August 2013
The Master’s Bulletin Topical Theory
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q rk+0 r tk+0 9+ p z lpz l vpz pp0 pp0 9p+nz p n s +0 9+p+ z p + 0 9 + PP+l+0 P zP+l+0 9+Lz P LN+ L vN+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t RN+Qt RN+Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy GM Jan Smeets on 9.d4 ¥ g4 g4 10. ¥ e3 e3 in the Closed Ruy Lopez, Part 2
2
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw q rk+0 r tk+0 9z ppz ppz p ppv p zpv lp0 lp0 9n+ + s np+0 np+0 9+ + + + 0 9 +Qz PP+ +0 PP+ 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + PPz P zPz P0 P0 9t R L v KL+R0 K mL+R0 xiiiiiiiiy GM Victor Mikhalevski on 7... ¤a6 in the Gruenfeld, Russian System
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The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
Topi opical cal The Theory ory 9.d4 ¥ g4 g4 10. ¥ e3 e3 in the Ruy Lopez, Part 2 GM Jan Smeets
This is the second and nal part of GM Jan Smeets' coverage of 9.d4 in the Ruy Lopez, the move that allows 9... ¥ g4 but has has been tried by several World Champions nonetheless. At the end, Smeets includes a game he won with 9.d4 shortly shortl y after nishing this article! The line 10...exd4 11.cxd4 ¥ c2 12. ¥ c2 c5
¤a5
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q rk+0 r tk+0 9+ + v lpz lpz pp0 pp0 9p+ z p n s +0 9s npz npz p + + 0 9 + PP+l+0 P zP+l+0 9+ + v LN+P0 LN+P0 9Pz PL+ z PL+ PP+0 PP+0 9t RN+Qt RN+Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
high prole games. I believe White
pushing d5 or exchanging one of
has chances to ght for an advantage
White s bishops. However, I think
but it will require lots of deep
White has more than one way of
analysis. Those interested can start
preserving some edge.
their analysis by checking Jakovenko-
£d1 (16. ¥ ¥ b3 a1) 15...¦c8 16. 16.£ b3 allows
Grischuk,
2005.)
16...¤c6 17. 17.£ £d1 d5 18.exd5 ¤xd4
15...¤xe3 16. 16.£ 17.£xd4 xd4² £xe3 cxd4 17.£ ²
19.£xd4 ¥ c5 19.£ c5 with enough activity
Bartel-Postny, Barcelona 2008.
for the pawn) 16...¤d7 (Planning
15.¥xd4
to exchange the passive bishop on
Saint
Vincent
'
e7 for the monster on d4. 16...¤c6
the pawn. This was rst played in TalTal-
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q rk+0 r tk+0 9+ + v lpz lpz pp0 pp0 9p+ z p n s +0 9s np+ + + 0 np+ 9 + LP+ L vP+ +0 9+ + +Q+P0 9Pz PL+ z PL+ PP+0 PP+0 9t RN+ t RN+ R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
Beliavsky 1987(!) but then apparently
Black voluntarily went for a position
21.¦xe3 ¤ce5 22. ¥ 21.¦ b3 ¤c5 23. ¥ d5² d5²) ¥ b3
forgotten for 25 years. It resurfaced
where White has the bishop pair and
The only difference compared to the
in a high level game in Firat-Ragger,
he is stuck with a weak pawn on d6.
position 2 moves ago is that the rook
Istanbul Olympiad 2012.
Why? White is not yet fully developed
has mysteriously gone to b1. This is
13...cxd4 a) 13... ¥ xf3 xf3 14. 14.£ £xf3 cxd4 (14...¤c4
and Black will be able to activate
probably a very minor achievement
his pieces with gain of tempo ((¦ ¦c8
for white as b2 is preemptively
15.¤c3 This simply looks pleasant for
and ¤c6). In a best-case scenario
¥ e5 defended now. now. 20.¦ 20.¦e2 ¦e8 (20... ¥ e5
White and avoids all complications.
Black will convert his activity into
21. ¥ xe5 dxe5 22.¦ 22.¦d2 ¦c7 23.a4² 23.a4²) ¥ xe5
15.dxc5 has been played in many
something more tangible such as
21.¤d5 d5² ²;
13.h3 13.dxc5 ¤c4! (13...dxc5 is played almost
exclusively.
The
line
is
complicated and not bad for Black but there is a much easier way.) way.) 14.cxd6 xd6 with great compensation for ¥ xd6
2 of 24
17.¤c3 as in Carlsen-l Ami allows '
White
to
develop
comfortably
ensuring an advantage.) 17.¤c3 c3 ¥ f6 ¥ f6 18.¦c1 (18.¦ 18.¦ (18.¦e2 also looks good. The idea of both moves is to overprotect the bishop on c2 so that ¤d5 can be played.) and now:
a1a) The
machine
recommends
19.¦ f6 ¦b1 and now 19... ¥ ¥ f6 ¥ g5 18... ¥ g5 19. back!
(19...¤c6
20. ¥ e3 e3
xe3 ¥ xe3
2 of 3
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
a1b) 18... ¥ e5 19.¤d5;
Shomoev-Romanishin, Warsaw 2005
say that White usually plays d5 at
a1c) 18...¤c6 So far we are following
looks good for White. In most lines
some point and the long term plan
Timofeev-Carlsen, Skanderborg 2005
he ends up with a dangerous passed
is to advance the kingside pawns.
but now I suggest 19. ¥ xf6N followd
pawn on d6. Some sample lines: a)
That said, I don t think White has an
by £d2, with a solid plus for White.
21...¤d7 22.exd6 ¥ f6 23. ¥ d4 ¤e5
advantage here as Black is very solid
a2) 15...¤c6
24.£d5
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9+ + v lpz pp0 9p+nz p n s +0 9+p+ + + 0 9 + L vP+ +0 9+ + +Q+P0 9Pz PL+ z PP+0 9t RN+ t R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy 16. ¥ e3 ¤b4 (16...d5 gets rid of the backward pawn but allows white to develop unchallenged. 17.exd5 £xd5 18.¤d2 the bishop pair will be a force to reckon with in the
a2a)
(25.¤c3
and can start quenside counterplay
¦c8) 21...¦e8 is the engine move.
combined with the pressure on e4.
22. ¥ f4! (22.exf6 ¥ xf6 23. ¥ d4 ¦e1+
If this position is not to your liking
and White is in trouble) 22...¤d7
perhaps analysing 14.dxc5 a bit
23.exd6 ¥ f6 24.¤c3.
more makes sense, especially since
b) 13... ¥ h5
14...¤c4! has never been played.
17.¤a3
was
Kryvoruchko-Kravtsiv
played 2013
but
in
25.£xc4N
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9+ + v lpz pp0 9p+ z p n s +0 9s npz p + +l0 9 + P zP+ +0 9+ + v LN+P0 9Pz PL+ z PP+0 9t RN+Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy b1)
endgame.)
¤d3
'
14.¤bd2
transposes
to
cxd4
13...cxd4
15. ¥ xd4 14.Bxd4
14. ¥ xd4 ¥ h5 14... ¥ xf3 15.£xf3 simply transposes to 13... ¥ xf3 14.£xf3 cxd4 15. ¥ xd4.
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9+ + v lpz pp0 9p+ z p n s +0 9s np+ + +l0 9 + L vP+ +0 9+ + +N+P0 9Pz PL+ z PP+0 9t RN+Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
I
Bh5 15.Nbd2. Black equalises with
don t like this move. 17...¦c8 18.¦e2
15...¤c6 16. ¥ e3 d5 as in E.Carlsen-
15.¤c3
¤c6!N Black is very active, this
Bryn, Oslo 2006.
The pin on the d1–h5 diagonal is very
should compensate for his permanent
b2) 14.dxc5 ¤c4!N is similar to
annoying of course, but we will only
minuses, the d6-pawn and the bishop
13.dxc5 Nc4. (14...dxc5 is the only
play g4 after Black plays ¤c6. That
pair. It is not easy to meet ¤e5 as
move that has been played so far.
way we avoid ¤c4 lines, especially
the queen has no comfortable hiding
White can try 15.¤c3 ¤c4 16.e5 and
the
places. 19. ¥ b3 - or 19.¦d1 ¤e5
black has to be very careful.) 15.cxd6
16.¤c3 ¦c8 17.¦c1 ¤c4.
20.£f5 b4 21.¤b1 - 19...¤e5.
¥ xd6 16.¤bd2 ¤xe3 17.¦xe3 ¥ f4
a) 15.g4 Is the main line but I
a2b) 17. ¥ b3 ¤d3 18.¦d1 (18.¦e2 is
with great play for the pawn;
cannot nd an advantage for White
an option as well but the upcoming
b3) 14.¤c3 ¤c4.
after 15... ¥ g6 16.¤c3 ¦c8 17.¦c1
dance of the queen is so articial
b4) 14.d5 ¤c4.
(17.¤h4 ¤c4 18.¤xg6 hxg6 19.£e2
that
recommend
b5) 14.g4 The other moves don't
d5) 17...¤c4 (17...¤c6 is played
18...¤e5 19.£f5 g6 20.£f4 ¤d3
promise anything so we bravely go
more often but here white has
21.£f3 ¤e5 22.£g3 ¤xe4 23.£f4
forward! 14... ¥ g6 15.¤bd2 and now
some possibilities) 18.¤d5 h5!N I
¤f6 24.¤c3 and for those willing to
black has played many moves; ¤fd7
analysed this position in some depth
memorize the line a great, active
and ¦e8 seem most reasonable. It is
but couldn t come up with anything
position awaits.) 18...¤xb2 19.¦d2
hard to analyse this position as the
convincing for White.
20. ¥ xc4 bxc4 21.e5 as in
lines branch out quickly. I will just
b) 15.¤bd2 ¤c6 16. ¥ e3 d5 E.Carlsen-
'
¤c4
it s '
hard
to
3 of 24
transposition
to
15.g4 ¥ g6
'
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
Bryn, Oslo 2006.
assessment of this line. The rest of
I ve tried it myself, but White is just
15...¤c6
the game will also be covered simply
too disorganized. 15...a5! was twice
15...¦c8 16. ¥ b3N still postponing g4.
because it is an enjoyable game.
played by Shvidler (not a typo) and
16...¤c6 (16...¤xb3 17.axb3 now
1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤c6 3. ¥ b5 a6 4. ¥ a4 ¤f6 5.0–0 ¥ e7 6.¦e1 b5 7. ¥ b3 d6 8.c3 0–0 9.d4 ¥ g4 10. ¥ e3 exd4 11.cxd4 d5 12.e5 ¤e4 13.h3 ¥ h5 14.¤bd2!?
effectively refutes White s setup.
a6 will give Black some headache) 17.g4 ¥ g6 (17...¤xg4 18.hxg4 ¥ xg4 19.¢g2 ¥ xf3+ 20.¢xf3 and even though the king feels a bit naked he can quickly run back home to get some underwear. White is better.) 18.¤h4 most likely this knight will go to f5 in the near future and I think White enjoys a small advantage.
16.g4 ¥ g6 a) 16...¤xg4 17.hxg4 ¥ xg4 18.¢g2 ¥ f6 19.e5 ¥ xe5 (19...¤xd4 20.£xd4 ¥ xf3+ 21.¢xf3 ¥ xe5 22.£d3 and white has the initiative) 20. ¥ e3 Nd5 will follow soon. White consolidates
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9+ p z l vpz pp0 9p+n+ + +0 9+p+pz P +l0 9 + P zn+ +0 9+L+ v LN+P0 9Pz P N s P zP+0 9t R +Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
'
'
14...¤xd2 a) 14... ¥ b4 adds another pin. a1) 15.g4 comes close but not close enough: 15... ¥ g6 16.a3 a1a) 16... ¥ a5?! 17.¦c1 £d7 18.¤xe4 dxe4 (18... ¥ xe4 19.¤d2²) 19.d5! (19.e6 fxe6 20.¤g5 ¢h8 is a mess) 19... ¥ xe1 20.£xe1 exf3 21.¦xc6± ¥ e4 22.¦c5 White is in complete control. a1b)
16... ¥ xd2
17.¤xd2
¤a5
18.¤xe4 ¥ xe4 (18...¤xb3 19.¤f6+ gxf6 20.£xb3 with the initiative) 19. ¥ c2 f5 with an unclear position.
a2) 15. £c2 15... ¥ xf3
16.¤xf3
¤a5
16.¤xe4
dxe4
and may start his own attack.
Strategically speaking, this position
a2a)
b) 16...¤xd4
is
17.¦e2²;
17.¤xd4 ¥ g6 18.g5 and White is too
a great centre but Black has a
a2b)
active.
powerful knight on e4. Black can try
(16... ¥ xe1? 17.¤eg5 ¥ g6 18.£c5
17.¥b3
to undermine White s centre but if
¤xb3 19.axb3) 17. ¥ g5 £c8 18.¦xe4
17. ¥ e3!?
he fails White will use the half-open
¥ g6 19.¤h4 ¥ xe4 20.£xe4 ¤xb3
17...¦c8
c-le to attack a lot of weak pawns.
21.axb3
This is a transposition to 15...¦c8
In a surprising amount of lines White
compensation for the exchange.
16. ¥ b3 ¤c6 17.g4 ¥ g6.
can sacrice an exchange to achieve
a2c) 15...¤xd2 16.¤xd2 ¤a5 17.a3
18.¤h4
domination.
¥ g6 18.£d1 ¤xb3 19.£xb3 and
Instead of making look look it up I
a) The main line is 14.¤c3 ¤xc3
Black is stuck with his pawn on c7.
will copy the assessment: most likely
15.bxc3. Compared to the 14.¤bd2
a2d)
this knight will go to f5 in the near
line White has strengtened his centre
17.£b1 ¤xd2 (17... ¥ g6 18.¤xe4
future and I think White enjoys a
but lost the half open c-le. Now
dxe4 is a strange position, probably
small advantage.
Black has to quickly target White s
somewhat
center with ...c5 and a possible
18. ¥ xd2 ¥ g6 19.£c1 ¤d3 20.£c6
Ponomariov-Eljanov
...b4 before White starts a kingside
once again with great compensation
Ukrainian Championship (Kiev), 2013
avelanche. ¤a5–c4 and £d7 & ¤d8–
for the exchange.
e6 both lead to complicated play.
b) 14...£d7 as in Schneider-Mueller,
Now we nally get to the game
15...£d7 (15...¤a5 16. ¥ c2) 16. ¥ c2
Bundesliga 2008 looks like a very
that inspired this article. I will give
¤d8 17.£b1 ¥ g6 18. ¥ xg6.
reasonable
provide extensive analysis on Black s
b) 14.g4 ¥ g6 15.¤h2 prepares f3–f4–
15.a3 (15.¤xe4 dxe4 16.e6 looks
14th and 16th move alternatives
f5 winning a piece or at least gaining
attractive but doesn t promise much
because they are critical for the
a lot of space. It looks tempting,
after the cool 16...£d6) 15...¤xd2
very
unbalanced.
White
has
'
'
'
4 of 24
15... ¤a5
and
White
15... ¥ xd2
has
16.¤xd2
better
for
move.
I
great
¤b4
White.)
recommend
'
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
16.£xd2 now we see the point of
glorious future might be waiting for
a3: ¥ b4 is not possible. 16... ¥ xf3
this rook on g6.
17.gxf3 a5 (17...£xh3 cannot be recommended as the d5 pawn is crucial. 18. ¥ xd5 £d7 19. ¥ b3 and White s bishops have a great future.) '
18.¢h2 a4 19. ¥ c2 ¤a5 and the lines could go on forever but for all practical purposes this is enough. White has good attacking chances.
15.£xd2 ¥ xf3 16.£c3!
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9+ p z l vpz pp0 9p+n+ + +0 9+p+pz P + 0 9 + P z + +0 9+Lw Q L vl+P0 9Pz P + P zP+0 9t R + R t K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
XIIIIIIIIY 9 r t q w r tk+0 9+ p z l vpz pp0 9p+n+ + +0 9+p+pz P + 0 9 + P z + +0 9+Lw Q L vl+P0 9Pz P + P zP+0 9t R + R t K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
XIIIIIIIIY 9rs n q w r tk+0 9+ + v lpz pp0 9p+p+ + +0 9+p+pz P + 0 9 + P z + +0 9+Lw Q L v +P0 9Pz P + P z K m0 9+ R t R t + 0 xiiiiiiiiy 19...f5 The move ...f5 is necessary only
a) 17.gxf3? £d7! and suddenly White
after White plays f4. It makes a lot of
is in trouble. h3 is hanging and ¥ b4
sense to wait for that move because
is a threat as well. 18.¦ec1 removes
it will limit the scope of the e3
the rook from e1 and attacks the
bishop. For example 19...¦a7 20.¦g1
knight. The other rook moves are also
¢h8 21.f4 f5
bad but the lines are not as pretty.
20.¦g1 ¦a7 21.¦g2 £d7?!
18...£xh3 19. ¥ xd5 (19.£xc6 ¦b6
Wasting precious time. The king had
wins the queen) 19...¤b4 20.£b3
to urgently step aside.
(20. ¥ e4 f5 21.exf6 ¥ d6 22.f4 £g4+
A great move. 16.gxf3 allows Black
23. ¥ g2
21. ¥ e4
22.¦cg1 ¦f7 23. ¥ d1! g6 24. ¥ h5 ¥ f8 25. ¥ f4
to go for a more harmonious setup.
would be good for White if it wasn t
This allows the queen to transfer to
For example 16... ¥ b4 17.£c2 ¤a5
for 21...¢h8!! 22.¦xc7 ¦h6 23. ¥ xh6
the kingside. All White s pieces have
followed by £d7 and c6.
gxh6 with ¦g8 to follow.
reached maximum activity and a
16...¥xg2 a) 16...¤xe5 temporarily wins a
b) 17.¦ec1 ¥ xg2 18.¢xg2 ¦b6 and
sacrice will follow soon.
Black is solid. £d7 is next and ...f5
25...£e8
pawn but after 17.dxe5 ¥ e4 18.f3
will be played when necessary.
This loses immediately. The only way
White comes out on top. 18...c5
c) 17.£xc6 ¦b6 18.£c3 ¦g6 19.g3
to prolong the struggle was 25...¦g7
(18... ¥ f5
20.£c6)
looks dangerous but White will be
26. ¥ h6 £e6 27. ¥ xg7 ¦xg7 and the
19. ¥ xc5 ¦c8 20. ¥ xe7 £xe7 21.£e3.
able to chase away or exchange the
game continues, at least for now.
b) 16... ¥ b4 17.£xc6 ¥ xe1 18.¦xe1
f3 bishop. Then White can hope to
¥ e4 19.f3 and as in many other
some day exploit his kingside pawns
lines the verdict is: with great
or the weak c-pawn.
compensation for the exchange.
17.¢xg2 ¤b8 18.¦ac1 c6 19.¢h2
c) The surprising 16...¦b8 (diagram)
White
is recommended by the engines and
compensation: attacking chances,
makes sense once you accept the fact
the bishop pair, a backward pawn
that Black will lose a piece anyway.
on c6, and Black s pieces are just
The time White needs to capture it
awfully passive. Sounds good doesn t
is used to lift the rook to b6. This
it? Still, Black might be able to hold
still doesn t inspire awe but a more
if he is able to block the kingside.
19.¦ed1 ¥ e6
'
¦xf6µ)
20...¦b6
'
has
more
than
enough
'
'
5 of 24
'
XIIIIIIIIY 9 n s +qv lk+0 9t r + +r+p0 9p+p+ +p+0 9+p+pz Pp+L0 9 + P z L v +0 9+ Q w + +P0 9Pz P + P zRm K0 9+ + + t R 0 xiiiiiiiiy
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
26.¦xg6+!
recommendation: after 7...0–0 try
more ¤b4 - and can comfortably
The end is brutal.
8.d4!. 8...d6 9.c3 transposes right
take back on d2 with the queen -
26...hxg6 27.¦xg6+ ¥ g7 28.e6 ¦f8 29.£c5 £e7 30. ¥ d6 £h4 31.£xa7 1-0
back into 9.d4. You do have to check
no more ¥ b4. (15.¤xe4 dxe4 16.e6
8...exd4 and, more importantly,
looks attractive - 16...fxe6 17. ¤e5!
8...¤xd4 but it is going to be a lot
- but doesn t promise much after
less work than going through the
the cool 16...£d6.) Black has lots
entire Marshall!
of reasonable moves; I will provide
10...h5 and conclusion
'
suggestions against all of them.
far,
played on July 10th, after the rst
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ + t rk+0 9+ p zqv lpz pp0 9p+n+ + +0 9+p+pz P +l0 9 + P zn+ +0 9z PL+ v LN+P0 9 P z N s P zP+0 9t R +Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
congratulations! We have covered
newsletter was published, so there
a) 15...a5 is a very ambitious move.
many, many lines and most promise
was a chance my opponent would
Black is going for a5–a4, gaining space
White at least a small advantage.
have read the rst article. Luckily he
and securing the c4 square, followed
Ponomariov s idea against one of
had not but surprisingly the arbiter
by ¤a5–c4. 16.£b1 Looks like a
the main lines is very interesting,
had!
strange square but c2 is reserved for
offers White attacking chances and
the bishop - White really wants to get
to stay objective so here comes the
1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤c6 3. ¥ b5 a6 4. ¥ a4 ¤f6 5.0–0 ¥ e7 6.¦e1 b5 7. ¥ b3 d6 8.c3 0–0 9.d4 ¥ g4 10. ¥ e3 exd4 11.cxd4 d5 12.e5 ¤e4 13.h3 ¥ h5 14.¤bd2 £d7
bad news. Against the following
£d7 makes a lot of sense as the knight
¤a5
lines I have not been able to nd an
on c6 is protected and the h3 pawn
initiative on the kingside that should
advantage: 10...exd4 11.cxd4 ¤a5
is hanging in some lines. A side effect
outweigh Black s advantage on the
12. ¥ c2 c5 13.h3 ¥ h5 and 10...exd4
is that the rooks are connected as
queenside.) 17.¤xd2 f5 (17... ¥ g6
11.cxd4 ¤a5 12. ¥ c2 ¤c4 13. ¥ c1 c5
well. I expect this move to become
18. ¥ c2 a4 transposes to 16... a4
14.b3 ¤a5. There is no reason to
more popular. I had already written
17. ¥ c2 ¤xd2 18.¤xd2 ¥ g6.) 18.f4
abondon 9.d4 alltogether; no one
the rst version of this analysis and
and Black will manage to achieve
and no opening can promise a plus in
remembered that
the perfect setup on the queenside
all lines. I am sure 9.d4 will serve you
15.a3
with a4 and ¤a5–c4 but after that he
well. If that assurance is not enough,
is the way to go. A young Karpov
might run out of ways to improve his
then remember that many World
played like this (without the inclusion
position. I think White is better as he
Champions and elite players have
of h3 and ¥ h5), Karpov-Detkov 1967.
has lots of useful moves as and will
played 9.d4. If you like 9.d4 and h ate
White is now ready to increase the
gradually prepare himself for the g4
playing against the Marshall I have a
pressure on e4 by playing £c2 - no
break.
1.e4 e5 2.¤f3 ¤c6 3. ¥ b5 a6 4. ¥ a4 ¤f6 5.0–0 ¥ e7 6.¦e1 b5 7. ¥ b3 d6 8.c3 0–0 9.d4 ¥ g4 10. ¥ e3
Post Script:
Some of you may have noticed that I
Smeets-Ernst
have not mentioned 10... ¥ h5. In all
Dutch Ch (Amsterdam), 2013
the lines that I have recommended White plays the move h3 as soon as
After writing the articles I felt more
possible. That means we are bound
than ready to play 9.d4 myself and
to transpose back to one them after
decided to give it a try at the recent
11.h3.
Dutch championship. The game was
If
you
have
made
it
this
'
takes play into uncharted territories. Unlike some commentators/writers trying to sell an opening I am trying '
'
6 of 24
rid of that knight on e4. 16...¤xd2 (16...f5? pins the d5–pawn 17.¤xe4 fxe4 18.£xe4; 16...a4 17. ¥ c2 ¤xd2 18.¤xd2 ¥ g6 19.f4 ¥ xc2 20.£xc2 21.f5
gives
White
a
nice
'
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
the
20...£f5 (20...£h3 21.£c3 £xf3
or f5 in the near future but it never
d5 pawn. 16.¦c1 (16.£c2 allows
transposes) 21.£c3! £xf3 22.¦ac1
really works. This move is too slow.
16...¤xd2 17.¤xd2 ¥ g6 18.£c1 f6!
and now:
16.£c2
with an unclear position, the rook
d1a)
strange
16.¦c1 is the other reasonable move.
on d8 turns out to be quite useful.
computer recommendation 23.¦xd4
16...¤a5 17. ¥ c2 ¤xd2 18.£xd2 ¤c4
16. ¥ a2 ¤a5) 16...¤a5 17. ¥ c2 ¤xd2
c5 24.¦f4 £h5 25.f3 £h3 26.£e1 and
19.£d3 ¥ g6 20.£c3 and White looks
18.£xd2 ¤c4 19.£d3! ¥ g6 20.£c3
Black has run out of steam.
slightly better.
looks nice for White.
d1b) 22...¤b8 23.£xc7
16... ¥ g6?!
c) 15...¤a5 16. ¥ c2 ¤xd2 17. ¥ xd2
d1c) 22...£g4+ 23.¢f1 £h3+ 24.¢e2
16...¤xd2 17.¤xd2 ¥ g6 18.£c3 b4
¤c4 18. ¥ c1 does not bring Black
£h5+ 25.¢e1 It all looks very scary
is the way to keep some couterplay;
anything; b3 will chase away the
but to continue the initiative Black
16...f5 allows some tactics. 17.¦ac1
knight.
has to sac the knight now. 22...¤xe5
¥ e8 18.¤xe4 fxe4 19.£xc6! £xc6
d) 15...¤xd2 is the most forcing
would have transposed. 25...¤xe5
20.¦xc6 ¥ xc6 21.¦c1 and White
line. 16.£xd2 Now we see the point
26.dxe5 £h1+ 27.¢e2 £h5+ 28.f3
crashes through.
of a3; ¥ b4 is not possible. 16... ¥ xf3
£h2+ 29. ¥ f2 ¥ h4 30.¦f1± White has
17.¦ac1
17.gxf3
consolidated and will soon start his
There are no tricks, for example
own attack.
17...¤c5 18.£c3.
d2) 17...a5 This is more solid and
17...¤xd2 18.£xd2 a5 19. ¥ g5
possibly Black s best bet overall
White is conquering the c5 square for
against 14.¤bd2. 18.¢h2 a4 19. ¥ c2
his rook.
White has chances for a kingside attack but Black is pretty solid.
19...f6? 20.e6+– £d8 21.¦xc6 ¥ e8 22.¦c5 fxg5
15...¢h8?!
22... ¥ xc5 23.dxc5 fxg5 24.e7.
was played in the game.
23.¦xd5 £b8 24.¤xg5 £b7 25.£d3 g6 26.£g3 ¢g7
b)
15...¦ad8 overprotects
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ + t rk+0 9+ p zqv lpz pp0 9p+n+ + +0 9+p+pz P + 0 9 + P z + +0 9z PL+ v LP+P0 9 P z Q w P z +0 9t R + R t K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
22...¤xd4 is
a
'
long line. 19...¦ad8 20.¦ed1! This
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ + t r k m0 9+ p zqv lpz pp0 9p+n+ + +0 9+p+pz P +l0 9 + P zn+ +0 9z PL+ v LN+P0 9 P z N s P zP+0 9t R +Qt R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
is the key move. The e1–square will
Getting out of the a2–g8 diagonal
later be used by the white king (!).
is useful if Black wants to go for f6
17...£xh3
d1)
cannot
be
recommended as the d5 pawn is crucial. 18. ¥ xd5 £d7 19. ¥ b3 and White s bishops have a great future. '
That was my assessment before this update. In essence it is correct but unfortunately the proof is in a very
7 of 24
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ +lt r +0 9+qz p l v k mp0 9 + +P+p+0 9z pp+R+ s N 0 9 + P z + +0 9z PL+ + w QP0 9 P z + P zP+0 9+ + t R K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy 27.¦d7 ¥ xd7 28.exd7 1–0
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
7...¤a6 in the Gruenfeld, Russian System GM Victor Mikhalevski Garry Kasparov's favourite answer to the Russian System (4. ¤ f3 g7 5.£ b3 dxc4 6.£ xc4 0-0 7.e4) was the move 7... ¤a6, and ¥ he played several games with it in his matches with Anatoly Karpov. At the Beijing Grand Prix, the knight move resurfaced!
The Russian System with 7...¤a6
with ...e7-e6 and takes on d5. Other
1.d4 ¤f6 2.c4 g6 3.¤c3 d5 4.¤f3
important ideas are ghting for the
¥g7 5.£b3 dxc4 6.£xc4 0–0 7.e4 ¤a6
Hello everyone. In my rst opening
e4-square by means of ... ¥ f5, ...¦e8
survey
would
and ...£b6, which is sometimes
like to tell you about the latest
followed by ...£b4. White, at his
developments
the
turn, is trying to support the isolated
Russian System of the Gruenfeld
d-pawn by his rook from d1 and
important adherents of the system
The main line, which I m considering
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw q r tk+0 9z ppz p p zpv lp0 9n+ + s np+0 9+ + + + 0 9 +Qz PP+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P + P zPz P0 9t R L v K mL+R0 xiiiiiiiiy
was the 13th World Champion Garry
in the game Gelfand-Topalov, is 10.
The popularity of this system is
Kasparov, who introduced a lot of
0-0. Gelfand has chosen an ambitious
getting back with at least two games
important ideas, most of them still
line with 12. ¥ f4, where the main
in the recent Grand Prix tournament
being actual. Especially important
alternatives
and
in Beijing. Curiously, in both games
for the development of the system
12.¦d1. In my opinion, the critical
the current vice-Champion, Boris
were
Championship
continuation in the 12. ¥ f4-line is
Gelfand, was involved, playing once
matches Kasparov-Karpov, in which
14...£f6 instead of Topalov s 14...g5.
with White and once with Black. It
the system was studied by the
The latter is too agressive and yields
has to be said that main adherent
specialists and two teams in detail.
White good chances for obtaining
of this system in the last 15 years
Recently it enjoyed a "second youth"
advantage. The rare line, which
of the 20th century was none other
with two games in the recent Grand
occured in the game Morozevich-
than the 13th World Champion Garry
Prix tournament in Beijing.
Gelfand shouldn t cause Black any
Kasparov, who played it in the World
problems if he deviates from the
Championship
From Black s points of view, one of
most popular 11... ¥ e6 with the
Anatoly Karpov.
the main ideas of the system is to
Dorfman s 11...£a5.
8. ¥ e2 c5 9.d5 e6 10.0–0
for
Defense
Chess.com of
with
theory
7...¤a6.
I
in It
rst
prove that it s more a strength than
appeared in tournament practice in
a weakness. White is usually happy
the game Kramer-Prince, Hilversum
to advance the pawn to d6 to restrict
1940 and despite having its ups and
Black s forces, although sometimes it
downs, it has never disappeared
may become a weakness there.
'
'
from the radars. One of the most
the
World
'
'
include
12. ¥ e3
'
'
'
attack the centre by means of ...c7-
matches
against
Boris goes for the main line. A few
c5. After White closes the position
Gelfand-Topalov
days later Gelfand faced 10. ¥ g5 in
with d4-d5, Black usually answers
Grand Prix (Beijing), 2013
his game against Morozevich, which
8 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
you ll see below.
which is 13.b3 ¦fe8 14.¦ad1.
(The immediate 16...¤b4!? looks
10...exd5 11.exd5 ¥ f5
a1)
exchange
interesting. 17. ¥ xc5 ¤c2 18.b4 £a3
The most popular move order. Black s
sacrice 14...¦xe3 is interesting,
19.¤b5 £a4 20.¦f1 b6 with a serious
idea behind the line is to ght for the
but doesn t seem to fully equaize:
initiative for the pawn.) 17.¤a4
central square by means of ...¦e8
15.fxe3 ¤g4 16.¤a4 £d6 17.£f4!
¤b4 18. ¥ g5 (18. ¥ f1! was better.)
and then to jump there with the
£xf4 18.exf4
18...¤c2 19. ¥ xd8 £xd8 with at
knight putting pressure along the
a1a)
a1–h8 diagonal. Black can also start
20.¤xc5 ¥ f8!N
with 11...¦e8, which may either
improvement. The idea is to invite
Linares 2000.
transpose to the text after 12. ¥ f4
White s king to f1, where it s on the
b)
¥ f5 or 12.¦d1 giving the game an
same diagonal with the knight on
alternative. 12...£b6 (12...¦e8!?)
independent value. However the
a6. (The only game, which reached
13.£h4 (The rare 13.h3!? followed
position after 12... ¥ f5 may arise in
this position featured 20...¤xd1?!
by 14.g4 is an interesting idea too.
the 11... ¥ f5–line if White meets it
21.¦xd1 ¥ f8 C.Horvath-Z.Ilic, Skopje
Moreover it seems to be White s only
with 12.¦d1.
2002. Now there was nothing wrong
chance to ght for an advantage in
12. ¥ f4
with the simple 22.¤xa6 and despite
the 12.¦d1–line. 13.d6 has been
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9z pp+ +pv lp0 9n+ + s np+0 9+ p zP+l+ 0 9 +Q+ v L +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9t R + +Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy
the bishop pair Black s compensation
known to be good for Black since the
for two pawns isn t sufcient. For
following game 13...¦ad8 14.¤a4
'
'
The
well-known '
19. ¥ xa6
18...¤e3 I
suggest
'
bxa6
least sufcient compensation for
this
an exchange, Khalifman-Kasparov,
'
'
'
is
an
important
'
23.¤e5 ¥ c8
£c6 15. ¥ e3 ¤e4³ Anand-Kasparov,
24.¤c4!± An important resource,
Frankfurt 1999.) Now the Kasparov s
which doesn t work with the king on
13... ¥ c2! 14.¦d2 ¥ f5
f1!) 21.¤xa6 ¤xf1! 22.¢xf1 ¥ d6!
equalize. 15.¦d1 ¥ c2 16.¦d2 and a
although White seems to retain
draw was agreed in Anand-Kasparov,
slightly better chances after 23.b4!²
Frankfurt (rapid) 1999.
with the idea of 24.¤c5.
12...¦e8!
a1b) 18...¤b4!? 19.¦d2 ¤e3 Now
Black has to prepare ...¤e4 as soon
I would like to improve White s
as possible.
An ambitious line, which has the
play by means of 20.¦e1!? (After
13.¦ad1 ¤e4 14.¤b5!
purpose of bringing the queen s rook
20.¦c1 ¤bxd5 21. ¥ d3 (21.g3!? b6
to d1.
with certain compensation for the
a) In the database you can nd the
exchange.) 21...¤xf4 22. ¥ xf5 ¤xf5
most games with 12. ¥ e3, which
23.¦xc5 ¤e6 and Black was okay
has been ignored by the players
in Korotylev-Baikov, Moscow 1999.)
of the 2700–club. Nevertheless, I
20...¤ec2 21.¦c1 b6 22.¢f2² Here
would like to give you an idea how
White seems to have more chances
play may develop here. Since I m a
for a win than after 20.¦c1.
Gruenfeld player myself, I like to
a2) 14...¦ad8! The most natural.
follow Kasparov and Svidler, two top
Black brings the last piece into
authorities in the opening. They both
the
preferred 12...£b6 over 12...¦e8.
16.¤xc5 ¤xc5 17. ¥ xc5 £d7 is good
Control
So let us go with the experts. Now
for Black as White can t hold the
important
I ll focus on the main line of 12. ¥ e3,
d5–pawn.) 15...£a5 16.¦fe1 ¤d7
by 14... ¥ xc3 15.bxc3 b5 16.£xb5
'
'
'
example,
22... ¥ d6
12.¦d1
'
'
game.
15.h3
(15.¤a4
£d6
'
9 of 24
'
seems
to
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w qr+k+0 9z pp+ +pv lp0 9n+ + +p+0 9+Nz pP+l+ 0 9 +Q+nv L +0 9+ + +N+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9+ +R+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy over
the
here.
d6–square
14. ¥ d3
is
is met
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
¤xc3 17.£xa6 ¥ xd3 18.£xd3 ¤e2+
b1) In
19.¢h1 ¤xf4 20.£c4 £d6= with a
played 18.¤xe5, but obtained no
also
comfortable position for Black in
advantage. 18...¤d6 19.¤g4 £f4
17...£d7 18.¤d2! ¤xd2 19.¦xd2
M.Gurevich-Kasparov, Moscow 1988.
20.£d7 c4! 21.g3 ¤c5! 22.£c7 £xg4
when a strong passed pawn and
14...g5!?
Black plays for a win. (22...¤a6!?
a weakened kingside yield White
An agressive, but rare alternative to
is enough for a draw as White has
serious
Kasparov s 14...£f6. Topalov wants
nothing better than 23.£d7 ¤c5=)
sacriced pawn.
to gain control over the d6–square.
23.£xc5 £d7 24. ¥ e2 (24. ¥ c2!? looks
Earlier this move occured in the
better.) 24... ¥ xb2 25.£b4 c3 with a
games of unknown players. It would
roughly equal position in Ivanchuk-
be interesting to see what Gelfand
Dorfman, Lvov 1988.)
had prepared after 14...£f6!.
b2)
'
the
stem
game
18.£xb7 This
White
continuation
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ +r+k+0 9z pp+ +pv lp0 9n+ + w qp+0 9+Nz pP+l+ 0 9 +Q+nv L +0 9+ + +N+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9+ +R+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy
was tested in two recent games: 18...¦ee8! 19.d6!? (Curioulsy, we can nd Ivanchuk on the other side of the board 24 years later. 19. ¥ xa6 ¦ab8 (The immediate 19...£xb2!? also
looks
good.)
20.£c6
£xb2
21. ¥ d3? (21.d6!= allows to retain the
balance.)
21...¤c3
22.¦de1
17. ¥ d3 (Both 17.a3!? and 17.¦d5!? come
into
consideration.)
compensation
for
the
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w qr+k+0 9z pp+ +pv l 0 9n+ z P + p z0 9+Nz p +lz p 0 9 +Q+n+ +0 9+ + v LN+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9+ +R+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy 16.d6! Time to push the pawn. 16.£b3!?
¦ec8µ and Black was better in Giri-
protecting
Ivanchuk, London 2012.) 19...¤xd6
reasonable alternative. 16. ¥ d3 ¤d6?!
20.£xa6 ¤f5! The simpliest way
(16...¤b4! 17. ¥ xe4 ¦xe4 18.£xc5
Garry defended Black s position in
to equality. 21.£xf6 ¥ xf6 22. ¥ xf5
b6 yields Black compensation for
this line not less than three times and
gxf5 23.¦d2 (or 23.b3 ¦e2=) 23...c4
the sacriced pawn.) 17.¤xd6 ¥ xd3
it looks perfectly playable for Black
24.¦c1 ¦ec8 25.g3 ¦ab8= and Black
18.¦xd3 £xd6 19.h4!² was better
as some recent games conrmed.
equalized in Atalik-Dominguez, Loo
for White in Bai-Dolgener, Budapest
15. ¥ d3 and now:
2013.
2013.
a) In the rst game Kasparov played
15. ¥ e3!
16...£d7!
15...¤b4, but after 16.¤c7 ¤xd3
The important alternative 15.¤xg5
Allowing the d-pawn to d7 looks
£xb2
has never been tried on practice, but
risky. For example, 16... ¥ xb2 17.d7!
somewhat
I m pretty sure both players analysed
¦e6 (17... ¥ xd7? is dubious due to
London/
it at home. 15...¤xg5 16.¤d6!
18.¤d6! ¤xd6 19.¦xd6 ¦e6 20.¦fd1
Leningrad 1986.
£f6! The only move. 17.¤xe8 ¦xe8
¥ d4 21.¦6xd4! cxd4 22.£xd4± with
b) 15... ¥ d7! An improvement of
18.£b5 ¦d8 19. ¥ e3 with a position
an
Kasparov s team member Dorfman,
of dynamic equality.
18.h4! g4 19.¤d2.
who introduced it back in 1988 in
15...h6
17.a3!?
his game against Ivanchuk. 16. ¥ e5!
Protecting
The only chance to ght for an edge.
prepares a blockade on d6. In case
common idea in the ¤a6–system.
(In case of 16. ¥ c1 ¥ xb5 17.£xb5
of 15... ¥ xb2 Veselin probably didn t
17...¦ad8
¤d6= Black is doing ne.) 16... ¥ xb5!
like 16.d6! However the capture on
After
17.£xb5 ¦xe5
b2 seems to be critical. 16... ¥ f6
serious a initiative for the pawn
'
17.¤xe8
¦xe8
18.£xd3
19.¦de1!
White
was
better,
Karpov-Kasparov,
'
'
the
g5–pawn.
Black '
10 of 24
the
extremely
b2–pawn
strong
is
a
initiative.)
Gelfand restricts the a6–knight; a
17... ¥ xb2!?
White
retains
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
thanks to his strong passed pawn on
After a series of brilliant moves White
d6. 18.¦d5! ¥ g6 19. ¥ d3 ¦e6 20.h4!²
goes astray and lets Black off the
18.£c1!
hook. In case of the correct 22.axb4!
Finally White nds time to protect the
¤xb4 23. ¥ c4!² White is better.
b-pawn. Moreover White creates the threat of 19.¤xa7. The immediate
22...¤c3! 23.¤xc3 bxc3 24. ¥ d3 £f6 25. ¥ xa6?
18.¤xa7? would be wrong due to
25. ¥ b5! was necessary.
18...¤xd6 attacking the queen.
25...bxa6³
18...£e6! Taking carse of the d6–pawn.
19.b4! The only move, which allows to retain slightly better chances. This way White gains access to d4.
19...cxb4 19...b6 20. ¥ c4² is better for White.
20.¤fd4! £f6 Probably a slight inaccuracy as it allows White to take on b4 rst. 20...£d7!?
deserved
XIIIIIIIIY 9 + r tr+k+0 9v L + +pv l 0 9p+ z P q w p z0 9+ + + z p 0 9 + + + +0 9z P p z + + 0 9 + + z PPz P0 9+ Q wR+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw q r tk+0 9z pp+ +pv lp0 9n+ +ps np+0 9+ p zP+ v L 0 9 +Q+P+ +0 9+ N s +N+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9t R + K m +R0 xiiiiiiiiy A
relatively
10.0–0,
rare
although
alternative it
has
to
already
been tested at the highest level. Nevertheless, it s more a check of '
intentions than a real attempt to ght for an advantage.
10...exd5 The modern move, which gained
attention,
Black started to take over and after
popularity
trying to transpose to the game.
some inaccuracies from the white
10...h6!? A rare, but nevertheless
21.¤xf5 (21.axb4 ¤xb4) 21...£xf5
side he won the game.
interesting alternative of the text,
transposes to the game.
26. ¥ c5 £f5 27. ¥ b6 ¦d7 28.a4 ¦e2–+ 29.£a3 c2 30.¦c1 ¥ f8 31. ¥ c5 ¦e5 32. ¥ b4 a5 33. ¥ c3 ¥ xd6 34.£b3 ¦e2 35.£c4 ¦de7 36.£c6 ¦7e6 37.£c8+ ¥ f8 38. ¥ b2 £d3 39.g3 ¦d2 40.£c3 £xc3 41. ¥ xc3 ¦de2 0–1
which hasn t been tested enough,
21.¤xf5 After 21.axb4!? ¥ d7 (The difference with 20...£d7 line is White s idea of '
21...¤xb4 22.f4! g4 23. ¤xf5 £xf5 24. ¥ xa7²) 22.¦fe1!! White seems to retain a solid advantage.
21...£xf5
XIIIIIIIIY 9 + r tr+k+0 9z pp+ +pv l 0 9n+ z P + p z0 9+N+ +qz p 0 9 p z +n+ +0 9z P + L v + 0 9 + +Lz PPz P0 9+ Q wR+Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy 22. ¥ xa7?
thanks
to
Kasparov.
'
although it has been played in the rst few games that featured the 10. ¥ g5–line. 11. ¥ xf6
a) 11...£xf6!? may transpose to 11... ¥ xf6 after 12.e5 (12.d6! e5! 13.¦d1 might be the critical test
14...£f6 solid
seems
alternative
to to
be the
a
more slightly
of
11...£xf6.)
(instead
of
when
12...£d8)
12...£f5!N seems
to
adventurous 14...g5, and the ball is
equalize.
in White s court as I tried to prove in
b) 11...¥ xf6
my annotations.
b1) 12.e5, which was advocated at
'
least three times by Sosonko, can be answered by 12...exd5! (instead
Morozevich-Gelfand
of 12... ¥ g7 13.d6² , which seems to
Grand Prix (Beijing), 2013
give White an upper hand. SosonkoSax, Amsterdam 1979.) 13.¤xd5 ¥ g7
1.d4 ¤f6 2.c4 g6 3.¤c3 d5 4.¤f3
14.0–0–0
¥g7 5.£b3 dxc4 6.£xc4 0–0 7.e4 ¤a6 8.¥e2 c5 9.d5 e6 10.¥g5
b1a) 14...¢h8 15.¤f4?! (15.£c3!
11 of 24
was critical.) Uhlmann-Szabo, Buenos
The Master’s Bulletin
Aires 1960. Now both 15...£c7 and 15...£e8 look better than 15...£a5 which was played in the game.
b1b) 14... ¥ d7!N seems to be more
August 2013
for Black.) 15... ¥ e6 16.£c3 and
of 11...h6.
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw q r tk+0 9z pp+ +pv lp0 9n+ + s np+0 9+ p zN+ v L 0 9 +Q+P+ +0 9+ + +N+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9t R + K m +R0 xiiiiiiiiy
White retains some chances to seize an advantage.
12.¦d1!
balance thanks some tactical ideas
11... ¥ e6!?
connected with b5. 18.¦hd1 (18.a3
This
¤c6 19.¦hd1? ¤d4! 20.¤xd4 cxd4
Kortchnoi and a few months later
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w q r tk+0 9z pp+ +pv lp0 9n+ +ls np+0 9+ p zN+ v L 0 9 +Q+P+ +0 9+ + +N+ 0 9Pz P +Lz PPz P0 9+ +Rm K +R0 xiiiiiiiiy
21.¦xd4 b5! is better for Black.)
approved by Kasparov. 11...£a5+! ,
Morozevich follows a recent game
18...b5 19.£h4 ¤xa2+! seems to
which was introduced by Dorfman,
of his compatriot, Lysyj. 12.0–0–0
force a draw. 20.¢b1 ¦xe2! 21.¦xd7
seems to solve Black s problems.
has been known to promise nothing
£a5 22.¦1d2 ¦xd2 23.¤xd2 ¤b4
12. ¥ d2
since Kasparov s improvement upon
24.£xh6 £a2+ 25.¢c1 £a1+ 26.¤b1
¥ xf6 14. ¥ xf6 ¤d5+ 15.¢f1 ¤xf6µ
Korchnoi s
¤a2+ 27.¢c2 ¤b4+ 28.¢c3 ¤a2+
is bad for White, Lazarev-Bolzoni,
12... ¥ xd5 13.¦xd5 £b6! 14. ¥ xf6
29.¢b3 c4+ 30.¢c2 ¤b4+ 31.¢c3
Antwerp 1997.) 12...£d8 13.¤xf6+
£xf6! 15.e5 £f5! (After 15...£e7?
¤a2+ 32.¢c2= and White can t avoid
The only attempt to play for a win.
16.¦hd1² White is better, Flear-
repetition.
(13. ¥ g5 may lead to repetition
Kortchnoi, Lugano 1988.) 16. ¥ d3
b2) 12.¦d1!? deserves attention.
after 13...£a5+ and in fact in a few
£c8 (16...£e6! 17.¦d6 £e7 looks
b3) 12.0–0–0 doesn t promise any
games a draw was agreed like this.)
even more precise.) 17.¦d1 (17. ¥ e4!
advantage, to say the least. 12...
13... ¥ xf6 seems to be less accurate
is better.) 17...b5! 18.£h4 ¤b4 with
exd5!N (12...£a5!? in Kasimdzhanov-
than the other capture. (13...£xf6?!
good play for Black. 19. ¥ xg6? An
Van Wely Istanbul 2000 should be
looks like an improvement. 14. ¥ c3
unsound piece sacrice, However
sufcient
well.)
(14.e5 £e6 15.£f4 £f5! and Black
Black s defence is far from being
13.¤xd5 ¥ e6! 14.¤xf6+ £xf6 seems
doesn t seem to have any problems.)
obvious. (19.¦d6!? was better.) 19...
to give Black a comfortable position,
14...£e6 15. ¥ xg7 £xc4 16. ¥ xc4
fxg6 20.¦d7 £e8! 21.¦e7 ¥ h6+!
where only Black has chances for
¢xg7 17. ¥ xa6 bxa6 18.¦c1 ¦b8 19.b3
22.¢b1 ¦d8! 23.¦d6 £c6! 24.a3
advantage.
a5! 20.¦xc5 a4 21. ¤d2 and now for
¦xd6 25.exd6 £xd6 26.axb4 cxb4–+
precise than Szabo s 14...¢h8. For '
example,
15.¤f6+ (After 15.¦he1
¤b4! 16.¤xb4 cxb4 17.£xb4 ¦c8+
18.¢b1 ¥ f5+ 19.¢a1 £c7! Black obtains sufcient initiative for the sacriced pawn.) 15... ¥ xf6 16.exf6 ¦e8! 17.¦d2 ¤b4! Although it looks risky Black seems to maintain the
'
'
b4)
for
equality
12.0–0!?
exd5
as
13.exd5?!
move
was
introduced
by
'
(12.b4?
¤xb4
13.¤xf6+
'
example,
21... ¥ a6!?
22.h4
¦fc8
'
'
game
back
in
1988.
'
with a decisive advantage for Black
(13.¤xd5! has never been tested in
23.¦xc8 ¦xc8 24.¢d1 axb3 25.axb3
in Beliavsky-Kasparov, Belfort 1988.
practice, while it seems to be the
¦c3 26.¦e1 ¢f6 with sufcient
12...£a5+
critical test of 10...h6.) in Aurell-
compensation for a pawn.) 14.e5
Earlier this move was played by
Littlewood, Bad Woerishofen 1992 is
¥ g7 Farago-Dorfman, Budapest 1988
Shredder 7. 12... ¥ xd5 is a possible
ne for Black after 13...£b6!=
and now White should have played
alternative of the text. 13.¦xd5 £b6
11.¤xd5
15.a3! (Instead of 15. ¥ c3 ¥ e6 in the
is better than 13...£a5?! playing
aforementioned game, which is good
similar to the 11.0–0–0 line. However
11.exd5?! doesn t make sense in view '
12 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
The
is safer on the kingside. (13...£a5+?!
advantage.
sufcient defense. 23.¤g5+ (23.¦d6?
14.¦d2² and White was better in
17...¤b4!?
is bad due to 23...¢g7–+) 23...¢g8!
Lysyj-Gabrielian,
Bringing the knight to d4 via c6.
The
2013.) 14. ¥ xf6 (14.¦d2 £c6 15. ¥ xf6
17...¢g7!?
(24.¤e6 also leads to a draw after
£xf6 16.0–0 ¦ad8 17.¦fd1 ¦xd2
chances.
24...£xa2 25.£h6 £xe6 26.£xg6+
18.¦xd2 is just slightly better for
18.£f4
¢h8 27.£h6+=) 24...¤e7! 25.¦d6!
White thanks to the misplaced knight
18.¦c1 ¤c6! (After 18...b6?! 19.d7!
¤f5! 26.¦e1! ¢h8! 27.¦xf6! ¦xf6
on a6.) 14...£xf6 15.e5 £e6 16.¤g5
¦e7 20.£f4! ¢g7 21.£c7² White s
28.£e8+
£e7 17.f4 ¦ad8 18.0–0 and White
edge is out of question.) 19.£xc5
¢h7
seems to retain a slight edge.
£xc5 20.¦xc5 ¤d4! 21.¤xd4 ¦xd6
31.¢h2 £xf2=) 30...£xd8 31.£e8
13.¦d2
22.¦c7 ¦xd4 23.¦xd4 ¥ xd4 24.¢f1
¦f8 32.£xf8 £xf8 33.¦e8 £h6!=)
a) Obviously not 13.£c3? £xc3+
¢f8! 25.¦xb7 ¥ b6! White can t avoid
28...¦f8
14.bxc3?? (14.¤xc3 ¤b4! is better
exchange of rooks. The latter leads
30.¤xd8 £xd8 31.£xf8 £xf8 32.¦e8
to an equal endgame with opposite-
£h6! 33.d8£ £c1+ 34.¢h2 £f4+
'
for
Black
'
Yekaterinenburg
too.)
14... ¤xe4
0–1
only
chance
also
to
ght
promised
for
21...¢xf7! 22.d7 ¦f8! The only, but
here it s less effective as White s king
equal
'
'
Freccia-Comp Shredder 7, Vicente
coloured
Lopez 2003.
26. ¥ b5
¦c8!
move
again.
¢g7
(28.£e5
30.¤xd8
24.£e4!
29.¤e6+
(30.£xf6
29.b4!?
(29.¤f7+
¢h7!
the
27. ¥ d3 ¦e8! 28.¦d7 ¦d8=
(But
not
18...¢g7 19.h4 h5
30.¤f7+ (30.£xg6 ¦xd7 31.¤e6 ¦g7!
(13...£d8
There was also a tactical solution of
32.£xh5+ ¦h7 33.£d1 £f7 34.¤xf8
14. ¥ c3!²) 14.exd5 £b6 15.0–0 ¦fe8
the Black s problems, although the
£xf8 and Black survives.) 30...¢h7!
(or 15...¦ae8 16.¦fe1 ¤e4 (16...¦e4
text looks safer. 19...¤d5 20.¦xd5
31.¤xd8 £xd8 32.£xf8 £xf8 33.¦e8
17.£c1 ¦fe8 18. ¥ c4²) 17. ¥ f4! ¥ xb2
¦xe2 21.h5 h6! 22.hxg6 £b4! 23.£c1
£h6! 34.d8£ £c1+ 35.¢h2 £f4+
18. ¥ f1! ¤d6 19. ¥ xd6 ¦xe1 20.¦xe1
fxg6 24.¦xc5 ¦xd6 25.¦c7+ ¦e7
with the perpetual.
£xd6 21.¦b1 ¥ g7 22.¦xb7²) 16.¦fe1
26.¦xe7+ ¥ xe7 27.£c7 ¦e6 28.£d7
22. ¥ xg6!+–
¤e4 (16...¦e4 17.£c1 ¦ae8 18. ¥ c4²)
£b6=
The only move.
17. ¥ f4 ¦ad8 18. ¥ f1 ¤d6 19.¦xe8+
20. ¥ c4 ¤c6 21. ¥ xf7!
22... ¥ e5
13. ¥ d2!
attention.
deserved
13... ¥ xd5
serious
'
perpetual.)
£xe1+
with
b)
bishops.
only
29...£c7!
29...cxb4??
30.£xg6+–)
XIIIIIIIIY 9 + r tr+ +0 9z pp+ +Lm k 0 9 +nz P l vp+0 9w q p z + +p0 9 + + w Q P z0 9+ + +N+ 0 9Pz P R t P zP+0 9+ + +Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy
After 22...¢xg6 23.¦d5!+– White s
19.¦c1² White is slightly better.
A clever try, which shocked Gelfand.
In my opinion the safest way to meet
15. ¥ xf6!
21...¦f8??
the line with 10. ¥ g5 is 10...exd5
¦xe8 20.£c2² when the knight on a6 is rather useless
13... ¥ xd5 13...¤c7!
seems
to
equalize.
14. ¥ xf6 ¥ xd5 15.exd5 ¥ xf6 16.0–0 ¦ad8 17.¦fd1 ¦fe8! when 18.d6?! is always answered by 18...¤e6 followed by 19...¤d4.
14.exd5 ¦fe8! In case of 14...£b4!? 15.£xb4 ¤xb4 16. ¥ xf6 ¥ xf6 17.a3 ¤a6 18.0–0 ¦fd8
'
attack is unstoppable.
23.£g5 ¥ f4 24.£xh5 ¥ xd2 25.£h7+ ¢f6 26. ¥ h5 26.¦d1!?+– wins too.
26...¢e6 27.£g6+ ¢d5 28.¤xd2 £xd2 29.¦d1 £d4 30.¦xd4+ 30. ¥ f3+!?+–
30...cxd4 31.b4 ¦xd6 32.£g7 ¦df6 33.£xb7 ¢c4 34.b5 1–0
Certainly the knight can t be allowed
Missing White s move, Black succumbs
11.exd5 £a5! and I don t see many
to e4.
to the pressure and blunders again.
chances for White to ght for the
15... ¥ xf6 16.0–0 ¦ad8 17.d6!
The sacrice had to be accepted.
advantage.
'
'
13 of 24
'
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
Nakamura's Veresov GM Melikset Khachiyan in cooperation with IM Danny Rensch The Veresov is quite popular at club level, but "you'll never see the top guns give it a go". Well, Hikaru Nakamura disagrees! The American grandmaster has played it ve times this year, once even in a classical game! Nakamura-Becerra Rivero
Veresov have the potential to catch
c6/3... ¥ f5, allowing White to create
U.S. Chess League, 2009
players of all levels off guard, and
a doubled f-pawn with 4. ¥ xf6, is
can lead to some very interesting,
covered in Nakamura-Mamedyarov.
It s always fun to observe when
exciting, and potentially memorable
3...c5 is covered in the Hector vs
player s of the highest level choose
games for you if you re looking for
Evdokimov game of this Bulletin.
slightly offbeat opening variations.
something “fresh” to add to your
4.f3
How, why and when do they make
own repertoire. I myself have played
More popular these days is 4.£d3,
these choices? These are mysteries
the Veresov for years, and so, with
with idea to prepare the same push
that often remain unsolved to the
the analytical help and collaboration
in the middle (e4), but without
“uneducated viewing” amateur chess
of my friend IM Danny Rensch, I have
creating
player. Super-GMs usually make these
prepared what should be a fun look
weaknesses. 4.£d3 is a bit slower
“well-timed” decisions in an attempt
at this relatively unknown to most,
than 4.f3. In games where White
to catch their opponents off guard.
but
truly wishes to “bring the heat”
Maybe they think their opponent
monster of a “sideline” opening!
against an unsuspecting opponent,
has been sleeping on a specic line?
1.d4 d5 2.¤c3 ¤f6 3. ¥ g5
4.f3 is often the way to go...
’
’
Sometimes the hope may be as simple as trying to grab a quick point in “miniature fashion” of a rapid game. Other times, their offbeat choice of
’
potentially
very
dangerous
XIIIIIIIIY 9rs nlw qkv l r t0 9z ppz p p zpz pp0 9 + + s n +0 9+ +p+ v L 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N s + + 0 9Pz PP+Pz PPz P0 9t R +Qm KLs NR0 xiiiiiiiiy
any
potential
kingside
4...e6 A very viable alternative to the move chosen in the game is: 4...c6 5.£d2 e6 6.0–0–0 ¥ e7 and now:
for White - or at least Supers on the
3...¤bd7
level of GM Hikaru Nakamura seem
We start off with a rapid game
to think so! Nakamura has featured
(online) between these two U.S.
this variation as a consistent part
heavy weights. Becerra chooses the
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+ t r0 9z pp+nv lpz pp0 9 +p+ps n +0 9+ +p+ v L 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N s +P+ 0 9Pz PPw QP+Pz P0 9+ K mR+Ls NR0 xiiiiiiiiy
of his repertoire in both rapid
most popular response for Black,
a) 7.e4 ¤xe4 8.¤xe4 (8. ¥ xe7 ¤xd2
and classical style chess settings.
who tries to protect the integrity
9. ¥ xd8 ¤xf1 10. ¥ g5 f6 11. ¥ f4 e5
The dangerous variations of the
of his kingside pawn structure. 3...
12.dxe5 fxe5 13.¦e1 0–0 14. ¥ xe5
opening is actually shown to be full of accurate, challenging preparation that they believe will stand up even in classical tournaments against the world s elite. The Veresov Opening, ’
and its very sharp, evolving theory, represents just that type of option
14 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
¦e8 15.f4 ¤xe5 16.fxe5 ¤e3! is a key idea at the end of these lines where Black s knight seems to “almost” get ’
trapped. Rxe3 is met by d4, with an equal endgame.) 8...dxe4 9. ¥ xe7 £xe7 10.fxe4 e5!=.
b) 7.£e1 This is one of my own ideas (Khachiyan) to keep more re on the board and prevent trades, instead of the "objectively better" 7.e4. One
August 2013
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+nt r0 9z ppz pnv lpz pp0 9 + +p+ +0 9+ +pz P L v 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N s +P+ 0 9Pz PP+ +Pz P0 9t R +Qm KLs NR0 xiiiiiiiiy
The notes to White s 9.¤f4 move ’
should be remembered for serious Veresov players. Here White has to go "all in" and keep the attack running on the kingside or his development issues might bankrupt his position. One important, and instructive note from Nakamura s move in general ’
is that White needs to push the h-pawn rst before playing f4. This
possible line could be: 7...b5 8.e4 b4
kingside confusion.
is because White needs the c1–h6
9.¤b1 h6 10. ¥ d2 £b6 11.e5 ¤g8
7...a6
diagonal open to inltrate with the
b1) 12.¤h3!? with the interesting idea
7...c5 Possibly it s better for Black to
bishop and queen at the right time.
of ¤f4–h5, targeting the g7 square
attack White s center immediately.
and Black s undeveloped kingside,
Black needs not worry about ¤b5,
is an interesting alternative. Should
because the d6–square is sufciently
Black choose to preven the knight s
protected.
inltration to h5, which could be
8.¤ce2!
dangerously followed by £g3 at
Another important move by Nakamura
some point, with a move like ...g6,
in this postion! He is going to protect
White will have more targets for
his center now by placing his pawn
a kingside pawn storm (Rensch).
on c3. This relocation of his forces is
12...£xd4 13. ¥ xh6 £xe5 14.£xe5
key for White to reach an advantage
¤xe5 15. ¥ xg7 ¦h5 16.¤f4 (16.g4!?)
in the Veresov middlegame.
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ w qk+nt r0 9+ +nv lpz pp0 9lz p +p+ +0 9z p p zpz P + 0 9 + P z + P z0 9z P P z L vP+ 0 9 P z Q wN+P+0 9t R + K mLs NR0 xiiiiiiiiy
16...¦f5÷.
8...b6
12... ¥ f8?!
b2) 12. ¥ e3 c5 13.£g3 (13.¤h3 c4
With the idea to prepare a trade of
Black took the bait! Needed was:
14.¤f4 £a6 where Black s initiative
light-colored bishops by playing a5.
12... ¥ xh4+ It was very important
seems to be arriving rst.) 13... ¥ f8
9.£d2
for Black to realize this is the only
14.dxc5 ¤xc5 15.£f2 ¥ d7 16.¤d2
Perhaps even better was 9.¤f4
move. In the game he simply found
¦c8
¤f5
c5 10.c3² with the idea that it s
himself defending a passive position
19.¤d4 ¤xe3 20.£xe3 ¥ e7 21.f4 0–0
important to keep the light-squared
until his ultimate demise. 13.g3 ¥ e7
22. ¥ e2 a6.
bishops in this position. Now 10...a5
14.¤f4 (14.¤h3 with the intentions
5.e4 ¥ e7 6.e5 ¤g8
is met by 11. ¥ b5 ¥ a6 12. ¥ a4!? and
of building up an attack more slowly
an eventual relocation to the b1–h7
was also possible.) 14... ¥ xf1 15.¢xf1
diagonal. White is also preparing
¥ f8 16.¤ge2 ¤e7 17.¢g2 h6 18. ¥ f2
ideas of ¤f4–h5 with this interesting
a4 19.g4 ¤c6 20.¤h5 where lots of
7. ¥ e3!
move.
play remains. White has achieved
A critical, important retreat by
9...c5 10.c3 a5 11.a3 ¥ a6 12.h4
some level of compensation for the
Nakamura. White intends to head
And though we will all see how quickly
pawn, but a long game remains to be
for variations similar to a Classical
and aggressively Nakamura turns this
played.
French, with advantages in terms of
move / idea into a dominant kingside
13.h5 h6 14.f4
development because of Black s
attack, in reality, it s practical bluff.
Note that White only plays this move
’
’
’
17.¢b1
¤e7
18.¤e2
(diagram)
’
’
’
’
’
15 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
after Black has pushed the h6–pawn,
¤xd2
27. ¥ xd2
weakening the light squares and
¢b8?!
44... ¥ e8 45.¢d1 ¥ xg6 46.£xg6 ¦f7 47.h6 gxh6 48.£xh6 ¢d7 49.¢c1
making the idea of g4 and f5 more
Naturally preparing to defend the
Safety rst!
viable for White.
e6–pawn with the apparently out of
14...¤e7 15.¤f3 £c7 16.g4 a4 17. ¥ h3!
play bishop on a6 (moving it to c8),
49...¦h7 50.£d2 £f7 51.¢b1 £f3 52.¢a2 £e4?
but unfortunately, this move again
Black s
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ +kv l r t0 9+ q wns npz p 0 9lz p +p+ z p0 9+ p zpz P +P0 9p+ z P P zP+0 9z P P z L vN+L0 9 P z Q wN+ +0 9t R + K m +R0 xiiiiiiiiy
gave White chances to keep the
move highlights that Black needed
attack going, and Nakamura didn t
to be a little less condent about
slip up twice! Better was to play
his chances. Overextension of the
¦de8 with idea to protect e6 pawn
queen s position, and therefore the
with the rook, and most important to
neglect of the black king, is what
meet g5 move with a series of trades
ultimately led to Becerra s defeat in
starting with ¥ xg5.
this game. One line that highlights
29.g5 ¥ c8 30. ¥ f1!?
how hard pressed Nakamura would
White punishes Black for leaving the
have been to try and win this position
critical diagonal on the queenside!
is as follows: 53.£c2 b5 54.¦f1 £g8
30...¦df8 31. ¥ d3 c4
55.£f2 ¢e8 56.¦g1 ¦g7 57.¦h1 ¦h7
¤xg6
’
Another great desicion by Naka!
Black
White s bishop joins the kingside
his
advance, and leaving Black s bishop
worries, but in the
on a6 forever hopeful of an exchange
process ensures that
that won t happen.
White
17...¤c6 18.f5 ¥ e7 19.fxe6 fxe6 20.£c2
for two results” on
According
Nakamura s
’
’
’
the
to
most
computer
accurate
analysis,
continuation
takes
is
’
piece
style
chess, but in reality, too slow! Better
A good decision by
was 24.¤xe7 with connection of
White
hiting c5 square and keeping eyes on
needs to keep the
the a4–pawn.
rook
24...¤b3 25.¦ae1 0–0–0 26.¤d2
continue the attack.
¦g8
22.¤g6
23.g5!
was
much
stronger!
22...¤a5 23.¤g6 ¦g8 24.¢g3?! Fancy!
Exciting
Nakamura
’
placement
32. ¥ b1 £b5 33. ¥ c1 ¥ xg5 34. ¥ xg5 hxg5 35.¦e2 £d7 £f7 36.£xg5 37.£g4 £e7 38. ¥ h7 ¦h8 39. ¥ g6 ¢c7 40.¦f2 ¦xf2 41.¢xf2 ¥ d7 42.¢e2 ¢d8 43.¦f1 ¦f8 44.¦g1 again. in
order
He to
16 of 24
This
’
active
and the e6 weakness. 20...¤f8 21.g5
20...¤f8 21.¤f4 £d7 22.¢f2?!
52...£f7
the kingside since
the cards.
¦xh6 27.£xg7±
was
“playing
“direct threats” on Black s kingside
24.0–0–0 ¤a5 25.¢b1 ¢b7 26.gxh6
best
queenside
leaves his holding all
cxd4 22.cxd4 £d7 23.£g2 0–0–0
’
away
was 20.¤f4! which makes the most ’
28.£xg6
A top GM playing the Veresov: Hikaru Nakamura
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
58.¦xh7 £xh7 59.£f6 £f7 60.£h8+
re.
11.£e3 c5 12.0–0–0 cxd4 13.¦xd4
£f8
56.¦xb6 ¦h1 57.¦f6 ¦f1?
¤b6 14.c4 ¥ d7 15.¤e5 ¦ad8 16. ¥ e2
61.£h5+
£f7
£f5
62.£h6
63.£h8+ £f8 64.£h5+=
¦h5 might have actually kept the
¥ a4 17.¦f4 £e7 18.¦g4 ¢h8 19.h4
balance in the game. Black s rook
¤d7 20.¦h3 with a nice initiative,
needs to be very active in order to
Nakamura-Caruana,
save this game. Now the position
blitz (Moscow) 2013) 10.0–0–0 0–0
goes downhill quickly.
11.¤f3 b6 12.¤e5 ¥ b7 13.¦g1 c5
58.¦d6 f4 59.¦xd5 ¢e6
Nakamura-Ponomariov, Thessaloniki
59...f3 60.¦d6 f2 61.¦f6+–
2013 which ended in a draw on move
60.¦d6+ ¢f5 61.¦f6+ ¢g4 62.e6 ¦e1 63.d5 ¢g5 64.¦f7 ¦e5 65.e7
49.
Finally this very exiciting game
White has more space, and might
by Naka, with many mistakes for
like to avoid the trades, but it is too
both sides, comes to an end. A
time consuming after 7.¤c3 0–0 8.0–
53.£f2?
very typical for Veresov victory and
0–0 b6 where Black has caught up in
Nakamura misses his chance to end
despite
development.
the game decisively, but Becerra
opportunities, he seemed to be
7...¤xe4 8.£xe4 ¤f6 9. ¥ xf6
still realizes that his queen has no
pushing the entire time. 1–0
Played
XIIIIIIIIY 9 + + + +0 9+ +k+ +r0 9 p z +p+ +0 9+ +pz P + 0 9p+pz Pq+ +0 9z P P z + + 0 9Kz P Q w + +0 9+ + + t R 0 xiiiiiiiiy
’
Nakamura s ’
missed
early
future and he must trade into the
Tal
Memorial
5.e4 dxe4 6.¤xe4 ¥ g7 7.0–0–0
instantly,
preparation
from
suggesting my
opponent
much worse rook ending. 53.£g5!
Khachiyan-Bojkov
(Bojkov). 9.£h4?! is worse after
was a desicive blow with threats
Los Angeles Metropolitan, 2011
9...£d5! centralizing the queen with
to “backdoor” Black with £g8–a8. Lines that might have followed are below: 53...¦h1 (53...¦e7 54.£g8±; 53...£c2 54.£g8 £b3+ 55.¢b1 ¦e7 56.£a8 and Black’s queen is tragically misplaced. White is going to mate the black king shortly...) 54.¦xh1 £xh1 55.£g7+ ¢c6 56.£e7 £h3 57.£d6+ ¢b7 58.£d7+ ¢b8 59.£c6! ¢a7 60.£xa4+ ¢b7 61.£d7+ ¢b8 62.£c6 ¢a7 63.£c7+ ¢a6 64.a4+–
53...£f5!? 54.£xf5 exf5 55.¦g6 ¢e7? 55...¢c7
might
miserable,
but
have
offered
tempi! 10.c4 (10.¢b1 ¥ e6) 10...£a5
1.d4 ¤f6 2.¤c3 d5 3. ¥ g5 4.£d3
¤bd7
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qkv l r t0 9z ppz pnz ppz pp0 9 + + s n +0 9+ +p+ v L 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N sQ+ + 0 9Pz PP+Pz PPz P0 9t R + K mLs NR0 xiiiiiiiiy
11.¢b1 ¥ f5+ 12.¢a1 ¤e4µ and Black s initative is taking over. ’
9... ¥ xf6 10.¤f3 c6 10...0–0 immediately allows White s ’
kingside attack to get going with 11.h4. There is the interesting pawn sacrice
10... ¥ f5!?
11.£xb7
0–0
12. ¥ d3 (12. ¥ c4) 12...¦b8© with the potential for compensation.
11. ¥ c4 It should be noted here that White cannot easily advance the pawns: 11.g4?! £d5 12.£xd5 cxd5 13.g5 ¥ g4
As said, the more popular move order
14. ¥ g2 ¥ xf3 15. ¥ xf3 ¥ xg5+µ.
promising defensive chances. 56.¦f6
is usually the more aggressive 4.f3.
11... ¥ f5 12.£f4 £d6 13.¤e5
¦h5 as it s unclear exactly what
4...g6
13.£xd6 exd6 14.d5 c5³.
winning plan exists for White here.
Nakamura s only classical game with
13... ¥ e6
Perhaps a long journey of the king on
the Veresov went 4...h6 5. ¥ h4 e6
Black must defend f7 and remove
a2 to the kingisde? But it won t be
6.e4 dxe4 7.¤xe4 ¥ e7 8.¤xf6+ ¥ xf6
the strong bishop on c4 if possible.
easy with the b2–pawn coming under
9. ¥ xf6 ¤xf6 (9...£xf6 10.¤f3 0–0
13...0–0 14.g4 ¥ e6 15. ¥ xe6 £xe6
potentially
more
’
’
’
17 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
16.¢b1 might in fact transpose; the
16.¤xc6
23.c3 (23.¢c1 ¥ b2+ 24.¢b1 ¥ c3+
move in the game though gives some
“After the game Melik suggested the
25.¢a2 £b2#) 23...£f4+ 24.¢c2
extra options for Black.
brave 16.¤xg6” (Bojkov).
£f5+ 25.¢b2 ¦xc8 wins for Black;
14. ¥ xe6 £xe6
a) The idea is 16...£a1+
17.¢d2
b) 18.¦e3 £a1+ 19.¢d2 £a5+µ;
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ +k+ t r0 9z pp+ z pp+p0 9 +p+qv lp+0 9+ + s N + 0 9 + P z Q w +0 9+ + + + 0 9Pz PP+ z PPz P0 9+ K mR+ +R0 xiiiiiiiiy
£a5+ 18.¢d3! (18.¢c1 ¥ g5 traps
c)
the queen.) 18...£b5+ 19.¢c3! and
20.¢e2 ¥ xe7–+;
the king is perfectly safe in the open
d) 18.£d6 ¦fd8–+.
air. That said, the position remains
17...¦ac8!
extremely unclear after the move
17... ¥ xe7 18.¤xe7+ ¢g7 19.¤f5+
19...c5! (19.c4? £b3+ –+).
gxf5
b) However, the move is refuted by
21.£f6+=; 17...bxc6 18.£xf6 £a1+
16...hxg6 17.£xf6 0–0–0 18.¦xe7
19.¢d2 £xb2 20.¦d7 also offers
£a1+ 19.¢d2 £xb2µ.
Black a slight edge, but is less clear
16...0–0
than the game.
The critical moment of the game as
17.¤e5 (17.£h6+ ¥ g7; 17.¤b4 £a1+
18. ¤b4 £a1+ 19.¢d2 £xb2 20.£xf6
well as for our purposes with this
18.¢d2 £xb2) 17...£a1+ 18.¢d2
£xb4+ 21.¢e2 ¦xc2+ 22.¢f1 a5µ.
Bulletin. The decision made here
£xb2 19.¤d7+ ¢g7 20.¤xf6 exf6
18...¦xc6
was the wrong one and the analysis
21.¦b1 £a2 22.¦xb7 ¦ac8 23.¦c1
The difference in the kings positions
below (after 15.¢b1) should be what
¦he8–+. Not good enough however
claries the situation. Black has a
our readers rst remember about
was 16...bxc6 17.£xf6 0–0 18.£xe7
decisive attack.
the position that was reached from
£a1+ 19.¢d2 £xb2 20.£c5 which is
19. £e5 £a1+ 20.¢d2 £xb2 21.¦c1
this Veresov opening. I went into
less clear.
The only way to save the c-pawn,
deep thought, and as it happens
17.¦xe7
as 21.£e4 would be met with
Also
interesting
was
16...¢f8!?
18.¦d3 £a1+
(19...¢h8!?)
19.¢d2
20.£g5+
£a5+
¢h8
18. £xf6
’
17.¦xe5 £f6 18.£xf6 exf6 19.¦e7
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ + t rk+0 9z pp+ t Rp+p0 9 +N+ v lp+0 9+ + + + 0 9 + P z Q w +0 9+ + + + 0 9qz PP+ z PPz P0 9+ K mR+ + 0 xiiiiiiiiy
¦he8?! It was only at home I found
"This is why White went for the
22...¦d4+ 23.¢e2
that this is ill-calculated; it is safer
line. Melik thought he could force
23.¢e3 £c3+ 24.¢e2 £d2+ 25.¢f3
to play: (19...¦d7=) 20.¦xf7 ¦xd4
a perpetual check." (Bojkov). In the
¦xd5.
21.¢c1!²
line 17.¤xe7+ ¢g7! the knight is in
23...£b5+
15...£xa2
danger:
The d5–pawn is won in the attacking
Bojkov correctly evaluates he has
a) 18.£c7 £a1+ 19.¢d2 £xb2 20.d5
process, and this leads to an immediate
nothing to fear and grabs the pawn!
¦fe8 21.d6 ¦ac8! 22.¤xc8 £b4+
collapse of White s position.
sometimes right after preparation, I made a mistake.
15.¦he1?! Over-optimistic and wrong. Best was: 15.¢b1 0–0–0 (15... ¥ xe5 16.dxe5 (16.£xe5 £xe5 17.dxe5 ¦d8=) 16... 0–0 17.h4 ¦ad8!? (17...¦fd8 18.h5 £f5 19.£xf5 (…19.£h6 g5!) 19... gxf5=) 18.h5² where White maintains a small initiative.) 16.¦he1 ¥ xe5
18 of 24
21...¦xc2+! (not 21...¦d8? 22.¦e8+ ¦xe8 23.£xe8+ ¢g7 24.£e5+ f6 25.£e7+ ¢h6 26.£e3+ g5 27.£d3= or
21...£c3+?! 22.¢e2
£xc2+
23.£xc2 ¦xc2+ 24.¢f1) 22.£xc2 £b4+
£xe7+
23.¢e2
with
a
technical win.
21...¦c4! 21...¦d8? 22.¦e8+=.
22.d5 22.¦d7 ¦fc8 23.£e4 a5.
’
The Master’s Bulletin
XIIIIIIIIY 9 + + t rk+0 9z pp+ t Rp+p0 9 + + +p+0 9+q+Pw Q + 0 9 + r t + +0 9+ + + + 0 9 +P+Kz PPz P0 9+ R t + + 0 xiiiiiiiiy 24.¢e1 24.c4 £b2+ 25.¢f3 (25.¢e3 £d2+ 26.¢f3
¦d3+)
25...¦d3+
26.¢e4
£e2+ 27.¢f4 £xf2+ 28.¢g4 £xg2+ 29.¢f4 ¦f3+ 30.¢e4 £g4+ 31.£f4 £xf4#.
24...¦xd5 25.£e3 ¦fd8 26.f3
August 2013
particular game for the Master s
f5 10.¤ge2 £f6 11.h3 0–0–0 For
Bulletin because I found it to be very
many years, I believed this was the
interesting and entertaining. Even
best White could hope for. My plan
for myself, playing this line for many
was to prepare g4, try to capture
years, I can denitely say I learned
on f5, breaking open the center
something new from Hector in this
and trying to target Black s d5 and
performance!
f5 pawns for the remainder of the
1.d4 ¤f6 2.¤c3 d5 3. ¥ g5 c5
game. Black s well placed queen on
’
’
’
XIIIIIIIIY 9rs nlw qkv l r t0 9z pp+ z ppz pp0 9 + + s n +0 9+ p zp+ v L 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N s + + 0 9Pz PP+Pz PPz P0 9t R +Qm KLs NR0 xiiiiiiiiy
f6 made it very difcult to achieve these goals, because Black is also consistently looking to trade queens with moves like £g6 and £h6, an endgame White doesn t really want ’
in view of Black s bishop pair. Hector ’
taught all Veresov players a new way to play this line with his 8.¤f3 move!
8... ¥ b4 9. ¥ d3
¦xd1+ 29.¢e2 ¦e1+.
At some point, this was a very
26...£b4+ 0–1
popular approach for Black. I think
White resigned due to the lines:
the
a) 27.c3 £h4+ (27...£b2 28.¦e8+
this game was very inuential on
¢g7 29.¦xd8) 28.¢e2 ¦d2+ 29.£xd2
the entire theory of this variation,
(29.¢f1 ¦d1+ 30.¦xd1 ¦xd1+ 31.¢e2
and a big reason why we don t see
£e1#) 29...¦xd2+ 30.¢xd2 £xe7;
Black take this approach as often
b) 27.¢f1 ¦d1+ 28.¦xd1 ¦xd1+
any longer. 3...¤bd7 is the main
29.¢f2 £h4+ 30.g3 £xh2#;
line these days. Observing Hector s
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+lw qk+ t r0 9z pp+ +p+p0 9 +n+pz p +0 9+ +p+ +Q0 9 l v P z + +0 9+ N sL+N+ 0 9Pz PP+ z PPz P0 9t R + K m +R0 xiiiiiiiiy
approach to Black s terrible kingside ’
The key points behind Hector s new
pawn structure in this game makes
approach? First, White is no longer
it very clear why Black prefers this
intending
Hector-Evdokimov
move!
bringing the White king into the
Politiken Cup (Denmark), 2008
4. ¥ xf6 gxf6 5.e3 ¤c6 6.£h5 cxd4
“danger zone”. Secondly, The white
7.exd4 e6
knight is more aggressively placed on
26.c4 £b4+ 27.¢f1 (27.¢e2 ¦d2+ 28.¢f3 ¦8d3) 27...¦d1+ 28.¦xd1
c)
27.¢f2
£h4+
28.¢e2
way
Hector
(White)
played
’
’
¦d2+
29.£xd2 ¦xd2+ 30.¢xd2 £xe7.
’
to
castle
queenside,
Another strong GM who s played
7...¤xd4 8.0–0–0! It s not hard to
f3 and eyes the e5–square should the
the Veresov Opening for years is
imagine White establishing a very
pawn on f6 ever advance. Finally,
GM Johnny Hector from Sweden.
strong initiative in exchange for the
White s attack is developing much
Though I ve studied many of his
sacriced d-pawn.
more quickly with the more natural
games in this line, as he s denitely
8.¤f3
developing moves of ¤f3 and £d3.
one of the strongest GMs “pushing
Before Hector s game here I had
9... ¥ d7 10.0–0 ¥ xc3
along” Veresov Theory at the high
always
play
Otherwise White will play ¤e2,
levels of chess, I chose only this
normally continued... 8... ¥ d7 9.f4
solidify the pawn structure with c2–
’
’
’
’
’
played
8.0–0–0
19 of 24
and
’
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
c3, bring the knight from e2 to g3
¥ c6 18.d5 b6! 19.£a3 ¦xg2+
and Black is looking at a potentially
Pure
simple
¤b6 16. ¥ xf5+ ¥ xf5 17.£xf5+ £e6
much worse middlegame.
19... ¥ xd5 is met by 20. ¥ b5+ ¢d8
18.¦hf1 ¦h6 was Nakamura-Kramnik,
11.bxc3 ¤a5
21.£d6+ ¢c8 22. ¥ a6+ ¥ b7 23.£c6+
Tal Memorial blitz (Moscow) 2013.
+–.
5.e3
20.¢xg2 ¥ xd5+ 21.¢f1 £h3+ 22.¢e2 £f3+ 23.¢d2 £f4+ 24.¦e3 £xf2+ 25.¦e2 £f4+ 26.¢e1 0–0–0 ¦g8 ¢d8 27.£xa7 28. ¥ a6+ 29.£xb6+ ¢d7 30.£e3 £d6 31.£a7+ ¢d8 32.¦b1 1–0
White s approach is generally as
Denitely
a
“positional
plan
sense”
that for
makes
Black.
If
he could play on the queenside undisturbed by threats (with moves like ¦c8, etc) he would be doing just ne. Unfortunately for Black however, White s active pieces have ’
desperation...
The
13.£xf4 h5 14.0–0–0 0–0–0 15.¦de1
cruel intentions in the center (e-le)
’
follows: simplify the position with a few critical minor piece exchanges; prepare to change the pawn structure with the eventual central break of e4; execute a long-term positional advantage on the queenside with
and on the kingside.
Nakamura-Mamedyarov
the four vs three pawn majority. In
12.¦fe1
Tal Memorial Blitz (Moscow), 2013
this case, White s play would be very
Immediately threatening 13.£xd5.
’
similar “in philosophy” to the Ruy
12...£e7
Here's a win for Nakamura in the
Lopez, Exchange Variation.
Preparing to castle queenside. Black s
Veresov against a much higher level
5...c6 6. ¥ d3
development is just too many steps
opponent.
behind
1.d4 d5 2.¤c3 ¤f6 3. ¥ g5 ¥ f5
’
White s ’
here...
12...¦c8?
13.£xd5+–
As played in the Becerra game, the
13.¤h4!
more popular “main line” choice for
With the obvious threat of 14.¤f5!
black is 3...¤bd7 in order to keep
13...¦g8
the pawn structure as healthy as
13...0–0–0 14.£xd5±
possible. In this game we will see
14.£xh7 £f8 15.£f5!
the American Super-GM execute the
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ +kw qr+0 9z pp+l+p+ 0 9 + +pz p +0 9s n +p+Q+ 0 9 + P z + N s0 9+ P zL+ + 0 9P+P+ z PPz P0 9t R + R t K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy
plan we “described” for White in the Becerra Analysis. Black often plays
3...c6 which normally transposes
XIIIIIIIIY 9rs n q wkv l r t0 9z pp+ +pz pp0 9 +p+ z p +0 9+ +p+l+ 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N sLz P + 0 9Pz PP+ z PPz P0 9t R +Qm K N sR0 xiiiiiiiiy
after 4. ¥ xf6 exf6 5.e3 ¥ f5 but in the
6... ¥ xd3?!
most recent game between Nakamura
A very common mistake perhaps even
and Kramnik, at the Geneva Masters
worthy of a full question mark made
rapid tournament, play went 5...
by many players in this position, but
f5 6. ¥ d3 g6 7.¤f3 ¤d7 8.0–0 ¥ d6
not one we would expect from a
9.¤e2 0–0 10.c4 dxc4 11. ¥ xc4 £e7
player of Shakhriyar s level (though it
12.¤c3 ¤f6 with mutual chances.
was blitz). Black can t just trade the
4. ¥ xf6 exf6
bishop, allowing White an easy road
Move 15 and White already claims
4...gxf6 5.e3 c6 6. ¥ d3 ¥ g6 7.f4
to simplication and execution of his
a
Strong
(7.h4 e6 8.¤ge2 ¤d7 9.g4 £b6 10.h5
positional advantage in the center.
preparation by Hector and a great
¥ xd3 11.£xd3 c5 was ne for Black
Black now knows (partly because
understanding of the power of the
in Nakamura-Kramnik, Monte Carlo
of this game) that they must play
initiative in the Veresov!
2011) 7...e6 8.f5 exf5 9. ¤h3 £e7
6... ¥ e6! here in order to keep the
15...£h6 16.£xd5 £xh4 17.£xa5
10.£f3 ¥ h6 11.¤f4 ¤d7 12.h4 ¥ xf4
bishop and prepare f6–f5 - holding
decisive
advantage!
20 of 24
’
’
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
more control over the central light
Very aggressive and overoptimistic
but even here it s hard for Black
squares. 6... ¥ e6 and f6–f5 to follow
for sure. Black wants to keep the king
to fully equalize against White s
is Black s best approach to maintain
safe on kingside, and believes he can
pressure. 19.¦ae1 £d7 20.£e4 £d6
the dynamic imblanaces of this
ght back against White s center with
(20...¦h6 21.¤d3) 21.c4 ¦d8 22.¢h1
position.
a move like ...c5 eventually. But as
¦d7 23.d5 ¢d8 24.c5 cxd5 25.cxd6
7.£xd3 g6?!
we will see, the Black kingside, the
dxe4 26.dxe7+ ¦xe7 27.¢g1 ¦e5
Another unnecessary move. Black
weakened light squares and the open
28.¦e3 ¢c7 29.¦c1+ ¢b8 30.¤d3
should play the simply 7...¤a6 with
e-le are too much for Mamedyarov
¦e7 31.¤c5 ¤e6 32.¦xe4 ¦he8?
idea of 8... ¥ d6, and try to nish
to
£c7
(32...¦c8 33.¦c3 ¦c6 34.h4 and
development quickly.
17.¤f4².
continue
White maintains all the winning
8.¤ge2
ghting for equality was 15...0–0–0.
chances. Black is hard pressed to
8.e4 is already a real possibility, and
16.¤f4!
“unbind” himself.) 33.¦ce1+–.
might lead to a slight edge just as
Practically speaking, a very strong
19.¤d3
easily. White is creating the four vs
move,
slightly
19.£xe7+– was absolutely enough to
three on the queenside, and a long
unnecessary.
immediately
bring home the full point. Not sure
term positional edge to go along with
launches his plan to punish 15...
why Nakamura chose the more fancy
it.
f5. Though the computer eventually
route...
8...f5
points out a possible defense for black,
19...£g5 20.£e6+ ¢h8 21.¦fe1
’
XIIIIIIIIY 9rs n q wkv l r t0 9z pp+ +p+p0 9 +p+ +p+0 9+ +p+p+ 0 9 + P z + +0 9+ N sQz P + 0 9Pz PP+Nz PPz P0 9t R + K m +R0 xiiiiiiiiy 9.h3 Before going on with the e4 plan, White rst wants to provoke the move h5, since the move 10.g4 is already a big threat...
9...h5 10.f3 ¤d7 11.e4 fxe4 12.fxe4 dxe4 13.¤xe4 £a5+ 13...£h4+ 14.g3 £e7 15.0–0–0 doesn t ’
do much to change the concrete details of this position, ie that White
’
defend.
15...0–0
Necessary
even
if
it
White
16.b4 to
was
in this rapid time control, black s ’
chances of defending accurately were very slim. The analysis also proves that the Veresov itself was successful in the opening stage, even before Naka s “unnecessary” sacrice. It ’
should be noted that 16.¤d2 is more than enough to maintain a clear edge for White.
16...fxe4 17.£xe4 £f5 18.£e2
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ +k+ t r0 9z pp+nv l + 0 9 +p+ +p+0 9+ + +q+p0 9 + P z N s +0 9+ P z + +P0 9Pz P +Q+P+0 9t R + +Rm K 0 xiiiiiiiiy
’
’
XIIIIIIIIY 9r+ + t r k m0 9z pp+nv l + 0 9 +p+Q+p+0 9+ + + w qp0 9 + P z + +0 9+ P zN+ +P0 9Pz P + +P+0 9t R + R t K m 0 xiiiiiiiiy 21...¦ae8 Black misses his chance to punish Nakamura s fancy 19.¤d3 retreat ’
with
21...¤c5!
22.¤xc5
¥ xc5
23.dxc5 £xc5+ 24.¢h1 and though we still love Nakamura s chances to ’
expose Mamedyarov s king position, ’
the game is far from over.
22.£xd7 £g3 23.¦xe7 1–0 Great and quick work by Nakamura
is positionally much better.
18...0–0
in this game and a nice end of our
14.c3 ¥ e7 15.0–0 f5?!
18...¤f8 was the best defence,
Veresov article!
21 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
In the News Mamedyarov Wins Beijing Grand Prix; Topalov qualies for Candidates In what was an excellent summer for the Azerbaijani, Shakhriyar Mamedyarov won the fth FIDE Grand Prix in Beijing, shortly after he took rst place in two rapid events. Veselin Topalov has won the overall Grand Prix.
Mamedyarov nished 7.0/11, which
to go. With 410 Grand Prix points the
second place with 390 points, but he
was half a point more than Alexander
former FIDE World Champion cannot
is not certain of qualication yet. If
Grischuk of Russia. Shared third
be overtaken.
either Fabiano Caruana or Alexander
came Peter Leko of Hungary and
Grischuk nishes clear rst in the
Veselin Topalov of Bulgaria, who has
The top two players in the Grand
nal GP tournament, Mamedyarov
now secured victory in the overall
Prix qualify for the 2014 Candidates
will be out. Read the nal report on
FIDE Grand Prix with one tournament
Tournament. Mamedyarov is now in
Beijing online here
.
L.A. Resolution for Vishy Anand
Los Angeles city councilman Paul
California in July 2013. Anand joined
Krekorian introduced a resolution
coaching activities and gave a simul;
on behalf of Viswanathan Anand
one board was against the World via
during the Indian's visit to Southern
Chess.com's "Voting Chess" platform.
Mekhitarian Wins Death Match #16
Regning
GM
with four straight wins early on, and
won
afterwards Hungaski said: "Those four
16 by
games denitely came back to haunt
a score of 13-10 over GM Robert
me." The match saw some fascinating
Hungaski. Mekhitarian started well
and instructive endgames!
Krikor
Brazilian
Sevag
Champion
Mekihitarian
Chess.com's Death
Match
22 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
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Innovative Coaching Tools: We have a suite of features 23 of 24
The Master’s Bulletin
August 2013
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Leaderboards - Top Titled Players Bullet #
Name
01
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#
Name
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IM brute4ever
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FM TigerLilov
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Rating
GM gmwesley_so
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2777
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2623
GM erichansen
2769
04
GM NigelShort
2588
04
FM The_Evil_Ducklings
2612
05
GM dretch
2703
05
GM FabianoCaruana
2577
05
FM Soilsurf
2598
06
GM LittlePeasant
2678
06
NM TheTruth
2571
06
NM RWHaines
2595
07
GM jark
2678
07
GM honestgirl
2553
07
FM VPA
2569
08
GM FabianoCaruana
2673
08
FM TigerLilov
2548
08
NM BMcC333
2539
09
IM Mikun123
2653
09
GM CaptainJames
2547
09
FM ImmortalTechnique
2535
10
GM Parimarjan
2651
10
GM Janosik
2547
10
IM dpruess
2509
(Standings reect the top titled players, active within the last month on Chess.com)
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