1

a b c d e f g h

8 8

7 7

6 6

5 5

4 4

3 3

2 2

1 1

a b c d e f g h

D00 1.d4

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 ... Nc3 e4 d5 Nge2 Nf4 Nfxd5 Qxd5 Nxd5

d5 c51 dxe4 Nf6 e6 exd5 Nxd5 Qxd5 Bd6
2

2 ... ... ... ... ... Ng3 Ngxe4 Nxe4 Be2

... ... ... ... g6 Bg7 Nxe4 0-0 Bf53

3 ... ... f3 g4 g5 e4 f4 fxe5 Be3

... Bf5 Nf6 Bg6 Nh5 dxe4 e5 Nc64 Bb4
5

4 ... ... ... ... ... h4 e4 Nh3 Bxg5

... ... ... ... Ng8 h6 e6 hxg5 f6
6

5 ... Nc3 Bf4 Qd3 dxc5 0-0-0 Qd4 Be5 a3

Nf6 e6 Bb4 c57 Na6 Nxc58 Qa5 d59 Bxc3
10

6 ... ... e4 Nf3 Be2 0-0 a4 h3 Be3

... g6 d6 Bg7 0-0 c611 a512 Qc7 Nbd713

7 ... ... Bf4 e3 g4 Nge2 Rg1 Rxg4 Nxf4

... d5 a614 e615 Bb416 Nxg417 g5 gxf4 Nc6
18
 2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

8 ... ... ... ... ... h4 Qf3 Nge2 exd4

... ... ... ... h6 c519 Nc6 cxd4 b5
20

9 ... ... ... ... dxc5 a3 Bg5 exd4 b4

... ... ... c5 Nc621 e5 d4 Nxd4 Be722

10 ... ... ... e3 Nb5 h3 Bd3 Ne2 Bxe4

... ... g6 Bg723 Na6 Ne424 0-025 c6 dxe4
26

11 ... ... ... ... Bg5 Be2 Bh4 Nf3 Bg3

... ... ... Nh5 c6 f6 Ng7 Nf5 Nxg3
27

12 ... ... ... e4 Nxe4 dxc5 Rxd1 f3 Be3

... ... c5 Nxe4 dxe4 Qxd1+28 Nc629 e530 exf3
31

13 ... ... ... ... ... ... Qd4 Qxe4 0-0-0

... ... ... ... ... Nd7 e5 Bxc5 Qh4
32

14 ... ... ... ... dxc5 b4 Bg5 Bc4 Nge2

... ... ... dxe4 Nbd7 e5 Be7 0-033 h6
34

15 ... ... ... ... ... ... a3 Be3 Bc4

... ... ... ... ... a5 e5 Be7 0-0
35

16 ... ... ... ... ... Nb5 b4 c3 Nc7+

... ... ... ... Bd7 Qa5+36
Qxb4+ Qxc5 Kd8
37

17 ... ... ... ... ... Qd2 0-0-0 Bc4 Bg5

... ... ... ... Qa5 Nc6 a6 e5 Bf538

18 ... ... ... ... Qxd4 Bb5 Bxc6 e5 e6

... ... ... cxd4 Nc6 Bd7 Bxc6 Nd7 fxe6
39

19 ... ... ... e3 Bd3 Nf3 0-0 h3 Qe2

... ... Bf5 e6 c640 Bg641 Nbd7 Be7 0-0
42

20 ... ... ... ... Nf3 Ne5 g4 gxf5 Qd3

... ... ... a6 Nbd743 c644 Nxe5 Ned7 g6
45

21 ... ... ... ... f3 h4 g4 Bd3 Qxd3

... ... ... c6 Bg646 e6 h647 Bxd3 Bd6
48
 3

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

22 ... ... ... Nb5 e3 Nc3 Nf3 Rb1 g4

... ... e6 Na649 c6 Be750 Qb651 0-0 Nxg4
52

23 ... ... ... ... ... Nf3 Be5 g454 Nxe5

... ... ... ... Be7 Nh553 f6 fxe5 Nf6
55

24 ... ... ... ... c3 e3 Nf3 Bd357

... ... ... Bb4+ Ba5 0-0 Nh556
1
2...c6 3.Bf4 Bf5 This order is also early and that I should develop my
quite rare but it's important to know minor pieces. I'm glad that the
how to respond. The good thing J o b a va L o n d o n i s r e d e f i n i n g t h a t
about the Moke London is that the principle. 0-0 6.g4 c5 7.Bxd6 Qxd6
same ideas repeat themselves so 8.0-0-0 It is going to be a race to see
it's not like you need to memorize w h o ' s a t t a c k p r e v a i l s f i r s t . c4
complex theory in every line. 4.f3 The computer suggests shutting down
There are certain positions where I the f1-bishop, preparing to push on
recommend e3 instead of f3. But in the queenside. In this case, White can
this case, Black has played ...c6 take a very positional approach. 9.g5
which is not the best use of a tempo Ne8 10.Qg3 White fights for the
so it's crucial to play f3 and critical h2-b8 diagonal and it is
continue with rapid development! certainly not the first time that we
4...Nf6 5.g4 Bg6 6.h4 h5 7.g5 Nfd7 have seen the queen being extremely
8.e4 This transposes to a previously strong on g3. Qa6 11.a3 I could go
analyzed variation. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 on forever here analyzing the
e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c6 #1/2 complications but I feel comfortable
2...e6 2...e6 might be played by concluding here that Black has
opponents who want to transpose made significant positional
into the French. I will never concessions and that White has
understand why someone would good attacking chances and can
willingly want to transpose into the break open the position with e4!. 8) 1.
French... 3.Bf4 As I've said before, d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.
this is not a French course and I will Nc3 e6 #5/6 ]
stay true to the Bf4, Nc3 setup. The 5.exf4 5...Nf6 is the most common move
most common move here is 3...Nf6 by far but it's actually not accurate
which transposes but I will also at all. Black needs to trade the c8-
show how to react if Black Bishop immediately as it is stuck
responds differently. 3...Bd6 4.e3 behind the pawn chain. 5...b6
Bxf4 [ 5...Nf6 6.Nf3 0-0 7.Qd2 It is critical
[ 4...Nf6 5.Qf3 As a child I was told to have the option of castling
that I should not bring out my queen queenside ready. White will look to
 4

expand on the kingside now that Black 10.gxh5 Rxh5 11.Ne5 g6 12.Qd3 Nb8
has already castled. b6 8.h4 c5 Black keeps on moving backwards
c5 is critical, Black must challenge and it feels like the tide is turning.
t h e c e n t e r . ( 8...Ba6 ...Ba6 here 13.0-0-0 Despite White making
would already be a big mistake. positional concessions, Black's king
9.Bxa6 Nxa6 10.Qe2 White has a is still in the center and prone to
very strong initiative here and the attack. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...
kingside attack will be very B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 #1/6
dangerous. Nb8 11.h5 h6 12.0-0-0
c5 13.Ne5 This is a dream position 2 10.Be3 White is still down a pawn
for White. g4, g5 is next. 8) 1.d4 d5 2. but has the initiative. The e4-pawn
Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 i s a l s o v e r y l o o s e . 10...Nc6
#4/6 ) 9.0-0-0 Nc6 10.h5 11.0-0-0 0-0
I feel comfortable ending my analysis [ 11...Be6 12.Nc3 White will likely be
here, as this is an uncommon sideline a pawn up after recapturing the e4-
but one should note that the same pawn and then targetting c5 as well.
attacking ideas apply. While will aim 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4
to play Ne5 combined with g4, and h6 d5 2.Nc3 c5 #10/16 ]
is always a viable possibility. 8) 1.d4 [ 11...f5 12.Nf4 Ke7 13.h4
d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Nh5 is next. Black is forced to make
e6 #3/6 ] some very difficult moves to equalize.
6.Nf3 Ne7 7.g4 This move might look A) 13...Rd8 14.Nh5 h6 15.Nxg7
weird but it forces Black to make a f4 16.Rxd6 This idea is truly
difficult decision. There are many beautiful. White sacrifices the
opti ons , I wi ll ana lyz e t he mos t exchange for a bishop and pawn
logically. 7...Ba6 and if d6 is recaptured either way
[ 7...h5 This is very natural, trying to White has a comfortable advantage.
ruin White's structure. 8.gxh5 Rxh5 The only way to equalize is to
9.h4 Ng5 is next, White has a lead in i g n o r e t h e r o o k e n t i r e l y . Kxd6
development and will try to continue ( 16...fxe3 17.Rxd8 Nxd8 18.fxe3
the initiative. Nf5 10.Bd3 g6 11.Qe2 The sequence of only moves
This is completely uncharted territory continues. Bg4 19.Bc4 Nf7 20.Rf1
here but I will conclude that the Nd6 21.Rf4 h5 22.Bd5
position is very unbalanced, White is This is the only moment where a
developing very quickly and has a few moves equalize for Black but
slight initiative. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 i t ' s s t i l l n o t e a s y a t a l l . Rh8
(And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 #2/6 ] The knight on g7 is almost trapped
8.Bxa6 Nxa6 9.h4 If White is allowed to and needs to be removed
play h5, then White will have a lot of immediately. 23.b4 cxb4 24.Bxe4
space on the kingside and really I could write an entire book about
restrict Black's pieces. However, this sequence going through all the
playing ...h5 and the accurate complications but this is not under
moves after that is not easy. 9...h5 the purview. I will show a logical
 5

way that things can continue. Nxe4 we are already on move 24. There
25.Rxe4+ Kf7 26.Nxh5 Bxh5 is still plenty to play for, as Black's
27.Rxb4 b6 28.g4 Bg6 29.h5 Bh7 King remains a target. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.
30.g5 This will most likely end in a Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5
draw but it is still very imbalanced. #11/16 ]
Regardless, the important [ 11...Bf5 12.Nf6+ Ke7 13.Nd5+
conclusion is that Black has to find It's crucial to remove the king's option
an insane sequence of only moves to castle. Kf8 ( 13...Ke6 ...Ke6 is very
to equalize. Therefore, one can bold as it allows Bc4 which would
conclude that this line is favorable scare any human. 14.Nc3 Everybody
from a practical perspective despite loves a backwards knight move. The
the computer giving an equal natural-looking 14.Bc4 doesn't bring
evaluation. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 White anything: 14...Ne5 15.Nf4+
(And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 #14/ Ke7 16.Nd5+ Ke6 A repetition is
16 ) 17.Bxf4+ Ke7 18.Be2 forced here! 17.Nf4+= . Ne5 15.Re1
The two bishops are very strong B d 2 i s t h e t h r e a t
a n d t h e h 6 - p a wn i s ve r y we a k .  StartBracket  regaining the e4-
Black's pawn structure is in disarray. pawn EndBracket , Black's king
White has a slight advantage. 8) 1. is still very awkward on e6. Bg6 16.h4
d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 f5 17.f3 The position is opening up
2.Nc3 c5 #13/16; a n d B l a c k ' s k i n g i s a t a r g e t . exf3
B) 13...Ne5 Is also logical, 18.gxf3 White already has a
potentially going to g4. However, significant edge here and it's very
this allows White to break open the difficult to defend. Nxf3 19.Bc4+ Kd7
position. 14.f3 We have seen this 20.Rd1 The queens might not be on
idea before in this position. Bd7 the board but Black's king is in
( 14...exf3 15.gxf3 Rd8 16.Nh5 serious danger! 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6
Nxf3 17.Bg2 f4 18.Nxf4 Bg4 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 #16/16)
19.Nd3 Rf8 20.h5 This ridiculously 14.h3 White is preparing g4 and Bg2.
forcing sequence goes on but I can Despite being down a pawn, Black's
safely conclude that Black's king is development isn't great and the e4-
in serious danger in the center and pawn can be recaptured. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.
that White's play is very natural. 8) Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5
1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 #15/16 ]
d5 2.Nc3 c5 #12/16) 15.fxe4 fxe4 12.Nf6+ gxf6 13.Rxd6 Castles seemed
16.Nd5+ Ke6 17.g3 Black is like a logical move, but Black is in
f o r c e d t o g e t c r e a t i v e . Nd3+ huge trouble here as both the f6-
18.Bxd3 exd3 19.Rxd3 Bb5 and c5-pawns are attacked. 8) 1.d4
Y e t a n o t h e r o n l y m o v e . 20.Rd2 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.
Rhe8 21.Bf4 Bxf4 22.gxf4 Rac8 Nc3 c5 #9/16
23.Rg1 Bc6 24.Ne3
F r o m a n o b j e c t i ve p e r s p e c t i v e 3 9...Nd7 10.0-0 Nf6
Black has managed to equalize but [ 10...b6 11.c4 Nf6 12.Nc3
 6

If Black proceeds with a normal Despite Black finding some

developing move, White simply has ridiculous moves, the position still
an advantage. remains a bit easier for White to
A) 12...e6 An immediate attempt to play because of the passed pawn
break down the center is critical to on d5! 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...
analyze as well. 13.Bf3 Bb7 14.a4 B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 #8/16) 16.a3 f5
a5 remains an idea in all positions 17.f3 Nd6 18.b4 Every single
which will put significant pressure move is critical here, Black could be
on the queenside. It is also in serious danger. I certainly
prophylactic and prevents any ...b5 prefer White's position because
ideas. exd5 15.cxd5 Qd7 the structure is very solid. 8) 1.d4
( 15...Ne8 16.a5 Nd6 17.a6 Bc8 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.
18.Bf4 White's pieces coordinate Nc3 c5 #7/16;
very well and the d5-pawn is very C) 12...Bb7 13.Bg5 White has
strong! 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2... completed development and has a
B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 #6/16) 16.Qb3 n i c e s p a c e a d va n t a g e . B l a c k ' s
The key point is to consolidate the bishop on b7 is totally shut down by
pawn on d5. After that is achieved, White's central structure. 8) 1.d4 d5
it will become clear that Black's 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
bishop really doesn't belong on b7. c5 #4/16 ]
8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 11.Nxf6+ Bxf6 12.c3 Shutting down the
d5 2.Nc3 c5 #5/16; f6-bishop's diagonal and preparing
B) 12...e5 At first sight, 12...e5 to develop the c1-bishop. 8) 1.d4 d5
looks ridiculous as you're willingly 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
giving White a protected passed c5 #3/16
pawn. However, Black's idea is to 10.Ng3 Bc8 This is one of the top
blockade with the knight on d6, computer suggestions but I highly
however, White can make doubt any human will play this. Just
achieving that difficult. 13.Bg5 h6 in case, one should be aware of a
14.Be3 Ne8 15.Qd2 Provoking ... v e r y i n t e r e s t i n g i d e a . 11.h4
h6 was critical so that Qd2 is with If you thought that I was just going
tempo. g5 ( 15...Kh7 ...Kh7 is a bit to castle, then you clearly haven't
l e s s c o m m i t t a l t h a n . . . g 5 . 16.f4 been paying attention to the themes
Nd6 17.fxe5 Bxe5 18.Bf4 of the course. 11...Nd7 12.h5 Nf6
Black has managed to get the [ 12...Nb6 Nb6 looks a bit weird
knight to d6 but there is still some be c au s e you wo u ld th i nk th a t t h e
pressure. Re8 19.Bd3 Bf5 kn ig h t s ho ul d b e n ea r t h e ki n g t o
20.Bxf5 gxf5 ...gxf5 is a very protect against the attack. 13.c4 e6
di f f ic u l t i d ea t o f i n d a s i t is n o t Black must immediately strike in the
i n t u i t i ve a t a l l . T o d o u b l e y o u r center. 14.d6 This is as far as I'm
pawns and open your king makes going to go for simplicity's sake; I
no sense, but I guess modern can conclude that the position is
engines could care less. 21.Rae1 very interesting and that White has
 7

good attacking chances. 8) 1.d4 d5 2. Almost every one of White's pieces is

Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 c5 contributing to the attack. This looks
#2/16 ] very scary from a practical
13.Bf3 White can actually just castle next perspective. Qe8 23.0-0 One might
and have a comfortable advantage. ask themselves if castling is still legal
The knight on f6 isn't great at here, I can assure you that the king
supporting the ...e6 break. 8) 1.d4 still hasn't moved yet. Nf3+ 24.Kf2
d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2. I would be extremely scared as Black.
Nc3 c5 #1/16 All of White's pieces are staring at the
b l a c k k i n g . Nd4 25.Nxd4 cxd4
4
8...Bb4 An important thing to 26.Rxd4 It was crucial to get rid of the
understand about this position from f5-knight and now Black is more or
a practical perspective is that in le s s o u t o f t h e wo o d s . I t i s s t i l l a
many of the critical variations, the game but I tend to believe that it is
knight on h5 is sacrificed. While generally easier to play with the
analyzing with a computer, it's very piece against the pawns. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.
easy to sacrifice pieces, but when Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Bf5
you're playing an actual game and #5/8 ]
need to find all of the precise 18.Rd1 Qe6 19.Rd6 Qf5 20.Qh3 Qxh3
moves, it is very difficult. 9.Be2 c5 21.Nxh3 Black has 4 pawns for the piece,
10.d5 Qa5 Black is taking an extremely but the e4-pawn will fall and White's
direct approach to solving the issue pieces are very active! 8) 1.d4 d5 2.
of t h e h 5- kn i gh t b e in g t ra p pe d . Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3
Black is creating a threat every Bf5 #4/8
move! 11.Rb1 Nd7 12.Bxh5 8...h6 This was only played in 1965,
White can take the piece, but Black I guess they were way ahead of me
is going to take quite a few pawns from a theoretical perspective...
i n e xc h a n g e . 12...Bxh5 13.Qxh5 9.Qg4 Be7
Bxc3+ 14.bxc3 Qxc3+ 15.Bd2 Qxc2 [ 9...Qd7 10.Qxd7+ Nxd7 11.gxh6
16.Rc1 Qxa2 The computer still gives Black is put to the test and must be
equality but the sequence of only very precise here. gxh6 A simple
m o v e s i s r i d i c u l o u s . 17.Bf4 recapture lands Black in trouble.
White's kingside pawns have been ( 11...c5 12.Be3 cxd4 13.Bxd4 Rxh6
wiped out but the central pawns still 14.Nge2 Bc5 15.Bxc5 Nxc5 16.0-0-0
remain. White must be extremely Ne6 It is important to continuously
pr e c i s e h e r e a s t h e d 5- p a wn i s restrict the h5-knight. The theme of
poisonous. 17...Qxd5 knights on the rim is seen throughout
[ 17...0-0 18.Ne2 Qxd5 19.Rd1 the Jobava London. Most notably,
It may seem like Black is safe but when one plays Nb5 to provoke ...Na6,
White follows things up with a series this knight on the rim is usually the
of very active moves which put Black biggest problem in Black's position.
under serious pressure. Qe6 20.Rd6 17.Nd5 Rd8 18.Bh3 Ng5 19.Bg4
Qe7 21.Ng3 Nxe5 22.Nf5 The position remains to be very
 8

complex and offers chances to both to be out of the woods. Nd5 18.Qd3
sides but White has relatively little risk. Black has a few logical queen moves
Black must try to fix the coordination that equalize. Black has equalized but
of their pieces. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 there is still plenty of chess to be
(And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Bf5 #8/8) played. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...
12.Nge2 c5 It is too late to challenge B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Bf5 #3/8 ]
the center now, the extra tempo for 14.bxc3 Qxg5 15.Bxf7+
White to consolidate is game- White sacrifices the piece back and
changing! 13.Be3 cxd4 14.Nxd4 Be7 Black's king is a bit exposed.
15.0-0-0 Nxe5 16.Bb5+ Kf8 17.Rhg1 15...Kxf7 16.h4 White seizes back the
W h i t e m i g h t b e d o wn a p a wn b u t i n i t i a t i ve a n d p u t s B l a c k u n d e r
Black's position is in total disarray. pressure. 16...Ng2+ 17.Kd1 Qg3
First of all, the e4-pawn is weak as 18.Rh3 Qg4+ 19.Qe2 Qxe2+ 20.Kxe2
always. Black's king is stuck on f8 It's time to ignore all chess
while Black's rooks aren't coordinating. principles and sacrifice material.
Additionally, all of White's minors 20...Nf4+ 21.Ke3 Nxh3 22.Nxh3
coordinate well and the rooks have This exchange leads to an
t h e f - a n d g - f i l e s wh e r e t h e y p u t extremely complex endgame. From
significant pressure on the Black King. a practical perspective, it's much
8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 easier to push the central pawns as
d5 2.Nc3 Bf5 #7/8 ] Black must defend very precisely.
10.Be3 hxg5 11.Nge2 White has 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4
sacrificed a pawn but the knight on d5 2.Nc3 Bf5 #2/8
h5 still isn't great. The material
doesn't really matter here as the e4- 6
10.Be3 Why not sacrifice the pawn
pawn is very weak. W hite will for a ridiculous initiative. 10...Rxh4
castle queenside next and continue 11.Qe2 White has a very strong initiative
the initiative. 8) 1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 and huge lead in development! 8) 1.
(And 2...B-1.d4 d5 2.Nc3 Bf5 #6/8 d4 d5 2.Nc3 e6 (And 2...B-1.d4 d5
2.Nc3 Bf5 #1/8
5
10.Be2 Ne7 This has never been
played but it is has been analyzed 7 4...0-0 Castles is a very logical
in the cloud. I would say that the choice but White is slightly better.
chances of this appearing on the 5.a3 Bxc3+ 6.Qxc3 d6 6...d6 is less
b o a r d a r e s l i m t o n o n e . 11.Bxh5 natural but also a viable option.
Nd5 White is up a full piece but Black's [ 6...Nd5 7.Qd2 Nxf4 8.Qxf4 d6
pieces coordinate very well. 9.Nf3 Nc6 10.e3 White is ready to
12.Bxg6 Nxe3 13.Qd2 Bxc3 finish development. It's still possible
[ 13...Qxg5 It is important to delay ... to castle queenside or kingside. The
Bxc3 as it gives White fewer options. queen is actually strong on f4 and
14.Bxe4 Bxc3 15.Qxc3 Qh4+ remains a threat to the black king. 7) 1.
16.Kd2 Qxe4 17.Ne2 The position d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #5/
has simplified a bit and White seems 14 ]
 9

7.Bg5 The pin is difficult for Black to deal 13.Qe5 Rg5 This leads to a very
with. 7...Nbd7 8.f3 If White's pawn weird repetition. Nonetheless, this
was on c4 then it would be a sequence is very inhuman. 14.Qh8+
transposition to the Nimzo. The Rg8 15.Qe5 And the game ends in a
pawn being on c2 makes it easier draw after 15...Rg5 . 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
for White to castle queenside but Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #8/14 ]
both options are there. White is 9.Nge2 Black can quickly go wrong here.
slightly behind in development but 9...Nxf4
the bishop pair will be valuable long [ 9...exd5 10.e5 It's a pretty common
term. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 move to push past a pawn instead of
2.Nc3 e6 #4/14 recapturing. In this case, Black is in
4...b6 4...b6 is the 3rd common serious trouble and Black's king in the
move and is actually very center is far from safe. Nxf4 11.Qxf4
interesting. The fireworks are Ne4 12.Nxe4 dxe4 13.Ng3
b e g i n n i n g . 5.Qf3 Nc6 5...Nc6 Bla ck i s fo rc ed to f in d even mor e
might be intuitive for savants of the difficult moves. Qe7 14.Nxe4 0-0-0
game but a move like 5...Nd5 or This sequence is absolutely ridiculous
5...d5 looks much more natural to but I suppose castling queenside was
me. This leads to very concrete their idea all along... 15.Nd6+ cxd6
complications. 6.0-0-0 Bb7 7.d5 16.exd6 Bxd6 17.Rxd6 Rhe8 18.Rd4
7.d5 puts Black under direct Black has a slight initiative but once
pressure and forces Black to make White consolidates Black will suffer
a difficult decision. 7...Ne7 8.e4 due to the isolated d-pawn. From a
Black must find a difficult sequence practical perspective, White has
of moves here to equalize. 8...Ng6 decent chances. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
[ 8...Bxc3 9.Qxc3 A few moves e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #7/14 ]
equalize here but the position remains 10.Qxf4 0-0 11.h4 The position remains
very tense. exd5 ( 9...Ng6 10.Qxc7 extremely imbalanced but White's
Qxc7 11.Bxc7 Nxe4 12.dxe6 fxe6 position is preferred because the
13.Nh3 Black has equalized but there kingside attack is very natural. The
is still plenty of chess to be played. 7) bishop on b7 is also very passive
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 due to White's central structure. 7)
#9/14; 9...Nxe4 10.Qxg7 Rg8 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
11.Qxh7 Nf6 As Ivanchuk says, e6 #6/14
backwards knight moves are very hard 4...Nd5 The computer isn't a fan of
to find. 12.Qd3 Nexd5 13.Bd2 4...Nd5 but it has been played in
The position remains very complex m a n y g a m e s s o I ' ve c h o s e n t o
with both sides having chances. I include it. One should consider that
prefer White because of the bishop 4 . Q d 3 i s b a s i c a l l y u n k n o wn s o
pair and the h-pawn is potentially you'll definitely get some unique
very dangerous. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 r e s p o n s e s . 5.Bd2 Nxc3 6.bxc3
e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #10/14) 10.Bxc7 It might not be intuitive to double
Qc8 11.Qg3 Nxe4 12.Qxg7 Rg8 your pawns but in this case, the
 10

extra tempo is crucial and White e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #13/14

seizes the initiative. 6...Be7
[ 6...Ba5 7.e4 c5 8.h4 White is going 8
6...Qa5 7.Be5 Ng4 This sequence
to launch a kingside attack. h5-h6 is is likely to only be played by
an idea and a rook lift is possible as someone who spends their time
well. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2. analyzing the most obscure
Nc3 e6 #12/14 ] sidelines of the Moke London. I
7.Qg3 0-0 8.e4 d6 9.h4 White's play is th i n k I' m t h e o n l y p e r s o n d o i n g
extremely direct. h5 is coming next that... 7...Nxc5 8.Qd4 transposes
and White will develop very to the variation 6...Nxc5. 8.Bd4 e5
naturally. White also has a Black is putting significant pressure
stronghold over the center and will on White, but White has very
maintain an initiative. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2. interesting counterattacking
Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #11/14 chances. 9.h3 exd4 10.Qe4+ Kd8
4...d5 4... d5 is probably the most 11.Nd5 Black is suddenly the one under
natural move, but this is where the attack! 11...Re8 12.Qxg4 Qxa2
p a r t y g e t s s t a r t e d . 5.a3 Bd6 13.Nxb4 Qa1+ 14.Kd2 Qxb2
6.Bxd6 Qxd6 Another series of only moves to
[ 6...cxd6 7.g4 As I've said many f o r c e a d r a w . . . 15.Nxa6 Qc3+
times before, I won't miss a chance to 16.Kc1 Qa1+ 17.Kd2 I think it's pretty
play g4! I continued the analysis in the obvious how ridiculous this
2 . . . e 6 c h a p t e r . Nxg4 8.Qg3 continuation is. If Black knows the
It is not uncommon for White's queen 'o p e ni n g th e o ry' t hi s fa r , th e n I
to go on a long journey. This is suppose they deserve a draw. 7) 1.
another illustration of how powerful d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6
the queen can be early on in the #3/14
opening. Nf6 9.Qxg7 Rg8 10.Qh6
Black is already in 'only move territory' 9
8...Bxc3 9.Qxc3 Qxa2 10.f3 Na4
if they want to avoid being worse. Nc6 11.Qd4 d5 12.e4 Let me remind you
11.0-0-0 Both sides have many once again that it isn't that critical
options here but the Black's king's to memorize this entire variation but
situation isn't that clear. I would say it's important to show how things
that this is dynamically equal where can develop. Also, if you happen to
both sides have very interesting ideas. be a very strong grandmaster, this
7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 might be very useful for your
e6 #14/14 ] preparation. 12...0-0 13.Bd3 Bd7
7.e4 White already has an advantage 14.Nh3 Black has many natural moves
here. The position will lead to a sort but only one of them equalizes.
of French structure where White's 14...Rfd8 14...Rfd8 is the best move by a
p l a y i s v e r y n a t u r a l . 7...dxe4 long shot. I suppose the rook is
8.Nxe4 Nxe4 9.Qxe4 Nd7 10.0-0-0 useful on d8 in some lines but it's
White's attack on the kingside will far from natural. This is not the first
be very strong. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 extremely inhuman move that Black
 11

n e e d s t o p l a y . 15.exd5 Rac8 You will notice a4 being a common

16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Qxf6 Qa1+ 18.Kd2 response to ...c6. It should be noted
Qxb2 19.Bxh7+ Kf8 20.Qxb2 Nxb2 how useful a4 is and how it is
The last sequence for Black wasn't cr i ti c a l t o ma in t ai n i ng a s p at i a l
that difficult to find but things advantage on the queenside. It is
r e m a i n e xt r e me l y c o m p l i c a t e d . clear that White has more space,
21.Rb1 Nc4+ 22.Kc1 After a long and if one can force Black into
forcing line we've reached an further passivity then it will lead to
imbalanced endgame which will the advantage growing. 6) Pirc 1.d4
most likely be a draw, but its Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-
imbalance could give dynamic O 6.O-O Bg4 #
chances for both sides. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 6...Nc6 Black wants to prepare ...e5,
2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #2/14 so it is critical to play d5 and kick
the knight away. 7.d5 The knight
10
10.Qxc3 Qxc3 11.Bxc3 b6 can move to 3 squares
Th e s e t yp e s o f e n d g a me s g i ve  StartBracket  b4, b8 and
White a slight edge, as the c3- e5  EndBracket  , all of which
bishop is very powerful. 7) 1.d4 Nf6 give W hite a comfo rtable edge .
2.Nc3 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 e6 #1 7...Nb4 It's hard to say what the knight is
doing on b4.
11
6...Bg4 7.Be3 Nc6 8.d5 Nb8 [ 7...Ne5 8.Nxe5 dxe5 9.Bc4
...Nb8 should also be noted here This is a relatively uncommon move in
but it's not really that critical as the database, but the main idea is to
White can secure a significant prevent any ideas with ...e6. Black's
advantage with natural play. doubled pawns aren't great in the long
[ 8...Bxf3 9.Bxf3 Ne5 10.Be2 c6 term and White will aim to push on
11.f4 Ned7 This is commonly the queenside. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
regarded as the 'main line' as has g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O Nc6
been played many times. It's important #]
to choose the setup here so that [ 7...Nb8 8.Be3 e6 ( 8...c6 9.a4
White retains a significant advantage. White has taken space on the
12.dxc6 bxc6 There are many moves queenside and Black is very cramped.
here and a lot of them can be played 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc –
in different orders but I believe it's 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O Nc6 #) 9.dxe6
best to have a prophylactic approach. Bxe6 10.Qd2 This sort of looks like a
13.Kh1 Immediately sidestepping any King’s Indian position but White has
po t e n t ia l t a c ti c s o n t h e d ia g o n a l . a strong center and a space
White is ready to play Qd2, Bf3 and advantage. White will aim to
maybe even g4. The bishop pair is consolidate the e4-pawn. 6) Pirc 1.d4
extremely strong here. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.
Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6. O-O Nc6 # ]
O-O Bg4 # ] 8.Bg5 The knight on b4 is clearly
9.h3 Bxf3 10.Bxf3 c6 11.a4 misplaced and White has a very
 12

comfortable position and natural O 6.O-O a6 #5 ]

play. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4- 7...Nc6
Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O Nc6 # [ 7...b5 Black has a few other options
6...Nbd7 6...Nbd7 is one of the less but 7...b5 is critical. 8.e5 Nfd7 9.Re1
common moves but it's important This is the next critical moment where
to illustrate how to punish it Black has a few crossroads.
i m m e d i a t e l y ! 7.e5 7.e5! is A) 9...dxe5 10.dxe5 Nc6
extremely strong, as it puts Black ( 10...Nb6 11.Bd3 Nc6 12.Bg5
under immediate pressure. Black is Bb7 13.Qd2 The position remains
f o r c e d i n t o p a s s i v i t y . 7...Ne8 very tense but Black's position is
The moves after 7.e5 aren't that very difficult to play. White's play
critical, as many moves lead to a remains very natural. 6) Pirc 1.d4
significant advantage, but I Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-
recommend the simplest one. 8.Bf4 O 6.O-O a6 #4) 11.Qd5 Bb7 12.e6
c6 9.a4 Black's position is extremely Nde5 13.exf7+ Nxf7 14.Be3
passive, and White is basically fully White has a significant edge.
developed. There's not much more Black's kingside structure is
to ask for. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 slightly compromised and has quite
3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O Nbd7 a few holes. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
6...a6 6...a6 has been trendy lately g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O a6
and has been played by Carlsen #3;
a n d D u b o v . 7.h3 h3 is always B) 9...Nc6 10.e6 fxe6 11.d5
useful from a prophylactic Black cannot recapture because we
perspective, e5 is looming as well. take back with check and win the
[ 7.a4 Nc6 This was played recently c6 -k ni gh t. The r ef or e, we ge t t o
by Dubov, Carlsen and Nepo, but the establish a very strong pawn on e6.
appropriate approach was not found Nce5 12.dxe6 Nf6 13.Nxe5
by any of their opponents, although all There are many tempting options
3 o f t h e m l o s t t h e i r g a me s . . . 8.a5 here but it's crucial to shatter their
The idea behind a5 is to stop Black s t r u c t u r e . dxe5 14.Bf3
from playing ... a5 in some cases . We can take a very positional route
White is ready to play d5 and it would here and head towards an
be dangerous for the c6-knight to go endgame as Black's structure is
to b4 because it can no longer be shattered and full of weaknesses.
protected by Black’s a-pawn. e5 9.d5 Qxd1 15.Rxd1 Rb8 16.Nd5
Ne7 10.Nd2 I don't want to get into a Bla ck is fo rce d t o b e ext remel y
ridiculous theoretical battle here, but precise. Nxd5 17.Bxd5 e4
this is looking very much like a The only move to attempt to
King’s Indian position where there will equalize. 18.Be3 Bxb2 19.Rab1
be a race to see if White can break Ba3 20.Ba7 Black is forced to
through on the queenside before s a c r i f i c e t h e e x c h a n g e ! Rb6
Black does on the kingside. 6) Pirc 1. 21.Bxb6 cxb6 22.c3 The position
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O- remains very imbalanced. Black's 2
 13

bishops are strong but the material Bxe5 ...Bxe5 immediately might seem
ad va n t a g e g i ve s W h i t e a s l i g h t natural but it is a mistake and White
edge. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3. is able to seize the initiative.
e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O a6 #2 ] [ 9...Qxd1 9...Qxd1 and 9...Bxe5 are
8.d5 Ne5 9.Nxe5 dxe5 When our evaluated similarly by the computer.
opponents played 6...Nc6, we Both lead to a similar position, but I
reached this position with the would say that the immediate
pawns on a7 and h2. 10.a4 e6 recapture on e5 is more natural.
11.Bc4 We're going to take a very 10.Rxd1 Bxe5 11.c3
positional approach here. 11...exd5 Black's queenside pieces are currently
12.Bxd5 We are giving up the bishop dormant and White is preparing to
pair in order to achieve a bind on bring the c1-bishop into the action.
t h e d a r k s q u a r e s . 12...Nxd5 Re8 12.Bg5 Black has multiple
13.Qxd5 c6 14.Qxd8 Rxd8 15.a5 options here, all of them leading to
Black's structure is fixed and they White having a comfortable advantage.
have many weaknesses on the dark The bishop on g5 aims to control the
s q u a r e s . W e wi l l a i m t o s l o wl y dark squares and puts additional
maneuver and create a bind on the pressure on Black. Bf5 12...Nc6 13.
dark squares. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2. Bb5 Kg7 14.Re1! transposes to 12...
Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O- Kg7. ( 12...Kg7 12...Nc6 13.Bb5 Kg7
O a6 #1 1 4 . Re 1 ! t r a n s p o s e s t o 1 2 . . . K g 7 .
6...e5 I would say that 6...e5 is a 13.Re1 The bishop on e5 is a bit
c r i t i c a l m o ve b e c a u s e B l a c k i s awkward, White aims to prepare f4
directly challenging the center. It is and put pressure on the e-file. Nc6
important to respond with a precise 14.Bb5 White's moves here are like a
sequence of moves to punish Black! symphony; everything is coming
7.dxe5 I have faced this line many times together. Black is under pressure on
with White and I've learned that it is e v e r y m o v e . h6 15.Be3 g5
crucial to take on e5. From an ...g5 is critical to stop f4. Black is not
objective perspective, it is also the out of the woods yet but the worse is
top computer line by far. From a be hi nd t he m. 16.Rad1 f6 17.Bd4
psychological perspective, you take Bxd4 18.cxd4 It is time to convert the
your opponent out of their comfort initiative into a concrete imbalance.
zone: many Modern players tend to Bf5 19.Bxc6 bxc6 20.Nc5
like complex tactical battles but Black's queenside structure is
you're going straight for an compromised. With perfect play, Black
endgame. 7...dxe5 8.Nxe5 can hold but from a practical
Interestingly enough, 8.Nxe5 is the perspective, White has great winning
2nd most common move and hasn't chances. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.
been played by anyone over 2400. e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O e5 #4 )
However, it is the top choice of the 13.Bf3 Nd7 14.Ng3 Bxg3 15.hxg3
engine by far and puts significant c6 16.g4 Be6 17.Bf4 White has the
pressure on Black! 8...Nxe4 9.Nxe4 bishop pair and Black's dark squares
 14

are very weak. Black will be tortured here with Bc4. We saw this position
here for a long time. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2. with Be3 and ...Qc7 included; the
Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O point is the same. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.
e5 #3 ] Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.
10.Bg5 Qxd1 11.Raxd1 Kg7 Be2 O ) 10.Bf4 Qe7 11.Qd2
Black should have taken the pawn The d6-pawn remains a target and
to have any chance to equalize, as White has a stronghold over the
now White retains an advantage. center. Black's pieces also don't
[ 11...Bxb2 12.c3 Cutting off the coordinate very well and they don't
bishop, Black's king could be in have a clear plan, while White can
s e r i o u s d a n g e r v e r y s o o n . Nc6 develop naturally. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.
13.Nf6+ Kg7 14.Nd5 Simultaneously Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.
attacking the c7-pawn and preparing Be2 O ]
Bf6! The bishop on b2 is totally out of 9.Be3 e5
the game. Rb8 ...Rb8 is the only [ 9...b6 10.Qd2 Bb7 11.Rfe1
move to avoid immediate doom. Th e r e i s n o n e e d f o r W h i t e t o d o
15.Bf6+ Kg8 16.Nxc7 White has won anything fancy: you can make
the pawn back and has a dominant si mp le d evel op me nt al moves a n d
position. The bishop on f6 is watch your opponent try to convince
extremely strong. Black's pieces are themselves that their position isn't
in disarray. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 terrible. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.
3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O-O e5 #2 ] e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O ]
12.c3 f4 will come next and the bishop 10.dxe5 Now the most common move for
on e5 will be taken. Once the Black is 10...dxe5 which is actually
bishop pair is acquired, Black's dark worse than 10...Nxe5, let's see how
squares will be very weak for the White should continue. 10...dxe5
rest of the game. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2. [ 10...Nxe5 11.Qd2 White is ready to
Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc – 5.Be2 O-O 6.O- bring the rook into the game and put
O e5 #1 further pressure on d6. White's play is
very natural here. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.
12
7...Nbd7 8.h3 White can proceed Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.
very naturally, there is no Be2 O ]
i m m e d i a t e r u s h . h 3 i s a n i c e 11.Bc4 This is another case where White
prophylactic move, preparing Be3 responds to ...dxe5 with Bc4. The
StartBracket ...Ng4 is always bishop is very strong on c4 and
an idea to kick away the bishop, puts pressure on f7. White doesn't
now it cannot be challenged. intend to play Ng5 next, but if the
 EndBracket  . After that, rook on f8 ever moves, Ng5 would
White will have completed their force the rook back to f8
development and have a StartBracket it's the only way
comfortable position. 8...Qc7 for Black to defend the f7-
[ 8...e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5 ( 9...dxe5 pawn  EndBracket  which
10.Bc4 The same concept applies further stunts the completion of
 15

Black's development. 6) Pirc 1.d4 the main lines which transpose but I
Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4. want to make sure that I'm covering
Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O all of the bases and that you are
fu l l y e q u i p p e d . 4.e3 e6 5.a3
13
9...e5 10.Qd2 Re8 If Black puts White shuts down all ...Bb4 ideas
significant pressure on the e4-pawn and continues with natural
then it is totally justified to release d e v e l o p m e n t . 5...Bd6 6.Qf3
the tension on e5. 11.dxe5 dxe5 I think this is 3rd or 4th time that I
12.Rfd1 It is abundantly clear that White have recommended to respond to ...
h a s a l e a d i n d e ve l o p me n t a n d Bd6 with Qf3 and I am impressed
Black has made many positional wi t h i t s p o we r e ve r y t i me . 6...c5
concessions. The key point will be The fact that 6...c5 is the best move
to restrict Black's development. 6) here makes it very clear that 3...c6
Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3. is not that critical. 7.Bxd6 Qxd6
e4 d6 4.Nf3 Bg7 5.Be2 O 8.g4 cxd4 9.exd4 Nc6 10.0-0-0 0-0
10.Qd2 e5 This is another example 11.g5 Ne8 12.Qe3 One should note
of an appropriate time to capture! t h a t t h i s va r i a t i o n i s n ' t e xa c t l y
11.dxe5 Nxe5 Black can recapture the forced but the point is to illustrate
pawn with the knight, but this how W h it e s ho uld p roc ee d wit h
leaves the d6-pawn very weak. d e ve l o p m e n t . B l a c k ' s k i n g wi l l
[ 11...dxe5 12.Bc4 Black is still clearly be a significant target. 9) 1.
completing development and their d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c6-3...c6
pieces are absolutely terrible. You with 4...e6
can simply compare the e3- and c4-
bishops to the g7- and c8-bishops and 15
4...b5 4...Bf5 5.Nf3 transposes to
that tells you everything you need to a position we have reached in
know about the position. 6) Pirc 1.d4 c h a p t e r 1 a f t e r 3 . . . a 6 . 5.h4
Nf6 2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 Funnily, Black is almost in
Bg7 5.Be2 O ] zugzwang. The move g4 is in
12.Rad1 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3 Ne8 14.b3 preparation and it is hard for Black
b 3 i s a ve r y n i c e c o n s o l i d a t i n g to find a productive move that isn't ...
move, simply asking Black to find a e6. This move might look ridiculous
productive move. Black's position is to some because usually when you
very ugly; the knight on e8 is play h4 there is a pawn on g6 and
extremely passive. 6) Pirc 1.d4 Nf6 you are trying to attack the king.
2.Nc3 g6 3.e4-Pirc 3.e4 d6 4.Nf3 Th e s e c r e a t i ve c o n c e p t s r e a l l y
Bg7 5.Be2 O make this opening special. 5...c5
This move has been played in the
14
3...c6 3...c6 is one of the common majority of games in the database
moves but in most cases, it and I honestly have no reason why.
transposes to lines that we have I thought about ignoring the move
already covered. I could have left but I suppose I can show how to get
this move out and referred you to a +2 position.
 16

[ 5...e6 6.g4 b4 6...h6 transposes to Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 b5 #2/

 StartFEN  rnbqkb1r/1pp1pppp/ 3]
p4n2/3p4/3P1B2/2N1P3/PPP2PPP/ 6.dxc5 Nc6 7.Nf3 e6 8.Nd4 Bb7
R 2 Q K B N R b K Q k q - 0 9.Nxc6 Bxc6 10.b4 The c5-pawn has
4 EndFEN  4...e6 5.g4! h6 6. been consolidated; White is up a
h4! b5! . In this position, we clear pawn, and a connected
concluded that Bg2 followed by Qf3, passed pawn at that, the game is
Q h 3 w a s v e r y s t r o n g . 7.Na4 pretty much over. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
This has never been played before but d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 b5 #1/3
it's critical from a theoretical
perspective as it has been visited 37 16 5...c5 Interestingly enough, c5 is
times in the cloud so I'd say some top the most common move in the
p l a y e r s a r e a w a r e o f t h i s . Bd6 database but it actually gives White
7...h6 8.Bg2 Bd6 9.g5 transposes an advantage. This is another
to the position we reached after 4...e6. example of Top GMs having no clue
( 7...Bd7 7...h6 8.Bg2 Bd6 9.g5 w h a t t o d o . 6.g5 Nfd7 7.Qg4
transposes to the position we reached I was the first to play this idea in
after 4...e6. 8.c4 dxc4 9.Bxc4 Bd6 the World Rapid and Blitz. I actually
10.g5 Nd5 11.Bxd5 exd5 12.Ne2 got an amazing position which I
Bb5 13.Nc5 Things remain extremely managed to throw away under time
u n b a l a n c e d b u t W h i t e h a s a ve r y pressure. But this certainly was a
solid structure and there's always gre at i ll us tr at ion o f th is move' s
potential to attack on the queenside. power. 7...Nc6 8.0-0-0 b5 9.Qg3
There's also an argument to be made We see the Qg3 motif repeated and
th a t Bl a c k ' s q u e en s i d e i s s li g h t l y Black is has a very difficult decision
overextended from a positional here. 9...Bb7
perspective. Yet again this wasn't all [ 9...b4 White sacrifices a piece on d5
forced but these were the top moves again! 10.Nxd5 exd5 11.Bc7 Qe7
and what I would expect if someone 12.Bg2 It is clear that Black is
prepared it deeply. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 completely uncoordinated and the
d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 b5 #3/3) king is stuck in the center. This attack
8.g5 Ne4 9.Bd3 Bxf4 10.exf4 Bd7 is very difficult to deal with and very
The knight on a4 might seem a bit easy for White to play. Ra7 13.Bxd5
weak but this motif saves the day If you can guess the best move here,
again! 11.c4 It seems like the a4- yo u s h o u l d q u i t yo u r d a y j o b a n d
knight is some trouble but c4 is b e c o m e a c h e s s p r o f e s s i o n a l . b3
extremely strong as it protects the I can't even begin to explain why this
knight and puts pressure on Black's is the best move so I will just leave it
center. Bc6 12.Rh3 It is always time here and conclude that Black is in big
for a rook lift. The position is equal trouble. 14.Bxb3 White maintains a
objectively, but White maintains huge attack and has 2 pawns for the
attacking chances and Black has a piece while Black's position is
small margin of error. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2. discombobulated in every way
 17

possible. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 6.Qf3 The queen is developed early
a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #6/16 ] again, showing that castling
[ 9...Ra7 ...Ra7 is the best move by far queenside as soon as possible is
b u t i n s a n i t y s t i l l c o n t i n u e s . 10.e4 critical to maintaining the initiative.
Black must find a difficult sequence of 6...b5
o n l y m o v e s . cxd4 ( 10...Nxd4 [ 6...Bxf4 7.Qxf4 Qd6 8.Qxd6 cxd6
11.exd5 e5 One should note that this 9.f3 This endgame is just a freeroll for
sequence is absolutely ridiculous and White. Black's pawns are doubled and
I highly doubt that this will happen in White has some extra space on the
a practical game. But it's important to kingside. The bishop on c8 is also
k n o w h o w t o r e a c t ! 12.Bxe5 Nf5 stuck behind the pawn chain. White
13.Qf4 Nxe5 14.Qxe5+ Re7 will enjoy torturing Black in a long
This entire rook lift is the epitome of game. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-
how modern computers have changed 3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #10/16 ]
chess. I've seen these types of rook 7.g5 Nfd7 8.h4 All the same ideas are
lifts before but never in this type of played when trying to expand on
position. 15.Qf4 Qd6 16.Qf3 Nd4 the kingside. You'll notice that the
17.Qg3 Nf5 18.Qf3 A repetition is h2-b8 diagonal is a common
basically forced if neither side wants fighting ground and is critical to
to be worse. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. control. 8...Qe7 9.Qg3
B f 4 a 6 - 3 . B f 4 a 6 4 . e 3 e 6 # 8 / 1 6) It is important to maintain control
11.exd5 Ne7 12.dxe6 fxe6 13.Ne4 over this diagonal, and it opens up
White keeps the initiative and has a the f3-square for the knight. 5) 1.d4
very strong attack. Black's king will not Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.
be leaving the center anytime soon. 5) e3 e6 #9/16
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.
e3 e6 #7/16 ] 17
6...b5 7.a3 Be7 8.g5 Nh5 9.h4
10.Bc7 You may be reluctant to play the Nxf4 10.Nxf4 White has taken
bishop to c7 as it might look significant space on the kingside,
awkward there but it completely thus, making it difficult for Black to
halts Black's attack. The queen castle. White will continue pushing
would usually go to a5 and be very on the kingside. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
dangerous but now it cannot enter d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #12/
the attack smoothly. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2. 16
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 6...0-0 7.a3 Be7 8.g5 This idea
#5/16 has been played by Carlsen and
5...Bd6 Bd6 is the 4th common Firouzja; it's clearly an important
move but I think it is critical to show theoretical battleground in the
how to immediately gain an Jobava London. Things become
advantage. It's quite logical from a extremely complicated here.
general perspective, although the 8...Nfd7 Despite ...Nfd7 being
Jobava London does not abide by significantly less common it is
the general principles of chess. critical as well. There are multiple
 18

ways to proceed here but I prefer precise. One should note that I am
the most aggressive one! playing the best defensive moves to
[ 8...Nh5 9.h4 Nxf4 10.Nxf4 show the degree of precision required
This entire sequence is more or less to defend. 23.Nxf6 Rxf6 24.Qxg7+
forced as there is a big gap in the 1st Nd7 25.Kb1 The forcing continuation
and 2nd moves for Black. c5 11.Bd3 still goes on after this, but the
This is an extremely critical moment computer gives White a slight edge. I
wh e r e B l a c k m u s t d e c i d e h o w t o would certainly prefer to have White
defend against White's attack. 11...f5 here. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.
and 11...c4 are the 2 options. Both Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #14/16 ]
moves are equal but 11...c4 is much 9.e4 e4 puts direct pressure in the center
more forcing and was played by and forces Black to make a difficult
W e s l e y S o . c4 12.Bxh7+ Kxh7 position. It's very tempting to take
The crazy sequences continues. the g5-pawn but this gives White
13.Qh5+ Kg8 14.g6 fxg6 15.Nxg6 amazing practical attacking
Rf5 16.Qh8+ Kf7 17.Qh7 chances. 9...Bxg5 10.Rg1 Bxf4
Wesley actually made a mistake here 11.Nxf4 Qh4 12.Qf3 Nc6 13.0-0-0
by playing 17...Bf6 . 17...Nc6 and Despite being down a pawn White
17...Nd7 both equalize but one has the initiative and Black is
should note that when you are playing behind in development. Things are
the game, it is absolutely terrifying extremely complex here but I think it
and you have no idea if the position is is fair to conclude that White has
e q u a l o r n o t . Bf6 17...Bf6 is a very amazing attacking chances. 5) 1.d4
logical defensive move but White can Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.
break through with brute force. e3 e6 #13/16
( 17...Nc6 18.e4 dxe4 19.Nh8+ Ke8 6...h6 7.a3 Be7 8.Nc1 c5 9.dxc5
20.0-0-0 Black must be very precise Simply recapturing gives White an
here to force a draw. Qa5 The best advantage. 9...Nfd7 This is the only
defense is a strong attack! 21.Rhg1 way to equalize and it's very difficult
Bxa3 22.Rxg7 Bxb2+ 23.Kxb2 Qb4+ to find. 10.Nd3 Nxc5 11.Nxc5
24.Kc1 Qa3+ 25.Kb1 Qb4+ 26.Kc1 Bxc5 12.Qd3 The position remains
A repetition is forced. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2. imbalanced. White will castle
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #15/ queenside and start to attack the
16 ) 18.Nh8+ Ke7 19.0-0-0 Kd7 black king with h4 and g5. 5) 1.d4
20.e4 It is crucial to break everything Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.
open! dxe4 21.d5 White is continuing e3 e6 #16/16
the initiative and making things very
difficult for Black. From a practical 18 10.Nh5 Black's king is a bit
perspective, this is very scary for awkward, and White will continue to
B l a c k a n d i s l i k e l y t o m a k e ma n y bring more pieces into the attack. 5)
opponents panic. Qa5 22.Nxe4 Kc7 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4
A s e q u e n c e o f 2 o n l y mo ve s , b u t a6 4.e3 e6 #11/16
Black is forced to be even more
 19
19
6...b5 7.Bg2 g6 ...g6 is very logical their initial squares. White's initiative
because you want to have ...Nh5 in remains extremely strong. 5) 1.d4 Nf6
response to g5. White has a very 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #3/
thematic idea here. 16 ]
[ 7...b4 8.Na4 Nbd7 ( 8...Bd6 9.g5 8.Qf3 Nbd7 9.Qg3 c5 The queen and
White's position seems to just flow bishop are a very strong combo.
very nicely. There is always a White is ready to finish
continuous initiative and the same development. 10.Bc7 Qe7 11.a3
ideas generally apply. Black must play Prophylaxis is very important: ...
very precisely here! Bxf4 10.exf4 cxd4 followed by ...Qb4 was a
Ne4 This sequence is more or less potential idea. The position is
forced, but here comes the critical equal according to the computer but
idea. 11.Nf3 Nc6 12.Qe2 Qd6 from a practical perspective, I have
13.Qe3 This sequence forced even no idea what Black should do.
mo r e o n l y mo ve s f r o m B l a c k . Bd7 Black's pieces are very restricted by
14.Nc5 Nc5 is extremely strong and t h e b i s h o p o n c 7 a n d yo u c a n ' t
poses a very difficult question. really play ...Bg7 and castles
Black's king situation is also quite because of Bd6. Therefore, White
unclear. Black has made significant can freely finish development and
positional concessions on the add more pressure. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
queenside and kingside so neither are Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6
optimal. Nxd4 This is the only move #2/16
to equalize but the sequence of
di ff ic ul t moves c o nt in ue s . 15.Nxd4 20
10.g5 Ng8 11.0-0-0 Black must be
Qxc5 16.Bxe4 dxe4 17.0-0-0 0-0-0 extremely precise here to not simply
18.Qxe4 Qd5 19.f3 There is still a lot g e t c r u s h e d . 11...Qa5 12.gxh6
to play for here and White has a very Nxh6 13.Nxd5 exd5 14.Qxd5 Bb7
slight edge in this endgame. Keep in 15.Bg2 Black's king is stuck in center.
mind that this concrete variation does Let's see the only way to survive...
need to be memorized, but is a 15...Be7 16.Rhe1 Rd8 17.Qb3 Bb4
perfect illustration of the inhuman level You must voluntarily accept the
of precision needed to equalize. From discovered check... 18.Nc3+ Kf8
this, we can infer that the dynamics of 19.d5 Ne7 20.Bg5 The series of only
this position are much easier to play m o v e s k e e p s g o i n g . 20...Bd6
from the white side. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 21.Bxe7+ Bxe7 22.d6 Rxd6 23.Bxb7
d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 #4/16) Nf5 24.Ne4 Rxd1+ 25.Rxd1
9.c4 This is the second time that we It seems like we've reached the end
h a ve s e e n t h e c 4 - b r e a k w i t h t h e of the rainbow. After insane
knight on a4. c4 is incredibly effective calculations and many only moves
at putting central pressure and from Black, White still has an
bringing the knight off the rim. bxc3 advantage. If another top
10.Nxc3 Rb8 11.g5 Ng8 12.g6 grandmaster plays 6...c5, they will
Most of Black's pieces are still on be punished severely. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
 20

Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-3.Bf4 a6 4.e3 e6 leading to a piece sacrifice. In this

#1/16 case, White has a slight advantage
b u t m u s t p l a y a c c u r a t e l y . 11.Be5
21
5...e6 This is a move that I have The bishop on e5 is an all-star. It
faced quite a lot in blitz but White is defends c3 and allows for White to
able to get a slightly better position continue developing. Qe7 11...Qe7 is
with the bishop pair. One should critical, it's important to put immediate
also note that 5...e6 is the second pressure on the poorly-placed knight
most popular move. It is very clear on a4. Castling immediately would
that after 4...c5, even top GMs are give White enough time to develop.
unaware of the theory. 6.Na4 Nbd7 12.Qc2 0-0 The initiative continues
This has been played in a few for Black but White can consolidate
games but no GMs on the black with precise play! 13.Nb2 Here comes
side. If Black prepares well, things ye t a n o t h e r r i d i c u l o u s i d e a . Rac8
can be very complex but from an It's very difficult to explain why this is
objective perspective, White has an the best move without looking at the
edge. computer. The first question you ask
[ 6...Bxc5 7.Nxc5 Qa5+ 8.c3 Qxc5 yourself is 'why not Bxa6?'. ...Rfc8 is
9.Nf3 Nc6 10.Bd3 0-0 11.0-0 Qe7 the most intuitive move if you intend
12.Ne5 It is critical to play Ne5 here to to bring a rook to the c-file. However,
stop Black from playing ...e5. Black's Black has an absolutely beautiful rook
dark squares are very weak so it is s a c r i f i c e . 14.Bxa6 Ng4 15.Bxc8
important to maintain the f4-bishop's Rxc8 Black is down a full rook but
scope. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 White's king is still in the center and
a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e ] Black's pieces are all very active.
7.b4 Ne4 7...Ne4 is certainly not liked by 16.Ne2 Nxe5 17.0-0 White had to
the computer but it's important to give back the piece but still remains
know how to properly respond. up the exchange. Despite Black's
[ 7...e5 Including ...e5 before playing ... activity, White has an advantage and
b6 certainly doesn't help Black's the material advantage will be
cause. 8.Bg5 b6 9.Bxf6 Qxf6 valuable long term. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
10.Qxd5 Two pawns to the good! 5) 1. d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2. a6 4.e ]
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e ] 8.f3 g5 9.fxe4 gxf4 10.exf4 Black has
[ 7...b6 7...b6 is always critical in many tries here, it is important to
these structures because it is the be pr ecis e in resp onse to a ll o f
most direct way to challenge the pawn them. 10...Qf6
chain. However, in most cases, Black [ 10...b5 11.Qd4 Qd4 is extremely
is sacrificing a piece so I feel like the strong and forces ...Rg8, so Black will
idea is difficult for humans to play from not be able to castle. Rg8 12.Nc3 a5
a practical perspective. 8.c6 Bxb4+ 13.c6 c6 puts Black under direct
9.c3 Ba5 10.cxd7+ Bxd7 This is not pressure. axb4 14.Nxb5 Nf6 15.c7
the first time that we have seen b6 Qe7 16.exd5 exd5+ 17.Ne2
 21

This is an example of the ridiculous choice between 9...Qa7 and 9...Qa5

complications that can ensue. White A) 9...Qa5 10.c4 dxc4
still has an advantage. I don't think This position is already very difficult
it's necessary to go any farther but I from a practical perspective. Black
suppose one should be aware of the might be up a pawn but it's always
potential complications. The good to play with a king in the center.
thing is that White is favored with 11.Nc3 b5 12.a4 b4 13.Nb1
t h e l a r g e m a j o r i t y, e s p e c i a l l y a s Th e whi t e pa wn c ha i n is fa l li n g
you'll most likely know much more apart. If you start analyzing this with
about the positions than your the computer, you'll slowly realize
opponent. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 how ridiculously difficult it is to play
a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e ] for Black. c3 ( 13...Nh5 14.Bg5 h6
11.Ne2 dxe4 12.Nac3 The e4-pawn will 15.Bh4 g5 16.Nfd2 gxh4 17.Bxh5
be p i c k e d u p s oo n . W h i t e mu s t c3 18.bxc3 And of course the best
consolidate, as Black has a lot of m o v e h e r e i s . . . Bb7 19.Nc4
t a c t i c a l p o s s i b i l i t i e s . 12...Bg7 The computer claims that it's equal
13.Qd6 Black is in a weird type of here but the path to this position
zugzwang and is forced to trade off is absolutely ridiculous. The black
the queens. 13...a5 14.Rd1 Qe7 king is still in the center and the
15.Nb5 Qxd6 16.cxd6 0-0 17.Nc7 Ra7 position remains very dangerous. 5)
18.b5 White is up a pawn and has a 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4
stronghold over the position. e4 is Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e) 14.bxc3
slightly weak as well. White can Bb7 15.cxb4 Bxb4 This is a more
activate the h1-rook with h4+Rh3! logical response but White still has
5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 a few tries. 16.Qb3 0-0 17.Rc1
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e Na3 is next and Black's position is a
5...Qa5 6.Nf3 Qxc5 7.Be2 e6 bit loose. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
7...Nc6 8.O-O e6 transposes into Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6
the main line of this variation. 8.0-0 4.e;
Bd7 This is logical so stop any Na4 B) 9...Qa7 10.Ne5 Nxe5 11.Bxe5
ideas but here White can maintain b5 12.Nc3 Be7 13.a4 b4 14.Na2
the initiative. Th i s i s mo r e o r l e s s f o r c e d b u t
[ 8...Be7 White is ready to punish this White retains a slight initiative and
natural-looking move. 9.Na4 Qa7 is able to put some pressure. 0-0
10.e4 After Be3 the queen will be 15.c3 bxc3 16.Nxc3 The bishop on
trapped. b6 11.exd5 Nxd5 12.Bg3 e 5 i s j u s t s o s t r o n g . W h i t e wi l l
Bb7 13.c4 The queen on a7 is follow up with a5, cementing the
absolutely ridiculous and the b3-pawn we a kn e ss on a6 . I t wi ll be ve r y
is very weak. White is much better. 5) difficult for Black to consolidate
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2. considering how many holes there
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e ] are on the queenside. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
[ 8...Nc6 9.Na4 This is where things Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
become very interesting. Black has a 3.Bf4 a6 4.e ]
 22

9.Qd3 White aims to put direct pressure b e d o m i n a n t . 14...f5 This is the

on Black with the e4-break! 9...Nc6 best move but very difficult to see,
10.a3 If Black simply develops here they even after this W hite's initiative
land in big trouble. Precision is c o n t i n u e s . 15.g3 g3 is a strong
required. 10...Be7 prophylactic move, preparing Nh4.
[ 10...Nh5 11.Be5 Nxe5 12.Nxe5 Nf6 15...Bg7 16.Nh4 Nd4 17.Ne3 cxb4
13.Nxd7 Nxd7 14.e4 The Black King 18.axb4 f4 19.Nef5 f5 is the ideal
is still in the center. You'll notice this square for the knight. The bishop
is a common theme where White has on g7 is simply dominated. 19...0-0
a lead in development and uses the 20.0-0 Nxf5 21.Nxf5 Qg5 22.Nxg7
initiative to capitalize. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2. Kxg7 23.Re1 After this long sequence
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. Black is still very far from being
Bf4 a6 4.e ] equal. Black's king is totally
11.b4 Qa7 12.Rad1 e4 will come next exposed, the a6- and e5-pawns are
and White is crashing through. 5) 1. potential weaknesses. White has
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 great practical chances 5) 1.d4 Nf6
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e
22
9...b6 The only move to not be 10.Bxf6 Bxf6 11.Ne4 Black has a
basically lost immediately. 10.Nf3 few valiant tries but everything is
bxc5 11.Bc4 Black has many options just very bad. 11...Bg4
here but all of which give White a [ 11...Be7 12.c3 Once the queens are
s i g n i f i c a n t a d va n t a g e . I wi l l g o traded the queenside majority will be
through the most logical ones. too much to handle. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
11...Be6 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
[ 11...Be7 12.Nxe5 0-0 13.0-0 Bf5 a6 4.e ]
Black is doing a good job of creating 12.Be2 Nxe2 13.Nd6+ This isn't very
counterplay but White can retain the pretty; Black is basically lost. 5) 1.
advantage with precise play. 14.Be3 d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6
Nxc2 15.Qxd8 Bxd8 16.Bxc5 Nxa1 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 a6 4.e
17.Bxf8 Kxf8 18.Rxa1 White is up a
pawn and this will be very difficult to 23
4...c6 4...c6 is the second most
defend. If you let the position run on popular move in the database but it
a very strong computer you might be is a bit too slow for my taste. White
able to hold but for humans, the most can proceed with very natural
likely result is 1-0. 5) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d e v e l o p m e n t . 5.h3 This also
d5 3.Bf4 a6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 transposes to a variation analyzed
a6 4.e ] in the 3...g6 chapter. You'll find that
12.Bxe6 Nxe6 13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.Nd5 3...c6 leads to many transpositions
Black's pawn structure is in ruins to variations that we have already
and the knight is extremely strong analyzed. 5...Bg7 6.Nf3 0-0 7.Be2
on d5. The f3-knight could The computer is suggesting some
potentially go to f5 where it would weird expansion on the queenside
 23

but it's clear that White has a slight on the queenside. 9...b4 10.Na2
advantage and that 4...c6 is in no a5 11.c3 bxc3 12.Nxc3 12.bxc3 might
way challenging. It should also be look more natural, but White will
noted that the most common moves put pressure on the c6-pawn. The
are not correct at all. 7...b5 bishop on f4 is very important
[ 7...Nbd7 8.a4 Taking crucial space be ca u se i t p r even t s B la ck fr o m
on the queenside and stopping Black playing ...Rb8 and putting pressure
from playing b5. b6 9.0-0 Bb7 10.a5 on the b2-pawn. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
Black is under serious pressure and d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
t h e a - p a wn i s ve r y d a n g e r o u s . b5 Bf4 g6 wit
11.b4 Black's dark squares are
extremely weak and the b7-bishop is 24
6...c6 7.Nc3 Black can try to put
completely stuck behind the pawn some pressure but White can
chain. White will maneuver the c3- easily consolidate. 7...Qa5 8.Bd3
knight to d3. White's space advantage c5 9.Bxa6 Interestingly enough, we
makes it very difficult for Black to have provoked the move ...c5. We
develop. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 could have captured on a6 a move
g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 wit ] earlier but now Black is forced to
8.0-0 Nbd7 give up the c5-pawn or double the a-
[ 8...a5 9.a3 One might wonder why pawns, both of which are not ideal.
we don't play 9.a4 here as we did 9...Qxa6
after 8...Nbd7. The answer is simple: [ 9...bxa6 10.Be5 Black's pawn
the move ...a5 anticipates a4 as the structure is in ruins and the bishop on
pawn on b4 would be defended e5 is extremely strong. Not only does
already. However, with ...Nbd7 played it control the g7-bishop, it also
instead of ...a5, our opponent is prevents ...Rb8 so b2 isn't that weak.
caught slightly off guard so the idea c3 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4
can come immediately after Na2. In Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 †]
this case, they have the ...Ba6 idea 10.dxc5 0-0 11.Be5 The same idea,
which equalizes easily: 9...b4 10.Na2 shutting down any counterplay by
Ba6 11.c3 bxc3 12.Nxc3 Black is Black: the e5-bishop controls the g7-
able to trade off the a6-bishop which bishop and can also act as a
was bad in th e previ ous li ne. Th e defender of the b2-pawn. 11...b6
knight is arguably better placed on b8 12.cxb6 Qxb6 13.Rb1 Ba6 14.Nge2
as well because it protects the c6- White is ready to castle. Although
p a wn a n d c a n r e c a p t u r e o n a 6 i f B l a c k h a s t h e t wo b i s h o p s a n d
needed. Nbd7 10.Bd3 While Black is some activity, the extra pawn will
aiming to take space on the be valuable long term and White
queenside, White keeps the e4-break has very little risk. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
in sight. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 wit ] 3.Bf4 g6 â€
9.a4 Provoking ...b4 and preventing 6...0-0 7.Nf3 If White is not familiar
Black from taking any more space with the ...Ne4 idea, it's easy to go
 24

wrong. 7...c6 White has temporarily sacrificed a

[ 7...Bf5 It is also logical for Black to pawn but gained significant time.
develop the bishop but this isn't really Black's pieces are really not
a challenging line. 8.Bd3 White is coo rd in at in g. The b is ho p on c 8
g o i n g t o c a s t l e n e xt a n d h a s t h e cannot move because it must
d e s i r e d s t r u c t u r e . Bxd3 9.cxd3 defend b7. The knight on a6 is
O f c o u r s e W h i t e wi l l n o t m i s s a n doing nothing and cannot move
opportunity to recapture with the c- because of the f4-bishop. The g7-
pawn. Black's pawn usually isn't on g6 bishop is hitting concrete on d4 and
in this structure. This is arguably an Black's queen is overextended. c5
improved version for White because ( 12...Qa5 13.c4 The initiative
the bishop on f4 is not challenged. 4) continues as Black struggles to
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2. coordinate. This is very easy to play
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 †] for White from a practical
[ 7...c5 7...c5 is quite a common move perspective. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
in the database, but it doesn't really Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6
make much sense at all. If you intend †) 13.Qc1 Black's queen is still in
to play ...c5, you should play ...c6 to danger and it's unclear how Black
move the knight from b5. In this case, will complete development. White
the knight is very strong on b5 and will activate their pieces and see
the knight on a6 is completely how Black responds. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
dominated. 8.Be2 Bd7 9.a4 cxd4 Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
10.exd4 Nb4 11.c3 Nc6 12.0-0 3.Bf4 g6 â€;
White has finished development and B) 9...c5 This is also a possibility
has a slightly better position. White bu t i t a l l ows W h it e to co mpl e t e
has control over e5 and a bit more development without sacrificing a
space on the queenside. The knight pawn. 10.0-0 Nxc3 11.bxc3
on b5 however isn't great and will Black already has a difficult
likely be maneuvered. The best decision to make. The open b-file
square would be d3. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2. will also be of use to White. 4) 1.d4
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.
Bf4 g6 †] Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 †]
[ 7...Ne4 ...Ne4 is an option after 8.Nc3 Black has to follow up c6 with
castles as well, but White is under extremely precise moves to fully
significantly less direct pressure here. equalize but White's play is still
8.Be2 White is willingly sacrificing a very natural. The good thing about
pawn to ensure rapid development. c6 3. g6, is that White is able to play
9.Nc3 the same exact developing moves
A) 9...Qa5 There are about 3 so there isn't much to memorize.
different orders of captures this 8...Nc7 8...Nc7 is very common in the
pawn on c3, I chose 9...Qa5 database but it's not critical at all.
because it is the most direct. 10.0-0 Yo u' ll no ti c e a co mmo n p at te r n
Nxc3 11.bxc3 Qxc3 12.Rb1 where even top 10 players have no
 25

idea what they are doing here. White's central pawn chain restricts
[ 8...Qb6 9.Rb1 c5 10.Be5 the g7-bishop, and it's unclear how
Be5 is very strong again. One should B l a c k s h o u l d p r o c e e d . 9...Qb6
note that the placement of the knight The natural response might be to
on a6 is why the bishop can stand defend the e4-pawn but Black must
unchallenged on e5. It is becoming create direct counterplay to
clear why Nb5 was played in the first equalize. 10.Nge2 Qxb2 11.a4
place. There are many different White is threatening to trap the
options here but it's clear that White queen with Rb1. 11...Qb4 12.a5
will be able to develop easily while Restricting the queen even more.
B l a c k t r i e s t o c o o r d i n a t e . cxd4 Both sides have various options
11.Bxd4 Qe6 12.Be2 Rd8 13.0-0 b6 here, but it's clear that Black's
14.b4 The knight on a6 is still very bad. q u e e n h a s m a d e o n e t o o ma n y
White has a stronghold over the consecutive moves. White will
central squares. a4-a5 is an idea to recapture the pawn and complete
put further pressure on the queenside. development. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6 †] g6 â€
9.Be2 Ne6 10.Be5 Yet again, the
awkward placement of the knight on 26
10.Nbc3 f5 10...Qb6 is still an
e6 makes the bishop on e5 very option here, but 10...f5 is very
strong. 10...b6 11.0-0 Bb7 natural. 11.h4 White doesn't even
It is common to respond to ...b6 and need to castle. The computer is
...Bb7 in these positions with a4 suggesting some weird ideas where
and a5! 12.a4 a5 is sort of a you play f3, Kf2 and proceed with a
positional threat. White's pieces Kingside attack. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
coordinate well and the Bishop on d5 3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
e5 is extremely strong as it restricts Bf4 g6 â€
Black's pieces quite well. Note that
12.Nb1 also is a very interesting 27
10.hxg3 Black has finally taken the
idea, improving the Knight. This bishop pair, but in exchange White
backward maneuver is most has a significant lead in
commonly seen in the Bryer development, the open h-file and
variation but it is also common in Black's kingside pawn structure is
this opening. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 quite tender. 4) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
3.Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf4 g6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 g6
g6 †wit
25
7...c6 8.Bxe4 dxe4 9.Nc3 28 6...Qa5+ 7.c3 Qxc5 8.Qa4+ Nc6
Black must go pawngrabbing to fully 9.Qxe4 Bf5 9...Bf5 is a very natural
equalize. From a practical alternative to 9...g6 and a move that
perspective, I like White's position. I faced. However, it is a mistake
The knight on a6 is poorly placed, and allows White to have an edge.
 26

[ 9...Qb6 10.0-0-0 Another point plan. The key point is to keep these
where castles is a strong response to simple and make incremental
...Qb6. Whenever you have the progress. In simpler words, bore them
chance to take a lead in development, to death. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
take it! g6 11.Nf3 Bg7 12.Qe3 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #15/16 ]
White transfers into the endgame 10.Qa4 Qb6 11.0-0-0 Castles is critical.
where we will a slight edge. White's Black's king is still in the center
king is actually better on the and White has a strong initiative. 3)
q u e e n s i d e a s i t k e e p s t h e p a wn s 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4
protected. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #13/16
c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #14/16 ]
[ 9...g6 10.Nf3 Bg7 11.Qe3 Qxe3+ 29 7...Bd7 8.Be3 A prophylactic move,
12.Bxe3 0-0 13.Be2 The position is p r e p a r i n g t o p l a y b 4 . 8...e6
equal from an objective perspective Although 8...e6 looks natural, it is
but the queenside majority makes it a an inaccuracy. The e4-pawn
bit easier to play. Be6 14.0-0 Rfd8 becomes an immediate target.
15.a4 This position may look harmless, [ 8...e5 This is critical for Black to
but this forced Black to make a equali ze, o therwise W hite has a n
difficult decision. If Black allows a5, a d v a n t a g e . 9.Bc4 f5 10.g3
then some weaknesses will be The advance of Black's pawn is halted,
created. However , there also is a now White has the time to develop.
drawback to playing ...b6 because it's Once developed, the queenside
also weakening in another regard. majority can slowly be advanced. Nc6
Na5 ( 15...b6 16.Rfd1 White has very 11.Ne2 Black has a few naturally
simple play here. You can trade a pair developing moves, the order of them
of rooks and play Nd2. Then you can doesn't matter much. The point is to
bring the king into the game and illustrate White's plan. Be7 12.h4
slowly improve. White has no It's very important to prevent ...g5, to
weaknesses and plays this endgame keep the central pawns in place. 0-0-0
without any risk. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 13.a3 Preparing b4 and thereby
3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #16/16) provoking ...a5, which would weaken
16.Rfd1 b6 17.Rxd8+ Rxd8 18.Nd2 the b6-square. a5 ( 13...Bf6 14.b4
W h i t e ' s i d e a h e r e i s ve r y s i mp l e . Rhf8 15.Rd6 The position remains
S l o wl y b u t s u r e l y, t o ma k e s l i g h t extremely tense but it's unclear what
progress on the queenside. White's 4- Black can do. White has done a good
3 on the kingside isn't really felt as job of restricting Black's central pawn
the pawns have barely advanced. In mass and has placed their pieces well.
my opinion, this endgame has little to From an objective perspective, it is
no risk from White, and having the equal but White's position is easier to
pawn majority on the queenside has play from a practical perspective. 3) 1.
much more potential. Rc8 19.Kf1 d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.
Black often self destructs in these e4 Nxe4 #10/16) 14.Bg5 White is
positions, as there isn't really a clear ready to put some more pressure.
 27

Trading these bishops is crucial. The simple. The two bishops will also be
next point is to improve the knight very valuable long term once the
and coordinate the rooks. Yet again, position opens up. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
White has a clear path with extending Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4
on the queenside while Black is sort #6/16
of unsure of what to do with the 7...e6 8.b4 a5 Black is
central pawns. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. immediately trying to break down
Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #9/16 ] the pawn chain. White must
9.Ne2 Na6 maintain the structure with
[ 9...Nc6 10.Nc3 f5 11.Nb5 p r e c i s i o n . 9.a3 axb4 10.axb4
Our favorite move, threatening Nc7+ 10...Nc6 first is also possible but
and this time giving us the option of after 11.Bb5 , they transpose.
Nd6+ too. 0-0-0 12.Bc4 Be7 10...Nc6 11.Bb5 Black's king situation is
13.Nd6+ Bxd6 14.Rxd6 White has quite unclear and needs an
the initiative, the bishop pair and the immed i at e s o lu t io n . I t mig h t b e
rooks will double on the d-file. From natu ral to try to cast le but the n
a practical perspective, this is very Black will get in a lot of trouble.
dangerous. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. Black must solve this problem in a
Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #8/16 ] v e r y c r e a t i v e w a y . 11...f6
10.Nc3 Nxc5 11.Nb5 Black might think There are many different options
that they are out of the woods as h e r e a n d a t l e a s t 5 mo ve s t h a t
the c5-pawn has been captured but White can play are equal, but it's
Black is still under significant important to find the one that puts
pressure. 11...Na6 the maximum pressure on Black.
[ 11...Rb8 12.Nxa7 b5 ...Rb8+...b5 is 12.Bc7 Kf7 13.c3 e5 14.f4 exf4
a difficult idea to find but White still 15.Bxf4 Be7 16.Ne2 Be6
retains the initiative! 13.Rxd7 Kxd7 [ 16...Rd8 16...Rd8 is critical. It is
14.Bxb5+ Kc7 15.a4 The queenside i m p o r t a n t t h a t t h e p a wn i s o n e 4
pawns combined with the bishop pair instead of e5 because it can be a
are extremely difficult for Black to target. Additionally, the bishop is not
deal with. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 restricted on d4 and the knight has the
c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #7/16 ] d 4 - s q u a r e . 17.Kf2 Be6 18.h4
12.c3 White might be down a pawn but I t ' s ve r y d i f f i c u l t t o d r a w a c l e a r
there is no rush. White can simply conclu sion as bo th si des h ave s o
develop the f1-bishop and castle. many logical options. White will try to
Black doesn't really have a clear halt the advancement of Black's
way to untangle. 12...Be7 13.Be2 pawns while trying to break through
It is basically zugzwang. 13...Bc6 on the queenside. Both sides have
14.Nxa7 ...Bc6 has been provoked, it is fighting chances. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
time to cash in. 14...Nc7 15.Nxc6 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #12/16 ]
bxc6 16.a3 Nd5 17.Bc1 The 3 on 1 on 17.0-0 Rhd8 18.Rde1 White is able to
the queenside is extremely avoi d t he exch ang e o f a pai r o f
dangerous and White's plan is rooks and the e5-pawn becomes
 28

extremely weak. 18...g6 19.Ng3 f5 castles looks very natural, it's a

20.Nxe4 fxe4 21.Rxe4 Bf5 22.Bh6 mistake.
Black's king is in significant danger [ 11...Nf6 12.Bb5+ Kf8 13.Bxc5
and the bishop on h6 is very Qxc5 14.Qc4 Qxc4 15.Bxc4
restrictive. The position is very hard This endgame has plenty of flare.
to play as Black from a practical Black already has to make a difficult
perspective. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. decision with their next move. Bd7
Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #11/16 16.Nf3 Bc6 17.Nxe5 White sacrifices
the exchange, for a bishop and pawn.
30
8...Bf5 9.c3 e6 10.Be3 Be7 11.g4 It is likely that the f7-pawn will fall as
Bg6 12.h4 The position is extremely well. Bxh1 18.Rxh1 Rc8 19.Bxf7
unbalanced but White's play is very Rc7 20.Bb3 g6 21.Rd1 Kg7 22.f4
direct. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 The position remains balanced but
c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #5/16 White is extremely solid. It seems
like White can slowly try to push the
31
10.Nxf3 This position has never queenside majority while Black
been played in the database before attempts to create counterplay. 3) 1.
but it is one of the top computer d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.
su g g e s t i o n s s o I wi l l s h o w h o w e4 Nxe4 #2/16 ]
W h i t e s h o u l d p r o c e e d . 10...Be7 12.Nf3 It's unclear how the bishop on c8
11.Bc4 Bc4 forces Black to make a will develop, considering that the
move that goes against all intuition. knight is tied to the e5-pawn. White
11...f5 Why castle when you can open is ready to play Bd3 and active the
up your king! h1-rook while Black struggles to
[ 11...0-0 12.0-0 White has a mobilize. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
significant advantage here if Black Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #1/16
simply castles. This is an example of
how easily things can go wrong. 3) 1. 33
8...b6 9.Bd5 Nxd5 This might be
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4. tempting but it does not end well for
e4 Nxe4 #4/16 ] Black.
12.0-0 I'm not going to go into more [ 9...Rb8 10.c6 Bxb4 I think it should
depth as this is extremely unlikely b e c l e a r wh y 3 . . . c 5 i s o n e o f t h e
bu t I c a n co n c l u d e t ha t B l a c k ' s biggest challenges. You can't really
position is very difficult to play as play the same natural moves.
White is completely developed and However, things become extremely
Black's king is still in the center. 3) c o mp l e x a n d yo u c a n s h o w s o m e
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 really interesting preparation. 11.Nge2
c5 4.e4 Nxe4 #3/16 A) 11...Ba6 The sequence of only
mo ves th a t B l ac k h a s t o f i nd i s
32
10.g3 Qe7 11.Be3 Black is not out absolutely ridiculous 12.Qb1 Bxc3+
of the woods yet. The king is still in 13.Nxc3 Nc5 14.Qb2 You might
the center and it's crucial how they be confused about why Qb2 is
p r o c e e d n e xt . 11...0-0 Although being played. You can ask yourself
 29

which way White can legally kingside. White's improved king

castle... h6 Black must play ...h6 safety allows for Black's comprised
before ...O-O. ( 14...0-0 15.0-0-0 structure and king safety to be
Qe7 16.Nxe4 Ncxe4 17.Bxe4 punished. Be6 14.Qc1 f5 15.Qh6
Black would have ...g5 here if ...h6 White has a raging attack here. The
was included first. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2. details don't exactly matter here,
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 but it's clear that Black is in trouble.
#16/17; 14...Na4 ...Na4 is a 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4
challenging try but W hite has a c5 4.e4 dxe4 #14/17 ]
clever way to avoid the repetition. 10.Qxd5 Rb8 11.c6 Bxg5 12.cxd7+
15.Qb3 Nc5 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Qb4 Bxd7 13.Qxe5+ Kf8 14.Nxe4 Be7
Qe7 18.a3 Protecting the queen 15.0-0-0 White has picked up a pawn
and preventing any discovery and prevented Black's king from
checks. White will castle next and castling. The engine gives 15...Rc8
has a strong initiative. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2. as the only move to not be lost on
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 the spot. 15...Rc8 16.Rd4
#17/17 ) 15.Bh4 0-0 16.0-0-0 Qe7 Simultaneously protecting b4 and
17.Bxf6 Qxf6 18.Rhe1 I could go preparing to develop further. 16...a5
on and on here and I had a 30 It is absolutely critical that Black
move variation here prepared with c r e a t e s i mme d i a t e c o u n t e r p l a y
some insane complications but I before White is able to complete
don't think it's necessary d e v e l o p m e n t . 17.Ne2 Bxb4
cons ider ing the pur pose of thi s 18.Rhd1 Qe8 19.Qf4 Ba3+ instead of
course. This position is just hiding in the corner, the king is
absolutely ridiculous for starters, much safer in the center. 20.Kd2
and White has castled queenside in Be6 21.Ke1 h5 22.R1d3 Be7 23.Nd6
a very unusual way. White's c6- Bxd6 24.Qxd6+ Kg8 25.Qxb6
pawn is very strong here and 25...Kh7 is a possible continuation
Black's bishop on a6 is very where the Black escapes to h7 but
awkwardly placed. White's down a White is up a pawn. I think you'll
pawn but e4 will be captured soon. no t i c e a p a t t e rn o f me s h o wi n g
The computer gives equality but I long continuations and you might
would be surprised if any of your wonder how you'll ever implement
opponents make it this far. 3) 1.d4 this into your chess. A part of me is
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4. of co urs e ju st cu rio us a bou t al l
e4 dxe4 #15/17; these lines, but from a competitive
B) 11...Nc5 This is a very logical perspective, this shows the
move that most humans might play. ridiculous accuracy that Black has
However, this is where White has a to play at in many moments, while
chance to capitalize. 12.Bxf6 gxf6 White proceeds naturally. In my
13.0-0 Although castling queenside opinion, a good opening can be
in the other line looked pretty cool, played by anyone and is just easier
the king is much safer on the to play. That might be an
 30

oversimplification of the reasoning 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 #9/17

behind my suggestions, yet, it's an
undeniably effective strategy. 3) 1. 36
6...Na6 7.Qd4 Bc6 8.Qc4
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 6...Na6 and 7...Bc6 were both
4.e4 dxe4 #13/17 forced but now Black is faced with
a difficult decision. Let me remind
34
10.Be3 Black is forced to sacrifice a you that this is completely
piece, otherwise White will be much uncharted territory. I am the first
better. This is a transposition, person to analyze this on the cloud.
essentially you are forcing Black to This really shows that the Jobava
fin d 1 0.. .b6 ! a nd the n a ll of th e London is relatively unexplored and
moves afterwards. 10...a5 has a lot of hidden potential. 8...e5
[ 10...b6 10...b6 doesn't seem that [ 8...Qd5 9.Rd1 Qxc4 10.Bxc4 Nd7
intuitive because it allows c6. At first 11.b4 There's a common theme of
glance, it seems like c6 forces the White trying to consolidate the
knight back to b8 which certainly isn't queenside pawns. In most cases, the
ideal. However, Black must follow b6 wa y t h a t B l a c k c h a l l e n g e s t h e s e
up with a piece sacrifice to equalize! pawns is not intuitive whatsoever. This
11.c6 Bxb4 12.Rb1 Ba5 13.cxd7 is the perfect example.
Bxd7 14.Bd2 Black is still forced to A) 11...e5 12.Be3 Casually
maintain an inhuman level of sacrificing a rook is the only way to
p r e c i s i o n . Qc7 15.Nd5 Qxc4 equalize. Nxb4 13.Nc7+ Kd8
16.Nxf6+ gxf6 17.Bxa5 Rfd8 18.Bd2 14.Nxa8 Nxc2+ 15.Kd2 Nd4
Rac8 19.Rb3 The computer says that Both 15...Nd4 and 15...Nxe3
the position is equal, but it is still e q u a l i z e . 1 5 . . . Nd 4 g i ve s W h i t e
very unbalanced and I believe that it some interesting options.
is easier to play with the extra knight ( 15...Nxe3 16.fxe3 Bxc5 17.Ke2
in exchange for pawns. Black's king is Kc8 18.Nh3 The position remains
also potentially weak. One should to be extremely complex. Black has
remember how many difficult currently has 3 pawns for a rook.
decisions Black had to make to reach The knight on a8 will be lost but
this point. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 White will be able to gain the
c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 #11/17 ] initiative while Black is busy taking
11.a3 Ng4 12.Rb1 White consolidates t h i s k n i g h t . T h e p o s i t i o n g i ve s
the queenside pawns and has a equality after a few inhuman moves
much better position. Black's pieces from Black but White's position is
still remain undeveloped. 3) 1.d4 much easier to play from a
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4. practical perspective. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
e4 dxe4 #10/17 Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4
#8/17 ) 16.Ne2 Bxc5 17.Rb1
35
10.Nge2 This is also a transposition Black is still in only move territory
that can be reached in at least 3 and must continue to be very
different ways. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 precise. b6 18.Rhd1 Black faces
 31

another difficult decision here and Completely ignoring the rook on h8,
the key point is that taking the B l a c k i s t h r o wi n g e ve r yt h i n g a t
knight is incorrect. Kc8 ( 18...Bxa8 White's king. 12.Qe4+ There's no
19.Nxd4 exd4 20.Bxd4 Bxd4 way you're guessing the only move
21.Ke2 Bc5 22.Bb5 a6 23.Rxd7+ t o e q u a l i z e h e r e . 12...Ne7
Kc8 24.Ba4 b5 25.Rd2 Kc7 Casually sacrificing a queen. This is
26.Rc1 Kb6 27.Bb3 After some one of the most beautiful moves I
forced complications this position have ever seen. It's so rare that you
is reached. It's clear that White has are just willing to sacrifice a queen
the upper hand. Despite the in such a blatant way while all of
computer giving equality, this is your pieces are hanging. 13.Rxd8+
much easier to play as White from Rxd8 14.Qc4 exf2+ 15.Ke2 fxg1Q
a practical perspective. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 It's possible to promote to a knight
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 a s w e l l . . . 16.Rxg1 Rg8 17.Bd4
d x e 4 # 7 / 1 7) 19.Nxb6+ axb6 Rg4 18.c3 At this point these have all
20.Rdc1 Kc7 21.Bxf7 Even in all of been only moves and the computer
these forcing lines, where the still says it's equal. But if any
computer supposedly says that it is human could find the moves that
equal. White maintains amazing Black has to play they deserve to
practical chances. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2. take Magnus's throne. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4
#6/17; #4/17
B) 11...b6 11...b6 is a very human
alternative compared to sacrificing 37
10.Nxa8 The computer only gives
a rook. However, White is able to +1.4 despite White being up a rook.
s e i z e a n a d v a n t a g e . 12.Nxa7 This rook has been sacrificed in 3
This move is very easy to miss as it different ways so far, but this is the
looks like it's losing a piece at first worst way by far. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
sight. Rxa7 13.b5 Bd5 13...Bd5 is d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 #3/
very difficult to see but White still 17
maintains the initiative. This move
looks absolutely ridiculous because 38
9...Bg4 10.f3 Rd8 This is the last
you're helping White to take your semi-critical move that Black must
bishop but the idea is actually find. Things still remain very
amazing. The best part about it is complex here but fighting for the d-
that the best move is to completely f i l e i s c r i t i c a l . 11.Nd5 Qxd2+
ignore the bishop! 14.cxb6 Nxb6 12.Rxd2 exf3 13.gxf3 Bf5 Even after
15.Bxd5 Nxd5 16.Rxd5 Nb4 only moves, White still retains a
17.Rc5 White's 3 pawns will be very sl ig h t a dvan t ag e . 14.Bxf6 gxf6
difficult for Black to deal with. 3) 1. 15.Nxf6+ Ke7 16.Rxd8 Kxd8 17.Ne2
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 Bxc5 18.Ng3 Bg6 19.Nge4 At this point
4.e4 dxe4 #5/17 ] Black is almost at the point of
9.Rd1 Nd5 10.Bxe5 Bxc5 11.Bxg7 e3 equality but White still has a lot of
 32

practical chances and it's easy to on the board. 13.Rb1 Then of course
play. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5- it's logical for the queen to move again
3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 #2/17 to b4! Qb4 The forced line here is
10.Nge2 Rd8 11.Bd5 Black is absolutely ridiculous, I'll show you just
forced to sacrifice the exchange so you are convinced that no one will
which is not an easy decision at all. ever like this. 14.0-0 e5 15.Nxd5
11...Rxd5 12.Nxd5 Qxd2+ 13.Rxd2 Qxd2 16.Nc7+ Kf7 17.Bxd2 Rg8
Nxd5 14.Rxd5 Be6 15.Rdd1 Sacrificing the a8-rook for the 4th time,
If Black manages to understand I believe? 18.Nxa8 Bxf3 19.g3 e6
t h a t s a c r i f i c e s t h e e xc h a n g e i s 20.Rfd1 Bxd1 21.Rxd1 Bc5 22.b4
forced, then they still need to find There are many continuations here
m a n y m o r e g o o d m o v e s . 15...f5 that I won't get into. I think I got my
16.Nc3 Bxc5 17.Be3 Be7 18.Nd5 Bd8 point across. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
The position remains complex, but Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.
White is slightly because of the e]
material advantage. Although [ 11...Qxb2 12.0-0 g6 13.Rab1 Qa3
Black's pawn mass might look scary, 14.Ng5 Bg7 15.Rb3 Qa5 16.Nxe6
it's not quite clear how it will Bf6 17.Qe3 Yet again Black's only
advance. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. way to untangle is sacrificing a pawn.
Bf4 c5-3.Bf4 c5 4.e4 dxe4 #1/17 d4 18.Nxd4 Bxd4 19.Qxd4 0-0
20.Bh6 Rf7 21.Re1 White maintains
39
10.Nf3 Qb6 11.Qd2 According to pressure, Black's king is exposed.
the computer, 3 moves equalize for The isolated e7-pawn also isn't great.
Black now but all are incredibly 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4
unclear: 11...d4 , 11...e5 and Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e ]
11...g5 . That's why you must play [ 11...g6 This is a very logical move
this against Yasser Seirawan but it lands Black in big trouble.
because he will not be giving up 12.0-0-0 Bg7 13.Rhe1 All of White's
any pawns. 11...e5 p i e c e s c o o r d i n a t e v e r y w e l l . 0-0
[ 11...g5 11...g5 looks absolutely 14.Bh6 Bxh6 15.Qxh6 Rf6 16.Rd2
ridiculous and will probably be played White consolidates here and
by total psychopaths or people who maintains a significant attack. White
have studied this variation intensely. might be down a pawn but Black's
Somehow it is still equal, but more position is very weak from a
pieces to stay on the board in structural perspective. The bishop on
c o m p a r i s o n t o 1 1 . . . d 4 ! . 12.Bxg5 c6 is sort of locked behind the
After 12.Nxg5 d4 13.Nxe6 Qxb2 14. structure and Black's king on g8 is still
Nc7+ Kd8 15.Ne6+ White is forced a target. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
t o r e p e a t . Qa5 12...Qa5 does not c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e ]
seem very intuitive. The queen was [ 11...d4 Black sacrifices a pawn to
fine on b6 and was putting pressure open up the c6-bishop. Everything
on b2. This is a very inhuman solution liquidates. 12.Qxd4
and is extremely unlikely to be played A) 12...Bxf3 13.Qxb6 axb6
 33

( 13...Nxb6 14.gxf3 g6 15.Be5 some practical chances considering

Rg8 16.Ne4 The position might be the queenside majority. 3) 1.d4 Nf6
equal, but it is crucial that there is 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
some degree of imbalance. It's not d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e) 18.cxd3 Rxd4
like it's a dead draw and there's White's pawn structure isn't great
nothing you can do. The doubled e- here as we have 4 pawn islands.
pawns in comparison to the It's critical to trade the d3- and a7-
d o u b l e d f - p a wn s c r e a t e a ve r y pawns. 19.Nb5 After 19.Ke2 g6
inter estin g dyn amic. Espe ciall y the position still remains equal, but
since White has a queenside spending one tempo on Ke2 gives
majority that could be very Black time to develop and unwind.
dangerous long term. There is still a Rxd3 20.Nxa7+ Kb8 21.Nb5
lot to play for here. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2. It still isn't that easy for Black to
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 play. The bishop and rook still need
3 . B f 4 c 5 4 . e) 14.gxf3 g6 to find the right way to develop. g6
Black's pawn structure isn't that 22.Re5 Restricting the development.
great so there's certainly potential. Endgame is pretty equal but you
15.Ne4 Bg7 16.c3 0-0 17.0-0-0 can still play on without much risk.
The game goes on, there is still 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4
plenty to play for. Black's doubled b- Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e ]
and e-pawns aren't very helpful in 12.Bxe5 Nxe5 13.Nxe5 d4 14.0-0-0
the endgame. If White is able to White willingly sacrifices a piece, as
consolidate, Black could face some Black is totally undeveloped. Black
practical problems. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 2. must defend perfectly to have a
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 c h a n c e a t s u r v i v a l . 14...dxc3
3.Bf4 c5 4.e; 15.Qxc3 Qc7 This also holds but the
B) 12...Qxd4 13.Nxd4 Bxg2 following continuation is equally as
Based on my analysis here and insane as Rd8.
what I've seen others analyze in the [ 15...Rd8 this is the most natural reply
cloud it seems like this is one of and things become extremely complex
the critical theoretical lines. 16.Qc4 Rd6 Black must open the d8-
Everything liquidates quite quickly square for the king but Black's lack of
but with some precision from White development will be punished.
it's possible to put some long term 17.Rxd6 exd6 18.Nf7 d5 Trying to
pressure. 14.Rg1 e5 15.Bxe5 disconn ect th e quee n and knight .
Nxe5 16.Rxg2 0-0-0 17.Rg5 19.Qf4 Qb4 Trading the queens
17.Rg5 is critical to not be worse. would be a huge success but White
This leads to the knight vs bishop keeps the position alive. 20.Qc7 Qe7
endgame where there the ( 20...Be7 21.Nxh8 Bg5+ 22.Kb1 Bf6
imbalance leads to practical Sometimes the best defense is an
chances. Nd3+ ( 17...Rxd4 even stronger attack. 23.Qc8+ Ke7
18.Rxe5 g6 19.Ne4 The knight 24.Qc7+ Black had to find a few very
has a nice outpost on e4. Certainly difficult moves here to survive. But if
 34

your oppone nt makes it this far, I position here. e4 is looming, there

suppose they deserve a draw. 3) 1.d4 is pressure on the c-file. Black is
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 also slightly behind in development.
d5 3 .B f4 c 5 4. e) 21.Nd6+ Qxd6 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.
22.Re1+ Qe7 23.Qc8+ Kf7 Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 #4/11
24.Rxe7+ Kxe7 25.g4 This endgame 5...Bd6 This is quite an uncommon
might look fine from a distance but move, but it is also logical in some
it's almost impossible for Black to respect. Black aims to create the
develop. We can expand on the same tension between the bishops
kingside while they try to untangle. as White and forces a decision.
b4+b5 is an idea too. Black's position 6.Bxf5 exf5 There are many options
is a little bit loose here. 3) 1.d4 Nf6 h e r e , b u t I p r e f e r t h e s i mp l e s t .
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 There is no need to do anything
3.Bf4 c5 4.e ] crazy here. Black has already made
16.f4 e6 17.Qh3 Be7 18.Rhe1 a positional concession here by
Bringing the final piece into the a l l o wi n g W h i t e t o d o u b l e t h e f -
attack, preparing to break through! pawns. I think it's best to take a
18...Rc8 The scary thing for Black in this long-term approach here. 7.Nce2
position is that White has so many The main problem behind the Moke
different options. More than 5 London is the knight on c3. White
m o v e s a r e a l l e q u a l . 19.Re3 might have been tempted to play
Forcing Black to play yet another Nge2 but now White can play c4
o n l y m o v e . 19...g6 20.Nxg6 and can develop the other knight to
I can conclude here that the f3! 7...0-0 8.Nf3 c6 9.0-0 Re8
position remains extremely difficult [ 9...Ne4 Black does have a
to defend and that White has stronghold of the e4-square, but White
amazing attacking chances! 3) 1.d4 can simply play b3+c4 with the idea
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5-1.d4 Nf6 2. of t radi ng t he c -pawns s o th e d5 -
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 c5 4.e p a w n b e c o m e s i s o l a t e d . 10.b3
The computer is already suggesting
40
5...Bxd3 Black can of course some very weird moves to prevent
capture immediately but this is the White from gaining an advantage. But
best version of what we have tried with natural play, White gets a totally
to achieve in all of the other risk-free position where you can press
variations. The entire purpose was your positional advantage forever. Ba3
to provoke this move, so White will This is the computer's top choice but
certainly be happy if Black White will still continue with c4. 11.c4
succumbs to the pressure without White has a slight advantage here that
any direct provocation. 6.cxd3 Bd6 they can press forever. The doubled f-
7.Qb3 Qb3 is even more powerful here pawns will be bad long term. The next
as White hasn't overextended the h- step is to displace the a3-bishop by
pawn. 7...b6 8.Bxd6 Qxd6 9.Nf3 maneuvering the f3-knight to c2. 2) 1.
0-0 10.0-0 White simply has a better d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.
 35

e3 e6 #6/11 ] provoke ...b4. If ...b4 is provoked,

10.b3 White prepares c4 and has very then Black's overextended
natur al p lay. Blac k's d oubl ed f - queenside pawns can be weak in
pawns will be weak long term and the long term. b4 13.Ne2 Nbd7
Black's center can also be The a- and b-pawns are
challenged. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. overextended and will certainly be
Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 #5/11 v e r y w e a k . 14.d4 Be7 15.Rc1
5...Bg6 5...Bg6 immediately is also It's hard to not love White's position
very natural but here we see some h e r e . Fr o m a p o s i t i o n a l s e n s e ,
options to unleash some creative there are so ma ny holes on th e
ideas. 6.h4 Black is already forced queenside. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
to be precise here as h5 will force Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 #9/11;
Black to capture. You'll notice a B) 9...Nbd7 If Black delays ...Bd6,
common theme of wanting to White can strike in the center.
recapture the bishop with the c- 10.e4 Taking space in the center
pawn and the positional concept and putting Black under immediate
behind this must be clearly pressure! dxe4 ( 10...Be7
understood. The concept traces White has many good options here
back to White's second move, 2. but it's hard to not like the move
Nc3. It's extremely uncommon to Rh3. 11.e5 Despite how cool 11.
develop the knight before pushing Rh3! looks, intending to play Kf1
c4 and often prevents White from and eventually bring the rook to g3
taking central control. So when you to coordinate an attack on the black
alleviate this central problem, king, 11.e5!! is the best move.
White's structure improves This takes space and forces the
sig ni fi ca nt ly. 6...Bxd3 Black can knight to h7 where it is a bit
take immediately without forcing h5. awkward. The concrete details don't
But this lets White recapture with matter here, but it's clear how
the c-pawn. quickly things can turn. 2) 1.d4 Nf6
[ 6...a6 7.h5 Bxd3 8.cxd3 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3
Black must play ...h6 here as White e6 #11//1 ) 11.dxe4 Bb4 12.Qe2
gettin g the oppor tunit y to p lay h 6 c5 13.d5 Black was forced to find 3
would have serious positional consecutive only moves but the
consequences. Provoking ...g6 from position still r emains extremel y
Black would further weaken the dark complex. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
squares, as the placement of the e6- Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 #10/11;
a n d g 6 - p a w n s c e r t a i n l y wo n ' t b e C) 9...Bd6 This is where some
controlling the dark squares. h6 9.Nf3 interesting complications ensue.
A) 9...c5 It's possible for Black to There always seems to be a hidden
try to challenge the center but their danger in Black's position. 10.Qb3
lack of development makes this Black has many options here and
b r e a k p r e m a t u r e . 10.Qb3 b5 it's difficult to understand which is
11.dxc5 Bxc5 12.a4 The point is to correct. One natural continuation is
 36

Bxf4. Bxf4 11.Qxb7 Nbd7 12.exf4 41 6...Bxd3 7.cxd3 The doubled d-

Black must find the only move, 12... pawns are actually very strong.
c5, to not give White a +1 White has the semi-open c-file, and
advantage. c5 13.0-0 0-0 14.g3 the potential to play Qb3.
White will lose the pawn back on h5 Additionally, if Black ever plays ...c5,
but the queenside majority will be you c an r ec ap tu re a nd p la y d4 ,
difficult to deal with. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2. reinforcing central control. e4 is
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 also an idea, to push e5 and take
#8/11 ] additional space. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
7.cxd3 As I've explained more, the d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 #2/
structure with the 2 doubled pawns 11 You'll notice that in most cases
is just very easy to play for White. yo u 'r e p l ayi ng Nf 3 a n d c as t le s .
The development is natural, you Although the concrete variations
have different pawn breaks and tha t I'm s howin g a re impo rta nt ,
there's always potential to attack on understanding the general ideas is
the kingside by pushing the h- and even more important and you
g-pawns. 7...Bd6 8.Qb3 should notic e the ones t hat ar e
Responding to ...Bd6 with Qb3 for common in different structures that
the second time. Without the bishop arise in the Jobava London.
on d6 Black might defend the pawn
b y p l a y i n g Q c 8 b u t i t ' s a b i t 42 10.e4 This position already
awk wa r d f o r B l ac k h e r e . 8...Bxf4 becomes a bit uncomfortable with
9.Qxb7 Nbd7 10.exf4 c5 11.Nf3 e5 being a significant positional
We've seen this idea before but threat. 10...dxe4 11.Nxe4 Nxe4
with the inclusion of the moves h5 12.Bxe4 Bxe4 13.Qxe4 Mass trades
and ...a6. 11...cxd4 12.Nxd4 Nc5 are forced but White retains a
13.Qc6+ Nfd7 Despite extremely space advantage, solid center, and
accurate play from Black, White long term pressure. The pawn
retains a small advantage with an structure has transposed into a
e y e - c a t c h i n g m o v e . 14.Rh3 Caro-Kannesque position. White
It is clear that whenever a rook lift is can play here without any risk. 2) 1.
an option, I recommend it. There d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4
are many interesting complications Bf5 4.e3 e6 #1/11
th at I co ul d g et i nt o b ut i t 's n o t
under the purview of this course. 43 5...e6 6.Ne5 Bb4 7.g4 Things are
White has forced Black to make a about to get insane. If Black simply
few critical decisions and got retreats to g6, White will maintain
imbalanced where Black is totally an initiative. I highly doubt any of
unfamiliar. The goal is to take them your opponents will find this idea.
into your jungle. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 7...Bg6
d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 e6 #7/ [ 7...Nxg4 8.Nxg4 h5 This move is
11 absolutely amazing. The idea is
absolutely fascinating. The knight is
 37

forced back to e5 and then the f4- #10/11 ]

bishop is trapped. Such unique 9.0-0 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Bxc3 11.Rb1
sacrifices and ideas illustrate the White happily sacrifices the pawn
beauty of this opening and chess as a i n e xc h a n g e f o r a h u g e l e a d i n
whole. 9.Ne5 g5 10.Nxf7 Sacrificing development. The kingside
the piece right back and opening up s l a u g h t e r c o m m e n c e s . 11...b5
the e5-square for the bishop. Kxf7 12.Bg3 Black has many moves here but
11.Be5 Bxc3+ 12.bxc3 Rh7 13.Bd3 let's see what happens if they
The position remains extremely d e c i d e t o c a s t l e . 12...b4
imbalanced and without the computer, It is possible to reinforce the bishop
I would have no idea what is going on. before castling but this also has
What is clear to me is that White has consequences.
the two bishops, and the king on f7 [ 12...0-0 13.h4 f6 14.Nxg6 hxg6
is extremely weak. Let's just 15.Qd3 b4 16.Qxg6 White has
reasonable conclude that no human regained the pawn, has the two
will ever play like this with Black. 2) 1. bishops and continued to attack the
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4. black king. The bishop on c3 is totally
e3 a6 #11/11 ] out of the game and can be referred to
8.Bg2 You'll notice a common theme of as a "big pawn". 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
the light-squared bishop being a 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6 #9/11 ]
central target in Black's position 13.f4 Black’s light-squared bishop
starting from 3...Bf5. The concept of always seems to be an issue and f4
g4 and h4 makes things very really shows how much of a target it
difficult for this bishop. 8...Ne4 is. Black's king is still in the center
[ 8...Nbd7 9.h4 The g6-bishop is in and White has a huge initiative.
serious trouble. Black's usual 13...Be4 14.f5 Bxg2 15.Kxg2 Nd7
response to g4 and h5 is to play ...h6 [ 15...0-0 One should note that Black
or ...h5 but the bishop is currently cannot castle and White can
attacked so Black must get creative to b r e a k t h r o u g h wi t h a d e v a s t a t i n g
save this bishop. Nxe5 10.dxe5 Ne4 attack! 16.f6 gxf6 17.Bh4
11.Bxe4 Bxe4 12.f3 d4 The bishop Black will be checkmated very soon.
is finally free but at the cost of a pawn White has the knight, bishop, rook and
and the initiative. 13.exd4 Bxc3+ queen ready to come into the attack
14.bxc3 Bd5 After a continuation of and Black is defenseless. 2) 1.d4 Nf6
only moves the variation continues. 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6
But again, I think we can conclude #8/11 ]
that it's very difficult for Black to play. 16.Nc6 Qf6 This is where the party
15.Qd3 c5 16.c4 Bc6 17.dxc5 Qa5+ r e a l l y g e t s s t a r t e d . 17.e4
18.Bd2 Qxc5 19.Qc3 I've lost count This will not be the last pawn that
of how many only moves Black has we sacrifice this game. e4 opens up
had to make and I think that reflects the position even more so the black
the status of the position. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 k i n g c a n b e t a r g e t e d ! 17...dxe4
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6 18.h4 Preparing g5 ! 18...exf5 19.d5
 38

How many pawns has White moves to mix. ...Be7 is much more
sacrificed? There's honestly no p l a u s i b l e . 9...c6 This isn't clear
reason to count. 19...Qh6 20.Rxf5 equa lity as W hi te stil l r etai ns a
Qd2+ 21.Qxd2 Bxd2 Black can try to s l i g h t a d va n t a g e . 10.Rc1 Be7
bail out but White maintains the 11.Bg3 White can play f4 to establish a
initiative. 22.Bxc7 f6 23.Ba5 Kf7 st r o n g h o l d o ve r t h e e 5 - s q u a r e .
24.Bxb4 I think I’ve analyzed far enough Further expansion on the kingside
here. As I've said many times is possible. White has achieved a
before, it is not of the utmost risk-free position with natural play.
importance to memorize this entire 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.
variation. I should also say that Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6 #2/11
there were alternatives that I didn't 6...h5 This is also possible but it's
fu ll y de l ve i nt o b ec au s e of h o w easy to conclude that it is just a
unrealistic it is to reach this position. worse version of 6...h6 after 7.Bd3.
However, this sequence is one of The pawn is clearly overextended
the best illustrations of how on h5 and would be much better
powerful the initiative can be in the placed on h6. 7.Bd3 If Black takes
Jobava London and I hope you can on d3, they accept a worse position.
implement these concepts into your There are some interesting tries but
own games. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. they still lead to an advantage for
Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6 #7/11 White. 7...e6
[ 7...Nxe5 8.dxe5 Ne4 9.e6
44
6...h6 7.Bd3 In this case, Bd3 is This e6-break has been seen once or
well-timed. White is almost fully twice but the main idea it to just pitch
developed and Black has spent 2 the pawn to gain cruci al time an d
crucial tempi on ...a6 and ...h6. I'm s t u n t s B l a c k ' s d e ve l o p me n t . Bxe6
not denying the usefulness of those ( 9...fxe6 10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.Be2
moves, but pointing out the fact that Black now has tripled pawns that will
Black is significantly behind in surely fall like dominos. Additionally,
development. Additionally, White the f8-bishop struggled to develop. 2)
gets the same doubled d-pawns 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5
that we have discussed throughout 4 . e 3 a 6 # 5 / 1 1) 10.Nxe4 dxe4
this course. 7.g4 doesn't make 11.Bxe4 c6 12.0-0 Qxd1 13.Rfxd1
much sense because the bishop g6 Black needs to develop but White
can retreat to h7: 7...Bh7! . You maintains a slight edge. 14.Be5 Rg8
generally play g4 to force the 15.f4 Black might be able to equalize
bishop to g6 so you can follow it up here with extremely precise play but
wi t h h 4 t o t h r e a t e n t o t r a p t h e it's clear that White has an
bishop with h5. 7...Bxd3 8.cxd3 e6 advantage considering Black's
9.0-0 It is clear to me that something has passive piece placement. 2) 1.d4 Nf6
gone wrong when the only move for 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6
Black to equalize is ...c6. ...a6, ...c6, #4/11 ]
... e6 an d . ..h 6, ar e r ea lly we ir d 8.Bxf5 exf5 9.f3 f3 prepares Qd3 and
 39

p r e ve n t s . . . N e 4 . 9...c6 10.Qd3 forced. It's clear that W hite has

Nxe5 11.dxe5 Nd7 Black must sacrifice maintained a lead in development,
a pawn in the short term, certainly has the bishop pair, and will try to
not an easy idea to find. Yet, White open up the position to target the
still maintains an advantage and black king in the center. 2) 1.d4 Nf6
initiative. 12.Qxf5 g6 13.Qh3 Qe7 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3
14.0-0-0 g5 15.Bg3 Nxe5 This entire a6 #1/11
sequence is more or less forced.
Let's see if White can break the 5...h6 5...h6 is not a critical move
46

position open. 16.e4 Nc4 17.exd5 so I won't put too much emphasis
g4 18.fxg4 Bh6+ 19.g5 Bxg5+ 20.Kb1 on it. White's continues with Bd3,
I think forcing your opponent to castles queenside and continues
make many difficult decisions and with kingside expansion. 6.g4 Bh7
only moves up until move 20 is a 7.Bd3 There is another very interesting
su c c e s s . Ma yb e t h a t ' s j u s t me .
w a y t o t r a n s p o s e h e r e . 7...e6
20...Qb4 Let me remind you that all of
In this case, Black allows White to
these are only moves for Black. capture the h7-bishop because they
21.b3 There are different ways to force a can recapture with the knight.
draw here but checking with the 8.Bxh7 Nxh7 9.Qd3 Nd7 10.0-0-0
knight is the simplest. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2. The knight on h7 is sort of out of
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6 play so we can go for an immediate
#3/11 attack to capitalize. 10...b5 11.h4
6...e6 In this case, g4 is preferred
Nhf6 12.Kb1 Now 12.Kb1 transposes to
to Bd3. White is able to put Black a position we reached after 5...e6.
under direct pressure. 7.g4 Nxe5 12...b4 Here comes another series of
8.gxf5 Nc6 9.Qd3 It was possible to only moves from Black. 13.Nce2 c5
capture on e6, but I prefer to 14.dxc5 Nxc5 15.Qd4 Transposition. 2)
maintain the tension. It makes it 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-1.d4
more difficult for Black to make a Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5 4. White
decision because they always need has neutralized Black's attack in the
to account for the tension breaking. short term and is ready to finish
9...Qd7 10.fxe6 fxe6 11.0-0-0 0-0-0 de ve l o p me n t a n d p u t ma xi mu m
12.Bg2 Bd6 13.Bg3 White is preparing pr e ss u r e o n B l a ck ' s k i ng i n t h e
t o p l a y e 4 . 13...Kb8 14.Kb1
center.
Both sides have many moves. but 5...h5 All of these different options
i t ' s c l e a r t h a t t h e e 6 - p a wn i s a
might be scaring you but as I've
potential weakness and White has said many times throughout this
a slight edge. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 course, the concrete ideas are not
3.Bf4 Bf5-3.Bf4 Bf5 4.e3 a6 #6/11 that critical. I'm going through the
different possibilities to show that in
45
10.0-0-0 gxf5 11.Qxf5 e6 12.Qd3 the large majority of cases, you're
Nh5 13.Bg3 I don't see a point in going reaching specific structures where
further but this line is more or less you're always playin g the same
 40

ideas. 6.Bd3 Bxd3 7.cxd3 4. ]

The choice between capturing with 9.Qd2 White sets up a very sneaky trap
the pawn and queen is something here. The logical move 9...Bd6
that must be explained very clearly. gives White a nice advantage.
In this case, White wants to take a 9...Nd7 This is one of the computer's top
more positional approach:Firstly, choices but it's not natural for a
the h5-pawn is slightly human to play this because you’re
over exte nd e d, t hu s, pr even ti n g completely ignoring your kingside
Black from playing ...Nh5. development.
Considering the fact that Black will [ 9...Bd6 10.Bxd6 Qxd6 11.Qh2
most likely castle kingside, the h5- This is certainly not the first nor the
pawn could be used as a hook in a last time that we will see the queen
potential kingside attack. Therefore, challenging the h2-b8 diagonal. This
wh e n W h i t e i s a b l e t o p r o v o k e idea looks ridiculous but once again, it
positional concessions like the ...h5 is advantageous for White to go into
move, it makes sense to recapture an endgame due to Black's long-term
with the pawn and take a positional we a k n e s s e s . Qxh2 12.Rxh2 Ne7
approach. However, if White has 13.0-0-0 Black's kingside structure will
already committed on the kingside be weak in the long term. b5 14.Nh3
with g4 and h4, it's crucial to take Nd7 15.Nf4 White has the ability to
with the quee n as you' ll e nd u p slowly maneuver and capitalize off
castling queenside and need to Black's pawn structure. The h5-pawn
m a i n t a i n t h e i n i t i a t i v e . 7...e6 and Black’s light-squared bishop are
8.Nge2 h4 9.e4 Be7 10.Rc1 clear targets. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
White prepares for any type of ...c5 Bf4 Bf5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5
break. Additionally, asking Black if 4. ]
they are willing to castle. It's a bit 10.a3 The computer gives equality after
scary for Black to commit to castling a series of very weird moves from
before White because the h4-pawn Black. White can play Nh3, Bd3 and
could be used to open up the O-O while Black will struggle to
kingside. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. develop their kingside. 2) 1.d4 Nf6
Bf4 Bf5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
Bf5 4. d5 3.Bf4 Bf5 4.
47
7...h5 8.g5 Ng8 48
10.Nge2 Bxf4 I took with the pawn
[ 8...Nfd7 9.Nge2 White already has which isn't a bad move necessarily
an advantage here. The downside of but there's absolutely no reason to
h5 here is that if the knight is able to double the pawns. 11.Nxf4 Qd6
come to f4 and capture the bishop on 12.0-0-0 Nbd7 13.g5 Black's king is still
g6, Black's structure will be in ruins. in the center and g5 puts
White also has very natural significant pressure on the kingside.
development. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. 13...Ng8 14.Qd2 Qd2 indirectly protects
Bf4 Bf5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5 the knight and prepares e4! g5
 41

combined with e4 puts a lot of optimal. It is likely that the black

pressure on Black's position! queen will step aside. White will
14...Ne7 15.e4 I'd like to remind you that finish development and castle with
memorizing this concrete variation a comfortable advantage. 1) 1.d4
is not of the utmost importance. Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.
Ra t h e r , I ' d l i k e t o i l l u s t r a t e t h e Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 wit
power of the combination of the g5-
and e4-pawn breaks. Black's pieces 50
6...c5 7.Nf3 Qb6 You'll notice that
are almost smothered, it's unclear there are many transpositions as
what Bla ck's kn ights ar e doing . Black often has a few natural
Additionally, you'll see that Black moves that can occur in different
usually maintains some degree of a orders. In this specific order, White
lead in development. 2) 1.d4 Nf6 2. has a few more interesting options
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 Bf5-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 considering the b5-square is
3.Bf4 Bf5 4. unprotected. 8.Nb5 Be7
[ 8...c4 9.a4 Bd7 10.c3 Bxb5
49
4...Bd6 This is a move that I have 11.axb5 Qxb5 The natural move
faced quite a lot in online games would be to protect the pawn but if
but it's far from challenging and you're saccing one pawn, why not
gives White a comfortable another? 12.Be2 Yet again Black is
a d va n t a g e . 5.Nxd6+ cxd6 6.e3 forced to play a move that isn't very
Qb6 White has the choice of retaining a natural. Ne4 There are many options
positional advantage by playing 7. here but I like Nd2 as it challenges
Rb1 or continuing the initiative with Black to make a few difficult
7.Bd3 . Both are very strong. 7.Rb1 d e c i s i o n s . 13.Nd2 Nxd2 14.Qxd2
0-0 8.c3 It's important to consolidate the Choosing a square for the queen is
q u e e n s i d e s t r u c t u r e . 8...h6 very difficult as understanding the
The idea behind ...h6 is multi- difference is even hard to understand
p u r p o s e : i t t a k e s a wa y t h e g 5 - with the help of computers.
square from White's dark-squared A) 14...Qb6 15.e4 Bd6 16.e5 Be7
bishop so ...Nh5 could be an idea. 17.0-0 Black cannot even castle
9.h3 White takes the time to create immediately as the attack will be
s p a c e f o r t h e b i s h o p . 9...Re8 devastating. White has extremely
10.Nf3 White will proceed with normal natural play. The bishops and the
development and Be2, O-O and c4 space advantage on the kingside
is a potential pawn break as well. will prove to be very difficult for
The position basically plays itself. Black to deal with. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.
10...Ne4 11.Bh2 Bd7 12.Qb3 Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5
12.Qb3 forces black to make a 3.Bf4 e6 –;
decision. If Black ignores the queen B) 14...Qd7 15.e4 I think you'll
then White can capture and double no t ic e a pa t te r n: e4 is th e b e s t
the b-pawns. Having doubled b- move no matter where the queen
an d d - pa wns ce r t ai n ly wo n 't b e goes. As I've mentioned before,
 42

breaking things open when the king 13...Rad8 Black is starting to make only
is still in the center is absolutely moves and this will not stop. 14.g5
critical. Bd6 16.exd5 exd5 Ne4 15.h4 White maintains a significant
17.Qe3+ Black's ability to castle is attack. These types of positions are
gone. Kf8 Similar position arises what Jobava London players dream
after ...Qc6 instead of ...Qc7 but of. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.
this is a worse version for Black as d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 –
Be5 is extremely strong. 18.Be5 h5 6...Qb6 7.Rb1 Bb4 8.Nf3 Qa5
( 18...f6 19.Qf4 This move 9.Nd2 Capturing on c3 on taking the
reinforces the bishop on e5 and pawn would be willingly drinking
maintains the initiative. Black is poison. 9...0-0 10.Be2 Nb8
still under significant pressure. 1) 1. Of course this is the computer's top
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 choice, very natural... 11.g4 Nbd7
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – ) 19.Qh3 12.0-0 White will continue to extend on
Black is under significant pressure the kingside with g5 h4. Black's
and the development is just awful. queen and bishop are slightly
Ye t a g a i n , W h i t e ' s p l a y i s ve r y misplaced on a5 and b4. It is critical
natural. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 to attack on the kingside while they
e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 –; are out of the defense. 1) 1.d4 Nf6
C) 14...Qc6 15.e4 e4 is a very 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
strong move, White must open the d5 3.Bf4 e6 –
position immediately while the black
ki n g i s st i l l i n t h e c e n te r or t h e 51
7...0-0 Two natural developing
compensation will be diluted. dxe4 moves already give White an
( 15...Bd6 16.exd5 exd5 17.Qe3+ advantage. You'll notice a pattern of
Kf8 18.0-0 Black cannot castle, Black having to make very precise
W h i t e h a s s i m p l e d e ve l o p me n t moves that are not natural to
despite being down a pawn. 1) 1.d4 hu ma ns , whi le W h it e c on ti nu e s
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2. naturally. 8.Bxa6 8.g4 is, of course,
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – ) 16.Qe3 Be7 an option here as it is in many
17.f3 0-0 18.fxe4 White has a positions but I recommend a more
strong center and the two bishops. objective approach. 8.Bxa6 is a
Black's extra a7-pawn is more of clean edge, take it when you have
an afterthought. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 the chance. 8...bxa6 9.Ne5 Bb7
d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. 10.Na4 White has a great positional bind
Bf4 e6 – ] after Black's pawn structure has
9.a4 0-0 10.c3 Black's pieces are been shattered. c5 is necessary to
simply dominated. The knight on b5 attempt to untangle but after some
and bishop on f4 are perfectly forced complications, White retains
synchronized to render the knight a n a d v a n t a g e . 10...c5 11.Nxc5
on a6 absolutely useless. 10...Bd7 Bxc5 12.dxc5 Qa5+ 13.c3 Qxc5
11.Ne5 Bxb5 12.axb5 Nc7 13.g4 There are many moves here but I'm
g4 is unleashed yet again. sure you can already guess what
 43

the computer's top suggestion is... Bf6 eventually transpose, but you
14.g4 Qb5 The only move to attempt to certainly won't guess White's best
equalize but things get extremely move. 15.Kd2 Rd8 16.Bd3 Bd6
complex and it's doubtful that Black Two only moves to equalize. Very
will navigate the mine field. 15.a4 natural from a human perspective, of
Qxb2 16.0-0 And of course the best cours e. It does n't look absol utel y
move here is bishop c8... 16...Bc8 terrifying at all. 17.f4 Bxe5 18.fxe5
17.f3 There's one very funny variation White maintains a huge attack and the
where the queen almost gets king on d2 is very safe in the center of
trapped. 17...Qb6 the board. This certainly won't be the
[ 17...Nd7 18.Nxd7 Bxd7 19.Bd6 last non-castled king that you'll see. 1)
If the rook moves, Bb4 and Rf2 will 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.
trap the queen. Qxc3 20.Ra3 Qc6 Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – ]
21.Bxf8 Rxf8 22.Qd4 After crazy 11.Ne5 The computer is already
complications, White maintains an suggesting that Black sacrifices the
a d va n t a g e a n d i n i t i a t i ve a n d h a s exchange. With a +1 evaluation, it's
good practical chances. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2. c l e a r t h a t B l a c k h a s g o n e ve r y
Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3. wrong. The queen on b6 and knight
Bf4 e6 – ] on a6 are totally out of the game,
18.c4 The initiative continues. Yet again, thus, amplifying White's attacking
I don't want to go down a power. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
theoretical wormhole but want to e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 –
illustrate how powerful the quickly
the tide of the initiative can turn. 1) 53 6...0-0 7.Be2 c6 8.Nc3 Qb6
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 9.Rb1 Another transposition. You'll
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – notice many transpositions in the
variation with ...Na6. 9...c5 10.0-0
52
10.Rg1 Taking this pawn might be Bd7 11.Ne5 White has completed
tempting but Black has one move to development and has a stronghold
equalize and it's absolutely o v e r t h e e 5 - s q u a r e . 11...Rfd8
inhuman. All other moves lead to After a simple developing move
White having a very strong attack from Black, you'll notice that White
and direct play. 10...Nf6 is ready to unleash the all-powerful
[ 10...f6 Not only was I the first person move g4.
to deeply analyze this move, but f6 [ 11...Be8 12.Re1 Nb8 The knight
also has never been analyzed before often reroutes from b8 to c6 so it is
on the cloud so your opponents will important to respond appropriately.
need to have bought this course to 13.Bd3 There's this constant tension
know the proper defense. But don't be between the d4- and c5-pawns and
afraid of this move, Black must back it you might be tempted to capture. It's
up with even more only moves. important to keep this tension in mind.
11.Rxg4 e5 12.Nxe5 fxe5 13.Bxe5 Ideally, you want to delay the capture
Bxg4 14.Qxg4 Rf7 14...Rf7 and 14... o f t h i s p a wn a s t h e t e n s i o n o f t e n
 44

restricts Black's development. For moves. There's no need to do

example, Black would like to develop anything fancy. One might wonder
the knight to c6 but Na4 is always why the bishop goes to e2 instead
looming. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 of d3 like in the previous variation; I
e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – ] will show you the difference: 8.Bd3
12.g4 Transposes tothis variation . 1) 1. a6 9.Na3 c5 10.dxc5 Nxc5 11.b4
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 . In this position, Black can take on
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – Yet again, g4 d3. If the bishop would have been
is the number one computer on e2 instead, b4 would have won a
suggestion, taking space on the piece. If Black can't play ...a6 and
kingside and preparing an attack ...c5 immediately, then we don't
whi le Bla ck 's pie ces a re on th e face any immediate pressure. 8...c6
q u e e n s i d e i s a c o m m o n t h e m e 9.Na3 Qe7 10.Qa4 Bd8 11.h3 b5
throughout the opening. 12...cxd4 12.Qc2 a6 13.Nb1 White has almost
13.exd4 Be8 Black frees the d7-square completed natural development.
for the knight in anticipation of g5. This is not just a specific line from
14.Qd2 Nb8 15.g5 Nfd7 16.Kh1 a c o n c r e t e p e r s p e c t i ve , b u t a n
Putting the king aside preparing to important route to show regarding
extend on the kingside with h4, h5. different developmental ideas. 1) 1.
Yet again, the exact moves are not d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6
important as is this entirely 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 wit
unexplored theoretical territory but 7...a6 8.Na3 Bb6 9.Ne5 c5
take note of the common ideas. 1) 1. 10.Bd3 White maintains the same
d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 central control. The knight on a3 is
2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 – certainly not optimal but it will be
rerouted. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
54
8.Bg3 0-0 9.c4 I correctly Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6
capitalized on the opportunity to wit
play c4. It's quite rare to get the
chance but it was clear that his 57 White can give up the bishop pair
knights on a6 and h5 certainly but continue with rapid development.
warranted a break in the center. 1) Line 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4
1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 wit
Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.Bf4 e6 –
55
10.g5 If I blitzed this out, my
opponent might start to respect the
Jobava London. 1) 1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3
d5 3.Bf4 e6-1.d4 Nf6 2.Nc3 d5 3.
Bf4 e6 –
56
7...Nbd7 8.Be2 White just
continues with natural developing