petrov -the modern benoni (2013) ocr
TRANSCRIPT
Grandmaster Repertoire
Marian
Petrov
The
Modern
Benoni,
-
-
-
.... .,
-
...
.
"
'---'"
---'
Tired of bad positions? Try the main lines!
. QUALITY CHESS _�_e, II!!''"
.. . �p� Grandmaster Be ertoir. � 9 .... ,. I...,'�. I4 . ..�
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The Modern
. Benoni"-
(
"' by Marian Petrov
The Modern Benoni arises after 1.d4 � f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6. It leads
to unbalanced structures and exciting play, so it has naturally
been a favourite of ambitious attacking players such as Tal, Fischer
and, more recently, Topalov, Ivanchuk and Gashimov.
The Modern Benoni is a bold answer to 1.d4 and GM Marian Petrov
shows it is possible to play this line confidently without
memorizing extreme levels of theory. Black must certainly be well
prepared, but the workload is less than for most aggressive
defences - this book supplies all Black needs to know.
· Expert guidance on an exciting counterattacking line
· Fight against 1.d4 with a concise effective repertoire
· Hundreds of novelties
Marian Petrov is a grandmaster and former Bulgarian Champion.
He has great experience in the Modern Benoni and has used it
successfully in many international events.
€29.99
ISBN 978-1-907982-60-6
��_ QUALITY CHESS\.-' !!!!!'
www.q ua I itychess.co. uk 9 781907 982606
Grandmaster Repertoire 12
The Modern Benoni
By
Marian Petrov
'---\ I
Quality Chess
www.qualitychess.co. uk
First edition 2013 by Quality Chess UK Ltd
Copyright @ 2013 Marian Petrov
GRANDMASTER REPERTOIRE 12 - THE MODERN BENONI
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Contents
Key to symbols used & Bibliography 4Introduction 5
£4 Systems1 Mikenas Attack 9
2 The Four Pawns Attack 18
3 Flick-Knife Attack - 8...lLJbd7 32
4 Flick-Knife Attack - 8...lLJfd7 without 9.a4 42
5 Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 Wh4t 49
6 Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0 62
e4 Systems7 Classical Variation with 9...�e8 79
8 Classical Variation with ...�g4 1019 Modern Main Line 117
10 Modern Main Line - without 9...b5 127
11 Kapengut 14412 7.lLJge2 16013 7 .�d3 and 8.lLJ ge2 16514 Sidelines 184
Lines without e4
15 7.�f4 �g7 19216 7 .�f4 a6 205
17 Fianchetto System 221
18 Knight's Tour Variation 24819 Lines with an early �g5 26120 4.g3 26921 Rare 4th moves 290
Index of Variations 298
Key to symbols used� White is slightly better
+ Black is slightly better:!: Whi te is better
+ Black is better
+- White has a decisive advantage
-+ Black has a decisive advantage
= equality
;; with compensation
f1 with counterplayco unclear
? a weak move
?? a blunder
a good move!! an excellent move
!? a move worth considering?! a move of doubtful value
# mate
BibliographyAvrukh: Grandmaster Repertoire 2 - 1.d4 Volume Two, Quality Chess 2010
Cox: Starting Out: 1 d4!, Everyman Chess 2006Kaufman: The Kaufman Repertoire for Black and White, New In Chess 2012
Nunn, Burgess, Emms & Gallagher: Nunn's Chess Openings, Everyman Chess 1999
Palliser: Chess Developments: the Modern Benoni, Everyman Chess 2011
Palliser, Emms, Ward & Jones: Dangerous Weapons: The Benoni and Benko, Everyman Chess 2008
Schandorff: Playing 1.d4 - The Indian Defences, Quality Chess 2012Semkov: Kill KID 1, Chess Stars 2009
Watson: A Strategic Chess Opening Repertoire for White, Gambit 2012Watson: The Gambit Guide to the Modern Benoni, Gambit 2001
Periodicals
Chess Evolution by Arkadij Naiditsch
Encyclopaedia of Chess OpeningsNew In Chess Yearbooks
Internet/Other Media
Chesspublishing.com
Ziegler: Modern Benoni for Advanced Players (DVD), Chess Base 2012
Introduction
By the AuthorWelcome to the Modern Benoni, one of the most dynamic openings in all of chess. Make no
mistake: this book is for players who enjoy the wild and adventurous side of the game. Modern
Benoni devotees are forced to play on the edge, and will often have to live with positional
weaknesses and/or sacrifice material to avoid being driven into passivity. On the plus side Black
gets active piece play with rich counterattacking possibilities, perhaps more so than in any otheropening against l.d4.
The Benoni got its name from a German manuscript published in 1825 entitled Ben-Oni. For the
rest of the 19th century it was rarely seen and had a poor reputation. Then in the early 1900s it
was adopted by a few maestros of the day, most notably Frank Marshall. Even the great Alekhine
played it a few times, despite having stated it was not a good opening. It was not until the late
1950s that the Modern Benoni really became popular, thanks to the great Mikhail Tal. The
Benoni, with all its dynamism and counterattacking potential, suited Tal's aggressive tactical style
perfectly. His games say more than my words ever could, so let's whet our appetites by seeing a
couple of them.
Bukhati Gurgenidze - Mikhail Tal
Moscow 1957
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.e4 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0Gurgenidze employs the Classical System, which can be found in Chapters 7 and 8.
9...�e8 10.�d2 �a6 11.�el tlJc7 12.a4 b6
At this stage it is hard to predict where Black's counterplay will come from, but just watch how
quickly the situation changes.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
6 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni
13.�c2
Nowadays the main move is 13.f4.
13...�g4! 14.h3?White must have been asking himself where
the knight could be going. Playing against Tal,perhaps he should have been more cautious.
8 .i--.i.�.i_.-7 r.'",,/,_ .. r6 "m/.�l��L";_ �_ 'l��.""7..�/._ �_ /.
: !� "m/.� 8'� 6)'�3 �m���_8
��,�''''''�;o//� ��'''0 � � " � �2 �ff�\UlJ,�� � �ff� A �iO% � /�_J � iO% 0
/.� ""/.wK"' m�� "" /'�1 � � �� ��/"",� //////� /"" � //"",/h
a bed e f g h
14...�xf2!!
A brilliant combination! Suddenly White's
king is in grave danger.
15.�xf211Mh4t 16.�f1 �d4 17.tlJdl
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
18.�f3
18.gxh3? ixh3 is mate of course.
18...11Mh2 19.�e3 5!
The quote from The Lord of the Rings, "Eventhe smallest person can change the course of
the future", applies just as much to pawns as itdoes to hobbits.
20.�dc4 fxe4 21.�xe4 �a6!
The bishop finds a perfect home. There are
too many pins, open files and diagonals forWhite to deal with.
22.�f3 �e5 23.�a3 �ae8 24.�d2 �xd5!
An excellent demonstration of team play.
After the earlier sacrifice Tal has simply
brought his pieces to good squares and the
white position soon crumbles to dust.
8 _ _.1_._
7 �� � �i 6 1_�_�� f�5 . ""����:i�_
�� Y;1",,��,;;{m"�� %�4 �,_��%'o//-���3 � _ ��_
'''''%�'0 ��,�''''';� �:V-"LO2 r�iV� �8�
1 � ""'/.8 Nm %a;.o",%a bed e f g h
25.�xd5t �xd5 26.�e2 �xe3 27.�xe3
�xc4 t0-1
Any player would be proud to win such a
game, and Tal's play from 1957 showed hewas way ahead of his time. No wonder his
opponents became scared to sit down opposite
him before a game! Here is one more gamefrom the following year.
Introduction
Yuri Averbakh - Mikhail Tal
Riga 1958
l.d4 �fG 2.c4 e6 3.�c3 c5 4.d5 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.�e2 �g7 8.�f3 0-0 9.0-0 �e810.Wfc2 �a6 11.�f4 �b4
Another knight attack, this time from theother side.
12.Wfbl
8
7
6
12...�xe4!?
This move must have come as a huge
psychological shock to Averbakh. In fact
it is not fully correct, but over the board it
caused problems that were too much forWhite to handle. The fact that Black can even
contemplate giving up a piece in this way says
something about the wealth of possibilities
offered by the Benoni.
13.�xe4 �f5 14.�fd2 �xd5 15.�xd6?
15.ig3 would have made it harder for Blackto prove his compensation.
15...�fG 16.�f3 �xe4 17.�xe4 �xe4
18.�xe4 Wfxd6
Black has emerged a pawn up with a more
active position.
7
8.iR _.i�..'��� � m'��
71%i. .imi 6 /'uu7.� �r'<'� �� 'uu����'/J1i, �£ �5 � �� _ _4 �� �UU�� 1� ��, ������ �3 ��,/ �7. �W0 ��"0
2 �WtJ _ w�8wt!f1 /,��_ �.i�uU
a bed e f g h
19.Wfc2 �e7 20.�f3 �ae8 21.�adl
The opposite-coloured bishops give White
realistic drawing possibilities, so it is interest-
ing to observe how Tal breaks the defence.
21...�d4 22.a4 b6 23.b3 �e5 24.�d2 h5
25.�e2 �xe2 26.he2 h4 27.�hl Wff428.g3WffG 29.Wfdl �d8 30.�g4?
Under heavy pressure, White commits a
fatal oversight.
30...�xf2! 31.Wfe2
� � 7.if �.-8 ���uj �.. �7 � � � i�'''''��,��� ����6 !i% _ �5J�i��/uu7.�'''0 �� 'Ud"� 7.5 _� �� � ��"0
4 8 _ _ _��
3 _8_�_�wr1uu/'2 �_�_vlwm'%wtf1 ��_�.fR�'
a bed e f g h
31...�d2!!
It is only fitting that the game is decided bytactics.
8 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 -The Modern Benoni
32.11Mest
32.Wixd2 Wic6t leads to mate.
32...�g7 33.gxh411Md4 34.�h311Md3 35.�g2 �dl0-1
About this book
I have been playing the Modern Benoni for about a decade. Before then I played the King'sIndian, so it was a natural transition as I was already used to having my bishop on g7. For my
own reasons I have usually preferred the move order l.d4 g6, intending to transpose to a Benoni
after a subsequent c2-c4. Of course I understand most readers will prefer a more conventionalmove order, so I have taken the position after the standard moves l.d4ltJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 as my
starting point for the book.
A friend of mine once told me "Every time when I see your pawn on d6 it makes me sick!"
However, he also admitted he wished he could get such interesting positions from the black
side of the Queen's Gambit Declined, which is his favoured defence. The thing I like about the
Modern Benoni is that it almost always gives rise to a tense position where both players must
make concrete decisions. I have also observed that there are many players who do not enjoy
facing the Benoni, as White finds it hard to control the game the way he often does in most l.d4
openIngs.
In this book I have departed slightly from the strict repertoire approach' of giving one
recommendation against each of the opponent's options. Against most major options I have
provided coverage of two or more lines; the Benoni is a versatile beast and I hope the reader
will find it useful to have multiple weapons in his arsenal. In some cases I have even spent
time covering a less promising alternative, in order to provide some theoretical background and
highlight the reasons that led me not to recommend something different. No doubt some readers
would argue in favour of a more detailed 'one recommendation' approach, but I am happy withthe final balance of detail versus choices. I also made the decision to focus my attention on the
most popular and critical attempts for White to handle each major variation. In almost every
early position there are probably ten or more uncommon moves that have been played at some
point, but does anyone really need a recommendation against every possible move that they're
unlikely ever to face?
I hope you will enjoy reading this book and putting its recommendations into practice. Remember
one thing: the Modern Benoni is not an opening that can be played by book alone. Preparation
has its place of course, but more important are the resolve, wit and ingenuity of the brave warrior
who puts his pawns on c5 and d6. Thus I invite you to summon your inner Tal, turn the pageand get started.
Marian Petrov
Burgas, Bulgaria
February 2013
£4 SystemsMikenas Attack
Variation Index
l .d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£4
7...iLg7 8.e5A) 8...dxe5 10
B) 8...tlJ£d7 9.tlJb5 dxe5 10.tlJd6t @e7 II.tlJxc8t �xc8 12.tlJf3 �e8 12Bl) 13.£5 14
Bll) 13...tlJb6N 14
B12) 13...e4! 15
B2) 13.fxe5 17
A) note to 11...ttJf6
a bed e f
23...i.g4!N
B) note to 12...!!e8
b) 13...i.d4!?N
B 12) after 18.ttJe6
a bed e f g
18...ttJ bc6!!N
10 f4 Systems
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
The first six chapters of the book will
focus on this aggressive continuation, whichcontinues to be a source of headaches for a lot
of Benoni players.
7 ...�g7 8.e5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This is known as the Mikenas Attack. It is
rarely played, but Black should be prepared.The two main replies are A) 8...dxe5 and B)8...tlJfd7.
A) 8...dxe5
This is an acceptable choice for players who
don't wish to study long variations.
9.fxe5 tlJfd7 10.e6 fxe6 II.dxe6
� �� A Wl1.� � ��(8 .sa �_f.JL%g�U� �a
tll"� i)� �_'l: /,uu�� �� !� �l��5 �_�� ��� �",3 �� ��4___�3 ��%� %��?Jr(UU';� �� �?Jr�2 �j!J�///"0 �Y�'0 �7.�j!J7.��� ��\UlJ� � �� �1 � ������.J�, ",� /"",� //",/;/' � "",
a bed e f g h
11...tlJf6
Now White must go into an endgame. I
believe this is the best move, although I willmention three other options:
The tempting 11...Wih4 t?! does not work:12.g3 ixc3t 13.bxc3 Wie4t (13...Wie7 14.CtJf3Wixe6t lS.ie2 0-0 16.0-0 rJl g 7t) 14.Wie2Wixe2t lS.CtJxe2 CtJf8 16.e7t White has goodcompensation.
11...CtJf8 occurred in Alfonso Nogue - AlmeidaQuintana, Badalona 2009. Here White has a
natural improvement:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.ibSt
Chapter 1 - Mikenas Attack
Finally there is:11...Wie7
This has been the most popular move, but Idon't like it much.
12.CtJdS
Now you must enter a long forced line:12...Wixe6t 13.Wie2 Wixe2t 14.ixe2 0-0
14...ieS? IS.CtJf3 id6 16.ih6:t
1 S. CtJ c 7 CtJ c6 16. CtJ xa8 CtJ b4 1 7 .id 1
17.CtJf3 CtJc2t 18.rJldl CtJxal 19.ic4t rJlh820.�el a6= 21.ie6 CtJeS 22.�xeS?? ixeS-+
Shereshevski - Semeniuk, Vilnius 1974.
After the text move Black needs to fight hardjust to stay in the game, while White has
many ways to stay a piece up for one or two
pawns.
17...CtJd3t
17...CtJeS 18.CtJf3 CtJed3t 19.rJlfl CtJdS
20.ib3 ie6 21.igS �xa8 22.�d 1 c423.ixc4 CtJe3t 24.ixe3 ixc4 2S.rJl g l ixb226.h4t
18. rJle2 CtJ f2 19.ie3 CtJ xh 1 20. CtJ f3 c4 21.ic2
CtJf6 22.�xhl CtJdS 23.ixa7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
23...ig4!NI prefer this over 23...CtJf4tt as played inMarcotulli - Fredriksen, e-mail 2002.
24.CtJ b6 CtJf4 t 2S. rJld2
2S.rJlf2? CtJxg2 26.ie4 ixf3 27.ixf3 CtJh428.CtJxc4+
2S...CtJxg2 26.CtJel �d8t 27.rJlcl ih6t28.rJlbl CtJe3 29.b3
29.h3? ifS-+
11
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
29... CtJxc2
29...ifS 30.ixfS �dlt 31.rJlb2 ig7t32. rJla3 gxfS 33.CtJxc4 �xel 34.�xel CtJc2t3S. rJla4 CtJxelt
30. CtJxc2 cxb3 31.axb3 �d3
Black keeps a playable position, but overall
I don't find this line particularly appealing.
12.11MxdSt
12.ibSt?! CtJc6 favours Black.
12... s!?xdS
8
7
6
5
13...�xe6 14.�xc5=
The q ueenless middlegame is balanced.
12 f4 Systems
B) S...tlJfd7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This is the main line, and leads to more
complex play.
9.tlJb5
9. CtJ e4 dxeS 10. CtJ d6 t is the same.
9.e6?! is worse: 9...fxe6 10.dxe6 CtJb6 II.CtJe4
dS 12.ibSt (12.CtJxcS Wie7+) 12...CtJc6
13.CtJxcS This position occurred in Kratochvil- Hradecky, Frydek Mistek 200S, and now
13...Wie7!N would have left Black clearlybetter.
Finally, 9.exd6 0-0 10.CtJf3 CtJf6 II.ie2 Wixd6
12.0-0 CtJbd7= is not dangerous.
9...dxe5 10.tlJd6t
In return for the sacrificed pawn White has
managed to give an early check, forcing ourking to stay in the centre for a while.
10... s!?e7 II.tlJxcSt
II.CtJ bS? is deservedly rare: 11...�e8 12.d6trJlf8 13.CtJc7 For some reason the natural
13...Wih4t!N has not been played so far, but itbrings Black a clear advantage as shown after:
14.g3 (14.rJle2 CtJf6 IS.CtJf3 ig4 16.CtJxe8CtJxe8 + ) 14...exf4t IS.rJlf2 fxg3t 16.rJl g 2Wie4t 17.CtJf3 gxh2 +
11...11Mxcs
8 .i�iV� _ ��'W'u"'� ��'��'dmu7�i_4a).imimu7.� /,� hU'''� 'l��
6 ��'''0 ��'''0 �� �5 � �8�& ��4__��
�� �� �UU%� �3 ��'''0 �� �� ��,�2 �w�!�'M/'1 gff; ���id!b����/. ,,;' /;,1';, /j.,/ ;' �" ;'
a bed e f g h
12.tlJf3
White needs to catch up on development.12.d6t?! is premature: 12...rJlf8 13.CtJf3 CtJc6
14.ie2 (14.ic4 CtJb6 Is.id3 Wid7 16.ie4
�e8 17.0-0 exf4 + Nogues - Bertorello, Villa
Martelli 2008.) 14...e4 IS.CtJgS CtJd4 + 16.ic4The counterattack is not working.
8
7
6
5
12..J�eS
This is the main move, but there are a coupleof promising alternatives.
12. . . e4! ?
Keeping the e- and f-files closed is a rare butnice idea which seems to work well.
Chapter 1 - Mikenas Attack
13. CtJ gS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a) 13...CtJb6
This has been the most common choice,
although I only found six games in which itwas played.
14.d6t
The untested 14.Wib3!?N may be White'sbest bet: 14...<j;>f8 IS.ie3 h6 The safest
move. 16. CtJ xe4 Wi e8 17. Wi c2 <j;>g8 18. <j;>f2CtJxdS 19.ixcs CtJxf4 00
14...<j;>f8 IS.a4 h6 16.aS hxgS 17.axb6 a618.WidS Wid7 19.fxgS CtJc6 20.ibS id4+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13
22.Wixd4 cxd4 23.ixd7 CtJd3t 24.<j;>fl CtJxf4 +
b) 13...id4!?N
An ambitious but risky move which I found.14.Wib3
14.ic4?! looks dangerous, but after 14...CtJ b6I think Black has enough resources to repelthe attack: IS.d6t (IS.ib3 �d8 16.CtJxe4
CtJxdS + ) IS...<j;>f8 16.ixf7 h6 17.ie6 Wie8
18.fS hxgS 19.Wig4 <j;>g7 20.ixgS gxfS21.ixfS WihS 22.Wig3 �g8 23.ie3t <j;>h824.ixd4t cxd4 2S.WieSt �g7 +
14...f6 IS.d6t?
IS. CtJ e6 CtJ b6f!
IS.CtJxe4 �e8 16.ie2 CtJb6f!
IS...<j;>xd6 16.CtJf7t <j;>c7 17.CtJxh8 Wixh8
18.ie3 fS
Black has excellent compensation.19.0-0-0 CtJ c6+
Black has a second promising alternative in theform of:
12...�d8!?N
The rook is going directly after the dS-pawn.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13.fxeS
13.ic4 CtJb6 14.Wie2 e4+
13.d6t <j;>f8 14.te2 CtJc6 IS.0-0 e4 16.CtJgSid 4 t 1 7. <j;> hI h 6 18. CtJ xe4 fS 19. CtJ c3 CtJ f6 +
13...CtJxeS 14.ie2
Black's 12th move was also suggested by
Ziegler, who offers the following line:14.igSt f6 IS.ie3 CtJg4 16.id2 WifS+
14...CtJxf3t Is.ixf3 <j;>f8 16.0-0 CtJd7+
14 f4 Systems
To summarize, it seems Black really is spoiledfor choice at move 12. Let us now return to the
main line of 12. ..�e8 which, as we will soon
see, is also promising for him.
From this position it is worth consideringboth Bl) 13.£5 and B2) 13.fxe5.
Bl) 13.£5
8 .i�iV-.i- � �,�/y"u" � �
7 �� & � � .� & Wlti & 6 'uu/._ �_ ,uu%� 'l��.�A-.�AWA
'�'''0 ��'''0 ��5 � ��8��8�
4 �� �"U7-� �UU%� ���� �� �7.3 � _ _�_2 8Wfj %� �� r�,u"Jm'%�'0 ��'0" ��£'u,1 /,� �V��B1:t
a bed e f g h
This move has only been seen in a few
games, but it is my engine's first choice. For
instructive purposes it is worth analysing Bll)
13...11Jb6!?N, but the strongest move for Blackis B12) 13...e4!.
The following alternatives are less appealing:
13...CtJf6? 14.fxg6 hxg6 IS.CtJgS rJlf8 16.ic4:tInkiov - Hamdouchi, Cap d'Agde 2010.
13...gxfS looks playable but risky: 14.CtJh4CtJf6 IS.Wic2 f4 16.CtJfSt rJlf8 17.CtJd6 Wic718. CtJ xe8 rJlxe8 00
Bll) 13...tlJb6N
Although this is not the move I recommend,
I decided to include it mainly for itsentertainment value.
14.d6t s!?m 15.�b5
8 .i�iV-.i_ � �'!./'l,,,,,, � /, /%'� � �"'�'%
7 ,�i_ _imi 6 � � � 'l�� 5 �/I;.uu/'_!m4 �� �m'%� �uu%� ��3 ������ ��///" �� ���, ,2 8�[j _ _8�;�l"jw�!� ���1 � ���'g(� ��
a bed e f g h
15...tlJc6
IS...e416.CtJgS �eS 17.f6ih818.if4�dS19.Wie2 CtJc6f!
16.fxg6 hxg6 17.0-0 e4 IS.tlJ g 5 �d4t19.s!?hl f6
Now White has to find some accurate moves:
8 .igiVY�.i_ �7 �if� �� �"U�� �/'uu7.7.'n/ h �?;(O,� �?;(o'0 �7.6 .�� W�i_
5 .I '_'m7.� mU7.rJj�� uU'/.�Ji,j'0,? �� /�u'u;�4 _ mi� �� %� 'UU%� �� �3 �///"0 _� � �
2 8Wf!fi . -8�u,,}'u"%�'0 �� ��£,u'7-
1:� �iV� 1:t ��a bed e f g h
20.�e3! s!?g7 21.�xd4I have chosen this as the main line for
instructive and aesthetic purposes, but it
should be noted that 21.ixc6!t is the strongestmove.
21...tlJxd4 22.�xeS 11MxeS 23.b4! 11Me5
24.bxc5 fxg524...�h8 2S.ttJh3 CtJd7 00
1 - Mikenas Attack
Chapter ncentratefrom fantasy land to co Let's returnr move.on the stronge
15
8
rJl xg 5
16 f4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
White's knight has made a long journey,but just look at his other pieces. Now thepunishment comes:
18... tlJ bc6!!N
This beautiful move emphasizes developmentabove all else!
It is worth comparing this move with the
following practical example:18...c4 19.ie2?
19.CtJxg7N rJlxg7? was correct.Now in Szczesniak - Radecki, corr. 1992,
Black could have used the same idea as in
our main line, in an even more favourable
settlng:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
19.tlJxg7 @xg7Now we reach a comical situation where all
of White's pieces are on their starting positions!
20.dxc6 tlJd3t
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
21...tlJf2 22.11Mb3 e3t 23.@c2 e2 24.11Mc3t@h7 25.11Mf6!
Only this move can save White.
25...11MfSt
25.. . CtJ xh 1 =
Chapter 1 - Mikenas Attack
B2) 13.fxe5
8.i�iH�.iB _� 'W"uu� ��,��,��7 ��i.�.i�i 6 7.u,,%� �� '''u,,� 'l%�� ��'''0 ��'''0 ��5 � ��8i� .
4 �� �u"7.� �"U�� ��3 � ������ '2!����.!�uuJuu� , �0 ��£uu1 / � �V � �_1:t
a bed e f g h
This is the more popular move.
13...tlJxe5 14.�b5 tlJbd7 15.0-0
15.CtJxe5 rJlf8 leads to the same thing.
15...@f8 16.tlJxe5 �xe5 17.�f4 c4
This is the main move, although 17...�e4
is also possible: 18.Wif3 f5 19.�ael �xel(19. ..id4 t 20. rJl hI CtJ f6f!) 20.�xe 1 a6 21.iflid4t 22.ie3 oo Saint Amour - Hase, Internet2004.
17
18.11Md4
18.ixd7?! Wic5t 19.rJlhl �xd5 20.Wig4f5 21.Wih3 �xd7 22.Wixh7 rJlV 23.�ad1
(23.ih6+) 23...�ad8 24.�xd7t �xd7 + Yuferov
- Kapengut, Soviet Union 1976.
The text move leads to an endgame.
8.i_iHB _ _,�, �� ",u%�,��
7�i_�_i�i 6 /'uu7.� �� �� 'l%� 5 '�'B!�:I�_�� �f"L'f"u��:� ��4 �iii1 � �� �� U,u%� m"%�3 ��'''0 �� �� ��,�2 8� � ��/��1 ��. _ _1:t�
a bed e f g h
18...�f5
This is my preferred square for the rook.
19.11Mxc4 11Mxc4 20.�xc4 �xb2 21.�adl �e5!
It is important to challenge the strong
bishop, even though Black's kings ide structure
now gets destroyed.
22.�h6t @e7 23.�xf5 gxf5 24.g3 �g825.�f1 �g6=
Kirsanov - Smirnov, corr. 2002.
Conclusion
The Mikenas Attack is not too dangerous, and
Black has the luxury of more than one good
reply. Players wishing to avoid heavy theory
can play 8.. .dxe5 which leads to a balanced
endgame. Those who desire a full-blooded
fight will get their wish after 8...CtJfd7, andI would encourage the reader to investigate
the alternatives analysed at move 12, as they
may well be as strong or stronger than themain line.
£4 SystemsThe Four Pawns Attack
Variation Index
1.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 cS 3.dS e6 4.tlJc3 exdS S.cxdS d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.tlJf3
8...0-0 9.�e2
A) 9..J��e8
B) 9...tlJbd7
C) 9...�g4l0.0-0 tlJbd7 11.h3 �xf3 l2.�xf3 �e8 l3.�elCl) l3..J�;YaS
C2) l3...c4 l4.�e3 �aSC2l) lS.�d4
C22) lS.@hl
A) note to 12.i.g5
a b
25...i.xe7!N
A) note to 14.ttJxe5
a bed e f
28...ttJe4!N
19
22
23
27
29
29
30
C21) after 19.i.xc5
a bed e f
19. ..ttJxe4!
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.tlJf3
The main theoretical line is 8.ibSt, which can
be found in Chapters 3-6. The knight move is
an important alternative, and we will deal with
it thoroughly over the coming pages.
8 .I _.i._ cm � ��
7 tllu� h'd"� f_'i 6 mu7.� �_��fl%���'�UU7.� /�u",;�5 �� ��� ��'0 �//h
4 . .8rfj �3_�m�_�m2 r�'u,,;� �� r�1 �sf""7._I�'.�
a bed e f g h
8...0-0 9.�e2
A harmless alternative is:
9.id3
The bishop is more vulnerable on this square,
and Black has many good options.9...�e8
A decent alternative is: 9...b5!? 10.ixbS
CtJxe4 II.CtJxe4 WiaSt 12.<j;>f2 WixbS
13.CtJxd6 Wib6 14.CtJc4 Wia6 IS.Wie2 ib7
16.�dl CtJd7 00 17.CtJceS Wixe2t 18.<j;>xe2=
Parr - Prods, Melbourne 1972.
10.0-0 c4 II.ic2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
19
11...bS
11...CtJa6!?� IS a suggestion from NikosN tirlis.
12.a3 Wib6t
12...CtJbd7 13.ie3 a6 14.id4 ib7 IS.�el
Wic7= Felmery - Sallai, Hungary 2010.13.<j;>hl CtJbd7 14.h3 ib7 IS.�el CtJcS 16.ie3
�ad8
With equal chances in Kolba - Ivanenko,
Lugansk 2010.
� �_ A � ���. � �8 .sa /�l.L�m� ��_�
7 �.lu� '''''''� '1Y-� i 6 /,u,,/,� �_�a)fl%�5 � �.�7.� /�"",;�4 ���,uJ_!���3 � �m������,�""';� �� ��,�2 /'�J[j?%o'0 -!��JfJ1 �� �V � .1:t
a bed e f g h
This is the main tabiya of the Four Pawns
Attack. The position often arises from the
King's Indian Defence, and there are many
players who are happy to use one line to meet
two openings.
Here Black has several playable choices, andI decided to cover three of them: A) 9...�e8,
B) 9...tlJbd7 and C) 9...�g4. The last of themis my personal preference, although the choice
is at least partially a matter of taste, and when
preparing for an important game it may beuseful to have more than one option available.
A) 9...�e8
Although it is not my favourite, this move hasactually been the most popular choice, andto cover it extensively would almost require a
separate book. Instead I will provide a concisesummary of the most important lines.
20 f4 Systems
10.e5
10.CtJd2 CtJbd7 11.0-0 leads to variation
B21 of Chapter 7 - see page 87.
10...dxe5 II.fxe5 tlJg4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8 .i_.i.E.i� ... � �,�m"; �""� �.�7 ��,i_ _i'_i
6, _ _ '_ '.. 5_ _8� '� 4 _ 7._"'''/'_i)�3� m �:���,�"'''; ���2 �,�, _�'_ 8'�1 f� �,iV= �.�
a bed e f g h
12...11Mb6
If you want to avoid long forced variations,
you can try:
12...f6!? 13.exf6 ixf6 14.Wid2 if5
14...ixg5!? 15.Wixg5 Wib6�15.0-0 ixg5 16.Wixg5 CtJd7=
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
17.h3 CtJe3 18.Wih6?!
18.�f2 Wixg5 19.CtJxg5=18...CtJxfl 19.CtJg5 Wie7 20.d6 Wie3t 21.<j;>xflCtJf8 22.�dl �e5 23.d7
This occurred in Szabo - Timman,
Amsterdam 1975, and now Black could
have played:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
23...Wif4t! 24.<j;>gl �d8Black is winning, for example:
25.CtJd5 �xd5 26.�xd5 Wie3t 27.<j;>fl ie4
28.if3 id3t-+
8.i�.i.U.i_.m,wum;� �� �� ,;F�7 ��i� �i_i7.uu7.r'L'� �� �� mu��
6 WJ}i£�'0 ��'0 �j� 5 _ f�8f� �4 �� mu/'� m"7.� i)��%'N//- �� �� 7.3� m .�_
� u}/uu,;,//, � //� � ��'� � � �'�2 8f� ���8ftj7.uu�""/'� ��'0� �."u1� �iV� �1:ta bed e f g h
13.0-0 tlJxe5 14.tlJxe5
The alternative is:
14.d6
And here everything is almost forced:14...Wixb2 15.CtJd5 CtJxf3t 16.ixf3 Wid4t
17.<j;>hl Wixal 18.Wixal ixal 19.�xal CtJd7
20 .ie7 �b8 21. CtJ c7 �f8 22.�e 1 c4 23.ixf8
21
<j;>xf8 24.�e8t <j;>g7 25.CtJb5 CtJf6 26.�d8 a627.CtJa7 c3 28.idl
Now in Murin - Pertlova, Tatranske Zruby2009, Black could have improved with:
14...�xe5
8.i�.i._.i_.� ,�m";� �� ��
7 ??�i� �i_i 6 /'''U7.E�� �� i_, �"u�?;(o'0 �?%o'0 �?%o'�5 � ��A�� ��� �.%OW �
4 �� mu/'� nm�_ nm%�3��m�� ���7. ,�m";� �� �///,,�2 8� _�_8�tj
"ui{m'�� �� �f&"0f"u1 /Q �iV�1:t�a bed e f g h
15.�c4?
This has almost always been played, but
it is a mistake. Maybe White should try
15.Wid2, although after 15...if5 Black is
f4 Systems
at least level
better. ' and perhaps alread 1 .y a Itde
22
exd5
11...11Me7!? 12J��el
12. CtJ d2 is IIf':\ we met b 1..."lJExd5 Y 2...ltJb6' th. ' reatening
12...tlJ b6!
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
Intending to put the bishop on g4 and take
on f3 when the time is right. Later Black candevelop his queenside counterplay, perhaps
rerouting the b6-knight to another post ifnecessary.
13.h3
Preventing the aforementioned plan, but
allowing a second idea:
13...tlJxe4!
8 .i�.i._.i . �._� ,�� �;""L'��m'��: %I�'�.��f�5 .mm.�7.� ��4 ���uu��I���� �%'N//- �� �uu\3_ � -�-82 8'�jf� f� r-%'mJ1u,,�?%o,% ��u," ��,�1 i�� �� 0�� ,�,� � �� �/", � / // " /" //""
a bed e f g h
14.�d3?!
14.ib5 ixc3 (14...if5!? also seems to work)
15.bxc3 id7 leads to unclear play.
14...�f5! 15.tlJxe4 c4!
Black emerges with the better chances. My
thanks to Nikos Ntirlis for showing me thisvariation.
C) 9.. .�g4
Overall this is my preferred choice. Black
intends to exchange the bishop and complete
development while restraining the e4-e5 break.
10.0-0
10.e5
This move is not dangerous, but of course weshould still check it.
23
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10...ixf3
A reasonable alternative is 10...dxe5 II.fxe5
CtJfd7 12.e6 fxe6 13.0-0 and now instead
of 13.. .ixf3 transposing to the maincontinuation, Black can consider 13...CtJa6!?
with interesting play.II.ixf3 dxe5 12.fxe5 CtJfd7 13.e6 CtJe5 14.0-0
fxe6 15.ie3 CtJ xf3 t
The safest move. The knight concludes itsdance.
16.�xf3 �xf3 17.Wixf3 exd5 18.CtJxd5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b
18...CtJd7
Or 18...CtJc6 19.ixc5 <j;>h8 20.�dl Wia5
21.ia3?! �e8+ Matisson - Thimognier,e-mail 2003.
19.�dl CtJe5 20.Wie4 Wid6 21.CtJc3 Wic6
22.Wixc6 CtJxc6 23.ixc5 b6=
Monin - M. Nepomniashchy, St Petersburg1997.
1 O...tlJbd7
24 f4 Systems
8.1_ � ��._7 d� �� '1/'.;
,uu%� �W� ��.U&%�6 . �_ /_;A���'�'U'7.� /uuu� '5 � ¥��_ �,
4 �� '''''/,� � �.i.��7.'u//- �� m"/'�3 � � _�_2 ��r(UUU_l_ �'�� i�� � � �ju"
UU� "", '��\Uf1m 'R �1 ,� �����
a bed e f g h
II.h3
11.�e 1 should be met by 11.. .�e8 when it is
doubtful that White has anything better than
12.h3 ixf3 13.ixf3 transposing to the mainline.
11...�xf3 12.�xf3
From here Black has a wide choice of
possible plans. He can prepare ...b5 either
with or without ...a6; alternatively he might
look to improve his position on the queenside
with ...c4 and ...CtJc5. The que en's rook may goto either b8 or c8, depending on Black's other
queenside plans. Finally the king's knight on
f6 might drop back to d7, or switch to the
queenside via e8 and c7. As for White, it will
be hard to get in the e4-e5 break, so he often
resorts to advancing his g-pawn in a bid to
gain space on the kingside.
8.1- � ��._'�� 'u,,/,� u,uY-�,��
7 7.�£ �!��!!�� 6 � ¥� �liti���'�"u/,� /uuu�
: ���i !��_�7.'u//- �� '''''/,�3� � .�_82 f�'uu;_�_:_uuIUU��'% �� ��,�1 / � � iV�1:t m
a bed e f g h
12...�e8
I will take this as the main line. Another
interpretation of the position is:12...a6
After this move White can either ignorethe queens ide counterplay with a) 13.g4 orrestrain it with b) 13.a4.
a) 13.g4 b5 14.CtJe2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...CtJb6
Another possibility is 14...�e8 15.CtJg3 CtJb616.g5 CtJfd7 17.�b 1 c4� and Black has agood position.
15.g5 CtJe81 5... CtJ fd 7 =
16.h4
This occurred in Jobava - Kotronias, Rijeka2010. Here I suggest:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
b) 13.a4
8�. S �..�7 r� i)� 'iy-.r�� ��,� �"'N,)L��6 i� r� .i� 5 �_�"� ,/,,,,,;�4 !��''''�� !����%N'" �� 7:",,��3� � .���2 ��''''';.�. ��
fii!lf""�w��� ,� W ' ,��1 � ��� �� �, z
a bed e f g h
13...CtJe8
With this move Black restrains the e4-eS
break while preparing to deploy the knighton c7. From there it will support the ...bSplan, and if White prevents it with a4-aS
then the knight might go to bS and later d4.
13...�e8 transposes to 13.a4 in the notes tothe main line - see 12...�e8 13.a4 a6.
13...�b8!? is also interesting, as shown by
the following example: 14.aS CtJe8 IS.Wid3CtJc7 16.id2 bS 17.axb6 CtJxb6 (17...�xb6N
18.CtJa4 �bS� may be a little more precise.)18.ie3 CtJd7 19.�f2 �e8 20.eS dxeS 21.fS
c4 22.Wixc4 gxfS 23.d6 CtJe6 24.CtJdS<j;> h 8
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
25
14.�el CtJc7 IS.ie3 (15.aS CtJbS=) IS...bSN
Strangely this has not been played yet.16.axbS CtJxbS=
The text move is fighting against ...bS, but
invites Black's counterplay with ...c4.14...�c8! IS.aS c4 16.Wie2 CtJc7 17.ie3 CtJbS
Black succeeds in exchanging another piece,
which gives him more breathing space.
8 ��B ��.�
7 �rDi)D'iy.�r 6 r.���.'i�� 5 ��.��. �.""'�� �� ��,� ��4 �i��� �3����_£.�2 �d'''':� \tI� ��",,{,,3� �� �%'�1 � . �:�a bed e f g h
18.CtJxbS axbS 19.a6 bxa6 20.�xa6 CtJcS
21.ixcs �xcS 22.eS dxeS 23.fxeS Wic8=
V. Georgiev - Chatalbashev, Struga 2011.
8.1_ B.i�.-,�� ,,,,,7,� ��'hF�
7_i_��i.i 6 /'u"7.� �_ ��fl%�5 � �.�7.� /"m;�4 ��'L'%� ,���� �7.'o//- ���u,,�� �3. � .�.82 8�uu';_�_8_
uu}'u,,%W%�� ��,�1 �� �iV_1:t ��a bed e f g h
13.�el
Supporting a future e4-eS is certainly logical.White has tried several other moves, and I have
summarized a few of the key examples below.13.ie3 bS 14.eS?! dxeS IS.CtJxbS Wib8
16.Wib3 exf4 was a clear failure for White in
Lahiri - Dochev, Paracin 2010.
26 f4 Systems
13.a4 a6 14.�el c4 15.ie3 Wa5 16.<j;>hl CtJc5=
a bed e
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
The most popular alternative has been
immediate kingside expansion, but Black is
well placed to meet that plan:
13.g4 h6 14.h4 h5!
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15.g5
The justification for Black's last move is
seen after: 15.gxh5?! CtJxh5 16.ixh5 Wxh4!17.<j;>g2N (17.Wg4 Wxh5 18.Wxd7 �ad8-+Otano - Otero, Cuba 1997.) 17...gxh5
18.�hl Wg4t 19.Wxg4 hxg4 +15...CtJg4! 16.ixg4
16.<j;>g2 occurred in Jobava - A. Tate, PortoCarras 2011, and here 16.. .c4!N would
have given Black equal play. In the game
he preferred 16...b5?!, after which White
could have claimed some advantage with17.CtJxb5N ixb2 18.�bl ixcI19.Wxclt.
16...hxg4 17.�el
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17...Wa5!
17...c4 18.ie3 ixc3 19.bxc3 �xe4 20.Wxg4We7 21.if2 CtJc5= Kouatly - Kindermann,Trnava 1987.
18.id2 c4 19.<j;>g2N19 .�b 1 b5 was also pleasant for Black inMerilo - Alvarez Rouchaud, corr. 1996.
19...CtJc5 20.f5 ie5 21.Wxg4 b5 22.fxg6 fxg6+
Mter the text move Black should aim to
advance his queenside play by preparing ...b5
and/or ...c4. We will investigate two maincontinuations: Cl) 13...11Ma5 and C2) 13...c4.
I will also mention a playable sideline in
13...�c8!? 14.ie3 b5 which might lead to anequal endgame as in the following example:15.CtJxb5 CtJxe4 16.ixe4 �xe4 17.CtJxd6 �xe3
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
18.�xe3 id4 19.Wif3 �b8 20.<j;>h2 CtJf6
21. CtJ c4 ixe3 22. Wi xe3 Wi xd5 = N ogueirasSantiago - Kasparov, Barcelona 1989.
Cl) 13...11Ma5
8.1_ B.iB._,�� �� ��,��
: %�� �rNf�;<"<'� ��,�u,,/,� /�uu,;�: E��i�1 !���/, �7.'n//- �� ""'%�3� � _��82 f�''''''� �� f-,,,,,z""/'?%o'0 �%"'" ��,�1 0�� ��\Ufj��� ,�� ���� �/ ", /" / , ,V, /::, %
a bed e f g h
This has been the most popular choice.
14.�e3
14.a4 a6 15.ie3 can be met by 15...c4which resembles line C2, or even 15...CtJ b6!?
16.if2 CtJfd7 with good playas in J. Brown -Nenciulescu, e-mail 2002.
14...b5
14...c4 takes us to variation C2 on page 29.
15.a3 tlJb6
8
7
6
5
4
27
16.e5
If White does not take the chance to playthis move then he may not get another, forinstance: 16.if2?! CtJc4 17.Wic2 CtJd7 18.a4 b4
19.CtJ b5?! a6 20.Wixc4 axb5 21.Wixb5 Wixb5
22.axb5 ixb2+ Cebalo - Bojkov, Cetinje2009.
16...tlJc4
16...CtJfd7 is also good, although it givesWhite a wider choice of deviations. We will
follow one relevant example. 17.e6 CtJc418.exd7 �xe3 19.�xe3 CtJxe3 20.Wie2 Wid8
21.Wixb5= It is worth quoting the remaining
moves of a well-played game from this position.
8 Z� E ..-
7 r.ti�_r.r 6 UU'%_�.��'i%� 5 �IWtiz� �.4 ���Lj� ����'� �%'''/'' �%u/,}'uu��3 r!j � .JL.�
uu,zd'uu;� //u",;� ��� �uu%� �� ��
%
a bed e f g h
21...�b8 22.Wic6 �xb2 23.�cl �b6 24.CtJ b5
(24.Wic8 �b8 25.Wic6=) 24...�xc6 25.dxc6a6 26.CtJxd6 Wib6 27.CtJe8 Wib2 28.�dl
CtJxdl 29.d8=Wi id4 t 30.<j;>h2 CtJe3 31.CtJd6t
<j;>g7 32.CtJe8t <j;>g8 33.h4 Wif2 34.<j;>h3Wi g 1 35. CtJ d6 t Y2-Y2 Banikas - Kotronias,Korinthos 1998.
17.exf6 tlJxe3
The following sacrificial alternative is tricky,but ultimately unsound:17...ixf6?! 18.id2!N
18.icl? ixc3 19.bxc3 Wixc3 20.�xe8t �xe8
21.<j;>h2 Wixal-+ Komljenovic - Delchev,Creon 2001.
18. . . CtJ x b 2 19. CtJ e4!
19.Wic2? CtJc4+
28 f4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
20.f5!
If White plays too slowly then he could
become worse, so he needs to open thekingside.
20...b4
20...gxf5!? 21.Wd2 b4 22.CtJe2 c4 23.CtJg3 c324.bxc3 bxc3= Mercadal Benejam - Hervet,e-mail 2001.
21.axb411Mxb422.11Md2
8 ,/_ _.i�.-7._ _iWK'r/'u,j �//A � �m�6 _ _ �i��//A'�'m%� �7.5 � ��8�8.�.'m%� �� ��4 �"d�7.'n//- �%um �7.
3 � m ���. 8�//A,�mu;:</-"/-Jumv,� �7.2 �� � _8-1 :dUU%fiUU�� �rir
a bed e f g h
22...11Mf4!
22...Wh4 has been more popular, but I don'tlike it. 23.fxg6 hxg6 24.CtJ b5;!; �xf3 25.gxf3�e5 26.f4 Wg3t 27.Wg2 Wxf4 28.�fl We3t29.<j{h1 �g5 30.Wf3 Wxf3t 31.�xf3 �xd532.�f6:t Mercadal Benejam - Khlusevich,corr. 2000.
23.�f1 gxf5
23...Wxf5?? is refuted by 24.ie4 Wg525.�f3.
8 _ �.i�._, ,�� �� �� ,��7 � _ -i�i�",,%� ��'0 �� �uu%�6 _1'�_�5 �.�%� r��� �""�� ��/-,,/-,; ��4__��
� �7.'n//- �%uu'/'u,/'�3. m ���_ 8
�?Jri,uu;r'/-'f"Uv,� ��2 r�% Ni �8-um/'p"u,7.� ��,�1� � �1:t�
a bed e f g h
24.�e4!N
This is the right way for White to maintain
the balance. Instead 24.ig4? Wd4 25.Wf2�xc3 led to an ending with good winningchances for Black in Rain - Mesquita, e-mail2005.
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
24...11Mh6
24...Wig3 2s.ixfS �el =
25.�xf5 �xh3 26.�xh7t @xg7 27.11Mxh6t�xh6=
This sharp line seems perfectly playable,
although players who are not keen on
memorizing so many forced moves may prefer
the following alternative.
C2) 13...c4
With this thematic move Black sets his
queenside counterplay in motion. This should
provide roughly even chances without as many
long forced lines as we saw in the previousvariation.
14.�e311Ma5
The two main options now are C21) 15.�d4and C22) 15.@hl.
C21) 15.�d4 tLJc5 16.b4
81��_�_;�7 [�� ���"� : E�.�7.� �uuu��'uu;-;� ,�mub'0 �?;(o'0 ��4 �i�8�� �
3 .'m/'�5fm%� �� 82 !.Y'''N;_��!_/,'NU �� � �%'UU ��,�1 ��� �\UlJ��� ,�,f� ��p� �
a bed e f g h
Such a move could be easy to overlook!
Fortunately for us, Black is adequately placedto meet it.
16...11Mxb4
Less convincing is:16...cxb3?! 17.axb3 Wib4 18.CtJa2 WibS
18...Wia3 19.eS dxeS 20.fxeS CtJfd7 21.b4
29
CtJxeS 22.ixcs b6 23.if2 CtJxf3t 24.Wixf3
Wixf3 2S.gxf3 ixal 26.�xal �ac8 27.bS�c4 28.�bl �d8 29.CtJb4 <j{f8 30.�b2;t
Netolitzky - Knostenbergs, e-mail 2006.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f
17.�bl11Ma5 18.�b511Ma6 19.�xc5
8.1_ �.i�.��,�� �� ��,�7�i. _i�i 6 ii� �� ��fl��5 . '��7.B �mm_4 �� 'l�� 8� ��, �7.'o//- �� �'m��3- m ��_82 �� /YUU';� �� �_/, �� �%mu ��,?�1 � �iV�� �a bed e f g h
19... tLJxe4!
An important tactical finesse, which disruptsWhite's coordination.
20.tLJxe411Mxb5 21.�f2 c3 22.tLJxd6?
22.Wic2=
30 f4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
C22) 15.@hl
8 __, _.1_,*-7 &rr_Ail- i IYrO<u,,7.7. ��'0 �7.'n/��"NN��6 _ � .i�
'-"'-'; �� mUh� �u"u� �: Ni�fl!����7.'n//- �?%o'h?UU%�3� m ��.8��,tt'uu;� �m�� ��2 8lf� _ U8�
1 ,�"u/'_if�� _�a bed e f g h
15...tLJc5 16.�xc5 11Mxc5
This exchange of bishop for knight representsa definite achievement for Black, but the
knight was headed for d3 so White hardly had
a choice. Now to avoid becoming worse hemust play:
17.e5 dxe5 18.fxe5 tLJd7 19.e6
19.CtJe4 Wib6 20.e6 CtJe5 21.CtJg5 fxe622.dxe6? CtJd3 + Zantorik - Timoscenko,Martin 2003.
19...tLJe5
Equally playable is:19...fxe6 20.�xe6
20.dxe6 CtJe5 21.Wid5 �ac8 22.Wixc5?
(22.Wixb7 �e7 23.Wid5 CtJd3 24.�e2 CtJxb2
25.�xb2 ixc3 26.�b8 <j{g7 27.�xc8 Wixc828.�cl if6 29.�xc4 Wixe6 30.Wixe6 �xe6
31.�c7t �e7 32.�xe7t ixe7=) 22...�xc5
23.CtJe4 �c6 + Aschenbrenner - Post!, Graz
2002.
20...CtJe5 21.Wie2 �ad8=
Lautier - Temirbaev, Elista 1998.
8.1_ _.1_.-
"F�� � m'� /'u,,7.� �� �� Nm�� //h �:£/."L" �7.'n//- ��7 I�i. .imi
6 _ B8_i�5� �8. m4 �� '17.� �mm� ��h �7.'N//- �� ��3� m _�_8�, ,�'uu;� �� ��2 8W[j � _8�1 �'m%� ,�� �� �/umY- � h" ,Y- �
a bed e f g h
20.exf7t
20.CtJe4 Wib4 21.CtJg5 f5 22.�bl if623.�e2= Umansky - B. Benko, Internet 2003.
20...tLJxf7 21.tLJe411Mb4 22.d6 �ad8 23.�e2
�e5 24.a3 11Mb6 25.�d2 �h6 26.�e2
Chapter 2 - The Four Pawns Attack
26...�g7Settling for a repetition of moves. If Black
was determined to play on then he could
consider 26...if8!?N when his position is notworse, but neither is White's.
27.�d2 �h6
1/2-1/2
Cebalo - Timoscenko, Lido Estensi 2003.
31
Conclusion
Although the Four Pawns Attack looks and
sounds dangerous, White is unable to generatemuch of an attack. Black can develop hispieces and castle in relative ease, and has a wide
choice of playable plans in the middlegame.
My personal preference is the 9...ig4 linefollowed later by 13...c4 as we saw in variationC2, but the reader is invited to examine the
different options and make his own choice.
£4 Systems
Flick- Knife Attack - 8... � bd7
Variation Index
l.d4 � f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£4 �g7 8.�b5t
8...�bd7 9.e5 dxe5 10.fxe5 �h5 II.e6 �h4t
A) 12. �d2
B) 12.g3!
B) note to 14.i.e3 B) note to 18.�g4t!
33
35
B) note to 22..J!c8
a bed e f g
24...�xg3!?N
a bed e f
26..J!d2tN16..J!e8!
Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJbd7
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJbd7
8 .I � .i.�.' ��· 7 ??�f�)j;_f_'l6 /,u,,%� ���_fl��5 � !.�7.� //"m;�4 �.UU%�!���� '// �ij"� �,u,%3� � � �� ,:'l",,,; � �28wtJ � �8�%",,}L'�///"0 �Y�'0 �/"u//'l'u1 ��� ��\UlJ� ?� �t� OO�� ��;�/, /, %- �"
a bed e f g h
This move is generally thought to besuspicious, and rightly I think. Since I am not
recommending it, I will just show you what I
consider the most important and critical lines.
9.e5 dxe5 10.fxe5 tlJh5 II.e6
11. CtJ f3 0-0 12.ig5 Wib6 13. Wi e2 a6 isabout equal.
11...11Mh4t
Now the two options are A) 12. �d2 and B)12.g3!.
A) 12.�d2
8
7
6
5
33
This move allows White to claim an extra
piece, but Black gets plenty of attackingchances.
12...fxe6 13.dxe6
13.CtJf3? ixc3t 14.bxc3 Wif2t + is poor forWhite.
13...0-0 14.exd7 �xd7 15.�xd7
15.CtJf3? Wig4 16.ixd7 is refuted by16...Wixg2t! 17. <j{d3 �xf3t 18. <j{c4 CtJf419.�gl �xc3t 20.bxc3 Wie4t 21.<j{b3 c4t22.<j{b2 CtJd3t 23.<j{bl CtJxcl t 24.<j{xcl Wie3tand Black wins.
The last few moves have been virtually forcedon both sides, but now Black has a choice.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f
15...�f2t
An interesting alternative is:15...ixc3t!? 16. <j{xc3
16.bxc3? �f2t 17.CtJe2 �d8 +
16... Wib4 t 17. <j{c2 �f2 t 18 .id2?!
This is a risky attempt to preserve White's
material advantage.18.CtJe2 is safer, and should lead to equality
as demonstrated in the following example:18...Wie4 t 19.Wid3 �xe2t 20.id2 tDf6
21.Wixe4 CtJxe4 22.�adl �d8 23.�hel
(23.ie6t? <j{g7 24.�hel �dxd2t 25.�xd2�xd2t 26.<j{cl �d4 + ) 23...�xd2t 24.�xd2
34 f4 Systems
ltJxd2 25.�e7 <j{f8= Van Vugt - B. Benko,e-mail 2006. (25...'tJe4N also leads to
equality after: 26.ig4 'tJd6 27.if3 ltJf5=)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Once again Black has a choice of playablelines. The alternative is:
17...<j{h8 18.�e6 �xg2!?NThis was my attempt to improve on 18...'tJf419.93 'tJxe6 20.gxh4 as occurred in Iotov -Simeonov, Bankia 2003. Here Black's best
way of maintaining compensation wouldhave been 20...�xd7tN 21.<j{el �f3,
although it seems to me that White's chances
should be higher.
19. <j{c2 ixc3 20. bxc3 'tJ g7 21. � e5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
25.<j{b3 �e7 26.CtJf4 �xel 27.CtJxg2 �e228.'tJf4 �xh2 29.<j{c4 g5 30.CtJd3 �hl 31.�blb6 32.�b2 g4 33.�f4 'tJ f5 00
ttJ bd7 Flick-Knife Attack - 8...
Chapter 3 - , reasonableBlack retams It 27:>!d , for the matenart-.. d 4 !:'i:e2, when , I but any resucompensatlon
. P ossible.
IS @b4- 2 4 @c511Me5t 25. 11Mxb2t+ .
23... y�'�' %UU� B ti - ��7. �� "&8 '0 �� '*' B _ .
7 �i�t��_ &,_ 6 -7. �\UU %�/'"u7.� _ . .��iV_ %�� �'''%.5 �m & _ _/,,�4 '� A �� � �f{�. �"u,,� � ��� � /m'/'�,�3 � �_.:��� ?t�7.%B ..�&�£"U/'2 �� �Bl.um/'_
1,� �defgha b c 27 @b6 ¥;Yb8
'-+ 26.@xaS �a8t 30.�dS ¥;Ya7t
2S...aSt. 29.¥;Yb3 �d4 i.c6 �f5t 28.¥;Yb2t c3 @d6 ¥;Yb6t 33. ¥;Y 7t 31.@c7 bSt 3:; @d6 �e8t 36.@e7 ��6t34.@e6 �g7t 38. @e6 �e2t 39.@f7 37.i.d7 ¥;Yd8t i. @f6 ¥;Yg7#40 ¥;Yxd6 ¥;Yg8t 4 · , Seville 2004.· Chepannov,J. Ivanov-
B) 12.g3!
%" ''/::
' � �B �
� � _.i._� ��kiu& � i _.�7.. �""��8 B.��.�&�.
7 /,uu�� �_ 8 _�i � 6 �q&"0 A %. _�� ��� 0 . ��"/.,<5 ��uu�_ %-7. ,)"4 ����. �� � . �uu7.�,�3 �wAi'uu;_ /'-7.'n/J�2 A �b% �y�% ?m� F?Qz",,%� � ,% iV � ��; �� ' � �+� /� �mm1 � � � %,,,, /, hu,� "",,% d e f g
a b c k most of theh . m ove ta es l y t ISU fortunate . .n f Black's posltlon.fun out 0
35
36 f4 Systems
12...tlJxg3 13.hxg311Mxhl 14.�e3A simple move, but a strong one.
14.exd7t? ixd7 is poor: IS.Wie2t (IS.ixd7t�xd7 16.Wig4t fS 17.Wia4t �c8 18.ie3ixc3t 19.bxc3 WixdS 20.�dl Wic6 21.Wixc6t
bxc6 22.ixcs �b8+ Thorsteins - Ashley, NewYork 1989.) IS...�f8 16.ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
16...�e8! 17.ixd7 �xe3 18.Wixe3 id4 19.Wif3
Wixglt 20.Wifl Wixg3t 21.�d2 �g7 22.Wih3ixc3t 23.bxc3 WigSt 24.�c2 WixdS + Kantsler- Battaglini, Herzliya 2009.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
14...�xc3t!
14...Wig2 is worse: IS.exd7t ixd7 16.ixd7t�xd7 17.Wia4t �d8 (17...�c8 18.0-0-0
Wixg3 19.if4 Wig4 20.d6 Wid7 21.Wic4:t)1 8.0-0-0 ixc3 1 9. bxc3 Wi xg3
8
7
15.bxc3 a6 16.exd7t �xd7 17.�xd7t @xd7
18.11M g 4t!It is important to provoke Black's next move
in order to weaken the dark squares. Other
moves are less challenging:
18.Wia4t bS 19.Wig4t (19.Wif4 �he8 20.0-0-0Wie4 + ) 19...fS 20.Wif3 Wixf3 21.'tJxf3 �he822. �f2
8
7
6
5
Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJbd7 37
18.Wif3 Wixf3 19.CtJxf3 �he8 20.<j{f2 <j{d6 20...Wig2 21.d6 �e6 22.CtJh3 Wixh3 23.Wid521.c4 �b8 24.ia7
8
6
5
4
3
2
1
White's final option is:18.Wib3
But attempting to play for an attack gives
Black good counter-chances.18...b5 19.0-0-0 �he8
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
20.ixc5
20.if4 Wie4 21.CtJh3 Wif5 22.g4? Wixg423.Wia3 occurred in Kuljasevic - Cebalo,Zagreb 2012, and now 23...�e4N would
have been winning for Black.
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
24...Wixg3!?N24...Wih6t 25.<j{bl Wif8 26.g4 Wie8 27.ixb8Wixb8 28.�fl Wixd6 29.�xf7t <j{e8 was
agreed drawn in Lautier - Degraeve, Clichy200 1.
25.ixb8 Wixc3t 26.<j{bl Wib4t 27.<j{al=
8.i� � � ���� �� ���m
��'''0�� ��: ����i��I_��'''0 ��,� ��,�3� 8 � 8
2 8� u",/._ um%_ ",u/._'"'' � � �� � �Y�'0 �%'n/�1 � � � (G � � � m # � if� // % ' ,/ % �'
a bed e f g h
18...£5 19.11Mf311Mxf3 20.�xf3
Whi te's chances are clearly higher in this
endgame. I believe Black should be able to
hold it, but unfortunately he has virtually no
winning chances. From a practical perspective,
the only good thing is that White has hadno real chance to deviate since move 12, so
if you are happy to take your chances in the
endgame, you can reach it without having todo much preparation.
38 f4 Systems
8.1_ _ _ ��
7 ��-i-:-�i 6 i_�p_�_,i�5 � t�8_i-
'� "m'� %i� ��4 _, _ _ �3 � � ��'�
2 ���,'u,,/'_ um%_ � mu/'�l�_M_uu, � �, �
a bed e f g h
20...�he8!
Black was facing a difficult case of the ((which
rook?" problem, but after analysing both of
them I am pretty sure the king's rook should
be preferred.20. ..�ae8 21. <j{d2!
21. <j{f2 �e4 22.ixc5 �c8 23.ib4 (23.id4
<j{d6) 23...�ce8 24.CtJd4 �8e5 25.�hl h526.CtJe6 <j{c8=
21...�e4
21.. .c4?! 22.if4!:t
8
7
22.if4!
It is too early for White to attempt to steal
a pawn: 22.ixc5 �c8 23.id4 <j{d6 24.CtJg5�e7 25.�hl <j{xd5 26.g4 is equal.22.'tJg5 also fails to achieve any advantage:22...�a4 23.<j{d3 h5 (23...b5 24.�el h6
25.CtJe6 <j{d6 26.CtJxc5 �g4=) 24.'tJf7 �e825.ixc5 �a5 26.id4 �xd5 27.c4 �a5 28.a4
b5 (28...�e6 29.c5 �e7 30.CtJe5t �xe5
31.ixe5 �xc5 32.id4t) 29.CtJe5t <j{e630.�e 1 <j{d6=
8
8
7
a bed e f g h
26.<j{c2 c4 27.�bl b5 28.a4 �d5 29.axb5
axb5:t
White has good winning chances.
21.�f2
White can consider a different king move:
21. <j{d2!? c4!
21...�e4?! 22.CtJg5 �a4 (22...�e5 23.c4 �ae824.ixc5:t �e2t 25.<j{c3 �g2 26.CtJxh7:t)23.CtJxh7 �h8 24.CtJf6t <j{e7 25.ig5:t
22.if4
Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ctJbd7
Attempting to exploit the absence of a blackrook on the h-file leads nowhere: 22.�h 1
<j{d6 23.�xh7 <j{xdS 24.�d7t <j{e6 2S.�g7�g8!? 26.CtJd4t rJlf6 27.�xb7 :gab8=Compare this position to the analogous one
occurring in the 20.. .�ae8 line analysedabove. In that variation I dismissed the
position as clearly better for White, but
having a rook on a8 instead of h8 changesthe assessment.
8
7
6
5
4
8
39
21...�e4 22.�xc5
White is not helped by 22.CtJgS?! �c4+ or22.CtJd2 �a4=.
After the text move Black has good drawing
chances, but little hope of winning.
22...�c8
The other tempting rook move is worse:
22...�ae8?! 23.CtJgS! :ge2t 24.<j{f3 :gc224...�d2!? may be a better chance, although
Black is still struggling to hold: 2S.CtJxh7:gd3t 26.<j{f2! (After 26.<j{f4 :ge4t 27.rJl g S�xg3t 28.<j{h6 �h4t 29.rJl g 7 �xh7t30.<j{xh7 �xc3 31.ib4 �d3 32.<j{xg6 :gxdS33.rJl g S f4t 34.rJl g 4 �d3 3S.:gfl f3 Blackhas good chances to draw.)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
26...�d2tN (26...:gh8? 27.:ghl �xdS
28.CtJf8t 1-0 Housieaux - Vuilleumier,
France 2009.) 27.rJlfl <j{c8 28.CtJf6 �h8
29.a4 �hl t 30.iglt
8
7
a bed e f g h
40 f4 Systems
2s.ib4
2s.id4 is also promising: 2S...�e7 26.CtJe6(26.�bl rJld6 27.CtJh3 bS 28.a4:t) 26...rJld6Rej - Smerdon, Canberra 2007.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
27.�bl!N (27.�el!?N rJlxdS 28.CtJf4t rJld629.icst rJlxcs 30.�xe7 �xc3t 31.rJlf2
�c2t 32.rJle3 �xa2t) 27...bS 28.a4 rJlxdS29.CtJf4t rJlc6 30.axbSt axbS 31.CtJd3 �d2
32.CtJeSt rJlc7 33.�xbS:t
2S...�ee2!?N
I tried to improve Black's play, but the ideafalls short. I doubt that the alternatives are
any better.
2S...h6 occurred in Summerscale - Snape,Coulsdon 2010, and now 26.CtJe6:t would
have been the easiest solution.
2S...�h2!?N is also unsatisfactory: 26.CtJe6b6 27.�bl! �xa2 28.�hl hS 29.CtJf8t rJld8
30.CtJxg6:t
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
26.CtJxh7 �f2t
26...�xa2 27.CtJf6t rJld8 28.�xa2 �xa2
29.if8 �aI30.rJle2 �a2t 31.rJld3 �al 32.d6
�el 33.rJlc4 �eS 34.rJld4 �el 3S.rJlcS+-
27.rJle3 f4t 28.gxf4 �ce2t
8
7
6
The conclusion is that 22...�ae8?! fails to
equalize. If Black is determined to explore this
path then the 24...�d2!? line looks like the
way to go, although I am not convinced that it
represents an improvement over the main line.
� � � �8 �i���� �/, �?%o'0 �� �7.5� �8�i-4 �� ,¥""�� r� �_, ��'0 �� ��,�3 � �� � ���
� /i��,��_ �a bed e f g h
Chapter 3 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ctJbd7
23.�d4 @d6 24.�dl
White was eventually successful with 24.CtJgS�e7 2S.�hl rJlxdS 26.CtJxh7 in Barkhagen -Ziegler, Sweden 2008, but at this stage Black
could have equalized with either 26...b5!N or26... rJlc4!N.
24...@xd5
I checked a couple of other ideas, but in thiscase the obvious move is the best:
24...h6?!N 2S.CtJh4 �g4 26.CtJg2 bS 27.CtJe3�e4 28. rJle2:t
24...bS?!N 2S.CtJgS �e7 26.�d3 �c4 27.CtJf3�a4 28.ieSt:t
8 �.i� � �� � �
7_i_ _ -i�, ���, ��6 i_ _ _i���� '����: �� �����-� ��,��! ��,�3 � if� _�if�2 8� �UU�� ��"U��� ��£,uj1_ _1:t_ _
a bed e f g h
25.tlJ g 5 �ee8 26.tlJxh7 @c4 27.tlJ g 5!27.a4 �e7 28.CtJf6 �c6 29.�bl �f7 30.�b4t
rJld3 31.CtJdS gS=
27...�c6
41
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
28.�bl!?N
28.a4 led to an eventual victory for Whitein Schoen - Blokh, corr. 1995, but I like the
more forcing approach.
28...b5
28...�e7 29.CtJh3 rJld3 30.�b2j;
29.a4 bxa4 30.�b4t @d3 31.�xa4�
Black will have to defend for a good while
longer.
Conclusion
This was a chapter of two contrasting sections.
In variation A White grabbed a �aterialadvantage, but in return Black obtained a
long-lasting initiative and excellent practical
compensation. Unfortunately variation B was a
differen t story, and led to a one-sided endgame
in which I see little chance of Black winning.
For this reason, I would not recommend using
8...CtJbd7 as your primary response against theFlick- Knife Attack. However, it might have
some value as a surprise weapon, especially at
rapid time controls where there is more chance
of the opponent making a mistake somewhere.
£4 Systemsa bed
Flick- Knife Attack - 8... � fd? without 9.a4
Variation Index
1.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 .ig7 8..ib5t
8...tlJfd7
A) 9.tlJf3
B) 9..id3
C) 9..ie2
Cl) 9...0-0
C2) 9...YNh4t
A) note to 12...�e8
17...a5N
B) after 14 .�e3
c d e f
14...�b8N
43
44
46
46
47
C2) note to 10..JWd8!?
a bed e f
16...c4!?N
Chapter 4 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJfd7 without 9.a4
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This is the most reliable method of blocking
the bishop check. Black now has a positionalthreat of ...a6, when White must either
relinquish the bishop pair or allow ... b5. For
this reason he normally continues 9.a4, which
can be found in the next two chapters. In the
coming pages we will look at the followingalternatives: A) 9.tlJf3, B) 9.�d3 and
C) 9.�e2.
A) 9.tlJf3
This line is not dangerous, and Black will be
happy to expand on the queenside with ...b5.
Meanwhile the knight on d7 helps to restrain
any early e4-e5 ideas, thus allowing Black to
finish his development in peace.
9...a6 10.�d3
10.ixd7t CtJxd7 II.a4 prevents ...b5, butgiving up the bishop is arguably an even
greater concession from White. Play continues11...0-0 12.0-0 �b8 and Black should be fine.
10...b5 11.0-0
Another game continued: II.a3 0-0 12.0-0
�e8 13.rJlhl (13.Wiel can also be met by13...�a7!?N 14.Wig3 CtJf6 with reasonable playfor Black.)
43
8�...t.��..
7 '''''''� i)� !.r 6 !.���.�i��5 l_ti/-� m�4 �� ""'/-� !� ��'0 �/-N'/. �� �""��3 r!1 ��.12J.""'��'�"'''�� �� ��'02 n,� ��lfj1 /� �if.�.�
a bed e f g h
13...�a7!? It is worth remembering this method
of activating the rook in positions where ...b5
(or ...b6) has been played. 14.id2 CtJf6 15.b4CtJ bd7 16.�c 1 �c7 Black obtained sufficient
counterplay along the c-file in Gonzalez Garcia- Lie, Turin (01) 2006.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
12...�e8
Another option to consider is:12...CtJ b6 13.f5 b4!?
This leads to highly complex play.
13...CtJ8d7 14.ig5 if6 15.if4 Wie7 16.Wid2ib7 was about equal in Glek - Anikaev,Minsk 1983.
14.CtJe2 CtJ8d7 15.ig5 if6 16.if4 Wie7
44 f4 Systems
16...ixb2!?N 17.ixd6 ixal 18.ixf8 Wixf8
19.Wixal c4 20.ic2 c3?
17.Wid2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b
17...aSN
I think Black should improve his position
before jumping with the knight in the centre.17...CtJeS allowed White to make some
progress on the kingside in the followinggame: 18.CtJxeS ixeS 19.ixeS WixeS 20.f6rJlh8 21.CtJgl �a7 22.�ael aSt Fiala -Claridge, e-mail 2002.
18.�acl �e8
The position is unclear but roughly balanced
in my view.
a b c
13.£5 tlJf6
13...b4 14.ttJe2 gxfS IS.ttJg3! (IS.exfS CtJf6�)IS. oottJ f6 16.igS gave White a strong attack inM. Kaufmann - Compagnone, e-mail 1999.
14.�g5 tlJbd7 15.fxg6 hxg6 16.11Mel c417 .�c2 b4 18. tlJ e2 11Mb6 19.11Mh4
8 .i_.i.�.i_,.__�_iwir
7 �:C""L" ��'0 �%'n/;uu � ��6 i� r� .i�
5 'Suu,,� '�7.� /uu,,� '��'''0�� �� �m��4 Wfl�i �8 � %"u�
3 _mu,,� ���2 ,��,_!.!�o iO�� � � . ""%1 u,,�um '� '-1:t � �,�/- � � �a bed e f g h
19...tlJh7!f!
A draw was agreed here in Travnik - Vrkoc,corr. 2003, and indeed it seems to me that
Black's chances are not worse. By the way,
the tempting 19... CtJxdS? should be avoidedon account of 20.CtJfd4! when 20...CtJc7 runs
into 21.�xf7! rJlxf7 22.Wih7 CtJf8 23.�fl t ifS24.Wih4 with a decisive attack.
B) 9.�d3
This often transposes to one of the 9.a4
variations, as there is a good chance that White
will want to restrain ...bS at some point.
Chapter 4 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJfd7 without 9.a4
9...0-0
Black can also play by analogy with
Chapter S:
9...Wih4 t 10.g3 Wie710...Wid8 II.CtJf3 0-0 12.0-0 a6 13.a4
transposes to variation Al2 in Chapter S -
see page S4.11. CtJ f3 0-0 12.0-0 CtJ b6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13. rJl g 213.fS CtJ8d714.igSif61S.ih6�e816.rJlhlCtJeS 17.CtJxeS ixeS 18.Wid2 occurred in
Ravikumar - Thorsteins, Copenhagen 1982,
and here 18...CtJd7N seems logical, when theposition remains about equal.
13...ig4 14.h3 ixf3t IS.Wixf3 CtJ8d7IS...c4 is perhaps a bit too ambitious:16.ic2 CtJa6 17.a3 CtJcS 18.ie3 CtJbd7
19.�adl �ab8 20.�fel bS 21.eS b4 22.axb4
�xb4 23.iclt Lau - Dolmatov, Graz 1981.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b
16.ie3 �fe8
45
16...c4?! loosened Black's position and gave
White an edge in Van Wely - Topalov,Monte Carlo (blind) 2004.
17.�ael �ac8 18.g4 c4
N ow is a better time to get active, as all of
Black's pieces are in play.19.ic2 CtJ cS?
Ackley - Hanison, England 2000.
10.tlJf311Mc7!?
This is an independent line. Alternatively,10...CtJa6 11.0-0 CtJc7 (11...�b8 12.rJlhl CtJc7
13.a4 a6 also transposes to Chapter 6) 12.a4a6 13.�el �e8 14.ie3 �b8 reaches variation
A3 of Chapter 6 - see page 6S.
11.0-0 c4
Black should always think carefully about
the timing of this move, but here it seems to
work okay.
12.�c2 tlJa6 13.a3 tlJac5 14.�e3
Here the most logical continuation seems tobe:
8.i_J._ �._(;�tJ�� _ �'&�W;rf7 .%A�g�.�A�A
/,u"x� 'Ud7.� �� 'l��: �.�7.� ��� /U"'; �///,,// �4 _i_8*[g �YA%��� �W��M3 �d �� ��.
/""'7.�I;� 'nn�� t!;�� ��u"/'� I� ,�U"/,"� � � � 'd�
a bed e f g h
14...�b8N
14...CtJf6?! failed to equalize in Van Wely -Pantsulaia, Dubai 2012.
15.�d4 b5 16.�xg7 i>xg7 17.11Md4t f618.tlJ g 5 11Mb6 19.£5 tlJe5 20.tlJe6t tlJxe6
46 f4 Systems
21.11Mxb6 �xb6 22.dxe6 �b7�
I think Black is okay here. The e6-pawn
is mighty indeed, but Black has a beautiful
knight on eS and a useful queenside majority.
C) 9 .�e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
With this move White steers the gametowards a version of the Four Pawns, where
the black knight is on d7 instead of f6. Let'ssee who will derive the greater benefit fromthis difference. It is worth analysing bothCl) 9...0-0 and C2) 9...11Mh4t.
Cl) 9...0-0 10.tlJf3 �e8
This was the choice of one of the greatest
Benoni players of all, in a game that we will
follow shortly. Black can also consider doingwithout the rook move:
10.. . CtJ a6
With the d7-square blocked, the knighthas no real choice but to head for c7,
so it is reasonable to consider doing soimmediately.
11.0-0 CtJ c 7 12. a4 a6
12..J�e8 might transpose to the Furman -
Tal game in the main line if White respondswith 13.CtJd2.
13. CtJ d2
Now Black has the option to play for
complications.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
13. . . fS!? 14. CtJ c4!?
This dynamic move only leads to equality.
Perhaps White should prefer 14.exfS gxfS
IS. CtJ c4 as played in Hua Lefong - Dias,Yerevan 1997. Here IS...CtJf6N 16.if3 �e8
looks best, reaching a complex position
where White's chances are slightly higher.14...fxe4 IS.CtJxd6
IS. CtJ xe4 CtJ f6 16. CtJ exd6 CtJ fxdS 17. CtJ xc8
Wixc8= Gilimshin - Grigoryev, e-mail 2003.IS.. .id4 t 16. rJl hI CtJ f6 17. CtJxc8 �xc8=
Arnelind - Nikolov, Rethymnon 2011.
8.i".i.�.i�.�7 �l';� i)� f�t6 �U"7.� �_�� 'l%� 5 �.8%� ��4 ���L'��!���//h �7.'n/" �� �u,,?,7. �3- � ��B� u�uu,; � �
2 8� _�_8�1 0Iiu,,��'� ���/ u , Y- /"",'7, /" /h _ I
a bed e f g h
11.0-0 tlJa6
11...ixc3?! is too risky. 12.bxc3 �xe4 13.id3�e8 14.c4 CtJf6 Now in Shafei - Sabitov, Kuala
Lumpur 1993, White could have obtained
good attacking chances with IS.fS!Nt.
12.tlJd2 tlJc7 13.a4 tlJf6
Chapter 4 - Flick-Knife Attack - 8...ttJfd7 without 9.a4
Black accepts the loss of a tempo, but it doesnot harm his chances too much.
14.�f3 b6
This method of developing the bishop is
quite typical, and works well here.
15.tlJc4 �a6
Exchanging the bishop will ease the
congestion in Black's camp.
16.11Md3 �b8 17.�bl?!
White should prefer 17.id2 ixc4 18.Wixc4a6 with a balanced position, as in Putzbach -
Kolthoff, Pinneberg 2001.
17...b5! 18.axb5 tlJxb5 19.tlJxb5 �xb5
20.�d2?
20.b3N was necessary although Black would
have remained at least equal.
8 �� B.i�.-� ,�"n'�� '''u,,� �m'��7 JI�7. �?;(o'0 �%�h'l4i6 _ �� �i�5 r.�7.� /Ynm;��� �nn�7. �?;(o'0 �7.4 .�_8� �� ��'�l£�
3 �Wc%�W��.'W�2 �� 00 .O�O
1 .f.mn�_i=nua bed e f g h
20...tlJxe4! 21.�xe4 �d4t 22.<tt>hl �xc423.11Mxc4 �xe4+
Furman - Tal, Tbilisi 19S9.
C2) 9...11Mh4t
With this move Black takes the opportunity to
provoke a kingside weakness before the knightcomes to f3.
10.g311Md8!?
47
The queen goes all the way back to d8 in
order to keep the e-file clear for the rook. Also
possible is:1 o. . . Wi e 7 11. CtJ f3 0-0
11... CtJ b6!? is a rare move, which has the idea
of immediately opening the diagonal for the
bishop: 12.eS 0-0 13.0-0 ig4 14.CtJbS CtJc8
8 �.�� ��.�'�'uu:� �;(L"'JUU'Y-�'��
: '��Jli'���f�""��'� ��
5 ��r�8r� .4 �� 'uu"� uu'/'� l.�
�� �� �:,u%�,�3 ��,� �� �i���'�2 �.1!], , �,j, ��,�l�1 � �if��=/,1 /:
a bed e f g h
IS.�el !?N (IS.CtJgS ixe2 16.Wixe2 a61 7. CtJ c3 dxe S 18. fS gxfS 19 . �xfS CtJ d 6 00Baron Rodriguez - Glavina Rossi, Spain2004.) IS...a6 16.CtJc3 ixf3 17.ixf3 dxeS18.fxeS ixeS 19.if4 CtJd7 20.d6 CtJxd6
21.CtJdS Wie6�
12.0-0 CtJa6 13.�el CtJb6 14.rJl g 2 ig4 IS.h3ixf3t 16.ixf3
8
7
but it
48 f4 Systems
II.tlJf3 0-0 12.0-0 �e8 13.tlJd2
13.<j{g2?! is inadvisable: 13...CtJa6 14.�elCiJ c7 IS. CiJ d2 CiJ f6 16.a4 hS 17.if3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13...tlJf6 14.�f3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
22. fxg6 fxg6
V. Georgiev - Quillan, Sunny Beach 2011.23.idStN ie6 24.Wif3+-
15.�el 11Md7 16.tlJc4 tlJ g 4f!Black is making good use of the weakened
light squares on White's kingside.
Conclusion
In the first of the three main lines examined
in the chapter, was saw Black easily obtaining
a good position after mobilizing his queenside
pawns. The two bishop retreats are a bit more
challenging, but both of them give Black a
choice of playable lines. Against 9.id3 hecan either transpose to Chapter S or try the
independent line analysed in section B. Theother retreat 9.ie2 allows Black to choose
between castling and checking on h4; once
again, his chances are decent in both cases.
8 �;.t.t�. � .
7 .Ii�..i.'i 6 . . �i�5 ��.lS� � �� �....� � �
4 �� �lS� .
f4 S � � .....z///- "..,3 � � �
ystems � ..�...... � �2 � � �lS�....J:....� . � �/-, /J....1 �Fr� �c@\Ufr� �� Fr� ���� ��
a bed e f g h
Flick-Knife Attack - 9 .a41h4 t
Variation Index
l.d4 � f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 cig7 8.cib5t
8...�fd7 9.a4 ¥Mh4t 10.g3
A) 10...¥Md8 11.�f3 0-0 12.0-0
AI) 12...tlJa6
A2) 12...a6
A21) 13.cie2
A22) 13.cid3 �f6
A221) 14.¥Mb3
A222) 14.<t!i>g2B) 10...¥Me7 11.�f3 0-0 12.0-0 �a6
Bl) 13.e5
B2) 13.�el
All) note to l4.Wg2
18...i.xc3N
B 1) after 16.l2J eg5
16..J&e8!N
50
50
52
52
54
54
57
58
58
59
B2) note to 16.i.f2
a bed e f
24...h5!N
50 f4 Systems
1.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 S.ib5t �fd7 9.a4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
For a time this line was believed to be almost
winning for White, but we will find out thatthe rumours of Black's demise are premature.
From this position the main line is the natural9...0-0, which we will deal with in the next
chapter beginning on page 62. Over thecoming pages we will analyse an interestingalternative for Black.
9...11Mh4t
This strange-looking move has gained inpopularity in recent years. Although checksare usually thought of as aggressive, this move
is actually played with more defensive ideasin mind. An important point is that, after the
forced 1 0.g3, White's dark-squared bishop willbe unable to reach the g3- and h4-squares,
which it might otherwise occupy for attacking
purposes in the middlegame. Black may alsolook to post his bishop on g4 or h3, and
perhaps exchange it for White's light-squaredbishop. Such simplifications will tend to favourthe side with less space, and may pave the way
for a subsequent counterattack with ...fS.
10.g3
Now there are two possibilities: A) 10...11MdSand B) 10...11Me7.
A) 10...11MdS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e
On the face of it this may look like a
shocking waste of time, but White also will
have to spend a few moves retreating the
bishop to cover the weakened light squares on
the kingside.
11.�f3 0-0 12.0-0
Now we will consider two ways for Black to
develop his queenside: AI) 12...�a6 and A2)12...a6.
AI) 12...�a6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
13.�el
White can also continue aggressively: 13.fS!?
ttJf6 14.if4 gxfS IS.eS ttJe4 16.�el ttJb4
Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Mfh4t
17.ic4 This was Sasikiran - Berg, Warsaw2008. White certainly has compensation for
the sacrificed pawn, but Black is not without
his chances. The right continuation is:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13...�c7 14.ifl
14.ic4!?N is untested but looks interesting.The idea is to lure the enemy knight to theslightly unfavourable b6-square, for instance:
14...�e8 (14...lDb6 IS.ifl ig4 16.h3 ixf317.Wxf3t) IS.h3 lDb6 16.iflt
14...�e8
8.i_.i.�.i�._�'�7.'n/d""""� ��,��7 if�i.�.i�i
6 /'''''7.� �'uu_ �� 'l��5 � �.8%� ��4 !�""�_!��_3_������2 �wum;_ �_mu7.�%uuYuj� '/ �%mu �wJluu1 �� DiV �� � �
" ,,� / /// /", ,� //' ,/h
a bed e f g h
15.h3
I also considered IS.eS!?N when a funny lineis possible: IS...dxeS 16.d6 lDe6 17.lDdS exf4
51
18.lDc7 fxg3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15...�b8 16.ie3 b6
Black can also consider 16...a6!?N
immediately, as after 17.aS bS 18.axb6 �xb6
the position is balanced.
16...ixc3!?N is also playable, althoughWhite will get enough compensation: 17.bxc3lDf6 (17...�xe4 18.c4 lDf6 oo ) 18.eS lDe4
(18...lDcxd5 19.id2 lDhS 20.g4 lDg7 21.c4lD b4=) 19.if2 lDxc3 20.exd6 lD 7xdS 21. Wb3 00
8 ��.i.�.i � .�/, ,�umY-7.'N/d"u,,7.� �7. ,��71� ���i�i6 �U"%�'Uu;_ �� 'i��5 .""%.�%�% ��4 !� u,u7.� !��_, �7.'n//- �?%o'k?u"�?;(o'dff�3 _ � ��w� 8
2 ��"''';� mN%_ mu7.�1 .u,,/'_'��!�
a bed e f g h
17.in a6 18.11Md2 b5 19.axb5 tlJxb5
20.tlJxb5 axb5=
Fraczek - Brzeski, Krakow 2011.
52 f4 Systems
Al) 12...a6
.I � . '///� .i. � � ��'/-�; � B uu� .� %08 " � � � �.. �/ : % % /.. /'
�u"u� "u,%� ,""Y-�,�; f� �I��'��� ,dL,%� ��5���8_ _4 8� �"U�� t� %_�/.'n//- �� �'m7-�'�3 � m _�W�2 ��"""_ �_ mu/.�
"ur{,m%w<;� %� %w�u"1 ,a �iV�1:tma bed e f g h
This is the main line. Now the two most
important moves are All) 13.�e2 and Al2)13.�d3.
Less common is:
13.ic4 ttJb6
Now the bishop might go anywhere. Here
are a few examples.14.ie2
14.ia2 ig4 lS.�e1 �e8 16.rJl g 2 ttJ8d717.aS ttJc8 18.ic4 bS 19.axb6 ttJcxb6
20.ifl c4 21.h3 ixf3t 22.Wxf3 ttJcS= Jelen- Sax, Bled 200 S.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
now 16JMfb3!?N bS 17.axb6 ttJxb6 18.rJlg2intending h2-h3 looks interesting.
lS...�e8 16.Wc2?!
8�. S��.�7 'i"� ""'%� f�r� %�, '0 ��/ �,,�6 ilr . .i�5 _�� �4 !��"3�!�f��%,,//. �� ,rj''''x% ,�3 � �� lff����� ,�, ���O�
2 %�V.�."'''%�''''f''''x� �� �rz'�""1 /,� . �,:�a bed e f g h
16...We7
This solid move is good, although Black can
also grab a pawn with: 16...ixc3!?N 17.bxc3�xe4! 18.ttJgS (18.Wxe4 ifS + ) 18...�xe319.ixg4 ttJ8d7+
17.eS dxeS 18.fxeS ixf3 19.�xf3 ttJ8d7+
Bareev - Gelfand, Khanty-Mansiysk 200S.
All) 13.�e2
8.i_.i.E �..7 .l ';� i)� 'ly-�r�� �/. '0 �� ';d��6 i� _ �i�
5 _�.t%_�_4 t."U%B8��_% �/.'N//- �� Y;luu%�,�3 � m _tZJ�2 ��,,,,,;� r� U"'%�""/""/.///.'0 �� �Y�'d""1 �� �iV_1:t �
a bed e f g h
13...�e8 14.@g2Another sensible move is:
14.Wc2 ttJf6
14...aS!?N appears strange, but White is
not in a position to attack the d6-pawn,
so giving away the bS-square is not as big
Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Mfh4t
a concession as it would be in some other
Benoni variations. A possible continuation
is: 15.f5 ttJa6 16.fxg6 hxg6 17.ib5ttJ b4 1 8. \¥f f2 � f8 1 9.if4 ttJ b6 20. <j{ g2\¥fe7t
IS.rJl g 2 ig4 16.h3 ixf3t 17.ixf3 CtJbd718.�e 1
8�B ���.��� �""�� ��,��7 �i�!�,AJIA
6 iB �. .i�5 �.�"� 'Y''''':��� �''''%��, '% �
4 � -"N//. �� ��W.'% � 2 ��ji.�.��3 � � .��f!}�
"",(''''''�'% �""'" �"1� � ���/ / /
a bed e f g h
18...c4N
Improving over 18...�b8 19.aS b5? 20.axb6:!:
Pap pier - Claridge, e-mail200S.19.ie3 �c8 20.�adl \¥faS 21.id4 CtJb6
21...CtJxdS? is not working: 22.CtJxdS ixd423.�xd4 \¥fxel 24.�dl \¥faS 2S.ig4+-21...CtJcS?! is also unsatisfactory: 22.eS CtJd323.exf6 �xe 1 24.fxg7:!:
22.eS dxeS 23.ixeS CtJbd7 24.�e2 �cd8t
White keeps a slight edge here, althoughBlack is not without chances.
8.ipJ.i.�.i�._.mu,� "'''7.� �� ,&?y�: f��I��'�5 � �.��� ��4 !�um%�!���� �7.'n//- �� �"u%?;(o,�3 m m ���8%
2 �dum:_f.��/::""�" , �;� � . ",1 /9 �iV� 1:t.a bed e f g h
53
14...�xc3!?
This looks risky of course, but it seems to be
playable.
A sharp alternative is:14. . . CtJ f6
This provokes a forcing line leading to anendgame.
15.eS dxe5 16.fxeS CtJg4 17.e6 fxe6 18.CtJgSWhite can also consider 18.ic4!? rJlh8 as
in Filippas N tekouan - Sperdokli, Kallithea2008, and now 19.dxe6N \¥fxdl 20.�xdl
CtJc6 21.CtJgSt.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
18...ixc3N
Black needs an improvement over 18...CtJf6?19.CtJxe6 ixe6 20.dxe6 CtJc6 21.\¥fxd8
�axd8 22.igS:!: Muir - Peicheva Hansen,Copenhagen 1990.
19.bxc3
19.ixg4 id4 20.dxe6 CtJc6 21.\¥fb3 CtJ b422.CtJe4 \¥fdS 23.\¥fxdS CtJxdS 24.CtJd6 ixe6
2S.�el ixg4 26.�xe8t �xe8 27.CtJxe8leaves Black with fair compensation for
the exchange, thanks to his extra pawn and
excellent pieces.
19...\¥fxdSt 20.rJl g l \¥fxdl 21.ixdl CtJeS22.ttJe4 CtJbd7 00
White has good compensation for twopawns, although it is hard to say if it is enoughfor him to claim an objective advantage.
15.bxc3 �xe4
54 f4 Systems
A possible improvement is: IS...tDf6!?N16.e5 dxe5 17.fxe5 tDxd5 18.tDgS ie6 19.c4tDb4 (19...tDc3? 20.Wxd8 �xd8 21.tDxe6 fxe6
22.ig4+-) 20.tDxe6 fxe6=
16.�d3 �e8 17.c4 tlJf6 18.h3 tlJbd7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
19...�b8 20.£5 b5 21.axb5 axb5 22.fxg6
hxg6 23.�xg6! 11Me7 24.�el 11MfS 25.�b2�xel 26.�xel fxg6
26...bxc4 27.ifS:!:
a b c
27.11Mxg6t 11Mg7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
@xg7 30.�e7t @g6 31.tlJh4t @h6 32.�cl t @h5 33.�g7 bxc4 34.�g5t @h6 35.�g6t@h7 36.�xf6�
Black's king survived the middlegame, butthe draw is not yet secure. Therefore he should
consider the proposed improvement at moveIS.
A22) 13.�d3
This has been the most popular choice
among high-rated players.
13...tlJf6
White has tried several moves here, but I will
concentrate on the two most popular ones:
A221) 14.11Mb3 and A222) 14.@g2.
A221) 14.11Mb3
This enables Black to develop strongcounterplay.
14...�h3! 15.�el tlJg4Black can ignore the hanging b-pawn and
focus on the weaknesses created by the g2-g3move.
16.11Mxb7
This move is consistent at least. Refusing thepawn does not promise much for White:
Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Mfh4t
16.ifl ixfl 17.�xfl ttJd7 18.h3
18.Wxb7 �e8 19.�el c4+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
18...id4t
This leads to complications and eventual
eq uali ty.Black can also consider the thematic tactical
resource: 18...c4!? 19.Wxc4 Wb6t 20.rJlhl
(20.rJl g 2 Wxb2t-+) 20...�ac8 21.We2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
21...ixc3! This exchange is necessary forBlack to obtain his counterplay. 22. bxc3
ttJgf6 23.c4 Wb3 24.eS ttJhS 2S.rJl g 2 �xc4f119. rJl g2
19.ttJxd4 cxd4 20.hxg4 dxc3 21.Wxc3 �e822.�el ttJf6 23.Wd4 ttJxg4 24.b3 Wf62S.ib2 Wxd4t 26.ixd4 �ac8 is equal, for
example: 27.eS dxeS 28.d6 �ed8 29.fxeS f630.�adl fxeS 31.ixeS ttJxeS 32.�xeS �d7=
19...ttJgf6Now the e4-pawn is under fire.
20.eS dxeS 21.fxeS ttJxeS
55
Within a few more moves the table will be
almost cleared of pieces.
22.ttJxd4 cxd4 23.igS dxc3 24.ixf6 Wd62S.�ael ttJd3 26.ie7 ttJxel t 27.�xel Wd7
28.ixf8 �xf8 29.bxc3 bS 30.axbS
Yz-Yz Utesch - Claridge, e-mail 200S.
8.i� � ���_7 R._'''''/._'ly-.r�� �� '0 �� mn��6 i_ E �i�, ��,�,u'7.� ��
5_ �8_ _
�� um/.� �� '0 � � %�4 8_ _8���� ��:'//--; �� �:,u��,"03. ��:���w�.i.2 ��"""� '� um7.�7.U,,}'u"�///.;'0 �7.m" �y£�"u1 /'� �� �� �� 00 �� ��
"" , / // � /, ....,....,� /). ",,%
a bed e f g h
16...�d7 17.a5
Immediate central action promises White
nothing: 17.eS dxeS 18.ttJgS e4 19.ttJcxe4id4t 20.rJlhl This was Teboul - Marques,e-mail 2004. Here Black has more than one
playable move, but the most convincing is:20...c4N 21.ixc4 �b8 22.Wxa6 Now at the
minimum Black can force a draw with:
8
17...11Me7 18.11Mb3
56 f4 Systems
18.ixa6? is too greedy, and after 18...�ab8the white queen is in trouble: 19.Wc6N (After
19.Wc7? ttJdeS! White had to resign in GarciaMartinez - Pigusov, Moscow 1987.)
8 ��U�.�
7 �'''''Y.. �if ''& Y.� & 6 i..i. u ",". 'i�� 5 � �Wti�. �.� �.-.J� � A �. � A
4 ""''''.'''''''. ��,.�z"//. �� �""%�r�
3 � � .tZJ��.i.��'�"""� %i� ""'''�'0
2 'WP�P0 �%""� �rJ?1 � � �� k "�a bed e f g h
19...�b4! Preparing a beautiful trap. The keyline is 20.ifl ttJb8 21.Wa8 ixfl 22.�xfl and
now 22...�b7! followed by ...�a7 snaring the
queen.
8.i� � �S.-�� ���,,<,/umi��f�7� .��i�i�� ��r�T'U'h� um��6 �_�,��_£�5 � �8_ �4 '''''%� "U,%� ��r-�7.'n//- �� �u"�@'�3 �iV0�_�¥�.i.2 %�'u,,;_ %_ mu/'�
� 'U'%� � '% %%� %r:rJ uu1 � �+ � 0 � ' ,� �% �� ��'" '" '" /./ � /,,If '" // '" "', '"
a bed e f g h
18...c4! 19.hc4
19.Wxc4? �fc8 20.Wa2 ttJdeS-+
19...�c5 20.11Mc211Ma7
An interesting alternative is:20...�fc8!?N 21.ifl Wa7
21...ixfl? 22. rJlxfl �ab8:t
22.ixh3 ttJb3t 23.rJlhl ttJxal 24.Wa4
24.Wbl ttJf2t 2S.rJl g 2 ttJxh3 26.ie3 Wd727.Wxal Wg4�
24. . .ixc3
24...ttJf2t? 2S.rJl g 2 ttJxh3 26.ie3:t
8EREU ..��� � ��
7 u,,,� ���.�. 6'. �I ..�5 � � 8� �"",% � � �
4 V. .8��.�3� . .tZJ��
��lfd�"'�� �� �""��lW2,,/J(;j�'0 az"w a _ � �b1. � �� ��
, / ,
a bed e f g h
2S.bxc3 ttJf2t 26.rJl g 2 ttJd3 27.�fl �xc328.id2 �c2 29.Wxal We3!?
29...�b8 30.Wdl �xd2t 31.ttJxd2 We3
32.ttJf3 �b2t 33.rJlh1 Wxe4 34.ig2 ttJf2t3S.�xf2 �xf2=
30.Wdl Wxe4 31.rJl g l �a2 32.ig2 �b8Black has some initiative; the pair of
rooks on the second rank will make a fine
sight indeed, after the second one arrives onb2.
21.i>hl �d3
On this occasion it is best not to give awaythe g7-bishop: 21...ixc3 22.Wxc3 ttJd3!(22...ttJxe4 23.Wd4:t) A beautiful idea, but
White has an equally clever defence:
Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 �h4t
8 .1 _ _ _ ��..
7 � _ �'ly-.r 6 "I/._ 7.� �� 'l��5 � %� '�/.� ��/'",,7.� �� ��'0 � � ��4 � _/,!_�����3_ m�.��.i.
2 �Dif_�� m"/.�%"u/"u%�'0 �%u'U � . � �uu1 �� � �� ��/"" /", � / Y, �
a bed e f g h
22.�xd3 tlJf2t 23.@gl tlJxd3t 24.�e3 tlJxcl25.11Mxcl �ab8
Black has good compensation, as
demonstrated in the following game.
26.�a2 �xc3 27.11Mxc3 �fc8 28.11Md4 �cl t
29.@f2 �f1 t 30.@e211Md7�
Dufour - Weegenaar, e-mail 2003.
A222) 14.@g2
8 .i_.i.� ��._rr'u,,;� ,,,u7.� "mY-�,lfY�
7 _£� '/ �i,_i 6 iB _ �i�5 � �.��� '/mu;�4 !8'm%_!B�_3_ ��_��2 �����LU;_�_���m'�u,,7.�/� 7.� �.""1 h� �iV�1:t.a bed e f g h
14...�g4Black should take the opportunity to develop
and exchange his light-squared bishop beforeh2-h3 comes.
Less logical is: 14...�e8 IS.h3! c4 16.ic2ttJ bd 7
57
8 E..i.ilE..�7�'...'.'6'. . .'i'�
�� '2r� "uu,�
:!.f.f��� 2 �dI:� ����3 � � .lZJ��8
UU�"U%�7��� �*.1 /Q �VUg.a bed e f g h
17.ie3!N (17.fS allows Black to obtain goodcounterplay: 17...ttJcS 18.ttJgS?! h6 19.ttJxf7rJlxf7 20.fxg6t rJl g 8 21.ie3 Grigorian- Kononenko, Internet 2009, and now
21...ttJfxe4!N 22.ttJxe4 ttJxe4 23.\¥If3 ttJf6
gives Black a big advantage.) 17...\¥Ic7 18.\¥Ie2�b8 19.94 b6t Black lacks counterplay and his
position is generally unimpressive.
15.h3 �xf3t 16.11Mxf3 tlJbd7
This is the type of position Black aims for
when playing 9...\¥Ih4t. It's close to equal, asthe chances of White executing a successful e4-
eS break or kingside attack are quite low.
17 .�d2
Another game continued 17.aS ttJe8 18.id2ttJc7 19.�abl �e8 20.b4 �c8 21.ttJa4 cxb4
22.�fcl ttJbS 23.�xc8 \¥Ixc8 24.�xb4 \¥Ic7
2S.�c4 \¥Id8 and White kept just a modest
edge in Braziulis - Betker, e-mail 2008.
17...11Mc7
After 17...�c8?! 18.b3 ttJe8 19.ic4 �b8
20.\¥Id3 ttJc7 21.�aelt White was in control
in Akesson - Solomon, Budapest 2008.
18.b3 �fe8N
I think the rook should stay in the centre, as
opposed to 18...�fb8 as played in T. Paehtz -
Goldberg, Glauchau 1987.
Another game saw: 18...�ae8 19.�ael(19.ic4N �e7 20.\¥Id3 �fe8 21.�ael ttJb6t)
58 f4 Systems
19...�e7 20.�e2 �fe8 21.�fel rJlh8 22.�cl
Wb8 23.�cel Wc7t Tate - Gantar, Pardubice2012.
8.1_ �.i�.-
7 �&����'� 6 i _ """� ��fl%��.�m��_i�i
5 � .�/._ �,"m_4 �_"o,/.� �� �_'/.'N/ h �� o'o/,�,�3�8m�.if�82 '��""o�����"m ��£Nn�� �1 � _ �1:t_
a bed e f g h
19.�fel �e7 20.a5 �ae8 21.g4 h6�
Black has arranged his pieces in as good
a way as he can hope for in this line. He iswell placed to meet any immediate attackingtry from White, but on the other hand it ishard to see how Black can improve his position
further. Perhaps his best winning strategy willbe to offer a draw and hope the opponentoverreaches.
B) 10...11Me7
8 .I .J._.� �I(iJ"io. ���,�o"7 _...�m�i � i
6 "''''� /..""'/,� mN����,�m'% � i ��5 ����8- � '4 C.""�� 8rr�""n/' �� "m/.-3��_�rrr
�,,/?,uu; � %'O�2 � _ '_mo'�,uu/'uu%, , � � .iO
� �. �/.I � 0/ iV � '/.'N//hm"1 � �+ � ; � � m � 1:t� � % � � " ,/""y.: /"" :/-", � � :
a bed e f g h
I think this is the better move.
II.tlJf3 0-0 12.0-0 tlJa6
This time I have a clear preference for the
knight move.
I am less keen on 12...a6, and will say no more
about it other than mentioning one game
showing a good path for White: 13.id3 ttJf614.eS ttJe8 IS.Wb3 ttJd7 (IS...ig4 16.ttJe4dxeS 17.ttJxeS ifS 18.ie3 ixe4 19.ixe4:t)
16.e6 fxe6 17.dxe6 ttJdf6 18.fS
8 _ UJ._ ��._7 (;rf. ._oiY-W;r�A.�. �.�m�. m i6 �_, , '.0"'7._ 'l��5 ��_8_ '_4 l_o",/._ �� �_3_ ��_tE����'mo� �� �"o%, ,2 �()..W�, "", �""� � ,/ ' / / � � .fO� �. �/' �iV� � '2:,�u,u1 � �+� � � 1:t ; � �/ � // / �"", ,,/////,,% %:% " %
a bed e f g h
Here White can choose between the sharpBl) 13.e5 and the more measured B2) 13.�el.
Bl) 13.e5 tlJb4!
Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Wh4t
13...dxeS?! is inadvisable: 14.d6 Wid8 IS.CtJdS
e4 16.CtJgS CtJf6N (16...id4t 17.ie3 ixe3t18.CtJxe3 CtJf6 19.ic4� Van Dijk - Guido,e-mail 2002) 17.CtJe7t rJlh8 18.fS ixfS
19.CtJxfS gxfS 20.�xfS:t
14.tlJe4 dxe5
Now is the time to take the pawn.
Avoiding it may lead to trouble: 14... CtJ b6?!IS.CtJxd6 CtJ6xdS (IS...ih3 16.�f2 a6 17.ifl
ixfl 18.Wixfl CtJ6xdS 19.id2:t Bielik - Gazi,
e-mail 2008.) 16.id2 ig4 17.Wib3 �ad818.ic4 (18.�ad I!N:t) 18... CtJ b6 (18. ..�xd6
19.exd6 Wixd6t) 19.ixb4 cxb4 20.ixf7t �xf7
21.CtJgS �xd6 22.exd6:t Bagirov - Malaniuk,Baku 1983.
15.d611Me6 16.tlJeg5This position was reached in Yuneev -
Goldberg, Dresden 1981. Here I found a
useful improvement for Black:
81�£ ����i�7�i_�_i�i
6 :m'7._�,)1�_�I.5 ��W� W� m4 8. " ,,/._ '''''7.�m'';_."""� �� ':"'7.�,�� �����i���r��'mrl""%Wt;� �� ��,J�1 �� �iV�1:t�a bed e f g h
16...11Me8!N
In the game Black put the queen on the
more exposed fS-square, but soon fell into
trouble and lost quickly.
17.fxe5
Mter 17.CtJxeS!? a6 18.ic4 ixeS 19.fxeS
CtJxeS 20.�el CtJbc6 21.if4 Wid8 22.idS ifS
59
White has fair compensation for a pawn, but
no obvious advantage that I can see.
17...a6 18.�c4 tlJb6!
18... CtJ xeS? does not work: 19. CtJ xeS Wi xeS
20.CtJxf7 Wid4t 21.Wixd4 ixd4t 22.rJl g 2 ifS23.CtJh6t rJl g 7 24.CtJxfSt gxfS 2s.if4:t
19.�xf7t �xf7 20.tlJxf711Mxf7
The game is finely balanced, and it is by no
means clear whether White's mighty central
pawns or Black's slight material advantage
(two strong minor pieces versus rook and
pawn) will ultimately prove more significant.Here is an illustrative line:
21.�e3 �h3 22.�f2 11Md5 23.11Mxd5t tlJ6xd5
24.�xc5 tlJd3 25.�d2 tlJxc5 26.�xd5 tlJd7f!
The endgame is not worse for Black.
B2) 13.�el
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
13...tlJ b4
The knight settles on a good outpost.
14.�f1
White uses his bishop to shore up the
weakened light squares on the kingside. NowBlack must decide what to do with his own
light-squared bishop.
14...b6
60 f4 Systems
White has tried several different moves here,
but there is no clear front-runner. Since Black's
general scheme of development is unlikelyto vary a great deal, I will just mention a few
examples to illustrate the most important ideas.
15.�e3
IS.Wib3 a6 16.id2 ib7 17.CtJdl as 18.�cl
8�. . �...7 � l.lstiy-�r��f% ��f�'u,/.� 'uu>.�
6 �� �� �i� 5 fiuu>'.ti%� >.�uU'%%'N,2u3,� �W.'0 � � /';�4�. .��� �3 _ii� �� ��2 �����.�'W%�1 �J,u'%��i��W'� !m" ""� f��f� � %
a bed e f g h
18...CtJf6!N Preparing to move the light-squared bishop to a better place. (18...�fe819.CtJf2 ia6 20.ixa6 �xa6 21.ic3t Cutillas
Ripoll - Kovernikov, e-mail 2004.) 19.CtJf2�ad8 20.ibS ic8=
15...�b7
The bishop will not want to spend the rest
of its days on this square, but for the time
being it fulfils an important defensive role in
discouraging e4-eS.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
16.�f2
Another game continued: 16.�cl a6 17.if2
�ac8 18.b3 tLJf6 19.h3 �fe8 20.g4 Whiteshould always consider this move carefully. Itdoes not cause any immediate problems, butthere may come a time when ...hS becomestroublesome.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
This position occurred in D. Gurevich -
Nun, Eksjo 1982, and now was just the righttime for 24...hS!N + , based on the fact that
2S.gS? is met by the crushing 2S...CtJfxdS!.
16...�fe8 17.h3 a6 18.11Md2
We have been following the game Tanggaard
- May, corr. 1996. So far Black has developed
most of his pieces to normal places, and here
I believe the most precise continuation wouldhave been:
Chapter 5 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 \Wh4t
s 2 _.i�.-7 �.i._�Bt.r 6 r_ �_'''''7._'1��5 ."U�.��� ��
�7.,,,/y,,,,�� ��'0 � � �� �7. ,�m";'L�"L" �///,'�'''' � '/,� �4�. _�w� �3 .u""� 7.� t15� �2 Wf)������O% ��� M �
1 � 'U'7..""' 7.�:f=a bed e f g h
18...tlJf6N
The knight is quite safe here as White will
not be able to play e4-eS.
19.�adl 11Md7
Mter this move we have transposed to a
game that reached this position via the 9...0-0
move order; the transposition is also noted inthe IS...CtJf6line in the notes to variation B21
of the next chapter, which can be found on
page 70. But please stay on this page for the
continuation from the present position.
20.i>h2 �ad8
Black is doing everything possible to
prevent the e4-eS break. White is not really
in a position to attack on the kingside, so it
remains to be seen how the first player may
try to make progress. The one game to have
reached this position soon ended in a draw.
8 � � ��.i�.-� �� m"y.� ��,��7 ������!1�j6 i�� �� �.i�
5 �ru'7..�7.� �mm_
-f"/�uu/'� ��'''0 � � '� -?;(o'�"U';'LL"L' . �?%o'�""7.�'�4 ��.; _8w� �3 .L"'� �� t15� 82 �f)� � �� ,��O% ��� � �
1 .UU7..��:f.'u,a bed e f g h
61
21.�c4
Trying to overprotect the dS-pawn inpreparation for e4-eS, but Black can easilycounter this plan.
21...�c8! 22.�f1 �b7 23.�c4
Of course White could try searching foranother idea, but I do not see any real problemsfo r Black.
23...�c8
Black might also keep the game goingwith 23...hS!?N 24.We2 Wc8 2S.�d2 ih6=
although he is unlikely to get anywhere unlessWhite makes a mistake.
24.�f1 �b7
1/ 2 _1/ 2
H. Muller - Chetvertakoff, e-mail 2002.
Conclusion
9... Wh4 t is a respectable alternative to themain 9...0-0 line (which we will encounter in
the next chapter), especially for players who
prefer a more cautious approach against the
Flick-Knife Attack. I devoted quite a lot of
space to the provocative I 0... W d8 move, butfound that White was slightly better in quite
a lot of the ensuing lines. On the other hand,variation B with 10...We7 seems more solid,
and I failed to find any major problems for
Black in the ensuing positions.
£4 Systems
Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
Variation Index
l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t
8...tlJfd7 9.a4 0-0 10.tlJf3 tlJa6 11.0-0
A) 11...tlJc7
AI) 12.�c4
Al) 12.�xd7A3) 12.�d3
B) 11...tlJ b4
Bl) 12.h3?!
B2) 12J�el a6 13.�f1 �e8 14.h3B21) 14...b6
B22) 14...f5!?
B221) 15.exfS
B222) 15.�d2
B223) 15.e5
B224) 15.YMb3
AI) after 18. ttJd6
18..j�f8!N
A3) after 17.e5!
17...c4!N
63
63
64
65
67
68
69
70
71
72
72
73
76
B224) after 20.ttJg5
a b g h
20...b5!N
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 9.a4 0-0This will be our starting position for the
present chapter. Black gets on with his
development and prepares for a sharp fight.
10.tlJf3 tlJa6 11.0-0
Now there are two main lines that Black can
consider: A) 11...tlJc7 and B) 11...tlJb4.
A) 11...tlJc7
8 .I _.i.� ��._�'�/.'n/;!"d�� umY-�,yw�
7 ??�i.A))_i�i 6 ��,J��-i �,uu/'� 'mm�'0 �� dm��5 ����[j� ��� "m%� ��'0 ��4 � -/.'n/ h �� ��� �3� � _�_��,�,uu;� �� ��,�2 "uJ�?%o'0 �� ��!�
1 �� �V�1:t �a bed e f g h
Black nudges the bishop and hopes to use
the knight to support a future ...bS break.
White has tried virtually every legal move from
this position, but I will focus on the three most
important ones: AI) 12.�c4, A2) 12.�xd7and A3) 12.�d3.
AI) 12.�c4 a6
12...CtJb6!?
This move looks a bit strange but it seems
playable.
13.ia2 ig4 14.h3 ixf3 lS.Wxf3 CtJa6!?IS...CtJd7 fails to equalize: 16.ie3 CtJe8(16...a6?! 17.eS! dxeS 18.fS:t Lupini - Purdy,e-mail 1997.) 17.�ad1 CtJef6 (17...Wb6
18.Wf2 Wb4t) 18.CtJbS CtJe8 19.CtJc3t
Vernay - Spraggett, Metz 2009.16.eS CtJ b4 17.aS
This was L. Muller - Vazquez Reyes,
63
Khanty-Mansiysk (01) 2010. Here Black
should have played:17...CtJc8N
The position remains unclear and roughlyeq ual.
13.�el �e8 14.e5
This is the most popular move.
14.h3 seems pretty harmless, and after14...�b8 IS.Wd3 CtJb6 16.ib3 CtJd7 it is not
clear if White can do any more than repeat the
position. 17.aSN is one way of continuing the
fight, although after 17...bS 18.axb6 CtJxb6f!Black is not worse.
14...tlJb6 15.�a2 �g4 16.a5 tlJd7Black is okay here, and in the following
game White overplayed his hand.
8.iB B.i_.-�r/<uA� �m'��7 i;.�A))� imi
6 ���,J��,�£5 � ��[jt� .
/-u,,�� �u,,�� �u3� r�: � �rn������,�,,,u;� �� ��,�
2 � � u�"J�?%o � ,% V �% � UUI'/ � � w 4J�1 � �(+ I� � � ' �� � /� � � � %/." / � /.", /::,
a bed e f g h
17.tlJe4?!
17.e6!?N fxe6 18.dxe6 ixe6 19.ixe6t CtJxe6
20.Wb3 CtJdf8 21.Wxb7 rJlh8=
17...dxe5 18.tlJd6
Now in Mitra - Murshed, Kolkata 1988,
Black could have kept some advantage with:
18...�f8!Ni
White will struggle to justify his pawnsacrifice.
64 f4 Systems
A2) 12.�xd7 �xd7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13.f5
Obviously White did not give up the bishop
pair while helping Black's development
just for fun - he did it to start an attack.Fortunately Black has plenty of resources, and
can decide whether to grab the f-pawn or starta counteroffensive on the other flank.
13...gxf5
13...bS is playable, although after 14.igS f6ls.if4 b4 16.tLJe2 it seems Black should take
the f-pawn after all: 16...gxfS!?N (16...Wie717.CtJg3 gS 18.ie3 as Building the great wall,but the g7-bishop may not be so happy to seeit. 19.CtJd2 ic8 20.CtJc4 ia6 21.�c1 ixc4
22.�xc4t Nikolov - Pantsulaia, Chalkidiki
2003.)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
17.ixd6 (17.CtJg3 fxe4 18.CtJxe4 CtJe8 19.CtJxd6CtJxd6 20.ixd6 ixa4 21.Wixa4 Wixd6 oo )
17... fxe4 18.ixf8 exf3 19.ixcs fxe2 20. Wi xe2°o
In this murky position both sides have theirchances.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.�g5Now we must decide whether or not to
block the Benoni bishop.
14...f6
I prefer this move, although the alternative
also seems okay:14...if6 ls.if4
IS.Wid2 ixgS 16.CtJxgS f6 17.CtJe6 (17.CtJf3fxe4 18.CtJxe4 ifS 19.CtJg3 ig6 20.CtJh4Wid7 21.�a3 �ae8 oo Xiu - Liu, Jinan 200S.)17...CtJxe6 18.dxe6 ixe6 19.�adl fxe4
20. CtJxe4= Blair - Kramer, corr. 1999.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
IS...�e8 16.Wiel rJlh8 17.Wd2 bS 18.CtJgSNow in Ataman - Erdogan, Ankara 2008,Black should have played:
18...rJl g 8N 19.exfS ixfS 20.axbS ig6�With mutual chances.
15.�f4llJe8 16.exfS �xfS
I don't see any major problems for Black here.
17.11Md2 �g6R. Fernandez - H. Fernandez, Santos 1998.
White has obtained a reasonable level of
compensation for the pawn, but not enough
to claim the advantage.
A3) 12.�d3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
Finally we come to the most popular move.
12...a6 13.�el
13.ie3 �b8 can be compared with the main
line. Apart from that White has tried a wholehost of alternatives at one time or another, but
I want to focus on the most challenging line.
13...�e8 14.�e3 �b8
Now Black is ready for ...bS.
15.�f2
The main move. White wants to exploit the
fact that the black queen is surrounded andcannot move.
65
Less challenging is: IS.aS bS 16.axb6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15...b5 16.axb5 axb5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
17.e5!
This move is the most dangerous for Black.
17.ih4 if6 18.ig3This is the other idea, hoping to break
through with e4-eS.18...c4
This would be my choice.
18...b4 19.CtJa4 ig7 is also playable,
66 f4 Systems
although Black must be willing to accept arepetition of moves. 20.�a2 (20.ih4 if6=)20...CtJf6 21.ih4 Wd7 22.Wd2 CtJhS= Molo
- Noronha, e-mail 200S.
19.ifl ib7 20.eS ie7 21.if2 if8 22.Wid2
�a8 23.CtJgSDannehr - Pommrich, e-mail 2008. Now I
think Black's best continuation would have
been:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CtJ e6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
The other main line I analysed is: 17...dxe518.ih4 if6 19.d6
8
7
6
5
thinks this is
18.cih4
I also analysed: 18.ic2 ib7 19.ih4 Wic820.CtJe4 if8! This may look a little scary, butdo n't wo rry.
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
18...�f6!
This resource is the key to our survival.
19.exf6
This seems like the most ambitious move.
19.ixf6 CtJxf6 20.exf6 cxd3 21.Wixd3 �xel t
22.�xel Wixf6 gives White a modest edge,but I do not believe Black should be in much
danger.
19..J�xel t
8 � .i.E � . �
7 .u,uY-.�� f� i 6 ��/�"u';_��f�5 �f.��_�""�_
� � �'0 W 04 �7.� � ����3� ��_�_2 ��uu,;� �� �W!!1 td'm%_'�� �m m,
a bed e f g h
20.11Mxel!?
This is the most energetic move, but not
necessarily the best.
67
20.ixel cxd3 21.CtJd4 ib7 22.CtJc6 ixc6
23.dxc6 CtJcS 24.b4 CtJSe6�
20. CtJxe I! looks like the right route to an edgefor White: 20...cxd3 21.CtJxd3 b4 22.CtJe4
CtJ xdS 23. Wi d2t
20...cxd321.tlJd4
21.Wie7 ib7 22.�a7 Wixe7 23.fxe7 CtJb6
24.CtJxbS CtJe8�
21...�b7 22.tlJc6 �xc6 23.dxc6 tlJc5 24.b4
24.fS b4�
24...tlJ5e6 25.11Me4 d5 26.11Mxd3 tlJxf4
27.11Md2 tlJfe6
The position is about equal. Although my
new 17...c4!N idea seems to improve over
existing theory, Black still falls slightly short of
equality in a few of the variations noted above.
B) 11...tlJb4
.i-.i.E B.-8 ,�� N'07.� umY-�,�£?7 7.�i�'�i�A6 _ � _i�5��.8_ _�7.'N/)UU�� �W0 �7.4 8. _8�� �3 �£"'u;� �� lLS�_�,�uu,;� �� ��'0
2 ""PW<7��� ��Jf!i1 /� �iV�1:tma bed e f g h
I think this is the best line for Black. From
this position White has tried a wide array of
moves, but for instructive purposes I wouldlike to focus on the inaccurate B 1) 12.h3?!
followed by the main line ofB2) 12J�el.
I would like to mention one brief example
where Black made excellent use of his knights:
68 f4 Systems
12.ie3 a6 13.ic4 CtJ b6 14 .ie2 �e8 IS .if2
ig4 16.Wid2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Bl) 12.h3?!
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This has been tried by some stronggrandmasters, but with ...CtJf6 not having beenplayed yet, it may amount to a waste of time.
12...a6 13.�c4
Thanks to the slowness of White's previous
move, Black can now take the opportunity tosharpen the fight.
13...f5!
8
7
6
5
14.tlJ g 5Of course we should also consider the central
breakthrough:14.eS dxeS IS.d6t
Another idea is IS.ie3!? h6!? (IS...exf4Nand IS...e4N both deserve serious
consideration.) 16.fxeS CtJ xeS 17. CtJxeSixeS 18.ixh6 �e8 19.Wid2 Wid6 20.�ael
id7 with balanced play, Gretencord -Lahdenmaeki, e-mail 2008.
IS...rJlh8 16.CtJgSWhite is poised to win an exchange, butBlack should be able to claim excellent
compensatIon.
16. .. e4
16...CtJb6!? 17.CtJf7t �xf7 18.ixf7 Wif8
19. Wib3 00
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
17.CtJe6
17.CtJf7t? is premature due to 17...�xf7
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
18.ixf7 id4t followed by ...t[)f8, with a bigadvantage to Black.
17...Wif6 18.t[)xf8 Wid4t 19.Wixd4 ixd4t20.rJlh2 t[)xf8+
14...�b6 15.�b3 as!
It is worth weakening the b5-square in order
to maintain the knight's position on b6.
16.�e3 fxe4 17.@hl �d3 18.11Md2
Now Black has a few tempting options.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
18...�xc3!?N
Black trades off the important dark-squared
bishop in order to preserve the knight on d3,which has become even more valuable.
18...�e8?! led to an eventual victory for Black
in Bareev - Topalov, Dortmund 2002, but at
this point 19.t[)cxe4!N t[)xb2 20.�ac1 wouldhave turned the tables and given White a
promising initiative.
18...c4!?N is tempting when you see that
19.ic2 if5 20.t[)gxe4 t[)xd5 21.CtJxd5 ixe422.t[)b6 d5 23.t[)xa8 Wixa8 is an excellent
exchange sacrifice. Unfortunately White can
improve on move 19 by capturing on e4 with
either one of his knights, each leading to
approximate equality.
69
Finally 18...if5!?N deserves attention, basedon the fact that 19.94 h6! favours Black.
19.bxc3
19.Wixc3 Wie7 is better for Black.
19...11Me720.g4Most other moves will be met by .. .h6.
20...�d7
Black is at least equal, for instance:
21.�e611Mh4t
B2) 12.�el a6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
13.�f1
This is the best retreat square for the bishop.
13.ic4?! gives Black time to exchange hisproblem bishop: 13...CtJ b6! 14.ifl (14.ie2ig4 15.h3 ixf3 16.ixf3 1. Watson - Nunn,Brighton 1980. 16...t[)c4Nt) 14...ig4 15.ie3ixf3 16.gxf3 CtJd7 Black is at least equal, CoriTello - Padilla, Callao 2007.
13...�e8 14.h3
The most popular alternative has been:
14.ie3 t[) f6 15.if2 ig4One top-level game continued: 15...t[)h5!?16.Wid2ig417.ie2ih618.ie3 t[)f619.h3
70 f4 Systems
ixf3 20.ixf3 ltJd7 21.a5 �b8 22.ie2 ltJf623.if3ltJd7 24.ie2ltJf6 25.if3ltJd7 and a
draw was agreed in Jakovenko - Gashimov,Astrakhan 2010.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16.�cl ltJd7
16...ltJh5!? 17.h3 ixf3 18.Wixf3 id4!
19.94 ltJf6 was also balanced in Bosschem -Mirzoev, Livigno 2011.
17.h3 ixf3 18.Wixf3 �c8=
Guevara Castillo - G. Mueller, e-mail 2006.
Black was fine in all these games, so we may
conclude that White's only chance for an
advantage is to prevent the enemy bishop from
exchanging itself via the g4-sq uare.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c e
Mter the text move Black has to make an
important decision. Although bringing theknight to b4 was a good achievement, we mustmake sure it does not end up out of play. I have
analysed two contrasting approaches, the firstbeing solid and the other more aggressive andrisky: B21) 14...b6 and B22) 14...f5!?
B21) 14...b6 15.�e3 �b7
15...ltJf6 is another decent option, which
is directed against the manoeuvre of the
enemy bishop to h4. Here is a good example:
16.if2 ltJh5 17.g3 (or 17.ih4 if6 18.ig5Sundararajan - Satyapragyan, Negombo2003, 18...�a7!f!) 17...ib7 18.Wid2 ltJf6
19.�adl Wid7 This was the game H. Muller- Chetvertakoff, e-mail 2002, and we
encountered the same position at the end of
the previous chapter. Turn back to page 61 forthe continuation from here.
16.�c4
16.if2 ltJf6 17.Wid2 ltJh5 18.ih4 if6 was
equal in Galvn - Fages, Internet 2009.
8 H� el-;�7�.i._�_i�i 6 i_ _ _i��5 �u,,%.�%� �� '�7.'n/�'u,%� �?;(o'0 ��4 8.��8f� _3 �/m";��.lL)�82 �du,u�� �'U�� r��t'm%� !�����1 /,� ���� �
a bed e f g h
16...�f6
I think Black should improve his position on
the kingside and in the centre, rather than the
queenside.
In the following game he went for a different
plan but failed to equalize: 16...�b8 17.if2
ia8 18.ih4 if6 19.ig3 id4t (19...b520.axb5 axbS 21.ltJxb5 ltJb6 22.ifl ixb2
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
23.�bl ig7 24.f5 t[)c8 25.fxg6 hxg6t)20.t[)xd4 cxd4 21.t[)a2:t Moskalenko - Janev,Alicante 2000.
17 .�f2 tlJ h5
17...ih6!?N IS an interesting alternative:18.ig3 t[)h5 19.ih4 Wic8 20.ig5 ig7 21.g4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
Is.11Md2 �h6 19.9311Md7 20.�h2 �cSWe have reached a similar situation to that
at the end of the previous chapter. White has
more space, but Black has no weaknesses and is
well placed to meet any show of aggression. In
the one practical example from this position,
White lost his way and fell into difficulties.
8
7
6
5
a c e
71
21.tlJgl?!White should have preferred 21.if1 N ib 7
when the position resembles the end of the
previous chapter.
21...�bS 22.11Me211MdS 23.�adl 5!?
Black finds an interesting way to exploit
the unfortunate position of the knight on gl.Quieter moves are also fine of course.
24.e5
�.i.�.i�.�
8 .um�� ''',,%� �� i:f_�_��f_5 �LUU7..�7.�f� i)
�7.'n/J:u3� �UU��'% � � %�4 8.�. :f� D
3 �uu';m �_ mu7.� r;.�A("uu� �_ ,U' 7.�2 zq�7. �J!f�,/�u�7.'n/J'u,1 �� _1:t� �
a bed e f g h
24... tlJxf4!
The point behind the previous move.
25.gxf4�xf4t 26.�g3 �xg3t 27.�xg3 dxe52S.d6t �g7 29.tlJf3?
29.t[)d5N would have kept the game unclear.
29...e4+
Lautier-Nun, Dortmund 1989.
B22) 14...5!?
This is the more aggressive line. Black opens
the game and trusts in his dynamic potential. I
examined four main moves from this position:B221) 15.exfS, B222) 15.�d2!?, B223)
15.e5, and B224) 15.11Mb3.
15.t[)g5 is not dangerous, as after 15...t[)f8 thee6-square is well protected.
72 f4 Systems
B221) 15.exfS �xel 16.�xel gxf5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Almost all White's pieces are on the first
rank, and Black should be at least equal fromhere.
17.�c2
Mter 17.ltJf3 ltJf6 Black already controls all
the important squares in the centre. 18.rJlh2id7!?N (18...ltJe4 was equal in Starke -Nowak, e-mail 2004, but maybe it is better to
develop the pieces before coming forwards.)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17...�f6
17...Wie7 is also reasonable, preventingthe bishop from coming to e3. 18.aS Now
in Backe - Riccio, e-mail 2002, Black could
have virtually forced a draw with: 18...ltJxc2N
19.Wixc2 id4t 20.rJlh2 ltJf6 21.id2 ltJg4t22.rJlhlltJf2t=
8.i_.i.� _._�� "u,%� ��,��
6 i� � . �� ��,�m'7.� //-uu;�5 �7.'n/J�7.8�! ��
4 8. _ 8 �3 .u,u rn �� um7.� 8�w�:uu;� �� � � ��2 ���� � 8 �7.uu}'uu%�'0 �� ��'0�1 /� �if_�k�a bed e f g h
18.�e3 11Me7 19.�f2 �e4
19...id7!?N looks quite promising as well.
20.�xe411Mxe4 21.�xb4 11Mxb4=
Berkvens - Allemann, Zug 2003.
B222) 15.�d2!?
8 H .i.�.i_.-7 B {BiJB �.r�� ��,/ �� �m'�7.
6 i_ �� _i_� ��'�'U'7.� ��
5 � 'n//-� 8 �%i � 4 8� _8� �3 ."m;� �� �� :-��'�"";�'0 �� ��2 ;�P_!%,��'�1 �� .���dib��
a bed e f g h
This move should not really amount to
anything more than a quirky move order, but
I want to draw your attention to a nasty trap
into which a few players have fallen.
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
15...tlJf6?
The correct response has still not occurred in
practice: 15...fxe4!N 16.t[)xe4 t[)f6 17.t[)xf6tixf6 18.Wib3 �xel 19.�xel and we have
transposed to variation B224 below, which can
be found on page 76.
16.e5! tlJfxd5 17.tlJxd5 tlJxd5 IS.�c4 �e6
19.tlJ g 5 tlJxf4 20.tlJxe6 tlJxe6 21.exd6The pin will cause Black to lose material.
21...@hS
21...Wixd6? 22.ic3 is even worse for Black.
22.�xe611Mxd6 23.�f7 �f8 24.�a211Md4t
8.i� � �S� �� �� '''''Y. m ,4''''''
7 �������� 6'�_��f� : �� �",,%{<"<'� �� ��� ��E��� �3 �, '/ �, '0 � � 82�� � �8m1 �� ""/. -Wi���fir/"my, � / "" �u, ,/.
a bed e f g h
25.�e3
25.rJlhl is also good: 25...Wixb2 26.id5Wixal 27.Wixal ixal 28.�xal rJl g 7 29.�bl�ad8:t S. Saunders - De los Santos Serrano,
corr. 2001.
25...11Mxb2 26.�d5 11Mxal 27.11Mxal �xal
2S.�xal :t
Gokerman - Kusmierek, e-mail 2009.
B223) 15.e5
73
15...dxe5 16.d6 e4
If you don't want to have to remember a
series of forcing lines, you could consider
16...h6!? which seems quite playable and
prevents White from developing an attack.17.t[)d5 e4 18.t[)c7 �b8 19.t[)xe8 Wixe8 00
Black had about enough compensation for the
exchange in Grahl- Heinz, corr. 1989.
H .i.�.i�.-8 �� '''''''� ��,�7 �i �!� �,i 6 i� tfg _i�5 � �.""�� r� �4 !."3� f���3 .''''';m�_�� l�"/,;//,,,,,,, �� �.2 ""J�� '0 -/.m" ���1 � �iV �� � �/"", , // / / /", , , /,:",,,
a bed e f g h
17.tlJ g 5White can also give a check first:
17.Wib3t rJlh8 18.t[)g5 id4t 19.ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This move is ambitious, but White is riskingjust as much as Black, and in many lines he
will have to sacrifice his knight in order tomaintain the initiative. a) 19...Wif6
74 f4 Systems
This is objectively playable but practicallydangerous.
20.ixd4
20.�adl ixe3t 21.�xe3 b6 22.t[)d5 t[)xd5
23.Wixd5 �a7 24.ic4 ib7 25.Wif7 Wixf7
26.ixf7 �b8
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
Now 27.�g3? ic6 + occurred in Battaglini -Janev, Sautron 2002. Instead 27 .g4N = wascorrect.
20...Wixd4 t 21.rJlh 1 t[)f821...Wif6? 22.t[)cxe4! fxe4 23.t[)xe4 Wixf4
24.t[)xc5 �xel 25.�xel t[)f6 26.Wif7 ixh3
27.gxh3 Wixd6 28.Wixb7 �b8 29.�e6 Wid5t30.Wixd5 'LJfxd5 31.a5:t Kordts - Stefanov,e-mail 2002.
21...Wig7!? seems to be the safest move, forinstance: 22.�adl (22.'LJf7t rJl g 8=) 22...h623.t[)e6 Wig8 24.t[)xc5 Wixb3 25.'LJxb3=
22.�adl Wif6
Wild complications can occur from here.
23.�xe4! fxe4 24.t[)cxe4 Wig724...�xe4 25.t[)xe4 Wig7 26.t[)xc5 a5 27.�elif5 28.�e7 Wif6t
25.t[)f7t rJl g 8 26.t[)h6t rJlh8 27.t[)g5 ie628.t[)gf7t ixf7 29.t[)xf7t rJl g 8 30.t[)g5trJlh8 31.d7 �e7 32.d8=Wi �xd8 33.�xd8 t[)c6
34.�c8 Wif6
Black has survived and should hold the
endgame, but the whole line comes with a
health warning!
b) 19...ixe3t!NThis is much safer.
20.�xe3 Wif6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
Now White does not have the same resources
involving sacrificing on e4, and he will
struggle to justify his material investment. A
possible continuation is:21.ic4 h6 22.t[)e6 t[)b6 23.t[)c7?! Wid4 +
Let's return to the main line. Black has a choice
of possible continuations, but needs to becareful.
17...�f8
Black wants to regroup, but does he have
time? We will find out shortly.
Another playable option is:17...id4t 18.ie3 Wif6
18...ixe3t!?N 19.�xe3 Wif6 also looks
interesting, for instance: 20.Wib3t <j{h8
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
21.�ael h6 22.ltJgxe4 fxe4 23.ltJxe4 Wid424.�dl Wig7 25.ltJxc5 �xe3 26.Wixe3 ltJxc527.Wixc5 ltJc6+
Wif8
8.i_.i.�.i�.�7 _,A_ "",7,_ /""".r
6 i_ � _'1:- 5_ _'_Am 4 8 '.''''7.� r�"''';�3 �£"m'm �� m"/'�_�,�"m;, � _ 82 7. � ""�?%o'0 -X"'" -�.1 /, � � \Wl �� � �o I� � /j � 0 // � � �" , /, / / /,
a bed e f g h
75
18.�c4t �e6 19.�xe6
Here too Black has a choice of playablecontinuations.
19...�xe6
This is the safer choice, and the one I would
recommend.
More complicated is:19...�xe6 20.ltJxe4!N
20.ie3?! ltJd3 21.ixd3 exd3 22.Wixd3 id4
23.ixd4 Wixd6 + Rain - Eiben, e-mail 2004.
20...fxe4 21.�xe4
8
7
6
5
4
20.tlJxe4 fxe4
20...rJlh8 is not so good: 21.ixe6 �xe622.ltJg5 �xel t 23.Wixe1 Wd7 24.We6! Wixe625.ltJxe6t
21.�xe411Md7 22.11Mb3
22.Wie2 Wixd6=
76 f4 Systems
22...@hS 23.�xe6
Now in K d
Bl or ts - M kacks . ar us .simplest . ' e-mail 1998been' contmuation I '. wou d have
17.tlJxf6t �xf6
a bed
Chapter 6 - Flick-Knife Attack - 9.a4 0-0
�� �S �. �8 ��L,� �.7�'�.l. ..
'� '�'% ��,� � _ %�6'� W� �.� 5 "_2r� ""'��4 f.''''''� �ftu",;.
"u''';� �� U"''';<L'' ,�3 ��//"0 BW.'0�" � 82 �� � .8-
'''''''.'''''��� Wf�1 _ f���
a bed e f g h
22.CtJe6!N (22.Wb3=; 22.ixb4 was agreeddrawn in Mascarenhas - Schoen, e-mail
2003.) 22...ixe6 23.dxe6 d5 24.ixb4 cxb4
25.Wf2 Wd6 Black faces a long defence withlittle chance of achieving more than a draw.
20.�g5Another obvious move to consider is:
20.g4 id720...ic2? allows White to obtain some
advantage with precise play: 21.Wia3a5 (21...Wd7 22.a5 �e8 23.ixb4 cxb4
24.Wxb4 �xel 25.'Dxel iblt) 22.We3
ixa4 (22...rJlh8 23.We6 Wf8 24.Wd7 �d8
25.Wc7 ixa4 26.CtJg5 ixg5 27.fxg5 �e828.�e6:t) 23.We6t rJlh8 24.ic3 ixc3
25.bxc3 Wf8 26.'Dg5 (26.cxb4?? �e8-+)26...�e8 27.Wf7 Wxf7 28.CtJxf7t rJl g 829.�xe8t ixe8 30.'Dxd6 'Dxd5 31.CtJxe8:t
Mter the text move the position can be
compared with the previous note. Here Ilike Black's chances a little more, as the 'free'
g2-g4 move has weakened White's kingside.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
77
21.ic3 a5 22.g5 ih8 23.CtJd2 id4t23...if5!?N 24.ixh8 �xh8 25.CtJe4 ixe4
26.�xe4 Wf8=
24.ixd4 cxd4 25.CtJe4 �c8 26.CtJf6t rJlf7
27.h4 if5 28.ih3
8
7
28...d3!
Forcing a draw.29.ixf5 Wb6t 30.rJlhl Wf2 31.ixc8 Wxel t
Y2-Y2 Trembecki - Rogos, e-mail 2008.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
20...b5!N
I was happy to find this improvement, which
has the important aim of clearing some spacefor the black rook on the queenside.
20...ic2? 21.Wc4 ixa4 22.ixb4 cxb4
23.Wxb4 ib5 24.ixb5 Wb6t 25.rJlh2 axb5
occurred in Stefansson - Lie, Aarhus 2003, and
here 26.CtJe6N:t would have been unpleasant.
78 f4 Systems
20...t[)c2!? should be enough to hang on
although Black will need to play accurately toprove it: 21.�cl bS 22.�xc2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8.1_ B �.�
7 � �_'''''''U�_ i 6 i_, _, '_I.5 ����_j;jt;j�4 %�i,_W��3 . '/ _, /'_,'''''/'_ 82 � _ _8-� _ �i£�1 � . f���
a bed e f g h
23...a5
23...�b8 24.Wia4 as 2S.Wic6 �c8 also looks
fine.
24.11Mb7 �d7 25.�e6 11Mcs 26.11Mxcst �xcS
27.b3 �c3 2S.�bl h6;;
The endgame holds no danger for Black.
Conclusion
Although 11...CtJc7 seems playable, the11... CtJ b4 line is the one I would recommend.
I� variation B21 we saw Black playing solidlywIth ...b6 and ...ib7, which seems perfectlyokay. Nevertheless it was in line B22 that the
real highlights occurred, and according to my
analysis Black has good chances in the resulting
complications.
Overall I would say the Flick-Knife Attackis one of the most difficult variations for
ei ther side to play, as there are lots of playable
deviations and it is hard to be prepared
everywhere. Still, I don't think Black should beafraid to dive headfirst into the flames.
e4 SystemsClassical Variation with 9 ..J�e8
Variation Index
l. d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.� £3
7...lLg7 8.lLe2 0-0 9.0-0 �e8A) 10.�c2
B) 10.�d2
Bl) 10...�a6 11.£3 �c7 12.a4 �d7
Bll) 13.�c4
B12) 13. <;!;>hlB2) 10...�bd7
B21) 11.£4
B22) 11.�c2
B23) II.a4
B231) 11...�e5
B232) 11...a6
B2321) 12.£4
B23211) 12...�b8
B23212) 12...c4
B2322) 12.�c2
B23221) 12...�b8
B23222) 12...�e5
80
82
82
84
85
87
87
89
90
91
93
93
94
95
96
96
98
80 e4 Systems
l.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This classical set-up has been a main line for
many years, although nowadays it is not the
most popular, as many players prefer one of
the more aggressive modern lines.
8...0-0 9.0-0 �e8
This is by far the most popular move,
although we will also discuss 9...ig4 in thenext chapter.
8 .i�.i.B.i'�.&7 .l';� 'SUU%� f.rmu7.� ��'''0 ��'N/�U'U��6 _ r� �.i�5 %.�7.� /uuu�4 ���L'%�!� ���7.'N//- �� ��3 � m .�_��,�,,,,,;� ��'0 �7. '�2 8r� q�r�8�
uu�,u'7.�W� �.,u'7.(�'0("u1� �iVB1:t�a bed e f g h
From this, the starting position for the
present chapter, White has two logical waysto deal with the threat to the e4-pawn:A) 10.11Mc2 and B) 10.tlJd2.
A) 10.11Mc2
This is a relatively rare choice, and Black gets agood game without too much difficulty.
1 O...tlJa6!
Immediately Black hints at the possibility of
harassing the queen.
ll.�el
II.a3 has been played in quite a few games,
but apart from guarding the b4-square, thismove is of little use to White. Therefore I will
not pay much attention to it here, other than
noting that 11...CtJc7 12.�el �b8 13.if4 bSwas quite satisfactory for Black in Vexler -
Shestoperov, Omsk 1973.
8 .i'�.i.�.i�.&'� %� u'd7.� �m'�7 ,I�£ �?;(o'0 �7.�.7.i
6�_ � �im� ��'�U"7.� /�u",;� �: ����i!�B��7.'N//- �� �� �3 � m _�_2 87. n�� %1�r�
� UU 7.� ��� "U 7.� UU ,1 /; �� � /; � %/" ;';' /;' /" ;';' z ;' :%
a bed e f g h
11...�g411... CtJ b4?! sets a small positional trap, as after
12.Wibl ig4 13.a3?! Black can play 13...ixf3!14.gxf3 (14.ixf3? CtJbxdS!) 14...CtJa6 and pointto White's fractured kingside. But of course
White can easily avoid this with somethinglike 13.ie3N CtJd7 14.a3 CtJa6t.
11...CtJc7 seems quite playable though, forinstance: 12.if4 (12.CtJd2 bS 13.CtJxbS CtJfxdS
was good for Black in Materne - Krauhausen,corr. 1969.) 12...�b8 13.a4 a6 14.aS
This occurred in Vichnar - Pribyl, Mlada
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9.. .�e8
Boleslav 2008, and here the most consistent
continuation would have been:
8 .%!)'it� .*�7 �.� ..wi�� >�uu';�'0 �%u,)u3�6'. W. ..� 5 � %.;0;%. �u'u;.4 ,uu%� �UU%� ��/% ���%'u/ ���3 � m DlZJ.2 ��1i�f�f�
�''''%� ��r;;Ji/tuU %f!J uu1� � �� %%/
a bed e f g h
14...bSN IS.axb6 �xb6 Black has goodcounterplay, for example: 16.CtJd2 CtJ bS17.CtJc4 CtJd4 18.Wd1 CtJxe2t 19.�xe2 CtJhS
20.CtJxb6 CtJxf4 21.CtJxc8 CtJxe2t 22.Wxe2Wxc8=
12.�f4 tlJ b4!
On the previous move this idea was dubious,but here it works well.
13.11Mbl
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
81
13...Wie7
This move was played in Kolus - BulgariniTorres, e-mail 2008. Black is determined to
dine on the e4-pawn, but the plan is a little
too risky.14.a3!N
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14. . . CtJ xe4 ! ?
There is no way back for the brave.
Of course 14...CtJa6 could be played as a lastresort, but after IS.eSt White is just better.
IS.ibS!
IS.axb4 gives Black a choice of acceptablelines: IS...ixc3 (IS...CtJxc3 16.bxc3 ixc3
17.ibS! [17.ie3? cxb4 + ] 17...ixel
18.Wxel Wxel t 19.CtJxe1 �e4 20.ixd6
�xb4 21.ifl �d4 22.ixcS �xdS=) 16.bxc3
CtJxc3 17.ifl CtJxbl 18.�xe7 �xe7 19.�xbl
�e4 20.ixd6 �xb4 21.�xb4 cxb4 22.ixb4
ixf3 23.gxf3 �d8 24.d6 a6 2S.f4 bS=IS...ixc3 16.bxc3 CtJxdS 17.ixe8
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
82 e4 Systems
17.. ..ixf3
17...CtJdxc3? 18.Wid3 �xe8 19.id2! c4
20.Wixc4 d5 21.Wixc3 CtJxc3 22.�xe7 �xe7
23.ixc3+-
17...ifS?! 18.ixd6! CtJxd6 19.Wia2:t
18.Wid3!
18.gxf3 CtJxf4 19 .�xe4 Wi gst 20. <j{fl Wi g2t21 . <j{ e 1 Wig 1 t 22. <j{ d2 Wi xf2 t 23. <j{ c 1 CtJ e2 t24.�xe2 Wixe2 2S.ixf7t <j{xf7 26.Wixb7t<j{f6 27.Wixa8 Wifl t 28.<j{b2 Wie2t=
18...CtJxf4 19.Wixf3 �xe8 20.Wixf4 WieS
21.WixeS �xeS 22.�e3 <j{f8 23.f3 CtJf6 24.�xeS
dxeS 2S.�bl b6t
After all the fireworks Black will have to
fight for a draw in the endgame.
14.�g514.ie3 c4! can be compared with the main
line; here too Black has promising counterplay.
14...�f6 15.�h6 c4!
Black needs to make use of the knight on b4
before it is driven away.
16.a3 �xf3 17.axb4 �xe2 18.�xe2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
19.�xg511Mxg5 20.g3 �f4iThe initiative is with Black.
B) 10.�d2
8.i11.i.�.i�._
7 ifi_ �i�r 6 um7.� 7-_ 7._'1����'%,UU7.� /�mu;�
:�B�'!_��3 ���� ���/, ,�m";7.'n//- ��'0 ��,�2 A �f)� r.� � i� A i�
o iO/:: ..�;�iO% 0 iO
1 , � UU7.� iV��fm u"a bed e f g h
Even if you favour the 9...ig4 line, it isimportant to know something about this
position as it can also arise through the Knight's
Tour Variation, while some of the ensuing lineswith f2-f4 can occur via the Four Pawns. From
here I will consider two approaches for Black:Bl) 10...�a6 and B2) 10...�bd7.
B 1) 10... tlJ a6
The knight is heading for c7. The variation is
solid but lacking in active prospects for Black,so it would not be my first choice.
11.f3
White overprotects the e4-pawn in order toprepare CtJ c4.
11...tlJc7
From here the knight will support the ...bSbreak. If White tries to prevent it with a4-aS,
then the knight may come forwards to bS andlater to d4.
12.a4 �d7
This modern line has been used by a few top
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8
players. I will discuss a couple of other ideasas well:
12...CtJhS? With most of the pieces on the backrank it is a lost cause to start an attack so early.13.CtJc4 id4 t 14. rJlh 1 fS (14...Wih4 IS.Wie 1
Wif6 16.id3:t Furman - Kirchberg, e-mail200S.) IS.g4 fxg4 16.fxg4 CtJf6 17.igS! �f818.if3 Wid7 Now in Delchev - A. Kovacevic,
Zadar 2007, White could have obtained a
serious advantage with 19.CtJe2!N.
Historically, Black's most popular option hasbeen:
12. . . b6 13. CtJ c4 ia6
Black wants to exchange the worse of his two
bishops for the annoying knight on c4.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.igS14.CtJe3 ixe2 IS.Wixe2 a6 16.g4 �b8�Karasev - Stein, Leningrad 1971.
14...Wid7
14...h6?! IS.ie3 ixc4 16.ixc4 a6 17.Wid2
rJlh7 18.�abl Wid7 19.b4 bS 20.ie2 c4
21.aSt
This position occurred in several games inthe later decades of the last century, but most
Benoni players avoid it nowadays. Black has
no serious weaknesses, but his position is
passive and generally unappealing.IS.Wid2ixc416.ixc4a617.Wd3
White has two bishops and more space.
Black's only real option is to aim for kingside
counterplay.
83
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17...CtJhS 18.rJlhl
The direct 18.g4!? is also promIsIng:
18...id4t 19.rJlhl CtJg7 (Or 19...CtJf620.�abl intending b2-b4 with an edgeto White, Banet - Chiru, e-mail 200S.)
20.id2 fS?! Evdokimov - Berg, Helsingor2008. 21.gxfSN gxfS 22.b4:t
18...h6 19.id2 gS 20.�fbl CtJf4Zilka - Fauland, Austria 2011. Now the
right way would have been:
21.ixf4N gxf4 22.Wid2 ieS 23.CtJe2 bS24.id3 Wie7 2S.CtJxf4:t
Black has no real compensation.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e g
Returning to the main line, White has two
main options: coming forward immediately
with Bll) 13.tlJc4 and waiting withB12) 13.�hl.
84 e4 Systems
Bll) 13.�c4 �e5
Black's previous move prepared this method of
challenging the strong knight.
14.�e3 f5 15.exfS
IS.f4?! is an inaccurate move order which
needlessly gives Black an additional option:IS... CtJf7 16.exfS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15...gxf5 16.f4 �f7Both sides have strengths and weaknesses
here, but overall White's chances seem to be
slightly higher.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
17.<tt>hl b6 IS.�d3 �h6
The knight does not sit prettily here, butthere was not much choice as the fS-pawnneeded to be defended. 18. .. Wi f6 can be met
by 19.Wic2 forcing 19...CtJh6 when we reachthe main line.
19.11Mc211Mf6 20.�d2 �d7
8 ��7.'N/.!-*�7??� ..i.� � iu,j�,�um��'0 �:</-"L'%u�7.'n/�6 ��������./:: i.% �g� /g)
5 /, u"'/'.lr� 'l%� /um4 !��"3�����//h �7.'n//- �7.'N/2uu%�3_ m�m _
�Wf(i\iiiiW�'uu;� � �W{ff2 �d��oo �O�O
1 /,�'U'7._mu�� iW�/,"'� - � -\a bed e f g h
21.�f3!
This rook has the potential to cause a lot oftrouble on the third rank.
21...<tt>hS
Black can also consider 21...�e7 22.�g3�ae8 as played in Koneru - Siebrecht,
Differdange 2007, after which 23.�fl Nt looks
like a logical way to build up White's position.
22.�af1 �e7 23.�h3 11Mf7
Another idea is 23...�ae8N 24.CtJcdl Wif8
2S.ic3 ixc3 26.Wixc3t rJl g 8, when Whiteremains a bit better but Black is certainly in
the game.
24.�c4 11Mg6 25.�g3 �g4 26.h3 h5?!An understandable attempt to complicate
the position, but objectively it is insufficient.
26... Wi f6!N t should have been preferred.
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8
8.i � �_U_///,'0 �/.'n/�%U"_//h'0;'U"��� �� A ��� �Ki
7 /'/� �_� .JL�� �
6 %,,,,/..,,,m_uu,v._ ii� 5 .uu/'_�/'� f� i 4!�lS_��lu�7.'0//- �� �u"%%u,,�3� ��U �82 % �VW� %_'�Y-�1 .",,/..mo%_ r_�
a bed e f g h
27.hxg4!N
27.CtJe3?! maintained a slight plus but Blackwas eventually able to draw in Kramnik -
Topalov, Monte Carlo (rapid) 2001.
27...hxg428.tlJe3White faces some temporary coordination
problems, but eventually his extra piece should
tell. A possible continuation is:
28...�d4 29.tlJe2 �xe3 30.�xe3 �xe3
31.�xe3 tlJxd5 32.�d2 tlJf6 33.b4 g334. c;t>gl +-
B12) 13.c;t>hl
8.iM.i.�.i�.�7 ".i)_f�r6 %uu/'� '/,,,u;� �� 'l�� 5 � �.�%� ��!��Uu%� ,� ��: �����!���,�,u";/.'n//- �� ��,�2 t� ���8t�1 ��,u,%_iV_ r.�
a bed e f g h
13...b6 14.�a3!?
I decided to analyse this somewhat rare
move, in order to provide a contrast with the
85
previous variation with 13.CtJc4. However, Ishould not hide that fact that the knight moveleads to some advantage for White in this
position too:14.CtJc4 CtJeS IS.CtJe3 �b8
IS...fS 16.f4 CtJf7 17.exfS gxfS leads back tovariation B 11, which favours White as we
have already seen.16.id2 a6 17.f4 CtJd7 18.CtJc4 CtJf6 19.if3 bS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
86 e4 Systems
25.'tJd5!N ixb2 26.�a7 �b7 27.�a8
White has a serious initiative - the main
threat is f4-f5.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...11Me7
Although this position should be close to
equal, Black remains at a small but unpleasant
disadvantage.
15.a5!
15.'tJb5 is slightly less accurate: 15...CtJxb516.ixbS E1:d8 17.aS a6 18.ic6 �b8= Kramnik
- Topalov, Dortmund 2001.
15...�b7
15...a6!?N
I was hoping to find something encouraging
here, but if White finds a few good moves
the situation will be anything but rosy.16.axb6 CtJxb6 17 .�b3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17... 'tJ bxd5!?
This was my big idea, but it does not quitework.
Objectively 17...CtJb5 is the best chance,followed by attempting to hold the ensuing
pawn-down endgame: 18.'tJxb5 axb519.ixb5 id7 20.ixd7 'tJxd7 21.'tJc4 'tJe5
22.CtJe3 �eb8 23.�xb8t �xb8t
18.exd5 ixc3 19.�xc3 Wixe2 20.'tJe4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
20.. .�xe4
20...Wixdl 21.�xdl �e7 22.igS! (22.'tJxd6'tJxd5 23.�xcS ie6t) 22...f6 23.CtJxf6t <j{h824.CtJe4 �d7 2S.�b3 CtJbS 26.E1:e3:t
21.fxe4 Wixe4 22.�e3 Wih4 23.b4! cxb4 24.Wic2
Wi d8 25.ib2 CtJxd5
25...id726.Wic4+-
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8
8 ��fN/�;I.:�
7 ��.i.�.;A))E i m i 6 uu'7.w6uU'.'''d/-� 'l�� 5 ri'U'%.�%_�_4 /'UU7.� m"7._l� ��"", �7.'n//- �� ��3;� � �8�
2 �u'�d,uu�mr_��1 .,u'�.iW_r.�
a bed e f g h
16.tlJb5 tlJxb5N
This is a better chance than 16...CtJf6?!
17.CtJxc7 Wixc7 18.ibS:t as occurred in
Mamedyarov - Ivanchuk, Khanty-Mansiysk(01) 2010.
17.�xb5 �ed8�
Black has reasonable defensive chances, but I
don't see any active ideas for him.
B2) 10...tlJbd7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c d e f g h
This normally leads to a more complicated
position than 10...CtJa6, and is my primaryrecommendation. As with most major opening
tabiyas, a whole host of different moves havebeen tried at one time or another, but I will
87
focus on the three most important ones: B21)II.f4, B22) 11.11Mc2 and B23) II.a4.
Before diving into the analysis, let me explain
a bit about the different move orders. Thingscan get rather confusing as the moves a2-a4and ...a6 can be played at any moment. (For
example, in many games Black has favoured
the move order 10...a6 II.a4 CtJbd7, leadingimmediately to variation B232 on page 93.)
The other two lines will cover some specific
situations in which Black may steer the game
in a different direction, hoping to exploit the
absence of the.. .a6 move in some way.
B21) II.f4
8.i_.i.B.i�._, ,�� 'SUdX� ��'h?�: ���a��f�� ��,�m'7.� /�"m;�: �J�'!���� �7.'N//- � um7.3�m__2 :o,uu;ff[jl� l�
z",,�,u'7.�;�mu;� �%'i{m'1� �iV_1:tma bed e f g h
White supports a future e4-eS push, while
also stopping the black knight from going to
eS. Fortunately this piece has another way to
get active.
11...c4!
The same move can be played with or withoutthe inclusion of the moves a2-a4 and ...a6, but
we will see that leaving the a-pawns at home
should benefit Black slightly. The positionafter 11...a6 12.a4 c4 will be examined later in
variation B23212, beginning on page 9S.
12. <tt>hl
88 e4 Systems
After 12.ixc4 CtJ cS Black immediately
regains the pawn: 13.eS (13.ibS does nothelp: 13...�e7 14.�el? CtJg4 IS.eS CtJd3 +Nemec - Sikora Lerch, Stary Smokovec 1977.)13...dxeS 14.fxeS �xeS IS.f3 �e8+ B. Toth -
Velimirovic, Budva 1981.
12...llJc5 13.e5
There is no point in trying to protect the
pawn: 13.if3 bS! With pawns on a4 and a6,this would not be possible. 14.CtJxbS CtJfxe4IS.CtJxc4 �b8 16.CtJd4? (16.CtJba3 ia6+) Now
in Weber - Hartmann, Berlin 1972, Black
could already have got a winning position with16...ia6N-+.
13...dxe5 14.fxe5 �xe5 15.llJxc4
8.i�.i.� �..,����""�� �m'�
7 JI�i � �,,!�i 6 m _ .i_� ��� '��;r""';� � �5 � �_�O�� .
�� /,:uu;� ,uuy,� ��: �B���� ���,�"u,;� �� ��,�
2 �JI]r;P0-�-�ltj1 /,� �iV_1:t ��
a bed e f g h
15...�e8
lS...�fS is slightly less accurate. The stemgame continued: 16.if3 (The rare 16.if4!
seems more promising, and has made a heavy
score for White.) 16...CtJg4 (16...b6 17 .d6 �b818.CtJe3 �eS=) 17.CtJe3 CtJxe3 18.ixe3 b6=
Rytov - Tal, Tallinn 1979.
16.�g5 h6 17.�xf617.ih4 is well met by 17...CtJce4 18.CtJxe4
�xe4. Here we see another advantage of leavingthe a-pawns on their original squares, as after
19.ig3 WixdS the b6-square is protected and
White must fight for a draw as follows:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
20.WixdS CtJxdS 21.if3 �d4 22.�adl CtJb6
23.�xd4 ixd4 24.�dl if6 2S.b3 CtJxc4
26.bxc4 <j;>g7+ Hage - De Smet, corr. 1995.
17...�xf6 18.tlJb5 a6
Whi te has active knights and a passed
d-pawn, but Black has good prospects for
counterplay on the dark squares. We will
follow a top-flight game for a few more moves.
8 .i�.i.�.i�.�7 � f��"d�� f� �6 i- � �iW 5 � ��f�?#dj��",,,4 ��/�;� �� ��-�� �� ��3 �Y/.' � ���
2 8Wf!fi B�.8�
1 �d""�_I_r.�a bed e f g h
19.1lJbd6 �f8 20.b4 llJa4 21.�cl llJc3
22.11Md2 b5 23.�xc3 bxc4 24.llJe4 �xc3
25.11Mxc3 f5 26.llJc5
This position was reached in Jobava -
Radjabov, Novi Sad 2009. White has made
an interesting exchange sacrifice, but I believe
Black could have maintained at least equalchances with:
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8
8 .I � .i.� ��e> �� �� "",z� umY-�� f� ��-�,�� �/,'n//- �� �7. �"u5_ m8�i�
4 ��l';_�_��3 �j'm'�� %� %�-� %,uu� �'l" �28� ���8�
1 � �_��,r.�a bed e f g h
26...i>h7N 27.�xc4 �a7!f!
Intending ...Wd6 and rook(s) to the e-file.
B22) 11.11Mc2
8.i_.i.�.i�._�,/�� 'S"u�%0 �7. ,��
7 �i_A))-i�i 6 /'u,,7.� �_ �l6fl�� 5 � �.lr� /�",,,;��� um� �� �"4 _ _8_ �3���������'�Um;7.'N//- ��'0 �% '�2 8 �iV��¥� 8 �
�f#tuu7.wKmu,_w7._""1 �� � .��
a bed e f g h
White overprotects the e4-pawn and
prepares CtJc4.
11...�e5
Black can postpone moving his a-pawn fora moment. Instead 11...a6 12.a4 reaches line
B2322 on page 96.
When discussing the present variation one
cannot avoid mentioning the following move:11...CtJhS!?
This was famously played by Fisher in his
match against Spassky.
89
12.ixhS gxhS
8XU.ti.iX�..
7 .r.l.I). i.r 6 'uu�� �. �� iL1��9�i.�. i
: ��uj.�. ��� � �
3 � � ��" ,�,u";",,,,,, ��'1< ��,�2 ��if� wfj�w�
1 ,_''''''If'''mB :m ''''a bed e f g h
The idea of allowing doubled h-pawns was
revolutionary at the time. Despite Fischer's
eventual success, the plan is considered
strategically risky and most Benoni players
do not trust it nowadays. I will give a few
more moves of the game for historicalin terest.
13.CtJc4
13.a4 CtJeS transposes to a slightly more
popular version of the ... CtJ hS idea. Fromhere 14.CtJdl has scored heavily for White,
and 14.b3!? may also be a good move.13...CtJeS 14.CtJe3 Wh4 IS.id2?!
Too timid.
White could have obtained some advantagewith: IS.f3! id7 16.a4 a6?! (16...Wf6N
17.We2t) Pojedziniec - Widera, PolanicaZdroj 2010, and now 17.CtJe2!N Wf618.CtJg3:t with a firm grip on the fS-square.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
90 e4 Systems
lS...CtJg4 16.CtJxg4 hxg4=Spassky - Fischer, Reykjavik (3) 1972.
Having straightened out his kingside pawns,Black had a comfortable position and went on
to outplay his opponent.
12.f4?!
Stopping ...gS, but this is too risky without
preparation. The superior 12.a4 transposes to
the later variation B231 on page 91. As you
will see, from that position Black can opt forthe main lines with 12...a6 or venture the
quirkier 12...ig4!?
12...�eg4 13.�f3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13...c4!
This seems to be the most energetic.
13...We7!?N is also interesting, for instance:14.ibS CtJxe4 lS.ixe8 CtJxc3 16.bxc3 ifS
17.ixf7t Wxf7 18.Wb3 id3 19.�el c4t with
good play for the sacrificed exchange.
14.�xc4 b5
This more or less forces a draw.
If Black is determined to play for more he couldalso consider: 14...CtJxe4!?N lS.CtJxe4 ifS
16.id3 ixe4 17.ixe4 Wb6t 18.<j{hl �ac8
19.Wd3 CtJf2t 20.�xf2 Wxf2 21.id2 (21.ie3?
Wxb2) 21...fS 22.ixfS gxfS 23.WxfS oo
15.�xb511Mb6t 16.<tt>hl
8.i_J._.i_._'r� � ��'��
7 ,1�/-�"�'�W0 �/'�h'�7.i 6 � �� �_&��ei� �.% /�l A �
�L'''u,,� mu/'� /mu,�5_��8�,�4 m m8�A))��7.'u//- �� m"/'�3 � m _��2��jf_�_��1 �im�� �� r.�/, //� /,:" / � �\
a bed e f g h
16...�xe4! 17.�xe8 �ef2t 18.<tt>gl �h3t19.<tt>hl �gf2t
Obviously 19...Wg1 t?? does not work due to20.CtJxg1.
20.�xfl �xflt 21.<tt>gl �h3t 22.<tt>hl�f2t 23.<tt>gl �h3t
Y2-Y2 Kaposztas - Meleghegyi, Salgotarjan1977.
B23) II.a4
8 J�£E!-;�7 ��imA))mi�i
6 /,m,/,_ �� �_'l�� 5 � �_8�� '/u",;����uu�� �� ��4 8� �8� �3��� � ���'%L";�:,//-� ��'''0 ��,�2 W� ���w� 8 r�
1 �_""h l1jPWim uu/ /, �I /:: u
a bed e f g h
This typical pawn move is not only useful in
preventing ...bS, but also enables the queen's
rook to enter the game via the a3-square. Here
I considered the independent possibility of
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9.. .�e8
B231) 11...tlJe5, but focused mainly on B232)11...a6, which reaches a popular position that
can arise via many different move orders.
B231) 11...tlJe5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
With this move Black activates his pieces in
the centre while potentially trying to save a
tempo by doing without the ...a6 move.
12.11Mc2
The immediate attempt to chase the knight
meets with a stern punishment: 12.f4? CtJeg413.CtJc4?! This is the move White would like to
play, but it fails for tactical reasons:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
91
12J��a3 gS 13.Wc2 resembles variation B23222on page 98, and may transpose immediately ifBlack plays 13...a6.
8.i-.i.E.i_._�� ,,,,,7. �� ��
7 ,I i _///. _/,�_ i 6 _ _ �i�5 �¥�7..um;��� �Lj� '/"m;� ��
4 8 �F/\�j �� �3 ��,��'1�;n//-� ��'''0 ��,�2 r�iV����r� 8 r�
'�tuu?-wK"uu� m � � 'w%r«""1�� 00 ���/, / " ,� // %
a bed e f g h
12...�g4!?A rare move, but one which I believe deserves
attention.
12...a61eads to variation B23222, while 12...gS13J��a3 is the same as the 12J��a3 note above.
13.f3
This seems like the most ambitious attempt.
13.ixg4 CtJ fxg4 14. h3 CtJ f6Black should have no problems here, as he
has managed to exchange a pair of minor
pieces while White's remaining bishop is still
undeveloped.lS.f4 CtJed7 16.CtJf3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
92 e4 Systems
16.. .c4!N
I found one game which continued:16.. .�c8 17 .�e 1 c4 18.eS dxeS 19.fxeS
CtJxdS?! 20.CtJxdS CtJxeS 21.CtJxeS WixdS
22.CtJf3 �xel t 23.CtJxel c3 24.b3 Kozul -
Chatalbashev, Zagreb 2010. The machine
rates this position as close to equal, but I
don't see a great deal of compensation for
Black and in the game he lost quickly.
Black can improve on that line with
19...CtJhS!?N but after best play it gets himno more than equality: 20.igS f6 21.exf6Wib6t 22.Wif2 Wixf2t 23.<j{xf2 CtJhxf6=
I like the text move more, as it gives the
knight faster access to the cS-square while
avoiding the drama and complications of
the aforementioned game.1 7.ie3
17.�el? CtJcS+
17...a6 18.�fel WiaS
Black has a good position.
8.1- �.i_.�'�� �""�� ��,��
7 /,�£ -�'0 -7.4J�£6 � f� _i_ 5 �.�r.'u,,;_ �4 !� U'U7._/�u_f�3 ������'��,�m";�:,//� �W& ��,�2 �iV:�:�_8f�
;�t'm7.W�m";. �_uu ,1 � � .��
a bed e f g h
13...�d7
The bishop retreats, having provoked a slightweakening of White's kingside. The f6-knightis already eyeing the hS- and f4-squares, while
the bishop dreams of delivering a deadly checkfrom d4.
14.tlJc4
Usually White would prefer not to exchange
these knights, but he needs to develop his
queenside pieces somehow.
14.CtJdl CtJhS IS.g3 occurred in Galliamova- Cmilyte, Nalchik 2011, and here IS...fS!?N
looks promising for Black.
14.f4 CtJeg4 IS.CtJc4? is worse, and led tocrushing defeats for White in two games:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
14...tlJxc4 15.�xc4
17.<tt>hl
Now the knight must decide where to go.
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9..j��e8
17...tlJf6!N
I prefer this over the more obvious 17...CtJg7,after which 18.if4 hS 19.h3 Wh4 20.Wh2!
tpaintained an edge for White in Markus -Dvirnyy, Nova Gorica 2011.
The text move keeps the knight in a better
position. In the aforementioned game Blackmay have been rei uctan t to leave his dark-
squared bishop short of squares, but I have not
found a convincing way for White to exploitthis.
.i- E.i�.�
� �if� 1:� f� i 6 �"U�� �_�_f�/, ��'�U"7.� /�"u,;�5 �������� ��: � -I!�'!'���iW� �� ��2 %""J,,��,% �� �W},,,
la � _1:t_�a bed e f g h
18.tlJe2 �e5 19.tlJf4
19.f4? loses at least a pawn after 19...id4.
19...�d4!?
The tempting 19...hS?! is not quite correct.
I spent some time checking variations such
as 20.gxhS ixf4 21.ixf4 CtJxhS 22.ie3 a623.aS Wh4, but eventually judged that thetremendous potential of White's dark-squared
bishop was more significant the slight damage
to his kingside.
If Black does not wish to allow the weakening
of his own kingside structure, then 19...ic8!?could be considered, in order to free the d7-
square for the knight.
20.g5
20.CtJe2= repeats the position.
93
20...tlJh5 21.tlJxh5 gxh5=Black's position seems okay, as it will be hard
for White to get to the weak hS-pawn without
leaving himself exposed in some other area.
B232) 11...a6
This pOSItlOn can be considered the most
significant branching point of the present
chapter. It has occurred in over a thousand
games, via numerous move orders whereby
Black plays ...a6 and White answers with a2-a4
at some stage in the opening. We will consider
two main plans for White: B2321) 12.f4 andB2322) 12.11Mc2.
B2321) 12.f4
8.i�.i.E.i�._� �� �,,3� ��,�7.i.4).i�i
6 r� �_�_'l��5 � �.�7.� /�'uu;�!��""%� !���
: � �m�� ""'7.���,�""u�:'//-� �� ��,�2 r� :��_8r�1 � ""7. �i!i� 1M ""/ u" , / " ,� � //u,
a bed e f g h
If White wishes to playa set-up with f2-f4,it would be advisable for him to aim for this
version with the pawns already on a6 and a4.
Compared with the earlier variation B21, the
inclusion of those two pawn moves should
help White slightly should Black play ...c4.
Here I have analysed two replies for Black:B23211) 12...�b8 and B23212) 12...c4.
(Even though the latter move com pares a Ii tdeunfavourably with variation B21, it is still
qui te playable.)
94 e4 Systems
B23211) 12...�b8
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
13. i>hl
This has been the most popular move.Several others have been tried, but as usual I
will keep the focus on what I believe to be the
most important lines.
One noteworthy game continued 13.aS bS14.axb6 ttJxb6 lS.rJlhl c4 16.�a3 Wc7=
17.b4?! cxb3 18.�xb3ttJfd7 with good play forBlack in Navara - Gashimov, Reggio Emilia2007.
It is also worth pointing out that 13.Wc2transposes to variation B23221, which can be
found on page 96.
13...11Mc714.e5!?
This is by no means forced, but it certainlyseems to be the critical move.
14...dxe5 15.tlJc4 b5
This forcing move has been Black's most
popular reply.
lS...e4!? leads to an interesting struggle,although after 16.fS �a8 17.if4 Wd8 White'schances were slightly higher in Ponomariov -Gashimov, Nice 2010.
IS...b6!?
This rare move deserves consideration.
16.fxeS ttJxeS 17.d6
17.ttJxeS �xeS 18.if4 ttJe8 00
17...Wd7 18.igSttJfg4 19.ttJdSttJxc4 20.ixc4ttJeS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
21.�xf7!?
A beautiful combination, even if it not
entirely correct.21...ttJxf7 22.ttJe7t rJlh8 23.ixf7 �f8
The simple 23...ib7!?N 24.ixe8 �xe81eavesBlack with an excellent position where his
bishops dominate the board. 2S.Wd2 �f8 +24.ixg6 Wg4 2S.Wd2 id7 26.ic2 Wd427.We2 ig4 28.Wel
Now in Jobava - Vocaturo, Reggio Emilia2009, Black could have taken control with:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8
8 ����_;.7 � �T3�6J�i�i�� ",,,7. � Jum%6i� � _i���'''0 ��,�uu;�5 �i��8�� �
4 r.�B�''''�� ��3 � �����U,,��2 ��,,,u,�!�!�
m1u,,7.�'0 �� � . � u'u1� �iV�1:t��/. � ///
a bed e f g h
16.axb5 axb5 17.tlJxe5 c4
17...CtJxeS? has never been played for goodreason: 18.fxeS �xeS 19.if4 c4 20.Wid4 CtJd7
21.d6 WicS 22.ixeS ixeS 23.WixcS CtJxcS
24.CtJxbS id7 2S.CtJc7 CtJe4 26.ixc4 CtJxd6
27.idS:t
IS.tlJc6
In this sharp position I found an important
improvement over the existing games.
%""% . � %0 � �8 &�.i.�.i� .�
. u'u�\,<"<" �� � //h �?%o'�7 /mu.� & �� &�T3�. AWA
6 �� �� �_'l��, f� !� �"uu�: �� f� �����7.'N//- �� �"u%�3- � _ _��,�'uu;� �� ��'02 �[!fl _�_ 8 ��0m'iuu�w<;� �� ��uu1 �� jJiV�1:t.�a bed e f g h
IS...b4!N
Black can give up the exchange to fight forthe initiative.
19.tlJxbS
19.CtJa4 CtJxdS 20.WixdS? (20.CtJxb8 CtJxb8
21.if3 CtJe7 oo ) 20...ib7 21.if3 �e6 22.Wixc4
95
�xc6 23.ixc6 ixc6 24.Wib3 Wib7 +
19...bxc3 20.tlJxd7 �xd7 21.bxc3 tlJe4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
23.11Mel �g4 24.d6 h5tDespite being (temporarily at least) the
exchange and a pawn down, Black has more
than enough compensation.
B23212) 12...c4
This line closely resembles the earliervariation B21, and the reader may wish to turn
back to page 87 to compare the two paths.Once again I will point out the key places
96 e4 Systems
where the inclusion of the moves a2-a4 and
...a6 makes a difference.
13.<tt>hl
This has been the most popular reply, and
I think it is the strongest one available. Inthe event of 13.if3 Black does not have the
same... bS idea that was noted in line B21, but
13... CtJ cS still offers him a fine position.
13...tlJc5 14.e5
Once again 14.if3 is not too impressiveafter 14...id7, for instance: IS.eS dxeS 16.fxeS
�xeS 17.CtJxc4 �e8 18.if4 CtJfe4+ Ehlvest -
Szekely, Tallinn 1983.
14...dxe5 15.fxe5 �xe5 16.tlJxc4 �e8
16.. .�fS?! is risky as the rook is short of
squares: 17.if4 CtJfe4 18.CtJxe4 CtJxe4 19.Wc2CtJf6 20.CtJe3 WaS 21.CtJxfS ixfS 22.Wb3 WxdS
23.ic4+- Schmidt - Olszewski, Warsaw 2009.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
�xe4
21.�xh5 �xc4=
Hage - Ziegert, corr. 1999.
B2322) 12.11Mc2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
g
This move is more solid. White overprotects
the e4-pawn in preparation for f2-f4 and/
or CtJc4. We will investigate two responsesfor Black: B23221) 12...�b8 and B23222)
12...tlJe5.
B23221) 12...�b8
This move leads to a sharp struggle with White
preparing e4-eS and Black preparing ...bS.
13.f4
This has not been the most popular choice,
but it immediately transposes to a positionthat has occurred more frequently than that
after any other move. Therefore I will treat itas the main line.
It is also worth mentlOnIng: 13.CtJc4 CtJ b614.CtJe3 (14.CtJa3 We7 IS.aS CtJbd7 16.�el
bS 17.axb6 CtJxb6�) 14...We7 IS.f3 CtJhS! A
typical method to obtain counterplay on the
dark squares. 16.aS CtJd7 17.g3 id4 18.CtJcdlCtJeS 19.<j{hl ih3 20.�el
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...�e8
8 �� �.i�.�
7 �'iY.R �BTR i 6 i R .'''''''R iZ� 5 � z.lr. �� 1.1)4 "",zR uu,z.�"R ��3 �� "m%� ��r2 ��1�1i'� "",z�uuJ,,,,��,� �z'"'' ��}",1 � � tZJ�� .�
a bed e f g h
Now in Levar- Sutkovic, Rijeka 2011, Black
should have played 20...CtJf6N maintainingsufficient counterplay. 21.Wd2 CtJeg4!? 22.Wc2CtJeS= is one amusing line, although it wouldbe a shame if such a rich position were to end
in aprennature dravv.
8
7
6
5
3
2
1
14...b6!?
Black is waiting for the right moment to
spring forwards.
The main alternative is:
14...c4
This move is certainly spirited, although
Black may fall a little short of equality.IS.eS!
97
White should strive for the initiative instead
of material gains.
IS .ixc4 leads to an endgame where Black
is doing fine: IS...bS 16.axbS axbS 17.id3b4 18.CtJdl Wxc2 19.ixc2 CtJcS 20.CtJf2 b3
Black has good compensation, for instance:
21.ibl CtJg4!?N (21...ia6 22.�dl �b4Y2-Y2 Gauri - Homatidis, Chalkidiki 2007.)
22.CtJxg4 ixg4 23.�el �b4 24.h3 id72S.�a7?! fS+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
98 e4 Systems
But even here White maintains some
ini tiative.
19.CtJxeS �xeS 20.if4 �e8 21.if3 ib7
22.ixb7 �xb7 23.Wid3t
15.tlJc4
Most players have chosen this move, which
meets the challenge head-on. If White does
not want to follow this path then he could try
just about any sensible non-committal move.
In most cases Black can reply with either a
delayed ...c4 or the waiting move ...hS to
improve his prospects on the kingside.
15...b5 16.axb5 axb5 17.tlJxd6
This has been the most popular move but it
is not dangerous.
17.CtJaS!? is more challenging, but Black
is surviving and thriving here too. 17... b418.CtJbS Wb6N (18...�xbS!? was also
interesting in Lauber - Syperek, Halle 1993,
but I prefer the text move slightly.) 19.CtJc4WixbS 20.CtJxd6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17...11Mxd6 18.e5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
18...tlJxe5!?N
I like this new idea, although there is nothing
wrong with following the existing examples:18...Wib6 19.exf6 CtJxf6 (19...ixf6 20.ixbS
ixc3 21.ixd7 ixd7= B. Toth - Cosulich,
La Spezia 1973.) 20.ixbS �d8 21.ic4 ifS=Pulvett - Diamant, Montevideo 2009.
19.fxe5 �xe5 20.�f4 c4 21.�f3 �f5 22.�xe5
11Mxe5 23.11Mf2 b4;;
Not for the first time, Black has a pawn and
a promising initiative for the exchange.
B23222) 12...tlJe5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
b c d e f g h
I find this to be the more natural move, and
it does not lead to excessive complications.
Overall I would prefer this method of playing
Chapter 7 - Classical Variation with 9...:ge8
- not only is Black theoretically okay, he also
avoids having to learn too many long forcinglines.
, 13.�a3
This move is by no means uncommonin several Benoni lines. The rook waits on
standby, ready to swing into action if neededon the other side of the board.
13.h3 is the second most common move in
the position. Black can reply with the thematic
13...g5 14.CtJc4 CtJxc4 15.ixc4 g4 16.hxg4CtJxg4 17.if4 Wif6 (or 17...id4!?Nf!) with agood position, Napalkov - Grigoryev, corr.2004.
13.f4?! CtJeg4 is risky for White, for instance:14.CtJc4CtJxe415.CtJxe4id4t 16.<j{hl CtJxh2-+
Oxborough - Curnow, London 1973.
13...g5
This may look strange to the uninitiated,
but it has a clear positional justification. Black
is trying to conquer the dark squares in the
centre, keeping control of e5 and preparing apossible knight manoeuvre to f4 later.
A playable alternative is: 13...Wie7 14.h3(14.a5 ig4 15.ixg4 CtJfxg4 16. CtJa4 CtJd7 =Beliavsky - Jobava, Wijk aan Zee 2006)
14... g5 15. CtJ f3 CtJxf3 t 16.ixf3 g4 17.hxg4ixg4= Kopecky - Fuka, corr. 1987.
14.tlJdl
The knight is heading for e3 and perhapslater f5 - in White's dreams at least.
Here is an example showing what may happen
if White ignores his opponent's kingside play:
14.a5 g4 (14...id7 is another idea, with thepossible continuation 15.CtJdl g4 16.CtJe3Wie7f! intending ...h5 next.) 15.b3 CtJh516.CtJc4 Wif6 17.CtJdl? (17. <j{h 1 Nf!)
99
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...�d7
I prefer to finish development rather than
manoeuvring the already powerful knight to
a different outpost. Nevertheless the more
common 14...CtJg6 is playable too, for instance:15.CtJe3 CtJf4 16.idl b6 17.f3 �b8 18.g3 CtJg619.CtJdc4 This was Spraggett - Barlov, NewYork 1987, and now 19...Wic7N 20.ie2 b5
would have kept the position dynamically
eq ual.
15.a5 g4 16.tlJe311Me7 17.f417.�elN �ac8 18.b3 h5f!
8 H �.i . �.m�� �;k"L';��'¥�7�i_.i.�imi 6 i%- %_"u'/-�fm'��5 ��.�7..'uu;_4 /,uu/,� um7.� /y�,;� i_,Uu �� �7.'N/;ZUU7.�3�.��2 ,uu'��;�I�� :�
�Lm'7.�;�uu,,� ��'0{m1� � _1:t �a bed e f g h
17...gxf3 18.gxf3 �h3!?NA new idea, although 18...<j{h8 also gave
100 e4 Systems
Black reasonable chances in D. Berczes -
Bluvshtein, Budapest 2007.
19.�dl tlJh5t
Overall I like the scheme with ...CtJe5 and
...g5, as Black gets to follow a simple and active
plan without having to remember any complexvariations.
Conclusion
Black seems to be alive and well in the main
lines of the Classical Variation, whether they
involve wild complications or relatively calm
manoeuvring. As in other chapters I covered a
variety of playable options, so you can choosethe one that best matches your own style andtournamen t tactics.
e4 Systems
Classical Variation with ...ig4
Variation Index
l. d4 tl)f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tl)c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tl) f3
7...i,g7 8.i,e2 0-0 9.0-0A) 9...a6
B) 9...i,g4BI) 10.h3?!
B2) 10.tl)d2
B3) 10.i,f4
A) note to IS.aS
a bed e f
24...c4!N
Bl) note to 13..-'�Mc7!?
a bed e f g h
17...tDcS!N
102
109
109
110
III
B3) after 17.i.fl
g h
17...gS!?N
102 e4 Systems
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0
� �� It. W11 ���. � �8 .a�_�.JL�m� �B.�
'rmu;� "uJ� m"Y-m'�7 /'I� i � � �h'�� 6 B � _i�
��,�,u,7.� /"u,,;�5 ����I����: ���I���7. ,�",u;7. ��'0 ��,�2 t3J � _�� t3J r�
"u�""7.�;��.W7.�uu1 � ��.�?�a bed e f g h
The plan with ...ig4 is quite popularbecause it solves two of the problems that
Black traditionally faces in the Benoni. First
and foremost, he guarantees himself the chance
to exchange his light-squared bishop, which
might otherwise struggle to find a meaningfulrole in the game. Secondly, in the likely event
of the bishop taking the knight on f3, Black
will gain improved control over the e5-square,
making it hard for White to execute one of his
most important ideas.
If Black wants to put his bishop on g4, the firstdecision he must make is whether to insert
the preliminary moves ...a6 and a2-a4. I don't
know of a truly compelling reason to favour
one approach over the other, so I decided to
analyse both A) 9...a6 and B) 9...�g4.
A) 9...a6 10.a4 �g4
10...�e8 II.CtJd2 takes us back to the previouschapter.
11.�f4
II.CtJd2 can be compared with variation B2
on page 110.
In a recent game I encountered another idea:11.�e 1
This move does little to improve White's
position, and could prove to be a loss oftime.
11...�e8 12.CtJd2 ixe2 13.�xe2
Attempting to justify the rook's position.13.. . CtJ bd 7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.f4?!
This only succeeds in creating weaknesses in
White's camp.14. CtJ c4 CtJ b6 15. CtJ a3 W1 c7 16.a5 CtJ bd7
17.CtJc4 CtJg4 18.if4 CtJge5= Smirnov -Zhao, North Geelong 2011.
14...�c8
14...CtJh5!?N 15.CtJf3 c4+
15.a5 c4
Black often plays this move against a white
pawn on f4.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16.�a4?
This terrible move quickly backfires.
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ...�g4
16...CtJcS
Almost everything is wInnIng here, for
instance: 16...CtJg4!?N 17.CtJxc4 bS +17.�xc4 CtJd3 18.�xc8 Wixc8 + 19.CtJb3 Wic4
20.eS dxeS 21.fxeS CtJxdS 22.CtJxdS WixdS-+
Jepson - Petrov, Malmo 2012.
8.i� � � �_7 _1"_ "",/,_ '1/'_.�� ��'0 � , ��,j6 iB � _i�5 � �.�/,� /"",,;� ����""%� ��;���4 ,,8 �"M �� �,.i.
3'� m .�_��,�m";� �W"0 ��,�2 if� �j"if� 8 �1 ��""%� ;�j{�""/"m� � �, L, �
a bed e f g h
11...�e8!?
"Let him live" said he, and gave the knight
a chance to escape! This move leads to a more
complicated position.The alternative is, or course: 11...ixf3 Got
you! 12.ixf3 Wi e7 For more on this position,refer to the variation B3 on page Ill.
Personally I would choose to aim for this
posi tion, no matter in what move order.
12.tlJd2
White defends the e4-pawn and preparesthe usual knight dance here to c4. Usefully, his
dark-squared bishop has already developed as
opposed to being blocked on c 1.
12.h3? does not work: 12...CtJxe4! A nice
combination! 13.hxg4N (13.CtJxe4 �xe414.igS Wie8 IS.id3 ixf3 16.Wixf3 �b417.�ael ieS + Uhlmann - Fischer, Palma de
Mallorca 1970.) 13...ixc3 14.Wib3 ib4+
IfWhi te is determined to avoid exchanging his
light-squared bishop then he may try:
103
12.Wic2
Here the game is more positional and slow.12...Wic7 13.�fel
Here is an example involving the greatmaster of the Benoni: 13.b3 CtJbd7 14.�fel
�ab8 IS.aS �bc8 16.id2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16...c4!? A nice trick, and of course a
thematic one for this opening. 17. bxc4 CtJ cS18.h3 id7 19.ie3 CtJfxe4 20.id4 ixd4
21.CtJxd4= Tukmakov - Tal, Leningrad1971.
13...CtJbd7 14.aS
White has done quite well from this position,but I do not believe Black should be in much
danger.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
14...c4!?N
It's strange nobody has tested this thematic
move. Unlike several of the other examples
we have seen, here it is not even a pawnsacrifice!
104 e4 Systems
14...�ac8 was played in Kristiansen -
Ornstein, Polanica Zdroj 1975, and here
White could have claimed a slight edge with:15.�a4N �h5 16.id2t
14...�ab8 looks reasonable though, and
15.�d2 ixe2 16.�xe2 �e5 was equal in
Eperjesi - Perenyi, Hungary 1980.15 .�a4
Trying to prevent ...�c5, but Black canmodify the plan slightly.
15...b5 16.axb6 �xb6 17.�a5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8.1_ �.i�..7 W£l';� '''d/.� f�r_ I � '/ � " j';d'�6 i_ � �i�5 �.�/,� /�"m;� �4 !.mj_!�'�3 � ����mN%� '��'�''''''7.'n//- �W0 ��,�2 r� m�r�8r�
1 �""/'.iW.im""%" /,
a bed e f g h
12...�xe2 13.11Mxe2
This position can be compared with the later
variation B2, which begins on page 110. Itremains to be seen which side will benefit from
the inclusion of the moves if4 and .. .�e8.
13...tlJh5
This is necessary if Black is to develop the
other knight smoothly.
14.�e3 tlJd7
8.i� �.i�.-� ;s",,\1 ��,��7 i�4a)_i�i
6 ��,�""%� �� �5 �����8 �� �I: �BrP�_/' ��W�""';%'N/4.mN%�'''0 ��,�2 W�Wf}t[jiVr� 8 r�1 �Jf""h_ /""".im"u
a bed e f g h
15.a5
I also checked a few examples where White
advanced on the kingside.
15.g4 �hf6 16.f3 h6 17.<j{hl �e5 18.�gl b5(18...Wia5!?Nf!) 19.95 hxg5 20.ixg5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with.. .�g4
15.<j{hl
I faced this move a couple of years ago.
15...CtJe5 16.g4 CtJf6 17.�gl �b8 18.g5 CtJh519.f4 CtJd7=
White has gained some space but his
attacking chances remain low, while there
is always a chance he will be left with
weaknesses later in the game.
20.e5?
Too optimistic. The saner 20.a5N id4
21.Wif2 f6 22.gxf6 Wixf6 would have keptthe position balanced.
20...dxe5 21.f5 CtJf4 22.Wig4 CtJb6 23.ixf4exf4 24.f6 CtJxd5 25.CtJce4 if8-+
Dobrev - Petrov, Albena 2011.
8.1_ �.i-.-�, ,,,,,h � ��
7_i_�_i_i 6 i� _ �'i���'''0 ��,�UU%� �� �5 i� ��8_ .� 4 /'UU%� �UU%� 8� ��� "//- �///,,/ �3_ m � _��,�um;7.,u/d�L��'0 ��'02 �fr� ��\UlJ�f{� A �M
iO% . /�: � iO% 0 iO�'m�uu7.� �uuu_uu7.�'i(u"1 f� � �1:t�a bed e f g h
15...�d4
Although Black's bishop seems stronger than
105
its counterpart, it is not uncommon for Black
to exchange them with a view to exploiting theopponent's dark-square weaknesses.
15...Wic7?! has been played, but is too passive. . .
In my opInIon.
However, there is a more interesting alternativewhich could be considered:
15...Wih4
The queen supports the knight, which may
jump to f4 at any time.16.CtJc4
The most natural move.
16.CtJf3 Wie7= Malich - Suba, East Berlin
1979.
16.g3 Wih3 was balanced in AndresGonzalez - Reinaldo Castineira, Aviles
2000. It is worth pointing out the possiblecontinuation 17.CtJc4N CtJe5= 18.CtJxd6??
CtJg4 19.f3 CtJxe3 and Black wins.
8
7
6
4
3
2
1
16...CtJf4
16...ixc3? 17.bxc3 �xe4 18.CtJxd6 �e5:t
Van der Vliet - Grooten, Amsterdam 1983.
1 7.ixf4
17.Wif3 CtJe5 18.CtJxe5 ixe5 19.93 leads to
a roughly equal endgame after: 19...Wih520.Wixh5 CtJxh5 21.CtJa4 ig7 22.f3 f523.CtJb6 �ad8 24.ig5 ixb2 25.ixd8 ixal26.ic7?! (26.�xal N �xd8 oo ) 26...id4 t
27.<j{g2 fxe4 28.fxe4 CtJf6+ Toro Solis deOvando - Marcussi, corr. 1980.
106 e4 Systems
17.Wd2? has never been played and can be
refuted by means of a simple combination:
8 K� �K..�� �� ��'0
7�'.�.'.' 6 l. �� �.�i"� 5 ��.�". '..4 "",%� ::"'''� . &.%� ��?''''';� ","3��U�
��,�uu;/-/."L,/u//'��'0 A %�N2 �� � f�o�b
1 �""%_""'%_i=""a bed e f g h
17... CtJxg2! 18.ig5 (18. <j{xg2 Wi g4 t 19. <j{h 1ixc3 20.Wixc3 Wf3t 21.<j{gl �xe4 22.�fcl�ae8-+) 18...ixc3 19.bxc3 Wxe4 20.CtJxd6
W f3 21. CtJxe8 �xe8 The knight is oddlyplaced on g2, but at the same time highlyinfluential. 22.�a2 �e5 23.h4 h6 24.Widl
Wi xc3 25. <j{xg2 hxg5 +17...Wixf4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
18.g3 Wif6 19.f4 Wie7 20.�ael �ab8White has the centre, but Black has an
excellent bishop.
20...�ad8 21.Wif3t Tirabassi - Oakley, corr.1982.
21.e5?!
Premature. 21. <j{g2N would have givenWhite a slight plus.
21...dxe5 22.f5 b5 23.axb6 CtJxb6 24.CtJa5
24...c4!N
Improving over 24...Wid6 25.Wixa6 Auger -Morczeau, corr. 1993, after which 25...�a8N
26.CtJc4 CtJxc4 27.Wixc4 marginally favoursWhite.
25.Wf2
25.CtJc6 Wic5t 26.Wie3 Wixe3t 27.�xe3 �bc8
28.f6 if8 29.�xe5 �xe5 30.CtJxe5 id6
31.CtJg4 h5 32.CtJf2 ie5 33.CtJfe4 CtJd7+25...Wic7!
Black is targeting the vulnerable knight.
8 �. .K�..�''''Y;;''''�� ��'��7� � ....
� ;fu,,% �� /////��
6 .'. . ..� 5 �""'� [j. [j .4 �""'� f� '"'' '. ��%'O'%%�� '@''i.:3� �. �[!fl�� '1f"";� �zL"<l"'%�f�2 �.���
�uu/,� � � ��",uz"u'/'�'0{''''1 � 0Fr� Fr ,�,/
a bed e f g h
26.CtJc6 �bc8 27.CtJb4 Wid6 28.CtJxa6
28.CtJc2 e4+
28...CtJd7
28...CtJxd5 29.fxg6 fxg6 30.Wif7t <j{h831.CtJxd5 Wixa6 32.�al Wib5 33.�a7 �g834.CtJf6 Wi c5t 35.<j{g2 �cf8 36.CtJxg8 �xf737.�fxf7 Wic6t 38.<j{gl=
29.fxg6 fxg6 30.Wif7t <j{h8 31.CtJe4 Wib6t32.<j{g2 �cd8 33.CtJg5 Wixa6 34.CtJe6 if835.CtJxd8 �xd8+
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ...�g4
To summarize, 15...Wih4 leads to rich and
dynamic play. In general Black's chances are
pretty good, although White may be able to
claim an edge with precise play, as mentionedin the note to move 21 above.
16.g4Here are two other ideas:
16.CtJc4 Wif6 (16...Wic7 17.Wid3 CtJe5 18.CtJxe5
ixe5 is another idea) 17.Wid2 ixe3 18.Wixe3
CtJe5 19.CtJxe5 Wixe5= Pelletier - Mantovani,
Pula 1997.
16.�a4 can be met by 16...Wif6!? insisting on abattle for the dark squares. (16...ixe3 17.Wixe3f5 18.CtJc4t Olsen - Ruben, corr. 2001.)17.Wid3 CtJe5 18.ixd4 CtJxd3 19.ixf6 CtJxf6
20.�a3 �ad8= Blatsky - Hladik, corr. 1999.
16...tlJhf6 17.f3
Now Black must decide on which flank to
take action.
8.i� E.i�.�7 � r�i)� i�� i
6 i � W� �.1:i 5 � W.��_ �mm� 4 "u'7.� UU'7.� �_l�/, �7.'N/«um��'0 ��3� � �8�
��,�um;�:N/�'m'%� ��,�2 W� ��iV_ �1 _m'7..uuu�,i=uu
a bed e f g h
17...b5
The alternative is:
17...h5!? 18.g5 CtJh7 19.<j{hl CtJxg5NBlack can and should take the pawn.
19...b5 20.axb6 CtJxb6 21.�gl Wie722.Wid3ixe3 23.Wixe3t Laricchiuta - Volpi, corr.1987.
107
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
20.CtJc4 ixe3
20...ie5? does not work: 21.CtJa4 Wie7 22.f4
ixb2 23.CtJaxb2 Wixe4t 24.Wig2 Wixg2t25.<j{xg2 CtJe4 26.CtJa4:t
21.Wixe3 CtJe5 22.CtJxe5 dxe5
White has some positional compensation for
the pawn, but no definitive advantage that I
can see. A possible continuation is:23.f4 exf4 24.Wixf4 Wie7 25.�ael Wie5 26.h4
Wixf4 27.�xf4 CtJh7 28.e5 oo
18.axb6 tlJxb6 19.tlJdl
108 e4 Systems
20.h3? is the only move to have been played,
but it allows Black to obtain an improvedversion of the main line: 20...CtJbxd5!
21.exd5 CtJxd5 22.CtJc4 �b8 23.�a3 �b4 +
Rajkovic - De Firmian, Vrsac 1983. By
comparison with the main line, the move h2-h3 has seriously weakened White's kingside.
20...cxd421.Wif2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Both kings are in danger, and the positionbalances out to equality in a few moves.
26...�g8 27.Wih6t CtJh7t 28.�g3 Wie7 29.CtJf3�xg3t 30.hxg3 �g8 31.Wif4 d3=
20.exd5 tlJxd5i 21.tlJc4
I left my engine running on this position for
a while, but the only enlightenment I receivedwas a list of lines with zeroes in evaluation.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
21...£5
Here are a couple of playable alternatives:
21... Wi f6N 22. Wi d2 CtJxe3 23. CtJ cxe3 �e5
(23...�ab8 24.�a3 ixb2 25.CtJxb2 �xb2
26.Wic3 Wixc3 27.�xc3 �e2 28.CtJd5 <j{g729.�f2t) 24.<j{hl �ae8 25.�a3 Wie7 26.CtJg2�e2 27.Wid3 Wig5 28.�xa6 Wid2 Black hasno problems in this endgame, despite being
a piece down. 29.Wixd2 �xd2 30.CtJf4 ie531.CtJg2 id4=
21.. .�b8N 22.�a3 �b4 23. <j{ h 1 �xc4
(23...Wib8 24.�el CtJxe3 25.CtJcxe3 ixb2
26.�xa6 �b3 27.Wid2 id4 28.CtJc2 �xel t
29.CtJxel oo ) 24.Wixc4 CtJxe3 25.CtJxe3 ixe3=
22.f4 fxg4 23.�a3 tlJxe3 24.tlJcxe3 11Md725.11Mg2 h5 26.@hl @g7Nex»
26...Wie6? 27.f5 was winning for White inKorchnoi - Nunn, London 1980, but the text
move keeps the position double-edged.
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ....ig4
B) 9...�g4
'=' ?- � ��� � � �8 '&/g): �FS� �� �
7 'lu_ "u,%� '1Y,� i 6 /,"u�� �_ �"r�5 � �_�/,� /�u",;��� �uu%� � �4 _ _8_.i.�3 � ������'w�um;� 'WM 'W�2 0 �c1 _ dibfr� 0 frb
, uu�''',%�/� �.uU%fb:'ifu"1� �iV_1:tma bed e f g h
From here White's three most popularcontinuations have been: Bl) 10.h3?!, B2)
10.tlJd2 and B3) 10.�f4.
Bl) 10.h3?!
This has been played in well over a hundred
games, but it is practically a waste of a
tempo as Black is usually willing to take on
f3 voluntarily. This does not mean White is
immediately worse, but at the same time it can
hardly be good for his chances of achieving an
opening advantage.
10...�xf3 11.�xf3 a6
11...CtJbd7 12.if4 Wie7 13.�el a6 14.a4
�fe8 is another route to the 13...We7 line
noted below.
12.a4 tlJbd7 13.�f4 YMc7!?
In the analogous position from line B3,
this move would be slightly risky, for reasons
noted on page 111. Here on the other hand,the wasted h2-h3 move noticeably improvesBlack's chances.
Of course there is nothing at all wrong with
the more traditional queen move:13...Wie7
109
From here the queen supports the ...CtJe5move if and when it is needed.
14.�el �fe8 15.Wic2
15.ih2 seems odd, and after 15....�ac8
16.a5 c4 Black was fine in Van Hoolandt 7""
Chatalbashev, Val Thorens 2008.
15...c4 16.ig3 �ac8 17.�adlNow in Petkov - Berelowitsch, Eupen 2007,
Black could have played:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
8.i� � ��._�;<"L'i �� "u'�m'��7�iii4l1�i.i 6 i%_ "'u/,_ �l6fl��
��'�U"7.� /YU'd;�: ����i ��7���8 �7.'n//- ���7. '3� � _�B8
��,�um;� ��'0 � � %�2 if[j _ if[j 8 �UUr{'d'�� �.""%fb:'0�1,� �,iV.1:t�a bed e f g h
14.11Mc2 �fe8 15.�fel c4 16.�e2 �ac8 17.a5
17.�acl �e7 18.ifl �ce8 19.Wibl CtJh5
20.ig5 occurred in Tsatsalashvili - Kushka,Rijeka 2010, and now 20...if6N 21.ie3 ixc322.�xc3 �xe4 would have been equal.
17...tlJc5
110 e4 Systems
This leads to mass exchanges culminating in
an amusing draw.
s _.1 _ -.1-.-'S �� ��,�
7 �itj ��,-i 6i� _ _i� 5 � �.�7.� /./um;�mu7. /Ym,,; �"�,4 _i-8� �3 �rn �� m"%� 82 ��ii� ,�!�
""/"',% � % �%UU�Uu"'�,�1 ��� � � ��� ����f��, % /, , " //, ,; ,
a bed e f g h
18.�xc4 tlJcxe4 19.tlJxe4 �xe4 20.�xe4
tlJxe4 21.11Mxe4 11Mxc4 22.�cl
22.Wixc4 �xc4 23.ixd6 ixb2 24.�bl �cl t
25.�xcl ixcl= Forintos - Anka, Hungary2005.
22...11Mxe4 23.�xc8t �f8 24.�h6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
25.@h211Me5t 26.@gl1;2-1;2 Rezsek - Leviczki, Balatonlelle 2009.
B2) 10.tlJd2
s.i� B ��._'r"u,,� "'''''� "m/'m'��
7 ",1�4 ��p �7.�t�4 6 _ ff� .i���'if'U'7.� /�um;�
: �J�i!_f_3 rn � ���,�""';�:'//� ��'''0 ��,�2 A ��� ,�� � �ff� A ��o iQ/:: /)£J: � iO/:: 0 iQ
1 �""7. l1ji.[M U"a bed e f g h
Compared with the 12.CtJd2 move seen inthe main line of variation A, here the knight
retreat has the disadvantage of blocking the
dark-squared bishop on its original square.
This means that when the knight arrives on c4,
it can be chased away before the bishop arrives
on f4 to attack the d6-pawn.
10...�xe2 11.11Mxe2 a6 12.a4 tlJ bd7 13.tlJc4
tlJb614.tlJe311Me7
14...�e8 is slightly less accurate: 15.a5 CtJ bd7(15... CtJc8 16.f3 CtJd7t) 16. CtJc4 CtJe5 17. CtJ b6
�b8 18.ig5t Black's pieces are slightly lackingin coordination and he still has to work for
equality.
s 2 � ��.-� �� �;('<"L'/'''U��'��7 �%t �///o'0iit�!� � %i6 i � . � �� I � � . � i ��' , � � ' ,
5 � /./um;.��� /�u"';�4 !��uu��!� ��� �7.'n//- �7.'N//- �� �3� m m _� ..�uu,; //uu,; �
� � '� @/0 � � iV � � '% 8 � � '�2 �� � �� �� �� % :%I % :%I /::
uu/uu%/,/ '/ � �. � ,,,u%/,//,i'%uu��� W� ���1 f� � ���
a bed e f g h
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ....ig4
15.a5 tlJbd7 16.tlJc4 tlJe5 17.tlJb6 �ae8!
Compared with the previous note, it is
obvious that Black's pieces are working moreharmoniously here.
18.�g5 h6 19.�h4
8 � _.i��.m� l� %��"d'''''Y-�'�7 �7.! �///o,J'it t!�� '0 6 &�� �� P_&W�. ,�, �.� ,g)' . �.
5 �"u';_�7-.L";� "m'u,,/,� m"7.� /��';� ��4 �7.'N//- �7. �� �m3�m_�
��,�,,,,,;7. ��'0 �7. '02 �� _iV��8�1 �m�7._ %m!=r " ,
a bed e f g h
19...g5
It is worth breaking the pin, and White is
hardly poised to land a knight on f5 here.
20.�g3 tlJfd7=Jaracz - Vaulin, Polanica Zdroj 1999.
B3) 10.�f4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
This is the main line and IS the most
challenging move.
111
10.. .�xf3
If Black wants to exchange this knight then
he should do so immediately, as it might runaway at any moment. That being said, he couldconsider 10...:ge8 when II.CtJd2 ixe2 12.Wxe2
resembles the earlier variation A, and is likely
to transpose directly as soon as the moves .. .a6and a2-a4 are played. By the way, I don't see a
good reason for Black not to insert these moves,as without them he will have be to mindful of a
knight or even queen coming to b5.
11.�xf3 a6 12.a411Me7
12...Wc7 has been played, but I like it lesshere than I did in variation B 1, when we
effectively had an extra tempo. One potential
problem is the sharp approach with 13.e5!?,
but even if White proceeds more quietly with
13.Wd2 CtJbd7, there is still an interesting
plan available in 14.a5!? followed by :gfcl anda timely b2-b4 to cast doubt on the queen's
position.
Another idea is:
12...4Je8
This move has been tested by some top
players, but it is too passive for my liking.
13.Wd2 CtJd7 14.ig5!This is the most unpleasant move, although
14.:gfel :gb8 15.ie2 We7 16.ig5 also givesWhite an edge.
14...if6 15.ie3 :gb8 16.ie2 CtJc7 17.f4:t
Black is poorly placed to meet the following
sacrificial breakthrough.
112 e4 Systems
17...E!:e8
17...ig7 18.eS dxeS 19.fS CtJe8 20.d6 WiaS21.fxg6 hxg6 reaches a sharp position, but
if White manages to find a couple of good
moves he will get a big advantage: 22.Wic2!CtJef6 23.ic4!:t Wojtyra - Rupsys, e-mail2004.
18.eS dxeS
Now in Kuzmin - Simacek, Pardubice 2009,
White should have continued in thematic
style with:19.fS!N
A typical pawn sacrifice.19...e4
19...E!:f8 20.CtJe4 CtJe8 21.d6:t
20.d6 CtJa8
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
21. as!
Paralysing the knight and effectively forcing
the following move.21...bS 22.axb6 CtJaxb6 23.E!:xa6 E!:a8 24.E!:xa8
Wixa8:t
Material is equal and White has a strong
initiative, with a powerful passed pawn and
two great bishops.
13.�el
It is important to note that 13.eS leadsnowhere: 13...dxeS 14.d6 Wie6 IS.E!:el CtJbd7
16.ixb7 E!:a7= Browne - D. Gurevich, NewYork 1984.
13.Wib3 has also been tried, but Black can
happily sacrifice a pawn with: 13...CtJ bd7!
14.Wixb7 E!:fb8 lS.Wic6 CtJe8 (lS...CtJeS
16.ixeS WixeS oo ) 16.aS CtJeS 17.ixeS ixeS oo
Svetushkin - Foisor, Eforie Nord 2009.
13...tlJbd7
Both sides have more or less completed
development. Black's position is pretty fluid,
and he may look to develop play in the centre
and/or on either flank. Compared with some
other Modern Benoni lines the position is
relatively stable here, and White will have to
try and improve his position gradually, perhaps
with a view to exploiting his bishop pair later.
8.i� � �S..�� ���"L,,/mUy,�,�
7 � i _'Jit4!��i 6 iB � �i� 5 ���7.� /",u,,;� �� �UU� �Y/. '/ �,4 8- _8� _�7.' '/. �� �L� �3� m B�B�� ,/�uu,; ��,/ �� �
2 u"l�, _, m,j�, 4Jf!1 ��� � � \Utf��� �� � ��� �/ /, /,. %
a bed e f g h
14.a5
Lots of other moves have been played, and
the position is generally of a non-forcing
character. Therefore I will limit the coverage
to a few of the more interesting and instructiveexamples I found.
14.Wid2 c4
The following game shows an interestingplan involving kingside play: 14...E!:fe8IS.aS hS!? 16.h3 CtJh7 17.ie2 E!:ac8 18.ifl
Wif6 19.E!:acl gS 20.ie3 g4? Tukmakov -Spraggett, 1993.
Here is another example where Black
combined kingside and queens ide play:
14...hS IS.h3 (IS.aS can be compared withthe main line.) IS...c4 16.ie2 E!:ac8 17.ifl
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with ....ig4
:gfe8 18.ih2 Gual Pascual - Cramling,Barcelona 1989.
8 .i.�i�;�7 �� ��iit.,m 6'� W� ..�
�� '�%� ,/,,,,,;� .: !.f�!� ��'%'N//- �� �%3� � . 88
� ?2I'�UU';� � ' ,�, '/ �, ,2 :i� �� ��A ��O% % � �O%Q�
��tuU%� . � ,u"/,��t�%� � ' '�1"'u1 � � f'��% �% / /:
a bed e f g h
18...CtJeS!?N With the typical ideaof sacrificing the c-pawn. 19.f4 CtJd320.ixd3 cxd3 21. Wi xd3 CtJ d 7 Black has
fair compensation, for example: 22.eS dxeS23.d6 Wid8 24.fxeS CtJxeS=
IS.ie2 :gac8 16.f3N
I decided to examine this untested move.
16.ifl CtJg4 17.h3 CtJgeS was pleasantenough for Black in Boensch - Perenyi,Leipzig 1988.
8 .� '�z/.""B;�7�'.��'�'%� %�Jr�"u'/'%'///d/U//';�
6'. W� ..��, ""'%� '"",,;5 ��.�.�, .
48.'.8� �3 � ���.����
'�K?''''''� �� ��r�2 �cj ��J�. 8 ��
��tUU%� . % 'Ud"�� � � ""1 � � �� % �/
a bed e f g h
16.. .:gfe8
Here is another version of the aforementioned
pawn sacrifice: 16...CtJeS 17.ig3 CtJfd7 18.f4CtJd3 19.ixd3 cxd3 20.Wixd3 :gfe8 21.if2
CtJcS 22.ixcs :gxcS oo
17.aS CtJhS
Black chases the enemy bishop with a view
to developing play on the dark squares. Apossible continuation is:
113
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
After the text move we must decide where to
put the rooks. Another key question is what to
do with the knight on f6, as we may wish to
move it to open the long diagonal.
8.1_ _ �._
7 � i _'�ifly-.r 6 i/._ /..NU'7.�fl��5 '��.�/.� '''uu�4 uu'7.� u"'/'� !� ���%'n//- �� ';m�3� m _�_
%�'�,u'u� ��'0 ��,�2 ,�P_!��/!Jl;Jfj1 �� .��� ��
a bed e f g h
14...�ab8
In this particular position I prefer to play for...bS rather than ...c4.
14...:gfe8
Of course playing in the centre is also notbad.
IS.Wic2 hS
Initiating one of the typical plans in this
position. The knight will retreat to h7 to
114 e4 Systems
allow Black's other pieces to fight for thedark squares.
16.h3 CtJh7 17.Wd2 id4 18.ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
18...We5!?N
Fighting for the dark squares. I am less keen
on the following three alternatives:18...ie5?! 19.idl b5 20.axb6 CtJxb6
21.ib3t Kononenko - Delchev, Solsones
2004.
18...Wf6 19.:gadl ixe3 20.:gxe3 CtJg5?21.ixh5! Wf4 (21...gxh5 22.:gg3+-)22.ig4:t Gupta - Girinath, Visakhapatnam2006.
18...ixe3N 19.Wxe3 CtJhf6t
19.:g ad 1
19.idl CtJhf6 20.ic2 ixe3 21.Wxe3 h4 is
also abo u t equal.
19...ixe3 20.Wxe3 Wg5=I see no major problems for Black.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
15.tlJa4
If Black gets to play ...b5 and recapture with
the rook, then he can expect a good deal ofactivity on the b-file. Here are three examples
demonstrating how Black can obtain easy play
if White fails to prevent this.
15.Wd2 b5 16.axb6 �xb6 17.:ga2 :gfb8=
Roeder - Galje, Graz 1997.
15.Wc2 CtJe8 Before implementing the plan,
Black carries out a typical manoeuvre. 16.ie2CtJc7 17.ifl b5 18.axb6 �xb6= Black had a
good position in Vukic - Tringov, Borovo1980.
15.ie2 CtJe8 16.Wd2 CtJc7 17.ig5 if618.ixf6 Wxf6 19.:gadl b5= Hudak - Harvey,corr. 2009.
15...tlJe5
A firmly-established knight on e5 is normally
a sign of good health for the Benoni player.
16.�e2!?
This is the most ambitious move, avoiding
simplifications and daring Black to capture the
e4-pawn.
Several game have continued with 16.ixe5Wxe5 but Black obviously has nothing tofear here. One example continued 17 .:gb 1CtJd7 18.b4 Wd4 19.We2 cxb4 20.:gedl Wf6
21.ig4 b5 22.axb6 CtJxb6 23.:gxb4 CtJxa424.:gxa4 and a draw was agreed in Browne -
D. Gurevich, Estes Park 1985. Curiously, a
year later Gurevich reached the same position
with Black against a less formidable opponent,
but that time he played on and won.
16...tlJxe4!?
With this move Black drags his opponentinto deep water, though it remains to be seenwho is more likely to drown.
Chapter 8 - Classical Variation with.. .ig4
The more solid 16...�fe8 is also quite playable,for instance: 17.f3 CtJh5 18.ie3 f5 19.4Jc3 f4
20.if2 if6 21.Wid2 ih4=
17.�f1,
8 �� � �S . � �. " '" Y- �" u ", / "", Y-ij"/.I'i� �i �7 � �� ,/J"d�� �m]�i6 i_ _ _i��'''0 �'� r//-� �: ������I���� �� ���"U��3 ��,/�, ��,/ �� '/
2 ""J�� -7.""J��'�1 /� �iV�� ��a bed e f g h
17...g5!?N
17...f5? White is more prepared for the
open centre here. 18.f3 CtJf6 (18...CtJg5 doesnot help either: 19.ixe5 ixe5 20.f4 id4t21.Wixd4 Wixel 22.�xel:t) 19.ixe5 dxe5
20.d6 Wie8 21.CtJxc5:t
The one game on the database took an
in teresting course:17...4Jxf2!? 18.Wi d2?
For better or worse, White should have taken
the knight. Mter 18.rJlxf2N Wif6 19.rJl g 3Wif5 00 Black has nothing forced, but White's
pieces lack coordination and his king is alittle vulnerable. Play may continue:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
115
20.CtJb6 �fe8 21.h4 if6 22.id2 h5�
18. . . CtJ fg4Mter 18...CtJh3t 19.9xh3 CtJf3t 20.rJl g 2Wixel 21.�xel CtJxd2 22.ixd2 �be8 23.�bl
�e4 24. CtJ b6f! the endgame is unclear.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
24.CtJxb7
24.�xe5? CtJh5-+
24...�xe7 25.ixa6 e4
The b2-pawn will not escape.26.CtJc5 �c2 27.CtJb3 �a7+
18.�cl f5
Another idea is: 18...CtJg6!? 19.Wi c2 f5 20.f3CtJe5 21.fxe4 (21.�e2 CtJf6 22.ixg5 Wif7f!)21... CtJ g4 22.e5 ixe5 23. rJl hI CtJxh2f!
19.f3
116 e4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e g
19...�beS!
White must tread carefully now.
20.fxe4 tlJg4 21.g3 �d4t 22.@g2 tlJf2For the moment Black is down a bishop for
a pawn, but just look at the difference between
the two sets of pieces.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
24.�a3 tlJxe4 25.tlJb6 fxg3 26.hxg3 �f2t 27.@h3 @hS 2S.�e3 hb2 29.�g2
8 � �.i� _� �� ��"L'�� �"u7�i_ � _i 6 i � _'''''7.� ._5 �,um_�7.��.f4 uu,%� �UU�� r� �u,,�_mu �� ��'0 ��'Jfff!3 �� _ � W��2 /mu Y-� �� mU ��ii1Z �1 � nu,�_ ��.,u"Y-�
a bed e f g h
29...g4t!?
29...ixa3 should not change the final result:30.ixe4 ib4 (30...Wif7 31.ig6 g4t 32.Wixg4hxg6 33 .ixf2 �xe 1 34 .ixe 1 Wi fl t 35. rJl h2Wixel=) 31.ixf2 ixel 32.ixel Wixe433.ic3t
rJl g 8 34.Wixg5t Wi g6 35.Wixg6t hxg6 36.CtJc4�e2 37.CtJxd6 �e3 38.ib2 �d3 39.CtJe4 c4=
30.11Mxg4 �xg2 31.@xg2 �xa3 32.�h6 �b433.tlJcS 11Mf6 34.�xe4 �xe4 35.11Mxe4 11Mxh6
36.11Mest @g7 37.11Me7t @gS 3S.tlJxd611Md2t39.i>h311Mh6t=
As often occurs, the wild complications
eventually led to a draw after accurate playfrom both sides.
Conclusion
The .. .ig4 variation remains in good health.Compared with some other Benoni lines it
is pretty solid, and you do not need to learn
much theory in order to play it. At the same
time there is scope to interpret the position in
different ways, whether by manoeuvring forsolid equality or conjuring up a tactical storm
as we saw in the final part of the chapter.
e4 SystemsModern Main Line
Variation Index
l.d4 tiJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tiJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.ird3 ir g7 8.h3
8...0-0 9.tiJf3 b5
A) 10.tiJxb5 �e8 118
AI) II.tiJd2 119
Al) 11.0-0 121
B) 10.irxb5 tiJxe4 II.tiJxe4 �a5t 12.tiJfd2 �xb5 13.tiJxd6 �a614.tiJ2c4 tiJd7 15.0-0 tiJe5 16.tiJxc8 �axc8 17.tiJxe5 irxe5 18.�el 123
Bl) 18...�d6 125
B2) 18...�fe8 125
AI) after 17.ig5
17...Wfb8N
B2) note to 20.�b I
24...ixf2t!N
B2) after 22.g4!?
22...�xel t!N
118 e4 Systems
l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4. tlJ c3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.h3 0-0 9.tlJf3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This is the main tabiya for what has becomeknown as the Modern Main Line. As the
name suggests, this variation has become oneof White's most popular and highly-regarded
weapons against the Benoni, so it is essential
to be prepared for it. Before discussing the
possible continuations from this position, I
would first like to replay the opening movesin order to discuss a few move-order subtleties.
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4
This is the usual move order; the nuances of
6.CtJf3 g6 can be found on page 128 in the nextchapter.
6...g6 7.�d3There does not seem to be anything wrong
with 7.h3 as an alternative move order,
although if I was playing White, I thinkI would prefer to develop the bishop and
overprotect the e4-pawn before spending atempo on a pawn move.
7.CtJf3 a6!? can be found on page 129 in thenext chapter.
7...�g7 8.h3
8.CtJf3 can be met safely by 8...ig4! - seevariation C of Chapter 14, which can be found
on page 189.
8...0-09.tlJf3
Finally we reach the main starting position
of the Modern Main Line. Compared with
the Classical Variation from the previous two
chapters, White has developed his bishop to amore active square where it reinforces the e4-
pawn. True, he has had to invest a tempo onh2-h3, but now the f3-knight will be secure
for a long time. Black has several ways of
responding, but in this chapter we will focuson the main theoretical line.
9...b5
This remains the most popular move,
although it has some practical drawbacks,
as Black needs to know a lot of theory just
to reach a slightly inferior endgame offering
few winning chances. Readers looking for
a different approach may skip ahead to the
next chapter beginning on page 127, where I
discuss a number of other plans.
Mter the text move White's main options areA) 10.tlJxb5 and B) 10.�xb5.
10.0-0 b4 is not dangerous for Black, forinstance: 11.l2Je2 ( II.CtJ b 1 c4 12.ixc4 CtJxe4=
Karpov - Andres Mendez, Buenos Aires 2001;II.CtJa4 ia6 12.:ge1 ixd3 13.Wxd3 4Jbd7
14.if4 4J b6= Z. Polgar - Gdanski, Adelaide1988.) 11...�e8 12.l2Jg3 i.a6= Malaniuk -Feygin, Nikolaev 1995.
A) 10.tlJxb5
This leads to a complicated game. Black should
be able to win back his pawn, but he must takecare and do it in the correct way.
10...�e8
Chapter 9 - Modern Main Line
The following alternative may appeartempting, but it is inferior:10...CtJxe4?! II.ixe4 �e8
11...\¥faSt 12.CtJc3 ixc3t 13.bxc3 �e8
. 14.CtJgS \¥fxc3t ls.id2 \¥f c4 16.f3 fS 17. rJlf2fxe4 18.CtJxe4 CtJd7 19.�el ia6:t Erdogan-Pantsulaia, Kocaeli 2002.
12.CtJgS \¥faSt12...h6 13.CtJe6 \¥faSt 14.CtJc3 ixc3t
IS.bxc3 \¥fxc3t 16.id2 \¥fc4 17.\¥fe2 \¥fxe2t
18. rJlxe2 CtJa6 19.ixh6 fxe6 20.ixg6 �e7:tBaier - Lamy, email 2002.
13.CtJc3 ia6 14.id2 CtJd7 lS.\¥fc2 �ab8
16.0-0-0 CtJeS:t
Bern - Ha. Olafsson, corr. Sweden 1994.
8.i�.i.E.i�._� 'ru",,� ""'7.� �m'��71j% _ -imi 6 /'"u7.� /,_ �lifl��5 � �.�7.� �m";�4 �� um/'� !� ������ �3� ��_�_82 r��� ��r�, u"}'''''%�'0 ��'�Uu%�1 /,� �iVm _1:t
a bed e f g h
From here White's most important optionsare AI) II.tlJd2 and Al) 11.0-0.
II.CtJc3?! CtJxe4 12.CtJxe4 fS 13.CtJfgS?fxe4 14.ixe4 ixb2! lS.CtJe6 \¥fh4 16.\¥fe2
ic3t + Del Prado Montoro - Izeta Txabarri,
Ponferrada 1991.
II.igS c4 12 .ixc4 �xe4 t 13.ie2 \¥f as t14.rJlfl ia6 IS.a4 CtJbd7 gave Black nicecompensation for a pawn in Lipinsky -Palkovi, Balatonbereny 1997.
AI) II.tlJd2
119
This tricky move can lead to heavy
complications.
11...tlJxd5
Sometimes the simplest moves are the best.
11...CtJxe4!?
This leads to interesting play although I do
not completely trust it.12.ixe4 ia6 13.a4 \¥faS
13...fS? 14.0-0 fxe4 IS.CtJc4 ieS 16.�el
ixbS 17.axbS CtJd7 18.CtJxeS �xeS 19.if4
�e8 20.ixd6:t Nikolov - Rabrenovic,
Obrenovac 2010.
g h
14.CtJxd6 CtJd7 IS.\¥fc2 fS 16.CtJxe8 �xe8
17. rJld1 fxe4 18.CtJxe4 c4!?
Vescovi - Jobava, Wijk aan Zee 2006.
19.f3!?N
This looks like the only chance for White to
fight for the advantage.
120 e4 Systems
The game continued 19.CtJc3 ixc3 20.\¥fxc3\¥fxdSt 21.id2 CtJcS 22.�el, and now
22...CtJe4N would have forced 23.�xe4
leading to equal chances.19...\¥fxdSt 20.\¥fd2 \¥fb7 21.�a3 c3 22.CtJxc3
CtJeS 23.�el \¥fa8 24.�e4 id3 25.\¥fe3 ixe4
26.\¥fxe4 \¥fc8 oo
So maybe this line is playable for Black too,but I find the main move more convincing and
less risky.
12. tlJ c4 tlJ b4
12...�e6!? seems playable too, for instance:
13.ie2 (13.0-0 is not dangerous: 13...CtJb414.ie2 ia6 IS. CtJ c3 CtJ d7 16.ie3 CtJ b6
17.CtJxb6 \¥fxb6 18.�el �ae8 19.\¥fd2 ixe2
20.�xe2= Shishkin - D. Kononenko, Kharkov
2007.) 13... CtJ b6 14. CtJ cxd6 ia6 15.ig4 f516.ie2 CtJc6 17.ie3 CtJd4 18.ixd4 ixd4
19.\¥fb3 c4 20.CtJxc4 ixbS 21.\¥fxbS �xe4=
Carpenito - Novak, e-mail 2008.
8.i_.i.E.i_.�
7 tI"""_ '""'/._ f.r 6 '''''7.� �_�_'l����,�m'%� �� �5 ��J�� �� ��
4 .�_8_ �."""� �� ��3 �/, '0 �� ��'0 ��
2 �!�//�'0 -y/. '09� -1 "� �iV � _1:t
a bed e f g h
13.tlJcxd6
13.ie2 ia6
A pawn sacrifice, which could be temporary.
Another intriguing possibility is: 13...�xe414.CtJcxd6 �xe2t!? (14...�eS is also quiteplayable.) 15.\¥fxe2 Lazarev-Cebalo, Cannes1995, and now 15...ie6N 16.a3 CtJ4c6
17.if4 a6 18.CtJc3 CtJd4 19.\¥fd3 c4 would
have given Black ongoing compensation.
14.CtJbxd6 �e6 15.if4 CtJd7
Black has good compensation, and in thefollowing game he soon regained his pawnto equalize:
16.0-0 CtJeS 17.ixeS ixe5 18.a3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Persson Gdanski,
8.i�.i.�.i�._�'W"""� ,""'h� �m'��
7 I� � �imi 6 "",%� �� �� 'l�� 5 R�.''''';_��4 �.m'%� 8� ��."m;� �� ��� !��, ��!,1 1� 'm�� '� ""�_1:t
a bed e f g h
13...�a6 14.0-0 tlJxd3 15.11Mxd3
Compared with the previous note White has
avoided losing time with his bishop, but he
obviously has less stability on the light squares.
15...�e6 16.11Md5 tlJc6 17.�g5This position occurred in Konca - Blokh,
corr. 1992, and here I suggest the improvement:
d Main Line Chapter 9 - Mo ern
18.�xc6 llJxb5 kf8 20.'\Wc4 llJa518.'\Wxc5 kxb5 19. �xg5 23.llJxa8 '\Wf4
1 '\Wa4 �e5 22.llJc7 '\Wf3 26.g3 �xg3t2 · J':\ 4 25.'\Wxc424.\¥fc2 vue
27.fXg3 '\Wxg3t= ,\UP d 6 20.�e3 �b8.
19 �xb5 EU ate'18...i.xb5. 'f li htly less accur .�xe4 is playable, I s g20... 2 '\Wa5 '\Wc6;!;21.ixcS �b8 2 .
7.' "� � �._�� �7. �� r8 ,j""y� � & � � a�� � �,a 'f'n��
7 %'.� �:t""L'; � � i � 6 . �'"'' '� .7. n n q �.a �� .\Wi_ -7. ��5 .� "n'7.� A � �'- -%q�� A4 �� � �o3. -7. �n'�WM � . '��?;(o'''0 . �� 0 �
A f� ��£m, %� '2 ,Q�u,,7.� _1:t k �1 � �, h' d e f ga b c
11Mxc5 22.�xc5 �xe4
21.�xc5 a draw.Black is close to
121
A2) 11.0-0
:t/."L'; � �._� �.i.tit.a �� r8 .a./L'u� � & � � aW� . �,�)L'�%0 � /,,,,, '� �� � '�r a7.� �///o'0 �� & � 6 _ �i�7. /'m";��?;(o,� A � .�f:'.f� 0 �/, ��5 .��uu7.� A � �'- -7. 0 �� 84 � %_�_� � . '�3 ��'''0�� �8�2 8 � _�£uu��0wtuu/'�iVR 1:t �
1 ��} /u//,� f g h/" U , d ea be. b no means
evious line IS y I rAlthough the pr b a lot more popu a .has een bad, the text move
11 tlJxe4 12.�el . Ith ou g h 12.ixe4,... , Ime a d bThis is the mam 11 been teste yd 12 \¥fb3 have a 12.\¥f a4 an .
ndmasters. strong gra
12...a6 13.tlJa3 Black at all: 13...�xe:13.�xe4 does not test �b4 15.a3 '\WxdbS - ) 14.llJxd6 _ Zhang,(13...ax - '\W 2 kb7= Guo6 b4 cxb4 17. e 1 .ax
China 2010.
. te resting is: More In13.\¥fa4
13...CtJd7!
122 e4 Systems
An important move! Black is developing his
pieces with the help of tactical resources.14.�xe4 �xe4 IS.Wxe4
IS.ixe4? ltJb6 16.Wb3 axbS 17.WxbS ia6
18.Wb3 ic4 19.Wc2 ixa2 + Schmidt -
Myakutin, e-mail 2001.IS...ltJf6 16.Wh4 axbS 17.ixbS Wb6 18.a4
ib7 19.ih6 ixdS 20.ltJd2 Wb7 21.ixg7rJlxg7=
Lobron - Topalov, Dortmund 1996.
8.i�J.�.i_._
7 ��"uu_'uu/-_ fEr 6 f� 7._ �� 'l���.8%� ��
5 ���"3� �� ��: m��!I��:�um;7. '0 �� �� '0 ��2 ��?%o'0 -7.UU��.1 ��� ��\UlJ��� ,�� ���� ��, , y, /" � /" Y, /:: " /,
a bed e f g h
13...tlJf6 14.�xeSt tlJxeS 15.�g5 11Mc716.11Ma4
16.ltJc4 ib7 17.�cl ltJd7 18.ifl ltJef6
19.if4 if8 was balanced in Ki. Georgiev -Aroshidze, Balaguer 2009.
16...tlJf6
White is ahead in development, but Blackhas no weaknesses and should be able to catch
up within a few moves.
17.tlJb5
Black is fine against other moves as well.
Here are two brief examples:
17.ixf6 ixf6 18.Wf4 ltJd7 19.1tJc4 ib7?
Romanov - Hardicsay, e-mail 2002.
1 7 .�e 1 ib 7 18.ixf6 ixf6 19 .�e8 t rJl g 720.Wb3= McArthur - Jurca, e-mail 1999.
17...11Mb6
Black has a second good option: 17...\¥fd718.�el ib7 19.ixf6 ixf6 20.Wf4 ieS
21.�xeS axbS 22.�el ixdS 23.ltJgS= Polak-Simacek, Decin 2009.
IS.�xf6 �xf6 19.11Mf4
8
7
6
5
19...axb5! 20.11Mxf6 tlJd7
The knight will save his king now.
21.11Me7 @g7Now we are heading for a practically forced
draw.
22.tlJ g 5 tlJe5 23.tlJe4 tlJxd3 24.tlJxd6 �a7
8 _J._ - _""-� �,wj�w��
7 /,� _ �i.i 6 u"'Y-� 0rn'''u/-� '17.�5 0 '17..�';� ��4 ���u'3� �� ��
3 ��'''0�! ��'''0 � � 7.�2 8�f!J _ �f!J8�%"U�u,,%� 0�"U%�'0�1/Q � _ �a bed e f g h
Chapter 9 - Modern Main Line
25.tlJest
2S.ltJxc8?! �xe7 26.ltJxb6 �b7 27.ltJc8
ltJ xb2+
25...@gS 26.tlJf6t @g7 27.tlJeSt=· Palliser - D. Kononenko, Plovdiv 2010.
B) 10.�xb5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This leads almost by force to a famous
endgame.
10...tlJxe4 II.tlJxe4 11Ma5t 12.tlJfd2 11Mxb5
13.tlJxd611Ma6
13...\¥fd3?! is worse: 14.ltJ2c4 \¥fxdl t
IS.rJlxd1 ia6 16.rJlc2ltJd7 17.if4t Epishin-San Segundo Carrillo, New York 1990.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f
123
14.tlJ2c4 tlJd7
I prefer this over 14...�d8 IS.if4 CtJd716.0-0 ltJb6 17.ltJxb6 \¥fxb6 18.ltJxc8 �axc8,
when the position can be compared withIS...ltJb6 as mentioned in the notes to the
main line below.
15.0-0
To draw or not to draw- that is the question!
15...tlJe5
I think this is the most precise move.
Many games have continued:IS...ltJb6 16.ltJxb6 \¥fxb6 17.ltJxc8 �axc8
18.�bl �fd8 19.if4 \¥fb7 20.d6 if8 21.\¥fd3
ixd6 22.ixd6 �c6 23.�fdl
Black should be able to hold this, but it is
not my idea of a dream Benoni position,
especially if I happen to be facing a lower-
rated opponent.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
23...�cxd6
23...\¥fd7 24.\¥fa3 �xd6 2S.�xd6 \¥fxd6
26.\¥fxa7 �e8 27.\¥faS �e2 28.\¥fc3 \¥fb6
29.a4 c4 30.�f1t reaches a different type
of endgame, but here too Black will have todefend without having the slightest chance
to play for a win.24.\¥fxd6 �xd6 2S.�xd6 c4 26.�d2 c3 27.�c2
\¥fe4 28.�bc1 cxb2 29.�xb2t
With two rooks against a queen, White can
press for a long time, although the majority of
games have been drawn from this position.
124 e4 Systems
8 _�,.i._, ��.�
7 ,I _ _i�i 6 iH� m �'l����,�"u';fn//� ��5 � ��8�.: .4 '_�_ /uuu� ��3 � ��� �2!��_��!'1 ;�t'U'7.W�� . � � 'W%� � /'�� OO���% �/" " /,//// , // ,
a bed e f g h
16. tlJxcs
16. CtJxeS \¥f xd6
This leads to a position where White has
many choices, none of which lead to an
advantage.
16.. .ixeS is also playable, for instance:17.CtJe4 ifS 18.CtJxcS \¥fc4 19.ie3 ixb2
20.g4 ixal 21.\¥fxal ixg4 22.�cl \¥fe223.ih6 f6 24.ixf8 �xf8 2S.hxg4 \¥fxg4t26. rJlfl \¥fh3t 27. rJl g 1 = Seres - Ovsejevitsch,Budapest 2003.
17.CtJc4
17.CtJc6 ib7 18.ie3 ixc6 19.dxc6 \¥fxc6
was equal in Grabarczyk - Simacek, Wroclaw2010.
1 7... \¥f a6
White must not be allowed to develop his
queenside easily.
18. CtJ e3
18.\¥fb3 ib7 19.�dl id4 20.CtJe3 Y2-Y2
Wang Yue - Gashimov, Kallithea 2008.18.\¥fe2 ib7 19.�dl id4 20.\¥fc2?! ixdS+
Lenderman - Fernandez, Mesa 2009.
18...ib7 19.\¥fc2 id4 20.id2 �fd8=
Guramishvili - Gaponenko, St Petersburg2009.
16...�axcS 17.tlJxe5 �xe5
We have reached a typical scenario for the
present variation. For the moment White has
an extra pawn, but the weakness of the dS- and
b2-pawns gives Black sufficient compensation.
IS.�el
There are many deviations, but the final
result is almost always a draw. Here are a few
examples:
18.ih6 �fd8= Batkovskyte - Anu, Kemer2009.
18.\¥ff3 �fe8 19.�dl (19.�bl? ih2t 20.rJlxh2
\¥fxfl + Andonovski - Jianu, Tivat 2011)19...c4 20.a4 \¥fb7 21.�a3 ixb2 22.d6
\¥fxf3 23.�xf3 ixcl 24.�xcl �ed8 2S.�f4=
Shengelia - Gashimov, Novi Sad 2009.
8
7
5
4
3
2
1
From this position Black has at least two
good moves: Bl) Is...11Md6 and B2) IS...�feS.
Chapter 9 - Modern Main Line
IB...\¥ff6 also seems decent, for instance:
19.ih6 (19.�bl �fdB 20.\¥fg4 h5 21.\¥fc4 \¥ff522.\¥fe4 \¥fxe4 23.�xe4 �xd5 24.ie3 c4 25.f4
ig7 26.�c 1 ixb2 Yz-Y2 Polak - Chatalbashev,Heraklio 2007.) 19...id4 20.ixfB ixf2t21.rJlhl ixel 22.\¥fxel �xfB 23.�dl \¥fd6
24.b3 h5 25.\¥fe3 a6 26.�cl \¥fxd5 27.\¥fxc5
\¥fd2 2B.\¥fc2 �dB 29.\¥fxd2 �xd2 30.a4 �b2
31.�c6 Yz-Yz Ki. Georgiev - Delchev, SunnyBeach 2009.
Bl) 18...11Md6 19.�h6
19.�e2 id4 20.ie3 \¥fxd5=
19...�fd8 20.11Me2 �d4
Now Black regains his pawn by force, and
the chances of White claiming a notable
positional advantage are minimal.
21.11Mf3 �xb2
8
7
6
22.�abl �g7 23.�f4 11Mf623...\¥fxd5?? 24.�eBt! would be
embarrassing.
24.11Me4 11Md4 25.11Mf3 11Mf6 26.11Me4 11Md4
27.11Mf311Mf6 28.11Me4 11Md4 29.11Mf3
1/ 2 _1/ 2
This was the game Blagojevic - Nikolov,
Valjevo 2011. So overall IB...\¥fd6 looks like afully viable route to equality.
125
B2) 18...�fe8
8 -.i-.i_.�"���� �,
7� . _i�i 6 ii��� '�r�� ��'��m'r� ��5 � {'�8� �//h4 � � � ��������8�fft)�-�ft)!.1 i�� ��\UlJ��� ,�,�� ���� �/", ,� /", /� /"", , // ",
a bed e f g h
This move is slightly more complicated, but
is still good enough to equalize.
19.�g5 �d4 20.�blWhite has several other options.
20.\¥ff3 ixb2 21.�adl \¥fd6 led to yet another
quick draw in the following game: 22.if4ie5 23.�xe5 �xe5 24.ixe5 \¥fxe5 25.d6 �dB
26.\¥fc6 \¥fe2 27.�cl \¥fd2 2B.\¥fxc5 Yz-Y2
Polak - Simacek, Czech Republic 2011.
20.�cl \¥fd6 21.\¥fa4 �e5 22.�xe5 \¥fxe5
23.\¥fd7 �bB 24.ih6 occurred in Meier -
Gashimov, Novi Sad 2009. Here Black's most
convincing route to equality would have been:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
126 e4 Systems
Finally 20.ie7 forces Black to find (or know inadvance) a nice idea:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
Wi f6 t
�dB=
20...11Md621.11Mf3
21.Wia4 �xel t 22.�xel WixdS 23.ih6
WidB 24.b3 c4 2S.bxc4 ixf2t 26.rJlxf2 Wih4t
27.rJlfl Wixh6= Mahnke - G. Mueller, e-mail
2007.
21...�xb2 22.g4!?This seems like White's best chance to create
problems. Instead 22.if4 ieS 23.�xeS �xeS24.�dl �ceB 2S.ixeS �xeS 26.Wid3 hS Y2-�
was another thrilling outcome in Blagojevic -Colovic, Porto Carras 2011.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e f
22...�xel t!N
It is important for Black to get this right.
I also considered 22...id4N, but after 23.if4
ieS 24.�xeS �xeS 2S.ixeS WixeS 26.�b7 �fB
27 .�xa7 Black still has a way to go before he
can claim equality.
The one game on the database continued in a
more exciting manner than is typical for this
line: 22...ieS 23.�b7 f6 24.�xeS! A promisingexchange sacrifice. 24...�xeS 2s.ixf6 WixdS26.�g7t rJlfB 27. Wi c3 00 Acevedo Villalba -Soltau, e-mail200B. Black managed to defend
for a draw, but would you want to risk this
position over the board?
23.�xel �e5
This is much safer now that there is no white
rook landing on b 7.
24.11Me4 f6 25.�e3 �d8=
Black will soon eliminate the d-pawn.
Conclusion
The 9... b S line seems to be in good theoretical
shape, but it has some practical disadvantages.
One important point is that White has
the freedom to choose between a complex
game with 10.ltJxbS and a more simplified,technical battle with 10.ixbS. The latter case
is a particular problem when one is facing a
weaker opponent, or simply wishing to keep
winning chances alive with the black pieces.Nevertheless, the bottom line is that Black's
position is viable, so the readers can decidefor themselves. Those who are not attracted to
9...bS are invited to turn the page and check
some of the ideas presented in the next chapter.
e4 Systems
Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
Variation Index
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4
6...g6A) 7.�f3 a6!?
AI) 8.a4
Al) 8JWe2!?
B) 7.�d3 �g7 8.h3 0-0 9.�f3Bl) 9...a6
B2) 9...ge8 10.0-0 c4
B21) 11.�c2
B22) 11.�xc4
B3) 9...�h5!? 10.0-0 �d7 11.�g5 �f6 12.�e3 ge8B31) 13.�d2
B32) 13.VNdl
AI) after 13.ih3
13...c4!N
A2) after 18.d6
a bed e f
18...l2Je8!N
129
129
131
134
134
135
135
136
138
140
142
B22) note to 13...Wfb6?!
a bed e f
21...ia3!N
e4 Systems128
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6
8.a41!ge7!?
Now there is no check on a4, so Black really
is restraining the e-pawn.
8 87 7
6 6
5 5
4 43
3 22 1
1 a b c
a c e
Although the main 9...bS line is fully
playable, it will definitely not be to everyone's
taste. Black has several ways of avoiding it, and
in this chapter we will discuss a few of them.
Our main topic will be Black's alternatives
on move 9, although before then I will also
mention some ways to bypass the Modern
Main Line altogether in the event that White's
move order allows it. That's why we are
beginning the discussion at move 6: to payattention to the different move orders and the
possibilities to which each of them may lead.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
6.e4
Sometimes White develops the knight first:
6.CtJf3 g6But already Black can choose to prevent theModern Main Line if he wishes to.
7.h3
7.e4 transposes to line A on the followingpage.
Other CtJf3-based systems which do notinvolve an early e2-e4 will be examined inPart 3 of the book.
7...a6!?
Note that 7...1!ge7?! does not prevent8.e4 due to the standard trick: 8...CtJxe4??
9.1!9a4t +-
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
6...g6
From here the chapter will be dividedaccording to move order, beginning with
A) 7.tlJf3 and ending with B) 7.�d3. If Whiteis l?oking to employ the Modern Main line,the second option is the more accurate in
terms of limiting Black's options.
By the way, to repeat a point that was made in
the previous chapter, 7.h3!? seems to be a valid
way to initiate the Modern Main line, despite
the fact that it appears slightly strange to move
the h-pawn before either of the minor pieces
on the kingside.
A) 7.tlJf3
This gives Black the option of avoiding theModern Main Line.
7...a6!?
7...!g7 8.h3 0-0 9.!d3 leads to the maintabiya, which will be discussed later undervariation B.
It should be noted that 7...!g4? is a mistakedue to 8.Wia4t! (8.Wib3!? is also promising)8...!d7 (8...CtJbd7?! runs into 9.CtJd2!:t or
9.CtJgl !:t) 9.Wib3 and Black has problems.(Compare with Chapter IS - here Black has
lost a tempo by playing ...!d7 in two moves.)
Mter the text move White may react with
AI) 8.a4 and A2) 8.11Me2!?
In several games White has ignored the comingadvance of the b-pawn, but I do not believe
this should be dangerous:
8.!f4 bS reaches variation B of Chapter 16.
8.h3 bS (8...!g7 could be met by 9.a4) 9.!d3!g7 10.0-0 0-0 11.!f4 (11.a3 �e8 12.�elCtJ bd7 13.!f4 Wib6 gave Black satisfactory playin Ibragimov - Batsanin, Novgorod 1997.)
129
11.. .�e8 12.�e 1 �a7 Developing the rook
along the second rank is a useful option thatthe early ...bS has made possible. 13.a3 �ae714.�cl Wib6 IS.b41LJbd7 16.Wid2 !b7 17.!e3
Wid8! Aleksandrov - Sherbakov, Kolkata 2002.
Black's last move prevents a3-a4 and leaves
him with roughly equal chances.
AI) 8.a4 �g4!?
Black avoids the Modern Main Line and aims
for a transposition to Chapter 8.
9.11Mb3!?
This is an attempt to punish Black's move
order, but it turns out that White is risking just
as much, if not more than his opponent.
The other move is 9.!e2, when it is worth
considering two paths for Black.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
b) 9...!xf3! 10.!xf3 CtJbd7 is the best move
order. After the coming .. .!g7 Black achievesthe desired transposition to Chapter 8, without
allowing the line noted above.
130 e4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
9...�xf3
This move is forced, otherwise the knight
will drop back to d2.
10.11Mxb7 tlJ bd7!?
This ambitious move is slightly risky, but itseems to work.
A safe alternative is 10...!xg2 11.!xg2 CtJ bd712.0-0 !e7 13.f4 0-0 with equality, forinstance: 14.eS!? dxeS IS.d6 !xd6 16.WixaB
WixaB 17.!xaB �xaB= Crouch - Emms,
Millfield 2000.
11.gxf3 �g7 12.f4Grabbing a second pawn with 12.Wic6 0-0
13.Wixd6 seems excessively risky: 13...CtJhS
14.f4 �eB IS.!g2 �a7! 16.aS Wih4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17.CtJe2? (17.Wic6N was move,
although even here after 17...CtJxf4 IB.!xf4Wixf4 Black has a great initiative on the darksquares.) 17...�cB! IB.eS !fB-+ Cordova -Smerdon, Turin (01) 2006.
12...0-0 13.�h3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
13...c4!N
The black cavalry will soon be galloping with
tremendous energy.
13...�eB? 14.0-0 �e7 IS.Wic6t left Black
struggling for compensation in Khmelniker -Nikolov, Ziirich 2010.
13...WiaS!?N is quite playable, and after 14.eS�abB IS. Wi a7 Black can immediately force a
draw by attacking the queen. This would bea perfectly adequate improvement were it not
for the fact that the text move gives Black
chances to claim the advantage.
14.0-0 tlJc5 15.11Mb4 tlJh5!
Having brought one knight to a fine square,
Black improves the second one while also
making room for the queen to join the action.
16.tlJe2 tlJb3 17.�bl11Mh4t
Black intends to exchange on cl and take
on f4, with a strong initiative on the dark
sq uares.
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
A2) 8.11Me2!?
� ?� A. IDll .� �!(8 A ��t.JL�ei� � � �
, 7 �,�lu_h'''/'_'l�_'l6 i_ _ �i'�5 �.�7.� �""u����UU% � �4 . -8- �//h � � �3D � �����,�uu,;� ��,/ �7. "2 8r� _iVr�8�
%m'�""7.�/% %�'i{';'7.W'm1 f� � � ��1:ta bed e f g h
This aggressive move was introduced by
Vladimir Epishin in 2004, and has since been
tested by many strong players. It was also the
subject of a Dangerous Weapons chapter byChris Ward in 200B.
8...�g4According to the database this move has
achieved a dismal score of less than 200/0,
but all of Black's losses have resulted from
subsequent errors.
9.e5 �xf3 10.gxf3 dxe5 11.11Mxe5t 11Me712.�f4
This has almost always been played. Ward
analyses the following alternative:12.Wxe7t ixe7 13.!f4 CtJhS!
It is important to challenge the strong
bishop.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
131
14.ic7
14.ie3 should be met by: 14...f5! Black
wants to put his bishop on d6 without
fearing harassment from a knight on e4.IS.d6!? This seems to be the only way to
cause problems. 15...ixd6 16.0-0-0 ieS17.ic4 CtJd7 IB.if7t!? rJlxf7 19.�xd7t rJle6
20.�xb7 �abB Ward evaluates the position is
roughly equal.14...rJld7
14...CtJd7 IS.d6 favours White according toWard.
Is.ib6
IS .ig3 can be met by IS... fS! when Wardpoints out the following line: 16.CtJa4? f4!17.CtJb6t rJld6 IB.CtJxaB CtJd7 +
IS... rJld6!
Black can get away with this bold method of
development.16.0-0-0
16.CtJe4t rJlxdS 17.0-0-0t rJlc6 gives Whitenothing - Ward.
16.. .fS
Black is ready to complete development with
...CtJd7, and the following attempt to invadeon the e6-square backfires:
17 .�e I? igSt lB. rJlc2 CtJf4 +Ward mentions that Black has nIce
coordination, but I would go further and
claim a clear positional advantage.
12...11Mxe5t 13.�xe5 tlJ bd7
132 e4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
14.�c7
Keeping the bishop is more important than
improving White's pawn structure, as shown
by the following line:
14.f4 !g7!14...!h6 15.!h3 0-0 16.0-0 b5!? 17.�adl
�a7 IB.�fel CtJh5! 19.!d6 CtJxf4! 20.!xd7
�xd7 21.!xfB <j{xfB gave Black somecompensation for the exchange in Rowson
- Ward, Douglas 2005, but I find the text
move more convIncIng.
15.!g2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
The strength of White's central pawns is
largely just optical, and he had to play well
to draw in Epishin - Degraeve, Bad Wiessee2006.
14...�h6
Compared with the previous note, here it is
useful to prevent long castling.
15.�h3 0-0
Ward points out that the attempt to block
the light-squared bishop with 15...CtJh516.0-0 f5 can be met by 17.�fel t <j{f7 IB.d6!when the bishop is poised to cause trouble viafl and c4.
16.0-0
8 H /, - �.�� ��,�� m"�� 07 �£ U!_/,! -,4/ 6 i- . .ilY
�� '0 �� //"m;� "m: ���i����� �" � �3� m �8����'ifm";� ��'''0 ��,�2 8?j� . ?j� ?j�
1 W""%_���=''''%a bed e f g h
16...�e8!
This move was played in 2010 in a game
contested between two 2100-rated players.
Despite the relative anonymity of the players,
the idea seems to have rescued what previously
appeared to be quite a bleak position for Black.
Previously 16...b5 and 16...�feB have been
tried, but neither of those moves fights against
White's main trump cards: the passed d-pawn
and the powerful bishops.
17.�xd7
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
17.d6N f5 ensures Black of a decent position
by shutting the enemy bishop out of play.
17...tlJxc7 18.d6
Here I offer an improvement.
8
7
6
5
However, IB...CtJb5!?N 19.!xb5 axb5
20.ctJxb5 !g7f1 is a valid alternative which thereader may wish to investigate.
19.tlJe4
The alternative is:
19 .!xeB �fxeB 20.d7
20.�fel �xel t 21.�xel �dB+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
133
20...�e6
Of course Black must avoid the trick
20...�e7? 21.ctJd5!.
21.�fel �dB 22.�xe6 fxe6 23.ctJe4 !fB 24.�dl
<j{f7 25.f4
25.b3 e5! 26.ctJg5t <j{e7+25...<j{e7!?
Black forces the play with a temporary pawnsacrifice.
If he wishes to keep more tension in the
position, both 25...c4°o and 25...b5°o may beconsidered.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
29.ctJf6t
19...�g7 20.�xe820.!h3 c4 intending ...f5 is at least equal for
Black.
20.�acl ctJxd6! 21.ctJxd6 �adB 22.ctJxb7 �xd7
23.ctJxc5 �d2+ also turns out well for the
second player.
20...�fxe8 21.tlJxc5 b6
Black is temporarily a pawn down, but the
d-pawn will fall soon enough.
22.tlJa4
134 e4 Systems
22.CtJe4 �adB 23.�fdl fS gIves us noproblems.
22...b5 23.tlJc5 �f8 24.�fdl
24.CtJd7 �e6 wins back the pawn by force.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
24...�ed8 25.a4!
If Black is allowed to capture on d6 with
impuni ty, he will have chances to claim an
advantage thanks to his superior minor piece
and White's weak kingside pawns. Therefore
White should attack the queens ide to ensure
his own safety.
25...bxa4 26.�xa4 �xd6 27.�ad4 �e7
28.�xd8t �xd8 29.tlJxa6 �f6=
Black will restore material equality shortly,
but with only kingside pawns remaining, there
is little chance of making his better pawn
structure count for anything.
B) 7.�d3
This is a more accurate way for White to initiate
his set-up. Pins on g4 will not be permitted.
7...�g7This time 7...a6 B.a4 does not give Black any
special options, and the likely outcome is atransposition to line B 1.
8.h3 0-09.tlJf3
8 .I _.i.B ���_7 Irl"_ ""'/-� 'l/'I(t"",7.� /,�'� �r/�u"n��6 _ � �.:i� 5 %.�7.� �"""�4 �� �""%� �� ���7.'n//- �� ��-3� ��.�.8
2 �n""';_����;�t""%W���"" %"1 � ���� ��
a bed e f g h
Prom here we will investigate Bl) 9...a6,B2) 9...�e8 and B3) 9...tlJh5!?
Bl) 9...a6
Standard Benoni development is playable, but
I think it is too passive. More than a thousand
games have been played from here, so I will
just mention a few key examples to illustrate
the character of the play.
10.a4 tlJbd711.0-0 �e8 12.�f411Mc7 13.�el
b6
13...CtJhS?! 14.th2 CtJeS IS.te2 CtJxf3t
16.txf3 CtJf6 17.eS dxeS IB.d6 Wb6 19.txeS
te6 20.aS:t Dreev - Malakhov, Villarrobledo
2007.
14.11Md2 �b7 15.�c4 tlJh5 16.�h2 h6
Black's position is solid but passive.
8 .I �;/-"L'�i -;rp7 �J;}�!�£��,�6 i�� �� .i�i
5 .""%.8%� �� �4 �� ";'/,� �� ��3 j �����I ����'����/-"L" �� �7. t::2 � � �8�
1 �t""/,� . � � '''''7.��t'''' 7.�n ''''%� � �� % �/ � /, /::,
a bed e f g h
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
17.�adl
17.g4 gives Black some chances to obtain
counterplay on the kingside: 17...CtJhf6IB.�adl hS 19.9S CtJh7 20.!g3 �e7 21.�e2�aeB 22.�del !cB 23.<j{h2 bSf! 24.eS?! h4
2S.!f4 CtJxeS 26.!xeS Wd7! White was in
trouble in Onischuk - Nakamura, San Diego2006.
17... <tt>h7 Is.11Mc2 �e7 19.�e2 <tt>gS 20.tlJd2tlJhf6 21.tlJc4
White had a considerable advantage InJakovenko - Gashimov, Sochi 200B.
B2) 9...�eS
This leads more interesting play than the
previous line.
10.0-0
10.!gS has not been played in manygames, but it immediately transposes to a
position that has been reached many moretimes via other move orders, most notably the
King's Indian where White plays h2-h3 and
igS, and Black responds with ...cS. For moredetails, see line D on page 191, where the
position is reached by the move order 9.!gS�eB 10.ttJf3.
10...c4
8.i_.i.�.i�.m�,�"m;� '''''''� ��,��7 ��, i �///o'/ �,tJ�A6 _ � �i�/. �� mu/.� �uuu�
5�, ������ 4 _i_8. ��/"N//- �� ��3_ m�_�_8
��,�"u,,� ��'% � � ��2 8w� _ �8�1 ��u"/'�v_�m/u u� �////� . I � u,�
a bed e f g h
135
Other moves are likely to lead to similar playas in variation B 1, but the text move is more
interesting. White can react with B21) 11.�c2or B22) 11.�xc4.
B21) 11.�c2
This does not cause many problems for Black.
11...b5 12.a3
Already we can see a considerable difference
from the previous variation B 1. Black's
queens ide play is well underway and White
has had to spend a tempo on a purely defensivemove.
12...tlJbd7
12...a6 is playable too, but why spend time
defending a pawn when it is not yet necessary?
13.�el tlJc5
The pressure against the e4-pawn enablesBlack to maintain the indirect defence of bS.
8.i_.i.�.i_._,�� 'u,,%� �m'�7 ijh _ _imi
6 /,uu/._ %_ %�fl�_ 5 r.�/.� �uu,,� � 4 �� '�l';� !_ ��, '0 �/,'n//- �� �� �3 � � _�_ 82 /'uu�dI�� ��:_m,}'"u%�'0 �/,uu}'uu��,�1 ��� ��\UlJ�RJ� ,�� OO��� �/, " Y, / ", � h""Y, //,;/'
a bed e f g h
14.�f4
Another example continued: 14.!gSWb6 IS.eS Perhaps White should play more
patiently, in which case the game will resemblethe main line below. IS...dxeS 16.CtJxeS !b7
17.Wf3 h6 IB.!h4 ttJcd7= 19.!g3? ttJxeS20.!xeS �adB + Rusev - Cvitan, Zadar 200B.
136 e4 Systems
14...�b7 15.tlJd4
Black has a good position and can arrange
his pieces in a few different ways.
15...a6!?
15...Wb6 looks natural but gives White the
option of 16.CtJc6!?, when 16...!xc6 17.dxc6�e6 IB.b4 cxb3 19.!xb3 CtJxb3 20.Wxb3
Wxc6 21.�acl WeB 22.Wxb5 Wxb5 23.CtJxb5
�xe4 simplified to an equal endgame inKi. Georgiev - Chatalbashev, Blagoevgrad2010.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
16.11Md2
Now 16.CtJc6?! Wc7 achieves nothing forWhite.
16...11Mb6 17.�adl tlJfd7 IS.�e3 �acS 19.f4
11MdS 20.�f2 tlJb6 21.tlJf3
8 �.iB.i_..7 �� �"d%� ��,��
: '1';.�7.� �� � 4 �� /l';� !���'0 �7.'d//- �� �uu%�3 � � ��� 8
2 uU'/'Wf((�';��W�� � %�?f0%���� M 0 _
1 .u"7.. ��Jl md y.� ma bed e f g h
21...tlJd3!t
A typical sacrifice for the Benoni. Black will
get the c4-square for his knight which, alongwith the combined power of the bishop on
g7 and rook on cB, will ensure a powerfulinitiative.
22.�xd3 cxd3 23.11Mcl as 24.11Mal b425.axb4
axb4 26.tlJa4 tlJc4 27.11Mbl? 11Ma5+
Rusev - Quillan, Sunny Beach 2011.
B22) 11.�xc4
This move is more challenging.
11...tlJxe4 12.tlJxe4 �xe4
Black should be careful here, as the position
is more open and White has the better
development.
13.�g5The other option for White is: 13.!d3 �eB
14.!g5 Wa5 15.�el !d7 16.�xeBt !xeB17.Wel Wxel t IB.�xel CtJd7= Notkin -
Totsky, Moscow 1995.
8.i�.i.� _._7. '�Ud"� "'d/'� �m'�7/i%i. .i�i7.u,,7.� ��'0 �� "m��
6 _ . _i- 5 � _8� m� 7.� ""'7.� ��,�4 _�_.i_ _3� � ���8��'0 �� ��'0 ��2 8� _ �8-
%"U�du7.� WA:.""7.�:�1 /,m �iV_1:t�a bed e f g h
13...11Mb6?!
This is the move I would ideally like to play,but I was unable to make it work. Still, I have
made it the main line as it is the most principled
attempt to obtain an active position.
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
13...WifB!? seems objectively better, and in thefollowing game I found a nice improvement
to neutralize the pressure: 14. Wi c2 �eBIS.�ael !fS 16.Wib3 Now Black has to make
a temporary pawn sacrifice. 16...CtJd7 17.�xeBWixeB' IB.Wixb7 WicB 19.Wic6 ixb2 20.if4
CtJ b6 21.ib3 Stoever - Van Seben, e-mail
2004.
8�.iH� ..7 IfJA� �.l� i""'�ZN//. �@'0 �� ��6 .VW� .i���"",;� "",z� ��5 .��i�'��: ������fj2 !��� ��! _ Z�,,/U� � . ""/,� � � Fr�1 � � ����
a bed e f g h
21...ia3!N This move saves the day for Black.22.�el id7 23.WixcBt �xcB= Despite thesatisfactory outcome of this particular line,
putting the queen on fB does not seem like a
pleasant way to conduct the game. If this is
the best Black can do, then I would rather play
a different line entirely. Besides, we have not
even mentioned potential improvements for
White in the above game.
8 '=' f� A. _ _� � ���,.JL � �'='
7 �lu_ _i�i6 �uu�E�_ �_'l:i.__N'''''� mo/'� 7.�;�� -�!I'���3_�_�_!_8��'0 �� �W'0 � � %�2 8rf!j _ @8�
1 �uu�'u,�� i�'N' %rf:i�� � _1:t L ,ja bed e f g h
14.tlJd2!
137
White must be precise if he is to turn his
dynamic advantage into something tangible.This move forces the rook back while defending
the bishop and preparing to deploy the knight
on a more favourable square.
Mter 14.id3 �eB IS.�el id7 Black has few
problems, and the position can be compared
wi th the following line.
14.Wic2 �eB IS.�ael id7 16.�xeBt ixeB
17.�el CtJd7 Black has managed to develop
his pieces and is close to equalizing the game.IB.ib3 CtJeS 19.CtJxeS ixeS 20.ie3 Gavrilovic
- Palosevic, Serbia 200S. 20...WiaSN=
14...�e5
14..J�eB 15.�el !d7 16.tLJe4:t Annakov -
Totsky, Russia 1995.
15.�f4 �f5 16.�h2
We have been following the game Nava Baro
- Migliorini, e-mail 2002. Black is under somepressure here; his rook is oddly placed and g2-
g4 could be awkward at some point. I tried,
unsuccessfully, to rescue the position with the
following idea:
8.i�.i._ _.�7 ifluB 'B i.r6 7.UU7.E�_�_'l��_uu'''� ,uu7.� %� /,
5 ���I�i�� 4 � �i���� �3 ��'0 �7.'n//- ��'% ��,�2 8�[j � w[j8 �
o u�"" /'�o 0 oW' u, /,�' �u u,1 �� _V�1:t�a bed e f g h
16...�e5!?N 17.�xe5!
17.CtJe4 CtJd7 is nothing special for White.
17...�xe5 18.�b3!
138 e4 Systems
Another precise move, vacating the c4-
square for the knight and forcing Black towaste additional time.
Is...11MdS 19.tlJc4 �eS 20.11Md2:t
This would be absolutely no fun to play
for Black. The story so far has been less than
inspiring, so let's see if things will improve inthe final section of the chapter.
B3) 9...tlJhS!?
8 .i_.i.� ���B7 tll"� "'d7.� 'ly-�rum���, '/ ���'''��6 _ _ _i� 5 � �.�%B �B�4 �� mu,� 8_ ���7.'d//- �� ��3 m����8
2 ��/, '/ �///'0���1,� � iV � _1:t
a bed e f g h
This move was recommended by JohnWatson in his 2001 book, and has since
become a common guest in tournaments. The
point of the knight move is to prevent !f4and prepare ...CtJd7-eS to exchange a pair ofknights. Later Black may aim to take control
of the dark squares with moves like ...Wif6 or...Wih4.
By the way, in discussing the ... CtJ hS plan Ishould also mention a system recommended
by Chris Ward in a Dangerous Weapons
book, whereby Black puts the knight on h5before castling. This idea definitely warrantsconsideration but I decided not to cover it here,
partly to avoid duplicating another author,and also because I believe White has a route to
a slight plus. So instead I will cover the... CtJ hSsystem in conjunction with castling, and leave
it to the reader to carry out his own research
on the delayed-castling approach if he wishes.
10.0-0 tlJd7 11.�gSThis natural move is the main line.
Alternatives are unlikely to trouble Black:
11.�el CtJeS 12.!e2 CtJxf3t 13.!xf3 Wih4!
14.!xhS gxhS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
11.g4 gains time but weakens the kingside:11...CtJhf6 12.if4 Wie7 13.�el CtJe8 (13...hS!?)
14.ifl a6 lS.a4 CtJeS 16.CtJd2 gS 17.ig3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This was Kanko - Kosmo, Helsinki 2002,
and now after 17...CtJc7!N Black intends ...id7
and ...bS with counterplay. If White blocks the
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
queens ide with a4-aS, the knight on c7 can goto bS and later d4.
II.ie3 allows Black to carry out the intendedknight exchange, which is the main idea
behind putting the knight on hS. 11...a6 12.a4�e8 13.Wid2 CtJeS 14.ie2 CtJxf3t Is.ixf3
CtJ f6= The knight carried out his duty so nowhe can go back. The position is balanced and it
is worth seeing the rest of the game.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
139
8 .I _ .i.B r'� ..�_�,�, ""J Bh .��7 ,�i_�_'i'�i 6 � � ��um��� � 1,3 �..5� _8_ '��
4 '-�:::�h�i��'%�3 �7. ,�?1:t�-�- 82 8� U �8'-1 �uu7.� �_uu7.�'�mY- �iV�1:tm
a bed e f g h
11...�f6
It is not only the knights that Black will be
happy to exchange. If the bishops come off
then he will have chances to exploit the dark
squares, especially with the queen coming tof6.
12.�e3
12.ixf6 does not seem to have been tested,
and after 12... Wi xf6 Black has a comfortable
position, thanks to his active queen and ideas
of ...ttJf4 and/or ...CtJeS coming at some pointin the future.
White's other important option is:
12.ih6 ig712...�e8 is also playable. One gamecontinued: 13.Wid2 a6 14.a4 CtJeS IS.ie2
CtJxf3t 16.ixf3 CtJg7 17.aS bS 18.axb6Wixb6 and White had a small advantage atbest, Makovsky - Donnelly, corr. 2004.
13.Wid2
13.igS if6= repeats the position.13.ixg7 occurred in Fries Nielsen - Maus,Germany 1989, and here Black evidently
should have recaptured with the king:
13...rJlxg7N 14.Wd2 Wif6 IS.CtJe2 �e8According to Watson Black has a reasonable
game, with ideas such as ...bS and ...CtJeS onthe agenda.
13...a6
140 e4 Systems
13...ixh6 14.Wixh6 Wif6 Is.ibS!? gaveWhite good chances in Heigl - Beyer, corr.1995.
14.ixg714.a4 ixh6 IS.Wixh6 Wif6= is pleasant forBlack without any CtJ bS ideas to worry about.
14... CtJxg714... rJlxg7!?N IS.a4 Wif6 looks sensible.
IS.Wif4 Wie7 16.�fel
Jenneborg - Pott, e-mail 2003. Here I would
suggest:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16.. .�e8N
Preventing the e4-eS break.16...bS 17.eSt
17. a 4 CtJ h S 18. Wi d2
18.Wih6 Wif6 keeps the kingside undercontrol.
18...�b8 19.aS bS 20.axb6 �xb6f1
12...�e8
12... CtJ eS is possible, but it is always usefulto activate the rook. Mter the text move I
considered two main options for White: B31)13.tlJd2 and B32) 13.VNd2.
Once again Black does not have to be
concerned about the advancing g-pawn: 13.g4CtJg7 14.rJl g 2 (14.gS ixc3 IS.bxc3 c4! givesBlack interesting play on the light squares.)14...a6 IS.a4 Bern - Gallinnis, corr. 2002.
IS...hS!N 16.gS id4!f1
B31) 13.tlJd2
8.i_.i.B.i�.�7 �r�i)�f�fm"�� ��,� ��Fh ��6 _ W� �i� 5 �.�7.� um%� ,���uu�� �� ��4 �7.' �7.� � �3� ��� -8
��,�'m';� :,/���L1�,"0 � � %�2 8w� �� w�8.1 �"U7..v.fm '
a bed e f g h
13...�d4!
Black is looking to play on the kingside dark
squares.
14.�xd4?!
A mistake, but it is worth highlighting therefutation.
A better, if still harmless continuation is:
14. �e 1 CtJ e S IS. CtJ f3 CtJ xf3 t
Or IS...ixe3N 16.�xe3 Wif6 with
comfortable equality.
16.Wixf3 ieS 17.g4?!17.ibSN id7=
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
21.�d� \Wxe3 22.fXe3 dxe5 + 3 \Wh4--+ 21 \Wxh3 22. Manslysk 021.:9:e :9:e3 \Wxg4 t 23.:9:� ( I ) 2010.F��r - Brunello, Khanty-
15...�e5! S CtJcS as had been played. ver 1 . . . ImprovIng 0before.
. us16.�b3 �f3t! . h 'ustifies Black's prevlok . de a whic JThe ey I ,
play.
. en better17.�hl? , ht would have glV \W 5tTaking the klllg f3 �xh3 (I 7... g. al chances: 17.gxsurVIV
141
20, \W � 1 � lLJ f4 is the end. 1':\ d 4 CtJ 5 f4-+20 '6'xg . lLJ h3 22. "lJX� h3 t 21.\Wxh3 x . ' o n advantages,20...BX 'al and pOSltl
With both maten, much trouble.h id win without Black s ou
142 e4 Systems
The main move occurred in Biliskov - Zufic,
Zadar 2008. Now Black's easiest route to
victory is:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
21.'t1Mg321.<j{g2 CtJf4t 22.<j{gl �eS is crushing.
21...�xf2t!-+
As pointed out by Emms.
B32) 13.'t1Md2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This is a better try for White; for one thing itdoes not allow the kind of dark-square attackthat we saw in the previous line.
13...�e5
Although Black is unlikely to win with a
mating attack here, he keeps an active gameand is not forced to return from the baseline,
as they say in tennis.
14.�e2
Exchanging on eS is not dangerous: 14.CtJxeSixeS IS.CtJe2 (IS.f4?! ixc3 16.W1xc3 CtJg3saw Black win material in Shulman - Langer,
Las Vegas 2002.) Is...id7 16.�fel ArreagaOrozco - Knebel, e-mail 2003. 16...bSN 17.f4
ig7 Black has promising counterplay.
14...�xf3t 15.�xf3 �g7The knight is not as badly placed as it might
appear, and may support the ...fS break if it isneeded.
16.�abl!?
Preparing b2-b4 is perhaps the most
challenging plan for White. Here are a few
other examples:
16.�fe 1 ieS 17.if4 was played in Matthiesen- E. Pedersen, Denmark 2006, and now after
17...a6N 18.a4 b6 the black rook is ready to
swing to the centre via a7.
16.if4 ieS 17 .ixeS �xeS 18.ie2 fS 19.f4
�e8 20.if3 occurred in Cmilyte - Langer,
Chapter 10 - Modern Main Line - without 9...b5
Gibraltar 2008. Here the logical continuationwould have been:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16...�e5 17.b4 b6 18.�f4
This position was reached in Schandorff -E. Pedersen, Denmark 2007. Since the
queens ide has now become a key battleground,I think Black should have taken the
opportunity to take the enemy queen in the
opposite direction:
8.i-.i.S.iU.-7 ��_'''U%gT.r
6 '''''7.� ��_ �l';� 5 �L'U'%.�%�����,{uu�� �tJ�/���
4, ��\'N//--��' 2 :_ /u",;� ���_3� � ��_8
�.,,,,,%.u"7.�'�1 �1:t_ _1:t�a bed e f g h
18...�xf4!?N 19.VNxf4 �a6 20.�fel cxb4
21.�xb4 �c8�
Black has sufficient counterplay on the c-file.
143
Conclusion
Against the 7.CtJf3 move order 7...a6!? seemsperfectly valid, although Black had better
be prepared for the tricky 8.W1e2!? line asexamined in line Al. If White wishes to playthe Modern Main Line then the 7.id3 move
order is the best way to do it, and after 7...ig78.h3 0-0 9.CtJf3 we reach the main tabiya for
the system. According to my analysis neither9...a6 nor 9...�e8 10.0-0 c4 is particularly
appealing for Black, so if the reader is lookingfor an alternative to the theory-laden 9...bS
variation of the previous chapter, 9...CtJhS!?looks like the best bet.
e4 Systems
Kapengut
Variation Index
l .d4 tLJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tLJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.£3
7...�g7A) 8.tLJ g e2 0-0 9.tLJ g 3
AI) 9...a6
Al) 9...h5
A3) 9...tLJh5!?
B) 8.�e3 0-0
Bl) 9.tLJ g e2B2) 9.VNd2
C) 8.�g5 0-09.VNd2Cl) 9...a6
C2) 9...h6 10.�e3 h5 II.tLJ g e2C21) 11...�e8
C22) 11...tLJbd7
AI) after I8.f6?
a bed e f
I8...llJxf6!N
A3) after 2I.id2
2I...llJe5!N
145
145
146
148
149
149
150
152
152
155
156
157
C22) after 2o.id3
20..j�b4!N
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.£3
This set-up is named after the Belarusian
master Albert Kapengut, although themain lines of the present chapter arise morefrequently via the Samisch Variation of the
King's Indian Defence.
White's last move prepares to develop thebishop on e3 without fearing harassment
from a knight on g4. On the negative side,White not only spends a tempo on a pawnmove, but will often spend considerable time
on manoeuvres such as CtJ g l-e2-g3 followedby CtJ h I-f2 or CtJ fl-d2. But as we say in mycountry: for every train there are passengers!
7...�g7From here White usually proceeds with
one of the following developing moves: A)
8.tlJ g e2, B) 8.�e3 or C) 8.�g5. Obviouslytranspositions are possible, but each move can
give rise to independent possibilities as well.
A) 8.tlJ g e2 0-0 9.tlJ g 3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
9.ie3 leads straight to line B 1 on page 149.Mter the text move it is worth consideringthree main options for Black: AI) 9...a6, A2)9...h5 and the remarkable A3) 9...tlJh5!?
AI) 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7
145
This is the most natural scheme of developmentfor Black.
11.�e2
Once again II.ie3 will lead to variation B 1.
8 H .i.� ��.-�� 'u,,/.� u,uY-�r��7 �,i �,� �7.�J�� 6 i- � .i�5 ��.�7._/u"u_ 7.4 8� mu/'� 8_ �_� �7.'O//- �� �7.'O/�3� m g8m2 ��,u";�l.y�';�%'u,�''''��;� ��'0� '%�""1 /,� �iV� _1:ta bed e f g h
11...�e8!
I like this move a lot. Instead of chasing the
knight away from g3, where it is not brilliantly
placed anyhow, Black manoeuvres his knight
to support the ...bS plan.
11...hS
This is the main line. It seems okay too, even
if it is not my favourite plan in the position.
12.igSThe black queen has a couple of options.
12...Wic7
12...Wib6 13.Wi d2 CtJh7 14.ih4?! (14.aS is
better) 14...�e8 IS.0-0 c4 t 16. rJlh 1 CtJcS17.�ab1 CtJb3 18.Wie1 Wie3+ Dambacher-
Bojkov, Belgium 2011.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
146 e4 Systems
13.W1d2 �b8 14.0-0 c4 IS.ie3 h4 16.CtJhl h3
16... CtJ cS is also decent.
17.CtJf2 hxg2 18.<j{xg2The position was roughly balanced in Anand
- Nakamura, Moscow 2011.
12.0-0 �b8 13.�e3 �c7
Black is ready to commence his counterplay,and White must decide what to do about it.
14.f4
White goes for swift action in the centre.
14.aS is nothing special: 14...bS IS.axb6
�xb6 (IS...CtJbS!?N=) 16.W1d2 �b4= Gupta -Vishnu, Chalkis 2010.
14...b5 15.e5
Definitely the most ambitious move. InsteadIS.axbS CtJxbS 16.CtJxbS axbS 17.W1d2 �e8
was comfortable for Black in Antonsen -
Mortensen, Farum 1993.
15...bxa4 16.�ce4 dxe5 17.f5 �b7
17...�xb2!N looks like an improvement,as 18.d6 CtJ bS favours Black. Still, it is worth
mentioning a tactical point that occurred in
the game after the text move.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a e
18.f6?
This occurred in Bargan - Dochev, Paracin2010, and here Black could have obtained a
big advantage as follows:
18...�xf6!N 19.�g5 �ce8 20.�xf6t �xf621.�xf6 �xf6 22.�e4 �xe4 23.�xd8
�fxd8+
Black has a rook, knight and several pawns
for the queen.
A2) 9...h5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
Since the knight has come to g3 so early, it
is tempting to accelerate Black's kingside play.
10.�g5It seems logical to hold up the h-pawn.
Ignoring it allows Black to develop rapid
counterplay: 10.ie2 h4 II.CtJfl CtJh7 12.ie3fS 13. exfS ixfS 14.if2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 11 - Kapengut 147
more sense in Dreev - Tkachiev, Shanghai Now Black has a couple of contrasting
2001.) 16.CtJe3 Now in Kopasov - Oortwijn, options.Internet 2003, I think Black should have
played:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10...11Mb6 11.11Md2 tlJh7 12.�h4
It seems a bit odd to combine a knight on g3with a bishop on h4, but several strong playershave followed this path.
12.ie3 CtJd7 13.0-0-0?! is hardly animprovement: 13.. .h4 14. CtJ ge2 WaS IS. rJl b 1bS 16.CtJcl b4 17.CtJ3e2 CtJeS 18.CtJf4
8 ��.i. � ��..
7 � �. �.'iY.�i 6 uuj��. ���f� 5 iJ�.tiU.��,u".%� I '�uu"� '/'A';� �� I '�4 � % .O/�, �
3 u'u,,� �.ti';� uU'�w.'� �:«"<,%uu�,, �w.'�2 8wfj � .8w�
1 _��Lf:� r_�a bed e f g h
Now in Braun - Gallagher, Olbia 2008,
the logical 18...c4!N would have given Black
excellent attacking chances.
12...�d7 13.�e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
13...a6
13...gS!?
After this sharp move both kings couldbecome unsettled.
14.ixgS CtJxgS IS.CtJxhS!?An interesting long-term piece sacrifice.
Another game continued: IS.WixgS Wixb216.�cl CtJf6 17.CtJdl Wib4t 18.rJlf2 h4f1
19 .�c4?? hxg3t 20.hxg3 Wib 1-+ Dubessay-Martinovic, Sibenik 2012.
IS...CtJh7 16.CtJxg7 rJlxg7 17.g4 ooWhite had reasonable compensation In
Sandipan - Caspi, Zurich 2009.
14.0-0 c4t 15.<tt>hl
This position was reached in Svetushkin -
Denny, Turin (01) 2006, and here Black should
have gone forwards!
15...11Md4!N 16.11Mxd4 �xd4 17.�e7!?
An interesting solution, which looks
preferable to 17.ixc4 CtJb6 18.ib3 gS+.
17...�e8 18.�xd6 h4 19.�xc4 hxg3 20.�xg3White's three pawns should give him enough
for the piece, but no advantage in my view.
148 e4 Systems
A3) 9...tlJh5!? 10.tlJxh5 gxh5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This looks like an even more extreme version
of the famous ...�h5 idea as used by Fischer
against Spassky. Here Black incurs a similar
shattering of his kingside pawns, without
gaining the advantage of the bishop pair as aconsolation. Fortunately the news is not all bad;
the ...f5 break will come quickly and the f2-f3
move has weakened White's dark squares, in
addition to shielding the h5-pawn from attack.
11.�d3 f5 12.0-0 tlJd7
If the knight has the chance to settle on the
splendid e5-square, all other options should
be skipped. For instance: 12...�a6 13.a3id7 14.Wic2 Wif6 15.rJlhl �ac8 16.Wie2 �c7
17.if4 �ce8 18.Wid2t Taborov - Pavlov, Kiev
2003.
13.�c2
13.exf5 �e5 14.f6Wixf615.�e4 Wig616.ic2if5 17.rJlh 1 b5 gave Black fully satisfactoryplay in Novikov - Langer, Lindsborg 2002.
13...tlJe5
Black can also establish a dark-squaredblockade with: 13...f4!?N 14.�e2ie5 15.rJlhl
h4=
14.tlJe2 tlJg6
It is worth pOIntIng out the erroneous
14...Wh4? as played in Dreev - Peng Xiaomin,
Beijing 2000. Here White could have obtained
a pleasant advantage by simple means:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15.exfS �xfS 16.�xfS �xfS 17.tlJ g 3 �f7
8.1_ B �._�,�� �,,3� �m'�7 ii�i � n�.i�£6 � _ � ��//h �7. '0J-iuu%� �5� �8_ _i4 �� �U,,�� �� ��3�����!���'''0 �� �� /'b';�,�2 %�� '0� �4P
1 �/�� W�\UlJ� � � �0� OO�-�� /" "y, /"",� � /. " /-
a bed e f g h
18.tlJxh5
Taking the pawn must be critical. 18.CtJe4was played in Kraft - Kuhn, e-mail 2008,
and here I suggest 18...Wid7N 19.�g5 id4t20.rJlhl �f5 21.Wib3 �c8 when Black has
sufficient counterplay.
18...�d4t 19.<;t>hl11Mh4 20.f4 �af8 21.�d2
We have been following the game Iljin -Sjugirov, St Petersburg 2005. So far Black's
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
play has been excellent, and here he could have
obtained the upper hand with:
8 _ � ��.�. � �, �,,3�
7 if�i_ _.i_i 6 /,uu/._ �_ '_4a)� 5 � �.�/,� '_�� um/., , ��,� :tr L "4 _�W��� �� "m%� "m/.� ,,,"3 -/. '0 �� '0 �� ��,�
2 8f!j D _8��%,u,{[uu/._\illI� F? 'W�1 �� .�_�_W/" v-
a bed e f g h
21...tlJe5!N 22..iel1W g 4 23.1Wxg4t tlJxg4iBlack is temporarily a pawn down, but his
pieces are much more active and several of
White's pawns are weak.
B) 8.�e3
8 '=' �� 6 mu.� ��������rlii
7 ¥�.. � �u"",�u�� 6 uuu,_ _ .i�5 _�.�/._/u""_,�� m"/.� 8 � �
4 � �"�� 2 ��u"';_ ''',,%_ 8%fj3. rn �8_
�uut'u,%� \UlJ� � ��r:pr /� �� //1 0F?� _����:�a bed e f g h
8...0-0
Now it is worth checking both Bl) 9.tlJge2and B2) 9.1Wd2.
Bl) 9.tlJge2 tLJbd7 10.tlJg3
Deciding the knight's position so early givesBlack an attractive option.
149
10...h5!
This is an easy and straightforward route to
a good game.
It is worth comparing the alternative: 10...CtJe511.�e2
8 �..t. ��..
7 iT.,u'�_�i�l(r 6 u","� �� . i ��� � '�l�%�d'U"'�5 � � �O�. �
�� u,u"� 8u� . �4 _ � �"'''/�� '�� � A��3 � '�' � //-o'�.
��r�"'u;� '�"./8':�2 8 �� .di6 ��£'u,1 �uu"�% iV= .:r
a bed e f g h
This position is more commonly reached
via the King's Indian move order: 1.d4 CtJ f62.c4 g6 3.CtJc3 �g7 4.e4 d6 5.f3 0-0 6.�e3c5 7.CtJge2 CtJc6 8.d5 CtJe5 9.CtJg3 e6 10.�e2exd5 11.cxd5.
Notice that in the above move order Black is
forced to put his knight on e5 before playing...e6. In our Benoni move order this is not the
case, and we can obtain a good game by leaving
the knight back on d7 for a few more moves.
So although transposing to the King's Indian is
a valid option which leads to interesting play, I
see little point in doing so when an easier and
less theoretically dense alternative exists.
11.�e2 h4 12.tlJf1 tlJh7 13.tlJd2
The knight must be feeling tired already.
13...a6
Black can also do without this move, for
instance: 13...f5 14.0-0 (14.exf5 gxf5 15.0-0f4 16.�f2 h3�) 14...f4 15.�f2 CtJe5 16.a4=
Lapiccirella - Chatalbashev, Bratto 2010.
14.a4 f5 15.exfS gxf5 16.0-0 tLJe5 17.@hlKorchnoi - Saric, Porto Carras 2011.
150 e4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
17...f4N
Cementing the knight's position in thecentre.
18.�f2 h3�
Black has a full share of the chances.
B2) 9.V!fd2
8 .i�.i.B ��..,�mm� "u'''� ""'/'m'�
7 JI�i � n��,�i 6 � � _i���,�u,,/,� /�u",;� �: ����!����, 'n/ h ��, �� �3 � "m /-'d� � ' 8 _2 AW� � � � AW�o �O% ��� W� 0 �O%
1 �UU7.."u' ''� .im�a bed e f g h
Although White's set-up resembles the
Yugoslav Attack against the Sicilian Dragon,
don't expect any craziness involving long
castling and marching the h-pawn.
9...�e8
It is worth pointing out that 9...CtJbd7 is
inaccurate due to 10.CtJh3! when the knightfinds an ideal home on f2.
On the other hand 9. ooh5 is perfectly
playable and immediately transposes to lineC2 on page 156.
10.tlJge2 tlJbd7 11.tlJcl11.CtJg3 h5 is hardly an improvement for
White over the previous variation, as the white
queen is blocking the knight's route via fl-d2.
11...a6 12.a4
Mter some standard opening moves it is
time for Black to decide on a plan.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
I also like the following option:12...h5
Even without a knight on g3 this move
makes some sense. The knight can drop backto h7 to make way for ...f5, while in some
positions the further advance of the h-pawncould be considered.
13Jie2 CtJh7 14.0-0 CtJe5 15.CtJ 1 a2
15.�b 1 f5 16.b4 c4= 17.f4?! Hobaica -
Barbosa, Brasilia 2010. 1700.CtJg4N 18Jixg4hxg4+
15...Jid7 16.�ab 1 f5 17.b4 c4= 18.f4?!
Once again this aggressive move does more
harm than good to White.18...CtJd3
18...CtJg4+
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
19.�xd3 cxd3 20.Wixd3 CtJf6+
Moutousis - Kotronias, Aghia Pelagia 2004.
8.i_.i.B.i�._� �� ,,,u"� ��,yw�7�i.61.i�i
�� �?;(o'0 �� mu%///-6 i. � Bi�� ��'d'm'%7. ��
5 � ��8_ _614 l_UU%_l_ %�3 � � ��8'���,�um;�/-"L'Fu,�� ��,�2 %,u,J[S�7.'n/ )Wj� '0 �t;Jtj1 �� � � �_1:t
a bed e f g h
13.g4?
A clear mistake, but it is worth seeing therefutation.
White should prefer 13.�e2 although heretoo Black is in good shape: 13...f5 14.exf5
gxf5 15.�g5 Wia5 16.0-0 Wib4 17.�c2 CtJf4The imaginative plan of utilizing the queen to
support a kingside outpost along the fourth
rank makes a nice impression.
151
13...tlJe5! 14.11Mg211Mh4t 15.�flIt is possible that White calculated this far
but missed the crushing follow-up.
8 .i_.i._.i_.�7 i7.� � i�i
//h �///o'0}im'\,u//- ��5 � ��8. _61
�� �'''�� /�,u,,;� �7""L'/4 8� �����3 � �8�2 �O'uu;���,�1 7.�m'/'� �m :r_�/" "y- ;//,,,,,; //,,,,% . I
a bed e f g h
15...tlJxf3t! 16.11Mxf3 �xg4 17.11Md3?The only chance was: 17.Wixf7t rJlxf7
18.�xh4 �xc3t 19.bxc3 �xe4t 20.rJlf2 �f8
21.�g2 rJl g 7t 22. rJl g 1 �e3 +
17...�xc3t 18.bxc311Mf6
White can do nothing to prevent a decisive
breakthrough along the e-file.
152
8
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
16.rJlhl
16.�xc4 Wic5t 17.CtJe3 h6 18.�xf6 �xf6
19 .�fe 1 �b8 20 .�ab 1 b3 21. CtJ gfl Wib4 00White remained a pawn up but paid asubstantial price in the shape of his dark-squared bishop in Stolz - Boos, e-mail 2006.
16. . . CtJ e 5 1 7. CtJ e3 c3 18. bxc3 bxc3 19. Wi c2
�b8 20.CtJdl
8
7
6
5
20...h6!
Black's little 'Hobbit' starts its journey!21.�e3 h5! 22.�el h4 23.CtJfl h3!
The humble pawn has single-handedly
pushed back White's pieces and facilitated
the destruction of his entire position, asdemonstrated by the game continuation:
24.g3? CtJxd5! 25.exd5 �f5 26.Wixc3 Wixd527.Wid2 Wia8-+
Gross - Kende, Budapest 1998. White faces
imminent disaster on the f3-square.
81_�_1_$!�
7 _�_!���{�� 6 ��,.��,�� �Itj�5a ��8_ �4 /'�7.� '''u/,� 8%� muY- mY'uu �/.'n/h �� �/.'n/�3�� � -8m
2 /muv-�,uu ;� �_ /�';�1 _UU7._'''''''�fw�� � L} �,
a bed e f g h
153
13...11Mb4
Another game continued 13...h5 14.�e2CtJh7 15.�f4 CtJe5 16.0-0 �d7 17.�h6 h4
18.�xg7 with equality, Martin - Arakhamia-Grant, Sunningdale 2007.
14.�e2 tlJ e5
8.i_J._.i_._
7 Bi_ _ilfr 6 f� �_ �.r-� ��'d'm'7./.,u/d/umb'�5. w�8. �
4 8SUU7.� //8';_ muY- m, u,,/'uU"/.'''/h �� �/.'u/�3�� m _8m2 /umY-�mu ;� r.��';�1 _UU7._"u7.�,�� �Wuu� � � �1:t
a bed e f g h
15.0-0 tlJfd7!
A queen exchange only helps White:15...Wid4t?! 16.rJlhl Wixd2 17.�xd2 c4 18.a5
�d7 19.CtJa4 �xa4 20.�xa4 �ac8t Mortensen
- Hoi, Ringsted 1995.A somewhat better alternative is 15...CtJc4
16.�xc4 Wixc4 17 .if4 �f8 18.�h6 �e7
(18...�xh6 19.Wixh6 CtJd7=) 19.CtJa2 a5 20.�cl
Wia6 21.�e3 �d7 with a reasonable positionfor Black in Papaioannou - Gagunashvili,Budva 2009.
Nevertheless I find the text move the most
logical. The knight is going to support Black's
queenside play, while all the white pieces seem
to be sitting on strange places.
16.@hl c4!?N
I find this move the most interesting,
although 16...CtJb6 gave Black an acceptableposition in Puschendorf - Heyn, e-mail
2000. The main move is technically a novelty,
although it immediately transposes to another
game which we will follow for a few moves.
154 e4 Systems
17.tlJdl?!
After the superior 17.a5N b5 18.axb6 CtJxb6the position is roughly equal.
17...1Wxd2 18.�xd2
Peralta - Ferreira, Asuncion 1999. Here I
found a nice idea for Black:
8.i_J._.i_._7 �i_�_ilYr� � '/ ���L�6 i_ _ _i�5 �� '�%� ��4 !� f� //�,;� �mmu �� �� �7.'''/�3 � _ _8m2 mj���f��8'��1 .u"7..�_r.�
a bed e f g h
18...h5!N
Black must disrupt his opponent's position
before CtJe3 puts him in defensive mode.
19.tlJe3!?
Attempting to provoke a conflict. 19 .�e 1CtJc5 20.CtJe3 �d7 21.�xc4 CtJxa4 favours
Black slightly.
19...h420.f4
8 .I _J._.i _,__
7�i_�_i� 6 :������i�5 �� �uu�r'//-� �� �4 !� f"�;��_'"'' �� �7.,,,/Y,u'%7.'n/,}'''u3�_mm
,ujw� �wt.i�'�� � ��A'�WM2 �Q% ���O�Q
1 � mu%."m%� r.�a bed e f g h
20...hxg3!
Black must avoid the seemingly temptingalternative:
20... CtJ d3?
The complications are not in our favour.
21.CtJxc4 CtJxb2 22.CtJxd6 �d8 23.e5 hxg324.�a2 CtJc5
24...CtJxe5 25.fxe5 �xe5 26.CtJxf7 �xd5
27.�cl �g7 28.�xb2 �xb2 29.�xb2 �e630 .�c4:t
e f
25.CtJxc8
25.�xb2? �xd6! +
25...�axc8 26.�xb2 CtJxa4 27.�a2 CtJc3
28.�xc3 �xc3 29.�f3 f6t
8.i_J._.i_._W/i � � �'�7�i��_i��� ��,� �� "m%�
6 i_ f� _i�5 /, �� '�7._ �_4 !� f� ��u���z""� �� ��:'/�uu��,�30�. ��� W�
'uu'/'�'0 ��,�m'''� "m7.�,�2 f� ��_8f�
.uu7._m"%� �.uu1� _ _1:t��a bed e f g h
21.fxe5 tlJxe5 22.hxg3White is poised to win a pawn, but Black's
active pieces and dynamic energy will prove far
more significant:
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
22...�d7 23.�xc4 b5! 24.axb5 tlJxc4
25.tlJxc4 �xb5 26.b3 �xe4 27.tlJxd6 �d4
28.tlJxb5 �xd2 29.tlJc7 �c8
8. � _.i� _._7 �� i7.�� /�"",; � �n�6 i_ _ _i�� � 8� ��5 ���" � ��� � � -4 UU��� �� ��,�
3 �8� � v�2 ",uY-� ��� �� '�/,�1 ��.um��'� �
a bed e f g h
White is in trouble. Note the following
attractive point:
29.tlJxa6 �d4!
With the terrible threat of ... rJl g 7 and mate.
C2) 9...h6
8 .I _.i.S ��._� 'r"uu� ""'''� ,,,uY-m'�7 JI�7. i �?;(o'0 �7.�J-I?;(o,�
6 _ v� .ivi�Y//"du,,/' �� % //u'//;@'�////5� ��A_ ���.%O � 00
4 �� U'''%� l� m"��� '''/' �� �3� � _8-��,�",,,;�<,,<,. �� ��,�
2 �J f] .� 7. �� '0 �7.�J�1 �R� � � �� � f.��i� � ���/�l�/, , /:: �, ,
a bed e f g h
10.�e3
White can also consider taking the pawn:1 0.�xh6!?
This is a valid option, albeit not an especially
promIsIng one.
155
10...CtJxe4
This thematic mini-combination should be
familiar to Benoni and King's Indian playersalike.
II.CtJxe4 Wih4t 12.g3 Wixh6 13.Wixh6 �xh614.CtJxd6 CtJd7
Black has sufficient compensation, but it
will be hard to play for a win.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
15.f4 CtJf6
15...CtJ b6?! is slightly inaccurate: 16.0-0-0�d8 17. CtJ xc8 �axc8 18 .�h3 f5 19. CtJ f3t
Radusinovic - Zakic, Belgrade 2010.
16.0-0-0 �d8 17.CtJxc8 �axc8 18.�g218.d6 CtJe4 19.d7 �c7 20.�el �cxd7=
Vidarte Morales - Minguez Rodriguez,Barcelona 2011.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
156 e4 Systems
Let me repeat a point that was made earlier on
page 152. If you intend to chase the bishop
with ...h6, I would suggest doing it on move
8 in order to avoid giving White the option
of playing the above line. 1 0.�xh6 may notbe theoretically dangerous for Black, but whyallow it at all when we don't have to?
.I % . '//.� .i. ; � /'/-� � B u� .� �8 " / '/ � %.. �, , % 'l. /.. //
7 �l';� '''dX� '1Y-_""'% �� �///o'/ �"'ndmn�, ,�� D ?i� �- & ��
6 � �� '_'A�. 5 �.�%� /�u",;� �uu4 ���UU%�!� ���7.'n//- �?%o'0 �� 7.3� m �8_2 r�uu,;.",�_ r�
,,,,},u,�� . � %"n��'0 �%'n/)u,,':1 � � � ��1:tu " , /.:, % �;
a bed e f g h
10...h5
If Black wants to put his rook on e8 (as in
variation C21 below) there is nothing to stop
him from doing so immediately. However, the
.. .h5 move will normally be played at some
point so I will assume Black plays it now before
discussing the options for his other pieces.
By the way, it is worth mentioning that
1 O...CtJ bd7 needlessly gives White the usefuloption of 11. CtJ h3! when he has good chancesfor an ad van tage.
Here is one interesting example where Black
managed to do without the ...h5 move:1 000.�e8 II.a4
11. CtJ ge2 h5 reaches line C21 below.11 . 00 a6
11...CtJbd7 12.CtJh3! is worth mentioningagaIn.
12.CtJge2 CtJbd7 13.CtJcl CtJh7!?
An interesting way of utilizing the .. .h6
move. Black prepares not only to play .oof5,but also to station his knight on g5.
14.�e2 f5 15.0-0 CtJg5 16.CtJd3This position was reached in Sasikiran -
Radjabov, Kallithea 2008, and here Radjabov
points out two ways to improve on his play:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16.oofxe4N
16...�xc3!?N 17.bxc3 fxe4°o IS also
in teresting.
17.CtJxe4 CtJf6� 18.CtJxg5?! CtJxd5+
8 .I _.i.e ��e�7 if61"� '''n/'� 'l/'�O<uu/,� ��'0 �7.'n//,{mn�7.6 . �� �i� 5 � �.�7.� /�uu,;� i4 ���m��!���� , '0< �//h'0 �3� � �8_
�Wf('mn ;� ,J� �WM2 0 �O% % � . 0 �O
1 �� uu/'_'n" x� rm�/., - /;" �
a bed e f g h
II.tlJ g e2Now it is worth discussing both C21)
11...�e8 and C22) 11...tlJbd7 with the idea
of rushing the knight to e5 and leaving therook on f8.
C21) 11...�e8 12.tlJcl
White could hardly deploy the knight on
g3, for obvious reasons. Therefore it must go
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
to cl and later perhaps d3 or even b3. This
strangeness is all due to the earlier f2-f3 move.
12...tlJbd7 13.�e2 tlJe5
Meanwhile the black knight takes up itstypical post in the centre.
14.0-0 tlJh7
Preparing to launch the f-pawn.
8.im.i.�.i�.m�,�� �""�� �m'��
7 ��i �� �i�& 6 _ _ _i�� . 87.� � i
: �� um/'�/�mu;� ��� �8�3� ID �8�'�A{"""-'�%� ,��2 0 �O� ����. 0 �O
1 ��,m7.��jfU'7._ i� uu/,uuY.: �u,; � /;'// %
a bed e f g h
15.�h6 �h8
It is also quite possible to exchange the
bishops: IS...�xh6!?N 16.Wixh6 Wib6 17.Wid2CtJ f6=
16.tlJd3
16.a4 a6 17.<j{hl �d7 18.CtJ la2 fS 19.�e3
CtJf6 20.�gS fxe4 21.CtJxe4 CtJxe4 22.fxe4 wasagreed drawn in Illescas Cordoba - Marin,Barcelona 2000, and indeed after 22...Wic7
Black is certainly not worse.
16...a6 17.tlJfl b5�
The position was double-edged but roughly
equal in De Sa - Noronha, e-mail 200S.
C22) 11...tlJ bd7 12.tlJcl tlJe5
This time Black postpones putting the rook
on e8, reasoning that it might prove just aseffective on f8 where it supports a future ...fS.
157
The potential danger of rushing with the
knight to eS is that White may try to arrange
f3-f4, so it is important to be familiar with
the various tactical resources needed to justifyBlack's last move.
13.h3
Preparing f3-f4 is the critical test.
The alternative is:
13 .�e2
And here I have a suggestion for you.13...h4!?N
With the simple idea of ...h3, so that after
White responds with g2-g3, a subsequent
f3-f4 will be met by ...CtJg4 when the knight'sfuture is secure.
I will just briefly mention that the most
common move has been 13...CtJh7 intending.. . fS .
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.igS14.h3 CtJhS! could be annoying for White.14.0-0 allows Black to carry out his plan:
14...h3 IS.g3 a6 16.a4 �d7= Black nolonger has any reason to fear f3-f4.
14...h3 IS.gxh3!?
IS.g3 falls in with Black's plan, so the textmove is cri ti cal.
IS...a6!?
IS...�xh3 is also playable, and may leadto approximate equality after the following
line: 16.f4�g217.fxeS �xhI18.exf6�xf6
158 e4 Systems
19.�xf6 Wixf6 20.CtJd3 Wih4t 21.CtJf2 �g2(21...f5? 22.0-0-0 Wixf2 23.�xhl f4 24.�fl
Wixh2 25.e5:t) 22.�d3 Wixh2 23.0-0-0 �f3
24.�el rJl g 7=The text move could lead to some wild
complications. The following line is nowhere
near forced, but it illustrates some important
tactical resources while also providingconsiderable entertainment.
16.h4!?
16.a4 gives Black a choice between
16...�xh3 by analogy with the note to the
previous move, and 16...Wia5 renewing thepossibility of ...b5.
16...b5 17.h5 b4 18.CtJdl Wie8 19.�gl19.hxg6?? CtJxf3t! 20.�xf3 CtJxe4 21.gxf7t�xf7 22.Wie2 �xf3-+
19...CtJxh5 20.f4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
20...CtJc4!! 21.�xc4 Wixe4 t 22.�e2
22.Wie2 Wid4 23.�fl �g4 24.Wixg4 Wixc4+22...�e8 23.CtJf2 Wif3 24.CtJcd3 �d4 25.rJldl
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
25...�xe2! 26.Wixe2 Wixd5 +
Black is a rook for two pawns down, but his
pieces dominate the board and the white kingfaces a turbulent future.
8
7
6
5
4
3
13...�e8 14.�e2
14.f4? is premature due to 14...CtJed715.�d3 b5! + .
14...tlJh7
8.i�.i.�.i_._'��� "'''''� /,�'��
: /,�� �_��'a/, �w�m'%7.'n//- �7.5� �8. _i4 �� '''u/,� /��,;� ��� � � �3� � �8�8� u�"m; / �u� �
2 8 � ��- il �Zuu/' ./Nu,/' �
1 ���. ?m � � �� '�_J � ��/ , ,y, � ",,; /j.",,, �
a bed e f g h
15.f4?
This tempting move only leads to troublefor White. Correct is: 15.0-0 f5 16.CtJb3 fxe4
17.CtJxe4 Shishkin - Ionescu, Bucharest 2004,
and now 17...CtJf6N would have kept theposition roughly equal.
Chapter 11 - Kapengut
15...tlJd7 16.tlJd3
Now Black has more than one way to exploit
the vulnerability of White's centre.
16...b5
16...ixc3!?N Yes, I know it's difficult to
exchange this bishop for a knight, but here it isokay! 17.bxc3 �xe4 (17...CtJhf6 18.CtJf2 CtJxe419.CtJxe4 �xe4 20.0-0 CtJb6+) 18.0-0 CtJb6 +
8
7
6
5
4
3
a e f gc
17.tlJxb5?!
This does not help. The sacrifice 17.e5!?dxe5 18.f5 looks like White's best chance to
complicate the game, although Black is stillbetter.
17...tlJdf6 18.tlJf2 �xe4 19.tlJxe4 �xe4
20.�d3
Now in Nikolov-Chatalbashev, Blagoevgrad
2010, Black's strongest continuation wouldhave been:
159
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
20...�b4!N
In the game Black quickly got a winning
position with 20...W1h4t 21.<j{fl �b4 22.�bl?ia6-+, but White could have offered more
resistance with 22.CtJxd6N �xb2 23.W1el.
21.tlJc3 �ab8 22.b311Me7 23.@f2
23.�cl �xf4 wins a pawn while preventing
castling.
23...�xc3! 24.11Mxc3 tlJf6
Followed by ...CtJxd5 with both a materialand positional advantage.
Conclusion
We covered three main move orders for White,
none of them especially dangerous but all withtheir own nuances. The early 8.CtJge2-g3 plan
gives Black several decent plans, with 9...CtJh5!?being the boldest of all. 8.ie3 and 8.ig5 leadto similar types of positions and can sometimes
transpose if Black plays ...h6 and later ...h5.Both moves allow Black to choose between
a few different set-ups, all of which give him
reasonable playas far as I can see.
e4 Systems
7.�ge2
Variation Index
l.d 4 tl)f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tl)c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tl)g e2
7...�g7 8.tl)g3A) 8...h5
B) 8...a6
C) 8...0-0
A) after 12.ttJ f1
a bed e f
12...h3!?N
B) after 14.g3
a b
14...c4!?N
161
162
163
C) note to 16.ttJh1
18...ttJe5!N
Chapter 12 - 7. Cfj ge2
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJ g e2
a c
This rare but quite sophisticated system was
recommended by Lars Schandorff in his recent
book covering the Indian Defences fromWhite's side.
The idea is to put the knight on g3 and
develop in a similar manner as in the previous
chapter, but without spending time on f2-
f3 until there is a good reason for it. So in a
nutshell, White is aiming for an improved
version of the Kapengut System.
7...�g7 8.tlJ g 3From this position I will cover two interesting
plans in A) 8...h5 and B) 8...a6, both of which
involve delaying castling, followed by the mainline of C) 8...0-0.
A) 8.. .h5
Certainly the most direct challenge to the
knight sortie.
9.�e2 a6 10.a411Me7!?
Persisting with the plan of early disruption.
The following game led to a complicated
struggle: 10...0-0 II.ig5 CtJ bd7 12.0-0 �e813.f4!? Wib6
161
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
11.11Mc2
II.ig5 allows Black to display one of thepoints behind his previous move: 11...Wie5!12.Wid2 h4 13.if4?! Wie7i- 14.CtJfl h3 Is.if3
hxg2 16.ixg2 ih3 1 7.ixh3 CtJ xe4 18. CtJ xe4Wixe4t 19.Wie3 Wixe3t 20.CtJxe3 �xh3 and
Black maintained slightly better chances inDreev - Art. Minasian, Moscow 2009.
11...h4
I also considered 11...a5!?N but after 12.ig5CtJa6 13.ib5t id7 14.0-0 CtJb4 IS.Wid2 O-Ot
White's chances are higher.
162 e4 Systems
12.tlJf1
This position was reached in Perdomo -Rodi, Sao Paulo 2008, and here I propose:
8 .i�.i.�.- ���£,&,;� ��W�'''u
7 �.. &m�.w 6 r_�."U'7._'l��5 ��.�7._/uuu_
7.� uU'7.� '� '�'�: 8�m�I���2��iW_'�!�
m'Z-m7.�'0 '%�'i{u,,7..uu1 /,� � � �.1:ta bed e f g h
12...h3!?N 13.g3 �bd7The advance of the pawn to h3 will grant
some stability to the knight on eS, as f3-f4 can
be answered by ...CtJg4. A possible continuationIS:
14.�g5 �e5 15.�e3 V!fc7 16.f4 �eg417.�xg4 �xg4 18.£5 �e5
The computer favours White slightly, butboth sides have certain weaknesses and I would
call the position unclear.
B) 8...a6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This time Black makes a few moves on the
queenside before commencing his kingsideplay.
9.a4 tlJbd7 10.�e2 h5
10...0-0 reaches line C below, but for now
we will concentrate on delaying castling.
11.�g5 V!fa5 12.0-0 h4 13.�hl h3 14.g3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
14...c4!?N
14...CtJh7 was the expert's choice in
�H. Nielsen - Gashimov, Khanty-Mansiysk(4) 2011, but it did not work out well for
Black. The text move leads to interestingcomplications.
15.�xc4
IS.Wic2 CtJcS 16.ixc4 Wib4 17.Wie2
CtJfd7 18.if4 gives Black a choice between18...CtJb6 19.ia2 CtJbxa4 with complex play,and 18...CtJeS 19.ixeS ixeS with ongoingcompensation for the pawn.
15...11Mb4 16.�b3
16.Wie2?? and 16.Wib3?? are both met by16...CtJeS winning outright.
16...tlJc5 17.�c2 0-0+1
Black will capture one of the pawns on e4 or
b2, maintaining a satisfactory position.
Chapter 12 - 7. ctJ ge2
C) 8...0-0
8 .I �.i.� ���_7 �lu� h'''Z� '1/'..""u7.� ��,� �7.'n//h''''''�7.6 . � .i� 5 � �.�7.� /YUU';�4 ���uu��!��_� �7.'n//. �� �7.'n/�3� m _ m2 lrJm";� �rJ�';�1 ��m'7.D'=£W�/muY- h" 'V- /,,,,,7. _ '
a bed e f g h
9 .�e2
9.f3 and 9.id3 lead to Chapters 11 and 13respectively.
9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7 11.0-0
II.h4 has been played, but a kingside attack
is unlikely to succeed here. The simplest reply is
11...hSN when the chances of White arranginga successful sacrifice on hS are minimal, and if
White changes plans and castles short then the
h4-pawn will be weak.
11...�e8 12.�g5Many other moves have been tried, but the
text is the most common and natural, and is
given by Schandorff.
12...h6 13.�e3 �b8 14.YMd2 h5
Black plays all the standard moves.
15.f3 tlJh7
Now that White has played f2-f3 the position
strongly resembles the previous chapter,
although there are some subtle differences such
as the knight's placement on g3 instead of c 1.
16.tlJhl
In another game White made room for
the knight on fl instead: 16.�fdl h4 17.CtJfl(17.CtJh 1 h3�) 17...h3 18.g3
163
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This position was reached in Ivanchuk
- Andreikin, Havana 2011, although in
that game the move count was one higher.Whatever the move number, at this point
Black can obtain a satisfactory, if still rather
unclear position with 18...CtJeS!N, as noted byStohl.
8 ��.i.�.i�.�7 .'lY-_i)_f�r� �_ %� 'l��
6 ��,�UU%� �� � : !���!����7.'n//. ��'0 �� �3� m �8_
2 �D'u,, ;S£ � 8%�1 �""7._'''''/'� r=�/, 'u� _ � � " �
a bed e f g h
16...tlJe5 17.tlJn �d7 18.a5 f5 19.b4?!
The critical continuation is 19.�felN,
which Stohl rates as slightly better for White.
This may be true although I do not believe it
is anything serious, and Black is very much in
the game after something like 19... CtJ f6 20.h3fxe4 21.CtJfxe4 CtJxe4 22.CtJxe4 CtJf7 intending.. .ifS.
19...cxb4 20.tlJa4 �b5
20...fxe4!? leads to heavy complications
and eventual equality: 21.CtJxe4 CtJg4 22.id4
164 e4 Systems
CtJhf6 23.Wixb4 (23.CtJxd6? Wic7 24.icS ixa42S.ixb4 ih6 26.Wia2 ib3 27.Wixb3 �xe2
28.fxg4 CtJxg4 + ) 23...CtJxe4 24.ixg7
Wi gst
21.�b6 �xe2
Another intriguing possibility is:
21...CtJxf3t!?N 22.ixf3 (22.gxf3? f4 23.ixf4ixe2 24.Wixe2 ixal 2S.�xal Wif6 26.�bl
Wi xf4 + )
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
22.11Mxe2 �d7N
22...fxe4 23.CtJxe4 was decent for White in
Bratanov - Petrov, Blagoevgrad 2010, althoughI eventually managed to get the better of the
struggle.
8 �_, �,.i_..
7.i_�_ _� 6 4�, _ '_'l'�5 ,rf, _,8_i_i4 _ _8_ �3 � _ �8'-�� ���nn�7.'n �, ,2 _ _iVm8�1 � '8 �m� 'muu,
a bed e f g h
23.�acl f4 24.�xf4 �xb6 25.axb6 11Mxb6
26.�e3i
White has sufficient compensation for the
pawn, but nothing more.
Conclusion
The 7. CtJ ge2 line should be taken seriously, andBlack must take care not to fall into an inferior
version of the previous chapter. Of the three
app roaches examined here, the first two are
tricky if slightly risky, while the third is more
reliable yet still dynamic enough to lead to an
in teresting middlegame where both sides willhave their chances.
e4 Systems
7.id3 and 8.�ge2
Variation Index
l.d4 tl)f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tl)c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.ird3 irg7 8.tl)ge2
8...0-0 9.0-0 a6 10.a4 tl)bd7
A) II.irg5 167B) II.h3 169
C) 11.tl)g3 �e8 172Cl) 12.h3 172
C2) 12.f4 Y!Jc7 173
C21) 13.Y!Jf3 174
C22) 13.h3 �b8 175
C221) 14.ire3 175
C222) 14.Y!Ja c4 15.irc2 b5 16.axb5 axb517.ire3 tl)c5 18.e5 dxe5 19.fxe5 �xe5 20.ird4 b4!? 178
C2221) 21.irxe5 179
C2222) 21.Y!Jf4 181
Cl) after 15.Wfd3?!
15...ttJxb2!N
C2221) after 22J�ae 1
a b g h
22...Wfc7!N
C2222) after 23.ixe5
a bed e f
23...ttJd3!N
166 e4 Systems
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.tlJge2
8 .I �.i.SJ._ ���'�"u,,� uu,%� �m'�uu,7 %I�£ -7. '0 �7.�/-�£
6 _ � �iW&a5 � �_�/'_'/u",;_�� ,uu7.� '� '�4 � �7.'n//- �� �� �
3 � m�_ _��,�m";� ��'0 ��,�� �il��'rii
a bed e f g h
This is an aggressive system based on the
following attacking scheme. After castling
White intends to place the knight on g3 and
advance with f2-f4, threatening e4-eS. If
Black overprotects the eS-square, then White
will push with e4-e5 anyway, meeting ...dxeS
with f4-fS (although we will see some cases,
including the main line, where a sacrifice with
fxeS is played instead). If timed correctly, this
pawn sacrifice combined with a bishop on gS,
rook on the f-file and knight on e4, not to
mention the dynamic potential of the passed
d-pawn, could lead to a devastating attack.
Fortunately there is no need to sink into
despair just yet. White's entire set-up is geared
towards the e4-eS break, usually connected
with a pawn sacrifice (involving either f4-fS or
fxeS), so the first good thing is that we knowexactly what is coming. The attack will take agood deal of time to prepare, and the presence
of the knight on g3 (compared with d2 in theClassical Variation) makes it easier for Black to
obtain counterplay with moves like ...c4, ...bSand ...CtJcS.
Summing up, both sides have concrete plans
and in the sharpest lines a single tempo couldprove decisive.
8...0-0 9.0-0 a6
This is the most common move order.
9...�e8 and 9...CtJbd7 are both quite playable,although in most cases .. .a6 and a2-a4 will be
played anyway within the next few moves.
9...CtJa6 is another option, but I don't like itvery much.
10.a4 tlJbd7
Sometimes Black plays 1 0...�e8 first, but the
knight has nowhere to go apart from d7, so we
may as well play that move first.
8 .I � .i.� ��._7 f� i)� 'ly-.r6 f� �_��fl%���.�7..�um;_�
: !� ""'7.� !� ����'n/%1���� �3 � m�� �2 �n,uu;B��8�
;�t"U7.W��.W/'_u,,%1,� ��.��
a bed e f g h
From this position we will examine three
main options: A) 11.�g5, B) II.h3 andC) II.tlJ g 3.
II.f3 reaches a strange form of Kapengut
System, and after 11...CtJeS 12.ic2 �b8 Blackhad good prospects in Marinelli - Martorelli,Chianciano 1990.
II.if4 does not make a great deal of sense, asafter 11...W1c7 White's bishop is left blockinghis main attacking plan involving f2-f4.
II.f4 �e8 (11...W1c7!? can also be considered)
12.CtJg3 transposes to line C2 on page 173.
Chapter 13 - 7.!d3 and 8.CZJge2
A) 11.�g5
8 /,.1 �ft.�, �� � �
7 B,i_,�_i� 6 iB, _ .i'-5 _, .8_ m"'�4 8 -7. '''/h _ 8 '_ m"��3 �"/��_ B2 m" tt _�'� 8'�1 0� _\UlJ." "7.f0 'if " "/m"Y- � � � 1:t m
a bed e f g h
11...�e8
I think it is worth playing this move, andI have recommended it in most of the lines
featured in this chapter. Nevertheless Blackcan also consider the immediate 11...CtJe5 with
similar ideas as in the main line below.
12.YMd2
White has tried several other moves, but in
most cases Black's basic plan will remain the
same: the knight will come to e5, and later c4
and a5 if and when it becomes appropriate.
C�mbined with his typical queens ide playWIth ...id7 and ...b5, this should ensure goodchances. Here are a few alternatives:
12.CtJg3 is covered on page 172 - see the12.ig5 line in the notes to variation C.
12.f4? is premature due to 12...c4! 13.ixc4Wib6t 14.rJlhl CtJg4 + Parr - Pritchard, York1959.
12.h3 CtJe5 13.ic2 h6 14.ie3 CtJc4 15.icl
Now in Sagalchik - Epstein, San Diego 2004,
Black could have obtained good prospects with
15...id7N 16.b3 CtJa5. The knight has arrivedat his destination and ...b5 is on the way.
167
8 .i_%.i.�,.i_.�
7 �,i_,4IlBi�i 6 i_ _ '_'1_5�, .�/'_/mm�4 8_"" _,8,_"m,_3� ��� ���'�''''';�''L' �, �2 m"�� � ��8�1 � _ W m '7. F 'if"" ,/, _ �1:t�
a bed e f g h
12...�e5 13.�c2 �c4
The knight was not forced to moveimmediately, but it is tempting to gain a tempo
against the queen.
14.YMcl �d7 15.b3 �a5
The knight is well placed here in this line.Now ...b5 is inevitable.
8 .I - � � ��� �, %"j.i �.�7 �,i_.i._i'�i 6 i � � r'/�rm��a ��,�""�� �I);���5 �r �1i8_ �4 8_" _8_ m ",_3 �8m � �� Wh� �m,,; � _
2 m" _,�_�'� �'���� � . � m ' 1:t ////%� � /'�'u"1� ��� � /��, /" , �",%
a bed e f g h
16.YMf4
16.�b 1 occurred in Sadler - Kempinski,
Germany 2003, and here I would suggest:16...b5 17.axb5 axb5 18.b4 cxb4 19.�xb4
CtJc4 20.id3 Wia5 21.Wibl �ec8=
16...�e5
Another interesting line is 16...b5!?N
17.axb5 axb5 with the possible continuation:
168 e4 Systems
18.Wixd6 b4 19.�xaS �xaS 20.eS if8 21.Wixf6
ie7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
� � ,\IDJ � . � �8 � � � � ��
�� �Ud%� ��,�'n/ h ��'d'm'7.7.u"'?UUU�'0
5. w�8 �� �
4 /�"� ,m'7.� '�Y-���f"'%�3 'm�� U'd/-��7. /�"m;7. �?;(o'0 ��,�2 _�_lZJ��8�l57.
u", �� � � � � . % � �� �,u,%%:,�uu%1 ��� � � Fr ��,� ���� " //', ,
a bed e f g h
17.YMd2?!
This feeble retreat hands Black the initiative.
Of course the point of Black's move was tomeet 17.Wih4?! with 17...h6!.
Instead White could have kept the game
unclear with a move like 17 .�ab 1, bearing inmind that ...CtJxdS tricks will not work due to
the hanging knight on as.
17...b5 18.axb5 axb5 19..if4?!
19 .f4N �e8 20.eS dxeS 21.fxeS �xeS
22.Wif4 �xgS 23.WixgS Wib6 leaves Black withmore than enough play for the exchange, but
the position remains complicated. Mter thetext move the play becomes one-sided.
s p � �..�7. 'S""x� ��'if�7� _.i..i�i
� � � ��A'� �%'/'/d//'''� � /� �6 � � ��� ��&��.% '.' A
5 :_ :.�7.�U"';�4 �L";� u"'7.� '�Y-� ��, �7.'d/" �� �'d�� �3_8� - e�� /uuU�"L'. ��'0 ��'�2 .���� 8 ��
/, UU� �W'Ud/-W""7.�'i{""1 /� � �1:t�a bed e f g h
19...�e8 20.�g3 b4 21.�ce2 �b5 22.�adlh5!+
Black managed to carry out all his ideas, and
White faces problems all across the board.
23.�g5?23.h4N CtJg4 +
23...h4! 24.�xh4 �xe4
s.i� B.i�. � �7. �� �"d%, �///"0 �7� _ _i�
�� �?;(o'0 �, �UU�,6 e �� _i�5 _l.�%� �� ��L";�,%",,,/,� �� ��;�4 /i% .�. �/�L'u,7.� � �,jdm3H8� � ��� �;(/-"L'. �//A'�U"':7. '�2 -����8�1 _�_l_i�uU� _I _I //u,
a bed e f g h
25.YMf4?! g5 26.�xe4 gxf4 27.�xd8 �axd828.�xf4 �xf1 29.@xf1 �xb3-+
Chatalbashev - Banikas, Kallithea 2009.
Chapter 13 - 7 .�d3 d an 8.l2Jge2
B) II.h3
8 .iB A OW'"" '��/..JL� � e�7 . i B.� "'"v-�,�� 6 &/._���i� &. � � %'u//,!um�, .: -:�����
� � 8 -/.'u//. _,8 - '� /',�!""�/. '/ .�f� A � �3 � ?� �� ��' �� o�+� �2 %�,�",,,;/. � - Atfg m If':-. �'0 � 01 � W� iV� %0 � u'U%%q �,,,,,,Y; � _ RJ �/////,� � � � �
a bed ' /'N"XTh' e f g hIS has been Wh. ,
in h Ites most cot e position. Befote 1 �mon choiceattack he g uar d . aunching into4 s agaInst a ' ang -squate. ny Invasions on the11...�b8
Black can also ado t th
we saw in the P r ,P ,e same strategy thath evlOUS lIne- 1 1 J:":\as only rarely been 1 . ..."lJe5!? Thisto me. The k . h . p ayed, but it looks g dmg t IS goi 00world, at least on th h ng to the end of thee cess board. 12 .ic2 �e8
8 ��A'mu' ��.JL �5i$ ,
7 � & � '''''\ �.� 6 A'. %'� I '�%�,(�"�.. �&��-, �� .&�
5 � � 1 '�'A"%fJf(("'"'' · ��, � �ogf .4 8. "'''''./'A''. ��3 � �m�'o� �� � . "%, �2 �/%,,,,,,:,,�, . 8,�!�,,�.�� ��1 � D Yi. �m-a b % Zc d e f
13. f4!? (13 llJ 3 g hh . . g transpose .w Ich can be found 1 s, to vanation Cl,
page 172.) The t ater In the chapter on M ext moveanzone _ B . t I . was P la y e d .1 te maJer A Inhere I am n ot ' rgentina 200 1 a dsure wh Bl k ' nthe consistent 13 llJ r ac refrained fromhe would ha b ... c N 14.CtJg3 id7 hve een doin g fi w ennee
169
8 �� .i. z/-/'/.. /. '� � � � C'0 � %",,,v-, � �� e �
7 .i_�_'lY;�' 6 &. '?f� �% . '///,)'//�' A : �� _�8 _:"''''_ �.- �- � � & �� ''11''''/.' / 0 . �
� 8 -/.'U/h _ 8 - '�3 � �� �� ��' �� ��-j+� � '2 ,?;(o,�",,,;/, �, - A�N� .1f':-.�'0 � 0� ""zQ�/. '/ .,�9 A � � �1 � � � � iV� � ""'/., 0 �� 0.\'+ � � 1:t � �//-,,, " ,'" %: ; �/ / �% %
abcdef'
12.llJ g 3 g h12.f4 is the ot h .
12 \!Xi er major 0 .... Ed c7 1 3 � 3 0:0:> ptlon, and afi te..!i!.e C!.e8 14 llJ rC221 on page 175, . g3 we reach line12...11Mc7 13.�e3
8 �A . � '�,j�,�, ��.-7 �,i �.. "i.Y-W;r� i �6 & � ,,,,,/,.. · W. � ?f� /.�fIi{{;,ui/., � � ogfi�
: !J 1 '-:""';-3 � ����/.� - ..��� ,��,� � ��2 � . um%�,�,u,,;�8, ""ZN"/. . t� A..1:� '�w.i�a b ��c d e f
13...h5!? g hThis leads to a shar d
The fact that it has �n�n double-�dged fight.
of practical encou nte y ° ak ccurred In a cou p le Inrnguing. es It the more. . rs m . all
I should mention that 1 .
and after 14.f4 w h 3...�e8Is a vaildo p tionI ' eave the 'to Ine C221 as same transpositionwas noted at move 12.
14.f4 h4
170 e4 Systems
14...c4!?N IS.ic2 bS 16.axbS axbSf! is also
possible, for example: 17.�a7 Wid8 18.Wif3Now Black's pawns gather momentum.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
8 �.i.� �...umY-;�"�'�� "mY-m'�: f�iia��f�5 � �.�h� /u",,��� �u,,%� ��'0 ��,�4 7.8 �7.'n//- ��Jt]7.'N/Ji
3B m�� m82 ��mu;� mN%� /��';_uuJ1uu�� �� ��,�1 i�� � \UlJ � 1:t F��h %� �
a bed e f g h
15.tlJ g e2 �e8 16.11MelIn such a tense position other moves are of
course possible. Here are a few brief lines Ichecked:
16.if2N c4 17.ic2 CtJcS 18.eS dxeS 19.fxeS
�xeSf!
16.fS!?N is aggressive, but Black seems to
be holding his own: 16...CtJhS 17.fxg6 fxg618.Wid2 CtJeS 19.igS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
19...bS!? Who counts pawns in such a
position? (19...�f8 is also possible, based on
the following point: 20.ixh4?! [20.�xf8t=]20...ixh3! 21.gxh3? �f3! 22.ic2 Wid7-+)20.axbS CtJxd3 21.Wixd3 axbS 22.ixh4 b4
23.CtJdl id7 00 Black's bishops are excellent.
The text move is also quite challenging. White
wants to capture the h4-pawn, so Black must
take immediate action. Fortunately he has
more than one satisfactory solution.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16...c4
16...CtJxe4!?N is another obvious candidate,
which may appeal to aggressive players.17.CtJxe4 (17.ixe4? CtJf6 + ) 17...fS 18.Wixh4
fxe4 19.ic2 CtJ b6°o Black has a good position.
17.j,c2 tlJc5 18.e5 tlJd3 19.11Mxh4 dxe5
Chapter 13 - 7.�d3 and 8.'t:Jge2
20.�xd3?!
Better is 20.fxe5N �xe5 21.id4 �h5,
although I believe Black is at least equal heretoo.
20...cxd3 21.tlJg311Mc4 22.�acl
8 ��.i._.i_.-. ' '�� �� 7.�,�: f� �� �'T�� �� ��,�"'u;�
5 �� �i -�'0 �f<"<"4 � 8 �I' �///o'0ff�/,'n/)�3 � ?�&�� ?�A� '�'A� '�'O
2 ��u"';� ,:'''%� /��,;�.""�k"��� �%'�1 � r� _1:t�a bed e f g h
22... tlJxd5!N
This should eventually secure an advantage,although both sides will have to navigate some
amazing complications along the way.
It's worth seeing the end of the game as well:22...d2 23.�cdl?!
23.ixd2N=
23...b5 24.axb5 axb5 25.�xd2 b4 26.CtJce2
CtJxd5 27.�cl Wib3 28.if2
Dumitrache - Chatalbashev, Agneaux 2004.Here Black could have tried:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
28...exf4N
171
The game ended 28...if6 Y2-Y2 in view of29.Wih6 ig7= with a repetition of moves.
29.CtJxf4 CtJxf4 30.Wixf4 ib7+
Black's bishops should offer him somewhatbetter chances.
23.tlJce4 11Mb3 24.�a7 tlJxf4!?
24...�a8 25.fxe5 �xa7 26.CtJg5 is bizarrelyequal. The elegant finish might be: 26...b5
27.Wih7t rJlf8 28.Wixg6!
8 ..t��. �
7 ;�.�.'i/-� 6 'i�� �� �� \fl.�� �/- 'x �/-'''/�5�i�4a)� �4 �� �� �'''�� ��''''';�� � � 'nJff�3�if.i. m82 ���.�.'[�';�- �""\"'" �� ��,�1 �� �!!M/ �
a bed e f g h
28...CtJf6! 29.�xf6 d2! 30.�ffl! dxcl =Wi
31.CtJh7t rJl g 8 32.CtJf6t rJlf8=
8 ��.i._.i�.m;�'uu�� %� %m'�
7�i. _Am 6 'l%� �� �� 'l��% �� ��'''0��5 �� �� �7.,n//- �;W'<'/4 8. .�� �3 � ;� r� //""';m'8��'0 �� �� /"" � ';�2 � � _8�. �////%%'//// � � � �///'0%-�0 � ��1 �� ����i
a bed e f g h
25.�xb8 11Mxb2 26.�xf4
26.CtJf2? Wid4 27.rJlh2 id7 28.ic7 f5-+
26...11Mxcl t 27.�f1 d2
White is under serious pressure and must
play precisely just to reach an inferior endgame.
172 e4 Systems
2S.tlJf6t �xf6 29.11Mxf6 �f5 30.@h2! 11Mxf131.he5
� � � .i-.�8 ������
7 �� �� ���'i�� 6 �i �� ��:J�� 5� � �.i.�_: 8 -�-� -rIff;� � '// �� /uuU Y //'2 _ _ -8�1 �.,uj_'.,,,,,
a bed e f g h
31...�xeS
The spectacular 31...Wig1 t!? is reasonable,if not a real improvement: 32.rJlxgl dl=Wt33.rJlh2 �xeS 34.WxeS Wixa4 35.Wb8t rJlh7
36.CtJxfS gxfS 37.Wixb7+
32.11MdSt �eS! 33.11Mxest @g7 34.11Mest@h7 3s.tlJxf1 dl=11M
Black keeps an extra pawn and some winningchances.
C) 11.�g3
.i�.i.� �.g8 � �� '''''/,� 'u,,/,�'��7 �i �!��h'�i 6 i_ W� �i�5 _ �.�7.� �/"",;�4 :��UU%�!� �m�,/ � �,/�3 � ��_ �2 '�"u,,_���u�
uu"m%�:� �.uu�fb:';�u"1 ,Q �iV.1:t��a bed e f g h
11...�eS
Once again I favour this rook development.
11...CtJeS is playable although White may betempted to consider 12.ie2!?, losing a tempo
with the bishop but hoping to regain it with
interest after a subsequent f2-f4.
Mter the text move White has two maIn
options: Cl) 12.h3 and C2) 12.f4.
12.igS Wic7 13.Wid2 c4 14.ie2 occurred inChatalbashev - Melnikova, Sautron 2006,
and now after 14... CtJ cS N IS .ixc4 CtJ cxe4
16.CtJgxe4 CtJxe4 17.CtJxe4 �xe4= Black is fine.
Cl) 12.h3
8.i�.i.�.i�._�� �"A ��,�7 �£_�_,�,m,i 6 iU _ _i_5 �.�7.� //"",;� �4 !��UU%�!� �m3���'_��2 �duu,:� �d�':�;�ruu�w�!_W%�1� ��.��
a bed e f g h
12...�eS!?
It is important to mention that 12...Wic7
is perfectly fine, and is likely to transpose to
variation C22 below after White plays f2-f4.
13.�c2
13.ie2!? has been played in a few games, andhere 13...Wic7N looks like a sensible response.Compared with the 11...CtJeS 12.ie2 line
mentioned on the previous move, here White
has invested a tempo on h2-h3, so I do not seemuch for Black to fear.
The position after the text move can alsoarise via variation B with II.h3 - see the note
on page 169 with 11...CtJeS!? 12.ic2 �e8, afterwhich 13.CtJg3 reaches the present position.
Chapter 13 - 7.�d3 and 8.l2Jge2
8 " .i.B.i�.�� �� 'S,,,,:%, �?;(o,��7�i� �i�i�� �?;(o,� �7.',w,,(m"��6 i_ r� �i� 5 � �.lr.""';�4 !��'''�./�';� ��� �/,'n//- 7.� �/,'n/.3- � . �8
2 ��I;� ���';�, uu}'m'�///;'0 �� . � �uu:%/�,�1»� �iV.1:t �/, 'U� �, � � � u �
a bed e f g h
13...tlJfd7 14.f4 tlJc4 15.11Md3?!
White should try something else here,
although I think Black is okay in any case.
His plans include ...id7 (or ...�b8) preparing...bS, and/or ...CtJa5 with ideas of ...c4 and
...CtJc5, with enough queenside counterplay tokeep White from executing his kings ide attackunhindered.
Before seeing the problem with the main move,
it is worth mentioning the only other practicalencounter on the database: 15.�f3 A. Roberts
- Flores Gutierrez, corr. 1995. 15...�b8N
16.b3 Most other moves can be met by ...CtJa5followed by ...b5.
8
7
6
5
4
16...id4t!? (16...CtJa5=) CtJce5!?18.fxe5 CtJxe5 00
The text move occurred in Aleshin - Lubbe,
173
Pardubice 2006. At this point Black missed a
tactical opportunity:
.i�.i.B.i�.-8 �� 'S"u:%� ��,��7 �,i�!�£-A6 iB W� .i�
��'Juu�� ��: !�II!��-�7.'n//. �� �uu:%/",wjW�3� �iV_ �82 ��I;_�_"lr-
uu/'m7.�'0 �� �w��1 J�� � �1:t ma bed e f g h
15...tlJxb2!N
The game continuation of 15...CtJa5 wasonly good enough for equality.
16.�xb211Mb6
Now White must find some good moves just
to stay in the game.
17.a5 11Mxb2 18.tlJ g e2 c4 19.11Mxc4 b520.axb611Mxb6t 21.@hl11Mc5i
Black's powerful dark-squared bishop
ensures his advantage.
C2) 12.f4
8.iB.i.S1.iB.-�� �uu�� ��,��
6 i- _ �i��?;(o,�"u7.� �""u� �5� �8_ _4 8��UU%�8��_//h �/,'n//- �� �U"%7.'N/�3� ��_ �
��'�""';� �� 'zuub'�2 ""�?%o'0 � � � ��JfJ1 0�� ��\UlJ� � ,�,�� �� ���
a bed e f g h
174 e4 Systems
Wi th this direct move White refuses to give
the knight another chance to come to eS. On
the negative side, White loses the option of
developing the bishop to gS, for the momentat least.
12...11Mc7
Now the two main moves are C21) 13.11Mf3
and C22) 13.h3.
13.ic4!?
Wi th this rare move White blocks the ... c4
advance.
13...CtJ b6
Chasing the bishop away seems logical.14.ie2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
14...CtJ bd7!?N
Insisting on ...c4 and ...CtJcS, even if the firstmove no longer gains a tempo.
14...id7?! IS.aS CtJc8 16.fS gave White someinitiative in Chatalbashev - Moradiabadi,
Peristeri 2010.
IS.rJlhl
Is.ic4= repeats the position.IS.ie3 allows the typical trick IS...CtJxe4!16.CtJcxe4 fS when Black is at least equal.
IS.. .c4f!
Intending ...CtJcS, with typical Benonicounterplay.
C21) 13.11Mf3
8.i_J._.i_.-7 �i��_l.r
6 :� "'''/,� �_'l%� 5 � �.�/'�//m";�4 ,��""%� !����7.'n//. �� �""%7.'N/�3� ID�_iVID2 �d''''':� �� ��8'!�
;�t""%W��� 'M""1,� � ����
a bed e f g h
This move has scored quite highly and seems
like a logical attempt to do without h2-h3.
13...c4 14.�c2 �b8
ECO evaluates this as unclear, but obviously
we should investigate the position in moredepth.
15.a5!?N
This untested move is possibly the most
challenging.IS.ie3 CtJcS 16.h3 bS 17.axbS axbS
transposes to line C222 below.
In one game White tried the immediatesacrifice: IS.eS dxeS 16.fS �f8 17.ie3
Wehnert - Espig, Weimar 1968, and now
17...CtJcSN would have been okay for Black,whose ideas include ...CtJd3 (or ...CtJb3-d4), not
to mention ...bS at some point.
8 �J. . h.i_.�7 .'1��1� :.r6 i/'� '''d''��_'l�� 5 � �� '�/,� /�,,,,,;� �4 /,""/,� f� ,���//h �%'d//- �� �""%7.'d/�3- m -iVm
2 �OI;� �� //�,;wtf, ,,,,}'''A/�'0 �� � //h �/'w0!"m7.1 i�� �� � F:r �0� � ���/ , / " /, ,
a bed e f g h
Chapter 13 - 7.�d3 and 8.'t:Jge2
15...tlJc5!
Taki ng control of a4 before advancing the
b-pawn. lS...bS 16.axb6 �xb6 17.CtJa4 is lessclear.
16.h3
It is natural to cover the g4-square. White
can also try taking immediate action:
16.eS dxeS 17.fS bS 18.axb6 �xb6 is not bad
for Black at all.
16.fS bS 17.axb6 Wixb6 18.rJlh1 (18.fxg6fxg6) 18...Wic7 Black intends ...CtJcd7-eS witha good game.
16...�e7!
I t is useful to cover f7.
17.£5
17.eS dxeS 18.fS �d7 is unclear but not
worse for Black in my view.
8 ��.i. . '� _� � �� . ",u�/-/-/'/J' �%uu_,��7 � & Wli �/!a'� & ���,.%�� �.�i6 ,4 _, 'U ."m '.'l��5 � af8_ A ".%'u,%% /uuu, � 0 .
4 7. -z�_,8- 'm3 -7. '/ �, _v��2 ,,,,,U�- _ �"m1 ��� W� � � 1:t ,� � /,;r�� � � / �/ / � � /::
a bed e f g h
17...tlJfd7 18.�e3 b5 19.axb6 �xb6 20.�abl
�b4 21.11Mfl tlJd3 22.�xd3 cxd3+!
Like ma�y other variations in the presentch.apter, thIs whole line is complicated but IthInk Black is holding his own.
C22) 13.h3
175
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13...�b8
We have arrived at a popular position whichcan be reached via several different move
orders. At this point we reach an importantdivision between C221) 14.�e3 and C222)14.11Mf3.
C221) 14.�e3 c4 15.�c2 tlJc5
16.�d4
16.Wif3 bS 17.axbS axbS transposes to
variation C222 on page 178.
Another option is:16.aS bS 17.axb6 �xb6 18.CtJa4l2Jxa4 19.ixa4
Now Black must decide which rook should
sacrifice its life for an enemy bishop.
176 e4 Systems
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
19...�e7!N
The dark-squared bishop is the one we wantto eliminate.
19...CtJxe4? is too optimistic: 20.ixe8CtJxg3 21.�f3! It is important to drive theknight away from the king. (21.�e I? �xb2 +
Spassov - Petrov, Sofia 2009.) 21...CtJf522.ixb6 Wixb6t 23.rJlh2 ixb2 (23...CtJh4
24.�cl CtJxf3t 25.Wixf3 Wic5 26.Wie2 c3:t)
24.�b 1:t Leitao - Bachmann Schiavo, Sao
Paulo 2006.
20.ixb6 Wixb6t oo 21.rJlh2
21.rJlhl CtJxe4 22.CtJxe4 �xe4 23.Wic2 f5=
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
21...h5 22.e5 h4!?
22...dxe5 23.d6 �e6 24.d7 CtJxd7 25.f5f!
23.CtJe2 dxe5 24.d6 �e6 oo
Black is not worse.
16...bS 17.axbS axbS 18.£5
18.e5 CtJfd7!? (18...dxe5 19.fxe5 �xe5
20.Wif3 transposes to line C222; see page 179
for the continuation after 20...b4!?) 19.exd6
Wixd6 20.ixg7 rJlxg7 21.CtJce4 CtJxe4 22.CtJxe4Wib6 t 23. @ h2 CtJ f6 24. CtJ xf6 Wi xf6+ Paradella
- Letelier Martner, Mar del Plata 1973.
8 ��.i. . m.im._"'UY-;(VL'. 7.� �,yw�
7 �� E�,"0 ��!!�£ 6 � . �r.ti�r_�/'� ��"�
5 ��/�u'u;�:��� � . 7.�4 � i,� 8 �"'n/' �3 � _ �8
��,�"'u;� �� /�uu � ';�2 ��_ _8�1 ",,�uu7.� ii� '� ',� � �1:tL,J
a bed e f g h
18...gSThis natural move has been the usual choice,
but it is not the only viable continuation.
The untested 18...Wie7!?N looks quite playable,for instance: 19.Wif3 CtJcd7 20.�a7 b4 21.CtJce2
CtJe5 22.Wif4 �b7=
19.11Mcl
The other queen move is unconvincing:19.Wif3?! b4 20.CtJce2
Here Black has a few good moves.20...Wie7
20...ih8!?N 21.CtJh5?! CtJcxe4+
20...c3!?N 21.bxc3 b3 22.id3 b2 23.�ab 1
h6 00
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
Chapter 13 -7.�d3 and 8.'t:Jge2
21.CtJhS CtJxhS 22.WixhS f6°o
Black was okay in V. Georgiev - Nedev,Plovdiv 2011, and he could have done even
better with one of the alternatives noted above
at move 20.
19...h620.h4
Here Black needs to choose carefully.
8 . �_£_,_;.7 � �m� �i ��� NU'%�'0 �7.'u/'0'''UN%�'�6 _¥�.¥j
5 � {.�/,� /'l�';.m'�� /�m";,//. // � "",/,4 _i��� �//. �7.,,,/)uJ� �/"u/)uu3/� � _ �2 ��I;- �_'/�';_, uu�""/'�fX� �� �%'�1 f� ��� _1:t �a bed e f g h
20... tlJ d3!?
20...b4? 21.hxgS bxc3 22.gxf6 gave White adecisive attack in Dicker - Marcotulli, e-mail
2002. (White went wrong with 22.bxc3? in
Knaak- Bangiev, Bremen 1998, and eventually
lost a wild back-and-forth game.)
20...gxh4!?NThis untested move is a viable alternative to
the main line.
21.ixf6D ixf6 22.Wixh6 ig722...id4t? 23.�hl hxg3 24.f6+-
8
7
6
5
4
3
177
23.Wixh4 id4t 24.<j{h2 f6
Cementing the dark squares.2S.CtJhS
2S.�f4 �e7 26.�g4t �g7 27.CtJhS �xg4
28.Wixg4t <j{f8f!
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
2S...Wih7 26.�f3 ieSt
The bishop is the best-placed piece on theboard.
27. <j{g 1 <j{f7Black has some initiative in this complex
position.
21.�xd3N
This is the obvious answer, and presumably
the reason why the knight jump to d3 was
rejected in the games mentioned in the note to
the previous move.
21.Wid2 has been played in one game, and here
I suggest: 21...gxh4!?N (21...b4 22.hxgS bxc3
23.Wixc3 CtJxe4 24.CtJxe4 �xe4 2S.f6 [2S.ixg7?WieSt 26.<j{h2 Wie3-+] 2S...if8°o Hegoburu -Salanin, e-mail 200S.)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
178 e4 Systems
22.ixd3D hxg3 23.ic2 b4 24.CtJe2 CtJxe425.ixe4 �xe4 26.f6 if8 27.CtJxg3 c3 28.bxc3bxc3+
21...cxd3 22.hxgS
At first Black's position looks desperate, but
he has a clever rejoinder.
8
7
6
5
4
23.f6!
23.ixg7? d2 24.Wic2 CtJxg3 25.gxh6 Wic5t26.rJlh2 CtJxfl t 27.�xfl Wie3 +
23...tlJxg324.fxg711Mc424...Wixc3?! is not a great idea, as after
25.ixc3 CtJe2t 26.rJlh2 CtJxcl 27.�axcl hxg528.�f3 �e4 29.�xd3 the g7-pawn means Black
will have to be slightly careful in this endgame.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
2s.11Mf4 tlJrs 26.�f6 11Mxf4 27.�xf4 hxgS28.�xgS �xg7 29.�g4 tlJh6 30.�g3 tlJg4 m
Black is at least not worse in this complex
endgame. We have witnessed some wild
complications in this line, but ultimately I
think the positions are just as risky for White
as they are for Black.
C222) 14.11Mf3
8 e.i. . �.i�.-",,,V-'W'L' �� ��,��7�i��_i�i 6 i�m '''d/'� 7._'1%�
��'�''''/,� /�"m;�: !��I'��-�7.'d//- �� �""%7.'n/F�3� ��_iV�82 ��""';� �� /��,;�
,,,,,(,,,,7.?%o'0 �� � ��,�1 R� �� � F:r ,�,/,� � ����
a bed e f g h
14...c4 1S.�c2 bS 16.axbS axbS 17.�e3
This position can also be reached via a
14.ie3 move order if White follows up withWi f3.
17...tlJcS
1 7... b4 ! ?
This move has been less popular, but I think
it is okay for Black, and could be consideredas a valid alternative to the main line. Here
is a sample continuation:18.�a7 Wid8 19.CtJce2 ib7 20.CtJd4 CtJxd5
20...CtJc5!? 21.f5N Wib6f!
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 13 - 7.id3 and 8.l2Jge2
21.�xb7
21.exdS? �xe3! 22.Wixe3 Wib6 23.CtJdfS
Wixe3t 24.CtJxe3 id4 + Louis - Moeldner,
Deidesheim 2000.
21. ..�xb 7 22.exdS
Lutz - Norwood, Arnhem 1987.
22...b3N 23.ibl CtJcSf!
Mter the text move both sides have mobilized
their pieces just the way they wanted, so the
stage is set for a bloodthirsty battle!
8 ��.i. . � .i�._� . ,,,,,y,;c/.,,/.,, �� ��'bJff�7. � .i�i
6 �_'''d7.��_'l��5 � r.�7.� /�""';��� /�,,,,,;� � '0 �m
4 �� �/,� ��4P7.'n/.3 � ?� ��\UlJ?� A� '�' ��'�'O
��I;� ,;,,,�� �/�';�� �d'm%� �� "�'d� � � L j
a bed e f g h
18.e5
Wi th ... b4 coming, Black is poised to takeover the initiative so White cannot afford to
hesitate.
18...dxe5 19.fxe5
The thematic 19.fS? is just a mistake here:
8
7
6
5
4
3
179
19.. .e4! 20. CtJ gxe4 CtJ cxe4 21. CtJ xe4 CtJxdS22.fxg6 hxg6 23.�a7 �b7 + Gayer - Schmidt,Germany 1995.
19...�xe5
We have reached one of the critical positionsof this line, which has been tested in over
thirty games.
20.�d4
The most popular move, and the best.
20.if4?! blocks the f-file, allowing thefollowing strong reply: 20...CtJfd7! 21.rJlhl b422.CtJce4 b3 + Chatalbashev - Pantsulaia, Izmir
2002.
20...b4!?
According to the database the more popular
20.. .�gS has appeared in thirty games, whilethe text move has occurred in just three.
Nevertheless I have found it to be just as
promising as the main line. In this highly
complex position it is worth analysing bothC2221) 21.�xe5 and C2222) 21.11Mf4.
C2221) 21.�xe5 11Mxe5
��.i.� -.-
8 � . ,,,,,y,� �� �m'��7�, �� �7.�-£ 6 _ _ .i�/, �/,'N//- �;c/."/.,p,,,,,,�5� .8� �4 �.l';� �,,,J_ ��
� . ""7.%'n//- �� '/"N/�3- � �iV�82 ��I;� �� /��';_(m�HH7.� �� ��,�1 �� � �1:tma bed e f g h
With a pawn plus some initiative for the
exchange, Black should be at least equal here.
180 e4 Systems
22.�ael
The alternative is:
22. CtJ ce4 CtJ cxe4 23. CtJ xe4
Now Black has a choice between keeping
the game complicated and going for
simplifications.23...CtJxdS
A relatively simple drawing line is: 23...b3N24.CtJxf6t Wixf6 2S.Wixf6 ixf6 26.�xf6 bxc2
27.�c6 ifS 28.�xc4 �xb2 29.�el!=
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
8 ��.i.B �._
7 .'m'�_�_rlfr 6 �� �� �_fl%��/.'n/h ��<,,<,Pmu;� �5� .8� �
4 '.lu� "'u,,� ��"m/'/.'n/ h �� �/,'n/J�3� m -iVm82 ��I;� �� /��,;�
�"U%� �Cu ��,�1� � � 1:t ma bed e f g h
22...11Mc7!N
This retreat is far from obvious, which
explains why it was not played in any of the
three games to have reached the previous
position. According to my analysis however, it
sets White the most problems.
22...Wid4 t
Although this is not my first choice, it is not
a bad move and should eventually lead to
equality as follows:23. rJlh 1 ixh3
23...ib724.CtJce4 oo
23...bxc3 24.�e8t if8 2S.CtJhS gxhS26.Wig3t ig4°o
24.CtJce4
24.CtJce2? Wixb2-+ Kasparov- Rachels, NewYork (simul) 1988.
24.gxh3!?N bxc3 2S.bxc3 WixdS 26.CtJe4CtJcxe4 27.ixe4 CtJxe4 28.Wixe4=
The text move was played in Cording -
Lobron, Germany 1982. Here I analysed the
following line:
a bed e f g h
24...CtJfxe4N 2S.Wixf7t rJlh8 26.CtJxe4 ifS
27.Wic7 �c8 28.Wif4 b3 29.CtJd6 Wixf4 30.�xf4
bxc2 31.�xc4 �b8 32.CtJxfS CtJd3 33.�fl
cl =Wi 34.�cxcl CtJxcl 3S.CtJxg7 rJlxg7 36.�xcl�xb2=
23. tlJ ce4
After 23.d6 Wia7! 24.�e7 CtJcd7t 2S.rJlh2
bxc3 26.bxc3 Wia8 27.�e8t CtJf8+ Black has
Chapter 13 - 7.id3 an
reasonable h d 8.ctJge2. c an ces t amst Wh" , 0 mmor 2 6pIeces count a g " 0 make his tw ' 181Ites rook. ...\Wxd6 2 A
23...tlJfxe42 4 J!:\ 29.�hl ,t, b2 7 . + d5t@f8 2 \U1Thi ."Z.Ixe4 c!tJxe4 25 ,t, £x 3o.Axc4 8.se4 Ad?s enables Bl k .£xe4 f5'chances al' ac to kee p ·Ive, some W I . n .
ning
The followin g al ternati I accurate 1 ve eads toi.e6 pay: 25...i.xb2 26 d6 equality aftet. Wiest 27.rJlhl
182 e4 Systems
8 �.i. . _ _._. '/.. � �/'/.'/. � �� � @'��7 ;, � � &��&� � AWA
6 �� "'-'/._ �� 'l��/, �� /,um;�;0i ��5 ��,��� ��� � ��4 ��� i _� �,,-'�3� ��� �8
2 ��I'� �� /� � u�uu}'uu?' �� //. �� � //h �,//,/1/-��� � � ��� � ���/u, , , � � /:: u �
a bed e f g h
24.�xd311Mc5t 25.�h2
The machine is optimistic about Black's
chances from here, despite the fact that he is
temporarily a rook down.
25...11Mxe5!=
This is not the only move, but it is the most
interesting and problematic for White.
2S...ixeS is also possible: 26.CtJce4 Wid4(26...ixf4 27.CtJxcS ieS 28.�acl hS 29.h4
cxd3 30.CtJxd3t) 27.CtJf6t rJl g 7
8
26. tlJ ce4!
This is virtually the only move.
26...11Mxf4 27J��xf4 cxd3
27...ixb2 is good enough for equality:28.CtJxd6 (28.�el CtJxe4 29.ixe4 ic3 30.�e2
ieS 31.�f3 ie6 32.ibl �bS-+) 28...ixal29.ixc4 ie6 30.ixe6 fxe6 31.CtJc4 b3 32.�fl
id4 33.�bl b2 34.CtJe4 �a8=
% U'l- � � �8 �� .i. � e �
."mY-� �� ��'%7 �� � �, 'n �� � i�, i- ? � � &�6 � ,g)' A�
/, �� /�"",;� ��5 ��'''0 �� �%u,,� � � ��4 �� ���� �
3 � �u,,�� r� umi m 82 ���� ��/��';m1 .'m7.����.'u,
a bed e f g h
28.tlJxd6 �xb2!?
28...ieS 29.�f3 ixd6 30.�xd3 ieS oo
31.�d8t rJl g 7 32.�el (32.�cl? ie6 33.�xb8ixb8-+) 32...ie6 33.�xb8 ixb8 34.�e3=
Despite being a rook down, Black has a full
share of the chances. In the following analysis
we can admire the amazing power of the
bishops.
29.�af1
Chapter 13 - 7.id3 and 8.ctJge2
29.�aS d2
29...b3 30.CtJxcB icl 31.CtJe7t rJlfB 32.�fl
b2 33.CtJc6 bl=Wi 34.CtJxbB WixbB 3S.�xcl
Wid6 36.�dl hS 37.h4 d2=
3 0 .�fl
30'.�dS? ie6 31.�xd2 icl 32.�df2 b3 +
30...ie6 31.CtJge4 icl 32.�a7 ib2 33.�dliest 34. rJlh 1 ixd6 3S.CtJxd6 b3 36.CtJe4
ifS 37.CtJxd2 �dB 3B.rJlh2 ic2 39.�fl �xd2
40.�fxf7 ie4=
8 �11.i.� � em.""'�� �� ��
7 �� �7.'N//- �£ �£ 6 _ m .i�� �� /�"",;� ��
5 ��'''0 �� ��""� � . %�4 f�_���3 .""%� l� m"�m 8�///o' �� �� /"",,;, ,
� - -8m� �"�� �� ��""� � �1:t�
a bed e f g h
29...�e6 30.tlJxf7!
White must be careful, for instance: 30.�4f3
b3 31.�xd3 ieS 32.�ddl b2 33.�fel f6-+
30...d2
The queenside pawns are extremely
dangerous, but White can narrowly force adraw.
8 � � �.�
7 .""'�� �� �� i 6 ����f�f� 5 ��������?;(o'0 �� �7."''' � . %�4 f�.���
3 �£""%� �� "'''�m 8-�,/ �///o'0 � � � /""';//.'/�Iii �� � � A (M2 W �.% O�
1 �{m'�_''''/'� �Wo'u� _ �1:t�a bed e f g h
183
31.tlJh6t �g7 32.tlJ g 4 b3 33.�e4 �b634.tlJe2 g5 35.�dl �xg4 36.hxg4 �f637.�xd2 b2 38.�xb2 �xb2 39.tlJ g 3=
Conclusion
This chapter has featured some of the sharpestvariations in the book. We have seen many wild
positions, the evaluations of which depend
almost exclusively on tactics. In such situations
it is impossible to memorize or calculate every
possibility, so you will also have to rely on
intuition to some degree. Overall Black has a
lot of exciting possibilities and in theoreticalterms he seems to be at least okay everywhere.
e4 SystemsSidelines
Variation Index
l.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.llJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d66.e4
6...gGA) 7.�b5t
B) 7.�e2
C) 7.llJf3
D) 7.�d3
A) after 12 .�f4
12...llJg4!N
B) after 13.llJh3
13...c4!?N
185
187
189
191
C) after 20.E1:xa6
a bed e f
20...llJg4N
Chapter 14 - Sidelines
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.e4 g6
'=' �� A IDU e� ��8 .sa �-;.JL�m� �« �
7 .lu� uu'''� 'l�� '1�u,,�� ��'0 �7.'n//. ��6 � �� .i�
5 � �_�7.� �uuu�4 �� �""�� !� ��3 ��m����� ,�um;7. � '/ � '/2 %�Jfj� '0 -�,JtJ%�ltj1 �� �iVm�m1:t/, " " � /""",,;" //", " 0. ", ,
a bed e f g h
In this chapter we will round up a few
of White's rare possibilities with the pawn
already on e4. I will divide them according tofour options on the next move: A) 7.�b5t,B) 7.�e2, C) 7.tlJf3 and D) 7.�d3.
7.1Mfa4t is not dangerous. 7...CtJbd7 (7...id7?!8.1Mfb3 would justify White's last move.)8.CtJbS?! This attempt to use the queen'sposition aggressively soon backfires. 8...a69.if41Mfb6 1 O.�b 1 �b8 11.CtJc3
8
7
6
Now in Vidalina - Bernal Varela, e-mail
2002, Black could have obtained the better
chances with 11...1Mfc7N with ...bS to follow.
185
for Black; 8.ie2 transposes to line B of thepresent chapter - see page 187.)
8 �..i. S .� �I'f"''';� "'''/.� ��'�"'"7 ,I�� ��//.' / N �"AJf��
6 � W� .i��::�r�""%� ,/"",;�p"5 � w�8. �
4 �� "',,%� �� 'NN��3 �m'I����,�"''';� ��'% ��'02 �P�I��W�1 � � �� �:M
a bed e f g h
8...0-0 9.CtJf3 (9.h3 is likely to lead to the
Modern Main Line after a subsequent CtJf3;
9.CtJge2 takes us to Chapter 13 with Whitehaving committed the bishop to gS rather
early.) 9...a6 10.a4 ig4 This is similar tovariation C on page 189, but again with the
bishop committed too early to gS.
A) 7.�b5t tlJbd7
7...id7 8.a4 ig7 9.CtJf3 0-0 10.0-0 ig4(10...a6 11.ie2 ig4 transposes to Chapter 8.)II.h3 ixf3 12.1Mfxf3 a6 13.id3 CtJbd7 leads to
variation C. The text move is more ambitious
and keeps us in independent territory.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8.a4
7.igS ig7 8.id3 (8.f4 0-0 9.CtJf3 �e8 is good 8.if4 a6 9.id3 CtJeS=
186 e4 Systems
8.. .�g7 9. tlJ f39.if4 Wie7 10.id3 CtJeS 11.ie2 0-0=
Stefanova - Muzychuk, Dresden (01) 200B.
9...0-0 10.0-0 a6 11.�d3 �e8
The immediate 11...CtJg4!? also seems okay.
12.�f4
12.h3 CtJhS! leaves Black a tempo up on
line B3 of Chapter 10.
The present position occurred in D. Andersen- Rustemov, Pinsk 1993, and several other
games. White has lost a tempo with his light-
squared bishop, but if he is allowed to play
h2-h3 next, he can argue that he has beenable to reach a version of the Modern Main
Line where Black has been denied some of the
critical options that we examined in Chapters9 and 10. For this reason I would like to
recommend a new idea.
H .i.�.i�.-8 �� �",J� ��,�7 �i����-A 6 i� � �i�
��'�""7.� /"uu;�: !J�i!���3 ��mfB�- %� . .j'luu,; ��� � ��'� � �'0 �'�2 �� � ��8��%
1 duu�� '�i�"u,Y- � _ ' fi, u%a bed e f g h
12...tlJ g 4!NBlack takes advantage of the absence of the
h2-h3 move and aims to take control over eS.
Of course we must also consider the small
matter of the hanging pawn on d6.
I was not satisfied by 12...c4 13.ic2 CtJcS14.CtJd2t.
13.�xd6
Other moves are not dangerous.
13.CtJd2 CtJdeS 14.ie2 fS lS.Wic2 (lS.h3 CtJf6
16.exfS ixfS=) lS...gS 16.ixeS ixeS 17.ixg4fxg4 1B.CtJc4 Wie7 19.aS id7=
13.h3 CtJgeS 14.aS Wif6 lS.CtJxeS Wixf4(lS...CtJxeS 16.ih2 CtJxd3 17.Wixd3 �bB=)
16.CtJc4 CtJeS might lead to an early draw:17.CtJxd6
8
7
6
5
13...11Mb6
8.i�.i.�.i�._7. �� �� ��,��
7 �tA,;�a��-� 6 i� � .i�5 ."u,%�,�%� ��4 !��uu��!� ��� �7.'n//- �� ��3- ��.�.
2 ��uu;�����1 7.duu�� ;�i�uu::,3 � _, L �
a bed e f g h
14.tlJd2!
White must show some resourcefulness,
as meekly retreating the bishop would allow14...Wixb2 winning material.
Chapter 14 - Sidelines
14...tlJxf2! 15.tlJ c4!
In this complex position Black has two
promIsIng moves.
15...tlJxdl
IS..:�xd6 16.CtJxd6 (16.�xf2 WifB 17.rJlhl
CtJeS+) 16...CtJxdl 17.�axdl (17.CtJxeB?? id4t
IB.rJlhl CtJxb2-+) 17...id4t IB.rJlhl �fB= is a
simple way to reach an equal endgame.
16.tlJxb6 �d4t 17.�hl
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
17...tlJxb2!?
This is playable, although there is no real
need for such risky moves.
17...CtJxb6 IB.�axdl CtJd7 19.aS CtJeS= is a no-
nonsense alternative.
IS.tlJxaS tlJxd3 19.tlJc7 �e5!f!
Now there are many possibilities, and it is
not clear who should be playing for win.
20.�adl tlJ b2!?
20...c4 21.ixeS CtJ7xeS 22.CtJe2 CtJf2t
23.rJl g l CtJh3t= could lead to a quick draw.
21.�xd4 cxd4 22.�xe5 tlJxe5 23.tlJbl d3=
Any result is possible although, for what it's
worth, at this stage the computer favours Black
just slightly.
187
B) 7.�e2 �g7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
S.�g5B.CtJf3 takes us back to the Classical System
of course. The variation with bishops on e2
and gS is not so common against the Benoni,but is often occurs via the Averbakh Variation
of the King's Indian.
S...o-o 9.11Md2
The King's Indian move order is l.d4 CtJf62.c4 g6 3.CtJc3 ig7 4.e4 d6 S.ie2 0-0 6.igScS 7.dS e6 B.Wid2 exdS 9.cxdS - although itshould be mentioned that 9.exdS is a much
more popular option in that position.
9...�eS 10.f3 a6 II.a4
This position could be viewed as a version
of the Kapengut System in which White has
played ie2 instead of CtJge2. One advantageof doing this is that if the bB-knight moves to
d7, White will move his own knight to h3 and
f2, which is more efficient than the Kapengut
route of e2-g3-h I-f2. For this reason it makessense for us to delay ...CtJbd7 for at least onemore move.
11...YMc7
11...WiaS is more common, but I noticed
that in some games the queen ends up going
via b4, b6 and finally back to c7, so I decided I
188 e4 Systems
would prefer to put it there immediately. Nowthe ...c4 advance becomes an important source
of counterplay.
12.a5
I only found six games with Black's lastmoves, and White has tried several different
replies. Here are a few examples.
12.�c 1 was played in Rej - Eriksson, Canberra2004, and now 12...c4!?N 13.aS WixaS 14.ixc4
would have been about equal.
12.h4?! occurred in Kopylov - Sharafutdinov,
Khanty-Mansiysk 2007, and here Black missed
a good opportunity: 12...CtJhS!N
8
7
6
5
4
13.g4 CtJg316.hS CtJeS+
CtJd7
12.idl
This typical move makes room for the knightto come to e2.
12...CtJ bd7 13.CtJh3
13.CtJge2 �bB 14.0-0 bS IS.axbS axbS16.ic2 CtJeS 17.Wif4 CtJfd7+ Abbasov -
Wickstrom, Sautron 200B.
13...c4! 14.CtJf2 CtJcS IS.Wie2 id7 16.Wixc4?
16.aSN=
16...bS 17.Wi a2
Ilinsky - Djurhuus, Gausdal 1991. Here
Black missed a strong tactical blow.
8
7
6
5
17...CtJfxe4!N IB.CtJcxe4
lB. fxe4 ixc3 t 19. bxc3 CtJ xe4 +
IB...fS 19.0-0 fxe4 20.�cl Wib6 +
8.i_J. . U.i_... '''''';;<"''",. �� ��,��7�i� �i�i
6 r� N"'/'_�_fl��5 7.(� �W�A7..�""';W�0% �.%O. 00
4 /'uu7.� ",u7.� 7.� ,uu%�3 � �m�j!��w�um;;< ""'. �� �� '02 V� ��.8�i�tuu '� . � '''d7.� ���W1 � m � ,�,�/, � % ,,% �,'
a bed e f g h
12...tlJbd7 13.tlJh3 c4!?N
The slower 13...�bB was played in Benjamin
- Larsen, Hastings 19B7, but why not take the
opportunity for immediate counterplay?
14.tlJf2 tlJc5
Now White can steer the game in a coupleof directions.
15.�xc4
Is.idl CtJfd7 16.0-0 bS 17.axb6 CtJxb6=
15...tlJfxe4 16.tlJcxe4 tlJxe4 17.tlJxe4 11Mxc4
From here the game might end in an
amusing perpetual.
Chapter 14 - Sidelines
18.�cl �xe4t! 19.fxe4 Wxe4t 20.�e3 Wh4t21.�f2 We4t 22.�e3=
C) 7.tlJf3 �g7
8 i�.i.B � � �
7 W61"� "'''7.� f_'i 6 /,""�� �_ �lil��_ �.�7..�m";_: �-" -8- '�� � �
3 � � � ���///. ,,;?/,,"'; �//. �2 ��fj � �8���t"U7.W�!��7. . � 'w1 � �����.�/"" Y- /"",� /",,/% �
a bed e f g h
8.�d3
Now we will see what happens if White tries
playing a Modern Main Line without the h2-h3 move.
By the way, BJMfa4t does not achieve muchhere due to B...CtJbd7 9.if4 O-O!, based on the
simple trap 10.ixd6?? CtJb6 and White losesa pIece.
8...�g4!There is a reason why h2-h3 is normally
played. Black could play B...O-O first, intending
9.0-0 ig4, but this would needlessly giveWhite a chance to transpose to the more
challenging system with 9.h3!.
9.0-0
9.Wa4t?! carries no sting whatsoever here:9. .. CtJ bd 7 1 o. CtJ d2 0-0 11. f3 CtJ e S 12. W c2
id7+ Karpov - Timman, Moscow 1993.
9...0-0 10.h3 �xf3 II.Wxf3 a6 12.a4 tlJbd7
Let's evaluate the opening. White has the
bishop pair, but Black can feel happy to have
swapped off his troublesome light-squared
189
bishop. The loss of the f3-knight also meansthat White has little chance of breaking in thecentre with e4-eS.
.I � � �:I.-8 f� 4i� 'ly-.r7 � � '/ � 'u//.�u,,� 6 i_ _ �i�� �.�7.� /�"",;�: !� �""%� !� ��� �7.'N/- �� ��3- ���iV_�2 ��m"'� �� r-1 0�"U7.��_���uu� �//,� _ I �'u/�
a bed e f g h
13.�f4
13.Wdl can transpose within a few moves.13...�eB 14.�el Wc7 IS.ie3!? (ls.if4
transposes to the main line.) IS...c4 16.ic2Saidy - Sherwin, New York 1966. 16...CtJcSN17.aS CtJfd7 (17...CtJfxe4? IB.CtJxe4 CtJxe4
19.ib6+-) IB.We2 CtJeS 19.�fl=
13...Wc7
The queen goes to a typical square where she
monitors the queenside and supports a future
.. .cS-c4 push.
14.�fel
A glance at the database reveals that a hugenumber of alternatives have been tried here. I
don't consider White's set-up to be especially
important so I will mention just a couple of
other possibilities.
14.�acl should, just like most other non-
forcing moves, be met by 14...�feB.
14.We2 �feB Is.ih2 sees White preparing forthe e4-eS break. IS...�acB 16.ic4 CtJeS 17.f4
CtJxc4 IB.Wxc4 CtJd7! The first knight has gonefrom d7 but the second immediately takes its
190 e4 Systems
place, while also opening the diagonal for the
bishop. Watch how the great master of theModern Benoni skilfully develops a decisive
initiative on the queenside.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
� _ � %UU� i).8 .I ��"L'.�% ��iF�7 �,iE�_,��A 6 i- �� �i�5 �.�/,� /�'uu;� �� �""� �� / ��4 �_%" _�� _3� ��-if_8��,/�,u,,;, ��,/ ��
2 ;�ltJ�-��ltJ�l/��f���
a bed e f g h
14...�fe8 15.Wdl
White must retreat his queen in order to
avoid unnecessary exchanges. IS.�acl CtJeS16.ixeS �xeS+ was worse than harmless in
Santos Folch - Barriga, Asturias 1995.
15...c4 16.�c2
16.ifl was seen in Fleur - Irwin, Leiden
2002. Here I suggest the logical 16...CtJcSNwith the possible continuation: 17.eS (17.Wc2CtJb3 IB.�adl CtJd7=) 17...dxeS IB.d6 Wb6
(IB...Wic6 19.ixeS=) 19.ixeS CtJce4! 20.CtJxe4�xeS 21.CtJxf6t ixf6 22.�xeS ixeS 23.ixc4
Wixd6 The tactics have petered out to dryeq uali ty.
16...�ab8
16...CtJcS 17.aS CtJfd7=
17.a5 b5 18.axb6 �xb6= 19.�e3!?
White forces a pawn trade, hoping the
activity of his rook on the queenside will count
for more than Black's passed c-pawn. Overallthe chances remain about level.
19...�xb2 20.�xa6
This position was agreed drawn in Kliewe
- Pajeken, Germany 1995, while in anotherencounter Black went astray - see the next
note for details. Instead a logical continuationwould have been:
8 � _ _ _.1_.-� ��� m'��7 �� �",j///.' � �JJ]; i 61:t_ _ _i�� �8� �
: �_f�!� ��� %/.'n/ h ��'0 �/,3� m � _82 �� IiI ;� �uu��r�
� . ,u"Y-� �ru�m'/.%,�1 � �iVr� �a bed e f g h
20... tlJ g4N20...CtJbB? 21.�a7 WeB occurred in Conlazo
Zavalia - Beckerman, Buenos Aires 1999, and
now 22.ia4! would have been unpleasant forBlack.
21.hxg4 �xc3 22.�f1 tlJc5 23.�c6 We7�White has two bishops and the structural
advantage of a single pawn island, but Black's
active pieces and powerful c-pawn give himsufficient counter-chances.
D) 7.�d3
Chapter 14 - Sidelines
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
9...�e8 10.tlJf3
10.CtJge2 a6 (10...c4? now is met by II.ixc4)II.a4 CtJ bd7 12.0-0 transposes to 12.h3 in the
notes to line A of the previous chapter - see
page 167.
10...c4 11.�c2
II.ixc4? is met by 11... CtJxe4! with the idea12.ixdB? CtJxc3t and Black wins.
11...b5 12.0-0!?
According to Watson this slightly unusualmove deserves serious attention.
12.a3 has been more common, but I do not
believe it is dangerous. Here is one top-level
example to show the way for Black: 12...CtJbd713.0-0 a6 14-'Mfd2 ib7 IS.�fel �cB 16.�adl
Wc7 17.CtJd4 CtJcS IB.CtJc6?! (IB.ih6N is
better. Now IB...ihBoo is playable, but I
prefer the strategic IB...CtJfd7!? 19.ixg7 <j{xg7with ideas of ...WdB-f6 and ...CtJeS and later
invading on d3.) IB...ixc6 19.dxc6 �e6! +Kramnik - Grischuk, Monaco (rapid) 2011.
191
8 .i�.i.�.i�.---7 tI"""_ '''''/._ f�r
m"7.� 7._ %_'l�-6 �� '''''/.� �''''''�;�: �� f' !���
�F'//-� �� ��3 � .Ill _�_82 8�I'_ '�8'�1 �""%_V.�fir
a bed e f g h
12...h6!N
This untested move was mentioned by
Watson, who must have correctly identified itas the critical continuation.
13.�xf6 �xf6 14.V!!d2 a6!
This is my improvement. Watson mentions
14...ia6 IS.eS!, giving White some initiative.
15.V!!xh6
If Black is given time to play ...ig7 then hewill simply be better. Note also that IS.eS dxeS16.d6 can be met by 16...�a7!, safeguarding
the rook and preparing ...�d7.
15...tlJd7i
I believe Black is better, as his fantastic
control over the dark squares and long-term
prospects on the queens ide give him morethan enough for a pawn.
Conclusion
The lines examined in this chapter may not
be the most theoretically critical, but they
each require Black to think carefully about the
position and select an appropriate plan againsthis opponent's chosen set-up. This is hardly asurprise, and merely confirms the view of theBenoni as a sharp battleground that should not
be navigated 'on autopilot'.
Lines without e4
7.1£41g7
Variation Index
l.d 4 ttJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.ttJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.ttJf3 g6 7.� f4
7...�g7 8J�Na4t �d7 9J�Nb3A) 9...b5
AI) 10.ttJxb5Al) 10.�xd6!
B) 9..J�Nc7! 10.e4 0-0 II.ttJd2 ttJh5 12.�e3
Bl) 12...ttJa6B2) 12...£5
A2) note to 12...c4
17...l2Jxe5!?N
A2) after 17.�e2
a bed e f
17...l2Jxal N
193
193
194
199
200
202
B2) note to 15.h3
28...ixg2!N
Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7
l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4. tlJ c3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6. tlJ f3 g6 7 .�f4
'=' �� A � e� ��[8 .sa �gt.JL�JS� � � �B
7 ��l"� '''''7.� mu%� ","/-,,,,% � � i � i
6 _ _ �i� 5 � '.lr� /"""�4 �� �m'%� ��7� ��3 � �rn������,�''''';� ��'''0 ��'02 8wf1 _8w�8wfj1 ��"" '_ i�ff��
a bed e f g h
With this move White can try to disrupt ournatural scheme of development.
7 ...�g7This could be the choice of adventurous
types who wish to venture into the jungle, orat least the variation-heavy chess version of it.
7...a61eads to calmer play and can be found in
the next chapter.
8.Wa4t
This is White's most important idea. Moves
like 8.e4 and 8.CtJd2 will usually transpose tovariations considered elsewhere in the book.
8.h3 0-0 9.e3 a6 10.a4 transposes to the next
chapter, while Black also has the option ofdeviating with 9...�e8.
8...�d7 9.11Mb3
At this point Black has to make an importantchoice between A) 9...b5 and B) 9...Wc7!. As
you can tell from the choice of punctuation,I believe the second option to be the more
promIsIng.
A) 9...b5
193
Even though this is not my recommendation,
it is an interesting line to analyse. It used
to be quite popular, but unfortunately the
trend in terms of both analysis and practicalanalysis results has not been going Black's way.White can consider both AI) 10.tlJxb5 and
A2) 10.�xd6!.
AI) 10.tlJxb5
This line is not the critical theoretical challenge,
but it still poses some practical problems forBlack, who must play accurately for many
moves just to reach an equal position.
10...�xb5 11.11Mxb5t tlJbd7 12.�xd6 tlJe4
13.�e5 0-0 14.�xg7 @xg7 15.Wa4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
15...�b8!
An important move which forces the play
and does not gives White time to complete
development.
16.Wxe4 Wast 17.tlJd2 �xb2 18.�dl tlJf6
18...�fb8? 19.Wif4 �8b4 20.e4 �d4 21.ic4
�xc4 22.0-0 �cc2 23.CtJf3:t Bus - Skrobek,Poland 1988.
19.Wc4 �fb8 20.e3 �xa2 21.�d3 �bb2
194 Lines without e4
8�___
7 �� �i.t 6 7.UU�� �� �.l��<""; ��'0 �� /uuu�5 � W�(j_ _4 �h'''7.� �� �� ���� ��'0 ��3 �rm �7.!J��'0 _�,�
2 .i �� � rf!j 8 wfJ
1 .uu'Y-.�'=m'7..�a bed e f g h
22.11Mcl?N
I decided to check what happens if White
becomes too greedy and tries to keep his extra
pIece.
The correct continuation is 22.0-0 �xd2
23.d6 Wb4 with equality, Moormann - Matic,e-mail 199B.
22...tlJxd5 23.�bl �xbl! 24.11Mxbl tlJc3
25.11Md3 tlJxdl 26.@xdl c4
White is in trouble. Here is an illustrative
line:
- � � -
� ��� �� f.t/,,,,,� � � �"U�6 � � �i�5 ,��� �� ��4 �'u,,�� f� �� ��� �� ��'''0��3 �� �:!lJ��,"0��'�2.1_ ,�� ��8�1 �.�;�m'%��
a bed e f g h
27.11Md4t @gS 2S.tlJe411Ma4t!2B...�al t 29.<j{e2 �xhl 30.CtJf6t <j{fB
31.Wd6t <j{g7 32.CtJeBt=
29.@el 11Mb4t 30.tlJd2 11Ma5 31.@e2 c3
32.�dl �xd2t 33.�xd2 cxd2 34.11Mxd2
11Mxd2t 35.@xd2 @f8-+
The pawn ending looks to be a lost cause forWhite.
A2) 10.�xd6!
This is the critical theoretical path.
10...11Mb6
10...c4
Funnily enough this move, which looks like
an obvious candidate, has only occurred in a
handful of games. At this point White needs
to play precisely:II.Wa3!
11. W d 1 ifS 12.ieS (12.ia3 CtJ e4 13. CtJxe4
ixe4 14.Wd2 as IS.CtJgS b4 oo ) 12...CtJbd713.id4 b4 14.CtJa4 WaS= Ki. Georgiev -Glavina Rossi, Zaragoza 2011.
11...Wb6 12.e4
12.ics Wb 7 13. CtJgS CtJ a6 14. CtJ ge4 CtJxe4IS.CtJxe4 WxdS 16.CtJd6t <j{fB 17.ie3 b4
IB.Wxa6 c3°o
8
7
6
5
pIece.
13.ixc4! bxc4 14.0-0
Unfortunately for Black he now faces a
powerful attack, for instance:
Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7
x. ..� %I/.8 '��� �� �m,J'"7 !;��£�f�'46 .-.J�8� � �� A �
'''''/,� '��� /"""�: ������ ��4 .'.8. �3� m �tiJ�""'7.w/%"",,;� ��r� ��r�2 8if� a if�8if�1 d""%. �.:rrfi""
a bed e f g h
14...4Jc7 Is.ixc7 Wixc7 16.eS 4JhS 17.CtJe4
ifB IB.CtJd6t ixd6 19.exd6 Wib7 20.�ael t<j{fB 21.�e7 �eB 22.Wi c3+-
So it seems that 10...c4 is not really a viablealternative to the main line.
8 .I � � . � �K'�?L,,; � ��,�uu,7 ��, 'L -.t- �,_ i
� W� ?_&�
6 �FS� 00 /!A); . � 5 � '17._'2r� /uuu��� �""� � ��4 � � � ��"%� ��3miV� _�_� :/)'l,,,,,; ��./, // � //8� � 8��8fJ
� 0�'m7.� ��£_�/."Y- � %" _ I
a bed e f g h
11.�e5 0-0 12.e3
So White has an extra pawn, and if he is
allowed to complete development without
making any concessions, then life will
obviously get tough for Black. Therefore we
must search for immediate counterplay on thequeenside.
12...c4
The alternative is:
12.. . b4
The good news here is that we are pushingthe knight back.
195
13.4Jbl
The bad news is that it is now heading for a
perfect outpost on c4.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13...a5
13...ifS 14.4Jbd2 4Jbd7 was played in
Grigore - Erdogan, Mangalia 1992, andhere my recommendation for White would
be: IS.4Jc4!?N WidB 16.d6 ie6 17.ig3 CtJ b6IB.Wi c2;!;
14.a4 ifS
Black tried 14.ooig4 at super-GM level butfailed to solve his problems: IS.4J bd2 4J bd716.ibS �fdB 17.ig3 ixf3 IB.gxf3 Wia7This was Gelfand - Gashimov, Linares 2010,
and now White has several good moves, one
example being 19.d6N:t.
IS.4Jbd2 4Jbd7 16.4Jc4
As GM Emms has pointed out, the position
of the bishop on f5 instead of g4 means that
Black can exchange on eS without losing a
196 Lines without e4
tempo afterwards. For instance, if Whitetries 16.ibSN then 16...CtJxeS 17.CtJxeS
CtJe4 IB.CtJxe4 ixeS 19.CtJg3 Wif6 gives Black
reasonable compensation.
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13.11Mdl tlJa6
The alternative is:
13... b4 14. CtJ b 1
Black also has to be ready for: 14.CtJe2 ibSIS.CtJed4 (or IS.CtJf4 CtJbd7 16.id4 Wib7
17.ie2 Kaluga - Badmatsyrenov, Barnaul2011, 17...�fdBN=) IS...CtJbd7 16.CtJxbSWixbS 17.id4 WixdS IB.ie2 CtJb6 19.0-0
�acB 20.�cl Aronian - Gashimov, Wijk aanZee 2012. After 20...Wie6!?N Black is close
to equal.
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14...�cB
I think this is Black's best chance.
The more popular 14...ibS does notequalize: IS.a4 ia6 16.CtJbd2 c3 17.bxc3
CtJxdS IB.ixg7 rJlxg7 19.cxb4 CtJxb4!?N(Even worse is: 19...�eB 20.bS CtJc3 21.CtJc4
CtJxdl 22.CtJxb6 axb6 23.�xdl ib7:t Llanes
Hurtado - Del Rio Angelis, Ayamonte
2007.) 20.Wib3 ixfl 21. rJlxfl CtJd7 22.g3CtJcS 23.Wic3t f6 24.rJl g 2 Black does nothave much to show for the sacrificed pawn.
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IB... CtJxdS!?
I also checked IB... bxc3 19.ixc3 Y rj ola -Winants, Dubai 19B6, and now the best
line seems to be: 19...Wia6tN 20.rJl g l CtJbd7
Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7
21.g3 CtJxdS 22.ixg7 <j;>xg7 23. <j;>g2 Wixa224.�al Wic2t Here too Black must fight fora draw.
19.cxb4 Wia6t 20. <j;>gl CtJd7 21.ixg7 <j;>xg722.�xc8 �xc8
23.Wial t CtJ7f6 24.g4 h6 25.h4 CtJc3 26.g5CtJ fdS
Black has enough play to keep the gameinteresting, although he is still falling short offull eq uali ty.
A long time ago, the text move was believed
to be fully adequate for Black. Unfortunately
modern analysis paints a different picture.
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14.a4!
Breaking up the queens ide pawns forcesBlack to embark on a wild attack, for which he
is not yet fully prepared.
197
White has a second good option:14.ie2
Even after this simple move Black will
struggle to find enough coun terplay.14...CtJcS
14...b4 IS.CtJbl �ac8 16.0-0 �fd8 17.CtJbd2
ib5 18.id4 Wib7 (18...CtJcS!? may be thebest chance, for instance: 19.CtJxc4 Wia6
20.Wic2 CtJxdS 21.ixg7 <j;>xg7 22.CtJd4 CtJf423.CtJxb5 CtJxe2t 24.Wixe2 WixbS 2S.b3 CtJe4
26.Wib2t CtJc3t) 19.a4! bxa3 20.�xa3 CtJxdS
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1
8
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1
IS.0-0 �fd8
IS...b4!?N may be a slight improvement.
16.CtJbl ia4 Now a possible continuationis: 17.Wid4 CtJd3 18.a3 CtJxeS 19.CtJxeS '2Jd7
20.CtJxd7 Wixd4 21.exd4 ixd7 22.axb4
�fb8 23.ixc4 �xb4 24.b3 ixd4 2S.�a2 as
198 Lines without e4
26.CtJa3 �b6 Black has some compensation,
but it only gives him good chances for adraw.
16.Wid4
16.a3 4J b3 00
16...b4
Black has managed to develop someinitiative, but as usual he falls a little short
of full equality.
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17.CtJd2!?
The unassuming 17. CtJ bIN is also not bad.17...bxc3 18.CtJxc4 Wia6 19.WixcS cxb2N
19...�ac8?! was played in Scott - Marcotulli,e-mail 2002, and here 20.Wid6! would have
brought White a clear advantage.20.ixb2 CtJe4 21.Wib4 �ab8 22.Wel
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2
1
23.CtJxb2 ibS 24.ixbS WixbS 2S.f3 CtJf6
26.�f2 CtJxdS 27.�dlt
The general pattern here is clear: Black is
struggling to justify his pawn sacrifice and
the most he can hope to achieve against an
accurate opponent is to fight for a draw. Butlet us now return to the main line where White
is playing more ambitiously.
8.1_ _ ��.�'�� �� ,,,uY-m'��7 ,I�y-<,,<,�.i. �"i,_, i
641\� _ �i�",u/-� ��;�um;� �: !�f'�����7.'N//. �?;(o'0 �� �3 � m ??8%�_2 �d,,,,,�.uj� r�1 /�u" '_;=j£��
a bed e f g h
14... tlJ b4
This is more or less forced. Instead after
14...b4? IS.4JbS ixbS 16.axbS CtJc7 17.ixc4
CtJxbS 18.0-0 White's advantage had alreadyreached decisive proportions in Volzhin -Kekelidze, Graz 1999.
15.axb5
White is just too solid and I have not found
any way for Black to justify his ambitious play.
15...�f5 16.�xc4 tlJc2t
Another notable game continued: 16...�fc8
17.b3 CtJg4? 18.ixg7 CtJc2t 19.Wixc2!? Abeautiful sacrifice, although it was not strictlynecessary. 19...ixc2 20.id4 Wid8 21.0-0
White's pieces dominate the board. 21...Wie722.�fcl ifS 23.e4 id7 24.h3 CtJf6 2S.d6 Wid8
26.eS CtJhS 27.CtJdS rJlf8 28.ie3 CtJg7 29.igS1-0 Gelfand - Jobava, Rogaska Slatina 2011.
17.@e2
Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7
8.1_ _ �i%.m
7 �� �� _ U&/'�;rf 6 � _ �_fl"�/;,,,,/; � � . �/ .
5 .8_8'�I'm4 /,_�� mu%� ��� �k'//-1 ��'''0 ��3 � ��� r��.
2 �ni;��D��1 �uu�u"7.� �W'm7.."u/,� �iV m _1:t
a bed e f g h
17...tlJxalN
Black can easily improve on this game:17...CtJg4 18.ixg7 CtJgxe3 19.fxe3 Wxe3t20.<j{fl +- Wiacek - Daciuk, Poland 1992.
18.11Mxal �fe8 19.�d4 11Mb7 20.b3:t
This brings us to the end of a rather sad story
from Black's perspective. Maybe we could pickout some line that gives reasonable counterplayand/or sets some traps for the opponent, but
my overall feeling is that 9...bS is not to be
recommended. Nevertheless I wanted to givea full picture to enable the reader to see where
the problems lie.
With that job done, let's move on to the more
promising alternative.
B) 9...11M c7!
8.1_ �.� ��7 �,�'u,,;;c<"<'.� ��,�m",�£�.i. � iJI i6 � � �i�5 � �.�7.� /�"u,;�4 �.'m�������, '/ / � �////�3 '�iV� � ����,�"'u;��, , �, ,2 8�[j _8�8�1 0�uu/'� ��ffWuU,,,y, � /" ,/, � 1:t
a bed e f g h
199
This has been the most popular choice. Itis theoretically sounder than 9...bS, and has
the added benefit of not requiring such heavymemorization of forced lines.
10.e4
10.ixd6? is a well-known blunder, and
after 10...Wxd6 II.Wxb7 Wb6 12.Wxa8 Wixb2
White's position is hopeless.
10.e3 allows Black to hunt down the dark-
squared bishop, and after 10...'tJhS II.igS h612.ih4 gS 13.ig3 CtJxg3 14.hxg3 O-O� Blackhas no cause for concern.
10...0-0 II.tlJd2
Other moves are less dangerous:
II.id3 �e8 12.CtJd2 (12.0-0 c4) 12...CtJhS�
13.ie3 fS!N Miton analyses this positionextensively but I am happy to leave it here and
say Black has good counter play.
II.ie2 bS! 12.eS
12.ixbS CtJxe4 13.CtJxe4 Wast and Black is
doing fine.12.CtJxbS ixbS 13.WixbSN CtJxe4 14.0-0
CtJd7 IS.Wc6 Wd8 16.id3 �c8 17.Wa6 fS oo
is mentioned by Miton.
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200 Lines without e4
IS.exd6 Wb7 and White's queen is a target.IS...CtJa6 16.Wxd6 Wxd6 17.exd6 CtJcS 18.0-0
b4 19.CtJdl CtJd3°o
(Analysis by Miton.) Black has pretty goodchances in all these lines.
11...tlJh5
Black needs to do something about thethreat of CtJc4.
12.�e3
Now I have chosen to analyse the interestingsideline Bl) 12...tlJa6!? in addition to the
main line of B2) 12...f5.
Bl) 12...tlJa6 13.�e2 �ab8
a c
14.a4
This is the most popular move, although it
is important to stress that ...bS is not strictly a
threat at this point.
14.0-0 bS?
Black should prefer 14...�fe8 IS.h3 as inColovic-Aranovitch, Milan 2010, and now
IS...CtJf6N looks best, for example: 16.�felbS 17.CtJxbS Wd8 18.a4 CtJxe4 19.CtJxe4
�xe4=
IS.CtJxbS ixbS 16.ixbS We7 17.Wa4 CtJc7
18.ic6 �b4
18.. .�xb2?! 19 .�ab 1:t Ki. Georgiev - Fier,Benasque 2010.
Moberg - Eklund, Sweden 2008. Now themost accurate continuation looks to be:
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1
8 �� � ��._(�"&��.U&�WA
7 .�.�m�.JLR.w.
/'''U7.� ,u"h�'0 �� nm%�
6 '-�,J��-�� 5 ���j���'4 ��7.'n//--t1-��3_iVm � ���,�",u;�:,/�,J�,"0 ��,�2 �ff� ,�� � �ff� A ifr�%
iQ/:: . /�Ll � iO% 0 ?'Q1 %""�"u/,� /"''''f0'i(uu/'W u ",� � �� �1:ta bed e f g h
14...tlJb4 15.0-0
IS.CtJc4 fS 16.0-0 transposes to the noteto White's next move. If Black wants a safer
alternative he can consider IS...CtJf6 16.if4
CtJe8 17.0-0 <j{h8 as mentioned by Watson.Black has lost some time with his knight, but
is ready to strike back with ...fS.
15...f5!?
This risky move may not be as bad as
was previously thought. IS...CtJf6 is a saferalternative which may be compared with the
preVIOUS note.
Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7
16.exfS
16.CtJc4 f4 17.id2 was played in Flear -D. Lund, Birmingham 2006, and here mysuggestion would be 17...a6!?N, with the
possible continuation 18.eS ifS 19.exd6 Wif7
with interesting play. I'm not sure if I would
completely trust Black's position against acomputer, but it looks messy enough to beconsidered unclear over the board.
We still have the main line with 12...fS to
consider shortly, so I will not take up too
much space with the present variation. I
do, however, want to present one sacrificial
line which I found especially interesting toanalyse.
16. ..�xfS
8 � _ ��._
7 _'lY- B �� uu' y-� r 6 /'uu7.� N'U7.� �� 'l�� 5 � �.���,� A)) 4 !."u7.� �� ��� � /�"m;7.'''//- ��,� ��3�iVm � _��,%t,u"k'/-1mN%�'''0 ��'�
2 W� �0��w� 8 W�1 /"u,�m'7.�UUUWu"7.f0'�'u,� _ _1:tm
a bed e f g h
17.g4!?N
This untested move is obviously critical, and
leads to great complications.
17.CtJbS Wid7 18.�acl b6 19.CtJc4N (19.�fdl
a6 was more pleasant for Black in Hardicsay- Fronczek, Prievidza 1978.) 19...CtJxdS
20. CtJ cxd6 ie6 21.ic4 CtJ hf6 looks roughlyeq ual.
17...�c2 18.11Mc4 tlJf6 19.tlJal �f7 20.�fcl
201
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1
a c
20...�d3!
This is not the only playable move, but it issound and deserves the exclamation mark for
its shock value alone.
20...bS!? is the 'calm' alternative which might
lead to an early draw: 21.axbS ia4 22.CtJc3(22.CtJxb4? ixbS + ) 22...ic2 23.CtJa2 ia4=
21.hd3 tlJxd3 22.11Mxd3 tlJxg4Black's attack is more potent than its initial
appearance may suggest. Of course there are
many possible deviations, but I will give yousome illustrative lines to show the correctness
of the sacrifice.
8 �� . '�._,J?'u,�:</-,,/-,__� ��,��7 �i� _.i�i
/'uu7.� '''U%� �� 'l��6 ��'Juu�� �� �: !���j�_I��� ��7� �� �3 �7. '0 �JlJ�?z.'0 �7. '�
2 �D � Wtj �
7.,�{' u'7.�}f�tu m; . � "u, 7.� ""1���� %�/" / %, ,
a bed e f g h
23. tlJ c4
Lines wi th oute4
Or 23.CtJc3 �e
with a dan 8 24,tLJde4 'Wd8 2 �gerous attack. 5..I<.d2.td423...�e8 2 4 '=' .�el
24.Wie2 t 'r h. 10 t
look solid b ,e untrained e e ' 2 4 \I1t � ut III fact he' al y WhIte ma y t h o .�fl �f4' Th . a most lost!...8d7+ 25 IS read y IIS mov . 11 . e 1m2 7 fx e WI soon beco I portance of. e3 me c ear. 26 h3 J!":\
. '"'l..J xe 3
202
h
30.i>hl
B2) 12...£5
13.exfS �xfS!?
This looks like th
leavin g th e f fil e better reca pt_ e 0 p fI ure toseventh rank h h en or the rook and at me,or t e queen. so the13...gxf5
This h b as een m huc m o
not trust' re po p ul b14 � It. ar, ut I d.£e2 f4 014 � 8 ....�e IS
. .. more solid b 6.0-0 a6 1 7Illspmng. 15.tLJf3 h6 l' ut still less than.a4 CtJd7
Chapter 15 - 7.�f4 �g7
18.�fel:t Almost all the games from herewere won by White, and I do not recom-
mend volunteering to be the next victim.
8 � 1 ,J'�Wffi.;�7 %.�B�.JL� �i
6 U'''%� 'uu/.. %� ""'�� 5 ��,�u3� ����.� ��/.' / u �!4 ..�.�
�%",/. ��'Ju3�3 �� / �m,,, J���/., / ��t � /:: "/0 �t � �'�
2 8f� m�f�8��
1 �'U,%.u"u='U'%.11a bed e f g h
Is.ixcS! f3?
IS... CtJ a6?! 16.ia3 �ae8 17. CtJ ce4 was also
winning for White in Malaniuk - Norwood,Lvov 1986.
IS...WixcS is perhaps the best chance, butafter 16.ixhS I am not convinced by Black'scompensation.
16.ixf3 �xf3 17.gxf3 WixcS 18.Wixb7 +-Korchnoi - Nunn, London 1984.
8.1_ U �.-7 ;:l';�� ""'/,.r6 /',m7.� h"J� 7.� 'l%�� �� ,J:u3,� ��5. �8_.i._A))4 �� mu/'� �� ��� ��:'//-� ��7� ��3 �'j� i/,'n/d��'0 -�'02 A �f)� �� �f)� A ��
o i07. W"£'�: �O7. 0 �O1 1W""7._ /u'm�:f.�
a bed e f g h
14.�e2
14.h3 Wi e7f!. (Miton)
14...tlJf6 15.h3
1 S. CtJ c4
This move has scored a hundred percent on
203
the database so is worth checking.1 5 . . . 'tJ e4! ?
Not the only option, but it seems a logicalway to 'exploit' White's last move.
16.'tJbS
16.0-0N may be a slight improvement,although after 16...CtJxc3 17.bxc3 CtJd7 Ithink Black's position is okay.
16...Wid8 17.a4 a6 18.'tJc3 CtJxc3 19.bxc3 CtJd7
8
7
20.0-0
20.CtJxd6? Wif6 is bad for White.
20...CtJeS 21.CtJb6 �b8 22.aS Wif6 23.Wb2 gS24.�fel g4 2S.Wid2 ie4 26.�a4 Wig6 27.igS�be8 28.if1
Erbe - Berger, Internet 2004. At this point
the game score ends mysteriously with1-0, just as Black was poised to seize the
advan tage.
28...ixg2!N 29.ixg2 'tJf3t 30.ixf3 gxf331.�e6
31.�g4 h6 also gives White some problems.31...�xe6 32.dxe6 �e8
Followed by .. .h6, with better chances forBlack.
15...tlJa6 16.a3
This has been the usual choice. A couple ofother examples:
16.0-0 lZJ b4= Mons - Kaphle, Oberhof 20 11.
204 Lines without e4
16.g4 id7 17.0-0 �ae8 18.a3 �e7 19.if3?!19.�fel Wib8 20.�adl �fe8�
19...Wib8= 20.a4 hS 21.gS CtJe8 2.h4? ih323.�fel Wic8 24.Wic4 CtJb4 + 2S.CtJe2
Povah - Lund, West Bromwich 2004. Now
the most convincing would have been:2s...ifS!N-+
Black has numerous threats and will soon
win material.
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2
1
a c e
16...�ab8!?
16...�ae8 was the only move mentioned by
Kaufman in his repertoire book, but then after
17.0-0 Black has no good way to counter alater CtJc4. In contrast, after 16...�ab8 a later
CtJc4 will generally be met by ...bS.
16...Wif7N 17.CtJc4 �ad8 18.�dl;!; IS
mentioned by Miton.
17.tlJb5N
This would appear to be the critical test ofBlack's last move.
Mter 17.0-0 Wid8 Black is not troubled by18.CtJbS CtJc7= Del Rey - Forcen Esteban,Utebo 2012, nor by 18.igS bS�.
And as previously suggested, 18.CtJc4 wouldbe answered by 18...bS. For example: 19.CtJxbSCtJc7 20.CtJcxd6 CtJxbS 21.CtJxbS a6, when
White's extra pawns just barely compensate forthe piece he is about to lose.
17...11Me7 18.tlJxa7 tlJc7
8 �� � �._�U&Y-��IDff""' Y-� t7 ��.�_� �g� ��.
6 /u""� /"u,,_uu'%_'l��5 ��.�7..I;_�4 ���UU%� �� ��3�'_���_'2 7."U%�� ��� f_1 �m'7.�,uu;=m'/'� IuuY- _ /,,,,,7. �
a bed e f g h
19.tlJb5 tlJxb5 20.hb5 �d7=
So ultimately it seems Black can get through
the opening and obtain a reasonable position
by playing 12...fS and recapturing with the
bishop.
Conclusion
The 7.if4 ig7 line is quite demanding andwill not be to everyone's taste. It would have
been nice to recommend the sharp 9...bS line,
but I don't really believe in it, especially in
the critical 10.ixd6! as analysed in variationAl. Instead variation B with 9...Wic7 is more
reliable, although even here the play can be
quite double-edged. My advice is to compare
these positions with the ones in the next
chapter and make your own choice.
Lines without e4
7.JJ4 a6
Variation Index
l.d 4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exdS 5.cxd5 d6 6.�f3 g6 7.� f4
7...a6
A) 8.�d2
B) 8.e4 b5 9.YMe2 �e7
BI) 10.e5
B2) 10.YMc2
C) 8.a4 �g7 9.h3 0-0 10.e3CI) 10...�e8
C2) 10..J��e8
C21) 11.�e2
C22) 11.�d2!
A) note to 10...llJh5
a bed e f
13...llJf6!N
B2) note to 14...llJf6
a bed e f g h
22...E:xel t!N
206
208
210
211
214
215
217
217
218
Cl) note to 13.a5
18...�b5!N
206 Lines without e4
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�f4 a6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This is the most popular move nowadays.
Black wants to provoke a2-a4 to take away the
option of the troublesome queen check. We
will analyse A) 8.tlJd2, B) 8.e4 and C) 8.a4.
A) 8.tlJd2
This rare move has some logic to it, but I don't
think it is too dangerous.
8...b5 9.a4
White's idea is to exert pressure against
d6, but as we know, playing several moves
with one piece in the opening rarely leads to
anything good.
9...b4 10.tlJce4
'� /-://.h'. /:: %% "/::
8 .I ..i.� *� ��
."''''� '''d''� 'l�� 'Iv-
7 �, �� //. �" �"N/ �, � 5 '_�"� /"""� 'i �� / � %1 1 % � . � i %06 � �� � � �� %I � /. ,
��'d0""%� �///,,/ ��4 8. .�� m�d""7.� �� um%� �
3 R�,��:,//-��,��,�2 r� ���8r�8r�
1 :_""7..ii=l£.�a bed e f g h
10... tlJ h5
Black has a couple of playable alternatives.
10...CtJxe4 II.CtJxe4 ie7 is perhaps the safestway to deal with this line. 12.ih6 CtJd713.Wi d2?! (13.e3N =)
8 �B.l... �ir���tYt� 'i
7 �� ��,��,�� ��,� 6'. �� ..� 5 �.�?� �� ,;'" 4 !.",,%�!� ��iL,?� �� ��3 ��,� �Z<"N ��,� ��,�
2 rfj ��rfj�r�
1 �""%_""%=£_�a bed e f g h
Johansen - Lie, Asker 2000. Now after
13...CtJf6!N 14.CtJxf6t ixf6 Black has
exchanged both nasty knights without making
any unnecessary pawn moves, and is left
with a strong bishop and pawn majority on
the queenside. IS.e4 Wie7 16.id3 (16.f3 gS17.0-0-0 id7+) 16...c4+
I also found an interesting new idea:10...CtJxdS II.ixd6 CtJe3!?N
11...ixd6 12.CtJxd6t Wixd6 13.CtJe4 WieS
14.WixdS WixdS IS.CtJf6t rJlf8 16.CtJxdS=
Martinez Martin - Martin Gonzalez,
Ciudad Real 2004.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12.Wib3
Chapter 16 - 7 .�f4 a6
12.fxe3 ixd6 13.'tJc4 ie7 14.'tJcd6t
(14.Wxd8t <j;>xd8 IS.'tJb6 �a7 16.0-0-ot
<j;>c7 17.'tJdSt <j;>c6 18.g3 ie6+) 14...ixd6IS.'tJxd6t <j;>e7 16.'tJxc8t (16.WdS? Wixd6
17:Wxa8 �d8 18.We4t ie6 19.Wc2 WeS20.�cl c4 + ) 16...Wxc8 17.WdS 'tJd7 18.g3Wc7=
12...ixd6 13.'tJxd6t Wxd6 14.Wxe3t We7
IS.Wxe7t <j;>xe7 16.�cl ie6=
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
g h
With a little trap:17.�xcS? CtJd7 18.�cl �ac8 +
13...tlJf6
Black wants to remove the strong enemy
knight.
207
13...fxg4?! leaves the white knight in thecentre, where it is highly influential: 14.h3 g3?
IS.fxg3 ig7 16.igS 'tJf6 17.ig2 0-0 Aronian- Gashimov, Nice (blind) 2010. 18.'tJc4N+-
%'/ /� � /-/'/.//. . ij'./.'I'� %'" 'l-�?�A' '" �� �/!a8 .a.��.JL� �..W �a
/u"u� "u,7.� mu�� um7 �� ��'''0 �rn//-� ��6 i� � :.:i�
5 �.�7.� '/1';_��,�uu7.� �� ��4 8�� ���8�
.'m�� ��;0i��3 �7. '0 �7.'n/d�� '0 �� '02 Wf)� �� A W� W��O% ,�, 0 �O� �O
1 �'U'7..ii=if_�� ���, /% � I
a bed e f g h
14.gxf5 tlJ xe4 15. tlJ xe4 �xf5 =The other knight will be expelled too.
16.tlJ g 311Mf6Now White does not have any threats and
must think about where to put his king - not
an easy decision with both flanks having beenweakened.
� �� � m .�� %,�(8 .a. �_� � U'� �a
�£m";� �� um�� mu7 -� ��'��r,<,��4 6 i� li� 8i�5 � �.�7.� A��� ,�'m%� �� � . ��4 8� _ _ �. uU7.� ��;� '�:n//-�3 � �����7. '0 �� mur-�,�um;�,�2 � _8�� ��1 ��"U%� I=ff.�
a bed e f g h
17.11Md2 �g7 18.tlJxf5The machine suggests 18.0-0-0 N as a slight
improvement, but after 18...0-0 I still preferBlack due to his safer king.
208 Lines without e4
18...11Mxf5; 19.h4 tlJd7
Attempting to force the play with 19...WieSleads to no more than equality: 20.0-0-0 Wie421.f3 Wic4t 22.Wic2 Wia2 23.Wibl and now
Black can either take a perpetual or play on
with 23...Wixa4, although in the latter case24.hS gives White enough counterplay.
, � � %UU%
8 .I �� �i ��,JI7� _�� mi 6 r� ���� 'l��5 ��.�%_,�4 8.m'������3 � �UU%� �����""2 W� � 81� �
1 d''''7._''U'%=�� i/ � h
a bed e f g h
20.�h3 11Me4 21.f3 11Mxh4t 22.i>f1 11Mf623.�cl ?
23.�bl was essential. In that case
White's bishops would have provided some
compensation for the missing pawn, althoughI still prefer Black's chances.
23...11Mxb2-+
Salvador - Drei, Cesenatico 2010.
B) 8.e4
"� '/../- 'L /, �'0 %UU,%8 .I ..i.� *� ��
7 .l"� 'Ud%� 'l�� '1 6 fB�_�_f�5 � �.�/,� /�mu;����u3� ��;���4 � �8� �3 � 7.� /,� lL5� '��,�"'u;� ��,/ �/, '/�2 8@ � ��8�1 �;gJ'm�_I=�.�
a bed e f g h
This time White aims for direct action in
the centre, hoping to expose Black's queens ide
expansion as a loss of valuable time.
8...b5
8.. .ig7 could transpose to Chapter 8 after9.a40-0 10.ie2 ig4 11.0-0, but White cankeep the game in the realm of the present
system by playing 9.Wia4t id7 10.Wib3.
9.11Me2
The main line. It is an unusual place for
the queen, but the idea is to prevent Black's
natural development.
The natural 9.id3 is not too dangerous.9...ig7 10.0-0 0-0 II.h3 �e8 12.�el �a7!
Using the fact that the seventh rank is free,
Black improves the position of the rook.
a bed e
9...�e7
The main move. Don't be afraid, the bishopwill go to the long diagonal eventually!
The need to take the long route to g7 is
highlighted by the following short line:
Chapter 16 - 7.if4 a6
9...ig7? 1 0.ixd6 Wixd6 II.eS Wie7 12.d6 Wie613.tLJgS+- A few players have fallen for this;make sure you are not one of them!
9...tLJhS!?
This is not a bad move if you don't mind adraw and there are no Sofia rules.
10.igS ie7 II.ih6 if8 12.Wie312.igS=
12...ixh6 13.Wixh6 b4 14.tLJd 1 Wif6
14... Wi e 7 IS .id3 ig4 16. tLJ d2 ixd 117.�xdl Wif6 18.0-0 Wif4 19.Wixf4 tLJxf4
20.tLJc4:t Agdestein - Bjornsson, Reykjavik1998.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
IS.tLJd2
Yusupov - Dolmatov, Minsk 1987. Here I
suggest:
IS...tLJd7N 16.tLJc4 CtJeS 17.tLJde3=
And now there are many good moves, for
example:17...aS
17...id7 18.f3 ibS=
18.�b 1 tLJxc4 19.ixc4 a4=
Whi te's grip over the c4-sq uare is balanced
by Black's extra queenside space and control
over the dark squares.
Returning to the main line, White's main
options are Bl) 10.e5 and B2) 10.11Mc2.
10.ih6?! tLJ g4 II.ig7? �g8 +
209
10.0-0-0?!
I think this is too optimistic for White. He
has nothing on the kingside while on the
queens ide the black pawns are ready to hurlthemselves forward.
1 o. . .0-0 11. e S
II.h3 b4 12.tLJbl WiaS 13.b3 A. Ponomarev
- Wilke, corr. 2001. 13... tLJ bd7N 14. Wi c2
Wi c7 IS. tLJ bd2 tLJ b6 16. tLJc4 tLJ fd7+
8 �?� A � ���-�a /!AI;.JL �8� ���
'''''''� '''''%_'iY-� .
7 �� �W.'�""�%'u,/. �� 6'. �� ..� 5 � r.2r�"""��� �''''%� L,%�/� 7/.�4 ����!5�3 ��r�''''';� ��'% ��,�2 �� �!P�P1 =gB�Bg
a bed e f g h
11...tLJg4! 12.tLJe4 dxeS 13.tLJxeS13.ig3!?N looks like a good attempt tocomplicate the game, although Black still
remains on top with precise play: 13...fS14.d6 fxe4 IS.dxe7 Wixe7 16.Wixe4 �a7
17.h3 ifS 18.Wie2 tLJf6 19.WixeS Wf7+
13...tLJxeS 14.ixeS tLJd7 IS.if4 �e8 16.Wic2
tLJf6 17.d6 tLJxe4 18.Wixe4
Alburt - D. Gurevich, Estes Park 1986.
Here Black's most convincing path to a huge
advantage would have been:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
210 Lines without e4
18...if6!N 19.Wif3
�9.Wfxa8? .ixb2t! 20.i>xb2 Wff6t 21.i>c2ifSt picks up the queen.
19...c4 20.ie3 id7
With ...c3 coming next, Black's attack
should decide the game.
Bl) 10.e5
.I -7..i.�.- �-� - �� "m,�_ �?;(o,�,,�, 4 � i
6 .U, "� _i� 5 �i.8�"""�4 _,':"'/'_ um�� ��3 � � �_liS_ �2 �Jt1"""_i�:�1 � � ��,."u, 7. ��_1:t
a bed e f g h
This direct attempt does not P romise hmuc .
10...dxe5 11.�xe5 tlJbd7 12.0-0-0
Not working here is 12 d6;> tLJ S13.dxe7 CLJxf3t 14.Wfxf:3 Wfxe7t � Marsa: e _Novgorodskij, Nizhnij Novgorod 2008.
12.ig3?!Now dS-d6 is inevitable, but...
12...0-0!
Black will win back the piece at least
13.d6 �e8 14.dxe7 �xe7 IS.tLJeS. tLJ S 16..ixe5.ib7!N xe�lack �s d�ing okay after other moves, but I
lIke thIs trIcky option the mos t N Wh . h ,ow lteas to find a few good moves to stay in the
game.
1 7. f4
17.�dl? Wie8 18.ixf6 �xe2t 19.tLJxe2 Wie6
20.igS Wixa2 +1 7... tLJ h S 18. Wi f2
18.�dl? Wie8 19.tLJe4 ixe4 2 0 \lli 4
CLJxf4-+ .8xe
�h5� 19..ie2 fXe5 20J�dl Wfc7 21..ixh5
8 r7..i. �.- �:I7 �7. _�I{r�'i 6 ,i_, ,_ _i'�5 � & �� A �I+(m"'� ��.i.%O� �. "m '� ""'�, �4 �"n'- _ �3 _ � _�'�2 A W{f{mw� �iV �?;(o'0 �� '0o �d _ if,f)� A ��
�/'W�, , �WJ£Q� 0 �Q1. m1:t��;.�
a bed e f g h
12"'�,xe5 13.�xe5 �d6 14.�c6 J.g4The Immediate 14...id7N IS 1':\ 7 \lli .
I . "'lJxe axe7 ISa so fine for Black.
Chapter 16 - 7.if4 a6
15.f3 �d7= 16.a4?! b417.tlJxe7
s p �.� �_7 � �.i.�r� i� � w � ��"L,/Y,uU;7.'n//- �//h � �6 &� � ��&�. � �m� ,gJ,.� ��'d""d/'� /�um;�
5 � 1�8� _4 l_uu7.� �� ��3 .'U'7.� �� !���,�m";� �� ��'02 �[g BiVB 8 ��
. �uu�'// / ��h � � � . � �uu� ��� ���1 � ��� ����a bed e f g h
17...11Mxe7N
The remarkable 17...<j{f8!? is playable andled to an eventual victory for Black in Gonzalez
Garcia - Pantsulaia, Khanty-Mansiysk (01)
2010, but sometimes the simple moves are
objectively the strongest.
18.�el
18.Wixe7t <j{xe7 19.d6t <j{d8 20.t2JdS t2JxdS
21.E!:xdS ixa4 also favours Black, who intends
...<j{d7 next.
18...11Mxe2
Now Black wins a pawn.
19.�xe2t �d8 20.tlJe4 tlJxe4 21.fxe4 �xa4i
B2) 10.11Mc2
% //. � %' % ��, ;/.� %S .I �.�.i.�. � �.imU Ud� ,ud7.�,� �� '"''
7 �� � � �?;(o'��7.� �� �� //�6 &� tl{� ��&�. � �.� /!"At .
5 � r.�7.� 'uuu��%0 �u"�� ��:���4 _ _8� �3� �� �_�_��,�"u,,� ��'% ��'02 88V_ 1�81�
/,uuZu"7.� ��,�u"7..uu1� � ��_1:ta bed e f g h
211
The queen did her job by luring the enemybishop to an unnatural square, so now sheswitches to a more comfortable spot.
10...0-0 II.a4
White hopes to win the c4-square for his
pieces, but in the meantime Black can generatea good deal of activity.
II.ie2
This move gives Black a lot of freedom.11...E!:e8 12.t2Jd2 if8 13.0-0
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13... b4!?
I think Black should take this chance.
13... t2J bd7 is the safest line: 14.�fe 1
(14.a4? b4 IS.t2Jdl t2JxdS 16.exdS E!:xe2
17.t2Je3 Wif6 18.ig3 Wid4-+ Wemmers -
Degraeve, Belgium 2006.) Flear - Schulte,Oakham 1988. Now an amusing finish
might be: 14...Wie7N IS.igS ig7 16.f4 h617.ih4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
212 Lines without e4
1700.tlJg4! 18.ixe7 id4t 19.rJlhl tlJf2t=14.tlJdl tlJxdS IS.exdS �xe2 16.ie3
Now in S. Schneider - De Firmian,
Copenhagen 1999, the best continuationwould have been:
8�..t S �.�'HH"� '''H%� mH"�
: !� ����!���'�'H'?� ��� ��i.���
'''H%� ��;� ��3 � �z".A �2 [j�V���[j�1 �HH%.�'Wim'H/ Y- _� _ I % ,
a bed e f g h
16.ooig7!NMore precise than 16.ooaS, which still
brought Black a decent position in the game.17.Wid3 �xe3 18.Wixe3 tlJd7
The pair of bishops and extra pawn give
Black more than enough for the exchange.19.tlJc4 tlJeS 20.�cl tlJxc4 21.�xc4 id7
22.�el WiaS+
8 .I _.i.E �mt1> �7 ."'m� ""'%_'1V-� f�� �///o'0r"'�7.'N//- ��6 i. �� .i-5 � r_�7.� /�"m;� ��� �L,%� ��7���4 8 � 'N �,8 � �3 � �����,�"u,;� ��'''0 ��,�2 ��iV� �� 8 �t!1
1 du,,�� �=1��h" ,v- � /"",% _ 'a bed e f g h
11...b4
White lost so much time in the opening
that Black can fight for the advantage.
12.tlJbl
12.tlJdl
A strange place for the knight, but eventually
it can go to c4 via e3.12...b3
I like this move most, although of course it is
not the only playable one.13.Wixb3
Perhaps White should consider analternative, such as: 13.Wic4 tlJbd7 14.�a3
�b8 IS.�xb3 �xb3 16.Wixb3 tlJxe4 17.id3
WiaSt 18.tlJc3 tlJxc3 19.bxc3= Samraoui -
Christiansen, e-mail 2003.
8
6
5
4
3
2
1
1300.tlJxe4 14.id3 fS 16.0-0
tlJd7 17.tlJc3
Yusupov - Cheparinov, Amsterdam 2008.
Here I found an improvement:17...�b8!N 18.Wic2
8
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 16 - 7.il.f4 a6
19.ixgS ixgS 20.CtJxgS WixgStBlack has the initiative.
� �� A ID11 ��i.%08 .sa��t.L�m� ����
/"""� "",/,�,�,,,,,y.�
7 �� �///o'0/�/'� �i 5 � ���/,� /"""�6 i� �� .i�
��,�""�� ��'0 ��4 8�� _8� ��L""/'� 7.� ::m%�3 -�'0 �� �� ��,�2 ""!�I ��,J��[j1��� ���1:t
a bed e f g h
12...b3!
This dynamic continuation offers Black
good chances.
The solid 12...CtJhS should be enough forequality, for example: 13.ih6 �e8 14.id3CtJd7 IS.0-0 if6 16.CtJ bd2 CtJeS 17.CtJxeS
ixe S 18. CtJ c4 if4 19.ixf4 CtJ xf4= Yakovich -
Martin Gonzalez, Terrassa 1999.
13.11Mxb3 tlJxe4
Black has succeeded in exchanging a flank
pawn for a more central one, which is especially
useful when you consider that he will soon be
able to attack with his rooks along at least one
of the newly-opened files.
14.�d3 tlJf6
This has been the most popular choice, but Iam not sure if it is best.
14.. . fS ! ?
Black's position is good enough to justify
this ambitious move, which aims to keep the
knight on its active outpost.IS.0-0 CtJd7 16.CtJc3 �b8
Black can consider getting aggressive with:
16...gS!?N 17.icl g4 (If you don't feel
213
the urge to give up a pawn, you can play17...�b8 18.�c2 ttJxc3 19.bxc3 g4 20.CtJd2CtJeS 21.ie2 f4 with a promising position.)18.ixe4 fxe4 19.ttJd2 e3 20.fxe3 �b8
21.�xf8 t Wi xf8 22. � c2 ttJ eS oo
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17.Wic2 CtJdf6
The opening phase has more or lessconcluded, and Black is not worse.
18.ih6 �e8 19.CtJd2? ttJg4 20.if4 CtJxd2I am not sure if White has enough
compensation after: 20...CtJexf2N 21.�xf2CtJxf2 22.<j{xf2 gS 23.ig3 f4 24.ixh7t <j{h82S.ixf4 gxf4+
21.Wixd2 if6 22.�fel
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
22...�xe 1 t!N
22...CtJeS 23.ifl was less convIncIng,
though still pleasant for Black in Lalic -D. Kononenko, Pardubice 2011.
23.�xe 1 gS 24.h3 CtJxf2 2S.ixgS2S.Wixf2? gxf4 26.Wixf4 �xb2-+
2S...ttJxh3t 26.gxh3 ixgS 27.Wig2 <j{h8 +
214 Lines without e4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
IS.�d2 tlJg4 19.tlJe4 f5 20.tlJg320.'2JegS? is too ambitious: 20...'2JdeS
21.ie2 (21.ixb4 ixgS 22.'2JxeS '2JxeS 23.ic2if4 24.ic3 ixh2t-+) 21...ixgS 22.'2JxgS�d4 23.b4 ib7 Now Black is winning a pawn.24.bxcS ixdS 2S.Wc2 dxcS +
8 �.i.S _.��� 'S,u,%?%o,�u,u�� �7 �Ai1� �i
6 �� ,�u3,� �� �5� _8_i_4 l�U"%� �_�_3 "'uv-� r� �'��?;(o'0 �?%o'0 �?;(o,�u"';�,�2 \UlJ�f)� �� �f)� A �N� �O% 00 �O% 0 �O/.
1 �""/'� . 7. � ,m'%_fm uu /,/, � . I /::,
a bed e f g h
20...�bS 21.�fel �f6 22.�c3 tlJde5
Black's position was more comfortable inVaassen - Daurelle, Internet 2003. Overall I
found no major problems, and in some places
Black has the luxury of choosing between a
couple of promising lines.
C) S.a4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
Preventing ...bS is the main line.
S...�g7 9.h3This is the most important independent line.
Instead 9.e4 ig4 10.ie21eads to Chapter 8.
9...0-0 10.e3
1 0.'2Jd2 �e8 II.e3 transposes to variationC22 on page 218.
This line has become quite popular for White,
who hopes to slow the game down and limitBlack's counterplay by putting his pawn on e3instead of e4. From here I analysed both Cl)10...tlJeS and C2) 10...�eS. The first leads to
a relatively slow positional struggle, whereas
the second is more sharp and active.
10...We7 has actually been the most popular
move, and sometimes transposes to line C 1
after a subsequent ...ttJe8, but I don't see anyspecial advantage in developing the queen first.
The aggressive 10...ttJhS II.ih2 fS 12.ie2f4 was proposed by Watson, but both KostasOreopoulos and Kaufman have pointed outthat after 13. o-Ot White is better.
Chapter 16 - 7.Jif4 a6
Cl) 10...tlJeS
�?_ A �.���. � �8 .sa /-;.L�m�.��w�
�"""� '''''7.� "",Y-�,��7 �£ ��'''0 �£ �£6 i_ �� _i�5 � '.�/.� �_4 8 '_ m,,/._ �� ��3� /.� %n�_82 ����L";_ "m/'� 8�1 �d""�� 1r:d1 � 1:t/"mY- � /, ''',/. �
a bed e f g h
Black guards the d6-pawn, thus allowing the
knight to come to d7.
11.�e2 tlJd7 12.0-0 11Me7
As mentioned previously, this position might
also be reached after 10... W e 7. Mter checkingvarious plans I finally formed a clear picture
of what Black should be doing. The first stepis to redeploy the knights on eS and c7. If it
looks like White is threatening to play e3-e4, Black should take countermeasures with
...fS. Depending on what White is doing, we
may also look to develop counterplay on the
queens ide with ...E!:b8 and ...bS, and/or on the
kingside with ...gS.
8.i_.i.�6J_._7 � i � 6JB i/,.r
: � �.�%� ���� �""%� ��;���4 ,8 -/.'U/h ��,J�/' -3 � � ���� 8
2 ��uu';�lZ���1 �:f""/._I�i�
a bed e f g h
215
13.a5
White has tried several different moves here,
but since the general character of the positionwill remain similar, I will focus on a few
illustrative examples.
White's most popular move has been:13 .E!:e 1 CtJ eS
This looks to me like the most natural
response.
13...h6 can be played in the 'slow-motion'
style. 14.aS CtJc7 lS.E!:cl fS 16.Wb3 gS17.ig3 E!:b8 18.CtJa4 bS 19.axb6 CtJa820.E!:al CtJaxb6 21.CtJc3 CtJa8 22.W c2 CtJc7
White was just a little better in Aronian -Gashimov, Linares 2010.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
216 Lines without e4
18...ibS!N
If Black can prevent e3-e4 the bishop on h2will not feel well.
19. tlJxbS
19.ixbS axbS 20.tlJxbS tlJxdS 21.tlJc4
tlJ b4=
19...axbS 20.ixbS tlJxdS 21.e4 fxe4 22.tlJxe4
tlJe3 23.Wd3 ixb2?
8 .I � .i.� 4a)��.-�� �/-/-"L'/U'UY-�'�7�i.4a)�i�i
6 r� �.'''''/,� '1%1j'''0��,�u3� �� �5 � �i%8_ _4 /'''U%� �UU%� �� ���7.'n//- ��,%m"%� �3 � � w��_ 82 ��um;�1L� t�1 "uf"u%� ��UU%�'�h� �V_1:t�
a bed e f g h
13...�bS
When the time is right, Black will play ...bS
and obtain counterplay down the b-file.
14.tlJd2 tlJe5
14...tlJc7?! is less accurate due to IS.e4,
but 14...fS!? could be considered and may
transpose to the main line within a few moves.
8 _.i.� 4a)��..
7 .'l/'� �S{lY-.f 6 f� �.uu���r�'''0 ��,�u,,%C'//-� �� �5 � wi%8,. _4 um/,_ "'''/'B�mu;� �_3 � �� ��"m%_ It2 �dum�?flii� r-1 "u�UU7.�'mu�uu%�,�/� _V�1:t�
a bed e f g h
15.tlJa4
IS.e4N is not a real threat here as after
IS...bS 16.axb6 �xb6 17.�a2 tlJc7? Black has
adeq uate play.
IS.Wc2 occurred In Maletin - Kopylov,Samara 2012, and here too IS...bSN 16.axb6
�xb6 looks okay for Black.
15...�d7
White may have prevented the pawn from
going to bS, but now the bishop is heading for
the same square.
16.tlJb6 �b5 17.�el f5
17...tlJc7N also looks playable, for instance:18.Wb3 �bd8 19.tlJe4 ixe2 20.�xe2 tlJbS=
Is.11Mb3 tlJc7
Also after 18...ixe2N 19.�xe2 tlJc7
20.tlJdc4 tlJxc4 21.tlJxc4 tlJbS the position isclose to equal.
8 �� � _.__"iY-��IDfi",uY-w;rf7 _a'�' �� wa 6 i%��Lu;."u%1j '1%1j�,�,uu;�,�u"7.C'//� ��5 ��.i.wi% 8 �.� i .4 /,"u/,� '''u/,� /�""';?ff:� ��3�'��J��8
��'''0 ��:,/-?uu��'''0 � � %�2 w� ������ 8 �
1 �� "U%.u" u�� U" 7.m �/'''uY- _ h""Y- �"," ,a bed e f g h
19.tlJdc4 tlJf7
19...tlJxc4N 20.ixc4 gS 21.ig3 �be8?
20.�adl 11Mf6 21.�g3 �bdS 22.tlJa4 tlJaS23.tlJc3 �xc4 24.�xc4 �bS 25.tlJa4 tlJe5
26.�f1 11M dS
Although minor improvements could surely
be found on both sides, the general standard of
Chapter 16 - 7.�f4 a6
play has been quite high, and pretty thematicfor the whole variation. Over the next few
moves White goes astray.
� 4a) �� E ��e>-7 .'1Y-� "'''''� ""'Y-E'i6 i/.� �_�� 'l��///.'0 �?;(o'�""7.Y-'''//- �i%m5 ¥� .8.i�4 lb'� ""'/._ �"""� ��� �� ��,���;�3 .V� !�% �8
2 �� �_ m"/'wtJ'�%_1 .""7.� 1��1.fir� � �""� L,j
a bed e f g h
27.tlJb6 tlJxb6 28.axb611Me7 29.�xe5? 11Mxe5
Black had much the stronger bishop and he
went on to convert his advantage in Parligras-Gashimov, Porto Carras 2011.
C2) 10...�e8
8.i�.i.�.i�._7 _1 "a ""'''_ f.i6 r� �� �"r�5 � �.t�� /�"''';��� �""%� ��7� ��
4 j ��;u//� ��,���3 ��,�tjjWA ��� ��2 � _ �[!}8�1 �:i''''�_i=1_1:t
a bed e f g h
Overall I tend to prefer this active approach
over the previous line. Now it is worth
considering C21) 11.�e2 followed by themore challenging C22) II.tlJd2!.
217
C21) 11.�e2
This allows Black to get a good position with atypical simplifying procedure.
11...tlJe4! 12.tlJxe4 �xe4 13.tlJd2 �b4
.i�.i.E �.-8 � �"""� ""'''� ��,��7 �/,i -�'0 �£ �£ 6 i- r� _i� 5 � �_�/,� ���C'}'''''%� ��'0 ��4 8�� _ � �3 .""'/,_ �U"'''%_ 8
�'� �:///< �'� �2 r� ���w�8�
r"�"" /.�" ""(0 'if" "7.�la �iV� �1:ta bed e f g h
The rook is both safe and active here.
14. tlJ c4
14.0-0 CtJd7 (14...ixb2!? IS.�bl ieS
16.ixeS dxeS 17.CtJc4 oo ) IS.CtJc4 leads to themain line.
14...tlJd7 15.0-0
The d6-pawn is safe for now: IS .ixd6??�xc4! 16.ixc4 Wb6 wins material, while
IS.CtJxd6?! ixb2 16.�b 1 ic3t also favours
Black.
15...tlJb6
This is the no-nonsense approach, forcing an
equal endgame.
IS...CtJeS can also be tried: 16.ixeS dxeS
(16...ixeSN is also okay: 17.CtJxeS dxeS 18.b3
ifS=) 17.aS id7 (17...WgS!?N 18.rJlh 1 if Sf!)
18.CtJb6 �b8 19.Wic2 if8 20.b3= Wojtaszek-Gashimov, Warsaw 2010.
218 Lines without e4
8.iB.i.E _.-
7 �f_'''U%_f.r 6 l11J %_ %_ 'l��WdLu;�,�m'/'� ��5 R7.uu.� ��'0 ��4 8 ��_ � �
. ,,,uY-� ��,%mu%�3 ��'0 �� ���'0 � � /,�2 @ _���8�1 ,s(u3� i.1i=
a bed e f g h
16.tlJxd6 �xf4 17.tlJxcS �b4
17..J�xa4N is also fine: 18.E!:xa4 CtJxa4
19.Wixa4 E!:xc8=
IS.tlJxb6 11Mxb6 19.a5 11Md6 20.�a2 �xb2
21.11Mc2 �g7=Onischuk - Gashimov, Ningbo 2011.
C22) II.tlJd2!
8.i_.i.�.i�..W£m";� 'u""� ��,�
7 R� ��'0 �7.�J��6 iR �� .i.
5 ��.�7._�"UUB�4 8�m'%_���_, �7.'u//- �?;(o,�u,,�7. �3 � � w� _82 ��A("u,;?�U"%���.iO% /�_J iO% 0 �
1 /�,m/'.v=I� 1:ta bed e f g h
With this move White prevents the knight
exchange and plans to put the knight on c4,
where it has the potential to exert troublesome
pressure against the d6-pawn. To stop this, we
must plant a knight on e5.
11...tlJbd7!
Black can afford to leave the d6-pawn
hanging.
12.�e2
12.ixd6 is almost never played, and after12...CtJb6 13.ixc5 CtJfxd5 14.ixb6 CtJxb6
Black had good compensation in Biriukov -
Tselkovskiy, St Petersburg 2012.
12.CtJc4 CtJe4 (12...CtJe5 13.ixe5 dxe5t)13.CtJxe4 E!:xe4 14.id3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...E!:xc4!
8.i_.i.�.ia..� %� '''d''� %�,?'�7�i�6J�imi
�� �%0'0 �7.'N'dmn%�6 i. . .i�5 � �.�/,� //um;��� �u,,%� ��:� ��4 8_ _ � �
� �%'////.: ��,�/////:%�3. � �[g .8�ij'/t'/' .0"",;, ,//./ �"'�ij'/t'/ �,
?{� �m � �M A �2 �� W�W�O�
1 .uu/'.V=uu/'_1:ta bed e f g h
12...tlJe5 13.0-0
13.a5N CtJfd7 14.0-0 transposes to the nextnote.
Chapter 16 - 7.if4 a6
13...tlJfd7 14.11M c2
It is worth mentioning a couple of other
plans here.
14.e4 occurred in Dubov - Gabuzyan, Jermuk
2011, and in this position I found a nice planfor Black: 14...b6!?N
8Z-..tEZ�.����UU�� ��,��
:!.�a��!�5 �'U,%.�%.�.4 �� �UU�� //'uu:�:� ��3 � �m�I�� ��m,�u,uk""� �m'% ��2 W� ���W���
1 �'U'%.iV.f�a bed e f g h
Intending ...g5, ...4JfB and ...�a7!, followedby using the rook to support active operations
on the kingside.
14.a5!?
This move has only been played once, but it
presents an interesting challenge.14...f5!?N
14...�bB?!N 15.Wic2 f5 16.�a3:t Kostas
Oreopoulos.
14...b5!? 15.axb6 Wixb6 gave Black somecounterplay in Kosteniuk - Cmilyte, Tbilisi
(rapid) 2012, but the machines love White's
position and Kosteniuk went on to win the
game.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
219
15.Wic2 b5 16.axb64Jxb6�
The machine thinks White is a bit better,
but I think Black has enough counter-chances
thanks to the strong knights and the slightweakness of the d5-pawn.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...£5
As is typical for this line, Black takes controlover the e4-square and prepares a possiblepawn march on the kingside.
15.�h2
8 .I �.i.�.i _._�� ",u7.� ��'7�
: f� �a��'�����A�?_'�5 � �.%O/_:..'� m"/'� �"""� ��4 � �7.'n//. �?;(o'0 �� �
3 � � :itJ .8
�?f Aiwi� "J���� �W�2 �O% ,�,��O% 0 �
1 �'''' 7.B, uu;�i='u"a bed e f g h
Here Black has a few ways to arrange
his pieces, but the following would be myrecommendation.
15...b6 16.b3 �b7
220 Lines without e4
This may not be the typical square for the
bishop in the Benoni, but here the d5-pawn is
slightly weaker than normal.
17.tlJc4 11Me7 18.�acl
Kaufman claimed a slight edge for Whiteafter 18.�ab 1, but it makes no difference, and
after 18...�f8! Black is ready to follow exactly
the same plan as in the main line below. It is
worth adding that 19.b4?! 4Jxc4 20.ixc4 cxb421.�xb4 �ac8+ does not help White's cause.
8.1_ _.i�.-�� �;<"<,���7�.i._4I)ii1 mi
��'''0 ��'�"u,,� um��6 . i ��///o,J�7.'N//- -A-5 � ��8.i.
4 f� tJ� /�,u,,;� ��� �;'N//- �?;(o,� �� �3 -8� r[j _82 �������m
� ����.W7._um%1 wa �� ���
a bed e f g h
18...�f8!
The rook moves to support a future ...f4
break, while making room for its twin to slideover to e8.
19.�fel �ae8 20.�g3White does not have an active plan.
20...h5!
Black continues to improve his position, so
in the game White felt compelled to simplify.
8 _ _.i�.�7 � f� ':�"my.�
: .,m%.�%"f� i 4 '�liS� /�um;� �_� �7.'N//. ��'0 ��,��3 �8� �[j �8
2 �� �� �Wfjli � %��� �7.m" �7.U,,)0uU%'//'0 �� �/�0 %,�� �1������
a bed e f g h
21.�xe5 �xe5 22.tlJxe511Mxe5 23.�c4
Khairullin - Grigoryan, Rogaska Slatina2011. Now the most accurate continuation
would have been:
23...11Mf6N=
Making room for the knight to come to e5.
Black has a fine position.
Conclusion
7...a6 leads to positions that are, on the whole,
easier to handle than those from the previous
chapter with 7...ig7. We saw that Black hasno real problems in those lines in which he
is allowed to play 8...b5. The system with
8.a4, 9.h3 and 10.e3 is more interesting, but
here too Black has a choice of playable lines,
variation C2 with 1 0...�e8 being my personal
preference.
Lines without e4
Fianchetto System
Variation Index
l. d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7. g3
7...�g7 8.�g2 0-0 9.0-0A) 9..J��e8 223
B) 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7 224Bl) 11.�f4 224
B2) II.e4 225
B3) II.tlJd2 �e8 227
B31) 12.a5 228
B32) 12.tlJc4 229
B33) 12.h3 �b8 13.tlJc4 tlJe5 14.tlJa3 tlJh5 232B331) 15.@h2 234B332) 15.e4 �d7 236
B3321) 16.g4 236B3322) 16.f4 237
B3323) 16.a5 238
B33231) 16...VMxa5 239
B33232) 16...b5 17.axb6 �b518.tlJaxb5 axb5 19.tlJxb5 VMxb6 241
B332321)20.tlJc3 242B332322) 20.tlJa3 244
222 Lines without e4
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.g3 �g7 8.�g2 0-0After White castles we will reach the basic
position for the Fianchetto System. White
has a solid position on the kingside and his
strategy is mainly preventative. Black has the
freedom to choose different plans, dependingon the style of the player. The main goal is to
mobilize the queenside majority, but we will
see in the main line that if White prevents that,
we can switch to kingside coun terplay, often
involving material sacrifices.
9.0-0
The Fianchetto System was recommended in
Boris Avrukh's popular Grandmaster Repertoire2 - 1.d4 VOlume Two, which has led to it
becoming particularly topical over the past few
years.
The rare move order with 9.CtJd2 promisesnothing good to White. 9...CtJ bd7 10.CtJc4(10.0-0 �e8 could soon lead to the main line)
10...CtJb6 11.CtJe3 �e8 12.0-0 CtJg4!
8 �...l��'�.�
7 �r�""'7..i.r 6 "'''7..�.�. 'i"�.",,,,�,�''''7.� ��:�..i�.I��"'N//. �"'N//. ��,�3� � � f�
2 �ft"''';.'/�'; ftf �1 �"""W�! . � '�iii/�rMuu� ���M�" z
a bed e f g h
13.CtJxg4 (13.4Jc2 id7 14.h3 CtJeS IS. <j{h2fS�) 13...ixg4 White invested a total offive tempos in the knight, only to see itexchanged. 14.h3 id7 With ...CtJc4 and ...bS
on the agenda, Black was comfortably equal inNigalidze - Pantsulaia, Tbilisi 2007.
8.i_.i.B �tf-7 j{lu� '''''%� 'ly..r/'u,,7.� ��'''0 �C/1Nm��6 . f� �.�i�
�.�7.� //uu,;_: ���UU%� �� �_
�7.'n//. �� ��,�3 �% ,/;tjj7. ����,�2 8� _8V���1 st'm7.�-I_i�u"/u, � �, , � R I � , u,�
a bed e f g h
Over the next few moves Black will usually
play ...a6, ...�e8 and ...CtJbd7, and in mostcases the same position will be reached.However, if Whi te avoids the main line there
are some independent possibilities. I do not
have a strong preference between the different
move orders, so I will present both A) 9...�e8and B) 9...a6 and allow the reader to decide
which he prefers.
Here is one example of a quirky treatment:9...CtJbd7 10.a4 h6!? (10...a6 leads to line B,
but in a recent game Nigel Short showed there
is room for creativity even at this early stage
of the game.) 11.'iMfc2 Wie7 12.�a3 A strangemove. 12...a6 13.CtJd2 �b8 14.aS bS lS.axb6
CtJxb6 16.b3 CtJg4 17.ib2 fS=
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System
2S.CtJc4 CtJxc4 26.bxc4 icB 27.�f3 �gB 2B.�glif6 29 .ih I? Allowing a nice tactic.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
29...CtJeS! 30.�fg3 (30.fxeS ixeSt 31.�f4�xgl 32.<j;>xgl WigSt 33.<j;>fl ixf4 34.exf4�xf4t 3S.Wif2 �xc4t-+) 30...�xg3 31.�xg3lDxc4-+ Sasikiran - Short, Gibraltar 2012.
A) 9...�e8
8
7
6
5
3
2
1
This has been the choice of many of the
world's top players, and is directed against the
following move:
1 0.�f4
The more common 10.CtJd2 a6 11.a4 CtJbd7
transposes to the main line B3.
10... tlJ e4!?
This implies an exchange sacrifice.
223
A good alternative is 10... CtJ a6 11.�e 1 ig4
when Black manages to develop all his piecescomfortably. 12.Wib3 bS!? 13.CtJxbS �bB14.Wia4 Wid7 IS.Wixa6 �xbS 16.Wixd6 Wixd6
17.ixd6 CtJe4� Black has a lot of activity.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8.i�.i.S.i_._7 _l"B ""'%B lift6 h""7._�_��'l��/, ��,�m'7.� ��: �J�il��-, �%'N//- �� "m%?;(o,�3 � � ��r�
2 rft''''';�rd��1 i�""%_ '.Im""
a bed e f g h
II.tlJxe4 �xe4 12.tlJd2 �b4
I prefer this over 12...�xf4 13.gxf4 ibxb214.�bl ig7, as I believe the position afterIS.CtJc4! is better for White.
13.a3
Another idea is:
13.b3
Instead of playing to win the exchange,White offers a sacrifice of his own!
224 Lines without e4
13...ixal 14.'iMfxal
8 Z...lB � .'.�7 fli';� L,�� �:�",,%� ��,� �,i . i
6 �. J� .i� 5 �%''''_' � . '.4 .%.,�'�3��. . �2 �,., ��'�:f�1 i! . .!m""
a bed e f g h
14...�xf4!
The bishop is too strong and our rook was in
trouble anyway.
15. gxf4 CtJ d 7 16. CtJ e416.'iMfc3 Leitao - Rocha, Sao Paulo 2011.
16...b5!N=
16...'iMfe7 17.�el
17.�cl!? b6 IB.�c3 CtJf6 19.�e3 CtJxe4
20.ixe4 �dB 21.�g3 f5! 22.id3 id7followed by ...�e7 and ...b5 seems okay.
17...b6 IB.�c3 ib7 19.�d2 �eB 20.f5 CtJf6
Black was fine in Akesson - Brynell, Swedish
League 2005.
8.i".i.S1 �.�
7 ri1';a""�.WflKf 6 _ _ 'Bu&%�%uu%, � �.�.
Y'��,pi""'/" � · �5 �/.""J�, 8 _ _ '4 �_�'_3 r/""�- ��u�WJf{�%uu�, , � � iQ%
2 "'" D, � 8 'n'1Z�1 � .iv�!�"" ,
a bed e f g h
13...�xf4!
This is the right way to give up an exchange.Instead 13...�xb2 14.CtJc4 �b6 15.CtJxb6 axb6
16.�a2 b5 (16...id7!?) 17.�d2 CtJa6 IB.�bl
CtJc7 19.e4 was somewhat better for White in
Moiseenko - Miroshnichenko, Kharkov 2009.
14.gxf4 �xb2 15.�a215 .�b 1 ixa3 allows Black to claim a second
extra pawn.
15...�g7;;
With a pawn.for the exchange and a mightydark-squared bIshop, Black was not worse inAlburt - Peters, South Bend 19B1.
B) 9...a6 10.a4 tlJbd7
From here we will analyse the sidelines Bl)
11.�f4 and B2) II.e4, followed by the mainline B3) II.tlJd2.
Bl) 11.�f4
8 /,.1 _/..i.E, _.�
7 �,i_�_i�i 6 i _, _ '�f1%�5 -/. .�r_�"""_4 8_ _ '� /._3_ m�_��2 �"""_ ��rf'�%�
, ",,,/,,,,,/, ��£O%�iO1 ��. _V�'�'=''''
a bed e f g h
�i�h this move White avoids the sharpestvanations and just plays normal and solidmoves in the centre. Black does not have the
same antidote as in the previous line, but even
so he has nothing to fear.
11...11Me7
This line is the most popular nowadays
although I think 11...�c7 is also fine. Oneexample continued: 12.�cl �eB 13.b4CtJh5 14.id2 b6 15.�el CtJhf6 16.h3 ib7=
Glejzerov - Oleksienko, Romania 200B.
Chapter 17 - F. Ianchetto S ystem
12.h3 �b8 13.e4
Here is another I.
nowhere: 13 � b Ine where Wh. M' . g5 Wi e8 17 Wi 1 ;.. g5 f6 15,!d,d2f5 16!d, , 1 lLJh5 14 � lte getslroshnichenk . c "lJe5= G'0, Greece 2009, ngorov -
b4
225
8 _.i.�.� �
7 � ,_��!�"m 6 '%um ��S & W;r� i 5 .1!ii.tS� ��i ��� '�If/u"x, . w � � �� � um%,
4 .m,�� �� '0-3 �mu��_,8� � �� � � m,,%, �2 �?;(o'0 �, _��� A� � //-/JP� 01 ;�tu,j� �,.n,�'-?g/- � �� �� � � ; �a b /, � �c d e f
The knight on g hcapture b . b5 can avo . d ., ut It rem" I Immed'a10S 10 an odd " lateposItIon
18.�a7 .ib7� .With mutu� ch . - oelhocorr. 1993 ances, De Morais C
,
B2) II.e4
8 H A.�'< ' ��i _,�D�'&�WJP i7 �,.JL� �.�6 & � _ ?;(o'0 �.� 5 � ?;(o'0,7.u,,�, ;, : �. - ??� % . '/'//�""'�'� * ?' � i� �� �� A � �u,,,;,4 ��luj7.0 - BO. _A���3 � 7.����O� .-� �� _ J:":'\ f{�
2 W(f('m" � � �,�W��d _ f{tfI,m%1 � UU%W�� . 7. ����/ � ��� F? � uua b �z �c d e f
A rare mov e N g h. ow Wh.
to transfer his kn . h Ite will not ha .Ig t to c4. ve time11...�e8 12.� 1
12lLJ e. d2 CtJe5 13 Wi
b h e compared wit h t . h c2 CtJh5 14.h3 f 5tee m' I . canpresence O f h ain Ine B 33 Hd' t e kn' h . ereIsappointme c 19 t on d2 .nt for the b. h IS a bi gIS op on 1c .
226 Lines without e4
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CtJf6= )
ixe5 +
12...c4!?
This dynamic move implies a pawn sacrifice.Black can of course choose a more solid move,
but I believe in his chances. White must try to
capture the brave pawn, otherwise Black will
get an easy game after ...CtJc5.
13.�f1
13JMfe2 CtJc5 14JMfxc4?
White can try a counter-sacrifice with14.CtJd2!? CtJd3 15.CtJxc4 CtJxe 1 16JMfxe 1 00 .
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...b5!
This simple but pleasing move releases the
dynamic energy in Black's position.15.axb5!?N
The best chance to trick the opponent.15JMfa2 b4 +
15JMffi b4 16.e5 dxe5 17.CtJe2 CtJb3-+ Dol
- Faber, corr. 1995.
15...axb5 16JMfxc5
8
7
6
5
16. . . �xa 1 !
16...dxc5? is a bad idea: 17.�xa8 b4 18.CtJa4
Wic7 19.if4 Wib7 20.�a5 �xe4 21.d6t
17.Wixb5 ia6 18.Wib4 Wib8! +
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13...11Mc714.11Md4
The more patient 14.h3 b6 15.Wid4 wasplayed in Steckner - Kopp, corr. 1987, and
here Black should have continued developingwith 15...ib7N. From here play may continue:16.Wixc4 Wixc4 17.ixc4 CtJc5 18.CtJd2 CtJfd7
19.rJl g 2 �ac8t Black has full compensationand White has a problem with the bishop onc 1.
14...tlJc5 15.11Mxc4 �g4
Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System
8 H _ _.im*-7 �iB _i.r 6 r_N"'/-��af1��5 � '_�7.� �"uu�4 !�i'�!� ,_� �7.'n//- � ��� �?;(o,�3 � ?� /"� � ���� ��: ����
��'�"''';� ��,�uu7.�,�2 7.U"J�W0 �7.U,,��,J�1 �� �� �� � rf4:P<�� � � ���
/ , " , /,,"" � / ;' , , //
a bed e f g h
16.tlJd2
16.ig2 also enables Black to obtain a niceposition: 16...ltJfd717.if4ltJb6 IB.Wfl ixc319.bxc3 ltJxe4+ Elsness - Emms, Gausdal
1995.
16... tlJ fd7 17.11M a2N
I think White should aim to improve on
17.�e3 ihS IB.Wb4 ltJeS 19.h3 as playedin Alvarez Villar - Esses, e-mail 1997, after
which 19...gSN oo would have maintained a
good position for Black. The positioning of thewhite pieces seems distinctly odd to me.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
g h
17...£5
17...ltJeS is also fine, for instance: IB.�e3
id7 19.h3 fS oo
227
18.h3 �h5�
Almost all the white pieces are sitting lessthan prettily, so I think Black is fine.
B3) II.tlJd2
8 .i�.i.B ��.�
7 r� i)� 'ly-.r 6 f_���.l����,�,m7.� /"NU�
: !���,���-�7.'N//- �� ��,�3�m_��
��'�Um;7.'N//- ��,�,,3�,�2 rfj � 8 rfj��l1
1 �UU7._il.f�"ua bed e f g h
This is the main line. White wants to put
the knight on c4 and then push his pawns inthe centre.
11...�e8
Now there is B31) 12.a5, B32) 12.tl)c4,and the main line B33) 12.h3.
Instead 12.�b 1 aims for a rapid b2-b4, but
12...ltJhS! puts paid to that idea. Here is anice example of Black's chances: 13.�el ltJeS14.Wc2 fS IS.e3 c4 16.ifl
228 Lines without e4
had a strong initiative for the pawn in Leong-Palliser, York 2009.
B31) 12.a5
8.i�.i.�.i�._�� �''',%� ��'bF�
7 �£ -'-/.!h'-' i 6 im t� �i� 5 � �_�/,� //u"';�4 u,3� �u3� �� ��
�/.'N//- �� �/. ,�3 ��';��;N//-�-�,Jt]�,�2 �ff� ,�� A �ff� � ��%'Q/:: ,u�_J 0 iO% � %'Q
1 f�uu/'�il. !� ""a bed e f g h
12...b5
This is my preference, although several
games have continued 12...�bB 13.CtJc4 CtJe514.CtJb6 CtJed7 15.CtJc4= followed by an earlyhandshake.
13.axb6 tlJxb6 14.tlJb3
Another option is:14. e4
Black is fine here, since his knight controls
the c4-square and he is free to develop the.. .
remaInIng pIeces.
14...�bB
The less common 14...a5 also leads to a good
position. 15.'iMfc2 a4 16.h3 ia6 17.�dlCtJfd7 Black has made all the normal moves
here. IB.ifl ixfl 19.�xfl This was Ilincic
- 1. Rajlich, Budapest 2006, and now after19...c4N 20.CtJdbl (20.CtJxa4 CtJc5 21.CtJxb6
�xal 22.CtJbxc4 �e7+) 20...CtJc5 21.ie3CtJ b3 22.�a3 id4= Black has a comfortable
position.15.�c2
Now we have to decide where to put theknight.
IS...CtJg4!?
There is also 15...CtJfd7 with the same ideas
as in the previous line. 16.CtJdl a5 17.CtJe3
ia6 IB.�dl a4= Soppe - Hoffman, BuenosAires 199B.
16.h3 CtJe5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17.f4
White preferred the more patient 17.CtJd 1in Baburin - J. Cobb, Birmingham 2001.
Here I would suggest 17...a5!?N IB.f4 CtJed719.rJlh2 ia6= with good chances for Black.
17...CtJec4 IB.CtJf3 f5t
Black obtained good play in Willsch -
Heller, Schleswig Holstein 1991, and several
subsequent games.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
14...�f5
This is the most interesting continuation
and it leads to a complex game.
Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System
It is important to mention that Black has a
solid equalizing option: 14...ctJc4 IS.�a4 ctJb616.�a2 ctJc4= Black offers a move repetition.White does not have to accept it, but he gains no
advaQtage from declining, for instance: 17.Wid3�bB IB.Wixc4 �b4 19.Wid3 �xb3= Redolfi -
Mulder van Leens Dijkstra, corr. 19B7.
15.f3
lS.ctJaS ttJe4 16.�a3 occurred in Stempin- Nowak, Poznan 1997, and now after
16...Wid7N� Black's pieces are well placed andhe has no problems.
15...tlJc4 16.e4 �d7
Note the usefulness of the knight on c4 in
preventing the white knight from going to as.
The young Italian GM Sabino Brunello has
reached this position three times with White
but has failed to achieve anything special.
8.1_ �.i-.-� �� h'''X� ��,��
7 �7. �! �/'!J�£ 6 iB W �i�� �.lr� /�''''';�: ��-�!��-� �?:n//-��� ��,�3 .���: _8�2 ��"""B �_j£�1 �d""%�;B rWi ""�u,� �////� � � u/�
a bed e f g h
17.�f2
Brunello's most recent outing with thisline continued 17.'We2 ibS= IB.ih3? ttJaS
19.Widl ctJxb3 20.Wixb3 ixf1 + Brunello -
Naiditsch, Plovdiv 2012.
17...a5 18.�f1 tlJe5 19.tlJd2 tlJh5 20.�e2 f5
21.f4 tlJg4This natural move forces White to exchange
a valuable bishop.
229
The more adventurous 21...fxe4!?N is also
possible, for instance: 22.ctJdxe4 ctJf7 23.ixhS
gxhS 24.WixhS id4°o
8.1_ �.i_._
7 � -J.- �r 6 ���_���r�� "}!,,,,% �5 11 �8_i_�4 "'U�� �UU�� :0:-�/,'n//- �� "''' ,�,�3- � � i[g
�WMm";?� ��t:I "jWM2 �� ��:�� � �O
1 /'"u�"u/.?& /4�� . "'''/' f!i u"/,� � � L, �a bed e f g h
22.�xg4 fxg4 23.�e2?!More challenging is: 23.ctJc4N icB 24.eS
dxeS 2S.fxeS ixeS 26.ctJxeS �xe5°o
23...�d4t 24.@g2 tlJf6iWhite had to work hard for the draw in
Brunello - Rotstein, Brescia 2009.
B32) 12.tlJc4
.i�J.�.i�.-8 �� '''''7.� ��,��7 �i ���?!1�£ 6 i- �� �.i_
��'�""7.� �"""�: !�!5'���-� �7.'N//- �� ��,�3m m m f�
2 �D"''';_8n��1 �'U'7.�'W!�U"�, ,� �, � _ I � u �
a bed e f g h
With this move White tries to save a tempo
by omitting h2-h3, but this policy may easilybackfire.
230 Lines without e4
12...tlJe5
Black proceeds analogously to the main line.
13.tlJa3
This ambitious move is riskier for White
than for Black.
Objectively White should probably exchange
knights:13. ctJxe5 �xe5
Black is practically assured of equality here,
but he is unlikely to achieve much more. The
knight exchange should generally favour the
side wi th less space, especially when it means
eliminating the powerful knight on c4.14. e4
14.if4 .�eB 15.Wic2 also leaves Black with
a few good options. One noteworthy game
continued: 15...ctJg4 16.�abl Wic7 17.h3ctJe5 IB.ctJe4 if5
Black was comfortable and after 19.94
ixe4 20.ixe4 b5 21.b4? c4 + he had a bigadvantage in Arkell - Vallejo Pons, Rijeka2010.
14...�eB 15.h3
15.if4 �bB 16.a5 is well met by 16...b5!17.axb6 �xb6 IB.Wic2 ctJg4 19.h3 ctJe5.The b2-pawn was weak and White was
left without a truly promising plan inD. Fernandez - Kacheishvili, Orlando
2011.
15...�bB 16.Wid3
16.�b 1 was played in Palliser - Richardson,
Birmingham 2001, and now after 16...b5N
17.axb5 axb5 IB.b4 ctJd7! Black has nothingto worry about.
16...ctJd7 17.ie3 f5 IB.Wic2 ctJf6 19.exf5 ixf5
20.Wid2
Kempinski - Istratescu, Plovdiv 200B. Here
I found a modest improvement:
, /- � �8 � ��.."",y.� '''''%� y.�r%
7 �j ��'0 �%n4.j 6'. W� ..� 5 �_�%� I;� 4 !� �""�� �� � � y.��'n �lj'kH �lj'A"� �� �� �ff1 A3 � &1 � �C9o
2 �WA(''''''IDk£'nn%Wff{� _ /-��O� ��� �O���
1 �''''h_'''''h_jW_ _I z,
a bed e f g h
20...Wid7!N
Based on the following point:
21.g4 ctJe4+
8.i_.i.�.i_._7 7. �� '''d/'� ��,�6 i � r� .i
5 � �wzr."u,;� �4 !� �"'�� �/""';� �_'H/h �7.'H/h �� �//A'�3'� "m _ ,,�t]�'� � �'� �'�2 u"'�, '/ ���,!��
1� �iVB1:t �a bed e f g h
13...tlJh5 14.h3
In most games White has felt the need to
cover the g4-square anyway, but now the
problem becomes apparent: Black is by no
means forced to transpose to the main line by
putting his rook on bB.
Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System
Here is another nice line illustrating Black'sresources: 14.e4 f5 15.h3 b5! Black has
managed to open the whole board, while
conveniently taking advantage of the rook'sposition on aB instead of bB. 16.axb5 axb517.ctJcxb5 ia6 IB.id2
8 X� BX..��� "''''%� ��'��
7 '��'l/ � ."�/ ��,�6 -L. ���� ..���,Ji,3%n,/, �%5 �l2J��8.iB�4 �� "',,%� 'Y;0;':� ����_�_�W�3�: . . W�O2 Y""J� '� � �:f�1 �""%_".:�
a bed e f g h
IB...fxe4!N (IB...Wib6 is also excellent and
led to an eventual victory in Ogloblin -Obukhov, Alushta 2004, but the text move
is even stronger.) 19.�el WibB! 20.ctJc3 ctJd321.�xe4 �fB! White's position is on the verge
of collapse.
14...£5!
14...�bB 15.e4 id7 leads to the main line,
but from this position Black can do better.
15.f4?!
This is not the best move, but I want to
highlight an important improvement over the
existing games. Here are a few other exam pies:
15.e4 b5! gives Black excellent play, while once
again highlighting the usefulness of the rookon aB.
1 5 . <j{ h2
This has been White's most popular choice.
He wants to play f2-f4, but Black has a
convIncIng answer.
15...f4!
15...g5!? intending 16.e4 g4 is also promising,
231
but the text move is even more convincing.
Soon White may regret the decision not toexchange the powerful knight on e5.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
16.ixf4?
This loses practically by force, but the
situation is already bleak for White:
16.if3 occurred in Cocconcelli - Sipos,
Lugano 2012, and now 16...fxg3t 17.fxg3b5! gives Black a huge advantage across theboard.
16.gxf4N Wih4! 17.e3 ig4-+16.e3N fxg3t 17.fxg3 b5! + IB.axb5? axb5
19.ctJcxb5 Wi g5-+16...ctJxf4 17.gxf4 Wih4! IB.e3 ig4 19.f3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
19...ctJxf3t! 20.!%xf3 �xe3 ixd 1
22.ctJxdl Wixf4t 23.<j{hl
Gonzalez Perez - Aroshidze, Barbera del
Valles 2011. Here the easiest way to secure
victory would have been:23...ie5N-+
232 Lines without e4
8
7
6
5
4
3
a b c
lS...tLtxg3!N d h'It is strange that nobody has playe t ISthematic sacrifice.
15 CtJ f7 is to be fair, also not bad. One
exa��le cont�nued: 16.c;t>h2?! (16JWe1 �d7+)16...b5! + 17.axb5? axb5 IB.CtJcxb5 ia6
19.�bl Wd7 20.CtJc3 ixc3 21.bxc3 ixe2-+
Tuhrim - Can, Rethymnon 2011.
16.fxe5 tlJxf117.1];\fxf1 b5!
Yet again we see this move. It is important to
open more files and diagonals.
8 r .i._.i�.�.B. �� ""'7.� '�r7�, -�'0 �.��� 6 i- W� .,.�
��,�U" '�M & .5�i�8U..�� 'uu/,_ "'" '_ �
4 ,�� �F'//� �� �_ 83�: /�, � � � ��;'luuu?1r(uuu� A _ ��2 !8� � Q �, '/
,u'0uu7.�,% � \UlJ m1 / ,� � �,�Lja bed e f g h
18.axbS 1 ThIB 6 b4 19.CtJc4 bxc3 20.bxc3 a5. e
.e � 3�1strong knight must be de stroy�d! (2.0...Ji!.XC ..21.if4 ixal 22.Wxal oo ) 21.if4 ifB 22.e4
ia6 +
18...axb5 19.tlJcxb5 �xe5 20.�f4
8�m.i.B.i_.�.B. �� "'u/,� '_ i
7 �7. -�'0�. ,. 6 _ _ .,..��,�uu '?f� & .5.�.8�..
4 �B""'/'_"'''%�, �
/.;n//-��� '� _ 8 0um;�,"0 '_ A . � � �3�; _ � �7.2 � .Q.,���""�''''/,� �iV�1 � _ � �,,,,,/./, , " Y-
a bed e f g h
20...i.a6! . 21 E1b 1 �xa3Better than 20...ixb2 .
22.CtJxd6 �fB 23.CtJxcB �xcB when White has
some compensation for the exchange.
21.,heS :axeS 22.c�jc3 :ab8+ ,Material is approximately even, but Black s
superior coordination makes him the clearfavourite.
B33) 12.h3
� � � ? 1 �.�8 .I �.i.�,.i �///"0 '� '�JIi\_ i � i
7 _ i �,� �7.'N/�m�� 6 �i �� ,;m'%� �"uu�'- _ .i_5 � �8_ �,
�� um7.� 'm � �4 8. � �"/ ��7.'n//-/. � m ?rM A� m ?� . ��O3 � ��; � �",,�,
�///,,�m"', � ,///�/- 8 '� � '� �� %0 � %0't � � �# � � � + � �� � ;' � � % %2 � � u//. ' . ",,%///'//%""/'''' '�'%\iitf� � �1 �� �����/ /
a bed e f g h
F . II we arrive at the main line. With theIna y . .
black knight heading for e5 at some pOInt, It
. fi I e WhI . t e to take the g 4-square underIS use u for
control in advance.
Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System
12...�b8
It is too early to put the knight on e5, soBlack needs a waiting move of sorts, and this isthe most purposeful one available.
13.�c4
Black was threatening ...b5, so White'schoices are limited.
13.a5
This is not dangerous for Black.13... b5 14.axb6 CtJxb6 15.e4
15.Wc2 a5 16.�dl a4 17.e4 �a6=
15...CtJfd7
8
7
6
16.f4?!
This has been the most popular move but it
is not a good one.16. W c2 W c 7 1 7. CtJ d 1 c4 lB. CtJ e3 CtJ e 5
19 .�a3 W c5= V. Alterman - Yudasin, Haifa
1993.
16...c4+ 17.CtJa4 CtJxa4 IB.�xa4 CtJc5
There are too many weaknesses in the white
camp.
233
19.�a3
19.�xc4 a5 20.e5 �a6 (20...Wb6 21.�c2!
CtJe4t 22.<j{h2 CtJxd2 23.�xd2 dxe5=)21.�xc5 �xfl 22.�xfl dxc5+
19...�b4 20.Wc2 �d7 +
With the following point:21.CtJxc4? ib5 22.b3 CtJxb3! 23.�xb3
Now in A. Mohamed - Forster, Duisburg1992, Black overlooked a simple win.
23...ia4N-+
8 �.i.B.i_.-� . ,u"y.� hU'%� ��'7�
7 �7.i �!�/'!J�£ 6 i_ W� .i�5 � �.�7.� /m"'�� �U"% �//. �//.4 8 _�_ _ _� �7.'n//- �� ��,��3 � m m ��8
2 �du"':_!fii_1 �l1"U7.�-I_1i��//, � �,//� _ I �nu/�
a bed e f g h
13...tlJe5
The other main line is 13...CtJ b6 14.CtJa3 �d7
15.a5 CtJcB, with a solid but somewhat passiveposition for Black. I prefer the text move as itis much more active.
14.tlJa3
As usual, 14.CtJxe5 �xe5 does nothing to
challenge the black position, so I will notdiscuss it other than by giving a few more
moves from a recent game: 15 .�f4 �eB 16.a5b5 17.axb6 �xb6= Michalik - Antoniewski,
Slovakia 2011.
14...tlJh5
The second member of the black cavalryenters the battlefield! Without this the
previous move would make no sense, asthe knight would have been driven back byf2 - f4.
234 Lines without e4
After the text move Black's main plan is to play
...fS and attack on the kingside. Here White
sometimes plays B331) 15.@h2 but the mainline is B332) 15.e4.
IS.f4? can be refuted as follows: IS...ctJxg316.fxeS ixeS 17.ctJc4 (17.�f2N Wh4�)
17...ixc3 IB.bxc3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
B331) 15.@h2
8 ��.i.�.i� ._'''''Y-� '''''7.� ��,�
:f'���"� 5' �.�/,� ���'4 !� "'''/,� /�"",;� �_:'//� �C'//� �� ��,��3 �� ;�� � ��8
2 0m";�"m;� 8� £�1 �''''/'�'Wf_''''/" ,Y- "",,% � ' �
a bed e f g h
15...£5
This is the main move, but there is an
intriguing alternative:
IS...gS!?
Black's idea is to discourage f2-f4, thus
enabling his knight to remain on eS, which
will in turn keep the white one tied back ona3.
16.f4?
The obvious question is: what happens if
White stubbornly tries to remove the knight
anyway?
16. ctJ c2 occurred in L. Szabo - Christiansen,
Hastings 19 Bl, and here I like the look of:
16...Wif6!N 17.ctJe3 (17.f4? gxf4 IB.gxf4?[ 1 B .ixf4 Wi g6 + ] lB. . . Wi g6-+ ) 1 7... Wi g6IB.Wic2 fS 19.id2 �fB+
Maybe White's best is 16.e4N g4 1 7 .f4 (or
17.hxg4!?N ixg4 IB.f3 id7 19.ih3f!)17...ctJg6 IB.Wid3 with unclear play,Skjoldager - Rydell, Helsingor 2012.
16...gxf4 17.gxf4??
The lesser evil is 16.ixf4 as played in Sisak -Marusak, Bratislava 1991, but in that game
Black obtained a clear positional advantage
after eliminating the bishop on f4.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17...ttJg4t!Or 17...Wih4! IB.Wiel ctJg4t 19.<j{gl Wixel20.�xe 1 id4 t 21.e3 ctJxe3-+
IB.hxg4 Wih4t 19.<j{gl ixg4-+White is defenceless.
16.f4
The following line shows the importance ofblocking the f-pawn:16.e4?! f4!
Boris Gelfand once exchanged on e4, but
Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System
the text move is much stronger.17.gxf4
I also considered 17.ixf4 ctJxf4 IB.gxf4Wih4! and now 19.fxeS Wif4t 20.<j{gl ixeS21.�el �fB or 19.ctJe2 ctJf3t! and Black wins
in .both cases.
17...Wih4!
8
6
5
235
16...tlJf7 17.tlJc4
Another instructive example continued:17.Wid3 id7 IB.id2 ctJf6 19.�fel hS 20.if3?!
8
lB. ctJe2
There is also no joy for White after: IB.fxeS 6
ixeSt 19.f4 (19.<j{gl? ixh3 20.Wid3 ixg2 521.<j{xg2 Wig4t 22.<j{hl �fB! sees the blackrook joining the attack with decisive effect.)
19...Wig3t 20.<j{hl ixh3 21.Wif3 ixg2t22.Wixg2 Wih4t 23.<j{gl id4t 24.�f2 ctJxf4Black will emerge with a clearly better
endgame.
8
6
5
8 �.i.B.i_.-. umY-� 'Uu%� ��,�:'�U_�I'��, ,u/-uu/'� ��5� _8_i��4 f�tL)� �� �_/, �7.'''/'' �� "'''7.�,��3 � m _ ff[!fl8��,�,u,,;� �� um7.�,�
2 �f!j .8_��""r{'u,%w<;� �� �. ""1� miV�1:t�
/
a bed e f g h
236 Lines without e4
17...tlJf6
Another idea is 17...b6 18.e4 ltJf6 as in
Cuevas Rodriguez - Marin, Andorra 1997.
18.11Mc2 �d719.a5 �b5 20.tlJb611Mc7 21.�el
�e7 22.�d2 �be8=
Barmbold - Philippe, Germany 2007.
B332) 15.e4
This is the main line and by far the most
popular move. White wants to stop ...f5.
15...�d7
Leaving both knights in danger, but
completing development and preparing to
launch the b-pawn. 15..J%f8 16.<j{h2 f5 17.f4b5 is another possibility, but I consider it muchmore risky for Black.
Now we have another division between
B3321) 16.g4, B3322) 16.f4 and B3323)16.a5.
16.CtJe2?! is feeble: 16...b5 17.f4?! (17.g4 CtJf618.Wic2 c4 19.axb5 axb5+ 20.CtJd4? CtJd3
21.ie3 CtJxe4-+ Zatonskih - Kacheishvili,
Gibraltar 2011.) 17...b4 18.CtJ b 1 CtJc4 +
8
7
6
5
B3321) 16.g4
8 � �.i�.�
7.'1y._:r_f_. 6 i� � 7.�i��/, '0}1uu\,u//. ��5� �8� _�
�� �m�� /Y,u,,;� ��48R R8R8�3� � � �80u",;�,�um;� ��'''0 ��
2 %"u�7. '0 -�lt1y!�1 � �iV_1:t �
a bed e f g h
16...b5!?
I prefer this counterattacking move,
although 16...CtJf6 is also playable: 17.g5 CtJh518.f4 Okay the knight is trapped, but don't
worry! 18...b5 19.fxe5 b4
8
7
6
5
4
3
17.axb5
Prudent, unlike 17.gxh5?! b4 18.Wie2 bxa3
19.!%xa3 c4 which gave Black excellent playfor his pawn in M. Kraemer - Maslik, Austria2010.
Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System
17...axb5 18.tlJcxb5 �xb5 19.tlJxb5 �xb5
20.gxh5 11Mb6�
8 _ _.i�.�7__ Bi�i
�r'L'; 7.�,� �� um��
6 � ii� .i� 5 .i_�7.��� 84 �_ "u'7.� /y�,;� ��� ������3� � � _8
�'� � �'� � '�2 �� _ ����uu�uu��/� �_uu��'0"1 �� �iV.1:t�a bed e f g h
21.�a2 �b3 22.h6
Alternatively after 22.h4 CtJd3 23.ie3! �xb224.�xb2 CtJxb2 25.We2 CtJa4 26.Wg4 Whitedrummed up just enough counterplay tomaintain the balance in Mikheev - I. Brooks,
corr. 2007.
22...�f6 23.�d2 �xb2=
Murden - Lambert, e-mail 2003.
B3322) 16.f4
8 �� S.i_.-."mY-� nu,7.� ��,��: f� �,��,�� �J!u"�,, // �5� �8� -A))4 f� u,u7.� ��';���'u// �/"u//- �� "m7.?;(o,�3 � m _ ��82 ;'l,u";wmu;� ���_"ur!:u,,��;� �� ��,�1 Q: �iV� 1:t �/ / /, ,
a bed e f g h
Showing a good appetite may not be healthyfor White.
237
16... tlJxg3 17.fxeS cixeS 18.�f2There are two noteworthy alternatives:
IB.ctJc4 id4t
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
19 .�f2
19.<j{h2 CtJxflt 20.Wxfl b5 + 21.CtJxd6?
ie5t 22.if4 Wf6-+ Kuligowski - Levitt,Germany 19B7.
I could not find games with 19 .ie3 N.My computer thinks it is the best chancefor White, but Black should still be more
than happy. 19...b5 20.axb5 axb5 (Another
good line is: 20...CtJxfl 21.Wxfl ixe3t22.CtJxe3 axb5+) 21.ixd4 cxd4 22.CtJxd6dxc3 23.CtJxeB CtJxfl 24.Wxfl Wb6t 25.<j{hl
�xeB 26.bxc3 �cB+ Black has the more
comfortable position.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
CtJ xe4
238 Lines without e4
and here Black could have capitalized on his
advantage with:
8
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5
4
3
2
1
lB. � f3
This was played in a game that I had the
opportunity to witness from a short distance.IB...bS 19.axbS axbS 20.ie3?
20.CtJaxbSN is better although 20...Wh4!�still favours Black. (But note that 20...ixbS?should be avoided due to 21.CtJxbS �xbS
22.�xg3 ixg3 23.Wd3t.)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
20...fS! 21.�xg3?!
This does not help, but White's position isbad after other moves too.
21.. .ixg3-+Berg - Hoyos, Tromso 2010.
18...b5
Once again Black's initiative extends acrossthe entire board. I believe he has, as a bare
minimum, enough compensation for the
knight.
IB...ixc3!?N 19.bxc3 CtJxe4 20.�f3 bS 21.axbS
axbS 22.CtJc2 fS= is a playable alternative, butthe text move is more thematic.
19.�f3 f5 20.exfS
Here it was necessary to improve on Black's
play in the game Maletin - Vocaturo, Balaguer2010.
8
7
6
5
3
2
1
20... tlJxfSN
Black can even consider 20...gxfS!?N21.axbS axbS 22.if4 Wh4 23.ixeS �xeS
24.CtJc2 b4! 2S.CtJe2 CtJe4 26.�ffl <j{hB with
reasonable chances.
21.axb5 axb5 22.tlJc2 �e7 23.�f4 b4
Black's counterplay across the board gives
him sufficient compensation for the material
investment. A possible continuation is:
24.tlJe4 �xb2 25.�el �g7 26.tlJxd6 �xel t27.tlJxel �f8 28.tlJxfS �xfSt
B3323) 16.a5
Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System
��� IDl1 � � r>m8 �& �eT�.ea � ..�
7 .'lY-.t�fli 6 i_ '� '�'1��'0 %?;(o'd'"u7. �5 7.� ¥��� _�
4 U"'%_ u"'/._ ��,;� � � ��� �/,'n//- ���, '/3d m � W(!f82 �u"';�u"';_ ��i�1 ;�t"u /.� � . � uu'7.%'�0� � �iV�R/�,,, � Nu, ���
a bed e f g h
This is the most popular move, and Avrukh'srecommendation. Here I would like to
present two contrasting approaches for Black:B33231) 16...11Mxa5 and B33232) 16...b5.
B33231) 16...11Mxa5
This may lead to heavy complications.
17.g4 tlJf6 18.f4IB.gS does not seem to be an improvement:
IB...ttJhS 19.f4 ttJc4 20.ttJxc4 Wixal 21.ttJxd6
ixc3 22.bxc3 Wixc3 Black had at least equalchances in Avrukh - Kamsky, Khanty-
Mansiysk 2007, and several subsequent games.
239
Black has three pawns for a piece, and themore reliable pawn structure. White has tried
a few moves, but his only really dangerousapproach is to start an attack.
20.f5! tlJe5!
I like this move the most.
20...id4t?! 21.rJlhl CtJf2t 22.�xf2 ixf2
23.igS is dangerous for Black.
It is worth mentioning a high-level game:
20...hS!? I prefer the main-line move, but this
alternative is certainly playable. 21.igS Wib422.f6 ihB 23.Wid2 (Perhaps White could try
to improve here; 23.ttJa2!? is one possibility.)23...Wid4t 24.Wixd4 cxd4 2S.ttJe2 �eS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
240 Lines without e4
21.f6
Avrukh proposed this move, and it was later
tested in a few games.
21...�h8 22.�g511Md8 23.tlJc2 b5!Avrukh gave the line 23...h6 24.ih4 gS
2S.ig3 ixf6 26.ttJe3t which indeed lookspromising for White. Black has freed his dark-
squared bishop, but in the process he has
permanently weakened his kingside.The text move is more ambitious, and
just a better move all round. Black leaves
his bishop buried on hB for the time being,
having confidence that a suitable opportunity
will arise to free this piece later in the game.
Meanwhile he sets his queenside pawns in
motion and challenges White to find a good
plan.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e g
24.b4!?N
White needs to do something about
the queenside pawn roller. The following
two examples highlight the need for an
Improvement.
24.ttJe3?! b4 2S.ttJe2 h6 26.ih4 (26.ixh6
ixf6 also favours Black.) 26...aS 27.ttJcl c42B.Wid2 a4 Black was in full control and White
already felt compelled to resign in Claridge -Catt, corr. 2010.
24.�xa6 b4 2S.ttJe2 ibS 26.�al �aB was
also promising for Black in Mareco - Flores,Moron 2012.
8 �� B.i- ��,u"y,� :r� r� 'i
:f��_��f-��,�'" '�7. 'n/�" ,,%�,�5 �iw��. �4 7.n""7.� /��,;� ,uu%�3 .UU7.��� �� �2 ��/�S� ��!_u,,� �� �� �%,i{�1 /� �iV�1:t�a bed e f g h
24...cxb4
24...Wib6!? also looks playable, but I likethe text move. The following sequence is not
completely forced, but I believe it represents
best play on both sides.
25.tlJxb4 as 26.tlJc6 tlJxc6 27.dxc6 �xc6
28.tlJd5 �xd5 29.exd5
Black has four pawns for a piece, but for the
time being the bishop on hB is incarcerated.
Still, Black will always have ways to free it, for
instance by playing ...h6 or ...�eS at the right
moment. The continuation might be:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c e g
Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System
29...11Mb6t 30.<tt>h2 b4 31.�cl b3
It is hard to give a definitive evaluation,
but I would say Black is, at the very least, notworse. It is not easy for White to restrain the
queepside pawns while also keeping the f6-pawn secure.
B33232) 16...b5
8 �� �.i�.-
7. uU ,y,_:r_fBt 6 l� %� �� 'l���'0 ��'�''''%7.'''//- ��5 ��i��. -41)
4 ",u'7.� U'''7.� /ouu� � � 7.�� �8��� �� � �'0
3 W W . 1�8
2 0u",;�u",;_�O�_{"'�u,,%�;� % . � �uu%,%:,�1 � �iV� 1:tm/ , ,V, / /:: ,,/;
a bed e f g h
This move leads to somewhat more simplifiedpositions, although both players will need to
continue playing accurately.
17.axb6 �b5
Black offers a pawn in the spirit of the Benko
Gambit. In return he will obtain pressure
along the b-file plus the use of the d7 -squarefor his knights.
17...�xb6!?
This is a playable alternative, especially if
Black is happy with a draw.
lB. g4
IB.f4 ttJxg3 19.�f2 �b4 20.fxeS ixeS21. ttJ c2 occurred in Dziuba - lordachescu,
Bratto 2010, and here I suggest 21...Wih4!N22.ttJxb4 cxb4 23.ttJe2 ixh3 when Black's
attack fully compensates for the materialdefici t.
8
7
6
5
241
20...hxg621.Wie2
8
7
6
5
Let's return to the main line.
WgSt
242 Lines without e4
�,�� ���. � �8 �� %g�.a�.�
.'''''�� 'S,,"%� �%F�:f��_��T� 5 .£.�7.��� Ai)4 �_ "'''7..y�,;_�_3 �� �� � rff(jff(f�' '�' _ �@82 �""';�""';_ ���_
''''d/'''''%�'% �_''''%�'�1 �m � V_1:t �a bed e f g h
18.tlJaxb5
If White goes IB.�e 1 then Black can
safely play IB...Wixb6, since 19.f4? runs into19...ttJd3, and 19.ttJaxbS axbS 20.f4? also
allows 20...ttJd3!.
18...axb5 19.tlJxb5 11Mxb6
From here White has tried both possible
knight retreats: B332321) 20.tlJc3 andB332322) 20.tlJa3.
B332321) 20.tlJc3
8 � _.i_.�7. _ _i_i6 E _ � '1'�5 .""'7..�%_�� Ai)4 '� ""'7.� ��"� ��3�������2 �ftm";_�n'£_1 ���""7.W��� . ' 1:t UU%� W /'���/ ���/- % �/" Y, / //, /::"
a bed e f g h
20...tlJc4
This move is active, although Black shouldtake care as the knight could be a little bitunstable here. The alternatives are worth
checking:
Compared with line B332322 below, White's
knight on c3 supports e4 and blocks the long
diagonal, therefore 20...Wib3 no longer seemsquite so purposeful. Nevertheless I suspect it's
still fully playable, with, for example, 21.g4!?ttJf6 22.f4 ttJc4 23.Wixb3 �xb3 24.�f2 ttJd7
giving Black continued queens ide pressure.
20...c4!? seems like a valid alternative, with
the idea of planting the knight on d3 where it
dominates the centre. 21.g4 ttJf6 22.�a2 ttJd323. Wi e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8 �� _.1_._7. _ _i.r��/-"L' � � �m�6 � W� .&��g� �.% ..�
. '''''7.�'�''''7.� �� �5�, �.I� � �Ai)
4 _�_�_�,�3 � ,�: _ f�8
�rff(?'uu;� �rff(Z� � %�2 �@ � ��dib�
"",(,,3///0'0 � �. � �",,%% '/ �1 �Fr0 ��\UlJ� Fr �/� �� ���
a bed e f g h
21.11Me2
Against 21.�a2 Black has a nice improvement
in 21.. .id4! ensuring that the bishop staysactive. (Instead after 21...Wib3 22.g4 ttJf623.if3! Wixdl 24.�xdl �b4 2S.ie2 White
Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System 243
was able to swap off his bad bishop and hadchances to be better in Lemos - Mayorga,Asuncion 2011.)
,8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
The value of Black's last move can be seen
after 22.g4 ttJ f6 00 when the bishop is strongon d4. Black has pressure against the e4-pawn
and keeps the ... Wib3 idea in reserve. Another
possible plan is exchanging off the usefuldefensive rook with ...�a8.
I also decided to analyse the untested but
fairly logical move: 21.g4!?N ttJf6! (21...ttJxb222.Wif3 Wib3 23.�a7 �f8 24.ttJa4 ttJxa4
2S.Wixb3 �xb3 26.�xa4 ttJf6 27.�a6t) 22.�a2
�a8 23.Wic2 ttJd7 24.�xa8 �xa8 2S.if3 �b8
Finally Black is poised to capture the b-pawn.
8 �� � �.�",,,y.� �� ��&V�
7 ��"<,;������6 _ � 'd�� �i5 .8� �� �''''% � ��4 .�.8.8�3 "m � �� 8� d�UU'; � // �
2 �iV. � _ �u'u/. '// � �. � u'u/. ' / //�� � 'Fr �1 � Wi��/ � %
a bed e f g h
26.ie2 CtJxb2 27.ttJbS c4 28.ixb2 WixbS
29.ixg7 rJlxg7 30.ixc4 Wib4= Black's activepieces provide ongoing compensation for thepawn.
8 �_ _.iB*�
7 -/-"L'-% '0-l_. 6 � _ �.�5 �dU"%.�7.� �� �4 -���!��_�7.'n//- �� ��,��3 � � _ wfj82 ��,u";_i���
uur?"u��,'l'� �W£"u%�,�1 /� � _1:tm
a bed e f g h
21...11Mb3
Black has good compensation here, and can
even fight for the advantage.
22.�a6 �d4 23.i>hl tlJf6 24.11Md3 h5!
A nice touch, preparing to soften up the
white kingside.
Black might have hurried, but after 24...ttJxb22s.ixb2 Wixb2 26.ttJdl Wib3 27.Wixb3 �xb3
28.�xd6 ttJxe4 29.ixe4 �xe4 White would
have had good chances to draw the resulting
rook endgame with 30.�d8t rJl g 7 31.d6 �e632.ttJe3 ixe3 33.fxe3 �bxe3 34.�dl!.
8 � _.1_.__,uu%� %� �
7 -� ��'''0������ 6 1:t. � �.:.��.�%� ,u"u� i
5 ���L'��,'l'����_4 �J)h�' ��,��2 wfj � w�� �1 _"u7.��_�'_;_� �////� � I �
a bed e f g h
25.11Mdl?
It is always tempting to exchange pieces while
under pressure, especially when one is lacking
244 Lines without e4
an obvious move. Unfortunately for White,
his chosen move loses a more important pawn
than the weakling on b2.
A better attempt was 2S.f4!? h4 26.g4 CtJxb227.ixb2 Wixb2 28.ttJdl when White's kingsidelooks rather overextended, but at least this
way he would have been able to complicate
the struggle. Overall I would evaluate Black's
chances as only slightly better here.
25...11Mxdl 26.tlJxdl tlJxe4 27.�xe4 �xe4
28.�a4
Indirectly defending b2, but with the e4-
pawn already having fallen, Black has a more
attractive target.
8 �� _ _.�.,uuy.� %� %� 7.: �� �_�� f�� �.�%� ��!
5 ���UU%�'0i�� � � 7.�4 1:t �Ai)�.i � '/ �3� _ _ W[j8��'''0 �� ��,JuJ�2 ��.��_
Wf£"u%�'r� �.'U,%� �1� ��_1:t��a bed e f g h
28...tlJb6! 29.tlJc3 �e5
White's position has become distinctly
unappetizing. Such a scenario is far from
unknown in Benko-type positions, in whichBlack restores the material balance while
maintaining pressure against other weaknesses.
30.�a7 tlJxd5 31.�d7 �xc3 32.bxc3 �e6
33.c4
The c-pawn will fall after this. I dare say that
the dark-squared bishop would have liked to
have moved at some point, but here 33.id2
�b2 34.�dl ttJf6 3S.�d8t rJl g 7 followed bysome combination of ...�c2, ...�e2 and ...ttJe4
would have left Black with an overwhelming. .. .
Ini tIatIve.
33...tlJb6
White resigned in Sturt - Berg, Helsingor2011.
B332322) 20.tlJa3
8 �� _.1_._7 _"'u�_ �_ i �r�r'L'���']���"��6 ii1 /i% .i�
.uU'7..�7._�_i5 �� ""'7.� /uu,,� 7._4 �:'//��� �� ��,�3,�: . . :f�8
2 �Lu;��� �wtJ����{U"%��!.��l�1 r� m�.��
a bed e f g h
20...11Mb3!
This move was not mentioned by Avrukh,
and to be fair it had not been played at the
time his book was published! In the last few
years it has been played several times at GM
level and is currently considered the critical
path of the 16...bS line.
It's important to realize that, just as in the
previous line, the present position is essentiallya Benko Gambit. As is often the case in that
opening, Black should not fear the exchange
of queens as his compensation will persist and
quite possibly grow in an endgame. The text
move also has the benefit of controlling thethird rank.
By the way, it is worth pOInting out that
20...c4?! is premature: 21.rJlh2! WicS 22.ie3Wib4 23.ttJc2 Wixb2 24.�a6 �ed8 2S.CtJd4 c3
26.ttJc6 c2 27.Wicl ttJxc6 28.�xc6:t Anastasian
- Gopal, Abu Dhabi 2007.
Chapter 17 - Fianchetto System
21.@h2
White has several other candidates here.
a) 21.Wie2?!N CtJd3 is good for Black.
b) 2i.f4? Wixg3! 22.fxeS ixeS shows thatthe position might quickly return to Benoniwaters, with White in huge trouble here:
8
7
6
5
23.�f3 Wih2t 24.rJlfl id4 �xb226. ttJ c2 ttJ f4 !-+
c) 21.g4 CtJf6 22.�bl Wixdl 23.�xdl �b3!24.rJlfl Sasikiran - Battaglini, Bastia 2011.(24.id2 CtJfd7 2S.ic3 gS! )
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
d) 21.�b 1 Wi xd 1 22.�xd 1 �b3
Not only blocking the b-pawn, but also
exerting pressure on the third rank.
245
8
7
6
5
23.id2
The last point can be highlighted by
23.ie3? CtJxg3! + .23...�aB 24.g4 CtJf6 2S.ic3 �xc3 26.bxc3�xa3 27.f4 ttJc4
27...ttJed7 2B.�b7 �xc3 also leads to a
draw: 29.gS CtJh5 30.�xd7 id4t 31.rJlhlie3 32.�xd6 ttJg3t 33.rJlh2 ixf4 34.�dBtrJl g 7 =
2B.eS!
This saves the day for Whi tee2B...dxe5 29.d6 exf4!?N
29...�a7 led to a draw in Le Quang - Giri,
Beijing 2011.30.�bBt ifB 31.d7 ttJxd7 32.�xd7 �al t
33.rJlf2 �a2t 34.rJl g l f3Unfortunately this is not quite winning.
a bed e f g h
3S.ixf3 ttJeS 36.�ddB ttJxf3t 37.rJlfl rJl g 73B.�xfB �d2=
Black is poised to deliver perpetual check
with the knight.
246 Lines without e4
e) 21.Wixb3 �xb3 22.�dl
We have reached the same position as the
main line, but the king is on g 1.
8 � BE...�� �� ����: ���.��,��ij'/O"'}""%"'" ��
�. �. .�
: �� �,j.'E:.��''',/. �� �� �w.'�3 �E� � �fj�
2 '''''';��.���.''''1'''''''�/� �� _ ' "'Uh�,�1 � m�� W�, z
a bed e f g h
22... ttJ f6!
The knight embarks on a long journey. Thisis better than 22...�ebB 23.rJlfl f5 24.exf5
gxf5 25.�a2 �fB 26.rJl g l �aB 27.ifl c42B.rJl g 2 ttJd3 29.ttJxc4 �xa2 30.�xd3 �b431.ttJxd6 ixb2 32.�d2 f4 33.ie2 ttJf6
34.gxf4 ttJxd5 35.ic4 ixcl 36.ixdSt 1-0Sasikiran - Arnold, Bastia 2011.
23.id2 ttJfd7 24.ic3 ttJb6 25.�acl ttJed7
26.ixg7 rJlxg7 27.�d2 �aB 2B.ifl ttJe5Black's moves are natural and easy to find.
29.rJl g 2 �a4 30.f4 ttJf3=Malikentzos - Grigorov, Plovdiv 2012.
8 � B.i..�
� . ,,,,,y.� �� ��,��7 _� �///.'0 �A �ti 6 _ �� _i�� �Y/. '�UU�7.'N//, ��5. ��. .4i)� �",j� �/,,,u\%i ��� �8�-4 7.'N//. �� �� �7. ,��
3�"iWD . �8%-u""�'0 �� � � ��,�u"7.�'�2 �� � �� �� � }��%'0% iO%� �
1 f_""7.�-i.j."'ua bed e f g h
21...11Mxdl 22.�xdl �b3
Black has good compensation here too.
23.g4
Preven ting ... f5 .
23...tlJf6 24.@gl tlJfd7I found an amusing draw in the following
line: 24...�ebB!?N 25.f4 ttJf3t 26.ixf3 �xf3
27.e5 dxe5 2B.fxeS ttJd7 29.e6 fxe6 30.dxe6
ttJe531.e7
8
7
6
5
8 � � _.i_. � �� �� ������
7- _4i)_i�i 6 ���_���r�//h ��,�uu%7.'n/h �� �5- ���. .
4 �� �u,j� �/�';� f�7.'N/h �� �/, �� � %-'''u;� '0 �� �?;(o'0 ��3 ,�.i- B _8
2 � D if[g�_""r£uu�Wc;� �.u,,��,�1 f� �1:t. ma bed e f g h
25.f4 tlJf3t 26.@f2
26.ixf3 looks risky, as after 26...�xf327.ttJc4 �xe4 2B.�aBt ifB 29.ttJxd6 �e2°o the
black rooks are extremely active.
26...tlJh4 27.tlJc4 id4t 28.@f1 �g3 29.tlJxd6
Chapter 1 7 - Fianchetto System
29...�xg2?? 30.�xd4+- Grischuk - Vocaturo,
Khanty-Mansiysk (01) 2010.
30.�d2 tlJxg2 31.�xg2 �xh3 32.@elNow we will make way for the knight.
33.tlJxc4 tlJc5 34.�c2
34.�a3?! �hl t 35.rJld2 �b4 36.CtJe3
(36.CtJd6? ixb2-+) 36...CtJb3t 37.�xb3 �xb338.CtJdl �b4+
247
34... tlJxe4
34...�hl t 35.rJle2 �h2t=
Conclusion
The Fianchetto System presents a good
challenge but it seems to me that Black canobtain an active and promising game in all the
major variations. Avrukh's recommendation
deserves especially close attention, but we have
seen that Black has the relative luxury of being
able to choose between two quite satisfactory
options on move 16.
Lines without e4
Knight's Tour Variation
Variation Indexl.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.llJc3 exdS 5.cxdS d6 6.llJf3
6...gG 7.llJd2A) 7...llJbd7!?
B) 7...lLg7 8.llJc4 0-0Bl) 9.g3
B2) 9.lLg5B3) 9.lLf4
B31) 9...b6
B32) 9...llJe8
B2) after 19.icl
a bed e f
19...c4!N
B31) note to lS.ixbS
c d e f
16...c4!?N
249
250
251
252
253
253
257
B32) note to 13.ie2
Chapter IB - Knight's Tour Variation
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5
d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.tlJd2In this variation we see the white knight
making an early journey from gl-f3-d2-c4,hen�e the name "Knight's Tour". The main
reason for executing this manoeuvre so early
in the game is to attack the d6-pawn, with
the help of if4 and perhaps even CtJbS. Thisall takes time of course, and we will see some
lines where Black just abandons the d6-pawnin search of the initiative.
We will consider A) 7... tlJ bd7!? followed bythe main line of B) 7...�g7.
A) 7...tlJbd7!?
Black has the simple idea of countering White's
manoeuvre with a knight tour of his own.
8.e4
B.CtJc4 allows Black to implement his planand achieve almost instant equality: B...CtJb69.e4 CtJxc4 10.ixc4 ig7 11.0-0 0-0
8.i�.i.� �.�7 � t.''''%.'i''.r"",%� �W.'0 �%'n'd'HH"�6 . �� .i�
% ��'%'''''/,� y,,,,,,�5 ���j �� ��4 .Ji.8. �3 �m � ���,�''''';� ��,� ��,�2 8�� . ��8�fj
uu�""/-�'� � �. //h � uU'/-'2:'�,{uu1 �Fr� ��\UXJ� Fr �,� �����
a bed e f g h
12.igS a6 13.a4 h6 14.ih4 �eB= Ramakrishna- Rathnakaran, Mumbai 200B.
8...�g7 9.tlJc4White's play makes more sense than in the
previous note, as now the knight can drop backand avoid being exchanged without blocking
the e-pawn. Obviously he could also head forthe Classical Variation with 9.ie2.
249
9...tlJ b6 10.tlJe3 0-0 11.�d3
8 .I -.i.B ��._7 7/�_ '''''/._ 'iY.wj{r
/'UU�%'n//- �//A'0 �%'n/�m�//h � W .""';.�/._//""';-6 �- ��� �_&�'.' �.% '.' .
5 ���UU�� �� ��
4, �/,'n//- �7.Q �� � 2 r�uu,;.�u",;�:�3D m�m _
0"H�U"7.W� �� u,,/..W/.1 /,�� ��L,J .�a bed e f g h
11...tlJh5!?
The knights on e3 and b6 are already sitting
a little strangely, and now a third knight
embarks on a journey.
Black can also develop normally with:11...�eB
This has been the most popular move. Hereare some illustrative lines:
12.0-0 a6
12...c4 13.ic2 id7 14.a4 as IS.f4 Wic7
16.Wif3 WicS= Bastos - C. Jones, e-mail 2003.13.a4
8
7
6
a b c
13...CtJbd7
The knight is ready to take another route.Another option is: 13...id7 14.id2 (14.aSCtJcB IS.CtJc4 ibS 16.�el Tarjan - Rohde,
250 Lines without e4
Lone Pine 197B. 16...b6N=) 14...c4 Is.ic2
Wic7 16.Wie2 as 17.f4 WicS IB.rJlhl �e7
19. Wi f3 �aeB� Jankovic - Gashimov,Kusadasi 2006.
14.f4
Preventing ...CtJeS, but Black is ready with atypical pseudo-sacrifice.
14...c4!? IS.CtJxc4 CtJcS 16.ie3 CtJfxe4 17.CtJxe4
CtJ xe4
8
7
6
5
4
8 .I � .i.� ��._,��� '''''/.� umY-m'��
7 JI�/'A �/. '0 �z i �� 6 . W B.-�£"'u;�,�,,,,/,� �� �: ����'!��I�/,'O/h �/,'n/h �� �3� ��m _2 �W�'''u;� //,u";WM �W�O�O� � �do�d
1 ,�t'u,7.W���''''/'� . �'W '� ��� ��", ,y, /"",� //", � �
a bed e f g h
12.0-0 tlJf4
Here is an old example to illustrate the
Modern Benoni's long history: 12...ieS 13.a4CtJf4 14.aS CtJd7 IS.CtJc4 CtJxd3 16.Wixd3t
Nimzowitsch - Marshall, New York 1927.
13.�c2 �e5
13...�eB 14.Wif3 ieS IS.a4 as 16.CtJbSt
14.g3 tlJh5 15.f4 �d4 16.tlJb5 �h3 17.�f217.CtJxd4!?N ixfl lB. rJlxfl cxd4 19.Wixd4
Wif620.Wib4 oo
8.i� � �� � �, �� ''',,%� umY-� �7 ili._ -..i/'uu� � �� ��6 � � �.�5 .(jj;wi!i�� �� I4 ���"'��!���� �� ,:m.f;/.,o/;'}u"X/. '0 �3� _ � �.i.
�� '0 �� /,uu'%"u/--m7.� '�2 �!�i��m . //h �y�,/!�1 ��� W�\UlJ� � ��� ��� �/"",y, /"",� � //",,�
a bed e f g h
17...�xe3! 18.�xe3 tlJf6 19.�cl tlJ g 4f!Black's kingside activity was enough to
compensate for the loss of the dark-squared
bishop in Postny - Holst, Helsingor 2009.
B) 7...�g7
8 .I �.i.�.� ��7 .i"� ""'/.� r_'l'/."u7.� � 0 � jom�6 � � �i�� � ,�/-,u'/.Y/. //"",;/. �5_ �8B B� �////��h�' �4____3' m � ��/. '0?/uu';/,'O/h �/. '0 �/. '02 AW� ��AW�AW�o �O� /�, 0 �O� 0 �O
1 �.m'7..v=�.ia bed e f g h
This is the most obvious and popular move.
Black does not go out of his way to fight
against the knight coming to c4, and is willingto give up the d6-pawn if necessary.
Chapter IB - Knight's Tour Variation
S. tlJ c4
B. e4 0-0 9.ie2 leads to Chapter 7.
S...o-o
8' .i�.i.B �e-7 �&f1u� ."""� 'i/,.r7.u,,%� �� '0 �7.'N/d"'N��6 � _ �i�5 � �.��� //u",;�4 ���� �� ��3 � �������7. ,�m";� �7. '0 �7. '�2 8� _8�8�1 ��U" '�i=£��
a bed e f g h
Now it is worth considering three main
options: Bl) 9.g3, B2) 9.�g5 and B3) 9.�f4.
Bl) 9.g3 b6
Black immediately goes after White's prized
knight.
10.a4 �a6 II.tlJb5 tlJeS 12.�g2
8 .I a1 ���� ��
�'r"""� "',,%� ""'Y-m'�� /'uu%�,"0 ��'''0 �� m"��7 Ji% � �imi
6 .i. ifi% ifi% _ i �5 .�.�%� ��4 !�tS������ �� �///, m3� � � �r� / �� � J!uu� /2 � _8���1 ��U"7.� 'm 'u,/'.�
a bed e f g h
12...�xb5
This may seem anti-positional, but Blackneeds to eliminate at least one of the trouble-
251
some knights. We will see that there may be
chances to fight back on the queenside laterwith a timely ...a6.
13.axb5 tlJd7 14.�f411Me7
14...CtJeS!?N has not been tested but seems
playable, for instance: IS.ixe5 ixe5 16.CtJxe5(16.0-0ig7=) 16...dxeS 17.d6 CtJxd6 IB.ixaBWixaB
19.0-0 CtJxb5 20.e3 Wic6=
8 .I _ _���..�,W�� �;C�"L';/'UUY-�&,(&JW�7 �� .��i�i
6 /,uu7._ �."".%� 'i��5 .��.�%� �� 7.4��tS����_3 � �� �� mN%wr��'0 �� ��,�"U��,�2 W� _8W��W�1 _'U'7.� i='U' 7..�
a bed e f g h
15.0-0
Another game continued IS.Wid2 CtJeS16.Wie3 �dB 17.0-0 �d7 IB.ixeS ixeS
19.�a4 fS 20.�fal �f7 21.Wid2 ig7 22.�la3id4 Y2-Y2 Postny - Mecking, Lodi 2006.
15...g5IS...CtJeS?! 16.ixeS ixeS 17.CtJxb6 �bB
252 Lines without e4
IB.CtJc4 �xb5 19.Wic2t Rodshtein - Romanov,
Yerevan 2006.
16.�d2 tlJc7 17.11Mb3 f5
8 .i � � _ ��. � �///.'0 �7. '''/�:d-' 'L'/'" ,,/,///.1 '07 �� ?�.mu (f� &.� �_t.�m� W .
6 /,''''/,.''''''_'''''''_ ""'%_5 .�/,.�%� i'�4 -� �� �� r,,,,, � �������� ' / � �iV� � �3 ��,� ��'0 ��,J,,��,�2 r[j � 8 f[j�r�
1 _""/,.'"''%.fm'''''a bed e f g h
18.�ael?!
IB.f4N is more critical. Then IB.gxf419.ixf4 favours White, but IB...a6!? 19.bxa6
b5 20.CtJa5 Wixe2 leads to highly unclear play.
18...f4 19.9xf4 gxf4
With the knight coming to e5 next Blackhad the initiative in Ivanchuk - Topalov,
Novgorod 1995.
B2) 9.�g5
.I % . /� .i. � � / /"//, :/. B " � .� �8 � � � / � � .'.� ; % � � �
7 �1"_'''''7._'1Y-� i 6 /'''''7. m �� ��f1%-5 ��.�%.Y"m;�4 �� �� �� ,;",,,�3 ��m�����W�""';� ��'''0 �W�2 8r� m8r�8r��
1 .""7.�;=�.�a bed e f g h
Why is the bishop going to g5 instead of f4,where it would attack the d6-pawn? The answer
is that White wants to bring his queen to f4,where it will hit d6 while also establishing a
bind over the kingside.
9...11M e7!
9...h6?! has been the most popular move,
but I don't like it. 10.if4 CtJeB II.Wicl g5
12.id2t Black's position is slightly unpleasantdue to the constant presence of h2-h4 ideas,
for example: 12...CtJc7 13.a4 CtJba6 14.h4 f615.e4:t Portisch - Spassky, Turin 19B2.
10.11Md2 b6 11.11Mf4 �d8
The rook looks a little peculiar here, but
White's pieces are also rather oddly placed.
12.0-0-0
12.CtJe4?! is too risky for White. There canfollow: 12...CtJbd7 13.CtJexd6 h6 14.ih4
8 �� � J..t,,",-��7 I � � � /A\� & W� 6 UU,%� � '� ���""'%�i&�f&�� I '�
� � .-.J�8�. W
� � /�J /g): . �
5 �L""%��"� /"""� "'"�� �:"'�� ��L'<', ��;�4 .�� � �3 �� �� ;;",,%� "'"� � � ��'% � �'� �'�2 �f[j �J)��l[j
1� . =���a bed e f g h
14...ia6 (14...g5 IS.CtJf5 WifB 16.ixg5 hxg517.Wixg5 b5°o is not bad but the text moveseems even stronger.) 15.Wie3 Wixe3 16.CtJxe3CtJ fB+
12...�a6 13.e4 �xc4 14.�xc4 a6
Black has solved his opening problems
and can complete his development in a
straigh tforward fashion.
15.11Mh4 tlJbd7 16.�hel11Mf8
The white bishops will soon be pushed back.
Chapter 18 - Knight's Tour Variation
17.@bl b5 IS.�f1 h6 19.�cl
Portisch - Horvath, Hungary 1984.
s p �� �._7'� �� 4i� 'I".�� ��p �%'n/)L��,�6 i� ff� _iff"5 � {_�7.� /�'uu;� "",4 ���UU%�,� ��3 � �� �� �� �,,,"'�Muu,;� ��M'��2 o�C3 . �C3o�b
1 ���r�d�.uu�\ 'm,,% /,,'" , _a bed e f g h
19...c4!N
Black's queenside initiative gives him thebetter chances.
B3) 9.�f4
Attacking the d6-pawn is White's main plan.
Now Black has an adventurous option inB31) 9...b6 and a more solid alternative in
B32) 9...tlJeS.
B31) 9...b6
� �. A :m1/� ��d. � %08 a��.JL%m1 ��U�
7 w6u,,,,� "u,/-� '1/'� i�"j�,"0 ��'''0 �fN/-1�"��6 �i% �i% �.� i �
5 .""7._�7.� �uuu��� ':m7.� ��7���4 _�_ � �3 � �� �� ';m%���,�"'u;��, '/ �7. "2 8fftj _8�8�1 ��"u/,� 'fi1tfW�/ u, � %u,,7. _
a bed e f g h
With this move Black invites his opponent
to go along a path to massive complications.
253
10.�xd6
1 0.e3!?
This modest move is actually ratherchallenging, as it invites a transposition tothe 9...CtJe8 variation that Black has justtried to avoid.
10...CtJh5!?N
If you are determined to obtain a complicatedposition you could try this aggressive move.
I do not trust it completely, but in a practical
game it could prove quite tricky.For 10...CtJe8 II.Wid2, see 9...CtJe8 10.Wid2
b6 II.e3 on page 259.10...ia6?! does not work: II.ixd6 �e8
12.ig3 CtJe4 13.CtJxe4 �xe4 14.Wic2 Wixd515.�dl Wic6 Dmitrenko - Arutyunova,
Simferopol 2003. 16.ie2N:t
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
254 Lines without e4
14...bxc4
14...gxhS?! is interesting, but does not quitework against accurate play: IS. Wi f3 bxc416.Wig3t rJlh8 17.ixb8 WixdS 18.�dl
8 ��.t.�/� �.rI""�� �� r� �'i
7 "",%� �� �� �� 6 ��,��� �� : ���fl�.�'�7Xn" �W-'0 �:<L"L"-3������2 l. ,uu%. u,u%�,�%�1 �.r=UU%.�
a bed e f g h
18. . . Wi xd 1 t ( 18. . . Wi e4 19.if4 f6 20.0-0
:gg8 21.f3 Wic2 22.Wif2 Wixc3 23.rJlhl:t)19.rJlxdl :gxb8 20.:gel! (20.rJld2 �b2t21.rJlcl �xa2 22.rJlb 1 �a6�) 20...ifS
21.e4 ixe4 22.f3 �b 1 t 23.<j{d2 �b2t
24. rJle3 id3t 2S. rJlf4:t
Is.ixb8 :gxb8 16.ie2 �eS
Another idea is 16...WigS!? 17.0-0 ih318.if3 ifS 19.�el id3 20.Wia4 Wie7, when
the strong bishop on d3 gives Black somecompensation, although objectively Whitemust still be better.
17.0-0
After 17.ixc4 :gxe3t! 18.fxe3 Wih4t 19.93Wixc4 20.Wid2 ih3 00 Black has good play forthe exchange.
17...�xdS
17.. .ib 7 18.ixc4 ixdS 19. Wi e2 leaves Black
a pawn down for not much.18.Wia4 ifS 19.ixc4 Wid7! 20.Wixd7 �xd7
Black is still a pawn down, but is poised to
invade with his rook on b2, and thus has good
chances to hold the endgame.
Let's return to the main line.
%'///� �,,/..,/, %'''''/' ��%�8 �?� If. ,Wlj ��i.�a �_�.IL�m� ��� �
7 .m"'� '''''7.� 'i/'� i�""�W0 �?%o'0 �%'N/J?m� � �6 �� �� ?�&w ��.% 00 �_� .
5 m''''7._'�%� //"m;� �4 �� ':"'/,� �� ��" �� � � �3� � � ���,�"m;� ��'''0 ��'%2 8v� _8v�8v�1 ��""/,� Iriii:Wii/m,,/' � %m % � '
a bed e f g h
10...�e8 II.e3!
An important nuance in the move order.
The more common II.ig3 appears to be aslight inaccuracy due to the following untestedidea: 11...CtJhS!N Exchanging the importantbishop. (All games have continued 11...CtJe412.CtJxe4 :gxe4 13.e3 reaching the main line
below.) 12.e3 CtJxg3 13.hxg3 ixc3t 14.bxc3ib7 IS.d6 bS 16.CtJb2 :ge6t
8
7
6
5
Chapter IB - Knight's Tour Variation 255
Black has a promising position, for example:17.Wib3 a6 IB.a4 ttJd7+
8.i_.i.�.i�._,�"m;� h'''h� ��,��
7 ,1�?;(o'0 �% '� �7.!Jj];, � �i6 �� W� ?_&�i.� � /�): . �
5 .""7._'�%� /"""�4 ���������7.'N//- �7. '0 �//h3���_2 f�''''';B "'''/,� f�1 �a(""�_;=�.�
a bed e f g h
11...tlJe4
Thanks to White's accurate move order there
is no way to implement the ...CtJhS idea, soBlack may as well transpose to the main path.
12.tlJxe4 �xe4 13.�g3 b5 14.tlJd6The alternative is 14.CtJd2 �b4 IS.b3 when
the critical continuation seems to be:
8�..i.� ..-
7 i(''''';. "",h. rift 6 ""'h� �� �� 'iY-���,��� ��5 �i��8� .4 �_""h������ UAY,� � �W� �W�3 �Q� �O� �
2 r;. r#.m""hft'[�Y-�l��_V=j£.1I
a bed e f g h
IS...ixal!? This has only been played in one
game so far. (IS. ..c4 has been the usual choice.It leads to interesting play but I do not fullytrust it.) 16.Wixa 1 Now I would like to improve
on the game Reeh - Wallinger, Germany 1991,by recommending 16...WixdSN. The rook onb4 is in danger and the dark squares in our
camp are exposed, but on the other hand we
do have an extra exchange, and it will takesome time for White to create an attack. A
possible continuation is: 17.�e2 �b7 IB.if3
Wid7 19.a3 �g4 20.Wif6 CtJc6�
8 .i�.i.� �.�
7 ti""';B '''''''B f.r 6 ""'/,� �m �� 'l%�� ,�,,,,,;� �5�i�8� _4 �� ""'/,� r� ���� ��'0 ��,�3�.r��
2 8��_'''''%D'�%�1 id""�� vI=�.�
a bed e f g h
14...�b4 15.�xb5
Grabbing the b-pawn seems like the mostambitious choice, and leads to interesting
complications.
IS.�e2!? has only been played once, butcould be a serious alternative: IS...�xb2 16.0-0
8 �..i.S �.-7 �""';."d7.. lift6 "",/;� �� �� 'iY-���,�""';� ��: ��.i������ ��,���,�3� . �� �
2 ��� .�n '�i�1 �,,,,,y.� I.i m""
a bed e f g h
16...c4!?N (16...�a6 occurred in Garcia
Ilundain - Spraggett, Ampuriabrava 1997,and now after 17 .�b 1 N c4 IB.�xb2 �xb2
19.a4 b4 20.CtJxc4 Black's compensation is
questionable.) 17.a4 CtJd7 IB.axbS c3 Themachine still favours White, but I would
expect the strong c-pawn to be a source of atleast some discomfort to most players.
256 Lines without e4
8 .i�.i.B �._�,;?mu;� ""'/-� ��,��7 � . _i�i 6 "u,,7.� �� �� '1��/, �� ,�,,,u;� �� �5���8_ _
�%u,,}uu�� %� % � /';�4 �� � � �� um�� ��'0 �7. '0 �3�.W��
��'''0 �� "u,7.�,%,um%� '�2 8� . if�8�, uu�m'�� �W�""�.m'/'1 �� �iV� _1:ta bed e f g h
15...�f8 16.�c6 tlJxc6N
It is necessary to improve on:16. ..ia6?
This led to success for Black in two games,
but White's play can easily be improved.1 7.ixaB :gxb2
It may look as though Black has dangerouscounterplay (...WiaSt being the obviousthreat) but White can obtain a serious
advantage with the help of some accuratemoves.
2
1
sJi. � �.B
7 �fI''''''. �� ��� 6 �i.�.��!�5& .�. .""'?� "'''''%� �� ��4 �� ��'0 .�,�3 �� �%",J��,J��,�2 �� �� r[j�rfJ
1 ��.ii=''''%-�� � �" , �
a bed e f g h
23.ic7! Wic3 24.ieS Wib4 2S.f4 CtJd7 26.d6
CtJxeS 27.fxeS Wic3 2B.if3 ibS 29.ig4 �al30.rJlf2 :gxdl 31.:ghxdl WixeS 32.d7 Wif6t
33.rJl g l WidB 34.ie2+-
17.dxc6 �a6
Black has good compensation here, as thewhite king is stuck in the centre.
18JWd5
I also analysed: IB.Wid2 ig7 19.:gb 1 Wib620.f3 Wixc6 21.rJlf2 :gdB 22.:ghdl ifB 23.WidS
WixdS 24.:gxdS :gb6 2S.:gbdl :gxb2t+
18...�xd6 19JWxd6 �a5 20.0-0-0 �xa2!?
Black can force a draw immediately:20...:gxb2 21.rJlxb2 Wib4t 22.rJlc2 Wic4t=
'm � � �
� ����fl:/'u,,7.� �r"'i �� ��
6 £�//�B �i % 5� � _ _�%uu}"u,� � �4 �ifBB-
. 1u,,�� ��'0 �7. ,/�3�.�m��'0 �� mu/,�,�um%� '�
2 if��"N/ � . �� B 8 �1� �1:tB B1:t� �// ,/� � �a bed e f g h
21.�e5!
Now Black really must take the draw.
Chapter 18 - Knight's Tour Variation
21...�c4t 22.�c3 �xc3t 23.bxc3 �c4
24.�d211Mal t 25.<it>c211Ma2t 26.<;t>cl=
So the main line ended peacefully, but we saw
there were many possible deviations along the
way. The next option is much calmer.
B32) 9...tlJeS
� �� A �Wl1Jk\��i. � �8 .a �!A)�.JL%m�.��U�
�'W"''''� '''d%� "mY.�'0 ': /,�� �-��,�5 � �.��� ��4 ��tS�����3 � �m�� ';n'%� ��Y/. "/'i",,,; � �2 8� �8�8�
1 �:tm'7._'=:fU�a bed e f g h
10.11Md2
This is the main line. Several other moves
have been tested, but none of them pose muchof a threat.
The first point worth mentioning is that goingafter the d6-pawn is a road to misery for White:
10.CtJe4 b5 II.CtJcxd6 CtJxd6 12.CtJxd6 g513.ig3 ixb2 + Sadauskas - Bianchi, corr. 1989.
It is a similar story after 10.ttJb5. Now in Van
Rensburg - Solomon, Cape Town 2007, Black
should have played 10...ttJd7!, for instance:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
257
II.CtJbxd6? White should avoid this move, but
then what was the point of putting the knighton b5? 11...CtJxd6 12.�xd6 �e8 13.Wib3 CtJb614.�xc5 CtJxc4 15.Wixc4 �xb2 16.�bl Wif6 +
What about moving the e-pawn? 10.e4 allows
immediate counterplay with: 10...f5! II.exf5
�xf5 12.�g3 a6 13.a4 CtJd7 14.�e2
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This position was reached in Kopsa -Moettonen, Finland 1987, and here I
recommend 14...�d4!N 15.0-0 CtJe5 with
equal chances.
The last of White's noteworthy alternatives is:10.e3
Compared with the main line this gives
Black a few extra options.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
10...g5!?
It is hard to say if this aggressive move is
really the best, but it is certainly tempting.
258 Lines without e4
10...b6 can be compared with the main line,
and may transpose after a subsequent Wid2.Another good option is 10...ttJa6 whichleads to a solid position: II.ie2 ttJac712.a4 b6 13.0-0 ia6 14.Wid2 f5 15.ig3(15.�ab 1 Burkart - Auer, Germany 200B.
15...Wie7N=) 15...Wie7= Petrosian - Ehlvest,Ivano Frankovsk 19B2.
II.ig3 f5 12.Wid2 Wie7 13.f4This was played in the only game, but White
may look to improve with 13.ie2!?N ttJd714.f3 ttJe5 15.0-0 ttJxc4 16.ixc4 id7 with
mutual chances.
8 �..t ����.�'V'u'u;� !m. uu,"�,�7 EiR � � �i
6 "'u,,� �_uu'''� uu'''���}.rluu7.� �?ai'�5 � ��8.i��4 �� lS� ��uui<��"'''//- �m'�'''' 7.�'03���� ��
2 ��uu,;_'u'''� ii"�1 �uu".uu,,=,.:
a bed e f g h
13...gxf4
Another possible plan is: 13...id7N 14.a4ttJa6 15.ie2 (15.fxg5 f4�) 15...g4�
14.ixf4 ttJd7 15.id3 ttJe5 16.0-0 id7�
Black is close to completing development
and he can feel happy with the outcome of
the opening.17.e4?!
17.a4N ttJxc4 1B.ixc4 ttJf6 would have keptthe position roughly equal.
17...ttJxd3 IB.Wixd3 b5 19.ttJd2 b4 20.ttJe2
Now in Renaze - Bouaziz, Cannes 1997,
Black could have obtained the better chances
using a nice idea:20...a6!+
Preparing .. .ib 5.
10...b6
This is the main line. Black has tried several
other moves, but I would like to focus on one
particularly interesting option:10...ixc3!?
Normally it would be crazy to make this
exchange, but Black wants to rush throughwith ...b5.
II.bxc3
II.Wixc3 b5 12.CtJd2 ttJf6N (12...f5 13.h4t
Dzagnidze - Krush, Khanty-Mansiysk [01]
2010.) 13.ig5 ttJbd7 14.e4 �eB 15.ie2ttJxd5!? (15...a6=) 16.Wig3 ttJ5f6 17.Wixd6ib7=
11...b5 12.ttJb2
The knight is more or less forced to settle
for this suboptimal square, as 12.ttJe3? g513.ig3 f5 14.f4 CtJf6 would be awkward.
8 �..t S ���.'7 �'uu'. ,uu". 'i". iu",i<� �?ai" �� ��
6 . �� �i� 5 � l.tii<. �.4 �� ,uu7.� ��;� ��3 �������"N,2uui<",,<, �m'" �m'�2 8m �8w�8��
1 �uuu.,u'''=:r.:a bed e f g h
12...ttJa6!?N
This new idea makes sense to me.
12...ib7 was enough for a playable positionin two old games: 13.g3 ttJd7 14.ig2 f515.0-0 c4 (15...CtJdf6 16.a4 a6 17.axb5
axb5 IB.c4t Antoshin - Tal, Leningrad
1956.) 16.�ae 1 Van den Berg - Korchnoi,
Wijk aan Zee 1971. 16...CtJc5N=13.e4
13.a4 b4 14.CtJc4 CtJf6 15.ig5 �eB 16.Wif4(16.f3 ib7�) 16...CtJh5+
13...c4
Making way for the knight to come to c5.
14.ih6 ttJg7 15.Wd4 f6Both sides have weaknesses, and the
middlegame should be roughly balanced.
Chapter 18 - Knight's Tour Variation
8 .I �.i.E4I1�� e-7 ."m'� '''''%B 'ly-.r6 /'''''7.����_'1��5. .""%.�%� ���� '9:",%� ��7� ��4 _�_ � �3 � %� 7.� m"%���,�m";;W'L" ��'0 �� '�2 ��[j � 8�[j8�1 ��""7._,,,u%=£_�/"", R /::",/% R I
a bed e f g h
II.e3 �a6
Not for the first time in the book, Black
makes it his priority to challenge the strongknight on c4.
12.a4 f5
There is no need to hurry with the exchangeon c4. Instead Black should wait for the enemy
bishop to develop so that he can win a tempo.Exchanging immediately with 12...ixc413.ixc4 a6 14.0-0 'LJd7 15.Wie2 Wic8t left
Black a little short of equality in Sakurai -C. Sanchez, Haifa 1976.
13.�e2
White has tried a few different ideas here.
13.'LJ b5 ixb5 14.axb5 �f7!? An interestingidea. In other parts of the book we have seen
the other rook swing via a7 to the kingside,but here Black uses the same idea in reverse!
(There is also nothing wrong with natural
development: 14...'LJd7N 15.ie2 'LJe5=)
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
259
Is.ie2 a6 16.0-0 �fa7 17.bxa6 'LJxa6 18.�a3
Wic7 19.e4 fxe4 20.�e3 b5 21.'LJa3 Wif7 22.g3'LJac7f! Lie - Arakhamia-Grant, Reykjavik2008.
13.h3 occurred in Viner - Schutt, corr. 1965,
and here a logical reply would have been:
13...'LJd7! Offering a pawn for compensation.The continuation might be 14.'LJxd6 ixfl
15.rJlxfl 'LJxd6 16.ixd6 �f7 17.ig3 c4 00 withgood chances for Black.
13.h4!?
This is a logical idea, even though it has not
been played in the last thirty years.
8 K. B.��..
7 .''''''. ,,,u%. ""'y-.r6 :r.�.�.'i"�5 -""%.;�r� r�-z �",,%� ��,� �%i '<;4 8 .�.z ,����3���.2 ��ri"''':Fl''''��� f�iQ% ��i iQ% Q �
1 �""%_""'%=iZ�::a bed e f g h
13...ixc4
Commencing queenside counterplay.
Compared with the 13.h3 line mentioned
above, the pawn sacrifice 13...'LJd7N isless convincing here. Mter 14. 'LJxd6 ixfl15. rJlxfl 'LJxd6 16.ixd6 �f7 the presence ofthe pawn on h4 restrains the ...g5 advance,
allowing the white bishop to settle on the f4-square. Furthermore White may even haveideas of�h3 and/or h4-h5 at some point.
14.ixc4 a6 15.ie2
15. Wi e2 'LJ f6 16.id3 occurred in Borisenko
- Boleslavsky, Moscow 1961, and now
16...'LJh5N would have been equal.15...'LJd7 16.e4?!
This sacrifice isn't a complete disaster, but it
hardly seems necessary.
260 Lines without e4
16...fxe4 17.h5
Black has many good moves here, but I likethe following idea the most:
8E�, �.�.�
7 � ..� �r 6 i '. �. �� ""'''�»'% '0",,%, ""�''',% � i5� .8. .A�� �",,%% �, � 04 8. .i� �3 m %� "'''''��, 'd}L,,;, ,� �
%i � � . � ' /.J,, � � � '0 ' � � �2 �� � /+�t�A�?I /. % � �j % Q
1 ,�''',x_'''"x=''"x�,.:a bed e f g h
17...ixc3!?N
17...CLJdf6 was playable but less convincingin Farago - Velimirovic, Amsterdam 1976.
IB.bxc3 Wif6 19.ie3 CLJg7 20.hxg6 hxg6f!Black remains a pawn up and his knights are
poised to take up excellent positions on e5 and
f5, enabling them to fight against the enemy
bishop pair.
13..-'�Mf6 14.tlJ b5
I also analysed: 14.ig3 ixc4 15.ixc4a6 16.0-0 CLJd7 17.f4 CLJc7 Black has a
comfortable and solid position. IB.if2?! b519.axb5 CLJb6 20.i.e2 axb5+ Osnos - Forintos,
Leningrad 1962.
14... tlJ d7!?N
14...ixb5 15.axb5 CLJd7 16.h4 Wie7 17.Wic2t
Hanison - Giobbi, e-mail 2002.
15. tlJ bxd6
15.h3 g5 16.ih2 f4f!
8 ,�� _���._
7 _ _.� � m"Y-�� 6.i.� '���f1h� 5 . '''' '.�"_ 'I/._/'uu% �. � �/ .
4 �_�_ '� '�3 _ � ��"m��
��M �. �%�'''0 ��,�2 r� � �dibr� � ���
1 B''''7._h''J�",,�.Q,h"", _ � �1:ta bed e f g h
15...�xc4 16.tlJxeS
16. CLJxc4? g5 1 7.ig3 f4 wins a piece forquestionable compensation.
16..-'�Mxb2 17-'�Mxb2 �xb2 IS.�xc4 �xal
19.d6t �hS 20.tlJc7 �abSi
The position is balanced, as White has
sufficient compensation for the exchange butnot more.
Conclusion
We have seen that Black has more than one
acceptable way of meeting the Knight's Tour
Variation. 7...CLJbd7 seems quite playableand can be recommended to players who are
happy to avoid the main theoretical paths. In
the main line with 7...ig7 B.CLJc4 0-0 9.if4,we looked at two contrasting approaches for
Black. B31) 9...b6 requires a lot of preparation
and willingness to take risks, so it should only
be .used by players with an especially strong desIre to reach a complicated position. Themore reliable B32) 9...CLJeB will be a more
appropriate choice for most readers. I believein Black's chances here, and like a wise man
said a long time ago, it is not good to move the
same piece several times in the opening!
Lines without e4
Lines with an early ig5
Variation Indexl.d4llJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5
3.. .e6
A) 4.cig5 h6 5.cih4AI) 5...d6
A2) 5...g5!?
B) 4.llJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.llJf3 g6 7.cig5BI) 7...h6
B2) 7...cig7B21) 8.e4
B22) 8.llJd2
AI) after 13.hxg3 B21) after 20.lD f5
13...if6N+ 20...�g5Nf1
262
263
263
265
265
266
266
267
B22) note to 9...g5
a bed e f
19...cxb4N
262 Lines without e4
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6
% '/'/� 'L/-/ '/.J/. �'� %'U''/::8 .i..i.� em ��
�i"� 'i"� 'l%W'lY.: /,""�� �� f�'''��
��,� �� /Y"m;� �5 � ��8� ��4 _8_ _ U� � -
3 ��,� �� �W0 ��,�2 �!!]�'0 ��J!]7.�l!]l���iV���1:t/, , , , / / / / � //" " �,
a bed e f g h
In this chapter we will deal with some lines
where the white bishop comes to gS in the
early stages. We will begin by analysing theextremely rare A) 4.�g5 before consideringthe more common B) 4.tlJc3 (followed by igSin the near future).
A) 4.�g5
This Benoni- Trompowsky hybrid is nothing
special, but we should check it all the same.
4...h6
As a general rule, if White plays igS earlythen it is usually good to nudge the bishop.
There is also nothing wrong with 4...exdS
S.cxdS d6, when 6.CtJc3 g6 (6...ie7 is also
playable) 7.CtJf3 leads to variation B.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
5.�h4
White can also exchange:S.ixf6 Wixf6 6.CtJc3 d6 7.CtJf3 eS!?
The solid 7...ie7N is fine, for instance: 8.g30-0 9.ig2 CtJd7 10.dxe6 fxe6=
8.e3N
8.e4 ie7 9.ie2 0-0 was equal inTrohimchuk - Mirzoian, Orel 1998. Mter
the text move I considered a somewhat
amusing continuation.
8...g6 9.id3 Wie7 10.h4 fS II.e4 f4 12.hS gSBlack is playing provocatively, moving
virtually nothing but pawns so far.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13.1Mfa4t id7
13...rJlf7!? is an interesting attempt toconfuse the opponent, but objectively Whitemust be a little better here.
14.Wib3 ic8=
, / /.% " --: � � %'" '/::
8 .I ..i.� �m ��
7 1�i"� 'i"� '1�_"'" , 6 �""�� �� f.""%�� , �� /�"",;� ,,,,, ,5_ �8. .� �u,� � �
4 _8_ _ �3 � �_ �_ �_m'"� � � �
'�'''0 � �'''0 �'02 z��� !�J�7.�J�l��_�m��1:t
a bed e f g h
Chapter 19 - Lines with an early �g5
Now Black can choose between the solid
AI) 5...d6 and the sharp A2) 5...g5!?
AI) 5...d6
.I % . '/'/0 .i. f' � /-/'/.J/ . ij'/.I � '� /;""'/-8 /. � / i', m� �/�� : � �..�' � �a
7 .1uBu'''''B''&%��'''U/-u,,%, � � ..�.%
6 B _i,_u""� I '�� � ,jmu/' /z' �5 � �'� � uuu� "'''�, �i�,8� _4 -8- � '��, � � � �
3 _, '/ B, _,�_um28� _8�8�
% � ""t � ""'% � � �iV �� � / ,¥ � "",;0/: 0 '///�uU1 � �,.. � � � � + %� � 1:t� � / � " , /uu,y, � �/ u/.% �u, ,;
a bed e f g h
6.tlJc3 �e7 7.tlJf3 0-0
By delaying the pawn exchange on d5, Black
threatens to win a pawn with ...'LJxd5. (Pleasenote that the immediate 7...'LJxd5?? is refuted
by 8.cxd5 ixh4 9.Wa4tL)
8.�g38.e4? has been seen in a couple of games, but
on both occasions Black failed to carry out histhreat: 8...'LJxd5!N 9.ixe7 'LJxe7 1 0.Wd2 Wb6
11.0-0-0 �d8 +
8 .i�.i.� � .'ai>_
7 .1u_'''d ''.' 1/'�6 . ?t� & '?"" '?t�. �.%./_; �.
5 � '_�7.� �uu,,� m"�, �"U� � _4 7. -/.�-7. '-'-3�,,� _��2 8� _8n'�'�1 �1J"m/'_vlfi{�/-.W/uu,y, � ��_ �
a bed e f g h
263
8...exd5 9.cxd5 tlJh5
Also after 9...if5!?N I prefer Black slightly.
10.e3 tlJd7 11.�e2 �e8 12.tlJd2 tlJxg313.hxg3
This position occurred in Golod -
Anastasian, Ubeda 2001. Black has a few goodoptions here but my choice would be:
8 ,_�,.i.�.iU.-
7 �i_&�r� 6 _ _mu%� u"'/,� 4 �� mu%� ��-�5 � �.�/,� �� "m� � �7.'n/z �//k0 �7. ,/-3 _ �� �f)0 'ffrf�����d��
2 8�mm�"£rI�%�1 ��UU7.�,,,,u�'i{""/'��uuY- BVm _1:t
a bed e f g h
13...�f6Ni
Black has a comfortable Benoni position
with slightly better chances in my opinion.
A2) 5...g5!?
.I % . '/'/0 .i. � � /'/.. /, . �'� %""'/::8 (� j j .'. � ���'�� �� �
7 �lz1u_ '1"_ '1%_ mu 6 _ � i � '�'�� ��'0�' /�um;, "d l5� ��8_ _ 4 /,_ '�/,_ %_ u"'/,�3 � �� �����m2 !��� !�!�1 �s�_I="£mw/", , , � /n", �" �
a bed e f g h
This ambitious move aims to
immediate problems for the opponent.
create
264 Lines without e4
6.�g3Dollah - Oberholzer, Istanbul 2000. Here
I found a promising way for Black to exertimmediate pressure on the queenside.
6...�b6!N 7.tlJc3
7.ieS ig7 8.'LJc3 d6 9.ixf6 ixf6+
7...�xb2
Having threatened the b-pawn Black mustcall his opponent's bluff. Now there are some
complications, but it all seems to turn out wellfor Black.
� �� A � � .�� ���8 a��f.JL��� ��
7 7.tf1"� r� 'l�� mu , 6 U'U%� �� f_��� �, , �� /�u'u;, "0'uu,5q _8� _4 �� ��%� %� 'L,%�% �%'n//- �� ��,�3��_�2 8�u",,_ 8W[J'���
%",-J,,3� ��,;j;uu�/,'n/}'u,�1 �� �iV � ��1:ta bed e f g h
8.�e5
8.'LJ bS? 'LJe4! +
I also considered 8.�cl d6 9.e4 exdS 10.cxdS
CtJbd7 when White has a bit of compensationbut Black's chances are higher.
8...tlJ e4!
The brave pirates attempt a daring raid!
9J3cl
9.�b I? lets Black take everything: 9...'LJxc31 0.�xb2 'LJxd 1 The final step of the knight'sshort but glorious career. 11. <j{xd 1 �g8 +
The alternative is: 9.ixh8 'LJxc3 10.Wcl
(10.�bl? Wxbl-+) 10...Wxcl t 11.�xcl 'LJxa212.�bl exdS 13.cxdS 'LJb4+
9...f6!
An important resource.
10.tlJf3
1 0.'LJxe4 WxeS+
8 .i�.i.� e� ��
7 .1"� f� mu�� mu 6 �Lj� �� f_��� ��'0 ��,;}UU%� 'J"u/5. w�8� W4 �� '�7.� i)� mu7.��� � � 7.3 � � � ���" �u",; � �
A \IDt' � A �M A �c%!2 O%eJ1 .o�C3o�LY
1 .uu,x�;=���� /Ud'% y",,,% �a bed e f g h
10... tlJxf2!
Again the knight is the star of the show.
11.�xf2 fxe5 12.tlJb5
12.�c2 Wb6 13.Wid3 exdS 14.'LJxdS Wd6 +
Long live the queen! She managed to escapeand defend everything.
12...e4!
The only move, but good enough.
8 .I �.i._.� ��
7 �61u� :� 'uu�� 'Uu 6 �U,,%� �� ,� ��� ��'''0 �� ��'Jm/5 ����8_ ��4 �� �8%� r� �UU%�3 � ������ '�" ���' �28S .8�8�1 WUU'%�;W:r_!� 'uu� �, �,
a bed e f g h
Chapter 19 - Lines with an early �g5
13.�c2 �f6 14.tlJc7t @dS 15.tlJxaS �g7+Black's ambitious opening play has clearly
been justified.
B) 4.tlJc3
� �� A �.�� ���8 a��f.JL�eJ��� ��
7 1f1u_ 'i"_ 'l%.'i 6 � �i_ � 5 ��_!�//"m;��� �,,3� � �
4 _8_ _ _3� � � �� u;'lu",; � ��'� � �'''0 �'�
2 �Ql�W�!J}/��W�/.1 �� ����dib���/.1' ;' , ;' , � /;' /;' /;' � /'/;" , /./;. :/:/'... , , , , ,
a bed e f g h
In this section we will look at some systems
involving an early ig5 after a couple moreconventional Benoni moves by both sides.
4...exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�g5
/: '/'/� '/../-/ '/../1'. �'� %U'U/,8 .I ..i.� e� �B
7 �61u� '''''''� '1�� 'i�uu� � '/ �"n/h ��6 _ _ �i-� �� '�uu/,� //u"';7. ,�
5 ��_8_ �, 4___�3 � � � ����,�"'u;� ��'''0 ��,�2 7.�J�/' �/tJtj��l[j
1 �� _iV=��1:ta bed e f g h
Now there are two distinct approaches
for Black: Bl) 7...h6 and B2) 7...�g7. Theformer implies an immediate hunt for the
dark-squared bishop, while the second involves
more straightforward development.
265
Bl) 7...h6 S.�h4 g5 9.�g3 tlJh5
8 .i�.i.B *� ��7 .iu� '''u,,� '1�� um�uu% � � �6_�.�� ",%Uu% � ,,1;� �'� � �'� u'u5 � �� 8 � ��6)
4 ___ � �� � �
3� � �����,�um;� ��,w'm'%�,�2 �J�, �rL4j��J[j
1 �� _iV=�_1:ta bed e f g h
The bishop's days are numbered, so White
will attempt to make use of the soon-to-be-
open h-file and the slight weakness of the
kingside light squares, especially f5.
10.e3 tlJxg3 II.hxg3 �g7 12.�d3 tlJd712. . .0-0 13. Wi c2 f5 14.0-0 'LJ a6 15. a3 'LJ c 7
was also satisfactory for Black in Razuvaev
- Holm, Polanica Zdroj 1972, and a few
subsequent games.
.I - .i.�.� ��8 /�� 'SuuX � �um'7 _ i _�_ i �///.'/// 6 _ � _ �./.� /Juj ��,J'" ,5 _ _8- if�
�� 7,u,,�� �� 7"U'%_4 � �7.'n//. �?;(o'0 ��,�3 � � �� � �f{� � �f{�� ,�,��O%��O%
2 8�l���LU;_ mu7.ft�/'�1 �lfuu/'� im'u,/'� 1:t/u uY. � /",,," �
a bed e f g h
13.�c2 �e7
The bishop pair gives Black good chances,
and the weakness of the f5-square does nothurt him too much. If White could somehow
266 Lines without e4
exchange the light-squared bishops and plant
a knight on f5 then things would be different,
but that is not going to happen anytime soon.
14.a4
It seems logical to keep the rook on the h-file
for a few more moves at least. The followinggame saw a different approach: 14.0-0 h5!?(14...0-0 15.�ae1 a6 16.a4 �bB= was also
comfortable for Black in Antoshin - Honfi,
Luhacovice 1971.) 15.if5 CtJe5 16.ixcB
CtJxf3t 17.gxf3 �xcB 1B.Wf5 �dB 19.<j{g2 We520.Wxe5t ixe5= Hartston - Sowray, London19BO.
14...a6 15.�f5 tlJe5
Black can also keep more pieces on theboard: 15...�bB 16.a5 0-0 17.0-0 b5 1B.axb6
�xb6= Shumilov - Hedman, Pardubice 2010.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
18...tlJxd7N
Wi th equal chances.
B2) 7...�g7
This time Black develops his own bishop beforechasing his opponent's. We will consider bothB21) 8.e4 and B22) 8.tlJd2.
B21) 8.e4
8 .i�.i.�._ ��7 .1"� "'d"� r_',6 /'''U7._����f1%_� ��'1'm%� /m'''�:�5 �� {i�8� �
4 _ _8_ �3� � ���� ,/?""; � '/ �2 8� � �8�1 �_'u,/,� '�I_�/um/' � �""," m '
a bed e f g h
Even if you prefer line B 1 with the early7...h6, it is worth studying the presentvariation, as it might occur via a different move
order with B.ig5 being White's last move.
8...h6 9.�h4 a6!
9...g5 10.ig3 CtJh5 11.ib5t IS slightlyannoying.
10. tlJ d2!?
Mter 10.a4 g5 11.ig3 CtJh5 Black hasa comfortable position as there are no
troublesome checks on b5 or a4. The gamemay continue 12.CtJd2 CtJxg3 13.hxg3 CtJd7=with comfortable play for Black, Weber - Tan
Lian Ann, Skopje (01) 1972.
10...b5
Black has won some space on the queens ideand it is not clear if White will be able to
achieve anything in the centre.
11.�e2 0-0 12-'�Mc2 tlJbd7 13.0-0 �e8
Black continues developing fluidly.
14.a4 b4 15.tlJdl g5Another approach is: 15...b3 16.W1b1 g5
17.ig3 CtJxd5 1B.CtJc4 CtJf4 19.ixf4 gxf420.CtJxd6 �e6 21.CtJf5= Atakisi - Grigoryev,e-mail 2005.
Chapter 19 - Lines with an early ig5
16.�g3
8.i_.i.�.i_._���i)�:�
7 � � �7.' ,/,�,,1///. 6 '& � � W� ?- ��.� �.% 'g)' �.� ��,�uu/'� /�um;�,�u"5 � if�8. if�
4 8.'U'%_ 8.'u,�_.� � �3 ��'''0 ��;,,//� ��'J,3�,�
2 r�iV�m�r� 8 r�
1 ��UU 7..l1S 'W�Mu"/umy. � _ ' /,",,"a bed e f g h
16...tlJxd5!
This kind of tactic can occur in many Benoni
positions with a rook on e8.
17.tlJc4
17.if3?! lLJf4 18.e5? dS (18...�b8N + is also
strong) was excellent for Black in Groffen -
Berg, Liverpool 2008.
17...tlJf4 18.�xf4 gxf4 19.tlJxd6 �e620.tlJrs
Lubas - Emelyanov, e-mail 2008. Here it is
worth considering:
8 ,.i_.i.� _.�
7_ _411_._ 6i� �.i� �� ��� �uu5� � ��_�?;(o,�uu�� �W0 ��4 8�� _8�� �.���3�, ��� �2 �if���8�
1 ��"U7._����""a bed e f g h
20...V!fg5Nf!
267
Black has an active, dynamic position.Meanwhile the knight on d 1 will need sometime to find a good place.
B22) 8.tlJd2
8 ��� A �.. �/�B. ;g)�.JL �g�.� �.8
�,?uu,;� u"'7.� �m'�'uu7 }��i ��'0 �7.�J�7.i6 _ � _i�5_ .8_ �4___�3��� � ���,�um;7.'''//- ��'0 ��,�2 A �f)� �� A �f)� A ��%o iO� /�_J 0 iQ% 0 %'Q
1 �_uu7._VMj£W�/, u,y' _ \ /,,,,,,, _ 'a bed e f g h
This time White has the idea of pushing his
e- and f-pawns, but once again we can employ
the typical plan of hunting the bishop.
8...h6 9.�h4 g5This works fine, but it is also worth
mentioning a second decent line:9...0-0 10.e4 a6 11.a4 �e8 12.ie2 lLJbd7
13.0-0 g5 14.ig3 CtJe5 15.f4Opening the kings ide is White's most
challenging plan, but the strong knight on
e5 holds everything together.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
268 Lines without e4
It is hard for White to develop an attack, sohe switches his attention to the other flank.
18.�b 1 �ab8 19.b4
Now I would like to offer an improvement
on the game Cherniaev - Kuznetsov,Moscow 2008.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f
19...cxb4N
It is best to open the c-file.
20.�xb4 �ec8 21.Wib3 CtJg6Black has sufficient counterplay.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a
11...�f8
Black must forfeit the right to castle, as11...id7? 12.Wie4t is unplayable.
12-'�Mc2 tlJxg3 13.hxg3 tlJd7As usual in such positions, Black's bishop
pair gives him good chances. The king is
slightly misplaced on f8 but it is of no greatconsequence.
14.e3 Wfe7
I prefer this move over 14...CtJeS, after which
IS.ie2 a6 16.a4 Wie7 17.aS gave White a slightedge in Voronov - Zherebukh, Alushta 2008.
15.�d3
In the event of IS.ie2 Black may be temptedto try IS...CtJf6!?f! with ideas of ...hS.
The text move provokes simplifications
which are not dangerous for Black.
8 .i-.i.� _ ��
7 ¥f_1.1�.u,,' 6 �"U�_ �wu"�_�m1�� �W,J,,3 � ,/Jm/'5� ��8� �4 �� �L,%� �� �L,�_� �7.'''//. ��'0 ��,�3 � m��� �2 8 n�m ,u'/'8�7.�1 BUu /'.u uu=u,,/'� 1:t/" "y, � /'// , /, �
a bed e f g h
15...�e5 16.�f5 �xf5 17.Wfxf5 Wff6 18.Wfxf6
�xf6 19.�ce4 �e7 20.tlJxf6 �xf6 21.�e2
�g6=Kempinski - Kanovsky, Czech Republic
2012.
Conclusion
In general we have seen that the earlier White
plays igS, the brighter Black's prospects forearly counterplay. Even when White leaves
the bishop development until slightly later,the second player keeps a sound position and
will usually have more than one good way tonavigate the opening.
Lines without e4
4.g3
Variation Index
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e64.g3
4...exd5 5.cxd5 b5!?
A) 6.�g2 d6AI) 7.e4
A2) 7.b4!?
B) 6.tlJf3 �b7 7.e4 tlJxe4 8.�g2BI) 8...�d6!?N
B2) 8...�e7
C) 6.e4!? tlJxe4
CI) 7.�g2C2) 7.VNe2 VNe7 8.�g2
C21) 8...tlJd6
C22) 8...£5 9.tlJh3 b4
C221) 10.0-0
C222) 10.�e3
C223) 10.d6
AI) after 17.ltJe4 A2) after 12.0-0
17...f5!N 12...ltJbd7!N
270
270
272
273
274
275
277
277
280
281
283
285
286
288
C222) after 15.ixe4
270 Lines without e4
l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.g3Whi te's last move is exceedingly rare in this
particular move order sequence. However,
the above position often occurs via the moveorder l.d4 CtJf6 2.c4 e6, which has the idea of
answering 3.CtJc3 with 3...ib4, and 3.CtJf3 or3.g3 with 3...cS inviting a Benoni. Thus after
3.g3 cS 4.dS we reach the main position.
Why should Black use the 2...e6 move order?
There are many players who are only willingto enter a Modern Benoni after White has
committed himself to CtJf3 or g2-g3, usuallydue to fear of the Flick-Knife Attack. In the
early part of the book I analysed this sharp
system and concluded that Black had fully
adequate resources, but I am well aware that
many readers will continue to prefer the 2...e6move order for their own reasons. So let's see a
couple more moves.
4...exd5 5.cxd5
%'/I'/� '/../-/'/.JI'; �'� %""%8 .I ..i.� �� ��
7 /,.lu� '17._ '1�_'1 ' 6 uu'7.� �� �.'U'7.�� ��'''0 �� '/um;� �: ��������-3 ��_�_�����'''0 �� ��,Ju,,��,�2 �J��'0 ���J�7.'n/J�
l � ��iV � ��1:t/;'"" ;' //////� //",/% �",,.,,
a bed e f g h
5...b5!?
Now we reach a second topic of discussion
in the early phase of the game. In the present
position many players will prefer the simple
S.. .d6, which almost always transposes to a
Fianchetto System (see Chapter 17). If youwish to minimize your workload then feel
free to skip this entire chapter and play S...d6
followed by 6...g6, as White can hardly hope
to do anything better than putting his bishop
on g2 and knights on c3 and f3.
Nevertheless there are many players who
like to challenge White's move order by opting
for the immediate queenside expansion, and
ultimately I felt as though I would have been
leaving the book incomplete if I had failed to
cover this ambitious plan.
% '///� ',(./-/ '/..//. �'� %""%8 .I ..i.� �� ��
7 ,mm� '1%� 'l�W'l 6 /,uu�� �� �.m�� 5 � f�!� /uuu� /,� �uu� � �4 � � � _
3�������2 !��_!ft"U%���� W� !� �7.?Jf<{W1 /;;���% ��,�,�/, , ;' ;';' � / / / / / / � //" / '% �;' ;' ;' ;', ;
a bed e f g h
White now has the following optlons:
A) 6.�g2, B) 6.t2Jf3 and C) 6.e4!?
A) 6.�g2 d6
Here White has tried virtually every legal
move, but we will focus on the two primary
options of AI) 7.e4 and A2) 7.b4!?
AI) 7.e4 tlJbd7 8.f4
This is the only really challenging move, but
such ambitious schemes can easily backfire aswe will soon see.
The quieter 8.CtJe2 g6 9.0-0 ig7 leaves Whiteequal at best. Black's queens ide expansion giveshim a more comfortable version of a normal
Benoni, and I see no reason to analyse further.
2 0 - 4.g3
Chapter , d. but he has pal
a P Iece, . d . I n a Ig d his kmg nsWh ite has won . behmSo . d d He IS way hth . h P rice In ee .. . ks being caugdevelopment anin the centre.
271
a
�b8'
13... .. ouchable.The rook IS unt
tlJ xd5
272 Lines without e4
17...f5!N
Amongst others we could mention17...ixb2N 18.ixb2 �xb2-+.
18.11Mxd5t 11Mxd5 19.tlJf6t �xf6 20.�xd5t
i>g7 21.�c4 �xe2 22.�xe2 �xb2-+White is two pawns down with an exposed
king and poor pieces, so it is safe to say thatthe opposite-coloured bishops offer him scant
hope of saving the game.
A2) 7.b4!?
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This would make a promising gambit, if
only Black was forced to accept it.
7 ...�b7!?
Inviting White to exchange on cS, which
will lead to a sharp and unbalanced position
in which both sides have significant pawn
majorities in their respective areas of
dominance. It is worth mentioning a couple of
other possibilities.
Taking the pawn is risky: 7...cxb4?! 8.a3 bxa3(I also considered 8...aS!?N 9.axb4 �a6!?
10.�xaS �xaS 11.bxaS WxaSt when Black
has managed to clear the flank, although after12.id2 White still has the initiative.) 9.CtJxa3
Black has many options here, but White has
good compensation everywhere, for instance:
9...id7 10.CtJf3 ie7 II.CtJd4 b4 12.CtJc4t
Another option is:7. . . CtJ bd 7 8. CtJ c3
8.bxcS dxcS!? can be compared with themain line below.
8...cxb4 9.CtJxbS ib7
8
7
6
5
10.CtJf3
10.e4 CtJcS II.f3 ie7 12.CtJe2 Wb6 13.CtJbd4
0-0 14.0-0 CtJfd7 IS.ie3 CtJeS= 16.h3?! if6
17.�bl CtJc4 18.if2 �ac8+ Vertes - Zebre,e-mail 2006.
10...Wb6 11.Wa4 CtJxdS!?N
11...a6 12.CtJ bd4 CtJe4 13.ib2 ixdS 14.0-0
�c8 oo Murden - Kauppinen, e-mail 2008.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12.ib2 0-0-0
This may look risky, but I think it is okayfor Black.
13.CtJbd4 CtJcS 14.Wc2 <j{b8
White has yet to prove his compensation for
the pawn.
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
8.bxc5
Quiet moves achieve nothing, for instance:B.a3 CtJ bd7 9.CtJc3 a6 10.CtJf3 E:cB II.ib2
CtJ b6f1 Mascaro March - Carlsson, Soller 2006.
8...dxc5 9.e4 �d6 10.tlJd2 0-0 II.tlJe2 �e8
12.0-0
Now in the game Chernin - Timman,
Saint Vincent 2000, Black made the slightlyodd decision to put his bishop on a6. Instead
I would like to propose a more naturalal ternative:
8.1_ �.i�.m�,�u",;� �""�� ��,��7 ��i�w��*iI��6 Um�gt�
5 7. i�_'��� �uuu�4 �� mu7.� !� �_3��������� �7.'''//- �?;(o,�m'��'02 8 � �������1 i� �_iV.i� uU
a bed e f g h
12...tlJbd7!N
This brings Black a good game, especially if
White gets too aggressive.
13.a4
This natural move backfires. White should
try playing more patiently although I don't
believe Black has anything to fear, especially
after the following unfortunate try: 13.f4? c4 +14.eS Wb6t IS.rJlhl CtJxdS 16.CtJxc4 bxc4
1 7.ixdS E:adB-+
13...b4
13...a6 14.ib2 ieS is equal, but Black
should be happy to advance his pawn majority,
as the loss of the c4-square does not hurt him.
14.tlJc4
273
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
14...tlJe5!
Forcing an immediate exchange of the strong
knight. Here is an illustrative line:
15.tlJxd6 11Mxd6 16.f4 tlJed7 17.e5 tlJxe5
18.fxe511Mxe5 19J�a2 �xd5 20.hd5 tlJxd5-+
Black's pawns are too much for White to
handle, even with an extra piece.
B) 6.tlJf3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This tricky move was recommended by BorisAvrukh in the popular Grandmaster Repertoire2 - 1.d4 Volume Two, so we had better be
ready for it. By delaying the e2-e4 advancefor a move, White maintains the option of
deploying his bishop on the fl-a6 diagonal.
274 Lines without e4
6...�b7
This seems critical. The main alternative is
6...d6, but then 7.e4 gives White quite goodchances.
7.e4 tlJxe4 8.�g2White has given up a pawn for the initiative,
and Black must play carefully to avoid being
pressed.
B.ixbS is not dangerous, as shown by the
following example. B...WaSt 9.CtJfd2 ixdS10.0-0 WxbS II.CtJxe4 Wc6 12.CtJbc3 ie6
13.f4 fS 14.CtJgS ie7 IS.WhSt g6 16.Wh6ifB 17.Wh3 ig7 IB.ie3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
In this posItIon Black has two playablecontinuations: Bl) 8...�d6!?N and B2)8...�e7 .
Bl) 8...�d6!?N
Avrukh does not like this move much, but I
think it is okay. The idea is not only to develop,
but also to prevent if4.
9.0-0
The immediate 9.CtJh4!? CtJf6 10.CtJfS can
be met by 10...0-0, relying on a basic tactical
defence: II.CtJxd6 (11.0-0 transposes to themain line below.) 11...We7t 12.CtJe4 CtJxe413.0-0 CtJd6 14.�el Wf6 Is.if4 CtJa6 16.CtJc3
�aeB=
9...0-0 10.tlJh4!
Avrukh's recommendation, and definitely
the critical test. Less dangerous is:1 o. �e 1 fS
1 O...�eB is also good: 11.CtJh4 CtJf6 12.�xeBtCtJ xeB 13. CtJ c3 b4 14. CtJ e4 if B oo
II.CtJc3 CtJxc3 12.bxc3 CtJa6
Black has kept his extra pawn and does not
face any major threats.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
13.�bl CtJc7
13...WaS 14.a4 b4 also looks okay.
14.igS WeBWhite has some compensation but I would
take Black if given the choice.
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
� �� IDi1 ���. � �8 .a �_� &m� ����
7 tiI'� '1%� '1Y-_ i/'''''7.� ��,�� �� '''''7.�
6, � ��,J�� �� : ����j I� �rn�� �� ��,�"'"3 ��'''0 �� ��,J��,�
2 8w� _ w��w�1 ,�t15�vi.j���r'"
a bed e f g h
10...tlJf6 II.tlJrs �e5!
Avrukh only mentions 11...Wb6 12.a4!with some initiative for White. Instead I think
Black should return his extra pawn after first
provoking the following pawn move, which
slightly exposes White's king and restricts his
dark-squared bishop.
12.f4 �d4t 13.tlJxd4 cxd4 14.11Mxd4 tlJa6
White has the bishop pair, but Black is close
to finishing development and the f4-pawn
looks a little out of place.
8.1_ _ �..%d� '1%� '1/'..� �� �� �.o,,��� ,� � ,� � /./'uu;� �5-.�o� ��� �t"L'; �lfir� ��4 .Ni�%-� �� '''''/,� 'o,,/,�,�3 _ '0- �� ��//.,/
2 8 b _ _��r"if:'" '�7i �� �wi(""1 ,a�� �1:tma bed e f g h
15.tlJc3 b4 16.tlJe4 tlJxe4 17.�xe4 11Mb6
18.�e3 �fe8
After a likely exchange of queens Black
will obtain counterplay against the d5-pawn,
although there is a potential risk of ending up
275
with a tricky endgame against the two bishops.If this is not to your taste, then see the nextline below.
B2) 8...�e7
8.i� _._ ��,�"o,;� ""'%�;f��'�"'"7 �.i._i�iw�i 6 /'''''7.� �� mu�� "'''7.���'0 �� ��5�i.8� _4 �� �""�� �� %_�/, �� �?;(o,�3 � _ _����'''0 %� ��,�""��,�
2 8 �f!} . �f!} � �l1h
�uu� �'//.�uu� . � �uu""% �'0 �'� �1 ,���iV� �1:ta bed e f g h
9.0-0 0-0 10.�el rs II.tlJc3
In this position I found an interesting newidea.
.I � . .///� ; � /-/,/-,� � � UU� .� �8 " /. '/ � %.. �, , % 'l: /.. //.
?? 6I ;� '1 %11° "'/,_ i ': 7.oo7.� �� mu�� ""'7.��" ���� �5�i_8.i.4 �� �"O�� r� �_�/,'''//. �� ��,�3 � � ��r��� 'd'"",;7. ��,�''''7.�,�
2 �J�?%o'0 -�"o ��p1 ��� ��\UlJi�� ,�,� m��� ��/., , , , , Y- / "" � /., ", Y- /:: , %
a bed e f g h
11...tlJa6!?N
Returning the pawn to catch up on
development.
12.tlJxe4
12.CtJe5 id6 13.CtJxe4 fxe4 transposes to themain line.
276 Lines without e4
Avrukh briefly mentions 12.ttJxbS Wb613. ttJ c3 as favouring White, but I think Blackcan improve with 12...ttJ b4!? A possiblecontinuation is 13.ttJc3 if6 14.ttJxe4 fxe4
IS.�xe4 �cB! with equal chances.
12...fxe4 13.t2Je5
13.�xe4 d6 14.�g4 ttJc7 IS.ttJgS �fS leadsto equality after the following forcing line:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
16.ttJxh7! rJlxh7 17.ie4 icB IB.�f4 g619.ixfS ixfS 20.�xfS gxfS 21.WhSt rJlgB22.Wg6t rJlhB 23.WhSt=
13...�d6
8
7
6
5
4
3
14.if4 c4 IS.ixe4 ttJcS 16.ic2 �xf4 17.WhS
(17.gxf4 Wh4 oo ) 17...g6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.�xe4 ttJc7
14...�fS IS.f4 ixeS 16.�xeS is not what
Black wants.
14...c4 IS.�h4 ixeS 16.WhS h6 17.WxeS
�eB IB.Wc3 b4 19.Wd2 �cB is more
interesting but still favours White.IS.�el
Is.if4 ttJxdS 16.Wb3 c4 17.WxbS Wb6
IB.Wxb6 ttJxb6 19.ttJxd7 ixe4 20.ixe4
ixf4 21.ttJxfB �xfB 22.gxf4 �xf4 23.f3 �f7
24.�dl g6=
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
22.axb4 axb4 is similar.
22...icB 23.axb4 axb4=
White has the bishop pair but the d5-pawnrequires constant protection, so I think Blackis ok-ay.
14...11Mf6 15.f4 �xe5 16.fxe511Mf2t 17.i>hl
It is important for Black to do somethingwith his temporary initiative before White
catches up on development.
17...�ae8
It is not so easy for White to develop the
dark-squared bishop, as the b2-pawn would be
left hanging.
18.a4
This appears critical, but Black can maintain
the balance by tactical means.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
19. ..�xe4 20.�xe4 tlJ b4 21.11M e2 11Mxe2
22.�xe2 tlJxd5
The complications have resulted In an
approximately equal endgame.
277
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
C) 6.e4!?
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c e
This is White's most aggressive attempt to
fight for the advantage. The total number of
games on the database is still relatively small(less than a hundred at the time of writing), sothis line could be recommended to adventure-
seeking players on either side.
6...tlJxe4
Now White has two significant options:he can develop his bishop immediately with
Cl) 7.�g2 or play C2) 7.11Me2 first.
Cl) 7.�g2 tlJd6
278 Lines without e4
I also considered an untested but quite
in teresting alternative:7...WiaSt!?N 8.CtJd2
Alternatives are worse:
8.id2 CtJ xd2 9. CtJ xd2 d6 10. CtJ gf3 ie 711.0-0 0-0 12.�el Wid8+
8. CtJ c3 CtJ xc3 9. bxc3 Wi xc3 t 1 0.id2
Wif6 II.CtJf3 id6+ White clearly has
compensation, but the two-pawn sacrifice is
perhaps pushing his luck too far.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8...CtJd6 9.CtJgf3 ie7 10.0-0 0-0Compared with the main line the white
knight has been driven to d2 instead of themore natural c3-square, but the black queen
is also slightly exposed.II.a4! CtJa6
11...if6 12.CtJb3 Wib6 (12...W c7?! 13.axbS
CtJxbS 14.igS! is excellent for White) 13.ie3CtJa6 14.CtJxcS! CtJxcS IS.b4 puts Black undersome pressure.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12.CtJb3 Wid8 13.axbS CtJxbS 14.CtJeS if6
IS.d6 �b8 16.�el
16.if4 CtJxd6 00
16...CtJxd6 17.Wixd6 �xb3 18.�xa6 ixa6
19.Wixa6 �b6 20.Wixa7 �e6 21.CtJf3 �xel t
22. CtJxe 1;t;
White has good chances with two pieces
against a rook.
8.tlJf3
The overoptimistic 8.b4? was played in
Cativelli - Rodriguez Vila, Buenos Aires
2008, and here Black should have played8...CtJa6!N 9.CtJf3 Wie7t 10.ie3 CtJfS with a
clear advantage.
8...�e7 9.0-0 0-0 10.�f4
1 O.�e 1 is likely to come to the same thing
after a subsequent if4.Another game continued: 1 0.a4 ib7 II.if4
b4 12.CtJbd2 CtJe8 13.CtJeS Alvarado - B. Socko,
Warsaw (rapid) 2010, and now after 13...d6N14.CtJc6 CtJxc6 IS.dxc6 ia6 16.�el CtJc7 the
si tuation is dynamically balanced; White has
about enough compensation for a pawn.
%'///� �' ,/. z' U% r>B
8 �;t1£��,% ���7 � .i�iw�i 6 m"7.� ��Ifnn�� um7.�
��,�m";� ��5 �i��8 �'l/.'/ ��4__�_
�� �� �:n1�,�3 ��'0 �� ��J�� '�2 8 �t!fl . �t!fl � �1 dtbm ;��m'u", �� �I /, %
a bed e f g h
10...tlJa6
I briefly checked 10... CtJ c4, but found that
after II.CtJc3 ia6N (11...d6 was played inKoneru - Dzagnidze, Mardin 2011, but after
12.CtJxbSN White is just better) 12.d6 if6
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
13.�e4 White's chances are excellent.
11.�el �b7
Another game continued: 11...�eB 12.�c3
�c7 13.Wic2 (13.�gS!?N looks like animprovement.) 13...ib7 14.h4 g6 lS.�gS�cB 16.�ad1 b4=
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8.1_ B ��._,�� "u'%�i�uu,Y-�,��
7 �.i.�i�i�i 6 4i� �_m"�� u"'/.� 5 �f.�';_�_4 �� �"U%� %�7� %_�� �� �?;(o,�3 � _ _�W�2������£�""J1uu�� �%uu}'m'%�'i?'u,l��_iV� �
a bed e f g h
12.�c3 �c7
I also analysed:12...b4 13.ixd6
13.�a4 �eB 14.b3 ifB lS.Wid3 g6 16.h4�xe 1 t 17 .�xe 1 Karner - Palac, Oberwart
2010. 17...Wif6 oo
13...ixd6 14.�e4 Wic7
14...ie7 lS.d6 if6 16.�xf6t Wixf6 17.�eS
ixg21B.rJlxg2�adB19.WidStTomashevsky
279
- Bocharov, T aganrog 2011.
14...WibB lS.�h4 �eS 16.d6 g6 17.�xc5�xcS 1B.�xeS �xg2 19.�xg2 �e6 20.�e3rJl g 7 21.Wid3 Wib6 22.�bS Wia6 23.�dS�abB 24.�c7 Wic6 2S.�xe6t fxe6 26.Wid4t
rJlgB 27.�xb4 �xb4 2B.Wixb4 a6 Oren -Hicdoenmez, e-mail 2011. Black eventuallydrew the game but White is a pawn up in aone-sided endgame, so I cannot recommendthis for Black.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
lS.�h4!N
Improving on the game Gleizerov- Medvegy,
Banska Stiavnica 2011. With the knight on
its way to fS (which can even be played after
lS...g6), White has the initiative.
8.1_ B ��._,�/. '''/d'' , ',%�'�"'" Y-�'�7 �.i..i�iw�i
6 /'u"7.� �"uu�f"u�_ um/._5 �f.�u_ 'B '4 �� ,,,u7.� ��'_�/.'''/" �� Yi",�?;(o,�3 � m .��[g
2 �du,,)� �di�;�tuu/.� !�Ji��t'm/.�uu1 /,� ��f� �
a bed e f g h
13.�d2!?
This seems like the best way to create
problems.
280 Lines wi th out e4
13...tlJce8
13...fS led
14 � b to a draw .,"lJ 3 c4 15 ttJ In anothe
�cxbS 1 8 illr ' c5 ic8 16,a4 o:o:> b8 r game: Brencher _ E g o h? 19.ie5 if6 20,if4;� 5.Ba4i 5 <'='> 17 bs In, e-mail 201 72-Y21.
14.a4 a6
14...b4 enables Wh.
on th Ite to cl .e quee . d aIm so17ttJ nSI e: 15.ttJb5 ttJ me squaresG' c4 a5 18.iWd3 a4 1 xb5 16.axb5 d6rammatica _ Sem 9.iWc2 b3 20,iWd =mler, e-mail 201 3001.
8 H � �/'/.'//..e. � " z""/,/. �, ��� �.' �
7 �/..i._'i/-If':� 6 i _ _@'%� �fIi1�. 5 �/.i .�';__� �4 8B '� � �/. ,/-,__W� �� � . /" � � m,,%3 � '�'n//-�' 00 �
2 �� � '0frD - �� '�r � % � '/'//- � iO� � � :':' � � '0 "mX,1 � uuil:"u,f, . , �/m": rJ &, W�� � iV %'U'ZUU���O/ ,/ � � '� "" ,� � � �a b /, % �c d e f "'" >;
15.axb5 axb g h 18 .t 5 16J3xa8 .t. �g5 �xg5 19. t lM 4 xa8 17.11Me2 � 5WhIte h e gas maint. d
for the paw aIne a reasonabl ' , ,did not n, but in the follo ' e Inltlativetake long for Bl WIng game itpressure. ack to neutr al .
Ize the
g h
19... tlJ xe4 2 0 1':\ . r.zJ xe4 11M 7
21.�xc S \Ur S e 21.11Mxb 5axe 22.W1xe8=
21...�xd5 22 11M
24.�xg2 ttJf6: xe5 �xe5 23.ttJxe5 .txg2
8 � _ ' � %"'"%% � � �
7 _ z_ �� �-1!- 6 '_�zi_,�.r 5 ���� .�"�-4 _ ,,�-�-3 _ �� � �/. -, �� _ . rftfJW42 WA"0 �� · wcj�d _ �'�""x,1 .",,%. �%""J�,<it>�R . @ . ''''/.
a b c d /,u,Y- �e f
25J3dl �b8 26 ttJ g hY2-Y2 C · xd7 �xb2 2 7 1':\ xf6errato _ K d .r.zJ ton ra ty ev, e-mail 2011.
C2) 7.11Me2
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
C21) 8...tlJd6 9.�e3 tlJa6
There is another option here:9...ib7
This may lead to an endgame where Blackhas to fight for a draw.
10.ixcS Wixe2t 11.ctJxe2 ctJa6
8 K� �.� ��,�� �� ';""h,,'%'"''
7 �.t�i�ir�i6 i'� �. �� "'''''���(�''''';� ��5�i�lS. .4 �� 'NU"� �� ���� �� ��r�3 �W'0�" �� ,J�" '0
2 �
282 Lines without e4
12.�xa4 �b4 13.�f3 �b6
13...�fS?! 14.d6! CtJxd6 lS.0-0 �fS
16.�xb4 �xb4 17.�dS+-
13...aS 14.0-0 ia6 lS.�xb4! axb4 16.W1xa6
bxc3 1 7. bxc3:t
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14.0-0!N
A powerful exchange sacrifice.
The game continued 14.�xa7? �a6 + Wagner- Postny, Aix les Bains 2011.
14...ia6 lS.W1d1 ixf1 16.ixf1 �cB 17.�d2t
d6 1B.�c4 �bB 19.ih3
White has a huge initiative.
8 .i_.i.�.� ��,�� �/.:""",,(nm��,�"n' ,7 � _i�i¥�i
i)� �.'nn7._ 'm'/.�
6 ��,�m";� �� : �J�� �� � � /,��"n� " "� , �, �� ?�����3�,�,���
�wri"n';� � \ili:W{f{��W�2 0 �O% ���O%��O%,�t""7.� �.""7.��W1 � . �'g� ,�,�/, //, � /;, � 0, // ;
a bed e f g h
11.�a4
11.�bS is riskier, and White must find a few
good moves to stay out of trouble. 11...�xbS12.W1xbSN (12.d6? �xd6 13.ixaB �c7
14.ig2 ia6 + Sharevich - Mkrtchian, Paks2011.) 12...�c7
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
11...�b7
11 . . . g6
Only tested once, this also seems playable.12.�xcS
Perhaps White could consider delaying this
move, which would at least prevent the newidea mentioned below.
12...�xcS 13.ixcS
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 20 - 4.g3 283
lS.ixb4?! 0-0 16.�f3 �ab8
White is in trouble.
8
, 7
6
5
4
3
2
1
17.ixd6
17.a3? if6 + 18.ixd6 �fe8t 19.<j{d1 ie2t
20.<j{c1 �ec8t 21.<j{d2 �xb2t 22.<j{e3 �c3t23.<j{f4 ixf3 24.�he1 h6-+
17...ixd6 18.0-0-0 �fc8t 19. <j{b 1 ia3 20.b3
�c3�
13...ih6N 14.�ae1 �xe31S.�d1 0-0 16.�xe3
�d8 White must prove his compensation.
12...g6
12...f6? 13.0-0 gave White too much play inSasikiran - Bocharov, Sochi 2012.
13.tlJxc5N
13.0-0?! occurred in Rombaldoni -
Aguettaz, Sibenik 2012, and here Black couldhave obtained an edge with 13...ih6!N, muchas in the note to White's previous move.
The text move is better, but White has no more
than equality in the endgame.
13...tlJxc5 14.�xc5 11Mxe2t 15.i>xe2 tlJb516.�xf8 i>xf8=
C22) 8...£5
8 8
7 7
6 6
5 5
4 4
3 3
2 2
1 1
a c e a c e
12.tlJh3!?
White postpones the capture of the cS-pawnfor at least one more move.
12.�xcS �xcS 13.ixcS ia6 (13...aSN=)
14.�xe7t ixe7 lS.�c1 0-0 16.�h3 �ae8=
Mikhalevski - Laznicka, Aix-Ies- Bains 2011.
12.�f3 g6 13.0-0 occurred in Bluebaum- Bures, Merlimont 2011, and now after
Although the previous line is playable, theidea of keeping the strong knight in the centreis rather appealing. Of course advancing one'sf-pawn before completing development doesnot come without risk, but I think Black's
position is strong enough to justify thisambitious decision.
9.tlJh3
This is the usual move although not many
284 Lines without e4
games have been played, so there is still a lotto explore.
The most popular alternative has been:9.d6 Wie6 10.CtJc3 ixd6 11.CtJh3
11.g4 g6 12.gxfS gxfS 13.CtJh3 leads almostby force to the following endgame: 13...CtJc614.�xe4 fxe4 IS.CtJgS CtJd4 16.CtJxe6 CtJxe217.CtJg7t <j{f7 1B.CtJfS CtJxc1 19.CtJxd6t<j{e6 20.CtJxe4 CtJd3t 21.<j{d2 Carron -
Mekhitarian, Zurich 2010.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
11...ib7!?
There is no time for prophylaxis here:
11...h6?! 12.g4!Nt (12.�xe4 fxe4 13.ixe4�c6 14.WihSt <j{dB lS.CtJgS hxgS 16.WixhBt<j{c7 17.Wih7 ib7 00 1B.ie3? �hB! 19.WixhB
Wixe4-+ Mahjoob - Jumabayev, Dresden200B.)
11... Wi c4 seems playable though. 12. �xe4Wi xe2 t 13. <j{xe2 fxe4 14. CtJ gS This was
Hauser - Bergmann, email 2009, and nowafter 14...ib7N lS.CtJxe4 ixe4 16.ixe4
CtJc6 17.�d1 00 the position is about equal.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12.CtJxbS 0-0
12...ic6 13.0-0 0-0 14.CtJxd6 �xd6
lS.Wixe6t dxe6 16.�d1 CtJb7=
13.CtJgS Wie7?
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
9... b4
9...ib7!?N
I didn't find any games with this move, butI think it deserves consideration. White has
to sacrifice a pawn, but he develops quickly
while the black king remains in the centre.10.0-0 ixdS 11.�e1 CtJc6 12.CtJc3
12.CtJd2 c4 13.CtJf4 if7 14.CtJxe4 fxe4
IS .ixe4 0-0-0 00
The text is more natural. Now Black has a
few options and he needs to choose carefully.
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12...CtJxc3!
The tempting 12.. .ic4? does not work outso well: 13.�dl dS 14.b3 0-0-0 ls.id2!+-
13.�d2
Here is a funny example showing how a sharp
position might lead to an early draw: 13.bxc3
ixg2 14.�hSt g6 lS.�xe7t ixe7 16.�h6ie4 17.CtJgS ifB 1B.�h4 ie7 19.�h6=
13. . . CtJ e4
The safest choice and my recommendation.
13...ixg2!? is worth mentioning though:14.�xe7t ixe7 lS.rJlxg2 CtJe4 16.�dS g617.ih6 CtJf6 1B.�d1 O-o-Ot
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
285
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a bed e f g h
14.W1xdS �f7 lS.ixe4 fxe4 16.�xe4t
16.�xe4t �e7=
16...ie7 17.�xcS 0-0 1B.�xbS �abB 19.�d3
if6=
Black has good compensation and most
probably will take on b2 with at least an equal
position.
Let's now return to the main line. At this
point there are three moves worth analysing:C221) 10.0-0, C222) 10.�e3 and C223)10.d6.
C221) 10.0-0
Having already sacrificed a pawn, White now
gives up an exchange to ramp up his initiative.
10.. .�a6 11.11M c2 �xf1 12. @xf1
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
286 Lines without e4
12...h6
If Black does not take care then he may
lose quickly, for instance: 12...�f6 13.CtJd2CtJxd2t? (13...CtJd6 14.CtJ b3 h6 15.CtJxc5 ie7leads to the main line) 14.ixd2 id6 15.�el t<j{fB 16.ixb4 CtJa6 17.ic3 �f7?
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
This was Arnaudov - Videnova, Cappellela Grande 2011, and now IB.�a4!N CtJb4
19.CtJg5 would have enabled the white queento penetrate to d7 with lethal effect.
13.tlJd2 tlJd6 14.tlJb3 11Mf6 15.tlJxc5 �e7
16.tlJe6
We have been following the game Rojicek
- Bures, Czech Republic 2012. From this
position many crazy deviations are possible. Ithink the best move may be:
8.i� �._ �'�'uu;� ��,��,�"m7 � �i. �
6 /."u/._�_�.uu/'� : �_�I ��-_�� /�um;� '''''7.� um
3 �£uu�� �� ���-�,/ �� � J"u%2 8 ��iV_ ���1 uu�u"/'�7� �_m'/'_uu,� � ��-
a bed e f g h
16...tlJa6!N
I also analysed 16...dxe6!?N 17.dxe6 CtJe4when Black just survives thanks to some tacticalresources: IB.�cBt (IB.ixe4 fxe4 19.�xe4
0-0 20.�xaB �xe6 21.�g2 oo ) IB...idB19.�b7 0-0 20.�xaB �xe6 21.�xbB �c4t
22.<j{gl ig5 23.ifl �xfl t 24.<j{xfl �xbB25. CtJ xg5 CtJ xg5t
17.11Ma4 �c8 18.�f411Mxb2 19.�el11Ma3
Also playable is: 19...g5 20.ixd6 �cl21.CtJg7t <j{f7 22.�xd7 �xel t 23.<j{xel �c3t24.<j{e2 �c2t=
20.tlJc7t @d8 21.11Mxa3 bxa3 22.tlJxa6�c2�
Black is holding his own in this somewhat
messy pOSItlOn.
C222) 10.�e3
� �� A � � .�� ��(8 A�.r.JL-.� ��
7 tf'uu;_ r_m"�_'lY-6 /,u,,%� �� ;suu�� �"u%�5 � ��'''0 �� '��4 �J�I:��-WJ£''''�� �� '0 �/. ,��3_ . � ��2l�VJA_fi���1 �=�_�=fu,/..�
a bed e f g h
Here we see a more solid approach fromWhite.
10...g6 11.11Mc2 d6 12.tlJd2This was the latest attempt from the Russian
GM I1jushin, who has played this variationtwice for White.
A year befo rehand he tried:
12.0-0 ig7 13.CtJd2 0-0 14.CtJxe4 fxe415.CtJg5
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
I1jushin - Khismatullin, Dagomys 2010.Now the critical continuation would have
been:
. 8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12...�g713.tlJxe4 fxe4 14.tlJ g 5 0-0 15.�xe4
8.i�.i.� �..,�uu,; � � �'/.."/,,,//uu,y,@'��7 �� _ XUU �� &.% . �m� wa
6 /,uu/,� �_'''d''� '1��� ��,�"U�� �/.'N/�5 � w�8_ m
�W�m'/'� �� /"''' � ';�4 . ��� �� �UU% � � �@'0 ��'03 � � � �� ��00 �Q%
� � �'� "",� ///-",,%A �MUlfJ� �K� ��2 O���� �� �b
1 ,d"u�_ �=Uu%��a bed e f g h
15...tlJd7!?N
15.. .if5 leads to an endgame: 16.0-0 ixe4
17.�xe4 �xe4 IB.4Jxe4 ixb2 19.�abl ig720.4Jxd6 �dB= I1jushin - Sharafiev, Moscow
2011. The text move is a good alternative
which keeps more pieces on the board, and
could lead to some exciting possibilities as
shown in the following illustrative line.
287
16.0-0 tlJf6 17..ig2 tlJ g 4 18..if4IB.4Je6 4Jxe3 19.fxe3 �f6=
� � %0 A � %UU% � �� � / � IDll W� &8 a..JL� ��� �
' / �ij'h �� 'l/- � / "",�7.� � �m� wa 6 ",u/.� �_m'7.� '1%���,�''''%� �%'n/�5 � ??��_ m
��'Iu,�� ��;�uu � ,;�4 /i� . ���
3 ",u/.� �� mu����'''0 �� ��'du,,��,�2 � ��iVm r����
1 ,�u"/'��.j�f'Ua bed e f g h
18...�xf4!
Opening up the white kingside.
19.9xf411Mf6 20.11Mc4White has to be careful, for instance 20.h3?
�xf4 21.hxg4 �xg5 and Black wins.
20...a5 21.11Mb5?
21.h3! is essential: 21...ia6 22.�e4 ixfl
23.�xfl 4Jh6 24.b3=
21...11Mxf4 22.11Me8t �f8 23.tlJa
8
7
6
5
3
2
1
288 Lines without e4
24.11Mxa8 �e4 25.11Md8 �xf3 26.11Mh4 hg2-+Black is winning, since taking the bishop
would cost White his queen after a knightcheck.
C223) 10.d6
� /; � '� %" /::
8 .i..i.�.� �7 t/u m ;_ rSrm�_'l
um/.� ��""'/,� "m/'�
6 ��,�u,,�� �� : �J��r'��3 .Uu%� �� ��,��� '0 �� ��,J��2 8 � .iVw��w���t�w� �_""/,.W1 f��� �� .�
a bed e f g h
10...11Mxd6 11.f3 �a6 12.11Me3
This time White wins material, but his king
is stuck in the centre and the black pieces may
become extremely active.
12...tlJc6 13.fxe4
This position has only been reached in one
game, Sosonko - Barle, Ljubljana 1977. At
this point I found a useful improvement:
13...�e7!N
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a c
In the aforementioned game Black opted for
long castling, but to me it looks more logical
to park the king on the kingside, as it will be
safer there while the rook will be happy on f8.
14.e5
After the greedy 14.exf5 0-0 Black has a
formidable initiative, for example: 15.W1e4�aeB 16.W1d5t rJlhB 17.rJld1 �xf5 1B.W1xd6
ixd6 +
Another possibility is:14.�f4 0-0 15.�d2
Whi te's king remains stuck in the cen tre
and it will take a long time to develop his
queenside. Black should be able to win in afew different ways.
15...�aeB
15...�d4 should also work, but the rook
move is stronger and also brings a certain
sense of harmony associated with developing
the last piece.16.�e2 if6
Black has a decisive initiative, for example:17.0-0 �d4-+
8.1_ �._ �,/���, ,�: ,�"m�7 � .i � �i 6 r� rSf'''�� ""'/.��� ,;;j""�W"0 �� �5 � _ if�im4 �.""%� �Uu%� ���"u�� �/.:/-w; ��'''0 �3 � . � if��
��'''0 �� 'S"u%� �uu%�,�2 ��, '/ ��, � . !��1 'Fr��W� ,� � ���OO � � �/. / / //...�,
a bed e f g h
14... tlJxe5!!
Welcome back in time to the 19th century,
where we will play in the style of the oldmaestros!
15.�xa8 0-0 16.�f3
Chapter 20 - 4.g3
8 ,/�, _ ��.�7 %1 �i_ �i 6.i.� sm"�� u",/'�' � � j,,,u" �5� � _i'_4 �_,u,/.� /"u,,� ��� �uu�� �;«"<,. �� '03� _ ����2 8 � � '� "u,/.�1 :g(�����.�
a bed e f g h
16...f4!
Despite being a rook and a knight down,Black has a crushing attack.
We should not allow ourselves to become
distracted by material: 16...CtJd3t? 17.rJlfl
CtJ xc 1 t lB. rJl g 2 CtJ d3 19 .�d 1 if6 20.a3:!:
17.�xf4
8 a � ��._�Ir��. l-wli1 um Y.r;;rt
7 i.% ..W �_. 6 %uu/.� %r'<rm�� u",/'�J- �?;(o,J1i/,'n//- �/.
5� w� . _ 4 �.u,,7._ �,u"'m �_�Auu/'� �?r<'f"u,,�,�3 -'l/'/ � ����2 8� _ _ �';�;{�w� �m � . � 'w1 ���OO �i � �/ ,,% ,
a bed e f g h
17...�xf4! 18.�e2
IB.gxf4? ih4t 19.VNf2 CtJxf3# would be alovely finish.
Against lB. CtJ d2 Wi e6 19.ie4 almost everythingis winning, for example: 19...CtJd3t 20.rJldlCtJf2t 21.rJlc2 id3t (21...�xe4 22.CtJxe4 Wic4t
289
23.rJld2 CtJxe4t 24.rJlel Wie6-+) 22.Wixd3�xe4 23.Wif3 �e2 24.g4 VNg6t 25.Wif5 Wixf5t26.gxf5 CtJxhl-+
18...�f6!
IB...�f7 also wins, but the lines are more
complicated.
8 a _ _.�� ,�� ��,��,��: f_�'-I�J�'5 � �¥,uj.,u,���4 �.uu�.�'uu;_�_.uu/,� �;«"<'; ��,�� !��.'J��
/,uu�:'u/.�;� �%'0", �_uu1 ���� � .1:ta bed e f g h
19.�xa611Md5!?
19...Wixa6 is also good enough, for instance:20.rJldl CtJg4 21.Wixe7 Wid3t 22.id2 CtJf2t23. rJlc 1 CtJxh 1-+
20.�f1 �xa6 21.�d2 �e6 22.�dl �c4-+
Conclusion
Readers who employ the 'pure Benoni' move
order may never encounter the variation with
an early g2-g3 from White. However, for thosewho favour the 2.. .e6 move order, followed
by 3.g3 c5 as an anti-Catalan weapon,the 5...b5!? variation is a real possibility.
Whether or not you choose it over the
standard 5...d6 lines is a matter of personal
preference. If you do decide to venture themore ambitious system then you should be
well prepared but still expect surprises, as thereare many unexplored possibilities.
A) 4.dxe6?! fxe6
AI) 5.�f3
A2) 5.�c3
A3) 5.irg5B) 4.�f3
A2) note to 12...c4
17...l2Jxe5!?N
Lines without e4
Rare 4th Moves
Variation Indexl.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5
3. ..e6
A2) after 17.�e2
a bed e f
17...l2JxalN
291
291
292
294
295
B2) note to 15.h3
28...ixg2!N
Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
c
In this chapter we will round up a few rare
and mostly insignificant lines, beginning withA) 4.dxe6?! and finishing with B) 4.�f3.
4.CtJc3
This move has been the focus of most of the
book. We have already covered a few rare
lines from this position, and there is notmuch more to add here.
4.ooexd5 5 .4Jxd5?!
5.cxd5 d6 6.if4 (Sidelines after 6.e4 can
be found in Chapter 14, and various 6.4Jf3
lines in subsequent chapters.) 600.g6 Now it
is hard to suggest anything other than 7.e4
or 7.CtJf3 transposing to normal positions.5...CtJxd5 6.W1xd5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
291
but I see no reason to devote much space tosuch a timid line. Here is a good example ofhow Black should proceed.
600.CtJc6 7.CtJf3 d6 8.e4 ie6 9.1Wdl ie7 10.ie20-0 11.0-0 if6+
Seidemann - Wolf, Germany 1995.
A) 4.dxe6?! fxe6
4. ..dxe6? needlessly hands White a slight edgeafter 5.1Wxd8t rJlxd8 6.CtJc3 4Jc6 7.if4.
/- '///� '/../-' ',U/. �'� ' " " /::8 .I ..i.� e� �:i
7 /'.lu� '1"_ UU'%_'i 6 /,uu/.� �� l.u,,%��� �� //u",;�
: ����%������ �������!��_!�!�//�£�W� �� �%?�W1 ����� ��,�,�/, , " / "/ / / � //" % � , , ,
a bed e f g h
The text move is much better, and with
a central pawn majority and open f-file it is
Black who can fight for the advantage. We
will analyse AI) 5.�f3, Al) 5.�c3 and A3)5.�g5.
Black has a comfortable game after 5.g3 ie76.ig2 0-0 7.4J f3 d5 8.0-0 CtJ c6+ as seen inKrausser - Sailer, Ingolstadt 1989.
AI) 5.�f3 d5
Black can get a good position playing almostanything, but taking over the centre is themost logical idea. By the way, 5...b5?! 6.cxb5leads to the Blumenfeld Gambit Accepted, but
there is absolutely no need for it here.
6.e3 �c6 7.�e2
8
Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves
9...CtJf7 10.ig5N
10.CtJg5 g6 + Korban - Tsiganova, Tallinn2008.
10...Wia5t 11.id2 Wib6
Black is clearly better here, for example:12.0-0-0 ie7 13.id3 CtJc6 14.f4
14.CtJf3 g6 15.Wi g4 e5 16.Wi g3 if5 17.h40-0-0 +
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
14...e5! 15.�el
15.CtJf3?? g6-+15...g6 16.Wie2 0-0 +
6...exd5
8 ���A�.W� ��a/�:.JL�m��W �B
7 Y7.1"� '''''7.� um�_'i/.u,,� � � .7."u%6 _ � _ �� ��'''0 �� /�u",;�: �J�'�_��3' ��������,�uuu� ��'''0 ��,�2 /.���'0 ��J�/.�J[j
1 �� �iV � ��1:t, /, /,." � ,
a bed e f g h
7 .�g5This seems like the logical and principled
try, but it just doesn't work. Objectively 7.e3should be tried, but it is obvious that Black has
the initiative.
293
7...d4
7...ie7 transposes to line A3, but via this move
order advancing the d-pawn is more energetic.
8.�e4 �f5!?
8...ie7 is also good: 9.CtJxf6t (9.ixf6 R. Silva
- R. Fernandez, Guarapuava 1992. 9...gxf6!?N10.e3 Wia5t II.Wid2 Wixd2t 12.CtJxd2 CtJc6+)9...ixf6 10.ixf6 Wixf6+ II.CtJf3 Obando
- Guimoye, Lima 2002. Here I suggest the
following slight improvement:
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
/;'/ � '/'. � � ;0'" /::8.1. � ce� ��
7 if61u� ,,,u/.� "m�_'l 6 /.""�_�_�."U%_5 _ �� �.I;�4 �_�"j_�.u,��� �� um/.� /.�3 �, ,�, ��'0 ��'0
2 8� _ 8fff] 8 / ,,���""� � iV � � /'� � ���1 ��� � � %�/�,��/, /:: �'
a bed e f g h
9.�xf6tNI decided to check this untested move.
9.CtJg3 ie6 was good for Black in Lenders -Bosshard, Zurich 2005.
294 Lines without e4
9...gxf6
Whi te is already in trouble.
'=' �. :ml1.. � ��8 a �_� �ra���' � �a
7 tllu� U"'%� mu�� '1Y. 6 ,uu�_���_�-��'0 ���uu��,�5 � r� ..i.�
4 �� u'''/,_�� mu%�3 �� �uu�� ����/ � � �2 8�f) B8�8�
1 /�u"/._ ;m� ��a bed e f g h
10.e4!?
Attempting to complicate the game, rather
than play something like 1 0.id2 Wb6 II.Wb3W xb3 12.axb3 ie6 when Black is clearly better.
10...�xe4 11.11Me2 fxg5 12.11Mxe4t 11Me7+White does not have much to show for his
mIssIng pawn.
A3) 5.�g5
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
6.tlJc3 d5
Just as in many of the earlier lines, White
already has to be careful.
6...0-0 is also not bad, but it allows White to
develop: 7.CtJf3 CtJc6 8.e3=
7.cxd5
7.CtJf3 d4 8.ixf6 gxf6 + Hillmann -R. Mueller, Jena 2005.
7...exd5 8.e3
Let's see what happens if White dines on the
d-pawn:8.ixf6 ixf6 9.CtJxd5N
9.Wxd5?? ixc3t actually occurred in one
game which I'm sure White would rather
forget.
After 9.Wb3?N White will pay the price for
not developing his kingside: 9... CtJ c6 Thereare other good moves, but one is enough.10.0-0-0 (1 0.CtJxd5? Wa5t II.rJldl if5-+)10...ixc3 II.Wxc3 We7 + 12.�xd5? CtJb4-+
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves
13...ie6
Black must avoid 13..-'Mfxd5? 14.ic4 �xe4t
15.rJlfl Wixc4t 16.CtJxc4:!:.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
a b c
14.ie2
14.CtJf4 Wif6 +
14... CtJ c6+
The queens ide pawn majority and bishoppair offer Black a slight edge.
8 .i �.i.�._ ��% /w/""' � � ""'7.?%o'�?;(o,�,,,,,7 ���&� � �� ���&i.�. W �.%.
/,,,,,/. �� "m� "7.,,,,/'� � �?;(o'0 �� � � //,,///;@/�6 � � __
5 � ���&� � ���.% . 00
4 �� ""'/.� �� m"%��/.'n//- �?;(o'0 ��3 � m i[g _��r�""';� �""��'''0 ��,�
2 �JI1//h � //. � �/�,J�/.�J[ji�� �\UlJ� � ?� �1 �� ���dib���
a bed e f g h
8...�c6N
I prefer this over 8...d4, which has the
disadvantage of giving the white knight a good
square in the centre. 9.exd4 cxd4 10.ixf6ixf6 II.CtJe4N= (Rather than II.Wie2t?!
rJlf8+ Busch - Niessen, e-mail 2001.)
9.�xf6.hf6 10.�xd5 �xb2 IIJ�bl �e6!
We must destroy the opponent's only active
pIece.
295
12.�c4
After 12.�xb2 ixd5 White must find some
only moves just to survive the opening: 13.e4!(13.CtJf3 is well met by 13...Wia5t 14.Wid2CtJb4 + 15.ie2? ixf3-+) 13...�xe4 14.Wixd8trJlxd8! 15.f3 id5 16.�xb 7 CtJ d4 17 .�b2
(17.�xg7 �b8 + ) 17...rJlc7+ Black has a leadin development and can press for a win with
virtually no risk.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
12...0-0!
Development is the name of the game,
and Black can even afford to go a piece down
temporarily.
13.�xb2 �e5
This wins back the piece immediately.
14.�e2
This leads to a tough endgame for White,
but it is hard to suggest anything better, for
example: 14.ib3 c4 15.�d2 Wia5 16.CtJe7trJl f7 -+
14...�xd5 15.�f3 �xf3t 16.gxf3 11Ma5t17.11Md211Mxd2t 18J�xd2 �xf3+
Black's extra pawn gives him good winningchances.
B) 4.�f3
296 Lines without e4
%'///� '/../-/'/..// �'� ' , u /::8 .i ..i.� e� ��
tll"� 'l%� '1%_'1'
7 "'''�� �� f.''''�� 6 ��'''0 �� ,�,,,,,;� �5 � �8 � �%04 _8_ _ ��t3 � _ _�_28� �8�8r!;;�£�W�!_�/'_W'1 ,������.�
a bed e f g h
4...exd5
If you want to save yourself the effort of
looking at the remaining pages, you can
just play 4...d6! followed by ...exdS, when
White is denied the option of a quick e2-e4.Nevertheless I will cover the text move for the
sake of completeness, as well as for the benefit
of those who may reach the position via adifferent move order such as l.d4 e6 2.c4 cS
3.dS exdS 4.cxdS CtJf6 S.CtJf3.
5.cxd5 d6 6.e4
This is about the only way for White to
give independent value to the set-up withCtJf3 instead of CtJc3. He uses the fact that the
e-pawn is presently untouchable (6...CtJxe4??7.Wa4t) to do without the knight on c3 forthe moment. Still, one has to ask if the knight
can realistically hope to find a better squarethan c3.
6...a6!?
We can borrow an idea from Chapter 16,
namely that if White puts his pawn on a4, his
queen will not be able to give check on that
sq uare.
6...g6 is possible, but after 7.id3 ig7 8.h30-0 9.0-0 White's idea of delaying CtJc3 startsto make a bit more sense. For instance, after
9...bS White can try 10.�el!? to create an
escape square for the bishop on fl (rather than
10. CtJ c3 which transposes to the sideline 10.0-0in the Modern Main Line with 9... b S - see
page 118). This may not be so bad for Black,
but it has been tested by some strong players
and I see no reason to follow this path when a
much simpler alternative exists.
7.�d3 �g4 8.tlJbd2 tlJbd7 9.h3Black is also fine after: 9.Wc2 g6 1 0.h3 ixf3
II.CtJxf3 ig7 12.a4 �c8
8
7
6
5
Compared with the Modern Main Line, the
exchange of Black's problem bishop eases his
position considerably. One game continued:13.ic4 0-0 14.0-0 We7 IS.�el �fe8=
Garcia Palermo - Granda Zuniga, Benasque2010.
8.i� � <e_ ��� �� '''''/,� Nm%�,�"'N: f��a�N��5 _�.�/,_�"""_4 _ _8_f�3_ _�_�_8A�� �� ��A�2 0 iQ% /�_.l iQ% 0 �
1 �� ""/' .�m ""/'_1:ta bed e f g h
9...tlJe5!N
Chapter 21 - Rare 4th Moves
Black took on f3 in Yermolinsky - Shaked,
Denver 1998, but I find it more logical to
exchange another pair of minor pieces.
10.�e2 �xf3
10...CtJxf3t 11.CtJxf3 ihS 12.0-0 ie7 its
close to equal, but not much of a Benoni.
11.�xf3 �xf3t 12.�xf3 �e7
12...g6 is playable, but the bishop will soonreach the long diagonal anyway, and this time
without any weakening of the kingside.
8.i� �._ ��� �� 'S""xm'��'�"'"
7 �i_ mi!i%i 6 r� �_'''''%.''''/,�5 � �.�/,� /�",,,;� /,���""�_!� ��4 ��� ��!� 8� !��� ��!�/'''''}'''''��'0 ��,�""%�1 �� �iV m �1:t
a bed e f g h
13.0-0 �d7 14.�f411Mc7
Followed by ...0-0 and ...if6, with a
pleasant game for Black.
297
Conclusion
You hardly need to do much preparation forany of these lines, but now you can be ready
in the event that someone tries to surprise youwith one of them.
I hope you enjoyed the book and wish youevery success with the Modern Benoni.
Variation Index
Chapter 1
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.e5
A) 8...dxeS 10
B) 8...CtJfd7 9.CtJbS dxeS 10.CtJd6t rJle7 II.CtJxe8t Wixe8 12.CtJf3 �e8 12
B 1) 13. fS 14
Bll) 13...CtJb6N 14
B 12) 13... e4 ! 15
B2) 13.fxeS 17
Chapter 2
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�f3 0-0 9.�e2
A) 9...�e8 19
B) 9...CtJbd7 22
C) 9...ig4 10.0-0 CtJbd7 II.h3 ixf3 12.ixf3 �e8 13.�el 23Cl) 13...WiaS 27
C2) 13...e4 14.ie3 WiaS 29
C21) Is.id4 29
C22) IS.rJlhl 30
Chapter 3
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t �bd7 9.e5 dxe510.fxe5 �h5 II.e611Mh4t
A) 12.rJld233
B) 12.g3! 35
Chapter 4
l.d4 �f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.�c3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t �fd7
A) 9.CtJf3 43
B) 9.id3 44
C) 9.ie2 46
Cl) 9...0-0 46
C2) 9...Wih4t 47
Variations Index 299
Chapter 5
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 9.a4 11Mh4t10.g3
A) 1 O. . . W1 d8 11. CtJ f3 0-0 12.0-0 50
AI) 12...CtJa6 50
A2) 12...a6 52
A21) 13.ie2 52
A22) 13.id3 CtJf6 54
A221) 14.W1b3 54
A222) 14. <j;>g2 57B) 10...W1e7 II.CtJf3 0-0 12.0-0 CtJa6 58
Bl) 13.eS 58
B2) 13.�el 59
Chapter 6
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f4 �g7 8.�b5t tlJfd7 9.a4 0-010.tlJf3 tlJa6 11.0-0
A) 11...CtJe7 63
AI) 12.ie4 63
A2) 12.ixd7 64
A3) 12.id3 65
B) 11... CtJ b4 67
B 1) 12.h3?! 68
B2) 12.�el a6 13.ifl �e8 14.h3 69
B21) 14...b6 70
B22) 14...fS!? 71
B221) IS.exfS 72
B222) Is.id2 72
B223) IS.eS 73
B224) IS.W1b3 76
300 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni
Chapter 7
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0 �e8
A) 10.Wie280
B) 10.CtJd2 82
B 1) 10...CtJa6 II.f3 CtJe7 12.a4 CtJd7 82
B 11) 13.CtJe4 84
B12) 13.<j;>hl 85
B2) 10...CtJbd7 87
B21) II.f4 87
B22) II.Wie2 89
B23) II.a4 90
B231) 11...CtJeS 91
B232) 11...a6 93
B2321) 12.f4 93
B23211) 12...�b8 94
B23212) 12...e4 95
B2322) 12.Wie2 96
B23221) 12.. .�b8 96
B23222) 12...CtJeS 98
Chapter 8
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJf3 �g7 8.�e2 0-0 9.0-0
A) 9...a6 102
B) 9...ig4 109Bl) 10.h3?! 109
B2) 10.CtJd2 110
B3) 10.if4111
Chapter 9
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.h3 0-0 9.tlJf3 b5
A) 1 O.CtJxbS �e8 118
AI) 11. CtJ d2 119
A2) 11.0-0 121
B) 10.ixbS CtJxe4 II.CtJxe4 WiaSt 12.CtJfd2 WixbS 13.CtJxd6 Wia6 14.CtJ2e4 CtJd7 IS.0-0 CtJeS16.CtJxe8 �axe8 7.CtJxeS ixeS 18.�el 123
Bl) 18...Wid6 125
B2) 18...�fe8 125
Variations Index 301
Chapter 10
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6
A) 7.CtJf3 a6!? 129
AI) 8.a4 129
A2) 8.W1e2!? 131
B) 7.id3 ig7 8.h3 0-0 9.CtJf3 134B 1) 9...a6 134
B2) 9...�e8 10.0-0 e4 135
B21) II.ie2 135
B22) II.ixe4136
B3) 9...CtJhS!? 10.0-0 CtJd7 II.igS if6 12.ie3 �e8 138B31) 13.CtJd2 140
B32) 13.W1d2 142
Chapter 11
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.f3 �g7
A) 8.CtJge2 0-0 9.CtJg3 145AI) 9...a6 145
A2) 9...hS 146
A3) 9... CtJ hS!? 148
B) 8.ie3 0-0 149
B 1) 9. CtJ ge2 149B2) 9.W1d2 150
C) 8.igS 0-0 9.W1d2 152Cl) 9...a6 152
C2) 9...h6 10.ie3 hS II.CtJge2 155C21) 11...�e8 156
C22) 11...CtJbd7 157
Chapter 12
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.tlJ g e2 �g7 8.tlJ g 3
A) 8...hS 161
B) 8...a6 162
C) 8...0-0 163
302 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 -The Modern Benoni
Chapter 13
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6 7.�d3 �g7 8.tlJ g e2 0-0 9.0-0 a610.a4 tlJ bd7
A) II.igS 167B) II.h3 169
C) II.CtJg3 �e8 172Cl) 12.h3 172
C2) 12.f4 Wie7 173
C21) 13.Wif3 174
C22) 13.h3 �b8 175
C221) 14.ie3 175
C222) 14.Wif3 e4 Is.ie2 bS 16.axbS axbS 17.ie3 CtJeS 18.eS dxeS
19 .fxeS �xeS 20.id4 b4!? 178
C2221) 21.ixeS 179
C2222) 21.Wif4 181
Chapter 14
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.e4 g6
A) 7.ibSt 185
B) 7.ie2 187
C) 7.CtJf3 189
D) 7.i.d3 191
Chapter 15
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�f4 �g7 8:t1Ma4t �d7 9:t1Mb3
A) 9...bS 193
AI) 10.CtJxbS 193
A2) 10.ixd6! 194
B) 9...Wie7! 10.e4 0-0 II.CtJd2 CtJhS 12.ie3 199
B 1) 12...CtJa6 200
B2) 12...fS 202
Chapter 16
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.�f4 a6
A) 8.CtJd2 206
B) 8.e4 bS 9.Wie2 ie7 208
Bl) 10.eS 210
Variations Index 303
B2) 1 0.Wic2 211
C) 8.a4 ig7 9.h3 0-0 10.e3 214C 1) 1 O. . . CtJ e8 215
C2) 1 0..J�e8 217
C21) II.ie2 217
C22) II.CtJd2! 218
Chapter 17
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.g3 �g7 8.�g2 0-0 9.0-0
A) 9..J�e8 223
B) 9...a6 10.a4 CtJbd7 224
Bl) II.if4 224
B2) II.e4 225
B3) II.CtJd2 �e8 227
B31) 12.a5 228
B32) 12.CtJc4 229
B33) 12.h3 �b8 13.CtJc4 CtJe5 14.CtJa3 CtJh5 232
B331) 15.<j;>h2 234
B332) 15.e4 id7 236
B3321) 16.g4236B3322) 16.f4237
B3323) 16.a5 238
B33231) 16...Wixa5 239
B33232) 16...b5 17.axb6 ib5 18.CtJaxb5 axb519.CtJxb5 Wixb6 241
B332321) 20.CtJc3 242
B332322) 20.CtJa3 244
Chapter 18
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.tlJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.tlJf3 g6 7.tlJd2
A) 7...CtJbd7!? 249
B) 7...ig7 8.CtJc4 0-0 250B 1) 9.g3 251
B2) 9.ig5 252B3) 9.if4 253
B31) 9...b6 253
B32) 9...CtJe8 257
304 Grandmaster Repertoire 12 - The Modern Benoni
Chapter 19
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6
A) 4.ig5 h6 5.ih4 262AI) 5...d6 263
A2) 5...g5!? 263
B) 4.CtJc3 exd5 5.cxd5 d6 6.CtJf3 g6 7.ig5 265Bl) 7...h6 265
B2) 7...ig7 266B21) 8.e4 266
B22) 8.CtJd2 267
Chapter 20
l.d4 tlJf6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6 4.g3 exd5 5.cxd5 b5!?
A) 6.ig2 d6 270AI) 7.e4 270
A2) 7.b4!? 272
B) 6.CtJf3 ib7 7.e4 CtJxe4 8.ig2 273Bl) 8...id6!?N 274
B2) 8...ie7 275
C) 6.e4!? CtJxe4 277
Cl) 7.ig2 277C2) 7.We2 We7 8.ig2 280
C21) 8...CtJd6 281
C22) 8...f5 9.CtJh3 b4283
C221) 10.0-0285
C222) 10.ie3 286
C223) 10.d6 288
Chapter 21
l.d4 tlJ f6 2.c4 c5 3.d5 e6
A) 4.dxe6?! fxe6 291
AI) 5.CtJf3 291
A2) 5.CtJc3 292
A3) 5.ig5 294B) 4.CtJf3 295