Marcus Schmuecker

THE LONDON-/YJTEM

11

I I

Marcus Schmuecker

The London System

© Marcus Schmuecker www.123chess.de email: info@123chess.de No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, e lectronic or mechanical , includ ing photocopying, recording or any information storage or retrieval systems, without prior written permission from the author.

1 st Edition in English 2009

Translation from German: Front cover design: Back cover design: Concept and Type: Indexer: Printed and bound by:

Timo Holloway Lars Rambach Marcus Schmuecker Marcus Schmuecker Marcus Schmuecker Top-Offset GmbH, Frankfurt

Contents List of symbols Dedication Foreword I ntroduction

Classical Line

Chapter

1 2 3

4

5 6

7 8

9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7

1 8 1 9 20

Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . . 1We7 Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 .. J%e8 !? Main position with . . . �d6 + the rest

7 .l/Je5

Exchange on g3 - Part 1 Exchange on g3 - Part 2

6 . . . �e7 + 7 . . . l/Jxe5 6 . . . �e7 + 7 . . . 0-0

The route to the main position

3 . . . l/Jh5!? 4 . . . l/Jh5?! 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . c5 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . �d6 5 .l/Je5 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . �d6 5.�g3!? 4 . . . �d6 5.�g3 b6!? 3 . . . e6, 4 . . . �e7 2 . . . e6, 3 . . . �d6 2 . . . c5!?

Attacking b2 with an "early" '<Wb6

4 . . . 1Wb6 !? + 5 . . . 1Wxb2 4 . . . 1Wb6!? + 5 . . . c4 4 . . . '<Wb6!? + 5 . . . a6!?

Page

5 5 6 9

1 8 22 30

32

35 38

42 45

48 51 52 53 56 59 61 63 67

69 72 79

2 1 22 23 24 25 26 27

28 29 30 3 1 32 33

34 35 36 37 38 39 40

4 1 42 43 44 45 46

Attacking b2 with a "late" '!Wb6

5 . . . 'Wb6 Introduction 5 . . . '1Wb6 + 8 . . . e5? 5 . . . '1Wb6 + 8 . . . l"lxa3? 5 . . . 'Wb6 + 8 . . . �g4 5 . . . 'Wb6 + 8 . . . l"la5!? 5 . . . 'Wb6 + 8 . . . Ct:Ja7! 5 . . . 'Wb6 + 8 . . . e6

Symmetry

4 . . . dxc4 4 . . . e6?! 4 . . . c6 Main position with 6 . . Ct:Jbd7 Main position with 7 . . . dxc4 Reasons for 4.c4!

The Slav Way: 2 . . . c6

Line 1 to the main position Line 2 to the main position Main position with 7 . . . �e7 Main position with 7 . . . c5 2 . . . c6/ . . . �g4 with Ct:Jf6 2 . . . c6/ . . . �g4 without Ct:Jf6 All the rest after 2 . . . c6

Caro-Kann Exchange Variation Gruenfeld main l ine Gruenfeld sidel ine Schlechter set - up Chigorin - Defence Stonewall

83 89 92 96 97

1 03 1 06

1 08 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 3 1 1 7 1 1 9

1 24 1 27 1 30 1 32 1 35 1 37 1 39

1 4 1 1 44 1 47 1 5 1 1 53 1 60

5

List of Symbols + Check ++ Double check # Mate X Capture !! Bril l iant move

Strong move !? I nteresting move ?! Dubious move ? Mistake ?? Blunder 1 -0 White won Y,-Y, The game was drawn 0-1 Black won +- With a winn ing advantage for White ± With clear advantage for White ;t With a small advantage for White = With equal play + With a small advantage for Black -+ With a winn ing advantage for Black (D) see diagram = main l ine (D) see diagram = sideline [ d i rect side variation ( variation with in the sideline

Dedication My special thanks go to my two very good friends Daniel Schirm and Bernd Schartau .

6

Foreword

You are looking for an opening with the following attributes:

1. easy to learn

2. extremely solid

3. full of poison

4. fascinating positions

5. relatively unknown

6. plenty of scope for own ideas

lt is interesting to note that the London System is very well known in amateur circles as White can reach a playable position after the opening phase without having to have a lot of theory knowledge. This fact alone underl ines the solidity of the London System .

As the system covers al l variations after 1 .d4 d5 (lazy people can also use it against 1 . . . ti:lf6), it must be regarded as a un iversal weapon . But if this system is so good, then why is it sti l l so little-known?

I can only guess at the reason -probably the opin ion establ ished itself at higher levels that the London

System (LS) would not have enough bite to seriously endanger Black.

However, there are also a few people among the top grandmasters who think otherwise. Gata Kamsky for instance used the London System with reasonable success and the London System is very popular one or perhaps two steps lower down at the IM- to FM-Ievel , as White can easily avoid long theory variations, forcing his opponent to play chess from the very beg inning.

The much-praised solidity should not be mistaken for boredom as in truth the concept for a very dangerous kingside attack is in herent in the London System. Numerous games have been decided in favour of White long before the 301h move just because Black underestimated the white set-up.

Literature (Bibliography)

Up to 2005 there was only one book which seriously dealt with the London System - "The London System" by Andrew Soltis, which was published in 1 993 .

Like many others I heard of the system after losing a game and qu ickly recognised its many advantages. I a lways enjoyed looking at chess scientifically and examining the positions in detai l . My own theory grew and eventually the idea of writing a book describing the London System arose.

GM Vlatko Kovacevic (the London System Guru) publ ished the first real ly comprehensive book about the London System called "Win with the London-System" in 2005. While studying the book I was very surprised to see how many of my own ideas were mentioned in the book, and even more surprised to find more new ideas which I had a lso been thinking about. So the decision was made to publ ish my own work.

History

The London System was played for the first time between Mason and Blackburne (D) during the 2nd

I nternational Chess Tournament in Vienna in 1 882 (Draw after 23 moves).

7

a b c d e f h

8

6

3

2

a

Blackburne obviously l iked the open ing as he played it later - mostly in London (where the name comes from) - against opponents such as Lasker, Chigorin and Stein itz. Aljechin also tested the system. The London System turned up regu larly in London for many years. lt must be presumed that Mason invented the London System as he had experimented with if4 on various occasions before his game against Blackburne.

Transposition into other openings

Attention must be paid to two characteristics:

1 . ) After 1 .d4 d5 2.lt:Jf3 c5 Black can transpose into the Exchange Variation of the S lav Defence with 3.c3 cxd4 cxd4.

8

The question is whether this wil l often happen in practice, as White can simply play from a safe position half a tempo ahead . lt would not make much sense for Black to actively beg in with 2 . . . c5 just to transpose into a passive defence immediately.

2 . ) The second transposition is better. Black can reach a Stonewal l position with 1 .d4 d5 2.tt:lf3 e6 3.i.f4 c6 4.e3 f5!? (D) . Even though th is is not part of the London System, a detai led theoretical explanation can be found in the last chapter.

I hope my book will turn you i nto an enthusiastic London System advocate who wi l l be able to celebrate many great wins with th is wonderfu l opening.

A1ou-� s��cAer­Iserlohn, 31.08.2009

o Introduction o

Introduction The characteristic set-up

a c e g

The bishop on f4 is clearly the main feature of the London System. I n addition , the London System i s a n al l­round weapon which can be used against nearly al l Black set-ups.

9

Often enough Black feels compelled to offer his good bishop for an exchange on d6, wh ich underl ines the strength of the ii.f4.

If Black does not do something against it , White can also put his remaining pieces onto their most desirable squares (see d iagram).

Basic set-up

a b c d e h

�w� S'+� /7 ////'/

6

3

2

The ii.f4 has three colleagues - d4, e3 We wi l l be meeting this basic set-up and ltlf3 . These are also regu lars in frequently. the London System set-up.

The main idea of ach ieving control over the black squares (and in particu lar over the square e5) becomes apparent straight away.

At the same time White resolves the problem of his bad bishop most elegantly by positioning it outside his pawn chain .

White has built up an absolutely unshakeable centre with his three pawns placed on c3/d4/e3. His main motif in the middle of the board consists of pushing through e4-e5 at the right time. Otherwise, piece play is more l ikely to stand in the foreground.

In many cases White can even be so bold as to leave his King standing in

10

the centre for some time. lt is no rarity that White castles as late as the 201h move. Often enough he simply has better things to do beforehand.

The good bishop on d3, which often plays a decisive role in an attack on the king, assists here. The C/Jd2 is very flexible and can qu ickly be developed further to either the kingside or queenside - depending on where it is needed . The white queen often finds itself on e2 or b3, but very rarely on c2 , because there it obstructs the best retreat square of the j,d3.

Unfortunately White cannot always accomplish the desirable set-up . Therefore , he must always know how to use h is three most flexible pieces (�c2, j,f1 and C/Jb1 ):

8c2 The handl ing of this pawn is easy to memorize. As soon as Black puts the white centre under pressure with . . . c5, White will strengthen his pawn on d4 with c2-c3.

If Black behaves passively with . . . c6 then one can continue actively with c2-c4, exerting pressure on d5.

o Introduction o

.if1

I n the London System the j,f1 is nearly always developed to d3, but there are a few exceptions. j,e2 should always be the reply to a setup with . . . g6, because the later threat of . . . e5-e4 can be very unpleasant for White with a bishop at d3 . If Black reacts normally and plays . . . c5 or even . . . e6 , then the j, can always be put onto d3 without hesitation .

However, White often does not have the necessary information right from the start, therefore he usually has to begin with the development of his �c2 and C/Jb1 .

Should Black for example develop

o Introduction o

with . . . �f5, then �d3 wou ld not be a promising option , as the good white bishop wou ld be exchanged for the bad black one. The correct reaction would be c2-c4 with an active game on the q ueenside. If a position with . . . c6/c4 arises and Black does not take on c4, then White waits with the development of h is bishop unt i l he can util ize �e2 to castle short.

lt gradually becomes clear that the London System is extremely flexible and White can start a fight on both sides of the board .

ctJb1 The knight - as well as the bishop - is also dependent on the position of the c-pawn. If this stands actively on c4 , then of course ti:lc3, increasing the pressure on d5, should be played .

8

7 6

5

4 3

a b c d e

�� ;:,;+� ;;,, ///.-/

h 8

6

5

4 3

2

1 1

Rule: Both pieces (.if1 and �b1) ·

should be deployed according to the eA set.,.up.

Why is only 1 .d4 d5 covered?

a b c d e f g h

As explained in the introduction, White obtains control over the dark squares with �d4, �f4, ti:lf3, �e3. This applies particularly to the key square e5.

With 1 . . . d5 B lack did us a favour in permanently weakening e5. If he goes for 1 . . . ti:lf6 instead, he remains flexible in the centre and can fight for the black squares much more easily.

White can , of course, adopt h is usual set-up and reach a solid position . However, if Black chooses to play the Queen's Indian Defence or the King 's Ind ian , no advantage can be gained from the open ing with the London System.

12

On the other hand, after 1 . . . d5 Black wil l face a very hard fight. Therefore, we are only dealing with positions after 1 .d4 d5 in this book.

Whether the London System can keep up with the Queen's Gambit - or if it is even stronger - p lays a secondary role. I personally consider it to be at least equ ivalent.

Here we have a kind of desirable set­up for White , wh ich often comes up like th is - or in a similar form - on the board.

How is it possible for White to win countless games from such positions? The reason is quite simple to understand . White has

o Introduction o

1 . a clear attacking target: �g8

2. a clear attacking plan , for instance id3, �f3-h3 and g4-g5.

lt is already very difficult for Black to find means against this as he does not have any adequate counterplay. Playing on the queenside with a6-b5-b4 - or similar - takes far too long. If Black takes on e5, then the important defensive knight is forced to retreat from f6 with dxe5.

By coincidence I myself played such a game shortly before fin ishing this book. (the German version from 2007)

Schmuecker - Vicktor 1 4 .01 .2007

1 .d4 ltlf6 2.ltlf3 d5?!

Objectively speaking, th is move cannot be a mistake, but it al lows the London System.

3.i.f4 e6 4.e3 i.e7 5.ltle5!

Preventing . . . tt:lh5 and occupying e5.

5 . . . ltlbd7 6.ltld2 a6

Preparing his counterplay on the queenside.

7 . .id3 c5 8.c3 0-0?! (01 )

o Introduction o

1

a b c d e h

The desirable position, which is similar to the one on the previous page, has been reached. By castl ing short Black offers a clear target for an attack.

9.Wfff3 c4?

Wins a tempo for the pawn attack on

13

2

a b c d e h 8

6

Maintains the advantage in the most convincing way, as Black can hard ly take on e4 and . . . e5 is also prevented . [1 2 .tt:lxe7+? Wffxe7 1 3.e4 e5!= just shows how quickly an advantage can become ancient history.]

1 2 . . . .tb7

the queenside, but is much too [1 2 . . . dxe4 1 3. tt:lxe4 tt:lxe4? 1 4.tt:lxe7+ committ ing. Wffxe7 1 5.Wffxe4+-]

1 0 . .tc2;t b5?

Black makes every mistake that one can possibly make against the London System.

1 1 .tt:lc6

Collecting the good bishop.

1 1 . . . Wffe8 1 2.e4! (02)

1 3.liJxe7+ Wffxe7 1 4.e5 tt:le8 1 5.Wffh3+- g6

The only hope for Black consists of organizing counterplay with . . . b4, but he will not be able to do so during th is game.

[1 5 . . . h6 is worth considering , but it makes a later g4-g5 possible.]

14

1 6.ltlf3

Threatens igS or t'Llg5 in certa in cases, therefore Black is practically forced to play.

16 . . .f6 1 7 .exf6 ltlexf6 (03)

3

a b c d e f g h al.l- - �-·-a 7-�-1.&- - ' 17 6 1 £ - _ , _ ,_6 s_i _ i _ - Is 4 1 _ , 0 �� - 4

3- �(� -tLJ-"i¥13 2 1 8�:��- 0 8 02 1��� - � -1:;11 1 � � � �

a b c d e g h

lt is nearly impossible to list al l the advantages of the white position : pair of bishops, space advantage, more active pieces. The bishop on b 7 is very passive, as al l black's pawns stand on l ight squares, e6 is a permanent weakness and black's king's position has been weakened with g7-g6. Hence, the dark squares are weak and White wi l l make use of this fact. But B lack made no obvious mistake. Exactly this is just one of the hidden strengths of the London System.

18 .0-0 ic8

o Introduction o

with the hope of playing . . . e5.

1 9J�ae1 !

A very precise move, as an add itional piece wil l be forced into a worse position.

19 . . J��e8

Black's position can only be regarded as sad. [ 1 9 . . . e5? 20 .dxe5 t'Llxe5 21 .!'!xe5 '\Wxe5 22.lt'lxe5 ixh3 23.gxh3]

20.ltle5 ltlxe5 21 . .ixe5

A further advantage of 1 9.!'!ae1 is that . . . b4 is again not possible.

21 .. . ltle4 (04)

offering a pawn, hoping to achieve a draw with opposite coloured bishops.

22.f3?

This is the main reason why only one of my own games is included in th is book. I am much too perfection istic to torment the readers with such or similar missed opportun ities.

The game should have earned 22.!'!xe4! - 22 . . . dxe4 23.ixe4 !!a? 24.ixg6!+- I overlooked the last move in the precalculation , but even without striking on g6 White's advantage is obvious as the ieS is more valuable than either of black's rooks.

o Introduction o

4

As a small excuse, I wou ld l ike to mention that the game was played in

15

to me during the game. White plans to occupy the f-fi le with l:H1 -f6 . After this, pushing the h-pawn to h5 would be decisive. 29 . . J%a7 (29 . . . Wf3 runs into 30.'lt,e3) 30.'lt,f1 'gf7 31 .'l!,f6+-]

27.'Wg5

Immediately h5 would have been even stronger.

27 ... 'Wg7 28.h5 h6 (05)

5

a b c

a very important team event and 5 safety was first priority.

22 . . . lflf6 23.'Wh6

Setting up the threat of .ixg6.

23 .. J�f8 24.g4

And again the threat becomes acute.

24 . . . 'Wf7 25.h4 lfld7 26.f4 Whoever finds the solution 29 .'Wh4! gxh5 30.g5!, can be very proud of himself. White threatens <j;Jh 1 and

Offers the transition into the endgame. there is simply no defence for Black. My solution delays the decision .

26 . . . lflf6 29.'Wxg6? 'Wxg6 30 . .ixg6 lflxg4

[26 . . . tt'lxe5 27 .fxe5 Wg7 28.'l!,xf8+ 31 . .id6 Wxf8 29.Wg5! The queens have to remain on the board - this was clear At last material is lost.

16

31 . . J!f6 (06)

6

a b c d e f g h

[31 . . J�d8 32 . .ie7 !'id? 33.1"ixe6+- is also bound to lose.]

32.f5! J.d7

[32 . . . exf5 33.1"ie8+ mg? 34 .1"ie7+ <j{ga 35 . .ie5 and Black can resign.]

33 . .ie7?!

This move wins, but 33.fxe6! is even stronger. [33.fxe6! 1"ixf1 + (33 . . . 1"ixe6?? 34 . .if7+) 34 .<j{xf1 ! whoever sees that the king is able to take on f1 will have recogn ised the win of the e6-pawn straight away.]

33 ... :Sxf5 34.hf5 exf5 35 . .id6 :Sd8 36.:Se7 J.cs 37.J.e5

Black's position stands shortly before

o Introduction o

surrender, but my opponent wil l delay resigning . The game is therefore no longer really i nteresting .

37 . . . 'it>f8 38.:Sh7 :Se8 39.:Se1 J.e6 40.:Sa7

and again the best continuation is missed in time trouble. [40 . .ig7+! <j{ga 41 .1"ih8+ mf? 42 .1"ixe8 mxe8 43.1"ixe6+]

40 ... i>g8 41 . .if4 J.f7 42.:Sxe8+ J.xe8 43.:Sa8 'it>f8 44 . .id6+ mf7 45.:Sxa6 lLlf6 46 . .ie5 ll:lxh5 47.B:xh6 'it>e7 48.'it>g2! (07)

7

A nice motif with which a further pawn is captured .

48 . . . f4 49.'it>f3 ll:lg3 50.'it>xf4 ll:le4

Techn ically sti l l a little bit tough .

o Introduction o

51 .i.b8

51 . . . tDf6 52.:ah1 cj;le6 53.:ae1 + tDe4 54.b3 <j;ld7 ss.:ae3 cxb3 56.axb3 tDd2

The pawn was not really relevant to me - invad ing on e5 with the king was much more important:

57.cj;les <j;lc6 58.:ah3

With these three pieces a mating net is imminent.

58 . . . tDxb3 59.:ah6+ <j;lb7 60.<j;lxd5! (08)

A small tactical joke.

60 ... tDa5

[60 . . . i.f7+ 61 .cj;les <j;lxb8 62.1'%h8+ <j;lc? 63.1'%h7]

61 .:ah7+ <j;lc8 62 . .ie5 i.d7 63.:ah8+ <j;lb7 64.cj;lcs tDc4 65.:ah7 <j;lc8 66.i.h2

[After 66 .1'%xd7 <j;lxd7 67.<j;lxb5 there are sti l l some drawing chances for Black.]

66 ... i.e8 67.d5 tDb2 68.�a7 tDa4+ 69.cj;ld6 tDb6 70.cj;le7 1 -0

17

8

a b c e g

Conclusion :The way the game went is typical for the London System. The proficient London System player will win a lot of games playing l ike this. Often enough Black will ask himself after the game what he did wrong! The theoretical part, starting to deal with the main position of the classical system, beg ins on the next page.

Why did I not start with the lines that lead to that position? Well , I consider it more important to first understand the main positions and only then to see how they arise.

I would now l ike to wish all of you a lot of enjoyment with the London

System!

18 Chapter 1

M ain position with .. . .id6 + 8 ... Wfe7

1 .d4 d5 V!l)f3 c5 3.c3 ttlf6 4.i.f4 e6 The alternatives are hand led similarly, 5.e3 ttlc6 6.ttlbd2 i.d6 7.J.g3 0-0 for example 8 . . . :t"\e8 9.tt:le5! . 8.i.d3 V!fe7 {09) Only 9 . . . tt:ld7 is very interesting here.

9

9.ttle5!

9 . . . J.xe5

This is defin itely the best reaction . Black forces a pawn to e5, which he then hopes to put under pressure . He gives up h is pair of bishops for this purpose and must take care not to be mated right away. Everything depends on the result of the struggle for e5.

[9 . . . tt:ld7!? B lack prevents J.h4 and plans to get rid of the knight with . . . f6. 1 O .tt:lxc6!?

(1 0. tLldf3 is also fine: 1 0 . . . f5 1 1 . 0-0 tLlf6 1 2. ttJxc6 bxc6 13.J.xd6 Wixd6 14. tLle5 cxd4 15.exd4 c5 16. V!ffa4 c4 1 7.J.e2± Yedidia- lnkiov, French Championship 1 996.)

1 O . . . bxc6 1 1 .Viffa4 J.b7 (1 1 . . .E\b8 1 2. Vlffxc6t.) 1 2 .J.xd6 1 2 . . . Viffxd6 1 3.Viffa3 (01 0)

1 0

Chapter 1 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . ."®e7 19

1 3 . . ."®e7 ( 1 3 . . . e5 1 4.iJ5!) 14 .ll:'lb3 Otherwise there would be no pin on c5 any more. 1 4 . . ."®g5 1 5.li:Jxc5 "W'xg2 1 6 . me2 "W'g4+ 1 7 . md2 li:Jxc5 1 8 ."\WxcS "W'f3 1 9 .:gafH (D1 1 )

White clearly has the better bishop. He can use the open g-file in order to in itiate an attack on the black king .]

1 1

[9 . . J:l:d8 1 0.f4 ll:'ld7 1 1 .0-0 There is nothing here to speak against castl ing . The rook from f1 can qu ickly be brought into the attack via f3. 1 1 . . . l/Jf8 covers h7 without the risk of being pinned with �h4, as would be the case after l/Jf6 1 2 ."W'e2?! Too timid . (12. "W'h5!?!) 1 2 . . .f6 1 3.�h4 �d7 14 .li:Jxd7 :gxd7 1 5 .�h 1 :gea 1 6J'l:ae1 ';!;' Bisguier-Frias Pablaza, Lone Pine 1 981 . ]

[9 . . . �d7 1 O .f4 li:Je8 1 1 .0-0 f5 1 2 .�h4! l/Jf6 (1 2 . . . "W'xh4? 13.ll:'lxd7+-) 1 3."W'f3!]

[9 . . . h6? 1 0 .f4 �d7 1 1 .�h4+- 1 -0 Lindam, I-Schu ltheis,H/playchess.com 2004 (28)]

[9 . . . cxd4 1 O .exd4 ll:'ld7 1 1 .f4 f5 1 2 .0-0 l/Jf6 1 3 .�h4 We? 14 ."W'e2 ll:'le4 1 5.mh1 �d7 1 6 .g4 �e8 1 7 .gxf5 exf5 1 8J:'\g 1 ! V . Kovacevic-Fressinet, Solin/Spl it 2000.]

Back to the main l ine

1 0.dxe5 t!Lld7 1 1 .f4!� (012)

1 2

[1 1 .ll:'lf3 b 6 1 2 ."W'a4 �b7 1 3."W'g4 mea (13 . . . f5) 1 4 ."W'h3 h6 1 5.0-0! Dresen­Stanetzek, Aachen 2003.]

20 Chapter 1 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . . We7

1 1 .. .f6 1 2.Wh5! (01 3) Otherwise the pawn on e5 would simply be lost.

Still not g iving up the fight for e5. 14 [1 1 . . .f5 hopes for a slackening of hostilities. But 1 2 . tLlf3;t prepares �h4 again. An important tip: White should never attack too bl indly with g4. He has already achieved good control 7 over al l parts of the board . Therefore , 6 g4 can be prepared very carefu lly.]

a b c d e h

5 [ 1 1 . . . d4 1 2.0-0! With a clear advantage for White, as Black can 4 neither strike on e3 nor on c3, as 3 White would keep control over d4 i n both cases.

1 3

The text move 1 2. Wh5 forces a further small weakness in Black's camp - and indirectly strengthens White's control over e5 at the same time.

12 ... g6 13 .exf6 (014)

1 3 . . . Wxf6

seems to final ly win the fight for e5 .

[ 13 . . . l/Jxf6 1 4 .Wg5 the control over e5 is very important. Due to his pair of bishops, White is in a comfortable position. 1 4 . . . l/Jh5 1 5.Wxe7!? striving for an endgame. 1 5 . . . l/Jxe7 1 6 .�h4! (0 1 5) An excel lent move which provokes tt:Jf5. 1 6 . . . l/Jf5 1 7 .�f2;t and Black wil l have to spend some time to avoid losing a piece after g4.]

[13 . . . :1'\xf6 1 4.We2!;t After this retreat the threat of �h4 becomes acute.]

14.V;Yf3!

. . . e5 is again not possible for Black as white queen cou ld take on d5. A

possible move sequence could be

:hapter 1 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . :t!f!e7 21

1 5

a b c d e

1 4 . . . '!1Nd8! 1 5.i.c2!� (016)

1 6

the scope of the !':'1J8 has been increased and . . . t2Jde5 was threatened. There really are a lot of

8 resources in chess.

White 's position is actual ly very easy

6 to play, as after 0-0-0 and h2-h4-h5 I hardly see any chances for Black to

4 [1 5.0-0-0? Would run into the trap 1 5 . . . t2Jde5! 1 6 .WI'e2 t2Jxd3+ 1 7.WI'xd3=]

2 Conclusion: The classical variation has lost much of its popu larity, because White gets a strong attack far too often without having to sacrifice anything .

Taking these considerations into account, 8 .. J3e8 looks much more promising.

Avoids a small trap , because on account of the queen's retreat to d8,

22

Chapter 2

Main position with . . . .id6 + 8 . . J3:e8

1 .d4 e6 2.lL'lf3 c5 3.c3 d5 4 . .if4 lt'lf6 5.e3 lt'lc6 6.lt'lbd2 .id6 7 . .ig3 0-0 8.id3 E:e8!? (01 7)

1 7

a b c d e g h

s!.l-_trij.l-·fia 7_ , _ _ , ,,7 6 1 -lj)-.1. -6 s - -.1.- - I s

4 1 - ��� - - 4

3- D����tZJm 1 3 �����.��iV,� �----/ � � �

a b c d e f g h

Once again . . . e5 is threatened . Besides supporting the advance of the e-pawn , another advantage of . . . !'1e8 is that the f8-square becomes accessible for other pieces .

9.lt'le5 he5!?

Learn ing a l l the sidel ines by heart does not make a lot of sense, but one should have a good look at them to get a feel ing for the positions. it is very important to notice that black must not al low the establishment of the knight on e5 with f2-f4 . After f2-f4, the resu lting pawn

structure would be identical to the one in the Stonewall (Dutch Defence), where Black sets up his pawns on f5,e6,d5,c6 , but White has managed to position his bad bishop outside the pawn chain . The fol lowing variations show how dangerous the white attack may become.

[9 . . . tt'le7 1 0 .f4 a5 A desperate attempt to create counterplay on the queenside. There is nothing else Black can do. 1 1 . .ih4 tt'lg6 1 2 .ig5 cxd4 1 3.exd4;!; ie? 1 4 .0-0 White's pieces are ideally placed . 14 . . . tt'ld7 1 5 . .ixe7 V!J.xe7 1 6 .tt'lxd7? This exchange was not really necessary. (1 6. V!J.f3!) 1 6 . . . .ixd7 1 7 .V!J.h5 tt'lf8 1 8 .tt'lf3 f6 1 9 .!'1ae1 V!J.d6;!; 20.tt'le5!?= A neat move. (20. V!lh4;!;) 20 .. . fxe5 2 1 .fxe5 g6 22 .V!J.h6 V!J.e7 23.!'1f6 (D 1 8)

Even though White has sacrificed a whole piece for only one pawn , amazingly Black is powerless.

The white plan is qu ite simple, he wil l bui ld up an arti l lery of heavy pieces on the f-fi le. Subsequently, he wil l weaken Black's king position with h2-h4-h5. There does not seem to be anything Black can do about this plan . 23 . . . V!J.g7 24.V!J.f4 .ic6 25.!'1f1 !'1e7 26. h4 !'1c7 27.!'1f3 b5 28.h5 g5 29.V!J.g4 h6. Allowing the bishop to go to g6, but what else was possible? 30 . .ig6 mh8 3 1 .!'1f7+- !'1xf7 32 .!'1xf7 V!J.g8 33.V!J.f3 tt'ld7 34.!'1h7+ V!J.xh7 35.ixh7

Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . . l'l:e8!? 23

!l:f8 36. \Wg4 lt>xh 7 Considering the one advantage of 8 . . . l'l:e8. . . 1 3.0-0 material , Black should be fine, but his \We? 1 4 .lbg4 (0 1 9) Sacrifices are in pieces are placed very the air. 14 . . . \We?? inharmoniously. Therefore, White faces no problems converting his advantage. 37.\Wxe6 lbb8 38.\Wg6+ ltih8 39 .\Wxh6+ \t>g8 40.\Wg6+ lt>h8 4 1 .h6 l'l:g8 42.\Wf6+ lt>h7 43 .\Wf?+ 1 -0 Dan ielsen - Nijboer, Odenthal Eikamp 1 98 1 A really nice game.]

a b

1 8

c d e g h

The theoretical sign ificance of the move 9 . . . \We? is not absolute but the game i l lustrates White's attacking ideas in a very vivid way. 1 0 .f4;!; The white plan consists of �h4/'1Wf3-h3, g4-g5 or of 0-0, followed by l'l:f3-h3. Black can only wait and see, hoping to survive, since there is no sign of counterplay available to h im. 1 O . . . tt:Jd7 1 1 .tt:Jdf3 f6 weakening g6 and by do ing so weakening h7 as wel l , but Black wants to get rid of the tt:Je5 at all costs. 1 2 .�h4 lDf8 At least

1 9

g h

a) 1 4 . . . �e7! is the toughest continuation . 1 5.lDf2 c4 (15 . . . e5? 1 6. fxe5 fxe5 1 7.�g3 �d6 1 8.dxc5 hc5 19.e4 dxe4 20.he4+-) 1 6 .�c2 tt:Jg6 1 7.�g3;t and White is only a l ittle bit better.

b) 1 4 . . . b6? also loses by force . But at least it offers a great show . . . 1 5.�xf6 ! gxf6 ( 15 . . . h5 1 6.lbh6+ gxh6 1 7.lbe5 he5 1 8. fxe5 \Wf7 19.�4 \Wd7 20.\WxhS+-) 1 6 .tt:Jxf6+ lt>f7 1 7.tt:Jxe8 Wxe8 1 8.lbe5 �b7 1 9 .\WhS+ Wd8 20.e4! \Wg7 2 1 . exd5 exd5 22.lbf7+ We? 23.tt:Jxd6 lt>xd6 24.dxc5+ bxc5 25.l'l:ad 1 l'l:d8 26 .�e4 lbe7 27.c4+-

1 5.tt:Jfe5! �d7 (15 . . . l'l:d8 1 6.hf6! gxf6

24 Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . . Ei:e8 !?

1 7. CtJ h6+ c:J;g7 1 8. Wig4+ 4Jg6 19.hg6 hxg6 20.Wixg6+; 15 . . . Eib8 16 . .bf6 gxf6 1 7. 4Jh6+ c:JJhB 1 8. 4Jhf7+ c:JJgB 19.Wig4+ 4Jg6 20.hg6; 15 . . . c:JJh8 1 6. 4Jxf6! gxf6 1 7.Wih5 c4 1B . .bh7) 1 6.�xf6 ! gxf6 1 7 .4Jh6+ c:J;g7 1 8 .Wig4+ Black resigned in this position . After 1 8 . . . c:JJxh6 a mate in 7 moves wil l follow: 1 9 .Ei:f3 4Jg6 20.�xg6 c:JJg7 2 1 .�xh7+ c:JJh8 22.Ei:h3 Wig? 23.4Jf7+ Wixf7 24.�f5+ Wih5 25.Ei:xh5#

The shown game is very important and instructive because of the following aspects:

1 . Attacking motifs 2 . Defensive resources 3. Exploitation of weaknesses. 4 . Strong sacrificial motifs.

[9 . . . c4? As one might remember, c4 is nearly always bad - this position is no exception : 1 0 .�c2 Wie7 1 1 .f4;t 4Jd7 1 2 .Wif3 4Jf8 1 3.0-0 f5 14 .b3 ! (D20).

20

1 -0 Jaeger, M-Federau , J/Germany 1 990 (27) A typical pawn break after . . . c4. ]

[9 . . . h6?! would be even worse than 9 . . . g6. 1 O .f4 4Jd7 1 1 .Wih5 4Jcxe5 1 2 .fxe5 �e7 1 3 .0-0 Ei:f8+- 1 -0 Cuno, T -Svahn, X/ICCF-Cup8/9 V071 corr 1 990 (28)]

[9 . . . cxd4 gives White an edge, as the e-file offers him some opportun ities . 1 O.exd4 Wic7 (10 . . . .be5?! 1 1 .dxe5 4Jd7 12.Wih5! g6 13.Wie2+-) 1 1 .f4;t]

[9 . . . g6?! is a sin concerning the ru le "Do not unnecessarily weaken your king's position !". 1 0 .f4 4Jh5 1 1 .�f2 f6 1 2. 4Jxg6 hxg6 1 3.�xg6 A sacrifice at low risk in the game Minasian-Tissir, Abu Dhabi 2004. After 1 3 . . . 4Jg7 1 4.�xe8 V!Jxe8 1 5 .dxc5 �xc5 1 6 .Wif3 Wig6 1 7 .h4 �d7 1 8.h5 Wid3 1 9 .g4 Black's pieces were obviously not coord inated very wel l . ]

Back to the main line

10 .dxe5 llJd7 1 1 .llJf3! (21 )

Although 1 1 .f4!? might well be possible, as pointed out by Kovacevic, I believe that 1 1 .llJf3 is clearly stronger.

Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . .id6 + 8 . . . :ge8 !? 25

21 14 . . . b5? Instead, the idea of 14 . . . ttJc5 seems to be very strong . The knight is head ing for d3 and it is not clear to me where the white compensation has disappeared.]

1 1 . . . '\Wc7 (023)

23

[ 1 1 .f4 !? (Kovacevic) The fol lowing pawn sacrifice is dangerous for Black, but I do not believe in fu l l compensation . 1 1 . . . c4! 1 2 . .ic2 '\Wb6 1 3 . .if2 '\Wxb2 1 4 .:gc1 (022)

22

White suddenly seems to face a rea l 8 problem: How to cover e5? This is

possibly the main reason why 1 1 .ctJf3 ! has not been played very often .

6 [1 1 . . . f5 1 2 .exf6 '\Wxf6 (12 . . . tDxf6

5 1 3. tDe5 a6 14. 0-0 ttJxe5 1 5.he5 .id7 1 6. 'lW c2 'lW e 7";. �-� Lloyd , D-

4 Bruckmayr,F/ICCF email 1 999 (33);

3 1 2 . . . gxf6 13 . .ic2!) 1 3 . .ic2!;!; when . . . e5 is prevented.]

2 [ 1 1 . . . h6 1 2 .0-0 \We? 1 3 .e4 transposes to the main l ine.]

[1 1 . . .ctJf8 1 2 .0-0;!; .id7 1 3.'\We2 h6

26 Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . . l"\e8!?

1 4.l"\ad 1 f5 1 5.exf6 Wxf6 1 6 .e4! �g6 [1 2 . . . h6? ! Weakens the pawn 1 7 .Wd2 �ce7 1 8 .l"\fe 1 �c6 1 9 .exd5 structure voluntarily, while the move �xd5 20.�e5 l"\ad8 2 1 .�g4?! 1 -0 does not threaten anything. Blatny,P-Koelle ,A/Germany 1 990 Therefore, 1 3 .e4! Wb6 14 .We2!? is (4 1 ) . the correct reply. Everything is (21 . c4! is even stronger. 2 1 . . .�c6 protected indirectly. 1 4 . . . c4 1 5 .�c2 22.We3 �xe5 23.he5+-) ] �c5 (1 5 . . . Wxb2?? 1 6.exd5 exd5

1 7.�h7++-) 1 6.l"\ad 1 dxe4 1 7 .�xe4 1 2.0-0 ! �xe4 1 8.Wxe4 Wxb2 1 9 .Wxc4;!; (025)

Covering e5 by tactical means.

[ 12 .�xh7+? The bishop sacrifice is not correct: 12 . . . �xh7 1 3 .�g5+ �g8 1 4 .Wh5 �f8-+]

1 2 . . . g6!? (024)

24

25

White has occupied the d-file and Black has enormous problems concern ing the development of his queenside.]

[ 1 2 . . . �cxe5?? 1 3 .�xe5 �xe5 14 .Wh5+- (026)

Sets up the threat against e5 again , Makes the point of 1 1 .�f3 ! clear and but considerably weakens the dark also a sign ificant disadvantage of squares. But it is hard to see how 8 . . . !"\eS : covering the square e5 White can ever make use of this. with . . . f6 is no longer possible. ] Alternatives are always answered with 1 3 .e4 !

Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . �d6 + 8 . . J::\e8!? 27

26

Back to the main l ine

1 3.�b5! (027)

More or less forced , as after 1 2 . . . g6 the threat to the e-pawn became real . From a positional point of view the move is log ical as wel l : The bishop has fulfi l led its obl igations on the d iagonal b1 -h7 and ensured permanent weaknesses on the dark 6 squares. lt has done its job. I n contrast, one should have a look at the �c8!

1 3 .�b5! has not been played so far, 3

therefore my own analysis wil l follow. 2

1 3 . . . a6

Black wants to create counterplay on the queenside (where else?) , therefore the text move is very logical .

1 4.i.xc6 V;V:Xc6 (028)

[ 14 . . . bxc6 1 5 .e4 Elb8 1 6 .b3 c4 1 7.exd5 cxd5 1 8 .b4;!;]

28 Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . .id6 + 8 .. J'l:e8!?

This is the critical position . Both players have acted very log ically and it is not clear right now how the struggle will continue. White would really l ike to play e4 but the pawn would not be protected sufficiently. Therefore, 1 5.'\Wc2 or 1 5.l'l:e1 come into consideration. But this loss of time would g ive Black the opportun ity to organise an effective counterplay on the queenside beg inning with . . . b5.

But if you really wish for something

1 5.e4!

And it does work! Black gets no time for his own plans.

1 5 ... b5 (029)

29

a b c d e h

8

7 6

Accepting the pawn sacrifice is far too dangerous. Let us see what happens

if Black simply sticks to his plans.

[ 1 5 . . . dxe4?! 1 6.CiJd2! Heading for d6. The weakness of the dark squares becomes apparent. 1 6 . . . 1Wd5? Black tries to keep his material at all costs.

( 1 6 . . .f5 activates White 's dark­squared bishop. 1 7 .exf6 CiJxf6 1 8 .CiJc4!

In th is position , the control over squares, especially over the weak ones in Black's camp, is much more important than the material . 18 . . . b5 19. CiJe5;!,; there are various ideas, such as .ih4, and as soon as one of Black's pieces arrives on d5, c4! wil l fol low, with further destruction of the opponent's pawn structure. White controls the board , his deficit of one pawn does not really matter. )

(1 6 . . . b5 1 7.Ele1 .ib7 1B.CiJxe4;!,; The knight wil l land on d6 sooner or later.)

(1 6 . . . e3 1 7.CiJc4!)

1 7.'\We2 CiJxe5 1 8.CiJxe4 CiJd? 1 9.l'l:ad 1 +- (030) Black can resign, as upon 1 9 . . . '1Wc6 White can counter with 20.l'l:xd7 ! After 20 . . . .ixd7 2 1 .CiJf6+ �f8 (2 1 . . . �g7 22.'\We5) 22 .CiJxh7+ <l?g? (22 . . . �e 7 23.'\We5 �dB 24.Eld1 there is no defence against CiJf6 . 24 . . . <l?cB 25.CiJf6 EldB 26. Eld6) 23 . .ie5+ (23.'\We5+ �xh7) 23 . . . <l?xh7 24.'\Wg4 with mate to follow sooner or later.]

The variations clearly show how risky the acceptance of the pawn sacrifice would be. Therefore, Black should not take the pawn but try to draw the

Chapter 2 - Main position with . . . ii.d6 + 8 . . J'&e8!? 29

slightly worse endgame. Whichever answers with . . . cxb4, then after cxb4 way one looks at it, Black's position is his d-paw� would becom� very weak. not to be envied . 1 7 . . . bxa4 IS answered w1th 1 8 .1"lxa4 ,

after which the rook is dreaming of 30 being transported to the kingside.

Back to the main variation

1 6.exd5 exd5

As from now on the e-pawn is mobile, motifs in connection with e5-e6 come into consideration . This is going to be an extremely important idea, especially during an attack against Black's king. [1 6 . . . '\WxdS 1 7 .'\We2+-].

17 .a4!;t; (031 )

White is better as he can successfu l ly defend h is queenside. Playing b4 soon is a good idea in order to fight for control over d4, thus creating an ideal square for the knight. If Black

Conclusion : Thanks to 1 1 .tt:Jf3 ! , 1 2.0-0! and 1 3 .1i.b5! the whole variation starting with 8 . . . 1"\eB stands on very shaky legs.

30 Chapter 3

Main position with . .. i.d6 + the rest

1 .d4 d5 V!ljf3 c5 3.c3 tt:lf6 4.J.f4 e6 5.e3 tt:lc6 6.tt:l bd2 J.d6 7.J.g3 V!!e7 (032)

32

This is a clever idea. Black delays castl ing to avoid offering White a goal for an attack. Instead, he immediately threatens to break through with . . . e5.

[7 . . . V!!c7? is a fatal mistake frequently occuring in Bl itz games. 8.dxc5 Obviously the pawn is lost. . 8 . . . J.xg3 9.hxg3 e5 1 0.b4+-]

1 2.ttJf3+- J,g4 (12 . . . V!!d6 13.tt'lxe5 V!!xe5 14.J.xf6 gxf6�) 1 3 .'\Wa4+ J.d7 14 .J.b5 a6 1 5 .J.xd7+ '\Wxd7 1 6.'\Wxd?+ tt'lxd? 1 7 .0-0-0+-) 1 0 .J.g3! The main l ine has appeared on the board now! However, two other moves have been played already:

b) 8 . . . J.e7 9.J.xe7 '\Wxe7 1 O.tt'le5�;

c) 8 . . . V!!b6 9.dxc5 J.xc5 1 0 .b4 J.e7 (10 . . . J.d6 1 1 . tt'lc4!�) 1 1 .b5 tt'la5 (033)

33

Optically this position does not look [7 . . . tt'lh5!? lt is not easy to find the particularly good for Wh ite as he has correct counter. 8.J.h4! to think about his backward ,0,c3 .

However, this problem can be solved a) 8 . . . tt'lf6 9 .J.d3 0-0 (9 . . . e5? Does not qu ickly: 1 2 .J.xe7 <Jlxe? 1 3 .c4 dxc4 work. 1 O .dxe5 tt'lxe5 1 1 .tt'lxe5 J.xe5 1 4.tt'lxc4 li:Jxc4 1 5 .J.xc4 :t"!d8 1 6 .'\Wa4�]

Chapter 3 - Main position with . . . i.d6 + the rest 31

[7 . . . li:Je4 8.i.xd6 '\Wxd6 9 .li:Jxe4 dxe4 1 0 .li:Jd2 cxd4 1 1 .exd4 f5 1 2 .f3 0-0 1 3.fxe4 fxe4 1 4 .i.c4 e3 1 5 .li:Jf3;!; Kovacevic-Lalev, Ruse 1 983.]

8.lDe5 lDd7

[8 . . . i.xe5 9.dxe5 li:Jd7 1 0 .f4 (10.li:'lf3 WidB 1 1 .i.d3 '\Wb6 1 2.'\Wc2 c4 13.i.e2 0.c5 14. li:Jd2 i.d7 1 5.0-0 Rubinstein­DuzKhotimirsky, Karlsbad 1 907.) 1 0 . . . 0-0 transposing to Chapter 1 with 8 . . . '\We7.]

9.lDxc6! ?

Transferring the battleground to the queenside.

[9.f4 0-0 1 O .i.d3 f6 1 1 .li:Jxc6 bxc6 1 2 .'\Wc2 f5 ( 1 2 . . . g6 1 3 .0-0 c4 1 4 .i.e2 e5 Kveinys-Nyback, Plovdiv Echt 2003. 1 5 .e4 exd4 1 6 .cxd4 li:J b6 1 7 .b3±) 1 3 .li:Jf3 a5 14 .i.h4 '\We8 Vega Holm-Vallejo Pons, Ponferrada 1 997. 1 5 .0.e5 i.xe5 1 6 .dxe5 li:Jb6 1 7 .b3 a4 1 8 .0-0;!;]

1 1 .�b3

The bishop can only be defended by the rook, but to do so the rook must leave the a7-pawn.

1 1 . . J:�b8 1 2.i.xd6 �xd6 1 3.�a3! 1;(034)

34

9 . . . bxc6 1 0.�a4 The whole point, as White col lects the pawn with the threat of li:Jb3-c5, since

Trying to take advantage of the otherwise the pawn on a7 is lost. weakness in Black's camp. At first glance it seems as though Black can get rid of his doubled pawns by playing cxd4 at some point, but this idea wil l remain an i l lusion .

1 0 . . . i.b7

The only sensible defence of c6 [1 O . . . i.xg3 1 1 .hxg3;!;] .

Conclusion : 7 . . . �e7 is a good try, but White can keep the better prospects with 9.li:Jxc6!? or 9 .f4 . No attention was paid to 7 . . . lDh5!? up ti l l now, although this move could be used to test White at the least.

32 Chapter 4

Classical L ine with 7 .�e5

1 .d4 d5 2.<!ljf3 tLlf6 3 . .tf4 e6 4.e3 c5 This is the most natural way to fight 5.tLlbd2 tLlc6 6.c3 i.d6 7.tLle5 (035) for the square e5.

35

a b c d e h

[7 . . . \Wb6?? 8.tLldc4 dxc4 9.tt:Jxc4 iWd8 1 O.tt:Jxd6+ cj]e7 1 1 .dxc5 1 -0 Mehmet­Nadjar, Val Maubuee 1 990.]

[7 . . . .txe5? g ives up the good bishop voluntarily and on top of that White

6 obtains great attacking possibilities. What more could one wish for?

5 8.dxe5 tLld7 9 .\Wg4 1"lg8 1 0.tLlf3 g5

This is an extremely important l ine, as Black can achieve this position almost by force with an exact sequence of moves . At first glance it is not quite clear whether White can advantageously maintain h is central knight on e5 or whether a forced exchange wil l produce an uninteresting middlegame for h im. Immediately giving up the pair of bishops with 7 . . . .txe5 would be favourable for White, as one wil l be able to see.

7 . . . V!!c7

1 1 . .tg3± Tobak-Ugolik, Odessa 200 1 .]

[7 . . . 0-0 !? 8 . .tg3 (036)

36

lt would normally be risky to castle into the king's attack White has

Chapter 4 - Classical Line with 7.�e5

prepared. However, if Black plays properly and maintains control over the important e4-square, it seems as though he can keep a solid position .

This position is important because of the chapter dealing with 3 . . . e6

followed by 4 ... .id6

[8.�df3 is possible, even though less ambitious. 8 . . . �h5 (8 . . . �e4!?) 9 .�xc6 bxc6 1 0 . .ixd6 iMfxd6 1 1 .�e5 �f6 1 2 .'1Mfa4 cxd4 1 3 .exd4 c5 1 4 .'1Mfa3 �e4 1 5 . .id3 cxd4 1 6 .'1Mfxd6 �xd6 1 7 .cxd4= Ristic-Stojanovic, Budva 2002.]

8 . . . '1Mfc7 is critical . (8 . . . '1Mfe7 is analysed in chapter 1 )

[9 .f4!? is the aggressive continuation. A mating attack is planned . But with an exact defence Black is probably able to equalize.

A)

9 . . . b6 misses the opportunity to reach a balanced position . 1 0 . .id3 �e7 1 1 .0-0 .ib 7 1 2. '\Mff3 �f5 13 . .if2 .ie 7 14. �g4 �xg4 1 5. '\Mfxg4 �d6 1 6. iMfh3 f5 1 7 . .ih4 .ixh4 1 8. '1Mfxh4 c4 19 . .ic2 b5 20.a3 aS 21 .g4� S. Kovacevic­Carbonell Bofi l l , Aragon Championship 1 997.

B)

9 . . . �e7!? is possibly good enough to equal ize. After 1 O . .id3 �f5 1 1 . .if2 c4 1 2 . .ic2 .ie7! 1 3 .g4 �d6 (037) Black

33

is planning . . . b5 and . . . .ib7 , which would lead to a balanced s ituation in the centre. However, with White attacking on the kingside an interesting struggle is in the offing . Black must be careful after 1 4 .'1Mff3 �fe4 1 5 .g5 (15. �xe4?! dxe4 1 6 . .ixe4 f6! 1 7 . .ixh7+ @xh7 18.g5 fxg5 19.'1Mfh3+ @gB�) . because 1 5 . . . �xd2?!

( 1 5 . . . b5 is a better attempt, even though White can try 1 6 .h4 .ib7 1 7.a3! so that after 1 7 . . . a5 1 8.h5 b4 1 9.g6 bxc3 20.bxc3 �xd2 21 .<j;lxd2 the black queen cannot go to a5. After 2 1 . . .fxg6 22.hxg6 h6 White keeps a small edge because his pieces are placed on better squares.)

1 6. <j;lxd2 b5 loses almost by force: 1 7.�g4 .ib7 1 8.�f6+ gxf6 1 9 . .ixh7+ @xh7 20.'1Mfh5+ <j;lg8 2 1 .gxf6+-]

37

34

C)

9 . . . 'Lle4 1 0 .�d3 f5 1 1 .'Llxc6 bxc6 1 2.�xd6 Wxd6 1 3 .'Lle5 cxd4 1 4 .exd4 c5 1 5 .0-0 Wb6 (038) Hel l ing-Keres Dre�den 1 936. After 1 6 .Wb3 Whit� achreves a promising endgame example 16 . . . cxd4 1 7.Wxb6 �xb6 1 8 .cxd4 l"la4 1 9.'Llc6 �b7 20.b3 l"la3 21 .'Llb4;!;)

Back to the main l ine

8 . .ib5 .id7 9.ttlxd7 ttlxd7 1 o . .bd6 'Wxd6 1 1.1�' g4 0-0 1 2.f4 ttlf6 1 3.'1Wf3 ttle7 1 4 . .id3 'Wb6 1 5.2"lb1! (039)

White is in total control of the situation on the qu�enside. In the long run his pia� consrsts of conducting an attack �garnst the black king. Blacks queen rs actually misplaced on b6· Considering the fact that Black has t�

Chapter 4 - Classical Line with 7. ltJeS

generate counterplay on the queenside with b7-b5, it soon becomes clear why the queen is not on the correct square. Wh ite can therefore be absolutely happy with his position.

Conclusion : A freq uent strategy of th

_e London System is that White -

wrth_

one eye scrutin izing an attack a�arns� Black's king - always plays wrth hrs other eye looking for the transition into an advantageous endgame.

35 Chapter 5

Exchange on g3 - Part 1

1 .d4 d5 V�jf3 ctJf6 3 . .if4 c5 4.e3 ctJc6 Hebden-Arkel l , London 1 999.] 5.c3 e6 6.ctJbd2 .id6 7 . .ig3 i.xg3 8.hxg3 (040)

40

An exchange on g3 only makes sense for Black if he can successfu l ly fight for e5. If instead he continues to develop normal ly, White wi l l occupy e5 with his knight and initiate a very strong attack on the kingside. Therefore , Black only has one reasonable move.

8 . . . Wfd6

[8 . . . cxd4 9.exd4 tLlg4!? 1 0 .�b5 �d7 1 1 .Wfe2 Wfc7t. S.Kovacevic-Diaz Flares Garcia, Manresa 1 996.]

9 . .ib5!? (041)

41

The positional solution. The line 9.Wfc2!? is fu l l of tactics, as one will see in the next chapter.

9 . . . .id7

Other continuations include:

[8 . . . \We? 9.\Wa4 0-0 1 0.tLle5 tLlxeS [9 . . . a6 1 0 .\Wa4 i"i:b8 1 1 .�xc6+ Wxc6 1 1 .dxe5 tLld7 1 2 .tLlf3 c4 1 3 .Wd 1 f6 1 2 .\Wc2 We? 1 3 .tLle5 h6 1 4 .g4 tLld7 1 4 .exf6 tLlxf6 1 5.\Wd4 tLle4 1 6 .�xc4 1 5 .tLldf3 tLlf8 1 6 .dxc5 Wxc5 1 7 .\Wa4+ tLlxf2 1 7 .\t>xf2 dxc4 1 8 .\Wxc4+- b5 1 8 .\Wf4 i"i:b7 1 9.\Wd4 Wxd4

36

20.cxd4;!; 2000.]

Barva-Turzo, Aggtelek

[9 . . . 0-0 1 O.�c2 h6 1 1 .iixc6 bxc6 1 2 .tLle5 tLld7 (12 . . . '8.b8 Coloviz­Todorovic, Herzeg Novi 2001 . 1 3.g4! cxd4 14.exd4 c5 1 5.g5 cxd4 1 6.cxd4 hxg5 1 7.�d3 g4 1 8. tLlxg4+-) 1 3 .lLldf3 cxd4 1 4 .exd4 c5 1 5.dxc5 tLlxc5 1 6 .0-

Chapter 5 - Exchange on g3 - Part 1

13.tLlg6) 1 3 .�c2 h6 (13 . . . tLlf8 14. 0-0-0 iieB 15.dxc5 �xc5 1 6.e4 f6 1 7. tLld3 �c4 1 8.exd5+- Knezevic-Langeweg, Sarajevo 1 981 .) 1 4 .g4 '8.ac8 1 5 .0-0-0 !;!; (043)

a b c

43

d e

0-0 �e7 1 7 .'8.h4 iib7 1 8 .'8.dh 1;!; 8

Blatny-Stone, Groningen 1 990.]

[9 . . . tLld7 1 O .�c2 h6 1 1 .g4 This pawn 6 mutates into a battering ram in some variations. 1 1 . . . '8.g8 (1 1 . . . a6 12.ii.xc6 5 bxc6 13.g5 '8.g8 14.gxh6;!;) 1 2.0-0-0 tLle7 1 3 .tLle5 cxd4 1 4.exd4 a6 4 1 5.iixd7+ iixd7 1 6 .'8.de1 a5 1 7 .'8.h3 3 '8.a6 1 8.'8.f3+- Brava-Bence, Hungary 2003.]

1 O . .ixc6 .ixc6 1 1 .c\Lle5 h6 (042)

42

[ 1 1 . . . tLld7 1 2.lLldf3 �e7 (12 . . . f6?

( 1 5.'8.h3 was tried in Pozin-Potkin, Eforie Nord 1 998 1 5 . . . b5 1 6.a3 a5 1 7 .g5 hxg5 1 8 .'8.h7 g4 1 9.'8.xg7? gxf3 20.�g6 and Black won with 20 . . . tLlxe5 2 1 .dxe5 �d8! ! (044)

Chapter 5 - Exchange on g3 - Part 1 37

44 45

a b c d e f

22.2"1g8+ (22. Vfixf7 VfifB-+) 22 . . . �d7)] White's dominance is overwhelming.

[ 1 1 . . . 0-0 1 2 .g4 ct::ld7 1 3.Vfic2 f5 1 4 .ct::lxd7 �xd?;!; Kamsky-Diugy, New Conclusion : The positional answer York 1 989.] 9 .�b5 guarantees White a solid plus.

1 2.g4!?

Certainly stronger than 1 2 .a3, which was played in Gyimesi-Sergienko, Kecskemet 1 992.

12 . . . tiJd7 1 3.tiJdf3 :ace 1 4.g5 V!fe7

[ 14 . . . Vfif8 1 5.g6 tt:Jxe5 (15 . . . f6 1 6. tLlf7 !"1gB 1 7.dxc5 ttJxcS 1 8. tLld4 Vfie7 19.a4+-) 1 6 .tt:lxe5 f6 1 7.tt:lf7 l"\g8 1 8.Vfig4 f5 1 9 .Vfif4 �d7+-]

1 5.gxh6 gxh6 1 6.tiJxd7 �xd7 1 7 .tlJe5 �b5 1 8. V!ff3 :ac7 1 9.:ah5+-(D45)

38 C hapter 6

Exchange on g3 - Part 2

1 .d4 d5 2.tLlf3 tLlf6 3.i.f4 c5 4.e3 tLlc6 5.c3 e6 6.tLl bd2 �d6 7.�g3 �xg3 8.hxg3 �d6 9.�c2! (046)

46

White prepares to castle long , keeping an eye on the e4-square at the same time. Black can practica lly forget about castling kingside. Another advantage of the text move is that the �f1 remains flexible

9 . . . i.d7!

Preparing to castle on the queenside as wel l . Th is is the only way Black can hope for equal chances.

[9 . . . e5?! Very attractive , but White has armed h imself against this with 9.�c2.

1 O.dxe5 ttJxe5 1 1 .ltJxe5 �xe5 1 2 .�b5+ underlines the advantage of Wc2 , as after 1 2 . . . �d7 1 3 .�xd7+ Black can only recapture with the king �xd?;!; ( 1 3 . . . ttJxd7? 14 .!'lxh7) ]

[9 . . . h6 1 O.dxc5 Wxc5 1 1 .e4 dxe4 1 2.ltJxe4 ltJxe4 1 3 .�xe4;!;]

[9 . . . a6?! lt does make some sense to prevent the check on b5, but this move loses time. g4 h6 ( 1 0 . . . ltJxg4 1 1 .!'lxh7;!; ) 1 1 .g5 ltJg4 1 2 .gxh6 No matter how Black recaptures on h6, White wil l maintain the better prospects. ( 1 2 . . . !'lxh6 1 3 .!'lxh6 gxh6;!; ( 1 3 . . . ltJxh6 1 4 .Whn) 1 2 . . . gxh6 1 3 .g4! +-]

1 0.g4! (047)

47

Chapter 6 - Exchange on g3 - Part 2

The battering ram is set free.

[ 1 0 .0-0-0? seems to be very healthy, but the h idden point of 9 . . . �d7! is d isclosed only later. 1 O . . . cxd4 1 1 .exd4 lt'lb4!(D48)

48

White is not forced to capture, that is correct, but what is the alternative? 1 2 .Wb3 looks good - but suddenly 1 2 . . . lt'lg4 is played and f2 can no longer be guarded. 1 3.Wxb4 Wxb4 1 4 .cxb4 lt'lxf2 1 5.�e2 ESc8+ 1 6 .\t>b1 c:Jle7 1 7.EShf1 lt'lxd 1 1 8 .ESxd 1 ESc7 1 9 .ESc1 ESxc1 + 20.<�xcn Due to his destructed pawn structure White cannot even think of having an advantage. But with a bit of luck he might be able to achieve a draw.]

1 0 . . . h6

[ 1 0 . . . lt'lxg4 1 1 .ESxh7 ESg8 (1 1 . . . ESxh7 12.\Wxh!;t,) 1 2 .ESh4 e5 1 3 .dxe5 lt'lgxe5

39

1 4. lt'lxe5 Wxe5 ( 14 . . . lt'Jxe5 1 5. 0-0-0t) 1 5.4:lf3;!;]

1 1 .g5 .!Llg4 1 2.gxh6 .!Llxh6! (049)

49

This is the only way for Black to keep his kingside together. However, the knight on h6 is not placed very wel l .

[1 2 . . . ESxh6 1 3 .ESxh6 gxh6 ( 1 3 . . . lt'lxh6 1 4 . .!Ll b3! The main scene suddenly switches to the queenside. Unfortunately the excursion 1 4 .\Wh? does not bring any success. 14 . . . c4 1 5.lt'lc5 b6 (15 . . . �c8 1 6.b3! b6 1 7.lt'Ja4 b5 18. 4Jc5 e5 19.a4;!;) 1 6.lt'lxd7 c:Jlxd7 1 7 .b3+-) 14 .lt'lb3]

1 3 . .!Llb3!

On the kingside everyth ing has been cleared up for the time being . Therefore, Black is tempted to play . . . c4. After this White can

40

contemplate a pawn break with either b3 or sometimes even e4.

[ 1 3 . . . cxd4 1 5.0-0-0;!;]

1 3 . . . c4

1 4.exd4 0-0-0

[ 1 3 . . . b6?! 1 4 .dxc5 bxc5 1 5.c4!;!; (050)

a b c

50

Chapter 6 - Exchange on g3 - Part 2

The best reaction .

[ 14 . . . j,c8?! (05 1 ) After this move Bla?k cannot connect the rooks very eas1ly, therefore

51

d5 ·

(1 7 .ti:lxg5? would end in a wonderful ex IS threatened , since the pawn on flop: 1 7 . . . e5 1 8 ti:le41 'Wg61 1 9 5 j,f51 c5 ."':'ould no longer be protected 20.ti:ld6+1 'W�d6 . . .g .

suffiCiently. lt is not so easy to find a 22 l'l:xh8� @ 7 23 :g 21 .'Wxf5 ti:lxf5

satisfying answer. 1 5 . . . d4 1 6 exd4 ti:lh41 N e · . xa.8 exd4 24.exd4

ti:lxd4 1 7 .ti:lbxd4 cxd4 1 8 0-0-0+- . ·.

ow .B lack IS m an excellent

e5?? 1 9.l'l:xd4 exd4 20 'W 4+]. position , b.elng clearly better despite

· e the stunn1ng turns. 25.0-0-0 'Wf4+

14.ti:lc5

The.re is hardly any retreat square available for the knight - but in actual fact it does not need one.

14 .. . b6

26·�b 1 'Wf5+ 27.�a1 (27.�c1 'Wxg5+) 27 . . . 'Wc2-+)

1 7 . . . b5 1 8.ti:lc5+- g5 cannot be held and the attempt 18 . . . e5 wou ld face the answer 1 9 .ti:lxg5 j,xg4 20.f3 j,c8 (20 . . . j,t5?? 21 . l'l:xh6! hc2 22. l'l:xd6 hd1 23.@xd1+-) 2 1 .e4! B lack

Chapter 6 - Exchange on g3 - Part 2 41

cannot cope with the position being 1 6 ... b5 opened up. 21 . . . exd4 22.cxd4 ct:lxd4 23.'\Wc3! '\Wxc5 24 .exd5+-; [1 6 . . . CUf5?! 1 7 .ct:le5+! COxeS 1 8 .dxe5;t] [ 14 . . . 0-0-0?! 1 5. b3;t]

Back to the main l ine

1 5.lL!xd7 'i!?xd7! (052)

52

a b c d e g h

The rooks are connected and there is no danger for the king on d7 right now. [ 1 5 . . . '\Wxd7 1 6 .b3 b5 1 7 .a4;t] The main reason for this evaluation is the unguarded rook on a8]

1 6.0-0-0

[1 6 .b3 b5 1 7 .a4 a6 does not offer an advantage any more, as the !'ia8 is protected by now.]

1 7 .ie2 b4

Black begins getting active himself. Fi les are opened in order to get at the white king . Thus White must continue to play very energetically.

[1 7 . . . !'labS 1 8 .tt:le5+! demonstrates that it is possible to get at the king on d7 in some cases. 1 8 . . . tt:lxe5 1 9 .dxe5 '\Wxe5 20.e4 ! . Crushing violence sometimes really is a solution . . .

20 . . . '1Wf4+ (20 . . . '\WgS+ 2 1 .<j;lb1 '\Wxg2 22.exd5 exd5 with an advantage.) 2 1 .'tt>b 1 '\Wxf2 22.exd5;t]

1 8.lL!e5+ lL!xe5 19 .dxe5 \Wxe5 20.\Wa4+ 'it>e7 21 .\Wxb4+ <i>f6 22.g4 g6;!;

The position remains complex, but White has the the better minor piece, more grip in the centre - and his king is also in a safer position .

Conclusion : The tactical continuation 9 .'\Wc2 also offers very good chances of attaining an advantage, but the positions are very complicated . Especial ly Black must continuously solve difficult problems, a task that is hardly possible during a practical game.

42 Chapter 7

6 . . . .ie7 + 7 . . . ttJxe5

1 .d4 d5 2 .tLlf3 tLlf6 3 . .if4 e6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 tLlc6 6.tLlbd2 i.e7 (053)

53 8 .. .'1Wb6 (054)

54

This is clearly more passive than 6 i.d6 but at the same time more , . s�iid a� wel l . Actually Black sets up The main idea of the queen s move �s the threat of getting the pair of i.d7-b5. If Black. can exchange h1s b. h 'th "" h5 bad i., then he Will have solved al l of IS OpS Wl . . . "l..l .

his problems. 7 .tLle5!

[8 . . . i.d7!? The cleverest attempt, as Prevents . . . tLlh5 as well as the natu ral B lack wants to execute the same idea

.t. b as after 8 . . . WI'b6, but does not show developing plan of . . . b6/ . . . Jt., 7. this right away.

7 . . . tLlxe5

Brings immediate clarification .

8.i.xe5

9 .a4! (055) Highl ights that the idea of Wl'b6/i.b5 has to be eliminated immediately .

Chapter 7 - 6 . . . ile7 + 7 . . . lt:lxe5

(9.ild3?! iWb6 1 O.iWc2 cxd4 1 1 .exd4 .�b5 1 2 .0-0 0-0 1 3 .ilxb5 iWxb5 14 .l::lae1 lt:ld7 1 5 .ilg3 !i:ac8= Suskovic-Dumitrache, Zagreb 1 997.)

9 . . . c4 Hoping to exploit the position of the weakling on a4, but in the meantime one should have learnt that . . . c4 is seldom good. The queenside is cracked open with 1 0. b3 cxb3 1 1 .iWxb3 and White can possibly play on both wings after 1 1 . . . ilc6 1 2 .ild3;t]

55 a b c d e g h

s i J.- -·- M s 7- · -�- · £ 1 7 6 1 - ' . . - 6

5rJ • m a 1 5 4 � � -/ �r� B - 4 � "'"'0 � �

� �r� �r� B 1 3 3� �"� """0 � 2 1 D � �:�� 02 1 a -�=�a: l 1

a b c d e g h [8 . . . 0-0?! B lack should delay castl ing 9.ild3 lt:ld7 If B lack remains passive , then iWf3-h3 etc. is i n the offing . 1 0 .ilg3 f5 1 1 .0-0 c4 1 2.ilc2?! Very natural , but the bishop has fulfilled its purpose on the d iagonal b1 -h7, therefore the move ile2 would be more appropriate. (12.ile2! b5 13.iWc2;t with the idea of b2-b3 and perhaps a2-a4. White wil l play on the queenside, keeping the initiative.)

43

1 2 . . . b5 1 3 .lt:lf3 b4 1 4 .lt:le5 lt:lxe5 1 5.ilxe5 iWa5 1 6 .iWd2 ild7 1 7 .f3 iWb6 18 .e4 a5= Georgievski-Stamnov, Struga 1 993.]

[8 . . . ild6? 9.ilb5+ @f8 (9 . . . ild7 1 0.ilxd6 ilxb5 1 1 .:Jlxc5+-) 1 0 .lt:lf3;t]

Back to the main l ine (054)

9J�b1 !?

I think covering b2 with the queen must be too passive . [9.iWc2?! ild7 1 O.a4 a5 1 1 .ild3 h6 1 2 .0-0 0-0 1 3 .h3 (13.dxc5!?, freeing the square d4 for his knight) 1 3 . . . ilc6 1 4.g4 lt:ld7 1 5.ilg3 with an equal game in Brandies-Kern , Kecskemet 1 992.]

9 . . . cxd4 1 O.exd4 .id7 1 1 .a4 (056)

56

Apparently preventing . . . ilb5.

44

1 1 . . . 0-0

[1 1 . . . '\Was 1 2J'�a1 'W'b6 (12 . . . 'il,c8 13.:kd3) hoping for a repetition moves, but this idea will be prevented with 1 3.'il,a2! (057).

57

The rook is not placed particularly strongly on a2, but what can be said about the queen on b6? If in the progress of the game Black wants to open up files on the queenside, he can only do so with a timely a6-b5, which would open up the a-file once again . In this case the 'il,a2 would suddenly be positioned ideal ly for doubling the rooks. ]

1 2.:kd3;!;

Black does not have any convincing counterplay but White, on the other hand, has clear ideas on the kingside.

Chapter 7 - 6 . . . :lie? + 7 . . . 'Llxe5

45 Chapter 8

6 . . . .ie7 + 7 . . . 0-0

1 .d4 d5 2.lt:lf3 lt:lf6 3 . .if4 e 6 4.e3 c5 5.c3 lt:lc6 6.lt:lbd2 .ie7 7.lt:le5! 0-0?!

(058)

58

[7 . . . '1Wb6 8 .Eib1 lt:ld?

[7 . . . ttJd7 is interesting , as Black is fighting for e5 before castl ing. 8.lt:lxd7 .ixd? 9 . .id3;!; with a sl ight advantage as the white pieces are more active and Black has exchanged his important defensive knight.]

[7 . . . a6?! Does not produce much . 8 . .id3 .id? 9 .0-0 c4 Giving at least a certain sense to 7 . . . a6. 1 0 . .ic2 b5 1 1 .'1Wf3 ! b4? was played in Obers-Van Aurich, but White missed the shot 12. lLldxc4!+-]

Back to the main variation

8 . .id3 i.d7 (059)

59

8

5 (8 . . . .id7 with the idea of .ib7-b5, but

6 5

this seems to be hardly possible : 4 9 . .id3! lt:lxe5 1 O.dxe5! (10 . .ixe5? cxd4 . . . .ibS=) 1 O . . . ttJg8 1 1 .e4 !;!;) 3

9 . .id3?! (9. ttJxd7! .ixd7 10.'\Wg4;!;) 9 . . . ttJdxe5 1 0 .dxe5 g5 1 1 .i.g3 h5 1 1 2 .h3 .id? 1 3 .i.e2 h4 and in the game =:..:.......,.:..:.......,.:..:.......,.--,-=:..:.......,.,........;.;.;=....,.-: Zurek-Polak, Czechoslovak Cht. 1 991 both king 's positions remained

3

2

vulnerable.] There is no simple solution for Black.

46

[8 . . . 4Jxe5?! is very dangerous. 9.dxe5 t/Je8 1 0 .h4 j,d7 1 1 .j,xh7+! (060). This sacrifice should never be missed in the London System .

60 c d e h

Chapter 8 - 6 . . . j,e7 + 7 . . . 0-0

[8 . . . 4Jd7? 9 .Wh5 f5 10 .g4 4Jdxe5 1 1 .dxe5 g6 1 2 .Wh3 Ei:f7 Needleman­Hungaski , Buenos Aires 2003. 1 3.0-0-0±]

[8 . . . j,d6?! can only be a loss of time compared to 6 . . . j,d6. 9.Wf3 Wc7 1 O.t/Jxc6 j,xf4 1 1 .Wxf4 Wxc6 1 2.Wh4

8 Wb6 1 3 .0-0-0 cxd4 14 .exd4 Wd8 1 5.!':'\he1 g6 1 6 .f4;!; Ernst-Ekstr6m, Baden 1 997.]

6 [8 . . . cxd4 9.exd4 j,d7 (9 . . . g6 10.j,h6

5 E\eB 1 1 . f4 t/Jh5 12.0-0 t/Jg7 13.-hgl;!; B. Balogh-Rosta, Hungarian Championship 1 992.) 1 0 .0-0

3 (10.Wf3;!;) 1 0 . . . a6 1 1 .!':'\e 1 b5 1 2.a3 g6 1 3.!':'\e3 t/Jxe5 1 4 .j,xe5 aS 1 5.!':'\h3 Ei:c8

2 1 6.Wf3 t/Je8 (16 . . . !':'\eB 1 7.Wf4±)

a g

1 1 . . .\t>xh7 1 2.Wh5+ �g8 1 3.4Jf3 After this move there is no escape for Black : a) 1 3 . . .f6 14.t/Jg5 fxg5 1 5. hxg5 Ei:f5 (15 . . . -hgS 1 6.-hgS Wb6 1 7.Wh7+ �f7 1 8.E\h4 t/Jf6 19.exf6 1 -0 Rinaldi-Kaminskas, correspondence 1 992.)

1 7.!':'\xh7 j,f6 (1 7 . . . �xh7 18.Wh5+ �gB 19.Wh8#) 1 8 .Wh3 1 -0 , Panic­Stankovic, Belgrade 2003.]

9.'11Nf3 �ea

[9 . . . t/Je8 is not convincing. 1 O.Wh3 g6 1 1 .t/Jdf3 t/Jxe5 1 2 .t/Jxe5 f6 1 3 .4Jxd7 Wxd7 14 .0-0 c4 1 5.j,c2 j,d6 1 6 .j,h6 E\f7 1 7 .e4± Knezevic-Cekro, Sarajevo 1 98 1 .]

1 6.'11Nh7+ �f8 1 7.g6 j,gS 18 .Wh8+ After �e7 1 9 .j,xg5+ Ei:xg5 20 .Wh4+-

b) 1 3 . . . j,b5 14 .Ei:d 1 g6 1 5.Wh6 f6 1 6.Wxg6+ t/Jg7 1 7.t/Jg5 fxg5 1 8 . hxg5 Ei:f5 (1B . . . We8 19.Wh7+ i>f7 20.g6#) 1 9 .'11Nh7+ �f8 20.g6 �e8 2 1 .Wxg7+-;

1 0 .'11Nh3 g6 1 1 .j,hG �ea 1 2 .f4 (061)

Black can for instance continue with :

1 2 . . . j,fa

c) l3 . . . g6 14 .Wh6 � 1 5.Wxg6+ '1,g7 [1 2 . . . 4Jxe5 1 3 .fxe5 t/Jh5 1 4.g4 t/Jg7 1 6 .�h6 Ei:f7 1 7 .h5 �e8 1 8.0-0-0 �f8 1 5.0-0 Ei:f8 1 6 .t/Jf3 b5 1 7 .j,f4 h5 1 9 .g4+-] 1 8.gxh5 t/Jxh5 1 9 .j,h6 t/Jg7 20.�h1

Chapter 8 - 6 . . . �e7 + 7 . . . 0-0

b4 2U�g 1 tt'lf5 22.tt'lg5 b�c3 23 .�g7and White won in Sahovlc­Franzoni , B iel 1 980.]

1 3.i.g5 �b8 1 4.Yffh4 i.e7 1 5.0-0 �h5 1 6.i.xe7 Yffxe7 17 .Yffxe7 :axe7 18 .g4 �g7t (062)

Black could just about manage to parry the attack but he will stil l have a disadvantage in the endgame.

Conclusion: The type of positions after 7 . . . 0-0 are exactly what the normal London System player wishes for.

7 . . . �xe5, on the other hand , is an interesting attempt for equal ity, as Black avoids castl ing kingside for the time being and thereby does not g ive White a target for an attack . lt is very

47

important for White to pay attention to the idea of �d7-b5, as otherwise he wil l not be able to get an attractive position from the opening .

After having examined al l the main positions in detai l , the following chapters will now show you how to get there !

48 Chapter 9

3 . . . etJ h5!?

1 .d4 d 5 2.lt:Jf3 lt:\f6 3.�f4 lt:\ h5!? (063)

63

a b c d e g h

Very unusual at this stage, but in contrast to some other positions, White cannot avoid the bishop exchange by tactical means. A retreat to d2 or e3 is out of question and the petty 4.�c1 - in the hope of 4 . . . lt:\f6 with a repetition of moves - is firstly embarrassing and secondly Black can continue with 4 . . . f5

Very bad on the other hand is:

[3 . . . �g4? Wh ite can win a tempo with 4.tt:'le5, which is already sufficient refutation . �h5 (4 . . . �f5 5.tt:'ld2 tt:'lbd7 6.e3 e6 7.g4 �e4 8.f3 �g6 9 .h4 h6

1 O.tt:Jxg6 fxg6 1 1 .�d3+- Berkes­Antal , Paks 1 999.) 5.f3 An attack against the � on h5 is being prepared . . . 5 . . . e6 6.g4 �g6 7.h4 h6 8 .tt:'lxg6 fxg6 9 .tlt1d3+- Kovacs­Schipkov, Budapest 1 992. White 's advantage is more than clear.]

4 . .ig5

[4.�e5!? with the idea of provoking . . . f6 is also an interesting way to continue. 4 . . . f6 5 .�g3 tt:Jxg3 6.hxg3 The kingside looks extremely strange, but there are simply not enough practical games to carry out a detailed evaluation .]

4 . . . h6 5.�h4

Allowing the exchange.

[5.�d2!? I personally consider this to be a clever choice. White waited until Black played . . . h6 and only now retreats his bishop to d2. The idea of .. .f5 is not recommendable because of the weakness of the square g6 and the fact that bringing the tt:'lh5 back into the game wil l also cost some more time. Unfortunately White can forget about getting into a position of the London System, but the game wil l be a long way off any theoretical variations . . . !]

5 . . . g5

Chapter 9 - 3 . . . tLlh5!?

[5 . . . tt:lc6 is inconsequent because although White cannot avoid the exchange of his bishop after 6.e3 g5 7.tt:lfd2 he is able to win some valuable time: 7 . . . tt:lg7 8.ii.g3 tt:lf5 9.c4 with a certain advantage.]

6.ii.g3 tt:lxg3 7.hxg3 ii.g7 (064)

Protects the rook and thus prevents 4lxg5. lt is not easy to g ive a defin ite evaluation of the position . B lack 's kingside has been weakened , but this has secured him the pair of bishops. On the other hand, the :gh1 was developed for free . Therefore, castl ing short would be extremely risky for the black monarch . The chances for White can be regarded as sl ightly better. More important than anything else is to know how to deal with this position .

4 3 2

64

a b c d e 8 7

2

49

[7 . . . ii.f5? 8.e3? ii.g7 9.ctJbd2 tLlc6 1 O .c3 \Wd6 1 1 .\Wb3 0-0-0= is equal , as pointed out by Kovacevic (Salamon-Kel ly,Budapest 2003), which is certainly correct. However, 1 would just take the pawn with 8.ctJxg5 on the 81h move, and although Black wil l get some compensation, it should not be sufficient.]

8.e3 c5 9.c3 (065)

Opening up the position with 9 .c4 is not exactly what White wants, as the il,g7 would become too strong .

This i s the critical position after 3 . . . ctJh5 . Black has many moves to choose from and it is sti l l not clear which is the best.

65

9 . . . tt:lc6

50 Chapter 9 - 3 . . . tt:'lh5!?

[9 . . . "\Wd6!? Preparing to castle long. solution. 1 O .�d3 (1 0. tt'la3 should also be taken into consideration , as well as [1 1 .dxe5 g4 1 2 .tt:'lh4 0-0 1 3 .�d3 d4 1 0 .tt:'lbd2.) 1 0 . . . tt:'lc6 1 1 .tt:'lbd2 �d7 (13 . . . tt'lxe5 14.�f5 hf5 15.tt'lxf5 1 2.1We2 0-0-0 1 3.0-0-0 ltlb8 and tt'ld3+ 1 6.mf1 "\Wg5 1 7. tt'lxg7 mxg7=) Black's pair of bishops compensates 14 .tt:'lc4 b5?! 1 5.�e4+- Matovic-Pisk, for the weaknesses on the kingside. Brno 2001 .] (Leai-Magem, Dos Hermanas 2000).]

[9 . . . b6?! 1 0 .dxc5 bxc5 1 1 .�b5+;!;, because the king has to move.]

1 0.tt:"lbd2

My recommendation! strongly believe that the following alternative is not qu ite as strong as the text move:

[1 O.dxc5 Opening up the position with the �g7 still being on the board looks double-edged, but White may well al low himself the luxury of playing like th is . 1 0 . . . 0-0 1 1 .tt:'lbd2 ( 1 1 .1Wc2 The only game with 1 0 .dxc5, but I must admit that I do not qu ite understand the fol lowing moves. 1 1 . . . e5 1 2 .tt:'la3 '.We? 1 3.tt'lb5 d4 14 .tt:'ld6 dxe3 1 5.0-0-0 (15. fxe3+- is easy and good.) 1 5 . . . �e6 1 6 .fxe3 f5 1 7.g4 fxg4+­Masek-Trefny Czech Republic, 1 993.) 1 1 . . . e5 1 2 ."1Wb3 followed by castling queenside looks very promising.]

1 0 . . . e5!?

The idea of 9 . . . tt:'lc6 .

1 1 .tt:"lxe5!

I consider this to be the easiest

1 1 . . . tt:"lxe5 1 2.dxe5;t; (066)

Now not only the kingside has been weakened, but also the pawn on d5.

66

Conclusion: Black's pair of bishops compensates for some deficits in his camp, but White can probably count on his long-term advantages. From a theoretical point of view 3 . . . tt:'lh5!? is a good move with which Black can fight for equality. In any case, the London System player does not have to fear th is idea.

51 Chapter 1 0

4 . . . ltJ h 5 ! ?

1 .d4 d5 V!l)f3 t!Jf6 3 . .if4 e6 4.e3 the tt:lh5. 6 .ih4 g6 (6 . . . id6 7.id3 0-0 ltlh5?! (067) 8.tt:lg5 fxg5 9.Vfixh5 h6 1 0.ig3"!)

67

a b c d e h

c 9

White should always be prepared for

(6 . . . g5? 7. tt:lxg5+-)

7.id3 id? 8.tt:le5 tLlg? A fianchettoed knight is not seen every day. 9.Wif3 ie? 1 0 .tt:lxd7 ttJxd?"!]

6.ixe7 Y!ffxe7 7.ltlbd2 ltld7

The black knight on h5 is clearly misplaced . B lack must take care not to end up in an endgame with an extremely passive l ight-squared bishop.

8.i.e2 b6

(8 . . . tt:lhf6 9. c4"!)

9.0-0 0-0 1 0.ttle5 ltlhf6 1 1 .f4 ttle8

this knight move, since we wil l be (1 1 . . . a5 12.Vfie 1 ia6 13.c4"!) meeting it over and over again.

5.i.g5 Ae7

Other moves are worse.

[5 . . . Wid6 6 .tt:le5 g6 (6 . . . tt:lf6 7. c3"!) 7 .Vfif3 f5 Such complications cannot be good for Black. 8.g4 Wib4+ (8 . . . tt:lg7 9. tt:lc3±) 9 .tt:ld2 tt:lg? 1 O.gxf5 tt:lxf5 1 1 .0-0-0±]

[5 .. .f6 only weakens the kingside and takes away the retreat square from

1 2 . .id3 c5 1 3.c3 c4?! 14.i.c2 f5 1 5.b3 b5 1 6.a4 bxa4 1 7.bxc4±

Rozic-Jozsa, Peniscola girls 2002.

52 C hapter 1 1

3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . c5

1 .d4 d5 2.tLlf3 tLlf6 3 . .if4 e6 4.e3 c5 about getting a clear advantage.] (068)

68 5 . . . �b6

[5 . . . tt:lc6 transposes into well-known lanes, for instance 6 .c3 .id6 7 . .ig3, which leads to chapter 1]

6J�b1 cxd4 7 .exd4 .id7

Black threatens to exchange his bad .id? via b5. Every London System player wil l encounter this idea sooner or later. Anyway, B lack will not be able to accomplish this idea without drawbacks.

8.c3 .ib5 9.�b3! .txf1 10 .�xb6 axb6 1 1 . <i>xft t

White keeps a permanent plus due to Exerts pressure on d4, while the black his better pawn structure. queen is ready to go to b6.

Conclusion : The system with 3 . . . e6 5 )Libd2! and 4 . . . c5 demands an exact move

sequence by White. But if White plays Allows the defence of b2 with �b1 and precisely, he might well obtain a small by doing so the threats in connection edge. with . . . �b6 are diminished .

[5.c3?! is not very exact: 5 . . . �b6 6.�b3 c4 7 .�xb6 axb6 and tt:la3 is not possible (th is should be compared to chapter 22) because of .txa3. This is the trick of an early . . . e6. Therefore, on 6 . . . c4, White should have reacted with 7 .�c2, but one has to forget

53 Chapter 1 2

3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . .id6 5.lbe5

1 .d4 d5 2.c!l]f3 tL!f6 3 . .if4 e6 4.e3 .id6 (069)

69

Similarly to Chapter 2 (with 2 . . . e6 and 3 .. . .id6), B lack strives for a quick exchange of bishops. He is not worried about voluntarily trading off his good bishop (Black's central pawns are mainly standing on l ight squares!) for White's bad one. The fight for control over e5 is more important to B lack.

There are two serious possibi lities for White, 5 . .ig3 (wh ich will be analysed in the next chapter) and the text move:

5.tLle5

Prevents the exchange and occupies e5 at the same time. [5 . .ixd6?! I personal ly do not like this move, but it is playable: 5 .. . Wxd6 6.c4 b6 (6 . . . 0-0 7.tDc3 a6 8.'Bc1 'BdB 9.cxd5 exd5 10 . .id3 .ig4 1 1 .h3 .ih5 12.g4 .ig6 1 3. 4Je5 .ixd3= Hodgson­Westerinen, Stavanger 1 989)) 7.cxd5 exd5 8.4Jc3 0-0 9 . .ie2 a6 1 0.0-0 4Jbd7 1 1 .'Bc1 with a draw in Simic­Drasko, Ulcinj 1 998]

5 . . . 0-0!

[5 . . . c5? is already bad . 6 . .ib5+ and the king must move because on 6 . . . 4Jbd7 (6 . . . '\tJel!?-;) a smashing strike would follow: 7.4Jxf7! <;t>xf7 8 . .ixd6 Wb6 9 . .ixd7 Wxd6 (9 . . . Wxb2?! 1 0. l1Jd2 .ixdl 1 1 .dxc5+-) 1 0 . .ixc8 'Bhxc8 1 1 .dxc5 'Bxc5 1 2 .0-0+- with White being a healthy pawn up.]

[5 . . . 4Jbd7 pursues a very interesting plan, but it takes too much time. 6 .l1Jd2 CiJf8 7 . .id3 4Jg6 8 . .ig3 .ixe5 9 .dxe5 CiJd7 1 O.Wh5 l1Jgxe5 1 1 . .ixe5 g6 1 2 . .ixc7 Wxc7 1 3 .Wh6 We5 14.c3 4Jc5 1 5 . .ic2;!; Schmittd iei­Prandstetter, Prague, 1 990.]

Attain ing control over e4.

6 . . . c5! (070)

54

Prepares to actively develop the knight to c6 .

70

[6 . . . t/Jbd7?! B lack can probably continue adopting his Queen's Gambit set-up without having to pay attention to the white piece placement. But it is important to notice that the knight blocks the queen's view onto the bishop. 7.id3 Black cannot afford to move· the c-pawn as his id6 would no longer be protected and t/Jxf7 would be possible. 7 . . Y!ie7 (7 . . . b6 8.c3 ib7 9.Vfif3 V!ffe7 10. 0-0 c5 1 1 .a4 a6 12 ."f1Je1 'aac8 13.'aad1 'afe8 14.ib 1 'aed8 1 5.Vfih3 b5 1 6.axb5 axb5 1 7.g4t. Kovacevic-Moeschinger, Mendrisio 1 988.) 8.0-0 c5 9.c4!t. (D7 1 ) Exploits the fact that the pawn has not moved yet. Due to his lead in development opening up the position certainly favours White .

Chapter 1 2 - 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . id6 5.t/Je5

the main variation with id6 followed by 8 . . . V!ffe7, Black's t/J stands on d7 and White's i is on f4 instead of g3. Both are d isadvantages for the players because White cannot advance his pawn to f4 whi lst Black, in case of an exchange on e5, will have to retreat with his t/Jf6 to e8.)

71

(6 . . . b6 7.id3 White keeps h is c-pawn on its in itial square , ready to counter ia6 with c4 - if necessary.

A)

On 7 . . . ia6 8.c4 dxc4 White should not continue with 9.V!fff3? because of 9 . . . cxd3 1 0 .V!ffxa8 t/Jd5 1 1 .t/Jc6 t/Jxc6 1 2.V!ffxc6 t/Jb4. 9.t/Jdxc4 ib4+ 1 0 .cj{f1 (D72) is much better.

Despite losing the right to castle (9.c3 is also possible. In contrast to

Chapter 1 2 - 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . �d6 5 .ctJe5

White achieves a very promising position . 1 0 . . . ctJdS

72

(10 . . . MJ7 1 1 .a3 �e7 12. 'tkH) 1 1 .�g3 b5 1 2 .ctJd2 Now the natural 1 2 . . . c5 leads to a qu ick win for White: 1 3 .dxc5 f6 (13 . . . hc5 14.hh7+ cJlxh7 15.Wic2+ f5 1 6.Wixc5 b4+ 1 7. cJlg1±) 1 4 .Vfih5 lLlxe3+ (14 . . . h6 1 5. Wig6 fxe5 1 6.Wih7+ cJlf7 1 7.�g6+ <:Jle7 1 B.Wixg7+ +-) 1 5.fxe3 fxe5+ 1 6 .<:Jle2 g6 1 7.Vfixe5 Wic8 1 8.ctJe4 ctJc6 19 .Vfig5 <:Jlg7 20.1"lhf1 :8f5 2 1 .:8xf5 exf5 22 .Vfif6+ cJlg8 23.�c2 Gulko-MChess Pro 3.85, Boston 1 994. Any more questions about 7 . . . �a6?)

B)

7 . . . �b7 8.Vfif3 ctJbd7 9 .Vfih3 This position is difficult for Black as White threatens to overrun his opponent with g4-g5 etc. lt is too late for 9 . . . ctJe4 as the knight will be pushed back with

55

1 O.f3 . Fritz l ikes 9 . . . Vfie8 1 O .g4 c5 and now 1 1 .ctJg6!? (1 1 . c3, which maintains the excitement, is a more attractive option for the practical player. B lack has d ifficulties freeing his position .) 1 1 . . . �xf4 1 2 .ctJxf8 ctJxf8 1 3 .exf4 cxd4 14 .ctJf3 with an unclear position.

Back to the main variation

7 .c3 lt:lc6

After having avoided a few small pitfal ls, Black can really be satisfied with h imself. In contrast to the position in Chapter 1 , the ctJf3 has moved to e5 without awaiting the threat of . . . e6-e5. Thus White has not played �f4-g3 by now. With his bishop sti l l being on f4, the plan of supporting the central ised knight with f2-f4 is ruled out. The real question is whether this is real ly tragic?

The best move in this position is 8 .�g3, transposing to the variation 7 . . . 0-0 8.�g3! in Chapter 4.

56 Chapter 1 3

3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . .id6 5 . .ig3

1 .d4 d5 2.<!i:lf3 tt:\f6 3.i.f4 e6 4.e3 �d6 5.�g3!? {073)

73

Only this move seems to be a serious alternative to 5 .�e5 , as White keeps control over e5 for the time being . The space advantage on the kingside offers options for a very interesting attack.

5 . . . tt:\e4

[5 . . . c5 6.tt:lbd2 Immediately preventing . . . �e4 . 6 . . . Wb6?! (in order to understand 6 . . . �c6 7. c3, one should have a look at Chapter 1 ) 7 .ixd6 ! (7. lJ.b1 ?! ixg3 8.hxg3 cxd4 9.exd4 id? and the threat of �b5 can no longer be parried . The position is balanced . ) 7 . . . Wxd6 Black lost a tempo by playing Wd8-b6xd6. White can already make use of this circumstance. 8.dxc5 Wxc5 9.c4 (074)

74

Clearly the most critical move and White wins even more time, because also the main point of 3 . . . e6 in cxd5 and lJ.c1 is in the air. But Black connection with 4 . . . �d6! B lack forces can hope for a draw on account of the either an exchange on d6 or he can symmetrical pawn structure. be proud of getting the pair of 9 . . . 0-0 1 O .cxd5 tt:lxd5 1 1 .lJ.c1 WaS bishops. The alternative s . . . b6 !? wil l 1 2 .ic4!;!; Planning 0-0 followed by e4 be d iscussed in the next chapter. with a very active position.

Chapter 1 3 - 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . j,d6 5 .j,g3!? 57

[5 . . . j,xg3 6 .hxg3 We? (6 . . . b6 7 .t2Je5 c6 8.t2Jd2 Wd6 9.c3 ctJfd7 1 O .f4 t2Jxe5 1 1 .fxe5 We? 1 2.Wg4± Blatny­Streitberg , B iel 1 991 . ) 7 .c3 t2Jbd7 8.t2Jbd2 e5 9 .j,e2 c5 1 0 .dxe5 t2Jxe5 1 1 .t2Jxe5 Wxe5 1 2 .j,b5+± Vatter­Wegner German Bundesliga 94/95.]

6 . .ixd6!? (075)

75

a b c d e g h

Why does White exchange on d6 only

[6 .t2Jbd2 Gives up the bishop voluntarily, hoping to create some play on the h-file. But this idea is not sufficient for an advantage 6 . . . t2Jxg3 7.hxg3 c5 (7 . . . tlJd7 B.j,d3 c6 9.e4 Wb6 1 0.e5 j,e7 1 1 .'il,b1 Wc7 12. c3;t, Kocovski-Mitkov, La Corufia 1 995.)

8 .c3 t2Jc6 9 .Wc2 g6 1 0 .0-0-0 !? j,d? 1 1 .j,b5 cxd4 1 2.exd4 (076)

76

now and not one move earlier? The 1 2 . . . Wf6 (12 . . . tlJb4! looks much explanation is interesting: He just stronger.) 1 3.'il,h6= M. Piket-Van der waited for . . . t2Je4 , as the move has Werf, Dutch Championships 2001 . ] also got some drawbacks for Black . White wil l soon proceed with t2Jbd2 6 . . . �xd6 and if Black takes on d2, the black king could feel a little bit unprotected [6 . . . t2Jxd6 7.t2Jbd2 (7.c4!? dxc4 B.hc4 after having castled. If instead the ttJxc4 9.Wa4+ ttJc6 10.Wxc4 also looks knight is defended , B lack has to attractive.) 7 . . . t2Jd7 8.c4;t, White has a reckon with doubled pawns on the e- space advantage and the better fi le. Retreating to f6 would just be a bishop.] loss of time.

58

[6 . . . cxd6!? 7.c4 has never been played so far, but should be tried sometime.]

7.<llJbd2 <llJxd2

There is a lot of scope for new ideas right here , for instance

[7 . . .1�'b4 8.�b 1 ]

[7 . . . 0-0 8.ti:Jxe4 dxe4 9 .ti:Jd2 f5 1 0 .j,e2 and White will soon advance his pawn to f3.]

[7 . . . f5 8.j,d3 White should always keep an eye on possible transitions into favourable endgames (j, against j, or tiJ against j,).]

8.Wfxd2 0-0 9.c4� (077)

77

Black's important king's knight wil l be

Chapter 1 3 - 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . j,d6 5.j,g3!?

missing in the upcoming king's attack. Similarly to the Queen's Gambit, White can exert pressure on the queenside. An important tempo for an attack along the c-file can often be won with j,d3 and Wfc2 (h?). However, White 's advantage is qu ite small due to the reduced material . B lack has good chances of achieving a draw.

Conclusion : Black can exchange pieces with 5 . . . ti:Je4 , but by doing so he has not automatical ly equalised . People who like an open position , in which they as commander of the white pieces can play for a win solidly and almost without risks, wil l l ike this variation.

59 Chapter 1 4

4 . . . �d6 5.�g3 b6 ! ?

1 .d4 d5 2.ttJf3 ttJf6 3.�f4 e6 4.e3 i.d6 5.�g3 b6! ? (078)

(7 . . . �a6 8.�d3 White sets up his p ieces with c3 , f4 , �h4, or - if possible - with �h4 and Wif3-h3, having good chances for a strong attack)]

78

6

5

4

3

8 [6 . . . �b7 Achieving control over the light squares, especial ly over e4. 7 .�d3 Wfe7

6 (After 7 . . . li:Je4 8.�xe4? (8.�4!;!;) 5 8 . . . dxe4 9.li:Je5 White managed to

win in Travnicek,P-Paoli , E/Oiomouc 1 982 (4 1 ))

3 8.Wfe2 (8. li:Je5!? is preferable, with 2 similar positions to the ones in the variation mentioned above) 8 . . . 0-0 9.�h4 ll:'lbd7 10 .g4 1 -0 Schmitt,A­Vujic, Baden-Wuerttemberg 1 997 (6 1 ) . In this game - once again -White went for the black monarch. However, I do not think this idea is as strong as in other positions.]

With this attempt Black plans to exchange his bad bishop with . . . �a6. But such a plan always has its price .

6.ttJbd2 �a6?!

[6 . . . 0-0 7.li:Je5 �b7

(7 . . . c5 8.c3 �b7 9.�h4?! White should wait with this move until he has played �d3 and castled kingside. 9 . . . �e7 1 0 .�d3 li:Je4 1 1 .�xe7 Wfxe7 1 2 .Wfc2 li:Jxd2 1 3 .�xh7+ �h8 14 .�xd2 Wih4 1 5 .�d3 Wixf2+ 0-1 Brandics,J-Bonnet,P/Kecskemet 1 989 (38) Certain ly White had hoped for more . . . )

7.ixa6! (079)

60 Chapter 14 - 3 . . . e6 + 4 . . . �d6 5.�g3 b6!?

79 The nice idea 9 . . . 'Llb4!? fol lowed by . . . c5/'Llc6 does not work because of the simple reply 1 O .a3 'Llc6 1 1 .�h4 and White has a certain advantage.

1 0.hxg3 'Wd6 1 1 .'Wa4 lL! b8 1 2J!acU {08 1 )

Bartha ,S-Szokacs , L/Hungary 1 992 1 -0 (26). In the progress of the game White continuously increased his control over the queenside.

81

8 The fact that the knight on a6 is 7 misplaced is more important than the exchange of bishops.

7 ... lL!xa6 8.c4 0-0 9.0-0 .txg3 {080)

80

Conclusion : In order to fight for equal chances, B lack should try either 6 . . . �b7 or 6 . . . 0-0.

5.�g3 therefore seems to be a good alternative to 5.'Lle5

61 C hapter 1 5

3 . . . e6, 4 . . . .le7

1 .d4 d5 2.ltlf3 ltlf6 3.�f4 e6 4.e3 �e7 (082)

82

[To understand 5 . . . 0-0 6.�d3 c5 7.c3 ltJbd7 8.ctJd2 one should just have a look at 5 . . . c5. ;

5 . . . c5 6 .c3 ttJc6 7.ctJd2 can be found in the classical l ine with . . . �e7.]

Clearing the first rank, ready to meet . . .'®b6 with :8b1 .

6 . . . a6

[6 . . . 0-0 7.�d3 c5 8.c3 ; 6 . . . c5 7 .c3 "!Wb6 8.:8b1 (D83)

83 a b c d e

Black chooses a very solid set-up, but by playing 4 . . . �e7 he actually 7 threatens . . . ltlh5. So one really has to 6 be aware of this move!

5.ltle5!

5 . . . ltlbd7

The knight stands more passively on d7. B lack cannot hope for an in itiative.

5

4

62

Which of the two major pieces is now more usefully positioned? 8 . . . 0-0 9 .�d3 f\d8 1 O.h4 !? tt:lf8 1 1 .iWf3 �d7 1 2.tt:lxd7 (12.h5!) 1 2 . . . f\xd7 1 3 .h5 h6 14.iWg3 cj;Jh8 1 5.tt:lf3 �d6 1 6 .'Lle5± Witkowski-Kasperek, Myslenice 1 987.]

[6 . . . tt:lxe5 7.�xe5! (084) (7.dxe5 tt:ld7 8.�d3 (8.iWg4?? g5!-+) 8 . . . c6 9.iWe2 iWb6 1 0 .0-0-0 !? tt:lc5 1 1 .h4oo) 7 . . . c5 8 .c3 0-0 9 .�d3 tt:ld7 10 .�g3 fle8 1 1 .0-0 �f6 1 2 .tt:lf3 b6 1 3 .e4 �b7 1 4.e5;!;]

7.c3 c5 8 . .id3 c4?! (085)

A clear positional mistake which a lot of players wi l l make over and over again . B lack removes the pressure of

Chapter 1 5 - 3 . . . e6, 4 . . . �e7

d4 and wants to create his own play on the queenside. But this plan will simply cost too much time.

9 . .ic2 b5?! 1 O.ltJc6! iWb6 1 1 .ltJxe7 i>xen

Conclusion : The system with 4 . . . �e7 is very solid but too passive to reach equality.

85

63 Chapter 1 6

2 . . . e6, 3 . . . .id6

1 .d4 d5 2.ll:lf3 e6 3 . .if4 .id6 (086)

86

Clever. B lack immediately strives for the exchange of bishops without losing time with . . . ctJf6.

4.e3! ?

White i s prepared to accept a small weakening of his pawn structure in order to gain total control over e5. In addition , the e-file is being opened .

[4 . .ixd6? is definitely not in the spirit of the inventor. 4 . . .'1Wxd6 5.e3 'Wb4+ 6.ctJbd2 'Wxb2 7 . .id3 ctJf6 8.0-0 ctJbd7 9.'\We2 '\Wc3 10 .e4 dxe4 1 1 .ct:lxe4 ct:lxe4 1 2 . .ixe4 ctJf6 1 3 .Eiab1 c6:j: Schafer-Gasthofer, Staufer 1 999.]

[4.g3!? Very creative. If Black takes on f4 the g-file wil l be opened for White. A strong attack can frequently be conducted . 4 . . . .txf4 5.gxf4 'Wd6 6.e3 'Wb4+ 7.ct:lbd2 '\Wxb2 is critica l . White achieves good compensation with either of the two following moves 8.ct:le5 (or 8.E\g1 g6 9.c4 dxc4 1 0.hc4 ctJf6 1 1. ctJe5) 8 . . . ct:le7 9 . .td3 ctJd7 1 O.Eib1 '\Wa3 1 1 .'\Wh5 g6 1 2 .'1Wh6 ctJf5 1 3 . .txf5 exf5 1 4 .ctJxd7 .txd7 As.Arnason-Ar.Arnason, Reykjavik 1 988.]

The following alternative must be taken very seriously.

[4 . .tg3!? Perhaps even better than 4 .e3!?. After for example 4 . . . ctJf6 we find ourselves back on our home g round. Therefore, only 4 . . . ct:le7 is of independent relevance.

(4 .. . f5?! leads to a Stonewal l that does not look very promising .. .)

5 .ct:lbd2 c5 (5 . . . ctJf5?! 6 .e4 ! (087) Making use of his lead in development 6 . . . ct:lxg3 7.hxg3 dxe4 8.ct:lxe4;t;) 6.e3 0-0 (6 . . . ctJf5 7 . .txd6 'Wxd6 Black seems to have achieved a lot, but the ct:lf5 only appears to stand wel l . As soon as .td3 is played , it will be forced to move. (7 . . . ctJxd6? B.dxc5+-) 8 .dxc5 '\Wxc5 9 . .td3;t;)

64

87

g

7.�d3 h6 8.c3 Ci:Jbc6 9.0-0?! (088)

Chapter 1 6 - 2 . . . e6, 3 . . . i.d6

strives to castle queenside and lever with e3-e4. 10 . . . f6 1 1 . 0-0-0 e5 12. e4) 9 . . . i.xg3 1 O.hxg3 "Wd6 1 1 ."Wc2 i.d7 1 2.dxc5 "Wxc5 1 3 .e4 l"iac8:j: Van de Mortei-Piket, Leeuwarden 1 993.]

Let us return to the main variation

4 . . . i.xf4

4 [4 . . . Ci:Je7 5.Ci:Jbd2 c5 (5 . . . Ci:Jg6 6.i.xd6 "Wxd6 7.c4;!; The black knight is 3 misplaced on g6.] 2 [5 . . . i.xf4 6.exf4 "Wd6 7.g3 c5 8 .dxc5 "Wxc5 9.c3 Ci:Jbc6 1 O.i.d3 b6 1 1 .0-0 i.b7 1 2.l"ie1 g6 1 3 ."We2 0-0 14.Ci:Jb3 "Wd6 1 5.l"iad1 a6 1 6 .h4 �g7 1 7 .Ci:Je5;!; Chuprikov-AI .Karpov, Russia (Smolensk) 2000.) 6.dxc5 i.xc5 7.i.d3 Ci:Jbc6 8.0-0 Ci:Jg6 9.i.g3 "Wf6 1 0.e4 0-0 1 1 .c3 i.b6 1 2."Wc2;!; Bagheri-Akobian, Moscow 2000.]

1 dislike castl ing in this position because now after the exchange on g3 there will be no dangerous rook on h1 any more.

88 5.exf4 "Wd6 (089)

89

Chapter 1 6 - 2 . . . e6 , 3 . . . �d6

The most active continuation , but other moves are possible as wel l .

[5 . . . b6 Black intends to exchange the remain ing two bishops. 6 .c3 CiJe7 7.�d3 0-0 8 .iWe2 aS 9 .CiJbd2 9 .CiJa3 Possibly more active - the idea of CiJbS occurs. On �c8-a6 I would recommend taking on a6 because then Black has to decide between keeping the knight guarded or removing it at some point. 9 . . . �a6 1 0 .CiJeS cS 1 1 .�xa6 CiJxa6 1 2 .CiJdf3 V'ifd6 1 3 .0-0 f6= Gretarsson-Luther, Cl ichy 1 99S]

65

1 O.�xfS CiJe7 1 1 .�d3 �xd3 1 2 .1Wxd3 CiJbc6 1 3 .0-0 0-0 1 4.CiJeS?! ( Instead of this White could have maintained the in itiative with 1 4.2:'\ae1 ! . ) 14 . . . CiJb4= Storm-Biatny, 2nd National League 1 990/1 .]

[6 . . . CiJe7 7.CiJc3 0-0 8 .0-0-0!? (090)

Gave Black good chances on the queenside after 8 . . . b6 9 .h4 cS 1 0 .g3 c4 1 1 .iWe2 CiJd7 1 2 .�h3 Elb8 in Efimov-Luther, Asti 1 996, therefore I think 8.�d3 is better.

90 [S . . . cS 6.dxcS iWaS+ 7 .c3 iWxcS 8.�d3 tlif6 9.0-0 0-0 1 0 .CiJbd2 b6 1 1 .1'=�e1 .lia6 1 2 .�c2 CiJbd7 1 3 .CiJeS Elad8 1 4 .CiJb3 iWc7 1 S.CiJd4;!; And the knights occupied prom1s1ng squares in 7

8

7

6

5

Plaskett-B6nsch , Sochi 1 984.] 6

5

[S . . . CiJf6 6 .c3 0-0 7 .�d3 b6 8.0-0 �a6 9.�xa6 CiJxa6 10 .iWd3 iWc8 1 1 .CiJbd2 4 c5 1 2 .a3 c4 1 3.iWc2 CiJc7 1 4 .E\fe 1 4Jce8 1 S.CiJe5;!; I .Horvath-Boguszlassjkij, Hungary 2000.] 2

6.'1Mfd2

3

2

[6.1Wc1 !? Has only one predecessor -but a very famous one. 6 . . . CiJd7 7.�d3 c5 8.0-0 CiJgf6 9 .c3 0-0 1 0 .2:'\e1 E\e8 1 1 .CiJe5 and in Aljech in-Rivier, Bern 1 932, Wh ite got more from the game.]

The white king does not yet have to commit himself to one of the two castl ing possibi l ities. Instead, White can immediately launch out on attack against the king on g8. ]

6 . . . CiJf6 7.CiJc3 a6 (091 )

[6 . . . b6 7.CiJc3 aS 8.�d3 �a6 9.fS exf5

66

91

a b c d e f g h

Preparing counterplay on the queenside.

[7 . . . 0-0 8 .il.d3 il.d7 9.0-0 c5 1 O.dxc5 �xc5 1 1 .tt:le5 l"ld8 1 2 .l"i:fe1 tt:lc6 1 3 .l"i:ad 1 il.e8 14 .tt:le2 tt:ld7 1 5.tt:lg3 g6 1 6 .h4;!; Eliet-Barsov, Bogny sur Meuse 2003.]

8 . .id3 b6 9.0-0 0-0 1 0 .:8fe1 c5 1 1 .tt:le5

White is not afraid of . . . c4 because after this Black's position would lose all dynamic potential . White could comfortably go after the black king.

1 1 . . . tt:lc6

[1 1 . . . cxd4? A positional blunder. 1 2 .tt::le2 tt::le4 1 3.il.xe4 dxe4 14 .�xd4;!;]

Chapter 1 6 - 3 . . . e6, 4 . . . il.d6

1 2.tt:lxc6 �xc6 1 3.�e3 .ib7 14.:8ad1 :8fe8 1 5.a3 c\Dg4 1 6.�h3 f5 (092)

92

a b c d e

8

6

5

3

2

Black's queenside in itiative was sufficient compensation for his backward pawn on e6 in V.Kovacevic-Vaganian , Hastings 1 982/3.

Conclusion : Black can equalise after 4.e3!? by playing precisely, but with only a single passive move the white forces wil l be storming the black king. However, 4 .il.g3!? offers a very good chance to play for the advantage.

67 C hapter 1 7

2 . . . c5! ?

a

a

1 .d4 d5 2.lLlf3 c5!? (093)

93

b c d e

c d e f g h

An important explanation is necessary concern ing this move sequence. If Black wants to prevent the usual London System set-up at al l costs, this is one of the possible moves.

3 . . . e6

4 . .if4 lL!c6 5.e3 Ad6

This reminds one a lot of the classical system with . . . .id6 . The difference is that Black has not yet played . . . ttJf6 .

6.Ag3 lL!ge7!? (094)

Is a better way to fight for control over 3.c3 e5.

The only move. 3 .c4 is not our [6 . . . ttJf6 transposes to the classical subject, nor is 3.dxc5. On the other system with 6 . . . .id6] hand, 3.e3 would lock in the bishop and possibly lead to the Colla [6 . . . .ixg3 7 .hxg3 iWd6 8.ttJbd2! In System. The desirable 3 . .if4? is met actual fact Black cannot real ly push by 3 . . . cxd4 4.ttJxd4 ttJd?!� when his pawn to e5. With 8 . . . ttJf6 ! The Black threatens to win a piece with position transposes to the chapter . . . e5. Therefore only the text move "Classical Exchange on g3". remains. (But 8 . . . e5? gets hit by 9 .dxe5 4Jxe5

1 O .ttJe4! 4Jxf3+ 1 1 .gxf3 and White

68

wins a pawn . 1 1 . . . 1Mfc6?? 1 2 .�b5 -game over!) ]

94

a b c d e f g h

7 . .id3 Lt:lg6

Chapter 1 7 - 2 . . . c5!?

1 5.Wff4!;!; (095)

Takes control of the dark squares and prevents his opponent from castl ing.

1 5 . . . 0-0?! 1 6.Wfd6+-

95

8

6

4

3

2

[7 . . . Lt:lf5 The knight is not placed well 1 on f5. 8 .�xd6 1Mfxd6 Capturing with the =�___;.;.;.;___;.;.;.;...,.....;.;=--:-___;.;.;.;;.;........,.--: queen is forced , as otherwise c5 would be lost. 9 .Lt:lbd2 cxd4 1 0 .exd4 0-0 1 1 .0-0;!; Conclusion : Striving for the classical Platonov-Lputian, Krasnodar 1 980.] l ine without . . . Lt:lf6 is not a bad idea.

8.�xd6 Wxd6 9.CL!bd2 e5 1 0 .dxe5 CL!gxe5 1 1 .CL!xe5 Wfxe5 1 2.CL!f3 Wfh5

1 3.Wfa4

While Black won the fight for e5, d5 has been weakened . White secures a small advantage.

1 3 . . . .ih3!? 1 4 . .ie2 .id7

[ 1 4 . . . .ixg2?? 1 5 .Lt:lh4+-]

Black can ach ieve a position close to equal ity.

We are now switch ing to positions with the exciting . . . Wfb6.

69 Chapter 1 8

4 . . . '\1Wb6! ? + 5 . . . '\1Wxb2

1 .d4 d5 2.lL!f3 lL!f6 3.j,f4 c5 4.e3 �b6!? (096)

96

a b c d e f g h

s ! .IBJ.-·rl Ms 7- · - ' , , 7 6 1

"'"�� - - - 6

5 �lf - · - -� 1 5

4 1 - ��� ���. -4 3- - �:�'L1- '/. ' 3 2 1 � �,� � - 0 � 0 2 1 a�-i¥=�-:a l 1

a b c d e f g h

Clearly shows the small drawb�ck of the move j,f4: the b2-pawn IS no longer protected by the bishop. White can not respond with �b3, therefore a special idea is needed.

[4 .. .t2Jh5? Loses, but the variation is worth noting: 5.j,xb8 E\xb8 6.j,b5+! j,d7 7.j,xd7+ '1Wxd7 8 .tt:'le5 '1Wf5 9.'1We2! (097) tt:'lf6 1 0 .'1Wb5+ tLld7 1 1 .tt:'lc3 cxd4 1 2 .exd4 E\d8 (12 . . . f6 13.g4 �e6 14 .tLlxd5+-) 1 3 .tLlxd5 '1We4+ 1 4 .<j;lf1 +-]

8.ilxd7+ �xd7 9.tLle5 �f5 10.�e2 a6 1 1. g4 '1Mff4 12.gxh5 Wc1 + 13.Wd1 Wxb2 14. ttJd2 Wxd4 1 5. tLlef3+-) For 6 .c3 one should have a look at the chapter on the Exchange Variation of the Caro-Kann- Defence.]

97

a b c d e f g h

s i B -·- Ms 7llfi�- Wl i Wi i l 7 6 ' '"" �- - - 6

5 - ' �"if-� 1 5

1- . �/'/. �

.• 4 M • • 4

3- B""0��� , -/ ,/. 1 3 2 1 � �,� � -i¥�,� � �" 2 1 a�- = rJ :a l 1

a b c d e g h

[4 . . . tt:'lc6 5.c3 e6 leads to the basic position of the classical system]

[4 . . . j,g4?! is also not a good idea: 5.c3 leads into known channels �nd does so without the poss1ble adventure after 5 .dxc5.

(5.dxc5!? is certa in ly funny - but only for White . . .

[4 . . . cxd4 5 .exd4 tt:'lc6 (5 . . . ttJh5? Wit� � a) 5 . . . Wa5+ 6. tLlc3 tt:le4 (6 . . . a6!) similar variation to the one a e \lli b7 Gozzoli-4 . . . tLlh5?: 6.ilxb8 E\xb8 7.j,b5+ j,d7 7.Wxd5 tt:lxc3 8. ax +-

70

Fauconnier, France 1998.) b) 5 . ..CiJc6 6.ih5 Wa5+ 7. liJc3 a6 (7 . . . e6!) B . .ixc6+ bxc6 9. \Wd4 .ixf3 10.gxf3 g6 1 1 .�e5 �gl 1 2.a4 0-0 13.b4+- Nemeth-Grabher, Budapest 1993. c) 5 . . . liJbd7 6.ih5 .ixf3 7.gxf3 g6 B.c4 dxc4 (B . . . a6) 9.\Wa4 WeB (9 . . . �g7 10. liJc3 0-0? 1 1 ."8.d1+-) 10. c6+-)

Back to 5.c3

a) 5 . . . e6 6 .'1Wb3 Wb6 7.4Je5 Wxb3 (7 . . . �f5?! B.�b5+ liJc6 9.a4+-) 8.axb3 �f5 9.�b5+;!;

b) 5 . . . Wb6 6.\Wb3 c4 7.Wxb6 axb6 8 .4Je5 (B . .ixbB "fJ.xbB 9.b3 b5 Y2-Y2 Montalvo-Borges Mateos, Santa Domingo 2001 .) 8 . . . �f5 9 .4Ja3;!;]

Back to the main variation

5.lLlc3! (098)

98

Chapter 1 8 - 4 . . . Wb6!? + 5 . . .'�xb2

Here one meets a big exception in the London System. The ,l_\,b2 is tactically protected . But isn 't this move ugly, especially as in the London System one would prefer to play c2-c3 at some point? In fact, White does plan c2-c3, after having played liJb5, when the typical pawn structure of the London System arises once again .

[5 .b3 As the author of the London System I cannot agree with such a move. Noth ing more than an equal game is possible. 5 . . . 4Jc6 (5 . . . �f5 6.�e2 liJc6 7.c3 e6 B.dxc5 .ixc5 9.b4 �el 10.a4 a6 1 1 .a5 WdB 12.liJd4 liJxd4 13.exd4 0-0 = in Kadas­Hajnai , Heves 2000.) 6.c3 �g4 7.�e2 e6 8.0-0 �e7 9.4Jbd2 0-0 1 0 .h3 �h5 1 1 .a4 l"!:fc8 1 2.a5 Wd8 1 3 .a6 b6 =

Sahovic-Komarov,Belgrade 1 995.]

[5.\Wc1 is qu ite popular. After 5 . . . 4Jc6 6 .c3 �f5 7.�e2 White can conclude his development without weakening his position , but that's about al l he can do.]

5 . . .'\&xb2?

Whoever is as greedy as that should be pun ished straight away.

6.lLlb5 lLla6 7 .a3!! (099)

My refutation always went on with 7 ."8.b 1 , but Kovacevic's idea is even better and very n ice indeed .

Chapter 1 8 - 4 . . . �b6!? + 5 . . . �xb2

7 . . . .if5 8.dxc5!

White threatens .ie5.

8 . . . .ixc2

71

1 1 .t2Jbd4! (01 00) .ig6

�bs J/':\d7 1 3.c6+-·, [ 1 1 . . . .ic8 1 2 .� + '"lJ

1 1 . . . .id? 1 2 .c6]

1 00

1 2 . .ib5+ '.!?d8 1 3.c6+-[S . . . tLld? g _t2Jfd4 .ig4 1 0 .f3 e5 �eveals the second motif of trappmg the Black is not to be envied. queen . 1 U�b1 �a2 1 2.�c1 exd4

. 1 3J:\b2 �xb2 1 4 .�xb2+-] Conclusion : Black should keep hts

9.'Wc1 'Wxc1 + 1 0J3xc1

Black is a pawn up but his position wil l soon collapse because of c5-c6.

1 0 . . . .if5

[ 1 0 . . . .ia4 1 1 .c6 b6 1 2 .t2Jd6+! exd6 1 3 .ii.xa6+-]

[1 0 . . . ii.g6? 1 1 .c6]

fingers off forbidden fru its.

72 Chapter 1 9

4 . . . �b6!? + 5 . . . c4

1 .d4 dS 2.�f3 �f6 3 . .tf4 cS 4.e3 1l;Vb6 7.tt:Jb5 tt:Ja6 8.l'lb1 Wa2 9 .l'la1 Wb2=] s.�c3 c4! 6.:Sb1 (1 01 )

101

a b c d e g h

6 . . . .tg4

This is probably the only move giving Black a chance of equal ity. The position is even considered to be sl ightly better for Black. But my discovery wil l change this assessment. . .

[6 . . . .tf5 7 .tt:Je5 e6 8.f3 Gaining space on the kingside. 8 . . . tt:Jc6 9.g4 .ig6 1 0.h4 tt:Jb4 1 1 .e4 h6 1 2 .tt:Jxg6 fxg6 1 3.a3 (13.e5 ttJd7 14.a3? A blunder which occurred in Vidmar-Reti, Kosice 1 9 1 8 . 14 . . . Wxd4!-+) 1 3 . . . tt:Jc6 1 4.e5 tt:Jd7 1 5.tt:Je2 with a solid advantage for White.]

7 . .te2

As in no other position in the London [7.b3? Definitely much too early. System White absolutely focusses on 7 . . . tt:Je4!=i=) the pawn breaks b3 and e4 and hopes to get an advantage with h is active 7 . . . e6 8.0-0 pieces. If Black can keep the position closed, the white pieces (tt:Jc3, l'lb 1 , White completes his development .tf1 ) will be out of work. Therefore , before doing anyth ing else. White must proceed according to dynamic principles. 8 . . . tt:Jc6 9.h3 (01 02)

[6.a4 All White can ach ieve through [9.b3? Wa5 1 0.tt:Ja4 b5 1 1 .tt:Jc5 .txc5 this is a repetition of moves: 6 . . . Wxb2 1 2.dxc5 tt:Je4-+)

Chapter 1 9 - 4 . . . i¥fb6!? + 5 . . . c4

1 02

9 . . . .ixf3

[9 . . . .ih5f? is certainly also worth a try. 1 O .b4! The threat is b5, followed by the advance e3-e4! 1 0 . . . �e7 (10 . . . ilxb4?? 1 1 . a3) 1 1 . b5 4Ja5 1 2 .4::le5 �xe2 1 3 .i¥fxe2 0-0 1 4 .1"\fd 1 )'lfe8 1 5 .e4

White has solved al l of his problems. 1 5 . . . dxe4 1 6 .4Jxe4 4Jxe4 1 7 .i¥fxe4 1"\ad8 1 8.c3;!; This variation could be an example of how the game develops after . . . �h5. White stands more actively, but Black's compact position looks very safe.]

Back to the main variation

73

1 0.hf3 .ie7 1 1 .e4! ! (01 03)

103

In no other position of the London System is this thematic move more stunn ing . Of course, a detailed analysis of the value of 1 1 .e4 must be carried out. The main reason why this move can work surely lies in the fact that the black king is sti l l i n the centre.

[1 1 .4Je2? is played with the intention of proceed ing with c3 . But how can an advantage be reached with such a passive move? lt is no real surprise to me that White gets into d ifficulties after 1 1 . . . i¥fa5 1 2 .a3 h6 1 3 .c3 g5 1 4 .�h2 h5!=i= (01 04)

74

1 04

Chapter 1 9 - 4 . . . 1Wb6!? + 5 . . . c4

105

Meduna-Van der Sterren, Prague 1 6J:l:fd 1 gxd 1 + 1 7 .gxd 1 + lt>c8 1 992. ] Keeping the pawn on the board as a

sort of king's shield. 1 1 . . . dxe4 (01 08)

(1 7 . . . \t>xcl 18.gd4 Wet + 19.\t>h2 Wg5

The fol lowing alternatives are also (19 . . . Wxb2?? 20.'1We5+) 20.Wxc4+ very important. lt>b8�)

[1 1 . . . 1Wxd4 1 2.exd5 1Wxf4 (12 . ..tiJxd5 13. CiJxd5 exd5 14./ie3 Wxd1 15. gfxd1 +-; 12 . . . exd5 13./ie3 Wxd1 14.gfxd1 +-) 1 3 .dxc6 gd8 1 4 .1We2 gd2 (14 ... bxc6 15.hc6+ lt>fB 1 6.gfd1+-) 15.c7! (0 105)

1 8.g3 However, Black must capture on c7 after a l l . 1 8 . . . 1Wxc7 1 9.gd4 1Wb6 (1 9 . . . <;t>b8? 20.CiJb5+- 1Wc5 21 .gxc4 1Wxb5 22.gc8+ gxc8 23.1Wxb5 gc7) 20.gxc4+ lt>b8 2 1 .CLJb5� (D1 06)

The white attack remains dangerous. 1 5 . . . lt>d7 Such a pawn can qu ickly After 1 1 . . . 1Wxd4 Black can be happy if become very valuable. he can hold the position unti l reaching (1 5 .. . 0-0? 1 6.g3 Wd4 (16 . . . gxe2 the time control.] 1 7.gxf4 gxc2 1 8./ixbl} 1 7. CiJb5+-)

Chapter 1 9 - 4 . . . '1Wb6!? + 5 . . . c4

1 06

[ 1 1 . . . ct:Jxe4 Avoiding the complications is combined with getting into a passive position : 1 2 .ct:Jxe4 dxe4 1 3 .i.xe4;!; With his pair of b ishops White stands more than comfortable.]

[1 1 . . . 0-0 !? S imply ignoring everyth ing . 1 2 .exd5 ct:Jxd4 (12 . . . exd5 13.CiJxd5 ct:Jxd5 14.hd5;!;) 1 3.dxe6 ct:Jxf3+ (13 . . . ct:Jxe6 14.i.e3) 1 4 .'\Wxf3 fxe6 1 5.1We2;!; The pawn structure is clearly favourable for White.

[ 1 1 . . .l"\d8 1 2 .exd5 ct:Jxd4 1 3 .i.e3 ct:Jxf3+ 1 4 .1Wxf3 1Wa6 1 5 .dxe6 fxe6 1 6 .l"\bd 1 0-0 1 7 .l"\xd8 l"\xd8 1 8 .l"\d 1 8xd 1 + 1 9.'\Wxd H Similarly to the previous variation , the better pawn structure guarantees White a plus.]

Back to the main variation

75

1 07

1 2.ltlxe4 ltlxd4

Because of the high tactical content it is very d ifficult to give detailed text comments.

[1 2 . . . ctJd5? 1 3.ctJd6+! i.xd6 1 4.i.xd6 ct:Jxd4 1 5 .i.xd5 l"\d8 1 6 .i.xc4 l"\xd6 1 7.c3 1Wc6 1 8 .cxd4 1Wxc4 1 9.!"1c1 1Wxa2 20. l"\c8+ l"\d8 2 1 .l"\xd8+ mxd8 22.1Wg4+-)

[1 2 . . . 1Wxd4?! 1 3.ctJd6+ mf8 (13 . . . hd6?? 14.hc6+) 1 4 .i.g3 1Wxd 1 (14 . . . hd6 1 5.hd6+ 'ittg8 16.'\Wxd4 ct:Jxd4 1 7.hb7 !"\dB 1 8.i.e5) 1 5 .l"\fxd 1 i.xd6 1 6 .i.xd6+;!;)

1 3.ct:Jxf6+ gxf6! (01 08)

Only this move seems to cause White any d ifficu lties. Therefore, this variation is very important. The idea lying behind 1 3 . . . gxf6 is to halve the dangerous pair of bishops.

76

a b c

1 08

Chapter 1 9 - 4 . . . 1Mfb6!? + 5 . . . c4

follow, with more than sufficient compensation .]

1 6.cxd4

[1 6 .�e5?? l2Jc6]

1 6 .. .fxe4

[1 6 . . . !'\xd4? is also refuted i n a very 4 n ice way. 1 7 .�xb7+ <;t>xb7 1 8 .1Mff3+

Wc6 (1 8 . . . !'\d5 19.b3+-) 1 9 .Wxc6+ <;t>xc6 20.�e5;!;]

[ 1 3 . . . �xf6 1 4 .�e4 0-0 1 5.�e3;!;]

14.�e4!

Another move which actually seemed to be impossible - because of . . . f5. Only after a deeper analysis did I d iscover that in reality f5 was not good for Black. With . . . f5 not working, White is well advised to try to keep the pair of bishops at all costs.

1 4 . . . 0-0-0

lt is not easy for Black to find a safe position for his king. The pieces on the queenside wil l take over the job of protecting their monarch .

[ 14 . . .f5? 1 5 .�e5 lt is real ly just as easy as that! 1 5 . . . 0-0-0 1 6 .�xh8 !'i:xh8 1 7 .c3;!;]

1 5.c3 f5

[After 1 5 . . .CZlc6 1 6.1Mfa4, b3 is going to

1 7.E!c1 ! (01 09)

1 09

After the explosion in the centre the smoke has settled and the game continues. White recognises that his rook on b1 has done its job and would now be much better placed on the c­fi le. To achieve th is, White is actually prepared to sacrifice a second pawn .

Chapter 1 9 - 4 . . . Wb6!? + 5 . . . c4 77

1 7 . . J:'!:xd4 [ 1 8 .. .:1'\hdB 1 9. gxc4+ gxc4 20.Wxc4+ Wc6 2 1 .We2! gd5 22.Wxe4;!;]

Accepting the sacrifice seems sensible. [ 1 7 . . . Wxd4?? 1 8.Wa4]

1 9.Wxc6+ bxc6 20.i.e5 �hd8 21 .i.xd4 �xd4

[ 1 7 . . . i.d6 1 8.gxc4+ \ilb8 1 9 .Wd2 gc8 An amusing endgame has come up 20.gfc1 gxc4 2 1 .gxc4;!;] which B lack hopes to draw on account

of h is two additional pawns. The 1 8 .Wa4 Wc6 (01 1 0) solution is qu ite inventive.

Apparently the only serious defence. 22.�fd1 ! (01 1 1 )

[ 1 8 . . . Wb4 1 9.Wxa7 ghd8 20.i.e5 g4d5 An exchange on d 1 is ru led ou� so (20 . . . gd3 2 1 .Wb8+ \ild7 22.Wc7+ \ilea �h ite w �ns on� tempo in companson 23.gxc4+- Dominant is the correct w1th the 1mmed1ate gfe 1 . word for White's position .) 2 1 . b3 (2 1.Wba+ \ild7 22.Wc7+ \ilea 23.gxc4 vtib5 24.gxe4) 2 1 . . . gc5 22.i.c3! Wb5

22 ... �d3

23.a4 Wa6 (23 . . . Wxb3? 24. gb 1; [22 . . . gxd 1 +? 23.gxd 1 i.f6 24.gc1 23 . . . Wc6 24.i.b4 c3 25.i.xc5 Wxc5) i.xb2 25.gxc4 f5 26.gxc6++-] 24.Wxa6 bxa6 25.i.b4+- If the rook retreats to c7, then White wins the exchange after i.a5]

1 1 1

23J'!:e1 �d4

78 Chapter 1 9 - 4 . . . '<Mib6!? + 5 . . . c4

[23 . . J:'i:d2 24J:'i:xe4 Elxb2 25.Elexc4 c5 Final ly the king is activated . 26.Elg4 (26. El1 c2 Elb 1 + 27.<:l2h2) 26 . . . Elxa2 27.Elg7 a5 (27 . . . r:JJd7) ] 25 .. .f5 26.me2 ci;;c7 27J3d1 e5

24J3c2

The idea is Elec1 .

24 . . . �g5

[24 . . . c5 25.Ele3!;!;] [24 . . . f5 25.Elec1 �g5 26.Elxc4 �xc1 27 .Elxd4 cJJc? (27 . . . e3 28. Eld6; 27 . . . hb2 28. Eld6) 28.Ela4 The endgame is also clearly better for White. 28 . . . cJJb6 (28 . . . hb2 29.Elxa7+ r:JJb6 30. Elxh7 c5 31 . r:JJf1! This stops the c-pawn just in time. The two passed pawns on the a- and h-files decide the day.) 29.<;t>f1 c5 30.b3 and it becomes clear that White is much better, probably already winn ing.]

25.'ti?f1 ! (01 1 2)

1 1 2

28J3xd4 exd4 29J3xc4t

The black pawns seem to be pretty dangerous, but after

29 . . . d3+ 30.ci;;d1

all danger has been wiped out.

Such detailed analysis can hard ly be g iven without any mistakes but the variations have certainly proved that 1 1 .e4 ! is the only correct idea in the position .

With moves other than 1 1 .e4, White abandons the attempt to fight for an advantage.

On account of the high tactical content the analysis is very extensive , but one can - at the very least - learn a number of motifs from the variations.

I sometimes feel I should apologise for the long analysis, but several days of work on the position arising after 1 1 .e4 ! were just too enjoyable.

Conclusion : Also after 5 . . . c4! , White gets into a position with very good chances.

79 Chapter 20

4 . . J&b6 ! ? + 5 . . . a6 !?

1 .d4 d 5 2.c!l:lf3 c!Df6 3 . .tf4 c5 4.e3 VNb6 1 O .lt:Jxd5 lt:Jxd5 1 1 .VNxd5 e6 1 2 .VNh5+-5.c!Dc3 a6!? (01 1 3) Forbes-Summerscale, British

Championsh ips (Eastbourne) 1 991 .] 1 1 3

a b c d e

d e g h

1 1 4

8 a b c d e

Prevents tt:lb5 and pursues simi lar ideas to 5 . . . c4. 5 . . :e6 6 .tt:lb5 tt:la6 7.c3!? c4

g h

8

6

80

Back to the main variation

Chapter 20 - 4 . . . Wb6!? + 5 . . . a6!?

According ly, 6.a3!? is not adequate for ach ieving an advantage.)

Not b · f 'd ? .ie2 e6 8.0-0 tt:lbd7 S.Kovacevic-

e�ng a ral of the ru le "A knight Sagal l , Capelle la Grande 1 994. Whi'te on the rim is d im!".

[6.a3!? is tricky. 6 . . . ig4

(6 . . . Wxb2?? 7 .tt:la4)

(6 . . . cxd4! 7 .exd4 tt:lc6 8 .h3 if5 9.tt:la4 Wd8 1 0 .tt:lc5 and now 1 0 . . . e6! proves (01 1 5)

'

should now continue with 9 .tt:la4 wc6 1 0 .tt:lxc5 tt:lxc5 1 1 .dxc5 ixc5 1 2 .tt:le5 ixe2 1 3 .Wxe2 Wa4 1 4 .c4;!;.]

6 .. .'\Wa5+ 7.c3 (01 1 6)

1 1 6

7 . . . cxd4

[Also with 7 . . . tt:lbd7 Black wi l l not be able to obstruct the white in itiative 8 .tt:lxc5! tt:lxc5 9.b4! Wa3 1 O .bxcS Wxc3+ 1 1 .tt:ld2 (01 1 7) The pawn stru

.cture guarantees White a long­

lasting in itiative on the queenside 1 1 . . .llf5 1 2 .Wc1 Wxc1 + 1 3J:'\xc1 l:'lcS

·

{ 'hapter 20 - 4 . . . '11Mb6!? + 5 . . . a6!?

14.Elc3+-]

1 1 7

a b c d e

8

7

6 6

5 5

4

3 3 �" � � �/,_ , ,_3 2

8.exd4 e6 9.b4 '11Md8 1 0.id3

tLlc5 right away is answered by . . . b6. The knight on the rim is waiting patiently for its opportunity.

1 0 ... .id6 1 V t)e5 '11Mc7 1 2 .0-0 ltlc6 1 3J�e1 b6 14.ig3 ib7 1 5.f4

The last moves were al l qu ite normal . White has planted in a knight on e5 and increased the control over this important central square in general .

15 . . . ltle4 1 6.ixe4 dxe4 1 7.ltlc4! (01 1 8)

The opportun ity appears.

[ 1 7.Elxe4? runs into the trap 1 7 . . . tLlxb4!]

81

1 7 . . . .ixf4

1 1 8

a b c d e

8

6

5 5

3 3

2

[ 1 7 . . . b5? 1 8 .tLlxd6+ 11Mxd6 1 9.tLlc5 ltld8 20.f5 '11Md5 2 1 .Elxe4! 0-0 (21 . . .'11Mxf5 22.Ele5 '11Mg6 23. tLlxb7 tLlxb7 24.'\1Mf3+-) 22.f6+-; 1 7 . . . Eld8 1 8.ltlaxb6 ixf4 1 9.ixf4 11Mxf4 20.Elf1 11Mg5 2 1 .'11Me2 f5 22 .a4 tLle7 23.tLla5 id5 24.c4 ia8 25.tLlxa8 Elxa8 26.b5+-]

1 8 . .ixf4 11Mxf4 19J�xe4! V!Jc7 20.ltlaxb6 �d8

[20 . . . tLle7 2 1 .'11Ma4++-]

21 .d5 0-0

Despite having castled, the king does not really feel safe .

22.d6 '11Mb8 23.�h4 V!fa7 24.V!fh5 h6 (01 1 9) 25.V!fc5?!

82

"�- � b c d e f g h

Understandable, but unnecessary. [25.l"i:d 1 ! is much easier as there is hardly anyth ing available to meet the plan of l"i:d3-g3. 25 . . . f5 (25 .. .f6 26.tM!'c5!) 26 .tM!'e2 l"i:f6 27.d7 �5 2a.mh1 l"i:g6 29.tLld5 l"i:e6 30.l"i:h5 w1th a winning position for White .]

25 . . . f5 26.a4 f4 27."1&f2 f3 28.g3 E:f5 29.E:e1 E:f6 30.E:he4 e5

Chapter 20 - 4 . . . tM!'b6!? + 5 . . . a6!?

wh7 36.mxf3 E:d7 37.mf2 tLld4 38.E:xe5 E:f7+ 39.tLlf4 E:f6 40.E:e7

(01 20)

1 -0 in Mastrapa-Medina, Cuban 2000.

Conclusion: 5 . . . a6!? is an interesting attempt to stamp the white knight as a problem ch ild . But White can make good use of the horse on his

l t is not possible to defend e6 any queenside. longer. [30 . . . Wf7 3 1 .l"i:f4 l"i:xf4 32.gxf4 tLlb8 33 .tM!'e3 ic8 34.f5+-]

31 .ll:ld5 E:fxd6 32.ll:lxd6 E:xd6

The fight is a l l over.

[32 . . . tM!'xf2+ 33.Wxf2 l"i:xd6 34 .c4 a5 35.b5 tLlb4 36.l"i:d 1 ttJxd5 37 .cxd5 mf7 38.l"i:xe5+-]

33.\&xa7 ttJxa7 34.c4 ll:lc6 35.Wf2

83 C hapter 2 1

5 . . . VNb6 - Introduction

1 .d4 d5 2.ctJf3 l2Jf6 3 . .if4 c5 4.e3 ct:lc6 5.c3

the Caro-Kann Exchange Variation.] [5 . . . if5?! g ives away the pawn . 6.dxc5 e6 (6 . . . ixb1 ? ! 7 J'1xb1 ct:le4 8.ct:le5 ct:lxc5 9 . .ib5+- :!'k8? ! 1 0.'1Wf3 WaS (10 . . . ctJe4 1 1 . ctJxf7) 1 1 .'1Wxd5 Cibulka - Husek, Slovakia 2001 .) 7 .ct:ld4 ixb1 8.E!xb1 ixc5 9.'1Wa4!]

White sets up the threat of simply winning a pawn with 6 .dxc5.

5 . . . �b6 (01 21 )

a b c

1 21

d e h

[5 . . . ct:lh5!? could be a sort of personal tip, but was only tested once at a high level so far 6 .dxc5! The best is . . . ct:lxf4 a J. 8 7 .exf4 e6 8 .b4 '1Wf6 9.'1Wd2 (b5!?) ct:lxb4 (9 . . . a5; %-% in Kovacevic-Greenfeld , Ljubljana/Portoroz 1 989. The game

6 ends at the most exciting point. . . 1 0. b5 ct:le7 1 1 .g3 (01 22) is forced .

2

a b c d e g h

This is the most energetic continuation . Black is trying hard to 4 obtain activity and wou ld l ike to demonstrate the absence of the .if4 3

from the queenside. The following chapters are the most exciting and complex in the whole London System. Anybody entering into these without sufficient knowledge of the basics wil l

1 22

a b c d e h

c

go down with al l flags flying . The desirable 1 1 .'1Wd4 would be met by 1 1 . . . ctJf5! with an unclear position .

[5 . . . cxd4 6 .exd4 would transpose to If Black leaves out 1 0 . . . ct:le?, then

84 Chapter 2 1 - 5 . . . '\Wb6 - Introduction

1 1 .'\Wd4 is good. Therefore, the h igh level. supporting 1 1 .g3 is the correct move in th is position; White increases his a) 9.'1Wb5 is recommended by Soltis . influence in the centre and can claim 9 . . . '\Wxb5 1 O .ixb5 a6 1 1 .ie2 c4 a small advantage. Be that as it may, 1 2 .lt:Je5 (12.b3!?) 1 2 . . . id6 1 3 .b3 cxb3 even here Black is not without counter 1 4 .lt:Jxc6 ixf4 1 5.exf4 bxc6 1 6 .axb3 chances. ) 1 0 .cxb4 Wxa1 1 1 .ib5+ Accord ing to Kovacevic the position is cj;Jd8 1 2 .0-0 Wf6 is the starting point balanced after 1 6 . . . lt:Je4. Herzog­for interesting complexities. 1 3.lt:Jc3 Nogueiras, Lucerne OL 1 982. c:Jlc7 1 4 .ge1 with the idea of lt:Je5 and some noticeable compensation .] b) 9.gb1 ie7 1 0.id3 0-0 1 1 .0-0 gfd8

1 2.ig3 gac8 1 3.lt:Je5 lt:Jh5 1 4 .'\Wc2 g6 5 . . . ig4!? Very natural and not bad at 1 5.lt:Jxc6 Wxc6 and B lack could have al l . 6.lt:J bd2! (6.'1Wb3 Wb6 7.dxc5 equalised easily in Keres-Reshevsky, (7.'\Wxb6 axb6 B.lt:Ja3!?) 7 . . . Wxb3 Kemeri 1 937. lt should be examined 8.axb3 ixf3 9 .gxf3 e5 = Konig- whether it would have been better had Oesterle, 2nd National League White taken on c5 on the 1 1 th or 1 21h Germany, 1 990/1 . ) 6 . . . e6 (6 . . . cxd4 move. After al l , he had the advantage 7.exd4 -> Caro-Kann, once again .) of the two bishops. 7 .'\Wa4 !? A truly unusual place for the queen in the London System. 7 . . . c) 9 .id3 ! (0 1 24) The following ixf3 ! (7 . . . id6? B.ia6! can be missed analysis is g iven by Kovacevic. easily.) 8.lt:Jxf3 Wb6 (01 23)

1 23

a b c d e h

8

This has already been tested at a very

a

8 J.

a

1 24

c d e g h

Noth ing more log ical than that:

8

Chapter 2 1 - 5 . . . �b6 - Introduction 85

White goes for a qu ick development, unusual sidel ines we return to the but nobody at all has thought of this main position . idea before. Three moves wil l be examined more closely. 6.�b3 (01 25)

[9 . . . c4 1 0 .ic2 �xb2 1 1 .0-0 and now 1 1 . . . ia3! is the best continuation .

a Nevertheless, White wil l get the advantage. The 1 1 th move alternatives 8 .E.

b c

125

d

8

are clearly worse:

a) 1 1 . . . �xc3? 1 2 .tt:le5 ctJd? (12 . . . id6 13. tt:lxc6) 1 3.tt:lxc6 bxc6 1 4 .�xc6+-; b) 1 1 . . .ie7? 1 2 .!'1ab1 �xc3 1 3 .!'1xb7+-;

Back to 1 1 . . . ia3: 1 2. !'1ab1 �xc3 1 3 .!'1xb7 0-0 14 .ixh7+ tt:lxh? (14 . . . <J:Jxh 7 1 5.ctJg5+ rJJgB 1 6.�xc6 E1ac8 1 7.�a6 tt:le4 1 8. tt:lxe4 dxe4 19.!'1xa7 ib2 20.id6+-) 1 5.�xc6 ib4 1 6 .tt:le5 !'1ac8 1 7.�a6 �a3 1 8 .�b5 id6 1 9.tt:lxf7 ixf4 (19 . . . !'1xf7 20.!'1xf7 rJJxf7 2 1 .�d7+ ie7 22.�xc8) 20.exf4 ctJf6 21 .tt:lg5+-]

[9 . . . �xb2?! 1 0 .0-0 c4 (10 . . . ie7? 1 1 .!'1ab 1 �xc3 1 2.!'1xb7 0-0 13.�xc6 �xd3 14. !'1xe7+-) 1 1 .!'1ab1 �xc3 1 2 .!'1xb7 cxd3 1 3.!'1c7 �c4 1 4 .�xc4 dxc4 1 5.!'1xc6 ctJd5 1 6.!'1xc4 tt:lxf4 1 7 .exf4 id6 1 8.tt:le5;!;]

[9 . . . tt:lh5! 1 0.0-0 tt:lxf4 1 1 .exf4 and now: 1 1 . . . c4 ( 1 1 . . .cxd4 1 2 .f5!? ic5 (12 . . . id6 1 3. fxe6 fxe6 14.ctJxd4 e5 1 5.ctJf5 �cl 1 6.c4 d4 1 7.�b5+-) 1 3 .fxe6 fxe6 1 4 .b4 id6 1 5 .tt:lxd4 0-0 1 6 .tt:lxe6 !'1f6 1 7.tt:lg5 h6 1 8 .ctJf3 tt:le5 1 9 .ie2;!;) 1 2 .ie2 id6 1 3 .f5 0-0 14 .b3 cxb3 1 5 .axb3;!;] After this small excursion into perhaps

d e g h

This is the traditional main l ine. 6 .tt:la3 or 6.�c2 are the recommended moves, but I believe these two choices do not include White 's best option . After the queen 's move, White does not have to fear 6 . . . �xb3, as the half-open a-file would benefit h im. Moreover, the doubled pawns would not represent a weakness.

[6.tt:la3!? Leads to wild compications. 6 . . . �xb2 7.tt:lb5 tt:le4 Whoever is interested, can invest time in the arising positions.

6 .�c2 cxd4 (6 . . . g6 7.ctJbd2 ig7 B.ie2 0-0 9. 0-0 ctJh5 10.ig5 h6 1 1.ih4 cxd4 1 2. tt:lxd4 ctJf6 1 3.�b3 �aS 14.ig3 = Wirthensohn-Pelletier, Swiss Cht 1 999.; 6 . . . ig4 7. ctJbd2 e6

86

8.h3 i),f5 9. '1Wb3 h6 1 0. l/Je5 c4 1 1 . '\Wxb6 axb6 1 2. a3 l/Ja5 13.f3 h5 14. 'iflf2 ltJgB 1 5.g4 hxg4 1 6. fxg4 iJ,h 7 1 7.1J,g2 = Borbjerggard-Hector, Stockholm 2002.) 7.exd4 i),f5! 8 .'1Wb3 and White may be an ounce better, but 6 . . . c4 would also not have been bad .]

6 . . . c4 (01 26)

1 26

There is noth ing better avai lable. The disadvantage of 6 . . . c4 is that no more pressure is being put on d4, but on the other hand the '1Wb3 is forced to make a decision.

[6 . . . 1J,f5? 7 .dxc5 '\Wxb3 8.axb3 l/Jd? (8 . . . l/Jh5 9. liJd4+-) 9 .b4 e5 1 0.1J,g3 f6 1 1 .b5 l/Je7 1 2.b4+-] Let us take a deep breath at this moment and pause for a whi le. The position on the board is extremely important for the London System. GM

Chapter 2 1 - 5 . . . '\Wb6 - Introduction

Kovacevic and also GM Soltis suggest retreating with the queen . I have a different approach : My recommendation is to exchange on b6. But why?

The strategy behind 7.'\Wc2 i),f5 and 8.'\Wc1 is the consideration that the long-term potential of the position belongs to White. Since Black has got his central pawns fixed with . . . c5-c4, it is White who dreams about achieving b3 or even e4 sooner or later. Black, on the other hand, has secured a space advantage on the queenside as well as a lead in development. The factors of the position are considered to be balanced , accordingly there is no objective proof of an advantage for White . An exchange on b6 is frowned upon as White did not achieve reasonable results. But in my opin ion this is not a reason to doubt the quality of th is move. GM Kovacevic proclaimed that the positions after 7 .'1Wxb6 are often complicated and that White nearly always tries to cause some trouble on the queenside with the help of his minor pieces. U nfortunately this would often lead to the pieces becoming endangered. I think many mistakes concerning the evaluation of the position simply happen - as often in many new and unknown paths -because the secrets of the positions are not recognised . I found a few of these secrets, but there are certainly many more to be found . But first let us have a look at the consequences of 7 .'\Wc2:

Chapter 2 1 - 5 . . . Wb6 - Introduction

7.1Mfc2 �f5! (01 27)

127

a b c d e f

7 . . . g6 is just a loss of time.

8.'!Mfc1 e6

g h

Looks good , but allows Wh ite to pose the question to the � on f5 with his kn ig ht.

[8 . . . ctJ h5!? 9.�g5 h6 1 0 .�h4 g5 1 1 .�g3 'Wa5 1 2 .ctJbd2 ltJxg3 1 3 . hxg3 �g7 1 4 .e4 dxe4 1 5.ltJxc4 We? 1 6 .ctJfd2 0-0 1 7.Wb 1 ;!; Semeniuk­Rublevsky, Russian Cht (Tomsk) 2001 .]

[8 . . .1k8 9 .ctJbd2 h6 1 0 .�e2 e6 1 1 .0-0 �e? 1 2 .b3! cxb3 1 3 .axb3 0-0 1 4 .Wb2 a5 1 5.h3 E\a8 1 6J''\a4 E\fc8 1 7.l:l:fa 1 ;!; Meduna-Jirovsky, Czech Republ ic 1 993.] [8 . . . h6 Seems to be slow but is very flexible. 9 .h3 e6 1 0.�e2 'Wa5 1 1 .ctJbd2

87

b5 (1 1 . . . �e7 12. 0-0 0-0 13.E\e1 b5 14.b4 Wb6 15.g4 and now the players agreed to a draw in Kharlov-Volzh in , Linares 1 997.) 1 2 .a3 Wb6 1 3 .0-0 l:l:c8 1 4 .l:l:e1 �e? 1 5.�d 1 0-0 1 6 .i.c2 How is something l ike this supposed to produce an advantage? 1 6 . . . Wb7 1 7 .Wb 1 i.xc2 1 8 .'Wxc2 a5 1 9 .e4 b4 =

Drazic-Brancaleoni , Saint Vincent 2003.]

9.ctJbd2 (0128)

This is the critical position of the l ine with 6 .Wb3-c2-c1 . The losses of tempo speak against White but Black has fixed his pawns in the centre with c5-c4 and White has the pawn breaks b2-b3 as wel l as e3-e4 at his d isposal . I n the long run he wil l have promising chances. Black, in contrast, must look for dynamic possibil ities .

1 28

a b c d e g h

[9 .ctJh4 brought noth ing in Kamsky­Pinter, Paris 1 990. 9 . . . i.e4 1 0.ctJd2

88

ie7 One wil l probably remember this idea from White's point of view?! 1 1 .ie2 0-0 1 2 .l2'lhf3 ig6=]

9 .. .'lWd8

[9 .. .1k8 1 0 .ie2 ie7 1 1 .0-0 0-0 1 2.:1:\e1 Wa5 1 3 .a3 b5 1 4 .id 1 Wb6 1 5.ic2 a5 1 6 .ig5= Petran-Gonda, Budapest 200 1 .]

[9 . . . ie 7 1 0 .ie2 0-0 1 1 . 0-0 :1:\fc8 1 2 .:1:\e1 Wd8 1 3.Ct:Je5 tiJxe5 1 4 .ixe5 b5 1 5.if3 id3 1 6 .e4 b4 1 7 .ixf6 ixf6 1 8 .exd5 exd5 1 9 .tiJf1 = Kovacevic­Dizdarevic, Mravinci 1 995.]

[9 . . . Wa5 1 O .ie2 b5 1 1 .b4 Wb6 1 2 .a4 bxa4 1 3 .:1:\xa4 ie7 1 4 .0-0 0-0= Plaskett-Pinter, Copenhagen 1 985.]

1 0 .b3

lt is not clear which of the possible options to recommend. We have reached a position in which the stronger player will have the better prospects. Neither side can claim an objective advantage.

[ 10 .ie2 h6 (10 . . . ie7 1 1 .0-0 0-0 12. tt:Je5 tt:Jxe5 13.ixe5 b5 14. f3 i.g6 15.g4 tiJd7 1 6.i.g3 f6 1 7. f4 Wb6 1B.if3= Blatny-Zso. Polgar, Brno 1 991 .) 1 1 .0-0 (1 1 .t"iJe5 :1:\cB 12. 0-0 b5 13.b4 a5 14.a3 i.d6 15. tt:Jxc6 :1:\xc6 1 6.ixd6 :1:\xd6 1 7.Wb2 0-0= Meduna­Van Wely, Moskau 1 994.) 1 1 . . . ie7 1 2 .tiJe5 tiJxe5 1 3 .ixe5 b5 1 4 .ixf6 ixf6 1 5. f4 0-0 1 6 .if3 id3:j: Bagheri­Yagupov, Moscow 2000.] [1 0 .tiJh4!? ie4 (10 . . . ig4 1 1 .h3 ih5

Chapter 2 1 - 5 . . . Wb6 - Introduction

12.g4 i.g6 1 3. tt:Jxg6 hxg6 14.ig2 i.d6 1 5.ixd6 Wxd6 1 6.b3"f Schl indwein­Har-Zvi , Rotterdam 1 998.) 1 1 .f3 ig6 1 2.e4 tiJh5 1 3 .ig3 ie7 (13 . . . tt:Jxg3 14.hxg3 Wg5 1 5.l'g,h3 We3+ 1 6.i.e2 t"iJe7 1 7. tiJf1 Wxc1+ 1 8.l'g,xc1=) 1 4 .tiJxg6 hxg6 1 5 .if2 f5 1 6 .Wc2 Wd7 1 7 .b3 cxb3 1 8 .axb3 l'g,c8 1 9 .Wb1 = Sch lindwein-Pinter, National League 97/8]

1 0 . . . b5 1 1 .a4 a6 1 2.ie2 ie7 1 3.0-0 0-0 14.Wb2 Wd7 1 5JUd1 h6 1 6.t"iJe5 tt.Jxe5 17 .dxe5 tl.Je4 1 8.bxc4 bxc4 1 9.tl.Jxe4 �xe4 20.i.xc4= (01 29)

1 29

With 7.'\Wc2 White ach ieves absolutely playable positions, wh ich the better player wil l win in the end. But neither side can claim an objective advantage.

89 Chapter 22

5 . . . 'Wfb6 + 8 . . . e5?

1 .d4 d5 2.tLlf3 tLlf6 3.�f4 c5 4.e3 tLlc6 5.c3 �b6 6.�b3 c4 7.�xb6 axb6

8.tLla3! (01 30)

1 30

a b c d e h

8

7

6

3

2

We are now reaching my favourite position in the London System. There are a surprising number of difficulties as well as complex problems to be solved , even though the queens were exchanged and the pawn structu re is determined to a large extend. The half-open a-file looks very promising for Black, but White does not have to be worried about this. As mentioned in the last chapter, th is position is not aspired to as the resu lts clearly speak against White. But the main reason is probably that the correct approach for White has not been found yet. This applies to nearly

all the variations. In many cases the material on hand was just not enough and had to be completed with self analysis. With such at one's d isposal, the London System player now obtains an extremely dangerous weapon.

Now we move on to an explanation of 8 .ct:la3 ! . Without this knight move Black could just let b5-b4 etc. follow and White could no longer hope for an advantage. Therefore, coming to this decision was not really d ifficu lt. Besides preventing the opponent's ideas , White might well threaten to play ct:la3-b5-c7 at some point. I n order to understand the variations we wil l beg in by looking at Black's worst answer.

8 . . . e5?

Despite being very tempting, pushing th rough . . . e5 is just not as easy as that. . .

9.lDb5 :!!aS

Otherwise the pawn on e5 would vanish from the board without any compensation .

1 0.tLlc7+

White had no option but we already see the first big point of 7 .'1Wxb6 . Regard less of how Black continues, a

90 Chapter 22 - 5 . . . Wb6 + 8 . . . e5?

very strong piece sacrifice is going to 2S.<;t>c2 tt'la3+ 26.�b2 c4 Black fol low in any case . . . controls every corner of the board.

1 0 . . . @d8

[ 1 0 . . . �d7 has similar consequences: 1 1 .tt'lxe5+ ( 1 1 .dxe5? fol lowed in the only practical game. But it i l lustrates an instructive mistake. 1 1 . . . tLlh5 1 2 .tLlxd5 1"\xdS 1 3.�xc4 1"\cS 1 4.�xf7 tLlxf4 1 5.exf4 (01 31 )

a b c

8

c

1 3 1

d e

9

h

8

2

White actual ly got four pawns for the piece , but there is another important feature in the position : The pawn structure is no longer compact and hence open to attack. I n the progress of the game Black made use of this and eventual ly went on to win : 1 5 . . . <;t>e? 1 6.�b3 �g4 1 7 .tt'ld2 g5! 1 8.tt'le4 gxf4! (01 32) Yet another exchange sacrifice. 1 9.tt'lxc5 bxc5 20 .�d5 tt:Jxe5 2 1 .�xb7 tLld3+ 22.�d2 tLlxb2 Where have al l the pawns gone? 23.1"\he1 + <;t>f6 24.�e4 tt'lc4+

27.f3 �e6 28.1"1ad1 �c5 29.g3 1"1b8+ 30.<;t>a1 �f2 31 .1"\e2 fxg3 32 .hxg3 �xg3 33.1"\b2 tt'lb5 34.1"\c1 �f4 35.1"\cc2 tLla3 36.1"\g2 1"\d8 37.1"\g 1 �e5 38.1"\c1 h5 39.1"\b6 1"\d2 40.f4 �xf4

a b c

1 32

d e 9 h

4 1 .1"\f1 <;t>es 42.1"\xe6+ <;t>xe6 43.1"\xf4 1"\h2 44.1"\f1 h4 45.1"\h1 1"\xh 1 + 46 .�xh1 @d6 47.@b2 tt'lb5 48 .<;t>c2 @cs 49.<;t>d2 h3 50.a4 tLlc7 51 .a5 @bS 52.<;t>e3 <;t>xa5 53.�d4 @bS 54.�f3 h2 55.�h1 tt'le6+ 56 .�e5 �a4 5?.<;t>xe6 @b3 58.@f5 <;t>xc3 59.<;t>f4 �d2 60.@g3 c3 61 .�xh2 c2 62.�f3 c1W 63.<;t>g3 <;t>e3 64.�a8 Wg 1 + 65.�g2 Wf2+ 66.@g4 Wxg2+ 67.<;t>fs We4+0-1 Olszewski , M-Borovikov, V /Kazimierz Oolny 200 1 ) 1 1 . . . tt:Jxe5 1 2 .�xe5 tt'lg4 1 3.tt'lxd5 tt'lxe5 1 4.tLlxb6+ �c7 1 5.tt'lxc8 tt'ld3+ 1 6 .�xd3 cxd3 1 7.�d2 �xc8 1 8 .e4+- is also more than favourable for White .]

Chapter 22 - 5 . . . Wb6 + 8 . . . e5?

1 1 .ltlxe5! {01 33)

This move was never played in the few games covering 8 . . . e5. Therefore , it is no surprise that even in the position after 1 0 .ltl c 7 + <±>d8 Black achieved satisfying resu lts !

1 33

a b c d e g h

s i 81.11 � �- "� -� ;; /;- ////;

-� 8

7 ' v· � - � /'/ . . , . . ' 8 £ £ 1 7 6 1 -�8 � ;; -�/,, _ . ,� - 6 5�- 8 £ � 8 1 5 4 1 8 .t. D �% -4 :i + �

:;:,,_ ///;'/

3- :�r� 'Wf/� 8 1 3 ;:A "" � "" :::-::: 0//Y,:: """"" 2 1 � 0 8 'Wf�� � 0 �"� �" 2 g 1 �

a b

8 c d

�01�8 a l 1 �- "� �

e g h

1 1 . . . ltlxe5

[ 1 1 . . . �xc7 1 2 .ltlxf7+ �d7 1 3.tL:lxh8 ct?e8+-]

12 . .ixe5 ltle4 1 3.ltlxd5! �xdS 14 . .ixc4 �d7 1 5 . .ib5 �e7 1 6.f3+­

(D1 34)

Conclusion: lt is very interesting to see how PC programmes judge this position , as they are not capable of foreseeing the long-term consequences . Humans, on the other hand, will see at first glance that only

91

White can stand better i n this position . He got three pawns for the piece and has an absolutely flexible pawn structure. White must, of course, act very carefu lly. But gradual ly the pawns will advance, with a crushing effect on B lack's position .

1 34

92 Chapter 23

5 . . .'\&b6 + 8 . . J�xa3?

1 .d4 d5 2.<lfjf3 �f6 3.il.f4 c5 4.e3 �c6 5.c3 Wfb6 6.'1Wb3 c4 7.'1Wxb6 axb6 8.�a3 :axa3? (01 35)

1 35

This is a very creative exchange sacrifice which luckily enough, is not qu ite correct. Black plans to completely constrict White with . . . �f5, e6, and �xa3-b2. If he succeeds in realising th is plan, then the sacrifice has to be considered to be absolutely correct.

9.bxa3 .ifS!

Clearly the best continuation .

[9 . . . l/Je4? is really too optimistic: 1 OJ'k1 ! e6 1 1 .a4 �a3 1 2.1"ic2+-]

1 0.�e5! (01 36)

Some solutions cannot be recogn ised immed iately. Long analysis did not bring any results until I final ly found the text move. The idea behind the knight's move is anything but obvious. White wi l l voluntarily return some material in order to free the important b 1 -square for his rook.

1 36

[A small excerpt from my own analysis: 1 O .ll:ld2 Moving back passively in order to gain control over e4. lt seems as though the move is playable, but finding the correct continuations is far from easy. Anyway, the possibil ities are certainly worth looking at: 1 O . . . e6 1 1 .�g5 The

Chapter 23 - 5 . . . 1Wb6 + 8 . . .1:%xa3?

knight has to move. At the same time events are forced . 1 1 . . . ibxa3 ( 1 1 . . . b5 prevents a later li:Jxc4. White can sti l l gain an advantage with absolutely exact moves 1 2 .ibxf6! gxf6 1 3 .e4! dxe4 1 4.g4! (01 37)

1 37

Two pawns are sacrificed in order to break through the stranglehold. 14 . . . ibxg4 A retreat to g6 does not help. (14 . . . ibg6 1 5.ibg2 .ha3 1 6. 'Bb 1 e3 1 7. li:Je4 exf2+ 18. mxf2� b4 19.li:Jd6+ me7 20. li:Jxc4 ibxb 1 2 1 . 'Bxb 1 'Ba8 22.ibxc6 bxc6 23.cxb4 'Ba4 24.'Bb3 ibc1 25.a3+-) 1 5 .'Bb1 li:Ja7 The disturbing knight was pushed back. 1 6 .a4! Softening up the c4-square. 1 6 . . . b4 1 7.'Bg 1 1 7 . . . ii.f5 1 8 .li:Jxc4 li:Jc6 1 9.li:Je3 ibg6 20.md2 f5 21 .li:Jc2 ii.h6+ 22.mdH)

1 2 .ibxf6 ibb2 1 3.ibxg7 'Bg8 14 .'Bb 1 ! ! (01 38) A beautifu l motif: The bishop is trapped and Black must try to rescue

93

it. 1 4 . . . ibxb1 1 5.li:Jxb1 'Bxg7 1 6 .md2 b5 1 7 .mc2 iba1 1 8.a3 md7 1 9.li:Jd2 Places his hopes on the extra piece. White has to give away three pawns now. 1 9 . . . 'Bg8 With the plan of getting to aB. 20 .ibe2 ibxc3

1 38

(20 . . . b4 2 1 .axb4 'Ba8 22.ibxc4 dxc4 23. li:Jxc4 All of a sudden White is a whole piece down but his compensation is obvious nonetheless.) 21 .mxc3 'Bxg2 22.ibh5 Striving for an endgame without rooks. 22 . . . 'Bxf2 23.'Bf1 'Bxf1 24 .li:Jxf1 me? 25.li:Jg3 (01 39)

Black's three extra pawns are relatively immobile but nevertheless it wi l l be d ifficult for White to win due to the small amount of remaining material . ]

94

1 39

Chapter 23 - 5 . . .'�Mb6 + 8 . . . :9:xa3?

capture on c3 . 1 1 . . . ti:Jxc3 1 2 .e4 This lever is certainly annoying . . . 12 . . . dxe4 ( 1 2 . . . �e6 1 3 .:9:c1 ! ti:Jb5 (13 . . . ti:Jxa2? 14.:9:c2+-) 1 4 .exd5 �xd5 1 5 .�xc4 �xc4 1 6 .:9:xc4 ti:Jbxd4+-) 1 3 .�xc4 li:Jxe5 1 4 .�xe5+-]

[ 1 0 . . . ti:Jxe5 1 1 .dxe5 li:Je4 1 2 .f3 li:Jxc3 1 3.e4 is much better for White]

1 1 .g4! (01 40)

1 40

Back to the main variation (01 36)

a b c

1 36

3 The crucial point.

1 1 ... �e4

The bishop should not g ive up the control over b 1 .

1 0 . . . e6 [1 1 . . . �xg4? 1 3.:9:b1 +- ]

1 2 .ti:Jxg4 li:Jxg4

[1 O . . . li:Je4 1 1 .f3 Even aiding Black to

Chapter 23 - 5 . . . iM!b6 + 8 . . . Eixa3?

[1 1 . . . t1Jxg4 1 2. l2Jxg4 �xg4 1 3.Eib1 \tld7 1 4 .Eixb6 \tlc8+-; 1 1 . . . �c2 1 2 .\tld2 �a4 1 3 .f3 �xa3 1 4 .Eib1 b5 1 5 .l2Jxc6 bxc6 1 6.�g2+-]

1 2.f3

And that is the fin ish for h im.

1 2 . . . t1Jxe5 1 3.fxe4 .!Df3+ 14.Wf2 .!Dd2 1 5.exd5 exd5

[ 1 5 . . . t1Jxd5 1 6 .We1 l2Jxf1 1 7 .E\xf1 with the advantage.]

1 6.'it>e1

Black really does look si l ly without the l ight-squared bishop.

1 6 ... .!Dde4 1 7 J3b1 .!Dxg4

95

141

And hardly any questions are left unanswered .

[ 1 7 . . . l/Jd7 1 8 .�g2 l/Jxc3 1 9.Eic1 +-] Conclusion : Despite its great idea, the 8 . . J3xa3? exchange sacrifice is

18J3xb6 .!Dxc3 1 9J3xb7+- (0141 ) just not good enough .

96 Chapter 24

5 . . . �b6 + 8 . . . .ig4

1 .d4 d5 V!ljf3 ltlf6 3 . .if4 c5 4.e3 ltlc6 5.c3 '!Wb6 6.'1Wb3 c4 7.'1Wxb6 axb6

8.ltla3 �g4

Has hardly ever been played , but is doubtless much better than the moves examined previously.

The alternative is 9.lub5, but White has someth ing else in mind.

9 . . . :Sa5 1 0.e4 e6 (0142)

1 1 .ltlaxc4 ! !

Welcome to the fantastic world of the London System! In the fol lowing we wil l experience d ifferent variations of this piece sacrifice time and again . White gets 2-3 pawns for the piece as wel l as long lasting compensation .

1 1 . . .dxc4 1 2.f3 �h5 1 3.ltlxc4 :Sa7

[ 1 3 . . . �a6 Preferring to g ive away only two pawns after recognising that White has no strong discovered attacks with his knight. 1 4 .g4 .ig6 1 5.h4 h5 1 6.g5 tt:ld7 1 7 .tt:ld6+ .ixd6 1 8 . .ixd6 �aS Despite only having two pawns for the piece, White obtains more than enough compensation.

The bishop on g6 is not playing at al l and it wil l take some time for the rook on h8 to enter the game as wel l . (18 . . . �aB) 19 . .id3�]

142

14.tt:lxb6+-

Conclusion: The piece sacrifice was not the forced continuation after 8 . . . J.g4, but the main aspect of this chapter is the demonstration of this very common idea.

97 Chapter 25

5 . . . �b6 + �aS !?

1 .d4 d 5 V�jf3 lt:lf6 3 . .if4 c5 4.e3 lt:lc6 b6. Black has to make a difficu lt 5.c3 'Wb6 6.'Wb3 c4 7.'Wxb6 axb6 choice . Should he defend b6 or

8.lt:la3 E:a5!? (01 43) continue with his development? lt becomes clear that only two moves

1 43 come into consideration .

a b c

8

7

d e h [9 . . . e5?! Trying to make use of the 8 knight on a3. 10 .�c2 e4 1 1 .�d2 Ela6

(01 44)

5

4

3

A clear declaration of war, as �b5 wil l no longer be al lowed . I n addition , Black may renew his th reat of b6-b5. The move 8 .. . Ei:a5 is qu ite popu lar and therefore very important for the evaluation of the London System.

9 . .ic7

Very log ical . White focusses on the b­pawn , which is pinned. But one has to be aware of the fol lowing trick: The bishop can possibly get trapped on the queenside! Therefore White is not really keen on capturing the pawn on

1 44

Looks good for Black, but with the following plan White gets the advantage . 1 2 .a4 ! The idea is b4-b5. The pawn chain e4-d5-c4 is very vulnerable. Sooner or later i t wi l l be disrupted. 1 2 . . . b5? 1 3 .axb5 Ei:xa 1 + 14 .�xa1 �a? 1 5.b3 �xb5 1 6 . .ia5 b6 1 7 . .ixb6 �xc3 1 8 . .ia5 �a2 1 9.bxc4 .ia6 20.c5 .ixf1 21 .Ei:xf1 +- �c1 22.f3

98 Chapter 25 - 5 . . . '1Wb6 + 8 . . . 1"i:a5!?

lie? 23.�d 1 tt:ld3 24.�e2 0-0 25 .fxe4 [9 . . . e6 !? Very sol id . Anyhow, there are dxe4 26.tt:lxe4 tt:lxe4 27.�xd3 f5 a few pitfal ls White has to be aware 28.g4 g6 29.gxf5 gxf5 30.tt:lb3 lih4 of. The lieS is not worth much more 3 1 .tLld2 tLlf2+ 32 .�e2 tt:lh3 33.c6 f4 than a pawn, but Black plans to make 34.tt:lf3 1 -0 Kovacevic-Kristensen , use of it later on. 1 O.tt:lc2 (01 46) Thessa-loniki 1 988/]

1 46 [9 . . . 1"i:a6?! invites us to the already

b d a c e well known piece sacrifice. 1 0.tt:lxc4 ! dxc4 1 1 .1ixc4 1"i:a8 1 2 .1ixb6 etc.]

[9 . . . tt:ld7?! defends c7 but forgets 7

about the square e4 - a fact which is exploited immediately. 1 O.e4! e6 it is not worth capturing the pawn as it 5 cannot be retained anyway and c4 would become too weak. 1 1 .tLlc2 1"i:a6 4 1 2 .exd5 exd5 1 3.tLle3;!; (01 45)

1 45

d e

a e g

h 8 c d

( 1 0 .Iixb6? The first trap: 1 0 . . . 1"i:xa3! 6 1 1 .bxa3 lixa3:j: and now it is only 5 White who faces difficu lties.)

4 Before having a closer look at the

3 variations, it is worthwh ile pausing for a moment in order to understand the

2 situation on the board . The main elements of such a closed position are branded strateg ically - not tactically. The main plan for White is found qu ickly. He would l ike to accomplish e3-e4, but to do so he must first gain control over the e4-square , for instance with tt:ld2.

After the excursion via a3 and c2 the kn ight has reached a very strong square, from which it can constantly put pressure on d5. White's advantage is not very big, but it is permanent.]

How can B lack counter e3-e4? If he takes on e4, then l ines wi l l be opened

Chapter 25 - 5 . . . '\Wb6 + 8 . . .1'%xa5!?

and c4 has to be protected with b6-b5. In this case there would be another plan avai lable for White in the endgame: Creating a passed pawn with f4-f5! If B lack does not take on e4 , then he wil l have to deal with a permanent weakness on d5.

This wi l l of course not become acute for some time, but Wh ite can slowly work towards it.

Which plans are available for Black?

aforementioned plan .

1 47

b

4

99

8

7

6

5

On the queenside, . . . l"lb5 can never 3 be taken into consideration because 2 of b2-b4. The pressure on a2 wil l cease soon because of a2-a3. The bishop on c7 must d isappear to al low a c d e g

3

2

the rook to become flexible, but this takes time. Even if this is achieved, how to continue? There is no quick route from a8 to e8 at the moment, as the ic8 has to be developed beforehand . No matter how the game goes on , Black wi l l continue to have two bad pieces for a long time. As he can hardly conduct an attack on the queenside, Black will have to organize some play in the centre. This would once again be in the spirit of White, who is well prepared for this.

All in al l White just has the better chances.

1 0 .. .<�d7 l t is logical for Black to drive the bishop out of his camp, but by doing so the knot on the queenside wil l be pu lled even tighter.

[ 1 0 . . . ie7 1 1 .tiJd2! (D147) I n itiates the

1 1 . . . l"la6! Unpins the making b6-b5 possible .

rook, thus

(1 1 . . . 0-0?! 1 2 . b3 ! Even in this kind of position tactical motifs can be seen . White makes use of the p in along the d iagonal c7-a5. (12. a3 would also be possible.) 1 2 . . . tiJe8? Black would l ike to get rid of the annoying bishop, but overlooks a minor detai l . (12 . . . cxb3 1 3.axb3� White has the better position , but this is the way Black should play.) 1 3.!xb6 l"lb5 1 4 .ic5 !xc5 1 5.dxc5 and al l of a sudden Black stands in a heap of rubble, as the pawn on c5 is protected tactically. 1 5 . . . l"la5 (15 . . . l"\xc5? Apparently winning back the pawn, but. . . 1 6.b4 l"\b5 1 7.a4 l"\b6 1 8.a5 l"la6 1 9.b5 l"\xa5 20.bxc6 l"lxa 1 + 2 1 . tiJxa 1 bxc6+- just loses a piece.) 1 6 .tiJd4 l"lxc5 1 7.bxc4 dxc4 1 8.tiJxc4+-)

100

1 2.a3 is p layed under the motto "Extend Control". White uses his time before the real fight starts . The l ine wil l continue as mentioned .

Chapter 25 - 5 . . . 'l!Mb6 + 8 . . . l"\xa5!?

9 . . . .if5! (0149)

149

(12. l?Jxc4? unfortunately does not work because after 12 . . . dxc4 13 . .ixc4 8 2"\aB 14 . .ixb6 White must soon play .ic5, after wh ich the pawn structure 7 receives a hard blow. There is really 6 not enough compensation for the

a b c d e h

piece at hand.) ] 5

1 1 . .ig3 b5 (01 48)

1 48

a b c d e g h ���8 £ 1 7

1 2.a3 hereby finally el iminating . . . b4, because the l?Jc2 protects the 2"\ on a 1 . 1 2 . . . l?Je4 1 3 . .if4 !?;!; The alternative 1 3 .l?Jd2 is good as well -which one to play is simply a matter of taste .

Back to the main variation

An active developing move can hardly ever be bad . With the text move Black takes control of the c2-square. All of a sudden, . . . e6 would become a serious threat to the knight on a3 . Therefore it looks as though White has to capture on b6. Let us have a short look at . . . 1 O . .ixb6? ! l"\a6 1 1 . .ic7 �d7 1 2.l?Jb5 e6 (01 50) White will have to defend his Knight with a2-a4 after wh ich B lack wil l double his rooks on the a-file (actually an advantage of 8 . . . l"\a5) . The a4-pawn can then only be defended with .ie2-d 1 and Black will sti l l have enough compensation for the sacrificed pawn . I can only warn against such a passive treatment of the position and again recommend instead a move out of my fund.

( 'hapter 25 - 5 . . . '\Mfb6 + 8 . . J::\xa5!? 101

1 50

a b c d e f g h

s i - - -� � /7//?//; Ms 7- , ���·- i - i l 7 6 1 .! _1.1\_ i _ -6 s-tt:J- i -1.- I s

4 1 - .�.�:� - - 4

3- �r� �:�tt:J- 1 3 � � -;,;; ,/�/,':; 2 1 8 �:� - 0 8 02 � 1 �

a b -

c d =�-g l 1 ' � �

e f g h

1 0.lDd2!?

1 5 1

a b c d e f

8 8

7 6 5

4

3

1 0 . . . ci>d7

Very creative - and that is the way the The idea is simple. A sacrifice on c4 is variations wil l go on . . . being prepared. [ 1 0 . . . e5 Threatens to weaken the 1 1 .hb6 1 1 J:!a6 1 2 . .ic5 (01 52) white pawn structure. 1 1 .dxe5 �xa3 1 2 .bxa3 ltJg4 1 3 .e4! (0 1 5 1 ) 1 52

This move forces the following l ine. 1 3 . . . �xe4 1 4 .f3 tt'le3 1 5.fxe4 ltJc2+ 1 6 .�d 1 ttJxa1 1 7 .exd5 2::\xd5 1 8 .�xc4+-]

[ 1 0 . . . e6 Ignoring White 's idea completely . 1 1 .ltJaxc4 dxc4 1 2 .ltJxc4 :c\a6 ( 1 2 . . . 2::\a? 1 3.�xb6 2::\a8 1 4 .f3 etc . ; 12 . . . 2::\d5 1 3 .f3 2::\d? 14 .�xb6;!;) 1 3 .ltJxb6 ga5 with the same motif.]

102

1 2 . . . b6!

Prepared to try something .

( 1 2 . . . e5 is the boring continuation . 1 3 .ixf8 l::lxf8 1 4 .dxe5 ct:Jxe5 1 5 .ctJf3 ct:Jxf3+ (15 . . . ctJd3+? 1 6.ixd3 ixd3 1 7.ctJe5++-) 1 6 .gxf3;!; with a positional advantage.)

1 3 .tL!axc4 bxc5

(13 . . . dxc4 14.ixc4 l::\aB 1 5.ixb6 l::\bB 1 6.ic5 l::\xb2 1 7.ib3 ctJe4 1B. ltJxe4 ixe4 19.ia3 l::\b 1 + 20.l::\xb 1 ixb 1 21 .�e2 ig6;!;;)

1 4.tLle5+ tL!xe5 1 5.ha6 cxd4 1 6.cxd4;!; (01 53)

1 53

Chapter 25 - 5 . . . '\Wb6 + 8 . . . l::lxa5!?

For the two pieces White got a rook and two pawns, which are connected passed pawns. Therefore, they can qu ickly become extremely dangerous.

Conclusion: The idea of 1 0.tLld2!? is very sound and realizes the knight sacrifice in a d irect way. The advantage is that White fol lows a simple recipe which is easy to remember.

103 Chapter 26

5 . . . �b6 + 8 . . . ltla7!

9.b3! (01 57) 1 .d4 d5 2.lLlf3 ltJf6 3 . .if4 c5 4.e3 lLlc6 5.c3 �b6 6.�b3 c4 7 .�xb6 axb6

8.lLla3 ltJa7! (01 54)

1 54

a b c d e h

This is the only way to fight for an edge . The b ig drawback of 9 .b3 or 9 .b4 lies in weakening the £>,c3. A defin ite analysis is nearly impossible as there are several options to

8 choose from in each position . Therefore I tried to work out certain ideas and plans in the following

6 variations. A lot of practical tests with 8 . . . l2Ja7 would certain ly be desirable.

[9 .b4? At first glance this seems to be the solution to al l problems . 9 . . . .id?!

3 (D1 55)

What is happening here?! Some people will certa in ly ask this question . No normal person wil l earnestly 5 consider this move in a game, but it does conta in some poison. The b5- 4 square wi l l be control led again and b6-b5 is being prepared . But this is

3

not the whole plan, because the idea of tLla7-c8-b6-a4 also comes to mind. In addition , the threat of . . . e5 1

1 55

seems to become acute again. White ���=----:==--:-==-:-' is wel l advised to take great care. Qu ick action is necessary. Thus, the idea of pushing the b-pawn strikes one's mind . . . . Should it go to b3 or to b4?

This is the refutation of 9 .b4 . However, the probabi l ity of meeting th is l ine in a practical game is very low

104

as B lack has to find the two difficult moves 8 . . . tt:Ja7 and 9 . . . �d7. After the text move the square c8 becomes available for the tt:Ja7 and the bishop takes over the task of protecting the b5-square. Consequently, Black wil l accompl ish the manoeuvre tt:Jc8-d6-b5, or White will have to g ive up his bishop pair on d6. Both would be very good for Black.

[9 . . . tt:Je4?! %-% Pavlovic,D.­Kosic,D. /Jahorina 2000/EXT 2001 (9). This game ended in a draw, although White could have got a clear edge with 1 0 .�xc4! dxc4 1 1 .tt:Jxc4+-.]

[9 . . . �f5 1 O . tt:Jd2 e6 1 1 .�e2 As soon as the knight moves away from a?, the a3-kn ight goes to b5! The further plan consist of 0-0, f3 , e4 - with a pleasant position for White . ]

1 0 .tt:Jd2 tt:Jc8! (01 56)

1 56

Chapter 26 - 5 . . . Wb6 + 8 . . .l2la7!

with the idea of tt:Jd6-b5, with a lot of pressure on c3 . 1 1 .ctJab1 ctJd6 1 2 .�xd6 exd6� The doubled pawns look horrible, but in reality they are very strong. White does not manage to accomplish a2-a4, thus keeping a backward a-pawn . I cannot see a way to prevent the simple plan of . . . �e7, 0-0, �a?, �fa8]

Let us go back to the main variation

1 57

9 . . . e5!?

Very concrete and therefore the main l ine.

Chapter 26 - 5 . . . 1Wb6 + 8 . . . ti:la7!

[9 . . . b5 The London System fan cannot fail to l ike this, because b5 is no longer accessible for the black pieces. 1 O .ti:ld2 prevents . . . ti:le4 - before the decision of what wil l happen on c4 is made.]

[9 ... cxb3 1 0 .axb3 is in White 's spirit.]

[9 . . . e6 is not q u ite as ambitious as 9 . . . e5, but not to be underestimated . 1 0 .Ci:lc2 ti:lb5 1 1 .bxc4 ti:lxc3 (0 1 58)

1 58

1 2 .j,d3 White really wants to complete h is development, even sacrificing a pawn to do so. 1 2 . . . dxc4 (12 . . . '8xa2 1 3. '8xa2 ti:lxa2 14.0-0 with good compensation .) 1 3.j,xc4 The position remains very exciting for both sides.]

1 O .dxe5 j,xa3 1 1 .exf6 j,b2 1 2.'8d1 ! (01 59)

a b c

1 59

d e

105

g h

Defends the knight on d2 and allows White to fin ish his development without being d isturbed .

1 2 . . . j,xc3+ 1 3)t:ld2 cxb3 1 4.fxg7 �g8 1 5.axb3 ttJc6 1 6 . .id3

After 0-0 White should have the edge due to his better pawn structure, but Black's active pieces compensate for some of his own disadvantages. Hence, an exciting struggle is guaranteed.

Conclusion : My recommendation for B lack is clearly 8 . . . ttJa7! After this both sides have difficult decisions to make but with the ideas I have described I hope to have shown you the proper d irection.

106 Chapter 27

5 . . . Wfb6 + 8 . . . e6

1 .d4 d5 V!fjf3 tL!f6 3.i.f4 c5 4.e3 tlJc6 5.c3 '1Wb6 6.'1Wb3 c4 7.'1Wxb6 axb6

8.tlJa3 e6 9.tlJc2! (01 60)

1 60

a b c d e t g h

Making an excursion with 9 .tt:lb5 �a5 is very tempting , but actual ly White would achieve noth ing usefu l through this. After a l l , Black has locked in his i.c8 with 8 . . . e6 and th is tu rns c2 into a very safe square for the knight . The a-file is sealed after a3 - White can careful ly plan the development of his pieces.

[9.tt:lb5?! �a5 (9 . . . �d7? 1 0. tt:lg5+-) 1 0.tt:ld6+! ? Alternatives l ike 1 0 . tt:lc7+ do not bring anyth ing , because White must play a4 sooner or later, after which the black b5-pawn-break would cause some big problems.

Therefore, White tries to secure the pair of bishops and keeps the game in calm and qu iet waters. 1 0 . . . i.xd6 1 1 .i.xd6 tt:le4! Forces the bishop to qu it from the diagonal a3-f8. Add itionally, after b5-b4, c3 will be unprotected . 1 2.i.c7 h inders b5 (12.i.f4 �b5) 1 2 . . . �b5!:j: creating counterplay ]

9 . . . tlJe4!?

[9 . . . b5 1 0 .a3 tt:le4 1 1 .tt:ld2 tt:lxd2 1 2.1!ixd2 resembles the main l ine.]

[9 . . . tt:lh5! Again important 1 0.i.e5! b5 1 1 .a3 tt:lf6! (1 1 . . . tt:lxe5 12.dxe5 g6 1 3.i.e2t,) 1 2 .i.f4 tt:lh5 1 3 .i.c7 (13.i.e5=) 1 3 . . . 1!/d? 1 4 .i.b6 �a6 1 5.i.c5 i.xc5 1 6 .dxc5 Can White keep his extra pawn on c5? 1 6 . . . tt:lf6 (01 61 )

1 6 1

a b c d e t g h

Chapter 27 - 5 . . . �b6 + 8 . . . e6

1 7.lt'lb4l 1"la5 1 8.lt'lxc6 bxc6 1 9.lt'le5+ rJJc7 Otherwise c6 falls. 20.f3 l? Securing c5 permanently. (20 .lt'lxf7 is more courageous. 20 . . . 1"lf8 2 1 .lt'le5 CiJe4 22 . .ie2! offering f2 . 22 . . . lt'lxc5 (22 . . . 1"lxf2 ?! 23 . .if3 1"lxb2 24 . .ixe4 dxe4 25.0-0t.) 23.0-0 sti l l being very exciting . Both sides have chances.) 20 . . . 1"lf8 (20 . . . CLld7 21 .CLlxf7 ElfB 22. lt'lg5t.) 21 . .ie2 cud? 22.lt'lxd7 .bd7 The endgame should be equal.]

Back to the main variation

1 0.ltld2 ltlxd2 1 1 .ci>xd2 bS 1 2.a3 lLlaS 1 3J=!e1 ltlb3+ 14.ci>d1 .id7!

(01 62)

1 62

Strives for . . . b4 followed by .ia4!

1 5.g4!

[ 1 5 . .ie2? b4! 1 6 .e4 .ia4-+]

107

1 5 . . . b4 1 6.ltlxb4 .ta4 1 7.ci>e2� (01 63)

1 63

Conclusion : The endgame coming up after 8 . . . e6 is very exciting indeed . Black can probably equalise (9 . . . lt'l h5). Nevertheless, the resulting positions offer enough possibi l ities for aggressive continuations.

108 Chapter 28

Symmetry with 4 . . . dxc4

1 .d4 d5 2.tlJf3 tiJf6 3 . .if4 .ifS 4.c4! straight away but gets rid of his bad

7

6

5

4

3

(01 64) bishop. However, after 6.ixd3 cxd3 7 .Wfxd3;!; White stands better because

1 64 of his lead in development.]

a b c d e [5 . . . e6 6.ixc4 tL'lbd7 (6 . . . 1lxb 1 7."11xb 1 8 ib4+ 8. mft;!; Losing the right to castle

is not really trag ic.) 7.0-0 ie7 8.h3 0-0 9.tL'lc3 c6 1 O .tL'lh4 ig6 1 1 .tL'lxg6 hxg6;!; �-� Pakleza,Z Czakon,J/Castelldefels 2006 (34 )]

[5 . . . ixb1 trying to keep the extra 4 pawn. 6 .Wixb1 b5 (6 . . . e6 7.1lxc4;

6 . . . Wfd5 7.Wfc2 b5 B.b3;!;) 7 .b3 and Black must take care not to be

2 overrun . ]

[5 . . . CLJd5!? (01 65)

1 65 4.c4! The answer to the question of why 4.c4! is correct in this position is explained in chapter 33 "Reasons for 4.c4!".

a b c d e f g h

4 . . . dxc4

Accepting the pawn sacrifice results in positions simi lar to those in the Queen's Gambit Accepted .

5.e3 b5

Only with this move can 4.c4 be challenged .

[5 . . . id3 Black gives the pawn back

{ 'hapter 28 - Symmetry with 4 . . . dxc4

The idea l ies in . . .tt'lb4-d3. 6 .�g3 �b4 7.�a3 ti:ld3+ This also does not suffice for equal ity. 8.�xd3 �xd3 (8 . . . cxd3 9.Wfb31;) 9.�e5 e6 1 0 .�xd3 ( 1 0 .Wf3!? �b4+ 1 U�:rd 1 0-0 1 2 .�xd3 .0.xa3 (12 . . . cxd3? 13.Wfxb7+-) 1 3 .Wxb7 �d7 14 .bxa3 cxd3 1 5.Wxc7 White has the edge but he is probably not enjoying the fact that his king is stuck in the middle.) 1 0 . . . cxd3 ( 10 . . . �a3 1 1 .Wfa4+ ti:lc6 1 2.Wfxc41;) 1 1 .0-01;]

6.a4 c6 7 .axb5 cxb5 8.cll:lc3 'Wb6 (01 66)

1 66

a b c d e f

a c d e

g h

g h

White wil l be clearly better if he manages to get h is pawn back. Therefore Black must secure the material with the help of h is queen . How wil l White continue? Normal developing moves such as 9 .�e2 are not convincing at a l l .

[8 . . . b4? 9.�b5+-]

9 .ll:le5!

109

My orig inal idea 9 .b3 does not work, which is why I nearly had to forget about this l ine. The main point of 9.�e5 is to prevent 9 . . . e6 .

[9.b3? e6! After this White wi l l be crushed on the queenside. 1 O . bxc4 �b4 1 1 .Wb3 bxc4 1 2 .Wxc4 �d5-+ Here White can only offer a draw and hope h is si lent prayers for acceptance wil l be heard . . . ]

9 . . . ttlbd7

[9 . . . e6?? 1 0.Wf3 ti:ld5 1 1 .�xd5 exd5 1 2 .Wxd5+- winn ing material.]

[9 . . . �c6 1 O.Wf3 l"\c8 1 1 .�g5! (01 67)

1 67

110

With an attack on the i.f5, . . . e6 wil l be provoked - an important detail in the variation 1 1 . . .e6 1 2 .ctJxc6 l"\xc6 1 3 .i.xf6 gxf6 1 4 .l"\xa7;!; , as after 1 4 . . . 'Wxa7 1 5 .'Wc6+ Black can no longer play i.d7.]

1 0.g4! (01 68)

1 68

The position is highly dynamic. Therefore normal moves wi l l not be any good for White. 9 . . . ctJbd7 took away important retreat squares of the i.fS. This circumstance wil l be exploited immediately.

1 0 . . . .\LlxeS

[1 O . . . i.e6 1 1 .ctJxd7 i.xd7 blocks d7. (1 1 . . . ctJxd7? 1 2.'Wf3 l"\dB 1 3.d5 and the bishop is trapped in the middle of the board.) 1 2 .g5;!;]

1 1 .gxf5 c\Llc6 12 .i.g2 (01 69)

Chapter 28 - Symmetry with 4 . . . dxc4

White has a very active position for the pawn and the further development of the kingside wil l cause Black a few headaches. White wi l l break open the queenside with b2-b3 after having castled on the other flank. After that, he will set all the dogs loose on his opponent.

1 69

a b c d e h

Conclusion: Accepting the pawn sacrifice with 4 . . . dxc4 leads to very exciting positions in wh ich White always gets more than enough compensation. Anyone not aware of this wil l stumble very quickly.

1 1 1 Chapter 29

Sym metry with 4 . . . e6?!

1 .d4 d5 2.ltlf3 ltlf6 3 . .if4 .ifS 4.c4 e6?! (01 70)

1 70

Ignores h is queenside, a carelessness which is pun ished immediately.

After this Black will be annoyed that he d id not play . . . c6 straight away, because now he will have to weaken h is queenside permanently.

5 . . . b6 (01 7 1 )

One might get the wrong impression that the l ight-squared weaknesses cannot be exploited immed iately. This might be true, but having weakened

squares on the queenside will remain � feature of the position for a long time and can qu ickly become very problematical for Black. On 5 . . . Wc8, a prompt l::\c1 would be annoying.

6.ltlc3 .id6!? 7 . .txd6 Wfxd6 8.:B:c1

After this White continues to develop normal ly and can be happy about a sl ight but permanent advantage. He should play carefully and always think twice about such attempts as c5 (8 . c5? Dd8=) . Normal developing moves such as 9.e3, .te2 and 0-0 look very logical.

1 12 Chapter 30

Symmetry with 4 . . . c6

1 .d4 d5 2.ttlf3 ttlf6 3.�f4 �f5 4.c4 c6 {01 72)

�he game Bagheri-Bezgodov Cap d Agde 2002 .]

'

1 73

4 . . . c6 has no independent relevance thus not a lot has to be said about it.

, 6 .b� should also be playable but is not tn the spirit of our openi ng .

'

5.e3 '!Wb6 6 . . . dxc4

[5 . . . e6 6 .ttlc3 leads to the next chapter] ?th�rwise a transposition of moves is

mevlt�ble, leading to one of the followmg chapters.

[S . . . .ixb1 ?! 6.'1Wxb1 e5 Th "d 5 ""

e 1 ea of . . ...... xb1 . 7.�xe5 .ib4+ 8 lt>d1 d

not look good, but after B . . . 0-0 9o�� 7 .hc4 e6 8.tiJbd2 tiJbd7 9 .0-0 aS

1"i:e8 1 O . .id3 �bd7 1 1 .�xd7 'IW�d7 1 O .tlJh4 a4 1 1 .'1Wxb6 tlJxb6 1 2.tlJxf5

1 2 . .if5 '!Wd8 1 3 . .ig5 (0173) it exf5 1 3.�d3 .ib4 14.E:!ad1 g6 1 5.tlJc4

becomes clear that the white monarch "th tiJbd5 1 6 . .ie5

feels very happy on d 1 Th Wl a small edge for Wh"t

. · e extra (Nikola _0 tl . 1 e

pawn promised a clear advantage in 1 988/8�) s , National League

1 13 Chapter 31

Ma in position with 6 . . lb bd7

1 .d4 d 5 2.<\ljf3 lDf6 3 . .tf4 .ifS 4.e3 e6 5.c4 c6 6.lDc3 lDbd7 7.'1M/'b3 'IMJ'b6

(01 74)

This position can also be the result of 6 . . . 1Wb6 7 .'Wb3 liJbd7.

8.c5! 'IMJ'xb3 9.axb3;!; (01 75)

Black should avoid this pawn formation as White will put dangerous pressure on the queenside with the help of the half-open a-fi le. There is no adequate counterplay in sight for Black.

9 . . . a6

[9 . . . .ie7 1 0.h3 (10.b4? lDh5=) 1 0 . . . 0-0 1 1 . b4 a6 1 2.lDd2 2"\fe8 1 3 .ll:Jb3 .id8 1 4 . b5 e5 1 5.dxe5 ll:Jxe5 1 6 .bxc6?;!; ·

Wirthensohn-Saessel i , Swiss Cham­pionship 2002. (1 6.i.xe5!+-)]

1 75

c d e

[9 . . . b5? 1 0 .2"\a6 ll:Jb8 1 1 . .ixb8 2"\xb8 1 2. b4+-]

[9 . . . lDh5!? must be taken very seriously. 1 O . .ic7! (01 76)

Other attempts produced nothing s ince Black pushes his pawn to e5 and creates counterplay against d4. The knight's move to h5 does not only have advantages as the piece set-up on the kingside has become prone for a pawn fork (g4) .

1 14 Chapter 3 1 - Main position with 6 . . tt:lbd7

1 76

The rook is to be lured to c8 with the bishop move. 10 . . J''ic8 1 1 .�e5! (01 77)

1 77

The piece sacrifice al lowed with 1 1J'i xa7 wou ld just not be enough. The former �f4 is repeated ly used as

bait, here to provoke f6.

1 1 . . . a6! Alternatives are clearly worse.

[1 1 .. .f6? 1 2 .�d6! (01 78)

1 78

The bishop sti l l does not go to g3, but keeps up the pressure. After the exchange on d6 Black wil l either lose the pawn on a? or even a piece. 1 2 . . . �xd6 1 3 .cxd6 Now a? is unprotected 1 3 . . . a6 1 4 .h3 lt is already very difficult for Black after this move.]

[1 1 . . . tt:lxe5? 1 2 .tt:lxe5 That is the point of 1 O .�c7: a? and g2-g4 are threatened at the same time. 1 2 . . . f6 ( 1 2 . . . a6 1 3 .�e2! (13.g4?! f6 14.gxf5 fxe5 15.�e2 tt:lf6 1 6. fxe6 exd4 1 7.exd4 'ifle7!=) 1 3 . . . tt:lf6 (13 . . . f6 14.hh5+ g6 15. tt:lxc6 gxh5 1 6. tt:la5+-) 14 .g4 �g6 (14 . . . �c2 1 5. cZ1d2 hb3 1 6. 'l:l,a3 �c4 1 7.hc4

Chapter 3 1 - Main position with 6 . . lil bd7 1 15

dxc4 1 8.g5 ltJd5 1 9. lilxc4t.) 1 5.h4 1 0.b4 �ea lild? 1 6 .lilxd7 mxd? 1 7 .h5 �c2 1 8 .lila4 me? 1 9 .lilb6 Ei:d8 20.�d2 [1 0 . . . 0-0-0?? 1 U 'lxa6 bxa6 1 2 .�xa6# �xb3 21 .�c3 �c4 22 .�xc4 dxc4 can be played in a bl itz game from 23.lilxc4+- A n ice example of a real ly time to time.] strong king . ) 1 3 .lilf3 a6 already losing 1 1 .h3 a piece. 1 4 .h3 e5 1 5 .g4+-]

Indeed , B lack did prevent b5, but i n 1 2 .h3 lilhf6 (12 . . . �c2?! 13.�h2! return b? has become weak now. �xb3? 14.�d3 With the threat of Sd2 White should organ ise a retreat 14 . . . �c4 1 5.hc4 dxc4 1 6.lild2+- square for his bishop before starting Fortunately White managed to get rid concrete actions on the queenside. of his doubled pawns.) 1 3.�h2t. (01 79) 1 1 . . . �e7 (01 80)

8

1 79 1 80

a b c d e

I n contrast to the main variation , the 12.<lljd2! bishop stands on h2 instead of h4, but at the same time the b-pawn is sti l l on The simple threat of lild2-b3-a5 b3. Despite the small time loss, White already brings Black into d ifficulties. can play the position precisely l ike similar positions - for instance try to 1 2 . . . 0-0 play b4 followed by lild2-b3-a5. Let us go back to the main variation . [1 2 . . . �d8 Planning to get the ltJ as

soon as it reaches a5. 1 3 .�d6!

1 16 Chapter 3 1 - Main position with 6 . . ti:lbd7

(13. ti:Jb3 is simpler but only sufficient for a sl ight advantage. 13 . . . 0-0 14 . .id6 E\e8 1 5. ti:Ja5 haS 1 6.bxa5 e5 1 7.E\a4� with the idea of l"lb4, Kharlov-Dokuchaev, Russian Championships (Kazan) 1 995.) 1 3 . . . .ic7 1 4 . .ixc7 l"lxc7 1 3 . .id6 looks l ike a mistake since Black managed to exchange the bishop and is ready to castle kingside. However, the first rank was weakened with l"lxc7 for a moment and this is already enough . . . 1 5.b5 0-0 (15 . . . tLlb8 1 6.bxa6 bxa6 1 7.E\a2+- Kovacevic-Arzimendi , Mislata 1 995.) 1 6 .bxa6 l"la8 (16 . . . bxa6 1 7.l"lxa6 l"lb8 1 8.l"la2 e5 (18 . . . E\cb7 19.g4 .ig6 20.g5 ti:le4 21 . tLldxe4 .ixe4 22. ti:lxe4 dxe4 23 . .ig2+-) 1 9 . .ie2 exd4 20.exd4 l"lcb7 2 1 .g4!+-) 1 7 .l"la2 bxa6 1 8 .g4! .ig6 1 9 .g5 ti:Je8 20.h4 l"lb8 21 .h5 .ifS+-]

1 3.g4;!;

1 3 . . . .ig6 14.tLlb3 :Sa8 1 5.tiJa5 :Sa? (01 81)

A sad place for the rook.

1 6.f3 :sea 17 .'i!?d2

Tactical threats are gradually created. 1 7 . . . b6?

[ 1 7 . . . 'it>f8? 1 8.ti:Jxb7! l"lxb7 1 9 . .ixa6 l"lbb8 20 . .ixc8 l"lxc8 21 .l"la7 'it>e8 22.l"lha1 +-] Only with 1 7 . . . l"le8 !� could Black have stayed in the game.

1 8 . .ixa6! ! :Sxa6 1 9.tiJxc6 :Sxc6

[1 9 . . . l"lxa 1 20.ti:Jxe7+ 'it>f8 21 .ti:Jxg6+]

20.:Sxa6 :Sc8 21 .:Sha1 bxc5 22.:Sa8 :Sf8 23.bxc5+- Kovacevic - Byrne,

Wijk aan Zee 1 980

1 81

Conclusion : Black can hard ly find anyth ing to compete against White 's simple plan on the queenside starting with 8 .c5.

1 17 Chapter 32

Main position with 7 . . . dxc4

1 .d4 d5 2.tt:lf3 tt:\f6 3 . .if4 .ifS 4.e3 e6 5.c4! c6 6.tt:\c3 �b6 (01 82)

1 82

[6 . . . .ie7 7."Wb3 "Wb6 8.c5 "Wxb3 9.axb3 leads to wel l-known set-ups.]

[6 . . . h6 7 ."Wb3 "WeB 8.1k1 fie? 9.4Je5 4Jbd7 1 0 .ile2 4Jxe5 1 1 .flxe5 0-0 1 2 .cxd5 4Jxd5 1 3.0-0 4Jxc3 1 4 ."Wxc3 a5 1 5 .a3 l:l:d8 1 6 .ilf3 with a sl ight white advantage, Crouch-J.Houska, British League 200 1 /02.]

[6 . . . ild6 7 .ilxd6 "Wxd6 8 ."Wb3 White forces a clarification on the queenside and avoids the exchange of h is valuable bishop. (8.ild3 I consider this to be worse: 8 . . . ilg6 9 .0-0 4Jbd7 1 O.l:l:c1 0-0 1 1 .ilxg6 hxg6 1 2 .i'h'b3

dxc4 1 3 ."Wxc4;!; Muzychuk-Yakivchik, Dnepropetrosvk 2004.) 8 . . . b6 (B . . . "Wc7 should be clearly favourable for White after the simple answer 9. l::\c 1) 9.fle2;!;]

7

6

5

4

3

7."Wb3 dxc4! (01 83)

1 83

a b c d e

[7 . . . 4J bd7 leads to 6 . . . 4Jbd7 .]

8 . .ixc4

8

6

3

2

With the exchange on c4 White was a l lowed to immediately develop h is bishop but on the other hand the pressure in the centre has decreased . The queens will be exchanged very soon - how can one play for advantage?

1 18

8 . . . llJ bd7 9.lDh4! (01 84)

More active than 9.h3 . [9 .h3 /le? (9 . ..ti'ld5 offers a better chance for equality. 10./lg3 't"f!ixb3 1 1 ./lxb3 ilb4 12.'ik 1 tiJ 7f6 13.1lxd5 exd5 14.a3 Haba-W. Richter, National League 1 992/93.) 1 0.0-0 0-0 1 U':l:fe1 /lg6 1 2.1"\ad 1 Ei:fe8 1 3.tiJe5 tiJxeS 1 4 ./lxeS tiJe4 1 5. tiJxe4 't"f!ixb3 1 6 ./lxb3 ixe4 1 7 .a3 1"1ed8=]

184

9 . . . 't"f!ixb3 1 0.i.xb3 i.d3 1 1 .0-0-0 i.a6 1 2.<�jf3 (0185)

Chapter 32 - Main position with 7 . . . dxc4

1 85

Conclusion: The position seems to be only a tiny bit better for White. I n the London System Black wil l seldom come as close to equality as this.

1 19 Chapter 33

Reasons for 4.c4!

1 .d4 d 5 2.lL!f3 lL!f6 3.J.f4 J.f5 4.e3 e6 (01 86)

1 86

a b c d e

5.c4 J.xb1 ! (01 87)

That's it! B lack gives up his pair of bishops in order to keep the white king in the centre permanently. I nteresting positions with marvellous

8 compl ications arise on the board . But unfortunately I was not able to find an advantage for White.

6

I n the London System there exist a lot of h idden points . This is just one of them - but a very special one indeed. People rarely th ink for very long here, they just carry out the move 4.e3 . How can such a normal move - which prepares the further development - be dubious? The answer comes along with the question : "How is White going to become active?". Certainly only with c2-c4! But the snag has not yet been found. Let us look at what happens:

1 87

a b c d e g h

6.:Bxb1

[6.'�a4+ tt:lc6! 7 .1''1 xb 1 J.b4+ 8.�d 1 co (8 .<tt>e2 i¥fd7l 9.c5?? tt:lxd4+-+) did not really fi l l me with enthusiasm.

6 . . . J.b4+ 7.<tt>e2 (01 88)

120

Looks suspicious, but a good chess player should always be objective. Let us have a closer look at the position : White has the pair of bishops and threatens to win a piece with c5 followed by a3 and b4. Another idea is to give a check on a4 , followed by li:le5. The b 1 -rook is also well placed for a pawn storm. If only the king was not standing on e2 . . . ! This is of course exactly the reason for Black's compensation !

1 88

7 . . . .td6!

Clearly the best move. The black problem piece retreats from b4 and offers itself for an exchange against the active bishop on f4.

[After 7 . . . 0-0? the i.b4 is really cut off from fresh air: 8 .c5 li:le4 An attempt to defend the bishop by tactical means . (8 . . . c6 lt is not as easy as that,

Chapter 33 - Reasons for 4.c4!

because after 9 .i.d6 :8e8 1 0 .1Wb3+­b7 is also under attack.) 9.1Wa4 li:lc6D (9 . . . a5?? 1 O.a3 li:lc6 1 1 .axb4 axb4 1 2.1Wb3+-) 1 0 .a3 i.a5 1 1 .1Wc2 The current problem is that White cannot immed iately play b4. White leaves Black no other option apart from the queen's move. 1 1 . . . g5 1 2 .i.g3 f5 (01 89) ( 1 2 . . . g4 1 3.b4 i.xb4 1 4 .axb4 gxf3+ 1 5.gxf3 li:lxg3+ 1 6.hxg3+-)

1 89

1 3.:8d 1 ! Stil l refrain ing from b4 because in that case Black cou ld open important files and d4 would become weak. 1 3 . . . g4 (13 . . . f4? 14.exf4 g4 15.li:le5+-) 1 4 .li:lg 1 Withdrawing from al l exchanges, thus winn ing the bishop after al l . The question remains whether Black can get enough compensation for the piece, but this probably will not be the case.]

Chapter 33 - Reasons for 4.c4 !

[7 . . . dxc4?! Snatch ing the pawn. 8 .Wa4+ 4Jc6 9 .4Je5 (01 90) 9 . . . id6 (9 . . . 4Jd5 has been tried as well . After 1 0 .4Jxc6 'Wd7 1 1 .ig3 Wxc6 1 2.Wxc6+ bxc6 1 3.mf3 White wins his pawn back. The pair of bishops in combination with the better pawn structure promises a small edge. 1 -0 Hu lak,K-Rowley, R/New York 1 989/ (47))

1 90

The bishop move is better, but after 1 O .l2lxc6 'Wd7 1 1 .g3 1 1 . . .Wxc6 (1 1 . . .tLld5) 1 2 .Wxc6+ bxc6 13 .mf3it 4Jd5 1 4 .ixc4 ( 1 9 1 ) the question arises whether Black can hold the endgame with opposite coloured bishops .

1 9 1

a b c d e g h

121

Also without the exchange on f4 White wil l have a certain advantage. His king in the centre stands safely as wel l as actively. Besides the advantages of the pair of bishops and the better structure, the king 's position is a clear plus for White. 1 5 .gxf4 c5 1 6.d5 Opposite coloured bishops do not automatical ly ensure a draw! Even thoug h there is only a small amount of material left, White wi l l be able to conduct strong attacks - meanwhile, the i on d6 does not exactly know what to do.]

[7 . . . c6? 8.Wb3 l2la6 9 .c5 Wc8 1 0.md 1 ! Threatening to win a piece once again . 1 O . . . ia5 1 1 .ixa6 bxa6 1 2 .Wa4+-lt is already impossible for Black to defend c6 satisfactorily.]

8.'Wb3 (01 92)

122 Chapter 33 - Reasons for 4.c4!

1 92 1 93

a b c d e f h

e f g h

White must proceed energetical ly He wil l be able to complete his since otherwise the king's placement development with ct?d 1 , j,d3, ct?e2. wil l qu ickly have a negative effect on Thanks to the c-file he can - seen his position. The alternative 8.j,g5 is longterm - exert some pressure on far too harmless and g ives up the fight the queenside. for an advantage, because after 8 . . . dxc4! 9.Wifa4+ lt:lc6 1 0.Wifxc4 there are no problems for Black to solve. White, on the other hand, has to be very carefu l . The queen on b3 defunds c4 and attacks b7 simultaneously.

8 . . . J.xf4!

Again very log ica l . The b7-pawn is sacrificed , Black wants to open more files against the white king. A lot of complications arise.

[8 . . . b6 does not cause any problems because now 9.j,g5 works wel l , as for instance after 9 . . . c6 1 0.cxd5 cxd5 1 1 .1k1 , (01 93) White stands a little bit better.

9.Wifxb7 .!Llbd7 1 0.exf4 (01 94) 1 94

Chapter 33 - Reasons for 4 .c4!

There is no other position in the whole London System that is tainted with so many compl ications. Usually one the advantages of the London System is the good control the white pieces attain over the position . This feature is is completely missing here. White has an extra pawn, but his king is stuck in the middle of the board . His structure has been damaged permanently. I n addition , completing h is development wil l cost some more time. In summary: No easy task is awaiting White . Black on the other hand has no weaknesses, but nevertheless it is not easy for him to organise play in the centre. Anybody l iking such unbalanced positions wil l be exactly in his element. The fol lowing variations are for orientation purposes only, as they are all new territory.

1 0 . . . dxc4

Further files are opened - noth ing more logical than that.

[1 0 . . . 0-0 1 1 .c5 ct'le4 1 2 .�e1 ct'lc3! 1 3 .!'\a1 ElbB 1 4 ."\Wxa? !'\aB ( 1 4 . . . !'\xb2?? 1 5."\Wa3) 1 5 ."\Wb? leads to a repetition of moves.]

[ 1 0 . . . !'\bB 1 1 ."\Wxa? !'\aB 1 2 ."\Wb? Elxa2 1 3 .ct'le5 0-0 1 4 .ct'lc6 "\WeB 1 S.cj{e1 ! "\WaB 1 6 ."\WxaB E\fxaB 1 7 .id3;t]

1 1 .l!Je5 l!Jxe5?

( 1 1 . . . c5!co open ing even more files . )

1 2.fxe5 l!Jd7 1 3.cj{f3!� (01 95)

123

1 95

a b c d e g h

and the king found a safe home.

Conclusion : Even though the positions are very complex and interesting I could not find an objective way to get an advantage. White takes the ixb1 /ib4+ possibi l ity out of the position with 4.c4 ! . Therefore , the move is more precise than 4.e3.

124 Chapter 34

Line 1 to the main position

1 .d4 d5 2.ttlf3 c6 (01 96)

1 96

This is the S lav way. Black probably hopes for 3 .c4 with a transposition into the Slav Defence . lt is very important for the London System player to know that the normal pawn structure c3.d4.e3 against c6 d5 e6 does not really produce much . Therefore c4 becomes essential sooner or later. But as the variations will show, this must be prepared very carefu lly.

3 . .if4 V;Vb6 4.V;Vc1 (01 97)

This is the trad itional main l ine. 4 .b3 is playable but it fulfils no purpose and I would therefore not recommend it. I n

the fol lowing the only question wil l be: which queen stands better/ worse? White wil l let c2-c4-c5 follow very soon and is on the lookout for play on the queenside. Black delays the development of his ti:Jg8 for the time being .

197

[4 .ti:Jbd2!? An interesting gambit, though probably not qu ite sufficient to bring an advantage. 4 ... W!'xb2 (4 ... if5 5.t!Jb3 t!Jdl 6. e3 a5 7. a4 e6 B . .ie2 t!Jgf6 9.h3 .iel 10. 0-0 t!Je4 with a balanced position in Gagloshvil i­Stripunsky, Ceske Budejovice 1 994.) 5 .e4 ti:Jf6 6 . .id3 (6.e5 t!Je4 is less convincing.) After 6 . . . tt:Jxe4 (6 . . . e6 7.0-0 t!Jbd7 (7 . . . W!'b6?! B. c4 .ie l 9.'!!f1c2 'W1d8 10. cxd5 exd5 1 1. e5 t!Jh5 12.i.e3

Chapter 34 - Line 1 to the main position 125

g6 13.jj)6± Rutman-Shabanov, White 's lead in development is Sochi 1 998.) 8 .Si.c7 tt:Jxe4 9.ii.xe4 evident. 1 1 . . . ii.e7 1 2 .Wf4 lt is dxe4 1 O .tt:Jxe4 Wa3 1 1 .:E�e1 ttJf6 surpnsmg what 7 .ii.xb8 has 1 2.tLlxf6+ gxf6 1 3 .c4 Black faces a lot produced . . . 1 2 . . . Eia8 (12 . . . e5 13. tLlxe5 of problems regarding completing h is fxe5 14.Wxe5+-) 1 3.ttJd6+ ii.xd6 development; Jost-Papa, Baden 1 4 .Eixd6 Wc5 Raud-Sergejew, 2002. ) 7 .tt:Jxe4 dxe4 8.ii.xe4 Wb4+ Estonian Championsh ip 1 996. 1 5 .b4 ! 9 .ii.d2 Wd6 1 0 .0-0 tLld7 1 1 .Eib1 e6 g5 1 2 .Eie1 We? 1 3 .tLle5 tt:Jxe5 1 4.dxe5 White obtained compensation for the (15 . . . Wf5 1 6.Wd4) 1 6 .Wxf6 tt:Jxf6 sacrificed pawn in the game Csiszar- 1 7.bxc5±] Varga, Zalakaros 2002.]

4 . . . iJ5

[4 . . . c5?! Has B lack never heard of chess sins? 5. dxc5!? Wxc5 6.ttJc3 f6 7 .Si.xb8! Otherwise White would lose some time retreating with his bishop after e7-e5. 7 . . . Eixb8 8 .Wd2 and by the way Black must narrow-mindedly play 8 . . . e6 now: 8 . . . e6. 9 .e4 dxe4 1 o .tt:Jxe4 Wc6 1 1 .0-0-0 (01 98)

1 98

a b c d e g h

[4 . . . Si.g4 5.tt:Je5 And again we have reached a variation in which White wins a tempo on the g4-bishop.

5 . . . ii.f5 6.e3 ttJd7 (Or 6 . . . f6?!. Very attractive, but what is b lack going to do with h is kingside. 7. ttJf3 g5 B.ii.g3 tLld7 9.c4 e6 10.ttJc3 h5 1 1 .h3 ttJh6 12. ttJd2 h4 13.ii.h2 Wf7 14 .tLlf3 ii.e7 15.Wd2 EiacB 1 6.ii.e2 Was 1 7.a3± V. Kovacevic-P. N ikolic, Sarajevo 1 983.) 7 .ttJxd7 ii.xd7 8.c4 ttJf6 9.tLlc3 g6 1 O .ii.e5 d5 wil l fal l . 1 O . . . dxc4 1 1 .ii.xc4 ii.g7 1 2 .0-0 0-0 1 3 .tt:Ja4 Wd8 1 4 .tt:Jc5± Stohi-Shirov, Dresden Rapid Game 1 999.

Back to the main variation

5.e3 e6

[5 .. . tt:Jf6 leads to the variation 2 . . . c6 with . . . tt:Jf6]

6.c4!? (01 99)

126

My tip for White would be to always try to reach the main position of the system. Therefore, 6.i.e2! would be the correct decision in this position . More about this idea can be found in the conclusion!

6 . . . i.xb1 ?!

1 99

Chapter 34 - Line 1 to the main position

(7 . . . t2J hS?! 8 .cS '!MfaS 9.i.eS!? I do l ike this move. 9 . . . t2Jd7 (9 . . . f6? 1 0 .i.xb8 1"lxb8 1 1 .t2Jh4±) 1 O.i.e2 ttJxeS 1 1 .t2JxeS t2Jf6 1 2 .g4 i.g6 1 3 .h4 t2Jg8 1 4 .hS i.e4 1 S.f3 f6 1 6 .t2Jxc6 bxc6 1 7 .fxe4±)

8.c5 Wd8

(8 . . . WaS! The queen could become a target on aS but she does impede b4

8 for the moment. 9 .t2Jh4 tlJhS 1 O .ttJxfS t2Jxf4 1 1 .exf4 exfS 1 2 .i.d3 g6 1 3.1Mfe3+ i.e7 1 4.0-0 �f8 1 S.a3 draw, Gu lko-

6 Smagin , Riga 1 98S. After 1 S . . . i.f6! I do not see a great advantage any

5 more . )

4 9.h3 tt:\e4 1 0.b4 i.e7 1 1 . .te2 0-0 1 2.0-0 i.f6 1 3.tt:lxe4 .txe4 14.i.d6 .txf3 3

Played with the intention of bringing the white forces into a sl ight muddle.

[6 . . .t2Jf6 !? is examined by Kovacevic via the move sequence 1 .d4 dS 2.ltJf3 c6 3.i.f4 1Mt'b6 4 .1Mt'c1 t2Jf6 S.e3 ifS 6 .c4 e6?! (6 . . . t2Ja6!) , but in my opin ion the position can only be reached via this chapter. 7.t2Jc3 t2Jbd7

(7 . . . i.e7 8.cS Wd8 9.h3 h6 1 0 .i.e2 0-0 1 1 .0-0 bS 1 2 .b4 aS 1 3 .a3 t2Je4 1 4 .t2Jxe4 dxe4 1 S .t2Jd2 axb4 1 6 .axb4 t2Jd7 1 7 .1Mt'b2� lonescu-Savchenko, Bucarest 1 996 .)

1 5.i.xf3

(Mi les-Wojtkiewicz, Reykjavik 2000)

1 5 .. J�e8 1 6.Wc3 e5 17 .b5;!;

Conclusion: Black is able to equal ize with 8 . . . '!MfaS! . I believe the main reason he can do so is that White played the move c4 too early. Therefore I would recommend playing 6.i.e2! instead of 6.c4 . By the way the move offers a great merit, because there is no better move for Black than 6 . . . t2Jf6, transposing to the main position of the system. Therefore, White does not have to bother learn ing a countless number of transpositions.

127 C hapter 35

Line 2 to the main position

1 .d4 d5 2 . .!Llf3 .!Llf6 3 . .if4 c6 4.e3 �b6 [5 . . . .!Llh5 !? This possibil ity should not 5.�c1 .ifS {0200) be underestimated . If Black halves the

4

3

a b c

200

d e

g

h

pair of bishops then he wil l be a l l right. Therefore, 6 . .ig3 is out of question. 6 . .ie5! The only way. The following tactical tricks can be applied

8 frequently. 6 . . .l2Jd7

(6 . . . f6? ! 7 . .ixb8! Elxb8 8 .h3;!; is one

6 idea of 6 . .ie5 . White threatens to play the powerfu l 9.g4 and at the same

5 time a further square is taken away from the .ic8. Black can transpose to

4 a type of Stonewall with 8 . . .f5, but Wh ite should have the better position due to his excel lent control over e5

2 and the successful exchange of his bad b ishop.)

7 .h3 ! (020 1 ) 201

lt is no wonder that th is variation was tested at a h igh playing-level so often because the bishop's development to

a b c d e h

f5 is absolutely natural and certainly the strongest choice. However, the 7 key feature of this move sequence lies in an early . . . tt:lf6 !

5 [5 . . . tt:le4?! Just too early 6 .tt:lbd2 tt:lxd2 7 .tt:lxd2 .ifS 8 .c4 tt:ld7 9 .c5 �d8 4 The following 1 O .b4 h6 1 1 .�c3 increases the control over e5 even 3 more. 1 1 . . . g5 1 2 . .ig3 .ig7 1 3 . .ie2 0-0 1 4 .0-0;!; Thomsen-An.Bykhovsky, Torshavn 2000.]

[5 . . . .ig4 6 .tt:le5!? As always!]

128

Forces an exchange on e5, otherwise White wou ld just continue with i.h2. The time loss is not really tragic, as the lbh5 wi l l have to move again as wel l . 7 . . . tbxe5 8.dxe5 The pawn on e5 does not look nice but certain ly constricts Black's kingside whi lst being difficult to attack. U nfortunately this exciting and important position has never been tested practical ly, therefore a few sample variations have to be sufficient for the time being . 8 . . . g6

(B . . . f5 is really not good : 9. c4)

9 .c4 g2-g4 can possibly be sl ipped in later. But first of a l l some pressure wi l l be put onto d5. 9 . . . i.e6

(9 . . . e6 would final ly bury the i.c8. (9 . . . dxc4 1 0.tbbd2 with the idea of 1 1 .tbxc4 should be sufficient for an advantage.) 1 O ."Wc3!;!; (0202) This is a mysterious queen move which has a few advantages . The queen stands much more actively on c3 than on c1 , she clears the first rank so that White can accomplish castl ing queenside ( ! ) . At the same t ime . . . f6 is a lso blocked . Black has some problems to solve concerning the development of his kingside, as . . . i.g7 would lose the ttJ on h5. Therefore , the knight must go to g7 soon, but what is the i.f8 going to do in that case? On the other hand White simply plays lbbd2/0-0-0 as well as perhaps c4-c5 and will stand better d ue to his lead in development and his space advantage.]

Chapter 35 - Line 2 to the main position

202

a b c d e g

Back to the main variation

a b c d e g h

6.c4?!

h

Chapter 35 - Line 2 to Main position 129

This is exactly the problem. Having 1 5.'1Wc2 .ixd3 1 6.'1Wxd3! Hulak-appreciated the strength of Black's Kul igowski, Wijk aan Zee 1 983.) next move, 6 . .ie2 ! - transposing into the main position - is clearly 9 . . . llJxf4! (0204) preferable.

6 .. . llJa6! (203)

203

a b c d e h

g An important improvement in Black's strategy. The threat is . . . ctJb4 , therefore White has to play ctJa3 or lose some time with a3 . The point l ies sl ightly deeper because the idea of. . . ctJh5 wil l gain in strength after having prevented White from capturing the knight on b8 .

7 .a3 lDh5 8.c5 '!Wd8 9.llJbd2

(9 .. .f6?! 1 O .b4 g5 1 1 . .ig3 ctJxg3 1 2 .hxg3 ctJc? 1 3 .'1Wc3 rj{f? 1 4 . .id3 '1Wd7

204

[1 0 . .ixa6? C2Jxg2+ -+]

1 0 . . . g6!?

Looks very reasonable as Black is not afraid of 1 1 . .ixa6. White would have to continue with b4 very soon . However, Black would use his doubled a-pawn in order to open files on the queenside. The ,0,d4 would be put under pressure after ctJc7-e6 and .ig? . Therefore I evaluate this position as being equal . ]

Conclusion : The London System player should not meet 2 . . . c6 too bl indly and is wel l advised to memorize this rule of thumb.

1 30 Chapter 36

Main position with 7 . . . J.e7

1 .d4 d5 2.tLlf3 c6 3.i.f4 'Wb6 4.'Wc1 .ifS 5.e3 e6 6 . .ie2 tLlf6 7 .0-0 (0205)

with this idea. 8 .i.e5! (0206) The move looks strange, but 8 . . . f6? would lose a piece on account of 9 .i.xb8. 205

7.tt::lbd2 is out of question as the knight clearly belongs at c3 .

8 . . . tt::ld7 9.h3;!; 1

a b c d e f g h

After 7.0-0 the most important main [7 . . . tt::lbd7 8.c4 Wd8 (B . . . i.el 9.c5;!; position of the system with 2 . . . c6 and usw.) 9 .h3 tt::le4 1 0 .tt::lc3 i.d6 1 1 .i.xd6 3 . . . Wb6 has been reached . tt::lxd6 1 2.c5 tt::le4 1 3 .b4 0-0 1 4 .a4;!;]

[7 . . . tLla6?! After castl ing short, tt::la6-b4 is no longer a serious threat, so White can simply continue with his plan . 8 .c4 ! tt::lb4 9.c5 Wd8 1 0 .ctJe1;!;

7 . . . ii.e7 lt is just as easy as that! All invasion

. . . s�uares are covered and the knight Before start1n� con?rete act1v1ty, B lack w11 1 be driven away, winning a tempo.] should also bnng h1s king into safety. [7 . . . h6?! loses more time 8 c4 dxc4 [7 . . . ctJh5?! White must always reckon 9 .ctJfd2! We have seen this

. several

Chapter 36 - Main position with 7 . . . .ie7

times already. 9 . . . tt:Jd5 1 O . .ig3� ]

8.c4 dxc4

[8 . . . 0-0 al lows 9 .c5 Wd8 1 O .h3 Safeguards the bishop just in time. 1 O . . . tt:Jbd7 1 1 .tt:Jc3� because of the space advantage on the queenside. 1 1 . . . tt:Je4 1 2 .b4 (12. tt:Jxe4 he4 1 3.b4 a5 14.b5 hf3 1 5.hf3 cxb5 1 6. Wb2 b4 1 7.a3) 1 2 . . . .if6 1 3 .tt:Jxe4 .ixe4 1 4 .Wc3 Ei:e8 1 5 . .id6 .ixf3 1 6 . .ixf3 e5 1 7 .Ei:fe1 exd4 1 8 .exd4�]

[8 . . . .ixb1 ?! does not look very strong any more. 9 .Ei:xb1 dxc4 1 0 .tt:Je5 0-0 1 1 .tt:Jxc4 Wd8 1 2.a3 aS 1 3.Ei:d 1 ctJdS 14 . .ig3� Yz-Yz Gasanov-Volosh in , Czestochowa 1 992/ (67) . White secures a permanent advantage because of his pair of bishops.]

9.4Jfd2! {0207)

207

a b c d e g h -�8

£ 1 7

This is an extremely clever move.

131

White transfers his knight to the queenside, winning a tempo against the black queen and preventing . . . tt:Jh5 . At the same time he prepares a qu ick f3 and e4, gain ing further space in the centre.

9 . . . 0-0 1 o.tt:Jxc4 '\l;Yd8 1 1.li:lc3 1 1 . . . .ig6

Now ctJhS has become a th reat again .

1 2.h3!;!;

The pawn structure is very simi lar to the one in the Slav Defence except for one detai l : White did not weaken the square b4 by playing a4. His pieces have occupied n ice squares. The Wc1 won the fight for the better position of queens and White can try to occupy the centre with f3 fol lowed by e4. However, Black's position is very compact and without any weaknesses.

Conclusion: With 7 ... .ie7 Black is in possession of a very solid continuation . However, White gets a favourable version of the Slav Defence after 9.4Jfd2!

132 Chapter 37

Main position with 7 . . . c5

1 .d4 d5 V�)f3 c6 3 . .if4 WfbG 4.wrc1 .ifS 5.e3 e6 6 . .ie2 ltJf6 7.0-0 c5!?

(0208)

208

a b c d e f 9 h

s i .IB -·- -a 7.� ... ·�·��·· 17 6 1 �� '/- _ , _ -6 s JB _ i _.i._ I s

4 1 - D g �-4 3-� '� - �:�ttJ- 13 2 1 §;�DJ}-��:� t!J 0 2 1 �:JJttJ� -�= 1 1

a b c d e f 9 h

symmetry - the position would be practical ly equal. 1 0 .Ct:Ja4 ! (0209)

( 1 0 .dxc5 \WxcS (10 . . . hc5 1 1 . Ct:Ja4) 209

Even though Black has not yet castled , he takes the risk of open ing up the position and moves his c-pawn

11 ·li:la4 .'1Wb4 1 2 .\Wxc4 \Wxc4 1 3 .. bc4

for the second time. Surprisin 1 e7 1 4 . .ib5 looks good for White . )

enough , i t is not at al l easy to ach ie�� �0.;,\WaS 1 1 .Ct:Jxc5 .ixcS (1 1 . . .b6?

an advantage. 2. '1.Jb3!+-) 1 2 .dxc5 \WxcS

8.c4

Quite obvious.

8 ... ltJc6 9.ltJc3 cxd4

(9 . . . dxc4 Probably hoping for 1 O .dxcS after which - on account of th�

(12 . . . .id3?! 13.hd3 cxd3 14 . .id6t)

1 � .\Wxc4 '1Wxc4 1 4 . .ixc4;t White is a bit better due to h is sl ight lead in development and the pair of bishops. However, the symmetrical pawn structure makes a draw qu ite probable.]

Chapter 37 - Main position with 7 . . . c5

1 0.llJ b5! (021 0)

with the idea of occupying d4 with a knight.

21 0

a b c d e f g h

[ 1 O .tt:lxd4 ? ! brought noth ing after 1 0 . . . tt:lxd4 1 1 .exd4 dxc4 1 2 .�xc4 �e7 1 3 .�b5+ cttfB 14 . "W e3 �c8 1 5 .a4 a6 1 6.a5 �xc3! (1 6 . . . "Wd8 1 7. �e2 SUJ4 18.�f3= Y:z-Y:z Djurhuus,R­Espinoza ,R/Manila olm 1 992/ (52)) 1 7.axb6 �xe3 1 8 .fxe3 axb5 1 9 .�a8+ C/Je8 20.�c1 f6+]

1 o .. J��c8 1 1 .ltlfxd4 ltlxd4 1 2.ltlxd4

133

promising against 1 2 . . . �e4 .

1 3 . . . dxc4

[1 3 . . . "Wxb2? 1 4."Wa4++- is too risky for Black.]

[1 3 . . . �c5 1 4 ."Wa4+ ctte? 1 5 .tt:lb3 dxc4 1 6.ct:Jxc5 "Wxc5 1 7 .�fd 1 �hd8 1 8.�xd8 �xd8 1 9 ."Wxc4 \Wxc4 20.�xc4;!; and also here White stands sl ightly better due to his pair of bishops .]

21 1

14.\Wa4+ lt"ld7 1 5.�xc4 \Wb4

.ig6 1 3 .\Wd1 ! Trading off queens, thereby hoping to achieve equal ity.

(021 1 ) [ 1 5 . . . �xc4? This i s a nice trick, but it

Aims in the direction of the ctte8! does not work. 1 6.\Wxc4 e5 1 7."Wc8+ White 's lead in development becomes '1Wd8 (1 7 . . . <Jle7 18. �fe 1 ! and the king evident particu larly after accepting the wil l never be happy again - White is pawn sacrifice. This idea is also very winn ing .) 1 8.\Wxd8+ <Jlxd8 1 9.�g5++-

etc.]

134

1 5 . . . a6 1 6Jl:ac1 ;!; and the b2-pawn is taboo because of .txe6! .]

1 6 . .tb5 Wfxa4 1 7 . .txa4;!; (021 2)

21 2

White is better developed and his pieces are placed very actively, which final ly brings a plus. From Black's point of view, the worst thing in his position is the pinned knight.

Now the trick . . . e5 has become a really serious threat.

[ 1 7 . . . .te7 1 8 .l"i:ac1 +-]

[1 7 . . . a6 1 8 .:1Hd1 b5? 1 9.ltJxb5 axb5 20 . .txb5+-]

Chapter 37 - Main position with 7 . . . c5

1 8 . .tb5 ! (21 3)

This underl ines the drawback of the rook's move. White should by no means play 1 8 . b3?? because of 1 8 . . . l"i:xa4 1 9 .bxa4 e5!]

213

1s . . . gcs 1 9.b4+-

Conclusion: lt is not easy to face the open ing sin 7 . . . c5 since Black's main idea is to reach a symmetrical pawn structure and by doing so to increase the drawing range. However, there are enough dynamic possibi lities to highl ight the drawbacks of 7 . . . c5 .

135 C hapter 38

2 . . . c6/ . . . .ig4 with ltJf6

1 .d4 d5 2.ltJf3 ltJf6 3 . .if4 c6 4.e3 J.g4 [5 . . . ltJbd7 6 . tt:Jc3 e6 7.1:Wb3 J.xf3 8 .gxf3 (0214) etJh5 (B . . .'�cB 9.cxd5 tLlxd5 10. tLlxd5

a b 214

c d e

exd5 1 1 .J.h3 a5 12. 0-0-0 a4 13.Wfc2 WfdB 14.'il.hg1 g6 15.e4 Wfh4 1 6.J.xd7+ r:JJxd7 1 7.'il.g4 '{Nh3 (Crouch-Baburin , Britisch league 2000/1 ) 18.'il.g3 Wfh4

7

8 1 9. J.e5 f6 20.'il.g4 Wih3 21 .J.g3±) 9 .J.g3 tt:Jxg3 1 0 .hxg3 (D2 1 5)

6

5

4

3

White must seek the initiative on the queenside before the pin starts getting unpleasant:

5.c4 Wib6

[5 . . . a6 pursues the idea of answering 6 .Wlb3 with b5?! A plan which is more than doubtfu l though . (6 . . . Wfc8 7. tLle5 J.f5 B. tLlc3 e6 9.'il.c1;!;) 7 .cxb5 cxb5 a.t2Je5 Wfa5+ 9.tt:Jc3 J.e6 (9 . . . J.f5 1 O.g4 J.e6 1 1 .J.g2±) 1 O .J.e2 tt:Je4 1 1 .J.f3 b4 1 2 .Wfa4+ W!xa4 1 3 .C2Jxa4 f6 1 4 .CtJd3± P . Petran-M. Nemeth , Zalakaros 1 995.]

2 1 5

8

6

3

There are plenty of players who generally have a thing against doubled pawns . We already met a few in the London System and here is another example. The white position wins enormously through this, as he now holds control of the h-file . The king is fine on g2. All in a l l , the doubled pawns offer a lot of merits. 1 O . . . 'il.b8 1 1 .Wic2 g6 1 2 .J.d3 J.g7 1 3. cj;Jf1 dxc4 1 4 .J.xc4 0-0 1 5. c;t>g2�

136

Wirthensohn-Cherniaev, Scuol 2001 .] [5 . . . �xf3 6 .gxf3 tt:lbd7 (6 . . . e6 7.VIib3 V!ia5+ B. tLlc3 �b4 9.a3 hc3+ 1 0. V!ixc3 V!ixc3+ 1 1 .bxc3 dxc4 12.hc4 tLld5 13.hb8 'll,xbB 14.<;l;d2 <:J:Je7 1 5.a4 'll,heB (Meduna-Hort, National League 1 989/90)) 7 .V!ib3 Vlib6 8 .tt:lc3 e6 9.c5 V!ixb3 1 0 .axb3 tt:lh5 1 1 .�g3 a6 12 .b4 '8,c8 1 3 .�d3;!; Hu lak-Wessmann, Novi Sad OL 1 990.]

[5 . . . e6 6.VIib3 V!ic8 7.tt:le5 �f5 8.tt:lc3 tt:lbd7 9.cxd5 exd5 1 0 .tt:lxd7 �xd7 1 U "lc1 �e7 1 2 .�e5 0-0 1 3 .�xf6 �f6 1 4.tt:lxd5 �g5 1 5 .tt:lc3 b5 1 6.�d3± Gretarsson-K. Rasmussen , Copenhagen 1 997.]

Back to the main variation

6.'1Wb3 e6 7 .c5 '!Wxb3 (0216)

21 6

Chapter 38 - 2 . . . c6/ . . . �g4 with tt:lf6

symmetrical system. [7 . . . V/ia5+ 8.tt:lc3 b6 9.tt:le5 �f5 1 0 .a3 �e7 1 1 .�e2 0-0 1 2 .g4 �e4 1 3 .f3 �g6 1 4 . h4 h6 (14 . . . bxc5 1 5.h5+- V. Kovacevic-86hm, Wijk aan Zee 1 980) 1 5.tt:lxg6 fxg6 1 6 .V!ib4 V!ixb4 1 7 .axb4±]

8.axb3 ltlbd7 9.h3 .ixf3

[9 . . . �f5?! can qu ickly go wrong for Black: 1 O.tt:lc3 h6 (1 O . . . a6 1 1 .b4 '8,c8 1 2. tLld2 �c2 1 3.�e2;!;) 1 1 .b4 �e7 1 2 . b5 0-0 1 3.bxc6 bxc6 1 4 .�a6 1 -0 S .Kovacevic-Gomez Manzano, Valencia 2001 .]

10 .gxf3 ltlh5 1 1 . .ih2 f5 1 2.b4 a6 1 3.b5 cxb5 14 . .ixb5 �c8 1 5.id3 g5

1 6.�g1± (0217)

217

S . Kovacevic-Moloney, Cappelle la Leading to simi lar structures to the Grande 1 995. ones discussed in the chapters on the

137 Chapter 39

2 . . . c6/ . . . il.g4 without ltlf6

1 .d4 d5 2.tLlf3 c6 3 . .if4 .!g4 4.tLle5!? 9 . .!d2) 9.l'J:h3;l; White can secure an (0218) edge with l'J:b1 and the idea of l'J:xb?.)

21 8

a b c d e f 7.lt:Jxg6 hxg6 8 . .!g2 e5 9.dxe5 fxe5 1 O . .!xe5 l'J:xh4 1 1 .�d4 l':l:xh 1 + 1 2 . .!xh 1 lt:Jd7 1 3 . .!g3;l; P . Horvath-B. Steiner,

8 Zalakaros 1 99 1 . ]

c d e f g h The knight occupies e5, winning a tempo against the .! on g4. This is the most ambitious continuation .

4 . . . .!f5

This is the best square for the bishop.

5.g4!? (021 9)

219

d e f

2

Whoever finds this l ine too sharp , can [4 . . . .!h5 keeps the e2-pawn pinned , also try the calm alternative 5.e3 . But I but 5.g4 !? , winning space on the do l ike this consistent way of handl ing kingside, looks very promising as wel l . the position - it strongly resembles 5 . . . .!g6 6 .h4 f6 Nobody should the Caro-Kann Defence. seriously th ink about h7-h6 . . .

[5.e3 i s of course less committing . (6 . . . �b6 A little b i t too optimistic. 5 . . .f6 (5 . . . lt:Jd7 6 . .!d3 ibxd3 7.cxd3 e6 7.lt:Jc3 �xb2 8.lt:Jxg6! More precise B. lt:Jxd7 �xd7 9.0-0 lt:Jf6 10.lt:Jc3 .!e7 than 8 .l'J:h3. 8 . . . hxg6 (B . . . �xc3+? 1 1 .�e2 0-0 12 .l"i:ab 1 b5 1 3.l"i:bc1 �b7

138

14.i.g5 i.dB 1 5.1lxf6 1lxf6 1 6. f4 Eiber-Kreuzer, Germany 1 995.) 6 .lt:Jf3 lt:Jd7 7.c4 i.xb 1 8.\Wxb 1 e6 9.a3 f5 1 O .i.e2 lt:Jgf6 1 1 .0-0 lt:Je4 1 2 .\Wc2 !J.e7 1 3 .lt:Je5 0-0 1 4.lt:Jxd7 \Wxd7 1 5. b4 iJ.d6 1 6.c5 i.xf4 1 7.exf4;t Karlik­Sh ishkin , Litomysl 1 996.]

5 .. . ie6!?

Looks artificial but i s not bad at al l .

[5 . . . i.c8 Perhaps the best square. After 6 .e3 lt:Jd7 I l i ke the idea of 7 .lt:Jd3. An exchange of knights would only benefit Black. From d3, the knight is covering important squares. White should seriously consider the following plan : lt:Jc3,'1Wd2,f3 , 0-0-0 with a strong attack on the kingside.]

6.e3 �d7 7.�d2 �gf6 8.�xd7 �xd7 9.id3 g6 1 0.h4 �b6 1 1 .h5 �g8 1 2.hxg6 hxg6 (0220)

220

Chapter 39 - 2 . . . c6/ . . . i.g4 without lt:Jf6

Up to now the game went very logically and it is not clear how White wil l continue. The black monarch wil l certainly castle queenside soon, therefore a plan with a4 should be considered .

1 3.b3 ig7 14.a4 aS 1 5.c3 �h8 1 6.�xh8+ ixhB 1 7.�f3;t (0221)

221

White 's position is more flexible, but this fact on its own cannot ensure a permanent advantage.

Conclusion: The sharp idea 5 .g4!? is possibly not enough to gain an advantage. From a theoretical point of view the solid continuation 5.e3 is to be preferred .

139 C hapter 40

Al l the rest after 2 . . . c6

1 .d4 dS Vlljf3 c6 3 . .if4 .ifS 4.e3 e6 transpose into well known positions, S.c4! (0222) for i nstance 6 . . . dxc4 (6. J iJf6 7. CiJc3

CiJbd7 B.c5) 7.CiJfd2!;!;] 222

Black delays . . . CiJf6 as well as . . . Wb6 for the moment, hoping to bring his .if8 into the game very soon . . .

S . . . .ixb1 ?

[5 . . . .id6 6 . .ixd6 Wxd6 7.Wb3 b6;!; White plays CiJc3 , :gc1 and always keeps a sl ig htly better position due to the long-term weakness of the l ight squares in Black's camp (b7-b6) . Of course, this advantage wil l not bring a win immediately, but Black wil l always have to take care of it.]

[5 . . . Wb6 6.Wc1 and Black wi l l have to

6J�xb1 ! '!WaS+

Snatch ing a pawn .

[6 . . . .ib4+ Right now the check on b4 is rather harmless. This is the drawback of delaying . . . CiJf6. 7 .CiJd2 CiJf6 8.a3 .id6 9 . .ixd6 Wxd6;!; White plans to gain even more space on the queenside with c5 and b4. ]

7.llJd2! (0223)

223

1 40

7 . . .'\Wxa2

[7 . . . 'Llf6 8 .i.d3 'Wxa2 9.0-0+-]

8J�a1 !

Sacrificing another pawn in order to open the b-fi le.

8 . . . 1Mfxb2 9.�b1 1Mfa3 1 o.�xb7 �d7 1 1 .cxd5 cxd5 (0224)

224

[1 1 . . . exd5 is also not very n ice. Wh ite simply plays i.e2 and 0-0 with an overwhelming position .]

12 .i.b5 �gf6 1 3.0-0+- (0225)

Black is powerless against threats such as 'Wc2 , i.xd? , 'We? , the pin of the i.b5 against the �d? is just too strong .

Chapter 40 - All the rest after 2 . . . c6

Conclusion: The greedy capture of the pawn is refuted in a very convincing manner.

225

a b c d e f

6

141 Chapter 41

Caro-Kan n Exchange Variation

1 .d4 d5 2.<!ijf3 lt:\f6 3.i.f4 c5 4.e3 cxd4!? 5.exd4 lt:\c6 6.c3 (0226)

226

a b c d e

not have any direct weakness but White is in possession of the half­open e-fi le, controls e5 and can adopt an active set-up without really being d isturbed . All th is means Black must defend hard just to final ly celebrate a

8 draw l ike a win .

The usual move sequence to reach this position would be 1 .e4 c6 2.d4 d5 3.cxd5 cxd5 4.�f4, although the moves 4.c4 (Panov-Attack), 4.�d3 and 4 .c3 are the most popular. Does this mean that 4 .�f4 and perhaps even the London System in general has to be evaluated as bad?

No, not at a l l : First of all B lack must know where exactly he has landed . Secondly, he must comprehend the Caro-Kann Defence very wel l . Even with sufficient knowledge of the position after 4.�f4, ach ieving equal chances is far from easy. B lack does

6 . . . i.g4 (0227)

227

a b c d e g h

8 1 J. - -·- ���8

7�� .�. - · - · 1 7 � � " - �/

6 1 -�- - - 6

s- fJ .l - - I s 4 1 - ��� �+jj_-4

� �r� • /1";\ � I 3 - �"-� -�- 3

2 1 � ��� - 0 � 0 2

1 UlZJ-iV=�- M 1 1 a b c d e g h

There are various move sequences which lead to this position , mostly beginn ing with . . . cxd4.

[6 . . . g6 7 .tt::lbd2 �g7 8.�d3 0-0 9.0-0 �f5 1 0 .hf5 gxf5 1 U 2le5 lt:\xe5 1 2.i.xe5 tt::le4 1 3.i.xg7 r;:t>xg7 14 .tt::lxe4 fxe4 1 5 .f3 f5 1 6 .fxe4 dxe4 1 7 .W'd2;!; Kharlov-Galkin , Ekaterinburg 1 997 . ]

1 42 Chapter 4 1 - Caro-Kann Exchange Variation

[6 . . . a6 7 .tt:lbd2 i.f5 8 .i.e2 e6 9.0-0 i.d6 1 0.i.xd6 Wxd6 1 U''1e1 0-0 1 2 .i.f1 i.g4 1 3.We2 1"lab8 1 4 .a4 tt:ld7 1 5.We3;!; Sveshnikov-Evseev,Minsk 2000.]

[6 . . . i.f5 7.Wb3 Wc8 8.i.e2 e6 9.0-0 i.e7 1 0 .tt:lbd2 0-0 1 1 .1"lac1 tt:le4 1 2.1"lfe1 h6 1 3 .tt:lxe4 i.xe4 14 .tt:le5;!; Kovalevskaya-Kadymova, Moscow 1 994.]

7.tt:lbd2

White is not in a hurry to play Wb3 and prefers to develop the knight beforehand .

[7.Wb3 has been played more often . 7 . . . Wc8

(7 . . . tt:la5 8.Wa4+ i.d7 9.Wc2 1"lc8 (9 . . . Wb6 1 0. tt:le5 i.bS 1 1 .b4 tt:lc6 1 2.bb5 Wxb5 13.a4 Wb6 14.a5+­Rausis-Gerstner, 2nd National German League 1 995/6.) 1 O .i.d3 Wb6 1 1 .0-0;!; Schl indwein-Dittmar, Lade Constance 1 999.)

8 .tt:le5 i.d7 (8 . . . tt:lxe5? 9.dxe5 tt:ld7 1 0.Wxd5+-) 9.tt:ld2 g6 1 0 .tt:lxd7 Wxd7 1 1 .i.b5 a6 1 2.i.e2 i.g7 1 3 .0-0 0-0 14 .a4 1"lac8 1 5.a5;!; Pavasovic-S.Orel, Ljubljana 1 993.]

7 . . . a6

[7 . . . Wb6 8.Wb3 e6 9.h3 i.hS 1 O .i.d3 i.e7 1 1 .0-0 0-0 1 2 .1"lfe 1 1"lac8 1 3.Wxb6 axb6 1 4 .tt:le5 tt:lxe5 1 5.i.xe5;!; Pribyi­Krutti, London 1 999.]

[7 . . . e6 8.Wb3 Wc8 9 .tt:le5 tt:lxe5 (9 . . . i.e 7? 10.f3 i.f5 1 1.g4 i.g6 12.h4 h5 13. tt:lxg6 fxg6 14.Wc2 wins for White, Pytei-Grimberg , France (Chambery) 1 994.) 1 O.i.xe5 a6 1 1 .i.d3 i.e7 1 2 .0-0 tt:ld7 (1 2 . . . i.f5? Shabanov-Gul iev, Oriol 1 992. 13.bf5 exf5 14.bf6+-) 1 3 .i.f4 Wc6;!;)

8.i.d3 e6 9.0-0 (0228)

228

a b c d e 9 h

Other moves are also well playable.

[9.a4 i.d6 1 O .i.xd6 Wxd6 1 1 .0-0 i.hS 1 2.1"le1 tt:ld7 1 3 .We2 0-0 1 4 .We3 i.g6 1 5.i.xg6 hxg6 1 6 .a5 1"lfe8 1 7 .tt:le5;!; S .Kovacevic-Kiagojevic, Jugoslavia 1 994.]

[9.Wb3? ! is no good any more. 9 . . . i.d6! 1 0.tt:le5

Chapter 41 - Caro-Kann Exchange Variation 143

(1 O .ixd6 Wxd6 1 1 .Wxb7?! 0-0 [1 1 . J fje7 occurred in Larsen-1 2 .Wb3 eS! 1 3 .dxeS �xeS 1 4 .�xeS Pachman, Amsterdam IZ 1 964 WxeS+ 1 S .�f1 l"lfe8 1 6.Wc2 ie2+ 1 2 .c4 !? dxc4 1 3 .�xc4 Wd8 14 .�feS 1 7.�g 1 (1 7.il.xe2 Wxe2+ 18. �g 1 ifS with nearly equal chances.] �e4-+) 1 7 . . . ixd3 1 8 .Wxd3 We2 1 9.Wxe2 l::lxe2 20. �f1 l::lxb2-+) 1 0 . . . 0-0 1 1 .0-0

(1 1 .Wxb7?? �a5) 1 1 . . . �xeS 1 2 .ixeS (12.dxe5?! �h5 1 3.ie3 il.xe5 14.f4 id6 15.h3 if5 1 6.il.xf5 exf5 1 7.Wxb 7 l::le8:j:J

1 2 . . . ixeS 1 3 .dxeS �d7 1 4 .1::1ae 1 �cS 1 S.Wc2 �xd3 1 6.Wxd3 ifS=]

9 . . . .id6

[9 . . . ihS 1 O .l::le 1 ie7 1 1 .Wc2 ig6 1 2 .�eS �xeS 1 3 .ixeS 0-0 1 4 . .ixg6 hxg6 1 S.Wb3 Wd7 1 6.�f3;!; Fejtek­S. Kasparov, Tatranske Zruby 200 1 .]

1 O . .ixd6 Wfxd6 1 1 .Wfe1 llJd7 (0229)

229

a b c d e f g h

1 2.Wfe3 i.hS 1 3J�fe1 .ig6 14 . .if1 0-0 1 5.llJe5 llJcxeS 1 6.dxe5 Wfb6 1 7. Wfxb6 llJxb6 1 8.a4;t (0230)

230

a b c d e f g h

Rakic-Bagirov, Frunze 1 983.

Conclusion : White can secure a small advantage, but 7 .Wfb3 also represents a very promising option .

144 Chapter 42

Gruenfeld main l ine

1 .d4 d5 2.lL!f3 lL!f6 3 . .if4 g6 4.e3 .ig7 Pursues a very ambitious plan. 5 . .ie2 0-0 6.0-0 c5 7.c3 lL!c6 8.lL!bd2 (0231 )

231

With . . . g6 Black has clearly adopted the most active set-up. The darksquared bishop on g7 is a perfect defender of the king. But on the other hand the development of the .ic8 causes more trouble than in any other position of the London System . Black can , of course, exchange it for the knight on f3. But this would not really worry White. Another idea would be the development of this m itre to b7, but this costs time. If Black can solve the problem of his bishop he will have equal ised .

8 . . . lL!h5

[8 . . .'�b6 9 .'1Wb3 c4 1 0 .'1Wxb6 axb6 1 1 .tLle5 tLlxe5 1 2 . .ixe5 .id? 1 3 . .if3 .ic6 1 4.gfe1 gfe8 1 5 .a3 e6 1 6.ge2 CLJd7 1 7 . .ixg7 li>xg7 1 8 .e4;!; Wang Rui-Li Haoyu , Tianj in2001 .]

(8 . . . b6 is a l ittle bit too slow. 9 .h3 ib7 1 O.tLle5 CLJd7 1 1 .tLlxc6?!

( 1 1 .tLlxd7! (0232) 232

a b c d e

a

g h

g Forces the queen to go to d7 and surprising ly wins a pawn after 1 1 . . .'1Wxd7 1 2 .dxc5! because after 1 2 . . . bxc5? the white knight makes use of the unprotected queen with 1 3.tLle4! . 1 3 . . . e5 14 .ig5! '1Wf5 Does not threaten anything in reality, as 1 5.g4 '\Wxe4? 1 6.f3+- loses the

Chapter 42 - Gruenfeld main line

queen .)

1 1 . . . �xc6 1 2 .ltJf3 e6 (12 . . . 'Bc8 13.�a6 'BaB 14 .a4 ltJbB 15.�e2t. Kosikov­Shianovsky, Kiev 200 1 ) 1 3.a4 a6 (13 .. ."Wie7 14.'Be1 a6 1 5.Wb3 'BfcB 1 6.Vfia3 h6= Soos-Dzevlan , Budapest 1 991) 1 4 .Wc2 We? 1 5.Bfc1 h6 1 6.h4 f5 1 7.c4 with chances for both players in the game Mensing-Zso. Polgar, Curacao 2002.]

[8 . . . ltJd7 is a critical alternative. Strangely enough only one single game has been played with this move: 9 .Wb3 e5?! (9 . . . c4 10.Wa3 b5 1 1 .b3t.) 1 O.dxe5 ltJdxeS 1 1 .ltJxe5 ttJxeS 1 2 .'Bad 1 �e6 (12 . . . c4 1 3.Wa3 Wb6 14.ltJf3±) 1 3 .Wxb7 WaS 1 4 .Wa6 Wxa6 1 5.�xa6 c4 1 6 .�xe5 �xe5 1 7 .e4± Anastasian-P. Sobolewski , Len ingrad 1 990.]

9.�g5 h6 1 0.�h4 gS 1 U l)e1 ! (0233)

233

a b c d e f g h

a b c d e g h

145

Whenever possible I prefer to keep the pair of bishops. [ 1 1 .�g3 ltJxg3 1 2.hxg3 cxd4 1 3.exd4 �f5 1 4 .'Be1 Wd6 1 5.ltJb3 b6= and Black was not worse in Malakhatko-Niknaddaf, Erevan 2001 although he went on to lose the game.]

1 1 . . . .!Llf6

[1 1 . . . gxh4 1 2 .�xh5 is certainly playable, but the pawn structu re would be damaged permanently.]

12 . .tg3 .!Lld7 (0234)

234

a b c d e

I B � 8 I �LL� 7- · -� ""'� � 6 1 -� -5- · -4 1 - �f� -:::1 '% """0 3-2 � " l b �r� """0

�'� :::1 '% �r� � � �� %uu0 ;,uu0 !" + � /7 /// y

m �r� v· ��� � b // ' " "' %uu0

u 1 � -�mll�01 � i'L ; �- --Y' a b c d e g

h 8

7 6 5

4

3 2

h

Black strives with vengeance for . . . e5 with al l forces. He was successfu l in catch ing a moment when the white pieces (especially the ltJe1 ) no longer kept optimal control over e5. However, Black's kingside is considerably weakened and although

146

White cannot make use of this positional disadvantage immediately, it can be exploited later on .

1 3.tt:\ef3!

White al lows a piece exchange on e5, but sti l l has an important iron in the fire . . .

[ 1 3.li:ld3 c4 1 4 .li:le1 e 5 leads to a compl icated game with chances for both sides (Aivarez Fernandez-Lopez del Alamo, Oropesa del Mar 2001 ).

Chapter 42 - Gruenfeld main line

1 6.f4!?

Anybody wanting to have a quieter game can consider 1 6 .li:lf3. However, 1 6.f4 is the most ambitious way to make use of B lack's weakened king's position. I believe the white chances are s l ightly better.

235

8 8

7 7 1 3.i.f3 !? attacks d5 and seems to make the planned pawn advance more difficult to accomplish . But 5 1 3 . . . e5! is possible anyway. ( 1 3 . . . cxd4 4 1 4.cxd4 li:lf6 (14 . . . e6 1 5.li:ld3±) 1 5.li:ld3 '1Wb6 1 6 .Eic1 i.f5 1 7 .li:lb3;t) 14 .i.xd5 cxd4 1 5.cxd4 exd4 1 6.e4 li:le7?! (16 . . . li:lb6foo) 1 7 .i.c4 li:lg6 1 8 .li:ld3;t]

3

2

6

3

2

1 3 . . . e5

[ 1 3 . . . g4 ?! 1 4 .li:lh4;t]

14.li:lxe5 tt:\dxe5 1 5.dxe5 tt:\xe5 (0235)

As so often in the London System the breakthrough . . . e5 does not automatically lead to equal ity. Black forgets - or often overlooks - the fact that t!Sd5 becomes a weakl ing . If Black manages to solve this problem by playing . . . d4 in the right moment, then he will be doing fine.

a e g

Conclusion : The Gruenfeld variation is very solid for Black. White must pay attention to the fact that after . . . e5 the t!Sd5 becomes very weak and B lack is left with his i.c8. These characteristics should be sufficient for an edge in a practical game.

147 Chapter 43

Gruenfeld sidel ines

1 .d4 d5 V!ljf3 ltlf6 3 . .if4 g6 (0236)

236

Even though a lot of good . playe�s chose .id3, I believe the b1shop IS better off on e2, where it stands very safely - particu larly after Black has advanced his pawn to eS.

237

The Gruenfeld set-up can arise after 1 �:;:_;:=..:;:;�..::r-����"h either 1 . . . d5 or also after 1 . . . Sf6. We wil l examine the positions where Black starts with the double step of his d-pawn, after wh ich. the centre ha

,s

been fixed to a certain extend. Black s most important idea consists of . . . tt'lfd7/ . . . e 5 - a plan which i s d ifficult to prevent. If Black pursues a complet.ely d ifferent approach without prepanng the breakthrough . . . eS, White normally gets a pleasant game . as Black's bishops are difficult to act1vate .

4.e3 .ig7 5.ie2! (0237)

Having two attractive squares for t�e bishop is the main reason why White usually starts with tt'lbd2!

5 . . . 0-0

[5 . . . tt'lh5 6 . .ig5 h6 7 . .ih4 g5 8.tt'le5 (8. tt'lfd2 etJf4! is relatively equal , e�en though Black is sl ightly less flexible with his pawn on dS than would be

1 48

the case with the pawn on d6.) 8 . . . tt:lf6 (B . . . tLlf4 9.exf4 gxh4 10.Vfid31;) 9.�g3 tt:le4 1 O .c4 tt:lxg3 1 1 .hxg3 dxc4 1 2.tt:la31; meant an improvement over the game Ree-Langeweg, Amsterdam 1 967, which was continued with 1 0 .0-0.]

6.0-0 cS

[6 . . . �g4?! g ives up the pair of bishops too carelessly: 7 .h3 �xf3 8.�xf3 c6 (Davidovic-Anka, Szolnok 1 987) 9.c4! (0238)

238

a b c d e

tt:lbd7 (9 . . . dxc4 1 0.Vfic21; b5?! 1 1 . a4 tLld5 12.�g3±) 1 O .Vfib3 Vfib6 1 1 .tt:lc3 dxc4 1 2 .Vfixc4 gae8 1 3 .�g31;]

Chapter 43 - Gruenfeld sidelines

tt:le4 14. tt:lxe4 dxe4 1 5.a5± Andrianov-L6ffler, Cannes 1 995.) 9 .h3 tt:lbd7 1 0 .tt:le5 tt:lxe5 1 1 .�xe5 tt:ld7 1 2 .�xg7 �xg7 draw, Watanabe­Braga, Brazil 1 991 . 1 3.f41;]

[The position after 6 . . . tt:lh5!? 7 .�g5 h6 8.�h4 g5 9.tt:le5 tt:lf6 1 0 .�g3 tt:le4 is by no means bad for Black. 1 1 .tt:lc3 tt:lxg3 1 2 .hxg3 White strives for f4 , but very interesting complications arise after 1 2 . . . �xe5 1 3 .dxe5 �e6 1 4.�g4.]

7.c3

I n general it is risky for Black to attack the bishop with . . . tt:lh5 after having played . . . c5, as White may take on c5 and it wil l be extremely d ifficult for him to get the c5-pawn back.

7 . . . cxd4

This avoids Black's anxiety about dxc5, but benefits White's development.

[After 7 . . . tt:lh5?! 8 .�xb8 gxb8 9.dxc5 White obtains pressure against d5 as well as tactical motifs in connection with the unprotected a-pawn .]

8.exd4 (0239)

[The preparation of 7 . . . c5 with 6 . . . b6 is an ounce too slow: 7 .tt:lbd2 �b7 This opens the e-fi le, and a 8 .c3 c5 (B . . . tLlbdl 9.a4 tLlh5 1 0. �g5 symmetrical pawn structure is h6 1 1 .�4 g5 12 .tLle1 tLlhf6 1 3.�g3 avoided , after wh ich the drawing

Chapter 43 - Gruenfeld sidelines 149

chances would be increased. 1 0 . .ie3 f!c7

8 . . . lt:lc6 9 .c!t) bd2 Preparing the occupation of the square f4 .

This position can result from the fol lowing move sequence as wel l : [1 0 . . . '1Wd6 1 1 Jl:e 1 f5 1 2 .ctJb3 f4 1 3 . .id2 3 . . . c5 4.c3 tt:lc6 5.tt:ld2 g6 6.ctJf3 .ig7 <j;Jh8 Turov-Burmakin , Moscow OL 7 .il.e2 0-0 8.0-0 cxd4 9 .exd4. 1 994. 1 4 .tt:lg5 is critical for Black.] However, we do not have a normal Caro-Kann Exchange Variation, as the bishop would usually stand on d3 rather than on e2 .

[ 1 0 . . . f5 1 1 .tt:lb3 f4 (1 1 . . . ctJf6 12.'f!c1 aS 13 ."8e 1 b6 14.il.b5± Sygulski­Szymczak, Polan ica Zdroj 1 983)

239

a b c d e

s i.

e g

h

1 2.il.d2 <j;Jh8 1 3 .tt:lc5 'f!d6 1 4 .tt:ld3 .if5 1 5."8e 1 .ixd3 1 6 . .ixd3 "8ae8 (Sydor­Maciejewski , Lodz 1 980) 1 7 .tt:lg5!? e5 1 8.tt:lxh7 <j;Jxh7 1 9 .'\Wxh5+ .ih6

8 20.dxe5 tt:lxe5 21 . .ic2±]

6

1 1 ."8e1 .ig4

[After 1 1 . . .f5 1 2 .tt:lb3 which occurred in the game Andrianov-M . Damjanovic, Tei-Aviv 1 99 1 , Black should have tried the consequent

3 1 2 . . . f4 !? instead of 1 2 . . . e6 13."8c1 tLlf6 14.il.b5 ctJg4 15 . .id2 ctJdB?! 1 6.c4

2 dxc4 1 7.il.b4, which , in the end, led to a win for White) ]

1 2.lt:lb3 lt:lf4 1 3 . .ib5!? (0240)

1 3 . . . lt:lh5

[ lt would be interesting to know what [As B lack's main source for Keres had planned on 1 3 . . . a6!?. He counterplay l ies in the f4-square and would probably have tried to make the mobil ity of h is f-pawn, 9 . . . il.f5 use of the weaknesses on the seems to be inconsequent: 1 0 ."8e1 queenside with 1 4 .il.f1 b6 1 5 .h3 il.f5 "8c8 1 1 .tt:le5 ctJd7 1 2 .tt:lxc6 "8xc6 1 6 "" 5 1 6 "" 6? 1 7 "" 6 \111 6 . 't..le , as . . . 't..le . . 't.JXC sXC 1 3.'1Wb3 "8b6 1 4 .'\Wxd5 %:\xb2 1 5.tt:lc4 1 8.g4+- would lose a piece.] il,e6 1 6.'1Wf3± Zilbermann-Kantsler, Tei-Aviv 2002.]

150

240

[ 1 5 .tLlc5!?;t]

1 5 . . . :Sfe8 1 6 . .ih6 .ihB 1 7 . .if1 (0241 )

241

Chapter 43 - Gruenfeld sidelines

White had a very pleasant game during the encounter between Keres and Bronstein , Tbil isi 1 959.

Conclusion : The sidel ines in the Gruenfeld formation are relatively promising for White - mainly because Black faces problems concerning the development of his queen 's bishop.

151 C hapter 44

Sch lechter set-u p

1 .d4 d5 2.tLlf3 tLlf6 3.i.f4 g6 (0242) passive. In general, the London System player should memorize the

242 following ru le:

a b c d e

4.e3 .ig7

[4 . . . c6 5.c4 i.g7 6.tLlc3 0-0 7 .i.d3 i.g4 8 .h3 i.xf3 9.'Wxf3 dxc4 1 0.i.xc4;!; Dreev-Bagirov, Sevastopol 1 986.]

5.i.e2 c6 6.0-0

[6.tLlc3 leads to a variation of the Barry attack, in which Black has made a concession with . . . c6]

6 . . . 0-0 7 .c4! (0243)

The Schlechter set-up with . . . c6 is sl ightly more solid than the Gruenfeld variation , but at the same time more

[If White prefers a typical London set­up, then 7 .h3 is probably the best choice. 7 . . . 'Wb6 (7 . . . tLlbd7 8 .tLlbd2 l::le8 9 .c4 e6 1 0 . b4 b6 1 1 .l::\c1 i.b7 1 2 .a4 l::lc8 1 3 .'Wb3;!; Gerasimenyk-Kopasov, St. Petersburg 2003) 8.'Wc1 c5! (8 . . . tLle4 9.c4 i.e6 1 O .c5 Wifd8 1 1 .b4 b6 1 2 .tLlbd2 tLlxd2 1 3 .Wifxd2 f6?! 1 4 .l::\fc1 ctJd7?! 1 5.b5! bxc5 1 6.bxc6 lt:l b6 1 7 .l::\xc5, 1 -0 Falchetta-Piasec,

152

Caorle 1 984) 9 .c3 ti:Jc6 1 0 .ti:Jbd2 .if5 1 1 .a4 cxd4 1 2.exd4 l"\ac8 1 3.!'\a3 ti:Ja5 14 .b4 ti:Jc6 1 5 .a5 1Mid8 16 .1Mia1 ti:Je4 1 7.b5;t Galego-Frois, Caldas de Felgueira 1 999.]

7.ti:Jbd2 and 7.c3 can be answered with 7 . . . ti:Jh5, but 7 .ti:Je5!? is worth a try.]

7 .. .c!L!bd7

[7 . . . ti:Jh5?! is not convincing: 8 . .ie5 f6 9 . .ixb8 l"\xb8 1 O.ti:Jfd2 f5 1 1 . .ixh5 gxh5 1 2 .cxd5 1Mixd5 1 3 .ti:Jc3 (13.1Mfxh5 e5 14.tLlf3 e4 1 5. tLlg5 h6 1 6. tLlc3 "Wd6 1 7. ti:Jh3±) 1 3 . . . 1Mif7 1 4.f4;t]

8.t!Llc3 dxc4

[8 . . . !'\e8 9.!'\c1 ti:Jf8 1 0 .cxd5 ti:Jxd5 1 1 .ti:Jxd5 1Mixd5 1 2 . .ic4 1Mih5? (0244)

244 a b c d e

Chapter 44 - Schlechter set-up

9 . .ixc4 t!Llb6 1 O . .ib3 .ifS (D24S)

[1 0 . . . ti:Jbd5 1 1 . .ie5 .ig4 1 2.h3 .ixf3 1 3.1Mixf3 ti:Jxc3 1 4 .bxc3 ti:Jd7 1 5 . .ixg7 lt>xg7 16 .e4 e5 1 7 .1Mie3 "We? 1 8 .f4± Roder-Marek, Cappelle la Grande 1 994.]

245

a b c d e f 9 h

8 1 I - � -·-8

7- · - - · - · 1 7 6 1 - · - - · - 6

s fR - -.i.- I s

4 1 - �'� �+� -4 � %uu0 / uuY � 3-�� �/�CLJ- 13 - /'/ . . % u, / � 2 1 � 0 - ��� � 02 1 0 -if- M CY1 1 1

a b c d e 9 h

8 The bishop is now developed and Black fights for the d5-square. Has he solved all his problems? The answer is clear: No! 6

(12 . . . "Wf5 1 3 . .ie5±) 1 3 .ti:Jg5+-Kirpichn ikov-Ten , Togl iatti 200 1 .]

1 1 .1Mie2 as 12 .a3 t!LlbdS 1 3.t!LlxdS t!LlxdS 14.-ieS f6

Black should not al low the exchange of bishops.

1S . .ig3 .ie6 1 6.1Mic2 .if7 1 7 .:Bfd1 e6 1 8.:Bac1 ±

Askarian-Grinblat, Kharkov 2002.

153 Chapter 45

Ch igorin-Defense

1 .d4 d5 V!l)f3 ti:Jc6 3.i.f4! (0246)

246

a b c d e f g h

I . -.t�.-��-� 8 - � . . . � �m� � 8 7_ , · - · 1 7 6 1 - -6 s - - · - - Is 4 1 - D �� -4 3- - -lb- 1 3 2 l 8 �t� 8 - 8 0 8 0 2

1 UtLJ-ifm�- M I 1 a b c d e f g h

Declines the invitation to enter the Chigorin-Defence with 3.c4? and steers the game into London System channels.

3 . . . .ig4

(4 . . . ti:Jf6 5 .c4 e6 6.ti:Jc3)

(4 . . . li:Jb4 5.ti:Ja3 e6 6.c3 ti:Jc6 7.ti:Jb5 i.d6 8 .ti:Jxd6+;!; Apicella-Prie, France (Nantes) 1 993.)

(4 . . . e6 5.c4 i.d6 6.i.g3 ti:Jge7 7.ti:Jc3 0-0 8.i.h4 dxc4 9.i.xc4 �d7 1 O .l"lc1 ti:Jg6 1 1 .i.g3 i.xg3 1 2 .hxg3;t Belikov­Tishin , Alushta 2001 . )

5.c4 e6 6.ti:Jc3 ti:Jf6 (6 . . . i.b4 7.cxd5 exd5 8.l"lc 1 ;!; Miles-Merwin , Reno 1 999.) 7 .i.e2 i.d6 8 .i.g5 i.e7 9.i.xf6 i.xf6 1 O .cxd5 exd5 1 1 .�b3 ti:Je7 1 2.�xb7+- Wojtkiewicz-Mahmuti , Bernd 1 996]

4.e3 e6 5.c4! (0247)

247

a b c d e

3 . . . ti:Jf6 or 3 . . . i.f5 are also possible, 6 but do not fit in the Chigorin System 5 style. Black prefers to develop actively, which looks perfectly 4 reasonable optical ly.

[3 . . . ti:Jf6 4.e3 ti:Jh5 5 .i.g5 h6 6.i.h4 g5 7 .ti:Jfd2 ti:Jg7 8 .i.g3 ti:Jf5 9.c4 ti:Jxg3 1 O.hxg3 i.g7 1 1 .cxd5 �xd5 1 2 .ti:Jc3 1 �d8 1 3 .i.b5+- Yedidia-Curdo, USA =�......:.:.:.;�...,......:.;=.....,.........:.:.:.;=---: 1 997 .] [3 . . . i.f5 4.e3 a6

154

Even the alternative is unpleasant for Black. it often frustrates Chigorin p layers to p lay against if4 - they do not get their usual active game. Or in other words: The 4Jc6 looks even more ridiculous than in any other variation.

[5.ie2 id6 6.ig3 4Jge7 7.4Jbd2 0-0 8.0-0 Black has problems because of h is space d isadvantage. 8 . . . ctJf5 In order to show some compensation, he hopes to at least keep his pair of bishops. 9.c4 As the ig3 has already fulfilled its obligations, one should not have anyth ing against the exchange on g3. 9 . . . 4Jxg3 1 O.hxg3 (0248)

248 a b c d e f g h

s l .l - � ··-s • %' .• 1/; /uu.J � �� , m - m I 7 �. �"� - · �"� · 7

6 1 -�- · - -6 sa - · - - I s 4 1 - � n -j.-4 3� - �?�Q:J�-� 1 3 � . • "'••u0 "'""!/,:

2 1 � n ��n � -2 1 �� -'if-�� 1 1 �� � � �

a b c d e g h

Even though no rook remains on the h-file, the pawn on g3 also has its merits: White secured permanent control over f4. 1 0 . . . ib4 1 1 J�c1 Elc8 1 2.ctJb3 dxc4?! Due to his lack of space, Black feels obliged to take on c4.

Chapter 45 - Chigorin-Defence

( 1 2 . . . 4Je7!? With the plan of . . . ctJf5 and . . . c6 is better. But White can claim an advantage with 1 3 .c5. The immediate threat is obvious. (13.a3 ia5) 1 3 . . . c6 1 4.a3 ia5 1 5 .4Jxa5 �xa5 1 6.b4 �c7 (1 6 . . . �xa3? 1 7.�d2 a5 18.bxa5 ifS 1 9.Ela 1 �b3 20. Ela2 and White is winning .) 1 7.a4 f6 1 8.b5;!;) 1 3.Elxc4 id6 (0249)

249

White fancies p laying d5 - creating a double attack against c6 and g4. But at the moment Black still has the reply . . . 4Je5. With 1 4.4Jc5 White exerts dangerous pressure on the queenside. Of course Black could take on c5 but that would cost him the only ace he has. 1 4 . . . Elb8 1 5 .�d2 4Je7 1 6 .Elfc1 c6 1 7 .id3 if5 1 8 .e4 winning further space. 1 8 . . . ig6 1 9.�e3 Ele8 20.!'14c3 4Jc8 21 .g4 gradual ly planning g3, �g2, Elh1 . 21 . . . 4Jb6 22.Ela3 4Jc8 pure

Chapter 45 - Chigorin-Defence

helplessness. 23J:l:b3 Wffc7 24.g3 ttJb6 (24 . . . �g3? only fails to 25.e5+-) 25.�g2 ttJd7 26.e5 fie?

(26 . . . fixd3? 27 .exd6+-; 26 . . . fif8 27.fixg6 fxg6 is the only way to prevent being mated on the h-fi le, but the pawn structure speaks volumes.)

27 .fixg6 hxg6 28.ttJe4 (D250)

250

The white mating attack on the h-fi le is slow - but deadly. The motif of ttJf6+ also emerges as an idea.

28 . . . Wffa5 (2B . . . ttJb6 29.'i!,h 1 ttJd5 30.Wic1 WidB 3 1 .Wig1 ! f5 32.exf6 �f6 33.g5 is a further example of how qu ickly the game can end . )

29 .'l'!,h1 Wffd5 (29 . . . Wixa2 The dying may eat everyth ing . . . 30.g5 'if,f8 Trying to establ ish a defence with . . . f6/f5

155

3 1. CDf6+! gxf6 32.Wif4! - and again there is no defence against the mate on the h-file.) 30.g5 fid8 3 1 .Wfff4 fie? 32.ctJf6+! ttJxf6 33.gxf6 1 -0 in Rogers - Ye Rongguang, Kuala Lumpur 1 990.]

Back to the main variation 5 . . . ll:\f6 (0251 )

251

There are also plenty of alternatives at this point.

[5 . . . dxc4 6 .fixc4 fid6 7 .fig3 ctJf6 (7 . . . a6 8.CDc3 CDf6 9.0-0 �g3 10.hxg3 0-0 1 1.fie2 Wid6 12.'l'!,c1 'if,fdB 13.a3 ttJe7 14.b4 �f3 15.�f3 c6 1 6.Wib3 ttJg6 1 7. 'if,fdtt. Malakhatko-Swic, Polanica Zdroj 200 1 .) 8 .ttJc3 0-0 (B . . . �g3 9.hxg3 Wid6 1 0.a3 a6 1 1 . Wic2 h6 12.fid3 e5 13. ttJe4 ttJxe4 14.�e4 �f3 15.gxf3 exd4 16. 0-0-0 0-0-0 1 7. 'i!,h5"! Hansen-Miladinovic, Malm6 1 998.) 9.0-0 ttJa5 1 O.fie2 c5?

156 Chapter 45 - Chigorin-Defence

1 1 .dxc5 hc5 1 2.Wxd8 1 -0 Szekely- 1 7. b4 Wxa3 1 8.hxg6+-) 1 5.1"lc3 c6 Veltkamp, Haarlem 2001 .] 1 6.dxc6 ttJxc6 1 7 .i.c4 tLlh4 1 8 .Wg4

Wh8 1 9 .1"ld3 We7 20.0-0;t) [5 . . . i.d6 A popular continuation . 6.i.g3 tLlf6 (6 . . . ttJge7 7.i.e2 dxc4 B.hc4 ctJf5 9.tLlc3 a6 1 0.i.e2 0-0 1 1 .hd6 ttJxd6 12.h3 i.h5 1 3. 0-0 Wt6 14. 1"lc 1 ElfdB 1 5.Wc2 ElacB 1 6. 1"lfe 1;!; Nordahi­Bromann, Gausdal 2003.) 7.ctJc3 0-0 8 .cxd5 exd5 (8 . . . ttJxd5 9 .i.e2 ttJxc3 1 O.bxc3 Wf6 1 1 .1"lb1 b6 and now 1 2 .e4!;!; (12.ctJd2?! he2 13.Wxe2 ttJa5 14.0-0 hg3= Martinovic­Degraeve, Sremic Krsko 1 998.) ) 9 .i.e2 1"le8 1 0 .0-0 i.xg3 1 1 . hxg3 ttJe7 12 .Wb3 Wd6 1 3.1"lfc1 Wb6 1 4.Wxb6 axb6 1 5.tLlb5+- Martinovic-Trifunovic, Estensi 200 1 .]

[5 . . . i.b4+ In the spirit of Chigorin . 6 .tLlc3 ttJge7 (0252) Black pursues another plan with this move: He wants to continue with ttJg6 and e5. But this is a bit too slow. ' (6 . . . i.xc3+!? 7 .bxc3 ttJge7 8.h3 i.f5 9.1"lc1 (9. tLlh4;!;) 9 . . . 0-0 1 O.i.e2 ttJa5 1 1 .cxd5 exd5 12 .ctJd2 1"lc8 1 3 .Wa4 c5 14 .ctJb3 ttJxb3 1 5.axb3;!; Karlsen-Johannessen, Oslo 2003)

7 .1"lc1 ?! After this move White wil l find it much more d ifficult to obtain an advantage.

(7.h3! i.h5 8.1"lc1 0-0 9 .a3 i.xc3+ (9 . . . i.d6 1 0.hd6 Wxd6 1 1 . cxd5 exd5 12.i.e2 a6 13. 0-0 f5 14.Wd2;!; and after f4 White has the reply e4.) 1 0 .1"lxc3 dxc4 1 1 .1"lxc4! tLlg6 12 .i.h2 i.xf3 1 3 .Wxf3 e5 All B lack's hopes were based on th is move. 1 4.d5 ttJa5 (14 . . . ttJce7 1 5.h4 c6 1 6.h5 Wa5+

a b c

252 d e g h

7 . . . 0-0 8.i.d3 (8 .h3!? is only enough for equal ity by now. 8 . . . i.xf3 9.Wxf3 e5!? 1 0 .dxe5 d4 1 1 .exd4 Wxd4 1 2.i.e2 ttJg6 1 3 .i.e3 Wxe5 1 4 .0-0 i.d6 1 5.g3 i.c5 1 6 .i.xc5 Wxc5= Vezzosi­Skembris, Montecatin i Terme 2000.)

8 . . . ttJg6 And White has to be very careful . 9.i.g3 (After 9 .h3? 'Black can continue with ' 9 . . . i.xf3 1 O.Wxf3 dxc4 1 1 .i.xc4 ttJxd4! and the position after 1 2.Wxb7 ttJxf4 1 3 .exf4 (13.Wxb4? ttJxg2+ 14. Wf1 ttJxe3+ 15. fxe3 Wf6+ -+) 1 3 . . . 1"lb8 14.We4 Schuss ler-Hector, Schweden (Malmo) 1 986. 1 4 . . . tLlf5! (14 . . . i.a5 is very sharp and difficult to evaluate.) 1 5.0-0 (15.i.d3 i.d6:f.) 1 5 . . . ttJd6 1 6 .Wd3 ttJxc4 1 7 .Wxc4 i.d6 1 8 .b3 1"lb4-+)

Chapter 45 - Chigorin-Defence

9 . . .f5l?

(9 . . . dxc4 1 O.hc4 il.d6 1 1 .il,b5 CiJce 7 1 2. 0-0 CiJf5 13.il.e2 CiJxg3 14.hxg3 c6 1 5. CiJe4 il,c7 1 6. CiJc5� Yermolinsky­Rahman , Stratton Mountain 2000.)

a b 253

d e

157

1 O .h3 il.h5 1 1 .cxd5 exd5 1 2 .0-0 f4 6 1 3 .il.xg6 il.xf3 14 .Wxf3 fxg3 5

(14 . . . hxg6 1 5.il.h2 fxe3 16.Wxe3 Wd7 4

1 7.Wd3�) 3 1 5.il.f5 il.xc3 1 6 .bxc3 gxf2+ 1 7.!'gxf2 !'gf6?! 1 8 .il,e6+ <j;Jh8 1 9 .Wxd5�]

Back to the main variation

6.ltlc3 ib4 {0253)

[The modern 6 . . . a6 is met by 7 .il.e2 (7.h3 il.h5 8.il,g5 dxc4 9.hc4 il.e7 1 O.hf6 hf6 1 1 .il.e2 il,g6 1 2. 0-0 e5 13.dxe5 CiJxe5 14.Wb3� S.Agdestein­E .Agdestein , Norway (Steinkjer) 1 986.) 7 . . . dxc4 8.il,xc4 il.d6 9 .il.xd6 (9.il.g5�) 9 . . . cxd6 1 0 .0-0 0-0 1 1 .il.e2 e5 1 2 .dxe5 dxe5= Frois-Skembris, Linares 2000.]

As is common in the Queen's Gambit, it is al l about the bishop's tempo. The knight is supported by !'gc1 and the idea of gaining control of the important c-file becomes apparent immediately.

[7.il.g5 h6 8.il.xf6 Wxf6 9.cxd5 exd5 1 O.il,e2 0-0 1 1 .0-0 il,xc3 1 2.bxc3 CiJa5 1 3 . CiJe5� P. Cramling-Arencibia , Malaga 2000.]

g h [7.h3 il.xf3 8.Wxf3 CiJe4 9.1'k1 We? 1 0.cxd5 exd5 1 1 .Wd1 (1 1 .il.b5 0-0 1 2.We2�) 1 1 . . . 0-0 1 2 .il.e2 CiJd8 1 3 .0-0 il,xc3 14 .bxc3 CiJe6 1 5.il.h2 !'gfd8 1 6.c4� Ki.Georgiev-P irrot, Bad W6rishofen 2002.]

7 . . . 0-0

[7 . . . CiJe4l? Very risky. 8 .h3 il.xf3 (8 . . . il.h5 9 .il.d3 0-0 1 O.cxd5 (1 O.Wc2 f5 1 1 . cxd5 exd5 12. CiJe5 CiJxe5 13.he5 c6 14. 0-0�) 1 O . . . exd5 1 1 .Wc2 il.xf3 1 2 .gxf3 CiJg5 1 3 .h4! CiJxf3+ 1 4.<j;lf1 +-) 9.Wxf3 We? 1 0 .cxd5 exd5 1 1 .Wd 1 Wh4 1 2.!'gc2 0-0 1 3.il.d3 !'gae8 1 4.0-0� ; 7 . . . dxc4 is harmless by now. 8.il.xc4 CiJd5 9 .il,g3 0-0 1 0.0-0 CiJxc3 1 1 .bxc3 il.d6 1 2 .il.b5! Very important, as otherwise, for instance after 1 2.il.e2 , Black wil l accomplish the important pawn break . . . e5. 1 2 . . . CiJe7 1 3.il.d3 il,xg3 1 4 .hxg3�]

158

a b

8.h3!? {0254)

254

c d e f g h

Chapter 45 - Chigorin-Defence

[9 . . . �xc3+ 1 O.bxc3 We? 1 1 .Wd1 ( 1 1 .cxd5 tt::lxd5 (1 1 . . . exd5 12.�d31;) 1 2.�c4"1;) 1 1 . . .e5 1 2 .�g5 exd4 1 3 .�xf6 Wxf6 1 4 .cxd4"1; Moreno Ruiz-Moreno Carnero , Apanien (Sevil le), 2004.]

1 0.�g5! {0255)

255

a b c d e

The attentive reader wil l have noticed 3 that h3 is very important in this variation . The difficulty lies in detecting exactly the right moment to 1 pI ay it. =;;.._.,___;.:,;.:.;;c;;;.__d...,.......:.;.;.;.;e;;;.__....,........;.;.:.;;g;;;.__...,...h.....:

[8 .�e2 f\e8 9.0-0 dxc4 1 O.�xc4 e5? (10. J i Jh5!) 1 1 . dxe5 Wxd1 1 2.f\fxd 1 �xf3 1 3 .gxf3 tt::lxe5 (13 . . . hc3 14.exf6 hf6 15.ii.b5+-) 1 4.tt::l b5+- Simic­Yeo, Belgrade 2003.]

8 . . . .txf3

[8 . . . �h5 9.a3! �xc3+ (9 . . . �d6 10. cxd5!? exd5?! 1 1 .�g5+-) 1 0 .f\xc3 We? (10 . . . tt:le7 1 1 .�e2 c6 12. 0-0 tt:le4 1 3. E\c21;) 1 1 .�e2 dxc4 1 2 .f\xc4 l2ld5 1 3 .�h2 f5 1 4.0-0"1; Cebalo­Gruskonvnjak, Portoroz 2004. ]

9.1.Wxf3 ffe7

Black planned . . . e5 and would have attained equality with this idea after 1 0.�d3. To avoid this White must move his bishop for a second time. Supported by his lead in development, B lack tries to complicate the position . If he does not manage to do so, he wil l simply be worse off.

[1 o .�d3? e5! 1 1 .dxe5 tt::lxe5 1 2 .�xe5 Wxe5=]

1 0 . . . .ixc3+

[1 O . . . f\fd8? 1 1 .cxd5+-]

Chapter 45 - Chigorin-Defence

1 1 J'!xc3

[1 1 .bxc3? '\Wa3 1 2.�c2 tt:Je4-+ is what Black dreams of.]

1 1 ... VAfb4

Looks very strong.

12 . .txf6 VAfxb2 1 3.�b3! (0256)

Forcing the transposition into a better endgame.

1 3 . . . VAfc1 + 14.VAfd1 VAfxd1 + 1 5.'it>xd1 dxc4 1 6J'!xb7 gxf6

There are th ree reasons for White 's advantage: the pawn structure, the better minor piece and the king , which is more centralised .

1 7.Wc2!

Controll ing all possible invasion squares . [1 7 .Wd2?! and Black could sti l l hold on in Kramnik- lvanchuk, Linares 1 998.]

1 7 . . . �ab8 1 8.�xb8 �xb8 1 9 . .txc4 'it>f8 20. 'it>c3 We7 21 .�dU

White controls every part of the board and plans e4, fol lowed by d5, with the justifiable hope of extending his advantage.

159

256

a b c d e f g h

Conclusion: Also against the Chigorin Defence the London System represents a bril l iant weapon in the fight for a permanent advantage.

160 Chapter 46

Stonewal l

1 .d4 d 5 2 .lLlf3 e6 3.i.f4 f5 4.e3 lLlf6 5.c4 (0257)

257

6

However, with the position at hand Black has completely g iven up the control over e5. Therefore he is no longer able to exploit the position of the �f4 - in fact, qu ite the opposite is true.

5 . . . c6

[5 . . . �d6 6 .ti:lc3 0-0 (6 . . . �xf4?! 7 .exf4 0-0 8.�e2 b6 9.0-0 �b7 1 0 .Elc1 ti:Jbd7 1 1 .b4 dxc4 1 2 .�xc4 ti:ld5 1 3 .�xd5

5

4 4 exd5 1 4 .Ele1 lLlf6 1 5 .ti:Je5+- Sakaev-3 Radu lski, Jugoslavia 1 996. Because

of f3 Black wil l never be able to 2 occupy e4 .) 7 .�d3 c6 (7 . . . b6 8.0-0

tt:Je4 9 .�xd6 "'&xd6 1 0 .cxd5 exd5 1 1 .Elc1 c6 1 2.ti:Je5 �b7 1 3 .f4;!; Suran­Orlowski , Bavaria 1 997 .) (7 . . . ti:lc6 8.0-0 �d7 9.�xd6 cxd6 1 O .cxd5 exd5 1 1 ."'&b3+-Vyzhma.navin-Padevsky, Gelsenkirchen 1 99 1 . )

The typical reaction against an early �f4 in the Dutch Defence is . . . b6 and refraining from pushing the pawn to d5. The advantage is that Black's position remains flexible. As we wil l see , the Stonewall is not always the correct recipe. Therefore , one should not fear this transposition.

Why do we not have a look at the move sequences 1 .d4 f5 or 1 .d4 e6? The reason is quite simple: Simi larly to 1 .d4 ti:Jf6 , Black is sti l l in a position to fight for e5. I n his book about the Leningrad System, GM Kindermann proved the d isadvantages of an early �f4 in the Dutch Defence.

8 .0-0 "'&c7 (8 . . . ti:le4 9.�xe4? ! (9."'Mfc2 fits in much better.) 9 . . . fxe4 1 0.lLle5 "'&e7 1 1 .c5 �c7 1 2 .f3 exf3 1 3 .Elxf3 b6 1 4.tt:Ja4 �a6 1 5.Elc1 b5 1 6 .lLlc3 b4= Sokolov - Lukov, Maribor 1 990.) 9 .ti:le2 (9.g3) 9 . . . lLlh5 1 0.�xd6 "'&xd6 1 1 .c5 "'&c7 1 2 .b4 ti:Jd7 1 3.1&c2 g6 1 4."'&b2 Ele8 1 5 .tt:Je5! (D258) 1 5 . . . tt:Jxe5 1 6 .dxe5 g5 1 7.f4 g4 1 8.tt:Jd4+- Lal ic-de Ios Santos, Malaga 2002.]

6.lLlc3 i.e7

[6 . . . �d6?! There is nothing to say

Chapter 46 - Stonewall

against this exchange from White 's point of view since the e-file will be opened : 7 .i.d3 0-0 8.0-0 �e4 9.Wc2 i.xf4 1 O .exf4 �d7 1 1 .E'1fe 1 �df6 1 2 .�e5 �d6 1 3 .c5 �f7 1 4.b4+­Savchenko-l l iush in , Linares 1 998.]

258

[If Black does not castle, White can strive for the central breakthrough e4:

161

Strives for counterplay, mainly against the � on c3. [8 . . . i.d7 9.�e5 �a6 1 O .a3 �c7 1 1 .cxd5 �cxd5 1 2 .i.g3 �h5 1 3.�f3 �xg3 1 4.hxg3;!; Scherbakov-Grabarczyk, Koszalin 1 997 . ; 8 . . . �h8 9.h3 �e4 1 0.g4 i.d6 1 1 .i.xd6 �xd6 12 .�e5 �d7 1 3.0-0-0 We? 1 4 .cxd5 cxd5 1 5.f4 �f6 1 6 .h4 i.d7 1 7 .h5+- Pogorelov-Guliev, Moscow 1 996.]

9.g4! (0259)

This is the point of White's set-up. The king wil l most l ikely go to e2, sometimes White wil l be castl ing queenside. Due to the safe position in the centre, e2 is probably the best place for the monarch . Black on the other hand will have to get prepared for the attack on his king which White wil l conduct. As the variation wil l show, Black does not have enough dynamic resources in the centre.

259

a b c d e

7 . . . �bd7 8.h3 �e4 9.'<Wc2 �df6 7 1 O .�e5 �xc3 1 1 .bxc3 �e4 1 2 .0-0 0-0

6 1 3 .f3 �d6 1 4 .E'1ab1 �f7 1 5.e4;!; Su lypa-Baron , Elancourt 2004.]

8.'<Wc2

All pieces are developed to active positions. [8.�e5 followed by castl ing kingside is also absolutely playable, but the move would not quite fit in 1 with the plan of playing g2-g4.] =�___;.;.;.;.;.;.;.;....�;;...;.;.;_----:--'-;.;.;.;.;....-:--'

Chapter 46 - Stonewall

1 0.a3 1Mfa5

Renewing the th reat of . . . ctJb4.

1 1 .1iile2! (0261 ) dxc4

[1 1 . . . g5 1 2.Ae5 fxg4 1 3 .ixe4 dxe4 Yermol insky-Mi l icevic, Los Angeles 2002. 1 4 .ctJd2! ctJb8 1 5 .'W'xe4 ctJd7 1 6 .b4 'W'd8 1 7 .'W'xg4;!;; 1 1 . . .id7 1 2 .ctJe5 ie8 1 3 .f3 l2Jxc3+ 14 .bxc3 ctJc? (14 . . . g6 1 5.gxf5 exf5 16 .'EJ,ag1 cJJhB 1 7.h4 'W'dB 1 B.ih6 'EJ,gB 1 9.ixf5 gxf5 20. 'EJ,xg8+ cJJxgB 21 .'li,g 1 + cJJhB 22. 'W'xf5 1 -0 Khenkin-Hustert, Ruhr District 1 995.) 1 5 .gxf5 dxc4 1 6 .C2Jxc4 'W'd5 1 7.ixc7 exf5 1 8.ctJe5 1 -0 l konnikov-Speck, Winterthur 2002.]

8

7

5

4

261

a b c d e h 8

3

2

1 2.ixc4 lL!xc3+ 1 3 .'\Wxc3 '1Wb6 1 4.gxf5 :E!xfS 1 5.:8hg1 lL!c7

Hellsten-Straeter, National League 2001 , and now

163

1 6.-teS! :E!f7 1 7.1Mfc2 Ad7 1 8.Ad3 +-

White achieves a clear advantage.

Conclusion : Playing a Stonewall against all White 's set-ups is certainly not recommendable for Black - and definitely not against the London System! The positions are a l ittle bit too complicated for a bl itz game, but in a tournament battle Black will face enormous difficulties. Information on the question concern ing why White does not already play 2.if4 after 1 .d4 f5 or 1 .d4 e6 can be found in the foreword.

Finally I would l ike to wish all of you a lot of very exciting and successful games with this opening system!

162

9 . . . &Lia6

Forcing the next move, which suits White's position very well .

A . )

[9 . . . tLld7?! 1 O .gxf5 exf5 1 1 .cxd5 cxd5 1 2.tLlxd5 �aS+ 1 3.�e2 id6 (13 . . . �xd5?? 14.ic4) 1 4 .b4 �d8 1 5.ixd6 tLlxd6 1 6 .tLlc7 1 -0 Arkhipov­Stockmann , M uenster 1 99 1 . ]

B . )

[9 . . . id6 1 O .ie5 tLlxc3 1 1 .bxc3 ixe5 1 2.tLlxe5 tLld7 1 3.tLlxd7 �xd7 1 4.a4 �d6 1 5.f4 �h8 1 6.g5 b6 1 7 .a5� Jakab-Antal , Budapest 2002.]

C.)

[9 . . . ib4 1 0. �e2 ixc3 1 1 . bxc3 b6

Chapter 46 - Stonewall

F.)

[9 . . . �a5!? Pinning the knight. 1 0.gxf5! (0260) claryfi ing the situation on the kingside. ( 1 0.�e2 is answered by ia3!?. Black ach ieves an unbalanced position through tactical tricks after 1 1 Jlac1 tLlxc3+ 1 2 .�xc3 �xc3 1 3.l=lxc3 ixb2 14 .l=lb3 fxg4 Shabariyazdanov-Radjabov, B iel 2000. A completely unclear position . . . The threat is . . . ixd4. ) 1 0 . . . exf5 1 1 .�e2 ct:Jxc3+ ( 1 1 . . . �e6 1 2 .cxd5 cxd5 1 3.�b3 tLld7 14 .�hg 1 �h8 1 5.tLle5 �fc8?! 1 6.ixe4 fxe4 1 7.tLlxd7 �a6+ 1 8.�b5+- Aagaard-Pedersen, Ringsted 1 992 . ; 1 1 . . . ia3!?)

a b a J.

260

c d e h

8

1 2 .l=lhg 1 ia6 1 3 .gxf5 exf5 1 4.tLle5 7 tLld7 1 5 .f3 �h4?! 1 6 .l=lg2 tLlef6?! 6 (16 . . . tLlxe5 1 7.be5 tLlf6 is also clearly better for White.) 1 7 .l=lag 1 tLlxeS 1 8.l=lxg7+ �h8 1 9 . . be5 �ae8 20.�d1 l=lxe5 2 1 . dxe5 tLlhS 22.�g2 1 -0 Seres-Vajda , Eger 2002. ]

D . )

[9 . . . tLlxc3 1 O .bxc3 dxc4 1 1 .ixc4 fxg4 1 1 2 .tLle5 ig5?! 1 3 .id3+- Volzh in- �---:--c--:--___ --:-___ 9 ___ -:-h

-'

Farel l , Canberra 200 1 .]

E . )

[9 . . . �h8!? is a useful waiting move. 1 0.gxf5 exf5 1 1 .0-0-0 ie6 1 2. tLle5� Novikov-Makarychev, Tall inn 1 988.]

1 2. bxc3 ie6 1 3.�b3 dxc4 1 4.ixc4 ixc4+ 1 5.�xc4+ �d5 1 6.�xd5+ cxd5 1 7.�hb1 b6 1 8. �b5 �d8 1 9. l=lc1 tLla6 20.a4 �ac8 21 .a5+- Rustemov­Schaffarth , Bad Wiessee 1 999.]

You are looking for an opening

with the following attributes:

1. easy to learn

2. extremely solid

3. ful l of poison

4. fascinating positions

5. relatively unknown

6. plenty of scope for own ideas

lt is interesting to note that the London-System is very wel l known in amateur circles as White can reach a playable position after the opening phase without having to have a lot of theory knowledge. This fact alone underlines the solidity of the London-System .

As the system covers al l variations after 1 .d4 d5 (lazy people can also use it against 1 . . . tt:Jf6) , it must be regarded as a universal weapon. But if this system is so good , then why is it sti l l so l ittle-known?

I can only guess at the reason - probably the opinion established itself at higher levels that the London-System (LS) would not have enough bite to seriously endanger Black.

However, there are also a few people among the top grandmasters who think otherwise. Gata Kamsky for instance used the London-System with reasonable success and the London-System is very popular one or perhaps two steps lower down at the IM- to FM-Ievel , as White can easily avoid long theory variations, forcing his opponent to play chess from the very beginning.

The much-praised solid ity should not be mistaken for boredom as in truth the concept for a very dangerous kingside attack is inherent in the London-System. Numerous games have been decided in favour of White long before the 30'h move just because Black underestimated the wh ite set-up.