CONTEMPORARY CHESS OPENINGS General Editor R.G.Wade

The Benoni William R. Hartston

Popularised by Fischer and Tal, the Benoni is one of the best choices for any player who wants an active defence to ,P-Q4. The first edition of this book re­ceived wide acclaim. Leonard Barden praised it as 'a balanced review of this sharp and lively opening' and placed the author 'among the top ten opening theorists in the world.' This new edition has been expanded and updated, and contains many more illustrative games. William Hartston is an international mas­ter anp Britain's highest-ranking player. In the '972/3 Hastings Premier Tourna­ment he was placed third, ahead of many grandmasters - and only just failed to achieve the grandmaster rating. He has also written a volume on The Grlinfeld and is co-author of The King's Indian Defence, both in Batsford's Contemporary Chess Open­ings series.

Second Edition of A BATSFORD CHESS BOOK

For a complete list of Batsford chess books please turn to the back flap

CONTEMPORARY CHESS OPENINGS

GENERAL EDITOR: R.G.WADE

The Benoni WILLIAM R. HARTSTON

B. T. Batsford Ltd / London

Preface

This book is intended to contain all the material necessary for chess­players who wish to play the Benoni defence with the Black pieces, or who may meet it as White. I hope and think that players of competitive chess of all standards will find this work useful, since it is directed at no particular level of play, but my aim has been rather to set out all the material in the most coherent and readable manner possible.

Writing on chess openings is admittedly in danger of dating owing to the large number of international tournaments played, which are always adding to the relevant material. It is impossible to deal with this problem completely satisfactorily, but I have minimised its effect by stressing the general features of any variation, using recent games more to illustrate these ideas than as the final word on the subject. This should help the reader to acquire a feel for the position, which is always more important than memorising long, and possibly out-dated, variations. For the second edition, I found it both desirable and ex­pedient to include a number of annotated games, serving to illustrate current theoretical trends in addition to providing further examples of strategic development after the opening. References to the beginning of 1973 have been incorporated and those who seek a full account will not be disappoin ted.

The book is divided into three distinct sections : the Modern Benoni and Czech Benoni form the first two parts, and both of these are covered in sufficiently great detail for anyone who may wish to play these lines as either colour; in the third section I have given a review of other less popular Benoni lines, with enough analysis for the reader to meet them with confidence.

W.R.H.

Contents

Preface Symbols

I. THE MODERN BENONI

A The Fianchetto Variation B The Knight's Tour Variation c Uhlmann's Line D The Main Line E The Pawn Storm Variation F The Penrose-Tal Line Q Other Systems

Avoiding the Modern Benoni Annotated Games

2. THE CZECH BENONI

3. OTHER BENONI SYSTEMS

Index of Complete Games Index of Variations

Symbols

ch Check

± Clear advantage for White

=F Clear advantage for Black Strong move

! ! Very good move ? Weak move ?? Very bad move ! ? Double-edged move ? ! Doubtful move W or B at the side of each diagram indicates which side is to move

I. The Modern Benoni

12 TIu Modern Bmoni The characteristic position of the Modern Benoni arises after the moves I P--Q.4 N-KB3 !I P-Q.1I4 P-1I4 3 P--Q.s P-K3 4 N-Q.83 P x P 5 PxP P-Q.3.

I W

The Modern Benoni has the reputation of being one of Black's most aggressive replies to 1 P-Q,4. White is immediately given a central pawn majority in the hope that Black's queen's side majority will prove more effective. Owing to the unbalanced nature of the position, play is necessarily very sharp. Black will fianchetto his king's bishop and aim for ... P-Q.N4 followed by a general advance on the queen's wing, while White tries to restrain tHis plan while preparing a pawn push in the centre.

The line was introduced by Marshall against Nimzovitch at New York 1927, in which game White demonstrated the effectiveness of establishing a knight at Q,B4 and Black was driven into a hopelessly passive position. Thereafter the variation was only seen sporadically until the mid-1950s when extensive analyses by Suetin demonstrated Black's correct plans. Shortly after, Tal scored some brilliant victories with it and the Modern Benoni received the accolade of respectability. Its popularity reached a peak while Tal was World Champion, and has recently risen again following Fischer's successful adoption of the opening at the Havana Olympiad 1966 and subsequently.

White's possible plans are numerous. We examine them under the following headings: A. The fianchetto variation: 6 P-KN3 B. The 'knight's tour' variation: ti N-B3 P-KN3 7 N-Q,2 and 8 N-B4 c. Uhlmann's line: 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 B-N5 D. The main line: 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 B-K2 E. The pawn storm variation: 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 P-B4 F. The Penrose-Tal line: 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 B-Q,3 B-N2 8 KN-K2 G. Other systems.

The Fia1lChetto Variation 13

A. The Fianchetto Variation: 6. P-KN3

6 . . .

7 B-Na IN-a, Pointless is 8 N-R3? as in Golombek-Stahlberg, Hamburg 1955, when there followed 8 . . . 0-0 9 0-0 R-KI 10 N-B4 B-Q,2 11 P-Q,R4 N-R3

' 12 P-K4 N-Q,N5 with good play for Black.

8 P�K4 0-0 9 KN-K2 is also ineffective; e.g. Donner-Czerniak, Venice 1950, continued 9 • . • R-KI 10 P-Q.R4 N-R3 11 P-B3 N-Q,N5 12 B-K3 P-N3 13 Q-Q,2 B-Q,R3 140-0 N-Q,2 with advantage to Black. I. . . 0-0

2 B

White has developed his pieces quietly without committing himself in the centre. He intends to continue with the plan of N:-Q,2, N-B4, P-K4 and a gradual expansion culminating in a central breakthrough with P-K5. Black has a number of possible methods of counterplay, the great variety of these illustrating the many varied thematic ideas inherent in the Modern Benoni formation. We consider: (i) 9 . . • P-Q.R3, (ii) 9 • • • «.CK2( ! ) , (iii) 9 ... N-R3, and (iv) other ninth moves.

(i) 9 . . . P-Q,R3 10 P-Q.14 Almost a reflex action. It is essential to prevent . . . P-Q,N4, so no other move comes into serious consideration.

Q.N-Q.2 10 • . • R-KI 11 N-Q.2 Q,N-Q,2 transposes, but White should not answer 10 ... R-KI with 11 B-B4 when Black secures good play with 11 • • • N-K5! (weaker is 11 • • • «.CB2 12 Q,-Q.2 Q,N-Q.2 13 KR-NI P-B5 14 B-R6.

1 4 The Modern Benoni

B-RI I S Q-B4 R-NI 1 6 P-R3 P- QN4 1 7 p X P p XP 1 8 N-Q4±, Smyslov-Tolush, Leningrad 1 9SI ) 12 Q.- N3 Q-B2 1 3 NXS RXS 1 4 N-Q.2 R-NS I S Q.-K3 N-Q.2 ! 16 Q.-K8ch N-BI 1 7 s-K4 Q.-Q.2 1 8 Q. x Q. B X Q. 1 9 B x P P-N3 20 P-RS p-B4 !, Uhlmann-Kluger, Marianske Lazne 1 9S4. 1 1 N-Q.2

11 .. . R-NI

3 B

I I . . . R-K I is an important alternative, perhaps better than the text move. White obtains no advantage then with either (a) 1 2 N-B4 N-N3 1 3 N-K3 ( 1 3 NXN Q.XN 1 4 P-RS Q-B2 I S B-B4 N-R4 1 6 B-Q.2 B-Q.2 =, Toran-Esposito, Buenos Aires 1 9S5; or 1 3 N-R3 B-Q.2 14 B­B4 N-BI IS N-B4 Q-B2 16 P-K4 N-R4 1 7 B-K3 R-NI 1 8 P-RS B-N4 with complications, Sosonko-Veinger, Leningrad 1 966) 1 3 .. N-NS ! 1 4 NXN B XN I S P-R3 B-Q.2 1 6 Q-Q.3 R-NI = , Stahlberg-Kluger, Bucharest ' 1 9S4; or (b) 1 2 P-R3 R-NI 1 3 N-B4 N-K4 1 4 N-R3 Q-B2 (insufficient is 14 ... Q.-K2 I S P-B4 N(K4)-Q.2 1 6 K-R2 P-KR4 1 7 P-K4 ± Sokolev-Savon USSR 1 966 ; but a sharp try is 14 ... N-R4? ! for example: I S P-K3 P-B4 1 6 R-NI B-Q.2 1 7 P-Q.N4 P XP 1 8 RXP Q-R4 with complications, Osnos-Stein, USSR Champ 1 966, or I S P-K4 P-B4 1 6 p XP B XP 1 7 P-KN4 NXP 18 PXN Q- RS 1 9 PXB B-K4 20 R-KI and Black's attack should not succeed, Yuferov-Vasiukov, USSR 1 968) I S P-B4 N(K4)-Q.2 1 6 P-K4 P-BS ! ( 1 6 ... P-N3 1 7 K-R2 B-N2 18 Q.-Q.3 Q.R-BI 19 N-B4 ±, Szabo-Unzicker, Moscow 1 9S6) 1 7 B-K3 (if 17 Q- K2 P-Q.N4 !) 1 7 ... N-R4 1 8 B-B2 N-B4 1 9 P-KS (if 1 9 NXP B X N 20 PXB NXKP+)N-Q.6 20 PXPQ-Q.I! 2 1 Q-Q.2 B-B4 +, Gonzales-Polugaevsky, Havana 1 962.

Formerly it was main tained that after 1 1 ... R-K I , White could gain the advantage with 1 2 P-RS P-Q.N4 1 3 P x P e.p. N x NP 14 N-N3 N-BS

I S R-R4 N-N3 16 R-R2 N-BS 1 7 Q.-Q.3, but then the resource 17 ...

1M F_lutto V IIt'i4lUm 15

Il-NI! was unearthed. Critical then is 18 Q.XN Il-NS 19 N-IlS! ? IlXQ. 20 N X Q. but this awaits practical tests.

After this discovery the move 11 . •• R-KI became fashionable again; some of the developments of theory will be found in the game Stetsko­Bangiyev annotated on page 82 . At the present time 11 ... R-KI may be recommended as a promising sharp response to the fianchetto variation, avoiding the quiet paths into which this line usually leads.

Besides 11 . • • R-KI and 11 . • . R-NI there is also the dubious possi­bility for Black of I I . . • N-KI , but after this White obtains an advantage with either 12 P-R3 R-NI 13 N-B4 N-K4 14 N-R3 P-B4 IS P-B4 N-KB2 16 N-B4 B-Q.2 I , P-RS, Marovic-Cebalo, Yugoslavia 196,; or 12 N-B4 N-K4 13 N-R3! (but not 13 NXN BXN 14 � B-N2 IS B-Q.2 B-Q.2 with equality, Horowitz-Reshevsky, New York 19S6).

12 N-B4 12 P-RS P-Q.N4 13 P XP e.p. N XNP 14 P-K4 (or 14 N-N3 N-BS I S R-R4 N-N3 as in O'Kelly-Tolush, Bucharest 19S3, when White has no better than a draw with 16 R-RI N-BS, etc.) 14 • . • R-KI I S R-KI t;C-K2 16 N-BI N-BS I ' t;C-K2 N-K4 18 P-R3 P-BS with active play for Black, Donner-Filip, Amsterdam 19S4. 12 ... N-KI 12 .. . N-N3 allows 13 NXQ.P. 13 P-RS N-K4 14 N-N6 N-B2 15 P-R3! Good for Black is I S P-B4 N-NS 16 N-B4 R-KI I , N-lC4 N-N4 18 P-R3 B-B4! Donner-Keres, Hastings 1954-S; while I S N-K4 B-B4 16 B-NS P-B3 I ' B-Q.2 also achieves nothing, Smyslov-Pachman, Amsterdam 19S4.

4 B

White now has some advantage since it is difficult for Black to create

16 Tilt Modem Bm""; active play for himself. For example 1 5 ... N-N4 ( 1 5 ... N-Q2 16 N-B4 N-K4 17 N-R3! ±) 16 B-Q2 R-Kl 17 R-KI, Marovic-J. Littlewood. Hastings 1 962-3. and White is slowly but surely completing his pre­parations for p-B4. P-K4, etc.

(ii) 9 . . . Q;-K2 (!) (from diagram 2)

This is Black's most solid defence to the fianchetto variation. His plan is simply to avoid weakening his queen's side by any unnecessary pawn moves, and to keep a firm hold on his K4-square. It is also possible to play 9 ... Q.N-Q2 1 0 N-Q.2 Q.-K2(!) transposing. 10 N-Q.2 Q.N-Q.2

11 N-Ilf Other possibilities are:

(a) 1 1 P-KR3 P-N3 1 2 P-Q.R4 B-QR3 1 3 R-KI N-KI 1 4 N-QN5 B x N 15 P x B N-B2, Donner-Petrosian, Goteborg 1 955, when after 1 6 Q.-N3 N-B3 1 7 N-N I KR-B 1 1 8 N-B3 P-QR3! Black gained the initiative;

(b) 1 1 7-Q.R4 N-K4 1 2 P-B4 N(K4)-N5 1 3 N-B4 N-KI 14 P-K3 P-B4 1 5 P-R3 N(N5)-B3 16 R-KI B-Q2 with a difficult game for both sides, Lilienthal-Suetin, 2 1St USSR Championship 1954. 11 ... N-Kt 12 NxN Q.xN 13 P-Q.R..t 1 3 R-K I Q;-K2 14 P-Q.R4 N-Q2 1 5 Q;-N3 N-K4 16 B-Q.2 P-KN4 I 7 N-K4 P-KR3 1 8 B-B3 (Van Seters-Tan, Hastings 1 962-3) and now instead of 1 3 ... p-B4?? 14 NXBP. 1 3 . . . R-N I or 1 3 . .. P-N3 would be quite satisfactory. 13 ... P-Q.R3 Quiet manoeuvring with 1 3 ... Q.-K2 as in the note above is also suffi-

The Fianchetto Variation 17

dent for equality. The text move was played in the game Gligoric­Petrosian, Zurich 19S3, in which after 14 P-RS KR-KI IS B-B4 Q-K2 16 Q-N3 N--Q2 Black had a very comfortable position,

(iii) 9 . . . N-R3 (from diagram 2)

This intends to prepare . . . P--QN4 by playing . . . N-B2 , but in this line Black's central problems cause too many difficulties for him to equalise. 10 P-KR3! This innovation of Korchnoi's denies Black the use of his KNS square for his knight or bishop and thus makes it much easier to continue actively in the centre. If instead 10 P-K4, then 10 . . . B-NS is satisfactory, for example: I I R-KI N-B2 12 P-KR3 B XN 13 QXB N-Q2 14 Q-K2 R.-KI IS B-K3 P-QR3 16 P-QR4 R-NI with good play for Black, Letelier-Darga, Havana 1964.

The older plan for White was 1 0 N-Q2 N-B2 I I p-.QR4 (if I I N-B4 KN-KI 1 2 P-QR4 P-N3 1 3 B-Q2 R-NI 14 N-NS NXN IS PXN N-B2 16 RXP NXNP is not bad for Black, Tal-Mnatsakanian, USSR 19S9, but not here I I . . . P--Q N4? 12 NXQP ! QXN 1 3 B-B4 Q-N3 14 p-Q6 with great advantage, Boleslavsky-Kapengut, Minsk 1 96 1 ) I I .. . P-N3 12 N-B4. (If�12 R-KI B-QR3 1 3 R-R3 R-KI 14 P-K4 N-Q2 I S B-BI B X B 16 N X B P--QR3 I 7 B-B4 N-K4 =, F oguelman-Pachman, Buenos Aires 1 960; or 1 2 R-NI B-QR3 1 3 P-QN4 pXP 14 RXP B-N2 with a good game for Black, Buslaev-Polugaievsky, Tiflis 19S6) 1 2 . . . B--QR3 1 3 N-R3 (or 13 Q-N3 B x N 14 QX B P-QR3 with counterplay, Bevshev­Kliavin, Voroshilovgrad 1 9S5) R-KI 14 R-KI N-Q2 I S B-Q2 (or I S P-B4 P-B4 16 P-K4 pXP 17 NXP N-B3 18 N-B3 Q-Q2 Of Yepez­Evans, Havana 1966) I S '" P-B4 16 Q-N3 N-B3 and Black has an active position, Bukic-Matulovic, Yugoslav Championship 1967.

A new plan was seen in the game Korchnoi-Schmid, Erewan 1965, which continued 10 N-KI N-B2 I I P-QR4 R-KI 12 N-B2 P-N3 .13 R­KI R-NI 14 P-R3 N--:Q2 I S B-Q2 Q-K2 1 6 R-NI with even chances. 10 . . . N-B2 11 P-K.f! I I P-QR4 R-K I 1 2 N-Q2 P-N3 was played in two games between Bertok (White) and Matulovic. The first (Yugoslav Championship 1 965) continued 13 R-KI B-QR3 14 P-K4 N-Q2 I S N-B3 N-K4 16 NXN BXN 1 7 B-K3 QB-N2 18 Q-Q2 P--QR3 ; while the second (Sochi 1966) went 1 3 N-B4 B--QR3 14 Q-N3 B XN I S QXB. P--QR3 16 B-NS P-R3 1 7 B--Q2 Q-Q2 18 P-K4 P--QN4, and in both cases Black had a perfectly satisfactory position.

18 The Modem BttUmi 11 ••• N-Q.2 If I I • • • P-Q.N4 12 p-K5! is very strong.

12 R-KI

6 W

III B-N5 was played in the game Lengyel-Langeweg, Havana 1966, but after 12 ... P-B3 13 B-B4 N-K4 14 N-Q.2 P-Q.N4 15 B-K3 P-N5 16 N-K2 B-Q.R3 17 R-N I P-B4 Black had good counterplay.

After the text move, 12 R-K I , White has a strong position. It is difficult for Black to achieve active play with the threat of P-K5 always in the air. The g�me Korchnoi-Tal, USSR Championship 1962, con­tinued 12 . .. N-K I 13 B-N� B-B3 14 B-K3 R-N I 15 P-Q.R4 P-Q.R3 16 B-KB I ! Q-K2 17 N-Q.2 N-B2 18 P-B4 P-Q.N4 19 p-K5! P x KP 20 N(2)-K4 c;c-QI 21 NXB ch NXN 22 p-Q.6 N-K3 23 PXKP P-N5 24 N�5 NXN 25 Q.XN B-N2 26 Q.-Q.2 Q-Q.2 27 K-R2 p-N6 '28 Q.R­BI Q.xp. 29 B-Q.B4 B-B I 30 R-BI R-N5 31 BXN BXB 32 B-R6 R-K I 33 Q-N5 R-K5 34 R-KB2 P-B4 35 Q-B6 Q-Q.2 36 RXQ.BP R-Q.B5 37 RXR BXR 38 R-Q.2 B-K3 39 R-Q. I Q-R2 40 R-Q.2 Q-Q.2 41 R-Q.I Q-R2 42 R-Q.4 Q.-Q.2 43 P-N4 P-R4 44 K-N3 R-NI 45 K-R4 Q-KB2 46 K-N5 P x P 47 P x P B-Q.2 48 R-Q.B4 P-R5 49 R-B7 p-R6 50 R x B Q. x R 5 I p-K6 Q-R2 52 Q-K5 P x P 53 P-K 7 K-B2 54 P-Q.7 resigns. A very impressive execution of White's strategy in this line.

(iv) Other ninth moves (from diagram 2)

(a)9 .. . Q.N-Q.2 loN-Q.2( I OP-Q.R4 N-K I I I P-K4 N-K4 12 NXN B XN 13 B-R6 N-N2 14 Q-Q.2 P-N3 15 K-RI B-R3 = Sliwa-Spassky, Goteborg 1955) 10 ... R-KI (10 • . • P-Q.R3 I I P-Q.R4 or 10 . . . Q­K2(!) transpose into lines already discussed) 1 1 P-Q.R4 (11 N-B4 N-N3 12 N-K3 N-N5 is satisfactory for Black, Veltmander-Simagin, Gorky 1954) 1 1 . . . N-Kf 12 P-R3 P-KN4?1 This idea was tried out in the game Uhlmann-Larsen, Beverwijk 1961, but after 13 N(Q.2)-

The Fiandlltlo Variation 19

K4 NXN 14 NXN P-KR3 IS P-B4 pXP 16 pXP N-N3 17 P-BS N-RS 18 p-B6 N x B 19 <C-Q.3! N-RS 20 <C-KN3 White had good attacking chances.

(b) 9 .. . B-NS is a risky attempt to create active play for Black. 10 N-Q.2 (IO P-KR3 BXN 1 1 BXB Q.-Q.2 1 2 B-N2 P-Q.N4 1 3 <C-N3 P-NS 1 4 N-Q.I Q.-N4 led to equal chances in the game Furman­Hershman, Sochi 1 966 ; but the correspondence game Asafov-Nejelov 1 966, produced an improvement in 1 3 P-Q.R4, instead of 1 3 Q.-N3 , when after 1 3 .. . P-NS 14 N-N I P-BS IS N-Q.2 Q.-B2 16 p-N3 ! White obtained a minimal advantage; 13 '" p-B6 is answered by 17 N-B4 Q.N-Q.2 18 B-B4, while Black's prospects are also slightly worse after 1 6 . . . P x P I7 N X P KN-Q.2 18 N--Q.4 as occurred in the game) 10 ... Q.-Q.2 IJ R-KI (II Q.-N3 N-R3 is a complicated possi­bility: it is dangerous to win a pawn now with 1 2 P-B3 B-R6 1 3 B x B Q.x B 14 Q.x P since after 1 4 .. . N-Q.NS Black has very strong counter­play. Also after 1 2 R-KI Q.R-NI 1 3 P-B3 B-R6 1 4 BXB Q.XB IS N{Q.2)-K4 P-Q.N4 16 NXQ.P P-BS I7 <C-Q.I Q.-Q.2 18 N{Q.6)-K4 NXN, Black had compensation for the pawn; Furman-Taimanov, USSR Championship 1 961) . IJ ... P-Q.N4 12 P-Q.R4 P-NS 13 N-NI B-R6. White has the freer position; Marovic-Tatai, Beverwijk 1 967. There followed 14 P-K4 BXB IS KXB N-N5 1 6 N-B4 B-Q.S 17 R-BI P-B4 18 P-B3 N-K4 1 9 N x N B X N 20 N-Q.2 with a slight advan­tage.

(c) 9 .. . B-B4 10 N-Q.2 Q.-Q.2 is a similar attempt, but here White may obtain an advantage with the simple 1 1 P-K4 B-R6 1 2 B XB Q.XB 1 3 Q.-B3. Ineffective, however, would be I I Q.-N3 N-R3 1 2 P-K4 B-R6 13 Q.-NS BXB 14 KXB <C-K2 IS P-B3 N--Q. N5 when Black has a good game; Grunfeld-Udovcic, Belgrade 1 9S2.

(d) 9 . . . P-N3 is strongly answered by 10 B-84 (less convincing is 10 N-Q.2 B-Q.R3 1 1 P--Q.R4 N-KI 12 R-KI N--Q.2 1 3 <C-B2 N-B2 14 P-N3 P-B4 15 B-N2 N-K4 1 6 P-B4 N-NS, Lukin-Lutikov, Oriel 1966, when Black has good play). The game Pfleger-Lengyel, Tel Aviv 1 964, now continued 1 0 . . . N-KI 1 1 Q.-Q.2 N-Q.2 1 2 B-R6 P-B3 1 3 B XB K XB 1 4 N-KI N-K4 15 P-B4 N-KB2 1 6 P-K4 and Black is severely constricted.

(e) Finally 9 . . . R-KI 10 N-Q.2 {IO B-B4 P--Q.R3 11 P--Q.R4 trans­poses into the Uhlmann-Kluger game mentioned in line (i)) 10 ...

P-N3 (IO . . . Q.N--Q.2 is line (a) above) JI P-Q.R4 B-Q.R3 (or 1 1 ... N-R3 1 2 N-B4 N-B2 1 3 B-B4 B-BI 14 R-KI N-R4 I S B--Q.2 ±,

Kovacs-Czerniak, Beverwijk 19S5) I2 N-NS BxN 13 PxB Q.N­Q.2 14 P-R3. It is now not clear how Black can satisfactorily free

20 TIu Modern Bmoni his Queen's side from th� bind created by the White pawn at Q.N5. Florian-Kluger, Budapest 1955 , continued 14 . . . P-Q.1l4 15 R-KI (if 15 P x P e.p. p�N4!) R�BI 16 R-R4! N-R4 17 P-KN4 N(R4)-B3 J 6 P-B4 ±. In the game Heemsoth-Gligoric, Hastings 1959-60, Black continued more calmly with 14 . . . R-IU 15 R-R4 N-KI 16 N-K4 Q.N-B3 17 N-B3 N-B2 18 Q.�3 but here also White had a slight advantage.

B. The Knight's Tour Variation

6 N-B3 P-1{N3 7 N-Q.� (jrom diagram 1)

7 B

White intends to play 8 N-B4 and subsequently, by further attacking the Black queen's pawn, to force his opponent onto the defensive leaving the way clear for White to exploit his spatial advantage. How­ever, this plan consumes much time and Black is able to organise sufficient counterplay.

Occasionally, after 6 N-B3, an attempt is made to anticipate White's plan of attacking the Queen's pawn, and 6 • . • B-K2 is played, but this is too passive to be satisfactory; for example: 7 P-K4 0-0 8 B-K2 N-R3 9 0-0 N-B2 10 p�R3! KR-KI II Q.-B2 B-N5 12 P-N4 ±, Furman­Osnos, USSR Championship 1963.

From diagram 7 Black's best plan is to continue his development with 7 • • . B-N2 8 N-B4 0-0. Other methods are clearly superior for White. The original Modern Benoni game, Nimzovitch-Marshall, New York 1927, continued 7 • • • Q.N�2 6 N-B4 N-N3 9 P-K4 B-N2 10 N­K3! 0-0 II B�3 N-R4 ( 1 1 • • • Q.N�2 12 0-0 P�R3 13 P�R4 R-NI 14 N-B4 IC-B2 15 B-B4 is also better for White; Borisenko-Sokolsky,

The Knight's Tour Variation 2 1

2 ISt USS R Championship 1 954) 1 2 0-0 B-K4 13 P-Q.R4 N-KB5 1 4 P-R5 N-Q.2 15 N-B4 with a marked advantage to White.

After 7 ... Q.N-Q.2 8 N-B4 N-N3 9 P-K4, however, Black may secure satisfactory chances with 9 ... N X N! (instead of 9 '" B-N2) lO B X N B-N2 II 0-0 0-0 1 2 B-B4 (or 1 2 P-KR3 P-Q.R3 1 3 P-Q.R4 R-K I 14 R-KI N-R4 1 5 Q-Q.2 Q-R5 1 6 Q-N5 Q.xQ. =, Vukovic-Trifunovic, Yugoslav Championship 1 957) 1 2 ... P-Q.R3 13 P-Q.R4 N�R4! ( 1 3 . .. R-KI leaves White with the advantage after 14 R-KI P-N3 1 5 Q-Q.2 N-R4 1 6 B-KN5 B-B3 1 7 B XB Q.XB 18 B-B I , Gligoric-Czerniak, Amsterdam 1 954) 14 B-K3 R-Kl 15 Q-Q.2 R-NI and Black has adequate counterplay, Gligoric-Trifunovic, Yugoslav Championship 1 957. It is therefore most accurate for White to reply to 7 ... Q.N-Q.2 with 8 p-K4! B-N2 9 N-B4 N-N3 1 0 N-K3 transposing into the Nimzovitch-Marshall game without allowing Black this equalising opportunity.

Another unsatisfactory i'ystem is 7 .. . N-R3 8 N-B4 N-B2. The game Donner-Estrada, Varna 1 962, continued 9 P-Q.R4 P-N3 1 0 P-K4 B-Q.R3 I I B-N5- P-R3 1 2 B-R4 B x N 13 B X B B-N2 14 0-0 0-0

1 5 P-B4 Q-Q.2 16 P-K5 with a tremendous position for White. We now come to the main variation from diagram 7 :

7 ... B--N2 8 N-B4 8 P-K4 0-0 9 D-Q.3 is harmless ; for example, 9 ... N-R3! 1 0 0-0 (or 1 0 N-B4 N-B2 I I P-Q.R4 P-N3 1 2 B-B4 r�N-KI =, Gerusel­Martius, Munich 1959) 10 . .. N-B2 I I P-Q.R4 N-N5 1 2 B-K2 P-B4 1 3 B X N P XB 14 N-B4 Q-K2 1 5 Q.-Q.3 P-N3 with equal chances, Darga-Gereben, Amsterdam 1 954. 8 .. . 0--0

9 B-B4

8 W

An interesting idea analysed by the Dutch players is 9 B-N5. Donner-

22 TIu Modern Bmoni Langeweg, Beverwijk 1963, continued 9 ... P-KR3 10 B-R4 P-R3 JI P-QR4 P-KN4 12 B-N3 N-KI 13 P-K4 P-B4 14 pXP BXP 15 B­K2 P-N3 16 0--0 R-R2 17 B-N4 with advantage to White. Black also failed to equalise in the game Van den Berg-Robatsch from the same tournament ; after 9 B-N5 P-KR3 10 B-R4 N-R3 I I P-K3 N-B2 12 P-QR4 P;-N3 13 B-K2 B-N2 140--0 Ie-K2 IS P-K4! it was difficult for Black to free his position.

After this game Robatsch suggested that after 9 B-N5 P-KR3 10 B­R4 Black can unpin with 10 ... 1C-Q.2(!) at the same time threatening . . . P-QN4 . This was successfully tried out in the game Langeweg-van den Berg, Dutch Championship 1963, wt..!'. after I I B-N3 P-QN4! 12 NXQ.P B-R3 13 P-K3 P-N5 14 N-R4 BXB 15 KXB N-R3 Black's active play and attacking chances fully compensate for White's extra pawn. If, after 10 ... 1e-Q.2, White prevents ... P-QN4 with I I P-QR4 Black can play 1 I ... N-R3 followed by ... N-QN5, ... P-N3, and ... B-R3 with good chances ; weaker, however, would be I I ... Ie-N5 12 B XN Q.XN (or 12 .. _ BXB 13 NXP) 13 BXB KXB 14 P-K3 IC-Q.N5 15 le­Q.2 ± (Euwe) . 9 . . . N-KI

White cannot now win the Q.P: 10 N-N5 B-Q.2 (or IO ... B X P I I N X B Q-R4ch) II N(N5)Q. X P P-QN4 12NXN BXN I3 N-K5 Q-Q.3 I4N-Q3 Q.X P =F; or 10 N-K4 P-QN4 I I N(B4) x P N X N 12 B X N R-KI wins.

For the intriguing 9 ... p-N3 !? see Donner-Planinc annotated on page 83 . 10 Q,-Q,2

9

B

This move was originally suggested by Konstantinopolsky. Alternatives cause Black no trouble. If 10 P-K4 p-B4! is dangerous only for White ; while 10 P-K3 P-KN4 1 I B-N3 P-B4 is also good for Black. For example, 12 P-B4 (12 Q-Q.2 B X N 13 P x B P-N4 14 N-N2 Q-K2 gave Black play on both wings in the correspondence game Ovtshinkin-Shaposhnikov,

The Knight's TOfIT VtII'ialitm 23

1959) 12 .,. �K2 13 Q-Q2 P XP (it is inaccurate to delay this since after 13 ... N-Q.2 14 B-K2 P X P 15 P x p! gives White the advantage; e.g. 15 ... Q.N-B3 16 P-Q.R4 P-N3 17 0-0 B-Q.2 18 B-R4 �KB2 19 B-B3 ±, Suetin-Kagan, Tallin 1956) 14 B XP N-Q.2 15 B-K2 N-K4 and Black's hold on the important central squares gives him the better prospects, Shamkovitch-Vasiukov, Moscow 1957.

Now White is really threatening N-N5 or N-K4 winning the queen's pawn. Black's usual replies are restricted to 10 ... P-N3 and 10 ... B XN. A very interesting, but hardly convincing, recent attempt is the sacrifice of a pawn with 10 .. , N-Q.2?!, Yudovitch-Koslov, Moscow 1966, con­tinued II NXQ.P N-K4 12 NXN N-B5 1? 13 Q-Q3 NXP 14 �B2 RXN 15 Q.XN P-Q.N4 16 P-Q.R3 P-N5 I7 pXP R-K51 18 B-R6 RXNP 19 Q-Q2 B-B3 but the soundness of this is exceedingly doubt­ful.

(i) 10 . . . P-N3

This is the most natural continuation. Attempts to win the Black queen's pawn again fail now, for if I I N-N5 B-Q.R3 12 N(N5) XQ.P NXN 13 NXN P-KN41 14 B-N3 p-B4! and White's play is refuted; or II N-K4 B-Q.R3 12 N(B4) XQ.P NX N 13 BXN R-KI 14 BX N RXN followed by ... R-Q.5 with the better game. 1 1 P-K3

The only real alternative to this is I I N-N5 B-Q.R3 12 P-Q.R4 but after 12 ... B X N 13 P X B N-Q.2 Black has excellent prospects, since 14 NXQ.P ? N(Q.2)-B3 15 NXN RXN 16 R-Q.I N-K5 17 �B2 Q.--B3 gives him a very dangerous attack, Goldin-Shaposhnikov, Correspon­dence I962;andI4P-K3N-K4 15 BXN BXB 16 NXB PXN 17B-K2 N-Q.3 is also better for Black, Sliwa-Suetin, Poland v Bielorussia 1958. 1 1 ...

IZ P-Q.R..f Less accurate is the immediate 12 ... Q.B X N 13 B x B P-Q.R3 since White may obtain a minimal advantage after 14 0-0 N-Q.2 (or 14 ... �K2 15 Q.R-NI N-Q.2 16 KR-Bl P-B4 17 P�N4 with the better chances for White, Borisenko-Polugaievsky, 23rd USSR Championship 1956) 1 5 Q.R-N I P-B4 16 B-KN3 Q.-B3 (worse is 16 ... �K2 17 KR-KI N-K4 1 8 B-B l N-B3 1 9 P-K4 ±, Taimanov-Suetin, 25th USSR Champion­ship 1958. 13 B-Kz 1 3 P-R4 is not dangerous: 1 3 . . . Q.B XN 14 B XB P�R3 15 �K2 N-KB3

24 Tile Modern Benoni

16 �3 R-R2 11 P-KN3 N-N5 and Black gained the initiative, Borisenko-Boleslavsky, 28th USSR Championship Ig6 1. 13··· Q;-B3 IfB-N3 B xN 15 BxB P-Q.R3 And Black, who is now a tempo ahead of the lines given in the note to move twelve, has a completely satisfactory game. Osnos-Forintos, Leningrad v Budapest 1962, continued 16 0 -0 N-Q.2 11 P-B4 N-B2 18B-B2 P-Q.N4 Ig pX P N-N3 20 B-K2 P X P 21 BX P NX B 22NX N Q.X p with level chances.

(ii) 10 • • • B X N (from diagram 9)

This very aggressive move is due to Tal. Black gives up his fianchettoed bishop in order to activate his queen's side majority of pawns. The play is complicated, but Black's chances are not worse. 11 P xB I J Q.XB is a little tested alternative. After I I ... P-Q.N4 12 N -Q.2 P-N5 13 !CB2 !CK2 14!CK4 !CB3 150-0-0 a very wild and difficult game is in store, Matsukevitch-Suetin, semi-final 24th USSR Championship 1951· 11 ... P-Q.N4

10 W

Steinitz would certainly have approved of Black's play; with all his pieces on the back rank he has a good position. 12 N-N2 B-N2 Also satisfactory is 12 .. . P-B4, for example 13 P-Q.R4!CR4 14 P-K3 B-R3 15 !CBI P-N5 16 P-B4 N-Q.2 11 P-R4 Q.N-B3 =+=, Koblentz­Shaposhnikov, 4th USSR Correspondence Championship. Insufficient for equality, however, are: (a) 12 ... P-Q.R4? 13 p-K4 ! Q.-K2 14 B­Q.3 (or 14 P-B3 B-R3 15 P-Q.R4 P-N5 16 BXB RXB 17 0-0 N-Q.2

Uklmallll's Line 25

18 XR-XI P-B3 1 9 B-R6 N-N2 20 P-B4 ±, Koblentz-Kagan, Tallin 1 956) P-N5 1 5 0-0, Borisenko-Tal, Riga 1 955, with advantage to White; and (b) 1 2 . . . Q-X2? 13 P-Q,R4! pXP 1 4 P-N3 N-N2 1 5 B­N2 P-B3 1 6 P-R4 N-Q2 I 7 0-0 ±, Najdorf-Larsen, Dallas 1 957. 13 P-N3 13 p-x4? fails to 13 . . . Q-X2 1 4 B-Q3 B x P . 13... N-Q.2 14 B-N2 P-B4

IS 0--0 Q.N-B3 Also 1 5 . . . Q-X2 16 B-N5 XN-B3 1 7 Q,R-K I N-K5 is not bad, but here 1 7 . . . Q-B2 1 8 P-QB4 gives White some advantage, Lebedev-Tal, Riga 1 955. 16 P-Q.1lf P-Q.R3 The chances are equal. Antoshin-Tal, USSR Championship 1 956, con­tinued I7 P x P (better is 1 7 p-B4) P x P 1 8 P-B4 B-R3 1 9 R-R5 P x P 20 KR-RI N-B2 with good play for Black.

C. Uhlmann's Line 6 N-B3 P-K.N3 ,B-NS (from diagram /)

1 1 B

This line was fashionable in the late 1960 s following its successful adoptiQn by the East German grandmaster Uhlmann. White's strategy is very similar to that of the Averbach system in the King's Indian defence: Black is tempted to play ... P-KR3 and P-KN4 which weakens the white squares near his king. If Black does not do this, the White bishop at KN5 exerts a cramping influence on his game.

Black's only reasonable replies are 7 ... P-KR3 and 7 ... B-N2.

26 The Modern Bmonj

(i) 7 ... P-KR3

8 B-1lf If 8 B-B4 P-KN4 (8 ... N-R4!? also deserves consideration) and White has nothing better than 9 B-N3 transposing to the main line. 8 ... P-KN4 9B-N3 N-Rf loP-K3 Complicated, but not good for White, is 1 0 Q,-R4 ch B-Q,2 (better than IQ • • • N-Q.2 1 1 N-N5 ! when it is difficult for Black to complete his developmen t; not however 1 1 Q-K4 ch? Q,-K2 1 2 B X P Q, x Q, 1 3 N x Q, P-B4 14 B X B P X N 1 5 B X RP R X B 16 N X P p-K6 ! +, Shadurski­Suetin, Vladimir 1 962) 1 1 Q-K4 ch Q,-K2 12 B X P Q, xQ, 1 3 N XQ, P-B4 1 4 B X N R X B when Black's powerful bishops and mobile pawns provided ample compensation for the sacrificed pawn. The game Geller -Suetin, Moscow 1 960, continued 1 5 N-B3 P-N4 16 N-K5 P-N5 17 N-Q,I (if 17 N x B K X N 1 8 N-R4 K-Q, 3 1 9 P-K3 N-B3 20 B-B4 N-Q,2 ! with advantage to Black) 17 .. . B-N2 with equal chances.

1 0 P-K4 transposes into lines considered below or may lead into a King's Indian, Averbach variation. 10 .. . N xB

JI RP x N B-N2 12 N-Q.2 An interesting idea is 1 2 N-R2 0-0 1 3 N-N4. Bondarevsky-Bilek, Leningrad v Budapest 1 962 , continued 1 3 . . . B X N 1 4 Q, X B P-B4 1 5 Q-Q,R4 N-Q.2 16 B-K2 P-R3 17 Q-B2 P-N4 1 8 0-0 Q,-B3 with satisfactory play for Black. 12 . " 0--0 Also sufficient for equality is 1 2 . . . P-R3 1 3 P-R4 N--Q.2! For example 14 B-K2 Q,-K2 (also 14 . . . N-K4 1 5 N-B4 N X N 16 BXN B-Q,2 17 Q,­B2 R-N I 1 8 P-R5 P-N4, Osmanagic-Portisch, Sarajevo 1 962; and 1 4 . . . P-N3 15 N(B3)-K4 N-B3 1 6 N X N ch Q, X N, Stahlberg -Portisch, Havana 1 964, are both comfortable equalising methods) 1 5 N-B4 N-K4 16 N-N6 R-Q, N I 17 P-R5 0-0 1 8 N (B3)-R4 B-B4 and Black maintained the balance, Cob a -Wade, Havana 1 964. 13 N-B4 Slower methods are not dangerous to Black. An interesting example is the game Neikirch-Ivkov, Leipzig 1 960, which continued 13 B-K2 N-Q,2 14 0-0 N-N3 1 5 N-N3? ( 1 5 N-B4 = ) B-Q,2 1 6 R-N I N-R5 17 Q,-B2 N x N 1 8 P x N P-N4 with advantage to Black. 13 . . . Q.-K2

UllJfIIIIIfII'S LiM 17 13 '" N-R3 is more risky; for example the game Ketslach-Karasev, Leningrad Championship 1964, continued 14 �� N-B� 15 P-It4 Q;-K2 16 B-Q.3 P-B4 1 7 K-B I B-Q.2 18 K-NI Q.R-KI 19 P-KN4 with sharp and difficult play. 14 B-Q.3 14 B-K2 R-Q. I I S 0-0 N-Q.2 16 P-R4 N-K4 1 7 N X N (if 1 7 N-R3 P-NS ! gives Black a bind on the king's side), Botvinnik-Tal, match 1 960, and now 17 '" B X N gives Black no worries.

14 . . . N-Q.2

I� B

1 4 . . . P-B4 is too weakening; the game Geller-Langeweg, Varna 1962, concluded drastically: I S 0-0 B X N 16 PXB P-N4 N-Q.2 P-Q.B5 18 B-B2 B-N2 1 9 Q;-NI Q;-Q.2 20 N-B3 B XP 21 N-Q.4 B-K3 �� Q.XP P-R3 23 Q;-N6 P-Q.R4 24 N x B Q. x N 2 S Q.R-Q.I resigns.

1 4 . . . N-R3 is a rs:asonable possibility, though; Bagirov-Vasiukov, Baku I96 I , continued I S R-Q.BI N-B2 I6 P-R4 P-N3 1 7 K-BI R-NI I8 K-N I P-R3 I9 P-KN4 P-N4 20 P x P P x P 2 I N-RS B-Q.2 with chances for both sides. 15 B-B2 Good for Black is I S 0-0 N-14 I 6 N X N Q. X N I7 R-KI B-Q.2 18 R-NI P-N5, Germek-Tal, Bled I96r. Also inferior for White is 1 5 N-NS N-K4 1 6 N(N5) xQ.P N X N I7 N X N P-N4. 15 · · · N-Kf 16 N xN Q. x N Black has a very healthy position. In the game Krzsnik -Rabar, Yugo­slav Championship 1 962, there followed I7 Q;-Q.3 P-B4 18 P-KN4 B-Q.2 I9 o-o? (better I 9 p X P B X P 20 Q;-Q.2 with equality) P-Q.N4 ! and Black has the advantage, for 20 Q.X P P-B5 gives a very dangerous attack.

We have thus seen that 7 . . . P-KR3 gives Black entirely, adequate

28 Th4 Modern Bmoni

resources. In order to avoid this line, White often adopts a more flexible move order, delaying B-N5 until after he has played P-K4. For instance, from diagram I, 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 B-N5, or 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 P-K4 B-N2 8 B-N5. These lines transpose into the variation with 7 . . . B-N2 discussed below. The only disadvantage White suffers by delaying B-N5 in this way is that in some variations it is useful to have the opportunity of playing P-K3 instead of P-K4. Now this possibility is no longer available.

(ii) 7 ... B-N2

I, W

White now has three possibilities: (a) 8 N-Q,2, (b) 8 P-K3, and (c) 8 P-K4, of which the latter is by far the most common, though usually reached by the transposition mentioned above.

(a) 8 N-Q2 P-KR3

This is the most forceful continuation. Also playable is 8 . . . 0-0 when 9 P-K3 transposes to line (b) , and 9 P-K4 to line (c) . Suspect, however, is 8 . . . P-Q,R3 9 P--Q.R4 P-R3 1 0 B-R4 P-KN4 I I B-N3 N-R4 1 2 N-B4 N XB 1 3 RP X N 0-0 14 Q-N3 ! ±, Averbach-Vasiukov, U SSR Cham­pionship 1 959. 9B-14 P-KN4 loB-N, N-14 If here 1 0 • • • P--Q.R3, I I p-K3 ! is good, since Black is prevented from exchanging the White queen's bishop by . . . N-R4 and his king's side is compromised for no compensation. 11 Q.-I4' ch I I N-B4 N x B 12 RP X N 0-0 1 3 P-K3 Q,-K2 14 B-K2 R-Q,I was played in the second match game Botvinnik-Tal 1 960, and White secured some pressure. After the game Tal made two suggestions for

Uhlmann's Line 29 Black to obtain more active play: firstly 14 • • • P-KB4 instead of 14 • • •

R-QI is more logical ; and secondly, the previous move there was the very active continuation of 1 2 . • • B X N 13 P x B P-N4 14 N-Q.2 P-QR4 1 5 P-K4 P-N5. This was tried in the game Neikirch-Bobotsov, Bulgarian Championship 1 960, when after the further moves 16 B-N5 ch B-Q2 1 7 B X B ch N x B the position is quite equal and the players agreed a draw. IJ ...

I� Q.-N3

K-BI

If W

1 2 P-K4 was played in the game Ternblom-Neistadt, Leningrad Championship 1964 ; but after 1 2 • • • N X B 1 3 RP x N P-Q.R3 14 B-K2 N-Q.2 15 P-B4 p-N4! 16 Q.-l!2 P-B5 Black was able to proceed with 1 7 • . . N-B4 and gain the initiative.

1 2 P-K3 occurred in Uhlmann-Garcia, Mar del Plata 1 966, when after. 1 2 '" N X B 1 3 RP X N N-Q.2 14 Q.-B2 N-K4 1 5 B-K2 P-R3 1 6 P-R4 White had some advantage. Better here is to continue as in the game above with 1 3 . . • P-R3 instead of . . . N-Q.2 when it will be impossible for White to delay . . . P-Q.N4 for long. I� ... NxB 13 RP x N P-Nf! This is Tal's analysis. After 14 N X P B-R3 1 5 P-K3 N-Q.2 Black has excellent counterplay for the pawn.

(b) 8 P-KS 0-0 (from diagram IS) 9 N -Q.2 (see diagraTJl 15) This is the solid way to play the variation. White should be able to maintain the initiative for some time. 9 . .. R-KI This is the usual move, but other possibilities also provide some chances. 9 • . . P-KR3 1 0 B-R4 N-R3?! was tried in the game Bannik-Suetin,

30 The Modern Bmoni

Sochi 1961, when after I I B-K2 N-B2 I 2 0 -0 P--Q.N4 I 3 N X P N x N 14 KBXN R-NI 15 �K2 P-N4 16 B-N3 NXP Black had a good posi­tion. In this line 12 P--Q.R4 instead of 12 0 -0 seems more calculated to retain a plus.

9 .. . P--Q.R3 10 P--Q.R4 Q,N-Q,2 11 B-K2 transposes to the main line after 1 1 ... R-KI or 1 1 ... �B2 12 0 -0 R-KI. Unsatisfactory, however, is 1 1 ... �B2 12 0 -0 N-N3 as in Filip-Lokvenc, Marianske Lazne

15

B

1960, when there followed 13 P-K4 B-Q,2 14 �B2 Q.R-K I 15 R-KI �-RI 1 6 B-KB4 with advantage to White. 10B -1U If 10 N-B4 �Q.2 ! 1 1 B-B4 N-K5 12 NXN RXN (analysis by Tal). 10 . .. P-Q.R3 11 P-Q.llf Q.N-Q.2 120-0 Q.-B2 12 ... R-NI is the main alternative, but White may gain a slight advantage with 13 B-KB4 N-K4 14 P-R5 KN-Q.2 15 B-N3 P-B4 16 P-K4 N-KB3 I7 P XP B XP 18 B XN P XB 19 N-B4, Simagin­Suetin, 2 7th USSR Championship 1 960. 13 Q.-B2 13 R-BI may be more accurate ; the radio game Stahlberg-Keres 1 960, continued 13 ... P-N3 14 P-K4 P-R3 when 15 B-R4 would maintain a little advantage. 13.·· N-N3 Weaker is 13 '" R-NI when White preserves a plus by 14 P-R5 P-N4 15 pXP e.p. Q.RXP 1 6 N-B4 R-N5 I7 B-B4, Mohring-Golz, Zinno­witz 1 966. 14 B-B3 14 P-K4 is impossible owing to the tactical possibility 14 ... KNXQ,P! 15 PXN BXN 16 Q,XB RXB I7 B-R6 It-K4 with a sound extra pawn.

We are following the 8th match game, Botvinnik-Tal l 960, in which

Uhlmann's Line 3 1

Tal now played 1 4 . . • P-BS ? ! but after I S B X N (IS P-RS is also strong, for after I S ••• Q.N--Q.2 1 6 �R4 neither 16 . • • P-N4 1 7 p x p e.p. N X P I 8 �B6, nor 16 . . • N-K4 1 7 B X N B--Q.2 1 8 B X N ! is satisfactory for Black). IS • . • B X B 16 P-RS N--Q.2 1 7 N(B3)-K4 B-K4 1 8 Q.XBP Black had insufficient compensation for the pawn. Tal suggested after the game that 1 4 ••. B-B4 I S P-K4 B-Q.2 followed by . . . N-BI was Black's best chance for equality.

Since at the best this line is somewhat uncomfortable for Black, he does his best to avoid the whole variation by playing 7 . . . P-KR3 as in line (i).

/ /(c) 8 P-K4 (from diagram 13)

J6 B

As mentioned above, this line has many features in common with the Averbach system of the King's Indian, into which it will almost certainly transpose if White play B-K2 soon. There are, however, some subtle differences which give this line a character of its own. Black's main replies are 8 . . . 0-0, 8 . . . P-Q.R3 and 8 .. . P-KR3 ! Besides these the only move to have occurred in -master play is 8 ... �R4 ? which here is quite out of context. Petrosian�Contedini, Munich I 9S8, con­tinued 9 N--Q.2 0-0 1 0 N-B4 �I I I B--Q.3 P-N3 1 2 0-0 B--Q.R3 1 3 P-B4 �B2 14 P-KS with a crushing position.

(i) 8 ... 0-0

This reply invites White to transpose into the Averbach system at once with 9 B-K2 , and since this is a natural move the line appears to have little individual significance. White may, however, continue more accurately: 9 N--Q.21 Now Black is prevented from playing .. . P-KR3, . . . P-KN4 and . .. N-R4. It is thus very difficult for him to free his position.

3lZ The Modern Benoni

9 ··· P-Q.R3 10 P-Q.llf Q.-B2 Also better for White is 10 . . . Q.N-Q.2 II B-K2 R-KI 1 2 0-0 P-R3 1 3 B-R4 P-KN4 1 4 B-N3 N-K4 15 Q-B2 P-N3 J6 Q.R-NI R-R2 1 7 P -N4, Polugaievsky-Lutikov, RSFSR Championship 1 958. JJ B-K2 White has now transposed into a position that can be reached from the Averbach system, but only if Black plays very weakly! That is, after I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-KN3 3 N-Q.B3 B-N2 4 P-K4 P-Q.3 5 B-K2 0-0 6 B-N5 P -B4 7 P-Q.5 P-K3 8 N-B3 P x P 9 BP X P, if Black continues 9 . . . P-Q.R3? ID P-Q.R4 Q-B2 II N-Q.2 . It is therefore scarcely surprising that this position is better for White. The game Shamkovitch-Spassky, semi-final USSR Championship 1 9 58, continued II . . . KN-Q.2 1 2 0-0 P-B3 13 B-R4 N-K4 14 P-B4 N':"'B2 15 N-B4 R-KI 16 Q-N3 N-Q.2 1 7 Q.R-KI R-NI 1 8 B-N4! with great advantage to White.

Other tries for Black after 8 . . . 0-0 9 N-Q.2 ! are also unsatisfactory. For example: 9 ... N-R3 10 B-K2 N-B2 I I P -Q.R4 B-Q.2 12 0-0 P-KR3 13 B-R4 Q.-K2 14 P-B4 K R-KI 1 5 P-K5 P x P 16 N-B4 ±, Taimanov-Casas, Santa Fe 1960; or 9 . . . P-KR3 10 B-R4 R-KI I I B-K2 N-R3 1 2 0-0 N-B2 13 P-R4 P-N3 14 P-B4 ±, Taimanov­A. Zaitsev, 30th USSR Championship 1 962. The best attempt is 9 . . . Q.N-Q.2 1 0 B-K2 Q-K2 I I 0-0 P-KR3 12 B-R4 P-KN4 13 B-N3 N-K4 as in the game Cholmov-Petrosian, 21St USSR Championship 19 54, but now Suetin's recommendation of 14 B X N Q. x B 15 N-B4 Q.-K2 16 P ­K5 P x P 17 p-Q.6 i s very dangerous for Black.

(ii) 8 . . . P-Q,R3 (from diagram r6)

9 P-Q.llf 9 N-Q.2 ! is very strong here. Compare the variations given below after 8 . . . P-KR3 9 B-R4 P-R3 10 N-Q.2!

9 .. . P-R3 10 B-B41? 10 B-R4 transposes, after 10 ... P -KN4 I I B-N3 N-R4 12 N-Q.2 N X B 13 RP XN N-Q.2 14 B-K 2, into the Tolush-Suetin game quoted below. 10 ... B-NS I I B-K2 0-0

12 0-0 If 12 N-Q.2 B x B 1 3 Q. x B N-R4 14 B-K 3 P-B4 15 P x P R X P and 1 6 P-KN4? fails to 16 . . . N-B5 (analysis by Tal).

.Ui . . • R-KI Black's posIhon is satisfactory. Championship 1 959, continued 1 4 K R-KI QN-Q2 15 P -R3 BXN active play.

Uhlmann's Line 33

The game Geller-Tal, 26th USSR I � Q;-B2 (if 1 3 P-R3 NXKP !) Q;-B2

1 6 B XB P-B5 I7 B-K2 QR-BI with

(ill) 8 . . . P-KR3! (from diagram 16)

98-14 9 B-B4 has also been played occasionally. Black may then play 9 ... P -R3 transposing into the Geller-Tal game above after 1 0 P-QR4 , or 9 '" P-KN4 � 0 B-N5 ch ( 10 B-B I 0-0 I I N-Q2 QN-Q2 1 2 B-K2 N-K4 1 3 N-BI p-N4 ! ? 14 KBXP Q-R4 1 5 N-N3 P -B5 with good play for the sacrificed pawn, Cuellar-Fischer, Sousse 1967) 10 . .. K -BI I I B-K3 N-N5 12 N-Q2 P-R3 1 3 B-K2 N-Q.2 14 P-KR4 KN-K4 1 5 P x P N X N ch 1 6 P X N P X P with a difficult game for both players, Uhlmann-Golz, Zinnowitz 1 967.

9··· P-KN4

17 B

In view of the dangers arising after I I B-N5 ch in this line, it has been suggested that Black should avoid this move by playing 9 . . . P -QR3, and only after 1 0 P-R4 continuing with 10 . . . P-KN4. However, White has a much better move than 10 P-R4 at his disposal, viz.: 10 N-Q2 ! For example, 10 .. . P -Q.N4 I I B-K2 (less good is I I P-R4 when after II . .. P-N5 1 2 QN-NI 0--0 13 B-Q 3 R-KI 1 4 0--0 Q;-B2! 15 Q;-B2 QN-Q2 16 N-B4 p-N6 ! Black has a good game, Veresov-Suetin, Bielorussia 1 96 I ) I I . . . 0-- 0 12 Q;-B2 R-K I 13 0-- 0 (still 13 P -14 is inaccurate, for after 13 . . . P-N5 14 N-Q.I P-N4 1 5 B-N3 Q;-K2 16 0-- 0 as in the game Langeweg-Keene, Brunnen 1 966, simply 16 . . . NXKP is good for Black) QN-Q2 1 4 P-R4 P -N5 15 N-QI p-N6 16 Q;-Q 3 a-NI 1 7 P-B4 ±, Taimanov-Boleslavsky USSR Team Championship 1960.

34 The Modern Bmmai

lo �N3 N-Rt u �N5ch II N-Q.2 N x B I 2 RP X N ()-{) 13 D-K2 leads into the Averbach system of the King's Indian. Weaker here is 12 . . . P-R3 13 P-R4 Q.N� 14 B-K2 N-K4 (or 14 . . . !C-K2 IS P-RS R-NI 16 !C-B2 B-Q. S 17 B­N4! ±, Uhlmalln-Keene, Hastings 1966-7) IS P-KN4 !C-Q.2 as in Tolush-Suetin, semi-final 26th USSR Championship 19S9, and now 16 P-B3 gives White a distinct pull. JI • . . K-BIl 1 1 . .. B-Q2? leaves White with a marked advantage after 12 B XB ch Q.X B 13 N-KS! as was shown in the games Szabo-Klein, Santa Fe 1960, and Forintos-Dolz, Hungary v East Gennany f964. III �Kal 12 ()-{) P-R3 13 B-K2 NXB 14 BPXN? is dubious. Szabo-Perez, � -���� vberhausen 196 1, continued: 14 . .. N-Q.2 IS P-Q.R4 P-N3 16 !C-B2 P-KR4 17 N-Q.! N-K4 18 R-R3 R-Q.R2 19 N x N B X N 20 P-KN4 P X P 21 P-KN3 P-B3 22 N-B2 B--QS 23 K-RI Q.R-02 24 N X P !C-K2 2S R-KI R-R6 26 P-KS Q.x P 27 Resigns. cf. p. 84. III ... N x B 13 RP xN

18 B

This very interesting position is of great importance for the theory of the Modern Benoni. White's plan is a gradual advance of the king's side pawns combined with pressure on the white squares and in parti­cular KBS, where eventually he hopes to establish a knight. In contrast Black has very good play on the black squares and attacking possi­bilities on the queen's side. The prospects are about even. 13 .,. N--Q.lI 14 N--Q.2 P-R3 It is better not to omit tftis move. The game Pietzsch-Tringov, Havana 1965, continued instead 14 ... N-K4 IS p-B4l? N-N3 16 B-RS pXP

UlalmIJIIII' S LW 35

1 7 B X N P XB 18 p X P P-Q.N4 ?! 19 Q-B2 P-N5 20 N-K2 B-1l3 21 N­B3 K-NI 22 P-K5 with a promising attack. Another example of this line is Vogt-Espig, East German Championship 1968, which went 14 '" N-K4 15 P-B4 N-N3 16 B-1l5 Q-B3, and now Maric suggests 171'-KS ! P X P 18 N(Q.2)-K4 Q-B4 1 9 P-KN4 Q.XBP 20 B X N Q-K6 ch 21 K-B I ! P X B 22 R-1l3 and Black is in difficulties. IS P-R.f N-K4 I S . . . Q.-K2 16 Q-P2 B-Q.S is a logical plan, suggested by the author. Mecking-Keene, Hastings 1966-7, continued 1 7 R-KBI ! ? K-N2 180-0-0 P-N4 19 p x p and now 19 ••• p x p gives Black excellent prospects. 16 Q.-B2 16 N-B I was played In the game Golz-Pietzsch, Colditz 1967, with the continuation 16 . . . Il-Q.N I 1 7 N-K3 P-KIl4 ? ! 18 Q;-B2 P�NS with complications. Ma.rie recommends the immediate 16 'H P-KIl4 ! when after 1 7 Il X P R X R 18 B X R P-NS 19 P-B4 p x p e.p. 20 P X P Q-N3 Black has more than sufficient compensation for the pawn. 16 .. . R-Q.NI 17 P-RS P-N4! Black played less actively in the game Uhlmann-Pade'lsky, Zagreb 1 965, with 1 7 . . . B-B3 18 N-Q.I P-N4 19 pxp e.p. R X P 20 R-Q.R2 K-N2 and White won with a superb example of the model strategy in this line. The game is given in full at the end of this section. 18 P xP e.p. RxP 19 Q.R-R2 P-NS! Black keeps White's king's side under restraint and thereby makes it difficult for his opponent to undertake any active operations. We are following the game Pietzsch-Capello, Havana 1966. There followed 20 N-Q.I P-KR4 21 N-K3 R-N5 22 N(K3)-B4 N X N !Z3 N X N Q-K2 and Black's position is quite satisfactory. It is difficult for White to develop his king's rook since if 24 0-0 p-R5! gives a strong attack.

Illustrative Game White: Uhbnann Black: Padevsky Zagreb 1965 I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.S P-K3 4 N-Q.B3 P x P S P x P P-Q.3 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 B-KNS P-KR3 9 B-1l4 P-KN4 IO B-N3 N-R4 1 1 B-NS ch K-BI 12 B-K2 N X B %3 RP X N P-R3 1 4 P-R4 N-Q.2 I S N-Q.2 N-K4 16 Q-B2 R-Q.N I 1 7 P-RS B-B3 18 N­Q.I P-N4 19 p X P e.p. R XP 20 R-Q.R2 K-N2 21 N-K3 R-KI 22 0-0 K-N I 23 P-KN4 R-NS 24 P-KN3 N-N3 25 N-B5 B X N 26 NP X B N-K4 27 B X P P-NS 28 B-K2 B-N4 29 N-B4 Q;-B3 30 P-N3 P-R4 31 K-N2 P-RS 32 P X P B X P 33 P-KRI N X N 34 B X N Q-K2 3 5 P-

36 The Modern Bnumi

K5! p x p 36 Q-1C4 B-B3 37 Q. x p ch B-N2 38 R-Q,R6 Q.-Q.2 �9 R(R6) ­R6 Q.X p ch 40 K-NI resigns.

D. The Main Line

6 P-Ki P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-Na a B-Ka (from diagram I)

19 B

This vanatlon is one of the soundest and most natural methods of playing against the Modern Benoni. White chooses a logical plan of development with neither the apparent timidity of the fianchetto variation, nor the forthright hostility of the pawn storm lines.

This was the most common treatment of the opening at the time when Tal was establishing himself as a World Championship contender. A number of spectacular victories scored by him caused the line to fall into disfavour, and even after some of Tal's ideas were shown to be incorrect there remained some suspicion of the line.

However, the Yugoslav grandmaster Gligoric has consistently adopted this system and enriched it with many new ideas, and recently the line has regained its popularity and is now the most often en­countered line of the Modern Benoni. On the whole it may be con­sidered the most promising method of dampening Black's aggressive desires while preserving possibilities of exploiting the latent advantages in the White position. White' must play with the utmost care though, as Tal's o�ponents have tended to discover to their cost. a... 0-0 9 0-0 Other lines such as 9 B-B4 or 9 N-Q.2 do no more than transpose, for White must castle soon in any case.

The Main Line 37

Now Black has a host of possible moves of which only the most natural, 9 . . . R-K I , has ever gained any real popularity. This is a little surprising, for 9 . . . R-KI is by no means an easy equalising line for Black, and some of the alternatives deserve further analysis.

20 B

The most important possibilities here are 9 . . . P--QR3 and 9 . . . R-K I , but before analysing these i n detail, I shall give a resume of the experiences gained with the other choices :

(a) 9 . . . B-N5? I Q P -KR3 (also good is 10 B-KB4 R-K I I I P -KR3 ! as i n the game Korchnoi-Lutikov, US S R Championship 1 959, which continued 11 . . , NXKP 12 P XB BXN 13 B--QN5 BXP 14 BXR Q. XB 15 R-K I BXR 16 Q. XB P-B4 17 B-R6 Q-K2 18 N-N5 Q.-K4 19 Q.-N I Q. XP 20 R XN resigns) IQ . . . B XN I I B XB Q.N-Q.2 12 B-B4 N-K I 13 Q-Q.2 P--QR3 14 B-N5! B-B3 15 B-R6 B-N2 16 B-N5 B-B3 17 B X B N(K I ) XB 18 Q,R-K I with a clear advantage to White, Gligoric­Matulovic, Palma 1967.

(b) 9 . . . Q,N-Q.2 is an old and rather passive line to which some American players ha�e recently attempted to add new life. Averbach­Tolush, Training game 1953, continued 10 Q,-B2 P-Q,R3 I I P--QR4 R-K I 12 B-KB4 Q-B2 13 N-Q.2 N-K4 14 P-R3 KN--Q2 15 B-K 3 P -B3 16 P-B4 with much the better game for White"The plan of 10 . . . P--QR3 �md I I . . , R-K I is unpromising and a later idea was to replace this with . . . N-K I and . . . N-K4. For example 9 . . . Q.N--Q2 10 N-Q.2 ( 10 B-KB4 N-K I I I P-KR3 P-Q.R 3 12 P-Q.R4 R-NI 13 N-Q.2 p-B4? ! 14 p XP P x P 15 N-B4 N-K4 16 Q.-Q,2 is minimally favourable to White ; Karaklaic-Boskovic, Belgrade 1966) 10 . . . N-K I I I N-B4 (or I I P­Q,R4 Q,-K2 12 R -K I N-B2 13 N-B4 P-N3 14 B-B4 N-K4, Reshevsky­Saidy, u s Championship 196 3-4) I I . . . N-K4 12 N-K3 P-B4 13 P ­B4 N-B2 14 P x P, Vranesic-Reshevsky, Amsterdam 1964. and in no line can White count on more than a slightly superior position.

38 The Modern Bmo"i

Now we come to the most important lines : ( I ) 9 . . . P-Q.I\3 and (2) 9 . . . R-K I .

( I ) 9 . . . P-QRg (from diagram 20)

10 P-Q.14

10 . . . B-NS (see diagram 22) This line was formerly quite popular, but completely went out of fashlOn when the attention was shifted to 9 . . . R-KI . Whether this fall from favour was fully justified is by no means certain, since analysis does not indicate Black's prospects to be significantly worse here than in the other line.

A still older idea for Black is 1 0 . . . P -N3; for example the training game Smyslov-Ragosin 1 9 53 continued I I B-KB4 R-R2 1 2 N-Q.2 R-K 2 13 B-B3 N-KI 14 N-B4 Q.-B2 when instead of the simple 15 R-KI or 15 B-N3 maintaining a bind on the position, White continued 1 5 P-K5 pXP 16 p-Q.6 NXP 17 N-Q. 5 N XB! 18 N XQ. RXN with curious complications. Also after 10 . . . P-N3, simply I I N-Q.2 followed by N-B4 should give the advantage.

Finally, 10 . . . QN-Q2 led Black into difficulties in the game Simagin­Antoshin, Moscow Championship 19 55, after I I B-KB4 Q-K 2 12 N-Q.2 R-NI ( 1 2 . . . P-N3 . 13 R-K I R-NI 14 P-R3 N-KI 15 B-N3 N-B2 16 N-B4 is also a little in White's favour, Soos-Pfleger, Lugano 196 8) 1 3 P-R3 N-KI 14 B-R2 N-B2 15 N-B4 N-K4 16 N-N6 N-RI with the better prospects for White.

1 1 P-R3 This is the most natural and forcing continuation. Instead I I D-KN5 led to a comfortable game for Black in Stahlberg-Spassky, Goteborg

The Main Line 39

1 955, after 1 1 . . . Q.N-Q.2 12 Q-Q.2 B XN 13 B XB P-B5 14 B-'K2 Q.-B2 li5 K-R I N-B4 ( 15 . • . KR-KI is possibly even better) 1 6 Q.-K 3 KR -K I 17 P-B3 N-N6 1 8 QR-Q.I QR-N I . Also I I B-KB4 does not have much sting for Black may simply play I I • . . B XN 1 2 B XB N-K I (or 12 . .. Q.­B2 13 R-B I Q.N-Q.2 14 P-Q.N4 with complications, Byrne-Reshevsky, New York 1956) 13 Q.-N3 P-N3 14 N-Q.l N-Q.2 with a sound position, I vkov-Trifunovic, Sombor 1957. Another interesting example of this line is the game Pachman-Kaplan, Puerto Rico 196 8, which went I I B-KB4 Q.-K2 12 Q.-B2 ( 12 N-Q.2 seems stronger) Q.N-Q2 13 KR-K I p-B5 ! 14 Q.R-Q.I ( 14. B XBP B X N 15 P X B· N-K4 16 B-K2 N-R4 gives

22 W

Black a dangerous attack) Q.R-BI, with equal chances. Yet another move to have been tried here without significant success is 11 N-Q.2 ; Donner­Portisch, Budapest 1 96 1, continued 11 . . . B X B 12 QX B Q.N-Q.2 13 N­B4 N-N3 14 N-K3 Q.-B2 15 P-R5 Q.N-Q.2 16 N-B4 P-Q.N4 with equality.

Finally, for an example of 11 R-KI see the game O'Kelly-Damjanovic at the end of this section.

1 1 . . . B x N

12 B x B Q.N-Q.2 12 . . . R-KI led to a fine position for Black after 1 3 B-B4 Q.-B2 14 P ­KN4 ? KN-Q.2 15 Q.-B2 N-K4 16 B-K2 Q.N-Q.2 17 P-Q.N3 P-B5 in the game Gligoric-Janosevic, Titovo Uzice 1966. Instead of 14 p-KN4 ? either 14 Q.-B2 or 14 Q.-Q.2 would give good chances of advantage. 13 8-·B4 13 B-N5 transposes into a position already discussed in Uhlinann's variation with 7 B-NS . After 13 . .. P-R3 14 B-B4 Q.-B2 15 R-KI KR-K I 1 6 Q-B2 P-BS ! Black's position gives good prospects, GeUer­Tal, U S S R Championship 195 9.

40 The Mod"n Bmonj

I, . . . N-KI 13 . . . �B2 is also possible. The game Najdorf-Reinhardt, Mar del Plata 1961, then continued 14 R-KI- KIl-KI 15 �B2 R-K2 16 P:-Q.N3 P-R3 1 7 �2 K-R2 18 P:-Q.N4 N-K4 and Black's position is no worse.

14 B-1U Q.-h 14 . . . �K2 is far too passive. A good example of the fate that may lie in store is the game Pachman-Szabo, Mar del Plata 1962, in which there followed IS Q:-Q.2 N-B2 16 KR-KI KR-NI 1 7 B-B I �B I 18 K­RI P-N3 19 B-R2 R-N2 20 P-B4 P-B3 2 1 p-K5 ! BP X P 22 P X P N X KP 23 B X N B X B 24 R XB P X R 25 p:-Q.6 R:-Q.I (if 25 . . . N-K3 26 � QS) 26 B-B4 ch K-RI 27 N-K4 N-KI 28 R-KB I �N2 29 B-K6 P:-Q.N4 30 �N5 R(N2):-Q.2 3 1 R-B7 ! R X R 32 QXR R-B I 33 P:-Q.7 N-B3 34 QXN R X Q 35 p:-Q.8 = Q ch R-BI 36 �Q5 p X P 37 QXBP resigns.

15 R-BI Now instead of 15 . . . QR-NI 16 P:-Q.N3 N(KI)-B3 1 7 �B2 KR-KI 1 8 B-R2 when Black has little prospect of freeing his game, Black should play 15 . . . P-B5 as suggested some years ago by Becker in his notes to Smyslov-Filip, Vienna 1957, where the weaker line was played. Mter 15 . . . P-B5 White cannot play 16 P-QN3 p X P 1 7 N-N5 ? ( 17 QXP N-B4 =) �NI 18 N-B7 in view of 1 8 . . . P-N7 when Black should win.

Illustrative Game

White : O'Kelly Black : Damjanovic Havana 1 968 I P:-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P:-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q5 P-KN3 4 N:-Q.B3 P-Q,3 5 P-K4 B-N2 6 N-B3 0--0 7 B-K2 P-K3 8 0--0 P X P 9 BP X P P-Q,R3 10 P­QR4 B-N5 I I R-KI B X N 1 2 B X B Q,N:-Q.2 13 B-K2 R-KI 14 P-B3 QR-B I IS P-R5 P-B5 16 B-K3 N-B4 1 7 R-R3 P-R4 18 N-R4 N(3)­Q,2 19 B X P N X P 20 B-KBI N(5)-B4 2 1 N-B3 �R5 22 B-B2 Q:-Q.N5 23 R X R ch R X R 24 �B2 B:-Q.5 25 R-RI N...!K4 26 B X B Q,XB ch 27 K-RI K-N2 28 P-R3 P-R5 29 R:-Q.I Q:-Q.N5 30 R-R I N(K4)-Q,2 3 1 �B2 N-B3 32 N-R2 �KB5 33 N-B3 N-R4 34 K-NI N-KN6 35 R­KI R X R 36 Q, X R Q:-Q.N5 37 �B2 K-NI 38 N-R2 �R5 39 P-N4 N:-Q.2 40 �2 N-B3 41 B-'B4 �K I 42 N-B3 �K4 43 P-N5 p X P 44 B X P N(3)-R4 45 K-B2 N-B5 46 B:-Q.7 P-KN4 47 B-N5 �K2 48 Q:-Q.4 Q:-Q.I 49 �N4 �B3 50 �B4 �K4 5 I B:-Q. 7 N-R8 ch 52 K-B I �K6 53 N-K4 N-N6 ch 54 N x N P X N 55 Q,-B8 ch K-N2

56 �B2 N:-Q.6 White resigned.

The Main Line 41

(2) 9 . . . R-KI (from diagram 20)

The attack on the king's pawn leaves White with but two moves from which to choose: (a) 10 Q.-B2 and (b) 10 N-Q.2. In recent times 10 N-Q.2 has been by far the more popular, but 1 0 Q-B2 is also not without its merits as Korchnoi and Hort have demonstrated on a number of occasions recently.

(i) 10 Q.-B2 N.R3

123 W

This, the most active reply, is the best way to solve Black's develop­ment problems. Instead 1 0 . . . B-N5 I I B-KB4 B x N 1 2 B X B P-Q.R3 fails to equalise after 1 3 KR-KI ! ( ' 3 P-Q.R4 Q.-B2 14 p-R3 ? Q.N-Q.2 I S P-R5 N-K4 16 B-K2 KN-Q.2 1 7 B-Q.2 P-B5 gives Black more play but is also not bad for White, Ree-Keene, Havana 1 966) Q.-B2 (if 1 3 . . . P-Q.N4 1 4 P-K5 P x P I S p-Q.6 ±) 1 4 P-Q.R4 Q.N-Q.2 1 5 p-R5 ! with advantage to White, Pachman-Gasic, Sarajevo 1 966.

11 P-Q..R3 A very complex alternative is 1 1 B-KB4. The famous game Averbach­Tal, USSR Championship 1 958, continued 1 1 . . . N-Q.N5 1 2 Q.-NI N X KP ? ! 1 3 N X N B-B4 1 4 KN-Q.2 N X Q.P 15 B X P ? N-B3 ! and Black

42 The MoJern Benoni regained his piece with the better game. However , in the Soviet Year­book of Chess for 1 958-9, Cholmov published an analysis to demon­strate that Tal's sacrifice was incorrect. Instead of the faulty 1 5 B x p ? he recommended 1 5 B-N3 ! He gave as the main line 1 5 . . . Q;-K2 1 6 B­B3! Q.R�I 1 7 R-KI! and now :

(a) 1 7 . . . N-N5 18 B X P Q;-K3 (or 18 . . . R X B 1 9 N XR D X Q. 20 R X Q. R X R 2 1 RXB R-Q.2 22 N(2) -B4 winning) 1 9 P-Q.R3 R X B ( 1 9 . . . N-B3 2 0 D XP RXN 2 1 N X R B X Q. 2 2 R X Q. R XR 2 3 R XB is no better) �o P x N R X N 2 1 N X R B X Q. 22 R X Q. R X R 23 R x B P X P 24 B x P and White should win.

(b) 1 7 . .. N-B2 ( I j . .. N-B3 18 B-R4!) insufficient compensation for the piece ; 1 8 1 9 N X Q.P.

1 8 Q;-B I and Black has . . . P-N3 is answered by

(c) 1 7 . .. Q;-B2 1 8 B X P RX B 19 N X R B XQ. 20 N X R Q;-R4 2 1 Q.R x B QX N 2 2 N X B N-N5 2 3 N-K 8 wins.

The only game in which Cholmov's 15 B-N3 ! has been played is Peterson-Chodos, semi-final US SR Championship 1964, when the view that this refutes Black's sacrifice was substantiated. There followed 1 5 ... B-R3 16 B-N5 B X N (if 1 6 . . . R-K3 17 B-Q.B4, or if 16 . . . R-K2 1 7 B-Q.3 N-N5 1 8 N-B6 ch) 1 7 B X R Q. x B 18 N x Q.P B X Q. 19 N x Q. B-Q6 20 KR-Q.I R X N 2 1 R X B and White eventually won.

After 1 1 B-KB4 N�N5, however, it is not at all necessary for Black to go in for this sacrificial line , for he may obtain a perfectly satisfactory game by other means. For example 12 Q;-NI Q-K2 13 N-Q2 KNXQP ! 14 P X N (or 1 4 N X N NX N 1 5 P X N B-B4 1 6 Q-Q.I Q. X B and it is doubtful whether White has enough for the pawn) 14 . . . B-B4 15 Q.-Q.I B X N 16 P X B N X Q.P 17 B-Q.N5 N X B 18 B X R RX B with a good game for Black ; Donner-Robatsch, Beverwijk 1 962. After 12 . . . Q;-K2 Euwe suggests simply 13 R-K I (instead of 13 N-Q.2) when if 13 . . . N X KP 14 B�N5. Another possibility is 13 P-Q.R3 N x KP 14 P x N N X N 15 P x N Q. X B 1 6 R-K I Q.-N4 when again it is unclear whether White's play is sufficient for the pawn.

Another interesting but little-explored idea for Black is I I B-KH4 N�N5 1 2 Q;-Nl N-R4. For example 1 3 B-KN5 P-B3 1 4 B-K3 P-B4 1 5 P--Q R3 ! and now : (a) 15 · .· P x P 1 6 N-KN5? ! N-Q.6 1 7 B X KN P X B with complications, Ree-Tringov, Titovo Uzice 1966. Tal suggested that 1 6 P XN instead of N-KN5 would lead to chances for White after 1 6 . .. P X N 1 7 KB XP P XP 1 8 N-K4 ; (b) 15 . . . P-KB 5 16 B-Q.2 ( 1 6 B XQ.BP ! is a better try) N-R3 17 R-K I P-KN4 with advantage for Black, Andersen-PBeger, Copenhagen 1967.

A recent idea is 11 R-K I (diagram 2 5) ·

TItI Main LW 43

-5 •

Pachman-Soos, Titovo-Uzice 1 966, continued I I . . . N-Q.N5 1 2 Q-N3 �-N3 ( 1 � . .. NXKP ? loses to 1 3 B-Q.N5 !) 13 P-Q.R3 N-R3 14 B-Q.N5 R-K2 1 5 P-R3 N-K l 16 B-KB4 P-B3 ' 7 B-B6 with advantage to White. Also the game Korchnoi-Cordovil, Lugano 1 96 8, showed no improvement in Black's fortunes : after I I • . • R-Nl 1 2 B-KB4 N-R4 1 3 B-KN5 P-B 3 1 4 B-K3 P-I14 1 5 p XP B X P 1 6 �2 N-B2 1 7 B­KN5 B-B3 1 8 P-KR3 B XB 1 9 N XB Black was again in some difficulties. A more vigorous and convincing solution to Black's problems was demonstrated in Polugaievsky-Matulovic, Skopje 1 96 8, which went I I . . . B-N5 1 2 P-Q.R3 p-B 5! 1 3 B-K 3 R-Q.B I 14 Q.R-Q.l N-B4 and here the players agreed a draw.

More experience is needed with this line before it is possible to give a completely valid assessment of its worth, though there seems no reason for Black's chances to be in any way inferior to those in other line5.

Finally, two other insipid continuations have been tried in the position of diagram 24 :

(a) I I B-KN5 P-R3 (not I I . . . N-B2 1 2 N-Q.2 R-NI 13 P-Q.R4 ±,

Flohr-Sokolsky, 2 1 st US S R Championship 1954) 12 B-R4 P-KN4 13 B-N3 N-Q.N5 14 Q.-NI N XKP 15 N XN B-B4 1 6 KN-Q.2 N XQ.P 1 7 B-B3 P-N5 18 B-K2 Q.-K 2 19 P-B3 N-K6! (analysis by Suetin) with good chances for Black.

(b) II N-Q. 2 N-B 2 1 2 R-KI P-Q.R3 (less good is 12 . . . N-Q.2 1 3 N­B4 N-K4 14 N-K3 P-N3 1 5 P-B4 N(K4)-Q.2 1 6 B-B 3 ±, Hort-Bouaziz, Sousse 1967) 13 P-Q.R4 R-NI 14 P-R5 B-Q.2 1 5 N-B4 B-N4 with a level position, Stahlberg-Padevsky, ,Hav�a 1 964. 1 1 . . . N-B=z I I ' " B-N5 led to advantage for White after 1 2 B-KB4 N-R4 1 3 B-KN5 P-B3 14 B-Q.2 P-B4 15 P-R3 p XP 1 6 P XB P X N 1 7 B XP N-B 3 18 P-N5 in the game Hort-Nicevski, Skopje 1 96 8.

44 The Modern Bnu:mi

12 R-KI Alternatives give White few prospects of maintaining the initiative; for example :

(a) 1 2 R-Q I B-N5 1 3 B-KN5 P-KR3 14 B-R4 P-KN4 1 5 B-N3 N-R4 1 6 P-R3 N X B 1 7 P X N B-Q2, Klasup-Tal, Riga 1 959;

(b) 12 N-Q2 P-QR3 13 P-QR4 R-NI 14 P-R5 B-Q2 1 5 N-B4 N-N4, Vukovic-Matulovic, Yugoslav Championship 1960 ;

(c) 1 2 B-KN5 P-KR3 1 3 B-KB4 P-QN4, Kots-Chodos, USSR Cham­pionship 1962 ; and Black has good play in all cases.

12 . . . R-NI Another possibility leading to difficult play is 1 2 . . . Q-K2. The game Korchnoi-Bilek, Sousse 1967, continued 13 B-KN5 P-KR3 14 ll-R4 P-KN4 1 5 B-N3 N-R4 16 QR-Q I N X B 1 7 RP X N P-N5 1 8 N-KR4 Q-N4 with complications.

13 B-B4 N-R4 Black's prospects are not worse. The game Ragosin-Scherbakov, Moscow Championship 1 955, continued 1 4 B-KNS P-B3 I S B-R4 P-KN4 1 6 N-Q2 N-B S I 7 B-N3 N x B ch 1 8 N x N P-B4 and Black held the initiative.

\Ve now come to one of the most important variations of all in the Modern Benoni.

(ii) 9 . . . R-KI 10 N-Q.2 (from diagram 20)

White's plan in this situation is to over-protect his king's pawn with P-B3, then to play N-B4 and eventually to break through in the centre with p-B4 and P-KS. The only replies to give Black much counterplay are 1 0 ' " N-R3 and 1 0 _ _ . QN-Q2 . The first is analysed below, while 1 0 . . . QN-Q2 will be dealt with on page 8S. Other moves do not contest

The Main Line 45

White's initiative ; for example : (i) 1 0 • . . P-N3 1 1 P-B3 ( 1 1 P-B4 trans­poses into the four pawns attac� of the King's Indian defence ; while 1 1 P-Q.R4 gives Black counterchances after 1 1 . . . B-Q.R3 1 2 B-Q.NS B X B 1 3 P X B Q.N-Q.2 14 Q;-B2 N-K4 I S P-B4 N(K4)-Q.2 1 6 N-B3 P-BS 1 7 R­R4 Q."":B2 I � R-K I P-Q.R3 1 9 R x RP R x R 20 P X R P-Q.N4, Nezhmet­dinov-Polugaievsky, RSFSR 1 960) 1 1 . . . B-Q.R3 1 2 B >;IB N X B 1 3 N-B4 Q.-Q.2 (or 1 3 ' " N-B2 14 B-B4 B-B I I S P-Q.R4 N-R4 1 6 B-K3 R-N I 1 7 Q;-Q.2 ±, Garcia-Szabo, Tel Aviv 1 964) 14 P-Q.R4 N-B2 I S B-B4 B-B I 1 6 P-KN4 (also good is 1 6 B-NS N-R4 1 7 P-KN4 N-N2 1 8 P-KS, R. Byrne-Evans, u s Championship 1 963-4) Q.R-Q. I 1 7 Q;-Q.2 P-Q.N4 1 8 P X P N X NP 1 9 N X N Q. X N 20 Q-Q.3 with clear advantage for White ;

Donner-J anosevic, Venice 1 967. (ii) 10 . . . P-Q.R3 is also insufficient for inequality. For example

1 1 P-Q.R4 (not 1 1 Q;-B2 P-Q.N4 1 2 P-Q.R4 P-NS 1 3 N-N I in view of 1 3 . . . N x Q.p ! ) 1 1 . . . . P-N3. (Also of interest is the game Brinck-Claussen­Pietzsch, Lugano 1 968, which continued 1 1 . . . Q.N-Q.2 1 2 P-B3-P-B4 also deserves consideration-Q.-B2 1 3 N-B4 N-N3 1 4 N-R3 B-Q.2 I S Q;-N3 N x RP ! 1 6 N x N 'P-Q.N4 1 7 N-B3 P-NS with complications) and now 1 2 p-B3 ! or 1 2 Q;-B2 ! leaves Black devoid of counterchances ; less good is 1 2 P-B4 when after 1 2 . . . R-R2 1 3 B-B3 Q.R-K2 Black has good counterplay, e.g. 14 N-B4 N X KP ! I S N X N R X N 1 6 B X R R X B 1 7 Q;-N3 (if 1 7 N-K3 B-Q.S) B-NS 1 8 B-Q.2 (or 1 8 B-K3 B-K7 1 9 Q;-B2 !, Shianovsky-Artsukevitch, Leni?grad 1 9S3, and now 19 . . . R X N ! 20 Q. x B R-KS 2 I R-B3 Q;-B2 followed by . . . P-BS and . . . N-Q.2 -B4 is satis­factory for Black according to Suetin) 1 8 . . . B-K7 1 9 KR-B I N-Q.2 20 N X Q.P P-BS, Ragosin-Aratovsky, semi-final USSR Championship 1 9S I ; or 14 R-R3 Q.-B2 I S K-R I Q.N-Q.2 1 6 R-N3 P-BS 1 7 R-N4 P-Q.N4 !, Levit-Golovko, USSR 1 9S3 ; or finally 14 R-K I P-Q.N4 IS P x P P x P

46, The Modem Benoni

16 N X NP_ B-Q.R3, Ilivitsky-Shaposhnikov RSFSR 1 954. In all cases Black has adequate chances. 10 . . . N-R3 In this position White's choice lies essentially between attempting a direct push in the centre with P-B4 and P-K5, or first stabilising the central position with P-'B3 and leaving the pawn thrusts until he has improved the placings of his pieces. At present the latter plan is far more common, for it leads to a more durable advantage for vVhite than the immediate break-through attempts, though in both lines Black should, with accurate play, secure equality.

, We shall examine first the earlier plans with (a) I I R-KI and

(b) I I P-B4 ; then the more fashionable (c) I I p-B3 ! Besides these, other moves have been tried, but none with any

measure of success. The antipositional I I B-B3 ? gave White nothing in the game Albareda-J. Littlewood, Lucerne 1963, which continued I I • . • R-NI 1 2 P-Q.R4 N-Q.2 13 N-B4 N-K4 14 N X N B X N 1 5 B-K3 N-N5 with good play for Black. Even weaker is I I B X N as was played in the game Kraidman-Kanko, Students' Olympiad 1955, when after I I • • . P X B 1 2 P-B3 B-Q.2 1 3 P-Q.R4 R-N I 14 N-B4 N-R4 1 5 P-KN4 B-Q.5 ch 1 6 K-N2 R-N5 1 7 Q;-Q.3 Q.-R5 Black had a tremendous attack.

I I R-N I is another ineffective idea as was shown in Gligoric-Tal, Candidates 1959, in which there followed I I . . • B-Q.2 1 2 R-KI ( 1 2 P­Q.R3 ? R-NI Ij P-Q,N4 P X P 14 p X P R-QB I 1 5 Q.-N3 ? R x N I 1 6 Q. X R N X KP 1 7 Q.-B2 N-B6 18 B-Q.3 B-R5 won quickly for Black i n the correspondence game Hofmann-Behnke 1 955) R-N I ! 3 P-Q.N3 P-Q.N4 1 4 B-N2 N-B2 1 5 Q.-B2 Q.-K2 1 6 N-Q.I B-R3 ! I 7 P-B3 N-R4 18 N­B I N X Q.P ! 1 9 P X N B-B4 20 Q.-B3 B-N2 2 1 Q.-B I B X R 22 B X B K X B 23 Q.X B N-B5 with a very strong position for Black._

Finally, another move to have failed against Tal is I I K-RI as played

The Main Line 47

by Ufimtsev in the Spartak;;.de 1 967; the game continued : I I . . . N-B2 1 2 P--Q.R4 R-NI 1 3 P-B4 P-Q,R3 14 P-R5 B-Q,2 1 5 B-B3 N-N4 1 6 p-K5 ! ? p X P 1 7 p X P R X P 1 8 N-B4 R-B4 1 9 N-K3 R-B5 20 N­K2 R-KR5 2 I P-KN3 R-K5 22 B X R N X B 23 N-KII4 N-Q,5 24 K-N2 Q;-K2 25 R-K I P-KR4 26 R-R3 R-K I 27 N-K� B-R6 ch ! 28 K x B N-N4 ch ! resigns.

We now come to the more common lines :

(a) I I R-Kr (from diagram 28)

This is an old move which bears too little relevance to the mam problems of the position to cause Black much difficulty.

E l . . . N-B2

29

B

Other possibilities are : (i) I I . . . B-Q,2 1 2 B-B I N-KN5 1 3 N-B3 N-K4 1 4 B-KB4 B-N5 1 5 Q,B X N B X B 1 6 B X N P X B 1 7 P-KR3 B X N 1 8 Q,XB R-N I 1 9 P--Q.N3, Bisguier-Sherwin, u s Championship 1960; or (ii) I I . . . R-NI 12 P-KR3 B--Q.2 13 B-B I P-Q,N4 14 P-Q,R4 N-B2 1 5 P X P N X NP 16 B X N B X B 1 7 R X P B-Q,6 1 8 N-B3, Cholmov­Perez, Havana 1 965, but in both of these White has the better game. 12 P-Q.14 1 2 Q;-B2 R-N I 1 3 P--Q.R4 is the alternative, but this too leaves Black with several reasonable continuations. For example, 1 3 . . . P-Q,R3 14 P-R5 B--Q.2 1 5 N-B4 N-N4, Klasup-Lein, Vilna 1955 ; or 1 3 . . . P-N3 14 N-N5 P--Q.R3 1 5 N X N Q, X N 16 R-R2 Q;-K2 1 7 P-B3 N-R4 1 8 N­BI P-B4, Birbrager-Tal, USSR 1 953 ; or finally 13 . . . N-R3 14 B X N P X B 1 5 N-B4 R-N5 16 N-R2 N X Q,P 1 7 B--Q.2 R X N, Vranesic-Stein, Tel Aviv I g64; all these lines give Black interesting possibilities of counterplay. 12 . . . P-NS 12 . . , P--Q.R3 is a good alternative. Andersen-Matulovic, Havana 1 966,

48 The Modern Benoni

then continued 13 P-B4 R-N I 14 P-R5 B-Q,2 1 5 B-B3 B-N4 16 N-B I B X N 1 7 R X B N-Q.2 1 8 P-KN3 P-Q.N4 19 p X P e.p. R X NP 20 �B2 �NI with active play for Black. 13 Q;-B2 Or 1 3 P-R3 R-NI 14 B-Q,3 P-Q,R3 1 5 N-B4 P-Q.N4 16 p X P p X P 1 7 N-R5 B-Q,2 1 8 B-KB4 P-N5 1 9 N-Q, I �B2 20 N-B4 N-N4, Lilienthal-Lyavdansky, U

'S SR 1 964, when Black's position was quite

solid.

13 . . . N-R3

30 B

In the famous game Gurgenidze-Tal, US SR Championship 1957, Black played instead 1 3 . . , N-N5 and won brilliantly after 14 p-R3 ? N x p ! 1 5 K X N Q;-R5 ch 16 K-B I B-Q.5 1 7 N-Q, I Q, X RP ! 18 B-B3 Q;-R7 1 9 N-K3 p-B4 ! 20 N(Q,2)-B4 P X P 2 1 B X P B-R3 22 B-B3 R-K4 23 R-R3 Q,R-KI 24 B-Q,2 N X P ! 25 B X N ch R X B 26 K-K2 B X N 27 R X B B X N ch 28 Resigns.

� However if after 1 3 . . . N-N5, White plays 14 B X N ! B X B 1 5 N-B4 he should obtain slightly better prospects since the threat of 16 B-B4 is a little awkward for Black to meet. 14 �NS N-Q.NS Black's position is now very satisfactory. Miskolc 1 963, continued 1 5 Q;-Q, I B-Q.2 B-Q.5 and Black gained the initiative.

(b) I I P-·B4 (from diagram 28)

The game Lokvenc-Tal, 16 N-B4 N-N5 1 7 B-B4

This move transposes into a four pawns attack type of King's Indian defence position, from which line it may indeed also arrive, for example by the move order I P-Q,4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-KN3 3 N-Q.B3 B-N2 4 P-K4 P-Q.3 5 P-B4 0-0 6 N-B3 P-B4 7 P-Q.5 P-K3 8 B-K2 P X P 9 BP XP Il-KI 1 0 N-Q.2 N-1l3 1 1 0-0. In this line, however, as in

The MtJin Line 49

many of the four pawns attack variants White's centre lacks the necessary support of his pieces to cause Black much concern.

11 • . • N-B2

31 B

Probably the soundest reply, though Black has some alternatives worthy of mention :

( I ) I I . . . B-Q.2 1 2 B-B3 (C-B2 1 3 N-B4 P-Q.N4 14 N X Q.P Q. X N 1 5 P-K5 Q.-N3 1 6 P X N B X P 1 7 K-RI Q.R-Q. I 1 8 P-Q.R4 N-N5 is very complicated, Westerinen-Tringov, Tel Aviv 1 964.

(ii) I I . . . R-NI 1 2 R-KI ( 1 2 B-B3 is also possible, for example 1 2 . . . N-Q.N5 ! 1 3 B-K2 p-B5 ? ! 14 (c-R4 P-Q.R4 1 5 B X P N-N5 1 6 P-:KR3 N-K6 with complications, Zaitsev-Suetin, 30th USSR Cham­pionship 1962 ; if after 1 2 B-B3 Black plays 1 2 . . . P-Q.N4, then White gains the advantage with 13 P-Q.R4 p X P 14 N-B4 R-N5 _ 1 5 R X P as in the game Pantaleev-Prahov, Bulgarian Championship 1 960. Another very obscure possibility is I I . . . R-N I 12 P-KR3 P-B5 1 3 B X P P-Q.N4 14 B-Q.3 N-B4 1 5 B X P R X B 1 6 N X R (C-N3 I 7 P-Q.R4 N-N6 ch as in A. Zaitsev-Altschuler, 6th USSR Correspondence Champion­ship) 1 2 . . . N-B2 ( 1 2 . . . P-B5 is too sharp ; the game Portisch-Dely, Hungarian Championship 1 955, continued 1 3 B-B3 N-B4 14 N X P P-Q.N4 1 5 N X Q.p ! Q. x N 1 6 P-K5 (C-K2 1 7 P-Q. 6 (C-K3 1 8 B-K3 with great advantage to White) 1 3 P-Q.R4 P-N3 ( 1 3 . . . P-KR4 was played in Lilienthal-Scherbakov, Moscow 1 955, but after 14 P-R3 N-Q.2 1 5 B-Q.3 B-Q.5 ch 1 6 K-R2 P-R3 1 7 N-B3 White had a minimal advantage) 14 R-N I P-Q.R3 1 5 (C-B2 P-Q.N4 and Black had reasonable prospects, Zaitsev-Vitolinsh, USSR 1 963 ;

(iii) I I . . . P-N3 1 2 B-B3 N-B2 ; and (iv) I I . . . N-Q.2 1 2 B-B3 N-B2 both transpose into variations cor!-

sidered below. 12 B-B3 If 1 2 P-Q.R4 Black should simply continue 1 2 . . . P-N3 ( 1 2 . . . R-NI is

50 TIte Modern Bmoni

also good) 1 3 B-B3 R-NI . For instance, 14 R-KI B-Q.R3 (or 14 . . . p­ItR4 15 P-R3 B-Q.R3 1 6 B-K2 B X B 17 R XB P-RS 18 N-B3 N-R4 1 9 P-KS, MOller-Czerniak, Vienna I9S I , with an unclear situation) I S N(Q.2)-N I ! N-Q.2 1 6 N-R3 P-BS ! (weaker is 1 6 . • . P-B4 as in Udovcic-Minic, ' Bled 1963, when either 1 7 p X P or 1 7 P-KS ! gives advantage to White) ' 17 N(B3)-NS B X N 18 P X B p-B6 19 R-NI P X P 20 B X P B X B 2 I R X B Q-B3 22 R-Q.B2 N-B4 with a slightly preferable position for Black, Malich-Tringov, Sarajevo I96S.

12 . . . R-NI 1 2 . . . P-N3 is a sound alternative transposing into the previous note after 13 P-Q.R3 ( 1 3 N:"'B4 B-Q.R3 14 Q-N3 P-Q.N4 I S N X Q.P ? is not possible because after I S . . . Q. X N 1 6 P-KS Q;-N3 Black threatens . . . P­BS ch). Another solid line is 1 2 . . . N-Q.2 13 P-Q.R4 R-NI 1 4 N-B4 N-N3 I S N-RS P-B4 1 6 p X P B X P 1 7 B-Q.2 Q;-B3, Steinmeyer­Evans, u s Championship 1963-4, and Black has good prospects. 13 N-B4 P-Q.N4 14 N-RS B-Q.2 IS P-KS PxP In the game Polugaievsky-Evans, Havana 1966, Black continued weakly with IS . . ' KN X P ? 16 N X N N X N 17 Q. X N Q.XN 18 Q. x Q.P B-B4 19 Q.x p with great advantage to White. 16 PxP R xP 17 B-8t R-8tl Not 17 . . • R-KI ? when 18 N-B6 is good for White. 18 B-N3 P-NS Black now has a clear advantage as was seen in the games Zinser­Evans, Venice 1 967, and Soos-Matulovic, Skopje 1967. The first of these finished : 19 N-R4 KN X P 20 N X P B-N4 ! 2 1 R-KI B X P 22 R­NI B-B6 23 N(BS)-N7 Q-B3 24 N-Q.6 B X R 2S N X B B X B 26 B X N Q. X N 27 Resigns. In the other game Soos managed to improve, but

TIle Main Litu 51

only to the extent of three moves: 19 N-B6 B XN 20 P XB P XN 2 1 �X� IlXQ. 2 2 B X N Il-QBI 23 B-Q1l5 P X P 24 �R-QI N-Itl 25 Il­�8 B-Q5 ch 26 It-RI R X R 27 B XR P-B5 28 R X Q.I R XB ! 29 P XR p-B6 30 Resigns.

IllustrativI Gamu

White : RubIDetd Black: Oarda Buenos Aires 1964 I P-Q4 N-KB3 2 P-QB4 P-S4 3 P-QS P-K3 4 N-QB3 P x P S P x P P-Q3 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 N-B3 ()-Q 9 0--0 R-ItI 10 N-12.2 N-R3 I I P-B4 R-NI 1 2 P-QR4? N-QNS 13 B-B3 P-N3 14 N-B4 B-QR3 I S Q-N3 R-N2 16 P-N3 �R-K2 1 7 »-Q2 N X ltP ! 18 N X N R X N 19 B X R R X B 20 Q.R-BI B-Q5 ch 2 1 It-RI B-QN2 2 2 B-B3 B X P 23 B XB R-K6 ch 24 Resigns.

White : Forbato. Black: K1u.ger Hungarian Championship I 96S First ten moves as above; I I P-B4 N-B2 1 2 P-QR4 N-R3 ? ! 1 3 B-B3 P-R4 14 N-B4 N-KNS 15 P-KN3 B-QS ch 16 K-N2 P-B4 1 7 P-R3 B X N 1 8 P X B p X P 19 B X N P X B 20 P X P Q-B3 2 1 B-Q2 B-Q2 22 R-RI N-B2 23 N-K3 P-QN4 24 R-R6 K-N2 2S P-NS Q-B2 26 P­B4 P-NS 27 B-B I R-KNI 28 R-R7 ch! resi�.

(c) I I P-B3 ! (from diagram 28)

With this move, originally a recommendation of Gligoric, White safe­guards his centre and threatens to develop his initiative by playing N-B4 followed by P-QR4 and eventually B-KB4 or P-KB4 driving Black into a passive position. The best defence to this plan consists in playing an early . . . N-Q2, to answer N-B4 with . . . N-Y4 threatening to eliminate the menacing knight. How this works out in practice will be seen from the examples below.

1 1 . . . N-lkI

33 B

52 The Modern Bnumi

This is the most natural reply, preventing N-B4 in view of . . . P-Q.N4. Shaposhnikov and Yudovitch, in an article in Shakhmatny Bulletin in 1 95 8, recommended instead the immediate I I . . . N-Q.2, and this was played a few times without ever gaining real popularity. After I I . . . _ N-Q.2 1 2 N-B4 { 1 2 N-NS gave no advantage in the game Birbrager-Tal, Spartakiade 1 966, after 1 2 . . . N-N3 1 3 P-Q.R4 ICK2 1 4 N-B4 N XN 1 5 B XN N-N I ! 1 6 B-B4 R-Q.I 1 7 (C-Q,2 P-Q.R3 1 8 N-R3 N-Q.2 with equality; while against other- 1 2th moves Black may play 1 2 . . . N-B2 transposing into the satisfactory variations below) 1 2 . . . N-K4 1 3 N-K3! gives White the advantage; compare this with the main line where Black is more prepared to deal with 'Vhite's threat of P-B4. Instead of 1 3 N-K3! White continued less forcefully in the game Bertok-Tal, Bled 1 96 1 , where there followed 1 3 B-B4 ? NXN 1 4 II X N N-B2 1 5 (C-Q,? P-Q.R3 and Black had the preferable position.

Other moves have also been tried in diagram 33 ; for example : I I . . . R-NI 1 2 R-KI (or 1 2 K-RI N-B2 1 3 P-Q.R4 P-Q.R3 1 4 P-RS B-Q.2 1 5 N-B4 B-N4 1 6 B-B4, Wexler-Forintos, Tel Aviv 1 964) 1 2 . . . N-B2 1 3 P-Q.R4 P-R3 14 P-RS B-Q.2 1 5 N-B4 B-N4 1 6 B-NS, Garcia-Scheweber, Tel Aviv 1 964, and in both cases White's position is slightly preferable.

Finally, I I . . . B-Q.2 turned out very well in the game Smirnov­Nebolsin, RSF SR 1 965, when after 1 2 _P-Q.R4 N-R4 1 3 N-B4 P-B4 1 4 B-Q 3 B-Q.S ch 1 5 B-K3 N-B5 16 B XB P XB 1 7 N-K2 N XB 1 8 Q X N N-B4 Black had a fine position. Instead of the faulty 1 4 B-Q 3, 1 4 p-B4! should have beerl played, when Black will find it difficult to

justify his play. la P-Q.14

54 B

Now Black must prepare to meet N-B4. His choice lies between (i) 1 2 . .. P-N3 (with the idea of . . . B-Q.R3 to exchange the knight at White' s QB4) ; and (ii) 1 2 . . . N-Q.2 (followed by . . . N-K4) .

The Main Line 53

(I) 12 . . . P-N3

This is the older of the two moves, which has recently come back into fashion. Possibly, though, this is more due to a dissatisfaction with the other line than any positive aspects.

13 K-R1 Also dangerous for Black is the immediate 1 3 N-B4, though against this he should, with accurate play, achieve active chances. For example 1 3 N-B4 B-Q.R3 14 B-N5 (not 14 B-B4 when Black frees his game with 14 . . • N-R4 1 5 B-K3 P-B4 1 6 N-Q.2 P-B5, Kchouk-Forintos, Havana 1 966) p-R3 ! (neither 14 • • • B X N 1 5 B X B P-Q.R3 1 6 K-R I R-N I 1 7 Q;-K2 !, Petrosian-Schmid, Zurich 1 96 I ; nor 14 . . . Q.-Q.2 1 5 Q;- Q.2 B X N 1 6 B X B P-Q.R3 1 7 Q.-Q.3, Birbrager-Tal, 'USSR Teams Cham­pionship 1 955, gives Black any freedom) . 1 5 B-R4 Q.-Q.2 {6 P-KN4 ? Q.R-N I i 7 B-N3 B X N 18 B X B P-R3, Horowitz-Evans, us Champion­ship 1 968. By delaying ' " B X N until his preparation for . . , P-Q.N4 are complete, Black has secured good counterplay. See illustrative games at the end of this section for the remainder of this game.

A recent attempt to improve this variation for White is the move 14 R-N I (after 1 3 N-B4 B-Q.R3) to prepare P-Q.N4 himself; but it seems that here also Black has sufficient counterplay. For example 13 N-B4 B-Q.R3 14 R-N I B X N · 1 5 B X B N-Q.2 16 B-Q.2 (or 1 6 N-N5 N-K4 1 7 N X N Q.X N 18 B-Q.N5 N-Q.2 19 B-Q.2 P-Q.R3 with chances for both sides, Gligoric-Lobigas, Manila 1968) P-Q.R3 1 7 P-Q.N4 P x P 1 8 R X P Q.-K2 1 9 K-R I KR-Q.B I 2 0 Q.-K2 P-Q.N4 2 1 P X P B X N with complications, Adamski-Matulovic, Lugano 1 968.

The text move is almost a waiting move, hoping that Black's reply will enable White to extract more from the position than he can achieve with the immediate 1 3 N-B4. Since White intends to open the centre eventually, K-R I is a useful precaution tn any case.

35 B

54 The Modern Benoni

13 . . . R-NI , 1 3 • • • N-Q.2 was played in the game Najdorf-Fischer, Havana 1 966, but after 14 N-H4 N-K4 1 5 N-K3 P-B4 1 6 P-B4 N-B2 1 7 P x P P x P

1 8 B-Q.3 Q;-B3 1 9 N-K2 N�KR3 20 N-N3 Q;-N3 2 I Q;-B2 R-B I 22 B-Q.2 B-Q.2 Gligoric's suggestion of 23 R-B3 ! leaves Black in some difficulties.

1 3 • . • B-Q.R3 ? 14 B X B N X B 1 5 N-B4 is very bad for Black. 14 N-B4 B-Q.R3 The game Gligoric-Matulovic, Sousse 1 967, continued 1 5 B�N5 P-R3 1 6 B-R4 Q;-Q.2 1 7 Q;-Q.2 B X N ( 1 7 • • • P-KN4 ? ! deserves consideration) 1 8 B X B P-R3 19 B-Q.3 P-Q.N4 20 P X P P X P 2 1 R-R7 and Black is under some pressure though his queen's side pawns should provide sufficient counterplay. It is too dangerous for White to play for the win of a pawn in this line with 1 9 B X N B X B 20 Q.xp for after 20 • • • P­Q.N4 followed by . . . P-N5 Black's counterplay on the queen's side is very strong indeed.

(ii) 12 . . . N-Q.2 (from diagram 34) 13 N-B4 Interesting is 1 3 P-B4 N-B3 when at the cost of one move Black has transposed into a line good for him. It seems that his resources are still sufficient ; for example Furman-Tal, USSR Championship 1 9S9, con­tinued 14 B-B3 P-N3 I S N-B4 B-Q.R3 1 6 Q;-Q.3 ( 1 6 Q;-N3 B X N I 7 Q..X B R-NI 1 8 N-NS N X N 1 9 P X N N X KP ! 20 B X N B-Q.S ch led to a good game for Black in Zheliandinov-Adamski, Havana. 1 967) R-NI (also possible is 1 6 • . . B X N transposing to the previous note) 1 7 R-NI P-Q.N4 1 8 P X P N X NP 1 9 N X N B X N 20 B-Q.2 ? N X KP ! winning a pawn. After 1 3 P-B4 it is dangerous to play 1 3 ' " R-Nl f4 K-R I Q;-K2 in view of I S P-KS P X P 16 N(Q.2)-K4 with a strong attack, Mititelu­Reicher, Roumanian Championship 1 964. 13 · · · N-Kf 14 N-K31 (see diagram 36) 14 · · · P-B4 This is the most active reply leading to very sharp play. The alternatives are very passive :

(a) 14 ' " P-B3 was played in the third game of the Uhlmann­Portisch match, Budapest 1962, and after I S B-Q.2 R-N I 1 6 R-N I B-Q.2 1 7 1'-Q.N4 P x P 1 8 R x P N-R3 1 9 R-NI N-B4 20 Q.-B2 Q.-K2 2 I Q;-R2 N-B2 Black secured a good position. Portisch r�commended that instead of Uhlmann's plan of queen's side play, better was I S P-B4 N-B2 followed by a later P-BS and P x P for White when Black's king's side may

' prove difficult to defend.

The Main Line 55

36 W

(b) 1 4 . . . P-N3 1 5 R-KI R-NI : 6 P-B4 N-Q.2 1 7 N-B4 N-B3 1 8 B-B3 B--Q.R3 19 N-R3 N-Q.2 20 N(R3)-N5 -B X N 2 1 P X B R-RI 22 P-K5 -with clear advantage to White, Kraidman-Fischer, Natanya 1 968• 15 P-B4 N-B2 16 P x P P x P Now i t is known that Black should play 1 6 . . . N-KR3 ! for which reason White should avoid this position with 1 3 K-R I ! See the notes to Gligoric-Minic page 87 for details. After the text the game Bukic­Tal, Budva 1 967, continued 1 7 B-Q.3 Q.-B3 1 8 R-B3 ' B-Q.2 ( 1 8 • . . N-R I 1 9 Q;-B2 R-B I is an interesting suggestion of Petrosian's, which he assesses as unclear) 19 i-B2 N-KR3 20 B-Q.2 R-K2 2 1 Q.N-Q.I ! N-K I 22 R-N3 Q.-Q.5 23 N-B2 ! K-RI 24 B-B3 Q. x BP 25 N-R3 Q.-RS 26 R-KB I B-Q.S 2 7 R-B4 Q.-B3 28 B X B P X B 29 N X P N X N 30 B X N R-B I 3 1 Q. x R ! B X Q 32 B X B R-K8 c h 33 K-B2 Q;-K2 34 B-K6 R x B 35 P x R N-B3 36 R (N3)-KB3 N-N I 37 R-B7 Q.-R5 ch 38 R-N3 p--Q.6 39 R-B8 Q;-Q.5 ch 40 K-B I resigns.

Illustrative Games White : Horowitz Black : Evans u s Championship 1 968 I P--Q.4 N-KB3 2 P--Q.B4 P-B4 3 P--Q.5 P-K3 4 N--Q.B3 P x P 5 P x P P--Q.3 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 B-K2 0-0 9 0-0 R-K I 10 N-Q.2 N-R3 I I P-B3 N-B2 1 2 P-Q.R4 P-N3 1 3 N-B4 B--Q.R3 14 B-N5 P-R3 I 5 B-R4 Q;-Q.2 1 6 p-KN4 Q.R-NI 1 7 B-N3 B X N I8 B X B P-R3 I9 R-K I P-Q.N4 20 P x P P x P 2 I B-BI P-N5 22 N-K2 P-R4 23 P-R3 P X P 24 RP X P N-N4 25 K-N2 R-RI 26 Q;-B2 N-KR2 27 Q;-Q.2 Q;-K2 28 Q;-Q.3 N--Q.5 29 R X R R X R 30 N X N B X N 3'1 R-K2 P-N4 32 Q;-N5 B-K4 33 Q;-B6 R-R8 34 Q;-B8 ch N-B I 35 B X B Q.XB 36 Q;-B5 N-N3 37 Q. X Q. N X Q. 38 R-;-KB2 P-B5 39 K-N3 R-R7 40 R-K2 p-N6 41 Resigns.

56 The Modern Bmoni

White : Petrosiaa Black : Schmld Zurich 1961 First 1 3 ,moves as above : 1 4 B-N5 B X N 15 B X B P-QR3 16 K-RI R-NI 1 7 Q-K2 Q-B I 1 8 B-B4 B-B I 1 9 QR-NI ! N-R4 ( 1 9 . . . P-Q.N4 20 P X P P X P 2 1 N X P N(B2) X P loses a pawn to 22 B X P) 20 B-Q2 p-B4 ? 2 I P-KN4 N-B3 22 NP x P P x P 23 R-NI ch K-RI 24 R-N3 R-K2 25 QR-NI R-KN2 26 P-K5 P X P 27 Q X P N(B2)-KI 28 R X R B X R 29 R X B ! K X R 3 0 Q-K7 ch K-N3 3 1 p-Q.6 ! resigns.

E. The Pawn Storm Variation

From diagram I : 6 P-14 P-KN3 7 P-Ilf

:n B

This is the most direct refutation attempt of the Modern Benoni. White prepares at once to set his central pawn roller in motion. Attempts by Black to halt the advance are doomed to failure : for example the game Shamkovitch-Zheliandinov, RSFSR Championship 1 959, continued 7 . . . Q-K2 ? 8 N-B3 ! QN-Q2 ? (8 • • • N X KP 9 N X N Q. X N ch 1 0 K-B2 leaves Black in dire straits in view of the open king's file, but better was 8 . . . B-N2 followed by 0-0 though he is still strug­gling.) 9 P-K5 p X P 1 0 p X P N X KP I I B-N5 ch N-Q.2 dis. ch. 1 2 K­B2 ! N-N5 ch 1 3 K-N3 ! and Black is quite lost.

Thus Black usually continues 7 . . . B-N2 when White may play 8 N-B3 0-0 transposing into the King's Indian, four pawns attack, or continue more ambitiously with either (i) 8 P-K5 or (ii) 8 B-N5 ch.

(i) Mikenas's line 7 " . �N2 8 P-KS

This variation has been extensively analysed and played by the

TIte PIllIm Storm VlJrialitm 57

Lithuanian master Mikenas. White's strategy, expressed naively, is to push his pawns as far as they will go, and then to take advantage of the resulting denuded position of the black king caused by his pieces fleeing from the onrush of pawns. As may be expected this leads to extremely double-edged play. The chances are approximately even. If anything, theory favours Black, while practice shows White to be more sllccessful.

sa B

Black's only two sane moves are (a) 8 ' " p X P (very risky) and (b) 8 . . . KN-Q.2 ( !) .

(a) 8 . . . Px P 9 P x P KN-Q.2 If 9 . . . N-N5 ? 1 0 p-K6 or 1 0 B-N5 ch is overwhelming for White; Also weak is 9 . . . N-R4, the game Yakovlev-Voloshin, Molotov 1 956, continued 10 B-N5 ch B-Q.2 I I N-B3 0-0 1 2 o-o ! ( 1 2 B X B N X B 1 3 P-KN4 N X P is by no means clearly good for White) 1 2 . . . B-N5 1 3 B-K2 B X N 14 B X B B X P 1 5 B X N Q;-R5 1 6 P-KN3 Q. X B 1 7 Q. x Q. P x Q. 1 8 R-B5 with great advantage for White. Finally, if 9 . . . Q;-K2 Mikenas gives the variation : 1 0 N-B3 0-0 I I B-KN5 P-KR3 1 2 B X N B X B 1 3 p-Q.6 Q.-K3 14 Q.-Q.5 ! B X P 1 5 N X B R-K I 1 6 0--0--0 Q. X N 1 7 B-B4 ! with advantage. 10 P-K6 P x P 11 P X P (see diagram 39) 11 • • • Q.-RS ch Other moves are even less satisfactory ; Mikenas gives the following possi hili ties :

(i) I I . . . N-K4 1 2 Q. x Q. ch K X Q. 1 3 B-N5 ch, etc. (ii) 1 1 . . . N-KB3 1 2 B-Q.B4 Q. x Q. ch 1 3 K X Q. N-B3 1 4 N-B3 N-Q.R4

1 5 B-N5 ch K-K2 1 6 R-K I .

58 T1u Modem Benoni

(ill) I I . . . N-BI 12 N-N5 ! Q.x Q. ch 13 K X Q. N X P 14 B--Q.B4 N-R3 15 KN-B3; and in all cases Black is in severe difficulties.

Also I I . . . lCK2 1 2 B-K2 N-KB3 1 3 B-KB4 B X P 14 B--Q.6 !CQ.I 15 lCR4 ch KN--Q.2 16 R--Q.I , Kampenus-Kirillov, Riga 1967 ; and I I . . . B XN ch 12 P X B lCK2 13 B-K2 N-K4 14 lCR4 ch Q.N-B3 15 B-KR6 B X P 16 0--0-0 B--Q.2 1 7 �KN4, Mileika-Zhuravlev, Riga 1962, both leave much to be desired in the Black situation.

12 P-N3 B xN ch 13 PxB Q.-KS ch

39 B

13 . . . �K2 ? rapidly led to a winning position for White in the game Peterson-Shershniev, Latvia 1964, in which there followed 14 N-B3 Q.X P ch 1 5 B-K2 0-0 16 0-0 N-N3 1 7 B-KR6 R-KI 18 N-N5 �K6 ch 19 K-RI B-K3 20 N X P and Black was lost. 14 Q.-IU Q.x Q. ch 14 . . . Q.XR ? (if 14 . . . N-KB3 15 B-KN2 is very strong) loses by force to 15 P X N db!. ch K X P 16 B-R3 ch. 15 B x Q. 1 5 N X Q. also makes matters difficult for Black, e.g. 1 5 . . . N-B I 1 6 B­KN2 N-B3 1 7 R--Q.NI N X P 18 0-0 Q.N--Q.I 19 N-B4 R-BI 20 R-KI ±,

Zelevinski-Liberson, Moscow 1957. 15 . . . N-BI 16 N-B3 NxP Black's position is extremely precarious despite his extra pawn. Mikenas-Polugaievsky, semi-final 23rd USSR Championship 1957, continued 1 7 0-0 ( 1 7 B-KR6 is also very strong) 0-0 18 B-KR6 R-KI 19 N-K5 N--Q.2 20 :1--Q.N5 with advantage to White.

(b) 8 . . . KN-Q2( !) (from diagram 38)

This is Black's best defence to Mikenas's 8 P-K5. Black prevents the

The Pawn Storm Variation 59

complete opening of the centre which proved so dangerous in the line above.

9 N-NSI

fO W

9 P xi> is not dangerous for Black ; for example the game Mikenas­Scherbakov, Moscow 1 96 1 , continued 9 . . . 0-0 1 0 N-B3 N-KB3 1 1 N-K5 (or I l B-K2 N-KI with easy equality) Q.N-Q.2 1 2 B-K2 N X N ! 1 3 P X N N-Q.2 14 p-K6 p X P 1 5 p X P Q-R5 ch 1 6 P-N3 B X N ch 1 7 P X B Q.-K5 1 8 R-KN I Q. x KP with advantage to Black.

9 N-K4 ( !) is essentially the same as the text move, since it transposes after 9 . . . P X P 1 0 N-Q.6 ch. 9 . . . PxP 1 0 N-Q.6 ch K-IU 1 0 . . . K-B I ? leaves White with a very strong attack after I I N-B3 ; for example 1 I • . , P x P 1 2 B X P N-KB3 1 3 B-B4 Q;-K2 ch 14 N-K5 ! B-N5 1 5 Q.-N3 KN-'-Q.2 16 0-0 ; Mohring-Juttler, Correspondence 1 963 ; or I I . . . P-B3 1 2 N X B Q. X N 1 3 P X P , N X P 14 N X N Q;-K I 1 5 B-KB4 P X N 1 6 B-K3 P-N3 1 7 B-Q.B4 P-KR3 1 8 p-Q.6 N-Q.2 1 9 0-0 ch, Barchitov-Vasiliev, U S S R 1 964; and in both cases it is doubtful whether Black can survive.

60 The Modern Bmoni

u N x B eh A very interesting, as yet untried alternative is I J N-N5 ! ? threatening 1 2 p-Q.6 ch followed by N-B7. After this, one somewhat bizarre possi­bility is I I . . . R-K I ( !) 1 2 p-Q.6 ch K-B I 1 3 N-B7 p X P dis. ch 14 N X R Q-R5 ch I S K-Q.2 (or 1 5 P-N3 p X P 1 6 N-B3 P-N7 dis. ch is unclear) K X N 1 6 Q-K I ch Q. x Q. ch 1 7 K X Q. B-K4 and Black's chances are not worse.

Another complex line is I I P X P as in the game Kavalek-Trapl, Czech Championship 1 963. There followed I I . . . N X P 1 2 N X B ch Q.X N 1 3 p-Q.6 ch K-B I 1 4 N-B3 Q-K3 I S N X N B X N 1 6 B-K2 K-N2 1 7 CH) N-B3 1 8 B-N4 Q. X Q.P 1 9 Q.-N3 and now Black blundered with 19 . . . Q-B2 ? losing instantly to 20 R X P ch ! Q. x R 2 I B-R6 ch. Instead of 19 . . . Q-B2, White's attack is refuted by 19 . . . KR-KB I 20 Q. X NP Q.R-NI . 11 . . . Q,xN 12 P-Q.6 ch In the game Mikenas-Suetin, U S S R Championship 1 962, White played 1 2 N-B3 but Suetin showed that Black can survive the attack with careful play. There followed 1 2 . . . R-K I ! 1 3 B-B4 K-B I 1 4 0-0 N-N3 I S B-NS R-Q. I 16 p X P ( 1 6 p-Q.6 is an interesting alternative) 1 6 . . . R x p with about equal chances. \Vith the text move White hopes to take more advantage of the exposed position of the Black king. 12 • . •

1 3 N-B3 14 B-K2

K-BI N-QB3

Weaker is 1 4 B-B4 for after 1 4 . . . N-N3 I S B-N3 P-KS 1 6 N-KS N X N 1 7 P X N P-BS 1 8 B-B2 Q.-B4, Black repulses White's attack, Baumbach­Polugaievsky, Bad Liebenstein 1 963. 14 · · · P-KR3 Worth consideration is returning the pawn with 1 4 . . . P-KS I S N-NS P-KR3 1 6 N X KP B-Q.S when it is White's king which may then become stuck in the centre. 15 P x P N(Q2) x P 16 0-0 White's passed queen's pawn and bishop pair provide ample com­pensation for the sacrificed pawn, but Black should be able to defend himself satisfactorily. For example Gipslis-Grigorian, Kishinev 1 964, continued 1 6 . . . N X N ch 1 7 B X N B-Q.S ch 1 8 K-RI K-N2 1 9 B-Q.S R-B I ( 1 9 . . . p-B3 ? 20 Q-N3 R-Q.N I 2 I B-K6 Q-Q. I 22 B-KB4 N-R4 23 Q-Q.S R-KB I 24 Q.R-Q. I Q.-N3 2S R X B ! and White won quickly,

Till Paum Storm VtriJlitm 61 Zilberberg-Taoin, Correspondence 1967} �o B-ItB4 �1 21 �N3 P-XN4 �2 a-N3 �N3 �3 �KB3 P-B4 with an unclear position.

(ii) T.jmaDOv's LiDe : 7 . . . B-N2 8 B-N5 ch (from diagram 37)

� B

This is one of the most highly regarded of all lines against the Modern Benoni. Black cannot play 8 . . . Q.N-Q.2 since it losee a piece to 9 P-K5 followed by p-K6. Also 8 . . . B-Q.2 9 P-K5 is very strong for White ; for example 9 . . . N-R4 (9 . . . B X B 1 0 P X N B X P 1 1 N X B (c-R4 ch 12 N-B3 B X N ch 1 3 P X B Q. X P ch 14 B-Q.2 gives Black insufficient compensation for the piece lost) 10 N-B3 P x P 1 1 P X P 0-0 ( 1 1 • • •

B X B 1 2 N X B 0--0 1 3 0-0 1C-Q, 2 as in O'Kelly-Diez del Corral, Madrid 1957, also leaves White with a big advantage after 1 4 (C-K2) 1 2 B X B N X B 1 3 P-KN4 and White should win easily.

Thus it will be seen that Black has only one reasonable reply : 8 . . . KN-Q.2 9 �Q.3 Having served its purpose in causing extreme congestion on Black's queen's side the -bishop retreats to prevent Black playing . . . P-Q.1l3 followed by . . . P-Q.N4. Another move with the same motive is 9 P-Q.R4, but this unnecessarily weakens the pawn formation and allows Black an easier game ; for example 9 . . . 0--0 (also interesting is 9 . . . (C-1l5 ch 1 0 P-N3 Q.-K2 as in' the game Lutikov-Vasiukov, 26th U S S Il Cham­pionship 1 959, which continued 1 1 N-B3 0-0 1 2 0-0 N-1l3 1 3 Il-K I

"""N-N5 14 B-B I P-N3 1 5 B-B4 B-N2 with problems for both sides) 1 0 N-B3 ( 1 0 KN-K2 ? is quite wrong here ; the game Ustinov-Cholmov, Ashkhabad 1 96 1 , continued 1 0 , . . N-1l3 1 1 0-0 N-N5 1 2 B-K3 N-KB3 1 3 P-1l3 P-Q.1l3 1 4 B-B4 ? N X KP ! I S N X N Il-KI with a winning position for Black) 1 0 . . . N-1l3 I I 0-0 N-N5 1 2 B-K3 and

62 TM Modem Bmoni

now Black should not play 1 2 . . . P-N3, as in. Zaitsev-Tal, USSB. Cham­pionship 1 962, when 1 3 B-B2 ! N-B3 14 B-R.4 gives White some advantage, but simply 1 2 . . . N-B3 ! since 1 3 P-K5 fails to 1 3 . . . N-N5. White's central pawns are not really mobile and Black has a perfectly free and easy game.

Also Black's position is quite satisfactory if White fails to prevent . . . P-Q.B.3 and ' " P-Q.N4. In the game Cherepkov-Suetin, Sochi I g6 1 , 9 N-B3 0--0 1 0 0--0 P--Q.B.3 1 1 B--Q.3 P--Q.N4 was played. There ensued 1 2 !C-K I B.-K I 1 3 !C-N3 P-B5 1 4 B-B2 P-N5 1 5 N--Q.R.4 N-KB3 1 6 P-B5 B--Q.2 ! ( 1 6 . . . N X KP ? 1 7 B X N B. X N 1 8 N-N5 81ves White a strong attack) 1 7 B-N:> B-N4 18 p-K5 ! P X KP 1 9 p X P R.P X P 20 N X P !C-B2 ! 2 1 N X NP Q. X Q. 2 2 P X Q. Q.N--Q.2 with equal chances.

9 . . . 0-0

43 B

9 . . . !C-B.5 ch is insufficient here, for after 1 0 P-N3 !C-K2 1 1 N-B3 0--0 1 2 0--0 it is difficult for Black to complete his development ; for example H I . . . N-B.3 ( 1 2 . . . N-KB3 1 3 p-K5 ! or 1 2 . . . N-N3 1 3 B.-K I B-N5 14 B-B J ! N-B.3 1 5 P-KR.3 B X N 1 6 Q. X B N-N5 1 7 !C-Q. I , Sliwa­Gromek, Polish Championship 1 960) 1 3 B.-K I N-B2 14 B-B I P-N3 1 5 P--Q.R.4 P--Q.B.3 1 6 P-K5 B-N2 1 7 N-KN5, Sliwa-Perez, Marianske Lazne 1 96 1 ; and in all cases White has a clear plus.

An interesting alternative, however, is 9 . . . P--Q.R3 1 0 P--Q.R.4 !C-R.4 ! ? as played in the game Gromek-Polugaievsky, Marianske Lazne 1 959. There followed 1 1 B�2 !C-N3 12 N-B3 0--0 i 3 !C-B2 R-K I 14 K--Q. I (after 14 B-B4 B--Q.5 ! gives reasonable chances) N-KB3 15 P-B.3 Q.N--Q.2 1 6 B.-K I !C-B2 with chances for both sides. lo N-B3 Black now has two reasonable plans starting with the moves 1 0 . . . N-B.3 and 1 0 . . . P-Q.R3 respectively. Other tenth moves are dealt with later.

(a) 1 0 . . . N-R3

The Pawn Storm Variation 63

oH B

This is the more ambitious, but less convincing, of Black's possibilities. 1 1 0-0 N-lIQ In the game Shamkovitch-Suetin, Charkov 1 956, Black played I I '" R-KI 1 2 N-Q.2 N-N5 1 3 B-B I N-KB3 14 P-Q.R3 N-R3, and now after Taimanov's recommendation, 1 5 p-R3 !, it is very difficult for Black to obtain counterplay.

Also I I . . . N-N3 fails to equalise, for example 1 2 B-K3 R-KI 1 3 B­KB2 P-B5 14 B-B2 N-N5 1 5 B-NI B-N5 16 P-Q.R3 N-R3 1 7 P-R3 ±,

Antoshin-Gusev, Moscow 1 962. Worth consideration, however, is I I . . . R-NI ? ! to answer 1 2 N-Q.2 with . . . P-Q.N4 ! ( 13 N X P p-B5 !)

Ut N-Q.2

45 B

1 2 �B2 R':"NI 1 3 P-Q.N3 P-Q.N4 14 B-N2 is an insipid plan. In the game AIster-Clarke, Wageningen 1 957, Black now forced the game into a drawn ending with 14 • . • P-B5 1 5 p X P p X P 16 B X P N X P 1 7 B X N �N3 ch 1 8 R-B2 Q.XB, etc.

1 2 K-RI also lacks bite. For example 1 2 . . . P-Q.R3 1 3 P-Q.R4 R-NI

64 Th4 Modem Benoni

1 4 P-RS P-N3 I S P X P R X P 1 6 N-Q.2 N..,.B3 1 7 Q-B3 N-N4 1 8 N-B4 N-Q.S 1 9 Q-B2 R-NS and Black gained the initiative, Gastonyi-Forintos, Gyula 1 965. More critical here is 14 P-BS as in Spassky-Savon, p. 88. la . . . N-B3

1 2 . . • P-Q.N4 is bad after 1 3 N X P N X N 1 4 B X N R-N I (O'Kelly­van Seters, Brussels 19S9) and now I S B-Q.3 ! B X P 1 6 B X B R X B 1 7 N�B4 with a clear advantage. (Analysis by Evans. )

1 2 . • . R-N I ( !) i s probably Black's best chance of equality, Saidy­Evans, u s Championship 1 964, continued 1 3 P-Q.R4 P-Q.R3 1 4 N-B4 N-Kl IS Q.-B3 Q-B2 1 6 P-RS P-Q.N4 with counterplay for Black. This line holds out the best prospects for Black to justify his plan of • • • N-R3 and . . . N-B2, and shows that it is possible to keep White's formidable pawn centre under restraint while preparing a queen's side advance. 13 P-KR3 R-KI Now the game Taimanov-Trifunovic, U S S R v Yugoslavia 1957, con­tinued 14 Q-B3 ? R-N I ? I S P-Q.R4 N-R3 16 N-B4 N-Q.NS 1 7 B-N I P-Q.R3 18 P-RS ! B-B I 19 P-BS ! B-K2 20 P X P BP X P 2 1 P-KS ! P x P 22 p-Q.6 B x P 23 N x B Q. x N 24 N-K4 resigns. What both playel'S overlooked at move 14 was that after 14 Q-B3 ? Black can win a pawn with 14 . . . KN X Q.P ! I S P X N B-Q.S ch 1 6 K-R I R-K6. How­ever, this tactical circumstance does little to affect the view that White's position is clearly superior, for he may avoid the trap by playing 14 P-Q..R4 followed by N-B4 and only then does he play Q.-B3' With this move order White has exactly the same plan as in the game above and Black is in great difficulties avoiding Trifunovic's fate.

(b) 1 0 . . . P-QR3 (from diagram 44)

Here Black adopts the alternative plan of developing his queen's knight on Q.2,. which with his queen on Q.B2 will restrain the threatened white pawn advance in the centre. 1 1 P-Q.R4 (see diagram 46) 1 1. • • • N-KB3 With this move Black goes into a four pawns attack type of position, in which he hopes that the misplacing of the White bishop on Q.3 will make up for the move lost. (Black has forfeited two tempi in the wanderings of his king's knight, while the White bishop has contrived to reduce the net loss to one move.) Since Black's main fear is that White will play P-KS, there is certainly some justification for his hopes,

The Pawn Storm Variation 65

for this advance is much Ipore difficult to execute with the bishop on Q.3 owing to the resulting weakness of the queen's pawn.

An alternative plan is the very interesting I I • . • Q-B2. In the cor­respondence game Fink-Koblentz 1959, there followed 1 2 N-Q2 (after 1 2 0-0 P-B5 1 3 B-B2 N-B4 14 B-K3 B-N5 1 5 B-Q4 B X N 1 6 R X B B x B ch 1 7 Q.X B Q.N-Q2 Black had adequate resources, Marsalek­Forintos, Lenin�rad 1960) p-B5 ? ! 1 3 N X P N-B4 14 0-0 B-N5 1 5 Q;-B2 N X B 16 Q.X N N-Q2 1 7 P-R3 N-B4 18 Q;-B2 B-Q2 19 P-R5 and Black had nebulous chances for the pawn sacrificed ; 19 . . . B X N leads to obscure complications.

12 0--0 Feeble is 1 2 N-Q.2 which allows Black to seize centrol of the /iame with 1 2 . . . R-K I 1 3 0-0 N-N5 ! 14 N-B3 p-B5 ! +. 12 . . . B-N5 13 P-KR3 BxN 14 Q.xB Q.N-Q.2 15 B-Q.2 1 5 B-K3 ? gives Black the chance to secure strong counterplay by vigorous action on the queen's wing : 1 5 . . • R-K I 16 B-B2 Q-R4 1 7 K-RI Q-N5 ! 18 P-R5 P-QN4 19 KR-QNI P-B5 + , Kluger-Tringov, Sofia 1962.

'

15 . . . Q.-Ib Black's firm grip on his ' " K4 square, and possibilities of play on the queen's side give him reasonable prospects. The game Kvatkovsky­Scherbakov, Sochi 1 961 , continued 1 6 B-B4 KR-KI 1 7 Q.R-KI R-K2 with equal chances.

(c) Other Tenth Moves (from diagram 44) No moves besides 10 . . . N-R3 or 10 • • • P- Q.R3 really give much chance of equality :

66 The Motkm Bmoni

(a) 10 . . . p-N3 ? I I Q-X2 ! ( I I 0-0 B�lt3 is not bad for Black) N-KB3 12 0--0 It-XI 13 P-XS ! Q.N�2 14 B-B4 pxp IS PXP N-N5

16 B-KNS P-B3 1 7 p�6 ch X-ItI 18 p-x6 (A. Zaitsev-Dzhindzbihash­viIi, Leningrad 1962) is a fine example of what to avoid as Black in the Modem Benoni. We give a diagram to serve as a horrible warning:

47 B

(b) 10 . . . Q-N3? I I N�2 P�lt3 J2 �lt4 B-Q.S 13 N-B4 Q-B2 14 N-K2 B-N2 IS �2 P-N3 16 Q-N3 with a deal" advantage to White, Alatortsev-Aronin, 18th USSIt CIw!lpionship I9SO.

(3) 10 . . . N-KB3 I I 0--0 It-XI ? (It is best to play I I . • • P-Q.lt3 or I I . . . B-NS attempting to transpose into variation 2 above) 12 B-NS B-Q.2 13 P-xS !l XB 14 NXB �XP IS PXP N-XS 16 p-Q.6 N-It3 I 7 � and Black is in great difficulty, Lapienis-Shirochin, Baku 1966.

F. The Penrose-Tal Line

6 P-Kf P-KN, 7 B-Q.s B-Na 8 KN-Ka 0-0 9 0-0 (frflm diagram I) This line became one of the most feared against the Modem Benoni in 1960 after the Finnish master Ojanen beat Keres at Helsinki, and

Jonathan Penrose subsequently beat Tal at Leipzig using it. White's play is based on using his central pawns as a basis for a king's side attack. The thematic method of developing the onslaught is to play P-KB4, N-N3, Q-B3 and an eventual thrust in the centre with P-xS, answering . . . Q.P x P with

' P-BS. The resulting attack on the KB-file �n

prove very dangerous indeed. The variation is less popular now, since Black's correct defensive measures have been shown, though it remains one of White's sharper anti-Benoni weapons and leads to very interest­ing miqdle-game positions.

TIll Pmrou-Tal Litv 67

An idea of the Soviet master K1aman is to delay castling for White by playing 9 B-KN5 instead of 0-0, in an attempt to induce a weakness in Black's king's side. This line is interesting but needs further testa to prove itself a reliable weapon. For example 9 . . . P-KJl3 10 Jt-QlI (or 10 B-U4 P-N3 1 1 �2 Jt-Jt2 12 N-N3 B-1l3 13 P-Kll4 B X B 14-�XB P-Jtll4 15 B-N5 Q;-BI 16 P-K5 N-N5 17 pXP P-B5 with com­plications, Klaman-Vladimirov, Leningrad Championship 1965) 10 . . . �N�2 1 1 N-N3 N-K4 1 2 B-U ll-KI 13 P-B4 N(It4)�2 14 0-0 P-1l3 15 �R4 P-JtR4 with a difficult struggle ahead, Klaman­Vladimirov, semi-final Leningrad Championship 1966.

4B B

As usual Black has the full range of typical Modern Benoni plans from which to choose his continuation. We examine (i) 9 . . . �R3, (ll) 9 . . . P-N3, (ill) 9 . . . N-R3 and (iv) 9 . . . N-Jt l .

(i) 9 . . . P-<Pls This is the plan used by Keres and Tal in their defeats mentioned above. It is therefore not surprising that it fell into disfavour, although it seems that Black may adopt it without any disadvantage. lo P-Q.14 � 11 P-R3 This is a necessary precaution before advancing the UP, for if at once 1 1 p.-:B4? Black gains the advantage with 1 1 . . . P-B5 III 8-BlI N-MS I An alternative plan for White, developed by the Hungarian grand­master Bilek, is 1 1 N-N3 �N�2 12 Q;-U R-E.I 13 P-B4, for example 13 . . . N XKP ! ? (13 . . . p-B5 ? I 14 BXP N-B4 15 P-K5 1 pXP 16 P-B5 P-KS 1 7 B-KN5 Q;-K4 18 B-B4 ±, Bilek-Stein, Amsterdam 1964) 14 �NXN P-B4 . 15 B-!l2 �I 16 R-R3 P-N3 1 7 �I PXN 18 P­

BS ! N-K4 19 B XP R-BI 20 Q;-B2 Q;-R5 1 with about equal chances, Bilek-Schmid, Te1 Aviv 1964.

68 The Modem Bmoni

1 1 . . . Q.N-Q.1I III P-Ilf It makes no difference whether this or 1 2 N-N3 is played first since both are essential to White's plan.

III • . • R-NI

49 B

In the Penrose-Tal and Ojanen-Keres games Black played 1 2 • • • R-KI 1 3 N-N3 P-BS 14 B-B2 N-B4. The former then continued I S ICB3 KN-Q.2 16 B-K3 P-Q.N4 1 7 P X P R-NI 1 8 ICB2 ! P XP - 19 P-KS ! P X P 20 P-BS ! ; and the latter game went I S K-RI B-Q,2 16 ICB3 K-RI 1 7 B-K3 N-NI 18 Q,R--Q.I P-Q,N4 19 p X P P X P 20 P-KS ! P X P 2 I P'-BS ! and in both cases White developed an overwhelming attack. (See illustrative games.) Black should leave his rook on KBI where it defends against the attack more effectively. 13 N-N3 P-BS 14 B-B2 P-Q.N4 14 . . . P-N3 is too slow ; the correspondence game Pavoblek-Preo con­tinued IS B-K3 N-B4 16 ICB3 KN--Q.2 1 7 Q,R--Q.I P--Q.N4 18 P x P p XP 19 P-KS P X P 20 P-BS with great difficulties for Black. IS PXP P x P 16 B-K3 P-NSl The position is very delicately balanced and gives chances to both sides. Bertok-Portisch1 Stockholm 1 962, continued 1 7 R-R7 ICQI 18 N-R4 R-N4 19 P-N3 p-B6 20 N-K2 R-R4 2 1 R X R Q,X R and the situation remains very unclear.

Illwtrative Games

White : Pearose Black : Tal Leipzig 1 960 1 P--Q.4 N-KB3 2 P--Q.B4 P-K3 3 N-Q,B3 P-B4 4 P-Q,S P x P S P x P P-Q.3 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 B--Q.3 B-N2 8 KN-K2 0--0 9 0--0 P--Q.R3 10 P--Q.R4 Q,B2 I I P-R3 Q,N--Q.2 1 2 P-B4 R-KI 13 N-N3 P-BS 14 B-B2

The Penrore- Tal Line 69

N-B4 IS Q-B3 KN-Q.2 16 B-K3 P-Q.N4 1 7 P X P R-NI 18 Q-B2 p X P 1 9 P-KS P X P 20 P-BS B-N2 2 1 Q,R-Q.I B-Q,RI 22 Q,N-K4 N-RS 23 B X N P X B 24 p X P BP X P 2S Q-B7 ch K-RI 26 N-Q.BS Q-R2 2 7 Q, X N Q, x Q, 2 8 N X Q, R X P 2 9 N-N6 R-N6 30 N X BP R-Q.I 3 1 p-Q.6 R-B6 32 Q,R-B I R X R 33 R x R B-Q.4 34 N-N6 B-N6 3S N-K4 P-R3 36 P-Q, 7 B-B I 37 R-B8 B-K2 38 B-BS B-RS 39 P-N3 resigns.

White : Ojanen Black: Kere. Helsinki 1960 First 14 !U0ves as above : IS K-RI B-Q,2 16 Q,-B3 K-RI 1 7 B-K3 N-NI 18 Q,R-Q.I P-Q,N4 19 p X P P X P 20 P-KS ! P X P 2 1 P-BS ! P-NS 22 p-Q.6 �R4 23 Q,N-K4 N-Q,6 24 B X N P X B 2S P-B6 B-KB I 26 R X P N-R3 2 7 KR-Q. I KR-Q. I 28 Q-B2 ! Q-N4 29 Q,-Q,2 N-B4 30 N x N B X N 3 1 R-Q.S Q-N2 32 N-BS Q-B3 33 B-R6 ! B X B 34 Q,XB R-KNI 3S R X P Q,R-Q, I 36 R-Q,4 P-N4 37 R X B R X P 38 R x KNP resigns.

(ii) 9 . . . P-N3 (from diagram 48)

This is yet another of Suetin's ideas. Black plans to exchange the white­squared bishops with . . . B-Q,R3 in order to lessen the force of White's attack and to gain more space for his own pieces. The line has only seldom been played and certainly deserves more attention.

10 N-N3 It is not clear what is White's best method of continuing. Other lines to have been played are as follows :

(a) 1 0 P-B4 B-Q.R3 1 1 B X B N X B 1 2 N-N3 P-BS 1 3 B-K3 N-B4 14 B-Q.4 R-KI I S P-BS N-Q,6 16 Q,-B3 N-K4 1 7 B x N R X B with good play for Black, Giterman-Suetin, semi-final 29th USSR Championship 196 1 .

(b) 10 B-KNS P-KR3 I I B-R4 B-R3 1 2 P-B3 B X B 1 3 Q,XB P-R3 14 Q,R-K 1 Q,N-Q,2 l S P-B4 Q-B2 16 N-N3 P-BS ! 1 7 Q,-Q.2 Q,R-K1

70 Tu Modem Benoni 1 8 R.-K2 P-Q.N4 1 9 N-Q.I Q;-B4 ch 20 K-RI P-NS with the better game for Black; Banfalvi-Suetin, Debrecen 1 96 1 . 10 . . . �R3 1 1 .... 0" If I I P-B4 Black secures active play with I I . . . N-NS ! 1 2 Q.XN ( 12 B XB ? B-Q.S ch 13 X-RI Q;-RS ! +) B XB 1 3 R-KI N-Q.2. I n the game Schweber-Garcia, Buenos Aires 1 964, there followed 14 Q;-B3 B-Q.R3 IS P-N3 B-Q.S ch 16 K-RI Q;-RS with level chances. 1 1 • • • B x B III (tx B N-N5 The prospects are about even. The game Szabo-Ivkov, Belgrade 1 964. continued 1 3 Q;-Q.2 P-Q.R3 14 Q.R-KI R-R2 IS R-K2 P-Q.N4 16 P­

KR3 N-K4 1 7 B-R6 B XB 1 8 Q.XB P-B3 with a sound equality.

(ill) 9 . . . N-R3 (from diagram 48)

This continuation became popular while 9 . . . P-Q.R3 was in disrepute. It is not certain what White's best reply is, since there are several attractive plans of attack.

lo N-N3

51

W

This is the oldest and most often seen continuation, but many other moves have also been tried here :

(a) 10 B-KNS. was successful in the game Ivkov-Jansa, Vrnjacka Banja 1967, when after 10 . . . N-B2 I I P-B4 P-KR3 1 2 B-R4 R-KI 13 P-R4 P-R3 14 P-R3 R-NI I S B-B2 ! P-Q.N4 1 6 P-KS p X P 1 7 P­Q.6 N-RI 18 P XNP RP X P 1 9 p X P R X P 20 B-N3 White had a very strong position. In this line the exchange sacrifice 13 . . . P-KN4 (instead of I3 . . . P-R3) 14 p X P N-NS IS Q;-Q.2 R-K4 16 P-R3 p X P 1 7 B-N3 N-R3 1 8 B X R B X B has been suggested, but as I vkov pointed out I S p-N6 !, instead of 15 Q;-Q.2 is good for White.

The Pmrose-1 at Line 71

Mter 10 B-KN5 crucial is 10 • • . P-R3 I I B-R4 P-KN4 12 B-N3 N-R4 as played Johner-Bialas, Neuhausen 196 1 . There followed 1 3 (C-Q,2 N-B2 14 Q.R-KI P-R3 15 P-Q.R4 R-NI 16 P-B4 P-N4 with chances for both sides.

(b) 10 P-KR3 N-B2 I I P-Q.R4 P-N3 1 2 B-KNS is a similar plan ; for example 12 . . • P-KR3 ( 1 2 • . • P-Q.R3 1 3 P-B4 (C-Q,2 14 (C-Q,2 B-N2 IS P-BS ! gave White a strong attack in van Seters-Bredewout, Mondorf 1963) 1 3 B-R4 B-R3 14 P-B4 B X B 15 Q.XB (C-KI 16 Q.R-Q.I ( 16 P-KS ! gives better prospects) N-Q.2 1 7 P-KS P X P 18 p-Q.6 with complications, but Black is at least holding his own, Ivkov-Toran, Palma 1966.

(c) 10 P-Q.R3, with the intention of disrupting Black's queen's side with P-Q.N4, is a recent idea, but s":ould not prove dangerous. For example 10 . . . R-KI (also interesting is 10 . . . N-B2 I I R-N I P-Q.N4 12 P-Q.N4 P-BS 1 3 B-B2 B-Q.2 as in Ojanen-Westerinen, Helsinki 1966) I I P-R3 P-BS 12 B-B2 N-B4 1 3 N-N3 p-KR4 \ 14 B-N5 Q-N3 IS R-N I N-R2 16 B-K3 P-RS with active play for Black, Ghitescu­Kavalek, Beverwijk 1967.

(d) 10 P-B3 is very solid but has little other merit. Hort-Jakobsen, Copenhagen 1965, continued 10 . . . R-NI I I P-R3 B-Q.2 12 R-NI Q-B2 1 3 B-K3 P-BS 14 B-Q.B2 N-B4 IS N-Q.4 P-Q.N4 with good play for Black. 10 . . . N-B2 Also possible is 10 . . . R-KI I I P-KR3 R-NI , and now White should play 12 p-B4 ! with attacking chances, rather than 12 P-Q.R4 N-Q.NS 1 3 B-NI P-Q.R3 14 P-B4 P-Q.N4 with strong counterplay, Aaron-Stein, Stockholm 1962.

11 P-KR3 R-NI

52 W

I I . . • R-K I is an interesting alternative. In the game Ivkov-Najdorf, Havana 1 966, there followed 1 2 B-KB4 ( 1 2 P-Il4 may be stronger, but

72 The ModmI Benom

then 1 2 • • • P-Q.N4 is very obscure) 1 2 • • • P-Q.R3 1 3 P-Q.R4 R-NI 14 P-R5 P-QN4 15 P X p e.p. Q,R >S P and Black secured an active game

, (see illustrative game)� la P-Q,14 P-Q,R3 1 2 • • • P-N3 1 3 P-B4 P-Q,R3 14 Q,-B3 P-Q.N4 was the old way of treating the position, but since it is not dangerous for Black if White plays P-R5, this is quite unnecessary and merely amounts to the loss of a move. 13 P-B4 1 3 P-R5 P-Q,N4 gives Black the better chances after either 1 4 P-B4 P-N5 1 5 N-NI R-K I 1 6 Q,-B3 N-N4, Sallay-Varnusz, Hungarian Champion­ship 1 96 1 ; or 14 p x p e.p. R X P 1 5 P-B4 N-N4, Dozsa-Lengyel, Budapest 1 962. 13 · · · P-Q,N4 14 P xP P xP 15 Q,-B3 P-N5 Black has a promising position. The game Garcia-Kavalek, Bucharest 1 966, continued 1 6 N-Q, I N-N4 1 7 B X N R X B 1 8 N-K3 N-Q,2 1 9 N­B4 N-N3 20 N-R5 B-Q,2 and Black's chances are not worse.

(iv) 9 . . . N-KI (from diagram 48) This is an idea of Matulovic's which he has played twice against Ghitescu. Both games continued 10 B-K3 N-Q,2 X I P-B4 P-Q,R3 12 P-Q,R..f p-r �3 13 R-NJ ; in the first, at Bucharest 1 966, there followed 1 3 . . . Q,-K2 14 B-KB2 Q,N-B3 15 P-R3 P-Q,N4 1 6 P X P P X P 1 7 P-Q,N4 P-B5 1 8 B-B2 with some advantage for White. In the second game, at Havana 1 966, Matulovic attempted to improve with 1 3 . • •

B-N2 but after 14 Q,-Q,2 R-B I 15 P-Q,N4 KN-B3 1 6 P-R3 R-K I 1 7 B­KB2 Q,-B2 1 8 P-N5 P-Q,R4 White again had the preferable position. It seems that 9 . . . N-K I is too passive to give good prospects of equality, and Black is better advised to play one of the lines discussed above.

Illustrative Game White : Ivkov Black : Najdorf Havana 1 966 I P-Q,4 N-KB3 2 P-Q,B4 P-KN3 . 3 N-Q,B3 P-B4 4 P-Q,5 B-!\!2 5 P-K4 P-Q,3 6 B-Q,3 0-0 7 KN-K2 P-K3 8 0-0 P X P 9 BP X P R-K I 1 0 N­N3 N-R3 I I P-KR3 N-B2 1 2 B-KB4 P-Q,R3 1 3 P-Q,R4 R-N I 14 P-R5 P-Q,N4 1 5 P X P e.p. Q,R X P 1 6 N-R4 R-N2 1 7 R-N I N-N4 1 8 P-N4

p-B5 ! 1 9 B-B2 N-Q,2 20 N-K2 N-K4 2 1 B-B I Q,-R5 22 P-B4 N-Q.2 23 B-N2 B X B 24 R X B N-B3 25 Q,N-B3 N X N 26 N X N B X P 2 7 Q,-Q,4

Other Systems 73

B-D4 28 B-N I N-N5 29 P-N3 Q,x P ch 30 R-N2 Q,-R6 3' - P XB N-K6 32 B-K4 Q,R-K2 33 R(B I )-B2 N X R 34 R X N Q,-R5 35 R-KB2 P-B3

36 Resigns.

G. Other Systems (from diagram I)

53 B

This is the most important of the less usual lines against the Modern Benoni. White attempts to take advantage of the weak Black queen's pawn. 7 . . . This is a natural but dangerous reply. Occasionally the attempt has been made to anticipate White's next move with 7 . . . P-Q.R3, for example 8 P-Q.R4 B-N2 9 P-K4 0-0 10 B-K2 (or 1 0 N-Q.2 N-R4 I I B-K3 N-Q.2 1 2 B-K2 KN-B3 1 3 0-0 R-N I 14 Q.-B2 N-KI 1 5 KR-KI , Rossetto­Lokvenc, Varna 1 962, and Black's position is uncomfortable) 1 0 . . . Q.-K2 ? I I N-Q,2 Q.N--Q.2 1 2 0-0 N-K4 1 3 P-R3 N-K I 14 B-R2 P-B4 15 P-B4 N-Q.2 1 6 B,-Q.3, Bachmann-Langeweg, Scheveningen 1 963, and again Black has difficulty in freeing himself. See Vaganian-Tal, p. 89 for improvements. 8 Q.-Jlt ch

This is the point of White's system, and is the only move to give Black any worries. The slower plan of 8 P-KR3 0-0 9 P-K3 is com­pletely innocuous, for example 9 . . . P--Q.R3 (also 9 . . . P-N3 10 N--Q.2 N-KI, I I N-B4 B-Q.R3 1 2 P--Q.R4 B X N 1 3 B X B, Keres-Tal, Estonia v Latvia 1 954 ; and 9 . . . N-K I 1 0 B-K2 Q.N--Q2 1 1 0-0 N-K4 1 2 B X N

74 TM ModmI Bmoni

P XB 1 3 KN-Q.2 P-B4 14 Q;-N3 N-Q.3 IS N-B4 P-KS, Tal-Spassky, Leningrad 1 954, both give Black good prospects) 1 0 P-Q.R4 N-R4 ! I I B-R2 p-B4 ! 12 B-K2 P-BS 13 P-K4 N-Q.2 14 0-0 K-ltl IS K-ltl It-NI with the better game for Black, Furman"-Forintos, Oberhausen 1961. J . • .

8 . . . Q-Q.2 9 Q;-N3 10 P-Kf

1 0 P-K4 is considerably better for White.

10 N-Q.2 ? N-R4 ! I I B-NS P-Klt3 good for Black. Also the ingenious I I • • • 0-0 12 Q. x It Q;-N3. 10 . . . 0--0

1 2 B-R4 0-0 13 P-K3 P-KN4 is l O B X p ? Q. x B I I Q. x P fails to

10 . . . N-R4 is inferior, for example I I B-K3 0-0 1 2 B-K2 P-Q.R3 1 3 P-Q.R4 N-KB3 14 N-Q.2 ±, Shashin-Stahlberg, Erevan 1965.

1 1 B-IU Alternatives accomplish nothing :

54 W

(a) I I B-Q.3 N-R3 (or I I . . . R-KI 1 2 0-0 P-BS ! 13 B X P N X KP, Perez-Donner, Whitby 1960, when 14 N-Q.NS ! ? leads to complications) 1 2 O-O_ N-ll4 13 B-K3 Q.R-NI 14 B-K2 B-NS with equality, Toran­Nievergelt, Lugano 1 9S9.

(b) I I N-Q.2 N-R4 ! 12 B-K3 P-B4 1 3 p X P p X P 14 P-N3 N-R3 IS B-K2 P-BS ! 16 p x P N X P 1 7 R-KN I Q.R-KI (or I 7 . . . N XB 18 N X N B-B4 19 B-R6 B-N3 20 B X B Q.XB 2 1 N-K4 Q.-K4 with good play for Black, Vladimirov-Gufeld, Tashkent 1 9S8) 1 8 N(Q.2)-K4 K-RI 1 9 P-Q.R3 N X B 20 K XN P-N4 2 1 N-NS P-BS 22 Q.-Q. I N-B4 with advantage to Black, Chukaev-Suetin, Sochi 1 96 1 . 1 1 . . . P-Q.N41 The clearest way to equalise. Other lines played are as follows :

(a) 1 1 . . . N-R4( ?) 1 2 B-K3 P-Q.R3 1 3 P-Q.R4 B-NS 14 P-R3 B X N

Other Systems 75

15 B XB N-Q.2 16 0--0 Q.R-NI , 17 B X N P XB 18 Q-Q.I ±, Filip-Kluger, Budapest Ig6I .

(b) 1 1 • • • N-R3( ?) 12 0--0 KR-BI . 13 N-Q.2 N-KI 14 Q.R-BI Q.R­NI 1 5 B-N3 P-Q.N4 1 6 P-Q.R4 p X P 1 7 Q.-R3 ±, Sacharov-Gufeld, Kiev 1 958.

(c) I I • • • R-KI 12 N-Q.2 P-Q.N4! ( 1 2 • . • N-R3 13 0--0 Q.R-NI 14 KR-KI gives White a clear advantage, Uhlmann-Dely, Erfurt 1955) 1 3 B X NP N X KP 14 Q.N X N P-B4 1 5 B-K2 P X N 16 N-B4 B-BI 1 7 Q.­N3 B-N4 with equality, Uhlmann-Milic, Marianske Lazne 196 1 .

(d) I I • • • B-N5 1 2 N-Q.N5 ! ? Q.-R4 ch 1 3 N-Q.2 B X B ( 1 3 • • • P-BS ? 14 Q.XBP R-BI IS Q-Q.3 B X B 1 6 Q.><B N X KP 1 7 0--0 ±, Petrosian­Nievergelt, Munich 1 958) 14 K X B P-Q.R3 IS N XP P-Q.N4 with com­plications (analysis by Petrosian).

(e) 1 1 • • • P-Q.R3 I 2 P-K5 ( 12 P-Q.R4 ? B-N5 I 3 0--0 Q.N-Q.2 I4 KR­KI B X N I S B XB KR-KI is good for Black, Lutikov-Suetin, Moscow 1958) p X P 13 B X KP Q.-BI with an unclear position. IIZ NxP Also 1 2 B X NP N X KP 13 N X N Q.-R4 ch 14 B-Q.2 Q.XB IS Q.XQ. B X Q. 1 6 N X Q.P B-Q.R3 I 7 0--0-0 R-Q. I leads to equality, Bertholdt-Feuer­stein, Reykjavik 1 957. I� • . • BxN 13 B x B NxKP Evans-Perez, Amsterdam 1964, now continued 14 0--0 P-Q.R3 IS B­Q.3 N-KB3 with equal chances.

(ii) 6 P-Kt P-KN3 7 B-KB4 (from diagram I )

SS B

This is a similar plan to the last, but in some ways is better motivated, for now 7 • • • B-N2 gives White good chances with 8 B-NS ch B-Q.2 9 B-K2 ! (9 B XP ? B XB 10 N X B Q.-R4 ch I I N-B3 N X KP loses for

76 The Modern Bmoni

White, and 9 B X B ch Q.XB 10 N-B3 0--0 I I 0-0 R-KI 1 2 R-K I N-R3 also achieves nothing, Wade-Lehmann, Munich 1 954) 9, • • • Q:­B2 (9 . . . Q:-K2. 10 Q:-N3 P-N3 I I N-B3 0-0 1 2 N-Q.2 R-Q.I 13 0-0 ±,

Korchnoi-Klein, Santa Fe 1 960) 10 N-B3 0-0 ( 1 0 . . ' P-Q.R3 I I 0-0 0-0 1 2 p-K5 ! p X P 1 3 N X P IC-Q.I 14 B-B3 ±, Geller-Suetin, USSR Championship 1960) I I N-Q.2 a-K I 1 2 0-0 P-Q.R3 13 P-Q.R4 B­Q.B I 14 B-N3 and Black's position is very difficult, Bachmann­Langeweg, Bamberg 1962.

The best reply for Black is the cautious 7 . . . P-Q.R3{l) which secures him a perfectly satisfactory position. For example 8 P-Q.1lf B-Nz 9 N-B3 0-0 10 B-Q.3 (Alster-Enevoldsen, Moscow 1954) and now either 10 . . . Q:-K2 foliowed by . . . Q.N-Q.2, . . . N-K I and . . . N-K4, or 1 0 . . . B-N5 equalises.

(ill) 6 P-Kf P-KN3 7 N-B3 �N2 8 �Q,3 ( from diagram I )

56 B

This system is quite harmless, for the bishop is badly placed on Q.3 both from the point of view of-restraining Black's queen's side advance, and for preparing play in the centre. 8 ... 0-0

90-0 B-N51 This is the clearest way to equalise ; 9 ' " P-Q.R3 1 0 P-Q.R4 B-N5 ! transposes. An interesting idea is 9 . . • Q.N-Q.2 1 0 B-KB4 Q."':K2 I I R­K I N-KI 1 2 N-Q.2 N-K4 1 3 B-B2 B-Q.2 14 P-Q.R4 N-B2 1 5 B-KN3 P-KN4, Lebedev-Vasiukov, Moscow Championship 1955, with difficult play. Unsatisfactory for Black is 9 . . . N-R3 10 P-KR3 N-B2 I I R-KI R-NI 1 2 P-Q.R4 P-Q.R3 13 P-R5 P-Q.N4 14 p X P e.p. R X P 1 5 N-Q.2 N-N4 16 N-B4 R-NI 1 7 B-N5 and White has the better game, Cholmov-Birbrager, Lvov 1968.

lo P-KR3 11 Q.xB 12 P-Q.1lf

B xN P-Q.R3

Other Systems 77

As Suetin has pointed out, 1 2 B-KB4 P-Q.N4 1 3 P-K5 P X P is weak for White since 14 p-Q.6 fails to 14 • . • Q.N-Q.2. 12 . . . Q.N-Q.2 13 Q.-K2 If 1 3 B-KB4 Q;-B2 14 Q;-K2 Black's best is 14 . . . Q.R-B I ( 14 . . . R-KI is Donner-Tal, Zurich 1959, but then Boleslavsky's recommendation of 15 Q.R-B I N-K4 16 P-Q.N3 makes it difficult for Black to obtain counterplay) . Liptay-Portisch, Hungarian Championship 1963, then continued 1 5 B-B4 KR-KI 16 Q;-B2 R-K2 I 7 B-KR2 Q.R-K I with advantage to Black.

1 3 Q;-Q.I also fails to cause difficulties. In the game Mititelu-Tal, Reykjavik 1 957, there followed 1 3 . . . Q.-B2 14 B-KB4 KR-KI 15 .Q;­Q.2 N-K4 16 B-K2 Q;-R4 1 7 B-KN5 Q;-N5 18 Q.R-KI Q.N-Q.2 19 B­Q.3 P-N4 20 K-RI P-B5 with good counterplay for Black. 13 . . . R-KI 1 3 . . . Q;-B2 is more dangerous, for example 14 P-B4 ( 14 B-KN5 Q.R-B I 15 Q.R-KI P-B5 16 B-NI KR-KI I 7 Q;-Q.2 N-B4 with equal chances, Pomar-Eliskases, Torremolinos 1 96 1 ) 14 . . . KR-KI 15 Q;-B3 P-B5 1 6 B-B2 Q;-B4 ch 1 7 K-RI P-Q.N4 18 B-K3 Q;-N5 19 R-R2 N-B4 20 P-K5, Pfleger-Filipowicz, Tel Aviv 1964, with complications.

Now Black has no worries, since 14 P-B4 may be answered by 14 . . . N x KP 15 N X N P-B4 with not the slightest advantage to White.

(iv) 6 P-K.f P-KN3 7 P-B3 :S-N2 8 :S-KNS (from diagram I ) This is another feeble system. Simplest then is 8 . . . 0-0 (8 . . . P-KR3 deserves attention also) 9 Q;-Q.2 P-Q.R3 10 P-Q.1lf Q-Ilf ( 1 0 . . . R-KI I I KN-K2 Q.N-Q.2 1 2 N-B I R-NI 1 3 B-K2 Q;-B2 1 4 N-N3 Q;-N3 1 5 R-R3 N-K4 16 P-R5 Q;-N5 1 7 N-R4, Franco-Tal, Vama 1 962, is very complex) 11 R-R3 Q.N-Q.2 12 KN-Kst R-KI 13 N-BI N-Kf 14 B-Kst P-R4 15 0-0 N-R2 16 B-K3 P-B4 with good play for Black, Bronstein-Larsen, Belgrade I g64.

(v) 6 P-K.f P-KN3 7 :S-K2 :S-N2 8 P-KN4?! Finally, this outlandish plan may be recommended to those of gangster temperament.

78 TM Motkm Benoni

8 . . . 0-0 Also 8 .. , (C-K2 leads to bizarre play as in the correspondence game van den Bergh-van Hwnbeeck, in which there followed 9 P-B3 �1l3 10 P-KR4 P--Q.N4 I I P-1l5 Q.N--Q.2 1 2 p-1l6 B-B I •

g P-KR4 The consistent continuation, ' but against reasonable play White's attack may be refuted. We consider three examples :

(a) 9 . . . Q.N-Q.2 1 0 P-N5 N-K I 1 1 P-1l5 P-B3 I 2 P X NP IlP X P, Keller-Reitz, Correspondence;

(b) 9 . . . N-R3 1 0 B-KN5 N-B2 1 1 P-B3 P-KIl3 1 2 B-KB4 P-J04. 1 3 N-R3 P--Q.N4, Prof. Schafer-Lipiniks, Correspondence;

(c) 9 . . . R-KI 10 P-B3 P--Q.R3 I f P-R4 Q.N--Q.2 1 2 P-KIl5 N-K4 1 3 N-R3 R-N I 14 N-B2 P--Q.N4 1 5 P X Q.NP RP X P 16 B X P B--Q.2 1 7 B-K2 Il-N5 1 8 p X P BP X P 1 9 P-N5 N-R4, Harlamov-Kogan, Vilna 1966 ; and in all cases Black's counter-attack was beginning to dominate.

Avoiding the Modern Benoni

In this section we discuss some of the possible alternatives for both side:! in the moves leading up to diagram I .

(i) The Hypel'llloclern BenoDi I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-84 3 P-Q.s P-K3 4 N-Q.B3 P xP S P xP P-KN3 This challenging continuation is mainly of psychological value, since White, by playing 6 P-K4, may force Black back into the main lines,

57 W

Avoiding till Modma Bmtmi 79

for he cannot allow p-x5 and so he must play . . . P-Q.3 at once. How­ever, if Black fean the fianchetto variation or the knight's tour attack he may prefer this move order since White cannot transpose into those particular lines.

The Hypermodern Benoni preserves its own character in only two distinct cases. Firstly, White may try to refute Black's play with 6 P­Q.6( !) , and this does indeed look very promising; and secondly, White may still adopt the knight's tour plan of establishing his king's knight at Q.B4. With the Black pawn not yet on Q.3, however, this loses much of its point.

(a) 6 P-Q6 ( !) Q-N3 This is the crucial continuation. In the game van den Berg-Nievergelt, Berlin 1965, Black continued 6 . . • B-N2 ? ! hoping to attack White's centre later; but the ensuing play showed that this is too optimistiC! 7 P-X4 N-B3 8 P-B4 0-0 9 P-X5 N-XI 10 N-B3 P-Q.N4 1 1 B XP Q;-N3 1 2 0-0 N-Q.5 1 3 B-B4 with a clear advantage to White.

7 B-NS This was Tal's suggestion to justify 6 p-Q.6, but also the simple 7 B-B4 seems sufficient to maintain a plus. Euwe's "Archives" suggest the following possibilities : 7 . . . B-N2 8 Q;-Q.2 or 7 . . . Q.XNP ? 8 B-x5.

7 . . · N-14

7 . . . B-N2 8 Q;-Q.2 leaves White in a dominating position. I N-B3

I . . . P-B3 Other moves are worse : 8 . . . Q.xQ.p ? 9 Q.xQ. B X Q. 10 N-Q.N5; or 8 . . . B X P 9 N-Q.5 Q;-R4 ch (9 . . . Q. x P ? IQ P-N4 N-N2 1 1 B-B6) 10 B-Q.2 Q;-Q.I I I B-B3 ; or 8 . . . P-xR3 9 B-x7 1, and in all cases

White's position is overwhelming. (Analysis from "Archives".)

80 Th4 Modem Bmtmi

9 �K3 B xP Now after 10 N-Q.s �Q.I I I �N3 Black's position is very pr�­carious and White -has more than sufficent compensation for the pawrl.

(b) 6 N-B3 B-N2 (from diagram 57)

7 N-Q.lI 0-0 8 N-B4 P-N3 It should be mentioned here that this line is really of most significance in the case where the early moves were I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-K3 and then White, perhaps fearing a Nimzo-Indian, plays 3 N-KB3 and after 3 . . . P-1I4 4 P-Q.S. Then after 4 . . . P XP 5 P XP P-KN3 it is no longer good to play p-Q.6 and Black is qui,ejustified in delaying . . . P-Q.3.

Of course, Black may, if he wishes, play 8 . . . P-Q.3 here transposing to the knight's tour attack.

9 �N5

59 W

Weak is 9 p-K3 ? as in Boleslavsky-Tal, 23rd US SR Championship 1956, which continued 9 . . . P-Q.3 10 B-K2 B-Q.R3 I I P-Q.R4 B x N 12 B X B Q.N-Q.2 13 0-0 R-KI 14 Q;-B2 Q.-K2 15 R-NI N-N5 with advantage to Black.

Suetin's suggestion of 9 B-B4 deserves consideration. 9 . . · P-KR:J lo �14 B R3 11 P-K3 1 1 Q.-R4? P-KN4 1 2 B-N3 P-N4 13 N X P N X P is good for Black. Szilagyi-Cholmov, Moscow '963.

The position now is somewhat unclear ; Donner-Perez, Bognor 1955, continued I I . . . P-Q.N4 12 N-Q.6 when the critical line is 12 . . . P--N5 13 B XB P X N 14 B-N7 p XP 15 R-Q.NI Q.-N3 J6 B X R Q.XN with

Avoiding tlu-Modern Bmoni 8 1

complications. "Archives" suggest that Black may improve his pros­pects in this line by delaying . . . P-KR3, for with the White bishop still on KN5 the threat of . . . N-K5 can be awkward for White.

(ii) The ModeI'D Benom Declined

Here we give a brief survey of the results of White averting the Modem Benoni by choosing different continuations at moves 3 or 4.

(a) I P-Q4 N-KBg 2 P-QB4 P-B4 g P-Q5 P-K,:; 4 Px P ? !

This is a somewhat anti-positional line which surrenders White's spatial advantage for no apparent reason. White has a faint hope of tactical chances, but apart from the shock value inherent in any weak opening line, the variation has no real worth. The game FoguelDlan--Mecking, Buenos Aires 1 967, continued 4 . . . BP X P (4 . . . Q.P x p leads to complete equality) 5 B-N5 P-Q.4 ! ? (5 . . . P-Q.3 followed by . . . B-K2 and . . . N-B3 is solid and good) 6 P-K4 P-KR3 7 B X N Q. X B 8 BP X P P X P 9 p X P B-Q.3 1 0 B-N5 ch ? ( 1 0 N-Q.B3 0-0 I I N-B3 is better) N-Q.2 I I N-Q.B3 0-0 I 2 N-B3 N-K4 1 3 B-K2 N·X N ch 14 B X N B-Q.2 15 Q.-B2 Q.R-K I ch 1 6 B-K4 B-B4 I 7 P-B3 Q.-P.5 ch 1 8 K-K2 P-Q.N4 ! 1 9 P-KN3 Q.-R4 20 K-Q.2 B X B 2 1 N X B Q. X Q.P ch 22 K-K2 Q.-R4 23 F-KN4 Q.-R6 24 Q.R-KB I R X p ! 25 Resigns.

(b) I P-Q4 N-KBg 2 P-QB4 P-B4 g N-KBg

This line is quite harmless and is often an indication that White is satisfied with a draw. After 3 . . . P x P 4 N x P a variation of the English opening is reached in which Black has a number of clear equalising methods. We give some typical examples :

(i) 4 . . . P-K3 S P-KN3 P-Q.4 6 B-N2 P-K4 7 N-KB3 (7 N-B2 P-Q.5 and 7 N-N3 P-Q.5 are also quite sati�factory for Black) P-Q.5 ! 8 0-0 N-B3 9 P-K3 (9 P-Q.N4 is met by 9 ' " p-K5 ! with better chances for Black) B-K2 l O P X P P x P and Black has a perfectly free and playable position.

(ii) 4 . . . P-K3 S N-Q.B3 B-N5 (5 . . . N-B3 is less satisfactory) and now :

(a) 6 N-NS P-Q.4 ! 7 B-B4 o-o ! when 2 N-B7 ? fails to 8 . . . N-R4. (b) 6 B-Q.2 N-B3 7 N-B2 B-K2 8 P-K4 (8 p-KN3 ? P-Q.4 9 B-N2

Sa TM MfHIma Bmtmi

� 10 N-K2 N�2 ! 1= , Prins-Barcza, Venice 1949) 0-0 9 B-K2 P-Q.N3 10 0-0 B-N2 I I B-B4 R-B I 12 N-K3 I'--Q3 with equal chances, Sajtar-Stahlberg, Prague 1954.

(c) 6 P-K3 N-K5 ! is already better for Black, Reshevsky-Fischer, Palma 1970.

(d) 6 N-h B x N ch 7 P x B Q;-R4 8 Q:-Q.3 N-B3 9 B-R3 as in Ivkov­Fischer, Vinkovci I 96g, and now 9 • . • P-Q.4! 10 P-K3 P-K4 gives­Black the advantage according to Fischer.

Annotated Games · J . White : Stet.ko Black : Bangiyev

Played in the Championship of the Soviet Navy 197 1 . Apart from demonstrating the strength of the Soviet Navy, this game

gives a good demonstration of some recent possibilities discovered for Black to counter the fianchetto variation. I P-(U N-KB3 a P-Q.B4 P-Ilf 3 P-Q.s P-K3 4 N-Q,B3 P x P 5 P x P P-(b 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 P-KN3 B-Na 8 B-Na 0-0 9 0-0 P-Q.R3

This move has been the most popular in the early seventies, though as we have seen Black has several reliable alternatives. 10 P-Q.J4 Q.N-Q.a 11 N-Q.a In the game Korchnoi-Kapengut, USSR 1969, White concocted an unusual plan of queen's side operations with I I R-KI R-N I 12 R-NI ? ! Q;-B2 13 B�2 N-N5 ! 1 4 Q;-B2 P-B5 15 P-N4, but after 1 5 . . • P x P e.p. 16 Q. x Q.NP N-B4 1 7 Q;-R3 R-KI Black had a fine position. Korchnoi continued 1 8 P-R5 when Black missed the win of a pawn with 1 8 . • •

N x BP ! 19 K x N B X N followed by . . . N-K5 ch. 11 • . • R-KI la N-B4

.

After 12 P-KR3, the game Osnos-Tal, USSR Ch. 1 969, continued 12 • • • N-R4 13 N(Q.2)-K4 ? Q.N-B3 14 N X N ch N X N 1 5 B-B4 R-NI 16 Q:-Q.3 Q;-K2 1 7 P-K4 N-R4 18 B�2 Q;-K4 ! and Black's control of the dark squares gave him excellent attacking prospects. la . . . N-Kf 13 N-R3 N-1l4 14 P-R3 As usual White wants to play P-B4 without allowing the black knight to advance to . . . KN5. 14 · · · P-Ilf

AMOtated Games 83

This king's side advance is the most radical solution to Black's strategic problems, though also 14 . . . R-NI is possible ; the critical continuation then is that of the game Marovic-Kapengut, Erevan 197 1 : I S P-K4 ( IS K-R2 P-B4 16 p-K4 P-KBS ! 1 7 p X P Q- RS 18 P X N B X KP ch is too dangerous for White) I S . . . p-B4 ! 16 P x P B X P 1 7 P-KN4 B x P 18 P X B Q--RS 19 P X N R-KBI ! ( 19 . . . N-NS 20 B-B4 B-K4 2 1 Q--B3 R-KB I fails to 22 Q--N3) 20 p-R6 ! B-RI 2 I N-K4 N-NS 22 Q. x N ! Q. x Q. 23 N-B4 and it remains unclear whether White's pieces or Black's queen should be superior. After 23 . . . P-Q.N4 ! one can scarcely assess the position as 'equal' though it would be fair to say that the better player has all the chances.

IS P-K4

60 W

Here too IS K-R2 can be met by IS ' " P-KBS ! 1 6 P x P Q--RS 1 7 P X N B X KP ch with a ferocious attack. IS . . . P-Q.N41 16 N-K2 Very tame, but after 16 P x NP RP X P I 7 N(B3) x P B-Q.R3 White is in deep trouble. 16 . . . P x KP 17 B x P B x P 18 B-N2 B-NS 19 P-B3 B-Q.2 20 P­KN4 N x NPl This blow completes the destruction of the white king's defences and the rest is just the execution of the naked monarch. 21 P x P B x KNP 22 B-B3 Q.-RS 23 N-B2 B-Kof q R-B2 B x B 2S R x B R-KBI 26 Q.R-R3 P-NS 27 Q.R-K3 Q.-R7 ch 28 K-BI Q;--RB ch 29 N-NI N-N6 ch 30 K-B2 Q.-R7 ch White resigned.

2. White : DODDer Black : PlaDinc Wijk aan Zee 1973 A new move casts doubt on the Knight's Tour Variation. I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.S P-K3 4 N--Q.� P x P S P xp P-Q.3 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 N--Q.2 B-N2 8 N-B4 0--0 9 B-Bof P-N31?

84 The Modern Benoni

This blatant disregard of the attack on the Q,P is clearly intended to challenge White's whole strategy. Actually the move 9 . . . P-N3 had been suggested before this game by . . . Donner ! IO B x P Some players on facing such an innovation would instinctively refrain from the complications with 1 0 Q,-Q,2, which may indeed be best. Of course I O N X Q,p ? is met by 1 0 . • . N-R4. 10 . . . R-KI 1 1 B-N3 N--KSl la N xN Mter this White i s always i n difficulties ; perhaps 1 2 R-B I is better, but I think Black has enough for the pawn in any case. Of course, this whole conception of sacrificing the Q,P needs further tests before one can be sure. la . . . R x N 13 P-K3 P -Q.N4 14 N-Q.6 R-Q.NS IS B x P B-BI ! 16 B-B6 1 6 N x B R X B is quite hopeless, but now White's king is fixed in the centre.

16 . . . B-Q.R3! 17 B x R

61 B

Also 1 7 Q,-Q.2 B x N 1 8 1! x B Q. x B 1 9 B x R N-Q.2 followed by . . . N-K4 should win for Black. 17 . . . R x P 18 Q.-llf: Q.-BS I9 R-Q.BI B x N ao P-B4 Q.-B4 al P-K4 R-K7 ch aa K-Q.I Q.-llf: White resigned.

3. White : Radev Black : Padevsky, Bulgarian Championship 1 970 A cautionary tale from the realms of Uhlmann's Line : I P-Q.4 N-U3 a P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.S P-K3 4 N-Q.B3 P x P S P x P P-Q.3 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-Na 8 B-KNS P-KR3 9 B-llf: P-KNf 10 B-N3 N-llf: 11 B-NS ch K-BI 12 B-K2 N x B 13 BP x Nl? We have seen that 1 3 RP x N promises nothing for White, but really this should be worse ! A recent horrible example of 1 3 RP X N was the

Annotated Games 85

game Bobotsov-Kaplan, Siegen 1 970, which continued 1 3 . . . N-Q.2 1 4 N-Q.2 Q-K2 I S P--KN4 ? P-R3 1 6 P-R4 B-Q.S ! 1 7 0-0 ? ? N-B3 1 8 N-B4 P-KR4 ! 1 9 P x P P-NS 20 N-K3 N x RP 2 1 B X NP Q-RS 22 P-KN3 N x P 23 K-N2 N x R 24 K x N B X N (K6) White resigned. 13 . . . N-Q.2 14 0-0 Q.-IU 15 �B2 P-R3 16 P-Q.R.f P-KIlf 17 N-Q.I N-K.f 18 R-R3 N-N3 ? Black thinkS that the central position will take care of itself while he attacks on the king's side, but he has an unpleasant shock awaiting him in another five moves. The right method was demonstrated in the game F. Portisch-Timoshhenko, Vilnyus 1 969, where Black played 1 8 . . . B--Q2 securing the better prospects after 1 9 N X N B X N 20 N-K3 B--Q.S 2 1 K-R I R-K I 22 N-B4 K-N2. 19 N-K3 P-N5 20 N-R.f An

· excellent pawn sacrifice, which is merely the prelude to another

which exposes the black king. 20 . . . N x N 21 P x N Q. x RP u N-B4 Q.-K2 23 P-K5! · After this typical thrust White's pieces rush in and Black is helpless despite his extra material. 23 . , . B x P 24 N x B Q. x N 25 Q-N6 Q.-K2 26 K-RI ! Threatening to tie BI�ck up still further with 2 7 R-K3 .

26 . . . P-B4 27 B-Q.3 �KB2 28 Q. x Q.P ch Q.-K2 29 Q.-KN6 Q.­KB2 30 Q.-N6 Q. x P 31 Q.-KB6 ch K-N I 32 Q.-N6 ch K- BI 33 B x BP resigns.

�. JXhi.�;_�p'��y,--. __ BI(ic� : • . Fi.�,�,,:� ... 3rd Match Game 1 972 After Fischer's default in the second game, the chess world waited for this encounter in a unique state of tension for all concerned. The game was eventually played in a secluded room where Fischer, having spent most of the day booking himself on and off various flights out of Reykjavik, produced the following splendid achievement : I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B.f P-K3 3 N-KB3 P-B4 4 P-Q.5 P x P 5 P X P P-Q.3 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 N-Q.2 Q.N-Q.2 8 P-K.f B-N2 9 B-K2 0-0 10 0-0 R-KI

Mter a curious movelOrder, we are back in the Main Line with Fischer adopting the formation with . . . Q.N-Q.2 instead of the fashionable .

.• • N-R3·

I I Q.-B2 The main alternative is I I P-Q.R4 with the following possibilities : (a) I ! . . . N-K4 1 2 Q-B2 P-KN4 � 1 3 N-B4 ! (Better than the 1 3 N-B3 of Gligoric-Fischer, Palma 1 970) 1 3 . . . N x N 1 4 B x N N-NS I S N-K2 ! P--QR3 1 6 R-R3 Q-K2 1 7 R-KN3 ! P-R3 1 8 P-B4, Najdorf-Ree, Wijk

86 The Modem Bmoni

aan Zee 197 1 , with a clear advantage to White, though he lost eventually. (b) 1 1 • • • P-Q.R3 1 2 p-B4 ! ? ( 1 2 Q-B2, 1 2 P-RS or 1 2 P-B3 are safer continuations) 12 . . • P-BS ! 1 3 P-KS ! ( 1 3 N X P N x KP gives White nothing, while 1 3 B x P gives Black the choice between 1 3 . • . N-B4 and 13 . • . Q-N3 ch 14 K-R l Q;-QS ! with excellent play in either case.) 13 . . . p X P 14 N X P N-N3 ! IS P x P N-NS ! 16 N-Q.6 ! B X P ! 17 N X R Q-RS ! ( 1 7 . . . B x P ch 18 K-R l Q-RS 19 B-KNS ! led to a win for White in the game Gligoric-Nicevsky, Zagreb 1970) 1 8 P-R3 Q-N6 19 B x N Q-R7 ch 20 K-B2 Q-N6 ch 2 1 K-N l (2 1 K-K2 B X B ch 22 P X B R X N leaves White's king in a death trap) 2 1 • . • Q-R7 ch 22 K-B2 Q-N6 ch drawn; Popov-Spassov, Bulgarian Ch. 1972. 11 . . . N-141? With this bold move Black sacrifices his pawn formation for active play and attacking chances. 1 1 . . . N-K4 and 1 1 . . • P-Q.R3 are the less imaginative alternatives to Fischer's imaginative idea. I� B x N P x B 13 N-B4

" B

It is doubtful whether this natural move is correct. Mter 1 3 P-Q.R4( !) N-K4 14 N-Q.I Q-RS IS N-K3 White has better chances to retain the advantage ; the game Gligoric-Kavalek, Skopje 1972, continued I S . . , N-NS 1 6 N x N P X N I 7 N-B4 Q-B3 1 8 B-Q.2 Q-N3 19 B-B3 B x B 20 P X B with a clear plus for White ; there followed 20 . . • P-N3 2 I KR­KI B-R3 22 N-Q.2 R-14 23 P-KB4 P x P e.p. 24 N x P R-R4 2S Q-KB2 Q-B3 26 R-K3 R-KI 27 Q.R-KI Q-BS 28 P-KS ! P x P 29 R-K4 <,CB3 30 Q-N3 ch K-RI 3 1 N X P R-KN I 32 R-KN4 R x R 33 N x R Q-N3 34 P-B4 R-B4 35 N-R6 ! R-B3 36 R-K8 ch K-N2 37 R-N8 ch K x N 38 Q-R4 ch resigns. In a later game at San Antonio 1972 against Browne, Gligoric scored another victory with this plan, so Fischer's I I . . • N-R4 must be considered a little dubious_until something mor-e is found. 13 . . . N-14 14 N-K3 Q.-RS 15 B-Q.II N-NS 16 N x N

Annotated Games 87

After this White is in trouble, bun6 P--KR.3 N x N 17 B x N gives Black the choice between : (a) 1 7 . . . B x N ? 1 8 Q. x B Q. x KP 19 Q.R-K I when White has good play for the pawn. (b) 1 7 . . . B X P ! ? 1 8 p x B Q. X RP with the threat of . . . K-R I and a quick mate on the knight's file. 1 9 P-B3 is met by 1 9 . . . B-Q.S ! 20 B X B P X B again threatening . . . K-R I as well as . . . P x N. (c) 1 7 . . . B-Q.2 is completely satisfactory. 16 . . . P x N 17 B-B4 Q.-B3 Compare this position with that of Gligoric-Kavalek above ; White's knight on QB3 is very passively placed compared with Gligoric's on B4. 18 P-KN3? 1 8 B-N3 is far superior since 1 8 . . . p-KR4 ? is met by 1 9 N-NS. 18 . . . B-Q.2 i9 P-Q.R4 P-N3 20 KR-KI P-Q.R3 21 R-K2 P-N4! Black has quietly prepared this advance, and now he slowly gains complete control and reduces White to aimless wandering to and fro 22 Q.R-KI Q.-N3! This prevents P-KS and prepares for the eventual win of the White KP. 23 P-N3 R-K2 24 Q.-Q.3 R-NI 25 P x P P x P ri P-N4 P-BS 27 Q.-Q.2 Q.R-KI 28 R-K3 P-R4 29 R(3)-K2 K-IU 30 R-K3 K-NI 31 R(3)-K2 B x N 32 Q.x B R x P 33 R x R R x R 34 R x R Q. x R 35 B-R6 Q.-N3 36 B-BI Q.-N8 37 K-BI B-B4 38 K-K2 Q.-KS ch. 39 Q.-K3 Q.-B7 ch 40 Q.-Q.2 Q.-N6 41 Q.-Q.4 41 K-KI might have given some drawing chances according to Spassky, but I think the position should still be lost. 41 . . . B-Q,6 ch and White J'esigned; after 42 K-K3 Q.-Q.8 Black wins very quickly.

S. White : GUgoric Black : Minic Yugoslavia 1 9 72 Games like this one often make me feel that Gligoric is not the right opp�:ment to choose if one wants to play the Modern Benoni, though some people seem able to get way with it. I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.5 P-K3 4 N-Q.B3 P x P S P x P P-Q.3 6 P-Kf P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 B-K2 0-0 9 0-0 R-KI 10 N-Q,2 N-R3 11 P-B3 N-B2 12 P-Q,R4 N-Q,2 13 K-RI 1 3 N-B4 was once popular here but suffered a serious blow in the game Toth-Matulovic, Hungary 1 972 : 1 3 . . . N-K4 14 N-K3 P-B4 IS P-B4 N-B2 1 6 P x P N-KR3 ! ! 1 7 P x P (Otherwise Black recaptures on . . . KB4 with the knight keepirlg a very active position) 1 7 . . . B-Q.S ! (The point of Matulovic's new idea) 1 8 P x P ch K-R I 1 9 R-B3 N-NS 20 Q.-Q.3 Q.-RS. Black already has a winning position, there followed 2 I P-R3

88 , Till Modern Benoni

N x N 2 2 R x N Q. x BP 23 N-Q.I N x P 24 R-R3 N x R 25 'N x N B-B4 26 Q-N3 B x P (R2) 2 7 K--R I B-K4 28 K-N I Q-R7 ch 29 K-B2 B-N6 ch 30 K-B3 B-K5 ch 3 1 K-N4 R-N I ch White resigned_ 13 . . . P-N3 14 N-B4 N-14 IS N-K3 R-NI 16 B-Q,�,I! The immediate 1 6 P-B4 is less �ood : 1 6 . . . N--Q.2 1 7 N-B4 N-B3 18 ,P-K5 ( 1 8 B-B3 is met by 1 8 . . . B-Q.R3) 1 8 . . . p x p 1 9 p-Q.6 N-K3 20 P X P N-Q.2 2 1 N-Q.5 N x p ! 22 N-K7 ch R x N 23 P x R Q. x P with the better game for Black ; Platonov-Savon, 38th US SR Ch. 1 970.

'

16 . . . P-Q,R3 17 P-B4! \

Now is the right moment for this move. White played less forcefully in the game Bukic-Adorjan, Vrnjacka Banja 1 972, with 1 7 R-Q.N I

P-Q.N4 1 8 P x P N X NP 1 9 N x N P X N 20 P-Q.N4 P-B5 2 1 Q-B I R-RI with good play for Black.

17 . _ . N-Q,� 18 N-B4 N-B3 19 B-B3! Now this move can no longer be met by . . . B-Q.R3 .

19 . . . P-KI4 �o N x Q,P! Q, x N 21 P-KS Q,-Q,I �� P-Q,6 N-K3 �3 P x N B x P �4 P-BS! P x P White's combination has resulted in a favourable opening of the position and Black's king is in great danger. �S B-B6 R-BI ' �6 R x P N-Q,S �7 R x RP Q, x P 2 7 . . . N x B ? loses at once to 28 Q.-B2 . �8 B-Q,S B-B4 �9 R x B! N x R 30 Q,-N4 ch N-N� 31 N-K4 Q,-Q,I 3� R-KBI B-K4 33 B-B3 resigns (33 . . . Q. X B 34 N-B6 ch ! ) .

6. White : Spassky Black : Savon Moscow 1 9 7 1 This confirms the dangers to Black i n the pawn storm line with

8 B-N5 ch. Note that when Spassky met Fischer's Modern Benoni his knight was already committed to KB3, so this strong attacking variation was not available. I P-Q,4 N-KB3 � P-Q,B4 P-B4 3 P-Q,S P-K3 4 N-Q,B3 P x P S P x P P-Q,3 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 P-B4 B-N� 8 B-NS ch KN-Q,� In a five-minute game against Reshevsky, Tal tried 8 . . . Q.N-Q.2 ? ! Apparently his intention was to reply to 9 P-K5 with 9 . : , P x P l O P X P

N-R4 I I p-K6 P x P 1 2 P X P o-o ! when 1 3 P x N B X N ch 14 P x B Q.-R5 ch is extremely hazardous for White. Howev�r, after the simple 1 3 N-B3 ! White gains a clear advantage. 9 B-Q,3 The late grandmaster Alexander Zaitscv preferred 9 P-Q.R4, for example 9 . . . 0-0 1 0 ,,-B3 R-K I ( l O . . . N -R3 1 1 0-0 N-N 5 1 2 B-K3 P-Q.R3 1 3 B-B4 R-N I 1 4 P-R3 R-K I 1 5 B-H2 gave White a good game in Zaitsev-Gufeld, Debrecen 1 970) I I 0-0 P-Q,R3 1 2 B-K2 N-B I

Annotated Garms 89

1 3 P-R3 Q,N-Q,2 14 D-Q,2 with some advantage to White ; Zaitsev­Radev, Albena 1 970. 9 . . . 0--0 10 N-B3 N-R3 I J 0--0 R-NI 12 K-RI N-B2 13 P-Q,R4 P-Q,R3 14 P-BS At first sight this move creates an ugly impression, but it opens up excellent prospects for White's Q,B.

14 . . . P-Q,N4 is RP x P N x NP 16 B-NS P-B3 17 B-KB4 N-� 18 P-R3 R-B2 19 P-KN4 B-BI 20 R-h Black's handling of the queen's side pawns has left him with a static formation and little prospect of active play. Spassky now begins regrouping his pieces to secure maximum attacking prospects on both wings. 20 . . , N-Q,S 21 N X N(Q,4) P x N 22 N-K2 R-N5 23 N-BI Q.-N3 24 R-B2 P-Q,14 25 R-B2 R-B2 26 B-Q,2 N x B 27 N x N R-N4 28 R x R Q, x R 29 Q,-R4 B-Q,2 30 Q,xQ,P Q,-B7 31 B-B3! Q,-K7 32 R-RI B-K2 33 R-KI Q,-B6 ch 34 K-R2 R-NI 35 R-K3 Q,-B8 36 R-N3 P-N4 and Black resigned.

He is already one pawn down with the Q,RP facing the firing squad' whenever White wishes ; his position is quite hopeless.

7. White : Vaganian Black : Tal 39th US S R Ch. 1 9 7 1 Recently a handful of players have been experimenting again with lines with B-KB4 for White. Here we see Tal demonstrating his faith and ability in this opening, and showing some of Black's resources against this treatment. I P-Q4 N-KB3 2 P-QB4 P-K3 3 N-KB3 P-B4 4 P-Qs P x P 5 P x P P-KN3 6 N-B3 B-N2 7 B-B4 P-QR3 7 . . , P-Q,3 allows 8 Q-R4 ch B-Q,2 9 Q-N3 Q,-B2 1 0 P-K4, which Black players have been avoiding since Portisch-Fischer, Palma 1 9 70, where

90 The Modern Benoni

after 1 0 . . . � I I B-K2 P-Q,R3 1 2 P-KS P X P 1 3 B x KP Q-B I 1 4 � Black was in trouble. A clear advantage for White against I I . . • P­Q,N4 ! ? here has yet to be demonstrated, though the whole line looks a bit suspect for Black. The very latest news of this line also gives Black little cheer ; from the last round of San Antonio 1972, Portisch-Larsen went I I . . . N-R4 12 B-K3 N-R3 1 3 N-Q,2 p-B4 ? ! 14 P x P P x P I S B X KN P-KBS 16 0-0 P X B 1 7 p X P N-NS 18 N (B3)-K4 P-R4 1 9 N­N5 P-RS 20 Q-B4 P-R3 2 I N-K6 B x N 22 P X B P-Q,4 23 B-B7 ch K-RI 24 Q-R4 Q-J4 2S N-B3 Q, x P ch 26 K-R I N-Q,6 27 Q,R-KI ! N X R 28 R x N Q-Q,6 29 Q-RS p-R6 30 P-Q,N3 B-B6 3 1 P-K7 K-N2 32 P X R = Q, ch R x Q, 33 B x P B X R 34 Q,-KS ch R-B3 3S Q-K7 ch resigns. 8 "-Kt 0--0 9 B-K2 P-Q,3 10 P-Q.R4 After a devious order of moves we are back in a fairly normal position for the B-KB4 variation. 10 . . . B-N5 I I P-R3 This move does not promise much and I I 0-0 is probably better, for example the game Korchnoi-Minic, Erevan 197 1 , continued I I . . . R­KI ( 1 1 . . . N-B4 is better) 1 2 N-Q,2 B X B 13 Q, X B N-R4 14 B-K3 P-N3 I S P-KN4 ! N-KB3 1 6 B-B4 with advantage to White. II . . . B x N 12 B x B Q.-B2 13 0--0 Q.N-Q.2 14 P-R5 Uhlmann-Portisch, Hastings 1970- 1 , continued 14 Q,-B2 P-BS ! I S B­K2 KR-K I 1 6 KR-K I R-K2 1 7 Q,R-Q,I Q,R-N I 18 P-RS Q,R-K I ! 19 R-Q,4 Q, x P 20 B X Q,P R X p ! 2 I R(Q,4)-Q,1 Q-N3 ! 22 N X R N X N with very good chances for Black. 14 . . . KR-KI 15 Q.-Q.2?! It i s too early to commit the queen to this diagonal ; White plays for a king's side attack which is never really there. 15 . . . Q.R-BI 16 P-KN4 R-K2 17 KR-KI N-KI 18 B-N2 R-NI 19 B-N5 B-B3!?

Annotated Ga1l1ls 91

Many players would not take this risk and prefer 19 • . . R-K4 20 B-B4 R-K2 with repetition of moves, but not Tal ! 20 B x B N (KI) X B 21 P-Bf P-BS 22 K-RI N-KI 23 R-:-Rf P-Q.Nf (see diagram 64) . Black has delayed these thematic que en's side moves · until they are most effective. White's pieces do not stand well to meet the pressure on the QN file. 2.f P x P e.p. R x NP 2S KR-RI Q.-N I 26 R( I )-R2 N-Bf 21 R x BP KR-N2 28 P-KS! At last White counters in the centre and the position rapidly becomes critical. 2B . . . R x P 29 R x R R x R 30 Q.-Q.f? 30 Q-K3 ! is correct since 30 . • . Q-N6 is met by 3 I P X P Q x R 32 Q X N(KS) ch with a draw. 30 . . . R-Q.B7 31 P x P Q.-N7 32 P-Q.7 It is too late for 32 Q-K5 since Black plays 32 . . • N X p ! 33 QX N R X B winning. :J2 . . . N x P 33 R-BB R x B White resigned.

2 . The Czech Benoni

94 TIr4 C(.Ich Bmmai

With the exception of the Modern Benoni, which is perhaps too pre­carious for the average taste, the most popular Benoni system currently is that introduced by the moves I P-<U N-KB, 2 P-Q.Bof P-8.f , P-Q.5 P-Kf of N-Q.B, P-Q3 - 5 P-Kf �IU

65 W

Until recently this line was considered too passive, since it was thought that the bishop on K2 was not well placed to facilitate the natural advance . . . P-KB4. It seemed that the development plan of . . . P-KN3 and . . . B-N2 was better designed for this purpose. In recent years, however, games by the leading young Czech players (particularly Hort, Kavalek and Jansa) have shown that much may be gained by placing the bishop on K2 at this stage. The possibility of exchanging the 'bad' bishop by means of . . . B-KN4 is perhaps the most common thematic idea, and dealing with this positional threat is one of the problems with which White is faced.

On the minus side, Black must take into account the increased difficulty in preparing . . . P-KB4, since this is the natural method of freeing his position. If this is to be effective, Black needs to play a preliminary . . . P-KN3, since he must be ready to recapture on his KB4 with a pawn. Here the drawback of . . . B-K2 is felt, since . . . P-KN3 appears to weaken the Black squares seriously if there is no bishop on KN2. But if the bishop is elsewhere, then why not let the knight perform its duties ? Mter castling, Black wishes to move his king's knight to free the KB-pawn, and also to threaten . . . B-KN4 in some circumstances ; the natural squares for it to occupy are K I or KR4, and from either of these it is keeping a watchful eye on the important KN2.

This plan may sound very slow and tortuous, but it is justified by the blocked nature of the central position which makes it difficult for White to organise an effective break-through while Black is carrying out his manoeuvres.

Whi�e has a large variety of plans from which to choose while Black

Tire Cl:,tch Bnwni 95

is preparing . . . P-KB4. The most common attacking ideas involve either an early P-Q.N4 in an attempt to gain space on the queen's side and to open the queen's knight's file, or alternatively a quick advance of the king's side pawns to anticipate Black's . . . P-KN3 which may then become the means of an attack on the Black king.

To see how these ideas work out in practice, it will be helpful to study some examples from master play, which provide good illustra­tions of what both sides should aim for, and may also serve as warnings of what must be avoided.

66 W

Diagram 66 shows the position after 1 6 moves in the game Savon­Hort, Orebro 1966. White has played to prevent . . . P-KB4 and has succeeded in rendering this advance impossible for the time being. Black has just completed the trip with his queen's knight via Q,2 and KB3 to KNI to expel the White bishop from its threatening post. The queen's side pawn position has become blocked by mutual consent,. each player having been more concerned with

67 w

preventing the opponent's P-Q.N4 than with executing this advance himself. The chances of both players are approximately even, since it is very difficult for White to develop any attack without allowing Black

96 The C(.ech Benoni

to seize the initiative with . . . P-B4. The players, in fact, shortly agreed to a dra iV.

In diagram 67 we see the same type of position, but here White's plan has failed completely. This was reached in the game Pachman­Cioca1tea, Harrachov 1966, after Black's 19th move. Here Black had gained the initiati.ve on the queen's side with a timely . . . P-Q.N4 and now has broken through with . . . P-KB4 also. The position of the White king is now very exposed and Black has a clear advantage.

68 W

Diagram 68, on the other hand, shows the result of inaccurate play on Black's part. The position was reached after Black's fifteenth move in the game Radev-Kirov, Bulgarian Championship 1 966. White played a very early P-KR4 in anticipation of Black's . : . P-KN3. Black then un­

wisely refrained from playing this move, thereby allowing White to post a knight at KB5 where it was exchanged f<?r a bishop. Black's pre­occupation with play on the queen's side has allowed his opponent a free hand on the other wing, where White quickly broke through with a decisive attack.

6g W

finally, diagram 69 shows the situation after 1 7 moves of the game _ Uhlmann�Vasiukov, Hastings 1 965-6.- Most of the play so far has

TM C�,," Bmtmi 97

taken place on the queen's side : White has played �N4 which was answered with . . . �N3. The subsequent exchange of pawns has left the queen's knight's file in White's control, though the placings of Black's pieces deny White any entry. This shows another aspect of the variation in that the Black king's bishop is well placed at K2 in the opening, to go to Q.J and eventually �R4 under circumstances such as these. The chances here are even.

We now proceed to examine the variations in detail.

A. White develops his bishop on K2 and knight on K.B3

This natural system of development is one of the most popular, and il\ustrates well the difficulties facing both sides. It does, perhaps, pose Black with too few direct problems for White to entertain great hopes of an advantage, though Black must play with accuracy to avoid obtain­ing a passive position.

From diagram 65 : 6 N-B3 0--0 , B-IU N-KI 8 0--0 Also played here often is 8 P-Q.R3, against which Black should play 8 . . . N-Q.2 when 9 0-0 transposes into lines considered below. Less accurate is 8 . . . P-KN3 which allows White to build up a strong attack

70 B

with 9 B-R6 N-N2 1 0 P-KR4 ! as occurred in the game Malich-Cobo, Havana 1966. There followed 10 . . . P-B3 I I P-R5 P-KN4 1 2 N-Q.2

gO TM CI;,Qa Bmmd

N-1l3 1 3 B-N4 N-Bll 1 4 B X B Q.XB 1 5 P-U4 with advantage to White. 8 . . . N-Q.. This is more flexible lhan an immediate . . . P-KN3, though that move is also popular and well-playable. For example 8 . . . P-KN3 9 B-Jl6 (9 N-KI N-Nll 1 0 N-Q.3 B-N4 leads to an easy game for Black, as was

seen in Pasman-Buslaev, Sochi 1 967, which continued 1 1 P-Q.1l3 P-N3 I � P-Q.N4 B X B 1 3 .Q XB N-Q.ll 14 B-Q.I B-1l3 1 5 N-Nll P-B4 with advantage to Black) 9 • • • N-N2 1 0 (C-Q,2 N-Q.2 1 1 Q.1l-Q. 1 (after 1 1 N-KN5 B X N 1 2 Q, X B P-B3 1 3 �N3 �K2 Black's position is very solid, as was shown in the game Bilek-Hort, Varna 1 962, in which White made no impression on the defence and a draw was agreed at move 35. Also 1 1 P-KR.3 K-1l1 1 2 P-1l3 N-B3 1 3 N-KI N-N I 14 B-K3 P-B4 1 5 p X P N XBP I S B-N4 N-B3, as in Pachman-Hort, Harrachov 1 966, leads to equal chlinces). 1 1 . . . Il-KI ! ? ( 1 1 . . . N-H3 ? 1 2 N X P ! P X N 1 3 p-Q.6 is very favourable for White, but 1 1 . . . K-1l1 and a waiting policy is a less drastic solution) I II �B� N-B I 1 3 P-Q.1l3 P-B4 1 4 �N4 P-N3 1 5 NP X P NP X P with chances for both sides, Gligoric-Ghitescu, Beverwijk 1 967. 9 P-Q.R3 (see diagram 7 1 ) ' This preparation for queeri's side play is the most accurate continuation at White's disposal. He wishes to play B-1l6 in reply to . . . P-KN3 and then to develop the queen on Q.2. Thus 9 P-Q.R3 also serves partly as a waiting move, hoping for Black to commit himself. Other moves are less promising:

(a) 9 B-K3 P-KN3 1 0 p-KN4 1 ? N-N2 1 1 K-R I N-B3 1 2 N-Q.2 P­KR4 1 3 P-B3 N-R2 14 R-KN I B-N4 with a free game for Black, Stahlberg-Averbach, Erevan 1 965.

(b) 9 �Bll P-KN3 10 B-R6 N-N2 [ I N-Q.2 P-R3 1 2 P-Q.R3 P-B4 ( 1 2 ' " B-N4 t>qualises more easily) 1 3 p X P p X P 14 P-B4 R-B3 1 ? 1 5 B-N5 R-N3 with complications, Garcia-Gheorghiu, Bucharest 1966.

(c) 9 N-K I B-N4 1 10 P-Q.R3 P-KN3 I I N-Q.3 ( 1 1 P-Q.N4 P-N3 1 2 P-N3 B X B 13 Q. X B P-B4 14 KP X P NP X P 1 5 P-B4 P-K5 led to good play for Black in Halfdanarsson-Wade, Reykjavik 1 966) B X B I � Q. X B N-N2 1 3 P-B4 p X P 14 Q. x p �K2 1 5 Q.R-K I P-B3 16 N­H5 N-KI wi,h equal chances, Sanguinetti-Jansa, Lugano 1 968.

(d) 9 P-KN3 P-KN3 10 N-KI N-N2 1 1 N-Q.3 P-B4 I II P-B3 P-Q.1l3 1 3 P-Q.R4 B-N4 14 B X B Q. X B 1 5 P-B4 �K2 with equality, Lombardy­

Jansa, Lugano 1968. 9 · · . P-KNS 10 B-R6 N-Nst

The C;;ee!& Bmoni 99 71 B

1 1 Q--Q.2 This is most accurate since it effectively prevents I I • • • P-B4 in view of the reply 1 2 P X P P X P 1 3 N-KN5 with a very dangerous attack. I I P-Q,N4 P-B4 led to advantage for Black in the game Malich-Jansa, Harrachov 1 966, which continued 1 2 R-NI P-N3 1 3 Q;-Q2 P-B5 1 4 Q,-Q, I P-KN4 1 5 N-Q,2 R-B3 ! 16 B X N ( 1 6 B X P R-N3 gives Black a strong attack) K x B 1 7 B-N4 P-KR4 ? ! 1 8 B X P R-R3 1 9 B-N4 N -B3 with good compensation for the sacrificed pawn.

JI . . . N-B3

72 B

An interesting and very solid idea here is to leave the knight on Q,2 until completing the defences on the queen's side. For example the game Uhlmann-Vasiukov, Hastings 1 965-6, continued I I . . . K-R I 12 P-Q,N4 P-N3 1 3 KR-Q, I P-R3 1 4 �R-NI R-R2 15 R-N2 �K I ! 1 6 p X P NP X P 1 7 KR-N I B-Q. I ! 1 8 B-Q. I B-R4 1 9 B-R4 �Q, I 20 Q,-Q,3 N-B3 2 1 B- Q,2 N-N I with equality. Black's position is im­penetrable, since 22 R-N8 only leads to a draw after 22 . . . B-B2 23 R (8)-N2 B-R4. If White wishes to try for more against this play he should hold the tension on the queen's side with 1 6 B-Q. I instead of 1 6 P X P, though this may lead to very double-edged play and Black's chances should not be worse.

100 Th6 CQeIa Bmoni

I. P�N4 Slower tactics get White nowhere; the game Nikitin-Muratov. Kiev 1965, for example, continued 12 N-K I K-RI 1 3 N-Q.3 N-NI 14 B-Kg

P-B4 15 P-B3 P-B5 16 B-B2 P-JtN4 1 7 P-Q.N4 P-N3 18 P-Q.R4

P-Q.R4. and Black's attack on the king's side is more dangerous than his opponents on the opposite wing. Ill . . . P-N3 IS N-KI K-RI 14 P xP NP xP 15 P-8.f Gligoric has suggested 15 N-Q.3 here. though it is doubtful whether White can claim any advantage after 15 ' " N-NI followed by . . . P-B4.

15 . . . N-Nd 15 . . . P x p ? led to great difficulties for Black in the game Malich­

Jansa. Havana 1 966, after 16 B X P N-Q.2 1 7 N-Q.3 P-N4 1 8 B-N3

P-B4 1 9 P-K5 when White rapidly obtained a decisive advantage. 16 B x N ch K xB 17 P xP P x P The chances in this position are even. The game Malich-Polugaievsky, Havan 1 966, continued 1 8 N-B3 B-Q.3 19 N-Q.N5 N-B3 20 B-Q.3

B-NI 2 I Q.R-NI B-Q.2 22 N-B3 P-Q.R3 23 N-K!l B-Q.3 and White was completely unable to exploit his passed queen's pawn. The game was drawn eleven uneventful moves later.

B. White develops his bishop on Qs and knight on KBS

Recently this system has been very popular for White. Although the bishop looks rather awkwardly placed on Q.3. with white pawns on K4 and Q.B4 blocking its lines of action, this proves an effective post from where it hinders Black's freeing plan of . . . P-KB4, while leaving the K2-square free for the white queen or queen's knight to enter the attack.

From diagram 65 : 6 N-BS � It is worth mentioning here an unusual idea of the Russian master Sergievsky, which involves bringing the queen's knight to 1tN3 in the hope of inducing weaknesses in White's king's side. However, this appears to be too artificial, as was shown in the game Krogius-

T1rI C;:;ecla Bmoni 10 1

Sergievsky, Sochi 1966, in which after 6 . . . Q.N-Q.2 7 B-Q.3 N-BI 8 P-KN3 N-N3 9 P-JtJl4 B-NS 1 0 B-K2 P-KR3 1 1 N-Q.2 B-Q.2 1 2 N­B I B-BI 1 3 N-K3 N-Kg 14 P-R3 P-KR4 15 P-B3, Black was left with a lifeless position.

7 B-Q.3

7 . . . N-KI

73 B

It is very difficult to decide what plan Black should adopt here, since White's formation is extremely flexible. In particular, White will delay castlir.g until it is clear what the situation demands : whether he should castle long and pursue an attack on the Black king ; or leave his own king in the centre and try to increase his spatial advantage on both wings. Thus Black does best to keep his position as flexible as possible also, in readiness for whatever White may choose to do. For this reason 7 . . . N-K I is a good non-committal reply. Also good is 7 . . . P-Q.R3, which is useful in any circumstances, and particularly serves to dissuade White from castling on the queen's side where he will be subjected, to an attack with a prompt . . . P-Q,N4. The game Savon-Hort, Orebro 1 966, went 7 . . . P-Q,R3 8 P-KR3 Q,N-Q.2 9 P-Q,R4 N-R4 10 N-K2 P-KN3 1 1 P-KN4 N-N2 1 2 N-N3 N-B3 1 3 B-K3 B-Q.2 1 4 �2 P-Q,R4 15 B-R6 K-R I 16 Q,-B2 N-N I 17 B-K3 Q,-K I 18 N-Q.2 B-R5 19 P-N3, and in this complicated position with about equal chances, a draw was· agreed. Black's most common cause of downfall in this variation is an excess of passivity. An example of this syndrome is the game Spassky-Ciocaltea, Beverwijk 1967, which continued 7 . . . Q,N-Q.2 8 Q,-K2 N-K I (8 . . . N-R4 is more promising) 9 P-KN4 ! (with the Black Queen's bishop hemmed in, there is no need to prepare this with P-KR3) P-KN3 10 B-R6 N-N2 1 1 0-0-0 N-B3 1 2 P-KR3 P-R3 13 Q,R-N I B-Q,2 14 N-Q.2 K-RI 1 5 P-KR4 and White already has the makings of a very powerful attack (see illustrative games) .

102 TJu Czech Bnwni

8 P-KR3 This move is often played at move six or seven, but there is no need for White to declare his 'intentions so early. 8 . . . P--Q.R3

It is best to lose no time in preparing counterplay on the queen's wing in anticipation of White's coming attack on the opposite side of the board. In the game Petkevitch-Vitolinsh, Latvian Championship 1 967, Black played an immediate 8 . . . P-KN3 9 B-R6 N-N2 1 0 P-KN4 N-Q.2 I I P-KR4 N-B3 12 N-R2 K-RI 1 3 P-R5, White had some advantage. Also unsatisfactory in this type o( position is the manoeuvre 8 . . . N-R3 9 B-K3 Q.N-B2 for after 1 0 P-R3 Black has nothing better than 1 0 . . . P-Q.N3 when the knight on B2 is left misplaced, Krogius­Kotov, R SFSR 1957.

9 P-R3

74 W

9 P-Q,R4 is a commonly seen alternative, in order to put a stop to Black's ambitions on the queen's side, though it does also renounce White's chances on that wing. The game Ivkov-Janosevic, Sarajevo 1 967, continued 9 . . . P-KN3 1 0 B-R6 N-N2 I I P-KN4 N-Q.2 1 2 N-K2 N-B3 1 3 N-N3 K-R I 1 4 R-KN I (or 1 4 Q,-B2 N-N I I S B-Q,2 B-Q.2 1 6 K-K2 P-N3 1 7 P-N3 Q.-B I 1 8 Q,R-KN I R-R2 1 9 R-N2 Q.-B2 20 B-B3 P-QN4 with an obscure position, Savon-Martens, Harrachov 1 967) N-N I I S B-K3 B-Q,2 1 6 Q-B2 P-QN4 1 7 P-N3 P X RP 1 8 P X P R-N I 1 9 K-K2 with chances for both sides.

Also worth consideration is 9 Q--K2 with the idea of castling queen's side and continuing with an attack analogous to that of the Spassky­Ghitescu game mentioned in the note to move seven. Here, however, Blad is far bettF�r placed to cope wi t11 such a plan ; cornparc the game Popoy-Vaskukov in the following :-lote for an example of Black's resc' lrces in a similar situation .

9 . . . N -Q.2

10 . . . P-KN3

The Czech Bmoni 103

75 B

This is the usual, and indeed the most natural, move at this point, but it is by no means clearly the best. A recent idea is to abandon this attempt at king's side play to concentrate on preparation for . . . P-Q.N4, and hoping to take advantage of the black square weaknesses caused by White's last move. The game Mecking-Matanovic, Sousse 1 967, for example, continued 1 0 . . . N-B2 I I P-N4 P-QN4 ! 1 2 P X NP RP X P 1 3 B-K3 B-R3 1 4 0-0 Q--N I 1 5 N-Q2 P-B5 1 6 B-K2 N-N3 1 7 Q--B2 P-R3 1 8 P-QR4 B-N4 with a good game for Black. Another example is Popov-Vasiukov, Armies team championship Moscow 1 968, which went 10 . . . N-B2 I I Q-K2 R-N l 1 2 P-QR4 R-KI 1 3 B-K3 N-B I 14 R-QNI N-N3 1 5 Q-Q2 B-Q2 1 6 P-N4 P X P 1 7 R x P P-QR4 1 8 R-!,,2 N-R3 1 9 N-QN5 P-QN3 and Black again had the advantage. Evidently this plan deserves further tests, and may even cast doubt on White's plan of an early P-KN4. 1 1 B-R6 N-N2 12 P-N4 Attempts to pursue an attacking policy on the king's side at once are somewhat risky, and often rebound disastrously on the aggressor. An example is the game Pachman-Ciocaltea, Harrachov 1 966, in which after 1 2 Q-Q2 N-B3 1 3 N-K2 K-R I 1 4 N-N3 N-N I 1 5 B-K3, Black obtained a very good position with 1 5 . . . P-QN4 ! since 1 6 P x P P x P 1 7 B x P p-B4 ! would leave White's king in grave danger. There followed 1 6 R-QB I P X P 1 7 R X P P-QR4 1 8 R-B2 P-R5 1 9 K-B I p-B4 ! with advantage to Black. 12 . . . P-N3 \-Ve are {c! l oviing the game Bukic-Ciocaltea, Szombathely 1 966, in which there followed 1 3 N-K2 �-B3 1 4 1'>-:->3 K-R I 1 5 Q- <> '2 N-NI J 6 B-K3 B-Q2 1 7 K-K2 Q-B I 1 8 KR-KI\" I P-B3 1 9 QR-N I B-Q I with complications and chances for both plavers.

1 04 TM Cz;ee/& Benoni

IUrutratWe Gamu

White : Spauky Black : Obit"ca Beverwijk 1 967 I 1'--Q4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.5 P-K4 4 N-Q.B3 P-Q.3 5 P-K4 B-it2 6 N-B3 0--0 7 B-Q.3 Q.N-Q.2 8 Q-K2 N-KI 9 P-KN4 P-KN3 1 0 B-R6 N-N2 I I 0--0--0 N-B3 1 2 P-KR3 P-R3 1 3 Q.R-NI B-Q.2 14 N-Q.2 ! K-RI 1 5 P-KR4 N-NI 1 6 B-K3 P-KR4 1 7 P-N5 B-KI 1 8 P-B4 p-B4 ? ! 1 9 p x p e.p. N X P 20 P X P P X P 2 1 N-B3 N-N5 22 R X N P X R 23 N X P N-R4 24 N X P(N4) ! ! N-N6 25 Q-N2 N X R 2 6 p-K5 ! ! R-B2 2 7 Q. x N R-KR2 28 p-K6 B-KN4 29 Q-K4 B x B ch 30 Q. X B Q-K2 31 N-K4 R X P 32 N(K4)-B6 Q-Q.B2 33 B-K4 Q-R4 34 Q-N3 P-KN4 35 N x B R X N 36 Q-K5 ch resigns.

White : Pol1lgaievsky Black: Stein USSR Championship 1 966 I 1'--Q4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-Q.3 3 1'--Q5 P-B4 4 N-Q.B3 P-K4 5 P-K4 B-K2 6 B-Q.3 0--0 7 N-D3 N-KI 8 P-KR3 N-Q.2 9 P-R3 P-KN3 1 0 B-R6 N-N2 I I P-KN4 N-B3 1 2 N-K2 K-RI 1 3 N-N3 N-NI 14 B­K3 P-Q.R3 1 5 Q-B2 ( 1 5 p-N4 ! is better designed to keep the initiative) I'--QN4 1 6 P-N3 B-Q.2 1 7 K-K2 R-N I 1 8 KR-KNI Q-KI 1 9 Q.R-NI B-Q.I 20 N-Q.2 B-R5 ! 2 I Q.R-KB I Q-K2 22 N-B3 B x N 23 P x B P X P (23 . . . P-B4 at once is better, since it is White who gains the Q.N­file) 24 P X P P-B4 25 N-R2 Q-KI 26 R-N I N-B3 2 7 R X R Q. X R 2 8 R-NI Q-B I 29 Q-N2 ! P X NP 30 P-KR4 N(N2)-R4 3 1 N-B I N-NI 32 Q-N6 R-B3 33 B-N5 ? (33 Q-N8 ! would give White some advantage) Q-B I ! 34 B X R ch Q. X B 35 K-K I Q-B6 36 B-K2 Q-B6 ch 37 K-B2 N(Nl )-B3 38 K-N2 ? Q-B7 39 R-N2 Q. x P ch 40 K-NI Q.-Q.5 ch 41 K-N2 B-B4 42 N-Q.2 Q-K6 43 Q-Q.8 ch N-NI 44 B-B I Q. x p ch 45 K-RI Q-B7 46 Resigns.

C. White fianchettoes his king's bishop

This plan is well-motivated here, for P-KN3 is a useful preparation for P-KB4, and thus discourages Black's thematic plan of . . . B-KN4. The disadvantage of fianchettoing lies partly in the slight loss of time involved, but mainly in the resulting weakness of the KB I to Q.R6 diagonal. This enables Black to play . . . P-Q.N4 more easily, and this move, often involving a pawn sacrifice, forms a common theme for much of Black's counterplay.

From diagram 65 :

6 P-KN3 0-0

The Ct;.ech Benoni 105

The pawn sacrifice 6 • . • P-Q.N4 has been played even at this early stage. and is a good practical alternative to the text move. For example : 7 P x P 0-0 (less accurate is the immediate 7 • • • P-Q.R3. as was played in Portisch-Damjanovic, Monaco 1968, which continued 8 N-B3 0-0 9 N-Q.2 p X P 10 N X P N-R3 I I N-Q.B3 N-B2 1 2 N-B4 B-Q.R3 1 3 B­Q.3 lCQ,2 14 N-N6 with advantage to White) 8 B-R3 P-Q.R3 9 B X B Q.XB 1 0 p X P N XRP I I N-B3 P-B5 1 2 0-0 N-B4 1 3 N-Q.2 N-Q.6 with compensation for the pawn, Pachman-Jansa, Harrachov 1966.

6 • . • N-R3 7 B-R3 is unsatisfactory for Black. Vladimirov-Sergievsky, Sochi 1966, continued 7 . . . N-B2 8 B X B Q. X B 9 N-B3 lCQ,2 1 0 Q.­K2 P-Q.R3 I I P-Q.R4 R-Q.NI 1 2 0-0 0-0 1 3 P-R5 ± .

7 �N2 Developing the bishop on KR3 has also been tried here. Krogius­Polugaievsky, Sochi 1 966, continued 7 B-R3 B X B 8 N X B Q.-B I 9 N-KN5 P-KR3 1 0 N-B3 N-R2 I I Q;-Q.3 N-R3 1 2 P-Q.R3 N-B2 13 B-K3 Q;-R6 with equality. The ambitious 7 p-KR4 ? ! is also possible ; for example 7 . . . Q.N-Q.2 8 B-R3 P-Q.N4 ! ? 9 P x P P-Q.R3 lO P X P P-B5 I I B-K3 Q;-R4 1 2 Q.-B2 B-Q. I ! 1 3 N-B3 B-N3 14 B X B Q.XB 1 5 0-0 B X P 1 6 KR-NI N-B4 with good play for the pawn, Donner­Kavalek, The Hague 1966. See also the game Addlson-Vasiukov at the end of this section for another very interesting example of this line.

The pawn sacrifice . . . P-Q.N4 is also effective if White plays N-KB3 too early. The game Ivkov-Hort, Sousse 1 967, went 7 N-KB3 Q.N-Q.2 8 B-N2 P-Q.N4 9 P x P P-Q.R3 I O N-Q.2 P X P I I N X P B-Q.R3 1 2 B­B I N-N3 1 3 N-B3 B X B 1 4 N X B Q;-B I 1 5 N-K3 Q;-R6 16 Q;-B2 P-N3 1 7 Q;-N2 Q. X Q. 1 8 N X Q. N-R5 and Black stood no worse. 7 . . . N-KI Black does best to keep his position flexible. 7 . . . N-R3 is unsatisfactory : 8 KN-K2 B-Q.2 9 0-0 N-B2 10 P-B4 N-K I I I Q.-Q3 B-B3 1 2 P-B5 ± ,

1 06 Tilt Cr:.ech Bnumi

Zaitsev-Servievsky, Kiev 1965. It is always dangerous for Black to develop his queen's knight in this way, since he is then badly prepared to deal with 'White's P-KB4.

7 . . . Q.N-Q.2 transposes to the main line. 8 KN-� 8 N-B3 is ineffective since it hinders the advance of the KBP and allows Black to develop queen's sid(; play. Suetin-Batnikov, Moscow 196 1 , continued 8 . . . Q,N-Q,2 9 P-KR4 Q,N-B3 10 Q;-Q.2 N-B2 1 I N--BJ B-Q.2 1 2 P-R4 P-Q.N3 1 3 N-K3 P-N3 14 B-B3 P-Q,R3 1 5 P-Q.R5 P-Q.N4 with some advantage for Black.

8 . . . N-Q.2

77 B

An important alternative here is 8 . . . B-N4, after which 9 0--0 B X B 1 0 N X B ( 1 0 Q, X B P-Q,R3 I I Q,-K3 N-Q,2 1 2 P-Q,R4 R-N l 1 3 P-B4 N-B2 14 Q,-Q,3 Q;-B3 1 5 B-R3 P-Q,N4 ! +, Vranesic-Ciocaltea, Tel Aviv 1964) P-KN3 I I P-B4 N-Q,2 1 2 N-Q,3 Q;-K2 13 Q;-Q,2 P-N3 14 Q,R-K l B-Q,R3 led to a satisfactory game for Black in Byrne-Hughet, Lugano 1 968. However, after 8 . . . B-N4 9 p-B4 ! casts doubt on Black's play. For example 9 . . . P X P 1 0 P X P B-R5 ch I I N-N3 P-B4 1 2 0--0 ( 1 2 p-K5 ! ? p X P 13 P X P P-B5 14 0-0 P X N 15 R X R ch K X R 16 B-K3 p X P ch 1 7 K-R l N-R3 1 8 p-Q,6 i s unclear, Sergievsky-Kotkov, Chebokar 1 960) p X P 1 3 Q,N X P P-KN3 14 B-Q,2 N-N2 1 5 B-Q,B3 N-B4 1 6 Q,-Q,2 N-R3 1 7 P-N3 N-B2 1 8 Q,R-K l N-K l 19 N-N5 ! ± ,

Kozlov-Dvoretski, USSR 1 967 . A serious error would be 8 . . . p-B4 ? since after 9 P x P B X P White

has gained the use of his K4-square. Benko-Zwaig, Hav:ina 1966, continued 1 0 0-0 N-Q2 J I N-K4 P-K R3 1 2 N(2 )-B3 P -R3 I J P-Q,R3 with a clear advantage.

Finally, 8 . . . �,-R3 � 0- 0 Q,N--B2 is worth �onsideration here. Vranesic- Bilek, :\msterdam 1 964, con tinuc -1 - u :; -T{3 R-Q'I I I I P-Q,R4

The C�eeA Bmtmi 107

P-Q,N3 1 !2 P-B4 B-B3 13 �B!2 P-Q,1t3 14 N-BI , when 14 • • • P-Q.N4 1 gives Black satisfactory prospects.

9 "'"

9 .. . P-KN3

.,. B

9 • . . P-Q.1t3 1 0 P-Q.1l4 P-Q.N3 has been played a number of times here : (a) I I !CQ.3 It-NI 1 2 B-Q.2 ( 1 2 It-NI is better) P-N3 1 3 P-N3

P-B4 14 P-B4, Clarke-Langeweg, Kecskemet 1 964, and now 14 • . •

N-N2 is safe and good. (b) I I B-K3 It-NI 1 2 !CQ.3 N-B2 ! [ 3 P-B4 B-B3 14 It-NI It-KI

15 P-B5 B-K2 16 K-Itl K-Itl 1 7 N-NI with equal chances, Pachman­Watzka, Vrnjacka Banja 1967.

(c) [ I B-Q.2 R-NI 1 2 N-B I N-B2 1 3 �K2 B-B3 14 R-N [ R-K2 15 N( I )-R2 ! P-Q,1l4 1 6 N-N5 ±, Korchnoi-Udovcic, Belgrade 1 957·

White may also omit P-Q.1l4 in this line : Cobo-Boey, Lugano 1968, went 9 • • . P-Q,R3 10 B-K3 P-KN3 I I �Q,2 N-N2 1 2 P-B4 P-B4 1 3 K-R I ( 1 3 P-KR3 B-B3 14 K-R2 P-N3 1 5 Q,R-K I R-R2 = , Andersen­Hort, Krems 1967) P X BP 14 N X P N-K4 1 5 P-N3 N-N5 1 6 B-NI B-B3 with chances for both sides. 10 B-R6 N-N2 1 1 Q.-Q.2 The position is now delicately balanced and prospects are even. Two examples : (i) I I . . . P-B4 1 2 P-B4 R-B2 1 3 P-N3 p.,-Q,R3 14 B-R3 B-B3 15 Q,R-B I �K2 1 6 BP X P N X P 1 7 B X N B X B [ 8 p X P p X P 1 9 N-1l4 p-B5 ! ?, Lengyel-Cobo, Havana 1 966. (ii) I I . . . N-B3 1 2 P­KR3 K-RI 1 3 B-K3 N-Q,2 14 K-R2 P-B4 15 P-B4 KP X P 16 B X P P-KN4 I 7 B-K3 N-K4 1 8 P-N3 B-Q,� [ 9 N-N I P-Q,R3 2 0 N-B3, Portisch-Zwaig, Balle 1 967.

In both cases the remlting position is very obscure and difficult to assess.

108 TM C_ BIIfIItIi

IllIulraliw GatM

White: Addf"Oll Black : Vuiakov Reykjavik Ig68 I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.lI4 P-lI4 3 P-Q.5 P-Jt4 4 N�B3 P-Q.3 5 P-Jt4 B-U 6 P-1tN3 0-0 7 P-JtR4 N-1l3 8 B-R3 B x B 9 N X B �N4 10 P XP N-B2 I I P-1tN4 �2 12 P-N5 ItN-ItI 13 P-R4 Il-NI 14 �u �BI 15 B�-2 �R3 16 R-R3 B�I 17 P-B3 P-N3 18 N-B2 N-N2 19 �B4 PXP 20 PX, �2 21 R-R7 �ItI 22 N�3 NXP 23 NXN Q.XN 24 Q.xQ. RXQ. 25 P-N4 PXP 26 1t-1t2 N-R4 27 R­Q.NI p-N6 28 R�7 P-B4 29 pxp e.p. BXP 30 RXQ.P N-N6 ch 31 It�I B XP 32 N XP NXP 33 R-Q.7 N-B3 34 R-R7 RXP 35 N-B6 N-1t5 36 P XN R-BB ch 37 1t-1(2 R-B7 ch 38 It-K3 R(Q.4) XB 39 Resigns.

D. White develops his bishop on Qs and knight on K2

From diagram 65 : 6 B-Q.3 0-0 7 KN-1U

79 B

This system is not particularly effective, for Black is not prevented from playing . . . B-KN4 exchanging his bad bishop.

7 · · · N-R4 This is the most aggressive move here, though 7 . : . N-KI has also achieved good results. For example 8 0-0 B-N4 9 P�R3 N-Q.2 10 P-KN3 B XB I I N XB P-KN3 1 2 B-K2 N-N2 13 N-Q.3 P-B4 14 P X P N X P 1 5 B-B3 N-Q.5 with good play for Black, Hamann-Hort, Harra­chov 1967.

TIw Cz:;«h Bmoni log 8 0-0 If 8 N-N3 Black achieves excellent . prospects with 8 • • • N-B5 ! Ivlev­Batnikov, Moscow 1 967, then continued 9 B X N P XB 10 N-R5 B-N4 J I P-KN3 P-KB4 1 2 N XBP P X P 13 B XP B XN 14 P X B R X P 15 (C-R5 R-R5 1 6 (C-K2 N�2 1 7 0--0-0 N-B3 and Black stands better.

Another try here is 8 B-K3 as in Peterson-Godes, Sochi 1966, when after 8 • . • B-N4 9 !C"Q.2 B X B 10 Q.XB �R3 J I P-KN3 P-KN3 12 P-B4 P x P 1 3 P x P (C-R5 ch 14 (C-B2 chances were about even. 8 . . . B-N.f 9 P-Q.R3 In the game Karaklaic-Bertok, Yugoslav Championship 1962, White secured the better game after 9 B X B Q. x B 10 (C-B I (C-K2 I I (C-K3 N-R3 ? 12 Q.R-KI N-B2 1 3 P-B4 N X BP 14 N X N P X N 15 Q.xp. Instead of 1 1 • • • N-R3 ? Black should have played J I • . • Q.N�2 or 1 1 • • • P-KN3, since the queen's knight is needed to guard the important K4 square. g . . . P-Q.R3 Also satisfactory is 9 • • • P-KN3. Scalcotas-Plachetka, Ybbs 1968, con­tinued 10 P�N4 P-N3 1 1 Q.R-NI B XB 12 Q.X B Q.N�2 13 (C-R6 (C-K2 14 P-N3 Q.N-B3 15 P-B3 K-RI with equality. 10 P-Q.N.f P-Q.N3 Porath-Doda, Havana 1966, now continued J I P X P NP XP 12 R-NI B XB 1 3 Q.XB N�2 14 (C-K3 P-N3 15 R-N3 N-N2 16 KR-NI P-B4 with equal chances.

E. White develops his knight on KNS

6 KN-IU (see diagram 80) This is a dangerous line for Black to have to combat, for if he continues unwarily White may build up a ferocious attack on the king's side. The immediate 6 . . . 0-0, for example, is very risky since after 7 N-N3 N-KI 8 P-KR..f Black's position is most precarious. An example of what may happen is the game Radev-Kirov, Bulgaria 1966, which continued 8 . . . P-Q.R3 9 N-B5 B X N 10 P X B N�2 1 1 B�3 N-B!Z 12 P-KN4 P�N4 1 3 P-N5 p X P 14 B-B2 R-KI 15 p-B6 ! B-BI 16 K-BI P-K5 1 7 N X P N-K4 18 P-R5 N�6 19 B X N P XB 20 Q.XP R-'K4 2 1 p-N6 ! R XQ.P 22 P XBP ch K-RI 23 (C-KN3 R�8 ch 24 K-N2 R X R 25 B-R6 ! N�K3 26 R X R !C"Q.2 2 7 N X Q.P 1l�1 2 8 R�I

1 1 0 The C;:ech Benoni

Q-B3 ch 29 K-R2 Q-B2 p x p ch N x P 3 1 Q-KS Q;-NI 32 P-B4 P-BS 33 R-KN I resigns.

A more active attempt by Black was seen in the game Simagin­Taimanov, Kislovodsk 1 966 : 6 . . . 0--0 7 N-N3 N-K I 8 P-KR4 P--Q.R3

80 B

9 P-Q,R4 P-Q.N3 1 0 N-B5 B X N 1 1 P Y- B I I P X B P-K5, but after 1 2 N X P N-B3 1 3 N-N5 R-K I 1 4 B-K2 Q.N-Q.2 1 5 K-B I N-K4 1 6 R-Q.R3 Black had insufficient compensation for the pawn.

Also insufficient is 8 . . . P-KN3 in this line, for White plays not 9 P-R5 B-N4 ! IQ B X B Q.X B I I Q-Q.2 with equality as in Bondarevsky­Polugaievsky, Rostov 1 96 1 , but 9 B-R6 ! N-N2 1 0 B-K2 N-R3 ( 1 0 . . . B X P I I Q,-Q2 with a vehement attack) I I Q-Q2 N-B2 1 2 P-R5 B-B3 1 3 P-R3 B-Q.2 1 4 P-Q.N4 P-N3 1 5 K-B l with advantage, POl'tisch-Jimenez, Havana 1 966.

As these games show, it is best for Black not to castJe into the full force of White's onslaught. Other plans, however, are quite satisfactory for Black and in many cases th� position of White's king's knight is embarrassingly difficult to justify. This accounts for the relative UIl­

popularity of this variation for White. Some examples of Black's correct strategies are as follows :

(a) 6 . . . N-R3 7 N-N3 N-B2 8 P-Q.R3 (01' 8 B-K2 P-Q.R3 9 0--0 R--Q.N I 1 0 P--Q.R3 P-Q.N4 I I p X P N X NP 1 2 N X N P X N 1 3 P-Q.N4 0--0 14 B-K3 P-B5 =, Forintos-Milic, Belgrade 1 967) 0--0 9 B-K2 P--Q.R3 1 0 - B-K3 P-Q.N4 ! I I P X P N X NP 1 2 N X N P X N 1 3 P-N4 P X P 1 4 P X P B--Q.2 1 5 0-0 Q-B2 1 6 Q.--Q.2 (Nikolic-Minic, Belgrade 1 966) R-R5 ! with equal chances.

(b) 6 . . . P-Q.R3 7 N-N3 P-KN3 8 B--Q.3 P-KR4 9 0--0 P-RS 1 0 KN-K2 N-R4 I I B-K3 B-N4 ! 1 2 Q;-Q2 B X B 1 3 Q. X B P-KN4 1 4 P--Q.R3 N-BS 1 5 P--Q.N4 N--Q.2, Mohring-Ciocaltea, Zinnowitz 1 966, with advantage to Black.

(c) 6 . . . Q.N-Q.2 7 N-N3 p-N3 8 B-K2 P--Q.R3 9 B-R6 B-BI

The Gz;ech Berwni x I I

1 0 B--Q2 B-K2 I I P--QR3 P-KR4 I 2 P-Q.N4 P-R5 =, Niki6n-Lyu­blinsky, Moscow Championship 1 966.

F. Other plans for White (from diagram 65)

One of the difficulties of studying an opening of this type is that White's possible plans are numerous and cannot be relied upon to fall into neat categories. The systems considered so far cover most of the possibilities of piece development for White, but there remain a few odd lines, mostly involving early pawn moves not previously considered. An appeal to the basic principles of the poshion and analogy with other variations should always be sufficient to cope with anything outlandish, but for the sake of completeness I shall mention a few more ideas here :

(a> 6 B-IU 0-0 7 P-Bof? is very poor for White. After 7 . . . P x P 8 B x P Q.N-Q,2 9 N-B3 N-Rof 1 0 B-K3 P-KN3 1 1 0-0 B-B3 12 Q,-B! N-K4 13 N x N B x N, Stahlberg-Langeweg, Zevenaar 196 1 , Black had a firm grip on the central black squares and White's aggres­sion has only rebounded on himself.

(b) 6 B-K2 0-0 7 P-KNof! ? is better positionally motivated than the previous line but achieves no advantage. Navarovsky-Kavalek, Szombathely 1966, continued 7 . . . N-KI 8 B-K3 N-B2 (8 . . • P-Q.R3 9 P--QR4 P-KN3 1 0 Q.-Q.2 P-KB4 ? 1 1 NP X P p X P 1 2 p X P B X P 1 3 N-B3 K-RI 14 KR-NI P-K5 15 N-N5 ± , Ivanov-Noskov, Kazakhstan Championship 1968) 9 Q,-Q,2 P-Q,R3 10 P-Q,14 P-N3 11 P­R3 N-Q,2 12 N-B3 R-NI 13 0-0 R-KI 14 KR-NI K-RI 15 N-KI R-NI 16 N-Q.3 P-Q.Rof with equality.

(c> 6 B-Q.3 0-0 7 P-KR3 should be met by 7 . . . Q.N-Q..2 or 7 . . . N-KI as in line B. Not, however, 7 . . . N-R3? 3 P--:R3 N-KI 9 KN-K2 P-KN3 1 0 0-0 N-N2 I I p-B4 ! P-»3 ? 1 2 P-B5 P-KN4 ? 1 3 P-KR4, Reshevsky-Crepinsek, Maribor 1967, when Black is already strategically lost.

Postscript One variation not yet discussed and yet very closely related to the Czech Benoni is that introduced by the moves I P-Q.of N-KB3 2 p­(tB4 P-Bof 3 P-Q,S P-Kf of N-Q,B3 P-Q.3 5 P-Kf Q.N-Q.2.

For some time I thought of this as an option preserving system, with Black awaiting events before deciding what to do with his king's

J 1 2 The Czech Bmoni

bishop; It does, however, have independent merit, particularly against lines with B-Q.3 : some examples :

(a) Reshevsky-Quinteros, Buenos Aires 1970, went 6 P-KRS B-K2 7 B-Q,3 N-B I ! ? 8 B-K3 P-KR4 9 Q,-Q.2 P-R5 1 0 P-KN4 P x P e:p. I I P X P N-N5 ! drawn ! ? though Black already stands better.

(b) Ghitescu-Petrosian, Zagreb 1 970, went 6 N-B3 a-K2 7 a-Q.3 N-BI 8 P-KR3 (8 P-Q,R3 may be a better plan : 8 . . . N-N3 9 0-0

P-KR4 10 P-Q.N4 with some queen's side initiative, Weissman-Ciocaltea, Romanian Ch. 1970) 8 . . . B-Q.2 9 Q,-K2 P-KR3 10 B-K3 N-N3 I I N­Q,2 P-KR4 1 2 P-Q,R3 P-R5 1 3 N-B3 N-R4 1 4 Q,-B2 N(3)-B5 1 5 B-KB I P-Q,N4 with a lovely game for Black.

81 W

Perhaps the critical test comes with 6 P-KN3 since after 6 . . . P­

KN3 ? ! ' 7 B-N2 B-N2 White has the very strong possibility of 8 N-R3 ! as in the game Kushnir-J. Hartston, Women's Olympiad , Skopje 1 972. After this White is well placed to play P-KB4 when Black is somewhat stifled. Thus Black is best advised to continue along Czech Benoni lines with 6 . . . B-K2.

On the whole 5 . . . Q,N-Q.2 'may be recommended as a transpositional possibility, particularly if Black fears the B-Q,3 attack.

Illustrative Game White : Kuijpet' Black : HartstoD Anglo-Dutch Match 197 1 Self-indulgence ' i s only part of the reason for choosing this game ; it also demonstrates how well this opening can respond if the player has faith in it. I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.5 P-K4 4 oN-Q.B3 P-Q.3 5 P-K4 a-K2 6 N-B3 0-0 7 a-K2 Q.N-Q.2 8 P-Q.R3 P-Q.R3

It is difficult to say whether this is a good move at this stage. It is certainly useful for Black to refrain from committing himself yet on the

The Czech Benoni I 1 3

king's side, while also it is nice to have possibilities of . . . P-Q,N4 in the air. Nevertheless, if White proceeds with his plan of P-Q,N4 answering • • • P-Q,N3 with the advance of the Q,RP to R5, Black may feel that his Q,RP belongs on . . . Q,R2. Like all interesting moves, 8 . . . P--Q.R3 has both plusses and minuses and we shall have to wait for a great deal more experience before reaching a final judgement.

9 R-Q,NI 9 P-Q,N4 would allow . . . P--Q.N4 with good play for Black, since 10 P x BP is met by . . . Q,N X P with an attack on the KP.

9 . . . K-RI !? This continue� the waiting policy while already preparing the thematic wandering manoeuvre of the Q,N to KNI . io 0--0 N-KI 1 1 P-Q,N4 P-KN3 1 2 B-R6 N-N2 13 Q,-BI?1 1 3 Q,-Q,2 is normal and correct. 13 . . . P-N3 14 N-KII? This allows Black to gain the initiative ; better was 14 P--Q.R4 keeping the knight on KB3 to retain the possibility of answering . . . P-B4 with N-KN5· 14 · · · P-B4! It is very pleasant to be able to play this move without going on a ramble with the Q,N first. 15 P-B4 KP x P 16 B x P P-KN4 17 B-Q,2 P-B5 18 P-N3 White must try this to avoid being completely squashed with . . . N-K4. 18 . . . KBP x P 19 R x R ch N x R 20 RP x P N-N3 21 N-Q,3 B-B3 22 K-IU Q,-K2 23 P x P NP x P 24 Q,-RI ? Ugly and bad ; 24 Q;-BI was better though White is i n difficulties in any case. 24 . . . N-K4 25 N x N B x N 26 R-KBI B-Q,2 27 Q,-N2 ? P-N51 28 K-RI

1 14 TM CQ.Cia BtrUnIi

To prevent . . • !C"1l5 ch •

• . . . N-a. Sl9 B-XI R-KMI'1 Of coune !2g • • • N x P ch 30 B x N B X N is decisive. SO N-Q.I R-N, ,1 N-X, R-:a, sa X-NI N-Bs 33 8-. B-Q.s Sf B-Q.3 �K4 35 R-KI R-R6- " N-BI X-Na '7 B x B Q.x B cia sa R-X, B-RS 39 �Kh B-Q.8 ... Q.-Bt B-B6 .1 P-XS'1 (S« diagram 82). 41 It-B!2 l is the only move to save White, but he did not see the ensuing combination . .. • • . R-R8 cia . � X-Ba N-X5 cbI and White reUpecl since 43 B X N

�7 Ch 44 It-Itl !C"BS ch leads to mate.

3. Other Benoni systems

1 1 6 Other Benoni Systems

In this section we shall discuss other, generally less important, varia­tions of the Benoni which are not dealt with in the preceding pages.

Since the Benoni covers a wide range of piece and pawn formations which both sides may adopt, it is not easy to classify the various lines very con�istent1y. For ease of reference, however, they are here divided into the following sections :

(i) The King's Indian Benoni : 1 P--Q.4 N-KB3 2 P--Q.B4 P-B4 3 P­

Q,5 P-K4 4 N-Q,B3 P--Q.3 5 P-K4 P-KN3·

(ii) Schmid's system : I P-Q,4 P--Q.B4 2 P--Q.5 P-Q.3 3 N--Q.B3.

(iii) The semi-Benoni : I P-Q,4 P-Q,B4 2 P-Q,5 P-K4 with White not playing P--Q.B4.

(iv) Odds and Ends.

(i) The King's Indian Benoni

I P-Qof N-KB3 2 P'-QBof P-Bof 3 P-Q5 P-Kf of N-QB3 P-Q3 S P-Kf P-KN:J

This hybrid variation is a cross between the Czech Benoni and the King's Indian, and many of the characteristics of both the-se openings are apparent in the further play. White must choose whether to treat the line as a King's Indian, and allow Black to transpose into that opening, or whether to meet it by more direct methods. The former plan is attractive, since completely Closing the centre with . . , P-K4 and • . . P-B4 is often faulty in the King's Indian and it may be expected that White should be able to profit from this by steering the game into channels unfavourable to Black. Indeed, one of White's most promising continuations is to play 6 B-K2 B-N2 7 N-BS 0-0 8 B­N5 which leads into a variation of Petrosian's system against the King's Indian considered better for White. Other lines leading to the King's Indian also fall outside the scope of this book and we discuss below

Other Benoni systems I I 7

oniy those lines of independent value. However it must always be borne in mind that these possibilities do exist and form a necessary part of the system as a whole.

8 P-KR3! (also good is 8 N-N3 ! , for example, Mititelu-del Corral, Leipzig 1960, continued 8 .. . . P-QR3 9 P-QR4 QN-Q2 10 B-N5 ,P-R3 1 1 B-Q2 Q-K I 1 2 P-R4 P-KR4 1 3 Q-K2 N-R2 14 QR-R3 N-B3 with a slight advantage for White. Ineffective, however, is 8 0-0 when Black equalises with 8 . . . N-R4 ! 9 N-N3 N-B5 ; Henneberke- Matanovic, Zevenaar 1 96 1 , then continued 10 Q�-K2 N X B 1 1 Q X N N-Q2 1 2 B-Q2 = ) 8 . . . P-QR3 9 B-N5 P-R3 10 B-K3 K-R2 1 1 Q-Q2 QN-Q2 !2 P-KN4 KN-NI 13 P-KR4 with some advantage to White, Olafsson-Gufeld, Moscow 196 1 .

(b) 6 B-K2 B-N2 7 P-KR4 P-KR4 (Also possible is 7 . . . P-KR3 , 8 P-R5 P-KN4 as in Haygarth-Nilsson, Leipzig 1960, which continued 9 P-B3 N-R3 10 P-KN4 N-B2 1 1 B­Q3 B-Q2 1 2 KN-K2 0-0 13 N-N3 P-QR3 with minimal advantage for White) 8 B-N5 P-R3 9 Q-Q2 (9 P-R4 QN-Q2 10 Q-Q2 Q;-R4 1 1 R-R3 with a slight advantage, Vladimirov-Stein, RSFSR v Ukraine 1 957) 9 · . . QN-Q2 10 P-B3 N-BI 11 N-R3 N(I )-R2 12 B­K3 B-Q2 13 N-B2 Q-K2 14 P-KN4 0--0 15 0--0-0 with an unclear position, A. Zaitsev-Schianovsky, Erevan 1 962.

(c) 6 B-K2 B-N2 7 P-B4 (7 B-N5 ( !) leads to Averbach's system against the King's Indian with Black playing an inferior variation) P x P 8 B x P 0--0 9 P-K5

u 8 0,. Bentmi S.1sUms (9 N-XB3 ? N-R4 10 B-K3 Q.N-Q.� is better for Black) PxP 10 B xP R-.Jb with equality (Euwe) .

(d) 6 B-K2 N-R3 ! ?

This is an interesting attempt to deal with the problems raised in line (b) above. For example after 7 P-KR4 P-KR4 8 B-N5, Black can play 8

• • • B-R3 ! as in the game Stahlberg-Pilnik, Beverwijk 1 958,

which continued 9 B X B. R X B 10 <C-Q.2 R-RI 1 1 N-R3 B X N 12 R X B

N-B2 13 P-B3 P-R3 14 Q,R-N I R-Q.N I with equal chances. The dis­advantage of this idea, however, lies in the possibility White has of playing 7 P-B"I, for Black's knight can no longer come to the defence of the K4-square. The game Carvallo-Recalde, Sao Paolo 1 960, con­tinued 7 . . . N-Q.2 (after 7 . . . p X P 8 B X P White continues with N-B3

and can soon play P-K5 in better circumstances than in line (b) above) 8 N-B3 B-N2 9 0-0 N-B� 1 0 K-RI Q-K2 I I P-B5 with a clear advantage for White.

(e) 6 P-B3

This line shows one of the more interesting aspects of the King's Indian Benoni ; here White is attempting to play a Samisch variation against a King's Indian which would be very good with Black having played • • . P-Q.B4 and . . . P-K4. However, here Black need not comply with White's wishes by playing the natural moves of . . . B-N2 and 0-0: 6 . . . N-R..-I 7 P-KNS (7 B-K3 B-K2 8 Q-Q.2 P-B4 9 P X P P X P 10 B-Q.3 0-0 I I 0-0-0 N-Q.2 =, Niemala-Doda, Varna 1962) 7 . . . B--N2 8 B--RS 0-0 9 B x B Q.xB 10 P-KN.f N-BS 1 1 KN-IU N-R6 12 N­KNI N-BS drawn, Ilivitsky-Petrosian, Goteborg 1 955.

(f) 6 P-KRg B-N2 7 P-KN4

Ot,," Benoni systems I 19

N-Rg 8 B�3 N-B2 9 B-Kg B�2 10 P-Rg l\-NI I I P-N4 P-N3 12 KN-K2 K-BI 1 3 N-N3 P-KR4 14 p-N5 ! N-R2 15 p-KR4 ! P-Bg 16 Q;-Q.2 P X KNP 1 7 RP X P with the better game for White, Taimanov­Doda, Leningrad I g66.

(ii) Schmid'. System: I P-Q,4 P-Q.B4 2 P-Q,S P-Q,3 s N-QJls P-KNS

86 W

Although this systems is seldom encountered with the move-order given above, the positions arising from it are of great importance in a large number of openings. To give one interesting example, it may be noted that the positions reached by the following three openings are in fact identical :

(i) I P-Q,4 P-Q.B4 2 P-Q,5 P-Q,3 3 N-Q,B3 P-KN3 4 . P-K4 B-N2 5 N-B3 N-KB3 6 B-K2 0-0 7 0-0 N-R3 8 R-K I ; I

(ii) I P-X4 P-Q.B4 2 N-KB3 P-KN3 3 P-Q.4 B-N2 4 P-Q.S P-Q,3 5 N-B3 N-KB3 6 B-K2 0-0 7 0-0 N-R3 8 R-K I ;

(iii) I P-K4 P-Q,3 2 P-Q,4 N-KB3 3 N-Q,B3 P-KN3 4 N-B3 B-N2

5 B-K2 0-0 6 0-0 N-R3 7 R-K t P-B4 8 P-Q,5. The West German grandmaster Lothar Schmid has played this line

frequently as Black and is one of the very few ·players to have done so regularly. It is mainly due to his efforts, and perseverance after many defeats, that the reputation of the line is not bad.

We consider first the main line with 4 P-K4 B-N:z 5 N-BS N-KB3 6 B-K:z : (see diagram 87) The natural move here is 6 . . . 0-0, but experience has shown that this is too slow to give Black equality. The game Smyslov'::'Schmid, Helsinki 1952, for example, continued 6 . . . 0-0 7 0-0 N-R3 (7 . . . B-N5 8 N-Q.2 ! B X B 9 Q,XB N-R3 1 0 N-B4 N-B2 1 1 P-Q,R4 ± , Ratsc:h-

1 20 Other Benoni Systems

Badestein, Leipzig 1 960) 8 N-Q2 ! N-B2 9 P-QR4 P-N3 1 0 N-B4 B-QR3 I I B-B4 ! R-N I ? ( 1 1 . . . B X N is necessary, though White clearly stands better after 1 2 B X B) 1 2 P-QN3 ! N-Q2 1 3 Q-Q2 with great advantage for White.

Black's best move, extensively played by Schmid, is 6 . . . N-R3! with the idea of delaying castling until Black's queen's side play is more under way. Naturally, leaving the king in the centre can be ve·ry dangerous, but it seems that Black can get away with this and secure equal chances if he is careful. For example : 7 0--0 N-B2 8 P-Q.14 (8 R-K I 0-0 9 P-QR4 P-QR3 1 0 B-KNS P-R3 I I B-KB4 was played in Spassky-Schmid, Varna 1 962, and now Black may obtain an equal game with I I . . . P-KN4 1 2 B-N3 N-R4 instead of Schmid's continua­tion of I I . . . B-Q2 ? when 1 2 Q-Q2 P-QN4 1 3 P-KS ! was very strong for White) 8 . . . P-Q.R3 9 N-Q.2 B-Q.2! 10 N-B4 P-Q.N4 11 P-K5 ( 1 1 N-N6 ? P-NS ! ! , Hayes-Schmid, Dychhoff 19S4, i s good for Black) Q.P x P 12 RP x P N x NP! ( 1 2 . . . R X P ? 13 R X R Q X R 1 4 N X KP P-NS I S p-Q6 ! was played in Botvinnik-Schmid, Leipzig 1 960, and White quickly broke through with a winning attack) 13 N x N B x N 14 N x P B x B with equal chances.

Some other possibilities from diagram 86 are as follows : (a) 4 P-� B-N2 5 N-B3 KN-B3 6 B-N5 ch is an interesting

plan with the idea of causing some disruption in Black's development. Tal-Benko, Bled 1 9S9, continued 6 . . . QN-Q2 (6 . . . B-Q2 7 P-QR4 0-0 8 0-0 N-R3 9 R-K I N-B2 1 0 B X B QXB I I P-R3 QR-Q I 1 2 B-B4 with a slight ai:lvantage to White ; Gheoghiu-Soos, Bucharest 1 96 1 ) 7 P-QR4 0-0 8 0-0 P-QR3 9 B-K2 R-NI 10 R-K I N-K I 1 1 B-KB4 N-D2 1 2 B-KD 1 when Black should have played 1 2 . . . P-QN4 with chances of equality.

(b) 4 P-KN3 B-N2 5 B-N2 N-KB3 (also good are : S . . . N-QR3 6 P-K4 N-D2 7 N-R3 ? P-QN4 8 0-0 P-NS with the better game for

Other Benoni systems 1 2 1

Black, Jimenez-Penrose, Varna 1 962 ; and 5 . . . P-K4 6 P x P e. p . P x P 7 P-K4 N-QB3 8 N-B3 ? KN-K2 9 B-K3 Q-N3 ! with advantage) 6 P­K4 0-0 7 KN-K2 N-R3 8 0-0 N-B2 9 P-QR4 R-N I 1 0 P-R3 P-N3 1 1 B-K3 P-QR3 1 2 R-NI P-QN4 1 3 p X P N X P ! 14 Q-Q2 with equal chances ; Smyslov-Zak, Kiev 1 938.

(ill) The Semi-Benoni : I P-Q,4 P-Q,B4 2 P-Q,S P K.f 3 P K.f P Q,3

88 W

This line has some features in common with the Czech Benoni and the King's Indian Benoni discussed earlier, into either of which it may easily transpose if White plays P-QB4. Here we discuss those variations in which White refrains from this move. The line is not completely satis­factory for Black because White has a very fine outpost at QB4 from where a knight will bear down on the weak points in the Black position. It is an amusing piece of chess history that Alekhine referred to his adoption of this variation as one of his chess sins ; his successes with it caused it to become quite popular, and he felt an apology to be due for bringing a poor opening to the notice of the chess-playing public. Let us examine some of the possibilities from diagram 88 :

(a ) 4 N-QB3 P-KN3 5 P-B41 (5 N-B3 B-N2 6 B-K2 N-K2 7 N­Q2 N-R3 8 N-B4 N-B2 9 P-QR4 0-0 1 0 0-0 P-N3 I I B-K3 B-QR3 1 2 N-R3 B X B 1 3 Q X B P-R4, Rossetto-Schmid, Havana 1 967, is not bad for Black) 5 . . . P x P (5 . . . B-N2 6 p X P B X P 7 N-B3 B-N5 8 B-N5 ch K-B I 9 0-0 ±, Botvinnik-Calvo, Palma 1 967) 6 B x P B-N2 (or 6 . . . N-KB3 7 N-B3 N-R4 8 B-KN5 B-K2 9 B-KR6 B-N5 1 0 B-K2 B-Q2 I I p-K5 ! P X P 1 2 p-Q6 ! with a great advantage for White, Visier-Larsen, Palma 1 968) 7 N-B3 N-KB3 8 B-NS eh B-Q2 9 B-Q3 ±, Portisch-Litmanowicz, Budapest 1 957.

(b) 4 N-QB3 P-QR31 5 P-QR4 P-KN3 6 P-14 (6 P-B4 p X P 7 n x BP B-N2 8 N-B3 N-KB3 9 B-K2 N-R4 now only gives equality

1 �� 0,l1li' Btntmi SysUms for White) P-K14 7 N-BS B-NS 8 B-JU BxN 9 B x B N-Q.. 10 P-aS 8-aS 11 B x B N x B III O;-Q. P-BS IS N-Q.I P-Ilf with complications, Antoshin-Bevov, Moscow 1962 . . (c) " P-KIlf P x P 5 BxP N-JU (5 . , . Q-R5 ch 6 P-N'3 Q-K2 7 N-KB3 ! is very good for White, for after 7 . . . Q.XP ch 8 K-B2 Black is in great difficulties. (Not, however, 7 N-Q.B3 ? when 7 . . . p-KN4 ! gives Black the advantage, Bogoljubow-Alekhine, 9th match game 1934.) 6 B-NS cia B-Q.a 7 B x B cia Q.xB 8 N-KBS N-NS 9 B-NS with equal chances (Kmoch) .

(d) " B-Q.s N-IUI s N-Ka N-Q.. 6 CH) N-KNS 7 P-Q.14 .B-JU 8 N-Q.. P-Q.1ts 9 Q.N-Ilf Q.a-NI 10 P-aS with some advantage for White, Filip-IJungquist, Marianske Lazne 1 96 1 .

(iv) Odds and Ends

In this final section there appear those lines after 1 P-Q.4 P-Q.B4 2 P­Q.5 which have not been dealt with previowly.

(a) 2 . . . P-Kf s P-14 P-Q.3 4 P-QBo4 B-K2. This is an unusual line with Black hoping for better than in the Czech Benoni or King's Indian Benoni which White's move order invites. Black's plan is to exchange the black-squared bishops at once and this seems quite effective. The game Incutto-Bazan, Argentine Championship 1 962, continued 5 N-Q.B3 B-N4 6 N-B3 B x B 7 R X B 8 B-K2 0-0 9 0-0 N-R3, and Black has a satisfactory position. White does better to avoid this line by adopting one of the Semi-Benoni variations without P-Q.B4.

(b) 2 . . . 'P-14 s P-14 p._Q.3 4 P-Q.Bo4 P-Bo4? is premature. The game Rossetto-Schmid l 942, continued 5 P X P B XP 6 B-Q.3 B XB 7 Q.XB B-K2 8 N-Q.B3 N-R3 9 N-R3 ! with advantage to White.

(c) 2 . . . P-Q.3 S P-Kf P-KNS 4 P-KB4 B-N2 5 N-KBS is not effective for White : 5 . . . P-KSl 6 p X P (6 B-N5 ch .B-Q.2 7 B XB

Otlur &noni uslnns 123

ch Q.XB 8 0--0 N-K2 is good for Black, Fuderer-Schmid, Zagreb 1965) P x P 7 P-K5 P--Q.4o 8 P-B4 N-K2 9 N"';B3 P-Q.R3 with equal chances, Van Scheltinga-Schmid, Dublin 1957.

(d) 11 . . . P-KS fails to equalise : 3 N--Q.B3 N-KB3 4 P-K4 P--Q.3 (if 4 • . •

pXP 5 p-K5 !) 5 B-N5 ch Q.N--Q.2 6 pXP pXP 7 p-K5 ! pXP 8 N-B3 P--Q.R3 9 B-B4 N-N3 10 Q.x Q. ch with advantage for White, Szabo­Guimard, Mar del Plata 1962.

(e) 11 . . . P-Q.N4?1 3 P-K4 P--Q.R3 5 P--Q.R4 P-N5 5 N-KB3 P--Q.3 6 Q.N--Q.2 N-KB3 7 B--Q.3 with a.vantage to White, Rejfir-Llado, Oberhausen 1961 .

(t) Finally, the bizarre 11 . . . P-Ilf?l which was played a few times in the Staunton-St. Amant match of 1843, is strongly met by 3 P-K4! P KP 4 N--Q.B3 N-Kli3 · 5 P-B3 (also 5 P-KN4 is worth consideration) with an improved form of the Staunton gambit in the Dutch defence.

Index of Complete Games

ADDISON-Vasiukov loll BOBOTSOV-Kaplan 85 BUK I C-Tal 55 DONNER-Planinc 83 FOGUELMAN-Mccking 8 1 FORINTOS-Kluger 5 1 GELLER-Langeweg 27 GLIGORI C-Kavalek 86 , -Minic 87 GURGENIDZE-TaI 48 HOROWITZ-Evans 55 I LVITSKY-Petrosian 1 16 I VKOV-Najdorf 72 KAVALEK-Trapl 60 KORCHNOI-Lutikov 37, -Tal 1 B KUIJPERS-Hartston 1 1 2 OJANEN-Keres 69 PACHMAN-Szaoo 40 PENROSE-Tal 68

PETROSIAN-Schmid 56 POLUGAIEVSKY-Stein 1 04 POPOV-Spassov 86 PORTISCH-Larsen 90 RADEV-Kirov 99, Padevsky 84 RESHEVSKY-Quinleros 1 1 2 RUBINETTI-Garcia 5 1 SOOS-Matulovic 5 1 SPASSKY-Fischer 8 5 . -Ghitescu 104,

-Savon 8B STETSKO-Bangiyev B2 SZABO-Perez 34 TOTH-Matulovic 87 UFIMTSEV-Tal 47 UHLMANN-Padevsky 35 VAGANIAN-TaI 89 ZINSER-Evans 50

Index of Variations

I . T H E MODERN BENONI

I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.S P-K3 4 N-Q.B3 P x P S P x P P-Q.3

A. The Fianchetto Variation 6 P-KN3 P-KN3 7 B-N2 B-N2 8 N-B3 0-0 9 0-0 (i) 9 . . . P-Q.R3 (ii) 9 . . . Q-K2 ( !) (iii) 9 . . . N-R3 (iv) Other Ninth Moves

B. The Knight's Tour Variation 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 N-Q.2 B-N2 8 N-B4 0-0 9 B-B4 N-K I 10 Q-Q.2 (i) 1 0 . . . P-N3 (ii) I O • . . B X N

c. Uhlmann's Line 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 n-NS (i) 7 ' " P-KR3 (ii) 7 . . . B-N2

(a) 8 N-Q.2 (b) 8 P-K3 (c) (i) 8 P-K4 0-0 (c) (ii) 8 P-K4 P-Q.R3 (c) (iii) 8 P-K4 P-KR3 !

D. The Main Line 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 N-B3 B-N2 8 B-K2 0-0 9 0-0

I I

13 1 6 1 7 1 8

20

( I ) 9 . . . P-Q.R3 38 (2) 9 . . . R-K I 41

1 26 Index of Variatiorts

(i) I Q Q,-B2 4 1 (ii) I Q N-Q,2 N-R3 44

(a) I I R-K I 47 (b) I I P-B4 48 (c) 1 1 P-B3 ! 5 1

E . The Pawn Storm Variation 56 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 P-B4 B-�2 (i) Mikenas's Line 8 P-K5 56

(a) 8 . . . p x p 57

(b) 8 . . . KN-Q.2 ( !) 58

(ii) Taimanov's Line 8 B-x5ch 6 1 8 . . . KN-Q.2 9 B-Q.3 0-0 10 x-B3 (a) 1 0 . . . N-R3 63 (b) 1 0 . . . P-Q.R3 64 (c) Other Tenth Moves 65

F . The Penrose-Tal Line 66 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 B-Q.3 B-:\2 8 KX-K2 0-0 9 0-0

(i) 9 . . . P-Q.R3 67 (ii) 9 . . . P-N3 69 (iii) 9 . . . �-R3 70 (iv) 9 . . . N-K I 72

G. Other Systems 73 (i) 6 N-B3 P-KN3 7 B-B4 73

(ii) 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 B-KB4 75 (iii) 6 P-K4 P-'KN3 7 B-Q.3 B-X2 8 x-B3 76 (iv) 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 P-B3 B-N2 8 B-KN5 77 (v) 6 P-K4 P-KN3 7 B-K2 B-N2 8 P-Kx4 ? ! 77

Avoiding the Modern Benoni (i) The Hypermodern Benoni

I P-Q.4 N-KB3 2 P-Q.B4 P-B4 3 P-Q.5 P-K3 4 N-Q.B3 p X P 5 p X P P-KN3 (a) 6 P-Q.6( !) (b) 6 N-B3 B-N2

(ii) The Modern Benoni Declined

Annotated Games

79 80 81

�. THE CZECH BEKONI

lruiex �( Variations 127

93

A. White develops his bishop on K2 and knight on KB3 97 8. White develops his bishop on Q.3 and knight on KB3 100 c. White fianchettoes his King's bishop 104 D. White develops his bishop on Q.3 and knight on K2 108 E. White dev�lops his knight on KN3 109 F. Other Plans 1 1 I

P�pt I I I

3. OTHER. BEKOKI SYSTEMS 1 15

(i) The King's Indian Benoni 1 16 I P- Q.4 K-KB3 !Z P�B4 P--B4 3 P�5 P-K4 4 K�83 P-Q.3 5 P-K4 P-KN3

(ll) Schmid's System 1 19 I �4 �B4 !Z P--Q.5 P-Q.3 3 N�B3 P-KN3

(Ui) The Semi-Benoni 12 1 I P�4 �84 2 P�5 P--K4 3 P-'K4

(iv) Odds and Ends 1!Z2