Bb7, with the most recent high level example as follows.

Position after: 11…Rb8

A1) 12.b3 cxb3 13.axb3 Bb7 14.Qb1 When I first wrote this chapter I suggested the then-
unpublished 14…Nb4!? The move has since been seen in practice. 15.Ne4 [15.Rxa7 N6d5 16.Ne4
Nxe3 17.fxe3 Bd5© Babula – Haring, Skalica 2022] 15…h6 [15…a6?! 16.Neg5² Davtyan –
Azarov, Cattolica 2022] 16.Rxa7 N6d5 17.Bd2 Nc6 18.Ra1 Ndb4 19.Be3 [19.Bc3 Nd5©]
19…Nd5 20.Rc1 Nxe3 21.fxe3 Nb4©
A2) 12.a3!? Na5 13.Qc2 Nd5 14.Rad1

543
Position after: 14.Rad1

14…Ba6!? [14…Bb7 This is the alternative.] 15.Bd2 Nb3 16.Ne4 Nxd2 17.Rxd2 Nf4 18.Bxc4
Rxb2 19.Qxb2 Bxc4© Radjabov – Firouzja, Madrid ct 2022 – further details of this line are set out
in the model games section.
B) 11.Qc1 For a while this was the move at this point, until Black showed that there was equality.
B1) 11…Ba6 This is less accurate, but gave Black a nice win in Wang Yue – Mareco, Baku ol
2016, as seen in the model games section.
B2) 11…Rb8!? This is another option, with a possible transposition to the text after the following.
12.Nc3 Nb4 13.Rd1 Bb7 Black can choose an independent continuation with 13…Ba6„.
B3) 11…Bb7

Position after: 11…Bb7

12.Rd1 [12.Nc3 Rb8 13.Rd1 Nb4 14.Nd2 Nd3 (Hovenga – Schleining, Austria 2019) 15.Qb1!? f5
16.exf6 Rxf6 17.Nce4 Rg6„] 12…Nb4!? [12…Qd7 Black has played this in practice. 13.Nc3
Nb4 Black obtains an approximately equal position after the following. 14.Nd2 Rab8„
Khademalsharieh – Ushenina, Shaoxing 2019] 13.Nc3 N4d5 14.Nxd5 Qxd5 15.Bf1 a5∞ There
are chances for both sides. The c4-pawn can fall, but for that to happen White will have to involve
his f1-bishop in exchanges at that point, which will accentuate Black’s compensation on the light
squares.

544
Position after: 11.Rc1

11…Rb8

In some situations Black has obtained counterplay by pressing on b2, so this move has become one of
Black’s usual resources. As it is a position with relatively few antecedents, I will cite some options
for the second player here.
A) 11…Bb7!? A good alternative to the text.
A1) 12.Bxc4 Nxc4 13.Rxc4 Premature; Black gets good compensation by playing for the light
squares. 13…Qd5 14.Qa4 Ba6© In Efremov – Zverev, internet 2020, White soon lost his footing.
15.Nxc7 Qxc4µ
A2) 12.b3 a6 13.Nc3 cxb3 14.axb3 Nb4 15.Nd2 N6d5= Girish – Sethuraman, internet 2020
A3) 12.Na3!? Bxa3 13.bxa3 Rb8 14.Bxc4 Nxc4 15.Rxc4 Ne7 16.Rc3 Nf5© This is another
example of Black’s countervailing power, as in Lombart – Kravchenko, corr 2012.
A4) 12.Nc3!? Qd7= Black follows with …Rfd8.
B) 11…Ba6 This is the most popular move. 12.Nc3 Nb4 Most games have continued here with
13.b3 (Pavlidis – Mastrovasilis, Greece tt 2016) which, as noted, solves one of Black’s problems.
The results give the second player the upper hand here. 13.a3!?

545
Position after: 13.a3!?

However this is an idea that was unpublished when I first wrote this chapter, although it has recently
gained practical examples and deserves serious attention. 13…Nd3 [13…N4d5 14.Nxd5 exd5
15.a4±] 14.Rb1 The position is somewhat better for White. Despite the black knight in the heart of
his position, White’s pieces generally look better coordinated and well centralized. A possible
continuation is as follows. 14…Qc8!? [14…c5 15.Bxd3 cxd3 16.dxc5 Nd5 17.Qa4 Nxe3 18.fxe3
Qc8 19.c6+– Sargsyan – Dardha, internet blitz 2022] 15.Ne4 Bb7 16.Nfd2²

12.Nc3

It is time to retreat this piece. Black has employed a variety of moves here, the fashionable one being
the following.

12…Nb4

Black still keeps open the possibilities for the development of his light- squared bishop, while
strengthening his rights on the d5-square.

546
Position after: 12…Nb4

12…Bb7 This is also usual. 13.Na4 [13.Qd2 Nb4 14.Rfd1 Qd7 This transposes to the line with
11.Qd2; 13.a3 Na5= Molina – Bernado Lopez, Roquetas de Mar 2022] 13…Na5 14.Bd2 (Gharibyan
– Bjerre, Porto Carras 2018) 14…Nc6 15.Bc3 Ba6= This offers chances to both sides.

13.Nd2

Applying immediate pressure on c4, Black’s main weakness, is the most critical idea here. In practice
the following alternatives have also been played.
A) 13.Ne4 (Laurusas – Koustav, internet 2020) 13…Bb7 [13…Nxa2 This simple move is an option.
14.Ra1 Nb4 15.Rxa7 Bb7³] 14.Nc5 [14.Nc3 Qd7ƒ] 14…Bxf3 15.Bxf3 Nxa2 16.Ra1 Nb4³
B) 13.b3 As in similar cases this doesn’t cause problems for Black, who gets rid of the doubled
pawn. 13…cxb3 14.axb3 Bb7 15.Nd2 N6d5ƒ Efremov – Schekachikhin, St. Petersburg 2019
C) 13.Qd2 Bb7 14.b3 cxb3 15.axb3 N6d5 16.Na4 [16.Nxd5 Bxd5= Sarana – Alekseenko, Russia
ch 2019] 16…Nxe3 17.fxe3 Be4=

13…Ba6

13…Nd3!? The game Zhou Jianchao – Anton Guijarro, Changsha 2019 was declared a draw here. A
possible continuation is as follows. 14.Rb1 [14.Bxd3 cxd3 15.Nb3 Ba6= This is less critical.]
14…Ba6 15.b3² I prefer White’s position here.

14.a3

Another possibility is as follows.

547
14.b3 cxb3 15.Bxa6 b2 16.Rb1 Nxa6 17.Rxb2 c5 The position is balanced. 18.Nde4 Nd5 19.Rxb8
Nxb8 20.Nxd5 Qxd5 21.Nxc5 Nc6 22.Qb3 Nxd4 23.Qxd5 Ne2+ 24.Kh1 exd5 25.Nb3 Bb4=

14…Nd3

Position after: 14…Nd3

15.Bxd3

15.Rb1 c5!∞

15…cxd3 16.b4

A) 16.Nce4 Nd5 17.b4 Bb7 This transposes.

B) 16.Re1 Bb7 17.Qg4 Kh8 18.Nce4 Nd5=
C) 16.Na4 Nxa4 17.Qxa4 Bb5 18.Qxa7 c6©

16…Bb7

548
Position after: 16…Bb7

In my opinion, Black has good counterplay here.

17.Nce4

A) 17.Nde4 Nc4 18.Qxd3 Nxe5 19.Qe2 Ng6=

B) 17.Qb3 a5!?∞

17…Nd5 18.Qg4 Kh8 19.Nc5 a5 20.bxa5 Bxc5 21.Rxc5 Ba8

21…Ba6!?©

22.Re1!?

A) 22.Qe4 Nb4 23.Qg4 Nd5=

B) 22.a6 Rb2©

22…Rb2©

549
Position after: 22…Rb2©

Black’s active pieces compensate adequately for the pawn, in a complex position, with chances for
both sides and well-defined sectors of influence. For the sake of completeness, I will mention one of
the possible lines here.

23.Bg5 f5 24.exf6 gxf6 25.Bh6 Rg8 26.Qh4 Ne3 27.Bxe3 Bxg2 28.Nf1 Bf3+ 29.Ng3 d2 30.Bxd2
Rxd2=

f) 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Qd2
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7
10.Qd2!?

550
Position after: 10.Qd2!?

A discovery by Grandmaster Ding Liren, who successfully employed it at the 2018 Batumi
Olympiad, with the idea of taking the queen to g3 and initiating an attack against Black’s expected
short castling. The Chinese grandmaster wrote in the New in Chess Magazine that “with the d4-e5
structure, White should try to attack on the kingside”. Theory quickly enshrined it as the most critical
move, but the truth remains to be seen, as developments in this line are very recent.

10…0-0

Castling is the most usual idea in this position. However, considering that White’s plan is primarily
aimed at Black’s castled position, the second player sometimes employs the following option instead.
10…Bb7 11.Qf4 Qd7 This plan is diametrically opposed to that of the main line. Here Black tries to
take advantage of the advanced position of White’s queen to attack it with the pawns on the king’s
wing, while Black’s own king can take refuge on the queenside – a policy that also has its own risks.

551
Position after: 11…Qd7

A) 12.Nc3 This is another good alternative.

A1) 12…h6 In Keymer – Meier, Baden Baden 2019, Black prepared this breakthrough but White
gained the advantage after the following. 13.Rd1 g5 14.Qg3 0-0-0 15.Be3
A2) 12…f5!? 13.exf6 gxf6 This was played in Le Tuan – Pichot, Abu Dhabi blitz 2020, where
14.Rd1 seems somewhat better for the first player.
A3) 12…g5!? 13.Nxg5 0-0-0

552
Position after: 13…0-0-0

14.Nf3 [14.Nge4 Nxd4µ; 14.Bf3 Bxg5 15.Qxg5 Nxd4 16.Bxb7+ Kxb7³] 14…Rhg8 15.Rd1 Nb4
16.a3 N6d5 17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.Qxf7 c3© A line that deserves practical testing.
B) 12.Rd1 This is now the most commonly seen continuation in practice, and also the most critical,
although White has other interesting ideas.

Position after: 12.Rd1

B1) 12…Nb4 This is the main alternative. 13.Nc3 f5

B1.1) 14.Qg3 This was employed in Ding Liren – Caruana, Saint Louis rapid 2019; 14…g5!?
Black would have had decent counterplay with this sacrifice, given that the game’s continuation
was slightly better for White. 14…0-0 15.h4 Kh8 16.Bg5²
B1.2) 14.exf6 gxf6 15.Qh6 0-0-0 16.Bf4 This is advantageous for the first player. 16…Rdg8
[16…Nd3 17.Bg3 Nxb2 18.Rdc1±] 17.Bg3 Rg6 [17…N4d5 (Dreev – Sjugirov, internet blitz
2022) 18.Nxd5 Qxd5 19.Rac1±] 18.Qh5²
B2) 12…g5!?

553
Position after: 12…g5!?

One of Black’s thematic ideas in this position, posing a struggle in opposing sectors. 13.Qg3
[13.Nxg5 This is worse. 13…Bxg5 14.Qxg5 Ne7 15.d5 (Lokander – Hillarp Persson, Sweden ch
2019) 15…Nbxd5!³] 13…0-0-0 14.d5 [14.b3 (Atakhan – Pultinevicius, Yerevan 2022) 14…cxb3
15.axb3² This is another possibility.] 14…Nb4!? Black can try this. [14…g4? Dubov – Matlakov,
St. Petersburg blitz 2018 15.Ng5!+–] 15.Nfd4! [15.Nxa7+ Kb8 16.d6 Nc2©; 15.d6!? Qxb5 16.a4
Qa5 17.dxe7 Rxd1+ 18.Bxd1 h6 19.Qh3²] 15…N6xd5 16.b3 c3 17.a3 c2 18.Rd2² In short, the
line seems to favor White, but it is nevertheless interesting and still offers room for improvement.

11.Qf4

This move is the most popular in practice, and follows Ding Liren’s original idea. However, my
computer recommends the following.
11.Nc3 This leads to a position that has sometimes appeared with the move order with 10. Nc3 0-0
11. Qd2. Now the line can continue as follows. 11…Bb7 12.Rd1 [12.Qf4 Kh8 13.Qg4 (Mulyar –
Brodsky, Rockville 2022) 13…Rb8!? 14.Rd1 Nb4∞] 12…Nb4 13.Qf4 f5!?

554
Position after: 13…f5!?

14.Qg3 [14.exf6 Rxf6³ This is OK for Black; his rook is active on the 6th rank, while the king bishop
gains d6 as a destination for offensive actions.] 14…Kh8 The typical reply, taking the king out of the
sight of the opponent’s queen. [14…Qe8!? This is another possibility.]
A) 15.Bg5 This is one of the engines’ preferences. 15…Rc8 The idea is to trade on f3 and after the
forced exchange on e7, to play …c5. 16.h4!? Bxf3 17.Bxe7 [17.Bxf3 Bxg5 18.hxg5 Nd3=]
17…Qxe7 18.Bxf3 c5∞
B) 15.Ng5 (Urkedal – Lie, Norway ch 2019) 15…Qd7∞
C) 15.a3 N4d5 16.h4!? [16.Bg5 Rb8=] 16…Rb8 17.Bg5 h6 18.Bxe7 Nxe7 19.Rac1 (Vazquez
Igarza – Ponomariov, Batumi ol 2018) 19…Qe8!?∞ There are chances for both sides.

11…Rb8

555
Position after: 11…Rb8

The main idea in this position, immediately taking the rook to the half-open file while threatening
…Nd5 (and capturing the knight on b5). Black’s results with this move are equivalent to those of the
following alternative.
11…Nb4!? At best, this transposes to the text. 12.Qg4 Kh8 [12…Re8 This is worse. 13.Rd1 Bb7
(Dreev – Grachev, Moscow blitz 2018) 14.Nc3±] 13.Rd1

Position after: 13.Rd1

556
This was played in Vestby – Ellingsen – Abdrlauf, Fagernes 2020. [13.Nc3 Rb8„] 13…Rb8
[13…N4d5 14.Nc3 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Bb7„] 14.Nc3 Bb7„ This position awaits practical experience.

12.Nc3

The withdrawal of this piece is a useful move, to give the knight new tasks, while anticipating a
possible attack by the newly arrived rook on b8.
12.Qg3 The alternative, also coming out of the threat of …Nd5. 12…Kh8 13.Rd1 Nb4! The position
is balanced. 14.Nc3 Bb7 15.Rb1

Position after: 15.Rb1

15…N4d5 [15…Nd3!? This deserves attention. 16.Bxd3 cxd3 17.Rxd3 Nd5© Black has good
compensation, in Horvath – Donchenko, Ceske Budejovice 2020.] 16.Bd2 [16.Ne4 This can be met
effectively with 16…Ne3! where Black has at least equality, as in Esipenko – Maghsoodloo, Moscow
2019.] 16…Nxc3 17.Bxc3 Bd5=

12…Kh8!?

Black also anticipates White’s actions. The king steps out of any possible x-ray by the opponent’s
queen on g3. In the opening game of the line with 10. Qd2, Black played the following option.
A) 12…f5 According to Ding Liren’s comments in the New in Chess magazine this came as a
surprise. (Instead 12…Nb4 was the main line of the Chinese grandmaster’s preparation.) His
reaction was thematic. 13.Qg3 [13.Rd1!? Qe8 14.Qg3 Kh8 15.b3²; 13.exf6 (L´Ami – Pichot,
internet 2020) 13…Rxf6„] 13…Kh8 [13…Nxd4 14.Nxd4 Qxd4 15.Bh6 Rf7 16.Bh5+–] 14.Rd1
Nb4 15.b3 cxb3 16.axb3 a6

557
Position after: 16…a6

17.Bc4!² Ding Liren – Duda, Batumi ol 2018. White won a beautiful attacking game here which
helped to boost the idea of 10. Qd2.
B) 12…Nb4 Black can also try this move order with a good chance of transposing to the text in the
event of 13.Qg4 Kh8 or 13.Rd1 Kh8. Meanwhile, some independent ideas are possible in the latter
case, for instance as follows. 13…Bb7 14.Qg4 Kh8 15.h4 (Lazavic – J.Geller, internet blitz 2021)
15…N4d5 16.Ne4 [16.Bd2 Nxc3 17.Bxc3 Bd5=] 16…f5 17.exf6 Nxf6 18.Nxf6 gxf6∞

13.Rd1

The most logical continuation.

13…Nb4 14.Qg4

In all the games that have reached this position (of which there are not many) White has chosen this
square for their queen.

558
Position after: 14.Qg4

14.Qg3 Bb7∞

14…N4d5

In practice Black has tried other ideas here as well.

A) 14…N6d5!? 15.Qh5 Nd3 16.Bxd3 [16.Rxd3!? cxd3 17.Bxd3© This deserves serious attention.]
16…cxd3 17.Ne1 d2 18.Rxd2 Ba6„ Al. Timofeev – Baranowski, corr 2018
B) 14…f5 15.exf6 gxf6 16.Qh5 N4d5 17.Ne4 Rg8

559
Position after: 17…Rg8

18.Bd2 [18.b3 c3 19.Bd3 Qe8 20.Qxe8 Rxe8 21.a3 a5= Esipenko – Kovalev, Minsk 2019] 18…Bb7
19.g3!?²

15.Qh5

Alternatively White can play the following options here.

A) 15.Ng5 Nxc3 16.bxc3 Bb7 17.Qh5 Bxg5

560
Position after: 17…Bxg5

18.Qxg5 [18.Bxg5 Qd5 19.Bf3 Qb5=] 18…Qxg5 19.Bxg5 Rfc8=

B) 15.Bd2 Bb7 16.Bf1 Bc6∞
C) 15.Ne4 Na4∞ In all cases opening up new theoretical lines that require further practical
experience.

15…Nxc3!

Position after: 15…Nxc3!

This exchange must be intercalated before developing the light-squared bishop.

15…Bb7 16.Ng5 Bxg5 17.Bxg5 f6 (Michalik – Anton Guijarro, Prague 2019) 18.Nxd5! Bxd5
19.exf6 gxf6 20.Bf4²

16.bxc3 Bb7 17.Ng5 Bxg5 18.Bxg5

18.Qxg5 Qxg5 19.Bxg5 Rfc8 20.f3 h6 21.Bd2 Bd5=

18…Qd5∞

561
Position after: 18…Qd5∞

Black’s counterplay on the light squares is enough to achieve a position where there are chances for
both sides. While …f5 is among the possible continuations, in reply to 19.Bf3 the queen retreats to
b5. The following line leads to equality.

19.Qg4 h6 20.Be7 Rg8

20…Rfe8 This is another possibility. 21.Bc5 Na4 22.Bf3 Qd7 23.Bxa7 Bxf3 24.Qxf3 Rb2 25.Bc5
Kg8©

21.Bc5 f5 22.Qg6

562
Position after: 22.Qg6

22…Na4=

The previous three sections are perhaps the most difficult in this book, because in most of the lines
White maintains an initiative which forces Black to play very accurately in order not to fall behind.
They are also lines that are evolving, but I hope that I have offered a decent alternative to the main
line of the Vienna Variation of the Queen’s Gambit Declined.

g) 5.Bg5 a6 6.e3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.Bg5

563
Position after: 5.Bg5

The importance of this move has a lot to do with the possibilities of transpositions from other
schemes, specifically from chapters 3 (3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4) and 6 (3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4).
However it also has a life of its own considering that this development is the third most popular, after
the previously discussed 5.e3 and 5.e4. Moreover if we consider the transpositions from the Ragozin
Variation (in the line with 4…Bb4 5.Bg5 dxc4) it adds up to even more games, so we are referring to
a popular line here.

5…a6!

This move is my recommendation, about which I have written a survey that was published in
Yearbook 134, and also that of Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov in Yearbook 133. It is the current practical
preference in the master arena. Black intends to defend the pawn with …b5, and so far the results and
analyses produced are on his side. Of course, Black has good alternatives, such as 5…Bb4 or 5…Be7,
but the one in the text is just as reliable.

6.e3

This is not as bad as commonly thought, but Black’s play is comfortable and allows him an initiative
in the main continuations. White’s idea is to regain the pawn by using the pin on the a-file.

6…b5 7.a4 c6

564
Position after: 7…c6

8.axb5

A) 8.Be2 A true sacrifice occurs with this. 8…Bb7 9.0-0 [9.Ne5 Nbd7 10.f4 h6 11.Bh4 This was
played in Petkov – Perez Rodriguez, Spain 2004, where Black has a big advantage after 11…Be7µ.]
9…Nbd7 10.Qb1!? White’s last attempt. [10.Qc2 Be7 11.Rfd1 0-0 12.Ne5 (Rodriguez Guerrero –
Manzano Gutierrez, Spain 2001) 12…Nxe5 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.dxe5 Qc7 15.exf6 Bxf6µ; 10.e4 Qc7
11.e5 Nd5 12.Ne4 (Guerrero – Granara, Villa Martelli 2008) 12…N7b6 13.b3 c3µ] 10…Be7 It is
difficult to find adequate compensation for White here. 11.b3 (Martirosyan – Ter Sahakyan,
Yerevan 2019) 11…b4 12.bxc4 c5µ
B) 8.Ne5 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.Qc2 Be7µ Akobian – Sarana, Abu Dhabi blitz 2020
C) 8.Qc2 Bb7 9.Be2 Be7 10.0-0 Nbd7 11.Rad1 h6 12.Bh4 0-0 13.e4 (Grigorian – Kantor,
Balatonlelle 2020) 13…Nh5!? 14.Bxe7 Qxe7µ

8…cxb5 9.Nxb5

Sometimes White interposes the exchange on f6 before capturing on b5. 9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Nxb5 axb5!
11.Rxa8 Bb4+ Black has an interesting initiative here, for example as follows.

565
Position after: 11…Bb4+

A) 12.Nd2 Bb7 13.Ra1 [13.Ra7 Qb6 14.Rxb7 Qxb7 15.Be2 Qxg2 16.Bf3 (Czerwonski – Poysti,
Bohumin 2020) 16…Qg6–+] 13…e5

Position after: 13…e5

14.Qh5!? [14.Be2 exd4 15.0-0 dxe3 16.Nf3 exf2+ 17.Kh1 Qxd1 18.Raxd1 Bxf3 19.Bxf3 Be1
20.Rd5 b4 21.Rc5 Ke7 22.Rxc4 Nd7 23.Rc7 Rd8³ Brunello – Vallejo, Reykjavik 2015; 14.dxe5?
fxe5 15.Be2 Bxg2 16.Rg1 Be4 17.Rg4 Bf5 18.Rg3 (Vanduyfhuys – Wiewiora, Krakow 2018)

566
 18…Qd5–+] 14…0-0!? 15.Be2 exd4 16.Rd1!? dxe3 17.fxe3 Qe7 18.Kf2 Re8 19.Nf1 Bc5

Position after: 19…Bc5

Black has the initiative. 20.Qg4+ Kh8 21.Bf3 Bxe3+ 22.Nxe3 Qxe3+ 23.Kf1 Bxf3 24.Qxf3 Qe6
25.h4 Nd7 26.Rh3 b4ƒ
B) 12.Ke2 Bb7 13.Ra1 0-0 14.Ne1!? [14.Qc2

Position after: 14.Qc2

567
 This loses immediately. 14…f5 15.Nd2 Nc6 16.Rd1 Qxd4–+ Mamedyarov – Nakamura, Kolkata
blitz 2018] 14…Qe7 [14…Qb6!? This deserves attention.] 15.Nc2 Nc6 16.f3 Ba5 17.Kf2 Rd8
18.f4 Kh8

Position after: 18…Kh8

Four correspondence games have reached this position. Despite the material advantage (an
exchange) it is White who must play precisely in order not to lose, as the results show (two draws
and two wins for Black). The most recent game continued with the best continuation for White in
my view. 19.Be2 e5 20.Bf3 exd4 21.Nxd4 Nxd4 22.exd4 Bb6 23.Re1 Qf8 24.Kf1 Rxd4 25.Qe2
Rxf4 26.Qe8„ White gained counterplay, with the game resulting in a long-suffering draw, in
Leupold – Grbac, corr 2019.

9…axb5!

A thematic sacrifice in such positions.

9…Qb6 This is the alternative, as in Vajda – Treybal, Semmering 1926.

10.Rxa8 Bb4+

10…Bb7 This transposes.

11.Nd2

11.Ke2 This unnatural move is also possible. 11…Bb7 12.Bxf6 gxf6 The sequence transposes to one
of the lines seen under the order with 9. Bxf6.

568
11…Bb7 12.Ra1

12.Ra7 Qb6 This is even better for Black, and the return of the material doesn’t help. 13.Rxb7 Qxb7
14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.f3 e5–+ Ozkan – Lupulescu, Turkey tt 2017

12…e5

As long as the second player has good compensation and an undisputed initiative, White can hold his
position as follows.

Position after: 12…e5

13.dxe5!

13.Be2 Qd5! Black wins. 14.f3 exd4 15.Bf4 0-0 16.e4 Nxe4 17.0-0 Nxd2 18.Bxd2 Bc5 19.Kh1 d3–
+ Satkar – Raja, Mumbai 2018

13…Bxd2+ 14.Qxd2 Qxd2+ 15.Kxd2 Ne4+

A move that may be the reason that White prefers the exchange on f6. However, the middlegame that
appears is roughly equivalent.

16.Kc2 Nxg5 17.b3!

569
Position after: 17.b3!

17…Ne6

17…0-0 18.bxc4 bxc4 19.f3 Rc8= Stark – Hammes, Germany tt 2018

18.bxc4 b4 19.Ra5 Be4+ 20.Kb2 Nd7 21.Kb3 Ke7 22.Kxb4 Rb8+ 23.Kc3 Nec5

Black has the initiative, but after some good defensive work White managed to draw, in Napalkov –
Churkin, corr 2017.

570
 h) 5.Bg5 a6 6.e4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.Bg5 a6! 6.e4

Position after: 6.e4

This is similar to the Botvinnik Variation of the Semi-Slav, but the present version is comparatively
favorable for Black, because his light-squared bishop is not obstructed by a pawn on c6.

6…b5 7.e5

7.a4 b4 Black is better, for example as follows. 8.Nb1 [8.Na2 Bb7 9.e5 h6 Here both the following
continuations are obviously better for Black. 10.Be3 Nd5 Rösler – Eisermann, Würzburg 1989;
10.Bh4 g5 11.Nxg5 hxg5 12.Bxg5 Qd5 13.Bxf6 Rg8–+ McCambridge – Shimanov, Las Vegas 2018]
8…Bb7 9.e5 h6

571
Position after: 9…h6

10.Bh4 [10.Be3 Nd5 11.Bxc4 c5 12.0-0 (Demuth – Legky, France tt 2008) 12…Nxe3 13.fxe3 Nc6µ
Black follows up with …cxd4, …Be7, …0-0 and …Qb6 and is better.] 10…g5 11.Bg3 [11.Nxg5
hxg5 12.Bxg5 Be7 13.exf6 Bxf6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6–+] 11…Ne4–+ At first glance White’s position looks
to be defensible, but closer inspection shows that he is in serious trouble due to the lack of space, the
weakness of the d4-pawn and the poor development, as in Schenk – Landa, Fürth 2002.

7…h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5

9.Bg3 While this move is a possibility in the Botvinnik Variation of the Semi-Slav, here it does not
seem to be a good idea. 9…Nd5 10.Be2 [10.Nd2 Bb7 11.h4 Bb4–+] 10…Bb7

572
Position after: 10…Bb7

11.0-0 [11.Nd2 Nc6 12.Nde4 Be7 13.0-0 Wirig – Ladan, internet blitz 2022; here the simplest way to
gain a decisive edge is as follows. 13…Nxc3 14.bxc3 Nxd4 e.g. 15.Nf6+ Bxf6 16.exf6 Qd5 17.f3
Nxe2+ 18.Qxe2 0-0-0–+] 11…Nxc3 12.bxc3 Choroszej – Rozycki, Warsaw 2018. 12…h5 Now this
move looks strong and White is in trouble. 13.h4 g4 14.Ng5 Be7–+

9…hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7

Position after: 10…Nbd7

573
11.exf6

A) 11.Be2 This is a popular option. However White’s idea can be refuted. 11…Bb7 12.Bf3 [12.exf6
This is better instead, transposing to 11. exf6.] 12…Nxe5!

Position after: 12…Nxe5!

13.Bxb7 Nd3+ 14.Kf1 Rb8 15.Bc6+ [15.Be4?! Qxd4 16.Bxd3 cxd3 17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Qxd3 Bg7µ
Lan Zilun – Xu Yinglun, China tt 2018; 15.Bxa6 Bh6 16.Bxb5+ Rxb5 17.Bxh6 Rxh6 18.Nxb5
Ne4–+ Calkins – Schlosser, corr 2017] 15…Ke7 16.Qe2 Bg7 17.d5 Qd6 18.Ne4 Qe5µ
B) 11.Qf3 White can also play this move. 11…Rb8
B1) 12.Ne4 Bb4+ 13.Ke2 This was played in Sarmutkin – Erendzhenov, Elista 2008, where
Black, instead of 13…Be7, won with the following surprising move. 13…Nxe4!

574
Position after: 13…Nxe4!

14.Bxd8 Bb7 15.Bg5 Nxg5 16.Qg4 Be7–+ The minor pieces are better than the queen,
considering the coordination of forces on both sides.
B2) 12.exf6 Bb7 Black has the advantage here. 13.Qe3 [13.d5 (Sarahvdorj – Lu, Belgrade 2022)
13…Bxd5 14.Nxd5 Ne5 15.Qe4 Qxd5 16.Qxd5 exd5 17.0-0-0 Ng4³] 13…Nxf6 14.Be2 [14.d5
Nxd5 15.Qd4 Qxg5 16.Qxh8 Nb4–+ Izzat – Illingworth, Australia ch 2018] 14…Be7³ Muratovic
– Palac, Bosnia tt 2016

11…Bb7

575
Position after: 11…Bb7

12.Be2

In my opinion the most interesting move for White in this position.

12.d5 This is the most popular continuation, but Black has an obvious advantage after the following.
12…Nc5! 13.dxe6 [13.Qg4 exd5 14.0-0-0 Ne6 15.Qf5 c6–+ Akkozov – Ismangambetov, Astana
2011] 13…Nxe6

Position after: 13…Nxe6

576
14.Qxd8+ [14.Qe2 Keeping the queens on the board is no better, because the white king suffers more
due to the lack of coordination of his forces. 14…Qd6 15.Rd1 Qc5 16.h4 Bd6 17.Be3 Qf5 18.g4 Qh7
19.Rh3 0-0-0–+ Unuk – Kanmazalp, Graz 2018] 14…Rxd8 15.Bd2 [15.Be3 Nd4 16.0-0-0 Nf5
17.Bd2 Bh6³ Kornev – Frolyanov, Moscow 2011] 15…Bc5! 16.Be3 Bd4 17.0-0-0 Bxf6 18.Rxd8+
Kxd8µ

12…Bh6!?

A new idea.

13.Bxh6 Rxh6 14.Bf3 Bxf3 15.Qxf3 Rxf6ƒ

Black has the initiative in this position, but White’s resources are far from exhausted, as in Berthier –
Yakovich, Warsaw rapid 2012.

i) 5.Bg5 a6 6.a4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 dxc4 5.Bg5 a6! 6.a4

Position after: 6.a4

The most critical idea, preventing …b5. The alternatives allow Black to attain comfortable play,
while White struggles to obtain counterplay to equalize.

6…Nc6

Again Black has very solid and reliable alternatives such as 6…Be7, 6…c6 or 6…Bb4. However the

577
knight move, enabling …Na5 if necessary, is the latest fashion in this line.

7.e3

This solid continuation is the most critical idea.

7.e4 This is the alternative, which leads to another version of Botvinnik’s line that is favorable to
Black after 7…Na5.

Position after: 7…Na5

A) 8.Be2 h6 9.Bh4 [9.Be3 Bb4µ Rasti – Thorn, Stockholm 2022] 9…Be7³

B) 8.Qc2 Be7 9.Rd1 h6 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.e5 Be7 12.d5 0-0 13.dxe6 Qe8 14.exf7+ Qxf7³
Mamedyarov – Anand, Kolkata rapid 2018
C) 8.e5 h6 9.Bh4 [9.Bd2 This is not better, in Johansson – Krupenski, Sweden tt 2019. 9…Nd7
10.Be2 Nb6 11.0-0 Bb4µ It is not easy for White to regain the pawn in this type of position.] 9…g5
10.Nxg5 [10.exf6 gxh4 11.Ne5 Qxf6 12.Be2 Bg7 13.0-0 (Palencia – Vifleemskaia, internet blitz
2022) 13…Nb3 14.Ra3 Qf4–+] 10…hxg5 11.Bxg5 Be7

578
Position after: 11…Be7

In my database there are ten games that have reached this position, with ten losses for White. On the
whole, I agree with Grandmaster Ivan Sokolov who in the Yearbook calls this line for White
inconsistent. 12.exf6 [12.Bxf6 Bxf6 13.exf6 Qxf6 This transposes.] 12…Bxf6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6
C1) 14.Ne4 In practice White has mostly chosen this move. 14…Qg6 15.Qf3 Rh4

Position after: 15…Rh4

This forces White to continue with the ugly move: 16.g4, as in Belov – Frolyanov, Irkutsk 2010.

579
 Here Black could have obtained a big advantage. 16…f5 17.gxf5 Qxf5 18.Nd2 Bd7 In fact, the
position looks strategically winning for the second player.
C2) 14.g3 Bd7 15.Bg2 0-0-0µ Van Wely – J. van Foreest, Amstelveen rapid 2018
C3) 14.Qe2! The only way to hold White’s position. 14…Nb3 15.Rd1 Nxd4

Position after: 15…Nxd4

16.Qxc416.Nd5 Nc2+ 17.Qxc2 exd5 18.Rxd5 Be6µ] 16…Qe5+ [16…Rh4 17.Qxc7 Bd7 18.Bd3
Bc6 19.f3∞ I. Sokolov] 17.Ne2 Nc6 18.Qc3 Qxc3+ 19.Nxc3 Rh4ƒ In my opinion, Black’s better
coordinated forces and the initiative gives him good practical possibilities, although obviously
White, with his majority of pawns on the kingside, with one of them passed, is not without
resources.

7…Na5 8.Nd2

Again the more solid idea.

8.Ne5 The main alternative, which is even more usual in practice. Black has a number of options
here, my favorite being 8…Bb4.

580
Position after: 8…Bb4

A) 9.Nxc4 Qd5! 10.Bxf6 [10.Nxa5 Qxa5 11.Bxf6 Bxc3+ 12.bxc3 Qxc3+ 13.Ke2 gxf6µ Muradli –
Erigaisi, internet blitz 2022] 10…Nxc4!

Position after: 10…Nxc4!

A1) 11.Bxc4 Qxg2 12.Rf1 Bxc3+ 13.bxc3 gxf6µ Szabolcsi – Milikow, Budapest 2022
A2) 11.Bxg7 Rg8 12.Qb3 Nxe3 13.Qxb4 Nc2+ 14.Kd2 This was played in Yanchenko –
Gonzalez, internet blitz 2022. The queenless position in the game is somewhat better for Black, but

581
 even stronger would have been 14…Qf5!µ.
A3) 11.Qb3 Bxc3+ (Lovas – Volkov, corr 2017) 12.bxc3 Nxe3 13.Qxd5 Nxd5 14.Bxg7 Rg8
15.Be5 Nxc3³
B) 9.Be2 According to Sokolov, this is White’s best practical chance. The first side develops its
pieces before thinking of regaining the pawn. 9…c5 Black has to hit the white center before White
consolidates. The result is an interesting position to play and with little theory. 10.0-0 [10.dxc5 This
allows for a strong reply, as in Foisor – Gagare, Stockholm 2020. 10…Qd5! 11.Bf4 g5 12.Bg3
Ne4µ] 10…cxd4 11.exd4

Position after: 11.exd4

11…Nb3!? This is an idea that is worth exploring. [11…0-0 12.Nxc4 Nxc4 13.Bxc4 Be7= Iniyan –
Baum, Amantea 2018; 11…Qc7 12.Rc1∞ I. Sokolov] A possible continuation is as follows. 12.Rb1
0-0! [12…Nxd4 13.Bh5!©] 13.Ne4 Be7 14.Nxf6+ Bxf6 [14…gxf6 15.Bh6±] 15.Bxf6 gxf6
16.Bxc4 Nxd4 17.Nf3 Nf5 18.Qb3 While White has compensation, it remains to be seen whether it
is enough for the pawn.

8…Bb4!?

This is one of the interesting ideas that Black has in this position, hoping for a favorable transposition
to the line with 8. Ne5 in case White captures on c4. As we have seen, this is a bad option for White
because of the reply …Qd5.

9.Be2!

Since the immediate recapture on c4 is bad, this independent line is the most reliable from White’s

582
point of view, and was recently tested in a game between two strong grandmasters.

9…c5!?

9…c6 10.Qc2© This was my continuation in the abovementioned survey.

10.dxc5

Position after: 10.dxc5

10…Bxc5

A) 10…Bd7!? Leading the bishop to c6 before capturing on c5 is another idea. 11.0-0 Bc6 12.Qc2
Bxc5 The game is approximately equal.
B) 10…Nb3 11.Nxb3 Qxd1+ 12.Rxd1 cxb3 13.0-0©

11.0-0 0-0

11…h6!? 12.Bh4 Be7=

12.Nxc4 Nxc4 13.Bxc4 Qxd1 14.Rfxd1 b6 15.Bd3

15.Be2 Bb7 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Rd7 Rab8 18.Rad1 f5∞

15…Bb7 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Be4

583
Position after: 17.Be4

So far this is the game Ivanchuk – Gelfand, internet rapid 2020. Now instead of the exchange on e4
the following seems preferable.

17…Rab8 18.Rac1

A) 18.Bxb7 Rxb7 19.Rac1 f5 This transposes.

B) 18.Rd7 Bc8=

18…f5

18…Bc8= This is another possibility.

19.Bxb7 Rxb7 20.h3 Be7=

The game is equal. White’s structure is somewhat better in theory, but so is the black bishop in
relation to the knight. With this long chapter we bring the Vienna Variation to a close. The line with
5.Bg5 is important because it can arrive by transposition from other move orders, and is well met
with 5…a6. If Black is allowed to play …b5 he develops an initiative in the lines that we have seen
(6.e3 and 6.e4). Meanwhile the main line with 6. a4 is the subject of interesting developments after
the reply 6…Nc6, which will no doubt remain the theoretical battleground for this variation for some
time to come.

Selected Games
Game 38

584
 Li Di (2579)
Ding Liren (2799)
Hangzhou 2022

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6

4…dxc4 5.Qa4+ c6 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qd3 This is the order followed in subchapter a). The current game
arrives at the same position via a Semi-Slav.

5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qd3 a6 8.g4!?

Nowadays such a move is no longer surprising, even when the g7-pawn is protected, as in this case.
The justification for the sacrifice is that Black will lose some time if he accepts the challenge, in a
position where he has not developed most of his pieces, while White’s play, with ideas such as Bf4
and occupation of the half-open g-file, would be comfortable.

Position after: 8.g4!?

8…c5

According to common tradition, Black responds to White’s action with a blow in the center. This is
the most usual move, and has the virtue of consolidating a pawn majority on the queenside if White
does not exchange on c5. However if he does do so the queens will be taken off the board with
White’s structure worsened; furthermore it will clear the major diagonal for Black’s bishop on c8.

9.g5 c4 10.Qe3 Nd5 11.Nxd5 Qxd5 12.Bg2 Bb4+

A number of recent games have been played in this position, so it should not be an unfamiliar

585
scenario for both masters. The following is by far the most popular in practice and leads to an all-out
fight.

13.Kf1!?

13.Bd2 This is the alternative; it seems calmer, but it is an illusion. 13…Bxd2+ 14.Qxd2 Bb7 15.0-0
0-0 16.e4 Qd6∞ The dynamic equilibrium that arises offers plenty of battlefield for the front. White
has more space in the center and possibilities for initiative in that sector and the kingside, while
Black’s formation is more solid and for the endgame the majority of pawns on the queenside is a
valuable element.

13…Bb7 14.h4

Position after: 14.h4

14…Qf5!

This move, which was the game’s theoretical novelty, is the most correct continuation, bringing the
queen into a privileged position where it controls White’s initiative on the kingside while keeping an
eye on the opponent’s queenside. It is an improvement on the following more cautious move.
14…Qe4 15.Qxe4 Bxe4 (Siddharth – Petkov, Arandjelovac 2022) 16.h5 This allows White to keep
some initiative.

15.a3

15.h5 This leads to a complex position. 15…Nd7 16.Qf4 However White has this reply against
Black’s move, with his own agenda aimed at Black’s queenside wing. However both sides can take

586
risks here. 16…Qc2!?

Position after: 16…Qc2!?

[16…Qxf4 17.Bxf4 Ke7 This is quieter but less ambitious.] 17.Be3 Qxb2 18.Rc1 Rc8 There are
chances for both sides. 19.g6 [19.h6!?] 19…hxg6 20.Ng5 Bxg2+ 21.Kxg2 Nf6 22.h6 Rxh6 23.Rxh6
gxh6 24.Qxf6 hxg5 25.Rh1 Qxe2 26.Rh8+ Bf8 27.Rxf8+ Kxf8 28.Qh8+ Ke7 29.Qxc8 Qg4+ 30.Kf1
Qd1+=

15…Bd6

This avoids White’s Qf4 idea.

15…Be7 Another possibility. 16.h5 Nd7 17.h6 Rg8!? [17…g6 18.Rh4±] 18.hxg7 Rxg7∞

16.h5

The thematic idea.

16.Qc3!? However my computer recommends this less obvious move. 16…h5!

587
Position after: 16…h5!

17.gxh6 gxh6 18.d5 Rg8 19.dxe6 Qxe6 20.Bh3 f5 This delivers a double-edged position, where each
side has chances.

16…Nd7?!

An inaccuracy, despite its natural appearance – Black wants to complete his development. 16…h6
Instead this is correct, with approximate equality. 17.Qc3 [ 17.gxh6 gxh6 18.Rh4 Nd7³ Black is OK.]
17…hxg5 18.d5 Nd7 19.dxe6 Qxe6 20.Bxg5 f6 21.Be3 0-0-0∞

17.h6

588
Position after: 17.h6

This advance is the logical complement to the previous move.

17.Rh4! However this is very strong here. Suddenly White comes up with ideas such as Bh3, or the
preparation of the e4 advance, with a powerful initiative. A sample line is as follows. 17…h6 18.Qc3
Rd8 [18…0-0-0 19.a4±] 19.Bh3 Qh7 20.g6 [20.e4 Be7™ 21.d5²] 20…fxg6 21.Qe3±

17…Rg8 18.hxg7 Rxg7 19.Rh6

19.Rh4!?² The fourth rank seems more useful for this piece.

19…Kf8?!

The king’s passage to the safe haven on g8 proves to be slow.

19…Be7 This is better instead, correcting the trajectory of the dark-squared bishop. 20.Qc3 Against
this move Black has the blockade 20…Bd5∞. The position offers reciprocal chances. Black is
prepared to create counterplay on the queenside, based mostly on his pawns.

20.Bd2 Kg8 21.Bh3! Qe4 22.Qxe4 Bxe4

589
Position after: 22…Bxe4

23.Bxe6?!

A tempting move, but incorrect.

23.Nh4! Instead, White places his opponent in difficulties with this move, which threatens to capture
on e6 by exploiting the defenselessness of the black bishops. Here it is noticeable that the second
player’s king is not so bad on e8. 23…Be7 If Black plays this, White is in the lead after the following.
24.f3 Bb7 25.f4± White has space, more active pieces and initiative on the kingside.

23…fxe6 24.Rxe6 Bxf3 25.Rxd6 Bb7

The mass of white pawns in the center is barely enough to compensate for the piece. White
judiciously decides to close the game by targeting Black’s main element, the queenside majority of
pawns.

26.a4 Nf8 27.axb5 Rg6 28.Rxg6+ hxg6 29.bxa6 Rxa6 30.Rxa6 Bxa6=

590
Position after: 30…Bxa6=

Black has an extra piece, which for the moment is superior to the three white pawns. However this
does not appear to allow for any possible progress.

31.d5 Nd7 32.Bc3 Bb7 33.e4 Nb6 34.Ke2 Nxd5

Since the pawns are threatening to become dangerous, Black returns the material to enter a drawn
endgame with opposite- colored bishops.

35.exd5 Bxd5 36.Ke3

½-½

Game 39
Tregubov, Pavel (2612)
Gelfand, Boris (2713)
Sochi 2005

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 c6 5.Qb3 dxc4 6.Qxc4 b5 7.Qd3 a6 8.e4

591
Position after: 8.e4

As in the previous game, we have arrived at this position via the Semi-Slav move order. On this
occasion, White employs the central advance that is considered the most critical.

8…c5 9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.Qxd8+ Kxd8

Without queens on the board the position is not dangerous for the black king. The symmetry of the
pawn structure makes it difficult to gain an advantage, but each side can try to do so in the sectors
where it has the most space – White in the center, and Black on the queenside. Obviously the first
thing to consider is development.

11.Bd3 Nbd7 12.0-0 Bb7 13.e5 Nd5 14.Ne4 Ke7 15.Bg5+

592
Position after: 15.Bg5+

This check is one of the most critical ideas, modifying Black’s pawn formation. As mentioned in the
theoretical part, White experimented in a later game with 15.Bd2 which is no better. White could also
keep the pair of bishops by means of the following.
15.Nxc5 Nxc5 However after this move the black knights are very active; the position is
approximately balanced. 16.Be2 Rhc8=

15…f6 16.exf6+ gxf6 17.Bh6 Kf7

17…Bb6!?= This is my choice in the theoretical part, with good activity for Black’s minor pieces
compensating for the slight structural deterioration.

18.Rae1

The position of the white rooks leaves me with some doubts, since it seems difficult to create a direct
attack on the black king.
A) 18.Nxc5 Nxc5 19.Be2 Rhd8=
B) 18.Rad1!?

18…Be7

Finally Black preserves this bishop from possible exchanges. A phase of maneuvering ensues with
the game always close to equilibrium, with White correcting the placement of his rooks.

19.Bb1 Rad8 20.Re2 Nf8 21.g3 e5 22.a3 Ne6 23.Ba2 Rd7 24.Nh4 Nd4 25.Rd2

593
Position after: 25.Rd2

25…f5?

This is a mistake that exposes Black’s king.

25…b4 Instead this maintains equality. 26.Be3 b3 27.Bb1 Ne6 28.Rfd1 Rhd8=

26.Ng5+ Bxg5

26…Kf6 27.Rxd4!? exd4 28.Re1

594
Position after: 28.Re1

White has a strong attack. 28…Rd6 29.f4 Bc8 [29…Ne3 30.Nf7+–; 29…d3 30.Re5!+–] 30.Re5 Rhd8
31.Kf2 d3 32.Ke1 d2+ 33.Kd1+– The position of the black king is a problem.

27.Bxg5+– Ne6 28.f4!

Position after: 28.f4!

Very strong, keeping control over d8 while threatening to take on e5 or f5. On the other hand, the
exchange on g5 opens up the f-file in White’s favor.

28…exf4 29.Bxf4 Rhd8 30.Bh6 f4 31.Bxf4 Ndxf4 32.Rxf4+ Ke7 33.Re2 Bd5 34.Bxd5 Rxd5
35.Rfe4 R8d6

595
Position after: 35…R8d6

The simplifications have produced an ending with an extra pawn for White, who could try to
capitalize upon it with technique. The more thematic plan is to exploit the pawn majority on the
kingside, and to that end ideas such as 36.Kg2 (improving the king) or 36.g4 (giving the knight a
base on f5 while starting the pawn advance) come into consideration. My computer prefers 36. b4,
which seems less logical to me. The following continuation is, perhaps, somewhat simplistic,
although White retains a wide advantage.

36.Ng2 Rd1+ 37.Kf2 Kd7 38.Ne3

38.Nf4? Nd4© Black has excellent compensation.

38…R1d2 39.Rh4 Ng5 40.Nf5 R6d3 41.Ne3 Rd6 42.Kf1 R2d3 43.Ng4 Rd1+ 44.Kf2 Kc7 45.Rh5
R1d5 46.Kg2 Kb6 47.h4 Rd2 48.Rf2 Ne4 49.Rxd2 Rxd2+ 50.Kf3 Nd6 51.Rxh7 Rxb2

596
Position after: 51…Rxb2

White has made progress by capturing the only pawn that could oppose his own on the kingside.
Black, by creating a pawn majority in the opposite sector, has a glimmer of hope, which for now
should not be enough.

52.Rd7 Kc5 53.h5 Rb3+ 54.Kf4 Rxa3

This restores the material balance, but does not solve the basic problem, since White’s pawns are too
far advanced. Meanwhile, Black’s resistance, perhaps together with the lack of time, may serve to
confuse the opponent.

55.h6 Ra4+ 56.Kf3 Ra3+

597
Position after: 56…Ra3+

57.Kg2?

57.Ne3! White does not fear being pinned with 57…Nc4 (this is impossible from f5 because of the
check on d5). [57…Kc6 58.Rxd6+ Kxd6 59.h7+–] 58.Re7 Ra1 [58…Kd6 59.Re4 Nxe3 60.Rxe3 Ra1
61.Kg2+–] 59.Nxc4 bxc4 60.Kg2 Ra2+ 61.Kh3 Ra1 62.Re2+–

57…Nf5

Now Black has enough counterplay for a draw.

58.h7 Rxg3+ 59.Kf2

59.Kh2 Rxg4=

59…Rh3 60.Nf6 Kc4 61.Rd8 Rh2+ 62.Kg1 Rxh7 63.Nxh7

598
Position after: 63.Nxh7

With White’s pieces far away, the pawns can force piece sacrifices that result in theoretically drawn
endgames.

63…b4 64.Ng5

64.Rc8+ Kd3 65.Rb8 a5=

64…b3 65.Ne4 b2 66.Rb8

66.Nd2+ Kc3 67.Kf2 Kc2 68.Rd5 Ne7 69.Rd7 Nf5=

66…Kd3 67.Rxb2

½-½

Game 40
Eljanov, Pavel (2741)
Caruana, Fabiano (2813)
Douglas 2016

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e3

After this quiet move, the game takes on the character of some of the lines of the Queen’s Gambit
Accepted, to which it sometimes transposes.

599
5…a6 6.a4 c5 7.Bxc4 Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2

If Black now plays 9…0-0 a position of the Queen’s Gambit Accepted appears on the board.
However Black can also play independently here.

9…cxd4 10.Rd1 e5!

Position after: 10…e5!

The advance of the central black pawn prevents White from obtaining the classical structure with an
isolated pawn and free play for his pieces. Instead, the following exchanges leave an open center,
symmetrical formations and a balanced position.

11.exd4 exd4 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 13.Qe5 Qd6 14.Qxd4 Qxd4 15.Rxd4 Bc5 16.Rd1 0-0 17.h3 Be6!

600
Position after: 17…Be6!

As I indicated in the theoretical part of this section, Black allows the weakening of his structure in
order to open up the f-file and control the d5-square. The isolated pawn on e6 will not be difficult to
defend if necessary.
17…Bf5 This alternative allows White to exert strong pressure. 18.Bd5! Ra7 [18…Nxd5?
19.Rxd5+–] 19.Bf4²

18.Bxe6 fxe6 19.Kf1

In this position most games have continued with 19.Be3, with White creating his own isolated pawn
on e3. However the game move brings the king closer to the center for the endgame. Meanwhile,
Black’s position allows for various ways to maintain equality.

19…Nd5

Black opts for this idea, which isolates the white pawn on c3, preserving the dynamic balance. Other
possibilities are as follows.
A) 19…Rac8 20.Ke2 e5=
B) 19…e5 20.Bg5 Bd4=

20.f3 Nxc3 21.bxc3 Rac8 22.Rb1

A) 22.Rd7 Rf7=
B) 22.a5!? White’s idea of Rb1 may be the most accurate, although Black has no problems at all

601
 here by continuing with 22…Rc7=.

22…b6 23.Re1 Rc6

The most natural continuation.

23…Rfd8 Alternatively Black could also give up the pawn. 24.Rxe6 Rd1+ 25.Re1 Rd3© Black
certainly has compensation.

24.Re4 Rd8 25.Bf4 Kf7 26.Be5

Position after: 26.Be5

After this move Black has no problems, and is able to place his rook on the seventh rank.
26.Ke2 This prevents such an idea, although the position remains even. 26…g6 27.g4 h5=

26…Rd2

Black’s counterplay is enough for a draw.

27.Rg4 g6 28.Ke1 Rd5 29.Rf4+ Ke7 30.Re4 Bd6 31.Bd4

½-½

Game 41
Gurevich, Mikhail (2633)
Bartel, Mateusz (2524)
Kusadasi 2006

602
1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 dxc4 5.e3 a6 6.a4 b6

This is a more ambitious alternative than the line with …c5 seen in the previous example, as it allows
more pieces to be kept on the board and thus eliminates the risk of simplified drawish positions.

7.Bxc4 Bb7 8.0-0 Bb4

One of the thematic ideas of this line, giving the bishop a more active role than on e7.

9.Qe2 0-0 10.Rd1 Nbd7 11.Bd3 Qe7 12.e4 e5 13.d5 Nh5?!

Position after: 13…Nh5?!

Black tries to play actively on the kingside, but this allows White to seize the initiative with his next
moves, and at the same time improve his coordination.
13…Nc5!? Instead, this is my suggestion in the theoretical part of this book.

14.g3! g6 15.Bg5 f6 16.Bh6 Ng7 17.Rac1±

603
Position after: 17.Rac1±

Here White has a definite advantage, because of his better-placed pieces in relation to his center. It is
difficult for Black to make active plans. For example, …f5 would leave the g5-square very weak,
which his opponent could then occupy aggressively.

17…Bd6 18.Nh4

The maneuver initiated by this move turns out to be slow.

A) 18.h4!? White keeps various avenues open for the king knight.
B) 18.Bc4 This is another possibility.

18…Nc5 19.Bc2 Rae8 20.Ng2?!

It was not too late for White to change plans to the following instead. 20.b4 Nd7 21.Qc4±

20…Bc8

20…a5!?„

21.Ne3

21.b4 This is again strong for White. 21…Nd7 22.Ne3±

21…f5

Black misses another chance to play …a5, but it is tempting to be able to make this break when White

604
has lost access to g5.

22.Nc4

22.b4 This move was White’s last chance to move forward. 22…Nb7 23.exf5 gxf5 24.Nc4 Qf6
[24…Bxb4? This allows the white pieces to gain great activity. 25.d6 Bxd6 26.Nd5 Qe6 27.Nxd6
Qxd6 28.Bg5 Kh8 29.Bb3+–] 25.Bd2± Black’s pieces are passively placed and uncoordinated.

22…a5!

Position after: 22…a5!

23.Nxd6

While Black has almost equalized with his last move, I see no need for this exchange which
strategically favors the second player.
23.exf5!? White could fight for the initiative instead with this move.

23…cxd6=

Here, however, Black has no problems. His pieces occupy reasonable places as long as his structure is
not inferior.

24.Rb1

Now White wants to play b4, but it is Black who will seize the initiative in the other sector.
24.exf5 Bxf5 25.Ne4= A more solid option.

605
24…f4 25.b4

Position after: 25.b4

25…f3?

The position proves complex, even for our high-level protagonists.

25…axb4 26.Rxb4 Qd7 27.Nb5 [27.Rxb6 Qh3 28.Bxg7 Kxg7–+] 27…Ba6 This may be somewhat
better for Black. The one in the text removes the tension on the kingside and once again leaves White
with the most active pieces.

26.Qf1 axb4 27.Rxb4 Ba6 28.Qh3 Qc7?

28…Bc8 29.Qh4²

29.Nb5 Bxb5 30.Rxb5+–

606
Position after: 30.Rxb5+–

With bishops against knights and the more active rooks, White only needs to reorganize his forces.

30…Ra8 31.Rc1 Ra5 32.Rb4 Rfa8 33.Bd1 Qd8 34.Rc3 b5 35.Rxf3 bxa4 36.Ra3 Rb8 37.Bd2?

After a sequence that maintained White’s decisive advantage, White misses the following powerful
move.
37.Qh4! This would have effectively activated the queen. 37…Qc7 38.Rc4 Rb1 39.Qg4 Ra8
40.Kg2+–

37…Rab5 38.Rxb5 Rxb5 39.Bxa4?!

39.Qg4!?± This would still have retained some of the first player’s advantage.

39…Rb1+ 40.Kg2 Nxe4=

607
Position after: 40…Nxe4=

However here Black has enough counterplay, mainly because there are no pawns left on the
queenside. The slower speed of the knights is no longer a problem and seemingly Black even has the
better chances in the ensuing moves. Nevertheless the game does not stray far from equality.

41.Be3 Nf5 42.Bc2 Rb4 43.Qg4 Qc8 44.Qd1 Nxe3+ 45.Rxe3 Nf6 46.Rf3 Kg7 47.Qd2 Qb7 48.Qg5
Qe7

48…Nxd5 49.Qd8 Qe7 50.Qa5©

49.Bb3 Rb7 50.h4 Ne4 51.Qe3 Nc5 52.Bc2 Rb8

The end of a battle which, although not without errors, is an example of the complex game that can
arise in the 6…b6 variation.

½-½

Game 42
Werle, Jan (2540)
Kriebel, Tadeas (2531)
Novy Bor 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.a4!?

608
Position after: 8.a4!?

This is one of the peripheral ideas in a variation which despite being relatively new has 8.Be2 as its
main continuation. This pawn advance was also chosen by Carlsen in a blitz-paced game, so it may
become more commonplace in future.

8…a6

8…Qd7!? Carlsen’s choice here. In the game, White enters the line with Be2 with pawns on a4 and
a5, and an extra tempo as the knight is already on c3.

9.Nc3 a5 10.Be2 Nc6 11.Bg5

In the theoretical part I analyzed the most logical continuation.

11.0-0 Be7 12.Be3 0-0 The possibility of occupying the b4- and b5-squares is a possible difference to
the main line. In the main line, Black employs the idea …Nb4 usually, which here can never be
disturbed because the rook pawn has already advanced. White can, of course, take a similar view and
lines such as 13.Nb5 Ba6= are possible.

11…Qd7

609
Position after: 11…Qd7

In many cases the queen is placed on this square, combining with the bishop on b7 to work on the
light squares.
11…Be7 As I pointed out in the theoretical part, this very solid move also deserves attention.

12.0-0 Bb7 13.Nb5 Be7?!

Now this move looks to be a mix of plans.

13…Bb4 This is better instead where the dark-squared bishop plays a more active role.

14.Qc1

14.Rc1 This would have been more forceful. 14…Bxg5 15.Nxg5 Na7 16.Na3² White has a slight
advantage here, with the better minor pieces.

14…Bxg5 15.Qxg5 0-0=

610
Position after: 15…0-0=

The bishop exchange has not substantially changed the strategic considerations, with both sides
having to look after their weak pawns in the center and on the queenside. White has lost one of the
defenders of the d4-pawn, while the already traded black bishop would hardly have been able to
attack that unit. Nevertheless this slight loss of defensive capability is far from being a problem for
White.

16.Rfc1 Na7 17.Na3

Logically, White is not interested in exchanging his queen knight for the enemy’s on a7. Instead, that
piece is used to put pressure on Black’s greatest weakness, the pawn on c4.

17…Bd5 18.Qh4?!

18.Nxc4 Nxc4 19.Bxc4 Bxf3 20.gxf3 Qxd4=

18…Nc6 19.Nc2?!

611
Position after: 19.Nc2?!

Too passive. White defends d4 hard, but forgets to let his active pieces make any threats.
19.Nd2!? Nxa4 [19…Rfb8 20.Bd1 Ne7 21.Bc2 Ng6 22.Bxg6 fxg6∞] 20.Naxc4 Bxc4 21.Rxc4 Nxb2
22.Ne4! f5 23.Rxc6 Qxc6 24.Nc5© The compensation is probably not enough, but it is a better
practical chance than the text.

19…Rad8µ

Black has a clear plan to initiate war-like actions on the kingside, starting with the break on f6.
White’s pieces have little to offer against this plan,.

20.Nd2 f6 21.exf6 Rxf6 22.f3 Rdf8

One of several reasonable ideas to develop the initiative.

23.Rd1 Ne7

However this is an inaccuracy that returns the game to equality. Instead Black would have held a
clear advantage with 23…Qf7, or 23…Rf4 24.Qf2 Qf7µ.

24.Ne3!

612
Position after: 24.Ne3!

After this move, the game remains close to parity for awhile.

24…Ng6 25.Qf2 Nf4 26.Kh1 Rg6 27.Bf1 Qe7 28.Qe1 Qg5 29.Qf2 Qh5?!

29…Nh3 30.Qe2 h5 31.Nxd5 exd5 32.g3 Qf5=

30.Ra3?

613
Position after: 30.Ra3?

An unfortunate move that allows the ensuing combination in the game. White should have kept his
two rooks on the first rank, or removed the one on d1.
30.Rdc1 The combination in the game fails. Other moves allow White to develop an initiative on the
queenside.

30…Nh3!–+

The x-ray situation between the black queen and the rook on d1 makes this move possible.

31.Qe1

31.gxh3 Rxf3 32.Nxf3 Bxf3+ 33.Ng2 Bxg2+ 34.Bxg2 Qxd1+ Black is winning.

31…Bxf3! 32.Nxf3 Qxf3

With extra material, a positional advantage and initiative, the game is decided.

33.Rd2 Nf2+ 34.Kg1 Nh3+ 35.Kh1 Qe4 36.Re2 Rgf6 37.Ra1 Nf2+ 38.Kg1 Qxd4 39.Qxa5 Nd5

0-1

Game 43
Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar (2801)
Caruana, Fabiano (2822)
Saint Louis 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Be3
0-0 11.Nc3

The immediate withdrawal to c3 of this piece is one of the computer’s recommendations here, instead
of the more usual 11.Rc1 which places c4 under direct pressure. In this scheme, the queen rook can
have other destinations.

11…Rb8

While the best placement for Black’s queen bishop is not yet known (this will depend on the scheme
that White adopts) the rook is undoubtedly well positioned on b8, ready to create counterplay on the
file.

12.a3!?

614
Position after: 12.a3!?

On the one hand, White does not want to play b3, since the exchange on this square eliminates one of
Black’s weaknesses – at the moment the pawn on c7 is more exposed; on the other hand, his move is
a precaution against one of Black’s usual ideas, …Nb4, which in turn creates play on the light central
squares.

12…Bb7 13.Qc2 Na5

This defensive idea works especially well when White plays a3, because the knight is difficult to
move, protects the pawn on c4 and always threatens to run to b3.

14.Rad1

Mamedyarov immediately moves his rook from a1 to prevent it from ever being targeted by the black
knight on a5. However the centralization of this piece is a natural action that facilitates ideas such as
moving one of the knights to c5.

14…h6 15.Nd2 Qd7

While this idea is usual, as we have seen in some of the previous examples and in the theoretical part,
here it is possibly better.
15…Qc8 The idea is …c5. 16.Nce4 [16.Nde4 Nd5=] 16…Qd7∞ The immediate placement of the
queen to d7 is favorable, allowing White to take the other knight to e4. However Mamedyarov goes
for another, more ambitious idea instead.

16.f4!?

615
Position after: 16.f4!?

If White is allowed to advance this pawn further he can get a strong initiative, but Black’s blockade
on the light squares comes in time.

16…Nd5 17.Nxd5 Bxd5 18.Qc3

18.f5 This can now be met with the following. 18…exf5 19.Rxf5 [19.Qxf5 Qxf5 20.Rxf5 Rxb2–+]
19…Rb6=

18…Rb5=

The threat of doubling the rooks on the b-file forces White into a simplification.

19.Nxc4 Nxc4 20.Bxc4 Bxc4 21.Qxc4 Rxb2

616
Position after: 21…Rxb2

Now, in order not to face a possible bad bishop endgame, it is necessary to advance the d-pawn. As a
result, White’s structure is better, but Black always has counterplay on the light squares.

22.d5 exd5 23.Rxd5 Qf5 24.a4

Of course, the pawn on c7 is taboo because of the reply …Qe4. This is also the case with the one on
a7.
24.Bxa7 c5! 25.Rfd1 [25.Bxc5 Rc8–+] 25…Rc8³ Black has very good compensation.

24…Rfb8 25.Rb5 c5!

617
Position after: 25…c5!

26.Rxb8+ Rxb8 27.Qd5 Rd8 28.Qc4 Rb8 29.Qd5 Rd8 30.Qc4 a5

Caruana decides not to repeat the position. However the position is objectively balanced. In what
ensues neither side acquires even a slight advantage, although Black activates his pieces to the
maximum.

31.h3 h5 32.Rc1 Rd3 33.Kf2 Qg6 34.g3 Qf5 35.Rb1 Ra3

618
Position after: 35…Ra3

36.Rb3!?

White gives up the h-pawn in exchange for activity for his own pieces, which ultimately allows him
to regain the material. The alternative is as follows.
36.Rb8+ Kh7 37.Bc1 Ra1™ 38.Kg2=

36…Rxb3

Caruana accepts the challenge.

36…Ra2+!? Also of interest. 37.Kf3 Ra1 [37…Qc8 38.Qe4! Qd8=] 38.Kg2 There is nothing better
here than a repetition.

37.Qxb3 Qxh3 38.Qb8+ Kh7 39.Qc7 Qe6 40.Qxa5!

Position after: 40.Qxa5!

The correct capture, also creating a passed pawn in the distance.

40.Bxc5 This leads to losing positions after the following. 40…Qa2+ 41.Ke3 Qb3+ 42.Kd4 Qxa4+
43.Kc3 Qa1+ 44.Kc2 Qa2+ 45.Kc3 Bxc5 46.Qxc5 g6–+ Obviously a lot of technical work would
nevertheless be needed.

40…h4 41.gxh4 Bxh4+ 42.Ke2 Qc4+ 43.Kd2 Qa2+ 44.Kd1 Qb1+ 45.Ke2 c4

Black plays his last card: his own passed pawn. However after the blockade that follows, the task of

619
making progress proves too hard, if not impossible.

46.Qc3 Qe4 47.Kd1 Qf3+ 48.Kc1 Bg3 49.Qd2 c3 50.Qd4

50.Qxc3 Bxf4 51.Qc2+ g6 52.Bxf4 Qxf4+ 53.Kd1 Qxe5 The ending is drawn, but with the extra
pawn Black could torment his opponent for hours.

50…Be1 51.Qd3+ g6 52.Kc2

Position after: 52.Kc2

Here it becomes clear that neither side can make progress. After repeating the position, both
gladiators agreed on the division of the point.

52…Qg2+ 53.Kd1 Qh1 54.Kc2 Qc6 55.Kd1 Bg3 56.Qd4 Qf3+ 57.Kc2 Be1 58.Qd3 Qc6 59.Kd1
Bg3 60.Qd4 Qf3+ 61.Kc2

½-½

Game 44
Radjabov, Teimour (2753)
Firouzja, Alireza (2793)
Madrid 2022

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be3 Nc6 9.Be2 Be7 10.0-0
0-0 11.Nc3 Rb8 12.a3 Na5

620
Here we deviate from the previous example, where Black went for 12…Bb7. The knight move here
initiates thematic play on the light squares, focusing on the recently weakened b3-square while
strengthening Black’s own c4-pawn and freeing the other knight to allow it to access more active
destinations.

13.Qc2 Nd5 14.Rad1 Ba6!?

Position after: 14…Ba6!?

With this move, which further strengthens the pawn on c4, Firouzja deviates from two precedents that
have been played in blitz where other squares were chosen for the same piece. In some cases, as in the
game, it allows the peripheral knight to jump to b3. On the other hand the exchange on e3 seems to be
premature (although the engines consider it among their first preferences) – White can continue with
e4.

15.Bd2

X-rays against the knight on a5. The main alternative is to direct the queen knight to the other sector.
A) 15.Ne4 The exchange on e3 now seems correct. 15…Nxe3 [15…Qd7!? This is the alternative.]
16.fxe3 Bb7 17.Nfd2 c5 Black obtains counterplay. An illustrative line is as follows. 18.dxc5 Qc7
19.Nd6 Qxc5 20.Qc3 Bg5„
B) 15.Nd2 Another usual White idea, that can also be answered with the break on c5. 15…Nxe3
16.fxe3 c5=
C) 15.Rfe1 Finally, White can make a general move such as this. 15…Nxe3 16.fxe3 Bb7 Black
prepares …c5. 17.e4 c6„ Black has a position that compares favorably to what might have

621
 happened if the exchange on e3 had taken place with the white rook still on f1. Moves such as
…Ba6 and …Qb6 now come into consideration.

15…Nb3 16.Ne4 Nxd2

Position after: 16…Nxd2

The start of an interesting plan, striving for absolute control of the clear squares, and involving a fine
thematic sacrifice.

17.Rxd2

17.Nfxd2 c3! This equalizes on the spot. 18.Bxa6 Rxb2 19.Qc1 Rb6 20.Be2 cxd2 21.Rxd2 Qd7=

17…Nf4 18.Bxc4 Rxb2!

622
Position after: 18…Rxb2!

19.Qxb2 Bxc4©

In return for the sacrifice exchange, Black has the pair of bishops, which are superior to knights in
open positions such as this. Furthermore Black has play on the light squares – here the bishop on c4 is
almost as strong as a rook – with the queen being able to complement the aforementioned piece
beautifully.

20.Rc1

A very natural reply, but one that leaves White’s heavy pieces compromised.
A) 20.Re1 Nd3= This leads to immediate equality, but other rook moves can also be considered
here.
B) 20.Rfd1 Qa8© Again, Black has compensation for the light squares and the b-file.
C) 20.Rb1!? This may be the most critical, fighting for control of the open b-file. A possible
continuation, with similarities to the game, is as follows. 20…Bd5 21.Qc2 Qa8 22.Nfg5 Ng6 This
is a comparatively better version for White than the game, although Black’s resources are still
sufficient to show compensation. 23.f3 [23.h4? h6–+] 23…h6 24.Nh3 Bxa3 25.Nc3 Bc6©

20…Bd5!?

Firouzja prefers to hold the tension and to keep his bishops.

20…Nd3 21.Qc3 Nxc1 22.Qxc4 Qd5 However there was something in this position that was not
entirely to his liking, even if my computer offers its customary assessment of complete equality after

623
recommending the line. From a human point of view, lines such as the following seem risky. 23.Qxd5
[23.Nf6+ gxf6 24.Qxc1 fxe5 25.dxe5 Qc5∞ Black has the better minor piece in exchange for his
unfavorable structure and his somewhat more exposed king.] 23…exd5 24.Nc5 The knight on c1
does not have a clean exit from the enemy camp. 24…Rb8! However this move saves the day. 25.Kf1
a5=

21.Re1

Possibly the best. Knight withdrawals by White create problems instead.

A) 21.Nc3 Bxf3 22.gxf3 Bxa3–+
B) 21.Ng3 Nh3+ 22.gxh3 Bxf3© The white king’s cover is compromised.
C) 21.Qc2 Bxa3 22.Ra1 [22.Rb1 h6³ Black follows up with …a5 and …Bb4.] 22…Bb4 23.Rdd1 a5
Black has the initiative.

21…Qa8 22.Qc2 Bxa3 23.Nfg5

The justification for White’s sacrifice, forcing a concession from his opponent. Since the pawn moves
are bad (for example, 23…h6 loses immediately because of the check on f6) Black’s next move is the
only one to save the game.

23…Ng6 24.h4 Bb4 25.h5

Position after: 25.h5

A critical moment. The black knight cannot move immediately because of the same issue with the
check on f6, so the defense has to be linked to one of the following ideas instead: advancing …h6

624
against the aggressive knight on g5, (even if this allows the black king’s cover to deteriorate); or
exchanging on e4 to detract from White’s offensive power (although this surrenders Black’s better
bishop).

25…Bxd2?!

Black decides to opt for the former method, but White emerges with an advantage in the resulting
position.
25…Bxe4! Correct instead, but difficult to evaluate and to calculate. 26.Nxe4 Nh4! The pressure on
g2 leaves the white knight tied up on e4. If necessary, the knight on the edge of the board can be
retrieved using the f5-square. An illustrative line is set out here. 27.h6 Rd8! 28.hxg7 Kxg7 There are
chances for both sides. Black will recover the material, even with an extra pawn, although his
structure means that he should not have any illusions of progress.

26.Qxd2

Now the combination of the h6 advance with the queen playing on the dark squares refutes the
knight’s moves, with or without an exchange on e4. Black is forced into a difficult phase before the
endgame.

26…h6 27.hxg6 hxg5 28.gxf7+ Kxf7

Evacuation of the king to the center is Black’s best practical chance.

28…Rxf7 This is not as good for Black. 29.Nxg5 Rf8 30.Qc2 Rf5 31.f4+–

29.Nxg5+ Ke8 30.f3²

625
Position after: 30.f3²

After the complications comes this position where the better structure and the superior cover of his
king offer White the advantage. Black, with his centralized bishop and passed pawn on the a-file is
not without resources, but he will visibly struggle for the half-point here.

30…Kd7

Another critical position. White must find a plan that allows him to make progress, although the task
does not seem so simple.

31.Ne4?!

A difficult decision. White allows the exchange of minor pieces considering that the bishop on d5 is a
strong piece. White should consider other alternatives such as the following.
A) 31.Ra1!? White can then try to gradually improve the placement of the other pieces. 31…Rb8
32.Kh2 Rb7!?

Position after: 32…Rb7!?

The idea is to free the queen from the defense of the a7-pawn. 33.Nh3 Qf8 34.Kg3 Qf5 35.Qf4²
White has an advantage but one that remains difficult to realize.
B) 31.Rc1 a5 32.Qd3 Qb7 33.Kh2 [33.Qg6 Re8 34.Qxg7+ Re7 35.Qf8 a4©] 33…Rf5„

31…Bxe4 32.Rxe4

In the ending Black will create counterplay by activating his pieces. It is worth noting that the other

626
capture, 32.fxe4 causes even fewer problems; Black has easy equality with moves such as 32…Qb7
or 32…Qc6.

32…Qd5 33.Qb4 Rg8

The most accurate. The tempting 33…Ra8 after 34.Rg4 does not allow anything better than taking the
rook to g8 as in the game.

34.Qa4+

After this check the game drifts into an endgame with a good chance of a draw. However keeping the
queens gives Black counterplay with his passed pawn. 34.Kf2 a5 35.Qa4+ c6 36.Kg3 Kc7„

34…Qc6 35.Qxa7 Ra8 36.Qc5 Qxc5 37.dxc5 Kc6 38.Rg4

While the position that ensues gives White the best practical chance, it actually leads to a
theoretically drawn ending.

Position after: 38.Rg4

38…Kxc5 39.Rxg7 Kd5 40.Rxc7 Kxe5 41.Rf7 Kd6=

The idea is …e5, …Ke6. With only one of his two pawns passed, White cannot prevail in this
position, although Black still has to demonstrate technique. However Firouzja carries out this phase
without any problems. Radjabov does not test him seriously, but extends the struggle for several more
moves in the hope of a breakthrough that never came.

42.Kf2

627
42.f4 This does not avoid Black’s plan. 42…e5 43.f5 e4 44.g4 Ke5=

42…e5 43.g4 Ke6 44.Rf5 Ra3 45.Rf8 Ke7 46.Rb8 Kf7 47.Rc8 Ke7 48.Rc2 Kf6 49.Re2 Rb3 50.Re3
Rb2+ 51.Kg3 Rc2 52.Ra3 Rb2 53.Ra6+ Kf7 54.Rh6 Rb3 55.Kf2 Ra3 56.Rb6 Ke7 57.Ke2 Rc3
58.Kf2 Ra3 59.Rb2 Kf6 60.Re2 Rb3 61.Re3 Rb2+ 62.Kg3 Rc2 63.Rb3 Ra2 64.Rb6+ Kf7 65.g5 Ra4
66.Rf6+ Ke7 67.Rh6 Kf7 68.Rh4 Ra5 69.Kg4 Ra4+ 70.Kh5 Ra3 71.f4 exf4

½-½

Game 45
Wang, Yue (2737)
Mareco, Sandro (2606)
Baku 2016

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Be3

Until the appearance of the line with 10.Qd2 at the subsequent Olympiad, this move was the main
line of the brand new system with 5…b5 in the Vienna – the idea is to complete development and
reinforce the defense of the d4-pawn.

10…0-0 11.Qc1

While 11.Rc1 is the more usual idea, at the time of this game this queen move was considered more
critical.

11…Ba6?!

628
Position after: 11…Ba6?!

Subsequently it was discovered that both 11…Bb7 and 11…Rb8 were more appropriate replies.
The latter may continue as follows. 12.Nc3 Nb4 13.Rd1 Bb7 In the example below Black may have
benefited from knowledge of our main game, equalizing with some ease. 14.b3 cxb3 15.axb3 a6
16.Nd2 N6d5 17.Nxd5 Qxd5 18.Bf3 Qd8 19.Bxb7 Rxb7 20.Qc4 Rb6= Real de Azua – Flores,
Buenos Aires 2017

12.Nc3 Bb7

While White’s knight is better off on c3 than on b5, Black’s light-squared bishop has needed two
moves to reach b7. Given this, White comes out of the opening with an advantage and therefore can
concentrate on action in the center, specifically a favorable break on d5.
12…Nb4!? Black tries to justify the presence of the bishop on a6. This was indicated by Robert Ris
as a possible improvement in his comments on this game for Yearbook 124; however White holds a
slight advantage after the following. 13.Rd1 Rb8 14.b3!?²

13.Rd1 Rb8 14.d5!±

The break is very strong, because it eliminates the only weakness in White’s territory (the exposed d-
pawn). The exchange of this unit for the e6-pawn offers a definite advantage to the first player.

14…Nb4

The only move, trying to keep control of d5.

14…exd5 15.Bxb6 cxb6 16.Nxd5+–

15.dxe6 Qe8 16.exf7+ Qxf7

629
Position after: 16…Qxf7

White has thus gained a pawn, for which Black has some compensation with the light bishop on the
grand diagonal and the now open f-file. While White has various ideas at his disposal here, with
17.b3 possibly being the strongest, the one that ensues is not bad either, attempting at some point to
exchange the powerful b7-bishop.

17.Ne1!? Kh8 18.a3

A natural idea, taking activity away from Black’s advanced knight. The role of that piece can be seen
clearly in the following moves.
A) 18.Bf3 Nd3„
B) 18.b3!? This deserves attention and is perhaps the best idea. A possible continuation, by way of
comparison with the game, is as follows. 18…Nc6 19.Nf3 Qg6 20.Qb1 Nxe5 21.Qxg6 Nxg6
22.bxc4 Nf4 23.Bxf4 Rxf4 24.Rab1±

18…Nc6

18…N4d5 19.Bf3± This is the idea behind White’s move 17. On the c6-square the knight obstructs
the bishop’s work. However by attacking e5 it forces the white knight back to f3. The pressure on e5
will be the basis of Black’s counterplay in this phase.

19.Nf3 Qg6! 20.Qb1 Rf5!?

630
Position after: 20…Rf5!?

20…Nxe5 Black recovers the material. However the positional elements are favorable to White in the
position that arises. 21.Qxg6 Nxg6 22.Nd2 Nf4 23.Bf1²

21.Nd5 Nxd5 22.Rxd5 Rbf8

From an objective point of view this is a move that leaves Black in a lost position, but it is
understandable that Black has banked his future on a possible initiative against White’s castled
position.
22…Nxe5 23.Nxe5 Qe6 Mareco did not rely on this possibility, perhaps because White’s initiative
seems strong in the following continuation. 24.Nf7+ Rxf7 25.Rh5 h6 [25…Be4 26.Qf1±] 26.Qc2
Bd5 27.Bxa7 Rd8 28.Be3± The position that emerges leaves Black with very passive pieces, which
are simply waiting for the opponent’s positional execution.

23.Qe4 Na5 24.Rad1

Here White’s position is winning, but there are many pieces on the board and the ones that matter
most to Black are active.

24…c5

631
Position after: 24…c5

25.h3!?

25.Qc2!? Keeping the three castle pawns on their initial squares is possible. 25…Bxd5 26.Rxd5 R5f7
27.Qxg6 hxg6 28.e6 Rf6 29.Ng5+– White’s compensation is extraordinary and he has a winning
position.

25…Qb6 26.g4 R5f7 27.Nd2?!

White loses part of his advantage with this move.

27.e6 Instead this is the decisive move, cutting the board in two. 27…Rf6 28.Ng5+–

27…Bxd5

27…Qxb2! This is immediately stronger, leaving Black on the brink of equality. 28.Rb1 [28.e6 Rf6
29.g5 Bxd5 30.Qxd5 Rf5∞; 28.Bxc4 Nxc4 29.Qxc4 Bxd5 30.Qxd5 Qc2 31.Rb1©] 28…Bxd5
29.Qxd5 Qc2 30.e6 Rf6 31.Qd7 c3„

28.Qxd5 Qxb2

632
Position after: 28…Qxb2

29.Bxc4?

A tragic move for the Chinese grandmaster, because he not only loses the chance to gain an
advantage, but he also loses outright.
29.e6! Rf6 30.Qd7± Instead this was the way to stay ahead.

29…Nxc4 30.Nxc4 Qe2!–+

633
Position after: 30…Qe2!–+

Black threatens to win by taking on f2. Unlike his opponent, the Argentinian grandmaster is not going
to miss his chance.

31.Rd2

31.Qd3 Rxf2 32.Qxe2 Rxe2–+

31…Qe1+ 32.Kg2 Bh4 33.Qxc5

White tries to defend f2 with all his might, but this idea loses immediately. The most resistant line is
as follows.
33.e6 where 33…Rxf2+ 34.Bxf2 Rxf2+ 35.Rxf2 Qxf2+ 36.Kh1 Qe1+ 37.Kg2 Qg3+ 38.Kh1 Qxh3+
39.Kg1 Qxg4+ 40.Kf1 Qd4–+ This leaves a winning ending for the second player.

33…Rf3!

The beginning of a textbook finish.

34.e6 Rg3+! 35.fxg3 Qf1+ 36.Kh2 Bxg3+!

Position after: 36…Bxg3+!

37.Kxg3 Rf3+

One of Argentina’s great results at the Olympics.

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0-1

Game 46
Sarana, Alexey (2641)
Alekseenko, Kirill (2650)
Yaroslavl 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7 10.Be3
0-0 11.Rc1 Rb8 12.Nc3 Nb4 13.Qd2

13.Nd2 This move, with pressure on c4, is considered to be the most critical line here (see our
theoretical part). The one in the text is a natural alternative, preparing the passage of the king rook to
d1. However White is going to show another idea.

13…Bb7 14.b3

Position after: 14.b3

In many of the games we see this possibility, which nevertheless makes Black’s task easier by
allowing him to eliminate one of his weaknesses, the doubled pawn on c4. With the rook already on
c1 White hopes to show that the pressure that can be put on that file is worth the concession.
14.Rfd1 Qd7=

14…cxb3 15.axb3 N6d5 16.Nxd5

16.Na4 This is my main line in the theoretical part, with equality after the following. 16…Nxe3

635
17.fxe3 [17.Qxe3?! Nd5 18.Qd2 Bb4µ] 17…Be4=

16…Bxd5

Although the position is close to equality, Black’s is easier to play, with his pieces more active.
Nevertheless, the structure on both sides presents problems, with isolated pawns and the backward
pawn on d4.

17.Ra1 a6

17…Rb7!? This is another possibility, anticipating a possible doubling of the rooks on the b-file.

18.Bc4 Rb6!?

18…Bxc4!? My computer prefers this instead. 19.bxc4 c5 20.Rfc1 cxd4 21.Qxd4 Qxd4 22.Bxd4
Rfc8= However this continuation leads to a type of position that Black must not have considered to be
promising in terms of fighting for the point.

19.Qe2 Qa8 20.Rfc1 Rd8 21.Bd2!?

Position after: 21.Bd2!?

In the sequence that follows, White is first left with a pair of bishops in exchange for the doubled
pawns on the kingside, and then forces an exchange that leaves a position with opposite- colored
bishops.

21…Bxf3 22.Qxf3 Qxf3 23.gxf3 Nc6 24.Be3 Nxd4

636
There is no better option in face of the threat of d5.
24…Rbb8 25.Bxe6 Nxd4 26.Bxd4 Rxd4 27.Bc4= This is similar in philosophy.

25.Bxd4

25.f4!?© It is worth considering keeping the two bishops. However the text move, which recovers
material, is safer.

25…Rxd4 26.Bxa6

Position after: 26.Bxa6

Here, while the computer gives Black a nominal advantage, it is clear that with reasonable defense
White should not lose, despite his damaged pawn formation.

26…c5 27.Bc4 g6 28.Rd1 Bg5 29.Rxd4 cxd4 30.Rd1 Bf4 31.Rxd4 Bxe5 32.Rd7 Rc6 33.Kg2 Kg7
34.h3 Kf6 35.Kf1 Rc5 36.Rd2 Ra5 37.Kg2 Ra1 38.Re2 Rb1 39.Re4 g5 40.Re2 h6

½-½

Game 47
Ding, Liren (2804)
Duda, Jan Krzysztof (2739)
Batumi 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.e5 Nd5 7.Nxb5 Nb6 8.Be2 Nc6 9.0-0 Be7
10.Qd2

637
Position after: 10.Qd2

At the time, this was a shocking novelty by the Chinese grandmaster, especially because of the
importance of this game, played in the tenth round of the Olympiad and when China was fighting to
win gold (which it did). The idea is to bring the queen quickly to the kingside, in order to participate
in offensive actions against Black’s potential castled position in that sector.

10…0-0

Logically, Black is not obliged to stick his head in the lion’s mouth, and recent times have found
Black busy in schemes with long castling and/or the …g5 advance, as I have shown in the theoretical
part. Nevertheless, the text may be a stronger idea and is our main line.

11.Qf4 Rb8 12.Nc3 f5

This move was played at a speed that Ding Liren perceived to be part of the Polish grandmaster’s
preparation, and came as a surprise that forced White to pause for about twenty minutes. The Chinese
grandmaster had prepared the continuation 12…Nb4.
12…Kh8 In the theoretical part we considered this to be the main line, foreshadowing White’s
placement of his queen on the g-file.

13.Qg3 Kh8 14.Rd1 Nb4 15.b3

The positional treatment is sufficient for a small advantage. Another possibility is to play on the
kingside, starting with 15.h4!?.

15…cxb3 16.axb3 a6 17.Bc4²

638
Position after: 17.Bc4²

Now the exchange on c4 unites the white pawns, whose center will be a more important factor than
Black’s pair of bishops. Nevertheless Duda’s reply has practical value.

17…Nc2 18.Ra2

18.Rb1 According to Ding Liren, this move, objectively speaking, may be stronger, with lines such as
the following. 18…Nxc4 19.bxc4 Rxb1 20.Nxb1 Bb7 21.d5 exd5 22.cxd5 Bxd5 23.Nc3 c6 24.e6²
The position is neither easy to evaluate nor to play.

18…Nb4 19.Ra1 Nc2 20.Ra2 Nb4 21.Re2

The rook’s centralized position allows White to play for d5, but also gives Black active counterplay.

21…a5!„

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Position after: 21…a5!„

22.d5 exd5

22…N6xd5!? This is another possibility, incorporating a change to the equation. 23.Nxd5 [23.Bxd5
Nxd5 24.Nxd5 exd5 25.e6 Here it is Black who can fight for the initiative with continuations such as
25…Rxb3!?.] 23…exd5 24.e6 Rf6 25.Ng5!? Qe8 26.Rxd5! Nxd5 27.Bxd5© With a very complex
position.

23.e6 Bd6?

A natural idea, but not a good one, since this piece is needed to blockade White’s passed pawn.
23…Rf6 Instead this should have been played. 24.Bb5 [24.Bg5 Rxe6 25.Bb5 This is more
complicated.] 24…Rg6 25.Qh3 Rxe6 26.Rde1© White’s better piece coordination is the
countervailing argument here.

24.Qh3?!

640
Position after: 24.Qh3?!

This is not a bad option, but it does not take advantage of Black’s previous inaccuracy.
24.Bf4! Instead this would have been very strong, but Ding Liren stopped calculating after the
following. 24…Bxf4 25.Qxf4 Qe7 Ding Liren considered this resulting position to be soft and
without much tactical potential. However, White has the following continuation. 26.Nxd5 [26.Bb5!?
This is another idea.] 26…N6xd5 27.Bxd5 Nxd5 28.Rxd5 Rxb3 29.h4! White is preparing to lift the
blockade with Qg5. 29…h6 30.Rxf5 Rxf5 31.Qxf5+–

24…Qf6 25.Nb5!

“Born of necessity” (Ding Liren). His initial intention had been as follows.
A) 25.Ng5 h6 26.Nf7+ However here Ding realized in time that the sacrifice was good for his
opponent. 26…Rxf7 27.exf7 Qxf7
B) 25.Bg5 This alternative option was then analyzed, the attraction being that the capture at c3 was
bad. 25…Qg6–+ However this move refutes the idea and after about thirty minutes of nervous
calculation, the knight jump was chosen.

25…dxc4

641
Position after: 25…dxc4

26.Nxd6?

26.Ng5 According to Ding Liren, this is the best option here. A possible continuation is as follows.
26…h6 27.Nxd6 cxd6 28.e7 Bd7!

Position after: 28…Bd7!

29.exf8=Q+ Rxf8 The move which the Chinese grandmaster missed in his calculations. 30.Ne6! This

642
gives White the advantage. 30…Bxe6 31.Bb2 Qg6 32.Rxd6 f4 33.Qxe6²

26…cxd6?

The most obvious and natural reply, but one that leads to a position with a decisive advantage for
White. The problem with White’s move above is the following reply.
26…Bxe6!µ Ding Liren had planned to continue as follows here. 27.Ng5 Bg8 28.Re6 However here
Black wins. 28…Qa1 29.Nxf5 N6d5–+

27.e7 Re8 28.Ng5+–

Position after: 28.Ng5+–

28…Qg6

28…h6 This doesn’t save Black either due to the following. 29.Qh5 Bd7 30.Rxd6+– Ding Liren had
calculated this line when he made his 25th move!

29.Rxd6 f4 30.Qh4 Qb1 31.Re1

The simplest.
31.Qxf4 Bd7 The great Chinese master would have had to find the following here. 32.Rf6! This leads
to a beautiful line. 32…gxf6 [32…Kg8 33.Rxb6+– 33.Qxf6+ Kg8 34.Qf7+ Kh8 35.Rc2!!

643
Position after: 35.Rc2!!

35…Qxc2 36.Bb2+ c3 37.Bxc3+ It is checkmate with the next move.

31…Bf5

After this move, White’s task is made easier.

31…Bd7 32.Bd2 Qf5 33.Qh5 Kg8 34.Re5 Qb1+ 35.Be1+–

32.Rd8 Bg6 33.Rxb8 Rxb8 34.Qxf4 Rg8 35.Nf7+ Bxf7 36.Qxf7 Nd7 37.e8=Q Nf6 38.Bg5

1-0

Game 48
Khusenkhojaev, M (2229)
Van Foreest, Jorden (2624)
Batumi 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.c4 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.Bg5 a6 6.e4 b5 7.e5

After this move the game is similar to Botvinnik’s well-known line in the Semi-Slav. However, the
difference (the black pawn is on c7, not c6) seems to help the second player – if you don’t agree that
this detail is important, ask Black’s light-squared bishop!

7…h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5 Nbd7 11.exf6 Bb7 12.Qd2

12.Be2 In the theoretical part, this is the main continuation of this sub-line with 6. e4. The one in the

644
text allows Black to play comfortably.

12…Nxf6µ

Position after: 12…Nxf6µ

Despite the material parity, Black’s positional advantages are obvious: a dangerous pawn majority on
the queenside, a pair of bishops, strong pressure on d4 and along the clear main diagonal, plus open
files for the rook on h8.

13.0-0-0 Be7 14.h4 Qd7 15.f3 0-0-0 16.Kb1

16.a3 This move does not help. 16…Nd5!? 17.Nxd5 Bxd5 18.Bxe7 Qxe7 19.h5 Rdg8–+ The
position is strategically winning for Black.

16…e5 17.dxe5 Qf5+ 18.Qc2 Rxd1+ 19.Nxd1 Qxe5 20.Qe2 Qc5 21.Ne3 Re8 22.Qc2 Ne4–+

645
Position after: 22…Ne4–+

The coup de grace. White is without defense.

23.fxe4

23.Bxe7 Rxe7 24.Ng4 f5–+

23…Bxg5

After this move White’s position is hopeless. White appeals to desperate measures, but from here
onwards Black wins in various ways.

24.Nxc4 bxc4 25.Bxc4 Be3 26.Qb3 Rxe4 27.Bxf7 Rb4 28.Qe6+ Kb8 29.Re1 Be4+

646
Position after: 29…Be4+

30.Ka1 Bd4 31.Qe8+ Ka7 32.Bb3 Rxb3

The game is a clear example of how easy it is for Black’s light-squared bishop to play in such
schemes.

0-1

Game 49
Ivanchuk, Vassily (2678)
Gelfand, Boris (2676)
? 2020
The year 2020 was unusual due to the pandemic, which forced most of the classical tournaments to be
cancelled – among others, the Olympiad, which was scheduled for August of that year in Moscow.
Nevertheless there was an explosion of tournaments using various internet platforms, where the
world’s best often participated for lack of other opportunities. The following game is an exception to
my policy of not commenting on games played at faster rates, given the quality of the players and the
theoretical importance of the duel.

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.Nc3 a6 6.a4 Nc6 7.e3 Na5 8.Nd2 Bb4!?

With this move Black hopes for a transposition to the line with 8. Ne5 where he can obtain a
dominant position in the event of Nxc4 with the reply …Qd5!.
8…c5 Another possibility, which was my choice in the survey published in Yearbook 134 and which
is also very interesting.

647
9.Be2!

Position after: 9.Be2!

9…c5

Very natural, leading to a symmetrically structured position.

9…c6 This is another idea. 10.0-0 b5 11.Qc2© With a complex position.

10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.0-0 0-0 12.Nxc4 Nxc4 13.Bxc4 Qxd1 14.Rfxd1 b6=

Once Black’s queen bishop has developed on b7 and given the structural symmetry, equality is
obvious. Ivanchuk tries to alter this state of affairs by exchanging on f6 and seizing the e4-square.

648
Position after: 14…b6=

15.Bd3 Bb7 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Be4 Bxe4

17…Rab8!? This is my recommendation in the theoretical part.

18.Nxe4 f5 19.Nd2

White doesn’t get much out of this retreat, but there are more active options such as the following.
19.Nf6+!? Kg7 20.Nd7 This sees Black holding his position. 20…Rfd8 21.a5 Ra7 22.Nxc5 Rxd1+
23.Rxd1 bxc5 24.Rd6 Rb7 25.Rb6 Rd7„

19…Rfd8 20.Kf1 Kf8 21.Ke2 Ke8 22.Rac1 Rd5 23.Nf3 Rxd1

23…Rad8 24.Rxd5 Rxd5 25.Rc4 White appears to be taking the initiative with his domination of the
fourth rank. 25…b5 26.axb5 axb5 27.Rh4 Be7 28.Rxh7 Bf6© However after this White’s rook is no
longer active and Black has compensation.

24.Kxd1 Ke7 25.g3 Rd8+ 26.Ke2 Rd5 27.Rc4 Kf6 28.Ne1!

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Position after: 28.Ne1!

Looking for greener pastures. In this phase the initiative goes to the first player.

28…b5 29.axb5 axb5 30.Rc1 e5 31.Nd3 Bd6 32.f3

32.Rc6 This is more expeditious, although Black should have no trouble splitting the point by
continuing with 32…Ke7„.

32…e4 33.fxe4 fxe4 34.Nf2 Ke5

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Position after: 34…Ke5

Here Black has completely equalized and not long afterwards a draw was signed.

35.Rc8 f5 36.Re8+ Kf6 37.Rd8 Ke6 38.Re8+ Kf6 39.Rd8 Ke6 40.Re8+ Kf6

½-½

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 Chapter 6
3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

Chapter Guide
Chapter 6 – 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

a) 5.e3
b) 5.Qa4+
c) 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.—
d) 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.Be2
Selected Games

a) 5.e3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3

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Position after: 3.Nf3

With this chapter we enter White’s second major possibility on his third move, relegating the
development of the queen knight. Of course, the possibilities for transposition are great – for
example, exchanging on d5 will return to the Exchange Variation – but here we will devote space to
independent ideas.

3…Nf6 4.Bg5

Ever since Black broke new ground in the Queen’s Gambit Declined, especially in the once-dreaded
Exchange Variation, advocates for White began to look for something new or at least, forgotten. This
is where the move in the text, first used by Mackenzie in 1882, comes in. The popularity of this order
has grown spectacularly in recent years due to players like Mamedyarov, Andreikin, Ryazantsev or
Dubov. Black has several satisfactory replies, but the following is perhaps the most independent of
them all.

4…dxc4

While Black can respond classically (4…Be7, 4…c6 or 4…Nbd7), the Ragozinian line (with
4…Bb4+ 5.Nc3 dxc4) is another interesting possibility and can transpose to the text if White
continues with e3.

5.e3

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Position after: 5.e3

A quiet move that can be derived from a less usual position of the accepted Queen’s Gambit, where
schemes with the bishop on g5 are not the most effective. For the options with 5.Qa4+ and 5.e4 see
the following sections. Alternatively 5.Nc3, which is also among the most usual continuations,
transposes to the previous chapter. Less common options are as follows.
A) 5.Nbd2 b5 6.a4 c6 7.e3 [7.Qc2 Bb7 8.e4 [Muradli – Matlakov, internet rapid 2022] 8…h6 9.Bh4
g5 10.Bg3 a6³] 7…Bb4 8.Qc2 Bb7

Position after: 8…Bb7

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 White has no compensation for the lost pawn. 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.0-0 0-0 11.b3 c3 12.Ne4 h6 13.Bh4
g5 (Nakamura – Morozevich, Moscow 2013) 14.Bg3 Nxe4 15.Qxe4 a5³
B) 5.g3 c5 6.Nc3 Nc6 7.dxc5 (Noritsyn – Pichot, internet 2017). Now the following is simplest.
7…Qxd1+ 8.Rxd1 Bxc5³

5…b5!

My philosophy is that if Black can hold the pawn on c4 he should do so, when it does not involve a
noticeable delay in development or unnecessarily weaken the queenside. The idea is not to be left
with the extra pawn forever (although sometimes exactly that happens, in case of timid play by
White), but to force White to make some concessions to regain the material, and time which Black
can use to achieve other objectives.
5…Bb4+ A worthy alternative (and if 6.Nc3 b5). 6.Nbd2 It is better for White to continue with this
move but 6…b5∞ leads to an interesting and complex position, first seen in Zagoriansky – Ragozin,
Sverdlovsk 1943.

Position after: 5…b5!

6.a4

The most usual and thematic idea. Black faces no problems with the following options.
A) 6.Nc3 Bb4 A position that can arise from 5…Bb4+ (or 5…c6 is also a popular form of the Semi-
Slav). 7.a4 [7.Be2 Bb7 This is comfortable for the second player.] 7…c6

655
Position after: 7…c6

A1) 8.Ne5 Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7 10.Nxd7 Qxd7µ Viseyskiy – Vigorito, Philadelphia 2000
A2) 8.Nd2 Bb7 (8…a6 This alternative is the main line in Richard Pert’s book on the Ragozin
Variation.) 9.axb5 Bxc3 10.bxc3 cxb5 11.Qb1 Qb6 12.Bxf6 [12.e4 Nbd7 13.Be2 0-0 14.0-0
(Jobava – Jakovenko, Khanty Mansiysk 2011) 14…Bc6³ Now this immediate move seems better
for Black, although White still retains some play derived from his pawn center.] 12…gxf6 13.Ra2
Nd7 14.Rb2 a6 15.Bxc4 Bxg2 16.Rg1 Bc6 17.Bf1 Qc7³ Dobrov – Yakovich, Russia 2004
A3) 8.Qc2 Nbd7 9.Be2 Bb7µ Harshkou – Aleksandrov, Orsha 2018
A4) 8.Be2 The most popular. 8…Nbd7 This transposes to the main line.
B) 6.Be2 Bb7 7.0-0 a6 8.a4 Nbd7³ White does not have compensation in this type of position, as in
Longa Yauca – Vera Gonzalez, Madrid 2012.

6…c6

6…Bb4+ This is also logical, with possible transpositions to some of the lines seen in the previous
comments. An independent scenario is as follows. 7.Nfd2 c6 8.Be2 Bb7 9.0-0 Nbd7³

7.Be2

A) 7.Nc3 Bb4 This transposes to the main line after the following. 8.Be2.
8.g3!? Nbd7 9.Bg2 Qb6 (Hammerstad – Christiansen, Norway tt 2018) 10.0-0 0-0 11.Ne5 Nd5
Black is somewhat better.

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Position after: 11…Nd5

12.Na2!? Ba5 13.e4 N5f6 14.Be3 Qb7³

B) 7.Ne5 (Fonseca – Cerqueira, Portugal 2015) 7…Qa5+ 8.Nd2 [8.Nc3 b4µ] 8…Ne4µ

7…Bb4+

Position after: 7…Bb4+

Finally we give check, which in the previous moves was an option.

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7…Bb7 While this option is the most popular and offers good results for Black, the position after 8.0-
0 is not so clear. 8…a6

Position after: 8…a6

A) 9.Nbd2 Be7 10.Qc2 Nbd7 11.b3 This is another possible path for White, but in the resulting
position White still has to justify the material deficit. 11…cxb3 12.Nxb3 0-0 13.Rfd1 h6 14.Bh4 (Le
Roux – Edouard, France ch 2013)

Position after: 14.Bh4

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 14…Nd5!? 15.Bxe7 Qxe7 16.e4 Nf4 17.Bf1 Rfc8³
B) 9.b3 White has to be quick in his pursuit of counterplay before Black consolidates by developing
and the extra pawn starts to count. 9…cxb3 10.Qxb3

Position after: 10.Qxb3

B1) 10…Nbd7 An option of equivalent value. 11.Ne5 [11.Nc3 This is more popular. 11…Be7
12.e4 0-0 13.e5 Nd5µ This is obviously in Black’s favor, as in Bernhardsson – Wells, Gatwick
2011.] 11…Be7 This transposes to the main line.
B2) 10…Be7
B2.1) 11.Nbd2 This is one of the options tested in practice. 11…Nbd7 12.e4 h6 13.Bh4 g5!?
[13…0-0µ] 14.Bg3 Nh5 15.Nc4 0-0³ Black keeps the pawn, in Del Rio – Korneev, Elgoibar
2000.
B2.2) 11.Rc1 Nbd7 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 Nd7³
B2.3) 11.Ne5!? Possibly the best. 11…Nbd7
B2.3a) In the only practical experience with this position, White rehearsed the following. 12.f4 0-
0 13.Nc3 Black subsequently gained a winning advantage, in Bennemann – Bewersdorff,
Germany 2006. 13…b4 14.Rac1 c5 15.Rfd1 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Nd5–+
B2.3b) 12.Bxf6!? Bxf6 13.Nxd7 Qxd7 14.Nd2 0-0 15.Ne4 Qe7 White still has to prove that his
compensation is sufficient to justify the material deficit, and to do so he must prevent Black’s
breaks on e5 or c5 that would free up play for the bishops on that side. An illustrative line is as
follows. 16.f4!

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Position after: 16.f4!

Countering the possible break on e5. 16…Rac8 17.Rac1 Rfd8 18.Nxf6+ gxf6∞ White’s
compensation seems to be appropriate along these lines.

8.Nc3

This response to check is by far the most common continuation. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 8.Nfd2 Bb7 9.0-0 Nbd7³
B) 8.Nbd2 0-0 9.0-0 Nbd7 10.b3 [10.Qc2 a5 11.b3 cxb3 12.Qxc6 (Mamedyarov – Caruana, Paris
blitz 2018) 12…Nb6µ] 10…c3 11.Nb1 Bb7 12.Qc2 (Laylo – Hasan, Xingtai 2019) 12…bxa4
13.Rxa4 c5µ

8…Nbd7

Developing the queen knight first allows the second player some extra options.
8…Bb7 The main alternative, and Richard Pert’s preference in his book.

9.0-0 Qb6

Since Thomas – Eliskases, Noordwijk 1938, Black has had excellent results in this position. The
queen is well placed on b6, supporting the possibility of playing …c5.

10.Qc2

The most common. The alternative options are as follows.

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 A) 10.Na2 (Lubin – Orlov, Leningrad 1969) 10…Bd6³
B) 10.Ne5 (Stathopoulos – Kolev, Kavala 2011) 10…Nd5µ

10…0-0

10…Bb7!? This is another possible move order. 11.b3 [11.Nd2 0-0µ] 11…cxb3 12.Qxb3 (Meduna –
Chernin, Budapest 2000) 12…a5³ Black is better.

11.e4

Position after: 11.e4

White tries to compensate in the usual way, by aiming to dominate the center. The alternatives are
inferior.
A) 11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd5µ
B) 11.Nd2 Bb7 12.f4 a6 13.Nde4 Nxe4 14.Nxe4 f5 15.Nc3 c5–+ Thomas – Eliskases, Noordwijk
1938

11…Bb7 12.Be3 a6!?

12…Ng4!? 13.Bd2
A) 13…Be7 Evdokimov – Postny, Dresden 2007; this could be met with 14.a5. Here Black has to
choose between two unpleasant instances: allow the further advance of the a-pawn after the retreats
to d8 or c7, or leave the queen momentarily out of the game. 14…Qa6 15.Bf4 Rac8 16.b3 White has
the initiative.

661
 B) 13…a5!? 14.h3 e5!

Position after: 14…e5!

The position is complicated. 15.axb5 cxb5 16.hxg4 exd4 17.Nd5 Bxd5 18.Bxb4 d3 19.Bxd3 cxd3
20.Qxd3 Bxe4 21.Qxe4 Nf6 22.Qf5 axb4 White retains some initiative, but Black’s position does
not seem difficult to defend and he must overcome the momentary lack of coordination of his pieces
after g5 (directly or preceded by exchanges on a8).

13.e5 Nd5 14.Ng5 g6

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Position after: 14…g6

15.Nxd5

15.Qe4 h6! 16.Nxe6 [16.Nxf7 Kxf7 17.Nxd5 cxd5 18.Qf4+ Kg8 19.Qxh6 Rf7 20.Qxg6+ Rg7µ]
16…Rfe8!µ

Position after: 16…Rfe8!µ

White’s initiative is refuted. 17.Bg4 [17.Nf4 Bxc3 18.bxc3 Nxc3 19.Qc2 Nxe2+ 20.Qxe2 c5µ; 17.a5
Bxa5 18.Rxa5 Qxa5 19.Nf4 Nxc3 20.bxc3 Nf8µ 17…Nxc3 Black had to continue with this move, in
Antipin – Kondaurov, Russia 2004. [17…N7f6? Instead this was played in the game and Black was
lost thereafter. 18.exf6 Nxf6 19.Qe5+–] 18.bxc3 Bxc3 19.Rac1 c5 20.dxc5 Bxe4 21.cxb6 fxe6
22.Rxc3 Nxe5–+

15…exd5 16.a5 Qa7³

Black’s position is preferable. The extra pawn and above all the strong pawn majority on the
queenside are its main assets. White’s pieces are not well positioned enough to create any
compensating actions on the kingside.

b) 5.Qa4+
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.Qa4+

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Position after: 5.Qa4+

With this check, which in practice is the most usual move in this position, White secures the recovery
of the pawn. The present section shows how Black equalizes without any major problems, which
brings us to the adjective used by Grandmaster Daniil Dubov for the queen move, which he called
stupid. Well, whether that is the case or not, Black must be prepared to face it.

5…Nbd7

The most independent continuation. Black can play 5…Nc6 as in the Ragozin, where 6.Qxc4 leads to
a position that usually appears from the Queen´s Gambit Accepted. The main idea of the development
on d7 is to castle quickly and continue with …Nb6.

6.e4

I think this is the most critical idea. In practice, White has also employed the following options.
A) 6.Qxc4 This is the most usual. 6…c5 [6…a6= This is another possibility and my
recommendation in Yearbook 132.]

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Position after: 6…c5

A1) 7.Nc3 a6 8.e3 [8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.e3 b5 10.Qh4 Bb7µ Gruenberg – Petursson, Moscow 1989]
8…b5 9.Qb3 Be7 10.Be2 0-0 11.0-0 h6 12.Bh4 Bb7 13.Rfd1 [Dreev – Van Foreest, Warsaw 2022]
13…Qc7³
A2) 7.e3 a6 8.dxc5 Bxc5 This is OK for Black. 9.Nbd2 b5

Position after: 9…b5

10.Qd3 [10.Qb3 Bb7 11.Be2 0-0 12.0-0 h6 13.Bh4 Be7 14.Rfd1 Rc8 15.Qd3 Nc5 16.Qxd8

665
 Rfxd8–+ Black’s pieces are more active, as in Thomsen – Kasparov, Torshavn sim 2001.]
10…Bb7 11.Be2 0-0 12.0-0 Be7 13.Rfc1 Nc5 14.Qd4 Rc8³ While the structural symmetry makes
progress difficult, it is Black who has a little more space and thus the more active pieces, in
Epishin – Blagojevic, Nova Gorica 2016.
B) 6.e3 Against this solid move, going for simple development promises equal play for Black.
6…Be7 7.Bxc4 0-0

Position after: 7…0-0

B1) 8.Qc2 This is another way to fight against the threat of …Nb6. 8…a6 9.0-0 b5 10.Bd3 Bb7
11.Nbd2 Black equalizes with 11…h6. Alternatively Black can take a little risk. 11…c5!? 12.Bxf6
Nxf6 13.dxc5 Bxc5 14.Bxh7+ Nxh7 15.Qxc5 Rc8 16.Qb4 Ng5© Kryakvin – Le Quang, internet
blitz 2021
B2) 8.Be2 h6 9.Bh4 c5 10.0-0 [10.Nc3 a6 11.0-0 b5 12.Qc2 Bb7 This is OK for Black, as in
Smejkal – Tukmakov, Moscow 1989.] 10…a6 11.dxc5 Nxc5 12.Qc2 b6 13.Rd1 Qe8= Laznicka –
Gelfand, Novy Bor rapid 2018
C) 6.Bxf6 gxf6!? [6…Qxf6 A simple way to equalize.] 7.Nc3 a6 8.e3 b5 9.Nxb5 (Radjabov –
Kramnik, Moscow blitz 2019)

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Position after: 9.Nxb5

9…Rb8 10.Na3 Bb4+ 11.Nd2 Bxd2+ 12.Kxd2 c5= Black equalizes.

6…Be7 7.Nc3

The most active development for this piece. White shows good results with this option.
7.Nbd2 However Black has various ways of equalizing after the following. 7…0-0 8.Bxc4

Position after: 8.Bxc4

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8…c5 [8…Nb6 9.Qc2 Nxc4 10.Nxc4 h6 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.0-0-0 b5 13.Nce5 Bb7 (Dautov – Ribli,
Altensteig 1994) 14.Kb1!? a5 15.Rhe1 b4∞] 9.e5 Nd5 10.Bxe7 Nxe7 11.Bd3 Nc6 12.0-0 Nxd4
13.Nxd4 cxd4 14.Nf3 b6 15.Qc6 Rb8 16.Qe4 g6 17.Qxd4 Nc5= Hebden – Korneev, Telford 2018

7…0-0

While this move is the most usual and logical, Black has an interesting alternative.
7…b5!? As far as I know this was first published in a letter by the Polish chess player Rafal Ogiewka
to the forum section of the Yearbook, and then gained practical experience. 8.Nxb5 0-0
A) 9.Bxc4!?
A1) In the game Stocek – Cernousek, Slovakia tt 2020 Black preferred the following. 9…Nb6
10.Qc2 Nxc4 11.Qxc4 Ba6!? 12.Bxf6 [12.Qc6!? Nxe4„] 12…Bxf6 13.Qc6 Bxb5 14.Qxb5 Bxd4
15.Rd1 c5 16.Qa4 Qb6 A balanced position is reached and the game ended in a draw after 99
moves.
A2) 9…Bb7! Perhaps the most incisive here. 10.Be2 Nb6 11.Qb3 Bxe4 12.Nc3 Bf5 Black’s
initiative offers the better part of a roughly equal position.
B) 9.Qxc4 This capture seems more logical. 9…Nxe4 10.Bxe7 Qxe7 11.Be2 Nd6 12.Qc3 Bb7
13.0-0 a6

Position after: 13…a6

Ogiewka ends his line here, indicating that Black has a comfortable position. That’s more than true
if they exchange on d6. The following also ensures equality because of the superior activity of the
black pieces. 14.Na3 Nb6 15.Rac1 Nd5 16.Qd2 Ne4 17.Qd3 Nf4 18.Qe3 Nxe2+ 19.Qxe2 Rac8=

668
8.Bxc4

The queen capture preserves White’s light-squared bishop, but delays development.
8.Qxc4 a6 9.e5 Nb6 10.Qd3 Nfd5 11.Qd2 Bd7 The position is roughly balanced, although the
dominance of the d5-square makes it slightly preferable for Black.

8…Nb6

Black can also go for 8…a6 or 8…c5, but the one in the text is more thematic, eliminating White’s
light-squared bishop.

9.Qb3 Nxc4 10.Qxc4 a6!

Position after: 10…a6!

10…b6 Another way of activating Black’s light-squared bishop, as in Ikonnikov – Van der Stricht,
Gent 2005. However the text seems more energetic.

11.0-0 b5 12.Qe2 Bb7 13.Bxf6!?

A radical idea.
13.Rad1 An interesting alternative. 13…Nxe4 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.Qxe4 Bxg5 16.d5!? e5 17.g3!?
[17.Nxe5 Re8 18.f4 Be7³] 17…Re8 18.Nxg5 Qxg5 19.Rc1©

13…Bxf6

On the board we have a direct fight between two strong elements: White’s solid pawn center against

669
Black’s bishop pair. The center offers the first player the possibility of more space, which can be used
to improve his pieces, while at the same time, with the pawns united on the fourth rank, it gives
Black’s minor pieces no room to operate. Obviously Black must work on breaks that compromise the
enemy center, against which White must strive for other positional benefits, since otherwise the
bishops will dominate the scene.

14.Rfd1

Position after: 14.Rfd1

A move to counter against …c5.

14…Qe8!?

The queen emerges from the x-ray of the opponent’s rook, enabling the possibility to continue with
…b4.
14…Be7 An alternative, where a possible continuation is as follows. 15.Rac1 Qd6 16.a4 [16.e5 Qb6
17.Ne4 Rfd8³] 16…Qb6=

15.Qe3 b4!?

An improvement over the following.

15…e5?! White is slightly better after 16.d5, as in Mamedyarov – Ding Liren, Shamkir 2019.

16.e5!?

16.Ne2 Rc8³ Black wins the initiative with an upcoming …c5.

670
16…Be7 17.Ne4 a5 18.Rdc1 Qd8 19.Nc5

Position after: 19.Nc5

19…Bd5

19…Bxf3 20.gxf3 Qd5∞

20.Ne1 f6∞

The position shows roughly equal chances, although Black’s bishop pair may offer more practical
opportunities.

c) 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.—

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4!?

671
Position after: 5.e4!?

This breakthrough is the current favorite among grandmasters, even though for now it remains the
third preference overall. Daniil Dubov, for example, considers it the most challenging option.

5…b5!?

Defending the pawn with this move creates a link with similar variations, which is why I choose it as
my main line. Furthermore, Black has a solid alternative.
5…c5 This was pointed out by Ivan Sokolov in Yearbook 133. 6.Nc3 Now this transposes directly to
chapter 3, while independent lines show Black reaches equality. 6.Bxc4 cxd4 7.0-0 Nc6 8.Bb5 Bd7
9.Bxc6 Bxc6 10.Nxd4 (Deac – Ter Sahakyan, internet 2020)

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Position after: 10.Nxd4

10…Bc5!? 11.Bxf6 [11.Nxc6?! Qxd1 12.Rxd1 Nxe4µ This is the tactical justification of Black’s
idea.] 11…Qxf6 12.Nxc6 Qxb2 13.Nd2 bxc6 14.Rc1©

6.a4!

As in similar positions, it does not complicate Black’s advance.

6.e5 At best, White marches into an unfavorable version of Botvinnik’s Variation of the Semi-Slav,
but it is not as bad as one might think. 6…h6 7.Bh4 g5 8.Nxg5 hxg5 9.Bxg5 Nbd7 Ivan Sokolov
considers that Black already has a slight advantage here.
A) 10.Be2 Against this idea Black has many good alternatives at his disposal. 10…Bb7 Nikolic –
Müller, Germany tt 2002; 10…Nxe5 As played by Sokolov; 10…Bh6 In the most recent practical
experience Black chose this move where the shift on h6 clearly favors him after the following.
11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.exf6 Qxf6 13.Nc3 Rb8 14.a4 b4 15.Ne4 Qf4 16.Bf3 Bb7–+ Zhu Yi – Dai
Changren, China zt 2018
B) 10.a4 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Qxd1+ 12.Kxd1 Ng4–+ Engelkes – Krivokapic, Caorle 1988
C) 10.exf6 Bb7

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Position after: 10…Bb7

11.Nc3 [11.f3? This is too slow, as in Kovalev – Manujlovich, Volvograd 1996. 11…c5µ] 11…b4!?
12.Na4 Bh6 13.Qc1 Bxg5 14.Qxg5 Bc6 15.Nc5 Nxf6 16.Rc1 Rh5 17.Qd2 a5 18.Rxc4 Qd6ƒ Here I
prefer Black’s position, who has more active pieces, although the position is far from easy.

6…c6 7.Nc3

After this move White transposes to a secondary line from the Botvinnik Variation in the Semi-Slav
(where White has played 7. a4 instead of 7. e5). However, this is not bad and has been the subject of
experience in the master arena. Less usual options are as follows.
A) 7.e5?! h6 8.Bd2 [8.Bxf6 gxf6 9.Nc3 a6 10.g3 Bb7 11.Bg2 This is a little better for Black, as in
Andreikin – Xiong, internet rapid 2022. 11…Nd7 12.0-0 f5³] 8…Ne4 9.axb5 Nxd2 10.Nbxd2
cxb5–+ Krebs – Luther, Graz 2005
B) 7.axb5 cxb5 8.e5 h6 9.Bh4 g5 10.Nxg5

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Position after: 10.Nxg5

10…Nd5! While the capture on g5 is possible (as in Rodgaard – Rahman, Manila ol 1992) here this
move is stronger. 11.Nf3 Bb4+ 12.Nbd2 Qb6µ

7…Qb6

In a position with several possibilities this is my recommendation, which is also the most played in
correspondence games.
7…b4!? This is the best practical alternative to the queen move.
A) 8.Na2 Ba6 This offers the initiative to Black. 9.Rc1 (Bolintis – Nastase, Romania 2013) 9…Qb6
10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.Bxc4 Bh6³
B) 8.Ne2 This was tested in Ivanisevic – Korneev, Elgoibar 2000. 8…Nbd7 9.e5 h6 10.Bxf6
[10.Bh4? g5 11.Nxg5 hxg5 12.Bxg5 Qa5–+] 10…gxf6 11.Ng3 c3 12.bxc3 fxe5³ Black is better.
C) 8.Nb1 Ba6 A complex position emerges.

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Position after: 8…Ba6

C1) 9.Qc1 In practice the more popular option. 9…c3 [9…c5!? Stocek – Shirov, Jurmala 2017]
10.bxc3 [10.Bxa6 cxb2 11.Qxb2 Nxa6 12.0-0© Sagdeev – Sinitsin, Russia 2007] 10…Bxf1
11.Kxf1 Nbd7 12.Nbd2 [12.g3 Rc8 The idea is …c5 equalizing easily.] 12…c5
C1.1) 13.d5 This was first played in Lerner – Sveshnikov, USSR 1986 and can be met as follows.
13…h6 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 Great complications arise. 15.cxb4 cxb4 16.e5 Qf5 17.d6 Qd3+ 18.Kg1
g5 19.Qc6 Qd5∞
The alternative is the solid 13…Be7 (played in the above game) or 13…Qb6 (an idea played by
Peter Wells).
C1.2) 13.cxb4 cxb4 Here in Dizdar – Sveshnikov, Slovenia tt 1998, White could have played as
follows. 14.Qc6 The chances are equivalent. 14…Rc8 15.Qb5 Be7 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.g3 0-0
18.Kg2 Rc3=
C2) 9.e5 The current preference by White. 9…h6

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Position after: 9…h6

C2.1) 10.Bh4 g5 11.exf6 [11.Nxg5 hxg5 12.Bxg5 (Tella – Raisa, Finland 1993) Black obtains a
big advantage with 12…c3 or the following simple continuation. 12…Qd5 13.Bxf6 Rg8µ] 11…
gxh4 12.Nbd2 c3µ
C2.2) 10.Bxf6 White is more or less forced to make the exchange. 10…gxf6 11.exf6 c5 Giri’s
idea is sufficient for equality, but Black has other reasonable options. 11…Rg8!? [11…Qd5!?
12.Qc2 c5∞] 12.Nbd2 Nc6 [The text is an improvement over the following. 12…c3?! 13.bxc3
bxc3 14.Ne4 White has the initiative, in Dubov – Giri, Moscow 2019.] 13.Bxc4 [13.Nxc4
Qxf6=; 13.a5 Qd5!? 14.Qa4 0-0-0∞] 13…Bxc4 14.Nxc4 Qxf6 15.dxc5 [15.d5 0-0-0 16.d6
Qf4=; 15.Qe2 Nxd4 16.Nxd4 cxd4 17.Nb6!? axb6 18.Qb5+ Ke7 19.Qxb4+ Kd7 20.Qb5+ Kc7
21.Rc1+ Bc5 22.Rxc5+ bxc5 23.Qxc5+ Kd7 24.Qb5+=] 15…Rd8 16.Qe2 Bxc5 17.0-0 0-0=

8.Bxf6

This is by far the most usual move in this position. As in similar lines, the doubled pawns on f6 are
going to be less of a factor than the pair of bishops that White has just lost.
A) 8.Qc2 Nbd7 9.Be2 This is in a similar spirit to the main line, but here the queen does not support
the possible d5 advance. 9…a6 10.0-0 Bb7 11.b3

677
Position after: 11.b3

[11.Rfd1 This was White’s choice in Spassky – Smyslov, USSR 1960 and later games; here the
second side can experiment with 11…Bb4!?µ.] 11…b4! 12.a5 Qc7 13.e5 h6 14.Bc1 Nd5³
B) 8.e5 Nd5 This offers an obvious advantage to Black. A practical example is as follows. 9.Ne4 h6
10.Bd2 Nd7 11.b3 cxb3 12.Qxb3 Ba6µ Benjamin – Flear, Hastings 1985

8…gxf6 9.Be2

Other possibilities are hardly better. 9.g3 Bb7 10.Bg2 a6 11.0-0 Nd7 12.d5 0-0-0 Now Black could
castle with a favorable version of the structure in Botvinnik’s system in the Semi-Slav, as in Shishkin
– Nasshan, Boeblingen 2016. 13.Qc2 h5µ

9…Bb7 10.0-0 a6!

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Position after: 10…a6!

11.d5

The most common move.

A) 11.Qd2 (Remman – Paulsen, Hammerfest 2002) 11…Rg8³
B) 11.b3 Qa5!µ Halkias – Bruno, Germany 2007

11…Nd7

In my opinion, Black’s advantage is significant here. Black has the pair of bishops, with the dark-
squared bishop being especially strong and unopposed. His active pieces exert good influence in the
center, he can use the g-file against White’s castled position. Furthermore his own king is not under
threat as the white pieces are passive. Below are some examples from practice.

12.dxe6

A) 12.axb5 cxb5 13.Nd4 A recent choice by Dubov in a blitz-paced game. 13…Bc5 However he
could have received this rejoinder from his opponent. [13…0-0-0!? This is more complex, as in
Dubov – Kezin, internet 2020.] 14.dxe6 fxe6 15.Bh5+ Ke7–+
B) 12.Nd4 This can be answered with a new idea, as in Cramling – Piket, Spijkenisse 1988 and later
games. 12…Ne5 Black probably feared the capture on e6, but in that case the rook passage to d8 is
very strong. 13.Nf3 0-0-0µ

12…fxe6 13.Nd4

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13.a5 Qc5µ

13…c5 14.Bh5+ Kd8µ

White has no compensation for the surrendered pawn, in Peev – Ivanisevic, Lazarevac 1999 and later
games.

d) 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.Be2

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4!? b5!? 6.a4! c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.Be2!?

Position after: 8.Be2!?

There are few games with this move in the databases, and yet in recent times it has been gaining
prominence, driven by the names who have practiced it. The statistical results and the evaluation
given by the engines demonstrate equality. The alternatives allow Black to achieve comfortable play.

8…Nbd7

Possibly the best bet for the initiative. Black prepares to face the opponent’s break in the center.
8…Bb7!? 9.0-0 a6 This can be played in the spirit of transposing to the line with 7. Bxf6 if White
now exchanges at this point. However White can continue as follows instead. 10.b3! b4 11.e5± Black
can improve his play with 9…Bb4, but he has nothing but equality in that case.

9.d5

It makes sense for White to try to open the center while the enemy king is right there. The text is

680
more energetic than the alternative below.
9.0-0 This can be answered with the following. 9…b4 [9…Bb7 10.a5 Qa6 11.b3 Bb4 (Grischuk –
Harikrishna, Saint Louis rapid 2020) 12.Na2! Qxa5 13.Bxf6 Nxf6 14.bxc4²] 10.a5 Qc7 11.Na4
Nxe4 12.Bh4 Ba6³ That’s two pawns down, and the compensation is gone.

Position after: 9.d5

9…Nc5!?

A new idea, consistent with Black’s previous moves. The position offers various alternatives, some of
them tried and tested in practice.
A) 9…exd5 10.exd5 b4 This leads to very complex positions. 11.dxc6 Qxc6 12.Nb5 Bc5 13.0-0
Bb7 14.Nbd4

681
Position after: 14.Nbd4

A1) 14…Qd5 15.Rc1 c3 16.bxc3 bxc3 17.Bxf6 Nxf6 18.Bb5+ Kf8 19.Rxc3² Mamedyarov –
Kasimdzhanov, Khanty Mansiysk 2019
A2) 14…Qe4!? 15.Bxc4 0-0 16.Re1 Qg6 17.Bd3 Be4 18.Bxf6 Bxd3 19.Be7 Bxe7 20.Rxe7 Nc5
The position is approximately balanced. 21.Re5 Rac8 22.Rc1 Nd7 23.Rxc8 Rxc8 24.Re7 Nc5
25.Ne5 Qd6 26.Ndc6 h6∞
A3) 14…Qc7!? 15.Rc1 0-0 16.Rxc4 Ne4 17.Nb3 [17.Be7 Rfe8 18.Bxc5 Ndxc5 19.Rxb4 a5
20.Rc4 Qb6©] 17…Nb6 18.Nxc5 Nxc4 19.Nxb7 Nxb2 20.Qc1 Qxc1 21.Bxc1 Nxa4∞
B) 9…b4?! 10.dxe6 fxe6 11.a5 Qc7 12.Na4 Nxe4 13.0-0 White’s compensation is more than
adequate, as in Ryazantsev – Potkin, Moscow 2018. 13…Bd6!? Black can try this. [In the above
mentioned game White won quickly as follows. 13…Ba6 14.Qc2 Nxg5 15.Nxg5 Qe5 16.Bh5+ g6
17.Bxg6+ Ke7 18.Nf7+–] 14.Qc2!?

682
Position after: 14.Qc2!?

14…Ndf6 [14…Nxg5 15.Nxg5 Bxh2+ 16.Kh1+–] 15.Bxf6 Nxf6 16.Qxc4²

10.dxc6

Other moves leave White worse.

A) 10.axb5 Nfxe4µ
B) 10.dxe6 Bxe6µ
C) 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.Nd2 Bh6µ
D) 10.Nd2 b4 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.Nxc4 Qd8 13.Na2 cxd5 14.exd5 Qxd5µ

10…b4 11.Nb5 Ncxe4

683
Position after: 11…Ncxe4

The threats on f2 work as a counterbalance to White’s initiative on the queenside wing, and is
sufficient to allow the second player to equalize.
11…a6 This is mentioned by the great master Ivan Sokolov in Yearbook 134, with the following
continuation. 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nbd4 c3∞ Sokolov describes this as acute and very difficult to assess.

12.Be3

12.0-0 White has this important alternative. 12…a6 13.Be3 Qxc6 14.Ne5 Qb7 15.Bxc4 Be7!

684
Position after: 15…Be7!

Black forces White to prove that his compensation is sufficient – a task that does not prove to be easy.
[15…Bd7=; 15…axb5?! 16.Bxb5+ Bd7™ 17.Nxd7 Nxd7 18.Rc1 White has good compensation for
the piece.] 16.f3 0-0 17.fxe4 [17.Nd4 Nd6 18.Bb3 Bd7³ With Black having completed his
development, it is difficult to justify White’s pawn deficit.] 17…axb5 18.Bxb5 Qxe4³

12…Bc5 13.Bxc5 Qxc5

Again White has to choose between two interesting possibilities.

14.Nc7+!?

The beginning of a fascinating line.

14.Qd4 This is the alternative, leading to a roughly equal game. 14…Ke7!? [14…Qxd4 15.Nfxd4
Ke7∞] 15.Bxc4 [15.Nc7 Rb8 This transposes to the main line; 15.Qxc5+ Nxc5 16.Bxc4 a6 This also
does so to the line with 15.Bxc4.] 15…a6 16.Qxc5+ Nxc5 17.Nbd4 Nfe4 18.0-0 Rd8 19.Rfd1 f6=

14…Ke7 15.Qd4 Rb8 16.Qxc5+

16.Bxc4 This is inferior for White. 16…Qxc6³

16…Nxc5 17.Bxc4 a6!?

Position after: 17…a6!?

A move that closes the path onto b5 for White’s advanced knight. White must worry about the

685
integrity of his pieces on the queenside now, the next move being the only one against ideas such as
…Kd6.

18.Ne5

A) 18.0-0-0 b3 19.Rd4 Rb4 20.Rhd1 Rxa4–+

B) 18.0-0 Kd6 19.Nb5+ axb5 20.axb5 Kc7 21.Ra7+ Kb6 22.Rxf7 Ra8 23.Rxg7 Ne8µ

18…Nfe4 19.a5

Position after: 19.a5

19…Rf8!?

19…f6 This is the idea behind the knight jump above, but here it allows White to save the knight on
c7. 20.Nd7 Bxd7 21.cxd7 Nd6 22.Be2 Nb3 23.Ra4 Kxd7 24.Nxa6 Ra8 25.Rxb4 Rhc8 26.Rxb3 Rc1+
27.Bd1 Rxa6=

20.Nd7

With the same ideas as in the previous note. The difference here is that the e6-pawn is solidly
defended by the f7-pawn, something that in some cases may be worthwhile but does not change the
evaluation – White saves the knight on c7 and the position is balanced.

20…Bxd7

20…Nxd7 21.cxd7 Rd8!

686
Position after: 21…Rd8!

22.Nxa6 [22.dxc8=Q Rbxc8 23.Bxa6 Rxc7ƒ] 22…Bxa6 23.Bxa6 Rxd7=

21.cxd7 Nd6 22.Be2 Nb3 23.Ra4 Kxd7 24.Nxa6 Ra8 25.Rxb4 Rfc8 26.Rxb3 Rc1+ 27.Bd1 Rxa6
28.Ra3

Position after: 28.Ra3

28…Rb1=

687
Black soon regains the pawn, and is even left with the most active pieces, but in the resulting position
the most likely outcome is a draw.

Selected Games
Game 50
Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar (2790)
Ding, Liren (2812)
Shamkir 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.e4 Be7 7.Nc3 0-0 8.Bxc4 Nb6 9.Qb3 Nxc4
10.Qxc4

White has not compromised with his development, and hopes that the strong center and greater
activity of his pieces will be worth more than the pair of bishops that Black has as positional
compensation. It is clear that the second player’s position is more restricted, and that in the following
moves he will have to weather the storm of the opponent’s initiative, but his structure is solid and if
he can create good coordination between his minor pieces, with a useful role for his queen bishop, he
should reach equilibrium more or less comfortably.

10…a6

Not simply a precaution against a possible Nb5. Black wants to continue with …b5 to get his light-
squared bishop to b7, where it will exert good pressure on the main diagonal. White can’t hinder that
idea with 11.a4 because Black still has 11…b5!.

11.0-0 b5 12.Qe2 Bb7 13.Bxf6 Bxf6

As indicated in the theoretical part, we have a pure duel between White’s pawn center and Black’s
pair of bishops. The first side must be prepared for Black’s breaks, so that when they occur and
dissolve the center, other favorable elements would have been created in the meantime.

14.Rfd1 Qe8 15.Qe3

688
Position after: 15.Qe3

In some lines the queen can move offensively to the kingside, while the e2-square is freed for the
knight in case the knight is threatened by the opponent’s b-pawn.

15…e5?!

Possibly the aforementioned fact made the Chinese grandmaster think that the advance of the b-pawn
was less attractive, but the truth is that it was possible, leading to a position with chances for both
sides.
15…b4 16.e5 Be7∞ As indicated in the theoretical part.

16.dxe5?!

It is tempting to take one of the black bishops out of the equation, but it is also very interesting, and
possibly preferable, to close the center.
16.d5 Now Black’s actions on the basis of the break with …c6 are unclear. In any case the reply with
…d6 must be considered; other ideas seem to fail to achieve complete equality. 16…Be7 [16…Qe7
17.a4²] 17.Nxe5 f5 18.Rac1 Bd6 19.Nc6²

16…Bxe5 17.Nxe5 Qxe5 18.f3 Rad8 19.Rxd8

Heading towards an ending. In any case, it seems difficult to avoid exchanging rooks, because both
sides want their share of the open file.
19.Qa7!? Bc6 20.a3 [20.Qxa6? Qc5+ Black wins.] 20…h6=

689
19…Rxd8 20.Rd1 Rxd1+ 21.Nxd1 h6=

The present ending, although balanced, is very interesting with the structure and the minor pieces
creating a possible imbalance. For the computer it is a classic case of a 0.00 evaluation; on the board,
however, I suspect the position is easier to play for Black, who has the most pawns farthest away
from the kings. So from a human point of view White’s following move seems to be accurate.

22.Qc3!

Position after: 22.Qc3!

If Black exchanges queens his chances on the queenside are somewhat restricted, but in addition
White’s king can reach the center. However keeping the queens on the board allows White’s pieces to
have a good arrangement with the knight on e3.

22…Qxc3

22…Qd6 23.Ne3 b4 24.Qc2 Kf8=

23.Nxc3 c5

The endgame remains close to equilibrium. Black’s more active pawn majority and the higher quality
of his minor piece are offset by the rapid centralization of the white king. Mamedyarov’s move order,
meanwhile, looks the most critical, trying to win the d4-square.

24.a3! Kf8 25.b4 Ke7!

690
Position after: 25…Ke7!

Black is up to the task. The defense arrives in time, allowing him to keep control of the vital d4-
square.

26.Kf2

26.bxc5?! Kd7 After the fall of the c5-pawn Black’s majority becomes very dangerous.

26…Kd6 27.Ke3 Bc8 28.f4

White sets his main asset in motion, trying to gain prominence on the kingside when the actions in the
opposite sector seem to have reached an impasse.

28…Be6 29.e5+!?

Mamedyarov wants to make progress by using the e4-square, although his strategy involves some risk
by giving up the d5-square on his side.

29…Kc6 30.h3 h5!?

691
Position after: 30…h5!?

Against the plan of g4 and f5, now any progress by White on the kingside will involve a pawn
exchange. Either way Black’s move should be well thought out, as it puts a pawn in the way of his
bishop and, more worryingly, allows g5.

31.Ne4 cxb4

31…c4 This alternative seems a little suspicious to me, but it is nevertheless possible. 32.h4 [32.Kd4
Bd5µ] 32…Bd5 33.Nd6 g6 34.Kd4 f6 35.g3 fxe5+ 36.fxe5 Bg2=

32.axb4 Kd5 33.Nd6?

Mamedyarov continues to take risks, but this move fails tactically.

33.Ng5 h4 34.Kd3 Bf5+ 35.Kc3 Be6=

33…h4?

692
Position after: 33…h4?

Losing the chance to effectively fight for the advantage, instead of the following.
33…g6! The idea is …f6 where the knight must control c4 to defend the b4-pawn, whose fall would
mean certain defeat. 34.g4 hxg4 35.hxg4 f6 36.Ne8 fxe5 37.Nc7+ Kd6 38.Nxa6 Bxg4–+

34.Ne8!

White has to play very accurately to hold the half-point in this position, but Mamedyarov’s play from
here to the end is almost faultless.

34…g6 35.Nc7+ Kc4 36.Nxe6

36.Nxa6 Not this move, however. 36…Bc8 37.Nc5 Kxb4–+The passed pawn is a big problem for
White.

36…fxe6

The pawn ending looks problematic at first glance, but White’s calculation was correct: the
continuation of the game shows that White’s majority can also produce a passed pawn.

37.g4™ 37…hxg3 38.h4™

38.f5? This is not enough. 38…gxf5 39.h4 f4+ 40.Kf3 Kd5–+ The black king can reach the square.

38…Kd5 39.Kf3 Kc6 40.Kxg3 a5 41.bxa5 b4

693
Position after: 41…b4

42.h5!

The simplest.
42.f5 gxf5 43.h5 b3 44.h6 b2 45.h7 b1=Q 46.h8=Q Black has a better structure than in the game, but
still not enough for victory. 46…Qe1+ 47.Kf4 Qd2+ 48.Kg3 Qxa5 Although here White needs to
make an only move. 49.Kh4=

42…gxh5 43.f5 b3 44.f6 b2 45.f7 b1=Q 46.f8=Q

After many adventures the queens have reappeared on the board – a common circumstance in
endgames with a majority of pawns in opposite sectors. The scarcity of material and the exposure of
the kings makes it impossible to imagine any result other than a draw, but there is still fighting left on
the board and passed pawns.

46…Qg1+ 47.Kh3 Qg4+ 48.Kh2 Qe2+ 49.Kh3 Qxe5

694
Position after: 49…Qxe5

Black has achieved maximum progress. However, this is not enough to fight for the point, since
White has many ways of securing a draw – the simplest being the one chosen by Mamedyarov,
cutting off the opponent’s king and threatening an uncomfortable check on b6.

50.Qb4 Qb5 51.Qe4+ Qd5

A) 51…Kd6 52.Qd4+=
B) 51…Kc7 52.Qxe6 Qxa5 53.Kh4=

52.Qb4 Qb5 53.Qe4+ Qd5 54.Qb4 Qb5

The end of a real battle.

½-½

Game 51
Dubov, Daniil (2690)
Giri, Anish (2787)
Moscow 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 b4!?

7…Qb6 This was my main recommendation in the theoretical part. The one in the text is a sharp
alternative, which can be more difficult to play over the board.

695
8.Nb1 Ba6

My choice in the theoretical part. In recent times, Black has also been trying out the following option.
8…Be7 In the opinion of the great master Ivan Sokolov (in Yearbook 134) this may be Black’s best
continuation. 9.e5 Nd5 10.Bxe7 Nxe7 11.Bxc4 (Adhiban – Mansour, internet 2020) 11…Bb7
12.Nbd2 c5 13.Bb5+ Nd7 14.dxc5 0-0 15.Rc1 Rc8 16.Nb3 Bd5 17.0-0 Rc7 18.Re1 Qc8 This should
offer Black equality, according to Sokolov.

9.e5 h6 10.Bxf6 gxf6 11.exf6

Position after: 11.exf6

11…c5

A) 11…Rg8 This is a viable alternative, as I indicated in the theoretical part. 12.Nbd2 After this
move, the idea that did not work in the game becomes possible. 12…c3 13.bxc3 bxc3 14.Ne4 Qa5„
B) 11…Qd5 This is also possible.

12.Nbd2 c3?!

696
Position after: 12…c3?!

An inaccuracy, because here Black has weakened the a4-e8 diagonal. As I point out in the theoretical
part of this book, Black should have instead opted for the following. 12…Nc6 13.Bxc4 Bxc4
14.Nxc4 Qxf6 This may be somewhat easier for White to play but it is ultimately balanced.

13.bxc3 bxc3 14.Ne4

White has the initiative now.

14…cxd4

The following are Inferior alternatives for Black.

A) 14…Bxf1 15.Kxf1±
B) 14…c4 15.Be2²

15.Bb5+! Bxb5 16.axb5

697
Position after: 16.axb5

In this way the opponent’s knight’s options are restricted. On the other hand, Black still has to resolve
questions about the safety of his king. The next move, however, is not the best answer.

16…Qd5?

A serious mistake.
16…d3! For better or for worse, Black had to embark on this move, as seen with the following
examples. 17.Nxc3 [17.0-0 c2 18.Qd2 Qd5„] 17…Nd7 18.0-0 Nxf6 19.Ne5 Bg7 20.Nc6 Qd6
21.Qf3 Nd5 22.Ne4 Qf4 23.Qxd3 Bxa1 24.g3 Qc7 25.Rxa1 White can claim some initiative, but
Black’s position is not lacking in defensive resources and he can fight for equality.

17.Qxd4 Qxb5 18.Nxc3?

The start of a plan which for Dubov was undoubtedly tempting, but at the same time very dangerous.
His idea is to castle long.
18.Ne5! Instead, this move gives White a decisive advantage. 18…Qb4 [18…Nd7 19.Ra5 Qb1+
20.Ke2 Qb2+ 21.Kf3 Nxe5+ 22.Qxe5 Rc8 23.Rc1!!+–] 19.Ra4 Qxd4 20.Rxd4+– There is a big
difference in activity, which will increase when the king rook comes into play.

18…Bb4 19.0-0-0

698
Position after: 19.0-0-0

19…Qa5!?

19…Qb6! This is more accurate, forcing an exchange of queens. 20.Kc2 Nc6!

Position after: 20…Nc6!

21.Qxb6 [21.Qd7+ Kf8–+] 21…axb6 It is White who must think about how to equalize. 22.Ra1
[22.Ne4!?] 22…Ra5 23.Ne4 This is perhaps a first step towards equality. However it is also logical

699
that with White’s exposed king Black would want to keep the queens.

20.Nb5 Na6 21.Qd7+ Kf8 22.Kb1!

Position after: 22.Kb1!

Dubov in the New in Chess Magazine says: “Normally with such a king you desperately need to mate
first, otherwise it’s you who gets mated. The position of the game is an unusual example of trying to
play positional chess in a crazy scenario with both kings weakened. My basic point is quite simple:
there is no way for Black’s rooks to come into play, so I have to protect my king first and then bring
the rest of my pieces into play to win. Black will always have to watch out for mating threats on his
back rank, so I have a chance”.

22…Ba3?

A natural idea that loses.

22…Bc5!? Black had to play this less obvious move which according to Dubov seems to hold the
position, but not without forcing Black into many only moves in lines such as the following. 23.Ne5
Qb4+ 24.Kc2 Qa4+ 25.Kd3 Rh7„

23.Rd3!+–

White is willing to respond to the rain of checks by moving his king to the other side of the board. It
is a kind of poetic justice that White ends up taking his king to the place where it should have gone a
few moves earlier.

23…Qb4+ 24.Kc2 Qa4+ 25.Kd2 Bb4+ 26.Ke2 Kg8 27.Ne5 Qc2+ 28.Kf3 Rf8 29.Rhd1 h5!?

700
An attempt to bring the king rook into play. White prevents it with an only move!

30.Qd4!

Position after: 30.Qd4!

30…Rh7

A) 30…Rh6 31.Qf4+–
B) 30…Bc5 31.Qh4™+–

31.Qf4 Bc5 32.Nd4 Qa2 33.R1d2 Qd5+ 34.Ke2 Bb4 35.Ndc6 Qc5

35…Bxd2 36.Qg3+

36.Ne7+ Kh8

Black resigned without waiting for 37.Nxf7 which leads to a quick mate.
A dramatic and interesting game.

1-0

Game 52
Kozul, Zdenko (2549)
Moussard, Jules (2686)
2022

701
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.Bxf6

This capture by doubling the pawns always comes into consideration, and in this particular position it
is the most frequently seen, with more than a hundred games in the database. However it is not
usually of concern to Black. White’s pieces are not primed to take advantage of the slight structural
deterioration that occurs here, but the loss of the bishop pair also causes more difficulties when it
comes to showing compensation for the pawn that Black has captured on c4. This is why in the
theoretical part the alternative 8.Be2 is recommended, which has recently been favored by masters of
the stature of Mamedyarov, Grischuk and Dubov.

8…gxf6 9.g3

Considering that Black can operate on the g-file and that the light-squared bishop does not have a
great future on its original diagonal, the fianchetto is a logical idea. However the time that White has
spent on completing his development is used by Black to consolidate his position, after which the
show of compensation for the pawn deficit is an arduous task for the first side. This is why the
quicker 9.Be2 is preferred in practice, although even so Black’s material and bishop pair is superior
thanks to the doubled pawns.

9…Bb7 10.Bh3!?

Position after: 10.Bh3!?

The exit via h3 is a new idea in this position of the original Croatian grandmaster.
10.Bg2 a6 11.0-0 Nd7 As pointed out in the theoretical part, here Black is playing a favorable version
of the structure of the Botvinnik Variation of the Semi-Slav.

702
10…Na6!?

Black has many development options for his minor pieces, but this move aims to get into the heart of
White’s position with …Nb4-d3.

11.0-0 0-0-0!?

The position with opposite-side castling was generated by Black perhaps prematurely, because White
can create counterplay on the queenside.
11…Bg7 Instead this useful move should have been preferred, leaving both castling possibilities open
for the black king. A possible continuation is as follows. 12.Ne2 [12.Re1 0-0µ; 12.b3 b4–+] 12…Nb4
13.Nf4 This move controls d3, but it also keeps an eye on h5. Now that the white knight has taken up
residence on the kingside, it is more reliable to opt for the following plan. 13…0-0-0 White can now
regain the pawn. 14.Nh5 Bf8 15.Nxf6 However the resulting position is still favorable to the second
player. 15…h5!?

Position after: 15…h5!?

16.Bg2 h4 17.Nxh4 Be7 18.e5 Nd3µ

12.axb5 cxb5

An important moment in the game, where White must create counterplay before Black can
consolidate with moves such as …Kb8, …Be7 and/or go on the offensive with moves such as …h5.
For this it seems necessary to operate on the queenside, where Black’s position has some weaknesses.

13.d5?

703
White plays in the central sector, which although weakened by the doubled pawns, is not easy to
exploit.
13.b3! This was correct instead, forcing Black to take risks, since here the second player must
continue as follows. 13…cxb3 [Other moves are worse here. 13…Bb4? 14.Qc1 h5 15.bxc4 bxc4
16.Nd5!²] Black opens up lines that can be used to create countervailing themes. 14.Qe2 Nc7
[14…Nb4 15.Nxb5 a5 16.Rfb1©] 15.Rfb1© All of Black’s queenside pawns are fragile here.

13…Kb8–+

One small step for the king, one giant leap for evaluation.

14.Qd4

A) 14.b3 This comes too late here. 14…Bb4 15.Qc2 cxb3 16.Qxb3 Bxc3 17.Qxc3 exd5–+
B) 14.Bg2 Nb4–+
C) 14.Qd2 Nc5–+

14…exd5

14…Qxd4 15.Nxd4 b4 This is also very strong. 16.Nce2 Bc5 17.Rfc1 exd5 18.exd5 Rxd5 19.Rxc4
Rhd8–+

15.Nxd5

15.exd5 Nc7 16.Qf4 Ka8–+ The d-pawn is doomed, as is White’s position with two pawns down.

15…Qxd4 16.Nxd4 Nc5!

704
Position after: 16…Nc5!

In all the lines seen, with jumps to b4, c7 or the present one, this knight has justified its right to
develop along the edge of the board.

17.Nxb5 Nxe4 18.Ndc7

A) 18.Ndc3 Nd2 19.Rfd1 a6 20.Na3 Nf3+ Black wins.

B) 18.Ne3 Nd2 19.Rfd1 Nf3+ 20.Kf1 Nxh2+ 21.Ke1 Bb4+ 22.Nc3 Nf3+ This is also decisive.

18…Bc5

With all the pieces in play and Black’s material advantage the result is not in doubt; after
consolidating his position the second player goes on the offensive and despite having more cover it is
the white king who suffers the most.

19.Na6+ Bxa6 20.Rxa6 Rd2

705
Position after: 20…Rd2

The decisive invasion. White has no defensive resources to counter the opponent’s initiative.

21.Nc3 Nxf2 22.Bg2 Ng4+ 23.Kh1 Ne3 24.Rg1 Bb6 25.Bf3 Rf2 26.Bh5 Rd8

Followed by the doubling of rooks on White’s second rank. The complex strategic nature of the
theoretical line with the exchange on f6 is vividly reflected in this game, where only one mistake was
enough to destroy White’s position.

0-1

Game 53
Mamedyarov, Shakhriyar (2767)
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam (2657)
Khanty-Mansiysk 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 b5 6.a4 c6 7.Nc3 Qb6 8.Be2

706
Position after: 8.Be2

The current preference among the elite, and also the computer’s first choice. Despite having few
games in the database, it is undoubtedly the most critical idea.

8…Nbd7 9.d5 exd5

9…Nc5 This is my recommendation in the theoretical part, and also that of Grandmaster Ivan
Sokolov in Yearbook 134.

10.exd5 b4 11.dxc6 Qxc6 12.Nb5 Bc5 13.0-0

According to Sokolov, once the pawn falls on c4 a symmetrical structure results where White will
have the most active pieces. However, the first factor mentioned above means that any imbalance is
not so easy to produce.

13…Bb7

13…0-0 A possible alternative. 14.Bxc4 Bb7 This is very close to equality. 15.Nbd4 Qc7 [ 15…Qb6
16.a5 Qc7=] 16.Rc1 Rad8=

14.Nbd4 Qd5

707
Position after: 14…Qd5

This move is an inaccuracy. In the theoretical part reference is made to the options with 14…Qc7 and
14…Qe4!? which lead to very complex positions but where Black seems to equalize.

15.Rc1² c3

15…Bxd4 16.Qxd4 0-0 17.Qxc4 Qxc4 18.Bxc4² White secures the better pieces.

16.bxc3

16.Bxf6 Nxf6 17.Bb5+ Kf8 18.bxc3 Instead this transposes to the game and should have been
preferred by White.

16…bxc3

16…0-0 Here Black has the option to play this move, although White is still slightly better after the
following. 17.cxb4 Bxb4 18.Bc4²

17.Bxf6 Nxf6 18.Bb5+ Kf8 19.Rxc3±

708
Position after: 19.Rxc3±

In the current scenario, Black is left with two active bishops, but his king is a factor that works
against the coordination of his own forces. Now the best defense is to return one of the bishops,
although Kasimdzhanov is understandably reluctant to surrender one of his few positional trumps.

19…g6?

19…Bxd4 As mentioned, this is the best option. 20.Rd3 g6 21.Rxd4 Qf5 22.Nh4 Qg5 23.Qa1±

20.Bc4 Qd6 21.Rd3+–

Thanks to the good coordination, White has a decisive advantage in the current position, but it is still
not easy to make it count. Black only needs a couple of moves to be OK.

21…Qf4 22.Qa1?!

The text sets out to tactically exploit the position of the opponent’s queen, but loses a large part of
White’s advantage.
22.g3! Instead, this was decisive. 22…Qg4 [22…Bxf3 23.Qa1! White wins. 23…Qg4 24.Ne6+]
23.Qb3+–

22…Kg7 23.Bxf7!

709
Position after: 23.Bxf7!

23…Kxf7 24.Ne2±

Most queen retreats would receive nasty knight checks on e5 or g5, but there is still a narrow path of
resistance.

24…Qf5™

24…Qb4 25.Ng5+ Kg7 26.Ne6+ Kf7 27.Rb1+–

25.Ng3 Qf4 26.Ne5+ Ke6?

Black abandons the narrow trail in search of wider space, but such behavior in chess is usually
suicidal – and this is no exception.
26…Kg7 Instead this only move was natural. 27.Nd7 Be7 28.Re1 [28.Rd4!? 28…Rhe8 29.Rd4 Qc7
30.Rc1 Qd8 31.Nxf6 Bxf6 32.Rxd8 Bxa1 33.Rd7+ Kg8 34.Rxa1 Bc6 35.Rd4± Obviously White’s
chances are very good, but Black has not yet been defeated.

27.Qa2+

The crossfire of the first player’s pieces decides.

27…Bd5

A) 27…Kxe5 28.Re1+ Ne4 29.Qb2+ Ke6 30.Rf3+–

B) 27…Nd5 28.Nf3 Rhd8 29.Ne2 Qc7 30.Nc3+–

710
28.Rxd5!

Position after: 28.Rxd5!

The start of a flawless finish from Mamedyarov.

28…Nxd5 29.Nd3 Qd4 30.Ne2! Qg4 31.Nef4+ Kf6 32.Nxd5+

1-0

711
 Chapter 7
The Catalan Opening

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3

Chapter Guide
Chapter 7 – The Catalan Opening

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4

a) 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4
b) 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Qxc4
c) 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Nc3
d) 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qa4+ Nc6 7.Ne5
e) 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qa4+ Nc6 7.dxc5
f) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.— & 7.Na3
g) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3 10.bxc3 0-0 11.Nb3 Be7 12.—
h) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3 10.bxc3 0-0 11.Nb3 Be7 12.Nfd4
i) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Ne5
j) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.dxc5
k) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 b5

712
l) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 cxd4
Selected Games

a) 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3

Position after: 4.g3

The so-called Catalan Opening alone is worthy of a whole book of a greater volume than the one you
have in your hands, and can be considered a completely independent system. However to write a
book on the Queen’s Gambit without offering an option against this particular line would have been
unreasonable, since in its main lines the Catalan is born from the same basis as the Gambit, despite
developing along completely different and independent lines.

4…dxc4

The immediate capture – called the Open Catalan, as opposed to the schemes where Black does not
take the c4-pawn quickly, which form the lines of the Closed Catalan – is one of the most popular
treatments, which in turn leads to a dozen different ideas for the second player. Black also has
variations such as the one arising from 4…Bb4+, one of those lines was the subject of a work the
author recently wrote for the Bulgarian publication Modern Chess. I will not repeat the content here
not only because those interested can purchase that material if they wish to complete their knowledge
of the variation (or have another line to combat White’s idea) but also because I have confidence in
the ideas that I have developed in this section of the present book.

713
5.Qa4+

While the move 5.Bg2 is visibly the most critical (it forms part of the second part of this section)
many Catalan players give check simply to avoid having to study the theory related to each of Black’s
options, so the queen move is quite popular. The other ideas do not complicate matters for the second
player.
A) 5.Qc2 This is an inferior version of the queen check. Black can respond with 5…b5 by holding
the pawn for awhile longer, or ignore White’s idea with the following. 5…a6 6.a4 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5
8.Bg2 Nc6 9.Qxc4 (Bui Vinh – Medvegy, Budapest 2002) 9…Qe7³
B) 5.Nc3 This is more interesting, with transposition to a line mentioned in Chapter 5 (the Vienna
Variation with 5. g3).

5…Nbd7

After this reply, White does not even reach 50% in the statistics (in truth, it is just over 41%), which
is demonstrative of the current theoretical state of White’s option.

6.Qxc4

The main line stems from 6.Bg2, and the next two subchapters are devoted to it. In addition to the text
White can try the following.
6.Nc3 However Black is fine after the following. 6…a6 [6…Rb8!?] 7.Qxc4 [7.Bg2! This transposes
to 6.Bg2.] 7…b5 8.Qd3 Bb7 9.Bg2 c5 10.0-0 Black has a choice of several good options such as
10…c4 (as in Reshevsky – Fine, Nottingham 1936) or 10…Rc8 (as in Mancini – Dorfman, France
1994).

6…a6

714
Position after: 6…a6

7.Bg2 Now this transposes to the next subchapter. As this line is considered to be good for Black,
White has tried other possibilities here, the most serious being the following.

7.a4

A) 7.Qc2 In practice this is somewhat more popular. Black gets the better part of a roughly equal
position as follows. 7…b5 8.a4 [8.Bg2 This again transposes to 6. Bg2.] 8…Bb7 9.Bg2 c5 10.0-0
Rc8 11.axb5 axb5 12.Qb3 Qb6 13.Na3 [13.dxc5 Nxc5 14.Qe3 Nd5³ Mascarenhas – Sveshnikov,
Rio de Janeiro 1985] 13…Bc6

715
Position after: 13…Bc6

14.Ne5 [14.Be3 c4 (Pushkov – Giulian, Sibenik 2014) 15.d5 Qb8 16.Bf4 cxb3 17.Bxb8 Bxd5
18.Ba7 Bxa3 19.Rxa3 0-0 20.Nd4 b4 Black has some initiative.] 14…Nxe5 15.dxe5 Nd5 16.e4 c4
[16…Nb4!? Balog – Perunovic, Plovdiv 2008] 17.Qf3 (Mansoor – Vitenberg, Fagernes 2020)
17…Nc7 Black has a microscopic advantage.
B) 7.Bg5 b5 8.Qc6 Rb8 9.Bxf6 gxf6 10.Bg2 This is another possibility. Now, as tempting as it
might be to give check and throw away White’s castling rights, Black should have preferred the
following instead. 10…Bb7 11.Qc3 c5= Black has comfortable equality, as in Laurusas –
Pultinevicius, Lithuania ch 2022.
C) 7.Bf4 c5 8.Qd3 cxd4 9.Nbd2 (Trost – Parkhov, Stockholm 2022) 9…Qa5 10.Qxd4 Bc5³

7…c5

This is the most logical continuation, the preference of the computer and of authors such as Nikolaos
Ntirlis in his book Playing 1 .d4 d5 A Classical Repertoire.
7…b5!? This is an alternative, which the Greek author also cites. An example of this idea is as
follows. 8.Qc6 Rb8

716
Position after: 8…Rb8

9.axb5 [9.Bf4 Bb7 10.Qxc7 Qxc7 11.Bxc7 Rc8©] 9…Bb7 10.Qc2 axb5 11.Bg2 c5 12.0-0 Qb6„
Hertneck – Gyimesi, Germany tt 1999

8.a5

Possibly the best idea here. In practice White has experimented with various alternatives.
A) 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.Bg2 b5³ Paci – Eperjesi, Budapest 2003
B) 8.Bg2 b5 9.Qc2 Bb7 10.0-0 Rc8 11.axb5 axb5 This is a transposition to the line with 7. Qc2
quoted above.

8…b5 9.axb6

So far we are following the game Tu Hoang Thai – Nguyen Van Thanh, Vietnam 2011. Here Black
took on b6 with a knight, but I prefer the following capture instead.

9…Qxb6 10.Bg2 Bb7

717
Position after: 10…Bb7

Black exerts good pressure on White’s center and is better developed.

11.0-0 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Bxg2 13.Kxg2 Bc5³

The difference in coordination and activity between the two sides is evident.

b) 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Qxc4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2

The most usual continuation which in turn is the theoretical recommendation. White does not need to
rush to regain the pawn.

6…a6 7.Qxc4

718
Position after: 7.Qxc4

For 7.Nc3 see the next subchapter. The capture on c4 makes more sense here than in the position in
the previous chapter, but Black still obtains good play.

7…b5 8.Qc6

With this move – which in my opinion is the most critical – White doesn’t achieve 50% in the
statistics, but he fares even worse with the most popular continuation.
A) 8.Qc2 Here White does not even achieve 30% success! 8…Bb7 9.0-0 [9.a4 c5 10.0-0 This
transposes.] 9…c5

719
Position after: 9…c5

10.Nc3 [10.a4 cxd4 11.Nxd4 Bxg2 12.Kxg2 Rc8 13.Qd1 Black is OK. 13…b4! 14.Nd2 Be7
15.N2b3 0-0 16.f3 (Eriksson – Wiedenkeller, Sweden 1993) 16…Nc5³; 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.Bg5
Rc8µ Fica Cruz – Bok, internet rapid 2021] 10…Rc8 11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.a3 0-0 13.Bg5 h6 14.Bxf6
Nxf6µ Despite the symmetrical structure and the harmless appearance of the position, Black’s
bishop pair is an active force, as in Marodi – Eperjesi, Hungary 2008.
B) 8.Qd3!? Bb7 9.0-0 This alternative offers a roughly balanced game. 9…c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5
11.Be3!? This is the idea.

720
Position after: 11.Be3!?

11…0-0 12.Bxc5 Nxc5 13.Qxd8 Rfxd8 14.Rc1 Rac8 15.Nc3 Rc7= Burmakin – Svane, Zurich 2018
C) 8.Qb3 Compared to the previous line, this move is inferior because of the following. 8…Bb7
9.0-0 [9.a4 c5 Black is OK. 10.axb5?! c4! 11.Qc2 Be4 12.Qd1 axb5 13.Rxa8 Qxa8–+ Kourkoulos –
Delchev, Anogia 2019] 9…c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.Be3 0-0 12.Bxc5 Nxc5 The sequence does not
involve the exchange of queens. 13.Qb4!? [13.Qa3 Qb6³ Fierz – Dittmar, Liechtenstein 2006]
13…Rc8 14.Nbd2 a5!

Position after: 14…a5!

15.Qf4 [15.Qxb5 Ba6–+] 15…Qb6 16.Rfc1 Nd5³ I prefer Black’s position, although White is not
without counterplay.

8…Ra7!

721
Position after: 8…Ra7!

This move, first employed by Reshevsky, is not the most popular, a credit that goes to the natural
8…Rb8, but it is of equivalent value and can give Black the extra resource of maneuvering the rook
on the second rank once the …c5 break has been made.

9.0-0

Castling is the most common continuation in practice, as well as a very natural move, but White has
tried several alternatives here.
A) 9.Bf4 The main line in the repertoire book by Ntirlis. Against Black’s plan it seems reasonable to
take control of the c7-square, but Black has no problems after the following. 9…Bb7 10.Qc2 c5

722
Position after: 10…c5

11.0-0 [11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.0-0 0-0 13.Nbd2 (Pogorelov – Korneev, Albacete 2000) 13…Qa8µ]
11…Nd5 12.Bd2 Qa8=
B) 9.Qc2 c5 10.0-0 Bb7 11.Nbd2 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Bxg2 13.Kxg2 Rc7 14.Qd1 Be7µ Toran –
Petrosian, Palma de Mallorca 1969

9…Bb7 10.Qc2 c5 11.a4

A) 11.dxc5 This is popular, but only Black can be better after the following. 11…Bxc5³ Fernandez
– Khenkin, Hastings 2014
B) 11.Bg5 cxd4 12.a4 b4 13.Rd1©

11…b4

I think this continuation is the most correct.

11…Be4 However Black can also experiment with this move. 12.Qd1 b4∞ Rubinetti – Sorokin, San
Martin 1993

12.Be3!?

723
Position after: 12.Be3!?

White has other options for the development of this piece.

12.Bg5 cxd4 13.Rc1!? [13.Nxd4 Bxg2 14.Kxg2 Rc7³ Sente – Krivokapic, Tivat 2011] 13…Nc5
14.Nbd2 Bd5=

12…Be4

The bishop moves are logical here, allowing the rook to pass to c7. Alternatives to the text are set out
below.
A) 12…Ng4!? This allows for the possibility of creating independent positions, such as the one
arising from the following sequence. 13.Bg5 Qa8 14.Bh3!? Be4 15.Qc1 Ngf6 16.Nbd2 Bd5∞ The
position offers chances for both sides.
B) 12…Bd5 This is similar to the text, but it is less forced and does not enable the idea of …Nd5.
Nevertheless it leads to a balanced position. 13.Nbd2 Be7 14.Rfc1 0-0 15.dxc5 Rc7 16.Nb3 Qa8©

13.Qd1!?

The last try by White in practice, and perhaps the most critical.
13.Qd2 Nd5= Plat – Nowak, Szczawno 2018

13…cxd4!?

13…Rc7 14.Nbd2 Bd5 Zakhartsov – Bykov, Moscow 2020. 15.Bf4 Rc8 16.e4!

724
Position after: 16.e4!

Now this would have given an advantage to the first player. 16…Nxe4 17.Nxe4 Bxe4 18.Qe2 Bd5
19.Qxa6² White has a dangerous passed pawn and some initiative.

14.Bxd4 Rc7

With chances for both sides. Some illustrative lines are presented below.

15.a5

15.Nbd2 Bc2 16.Qe1 Bd6 17.a5 Qb8 This transposes.

15…Qb8!? 16.Nbd2 Bc2 17.Qe1 Bd6

17…Be7 18.e3 Bd3 19.Ne5 Bb5!

725
Position after: 19…Bb5!

20.Nxd7 Rxd7 21.Nf3 0-0 22.Qb1 Bxf1 23.Qxf1© The chances on both sides are roughly equal.
White’s compensation lies in the harmonious arrangement of his minor pieces, the pair of bishops and
the pressure that can be brought to bear on the opponent’s queenside.

18.e4 e5 19.Bb6 Nxb6 20.axb6 Qxb6 21.Qe2 Rc6 22.Nc4 Qc7 23.Nfd2

Position after: 23.Nfd2

726
23…b3∞

While White has compensation for the surrendered pawn, demonstrated by a certain lack of
coordination within Black’s army, it does not bring him more than equality. Black would not have to
make a great effort to maintain the balance and in fact it is White who has to play more accurately
here so that the pawn deficit does not end up being a problem.

c) 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Nc3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Nc3

Position after: 7.Nc3

The idea of interposing this move before regaining the pawn on c4 is to prevent Black’s …b5
expansion which, as we saw in the previous subchapter, offers Black good play.

7…Be7

A solid move, enabling castling.

7…Rb8 This is the main alternative which also has illustrious names among its proponents. 8.Qxc4
b5 9.Qd3 Bb7 10.0-0 c5 11.Bf4 Rc8 12.dxc5 Bxc5

727
Position after: 12…Bxc5

Here we have a position which is a speciality (as White) of the Swedish grandmaster Ulf Andersson,
but it seems difficult even for a great technician like him to find the tiniest of advantages, as seen in
the following examples. 13.Rad1 0-0 14.Ne5 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Nxe5 16.Bxe5 Be7 17.Qf3 Qb6
[17…Qa5 18.Qb7 Rfe8= Andersson – Kasparov, Belgrade (m/6) 1985] 18.Rd2 [18.Ne4 Here the
game was declared a draw, in Horvath – Szabo, Hungary tt 2013. 18…Nxe4 19.Qxe4 Rfd8= The
position is completely equal after this.] 18…Rfd8 19.Rfd1 Rxd2 20.Rxd2 Qc6 21.h3 [21.Qxc6 Rxc6
22.h3 h5 23.f4 Kf8= Andersson – Sunye Neto, Rio de Janeiro 1985] 21…h6 22.a3 Kf8 23.Rd3
Qxf3+ 24.Kxf3 The game was declared a draw in Andersson – Wiedenkeller, Sweden tt 2017. Black
can continue with 24…Ke8=.

8.Ne5

Possibly the most critical idea.

8.Qxc4 Instead, this more usual move allows Black to achieve comfortable equality. 8…b5 9.Qd3
Bb7 Here for example the line can continue as follows. 10.0-0 0-0 11.Bg5 [11.Bf4 This is similar.
11…c5 12.dxc5 Nxc5 13.Qxd8 Rfxd8= Vukic – Kovacevic, Yugoslavia ch 1967] 11…c5

728
Position after: 11…c5

12.dxc5 [12.Rfd1 c4 13.Qc2 b4 This offers Black a strong initiative. 14.Na4 Qa5 15.Bxf6 Nxf6
16.Ne5 Bxg2 17.Kxg2 Rac8³ The position is obviously preferable for Black, as in Carlier –
Beukema, Belgium tt 2018.] 12…Nxc5 13.Qxd8 Rfxd8 14.Rac1 [14.Rfd1 h6 15.Be3 b4 16.Bxc5
Bxc5 17.Na4 Ba7= Hunganski – Mareco, Mar del Plata 2012] 14…b4 15.Nb1 Rac8 16.Ne5 Bxg2
17.Kxg2 (Spacek – Simek, Czech Republic 2018) 17…Nd5=

8…0-0

729
Position after: 8…0-0

9.Qxc4!?

This capture leads to original positions after the exchange on e5. The options are of equivalent or
lesser value.
A) 9.Nxd7 Bxd7 10.Qxc4 b5 11.Qd3 b4 12.Ne4 Bb5 13.Qc2 Qxd4 14.Be3 Qc4³ Burmakin –
Miroshnichenko, Cappelle 2006
B) 9.Nxc4 c5 10.dxc5 Bxc5 This transposes to the line with 8…c5.

9…Nxe5 10.dxe5 Nd7 11.Bf4

The development of this piece allows for the quick arrival of the queen rook onto d1. In practice
White has also employed the following options.
A) 11.Qe4 Rb8 12.0-0 b5 13.Rd1 c5 14.Bf4 Bb7 15.Qd3 Bxg2 16.Kxg2 Nb6³ Burmakin – Roeder,
Pardubice 2015
B) 11.f4 b5 12.Qd3 Rb8 13.0-0 c5 14.Ne4 Bb7 15.Rd1 Bd5∞ Chitescu – Voiculescu, corr 2011

11…b5 12.Qd3 Rb8 13.Rd1 c5

Position after: 13…c5

While White has more space in the center and dominates the only open column, some elements also
work for the second player: the e5-pawn limits his dark-squared bishop and Black’s pawn majority on
the queenside is very active, offering adequate counterplay.

730
14.0-0

14.Ne4 The main alternative. 14…c4 15.Qd2 [15.Qd4 Qa5+³] 15…Qb6∞ The position offers
chances to both sides.

14…c4 15.Qd4 Nc5 16.Qxd8 Rxd8 17.Rxd8+ Bxd8 18.Be3

Position after: 18.Be3

18…Be7=

Objectively the position is balanced here, in Vallejo – Naiditsch, Heviz 2008. However if there’s a
side that has better practical chances here, it is Black with his majority of pawns in the sector away
from the kings.

d) 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qa4+ Nc6 7.Ne5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2

This move is the most suitable for the position, with no particular rush to regain the pawn, if the white
queen has an exposure (as in 5.Qa4+ followed by Qxc4). This is the main theoretical
recommendation and continuation in practice. As explained above, Black has many different and
interesting schemes at his disposal here, which leads some players who do not trust their memory or
knowledge to give the check – thus depriving themselves of the possibility to fight for the advantage
in the meantime.

731
Position after: 5.Bg2

5…c5!?

My choice is third in popularity, one of a dozen reasonable ideas that Black has been cultivating in
recent years, when the Catalan ceased to be an opening that lived in the shadow of the Queen’s
Gambit, and became a serious theoretical challenge in its own right with the support of various
repertoire books by great masters such as Boris Avrukh and Viktor Bologan. The advance of the c-
pawn immediately hits d4, so as to create positions with exchanges on that square – this is opposite in
spirit to those positions where Black tries to keep the extra pawn, allowing White the traditional
compensation in the form of a strong pawn center.

6.Qa4+

A) 6.0-0 This is the main line by a long margin, and will be analyzed from subchapter f) and
afterwards. The alternatives are statistically and practically irrelevant, perhaps with the exception of
the following moves involving the queen knight.
B) 6.Na3 cxd4 7.Nxc4 [7.Nxd4 Bb4+ 8.Bd2 Bxa3 9.Qa4+ Qd7 10.Qxd7+ Bxd7 11.bxa3 Nd5³
Castillo – Acebal, Spain 1993] 7…Nc6 8.0-0 Bc5 This transposes to 6. 0-0.
C) 6.Nc3 Nc6

732
Position after: 6…Nc6

7.Qa4 [7.dxc5 Qxd1+ 8.Nxd1 Bxc5 9.Be3 (Lopez – Velasco, Mexico 1985) 9…Bb4+ 10.Bd2
Nd5ƒ] 7…cxd4 8.Nxd4 Qxd4 9.Bxc6+ Bd7 10.Bxd7+ Qxd7 11.Qxc4 Rc8 [11…a6= Grunberg –
Ruck, Hungary 2009] 12.Qb3 Bc5= Javakhishvili – Zhukova, Novi Sad 2009

6…Nc6!?

In the early days of this line Black responded to the check by blocking with their bishop or knight on
d7. This was the case until the 1980s when the most active development of the text emerged, driven
by the grandmasters Balashov and Beliavsky. Although I have taken this variation as the main one, I
offer as a backup the following alternative.
6…Bd7 7.Qxc4 b5!? More usual is 7…Nc6 or 7…Bc6 instead. 8.Qc2 Na6 This has been giving
Black good results in practice, albeit in only a few games. 9.0-0 Rc8 10.Qd1 Bc6

733
Position after: 10…Bc6

White has tried various ideas here without gaining an advantage. 11.a4 [11.dxc5!? Bxc5 12.Qxd8+
Kxd8! 13.Ne5 Bxg2 14.Kxg2 Ke7= Galego – Vaibhav, London 2011; 11.Na3?! (Iagar – Jordan,
Valencia 2012) 11…c4³] 11…b4 12.Qd3 [12.Bg5!? cxd4 13.Qxd4 Qxd4 14.Nxd4 Bxg2 15.Kxg2
Ne4=] 12…Nb8!? [12…Qb6? 13.Nbd2 Qb7 14.Nb3 Bd5 15.Qb5+ Qxb5 16.axb5 Nc7 17.Nxc5+–
Grachev – Oparin, Moscow 2015] 13.Bg5!? [13.b3 (Johansson – Nilsson, Sweden 2018) 13…Be4³]
13…c4!? 14.Qc2 Be7∞ The position offers chances to both sides, with Black having the pawn
majority on the queen’s wing.

7.Ne5!?

734
Position after: 7.Ne5!?

The most direct plan, trying to show that the exit via c6 is risky. White has a popular option here:
7.dxc5 which will be dealt with in the next subchapter. Meanwhile, 7.0-0, which is also usual here,
transposes to the main line.
7.Qxc4 This is insufficient; Black even gains an advantage by continuing as follows. 7…cxd4 8.0-0
Be7 9.Bf4 [9.Rd1 e5 10.e3 Be6 11.Qa4 Bd7µ] 9…0-0 10.Ne5 Bd7 11.Qb3 Nxe5 12.Bxe5 Bc6µ
Sedlak – Kovacevic, Montenegro 2011

7…Bd7

735
Position after: 7…Bd7

White now has to choose between a number of different exchange operations.

8.Nxc6

This may be the most critical idea. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 8.Bxc6 Bxc6 9.Nxc6 This is harmless because of 9…Qd7!.

Position after: 9…Qd7!

736
 Here it is White who must play more accurately. 10.dxc5 [10.Qxc4 Qxc6 11.0-0 h5µ] 10…Rc8
11.b4 cxb3 12.axb3 Bxc5 13.Nxa7 Bb4+ 14.Kf1 Rxc1+ 15.Kg2 (Iljushin – Zakharevich, Samara
2002) 15…Rxh1 16.Kxh1 Bc5 17.Kg2 Ke7ƒ
B) 8.Nxd7 This is the most usual capture in practice, giving White the bishop pair. Meanwhile,
Black can reach equality relatively simply with the resulting position. 8…Qxd7 9.dxc5 Bxc5
10.Qxc4 Rc8 [10…Nd4!? This is another possibility; Black fights for the initiative here.] 11.Nc3™
[11.e3? Ne5–+ Menkinovski – Mitkov, Macedonia 2005; 11.Qxc5 Nd4–+; 11.Be3 Bxe3 12.fxe3
This was played in Hodan – Sernecki, Liberec 2020, where 12…Nd5 led to Black’s victory.
12…Ne7 Alternatively this is stronger still. 13.Qd3 Qxd3 14.exd3 Rc2–+] 11…0-0 12.Bg5
[12.Qxc5 This is still taboo because of 12…Nd4–+.] 12…Ne5 13.Qb3 Neg4ƒ

8…Qb6!

Position after: 8…Qb6!

Here Black also postpones the capture on c6, and for good reason, since that immediately leads to
White’s advantage.

9.Nd2

9.Na3 Bxc6 10.Bxc6+ Qxc6 11.Qxc6+ bxc6 12.dxc5 c3∞ Athanasiou – Kosmas, Greece 2009

9…Bxc6 10.dxc5!?

10.Bxc6+ Qxc6 11.Qxc6+ bxc6 12.dxc5 c3 (Valov – Dolgusheva, St. Petersburg 2009) 13.bxc3
Bxc5=

737
10…Bxc5

10…Bxa4 11.cxb6 axb6 12.Nxc4²

11.Bxc6+ bxc6 12.0-0

12.Nxc4 Bxf2+ 13.Kf1 Qc5µ

12…c3!

Position after: 12…c3!

The advance is necessary so that White does not obtain a position with the best structure.

13.bxc3 Qb5!?

13…0-0 14.Rb1 Qc7 15.c4 Rfd8„ The position is still complex, with a symmetrical formation but
there are many possibilities for piece maneuver for both sides.

14.Qd1

14.Qxb5 cxb5 Provisionally this unites Black’s pawns, but each side ends up with a weak pawn on
the queenside after the following. 15.a4 bxa4 16.Rxa4 The position is balanced after 16…0-0=.

14…0-0 15.c4 Qa6 16.Bb2

The most direct.

738
16.Qc2 White can also play this move. 16…Rab8 [16…Rfd8 17.Bb2 This transposes to the text,
being an independent line. 17.Nf3 Bd4 18.Rb1 c5 19.Rd1 White has some initiative.] 17.Bb2 Rfd8
This transposes to the main line.

16…Rfd8 17.Qc2

17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.e3 Be7∞ The deterioration of the structure is not dangerous for the black king, while
as compensation Black is left with the best minor piece.

17…Rab8 18.Be5

18.Bxf6 gxf6∞ The evaluation is the same as in the commentary on White’s move 17.

18…Rb4!?

Position after: 18…Rb4!?

18…Rb7 This direct move is also possible, where an illustrative line is as follows. 19.Rad1 Rbd7
20.Nf3 Rxd1 21.Rxd1 Rxd1+ 22.Qxd1 Qb6 23.e3 Bf8=

19.a4!?

19.Bxf6 Again White can consider this alternative. 19…gxf6 20.Qc3 This leads to a balanced
position after 20…Be7.

19…Rb7 20.Rad1 Rbd7 21.Nf3 Rxd1 22.Rxd1 Rxd1+ 23.Qxd1

739
Position after: 23.Qxd1

23…Bf8=

The position is equal. While the white queen is better positioned than her black counterpart, White’s
pawns are also somewhat more exposed. The exchange on f6 does not create an imbalance, and the
bishop exchange that can be produced by moving White’s bishop to d6 leads to a balanced endgame.

e) 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qa4+ Nc6 7.dxc5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qa4+ Nc6 7.dxc5

740
Position after: 7.dxc5

This is the other option to the main lines with a quick short castling.

7…Bxc5

The immediate capture is the most usual follow-up.

A) 7…Bd7 This is an alternative. 8.Qxc4 Qa5+ However White’s position seems somewhat more
comfortable in the possible endgames after the queen capture on c5.
B) 7…Qa5+ 8.Qxa5 Nxa5 9.Bd2 Nc6 10.Na3 Bxc5 11.Nxc4± White is better, in Firouzja – Wei
Yi, internet 2020.

8.0-0

Castling is by a small margin the most popular idea in practice.

8.Qxc4 This is the alternative where the resulting position is balanced. 8…Qe7 9.Bg5!? [9.0-0
(Jimenez – Capote, Benidorm 2013) 9…e5=] 9…e5 10.0-0 Be6 11.Qa4 0-0 12.Nc3 h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6
14.e3 Qe7 15.Rfd1 Rad8=

8…0-0 9.Qxc4 Qd5

741
Position after: 9…Qd5

This is the most usual reply, and probably the most accurate, but Black has decent options such as
9…Be7 or the following.
9…b6 A relatively recent example with the following idea. 10.Nc3 Bb7 11.Bg5 Rc8 [11…h6!?;
11…Be7!?] 12.Qh4 h6 13.Ne4 hxg5 14.Nfxg5 Re8 15.Rad1 Qc7 16.Nxf6+ gxf6 17.Ne4 Be7
18.Qg4+ Kf8 19.Qh4 Kg7 20.Qg4+ The game was soon declared a draw, in Solak – Firat, Batumi
2018.

10.Qh4

This thematic idea is the most popular in the present position, but White has tried several other
options here.
A) 10.Qa4 (Shkurkin – Loginov, Russia 2014) 10…Rd8 11.Nc3 Qh5 12.Bg5 Bd7 13.Bxf6 gxf6∞
B) 10.Nbd2 Rd8 11.Qxd5 [11.b3 (Miton – Ljubojevic, Spain rapid 2013) 11…e5³] 11…Nxd5
12.Nb3 [12.Rd1 Bd7=] 12…Bb6=

10…Qf5

The most solid idea, anticipating the development of White’s queen knight.

11.Nc3 Rd8!?

742
Position after: 11…Rd8!?

12.h3!?

The idea is to gain some space on the kingside. The other moves do not complicate matters for the
second player.
A) 12.Rd1 Rxd1+ 13.Nxd1 Bd7=
B) 12.Qf4 e5=

12…Bd7 13.g4 Qg6 14.Bf4 Rac8 15.Rfd1

15.Qg3 Bb6 16.Rad1 Be8=

15…Ne4

15…Bb4!?

16.Nxe4

16.Nd4 The alternative which subsequently leads to a complicated, but still balanced, position.
16…Nxf2 [16…Nxc3 17.bxc3 f6∞] 17.Qxf2 e5

743
Position after: 17…e5

As often happens in these cases, a sequence of simplifications leads to an almost even finish. 18.Bxc6
exd4 19.Ne4 Qxc6 20.Nxc5 Qxc5 21.Rxd4 Qe7 22.Rad1 Bb5 23.Rxd8+ Rxd8 24.Rxd8+ Qxd8
25.Qe3 h6=

16…Qxe4 17.e3 Be7 18.Qg3 Be8 19.Nd4 Qg6 20.Nxc6 Bxc6 21.Bxc6

Position after: 21.Bxc6

744
21…bxc6=

The position is balanced. The slight structural malformation of the black pawns is compensated by the
better coordination and activity of the black pieces.

f) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.— & 7.Na3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6

Position after: 6…Nc6

A position known from the Reti – Leonhardt game, Berlin 1928. The main lines arise from the
continuations with 7.Qa4, 7.Ne5 and 7.dxc5, which will be analyzed in the following sections. In the
present section, the development of the queen knight on a3 and other unusual ideas are studied.

7.Na3!?

The Brazilian master Otavio Trompowsky was the first to use this move, in Rio de Janeiro 1939.
Several years later, strong grandmasters such as Carlsen, Caruana, Harikrishna, Leko and Gelfand
have followed in his footsteps. The secondary alternatives are as follows.
A) 7.e3 cxd4 8.exd4 Be7 This is comfortable for Black. A practical example is given here. 9.Qa4
Bd7 10.Qxc4 Rc8 11.Qe2 Nb4 12.Nc3 Bc6 13.a3 Nbd5= Basic – Tholey, France 2011
B) 7.Qc2 This is an inferior variant of the 7.Qa4 line, since it does not press for the a4-e8 diagonal.
7…cxd4 8.Qxc4 Be7 Black gains an advantage, for example as follows. 9.Rd1 e5 10.e3 Bg4
11.exd4 Nxd4µ Turov – Grigoriev, Perm 2010

745
 C) 7.Be3 Nd5 8.Bg5 [8.Bc1 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Bd7³] 8…f6 9.Bc1 [9.e4 (Romero Holmes – Gomez
Esteban, Bilbao 2000) 9…Ndb4µ] 9…Nb6 10.Be3 Nd5

Position after: 10…Nd5

11.Nc3?! [11.Bc1 Rb8!?³] 11…Nxe3 12.fxe3 (Handke – Loeffler, Hamburg 2004) 12…Rb8µ

7…cxd4 8.Nxc4

Position after: 8.Nxc4

746
8…Bc5

This is the most usual continuation, and also the one that offers Black the best statistics (although still
favorable for White, with almost 60%).
8…Be7 This is the main alternative where the strongest players are opting for the following
continuations.
A) 9.Qb3 This is more usual and offers almost 70% to White. 9…Nd7!

Position after: 9…Nd7!

However after this move the trend is reversed, with White getting just 37%; a high-level example
continues as follows. 10.e3 Nc5 11.Qd1 d3 12.b3 0-0 The position is approximately equal, as in
Wang Yue – Lu Shanglei, China tt 2013.
B) 9.Bf4!? The most popular, where an example line is as follows. 9…0-0 10.Nfe5 Nd5 11.Nxc6
bxc6 12.Qxd4 (Perez Candelario – Maza Broto, Spain 2009) 12…Ba6„
C) 9.b3 0-0 10.Bb2

747
Position after: 10.Bb2

C1) 10…d3!? 11.e3 This was played in Gelfand – Lu Shanglei, Khanty Mansiysk m/3 2019. The
following exchange sacrifice is interesting here. 11…b6!? 12.Nfe5 Nxe5 13.Bxe5 Ba6 14.Bxa8
Qxa8 15.Qxd3 Bb7 The extent of Black’s compensation needs testing by future practical
experience.
C2) 10…Bc5!? 11.Rc1 Re8 12.Nce5 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 (Golubovskis – Sveshnikov, Riga rapid 2020)
13…Qd6 Play is approximately equal.

Position after: 8…Bc5

748
9.a3

This move is probably the most critical. In the master arena, other continuations that have been seen
are as follows.
A) 9.Bf4?! 0-0 10.Rc1 Nd5!

Position after: 10…Nd5!

11.Nfe5 [11.Nce5 Bb6 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Ne5 c5µ Selbes – Kravtsiv, Legnica 2013] 11…Nxf4
12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.gxf4 Bb6ƒ
B) 9.b3 This is a relatively new treatment, no doubt inspired by White’s line in the 8…Be7
variation. 9…0-0 10.Bb2

749
Position after: 10.Bb2

Black is a tempo up in relation to the abovementioned variation. 10…Qc7!? This is the idea here.
[10…d3 11.e3 Rb8 12.Rc1 b6 13.Nfe5² Caruana – Harikrishna, Saint Louis blitz 2019; 10…a6
11.Rc1 Ba7 12.Ba3 Ne7 13.e3± Shirov – Nihal, Moscow rapid 2019; 10…Rb8!? This deserves
attention, as in Short – Turner, England 2012.] This works well for Black, who reaches equality.
11.Nxd4 [11.Rc1 Rd8=] 11…Nxd4 12.Bxd4 Rd8 13.e3 [13.Bxc5!? Rxd1 14.Rfxd1 Bd7 15.Bd6
Qc8∞] 13…Bxd4 14.exd4 Bd7 15.Rc1 Rac8 16.Ne3 Qb8=

9…a5

750
Position after: 9…a5

Obviously Black needs to guard against any b4 ideas.

10.b3

The current preference. The alternative options are as follows.

A) 10.Bf4 0-0 11.Rc1 [11.Nce5!? Bd7 Black is OK.] 11…Nd5 12.Nce5 Nxf4!?

Position after: 12…Nxf4!?

751
 [12…Ba7 Bishop retreats from c5 such as this are also worth considering, played in Li Xueyi – Guo
Qi, China w-ch 2020.] 13.Nxc6 [This is better than the following. 13.Rxc5 Nxe5 14.gxf4 Nxf3+
15.Bxf3 (Abasov – Rzayev, Baku 2014) 15…Qd6³] 13…bxc6 14.gxf4 Bb6 15.Ne5 Bb7
B) 10.Bd2 0-0 [10…Nd5!?] 11.Rc1 Bd6 [11…a4!? Artemiev – Zvjaginsev, Russia blitz 2015]
12.e3!? [12.Nxd6 Qxd6 13.e3 (Eljanov – Giri, Wijk aan Zee 2016) 13…d3 14.Nd4 Nxd4 15.exd4
Nd5³] 12…e5 13.exd4 e4 14.Nfe5 Nxd4=

10…0-0 11.Bb2 Rb8

Position after: 11…Rb8

12.Nfe5!?

12.Rc1 In the only practical example with this position, White preferred this move. 12…b6 However
after this move White has to fight to prove his compensation. 13.Nce5 [13.Qc2!?] 13…Nxe5
14.Nxe5 Bb7 15.Bxb7 Rxb7 16.b4 axb4 17.axb4 Bxb4 18.Nc6 Qd6 19.Bxd4 Ba3 20.Rc2 In Gelfand
– Lu Shanglei, Khanty Mansiysk m/5 2019, White won the game, but at this point continuations such
as 20…Nd7 or 20…Re8 would have been critical; in both cases, there is no clear compensation for
White in sight.

12…Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Qd6

While White has compensation here, due to the active positioning of his minor pieces, he cannot
claim more than that. As an illustrative line I provide the following continuation.

752
Position after: 13…Qd6

14.Nc4

14.b4 Qxe5 15.bxc5 Rd8=

14…Qa6!? 15.Qd3

15.Qd2 b6=

15…Ba7

15…a4!? 16.b4 Ba7= This is another possibility.

16.Rfd1 b5 17.Ne5 Bb7∞

753
Position after: 17…Bb7∞

The position offers chances to both sides.

18.Rac1 Rbc8 19.Bxb7 Qxb7 20.Bxd4 Bxd4 21.Qxd4

White regains the pawn, resulting in a model equal position.

g) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3 10.bxc3 0-0
11.Nb3 Be7 12.—
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5

754
Position after: 7.dxc5

This may be the choice of unambitious players who are content with a draw as White – or technically
proficient players who try to use the first-move advantage in a symmetrical position. The truth is that
it is more difficult than it looks, so Black should not underestimate it. It is also one of the first choices
of engines and in recent times the preferred choice in practice, with over two hundred practical
examples in 2022 alone!

7…Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5

755
Position after: 8…Bxc5

9.Nbd2

The most common in practice.

A) 9.Nfd2 The main option, tending to diminish the strength of the move …c3.
9…Na5 10.Na3 Bxa3 11.bxa3 Bd7 12.Bb2 Rc8 13.Bc3 b6 This is complex, but balanced. Here are
some practical examples from this position, 14.Rdc1

Position after: 14.Rdc1

A1) 14…0-0 Black shows good results with this alternative. 15.Bxa5 bxa5 16.Nxc4 However this
looks a little better for White. 16…Bb5 17.Nxa5 Bxe2 18.Nc6 Rc7 19.Nd4² Nevertheless the
symmetrical structure on the queenside promises little in practice, as in Prohaszka – Fridman, Saint
Louis 2018.
A2) 14…Rc7!? The current preference. 15.Rab1 [15.Bxa5 bxa5 16.Nxc4 Ke7= Fridman – Yilmaz,
internet 2020] 15…0-0 16.Bxa5 bxa5 17.Nxc4 [17.Rxc4 Rfc8 18.Rxc7 Rxc7 19.Rb8+ Be8=
Fedoseev – Nihal, St. Petersburg blitz 2018; 19…Ne8 This is of equivalent value with the idea of
…f6, …Kf7.] 17…g5!?

756
Position after: 17…g5!?

18.Nxa5 [18.Nd6 Rxc1+ 19.Rxc1 Rb8 20.Nb7 Nd5= Studer – Haug, Gibraltar 2020] 18…Rfc8
19.Nb3 [19.Rxc7 Rxc7 20.Rb2 Rc1+ 21.Bf1 Kf8©] 19…Rc2 20.Bb7 R8c4©
B) 9.Nc3 In practice, White has also played this natural move which seems less critical. Black easily
equalizes with moves like 9…Bd7 or 9…e5= (played in Geller – Sveshnikov, USSR 1985).

9…c3!

A typical idea, forcing White to ruin his pawn structure on the queenside in order to regain the pawn.

10.bxc3 0-0

757
Position after: 10…0-0

The most natural continuation.

10…Bd7 Black has this decent alternative, as in Caruana – Svidler, Khanty Mansiysk 2011 (among
others).

11.Nb3

The main line of the system with an exchange on c5. Other possibilities are as follows.
11.Ne1 A popular choice. The aim is to bring this piece to d3. 11…Rd8 [11…Be7 This is an
alternative, as in Gelfand – Ponomariov, Khany Mansiysk 2009.] 12.Nd3 Be7 13.Rb1!? [13.Nb3 Nd5
14.Bd2 Nb6= Rodshtein – Arun Prasad, Bursa 2010] 13…Nd5 14.Bb2 Bd7

758
Position after: 14…Bd7

The position is balanced. 15.Ba1 b6 16.c4 Nf6 17.Nb3 Be8 18.c5 Rab8= Xiang Zeyu – Zhang Ziji,
China tt 2018

11…Be7

It is better to keep this piece on the a3-f8 diagonal.

11…Bb6 12.Ba3² Gelfand – Christiansen, Douglas 2018

759
Position after: 11…Be7

12.c4

A) 12.Bb2 Bd7 13.c4 Rfd8 This is the position that can also arise from the move order with 11. Bb2.
14.Nfd4 Now Black equalizes as follows. 14…Rac8 15.Nb5 b6 16.Nd6

Position after: 16.Nd6

A1) 16…Bxd6 17.Rxd6 Be8 18.Rxd8 Nxd8 19.Rc1 Bc6 20.c5 Bxg2 21.Kxg2 Nd7 22.cxb6 Rxc1
23.Bxc1 axb6 24.Kf3 Nc6 The ending is slightly better for White, but Black should have no
problems in securing his half-point, as in Sjugirov – So, Douglas 2019.
A2) 16…Rc7 17.Ba3!? [17.Nb5 Rcc8 18.Nd6 Rc7 This repeats the position.] 17…Ne5 18.Nb5
Bxb5 19.Rxd8+ Bxd8 20.cxb5 Nc4 There is equality, for example after the following. 21.Bb4 Be7
22.Bxe7 Rxe7 23.Rc1 Nd6 24.Nd4 g5 25.a4 Kg7 26.Nc6 Rc7 27.e3 Nb7!?

760
Position after: 27…Nb7!?

28.Kf1 Na5 29.Ke2 Nd7 30.f4 h6 31.h4 gxh4 32.gxh4 Kf8= So – Aronian, Warsaw rapid 2022
B) 12.Rb1 This allows Black to play actively with 12…e5!.

Position after: 12…e5!

Here Black is fighting for the initiative. 13.Be3 [Better is 13.Bb2.] 13…Bf5 [13…Ne4!? This can
be stronger.] 14.Ra1 Rac8³ Mikhailov – Constantinou, internet blitz 2022

761
12…Bd7 13.a4!?

A) 13.Bb2 Rfd8 14.Nfd4 Rac8 This is another move order to arrive at the same position as line a).
B) 13.Nfd4 Rac8 14.Nb5 Ne5 Now the exchange of pawns on b7 and c4 leaves a totally
symmetrical position, but Black has an interesting possibility in this line. 15.Bxb7 Rb8!?

Position after: 15…Rb8!?

16.Bf4 Nxc4 17.Bxb8 Rxb8 18.Rxd7 Nxd7 Now the position is balanced, but Black is somewhat
better after the following. 18.Ba6 Bxb5 19.Bxb5 Rxb5 Adly – Praggnanandhaa, Sitges 2018
C) 13.Bf4 Rac8 14.c5 Rfd8 15.Ne1 (Miron – Cosma, Sebes 2022) 15…Be8=

13…Rfd8

In Giri – Aronian, Bucharest 2021 Black employed a new plan by taking the other rook to d8, to
return with the queen bishop to c8. 13…Rad8?! 14.Bb2 Bc8 15.Nfd4± The result of the opening
clearly favors White, who gains ground on the queenside and has the more active pieces.

14.Bf4

A) 14.Bb2 Rac8=
B) 14.a5 Be8 15.Bf4 Rxd1+ 16.Rxd1 Rc8= Matlakov – Sevian, internet rapid 2022

14…Rac8 15.a5 Be8

762
Position after: 15…Be8

16.Rxd8

16.Rdc1 b6∞

16…Rxd8 17.Nfd2

A) 17.Ne5 Nxe5 18.Bxe5 Nd7 19.Bf4 b6=

B) 17.Ne1 Rc8 18.Nd3 Nd7=

17…Bb4∞

The position offers opportunities for both sides.

h) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3 10.bxc3 0-0
11.Nb3 Be7 12.Nfd4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3!
10.bxc3 0-0 11.Nb3 Be7 12.Nfd4

763
Position after: 12.Nfd4

The most popular move, putting pressure on the opponent’s queenside.

12…Bd7

The most solid and usual reply, but one which leads to a symmetrical position if White exchanges on
c6. Black can secure an asymmetrical position by exchanging on d4 instead.
12…Nxd4 13.cxd4 [13.Nxd4 Rd8 (Van den Doel – Mis, Reinstorf 2022) 14.Be3!? Ng4 15.Bd2 e5
16.Nb3 a5∞] 13…Nd5 The position is approximately equal, as in Wang Hao – Yu Yangyi, Danzhou
2019 (more about this line in the model games section).

764
Position after: 12…Bd7

13.Nxc6

In addition to the text, which leads to a symmetrical position, the alternatives are as follows.
A) 13.Bg5 Rfd8 14.Nxc6 [14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Nc5 Na5 16.Nxb7 Nxb7 17.Bxb7 Rab8 18.Rab1 Ba4
19.Rdc1 Bxd4 20.cxd4 Rxd4= Zhao Shengxin – Gu, China 2019] 14…Bxc6 15.Bxc6 bxc6 Here
again we have a symmetrical position which is very difficult to unbalance. 16.Rxd8+ [16.Na5 Rac8
17.Rxd8+ Bxd8 18.Nb7 h6 19.Nd6 Rb8 20.Be3 Bb6= Giri – So, internet 2017] 16…Bxd8 17.Rd1
h6 18.Bxf6 Bxf6 19.Rd6 (Ni Hua – Lu Shanglei, Makati 2018) 19…Bxc3 20.Rxc6 Bf6= The idea is
…Bd8-b6.
B) 13.Nb5 This is the engines’ preference. 13…Rfd8 14.Be3 [14.Bf4 e5 15.Bg5 Rac8 16.c4 Be6=
Garriga – Kiolbasa, internet blitz 2022] 14…Ne5 15.a4

765
Position after: 15.a4

In Thybo – Sveshnikov, Gilleleje 2020, Black continued with 15…Bc6! with equality. 16.Rxd8+
Bxd8 17.Bxa7 Ne4 18.Bd4 Nc4©

13…Bxc6 14.Bxc6 bxc6

Position after: 14…bxc6

15.c4

766
The position is known from the first game with the line with 7. dxc5, in Tot – Puc, Sarajevo 1951.
Black has played various moves here, the one set out below being the most popular in master
practice.
15.Na5 Another possibility and Miles’ idea that is well met by 15…Ne4! with immediate equality.
16.Bd2 [16.Bb2 as in Aczel – Manish, Balatonlelle 2019; this is less accurate because of 16…Rfb8³.]
16…Bf6 17.Rac1 Rfd8 18.Be1 Rxd1 19.Rxd1 Bxc3 20.Nxc6 Bxe1 21.Rxe1 Kf8=

15…a5

15…Rfb8 This is also a good option. 16.Bd2 Kf8 17.f3 Ke8 18.Bc3 g6 19.Kf2 Nd7= Eljanov –
Wojtaszek, Shamkir 2017

16.Be3

16.Bd2 a4 17.Na5 Ra6 18.Rab1 Rd8= Tan Zhongyi – Gu, China tt 2019

16…a4 17.Nd4 Rfc8 18.f3

So far this has followed the aforementioned game, Tot – Puc and Wojtaszek – Stern, Warsaw rapid
2010. The move 18…Ne8 by Puc seems sufficient to equalize, and I can contribute the following
idea.

Position after: 18.f3

18…g6 19.Rab1 e5

19…Bf8 This is another possibility. 20.Bf4!? [20.Kf2 e5 21.Nc2 Ne8 22.Ne1 e4=] 20…Nh5 21.Bd2

767
a3=

20.Nc2

Black has taken some structural risks, but the active position of his pieces and the space gained on the
queenside ensures equality.

Position after: 20.Nc2

20…a3=

After the publication of the Spanish version of my book, the above variation was tried out in practice,
but varying here. 20…Rcb8!? 21.Kf1 Kf8 22.Bd2 Rxb1 23.Rxb1 Nd7 24.Rb7 Ke8 25.Bc3 Bd6=
Ryjanova – Karavade, Chennai ol 2022.

i) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Ne5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Ne5

This knight jump, with pressure on c6, is one of the lines contributed by Bologan in his book The
Powerful Catalan, and the second choice in practice. It is certainly one of the most critical ideas
against Black’s scheme.

768
Position after: 7.Ne5

7…Bd7 8.Na3

Bologan’s recommendation, and the line most commonly used in practice. The main alternatives are
as follows.
A) 8.Nxc6 Bxc6 9.Bxc6+ bxc6

Position after: 9…bxc6

769
 This simplification is not dangerous for Black. 10.Qa4 [10.dxc5 Qxd1 11.Rxd1 Bxc5 12.Nd2 Rd8
13.Rf1 Rd4!?= Foygel – Cherniack, Boston 1996; 13…c3=] 10…cxd4 11.Qxc6+ Nd7 12.Qxc4 Bc5
13.Nd2 [13.b4 Be7 14.Nd2 0-0 15.Bb2 e5³ Webb – Urzica, Moscow 1977] 13…0-0 14.Ne4 Bb6
15.Bg5 Qc8 16.Qb5 a6 17.Qa4 Qb7 18.Nd6 Qd5

Position after: 18…Qd5

19.Qxd7 [19.Be7 Rfb8 20.Qxd7 Ra7 21.Qa4 Rxe7³ Karasev – Kharchenko, St. Petersburg 2015]
19…Bc5 20.Rfc1 Bxd6 21.Bd2 Rfd8 22.Qc6 Qf5 Play is approximately equal.
B) 8.Nxc4 cxd4 9.Bf4 This deserves attention, with White trying to get a foothold on the weak d6-
square. 9…Be7!?

770
Position after: 9…Be7!?

This is my choice, with the idea of keeping the bishops despite losing the right to castle. 10.Nd6+
Kf8 11.Nxb7 Qb6 12.Nd6 Qc5 13.Qb3 [13.b4 Qxb4 14.a3 Qc5 15.Qb3 Qh5∞ Adhiban – Swiercz,
Astana 2019] 13…Bxd6 14.Rc1 Qb4 15.Bxc6 Rc8 16.Qxb4 Bxb4 17.Bxd7 Rxc1+ 18.Bxc1 Nxd7=
Leko – Kramnik, Dortmund 2010
C) 8.Nd2 This transposes to the main line after 8…cxd4 9.Ndxc4.

8…cxd4!

In this line, Black bases his counterplay on this pawn. White will be able to regain it, but in return
some concessions will have to be made.

9.Naxc4

771
Position after: 9.Naxc4

9…Be7

This move is the current preference at master level.

9…Bc5 This is a decent and more usual option. 10.Bf4 [10.Qb3 0-0 11.Bf4 This transposes.] 10…0-0
11.Qb3 [11.Rc1 Rc8 12.Nd3 Be7 13.Nd6 Bxd6 14.Bxd6 Re8 15.Nc5 (Maksimenko – Hacker,
Senden 2001) 15…Qb6?!∞ White has compensation, but no more than that.] 11…Qc8 12.Nd3
[12.Rac1 Nd5 13.Nxd7 Qxd7 14.Ne5 (Ribli – A.Sokolov, Reykjavik 1988) 14…Qe7=] 12…Be7
13.Rac1 This is Bologan’s recommendation, but the Moldovan master does not mention the following
response. 13…Nd5! This leads to a position with equivalent chances. 14.Bd6 Bxd6 15.Nxd6 Qc7
16.Nb5 Qb6= Nogueiras – A. Sokolov, Montpellier 1985

10.Bf4

Bologan’s recommendation against the development on e7, which is also the recent preference in the
master arena.
10.Qb3 However, this is the most usual continuation where Black equalizes with 10…Qc7.

772
Position after: 10…Qc7

A) 11.Bf4 Against this aggressive move Black achieves dynamic balance after the following.
11…Nh5! 12.Nxc6 [12.Bxc6 Bxc6 13.Nxc6 Qxc6 14.Be5 0-0 15.Bxd4 Rac8=] 12…Nxf4 13.Nxe7
Nxg2

Position after: 13…Nxg2

14.Rac1 [14.Qb4 a5 15.Nd5 exd5 16.Nd6+ Kf8–+ Adly – Harikrishna, Batumi ol 2018; 14.Rfd1
Qc5 15.Rac1 Kxe7 16.Qxb7 Rac8 17.Qxg2 This was played in Abasov – Talibov, Baku 2023,

773
 where Black was supposed to respond with 17…Bc6=.]
A1) 14…Kxe7 Also possible. 15.Qa3+ Kf6 16.Qf3+ Nf4 17.gxf4 Bc6 Le Goff – Picard, Sautron
2013

Position after: 17…Bc6

18.Ne5! g6 19.Nxc6 bxc6 20.Rfd1 [20.Rxc6 Qa5=] 20…Rhd8 21.Rxc6 Qa5=

A2) 14…Qc5 15.Qxb7 Kxe7 16.Qxg2 Bc6 17.Qh3 Qd5 18.f3 Bb5 19.b3 Rac8= Van Foreest –
Ganguly, Wijk aan Zee 2022
B) 11.Nxc6 Bxc6 12.Bf4 Qd8 13.Bxc6+ bxc6 14.Ne5 [14.Rfd1 (Adly – Fridman, Warsaw rapid
2021) 14…0-0! 15.e3 White’s response can be met by Black as follows. 15…Nd5 16.exd4 Nxf4
17.gxf4 Rb8 18.Qe3 Rb5³] 14…c5 15.Qa4+ Kf8 [15…Nd7 16.b4 g5 17.Nc6 Nb6 18.Qb5 a6
19.Qa5 Nc4 20.Qxd8+ Bxd8 21.Rac1 gxf4 22.Rxc4 cxb4 23.Rxb4 fxg3 24.hxg3 Bf6 This is
approximately equal, as in Ivanchuk – Leko, Mukachevo rapid 2009.] 16.Rac1 Qd5= Kasimdzhanov
– Drozdovskij, Turkey tt 2010

10…Rc8 11.Qb3

The most usual continuation.

11.Nxd7 However this is the engines’ preference. 11…Qxd7 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.Bxe5 where 13…b6!?
14.Qxd4 Qxd4

774
Position after: 14…Qxd4

15.Bxd4 White has the technical advantage of the bishop pair, in Dragnev – Adams, Batumi 2019.
With a symmetrical structure, Black should have no problems in reaching equality. 15…0-0 16.Rfd1
Rfd8 17.Bc3 Nd7 18.Rac1 Bf6 19.Bxf6 Rxc1 20.Rxc1 Nxf6 21.Kf1 Kf8 22.Ke1 Ke7=

11…Nd5 12.Qxb7 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Rc7

The safest and with the endorsement of having been used by experienced grandmasters.

775
Position after: 13…Rc7

13…Nxf4 14.gxf4 Rc7 This alternative is inferior because of the following. 15.Qe4² Sebenik –
Drozdovskij, Rijeka 2010

14.Qa6

14.Qb3 Nxf4 15.gxf4 0-0 16.Rfd1 Qb8 [16…Bc5 17.Rac1 Bb6= Stefanova – Meier, Reykjavik 2008]
17.Qxb8 Rxb8 18.Rxd4 Bb5 19.Rd2 Bb4 20.Rd4 Bc5= Yashmetov – Pino Perez, internet blitz 2023

14…Nxf4

Now that the white queen has been deflected from the center Black wins the white dark-squared
bishop, doubling pawns at the same time.

15.gxf4 0-0 16.Rfc1 Qc8 17.Qxc8 Rfxc8 18.Rxc7 Rxc7 19.Nxd7

This was declared a draw in Svidler – Bacrot, France tt 2010. Subsequently another game continued
as follows.

19…Rxd7 20.Rc1

Position after: 20.Rc1

20…g6

20…d3!? 21.exd3 Rxd3 22.Rc8+ Bf8 23.Be4 Rd1+ 24.Kg2 g6 25.Kf3 This is approximately equal.

776
21.Rc8+ Kg7=

The scarcity of material and the presence of opposite-colored bishops makes it impossible to imagine
any result other than a draw, and indeed that was the fate of the game after a few more moves, in
Gozzoli – Wirig, Mulhouse 2010.

j) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.dxc5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4

Position after: 7.Qa4

Finally we come to the most usual continuation, first used in the already mentioned game game Reti –
Leonhardt, Berlin 1928.

7…Bd7 8.dxc5!?

With the interposition of the moves Qa4/Bd7 this move is more interesting, leading to more complex
positions than in the absolutely symmetrical 7. dxc5 line. The main and most usual line in practice,
8.Qxc4 is discussed in the next subchapter.

8…Na5!?

With this move, Black combats precisely the symmetrical possibility, which occurs in the most usual
alternative.
8…Bxc5 This gives White better results in practice, although it objectively leads to equilibrium.
9.Qxc4 Be7 10.Rd1 [10.e4 0-0 11.Nc3 Qa5 This also transposes.] 10…0-0 11.Nc3 This transposes to

777
10. Nc3.

9.Qa3!?

The current preference.

9.Qc2 White obtains little from the traditional option, as the following proves. 9…Bxc5 10.Ne5 0-0

Position after: 10…0-0

A) 11.Bg5 h6 12.Bxf6 gxf6 13.Ng6 Re8 14.Rd1 [14.Nc3 Bc6 15.Rad1 Qb6= Koestner – Zidu, corr
2013] 14…Qc7 15.Nd2 f5 16.Nf4 Red8 The game is approximately equal, as in Dubov –
Nepomniachtchi, internet rapid 2022.
B) 11.Rd1 Qe7 12.Nxd7 [12.Nxc4? Rac8 13.b3 b5 14.Qd2 (Sargissian – Fridman, Moscow rapid
2019) 14…bxc4 15.Qxa5 Ng4 16.e3 Bb4 17.Qxa7 Qf6–+] 12…Nxd7 13.Bd2 Nc6 14.Bxc6 bxc6

778
Position after: 14…bxc6

15.Be1 [15.Qxc4 Ne5 16.Qc2 Rad8=] 15…Rab8 16.Nd2 Ne5 17.Rab1 Rfd8= Di Caro – Tomba,
Bologna 2004

9…Rc8

Black begins to exert strong pressure on the c5-pawn.

10.Be3!?

Here White has the following important alternative.

10.b4 Played by masters such as Boris Gelfand. 10…cxb3 11.axb3 Rxc5

779
Position after: 11…Rxc5

A) 12.b4 Rb5 13.Nd4 Bxb4 14.Qa2 Rb6 This is the same, an example being as follows. 15.Nc2
Nc6 16.Nxb4 Nxb4 17.Qxa7 Nc6 18.Bxc6 Bxc6 19.Be3 (Hausner – A.Sokolov, Clichy 1991)
19…Ra6 20.Rxa6 bxa6 21.Bc5 Nd7 22.Qxa6 Qa8 23.Qxa8+ Bxa8 24.Bb4 f6 25.Rd1 Nb8!?= Black
continues with …Kf7.
B) 12.Qb2 Be7 13.Be3 Rb5 14.Nd4 Rb4 15.Qa2 Nc6 16.Nxc6 Bxc6 17.Bxc6+ bxc6 18.Qc2 0-0=
Carroll – Sacerdotali, corr 2013
C) 12.Bd2 Nc6 The position is balanced. 13.Qb2 Be7 14.b4 Gelfand – Moradiabadi, internet 2020.
In the game, instead of taking his rook to h5, Black should have played as follows. 14…Rb5 15.Na3
Rb6

780
Position after: 15…Rb6

There are chances for both sides. After writing this chapter the position has since been tested in
practice. 16.b5 a6 17.Be3 Bxa3 18.Qxa3 Rxb5 19.Rfb1© Li Chao – Lu Shanglei, Fuling 2022

10…Nd5 11.Ne5!?

11.Bd2 b6 Black is better. 12.b4 cxb3 13.axb3 (Konyshev – Kljucharev, Kemorovo 2009) 13…Bxc5
14.b4 Nc4 15.Qb3 Nxd2 16.Nbxd2 Nxb4µ

11…Nxe3 12.fxe3

781
Position after: 12.fxe3

12…Rxc5!

12…Bxc5? 13.Qc3± White exploits the theme of the loose piece on a5 by threatening Nxd7.

13.Nxf7 Rf5

Position after: 13…Rf5

782
14.Nd6+

The only option that is seen in practice.

14.Rxf5 White also has this alternative. 14…Bxa3 15.Nxd8 exf5 16.Nxa3 Kxd8 The position is
approximately equal. An illustrative line is as follows. 17.Bd5 Re8 18.Kf2 b5 19.b3 cxb3 20.axb3
Re5 21.Rd1 Kc8 22.b4 Nc6 23.Nxb5 Nxb4 24.Nxa7+ Kc7

Position after: 24…Kc7

White saves the compromised pieces almost by miracle. 25.Rc1+ Kb6 26.Bg8 Rc5 27.Rd1 Rc7
28.Rb1 Ka5 29.Ra1+ Kb6 30.Rb1=

14…Bxd6 15.Qxd6 Rxf1+ 16.Bxf1

783
Position after: 16.Bxf1

So far the text follows the game Filip – Kovacs, Lublin 1968. Instead of 16…Qb6 as played by Black
(which is not bad) I prefer a more ambitious alternative.

16…b5∞

There are chances for both sides. Black can’t withstand for long the invading queen, so his next move
should be …Qb6 which either facilitates castling or achieves a favorable queen exchange, while
putting important pressure on e3. A possible continuation is as follows.

17.Nc3 Qb6 18.Qe5

18.Qxb6 axb6³

18…Nc6 19.Qh5+

A) 19.Qxg7 Qxe3+ 20.Kh1 Qe5µ

B) 19.Qxb5 Qxe3+ 20.Kh1 0-0³

19…g6 20.Qh6 Ne7 21.Bh3 b4 22.Ne4

784
Position after: 22.Ne4

22…Rf8∞

k) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 b5

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4

Position after: 8.Qxc4

785
The main line, as recommended by Boris Avrukh in his repertoire book and one of the two variations
advocated by Victor Bologan in his work.

8…b5!?

This leads to very interesting positions.

9.Qd3

9.Qc3 This is the recent preference in the master arena. 9…b4 10.Qd3 Rc8

Position after: 10…Rc8

A) 11.Bf4 cxd4 12.Nbd2 Nd5 13.Be5 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Be7 15.Rfc1 [15.Bxd5 exd5 16.Ndf3 0-0 The
position is approximately equal, as in Wojtaszek – Harikrishna, Batumi ol 2018.] 15…0-0 16.Nb3
Bf6 17.Ng4 Here Black chooses between 17…Be7= (Deac – Yilmaz, Sharjah 2022) or the
following more complex line. 17…Bg5!? 18.Rxc8 Bxc8 19.h4 Be7 20.Qxd4 Qb6 21.Qxb6 axb6„
Giri – Firouzja, Miami 2022
B) 11.dxc5 Bxc5 Black reaches equilibrium. 12.Be3 [12.Nbd2 e5!

786
Position after: 12…e5!

13.Ne4 Nxe4 14.Qxe4 0-0∞ Lazavic – Ju Wenjun, internet rapid 2022; 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6
14.Nbd2 Ne5 15.Nxe5 Qxe5 16.Rfd1 Qb8 17.Nb3 Bb5 18.Qe4 Be7 19.Nd4 0-0 20.Nxb5 Qxb5=
Nisipeanu – Kniest, Tegernsee 2022] 12…Bxe3 13.Qxe3 Qb6

Position after: 13…Qb6

14.Qxb6 [14.Qf4 0-0 15.Nbd2 (Piorun – Holm, Warsaw rapid 2022) 15…Nd5 16.Qh4 Rfd8= Black
has comfortable equality.] 14…axb6 15.Nbd2 Na5 16.Rfc1 [16.Ne5 Rc2 17.Rfd1 Ke7 This leaves

787
 Black with some initiative. 18.Nd3? However this is a mistake. 18…Bb5µ Svane – Yuan Qingyu,
internet blitz 2022] 16…Ke7= Bluebaum – Kryvoruchko, France tt 2018

9…c4

The preference in the master arena.

9…Rc8 This is a popular alternative, but offers White the option of taking on c5. 10.dxc5 Bxc5
11.Nc3 b4 12.Ne4 [12.Nb5 Avrukh’s recommendation.] 12…Nxe4 13.Qxe4 White’s chances are
preferable, as in Lenderman – Praggnanandhaa, Reykjavik 2018 and other games.

10.Qd1

10.Qc2 This is met as follows. 10…Be7 11.e4 [11.Ne5 Rc8 12.Rd1 0-0 [Vantika – Jeet, Abu Dhabi
2017] 13.Nc3 a6 14.Bg5 Be8=] 11…0-0 12.Qe2 Na5 13.Ne5 (Kaasen – Elsness, Norway ch 2018)
13…Be8=

10…Rc8

Position after: 10…Rc8

11.Ne5!?

The most critical move, first seen in Csom – Hort, Zagreb 1972.
A) 11.Bg5 However, this is the most usual move here where Black equalizes with 11…Be7. A
recent example is as follows. 12.Nbd2 [12.Ne5 This is better. 12…Nxe5 13.dxe5 Nd5=] 12…0-0
13.a4 a6 14.e3 (Vachier – Lagrave – Tabatabaei, internet rapid 2022) 14…Nb4µ

788
 B) 11.Bf4 Be7 12.Nc3 a6 13.a3 Nd5 14.Bd2 0-0 15.e4 Nxc3 16.Bxc3 Na5= Dubov – Tabatabaei,
internet rapid 2022

11…Nxe5 12.dxe5 Ng4 13.a4 b4 14.Qd4

Position after: 14.Qd4

14…h5!

14…f5 15.exf6 Nxf6 16.Nd2 Bc5 (Aravindh – Zhang Xiaowen, Abu Dhabi 2019) 17.Qf4!? In my
opinion, this is more pleasant for White.

15.h3 Bc5! 16.Qf4 Bxf2+ 17.Rxf2 Nxf2

789
Position after: 17…Nxf2

18.Kxf2

A) 18.Nd2!? 0-0 19.Kxf2 Bc6 20.Bxc6 Qb6+ 21.Ke1 Qxc6 22.Ne4 c3∞
B) 18.Qxf2 Bc6 19.Bxc6+ Rxc6= Dubov – Fridman, Warsaw rapid 2022

18…0-0 19.Be3 f6∞

An interesting possibility that can be used as a surprise weapon by fine-tuning the preparation in the
most critical lines.

790
 l) 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 cxd4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 cxd4

Position after: 8…cxd4

This is my main continuation, but Black has an important alternative.

9.Nxd4 Rc8 10.Nc3

The critical continuation. The alternatives do not cause Black any problems.
A) 10.Nxc6 Bxc6 11.Bxc6+ Rxc6 A typical ending for this line, with each side having a dark-
squared bishop and a knight in a symmetrical structure. Practice has shown that Black, who is able
to castle quickly if necessary and position his pieces actively, has little trouble maintaining balance.

791
Position after: 11…Rxc6

12.Qb3 [12.Qa4 Bc5= This is harmless, as in Reinfeld – McCormick, USA 1939 and later.]
12…Qc8 13.Nc3 a6 14.Bf4 [14.Bg5 Be7 15.Rac1 0-0= Matijevic – Slogar, Croatia 2009] 14…Be7
15.Rac1 0-0 16.Na4 (Dubinski – Stinka, Pardubice 2022) 16…Nd5=
B) 10.Rd1 Nxd4 [10…Qb6 This is also sufficient for equality.] 11.Qxd4 Bc5 12.Qf4 Qb6 13.Nd2
0-0 14.Nc4 (Spassov – Perez, Sitges 1993) 14…Qa6 15.b3 Nd5=

10…Nxd4 11.Qxd4 Bc5

792
Position after: 11…Bc5

12.Qh4

The most usual move in practice, and also Avrukh’s recommendation in his well-known repertoire
work. In some situations White has ideas such as Bh6 at his disposal. The alternatives are less critical,
for example as follows.
A) 12.Qd3 This is a recent appearance at master level. However Black draws without problems after
the following. 12…Bc6 13.Bxc6+ Rxc6 14.Qf3 0-0 Vachier – Lagrave – So, internet 2020; this is
the same type of endgame as in the comments to the line with 10. Nxc6.
B) 12.Qf4!? This was used in a recent high-level game. 12…Bc6 13.Bxc6+ [13.Rd1 (Andreikin –
Moroni, internet blitz 2022) 13…Qb6=] 13…Rxc6 14.Rd1 Qc8 15.Be3 0-0 16.Bd4 [16.Rd3 a6
17.Rad1 Be7 18.Bd4 b5= Kachar – Kanko, Naumburg 2002] 16…Bxd4 17.Rxd4 Re8 18.Rd6
[18.Qe5!? This is a possible option, but White doesn’t get much. 18…Nd5 19.Nxd5 exd5 20.Qxd5
Rxe2 21.Rad1 g6=] 18…Rxd6 19.Qxd6 Rd8 20.Qf4 h6= Dubov – Duda, Wijk aan Zee 2022

12…h6!

This move has revitalized interest in the classical line arising from 5…c5, and personally inspired me
to add it to my repertoire. Being a recent addition to theory (early in our century), it is absent from the
repertoire books for White mentioned in this section. Some alternatives that end badly for Black are
as follows.
12…Bc6 13.Rd1 Qb6 14.Bxc6+ Rxc6 15.Bh6!

Position after: 15.Bh6!

793
15…Bf8 [15…gxh6 16.Qxf6 0-0 17.Ne4+– Portisch – Radulov, Buenos Aires ol 1978] 16.Rd3 e5
17.Be3 Qa5 (Topalov – Van Wely, Monaco blindfold 2003) 18.Rad1 Be7 19.b4 Qc7 20.Nb5+–

Position after: 12…h6!

13.Bxb7

If there is a way to fight for the advantage, it must be by accepting Black’s sacrifice. The alternatives
are as follows.
A) 13.Bg5 0-0 As Robert Ris points out in his survey published in Yearbook 130, this position
normally appears in the order with 12…0-0 and is considered harmless. As noted above, in that line
the reply 13. Bxb7 is the critical one. 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Qxf6 gxf6 The present ending, with Black
having a pair of bishops, is easy for that side. Here are some practical examples. 16.Rfd1 [16.Bxb7
Rb8 17.Bf3 Rxb2 18.Rfd1 Be8 (18…Bb5!? L’Ami – Adams, London 2009) 19.Ne4 Be7 20.Rab1
Rxb1 21.Rxb1 f5 22.Nd2 Bc5 23.Rc1 Bb6 24.Bc6 Bxc6 25.Rxc6 Rd8= Alekseev – Moiseenko,
Saratov 2011] 16…Rc7 17.Ne4 [17.Rd3 Rfc8 18.Rad1 Be8 19.Ne4 Be7 20.Nd6 This leads to
another even ending. 20…Bxd6 21.Rxd6 Bc6 22.Bxc6 Rxc6 23.Rxc6 Rxc6 24.Rd7 Rb6= Doncea –
Joie, France 2013] 17…Be7 18.Nd6 Rb8 19.Rd2 Bc6 20.Rad1 f5= Bluebaum – Melkumyan, Batumi
ol 2018
B) 13.Bf4 Bc6 14.Bxc6+ [14.Rfd1 Qa5 15.Bd6 Bxd6 16.Rxd6 Bxg2 17.Kxg2 0-0=] 14…Rxc6
15.Rad1 Qa5 16.Rd3 Be7 17.Bd2 Qf5 18.Qa4 0-0= Le Quang – Moranda, internet 2020

13…Rb8

794
Position after: 13…Rb8

14.Bf3

“The bird that ate, flew away”. The most usual reply, but White has important alternatives here.
A) 14.Ne4 This is one of the most critical ideas, and indeed, the preference in most correspondence
games in this position. 14…Be7 However after this move, the white bishop must retreat along
another diagonal. 15.Ba6 0-0

Position after: 15…0-0

795
 16.Nxf6+!? [16.Rd1 This is the most commonly played move in live practice. 16…Nd5 17.Qh5
Bc6 18.Bc4 (Ding Liren – Wojtaszek, Shenzhen 2018) 18…Qb6© Now this offers Black adequate
compensation.] 16…Bxf6 17.Qe4 We have arrived at a crucial position for the evaluation of the
line. Here Black can regain material. 17…Bxb2

Position after: 17…Bxb2

18.Bxb2 [18.Rb1!? This is a possible option where Black equalizes. 18…Bxc1 19.Rfxc1 Rxb1
20.Rxb1 Qc7 21.Bd3 g6 22.Qe3 h5 23.Rc1 Qb8=] 18…Rxb2 19.Bd3 [19.Rfb1 Qf6©] 19…g6!?
20.Qe5 Qb8 21.Qd4 Rd8 22.Rab1 Rxb1 23.Rxb1 Qc7 The position is balanced. 24.Qf6 Be8 25.Rb3
Rd5=
B) 14.Bg2 Rb4! As in the main line, this rook move explores the white queen’s difficulties in
finding an active retreat. 15.e4 [15.Ne4 Against this move Black has a surprising riposte.
15…Ke7!!

796
Position after: 15…Ke7!!

This is reminiscent of the beautiful game Kamsky – Karpov, Dormund 1993. A possible
continuation is as follows. 16.a3 Rc4 17.b3 Rxe4 18.Bxe4 g5 19.Bxg5 hxg5 20.Qxg5 Rh5³
15…Bd4!? 16.a3 Leenhouts – Doshi, Irakleio 2019; now, instead of the rook moving to b3, this
leads to an interesting position. 16…Rc4 17.Ne2 Rxc1!? for example: 18.Nxd4 Rxa1 19.Rxa1 Qb8
20.b4 Qe5©

14…Rb4

One of the elements of Black’s compensation is related to this maneuver, aimed at removing the
white queen from its active placement on g4 and pushing it to a less fortunate square.

15.Qh3

In practice, all the games (up to the time of writing) have continued in this way.
15.e4 This is another possibility. 15…Bd4 16.Ne2 Be5© Black has compensation for the pressure
exerted by his bishops: the bishop on e5 aims at b2, and the light-squared bishop can go to b5.

15…e5 16.Qg2 Qc8

797
Position after: 16…Qc8

17.a3

White dislodges the enemy rook from its active placement, but it has already done its job.
17.Rd1 The alternative is to intersperse with this move. 17…0-0
A) 18.Nd5 Nxd5 19.Bxd5 Bd4 Now the position is balanced after 20.e3 or 20.a3.
20.Rd2? Not this, however. 20…Bh3 21.Qf3 Rb5 22.Bb3 e4–+ Salemgareev – Khusenkhojaev,
Chelyabinsk 2018
B) 18.a3?! Inferior here because of the following. 18…Bh3!

798
Position after: 18…Bh3!

19.Qh1 Rb3 20.Ne4 Nxe4 21.Bxe4 (Kornitzky – Sernecki, Marienbad 2019) 21…Qg4 22.Bf3
Qc4³
C) 18.e3!? This is objectively White’s best idea. 18…Bh3 19.Qh1 Rb6 20.Bg2 Bg4 21.Bf3 Bf5©

17…Rb6 18.Nd5

The following are alternatives to the text.

18.Qh1 0-0 19.Nd5 Nxd5 20.Bxd5 (Batsiashvili – Cramling, Porto Carras 2018) 20…Rd6! 21.Bd2
[21.e3 Bb6 22.a4!? Rd8µ] 21…Bh3 22.Bc3 Bxf1 23.Rxf1 Rfd8 Here Ris makes the assessment of
insufficient compensation for White, which I agree with. 24.e4 Bd4µ

18…Nxd5 19.Bxd5 0-0 20.Qe4

799
Position after: 20.Qe4

20…Bd4©

The game ended quickly after a triple repetition (…Bf5-g4), in Sargissian – Harikrishna, Batumi ol
2018.

Selected Games
Game 54
Capablanca, Jose Raul
Reshevsky, Samuel Herman
Nottingham 1936

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c4 dxc4 4.Qa4+ Nbd7 5.Qxc4 e6 6.g3 a6 7.Bg2 b5 8.Qc6 Ra7

Reshevsky was the introducer of this original idea, instead of the rook placement on b8. In both cases
…Bb7 is threatened, but the rook from a7 can play a more active role for Black’s second rank.

9.Bf4 Bb7 10.Qc1 c5 11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.0-0 0-0 13.Nbd2

800
Position after: 13.Nbd2

13…Qe7

While this natural move is not bad, in the theoretical part we saw that 13…Qa8! would have been
more accurate, fighting for dominance of the large clear diagonal and planning to continue with
…Rc8.

14.Nb3 Bb6 15.Be3 Rc8 16.Qd2 Ne4 17.Qd3 Nec5 18.Nxc5 Nxc5 19.Qd1 Ba8

801
Position after: 19…Ba8

Reshevsky’s rook comes into play. At the moment his minor pieces are somewhat more active, so the
Cuban master starts exchange operations.

20.Rc1 Rac7 21.b3 Nd7

21…Ne4!? This more active move should be considered. 22.Rxc7 Qxc7 23.Bxb6 Qxb6 Black retains
some initiative.

22.Rxc7 Rxc7 23.Bxb6 Nxb6

The changes have relieved the pressure on White’s position, and now Capablanca can deploy his
pieces.

24.Qd4 Nd5 25.Rd1 f6!? 26.Ne1!

Played against …e5.

26…Bb7 27.Bxd5!?

A remarkable decision. At a time when Black was thinking of continuing with …Nc3 forcing a
bishop simplification, Capablanca creates a struggle with different minor pieces, where he has plans
for a central expansion with f3 and e4.

27…exd5?!

Black did not need to make this anti-positional recapture, which automatically leads to a classical
knight vs. bad bishop ending, plus a deterioration of Black’s pawn structure, which now includes an
isolated pawn.
27…Bxd5 Instead, this natural move was simpler. 28.f3 a5 29.Kf1 [29.e4 Bc6=] 29…Qc5=

28.e3

A superficial move. Instead White consolidates his advantage with ideas such as the following.
28.Kf1 Qe4 29.f3 Qxd4 30.Rxd4²

28…Qe4 29.h4 a5 30.f3 Qxd4

30…Qe5!?„

31.Rxd4 Rc1 32.Kf2 Ra1 33.Rd2 a4?!

Keeping the pawns on the squares of the same color as the bishop does not help Black’s defense.
Instead the following is better.

802
33…Kf7 and if 34.Nd3 b4 35.Nc5 Bc6=

34.Nd3! Rb1 35.Rb2 Rxb2+ 36.Nxb2²

Position after: 36.Nxb2²

The ending obviously favors White, since it is a typical knight versus bad bishop scenario. Obviously
Black can still exert strong resistance, starting with exchanging on b3 to reduce the number of pawns.

36…Bc6 37.Nd3 g5 38.hxg5

38.Nb4 Bb7 39.Nc2±

38…fxg5 39.Nb4 axb3 40.axb3 Bb7 41.g4 Kg7 42.Ke2

803
Position after: 42.Ke2

42…Kg6?

There is little point in having the king on this square – the counterplay derived from the …h5 advance
is clearly insufficient.
42…Kf6 Instead this is correct, allowing Black to defend the ending. 43.Kd3 Ke5 44.Nc2 Bc6
45.Nd4 Be8= Black achieves a fortress here (Bondarevsky). 46.Kc3 h5!

Position after: 46…h5!

804
47.gxh5 Bxh5 48.Kb4 g4 49.fxg4 Bxg4 50.Kxb5 Ke4 51.Kc6 Bc8 52.b4 Kxe3 53.Kxd5 Bb7+ This
is an obvious draw.

43.Kd3+– h5 44.gxh5+ Kxh5 45.Kd4 Kh4 46.Nxd5 Kg3 47.f4 g4 48.f5 Bc8 49.Ke5 Bd7 50.e4
Be8

Position after: 50…Be8

51.Kd4?

51.f6 Kf3 52.Nf4+– While the knight controls g2 and is ready to sacrifice itself for the passed black
pawn, the bishop cannot cope with the advance of White’s united pawns.

51…Kf3= 52.e5 g3 53.Ne3

The idea is the same as in the note to move 51, but here Black can put a stick in the wheel of White’s
pawn advance.

53…Kf4?

53…Bf7 54.e6 Bg8! Black paralyzes the pawns (55.e7 Bf7) and manages to draw without major
problems. 55.Nc2 Kf2 56.Ne3 Kf3=

54.e6+–

805
Position after: 54.e6+–

Deprived of the idea of …Bf7, Black has no way to respond to the advance of the f-pawn. What
ensues is desperate, and not enough.

54…g2 55.Nxg2+ Kxf5 56.Kd5 Kg4 57.Ne3+ Kf4 58.Kd4

1-0

Game 55
Vallejo Pons, Francisco (2675)
Naiditsch, Arkadij (2638)
Heviz 2008

1.Nf3 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 d5 4.d4 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.g3 a6 7.Bg2

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Bg2 a6 7.Nc3.
However, as we can see, our protagonists arrived at this point by means of a transposition from the
Vienna Variation.

7…Be7 8.Ne5 0-0 9.Qxc4 Nxe5 10.dxe5 Nd7 11.Bf4 b5 12.Qd3 Rb8 13.Rd1 c5 14.0-0 c4 15.Qd4
Nc5 16.Qxd8 Rxd8 17.Rxd8+ Bxd8 18.Be3 Be7

806
Position after: 18…Be7

This is the exact position in which subchapter c) ends, with the assessment of equality and the caveat
that it is easier to play as Black, who has his pawn majority in the sector away from the kings.

19.Rd1 Kf8 20.h4 Bb7 21.Bxc5

The simplifying operation seems slightly premature. White could instead have considered the
following.
21.h5 Ke8 22.Bxc5 Bxc5 23.Ne4 The idea is Nd6, where 23…Bxe4 24.Bxe4 leads to an equal
endgame with opposite-colored bishops.

21…Bxc5 22.Bxb7

22.Ne4 Bb6 This keeps the two black bishops on the board. 23.Nd6 [23.Ng5 Bxg2 24.Kxg2 h6
25.Ne4 Ke7µ] 23…Bxg2 24.Kxg2 Rd8µ

22…Rxb7 23.Ne4 Be7³

807
Position after: 23…Be7³

Positions with pawn majorities in opposite sectors favor the side with the bishop. White is far from
lost, but is the side who must play more accurately here.

24.f4

24.g4!? f5 [24…Bxh4 25.Rd6©] 25.exf6 gxf6ƒ

24…f5

24…h5!?³ The idea is 25.Nd6 Rc7µ.

25.exf6?!

The opening up of the position favors the bishop.

25.Nd6!„ Instead this was necessary. 25…Rc7 26.e4!?

25…gxf6 26.Kf2

26.g4 a5³

26…h6

Black prepares …f5 to dislodge the centralized knight. Gradually, the endgame becomes more and
more complicated for White.

27.Nc3 b4 28.Na4

808
Position after: 28.Na4

The knight is out of play here, but White understandably didn’t relish the following alternative.
28.Nb1 Rc7µ

28…f5 29.Rc1 Rc7 30.e3 Rc6

White is almost in zugzwang, and probably lost, due to the unfortunate placement of the knight on a4,
alienated from the fight.

31.h5 Bf6 32.Ke2 Ke7 33.Rc2 e5

809
Position after: 33…e5

34.Rd2

A) 34.fxe5 Bxe5 35.Kf3 Ke6–+

B) 34.Rc1 e4–+

34…c3–+ 35.Rd1 cxb2 36.Nxb2 Rc2+ 37.Rd2 Rxd2+ 38.Kxd2 exf4

The arising minor piece ending is lost for White.

0-1

Game 56
Kochyev, Alexander (2505)
Lputian, Smbat G (2440)
Kislovodsk 1982

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.Qa4+

This is another way of playing with the queen check. Black, as we observed in the theoretical part,
does not face great challenges with these schemes.

6…Nc6 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.0-0 0-0 9.Qxc4 Qd5 10.Qh4 Qf5 11.Nc3 e5!?

810
Position after: 11…e5!?

The only move seen in practice.

11…Rd8 In the theoretical part I recommended this instead, which I consider to be the safest and
simplest way to equality. The text prepares the development of the queen bishop on e6.

12.Bg5 Be7

A natural idea, strengthening f6.

12…Be6 However this is perhaps more accurate, as is also indicated in subchapter e).

13.Rad1

The two practical encounters that arrived at this position continued in this way.
13.Rfd1 However this is preferable here instead, reserving the other rook for a role on the queenside
wing. 13…Be6 14.Qa4 Rad8 [14…e4 15.Bxf6 Qxf6 16.Qxe4±] 15.Bxf6 Bxf6 16.Ne1!?²

13…h6

Asking the bishop where it is retreating to is a better option than the following.
13…Be6 The recommendation in the theoretical part. Note that 14.Qa4? loses here because of 14…
e4–+. After all the captures the f1-rook is in the way of the black pawn. White must settle for
equality, continuing with 14.Bxf6 or 14.e4, as in Sadzikowski – Matuszewski, Cracow 2017.

14.Bxf6 Bxf6 15.Qa4 Be6 16.Nd2!²

811
Position after: 16.Nd2!²

In this symmetrical position Black has a pair of bishops and even more space in the center.
Nevertheless, White can claim a slight advantage, due to his control of the light squares in the center,
whose influence encompasses the opponent’s queenside.

16…Rfd8

16…Rfc8 17.Nde4²

17.e3!?

17.Be4 Qh3 18.Nb3± This would have increased White’s control of the queenside. The text,
however, maintains some advantage for the first player.

17…Be7!

812
Position after: 17…Be7!

The start of a series of moves aimed at defending the queenside flank.

18.Nde4 a6 19.Rxd8+ Rxd8 20.Rd1 Rxd1+ 21.Qxd1 Qg6 22.a3 Bg4 23.Qb3 b5 24.Qd5 Qe6 25.b4
Qxd5 26.Nxd5

Position after: 26.Nxd5

26…Bd8

813
Despite the simplifications, the main characteristics of the position have been maintained, with White
exerting a firm grip on the light central squares and the long light-squared diagonal – while Black
with his pair of bishops is confident that his position is solid enough to hold. Even so, the symmetry
in the structure makes progress difficult, and any false move brings the game back to equilibrium,
which is what happens next.

27.Ndc3?!

27.Nc5 Instead of the game’s timid move, this alternative was the more incisive way to keep the
initiative for White. 27…Bc8 28.Nc3 Nb8 29.Bb7 Bxb7 30.Nxb7 Be7 31.Nd5 Kf8 32.Kg2² White
plays for two results here.

27…a5!=

Any such simplification on the queenside wing definitely results in a draw.

28.Nd5 axb4 29.axb4 Be6 30.Nec3 Kf8 31.Nxb5 Bxd5 32.Bxd5 Nxb4 33.Bc4

½-½

Game 57
Carlsen, Magnus (2874)
Anand, Viswanathan (2770)
London 2017

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Nf3 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Na3!?

One of the fashionable lines in this line with …dxc4 and …c5. Some strong grandmasters have been
playing this, mainly because it presents scope for theoretical discoveries and poses a fresher fight
from the start, not to mention that so far the statistics have been favoring the first player.

7…cxd4 8.Nxc4 Bc5 9.b3

In the next game we will see an example with 9.a3, which is possibly the most critical idea here.
However, the one in the text works well in the variation with 8…Be7 (where White continues with
Bb2), but here the d4-pawn is solidly defended.

9…Qe7!?

814
Position after: 9…Qe7!?

An experimental idea, probably played to surprise the opponent.

9…0-0 In the theoretical part, I recommended this instead. 10.Bb2 Qc7 More practical experience is
expected.

10.Nfe5

White probably won’t get much out of this centralization. In the theoretical part I pointed to 10.a3 or
10.Bb2 as the critical ideas to be developed. The latter was mentioned by Grandmaster Yermolinsky
in his comments for this game, with the following continuation. 10…e5 11.b4 Nxb4 12.Nfxe5 0-0
13.a3 Na6 14.Bxd4 Bxd4 15.Qxd4 Rd8 16.Qf4 In any case, in this position Black presents
counterplay with ideas such as 16…Be6„.

10…Nxe5 11.Nxe5 Nd7=

Anand takes immediate action against White’s centralized knight. However, it is also possible to
play as follows. 11…0-0 12.Bb2 Rd8 Play is approximately equal.

12.Bf4 0-0 13.Rc1 Rd8

13…f6!? Trying to keep the center is a good choice. 14.Nxd7 Bxd7 15.Bxb7 Rae8 Here White must
find the next move. 16.b4! Bb6 17.Bc7 e5 18.Bxb6 axb6 19.a3=

14.Nd3!?

14.Nxd7 Rxd7 15.Rc4 e5 16.Qc2© The position is balanced. The text, without being bad, is clearly

815
more risky, and White will have to play more accurately to prove that his compensation is sufficient.

14…Bb6 15.Bc7

Position after: 15.Bc7

The idea behind the knight’s retreat to d3. White cuts Black’s position in two with this move, when
the bishop exchange gives him control of the c-file.

15…Re8 16.Qc2?!

After this move everything looks more difficult for the first player.
16.a4!? This is probably the most direct way to show compensation, for example as follows. 16…e5
17.a5 Bxc7 18.Rxc7 e4 19.Nf4 Qe5 20.Rc4 Qxa5 21.Rxd4©

16…e5!³

If Black manages to bring his queenside pieces into play – and the one in the text is an excellent first
step towards opening the way for the light-squared bishop – White’s compensation will be very
difficult to demonstrate.

17.Rfd1 Nf8!

816
Position after: 17…Nf8!

17…f6 This is very solid, but loses all the advantage. 18.Qc4+ Kh8 19.Qb5©

18.a4

Within White’s increasingly limited options this is the correct move, and possibly also the immediate
exchange on b6.
18.Bxe5? Bf5 19.Bf4 g5 20.Bd2 Rac8 21.Qb1 Qxe2–+

18…Bg4 19.Bxb6

19.Bxe5 This is less damaging here, but Black maintains supremacy. 19…Ng6 [19…Bf5 This is now
harmless because of the following. 20.a5! Bxa5 21.Bxd4 White has at least equality.] 20.h3™
20…Bh5 21.g4 Bxg4 22.hxg4 Nxe5 23.Nxe5 Qxe5³

19…axb6 20.h3 Rac8 21.Qd2 Be6?

817
Position after: 21…Be6?

A false step. After an impeccable treatment of the position, Anand commits this inaccuracy, probably
due to an error in evaluating one of the resulting lines.
21…Bh5! Instead, this move would have allowed Black to crown his efforts with an advantageous
position. A possible continuation is as follows. 22.Rxc8 Rxc8 23.f4 f6 24.fxe5 fxe5³

22.Nxe5!= Rxc1

22…Bxb3 23.Rxc8 Rxc8 24.Rb1 Bxa4 25.Qxd4 b5 26.Bd5© This, or the position of the continuation
of the game, was perhaps misjudged by Anand when he played his 21st move.

23.Rxc1 Bxb3 24.Nf3 Bxa4 25.Nxd4©

818
Position after: 25.Nxd4©

There is definite compensation ensuring a draw for White, a result that was agreed upon a few moves
later.

25…Ne6 26.Nf5 Qf6 27.Ne3 Qd4 28.Qa2 Nc5 29.Rc4 Bb3 30.Rxd4 Bxa2 31.Rb4 Re6

½-½

Game 58
Gelfand, Boris (2686)
Lu, Shanglei (2602)
Khanty-Mansiysk 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Na3 cxd4 8.Nxc4 Bc5 9.a3

819
Position after: 9.a3

This advance, with the idea of continuing with b4, is the current preference in the master arena, and
the idea considered to be the most critical in the line with the development of the queen knight on a3.

9…a5 10.b3 0-0 11.Bb2 Rb8 12.Rc1

A general type of move that slightly improves the rook. However positions where one side plays for
compensation (in this case, White ) often require concrete continuations.
12.Nfe5!? In the theoretical part I offered this move as the main line. The development of Black’s
queen bishop is not as easy as in the game.

12…b6! 13.Nce5 Nxe5 14.Nxe5 Bb7³

820
Position after: 14…Bb7³

Here Black has mobilized all his pieces and it is not easy for White to show compensation.

15.Bxb7 Rxb7 16.b4 axb4 17.axb4 Bxb4 18.Nc6 Qd6 19.Bxd4 Ba3 20.Rc2 Rc7

Without being a bad move, the move in the text allows White tangible compensation now.
20…Nd7!?³ Instead this would have maintained a small advantage for Black, and White’s
compensation would still be difficult to justify. The solid extra pawn on the b-file seems a good asset
for the second player.

21.Qa1!©

821
Position after: 21.Qa1!©

21…Bc5

21…Rxc6!? This is another possibility. 22.Rxc6 Qxc6 White has to find the path to compensation.
23.Qxa3 [23.Bxf6 gxf6 24.Qxa3 Ra8 25.Rc1 Qe4 26.Qb2 Kg7 27.Qxb6 Qxe2³] 23…Nd7 24.Qb2 f6
25.Rc1©

22.Bxf6 Qxc6 23.Bxg7 Ra8 24.Qf6 Bxf2+ 25.Qxf2 Qxc2 26.Be5

The deterioration of the black king’s fortress works as adequate compensation here. The following is
the most practical against the threat of Qf6, returning the exchange but keeping an extra pawn.

26…Qc5 27.Bxc7 Qxc7 28.Qf6 Ra5

Against the Qg5+ perpetual check. Black tries to employ the passed pawn on the queenside, but the
exposure of his king always offers compensation to White.

822
Position after: 28…Ra5

29.e4!?

29.Rd1 This immediate move can be answered as follows. 29…Qc5+ 30.Kg2 Qc6+ 31.Kg1 Rd5
White has compensation after the following. 32.Rf1 The text threatens to take the rook to d1 without
that defensive black rook move. However the Chinese grandmaster, presumably in time trouble,
misses White’s idea.

29…Rc5?

A) 29…Qc5+ 30.Kh1 Qf8 31.Rd1 Ra8=

B) 29…Qd7=
Both are simple ways, among others, to prevent the realization of White’s aggressive plan.

30.Rd1

Now avoiding mate leads to important material losses for Black.

1-0

Game 59
Giri, Anish (2780)
Aronian, Levon (2781)
Bucharest 2021

823
1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.dxc5

In this line White tries to create a symmetrical position where he hopes to use his extra tempo.
Nevertheless, the timely advance …c3 by Black means that White has to ruin his structure somewhat
in order to regain the pawn. Even so, supporters of this idea rely in this case on the activity gained by
their pieces in exchange for Black’s better pawn structure.

7…Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3

As I indicated earlier, this move takes away some of the attraction of White’s scheme by breaking his
pawn formation on the queenside. The ensuing struggle, though always complicated, no longer takes
place on symmetrical territory.

10.bxc3 0-0 11.Nb3 Be7 12.c4

The advance of the white pawns on the queenside gains space and in some cases allows
simplifications that resolve the slight deterioration of the structure. In the present case it also serves to
open up the major diagonal for the dark-squared bishop. The alternative 12.Nfd4 is somewhat more
popular in practice, together with the main line in the theoretical part. The game is an example with
that idea.

12…Bd7 13.a4!?

Position after: 13.a4!?

An unusual move order in this position. Instead the main choice is as follows. 13.Bb2 Rfd8 14.Nfd4

824
13…Rad8?!

In this type of position Black usually takes his other rook to this square, reserving the c-file for the
queen rook. Considering that so far White has not pressed for the clear long diagonal by taking his
king knight to d4 (often resulting in exchanges on c6 which restore symmetry in the pawn formation)
Aronian adopts a new plan – the main point is to move the queen bishop to c8 and to leave b7
defended once the rooks have been connected. Depending on the circumstances, the arrival of a
knight on d4 can be met by an exchange on that square or Black can avoid simplifications by taking
the knight on c6 to another destination. Even so, Black’s idea may not be entirely accurate, since
White can exert strong pressure on the queenside and perhaps Black’s queen rook is needed in that
sector. That is why the following natural alternative should also be considered.
13…Rfd8 This move follows in the image and likeness of the main lines. 14.Bf4 [14.Bb2 Rac8=;
14.a5 Be8 15.Rxd8 Rxd8 16.Bf4 Rc8=] 14…Rac8 15.a5 Be8 16.Rxd8 [16.Rdc1 b6∞ A similar
structure to the game ensues, but the black pieces are more actively positioned here.] 16…Rxd8 The
position offers chances to both sides, as indicated in the theoretical part.

14.Bb2 Bc8?!

According to the plan, but the light-squared bishop is passive here.

14…b6 Better instead, although White has a small advantage by continuing with 15.a5².

15.Nfd4±

The result of the opening clearly favors White, who has gained ground on the queenside and has the
most active pieces.

15…Nxd4

A) 15…Ne5 16.Rdc1+– This is strategically winning for White. Black has no way to oppose the
first player’s pawn advance plan; furthermore the lack of defense for the knight on e5 causes Black
problems.
B) 15…Nb4 This is another idea, but the black queen knight has no targets here. 16.a5±

16.Bxd4!

825
Position after: 16.Bxd4!

The strongest recapture.

16.Nxd4 However this option is also interesting, allowing typical ideas like Nb5.

16…b6

This move widens the horizons of the bishop on g2, while weakening c6, but in the circumstances it
may be the best reply.
16…a6 Instead, I find this even more debilitating, leaving b7 and b6 as weaknesses.

17.a5

Part of White’s potential structural problems are solved with this advance, which basically aims to
maintain strong pressure on the opponent’s queenside wing.

17…Nd7 18.axb6 axb6 19.Bc6

Giri starts a plan to apply pressure that doesn’t prove to be the most critical – Black starts to create
counterplay from this point onwards.
19.Be3 Nevertheless, White retains a clear advantage with this flexible move.
Depending on the continuation, White can use his rook on the d-file or the d4-square with his knight.
An illustrative line is as follows. 19…Nc5 20.Rdb1

826
Position after: 20.Rdb1

20…Bf6 [20…Rd7 21.Nd2±; 20…Bd6 21.Nxc5 Bxc5 22.Bxc5 bxc5 23.Rb5 Rd2 24.e3±] 21.Bxc5
bxc5 [21…Bxa1 22.Bxf8+–] 22.Ra5 Be7 23.Rc1±

19…Bf6 20.Bb5²

Position after: 20.Bb5²

While White maintains uncomfortable pressure on Black’s position, guaranteeing the advantage, the

827
king bishop may not be better off on b5 than on g2, as the continuation shows.

20…g5!

In symmetrical positions such as this, gaining space by advancing pawns is one of the ways to play
the position. It may seem very ambitious, but if Black does not make this move it is White who can
think about gaining space in the sector with f4 and e4.
20…Bb7 Black still can’t free himself with moves such as this due to the following. 21.Bxd7 Rxd7
22.Bxb6 [22.Bxf6 This is also possible, but more complex. 22…Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 gxf6 24.Rd6 Ba6
25.c5 Bc4 26.Nd2 Bxe2 27.cxb6±] 22…Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1±

21.f4?!

Was this move made with the idea that a potential opening of the g-file could favor White? The
problem with this advance is that it ends up weakening White’s structure, giving Black counterplay.
21.f3² Instead this should have been preferred.

21…gxf4 22.gxf4 Bxd4+

22…e5!?„ This is another possibility.

23.Rxd4 Nf6„

Position after: 23…Nf6„

24.Ra7!?

828
While this move may be the most critical, White has other attractive ways to try to create pressure on
the opponent’s position.
A) 24.Rxd8 Rxd8 25.Ra8!? In addition to the pin, Black must resolve the threat of Rb8 which wins
the b6-pawn. 25…Ne4 This is possibly the most accurate now.

Position after: 25…Ne4

26.Bc6 [26.Rb8 Kg7 27.Rxb6 e5© With a view to …Bh3.] 26…Nd6 27.Nd2 Nf5 28.Nf3 Nd6
29.Ne5 Rf8 [29…f6 30.Nd7±] 30.Ra7 f6 31.Nd7 Bxd7 32.Bxd7 Kf7 33.Bc8+ Kg6 34.Bxe6 Re8
35.f5+ Kg5© This illustrates some of Black’s defensive resources.
B) 24.Rad1 Rxd4 25.Rxd4 This seems to complicate matters for Black, as the b-pawn falls, but the
counterplay arrives in time. 25…Bb7 26.Rd6 Be4 27.Rxb6 Rd8 28.Kf2 Rd1©

24…e5 25.fxe5 Ng4 26.Ra8

A) 26.Rd6 Nxe5 27.Rxb6 Be6©

B) 26.Re4!? Rd1+ 27.Kg2 Kh8©

26…Rxd4 27.Nxd4 Nxe5=

829
Position after: 27…Nxe5=

Finally Black has achieves total equality, fully recovering from the failure of the plan initiated on his
thirteenth move.

28.Rb8 Be6 29.Rxb6

29.Rxf8+ Kxf8 30.Nxe6+ fxe6 31.Kg2 This is also equal.

29…Bxc4 30.Bxc4 Nxc4 31.Rc6 Ne5 32.Rb6 Nc4 33.Rc6 Ne5 34.Rb6 Nc4

½-½

Game 60
Wang, Hao (2737)
Yu, Yangyi (2738)
Danzhou 2019

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 e6 5.0-0 Nf6 6.c4 dxc4 7.dxc5 Qxd1 8.Rxd1 Bxc5 9.Nbd2 c3
10.bxc3 0-0 11.Nb3 Be7 12.Nfd4

830
Position after: 12.Nfd4

In practice this remains the most common move, narrowly ahead of 12.c4 as in the previous game,
and also offers slightly better statistics. White exerts immediate pressure on c6.

12…Nxd4

In the current chapter, in the subchapter h), this exchange is presented as an alternative to my main
line 12…Bd7. As the line of this game is not analyzed in that theoretical space, we will mention some
examples here of recent practice with it.

13.cxd4 Nd5

The position is roughly balanced. White has improved his structure by attaching the isolated pawn to
the central pieces, which in case of a breakthrough can offer the possibility of creating a passed pawn
in the center. In turn, Black has gained an identical possibility with his queenside majority, while the
activity of the pieces on both sides is reasonable and both kings are safe. While White retains some
initiative, it is wise to consider that gradually Black can equalize completely.

14.Na5

Wang Hao follows a plan to put pressure on the opponent’s queenside, aiming to weaken the clear
squares on that side.
14.Bd2 In practice, this is the most usual continuation, introduced by the Hungarian grandmaster
David Berczes in 2011. 14…f5 [14…b6 This alternative was seen in practice in 2022. 15.e4 Nf6
16.d5 exd5 17.exd5 Bg4 18.Re1 Ba3 19.h3 Bd7 The position is balanced, as in Bu Xiangzhi – Xu

831
Xiangyu, Shaoxing 2022.] 15.Na5 [15.Rac1 b6 This is good for Black. 16.Bxd5 exd5 17.Rc7 Bd8
18.Rc2 Ba6 19.Bf4 Be7³ Vachier – Lagrave – So, Abidjan blitz 2019] 15…b6 [15…Bf6 16.e3 b6
17.Nc6 This transposes.] 16.Nc6 Bf6

Position after: 16…Bf6

A) 17.Rac1 Bb7= Sasikiran – Wojtaszek, New Delhi 2012

B) 17.Nb4 Bb7 18.Nxd5 Bxd5! We have already seen Reshevsky in a similar position taking a
pawn in the first game of this section and suffering with a bad bishop for the rest of the game.
19.Bxd5 exd5 20.Bf4 Rfe8 21.e3 g5 22.Bc7 Rac8 23.Rdc1 Re7 24.Bd6 Ree8= Dubov – Yuan
Qingyu, internet blitz 2022
C) 17.a4 Bb7 18.Bxd5 exd5 19.Ne5 Ba6 20.Kf1 Rfe8 21.f4 Rec8 22.Ke1 Now in Ding Liren –
Praggnanandhaa, internet rapid 2022, the simplest way to equality is to exchange on e5 leading to an
opposite- colored bishop scenario. The young Indian prodigy preferred a more complex game
instead. 22…Bc4 23.Rdb1 Rab8 24.Rb2 a6„ Black was rewarded with a victory in a beautiful
finish.
D) 17.e3 Bb7 18.Nb4
D1) 18…Rfc8 19.Rdb1 [19.a4 Rab8=] 19…Kf7 20.a4 Rab8 This is another way of cutting the
Gordian knot along the major diagonal. 21.Nxd5 Bxd5 22.Bxd5 exd5 23.Rb5 a6 24.Rb2 Rc6
25.Kf1 Rbc8 26.Ke2 Bd8= Xu Zhihang – Lu Shanglei, Fulong 2022
D2) 18…Rfd8 19.Rac1 [19.a4 Rd7!= This is Black’s idea.] 19…Rac8 20.Kf1 Kf7= Ju Wenjun –
Tan Zhongyi, Riyadh blitz 2017

14…Bd7!?

832
Black gives up a pawn, and in return he hopes to gain activity for his pieces.
14…Bb4 The safe alternative, used by the same Black player in the same tournament in a later round.
15.Bd2 Nc3 16.Nxb7 Nxe2+ 17.Kf1 Nc3 18.Bxc3 Bxc3 19.Rac1 Bxb7 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Rxc3
Rxb7= A draw ensued after 31 moves, in Rapport – Yu Yangyi, Danzhou 2019.

15.Nxb7

15.Bd2 This is harmless instead. 15…b6 Here Black even seizes the initiative. A recent example is as
follows. 16.e4 [16.Nc4 Bb5ƒ] 16…Nb4 17.Nb3 Rac8 18.d5 Nc2 19.Rab1 exd5 20.exd5 Bd6 21.Be4
Na3 22.Rbc1 Nc4µ Black held a clear advantage, in Nihal – So, internet rapid 2022.

15…Ba4

Position after: 15…Ba4

16.Rf1

Black’s compensation is adequate after this move.

16.Rd3 This is the critical idea instead, where Black must work hard to justify the lesser material. The
only practical example continued as follows. 16…Rfc8 17.Nc5 [17.Ba3!? This is a possible
improvement, but it leads to a position that is close to equality. 17…Bb5 18.Rb3 Bxa3 19.Rxb5 Nc3
20.Re5 Rab8„] 17…Bxc5 18.dxc5 Rxc5 19.Bxd5 Rxd5 20.Rxd5 exd5= Yuan Ye – Guo Qi, China
2020

16…Rfc8 17.e4 Nc3

833
Position after: 17…Nc3

18.Re1

18.e5!? This is more combative, but Black equalizes as follows. 18…Ne2+ 19.Kh1 Nxd4
[19…Nxc1!? 20.Rfxc1 Ba3©] 20.Nd6 Bxd6 21.exd6 [21.Bxa8 Bxe5 22.Bg2 Bb5 23.Rd1 Be2³]
21…Rab8 The position is approximately equal.

18…Bc6

18…Nb5!?©

19.Nc5

19.Na5!? This was the last chance for White to look for something.

19…Bb5 20.Bf3 Bxc5 21.dxc5 Rxc5

834
Position after: 21…Rxc5

Once Black has regained the material, equality is evident. The simplifications that ensue make the
result official.

22.Be3 Rc4 23.e5 Bc6 24.Bxc6 Rxc6 25.Rac1 Rac8 26.Rc2 a5 27.Rec1 Ne2+ 28.Rxe2 Rxc1+
29.Bxc1 Rxc1+ 30.Kg2 Rc3 31.Re3 Rxe3 32.fxe3 Kf8

In the resulting pawn endgame, there is no way to make progress: both kings arrive in time to prevent
any invasion by the other.

835
Position after: 32…Kf8

33.Kf3 Ke7 34.Ke4 Kd7 35.Kd4 Kc6 36.Kc4 Kb6 37.g4 g5 38.h3 h6 39.a4 Kc6 40.Kd4 Kb6
41.Kc4 Kc6 42.Kd4

½-½

Game 61
Kasimdzhanov, Rustam (2699)
Drozdovskij, Yuri (2625)
Konya 2010

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Ne5

The knight’s leap to e5 puts immediate pressure on c6, while looking sidelong at the pawn on c4.

7…Bd7 8.Na3 cxd4 9.Naxc4 Be7 10.Qb3

This is the preference in practice.

10.Bf4 However this alternative is Bologan’s recommendation in The Powerful Catalan and the main
line in the theoretical part of this work.

10…Qc7

Position after: 10…Qc7

11.Nxc6

836
11.Bf4 An important alternative, which in subchapter i), I recommend responding with 11…Nh5=.

11…Bxc6 12.Bf4 Qd8 13.Bxc6+ bxc6 14.Ne5 c5 15.Qa4+ Kf8!?

15…Nd7 A natural choice, as in Ivanchuk – Leko, Mukachevo rapid 2009. However the text is more
ambitious.

16.Rac1 Qd5=

Position after: 16…Qd5=

This is as far as we reached in the theoretical part, with an evaluation of equality. The activity of the
white pieces, the control which White exerts over the central dark squares and the momentary lack of
coordination of Black’s back rank all add up to giving White adequate compensation for the pawn.
The well-centered queen, situated on the diagonal where there is no longer the opposing bishop, is
Black’s strong point here, along with the pawn duo on c5 and d4. All in all it is a difficult position to
play for both sides, with very concrete problems to solve.

17.f3! h6 18.e4

White’s previous two moves are aimed at the elimination of Black’s powerful pawn on d4, which
must now be exchanged, since the retreat allows for an effective blockade with Nd3 where White
would be better off even.

18…dxe3 19.Rfd1 Qb7 20.Bxe3

837
Position after: 20.Bxe3

20…g5!?

One of the most acute possibilities is that White responds by escalating the conflict.
20…Kg8 21.Qc6 Rb8∞

21.f4!?

A) 21.Qc6 Rb8 22.Bxc5 Bxc5+ 23.Rxc5 Kg7=

B) 21.Nc6!? Nd5 22.Rxd5!

838
Position after: 22.Rxd5!

This also leads to enormous complications, but in this case equality is inevitable after the following
sequence. 22…exd5 23.Nxe7 d4 24.Bxd4 cxd4 25.Qxd4 Qb6 26.Rc5 Kxe7 27.Qe5+ Qe6
[27…Kd7 28.Qd4+ Ke7=] 28.Rc7+ Kd8 29.Qxh8+ Kxc7 30.Qxa8 Qxa2 31.b4=

21…Kg7 22.fxg5 hxg5 23.Bxg5 Qxb2!

Position after: 23…Qxb2!

839
24.Nf3!?

24.Bxf6+ Bxf6 25.Qg4+ Kf8 26.Nd7+ Ke7 27.Nxf6 Qxh2+ 28.Kf1 Kxf6= This is another
possibility in this complex fight where both contenders are up to the task.

24…Rad8 25.Rf1 Rd5 26.Rb1 Qc3

The threat is …Rxg5 followed by the check on e3, gaining material. This is a more incisive
continuation than 26…Qe2 27.Rf2 Qd3=.

27.Bxf6+!?

The threatened piece is exchanged. However, the simplest way would have been to create one’s own
threat as follows.
27.Rb7 Rxg5 [27…Bd8!? 28.Qf4 Rf5 29.Bxf6+ Qxf6 30.Qg4+ Kh7 31.Kg2 Qg6 32.Qxg6+ Kxg6=]
28.Nxg5 Qe3+ 29.Rf2 This leads to a draw. 29…Qe1+ 30.Rf1 Qe3+=

27…Bxf6 28.Qg4+

Position after: 28.Qg4+

28…Kf8

Up to this point both grandmasters have shone in their calculations with their choice of the best and
sharpest moves, to a level bordering on perfection. Black keeps an extra (passed) pawn on the c-file
and the best minor piece. However a certain lack of cover for his king and coordination between his
pieces offers White compensation.

840
29.Rb8+

The check is not an inaccuracy, but the following would have been safer here instead.
29.Qe4 Qd3 30.Rb8+ Kg7 31.Qg4+ Qg6 32.Qxg6+ Kxg6 33.Nh4+ Kg5 34.Rxh8 Bxh8 35.Rxf7
This allows White to regain the pawn with a good chance of a draw in the resulting technical phase.

29…Rd8 30.Rb7 Qe3+ 31.Rf2?!

Position after: 31.Rf2?!

A compromising move.
31.Kg2 Instead this was necessary and more logical. 31…Rh7 32.Rb3! Qh6 33.Rb7 This offers White
adequate compensation. 33…Rc8 34.Rd1 c4 35.Rdd7 Qe3 [35…c3 36.Rxf7+ Rxf7 37.Qxe6©] 36.h4
c3 37.Rbc7©

31…Rh7!³

Black must defend f7.

A) 31…Rg8? Black loses after 32.Qh5+–.
B) 31…Rc8 Faced with natural options such as this, White can continue with 32.Ng5! with strong
pressure on f7 and immediate equality. A possible continuation is as follows. 32…Qe1+

841
Position after: 32…Qe1+

33.Rf1 [33.Kg2 Rxh2+ 34.Kxh2 Qxf2+ 35.Kh3 Bxg5 36.Qxg5 Qf3–+] 33…Bd4+ 34.Kg2 Qd2+
35.Kf3 Qe3+ 36.Kg2=

32.Kg2 Bd4 33.Rc2?

Possibly under time pressure, the former FIDE World Champion makes this move which leaves him
instantly lost.
33.Nxd4 The only move. 33…Rxh2+ 34.Kxh2 Qxf2+ 35.Kh3 Qxd4 36.Qg5 Re8 37.Rxa7 Qd5³
Nevertheless the heavy piece ending is obviously favorable for the second player. However White can
still fight for counterplay and the conversion of Black’s advantage is not so simple.

33…f5–+

In this simple way, Black wins a rook, thus sealing the game.

34.Qg6 Rxb7 35.Ng5 Re7 36.Kh3 Qe5 37.Kg2 Qf6

0-1

Game 62
Eljanov, Pavel (2703)
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2727)
Batumi 2018

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 Nc6 5.d4 e6 6.c4 dxc4 7.Qa4

842
This is not only the most usual continuation in this position, but it is also Boris Avrukh’s
recommendation in his influential repertoire book on 1. d4. The queen exerts pressure on the a4-e8
diagonal, but also prepares to regain the pawn by taking on c4.

7…Bd7 8.dxc5

The capture on c5 leads to a symmetrical position where White hopes to make use of the first move
advantage – however as the reader may suspect, this is not a particularly aggressive idea.

8…Bxc5

8…Na5 See the next game. The one in the text is also sufficient for equality.

9.Qxc4 Be7 10.Nc3 0-0 11.e4 Qa5

This controls e5 and connects the rooks, allowing them to be centralized.

12.Rd1 Rad8!

Position after: 12…Rad8!

This is the correct rook to take to d8, enabling the idea of …Bc8.

13.Qe2 Bc8 14.Bd2 Qh5 15.e5 Nd7

15…Ng4!? This is more incisive. 16.Bf4

843
Position after: 16.Bf4

16…Bc5 [16…g5!? 17.Nxg5 Qxh2+ 18.Kf1 Qh5 19.Nf3 This is approximately equal.] 17.Ne4
Ngxe5 18.Nxc5 Nxf3+ 19.Qxf3 Qxc5 20.Rac1 Qe7 Black is offered an extra pawn, although White
retains some compensation for the pair of bishops and the pressure on the opponent’s queenside.

16.Bf4 g5 17.Nxg5 Qxe2 18.Nxe2 Ndxe5

Position after: 18…Ndxe5

844
In the theoretical part the quoted game ends here, with an evaluation of equality. The slight
deterioration of Black’s structure is not a serious problem, due to the symmetry on the queenside –
the sector away from the kings – and the white pieces are not in a position to exploit the exposure of
the black king on that side.

19.Ne4 Rxd1+

Wojtasezek initiates a heavy piece exchange, but like the knight retreat to d7 on move 15, it is a very
cautious plan.
19…Nd3!? This is a more dynamic option instead. Objectively the position is also one of
approximate equality.

20.Rxd1 f5!

Position after: 20…f5!

20…Rd8? Clearly Black cannot perform this immediate move due to the following. 21.Rxd8+ Bxd8
22.Nd6+–

21.N4c3 Rd8 22.Rxd8+ Bxd8

The minor piece endgame presents White with the initiative, but considering the limited chances of
creating passed pawns and the high possibility of exchanges, it should not turn into something more
serious.

23.Nd4 Bf6 24.Nxc6 Nxc6 25.Be3

845
Position after: 25.Be3

25…Nd4

This move could possibly be described as inaccurate.

25…Bd7= This is a decent alternative instead.

26.b3!?

26.Bxd4! This alternative should be considered. 26…Bxd4 27.Nb5 Bb6 [27…Bxb2 28.Nxa7 Bd7
29.Bxb7 e5 30.Bc8²; 27…Bc5 28.b4!²] 28.Nd6 Bd7 29.Bxb7 White wins a pawn in the sector away
from the kings and it remains to be seen whether Black’s pair of bishops is sufficient compensation.
My computer has faith in Black’s defense, but in a live game this would not be so easy.

26…Kf8!?

846
Position after: 26…Kf8!?

A general move, taking the king to the center.

26…Nxb3 Objectively, Black should have preferred this instead. 27.Nd5 exd5 28.Bxd5+ Kg7 Now
both captures on b3 lead to an equal ending.

27.h3

Too timid. 27.Bxd4 Instead this is possible, with the same sequence that leads to winning a pawn.
27…Bxd4 28.Nb5 Bb6 29.Nd6 Bd7 30.Bxb7 Here the black king comes to the center to cooperate,
but there is still some work to be done to show that the compensation is sufficient.

27…Ke7=

After the arrival of the black king at the destination the position is definitely balanced.

28.g4 Nxb3 29.Nb5 Bd7 30.axb3 Bxb5 31.Bxb7 a5 32.gxf5

847
Position after: 32.gxf5

32…exf5

The endgame, currently with four bishops but soon with two, proves impossible to unbalance, even
with the maximum activation of both monarchs.

33.Bc8 Bd7 34.Bxd7 Kxd7 35.Bd2 Bd8 36.Kf1 Ke6 37.Ke2 Kd5 38.Kd3 Bb6 39.f3 Bc7 40.Bc3
Bd8 41.Bd2

½-½

Game 63
Vitiugov, Nikita (2732)
Can, Emre (2599)
Batumi 2019

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 d5 4.g3 dxc4 5.Bg2 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.dxc5 Na5

This knight jump is my main recommendation in the theoretical part instead of the capture on c5, and
leads to complicated positions. There is more life here than in the previous line, since both sides keep
their c-pawns for now, and each of them stuck in enemy territory.

9.Qa3 Rc8 10.Be3 b6!?

A very logical alternative to 10…Nd5 which is our main line in the theoretical part.

848
11.Nbd2

Position after: 11.Nbd2

11…Bxc5

The simplifications that are now taking place lead to a somewhat more comfortable position for
White, but the position is always balanced.
11…Nd5 This is my recommendation in subchapter j), with chances for both sides.

12.Bxc5 Rxc5 13.Rfc1 Qe7 14.b4 cxb3 15.Rxc5 Qxc5

15…b2!? 16.Qxb2 Qxc5 17.Rc1 Qd6 18.e4©

16.Qxc5 bxc5 17.axb3

17.Nxb3 Nxb3 18.axb3 Bb5 19.Rxa7 0-0 20.Kf1 Ne4=

17…Nc6 18.Ne1 Nd5 19.Nd3 Ke7 20.Nxc5 Rb8 21.Nxd7 Kxd7

This position, which is roughly the same, is what we reached in the theoretical part of this work.
White has a slight initiative, but it should not be enough to claim an advantage. While the structure on
the kingside is symmetrical, both sides have isolated and fragile pawns on the queenside. The ratio of
minor pieces is in favor of the first side due to the presence of the Catalan bishop, but the black
knights are well centralized and active.

849
Position after: 21…Kxd7

22.e3 Rb5!? 23.Bf1 Ra5 24.Rc1!

White correctly avoids the rook exchange. In the minor piece ending, the black king would be much
better centralized, giving the best chances and a clear plan of advance against the b3-pawn. With the
rooks on the board it is not so easy to activate the king.

24…Ndb4 25.Ne4 f5 26.Nc5+ Ke7 27.Na4 Kd6 28.f4 Rd5

28…Nd5 29.Kf2 Nf6= This is also possible.

29.Nb2 Rc5 30.Bc4 Na5 31.Ra1!?

850
Position after: 31.Ra1!?

While the position remains objectively equal, White (with a rating differential in his favor) tries to
find complications to enliven the game.

31…Nc2 32.Ra2 Nxe3?!

Black falls into temptation with this capture and ends up losing material.
32…Nb4! Instead a repetition of moves here is correct. White gets nothing from lines such as the
following. 33.Ra4 Nac6 34.Ra1 Ra5 35.Rd1+ Ke7=

33.Nd3±

851
Position after: 33.Nd3±

The first side wins the exchange only for a pawn, forcing the opponent to choose between several
desperate-looking endgames.

33…Nexc4?

The path chosen by Black is not the most appropriate one.

33…Rxc4! 34.bxc4 Nexc4 This is the path of greatest resistance. 35.Ne5!? Ke7 36.Nxc4 Nxc4
37.Rxa7+ Kf6 38.Kf2± White obviously has the best practical chances of winning, but with accurate
play Black could hope to split the point.

34.bxc4 Nc6 35.Nxc5 Kxc5 36.Ra6+–

With pawns on both sides of the board White’s technical task is simplified.

36…Kd6 37.Kf2 Kc5 38.Ke3 Kd6 39.Kd3 Kc5 40.Kc3 Kd6 41.Ra1!

852
Position after: 41.Ra1!

The rook has already fulfilled its task on a6, paralyzing the opposing forces, and now begins to look
for avenues for the decisive invasion.

41…h6 42.Rd1+ Ke7 43.c5

Black is without defense against the arrival of the white rook on d6.

1-0

Game 64
Bluebaum, Matthias (2618)
Melkumyan, Hrant (2660)
Batumi 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Nf3 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Rc8
10.Nc3 Nxd4 11.Qxd4 Bc5 12.Qh4 h6!

The discovery of this possibility, limiting the actions of the black queen, puts the line back into
consideration with 5…c5, and is the main setting for the last subchapter of this section.

13.Bg5

For the more critical line with 13.Bxb7 see the following games. The one in the text is considered
harmless for the second player, as is the ending above.

853
13…0-0 14.Bxf6 Qxf6 15.Qxf6 gxf6

Position after: 15…gxf6

In this position, the pair of bishops is more than adequate compensation for the slight weakening of
Black’s structure on the kingside.

16.Rfd1

White gets nothing from the following. 16.Bxb7 Rb8 17.Bf3 Rxb2= Alekseev – Moiseenko, Saratov
2011.

16…Rc7 17.Ne4! Be7 18.Nd6

The placement of this piece at the heart of Black’s position is a successful attempt to put White’s
minor pieces on par with the theoretically superior bishop pair.

18…Rb8 19.Rd2 Bc6

Sooner or later Black has to respond to the domination of the white bishop on the long diagonal. The
exchange of these pieces leads to an ending where the centralized knight will not be inferior to the
remaining bishop.

20.Rad1 f5=

854
Position after: 20…f5=

The position is obviously balanced, with a symmetry that is difficult to break, especially on the
queenside.

21.Bxc6 Rxc6 22.b3?!

The problem with positions of this type is that it often leads players to rely on seemingly easy
equality. The text move weakens the dark squares on the queenside – a circumstance that the
opposing bishop can exploit. However White misses the point of Black’s next move. Instead, White
has options such as the following.
A) 22.Nb5!? Rb6 23.Nd4=
B) 22.e4!? Bxd6 23.Rxd6 Rxd6 24.Rxd6 fxe4 25.Rd4 e3 26.fxe3= This maintains a comfortable
balance.

22…b5!

In addition to gaining space, the advance of the b-pawn enables rook actions on the third rank – for
example, to attack the white knight, which suddenly has no retreat. The next move is almost forced,
to give support to that piece.

23.e4 Rbb6 24.e5 Kf8

24…f6!? This is more incisive, undermining the security of the white knight. 25.f4 fxe5 26.fxe5 Rc5
27.Re2 a6 Black has some initiative.

855
25.Kg2 a6 26.g4!?

Somewhat risky but not incorrect. White could have preferred safer options, such as 26. h3 h5=.

26…f6!?

26…fxg4 27.Ne4©

27.gxf5 fxe5 28.Ne4 exf5 29.Ng3 Rf6

29…Rg6!? 30.Kf3 Kf7 31.Rd7©

30.Rd5©

The domination of the central column combined with the possibilities of creating play against Black’s
exposed pawns gives White compensation here.

Position after: 30.Rd5©

30…Rbe6 31.f4!?

A controversial decision, which in the following sequence ends with the sacrifice of another pawn, in
return for which White hopes to gain more activity for his pieces.
31.Kf1!? A quieter alternative to the text.

31…exf4 32.Nxf5 Re2+ 33.Kf3 Rxh2 34.Re5 Rh5

34…Ba3!? This deserves consideration. The text leads to a general simplification where Black’s

856
advantage will be more symbolic than real.

35.Kxf4 Rf7 36.Ke4 Rh2 37.Nxe7 Rxe7 38.Rd8+ Kf7 39.Rxe7+ Kxe7 40.Rh8

While Black retains the best practical chances here, with correct play White should achieve a draw.

Position after: 40.Rh8

40…Kf6 41.a3 Rh3 42.Kf4 Ke6

After this move White has little trouble reaching his goal.
42…a5 A more critical idea where White will also divide the point after the following exact move.
43.Ra8! A possible continuation is as follows. 43…a4 44.Ra6+ Kg7 45.bxa4 bxa4 46.Ra7+

857
Position after: 46.Ra7+

46…Kf8 [46…Kg6 47.Ra6+ Kh5 48.Ra5+ Kg6=] 47.Ra6 Rxa3 48.Rxh6 Ra1 49.Kf3=

43.Kg4 Rxb3

43…Rh1 44.Ra8=

44.Rxh6+ Ke5 45.Rxa6

858
Position after: 45.Rxa6

With an obvious draw. The continuation may be due to the typical needs of team play – or to the fact
that one of the protagonists is under intense time pressure.

45…Ke4 46.Re6+ Kd5 47.Ra6 Re3 48.Kf4 Re1 49.Kf3 Re8 50.Kf4 Kd4 51.Rd6+ Kc5 52.Ra6 Re1
53.Kf3 Kc4 54.Kf4 Ra1 55.Rc6+ Kd4 56.Rd6+ Kc5 57.Ra6 Ra2 58.Ke4 Kc4 59.Rc6+ Kb3 60.Rb6

½-½

Game 65
Ding, Liren (2816)
Wojtaszek, Radoslaw (2749)
Shenzhen 2018

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 Nf6 5.0-0 e6 6.c4 dxc4 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Rc8
10.Nc3 Nxd4 11.Qxd4 Bc5 12.Qh4 h6 13.Bxb7

Accepting Black’s sacrifice is the most usual and logical idea in this position.

13…Rb8 14.Ne4!?

Position after: 14.Ne4!?

One of the most critical ideas, which is also one of the main preferences of the engines and
correspondence games. It has the disadvantage of forcing White’s light-squared bishop off the grand
diagonal. The alternative 14.Bf3, more common in live practice, can be seen in the next game.

859
14…Be7 15.Ba6 0-0 16.Rd1

16.Nxf6+ Bxf6 17.Qe4 In the theoretical part I point out that this is the most critical continuation.
However obviously the one in the text is a natural choice, although Black equalizes here with some
ease.

16…Nd5 17.Qh5 Bc6 18.Bc4

Position after: 18.Bc4

18…Qc8?

18…Qb6 In the theoretical part I recommended this more active move with compensation. Some
lines supporting this evaluation are as follows. 19.Bxd5 [19.Qe5 Nf6 20.Nxf6+ Bxf6 21.Qe3 Qb7©;
19.Bxh6 gxh6 20.Qxh6 The sacrifice is of no use here because of the simple 20…Qxb2–+ with the
passage of the queen to g7 if necessary.] 19…Bxd5 20.Be3

860
Position after: 20.Be3

20…Qb4 [20…Qxb2!? 21.Bd4 Qa3 The position is approximately equal.] 21.Nc3 Ba8©

19.b3?!

The Chinese grandmaster prefers this solid continuation over the sharper one.
19.Bxh6 gxh6 20.Qxh6 f5 21.Ng5 Bxg5 22.Qxg5+ Kf7 23.e4 fxe4 24.Be2± This is unpleasant for
the second player. While he has a piece for just two pawns, the exposure of his king augurs hard
times.

19…f5 20.Nd2 Bf6 21.Ba3 Qe8?!

21…Bxa1 This is correct. 22.Bxf8 Qxf8 23.Rxa1 Qf6© Black’s compensation is adequate.

22.Qxe8 Rfxe8

861
Position after: 22…Rfxe8

23.Bxd5!

The knight is centralized and ready to occupy c3 as Black’s best minor piece.

23…Bxd5

23…exd5 This is inferior. 24.Rac1 Bb5 25.e3± Black adds to his problems with a weakened structure.

24.Rac1±

Black has a difficult job when it comes to showing compensation for the lost pawn. The bishop pair is
not enough here.

24…a5

24…Rb6 25.Rc2±

25.Nc4 a4 26.bxa4!

862
Position after: 26.bxa4!

Even with the pawns doubled on the a-file, it is a second pawn for White, with increasingly distant
compensation for the second player.

26…Rec8 27.Bd6! Rb7 28.Ne3 Rxc1 29.Rxc1 Bxa2 30.a5

While White has given back a pawn, the remaining a-pawn becomes very dangerous, advancing with
a lot of support from the white pieces.

30…Bd4 31.Rc8+ Kh7 32.Nc2 Bd5 33.Nb4

33.Rb8!? This is another possibility that maintains White’s clear advantage.

33…Be4 34.Rc4

863
Position after: 34.Rc4

34…Ba7?!

After this move Black cannot prevent the rook exchange, which leaves him without the counterplay
that this piece could create. Black has a lost minor piece ending, because of the passed pawn.
34…e5 For better or worse, it was necessary to play this instead. 35.Kf1 However, after this move
White retains a clear advantage. 35…Rd7 36.Bc7 Bb6 37.f3 Rxc7 38.Rxc7 Bxc7 39.fxe4 Bxa5
40.Nc6 Bc7 41.exf5± Here, nevertheless Black retains some practical chances of a draw as all the
pawns are on one flank, which in this position of the game is not the case.

35.Rc7+–

Unlike the line given in the previous commentary, White retains his passed pawn here.

35…Kg6 36.Kf1 Kf6 37.f3 Rxc7 38.Bxc7 Bb7 39.Nd3 Bd4 40.f4 Kf7 41.Bb6 Bf6

41…Bxb6 42.axb6+– This does not change the fate of the ending.

42.Kf2 g5

864
Position after: 42…g5

43.Ke3!?

Here both masters played inaccurately, which is evidence of mutual time pressure.
43.Nb4+– This seems simpler.

43…gxf4+ 44.gxf4 Be7 45.Kd4 Bd6 46.e3 Ke8 47.Bc5 Bc7 48.Bb4 Bb8

Suddenly winning is not a matter of simple technique, and the move that follows doesn’t help.

49.h4 h5 50.Nf2 Kd7©

865
Position after: 50…Kd7©

With the king arriving in time on the queenside to contain the opposing passed pawn and the light-
squared bishop ready to defend the units on the kingside, Black can fight for a draw.

51.Nh3

51.Nd3 Kc6 52.Ne5+ Kb5 53.Nd7 Bc7 54.Be1 Bf3!©

51…Kc6 52.Ng5 Ba7+?

This check proves fatal for Black, allowing the white king to invade on e5.
52…Bc8!© Instead this would have put Black on the right path to a draw.

53.Ke5+– Bxe3 54.Nxe6 Bc8 55.Ng7 Bf2 56.Nxf5

866
Position after: 56.Nxf5

The rest is simple and requires no comment.

56…Kb5 57.Be7 Kxa5 58.Kf6 Kb6 59.Kg6 Kc6 60.Ng7 Kd5 61.f5 Ke5 62.Bg5 Bc5 63.f6 Ba6
64.Nxh5

1-0

Game 66
Salemgareev, Tagir (2381)
Khusenkhojaev, M. (2443)
Cheliabinsk 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Nf3 c5 6.0-0 Nc6 7.Qa4 Bd7 8.Qxc4 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Rc8
10.Nc3 Nxd4 11.Qxd4 Bc5 12.Qh4 h6 13.Bxb7 Rb8 14.Bf3

In masterly practice this is the most usual continuation, allowing the light- squared bishop to remain
on its most important diagonal. However, the white queen can be harassed as follows and in many
cases ends up being displaced to g2.

867
Position after: 14.Bf3

14…Rb4 15.Qh3 e5 16.Qg2 Qc8 17.Rd1!?

17.a3 The main line in the theoretical part, displacing the black rook from its advanced position. In
any case, that piece has already fulfilled its task on b4.

17…0-0 18.Nd5!? Nxd5 19.Bxd5 Bd4

Position after: 19…Bd4

868
20.Rd2?

A false step, ruining the coordination of the white pieces to defend the material gain. Instead White
has equalizing options as follows.
A) 20.e3 Bxb2 21.Bxb2 Bh3 22.Qh1 Rxb2=
B) Or 20.a3 Rb6 21.e3 Bh3 22.Qh1 Bxb2 23.Bxb2 Rxb2=

20…Bh3 21.Qf3 Rb5–+ 22.Bb3

22.Qe4 This is more resistant, although the following continuation shows that White has not yet
solved the development of his queen’s flank. 22…Rd8 23.Rc2 Rc5 24.Bb3 Rxc2 25.Qxc2 Qb7 26.e4
Qb6–+ White is completely passive.

22…e4!

Position after: 22…e4!

An elegant motif: the idea is to allow the rook to move to f5. Khusenkhojaev’s play in this phase of
the game is impeccable.

23.Qf4

A) 23.Qxe4 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 [24.Kh1 Re8–+] 24…Rf5+ 25.Ke3 Qc5+ 26.Rd4 Re5–+
B) 23.Qh1 Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2 e3+ 25.Kxe3 Qc5+ 26.Rd4 Rd8 27.Qe4 Bf5–+

23…Bxf2+ 24.Kxf2

869
24.Qxf2 e3 25.Qxe3 Rf5 26.Rd1 Qc6–+

24…Rf5 25.Rc2 Rxf4+ 26.Bxf4

While the queen is a stronger piece than the rook and bishop, here White’s pieces are still
uncoordinated and the king is somewhat exposed. The outcome of the game is not in doubt, and the
rest is a matter of technique.

26…e3+!

Position after: 26…e3+!

27.Kxe3

27.Bxe3 Qf5+ The king’s retreat allows for mating attacks and 28.Bf4 loses a piece after 28…g5–+.

27…Re8+ 28.Kf2 Qb7 29.Rg1 Qb6+ 30.e3 g5

870
Position after: 30…g5

The curtain comes down. The following moves could have been avoided.

31.Rc3 gxf4 32.gxf4+ Kf8 33.Rd1 Qf6 34.Kg3 Qf5 35.Kf2 Qf6 36.Rg1 Qh4+ 37.Rg3 Be6 38.Bxe6
Qxh2+ 39.Rg2 Qh4+ 40.Ke2 Rxe6 41.Rc8+ Re8 42.Rc4 Qh3

0-1

871
 Chapter 8
White Sidelines on Moves 3 & 4

Chapter Guide
Chapter 8 – White Early Sidelines

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6
a) 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.— & 4.Bf4
b) 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3
c) 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.— & 4.Bf4
d) 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 – Zuckertort System
e) 3.—
f) 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Be3
g) 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qd3
h) 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qc2
Selected Games

a) 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.— & 4.Bf4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6

872
Position after: 3…Nf6

4.Bf4

Here White does not exert pressure on the h4-d8 diagonal, so the development to f4 is considered
harmless and leads, in the best cases, to transpositions to classical positions of the Blackburne
Variation (4.Nf3 Be7 5.Bf4). However, its use by masters of the stature of Jobava or Mamedyarov
bestows it with an endorsement. Other secondary ideas in this position are as follows.
A) 4.a3 This can be answered in a variety of ways. 4…dxc4!? This is consistent with some of the
ideas presented in the previous chapters. 5.e4 [5.e3 c5 6.Bxc4 a6=; 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5³] 5…
c5 6.d5 exd5 7.exd5 Bd6

Position after: 7…Bd6

8.Bxc4 [8.Qe2+!? Be7 9.Qxc4?! 0-0 10.Bf4 a6µ Novak – Bilobrk, Croatia tt 2004] 8…0-0 9.Nge2
Nbd7 10.0-0 Ne5 11.Bb3 (Djukanovic – Drasko, Montenegro tt 2009) 11…Re8³ The black pieces
occupy the most active positions, while White’s passed pawn can be efficiently blocked.
B) 4.g3 This version of the Catalan is considered harmless, since the queen knight here has
developed prematurely. However, it deserves serious study, since it is a popular choice in practice.
Black has a number of good replies, including 4…dxc4 5.Qa4+ [5.Bg2 This is the alternative. 5…c5
6.Qa4+ Nbd7 7.Nf3 a6 8.0-0 Rb8 9.Qxc4 b5 10.Qd3 Bb7 11.Bf4 Rc8 This is a transposition to
subchapter c) of the Chapter 7, in the commentary on Black’s seventh move.] 5…Nbd7 I choose
this move by analogy with the first subchapters of the seventh chapter, but the move order used by
White allows for more aggressive alternatives. 6.Bg2 a6 7.Qxc4 c5

873
Position after: 7…c5

8.Bf4!? [8.Nf3 b5 9.Qd3 Bb7 10.0-0 cxd4 11.Qxd4 Bc5 12.Qh4 Rc8 13.Bg5 Qb6 14.Rad1 h6
15.Bxf6 Nxf6µ Salov – Korchnoi, Wijk aan Zee 1997] 8…Ra7 9.Nf3 b5 10.Qd3 Bb7 11.0-0 cxd4
12.Qxd4 Bc5 13.Qd2 0-0= The position presents opportunities for both sides.
C) 4.c5?! This is premature due to the following. 4…b6 5.cxb6 [5.b4? This is worse. 5…a5 6.Ba3
axb4 7.Bxb4 bxc5 8.Bxc5 Bxc5 9.dxc5 Qe7–+ Petrov – Vasilev, Teteven 1991] 5…axb6

Position after: 5…axb6

874
 Black is already better off, for example as follows. 6.e3 c5 7.Nf3 Be7 8.b3 0-0 9.Bb2 Nc6³

4…dxc4

I think this move is consistent with the ideas presented in several of the previous chapters.

5.e3

This idea, first used by Tarrasch, is the most critical here.

A) 5.e4 Bb4 Black gets a strong initiative, for example as follows. 6.f3 b5 7.a4 c6 8.axb5 cxb5
9.Bxb8 Rxb8 10.Rxa7 Qb6–+ Holmberg – Rylander, Malmo 1999
B) 5.Qa4+ This however offers good statistics for White, although Black’s position should be
preferred after the following. 5…Nc6!

Position after: 5…Nc6!

6.Qxc4 Nd5 7.Bg3 Nb6 8.Qb5 Qxd4µ

5…c5 6.Nf3

Solid and secure.

6.Bxc4 This alternative allows an isolated pawn to appear in the center. 6…cxd4 7.exd4 Nc6 8.Nf3
Bd6

875
Position after: 8…Bd6

9.Be5 [9.Ne5!? 0-0 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.Be5 Rb8„] 9…Bxe5!? 10.dxe5 Qxd1+ 11.Rxd1 Ng4 This is
OK for Black, for example as follows. 12.Bb5 Bd7 13.0-0 Ngxe5 14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.Rfe1 Nc6
16.Ne4© The centralization of the white pieces offers compensation, but no more than that – Black
has several ways to maintain comfortable equality in this position.

6…Nd5 7.Bxc4

Some alternatives that have been seen in practice are as follows.

A) 7.Bxb8 Nxc3 8.bxc3 Rxb8 9.Bxc4 b5 10.Rb1 Bd7= Hovhannisyan – Ziroyan, Yerevan 1996
B) 7.dxc5 (Van Ginneken – Wolters, Brasschaat 2015) 7…Bxc5 8.Bxc4 Nxc3 9.Qxd8+ Kxd8
10.bxc3 f6= Black has at least comfortable equality here.

7…Nxf4 8.exf4 cxd4

876
Position after: 8…cxd4

9.Bb5+!?

White also has immediate captures on d4.

A) 9.Nxd4 Black equalizes. 9…Bc5 10.Nb3 Qxd1+ 11.Rxd1 Bb4 12.0-0 Bxc3 13.bxc3 Nd7
14.Bb5 Ke7=
B) 9.Qxd4 Qxd4 10.Nxd4

877
Position after: 10.Nxd4

Here I prefer the following. 10…g6 [10…Bc5 11.Ndb5 Na6 12.a3 Ke7 13.f5 Rd8 14.fxe6 Bxe6
15.Bxe6 fxe6∞ Peyrer – Mihalcisin, Katowice rapid 2022] 11.0-0-0 [11.Ndb5 Na6=] 11…a6
12.Rhe1 Bb4 13.f5 gxf5 14.Nxf5 0-0 15.Nd6 Rd8 16.Nxc8 Rxc8 17.Rxe6!? Rxc4 18.Re8+ Kg7
19.Rdd8 Bxc3 20.bxc3 Rxc3+ 21.Kb2 Rc6=

9…Nd7

Black has at least two alternatives of similar value.

A) 9…Bd7 10.Qxd4 Bxb5 11.Qxd8+ Kxd8 12.Nxb5 Bb4+ 13.Ke2 a6 14.Nbd4 Ke7 15.Rac1 Bd6
16.f5 e5 17.Nc2 Nc6 18.Ne3 Rad8 19.Rhd1 f6=
B) 9…Nc6 10.Nxd4 Bd7 11.Bxc6 bxc6 12.Nf3 Qc7 13.Ne5 Be7 14.0-0 Rd8 15.Qa4 0-0 16.Rad1
Bf6 17.Rfe1 Bc8 18.b3 c5!? 19.Nb5 Rxd1 20.Rxd1 Rd8!=

10.Qxd4 a6

Position after: 10…a6

11.Bxd7+

The bishop retreats do not promise anything for the first player either.
A) 11.Be2 Qb6 12.Qxb6 Nxb6=
B) 11.Bd3 Qb6 12.f5!? Be7!? 13.0-0-0 Bf6 14.Qxb6 Nxb6 15.Ne4 Be7=

878
11…Bxd7 12.0-0 Bc6 13.Qe3 Bb4 14.Ne5 0-0 15.Nxc6 bxc6=

The position is equal. The kings on both sides are safe; the structure presents problems in both camps,
with the isolated pawn on c6 being weaker than White’s doubled pawns on the f-file. In
compensation, Black has the bishop, which is a better piece than the knight in such positions where
there are pawns on both flanks.

b) 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.e3

Position after: 4.e3

4…Nbd7

A classical reply, with a good chance of transposition to positions seen in Chapter 4.

4…b6 This is another interesting possibility in this position, also with a high chance of transposition.

5.Bd3

This move is the second most popular in practice, although with the obvious drawback of allowing a
time-saving capture on c4. White overwhelmingly prefers 5. Nf3 here, which leads straight to
Chapter 4. In practice, White has also tried the following alternatives.
A) 5.cxd5 exd5 This is a harmless version of the Exchange Variation, where White has given up the
pressure on the h4-d8 diagonal that usually allows him to develop the bishop on g5. 6.Bd3 Bd6
7.Nf3 c6 8.0-0 0-0 9.Qc2 Re8 The game transposes to line c) of the commentary on White’s 6th

879
 move in subchapter c) of the first chapter.
B) 5.a3 dxc4 6.Bxc4 (Simonov – Petrachkov, Krasnodar 2004) 6…a6 7.Be2 c5=

5…dxc4 6.Bxc4 a6

Position after: 6…a6

7.a4

This pre-emptive move seems a logical idea here, even though it weakens b4. The alternatives are as
follows.
A) 7.Be2!? White anticipates …b5. 7…c5! 8.Bf3 Rb8 is However this is obviously good for Black,
who is fighting for the advantage in this position.
B) 7.Nf3 White has played this natural move in practice. 7…b5 8.Be2 Bb7 9.0-0 c5³ The position is
already somewhat better for Black, as in Mendes – Van Riemsdijk, Sao Paulo 1967.

7…Bb4!?

7…c5 This is also sufficient for equality. 8.Nf3 Bd6 9.0-0 0-0 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.e4 Qc7 12.Qe2
Bd6=

8.Nge2

8.Nf3 b6 9.0-0 Bb7 10.Qe2 0-0=

8…c5 9.0-0 cxd4 10.exd4

880
Position after: 10.exd4

10…0-0

On the board we have a position with an isolated central pawn, which unlike the classical ones from
the Queen’s Gambit features somewhat passive white minor pieces and a slightly weaker structure
due to the surrender of the b4-square. While these factors make Black’s position preferable, it is clear
that White is not lacking in defensive resources, while Black must also solve the development of his
queenside. Objectively the evaluation is roughly balanced, with the following possible continuation.

11.Bb3 b6

11…Qa5!? This is a reasonable alternative.

12.Be3 Bb7 13.d5 e5 14.Ng3

14.h3 Rc8 This is perhaps preferable for the second side.

14…Nc5 15.Bxc5 Bxc5 16.Qd2 Re8 17.Rfe1

881
Position after: 17.Rfe1

17…Qd7=

c) 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.— & 4.Bf4

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6

Position after: 3…Nf6

882
4.Bf4

If we disregard the moves analyzed in the previous sections, the move in the text here is the most
popular. In order of popularity in practice, here are some ideas used by White after Black’s third
move.
A) 4.Qc2 This is a flexible move and has the potential for transpositions to the most common lines.
An independent reply is as follows. 4…dxc4 5.Qxc4 where 5…a6 6.Bf4 Bd6 7.Bg3 b5 8.Qc2 Bb7
9.Nbd2 Nbd7= Black is OK, as in Kurajica – Lukacs, Tuzla 1981.
B) 4.a3!? This is a preventative measure against a quick …c5. However Black is OK after the
following. 4…dxc4 5.e3 [5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.dxc5 Bxc5 Black has already won the
initiative.] 5…c5 [5…b5 6.b3 c5=] 6.Bxc4 a6 7.0-0 b5 8.Ba2 Bb7 9.Qe2 Nbd7 10.Rd1 Qc7 11.Nc3
Bd6 12.dxc5 Nxc5 13.b4 Ncd7 14.Bb2 Rc8= Piskov – Rublevsky, Helsinki 1992
C) 4.Nbd2 dxc4 5.Nxc4 c5

Position after: 5…c5

The position is balanced. Here is an example from master practice. 6.e3 [6.g3 Nc6 7.Bg2 cxd4 8.0-0
Bc5 The line transposes to the Catalan line analyzed in Chapter 7.] 6…Nc6 7.Nce5 Nxe5 8.dxe5
Qxd1+ 9.Kxd1 (Chavakhishvili – Cramling, Chengdu 2016) 9…Nd7 10.b3 b6 11.Bb2 Bb7 12.Bd3
0-0-0∞

4…dxc4

This capture is one of the many logical ideas for Black in this position, and is in line with many of the
examples seen in the various lines analyzed in the previous chapters.

883
5.Qa4+

The recovery of the pawn is a priority for White. The alternatives are inferior.
A) 5.e3 This is the usual move here. Although it shows excellent statistics for White, this is
somewhat academic if we consider the following reply 5…b5! White does not have the slightest
compensation for the lost pawn. 6.Be2 Bb4+ 7.Nfd2 Bb7 8.0-0 a6 9.b3 cxb3 10.Qxb3 Qd5³
B) 5.Nc3 c6 This leads to a secondary line of the Semi-Slav. 6.a4 [6.e3 b5 7.a4 Bb4 This is better
for Black. 8.axb5 cxb5 9.Bxb8 Rxb8 10.Rxa7 Nd5–+ Okhotnik – Chandra, Braunau 2012] 6…Bb4

Position after: 6…Bb4

Black is OK, as practice confirms. 7.Qc2 [7.g3!? 0-0 8.Bg2 Nd5 9.Bd2 a5 10.e4 Nb6³ White does
not have an easy task when it comes to justifying compensation.] 7…b5 8.e4 [8.g3 Bb7 9.Bg2 Nbd7
10.0-0 a6³ Krstev – Reefat, Elista ol 1998] 8…Bb7 9.Be2 Nbd7³ Gazik – Miton, Katowice rapid
2017

5…Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5

884
Position after: 6…c5

7.e3

The following options below are of equivalent value.

A) 7.Nc3 a6 8.dxc5 Bxc5 9.e3 b5 The position transposes to the text.
B) 7.dxc5 Bxc5 8.e3 a6 This also transposes.

7…a6 8.dxc5 Bxc5

885
Position after: 8…Bxc5

9.Nc3

9.a4 0-0 10.Be2 b6 [10…Qa5+!? 11.Nbd2 e5³ The idea is as follows. 12.Nxe5?! Bb4 13.Nef3
Nc5µ] 11.0-0 Bb7 12.Nc3 Now in Nakamura – Le Quang, internet rapid 2023, better was 12…Rc8³
with an initiative for Black.

9…b5 10.Qb3 Bb7 11.Be2 0-0 12.0-0 Qe7ƒ

The black pieces are somewhat more active, as in Zulklifi – Jurcik, Kazan 2013. Black also has a
space advantage on the queenside. Obviously, the symmetrical arrangement and the absence of
noticeable weaknesses in White’s position make the conversion more difficult.

d) 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 – Zuckertort System

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3

Position after: 4.e3

The present position is one of the two most important in this section (the other being 3. g3). White
solidly defends c4, and leaves the destination square for his queen knight in suspense.

4…b6

One of the most interesting ways to respond to this scheme. The queen bishop is placed on the long
diagonal and Black can play on the e4-square. Alternatively, classical options such as 4…Be7, 4…c6

886
or 4…Nbd7 are possible.
5.Bd3 [5.Nbd2 b6 This transposes to the main line.] If White plays this instead, Black can reply as
follows. 5…dxc4 6.Bxc4 a6 (first played in Eliskases – Spielmann, Ebensee 1933) 7.0-0 b5 8.Be2
[8.Bd3 Bb7 9.a4 bxa4 10.Qxa4 c5=] 8…Bb7 9.a4 b4 10.Nbd2 c5 11.Nc4 Be7= Portisch – Pinter,
Hungary tt 1997

Position after: 4…b6

5.b3

This move is slightly preferred in master practice over others that lead to the same position in most
cases. I will now outline some of the orders seen.
A) 5.Bd3 Bb7 6.0-0 Bd6

887
Position after: 6…Bd6

7.Nbd2 [7.Nc3 0-0 8.b3 Nbd7 9.Bb2 This now leads to one of the lines we considered in the main
text. 9.cxd5 exd5 10.Nb5 Be7 This is not an improvement; Black equalizes after the following.
11.Ba3 c5 12.Rc1 a6 13.Nc3 Rc8= Szucs – Kuchynka, Slovakia tt 2008] 7…0-0 8.b3 Nbd7 This
transposes to the main line.
B) 5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bd3 Bd6 7.0-0 0-0 8.b3 Qe7!? The aim is to counter plans with Ba3.

Position after: 8…Qe7!?

888
 9.Bb2 Bb7 10.Nc3 a6 11.Rc1 Nbd7 This is a position that has already been mentioned in chapter 4.
C) 5.Nbd2 Bb7 6.Bd3 Nbd7 7.0-0 Bd6

Position after: 7…Bd6

Now an independent possibility is as follows. 8.Qc2 [8.b3 0-0 9.Bb2 This transposes to the main
line.] 8…0-0 9.e4 9…dxe4 10.Nxe4 Nxe4 11.Bxe4 Bxe4 12.Qxe4 c5 The position is balanced – a
sample continuation is as follows. 13.Rd1 Qc7 14.Bg5 Rae8 15.Rac1 e5 16.dxc5 Bxc5 17.Nh4 g6∞
Ree – Ligterink, Netherlands ch 1981

5…Bb7

In the sequence that ensues both sides use different move orders to reach the position that appears
after move 8. The independent possibilities in this phase are of less practical value.

6.Bd3 Bd6 7.0-0 0-0 8.Bb2 Nbd7

We are at a crossroads, where White must finally define where he is going to develop his queen
knight.

889
Position after: 8…Nbd7

9.Nbd2

On the chessboard we have a position characteristic of the so-called Zukertort System, sometimes
also associated with the name Colle, since the Belgian master also used it.
A) 9.Nc3 In practice, this is the most popular. 9…a6 This leads us directly to subchapter d) of the
Chapter 4, devoted to the move order with: 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 Nbd7 5. e3.
B) 9.Ne5 This is one of the typical plans in these structures for White, aiming to continue with f4
and to launch an offensive against Black’s castled position. 9…c5 The most common reply. 10.Nd2
[10.f4 cxd4 11.exd4 Ne4³ Black is OK, as in Vaganian – Balashov, Minsk rapid 2018.] 10…cxd4
11.Nxd7 [11.exd4 dxc4 12.Ndxc4 Be7³ Littlewood – Georgiev, Coventry 2005] 11…Qxd7 Black
is OK, for example after the following. 12.exd4 Qc7 13.h3 Rac8³ Black’s structure is better, as in
Toran – O’Kelly, Costa del Sol 1965. The pawn on d4 can become a weakness and Black’s pieces
are more active.
C) 9.Qe2 c5 10.cxd5 Nxd5

890
Position after: 10…Nxd5

11.Ba6 [11.Nc3 Nxc3 12.Bxc3 cxd4 13.Nxd4 This was the course of Holm Pedersen – Hort,
Hamburg 1980. Despite the symmetrical structure, Black has the better chances because of the
greater activity of his pieces. 13…Nc5!?ƒ] 11…Bxa6 12.Qxa6 cxd4 13.Nxd4 Qh4 14.Nf3 Nc5
15.Qb5!? [15.Nxh4 Nxa6³] 15…Qh5= The game was declared a draw a few moves later, in
Taimanov – Polugaievsky, Palma de Mallorca 1970.

9…Ne4

891
Position after: 9…Ne4

Although other moves are possible, this is my recommendation, and the main choice in practice. The
knight occupies e4 before a timely Qc2 prevents it and opens the way for a possible offensive on the
kingside with …f5, …g5, etc.

10.Qc2

The most usual continuation. In practice, White has also played the following alternatives.
A) 10.Rc1 Against this move I propose a less usual response. 10…Rc8 11.Qe2 [11.cxd5 exd5
12.Ne5 Ndf6 13.Qe2 Qe7 14.Rfd1 Nxd2 15.Qxd2 c5=; 11.Qc2 f5 12.cxd5 exd5 13.Ne5 c5 14.Qd1
Qe7=; 11.Ne5 Bxe5 12.dxe5 Ndc5=] 11…Qe7!? This is my proposal (instead of 11…a5 played in
Arun Prasad – Masruri, Manila 2013). 12.Rfd1 f5 13.Nf1 Rcd8=
B) 10.Qe2 This is another common idea that can be answered as follows. 10…Qe7 11.Rac1
[11.Rad1 Rad8 12.Nb1 f5 13.Ne5 Bxe5 14.dxe5 Nec5= Najdorf – Balashov, Wijk aan Zee 1973]
11…f5 12.Rfd1 (Ju Wenjun – Girya, internet blitz 2020) 12…c5 13.dxc5 bxc5!? 14.cxd5 exd5∞
Black’s structure with its hanging pawns may suffer in the potential endgame, but for the moment it
provides a spatial advantage and chances of dynamic play with Black’s more active pieces.
C) 10.Ne5 As mentioned, this is one of White’s basic ideas in this type of position. Here Black
equalizes comfortably. 10…Bxe5 11.dxe5 Ndc5

Position after: 11…Ndc5

12.Be2 [12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.Be2 Qg5= Li Torres – A.Rivera, La Habana 1992] 12…Nxd2 13.Qxd2
dxc4 14.Qxd8 Rfxd8 15.Bxc4 Ba6= Colle – Thomas, Hastings 1926/27

892
 D) 10.cxd5 exd5 11.Ne5 Qe7 12.Ndf3

Position after: 12.Ndf3

12…Nb8!? An ambitious attempt to by Black have his cake and eat it, threatening to drive out the
invading knight with …f6. [12…f6 Playing this immediately is more secure, with equality after
13.Nxd7 Qxd7=.] 13.Be2 f6 14.Nd3 a5 15.Re1 a4∞ The position offers chances for both sides, as in
Artemiev – L.Van Foreest, Skopje 2019.

10…f5

893
Position after: 10…f5

The most thematic defense and by far the main continuation in practice.
10…Ndf6!? My computer defends with this option, first used in Tartakower – Sultan Khan,
Semmering 1931, and which also offers Black equality.

11.cxd5!

The exchange here is the most critical possibility among various ideas employed in practice by White.
11.Ne5?! This immediate move is the most common in practice, but it is an inaccuracy due to the
following reply. 11…Bxe5 12.dxe5 Nxd2 13.Qxd2 Nc5 Black has the advantage. 14.Be2 [14.Rfd1
(Probst – Mueller, Germany 2007) 14…Nxd3 15.Qxd3 Qg5µ; 14.Ba3 dxc4 15.Bxc5 Qd5 16.e4 fxe4
17.Bxf8 exd3–+ Gorbatenko – Harvan, Slovakia 2011] 14…dxc4 15.Qxd8 Rfxd8 16.Bxc4 Ba6
17.Bxa6 Nxa6³ Antoniewski – Jackova, Czech Republic 2005

11…exd5 12.Ne5

The most natural continuation.

12…Qe7

Position after: 12…Qe7

A) 12…Bxe5 This doesn’t work here because unlike what happened in the line with 11.Ne5, there is
no capture on c4 after the following. 13.dxe5 Ndc5 14.Be2²
B) 12…c5 The main alternative to the queen move but White’s game looks more comfortable, for

894
 example in the following line. 13.Ndf3 Ndf6 14.Qe2 Rc8 (Milanovic – Karpus, Budapest 2018)
15.Rac1ƒ

13.Ndf3

The current preference at master level.

13.f4 This classical move is the most popular here, as in Najdorf – Petursson, Reykjavik 1976 and
later games. However Black achieves equality after the following. 13…Nxe5 14.dxe5 [14.fxe5 Bb4
15.Nf3 Qd7=] 14…Bc5 15.Rf3 a5 16.Rd1 g6 17.Nf1 Rfd8 18.Bb5 c6 19.Bd3 Bc8 20.Bd4 Be6=

13…Ndf6

Position after: 13…Ndf6

14.a4!?

This move may be the most critical here. The options are as follows.
A) 14.Qe2 Ng4 15.a4 [15.Nxg4 fxg4 16.Ne5 Bxe5 17.dxe5 Qe6=] 15…a5 16.Bb5 Qe6=
B) 14.Bb5 c5 15.Bc6 [15.Rac1!? Better, with a balanced position.] 15…Rac8 16.Bxb7 Qxb7³
Ilinsky – Gulko, Manila ol 1992

14…a5

The most suitable, fixing White’s weakness, the b4-square, without the possibility of it being
defended by pawns.

895
15.Rac1 Ng4!?

Position after: 15…Ng4!?

15…Rad8 This is another possibility here.

16.h3

Possibly the most natural. Some alternatives are as follows.

A) 16.Bb5 Qe6 [16…Nxe5 17.Nxe5 Bxe5 18.dxe5 c5 A possible option.] 17.h3 Nxe5 18.Nxe5
Bxe5 19.dxe5 c6 20.Bd3 Nc5=
B) 16.Nxg4?! This is bad because of the following. 16…fxg4 17.Ne5 Qh4µ
C) 16.Qe2 c5=

16…Ngf6∞

The position offers chances for both sides. Once a weakness in White’s kingside has been provoked,
Black can consider advancing his pawns, starting with …g5.

e) 3.—
1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6

896
Position after: 2…e6

The present chapter is devoted to White’s less common options on his third move. In the vast
majority of cases, moves such as 3. g3 (which will be looked at in the next sections), 3. cxd5 or 3. e3
transpose into more usual lines, but there are some rare independent ideas that have their place here.
Some are eccentric but not entirely bad; others are simply inferior. As a rule, such moves are dealt
with by using common sense and observing the rules of development in the opening.

3.e3

Among the secondary lines, this is the most solid, related to the f4 advance. Some alternatives are as
follows.
A) 3.a3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4

897
Position after: 4…dxc4

5.e3 [5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.e3 c6 Black is already better, as in Marin Ramirez – Hernandez, Venezuela
2019. White has to be careful of the check on a5. 7.Bxf6 Qxf6 8.Qxc4 e5µ] 5…b5 (Hubert –
Neverov, Pardubice 2001) 6.b3 c5 7.bxc4 bxc4 8.Bxc4 cxd4 9.exd4 Be7µ
B) 3.Bf4 dxc4 4.e3 b5 5.a4 c6 6.axb5 cxb5 7.Qf3 Qd5 8.Be2 Bb7 9.Nc3 (Illescas – Avila, Spain tt
2014) 9…Bb4 10.Bxb8 Rxb8 11.Qg3 Bd6 12.Qxg7 Qxg2 13.Qxh8 Kf8

Position after: 13…Kf8

898
 14.Qxh7 [14.d5 Qxh1 15.0-0-0 Qxh2 16.Nf3 Qxf2 17.Kd2 Bxd5 This is complicated but possibly
favorable for Black.] 14…Qxh1 15.0-0-0 Qxh2 16.Qxh2 Bxh2 17.Nxb5 Nf6=
C) 3.e4 A move in the 19th century style that is answered as follows. 3…dxe4 4.Nc3 Nf6 [4…f5
This is interesting for those with a penchant for the Dutch, as well as 4…Nc6.] 5.Be3 [5.f3 Bb4µ K.
Ferreira – Guimaraes, Rio de Janeiro 2011] 5…Be7 6.Qc2 c5 7.d5 exd5 8.cxd5 Bf5 9.0-0-0 Now in
Ianovsky – Tchoubar, Kiev 2002, Black had to play 9…Bd6µ.

3…Nf6 4.Bd3

While most continuations here lead to transpositions, the text can lead to independent paths.
4.f4 White can play this immediate alternative. 4…c5 5.Nf3 Nc6 6.Nc3 cxd4 7.exd4

Position after: 7.exd4

7…Bb4 However after this Black gets a favorable version of the Ragozin, where the white f4-pawn
complicates more than it helps. 8.cxd5 exd5 9.Bd3 [9.Qb3 Qe7+ 10.Ne5 0-0 11.Be2 Nxd4–+
Sesselmann – Moenius, Germany 2016] 9…0-0 10.0-0 Bg4µ Black’s advantage is undeniable. Their
structure is better, and the black pieces are more active.

4…dxc4 5.Bxc4

899
Position after: 5.Bxc4

5…Bd6!?

An independent idea, representative of the wealth of Black’s options in this type of position.
Both 5…c5!? or 5….a6 are reasonable alternatives.

6.Nf3

White does well to try to keep the game along classical lines.
6.f4 This leads to an advantage for Black, as in Stepanov – Barykin, Russia 2007. 6…0-0 7.Nf3 a6
8.Bd3 c5³

6…0-0 7.0-0

7.Nc3 c5 8.dxc5 [8.0-0 This transposes to the text.] 8…Bxc5 9.Qxd8 Rxd8= Black has comfortable
equality, as in Kokeza – Jovic, Novi Sad 2016.

7…c5 8.Nc3 a6 9.Qe2

9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.Qe2 b5 11.Bd3 Bb7=

9…cxd4 10.exd4 b5 11.Bb3 Bb7 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bh4

We are following the game Noe – Christiansen, Pardubice 2018. Black equalizes completely with the
next move.

900
13…Nbd7

Position after: 13…Nbd7

14.d5!?

The first side gets rid of the isolated pawn.

14.Ne5 This is another possibility but I find Black’s position easier to play after 14…Qc7=.

14…exd5 15.Nxd5 Re8 16.Qd3

A) 16.Qd2 Ne4³
B) 16.Qd1 Rc8 17.Nxf6+ Nxf6=

16…Nc5 17.Nxf6+ Qxf6 18.Bxf6 Nxd3 19.Rfd1 Be4=

901
Position after: 19…Be4=

There is equality. White must now embark on the following sequence.

20.Bc2 Re6 21.Bxd3 Bxf3 22.gxf3 Rxf6=

A draw ensues, based on the opposite-colored bishops and symmetry. The presence of doubled pawns
on his kingside means that Black’s practical chances are somewhat better, but this should not translate
into anything more significant with correct play by the first player.

f) 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Be3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3

902
Position after: 3.g3

A move order that has become very popular lately. In principle, the Catalan bishop gains some extra
freedom because of the big diagonal, although this is not enough to claim any advantage compared to
the lines arising from the normal Catalan move order.

3…Nf6

Within the classic schemes. An independent line is as follows.

3…dxc4 4.Bg2 c5 5.Nf3 [5.Qa4+ Bd7 6.Qxc4 Bc6 7.Nf3 Nd7 8.0-0 Ngf6= Opocensky – Kotov,
Moscow 1946] 5…Nc6 6.Qa4 cxd4 7.Nxd4 [7.Qxc4 Nf6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Bf4 In Sevian – Yuan Qingyu,
internet blitz 2022, Black achieved only equality by taking his knight to d5. 9…Ng4! Instead this was
strong. 10.h3 e5µ] 7…Qxd4 8.Bxc6+ Bd7 9.Be3 [9.Bxd7+ Qxd7 10.Qxd7+ Kxd7³ Vrbljanac –
Dimitrijevic, Belgrade 2009] 9…Bxc6 10.Qxc6+ bxc6!? [10…Qd7 11.Qxc4 This transposes to
9…Qd6.] 11.Bxd4 Bb4+

903
Position after: 11…Bb4+

12.Nc3 [12.Kf1 Nf6 13.Kg2 c5 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Rc1 Rd8„ Tate – Moroni, Batumi 2019] 12…f6
13.a3 c5!? [13…Ba5 14.0-0-0 Ne7 15.Ne4 Nc8 16.Bc5² Georgescu – Fier, Eforie Nord 2010]
14.axb4 cxd4 15.Nb5 Kf7∞ The position is balanced.

4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+

The check gives independent meaning to this line.

5.Nf3 c5 The game transposes to the variations analyzed in the seventh chapter

5…Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6

904
Position after: 6…a6

The most usual continuation here is 7.Qc2, which will be analyzed in subchapter h). In this and the
next subchapter we will consider other White options which are among the first preferences of the
engines and which statistically are showing good results for that side.

7.Be3!?

An original idea by Caruana used as a novelty at the Batumi Olympiad 2018, and directed against the
break on c5. This has not yet been tested in practice and can come as a surprise if Black is not
prepared.
A) 7.a4 c5 [7…b5?! 8.Qd3²] 8.a5 This was the course of Poldauf – A.Petrosian, Dortmund 1999,
where Black could have achieved comfortable equality. 8…cxd4 9.Qxd4 Bc5 10.Qh4 Be7=
B) 7.Qb3!? This deserves attention, and has only been seen only once in practice at the time of
writing. 7…c5 8.Nf3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Bc5 10.Nc2 In Roiz – Zifroni, Israel tt 2020, instead of castling,
perhaps the following sequence is more accurate here. 10…Be7 11.0-0 Nc5 12.Qf3 0-0 13.Nc3 Bd7
14.Nd4 Rc8 15.e4 Qc7 16.Qe2 b5=

7…Bd6

This move is the most popular in practice.

7…b5 Black has this good alternative. 8.Qd3 Rb8 9.Nd2 c5 [9…Nd5!?] 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.Bxc5
Nxc5 12.Qxd8+ Kxd8 This leads to equality. 13.Rc1 Bb7 14.Bxb7 Nxb7 15.Ngf3 Rc8 16.Rxc8+
Kxc8 17.Ne5 Nd6 18.0-0 Kb7=

905
8.Qc2

Caruana’s choice in the opening game. In the same Olympiad, but a day later, White introduced the
following alternative.
8.Nh3 This introduces an accelerated version of Caruana’s plan. 8…0-0 9.0-0 h6 10.Nc3 b5 11.Qb3
Rb8 12.Nf4 Bb7 13.Bxb7 Rxb7

Position after: 13…Rxb7

14.Nd3 [14.d5 Bxf4 15.Bxf4 Re8=] 14…Qe7 15.Rac1 Rbb8 16.Rfd1 Rfc8 17.a3 c5 18.dxc5 Nxc5
19.Bxc5 Bxc5 20.Nxc5 Rxc5= Ding Liren – Carlsen, Saint Louis rapid 2019

8…0-0

8…Nd5!? This is an alternative recently introduced in practice. 9.Bd2 c5 [9…b6!?∞ This deserves
attention.] 10.e4 [10.dxc5 Nxc5 11.Nc3 0-0 12.Nf3 Bd7 13.Nxd5 exd5 14.0-0² This is a more
critical line.] 10…Ne7 11.Ne2 cxd4 12.Nxd4 0-0= The position offers chances for both sides, as in
Horvath – Adams, Acqui Terme 2022.

9.Nh3!

906
Position after: 9.Nh3!

According to Caruana, this square is a better exit for the knight, because from there it can be directed
to f4.

9…e5

A thematic idea that is the point of Black’s previous moves.

10.0-0 h6

10…Ng4?! This immediate move is inferior due to the following. 11.Bg5 A high-level example,
albeit in a blitz game, continued as follows. 11…Qe8 12.dxe5 Ndxe5 13.Nc3 h6 14.Bf4 Nf6 15.Rad1
Rb8 16.Bc1 Ng6 17.e4± So – Duda, internet 2018

11.dxe5

Caruana, in his comments published in New in Chess Yearbook 130, states: “White is obliged to take
on e5 to develop his knight, since the immediate
11.Nc3 can be answered with 11…Ng4 “. In effect, Black equalizes here. 12.Rad1 Nxe3 13.fxe3 c6=

11…Nxe5 12.Nc3 Qe7

Anticipating the arrival of one of White’s rooks on the d-file.

13.Rad1 Re8 14.Nf4 c6 15.Bd4 g5!

907
Position after: 15…g5!

In my opinion, the most accurate.

15…Rb8!? The aim is to stop any plan with Na4, where White can make some semi-direct moves
such as 16.a3 or 16.Rfe1. The text is the most direct, as Caruana assesses in the aforementioned book.

16.Nd3 Bf5!

The text is an improvement over the following. 16…Nxd3 17.Rxd3 Be5 18.Qd2² Caruana – Anand,
Batumi Olympiad 2018.

17.e4 Bg6∞

There are chances for both sides. White has a majority on the kingside, while Black has a majority on
the opposite side. Black’s activity will allow for simplifications to be made to ease the tension in the
position, thus countering White’s initiative that threatens to be unleashed on the kingside, leading to a
balanced game.

18.f4 Nxd3 19.Qxd3 Rad8 20.Qc4 Nd7 21.e5

908
Position after: 21.e5

21…Bc5∞

This position will be further explored in the selected games chapter (in the comments to the
abovementioned game between Caruana and Anand).

g) 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qd3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qd3

A position that is known from the game Barcza – Golombek, Budapest 1952. Theory does not
consider this move to be inferior to the alternatives and in practice it leads to remarkable statistics
with more than sixty percent to White. On the other hand, it seems easier here for Black to realize the
thematic break on the queenside.

909
Position after: 7.Qd3

7…c5 8.dxc5

Played almost unanimously. The alternatives are as follows.

A) 8.Nf3 This is the most common move in the position with the white queen on c2, and can be met
as follows. 8…cxd4 [8…b5 This is also interesting.] 9.Nxd4 Nc5 10.Qe3 Nd5 The game is
balanced. 11.Qd2 b5 12.Nc3 Bb7 13.0-0 Rc8=
B) 8.Be3!? Qb6 9.Nc3 Ng4=

8…Bxc5 9.Nf3

910
Position after: 9.Nf3

9…0-0

The most natural reply.

9…b5!? Black can also try this move, taking advantage of the blocked grand diagonal. The idea is to
answer the king knight’s jumps to g5 or d2 with the rook’s passage to b8 leading to a balanced
position. 10.Ne5?! (Nogueiras – Marjanovic, Sarajevo 1985) 10…Ra7! However this offers Black the
advantage.

911
Position after: 10…Ra7!

Black’s advantage can extend after the following. 11.Nc6?! Qb6 12.Nxa7 Bxf2+ 13.Kf1 Qxa7 14.e3
Ng4µ

10.0-0 Qe7

A) 10…b5 With the white king safely castled, this immediate move is more risky. It was Black’s
choice in the aforementioned game T. Kosintseva – M. Muzychuk, Rijeka 2010, but in this position
White can fight for the advantage. 11.Nd4!?² The knight jump to e5 that works in the lines with the
queen on e7 is inferior here because of the reply Qc2.
B) 10…Ra7!? This prepares the advance of the b-pawn. 11.Be3 This can be answered with 11…b6
(Vaulin – Yakovich, Russia ch 2001) or by inserting an exchange on e3 before moving that pawn.
11…Bxe3 12.Qxe3 b6 13.Nc3 Bb7 14.Rac1 Qb8=

11.Nc3

Most of the games continued with this development. Some options are as follows.
A) 11.Nbd2 This is not critical; Black equalizes easily after the following. 11…b5 12.Nb3 Bb7
Now White needs to shift on c5. 13.Be3

Position after: 13.Be3

This was the position in Fominyh – Yevseev, St. Petersburg 2002; White’s move can be met as
follows. 13…Be4 14.Bxc5 Nxc5 15.Qe3 Black has a number of attractive possibilities here,
including 15…Na4³.

912
 B) 11.Be3 This is one of my engine’s suggestions. Black equalizes as follows. 11…b6 12.Bxc5
[12.Nd4 Ne5 13.Nc6 Nxc6 14.Bxc6 Rb8 15.Bxc5 Qxc5 16.Bg2 Qe7=] 12…Nxc5 13.Qa3 Bb7
14.Nbd2 Rac8=

11…b5!

Position after: 11…b5!

Again such an advance is possible, and I see no reason to choose instead the more timid 11…b6
played in the game Kramnik – Deep Fritz, Bonn 2006.

12.Ng5

In practice this is the most popular jump, but White can consider other destinations for his knight.
A) 12.Nd4 There has been no practical experience beyond a correspondence game, which is
understandable given that the line offers comfortable equality to Black. 12…Ne5™ 13.Qe3 Nfg4
14.Qf4 [14.Qe4 Ra7³] 14…Bb7 15.Bxb7 Qxb7=
B) 12.Ne4 Nxe4 13.Qxe4 Ra7

913
Position after: 13…Ra7

14.Bg5 [14.Be3 Rc7 15.Rac1 Bb7 16.Bxc5 Nxc5 17.Qb4 Rfc8 18.Rfd1 Bd5=] 14…f6 15.Be3 Rc7
16.Rac1 Declared a draw in Szekely – Krumpacnik, Austria 1997. Black counts on achieving
approximate equality by continuing with 16…Bb7„.

12…Ne5

12…Bb7!? This alternative move order is possible. 13.Bxb7 [13.Nxh7!? Nxh7 14.Bxb7 Bxf2+
15.Rxf2 Nc5 16.Qf3 Nxb7∞] 13…Ne5 14.Qc2 Qxb7 This transposes to the text, and was the move
order followed in the game Djachkov – Korotylev, Russia tt 2005. However it allows for the
deviation mentioned in move 13, although it does not seem dangerous.

13.Qc2 Bb7

914
Position after: 13…Bb7

14.Bxb7

This simplification is better than the alternative.

14.Nce4?! Here the game Cyborowski – Cvek, Rakovnik 2011 was declared a draw, where a possible
continuation is as follows. 14…Nxe4 15.Bxe4 [15.Nxe4 Rfc8³] 15…Rac8 16.Qb1 [16.Bxh7+ Kh8
17.Qb1 f6 18.Bg8 g6–+] 16…Ng6³ Despite the symmetrical formation, Black has the initiative here
because of his more active pieces.

14…Qxb7 15.Nce4 Nxe4 16.Qxe4 Qxe4 17.Nxe4

915
Position after: 17.Nxe4

17…Bd4=

White can solve the pressure on b2 by taking his queen rook to b1, and thus complete his
development, as in Djachkov – Korotylev, Russia tt 2005. However, Black retains some initiative,
which should not be enough for anything more significant.

h) 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qc2

1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Qc2

916
Position after: 7.Qc2

By popularity, this is the main continuation (the first game was Smyslov – Kan, Leningrad 1947).
However, my impression is that Black can equalize more easily here.

7…c5 8.Nf3

The usual continuation. In practice, White has also employed the following alternative. 8.dxc5 Bxc5
A) 9.Nc3 0-0 10.Nf3 (Novotelnov – Lipnitzky, USSR 1951) 10…b5= Black is OK.
B) 9.Nh3 0-0 10.0-0 This was played in Joshua – Krallis, Belgrade 2022, where Black could have
continued with 10…e5!? intending to seize the initiative. In any case, they have comfortable
equality here.
C) 9.Nf3 b5 This transposes to the main line [9…Ra7!? This is an independent line. 10.0-0 b5„
Grapsa – Kasioura, Greece tt 2004]

8…b5!

In my opinion Black equalizes comfortably using this active move, but in practice he has employed
several other ideas, such as 8…b6, 8…Ra7, 8…cxd4 or 8…Qb6 which the reader can investigate as
alternatives to the text.

9.Ne5

While this move, which opens up the main diagonal for the light-squared bishop, is the most
commonly used in practice, White has another option as set out below.

917
9.dxc5 Bxc5 10.Ne5 Rb8

Position after: 10…Rb8

Black’s move should be answered as follows.

A) 11.Nc6? This can be refuted. 11…Qc7! A tactical resource that deserves to be remembered.
12.Kf1 [12.Nxb8 Bxf2+ Black wins, in Krogius – Gusev, Leningrad 1954.] 12…Rb6 13.Bf4 e5
14.Nxe5 Nxe5 15.Nd2 Bb7µ Alburt – Speelman, Hastings 1983
B) 11.Nxd7 Nxd7 A balanced position results. 12.0-0 Bb7 13.Bxb7 [13.Nc3 Bxg2 Declared a draw
in Prodileanu – Anitoaie, Romania 2001. The position is equal after the following. 14.Kxg2 0-0
15.Rd1 Rc8=] 13…Rxb7 14.Nc3 0-0 15.Bf4

918
Position after: 15.Bf4

[15.Ne4 Be7=] 15…Nf6 [15…Qa8 16.Ne4 Be7 17.Rac1 Nb6=] 16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.Qxe4 Rd7
18.Rac1 [18.Qc6 Qc8=] 18…Rd5= Bluebaum – Donchenko, Tegernsee 2020

9…Nd5

The thematic response, keeping the threat of Nc6 at bay.

10.Nxd7

While this exchange is the most popular continuation in practice, the main alternatives are as follows.
A) 10.Nc3 Nxe5 11.Nxd5 exd5 12.dxe5 Bb7 13.0-0 Be7

919
Position after: 13…Be7

14.Rd1 [14.b3 0-0 15.Bb2 Qb6= Vanheste – Rodriguez Cespedes, Dieren 1987] 14…Qd7= Tica –
Kuljasevic, Croatia tt 2019. I think Black’s active pawn majority on the queenside offers that side
the better practical chances.
B) 10.Bxd5 exd5 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.dxc5 Be7!? An improvement over the practical antecedents.
13.0-0 Bb7 The presence of this unopposed bishop on the grand diagonal, directed against White’s
castled position, offers Black sufficient compensation. The following is a possible continuation.
14.Nd2 d4

920
Position after: 14…d4

15.f3!? [15.b4 a5∞; 15.Nb3 Rc8 16.Bf4 Qd5 17.f3 Bxc5=] 15…a5 16.Rd1 Rc8 17.Nb3 a4 18.Nxd4
Rxc5 19.Qd3 f5© The pair of bishops and the increased activity of the black pieces provide obvious
compensation.

10…Bxd7

This recapture was Anand’s choice in a high-level game.

10…Qxd7 This alternative is equally good. 11.dxc5 Bb7 12.0-0 Rc8

Position after: 12…Rc8

13.Rd1 [13.Nc3 Bxc5 14.Rd1 This transposes.] 13…Bxc5 14.Nc3 [14.e4 Nb4 15.Qe2 Qe7 Black has
the initiative, as in Udovcic – Gligoric, Belgrade 1952.] 14…Qe7 15.Nxd5 Bxd5 16.e4 Bb7=
A.Sokolov – Sveshnikov, St. Petersburg 1993

11.Bxd5

While this exchange is one of the critical continuations, allowing White to gain a pawn, the loss of the
Catalan bishop will offer Black obvious compensation.
11.dxc5 This is an alternative.
A) 11…Bxc5 12.Qxc5 Rc8 13.Qd4 Rxc1+ 14.Kd2 Rxh1 15.Bxh1 (Canterel – Savalle, France 2010)
15…Qf6! 16.Kd3 Qxd4+ 17.Kxd4 While the endgame is objectively close to equality, White has
slightly better pieces, which offers him preferable practical chances.
B) 11…Rc8!

921
Position after: 11…Rc8!

This is the most accurate. White should respond as follows. 12.Bxd5 [12.0-0 Bxc5 13.Qd1 0-0
14.Nd2 Bc6µ Deac – Adams, Douglas 2018] 12…Bxc5 13.Qe4 0-0 The game is balanced. 14.Bb7
Qb6 15.0-0 Rc7 16.Nd2! Qxb7 17.Qxb7 Rxb7 18.Nb3 Bb6=

11…exd5 12.dxc5 Bc6

Position after: 12…Bc6

922
The bishop is immediately positioned on the grand diagonal, where a further advance of the d-pawn
will open it up. Black has good compensation here, as the practical examples show.

13.0-0

The most logical idea, but White has also employed the following alternatives in practice.
A) 13.Nd2 d4 14.f3 d3! 15.exd3 [15.Qxd3?! This is inferior. 15…Qxd3 16.exd3 Bxc5 17.Nb3
Bb6³ Therrien – Osborne, England 2008] 15…Qe7+ 16.Kd1 Qxc5 17.Re1+ Kd7©
B) 13.b4 d4 14.f3 [14.0-0 Qd5 15.f3 a5³] 14…a5 15.Nd2 Be7 16.Bb2 axb4³ Przedmojski –
Krisztofiak, Warsaw 2008

13…d4 14.Bf4

White starts to develop his queenside. Other ideas as follows.

A) 14.e4!? White tries to close the main light-squared diagonal while preventing the enemy queen
from getting to d5. 14…Be7 [14…dxe3 15.Bxe3 Qd5 16.f3 Be7 17.Nc3 Qh5 18.Qf2 0-0©] 15.Rd1
0-0!?

Position after: 15…0-0!?

16.Nc3 [16.Be3 Bf6©] 16…Bxc5 The position is equal. 17.Nd5 Bxd5 18.Qxc5 Bxe4 19.Rxd4
Qe8=
B) 14.f3 Qd5 15.Bf4 With transposition to the main line.

14…Qd5 15.f3 d3

923
15…0-0-0 This is another possibility, but the text, opening the way for the bishops, is very logical.

16.exd3

White can choose another way of exchanging queens.

16.Qxd3 Qxd3 17.exd3 Bxc5+ 18.Kg2 This transposes to the text.

16…Qxc5+ 17.Qxc5 Bxc5+ 18.Kg2 Bd4 19.Nc3

Position after: 19.Nc3

19…Kd7©

The bishop pair and the passive positioning of the white pieces, plus some weaknesses in the
structure, offer enough compensation for Black. The game ended in a draw just one move later, in
Giri – Anand, Wijk aan Zee 2018.

Selected Games
Game 67
Najdorf, Miguel (2510)
Petursson, Margeir (2390)
Reykjavik 1976

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.Nf3 b6 4.e3 Bb7 5.Bd3 d5 6.b3 Bd6 7.0-0 Nbd7 8.Bb2 0-0 9.Nbd2 Ne4
10.Qc2 f5 11.cxd5 exd5 12.Ne5 Qe7 13.f4

924
Position after: 13.f4

The most classical continuation, attempting an offensive on the kingside.

13. Ndf3 This alternative is the main line in subchapter d).

13…Ndf6

Black plays on the basis of general principles, but here the more concrete 13…Nxe5 followed by the
bishop move to c5 or b4, depending on White’s recapture, may be more correct, as I recommended in
the theoretical part.

14.Nxe4 Nxe4 15.Rf3

The rook’s passage to the third rank is also an essential part of the classical attack plan, the general
principles of which have been known since the end of the 19th century. Once the white pieces have
taken their places, the idea is to continue the advance of the pawns in that sector to open up lines.
This can be very dangerous if Black does not take the right measures.

15…Rac8 16.Rh3

The aim is to continue with Qe2-h5, whereupon Black again has to take some concrete action.

16…Bxe5?

Not this move. While the white knight was a well-centered piece that could be used in the attack, with
proper measures it would have been contained. This exchange means the loss of a valuable black
piece but, more importantly, it increases the chances of the white bishop on the dark squares coming

925
into play.

Position after: 16…Bxe5?

16…Qe6! This is correct instead, adding control of the third rank and with knight forks. 17.Qe2 h6
18.g4!? fxg4 19.Rh4 [19.Nxg4 Rcd8 20.Qg2 Kh8=] 19…Kh7 20.Rxg4 Rf6 The position is equal,
with a possible continuation being as follows. 21.Kh1 Rg8 22.Rag1 Qf5 23.R1g2 Bc8 24.Kg1 Bxe5
[24…g6!? This is another possibility.] 25.dxe5 Qxg4!

Position after: 25…Qxg4!

926
26.Qxg4 [26.Rxg4 Bxg4 Black wins, for example after the following. 27.Qc2 Rg6 28.Bxe4 dxe4
29.Kf2 Rd8 30.Bd4 Bf3 The two rooks are superior to the queens. 31.Qxc7 Rg2+ 32.Ke1 Rxd4
33.exd4 e3–+] 26…Bxg4 27.exf6 gxf6 28.Bxf6 c5=

17.dxe5 c5

17…h6 This is my computer’s choice. 18.Qe2 Rcd8 19.Rc1 However White’s position is preferable.

18.Qe2!?

Very direct.
18.Bxe4 A way to capitalize on Black’s previous two moves. 18…fxe4 19.Rg3 Qe6 20.Qd2±

18…g6?

Black is not obliged to play a compromising move that creates weaknesses on his kingside.
18…Qe6 Instead this is more logical, although the following continuation saves some initiative.
19.Bxe4 fxe4 20.Rf1 Rc7 21.Rg3

19.Bxe4 fxe4 20.Rf1±

Najdorf starts working on the f5-break, which Black’s next move contains for the moment.

20…Qe6

Position after: 20…Qe6

927
21.g4?

Very enterprising, but premature. Instead, White had to consider 21. Rg3± with ideas like h4-h5.

21…Rc7

Solid, and enough to equalize.

21…d4!? Another good reply and much more incisive (yes, Black can also think about opening the
diagonals for his bishop). 22.exd4 cxd4 23.Bxd4 e3 24.Bxe3™ 24…Rc3©

22.Rg3 Rg7?

22…d4! This was again correct. 23.exd4 cxd4 24.Bxd4 e3 25.Bxe3 Qd5 26.Qg2 Qb5 This is
probably a draw by repetition. 27.Qf2 Qd5=

23.h3 Rd8 24.Rd1±

Position after: 24.Rd1±

White is in command again.

24…Rdd7?

24…Kf8 Initiating the evacuation of the hazardous sector. 25.Qf2±

25.Kh2!+–

928
One last pre-emptive move before launching a second assault on Black’s position by advancing f5.
25.Rf1? d4∞

25…Rdf7 26.Rf1 a5 27.f5 Qc8

Here Black resigned without waiting for White’s reply, since the first side has several ways of
winning, perhaps the simplest being 28. e6. Despite the inaccuracies, this was a didactic game that
shows some thematic resources of both sides in this type of position.

1-0

Game 68
Caruana, Fabiano (2827)
Anand, Viswanathan (2771)
Batumi 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 a6 7.Be3

This move (which according to Caruana in his comments for New in Chess is mainly intended to lead
to different positions than the usual) is aimed directly against the breakthrough on c5. While Black
can still prepare that breakthrough (with …b5, followed by …Rb8), Anand’s chosen plan, based on
…e5, has become the main line of this incipient variation.

7…Bd6 8.Qc2 0-0 9.Nh3 e5 10.0-0 h6

A useful move, trying to follow up with …Ng4, which immediately receives Bg5 as a reply. The next
exchange expands the horizons of White’s queen bishop and establishes the respective pawn
majorities.

11.dxe5 Nxe5 12.Nc3 Qe7 13.Rad1 Re8 14.Nf4 c6 15.Bd4 g5!

Despite its compromising aspect, this move allows for simplifications that result in a dynamically
balanced position.

929
Position after: 15…g5!

15…Rb8!? This is the main alternative anticipating White’s possible plans with Na4.

16.Nd3 Nxd3?!

The immediate exchange is an inaccuracy that allows a strong initiative in the center and kingside for
White.
16…Bf5! In the theoretical part I recommended this move instead. 17.e4 Bg6 [17…Bh7∞ This is a
reasonable alternative here, to prevent a potential attack by White’s f-pawn.] 18.f4 Nxd3 19.Qxd3
Rad8 20.Qc4 Nd7 21.e5 Bc5

930
Position after: 21…Bc5

This position can be assessed as one in dynamic equilibrium. Here are some lines that support this
evaluation. 22.Ne4!? [22.Bxc5 Qxc5+ 23.Qxc5 Nxc5= The position is clearly balanced; 22.Kh1
Bxd4 23.Qxd4 Nc5 24.Qe3 Bd3 25.Rf2 Bh7 26.Rfd2 Rxd2 27.Rxd2 Kh8=; 22.Bf2 gxf4 23.gxf4
Bxf2+ 24.Rxf2 Nc5 25.f5 Bh5 26.Rxd8 Rxd8 27.Qf4 Qg5=] 22…Bxe4 23.Bxe4 Bxd4+ 24.Rxd4
Nc5 25.Bc2 [25.Bf5 Ne6 26.Bxe6 Qxe6 27.Qxe6 fxe6=] 25…b5 26.Qc3 Ne6 27.Qd3 [27.Re4
Qc5+=] 27…Kf8 28.Qh7 Qa7 29.Qxh6+ Ke7 30.Qf6+ Kf8=

17.Rxd3!± Be5™

17…Bf5 18.Bxf6 Bxd3 [18…Qxf6 19.Rxd6 Qxd6 20.Qxf5+–] 19.Bxe7 Bxc2 20.Bxd6+–

18.Qd2

Now in case of an exchange on d4 White dominates the only open file, and this, together with the
weaknesses on Black’s kingside, produces an obvious advantage to White.

18…Bf5 19.e4 Bg6 20.f4!?

20.Bxe5 Qxe5 21.h3±

931
Position after: 20.f4!?

20…gxf4?

This move is already a serious mistake.

20…Bxd4+ 21.Rxd4 Rad8 This would have allowed Black some recovery, with the following
possible continuation. 22.e5 Qc5 23.Rd1 Nh5 [23…Bh5 24.Kh1+–] 24.Qf2²

21.Bxe5 Qxe5 22.gxf4 Qc5+ 23.Kh1+–

932
Position after: 23.Kh1+–

The central pawn duo offers a strong initiative to White, who also has all his pieces well centralized.
Black makes an almost desperate attempt.

23…Nxe4 24.Nxe4 Rxe4

24…Bxe4 25.Bxe4 Rxe4 26.Qg2+ White wins.

25.Rg3 Rd4 26.Qe3

Black has no good answer to the threat.

26…Kh7 This is met by 27.f5.
Likewise White has an extra piece after the following.
27…Bf5 28.Rxf5 Rd1+ 29.Rf1

1-0

Game 69
Bluebaum, Matthias (2672)
Donchenko, Alexander (2658)
Tegernsee 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.Nf3 a6 8.Qc2 b5 9.dxc5 Bxc5
10.Ne5 Rb8

933
Position after: 10…Rb8

11.Nxd7

11.Nc6 Remember that this is refuted by 11…Qc7!µ.

11…Nxd7 12.0-0 Bb7 13.Bxb7 Rxb7 14.Nc3 0-0 15.Bf4 Nf6 16.Ne4 Nxe4 17.Qxe4 Rd7 18.Rac1

Position after: 18.Rac1

18…Rd5

We have reached this position in the theoretical part, with an evaluation of equality, based on the
structural parity. Black’s domination of the d-file is contrasted by the absence of invasion points
(which makes it unsuitable for White to make exchanges involving his bishop) and White’s well-
centralized queen.

19.Rc2 Qb6?!

19…e5!? This appears to be the most correct option, following the maxim that in symmetrical
positions one of the ways to fight for the initiative is to conquer space.

20.b4 Bd6 21.Be3!²

934
Position after: 21.Be3!²

Possession of the c-file now gives White the initiative.

21…Qb7 22.Rd2

After this move White manages to isolate his opponent’s pawn.

22.a3 This also deserves consideration, followed by a gradual improvement in the activity of the
pieces (White just has to be careful not to take his king rook to c1 prematurely, because he loses the
queen after a check on d1).

22…Rd8 23.Rxd5 Qxd5 24.Qxd5 exd5

935
Position after: 24…exd5

25.a3

If White manages to play the position with the isolated pawn, he can claim a slight advantage, even if
there is no guarantee of further success. The problem is that Black has immediate equality.

25…Be5?!

25…d4! This would have been the logical continuation of Black’s plan, and the sign that the passage
of the white rook to d2 was ultimately not a critical idea. 26.Bc1 [26.Bxd4 Bxb4=] 26…Be5 27.Bb2
White has managed to prevent the exchange of the weak black unit for the time being, but cannot
claim an advantage. 27…f5

936
Position after: 27…f5

28.Rc1 [28.Rd1 Kf7 White should not continue as follows. 29.e3? dxe3 30.Rxd8 e2–+] 28…Kf7
29.Kf1 [29.Rc6 d3–+] 29…Ke6 30.f4 Bf6 31.e3=

26.Rc1 f5

26…d4 This is not effective here. 27.f4! Bf6 [27…dxe3 28.fxe5 Kf8 29.Kg2±] 28.Bd2 Be7 28…d3
29.e4 Bb2 30.Rc6±] 29.Rc7 Kf8 30.Ra7±

27.Rc6 Ra8 28.Bd2

After this move, White’s advantage is gradually diluted.

28.Rc5 This was better instead. 28…Rd8 29.Kf1²

28…Kf7 29.Bc3 d4 30.Bd2 Ke7=

937
Position after: 30…Ke7=

With the king centralized, Black has enough defensive resources to obtain the draw. In fact, Black is
prepared to drive the white rook out of its active position, so the first player goes for a pure rook
endgame.

31.Bf4 Bxf4 32.gxf4 a5!?

32…g6 33.Rc7+ Kd6 34.Rxh7 a5©

33.Rc5 axb4 34.axb4 Kf6 35.Rxb5 Ra2©

Black has no major problems in this ending: his rook is sufficiently active and will position itself
behind the white passed pawn.

36.Kf1 Ra1+ 37.Kg2 Rb1 38.Rb6+ Kf7 39.b5 Rb2 40.Kf3 Rb3+ 41.e3 dxe3 42.fxe3 Rb2 43.Rb7+
Kf6 44.h3 h6 45.b6 g6 46.Kg3 Ke6 47.Rh7

938
Position after: 47.Rh7

The last try, but the concentration of play in one sector makes it easier to defend.

47…Rxb6 48.Rxh6 Kf6= 49.Rh7 Rb2 50.h4 Re2 51.Kf3 Rh2 52.Kg3 Re2 53.Kf3

½-½

Game 70
Deac, Bogdan Daniel (2594)
Adams, Michael (2712)
Douglas 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e6 3.g3 d5 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ Nbd7 6.Qxc4 c5 7.Nf3 a6 8.Qc2 b5 9.Ne5 Nd5
10.Nxd7 Bxd7 11.dxc5

The capture on c5 is the main alternative to the main line with 11. Bxd5.

11…Rc8!

939
Position after: 11…Rc8!

12.0-0?!

This mechanical move allows Black to gain an obvious advantage. In the theoretical part I
recommended the following move instead.
12.Bxd5 Bxc5 [12…Rxc5 13.Nc3 exd5∞] 13.Qe4 0-0 The position is balanced.

12…Bxc5µ

Now the retreats by the white queen (in face of the threat of taking f2 with check) are passive and
risky.

13.Qd1

A) An example of a risky placement for the white queen is as follows. 13.Qe4 0-0 14.a3 Bc6µ
B) 13.e4 This is a way of defending f2 with the queen, but receives a strong rejoinder. 13…Ne3!
14.Bxe3 Bxe3 15.Qe2 Bd4µ The bishop pair is superior to White’s minor pieces.

13…0-0 14.Nd2 Bc6 15.Nb3 Bb6 16.Bd2 a5!

940
Position after: 16…a5!

The right plan. In symmetrically structured positions, gaining space is one of the ways to gain an
advantage. Here it is in addition to the more active position of the black pieces.

17.Nc1

17.Be1!? This is more active, enabling d4 as a possible destination for the knight, although Black can
maintain his advantage. 17…Qc7 18.Nd4 Bd7µ

17…Ne7!

The exchange of the light-squared bishops is strategically favorable for Black, because of the position
of the pawns and the loss of security that the departure of this piece means for the white king.

18.Bf4 Bxg2 19.Kxg2

19.Qxd8 Rfxd8 20.Kxg2 This is no solution, because Black’s rooks are left dominating the files.
Black has a number of good ways to continue, including the following. 20…Rc2 21.Re1 [21.b3 f6
22.a4 e5–+] 21…Rxb2–+

19…Bd4 20.Nd3 a4

941
Position after: 20…a4

Adams continues with the policy of gaining space.

20…Qd5+ 21.Kg1 Rfd8–+ This is another plan, giving even more activity to the black pieces.

21.Kg1 Ng6 22.Bd2 Qd5 23.Bb4 Rfd8 24.Ba5 Rd7 25.Bb4 h5!–+

Position after: 25…h5!–+

Black plays across the board. Having dominated the queenside and the center, Black plans to deliver

942
the final blow to the white king’s position, now without the defense of his bishop on g2.

26.Rc1 Rc4 27.Qe1 h4 28.e4 Qg5 29.Kg2 hxg3 30.fxg3

30.hxg3 Bb6–+ This is no better.

30…Be3 31.Rxc4

A necessary evil, after which Black’s b-pawn gains great prominence.

31…bxc4 32.Nf2 Nf4+ 33.Kh1 Nd3 34.Nxd3 cxd3

The advanced black pawn becomes the decisive element. White does not have any defense.

35.Qd1 d2 36.Bc3 Qg6

0-1

943
 Bonus Track
Accelerated Catalan & London System

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6

Chapter Guide
Bonus Track – Accelerated Catalan & London System

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6

a) 3.g3 – Accelerated Catalan
b) 2.Bf4 & 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bd6 5.—
c) 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bd6 5.Bg3
d) 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.—
e) 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.Be3
Selected Games

a) 3.g3 – Accelerated Catalan

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3

As I progressed with the work of writing the present book, and specifically at the time of writing the
section on the Catalan Opening, I began to worry about the fact that White could relatively easily use
some move order that would render the proposed repertoire ineffective (for example, the one shown
in the present chapter).
Logically speaking, and this being a book on Black’s repertoire against the Queen’s Gambit, I could

944
simply refer the reader to one of the good books dealing with theoretical deviations, but I decided
instead that I would at least guide the reader through the most usual systems as a bonus track (in the
world of music, this is equivalent to that extra piece which was not part of the original plan for the
album) – and as a way of rounding off the repertoire. Obviously I don’t intend to cover each and
every one of these possibilities, but I did want to devote some space to two of the most popular
systems: first, the Catalan order with 1.d4, 2.Nf3, 3.g3 (after which White can continue with c4 or not
– in the former case he evades the lines recommended in the seventh and eighth chapters); and
secondly, the London system.

2…Nf6 3.g3

Position after: 3.g3

3…c6

One of the most reliable available alternatives. The most usual continuation is 3…e6, but I intend to
use a scheme with the development of the queen bishop outside of the pawn chain, which is obviously
not possible with this move. The theory considers that Black has an easy equality in positions where
he develops his light-squared bishop on g4.
3…b5!? This is an alternative option that readers can investigate. 4.Bg2 e6 5.0-0 Bb7 This line is part
of the dynamic repertoire against the Catalan prepared by this author for publication by the Bulgarian
firm Modern Chess. My main line runs with 6.a4 b4 7.c4 c5. Now the International Master Christof
Sielecki in his repertoire book Keep It Simple - 1. d4 recommends 8.Bg5!?.

945
Position after: 8.Bg5!?

8…Nbd7 9.Ne5 Be7 This is found in my work under the 8. Ne5 move order. 10.cxd5 (Chashchev –
Zagrebelny, Russia 2005) 10…Bxd5 11.Bxd5 Nxd5 12.Nc6 Qb6 13.Nxe7 Nxe7 14.dxc5 Qxc5
15.Be3 This is considered somewhat better for White by Sielecki. 15…Qc6!? However Black can
create counterplay with this move. 16.Nd2 0-0 17.Nf3 Qb7„ This results in a roughly equal position.
Of course, this is only one of the lines in the variation with an early …b5, but it’s an interesting idea
that the reader may want to incorporate into his repertoire as an alternative.

4.Bg2

The most usual continuation. Another order is as follows.

4.c4 Bg4 (Alternatively 4. Bg2 transposes to the main line). 5.Ne5 An independent variation. [5.Qb3
Qb6 6.Ne5 Be6 7.c5 Qc7 8.Nc3 Nbd7= Jirka – Murdzia, Czech Republic 2012] 5…Bf5 6.Qb3
[6.cxd5 cxd5 7.Nc3 Nc6 8.f3 Rc8= Laznicka – Matlakov, Dubai rapid 2014] 6…Qb6

946
Position after: 6…Qb6

7.cxd5 [7.c5 Qxb3 8.axb3 Nbd7= R.Szmetan – Vera Insfran, São Paulo 2003; 7.Nc3 e6 8.c5 Qxb3
9.axb3 Nbd7= Jirka – Abel, Pardubice 2005] 7…Nxd5 8.Bg2 Qxb3 9.axb3 Nb4 10.0-0 [10.Na3!? f6
11.Nec4 N8a6 12.0-0 (Pashikian – Hovhannisyan, Armenia ch 2016) 12…Bg4!? 13.f3 Be6∞]
10…Nc2!?

Position after: 10…Nc2!?

The beginning of a complicated sequence that remains unpublished in practice. [10…f6!? Predke –

947
Rublevsky, Russia 2020] 11.Ra4 f6 12.e4 Bc8 13.Nf3 Be6 14.d5 cxd5 15.Nc3 Bd7=

4…Bg4

While 4…Bf5 is the most popular move here, we continue with our idea of developing this bishop on
g4.

5.c4

Other alternatives here are as follows.

A) 5.0-0 e6
A1) 6.Nbd2 Be7 7.Re1 0-0 8.e4

Position after: 8.e4

This is an independent, but not critical, continuation. Black easily equalizes, for example after the
following. 8…a5 9.c3 [9.a4 (Rakhmanov – Kobalia, Russia 2019) 9…Bh5 10.c3 h6=] 9…a4
10.Qc2 [10.e5 Nfd7 11.Nf1 c5³ Cobb – Adams, London 2014] 10…Bh5 (Azaladze – Sjugirov,
internet blitz 2020) 11.Ne5 Nbd7 12.Nd3 dxe4 13.Nxe4 Nxe4 14.Bxe4 Nf6 15.Bg2 Bg6=
A2) 6.c4 Reaching the same position.
B) White can play even more quietly. 5.c3 Nbd7 6.Qb3 Qb6 7.Bf4 e6 8.0-0 h6 9.h3 Bf5 10.g4 This
was the course of Carvalho – Rodi, Uruguay ch 2022. 10…Bh7 Here I decided to play this move,
which is not the most critical one, although it leaves Black OK. Black could have punished White’s
last move instead. 10…g5! 11.gxf5 gxf4³ Certainly the first player’s king lacks adequate cover.

5…e6

948
Position after: 5…e6

This position has been analyzed and/or recommended in several recent publications, such as the
aforementioned book by Sielecki (from White’s perspective) or in Attacking the English / Reti by
Grandmasters Delchev & Semkov and in Beating Minor Openings, by Grandmaster Mikhalevski.

6.0-0

This continuation is the most common. The alternatives are as follows.

A) 6.h3 Sielecki’s recommendation in his book. 6…Bxf3 [6…Bh5!? This may be an option if Black
is in desperate need of a win.] 7.Bxf3 Bb4+!? This leads to a balanced position. 8.Bd2 Bxd2+
9.Nxd2 [9.Qxd2 Nbd7=] 9…Qb6 10.Qb3 Nbd7 11.e3 Qxb3 12.axb3 Ke7= Black’s position is
solid as granite.
B) 6.Qb3 Qb6 7.c5 This can be answered with the following. 7…Qa6!? 8.Nc3 Nbd7 9.0-0 Be7
With transposition to the main line.
C) 6.Nc3 Nbd7 7.0-0 This transposes to the main line.
D) 6.Nbd2 Be7 7.0-0 Nbd7 This is another transposition to the positions that we will see in the
order with 6. 0-0.
E) 6.Ne5!? Bf5 7.Nc3 Nbd7 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qb3 Qb6 10.Nxd7 Nxd7 11.e4 dxe4 12.Nxe4 0-0=
Romanishin – Dorfman, USSR 1980

6…Nbd7

949
Position after: 6…Nbd7

Here White has several popular continuations in practice. The text is possibly the most critical.

7.Qb3

According to Mikhalevsky, once Black’s queen bishop has developed outside the pawn chain it
makes sense for this queen passage to threaten b7. The alternatives are as follows.
A) 7.Nc3 This is the most usual continuation in practice, with over two hundred games in the
databases, but Black is more than OK after 7…dxc4!.

950
Position after: 7…dxc4!

A1) 8.a4 a5 9.e4 e5 10.Be3 (Valderrama – Mekhitarian, Chennai ol 2022) 10…exd4 11.Bxd4
Nc5³
A2) 8.e4 Bb4

Position after: 8…Bb4

9.h3 [9.e5 Nd5 10.Ne4 0-0µ Ghebeche – Tilmatine, Algeria 2000; 9.Qc2!? Rc8 It is difficult for
White to argue that his compensation is sufficient here. 10.a3 Be7 11.Ne1 Bh5 12.h3 c5³]
9…Bxf3 10.Qxf3 0-0 11.a3 (Startsev – Sudakova, Serpukhov 2002) 11…Ba5!? 12.e5 Nd5 13.Ne4
Bb6³
A3) 8.h3 Bxf3 9.Bxf3 a5 10.a4 Bb4ƒ White still has to prove that he has full compensation for the
surrendered pawn, as in Vaibhav – Han Yichen, Belgrade 2022.
B) 7.Nbd2 Be7 8.b3 [8.Re1 This was seen in the comments to White’s 5th move.] 8…0-0 9.Bb2 a5

951
Position after: 9…a5

This is a usual sequence in this variation. 10.a3 [10.Re1 a4 This is roughly the same, but White
should not continue as follows. 11.e4 Bb4 12.exd5 Moussard – Khubukshanov, internet blitz 2022 –
the reason is that Black has the following strong intermediate move. 12…a3 13.Bc1 exd5µ] 10…h6
11.Rc1!? [11.Re1 This is the most usual. 11…Bf5 12.Ne5 Nxe5 13.dxe5 Nd7 14.cxd5 cxd5 The
game is is balanced, as in Malaniuk – Dreev, Tilburg 1983.] 11…Qb6 12.Ne1 [12.Re1 Bf5=
Brychta – Solodovnichenko, Austria 1998] 12…c5 13.h3 Bf5 14.cxd5 exd5 15.dxc5 Nxc5∞ The
increased activity of the black pieces compensates for the slightly deteriorated structure, as in
Ivanov – Dautov, USSR 1989.
C) 7.b3 Be7 8.Bb2 0-0
9.Nbd2 This leads to the previous line (b); 9.Nc3 h6 10.Rc1 [10.Qc2 Bf5 11.Qd1 (Alinasab –
Sadubayev, internet blitz 2022) 11…a5ƒ] 10…Rc8 11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Nd7 13.cxd5 cxd5
14.Qd4 Bh5 This is easier for Black to play.

952
Position after: 14…Bh5

15.e4 Bc5 16.Qd2 Nxe5 17.exd5 Nf3+ 18.Bxf3 Bxf3 19.Qf4 Qf6 White is inferior, in Sorensen –
Gavrilov, Sibenik 2014. Instead, White should have played 19.Na4. Nevertheless Black’s position is
more pleasing after the following. 19…Bd6 20.Rxc8 Qxc8 21.Rc1 Qd8 22.Qc3 Qf6 23.Qxf6 gxf6
24.Bxf6 Bxd5³ The bishop pair is superior to White’s minor pieces.

7…Qb6 8.Nc3

8.c5 The main alternative. 8…Qa6!

953
Position after: 8…Qa6!

The most accurate reply. It may seem that the queen is somewhat out of play on this square, but in
fact she exerts good pressure on White´s center and queenside, while preparing if necessary a break
on b6.
A) 9.Bf4 The most usual reply, which is answered thematically as follows. 9…b6 10.cxb6 axb6
11.Rc1 [11.Nc3 Be7 12.e4 0-0 13.exd5 exd5= Teterev – S.Zhigalko, Minsk 2014] 11…Rc8 12.Nc3
Be7∞ There are chances for both sides.
B) 9.Nc3 Be7 10.Re1 [10.Bf4 0-0 11.h3 Bh5 12.Rfe1 b6 13.cxb6 axb6 The position is balanced.
One example is as follows. 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Nxe4 (15…Nd5!?) 16.Rxe4 Nf6 17.Ree1 Bxf3
18.Bxf3 Nd5= Gogolev – Kobalia, Russia rapid 2017] 10…b6 11.cxb6 axb6 12.e4 0-0 13.exd5
Nxd5= Kozlov – Kharitonov, St. Petersburg 1995

8…Be7

Position after: 8…Be7

9.h3!?

This move is not one of the most common, but asking where the bishop is going back to can in some
cases lead to improved versions of the other lines. The alternatives, in order of popularity, are as
follows.
A) 9.c5 Qa6 This transposes to the comments to White’s 8th move. 9…Qxb3 In this particular
position Black has this possible move. 10.axb3 Bxf3 11.Bxf3 e5= Kozlov – Videki, Budapest 1996
B) 9.Bf4 0-0 10.Rfd1

954
Position after: 10.Rfd1

[10.c5 Qa6 This transposes to 8. c5.] 10…h6 [10…Bf5 11.c5 Qxb3 12.axb3 h6 13.b4 a6= Condie –
Orr, London 1986] 11.Ne5 [11.h3 Bf5 12.c5 Qxb3 13.axb3 g5 14.Be3 Kg7 15.b4 a6³ Vastrukhin –
Khudyakov, Sochi 2022] 11…Bh5 12.cxd5 exd5=
C) 9.Re1 This is one of the preferences at master level, projecting a later e4. 9…0-0
C1) 10.c5 Qxb3 11.axb3 b6!

Position after: 11…b6!

955
 [11…a6= This is the main line in Mikhalevski’s book, as played in Grischuk – Motylev, Moscow
blitz 2014. The text is somewhat more ambitious.] 12.cxb6 [12.b4 a5 13.b5 cxb5 14.c6 This was
the course of Kantor – Kozak, Budapest 2015. 14…b4 15.Nb5 Bxf3 16.Bxf3 Nb8 17.Nc7 Nxc6
18.Nxa8 Rxa8µ Black has a strong initiative on the queen’s flank.] 12…axb6 13.Bf4 h6³
C2) 10.e4 dxe4 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Rxe4 Black has comfortable equality, as in Marangunic –
Mikac, Austria tt 1994. Now the more exact continuation is as follows. 12…Qxb3 13.axb3 Nf6
14.Re1 Rfd8=

9…Bf5

9…Bh5 This allows the capture of the bishop. 10.Nh4 [10.Re1 0-0 11.c5 Qxb3 12.axb3 Bg6 13.Bf4
Ne4= Vladescu – Itkis, Romania tt 2015] 10…0-0 11.g4 Bg6 12.Nxg6 hxg6 The resulting position is
roughly equal. 13.Rd1 (Roiz – Grinberg, Netanya 2019) 13…Qc7 14.a4 a5 15.Bg5 Ra6„

10.c5

The critical follow-up.

A) 10.Nh4? This doesn’t work here. 10…Qxb3 11.axb3 Bc2³
B) 10.Bf4? This is also bad because of the following. 10…dxc4 11.Qxc4 Qxb2µ Vadasz – I. Polgar,
Hungary ch 1970

10…Qxb3 11.axb3 a6 12.b4

Position after: 12.b4

We are following the game Zhao Shengxin – Navaratnam, Ho Chi Minh City 2019, where Black

956
equalized by castling.

12…Ne4∞

This is my preference, where Black has comfortably equalized, to say the least.

b) 2.Bf4 & 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bd6 5.—

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3

2.Bf4 This is another possible move order, which presents some independent possibilities. A brief
guide to this order is as follows. 2…Nf6 3.e3 e6

Position after: 3…e6

A) 4.c4 White can revise his plan for the London and play this. 4…c5 This is a good reply, trying to
play against an isolated pawn. 5.Nc3 [5.dxc5 Bxc5= This is comfortable for the second player.] 5…
cxd4 6.exd4 Bb4 7.Nf3 0-0 The game transposes to a position analyzed in chapter 8, in the line with
4…c5.
B) 4.Nd2 Bd6 5.Bg3 [5.Bxd6 This can be met by recapturing with a pawn, opening the c-file and
controlling e5 and c5, or otherwise by the following. 5…Qxd6 6.f4 Qb6 7.Rb1 c5 8.c3 Bd7 9.Bd3
Bb5=; 5.Ngf3 Bxf4 6.exf4 b6 7.Bd3 c5 8.c3 0-0 9.0-0 Ba6= Baron – Rodhstein, Biel 2016] 5…0-0
6.Bd3 b6 7.Ngf3 This transposes to the text.

2…Nf6 3.Bf4

This is the initial position of the London System, which according to my databases first appeared in

957
the second part of the 19th century. The fact that the English masters Joseph Blackburne and James
Mason were among its earliest advocates may have had something to do with its later nomenclature.
Nowadays it has reached its peak of popularity as it has been used by strong grandmasters, including
Magnus Carlsen (mostly in blitz games). Among amateurs and club players it is popular because it
allows you to use a sequence of moves (e3, c3, Bd3, Nbd2, 0-0) practically without looking at what
Black is doing. The ease of the scheme, on the other hand, conspires against White’s chances of
gaining an advantage in the opening: Black has many ways of achieving a balanced position. In the
present section we will explore one of these, characterized by its solidity and with the endorsement of
having been recommended by Grandmaster Kiril Georgiev in his book Fighting the London System.
However first, a few lines about the move 3.Bg5 – the so-called Torre Attack. A book such as this,
written twenty years ago, would have included this scheme in the present section, at the time more
popular than the London System. Nowadays it is not considered so critical, mainly because of the line
with 3…Ne4!.

Position after: 3…Ne4!

While I do not intend to present an exhaustive work on this line, some examples of it are presented
here.
A) 4.Bh4 c5 5.e3 Qb6 6.Nc3!? [Other moves leave White in trouble. 6.Qc1 cxd4 7.exd4 g5 8.Bxg5
Nxg5 9.Nxg5 Bh6µ Legall – Prats Rodriguez, Cannes 2000] 6…Nxc3 7.bxc3 Qa5 8.Qd2 Nc6 9.c4
Qxd2+ 10.Kxd2 (Mollov – Gulbas, Turkey tt 2018) 10…dxc4 11.Bxc4 cxd4 12.Nxd4 Bd7 Black
has the better side of a balanced position.
B) 4.Bf4 c5

958
Position after: 4…c5

B1) 5.dxc5 Nc6 6.Nbd2 Nxc5³ Moskalenko – Asis Gargatagli, Barcelona 2021. Black intends to
continue with …f6, …e5.
B2) 5.Nbd2 cxd4 6.Nxd4 Nd7 7.Nxe4 dxe4³ Kiratzopoulos – Nikolaidis, Greece 2009
B3) 5.c3 cxd4 6.cxd4 Qb6³ Vlatkovic – Sesar, Bosnia 2019
B4) 5.e3 Qb6 6.Nc3!? [6.Qc1 Nc6 7.c3 f6³ Nikcevic – Pecurica, Niksic 2019] 6…Qa5 7.Bb5+!?
Bd7 8.Bxd7+ Nxd7 9.0-0 Nxc3 10.bxc3 We are following the game Tuomala – Kienanen, Finland
tt 2019. 10…Rc8 [10…Qxc3 11.Qb1 b6 12.Qb5©] 11.a4 e6= Black achieves comfortable equality.

3…e6 4.e3

4.c4 With the knight on f3, the position here resembles some in the Queen’s Gambit Declined, and
there can be various transpositions – for example, if Black plays 4…Be7 here. An independent and
challenging possibility is as follows. 4…dxc4 Here 5.Qa4+ This is mandatory to regain the pawn.
[5.e3 In practice this is popular, but the reply 5…b5 casts serious doubts on White compensation.]
5…Nbd7 6.Qxc4 [Here 6.e3 is possible, with 6…Nd5 giving good play to Black.] 6…c5³ Black is
ahead in development, as in Hoang Thi Bao – Smirnov, Ho Chi Minh City 2016.

4…Bd6

959
Position after: 4…Bd6

A typical idea, challenging White’s attempted control of the h2-b8 diagonal. While the exchange is
strategically favorable for the first player, Black in this case eliminates an active piece.

5.Ne5

This is an order used among others by Kamsky.

A) 5.Bxd6 Qxd6 6.c3 The most common, but not critical. [Instead, the most ambitious is as follows.
6.c4 c5 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.e4 Ne7 9.Na3 0-0 10.Nc4 Qf4 11.dxc5 Qxe4+ 12.Be2 Na6 13.Rc1 Nxc5
14.Qd6© Nabaty – Rakhmanov, Batumi 2018] 6…0-0 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.Nbd2 Black now gets the
better part of a balanced position after the following. 8…e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Nxe5 Qxe5 11.Nf3
Qe7= Lee – Fox, cable (USA – England) 1907
B) 5.Nbd2 0-0

960
Position after: 5…0-0

B1) 6.Bd3 b6 7.Ne5 This is an independent option. 7…c5 8.c3 Ba6 9.Bxa6 Nxa6
B1.1) 10.Bg5 Nb8 11.0-0 Be7 12.f4 Ne8 13.Bxe7 Qxe7= Artemiev – Laurusas, internet blitz
2020
B1.2) 10.h4!? This is Demchenko’s specialty, who has reached this position three times; Black
achieves a dynamic equilibrium after the following. 10…Qc7 11.h5 (Demchenko – So, Khanty
Mansiysk 2019) 11…h6!? 12.Qe2 Nb8 13.g4 cxd4 14.exd4 Nc6∞
B1.3) 10.Qe2 Nc7 11.0-0 (Wittmann – Suess, Germany 2012) 11…Nce8 12.b4 Nd7 13.bxc5
bxc5 14.c4 cxd4 15.exd4 dxc4 16.Ndxc4 Nb6=
B2) 6.Bg3 This transposes to the main line.
B3) 6.c3 This was Carlsen’s choice in some of his games with the London System. 6…Bxf4!?
7.exf4 c5!

961
Position after: 7…c5!

This is an attempt to weaken White’s control of the e5-square. 8.dxc5 [8.g3 cxd4 9.Nxd4 Nbd7=]
8…Qc7 9.g3 [9.Ne5 Nbd7 10.Ndf3 Nxc5 11.Be2 Nfe4ƒ Halvorsen – Andersen, Bad Niendorf
1934; 9.Nb3 Qxf4 10.Qd4 Qc7³ Poecksteiner – Ofner, internet 2020] 9…Nbd7 [9…Qxc5 This is
also possible. A recent example is as follows. 10.Bd3 b6 11.Qe2 a5 12.Nb3 Qe7 13.Nbd4 Ba6
14.Bxa6 Nxa6 15.0-0 Nc5 White’s position looks more pleasant, but Black maintains reasonable
counterplay, in Gupta – Adams, Germany tt 2022.] 10.Nb3 [10.b4?! b6 The initiative passes into
Black’s hands.] 10…a5 11.a4 e5 12.fxe5 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 Qxe5+ 14.Be2 Re8 15.Nd4 Bh3 16.f3
Nd7= Hasangatin – Popov, Russia tt 2017

5…0-0 6.Bd3 b6

6…c5 This is the main option. 7.c3 Nc6 8.Nd2 Qc7 This is a popular sequence, but it is certainly a
scenario that White would enjoy as it is very thematic.

7.Nd2 Bb7

This transposes to the text.

c) 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bd6 5.Bg3

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bd6 5.Bg3

The retreat to g3 is the most usual continuation. Some alternatives that are also popular in practice are
as follows.

962
Position after: 5.Bg3

5…0-0 6.Nbd2

6.Bd3 b6 7.Nbd2 This is another transposition. 7.Qe2 White can vary with this move. 7…c5 [The
immediate 7…Bb7 is another possibility, as in Mason – Sellman, London 1883.] 8.c3 Bb7 9.Nbd2
Ne4 This is Black’s thematic response. 10.Rd1 Here this response has given White good results
although objectively Black can equalize after 10…Qc7=, as in Pecurica – Nikcevic, Montenegro
2019.

6…b6 7.Bd3

The most logical and usual continuation. Instead, 7. c3 and 7. Ne5 transpose after a future Bd3.
7.Be2 This is unnecessarily passive. 7…Bb7 8.0-0 c5 9.c3 Nc6= There is equality, as in Petrovic –
Benderac, Yugoslavia ch-w 2000.

7…Bb7

963
Position after: 7…Bb7

This is the basic position of the suggested scheme. Black has taken measures against possible breaks
on e4 and plans to occupy that square himself with his knight.

8.c3

White continues with his original idea and at the same time plans to continue with Qc2, preventing
the black knight from jumping to e4. Some common alternatives are presented here.
A) 8.Ne5 This is the main option, which is also the most popular in practice. Generally this knight
jump functions as a prelude to an attempted attack on the kingside, with the pawns in the sector
advancing and heavy pieces moving into offensive roles. 8…c5 This is a good reply here. 9.c3 Nc6
A1) 10.0-0 Qc7 11.f4 Ne7 This is similar to the line with the direct f4. 12.Qf3 [12.Qb1 g6 13.Bh4
Ne8 14.g4 f6 This was played in Thybo – Durarbayli, Warsaw 2021, where White did not need to
remove the threatened knight; instead he could have continued as follows. 15.a4 Nc6 16.Nxc6
Bxc6∞] 12…Nf5 13.Bf2 Be7 Black is not afraid of the g4 advance because of the reply …Nd6,
which leaves him in control of e4. 14.Rad1 Nd6 15.Qh3 Nfe4 16.dxc5 bxc5 17.c4 Rad8= Michna
– Ratay, Germany 2020
A2) 10.Ndf3 Ne7 11.h4!? Nf5 12.Bf4 (Rakesh – Joshi, India 2017) 12…Ne4 13.g4 Ne7³
A3) 10.Qe2 Qc7 11.f4 Ne7³ Agrest – Cuenca Jimenez, Sweden tt 2016

964
Position after: 11…Ne7³

In this type of position Black follows with …Ne4 or …Nf5 closing the b1-h7 diagonal and
paralyzing White’s attack.
A4) 10.Qb1 Qc7 11.f4 Ne7ƒ This is similar, as in Kosic – Lauer, Germany 2018.
A5) 10.f4 The most thematic, but White has tried various alternatives here. 10…Ne7!

Position after: 10…Ne7!

965
 A key move, preparing the move of this piece to f5. Occasionally, after …Be7, …Nd6, Black ends
up tightly controlling the e4-square. Black’s defensive plan seriously compromises White’s
offensive actions, so the conclusion is that Black obtains easy equality in this line. Some practical
examples are as follows.
A5.1) 11.Qb1!? This may be White’s best idea, being the current preference in high-level games
in this position. 11…g6 12.Bf2 Nh5!? 13.0-0 [13.g4 Ng7ƒ] 13…f6 14.Nef3 c4 15.Be2 b5ƒ
Black has the initiative, but White’s position is solid.
A5.2) 11.0-0?! This is different from the queen moves seen previously. The move does not
control e4, which Black can exploit with 11…Ne4³ with the idea of …f6, as in Ivanisevic –
Pavlovic, Belgrade blitz 2014.
A5.3) 11.Bf2?! This faces the same problem. 11…Ne4µ Romi – Yates, San Remo 1930
A5.4) 11.Qf3 The most usual move, controlling e4. 11…Nf5 12.Bf2 Be7!

Position after: 12…Be7!

An important move, vacating d6 for the knight on f5 in order to maintain control of e4. 13.g4
[13.h4!? Nd6 14.h5 Nfe4 15.g4 Nxd2 16.Kxd2 Ne4+ 17.Ke2 cxd4 18.exd4 (Gustafsson –
Betaneli, Chicago 2017) 18…f6µ; 13.Ng4 Nxg4 14.Qxg4 Nd6 15.Qh3 f5³ Kovacevic – Romero
Pallares, Zaragoza 2019] 13…Nd6 14.g5 Nfe4
A5.4a) 15.0-0-0?! c4

966
Position after: 15…c4

16.Bc2 b5 17.Qh3 b4 18.Nxe4 dxe4 19.Be1 Bd5–+ Black’s attack on the queenside has ended up
being more dangerous than White’s actions on the other sector, as in Karjakin – Adams, Wijk aan
Zee 2016.
A5.4b) 15.h4 (Gubajdullin – Sivakumar, internet blitz 2023) 15…f6 16.gxf6 Bxf6µ
A5.4c) 15.Qh3 Rc8³ White’s offensive has reached an impasse while Black is building up play in
the center and on the queenside, as in Stefanova – Navara, Gibraltar 2018.
B) 8.0-0 Bxg3 [8…c5 This is another possibility, as in Vykouk – Vitiugov, Czech Republic tt 2018.]
9.hxg3 Nbd7 There is equality. 10.c4 dxc4!? 11.Nxc4 c5=
C) 8.Qe2 Ne4 9.Bxd6 [9. c3 This transposes to the main line.] 9…cxd6 [9…Qxd6 This is a natural
alternative, but in practice Black preferred to grab with the pawn.] 10.0-0 Nd7

967
Position after: 10…Nd7

There is equality. 11.a4 (Weetik – Svane, internet blitz 2020) 11…a6 12.Rfc1 Qe7 13.Qd1 Rfc8=

8…Ne4

This jump is the preference of the strongest players who have reached this position.
8…c5 However, this is the most popular move, which is also endorsed by the engines. 9.Ne5 This is
the usual retort. [9.Qc2 c4 10.Be2 Qc7∞] 9…Qc7 10.f4 The position acquires nuances similar to
those of the line with 8. Ne5 seen above.

9.Qc2

The usual continuation. White has also tried the following options.
A) 9.Bxd6 cxd6 As is usual in this line, the pawn recapture allows control of e5 as it opens the c-
file; the position is roughly equal, an example being as follows. 10.0-0 Nd7 11.c4 Nxd2 12.Nxd2
dxc4 13.Bxc4 Qg5∞ Zajic – Eljanov, Skopje 2019
B) 9.Ne5 Nd7 [9…c5 Here it is possible to play this move, with the idea of transposing to the line
with 8. Ne5, although Black must then consider the reply 10.Qh5.]

968
Position after: 9…Nd7

10.Nxe4 [10.Nxd7 Qxd7 11.Bxd6 cxd6=] 10…dxe4 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.Be2 (Zaninotto – Lasschuit,
Warsaw 2014) 12…Bxg3 [12…g6!?] 13.hxg3 g6= There are chances for both sides.

9…f5

Position after: 9…f5

Black’s desired scheme, based on firm control of the center. Some general considerations related to

969
later play are:
a) a hypothetical exchange on g3 occurs only after White castles short;
b) the main counterplay occurs on the queenside, linked to the …c5 break;
c) the knight goes out on d7 and can head to f6 to strengthen the central position;
d) should White play c4 and exchange on d5, then the pawn recapture offers to open the e-file for the
heavy pieces.

10.Ne5

As well as being the most widely used in practice, this move is possibly the most critical. The
alternatives are as follows.
A) 10.c4 This can be met by the following unprecedented move 10…c5!? 11.dxc5 bxc5 12.Rd1
[12.cxd5 exd5=] 12…Bxg3 We have an exception to the recommendation not to exchange on g3
unless White castles short, because here it is difficult for White to take his other heavy pieces to the
h-file. 13.hxg3 Nd7

Position after: 13…Nd7

This is equal here, although my computer supplies some crazy lines. 14.g4!? fxg4 15.cxd5 exd5
16.Nxe4 gxf3 [16…dxe4!? This is another possibility.] 17.Nd6 fxg2! 18.Bxh7+ Kh8 19.Ke2™
19…Ba6+ 20.Qd3 gxh1=Q 21.Rxh1 g6™ 22.Bxg6+ Kg7 23.Qxa6 Qf6 24.Bf5 Qxb2+ 25.Kf1
Rh8∞
B) 10.0-0 This is best answered by Georgiev’s recommendation. 10…Nxg3 11.hxg3 Nd7=

10…c5

970
This is my recommendation, and Georgiev’s as well. In practice, it is much more popular to pursue
development.
10…Nd7 A relatively recent example is as follows. 11.Nxd7 [11.Ndf3!? This is considered to be
more comfortable for White by Georgiev.] 11…Qxd7 12.Bxd6 cxd6

Position after: 12…cxd6

13.f3 [13.a4!? This is more critical here.] 13…Nxd2?! [13…Nf6= This is the most exact reply, with
equal play.] 14.Qxd2 e5 15.dxe5 dxe5 16.e4?! fxe4 17.fxe4? Qg4µ Shapiro – Grandelius, internet
blitz 2021

11.Nxe4

In practice White has tried the following options as well.

A) 11.f4?! (Lorenzo Martinez – Riu Lopez, Barcelona 2018) 11…cxd4 [11…Ba6³] 12.exd4 Nc6
13.0-0 Nxe5 14.fxe5 Be7µ
B) 11.0-0 Nxg3 12.hxg3 Nd7= Lorenzo Martinez – Oualili, Barcelona 2018

11…fxe4 12.Be2

12.Bb5 a6 13.Be2 Nc6 This is similar to the text.

12…Nc6

971
Position after: 12…Nc6

13.Nxc6

The best idea for White.

13.0-0-0? Instead this results in White losing quickly. 13…cxd4 14.exd4 [14.Nxc6 Bxc6 15.exd4
Bxg3 16.fxg3 Rf2–+; 14.cxd4 Rc8–+] 14…Nxe5 15.dxe5 Bxe5–+ Gong – Hague, New Zealand
2018.

13…Bxc6 14.Bxd6 Qxd6=

White has exchanged pieces in an attempt to keep the best minor piece, as in Piastowski – Kripp,
Hessen 2006. However Black’s compensation in the form of space and initiative on the kingside is
enough to maintain the balance.

d) 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.—

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 e6

3…c5 This is another possible move order, where 4.e3 e6 transposes to the text. The capture on c5 is
not dangerous for the second player. 4.dxc5 e6 5.e3 [5.b4 a5 6.c3 axb4 7.cxb4 Nc6µ Hasangatin –
Shirov, Russia rapid 2017] 5…Bxc5=

4.e3 c5

972
Position after: 4…c5

My second recommendation against the London System is more dynamic and less well known,
although structurally more risky. It was first published in Yearbook 124 by the Indian grandmaster
Gujrathi Vidit and consists of a quick …Nh5 to try to seize the bishop pair.

5.c3

This is the preferred order in practice, strengthening d4, but White has other ideas here.
A) 5.Nbd2 Nc6 If White does not wish to transpose to the main line with 6.c3 then his choice must
fall to the following. 6.Bb5!? Bd7 7.0-0 [7.c3 Be7 8.h3 Qb6= Jimenez – Aguilera, Madrid 2014;
7.Bxc6 Bxc6 8.Ne5 (Stroot – Koerbel, Germany 2013) 8…Qb6µ] 7…a6 8.Bxc6 [8.Be2!? b5∞]
8…Bxc6 9.Ne5 Rc8 10.c3 Be7= Black is left with the better part of a balanced position, as in
Mikadze – Beradze, Batumi 2017.
B) 5.c4 Again this brings us traps that are similar (and sometimes transposes) to those in the
Queen’s Gambit. Here the developmental move 5…Nc6 is the most usual and offers Black good
statistics. However I prefer the following idea instead. 5…cxd4 6.exd4 [6.Nxd4 Bb4+ 7.Nd2 Nc6=
Gentry – Sturgis, USA 1994] 6…Bb4+ Black has now reached equilibrium.

973
Position after: 6…Bb4+

7.Nc3 [7.Nbd2 dxc4 8.Bxc4 0-0 9.0-0 Nc6= Ribli – Smyslov, Bugojno 1984] 7…0-0 This
transposes to the line with 4…c5 in chapter 8.

5…Nc6 6.Nbd2

While this move is the most common in practice, other ideas employed by White deserve attention.
The move order with 6.Bd3 delaying the departure of the queen knight can also be met as follows.
6…Nh5

974
Position after: 6…Nh5

7.Bg3 [7.Bg5 Qb6 8.b3 h6 9.Bh4 g5 10.Ne5 Nxe5 11.dxe5 Ng7 12.Bg3 Nf5 13.Bxf5 exf5 14.Qxd5
Be6© Henkemeier – Lehmann, Germany 2016; 7.Be5 Qb6 8.b3 (Guimaraes – Baches, internet 2020)
8…cxd4 9.cxd4 f6 10.Bg3 Nb4 11.0-0 Nxd3 12.Qxd3 Bd7³] 7…Qb6 8.Qc2 (Robaina – Hernandez,
Spain 2019) 8…Nxg3 9.hxg3 Bd7= Now this is OK for Black. Note that the h7-pawn is indirectly
defended by the possibility of a later …g6.

6…cxd4

It is usual to intersperse this pawn exchange before taking the knight to h5.
6…Nh5!? However this immediate move is also possible.

Position after: 6…Nh5!?

Some possibilities in this line are as follows. 7.Bg5 [7.Be5 f6 8.Bg3 g6 9.Bd3 cxd4 10.cxd4 (Vachier
– Lagrave – Kuzubov, internet blitz 2020) 10…Qb6=] 7…f6 8.Bh4 g6 9.Bd3 cxd4 10.cxd4 Bd6„
Demchenko – Abdussatorov, internet blitz 2020

7.exd4

This is the natural recapture and the most usual in practice.

7.cxd4 In one of my games this option was played, establishing total symmetry. Now the most exact
reply is as follows.
A) 7…Qb6 8.Rb1 Nh5

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Position after: 8…Nh5

Play is balanced, according to Baskaran Adhiban, another Indian grandmaster who contributed to
the theory of this variation in an article published in Yearbook 128. Here is an illustrative
continuation. 9.Bg5 h6 10.Bh4 g5 11.Ne5 Nxe5 12.Qxh5 Ng6 13.Bg3 e5∞ A complex position
emerges, with chances for both sides.
B) 7…Nh5!? This is also possible here. 8.Bg5 [8.Bg3 Be7 9.a3 0-0 10.Bd3 g6∞ Akhmetov – Fier,
Almaty 2018; 8.Be5 f6 9.Bg3 Qb6∞ Pakleza – Deac, internet blitz 2022] 8…f6 9.Bh4 g6 10.Be2
Ng7∞ Luke Brezmes – Rodi, Batumi ol 2018

7…Nh5

976
Position after: 7…Nh5

After this move we reach the basic position of Black’s proposed scheme. The idea of the knight jump
is to gain the d6-square for Black’s king bishop – and possibly the bishop pair if White allows this.
The line, which emerged in the 1990s, was introduced at master level by Yuriy Kryvoruchko in 2016,
and gives Black good statistics over a little more than six hundred and fifty games; by contrast, White
does not reach fifty percent.

8.Bg5

This has the idea of provoking f6 before the retreat to e3, but the advance of the black f-pawn, far
from being a weakness, ends up benefiting that side by giving it extra possibilities.
A) 8.Bg3 Nxg3 9.hxg3 While Black has gained the bishop pair, White can hardly create threats on
the open h-file – it is not easy to bring his pieces there – which is the supposed compensation for the
loss of the bishop. Here Vidit recommends a plan with …g6 and …Bg7 with the following practical
examples. 9…g6

977
Position after: 9…g6

A1) 10.Bb5!? This is the computer’s suggestion. 10…Bg7 11.0-0 [11.Ne5 0-0 The idea is as
follows. 12.Bxc6 bxc6 13.Nxc6 Qd6µ] 11…0-0 12.Nb3 Qb6!? 13.a4 a6 14.Bxc6 bxc6 15.a5 Qc7
16.Nc5 f6∞ The position offers chances for both sides. The break on e5 will boost Black’s
bishops.
A2) 10.Be2 (M. Ivanov – Alekseev, Russia rapid 2021) 10…Bd6!∞
A3) 10.Bd3 Bg7 11.Qe2 [11.0-0 0-0 12.Re1 This transposes to the line seen in the order with 8…
g6.] 11…Qc7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rfe1 Re8 14.Rac1 Qb6 15.Nb3 e5 16.dxe5 Here Black has 16…Nxe5
or 16…Bg4© as in Hansen – Thybo, Denmark ch 2020. With both sides having structural
weaknesses but also activity, the position is complex and roughly equal.
B) 8.Be5 f6 9.Bg3 g6 10.Be2 Bg7 11.0-0 0-0 12.c4 [12.Qb3 (Wang Yue – Le Quang, Ashkhabad
blitz 2017) 12…Nxg3 13.hxg3 Qb6=] 12…Nxg3 13.hxg3 f5!?∞ Le Tuan Minh – So, internet 2019.

8…f6!

978
Position after: 8…f6!

9.Be3

A) 9.Bh4 In response, both 9…Nf4 and 9…Bd6 are good replies. The latter is more usual, for
instance as follows. 10.Bg3 Nf4 11.Nb3 [11.Bxf4 Bxf4³ Mednikov – Sabaev, Russia 2018] 11…0-
0 12.Qd2

Position after: 12.Qd2

979
 12…Qc7! [12…Ng6∞ This is not as good as the text, in Dos Santos – Rodi, Rio de Janeiro 2022.]
13.h4 (Zepke – Brock, Germany 2018) 13…a5³
B) 9.Ne5 Another possibility, but Black has the following. 9…g6!

Position after: 9…g6!

10.Bh4 [10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.Be3 Bd6³ Chueca Forcen – Arnaudov, Spain 2017] 10…Bd6 11.Nd3
Ng7 12.Bg3 (Chabanon – Lagarde, Paris blitz 2017) 12…Nf5ƒ Black’s pieces are better
coordinated.

9…Bd6 10.g3

A move that seems necessary to prevent the arrival of the opponent’s piece on f4.
A) 10.Bb5 The main alternative, and an idea by Boris Savchenko. 10…0-0 11.0-0 a6 12.Ba4 This is
answered by 12…Nf4 (or 12…Qe8).

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Position after: 12…Nf4

13.Bc2 [13.c4 Kh8 14.a3 Ne7 15.Bc2 (Raznikov – Bar, Israel tt 2019) 15…g5!?∞] 13…Bd7!?
14.Re1 Qe8= The position is dynamically balanced. Black can pin his hopes on the central pawn
majority.
B) 10.Ne5 This is also possible here, a recent example being as follows. 10…g6 11.Nd3 [11.Nxc6?!
bxc6 12.g3 0-0 13.Bd3 e5µ Taras – Aditya, internet blitz 2021] 11…0-0 12.g3 e5 Black has the
initiative, in Swiercz – Oparin, internet rapid 2023.

10…0-0 11.Bg2

A) 11.Bd3 This is the main option. 11…Qe8!?

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Position after: 11…Qe8!?

Protecting h5 seems the most accurate. 12.Qc2 [12.Nh4 g6∞; 12.0-0 f5 13.Nb3 (Edouard – Haria,
internet 2020) 13…f4³] 12…f5 13.0-0 Nf6 [13…Bd7!? This is another solution.] 14.Nh4 [14.Rfe1
Qh5³ Shytaj – Bove, Italy 2017] 14…Ng4∞ The position is dynamically balanced.
B) 11.Be2 White has also tried this more timid move which allows Black to comfortably equalized
with 11…f5=, as in Di Benedetto – Lodici, Spilimbergo 2018.

11…f5

The chances are equal. Some practical examples from this position are as follows.

12.Nb3

A) 12.Ng5 (Erdogdu – Ter Sahakyan, Skopje 2017) 12…Qe8 13.f4 b5ƒ

B) 12.Ne5 f4! 13.Qxh5 fxe3 14.fxe3 Bxe5 15.dxe5 (Papp – Perske, Karlsruhe 2019) 15…Bd7µ

12…f4 13.Bd2 Nf6

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Position after: 13…Nf6

This was played in Rakesh – Shahil, Gujarat 2018.

14.Nc1 fxg3 15.hxg3 e5∞

The opening up of the center will force White to castle short, forgetting about any plans for the h-file.
The position offers chances for both sides.

e) 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.Be3

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.Be3

983
Position after: 8.Be3

Besides being the most usual move, the retreat to e3 saves the bishop from being exchanged. The
alternatives see the second player obtaining comfortable play.

8…Bd6 9.Ne5

This is by far the most common move, but other ideas deserve attention here.
A) 9.g3 0-0
A1) 10.Ne5 g6 11.Nd3 Now the most accurate rejoinder is as follows. 11…Ng7 12.Bg2 b6 This
transposes to the main line but Black can try a different route. 11…b6 12.Bg2 a5 13.0-0 Ba6
14.Nf3 (Filipovic – Hugentobler, Switzerland 2018) 14…Ne7„
A2) 10.Bd3 Nf6 In the aforementioned Yearbook survey, this then-unpublished move was Vidit’s
recommendation, trying to improve on Grischuk – Nakamura, Paris rapid 2017, where the
American grandmaster continued with 10…f5. After the move was published it was tested in
practice. 11.0-0 [11.Qc2 Bd7 12.Bg5 h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6³ Almeida – Mareco, internet Americas
continental 2021] 11…h6

984
Position after: 11…h6

12.Re1 [12.Nb3 Re8 13.Re1 Qc7 14.Rc1 Bd7= Plischki – Christiansen, Pardubice 2018] 12…a6
13.a4 (Shalimov – Matviishen, Ukraine ch 2019) 13…Qc7=
B) 9.Bd3 This is one of the continuations favored by the engines. 9…Nf4 10.Bxf4 Bxf4
B1) 11.Qe2 0-0 12.0-0 [12.h4?! (Aronian – Erigaisi, internet blitz 2021) 12…f6µ] 12…f6∞
B2) Black can claim equality as follows. 11.0-0 0-0 12.Re1 [12.Qc2 This was recently used by
Dubov in blitz games. 12…g6 13.g3 Bh6 14.h4 f6∞ Dubov – Krstulovic, internet blitz 2022]
12…Bd7

985
Position after: 12…Bd7

13.g3 [13.Nf1 (Tabatabaei – Aditya, internet blitz 2020) 13…Bd6 14.Rc1 Rc8=; 13.Ne5 Nxe5
14.dxe5 (Vidit – Aronian, Riadh blitz 2017) 14…f6=] 13…Bd6 [13…Bc7 The text move’s
placement for the king bishop seems to me to be more accurate than this alternative played in
Maurizzi – Nihal, internet rapid 2020.] 14.Rc1 Rc8 15.Qe2 a6 16.h4 f6∞ The position offers
opportunities for both sides.

9…g6

Position after: 9…g6

10.Nd3

In practice this is the most common move, controlling f4 while removing the piece that is threatened
by two of the opponent’s pieces. It also gives White good statistics. The alternatives, in order of
popularity, are as follows.
A) 10.g4 Ng7 11.h4 This poses a very interesting pawn sacrifice. Black can reject the offer. 11…h5
Instead, 11…Nxe5 and 11…Nc7 are serious alternatives. 12.Bg5 The most usual continuation.
[12.Ndf3 hxg4 13.Nxg4 Nf5 14.Bg5 Be7 15.Rh2 f6

986
Position after: 15…f6

16.Bf4 (Demuth – Cheng, Adelaide 2017) 16…Bd7 17.Bd3 Qa5∞] 12…Qb6 [12…Qc7!? Caruana
– Kovalev, internet rapid 2022] 13.Bf6 Kf8!?

Position after: 13…Kf8!?

A suggestion from Vidit that may be the most correct in this position. 14.Be2 [14.Nb3 a5∞
Swayams – Posedaru, Romania 2018; 14.g5 Bxe5 15.dxe5 Qxb2 This is a position that needs
practical experience – a possible continuation is as follows. 16.c4 Nb4 17.Rc1 Qxa2 18.Rh3 Kg8

987
 19.Rb3 Qa5 20.Bg2©] 14…Be7 15.Bxe7+ Kxe7∞ Both kings are not very secure and there are
some structural weaknesses in both camps – the position is complex, with dynamic balance and
there are chances for both sides.
B) 10.Bb5!? Against this idea, the preference at master level is 10…Qc7.

Position after: 10…Qc7

B1) 11.Qa4 This is the most usual, but Black has no problems after the following. 11…0-0
12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.Bxc6 Rb8 14.Bb5 (Sanikidze – Demianjuk, Nackchivan 2019) 14…Nf4 15.Bxf4
Bxf4 16.Nb3 e5µ
B2) 11.g4 Ng7 12.Qa4 0-0 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.Bxc6 Rb8µ This offers Black excellent
compensation, in Sorm – Shatil, Prague 2023.
B3) 11.0-0 This has emerged as the most critical continuation. 11…f6 12.Nef3 [12.f4 0-0 13.Nd3
Ng7 14.Nf3 Na5³ Lomasov – Alekseev, Minsk 2017] 12…0-0 13.c4 a6 14.Ba4 (Dominguez –
Kryvoruchko, Varadero 2016) 14…Qf7= The position is balanced.
C) 10.Ndf3 This is well met by 10…f6! which forces White to make some concessions.

988
Position after: 10…f6!

C1) 11.Ng4!? This looks artificial, but it’s not bad. 11…0-0
C1.1) 12.Qd2 Kh8 13.Bh6 [13.h3 Ne7 14.g3 Nf5³ Bauer – Fressinet, France ch 2017] 13…Rf7
14.Be2 Bd7=
C1.2) 12.Bh6 Rf7 13.Ne3 Bd7 14.g3 Ne7= The position offers chances for both sides, as in
Moroni – Wagner, Zurich 2017.
C3) 11.Nxc6 bxc6 This improves Black’s structure; the position remains balanced after the
following. 12.Be2 0-0 13.0-0 (Sadwhani – Erigaisi, internet blitz 2021) 13…Rb8=
D) 10.Be2 Ng7 This is also balanced. 11.Nd3 [11.Ndf3 f6 12.Nxc6 bxc6 13.0-0 Rb8=] 11…f6
12.0-0 Qc7 13.g3 0-0=
E) 10.f4 f6 [10…0-0 11.g4ƒ] 11.Nd3 Qc7 12.g3 0-0 13.Bg2 b6 14.0-0 Ba6 15.Nf3 Rae8=
Grabinsky – Tang, Charlotte 2020

10…0-0

989
Position after: 10…0-0

11.g3

This move, adding to the control of f4, seems to be the critical continuation. In my opinion, Black
faces no problems with the following alternative.
11.Be2 Ng7 12.0-0 [12.f4 b6 13.0-0 Ba6 14.Ne5 Bxe2 15.Qxe2 Rc8 16.g4 f6 17.Nxc6 Rxc6=
Kamsky – Bellahcene, internet blitz 2022] 12…Qc7 13.g3 f6

Position after: 13…f6

990
 A) 14.f4 In Wirtensohn – Arnold, Germany 2018, Black played 14…Bd7 here, with approximate
equality. However he could have chosen instead a plan with a fianchetto. 14…Nf5 15.Bf2 b6
16.Nf3 Bb7 This offers possibilities to fight for the initiative.
B) 14.Bf3 b6 [14…Kh8∞ The text is more enterprising than this alternative, played in Vishwa –
Terbe, Budapest 2020.] 15.Rc1 Nf5 16.c4!? [16.Re1 Ba6 17.Nf1 Kg7=] 16…Ncxd4 17.Bxd4 Nxd4
18.cxd5 Nxf3+ 19.Qxf3 Qe7 20.dxe6 Bxe6=

11…Ng7 12.Bg2 b6

Position after: 12…b6

13.Nf3

This move, adding control to e5 and enabling a possible retreat for the bishop on e3 seems the most
critical idea. In practice White has also employed the following options.
A) 13.0-0 Nf5 14.Bf4 Ba6 15.Bxd6 Nxd6 16.Nf3 Bxd3 17.Qxd3 b5= Kuiper – Sferle, corr 2020
B) 13.Bh6 (Brooks – Kitson, corr 2019) 13…Ba6 14.Nf3 Ne7 15.Bf4 Ngf5 16.Bxd6 Nxd6∞

13…f6!?

One of Black’s thematic ideas, controlling g5 and enabling potential pawn advances there or in the
center (e5). Other possibilities are as follows.
13…Nf5 This is another standard idea here and my computer’s preference. It was tested in a
correspondence game which continued as follows. 14.Bc1 [14.Bf4 Ba6=] 14…f6 15.0-0 g5 16.Re1
Qd7!? 17.a4 Qf7 18.Nd2 Bd7= Shulman – Pecka, corr 2018

991
14.0-0

The most logical move here.

14.Bh6 This is another possibility. 14…Ne7∞ Black can reply with this move, trying to continue with
…Nef5, pushing the opponent’s bishop out of its advanced position. In a position that maintains a
certain degree of complexity, the chances for both sides are equivalent.

14…g5!?

Position after: 14…g5!?

While gaining space on the kingside, this move takes the f4-square away from White’s minor pieces.

15.c4

The most critical idea, trying to dent the compact formation of Black’s central pawns. White can also
insert 15.h4 h6 before 16.c4 Ne7∞.

15…Ne7!? 16.b3

16.cxd5 Nxd5³ This shows the virtues of Black’s previous moves.

16…Nef5 17.Nfe1 Nxe3

17…Be7!? This immediate move is another possibility, but with the text’s exchange, Black secures
the pair of bishops.

992
18.fxe3 Be7∞

Position after: 18…Be7∞

With chances for both sides. White’s pieces are better coordinated, but Black’s position is solid, with
the bishop pair. An illustrative line is as follows.

19.b4

19.Nc2 Bb7 20.c5 Qc7=

19…Rb8 20.c5 a5 21.a3 bxc5 22.dxc5 Ba6∞

Selected Games
Game 71
Zhao, Yuanhe (2383)
Matlakov, Maxim (2683)
China 2018

1.Nf3 d5 2.g3 c6 3.Bg2 Nf6 4.0-0 Bg4 5.d3 Nbd7 6.c4 e6 7.Qb3 Qb6 8.Be3 Bc5 9.d4 Be7 10.Nc3
0-0

993
Position after: 10…0-0

By transposition, and using extra time, we have arrived at the position which is in the bonus track
subchapter a), in the commentary on White’s 9th move. The development of the queen bishop on e3
is not so usual, but it is a valid alternative to the more usual schemes with development on f4 or
staying on c1 until the optimal position for that piece is determined.

11.h3 Bf5 12.c5 Qa6 13.Nh4 Be4 14.Nxe4 dxe4 15.Rfe1

Position after: 15.Rfe1

994
15…h6∞

With this evaluation we came to the end of the quoted game in the theoretical part. While White has
the bishop pair and spatial supremacy on the queenside, Black has gained some dominance on the
kingside (his last move threatens to win the white knight with …g5) and can use the d5-square with
his knights. At the same time, he prepares …b6 to challenge White’s advance on the queenside flank.

16.Bf1?!

White cedes the g2-square to the knight. At some point in the future he can create a plan based on the
black queen being on the same diagonal, but the position of White’s pieces remains passive. Instead,
White should have tried one of the following options.
A) 16.Qc2 This is possibly the most accurate, with the following idea. 16…g5 17.Bxe4 gxh4
18.Bxh6 White has adequate compensation. 18…hxg3 19.Bd3 Qa5 20.fxg3 Nh5 21.e4©
B) 16.f3!? exf3 [16…g5 17.fxe4 gxh4 18.Bxh6©] 17.Nxf3 This is a structurally riskier, but possible,
option. 17…b6 18.cxb6 axb6∞

16…b6 17.cxb6 axb6³

Position after: 17…axb6³

Black’s advantage is now obvious, having nullified White’s favorable space element on the queenside
flank while retaining his own trumps on the kingside (space and better coordinated pieces).

18.Rec1 Rfc8 19.Ng2 c5!?

995
The ensuing liquidation of the queenside wing is not bad. Black could also keep up the tension in the
sector by continuing with 19…Qa4 or 19…b5, in all cases preserving the advantage.

20.dxc5 bxc5 21.Bd2

The beginning of a vague plan.

21.Qc2 This was better instead. 21…Nd5 22.Qxe4 Bf6³

21…Nd5 22.Ne3 Bf6!µ 23.Nc4

Position after: 23.Nc4

23.Ng4 Be7µ

23…Ne5?!

As White has done, it is now Black who plays imprecisely.

23…Rab8µ This was better instead, with strong pressure on b2.

24.Nxe5 Bxe5?!

24…Rcb8 Black still had time to insert this move before taking on e5, preserving part of the
advantage. 25.Qc2 Bxe5 26.e3 Qa4³

25.e3 Qd6

996
Position after: 25…Qd6

25…Qa4 26.Qxa4 Rxa4 This does not work because White arrives in time to defend the pawn on b2.
27.Rc2=

26.Qc2 c4!?

26…f5∞

27.Be1 Rc6 28.Rab1

The beginning of a sequence that eventually led to an equal finish.

28…Rxa2 29.Bxc4 Qc7 30.Qxe4 Rxb2 31.Rxb2 Bxb2 32.Rc2 Nf6 33.Qd3 Be5 34.Bb3 h5=

Despite his slightly more active pieces, Black has nothing here, having wiped out an entire wing with
no real attacking prospects.

997
Position after: 34…h5=

35.Ba5!? Qb7 36.Rxc6 Qxc6 37.Qc4 Qa8 38.Qc5

Alternatively 38.Bc2 or the simple 38.Qb5 holds the position. The text allows Black a practical
chance that complicates the game.

38…Qb8 39.Qb6 Bxg3!? 40.fxg3

40.Qd8+!? Kh7 41.Bc2+ Kh6 42.Kg2©

40…Qxg3+ 41.Kf1 Qxh3+©

The three pawns are sufficient compensation for the piece, due to the passed status of two of them.
The exposure of the white king is now another factor to consider. Objectively, the position remains
balanced, but it is easier to play for the second side.

42.Ke2 Qg2+ 43.Kd3 h4 44.Qd8+ Kh7 45.Bc2 e5 46.Kc3+ e4 47.Bc7 h3 48.Qd6 Qe2 49.Qd4

49.Qg3!?=

49…Qg2 50.Qe5 Kg8 51.Kb3 Qd2 52.Qd4?

The wrong time and the wrong place to try to exchange queens. Black is now left with four passed
pawns that are unstoppable.
52.Qg3= This was correct instead, with approximate equality.

998
52…Qxd4 53.exd4 Nd5 54.Be5 f5–+ 55.Ka4

55.Kc4 Ne3+ 56.Kc3 Nxc2 57.Kxc2 g5–+

55…Kf8 56.Bb3 Nf6 57.Kb5 e3 58.Bd1 Ng4 59.Bd6+ Ke8 60.Kc6 h2 61.Bf3 e2 62.Bg3 g5
63.Kd6 f4 64.Be1 Ne3 65.Bc6+ Kf7 66.Bc3 g4

0-1

Game 72
Stefanova, Antoaneta (2489)
Navara, David (2749)
Gibraltar 2018

1.d4 Nf6 2.Bf4 d5 3.e3 c5 4.c3 Nc6 5.Nd2 e6 6.Ngf3 Bd6 7.Bg3 0-0 8.Bd3 b6 9.Ne5 Bb7 10.f4

By transposition we have come to a line studied in the section relating to the solid scheme against the
London System, with the alternative line on 8. Ne5. The subsequent move is practically a refutation
of White’s plan, with the aim of closing the lines that White wishes to use against the Black’s castled
position.

Position after: 10.f4

10…Ne7! 11.Qf3 Nf5 12.Bf2 Be7!

Black’s scheme works like clockwork. When White tries to follow up with g4, this move frees up d6
for the knight, which also strengthens the second player’s aspirations for the strong e4-square.

999
13.g4 Nd6 14.g5 Nfe4 15.Qh3 Rc8³

Position after: 15…Rc8³

At this point we ended the line in the theoretical part. Black has eliminated any risk related to the
safety of his king, especially when he has the e4-square heavily dominated and occupied, and now he
begins to seize the initiative in the opposite sector.

16.Rd1 c4!?

Black projects a barrage of pawns on the queenside to open lines in the sector and capitalize on his
most active pieces.
16…cxd4 17.exd4 Rc7³ Another possible plan with the opening of the file.

17.Bc2 b5 18.Rg1?

1000
Position after: 18.Rg1?

As long as White’s activity initiated with this move proves to be an illusion, the king on that side will
remain in the center, with the risk that this entails.
18.0-0! Instead, this was necessary. 18…a5 19.a3 Although Black can eventually break on the
queenside, White’s king is protected here. 19…Nf5 Black retains some initiative, but progress seems
more difficult here.

18…b4–+

Instead, the break on the queenside is stronger now, with White’s king in the center.

19.Nxe4

The alternatives are no better.

A) 19.Kf1 bxc3 20.bxc3 Qa5–+
B) 19.Rb1 Nf5–+
C) 19.cxb4 c3 20.bxc3 Rxc3–+

19…dxe4 20.Ng4 bxc3 21.bxc3

21.Nf6+ This is the idea behind the rook maneuver, but it doesn’t work. 21…Bxf6 22.gxf6 Qxf6–+

21…Qa5 22.Kd2

22.Nf6+ This does not work here either. 22…Bxf6 23.gxf6 Qxc3+ 24.Kf1 g6–+ There is no chance

1001
of mate on g7 because the black knight can cover that square from f5 or e8.

22…Bd5 23.a4 Rb8 24.Rb1 Rb3!

After this delivery White’s position is left without defenses. The attack on c3 forces it to be accepted,
but then Black will be able to operate on the c-file.

Position after: 24…Rb3!

25.Bxb3 cxb3 26.Nf6+

White fires his last bullet, but as in the previous examples with this move, it does not produce the
desired effect.

26…Bxf6 27.gxf6 g6 28.Rg5

While this move takes away the knight’s defense from f5, that piece still has e8 at its disposal if
necessary.

28…Qxa4 29.Ke1 Qa2 30.Rd1 Bc4

0-1

Game 73
Van Foreest, Jorden (2615)
Jakubowski, Krzysztof (2520)
Germany 2017

1002
1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 e6 4.e3 Bd6 5.Bg3 b6 6.Nbd2 Bb7 7.Bd3 0-0 8.c3 Ne4 9.Qc2 f5 10.c4
Nd7

Position after: 10…Nd7

For reasons explained in the theoretical part, the move 10…c5 is more correct here. The following
move, while not bad, is not the main challenge Black faces in this continuation.

11.0-0 Nxg3 12.hxg3 c6 13.Rfc1 Qe7

A general move, connecting the rooks while adding to the control of the c5-square. However it fails
to address some specific elements of the position and cedes the initiative to the first player.
13…g5!?∞ More enterprising instead, gaining space on the kingside and fighting for the initiative.

14.a3!?

The aim is b4 and perhaps c5.

14.cxd5 cxd5 15.Bb5 Nf6 Another interesting possibility here, where White can count on some
initiative.

14…a5 15.cxd5 cxd5 16.Nb1

1003
Position after: 16.Nb1

A typical idea, seeking to exploit the weak square on b5.

16.Bb5! However this would have been strong here, with the emphasis on the weakened light squares
on Black’s queenside. 16…Nf6 17.Qb3 Ne4 18.Bc6² White has gained the initiative on the
queenside.

16…g5!?

Black, aware of his limitations on the queenside, begins to create counterplay on the kingside.
16…e5!? However, with the same idea, this seems a more appropriate option instead, where an
illustrative line is as follows. 17.dxe5 [17.Bxf5 e4 18.Bxd7 exf3 19.Bg4 Bxg3!∞] 17…Nxe5 18.Nd4
g6„

17.Nc3 Rac8 18.Qe2

18.Qb3!? g4 19.Nh4²

18…g4 19.Ne1 h5„

1004
Position after: 19…h5„

Black has obtained the counterplay that he was seeking. Furthermore the white queen ceases to be an
element of pressure on the opposite sector.

20.Ba6 Nf6 21.Qb5 Rb8 22.Bxb7 Rxb7 23.Nd3?

Very natural, but this allows Black a strong initiative.

23.Rc2 Instead, this maintains the balance. 23…h4? [Better is 23…Ne4=.] 24.gxh4 g3 25.f4 Ng4
White defends with 26.Nf3±.

23…h4!µ

24.Nf4

24.gxh4 g3 25.f4 Ng4–+ The h4-pawn falls, allowing the black queen to invade.

24…Bxf4

24…hxg3 25.fxg3 Kf7µ

25.gxf4 g3 26.f3 Ne8 27.Qd3

1005
Position after: 27.Qd3

27…h3?

27…Qf6µ This keeps the advantage for Black. The text allows White to overturn the evaluation.

28.gxh3 Qh4 29.Kg2± Nd6 30.Ne2 Rh7 31.Ng1 a4 32.Rc6

Once the security issues on the kingside has been resolved, White starts to invade on the queenside.

32…Qd8 33.Rac1

33.Re1±

33…Rh6?!

33…b5!? This would have reduced White’s advantage to a minimum.

34.Qa6 Nc4 35.R1xc4!

1006
Position after: 35.R1xc4!

35…dxc4 36.Qxc4

36.Qxa4! Qd5 37.Qxc4 Qxc4 38.Rxc4+– The endgame is won by the first player, who is able to
quickly create dangerous passed pawns.

36…b5 37.Qxb5?

This capture allows Black to create counterplay.

37.Qc3± Instead, this would have been better.

37…Qb8!„

Just in time. In the possible endgames Black now has counterplay based on the b2-pawn and can
exploit the exposure of White’s king.

1007
Position after: 37…Qb8!„

38.Qe2 Qb3

38…Rc8 39.Rxc8+ Qxc8=

39.Rc3

39.Rc2 Rb8„

39…Qb7 40.Qc2

40.Qd2 Rc8 41.Ne2 Rxc3 42.Qxc3 Kf7=

40…Rb8 41.Qxa4 Qxb2+ 42.Rc2 Qb1

1008
Position after: 42…Qb1

Black’s actions on the basis of the leading role of his queen proved sufficient to split the point, which
was the case after a few further moves.

43.Qc4 Rb2 44.Rxb2 Qxb2+ 45.Ne2 Qd2 46.Qc8+ Kf7 47.Qd7+ Kf8 48.Qd8+ Kf7 49.Qd7+ Kf8

½-½

Game 74
Hansen, Su B (2557)
Thybo, Jesper Sondergaard (2573)
Svendborg 2020

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2 e6 6.c3 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.Bg3 Nxg3 9.hxg3 g6

1009
Position after: 9…g6

The plan with the development of the black king bishop by fianchetto is the recommendation of
Grandmaster Gujrathi Vidit, while the exit of that piece to d6 is a reasonable alternative.

10.Bd3 Bg7 11.Qe2 Qc7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rfe1 Re8 14.Rac1 Qb6 15.Nb3 e5 16.dxe5 Bg4©

Black’s compensation is adequate after this move, with the bishop pair and slightly more active
pieces. Black could also recapture the pawn immediately.
16…Nxe5 17.Nxe5 Rxe5 18.Qd2 Bd7 This leaves Black with the better part of a roughly equal
position.

17.Qd2 Bxf3

Black regains the pawn, but at the cost of losing the bishop pair. Other options to be considered are
17…Rad8 or 17…h5, keeping sufficient compensation for the material.

18.gxf3 Nxe5 19.Be2 Rad8∞

1010
Position after: 19…Rad8∞

The position can be considered to be in dynamic equilibrium. The activity of the black pieces is
superior, while White’s structure is somewhat better due to Black’s isolated pawn. However, at the
moment this unit is not under pressure, so aspects such as the space it provides and the possibility of
serving as a base for the knight on c4 are factors to be considered in the evaluation.

20.Qc2

The queen is no better on this square than on d2, where it was covering the dark squares in lieu of the
missing bishop. The idea is to pre-empt the black knight’s jump to c4, but this ends up being an
example of the threat being stronger than the execution. Instead, White should have played as
follows.
20.Kg2 h5 [20…Nc4 21.Qc2 h5=; 20…Bf6!?] 21.Rcd1 Nc4 22.Qc2=

20…h5ƒ

Now Black has taken the initiative and themes begin to emerge such as the …h4 advance to damage
the cover around the opponent’s king.

21.f4 Nc4 22.Bf3 Rxe1+ 23.Rxe1 h4

The critical moment, as Black threatens to take on g3. How should White react?

24.Kh2?!

Instead of this debilitating move, White should take up the challenge and respond as follows.

1011
24.gxh4! Black keeps the initiative with moves such as 24…Qd6. However despite his deteriorated
structure White has not yet exhausted his defensive resources. 25.f5 Qf4 26.Bg2 gxf5 27.Nd4 Bxd4
28.cxd4 Kg7ƒ

24…hxg3+ 25.fxg3

The other capture is no better.

25.Kxg3 Nd6³

25…Bf6³

Position after: 25…Bf6³

The white king’s cover has lost some of its volume, while the dark squares on the kingside have been
weakened. Black’s initiative is stronger here, with the direct threat being to take the rook to the h-file.

26.Re2 Kg7 27.Qd3 Qa6! 28.Nc5

28.Bxd5 b5³

28…Qxa2!

1012
Position after: 28…Qxa2!

The idea is to gain access to the back rank and create a mating net around the white king.

29.Bxd5 Qa1 30.Qxc4 Qf1 31.Ne6+™ 31…fxe6 32.Qc7+ Kh6 33.Rg2?

After this move White has no defense.

33.Bc4! Instead this was necessary, with Black nevertheless holding the advantage after the
following. 33…b5 34.g4™ [34.Bxb5 Rd5–+] 34…Rd5³

33…Rxd5–+ 34.g4

1013
Position after: 34.g4

34…g5

0-1

Game 75
Giri, Anish (2771)
So, Wesley (2794)
London 2016

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2 e6 6.c3 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.Bg5

White provokes …f6 so as to subsequently threaten g4, which would claim the life of the black knight
on h5. Moreover there is also a deterioration of Black’s structure on the kingside, but the benefits of
the advance of the black pawn are in my opinion greater than the aspects outlined above, considering
the control of the center which Black gains.

8…f6 9.Be3 Bd6 10.g3 0-0 11.Bg2 f5

The most enterprising continuation, seeking to open the kingside with …f4. The position presents a
dynamic equilibrium, but White must play accurately here.

12.Ne5?

White apparently made a miscalculation here, since the complications that ensue clearly favor Black.
Instead another jump of this knight was suggested. 12.Ng5! However in the theoretical part of this

1014
work the alternative below is recommended for White instead.

Position after: 12.Ne5?

12.Nb3 The aim is to answer 12…f4 with 13.Bd2∞.

12…f4! 13.Qxh5 fxe3 14.fxe3 Nxe5?!

14…Bxe5! 15.dxe5 Bd7µ This is the recommendation in the theoretical part. White’s weak structure
and the lack of security for the white king make it an easy position for Black to play.

15.dxe5 Bc5³

1015
Position after: 15…Bc5³

Here Black has only a tenuous advantage, just as in the following line.
15…g6 16.Qe2 Bxe5³ This is better than nothing, but it is little compared to the option in move 14.

16.Rf1 Bxe3 17.Rxf8+ Qxf8 18.Qf3 Qxf3 19.Nxf3 Bd7

The ending is somewhat better for Black, due to his better structure (White always has to take care of
the pawn on e5) and the bishop pair.

20.Rd1 Rf8

20…Kf8!? Taking the king to the center before other actions.

21.c4 Bc6 22.Nd4?!

22.Ke2 Bb6 23.Nd4 This gains some time in relation to the text. 23…Bxd4 24.Rxd4 Rf5 25.cxd5
Rxe5+ 26.Kd3

1016
Position after: 26.Kd3

26…exd5 [26…Bxd5 27.Bxd5 exd5 28.Ra4©] 27.Rf4 Black is a pawn up but White is not lacking in
compensation.

22…Bxd4 23.Rxd4 Rf5 24.g4

24.cxd5 Rxe5+ 25.Kf2 [25.Kd2 Bxd5–+] 25…exd5µ Compared to the previous note, this is clearly
better for Black. It is difficult for White to find any decent compensation for the pawn.

24…Rxe5+ 25.Kf2 Kf7 26.b4

1017
Position after: 26.b4

The right plan. The more pawns White manages to exchange, the closer he is to a drawn position.

26…Ke7 27.b5 Bd7 28.b6

Forcing events.
28.cxd5 Bxb5 29.a4 Ba6 30.d6+ Kd7µ

28…dxc4 29.Rxc4 axb6 30.Rc7 Rb5 31.Rxb7 Kd6

After the latest developments, Black is one step away from claiming a superior advantage, with the
various positive elements that his position presents. White’s defense must, from this point onwards,
be very accurate.

32.Kg3 h6 33.Rb8!

1018
Position after: 33.Rb8!

With the idea of creating counterplay by attacking the enemy pawns on the kingside.

33…Rb2

This move is somewhat imprecise.

33…Rb4! Instead, this more energetic move seems more correct here, aiming for …b5 followed by
…Ra4, and targeting the pawn on g4 (after …e5). 34.Rg8 Ra4 35.Rxg7 Ra3+ 36.Kh4 b5 This is a
possible continuation, with a good chance of victory for Black.

34.Bf3 b5?!

The advance is revealed to be premature by White’s reply (although it is not very difficult to find) and
loses all the advantage by ultimately allowing the material on the queenside to be liquidated.
34…Ba4 Instead this is correct, aiming for a later …b5 without allowing the idea that happens in the
game. 35.Rg8 g5 36.Rg6 Rxa2 37.Rxh6 b5³

35.a4 b4 36.a5

It is clear that sooner or later the white a-pawn will be exchanged for its counterpart on the b-file.

36…Rb3 37.Kg2 Bc6 38.Bxc6 Kxc6 39.a6 Ra3 40.Rxb4 Rxa6

1019
Position after: 40…Rxa6

Once the pawns on the queenside have been eliminated, the resulting endgame offers Black no
winning chances, despite the passed pawn in the center. With good technique, Giri defends easily.

41.h4 e5 42.Kf3 Kd5 43.Rb5+ Ke6 44.Rb7 Kf6 45.g5+ hxg5 46.hxg5+ Kg6 47.Re7 Ra5 48.Ke3
Rb5 49.Kf3 Rb3+ 50.Kf2 Rb5 51.Kf3 Rd5 52.Ke3 e4 53.Kxe4 Rxg5 54.Kf3 Kh5 55.Re1 Rg4
56.Rh1+ Kg5

½-½

Game 76
Kamsky, Gata (2659)
Nakamura, Hikaru (2793)
Saint Louis 2017

1.d4 Nf6 2.Nf3 e6 3.Bf4 d5 4.e3 c5 5.c3 Nc6 6.Nbd2 cxd4 7.exd4 Nh5 8.Be3 Bd6 9.Ne5 g6
10.g4!? Ng7 11.h4

1020
Position after: 11.h4

A very interesting pawn sacrifice was Kamsky’s novelty in this important game. White gains space
on the kingside, where he also hopes to seize the initiative. The idea has stood the test of time, being
one of the most critical continuations against Black’s system.

11…Nxe5

Nakamura accepts the challenge and takes the pawn. The alternative, of equivalent value, is to refuse
the gift and continue with 11…h5 – which is the main line for Black in the theoretical part.

12.dxe5 Bxe5 13.Nf3 Bf6 14.h5©

White’s pressure on the kingside is adequate compensation for the surrendered pawn. Right now h6 is
threatened, which makes Black’s next move an only move.

14…0-0

Accepting a second pawn is inferior.

14…gxh5 15.g5 Be7 16.Bd3± White has ideas such as Bd4 or Qa4+ followed by Qd4. Black’s pieces
lack coordination, and the dark-colored major diagonal is a problem.

15.Qd2

White tries to improve his threats on the kingside.

1021
Position after: 15.Qd2

15…d4!

Black returns the material at just the right moment. It is remarkable that Black, according to
Grandmaster Moradiabadi in his comments for Chessbase Magazine, made his moves from the
moment of the novelty using only a few seconds – the advance of the d-pawn consumed exactly one
second for instance – proving that in his home analyses Nakamura had already considered the
occurrence of this position. Incidentally, White’s sacrifice is one of the main recommendations of the
engines.

16.cxd4

The safe option.

16.Bxd4 This leads to great complications. 16…e5 17.Nxe5 Qd5 [17…Bxe5 18.Bxe5 Qe7 19.f4
Bxg4 20.hxg6 hxg6 21.Bc4∞] 18.hxg6 Qxh1

1022
Position after: 18…Qxh1

[18…Bxe5 19.Qh6©] 19.gxf7+ Rxf7 20.Nxf7 Qe4+ 21.Be2 Kxf7 22.Bxf6 Bxg4 23.f3 Bxf3 24.Bxg7
Qh4+ 25.Kd1 Kxg7 As is often the case in this type of line, the queen trade leads to a balanced
ending. 26.Qd4+ Qxd4+ 27.cxd4 Bxe2+ 28.Kxe2=

16…b6 17.hxg6 fxg6 18.Ne5

The quoted game ends here in the theoretical part, with an evaluation of complex play. Actually all
three results are possible here, since each side has to solve various problems to improve the activity of
their pieces and secure their structure.

18…Bb7 19.Rh3 Rc8

The most logical idea, preventing a potential long castle by White.

19…Qd5 20.f4 Rac8=

20.Be2 Bg2 21.Rg3 Bd5 22.Rh3 Bg2 23.Rg3 Be4

1023
Position after: 23…Be4

Black is diverted from a possible repetition. The threat to invade with a rook on c2 forces the next
move.

24.Rc1 Qd6 25.a3

With this move White gives up a pawn in exchange for a position where he will be left with a pair of
bishops and more active pieces in general. This was not the only option, however.
25.Rxc8 Rxc8 26.Bh6 Ne8 [26…Rc2 27.Qf4 Bxe5 28.Qxe5 Qxe5 29.dxe5 Rxb2 30.Ra3©; 26…Bxe5
27.dxe5 Qxe5 28.Qd7²] 27.Rc3 Rxc3 28.Qxc3 Bd5 White maintains some initiative here, but Black’s
defensive resources seem sufficient to aim for a draw without too much trouble. A possible
continuation is as follows. 29.Bf3 Bxf3 30.Qc8 Qb4+ 31.Bd2 Qe7 32.Nxf3 h5„

25…Rxc1+ 26.Qxc1 Bxe5 27.dxe5 Qxe5 28.Qd2©

1024
Position after: 28.Qd2©

As indicated above, White has adequate compensation in this position.

28…Bd5 29.Bd4 Qe4 30.f3 Qf4?!

After this move, Black offered a draw, which White accepted.

30…Qb1+ 31.Kf2 Qh1= However, considering the complexity of the game as a whole, the draw
result must be considered fair.
31.Qxf4 Rxf4 32.Be5 Rf7 33.f4
Nevertheless, White’s position is to be preferred in this possible continuation, if we count the pair of
bishops, the space and the imminent domination of the c-file. although Black always retains a pawn
advantage. In any case, a simpler solution was available to Black as follows.

½-½

Game 77
Shulman, Boris Yakovlevich (2426)
Pecka, Josef (2436)
ICCF 2018

1.d4 d5 2.Nf3 Nf6 3.Bf4 c5 4.e3 Nc6 5.Nbd2 cxd4 6.exd4 e6 7.c3 Nh5 8.Be3 Bd6 9.Ne5 g6
10.Nd3

This retreat of the threatened knight is the most usual continuation in practice, and it also has the
virtue of controlling f4. Compared with the line with 10.g4 Ng7 11.h4 the game seems calmer, but is

1025
no less complex.

10…0-0 11.g3 Ng7

While 11…b6 and the debilitating 11…f5 are more popular in this position, I chose as my main line
this knight retreat, which clearly has already fulfilled its mission on h5.

12.Bg2 b6 13.Nf3 Nf5

This jump is the preference of the engines, giving new tasks to the tireless equine. In the theoretical
part of this book, this appears as the main line.
13…f6 This alternative is also logical, trying to gain space in the center (with …e5) or on the
kingside (with …g5). Both ideas are interesting and lead to dynamically balanced and lively
positions.

14.Bc1

White preserves his dark-squared bishop. Another possibility is to try to exchange it for its black
counterpart.
14.Bf4 Ba6 In the theoretical part I mentioned this possibility, with an evaluation of equality. An
illustrative line is as follows. 15.Bxd6 Qxd6 16.0-0 f6 17.Re1 Rae8=

14…f6 15.0-0 g5!?

Position after: 15…g5!?

A resource that allows space to be gained on the kingside in time to control f4. Black has a reasonable

1026
alternative here.

16.Re1 Qd7!? 17.a4 Qf7

17…Bb7= This is another possibility, but the text enables a possible development of the queen bishop
on d7, where that piece can also be useful in the defense of the e6-pawn.

18.Nd2 Bd7 19.Nf1 h6 20.Ne3 Nxe3 21.Bxe3 Rac8

Position after: 21…Rac8

The position remains balanced, with both sides having secure kings, a reasonably solid pawn
formation and similarly active pieces. What follows is an attempt to take the initiative on the
kingside, but Black resists with ease.

22.f4 Qh7 23.Bh3 Na5

Counterplay. If White presses on the pawn on e6, Black can make use of the c4-square.

24.Bf1 Rfe8 25.Nf2 Qg7 26.fxg5 hxg5 27.Bd3

Declared a draw. The characteristics mentioned in the evaluation made in the commentary to Black’s
21st move are maintained, showing absolute equality.

½-½

1027
 Index of Games

1) Andersson-Kasparov Belgrade 1985

2) Parkhov-Boruchovsky Arad 2022
3) Botvinnik-Kottnauer Groningen 1946
4) Steimgrimsson-Korley New York 2019
5) Fier-Ynojosa Batumi 2018
6) Ringoir-Korley Charlotte 2019
7) Vidit-Xiong Chess.com 2022
8) Zakharstsov-Grachev Khanty-Mansiysk 2022
9) Krejci-Stinka Usti nad Labem 2022
10) Weiss-Palladino ICCF 2017
11) Gajewski-Nabaty Stockholm 2022
12) Ribeiro-Eliskases Rio de Janeiro 1945
13) Zhigalko-Michiels Belgium 2014
14) Abasov-Bu Astana 2019
15) Capablanca-Alekhine Buenos Aires 1927
16) Grischuk-Shirov Moscow 2010
17) Adhiban-Ding Hyderabad 2015
18) Babula-Antoniewski Slovakia 2016
19) Kramnik-Shirov Shanghai 2010
20) Giri-Artemiev Wijk aan Zee 2020
21) Gelfand-Carlsen London 2013
22) Carlsen-Mamedyarov Shamkir 2014
23) Tomashevsky-Artemiev Sochi 2016
24) Del Rio de Angelis-Anton Guijarro Marbella 2019
25) Gurevich-Crouch Eupen 1997
26) Shevchenko-Parligras Romania 2018
27) Kuljasevic-Saric Rijeka 2011
28) Parligras-Hracek Legnica 2013
29) Maatman-Krasenkow Groningen 2018
30) Koch-Wang Novi Sad 2016

1028
31) Bachmann-Rodi Cuiaba 2019
32) Giri-Anand Moscow 2016
33) Swapnil-Heberla Barbera del Valles 2015
34) Aronian-Anand Moscow 2016
35) So-Anand London 2016
36) Mamedyarov-Kuzubov Tbilissi 2017
37) Nakamura-Karjakin Bilbao 2016
38) Li-Ding Hangzhou 2022
39) Tregubov-Gelfand Sochi 2015
40) Eljanov-Caruana Douglas 2016
41) Gurevich-Bartel Kusadasi 2006
42) Werle-Kriebel Novy Bor 2019
43) Mamedyarov-Caruana Saint Louis 2018
44) Radjabov-Firoujza Madrid 2022
45) Wang-Mareco Baku 2016
46) Sarana-Alekseenko Yaroslavl 2019
47) Ding-Duda Batumi 2018
48) Khusenkhojaev-Van Foreest Batumi 2018
49) Ivanchuk-Gelfand Chess24.com 2020
50) Mamedyarov-Ding Shamkir 2019
51) Dubov-Giri Moscow 2019
52) Kozul-Moussard Zagreb 2022
53) Mamedyarov-Kasimdzhanov Khanty-Mansiysk 2019
54) Capablanca-Reshevsky Nottingham 1936
55) Vallejo-Naiditsch Heviz 2008
56) Kochyev-Lputian Kislovodsk 1982
57) Carlsen-Anand London 2017
58) Gelfand-Lu Khanty-Mansiysk 2019
59) Giri-Aronian Bucharest 2021
60) Wang-Wu Danzhou 2019
61) Kasimdzhanov-Drozdovskij Konya 2010
62) Eljanov-Wojtaszek Batumi 2018

1029
63) Vitiugov-Can Batumi 2019
64) Bluebaum-Melkumyan Batumi 2018
65) Ding-Wojtaszek Shenzhen 2018
66) Salemgareev-Khusenkhojaev Cheliabinsk 2018
67) Najdorf-Petursson Reykjavik 1976
68) Caruana-Anand Batumi 2018
69) Bluebaum-Donchenko Tegernsee 2020
70) Deac-Adams Douglas 2018
71) Zhao-Matlakov China 2017
72) Stefanova-Navara Gibraltar 2018
73) Van Foreest-Jakubowski Germany 2017
74) Hansen-Thybo Svendborg 2020
75) Giri-So London 2016
76) Kamsky-Nakamura Saint Louis 2017
77) Shulman-Pecka ICCF 2018

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Table of Contents
Title page 3
Key to Symbols 5
Bibliography 6
Foreword 7
Introduction 9
Chapter 1 – The Exchange Variation 17
Variation j, Selected Games 92
Chapter 2 – The Cambridge Springs 157
Variation i, Selected Games 248
Chapter 3 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4!? 323
Chapter 4 – 3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Nf3 Nbd7 373
Variations g-h, Selected Games 434
Chapter 5 – The Vienna Variation 495
Variations h-i, Selected Games 571
Chapter 6 – 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 652
Chapter 7 – The Catalan Opening 712
Variation l, Selected Games 791
Chapter 8 – White Sidelines on Moves 3 & 4 872
Bonus Track: Accelerated Catalan & London System 944
Index of Games 1028

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