Copyright 2000 by Pafu

All rights to THE BEGINNERS GAME are reserved by the author. No person is authorized
to copy, store electronically, or distribute by any means, any portion of this publication
without prior written permission by the author.
The author is the sole inventor, writer, editor, and publisher of the complete contents of THE
BEGINNERS GAME. All rights to original concepts and terminology in this publication are reserved by the author. Any reference to these concepts should make reference to this publication.
Cover design and drawings by Pafu
First printed in Italy by LiRiCo in Yr.0 (AD. 2000)
All inquiries should be directed to www.beginnersgame.com
THE BEGINNERS GAME was first published by the author as ISBN 88-900519-5-7
Printed in Victoria, Canada

National Library of Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data

Pafu.
The beginner's game

ISBN 1-55212-650-1
1. Chess. I. Title.
GV1446.P34 2001
794.1'2

C2001-910369-7

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10

Preface to The Beginners Game

Read this book carefully and you will master the game of chess. If you are new to chess,
you will learn to play fast! In a few minutes you will play the opening moves of the game as well
as anybody. In a few hours, you will play with confidence well beyond the opening. In the few
weeks it will take you to go thru this book, from a complete beginner you will become a solid
player, able to confront even the strongest opponents, and offer them a tough game.
If you already play chess, then take this book seriously, because it challenges all of chess
opening theory and practice. This system is better than anything you play now, or have ever
played. You are challenged to put your favorite opening, or any opening for that matter, against
this system. After the opening, you will have no advantage. In the ensuing game, against an
opponent of equal strength, your chances of winning will prove to be less than his.
Try this system and you will be convinced of its validity. It is incredibly strong: On defense
it is practically invulnerable. On offense it generates multitudes of dangerous attacks. Games that
result from play with this system are of the highest quality, technically and artistically.
This completely new and radically different system has a most remarkable property: in
most games, with white or black, the same openings can be played out in standard form,
regardless of what your opponent does. He simply cannot prevent you! And anything he plays,
any conceivable opening, does not prove better than your standard game.
It is a startling claim, but all the evidence accumulated to date firmly supports it - it is the
best system that has ever been found for playing the game of chess. Not only that, it is quite
possibly the best system that exists, the optimal way to play the game.
It is a wonderful and inspiring discovery. It is something incredibly simple, in the midst of
incredible complexity, a true jewel of great and eternal beauty. And it was there all along, passed
over by hundreds of millions of people, until someone who was looking for it found it.
It is the greatest discovery ever made in chess, one that will change forever the way the
game is played. And in the sense that chess has always been one of the most important of all
human intellectual pursuits, it is in fact one of the greatest discoveries in human history!
Read on!

Great Are Thy Gifts

Lord
He Who Loves You
Lives

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

15.

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
The Beginners Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Continuing Play After the Opening . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
The Beginners Game in Action . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Early Attacks on the Beginners Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Playing Against the Beginners Game . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
The B-system Definition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
B-System Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Playing the B-System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Why Wasnt It Found Before? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
How It Was Found . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Can it be Refuted? Is It Optimal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
What Happens Now to Chess? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Games Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Beginners Games . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Early Attacks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 147
Close Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
Distant Variants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 184
Concluding Remarks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
Appendix: Move Notation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 210
Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 211

Introduction 7

1.

Introduction: The Easiest and Best way to Play Chess Ever Found!

A truly amazing and most unexpected discovery has been made: a new system of playing
chess that is absolutely the simplest imaginable! It is incredibly easy to learn: even those who
have never played before can master the basic opening in a matter of a few minutes. In a few
hours anyone can learn a large number of strong related variants, and develop a good sense of
how to play during and after the opening, at least thru the first 12 - 15 moves. It is, with absolute
certainty, the best system ever found for those learning to play the game of chess.
At the same time, this system is one of the strongest that has ever been seen, even for
serious chess at championship level! In a thousand games played at master level this system has
proved its worth, compiling an impressive record of wins against every imaginable style of
opponent play. Given the ease with which it can be learned, It is therefore the quickest way to
improve for everyone who already play chess, whatever their current level of expertise.
This system is totally new, it has never been presented or described before this publication.
It is not an improvement or a development of any existing method, but a brand new, amazingly
strong, and easy to play system, based on simple rules for playing the chess opening.
This system is unbelievably strong, both on defense and offense. It has a number of
remarkable properties rarely seen before in chess openings, that make it truly unique. Among
these are that it can be played by both white and black indifferently, and that the openings can be
carried out in most cases in standard form, irrespective of how the opponent plays.
The basic opening is called the Beginners Game, and the set of related variants on the
opening is called the B-system. They all respect the same simple set of rules for opening play
that distinguishes them from openings used before. Together, they challenge all of classical
chess opening theory and practice, and in the hands of a competent player, emerge victorious.
Suitable for Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced Players Alike
If you have never learned to play chess before, consider yourself fortunate - you have been
spared years of drubbing by everyone better than you, while you struggled to learn the complex
labyrinth of chess openings. Instead you can memorize in a few minutes the Beginners Game,
which guarantees you a successful opening. The author has taught the Beginners Game to
people with no familiarity with chess (and even an aversion to learning to play!) and seen them
playing quite well after a few games. A beginner can now play the openings like a professional!
For intermediate players, this system is a godsend. From the occasional to the serious
club player, all have most difficulty with the openings. It is there that the better players take most
advantage of them, wrecking their plans, and putting them at a disadvantage after only a few
moves. Using their knowledge of the openings, better players push their adversaries away from
the more familiar lines, present difficult tactical situations and traps, force disadvantageous
exchanges, and in general, disorient and discourage their adversaries. Most occasional players do

not have the time or interest to study the openings, so condemning themselves to mediocrity. Do
they really have to digest the entire body of opening theory to play well? It's just a game, right?
The chess opening can be immensely complicated and unbelievably difficult. Until now it
has generally been assumed that the only way to succeed in this phase of the game is by
laborious study and meticulous imitation. This system frees you from that drudgery, allowing
you to master the chess opening in the least time imaginable. It is enough to follow a few simple
rules, keep in mind a few useful examples, and develop your own experience. With these, you will
pass intact thru this most difficult and dangerous phase of the game. And you will do it by
deploying according to plan, and without allowing your adversary to develop any advantage.
Advanced players, including professional chess players, will be amazed by this system of
openings. It is truly exceptional, having properties that distinguish it from anything known
previously in chess. These unique properties give a player of the system a real advantage over
any rival of comparable strength. You play your game, not your adversary's. You control the
nature of the game, closed or open, quiet or full of risks, where and when attacks are made, all the
characteristics of play. You will also be able to anticipate the middle game well past the usual
limits, extending your preparation deep into the game. In addition, you are sure to find among the
great diversity of variants in this opening system many that suit your preferred style of play.
Chess analysts will find a wealth to explore in the Beginners Game and its related system
of variants. The Beginners Game is a kind of resonance point in chess, with many fascinating
properties to discover and understand. There is so much to explore, so much to experiment.
Analysts will find much to research in the tuning of the system, such as selection of suitable
variants to counter sharper adversary play. Finding best defenses to the Beginners Game and
other B-systems openings is a fascinating quest, not just for analysts, but for players of all levels.
Here then, is something for everyone, from beginners thru all grades of intermediate
players, up to the top contenders for championship tournaments. By adopting this new system
you are guaranteed to enrich and improve your game.
A Completely New Philosophy and Practice of Chess
The Beginners Game in particular, and the B-systems openings in general, are not a
complement to existing chess practice. They are a new framework for playing chess, that did not
exist in any real form until the present. Rules defining sound opening play have been difficult to
formulate in the past; now they are made clear and understandable for all.
The Beginners Game is completely new: it has not been presented or described before by
anyone. There have been a few well known players who experimented with a related approach to
opening play however, and deserve mention. A few names of those who have played something
similar would include Nimzovitch, Reti, Petrosian, Larsen, and Spassky, all well known
protagonists of modern openings. But even this elite vanguard of highly innovative players did
not find this incredibly simple but supremely powerful system of playing chess.

Introduction 9

In conventional chess the opening is a race to control the center of the chessboard, and
quickly develops into skirmishes to fight for that high ground.' The Beginners Game is a tactical
redeployment of ones own forces, in order to arrive at a solid position for the ensuing conflict. It
does not contest the center, avoids all engagement, and shows little or no reaction to the
opponents play. In this sense the Beginners Game is not just a new chess opening, it is a new
concept of what the opening in chess is all about.
As the Beginners Game is occupied with its development only, the opponent is free to
pursue whatever development he desires. The resulting adversary openings are typically
classically perfect deployments of the pieces and pawns, the strongest configurations that can be
imagined. They are certainly the strongest conventional openings that have ever been seen in
chess. Almost all of them are quite impossible to achieve in normal play, where their aggressive
deployments would be challenged and restricted.
The Beginners Game therefore typically faces an opponent who has deployed more
powerfully than is normally possible in the chess opening. In no sense can its superiority be
attributed to any deficiency on the part of the adversary, quite the contrary. But the Beginners
Game confronts without any difficulty any classical opening, even more enlarged and more
aggressive versions of them. It fact it confronts any conceivable opening on the part of the
adversary! And it has proved to be stronger than any of them! All of this defies the imagination,
but it appears to be undeniably true.
The Beginners game is not a rote opening: it has an enormous variety of ways of playing it.
So also do the openings in its related system of variants, which introduce different moves into the
standard opening, using the system rules. This system constitutes a subspace of the possible
openings, that has been largely unexplored until now. Almost all of the openings in this system
are new, and almost all of them are playable. Many of them, and certainly the Beginners Game
itself, are among the best openings that have ever been found in chess.
All the openings in this new system respect the same simple and easy to learn rules for
opening play. All openings, like the Beginners Game itself, strive to produce predetermined
positions after the opening. To achieve this, they must resist adversary play, either as attacks
during the opening, or as preparations for attacks following their deployment. Amazingly, the
rules of the system seem to result generally in deployments with this strong aspect of near
independence of ones opening to the adversary play.
As the Beginners Game goes about its business of building a solid defense, it reveals as
little as possible to the adversary, concerning either its final defensive position, or its possible
lines of attack. The philosophy of the Beginners Game is this - give the opponent nothing to
attack, nothing to engage, no basis for orienting a counter strategy. At the same time, it develops
and maintains full options for its own defense and offense, as always to a large degree
irrespective of the opponent's play.

The author is convinced that, on the defense, the Beginners Game is absolutely the best
opening in chess! It is like an across-the-board castle position, a fortress that resists all attacks.
It rarely needs to modify its opening moves, except when forced to make exchanges, that bring its
adversary no tangible gains. The Beginners Game really has no weak points: however it is
attacked, it will resist. This has been proved in extensive experiments, against every conceivable
style of opposing play. So the Beginners Game and its related system should appeal to all
players who like to maintain a solid defense and keep the game under control.
The Beginners Game and the B-system openings concentrate in the first moves on
building a solid defense; only when this is complete do they pass to the offensive. This appears
to be a sensible way of playing the opening, to complete ones own development before
confronting the adversary. But in no sense do they lose their attacking potential for subsequent
play; on the contrary, these are all highly aggressive openings. The compact defensive
formations of the Beginners Game and B-systems openings uncoil naturally into strong attacks
on a broad front, which the adversary can never totally prevent.
The author is convinced that, on the offense, the Beginners Game is absolutely the best
opening in chess! It always develops dangerous attacks, from an impressively large selection of
possible lines. A player of the Beginners Game is never at a loss finding ways to attack. Once an
attack starts, it is almost always effective in gaining space. These advances quickly produce
favorable positions from which any experienced player can apply his skills to obtain a decisive
advantage. So, the Beginners Game and its related system will also appeal to all players who like
to maintain pressure on their adversaries with an aggressive attack.
All these claims defy the imagination, but the evidence accumulated to date firmly supports
them. The Beginners Game and the B-system is simply the best system ever found for playing
chess, on defense, on offense, and in every other sense! At the same time its also the simplest!
One might guess that an easy to learn standard opening might result in dull games,
probably tending towards drawn results. Exactly the opposite is true - the Beginners Game and
the B-system openings result in brilliant games of superior quality, sparkling with possibility, and
rippling with danger. They are true showcases for virtuosity, and anyone who loves chess will
soon find himself in a hitherto unknown universe of fascination!
Characteristics of Play
The same characteristics of play are almost always evident with this system: the defense is
solid, and there are plenty of opportunities for attacking. These openings are therefore suitable
for attacking and defending players alike. On the defense, they offer little weakness, and a great
flexibility of options for the consolidation of a solid position. On the offence they are extremely
strong; regardless of how the adversary plays, powerful attacking lines are always present.
In games using the system, there is almost never a rout of a defensive position, or games in
which strong attacks after the opening are not present. Moreover, the losses recorded do not

Introduction 11

seem to result from any demonstrable weakness following the opening. Losses occur mostly
when the system player overexploits the natural strengths of the opening, and takes excessive
risks in an attempt to win. Good players should be quite familiar with this phenomenon: trying for
the win also increases your chances of losing - its just part of the game.
The basic aim of these openings, often achievable in practice, is to carry out essentially
preconceived developments, with minimal adaptations. This gives a player of the system real
advantages. He knows how to play within the familiar lines of his well-practiced opening, and he
is better prepared to respond to anything his opponent might do.
In playing an opening that goes according to plan, you are at the same time forcing your
opponent to play your game, and that is the basic strategy in any encounter. When your opponent
plays your game, your confidence improves and so does your quality of play. You know your own
game, with its risks and opportunities, so your decisions are better founded in experience.
A surprising, almost miraculous, aspect of the Beginners Game and many of the B-system
openings is that they can be usually be carried out in near complete tranquility. There is little that
the opponent can do to disrupt these openings. At best he can force exchanges of pawns or
pieces, or cause other minor damage which has minimal effect on the balance of the game.
Challenges All of Classical Chess Theory and Practice
The Beginners Game and many of the B-system openings confront any of the known
openings, without particular difficulty. In this sense they challenge all of classical chess.
Moreover, the general style of play in this system is very different from the guidelines for opening
play described in almost all books on chess written to date. You could say that the entire system
is conceptually opposed to conventional chess opening theory and practice.
To the degree that this new system has already proved successful against conventional
openings, it may be said to challenge virtually all of what has been practiced in the game of chess
until the present. It certainly challenges, and in large part refutes, much of what has been
expounded until now as sound rules for opening play.
In a thousand games the author has played this system, with a computer opponent of
professional strength, the Beginners Game and the better B-systems openings have proved to be
exceptionally strong. Playing the system with either white or black, there has been a consistently
large positive balance of wins. No adversary response has ever been found which could defeat
the standard opening in a series of games, and most of the strongest adversary defenses and
early attacks have already been tried. There is already a considerable amount of experimental
evidence confirming the validity of this system.

How Important is this Discovery?

The Beginners Game is the greatest discovery ever made in chess. But even this may be
an understatement, because this system, containing multitudes of strong new openings, may
eventually turn out to be comparable in significance to all of existing chess opening theory! It is
practically certain to change completely and irrevocably the entire practice of chess. In fact, its a
completely new game of chess that results, bearing little resemblance to all that has gone before!
Chess has been a principal intellectual pastime of modern civilization for hundreds of
years, and in this sense the Beginners Game and its related system must be considered as one of
the greatest discoveries in human history. This is not a self judgment; it is a simple logical
statement, whose truth is established once the system has proved its superiority in competition.
Although the validity of this system must be tested by extensive play and universal
acceptance, the preliminary findings are very encouraging indeed. Not only is it the easiest and
probably the best way to play the game that has ever been found, it is also quite possibly the
optimal way of playing the game. Optimal in the strong sense means that it is always capable of
producing a win or draw, when played correctly. It would take a tremendous amount of research
to test this hypothesis, but it could be done, and the final result might well be that it is true.
It is too soon to say if the Beginners Game and its related system will never meet its equal.
Perhaps millions of games must be played before we can begin to feel sure of that. But it is an
exciting theory, and in the meantime we can wonder whether the game of chess was really just a
puzzle, waiting all along to be solved. The Beginners Game could be that solution. If there exists
a solution to the game of chess, then most likely this is it.
Entering a New Era of Chess
Share the excitement and enthusiasm of the author as you discover for yourself this
amazingly strong, yet incredibly simple system of playing chess. Use it, and your game will
improve immediately and significantly. You will now be able to confront even the strongest
players and offer them a tough match.
The game of chess is no longer the preserve of a privileged few, with a rigid pecking order
among those devoted to playing it seriously. It is now a truly universal game that anyone can
learn to play well in a few weeks. This was a correction that was sorely needed in the sport, to
make it more accessible, and more balanced between players of different levels of expertise.
The openings books must be revised, but that is not all. The entire practice of chess is
about to undergo a dramatic revolution, experience a complete transformation, and enter a totally
new era. Be part of it - its the most interesting thing that ever happened to the dull old game!

The Beginner's Game 13

2.

The Beginners Game

(Note - if you are completely new to chess, then you will learn by playing all the moves in
the text on your own chess set. Read the appendix on move notation, or better yet, ask someone
who plays chess to explain the basic rules and move notation, and then come right back.)
The Beginners Game is a standard configuration that is achieved after eight moves. With
its symmetrical aspect, this configuration can be memorized at a glance. The standard position of
the Beginner's Game for both white and black is shown below:

Beginners Game With White

Beginners Game with Black

In the Beginner's Game four pawns are brought forward to the third rank: the queen and
king pawns, and the two knight pawns. Four pieces are placed on the second rank: the bishops in
the fianchetto position, and the knights in front of the king and queen. It is this position that all
players should reproduce in the opening eight moves. Beginners and most intermediate level
players should continue to play the standard opening until their general chess playing skills
improve significantly. More advanced players can move into B-system variants as soon as they
are confident that they understand and can exploit the natural strengths of the standard opening.
The Beginner's Game has proved very strong in competition, resulting in an impressively
large percentage of wins and draws. But perhaps the most interesting aspect of the Beginner's
Game is that, with few exceptions, this same opening position can be reached in most games,
with white or black, regardless of how the adversary plays. This makes it easy for everyone, even
beginners, to learn the opening and play it correctly.
Before concerning ourselves with what order of moves is used to open, or what our
opponent might be doing in the meantime, lets take a good look at this standard position.
The Beginners Game is like an across-the-board castled position, with all approaches to it
heavily protected. The entire front of the position is formed by pawns. Moreover, they are all in
pawn chains, defending each other, so they cannot be attacked by pieces. All the pieces are
placed behind the pawns, making them also very difficult to attack. The pieces are all active: the
bishops control the open long diagonals, and the knights control three forward squares each.
The queen and king are safe behind the strong pawn wall and the active pieces.

All pawns and pieces are well placed to co-operate in the defense. The deployment
executed in the first eight moves has placed all pawns and pieces in a very compact defensive
position; in fact it is one of the most compact deployments possible in chess. Since our position
is so compact, our adversary will have to spend additional moves to bring his forces into range to
attack. That will cost him time, and therefore loss of initiative.
The center of our position is extremely solid. The four squares in front of the position are
triply guarded, which minimizes the threat of frontal attack. As we shall see, most frontal attacks
succeed only in exchanging pawns, and even pawn exchanges can be avoided in most cases.
The only accessible undefended squares on our side of the board are our Knight 4 squares.
Here our opponent can place a bishop, pinning one of our knights. But the bishop can only stay
there momentarily - on any following move we can advance the rook pawn and oblige him to
either retreat or exchange with our knight. Neither option is advantageous for our opponent, so
this bishop placement is in general an empty threat. Similarly, an opponents knight placed on
the same square can generally be forced to retreat by our rook pawn advance.
In fact there are really no vulnerable points in our position. Our defense can respond to
any enemy incursion. We have also kept open options for castling, which can be performed
king-side, queen-side, or not at all. This makes it difficult for our opponent to orient his offense,
because he does not yet know where to attack!
Having achieved this standard position of the Beginners Game, we have the basis for
completing and consolidating our defense. We can be confident that our position will resist and
repel any adversary attack. We can now concentrate on offense.
The compact pawn structure with pieces placed behind them leaves a completely empty
field in front of our position. All of our pawns can advance, unhindered by pieces. These pawn
advances can continue to construct other pawn chains, always hard to attack. Our adversary
cannot prevent these pawn advances, whatever his position is, because they can be made on
such a broad front. And there are so many possible moves that he cannot know where we will
attack, and so cannot prepare for it. As we shall see, the Beginners Game attacks after the
opening, in almost every single game.
Our position is perfectly symmetric, which means that any co-ordinated pawn and piece
actions playable on one side can be played on the other. This mirror aspect benefits the system
player significantly, allowing him to transfer experience in play between sides. Considering also
that the Beginners Game is used for both white and black, and can be carried out in most games
without modifications, the result of all these factors is a dramatic reduction of the difficulty of the
chess game for all players of this opening, with a corresponding increase in the chance of playing
it well.

The Beginner's Game 15

Move Sequences
What is the correct sequence of moves to produce the standard position of the Beginners
Game? Actually, subject to the limitation that pawn moves must be performed prior to placement
of the pieces behind them, any of the possible orderings of pawn and piece movements are
playable. This results in a very large number of ways (exactly: 2280!) to play the opening, all
resulting in this same position after eight moves. Here are a few examples of move sequences to
produce the Beginner's Game: (the move notation is shown for white and black alternately).

Sequence P:
Pawns first, eg.
1. b3
2. d3
3. e3
4. g3
then pieces, eg.
5. Bb2
6. Ne2
7. Nd2
(576
8. Bg2 ways)

Sequence B
bishops first, eg.
1. b3
2. Bb2
3. g3
4. Bg2
then knights, eg.
5. e3
6. Ne2
7. d3
(36
8. Nd2 ways)

Sequence PtP:
Pawn then Piece,
eg.
1. b3
2. Bb2
3. e3
4. Ne2
3. d3
4. Nd2
7. g3
(24
8. Bg2 ways)

Sequence N:
Knights first, eg.
1. d6
2. Nd7
3. e6
4. Ne7
then bishops,eg.
5. g6
6. Bg7
7. b6
(36
8. Bb7 ways)
Sequence K:
K-side first, eg.
1. g6
2. e6
3. Bg7
4. Ne7
then Q-side, eg.
5. d6
6. Nd7
7. b6
(36
8. Bb7
ways)
All Sequences
contain the same
eight moves, just
in different order.
There are 2280
sequences of the
standard
opening, and all
of them are
playable!

Sequences of type P are easy to remember, and offer a large variety of move orderings.
Sequences of type B and N give priority to developing bishops or knights first, and have fewer
orderings. Sequences of type K develop the king side early, permitting early castling. Sequences
of type Q, developing the queen side first, and of type PtP, that bring out the pieces right after
moving the corresponding pawn, have generally proved to be very strong. There are also many
other types of sequences in addition to the thematic groups shown above.
One can go into any amount of detail on the possible move sequences to produce the
standard configuration of the Beginners Game, or the strengths or weaknesses of each with
regard to adversary play. The important thing to know is that all of the possible orderings are
playable. In a given game some sequences may be preferable to others, in the sense of forcing or
limiting the adversary's play. But in general, move sequence is just a matter of personal
preference - there is no best sequence for playing the standard opening.
Those who already play chess may be uncomfortable with the freedom of this near random
move ordering. Conventional chess openings have rigid move sequences, and even slight
modifications can change dramatically the games that result. In the Beginners Game, the order
of the first moves hardly matters at all. Anyone can and should try many different sequences.
Depending on which sequence is chosen, the Beginners Game is subject to different types
of adversary attacks at different times. Some attacks may constrain the choice of sequences, or
even force introduction of moves not normally used. But here again the system player is at an
advantage: he can vary his move sequences while still playing his standard opening, whereas his
opponent often tries to invent different responses, changing his game each time.
Those who already play chess will definitely be uncomfortable with the idea of playing the
same opening all the time. They will already be thinking of modifying the standard opening, so
that their opponents will not know in advance what they are going to play. Many interesting
variants of the standard opening exist, and will be discussed in detail later. The important thing is
that even if your opponent knows that you are playing the standard opening he can do little to
stop you, and whatever opening he plays, you will be able to confront it successfully. You can
even announce at the start that you will play the Beginners Game, it changes practically nothing.
It is another singular aspect of the Beginners Game that has never been seen before (and may
never be seen again) in any opening in chess.
What if your adversary's play prevents you from carrying out your standard opening? As it
turns out, there is little that he can do to attack or disrupt this opening, and only in a few rare
cases can you get into serious trouble during these first eight moves. Only minor modifications
to the standard position are made by your responses to these attacks, so your game doesnt really
change that much. Each of these early attacks also has a number of possible responses that you
can choose from, so your play will almost never be forced by your adversary.
A quick overview of the early attacks is given in the following diagrams. We will discuss
these attacks and the possible ways to respond to them in more detail later on.

The Beginner's Game 17

Center Pawn Attack

Your opponent advances a center pawn
past the middle of the board, challenging
one of your center pawns.
You can usually advance the attacked
center pawn, exchange pawns, or in many
cases, even ignore the attack.
Fianchetto Attack
Your opponent starts a fianchetto opening
before you do. Here you can wait for him
to block the diagonal with his own knight
or pawns, which often occurs, or block the
diagonal yourself, with a bishop pawn as
shown here, a center pawn, or your knight.
Any blocking moves that you perform will
result in a variant of the standard opening.
Bishop Pin Attack
Your opponent attacks your king or queen
with his bishop. Here you can block the
attack by your normal knight move. If he
exchanges his bishop for your knight then
your queen recaptures.
You can also
drive the bishop off with rook or bishop
pawn advances.
Queen and Bishop Attack
Your opponent aligns his queen with his
bishop, threatening to bring his bishop to
your Rook 3 square, and force you to
exchange.
You can either advance your rook pawn to
shut down the attack, or wait for his
bishop to come down, and then exchange.

Example Pc:
1.
e4
d6
2.
d4
b6
3.
Nf3 Nd7
4.
Bc4 e6
5.
d5

Example Bf:
1.
d4
d6
2.
g3
b6
3.
Bg2 c6

Example Bp:
1.
e4
g6
2.
d4
d6
3.
Nf3 Bg7
4.
Bc4 e6
5.
Bg5 Ne7

Example Q&B:
1.
e4
g6
2.
d4
d6
3.
Nf3 Bg7
4.
Bc4 e6
5.
Bg5 Ne7
6.
Qd2 Nd7
7.
Bh6 O-O

Example Pr:
1.
e4
2.
d4
3.
Nf3
4.
h4

Example N&B:
1.
e4
g6
2.
Nf3 d6
3.
Bc4 Bb7
4.
d4
Nd6
5.
Bxg7+

g6
d6
Bg7
h6

Rook Pawn Attack

Your opponent advances a rook pawn,
threatening to dislodge your bishop, or
exchange with your knight pawn.
You can counter by advancing the rook
pawn one or two squares, or react in
various other ways.
Knight and Bishop Attack
Your opponent uses his knight and bishop
to attack your bishop pawn or the center
pawn beside it, usually on the king side.
You can usually shut down the attack by
advancing the center pawn or the rook
pawn on the attacked side.

All of these attacks and the possible ways of handling them will be dealt with in more
complete detail later on. What you should know now is that none of these attacks are particularly
effective. They may put you under psychological pressure, but if you deal with them correctly,
none of them can win material, seriously threaten your king or queen, or gain any real advantage.
In most cases they result in delayed development and loss of initiative for your opponent.
In the many hundreds of games the author has played the standard opening against a
computer opponent of master level, these early attacks were used in a relatively small
minority of games; that is a good commentary on their value. It would seem that your opponent
has a better game if he concentrates on his own development rather than trying to disrupt yours;
so you will often be able to complete your Beginners Game without modifications. If you
complete the standard opening, you will have a solid defensive position and many good lines for
attacking, no matter what your opponent has played in the meantime.

The Beginner's Game 19

Adversary Openings
Now we take a look at some typical responses of the adversary. These are opening
positions of some of the games we will play thru in the next section, using the standard opening.

Game 3

Game 5

Game 7

Game 15

Game 17

Game 19

Adversary Openings
(White Plays the Beginners Game)

During the opening our opponent has been left to pursue his development in the almost
complete absence of threats from our side. The deployments that he makes, in his near total
freedom to compose them, are usually perfect classical formations, typically with two or three
advanced center pawns, bishops and knights optimally placed, the king castled, and the queen
relocated. In almost all cases the adversary places an impressive mass of material in the center.

In all games our opponent claims far more space on the chessboard than does the ultra
compact Beginners Game. He appears to have absolute control of the center; he certainly
occupies it, and we dont. He is also attacking far more on our side than we are on his: only our
bishops are doing this a bit. He seems poised to pour over the center of the chessboard with an
overwhelming attack. Classical chess would rate our opponent a solid favorite at this point. A
classical player would feel certain to have thoroughly crushed his timid opponent in the opening.

Game 4

Game 6

Game 12

Game 14

Game 16
Adversary Openings
(Black Plays the Beginners Game)

Game 18

The Beginner's Game 21

It was the dream of classical chess to dominate the center so thoroughly in the opening as
in any of these examples. Such successful deployments are virtually impossible to achieve in
conventional chess; against us they can be played with almost no resistance. The Beginners
Game always plays against the strongest possible opposition, this much is certain. Our opponent
is always doing the maximum that anyone can possibly achieve in the chess opening.
All of the adversary deployments shown in these examples above are evidently valid, and
obviously very strong. In fact, all of them are stronger than any openings that have normally been
playable in chess until the present! As we play our standard moves, we watch as our opponent
builds one of these impressive positions; but we are not particularly concerned. Formidable as
they appear, none of them will prove to have any real advantage over the Beginner's Game!
Now we present two complete games using the standard opening, one with white and one
with black. In both games the player of the Beginners Game is able to complete his standard
opening, has good play afterwards, and produces a victory.

Game 1: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2
g3
Bg2
e3
Ne2

e5
Nc6
d5
Nf6
Bd6
O-O
Bg4
Qd7

This game was the authors first win with

the Beginners Game against a top
strength computer opponent. Its nothing
brilliant, just a straightforward victory.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

h3
Qxe2
a3
O-O
f4

Bxe2
a5
Bc5
Rfd8
...

White advances both rook pawns, castles

and advances the bishop pawn - a typical
continuation of the Beginners Game.
Black exchanges his bishop for a knight,
improving the placement of whites queen.

13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

...
Rxf4
d4
Rf3
b4

exf4
Qe6
Bd6
a4
Nxb4

After the exchange of pawns, white starts

moving forward on the queen side.

18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

axb4
Ba3
Rxa3
Ra1
Raf1
Rf5
Nb3
Re1

Bxb4
Bxa3
Qe7
a3
Rd6
a2
Re6
c6

White exchanges bishops, and stops the

rook pawn from advancing to promotion.
Black missed a better line with 19..Bc3, but
even with that he doesnt regain equality.

Black has a perfect classical deployment,

controlling the center with pawns and
pieces aggressively poised. Black is
strong; white has not yet begun to fight!

White is developing in a regular and

coordinated manner; black is not able to
halt his push, or find counter attacks.

Black here offers to sacrifice a piece for

two pawns, with his passed rook pawn
threat in compensation for the material
disadvantage.

White explores an attack with two rooks

on the open bishop file. In spite of his
obligation to double protect the queening
square, white keeps all his pieces active.

The Beginner's Game 23

Now follows a phase in which most of the

pieces are exchanged. It shows how
quickly material can be traded down from
this opening. The trades help white, since
the material advantage is in his favor.
White offers to exchange for the advanced
rook pawn; blacks rook can no longer
protect all of his queen side pawns!

White snaps up another pawn, then forces

black to exchange his advanced pawn by
developing a advanced pawn himself.
Whites strategy from this point will be to
exchange rooks, then cash in his knight
for the isolated pawn, leaving blacks king
too far away to intervene on the king side.

Whites knight takes Blacks passed pawn,

but black doesnt have time to recapture!
Blacks king gets back, but cannot prevent
the loss of his remaining pawns.

White mates easily, with 2 queens.

66. Ng3 Kf6
75. h7
Kxg4
67. h5
Ke6
76. h8=Q Kf3
68. h6
Kf7
77. f6
Ke4
69. Nxf5 Kg8
78. f7
Kd3
70. Ke5 Kh8
79. f8=Q Kc4
71. Ke6 Kg8
80. Qd6 Kb3
72. Ne3 Kh7
81. Qc8 Ka2
73. Ng4 Kg6
82. Qb6 Ka3
74. f5+ Kg5
83. Qa8++

26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

Rff1
c3
Na1
Bxe4
Rf4
exf4
Rxe2
Kf2
h4
cxd4
Rb2

b6
Ra3
Ne4
Rxe4
Rxf4
Qxe2
h5
c5
cxd4
Ra4
Ra6

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.

Rb5
Rxd5
Re5
d5
d6
Re2
d7
Rxa2
Rb2
Nb3

g6
Kf8
Ra4
Ra7
b5
b4
Rxd7
Ke7
Rd1
Kd6

47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.

Rd2+
Nxd2
Ke2
Kf3
Nb3
Na5
Nc6
Na5
Nc4+
Nxb2

Rxd2+
Kc5
Kd4
Kd3
Kc3
Kd2
b3
b2
Kc3
Kd4

57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.

g4
Kd5
gxh5 gxh5
Nd3 f5
Ke3 Kd6
Kd4 Ke6
Nf2 Kf6
Nh1 Ke6
Ng3 Kf6
Nxh5+ Ke6

Game 2: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

c4
Nc3
e4
d4
Nf3
Bd3
Bf4
Qe2

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

O-O-O e5
dxe5 dxe5
Be3 Nc6
Bc2 O-O
Ba4 Nd4
Nxd4 exd4
Bxd4 Bxd4
Rxd4 Qg5+
Rd2 Qxg2

But appearances are misleading - it is not

white, but black, that attacks! Black gains
space and makes a quick series of
exchanges that shatters whites impressive
center and neutralizes all his threats.

18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

Qf1
Rxf1
Bc2
Rxd8
Rd1
Kxd1

Qxf1+
Nc5
Rad8
Rxd8
Rxd1+
Ne6

Queens and rooks are exchanged, and it is

still an even contest, but white now has some
weakness in his pawn structure.

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

Nd5
Nxc7
Kxc2
Kc3
Nb5
cxb5
Kd4
Kd5

Nd4
Nxc2
Bxe4+
Bc6
Bxb5
Kf8
Ke7
Kd7

Black exchanges the remaining pieces

neatly, resulting in a doubled pawn, which
cripples whites queen side majority.

b6
e6
g6
Ne7
Bg7
d6
Nd7
Bb7

Black plays the Beginners Game, with one

of its numerous opening sequences.
White has a formidable development with
three pawns and all pieces aggressively
placed in the center. He follows with a
Q-side castle, to intensify his attack. Such
overwhelming control of the center has
never been seen before in chess!

Materially, there is equality at this point,

but black has clearly seized the initiative.

Blacks position is compact and harmonious.

All the exchanges have left it perfectly intact.

The kings now begin their maneuvers, and

it is black who has the opposition, and
what is already looking like a win.

The Beginner's Game 25

On the queen side whites damaged

majority cannot advance. On the king
side, the timing is close, but black is able
to produce a game winning passed pawn
with his pawn sacrifice.

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.

a4
Ke5
b4
Kf5
a5
h3
f4
Kxf4
h4
Kg5

g5
Ke7
f6+
Kf7
h6
h5
gxf4
Ke6
f5
Ke5

Blacks pawn is going in; white can queen

his pawn as well, but loses it immediately
after white checks on g1 and then h1.

42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.

Kxh5
Kg4
h5
Kg3
axb6
h6

f4
Ke4
f3
Ke3
axb6
f2

48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.

Kg2
Kh3
Kg4
h7
h8=Q
Kf5
Kg5
Kh4
Kh5
Kh4

Ke2
f1=Q+
Qf6
Ke3
Qxh8
Qe8
Qe6
Kf4
Qd6
Qh6++

Its all over except for the mating exercise.

With his queen advantage, black mates

quickly and easily.

Like many other games we shall see, this one shows how with incisive play following the standard
opening, an experienced player is able to reduce even the most aggressive defenses to disarray.
The middle game often proves quite intense, with highly complex combinations involving many
exchanges. Against any defense there are always a number of playable and promising lines.
The endgame is very often favorable for the player of the standard opening, with the pawns being
relatively advanced and usually remaining in chains or other good structures.

3.

Continuing Play After the Opening

The Beginners Game is a fixed position reached after eight moves. Here we present a
general summary of what often follows, to give you an idea of how to play on an additional five to
eight moves after the standard opening. Excerpts are taken from the games in the next section.
The player of the Beginners Game normally begins attacking right after the standard
opening. Many of the first attacking moves are pawn advances. The rook pawns are often the
first to be moved. If your opponent has placed a bishop in the center, your knight pawn then often
advances, forcing it to retreat. Bishop pawn double advances are most frequently used to
challenge the opponent's center, although center pawn advances are always strong as well.
Castling is usually done in the first moves after the opening, often before challenging the center.
Game 1: White plays five of the most commonly seen continuation moves of the Beginners
Game, advancing both rook pawns, exchanging knight for bishop, and castling. White then
attacks with a bishop pawn double advance, striking at the center, and opening the bishop file.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2
g3
Bg2
e3
Ne2

e5
d5
Nf6
Nc6
Bd6
O-O
Bg4
Qd7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

h3
Qxe2
a3
O-O
f4

Bxe2
a5
Bc5
Rfd8

The knights are usually active in the first moves following the opening. The most frequent
knight moves are relocations to bishop 3 or 4, or knight 3, and exchanges in the center. Knights
often succeed in exchanging with opponents bishops, especially when they are on the sixth rank.
Game 20: Black advances both rook pawns, then strikes the king side of the center with e5
and f5. He castles, and relocates his knights, bringing them both into the attack. Black gains
space, and limits his opponents mobility. He can now exchange his knight for a bishop.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
Nf3
e4
Nc3
Be3
Bd3
O-O
Re1

d6
b6
g6
Bg7
Bb7
Nd7
e6
Ne7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Qd2
Bc4
d5
Bb3
Qd3
Rad1
exf5
Nd2

h6
a6
e5
f5
O-O
Nf6
Nxf5
b5

Continuing Play After the Opening 27

Deciding how and when to strike at the center is a critical aspect of play after the opening.
The opponent usually occupies the center heavily with pawns and pieces. You can challenge only
with well calculated moves. You must see the resulting board positions, not only if pawns are
exchanged, but also if your opponent advances his attacked pawn, or piles up on yours. Central
pawn exchanges usually serve to blunt an opponents attack, and prepare for a longer series of
exchanges. Beginners should avoid the more complicated exchanges in the center until they can
calculate the resulting positions with reasonable accuracy.
Game 4: Black castles, and pushes a rook pawn, then strikes at whites center, attacking his
well defended square e4. Black avoids a central pawn exchange, and instead advances his solo
pawn and gives check. After the exchanges blacks position is good; his bishops are very strong.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

c4
Nc3
e4
d4
Nf3
Bd3
O-O
Bf4

b6
e6
g6
Ne7
Bg7
d6
Bb7
Nd7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

Qa4
Rad1
Be2
e5
Bc1
Be3
exd6
dxe7
Rxf2

O-O
h6
f5
g5
a6
f4
fxe3
exf2+
Qxe7

Game 6: Black strikes immediately at the center with e5, forcing white to retreat. He then
exchanges with the queen pawn, stopping whites center threats. Black castles and brings his
knight forward, then advances his queen side pawns. All blacks pieces are well placed and active.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
c4
e4
Nc3
g3
Bf4
Bg2
Nf3

e6
b6
Bb7
Ne7
g6
Bg7
d6
Nd7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

O-O
Be3
Nxd4
Rc1
Qe2
Ndb5
Na3

e5
exd4
O-O
Ne5
c5
a6
Qd7

In the Beginners Game, the bishops are already very well placed in their fianchetto
positions, and rarely move right after the opening, unless they are exchanged with opposing
fianchettoed bishops, or with knights in their usual placements on Bishop 3. The adversary often
forces exchange of bishops in the queen and bishop attack. Bishop captures in the center usually
occur as part of a series of exchanges somewhat later on.

Game 7: White castles, and immediately challenges the center with e4. He trades bishops,
then maneuvers his knights to make favorable exchanges. White now pushes for the endgame; he
is in better shape, with his solid pawn structure, and quality advantage (bishop versus knight).

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
e3
Ne2
Bb2
g3
Bg2
d3
Nd2

e5
Nf6
d5
Bd6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Be6

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

O-O
e4
Bxh3
exd5
Nc3
Bxc3
Nc4
Nxd6

Qd7
Bh3
Qxh3
Nxd5
Nxc3
Qd7
b5
Qxd6

Queen moves following the opening are used either to relocate the queen nearby, or to
recapture when your opponent exchanges his bishop for one of your knights. The most common
queen relocation is to Queen Bishop 2, with Queen 2 and King 2 secondary preferences. Queen
sorties are not often seen right after the opening. If the queen does go out soon after the
opening, it is usually for a queen exchange, or to support attacks already underway.
Game 15: White first castles, then expands on the queen side, in spite of blacks
concentration of forces there. Whites queen relocation to c2 is typical. After repelling black on
the queen side, white starts to attack on the king side. The exchange of bishop for knight gives
up whites strong fianchetto, but is effective in reducing blacks potential to attack.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
Ne2
g3
Bg2
d3
Nd2

d5
e5
Bd6
Nf6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Qa5

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

O-O
c4
a3
Qc2
b4
Nb3
f4
Bxc6

Be6
d4
Bf5
Rfe8
Qb6
Nd7
Bg6
Qxc6

Castling is usually performed in the 5-8 moves immediately following the standard opening.
The king side castle is always easier and safer; but the defensive strength of the Beginners Game
allows more risks to be taken. The queen side castle, which is almost always possible, is therefore
a more attractive option than in classical chess. A queen side castle will intensify an attack on
your opponents king side; most of the pieces and all the king side pawns can participate in what
can develop into an overwhelming assault. If you are confident that you are a better player than
your opponent, then definitely you should experiment with the queen side castle.

Continuing Play After the Opening 29

Game 9: White follows his standard opening with knight relocations and exchanges. The
bishop is used to recapture, then returns to its initial position. White now finds a very sharp
continuation - from this position he offers a splendid gambit by castling queen side!

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
g3
d3
Bg2
Bb2
Ne2
Nd2

e5
Nf6
d5
Bd6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Be6

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Nc3
Nce4
Bxe4
Bg2
fxe3
Qe2
Qxe3

d4
Nxe4
f5
dxe3
f4
fxe3
Qa5

Even from a king side castle, the king side pawns are typically advanced to use them in the
attack. These advances are more natural from the fianchetto position, as they are supported by
the bishop. Here is another strength of the Beginners Game, that the castled position pawns also
participate actively in the attack, whereas in classical chess these pawns have a purely defensive
role. The king is more active as well, advancing to defend his pawns, and mobilize his rooks on
the back rank. In all sharper play, stronger attacks are generated by taking more risks, including
that of exposing the king somewhat.
Rook placements in the Beginners Game are similar to those usually seen in conventional
chess. The rook placements on Queen 1 and King 1 are frequently seen, but so also are those on
Bishop 1. Rook placements opposite the adversary queen are as always, among the strongest.
Game 8: Black castles, and advances the queen side pawns. He then maneuvers his knight
down field, and takes out a white bishop. Blacks position expands naturally, as white continually
loses mobility. Blacks bishops are strong on the diagonals; his rooks are now on active squares.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Nf3
Nc3
e3
Bd3
O-O
b3
Bb2
Qe2

d6
e6
Ne7
Nd7
b6
g6
Bg7
Bb7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

e4
Ba3
Qe3
Rad1
Bb2
a3
Rb1
Ne1
exf5
f4
Qxd3
Kh1

O-O
a6
c5
b5
Nc6
Nd4
f5
Ne5
exf5
Nxd3
Re8
Rc8

In Summary the typical moves after the standard opening are:

Rook pawn single advances

Bishop pawn double advances

Center pawn single advances

Knight pawn single advances

Knight relocations to Bishop 3, Bishop 4, or Knight 3

Queen relocation to Queen Bishop 2, or Queen 2, or King 2

Castle king side, or queen side

Rook relocations to Queen Bishop 1, or Queen 1, or King 1

Center pawn and piece exchanges

Even with an easy to learn system like the Beginners game, one cannot reduce play after
the opening to a simplistic sequence of habitual moves. But some moves occur so frequently in
games, that players of all levels should look first at selecting from this usual set. Below are two
suggested move sets for use after the opening, one for beginners and one for better players.
Better players can learn quickly the most effective move sequences to counter different
general categories of adversary defenses, and so prepare most anticipated lines up to 15 moves
into the game. Beginners should concentrate on consolidating and then maintaining a coherent
defense, with only occasional attempts at attacking, when they see the opportunity.
Move Set for Beginners
Push one or both rook pawns
Castle king side
Push knight pawn if bishop can be attacked
Push queen bishop pawn
Relocate queen to Queen Bishop 2
Relocate one or both knights
Relocate rook to Queen 1 or King 1
Avoid center pawn exchanges
Keep pawns mostly in chains

Move Set for Better Players

Push one rook pawn
Push bishop pawn or center pawn
Relocate one or both knights
Relocate queen
King or queen side castle
Center pawn exchanges
Relocate rooks

The Beginner's Game in Action 31

4.

The Beginners Game in Action

Now we present, including the two you have already seen, twenty complete games using
the standard opening, alternating playing with white and black. A wide variety of defenses to the
Beginners Game are used in this interesting collection. In this context defense is used to mean
any response to the standard opening other than early attack, whether played with white or black.
Watch in these games how the player of the Beginners Game is able to carry out his
standard opening, while the opponent builds a strong defense. Notice the great diversity of
defenses that are possible. Study carefully the moves made immediately following the standard
opening, to get a feel for how to continue play with the system after the first eight moves.
All games were played at master level, so they should be free from errors, with the more
promising lines having been chosen by both players throughout. They are all good examples of
chess being played well from start to finish, and can provide you with many valuable ideas of how
to exploit the strengths of the standard opening as you progress into the middle and endgames.
In all these games the player of the Beginners Game either wins or draws. These opening
positions do not necessarily lead to the same results, of course. Losses also occur, but they have
not been included here, because we are still learning to play with the basic system. In later
chapters we will address the topic of playing against the Beginners Game.
Work carefully thru these games, before reading on in the book. It is essential that you
develop familiarity with the standard opening, the type of defenses used against it, and the play
that results, especially right after the opening. Every effort you make to understand these games
will add to your ability to play the system accurately and successfully. Attack!

Game 3: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d3
g3
Bg2
b3
Bb2
Nd2
e3
Ne2

g6
Bg7
Nf6
O-O
c5
Nc6
d5
e5

White plays the Beginners Game, with one

of the many possible opening sequences.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

O-O
dxe4
Bxg7
Nxe4
Qxd8
Bxe4

e4
Nxe4
Kxg7
dxe4
Rxd8
Rd2

Black starts the attack, but after a rapid

series of exchanges, soon finds himself a
pawn down. Black tries to recuperate the
lost pawn by attacking with his rook.

15.
16.
17.
18.

Nc3
Rad1
Rxd1
Nxe4

Bf5
Rxd1
Bxe4
b6

After more exchanges, black is still a pawn

down, and white keeps the initiative, with
control of the open queen file.

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Rd6
Rd7
Ng5
Rxa7
Rb7
Rxb6
Ne4
Rb5
Rxc5
Nxc5

Nb4
Kg8
Rf8
Nxc2
Nb4
Nxa2
Rc8
f5
Rxc5
Kf7

White feints an attack on the king side,

then cleans out all blacks queen side
pawns. After the rooks are exchanged,
white is two pawns up, and has the game
in hand. That was quick!

Black has a powerful development with a

three pawn center, and the king bishop in
fianchetto: one of many effective classical
defenses to the Beginners Game.

The Beginner's Game in Action 33

Whites king moves over to support his

passed pawn. Black does what he can to
oppose him, but the material difference
doesnt permit him to intervene for long.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

f3
Kf2
f4
exf4
Ke3
Nd3
Kd2
Kc3
h4

Nb4
g5
gxf4
Ke7
Kd6
Nc2+
Nd4
Nf3
Kd5

White cashes in the passed pawn, and

then concentrates on his king side
majority. Accurate play forces black into
retreat.

38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.

b4
Nc1
b5
Nb3+
Nd4+
Nxf5
Kd3
Ne3
Kd4
f5+
Nc4+

Nh2
Ng4
Kc5
Kxb5
Kc5
Nf6
h5
Kd6
Ke6
Kd6
Ke7

White now cleans up on the king side, and

prepares to advance his pawns towards
promotion.

49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.

Ke5 Nd7+
Kf4 Kf6
Ne3 Nb6
g4
hxg4
Nxg4+Kf7
h5
Kg8
f6
Nd7
Kf5 Nf8
Ne5 Kh7
Ng6 Nd7

White mates quickly, with two queens:

69. Qb3+ Kxe5
70. f7
Kd4
71. f8=Q Ke5
72. Qe3+ Kd5
73. Qfc5++

59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.

Kg5 Kg8
h6
Nc5
Kf5 Nb7
Ne5 Nd8
Kg6 Kf8
h7
Nf7
Nxf7 Ke8
h8=Q+ Kd7
Ne5+ Kd6
Qb8+ Kd5

Game 4: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

c4
Nc3
e4
d4
Nf3
Bd3
O-O
Bf4

b6
e6
g6
Ne7
Bg7
d6
Bb7
Nd7

Black plays the Beginners Game, using a

sequence completing the king side early.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

Qa4
Rad1
Be2
e5
Bc1
Be3
exd6
dxe7
Rxf2

O-O
h6
f5
g5
a6
f4
fxe3
exf2+
Qxe7

White looks to attack on the queen side,

but instead gets pushed back on the king
side. Black launches his castled position
pawns into the attack - rarely seen this
early in classical chess, but a common
theme in
continuing play from the
standard opening.

18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

h3
Rff1
hxg4
Nh2
d5
Kxf1
Kg1
Kh1

h5
g4
hxg4
c5
Rxf1+
Rf8+
Bd4+
Ne5

A few more moves, and black has a

serious assault on whites king side with
the participation of all his pieces, and a
dangerous advanced pawn.

26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

Ne4 Rf4
Ng3 exd5
Rf1 Rxf1+
Bxf1 dxc4
Bxc4+ Nxc4
Qxc4+Kh8

Following further trades, black retains his

double bishop attack on whites king. The
endgame superiority of bishop over knight
is here quite evident.

White uses a powerful classical opening,

with three advanced pawns and all pieces
aggressively poised in the center.
Despite whites impressive deployment, it
is blacks Beginners Game that seizes and
maintains the initiative.

Both sides seize the chance to send solo

pawns ripping thru the defenses.

Blacks king is highly exposed - he has

committed everything to the attack!

Blacks isolated king is very vulnerable

however, and his subsequent play makes
this critical.

The Beginner's Game in Action 35

Black chooses a very sharp line which

leaves his king completely open, and
white seizes the opportunity to attack.

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.

Qf1
Nf5
Qf2
Nxg4
Nf6+
Nh4+
Ne8+
Qg3+
Nd6
Qxg2

Bxb2
Qe6
Kh7
Qxa2
Kg6
Kg7
Kg8
Kf8
Bxg2+
Qa1+

Queens are exchanged, and the advance

of blacks pawns begins. It appears they
can reach promotion, especially since the
white king is far away.

42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.

Qg1
Nhf5
Qxa1
Ne4
Ne3
Nc5

b5
b4
Bxa1
c4
c3
a5

Whites knights slow the pawn advance,

and succeed in exchanging one knight for
the bishop and a pawn.

48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.

Nb3
Nxa1
Nac2
Kg2
Kf3
Ke2
Nxc2

a4
b3
Ke7
Kd6
Kc5
bxc2
Kc4

55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

Ne3+
Kd3
Nc2
Na1+
Nc2
Nxa1
Nxc2

Kb3
a3
a2
Kb2
a1=Q
c2
drawn

Black has to sacrifice a bishop to get out

of trouble. The situation is then even
materially, still it is black that threatens
more, with three powerful passed pawns.

Can black now find a way to promote one

of the remaining pawns?

Hard luck! Black has to settle for a draw.

Even so, black kept the initiative from start
to finish, and kept his adversary under
severe pressure the entire game!

Game 5: Beginners Game with White:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
Ne2
g3
Bg2
d3
Nd2

e5
d5
Nc6
Nf6
Be7
O-O
Bg4
d4

This game shows how easy it is for the

player of the Beginners Game to chose
the open or closed nature of the contest.
Here the author with white quickly closes
the center, and finally earns a draw against
his top strength computer rival.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

e4
Qxe2
a3
Bxc3
Nf3
h3
O-O
h4
Bh3
Qe1

Bxe2
Bb4
Bc3
dxc3
Qd6
Nd7
Rfe8
a5
Nc5
Nd4

White has no trouble closing and holding

the center. A few pieces are traded, and
the resulting position is fairly stable.

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Nxd4
Kg2
Rh1
b4
Rb1
Rxb4
Bxe6
Qe3
Qg5
Qe3

Qxd4
Ne6
a4
c5
cxb4
Qc5
Rxe6
Qe7
f6
Rea6

White keeps the game closed.

He
exchanges his remaining bishop for the
knight - with almost all the pawns still on
the board, knights are more dangerous.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

Rhb1
f4
f5
h5
Qc1
Qg1
Qe3
h6

Rb8
b6
b5
Rb7
Qc5
Qc6
Ra8
Rc8

White proposes to exchange queens, but

black refuses. All the while white gains
space on the king side, and now threatens
to break open blacks castled position.

Black uses a classical 2 pawn center

game, and initiates an attack as white
completes his standard opening.

The closed game is the safe option when

using the Beginners Game against a
stronger opponent, as was the case here.

Facing a superior opponent, white is

content to trade down, keeping the game
even and under control. What can black
do to about it?

The Beginner's Game in Action 37

But blacks position is not that easy to

attack. White does not commit further, he
is content with a draw.
The to-and-fro movements of the pieces
confirm that neither player is willing or
able to force the situation.

A few more moves, and it is obvious that

neither side will be able to produce any
decisive advantage from the position. A
draw is agreed.

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.

Rh1
g4
Rxh6
Rh4
Kg3
Kf3
Rh1
Rh4

45. Rh6
46. Rh4
47. Qf2
48. Rh6
49. Rb1
50. Rb4
51. Rh1
drawn

Kh8
gxh6
Rg8
Qd6
Rc7
Rd7
Rb7
Rf7

Rfg7
Qc6
Rb8
Rc8
Rf8
Rff7
Qd6

Game 6: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
c4
e4
Nc3
g3
Bf4
Bg2
Nf3

e6
b6
Bb7
Ne7
g6
Bg7
d6
Nd7

Black plays the Beginners Game. White

has a powerful opening featuring a three
pawn center and aligned bishops. He is
poised for a massive queen side attack.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

O-O
Be3
Nxd4
Rc1
Qe2
Ndb5
Na3

e5
exd4
O-O
Ne5
c5
a6
Qd7

White takes time to castle, and black

attacks! A pawn is exchanged, and
whites pieces are forced into retreat.

16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

f3
Bh3
Qd2
Bf4
Bg2
h3
Rcd1
Bxe5

f5
Rae8
Qd8
N7c6
Nd4
Qd7
b5
Bxe5

White looks for counterplay, but black still

maintains the initiative. His forward knight
and strong bishop and rook placements
keep white from regaining the upper hand.

24.
25.
26.
27.

f4
exf5
Nd5
fxg6

Bg7
b4
bxa3
hxg6

White loses a piece for a pawn, and tries to

consolidate his position. He has trouble
defending and finding any counter play.

But such impressive deployments do not

overwhelm the Beginners Game - its
tough!

Black always moves forward; his knights

are active and his bishops gain in strength
as the long diagonals are cleared.

Black now threatens with a pawn fork of

the knights, and is also in position to
attack the king side with all of his pieces.

Blacks pieces are all poised for the attack.

The Beginner's Game in Action 39

The rook incursion and exchanges after it

worsen whites game - he goes a full piece
down, and black keeps up the pressure.

28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

b3
Qd3
Rf2
Qxf5
g4
Rd2
f5
gxf5
Rxd2

Re2
Qf5
Rfe8
Nxf5
Nd4
Kh7
gxf5
Rxd2
Nxf5

White exchanges knight for bishop, trying

to win the rook pawn, but only gets into
more trouble.

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

Nf6+
Bxb7
Rd3
Kf1
Kf2
Kg3
Rd2
Rd1
Bc6

Bxf6
Bc3
Bd4+
Ne3+
Nc2+
Nb4
Bc3
Nxa2
Re1

Rooks are exchanged, and black advances

his pawn for promotion. There is nothing
white can do about it, other than resign.

46.
47.
48.
49.

Rxd6
Kf2
Kxe1
Kd2

Be5+
Bxd6
Nc3
a2

A devastating win with black for the brand

new and amazing Beginners Game!

50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

Kxc3
Kd2
Ke3
Kf3
Ke3
h4
b4
Kf2
h5
Kg1
b5

a1=Q+
Qf1
Qe1+
Qh1+
Qxc6
Kg6
Kf5
Qe4
Kg4
Kf3
Qb1++

Black now has the game won, his passed

pawn can no longer be stopped.

Game 7: Beginners Game with White:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
e3
Ne2
Bb2
g3
Bg2
d3
Nd2

e5
Nf6
d5
Bd6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Be6

White plays the Beginners Game in a

straightforward manner, exchanging when
possible and maintaining equality until the
end, where he emerges a tempo ahead.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

O-O
e4
Bxh3
exd5
Nc3
Bxc3
Nc4
Nxd6

Qd7
Bh3
Qxh3
Nxd5
Nxc3
Qd7
b5
Qxd6

Three pieces are exchanged quickly,

completely disarming blacks game. He
never developed any threat.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

f4
fxe5
Bxd4
Kh1
Qf3
Qf2
Rae1

Nd4
Qxe5
Qxd4+
Rae8
Re3
f6
Rfe8

The remaining minor pieces are traded,

and white sets up to trade off the rooks
and queens as well.

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Rxe3
Re1
Kg1
Qxe1
Qxe5

Rxe3
Qd5+
Rxe1+
Qe5
fxe5

All the remaining pieces are exchanged,

and it becomes a classic pawn endgame.

Black plays the superlative 3 pawn

standard classical defense, with all pieces
optimally placed on his third rank.

Blacks queen incursion on h3 only looks

dangerous - if black then plays Ng4, white
covers with Nf3.

White decides the character of the contest:

its a race to the endgame, and white is in
better shape, with his queen side majority.

Black repairs his disadvantage somewhat,

by bringing a pawn towards the center to
slow whites queen side pawns.

The Beginner's Game in Action 41

Center pawns are exchanged; the situation

remains balanced. White has only a slight
advantage, but its enough: its his move.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

c3
Kf2
Ke3
cxb4
Ke4
h3
d4
Kxd4

Kf7
Ke6
b4
cxb4
h5
g6
exd4
Kf5

Both take out the others king side pawns;

whites king is then better positioned.

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.

Kd5
gxh4
Ke6
Kf6
Kxg6
Kf5
Ke4
Kd4

h4
Kf4
Kg3
Kxh4
Kxh3
Kg3
Kf2
a5

Whites king gets to the queen side first,

capturing both of blacks pawns. Whites
pawn pair can no longer be stopped.

45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.

Kc5
Kb5
Kxa5
Ka4
Kxb4
a4
a5+
Ka4
b4+
b5+

Ke3
Kd4
Kc5
Kb6
Kc6
Kb6
Kc6
Kc5
Kc6
Kc5

White once again mates with two queens.

55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.

b6
Kc6
Kb4 Kb7
Kb5 Kc8
a6
Kd7
a7
Ke6
a8=Q Ke5
Qf3 Kd6
Qf5 Ke7
b7
Kd6
b8=Q+ Ke7
Qbf8++

White has effectively retained his opening

move advantage thru the entire game!

White won the game in a nearly effortless

manner, trading down at every occasion
until the end!

Game 8: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Nf3
Nc3
e3
Bd3
O-O
b3
Bb2
Qe2

d6
e6
Ne7
Nd7
b6
g6
Bg7
Bb7

Black plays the Beginners Game, against

a hypermodern opening by white. Neither
side occupies the center, its completely
empty.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

e4
Ba3
Qe3
Rad1
Bb2
a3
Rb1
Ne1
exf5
f4

O-O
a6
c5
b5
Nc6
Nd4
f5
Ne5
exf5
Nxd3

Black follows the standard opening by

naturally expanding his position while
white continues to lose mobility.

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Qxd3
Kh1
Rf2
a4
Na2
Qc4+
Qf1
Ba1
Bb2
d3

Re8
Rc8
Rc7
b4
Rce7
Kh8
Qb6
a5
Bd5
Kg8

Black consolidates defensively, and brings

all his pieces into attack formation.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Rd2
Bxd4
Rbd1
Nc1
Re2
d4
Ned3
Ree1
Rxe4
Ne1

Qc6
Bxd4
Qb7
Be3
Bc6
Re4
Bxd4
Qe7
Bxe4
Bc3

White surrenders a pawn and exchanges

rooks, but doesnt get any more room to
maneuver than he had before. Black is
slowly but surely crushing his position.

The hypermoderns were right that new and

even better openings could be found. They
would have recognized the Beginners
Game as the ideal that they were pursuing.

Black takes out one of whites bishops; his

own bishops are now very strong, and get
even stronger as the contest evolves.

White can find nothing better than to

exchange his other bishop for blacks
knight. He has no counterattack, and is
beginning to have difficulties defending.

The Beginner's Game in Action 43

There follows a phase of feints and

shifts with no exchange of material.
Black finds ways to limit further the
already scant mobility of his adversary.
Whites position approaches zugzwang;
he is running out of effective defenses.

Black plays the tunes, and white has to

dance to them, awkwardly.
Whites position is barely holding; black
is gradually forcing it open.

Black goes two pawns ahead, but still

has to crack the remaining defenses. He
sets up for the final exchanges.
Blacks attack finally pays off: at move
80 white must lose one of his pieces.
After that one of blacks pawns queens,
and white loses his last piece for it. The
game ends with a mate for beginners.
80.
81.
82.
83.
84.
85.
86.
87.
88.
89.
90.

Kh3
Rc1
Kh2
Rf1
Rf3
Rh3
Kg1
Rh2
g3
Rd2
Kf2

Bd4
Rxd3+
Ra3
Rxa4
Bf6
Re4
Re3
a4
a3
Rxg3+
Bb2

91.
92.
93.
94.
95.
96.
97.
98.
99.
100.
101.

Rxd6
Rd1
Ke2
Kd3
Ra1
Kxd4
Kc5
Kb4
Kc5
Kb6
Ka7

a2
Bd4+
f3+
Rg1
Rxa1
Rd1+
a1=Q
Qb2+
Qc3+
Rb1+
Qa1++

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.

Kg1
Ned3
Kh1
Re1
Re2
Na2
Nac1
Rd2
Re2
Rd2

Qh4
Bd4+
Qh5
Bc3
Qh4
Bd4
h6
Qh3
Qg4
Bc3

49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.

Rf2
Ne2
Nec1
Re2
Ne1
bxc4
Ncd3
Nf3
Rf2
Re2

Kh7
Bd2
Be3
Bd5
c4
Bxc4
Re4
Bxf4
Be3
Re6

59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.

Qe1
Qd1
Re1
Qb1
Rd1
Nde1
cxb3
Qd3
Ra1
Qxe2

f4
Qf5
b3
Qe4
Bd5
Bc5
Qe2
Bxb3
Re3
Rxe2

69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.
79.

Nd3
Nfe1
h3
Ra3
h4
Rb3
Rc3
Kh2
Rb3
Rc3
Nxd3

Be3
Bd5
Be4
Rd2
Kg7
h5
Rd1
Kh7
Kh6
Bxd3
Bg1+

Game 9: Beginners Game with White:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
g3
d3
Bg2
Bb2
Ne2
Nd2

e5
Nf6
d5
Bd6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Be6

Here is another quick and easy win for the

Beginners Game. White trades down and
then wins a rook and pawn endgame.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Nc3
Nce4
Bxe4
Bg2
fxe3
Qe2
Qxe3

d4
Nxe4
f5
dxe3
f4
fxe3
Qa5

After a trade of knights and two pawns,

white chooses a clever continuation from
this position: he castles queen side!

16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

O-O-OQxa2
Bxc6 bxc6
Ne4 Bc7
Qxc5 Bd5
Nc3 Qa5
Qxa5 Bxa5
Nxd5 cxd5
Bxe5 Rf2

Fine tactical play by white - not only does

he easily regain his sacrificed pawn, he
smashes blacks center and wins a pawn!

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

Rdf1
Bd4
c4
dxc4
Rd1
Rxd4
Rf4
Rd1

White retains his pawn lead after the

bishops are exchanged, but now the black
rooks threaten whites backward pawns.

Re2
Rc8
dxc4
Bb6
Bxd4
a5
Rb8
Re3

Blacks 3 pawn standard opening, like

other perfect classical openings, does not
prove better than the Beginners Game!

Neat combinations like this one can

almost always be found in sharper lines
following the standard opening.

The Beginner's Game in Action 45

Black regains his lost pawn, but white still

has the tempo, and a passed pawn as well.
He must make the most of both to win.

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.

Rd5
Rxa5
Kd2
Kc3
Ra7
Rg4
c5
Rg5
Kd2
Re5

Rexb3
Rb1+
R1b2+
Rxh2
Rg2
g6
Rg1
Rc8
Rf1
Rf7

Rooks are exchanged, and white develops

his passed pawn threat. Here whites king
abandons his passed pawn and goes after
blacks pawns instead; this wins the game.

42.
43.
44.
45.
46.

Rxf7
Kd3
Kd4
Kxe5
c6

Kxf7
Re8
Rxe5
Ke7
Kd8

A few moves later white prepares for the

advance of his game winning pawn. It
ended with:
63. Kf5 Kb4
55. g4
Kf7
64. Qd5 Kc3
56. g5
Kg8
57. Kg6 Kf8
65. Ke4 Kc2
58. Kh7 Ke7
66. Qc5+ Kd2
67. Qc7 Ke2
59. g6
Kd6
60. g7
Ke5
68. Qc2+ Kf1
61. Kg6 Kd4
69. Kf3 Kg1
62. g8=Q Kc5
70. Qg2++

47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.

Kf6
Kg7
Kxh7
Kg6
Kf5
Kxg4
Kg5
Kh6

Kc7
g5
g4
Kxc6
Kd6
Ke6
Kf7
Kf6

Game 10: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
e4
Be3
Nf3
Qd2
Bd3
Nc3
Ne2

g6
Bg7
d6
Nd7
b6
Bb7
e6
Ne7

The author with black produces a draw

against his top strength rival, here playing
the two pawn standard classical defense.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Bh6
O-O
Bxg7
Rad1
exd5
dxc5
b4
Qxd3

O-O
c5
Kxg7
d5
Nxd5
Nxc5
Nxd3
Qf6

Black plays a straightforward continuation

of the standard opening, simplifying where
possible, and maintaining a tight defense.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.

Qb3
Nxf4
Rd4
Rd3
Rfd1

Nf4
Qxf4
Qf5
Rfd8
Bxf3

Black exchanges knights, then finds this

neat little combination which puts white
under a bit of pressure, and forces the
exchange of the remaining minor pieces.

22.
23.
24.
25.
26.

Rxd8
Rxd8
Qxf3
Qc3+
Qd3

Rxd8
Qg5
Qxd8
Kg8
Qc7

White stops the mate threat easily, and the

resulting position is still balanced.

Whites maneuver with the queen knight

starts one of the sharper lines from his
opening. He is perfectly positioned for an
all-out attack on the king side.

As in many games against the classical

defenses, the opponent quickly loses his
bishop pair and pawn center, depriving
him of much of his attacking potential.

Even non-expert players of the Beginners

Game can reach parity in the endgame as
here, by a series of simplifying exchanges,
all the while maintaining the initiative!

The Beginner's Game in Action 47

Following this black forces the exchange

of queens, and meets whites king in the
center. White cannot invade on either side
or otherwise provoke a pawn asymmetry
which would permit him to exploit his
superior skills in the endgame.

27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

g3
Kg2
Qxd5
Kf3
Ke3
Kd4

Qe5
Qd5+
exd5
f6
Kf7
Ke6

White brings his pawns up, but black has

no difficulty keeping the center closed and
the game equal and under control.

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

a4
g4
f4
fxg5
h3

Kd6
a6
g5
fxg5
Ke6

Kd6
dxc4+
Kc6
Kd6
Ke6
b5
Kd6
Ke6
Kd6
Ke6

White now tries to lure blacks king

forward, but black doesnt go for it: hes
satisfied with things the way they are.

Black sits on the opposition until white

has to accept the drawn conclusion.
Although certainly not a candidate for any
brilliancy prizes, this game nevertheless
illustrates that with the Beginners Game
even amateur wood pushers can go right
to the wire with top competition, and even
keep a step ahead all the way!

38. Kd3
39. c4
40. Kxc4
41. Kd4
42. Ke4
43. a5
44. Kd4
45. Ke4
46. Kd4
47. Ke4
drawn

Game 11: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
Ne2
g3
Bg2
b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2

Nf6
e6
Be7
d5
O-O
Na6
Bd7
c6

White plays the Beginners Game and

defeats his adversary with brilliant tactical
play, of the highest technical standards.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

O-O
Nf3
c4
a3
Qc2
e4
Rfd1
e5
Rab1

Qc7
Rad8
c5
Qb6
Nb8
Rfe8
Na6
Ng4
Bc6

White pushes forward quickly, placing his

opponent in a disadvantageous position.
Blacks knights have no good placement,
and his king side is becoming vulnerable.

18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.

d4
bxc4
h3
d5
cxd5
Qd2
Re1
d6
Bc3

dxc4
Qa5
Nh6
exd5
Ba4
Qb6
Nc7
Ne6
Qa6

Blacks attempt to win the exchange

proves futile.
Whites center pawns
advance, scattering blacks pieces.

27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

Qb2
dxe7
Nh4
Nf4
gxf4
Be4
f3
f5

b6
Rxe7
Red7
Nxf4
Qc4
Rc7
Kh8
Ng8

Black loses a piece for poor compensation.

White positions his bishops and advances
his pawns, building for a king side assault,
supported by the open knight file. Black is
in serious trouble.

Blacks opening, like whites, is compact,

but can uncoil into a very strong attack.

Whites knights are active, and his king

side castled position is unassailable.

White is pressing his initiative to the

maximum, developing threats all over the
chessboard.

The Beginner's Game in Action 49

White exchanges queens, and concentrates

on the king side attack with all his pieces.
Black will now be forced to surrender the
exchange, as the white attack continues.

White then forces an exchange of rooks,

and redeploys to attack the king side with
his remaining pieces.
White now looks for a way to cash in his
advanced passed pawn.

Blacks position gets ever more desperate,

he has to sacrifice his knight to stop the
pawn promotion. White now wins by force
with his two piece advantage.
Whites rook on the back rank signals that
the end is near for black.

White now checkmates with precision play.

Very few games at master level end like
this one, with an advantage of three pieces.
Bravo, Beginners Game, brilliantly played!

35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.

Ng2
e6
Nf4
Qb3
Rxb3
Rbb1
Kf2
Rg1
h4
Rg2

Bc6
f6
Qa4
Qxb3
Ne7
Ba4
Kg8
Kf8
Rd6
Bd1

45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.

Nd5
Bxd5
Rc1
Bc4
Rd1
Rd8
Rxc8
Bd3
f4

Rxd5
Bc2
Bxf5
Bg6
Be8
Rc8
Nxc8
h6
Bc6

54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.

Rg1
f5
Bd2
Rd1
Bc2
Be3
Bxc5
e7
Rd8
Bxe7

Ne7
a6
b5
Kg8
Be8
Nc6
Kh7
Bf7
Nxe7
Bc4

64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.

Bd1 Bf7
Rf8 h5
Rxf7 Kh6
Bb3 a5
Rf8 g5
Bxf6 a4
Rh8++

Game 12: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
c4
e4
b3
Bb2
g3
Bg2
Nd2

e6
Ne7
g6
Bg7
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7

Black plays the Beginners Game, with a

Pawn then Piece opening sequence.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Ne2
f4
O-O
a3
Nf3
exd5
cxd5
Ne5

O-O
c5
Qc7
Nc6
d5
exd5
Ne7
Nxd5

White manages some offensive action from

his aggressive version of the Beginners
Game, but doesnt produce any real gains.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.

dxc5
fxe5
cxb6
Rc1
Qd4
e6
Rxf1

Bxe5
Ne3
axb6
Nc5
Nxf1
f6
Nxe6

Whites play generates threats; but black

doesnt have difficulty finding responses,
and wins the exchange with a knight fork.

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

Qe3
Bxb7
Rxf6
Bxf6
Bb2
h4
Qe5

Nc5
Qxb7
Rxf6
Qf7
Rd8
Rd3
Rd1+

White regains a pawn, and threatens mate

on the move, but black again finds the
right response: check!

White tries a custom opening with a big

forward pawn wall, and piece placement as
in the Beginners Game. The pawn wall
does not do much damage however, and
finally black wins with superior tactics.

Blacks position is active and coherent; his

continuing play is fully consistent with the
standard opening.

White now loses time with his queen move,

and black takes command of the game.

The Beginner's Game in Action 51

After more checks and a queen exchange,

black finds another fork. Now up a full
piece, black has the game in hand.

31.
32.
33.
34.
35.

Kh2
Kh3
Kg4
Qxf5
Kxf5

Qf2+
Qf1+
Qf5+
gxf5+
Rd2

The material advantage is decisive; black

presses on for his victory.

36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

Nd4
b4
g4
g5
h5
g6
Nc6
gxh7
Ne5
Nd7

Rxb2
Na4
Nc3
Ra2
Rxa3
Ra1
Kg7
Kxh7
Kh6
Rf1+

Blacks king moves over to assist. White

here runs out of options: he can lose his
knight, or lose the game! It ends quickly.

46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

Ke5
Kd6
Kc6
Nc5
Na6
Kb6
Ka5
Nb8
Nd7
Nb8

Re1+
Rd1+
b5
Rd4
Rc4+
Kxh5
Kg5
Kf5
Ke4
Kd5

A clever mate and a resounding win for the

surprisingly strong new Beginners Game!

56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.

Nd7
Nb8
Na6
Nc5
Na6
Nb8+
Na6

Rc7
Rc8
Kc6
Rd8
Rd2
Kb7
Ra2++

Game 13: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
g3
Bg2
Ne2
b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2

g6
Bg7
d6
Nf6
O-O
e5
Nc6
Be6

White plays the Beginners Game against a

strong classical defense with a king side
fianchetto. It uses a similar style of play
as the standard opening, with pawn chains
and mostly recessed piece placements.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

h3
O-O
Ba3
Re1
c3
Qc2
h4
b4
f3
b5

Qe7
Rad8
Rfe8
Nd7
Qg5
Qh6
Qh5
Bg4
Be6
Ne7

Following the opening, white pushes

forward with his pawns. Blacks knights
retreat to the Beginners Game position:
a curious echo of the standard opening
that frequently occurs.

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

c4
Kf2
bxa6
Bb2
a4
Bc3
a5
Rh1
e4
g4

Nf5
a6
Ra8
Rxa6
Rea8
Nc5
Ne7
Bf5
Bd7
Bxg4

Black opens the queen rook file, but white

prevents any break thru.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Ng3
fxg4
Bf3
Ne2
Nb3
Qd2
Kg2
Qe3
Qg1
Bd2

Qh6
Qf4+
Nc6
Qf6
Ne6
h6
Rb8
Re8
Qe7
Raa8

Black regroups his pieces and improves

his game somewhat, but is by now too far
behind materially to start any offensive
action. White also consolidates nicely,
and now has all his pieces well placed for
both defense and offense.

Against any classical opening, black

would have a good game; far less so
against the Beginners Game.

Whites queen placement on c2 is strong.

Black looks aggressive, but whites mobile
king side castle position holds well.

Seeming frustrated with the closing

position, black decides to sacrifice a piece
to open the king side - but he will get only
a single pawn for it, and his attack is
stopped cold.

The Beginner's Game in Action 53

White moves forward in preparation for a

king side attack, but black is dug in. It is
now a question of finding some way to
storm the black fortress.

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.

Rb1
Qe1
Be3
Qd2
h5
Ng3
Kh2
Nf5
Qc3
Kg3

Qd7
Reb8
Re8
Kh7
g5
Nf4+
Ne6
Bf6
Bh8
Ng7

White shifts his rooks into attack position.

The opening move of his assault is now
clear: Nxh6!

49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.

Qd2
Kg2
Qc3
Ra1
Rhf1
Kg3
Bg2
Ra2
c5
Raf2

Ne6
Bf6
Reb8
Ng7
Re8
Rg8
Qe6
Rgf8
dxc5
b6

59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.

Nxh6
Bxc5
Nxc5
Nf5
a6
Qc4
Qd5
exd5
Be4
Nd7

Ne8
bxc5
Qd6
Qd8
Rb8
Rb4
Qxd5
Na7
Kg8
Nc8

69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.
77.
78.

Nxf6+
Nh6+
Rxf6
Nxf7+
Rxf7
Rxf7
Rxc7
d6
Bd5+
a7

Nxf6
Kh8
Nd6
Nxf7
Rxf7
Kg8
Rb8
Rd8
Kh8
Re8

There is absolutely nothing that black can

do about it. He tries to distract white with a
pawn advance on the queen side.

Whites bishop sacrifice opens up the

queen side, producing a dangerous
passed pawn.
White attacks all across the chessboard,
developing multiple threats. His forward
knights wreak blacks scattered defenses,
and his rooks now smash what remains.

White finishes his adversary in few moves:

79. a8=Q Rxa8
80. Bxa8 Kg8
81. d7
Kf7
82. d8=Q+ Ke6
83. Bd5++
An unrelenting attack from the best new
opening in chess, the Beginners Game!

Game 14: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e4
d4
Nf3
Bd3
Nc3
Bg5
O-O
d5

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Bb5 a6
Bxd7+Qxd7
Qd3 O-O
Rfe1 h6
Bxe7 Qxe7

White trades bishops for knights: players

who automatically pin the knights often
find nothing better to do when the rook
pawns put the question to the bishops.

14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

Rad1 b5
a3
Rac8
e5
dxe5
Nxe5 Qd6
Ng4 exd5
Nxd5 Bxd5
Qxd5 Qxd5
Rxd5 Bxb2
Nxh6+ Kg7

A long series of exchanges ends with an

unpleasant sting for white: he must retire
his knight, and then lose his rook pawn.

23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.

Ng4
Ne3
Nxd5
Nb4
Nd3
Ra1
Ne5

Black delays the capture of the rook pawn,

and then traps white with a subtle bishop
fork: rook takes pawn contains another
sting, but what else can white do?

d6
e6
g6
b6
Bg7
Ne7
Bb7
Nd7

Rfd8
Rxd5
c6
a5
Bxa3
b4
Bb2

Here is a simple and elegant victory for

blacks Beginners Game. The win is so
effortless it seems almost magical. But the
Beginners Game is a surprising opening,
and amazing games evolve from it!
White starts an attack from his 2 pawn and
pin classical defense as black completes
his opening, using a pawns first sequence.

The Beginner's Game in Action 55

30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

Rxa5
Nc4
cxb3
Nxa5
b4

Bc3
b3
Bxa5
Ra8
c5

35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.

Kf1
Nb3
Nd2
Ke2
Nb1
Nd2
Kd3

cxb4
Ra3
b3
b2
Ra1
Rc1
Rd1

White is awaiting his execution. The

advance of blacks king will allow the
pawn to queen; but black mates in two,
without bothering to promote the pawn.

42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.

Kc2
Kb1
g3
Ka2
Kb1
Ka2
g4

Rxd2+
Rxf2
Rxh2
Kf6
Ke5
Kd4
Kc3

A tidy finish to a lovely game - Bravo, the

Beginners Game!

49.
50.

g5
Ka3

Rh1
Ra1++

White loses the exchange rather than

allow blacks pawn to pass. Now theres
another sting - black has a mate threat,
and uses it to win another pawn.
An undeveloped castled position often
proves the undoing of classical defenses.
It never happens to the Beginners Game!

Blacks pawn marches straight in. Whites

efforts to stop it are almost comically
futile.
Blacks play is easy and precise; he has
already won the game decisively.

Game 15: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
Ne2
g3
Bg2
d3
Nd2

d5
e5
Bd6
Nf6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Qa5

Here is one of the earliest wins ever

recorded with the new Beginners Game.
It shows many of the elements of sound
play following the standard opening.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

O-O
c4
a3
Qc2
b4
Nb3
f4
Bxc6

Be6
d4
Bf5
Rfe8
Qb6
Nd7
Bg6
Qxc6

White castles, then starts forward with a

series of pawn advances. Whites queen
placement on c2, and knight on b3 are also
typical moves following the opening.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.

exd4
g4
bxc5
g5
Ng3
Qf2
Bxd4
Qd2
Rxf1
Bxc5

exd4
f5
Bxc5
Bh5
Bg4
Re3
Rf3
Rxf1+
Qd6
Nxc5

Effective combinatorial play by white wins

him a pawn, creates a passed pawn, and
still keeps the pressure on his adversary.

27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Qb4
d4
Nxe4
Nf6+
axb4
fxg5

b6
Ne4
Qxb4
gxf6
fxg5
a5

Knights and queens are exchanged;

whites interposed knight check splits
blacks king side pawns, creating another
weakness.

Blacks opening dominates the center and

prepares for an attack on the queen side.
Needless to say, he never gets the chance!

Whites exchange of bishop for knight

gives up a worthy resource, but succeeds
in disarming blacks buildup on the queen
side.

Neat combinations such as this one seem

to abound in the Beginners Game, no
matter what defense is played against it!

The Beginner's Game in Action 57

Black abandons his rook pawn and tries to

attack whites king with rook, bishop and
pawn. He is two pawns down, but still
threatens with a pawn nearing promotion.

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.

bxa5
Ra1
Ra3
Nc5
d5
d6
Kg2
Kh3
Nxa4
Rxe3

bxa5
a4
Bd1
Re8
f4
Re1+
Re2+
Kf7
Re3+
fxe3

Correct knight play stops blacks last

threat. White then drops a pawn, leaving
blacks king too far away to intervene on
the king side.

43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.

Nb2
Nd3
Ne1
Kg3
Kf2
Kxe2
Ke3
Nd3+
Ke4
Ke5

e2
Bc2
Bf5+
Ke6
Kxd6
Be6
Kc5
Kxc4
Bd5+
Bf7

Heres the situation a bit later. Black can

no longer stop the pawns from advancing,
and checkmate comes a few moves later.

53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.

Nf4
Ne6
Nf8
h4
h5
Nxh7
Nf8
g6
h6
h7

Be8
Ba4
Bc2
Bd3
Kc5
Kb6
Kc7
Kb6
Kb5
Kc6

Another convincing demonstration of the

strength of the Beginners Game in master
level play!

63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.

h8=Q Bc4
Ne6 Kb5
Qb8+ Ka4
Nc5+ Ka3
Kd4 Bb5
Qxb5 Ka2
Kc3 Ka3
Qa4++

Game 16: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
e3
Bd3
Nf3
c4
b3
Bb2
Nbd2

9.
10.
11.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Qc2 O-O
O-O-O Nc6
a3
f5
h4
Nf6
b4
Ng4
Nb3 a5
d5
Bxb2+
Kxb2 Qf6+
Kb1 a4

White makes final adjustments to his

position to support an all-out attack on the
king side.

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

Nbd4 Nxd4
exd4 exd5
h5
dxc4
Bxc4+ Kh8
hxg6 Qxg6
d5
Ne5
Nxe5 dxe5

The knights are exchanged and white,

though a pawn down, regains the initiative
and finds an attack. But black seems to
have no real difficulties defending, and
white must regain his lost material.

26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

Rhe1
f3
d6
dxc7
Qxf5
Qd3
Rxe5

White wins back his pawn, but cannot

build the attack. The board is being
cleared rapidly, and white still has
problems to maintain equality.

e6
b6
Bb7
d6
Ne7
g6
Bg7
Nd7

Qg7
Rf7
Rd7
Rxc7
Rf8
Qxg2
Qg6

Here is an interesting contest in which

white uses a special opening to confront
blacks Beginners Game. It is a variant of
the standard opening, called Bv34FG.
This opening gives white a strong king
side attack, especially after a long castle.
Most of the variants of the Beginners
Game are among its toughest opponents!

Black starts to spoil his game; the queen

check costs white the initiative.

The Beginner's Game in Action 59

Queens are exchanged, and then black

leaps to the occasion, taking out three
pawns. He will lose his bishop for it, but it
still looks like a fair exchange at this point
in the game.

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.

Re6
Bxd3
Rf1
Re3
Ka1
Kb2
Ka1

Qxd3+
Bxf3
Rc3
Rb3+
Rxa3+
Rb3+
Rxb4

Rooks are exchanged, and the board looks

like this: white cant win, and it doesnt
look like black can either.

40.
41.
42.
43.
44.

Rfxf3
Rxf3
Rf5
Rb5
Bxb5

Rxf3
h5
h4
Rxb5
h3

After a few moves, its clear that neither

black pawn can advance; its a draw.
Good game!

45. Bxa4
46. Bc6
47. Kb2
48. Kc3
49. Bb7
50. Be4
51. Bf3
52. Kb3
53. Bh1
drawn

Kg7
Kf6
Ke5
Kd6
Kc5
b5
b4+
h2
Kb5

Game 17: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

g3
d3
Bg2
b3
Bb2
Nd2
e3
Ne2

d5
Nc6
Nf6
e5
Be6
Bc5
O-O
Qd6

Here is one of the first contests ever

played with the newly discovered
Beginners Game. Seeing games like this
gave the author confidence that he had
found the best opening in chess.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

O-O
Bxa3
c4
Qc2
Qc3
f3
f4
fxe5

Ba3
Qxa3
Rad8
Nb4
Bg4
Bf5
Bxd3
Ng4

Black tries the queen and bishop attack,

and white accepts. This attack against the
Beginners Game is often seen but rarely
dangerous; afterwards the queen is poorly
placed, and has to get back in the game.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

e6
Bxe2
e7
Bxf1
Exf8=Q+ Kxf8
Rxf1 c5
cxd5 b6
Nc4 Qxa2

23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Both sides play superbly, but white

develops the most threats, all the while
living on the edge of the abyss.

Whites move 15. f4 is surprising, but well

calculated, and gives rise to a very sharp
continuation, with both sides now fully
committed to the attack!
Following the white pawns solo march to
promotion and the equally effective rip
thru the ranks by blacks bishop, things
seem to be going in blacks favor - he is a
pawn up and has two knights and his
queen in enemy territory.
But from this position white attacks!

e4
Qf3
Ne5
Qh5
Qg5
Nd7+

Nc2
Nh6
Nd4
f5
Re8
Kf7

A bit later, the board has a completely

different aspect. White now is threatening,
and blacks king is dangerously exposed.
Here white finds an excellent continuation,
allowing his bishop to join the attack.

The Beginner's Game in Action 61

White plays a brilliant series of moves. His

attack seems to hang in midair, but it is all
as correct as it is sharp.
Black has trouble avoiding the tightening
noose, but is equally resourceful in finding
adequate defenses.

White proposes to exchange queens, and

it produces this situation. It appears white
cannot advance his passed pawns, but he
finds the winning moves!
White has seen this continuation with the
exchange of queens:
an impressive
showing of his powers of calculation.

Lovely chess!
If 44..Rxe5, white wins by 45.d7 Rd5,
46.Re3. Whites 46.Rxd4 is also very fine.
Theres not much black can do now.

From here white won easily with:

62. h4
g6
67. b5
Ke3
63. Kb3 Kd6
68. b6
Kf2
64. Nc4+ Kd5
69. b7
Kxg3
65. Ka4 Kxc4
70. b8=Q+ etc.
66. Ka5 Kd4

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

d6
e5
Bd5
Bc4
Kg2
Rxf5+
Nf6+
Qxh6
Rf2

Qe2
Ne6
Qd3
Qd4+
Qxc4
Kg8
Kh8
Qc2+
Qb1

38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.

Qh4
h3
Qe4
Nxe4
Rf3
Rd3

Rd8
Rf8
Qxe4+
Kg8
Nd4
Re8

44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.

Ng5 h6
d7
Rb8
Rxd4 cxd4
Ne6 d3
Kf3 a5
Ke3 b5
D8=Q+ Rxd8
Nxd8 a4
Kxd3 a3

53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

Kc3
Ne6+
Nd4
Kxb4
Nc2
Ka3
b4
Kxa2
Ne3+

Kf8
Kf7
b4+
a2
Ke6
Kxe5
h5
Kd5
Kc6

Game 18: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e4
d4
Nf3
Nc3
Be2
O-O
Bf4
a4

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7

Black produces a sensational win with the

Beginners Game, building slowly and
surely to a smashing finale. Following his
standard opening he neatly escapes
whites attack, all the while carefully
preparing one of his own.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

a5
a6
Be3
Qc1
Rd1
Nd2
Nc4
dxc5

h6
Bc8
Nf6
Bd7
g5
c5
Qc7
dxc5

Following the opening, its all whites

game, lodging the rook pawn, controlling
the queen file, and preventing black from
castling.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.

Nd6+
Ncb5
f3
Bf2
Nc3
Ndb5

Kf8
Qb8
Bc6
Ng6
Nh5
Be5

The knights go in, but cause no damage.

Unable to bring any other pieces into play,
white pulls them out again.

23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

g3
Qe3
Rab1
Ra1
Bc4
Qe1
Bf1
Rdc1
Kg2

Nf6
Kg7
Qf8
Qe7
Rhd8
Rac8
Bb8
Ne5
Nh7

Black now goes thru a patient restructuring

phase, bringing rooks into communication,
and finding better placements for his
queen, bishop, and knights.

Whites strong classical opening ends with

the launching of a rook pawn attack.

Both white knights are about to enter deep

into blacks position and create further
havoc. It looks like a rout.

The episode has been not only futile, but

costly - in the meantime all of blacks
pieces have been aggressively redeployed!

White finds few moves that can improve his

game, and changes to a defensive posture.

The Beginner's Game in Action 63

Now black starts his attack, gradually

adding pressure to the critical e4 pawn.
But this pawn is only a fraction of Whites
real troubles across the board.

32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Ra4
Be2
h3
fxe4
b3
Bd1
Kg1

f5
Nf6
fxe4
Qe8
Qg6
Rd7
Rcd8

39.
40.
41.

Kh1 Bxb5
Nxb5 Rxd1
Rxd1 Qh5

White ditches his rook and loses his

queen. The impotence of his final moves
is truly pathetic.

42.
43.
44.
45.
46.

Rd7+
Kg2
Kg1
Nc3
Bxe1

Rxd7
Qf3+
Rd1
Rxe1+
Nh5

None of whites forces can defend the

king. Black mates with the participation of
all of his pieces.

47.
48.
49.
50.
51.

Nd1
Bc3
Bd4
Nf2
Kh2

Qe2
Nxg3
cxd4
Qf1+
Nf3++

Black has carefully built the tension in this

position; with his next three moves he
effectively wins the game!

One, two, three, and black has a mate

threat, and a double attack on whites
rook.
From here on, all white can do is throw
away material to delay the end. Better was
39.Kf1, but even so white loses.

A marvelous example of chess at its best,

from the best opening in chess, the brand
new Beginners Game!

Game 19: Beginners Game with White

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
g3
e3
Bb2
Ne2
Bg2
d3
Nd2

e5
d5
c5
Nc6
Bd6
Be6
f5
Nf6

The Beginners Game is such a strong

opening that, using it, even amateurs can
offer a real challenge to the best players.
Here the author plays white and draws
against his top strength computer rival.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

O-O
c4
exd4
a3
b4
Nb3
f4
c5
Qxb3
Rac1

O-O
d4
cxd4
Qb6
Rfd8
Kh8
Ng4
Bxb3
Bxc5
Bf8

White seems quite out of his depth after

the opening. He tries for a pawn fork, but
black ignores it: there is no substance!

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
24.
26.
27.

fxe5
Qa4
h3
Kh1
hxg4
Bxc6
gxf5
Qc2
Qf2

Na5
Qh6
Qe3+
Qxe2
Nc6
bxc6
Rac8
Qxe5
Qf6

Whites plan of action on the queen side is

invalidated by the redefinition of the king
side as theater of operations.

28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.

Rc4
bxc5
Re1
Rxc8
Re6
Re4

c5
Bxc5
Bb6
Rxc8
Qf7
Qb3

White consolidates his game, and piles up

on the d4 pawn, to keep black tied up. But
black now starts threatening again, and
whites best bet is to counter attack.

Blacks 4 pawn standard opening is

absolutely formidable; but neither this, nor
any other opening ever tested, has proved
to be better than the Beginners Game!

White is already in trouble; in order to

keep the material balanced, white has to
open the king side to blacks knight pair.

White is under pressure, but manages to

stay even by keeping blacks pieces under
threat of capture.

The Beginner's Game in Action 65

Whites counter attack buys him some

time and simplifications. Black was not
able to force the situation, because white
threatened to win the exchange, or even
checkmate.

34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.

f6
Qxd3
Re7 Kg8
Rxg7+Kf8
a4
Rc5
Kg2 Rh5
Rg4 Rf5
Rf4 Rxf4
Qxf4 Kf7
Qe5 Qd2+

The remaining pieces are traded, and

black is a move ahead in the race to
promotion. When black gets his queen, it
covers whites promotion square. It looks
like its all over, but white can still draw!

35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.

Kh3 Qh6+
Kg4 Qxf6
Qxf6+ Kxf6
a5
Bc5
Kf4 a6
Ke4 Kg5
Bxd4 Bxd4
Kxd4 Kg4

Blacks queen gives check and covers the

queening square, but whites pawn is just
a move away from promotion. There is no
way black can win, unless white makes a
mistake and gets trapped in the corner.

43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.

Kc5
Kb6
Kxa6
Kb7
a6
a7

Kxg3
h5
h4
h3
h2
h1=Q+

Black gives it a try, but white knows

whats good for him. A few more moves
and its obvious; the result is a draw.

49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

Kb8
Ka8
Kb8
Kb7
Kb8
Kc8
Kb8

Qb1+
Qh7
Qg8+
Qd5+
Qb5+
Qc6+
drawn

Even in the hands of an amateur, the

Beginners Game is a potent weapon!

Game 20: Beginners Game with Black

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

d4
Nf3
e4
Nc3
Be3
Bd3
O-O
Re1

d6
b6
g6
Bg7
Bb7
Nd7
e6
Ne7

Black plays the Beginners Game, and

triumphs in convincing fashion in a
contest distinguished by a fine pawn
sacrifice that launches a winning attack.

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Qd2
Bc4
d5
Bb3
Qd3
Rad1
exf5
Nd2

h6
a6
e5
f5
O-O
Nf6
Nxf5
b5

White maneuvers, looking for some way to

attack, as blacks position unfolds nicely.

17.
18.
19.
20.
21.

Nde4
Qxe3
Qxe4
Qb4
a3

Nxe3
Nxe4
Kh7
Qd7
e4

Black cashes in his knights; white looks

for something to attack on the queen side.

22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

Rxe4
f3
Rde1
Ba2
h3
Rd1
Qa5
Kf1
Re3

Qf5
Rae8
Be5
Qh5
Qf5
Qg5
Re7
Qg3
Qh2

Black arranges all his pieces for the

attack; There is little that white can do
about it, his forces are poorly coordinated
for defense.

White opens with the 2 pawn standard

classical defense, dominating the center,
unopposed by black.
How often in
classical chess have players tried to
achieve this opening position!

Blacks moves after the opening are

among those most typically made. His
game proceeds naturally and consistently.

Black now offers a deep pawn sacrifice,

and starts building what will become a
savage attack, that will end in mate.

The Beginner's Game in Action 67

Black smashes whites king side, and

threatens to end it all quickly; white is
barely able to respond.

31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

Qb4
Red3
Ne4
Kf2
g3
Kf1
Kg1

Ree8
Bf6
Qh1+
Bh4+
Qh2+
Qxh3+
Bxg3

White loses two pieces trying to slow

mate, but as they say in French, rien ne
va plus.

38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.

R1d2
dxc6
Re3
Bg8+
Qb3+
Nf6+
Rxe8
Re2

c5
Bxc6
Bf4
Kxg8
Kh7
Rxf6
Bxe8
Be5

Now come whites most desperate moves:

he loses both rook and queen. Afterwards
black mates quickly.

46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.

Rxe5
Kf1
Qxf3
Ke1
Kd2
c4
Kc1
Kc2
Kd1
Kc2
Kc1

Qg3+
Rxf3+
Qxf3+
dxe5
Bd7
bxc4
Qe3+
Bf5+
Bg4+
Qd3+
Qd1++

More trouble is on the way, blacks other

bishop is about to join the fight.

A well deserved win from a perilous attack.

Bravo, the Beginners Game!

Characterizing Play With the Beginners Game

For a skilled player, the typical course of events in play with the Beginners Game is as
follows: the opening moves are carried out in standard fashion with minimal or no modifications,
and a solid defensive position is constructed. Afterwards the diversity of options for ensuing play
allows the system player to attack in any of a number of ways. When the attack starts, it inevitably
pushes back the adversary, maintaining the initiative as it gains space. The opponents position
is compressed, his mobility limited; he often has to fall back and play defense.
After the initial gain of space, the system player can decide for a closed or open game. The
game can be closed to almost any degree, and kept closed if preferred. In open games on the
other hand, a phase of exchanges soon starts, usually initiated and controlled by the system
player. This phase can be highly complex, involving exchanges of many of the pieces. Accurate
and incisive play in this phase often results in a decisive advantage for the system player. A great
deal of skill is needed here, to strike precisely and forcefully, and cause the greatest damage to
the opponents position. Such skills are acquired only with experience; but all players will
become skilled quickly by playing the same opening all the time, with both black and white.
In all closed games, and in open games following the exchange phase, there is typically a
tactical phase, in which the system player must find strong lines for the rest of the middle game.
At this point the game has moved far beyond the opening, and only superior combinatorial play
can guarantee success in what follows. A skilled player can take the initiative from the opening
all the way to a favourable result. Of course no opening, however strong, can give you the win; it
has to be earned with superior play in the middle game and in the endgame as well. But any
player should be able to complete his opening in near standard form, and will have plenty of
strong continuations to choose from afterwards. And anyone using the opening should at least
be able to play well enough into the middle game to present a tough position for his adversary to
attack, no matter what his skill level is.
Games after the standard opening are confrontations on a highly complex tactical level, in
which almost anything can and does happen. Unlike conventional openings, in which general
objectives of the middle game can often be identified in advance and then worked for, games in
this system are considerably more complicated, with action covering the entire board. As an
example, control of the center is far more difficult to achieve for either side, and does not seem to
confer any definitive advantage, because there is always plenty of action on both flanks.
During the opening a system player is carrying out a regular plan of deployment with only
minimal adaptations imposed by the opponent's play. This is the great strategic advantage of the
Beginners Game, that it is able to confront successfully the largest possible variety of adversary
opening deployments. But such development can continue long after the eight standard moves,
as a player proceeds according to plan along his preferred lines. Using the standard opening, any
serious player should be able to extend his analysis and preparation well into the middle game;
and anyone that well prepared will almost certainly prove to be an extremely tough player.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 69

5.

Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

The adversary of the Beginners Game has the greatest possible range of responses to the
standard opening. He can focus on his own development, as does the Beginners Game, which he
is free to pursue without opposition. Most opponents use this opportunity to build strong
classical positions which occupy and control the center, and provide good play afterwards. In
master level play, such well constructed classical defenses are those most frequently seen.
It is also possible to attack the Beginners Game during its opening moves. These early
attacks have limited scope, seeking in general only to exchange pawns or pieces. Most early
attacks do not seriously affect the standard opening. They are rarely dangerous or very disruptive.
In many cases the Beginners Game can be completed in standard form even though it is
subjected to an early attack; in other cases a reaction is forced, or is preferable. Any player of
the Beginners Game should be familiar with all the early attacks, and should also know some of
the most effective ways to respond to them.
Since the Beginners Game always plays the same opening moves, all of the early attacks
are generally valid against it, that is they can almost always be played. For any given type of early
attack, some sequences of the standard opening will be more vulnerable than others; only a few
sequences will be seriously at risk. The system player therefore does well to vary the sequences
of his standard opening, in order to keep his opponent guessing. In the examples shown in this
section, the sequences chosen were generally those more at risk to that particular early attack.
Most of the early attacks can be shut down by prophylactic moves that frequently occur in
continuing play from the standard position. If your opponent favors early attacks you may prefer
to introduce one of these moves. This only delays your standard opening and in most cases stops
the early attack completely. The most common prophylactic moves are the rook pawn advances,
preventing the most threatening bishop and knight placements on our side of the board.
The solid underpinning provided by prophylactic moves justifies their introduction; but
they are mostly defensive in nature and so do not contribute best to an attack. The sharper lines
therefore are those where minimal use is made of prophylaxis, and the system player allows his
opponent to build and launch an early attack. Even without prophylaxis, the Beginners Game is
remarkably resistant to attacks of any kind, from the simplest to the most elaborate. Against all of
the early attacks it always generates sharp counter play, even from the most perilous situations.
The early attacks on the Beginners Game fall into a small number of distinct categories:
center pawn, fianchetto, bishop pin, rook pawn, queen and bishop, and knight and bishop.
Combinations of early attacks are also possible. All the early attacks are easy to recognize, even
for beginners. Better players should be able to deal with any of the early attacks without
difficulty, and be able to formulate strong counterattacks. Beginners should stick to prophylaxis,
and avoid sharper exchange lines until their general chess playing skills improve significantly.

Center Pawn Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

The most serious early attack on the Beginners Game, and the one most frequently used,
is the center pawn attack. In it your adversary attacks your center with two or three pawns
supported by pieces. The attack is most often on your more vulnerable king side, supported by
the adversarys king bishop and king knight, but It has different forms, including combinations
with other early attacks. It takes 5 moves to mount the attack. In those moves you will have
already built half of your Beginners Game, and whatever you have done, it will resist the attack.
But you may be obliged to exchange pawns, or make other moves not normally in the standard
opening. Center pawn attacks should not be ignored, but this does not mean that a reaction
outside the opening is forced. The main thing is to recognize any early attacks in time. Here are a
few examples of center pawn early attacks, playing mostly with the more vulnerable black.

Example 1:
1. d4
2. e4
3. Bc4
4. Nf3
5. d5
6. O-O
7. Re1

Example 1a:
7. ...
8. Nc3
9. a4
10. Bf4
11. exd5
12. Qd2
13. Re2

Example 1b:
7. ...
exd5
8. exd5 d6
9. Bg5
f6
10. Nd4
fxg5
11. Ne6
Bxb2
12. Nxd8 Kxd8
13. Nd2
Bxa1
14. Qxa1 Re8
15. Qf6
Nd7
16. Qxg5 a6

g6
e6
b6
Bb7
Ne7
Bg7
...

O-O
a6
h6
exd5
d6
Kh7
Nd7

White starts an attack on his 5th move, but

black doesnt need to react yet: his doubly
attacked pawn is doubly defended. White
also does better by delaying the exchange
of pawns and building the attack, bringing
in his rook.
Black chooses not to play the standard
7..d6; he would lose a pawn after 8.dxe6.
Instead he substitutes three moves often
used after the standard opening: O-O, a6,
and h6. Black then exchanges pawns, and
plays his familiar d6 and Nd7.
Black has returned to a continuation of the
opening, with minimal disruptions, and
now has even chances.

In this different continuation, black gets

into trouble, exchanging pawns and then
trying to continue his standard opening.
His game is disrupted and he loses
material. Black should castle on his 8th
move instead of proceeding with the
standard opening. After a center pawn
exchange your king and queen are
exposed to attack!

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 71

In this continuation black exchanges

center pawns, and castles right after.
White then attacks on the open king file.
Black is under pressure, but is able to
complete his standard opening, and has
good chances from here.
Also playable for black in this context is
f6, which gains time by forcing the bishop
to retreat, but is somewhat riskier.
The alternative response to the center
pawn attack is to avoid the exchange by
advancing your attacked pawn. This often
blocks the center long enough for you to
complete your standard opening.

Example 1c:
7. ...
8. exd5
9. Nc3
10. Bg5
11. Qe2
12. Qd2

exd5
O-O
d6
Re8
Kf8
Nd7

Example 1d:
7. ...
e5
8. Nc3
d6
9. a4
Nd7

Avoiding the exchange is advisable for

beginners, because it is usually less risky.
It generally isnt the strongest line; still
black has roughly even chances.

Remember: a center pawn early attack usually obliges your reaction, eg.
y Delayed reaction, as long as your pawn is adequately defended
y exchanging your attacked pawn
y advancing your attacked pawn
y castling
y counterattacking
If you exchange central pawns, attend to the safety of your king and queen!
Game 21: Beginners Game with Black (Center Pawn Early Attack)
To complete this example, we show how a
player of the Beginners Game can offer a
gambit in a center pawn early attack and
still win. Risky lines like this may appeal
to better players; beginners should be
wary!
Black ignores the attack at his 5th move;
white immediately wins a pawn, attacking
deep in blacks position with his knight.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e4
d4
Bc4
Nf3
d5
dxe6
Ng5
Nxe6

e6
b6
Bb7
d6
g6
fxe6
Qe7
Bg7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Nxg7+
O-O
Nc3
Bg5
Bxf6
Nd5
Qg4
Qe6+
Nf4
Bd5

Qxg7
Nf6
Nc6
h6
Qxf6
Qg7
Ne5
Kd8
Bxe4
Bxd5

White presses the attack, exchanging two

pieces. Blacks position improves, but
white still looks very threatening.

19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

Qxd5
Qe6+
Nd3
Nxe5+
Qxg6
Rae1
Rxe1
Qg7
Qxh6
Qd2

Kd7
Kc6
Rae8
Qxe5
Qxb2
Rxe1
Qxa2
Rd8
Re8
Rxe1+

White continues his attack on the king, but

black now has an answer to everything.
White decides not to exchange queens,
and both sides go off pawn hunting.

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

Qxe1
h4
h5
Qxb4
Kh2
Kg1
Qa4+
Qe4+
g4
Qd4+

Qxc2
b5
b4
Qd1+
Qxh5+
a5
Qb5
Kb6
a4
Kb7

Blacks challenge with the rook wins him a

pawn. He now takes command of the
game, pressing his advantage to develop
his promotion threats.

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.

Qa1
Qd4
Qe4+
Qd4+
Kg2
f4
Qd5+
Qd4+
Qd5+
Qg8+
Qc4
Kf2

Qb3
a3
Kb6
Kb5
a2
Qb1
Kb6
Kb7
Kb8
Ka7
Qb7+
a1=Q

Finally a queen down, white must resign:

a surprising but well deserved victory for
black, playing the new Beginners Game!

Whites attack slows when he is obliged to

defend his bishop. In spite of the threats
to his king and queen, black manages to
equalize.

Whites undeveloped castled position now

becomes a liability. Luft! - the Beginners
Game never suffers from such suffocation!
Black exploits this weakness with a well
timed rook challenge, threatening mate.

White can do nothing more than harass

blacks king; he cannot stop the pawns.

This game illustrates how a player of the

standard opening can find resources to
resist intense pressures of an early attack.
NB: White can also win or draw this game
with sharper play, eg. 9.O-O, 10.Bg5.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 73

Example 2 is a different, less dangerous center pawn attack, still black can be put under pressure.
Here the opponents center pawn attack is
not supported by the bishop. As it is not a
double attack, we are not obliged to react
by modifying the standard opening.
Advancing the attacked center pawn in this
example is strong, because it anchors to
the pawn beside it. This allows completion
of the opening, so its good for beginners.
What if black doesnt react to the attack,
completing his opening with 8..Nd7? White
exchanges, then attacks the king pawn.
Black is left with some pawn problems, but
otherwise his position is satisfactory.
Staying to the standard is always the basic
strategy in playing the Beginners Game go off it only if you have to, or want to!
Black can also castle first, then exchange
center pawns. His center still comes under
pressure, and he has to fall back, but his
position holds, and he maintains equality.
Castling away from a center pawn attack is
a solid move, but it doesnt stop the attack.

Black does much better by exchanging the

center pawns and castling immediately
afterwards. Black now has a fine game.
Exchanging is often the best option for
responding to the center pawn attack: it
frees the center, and gives you better
counter play, but it puts you more at risk.

Example 2:
1. d4
2. c4
3. e4
4. Nf3
5. Nc3
6. Bd3
7. O-O
8. d5

e6
g6
Bg7
b6
Bb7
Ne7
d6
...

Example 2a:
8. ...
9. dxe6
10. Ng5
11. Na4
12. Nxc5

Nd7
fxe6
Nc5
Qd7
dxc5

Example 2b:
8. ...
O-O
9. dxe6 fxe6
10. Ng5
Bc8
11. Qg4 h5
12. Qh3 Qd7

Example 2c:
8. ...
exd5
9. exd5 O-O
10. Bg5
h6

Now we look at some potentially dangerous combinations of center pawn with other early attacks.

Example 3:
1. b3
2. Bb2
3. d3
4. Nd2
5. g3
6. Bg2

e5
d5
Bb4+
Nf6
O-O
e4

Example 3a:
7. e3
8. cxd3
9. e4
10. Qc2
11. Qxb2
12. Ngf3
13. O-O

exd3
d4
Bc3
Bxb2
Nc6
Bg4
Nd7

Example 3b:
7. a3
Bxd2+
8. Qxd2 c5
9. Rd1
Nc6
10. dxe4 dxe4
11. Qxd8 Rxd8
12. Rxd8+ Nxd8
13. Bxf6 gxf6
14. Bxe4 a5

White also does well by counter attacking;

here his rook pawn advance forces blacks
bishop to exchange or retreat.

Example 3c:
7. d4
8. fxe3
9. Qc1
10. c3
11. Kf2
12. cxb4
13. h3
14. Ngf3

Advancing the attacked pawn in this case

is dangerous, as it does not anchor to the
center pawn beside it. Whites opening is
disrupted and he must now scramble to
stay even.

e3
Ng4
Nxe3
Nxg2+
Ne3
Re8
Nf5
Qd6

Here black attacks, using a combination of

center pawn and bishop pin. This is very
risky attack on his part, including a gambit
offer of his king pawn. White doesnt go
for it, and stays with his standard opening.
Black starts the attack at his sixth move.
We first see what happens if white doesnt
react to the attack immediately, and goes
ahead with his standard move, 7.e3.
White exchanges one center pawn, then
avoids a second pawn exchange. Blacks
attack is stopped, and white now has a
stable position, and an excellent game. A
second pawn exchange 9..exd4 results in a
sharp game, that still favors white.
Exchanging with 7.dxe4 is also fine. The
exchange option is far less risky in this
case, since the king pawn isnt attacked.

White avoids all complications and trades

down quickly. In this continuation he also
goes a pawn up, enough to win the game.

Avoiding the exchange by advancing your

attacked center pawn doesnt necessarily
stop the attack, or result in a quiet game!

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 75

A worst case scenario with a combination

center pawn and bishop pin early attack is
shown here. Black effectively loses the
game after only seven moves!
This particular combination early attack is
worth remembering. Alarms should sound
any time you see a potential combination
early attack.
Black should have reacted to the bishop
pin early attack as soon as it is presented,
rather than continuing his opening, and
waiting for the combination attack to start.
In this continuation, black shuts down the
bishop pin portion of the combination
attack with his bishop pawn advance. He
exchanges, and has good play afterwards.
Here is another dangerous combination, of
center pawn, and knight and bishop early
attacks. Whites bishop sacrifice and
subsequent knight incursion disrupt
blacks position. Black is under pressure,
and can stay even only with accurate play.
Recapturing the pawn with 7..gxf5 also
leads into difficult lines for black.

The previous situation can be avoided by

reacting differently to the knight and
bishop attack, which was present as soon
as 6. Bc4 was played. Instead of inviting
the combination early attack with 6..e6,
black shuts most of it down with 6..h6.
Black here is still fighting for equality, but
now he has better counter play, in what
will continue as a sharp contest.

Example 4:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Nf3
4. d5
5. Bb5+
6. dxe6
7. Ng5
8. Qf3

d6
e6
b6
Ne7
Nd7
fxe6
Bb7

Example 4a:
5. Bb5+
6. dxc6
7. O-O
8. Nc3
9. Bxc6+

c6
Nbxc6
Bb7
a6
Nxc6

Example 5a:
1. d4
2. e4
3. f4
4. Nf3
5. Nc3
6. Bc4
7. f5
8. O-O
9. Bxf7+
10. Ng5+

d6
g6
Bg7
Nd7
b6
e6
exf5
Ne7
Kxf7
Kg8

Example 5b:
6. Bc4
h6
7. O-O
Bb7
8. f5
g5
9. Be3
Ngf6
10. e5
dxe5
11. Nxe5 Nxe5
12. dxe5 Qxd1
13. Raxd1 Ng4

Fianchetto Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

In the fianchetto attack, your opponent develops one or both of his bishops as you do in
the Beginners Game, in the fianchetto position. If he is first in doing so, you will not be able to
develop your own fianchetto on the same diagonal, until one of you moves a pawn or piece to
block the attack. If your opponent blocks the diagonal, you can usually continue with your own
fianchetto and complete the standard opening. If he doesnt block the diagonal, you will have to
change your opening somewhat. There are a large number of possible responses to this attack.
Your opponents fianchetto will usually be on his king side, and generally started early in
the opening play. You can either challenge his fianchetto immediately, or wait.

Example 6:
1. d4
2. g3
3. Bg2
4. Nf3
5. O-O
6. c4
7. Nc3
8. e4

Example 7:
1. d4
2. g3
3. Bg2
4. c4
5. Nc3
6. e3
7. Nge2

Example 8:
1. d4
2. g3
3. Bg2
4. e4
5. exd5
6. Nf3
7. O-O
8. Re1+
9. c4

e6
g6
Bg7
b6
Bb7
Ne7
d6
Nd7

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
d6
Nd7
...

e6
b6
d5
Bb7
exd5
g6
Bg7
Ne7
O-O

When your opponent starts his fianchetto

before you do, its often best to wait a few
moves. He will usually block the diagonal
with a knight or center pawn. You can then
proceed with your own fianchetto and
finish the standard opening.
Remember: an opponents fianchetto
usually doesnt require you to change your
standard opening.
If your opponent keeps the diagonal open,
as in the Beginners Game, youre obliged
to modify the standard opening.
Here black cannot play the usual 7..b6, but
he has a number of other moves: c6, c5,
e5, f5, Nc6, Nf6, Rb8, O-O, etc.
Black went on to play c6, b6, Bb7, Qc7,
and O-O-O, then started a king side attack.
You can open your fianchetto later than
your opponent on an open diagonal, but
you will have to react immediately with a
blocking move when his bishop moves.
Here black plays the blocking move d5,
and then continues his standard opening.
Black is then forced to exchange pawns;
after castling he has a satisfactory game.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 77

Your opponent may also reveal an attack

on your half finished fianchetto, forcing an
immediate reaction, as in this example.

Example 9:
1. d4
2. g3
3. Bg2
4. b3
5. Bb2
6. Nf3
7. O-O
8. Ng5
9. c4

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
d6
Nd7
b6
d5
Bb7

A revealed attack on your half finished

fianchetto may be combined with a center
pawn attack. Here black gets into trouble
with his standard move 7..b6, but he has
several good alternatives, eg. exd, e5, O-O,
and Nb6.

Example 10:
1. d4
2. g3
3. Bg2
4. c4
5. Nc3
6. Nf3
7. d5

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
d6
Nd7
...

Here white again combines center pawn

and fianchetto attacks. Black loses a
pawn if he plays his usual 8..Nd7 because
of the double attack, but he he can avoid
difficulties with 8..dxc, the best alternative.

Example 11:
1. d4
2. g3
3. Bg2
4. c4
5. Nf3
6. Bf4
7. Nc3
8. c5

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
b6
Bb7
d6
...

Example 12:
1. g3
2. Bg2
3. e3
4. b3
5. d4
6. Bb2
7. Ne2
8. Nd2

g6
e6
Ne7
Bg7
Nbc6
b6
Bb7
O-O

In this case only the blocking moves 8..c6

and 8..d5 were playable, or 8..Rb8. Here
black played 8..d5 and completed his
Beginners Game without any problems.

Risk takers can attempt the gambit 8..Nd7,

which can actually win from this position!

If both are playing the Beginners Game,

the active diagonal must be blocked by the
player starting his own fianchetto late.
The usual blocking moves are center pawn
double advances, or knight placements
forward. Here both moves are seen.
Since blacks knight is developed forward,
d6 is not needed, so black castles instead.

Bishop Pin Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

In the bishop pin attack, your opponent brings a bishop to one of your Knight 4 squares,
attacking either directly or indirectly your king or queen. There are two types of bishop pins: the
pin on the knight, and the pin on the pawn. Bishop pins on the knight are often seen, as they are
commonly used in classical chess; bishop pins on the pawn are seen less frequently. Bishop
pins alone rarely cause difficulties for the Beginners Game; when combined with center pawn
attacks however, they can be dangerous. Often bishop pins are a waste of time, because the
bishops have to retreat or exchange when challenged by your pawn advances. On the whole,
your adversary does better to deploy his bishops behind his pawns. In all the standard defenses
to the Beginners Game they are optimally placed on the opponents third rank.

Example 13:
1. d4
2. e4
3. Nf3
4. Bg5

Example 14:
1. d4
2. e4
3. Nf3
4. Bg5
5. Bf6

Example 15:
1. d4
2. e4
3. Nf3
4. Bg5
5. Be3
6. c4

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7

e6
g6
b6
Ne7
Rg8

e6
g6
Bg7
f6
Ne7
O-O

A bishop attack on your exposed king or

queen is not a problem: proceed with your
standard knight move, blocking the attack.
Your opponents bishop can be challenged
later by your rook pawn. The bishop must
retreat or exchange with your knight; both
of these moves are to your advantage.

If your fianchetto on the attacked side is

half finished, the bishop can then advance
and force you to move your rook, as in this
example. White stops black from castling
king side, and cramps his game.
You can avoid this situation by reacting
aggressively to the bishop pin with a
nonstandard move: 4..Be7 or 4..f6.
The bishop pawn advance is an
aggressive response to the bishop pin,
forcing your adversarys bishop to retreat.
It may seem better than the normal
blocking move with the knight, but in
general it is not : the center pawn beside
it is often seriously weakened.
An early castle after your bishop pawn
advance, as shown here, is safest.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 79

A bishop pin on the pawn stops you from

developing your king or queen pawn, and
so from completing the standard opening.
You can run the bishop off with rook and
knight pawn moves, as shown here, but
then your position is compromised: your
advanced flank pawns can be attacked,
driving you further from your opening.
The forceful response to the bishop pin on
the pawn is again your bishop pawn
advance, relieving the pin. You should be
able then to proceed with your opening.
A double advance of the center pawn
beside the advanced bishop pawn is then
normally used. Here the standard single
advance wasnt even playable.
Respond to the bishop pin on the pawn
early, before your adversary can build an
attack around it. Here black waits several
moves and is attacked. His game is
disrupted, but he maintains equality and
even manages to find good counterplay.
Remember: Relieve the bishop pin on the
pawn before it becomes a problem.

In the previous situation Black does better

by moving into a different variant, with
5..Ngf6 and 6..O-O, stopping the attack.
and starting a strong counter offensive.
An early reaction to the bishop pin on the
pawn may be the best course, even though
you depart from the standard opening.

Example 16:
1. d4
2. Bg5
3. Bh4
4. Bg3
5. h4

d6
h6
g5
Bg7
...

Example 17a:
1. d4
d6
2. Bg5
f6
3. Bd2
g6
4. e4
Bg7
5. Nf3
b6
6. Bc4
Bb7
7. Nc3
Nd7
8. O-O
e5

Example 17b:
1. d4
d6
2. Bg5
g6
3. e4
Bg7
4. Bc4
Nd7
5. Qf3
f6
6. Qb3 fxg5
7. Bxg8 Nf6
8. Qf7+ Kd7
9. Qxg7 Rxg8
10. Qh6 Nxe4

Example 17c:
5. Qf3
Ngf6
6. Nd2
O-O
7. Ne2
c6
8. O-O
e5
9. Qa3
Qc7

Rook Pawn Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

In the rook pawn attack, your opponents rook pawn is advanced to the fifth rank, where it
threatens either to exchange with your knight pawn, or to advance and displace your fianchetto.
Rook pawn attacks are seen somewhat less frequently in master level play against the Beginners
Game than the other early attacks presented so far, but they are nevertheless just as effective.
Rook pawn early attacks can be disruptive; in most cases they force departures from the
standard opening. They may also be combined with other early attacks, in particular the queen
and bishop attack. There is a variety of adequate responses.

Example 18a:
1. e4
e6
2. d4
g6
3. Bd3
Bg7
4. Nf3
b6
5. h4
Ne7
6. h5
Bb7
7. h6
Bf8
8. Bg5
d6
9. Bf6
Rg8

Rook pawn attacks can be dangerous.

Here black ignores the attack; his king
side is invaded and he now loses a pawn,
after 10.Ng5 and 11.Nxh7.

Example 18b:
5. h4
h5
6. O-O
Bb7
7. Nc3
Ne7
8. Bg5
d6
9. d5
e5
10. Bb5+ Nd7

You can respond immediately to the rook

pawn early attack with a double advance
of your rook pawn, stopping the attack.

Example 18c:
5. h4
h6
6. h5
g5
7. Nc3
d6
8. O-O
Ne7
9. Be3
Bb7
10. Nd2
Nd7

You can also respond to the rook pawn

early attack with an immediate single
advance of your rook pawn, which often
shuts down the attack. If white presses
the attack, you can advance your knight
pawn as here, so avoiding the exchange.

When the attack starts, different standard

moves, 5..Bb7 or 5..d6 resist better. After
5..Ne7 black could play 6..gxh or 6..O-O
instead, but both give white a strong king
side assault, aided by the open rook file.

This introduced move avoids exchanges,

and allows you to complete your opening,
so its good for beginners. Here black also
avoids a later center pawn exchange, and
now has a reasonably good game.

This is a quieter alternative to the standard

moves. Black can complete his Beginners
Game after the two introduced moves.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 81

Most of the exchange lines following your

rook pawn single advance are dangerous,
and should not be entered into unless you
are prepared with a sharp counter attack.
Here black maintains parity by aggressive
defense. Recapturing with the knight gives
better results than with the bishop pawn,
which leaves weaknesses on e6 and g6.
Remember: many exchange lines in the
rook pawn early attack are risky.
If the attack begins before the fianchetto
on that side has been started, you can play
the fianchetto last, and your nearly
completed development resists better.
Black here plays his standard opening,
with the fianchetto last. He recaptures with
the knight, as shown, to avoid weakening
his king pawn. Black now has reasonable
chances, despite the king side damage.
If the fianchetto on the attacked side has
not been started, you have a wide range of
responses outside the standard as well.
Here black stops the rook pawn advance,
and moves into a strong close variant with
different knight and bishop placements.
Black completes his variant opening, and
has good play from this position. Many
other close variants respond just as well.
If the fianchetto on the attacked side is
half finished when the rook pawn early
attack starts, you may as well proceed with
the standard moves. If the rook pawn
then advances, you can bring the bishop
out to Bishop 3. If it exchanges instead,
you can then exchange rooks, as here.
After the exchanges both sides will castle
Q-side. Black has roughly even chances.

Example 18d:
5. h4
h6
6. h5
Ne7
7. hxg6 Nxg6
8. Be3
Bb7
9. Qd2 Nc6
10. Nc3
e5
11. dxe5 Ngxe5
12. Nxe5 Nxe5
13. O-O-O Nxd3+
14. Qxd3 d6

Example 19:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Bd3
4. h4
5. Nf3
6. h5
7. Be3
8. hxg6

e6
b6
Bb7
Ne7
d6
Nd7
g6
Nxg6

Example 20:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Bd3
4. h4
5. h5
6. Nc3
7. Nf3
8. Bf4
9. Qe2

e6
b6
d6
Bb7
h6
Nd7
Be7
Ngf6
a6

Example 21:
1. d4
2. e4
3. Nf3
4. Nc3
5. Bd3
6. h4
7. h5
8. hxg6
9. Rxh8

g6
d6
Nd7
b6
Bb7
e6
Bg7
hxg6
Bxh8

Queen and Bishop Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

In the queen and bishop attack, your opponent aligns his queen with one of his bishops to
attack one of your fianchettos via the Rook 3 square. Queen and bishop attacks are frequently
seen in play, most usually on the king side. There are some cases in which the queen and bishop
attack can succeed in winning a pawn, but not without substantial cost.
You have a number of ways to respond to the queen and bishop attack: stop it, with a rook
pawn advance, or by keeping your knight in place, exchange when his bishop challenges yours,
or wait for your opponent to exchange bishops.

Example 23:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Be3
4. Nf3
5. Qd2
6. Bc4
7. Nc3
8. Qd3
9. O-O
10. Rad1

Example 24:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Bf4
4. Qd2
5. Nf3
6. Bd3
7. Nc3
8. O-O-O
9. Bh6
10. Bxg7

Example 25:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Be3
4. Nf3
5. Qd2
6. Bd3
7. Nc3
8. Bh6

d6
g6
Nd7
b6
h6
Bb7
Bg7
a6
e6
Ne7
g6
b6
Bg7
e6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
Ne7
O-O
Kxg7
d6
g6
Nd7
b6
e6
Ne7
Bb7
f5

Queen and bishop attacks may be stopped

by pushing the rook pawn. Since these
rook pawn advances often figure in play
following the opening, you may prefer to
make these prophylactic moves as soon
as the attack is presented.
Here black responds to two queen and
bishop attacks with rook pawn advances.
He completes his standard opening, and is
in very good shape.
As long as your knight is in place, the
attack is shut down. Here white has the
queen and bishop attack ready by his 4th
move, but can launch it only much later,
after black finally moves his king knight.
Black completes his Beginners Game and
castles rather than initiating the exchange
of bishops. The bishop exchange has not
seriously affected the balance of the game.
If your adversary starts the queen and
bishop attack before your bishop is in the
fianchetto position, you can start counter
attacking, eg. with the bishop pawn double
advance as shown.
White stops black from completing his
opening and castling on the king side, but
he must take serious risks to derive any
definitive advantage from this position.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 83

Here we see what happens when your

adversary continues this attack. White
exchanges bishops, and then invades on
blacks king side, winning a pawn.
Afterwards white loses several moves
retreating with his queen however, as
black counter attacks. White retains the
pawn lead, but black has a very strong
king side offensive to compensate for it.
Much the same scenario results if you
initiate the bishop exchange when
challenged, as in this continuation.
Once again white wins a pawn with the
attack, and once again black responds
with a strong counter offensive. Here
black pushes on the queen side as well as
preparing to attack whites king side.
It would appear that you do somewhat
better by blocking the attack with the rook
pawn advance, since this move is often
used in play following the opening.
The problem is that as long as the attack is
in place, you will not be able to castle king
side. But in general you have good play
from the completed standard opening.
If your opponent persists in using the
queen and bishop attack, you may wish to
try some of the close variants of the
Beginners Game as alternative openings.
Here black draws a center pawn advance
with his forward king knight placement,
and then neutralizes whites attack with an
exchange. Black now has good chances.

Example 25a:
9. Bxf8 Rxf8
10. Qh6 Nf6
11. Ng5
Qd7
12. Nxh7 Nxh7
13. Qxh7 fxe4
14. Nxe4 O-O-O
15. O-O
Rh8
16. Qg7 Rdg8
17. Qf6
Rf8

Example 25b:
8. Bh6
Bxh6
9. Qxh6 a6
10. Qg7 Rg8
11. Qxh7 g5
12. O-O
c5
13. d5
e5
14. Nd2
Nf6
15. Qh3 Bc8
16. Qe3
b5

Example 26:
1. e4
2. d4
3. Bf4
4. Qd2
5. Nf3
6. Bd3
7. Nc3
8. O-O-O
9. h4

g6
b6
Bg7
e6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
h6
Ne7

Example 26a:
6. Nc3
Nf6
7. e5
Nh5
8. Be2
Nxf4

Knight and Bishop Early Attacks on the Beginners Game

This is the most famous early attack in all of chess, the fegatello, or brave little attack.
The knight and bishop attack is usually on your King Bishop 2 and King 3 squares. The threat is a
bishop sacrifice for a pawn on either square, disrupting your opening and sometimes winning
material as well. In most of the possible sequences of the Beginners Game the attack is shut
down easily, by the advance of the king or king rook pawns. There are some sequences that are
vulnerable however, and should be remembered. In master level play this potentially dangerous
attack is rarely seen, as it is easy to stop and the forward bishop can then be repelled, losing time.

Example 27:
1. d3
2. b3
3. g3
4. Nd2

Example 27a:
5. Bg2
Bxf2+
6. Kxf2 Ng4+
7. Ke1
Ne3

Example 27b:
5. Bb2
Nc6
6. Bg2
Bxf2+
7. Kxf2 Ng4+
8. Ke1
Ne3
9. Qc1
Nxg2+
10. Kf2
Nh4
11. gxh4 Qxh4+
12. Kg2

d5
e5
Bc5
Nf6

After only four moves, the knight and

bishop attack is in place, making it the
fastest, and one of the most dangerous,
early attacks on the Beginners Game.
Here white avoids all problems with his
standard move 5.e3, or the introduced
move 5.h3, but watch what happens if he
plays the standard move 5.Bg2...
The bishop sacrifice and knight incursion
disrupt whites game and cost him a pawn.
Here white misplays: he should refuse the
sacrifice with 6.Kf1; he accepts, and now
loses his queen!
Remember: the knight and bishop attack
can start as soon as both pieces are in the
field; Defend your King and Queen!
Whites standard move 5.Bg2 was wrong,
and 5.e3 was right. What about 5.Bb2? In
this continuation, black again attacks, but
doesnt obtain adequate compensation for
his sacrificed bishop.
Still the attack is disruptive; anytime your
opponent has a knight fork of your queen
and bishop he obtains near equality.

Early Attacks on the Beginner's Game 85

After you have advanced the King pawn,

the attack loses most of its threat. But
even this pawn chain can be attacked, if
you do not repel the knight immediately
when it invades, as in this continuation.
Black here wins a pawn. White should
react immediately to the knight incursion
with 8.h3 instead of his standard 8.Ne2. If
black then plays 8..Bxe3, 9.hxg4!
Heres another example, to insist on the
point for the beginners: 7.h3 or even 7.Nb3
is OK. But the usual 7.b3 loses a pawn, as
shown here. Note that 7.O-O also loses.
Remember: you usually must react when
a knight invades. An enemy bishop on
your side of the board is a nuisance; an
enemy knight is a serious threat!
On the queen side, the knight and bishop
attack does not work as well, for various
reasons. Even so, you should normally
react to a queen side knight invasion.
Here 8.a3 can drive the black knight off.
White continued with his standard move
8.Bg2, and is attacked, but manages to
stay even, and still has a good game.

If completely ignored, the knight and

bishop attack on the queen side can be
dangerous. Here white should repel the
knight with 6.a3, or play the standard
move 6.g3. He ignores the attack, playing
6.Nd2, and gets into serious trouble.
Beginners note: if white recaptures with
7. cxd3, he is checkmated!

Example 27c:
5. Bb2
Nc6
6. Bg2
O-O
7. e3
Ng4
8. Ne2
Bxe3
9. O-O
Nxf2
10. Rxf2 Bxf2+
11. Kxf2

Example 28a:
1. d3
d5
2. e3
e5
3. Nd2
Bc5
4. Ne2
Nc6
5. g3
Nf6
6. Bg2
Ng4
7. b3
Bxe3
8. O-O
Bc5

Example 28b:
6. b3
Bf5
7. Bb2
Nb4
8. Bg2
Bxd3
9. cxd3 Nxd3+
10. Kf1
Nxb2
11. Qc2
Ba3
12. Nb1
Qe7
13. Nxa3 Qxa3
14. Rb1
Qxa2
15. Rxb2 Qa3

Example 29:
1. b3
2. e3
3. Ne2
4. Bb2
5. d3
6. Nd2

d5
Nc6
Bf5
e6
Nb4
Bxd3

6.

Playing Against the Beginners Game

This at the same time a difficult subject, and an easy one. No responses have been found
to the Beginners Game that consistently put it in serious trouble. But a large number of openings
have shown to be strong responses, and have won games against it. We can already identify
many of the best defenses. They are the strongest conventional openings that have ever been
seen in the game of chess; each one is a theoretically perfect deployment. But non of them have
proved superior to the standard opening.
The Beginners Game allows the adversary to perform any opening he wishes without
opposition. Responses to the standard opening are the least constrained, and therefore the most
varied possible. The Beginners Game has to face hundreds of valid adversary defenses, far more
than for other openings in chess. Most of these defenses are new, in the sense that they have not
been playable until the present. In fact, a completely new game of chess results from playing this
system, because the opening positions on both sides have rarely if ever been seen before!
It is a fascinating quest to find the best rivals to the Beginners Game. When one is at
almost complete liberty to compose, play in the opening becomes an exercise for the imagination,
quite different from the close contact and blow-by-blow character of conventional opening play.
The usual dynamic clash of force and constraint becomes instead a calm deployment phase as
one plays the component moves of a preferred opening position. It is as though you are setting
up the board eight moves into the opening and starting the game from there!
Here we present a sampler of adversary openings which have shown to be strong against
the Beginners Game. It is a highly varied assortment of stunning new openings. All readers are
encouraged to choose a few that look interesting to try in play. Beginners and lesser intermediate
players should mostly play the close variants of the Beginners Game, while they are gaining
experience in the system. Better players should try some of everything. Its a new game of chess!
This discussion of playing against the Beginners Game is divided into four parts: early
attacks, classical defenses, custom defenses, and B-systems defenses. In each section examples
show adversary responses that have won games from these positions, reached after eight moves.
No adversary defense or early attack has been able to win consistently against the standard.
Early Attacks:
The early attacks on the Beginners Game have been discussed earlier in some detail. Due
to the compact deployment of the standard opening, any attacks on it take longer to mount. Early
attacks start at the 5th to 7th move. The most frequently seen at master level are the center pawn
attacks, but all the other attacks: fianchetto, bishop pin, rook pawn, queen and bishop, and knight
and bishop, are used as well. Combination early attacks are generally the most problematic for
players of the system. At amateur level early attacks will often be played, since they can force
modifications in the standard opening, and put weaker players under more pressure. At this level,
it is also likely that all of the early attacks will be tried with about the same frequency.

Playing Against the Beginner's Game 87

When the Beginners Game is attacked early, usually no more than one or two of the first
eight opening moves have to be changed. Most of the development, and therefore much of the
resulting play remains the same. Staying as close as possible to the standard moves is always
the basic strategy when playing the Beginners Game.
Early attacks are aggressive, but not necessarily more aggressive than openings which
avoid early conflict and concentrate on building a strong position, as does the Beginners Game
itself. In play against the computer at master level, early attacks are seen in a small minority of
games. It would appear that the best responses take more time to prepare. It is also probable
however that the computer, not knowing it is playing against the standard opening, doesnt use
early attacks as often because they are not judged to be strongest in the general context.
Further research will reveal which move sequences of the standard opening are overly
vulnerable to specific early attacks. Moves outside the standard opening may be needed to deal
adequately with these situations. At present, the early attacks do not appear to be the strongest
responses to the Beginners Game, because they dont push it significantly off track. In most
cases they only succeed in forcing exchanges which do not seriously affect the strength of the
standard opening. Often they result in loss of time and initiative for the adversary. All the early
attacks can be avoided by defensive play, or challenged by aggressive counter play.
The authors assessment of the different early attacks:
The center pawn attacks can be responded to in too many ways to be consistently effective.
The fianchetto attacks, as seen in the B-system close variants, are generally not disruptive.
The bishop pin attacks are not effective, unless combined with center pawn attacks.
The rook pawn attacks are somewhat disruptive, but have a variety of adequate responses.
The queen and bishop attacks can force the bishop exchange, but give no real advantage.
The knight and bishop attacks are not dangerous unless ignored or misplayed.
Early attacks have scored wins in games from the positions shown below at 8 moves. Most
wins were recorded with the center pawn, rook pawn, or combination center pawn and bishop pin
attacks, but all of the early attacks can be dangerous, and all of them have won on occasion.

A2v44xF2 Center Pawn Gambit

A2v44xF3 Center Pawn and Pin

A2v45xF3 Center Pawn and Pin

A2vC Queen and Bishop

A3v88x

Rook Pawn

A3v88x

Rook Pawn

Classical Defenses:
The classical defenses shown here are not only valid, they are the strongest conventional
openings that exist. They all develop aggressively, typically with two or three doubly advanced
center pawns, and the pieces optimally deployed, most frequently to the third rank. Castling in
most cases has been performed, and the queen has been relocated. Classical defenses all place a
mass of material in the center, maximizing potential for attack while retaining a strong defense.
During the eight moves used to complete the standard opening, the opponent is at
complete freedom to compose a perfect classical opening. He usually completes it in 7 moves, a
move earlier than does the Beginners Game. But his extra move and attacking potential are hard
to capitalize, because in general he can find little to attack.
Two main categories of classical defenses are those with either two or three advanced
center pawns. Three pawn centers provide better support for a pawn assault, but there is no
conclusive evidence they are better than the two pawn centers, or the other non-classical
defenses. Below are some of the classical defenses that have won games. As they have been
seen only rarely in chess, the author has taken the liberty of giving them names. The coded
names are explained briefly below; the descriptive names are simpler, but also less precise.

C3v0

3 pawn standard

C3vD3 3 pawn queen out

C3vF1

3 pawn F back

Playing Against the Beginner's Game 89

C2v0

2 pawn standard

C1v5C2D5

1 pawn C center

C2vD4F2 2 pawn F center

C2vC2D5F2 2 pawn CF center

C2vC1H1

2 pawn C back

C3v7F5 3 pawn F fianchetto

C2v27C5F5 2 pawn 2 fianchetto

C2vBC2F2G 2 pawn 2 N&B

C2vC3F3

2 pawn CF pin

The coded names attempt to give details of the opening: first the type of response (early Attack,
B-system, Classical, custom Designed), then the number of doubly advanced pawns, then v
(meaning variant), and then the figures that moved differently from the related standard opening:
first numbers (1-8) for the pawns, and then letters (A-H) for the pieces. The pieces have several
variant moves; the number following the piece letter indicates which of these moves was made. If
a figure is moved twice, this is again indicated by giving the pawn number or piece letter.

Custom Defenses:
A custom defense is one which has been specially designed to confront the Beginners
Game. There are many imaginative and often impressive openings that can be designed. All these
openings are virtually new to chess, so the author has taken liberty to invent names for them. The
custom defenses below have proved to be very strong responses to the standard opening.

D3v2B1C5 3 pawn Shotgun

D4vB1G1 4 pawn Tomahawk

D4v18 4 pawn Battle Axe

D5vF1 5 pawn Queen Wing

D5v678

D2v36B1C2F2G1 BroadAxe

D6vG1

D4v0

4 pawn Standard

6 pawn Six Gun

5 pawn King Wing

D2v3D1G1 2 pawn Shotgun

Playing Against the Beginner's Game 91

B-System Defenses:
B-system openings obey a strict set of rules that distinguish them from most classical
openings, and make them close relatives of the Beginners Game. All make primary use of pawn
chains and piece placement behind the pawns. Their names list the component moves that are
different from the Beginners Game. The ones shown below with black are only a few of the many
B-system openings that have proved to be very strong responses to the standard opening. The
coded names use a slightly more compact form of the nomenclature presented earlier, since there
are less variant moves used in B-system openings than in the responses to the standard opening.
Those openings which imitate closely the Beginners Game are among the best defenses
that exist. These are the B-system close variants. They are used when both are playing the
Beginners Game, but they are also valid openings in their own right. All of the B-system close
variants are exceptionally strong; in certain contexts they can be stronger than the standard!

BvEG

Bv36

BvB

BvEFG

Bv5

Bv3DE

Bv34BDE

Bv34BFG

Bv3BEG

Bv58BDE

Bv3456CF

Bv134568CF

All of the defenses shown in this chapter are very effective against the standard opening.
But there are hundreds of others that are as good. All of the openings in this great multitude are
as strong or stronger than anything ever seen before in chess. We can only react with utter
amazement that none of them have proved to be consistently effective against the standard
opening, with its fixed set of moves !
The enormous variety of valid responses to the Beginners Game increases the probability
that eventually some can be identified which present serious problems. But even if some
defenses are found that can put the standard opening in real difficulty, there are so many possible
sequences, and so many close variants, that there will always be ways of avoiding specific
problematic lines. The large number of move sequences and diversity of strong close variants is
the best possible guarantee that the standard opening will never be surpassed in its ability to
respond to attacks of any kind.

The B-System Definition 93

7.

The B-System Definition

We have seen examples of the possible variants of the Beginner's Game which can be
forced by adversary play in the early attacks. These variants are part of the system associated
with the standard opening, that one should know in order to play the standard opening correctly.
There are many other possible variants of the Beginners Game. Some are obtained by
introducing moves typically used in continuing play into the first eight moves of the opening, and
playing the omitted standard moves a bit later. Examples would be advancing a rook pawn or
castling early. Such variants retain the basic character of the opening, and can be considered as
different threads of the same game. It is interesting to experiment with such variants, as it is
interesting to experiment with different orderings of the eight moves of the Beginners Game.
Other variants may be defined in which any moves at all are introduced into the first eight.
If only a few moves of the basic opening are changed, and the introduced moves fit in well, then
these variants may also be worth trying. Some such variant openings will prove to be strong, and
a player of the Beginners Game might consider adding a few to his openings portfolio.
As more moves of the standard opening are modified, the resulting variants get farther
away from the Beginners Game. We then start to lose the synergy that playing a close variant
opening has with playing the standard familiar one. If we decide to get interested in more distant
variants, then we should focus our interest on those that not only work well, but that also are in
some way similar to the Beginners Game, in the sense that we can profit from our knowledge of
how to play with the standard opening.
The number of possible variants is enormous, growing rapidly with each move of the
standard opening that is changed. How can we find the strongest ones without having to try
everything that appears it might work? We need a heuristic, a method to reduce the search and
testing to a tiny subset of all possible variants, but which still contains most of the best ones.
For the author, the best heuristic was to select variants that respect a set of rules for
opening play, similar to those used by the Beginners Game itself. It respects the following rules:

Pure positional play

Single pawn advances, constructing pawn chains
Piece placement behind pawns

The success of the Beginners Game confirms that these are valid rules for opening play.
But there is only one opening which truly obeys these rules, and that is the Beginners Game
itself. We get no variants with these rules, so we have to change the rules somewhat to start
admitting candidate variants.

Now the obvious thing to say is that these rules should still be generally respected in
opening play, but that a few exceptions are allowed. These exception cases must be well defined
and highly restrictive, to permit us to search effectively in a small subset of the enormous space
of possible openings; and they must result of course, in the selection of the strongest variants.
The author has experimented extensively with variants on the Beginners Game that respect the
following modified rules, for the first eight moves:
B-System Rules

Play in the opening is purely positional; pawns and pieces are not moved twice
unless it is necessary.
Single pawn advances are generally used. Double pawn advances are allowed only if
the pawn joins a pawn chain.
Pieces are developed behind the pawns. The only exception allowed is that one
knight may be played in front of the pawns.
Queen and rook moves behind the pawns are allowed.
Castling is allowed.

Any opening which obeys these rules is in the B-system. All B-system openings are in fact
variants of the Beginners Game, in a way that we can describe and quantify. A special
nomenclature for B-system openings makes clear their relationship to the Beginners Game.
Of the variants generated using these modified rules, most are interesting, almost all are
playable, and many are very strong. There are not too many of them, it is a manageable collection.
And they do retain a kind of similarity in play with the Beginners Game, that we were looking for.
Note that there is no mention in the B-System rules to the Beginners Game. In particular
there is no mention of the number of moves of the Beginners Game which may be modified. An
opening in the B-system may have any number of component moves different from the Beginners
Game, even all eight of them!
You would think that variants with many moves different from the standard opening would
be too different to be useful, in the sense that they share commonalties in play with it. But
conformity to the same strict set of rules seems to predominate over the differences in actual
component moves. Openings in the B-system, no matter how distant they are from the Beginners
Game, still have much in common with it, and play much like it.
There is another motive in defining a set of variants other than to enrich play with the
Beginners Game. The Beginners Game is a new opening, and is the charter member of the
B-system. Most of the openings in the B-system are also new, rarely if ever seen before in play. It
is quite possible that within this practically new system we will find not only many strong
openings, but many that like the Beginners Game itself, are optimal or close to it. In other words,
the B-system is an attempt to define an optimal subset in the space of all possible chess
openings, which at the same time is largely new.

The B-System Definition 95

With few exceptions, the members of the B-system that have been seen before in play are
generally considered alternative openings, and are not very commonly used. The B-system as a
whole should be considered as a new way of playing the chess opening. The entire style of play
in this system is quite different from that of classical chess. In any case the B-system is
distinguished from, not based on other openings or opening systems that have been used to date.
The rules for the B-system are precise enough to allow us to determine immediately
whether any candidate opening is in the system or not. A few examples of valid B-system
openings, and openings not in the system are given here to make these distinctions clear:

Bv5

Bv34DEFG

Bv4EFG

Bv35BE

Bv3B

Bv3456CF

Valid B-system Openings

More than one knight

in front of pawns

advanced pawn not in

pawn chain

Queen in front
of Pawn

advanced pawns not in

pawn chains

Non B-system Openings

Bishop in front
of Pawn

unforced knight
double move

These illustrations show positions that are still intact after eight moves. We also include in
the B-system variations of these openings which have had to make exchanges, as forced by
adversary play, even though positions after these exchanges may not conform completely with
the system rules. There are a few borderline cases, but as a whole the B-system is a well-defined
set. Its fairly easy for anyone to look at an opening and tell if its in the B-system or not.
The B-system rules result in the generation of a large number of variants. The author has
not made an attempt to count them, but estimates there are several thousand, including the
exchange variants. Not all of these are worthy of our attention. Once again we need a heuristic
we can apply to determine the best openings in the system for further study; once again we can
look for openings that share other characteristics of the highly successful Beginners Game.
There are various characteristics that we can look for. These are not hard and fast rules,
such as those used to define the B-system, but secondary guidelines, that may prove useful in the
identification of interesting candidates for further study.
Examples of such guidelines are:

Exchanges of pieces or pawns are generally not offered. Exchanges proposed by

the opponent are not accepted unless necessary.

Generally, no offensive action is initiated prior to completing the opening. The

openings prepares however, for attacking immediately afterwards.

Castling options are generally maintained thru the opening.

The most important opening guideline however, is that most singular characteristic of the
Beginners Game, of being able to play with either white or black, making only minimal
modifications as imposed by adversary play. The variants we are most interested in are those that
are generally playable, confronting successfully the largest possible variety of adversary
responses. In this system, we are trying to maximise our chances of getting intact thru the
opening, while achieving a good starting position for the game that follows.
As in the Beginners Game, the B-system player is striving to carry out a preconceived plan,
with only slight alterations as necessary to counter adversary play. He is trying to produce a
predefined configuration, which should be evident by his eighth move. His choice of moves will
be highly varied, but anything he plays should be building to a position within the system.
B-system Rules OK
The B-system rules were quite ad-hoc, so naturally you might ask if some other set of rules
could be even better. Relaxing the rules would include many more strong openings; tightening
them would refine the system. Here the author has drawn a line in the sand. On one side are the
Beginners Game and the B-system, virtually unknown. On the other side are almost all the chess
openings ever played until the present, and a large number of even stronger new ones. A great
battle between them is about to begin. It is now the battle between the new chess and the old; but
if the B-system rules OK, this line marks the field for most of the future battles in chess.

B-System Variants 97

8.

B-System Variants

The Beginners Game is the central member of a set of openings defined by the author,
called the B-system. All B-system openings respect the same restrictive and well-defined rules
for opening play. These rules have already been detailed, and include as elements primarily use of
recessed pawn structures and piece placement behind the pawns, as in the Beginners Game.
The main interest in defining the B-system is to identify those openings which are close to
the Beginners Game, in the sense of being alternative lines of the standard opening. Due to their
conformity to the same set of rules, even distant B-systems openings are generally related in
terms of the style of games that result, so there is good commonality of play in the entire system.
A classification system for B-system openings is introduced here which defines any
opening in the system as a variant of the Beginners Game. Variants are named by indicating the
pawn and piece moves in that opening that are not present in the Beginners Game. Pieces are
labeled A - H, and pawns 1 - 8, starting from the queen side. For example, a modification of the
Beginners Game in which the king knight is developed to Bishop 3 instead of King 2 is called a
variant G, whether for white or for black. All variant names start with the letters Bv (meaning
B-system variant) and then put the variant moves in first numerical, and then alphabetical order.

variant G - BvG

variant 5 - Bv5

variant 3B - Bv3B

The variant name by itself does not describe the opening completely. We usually do not
know for example, which moves of the standard opening were left out. When this detail is
needed, we can include a version qualifier, which is a list of the moves of the Beginners Game
which were not made. For example, a Beginners Game with an introduced queen rook pawn
move, but without the usual king knight move, would be called variant 1 Version G. In general, we
will refer to variants using only the names, without the version qualifiers.

variant 1 - Version G

Bv1 - Version F

Bv1(VC)

The variant name, even with inclusion of the version qualifier, still does not give a complete
description of the opening. Missing in particular, is the move order. Also missing is a description
of how pawn and piece moves different from the Beginners Game were actually performed.

The idea is to have a convenient nomenclature for openings in the B-system, that makes
clear their relationship to the Beginners Game. Including too much information in the variant
names makes them long and unusable. We can leave out information on move order because, as
in the Beginners Game, variants may be produced using many different sequences of moves. But
it is useful to indicate for the modified moves how the piece or pawn has moved.
A shorthand for variations of the modified moves is suggested here which appends a
modifier to the pawn number or piece letter for less frequently used moves, but not to the most
frequently used move. This shorthand makes the variant names more precise, without making
them too complicated. The pieces and pawns have different rules for use of qualifiers, according
to which of their moves are most frequently made. Here is the suggested syntax:
Most Frequent Moves - No Qualifier

Less Frequent Moves - Single Qualifier

Rook pawns:
Other pawns:
Knights:
Bishops:
Rooks:
Queen:
King:

Rook pawns:
Other pawns:
Knights:
Bishops:
Rooks:
Queen:
King:

single advance
double advance
to Bishop 3
to King 2 / Queen 2
to King 1
to Queen Bishop 2
King side castle

double advance
single advance
to Rook 3
to King 3 / Queen 3
to Knight 1
to Queen 2
Queen side castle

Other moves, eg. Bishop to Rook 3, Queen to King 2 (or King 1 or Queen Bishop 1), have a
double qualifier. The single qualifier is the apostrophe; the double qualifier is the quote sign. The
qualifier x is used when a pawn or piece captures. If a figure is forced to move a second time,
only the figure symbol is repeated in the variant name. With this shorthand for moves, we can now
name and describe all openings in the B-system. Below are some examples with move qualifiers:

Bv1(VF)

Bv5x(VF)

Bv3D (VBG)

This naming scheme allows us to refer to all B-system members in a convenient fashion.
Unlike other nomenclatures for chess openings, it succeeds in giving an accurate and adequate
description of an opening set of moves, in a way that anyone can understand and use quite easily.
The distance of a B-system variant from the Beginner Game is equal to the number of
moves that are different from the standard opening, which is equal to the number of figure
symbols in the name. Most classical openings are not in the B-system of course, but we can
measure their distance from the Beginners Game in the same way. Almost all are 6 to 8 moves
distant; the overall average is about 6.5 moves. Thats another reason why the Beginners Game
doesnt have much in common with most conventional chess openings.

B-System Variants 99

Now we present a brief catalog of B-systems variants. This is just a small representative sample
of the entire system. These are listed according to their distance from the Beginners Game.
B-System Variants at Distance 1:

The B-system variants at distance 1

which modify one move of the
Beginners Game, but perform all of
the other standard moves are the
knight move variants B and G, and..

Variants 4 and 5, with center pawn

double advances. All other variants
omit moves of the standard opening.
A version qualifier can be added to
show the standard moves left out.

Variants Bv4x and Bv5x have made

central pawn exchanges, and omitted
one of the piece moves. Each of
these variants has 4 versions; shown
are versions G and F, respectively.

In variant Bv4 the queen pawn has

been moved twice. This variant has
four versions; shown is Version B.
Variant BvE, with an early castle, has
two versions; version C is shown.

Variant Bv1 has substituted a queen

rook pawn move for a piece move.
Shown is version G. Similarly for
Bv1 Bv8 & Bv8, Bv3 & Bv3, Bv6 &
Bv6. Variant BvD has several forms;
this version prepares a long castle.

variant B - BvB

Bv4

Bv4x(version G - VG)

Bv4(VB)

Bv1(VG)

variant G - BvG

Bv5

Bv5x(Version F -VF)

BvE(VC)

BvD

Variants Bv4 & Bv4x, Bv5 & Bv5x are responses to central pawn attacks, forced by adversary
play. Variants Bv1 & Bv8, Bv3 & Bv6 reply to bishop pins or knight incursions. Variants BvB &
BvG, Bv4 & Bv5 respond to fianchetto attacks, or are used when both are playing the Beginners
Game. Variants BvD and BvE are general purpose alternatives to the standard opening.

B-System Variants at Distance 2:

At distance 2 from Beginners Game

are many interesting variants, such
as these two with one knight forward
and early castling. They are strong,
easy to play, and worth remembering.

Variants with advanced bishop pawn

and a knight forward are very strong.
These four variants are prominent
among the rare occurrences of close
variants that have been seen in play.

Bv4B

These two variants with a center

pawn double advance and a knight
forward are generally playable, since
the challenge in the center can made
last. The compact variants are the
most generally playable.

There is a variety of variants at this

distance which use double advances
of the rook pawns. These variants
keep open options for placement of
both the knights and the bishops.

Variants with introduced pawn moves

such as these two canonical forms
are strong. Bishop pawn moves (left)
block an opponents bishop pin; rook
pawn moves (right) prevent them.

Various distance 2 variants develop

the queen side, and prepare a long
castle. These openings can give rise
to very powerful king side attacks.

BvEG

Bv3B

Bv18

Bv36

Bv3D(VFG)

BvBE

Bv6G

Bv5G

Bv38

Bv18

Bv3D(V5G)

B-System Variants 101

B-System Variants at Distance 3:

BvEFG

At distance 3 from the standard are

many strong variants, such as these
two with changed king knight and
bishop placements. Both of them
were experimented with before the
discovery of the Beginners Game.

The queen side opening left was an

important intermediate discovery on
the road to the Beginners Game.
This and similar openings such as
the version right are valid and strong.

A number of interesting, generally

playable variants can be found with a
queen bishop pawn double advance.
They are more aggressive, but also
more vulnerable, than those above.

Many of the better variants at this

distance include early castling and a
challenge in the center, as in the two
strong variants shown here.

We also find variants such as these,

with advanced queen bishop and
king pawns. There is good play from
these and other similar variants.

Some of the distance 3 variants result

from early pawn moves on the flanks.
These moves usually repulse bishop
incursions, gaining time, and often
initiating a pawn assault on that side.

Bv3DE(V7FG)

Bv3DG

Bv5EG

Bv3DE(V5FG)

Bv3FG

Bv4EG

Bv35G

Bv78G

Bv3FG

Bv35B

Bv123

B-System Variants at Distance 4:

At distance 4 from the Beginners

Game we find a large variety of
openings. These two with forward
knight placements and one bishop
pawn forward are typical examples.

There are a number of strong variants

with different king knight and bishop
placements. Those shown here play
very well, and can evolve easily and
naturally from a classical opening.

There are larger and more aggressive

queen side developments, with two
doubly advanced pawns, and a large
choice of placements for the pieces.

Many of the better variants at this

distance include early castling, and
alternate placements for two pieces.
Pawn structure and K-side fianchetto
are here the common elements.

There are a few lines of the classical

fianchetto openings for white and
black with variants at this distance.

These and most other openings on

this page are beginning to have a
more classical look; but most of the
conventional opening lines in the
system are at distance 5 or more.

Bv6BEG

Bv4EFG

Bv123G

Bv5BCE

Bv5EFG

Bv34FG

Bv5EGH

Bv58EG

Bv4x5EG

Bv3DEG

Bv3BEG

Bv35BE

B-System Variants 103

B-System Variants at Distance 5:

At distance 5 are a large number of

variants. Most retain only one piece
placement from the standard. At this
distance we find many of the lines of
conventional openings that by
definition are in the B-system.

More distant variants must make use

of advanced pawn placements, so
many include exchanges made in the
first moves, as in these examples.

Bv13BDE

The first new opening studied by the

author was the intriguing king and
queen in the castle position left. Its
strong on attack, not on defense. The
compact variant right with a long
castle attacks early on the king side.

Variants with this characteristic

center pawn formation can be strong,
with active diagonals for the bishops
and queen; defensively they are fairly
solid, despite the backward pawn.

Many variants at this distance have

flank pawn advances (best used as
reactions to early attacks), combined
with alternative placements for the
pieces, as in these two examples.

There are also variants with a doubly

advanced rook pawn, often with the
knight or bishop behind it. Openings
of this type are often playable when
they contest the center only later on.

Bv3BEFG

Bv344xBG

Bv35CDG

Bv128FG

Bv1BEFG

Bv56BEG

Bv366xFG

Bv78BDE

Bv35DFG

Bv378CF

Bv58BEG

B-System Variants at Distance 6:

At distance 6 from the standard

opening there are many variants, but
not very many that are generally
playable. Among these very distant
variants we find some of the best
defenses to the Beginners Game.

Several classical openings have lines

that obey the B-system rules at this
distance; these two are examples.

Bv348BCG

Bv35DEFG

Bv3BDEFG

Bv34DEFG

B-System Variants at Distance 7:

Distance 7 variants develop all pieces

differently from the Beginners Game.
Usually a queen or king pawn move
is the only remaining element of the
standard opening.

Many variants at this distance

centralize the bishops and bring the
knights forward. In spite of all the
differences, such distant B-system
members continue to resemble the
standard opening in style of play.

Bv35BCEFG

Bv158CEFG

Bv34CDEFG

Bv346DEFG

B-System Variants at Distance 8:

Bv134568CD

Variants at distance 8 do not retain a

single move of the Beginners Game,
and dont look at all like conventional
openings. The most distant variants
are best played against the standard
or the other B-system openings.

Bv134568CF

B-System Variants 105

B-System Variants: Canonical Forms

Bv36

Canonical forms are symmetric

deployments in the B-system. They
may or may not be used as general
purpose openings. Mainly they are
interesting reference configurations
for pawn and piece placements.

Canonical forms can be thought of as

leitmotifs which guide initial
development. Any of them can be
used, at least in large part, as a
schema for play in the opening.

Some of the canonical forms may

eventually prove the basis for valid
general purpose openings, such as
these, which develop on the flanks.

Is it possible the best defense to the

Beginners Game is, like it, a
canonical form? Shown right is a
form that has already won several
times against it. The form left has an
interesting center castle and may be
generally playable.

Here are two distance eight canonical

forms that have proved very effective
against the Beginners Game. Both
block the long diagonals, and
prepare for an across-the-board pawn
assault.

Bv1368

Bv18CF

Bv1278CF

Bv134568CF

Bv18

Bv36BG

Bv18BG

Bv36BCFG

Bv134568CF

The author believes that the serious study of the canonical forms in chess could reveal some very
startling discoveries. It is certainly more than a coincidence that the Beginners Game is a
canonical form! It is also more than a coincidence that the B-system rules generate most of the
symmetric deployments in chess that are also generally playable openings!

Canonical Forms After the Beginners Game:

It is interesting to look at canonical

forms that can occur with evolution
of the standard opening. The form
shown left may be considered the
standard one, as it is often seen in
play after 10 moves.

If we look only at forms which stay

within the B-system rules (except for
double moves), we find they exhibit
many of the characteristic structures
frequently seen in games, at least on
one side of the board.

These diagrams contain patterns

often seen in play. They can provide
you some valuable ideas for playing
on after the standard opening.

It is also interesting to look at the

evolution of other canonical forms.
Here are two of the various possible
starting from the canonical forms
Bv1278CF (left) and Bv134568CF.

Again looking only at those canonical

forms which stay close to the system
rules, we find that they evolve with
one of several characteristic piece
symmetries and a mobile pawn wall.

A systematic study of canonical

forms might reveal useful information
to players of this system, eg. on how
to transpose between different lines.
Does the form right remind you of
anything you have seen before?

10 moves

12 moves

14 moves

10 moves

12 moves

14 moves

10 moves

12 moves

14 moves

10 moves

12 moves

14 moves

Playing the B-System 107

9.

Playing the B-System

B-system variants use rules for opening play similar to those of the newly discovered
Beginners Game. Play is purely positional, using either single pawn advances or doubly
advanced pawns in chains, with most of the pieces placed behind the pawns. B-system openings
also share that principle objective of the Beginners Game, of trying to reproduce a preconceived
position, at about the eighth move. All have many possible sequences of their component moves,
and most of them have a number of related versions as well. All openings in the system have a
large number of possible transpositions, while staying within the system rules.
The B-system includes a fairly large number of openings, perhaps several thousand. But
all B-system members share the same rules for opening, that make them all somewhat similar in
their style of play. Use of recessed pawn structures, and piece placements mostly behind the
pawns, tends to result in openings that share many common aspects.
Though only a small subset of all the possible openings, the B-system is believed to
contains many of the best openings in chess. The B-system rules seem to result in many cases in
openings that inherit to a large extent the strengths of the Beginners Game, such as a resistant
defense and a powerful offense. They all give rise to interesting, highly complex games.
Because there are so many openings in the B-system, and because experimenting with the
B-system was of secondary importance to researching the Beginners Game, it was not possible
for the author to do a truly systematic study of the B-system. Research has been limited to trying
about a hundred different system openings in play, as a quick test of their general validity. In
these first tests most of them performed quite well.
Several of the B-system variants selected for testing are show here in action during and
after the opening. All these examples are excerpts taken from complete games in the final section
of the book. The scant introduction to playing the B-system offered here is only sufficient to wet
the intellectual appetite. Many B-system variants are among the strongest openings in chess.
Some have been played before, but most of them are completely new. Players of all levels should
select several interesting variants and experiment with them. Your game will improve as you
develop the ability to move from the standard opening into your chosen variants, especially when
these have been carefully selected to respond to adversary play.

Close Variants
Close variants have from one to three moves different from the standard opening. The
close variants play much like the Beginners Game. Almost all the close variants are also very
strong in general play, against any adversary opening. With the Beginners Game and its close
variants alone a player can respond well to virtually anything his adversary can do in the opening.
Variants Bv4, Bv4x, Bv5, and Bv5x are reactions to center pawn attacks. Bv1, Bv3, Bv6,
and Bv8 respond to bishop pins. Bv4, Bv5, BvB, and BvG are used primarily when both are
playing the Beginners Game; the single move different from the standard opening blocks the
active diagonal of the opponents fianchetto. BvE and BvD are general purpose openings.
Game 45: White plays the close variant Bv3. His bishop pawn advance runs off blacks
bishop, and prepares for a queen side castle. A second bishop pin attack is met with another
bishop pawn advance. Black loses time with these moves, but white is able to incorporate them
into his game. Soon after the opening white trapped blacks bishop, and went on to win easily.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
g3
Bb2
Bg2
d3
c3
Nd2
e3

e5
d5
Nc6
Nf6
Bb4+
Be7
O-O
Bg4

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

f3
Ne2
f4
Qc2
Nf1
h3
g4
f5
Nh2

Be6
Qd7
Bf5
Ng4
Rae8
Nf6
Bg6
Bh5
a6

Game 46: Black plays close variant Bv5, responding to a center pawn early attack by
advancing his pawn. He completes his Beginners Game with a queen side castle, and begins
what will develop into a powerful king side attack and a quick win.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e4
d4
Nf3
Nc3
Bc4
Be3
O-O
d5

e6
b6
Bb7
g6
Bg7
Ne7
d6
e5

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Qe2 a6
a4
Nd7
Nd2 f5
Bg5 h6
Bxe7 Qxe7
Qe3 Bf6
Nf3 O-O-O
b4
Kb8
Rfb1 Qf7
Rd1 Be7
a5
b5
Ba2 Nf6

Playing the B-System 109

There are many B-system variants at distances 2 and 3 that are strong in general play, as
well as against the standard opening. Some introduce moves generally seen in continuing play
into the first eight moves. Others use different piece placements, especially for the knights.
Game 61: After opening on the queen side in the usual fashion, white moves into close
variant BvEG. Following his opening, white launches his queen side pawns. All of blacks pieces
have to retreat under the white advance. Whites defense is solid, and he is already attacking well.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2
Ngf3
g3
Bg2
O-O

Nf6
d5
Nc6
e5
Bd6
O-O
Qe7
Bg4

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

c4
h3
a3
b4
Qc2
Rfe1
b5
e3
Rxe3

d4
Bh5
Rad8
Qe6
Be7
Nd7
Ncb8
dxe3
f6

Game 68: Black plays variant Bv3DE blocking whites fianchetto with his bishop pawn,
then castling queen side. After the opening black gains space, and prepares an assault on the
king side. Notice how whites knights fall back to their position in the standard opening.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

c4
e6
g3
b6
Bg2 c6
Nf3 Bb7
Nc3 Qc7
d4
d6
O-O Nd7
e4 O-O-O

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Bf4
Qa4
Be3
Qc2
Nd2
d5
Bh3
Bg2
Rfe1
Bf4
Ne2
Rad1

h6
g5
a6
Bg7
c5
Ngf6
g4
Kb8
Ne5
Ng6
Rhe8
b5

Game 73: White plays variant BvEFG, another strong compact deployment with alternative
king knight and bishop placements. Black counters with the 3 pawn C back classical defense.
Both sides have good play after the opening, but white is slightly ahead in his push forward.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
d3
Be2
Nd2
Ngf3
O-O

e5
d5
Nf6
Bd6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Bd7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

c4
Ng5
Ba3
Bf3
Nge4
Ng3
Re1
Qe2
Nde4
Bxe4
Qh5

d4
Qe7
Bc7
Rae8
b6
Rd8
Qd6
Rfe8
Nxe4
Qf6
h6

Game 78: Black plays close variant Bv4EG against whites Bv3BEG, both contending the
fianchettoes. Many variants of both types exist, and most of them are very strong. Its an even
match after the opening. White later gained the upper hand in a difficult queen and rook endgame.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

c4
b3
Bb2
Nf3
Nc3
g3
Bg2
O-O

e6
b6
Nf6
Bb7
g6
Bg7
d5
O-O

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.

d4
bxc4
dxc5
Nxe4
Rb1
Rxb2
Qc1
Qe3
Ne5
Qxe5
Kxg2

dxc4
c5
Ne4
Bxb2
Bxe4
bxc5
Nd7
Bc6
Nxe5
Bxg2
Rc8

Distant Variants
Distant variants have from 4 to 8 moves different from the Beginners Game. At these
distances from the standard opening, variants generally have one or two advanced pawns, and a
number of different piece placements. Typically one or both knights are forward, and different
bishop placements are also seen. Examples of variants at distances 4,5,6, and 8 are shown below.
The advanced placements of pawns and pieces in these more distant variants offers the
opponent more to attack. There are more lines with exchanges and modifications imposed by
adversary play. Even so, many distant variants are generally valid openings, strong against most
types of adversary deployments. As B-system members, even the distant variants retain many
characteristics of the Beginners Game and similarities in play.

Playing the B-System 111

Game 85: White plays the classical looking variant Bv5EGH. Queens are exchanged soon
after the opening; white then gains space and begins contention of the open lines.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

g3
Bg2
d3
Nd2
Ngf3
O-O
e4
Re1

d5
g6
Bg7
Nf6
Nc6
O-O
Qd6
dxe4

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Nxe4
dxe4
Qxd6
c3
Be3
Red1
h3
Rac1
Nd4
b3

Nxe4
Rd8
cxd6
Be6
Rac8
Bg4
Bd7
h6
Na5
b5

Game 79: White plays variant Bv1378, an improbable looking development consisting of
mostly pawn moves. Still it plays quite well - so much for the old theories about the opening!
White emerges from his unconventional start with a threatening king side attack, and an active
although somewhat scattered position. White went on to draw in a sharp contest.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
c4
d3
a3
h3
g4

e5
Nf6
Nc6
Be7
O-O
d5
Be6
Qd6

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Nd2 a5
Bg2 Rfd8
Qc2 dxc4
dxc4 h5
Ngf3 hxg4
hxg4 Bxg4
O-O-O Qd3
Qxd3 Rxd3
Rh2 Rad8
Rdh1 Kf8

Game 89: Black plays variant Bv345xFG against a compact white fianchetto opening. Blacks
strong bishop placements are well countered. Both sides have good play after the opening, but
black develops more threats, moving his pieces early into enemy territory.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

g3
Nf3
Bg2
O-O
d3
c4
cxd5
Qb3

e6
b6
Bb7
c5
d5
Nf6
exd5
Bd6

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Nc3
Bg5
Nb5
e4
fxe3
Rad1
Na3
Bxe7
Qxb6
Nc4

O-O
d4
Nc6
dxe3
Be7
a6
Ng4
Qxe7
Nb4
Bd5

Many of the most distant B-system variants are playable only against the Beginners Game,
or other system variants. The two examples shown below are of this description. There are some
distant variants that are generally playable however, usually those that do not contest the center.
Game 98: Black plays the distant variant Bv3456CF against whites Beginners Game.
After the opening both sides have good play. Whites queen placement is better than blacks. The
game continued into a difficult tactical contest, which resulted in a draw.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
g3
Bg2
Ne2
d3
Nd2

e5
d5
Bd6
Be6
c6
f6
Nd7
Ne7

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

c4
O-O
Nc3
Re1
a3
b4
Qc2
Qb3
dxc4
Rad1

O-O
Qb6
Rae8
Bb4
Bd6
Qa6
Kh8
dxc4
f5
Bc7

Game 100: Black plays the strange looking distance 8 variant Bv134568CF, against
whites Beginners Game. After the opening black goes a pawn down, but he opens the queen
side, and gains ground against the standard opening. Black eventually wins in a close match.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e3
b3
Bb2
g3
Bg2
Ne2
d3
Nd2

e5
d5
Bd6
Be6
c6
f6
h6
a6

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

c4
a3
b4
Qb3
Nxc4
b5
bxa6
Bxb7
Bg2
dxc4

Ne7
Nd7
c5
dxc4
O-O
Nb6
Rxa6
Ra7
Nxc4
Qa5+

By now the reader should have a better appreciation of the B-system and its relevance to
the Beginners Game. Players of all levels are encouraged to stay within the B-system when they
play variants of the standard opening. In this manner you will profit most from any improvisations
you make, taking note of the variants that you are playing, and how well they do versus particular
adversary deployments. With experience you should be able to move into familiar variants that
respond best to different general categories of adversary openings.
The author hopes that this brief introduction to playing the B-system will stimulate the
interest of all readers. Try playing some of the variants shown here, and others in the B-system
variants chapter and in the games section. Better yet, define new openings of your own in the
system, and carry them on to victory !

Why Wasn't It Found Before? 113

10.

Why Wasnt It Found Before?

You would think that we would have found the Beginners Game long before now. After all,
chess has been around for a very long time. Hundreds of millions of people have played
hundreds of billions of games. Every new game is a search for the best way to play, from the first
moves onwards. There are only so many different valid openings. With the substantial novelty and
experimentation of every game, in probabilistic terms we should have found the Beginners Game
and most of the B-system long ago. The reasons we didnt are thus primarily psychological ones.
The most obvious reason is that play in the chess opening has been purely imitation. Most
players seem to have accepted tacitly that the openings have already been thoroughly researched,
and that the best anyone can do is to imitate the established lines. That almost all players repeat
as best they can the known lines still seems a bit strange, given that in the rest of the game
everyone is completely on his own. Imitation rather than innovation has always characterized any
traditional activity, but often to its detriment. Starting with the premise that it was possible to find
something new, the author invented scores of valid original openings in just a few months.
Stylized though it is, chess is still a battle, encouraging aggressive behavior. Some players
slam down the pieces, or make other gestures showing their natural reaction to conflict. Even
better behaved players not indulging in these displays are nevertheless busy perfecting their true
aggressiveness in play. In this context the first moves, being the only ones that are also well
rehearsed, have been used almost theatrically to make an aggressive gesture.
No opening move is more aggressive than the double advance of a center pawn. About
ninety-five percent of all games start with one, and virtually all of the remaining few percent of
games use them immediately afterwards. So basically it would seem that everyone has been
playing aggressively from the start, too immersed in the confusion of battles started with their
first moves to consider whether the less aggressive openings might have some merit.
Another factor explaining our failure to find the Beginners Game is what the author calls
the dance mentality. The music has started and our partner is already dancing, so shouldnt we
be dancing with him? In other words, shouldnt we be reacting closely to what he does? The
Beginners Game shows that the answer is not necessarily yes. If you think again of the analogy
of chess with battle, the negative response makes more sense: instead of responding immediately
to our adversarys first aggressive moves, we first carry out a redeployment of our own forces, to
place them in battle formation. They are then better able to resist and repulse the invader.
It would also seem that practically no one was looking for openings with the characteristics
of the Beginners Game. The main criterion for research for the author was that the same opening
moves could always be carried out, regardless of the adversarys play. Anyone seriously looking
for openings with this characteristic would have been lead to their discovery, because only a few
openings exist having this independence, even in a limited form. Among these few, the
Beginners Game is almost certainly the most resistant of them all.

There are several other ways that anyone interested in looking could have discovered the
Beginners Game and its close variants in the B-system. One is by looking for the most compact
developments possible. Another is by looking for the strongest defensive positions possible. Yet
another is by looking for the best offensive positions possible, in the sense of offering the most
lines for attack. The Beginners Game is the unique answer to all these quests for the superlative.
If we can excuse most serious chess players for being too concerned with their results in
competition to be highly innovative in opening play, it is more difficult to excuse chess analysts,
whose main activity is to explore new lines. The author started his quest for a new opening with
pawn to King 3. This solid opening move with white has been almost completely neglected in
chess. A popular collection of best games commented that after this first move one was basically
moving into unknown territory. You might call it a more than a slight oversight.
Following the discovery of the Beginners Game, the author began checking the chess
literature to see whether others had ever played anything similar. Some well known players had
come close, and could easily have found it. A few of those on the right road were Nimzovitch,
Reti, Petrosian, Larsen, and Spassky. But there have been many outstanding players with a
positional orientation who experimented with openings, such as Capablanca, Colle, Bogoljubow,
Keres, Benko, Miles, and Speelman. Any of these and many others could have found it as well.
How close did they actually come? In fact, only few games of this select vanguard have as
many as four of the eight moves of the standard opening. Only rarely did they come closer. Still,
many of their games share the same style of opening play as the B-system, with primary use of
pawn chains and piece placement mainly behind the pawns. Many similarities to this new system
can be found in their games, but it seems there remained an element of aggressiveness in their
opening play that could not be abandoned completely, that lead them elsewhere.
Why didnt our chess playing programs, with their incredibly ability to research new lines,
find the Beginners Game? The answer is that they were playing their openings books, repeating
the past. But even without them, programmed as they are, they would never have found it.
The reason for this is that the position evaluation function, the decision making element of
the chess playing engine, invariably rates the Beginners Game as inferior throughout the
opening. It is judged to be poor because it seems to be losing the contest for control of the entire
chessboard, but most especially for the center. Computer display of this evaluation shows the
Beginners Game to be at a significant disacvantage, in all games. In other words, the expert
designers of these chess programs had decided that computers, like themselves, should play
aggressively from the start; any other style of play was considered unacceptable.
A suitably programmed computer could have discovered the Beginners Game. It would
have used different rules for position evaluation, giving more weight to the solidity of the defense,
and to the number of options for attack. More flexibility in move choice was needed, with less
emphasis on maximizing the advantage at each move. In a way, this is what good chess is all
about - finding less obvious moves, whose true strength is revealed only later.

Why Wasn't It Found Before? 115

There are other factors in the philosophy and practice of classical chess that also explain
our failure to find the Beginners Game until the present. In classical chess, control of the center
is the objective of opening play. Pieces placed in the center have more power, because they
strike more squares, especially on the adversarys side of the board. You can refer to almost any
book on chess, and find much the same advice: during the opening you should contest the
center, developing the central pawns and most of the pieces in the open field.
Control of the center as the correct objective of opening play is refuted by the success of
the Beginners Game. The standard opening contends just its side of the board. The battle for
control of squares on the other side begins only after the opening. This misplaced emphasis in
classical chess on control of the center during the opening has excluded from consideration the
less aggressive openings, such as the Beginners Game and most of the B-system variants.
Classical chess openings also typically aim at producing some advantage, however slight,
in the first moves. Play is highly tactical, with frequent piece relocations and exchanges. At times
the objective seems less to define the most sound lines, as to find complications and traps which
might confound the opponent. Many classical openings are still preferred for the tactical
complexity they present the adversary, rather than for their natural strength against correct play.
Many of the gambit openings are good examples of this tendency to exploit psychological
factors in addition to searching for correct play. Gambits are often taken because it seems
pointless to refuse them. When the player tries to hold on to his lead however, he often falls into
a trap. In more correct play gambits are usually refused, or offered back soon afterwards.
Lesser players tend to favor trades, and so better players can often win just by proposing
slightly unfavorable exchanges. We often see considerable simplifications in the classical
openings seeking these and other small advantages.
The Beginners Game is the best opening in chess largely because it is absolutely free of
these extraneous objectives: it avoids conflict, shuns exchanges and simplifications, and does
not attempt to produce any advantage. Not only is it completely free of psychological factors, it is
virtually independent of, and largely uninfluenced by, adversary play. And it develops the most
complex positions ever seen in chess, from the easiest to play opening ever invented!
The intent is neither to bury classical chess nor to praise it. Classical openings have
evolved from the simpler cut and thrust style of early days to the more solid positional play of
recent years. At the end of this long road we have found the Beginners Game. It is the final stage
of the longest journey ever made by the human intellect, to find the best way to play the game of
chess. It is also the final step in the evolution of the chess player, from the young firebrand eager
to engage, into the mature warrior who prepares calmly as his enemy approaches.
No reference is made in this book to any of the known openings, and minimal reference to
the players that invented or used them. Nor are there any examples taken from the games of

others who played B-system openings; all the games reported here were played by the computer,
or by the author. Here many readers will object, arguing that all that anyone can do is add to the
existing knowledge, and that this is best done by referring to what has already been agreed and
documented. But this argument is not valid in the present case, for several reasons.
The standard opening is completely new, and almost all the close variants of the B-system
are virtually unknown, in the current practice of chess. The B-system contains only a few lines of
the conventional openings, and they are almost all distant variants. No more than a few games in
a thousand taken from conventional play respect the B-system rules, and these rules are not in
conformity with the guidelines for opening play expounded in virtually every book ever written on
chess. The Beginners Game and the B-system are radically different from conventional chess
theory and practice. You could say that they are ideologically opposed to classical chess.
All of the openings described in this system are eight moves deep. This results in the least
possible overlap with any existing openings, systems, or nomenclatures that have been used to
date. Those openings in the B-system that have been played before may be better described and
understood by relating them to this new system than to any previous one.
The Beginners Game and the B-system were discovered by the author without referring to
the accumulated knowledge of the chess openings. No other player had any influence on him in
making this discovery. Most players who have used openings in the B-system apparently have
not recognized the full extent or significance of the system. Few of them used the same openings
with white and black, or with different move sequences, both key aspects of play in the B-system.
In the last few years a handful of players have appeared who play B-system close variants
regularly. These players seem to be well aware of the strengths of their openings. It is also likely
that some of them have recognized the position of the standard opening as the basis for their
variants. The author would like to salute this elite group of modern players who have used the
close variants in competition. Certainly for them this book will ring every bell in the tower!
There are only a few rare games on record in which the standard opening was produced
exactly. Among the extremely rare games found on record. the first one found was with black, by
Spassky. Other instances were mostly with black, and all from recent years, by several other
players of all master levels. Occurances of most of the close variants are also fairly rare. Games
with the standard opening and its close variants have usually occurred as isolated episodes in a
players career. Most players who tested this approach to opening play abandoned it quickly;
probably their impression was that it was too passive.
Rare and isolated occurrences should not detract from the serious and authentic claims to
the discovery of the Beginners Game and its system of variants. Never before has there been a
real understanding of this vast and powerful new system for playing chess, nor a suitable
announcement of it to the world. It is one thing to pass along a new pathway and notice
something glittering on the ground. It is quite another to dedicate a good portion of ones life to
working there, mining and refining the precious matter hidden below, and then bringing it back to
town, minted into coin whose value anyone can recognize.

How It Was Found 117

11.

How the Beginners Game Was Found

The Beginners Game was discovered by the author alone, unassisted by any other
persons, or special chess programs, and without consultation of the chess literature or previously
played games. It is completely original; this is the exact truth. This system is new in concept and
realization; it is not based on any other openings, or methodology that has been used to date.
It was found by looking for it, not by stumbling upon it. It was the result of serious
research lasting for months, involving formation of hypotheses, extensive experimentation, and
analysis of results - by scientific method. So, fortunate as he is to be the agent of this discovery,
the author is also saying that it wasnt just a lucky find. And thats the way it should be, because
chess is a game of skill, not of luck.
The author is an amateur chess player with scant experience in competition. He enjoys
chess, but plays only occasionally, and has never studied it. He had tried many of the classical
openings, but was not satisfied with any of them. Preferring the stability and control of positional
play, he usually looked to build in the opening rather than to engage quickly. But openings he had
tried that were strong on defense seemed weak on offense. He began to try new moves; with all
the openings possible, surely something different could be found, maybe something better.
From the outset, the intention was to find an opening that could be played, to the largest
extent possible, regardless of the opponents play. This was the working hypothesis thru the
entire process, the criterion for judging any opening that was tried. It was not a temporary
advantage that was being sought after the opening, but a solid position reached in a system of
playing your own game, instead of having to adapt closely to that of the adversary.
The author started out playing black, which is more challenging, and invented the following
opening moves: e6 followed by c5. A few games with these two moves showed them to be fairly
solid, and worthy of further investigation.
Blacks opening move 1..e6 often provokes white to advance
both center pawns. Blacks next move 2..c5 strikes at this
formation effectively: if white plays 3.dxc5, black gains time
with 3..Bxc5.
White is now obliged to protect his queen pawn, else 3..cxd4
4.Qxd4 Nc6 and white again loses time relocating his queen.
These two opening moves with black seemed quite solid,
and also effective in forcing whites play.

If white plays 3.d5, black exchanges pawns, with a

good game afterwards. If white prefers to build, he can
play 3.Nf3 as shown, or 3.Be3. Black can then
exchange pawns, but if he wants to build as well, a
natural move is 3..b6, preparing the fianchetto.
White then has various moves, but 4.c4 as shown is
one of the most aggressive. Normal black knight
moves at this point are problematic; but either 4..Be7
or the fianchetto 4..Bb7 shown here are good building
moves.

In a few games played on from this position, the author managed to defend, and then later
developed a strong attack. The new opening moves with black were holding up.
At this point there was a fortuitous coincidence: a message arrived from a best friend and
chess rival of university years. On hearing he was still playing regularly, a mention was made of
the new opening, and he took the bait. We started a series of correspondence matches, played
over the next six months, at the rate of one move each per day.
Correspondence chess is unlike chess played in real time. You have plenty of time to
analyze positions, and can also play forward on the board and try moves out. Move search is
deeper, play is more correct, and quality games result. Investing so much time, you try that much
harder to win. Chess is always a tough game, but correspondence chess is toughest of all.
Here are the openings the author improvised in two of the correspondence games:
First Game: The author with black confronts an aggressive attempt to refute his opening
1..e6 and 2..c5. White attacks blacks center and sacrifices a pawn, disrupting blacks castling.
Black retained the pawn lead, exchanged queens and pieces, and then attacked whites weak king
side pawns with his knight, which decided the outcome.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e4
d4
c3
e5
Nf3
Be3
Na3
Nc4

e6
c5
b6
Bb7
Qc7
d6
a6
Bxf3

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

gxf3
Qa4+
Nd6+
exd6
Bb5
Rg1
Bh6

d5
Nc6
Bxd6
Qxd6
Ne7
g6
Kd7

How It Was Found 119

Second Game: The new opening with black was again challenged in an aggressive manner,
this time with a king side assault. After the opening black consolidates well, and starts a
counteroffensive on the queen side that succeeds in preventing white from castling. Black here
has already made inroads into whites position, and went a pawn up soon afterwards.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

e4
d4
c3
Nf3
a4
Nbd2
Bd3
Ng5

e6
c5
b6
Be7
Nf6
O-O
Bb7
Ne8

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

h4
hxg5
Qg4
Qh3
e5
cxd4
Nf3
Bb1

Bxg5
g6
f5
Qe7
cxd4
Nc6
Nb4
Ba6

In the third and fourth games the author with white experimented with another invention,
trying the moves 1.d4 and 2.Nd2. Afterwards he continued building the center in classical fashion,
once with 3.e4, and 4.c3, and once with 3.e3 and 4.c3. These were all tough contests, but the
author won three of the four correspondence games, using the new openings. This was a first
confirmation of their validity, and provided encouragement to keep trying these new lines.
Using the opening with black in casual play afterwards, results were mixed. It had weak
points: in many games white blocked the center with his pawns, closing the bishops diagonal.
The queen side was regularly attacked and disrupted. Various moves were tried to shore up the
opening. Even so, it was difficult to avoid exchanges that inevitably weakened the position.
Convinced that the new opening could be made to work, the author decided to research it
seriously. In several weeks of experiments, various forms were improvised and tested.
Throughout the entire process, the author felt growing confidence that he would find a valid new
opening in chess.
The first opening with black (shown here at 7 moves) used
the same 3 opening pawn moves, but in any order. It was
oriented to the queen side, with a long castle and queen
placement on c7. In most games black would add a6 to
avoid whites Nb5, and often d6 to shore up the c5 pawn.

The first opening

This first new opening was interesting: the novel King and Queen in the castle position
was intriguing, and could be reached in some form in most games. But far more impressive was
the potential for attack: massive king side assaults could be mounted, with participation of all the
pieces and king side pawns. When this opening was tried with white, it resulted in several
overpowering wins. At this point the author began working full time researching new openings.

When this first opening was tested more extensively however, it didnt hold up well. In
many games this position could not be reached. The pawn on c5 often had to be exchanged, and
the knight on c6 was displaced. Without them, the castled couple position was vulnerable. Until
a better defense was found, the attacking potential of the opening could not be unleashed.
The long castle and the queen on c7 still looked attractive, but better placements for the
forward pawn and knight had to be found. The second opening was designed to improve these.

The second opening

The second opening at 8 moves substituted c5 and Nc6 with

the more compact c6 and Nd7. The powerful castled couple
position was retained, and also the full attacking potential of
the first opening. The new move c6 also prevented a knight
incursion on b5. Many variants of this opening can be found;
most include some king side development in the first 8 moves.

This second opening proved far better than the first one: the more compact formation did
succeed in lessening the frequency and intensity of attacks, and the position could be reached in
recognizable form in most games. It was tested in play, and it proved quite solid. Still it was
almost always under pressure: blacks concentration of forces on the Q-side guaranteed that any
adversary would focus his attack there, and some cases succeeded in breaking thru the defenses.
In chess openings it is often useful to keep open options for castling, but in these two
openings a long series of moves had to be made before the long castle could be performed.
These preparations began to appear too elaborate. Some experimenting was done with delaying
the moves c6 and Qc7 in variants of the second opening. This seemed to make sense, especially
in view of the possibility of playing c5 instead of c6. The new knight placement on d7 and the
pawn on d6 were proving very solid, and so were retained in the next version of the opening.

The third opening

The third opening (at 7 moves) postponed c6, e6, Qc7, and
O-O-O, and played g6, Bg7, and Nf6 instead. The postponed
moves could then be played, or a straightforward O-O could
be used instead. Other lines were possible, such as e6, Qe7,
and O-O-O. This opening kept open options for consolidation
of the defense as well as opening different lines for the attack.

This third opening and several of its close variants proved to be unqualified successes, and
the research might have stopped here with these three openings and their related variants, except
for the euphoria of the author, who was by now completely immersed in openings improvisation.
Throughout this entire period of experimentation and analysis, the author had the
increasingly strong conviction that these new openings were all interrelated. They all used
recessed pawn structures and piece placement mostly behind the pawns, and so seemed part of a
same general system for opening play. The research began to focus on definition of a suitable set
of rules that could define a set of valid openings related to the ones already invented.

How It Was Found 121

The step from here to the Beginners Game is but a short one. If the queen side seems all
right, you might try the same on the king side. There are only a few ways to rearrange the
remaining pieces, while retaining what already has proved to work. Still, making that final step
was more like a mystical experience than a logical process. When the position of the Beginners
Game was finally composed, there was certain recognition. Eureka, I have found it !
Here something completely new was being revealed, something incredibly simple in the
midst of incredible complexity, so symmetric it appeared to be an arrangement of pieces made by
a small child. It was perfect in shape, proved extremely hard to break, and had sharp cutting
edges as well. It was a true jewel, something unique, of great and everlasting beauty.
The author raced to write up a brief description of the opening, and deposit it for copyright.
This was in July of 1999. It was hard to restrain the wild enthusiasm that this grand discovery was
constantly provoking, to avoid attracting attention. There was also quite a bit of paranoia, because
even a quick glance at the Beginners Game by any knowledgeable person would reveal all.
The author then started extensive experimentation with the Beginners Game, using the
computer to play on after the standard opening. In game after game, with both white and black,
the opening piled up wins, and draws that were near wins. It was winning at grandmaster level!
The quality of the games was superb; every contest seemed a classic, a battle between titans.
Now the system had to be tried on beginners. The author taught the system quickly to
someone with absolutely no familiarity with chess. Within a few weeks he was winning games,
playing alone against a handheld computer at top level. Such rapid improvement would have been
inconceivable without this system, and proved that it was the best ever found for learning to play.
A more extensive description of the Beginners Game and the B-system was then drafted
and deposited. At this time the author had a most profound personal experience, which cannot be
related casually here, but which brought him the certainty that he is living in the grace of God. The
discovery he made was part of that illumination. It was a gift of the eternal to humanity, and it had
to be used to benefit all mankind. This remains the firm intention of the author, to convert the
amazement and wonder that this discovery will provoke into a powerful force for the good of all.
Months of extensive experimentation now followed. There was so much to investigate. The
opening was doing well against classical defenses but they all had to be tried. Was it also capable
of confronting custom designed unconventional openings? Could it be refuted? The computer
was of little aid here, because it did not invent radically new openings. This left the author alone
to improvise strategies for the defense, including all of the custom and B-system openings.
After playing several hundred games at master level, the author compiled the results.
Playing with either white or black, the Beginners Game had won consistently won more than its
share of games. More importantly no defense, classical or improvised, or early attack was found
which could consistently put the standard opening in difficulty, or could even produce a positive
balance of wins against it. It was time to present the Beginners Game to the entire world.

12.

Can It be Refuted? Is It Optimal?

The singular properties of the Beginners Game and the outstanding results obtained using
it in master level play make both of these questions quite serious indeed. Of course we must start
by trying to answer the first question, whether the Beginners Game can be refuted. All serious
chess players will certainly try their best to do so, and we can expect that in the period following
the announcement of this system there will be tremendous efforts to overturn it. But it is
extremely improbable that this system will ever be refuted, for a number of good reasons.
There are 2280 possible ways to play the eight moves of the standard opening. Even if
some of these sequences prove to be problematic, we can always use other sequences instead.
In this respect the Beginners Game is far less likely to be refuted than any conventional opening
having a strict or limited move ordering.
Experimentation doesnt support the conjecture. In hundreds of games played at master
level, there have been very few where the Beginners Game was in any real difficulty following the
opening. Games in which a rout of the defensive position occurred were seen only where the
opening was seriously misplayed. Most importantly, no adversary openings were found which
could produce a positive score in a series of games starting from the same opening position.
All games seen to date demonstrate the difficulty of attacking the standard position. The
defense is so compact and coherent that it resists all attacks. There are practically no weaknesses
that can be exploited. Even if some lines are found where serious weakness can be provoked,
strong responses will be found: there will always be other sequences of the standard opening to
counter effectively, or we can move into one of the large number of close variants.
All the close variants are almost as strong as the Beginners Game, and some of them may
even be stronger, when responding to particular adversary openings. The large number of
possible lines, all retaining the basic character of the standard opening, insures that the opening
will be able to resist any opposing play, while retaining its basic form.
On the offense, there is always a wide range of options present. The open field in front of
the position makes almost all the pawn moves playable. The pieces all have good relocation
squares, and are ideally placed to support the pawn advances. Various queen placements and
castling options exist as well. The attacking potential of the Beginners Game has been
demonstrated in almost every single game played with it. It seems to be a natural consequence of
the standard opening that it always uncoils into strong attacks.
Can other B-systems openings be refuted? Certainly some will prove useful only in defined
contexts, because they contain forward placements that cant always be supported, or because
other members in the system are more effective in developing along given lines. The
Beginners Game is probably the most generally playable of all the B-system openings. But many

Can It Be Refuted? Is It Optimal? 123

other new openings in the system will prove to be valid against most lines of adversary play, and
so worthy of inclusion in a revised compendium of chess openings.
It is almost certain that the close variants of the Beginners Game are valid: their similarity
to the standard opening virtually guarantees it. They may be considered as part of an overall
system of play, but each one is also a valid opening in its own right. Among the more distant
variants, there are many examples of generally playable openings, even if many others are
suitable only against certain conventional openings, or against other B-system openings.
In summary, it is highly unlikely that the Beginners Game, its close variants, and many of
the better distant variants of the B-system will ever be refuted.
Optimality:
In the early days of wild excitement after the discovery of the Beginners Game, the author
staggered about considering the consequences if it should prove to be optimal - it would mean
that the game of chess was in fact a puzzle waiting all along to be solved. Theres a real possibility
that it is so. If there is such a solution, the first eight moves of it have likely been found.
There are various possible definitions of optimality. The strong definition is that it is
always possible to win or draw using the opening. This type of optimality is extremely hard to
prove, given the immense number of possible games, even from an advanced starting position. A
simpler, more operational definition would be that the opening results in the largest percentage of
wins (and draws) in play at master level between players with similar ratings.
The author feels confident that the Beginners Game will prove optimal in the operational
sense. Experience in play will soon put this hypothesis to a test. Proving optimality in the strong
sense is another question altogether.
If an optimal opening according to the strong definition does exist, it is likely to have the
characteristics of the Beginners Game. Principal among these is use of the same opening for
black and white, and ability to confront any adversary with a standard deployment. The existence
of a small and well defined set of related variants, such as the close variants of the B-system,
would also likely be a part of an optimal system. These variants offer some flexibility in
responding to those few situations in which an adversary could possibly develop an advantage.
A true test of strong optimality would require the compilation of millions of games, with
extensive research into lines that put the standard opening in difficulty. The vast majority of
these games could be generated by computer, but still with significant human participation. The
Beginners Game was not found by a computer, and the best defenses to it may not be found by a
computer either. A real test of strong optimality can only be done with massive experimentation;
but even a limited experiment would furnish an excellent indication of operational optimality.

With highly specialized chess playing programs alone we should be able to come very
close to a definitive response to the question of strong optimality. The participation of many
experts would still be necessary: not only expert players, but also designers and analysts capable
of modifying and improving these programs. Any competent group that decides to dedicate
themselves to this research will certainly find a receptive audience for their findings.
With even a modest amount of organization, it should be possible to collect and build
databases of games generated by players of this system. The chess playing community could be
enlisted to research advanced positions, and submit results for compilation. Using large game
databases, we can identify problematic lines, and begin pruning the move trees. With the
participation of a large number of interested persons, it should be possible to obtain a very
reliable response to the question of strong optimality.
Because the entire process is one of gradually approaching absolute certainty, research
into the optimality of the Beginners Game may go on for many years. And if the final answer is
affirmative, it doesnt mean the end of chess, or even the end of chess as it has been played until
the present. It does mean the end of the real competition between humans and computers. They
will finally be unbeatable, as has always been predicted. But this shouldnt conceal the triumph of
the human over the computer, because most of the moves of their lookup game will have been
taught to them by humans. Moreover it was humans who invented, built, and programmed them!
The author ventures the following odds on the possible results of strong optimality:
White can always win or draw: more than 1/2
Black can always win or draw: about 1/2

In all this discussion we have not considered what is probably the best practical definition
of optimality: that the greatest number and variety of players can adopt the system and
immediately improve their game. Under this definition the Beginners Game is definitely optimal!
The X series Experiments
The author ran a controlled experiment with the Beginners Game to see how strong it is. A
series of 200 games was generated, played by the computer from the ninth move onwards, using
different personalities. Two thirds of the games used classical defenses, invented by the
computer. The other third of the games used strong custom defenses, such as those described
previously, invented by the author. Both sides had equal computing time, of 20-30 minutes.
The results of this experiment are impressive: the Beginners Game won 58% and drew 28%
of the games. Results with black were almost as good as with white. Another experiment showed
that, using this system, a beginner can play at master level thru the first 12 moves! Although far
too limited to be a serious indicator of how well the Beginners Game will perform in practice,
these experiments should arouse our interest. Not only have we found the easiest and probably
the best system ever for chess, we may well have found the optimal way of playing the game.

What Happens Now to Chess? 125

13.

What Happens Now to Chess?

Unless extensive analysis and experience in play proves this new system to be inferior, it is
fairly certain that the game of chess will never be the same as it was before, or even anything like
it. Sooner or later, most play should move to the new system, displacing virtually all of the
existing theory and practice of chess.
Beginners and lesser intermediate players will be the easy converts: for them it is the only
quick route to playing well, the only system that allows them to survive for more than a few
moves against superior opponents. Better players will be more difficult to convince, but as they
face these openings more often, they will be learning not only how to play against it, but how to
play with it. As their initial curiosity in the novel system grows into a deep appreciation, more and
more good players will try it, in casual play at first, and then in competition.
Most advanced players will be reluctant converts, because they have made tremendous
efforts to master their current games and push their way up using them. But their current
openings do not work against this new system, and like it or not, they are moving into a new and
completely different practice of opening play. The lines they wish to pursue against it are
incredibly rich in possibility, so every top player can and should have his own novel defense. We
can expect to see brilliant and highly innovative chess against the Beginners Game, and there are
some big trophies waiting for those who can consistently bring it down. But even the best players
should finally appreciate that the easiest way of playing against the B-system is to play it yourself.
Given the impact the new system will make on chess, it is fairly certain to divert the interest
of analysts. The Beginners Game and the entire B-system is an extremely fertile field for original
research. The strongest defenses to confront this new system have to be found, and the sharpest
lines explored. These defenses will be strong in the hands of superior players. But where skills
are evenly matched, the new system should begin to show a positive balance of outcomes.
In chess, as in most difficult games, better players usually win, and that formula doesnt
change with the introduction of a new opening, however strong it is. So the best players now will
probably remain at the top, but some may have to cross over to stay there. Any player with a
reputation and a high ranking may agonize for a while about it, but the increasing ranks of good
players using the system should be sufficient argument to help them make the commitment.
Will the new chess be better or worse than the old chess? In the opinion of the author it
will be much better. It will be better because it will be more accessible: there is really no reason
now why anyone cannot learn quickly to play well. There should be a surge in new players, and
so there will be an increase in interest in the game as played at championship levels. Even top
players holding out against the new system will benefit from all the new interest in the game.
The new chess will also be better because the quality of games resulting from play with this
system is superior. All of the games the author has seen with the Beginners Game and the

B-system are very interesting; many of them are superb. These openings give rise naturally to
highly complicated positions that encourage the most brilliant combinations and tactical play.
Another principal improvement will be that more games will be close, between players of
differing skill levels. When in the past could a beginner offer an interesting game to an expert
player? Many potentially interested people have turned away from chess after a few humiliating
experiences of being badly beaten. The better player is often bored or arrogant, making
everything worse. Most people dont react well to failure, especially when it reflects on their
intelligence. But anyone who plays well can feel satisfied, even in defeat. This is very important.
Chess is fascinating, even exciting, to those interested in it, but it is incredibly boring to
those who arent. A little compassion for non-players goes a long way. What is the interest of
sitting in silence for hours hunched over a board? Life is to be lived, not contemplated. Now
even those with a justified aversion to chess can learn quickly to play reasonably well, and so
begin to share your passion for the game. Your whole world will brighten up if you spend more
time with your loved ones and less in the isolation of a pastime they cannot appreciate.
Chess has always been a predominately male pursuit. Wives, daughters, sisters, and
girlfriends take note: you can gain the respect of someone close to you by learning to play. In the
process maybe you can help them understand that all games, and life in general, should be fun.
Chess is also famous for attracting and producing introverts, nonassertive types lost in
their interior world. There is too often a somber atmosphere to the game, imposed by those who
take it too seriously. So what if you lose - set the pieces up again! Reintroduce the human
element into the game: lighten up, enjoy yourself, laugh when you lose, and do something else
occasionally than play chess. Change the image by changing yourself.
Can we say adieu to classical chess? Not at all. It will continue to live and thrive. But it
will lose its present exclusivity on opening play, and it will gradually be less practiced, first by
beginners, then by intermediate players, then by computers, and finally, by the top players.
A few predictions by the author concerning the future of the Beginners Game and the B-system:
Within 1 year, the system will come to the attention of most serious chess players, and many

casual ones. Most players adopting the system will increase ranking.

Within 2 years chess programs will be playing the system, and prove better than any previous

generation programs. Best lines for play following the standard opening will be determined.

Within 3 years most players, including some of the worlds best, will be using the system

regularly or exclusively. There will be a great surge of interest in the game of chess globally.

Games Section 127

14.

Games Section

Now we propose a large selection of complete games. In all games the author played the
B-system opening to at least the eighth move. After that, unless otherwise noted, the computer
played both sides until the conclusion. In all games the computer played at top strength, and was
given one to two hours computing time, with equal time for each side. All games should be
correct, that is free from errors, with lines chosen from among those most promising and forceful.
These are excellent chess games, as good as those typically found in collections of best
games. The quality of play overall is at the master or grandmaster level. The Beginners Game
and the B-systems openings in general produce very interesting contests. It seems to be a natural
result of these openings that very sharp games are produced. You rarely see boring games with
this system, because it always attacks and defends superbly, whatever the adversary plays.
Only wins and draws are presented. Of course there were also losses, and many of them
are very interesting. Naturally, the author wants to convey an optimistic image of the system, to
encourage everyone to try it. But many losses were due to a lack of strategic competence by the
computer in playing the system, and for this reason may not be especially instructive. The author
has not found a consistently effective strategy for playing against the system, so he cannot
propose with any confidence strategies for the adversary. Finding the best defenses to the
Beginners Game and other B-systems openings is left, as they say, as an exercise for the reader.
The collection presents a wide variety of openings. There are standard openings, and close
variants where a departure from the standard opening was necessary to respond to an adversary
early attack. There are other games with close variants, differing by 1-3 moves from the standard
opening, but where play was not forced. Then there are games with distant variants, differing by
4-8 moves from the standard. Games are ordered roughly by the distance of the variant played.
Games are reported on one page each, with only a brief text outline and highlights of each.
Six diagrams per game are shown, presenting snapshots of the ongoing contest, which should
permit better players to follow most of the action from the diagrams alone. In all cases the
position of the board after eight moves each is shown. Afterwards, diagrams show the progress of
the game at intervals, trying to catch some of the more interesting moves. Diagrams are labeled
with the move about to be made. Asterisks in the move lists flag the corresponding diagrams.
There are so many openings in the B-system, that it was impossible in a book of this size to
give anything more than a brief presentation of a few of them. Many of these openings are very
strong, as good as anything ever seen in chess to date. The author hopes that the few games
presented here will stimulate the interest of readers to research some of the better B-system
openings in serious play, and finally establish their rightful places in the openings pantheon.

All of the openings in the B-system use positional play; the games that result are usually
quite complex. Some games have a complicated series of exchanges right after the opening, and
pass quickly into the endgame. Others are closed, and characterized by long passages of
position readjustment, with only insinuated threats and little overt action. Difficult sections of
games of either type will be hard to follow for beginners and lesser intermediate players. Better
players should appreciate that such passages are often seen in matches between closely matched
experts. Understanding and reproducing these subtleties is a key skill for top players.
As with any collection, the reader should look about for games of special interest, and play
them first. But all of the games in the collection are worthy of study. They are all good examples
of play within the system, and each one you work thru and understand will help you on the road to
complete mastery of the game of chess. Attack!

Beginner's Games 129

Game 22: Beginners Game with Black

Blacks Beginners Game faces a 3 pawn classical defense, featuring a strong king side attack.
White plays well into the middle game until blacks pieces start to command all the open files. A
fine sacrifice of the exchange at move 30 opens the way for blacks pawns to a crushing victory.
Major participants the entire game, blacks bishop pair are front and center when the curtain falls.

9. O-O-O

19..Qc7

25..a4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.*
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.*
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

d4
g6
e4
d6
f4
Bg7
Nf3 Nd7
Nc3 b6
Bd3 Bb7
Be3 e6
Qd2 Ne7
O-O-O O-O
Kb1 c5
Bb5 Nf6
dxc5 bxc5
e5
Nfd5
Nxd5 Nxd5
Rhe1 Nxe3
Qxe3 Qa5
Be2 Rfd8
c3
Rab8
b3
Qc7
g3
Bd5
c4
Bb7
exd6 Rxd6
Ne5 Rdd8
Bd3 a5
Kc1 a4
bxa4 Rd4
Bc2 Rbd8
Qb3 Ba6
Bd3 g5
Nf3 gxf4
Nxd4 cxd4
g4
f3
Qc2 Bh6+
Kb1 Be3
h4
f2
Rf1 Qg3

37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.*
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.*
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.

Bxh7+ Kf8
Bd3 Rb8+
Ka1 Qxg4
Rb1 Rb7
Rxb7 Bxb7
Qb1 Bf3
Qb8+ Ke7
Rb1 Qf4
Qa7+ Kf6
Qb8 Qxb8
Rxb8 Be4
Bf1 d3
Rd8 d2
Kb2 Ke7
Rxd2 Bxd2
Kb3 Kd6
a5
Bxa5
Ka4 Bd8
h5
Kc5
Kb3 Kd4
c5
Bd3
Bg2 Kxc5
Kc3 f1=Q
Bxf1 Bxf1
h6
Bf6+
Kc2 Kd4
Kd1 Bd3
a4
Bg5
Ke1 Bxh6
Kd1 Be3
Ke1 f5
Kd1 f4
a5
f3
a6
f2
a7 f1=Q++

30..gxf4

42..Bf3

51. Rxd2

Game 23: Beginners Game with White

White plays the Beginners Game against a strong near B-system opening. Neither side has the
better of it until black offers a pawn at move 29 to start an offensive. White keeps the pawn, and
the initiative too, winning a second pawn soon afterwards, then a third. Blacks exposed position
then makes it easy for white to finish him off in fine style with three pieces. An impressive victory!

9. h3

22. dxe5

30. Bxb7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.*
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.*
31.
32.

g3
e3
Bg2
Ne2
b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2
h3
Nf3
c4
O-O
Nc3
a3
d4
Qd2
Rfe1
a4
e4
a5
Ba3
dxe5
Nd5
Rad1
Rxe4
Ree1
Bb2
Ne3
Nh2
Bxb7
Bg2
Bc3

e5
d6
Nc6
g6
Bg7
Be6
Nf6
Qd7
O-O
Qe7
Nd7
Rfd8
Nb4
Na6
Nb6
c6
f6
f5
h6
Nd7
c5
dxe5
Qf7
fxe4
Bf5
g5
Re8
Be6
Rad8
Nb4
Qg6
Kh7

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.*
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.*
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.*
63.
64.

Bxb4 cxb4
Qxb4 Rc8
Neg4 Bf5
Qb7 Nc5
Qxa7 e4
Ne3 Nd3
Nxf5 Qxf5
Re2 Rcd8
g4
Qg6
Re3 Rd6
Nf1 Ra6
Qb7 Nc5
Qb5 Nxb3
Rxb3 Re5
Qb7 Re8
Rd7 e3
Nxe3 Rf6
Bf1 Rd6
Rxg7+Qxg7
Nf5 Qxb7
Rxb7+Kg8
Nxd6 Ra8
c5
Rxa5
Bc4+ Kh8
c6
Ra1+
Kh2 Ra8
c7
Rf8
Rb8 Kg7
Rxf8 h5
Nf5+ Kh7
Rf6 h4
Rh6++

45..Nxb3

51. Rxg7+

62. Nf5+

Beginner's Games 131

Game 24: Beginners Game with Black

Blacks Beginners Game faces the 2 pawn C center F back classical defense. After the opening
white develops a strong passed pawn, well supported by all his pieces. Black falls back to slow it,
but then counterattacks. At move 31 white has to yield, as both his king and his advanced pawn
are threatened. From that point on black tears up his position with finesse and deadly precision.

9. Bh6

17..cxb4

27..Nf5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.

Nf3
e4
d4
Nc3
Be2
O-O
Bf4
Qd2
Bh6
Qxh6
exd5
Nxd5
Qe3
c4
Rfd1
dxc5
b4
Rab1
a3
Bxf3
axb4
Rxb4
Be2
c5
Rb6
Rc1
Bf3
Qa3
Rb4
c6
Kh1
Rbb1
Rxc2
Rd1

e6
g6
Ne7
Bg7
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
Bxh6
d5
Nxd5
Bxd5
Qf6
Bb7
c5
bxc5
cxb4
a5
Bxf3
Rc8
axb4
Ne5
O-O
Nc6
Rfd8
Ne7
Nf5
Rd2
Nd4
Qh4
Qxf2
Rc2
Qxc2
Nxf3

35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.

Rc1 Rd8
gxf3 Rd1+
Rxd1 Qxd1+
Kg2 Qc2+
Kg3 Qxc6
Qb4 Qc7+
Kg2 Qe5
h4
h5
Qd2 g5
Qxg5+ Qxg5+
hxg5 Kg7
Kg3 Kg6
f4
f6
Kh4 fxg5+
fxg5 e5
Kg3 Kxg5
Kf3 h4
Ke3 h3
Kf3 e4+
Kg3 e3
Kf3 Kf5
Kxe3 h2
Kf3 h1=Q+
Ke2 Ke4
Kd2 Qh2+
Kc3 Qg3+
Kc4 Qa3
Kb5 Kd5
Kb6 Kd6
Kb5 Qb3+
Ka6 Kc6
Ka7 Qb7++

31. Kh1

35..Rd8

43..g5

Game 25: Beginners Game with White

White plays the Beginners Game against a 2 pawn C pin classical defense. Whites play after the
opening is very characteristic, forcing black into retreat. White wins a pawn, then another, with
solid tactical play. As Whites two passed pawns near promotion, black is pressed to the wall,
losing one piece, then another, to stop them. Then two pieces up, white crushes the rest.

9. h3

25. d5

35. Nxc4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.

b3
e3
Ne2
g3
Bg2
Bb2
d3
Nd2
h3
a3
c4
O-O
Qc2
Nf3
dxe4
Nfd4
exd4
c5
Nf4
Rae1
Qc4
Bc3
cxb6
b4
d5
axb4
Bxf6
Rxe4
Qxe4
Rc1
Qe2
Nd3
Ne5
Qb2
Nxc4
Qa3
Ne3
Qa6

e5
d5
Nf6
Nc6
Bd6
O-O
Bg4
Qe7
Be6
a5
Rfe8
Rad8
Bc5
e4
dxe4
Nxd4
Bb6
Ba7
Bf5
Bd7
c6
b5
Bxb6
Ra8
axb4
Rac8
Qxf6
Rxe4
c5
Bf5
Qd6
c4
Qe7
Qg5
Bd4
Bg6
Rb8
Qd8

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.*
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.*
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.

d6
Be5
Rc6 Kf8
Kh2 Qd7
Rc7 Qd8
Qa7 Kg8
Nc4 Bf6
d7
Bf5
Nd6 Be6
b5
Qf8
Qxb8 Qxb8
Rc8+ Qxc8
dxc8=Q+Bxc8
Nxc8 Kf8
b6
Be5
f4
Bb8
Na7 Bd6
Nc6 h5
h4
g6
b7
Kg7
b8=Q Bxb8
Nxb8 f6
Be4 Kf7
f5
gxf5
Bxf5 Kg7
Nc6 Kf7
Kh3 Ke8
Bg6+ Kd7
g4
f5
Bxf5+ Kxc6
gxh5 Kd6
h6
Ke7
h7
Kd6
h8=Q Kd5
Qc3 Kd6
h5
Kd5
h6
Kd6
h7
Kd5,
h8=Q resigns

43. Qa7

58. b8=Q

66. g4

Beginner's Games 133

Game 26: Beginners Game with Black

Black plays the Beginners Game against the strong 3 pawn F back classical defense, in a short
but action packed encounter. Faced with losing a pawn at move 14, black finds counterplay, and
stays even. White attacks well, winning the exchange and later threatening mate, but black finds
the right responses and is ready with a counter attack. White then settles for a draw by repetition.

9. d5

14..Ne7

17..Bd5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.*
18.

c4
Nf3
d4
e4
Nc3
Be2
O-O
Be3
d5
cxd5
Nd4
Qd2
dxc6
Ndb5
Bg5
Nxe4
Nxd6
Qe3

g6
e6
b6
Bg7
Bb7
Ne7
d6
Nd7
exd5
O-O
Nc5
c6
Nxc6
Ne7
Nxe4
Bxe4
Bd5
Qxd6

19. Bxe7
20. Rac1
21.* Rfd1
22. Bxf8
23. Rc7
24. Rdd7
25. Rd2
26. Re7
27.* Qxe7
28. Rd8+
29. Qf8+
30. Qh8+
31. Qf8+
32. Qh8+
33. Qf8+
drawn
*

Qc6
Qa4
Bxa2
Rxf8
Bxb2
a5
Re8
Rxe7
Be6
Kg7
Kf6
Ke7
Kf6
Ke7
Kf6

21..Bxa2

27..Be6

after 33..Kf6

Game 27: Beginners Game with White

Whites Beginners Game faces the optimal 3 pawn standard classical defense. White has a fine
game following his long castle. With a complex combination beginning at move 23 white
succeeds in producing a queen side passed pawn. Black harasses whites exposed king to slow
the pawn advance. Unable to avoid the insistent checks, white finally has to settle for a draw.
40. a5
Qe2
1. e3 e5

2. b3
Nf6
41. a6
Be7
3. g3 d5

42.* Bd6 Bxd6+

4. d3 Bd6

43. Rxd6 Qf2

5. Bg2 O-O

44. Rxc6 h4
45. Rc7 Qf5
6. Bb2 c5

7.
Ne2
Nc6
46.
Qe1
Qf8+

8. Nd2 Be6
47. c5
Rxc5
9. * h3 d4

48.* Qe6+ Kh7

10. c3 dxe3 49. Rxc5 Qxc5+
9. h3
42. Bd6
11. fxe3 Qd7
50. Ka4 Qd4+
12. Qc2 Be7
51. b4
Qd1+
13.
Nf3
Rad8
52.
Kb5
Qd3+

14. O-O-O Nd5

53. Kb6 Qd4+
15. Qd2 f5
54. Ka5 Qd8+
16. e4 Nb6
55. Qb6 Qd5+
56. Qc5 Qa2+
17. Qe3 Qd6
57. Kb5 Qe2+
18. c4 f4
19. gxf4 exf4
58. Qc4 Qe5+
20. Qf2 Nd7

59. Kc6 Qe8+

21. d4 cxd4 60. Kc7 Qe7+
22. Nexd4 Nc5
61. Kc8 Qe8+
23. e5
48. Qe6+
23.* e5
Qc7
62. Kb7 Qe7+
24. Nxc6 bxc6
63. Kb6 Qf6+
25. Nd4 f3
Ka7 Qe7+
26. Bxf3 Qxe5 64.

65. Kb8 Qf8+

27. Nxe6 Bg5+ 66. Qc8 Qxb4+
28. Kb1 Qf5+ 67. Ka7 Qd4+
29. Qc2 Qxe6 68. Ka8 Qe4+
69. Qb7 Qf5
30. Bg4 Qf7

31. Bd4 Ne6

70. Kb8 h3
32. Bxa7 h5
71. a7
Qe5+
33. Bxe6 Rxd1+ 72. Qc7 Qb2+
34. Rxd1 Qxe6 73. Kc8 Qg2
36. a4
74. Qe5
35. Bc5 Rf3
74.* Qe5 h2
36.* a4
Qxh3
75. Qh5+ Kg8
37. Ka2 Rc3
76. Qe8+ Kh7
38. Qb1 Qg2+
77. Qh5+ Kg8
39. Ka3 Rc2
drawn

Beginner's Games 135

Game 28: Beginners Game with Black

Blacks Beginners Game is challenged by the aggressive 5 pawn queen wing custom defense.
The big pawn wall does some damage, but black finds counterplay and goes up a pawn in a
complex exchange soon afterwards. Then black goes straight for the win, using well calculated
bishop and pawn sacrifices. Another good show by the surprising new Beginners Game!

9. Nf3

16. Rab1

19..Bf5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.*
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.

d4
b6
c4
d6
Nc3 g6
e4
Bb7
b4
Nd7
a4
Bg7
Be3 e6
Be2 Ne7
Nf3 O-O
O-O c5
bxc5 dxc5
a5
cxd4
Bxd4 Nc5
Bxg7 Qxd1
Rfxd1 Kxg7
Rab1 Nxe4
Nxe4 Bxe4
axb6 Bxb1
b7
Bf5
bxa8=Q Rxa8
Rd7 Kf6
h4
h6
Ne5 Kxe5
Rxe7 a5
g4
a4
gxf5 a3
fxe6 fxe6
Rd7 a2

29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.*
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.*
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.

Rd1
Rxa1
Kg2
c5
Bd3
Kf3
Bxg6
Bf7
Kg3
Kh3
Bxh5
Kg3
Bd1
Bh5
Be2+
Bd1
Bb3
Bc4
Kg4
Bxe2
Kh4
Kh5
Kh4
Kh5
Kh6
Kh5
Kh6
Kh5

a1=Q
Rxa1+
Kd4
Kxc5
Ra4
Rxh4
h5
Kd5
Rg4+
Rf4
Rxf2
Rf8
e5
Kc4
Kc3
Kd2
e4
e3
e2
Kxe2
Rg8
Kf3
Rg4+
Kf4
Kf5
Re4
Re7
Rh7++

25..a4

29..a1=Q

47..e2

Game 29: Beginners Game with White

White plays the Beginners Game against a 2 pawn C center classical defense. White surprises his
adversary by advancing the castled position pawns, trapping a piece. Showing little concern for
his exposed king, white concentrates on the attack. Starting at move 40, white begins an all-out
offensive, with a novel queen sacrifice, that finally wins. More magic from the Beginners Game!

9. a3

16. f4

29. Qxa7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.

e3
d3
Ne2
b3
Nd2
g3
Bg2
Bb2
a3
h3
O-O
b4
Nb3
Nc3
e4
f4
gxf4
Kh1
f5
exf5
Qf3
Qg3
Bf3
Ne2
Qh4
Rae1
Kg2
Qf2
Qxa7
Qf2
Nbd4
Bh5

d5
e5
Nf6
Bd6
Nc6
O-O
Bf5
Qe7
Rad8
Bg6
Qe6
Rfe8
Nd7
Ne7
c6
exf4
Bc7
Bb6
Nxf5
Bxf5
Bg6
Nf6
Qc8
Bc7
Nd7
Nf8
Bd6
Qc7
Bf5
Ng6
Bc8
Re5

33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.*
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.*
48.
49.
50.*
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.

Bg4 Bxg4
hxg4 Rg5
Nf5 Rxg4+
Kh1 Be5
Bxe5 Nxe5
Qh2 Qb8
Ne7+ Kf8
Nd4 Rxd4
Rxe5 Rd6
Nf5 Rf6
Rfe1 b6
Qxh7 Rh6+
Nxh6 Rh4+
Kg2 Rxh6
Rh5 Rxh7
Rxh7 Kg8
Reh1 f5
Rh8+ Kf7
Rxb8 b5
Rc8 f4
Rc7+ Ke6
Rxc6+ Kd7
Rg6 Ke7
Rxg7+Kf6
Rb7 Ke5
c3
d4
Rh6 dxc3
Kf3 c2
Rxb5+Kd4
Rc5 c1=Q
Rd6++

40. Nd4

47. Rh5

50. Rh8+

Beginner's Games 137

Game 30: Beginners Game with Black

Black plays the Beginners Game against a 4 pawn custom defense. Whites expansive opening is
strong, but he loses time later with ineffective knight play. Black opens up the queen side castle
position and then wins whites queen for rook and bishop at move 30. White fights on afterwards,
but black is by then too far ahead materially, and pushes on to a decisive win. Interesting game!
40. Nxd3 Qxh2
1. d4 e6
c4
Ne7
41. Nhf2 h5
2.

3. e4
g6
42. c5
Qg1+
4. b3 Bg7 43. Kd2 Qb1
5. Bb2 b6
44. d6
Qa2+
6. g3 Bb7 45. Ke3 cxd6
46. cxd6 Qd5
7. Bg2 d6

8. f4
Nd7
47. d7
Kf7
9. * Nc3 Nf5

48. Ke2 Ke7

10. Nf3 Ne3
49.* Nf4 Qa2+
9. Nc3
49. Nf4
11. Qe2 Nxg2+ 50. Kf1 Qf7
12. Qxg2 f5
51. N4d3 Qd5
13.
O-O-Ofxe4
52. Nf4 Qc6

14. Ng5 Qe7

53. N4d3 Qd6
15. Ngxe4 O-O 54. Rb4 Qc7
16. Rhe1 Rab8 55. Rb1 Kxd7
56. Rc1 Qb6
17. d5 e5

57. Ke2 Ke6

18. Ng5 h6

19.* Nh3 Qf7

58. Ne4 Bf8
20. Nb5 a6

59. Ng5+ Kd5

21. Nc3 Rbe8 60. Nf3 Bd6
22. Ne4 b5

61. Rd1 Ke6

19. Nh3
65..e4
23. Kb1 bxc4
62. Nf2 a5
24. bxc4 Qf5
63. Ng5+ Kf5
25. g4
Qf7
64. Nf7 Qa6+
26. Qd2 Bc8

65.* Nd3 e4
27. Nef2 Nb6 66. Nxd6+Qxd6
28. Re4 Na4

67. Rf1+ Ke6

29.
fxe5
Nxb2
68.
Nf2
Qa6+

30.*
Qxb2
Bxg4
69.
Ke1
e3

31. Nxg4 Rb8

70. Ne4 Ke5
32. Rf4 Rxb2+ 71. Ng3 Qc4
33. Kxb2 Qe7 72. Rf3 Qc1+
34. Re4 dxe5 73. Ke2 Qd2+
30..Bxg4
75. Rxe3+
35. Ngf2 Qb4+ 74. Kf1 h4
36. Kc2 Qa4+
75.* Rxe3+ Qxe3
37. Kd2 Qxa2+ 76. Ne2 h3
38. Ke1 Rf3
77. Ng3 Qxg3
39. Rd3 Rxd3
resigns

Game 31: Beginners Game with White

Whites Beginners Game is challenged by the 3 pawn queen out classical defense. White goes a
pawn up at move 25. Blacks vulnerable castled position then allows white to produce a passed
pawn. After that, it is only a matter of maneuvering to cover the queening square - and avoid
getting checkmated! The Beginners Game can always find the resources to win, often with ease.

9. O-O

24. Bxc6

29. c6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*

e3
b3
g3
Bb2
Bg2
Ne2
d3
Nd2
O-O
c4
exd4
a3
b4
bxc5
Rb1
Re1
h3
Rxe2
Qxe2
Qd1
Nb3
Nxc5
Qb3
Bxc6
Bxd4
Bxe5
Qc3
c5
c6

d5
e5
Nf6
Bd6
O-O
c5
Nc6
Qa5
Be6
d4
exd4
Rae8
Qb6
Bxc5
Bg4
Qa6
Bxe2
Rxe2
Re8
Nd7
Qb6
Qxc5
b6
Qxc6
Ne5
Rxe5
Qe6
f6
Qxh3

30.
31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.
36.
37.*
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.*
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

Qc4+ Kf8
Qb4+ Kf7
Re1 Rc5
d4
Rh5
Qe7+ Kg6
Qe4+ Kh6
Rd1 Ra5
Qh4+ Qxh4
gxh4 Rxa3
Rc1 Rd3
c7
Rxd4
c8=Q a5
Qh3 Rb4
Rc6 Kg6
Qd3+ Kh6
Rxb6 Rxh4
Qe3+ Kg6
Qg3+ Kh5
Rb5+ g5
Qf3+ Rg4+
Kh2 a4
Kh3 a3
Qxg4+ Kh6
Qf5 g4+
Qxg4 a2
Rh5++

33. d4

37. Qh4+

45. Rxb6

Beginner's Games 139

Game 32: Beginners Game with Black

Black plays the Beginners Game and destroys his rival, despite his impressive 4 pawn standard
opening. In the midgame black piles up on the queen pawn and wins it. White offers the exchange
soon afterwards, trying for counterattack. But he is doomed: black forces him to throw away all of
his pieces to slow the inevitable mate. A convincing victory, over an optimal adversary opening!

9. O-O

20..c4

24. Rxd5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.*
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.

d4
e4
Bd3
c4
Be3
f4
Nc3
Nf3
O-O
Qb3
d5
cxd5
Ng5
Rac1
Bb1
Rfd1
Nf3
e5
exd6
Ne5
Qa3
Nxd5
Bc5
Rxd5
Bd4

b6
Bb7
g6
Bg7
e6
Ne7
d6
Nd7
O-O
c5
exd5
a6
b5
Qc7
Nb6
h6
f5
Rfd8
Rxd6
c4
Nexd5
Nxd5
Re6
Bxd5
Rd8

26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.*
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.

Rd1 Ba8
Qg3 Red6
Re1 Rxd4
Nxg6 Rd2
Ne7+ Kf8
Ng6+ Kf7
Nh4 Bd4+
Kh1 Rg8
Bxf5 Rxg3
hxg3 Bf2
Bg6+ Kf6
Re6+ Kxe6
Kh2 Bxg3+
Kxg3 Rd4
Be4 Rxe4
Ng6 Rxf4
Nxf4+ Kf5
Kf2 Qxf4+
Ke2 Bxg2
a3
Qf3+
Kd2 Qf2+
Kd1 Bf3+
Kc1 Qe1+
Kc2 Be4++

27..Red6

31..Kf7

34. Bxf5

Game 33: Beginners Game with White and Black

White and black play the Beginners Game, both moving into variant BE. After the opening its an
even contest, until white decides to grab a rook pawn. He doesnt live to regret it - he is torn apart
by a queen and pawn attack, beginning with a decisive knight sacrifice at move 30. Black is so
intent on the offensive, that he ignores all of whites counter threats. A smashing encounter!

9. Na4

24..e5

30..Nxf2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.*

g3
b3
Nc3
Bg2
Bb2
e3
Nge2
O-O
Na4
Bxg7
d4
c4
bxc4
Bxb7
Qc2
Nac3
Ne4
c5
Qxe4
Rac1
dxc5
Qa4
Rfd1
Nd4
Nxc6
Rxd1
Qb5
Rc1
Qxa5
Qb5

g6
Bg7
b6
Nc6
Bb7
e6
Nge7
O-O
d5
Kxg7
Qd7
dxc4
Na5
Nxb7
f6
Nf5
Nfd6
Nxe4
c6
bxc5
Rad8
a5
Qc8
e5
Rxd1+
Nxc5
Ne4
Qd7
Rc8
Nxf2

31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.*
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.

Kxf2
Kf3
Kf4
Kg4
Kh3
Qb7+
Qxc8
Qxg4
Kxg4
Rc2
Kh3
Rg2
Rc2
Nd4
Rc8
Rh8+
Rb8
Kh4
g4
Rb1
Kh3
Kg2
h4
Kh2
h5+
a3

Qd2+
e4+
Qf2+
h5+
g5
Kh6
g4+
hxg4+
Qxe3
Qf3+
Qf1+
Qb5
e3
Qd5
Qxd4
Kg7
Qd7+
Kg6
e2
Qd6
Qd3+
Qxb1
Qf1+
e1=Q
Kh7
Qh1++

33..Qf2+

35..g5

50..Qd6

Beginner's Games 141

Game 34: Beginners Game with Black

Black plays the Beginners Game, against a strong 4 pawn custom defense. Black goes a pawn
up as early as move 16, and then starts trading down, heading for the endgame. White forces a
passed pawn at move 32 and develops his promotion threat. White outplays black in a curious
knight and pawn endgame, that climaxes with black under promoting his pawn. A bitter draw!

9. O-O

14..Qd4+

32..b5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.*
33.
34.
35.
36.

d4
e6
e4
d6
f4
Ne7
c4
Nd7
Nf3 g6
Nc3 Bg7
g3
b6
Bg2 Bb7
O-O O-O
e5
c5
dxc5 dxe5
fxe5 Nxe5
Bg5 Nxf3+
Bxf3 Qd4+
Kh1 Bxf3+
Qxf3 Qxc5
Ne4 Qc7
Bf6 Nf5
Bxg7 Nxg7
Nf6+ Kh8
Rad1 Rad8
b3
Rxd1
Rxd1 Rd8
Rxd8+Qxd8
Ne4 f5
Nc3 Kg8
Qe3 Qd6
Nb5 Qc6+
Kg1 a6
Nc3 Qd6
Kf2 Nh5
Na4 b5
c5
Qc6
Nb6 Nf6
Kg1 a5
Qd4 Kg7

37. a4
38. bxa4
39.* Qd6
40. cxd6
41. Nc4
42. Nxa5
43. Nc6
44. a5
45. h4
46. Nb4
47.* Nd3+
48. Nf4
49. Kh2
50. Nxg6
51. Ne7
52. gxf4
53. Nc6
54. Ne5+
55. Nd3+
56. a6
57. a7
58. Kg1
59. Kh2
60. Ne1
61. Ng2
62.* Nf4
63. Nxh5
64. Kh3
65. Kxh4
66. Kg5
67. Nf6
68. Nd7
69. Nb8
70. Kh6
71. Nd7+
drawn

bxa4
h5
Qxd6
Kf7
Ne4
Nxd6
Ne8
Nc7
Kf6
Ke5
Ke4
Kf3
e5
e4
f4
e3
Ne6
Kxf4
Kf3
Nc7
Na8
e2
Ke3
Kf2
Nb6
e1=N
Nf3+
Nxh4
Ke3
Kd4
Na8
Kd5
Kc5
Kb6
Kxa7

39. Qd6

47. Nd3+

62..e1=N

Game 35: Beginners Game with White and Black

White and black play the Beginners Game, both moving to variant 4. A tough contest follows, but
black always manages to stay a step ahead. White tries aggressive alternatives to the more
obvious moves (18, 26), but his attacks never seem to put black into trouble. White continues on
the offensive later with his advanced pawns, but its not enough; black stops his threats and wins.
40. Kg2 Kf7
1. g3 g6

2. e3
e6
41. Kf3 Rf5+
3. Bg2 Bg7

42. Ke3 Rh5

4. Ne2 Ne7

43. h4
Ra5
5. d4 d5

44. g4
Ra8
45. Kd2 Ke7
6. b3 b6

7.
Bb2
Bb7
46.
g5
Kd6

8. Nd2 Nd7
47. Rb4 Rd8
9. * c4 c5

48. Kc1 Kc6

10. Qc2 O-O

49. a5
Kc7
9. c4
34. Qxf5
11. dxc5 bxc5
50. a6
Nc5
12. Bxg7 Kxg7
51. Rg4 Rd6
13.
cxd5
exd5
52. h5
Nd3+

14. O-O Qb6

53. Kc2 Ne5
15. e4 f5

54. Ra4 Rd8

16. exd5 Bxd5 55. Rb4 Kc6
17. Rfe1 Bxg2 56. Rb7 Nd7
57.* Rb2 Ra8
18.* Nf4 Be4

19. Nxe4 fxe4

58. g6
Rxa6
20. Qxe4 Nf5

59. g7
Ra8
21. Ne6+ Kh8

60. h6
Nf6
22. Nxf8 Rxf8 61. Kc3 Kd5
18. Nf4
57. Rb2
23. Qa4 Nf6
62. Rg2 Ng8
24. Qf4 Qb7
63. Rd2+ Ke4
25. Rad1 Nd4
Re2+ Kf3
26.* Rxd4 cxd4 64.

65. Rh2 Ra6

27. Qxd4 Kg8
66. Kd4 Rxh6
28. f3 Qxf3 67.* Rc2 Rd6+
68. Ke5 Rd7
29. Rf1 Qd5

30.
Qxa7
Ra8
69.
Rc3+
Kg2

31. Qf2 Ne4

70. Rc2+ Kh3
32. Qf3 Qc5+ 71. Rc3+ Kh4
33. Kh1 Qf5

72. Rc4+ Kg5

34.* Qxf5 gxf5 73. Rc3 h5

26. Rxd4
67. Rc2
35. a4
Nd2
74. Ke6 Rxg7
36. Rxf5 Nxb3
75. Rg3+ Kh6
37. Rb5 Nd4
76. Rxg7 Kxg7
38. Rb4 Ne6
77. Kf5 Kh6
39. Rc4 Ra5
resigns

Beginner's Games 143

Game 36: Beginners Game with Black

Blacks Beginners Game faces the Tomahawk defense (4 pawn BG back), one of its most
dangerous rivals. Most pieces are traded, and a wide open queen, rook, and piece endgame
results, in which both sides attack fiercely. At move 31 white starts what looks like a final
offensive but he falls into a subtle trap that costs him his queen and the game. Scintillating chess!

9. f5

18..Qxb2

25. Qd5+

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.*
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.

d4
e4
Be3
Bd3
Ne2
Nd2
f4
c4
f5
O-O
Bxe4
cxd5
Qb3
Bxd5
Qxd5
Rf2
Qxd7
Raf1
Rxf7
Rxf7
Rf1
Rc1
dxc5
cxb6
Qd5+
Rf1

e6
g6
Bg7
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
Ne7
exf5
fxe4
d5
Nxd5
Qe7
Bxd5
Qxe3+
O-O
Qxd2
Qxb2
Rxf7
Qa1+
Qxa2
c5
Bf8
Qxe2
Kh8
Rb8

27.
28.
29.
30.
31. *
32.
33.
34.
35. *
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.

b7
Qe7
Qb3 Qc7
Rf7 Qc1+
Kf2 Re8
Rxh7+ Kxh7
Qf7+ Bg7
Qxe8 Bd4+
Kf3 Qf1+
Ke4 Qe2+
Kxd4 Qxe8
g3
Qd7+
Ke5 Qxb7
Kf4 a5
h4
a4
h5
a3
Kg5 Qd5+
Kf4 Qd4+
Kf3 Qd3+
Kg2 Qe2+
Kh3 Qxh5+
Kg2 Qe2+
Kh3 g5
g4
Qf3+
Kh2 a2
Kg1 a1=Q+
Kh2 Qah1++

31. Rxh7+

35. Ke4

Game 37: Beginners Game with White

Whites Beginners Game confronts the highly aggressive double knight and bishop attack. After
the opening black smashes whites position and threatens to win the queen, but white finds sharp
counterplay and stays in the game. Under pressure all the way, white fights back in a marvelous
display of tactical chess, and finally earns a draw. A true trial by fire for the new Beginners Game!

9. O-O

11. Rxf5

16. Qc5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.*
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.*
35.
36.
37.
38.

b3
e3
Ne2
Bb2
g3
d3
Bg2
Nd2
O-O
fxe3
Rxf5
Qe1
Qf2
Bxe5
Rc1
Qc5
Qxc2
Nf4
d4
Qc3
Nxg6
Bf1
Nf3
Bd3
Kg2
Qd2
Ne5
Rd1
Qf2
h4
Qf4
gxf4
Nxg6
Ne5+
fxe5
h5
b4
a4

d5
Nc6
Bf5
e5
Nb4
Bc5
Nf6
Ng4
Bxe3
Nxe3
O-O
Nxf5
Nh6
Nxc2
Ng4
Nxe5
Re8
c6
Qb6
Ng6
hxg6
Re7
Rae8
Re3
Qd8
a6
Qg5
c5
f5
Qh6
Qxf4
cxd4
Kf7
R8xe5
Ke6
Kxe5
f4
Rg3+

39. Kf2 Rh3

40. Bg6 b6
41. Re1+ Kf6
42. Re8 Rb3
43. Rf8+ Kg5
44. Rf5+ Kg4
45. Rf7 Rxb4
46. Rxg7 Rb2+
47. Kg1 Kg5
48. Rd7 f3
49. Rxd5+ Kf4
50. Rxd4+ Kg3
51.* Bf5 Rg2+
52. Kf1 Rf2+
53. Ke1 Re2+
54. Kd1 Re5
55. Rg4+ Kh3
56. Bc8 f2
57. Rg8+ Kh4
58.* Bxa6 b5
59. Bxb5 Rxb5
60. Rf8 Rb1+
61. Ke2 Rb2+
62. Ke3 Kg3
63. h6
Rb3+
64. Ke2 Rb2+
65. Kd3 Rb3+
66. Kd2 Rb2+
67. Kc3 Rb8
68. Rf7 Rh8
69. Rg7+ Kf3
70. Rf7+ Kg2
71. Rg7+ Kf1
72. h7
Rc8+
73. Kb4 Rb8+
74. Kc5 Ke2
75. Re7+ Kf3
drawn

34..R8xe5

51. Bf5

58..b5

Beginner's Games 145

Game 38: Beginners Game with Black

Blacks Beginners Game here faces the aggressive queen wing custom defense. The big forward
pawn wall succeeds only in exchanging a few pawns however, after which black obtains equality.
At move 23 black launches a series of exchanges which wins him material, but which leaves white
a dangerous passed pawn. Black can then do no better than to harass whites king for a draw.

9. O-O

17..f5

23..d5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

d4
e4
c4
Nc3
Nf3
b4
a4
Be2
O-O
a5
bxa5
a6
Ra3
Nxd4
Bg5
Qd2
f3
Be3
Nxc6
Nxe4
fxe4
Bxf1
Qb4
cxd5
exd5
Qb3
Bc4
Bxd5
Qxc3
Rxc3

d6
e6
Ne7
g6
Bg7
b6
Nd7
Bb7
O-O
bxa5
c5
Bc6
cxd4
Nc5
Rc8
Qd7
f5
fxe4
Rxc6
Nxe4
Rxf1+
Qc7
d5
exd5
Nxd5
Qd6
Kh8
*Rc3
Bxc3
Qxd5

31. Rc8+
32. Rc7+
33. Rxa7
34. Kf2
35. Kf3
36. Ke2
37.* Kd3
38. Rb7
39. Kd2
40. Re7+
41. Rb7
42. Kd3
43. Kc3
44. Kd2
45. Rb6
46. Kd3
47. Ke2
48. a7
49. Kd3
50. Kd2
51. Kc3
52. Rb5+
53. Kd2
54. Kd3
55. Kd4
56. Kc3
57. Kc4
58. Kd4
59. Kc3
*drawn

Kg7
Kf6
Qd1+
Qc2+
Qf5+
Qg4+
Qxg2
Qf1+
Ke5
Kd6
Qg2+
Qd5+
Qc6+
Ke5
Qg2+
Qd5+
Qh1
Qg2+
Qe4+
Qd5+
Qf3
Kd6
Qg2+
Qf1+
Qd1+
Qf3
Qe2+
Qd1+
Qf3

28..Rc3

37. Kd3

after 59..Qf3

Game 39: Beginners Game with White

White provides a textbook win using the Beginners Game. With accurate play he gains the
quality advantage and has all pieces in attack position by move 20. He then overpowers black in
the center, and starts an across-the-board assault on his hard pressed adversary. White finally
takes his victory in regal manner, mating with two queens and two rooks: a real Beginners treat!

9. a3

21. bxc5

26. Qd4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.*
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.*
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.
36.
37.

b3
e5
Bb2 Nc6
d3
d5
e3
Nf6
Ne2 Bd6
Nd2 Be6
g3
O-O
Bg2 Bb4
a3
Bxd2+
Qxd2 Qd6
O-O-O a5
h3
a4
b4
Rfe8
f4
exf4
Nxf4 Ne5
Nxe6 Qxe6
Rdf1 Qd6
g4
Nfd7
Rf5 Rac8
Rhf1 c5
bxc5 Nxc5
Kd1 Ncd7
Qb4 Qc6
R1f2 f6
g5
g6
Qd4 Kh8
R5f4 Qb5
gxf6 Nf7
Bxd5 Nde5
e4
Nc6
Qc3 Rf8
Bxf7 Rxf7
e5
Qd5
Qc4 Qxc4
Rxc4 Re8
Rxa4 h6
Re2 Re6

38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.*
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.

Ra8+ Kh7
Rf2 Nxe5
Re2 Rfxf6
Bxe5 Rf1+
Kd2 g5
d4
Re7
h4
Ref7
hxg5 hxg5
Rh8+ Kg6
Rg8+ Kf5
Bd6 Rf3
Re5+ Kf6
d5
Rd7
Re6+ Kf5
Rf8+ Kg4
Re4+ Kh5
Rxf3 Rxd6
Rd4 b5
Rc3 Rd7
d6
Kg6
Rf3 Kh5
Rf5 Kg6
Rxb5 Kf6
Rbd5 Rd8
c4
Ke6
d7
g4
c5
Rf8
c6
Rf2+
Ke1 Rf8
c7
Rh8
d8=Q Rh1+
Kf2 g3+
Ke3 Re1+
Kd2 Rd1+
Kxd1 g2
c8=Q+ Kf7
Qdc7+ Kg6
Qa6++

33. e5

39..Nxe5

51. Re6+

Early Attacks 147

Game 40: Beginners Game with Black (Queen and Bishop Early Attack)
The author with black plays the Beginners Game and defeats his strong computer rival in a
straightforward manner. White attacks on the queen side as black launches a king side assault.
Black goes a pawn up early, then trades down to a knight and rook endgame. At the right moment
black launches his mobile king side castled position forward, creates a passed pawn, and wins.

9. Qxa6

16..g4

22..Bf4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.*
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

e4
d4
Nf3
Nc3
Bd3
O-O
Qe2
Ba6
Qxa6
Be3
a4
a5
Rfd1
axb6
Nb5
e5
Nd2
dxe5
Nc4
Kh1
Qa4
Qxc4
Bxf4
Qxf4
Rxa7
Nxa7
Rd7
Kh2
Rb7
Kg3

b6
g6
Bb7
Bg7
d6
Nd7
e6
Bxa6
h6
g5
Ne7
O-O
Ng6
cxb6
Qb8
g4
dxe5
Bxe5
Bxh2+
Nde5
Nxc4
Bf4
Qxf4
Nxf4
Rxa7
Ra8
h5
Nd5
Kf8
Kg7

31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.
36.
37.*
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.

c4
Nf6
Nc6 Ne4+
Kf4 Nxf2
Rxb6 h4
b4
h3
gxh3 gxh3
Rb5 Rh8
Ra5 h2
Ra1 h1=Q
Rxh1 Rxh1
Ke3 Ng4+
Kd4 Rd1+
Kc5 Kf6
b5
Ne5
Nxe5 Kxe5
Kb6 f5
c5
f4
c6
Kd6
c7
Rc1
Kb7 Rxc7+
Kb8 f3
b6
Rc3
b7
f2
Ka7 Ra3+
Kb6 Rb3+
Ka7 Kc7
b8=Q+ Rxb8
Ka6 f1=Q+
Ka7 Qa1++

33. Kf4

37..Rh8

Game 41: Beginners Game with White (Center Pawn Early Attack)
White plays the Beginners Game, not reacting to the center pawn attack until black exchanges.
White refuses a riskier second center pawn exchange and consolidates his defense. Blacks
challenge for the center trips up as white wins one pawn and then another. Heres an illustration
of the main defects of early attacks: delayed development, loss of time, and no gain of material!

9. e4

16. b4

23. Bf1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.

b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2
g3
Bg2
e3
cxd3
e4
Qc2
Qxb2
Ngf3
O-O
h3
Nxf3
b4
dxe4
b5
Rfb1
Rxb2
Nxd4
Rc2
Bf1
Bxd3
Rxc5
Rxc7
f4
Rc8+
Rac1
Rxf8+

e5
d5
Bb4+
Nf6
O-O
e4
exd3
d4
Bc3
Bxb2
Nc6
Bg4
Nd7
Bxf3
f5
fxe4
Qe7
Qb4
Qxb2
Nce5
Nc5
Ned3
Rad8
Rxd4
Rxd3
Rd2
Rf7
Rf8
Rxa2
Kxf8

31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.

Rc8+ Ke7
Rc7+ Kf8
Rxb7 a5
Ra7 Ra1+
Kf2 Ra2+
Ke3 Ra3+
Kd4 Rb3
Rxa5 Rxg3
b6
Rb3
Kc5 Ke7
Ra7+ Kd8
Rxg7 Kc8
f5
Rc3+
Kd4 Rf3
Ke5 Rxh3
f6
h6
Rg8+ Kb7
f7
Rf3
f8=Q Rxf8
Rxf8 Kxb6
Kd6 Kb5
e5
Kc4
e6
h5
Rc8+ Kd3
e7
h4
e8=Q Kd2
Qe4 Kd1
Rc2 h3
Qe2++

29. Rac1

39..Rb3

43. f5

Early Attacks 149

Game 42: Beginners Game with Black (Rook Pawn Early Attack)
Black responds to the rook pawn attack by moving into variant Bv12, and then completes his
Beginners Game. A terrific queen and rook battle ensues, with each side threatening to promote
a central passed pawn. Black cleverly shuts down whites threat while keeping his own alive. At
move 45 black goes a pawn up, which proves to be just enough to win. Interesting game!
40. Qd1 Re7
1. d4 b6

2.
e4
d6
41. Rcc4 Rc8
3. Nf3 Bb7 42. Qb1 Qd6
4. Bf4 Nd7 43. Rb6 d3

5. a4 a6

44. c7
Qd5
45.* Qc1 Qxa5
6. a5 b5
7.
Nbd2
g6
46. Rb8 Ree8

Bd3 Bg7
47. Rc5 Qa2
8.

9. * O-O e6
48. Qf4 a5
10. c3 Ne7 49. h3 Qa3
9. O-O
45. Qc1
11. c4
bxc4 50. Rc6 Qe7
12. Nxc4 O-O
51. Rb7 Qe2
13.
Rc1
h6
52. Rb1 Qe4

14. Ncd2 Rb8

53. Qxe4 Rxe4
15. Qa4 e5
54. Rb8 Ree8
16. Be3 exd4 55. Rb3 Kh7
17. Bxd4 Nc5 56. g3 Re7
18. Bxc5 Bc6 57. Rb7 Be5
Qd1 dxc5 58. Nxe5 Rxe5
19.

20. Nc4 Re8

59. Rd6 Rc5
21. Qc2 Bb7 60. Rxd3 R8xc7
22. Rfe1 Nc6 61. Rxc7 Rxc7
25. Nd2
63. Ra4
23. Rcd1 Nd4
62. Ra3 Ra7
24. Nxd4 cxd4 63.* Ra4 Kg7
Nd2 Qd6
64. Kf1 Kf6
25.*

26. Rc1 Qb4

65. Ke2 Ke6
27. Ra1 Bc8 66. Kd3 Kd5
28. Reb1 Qd6 67. Kc3 Kc5
29. Rc1 Re7 68. Kb3 Rb7+
30. Ra2 Bb7 69. Ka3 Rb5
31. Ra4 Rbe8 70. Re4 Rb1
32. Rc4 c6

71. Re7 f5
33. b4 Rd8 72. Rc7+ Kd5
34. Nf3 Qf4 73. Rd7+ Ke4
35..c5
79. Kb5 Kf3 80. Rg5 Rxg3
35.* Qb3 c5
74. Rh7 h5
36. bxc5 Bxe4 75. Rg7 Rf1
81. Rxh5 f4 82. Kc4 Kg2
37. Bxe4 Rxe4 76. Rxg6 Rxf2
83. Rf5 f3 84. Kd3 Kg1
38. c6
Qc7
77. Ka4 Rh2
85.* Ke3 f2+ Resigns
39. Rb4 Qf4
78. Kxa5 Rxh3

Game 43: Beginners Game with White (Knight and Bishop Early Attack)
Whites Beginners Game is hit by the knight and bishop early attack. Black sacrifices a piece to
disrupt his position, but white counterattacks (move 10. Ne4 is worth remembering) and retains
his advantage. White wins a pawn and stops blacks promotion threat with a slick rook sacrifice
at move 29. Its then an easy task for white to shepherd his own pawns forward to victory. The
knight and bishop attack looks far more dangerous than it really is: beginners take heart!

9. Ke1

13. Qb5

24. Bxa7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.*
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.

d3
e3
Nd2
Ne2
g3
Bg2
h3
Kxf2
Ke1
Ne4
Bxe3
Qxd3
Qb5
Bxc6
Qxc6
Rf1
Rxf7
Rxf8
Kd2
Kc3
Nc1
Nd3
Re1
Bxa7
Rxe5

d5
e5
Bc5
Nc6
Nf6
Ng4
Nxf2
Qf6+
Bxe3
dxe4
exd3
Bf5
O-O-O
Qxc6
bxc6
Bxh3
Rhf8
Rxf8
Rd8+
Bg4
Rf8
Rf3
Rxg3
Bf5
Bxd3

26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.

cxd3 g5
Be3 g4
Re7 h5
Rxc7+ Kxc7
Bf4+ Kb6
Bxg3 Kb5
d4
Ka5
Kc4 Kb6
b4
Kb7
Kc5 h4
Bxh4 Kc7
Bg3+ Kd7
d5
cxd5
Kxd5 Kd8
b5
Kc8
Kc6 Kd8
b6
Ke7
Kd5 Kf6
b7
Kg6
b8=Q Kg7
Ke6 Kh6
Kf6 Kh7
Qb7+ Kg8
Qg7++

29. Rxc7+

35. Kc5

Early Attacks 151

Game 44: Beginners Game with Black (Queen and Bishop Early Attack)
Black plays the Beginners Game until he has to respond to the queen and bishop attack, then
moves into BvE. After the opening white attacks, but blacks defense is tight. Impatient with the
closed position, white tries to open it with his 31st move. Black offers the exchange at move 36,
and then sends his queen on a wild rampage thru whites poorly coordinated defenses. A big win!

9. Bxc8

31. f4

36..Bb2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.*
37.
38.

e4
d4
Nc3
Nf3
Bd3
O-O
Qe2
Ba6
Bxc8
d5
Be3
a4
Rfb1
b4
bxa5
Nb5
Qc4
a5
Na7
Rxb8
Nd2
Nc6
Qxc6
f3
Rxa5
Ra7
Ra4
Nb3
Ra7
Rb7
f4
Bxf4
Bc1
Qc4
Rb5
Qc6
Qxa8
Kf2

e6
d6
Ne7
Nd7
g6
Bg7
b6
O-O
Rxc8
e5
h6
a5
Ra8
Nf6
Rxa5
Ra8
Rc8
bxa5
Rb8
Qxb8
Qd8
Nxc6
Qb8
Rd8
Ne8
Qb4
Qb8
Kf8
Kg8
Qa8
exf4
Qa2
Qb1
Ra8
Kf8
Bb2
Bxc1
Qxc2+

39. Ke1
40.* Kd1
41. Kxc1
42. Nd2
43. Kd1
44. Kc2
45.* h4
46. Qa4
47. Qf4
48. Qc4
49. Nxc4
50.* Kd3
51. Ne3
52. Ng2
53. Ne1
54. Nf3
55. Ke2
56. Kd2
57. Ke3
58. Kd3
59. Ne1
60. Ke2
61. Nf3+
62. Nd4
63. Kf2
64. Ne6
65. Nc5+
66. Ke1
67. Nd7+
68. Nf6
69. Nd7
70. Nf6
71. Kf2
72. Kxf3
73. Nxe4
74. Kg3
75. Kf4
resigns

Qxe4+
Qd3+
Qxb5
Qc5+
Qg1+
Qxg2
Qh1
Qxd5
Kg7
Qxc4+
f5
Nf6
Kf7
Nd5
c5
Ke6
Nc3+
Ne4+
d5
Kd6
Ke5
c4
Kf4
Ng3+
Ke4
f4
Kf5
Ke5
Kd4
h5
c3
f3
Ne4+
c2
dxe4+
e3
c1=Q

40..Qd3+

45..Qh1

50. Kd3

Game 45: Beginners Game with White (Bishop Pin Early attack)
The author plays the Beginners Game, responding to the bishop pin early attack. He gains time
with both bishop pawn moves, and advances on the king side, trapping blacks bishop. A queen
side castle strengthens his position. White stays on the offensive, and keeps up the momentum
until the win. There are a few pretty moves towards the end. Not bad, as they say, for an amateur.

9. f3

18. O-O-O

27. Ng4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.*
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.

b3
e5
g3
d5
Bb2 Nc6
Bg2 Nf6
d3
Bb4+
c3
Be7
Nd2 O-O
e3
Bg4
f3
Be6
Ne2 Qd7
f4
Bf5
Qc2 Ng4
Nf1 Rae8
h3
Nf6
g4
Bg6
f5
Bh5
Nh2 a6
O-O-O Bc5
d4
Bd6
gxh5 exd4
exd4 Qe7
Rd2 Ne4
Bxe4 dxe4
h6
g6
d5
Ne5
Qxe4 Qg5
Ng4 gxf5
Qe3 f6
Qxg5+ fxg5
Nxe5 Bxe5

31.
32.
33.
34.*
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.*
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.*
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

Rg1 Bf6
Nd4 Kf7
Nxf5 Kg6
Ng7 Re4
Ne6 Rg8
c4
Bxb2+
Kxb2 Kxh6
Nxc7 Re3
Ne6 Kh5
Rf2 Rxh3
Nf4+ Kh4
Nxh3 Kxh3
d6
g4
Rd2 h5
Rh1+ Kg3
Rxh5 Kf4
Rd4+ Ke3
Rxg4 Rxg4
d7
Rg8
Re5+ Kf3
Re8 Rg2+
Kc3 Rg3
d8=Q Kg4+
Kd2 Rg2+
Ke3 Rg3+
Ke4 Re3+
Kxe3 b5
Qd7+ Kh4
Rg8 a5
Qg4++

34. Ng7

41. Nf4+

48. Rxg4

Early Attacks 153

Game 46: Beginners Game with Black (Center Pawn Early Attack)
Black avoids the center pawn attack by advancing his pawn, and completes his Beginners Game
with the strong queen side castle. Black then attacks on the king side, bringing all his pieces and
king side pawns into the assault. White shifts pieces about, barely able to respond to changing
threats. In the end black traps his adversary in the king corner and nothing can stop mate.

9. Qe2

23. g3

29. exf5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*

e4
d4
Nf3
Nc3
Bc4
Be3
O-O
d5
Qe2
a4
Nd2
Bg5
Bxe7
Qe3
Nf3
b4
Rfb1
Rd1
a5
Ba2
Nd2
Qf3
g3

e6
b6
Bb7
g6
Bg7
Ne7
d6
e5
a6
Nd7
f5
h6
Qxe7
Bf6
O-O-O
Kb8
Qf7
Be7
b5
Nf6
Ng4
Bh4
Bg5

24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.*
39.
40.
41.*
42.
43.
44.

Nf1
h3
h4
Nh2
Qe2
exf5
Kxh2
Rf1
Rad1
Qd2
Kh1
Ne2
Qc1
c3
Kg1
Nf4
Rfe1
Qxf4
Qf8+
Qxf3
c4

h5
Nh6
Be7
Rdf8
Ng4
Nxh2
gxf5
e4
Bf6
Be5
Qf6
f4
Rhg8
Rg4
f3
Qxh4
Rfxf4
Qh3
Ka7
exf3
Qg2++

35..f4

38..f3

41..Qh3

Game 47: Beginners Game with white (Bishop Pin Early Attack)
The author with white plays close variant Bv3F against his computer rival. This position is best
reached by repulsing the bishop pin, as in this case. Whites defense holds, and his attack is
good, but it doesnt quite succeed. White uses some rather unusual knight moves to support the
attack. The finale is quite interesting, white finds a clever way to save a draw. Good try, mate!

9. Qc2

18. c4

27. Rde1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.*
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*

e3
d5
g3
Nc6
b3
a6
Bb2 e5
d3
b6
Nd2 Nh6
Be2 Bb4
c3
Bd6
Qc2 O-O
h3
Be6
O-O-O Qd7
Kb1 f6
Nf1 Kh8
Nh2 Rae8
g4
f5
g5
Nf7
h4
a5
c4
d4
Nhf3 Nb4
Qd2 c5
h5
f4
exf4 exf4
g6
Nh6
gxh7 Ng4
Nh3 Qe7
a3
Nc6
Rde1 Nh6

28. Nfg5
29. Bg4
30. Bxf5
31. Bc1
32.* Nxf4
33. Qxf4
34. Bxf4
35. Bxe5
36. Rhg1
37. Ka1
38.* Rxg4
39. Rxe5
40. Kb2
41. Kc1
42. Kd2
43.* Kc1
44. Kb2
45. Kc1
drawn

Bf5
Ne5
Rxf5
Ref8
Rxf4
Rxf4
Qf6
Bxe5
Qf5
Ng4
Qxg4
Qg1+
Qxf2+
Qg1+
Qh2+
Qh1+
Qg2+
Qf1+

32. Nxf4

38. Rxg4

43..Qh1+

Early Attacks 155

Game 48: Beginners Game with Black (Center Pawn Early Attack)
Black avoids the center pawn attack and subsequent bishop attack on his rook, moving into
Bv5A. White trades his bishops for knights and goes after a pawn. Black parries all whites
threats, and then responds with highly effective counterattacks, smashing whites position. and
eventually winning rook odds Another easy victory for the remarkably strong Beginners Game!

9. Bg5

16..f5

21..Qg5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.

Nf3
e4
d4
Nc3
d5
Bb5+
Bc6
Qd3
Bg5
b4
O-O
Bxe7
a4
Bxd7
bxa5
Rfb1
Rxb8
Qa6
Nd2
fxe3
Qxa5
Kh1
Qxc7
Qxd7
Rg1

g6
d6
b6
e6
e5
Nd7
Rb8
Bg7
Ne7
O-O
h6
Qxe7
a5
Bxd7
bxa5
f5
Rxb8
fxe4
e3
e4
Qg5
Qxe3
Rf8
Qxc3
Qxd2

26.*
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.*
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.

Qxd6
Qe6+
Qxe4
Qe1
Qxg1
Kxg1
Kf2
Ke3
g3
Kd4
Kc5
d6
d7
Kc6
Kc5
Kd5
Kc5
Kc6
Kc5
Kd4
Kc4
Kb4
Kb5
Ka4
Ka5
Kb6
Ka7

Qf2
Kh7
Bd4
Qxg1+
Bxg1
Rc8
Rxc2+
Kg7
Rxh2
Ra2
Rxa4
Kf6
Ke7
h5
Kxd7
Rg4
Ke6
Rxg3
h4
h3
h2
h1=Q
Qd5+
Qc4+
Rg5+
Rb5+
Qa2++

26..Qf2

29..Qxg1+

40. Kc5

Game 49: Beginners Game with Black (Queen and Bishop Early Attack)
Blacks Beginners Game is interrupted by the queen and bishop early attack. White invades with
his queen, and wins a pawn. He pays a high price for this pawn however: blacks strong king side
attack forces him to defend for the remainder of the game! Black finds interesting moves (23,28)
to keep white under pressure. At move 33 black obtains equality, then quickly brings the game to
a drawn conclusion. Aggressive players will enjoy playing such lines, with their powerful attacks.

9. Bxf8

17..Rf8

23. Rf4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*
24.

e4
d4
Be3
Nf3
Qd2
Bd3
Nc3
Bh6
Bxf8
Qh6
Ng5
Nxh7
Qxh7
Nxe4
O-O
Qg7
Qf6
Qg5
Qg4
Nc3
Qg3
Rfe1
h3
Qxg5

d6
g6
Nd7
b6
e6
Ne7
Bb7
f5
Rxf8
Nf6
Qd7
Nxh7
fxe4
O-O-O
Rh8
Rdg8
Rf8
Rh5
Nd5
Nf6
g5
Rh4
Rf4
Rxf2

25. Re2 Rxe2

26. Nxe2 c5
27. Nf4 Ne4
28.* Qg4 Nf2
29. Kxf2 e5
30. Qxd7+ Kxd7
31. dxe5 Rxf4+
32. Ke3 dxe5
33.* Rf1 Bxg2
34. Rxf4 exf4+
35. Kxf4 Bxh3
36. Bf5+ Bxf5
37. Kxf5 b5
38. Ke5 Kc6
39.* a3
c4
40. Kd4 a6
41. b3
cxb3
42. cxb3 a5
43. b4
axb4
44. axb4 Kd6
45. Ke4 Ke6
46. Kd4 Kd6
47. Ke4 Ke6
48. Kd4 Kd6
drawn

28..Nf2

33..Bxg2

39..c4

Early Attacks 157

Game 50: Beginners Game with Black (Bishop Pin Early Attack)
Blacks Beginners Game is challenged by a bishop pin early attack. Black reacts aggressively by
moving into close variant Bv56 and completes his standard opening. White attacks for most of
the game, but black skillfully defuses every threat. White finds a nice gambit (move 33) that finally
wins a pawn, but then black develops his promotion threat to force the draw. Right on the edge!

9. Qe2

17. Qxd6

23..Qa4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

d4
d6
Bg5 f6
Bd2 g6
e4
Bg7
Nf3 b6
Bc4 Bb7
Nc3 Nd7
O-O e5
Qe2 Ne7
dxe5 dxe5
Rad1 Nc8
Bd5 Bxd5
Nxd5 Nd6
Be3 O-O
Qd3 Rf7
Nxc7 Qxc7
Qxd6 Qxc2
Qd5 Rd8
Rc1 Qxb2
Rc7 Qa3
Ng5 fxg5
Bxg5 Rf8
Rxd7 Qa4
Be7 Rc8
Rd8+ Rxd8
Qxd8+ Bf8
Bxf8 Rxf8
Qd5+ Rf7
Qxe5 Qxa2
f4
Qe2
Qd4 b5
Rc1 Rf8
h3
Rxf4
Rc8+ Rf8
Rxf8+ Kxf8
Qh8+ Ke7
Qxh7+ Kf6
Qh8+ Ke6

39. Qe8+ Kf6

40. Qd8+ Ke5
41. Qe7+ Kd4
42. Qxa7+ Kxe4
43. Qe7+ Kd3
44. Qd6+ Kc3
45. Qf6+ Kb3
46. Qxg6 Qe1+
47. Kh2 b4
48. g4
Qf2+
49. Kh1 Ka2
50. Qa6+ Kb2
51.* Qd3 b3
52. g5
Qc2
53. Qd4+ Ka3
54. Qd6+ Ka4
55. Qd4+ Kb5
56. Qd5+ Kb6
57. Qd4+ Kc6
58. Qa4+ Kd6
59. g6
Qc1+
60. Kh2 Qd2+
61. Kg3 Qe3+
62. Kg2 Qe2+
63. Kg3 Qe5+
64. Kg4 b2
65. Qa6+ Kc5
66. Qa7+ Kb4
67. Qb7+ Kc3
68. g7
Qe6+
69. Kf4 Qf6+
70. Ke3 Qd4+
71.* Kf3 Qc4
72. Kg3 Qd3+
73. Kf4 Qf1+
74. Ke5 Qe1+
75. Kf6 Qh4+
drawn

33. h3

51..b3

71..Qc4

Game 51: Beginners Game with Black (Fianchetto Early Attack)

Black responds to a fianchetto early attack by moving into Bv4B. He puts white in difficulty early,
piling on the queen pawn, and winning a rook for piece and pawn. Black plays a well calculated
series of exchanges that keeps white under fire and clears the board. He stays ahead until the
very end, but in a thrilling finale white develops his promotion threat and finally earns the draw.

9. Re1

16..Nce7

26..Ne6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.*
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.

g3
Bg2
Nf3
O-O
d4
Nc3
a3
Qd3
Re1
e4
Rxe4
Be3
Rd1
Qe2
h3
Nb5
Nxc7
Bf4
Qxe4
h4
Qe2
Bxe5
Qxe5
Qf4
Nxd4
Kh2
Rxd7
Rxd8
gxf4
Nb5
Nxa7
b4
Nc8

b6
Nc6
Bb7
e6
g6
Nge7
Bg7
d5
O-O
dxe4
Qd7
Nf5
Rad8
Qc8
Qa8
Nce7
Qc8
Bxe4
h6
Qd7
e5
Bxe5
Nc6
Ncxd4
Nxd4
Ne6
Nxf4
Rxd8
Rc8
Rxc2
Rxf2
Rxf4
Rxh4+

34.* Kg1 b5
35. Nd6 Kg7
36. Nxb5 h5
37. Kf2 Rc4
38. Ke3 Rc1
39. Kd4 Ra1
40. Kc3 h4
41. Kb2 Rg1
42. Bc6 g5
43. a4
h3
44. a5
h2
45. a6
h1=Q
46. Bxh1 Rxh1
47.* Nc3 Rh8
48. b5
Ra8
49. Kb3 g4
50. Ne2 Kf6
51. Kb4 Ke5
52. Ka5 Kd6
53. b6
Re8
54. Nd4 g3
55. a7
g2
56. Nf3 Kc6
57. Ka6 f6
58. Ng1 Kc5
59. b7
Re6+
60. Ka5 Re1
61. Ka4 Kc4
62.* Ka3 Rxg1
63. a8=Q Ra1+
64. Kb2 Rxa8
65. bxa8=Q g1=Q
66. Qa6+ Kd5
67. Qxf6 Qg2+
drawn

34. Kg1

47..Rh8

62..Rxg1

Early Attacks 159

Game 52: Beginners Game with Black (Queen and Bishop Early Attack)
Blacks Beginners Game is interrupted by the queen and bishop attack. A wild series of
exchanges follows the opening. Black first manages to maintain equality (3 pawns for piece), but
then whites two pieces start to clean up. Black fights on and finally earns a draw in a colossal
endgame. There is plenty of action for risk takers in the sharper lines of the Beginners Game!
40. Rf5 Rh1+
1. e4 e6
d4
g6
41. Kg3 Ra1
2.

3. Nf3 Bg7
42. Nc3 Kg6
4. Be2 b6
43.* Rf4 Rg1+
5. O-O Bb7

44. Kf2 Rc1

45. Rc4 Kf5
6. Bg5 Ne7

7.
Qd2
d6
46.
Rc5+
Kg6

8. Bh6 Bxh6
47. Kg3 Rg1+
9. * Qxh6 Bxe4 48. Kh2 Ra1
10. Nc3 Bxc2 49. Rd5 Ra3
9. Qxh6
43..Rg1+
11. Ne1 Bf5
50. Rd3 h4
12. g4
e5
51. Kg1 Kf5
13.
gxf5
Nxf5
52. Kg2 Rb3

14. Qd2 Nxd4

53. a5
Ra3
15. f4 O-O

54. Rd5+ Kf6

16. fxe5 dxe5 55. Ne4+ Ke6
17. Rd1 Nbc6 56. Rh5 Ra2+
18. Nf3 Nxf3+ 57. Kf1 Ra1+
Bxf3 Qxd2
58. Kf2 Ra2+
19.

20.* Rxd2 Rad8

59. Ke3 Ra3+
21. Re2 Nd4

60. Kf4 g3
22. Rxe5 Nxf3+ 61. Rh6+ Kd5
20..Rad8
68..Rf2+
23. Rxf3 Rd2
62. Rd6+ Kc4
24. Re7 Rxb2
63. Nd2+ Kc5
25. Rxc7 Re8
Rg6 Kb5
26. Rfxf7 Re1+ 64.

65. Rb6+ Kc5

27. Rf1 Rxf1+ 66. Nb3+ Kd5
28. Kxf1 Rxh2 67. Kf3 Ra2
68.* Rb4 Rf2+
29.* Rxa7 h5
69. Ke3 Rb2
30. Ra6 Rc2

31. Nd5 Kf7

70. Rd4+ Kc6
32. Nxb6 g5

71. Nd2 h3
33. Nd5 Rc1+ 72. Nf3 Kb5
34. Kg2 Rc2+ 73. Kf4 g2

29..h5
75..Rf1
35. Kf3 Rc1
74. Rd1 Rf2
36. Rf6+ Kg7
75.* Kg3 Rf1
37. a4
g4+
76. Kxh3 Rxd1
38. Kg3 Rg1+
77. Kxg2 Kxa5
39. Kh4 Rd1
drawn

Game 53: Beginners Game with Black (Bishop Pin Early Attack)
Black interrupts his Beginners Game to repulse whites bishop and then moves into close variant
Bv6D. White attacks furiously after the opening, sacrificing a piece to open the queen side.
Black holds, then counter attacks. The tension culminates when white has to delay his pawn
advances to defend. Black then takes enough material to guarantee a decisive win. Well played!

9. d5

17. Bxa6

27..Qxd2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.

e4
e6
d4
b6
Nc3 Bb7
Nf3 g6
Bd3 Bg7
Bg5 f6
Be3 Qe7
O-O d6
d5
e5
a4
a6
a5
b5
Nxb5 axb5
Bxb5+ Kf8
a6
Nxa6
Qd3 f5
Nd2 f4
Bxa6 Bxa6
Rxa6 Rxa6
Qxa6 fxe3
fxe3+ Nf6
Qa8+ Kf7
Qa3 Rb8
Ra1 Qd7
c4
Qg4
c5
Qe2
Qa7 Rf8
cxd6 Qxd2
dxc7 Kg8
Qb6 Kh8
Qc5 Nxe4
Qc1 Bh6
Qxd2 Nxd2
g3
Bxe3+
Kg2 Nc4
Ra6 Nb6

36.*
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.*
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.*
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.

d6
b4
Rxb6
Rc6
b5
b6
b7
Rb6
Rb2
h3
Rxe2
Re3
Rc3
g4
Rf3+
Rxf7
Kf3
h4
Kg3
Kg2
Kh3
g5
Kh2
Kh3
Kh2
Kg1
Kf1
Kg1
Kh2
Kg1
Kh1
Kg1
Kh1
Kh2
Kh3

Bc5
Bxd6
Bxc7
Bb8
Kg7
e4
Rf7
e3
h6
e2
Rxb7
Ba7
Rf7
Kf6
Ke6
Kxf7
Kf6
Ke5
Ke4
Kf4
Kf3
h5
Bd4
Bf2
Bxh4
Bxg5
Bd2
g5
g4
g3
h4
Be3+
g2+
g1=Q+
Qg3++

36. d6

45..e2

60. Kh2

Early Attacks 161

Game 54: Beginners Game with Black (Center Pawn Early Attack)
Black moves into Bv1E, in the face of a center pawn attack, then completes his Beginners Game.
Afterwards he keeps the game under control, trading down carefully, and staying even with white
right down to the wire. In a highly entertaining knight and pawn endgame, black first goes a
pawn up, then a pawn down, and then finally draws. Neck and neck from start to finish!
40. Ke3 Nc2+
1. d4 g6
e4
e6
41. Kf3 Nxb4
2.

3. Bc4 b6
42. d4
gxf4
4. Nf3 Bb7

43. gxf4 Kd7

5. d5 Ne7

44. d5
f5
45. Nxb5 Nxd5
6. O-O Bg7
7.
Re1
O-O
46. Nd4 Ne7

8. Nc3 a6
47. Kg3 d5
9. * a4 h6

48. Kh4 Kd6

10. Bf4 exd5 49. Nb3 Nc6
9. a4
50..d4
11. exd5 d6
50.* Kxh5 d4
12. Qd2 Kh7
51. h4
d3
13.
Re2
Nd7
52.
Kg6
Ke7

14. Rae1 Re8

53. Nd2 Kf8
15. Nd4 Ne5

54. Kxf5 Kg7

16. Ba2 Qd7

55. Kg5 Nd8

56. Kg4 Nb7
17. b4 b5

18. Bxe5 Bxe5 57. Nc4 Kh6

axb5 axb5
58. Kf3 Kh5
19.

20. Bb3 Bxd4

59. f5
Kxh4
21. Qxd4 Nf5

60. f6
Nd8
22.* Qd3 Rxe2 61.* Kf4 Kh5
22..Rxe2
61. Kf4
23. Nxe2 Re8
62. Kf5 Nf7
24. Rf1 Re5
63. Nd2 Nd6+
25. Nc3 c6
64. Ke6 Kg5
26. h3 Qe8

65. Nb1 Kg6

27. g3 h5

66. Nc3 Nf7

28. Kh2 Kg7
67. Ne4 Ng5+
29.
Rg1
f6
68. Nxg5 d2

30.
Ba2
Re1
69.
f7
d1=Q

31. dxc6 Bxc6

70. f8=Q Qe2+
32. Bd5 Bxd5 71. Kd5 Qd3+
33. Nxd5 Qe2
72. Ke5 Qc3+
34. Kg2 Rxg1+ 73. Ke4 Qc4+
36..Kf7
75..Qe5+
35. Kxg1 Qxd3
74. Ke3 Qc3+
36.* cxd3 Kf7
75.* Ke2 Qe5+
37. Nc3 Nd4
76. Ne4 Qxe4+
38. f4
Ke6
77. Kd2 Kg5
39. Kf2 g5
drawn

Game 55: Beginners Game with Black (Combination Early Attack)

Black avoids a simultaneous center pawn and fianchetto attack on his Beginners Game, by
moving into variant Bv5E. Both sides attack well after the opening, but black develops more
threats. He accepts a sharp gambit on move 17, and finally gets to keep the pawn. But then white
finds good counterplay, regains his lost pawn, and robs black just short of victory. Hard luck!

9. dxe5

17..Bxg4

25..Qxa2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*

d4
g3
Bg2
e4
Bf4
c4
Ne2
O-O
dxe5
Na3
Qd2
Rad1
Bxe4
Bd5+
Nb5
Bg5
g4
Nxc7
Qxd3
f3
Qd2
fxg4
Nd4
Kxf1
Kf2

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
d6
Nd7
O-O
e5
Nxe5
N7c6
f5
fxe4
Bf5
Kh8
Nd3
Qd7
Bxg4
Qxc7
Rae8
Nb4
Nxd5
Qc5+
Rxf1+
Qxc4+
Qxa2

26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.*
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.

Kg3
b3
Rxd2
Bf4
Nb5
Kxf4
Kf3
Kg2
h3
Nxd6
Rxd6
Rxg6
Rxb6
Kf3
Ke4
h4
Kd5
Kd4
Kc3
Kb4
Kxb5
g5
hxg5
Kxb6

Nb6
Qxd2
h6
Nd5
Nxf4
Be5+
Rf8+
Rf4
Rb4
Bxd6
Rxb3
Rb6
axb6
Kg7
Kf6
b5
b6
Kf7
Ke6
Ke5
Kf4
hxg5
Kxg5
drawn

31..Be5+

36..Rxb3

43..Kf7

Early Attacks 163

Game 56: Beginners Game with Black (Combination Early Attack)

Black completes his Beginners Game in spite of a combination of center pawn, fianchetto, and
knight and bishop attacks, with a number of dangerous threats. Black goes down a pawn
immediately and has to resolve various problems fast, but after some sharp counterplay he
obtains parity. By move 24 it is white that is in trouble. Black finds a clever fork at move 28 to go
a pawn up, then wins effortlessly in the pawn endgame. The Beginners game is truly amazing!

9. cxd6

15..Nc5

24. Ke1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.*
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.

d4
g3
Bg2
c4
Nf3
Bf4
Nc3
c5
cxd6
Nb5
Nxd6
Bxf3
Bxd5
Qb3
Rd1
Qxd5
Bh6
Kf1
Bxg7
h4
h5
hxg6
f4
Ke1
e4
Qe5
fxe5

e6
g6
Bg7
Ne7
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
cxd6
O-O
Bxf3
Nd5
exd5
Bxd4
Nc5
Bxb2
Bc3+
Bg7
Kxg7
Qf6
Rad8
fxg6
Qe7
Rd7
Rf6
Qxe5
Re6

28.*
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.*
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.*
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

Rd5
Rxe5
Ke2
Ne8+
Nc7
Nd5+
Nf4+
Rd1+
Nd3+
Rxd3
Kxd3
Ke3
Kd3
Ke3
Kd3
e5
e6
Kc4
gxh4
a3
Kb3
Kxa3
Ka4
Kb3
Ka4
Kxa5
Ka6
Ka7

Rxe5
Nd3+
Nxe5
Kf7
Kf6
Ke6
Kd6
Kc5
Nxd3
Rxd3
h5
g5
b5
a5
b4
Kd5
Kxe6
h4
gxh4
bxa3
h3
h2
h1=Q
Qc1
Qb2
Kd5
Kc6
Qb7++

28..Rxe5

36. Nd3+

41..a5

Game 57: Beginners Game with Black (Rook Pawn Early Attack)
Black plays the Beginners Game, with two introduced moves to respond to the rook pawn early
attack. Following the opening white tries an attack on the queen side. Black plays sharp defense,
and takes a pawn. White offers an aggressive gambit at move 20 that black accepts and survives,
retaining odds of the exchange, enough to win. The Beginners Game defends best by attacking!

9. Nc3

15..Kf8

17..Nxc3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.*
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.*
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

e4
e6
d4
b6
Bd3 g6
h4
h6
h5
g5
Nf3 d6
Be3 Bb7
Qd2 Bg7
Nc3 Ne7
O-O-O Nd7
d5
exd5
exd5 Nxd5
Bd4 Bxd4
Nxd4 Ne5
Bb5+ Kf8
Nc6 Bxc6
Bxc6 Nxc3
Qxc3 Rb8
Rhe1 Qf6
Kb1 Qxf2
Rxe5 dxe5
Qxe5 Kg8
Qxc7 Kg7
Qe5+ Qf6
Qxf6+ Kxf6
Rf1+ Kg7
Bd5 Rhf8
g4
f5

29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.

gxf5
Kc1
Rd1
Bc4
Rd7+
Rd8+
Rg8
Rxg5
Bf1
Kd2
Kd3
a4
b4
a5
Bxg2
axb6
c4
c5
Kc4
Kb5
Ka6
Kb5
Kc6
Kb7
Kc8
Kb8
Ka8

Rbe8
Re5
Rfxf5
g4
Kf8
Ke7
Rg5
Rxg5
Rxh5
Rh2+
g3
h5
h4
g2
Rxg2
axb6
h3
h2
h1=Q
Qb1
Ra2+
Qd3+
Ra6
bxc5
Qd7+
Rb6+
Qb7++

20..Qxf2

29..Rbe8

35..Rg5

Early Attacks 165

Game 58: Beginners Game with Black (Center Pawn Early Attack)
Black plays the Beginners Game, with an early castle to avoid a center pawn attack. He trades
down very rapidly to a rook and piece endgame, and breaks the pawn symmetry at move 22. His
bishop versus knight advantage then proves more than sufficient. Black times his pawn advances
perfectly and wins with a florish. The Beginners Game with black can beat any classical opening!

9. O-O-O

16..c6

22..Rd4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.*
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.

c4
b6
Nc3 e6
e4
g6
d4
Ne7
Nf3 Bg7
Bf4 Bb7
Qe2 d6
e5
O-O
O-O-O Nbc6
d5
Nxe5
Nxe5 dxe5
Bxe5 exd5
Bxg7 Kxg7
cxd5 Qd6
Qd2 Rad8
Bc4 c6
dxc6 Qxd2+
Rxd2 Rxd2
Kxd2 Rd8+
Kc1 Bxc6
Re1 Nf5
g4
Rd4
Bd5 Bxd5
gxf5 gxf5
Re7 Bf3
Rxa7 Rh4
Ra6 Rxh2
Rxb6 Rxf2
a4
h5
Rb4 Kf6
a5
Kg5
Rb8 h4
Rg8+ Kf4

34.
35.
36.
37.
38.*
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.

Rh8
Rg8+
a6
Kd2
b4
b5
Rh8
Nd5
Kc3
a7
a8=Q
Kd4
Kxc5
Rxa8
Kb6
Kb7
b6
Ra2
Re2
Rxf2
Ka8
Kb7
Ka6
b7
Ka7
Kb6
Kc6
b8=Q
Kd5
Ke6
Kd5
Kc4

Kg3
Bg4
Rf1+
Ra1
h3
h2
Kg2
Rd1+
Rxd5
Bf3
Rc5+
Bxa8
h1=Q
Qc1+
f4
f3
f2
Qb1
Kg1
Kxf2
f5
f4
f3
Ke2
Qa1+
Qe5
f2
Qxb8
f1=Q
Qb6+
Qf3+
Qfc6++

25..Bf3

38..h3

43..Bf3

Game 59: Beginners Game with Black (Combination Early Attack)

Black plays the Beginners Game, reacting aggressively to the dangerous combination of center
pawn and bishop pin early attacks. White trades his knights for a rook and pawn (move 13), and it
proves to be a poor bargain. Afterwards black turns his knight pair loose on the queen side.
Whites rook and king cannot defend against the multiple forks, and black clenches an easy win.

9. Bxd7+

13. Na4

21..Nb4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.*
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.

e4
d6
d4
e6
Nf3 b6
d5
g6
Bb5+ Bd7
dxe6 fxe6
Bg5 Be7
Bxe7 Nxe7
Bxd7+Nxd7
O-O O-O
Nc3 a5
Ng5 Nc5
Na4 Nxa4
Nxe6 Qd7
Nxf8 Rxf8
Qd4 Nc5
f4
Qe6
Rae1 Qxa2
f5
Nc6
Qd5+ Qxd5
exd5 Nb4
fxg6 hxg6
Rxf8+ Kxf8
c4
Nbd3
Rb1 a4

26.
27.
28.*
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.*
47.
48.
49.
50.

Kf1
Rc1
Rc2
Kf2
h4
Rc3
Rxc7
Ke3
Rc1
Rf1+
g4
Rxa1
Kd2
h5
Kc1
hxg6
Kb1
g7
Ka2
g5
Kb3
Kc4
Kb3
Ka2
Ka3

Ne5
Nb3
Nxc4
b5
Nd4
Nxb2
a3
a2
Nb3
Kg7
a1=Q
Nxa1
Na4
b4
b3
b2+
Kf6
Kxg7
Nc2
Kg6
b1=Q+
Qf1+
Nd4+
Qb5
Qb3++

28..Nxc4

33..a2

46..b1=Q+

Close Variants 167

Game 60: B-System Variant G with Black

Black plays the distance one variant BvG and defeats a strong classical deployment by white.
After the opening neither side is able to obtain any advantage, until black gains control of the
queen file. Rather than defending, white tries to counterattack. Black then launches a fine
offensive that wins two pawns and a piece, all the while threatening mate. Good tactical chess.

9. Qe2

22..Ndf6

27..Rxc2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.*
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.
35.

d4
c4
Nf3
Nc3
Bf4
e3
Bd3
O-O
Qe2
Bg5
Rac1
Nd2
a3
Bh4
Rfe1
Bc2
Nxc4
exd4
Bg3
Bd6
Be4
Nxe4
Be5
Qxe4
b3
Rc2
Ne3
Nxc2
dxe5
Qc6
a4
Rf1
Ne3
a5
Kh1

e6
g6
Bg7
b6
Bb7
Nf6
d6
Nbd7
O-O
c5
Qe7
d5
h6
Rfe8
a6
dxc4
cxd4
Rec8
Nh5
Qd8
Bxe4
Ndf6
Nxe4
Ra7
Rd7
b5
Rxc2
Bxe5
Rd3
Rxb3
Qd2
Nf4
Qd4
Kg7
Qxe5

36.
37.
38.*
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.*
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.

Qxa6 Qe4
Rg1 Rb1
Qd6 Nh3
Rxb1 Qxb1+
Nd1 Nxf2+
Kg1 Nxd1
Qd4+ Kh7
h3
Ne3+
Kh2 Qe1
Qf4 Nf1+
Kg1 Qe3+
Qxe3 Nxe3
a6
Nd5
Kf2 b4
a7
Nc7
Ke3 b3
Kd2 e5
Kd1 e4
h4
e3
g4
b2
Kc2 e2
Kxb2 e1=Q
h5
Qe2+
Kb3 Qxg4
hxg6+ fxg6
Kb2 Qd4+
Kc2 Qxa7
Kd3 Qa3+
Kd4 Ne6+
Ke4 Qc3
Kd5 Nf4+
Kd6 h5
Kd7 Qc5
Kd8 Qc6
Ke7 Nd5+
Kf8 Qa8+
Kf7 Qg8++

31. a4

38..Nh3

46..Qe3+

Game 61: B-System Variant EG with White

The close variant BvEG is worth remembering: its strong! White gains territory after the opening,
squeezes blacks position, and finally wins the exchange at move 46. He then builds a mating
attack. In a sharp combination at move 59, he forces black off base, and goes a rook up. A nice
bishop sacrifice at move 64 then permits his pawn to queen. All first rate chess, sharp as a razor!
40. Qc2 Re7
1. b3 Nf6

2. Bb2 d5
41. Bg3 Rf8
3. d3 Nc6

42. a6
f5
4. Nd2 e5

43. gxf5 Bh5

5. Ngf3 Bd6

44. Rc1 Rxf5

45. Nc3 Bg6
6. g3 O-O

7.
Bg2
Qe7
46.*
Nd5
Rxd5

8. O-O Bg4
47. Bxd5+Kh8
9. * c4 d4

48. Qc3 Bf5

10. h3 Bh5

49. Bh4 Re8

9. c4
46. Nd5
11. a3
Rad8
50. Rg2 Nf8
12. b4
Qe6
51. Bc6 Re6
13.
Qc2
Be7
52. Bd8 Qf7

14. Rfe1 Nd7

53. Bd5 h6
15. b5 Ncb8 54. Qg3 Nd6
16. e3 dxe3 55. Rd1 Ne4
56. Qf3 Qe8
17. Rxe3 f6

57. Kh2 Bh7

18.* Ng5 Qb6

19. Bd5+ Kh8

58. f5
Rd6
20. Ne6 Bc5

59.* Bxe4 Rxd1

21. Nxc5 Nxc5 60. Qxd1 Qxe4
22. d4 Ncd7 61. Qa1 Bg6
18. Ng5
59. Bxe4
23. dxe5 Nxe5
62. fxg6 Qf4+
24. a4
Bg6
63. Kh1 Qf3
25. Qc3 c6
64.* Bxb6 Qxh3+
26. Bg2 Qc7

65. Kg1 Qe3+

27. Ba3 c5
66. Kh2 Qf4+
28. Ne4 Nbd7 67. Kh1 Qxc4
68. Bxa7 Nd7
29. f4 Nf7

30.
Rae1
Nh6
69.
Bxc5
Qxc5

31. g4
Rfe8
70. a7
Qh5+
32. Bc1 Ng8
71. Kg1 Qc5+
33. R3e2 Nb6
72. Rf2 Qg5+
73. Kf1 Qxb5+
34. a5 Nd7
37. Rd2
64. Bxb6
35. Bd2 Bf7
74. Re2 Qf5+
36. Be3 Ne7
75. Ke1 Qxg6
37.* Rd2 Nc8
76. a8=Q+ Kh7
38. Red1 b6
77. Qg2 Nf6
39. Bf2 Kg8
78. Qxg6+ resigns

Close Variants 169

Game 62: B-System Variant 78 with Black

Black plays the close variant Bv78 and defeats whites strong 3 pawn classical opening. Black
plays it risky, wining the exchange for pawn and piece, and loss of castling. He is under pressure
afterwards, but finally manages to consolidate, and retain his pawn advantage. His rook and
bishop then rip thru whites ranks, winning more material and finally permitting a pawn to queen.

9. Nd4

17. Nxe7

27. e5+

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.*
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.

e4
d4
Nf3
Bd3
O-O
c4
d5
Be3
Nd4
dxe6
exf7+
Qxd3
Nf5
Nc3
Rxa1
cxd5
Nxe7
f4
d6
Rf1
Ne2
Ng3
Bxf4
a4
a5
axb6
e5+
Qe2
Bd2
Qxf1
Bc3
Nh5

e6
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
h6
g5
Bg7
Ne5
Nxd3
Kxf7
c5
Bxb2
Bxa1
d5
Ne7
Qxe7
Kg7
Qf6
Raf8
Qe6
gxf4
Bc6
Rhg8
Kh7
axb6
Kh8
Rg4
Rxf1+
h5
h4
b5

33.
34.
35. *
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.*
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.*
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.

Qf8+
Nf4
Nxe6
Be1
Nxc5
Kf1
Bh4
Bg3
Ke1
Kd1
Nxb3
Bf4
e6
Kc2
Be5+
e7
Bh2
Be5
d7
Bc7
Kd2
Ke3
Bxf4
Bg3
Kf3
Ke2
Kf1
Kg2
Kf1
Ke2
Kf1

Rg8
Rxf8
b4
Rg8
Rxg2+
h3
Rxh2
Bb5+
Re2+
b3
Re3
Rxb3
Rd3+
Kg7
Kg6
Kf7
Rf3
Ke6
Bxd7
Kf5
Rf4
h2
h1=Q
Qg1+
Be8
Qd4
Kg4
Bc6+
Kxg3
Bf3+
Qa1++

35..b4

42..b3

53..Rf4

Game 63: B-System Variant 8E with White

White plays the very solid variant Bv8E, which introduces a rook pawn move and early castle into
the standard opening. White immediately pushes his opponent back, and then starts a masterful
series of exchanges in the center which finally earns him a rook for piece and pawn. He then has
no difficulty in exploiting his advantage for a quick win. The B-system close variants are powerful!

9. g4

17. c4

23. Nxe4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*
24.
25.
26.*
27.
28.
29.*
30.

b3
e3
Bb2
Ne2
g3
Bg2
O-O
h3
g4
f3
a3
d4
exd4
Nbc3
f4
Nxe4
c4
cxd5
Ng3
Rb1
Re1
Kh2
Nxe4
Rxe4
Qd3
Qxe2
Bxd5
Bxf6
Re1
Re7

e5
Nf6
Nc6
d5
Be7
O-O
Bf5
Qd7
Be4
Bg6
Rae8
exd4
Qe6
h6
Be4
Nxe4
Bf6
Qxd5
Nxd4
Re7
Rfe8
c6
Rxe4
Rxe4
Re2
Nxe2
cxd5
gxf6
Nxf4
d4

31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.*
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.

Rxb7 a5
Rb8+ Kg7
Rd8 Ne6
Rd5 Kg6
Kg3 d3
b4
axb4
axb4 d2
Rxd2 Nc7
Kf4 Nb5
Rc2 Nd4
Rc5 Ne6+
Ke4 Nf8
Rd5 Ne6
b5
Nc7
b6
Na6
Kf4 h5
gxh5+ Kg7
b7
Kh6
Rd8 Kxh5
Ra8 Nc7
b8=Q Nd5+
Kf5 Ne3+
Kxf6 Nd5+
Kxf7 Kh4
Ra4+ Kxh3
Qb3+ Nc3
Qxc3+Kg2
Ra2+ Kf1
Qa1++

26. Qxe2

29. Re1

41. Rc5

Close Variants 171

Game 64: B-System Variant 3D with White

White plays close variant Bv3D against the 2 pawn standard classical defense. Both sides then
attack in a fierce battle. Blacks fine bishop sacrifice at move 19 seems to have his opponent on
the ropes, but soon afterwards black is fighting for his life, as white counterattacks brilliantly.
Sharp games like these proliferate in the B-system, for those who like to live dangerously. E viva!

9. h3

13. Nd4

19..Bxg3+

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.*
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.*
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.

b3
e5
d3
d5
g3
Nf6
Bg2 Nc6
Bb2 Bd6
Nd2 O-O
c3
Be6
Qc2 Qd7
h3
a5
a3
Rfd8
Ngf3 e4
dxe4 dxe4
Nd4 e3
Ne4 exf2+
Kxf2 Nxe4+
Bxe4 Nxd4
Bxh7+Kh8
cxd4 f5
Bg6 Bxg3+
Kxg3 Qd6+
Kf2 Qf4+
Ke1 Qg3+
Kf1 Qxg6
d5
Qg5
Qxc7 Rd7
Qe5 Bxd5
Rg1 Qh6
Rd1 Rad8

29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

Rd3 a4
bxa4 f4
Rg5 Qe6
Qxe6 Bxe6
Rxg7 Rxd3
exd3 Rxd3
Rd7+ Kg8
Rxd3 Bc4
Ke2 Kf7
Bc1 f3+
Kd2 Bxd3
Kxd3 Ke6
Ke3 f2
Kxf2 Kf5
Ke3 Kg5
Kd4+ Kh4
Kc5 Kxh3
Kb6 Kg4
Kxb7 Kf3
a5
Ke2
a6
Kd1
Bg5 Ke2
a7
Kf3
a8=Q Ke4
Kb6+ Kf5
Qd5+ Kg4
Be3 Kg3
Qh5 Kg2
Qg4+ Kf1
Qf3+ Ke1
Qf2+ Kd1
Qd2++

24..d5

33. Rxg7

35. Rd7+

Game 65: B-System Variant 45xB with White

White anticipates a center pawn attack on his Beginners Game by moving into Bv45xB. White
goes a pawn up early, but black equalizes. Whites active queen and bishop then make the
difference: he again goes a pawn up, then promotes his rook pawn, winning a piece. Its clear
sailing for white after that. Easy wins such as this can only result from superior openings!

9. O-O

17. Qe4

25. a5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.

e3
g3
Bg2
Ne2
b3
d4
exd4
Nbc3
O-O
Bg5
Bxf6
Nxd5
Qd2
Rae1
Rxe2
Qxe2
Qe4
Nxf6+
c3
Qb4
Qxb7
Qxa7
Qb6
a4
a5
Qxb3
Ra1
a6
a7
a8=Q
Bxa8

Nf6
d5
e5
Nc6
Bc5
exd4
Bd6
O-O
Bf5
Be7
Bxf6
Re8
Bg4
Bxe2
Rxe2
Nxd4
c6
Qxf6
Ne6
Rd8
Qxc3
c5
Rd2
Rd3
Qxb3
Rxb3
Nc7
Kf8
Ke7
Nxa8
Rb4

32.*
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.*
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.

Bd5 Rd4
Ra7+ Kd6
Bxf7 c4
Bg8 c3
Bxh7 Rd2
Kg2 Rd1
Rxg7 Ra1
Kf3 Ra5
Rg6+ Kd7
Rh6 Rc5
Bc2 Ke7
h4
Kf7
Rh8 Rc4
g4
Kg7
Ra8 Rc5
h5
Rd5
Rc8 Rd2
Rxc3 Rd8
Rc7+ Kf6
Kf4 Ke6
Bf5+ Kd6
Rd7+ Rxd7
Bxd7 Ke7
g5
Kxd7
h6
Ke6
g6
Kf6
g7
Kf7
Ke5 Ke8
g8=Q+ Kd7
Qe6+ Kc7
Qd6+ Kb7
h7
Ka7
h8=Q Kb7
Qhb8++

32. Bd5

39. Kf3

53. Rd7+

Close Variants 173

Game 66: B-System Variant EG with Black

Black here plays the strong close variant BvEG, against a custom 4 pawn opening by white. Black
wins a pawn fast, with a combination at move 14. He then presses the attack, as white threatens
with two passed pawns. Black goes a rook up by move 27, stops whites pawn threat and prepares
mate. This is chess as it should be played, with absolute precision and unrelenting aggression.

9. O-O

14..Bxe4

21. cxb6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.

d4
e4
c4
a4
Na3
Nf3
Bd3
Qe2
O-O
dxe5
Bc2
Bg5
Rfd1
a5
b4
Nxc2
Bxf6
axb6
Ra3
c5
cxb6
Qxe7
bxa5
Rb1
Ne3

b6
g6
d6
Bg7
Nd7
Bb7
Ngf6
O-O
e5
dxe5
Nc5
Re8
Qe7
Bxe4
Bxc2
Nce4
Nxf6
cxb6
a5
e4
exf3
Rxe7
Rd7
Nd5
Nc3

26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.*
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.

b7
Rxc3
a6
Rd1
Rc1
Ng4
Rc8
Ne5
Kxg2
Ra8
Kh3
Rc8
Rc4
b8=Q
Rh4
Kxh4
a7
Kh3
Kh4
Kh3
Kh4

Rb8
Bxc3
Bd4
Rbd8
fxg2
Kg7
Ba7
Rd1+
R8d2
Rxf2+
Rg1
Rf5
Rxe5
Rh5+
Rxh4+
Bxb8
Bxa7
Kh6
g5+
g4+
Bf2++

27. Rxc3

32..Ba7

39..Rh5+

Game 67: B-System Variant 5G with White

White plays the close variant Bv5G against blacks near B-system opening (bishop relocated). A
complex open field clash results on the queen side. White finally gets a hard earned pawn at 30
moves, then pushes his passed pawn. He can exchange it for the knight, but instead he patiently
brings his king up, wins the piece outright, then gets his queen, and the victory. Well played!

9. O-O

17. cxd5

21. b5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

Nf3
g3
Bg2
d3
b3
Bb2
Nbd2
e4
O-O
Qe2
d4
a3
Rfd1
b4
c4
e5
cxd5
dxc5
Ne4
axb4
b5
Rac1
Ba1
Nd4
Nc2
Nc3
Ne3
fxe3
Nxd5
Bxd5

Nf6
b6
Bb7
e6
Bd6
O-O
Be7
d6
Nfd7
Nc6
Re8
a5
a4
Na7
c5
d5
Bxd5
bxc5
cxb4
Nb6
Nac8
a3
Bb4
Na7
Be7
Bc5
Bxe3
Qb8
Nxd5
exd5

31.
32.
33.
34.*
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.*
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.*
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

Rxd5 Rd8
Qd3 Rxd5
Qxd5 Qd8
Qxd8+ Rxd8
b6
Nc8
b7
Ne7
Bd4 a2
Ra1 Nc6
Rxa2 Kf8
Ra8 Ke7
Bc5+ Kd7
Bd6 Re8
Kg2 h6
Kf3 h5
Ke4 Re6
Kd5 h4
Rf8 Ne7+
Kc5 Nc6
Rxf7+ Ke8
Rf8+ Kd7
Rc8 Re8
Rxc6 Ke6
Rc8 Kf5
Rxe8 Ke4
b8=Q Kd3
Qb1+ Kd2
Kd4 g5
Rc8 Ke2
Rc2+ Kf3
Qd1++

34. Qxd8+

41. Bc5+

47. Rf8

Close Variants 175

Game 68: B-System Variant 3DE with Black

Variant Bv3DE was an important step towards the discovery of the Beginners Game. Here it
brushes aside a powerful queen side assault, and produces a tripled pawn and a menacing queen
side pawn storm. White trades to stop it, going a rook down, but 5 pawns up! White promotes two
pawns but still falls, to a combined attack of all blacks pieces. Excellent tactical play throughout.

9. Bf4

21..exd5

37..Ba6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.*
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.*
38.

c4
e6
g3
b6
Bg2 c6
Nf3 Bb7
Nc3 Qc7
d4
d6
O-O Nd7
e4
O-O-O
Bf4 h6
Qa4 g5
Be3 a6
Qc2 Bg7
Nd2 c5
d5
Ngf6
Bh3 g4
Bg2 Kb8
Rfe1 Ne5
Bf4 Ng6
Ne2 Rhe8
Rad1 b5
Qb3 exd5
cxd5 c4
Qc2 Nxf4
gxf4 Nh5
Nf1 Qa5
Qb1 Qb4
Ne3 Qxb2
Qxb2 Bxb2
Nxg4 f5
exf5 Rc8
Ne3 b4
Rb1 c3
Bf3 Nf6
Nd4 a5
Red1 a4
Re1 Ne4
Re2 Ba6
Rexb2 cxb2

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.*
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.*
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
*

Rxb2
Bg4
axb3
Ra2
h3
Rxa3
f3
hxg4
Kf2
Nc6+
Nb4
Kg1
Nf1
Ra7
g5
Kg2
Nd3
f6
f7
Nf2
Kg3
Nh3
Ra4
f8=Q
Rf4
Rf6
g6
Nf2
Nh3
Nf4
Kh4
Kg5
Kf5
Re6
Kxe6
g7
g8=Q

Rg8+
b3
a3
Nf6
h5
Bb7
hxg4
Rc3
Rd3
Kc7
Rd2+
Re8
Re1
Rdd1
Rxf1+
Nh5
Rb1
Rfd1
Rd2+
Nxf4+
Ng6
Kb6
Bxd5
Nxf8
Ne6
Kc6
Rxb3
Nd4
Nxf3
Ne5+
Rh2+
Rg3+
Rf2
Bxe6+
Rxf4
Ng6
Re3++

51..Re1

62. f8=Q

after 75..Re3++

Game 69: B-System Variant 12x3 with Black

Black plays Bv12x3, a disrupted queen side opening that moves into other lines. Whites attack
loses inertia after the opening exchanges. There is a pile up on the center pawn, which black wins
in a long episode. He then attacks, with consistently sharp play. Blacks rook sacrifice offer at
move 45 is very fine; the mate with 2 rooks and 2 queens is scintillating. An impressive victory!

9. Qb3

17..Bxa3

24..Qe7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.

e4
d4
Nf3
Bd3
O-O
c4
Nc3
dxc5
Qb3
Qc2
a3
b4
Be2
Rd1
exd5
axb4
Ba3
Rxa3
cxd5
Qa2
Qa1
Bd3
Ne4
Bxe4
Bxd5
Re3
Qa5
Red3
Qe1
Qe3

e6
b6
Bb7
d6
Nd7
c5
a6
bxc5
Rb8
Be7
Ngf6
O-O
Qc7
d5
cxb4
Bxb4
Bxa3
exd5
Qc5
Nb6
Rfc8
Nbxd5
Nxe4
Qe7
Bxd5
Qd6
Rd8
Rb5
Rc5
a5

31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.*
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.*
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.*
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.

R3d2 Rdc8
Re2 a4
Ree1 h6
Nd4 Qg6
f3
Rc3
Qf4 Qb6
Kh1 Qc7
Qd2 Rb8
Nf5 Be6
Ne7+ Kh7
Nd5 Bxd5
Qxd5 a3
Qe4+ g6
Qh4 a2
h3
Rxf3
Qd4 Rfb3
Qf2 Rb2
Qd4 R8b3
Qg4 Qb7
Rd7 Rb1
Rdd1 a1=Q
Kh2 Qc7+
Kg1 Qaa7+
Kh1 Qab8
Re5 Qxe5
g3
Qb7+
Kh2 R1b2+
Rd2 Rxd2+
Qe2 Qxg3++

37. Kh1

45..Rxf3

50..Rb1

Close Variants 177

Game 70: B-System Variant 3EG with White

White plays Bv3EG against a near B-system opening by black. Its a close contest, but white
eventually gets the upper hand. He wins two pawns and threatens mate, but black finds a
mate-on-the-move which constrains white to abandon a piece. With advantage of 5 pawns versus
knight and pawn, white still cant find a way to bring his pawns home, and has to settle for a draw.
40. Qd6 f4
1. e3 b6

2. b3
d6
41. Rb8 f3+
3. g3 Bb7

42. Kf1 Qa5

4. Nf3 g6

43.* Rxf8+ Bxf8

5. Bb2 e5
44. Neg6+hxg6
45. Qxf8+ Ng8
6. Bg2 Nc6

7.
O-O
Bg7
46.
Nxg6+Kh7

8. c4
Nh6
47. Qf7+ Kh6
9. * d3 O-O

48. Qf4+ Kxg6

10. Nc3 Re8

49. Qxe4+ Qf5

9. d3
43. Rxf8+
11. Qe2 a5
50. Qxf5+ Kxf5
12. Rac1 Nb4
51. h4
Ke4
13.
Rfd1
f5
52.
d5
Ke5

14. a3
Na6
53. g4
Nf6
15. Rc2 Nc5

54. g5
Ne4
16. b4 axb4 55. g6 Kf6
56. h5
Nd2+
17. axb4 Na6
57.* Kg1 Ne4
18.* Ba3 c5

19. bxc5 bxc5

58. c5
Nxc5
20. e4 Qa5

59. d6
Kg7
21. Ra1 Nb4

60. Kh2 Kf6

22. Rb2 Bc6

61. Kh3 Kg7

18. Ba3
57..Ne4
23. Rb3 Nf7
62. Kg4 Ne4
24. Rab1 Rab8
63. d7
Nf6+
25. exf5 gxf5
64. Kg5 Nxd7
26. Nh4 Bxg2 65. h6+ Kg8
27. Bxb4 Rxb4 66. Kf4 Kf8
28. Kxg2 Rxb3 67. Kf5 Kg8
68. Ke6 Nf8+
29. Rxb3 Nh6
69. Kf6 Nd7+
30.* Nd5 Qa7
31. Qb2 Qf7
70. Kf5 Kf8
32. Rb7 Qh5

71. Kf4 Kg8

33. Qb5 Rf8

72. Ke4 Kf8

73. g7+ Kf7
34. Qd7 Qf7

30. Nd5
77. Kf4
35. Ne7+ Kh8
74. Kf4 Nf6
36. Qxd6 Qf6
75. Kf5 Ng8
37. Qxc5 e4
76. Kg5 Ne7
38. Rb6 Qf7
77.* Kf4 Kg6
39. d4
Qh5
78. Kxf3 drawn

Game 71: B-System Variant EG with White and Black

White and Black play the same strong B-system close variant. BvEG. In fact their positions are
identical thru 12 moves! Black builds a powerful attack in the center and wins a pawn. But white
then outmaneuvers him, and develops a serious threat in his passed rook pawn. This pawn, and
blacks exposed king finally make the difference. An excellent game, with one of the best variants.

9. c4

20..d5

29. a5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.*
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

b3
Bb2
Nf3
g3
Bg2
d3
Nbd2
O-O
c4
Qc2
e3
Rfe1
h3
a3
b4
e4
cxb5
Qb3
dxc4
Qc3
Rac1
Qc2
Nxe4
Nd2
Nb1
Nc3
a4
Rcd1
a5
Nxd5
Bc3
Ra1
Bf1
Be2
Red1
Bd2
Be3
Qxd1

Nf6
b6
Bb7
g6
Bg7
d6
Nbd7
O-O
c5
Qc7
e6
Rfe8
a6
Rac8
b5
e5
axb5
c4
bxc4
d5
Nb6
Nxe4
dxe4
f5
Rcd8
Rd3
Red8
Qd6
Nd5
Bxd5
Bc6
Bb5
Rd5
Qc6
R5d7
Rc8
Rxd1+
Bf8

39.
40.
41.
42.*
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.*
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.*
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.

Qd2 c3
Qa2+ Kg7
Bxb5 Qxb5
a6
Bxb4
Qb3 c2
a7
Qb7
Qb2 Kf6
h4
h5
Ra4 Qc6
Qxb4 c1=Q+
Bxc1 Qxc1+
Kh2 Qc6
Qa3 Qc2
Kg2 e3
Qd6+ Kg7
Qxe5+ Kf7
Qd5+ Kg7
Ra2 Qe4+
Qxe4 fxe4
a8=Q Rxa8
Rxa8 e2
Ra1 Kf6
f4
exf3+
Kxf3 Ke5
Ra5+ Ke6
Kxe2 Kf6
Kf3 Kg7
Kf4 Kf6
Re5 Kf7
Kg5 Kg7
Re7+ Kf8
Kf6 g5
hxg5 h4
gxh4 Kg8
Re8+ Kh7
g6+ Kh6
Rh8++

42. a6

48. Qxb4

56..Qe4+

Close Variants 179

Game 72: B-System Variant 58F with Black

Black avoids a center pawn early attack, and moves into Bv58F. A very closed game results:
neither side can make progress, until black finally manages to start a flank attack. Once black
gets his queen and rook on the back ranks, however, his assault is unstoppable. If you prefer
closed games, youll like the Beginners Game and the B-system: theyre as closed as you want!
40. Re1 Qb7
1. e4 e6

2. d4
b6
41. Rf1 a5
3. Nf3 Bb7

42. Qd2 h5
4. Bd3 d6

43. Ne2 h4
5. O-O Nd7

44. Ne3 Nh7

45. Raa1 Bd8
6. c4 h6

7.
d5
e5
46.
Kh1
Qb6

8. Nc3 Be7
47. Nc1 Rb7
9. * Be3 Ngf6 48. Nd3 Rba7
10. Bc2 O-O

49.* Ra2 a4
9. Be3
70. Qd2
11. Qe2 c6
50. bxa4 Bxa4
12. Nd2 Qc7
51. Rb1 Qc7
13.
Rfe1
Ba6
52. Bxa4 Rxa4

14. a4
Rfc8
53. Rxa4 Rxa4
15. b3 c5
54. Qb2 Nhf8
16. Nf1 Nf8

55. Qb3 Ra6

56. Nf5 Bg5
17. Ng3 Ng6

18.
Bd2
Nh4
57.
Qc2
Nd7

19. a5
bxa5
58. Be1 Qa7
20. Nd1 Rcb8 59. Nc1 h3

21. Ne3 Ng6

60. g3
Ne7
22. Bxa5 Qd7
61. Nxe7+ Bxe7
25..Qb7
91..Re2+
23. Bd2 Bc8
62. Bd2 Ra3
24. Qf3 Nh4
63. Nd3 Qa6
79. Kg1 Bg5
25.* Qd1 Qb7
64. Kg1 Bd8
26. Bc3 Bd7
80. Nd3 Qf3
65. Bc1 Ra2
81. Qc2 Bxc1
27. Qe2 Bd8
66. Rb2 Ra1
82. Nxc1 Nxc4
28. f3 Ng6
67. Qc3 Nb6
83. Qf2 Qxd5
68. Rc2 Ra4
29. Qf2 Ne8
84. Nd3 Ra3
69. Nb2 Ra3
30. Ra2 a6
85. Rf1 Ne3
31. Ngf5 Qa7
70.* Qd2 Rxf3
86. Qf8+ Kh7
32. Rea1 Bc7
71. Nd1 Qa1
87. Ne1 Ra1
33. Qe2 Nf6
72. Nb2 Rb3
88. Qf3 Qxf3
73. Qd1 Ra3
34. Qd2 Ne8
89. Rxf3 Rxe1+
49..a4
35. Qf2 Nf6
74. Kf2 Ra2
90. Kf2 Nc2
36. Qe1 Rb7
75. Re2 Qb1
91.* g4 Re2+
37. Ng3 Rbb8
76. Qb3 f5
92. Kg3 e4
38. Nef5 Ne8
77. exf5 Ra1
93. Rf2 Rxf2 resigns
39. Qf2 Nf6
78. Re1 Qxf5+

Game 73: B-System Variant EFG with White

White plays BvEFG, one of the strongest close variants and a step towards the discovery of the
Beginners Game. In this game white triumphs by building the attack slowly, bringing his pieces
to the center, and winning the exchange on move 31. He presses his advantage well, and finally
overwhelms his adversary in the endgame. Masterful chess, from an opening for chess masters!
40. h3
h4
1. e3 e5

2. b3
d5
41. Rbb1 f6
3. Bb2 Nf6

42. Rb2 Qa3

4. d3 Bd6

43. Rcb1 Qb4

5. Be2 O-O

44. Rc2 Bc7

45. c5
b5
6. Nd2 c5

7.
Ngf3
Nc6
46.
Bc6
bxa4

8. O-O Bd7
47. Rc4 Qb8
9. * c4 d4

48. Rxa4 Rf8

10. Ng5 Qe7

49. b4
Ne7
9. c4
53. c6
11. Ba3 Bc7
50. Nd2 Nxc6
12. Bf3 Rae8
51. Qxc6 Bb7
13.
Nge4
b6
52. Qe6 Qa8

14. Ng3 Rd8

53.* c6
Bc8
15. Re1 Qd6

54. Qc4 Re8

16. Qe2 Rfe8 55. bxa5 Ba6
17. Nde4 Nxe4 56. Qd5 Rd8
57. Qe6 Rf8
18. Bxe4 Qf6

19. Qh5 h6
58. Ne4 Bc8
20. Rad1 a6

59. Qd5 Rd8

21. Qf3 Qd6

60. Qc5 Rf8

22. Rb1 a5

61. a6
Bf5
27. Bd5
63. Rb7
23. Bb2 Ne7
62. Nd6 Bxd3
24. Rbd1 Ng6
63.* Rb7 g5
25. Ra1 Nh4
64. Rxc7+ Kg6
26. Qh5 Qf6

65. Ra7 Qd8

27.* Bd5 Rf8

66. Qa3 Be2

28. Ne4 Qe7

67.* c7
Qc8
29.
exd4
cxd4
68.
Nxc8
Rxc8

30.
a4
Nf5
69.
Qb3
g4

31.* Ba3 Qe8

70. Qe6 Kg5
32. Rac1 Bc8
71. Qxc8 gxh3
33. Qg4 Kh8

72. Qg8+ Kf4

34. Bxf8 Qxf8 73. c8=Q h2+
31. Ba3
35. Qh5 g6
74. Kxh2 Bh5
67..Qc8
36. Qf3 Kg7
75. Qge6 Kg5
37. Re2 h5
76. Qf5+ Kh6
38. Rec2 Bb8
77. Rh7++
39. Rb2 Qb4

Close Variants 181

Game 74: B-System Variant 4xCE with Black

Black plays Bv4xCE, exchanging one of his two attacked center pawns. White quickly creates a
doubled isolated pawn, which he then attacks and wins. But whites pawn advantage doesnt
prove to be worth much: after a long series of exchanges black equalizes, producing his own
counter threats. The game ends in a classic drawn position. B-systems openings are hard to beat!

9. dxe6

14. Nxe6

21. Rad1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.

e4
d6
d4
Bd7
Nf3 g6
Nc3 Bg7
Bc4 e6
O-O Ne7
d5
O-O
e5
dxe5
dxe6 Bxe6
Bxe6 fxe6
Qxd8 Rxd8
Ng5 Rd6
Nb5 Rc6
Nxe6 Nd7
Nbxc7 Rc8
Bg5 Kf7
f4
R8xc7
Nxc7 Rxc7
fxe5+ Ke6
Bxe7 Kxe7
Rad1 Rxc2
Rxd7+ Kxd7
Rf7+ Ke6

24.
25.
26.*
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.*

Rxg7 Rxb2
Rxh7 Rxa2
Rg7 b5
Rxg6+Kf7
Rf6+ Ke7
Rf2 Rxf2
Kxf2 b4
Ke3 a5
h4
Ke6
Kd4 a4
Kc4 a3
Kb3 Kxe5
g4
Kf4
h5
Kg5
Ka2 Kh6
Kb3 Kh7
g5
Kg7
g6
Kf6
Ka2 Kg7
Kb3 Kf6
Ka2 Kg7
Kb3 drawn

26..b5

after 45. Kb3

Game 75: B-System Variant 6EG with White

White plays close variant 6EG, against blacks compact near B-system deployment. After the
opening black attacks superbly, and almost wins the exchange. White saves himself with strong
counter attacks. There follows a long tactical phase, in which black finally wins a pawn (move 52),
but white out maneuvers him afterwards in brilliant style to win the contest. Great chess!

9. d3

16. Qc3

44. g6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.

b3
g3
f4
Bg2
e3
Bb2
Nf3
O-O
d3
Qd2
Nc3
Rae1
Rxe3
Nxd4
Nd1
Qc3
Kh1
Re5
Qd2
Nxb2
Nc4
bxc4
Bh3
Qc3
Bg2
Rd1
Ree1
Qb2
c3
Qe2
Rb1
Be4
Kg1
Rb3
h3
Kh2
Rd1
Rbb1

d5
Nf6
e6
Nc6
Bd6
O-O
b6
Ba6
Ng4
Bb4
Bc5
Nxe3
d4
Qxd4
Qd6
Nd4
Nf5
Bd4
Bxb2
Rad8
Bxc4
c5
Ne7
Qc6+
Qd7
Nf5
Rc8
Rfd8
Ne7
Qa4
Rc7
Rcd7
Qa5
h6
Qa6
Qc8
Nf5
Qa6

39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.*
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.*
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.*
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.*
71.
72.
73.
74.
75.
76.

Re1 Qa4
Rbd1 Nd6
Bf3 Ne8
g4
Nd6
g5
Nf5
g6
fxg6
Qxe6+ Kh7
Qe2 Re7
Be4 Qd7
Qf2 Rde8
Rd2 Nd6
Qg2 Nxe4
dxe4 Qa4
Qf3 Qxc4
e5
Qf7
Kg3 Rf8
Qe4 Kh8
Ree2 Re6
Rd6 Qe7
Rd5 Qe8
Rd6 Kh7
h4
Rxd6
exd6 Qf7
h5
Kh8
hxg6 Qf6
Rd2 Qxc3+
Rd3 Qf6
d7
Qd8
Rd6 b5
Qd5 b4
Rc6 b3
Qd6 Rg8
Qe6 Rf8
Rc8 Qf6
Rxf8+ Qxf8
Qe8 Qg8
Qxg8+ Kxg8
d8=Q++

52. Qf3

64. Rd2

70. Qd6

Close Variants 183

Game 76: B-System Variants Bv6FG versus Bv5D

In a tough match between B-system close variants, whites Bv6FG takes on blacks Bv5D. Both
sides have good play after the opening, but white threatens more, and wins a pawn at move 27.
Under pressure, black saves himself by trading down, then finding good moves with his knight. In
the endgame black manages to keep his promotion threat alive, and earns a draw. Good game!
40. Rh7 gxh4
1. e3 d6
b3
g6
41. Rxh6+Ke5
2.

3. Bb2 e5
42. Rxh4 Ne3
4. f4 Bg7

43. Rh8 Nd5

5. Nf3 Nd7

44. Rb8 Kd6

45.* Kf2 Kc5
6. d3 b6

7.
Nbd2
Bb7
46.
Kf3
Kd4

8. Be2 Qe7
47. Rb7 Kd3
9. * O-O O-O-O 48. Ra7 b5

10. a4 f5

49. Ra5 Nc3

9. O-O
35. Bxc6
11. a5
Ngf6
50. Kxf4 b4
12. e4
exf4
51. Ra8 b3
13.
axb6
axb6
52. Rb8 Kc4

14. Ra7 fxe4

53. g4
Nb5
15. dxe4 Nxe4 54. Rc8+ Kb4
16. Bxg7 Qxg7 55. Rc1 b2

17. Nxe4 Bxe4 56. Re1 Kc3

57. g5
Nc7
18. Ng5 Kb8

19.* Ra2 Bb7

58. Kf5 Kc2
20. Ne6 Qc3

59. g6
Ne8
21. Nxd8 Rxd8 60. Re2+ Kb3
22. Bf3 d5

61. Re3+ Ka2

19. Ra2
45. Kf2
23. Qa1 Qe3+
62.* Re1 b1=Q+
24. Kh1 Re8
63. Rxb1 Kxb1
25. c3
Qe7
64. Ke6 Ng7+
26. c4 Qb4

65. Kf6 Nh5+

27.* Bxd5 c6
66. Kf5 Ng7+
28. Bf3 g5

67. Ke5 Ne8

68. Kd5 Nf6+
29. Qd4 Qe1
30. Rxe1 Rxe1+ 69. Ke6 Nh5
31. Qg1 Rxg1+ 70. Ke5 Kc2
32. Kxg1 Nc5
71. Kf5 Ng3+
33. b4 Nd3

72. Kg4 Ne4

73. Kf4 Nf6
34. b5 Ne5

27. Bxd5
62. Re1
35.* Bxc6 Bxc6
74. Kf5 Nd5
36. bxc6 Nxc4
75. Ke5 Ne7
37. h4
h6
76. g7
Ng8
38. c7+ Kxc7
77. Ke6 Nh6
39. Ra7+ Kd6
drawn

Game 77: B-System Variants 5BCE versus 5G

White and black play the strong B-system variants Bv5BCE and Bv5G. Both sides play well, but
whites play is a bit sharper, and he wins the exchange at move 26 with a nice combination. Black
later equalizes with a pin of the queen on the king, and emerges in slightly better shape for the
pawn endgame. The finale is about as close as it can be, but black finally wins it by a hair.

9. Qc1

19. c4

26. Nf5+

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.*
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.*
27.
28.
29.
30.

d3
Bd2
Nc3
e4
g3
Bg2
Nge2
O-O
Qc1
Bh6
Bxg7
Qd2
f4
Nd5
exd5
fxe5
d4
Bxe4
c4
Qe3
dxc6
dxe5
Qxb6
Nd4
Rad1
Nf5+
Qb7+
Qxa8
Kh1
Qg2

g6
d6
b6
Bb7
Nd7
Ngf6
Bg7
e5
O-O
a5
Kxg7
Nc5
h6
Nxd5
f5
dxe5
Ne4
fxe4
Qe7
c6
Bxc6
Qxe5
Rfc8
Bd7
Rxc4
Bxf5
Rc7
Qc5+
e3
Bc8

31.*
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.*
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.

Rd5
Qxd5
Qxb7
b3
Kg2
Kf3
a4
Rb1
Re1
Rxe2
Kxe2
Kd3
b4
Kc4
a5
a6
a7
Kd3
gxh4
Kc4
Kxb4
Kc5
Kc4
Kd4
Ke5
Kf4
Ke5
Kf6
Kf7
Kf8
Ke8

Qxd5
Bb7
Rxb7
Re7
Rd7
Rd2
Rxh2
e2
Kf6
Rxe2
Ke5
h5
axb4
g5
Kd6
Kc6
Kb7
h4
gxh4
h3
Kxa7
h2
h1=Q
Kb6
Kc5
Qh4+
Qg4
Kd6
Qg5
Ke6
Qe7++

31..Qxd5

43. b4

48. Kd3

Distant Variants 185

Game 78: B-System Variants 3BEG vs 4EG

Here is another battle between strong B-system Variants: white plays Bv3BEG, and black plays
Bv4EG. Note the tension on the diagonals after the opening. The minor pieces are traded quickly,
and it turns into a long tough queen and rook endgame. Both sides play well but white finally gets
the better of it starting at move 39, picking up two pawns and cruising to an easy win afterwards.

9. d4

20. Rb7

31. f3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.*
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.*
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.

b3
c4
Bb2
Nf3
Nc3
g3
Bg2
O-O
d4
bxc4
dxc5
Nxe4
Rb1
Rxb2
Qc1
Qe3
Ne5
Qxe5
Kxg2
Rb7
Rd1
Qf4
Qe4
Rxd8
Rc7
Rxc5
Qa8+
Rxe5
Re7
Qe4
f3
Qe3
Ra7
Ra8
Qe8
Qf8+

e6
b6
Nf6
Bb7
g6
Bg7
d5
O-O
dxc4
c5
Ne4
Bxb2
Bxe4
bxc5
Nd7
Bc6
Nxe5
Bxg2
Rc8
Qa5
Qxa2
e5
Rcd8
Rxd8
Qa6
Rd4
Kg7
Rxc4
Rc2
Ra2
Qf6
a5
Ra1
h5
Kh6
Qg7

37.
38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.*
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.*
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.

Qc5 Qb2
Qe3+ Kg7
Qe7 Rb1
Qf8+ Kh7
Qxf7+ Qg7
Qc4 Rb2
Rxa5 Qe7
Kf2 Rd2
h4
Qd7
Ra8 Qd4+
Qxd4 Rxd4
Ra7+ Kg8
e4
Kf8
Ke3 Rb4
Kf4 Rb6
Kg5 Rd6
f4
Re6
e5
Rc6
Kh6 Rb6
Rg7 g5+
Rg6 Rb7
hxg5 Rc7
Rf6+ Kg8
g6
h4
Rb6 Rc8
gxh4 Kf8
g7+ Ke7
f5
Kd7
Rd6+ Kc7
f6
Rd8
Rxd8 Kb7
g8=Q Kb6
Qb3+ Kc7
Qd5 Kb6
Rb8+ Kc7
Qb7++

39..Rb1

52. Kg5

63. g7+

Game 79: B-System Variant 1378 with White

White plays Bv1378 a weird looking opening consisting of mostly pawn moves, but it plays well;
so much for the old theories about the opening! White offers a pawn early to open the attack, and
then keeps the pressure on for the remainder of the game. Whites play is always sharp, always
going for the win. Perilous attacks such as this are the fascination and delight of chess.
40. Bxd4 Ra3
1. e3 e5

2. b3
Nf6
41. a5
Rh3
3. Bb2 Nc6

42.* b5
Ra3
4. c4 Be7
43. Bc3 Ra2+
5. d3 O-O

44. Kb3 Rxf2

45. a6
bxa6
6. a3 d5
7.
h3
Be6
46.
bxa6
Ke4

8. g4
Qd6
47. a7
Rf8
9. * Nd2 a5

48. Bb4 Ra8

10. Bg2 Rfd8 49. Bc5 Kf5
9. Nd2
27. fxg6
11. Qc2 dxc4
50. Ka3 Ke6
12. dxc4 h5
51. Kb4 Kf5
13.*
Ngf3
hxg4
52. Ka5 Ke4

14. hxg4 Bxg4

53. Bf2 Kd3
15. O-O-O Qd3 54. Kb4 Ke4
16. Qxd3 Rxd3 55. Bg1 Kd3
17. Rh2 Rad8 56. Bc5 Rd8
57. Bf2 Ke2
18.* Rdh1 Kf8

19. Rh8+ Ng8

58. Bg1 Ra8
20. Bf1 R3d7 59. Kc3 Kf3
21. Rg1 Bf5

60. Kc2 Kf4

22. Rg3 f6

61. Bd4 Ke4

13. Ngf3
42. b5
23. Bh3 Bxh3
62. Kc3 Re8
24. Rgxh3 f5
63. Bf2 Rd8
25. e4
g6
64. Bc5 Ra8
26. exf5 Bf6

65. Kc2 Rh8

27.* fxg6 Bxh8 66. Kb3 Kd3
28. Rxh8 Kg7

67. Bg1 Rd8

29.
Nxe5
Nxe5
68.
Bf2
Ra8

30.
Bxe5+
Kxg6
69.
Bc5
Re8

31. Nf3 Re8

70. Bb4 Kd4
32. Bc3 Kf5

71. Ba5 Kc5

33. Bxa5 Nf6
72. Bxc7 Re3+
34. Rxe8 Nxe8 73. Ka4 Re2
18. Rdh1
35. Kc2 Ng7
74. Bf4 Kxc4 79. Ka2 Re2+
36. Bc3 Ne6
75. Bd6 Re8
80. Bb2 Re8
37. b4
Rh7
76. Bb8 Re1
81. Be5 Ra8
38. a4
Rh3
77. Be5 Re2
82.* Bb8 drawn
39. Nd4+ Nxd4+ 78. Ka3 Re3+

Distant Variants 187

Game 80: B-System Variant 18EG with Black

Black plays Bv18EG, a more distant variant of the strong BvEG. Black maintains easy equality
after the opening exchanges, and is never threatened. For a long period afterwards black probes
whites defenses, but no break thru is possible until move 59, when the white defense is forced off
balance. Black wins a pawn, then the exchange, then smashes the remains of whites position.
40. Qc2 Qf7
1. Nf3 Nf6

2. d4
g6
41. Ng2 Nd7
3. Bf4 Bg7

42. Rdd1 Ne5

4. Nc3 O-O

43. Ra4 g5
5. e3 d6

44. Kg1 c5
6. Be2 Nbd7 45. Qe2 c4

7.
O-O
h6
46.
Ra3
Qg6

8. h3
a6
47. Kf1 Kh6
9. * a4 Re8

48. b4
Qe4
10. Bc4 c6

49. Rd4 Qf5

9. a4
52..Na7
11. Bg3 d5
50. Ne1 Nc6
12. Bb3 e5
51. hxg5+ fxg5
13.
dxe5
Nh5
52.* Rd2 Na7

14. Bh2 Nxe5

53. Ra1 Nb5
15. Bxe5 Bxe5 54. Rc1 Rf8
16. Nxe5 Rxe5 55. Kg1 h4

56. g4
Qe4
17. a5 Re8

57. Ra2 Rde8

18. Qd2 Qg5
19.* Kh1 Ng7
58. Qd1 h3
20. Ne2 Qe7

59.* Qd2 Qxg4+

21. Kg1 Bd7

60. Kh2 Qe4

22. Rfd1 Rad8 61. Rcc2 g4

19..Ng7
59. Qd2
23. c3
Qg5
62.* Qe2 Nxc3
24. Kh2 Nf5
63. Rxc3 Qe5+
25. Nf4 Nd6
64. Kg1 Qxc3
26. g3 Qe7

65. Nc2 Qe5

27. Qe2 Ne4

66. Ne1 g3
28. Ba4 Qf6

67. Nf3 Qh5

29.
Nd3
Qe6
68.
fxg3
Qxf3

30.
Qf1
Qd6
69.
Qxf3
Rxf3

31. Bc2 h5
70. Kh2 Rg8
32. Nf4 Qf6
71. e4
Rfxg3
33. Kg2 Nc5
72. Ra1 Rg2+
73. Kh1 c3
34. Kg1 Bf5

36..f6
62..Nxc3
35. Bxf5 Qxf5
74. Rf1 c2
36.* h4
f6
75. exd5 Rg1+
37. Qe2 Kg7
76. Rxg1 Rxg1+
38. Kh2 Qe4
77. Kxg1 c1=Q+
39. Rd4 Qe7
resigns

Game 81: B-System Variant 8BDDE' with White

White plays Bv8BDDE', an interesting compact queen side variant here with a forced queen
move. For most of the game white flirts with danger, keeping a step ahead of disaster. He neatly
skirts a number of serious attacks, and masterfully coordinating his scattered forces, manages to
win a pawn and finally walk away with a victory. The B-system is laden with such hidden treasure!

9. Qxd8

17. Be2

25. Rd7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

b3
e5
Bb2 d5
d3
Nf6
Na3 Nc6
Qd2 d4
O-O-O Bb4
Qg5 O-O
h3
Nd5
Qxd8 Rxd8
Nc4 b5
e4
dxe3
Nxe3 Be6
Nf3 Nc3
Bxc3 Bxc3
Ng5 Nb4
a3
Nd5
Be2 c6
Nxe6 fxe6
Bg4 Rd6
Nf1 Rf8
Ng3 Nf6
Rhf1 c5
Ne4 Nxe4
dxe4 Ra6
Rd7 Rxa3
Bxe6+ Kh8
Kd1 Ra6
Bd5 Bd4
Ke2 Ra2
Kd2 Bxf2
Kd3 h6
Re7 c4+
bxc4 Ra3+
Ke2 Re3+
Kd1 bxc4
Rxe5 a5
Bxc4 a4

38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.*
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.*
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.

Ra5 a3
Bd3 Rg3
e5
Rxg2
e6
Re8
Rxa3 Bc5
Ra5 Rb8
Rb5 Ra8
c4
Rh2
Be4 Rd8+
Bd5 Ba3
Rf7 Rxh3
e7
Re8
c5
Rxe7
Rxe7 Rd3+
Kc2 Rxd5
Kb3 Rxc5
Rb8+ Kh7
Kxa3 h5
Rb1 Kh6
Re6+ g6
Kb4 Rf5
Rh1 Rf4+
Kc3 Rg4
Kd3 h4
Ke3 Kh5
Re8 Rg3+
Kf2 g5
Rg1 Rxg1
Kxg1 Kg6
Kg2 g4
Rh8 Kg5
Kf2 Kf5
Rxh4 Kf4
Rh1 Ke5
Kg3 Kd4
Kxg4 resigns

39. Bd3

48. Rf7

53. Kb3

Distant Variants 189

Game 82: B-System Variant 3BxBxG with White

White plays the borderline Bv3BxBxG, with knight capturing moves figuring in the first eight.
White wins a pawn quickly, then plays active defense while black attacks. But he never succeeds
in equalizing; white seizes the initiative at mid-game, and carries it all the way to victory. Variants
such as this show how you can depart from the standard into more aggressive exchange lines.
40. Qh4 Kg8
1. b3 Nf6

2. Bb2 d5
41. Rde1 b6
3. d3 Nc6

42. Ne4 Nf7

4. Nd2 e5

43. Rf4 Qe6

5. Ngf3 Bd6

44. Ref1 Rb8

6. c4 dxc4 45. R1f2 h6

7.
Nxc4
O-O
46.
Qh3
Qg6

8. Ncxe5 Nxe5
47.* Rg4 Ng5
9. * Bxe5 Bb4+ 48. Qh4 Rd7
10. Nd2 Ng4
49. Nxg5 hxg5
9. Bxe5
47..Ng5
11. Bg3 Qf6
50. Rxg5 Qb1+
12. Rc1 Re8
51. Rf1 Qd3
13.
e4
Ne5
52. e6
Qxd4+

14. Be2 Nc6

53. Qxd4 Rxd4
15. O-O Bd7

54.* Rf7 Kh7

16. Nc4 Rac8 55. Rfxg7+ Kh8
17. Bg4 Rcd8 56. e7 Rd1+
18. Bxd7 Rxd7 57. Kh2 Re1
Ne3 Qg6
58. Rf7 b5
19.

20.* Nd5 Bd6

59. Rh5+ Kg8
21. Re1 Bxg3 60. Rhh7 Rxe7
22. hxg3 a6

61. Rhg7+ Kh8

20. Nd5
54. Rf7
23. Qd2 Qh5
62. Rxe7 a5
24. d4
f5
63. Rh7+ Kg8
25. f3
fxe4
64. Reg7+Kf8
26. fxe4 Qg6

65. Ra7 Kg8

27. Qd3 Kh8

66.* Rhc7 a4
28. Rcd1 Qd6
67. bxa4 bxa4
29.
Qc3
Red8
68. Rxa4 Kf8

30.
Rf1
Ne7
69.
Rxc6
Re8

31. Nf4 Qb6

70. Rc7 Rd8
32.* Ne2 Qe6

71. Raa7 Rb8

33. Qf3 c6

72. Rf7+ Kg8

73. a4
Rc8
34. Nf4 Qd6

32. Ne2
35. Qg4 Ng8
74. a5
Rb8
66. Rhc7
36. Qh3 Nh6
75. Rg7+ Kh8
37. Ne6 Re8
76. Rh7+ Kg8
79. Rxb8+ Kxh7
38. Nc5 Rde7
77. Rag7+Kf8
80. a6
resigns
39. e5
Qg6
78. Rb7 Kg8

Game 83: B-System Variant 34FG with White

White plays Bv34FG against a near B-system opening by black. All pieces except the bishops are
exchanged quickly, and the game looks fairly certain to end in a draw, in spite of blacks queen
side majority and whites doubled pawn. White actually succeeds in trapping a bishop, but he
cant protect his scattered pawns afterwards. The B-system can get you to the endgame so fast
that even with modest skills you should be able to draw many games against superior opponents.

9. cxd5

14. Bf3

24. bc2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.

b3
Bb2
c4
e3
d4
Nd2
Ngf3
Be2
cxd5
Ne5
dxe5
Nxe4
O-O
Bf3
Bxe4
Rxf1
Rd1
f4
Bd4
Bb2
f5
fxe6
Bd3
Bc2
Bxd1
Bc2
g3

Nf6
e6
Nc6
Be7
d5
O-O
b6
a5
Qxd5
Nxe5
Ne4
Qxe4
Rd8
Rxd1
Rxf1+
Rb8
Ba6
Bc5
Bb4
Bb5
g6
fxe6
Rd8
Rxd1+
Be1
Kf7
h5

28. Kg2
29. Kf3
30. Kg2
31. Kf3
32. Kg2
33. Be4
34. Kf2
35. h3
36.* Bf3
37. gxh4
38. Be2
39. Bh5+
40.* Ke2
41. a3
42. axb4
43. e4
44. Bc1
45. Ke1
46. Bg5+
47. Kd2
48. Be2
49. Bxh4
50. Bb5+
51. Kc2
52. Kb3
53. Bg5
54. Bc7
55. Bd6+
*drawn

c5
g5
Bd2
Bb4
Be1
Bd2
Ba6
Bb5
h4
gxh4
Bc6
Ke7
Bb4
Bd5
axb4
Bxb3
Bc4+
Ba2
Kd7
Bb1
Bxe4
Bg2
Kc7
Bxh3
Bg4
Bf3
Be4
Kd8

36. Bf3

40..Bb4

after 55..Kd8

Distant Variants 191

Game 84: B-System Variant 13EFx with Black

Black plays Bv13EFx, expanding on the queen side and exchanging pawns early on. White attacks
after the opening, but falls into a trap that wins black a piece for a pawn as early as move 14.
Afterwards black trades down without problems, and carries his advantage all the way to an easy
victory. Games like this show the resistance of the B-system to attack: awesome and then some!

9. Na4

14..d5

25..Qd6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.*
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.

e4
Nf3
d4
dxc5
Nc3
Bc4
O-O
Qe2
Na4
Be3
Rad1
Nxb6
Bxb6
Qxe4
Bxd5
c4
Qe1
Qc3
Rd7
Rxf7
Rd1
Rxd8
Qd2
Ne5+
b4
Qxd6
a4
b5
cxb5
g4
gxf5
a5
f4
Kf2
a6

b6
c5
e6
Bxc5
Bb7
Ne7
O-O
a6
Bd6
Bc7
Bxe4
Bxb6
Qxb6
d5
Nxd5
f5
Nc7
Nc6
Rf7
Kxf7
Rd8
Nxd8
Nb7
Kg8
Qd6
Nxd6
g5
axb5
Nd5
Nc3
exf5
Ncxb5
gxf4
Nd4
N6b5

36.
37.
38.
39.
40.*
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.*
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.

Nd3
Nb4
a7
Nd5
Kf3
Kxf4
Kxf5
Kg5
Kh6
Kg7
Kf8
Kg7
Kf8
Kg7
Kf7
Ke7
Ke6
Ke5
Kf6
Kg6
Kf6
Ke5
Kf4
Kg4
Kf4
Ke5
Ke4
Kd4
Ke5
Kf4
Kg5
Kh6
Kh7
Kh8

Nc7
Kf7
Ndb5
Na8
Ke6
Kxd5
Nd6+
Ne4+
Nf6
Ke6
h5
Kf5
Nd5
Kg5
Ndc7
Nb5
Nxa7
Kg4
h4
h3
Kf3
Kg2
Kxh2
Kg2
Nb6
h2
h1=Q
Qd1+
Nc6+
Qf3+
Ne7
Qf6+
Qf7+
Ng6++

30..Nc3

40..Ke6

48. Kf8

Game 85: B-System Variant 5EGH with White

White plays Bv5EGH, a B-system opening with a distinctly classical aspect. Neither side produces
anything decisive until move 34, when black surrenders a pawn and attacks with his rook, trying
to free the way for his rook pawn. White nurses his lead until the decisive moment at move 66,
when a valiant rook sacrifice launches his remaining pawns towards promotion. Well done!
40.* Ke1 Rb2
1. g3 d5

2. Bg2 g6
41. Rxb2 axb2
3. d3 Bg7

42. Rb1 Kf6

4. Nd2 Nf6

43. Bd5 Rg8

5. Ngf3 Nc6

44. Bf3 e6
45. fxe6 Bxe6
6. O-O O-O
7.
e4
Qd6
46. Rxb2 Bxg4

Re1 dxe4
47. Bxg4 Rxg4
8.

9. * Nxe4 Nxe4
48. Nc3 Rxd4
10. dxe4 Rd8

49. Nxb5 Rh4

9. Nxe4
34..d5
11. Qxd6 cxd6
50. Kd1 Rh1+
12. c3
Be6
51. Kc2 Ke5
13.
Be3
Rac8
52. a4
f5

14. Red1 Bg4

53. a5
Be3
15. h3 Bd7

54. Kd3 f4
16. Rac1 h6

55. Nc3 Rh3

56. Re2 Rh8
17. Nd4 Na5

57. Nd1 Rd8+

18. b3 b5
19. Rd2 Kh7
58. Kc2 Kd4
20. Ne2 Nc6

59. Kb3 Kd3

21. Rcd1 a5

60. Re1 Rb8

22.* f4 Be6

61. Nc3 f3
22. f4
40. Ke1
23. g4
a4
62. Rd1+ Bd2
24. Bb6 Re8
63. b5
Ke3
25. Rb1 Rg8
64. b6
26. Rd3 Rgf8 65. Rf1 f2

Kf3
27. Rdd1 Rb8

66.* Rxf2+ Kxf2

28.* Bd4 Nxd4 67. Ne4+ Ke3
29. cxd4 Rfc8 68. Nxd2 Kxd2
69. Kc4 Rb7
30. f5 Bd7

31. Rd2 gxf5

70. Kb5 Rf7
32. exf5 h5
71. a6
Rf5+
33. Be4 Bh6
72. Kc6 Rf6+
73. Kb7 Rf7+
34.* Rdd1 d5
28. Bd4
35. Bxd5 Rc2
74. Ka8 Rf6
66. Rxf2+
36. Kf2 a3
75. Ka7 Rf7+
37. b4
hxg4
76. b7
Kd3
38. hxg4 Kg7
77. Ka8 Kc4
39. Bb3 Rd2
78. b8=Q resigns

Distant Variants 193

Game 86: B-System Variant 4FGxG with White

White wins easily with Bv4FGxG (king knight forced to move twice) in this straightforward game.
White goes up a pawn as early as move 14, then launches a pawn which finally costs black a
piece. Its all downhill for black after that, his position is torn apart by whites queen, rook, and
bishop. This game should serve as a warning for ill prepared attackers of the B-system openings!

9. Nd2

13..Bc7

28. Qc7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.*
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.*
29.
30.
31.
32.

b3
Bb2
e3
d4
Bd3
Ne2
Nxd4
Ne2
Nd2
e4
exd5
O-O
Nc4
Bxe5
Nxe5
Nc4
Qd2
Qf4
Rfd1
Ne3
c4
Bf5
a3
Nc3
Rxd1
Ncd5
cxd5
Qc7
d6
Bc2
d7
Rxd7

Nf6
b6
e6
d5
c5
cxd4
e5
Bd6
O-O
Bb7
Bxd5
Bb7
Bc7
Bxe5
Qc7
Rd8
Na6
Qc5
Nb4
Re8
Rad8
Qe7
Nc6
Rxd1+
Qxa3
Nxd5
Nb8
Ba8
Qxb3
Qb5
Nxd7
a5

33.
34.*
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.*
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.*
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.

Rxf7
Bb3
Re7+
Rxc7
Rf7+
Rxg7
Rg5
Bc2
Bxh7
Rg8+
Rxd8
Nc2
h4
Bd3
g4
h5
h6
g5
g6
Nxb4
Nc2
h7
h8=Q
Bxc2
Qd8+
Be4+
Qa5+
Qd5+
Bf5
f4
Qf7+
g7++

Qe5
Qxc7
Kf8
Rd8
Ke8
Be4
Bc6
b5
a4
Ke7
Kxd8
Kc7
Be8
Kb6
Kc5
Bf7
Bg8
b4
Bc4
Be6
Bb3
Kd6
Bxc2
a3
Kc6
Kc5
Kd6
Ke7
Kf6
Kg7
Kh8

34. Bb3

45. h4

52. Nxb4

Game 87: B-System Variants 34BEFG versus 46EFG

White and black both play B-system distant variants. White effectively wins the game soon after
the opening, in a combination beginning at move 15 in which he sacrifices a rook to produce a pin
of blacks queen on his king. White then keeps the heat on until the final coup de grace. Games
such as this demonstrate the character of B-system openings: quiet . . until they explode!

9. Bb2

15. Nxd5

19. Rd1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.*
16.
17.
18.
19.*
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.

e3
e6
d4
f5
Nf3 Nf6
Be2 b6
O-O Bb7
b3
d5
c4
Bd6
Nc3 O-O
Bb2 c5
dxc5 Bxc5
a3
Nc6
cxd5 exd5
Qc2 Qd7
Rfd1 Rad8
Nxd5 Nxd5
Rxd5 Qxd5
Bc4 Ne7
b4
Bd6
Rd1 Rc8
Bxd5+ Bxd5
Qd3 Rc4
Qe2 Rfc8
Nd4 Bf7
Rd2 Bb8
Qd1 Re8

26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.*
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.

Nf3 f4
Rd8 Bc7
Rxe8+ Bxe8
Ng5 b5
exf4 Bxf4
Qd8 Kf8
Bxg7+Kxg7
Qxe7+Kh6
Qf6+ Kh5
g4+ Kxg4
h3+ Kh5
Ne6 Bh6
Qf5+ Kh4
f4
Rc1+
Kh2 Rc2+
Qxc2 Bxf4+
Kg2 h6
Qf5 Bc6+
Kf2 Bg3+
Kg1 Bf3
Qxf3 h5
Qe4+ Bf4
Qxf4+ Kxh3
Ng5++

27. Rd8

32. Bxg7+

35. g4+

Distant Variants 195

Game 88: B-System Variant 3EFxGG with Black

The author with black plays a borderline variant, Bv3EFxGG, and trounces his computer rival. A
borderline variant is one with an unforced double move (outside system rules) that results in
immediate gain of material. Black tries to win a pawn at his 8th move, but instead this turns out to
be the first move of a winning attack! Black takes a pawn and then the exchange, and an easy
victory. If the author can play the B-system openings and beat the computer, then so can you!

9. Qd2

18..Qxf3+

22..Nc2

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.*
19.
20.
21.
22.*
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.

g3
Nf3
e4
d4
dxc5
Bf4
Nc3
a3
Qd2
Ke2
exd5
Bh3
Kf1
Bxe3
Kf2
Rhe1
Qd3
Ne4
Kxf3
Kf2
cxd3
dxe4
Bf1
Rxa1
Bd3
Rd1
Kf3
e5

b6
Bb7
c5
e6
Bxc5
Nf6
O-O
Ng4
Bxf2+
d5
exd5
Re8+
Be3
Nxe3+
Nc6
d4
Qf6
Qxf3+
Ne5+
Nxd3+
Bxe4
Nc2
Nxa1
Rac8
f6
Kf8
Rc5
Rexe5

29.* Bxh7
30. Bg6
31. Rxd4
32. Re4
33. Re3
34. Bf5
35. Rd3
36. g4
37. axb4
38. Rd7
39. Be6
40. Rf7+
41.* Rxf6
42. Rg6
43. Bf5
44. Rxg5
45.* Rg7+
46. Rxf7+
47. Bd3
48. Kf4
49. Bxb1
50. Ke5
51. Kf4
52. Ke3
53. Ke2
54. Kd3
resigns

Rh5
Rxh2
Rxb2
Rc8
b5
Rb8
a5
b4
axb4
b3
g5
Ke8
Ke7
Rf8+
Rc2
Rc1
Rf7
Kxf7
b2
b1=Q
Rxb1
Kg6
Rf1+
Kg5
Rf4
Kxg4

29..Rh5

41..Ke7

45..Rf7

Game 89: B-System Variant 345xFG with Black

Black plays Bv345xFG, a distant variant featuring the shotgun double bishop attack on the king
side. After the opening black comes under some pressure, but he gets out of it nicely. Blacks
knight fork at move 22, rook sacrifice at move 27, and pawn sacrifice at move 32 are fine examples
of solid tactical chess. Yet another win with yet another opening of the powerful new B-system!

9. Nc3

22..Nc2

27..Rxd3

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.*
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.*
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

g3
Nf3
Bg2
O-O
d3
c4
cxd5
Qb3
Nc3
Bg5
Nb5
e4
fxe3
Rad1
Na3
Bxe7
Qxb6
Nc4
Rfe1
Qa5
Qa4
Qa3
Qc3
Rxe1
Qxf6
Re2
Ne1
Nxd3
Rd2
Be4
b4
bxc5
Bxf5
Be4
Bf3
Rxd3
c6

e6
b6
Bb7
c5
d5
Nf6
exd5
Bd6
O-O
d4
Nc6
dxe3
Be7
a6
Ng4
Qxe7
Nb4
Bd5
Rab8
Rfd8
Bc6
Nc2
Nxe1
Qf6
gxf6
Bb5
Rxd3
Bxc4
Rd8
Bxa2
Bc4
f5
Nxe3
f5
Rxd3
Bxd3
a5

38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.*
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.*
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.

h3
c7
Kf2
Be2
g4
gxf5
Bc4+
Ke3
h4
Kf4
Kg3
Kf4
Ke5
Bxa2
Kd4
Kc4
Kc5
Kc4
Kd4
Ke3
Kf2
Ke1
Kd2
Ke1
Kf1
Ke2
Kf1
Kf2
Kg3
Kf4
Kxe4
Ke3
Ke4
Ke3
Kf2
Kg1
Kh1

Ba6
Bc8
Nc2
Nb4
a4
a3
Kf8
Bxf5
Ke7
Bh3
Bc8
h6
a2
Nxa2
Kd6
Kxc7
Bg4
Kd6
Nb4
Nd5+
h5
Ne3
Nf5
Nxh4
Nf3
h4
Nd2+
h3
Ne4+
h2
h1=Q+
Qc1+
Qc4+
Ke5
Qe2+
Bh3
Qg2++

32..f5

43. a3

67..h2

Distant Variants 197

Game 90: B-System Variant 34BDG with White

White plays Bv34BDG, one of the strong queen side distant variants. Black counters well with a
near B-system opening. After a long phase of tactical play, black seems better placed, but white
later repulses him. Whites 43rd move opens to a very sharp continuation: for twenty moves
thereafter, both sides threaten across the board. White finally triumphs in this tenacious contest.
40. Red1 Rea8
1. b3 Nf6
Bb2 e6
41. Bd4 R3a6
2.

3. c4
Nc6
42. Nf4 Qd7
4. Nc3 d5
43.* e4
dxe4
5. e3 Bd6

44. h4
exf3
45. hxg5 Bxg5
6. d4 O-O
7.
Nf3
b6
46. e6
fxe6

8. Qd2 Bb7
47. g3
Ra4
9. * cxd5 exd5 48. Be5 Qa7+
10. a3 Qd7

49. Kh1 Qf7

9. cxd5
43. e4
11. Bd3 Ne7
50. Rd2 c5
12. O-O a6
51. Qxc5 Bf6
13.
Qc2
Rfe8
52. Qe3 Ra3

14. Rfe1 Rad8

53. Qe1 Qb7
15. Ne5 Qc8
54. Kh2 Bxe5
16. Rac1 Qb8
55. Qxe5 R3a5
56. Qxe6+ Kh7
17. Qe2 b5

57. Rd7 Qb2+

18. b4 c6
19. Qc2 Nc8
58.* Kh3 f2
20. Nb1 Nb6

59. Rcd1 Rf8

21. Nd2 Nc4

60. Kg2 Qc3

22. Ndf3 h6

61. Qe4+ Kg8

23. Bf5
58..f2
23.* Bf5 Bc8
62.* Nd5 Rxd5
24. Bxc8 Rxc8
63. Qxd5+ Kh7
25. Nd3 Qc7
64. Qd3+ Qxd3
26. Nc5 Ra8

65. R7xd3 h5
27. a4 a5

66. Rf3 Rc8

28. bxa5 bxa4 67. Kxf2 Rc7
29. Nxa4 Rxa5 68. Rd6 Rc2+
69. Ke3 Rc3+
30. Bc3 Rb5
31. Nb2 Na3
70. Ke4 Rc4+
32. Qa4 Qb7

71. Kd5 Rc2

33. Nd3 Ne4

72. Rf5 Rh2

73. Rg5 Rd2+
34. Qd1 Nc4
37. Nfe5
62..Rxd5
35. Qc2 Rb3
74. Ke6 Rxd6+
36. Ba1 Ra3
75. Kxd6 Kh6
37.* Nfe5 Nxe5
76. Rc5 g5
38. dxe5 Be7
77. Ke5 Kg6
39. f3
Ng5
78. Rc6+ resigns

Game 91: B-System Variant 348BG White

White plays Bv348BG, with an expanded queen side development, against blacks near B-system
opening. White delays castling, and then gets in trouble for it: his king is exposed and attacked.
Assaulted on all sides, white still manages to remain intact, and threatens with a passed pawn.
Black stays slightly ahead in material until the end, but still isnt able to force a win. Close game!

9. Bd3

18. Qxc4

24. Be5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.*
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.

b3
Bb2
c4
e3
d4
Nf3
h3
Nc3
Bd3
Bxc3
Be2
bxc4
Qb3
Rd1
a3
d5
cxd5
Qxc4
Ne5
Qxc7
Nc4
e4
f3
Be5
Bxc7
gxf3
Rd2
Nd6
Nxe8
Bd6
Kf2
Re1
Kf1
Bxa6

Nf6
e6
Nc6
Be7
d5
O-O
b6
Ne4
Nxc3
Nb4
dxc4
c5
Bb7
Qc7
Na6
exd5
c4
Bxa3
Bd6
Nxc7
Bc5
Rae8
f5
fxe4
exf3
Rxf3
Bb4
Rd3
Rxd2
Bc3
Ba6
Ra2
Bxe1
Rxa6

35.
36.
37.
38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.*
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.

Kxe1
Ke2
Nc7
Ne6
Be5
Bxg7
Be5
Kd2
Ng5+
d6
d7
Bc7
Bd6
Bxb4
Ba5
Kc3
Kc2
Kb2
Ka1
d8=Q
Bxd8
Kxa2
Bc7
Bd6
Be7
Bd6
Kb3
Bc5+
Bd6+
Bc7
Bb8
Bc7
Bxh2

Ra1+
Kf7
Rh1
b5
b4
a5
a4
Rf1
Kg6
Kxg5
Rf8
Kh4
Rg8
Kxh3
a3
Rg3+
a2
Ra3
Rd3
Rxd8
h5
h4
Kg2
Kh1
h3
Kg1
Kf2
Kg3
Kg2
Kh1
h2
Kg2
drawn

29. Nxe8

39..b4

52..Ra3

Distant Variants 199

Game 92: B-System Variant 134BG White

The author with white plays Bv134BG, and blitzes his computer rival. Blacks opening is fairly
restrained, allowing white to build his big queen side castled position. White has blacks defense
under pressure soon after the opening, with all pieces and the king side pawns participating in the
offensive. The defending pieces are exchanged and an assault with queen, bishop, and rooks
smashes blacks king side and results in a quick and easy win. Chalk up one for the humans!

9. Bd3

18. h4

24. Bxg6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.*
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.

e3
e6
d4
Nf6
Nf3 Be7
b3
O-O
c4
b6
Bb2 Bb7
Nc3 Na6
a3
d6
Bd3 e5
Qc2 Bxf3
gxf3 exd4
exd4 c5
d5
Re8
O-O-OQc7
Ne4 Nxe4
Bxe4 Bg5+
Kb1 g6
h4
Bh6
Rdg1 Bg7
h5
Bxb2
Kxb2 Qe7
hxg6 Qe5+
Kb1 fxg6
Bxg6 hxg6
Qxg6+ Kf8
Qg8+ Ke7
Rh7+ Kd8

28.*
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.*
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.*
51.
52.
53.

Qf7 Qe7
Qxe7+Rxe7
Rg8+ Kd7
Rxe7+ Kxe7
Rxa8 Nc7
Rxa7 Kd8
f4
Kc8
f5
Ne8
Re7 Kd8
Re6 b5
f6
Nxf6
Rxf6 bxc4
bxc4 Kd7
f4
Kc7
Rf7+ Kd8
Ra7 Kc8
f5
Kd8
f6
Ke8
f7+ Kf8
Rd7 Kg7
a4
Kf8
a5
Kg7
a6
Kg6
f8=Q Kh5
Rg7 Kh6
Qh8++

28..Qe7

34. f4

50. a6

Game 93: B-System Variants EFG versus 35BDE

In this battle between strong B-system variants BvEFG and Bv35BDE we get the flavor of games
of the future. Both variants were tested prior to the discovery of the Beginners Game. Here both
attack well from their opposing castled positions. White takes a gambit at his 23rd move, and then
barely survives a 3-way knight fork, but still wins. Another display of fireworks by the B-system!

9. c4

15..d5

23. Qxh7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.*
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.*
24.
25.
26.
27.*
28.

e3
b3
Bb2
d3
Nd2
Ngf3
Be2
O-O
c4
d4
exd4
Nxd4
Bxd4
Rc1
Bc3
cxd5
Bf3
b4
a3
g3
Qc2
Rfe1
Qxh7
Bxb7
Rxe8
Qd3
Kf1
Rc2

b6
Bb7
d6
c5
Qc7
Nc6
O-O-O
e5
Kb8
exd4
cxd4
Nxd4
Ne7
Nc6
d5
Rxd5
Rd8
Qf4
Be7
Qg5
Rhe8
Bf8
Nd4
Kxb7
Rxe8
Ne2+
Re7
Nxc3

29.
30.
31.
32.
33.*
34.
35.
36.*
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.

Rxc3 Qh5
Kg1 f6
Qd8 Qe8
Rc7+ Ka6
b5+ Qxb5
Rxe7 Bxe7
Qxe7 Qd3
Nf1 f5
Qxg7 Qxa3
Qe5 Qc5
Qxc5 bxc5
h4
c4
Ne3 Kb5
h5
f4
gxf4 a5
h6
c3
h7
c2
Nxc2 a4
h8=Q Kc6
f5
Kd7
f6
Ke6
Nd4+ Kd5
f7
a3
f8=Q Kc4
Qc8+ Kb4
Qhf8+ Ka5
Nc6+ Kb6
Qb4++

27..Re7

33. b5+

36..f5

Distant Variants 201

Game 94: B-System Variant 6BDEG with White

White plays the distant variant Bv6BDEG and triumphs over black in another contest that quickly
reaches the endgame. Following the opening white presses the initiative, ignoring blacks threats.
Whites incisive play succeeds in keeping his opponent off balance. Black maintains equality
throughout, but white always stays a tempo ahead, just enough to win in a classic pawn endgame.

9. e4

17. Bxc5

24. Re1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.

g3
Bg2
f4
Nf3
O-O
d3
Qe1
Nc3
e4
Kh1
dxe4
Be3
h3
Bxf3
Nd5
exd5
Bxc5
fxe5
Rd1
e6
exf7+
Rxd8
Qf2
Re1
Bxb7
Rxe3
Qxe3
Kg1

Nf6
d5
Bf5
e6
Be7
h6
O-O
Nc6
Bc5+
dxe4
Bg4
Qe7
Bxf3
e5
Nxd5
Nb4
Qxc5
Rad8
Nxd5
Ne3
Kxf7
Rxd8
Kg8
Re8
Qb5
Rxe3
Qxb7+
Qxb2

29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.*
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.

Qb3+ Qxb3
cxb3 Kf7
Kf2 Ke6
Ke3 Kd5
Kf4 g6
h4
c5
h5
gxh5
Kf5 a5
Kg6 Ke4
Kxh6 Kf3
Kxh5 Kxg3
Kg5 Kf3
Kf5 Ke3
Ke5 Kf3
Kd5 Kf4
Kxc5 Ke5
Kb6 Kd6
Kxa5 Kc6
b4
Kb7
b5
Ka7
b6+ Kb8
Kb5 Kb7
a4
Kc8
a5
Kd7
a6
Kd6
a7
Ke5
a8=Q Kd4
Qf3 Ke5
Kc5 Ke6
b7
Ke7
b8=Q Ke6
Qd6++

29. Qb3+

35. h5

42..Kf3

Game 95: B-System Variant 33xBDE with White

White plays the first opening invented by the author, featuring the king and queen in the castle
position. Whites attack, using all the king side pawns and most of the pieces, is one of the
strongest in chess. For it to succeed however, his defense must hold on the vulnerable queen
side. In this complex tactical game the tension revolves around blacks d5 pawn. It falls to the
classic pile up with pieces, then advance a pawn attack. Blacks crippled game then falls as well.

9. g4

16. d3

28. Qd4

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.*
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.*
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.

b3
d5
e3
e5
Bb2 Nd7
c4
Ngf6
Qc2 c6
Nc3 Bb4
O-O-O Qe7
cxd5 cxd5
g4
h6
Bg2 Nb6
h3
Bd7
Nge2 O-O
f4
e4
Nd4 Rac8
Kb1 Bc5
d3
Bb4
Rc1 Rfe8
Rhe1 exd3
Qxd3 Ne4
Re2 a6
Rec2 Rcd8
a4
Nf6
Nd1 Na8
Nf3 a5
Ne5 Be6
Nf2 Qd6
f5
Bd7
Qd4 Bc8
Nfd3 Ba3
Bxa3 Qxa3
Qc3 b6
Nc6 Rd7
Nde5 Rb7
Rd2 Nc7
Rcc2 h5
g5
Nh7
g6
fxg6

38.
39.*
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.*
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.*
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.
74.

fxg6 Nf6
Rf2 Be6
Qd3 Bc8
Rf4 Be6
Rf1 Qd6
Ka2 Bd7
Nxd7 Qxd7
Rf5 Qd6
e4
Nxe4
Rxd5 Nxd5
Bxe4 Nb4+
Nxb4 Qxd3
Nxd3 Rbb8
Bd5+ Kh8
Rf2 Rf8
Bf7 Rb7
Ne5 Rbxf7
gxf7 g5
Ng6+ Kg7
Nxf8 Kxf8
Rf5 g4
hxg4 hxg4
Rg5 Kxf7
Rxg4 Ke7
Rg6 b5
axb5 Kd8
Rc6 Kd7
Rc4 Ke6
b6
a4
bxa4 Kd5
Rc8 Ke4
b7
Ke3
b8=Q Kf3
Qe5 Kg2
Rf8 Kh3
Qg7 Kh4
Rh8++

39. Rf2

46. e4

54..Rbxf7

Distant Variants 203

Game 96: B-System Variant 45xBDE with White

White plays Bv45xBDE, a variant of the first opening invented by the author. This opening shows
another way to move from a classical into a B-system opening. Whites undeveloped king side
comes into play only later on. Here white keeps the initiative all the way with sharp play, taking
queen for rook on move 29, after an unusual knight sacrifice. Its an easy win for white afterwards.

9. h3

14. d5

21. Kb1

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.*
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.*
30.
31.
32.
33.

e3
g6
d4
d5
b3
Nf6
Bb2 Bg7
Nc3 O-O
Qd2 c5
O-O-O cxd4
exd4 Nc6
h3
Qd6
Nf3 Ne4
Nxe4 dxe4
Ng5 f5
Bc4+ e6
d5
Bxb2+
Kxb2 Ne5
Qc3 Nxc4+
Qxc4 exd5
Rxd5 Qf6+
c3
Kh8
h4
h6
Kb1 a5
Rc5 Bd7
Rc7 Rac8
Rd1 b5
Qc5 hxg5
hxg5 Rxc7
Qxc7 Qc6
Qe5+ Kg8
Rd6 Qxd6
Qxd6 Be8
Qd5+ Kh7
c4
bxc4
Qxc4 a4

34.
35.
36.
37.*
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.*
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.

bxa4 Bf7
Qc7 Kh8
a5
f4
Kc1 e3
Qxf4 e2
Kd2 Re8
Ke1 Bxa2
a6
Bd5
Qf6+ Kh7
Qd6 Bf7
Qd7 Kg8
Qb7 Be6
a7
Kf8
a8=Q Rxa8
Qxa8+ Ke7
Kxe2 Bf5
Qa7+ Kf8
Qc5+ Kf7
Kf3 Bd7
Qc7 Ke6
Kg3 Ke7
f4
Ke8
Qe5+ Kd8
Qf6+ Kc8
Qxg6 Kc7
Qf6 Bb5
g6
Bc4
Qc3 Kd6
Qxc4 Ke7
Qd5 Ke8
Qf7+ Kd8
g7
Kc8
g8=Q++

29..Qxd6

37. Kc1

50. Qa7+

Game 97: B-System Variant 124EFG with White

White plays the distant variant Bv124EFG, and triumphs in this complex positional game. White
gains a slight space advantage on the queen side following the opening. After a long series of
feints and shifts with only two pawns removed from the board, white finally finds a way to break it
open at his 37th move. He wins a pawn, then another, and finally gets a hard earned victory.

9. b5

17. Bd3

37. exd5

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.*
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.*

e3
d4
Be2
Nf3
a3
Nbd2
b4
O-O
b5
a4
c4
cxb5
Qb3
Ba3
Ne5
Rfd1
Bd3
Qb2
Nb3
Nc5
b6
Nf3
Rac1
Bb5
Ra1
Bd3
Rdc1
Nd2
Qb3
Nf3
Qb2
Be2
Qb3
Bd3
e4
Nd2
exd5

Nf6
d5
Nc6
e6
Bd6
Bd7
O-O
a5
Na7
c6
cxb5
Nc8
Qb6
Ne7
Rfc8
h6
Be8
Kh8
Qd8
Rab8
Nc6
Qe7
Ra8
Kg8
Nd8
Kh8
Nc6
Kg8
Nd8
g6
Nh5
f6
Ng7
g5
g4
Nc6
Nxd4

38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.*
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.*
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.*
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.
70.
71.
72.
73.

Qc4 e5
Nde4 Ngf5
Nxd6 Nxd6
Qa2 Qf7
Ne6 N4f5
Rc7 Rxc7
bxc7 e4
Be2 h5
Rb1 Rc8
Bxd6 Nxd6
Rb6 Nf5
Qc4 Bd7
Qxe4 Ng7
Nxg7 Qxg7
d6
f5
Qd5+ Kf8
Rxb7 Qc3
Rb8 Qe1+
Bf1 Qe8
Qd2 Kg7
Rxc8 Qxc8
Bb5 Kg6
Bxd7 Qxd7
Qc1 Qc8
Qc6 Qe6
Kf1 g3
hxg3 Qf6
c8=Q Qa1+
Qc1 Qxc1+
Qxc1 f4
Qc2+ Kf6
d7
Ke7
Qc8 Kf7
d8=Q f3
Qf5+ Kg7
Qdf8++

49. Qc4

58. Rxc8

63. Kf1

Distant Variants 205

Game 98: Beginners Game with White versus B-System Variant 3456CF
Whites Beginners Game faces one of its toughest rivals: distant B-system variant Bv3456CF.
White has the best of it for most of the game, but black maintains order and finds counterattacks.
In a fine combination initiated at his 45th move, white gains a piece for a pawn. He seems to have
the victory in hand, but black finds the right responses, and finally salvages a draw. Superb game!

9. c4

24. Nd5

35..Ne8

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.*
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.*
36.
37.

e3
b3
Bb2
g3
Bg2
Ne2
d3
Nd2
c4
O-O
Nc3
Re1
a3
b4
Qc2
Qb3
dxc4
Rad1
a4
a5
h4
Qa4
Bf1
Nd5
cxd5
Qa1
d6
Nxe4
Rxd6
axb6
Bc4
Be6
Bh3
Bg2
Red1
R6d2
Qb1

c6
f6
e5
d5
Bd6
Be6
Nd7
Ne7
O-O
Qb6
Rae8
Bb4
Bd6
Qa6
Kh8
dxc4
f5
Bc7
Rf6
Rg6
Rh6
e4
b6
Bxd5
Qc8
Nf6
Bxd6
fxe4
Qf5
axb6
Rf8
Qf3
Rg6
Qf5
Ne8
b5
Re6

38. Qc2 Nd5

39. Qc5 Kg8
40. Ra1 Nef6
41. Ra6 Nd7
42. Qc2 N7b6
43. Ra7 Rf7
44. Rxf7 Kxf7
45.* f3
Nf6
46. fxe4 Qg6
47. e5
Qxc2
48. Rxc2 Nfd5
49. Bh3 Nxb4
50. Rf2+ Ke7
51. Ba3 Rxe5
52. Bxb4+c5
53. Bd2 Nc4
54. e4
Nxd2
55. Rxd2 Rxe4
56. Bf5 Re5
57. Bxh7 c4
58. Rd4 Rc5
59. Kf2 b4
60. Re4+ Kd6
61. Rg4 Rc7
62. Ke3 b3
63.* Kd4 g5
64. Rxg5 Rxh7
65. Kxc4 Rb7
66. Rd5+ Ke6
67. Rd1 Rg7
68.* Kxb3 Rxg3+
69. Kc2 Rh3
70. Rd4 Kf5
71. Rb4 Kg6
72. Rf4 Kh5
73. Kd2 Rxh4
drawn

45. f3

63..g5

68. Kxb3

Game 99: B-System Variant 11x23CxCG

White defies all common sense with this outrageous borderline opening, but still wins in a
rollicking contest. Black offers a pawn to intensify a queen side assault, but white survives it with
a punching counter attack that threatens mate and forces black to sacrifice his queen for rook and
piece (move 25). There are always new ways to play the game, for anyone willing to experiment!

9. e3

13..Nd3+

21. Bxh7

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.*
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.*
22.
23.
24.
25.*
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.

a3
e5
b4
d5
Bb2 c5
Bxe5 Nc6
Bb2 cxb4
axb4 Qb6
c3
Nf6
Nf3 Bd6
e3
O-O
Be2 Bg4
c4
Nd7
c5
Nxc5
Bxg7 Nd3+
Bxd3 Kxg7
Nc3 Nxb4
Qb1 Bxf3
gxf3 d4
Ne2 dxe3
fxe3 Be5
Rg1+ Kh8
Bxh7 Bxa1
Qxa1+f6
Qb1 Nc6
Qf5 Qc7
Rg3 Qxh7
Rh3 Rf7
Rxh7+Rxh7
Qxf6+ Kg8
Nd4 Nxd4
Qxd4 a5
Qa4 Rg7
d4
Kf8
d5
Rg2
Qd4 Kf7
Qb6 Re8

36.*
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
45.
46.
47.
48.
49.
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.*
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
65.
66.
67.
68.
69.

d6
Ke6
Qxb7 Rgg8
e4
a4
Qa7 Kxd6
Qxa4 Ke7
f4
Rg2
Qa3+ Kf7
Qh3 Reg8
Qd7+ Kg6
Qe6+ Kg7
f5
Kh7
Kf1 R8g7
f6
Rg1+
Ke2 Ra7
Qf5+ Kg8
Qd5+ Rf7
Qe6 Rg5
h4
Rg2+
Ke3 Rg3+
Kf4 Rg1
h5
Rg2
Qe8+ Rf8
f7+ Kg7
h6+ Kh7
Qxf8 Rg1
Qe7 Rf1+
Kg5 Rg1+
Kh4 Rh1+
Kg3 Rg1+
Kf2 Kg6
f8=Q Rf1+
Kxf1 Kh5
Qf5+ Kxh6
Qef8++

25..Qxh7

36. d6

58. f7+

Distant Variants 207

Game 100: B-System Variant 134568CF with Black

Black plays one of the most distant B-system variants possible, Bv134568CF: all eight moves
are different from the Beginners Game! Strange as it looks, it is a valid defense to the standard
opening. In this swashbuckling encounter white goes a pawn up quickly, but then black attacks
well on the queen side and wins two pawns. White struggles, and nearly equalizes by simplifying
to a queen versus rooks endgame, but black then converts it to a one pawn advantage and wins!

9. c4

19. Nc3

31. Nxd6

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9. *
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.*
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.*
32.
33.
34.
35.

e3
b3
Bb2
g3
Bg2
Ne2
d3
Nd2
c4
a3
b4
Qb3
Nxc4
b5
bxa6
Bxb7
Bg2
dxc4
Nc3
Qa2
Rc1
Ba1
O-O
Qd2
Qc2
Bb2
Rfd1
Ne4
Qd2
Re1
Nxd6
Qe2
Qg4
Ra1
Ba3

c6
f6
e5
d5
Bd6
Be6
h6
a6
Ne7
Nd7
c5
dxc4
O-O
Nb6
Rxa6
Ra7
Nxc4
Qa5+
Rb8
Ra6
Rab6
Rb3
Rxa3
Rd8
Bxc4
Rb3
Rbb8
Bb3
Qb6
c4
Rxd6
Rbd8
Nd5
Nb4
R6d7

36. Bxb4 Qxb4

37. Rec1 Kh8
38. h4
Qd2
39. Bf3 c3
40.* Qb4 Bd1
41. Rxd1 Qxd1+
42. Bxd1 Rxd1+
43. Kg2 Rxa1
44. Qxc3 Raa8
45. f4
exf4
46. gxf4 Re8
47. Kf3 Re7
48. e4
Rae8
49.* Qd4 Rxe4
50. Qxe4 Rxe4
51. Kxe4 g6
52. Kd5 Kg8
53. Ke6 Kg7
54. Kd5 Kf7
55. Kd4 f5
56. Ke5 Ke7
57. Kd4 Ke6
58. Kc5 Kf6
59. Kd4 g5
60. hxg5+ hxg5
61. Ke3 g4
62. Ke2 Ke6
63. Ke3 Kd5
64. Kd3 Kc5
65. Ke3 Kc4
66. Ke2 Kd4
67. Kf2 Ke4
68.* Kg3 Ke3
69. Kg2 Kxf4
resigns

40..Bd1

49..Rxe4

68..Ke3

15.

Concluding Remarks

The Beginners Game and its related set of variants are a totally new system and practice
for playing the game of chess. The author believes that it is the strongest system that exists, and
that extensive analysis and experience in competition will finally prove this to be true.
Whatever you believe, you should by now be convinced that the B-Game:
is a new and valid system for playing chess
is playable by black and white indifferently
is very strong on both defense and offense
is the easiest way to learn to play chess
is the quickest way to improve for players of all levels

y
y
y
y
y

Advice for Beginners

If you were new to chess when you picked up this book, you have by now learned to play
well for the first part of the game. You still lack the basic chess playing skills that you need in the
middle and end games. But you should already be able to play well enough to make the game
interesting for your opponent, and if you think about it, thats the most important thing.
While you are acquiring your basic skills, dont be impatient for your first big wins. Most
players spend their entire lives without ever offering a serious challenge to a local chess bully.
So practice a while before confronting that certain someone who thought you didnt have the
brains to play. The best revenge is to prove you deserve someones respect, and to do that,
youve got to keep finding good moves each time its your turn.
Its a thinking game, and you cant succeed at it by just playing anything that looks
playable. You must try hard to play well. You have to go deep into moves that look interesting
and see the positions that result. You have to calculate exchanges precisely, and foresee as best
you can anything that your opponent can do. As you get better, you will begin to feel more in
control of the evolving situations, and will play with more confidence.
Some of those who are just now learning will dedicate themselves to the game, and go on
to become first rate players. To these the author offers this encouragement: you are armed with
the best weapon that exists for this battle. Use it well, and you will be a true warrior, or even a
champion. You will have the satisfaction of doing well something that is very difficult, and will
prove yourselves, in a way that anyone will recognize and respect.
Advice for Intermediate Players
Intermediate players of all levels should take note of this system, because the best way to
improve your game is to master the opening. This system offers you safe passage thru the
dangerous first moves, and it will give you the basis for pushing your performances well beyond
your current limits. If you are not a strong player, then you should improve immediately and

Concluding Remarks 209

significantly by adopting this system. Try the system against your friends or the computer, and
you should see the evidence right away that you are playing better than before.
Stronger players should ask themselves whether they know their current openings to
12-15 moves, which they get with minimal effort using openings in the system. They should also
ask themselves whether they really like their current openings, or whether they keep playing them
just because its what they know best. The alternative is to move to a new system that is second
to none, and accommodates every style of play.
Advice for Advanced Players
Top players and those aspiring to become contenders spend years studying the openings.
Worthy adversaries still kick them about however, and after the opening they often find
themselves playing their opponents game, not their own. You do not beat someone easily by
trying to find the best alternatives among the poor moves he leaves you. The openings in this
system have the characteristic that your opponent has to play your game. Add to that the
possibility to extend analysis deeper than in current practice, and you should see the interest in
researching openings in this system in preparation for championship play.
This system has to prove itself at the highest levels, and you can be a protagonist or
antagonist of this effort, as you prefer. You can be one of those who carry it on to victory, or one
of those who make victory tougher to achieve. All are invited to do their best, and also to do both.
The Beginners Game is revolutionary, introducing a new philosophy and practice of chess
never seen before. But a true revolution is one which places in the hands of the common man that
which previously was the preserve of a privileged few. With this new system such a revolution
can now take place, measured by the number of new people taking up the game, the increase of
interest worldwide, the improvement in the overall quality of play, and finally the success of the
system at the highest levels. Be part of it - the most exciting thing that ever happened in chess!
Before closing, the author would like to make a special appeal to you all: Save the Earth.
We can do this easily, by leaving or returning large areas of it to natural state. Keeping a large part
of the earth healthy is the best investment we can make in our own future. Only by taking care of
the Earth can we guarantee that humanity will also survive and prosper. When left alone, the
Earth returns to its normal state, a paradise, where all of us can live. And It is all life that is
important, that is beautiful, that is precious, not just our own lives. This Earth is the jewel of
creation, and it is our home. If this book gave you anything, then please give it back, to your
Earth. Now, before it is irreparably damaged. If we act now, we will live on; if we dont, we wont.
Its time to close, and the author hopes to leave you all with your hearts thumping (or at
least, still beating)! May your interest in chess, and in the world around you be born or reborn, by
your delight at seeing this lovely new star on the horizon. There are many new stars rising along
with it; choose some of your own, dedicate yourself to the game, and before long people you
never expected to meet will be offering to shake your hand - from the other side of a chessboard!

Appendix: Chess Move Notation

a8 b8 c8 d8 e8 f8 g8 h8
a7 b7 c7 d7 e7 f7 g7 h7
a6 b6 c6 d6 e6 f6 g6 h6
a5 b5 c5 d5 e5 f5 g5 h5
a4 b4 c4 d4 e4 f4 g4 h4
a3 b3 c3 d3 e3 f3 g3 h3
a2 b2 c2 d2 e2 f2 g2 h2
a1 b1 c1 d1 e1 f1 g1 h1

There are various systems for move

notation. The one used in this book is
the algebraic system, which is the
one most commonly used. In this system
each square on the board is identified
with a letter and a number.
The
horizontal axis of the board is labeled
with the letters a - h, and the vertical
axis 1 - 8, starting from the lower left
hand corner on whites side of the board.

In this notation system a move is coded by indicating first the type of figure that moves, and then
the square that it goes to. If a capture is involved, the symbol x is inserted after the figure
symbol. The pieces are labeled as: R - rook, N - knight, B - bishop, Q - queen, K - king.
Pawn moves are indicated by the destination square alone, unless a capture is involved, in which
case the column that the pawn was on is prefixed (eg. exd5 - king pawn takes figure on square
d5). Pawn captures using the 'en passant' rule are coded in the same way.
When either of two rooks or knights can move to a destination square, it is necessary to specify
which of the two moves. This is done by appending a column identifier (or if they are both on the
same column, a row number) to the figure symbol of the piece to indicate where it came from. If a
move involves check, attacking the king, then the symbol + is added at the end of the move. If
the move gives checkmate, ending the game, then ++ (or #) is used instead. When a pawn
reaches the last row, it can be promoted to any other figure. This is indicated by appending =
then the figure to which the pawn is promoted (typically a queen), eg. a8=Q. Castling is indicated
by O-O for the king side castle, and O-O-O for the queen side castle.
These are the eight standard moves of the Beginners Game, using a Pawn then Piece sequence
that proceeds from the queen side to the king side:

White: b3, Bb2, d3, Nd2, e3, Ne2, g3, Bg2

Black: b6, Bb7, d6, Nd7, e6, Ne7, g6, Bg7

With this explanation of move notation you can return to the text. Be sure to actually reproduce
all moves in the text on your own chess set or computer screen. If you make a mistake playing
out a game, go back to an earlier diagram, reset the board as shown, and play forward from there.

211

Acknowledgements:
My wife and constant companion, for her incomparable presence during the
gestation of this momentous discovery.
My father, the finest man I have ever known, and my mother, for giving me a
good start in life, and for setting the example.
My daughter, a lovely young woman, who was also the first beginner who
learned to play the Beginner's Game.
My grandfather, who taught me how to play chess. A strong player, he beat
me without mercy: a good introduction.
My best friend and chess rival during university years, who played the
correspondence matches that started this research.