The complete

Kalashnikov
 MATTHIEU CORNETTE
AND
FABIEN LIBISZEWSKI

THE COMPLETE
KALASHNIKOV
Editor
Arkadij Naiditsch

Author
Matthieu Cornette and Fabien Libiszewski

Cover designer
Milos Sibinovic

Typesetting
Piotr Pielach <www.i-press.ph

First edition 2013 by Chess Evolution

The Complete Kalashnikov

Copyright © 2013 Chess Evolution

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval
system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrostatic, magnetic
tape, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of the publisher.

ISBN 978-83-937009-1-2

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Printed in Poland by Drukarnia Pionier, 31-983 Krakow, ul.Igolomska 12

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Key to symbols 5
Preface 7
Introduction 9

Chapter 1. 6.�1c3 7...�e7- Introduction I 8.�e3 [B32] 11

Chapter 2. 6.�1c3 7...�e7- 8.�d5 [B32] 23

Chapter 3. 6.�1c3 7...�e7 - 8.�C4 [B32] 29

Chapter 4· 6.� IC3 7...b5 - Introduction I 8... xxx [B32] 61

Chapter 5. 6.�IC3 7...b5- 8...�ge7 Introduction I 9.xxx [B32]

Chapter 6. 6.�1c3 7 ... b5- 8... �ge7 10.cxd5 [B32]

Chapter 7. 6.�1c3 7...b5 8...�ge7 10.exd5 11...�e7 [B32] 107

Chapter 8. 6.�1c3 7...b5 8...�ge7 10.exd5 11...� d7! [B32] 131

Chapter 9. 6.�1c3 7...�e6 Introduction I 8.xxx [B32] 145

Chapter 10. 6.�1c3 7...�e6 8.�C4 [B32] 157

Chapter 11. 6.q Introduction I 7.xxx [B32] 17 3

Chapter 12. 6.q Introduction I 8...f5 [B32] 183

Chapter 13. 6.q 8...�e6 [B32] 201

Chapter 14. 5.xxx [B33] 223

Chapter 15. 6.xxx [B33] 237

 KEY TO SYMBOLS

Equality or equal chances

± White has a slight advantage
+ Black has a slight advantage
± White is better
+ Black is better
+- White has a decisive advantage
-+ Black has a decisive advantage
00 unclear
00 with compensation
� with counterplay
i with initiative
--t with an attack
� with the idea
D only move

N novelty
a good move
" an excellent move
< a weak move
n a blunder
!? an interesing move
?! a dubious move
+ check
# mate
 PREFACE

It's in 1834 that the French champion Labourdonnais played 4 ... e5 for the first
time. But the Kalashnikov, that promises Black dynamic compensation in
exchange for the apparent weakness of the d5 square and the backwards d6
pawn, is a decidedly modern opening. That's why the opening only started
gaining in popularity in the late 198o's, in particular thanks to the famous Rus­
sian grandmaster Evgeny Sveshnikov. Ever since, many top level players have
added it to their repertoire: Pavel Tregubov, Alexei Fedorov, Etiennen Bacrot,
Alexander Moiseenko and let's not forget the most famous one amongst them,
Teimour Radjabov. In France, there was a fashion effect after the fantastic vic­
tory by Igor Nataf over John Nunn in 1999. Ever since then, we have ourselves,
Matthieu and Fabien, been regularly playing it over the years and we had very
correct results.

We always thought that the Kalashnikov was not well-known enough and that
its potential was underestimated. There are very few books about it and they
are not recent. That's why we got the idea of writing a new book about this
opening, in order to share our passion and our ideas. When Arkadij Naiditsch
gave us the opportunity to do it, we didn't hesitate. We were initially planning
to only build a Black repertoire, but we quickly realized it would be a shame to
not reveal all- or let's say most of the lines and ideas that are concealed within
the Kalashnikov. On an unbiased basis, we present objective and exhaustive
analyses of every line, with numerous novelties. Our goal is for our reader to
build a complete Black repertoire and for him not to be afraid of facing the
Kalashnikov with White any longer. We know what we are talking about: as
we are both 1.e4 players, we could often have been confronted to this open­
ing, but as many others, we have often chosen to avoid it by playing 3.Nc3 or
3.Bb5. Since the beginning of this project, namely in 2011, we decided to test
our analyses in practice, with both colours. Cornette, M- Roy Chowdhury,
S, Vandoeuvre 2011 1-0, Cornette, M- Pap, M, Metz 2012 1-o with White, but
also, Barbosa, E- Libiszewski, F, Cannes 2011 o-1, Korneev, 0- Cornette,
M, Metz 2012 o-1 and more recently Korneev, 0- Libiszewski, F, Bagnara
Calabra 2013 0.5-0.5 with Black are a part of the results of these tests. These
games are all featured in this book.
With the translation of our book "The Complete Kalashnikov" into English,
we have performed some updates to it. Following some feedback we received
about the first edition, we carried out some small changes, added news games
and of course found some improvements.

We hope that our analyses will offer you as much pleasure and success as they
did to us.

Hope you enjoy it,

GM Fabien Libiszewski and GM Matthieu Cornette,
Bordeaux the 21th February 2013.

Bibliography:

Mega Database 2013.

Corr Database 2013.
The Week In Chess.
 INTRODUCTION
1.e4 cs 2.<8f3 <8c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.<8xd4
es
Unlike other opening books, this one
doesn't only address one of the col­
ours: throughout the writing we have
tried to be objective in the evaluation
of the different positions arising from
the Kalashnikov.
In the labyrinth of this opening that
was popularized by Evgeni Sveshnik­
ov, we nevertheless had to choose a
path: after pacing it to and fro, we de­
cided to recommend the line starting
with s.-8bs d6 6.<81e3 to White. We
start our journey by analysing this
variation and we are devoting the ten
first chapters of the book to it, i.e. its
major part. After 6 ... a6 7.<8a3, Black
has different options, two ofwhich we
consider to be particularly interest­
ing:
- 7. . . �e7, the most fashionable
move, is our recommendation for
Black. It's a pretty solid continuation
which we will analyse in the chapters
1 to 3, 8.<8C4 being the critical line.
White has the choice between 10.g3,
which is the most played move, and
10. �d3, which has the benefit oflead­
ing to less forced lines. For this rea­
son, we are advising 10. �d3 to White.
- 7... bs has always been the most
played move. After 8.i�:Jds, Black
needs to continue by 8 ... <8gq The
other 8th moves are analysed in
chapter 4, but they give better play to
White. After 8 ...<8ge7 9·C4 �xds, 10.
exds is the critical move, leading to
very rich positions. The solid 10.cxds
is analysed in chapter 6, but it doesn't
promise any advantage to White. If
they play 10.exds however, Black
needs to react well: after the popular
11 ... �e7, we think that white can ob­
tain an advantage after 12. �d3 (see
chapter 7). The line 11 �d7!? (chap­
.••
ter 8) is very rarely played, but it leads
to new positions and ideas. Accord­
ing to us, it's the only way to make the
variation "live", even if everything is
not always easy for Black.
A last possibility after 7.�a3 is to play
7··· �e6: we are looking at variations
resulting from this move in chap-
10 INTRODUCTION

ters 9 and 10.9/�z:Jq is clearly the best

move for White and it guarantees
them a certain advantage.

This concludes the analysis of 6.� IC3

and thus of the repertoire we advise
to those playing with the white piec­
es. We then thoroughly analyse 6.q
(chapters 11 to 13), the other move that
is often played by White; chapter 11 is
dedicated to the white side lines start­
ing from move seven. We have then
decided to divide the rest of this line
into two distinct chapters: the 12th
chapter is devoted to the variations
arising after 8 . .fs, a rather dynamic
.

continuation, while the 13th chapter

looks at the more solid 8 .. �e6.
.

Both moves seem to be theoretical­

ly correct to us, but 8 ... �e6 is defi­
nitely more secure. To end with, we
dedicate the last two chapters to rapid
deviations of White; chapter 14 is de­
voted to secondary sth white moves,
while chapter 15 analyses White's 6th
moves others than 6.� 1C3 and 6.q.
 CHAPTER 1
6.i:Z:J1c3 1. ii..e7
Introduction I B. ii..e3 [B32]
1.e4 cs 2.CLlf3 CZJc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.CZJxd4
es s.CZ:Jbs d6 6.CZJ ICJ a6 7.CLla3 iLe7
Here is the most fashionable move,
that we recommend to Black. Moi­
seenko played it in 2011, as well as
of course Sveshnikov. Other grand­
masters such as Radjabov, Ikonnikov
or Federov, who are also specialists
of this opening, have also played it
recently. The idea is playing C2l f6
without White having the move
iLgs. White has the choice between
three moves here: 8. CZJds, as it is of­
ten tempting to occupy this square
(chapter 2), 8.CZJC4, the most played
move, the idea of which is to make
use of the fact that Black hasn't played
bs yet (chapter 3) and finally 8. iLe3,
with the idea of playing on the b6
square after CZ:Jds or CZJC4 to follow.
s.iLe3
..
This is the rarest one out ofthe three
moves, but it has recently been played
several times by very good players.
8... CZJf6!?
The move we recommend.
8 ...b5 has been tried by Moiseenko
and Fedorov in 2011. This move is
probably playable, but we don't really
like the type of position with a closed
center that arises from it. 9.CLld5 �b8
10.C4 b4 11.CZJC2 CZJf6
(u ...as is too slow. 12.'W'd3 CZJ f6
13. iLe2 is the most precise.
(13. �d1 o-o (13 ... b3 14.CZJxj6+
1i..xj6 15.axb3 o-o 16. iLe2;\; A. Zh­
igalko-A. Fedorov I Minsk 2011.)
14. iLe2 a4oo With an unclear po­
sition.)
13...0-o 14.0-o;\; Followed by �d1.)
a) 12.1i..d3 A rather strange move, as
we think it is logical to play on the
d-file. 12 ...CLld7 13.0-0 CZ:Jcs 14.a3 as
15.axb4 axb4= D. Guerra Bastida-S.
Maze I Linares 2005;
b) 12.f3 b3!? Black is trying to get
counterplay right away.
12
(14 -�b1 0-0
bt) 14 ...a5 15. �a2 :B.bs 16. �e2
o-o 17.�a3 CL!xd5 18.cxd5 CLlb4
19.CLlxb4 axb4 2o.�a5! t;
h2) 14...CLlxd5 15.CXd5 CLlb4 16. �d2
tLlxc2+ (16... CLld3+ 17- �xd3 :B.xd3
1B. �as �d7 19.0-o o-o 2o.CL!b4
:B.e3 21. CLlc6t) q.�xC2 :B.bs
18. �xa6t;
15.�a2 :B.bs 16. �e2 CLlh5oo Fol­
lowed by �g5. The position is un­
certain.)
14 . . . CL!xd5 15 .CLlxd5 (1s. CL!xc6?
:B.xe3++) 15 ... :B. xb2 16.�a4 �d7
17.�a3 �b8!?N (IJ. .. :B.bB B. Vuck­
ovic- M. Pap I Belgrade 2007.)
18.CLlq+ �f8 19.CLlb5! �h4+ 20.�d1
:B.b4oo With a complicated position
where Black doesn't have any trou­
ble with finding counterplay.;
CHAPTER 1
12 ... 0-o 13. it.e2 CLld7!?N A good im­
provement. Black wants to play it.g5
and the knight will possibly go to c5.
(13 . . . CLlg4?! We don't like this
move very much. In the game
Black found an interesting idea,
but unfortunately it doesn't work:
14. it.d2 kg5 15. :B.d1 CL!xf2? A too
bold sacrifice. (1s... it.xd2+ is the
most natural continuation, but
it leaves White with a small ad­
vantage. 16. :B.xd2 �h4 17· �g3
�xg3 18.hxg3 b3 waxb3 :B.xb3
20.j3 CLlh6 21. CLlce3t) 16. �xf2 f5
17.�g1 fxe4 18.�xe4 b3 (18... kxd2
19. :B.xd2 �as 20. �d3!±) 19.axb3
:B. xb3 2o. � g4 � xd2 21. � xc8
kh6 22. �e6+ �h8 23.h4± V. Ior­
dachescu-A. Moiseenko I Aix-les­
Bains FRA 2011.)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 13

(14.Ethe7+ "%!he7 15. :Sd1 CLJ f6!

16. �gs

a) 16.0-0 B:d8oo;

b) 16.�xd6 �b7! An impor­

tant move as Black will be able
to develop rapidly while putting
pressure on the e4 pawn, while
White's pieces are not very well
coordinated. The �e3 is for ex­
ample taking away the knight's
square.
If White plays 17.�xd6 then Black
will find good counterplay after 17...
�b7 18.�d3 defending the e4 pawn
and after 18 ... :Sfd8 19.CLJds �xg2oo
Black has won the pawn back.;

8 ... B:b8 has already been played by

grandmasters Fedorov and Maze.
9.CLJds bs transposes to s ... bs 9.CLJds
B:bs.

17.�d3 �e6 18. �gs (1B.o-o B:fdB

19.�b3 CLJxe4=) 18 ... B:fd8 19.�f3
B:xdi+ 20. � xd1 b3 21. axb3
�xb3�;

16 ... B:ds 17-�6 h6 18. �xf6 �xf6

19.�xf6 gxf6 20.b3 fsoo Black
doesn't have any problems here, as
the bad white bishop compensates
for their inferior structure.)
14 ... � gs 15. �xgs �xgs 16.CLJde3
CLJf6oo With a complicated position.
Black managed to exchange their
black squared bishop and he will
simply play B:d8 on te next move.
9·ClJC4
9.CLJds doesn't give much to White.
9 ... CLJxds w.exds CLJd4! A themat­
ic pawn sacrifice. (w... CLJbB 11.ClJC4
CLJd7 12.a4oo D. Le Goff-H. Tirard I
Fouesnant 2007.)
14
11. it.d3 (11.c3 tz:Jjs 12. it.d2 it.gs
Black doesn't have any problem at
all. M. Bezgodova-P. Nakhapetiane
I Izhevsk RUS 2011.; 11. it.xd4 is too
risky. This is a recurrent theme in the
Kalashnikov: if White takes the pawn
for the price of his black squared
bishop, then the opening of the files
favors Black. 11 ... exd4 12. 'f!!xd4 o-o
Black got an overwhelming initiative
in A. Kovchan-P. Eljanov I Dnipro­
petrovsk 2000. it. f6 and ge8 will fol­
low.) n ...tz:Jfs
(n ...o-o 12.o-o (12.tiJq?! bs 13.tiJd2
tz:Jjs 14. it.xfs it.xfs 15.0-o 'fifci+= J.
Polgar-T. Radjabov I Rishon Le Zi­
yyon 2oo6.) 12 ... tz:Jfs See n . .tz:Jfs.)
. cessity. 12.tiJb6 gb8 13.6Llds fs 14.exfs
12. it.d2 o-o 13.tz:JC4 Threatening
it.as. 13...a5 (1J ... gb8!? 14.0-o 'f!/q
15.b3 'fifes is also a possibility, with
an interesting position.) 14.a4 b6
15.0-o it.a6 16.'f!/g4 tiJh4 17.'f!!e 2
it. xq 18. it. xq it. gs 19. it.e1 fsoo
B. Socko-T. Radjabov I Novi Sad
2009.
9 hs!?
...
This is the best way to go on in our
opinion.
CHAPTER 1
9 ... it.e6 This move seems to be play­
able, but Black will have to play very
precisely.
w.tL:lds (w.li'Jb6 gbs 11. it.e2 o-o
12.0-o tLlxe4!? leads to simplifica­
tions. 13.6Llxe4 ds 14.tz:Jcs d4 1s.tz:Jxe6
fxe6 16.6Llq dxe3 1.7-tiJxeJ it.cs= De­
spite his bad structure, Black equal­
ized in C. Balogh-K. Kerek I Hun­
gary 2001. The it.cs is on the right
diagonal, where he puts pressure on
the f2 pawn, while White has some
difficulties to coordinate his pieces.)
10 ... 0-o! We think that this is the
right continuation:
a) w . .bs?! 11.tiJxf6+! gxf6 A sad ne­
.
it.xfs 15.it.d3t It is clear that White
is better here: A. Vovk-V. Ikonnikov
I Vlissingen 2009.;
b) 10 ... it. xds 11.exd5 tL:la7 (n. .. tLld4
12. it.xd4 exd4 13.'f!!xd4 bs 14.tz:Je3
And Black didn't have enough com­
pensation in the following game:
D. Kryakvin-V. Laznicka I Pardu­
bice 2007.; 11...b5N We think that
this move which is suggested by the
computer is dubious: 12.6Llb6 gbs
13.dxc6 gxb6 14. it.xb6 'f!!xb6 15.a4t)
12.a4! The most precise.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
(12.�b6 �b8 13.C4 (13 . a4 o-o
14 . .1Le2 �cB 15.a5 �xb6 16. .1Lxb6
VJ!IeB 17-0-o �d7 1B. iLe3 fsoo With
an unclear position in the game
J. Echavarria-A. Zapata I Cali
2003.) 13 ... 0-o 14. iLd3 �c8!=
D. Naroditsky-R. Hess I Berkeley
USA 2011.)
12 ... �c8 13. .1Le2 o-o 14.0-o;:l; The
position is certainly complicated,
but we think White is better. He can
gain some space on the queenside by
playing b4 and I or as, but he can
also play on the kingside by f4, while
Black is lacking some perspective.;
11.� xe7+ This move obviously
needs to be looked at! White will
take the d6 pawn.
a) 11. .1Lb6 VJ!/c8!?N The advantage
compared to n ... VJ!/d7 is that White
cannot take back with the queen
anymore. (n. . VJ!/d7 was played in
.
I. Smirin-U. Boensch I Fuegen
2006. I2.�xf6+N .1Lxf6 IJ.VJ!ixd6
VJ!IcB 14.0-o-o;:l;) 12.1�:Jxd6
at) 12.�xf6+ � xf6 13.VJ!/xd6?! (13.
�xd6 transposes to 12.�xd6.) 13...
�d4 14. .txd4 �d8 15.VJ!/cs exd4+;
15
u) 12.� xe7+? is bad since after
12 ...� xe7 White can't take on d6
and Black will thus continue by the
thematic ds. 13.�xd6? VJ!/c6-+ Fol­
lowed by �d8.;
12 ... VJ!/d7! 13.�xf6+ .1Lxf6 14.�C4
�d4� With good compensation for
the pawn.;
b) 11.�xf6+ .1Lxf6! 12.VJ!/xd6 Black
has two different ways of going on
here, but both promise them good
compensation: (12.�xd6?! �d4!
Black has the initiative.) 12 ...bs
(12 . .. VJ!/e8!? also seems possible in
order to keep the queens on the
board. The idea is to play .1Le7 or
�d8 and of course bs. 13.�b6 (13.
.1Lb6 �dB! A very strong move!
Black has the initiative.) 13... .1Le7
14.VJ!/d2 �ds 15.�ds fs! 16. kd3 (16.
�xq+ �xq IJ.VJ!iCJ jxe4oo With
a complicated position.) 16 .. .fxe4
17. .1Lxe4 �b4 18.� xe7+ VJ!/xe7
19.VJ!/e2 VJ!/h4 2o . .1Lcs �f4 21. �d3
� xd3+ 22.cxd3 �fs� The opposite
colored bishops give Black good at­
tacking chances.)
13.VJ!/xc6
(13.VJ!/xd8 �axd8 14.�a3 (14.�d2
� b4!= Black will win one pawn
back.; 14.�b6 �b4=) 14 ... ile7 15.c3
� xa3 16.bxa3 �a8!? Preventing a4.
17. .1Le2 �fc8 Followed by �as. The
position is equal.)
16
13 ... bxq 14 . .1&e2 (14.V!9cs 1&q!?
1s.V!9xes 1&f6 16.Vf9g3 1&xb2 17.'8.d1
1&c3+ 18.1&d21&xd2+ 19.'8.xd2 V!9as
Black has the initiative.; 14.b4 A real
computer move. 14 ... Vf9b8�) 14 ...
.1&gs!
(14 . . . 'E.b8 15.b3 (15 . 0- o 'E.xb2
16.1&XC4 1&xC4 17. Vf9XC4 Vf9 c8!=
Black will win the c2 pawn back.;
1s.V!9xa6 1&gs! With good com­
pensation.) 15·· · V!9 as+ 16 . .1&d2
V!9a3 With the idea of playing
'E.fc8. 17. .1&xq Vi9b2 18.o-o 'E.fc8
19.V!9xa6 'E.a8 2o.V!9bs 'E.ab8 (20...
1&xC4 21.bXC4 Vf9XC2 22.1&e3 'E.ab8
23.'8.ac1 Vf9xe4 24.1&b6t) 21.Vf9a4
.1&xq 22.bxq Vf9d4 23. .1&e3 Vf9xe4
24.'8.fh1t)
h2) 15. .1&xgs?! Vf9xg5 16.o-o (16.1&j3
'E.ab8+) 16... V!9d2! +;
1S ... V!9xb6 16 . .1&xb6 'E.ab8 17. .1&q
'E.xb2 18 . .1&xes Here both lines seem
playable for Black.
CHAPTER 1
18 ... c3! (18... 'E.xc2 19j4! f6 20.�d1!
'E.xe2! A good exchange sacrifice.
21.�xe21&h6 22js1&xjs 2J.exfsfxes
24.g4 CJ Black has good compensa­
tion in this ending.) 19 . .1&d3 (19j4
1&f6 2o.1&xj6 gxf6=) 19 ... 'E.c8oo With
a complicated position where Black
is not worse.;
n...ll::lxe7! The good way of taking
back the knight.
(n ... Vf9xe7 12.Vf9xd6 Vf9xd6 (12 ...
1&xC4 1J.V!9XeJ tLJxq 14.1&XC4
tLJxe4 15.0-o-ot The bishop pair
promises White a certain advan­
tage.) 13.tLJxd6 tLJb4 14.0-o-o!
tLJxa2+ 15.�b1 'E.fd8 16. .1&e2!N A
good improvement that confronts
Black to some problems and re­
futes the n ... Vf9xe7 line. (16.1&C4
'E.xd6! 17- 'E.xd61&xc4 18. 'E.hd1 �f8
19j3 �e8= A. Smith-E. Sveshnik­
ov I Marianske Lazne 2008.)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
16 . . . �d7 (16.Ji'Jb4 17. c3 �c6
18.�xb7±) 17.c3±)
12. '%!Vxd6 White needs to accept the
challenge. 12 ... ikxC4!N A strong
novelty.
(12 ... �c8 13.'%!Vxd8 �fxd8 14.ikb6
�d7 (14 . . . �fB 1s.� xes � xe4
16. ikd3 �cs 17- ikxcs �xes 18.�jJ;t)
15.�xe5 �d6 16.ike3 � xe4 (16...
�xc2 ?! 17. ikd3± D. Kr yakvin­
M. Novik I Sochi 2008.) 17. ikd3
�c5 18.ikxcs �xcs 19.� f3;t It will
be hard for White to win this po­
sition as the black pieces are very
active, but obviously he is the only
one who can play for the win here.)
13.'%!Vxd8 �fxd8 14.ikXC4 � xe4
15.ikd3 � f6 16.0-o-o This is the
critical position of this variation ...
White must be a little bit better
thanks to the bishop pair, but we
think that Black can defend this po­
sition, for example:
17
16 ... �eds 17.ikd2 bs 18. �he1 � f4
19. ikxf4 exf4 20.ike2 't!tf8 21. ikf3
�xdH 22. �xd1 �e8 23. �d6 �e6
24. �d8+ 't!ie7 25. �a8 li:Je4=;
9 ... o-o allows White to play ikb6,
when Black will have to play '%!Vd7.
We would like to avoid having to
place our queen in front of the ikc8.
10.ikb6 '%!Vd7 n.ike2 �b8 12.0-o!
(12.'%!Vd21he idea of quickly putting
pressure onto the d6 pawn doesn't
lead to anything. 12 ...ikd8 13. �d1
ikxb6 14.�Xb6 '%!Vd8 15.�XC8
(15.�bd5 � xds 16.� xds '%!Vh4!?
(16... ike6 was played in the game
0. Renet-P. Potapov I Pardubice
2006.) 17.ikd3 ikg4 18. �c1 ike6
Black doesn't have any problem.)
15 ... �xc8 16.'%!Vxd6 '%!Vb61he begin­
ning of a nice tactical phase. (16...
'%!Vas also gives Black decent com­
pensation.) 17. '%!Va3 �d4 18. ikd3
�g4! 19.0-0 '%!Vh6
(19 ... � xh2!! would have won in a
very nice way.
18
20. 'i!?xh2 �h6+ 21. 'i!?g3 (21 .
'i!tg1 l:iJj3 +! 22.gxf3 �gs+ 23. 'i!th2
.:Sc6-+) 21. .. �f4+ 22.�h3 .:Sc6-+
White can't avoid getting mated.)
20.h3 tiJf3+! 21.'i!?h1 (21.gxf3??
�xh3 22jxg4 �xg4+ 23.�h1 .:Sc6-
+ With mate to follow.) 21. .. tiJg5!
22.f3! l:iJxh3 23.fxg4 tiJf2+ 24.'i!?g1
l:iJxg4 25 . .:Sf5?? A huge defensive
mistake.
(25 . .:Sh! was the only move! 25 ...
�h2+ 26. 'i!?fl l:iJxh (26... tiJe3+
27. 'i!te2 l:iJxg2 28.1:iJds �hs+
29.'i!td2 �gs+ 3o.'i!te2=) 27.�xf2
�f4+ 28. 'i!?g1 �e3;!;)
25 ... �h2+ 26. �fl �hH 27.'i!?e2
� xp+ 28.'i!?e1 � g3+ 29. 'i!?e2
g6-+ T. Kiroski- P. Eljanov I Ohrid
2001.)
CHAPTER 1
12 ... �d8 Once again, this is a the­
matic move in this kind of situa­
tions. Black wants to chase the b6
bishop in order to liberate his posi­
tion. 13. �e3 � q 14.tiJb6 �d8 (14 ...
�xb6 15. �xb6 l:iJe7 16.�d3;!; The
white position is more pleasant to
play.) 15.tiJbd5;!; White has obtained
a small advantage, but he wasn't able
to convert it in the following game:
I. Saric-P. Potapov I Aix-les-Bains
FRA 2011.
1o.tiJb6 .:Sbs n.l:iJxcS
11.tiJbd5 This move doesn't give an­
ything to White. n .. .tiJg4!? (n... o-o
The easiest move also seems to be
completely playable. 12. �e2 l:iJxds
13.tiJxds �gs 14.0-o �xe3 1s.l:iJxe3
And a draw was agreed in A. Sokolov
-A. Moroz I Cappelle la Grande 2007.
We think the position is equal after
15... �e6 16.�d2 �CJ 1J.C3 .:Sjd8=)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 19

12.il.e2
This move has the drawback ofleav­
ing the e4 pawn vulnerable.

12. il.d3 has the drawback of allow­

ing the il.e7 to move as the V!!id1 is
not attacking the d6 pawn any long­
er.

(12.'�:Jxe7 lLlxe7 (12 . . . lLlxe3 !?

1J. lLlxc6 lLlxd1 14. lLlxd8 lLlxc3
1s. lLlxj7 c:J:lxj7 16.bxc3 i:Ld7 17.�d2
Despite White being a pawn up,
this game should end in a draw.)
13.il.gs h6 14.il.xe7 V!!fxe7 1s.lLlds
V!!idB= Followed by il.e6 and lLlf6.) 12 ... 0-0

12 ... b4 13.lfJa4 lLlf6 14.lLlxe7 lLlxe7
The position is unclear, but we are
starting to like Black better as the a4
knight is out of play and d6-ds will
follow. D. Kryakvin -D. Lintchevski
I Krasnoyarsk 2007.
n . V!!fxc8
..
(12 ...lfJb4 13.o-o lLlxd3 14.V!!fxd3 h6
15.b4!? A good way to gain some
space on the queenside. (15.a3 o-o
16j3 V!!iq lJ.'Bfdl 'il.fc8= A. Volok­
itin-R. Kempinski I Warsaw POL
2011.) 15 ... 0-o 16.a4;;l;; White has the
initiative.)

The critical position. White has the
choice of where to develop his iL f1 to
now.
13.0-o il.d8! An important move.
Black will try to exchange their dark
squared bishop by playing il.b6.
This is possible as the d6 pawn is not
hanging anymore.
20
14.a4 (14.1lgs?! doesn't make much
sense as Black has 14.Ji)d7! and
he is obviously happy to exchange
the bishops. 15.1le3 1lb6 16.1lgs h6
17-1ld2 CiJj6= VanS. Eijk-Ikonnikov
I Barcelona 2009.) 14 ...b4 15.CiJds
(15.tiJe2!?N seems to be an inter­
esting try to improve White's play.
The idea is to bring the knight to
fs via g3.
15 ... 1lb6 16.tiJg3 (16.1lgs CiJhsoo
Followed by 1lcs and h6.) 16 ... as
17.tiJfs �e6 18.1lbs
(18.b3 ds! A logical move in or­
der to get rid of the d6 weakness.
19.exds CiJxds 2o.1lq (2o. �g4
g6 21.tiJh6+ �g7 22.�xe6 fxe6
23. ii.gs ii.d4=) 2o ... �xfs 21.�xds
tiJd4 22.1ld3 �e6 23 .�xe6
CiJxe6= The position is equal.)
18... tiJe7 19.1lq!? (19.�xd6 CiJxfs
2o.�xe6 fxe6 21.exjs exfs=) 19 ...
�XC4 2o.tiJxe7+ �h8 21.�xd6
CiJxe4 22.�xes1lxe3 23.fxe3 !!be8!
A good move that allows Black to
get sufficient compensation.
CHAPTER 1
24.!!aCI (24.�ds �CJ 2s.CiJjs !!es
26.�d3 g6 27.tiJd4 fs�) 24 ...f6
25.�ds �q 26.tiJc6 fs 27.tiJd4 g6
And Black has enough compen­
sation for the pawn thanks to the
strong e4 knight and the weakness
of the e3 pawn.)
15 ...tiJxds 16.exds CiJe7 17.a5 (17-�e2
as doesn't give anything to White
either.) 17... tiJxds 18. � xh7+ �xh7
19.�xds 1lq 2o.q (2o. !!jCI �b7!=)
2o ... bxc3 21.bxc3= J. Smeets-V. Ikon­
nikov I Germany 2009;
12.a4 tiJb4!N is a novelty that leads
to an unexpected simplification.
(12 ...b4 The most played move.
13 .tiJds o-o 14.tiJxe7+ CiJxe7
15.�xd6 CiJg6?! V. Iordachescu­
S. Roy Chowdhury I Dubai UAE
2012. (1s... tiJc6!N 16j3 !!dB IJ. �cs;t)
I6.o-o-o! ±)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 21

13 . .1i.e2 15 . .1i.f3 lt:Jf6 16.Wd3 lt:Jxds 17. .1i.xds

a) 13. :Set o-o 14.axbs axbs Black's
position is good, he will try to play
ds.;
b) 13.axbs?! lt:Jxe4! 14.lt:Jxe4 (14.
:S.a3 ds!i) 14... lt:Jxc2+ 1s.<tt>d 2 <8xat
<tt>h 8 Followed by fs. There is no rea­
son for Black to have any problems
here.;
15 . .1i.C4 lt:Jf6 And now it is difficult
for White to find an useful move.
15 . .1i.ds 16. Wd3
..

t6.Wxat axbs+ White is clearly in 16.b3 as 17.axb4 axb4 18 . .1i.C4 <tt>h8oo

danger here.;
16... lt:Jf6=
13 ...lt:Jxc2+! 14.WXC2 b4 15.0-0 bxc3
16.bxc3 o-o 17. .1i.d3 Wc6oo The po­
sition is balanced. Black will play
:S.fc8 followed by the thematic .1i.d8.

12...0-0 1J.O-O h4
13 ... :S.d8!? was a novelty when the
first edition of this book came out,
but it has been played since. The idea
is to quickly play ds.

White has certain compensations

for the pawn here, but not enough
to claim an advantage. In the game:
S. Sulskis-T. Radjabov I Tallinn 2004,
Black managed to win.

14.a3 In order to avoid b4. (14 . .1Lf3
<8asoo Followed by lt:JC4.) 14... ds!N
(14 ... h6 1s.WdJ;!; B. Smith-V. Shishkin
I Baia Sprie ROU 2012.) ts.lt:Jxds (15.
exds b4! 16.axb4<8xb4= Black will get
the pawn back.) 15 ... lt:Jxe4 16. .1i.g4 fs
17.Wf3! lt:Jd6 18 . .1i.h3 e4oo With a very
unclear position. The black queen will
get back into the game via e6.
Conclusion:
We don't think the recent 8 . .1i.e3
line is the most critical one. We rec­
ommend Black to play 9...bs!? rather
than having a passive position after
9 ...0-o or 9··· .1Le6.
 CHAPTER2
6.i'�:J1c3 1... iLe7
B. iLd5 (832)

1.e4 cs 2.12lf3/2lc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.'2lxd4
es s.i2lbs d6 6.'2l1c3 a6 7.'2la3 iLe7
s.i2lds
Even if it's regularly played, this
move doesn't seem to be really dan­
gerous for Black. It will allow him to
easily complete his development.
(w./2lq/2lxe4 u.f3 bs! 12.fxe4 (12.
12l xes '2lf6 13.12ld3 o-o Followed
by .§.es and �b6. Black is better
thanks to his advance in devel­
opment.) 12 ... bxq 13 . .txq o-o
14.0-o �b6+ 15.Wh1 .te6oo With
a balanced position in the game:
R. Saptarshi-V. Ikonnikov I Dieren
2oo6. 16 . .tds)

IO .
.. ds The classical liberating move.
(w. . . o-o We suspect Carlsen didn't
play ds as he was playing for the
win! D. Kjartansson-M. Carlsen I
Reykjavik 2006.)
""!""1"'"'!'-'!1!!!11

8...'2lf6 9.12lxf6+
9.'2lxe7 As it is often the case, this
exchange doesn't lead to much for
White.
u.exds 12lexds 12.0-o o-o Here
White has tried several moves, but
none of them is enough to claim an
advantage.

9 ... 12lxe7 (9 .. . �xq is also possible,

but we prefer the text move.) 10 . .td3
24 CHAPTER 2

13.h3 (13. B:e1 V!!fq 14. �g5 �g4 15j3
�h5oo Scholz, C-J. Markos I Ger­
many 2008.; 13.c3 Vi!fq 14.liJc2 b6
15. �g5 �b7+ R. Jaenig-P. Bobras
I Bad Wiessee 2007.) 13 ... e4 14. �e2
'ffq 15.C4 liJf4 16. �Xf4 'ffxf4 17.'ffC1
'ffes Black got the more pleasant po­
sition in: R. Mamedov-A. Moiseen­
ko I Moscow 2007.;
has the possibility of playing liJd4,
but especially because taking the d6
pawn is not very good for White.
10 ... �e7 is by far the most played
move, but as we consider it to be less
logical we are not going to look at it.
The ideas are the same as in the main
line.

9· �e3 would transpose to 8. �e3

liJf6 9.liJds, which we looked at in
chapter 1.;

9.liJC4N is the computer's sugges­

tion, which was never played before.

ll.CJ
It is probably the best continuation.
White is controlling the d4 square.
u.'ff xd6 is the most solid move,
even if it doesn't look very tempting
9...liJxe4 (9... liJxd5!? is also playa­ to White.
ble. w.exd5 liJbs With a very uncer­
tain position. Black will play liJd7,
o-o and fs. This might be the best
way to play for the win.) 10. �e3
0-0 1l. �b6 'ffd7 12.'ffd3 (12jJ liJf6
13.liJxq+ liJxe7 14.V!!fxd6 liJed5
15. 'ffxd7 �Xd7 16. 0-0-0 liJxb6
17-liJxb6 B:adB With an equal po­
sition.) 12 ... liJf6 13.liJxe7+ 'ff xe7
14.'ffxd6 'ffxd6 15.liJxd6 �e6= And u...'ff xd6 12.liJxd6 liJb4! 13. �d3
black equalized. B:d8 14.liJC4 bs!? (14 ...liJxd3+ 15.cxd3
B:xd3 is the other way to play. 16. rJie2
9··· �xf6 1o.liJq o-o!? B:d4 17.liJb6 B:bs 18. rJi/3! �e6 19. �e3
We think this rather rare move is And White managed to equalize.)
more logical than 10... �e7, as Black 15.liJb6 B:b8 16. �e3! (16.liJd5 liJxd5
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
17.exds il.b7 Even if the position is
close to be equal, we prefer Black as
they have the initiative.; 16./2Jxc8 ?!
�bxcB+) 16 ... /2Jxd3+ 17.cxd3 il.e6
18. �e2 �d6 19./2Jds Otherwise Black
would win material after �xb6. 19...
il.xds 2o.exds �xds= The position is
equal.;
n./2Jxd6?! We think this move looks
dangerous for White, especially dur­
ing a practical game.
11. . . il.e6 12.c3 (12.lLJC4 Vffxd1+
13.�xd1 �fdB+ + Followed by �d4.)
12 ... Vffq 13./2JC4 (1J.I2Jfs �fds� With
the idea of continuing by Vffas, with
strong threats.) 13 ... �fd8 14.VfiC2
�ac8 15./2Je3 bsiii Followed by Vffas
and b4. Black has good compensation
for the pawn.;
11.il.e3 /2Jd4!? is the good way to
play. Black wants to play bs.
25
(14.il.xq exd4 1s.il.xd4 (1s. iLf4 ?!
il.bi+ A. Feher-M. Roganovic I
Decs HUN 2010) 15 ... Vffas+ 16.�fl
il.xd4 17.Vffx d4 il.e6= Black is
a pawn down, but the position of
the white king compensates for
that.)
14 ... it. xes 15. il.xq Vfih4!?N (15 ...
il.xb2 16. �b1 il.c3+ lJ. il.d2 il.xd2+
18.Vffxd2 il.e6= Van der J. Wiel­
V. Ikonnikov I V lissingen 2ooo.)
16.il.ds �b8 17.il.d4 il.e6 18.il.xes
dxes 19.0-o �xb2= And the draw
should soon be agreed on.;
11.il.e2 /2Jd4! Followed by ds or bs.
n... iLe7
n ... iLe6!?N An interesting comput-
er novelty, even if we don't think it's
enough to equalize.
12.Vfixd6! This time White need to
accept the challenge.
a) 12. il.e2 ds Black can't have any
problems anymore after this move.
13.exds il.xds 14.0-o il.e6=;
b) 12.il.e3 bs! 13./fJb6 (1J. lLJxd6 Vfiq
14.12Jjs �ads Is.Vff!J b4i White is
in danger.; 1J.Vfixd6 bxc4 14.Vfixc6
25
kgsi Black is already better.) 13 ...
�b8 14.�d5 kg5oo;
c) 12.�xd6 'i!fqiii Followed by �fd8
and �ac8. Black will have a very
strong initiative for the pawn.;
12 ... 'i!fe8! This is the idea. Black will
try to gain tempos on the 'i!fd6.
13. 'i!fd1! White finds a good regroup­
ing with this move and the follow­
ing one. 13 ... �d8 14. 'i!fe2 �e7 15. ke2
�g6 16.o-o 'i!fc6 17.�e3t Even if
Black has a certain compensation,
White is better as he is a pawn up.
12.ke3
We think it's more logical to try and
put the knight to b6 as fast as possible
and thereby control the d5 square.
12. ke2 ke6 13.0-o �c8 14. ke3
�d4!?N A thematic move that al­
lows Black to equalize after (14 ... bs
15.�b6 �bs 16.�ds kgs The position
is completely playable for both play­
ers: A. Groszpeter-T. Horvath I Paks
HUN 2011.)
CHAPTER 2
15.CXd4 k xq 16. kxq �XC4 17.'i!fd3
'i!Vq 18. �aCI �c8=;
12.�e3 kg5 (12 . .. ke6 13. ke2 �c8
14.0-o kgsoo J. Vermeend-J. Sarrau
I Twente 2007.) 13. kC4 ke6 14.'i!fd3
�c8 15. kd5 'i!Vq 16.o-o �e7 17. k xe6
And the game T. Thorhallsson -Nataf,
I I Reykjavik 2005 ended in a draw.
12 ... ke6 13.�b6
13. ke2 �b8 (13 ... bs is of course also
playable. 14.�b6 �bs 15.�ds kgsoo
A. Bokros-V. Ikonnikov I Germany
2004.) 14. kb6 'i!fd7 15.0-o kds Is
thematic in order to exchange the
black squared bishop or to go to q.
16. k xd8 (16. ke3 kq 1J.� b6 kxb6
18. kxb6 �e7 Followed by 'i!fc6. Black
will have the choice between d5 or
f5.) 16 ... �bxd8= J. Revin-P. Eljanov I
Alushta 1999.
13... �bs
Now Black wants to play the the­
matic kg5 in order to exchange the
black squared bishop.
14.'ilfd2!
The most logical move that controls
the g5 sqaure one more time.
14.g3 kg5 Ofcourse. 15. kxg5 'i!Vxb6
(15. . 'i!f xgs was also playable. For ex-
.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 27

ample: 16. �g2 'B bds 17. 0-o j5oo ) 16.g3 fs 17. � h3;;l; We think that
16.�d2 .!.2las 17.b3 �c6 18.f3 � xb3!? White has a nice little advantage
19.axb3 .!.2lxb3 2o.�b2 .!.2lxa1 21.�xa1 here. He will exchange the white
ds And Black had the initiative in squared bishops and occupy the ds
0. Nikolenko-S. Novikov I Moscow square with the knight.
2010.;
14. �e2 � gs 15. �xgs �xgs 16.o-o
'Bbd8 Black doesn't have any prob­
lem.

14 . . . �gs!
Still!

14... h6!?N also seems to be a good

idea, but after 15.h4! it is hard to
find how to continue for Black.
He doesn't have a clear plan. (15 .
.!.2ld5 �g5 16. �xg5 hxg5 17- 'Bd1 'Bcs
18. �e2 .!.2lbs 19.0-o .!.2ld7oo With
a complicated position.; 15. �e2 �g5
16. �xg5 hxg5 17. .!.2lc4 d5=)
15.�xgs �xb6 16.�e2 h6 17.�h4
17. �e3N was obviously the other
option. 17... �q 18.o-o 'Bfd8 Threat­
ening ds. 19.C4 bs 20. 'BaCI �b7 21.b3
.!.2le7oo The position is uncertain, but
Black shouldn't have any problems as
White doesn't have a knight.

17. . . 'Bfe8 18.o-o .!.2le7 19. � g3 'B bd8

15 ... '\!(h8

(15 ... � xh4 This move is tempt­

ing, but after the strong 16. �xh6!
�xb6 (16...j5 17.g3 �xb6 18. exj5
'Bxj5 19. �e3 �g5 20. �xb6 �xd2+
21. '\!(xd2 the bishop pair gives
White a small advantage.) 17. 'Bxh4
f6 Black can of course not take the The position was balanced in the
bishop. 18. �e3;;l;) game: V. Rasulov-R. Edouard I Her-
28 CHAPTER 2

ceg Novi 2006. Black will be able to

quickly play d5.

Conclusion:
The move sJfjd5 doesn't seem to be
the critical line of this opening, but
Black still needs to know how to re­
act. We like the fact that we can delay
ii.e7 by playing 10 ... 0-o, but after that
Black still needs to find the strong
14 1i.g5! in order to equalize.
...
 CHAPTER3
6.Cl:J1c3 7... il,e7
8. il,c4 [832]
1.e4 cs 2.'Llf3 1Llc6 3 .d4 cxd4 4.'Llxd4
es s.'Llbs d6 6.1Ll1q a6 7.1Lla3 il,e7
s.'LlC4
This move is the most played one
and also the one we recommend.
White takes the opportunity to re­
activate their knight. In exchange,
Black will be able to gain a tempo by
playing bs and White will have prob­
lems with developing his bishops as
they don't have any natural squares.
s hs
...
We think this is the best move.
8... 'Llf6 Radjabov has regularly
played this move, so we need to pay
it some attention.
9.�g5 We are not in a Kalashninov
any longer, but in a Sveshnikov! The
usual move order is 4 ...l�:Jf6 s. 'Llc3 es
6.'Lldbs d6 7.1Lla3 (quite a rare move)
7. ..a6 8.'Llq �e7 an after 9. �g5 we
would land in the same position.
(9. �e3 is the other logical alternative.
We don't think Black has any kind of
problem in this line. We have ana­
lyzed it in the first chapter, see 9.1Llq
after 8...'Llf6.) 9...o-o! The right move.
Black decides to give a pawn for the
initiative. (9...1Lld4 Although this is
the most played move, it is not the
best one. 10. �xf6 �xf6 n.'Llds guar­
antees White a small and riskless
advantage. C3 will follow soon.; 9 ...
�e6 ?! 10. �xf6 gxf6 n. 'Lle3± This po­
sition seems to be simply unplayable
for Black. It is important to avoid hav­
ing to take back on f6 with the pawn.)
10. � xf6 � xf6 11. '%!fxd6 The critical
position of this variation. The ques­
tion is to know whether Black has
enough compensation for the pawn
or no.
30
(11.ClJds is the other move. Howev­
er White is here releasing the pres­
sure on d6 himself, which is good
news for his opponent. u . .. 1t.e6
12.ClJcb6 (12.ClJxj6+ V!f!xf6 Followed
by E:ad8 and Black is already bet­
ter.) 12 ...E:b8 13.c3 .1Lgsoo Followed
by ClJe7 or even fs. The position is
balanced.)
11. ...1i.e6!
a) u . . .'&xd6 12.ClJxd6.1i.e6
(12...E:d8 13.ClJxc8 E:axc8 (1] ...ClJb4 ?
14.ClJb6+- 1-o L . Soule-J. Sanchez
Carol I IECG email 2oo6) 14. 1t.d3;t
Followed by castling queenside.)
13.ll:Jds!? This is the easiest move for
White. (1J.ClJXb7 E:jbB 14.ll:Jcs E:xb2
15.0-o-o E:b4� The weakened posi­
tion of the white king gives Black
good compensation.) 13 ....1i.xds
(1J ... E:jd8 14.ClJxj6+ gxj6 1s.o-o-o;t)
14.exds ll:Jb4 15.0-o-o E:fds (15 ...
ll:Jxa2+ ?! 16. 't!ib1 ClJb4 17-ClJe4± The
passed d-pawn as well as the lack
of coordination of the black pieces
guarantee White a nice advantage.)
16.ClJe4 (16.ClJxb7 E:dbB 17- Wb1 E:xb7
18.c3 e4 wcxb4 E:xb4 20. b3 as With
good drawing chances thanks to the
CHAPTER 3
bishop pair and the activity of the
black pieces.) 16 ... ll:Jxds (16... E:ac8
1J.ClJxf6+ gxf6 1B.c3 ll:Jxds 19. .1i.d3;t
With a small and riskless advan­
tage.) 17.1LC4 llJ f4 18.g3;t White is
already better.;
b) 11...ClJd4?! seems to be dubious
here. 12.V!!i xd8 E:xd8 13.0-o-o bs
(1J ... .1Le6 14.ClJb6 E:abB Is.ll:Jcds;t)
14.ClJb6 E:b8 15 .ClJ xc8 E:bxc8
16..1i.d3;t Followed by ll:Jds.;
12.ll:Jds
(12.0-o-o!? is the other logical al­
ternative. 12 ... V!fixd6 13.E:xd6!N
A good novelty. White is ready to
lose a tempo with the rook in or­
der to quickly play ClJe3 and con­
trol the central squares. (1J.ClJxd6
E:jdB And the games that have
been played here have shown that
White has some trouble reorgan­
izing his pieces.)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 31

13 ... �e7 14. �d1 �ad8 (14 . . . �cs
15. CLle3 g6 16.g3 fs 17. exjs gxfs
18. it,g2�) 15.�xd8 �xd8 16.CLle3�
White has managed to keep his
plus pawn and to replace his pieces
onto good squares.)
12 ... � xd5
(12 ... �g5 13.c3! � (1J.V!fixd8 �axdB
14.ctJcb6?! C. Balogh-T. Radjabov
I Bastia 2010 I During this rapid
game, Black missed the strong 14 ...
CLlb4!+))
The most played variation. The bish­
op will be well placed in g2 in order to
control the white squares and White
also has the possibility to play f4 and
take back with the pawn.
10. �d3 A logical development
move. White defends his e4 pawn
and gets ready to castle. This move
leads to uncertain positions where
few pieces are being exchanged and
is thus a good practical choice in or­
der to avoid the more or less forces
lines that arise from 10.g3.

13 .exds (13. V!fixds ctJb4 14. V!fid2

V!ffxd2+ 15.�xd2 �acB Black will
have enough compensation.) 13 ...
CLJd4 14.V!fixd8 (14.0-o-o V!ficB! Fol­
lowed by �d8.) 14... �axd8 15.0-o-o
(1s.-8e3 �gs 16. �d3 e4!? A good
way of simplifying. 17. �xe4 �feB
18. �d3 �xds 19.0-o �xe3 2ojxe3
�xe3 1/2-1/2 V. Leupold-G. Guzy I /1"\ b4 .I?.
10 ... 0-o (10... '-2.J . IS an mterestmg
. .

ICCF email 2006 I Carr 2008 And move order which avoids the n.a4
the position is equal.) 15 ... �xds 16.c3 line, for those who wish to play with
b5 17.CLle3 (1J.CXd4 bXC4 18. �XC4 �c8 ll ...CLlb4.
19. b3 exd4 2o.�b1 �d6 Although
White has a small advantage, a draw
should be the logical outcome here.
Black will have to play with precision
though.) 17... �cs 18. �b1 CLle6 19.g3
�b8 (19··· �gs 20.CLJds e4 21. �g2 fs
22j3!� gives White a small advan­
tage.) 2o.�d6 as 21. �g2 b4 22.q�
With the idea of playing �ds. The
position is more pleasant to play for n. a4 Cl:Jxd3+ 12.V!fixd3 b4 13. CLlcds
White. as= And Black will be able to devel­
op his bishop to a6.) u.o-o
32
(u.a4 This move was played byShi­
rov. The idea is to force Black to do
something on the queenside and
then make use of the ds square.
Moiseenko was confronted with
this variation twice.
u...b4 We think his first try is the
most simple one.
(u ... bxa4 was Moiseenko's choice
when he faced this line for the
second time. 12. �xa4 as The
idea is to quickly play with � b4.
13.�cds
(13.0-o �b4 14. �c4 �d7 15. �a3
�e6 16.b3
(16.'%!Ve2 '%!Vq 17.�cds �bxds
18.exds (18.�xds �xds 19.exds
�d7oo With a balanced posi­
tion.) 18 ... �d7oo)
16 ... '%!Vc8 17.'i!¥f3 �d8 Followed
by �b6. The position is uncer­
tain.)
13 ... �b4 14.� xe7+ '%!Vxe7 15.0-o
�e6 16.C3 � Xd3 17.'%!Vxd3 '%!Vd7
18. �a1 '%!Vc6 19.£} ds Black doesn't
have the slightest problem. Llan­
eza M. Vega-A. Moiseenko I Bar­
bera del Valles 2009.)
CHAPTER 3
12.�cds �xds 13.�xds �gs 14.0-
o � XCI 15. �XC1 �e6 16.�e3 (16.
�C4 as 17.'%!Vd3 �cB=) 16 ... as 17.c3
bxc3 18.bxc3 �b8!N This move is
a good improvement. Black will
be able to develop his knight to
cs via a6 or d7. He has nothing to
fear, for example: (18... �q 19. � c4
'%!Vc8 20. il.xe6 '%!Vxe6 21. '%!Vd3 �fdB
22. �fdr± A. Shirov-A. Moiseenko
I Villarrobledo 2009.)
19. '%!Vd2 �d7 20. �b1 �cs 21. il.c2
'%!Vq=)
11 ... �b8 This move was mentioned
in the French version, but we now
recommend it to Black as we found
a new idea after 12.a4.
a) 11...�b4!? An interesting move to
disorganize the white pieces. This
was our recommendation in the
French version of the book.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
12.2Le2
(12.a3 ctJxd3 13.�xd3 �e6 14. �d2
�c8 15. �fd1 �q 16. �an (16. �e1
�b7 17]3 �fdB
Black easily equalized in the game:
E. Bacrot-V. Ikonnikov I Germany
2009.) 16 ... �b7 17. �e1 �fd8 18.f3
�d7! This move and the following
one show how to play with Black
in these kind of positions. 19.'r!ih1
�d8! Now the passive bishop will
find it itself on the right diagonal.
2o.�e2 �b6 21.ctJcds � xds
22.ctJxds l:tJxds 23. �xds �d4 24.c3
�cs= And Black has completely
equalized in the game: J. Zawadz­
ka-N. Maisuradze I Porto Carras
2011. (I would like to point out that
I was coaching Maisuradze during
this tournament and it was nice to
see she remembered everything!
Matthieu Cornette))
33
(13. �f3 CLlc6 14.g3 This plan is too
slow. (14. CLle2 �cB 15.h3 CLld7'>"' Fol­
lowed by l:tJcs.) 14... ctJd4
(14 ... b4 Although Moiseenko
played this move, we find it in­
ferior. 15.ctJcds � xds 16.exds!N
Necessary. (16. ctJxds?! CLlxds
17.exds ctJd4 18. �e4 js+ M. Taz­
bir-A. Moiseenko I Warsaw POL
2010.)
16 ... CLld4 17. �g2 �q 18. �d2
�ab8 19.aJ;l;; White is enjoying
a certain pressure on the queen­
side.)
15. �g2 �c8 16.a3 as And Black ob­
tained a very pleasant position in
the game A. Naiditsch-Z. Hracek
I Rijeka 2010.)
(14. �d3 Vallejo Pons' move. 14...
ctJd7! This move is a novelty we
were recommending in our first
edition, but it has been played
since. The idea is to bring the
knight to cs and the �e7 to gs.
(14 .. . �cB?! is an inaccuracy. It is
34
hard to find a role for the rook on
c8. Is.tiJcds-;:t And White was bet­
ter in Vallejo F. Pons-S. Eichner
I Eppingen GER 2011. He will be
able to play on the queenside with
C3 and a4.)
15.b4 In order to prevent 8cs.
a1) 15.a4 b4 16.8cds ii.gs 17.c3
bxc3 18.bxc3 ii.xds 19.exds (19.
8xds?! i..xc1 20. �xc1 8cs Black
has a good position.) 19 ... 8as
20. ii.a3 ii.xe3 21.fxe3 VJ9q= With
an unclear position where Black
will quickly transfer his knight
to cs.;
a2) 15./fJcds i.gs 16.c3 8e7CX>
There is still a lot to play for here,
but we have analysed this position
for quite a long time and we don't
think White has any advantage.;
a3) 15./fJeds ii.gs 16. ii.e3 �c8
17.VJ8d2 il.xe3 18.fxe3 (18. 8xeJ?!
tiJd4 With VJHgs to follow.;
IB.VJ8xe3 8d4=) 18...tiJb6CX> The
position is unclear. Black will ex­
change pieces by playing /fJq;
15 ... i.gs 16./fJcds � c s (16... tiJb6
is also possible in order to sim-
CHAPTER 3
plify the position. 17.tiJxb6 VJ9xb6
1B.tiJds VJHdB 19.ii.xgs VJHxgs 2o.c3
ii.xds 21. exds tiJq 22. a4 �abB
23.axbs axbs= And the position is
balanced.) 17.c3 /fJe7= V. Rasulov­
R. Mamedov I Nakhchivan A ZE
2012.)
14 ... /fJd4 15. ii.d3 The critical posi­
tion according to us.
(15.8xe7+ We don't like this move
too much as it eases Black's play.
15 ... VJ8xe7 16. ii.d3 �ac8!?N Black
doesn't need to be afraid of the
ii.gs pin.
(16 ... h6 The move that is played
in practice. 17. ii.e3 tiJc6 (17... ds is
not enough to equalize because
of 1B.exds tiJxds 19- i.. e4! tiJxc3
2o.bxc3"t, And here Black doesn't
have a choice but to give the ex­
change.) 18. ii.e2 The most logical
move in order to control the ds
square.
(18.h3 was played by one of the
authors. 18 ... �ad8 19.VJ8f3 ds
After this move it is clear that
Black doesn't have any problem.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 35

2o.exds lfJ xds 21.lfJ xds ..txds 2o.lfJds ..txds 21.exds lt:Jb7 22.b4
22.!Vfs g6 23.!Y'g4 �g7 24.b4?! lt:Je4 With a balanced position.
fs 25.!Vg3 !Y'f6 26 . ..tcs? e4! Black has the choice between the
27. ..txf8+ :S.xf8 28. ..txe4 ideas lt:Jc3 and fs.)

a1) 28.E:ad1 f4-+;

a2) 28 . ..te2 A try to maintain

the material advantage fails af­
ter 28.. .f4 29.!Y'h2 lt:Jd4 30. E:ae1
(30. E:.je1; 30 . ..tg4 hs-+; 30. ..td1
lt:J b3! +) 30 ... lfJ xe2+ 31.E:xe2
-

..t q 32.E:xe4 ..t xfi 33-�Xfi

!Vai+ 34. E:e1 !Vxa3+ Followed
by taking the b4 pawn.;
28... ..t xe4+ And Black ended up
winning the game in Korneev
-Cornette I Metz 2012.)
17. ..tgs
(17. ..te3 !Y'b7!?oo With an interest­
ing game on the horizon as Black
controls the ds square and avoids
..txd4.(17- .. ..tc4=) )

18...lt:Jas (1B ... !Vb7 19j4N) 19.b3 In 17· · ·h6 18 . ..t h4 (1 8 ..txj6 !Vxf6
.

order to avoid lt:Jq. (19j4 allows 19.lt:Jds ..txds 2o.exds E:.cs Black
the strong 19... E:.acB!+ Followed doesn't have any problem as the
by ,.tq and ds at the right mo­ lfJd4 cannot be trapped. 21.e3 lfJjs
ment or by i'fJq.) 19...E:fc8N The 22.a4 lt:Je7=) 18...gs! 19. ..tg3 lt:Jd7oo
easiest move in order to equalize. Followed by lt:Jcs with an uncer­
tain position.)
(19... !Vq 2o.lt:Jds ..t xds 21.exds
lt:Jb7 22.c4N (22 . a4 b4 =
D. Swiercz-R. Kempinski I
Warsaw 2011.) 22 ...bxq 23 . ..t xq
lt:Jcs 24.E:c1;l;)

15 ... E:b8 The logical move in order

to play !Y'd7 without allowing the
b6 fork.
36
(15 ...�xds The thematic simplifica­
tion is not enough to equalize here.
16.�xds .tgs 17. .txgs �xgs 18.c3!
.txds (18 ... �c6 19.a4;J; White will
now be able to take the initiative on
the queenside.) 19.exds �fs 20.a4
� h4 21.g3 b4!? An interesting
pawn sacrifice, even if after 22.cxb4
fs 23.Wh1 �g6 24.f3± White is
a little bit better.)
16 . .te3 We think this position is
crucial for the evaluation of the
opening.
16 .. J �e8N A clever prophylactic
move. As White wants to take on d4
someday, the rook is well placed on
the e-file and it can sometimes take
back on e7 after � xe7.
a1) 16 ... �d7 This natural look­
ing move is met by 17.� xe7+
�xe7 18. .txd4 exd4 19.�e2 �a7
2o.�d2± With a typical position
where White is a little bit better
and above all it is much easier to
play for him.;
a2) 16 ... �c6 The move played in
practice. It seems rather strange
to play so many knight moves
though. 17. .te2!?N In general the
CHAPTER 3
bishop is better placed on e2 than
on d3 as he is not blocking the d­
file. As �d4 is not possible here,
White is content with this subtle
move and he will continue by �d3.
What is more, Black cannot play
�xds followed by .tgs any longer.
a21) 17.�d2 allows 17... �g4! And
Black will take the dark squared
bishop.;
a22) 17.f3 is the most played move,
but it is not enough to get an ad­
vantage if Black plays precisely.
17... �d7 18.�d2 .tds A thematic
move. 19.a4 (19. 'B.ad1 'B.eB 2o.�j2
.txd5 21.�xd5 �xd5 22.exd5 �q
The position is unclear. For in­
stance: 23j4 exj4 24. �xf4 �xd5
25. .txh7+ Wxh7 26. 'B.xd5 'B.xe3!
27-�xe3 .tb6 28. 'B.d4 WgB 29. 'B.e1
�e6 30.c3 �xe3+ 31. 'B.xe3 .txd4
32.cxd4 'B.cB=) 19...bxa4!N A good
improvement. Black is ready to
give the a6 pawn in order to get
activity.
(19 ... .txds?! leads to a too pas­
sive position where White is bet­
ter. 2o.exds
( 2 o . � xds ! ? seems even
stronger. 2o ...� xds 21.exds
�e7 22.axbs axbs (22 ... �xd5
23 . � xh7+ Wxh7 24. �xd5
�xb5 25. �xd6±) 23. 'B.a7±)
2o ... �d4 21.axbs axbs 22.b4±
M. Szelag-R. Antoniewski I
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
Miedzybrodzie-Zywiec P OL
2011.)
2o.lf:l xf6+
(2o.lf:l xa4 1Lxds 21.exds lf:l xds
22 . .i xh7+ �xh7 23.�xds fsoo
With a complicated position
where Black has his chances.;
2o. :B.xa4 :S.xb2 21. :S.xa6 1Lxds
22.exds (22./fJxds lf:lxds 23.exds
lf:l b4 24.�C3 lf:lxd3 25.�Xd3
1Le7=) 22 ... 1f:lb4 23.1f:la4 lf:l xd3
24.�Xd3 :S.b4=);
20 ... 1Lxf6 21.1f:lxa4 �q! 22.1Lxa6
(22. :S.je1 as 23. b3 lf:l b4 24.1f:lc3
:S.fdB =) 22 ... 1f:lb4 23.1Ld3 :B. fc8
24.1f:lc3 (24. :S.jc1 ds! gives enough
compensation for the pawn.) 24...
lf:lxd3 25.cxd3 :S.b3 26. :B.fCI �b7ii5
Black's activity compensates for
the fact that he is a pawn down.;
37
17... �d7 18.�d3 1Ld8 19. :B.fd1;J; We
think that this regrouping gives
White a small advantage.;
(17. .ixd4 This idea is less effective
here. 17... exd4 18.1f:lxe7+
(18.1f:lxf6+ 1Lxf6 19.1f:lds (19.1f:le2?!
ds!) 19... 1Lxds 2o.exds :B.es 21.�f3
Defending the ds pawn. 21...�e8=
Black takes control over the e-file
and prevents a4. His position is
OK.)
18 ... :B.xe7 By taking back with the
rook, Black wins some time in
comparison to the 16 ... �d7 line.
19.1f:le2 �b6 Black has a playable
position here as he will be able to
liberate himself by playing ds for
example. 2o.�d2 1Ld7 An impor­
tant move as now White can't play
es after ds anymore. 2Lf3 ds=)
(17... �d7 18.1f:lxe7+ White needs
to take on e7 before Black can play
1Ld8. (1B.j3 iLdB 19. :S.ad1 1Lxds
2o.lf:lxds lf:lxds 21. exds 1L b6=)
18... �xe7 (18. . . :S.xe7?! 19. 1Lgs;l;)
19.1Lxd4 (19. :S.je1 1f:lc6 2o. .ij1 �b7
21. 1Lgs lf:ld7 22.j3 lf:lb6 2J. hy.o Al­
though Black's position is rather
solid, we think that White has
the better chances here.) 19...exd4
2o.lf:le2 �b7 21.6 �b6 22. �h1
Black has trouble getting in the lib­
erating ds move, for instance: 22 ...
38
kd7 23J H e1 ds (23 .. J �e5 24 .li.Jf4
'B.be8 25. kjl"t,) 24.exds g6 (24 ...
12lxd5 25.12lxd4±) 25.�g5t,)
18.12lxds (18.exd5 kd7 19]4 j5oo Fol­
lowed by k f6.) 18 ... �d7 Black is
threatening to immediately equal­
ize by playing k xds followed by
12lfs. (18... kxd5 19.exd5 kf6 2o.a4t)
19.12lxe7+ As usual, it is logical to
take this bishop before he is going
to d8. 19... �xe7 2o. kxd4 (2oj3 d5!
�21. kxd4 dxe4!=) 20 ... exd4oo
We think that this position is slight­
ly better for White, but that Black
should survive without too many
problems. Exchanging a pair of
knights eases Black's task. We have
made computers play each other in
this position and the result was al­
ways a draw. Black will play �f6 fol­
lowed by 'B.ed8 and ds. White will
usually manage to win the d4 pawn
(for instance after [J, 'B.fd1 and kf1),
but Black will then have enough
counterplay against the c2 pawn.;
b) n ... ke6?! This is the most played
move, but we think it is an inaccu­
racy. In fact White can play 12lcds
without Black having the thematic
12lxcs followed by kgs. Once White
CHAPTER 3
has put his C3 knight to ds, he can
launch some actions with his queen­
side pawns and get a very promising
position. 12.12lcds (12.a4 is less pre­
cise as it allows 12 ...12l b4!?)
(13 ... bxa4 14. 'B. xa4 12lcs 15. 'B.C4!?N
(15. 'B.a3 kg5 16. b4 12lxd3 17- 'B.xd3
'B.b8 18.c3 12le7 19. �a4t) 15 ... kgs
16.b4 12lxd3 17.�Xd3 12le7 18.12lxe7+
k xe7 19.12lds k xds 2o.�xdst)
14. kd2 as White has a pleasant
choice here: 15. kbs!?
(15 .c3 bxc3 16. k xc3 12lcs (16. . .
kg5!?N 17· k b5 12l e7 18. �c2t)
17. kbs i2ld4 18. kxd4 exd4 19.12lfs
k xfs 2o.exfs k f6 21.�g4 'B.b8
22. 'B.ad1± N. Fercec-M. Srebrnic I
Nova Gorica 2008)
15 ... 'B.c8 (15 ... 12l d4 16. kxd7 kxd7
J7.CJ bXCJ 18. bxc3 12Jc6 19. 'B.b1 'B.b8
2o. �e2±) 16.c3 12lcs (16. . . bxc3
17. kxc3±; 16... 12lj6 17. kxc6 'B.xc6
18.cxb4 axb4 19-�!3 ±) 17. kxc6 bxc3
18. k xc3 'B.xc6 19. k xas �d7 20.b4
12lxe4 21.b5± D. Ghyssens-L. Bori­
sovs I LSS email 2009;
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
c) u . ..l�Jd4 This move doesn't con­
tribute to the fight for the ds square
and White thus ends up being bet­
ter after 12.�cds � xds (12 ... �b7
13.a4!?N b4 14.a5t; 12 ... �e6 13.a4
�b7 14.axb5 axb5 15. �xa8 �xa8 was
played in the game M. Andersen­
G. Meins I Dortmund 2012. White
is better after 16. �xb5 �xe4 1J.�f5
�f6 18. �c4t) 13.exds! Threatening
to win the knight after c3. 13 ... b4
14.a3 bxa3 1s. �xa3t V. Moliboga­
E. Matorin I Kiev 2006. This kind
of position is always more pleasant
for White, who has a clear plan on
the queenside.;
a) 12.�cds This regularly played
move is not very threatening. 12 ...
� xds 13.exds (13.�xd5 �g5 gives
Black a solide position. 14.a4 �xc1
15.VMixC1 �e6 16. axb5 axb5 17.�e3
VM/b6 18. �d1 �d4= J. Netzer­
D. Breder I Pardubice 2010) 13...�as
14.a4 b4 1s.�fs (15. �d2?!j5i A. Shi­
rov-V. lvanchuk I Wijk a an Zee
2003) 1s ... �xfs 16. �xfs �b7! The
knight heads to cs, where he will
be well placed. 17.VM/g4 �cs 18. �h6
� f6 19. �ad1 �e8= J. Csjernyik­
J. Peres I ICCF email 2oo4;
b) 12.b3 was recently played in the
game J. Mullon-R. Edouard I Pau
2012 12 ... �b4!N 13. �e2 (13.a4 �xd3
14.VM/xd3 b4 15.� cd5 � b7=) 13 ...
�b7 14.a3 (14. �!3 �c6=) 14... �c8!
IS. �b2 (15.axb4 �xc3 16. �b2 �xe3!?
17jxe3 �xe4oo Black has excellent
39
compensation.) 1s ... ds! This liber­
ating move is working here. A very
good find by the computer.
16.exds (16. axb4 d4+) 16 ... �bxds
17.�cxds � xds 18. � xes � xe3
19.fxe3 VM/b6 20. �d4 VMIg6 21. � f3
�Xf3 22.VM/xf3 �XC2=;
12 ... �b4!N Here is our novelty.
The bs pawn is not really hang­
ing because of the e4 pawn. Black
will manage to play ds now that the
knight is on b4. The following lines
are very concrete but they all seem
to work out for Black:
a) 12 ...bxa4N 13. �xa4 as 14.�cdst
We think White is slightly better in
this kind of positions as Black can­
not fight for the ds square.;
b) 12 ... b4 The natural move that
everyone played. 13.�cds � xds
14.�xds �gs Is.as!N In order to dis­
sociate the black pawns.
(IS. �e3 �xe3 16.�xe3 �d4!N (16. . .
�q 17.VM/d2 a5 18.�C4t K. Hazne­
daroglu-G. Vescovi I Bursa 2010.)
17. �C4 as 18.VM/d3 �e6 19.C3 bxc3
20.bXC3 �XC4 21.�XC4 �b3=)
40 CHAPTER 3

15 ... �xc1 16.W6xc1 �has (16... �e6

17.W6d2-;J; White is a little bit bet­
ter thanks to the weak a6 pawn.)
17.W6d2 i'.Llc6 18.�xa6 �e6 19. �C4-;t
And the a-file allows White to put
some pressure.;

a) 16./.Llxbs?! I.Ll xe4!;

b) 16. �d2 WNq 17.b3 (17./.Llxbs W9c6

18.1.Llc3 E!xb2=) 17...b4=;
13.axbs
c) 16. E!d1 b4 17·/.Llcds i.Llxds 18./.Llxds
� xds 19.W6xds (19. exds fsoo ) 19 ...
E!c8=;
(15 . E!e1 ds! 16 .exds I.Ll fxds
17./.Llexds i'.Ll xds 18./.Ll xbs (18. 16.../.Ll xds 17./.Ll xds �xds 18.W6xds
I.Llxds �xds=) 18... �cs! Followed W6q 19.c3 E!fc8= Followed by �C4.;
by W6h4. Black has enough com­
pensation for the pawn.) 10./.Lleds This move is quite rare and
doesn't give White any advantage.
15 ...ds!? (1s ... I.Llc6!?= Followed by
i'.Lld4 also seems completely play­
able.) 16.exds I.Ll fxds 17./.Llexds
� xds ! 18./.Ll xds (18./.Ll xbs W9b6
19.c4 �e4�) 18.../.Ll xd5 19. �b2 � f6
2o. E!e1 e4 21.�xf6 i'.Llxf6 22.W6xd8
E!fxd8= The position is equal.)

13 ... axb5 14. W6e2 (14. �xbs I.Llxe4!=)

14 ...1.Llxd3 (14 ... �b7 15. �xbs I.Llxe4
16. E!d1-;J;) 15.W6xd3 �e6 This is the
critical position. We couldn't find
any tangible advantage for White
and we are curious to see what will
be played here. Here are some vari­
ations:
10 ... 0-o Even if 10 .../.Ll xds was al­
ready played, this move is more logi­
cal. We are at a big junction point
right now: 11. �d3
a) 11.i'.Ll xe7+?! This move eases
Black's task as he will be able to
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
prepare d5. 11...i:the7 12. ii.g5 (12.
�d3 b4 13.�e2 il.b7 14.�g3 ds+)
12 ...b4!N (12 ... il.b7 13. ii.xf6 gxf6
14. ii.d3oo P. Atoofi-A. Moiseenko I
Minneapolis 2005.)
13. ii.xf6 bxc3 14. ii.xe7 �Xe7 15.bxc3
�q 16.�d3 il.b7 Black is slightly
better thanks to a better structure.
The c3 pawn is an easy target after
�ac8 and the d6 is easily defendable
by �fd8.;
b) 11.�xf6+ ii.xf6 12.�d5 ii.e6
White cannot be better with such
a delay in development. 13.c3 (13.
�xf6+ �xf6 would give Black good
play as White cannot take the d6
pawn: 14. �xd6? �d4 1S. �d3 �fd8
16.�a3 �g6-+; 13.h4 ii.xds 14.exds
�as Followed by e4 and Black will
open the position favorably.) 13 ...
iLg5 14.il.e2 il.xo 15. �xo �e7
16.� xe7+ �xe7 17.0-o �fd8 18.q
�b7= Molano I. Lafuente-V. Ikon­
nikov I Barcelona 2009. Black
doesn't have any problems here.
A mass simplification will probably
take place soon.;
c) n.a4 b4 Black obviously doesn't
take on a4 so not to weaken his
queenside. He seizes the opportu-
41
nity to play b4, forcing White to
play � xf6 and �c3-d5, which has
the advantage of allowing il.gs.
u.� xf6+ il.xf6 13.�d5 ii.g5 14. �C4
(14.il.xg5 �xg5 15.�d2 (1s.�b6?!
�b8 16.�xc8 �fxcs+
This is the typical dream posi­
tion for Black, with a good knight
against a bad bishop. What is more,
in this precise position White also
has development problems.) 15 ...
�xd2+ 16.Wxd2 il.e6=)
14... .1Lxe1 15.�XC1 (1s. �xe1 as 16.o­
o JLe6 IJ.�e3 �C8 18.C3 bXC3 19. bXC3
�b8!= From here the knight will
be able to get to c5 via d7.) 15 ... ii.e6
16.o-o �d4 Black's position is com­
pletely fine: A. Haast-V. Ikonnikov I
Utrecht 2009;
d) n.il.e2 �xd5N The most natural
move.
(n... il.b7 is not in the spirit of the
position. 12. il.e3 � xd5 13.� xd5
�d4 14. ii.xd4 (14. ii.d3 �fs!?)
14...il.xd5 15.exd5 exd4 16.o-o il.f6
17.il.d3± A. Arustamian-E. Svesh­
nikov I Moscow RUS 2011. This
kind of position always favors
42 CHAPTER 3

White as he can both put pressure A. Shariyazdanov I Saint V incent

on the queenside by playing a4 and 2005.
activate his pieces on the kingside.)

12.CZJxds (12.exd5?! CZ:Jd4+) 12 ... �gs

13. � xg5 V!!Vxgs 14.0-o �e6oo The
position is balanced. Compared to 10...0-0
the main line, White doesn't have It is the latest fashion.
the f2-f4 plan any longer.;
10 ... h5 This aggressive move is not
n ... �e6 really play any longer. We still rec­
ommend it as an alternative to those
(The classical u ... CZJ xds 12.CZJ xds who don't want to play the main
�g5 also seems to be playable line.
here. For instance: 13.V!!V hs �xc1
14. :S.xc1 �e6 15.0-o fsoo Misiano,
F-P. Piscopo I Spoleto 2011.(15...
g6!?N 16. V!!Vh6 :S.cs 17. :S.jd1 �xd5
18.exd5 CZJqoo Black can try to play
against the bad bishop.) )

12.0-o CZJd7!? (12 ... b4 is another pos­

sibility. 1J.CZJxf6+ �xf6 14.CZJd5 �g5
Followed by as.) 13.f4 (13. �e3 �g5
14. V!!¥d2 �xe3 15. V!!¥xe3 CZJe7= Black
equalized in the game: Kovacevic, (u.h4 This move stops the h-pawn
A-L. Lenic I Nova Gorica 2006. but it also weakens the g4 square.
16.CZJxe7+; 13.ClJXe7+ CZJxq Followed n ... :S.bs
by CZ:Jcs.) 13 ... exf4 14. � xf4 CZJcesoo
With an interesting position where a) u ... �e6 12. �g2 :S.c8 13.CZJcds;;l;
White will have trouble launching L. Aroshidze-S. Roy Chowdhury
a kingside attack. The es square is IFigueres ESP 2012.;
too well controlled. S. Gurcan-
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
b) 11. .. ClJd4!?N was our recom­
mendation in the French version
of the book. 12. �g2 b4 13.ClJcds
C2J xds 14.C2J xds (14. exd5 V/9q
15.0-0 g5oo ) 14 ... lt.g4 15.f3 �e6
16.ClJxb4 as
(16 ... ds 17.C2Jxds � xds 18.c3! (18.
exd5 C2Jj5�) 18 ... �e6 19.cxd4;!;)
17.ClJd3 V/9b6 18.c3 ClJc6 19.V!Be2 a4
20. �e3 V!Bbs 21.o-o;!; Although
Black has some compensation,
we think White is a little bit bet­
ter here.;
c) n ...b4 12.ClJcds :8b8 13. �g2
C2Jxds 14.ClJxds �g4 15. �f)!N (15.
V!Bd3 ClJd4 16j3 �e6oo G. Soulei­
dis-A. Naiditsch I Stockholm
2010.) 15 ... ClJd4 16. � xg4 hxg4
17· �e3 ClJ f3+ 18. 'iif fl ;t;
12. �g2 ClJd4 13.0-oN We think it's
more logical for White to delay the
ClJcds move.
(13.C2Jcds C2Jxds 14.exds (14.ClJxd5
�g4 15]3 �e6=) 14 ...g6oo D. Dau­
lyte-A. Schulz I Germany 2012.)
13 ...b4 14.C2Jcds C2Jxds 1s.C2Jxds �g4
16.f3 �e6 17. �e3 �xds 18.exds
C2Jbs 19.V!Bd3 o-o= With a bal­
anced position.)
n ... h4 12.0-o Black has tried differ­
ent moves here. 12 ...h3!? Here is the
line we recommend to Black. Al­
though it looks strange to close the
h-file, the idea is to play the same
43
way as in the main line. The differ­
ence is that White will almost never
have the f4 move as with a queen on
gs and a bishop on h1 the g3 pawn
is pinned! What is more, it is often
difficult to reactivate the �h1.
a) 12 ...ClJd4 The most played move.
13.C2Jcds C2J xds 14.C2J xds (14. exd5
ClJj5!oo leads to an uncertain po­
sition.) 14 ... �e6 15.c3 (15.ClJe3 Al­
though this move was played by
Anand against Radjabov, we don't
think it leads to any advantage.)
15... � xds 16. exds ClJ f5 17.V/9d3! More
accurate than 17.a4. 17...g6 (1J... ClJh6
18.a4 White has a good advantage
here.) 18.g4!N A good novelty! The
black knight will be totally out of
play.
(18.a4 is the usual move. 18 ...
hxg3!? 19.hxg3 (19jxg3!?N Vf9b6+
20. 'i!th1 :8bs 21. �e4 ClJ h6 22. �e3
V!Bb7 23.b4;!;) 19 ... :8b8 2o.axbs axbs
21.b4 V!Bd7 22. �d2 �d8 23. :8a6
'i!l'f8 gave Black a slightly inferior
but playable position in: V. Potkin­
P. Eljanov I Moscow 2004.)
44
at) 18 ... h3 19. � xh3 e4 2o.�xe4
:8xh3 21.gxfs±;
a2) 18 ... ll:Jh6 19.h3 fs (19 ... �gs
20. �xgs �xgs 21j4! exf4 22. :8ae1+
Wf8 23 .�d4±) 20.a4±;
19.a4 :8bs 2o.axbs axbs 21.f4! By
move inversion we now find our­
selves in an already played position.
21. .. exf4 22. �xf4 o-o Both moves
that were played here give White
a good advantage, but I prefer
23. :8a6. 23. :8a6
(23. �e3 � f6 24.�d2 (24 . :8 xj6?!
�xf6 25.�d2oo I. Cheparinov­
K. Spraggett I Metz 2005.) 24 ... �es
25. :8a7;;l;)
23 ... �c8 24. :8a7 :8b7 25. :8 xb7 �xb7
26.�d4 :8c8 27.h3;;l; The black posi­
tion is very hard to play as was seen
in the game A. Istratescu-V. Ikon­
nikov I France 2007.;
b) 12... hxg3?! A surprising decision.
13.fxg3! White is making use of
Black's last move in order to open
the f-fi.le. (13.hxg3 is less logical.) 13 ...
�e6 Both moves seem promising
for White here. 14.a4
CHAPTER 3
(14.ll:Jcds :8c8 (14 ... :8bs 15.c3 WfB
16.�/3 �d7 11-ll:Jfs �xfs 18.exjs;t
T. Kosintseva-V. Johansson I Fue­
gen 2006.) 15.c3 ll:Jas 16.a4 ClJc4
17.axbs axbs 18.�d3;;l; Van E. Leeu­
wen-S. Kuznetsov I ICCF email
2006.)
14...ll:Jd4 (14... b4 1s.ll:Jcds :8c8 16.as!;;l;)
1s. ll:Jcds bxa4 I6. :8xa4 ClJxds 17.exds
�d7 18.c3! A nice move which gives
White a good initiative.
18 ... ll:Je2+ (18. . . ll:J bs 19.ll:Jjs �xfs
20. :8 xfs White is much bet­
ter.) 19.�xe2 � xa4 2o.�g4 �d7
21.�xg7 :8f8 22.ClJg4 (22.h4N would
have given White a big advantage.)
22 ... � Xg4 23.�Xg4 �d7 24.�h5;;l;
C. Bauer-A. Moiseenko I Bilbao
2004;
c) 12 .. . g6 The idea is to put the king
on g7, but White can get an advan­
tage through simple and natural
play: 13.a4 b4 14.ll:Jcds �e6 15.c3
bxc3 16.bxc3 Wf8 17. � a3;;l; With
a good advantage, such as in: Van
den E. Doel-A. Moiseenko I Plov­
div 2003;
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
13. �h1 o-o We are at a junction.
This rarely played line has recently
become more popular (4 games in
2012). Until here, White has always
played 14.CLJcds, but we have also
analysed other moves which we
consider to be interesting: 14.CLJcds
We don't think that this move which
was played in every single game is
the best one.
a) 14.a3!? In order to avoid b4. We
think this can become the main
move in the future. 14 ... l:!b8 15.b3
We think that this is the critical po­
sition. One has to find a good plan
for Black now.
(16.exds ll:Jd4 17.g4 (lJ. CJ ll:Jfs
18.CLJc2 asoo) 17.. .f5 18.c3 f4 19.CXd4
fxe3 2o. �xe3 exd4 21. �xd4 � f6
The weakness of the white king
compensates for being a pawn
down.)
16 ... �g5 would give a perfect ver­
sion of the main line to Black.)
45
15 ... �d7! We came to the conclu­
sion that this is the best way to play.
Although it looks strange to put the
queen in front of the bishop, the idea
is to transfer the �e7 to b6 via d8.
at) 15 ... �e6 We thought this was
a logical move, but we couldn't
find how to equalize. 16.CLJcds �d7
17. �b2
(17.CLJ xe7+ ll:J xe7 18.�d3 l:!fd8
19. �b2 (19. l:!d1 ds=) 19 ... ll:Jg4!?
2o. l:!ad1 l:!bc8 21. �6 f6oo Black's
position is solid.)
17... �d8 18. � 6 The bishop wasn't
doing anything on h1. (18.a4 �xds
19.CLJxds llJxds 2o.exds ll:Jq 21.axbs
axbs Followed by �b6. The posi­
tion is uncertain.) 18... a5 The logi­
cal move. Black wants to gain some
space on the queenside.
an) 19.CLJb4 l:!c8 2o.�xd6
46
20...tlJd4! 21. ii.d1 (21. 1l.xd4 exd4
22.tLljs $_xfs 23.exjs 1l.q=) 21...
$.q 22.�xa6 �xa6 23.tlJ xa6
tLlxe4 Black has enough com­
pensation for the pawn.;
au) 19.tlJ xf6+ .1l. xf6 2o. $_g4
(20. �xd6? 'B.fdB 21. V!!fxc6 'B.bc8
The queen is trapped.) 20 ... �d7
21. �f5 'B.bc8 22.�g4 tLle7=;
19... tlJd4 2o.axb5 tLlxfJ+ 21.�xf3
'B.xb5 22. ka3;l; White is a little bit
better.)
19.a4! b4 Although Black is not
happy to close the position, what
else can he do? (19... tlJb4 2o.axbs
1l.xds 21.exds �xbs 22.g4!?t A sur­
prising move, but it is now hard to
find a good move for Black.; 19...
bxa4 20. 'fl.xa4 tLlb4 21.tLlxj6+ $_xf6
22. E!xas il..gs 23. �a3 �q 24. kxb4
'fl.xb4 2s. !!a2 'fl.d4 26.V!!fe2 Black
certainly has some compensation
for the pawn, but White is prob­
ably a bit better. 26... 'fl.c8 27- 'Bd1
V!!lcs 2B.tLlds;t) 2o. 'B.e1 We have
tried various moves for Black here:
20 ... '8c8
CHAPTER 3
an) 20 ... .1l.xd5 21.tLl xd5 (21.exds
tLlq Followed by kb6.) 21...�e6
(21... tLlxds
22. ii.g4! �b7 23 . exds tLl e7
24. 1l.Xh3;l;) 22. V!!fd3 $.b6 (22 . . .
tLl q 2J.tLlxf6+ �xf6 24. $.g4 $.b6
2s. 'Bj1;l;) 23.tlJ xb6 'Bxb6 24.V!!/e3
'B.b7 25. ii.e2t;
au) 20 ... g6 21. 'Bc1 'B.c8 22.c3 (22.
tlJC4 1l.xds 23.exds tLlq 24.c3 bxc3
25. 'Bxc3 tLlfs 26.g4 tLld4 2J.gs;t)
22 ... bXC3 23. 'fl.xc3 V!!fb7 24.tlJq;l;;
21. 'B.CI 'Be8 22.tlJ C4 (22.c3 bxc3
2J. 'fl.XCJ tL'Jd4=) 22... .it.xd5 23.exd5
tLle7 24.c3 bxc3 25. $.xc3 'Bc5 (25...
tLlfs 26. ii.g4±) 26. $_b2 'B.c8 27. �a3
kq 28.g4;l;;
a2) 15...tLld4 16. kb2 �d7!? 17.a4 (lJ.
�dJ 'fl.c8oo) I?.. . b4 18.tLlcd5 tLlxd5
19.tLlxd5 (19.exds tLlfs=) 19 ... tLle6
With a complicated and interesting
to play position, but White must be
a little bit better after 20. V!!/h5t;
(16. �b2 .1l.d8! A typical maneuver.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
u) q. � fs �q= Followed by
� e7.;
u) 17.�cds � xds 18.�xds (18.
exds � qoo ) 18 ... � e7 19.�e3
�b6= Black has a pleasant posi­
tion.;
17... �b6= And the position is
equal.)
16 ... �C7 17. �b2 (17- �e3 �xjs 18.exjs
lrbc8oo Black will have some play
on the c-file.; 1J.�xq+?! �xq Fol­
lowed by lrd8 and �e6. Black is al­
ready a little bit better.) 17... �e6 (lJ. ..
�xfs 18.exjs �d4 19.g4t Black's po­
sition is very dangerous.) 18.�d3
(1B. lre1 1f!Jc8 19. �d3 �d7oo Fol­
lowed by � xfs and b4.) 18 ... � xfs
(18... �d7 w lrfd1 lrjc8oo also seems
to be a good way of playing.) 19.exfs
47
19 . . . b4! 2o.axb4 (2o.� e4 bxa3
21.�xf6+ �xf6 22. �xa3 �d4oo
With an unclear position.; 2o.�ds
�xds 21. �xds bxa3 22. 1t.xa3 �d4
Black has the initiative.) 20...�xb4oo
Followed by ds.;
b) 14.a4 was played by one of the au­
thors.
14 . . . b4 (14 . . . bxa4 15. lr xa4 lr b8
16. b3t) 1s.�cds �xds
(1s ... lrb8!? 16.b3 It is hard to find
a more useful move. 16 ... � xds
17.�xds (1J.exds �as 18. �b2 fsi
We like Black's position here.) 17...
1t.gs This position is very interest­
ing. 18. � xgs
(18.f4 exf4 19. � xf4 (19.gxf4 �f6
20.�xf6+ �xf6 21. lrb1 lre8oo The
position of the white king seems
to give Black good play.) 19 ... �xf4
2o. lrxf4 � es=)
18 ... �xgs 19.f4 exf4 2o. lrxf4 �e6
21.�d3 as Black is doing fine.)
I6.�xds �gS 17.C3 bxc3 I8.bXC3 �XCI
19.�XCI lrb8 2o.�a3 �e6 21. lrfdi
� as+ E. Barbosa-F. Libiszewski­
Cannes 2012;
48
c) 14.lt:Jfs A try to refute Black's play
immediately. 14...b4 The most simple
move. (14 ... kxfs 15.exjs 13.c8 16. it.e3
W8d7 17.g4 lt:Jasoo Black's position
is playable but it is a bit dangerous
in practice.) 15.lt:Jds (1s.lt:Je2 1/,.xfs
16. exjs Wfd7+) 15 ... lt:J xds 16.exds
kxfs 17.dxc6 W/b6= Followed by
e4. The c6 pawn in not necessarily
a strength.;
d) 14.b3 It is logical to try and de­
velop the c1 bishop.
dt) 14 . . . lt:Jd4 1s.lt:J cds lt:J xds
16.lt:Jxds ke6 17.c3 lt:Jc6 18.Wfd3;!;;
White's position is more flexible.
He can activate his h1 bishop via (J.
The c1 bishop can go to a3 in order
to put pressure on the d6 pawn and
f4 might also be possible at some
point.;
d2) 14 ... �e6 15.lt:Jcds! White can­
not let Black organize himself.
(16.lt:Jcds .1l.d8 As usual. 17.c3
it.xds 18.lt:Jxds lt:J xds 19.Wfxds
CHAPTER 3
(19.exds lt:Jq Followed by .1l.b6
and g6.) 19... 1/,.b6oo)
16 ...b4 17.lt:Jcds it.ds 18.Wfd2 as
19.lt:JC4 1/,. xds 2o.exds lt:Je7 21.f4!?
lt:Jg6 22.fxes lt:J xes 23. it.xes dxes
24 . .E!ae1 .E!c8oo)
15 ... .E!c8 16. it.b2;!;; It is hard to find
a good move for Black here.;
1s.lt:Jcds lt:Jxds 16.exds!? A rare move
in this kind of position, but it is
rather dangerous.
(17. 1/,.b2 To keep the black squared
bishop. 17... as 18.a3 it.a6 19 . .E!e1
lt:Je7 It is logical to try and elimi­
nate the strong ds knight. 2o.lt:Je3
(2o. axb4 lt:Jxds 21.exds axb4=)
20 ... Wfb6 21. k f3 The bishop will
take the h3 pawn after kg4. 21...
.E!fd8 22.axb4 axb4 23. it.g4 k xe3
24 . .E! xe3 ds! oo With a double­
edged position.)
17... Wfxgs 18.a3 is by far the most
logical move. White wants to open
the position on the queenside. 18 ...
�g4!? 19.Wfd3 (19]3?! ke6+ The h1
bishop is not playing at all now.;
19. 1/,.f3 1/,.xj3 2o.Wixj3 lt:Jd4 21.Wfd3
13.jc8= With a balanced position.)
19... as=)
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
16 . ../�:Jd4 17.a3! White wants to take
the initiative by opening the files
on the queenside. (1J. iLb2 asoo) 17...
fs! Black needs to act quickly. (1J. .. as
18.axb4 iLa6 19.c4 axb4 20. iLb2 Wlb6
21. iLxd4 exd4 22.lLlc2;l;)
(18. iLb2 f4 is the right way to play.
19. iL xd4 exd4 2o.lLlq fxg3 21.fxg3
�xfH
(21. .. iLgs 22.axb4 (22. iLe4 �xj1+
23. WIxj1 bxa3oo) 22 ... iL fsiiS The
position is very complicated, but
Black has good compensation for
the pawn.)
22.Wixfl d3! A good move in or­
der to open the files. 23.Wixd3
iLf6 24. �d1 (24. �a2? Wlq+ ) 24 ...
bxa3 25.lLl xa3 Wlb6+ 26.<i!tfl �g4
49
27.lLlC4 Wlcs 28. �d2 asiiS It is White
who is in danger here.)
18 ... bxa3! Starting by this move is
more precise.
(18.. .f4 19. iLe4 fxg3 (19 ... bxa3 20.c3
iLjs 21. iLxfs lLlxfs 22. �xa3 �bs
23. �xa6 jxg3 24.hxg3 WleB 25.<i!th2
Wlj7 26. � a7;l;) 2o.hxg3 (2o.jxg3
�xjl+ 21. WIxj1 iLg4oo) 20 ... iL fs
21. �xfs � xfs (21 ... lLlxjs 22.axb4;l;)
22.axb4 WI e8 23. iLe3 lLl f3+
24. <i!th1;l; It is hard to find a way for
Black to continue the attack here.)
19. � xa3 (19. �xa3 lLl bs Followed
by e4.) 19 .. .f4 20. �e4! fxg3 21.hxg3
(21.jxg3 �xj1+ 22. WIxj1 �g4i) 21 ...
� fs 22. �xfs �xfsoo With a double­
edged position.;
14 ... lLl xds 1s .lLl xds (Is.exds lLlas
16.a4 �d7oo Followed by fs.) 15 ... iLgs
16. �xgs
(16. Wlhs iL xCI 17. � axCI �e6=
(1J. . .Ii'Jd4 was played in the game:
S. Mazur-J. Markos I Slovakia
SVK 2011.) )
16 ... Wixgs Compared to the main
line (w ... o-o) White doesn't have a3
50
in order to open the queenside or f4
to open the kingside. 17.c3
17... ke6
(17... !!b8!? 18.lL'le3 !Ids 19. '%!fe2
g6 (19... as!?) 20.a4 b4 21.'%!VC4 (21.
E!jdi?! lL'las 22. !Ids lL'lb3 23. l'!ad1
bxc3 24.bxc3 '%!Vq+ And Black is
much better. The white pawns on
the queenside are weak and the
knight will occupy his ideal posi­
tion on cs. V. Rojicek-J. Markos
I Czechia 2012) 21. .. kb7 22. !!fd1
�g7 With a balanced position.)
18.'%!fd3 lL'las= The position is equal.
Compared to the main line, White
doesn't have any way to open the
position on either side of the board.
u.kg2 h4
The classical move in order to sim­
plify the position by exchanging
a pair of knights, followed by kgs to
exchange the dark squared bishops.
12.lL'lcds lL'lxds lJ .lL'lxds k gs
14. kxgs
14.ll:Je3 is not a logical move. 14 ...
ke6 15.0-o E'!c8 16.a3 as 17.axb4 axb4
18.f4 It is hard to find another idea for
White. 18 ... exf4 19.gxf4 kf6 2o.fs kd7
CHAPTER 3
21.'%!fxd6 (21.lL'lds E!esCX) With a com­
plicated position.) 21. .. kes 22. '%!¥d1
'%!fh4 And Black got good compensa­
tion in the game: S. Ganguly-A. Fe­
dorov I New Delhi 2006.;
14.f4?! was never played and it seems
dubious. 14 ... exf4 15.gxf4 (1s.lL'lxj4
ke6 16.o-o kc4 IJ. l'!j2 kj6+ Black
has all the black squares.; IS. kxj4
kxj4 16.lL'lxj4 V!!ib6+; 1s.h4 !3 16. kxj3
kxo 17. E'!xo '%!Ves+ Suivi de '%!Ves.)
15 ... kh4+ 16.�fl ke6+
The position of the white king guar­
antees Black a good advantage.;
(1s.'%!fxCI was played recently but
doesn't give anything for White.
15 ... as (1s ... k e6!?) 16.V!!id 2 ll:Jd4
17.c3 bxc3 18.bxc3 ll:Je6 19. !!ab1 lL'lcs
2o. !!fd1 ke6= A. Zude-V. Ikon­
nikov I Nuernberg GER 2012)
15 ... ke6 Compared to the main line,
the queen is rather well placed on d8
and one is wondering what the rook
is doing on c1, as the classical idea is
to play a3. 16.c3
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
16 ... exf4!N We think this is a good
improvement.
(t6...f6 17.c3 :g,bg 18.�a4 �xds
19.exds �b6+ 20. �htt (20. :g,j2
iL'l qoo B. Foo-V. Ikonnikov I
Vlissingen 2010.) )
17.gxf4 Otherwise Black will get
the es square. 17... :g,c8 18.c3 (18.
iL'le3 :g,es 19. :g,j2 �b6 2o.�d2 �cs
21. :g,d1 f6 With a balanced posi-
tion.) t8 ... � xds 19.�xds (19.exds
iL'lei+) 19 ...bXC3 20. :g_XC3 (20. bXC3
iLlas=) 2o ... iL'le7 21.�d4 :g,xc3
22.�XC3 �b6+ 23.�h1 :g_C8=)
16...bxc3 17.bxc3 �as 18.�e2 �xds
19.exds iL'lbs (19... iL'lq!? 2o.q �cs
Black doesn't have any problem.)
20.�C4 :g,dg (2o...iL'ld7?! 21.�c6! Sui­
vi de �xd6.) 21.�b4 �q 22.�a4
iL'ld7 23.�c6 :g,a7 Black managed
to get the upper hand in the game:
51
S. Solovjov-A. Fedorov I Minsk
2008.;
14.a3 We hadn't mentioned this
move in the first edition. 14 ... �XC1
15.�XC1 b3!? Compared to the 15.a3
line, this move is possible now as
the queen is badly placed on c1.
16.c3 �e6 17.iL'le3 �b6 18.�d2 iL'las=
Black got a totally fine position in
the game: S. Bromberger-J. Markos
I Germany 2010
14··-�xgs ts.o-o
This is the critical position for the
evaluation of this variation ...
15.a3 1his is another move we hadn't
mentioned in the French version of
this book. This rather rare move is
quite logical. The a3 idea is thematic
in this kind of position in order to
create a weakness on a6 and possibly
play c3 and b4 in order to control all
the important squares. Black needs
to react very precisely here. 15 ...bxa3
16. :g,xa3 :g,bg 17.b3
(17.�d2 �xd2+ 18.�xd2 :g,xb2
19. :g,C3 �b7!?
(19 ... �d7 20. :gat (20. �Cl?! :g,b7!+)
2o ... :g,b7!N (2o ... tiJbs? 21. :g,q±
Danin, A-P. Potapov I Moscow
2010.) 21. :g,xa6 12ld4 22.12le7+
(22. :g,xd6? tiJbs+; 22. :g,ca3 �c6=)
22 ... �hs 23.12l fs!? � xfs (23 ...
iL'lxjs 24.exjs :g,b4 25. :g,q �xfs
2 6. :g,xj7t) 24.exfs :g,d7= Al­
though White has a slight edge,
52 CHAPTER 3

Black should be able to hold rath­ 18 ...W8e7!? An interesting move with

er easily.) the idea of taking advantage of the
move order chosen by White. Blacks
is threatening to play ds.

20. 'i!tCI � a 2 21. � xc6 (21. 'i!tb1

�a4 22. �xe6 �xe6 23.'2le7+ 'i!thB
24.'2lxe6 �e8 2s.l2lq � bB+ 26.'i!te1
�al+ 2J. 'i!fd2 �Xh1 2B. 1i.xh1 as+)
21. .. 1i.xc6 22.'2le7+ 'i!th8 23.'2l xc6
�c8 24.'2lb4 � a1+ 25. 'i!td2 � xh1
26. 1i. xh1 as= After this long series
of forced moves, the position is
balanced. The passed pawn and the
lack of coordination of the white
pieces give Black enough com­
pensation. In the game A. Mista­
A. Moiseenko I Dresden GER 2007
Black even managed to win.)
19. �a4 (19.0-o ds=) 19 ... 1i.e6 2o.o­
o (20. �xa6 W8b7 21. � a4 l2lxe2+
22.'2lxe2 �xb3 23. �a3 �feB 24.0-o
�xe2 2s.W8xd6=) 2o ... � fc8 21. �xa6
(21. �xd4 is White's only try to play
for an advantage, but we think he
doesn't have more than just com­
pensation for the exchange. 21... exd4
22. W9xd4 as 23. �d1 �dB 24j4 f6oo)
21. .. '2l xc2 22.'2lxc2 � xb3 23.W8xd6
W9xd6 24. � xd6 1i.xc2= 0. Korneev­
F. Libiszewski I Bagnara Calabra
2013

(18.o-o This move order avoids the

18 .. .'�e7!? line. 18 ... 1i.b7 19.'2le3 (19.
W8d3 �feB 2o.h4 WUds 21.e4 ii.xds
22.exds as+ M. Zarkovic-M. Vois­
ka I Valjevo SRB 2011.) 19 ... � fc8
2o.l2JC4 (2o.W8d3?! �e3! Arenas
D. Vanegas-P. Potapov I Cho­
towa 2010.) 20 ...W8e7 The position
is balanced. Black will play 1i.c6
followed by ii.bs. T. Feldtmann­
V. Ikonnikov I Frankfurt 2010)
ts ... �bs!
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
The most played and by far the best
move. The idea is to have as after a3,
but also bxa3 if the b2 pawn is hang­
ing.
1s ... B:ds This move was played by one
of the authors, but we now think it is
dubious. The rook takes the queen's
square and Black doesn't have the
possibility of playing as after a3 any
longer. 16.a3! We think that this is
the right way to play. (16j4 Wfh6 11fs
B:al 18.Wfe1 as 19.Wif2 iLa6 2o.B:Jel
B:b7 With a very complicated po­
sition: Kosintseva, N-A. Moiseen­
ko I Moscow 2007.) 16 ... bxa3 Black
doesn't really have a choice. 17. B:xa3
B:bs (lJ... iLe6 1B. c3± Followed by
Wia4 and B:fa1.) 18. B:c3!N A strong
improvement.
(18.f4 W/g4!N seems to be the best
move here. (18... Wfh6 has also been
played.) 19. W/d2 (19. iL!J WIe 6oo)
19··· iLb7oo)
18. ..l�:Jd4 19.h4! W/h6 2o. B:xc8 B:bxc8
21.�e7+ <i!?f8 22.�xc8 B:xc8 23.c3
�bs (2J ... �c6 24.Wia4± White has
a strong edge.) 24.Wia4 B:as 2s. B:d1
Wfe6 26. iL fi± Black's position is
very difficult.;
53
1s ... W/d8 We think this move is too
slow. 16.a3! Of course.
16 ... B:bs (16... as 17.axb4 iLa6 18. B:e1
tiJxb4 19.�e3;l; Followed by iL f1.)
17.Wfd2 as (1J... bxaJI8.B:xaJ;l; White
is better here as Black cannot take
on b2 because of 19.Wic3.) 18.axb4
� xb4 (18 ... axb4 19. B:a4;l; The b4
pawn is too weak.) 19.�e3;l; White
has a small and riskless advantage.;
ts ... iLb7 We cannot see the idea be­
hind this move ... 16.a3 bxa3 17. B:xa3
as 18.c3 §:ab8 19.Wfa4 �a8 20.�C7
B: fc8 21.�xa8 B: xa8 22. B:d1± And
White got a very promising position
in the game: I. Saric-D. Rogozenco I
Aix-les-Bains FRA 2011.
t6.Wid3
This move is by far the most played
one.
16.f4!? This most direct move has
rarely been played but we nevertheless
think it is a good way of playing for
White. Black has never showed how
to equalize, which is why I would rec­
ommend this line to White although
I don't think that Black has any prob­
lem after 17---�e?-
54
16... �d8 (16... exj4 has never been
played. 17.gxj4 �dB 18. 'l!lh1 �e6
19.�e3;t White is better.) 17-f5 (1.7-�d2
�q 18.�e3 Otherwise Black would
exchange on ds. 18... �b6 19-'l!lh1 �cs
20. 'E.ad1 'E.b6 Followed by f6. Back's
position is solid. D. Lobzhanidze­
V. Ikonnikov I Griesheim 2006.)
17... �e7!N A strong novelty that we
think makes this variation playable.
a) 17.. .f6?! Unfortunately this move
is not possible. 18.�xf6+!
18 ... 'E. xf6 19.�ds+ 'l!lh8 2o.�xc6
�b7 2L�C4 �b6+ 22.'l!lh1;t White
is simply a pawn up.;
b) 17... 'l!lh8 In order to play f6. This
move has already been played by
Moiseenko twice. 18.f6
(18.�d2 f6 19.g4 The idea of go­
ing ,all in" on the kingside doesn't
seem to work.
CHAPTER 3
(19.a3 as 20. 'E.fd1 (2o.axb4 �Xb4f
With a balanced position.) 20 ...
bxa3 21. 'E.xa3 �d4oo)
19 ... as 2o.'l!lh1 �a6 21. 'E. f3 �c4
22.C3 bxc3 23.bXC3 � xd5 24.�Xd5
�e7 25.�d2 'E.b6 26. 'E.d1 �q
27.h4 'E.fb8+ B. Muhren-A. Moi­
seenko I Kerner 2007.)
18 ... g6 19.�d2 �e6 This is the move
that has so far been played in prac­
tice.
(19 ... �d7!?N 20.a3 bxa3 21.b3! (21.
'E.xa3 'E.xb2 22. 'E.xa6 �c8 The posi­
tion is equal.) 21. .. as 22. 'E.xa3 �e6
23.c3;t)
20.a3!N A strong improvement. The
positions arising from this move are
all easier to play for White.
(2o. 'E.ad1
20 ... � xds! It is logical to leave
White with his bishop on g2.
21.exds (21. � h6 'E.gs 22. 'E. xds
�d4 23.�d2 �b6 24.'1!lh1 'E.bc8oo;
21. �xds?! �b6+ 22. 'E.j2 �d4+)
21. .. � d4 22. 'E. de1 (22. c3 bxc3
23. bxc3 � bs 24. 'E. b1 �a3oo) 22 ...
'E.g8 23. 'E.e4 � fs In order to avoid
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
l"!h4. The position is still compli­
cated. Here are some examples of
possible lines: 24.g4
bt) 24.l"!Xb4 l"!Xb4 25.V:!:Vxb4 �e3
26.l"!f3 (26.l"!j2 V!Vq=) 26 ... �XC2
27.V:!:Vb7 �d4 28.l"!fl � fs=;
b2) 24. � h3 V!Vc B (24 . . . V!Vxj6
25.l"!xb4 �g7 With an unclear
position.) 25. V:!:Vf2 V:!:Vb7 26. � xfs
gxfs 27.V:!:Vxfs V:!:Vxds= Followed by
l"!g6.;
24 ... � h4 25.g5 (2s.l"!xb4 �xg2
26. �xg2 V!Vc8!=; 25.l"!C4 � xg2
26.�xg2 as=) 25 ...� fs (2s... V!Vb6+
26.l"!j2 �xg2 27-�xg2 V!Vbs 28.!"!/3
l"!gc8 29.!"! h4 l"!C4 30.!"!jh3 hs It
is White who has to be careful
now. 3I.V!Vd3! l"!xh4 32.l"!xh4 V!Vas
33.l"!C4!=) 26. �h3 (26.l"!xb4 l"!xb4
27- V!Vxb4 V!Vq=) 26 ... V:!:Vc8 27.V:!:Vf2
l"!bs 28.l"!h4 V:!:Vcs= S. Mazur­
A. Moiseenko I Aix-les-Bains FRA
2011.)
2o ...as
bt) 2o ... b3 21.c3 l"!bs
(21. .. � xds 22.exds �as 23.l"!ae1
Followed byl"!e4. Black is in dan-
55
ger! 23 ... l"!c8 24.l"!f2! ± Followed
by �f1.(24.l"!e4?! l"!q!=) )
22.l"iae1 l"ig8 23.l"if2t Black's posi­
tion is not easy to play.;
b2) 2o ... bxa3 21.l"!xa3 (21.b3 �xds
22.exd5 �d4 23.l"!Xa3 asoo) 21...l"!g8
h21) 21. .. � xds? Unfortunately
for Black the idea of going for the
b2 pawn is not working. 22.exds
V:!:Vb6+ (22... �d4 2J.g4f+-) 23.�hl!
(23.l"!f2?! V:!:Vxb2 24.l"!xa6 �d4
25.c3 (2s.l"!xd6 V!Va3!; 25. �e4
l"!b6oo) 25 ...V:!:Vxd2 26.l"!xd2 �f5
27. �e4 l"!fd8=)
23 ... V:!:Vxb2 24.V:!:Vh6 l"!g8 25.l"!e3
�d4 26.g4+- Followed by l"!h3
and mate!;
h22) 21. ..l"!xb2
22.V:!:Vc3 ! l"!b6 23.�xb6 V:!:Vxb6+
24. �htt Although the computer
finds some compensation for the
exchange, it is clear that White is
better.;
22.l"!xa6t Black's position is un­
pleasant.;
56
21.axb4 axb4 22.�h1
(22. � f2 is also interesting. 22 ...
.txds!
(23. .tfl .txds 24.�xds (24.exds
l£Jd4 25. .td3 �gB 26. �a6 �qoo)
24 ... �q 25. �d1 �d8 With the
idea l£Jd4. 26.C3 bXC3 27.bXC3
�a7 Although White's position
is more pleasant, Black's posi­
tion is very solid.)
23 ... �g8 24. � a6 �d7 2s . .t f1
�bb8;l;)
23.exds l£Jd4 24.�h6 (24.c3 bxc3
25. bxc3 tiJb3 26.�h6 �gB 2J. �a7
�fB=) 24 . . . �g8 25. � a7 liJ fs !
26.�h3 (26. �xfs? �b6+-+) 26...
� f8oo With a double-edged posi­
tion where Black is certainly not
worse.)
22 ... �b7 (22 ... .txds? 23.exds l£Jd4
24. �a7!+-) 23. �a4 .t xds 24.exds
l£Jd4 25 . .te4 �b8
We think that the correct evalua­
tion of the position is somewhere
between White being slightly bet-
CHAPTER 3
ter and equality. With good play
the game should probably end in
a draw, but Black still needs to be
careful. (25... �b6 26.c3 �bs 27-�d1
�e2 2B.�xe2 l£Jxe2 29. �e1 bxc3
30. �xe2 cxb2 31 . .tbl±) ;
18.f6 This is the move that looks
scary.
(18.l£Je3 is too passive to play for
any advantage. 18 ... �b6 19.�d2
(19.�!3 ds!=) 19 ...f6 2o.�h1 �ds
21.b3 as= With a balanced posi­
tion.)
(19.fxg7 �xg7 2o.�xds (2o.exdsjs
21.�d2 �b6+ 22. �h1 h6oo Black
doesn't have any problem.) 20 ...
�b6+ 21.�h1 .te6 22.�d2 h6
23. � f2 fs 24.exfs � xfs 25. �xfs
�xfs 26. � f1 .te6= The position is
just equal.)
An important move! Black is now
controlling the black squares. We
have played some training games
with this position and we haven't
 THE COMPLETE KALA S H N I KOV
found a way to get an advantage for
White. The position is equal.;
16.a3?! is dubious here as the b2
pawn is hanging. 16 ... bxa3 17.b3 (1J.
'B.xaJ?! 'B.xb2!+) 17... .ib7 18. '8 xa3
�d4oo With an uncertain position.
t6 as
...
16 .. .'�d8 Although this move was
played before, we don't think it's
a logical one.
17.33
l7.C3 bxc3 18.bXC3 .ie6 19.�e3 'gfd8
With a balanced position. P. Nakha­
petiane-P. Potapov I Moscow RUS
2010;
17.f4N has never been played. It
is certainly more logical to play it
a move earlier though. 17.. .'%!fd8 18.f5
<i!i>hs With the idea of playing f6. 19.f6
g6 Followed by .ie6. The inclusion of
the moves '%!fd3 and a5 is an improve­
ment for Black compared to the 16.f4
line.
I7···.ie6!
This is the right way of playing.
57
17...bxa3 is the old move. 18.'%!fxa3!
has the advantage of defending the
b2 pawn, as well as putting pressure
on the d6 and a5 pawns.
(18. '8xa3 .ie6 White has tried dif­
ferent moves here, but without any
success. 19. '8d1 (19!4 exj4 2o.gxj4
'%!fd8 21. <i!fh1 f6 22.' �d2 <i!fhB 23.b3
'%!fd7oo A. Ismagambetov-A. Fe­
dorov I Tashkent 2009.; 19.b3 il.xds
20. '%!Vxds � d4 21. 'B. xas '%!Vd2=
V. Serban-P. Potapov I Aix-les­
Bains FRA 2011.) 19 ... '8 fc8 2o. 'B.c3
.ig4 21. '8e1 '%!Vd8 22.�e3 .ie6=
P. Smirnov-A. Moiseenko I Mos­
cow 2008.)
18 ... 'ads (18... '%!VdB 19.c3 il.e6 20. 'B.jd1
'%!Vd7 21. '8d2 'B.Jd8 22. '%!Va4 <i!fhB
23. il.jrt. Black suffered for a long
time and ended up losing in: I. Nep­
omniachtchi-P. Potapov I Olginka
RUS 2011.) 19. '8 fd1 .ig4 (19... il.e6
20. c3;;!; This position is difficult to
play for Black.) 20. '8d3 �b4 21.h4!
'%!Vh6 (21 ... '%!Vhs 22. '8d2±) 22. '8c3
�xd5 23.exd5 '%!Vf6 24. '8c6;;!; White
got a nice advantage in the game:
R. Antoniewski-D. Rogozenco I
CZE 2011.
58
18.axb4
18.f4 doesn't give anything after
18 ... V!Yd8 as 19.f5 is no good because
of l9 ... �xds (19 ... bxa3!? 2ojxe6 axb2
21.exj7+ "B.xfl 22."B.ab1 i2Jb4 23./2Jxb4
V!Vb6+ 24.Wh1 "B.xjl+ 25. �xj1 V!Vxb4
26. c3 V!Va3 Black has some compen­
sation for the piece.) 2o.exds /2Jd4
21.axb4 axb4 22.f6 g6 With a bal­
anced position.;
18.c3 bxa3 19.bxa3 "B.fc8 2o."B.ab1
V!Yd8= Followed by /2Je7. The posi­
tion is equal.;
18./2Je3 seems harmless. For exam­
ple: 18 ... /2Jd4 19.f4 V!Yd8 20. "B.f2 f6
21.axb4 axb4oo The position is uncer­
tain.
18... /2Jxb4!?
This move which allows a massive
simplification was our novelty in the
first version of the book.
18 ... axb4 19."B.a6 "B.fc8 2o./2Jb6
(2o.c3 V!Yd8! An important move
in Black's defensive system! 21. "B.d1
(21.'JJ.ja1 g6 22.V!Vd2 bXCJ 2J. bXCJ
'JJ. b3 1he position is balanced.) 21. ..
CHAPTER 3
g6 22./2Je3 "B.b6 23.h4 hs 24. Wh2
bxc3 25.bxc3 /2Je7= Black easily
equalized and later on even got
a slight edge in the game: I. Nepo­
mniachtchi-V. Ivanchuk / Moscow
RUS 2011.)
20 ..."B.d8 21.c3!?N We think this is
the best move. Black cannot get his
queen back to d8 anymore. (21./2Jds?!
has already been played. Black could
already repeat moves but he chose
to play for the win with 21 ... �xds
22. V!Vxds I2J d4 23 .'JJ. x d6 I2J xc2=
K. Mouradian-K. Rohonyan I Yere­
van 2010.) 21. .."B.b7!? With the idea
'JJ.q. 22.12JC4 (22.12Jds "B.c8 23. 'JJ. d1
bxc3 24. bxc3 V!VdB=) 22 ... 'JJ.q 23./2Je3
V!Ve7 24.'JJ. fa1 bxc3 25.bXC3 V!Yd7oo
Black's position is very solid, but
White can try to put some pressure.
A draw is still the most likely result.
19./2Jxb4
19.h4 /2Jxd3 (19... V!VdB will transpose
to 19./2Jxb4 and 20.h4 as Black doesn't
have a more useful move than /2Jxb4
now. 2o.V!Vd2 i2Jxds 21.exds �fsoo Fol­
lowed by"B.b4.) 2o.hxgs �xds 21.exds
(21. cxd3 �e6 22. "B.xas "B.xb2=) 21. ..
/2Jxb2 22."B.xas 12JC4= Black should
easily hold the draw.;
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
19. �e3 �d8 2o.8 xb4 (2o. �d2
8xds 21.exds 1.Ljs= The position is
equal.) 20... Bxb4 21.b3 �q=
19 ... Bxb4 20.b3
2o.!fxd6 Bd8 21.�q Bc8 22.�xas
A. Brkic-M. Sebenik I Zagreb 2012.
22 ... Bxb2 23.f4 (23. BjC1 h6=) 23 ...
!ff6!= Black will take the c-pawn and
completely equalize.;
20.h4 �d8 2l.b3 �b6=;
2o. Bxas �d8!= Followed by Bxb2.
(2o ... Bxb2 21.�xd6 Bxc2 22. Bxes
!:Vd2 23.�xd2 Bxd2 Althoug Black
was a pawn down in the game S. Kar­
jakin -Radjabov, T I Astana KAZ
2012, they managed to hold the draw
fairly easily.)
2o ... Bd4!
This is the point!
21.f4
21.�a6 �d2 22.C4 (22. Bjc1 BcB 23.C4
BdJ=) 22 ... Bd3=;
21.h4 �d2! 22.!fxd2 Bxd2 23.C4 (23.
Bxas Bxc2=) 23 ... Bd3= The position
will be simplified.
59
21 ... Bxd3 22.fxgs Bq =
And a draw should soon be agreed.
Conclusion:
8.8C4 is clearly the critical line and
our recommendation for White. First
of all we don't think that 8 ... '8 f6,
Radjabov's line, is enough to equal­
ize. On the 10th move, White has
a crucial choice. We think 10.1.l.d3
is more interesting as it leads to less
forced positions although Black gets
a playable position after n ... �b4. Af­
ter 1o.g3, the 1o ... hs line is interesting
in order to leave well known theory
territory, but with the idea of playing
12 ... h3! and not the old moves. After
10 ... o-o we recommend to play 16.f4!?
as nobody has shown how to equalize
with Black yet. After 16.�d3 we think
that Black should play 18 ... �xb4!? in
order to completely equalize. After
18 ... axb4 21.c3!?N allows White to
maintain a certain pressure. We con­
sider this to be "THE" critical line of
the Kalashnikov. It will be interesting
to follow future theoretical develop­
ments here.
 CHAPTER 4
6.I:Lllc3 7 b5
...

Introduction I B.XXX [832]

1.e4 C5 2.�f3 �C6 3.d4 CXd4 4.�Xd4 and he also keeps the possibility of
es s.�bs d6 6.� tC3 a6 7.�a3 bs playing f4.
s.�ds
In this chapter we will have a look
at different 8th moves by Black. We
don't recommend them, which means
we are looking at this from White's
point of view.

8 ... �ce7
This move was played by strong
GMs several times. From a positional
point of view, the retreat of the �c6
looks rather strange. White will be
able to play on the queenside quite
easily and get a small advantage.
8 ... �e7 A rare move that some­
how mixes the ideas. We think that
this variation is inferior and that it
doesn't enable Black to equalize.
11...�f6 12. �g2 0-0
(12 ... b3?! It is tempting to try and
solve the problems immediately
by playing this move. Nevertheless
it is premature as the king is still
stuck in the center. 13.axb3 �as
a) 13 ... :gxb3?! 14.�cb4! wins the
exchange:

9.c4 b4 w.�C2 :gbg u.g3!? A rare
but interesting continuation. White
wants to develop his � fl to g2,
where it will defend the e4 pawn
14 ... :gxb4 (14 ... �d4 1S.�C6f±)
15.�Xb4 �Xb4 16.�a4+±;
b) 13 ... �xds 14.�xds �b6 15.o­
o Black will not manage to win
62
the pawn back: 1s ...il.e6 (15...o-o
16. .8:a3±) 16.�d3 �xb3 17.�Xb3
E:xb3 18. E:xa6 $>d7 19.i:Z:Je3±;
14.�xe7 $>xe7 1s.b4! The most pre­
cise.
(1s.il.gs � xb3 16. E:a3 h6 (16...
il.e6!?) 17.il.xf6+ gxf6 18.o-o;\;
Z. Lanka-M. Mrva I Cappelle la
Grande 1997.)
1s ... � xq (1s ... �b3 16. E:a3 �xn
17. �xc1 �CJ 1B. b3± White is
a pawn up and Black doesn't have
any compensation.) 16.o-o h6 (16...
�CJ 1J.b3 �b6
18. il.gs!? il. e 6 19.�e3 � b d7
20. E:xa6± White will play f4. He
is much better.) 17.b3 �b6 18.�e3±
And White was much better in the
game M. Cornette-M. Pap I Metz
2012.(1B.bs!? is another interesting
option: 18... axbs 19. il.a3± White
will possibly continue by playing
�d3, E:ad1, f4 and have huge pres­
sure.))
13.0-o as 14.b3 The critical position.
We prefer White's prospects here,
after for example:
C H APTER 4
a) 14 ...CZJd7 1s.�ce3 �cs (15... il.gs
16j4±) 16.�fs;t; White is a bit bet­
ter.;
b) 14... $>h8 1s.�d2 (15.a3!?) 1s ...�e8
16. il.b2 il.gs 17.f4 il. h6 18.�ce3
exf4 19.gxf4 CZJe7 2o. E:ad1± C. Ba­
logh-P. Horvath I Budapest 2003;
c) 14 ... a4 IS.il.d2± Black will lose
the b4 pawn.;
(16 ... a4N 17. E:ad1 � xds 18.exds
�as (18... �q 19.cs! dxcs 20. il.xes
E: b6 21.�e3± The �e3 will go to
q. The activity of the pieces as well
as the passed d-pawn give White
a nice advantage.) 19.f4! A the­
matic move. White opens the files
for his pieces. 19 ... axb3 2o.axb3
exf4 21. E:xf4 �b7 22.�d4;t; And
White's position is once again pref­
erable.)
17. $>h1 � xds 18.exds CZJe7 19.f4
il. fs 2o.il.e4! gives White a big ad­
vantage. His pieces are better co­
ordinated and Black cannot hold
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
his position together: (2o.W!id2?!oo
K. Haznedaroglu-E. Sveshnikov I
Moscow 2005)
(21...exf4 22.gxf4!? (The more clas­
sic 22. W!fxf4� also gives White
a good advantage.) 22 . ..l:tJg6
(22 . . . �b6 23.f5 !!be8 (2J .. .f6
24.Wfie6+ !!j7 2s.W!ixd6+-) 24.f6
l.:tJg6 25. W!ifs±)
23.�d4 W!ld7 24.�c6 !!as 25.f5±)
22.W!ie2 e4 23.�d4± White's posi­
tion is crushing. The �d4 is look­
ing at the e6 pawn and White can
also think about playing g4 in order
to break Black's structure and attack
g7 in the future.;
8 ... !!b8 This other very rare move
transposes to 8 ... �q 9.c4 b4 10.�C2
as (10.. . �q transpose dans 8 .. . Fe7.)
u.g3!? �e7 12. �g2 �f6 13.0-o o-o
14.b3 transposes to 8 ... �e7.;
8 ... � f6 is also often being played,
but we will not look at this move as
it transposes to the Sveshnikov.
63
9·C4
The most logical move in order to
open the position on the queenside ...
9.�b4?! was successfully played by
Ivanchuk against Radjabov in 2004.
Black doesn't need to be afraid of
this move though as he quickly gets
a comfortable position.
9 ... � f6! (9 ... �d7 w.q as 11.� bc2
l.:tJj6 12.�xbs �xbs 13. cxbs l.:tJxe4
14. �e3� White gets a nice advan­
tage thanks to the bishop pair and
the passed pawn on bs, as in the Iv­
anchuk-Radjabov 2004 game.) 10.C4
�xe4 u.cxbs (n. �d3?!N �cs 12. �e2
�b7 13.0-o ds+ And Black has man­
aged to get the kind of position he
was looking for.) u ... ds!?N
64 CHAPTER 4

tion by bringing back the knight to

c3 and then he will start to push his
passed pawns on the queenside.;

b) 13 ...�e4 14.bxa6 fs (14 ... �xa6

15. �xa6 'B.xa6 16.'%!Ve2 'B.xa3 17-bxa3
fs 18.'%!Vd3±) 15.b4N

(1s . '%!Ve2 '%!Vas (1s . . . gs? 16. � c2

12.bxa6 �d7!� Black has good com­ '%!Vb6 17. �e3 '%!¥xb2 18. 'B.ab1 '%!Vc3
pensation and a dynamic position 19.�b4+- Aguera J. Naredo -Arias
thanks to his strong pawn center. Torio, S I Trevias 2004) 16.£) �cs
17.a7 '%!¥xa7 18. �e3±);
9 ...� xds 1o.exds bxq
A compulsory move. 14. '%!Vd3N (14. '%!Vb3 'B. b8 15. � e3t
w .. .fs? would be too risky: 11.cxbs A. Shirov-0. Annageldyev I lstan­
�f6 12.bxa6 � xa6 (12 ... '%!Vas+ 13. �d2 bul 2ooo.)
'%!Vxds 14.'%!Va4+ �d7 15.�bs± White
is going to win some material.; 12 ...
'%!¥as+?! 13 . �d2 '%!¥xds 14.�bs+-)
13.'%!Va4+ 'l!tf7 14. � xa6 '%!Vb6 15.0-o
'%!Vxa6 16.'%!Vc2 g6 17.�q!?N (17- 'B.d1
Ni Hua-V. Mikhalevski I Qingdao
2002)

14 ... axbs 15.� xbst And White is

better thanks to the nice pawn he
is up.

17... �g7 18. 'B.d1 'B. hd8 19.b3± gives

White a solid advantage.;
1o ...�f6?! 11.cxbs �e7 12. �C4 o-o
13.0-0 �g4

a) 13 ...axbs 14.�xbst Black doesn't

have enough compensation. White
will be able to consolidate his posi-
 TH E COMPLETE KALA S H N I KOV
n.CL!xq
From a positional point of view
Black is worse: his development is
non-existent and White has some at­
tacking prospects on the queenside.
n . . CLJ£6
. It is not easy to win this position, but
u ... it.. e7 is less precise here as White
can immediately start playing on the
queenside. 12. it.. d 2!
12 ... it.. d7
a) 12 .. J�b8?! 13. it.. as Vi!Vd7 14.CLJb6
Vi!Vb7 15.CLJ xc8 � xc8 16.Vi!Va4+ 'i!?f8
17. it.. q t The bishop pair gives
White a very good and lasting ad­
vantage.;
b) 12 ... as 13.Vi!V b3! '2l f6 (13 . . . kd7
14.Vi!Vb6Vi!Vxb6 Is.CL!xb6 �b8 16.CLJxd7
'i!txd7 17. it.xas '2lf6 18. a4 CL!xds
65
19. it.bs+ 'l!te6 20. it.. q �hc8 21. b3t
And White is better in this endgame,
as in the game S. Karjakin-A. Kos­
teniuk I Lausanne 2003.) 14.CLJb6 a4
(14 ... �bs 15. it.bs+ 'l!tjs 16.'2lxc8±)
15.Vi!V b4! (Is. it.bs+ is not as good
here: 15 ... it. d7 16. it.xd7+ '2lxd7
IJ.CLlXa4 o-o 18.o-o e4� And Black
has good counter chances.) 15 ...
�b8 16.Vi!Vxa4+ it.. d7 17.'2lxd7 Vi!Vxd7
18.Vi!Vxd7+ �xd7 19.a4!? (19.b4 CL!xds
2o.bs �hc8 21.a4 e4� Black has good
counterplay as White is trailing with
development.) 19 ... �xb2 (19... '2lxds
20. it.bs+±) 20. it.. bs+ 'i!tq 21.0-o-o
� xbs 22.axbs �b8 23.b6+t White
will be an exchange up for a pawn.
not impossible either.;
13. �c1 CLJ f6 14. it.. e 2 o-o 15.0-o �b8
(1s... �c8 16. it.as Vi!Ves 17- it.b4 it.bs
18. b3t Followed by a4.; 15 ... it.Js
16. it. as Vi!Vbs 17-b4 it. dB 1B.a3t White
will transfer his knight to as and
his position will be more pleasant
to play.) 16. it.. as Vi!Ve8 17. �e1t And
White will start pushing the pawns
on the queenside.;
11. . .fs?! is too optimistic. 12. it.. d 2!
66
12...a5 (12... 'B.bB 13. 'B.c1 ti:Jj6 14. il,as
VJ!iq 15.ti:Jb6 i?,b7 16. 'B.c3 e4 17.VJ!ic2±
And the penetration of the white
rook on the 7th rank will be deci­
sive.) 13.VJ!ia4+ i?,d7 14.VJ!fa3 VJ!ib8
15.i?,xa5 ti:Jf6 16.ti:Jb6 'B.a7 17.ti:Jxd7
ti:Jxd7 18.b4 i?,e7 19.VJ!ib3t
12.i?,e3
The main move.
12.i?,d2 With the idea ofi?,a5 is also
possible, but less effective. 12 ... a5 1he
logical reaction.
(12 ... kd7 13. ka5 VJ!ibB (13 ...VJ!icB
14. b4t White is clearly better.)
14.ti:Jb6 'B.a7 15.VJ!ib3 i?,e7 16.ti:Jxd7
tLJ xd7 17·VJ!ixb8+ tLJ xb8 18. 'B.CIi?,ds
19. kd2 �d7 20. i?,e2 (20. il,d3!?)
2o .. .f5 21.g4! ± is a good improve­
ment. This move allows the ke2
to start playing. White has a good
advantage here.(21.o-o B. Tomic­
I. Zugic I Sarajevo 2007) )
13.VJ!ib3 kd7 (1J ... ke7 see u ... ke7.)
14.VJ!ib6 VJ!ib8! This move allows
Black to be completely ok. 15.VJ!ixb8+
'B.xb8 16. kxa5 ti:Jxd5oo With a posi­
tion where both players have their
chances, A. Kovacevic-E. Sveshnik­
ov I Nova Gorica 2004.
12 . 'B.bs 13. 'B.c1!?
..
An interesting move, with the idea
of putting pressure on the kc8.
13. ke2 is the usual move.
CHAPTER 4
13 ... ke7 (1J ... 'B.bs?! would be a mis­
take here, as after 14.a4 'B.xds 1s.VJ!ic2
the rook is trapped in the middle
of the board: 15... kq 16.ti:Jb6 o-o
17-b4 kb7 18.o-o± White will take
the rook and then he will create
a passed pawn on the queenside.)
14.a4 o-o
(14...VJ!id7 15.0-o kb7? (o1s ... o-o
see 14 ... o-o 15.0-o VJ!id7.) 16.i?,a7
'B.d8 17.ti:Jb6 VJ!if5 18. 'B.CI± A. Shi­
rov-A. Fedorov I Istanbul 2ooo)
15.0-o i?,b7! The most played move
and the best one. Let's still have
a look at Black's other options:
a) 15 ... k f5 With the idea of put­
ting pressure on the d5 pawn by
playing ke4. 16.a5 VJ!id7 17.f4 ke4
18.ti:Jb6 VJ!ib7 19. 'B.a4 k xd5?! (19...
exj4 20. 'B.xj4 kg6 21. 'B.ab4t White
has the better prospects here: he
controls the c-file and a6 is a weak­
ness.) 2o.fxe5 dxe5 21. 'B. xf6!
 THE COMPLETE KALASHN IKOV
21. .. kxg2 22 . .E: f5! (22. .E:g4?! P. Kot­
sur-A. Fedorov I Istanbul 2ooo)
22 ... kh3 23. kf3 V!!iq 24.lLld5 V!!id6
25 . .E:h5± White is a piece up.;
h1) 17... lLl xd5 18. k f3 wins an ex­
change:
18 ... ke6 19. k xa5 V!!le 8 20. k xd5
k xd5 21.lLlb6 kb7 (21 . . . V!!l c 6
22. .E:e1 V!!lb7 23.lLlxa8 V!!lxa8 24j3"t. )
22.lLlxa8 k xa8 was played in the
game D. Szoen-R. Slezak I Kryni­
ca 2003. After 23.h4± Black doesn't
have enough compensation for be­
ing a exchange down.;
h2) 17... kb7 18. kxa5 V!!ib 8 19.lLlb6
.E: a7 (19 . . . .E:xas 20. V!!lxas k d8
21. V!!l bs kxb6 22. V!!lxb6 lLl xds
23. V!!i b3 lLl/4 24. k/3 e4 25. kg4
ds 26.g3±) 2o.b4 kd8 (2o... lLlxds?
21.lLld7±; 20... kxds 21.lLlxds lLlxds
22.b5± The advantage of the bishop
pair and the passed a and b-pawns
should be decisive.) 21.V:!fd2 ka8
22.lLlxa8 k xa5 23.bxa5 V:!fxa8 24.a6
V!!ixd5 25 . .E: fd1 V!!ix d2 26 . .E: xd2"t.
Followed by .E:b2 and .E:b7 or .E:b6.
White is clearly better in the end­
game.;
67
18.lLl xa5 � xd5 (18 ... kxe2 19.�c6
V!!ld7 20. V!!lxe2 �xds 21 . .E:je1± And
White will just push the a-pawn.)
19. kxa6 .E: xa6 20.b4 kg5 21. kxg5
V!!lxg5 22.b5± And White was clearly
faster in the game M. Palac-D. Bru­
men I Pula 2ooo;
c) 15 ... lLld7 With the idea of pushing
the f-pawn. 16.V!!id 2 f5 17.8a5!N (17j3
is the usual move, but 17.8a5! allows
White to both continue their plan
on the queenside and save the ke3.)
17...f4 (lJ... V!!le8 18.8c6 .E:a8 19j4±)
18. ka7 .E:a8 (18... .E:xb2 ? 19. V!!lxb2
V!!ixas 20 . .E:je1± Followed by V!!ic2
and V!!iq. Black cannot justify the
exchange sacrifice.) 19.8c6 V!!le 8
20. V!!lb4"t. Preventing both e4 and
kb7. From a positional point of
view White is much better.;
d) 15 ... .E:b4 16 . .E:CI!?N A good move.
White wants to drive the rook away
by playing kd2, but he is waiting for
the right moment to do so. (16. kd2
�xds! is an interesting exchange
sacrifice that gives Black real com­
pensation: 17- kxb4 8xb4 18. V!!ld2
� c6 19.lLle3 �d4� A. Motylev­
A. Shabalov I Bermuda 2003. The
strong �d4 as well as the central
68
pawns give Black a promising posi­
tion.)
16 ... 1l fs (16 . . . 1lb7 17. 1ld2 li:Jxds
is by far not as good here because
of 18. 1lj3! .:S.xq 19. .:S.xc4±) 17. 1ld2
.:Sb8 (17-.. li:Jxds? runs into the strong
18.li:Je3! li:Jxe3 19jxe3+- Black will
lose a piece.; 1J... .:S.b7 18.li:Je3 1ld7
19. b4t) 18. 1l as "Wd7 (18 . . . '%!Kes?
19. 1l q) 19.ClJe3 1le4 (19 ... 1lg6
20. .:S.q 'WeB 21. 1lxa6 1lds 22.ClJq±)
20 . .:Sq '%!He8 21.f3 1lg6 22.b4 1ld8
23 . .:Sc6t White is better.;
e) 15 ... "Wd7 16.li:Jb6 "W fs 17.as!?N
Setting the a6 weakness. (1J.li:Jxc8
'%!1xeS 18. .:S.c1t V. Bologan-V. Milov
I New York 1997.)
17... 1l b7 18.6 e4 19.fxe4 '%!1 xe4
20."Wd4 .:Sfe8 (20... '%!;VXd4 21. 1lxd4
ll:lxds 22.lLlxds 1lxds 23. 1lxa6±
White's passed pawns are much
more dangerous.) 21 . 1l f3 '%!1 fs
CHAPTER 4
22. .:SaCit White has the better pros­
pects.;
16.li:Jb6 l£Jd7 Black tries to remove
the strong knight from b6. 17.l£Jxd7!
The right way of playing according
to us.
(17.a5 The most played move. The
arising position is slightly bet­
ter for White, but we think that
Black can hold the draw by play­
ing precisely. 17... fs (1J... li:Jxb6
18. ii.xb6 '%!1d7 19. b4 1lds 2o. 1le3 fs
21j3 transposes to the main line.)
18.f3 l£J xb6 (18 ... '%!Kes 19."Wd2 1lds
2o.li:Jxd7 "Wxd7 21.b4 !4 22. 1lj2t
The position is in White's favor,
who will create a passed pawn
on the queenside.) 19. 1lxb6 "Wd7
20.b4 1ld8 21. 1le3 The best square
for the bishop. He prevents Black
from playing 1lgs. 21. .. 1lf6 22 . .:Sb1
Preparing for bs. 22 ..."W f7
(22 ... .:Sbc8 23.b5 A good move.
White is creating a passed pawn
on the queenside. 23 . . . axbs
24 . .:Sxbs 1ld8
(24 ... e4? 25.fxe4 .:Sfe8 (25 . . .
jxe4 26. .:S.b6±) 26 . .:Sb4! 1lc3
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV 69

27. ii.b5+- S. Karjakin-A. Shirov improve his position on the queen­

I Benidorm 2002.) side step by step.;

25. �b6 �xb6+ 26.axb6 :S.c3) b) 19 .. .f4?! 2o. �g4 �e8 21. �a7 :S.a8
22.b6± De A. Groat-A. Barnsley I
23. �C4 :S. fc8 24.�d3 :S.a8 Sever­ Argentina 2001.;
al moves were played here ... This
is not our recommendation for 2o. � xb5 �c8! 21. �b6!N A good
White and we didn't want to ana­ novelty. White is threatening to play
lyze this position in every detail, :Sci.
but we think that it is more pleas­
ant to play for White although
Black managed to hold the draw
in the game: S. Karjakin-A. Kos­
teniuk I Brissago 2003.)

21. .. f4 22.�f3 In order to prevent

f3. (22.a5? JJ!-" ) 22 ... �d8 23. :S. fc1
�f5 24. �d3 �f7 25. � xd8 :S.fxds
26. �e4 :S.a8 27.a5;!; The a-pawn as
well as controlling the white squares
give White a certain advantage.

a) 19 . . . :S. a 8 2o.b6!N (20. :S.wX>

T. Gharamian-J. Sanchez I Belfort
FRA 2012.)

1J �e7
.•.

2o ... :S. fc8 21.�b3;!; Black has trouble 13 ... �d7 is also playable. 14. �e2
finding counterplay and White will �e7 15.0-o o-o 16.a4;!;
70
gives White a pleasant position as
their initiative on the queenside can
cause Black some problems. M. Ak­
sentijevic-D. Dakic I Belgrade 2008.
(16.CLJxes dxe5 17.d6 �xd6 18.'%!fxd6
:S.xb2 (lB . . � bs=) 19. �C4 �bs
. but seems to be very interesting. Af­
20. '%!¥xes � xc4 21. '%!¥ xb2 � xfi
22. :S.xfi '%!¥d6= Z. Igriashvili­
A. Shariyazdanov I Tula 2001.)
14- �37 :S.b7 15- �b6
And that's the idea! Black cannot
take the bishop as the �c8 is not pro­
tected.
15 ... '%!¥d7
White has managed to force Black
to put his pieces on bad squares and
Black will have a hard time develop­
ing his queenside.
CHAPTER 4
15 ... :S.xb6? 16.CLJxb6 �b7 (16... '%!¥ xb6
lJ. :S.xcB++-) 17.'%!fa4+±
16. �e2 o-o 17.0-o '%!¥fs 18.a4;l;
A logical novelty that gives White
a small advantage. Black still has
trouble to go on with his develop­
ment. White will continue to take
space on the queenside.
Conclusion:
As it was to be expected, White gets
a small advantage after the various
black 8th moves. After 8 ... �e7 or 8 ...
:S.b8 the idea of playing with g3 is rare
ter 8 ... CLJce7 (which is still frequently
played) White is slightly better by
playing the rather rare 13. :S.CI, but
also in the main line 13. �e2 followed
by 17.CLJxd7!.
 CHAPTER 5
6.L£J1c3 7.. b5 B...L£Jge7
. -
Introduction I 9.XXX (832]
1.e4 cs 2.CZJf3 CZJc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.CZJxd4
es s . tLlbs d6 6.CZJ1q a6 7.CZJa3 hs
s.tLlds tLlge7
This is the most played move and
we have tried it ourselves on several
occasions. It's a very dynamic system
that we think is very interesting to
play. We will start by having a look
at the different 9th moves by White.
9.i.gs
This move is very logical when the
knight is on f6, but here it turns out
to be harmless.
9.c3 doesn't cause Black any prob­
lems:
9 ...CZJxds w.exds
(w.V:!:V xds V:!:V q u.CZJC2 i.b7 (n .. .
i. e6 12.V:!:V d1 i. qoo is also possi­
ble.) 12.V:!:Vd3 CZJe7 13.CZJe3 :S.ds To
play ds. 14.CZJds tLl xds 15.exds i.e7
16. i.e3 o-ooo Followed by fs. Black
got a good position in the game:
Codina J. Tormo-F. Libiszewski I
La Roda 2009)
10 ... L£Je7 Now Black will continue his
development by g6, i.g7, o-o and fs.
Another possibility is to bring the
knight to h4 (via g6 or fs) and to play
i.e7- i.gs. u.CZJC2 With the idea a4.
a) 11.q g6!? A typical pawn sacri­
fice of the Kalashnikov. Black will
quickly conclude his development.
12.cxbs
(12. i.g5 i.g7 13.V:!:Vd2 h6 (1J ... bXC4
14.CZJXC4 :S.bs is also possible, with
the following idea: 15.CZJas :S.xb2
16.V:!:V xb2 V:!:V xas+ 17.V:!:V d2 V:!:V xd2+
72
18. .1i.xd2 tiJxds�) 14 . .1i.xe7 VJ!ixe7
15.cxbs o-o 16 . .1i.e2 e4 (16... axbs!?
17.tiJxbs e4 18.o-o .1i.d7 19. a4
'f!.Jb8�) 17.0-o fs� Followed by
f4 and a kingside attack. Taylor,
P-1. Nataf I Masters Hastings ENG
1995)
12 ... .1i.g7 13.bxa6?! This move is too
greedy. White should think about
his development, for example: (13 .
.1i.e2 o-o 14.0-o e4� Followed by
tiJfs, with good compensation.)
13 ... 0-o 14.tiJe2 VJ!ias+ 15.b4 VJ!Ia4
16.bs e4 17. .1i.e2 (17- 'f!.b1 .1i.g4!+ Gar­
cia Martinez, S-E. Sveshnikov I
Moscow) 17... tiJ xds! 18.VJ!ixds (18.
'f!. b1 tiJcJ w 'f1 b4 Vi!ixa2 2o.VJ!id2
tiJxe2 21. �xe2 .1i.g4+ 22]3 exj3+
2J.gxfJ .1i.d7-7) 18 ...Vi!ixe2 19.0-o
VJ!ixe2 2o.VJ!ixa8 .1i.e6 21.VJ!ia7 .1i.xa1
22 . .1i.h6 .1i.es 23 . .1i.xf8 �xf8-7 Black
is better despite White's advanced
queenside pawns. He will play .1i.C4
and then .1i.xbs or .1i.ds with the idea
of e3, which would give him a strong
attack.;
b) 11.g3 is too passive. 11 ... g6 12 . .1i.g2
.1i.g7 13.0-0 o-o 14.tiJC2 .1i.d7 15.h3
VJ!iq 16.�h2 as+ D. Tsomis-V. Kot­
ronias I Match Athens (Greece) 1993;
CHAPTER 5
11 ... .1i.d7! The easiest move. Black
prevents White from playing a4 and
then he will complete his develop­
ment by playing g6 and .1i.g7. (n...
g6 12.a4 bxa4 13.tiJb4 .1i.g7 14.VJ!ixa4+
.1i.d7 1s.Vi!ias"t, White had a small
advantage in the game: D. Barua-
1. Nataf I Linares 1998.)
12 . .1i.e2 g6 13.0-o �g7 14.C4 o-o
We think that Black is already a lit­
tle bit better, he has solved all his
problems and he will have a dy­
namic play. 15.b4 bxC4 16. .1i.xC4 VJ!ib8
17. .1i.gs 'f!.c8 18 . .1i.b3 f6 19. .1i.d2 .1i.bs+
G. Kuzmin-A. Moroz I Enakievo
1997;
9 . .1i.e3 With the idea .1i.b6. 9 ... tiJ xds
w.exds
(w.VJ!ixds?! Here both continua­
tions are possible. IO ... VJ!iq
(10 ... .1i.b7 11 . .1i.e2 (11.0-o-o .1i.q
12.h4 o-o+ Followed by VJ!iq.
White's position is bad. C. Jak­
sa-J. Zorko I Nova Gorica SLO
2012.) 11 ... t£Jas 12.VJ!id3 ds+ Black
is already a little bit better. P. Vas­
A. Shimanov I Malmo 2011.)
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHN IKOV 73

11.c3 �e6 12. �d2 il.e7 13. iLe2 ds!N

(1J ... o-o 14.0-o !!.ab8 1y:Z:Jc2 l!!.fd8
16. il.j3 l£\a5oo Y. Le Montagner­
E. Bacrot I Paris 2009.)

10. iLe3 The easiest.

a) 10. �hs+ This move might scare

Black.
14.exds !!.ds 15.0-o (15. iLj3 il.xa3
16. bxa3 l£\q+) 15 ... iL xds 16.�C2
o-o+)

10 ... l£\e7 u.q l£\ fs transposes to

9.c4 l£\xds 10.exds l£\d4 u.il.e3 '£l fs
from chapter 7·

10 ... g6 (w... l£\g6? 11. iLe3± Followed

by C4 if Black has prevented iLb6.)
11.'£l xf6+ <i!i>f7 12.�d1! The best
move! Black will win some material,
but White will get enough compen­
sation.

(12.�h4? would be a decisive mis­

9 h6
...
It is by far the most played move. We
recommend it to Black.
9 .. .f6 We don't think this rare move
is the best one, although the tempt­
ing reply 10. �hs+ doesn't give
White any advantage.
take. 12 ... h6 13.l£\ds (13.l£\g4 hxg5
14. �xh8 iLxg4+) 13 ... hxgs! (13 ...
iLg7? 14. iLxe7 l£\xe7 15.�xq+
�xe7 16.l£\xq <i!ixe7;;\; And Black
doesn't have enough compensa­
tion.) 14.�xh8 '%!Vas+ 15.c3 iLg7
16.'%!Vh7 iLe6-+ The queen is
trapped.)
74
(13 ... g5 14.� h5 <i!tg6! seems play­
able, but it's very risky.
15. �g3 (15j4 exf4 16. �j2 ds!+) 15 ...
g4! wins a piece, but after 16.f4!
<it>xh5 17.f5! <i!tg5 18.h3 <it>f6 19.hxg4�
gives White very good compensa­
tion. To say the truth, we wouldn't
want to be Black here.)
14.c3 g5 wins material. 15.�h5! (15.
�ds gxh4 16.Wij3+ <i!te8+) 15 ... gxh4
16.�C4! A great move! (16.Wij3+ <i!te8
1J.�f6+ <i!td8 18.o-o-o �g6+)
CHAPTER 5
16 ...bXC4 17. �XC4+ <i!tg6
at) 17. . . <it>e8?? 18. � f6+ <it>d8
19.Wixd6+ �d7 2o.V/Hxd7#;
a2) 17... d5 18.Wi6+! (18. exds Wics!
w � b3 �as 2o.Wif3+ �fs 21. �c2
WHxds 22. WHxds+ �xds 23. �xfs
�f6+) 18 ... <i!tg8 (18... <i!te8 19.�j6+
<i!td8 2o.�xds �xds 21. �xds �q
22. �xc6 :S.a7 23.0-o-o+�) 19.�f6+
<i!tg7 2o.�h5+ <it>g8=;
18.V/Hxd6+ <i!th7 19.� f6+ (wo-o
�g7 2o.�j6+ �xf6 21.Wixj6 :S.d8
22.V/Hj7+ <i!th8 23.V/Hj6-;l;) 19 ... <i!tg7
2o.�h5-;J; White doesn't have any­
thing better than repeating.;
b) 10. �d2!?N This novelty seems
quite interesting. White will play
with C4.;
10 ... � xd5 u.exd5 �e7 12.C4 Black
usually gets this position with
a pawn on f7, which is much better
for them. 12 ... �f5
(12 ... �b7 is not in the spirit of this
variation. 13.cxb5
(13. :S.e1!?N seems to be a good
novelty. For instance:
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 75

13 ... bxq 14. k xq k xds (14 . . . 24. �j2;l;) 22. �e1 kh4 23. �e4;l; And
ti'Jxds? 1s. V!!i b3+-) 1s .ti'Jbs! To White was already better in the
avoid V!!las+ after kxds. 15 ... axbs game: G. Papp-T. Meszaros I Buda­
16. kxds;l; White is better thanks pest 2006.
to his better development and
his domination on the white
squares.)

13 ... ti'J xds 14.bxa6 ti'J xe3 15.fxe3

V!!las+ 16.�f2 kxa6 17. kxa6 �xa6
(17... V!!!xa6 18. V!!!ds;t) 18.ti'Jq V!!i bs
19. V!fid3 V!fib7 20.a4!N (20. b4 e4oo
M. Pukkila-J. Seljodkin I Finland
2001.)

to. k xbs!?
The most interesting try, but Black
still has something.

10. V!!i hs One can find this move in

practice, but it is hard to recom­
mend it to White.
20 . . . 1i.e7 (2o . . . e4 21. V!!id4 k q
22.b4 ds 23.bs±; 2o... ds 21. �hd1 d4
22.exd4 e4 23.V!!ie2;l;) 21.b4! ±)

13. kd2 (13. cxbs ti'Jxe3 14.jxe3 ke7

15. bxa6 o-o 16. kC4 kxa6 17.0-o
kcB! Black will have good compen­
sation after V!!ib 6 and fs. 1B.ti'Jc2 V!!ib6
19.V!!id2 kd7 2o. �h1 fs� A. Moty­
lev-A. Fedorov I Moscow 2004.) 13 ...
ii.e7 14.cxb5 0-0 15. ii.d3 ti'Jd4 16.0-
0 fs 17. kc3! ti'J xbs 18.ti'Jxbs axbs
19. k xbs f4 2o. kc6 (2o.V!!If3 kh4
21. kd3 V!!lgs 22.h3 �f6oo Followed by
�f6.; 20.a4!?N /3 21.g3 kd7 22. kd3
k h3 23. � e1 V!fid7 24. k bs V!ficB
25. �c1;l;) 20 ... � a7 21.f3 ka6 (21 ...
kh4!? 22. ii.e1 ka6 23. kxh4 V!!fxh4
10 ... ke6 This is our suggestion.
Black wants to play kxds followed
by g6 and kg7. White has a choice
now:
(10... hxgs!? This exchange sacrifice
is interesting, but if White plays
precisely he should be a bit better.
n.V!!ix h8 ti'J xds 12.exds ti'Jb4 (12 ...
76
�as+ 13.c3 b4 14/ik4 �xds 1s. 'E.d1
�e4+ 16.1£\e3 i?_e6 17.i?_d3 �h4
18.�Xh4 gxh4 19-i?_e4�) 13.i?_e2
i?_b7 14. 'E.d1 l£\xd5 15.i?_[J (1s.o-o?
l£lf4+) 15 ... �a5+ 16.c3
(16S!?fl?! is not sufficient to get an
advantage after the strong 16...1£\c3!
17.i?_ xb7 (17. bxc3 i?_ x!J 18.gxj3
�xa3oo) 17... 1£\ xd1 18.�e2 (18.
i?_xa8?? �d2 With mate to fol­
low.) 18 ... 1£\ xb2 19. i?_c6+ �e7
2o.i?_xa8 �xa3 21.�h5 �xa2
22.�xg5+ f6 23.�g4 1£\a4 24.�c8
l£\c5 25.�f3 �xc2 26.�q+ �e6
27.�C8�)
16 . . . b4 17.CZJC4 �c5 18.1£\ xd6+!
A nice move. (18.1£ld2 bxc3 19.1£\e4
�b4 2o.bxc3 l£\xc3 21.1£lxd6+ �q
22.a3 �b2 2J.I£lxb7 l£\xd1 24.0-o
CZJc3 25. �hs e4 26. �xgs+ �e8
27. �es+ i?_eJ 28.1£l d6+ �f8=;
18.i?_xds i?_xds 19.1£\e3 i?_xa2iii)
CHAPTER 5
(19.i?_xd5i?_xd5 20.C4 �g6 21.cxd5
(21. 'E. xd5 �bi+ 22. �e2 (22.
'E.d1 �e4+ 23. �j1 �xq++) 22 ...
�xh1 23. 'E.xe5+ �d7 24.�h3+
�q 25.�g3 �b6 26.�e3+
�q=)
21...�e4+ 22.�fl �c4+ 23.�g1
�C2 24. 'E.e1 �xb2ii:i)
19 ... e4 2o.i?_xe4 �e7 21.0-o l£\f4
22.i?_xb7 �xb7 23. 'E. fe1+ l£\e6
24.�h3 �c6 25.b3� White is bet­
ter as Black's king is still stuck in
the center.)
a) 11.0-o-o i?_xd5 12.exd5 g6 13.�h4
i?_p 14.i?_f6 g5 15 .i?_xe7 l£\ xe7
16.�e4 �b6+ C. Haussernot-F. Li­
biszewski I Hycres 2008;
b) 11.c3 i?_xd5 12.exd5 g6 13.�h3
i?_g7 14.i?_h4 'Lla5 15.i?_xe7 (15.i?_e2
gs 16.i?_g3 o-o+ Followed by f5.) 15 ...
�xe7 16.i?_e2 o-o 17.0-o f5oo Black
has a completely ok position. The
l£\a5 will come back to play via b7.;
c) 11. 'E.d1 i?_xd5 12.exd5 'Lld4 (12 ...g6
This usual move is also fine. 13. �h3
i?_gl 14.i?_Cl ILJb8 15.C4 o-o�) 13.c3
b4!
 THE COMPLETE KALASH NI KOV
l4.CXd4 (14.ti:Jc4 bxc3 15. bXCJ ti:Jbsoo)
14 ...bxa3 1s.b3N
(1s . ..tq?! This move is not very
good. 1s ... hxgs!?N (1s... W!iq?! 16.b3;t
A. Fier-L. Liascovich I Villa Mar­
telli 2006.; 15 ...g6!?N 16.Wfih3 ..tg7
17. ..tCJ axb2 18 . ..txb2 �c8 19. �c1
Wfi as+ 20. WfiCJ Wfi XCJ+ 21. � XCJ
exd4 22. �c1 'i!fdi+) 16. W!i xh8 W!ias+
17. 'i!tfl axb2 18.Wfih3 � b8+)
1S ... g6 16. Wfih4 ..tg7 17. .,t xe7 (17.
..td2 exd4 18. ..tC4 o-o 19.0-o ti:Jc8=)
17.. W!i xe7 18. W!i xe7+ 'i!txe7 19.dxes
. Wfid2 15. ..tc2 ti:Jd4 16.W!fhs g4-+) 14 ...
..txes= With an equal position.;
11 ... �b8!? With the idea of playing
W!id7 and ti:Jg6. (The thematic 11 ...
..txds is also totally playable here:
12.exds g6 13.Wfih3 ..tg7 14 . ..th4 ti:Jb8
With a comfortable position for
Black.)
77
12.c4?! was played in the game:
B. Jonsson-Z. Polgar I Egilsstadir
1988, but the strong
(12.c3 seemed more appropriate,
but after 12 ... W!fd7 13 . ..t xe7 (13.
ti:Jxe7 ..txq 14 . ..txq ..tg4N 15.Wfih4
ti:Jxei+ Followed by ti:Jg6 and o-o.)
13 ... ti:J xe7 14.ti:Je3 g6+ Black still
has a good position.)
I2 ... hxgs!N would have immediately
refuted White's play:
13 . W!i xh8 W!ias+ 14. 'i!td1 (14. 'i!tj1
ti:Jb4 1s . ..te2 (1s.ti:Jxb4 W!ixb4 16.ti:Jc2
W!ixb2 17. 'i!fd2 ti:Jg6 18.W!ih7 b4- +)
1s ... �c8 16.ti:J xe7 'i!txe7 17.W!ihs f6+
And Black's initiative is too strong.;
w . ..t xe7 ti:J xe7 11.c3 ti:Jxds 12.W!ixds
�b8 13.Wfic6+ W!id7 14.Wfixd7+
..txd7= A. Shaplyko -Mochalov, E I
Minsk 1996. With a good position
for Black.;
w . ..th4 W!ias+ 11.c3 ti:J xds 12.W!ixds
W!ib6oo Followed by ..te6 and ..te7.
78
1o hxgs
...
This is our recommendation for
Black. This move leads to a more or
less equal endgame.
10 axbs is the other alternative,
.•.
which is more often played, that
leads to extremely complicated po­
sitions.
11.�xbs f6!?N We think that this is
a good novelty. The positions aris­
ing from this move are very complex
and unusual. We recommend this
move to those players who absolute­
ly want to play for a win, but above
all to those with a good memory!
(u .. J� � a7!? The move that was
played so far. We think that it is
dangerous for Black because of
CHAPTER 5
the passed a and b-pawns which
can be very quick. 12.�xa7 �xa7
(12 ... 'fBas+ 1J.C3 'fBXaJ 14. �e3 'fBb7
15.�b6 �e6 16.a4�) 13. �xe7 �xe7
14.c3 �c6 15.a4 o-o (15... �a6 16.b4
�C4 1,7.�e3±) 16.'fBd3t Followed
by as.)
12.�xf6+ The "logical" move is not
so easy for White.
a) 12.�dq+ <i!i'f7 13.�xd6+ (13. �e3
� bB+) 13 ... <i!?g6 Black should not
be scared. 14.� xa8 hxgs 15.�C4
'fBd4!? 16.'fBxd4 �xd4 17.<i!fd2 �b7
18.�ab6 �Xe4 19.C3 �ef5! 20.CXd4
�b4+ 21.<i!fc1 � xg2 22. �g1 �e4
23.dxes �xh2 24.�d2 �c6 25.�b3
� xf2 26.a3 �e7ii5;
b) 12.�xd6+ 'f9xd6 13.�xf6+ gxf6
transposes back to a position we
have already seen.;
c) 12. �xf6 WDas+! 13.c3
(14. i.xe7 �xe7 15.0-o (1s. W9ds+
� e6 16. WBxc6 � hc8 17.� xd6+
�xd6 18.'fBxd6 �xc3+) 15 ... WDb6
16.'fBd3 �d4 17.a4 �d7co)
14 ... �e6 15.0-o (1s.�xd6+ <i!fgs
16.o-o �g6 1,7. �g3 hs 18.�fs �ds
19.'fBj3 h4 2o.WBg4 hxg3 21.�e7+
<i!fj7 22.�xc6 gxh2+ 23. <i!fh1 �xg4
24.�xas �c8+) 15 ... g5 16. �g3 �g6
17.a4 CZJb4 18.�e2 <i!i'g7 19.c3 �a6+;
 THE COMPLETE KALASH NIKOV
(14.lf'lxd6+ �d7 15./.Llq (1s./.Llxq
i.Llds+ 16. �j1 WIa6+! 17.c4 i.LlcJ+=
Followed by W!xd6.) 15 .../.Ll xc2+
16.�fl ka6+ White doesn't have
any good discovery check.)
14 ... �f7 15.c3 gxf6 16.Wib3+ i.Llbd5
17.i.Ll xd6+ �g6! It looks strange,
but the king is often safe here!
18.i.Ll xa8 ke6 19.exd5 i.Ll xd5
2o.Wfc2+ �g7 21.i.Lle8+ �f7+;
13 ... /.Ll xd5 14.Wih5+ (14.Wixds kd7
15. kh4 g5oo ) 14 ... �d7 15.Wih3+ �e8
16. Wih5;;\; White has to take the
draw.;
12 ... gxf6 13./.Llxd6+ Wfxd6! 14.Wixd6
hxg5 15.c3!
(15.Wixf6?! One shouldn't be too
greedy. Black will now get the
initiative after 15 ... 2:!h6 We have
a very strange material balance
here: Black has 4 minor pieces for
the queen, but White has 7 pawns
against 1 or 2.
79
16.Wif3
(16.'%!fxg5 2:!g6 17.W!d2 (q.W!CI)
17... /.LJd4 18. '%!fd1! (18.c3? /.LJb3f-+;
18.0-0 i.Llf3+-+; 18.0-0-0 kh6-+)
18... 2:! xp 19. W!h5+ 2:!g6 20. 2:!g1!
I.Ll f3+ 21. �e2 I.Ll xgH 22. 2:! xg1
2:!aa6+)
16 ...g4oo Followed by i.Llg6.)
15 . . . �f7 16. b4 ke6 17.0-0 g4oo
A very complicated position where
it is hard to know who is playing for
the win!
n.I.Llxe7 axbs 12.i.Llxc6 W!d7
12 ... '%!¥b6?! is inaccurate here as
White will get the initiative after
13.i.Llb4 2:!h4
(13 ... Wic5 14.�d5 2:!a4 15.q! ± (1s.o­
o 2:!xe4 N. Stojanovic -Vasiliev,O I
Oropesa del Mar 2ooo.) )
14.W!d3 f5 (14 ... 2:!a4 15.c3 kb7 16j3±)
15 .0-o! ± (15.!3 jxe4 16jxe4 2:!a4
1J.C3 dsoo T. Wirschell-J. Aagaard I
Wijk aan Zee NED 2001.) 15 ... 2:!xe4
16.�d5 Wic5 17.b4 '%!¥c6 18.i.Llxb5+-
80
1J ... �a4!
An important move. The alterna­
tives are not good enough.
13 ... ..tb7?! 14.ctJds �as 15.0-o± Nav­
arrete Delgado, S-P. Guichard I Con­
dom FRA 2009;
(1s.g3 �h6 16.CL!ds �bs q.�d3
Wf7 18.exfs?! (18.0-o-o±) 18 ... �xfs
19.�xfs+ ..t xfs 2o.o-o-o � h3�
M. Yeo-M. Chandler I England
1996)
15 ... �b8 (15 .. jxe4 16.g3 �h6 17jxe4+-)
16.�d2±;
13 ... ds?! 14.ctJxds ..t xa3 15.bxa3 �xa3
16.�e2 o-o 17.0-o± A. Horvath­
V. Zemerov I Hungary 1997.
14.C3
14.�d2 ds! 1s.CL!xds?! (15.c3 See 14.c3
and 15.�d2.) 15 ... �xe4+ 16.CLle3 �d4
17.�e2 ..txa3 18.bxa3 �c6+
14 ... ds!
The thematic liberating move.
CHAPTER 5
15.�xds
The move played in practice.
15.�d2!?N In order to defend the b4
pawn and avoid simplifications.
15 ... ..t xb4 16.cxb4 dxe4 q.�xgs
(17.o-o-o �xd2+ 18. �xd2 ..te6+)
q... o-o (1J. . .f6 18.�g6+ 'it>js We
think this is also possible, but less
natural.) 18. 't:!:V xes (18.o-o � xb4
19.�xes e3! transposes to 18.�xes.)
18 ... � xb4 19.0 - o (19. � d1 't:!:Vfs
2o.'t:!:Vxjs ..txjs 21. �d2 �as 22. We2
..te6= Despite being a pawn down,
Black doesn't have any problem.
His pieces are very active.) 19 ... e3!
A very good move in order to open
the lines.
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
(2o.fxe3 l:!e8 21.�c3 (21.�c5 !!xb2
22.<�Jc2 �e6 23. !!j2 .fi b7�) 21. ..
l:!g4! Looking at the g2 pawn and
threatening to play b4. 22. l:!ad1
(22.CLJc2 .fib7 23.ClJe1 (23. l:!j2?
!!xg2+ 24. !!xg2 .fixg2 25. �xg2
!!cB+) 23 ... l:!c8 24.�b3 (24.Wie5?
l:! c2-+) 24 . . . � xg2! 25.CLJ xg2
l:!xg2+ 26.�xg2 Wlg4;;l; Draw.)
22 ... l:!xg2+ 23.�xg2 Wlg4+ 24.�f2
Wlh4+ 25-�gl
(25.�e2? White cannot try to es­
cape from the checks. 25 ... �xh2+
26. l:!f2
27. l:! f2 (27.Wid3 Wfh4+! 2B. �d2
.fixd1+ And White cannot take
81
back because of l:!d8.) 27... "%!¥g1+
28. l:! fl Wfg3+ transposes.)
26 ... .fig4+ 27. �e1 W!gi+ 28. l:!fl
Wlg3+ 29.�d2 l:!c8! 30."%!¥xc8+
(30. "%!¥d3 Wfg2+ 31. �e1 .fixd1
32. �xd1 WI xb2 33.ClJc2 Wfb1+
34· �d2 !!xc2+ 35. "%!¥xc2 WIxfi"+)
30 ... .fixc8+)
20 ... .fi b7 Black is two pawns down,
but the activity of his pieces com­
pensates for that. For example: 21.b3
It seems dangerous to keep the b2
pawn. (If White gives back the pawn
by playing 21. !!ad1 Wlc6 22j3 !!xb2
23. l:!j2 !!xj2 24. "%!¥xj2 !!cB= Black
doesn't have any problems.) 21. ..
l:!e4! 22. Wlh3
(22.Wic5 !!feB 23.f3 (23.Wixb5?! .fic6
24.Wic5 !!e2 And White cannot
resolve his problems around the
g2 pawn. 25.ClJC4 .fixg2! 26. �xg2
Wlg4+ 27. �h1 Wf!J+ 28. �g1 !!Be4
29. WlcB+ �h7 30. WfbB l:!g4+ 31. Wfg3
!!xg3+ 32. hxg3 !!e6+) 23 ... l:!e2
24. !!f2 �d3i)
22 ... !!g4 23.f3 "%!¥d4+ 24-�hl l:!g6�
Black has good compensation as the
CLJa3 is not playing at all.;
15.CLJaC2 dxe4 16."%!¥xd7+ .fixd7 17-0-
o .fie6= The strong pawn center as
well as the bishop pair compensate
for Black's bad structure.
15 ... Wlxds
82
15 ... �xb4 16.cxb4 �xds leads to the
same thing.
16.exds �xb4 17.cxb4 �xb4 18.o-o­
o �d7
We think that this endgame is com­
pletely playable for Black. Here are
some examples:
19.h3
19.b3 �d6 20. �d2 (20. �b2 �d7
21.g3 �d4 22. �xd4 exd4 23.'2lc2 �cs
24. �d1 �xh2 25.b4+ �xds 26. �xd4+
�e6 27. �d2=) 20 ... �d7 21.h3 (21.
i'2lc2?f �bh4 22. �b2 �Xh2 23. �Xh2
�xh2 24 .g3 fs+ A. Martorelli­
M. Godena I Reggio Emilia 1994) 21 ...
g4 22.h4 �c8+ 23.�b2 �d4 24. � xd4
(24. � hd1 �xd2+ 25. �xd2 �cs) 24 ...
exd4 25. �d1 (2s.l2lc2 d3 26.'2lb4 �eB
27-'2lxd3 �e2+ 28.�c3 �fs=) 25 ... �e8
26. �d2 �xds 27.'2lc2 �e4=
19 ... �d6 2o.h3 � fsN
2o ... �d7 A. Neiksans-J. Nun I Par-
dubice 2009.
CHAPTER 5
21. �he1
21. �b2 g4 22.hxg4 (22.h4 �bB= Fol­
lowed by �d4.) 22 ... � xh1 23. �xh1
� xg4 24.g3 �d3 25. �h8= (2s. �d1?!
�d4 26.'2lc2?? would be a very bad
idea as after 26... �xc2 27- �xd4 exd4
28. �xc2 b4! 29. �d3 �xds-+ the
pawn endgame is winning for Black.)
21 ... �c8+ 22. �b2 �cs 23. �d2 �d4=
This position is equal.
Conclusion:
As was to be expected, Black doesn't
have any problem in the sidelines.
9.c3 is not really logical as it is bet­
ter for White to play q. On the other
side Black needs to be careful not to
let White play a4 in good circum­
stances. After 9. �gs, we recommend
playing 9 ... h6. After 10. � xbs we give
the choice between the solid 10 ...
hxgs which gives comfortable equal­
ity or 10... axbs with the novelty 11 ...
f6!? which leads to a very complicated
middlegame.
 CHAPTER 6
6./:2:J1c3 7.. b5
.

8 ...1:2:Jge7 10.cxd5 [832]

1.e4 cs 2.i:Llf3 i:Llc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.i:Llxd4

es s.i:Llbs d6 6.i:Ll tcJ a6 7.i:Lla3 bs
s.i:Llds i:Llge7 9·C4 i:Llxds to.cxds
This is the other way of taking back
on ds. White releases the tension on
the queenside and he wants to play
a more stable position.

11.i:Lle2 �d7 (n . g6?! 12.a4± White

..

immediately starts to act on the

queenside, taking advantage of the
weakened black structure. The bs or
a6 pawns will be his target and the
i:Llc2 will have good squares at his dis­
posal, either on c6 via b4 or on c4 via
a3 in order to pressurize the d6 pawn.
Black will have trouble finding decent
counterplay.) 12. �d3 g6 13.0-o �g7
to... i:Lld4! 14. �e3 o-o 15. B:CI fs It is logical for
The best move. The knight is well Black to try and get counterplay on
placed on d4, it is his best square. the kingside. 16.f3 A thematic move
White can of course try to play �e3 in this kind of position as it frees the
and Fxd4 to deteriorate Black's struc­ f2 square for the bishop and protects
ture. This is actually White's main the e4 pawn.
idea in order to try and win the pawn
on d4 by playing i:Lle2 later on. How­
ever, in this case the black squared
bishop would get activated, which
would allow Black to get good coun­
terplay as we will see.
10 ... i:Lle7 has already been played
several times, but it is inferior. It will
take Black a lot of time to continue
his development.
84 CHAPTER 6

16 .. .f4 17. lkf2 gs 18.�b4;l; G. Kasp­ side. What is more, White can also
arov-J. Lautier I Moscow (mh-rap­ exchange his lkn against the �cs
id) 2002. This is a King's Indian type in order to play with a good knight
of position, but White already has against a bad bishop.;
some nice play on the queenside,
with many squares on the c-file and b) u ... WJ/h4 This move doesn't look
the possibility of playing a4 in order natural and Black will be worse after
to attack the pawns on the queenside. 12. lkd3 �d7 13.a4!
Black on his side will try a direct at­
tack on the kingside, but he is already
late compared to usual King's Indian
positions.;

w ... �bB A very rare move, but

it was played by Bacrot recently.
11.�e2 lke7

a) 11. .. �d7 12.a4 Of course! White

doesn't wait for Black to organize
himself and immediately attacks the (1s... � xb2 16.WJ/n �b8 17.�b4 �cs
black structure on the queenside. (lJ. lkq 18.�c6 �aB 19.0-o± Black
..

is completely paralyzed and he has

a lot of trouble continuing his de­
velopment, for example: 19... o-o?!
2o.g3 WJ/j6 21f4!+-) 18. lk xcs dxcs
19.�xa6 lkxa6 2o. � xa6 White has
a good initiative here. Once again
Black has trouble with completing
his development.

12 ...bxa4 (12 ... Wi!h4?! 13.axbs! WJ/xe4+

14. lke3 �f6 15.bxa6 WJ/xds 16.Wi!xds
�xds 17. b4± The white pawns are
advancing too quickly.) 13. � xa4
�cs 14. lkbs+! lkd7 15. lk xd7+ It
is often strategically very good for
White to exchange this bishop.
15 ... WJ/xd7 16. �C4 lke7 17.0-o o-o
18.�b4;l; This position is more pleas­ 20 ... WJ/d8 (2o . . . lk q? would lose
ant for White. The �b4 will come to 21.d6!+-) 21. lke2± Followed by
to c6 with good play on the queen- lka4.)
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
16. E:b4 E: xb4 l7.� Xb4 � Xd3+
18. V!ffxd3;t And Black will not be able
to hold on the queenside.;
12. �e2 o-o 13.0-o �d7 In order
to avoid a4. (IJ ... �d7 14.a4 bxa4
1s.�b4 �b7 16. �e3 �cs 17. �xes
dxcs 18.�c6 �xc6 19. dxc6 E:.cs
2o. V!ff x a4 V!fib6 21. �xa6 E:. xc6
22. �C4;t White's position is easier
to play as his bishop is much more
active.; 13 .. js 14. exjs �xfs 1s.a4
bxa4 16. E:.xa4 as IJ.�e3;\; Followed
by �d2 and �C4. White is a lit­
tle bit better.) 14. �e3 �gs 15. V!fid2
� xe3 16.V!ff xe3 V!fiq 17. E:ao V!fib7
(IJ... V!ffa7 I8.V!ffxa7 E:.xa7 19.�b4;t)
18.f4! i And White has a good ini­
tiative. One usually has to be careful
when playing f4, but the � b8 is still
far from the es square. Black's posi­
tion is very crammed here.(18.�a3
C. Schramm-E. Bacrot I Deizisau
2011.)
n. �e3
White wants to make use of the po­
sition of the �d4. His idea is to take
on d4, continue his development and
try to win the d4 pawn later on.
85
11. �d3 The other way of playing,
which is even more solid. 11. ..g6! We
think that this is the best way of play­
ing. The � f8 will go to g7. Compared
to the 11 ... �e7 line, Black here has the
possibility of playing with fs.
a) 11 .. .f5 A rather rare, but interest­
ing move. We however think that
White can get an advantage here if
he follows our main line. 12.exfs!
at) 12.�C2 �XC2+ 13.V!f!XC2 f4 14.a4
bxa4N (14 ... b4 1s.as!;l; S. Nem­
eth-C. Csiszar I Harkany 2001.)
15.Vffixa4+ �d7 16.V!fib3 �e7 17.0-o
as= With a balanced position.;
(12 ... V!ffas+N is not really an im­
provement . 13 . �d2 (13 . V!fid2
doesn't give White any advantage.
13 ... V!ffxd2+ 14. 'i!txd2fxq IS. �xe4
�is 16.�c2 �q 1.7.�b4 o-o= The
position is balanced.) 13 ... V!fib6
14.0-0 f4 (14 ... �e7 1S.�C2 o-o
16. �e3 !4 17. �xd4 exd4 18. �e2
�f6 19.�b4;t White is better as
he managed to stabilize the po­
sition. Black lacks dynamism in
order to compensate for his weak­
nesses.) 15.�C2 � xc2 16.V!fixe2
�d7 (16... �e7?! 17. V!ffc6+±) 17.a4
bxa4 18. E:xa4! ;\; White is better
because of the weak a-pawn and
because of Black's lateness in de­
velopment.)
86
a3) u.o-o!?N This logical move has
never been played. 12 .. .f4! The logi­
cal move. Black closes the kingside
and will quickly catch up with his
lateness in development. 13. li.e3!
A very interesting attempt to refute
Black's play... White wants to make
use of his opponent's lack of devel­
opment in order to open the files.
Black has to be very careful now.
(After a move like 13.18c2 Black
wouldn't have any problems after
13 . 18xc2 14. VJ!fxc2 li.d7� Avoiding
. .
a4. Black will continue by playing
the classical plan li.e7, o-o, VJ!ib8,
ii.d8-li.b6.)
13 .. .fxe3 Black needs to accept the
challenge because he will be stra­
tegically worse if he lets White ex­
change on d4. 14.fxe3 b4! An im­
portant move as it create an escape
square for the l8d4.
(14 . . . VJ!ib6?! 1s .exd4 VJ!ixd4+
16. 'i!th1 li.e7 17.18C2 VJ!ixb2 (lJ...
VJ!ib6 1B.VJ!i/3 li.J6 19.VJ!ihs+ '�!ids
2o.l8b4± White has a very good
advantage here. Black's king is
rather weak and he doesn't man­
age to coordinate his pieces.)
18.VJ!id2 b4 19. E:ab1 VJ!ic3 2o.VJ!ie2±
CHAPTER 6
Black will probably not survive
for very long here.)
15.18C4 (15. VJ!Ia4+ li.d7 16. VJ!fxb4 E:bs
17-VJ!fe1 l8bs 18.18C4 g6oo White has
compensation, but Black's position
is quite solid.) 15 ... 18bs A surpris­
ing position. White has to sacrifice
another piece in order to continue
his attack! 16.18xes!? A nice idea.
This second piece sacrifice allows
the white queen to join the attack.
The position is very complicated,
but (in theory!) Black survives the
attack.
(16. E:CI!? li.e7! 17.18 xes dxes
18. li.xbs+ (18. VJ!ihs+ g6 19-VJ!fxes
E:g8 And here White doesn't have
anything better than 20. li.xbs+
which transposes.) 18 . . . axbs
19.VJ!ihs+ g6 2o.VJ!Ixes E:g8 21. E:f6
(22 . . . .1i. xe6 23 . VJ!fxe6 E: f8
24.VJ!ic6+ VJ!id7 2s.VJ!ixa8+ VJ!id8
(25 . . . li. ds 26. E: xjB+ 'l!txj8
27-es�) 26. VJ!ic6;l;;)
23 .d6 li. xe6 24.VJ!fxe6 VJ!fxd6
2s.VJ!Ixc8+ li.d8 26.VJ!ib7 E: f8
27. VJ!fxbs+ 'i!te7 28. VJ!fgs+ 'i!td7
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV 87

29. !Y'bs+ We6+ Black is a piece

up and his chances are prefer­
able.)

21... li.d7 with the idea of playing

�c8 leads to a forced draw: 22.d6
�c8 23. !hc8 li.xc8 24.dxe7 !Y'xe7
2s.!Y'xbs+ li.d7 26.!Y'b8+ !Y'ds
27.!Y'd6 !Y'e7 28.!Y'b8;:l::)
12 . ../�:Jxfs
16 ... dxes 17. !Vhs+ Wd7 18. � aCI
!Y'b6! Freeing the d8 square for (12 ... li.xfs has also been played.
the king. White was threatening to 13 .0-o (13 . li. e3 li.xd3 14. !Vxd3
mate in 2 moves after !Vfs and !Y'f7. !Vas+!=) 13 ... li.e7

(13 ... !Y'f6N has never been played.

It is the computer's suggestion,
but this move doesn't change the
evaluation of the position.

19.!Y'xes li.e7 2o. li.xbs+ axbs 21.d6

li. f6 It is important to block the f­
file. 22.!Y'ds

(22.!Y'g3 �e8! 23 . �C7+ Wd8

24. � xg7! li. xg7 25.!Y'gs+! li. f6! 14.CZJC2 CZJ XC2 (14 ... li.xd3 15.!Vxd3
(2s... Wd7?? 26. �!7++-) 26.!Y'xf6+ !Vjs 16.!Vxjs I:ZJxfs 17.a4;:l:: As
Wd7 27.!Y'g7+ 'i!i>xd6 28. �d1+ Wcs usual, this kind of position is in
29- �CI+ Wd6=) White's favor.)

22 ... li.b7 23.!Y'f7+ 'i!i>ds 24.es (24.

�q !Vxd6 25. �xb7 �fB 26. �d7+
!Vxd7 27. !VxjB+ !V e8 28. !Vd6+
!Y'd7 29.!VjB;:l::) 24 ... !Vxe3+ 25.Wh1
li. xp+! 26. Wxg2 � a7 27.!Y'ds
li.xes 28. �ce1 !Y'd4 29.!Y'xes !Y'xes
30. � xes � xa2= And this rook
ending is equal...;
88
15. V!VXC2 gc8 16.V!Ve2 � xd3
(16 . . . � e7 17. a4 o-o 18. axbs
axbs 19. �xfs V!Vxfs 20. V!Vxbs;l:;)
17. V!Vxd3 .1l.e7 18.a4 o-o (18... V!Vg6
19. V!Vxg6+ hxg6 2o. axbs axbs
21. ga7;t) 19.axbs axbs 20. �e3;l;
This position is more pleasant for
White. The bs pawn is attacked
and White is controling a-file.)
14. �e3 o-o 15. �xd4 exd4 16.'2lC2;l;
Games have shown that White is
better here. We can also get this
position after: u. �e3 �e7 12. �d2
o-o 13.0-o fs?! 14. � xd4 exd4
1s.exfs �xfs 16.'2lc2.)
13.0-o We only found one game with
this position in our base, so there is
no more theory here. Here are some
examples of what could happen:
at)13 ... V!Vh4!? 14.'2le2 �e7 15.a4
bxa4 16.g3
CHAPTER 6
16 .. J�'f6
(16 ... V!Vh3 The queen is exposed
here: 17. �e4 '2lh6 (1,7-.. hs? doesn't
work at all because of 18. gxa4±
Followed by � p.) 18. �g2
V!Vg4 19. � f3 V!Vh3 2o. gxa4 o-o
21. �g2;l; White is clearly better.)
an) 17... 0-o 18.�c6 �d8 (18 ...
�d4 19-�xd4 exd4 2o. gxa4;l:;)
19. gxa4 �b6 2o. �e3! �xe3 (20...
�xe3 ? 21.jxe3 �XeJ+ 22. Whi+­
Followed by �e7.) 21.fxe3 V!Vgs
22.V!Ve2 �d7 23. g f3;l;;
a12) 17··· �d7 18.�c6;l;;
18. �e4 o-o 19.'2lc6;l; White will
win the a4 pawn back and contin­
ue by playing �e3. Black is slightly
worse here.;
a2) 13 ... g6 14.�C2 �g7 15.�b4
A classical plan which gives White
the advantage: 15 ... 0-0 16.�c6
16 ... V!Vb6
 THE COMPLETE KALASH NI KOV
a21) 16 ... �h4 17.g3 �f6 18.a4 bxa4
(18 ... b4 19.f4!t.) 19. E! xa4t. Fol­
lowed by f4.;
a22) 16... �f6 17.a4 bxa4 18. E!xa4
l£ld4 (18... il.d7 19- E!xa6t.) 19.f4! t.;
q. il.d2 l£ld4 (17. . . e4 18. il.xe4
il.xb2 19. il.xfs il.xfs 2o.l£le7+ <tJg7
21. iLe3±) 18. il.e3 il.d7 19. E!c1 �b7
20. il.e4 il. fs 2Lf3t. Black's position
is difficult.;
14.1£le2 o-o 1s.l£lb4 il.d7 (1s... il.gs
16.1£lc6 �f6 17.f4! exj4 18. 1ixj4
1ixf4 19. E!xf4± White is threaten­
ing to take on fs and he will simply
continue by playing �d2 and E!afl.
What is more, he always has the a2-
a4 move at his disposal.) 16. il.e4!N
(16. <tJh1= V. Draganic-M. Pap I
Budva 2004.)
16 ... E!cs (16. . . iLgs IJ.I£lc6 �f6
18. �xgs �xgs 19.�d3t.; 16... 1£ld4
17. il.e3 il.js 1B.�b1 il.xe4 19.�xe4t.)
17.1£lc6 il.xc6 18.dxc6 l£ld4 19.�hs
g6 2o. il.ds+ ctt h s 21.�g4 il. f6
22.�e4t. White has a good advan­
tage here thanks to his very strong
il.ds. He furthermore has the pos­
sibility of playing the thematic a4,
89
which would put Black in front of
some new problems.;
b) 11. .. il.e7 This is the most played
move, but we don't recommend it.
12.0-o o-o 13. il.e3 transpose to
11. il.d3 and u ... il_q;
12.1£lc2
b) 14. � xd4 exd4 15.1£lC2 il.d7
16.1£lb4 (16.�d2 E!c8 17.<tJh1 as
18.a3 E!csoo J. Sanchez-P. Piscopo
I Bratto 2009.) 16 ... �b6 17. E!CI
E!ac8 18. il.b1 E!C4oo M. Nemeth­
P. Horvath I Hungary 2004.;
14 .. .fs (14.. �d7 is also playable, as
.
the French GM Maze has shown,
but as the idea is to play fs, why not
play it immediately.) 15. il.xd4
a) 15.f3 f4 This move has been
played several times, but Black
never had any problems. (Keep­
ing the tension by playing 1s...
il.d7!?N 16. E!aCI E!c8 also seems
playable and we even think it
might be more logical.)
90
16. �xd4 (16. �j2!?N �d7 17-Vfib4
Vfie7 18. 'f!.jc1 'f!.Jc8 19. 'f!. xc8+
�xc8oo ) 16 ... exd4 17.ll:JC2 �d7
18.ll:Jb4 (18. 'f!.jd1 V!ib6 19. rtih1 'f!.ac8
20. 'f!.ab1 'i!!. q = B. Munguntuul-
0. Girya I Moscow 2008.) 18 ...
V!ias 19.a3 (19. 'f!.ae1 'f!.ac8 20. 'f!.xc8
'f!.xc8 21.a3 �es M. Rutkows­
=
ki-M. Kanarek I Ustron 2008.)
19 ... 'f!.ac8 2o. 'f!.fC1 'f!.cs 21. � fl gs
22.Vfid1 'f!.fc8!N (22 ... d3?! 23.lLJXd3
'f!.xCl 24. 'f!.xe1t T. Kosintseva-
0. Girya I Moscow 2007.)
23.ll:Jd3 'f!.qoo Black has placed his
pieces well and he gets very good
counterplay for his bad structure:;
b) 15 .f4? fxe4 16. � xe4 ll:J fs
17. �xfs �xfs 18. 'f!.aC1 'f!.c8+ And
the bishop pair gave Black a good
advantage in the game A. Muller­
P. Guichard I Besancon 2006.;
CHAPTER 6
(15 .. .fxq 16. � xe4 exd4 17.ll:Jc2
Vfih4 18. 'f!.ae1 d3!?N An important
move in order to activate the piec­
es. (18... �Js K. Skinke-E. Richard
I Permo 2009. 19. �xfsN 'i!!. xfs In
general White is better ifhe man­
ages to keep the knight against
the black squared bishop. Black
will not manage to create enough
threats on the kingside and White
will slowly increase his advan­
tage. For instance: 2o.ll:Jb4 as
21.ll:Jc6 'f!.hs 22.h3 rtihB 23j4 'f!.xds
24.ll:Jxast)
19.ll:Jb4 (19.V!ixd3 �es 2o.g3 V!ij6
21.b3 �h3 22. �g2 ��s�) 19 ... V!if6
2o.ll:Jxd3 V!id4�)
16.exfs (16.ll:Jc2 jxe4 17- �xe4 V!ih4
See 15 .. .fxe4.) 16... �xfs 17.ll:Jc2 rtih8
(1J. .. �d7 1B.ll:Jb4 V!ib6 19. �e4 'f!.aeB
20. 'f!.je1 d3! This thematic move is
an important resource in this po­
sition.
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHN I KOV 91

Vf!ib6 19. il.d2 Vf!fxbs 20. :§:as Vf!fxd3

21. il.xd3-;l;;) 16.axbs

(17.. .fs 18.exfs gxfs 19.b3! (19.

<Xl

:§:j3 N. Paikidze-T. Kosintseva I

Moscow 2010. 19... Vf!ib6+) )

21.tz'Jxd3 Vffld4 22.Vffle3 b4 23.Vfflxd4

il.xd4 24. il.j3 as� Black got
good compensation in the game
M. Kravtsiv-E. Mochalov I Pardu­
bice 2007.) 18.ti:Jxd4 il.xd4 19. il.xfs
Vf!if6= Black will win the b2 pawn
back and obtain an equal position.
M. Pavlovic-B. Tadic I Kragujevac
2010.) 18. :§:b1 fs 19.exfs il.xfs 20. il.xfs
:§: xfs 21. Vf!fxa4 Vf!ib6+ Black is
12 ... il.g7 13.0-0 0-0 better. His pieces are more active
and he will probably win the ds
(13 ... ti:Jxe2 There was no reason to pawn.)
hurry with exchanging this knight.
14.Vf!IXC2 il. d7 (14 . . . 0-0 1s. a4-;l;; ) 16 ... il. xbs 17. il.xbs
15.Vffib3 Vf!fas (1s ... o-o 16.Vffia3 Vf!fe7
17- il.d2-;J;; White's position is more (17. il. f4N fs 18.exfs (1B.j3 il.es=)
pleasant and he has some slight 18 ... Vf!id7!= With the idea of con­
pressure.) 16. il.gs f6 17. il.e3 �e7?! tinuing by il. xd3 and Vf!ixfs.)
(1J... o-o 18.a4 bxa4 19.Vffia3-;l;; White
has a slight edge, but Black's posi­ 17... axbs 18. :§:xa8 Vf!fxa8 19. il. f4
tion is defendable.) 18.Vf!id1 :SheS fs!?N (19... Vf!fa6 2o.Vffid3 :§:cB 21.h4
19.f4i V. Belov-S. Maze I Biel hs 22. :e: d1 :S C4<Xl E. Tairova-
2008.) 0. Girya I Moscow 2007.)

(14.ti:J xd4 exd4 15.a4 il.d7 (Play

in a dynamic way by 1s .. .jsN
doesn't allow Black to equalize:
16. axbs jxe4 17. il.xe4 il.b7 1B.Vffid3
92
2o. �xd6 !!e8= And Black will ei­
ther take the e4 or the ds pawn.)
14 ... CZJ XC2 is probably the easiest
move in order to equalize.
a) 14 ... �d7 is of course also possi­
ble, followed by !!c8 and I or taking
on c2.;
b) 14 ... �h8!? This move looks slight­
ly surprising at first sight, but it has
been played by Radjabov. The idea
is to play fs without having to ex­
change the CZJd4 first.
15. !!C1 (1s.8xd4 exd4 16. �d2j5 17]3
�d7oo Ontanon J. Gomez -Fernan­
dez A. Cardoso I Albacete 2009.)
15 .. .fs
16.f3 (16. �xd4 exd4 17. exjs �xfs
18. �xfs !!xjsoo And here the differ­
ence compared to the line with 14 ...
fs (?), is that 19.CZJxd4?? loses a piece
CHAPTER 6
after 19... !!xds-+) 16 ... �d7 17.�d2
f4 18. �f2 gs 19.CZJxd4 exd4 2o. �e2
�b6 21. !!fd1 !!ac8 22. !!xc8 !!xeS
23.b4 �es= H. Nakamura-T. Rad­
jabov I Medias 2011. White can
win the d4 pawn, but Black would
penetrate on the c-file. In the game
Nakamura managed to win the d4
pawn and to exchange the rooks, but
the endgame with the white squared
bishops was still equal and Black
managed to create a blockade with
his king on es I d4.;
c) 14.. .fs?! is inaccurate here. 15. �xd4
exd4 16.exfs � xfs 17. � xfs !!xfs
18.CZJxd4;l; And White is a pawn up
as 18 ... !!xds?? loses to 19. �b3+-;
15.�xc2 �d7 Black completes his
development and prevents White
from playing a4.
16. !!aCI (16.�e2 fs 17]3 !!cs 18. b3
�as= Robles C. Garcia-P. Guichard
I Condom 2008.) 16... !!c8 17.�d2 fs
18. !!xc8
(18.exfs gxfs 19.f3 �e7= (19 . . .
j4 ?! 20. �j2 �gs 21. �h1;l; Black
has weakened his position and
he didn't really get any attack.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHN I KOV 93

A. Muller-P. Guichard I Aix les

Bains 2007.) )

18 .. .'%!¥xc8 19.f3 '%!fb7 20. :8.CI f4

21. 1i.f2 :8.c8= M. Socko-M. Brzeski
I Warsaw 2010. Black has nothing to
be worried about in this position.

n g6!
...

As after u. 1i.d3, we think this is

the best move. Black is ready to give
a pawn in order to activate his black
squared bishop.
11. . .f5!? A very rare move, with the
idea of complicating the position. It
can be very interesting to play this
move as it hasn't really been ana­
lyzed yet. We have already tried it
ourselves.
(14.'%!fd3 <8 xe3 15.'%!fxe3 (1s.jxe3
'%!fh4+ 16.g3 '%!fh3�) 15 ... '%!fas+
16. �e2 (16. '%!fd2 '%!fxd2+ 17-�xd2
1i_q Followed by 1t.gs and o-o.
Black doesn't have any problem
here.) 16 ... 1i.e7 17· '%!fd3 o-o! (1J. ..g6
1B.h4oo M. Bluvshtein-K. Miton I
Bled 2002.) 18. 1i.xh7+ �h8 19. 1i.e4
1i.d7 2o.<8C2 b4i Black has a good
activity for the sacrifized pawn.)

u) 14 ... 1i.e7 is not enough to equal­

ize. White simply plays <8e2-b4-c6
and then attacks Black's queenside
by playing a4.
12. 1i.xd4

(13 ... '%!fh4?!N 14. '%!fd3 g6 (14 ... 1i.q

15. 1i.xd4 exd4 16.0-0 o-o 17.<8c2±)
15. 1i.xd4 exd4 16.o-o 1i.g7 17.<8C2
o-o 18.<8xd4t Black doesn't have
enough compensation.)
15.'%!fd3! A good idea, immobilizing
the <8 fs for a while and enabling
White to take back on e3 with the
queen. (1s.<8c2 o-o 16.<8b4 <8xe3!
94 CHAPTER 6

Now that Black has castled, he a2) 1s. i. xfs?! A rather illogi­
can play this move. 17jxe3 'B.xfi+ cal move. 1s ... i.xfs 16.ll:Jb1 ii.g7
IB.Wixj1 i.gs 19.Wid3 g6 2o.tLlc6 17.a4 o-o 18.Wid2 'B.c8 (18... Wih4!?)
Wib6 21. 'f!.e1 ctJg7= White cannot 19.axbs axbs 2o. 'B.CI 'B.xc1+ 21.VJ'ixCI
really do much as he has to keep
protecting the e3 pawn.) 1s ... o-o
16.lL'lc2 i.gs

an) 16 ... g6 17.ll:Jb4 lL'l xe3 18.lL'lc6

WieB (18... Wid7 19.Wixe3!� White
will continue by playing a4 and get
a nice advantage.) 19.Wixe3 i.d7
2o. 'B.fc1 Wif7 21.6 'B.fc8 22.a4�;
21. .. Wih4 22.ll:Jc3 WiC4+ D. Almeida
a12) 16 ... i.d7 17.ll:Jb4 i.gs 18.lL'lc6 Toledano-F. Libiszewski, San Se­
VJ'if6 19. i.xgs Wixgs 20.a4�; bastian 2011;

17.ll:Jb4 i.xe3 18.fxe3 g6 19.ll:Jc6� 1S ... ii.g7 16.VJ'id2

White will have the initiative after
a4.; (16.tLlb4!?N

a2) 14 ... ll:J xe3?! doesn't make any

sense here. The opening of the f-file
is of course in White's favor. 1s.fxe3
Wigs 16.ll:Je2�;

16 ...0-o 17.ll:Jc6

(17... gxfs 18.ll:Jc6 Wies (18... Wid7

16 ... i.h6! 17.Wid3 Wigs 18.lL'lc2 'B.fs
19.Wfa3 (19.Wfc3 i.d7) 19 ... VJ'id8oo
Followed by Wib6.;
19j3 Wij7 20.a4�; 18... Wih4 19j3f4
20. i.d2 i.fs 21. i.b4 Wlj6 22.a4�)
19. i.gs 'B.f7 20.a4� White is
slightly better.)
18.ll:Jc6 Wih4 19.Wid2 h6 20.f3 'B.f7
21. 'B.aCI 'B.af8oo Black has good
 THE COMPLETE KALASHN I KOV
chances of getting counterplay
after gs-g4 or even after e4.)
17. .J� he3 18.fxe3 � xf1+ 19. V:!Vxf1
V:!Vh4CX) Black's position is OK. He
will complete his development by
playing 1ld7 and then 1lh6.)
16 ... 0-o (16. ..l�he3? As we have al­
ready seen, taking on e3 before cas­
tling is very dangerous. 11Jxe3 �fB
18J:£j b4 1i.d7 19.lLJc6 V:!Vgs 20. rtfh1
1lh6 21. V:!Vb4±; 16... as!?CX) is an inter­
esting try in order to prevent lL:lb4.)
17.l2lb4 V:!Vh4 (1J. .. lLlxe3!?) 18.[J lLlxe3
19.�xe3 1lh6 2o.�f2 �xf2+ (20...
�gs 21.a4 �d2 22.�xd2 1lxd2=
Huerga M. Leache-F. Libiszewski
I Pamplona 2009.) 21. rtixf2 1ld7
22.lLlc6 rtig7=;
b) 12.lLJC2 lL:J xc2+ 13.�xc2 f4 (13 ...
1l b7?! Riff, V-F. Libiszewski I
France 2009. 14.a4!"t,) 14. 1ld2 1le7
Followed by o-o, 1ld7, �b8, 1ld8-
1lb6, with good play for Black.;
12 ...exd4
13. 1ld3 is the best move.
a) 13.lLJC2 seems logical but Black
gets good play after 13 ... fxe4
95
14.V:!Vxd4 (14.lLJxd4?f �as+ 1S.�d2
�xd2+ 16. rtixd2 1lei+ Followed by
1lf6.) 14 ... 1le7 15. V:!Vxe4 o-o 16. 1ld3
1l fs 17.V:!Ve2 (17-�j3 leads to the same
thing.) 17... 1lxd3 18.�xd3 1lf6 19.0-
o (19-�a3 �q+ 2o.lLJe3 1ld4 21.0-o
�es 22. �ab1 �!4� Black has good
compensation for the pawn here.;
19.0-o-o 1lgs+ 20. rtib1 �xj2+) 19 ...
1lxb2 2o. �ab1 �f6+ Sanz F. Alon­
so-F. Libiszewski I Pamplona 2009;
b) 13.V:!Vxd4?! Once again, it seems
very dangerous to take this pawn.
13 ... 1le7 14.exfs (14. 1ld3 The best
move according to the computer.
14 . . . �as+ 1S. �C3 �XC3+ 16. bXC3
jxe4 1J. 1lxe4 1lj6 18. �c1 o-o 19.0-o
1ld7+ Followed by �ac8 and �fe8.)
14 ... 0-o 15.g4 A scary move, but
White has to do something... (1s.
1i.e2 �as+ 16.�C3 �XC3+ 1J. bXC3
1lxfs 18.0-0 �ac8 wlLlb1 1i.j6 20.a3
�feB+) 15 ... 1lf6 16.�d2 V:!Ve7+ 17. 1le2
�e8 18.rtifl �e4 19. �g1 1lb7i With
a very good attacking position.
Black won in the game T. Baron­
F. Libiszewski I Cap d'Agde 2010;
c) 13.exfs This move doesn't lead to
anything for White. 13 ... 1lxfs (13 ...
�as+!?N 14.�d2 �xd2+ 1s. rtixd2
96
it.q 16. �e1 it.xfs 17. it.d3 �fB=)
14. it.d3 it.xd3!?N
(14 ...VWe7+ 15.'�6 it.d7 16.VWh5+
VWf7 17. �e1+ it.e7 18.VWh4 �c8 #
19.�C2 (19. it.g6?? <tfdB! 2o. it.xj7
it.xh4-+) 19 ... <tffs 20. VWe4 �c5 21.f3
it.f6oo M. Hoffmann-G. Grigore I
Porz 1993 I EXT 1999.)
15.VWxd3 VWe7+ 16.<tff1 VWf7oo With
a complicated position.;
13 ... VWa5+ This is the critical position
of the line u .. .f5. We have analyzed
this position in great detail and the
variations are often very concrete.
a) 14. <tffl!? The most critical move.
Black needs to react very precisely
now.
CHAPTER 6
a1) 15.�C2 doesn't lead anywhere:
15 ... 0-o 16.�xd4 fxe4 17.�c6 VWb6
(lJ.. �xj2+!? is an interesting ex-
.
change sacrifice. 18. Wxj2 VWb6+
19. We1 it.h4+ 2o.g3 exd3 21. VWxd3
it.J6 22. �j1 it.h3 23. �xj6 White
has to give back the exchange. 23...
�e8+ 24.<tfd2 gxj6 2s.VWd4 VWxd4+
26.�xd4 �esoo ) 18.� xe7+ Wh8
19.f3 exd3 2o.VWxd3 it.d7 21. �e1
�ae8oo;
a2) 15.exf5 o - o 16.�C2 it. xf5
17. ii. xf5 � xf5 18.� xd4 � xd5!
Black doesn't have to be worried
about the pin after VWb3. 19. VWb3 b4
2o.�c6 (2o.<tfg1 Wh8oo) 20 ... VWb5+
21.Wg1 <tfh8 22.� xe7 �e5= And
the �e7 is trapped.;
15 ... g6 16. VWh6 In order to prevent
the Black from castling. He has to
play with great precision now.
16 ... VWb4!N We think that this is the
move that makes this variation ok
for Black. He still needs to be care­
ful though.
a1) 16 ... � f8 has been played once.
17.�e2!?N
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
(17. !Ke1 f4 (1J,.jxe4 1B. lt.. xe4 !Ka7oo)
18.es dxes (1B... V!ifd2? 19. lt.. xg6+!±
L. Ootes -Ten H. Hertog I Haar­
lem 2011.) 19. !Kxes V!ifq 20. !Ke1
!K f7oo )
(19 ... lt.. b7 2o.CLJxd4! (2o.hs gs!oo)
20... 1i.. f6 21.V!ife3;l; White is better.
He is a pawn up and his king will
be safe on g1, while the black king
doesn't really have any shelter.)
32) 16 ... fxe4 17. lt.. xe4 !K f8 18.CLJC2
!K f7 19.h4;l; White has the initia­
tive.;
17. !Ke1
31) 17.CLJC2 V!ifxb2 18.V!ifg7 !K f8
19.V!ifxh7 fxe4 2o.V!ifxg6+ �d8
21. 1i.. xe4 !Ka7oo Followed by li.. f6.
The !Ka7 will be able to transfer to
the kingside.;
32) 17.V!ifg7 !Kfs 18.V!ifxh7? (1B.CLJc2
See 17.CLJc2.) 18 ... V!ifd2! Attacking
both b2 and d3.
97
19. V!if xg6+ �d8 20. V!ifg3 fxe4
21. 1i.. xe4 !K f4 22. 1i.. f3 V!ifxb2+;
33) 17.exfs lt.. xfs 18. 1i.. x fs gxfs
19. !Ke1 (19-V!ife6 �dB! 20. !Kb1 !KcB+)
19 ... !Ka7 A good defensive move.
20.g3
(2o.h4 !Kq (20... �dB 21. !Kh3!?)
21. !K h3 V!ifxb2 22. V!ifg7 (22. V!ifxd6
V!ife2+! An exceptional defensive
move!
23 . �xe2 lt.. xd6 24.CLJc2 !Kcs
2s.Cl:Jxd4 !Kxds=) 22 ... !Kf8 23. !K he3
!Kf7 24.V!ifg8+ !Kf8 25.V!ifg7=)
2o...d3 21.V!ifhs+ �ds 22.V!ifxfs V!ifd4
(22 ... d2!? also allows Black to hold:
23. !Kd1 !KfB 24.V!ifd3 li..gs 25. �g2
!Kaj7 26j4 lt.. xf4! 27-CLJc2 V!ilcs 2B.b4
V!ifC4 29. V!ifXC4 bxC4 3o.gxf4 !Kxj4
31. !Kxd2 !KgB+ 32. �h3 !Kj3+ 33. �h4
!Kj4;l;) 23. V!ife4 li.. f6 24.V!J!Xd4 li.. xd4
98 CHAPTER 6

25. �d1 iLxb2 26. � xd3 �q= Black 2o ... .t f8 ! 21.ifh4 .t xf5 22 . .t xf5
has good activity, which compen­ gxfs 23.ifh5+ �f7 24.� xd4 ifC4+!
sates for him being a pawn down.;

17... �a7! Black often has this re­

sourceful move. The rook defends
e7 and can be activated on q.

25. ife2+ (25. cJig1 ifxd5oo ) 25 . . .

ifxe2+ 26.cJixe2 iLg7 27.�e6 iLc3�
Followed by b4 and �d7. The posi­
tion is balanced. 28. �Cl;

18.�c2 (18.exj5 iLxj5 19. iLxj5 gxj5oo
See 17.exf5.) 18 ... if xb2 19.exf5 (19.
h4 jxe4 2o. iLxe4 d3! 21. iLxd3 ifc3
22. �e3 cJidS� Followed by �q. The
position is very complicated and
both sides have chances here.) 19...
ifc3! (19...gxj5? 20.h4± Followed by
�h3.) 20. �d1
b) 14. cJie2N With the idea of cas­
tling artificially. 14... iLe7 15. �e1 o-o
16. cJifi .th4 17-g3 .tf6 18.�C2
(18.exfs ifb4 19. �e2 (19. �b1 iLb7+)
19 ... iLb7 2o. iLe4 �ac8oo The posi­
tion is very complicated and both
sides have chances.)

(21.f6 � f8 22.fxe7 � Xe7 23. �Xe7+ 14 ... ifxd2+ 15. cJixd2 �e7 Here
cJixe7 24.f3 (24. if xh7+ �!1 White still has a choice.
25. ifh4+ cJidJ+) 24··· � f7 25. cJif2
cJid8+)

21...ifc3! 22. i.b1 ifC4+ 23. cJig1

ifb4 24.cJifi ifC4;l;; ;

a2) 2o.f6 ifxd3+ 21.cJig1 � f8

22.ifg7 � xf6 23 .ifxf6 ifxe2
24. ifh8+ cJid7 25. ifxd4 �C7
26. � xe7+! cJixe7 27.ifg7+ cJid8 16.f4 In order to prevent iLg5.
28.iff8;l;; ;
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV 99

a) 16. E:hh o-o q.<tlc2 (17j4 See f4

first.) 17.. .fxe4 (17... �gs+ 18j4 �h6
19.exjs �xfs 2o.<tlxd4 �xd3 21. Wxd3
E:xj4 22.g3t And White is slightly
better as the �h6 is not playing.)
18. �Xe4 �gs+ 19. Wd3 as! Followed
by b4 and �a6. 2o.<tlxd4 b4 21. We2
�a6 22. �d3 E: f4 23.<tlc6 � xd3+
24.Wxd3 E:af8 25.f3 E:8fs= Followed
by E:xds.(2s... E:4fs? 26.WC4±) ; 18. � xe4 d3! The idea is to open as
many files as possible for the bish­
b) 16.exfs doesn't give White any ad­ ops. (18... �f6 19. Wd3t Followed by
vantage. 16... �g5+ 17.WC2 o-o 18.g4 <tlb1 and <tld2 or <tle2 and <tlb4.)
(18. h4 �d8 19.g4 g6 2o. E:ae1 gxfs
21.gxjs E:a7= Followed by E:af7 or
E:e7.) 18 ... g6 19. E:hg1 Wh8 2o. E:ah
gxfs=;

16 ... 0-o 17. E: hf1 This is the critical

position. 17... fxe4!N A good im­
provement.

(17... �b7 This move was played by
one of your authors. 18.<tlc2 (18.exjs
�xds 19.g4 �d8oo) 18 ... E:ac8
(18 ... �f6 19.exfs � xds 2o.g4! (2o.
a4?! �xg2+) 20 ... E:ab8!? (20... �d8
21.a4!t) 21.<tlb4 �b7 22. E:ae1t)
19.exfs (19-a4!?) 19 ... � xds 2o.g4
�d8 (2o... hs 21.g5 �d8 22.a4 �b6
23.axbs axbs 24. E:a6 E:b8 2s.<tlb4t)
21.a4! �b6 (21... �as+ 22. b4 �b6
23.axbs axbs 24. E:a6 E:b8 2s.<tla3±)
22.axbs axbs 23. �xbst K. Berba­
tov-M. Cornette I Cap D'Agde
FRA 2oo8.)
19.Wxd3 � f6 2o. E:ab1 E:a7!? (20...
�d7 is also possible.) 21.<tle2 E:q
22.<tld4 (22. E:jc1 E:c4 23.b3 E:c3+
24. Wd2 E:e8�) 22 ... � xd4! (22 . . .
E:C4 would let White take the ad­
vantage after 23.<tle6! �xe6 24.dxe6
ds 25. �j3 E:xj4 26. E:bCit) 23.Wxd4
E:C4+ 24.Wd3 � fs! 2s. E:be1 E:cs
26. � xfs E:xfs 27. We4 A funny po­
sition. Black cannot tak on ds with
any of his rooks! 27... E: hs! (2J...
E:fxds?? 28. b4!; 2J. .. E:cxds?? 28.g4!+­
) 28. E:c1 (28.h3 E:c2=) 28 ... E:hxds=;
n ... �e7 The old move, but we think
it lacks flexibility. The bishop will
have to go to f6, which means that
Black won't have the possibility to
play fs.
100 CHAPTER 6

a) 13 ... �d7 14.�d2 (14.ClJC2 doesn't

lead to anything: 14 ... ClJxc2 15. �xc2
�gs= A. Pier-E. Gullaksen I Barce­
lona 2008.) 14 ... :8.c8

(14 ... �b8 1s. :8.ae1 �d8 16. � xd4

exd4 17.ClJC2 � f6 (1J... �b6 All of
White's pieces are nicely placed
and he can now play the thematic
18j4!

(12. �xd4 exd4 13.�xd4?! It is real­

ly to risky to take this pawn. Black
will have a strong initiative on the
black squares. 13 ... 0-o 14. �b4
(14. �e2 Js!i 0. Linskiy-D. Gold­
enberg I Toronto 1998.; 14.g3 Js
15. �g2 �f6 16. �d2 jxe4 17.0-o
�Js+ Ozatakan,E-A. Moiseenko
I Kocaeli 2002.) 14 .. .fs (14 ... �f6!? 18... :8.c8 west.; 1J... �b6 18.�f4 �cs
Followed by �es and �gs.) 1s. �d3 19. :8.e2 Followed by ClJe1 and ClJ f3.
fxe4 16. �xe4 as 17.�b3 (17-�xbs? We think that White can get some
�a6-+ V. Moiseev-M. Simantsev play on the kingside as the �cs is
I Donskoj 2oos.) 17... � f6 18.o-o not really playing.) 18.f4 as 19.�f2
�d7� Black has excellent compen­ �C7 2o.Cl:'l xd4t. J. Zezulkin­
sation.) A. Moroz I Lubniewice 1994.)

12 ... 0-0 13.0-0 Black has the choice

here:
(1s.f4 �f6 (1s... �b6?! 16.CL'lc2 �f6
17.jxes dxes 18.CL'lxd4 exd4 19. �!4
:8.ce8 20. El. aCJt. V. Kotronias­
K. Nikolaidis I Athens 1993.)
16. � xd4 exd4 17.ClJC2 will trans­
pose.)

1s ... exd4 16.ClJc2 �b6 17.h3 �f6 18.f4

:8.fe8 19.�h2 g6 2o.ClJe1 �g7 21.ClJf3
13 ... �f6 b4 22J He1 as 23. :8. ad1
 TH E COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
23 ... a4 24. �b1;!; White got a more
pleasant position in the game
E. Bacrot-E. Mochalov I Rethym­
non GRE 2003. He can take the d4
pawn at any moment and he also has
the threat e4-e5.;
b) 13 ...f5?! 14. � xd4 exd4 (14 .. jxe4
15. �xe4 exd4 16. V!!ld3 h6 17-CLlc2±
A. Cioara-N. Zambor I Miskolc
1999. White will win a pawn and
Black doesn't have any counterplay.)
15.exf5! (15.CLlc2 also gives White an
advantage but after 15.. j4 Black has
practical chances to find counterplay
on the kingside.) 15 ... �xf5 16.CLlc2
16 ... �Xd3
bt) 16 ... V!!f b 6 17. �Xf5 (17.ClJXd4?f
V!!lxd4 18. �xj5 D. Rogic-F. Lju­
bicic I Rabac 2003. 18... V!!lxb2=) 17···
� xf5 18.CZJxd4± Della G. Morte­
F. Rey Besada I Villa Ballester 2010.
101
White will win a pawn as after 18 ...
�xd5?? 19.V!!/ b3 V!!/xd4 2o. � fdt+­
Black loses material.;
b 2) 16 . . . � d7 17· ClJ xd4 � f6
18.CLle6!± B. Mela -Munoz M. Pan­
toja I Badalona 2005.;
17.V!!fxd3 � f6 18.CZJxd4 �Xd4 (18...
V!!lb 6 19.CLle6 �feB 20. �ae1± M. Kise­
lev-A. Ioffe I St Petersburg 1994.)
19.V!!/xd4± White is a pawn up and
clearly better.;
14. V!!/d 2 g6 Compared to the line
with g6 it is clear that Black is some
tempos down. But his position is
still solid. (14 ... �a7N With the idea
of doubling rooks on the c-file or on
the e-file. 15.CLlc2 �d7 16.CLlxd4 exd4
11- �!4 V!!lb6 18. V!!lb4 �e5 19. �g5 h6
20. � h4;!; With the idea of play­
ing f4.) 15. �ae1 �g7 16. �xd4 exd4
17.CZJC2 �a7 18.f4N �C7 (18 . �q . .
19.CLl b4;!;; 18... V!!Ib 6 19j5!N) 19. �e2
�e8 20.h3;!; With the idea of bring­
ing the CLld2 to f3, in order ro pre­
pare e4-e5. Black's position is solid
but unpleasant as he doesn't have
any active plan.
102 CHAPTER 6

12. i?.xd4
White accepts the challenge.
I2. kd3 kg7 I3.0-o o-o See 11. kd3
and ke3.;

I2.�C2 kg7!?N (12 ... kg4 13.VJ!id2

�XC2+ 14.VJ!fxc2 !!c8 15.VJ!fd2 kd7!
Followed by fs and gaining space on
the kingside. Black got a nice posi­
tion in the game A. Danin-V. Bel­
ous I Vladimir 2008.)

12 ...exd4 t3.VJ!fxd4
White can take the pawn as Black
will have to lose a tempo if they want
to drive away the queen from d4 by
playing kg7, as the !!h8 is hanging.

13 ... VJ!Ias+

(I3. kxd4 exd4 I4. kd3 See 11. kd3.

(14.�xd4?? VJ!ias+ 1s.<i!fe2 VJ!ib4-+) )

I3 ... exd4 I4. k xd4 VJ!Ias+ IS. <i!?e2

kxd4 I6.VJ!fxd4 o-o I#4 With the
idea of playing es after fs.

(I7.g3 fs! I8. kp fxe4 I9. k xe4 (19.

!!hCl eJ!oo) I9··· kh3�)
I7··· k b7 I8.g4 !!ac8 I9. <i!?f3 !!e2� It
is clear that Black has good compen­
sation.
14.VJ!id2
I4.b4? would be a big mistake.
I4 ... VJ!fxa3 IS. VJ!ixh8 VJ!ixb4+ I6. <i!?di
<i!?e7! (Of course not 16. . . VJ!fxe4??
17. kxbs+!+- Followed by !!ei and
Black will lose the queen.) I7. !!CI
VJ!fxe4 I8. !!q+ kd7 I9.VJ!ic3 VJ!ixds+
20. kd3 <i!?d8+ White's position is
very bad. Black already has 2 pawns
 TH E COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
for the exchange and White's pieces
are lacking coordination.
14 V:!Uxd2+ 15.Wxd2 kg7
...
The critical position. White has two
ways of protecting the b2 pawn.
16.Wc2
16. �b1 fs 17. kd3 (17.exjs?! kxfs
18. kd3
18... kh6+! wWe2 kxd3+ 20.WXd3
o-o 21. �hj1 �Js+ Black will win the
pawn back and he will have the ad­
vantage thanks to his very active
rooks and strong black squared bish­
op.) 17.. .fxe4 18. kxe4 o-o 19.f3 k fs
The usual move in this kind of posi­
tion. If White takes on fs he will have
problems on ds and if he lets Black
take on e4 and takes back with the
f-pawn, Black will penetrate on the f-
103
file. 20. �he1 (20. �hj1?! �ae8 21. Wd3
�es+ A. Uta-E. Richard I Fermo
2009.) 20 ... �ac8
(20 ... k xe4 also enables Black to
equalize. 21.fxe4 (21. �xe4 �fs Fol­
lowed by � xds.) 21 ... �ac8 (21... kes
22.g3 �acB 23. �e2 �!3 24.tiJc2 �C4=
M. Krzyzanowski-M. Kanarek I
Turawa 2007.) 22. �e2 kes 23.tiJC2
�C4 24. Wd3 hsii5 Black got good
compensation for the pawn in the
game: E. Kovalevskaya -Girya, 0 I
Moscow 2007.)
2l.tiJC2
(21. �e2 kh6+!? 22.We1
(22. Wd3 � C5 23 . Wd4 kg?+
24. We3 b4! (24 ... kxe4 25.jxe4
kxb2 26. �bxb2 �c3� V. Sokolo­
va-A. Savina I Vladimir 2007.)
25.tiJC2 k h6+ 26. Wd4 � fc8
27. k xfs gxfs 28.tiJe3 kg7+
29.Wd3 f4+)
22 ... kxe4 23.fxe4 � f7ii5 White has
to be careful about his king now.)
21. . . k xe4 22. � xe4 � fs 23 . t£Je3
kh6= Black will win the pawn back.
16 . fs 17. kd3
. .
17.f3? fxe4 18.fxe4 o-o+ Followed by
� h.
17 . fxe4
. .
17... 0-o 18.f3 kes?! This move
doesn't really make any sense as it
allows White to organize himself.
104
19. .§.ad1 fxe4 2o. �xe4 � fs 21. �xfs
.§.xfs 22. �b1 .§.c8 23.tlJe2t P. Kongu­
vel-S. Maze I Marseille 2006.
19 . . . �fs
The easiest move.
19 ... �d7 is also possible. The idea is
to quickly play b4 as the tlJa3 doesn't
have the c2 square any longer. But
we think this move is less precise.
2o. .§.act!N
(20. .§.adt b4 21.tlJC4 .§.fc8 22.b3 (22.
�d3 �b5 2J. �b3 �XC4+ 24. �XC4
�xb2 25. �xa6 .§.xa6 26. �xb2
.§.caS 27. .§.a1 .§.aJ= Black's activ­
ity compensates for being a pawn
down.) 22 ... as (22 ... .§.xC4+ 2J.bXC4
�a4+ 24. �d3 �xd1 25 . .§.xd1t)
23.�b1 (23.�d3 a4oo; 23. �d2 a4
24. �e3 axb3 25.axb3 .§.a2 26.g3
�b5 27- .§.d2 .§.xd2 28.tlJxd2 .§.cJ+
29.�j2 �d4++ S. Romieux-F. Li­
biszewski I Montpellier 2006.) 23 ...
a4 24.tlJb6 axb3 2s.tLJ xa8 .§. xa8
26.axb3 �c3 27.h4 .§.at+ 28. �c2
.§.a2+ 29. �b1 .§.att)
CHAPTER 6
2o ... � fs! And as this is the best
move here, why not play it on the
.
previous move... (20... b4 "'· · 21."2..
"" J C4=,
+.
20 ... �h6 21 . .§.cd1 Followed by .§.bi.;
20 ... .§.ac8+ 21. �b1t)
2o. .§.aet
20. .§.het .§.ac8+ 21. �b3 .§.cs 22 . .§.adt
(22 . .§.e2 as 23 . .§.dt � Xe4 24.fxe4
(24 . .§.xe4 a4+ 25. �b4 �xb2+)
24 ... .§.fc8 2S . .§.dd2 b4 26.tlJC2 .§.b8
27.tlJd4 a4+! This move allows
Black to secure the draw right
away. 28.�xa4 b3! 29.axb3 .§.a8+
30. �b4 .§.b8+)
22 ... � xe4 23 . .§. xe4 as 24 . .§.d2
�es= The activity of Black's pieces
compensates for the fact that he is
a pawn down.;
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
2o. E:hfl E:ac8+ 21.Wb3 E:cs 22.g4?!
G. Nagy-T. Koop I Pardubice 2010.
(22. E:ac1 il.es=) 22 ... il. xe4 23.fxe4
E: fc8 24. E:ad1 as 2S. �f2 b4 26.�b1
(26.�c2?? E:xc2 27. E:xc2 a4+-+)
26 ... a4+! 27. Wxa4 b3 28.�c3! bxa2
29.�xa2 E:a8+ 30. Wb3 E:b8+ 31. Wa4
ii.xb2 32.�b4 il.gi+= White's king is
in a lot of trouble on a4!
20... E:ac8+ 21. Wb3
21. Wb1 E:cs As we have already seen,
the rook is well placed on cs. 22. iL xfs
(22.�c2 il. xe4 23. E: xe4 (23jxe4?
E:j2-+) 23 ... E:xdsoo Suivi de as et
hs.)
22 ... E:xfs 23. E:e8+ Wf7 24. E:as
E: fxds 2s. E:a7+ Wg8 26. E:a8;!; (26.
E:xa6?! h6 Followed by E:d2.)
21 ... E:cs 22. E:e2 as 23. E:dtN
White has to play very solidly here.
23.�c2? il. xe4 (2J... E:fc8! 24.� a3
il.d7+) 24.fxe4 E:fc8 2s.�e3?? (25.�a3
il.es+) 2s ... E:c3+! 26.bxc3 E:xc3+-+
A. Panocki-M. Kanarek I Wroclaw
2007.
105
23 ... ii.xe4 24.fxe4 E:fcS 25. E:dd2
In order to bring the knight back
via c2.
25 ... b4 26.�c2 E:bs 27.�d4 a4+!
This thematic move makes use of
the exposed position of the king on
b3.
28. Wxa4 b3! 29.axb3 E:a8+ 30. Wb4
E:bS;!;
Followed by perpetual check.
Conclusion:
White doesn't have any advantage
if he chooses the line 10. cxds. We
think that the best choice for Black is
to play 10 ... �d4 and 11 ... g6, both after
11. il.e3 and 11. il.d3. Black will some­
times have to sacrifice a pawn, but the
activity of his pieces (especially the
il.g7) will give him good compen­
sation. Let's also remember that it is
interesting to play 11 .. .fs after 11. il.e3.
 CHAPTER 7
6.i;l:J1c3 7... b5
B .tt:Jge7 10.exd5 11 ... 1d.e7 (832]
..
1.e4 cs 2.'2lf3 '2lc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.'2lxd4
es s.l2lbs d6 6.'2l tc3 a6 7.'2la3 hs
s.l2lds 12lge7 9.q l2lxds
9 ... '2ld4 is the other move order
that is often being played. Either way,
Black will have to take on ds later on.
10.cxbs
a) 10 . .te3 '2lxds 11.exds (n.cxds See
chapter 6.) 11.../Ll fs See further in
this chapter.;
b) 10. .td3 '2lxds n.exds See 9 ... 12lxds
and 11.Fd3.(11.cxds See chapter 6.);
10 ... 12lxds n.exds leads back to the
mainline.
to.exds '2ld4 n.cxbs
This is the main line and also our
recommendation.
n . .te3 12l fs 12 . .td2 This position
can be obtained through various
move orders.
12 ... .te7 13.cxbs
(13 . .td3 o-o 14.0-o (14.cxbs trans­
poses to 13. cxbs o-o.) 14 ... 'W'b6N
(14 ... 12lh4 15.cxbs Js� is the other
way of playing, with compensa­
tion.) ts.cxbs axbs 16.12l xbs e4
That's the idea behind 'W'b6, to
open the a1-h8 diagonal for the
bishop and get the possibility of
continuing by e4-e3. 17. .tq e3
18 . .t xe3 (18. .te1 .tj6i) 18 ...12l xe3
19.fxe3 'W'xe3+ 20.'�h1 'W'h6 ! �
A good square for the queen
where it can create threats on h2
after .te7-f6-es or .te7-g5-f4. The
game could continue by: 21.'W'd4
.td7 22. :8.ae1 .th4 23. :8.e3 -t xbs
24 . .t xbs .t f6 2s.'W'd3 .txb2=)
13 ... e4 A thematic idea! With this
move, Black prevents White from
developing his bishop to d3 and he
also opens the a1-h8 diagonal for
the bishop e7.
108 CHAPTER 7

(13 ... 0-o is also playable for Black:
14. �d3 (14. bxa6 e4 transposes
to 13 ... e4 14. bxa6 o-o.) 14 ... � f6
15.�b1 White wants to avoid e4
and he is attacking the f5 knight.
(15.0-o e4 16. �xe4 �xb2 17. 'B. b1
�xa3 18.b6 'B.b8 19.�!3 wins the
piece back, but White doesn't have
any advantage. J9. .. �cs 20. �xfs
�xfs 21.�xjs �xb6=) 15 ... �g5!
16 ...llJh4 17. �c3 (17- �xh7+?! is not
very good as Black would quick­
ly get counterplay after 1J... �h8
18. �xgs �xgs 19. �e4 fs 2oj4D
exj4 21. �!J 'B.e8 22. 'B.j2 'B.e3+) q...
f5� Black has good compensation
thanks to the classical counterplay
on the kingside.)

(15 ...lLlh4 16. �xh7+ �h8 17. �e4

�e7 18.o-o f5 19. �c2 (19. �d3!?N)
19 ... axb5 2o.�d1 �e8 21.g3!N (21.
f4?! e4 22. �b3 �f6 23.lLlc2 �g6�
Y. Pelletier-£. Bacrot I Mainz
2004) 21...llJg6 22.�h5+ �g8
23. �b3;l; Black will have trouble
pursuing his attack.)
(14. �e2 o-o 15.0-o �f6 16. �c3
16.o-oN This move has never been
played, but we think it is quite logi­ (16. 'B.b1N Defending this pawn
cal. passively doesn't seem very natu­
ral. 16 ... �e5
(16.�C1 � xd2+ 17.�xd2 lLl h4
(IJ. . e4!?N is also tempting.) 18.o­
. (16 ... axb5!? is another possibility
oN (18j3? �hJ+ o-1 L. Kubacsny­ for Black. 17.lLlxb5 'B.xa2 18.lLlc3
T. Horvath I Hungary 2002 I EXT � XC3 19. � XC3 (19. bXCJ �j6i
2004) 18 ... axb5 19.�h1oo The posi­ Followed by lLl h4.) 19 ... �g5=)
tion is unclear, but Black has good
attacking chances. (19.llJ xbs?! 17.bxa6 �h4 18.g3 lLlxg3 (If Black
�h3! 20. �e4 'B.a4 21.b4 js+) ) wants to play on, he can play 18...
�f6!? followed by lLld4-f3 for
example.) 19.fxg3 � xg3 2o.hxg3
�xg3;l;)

a) 17... �f6?!
 THE COMPLETE KALASH NI KOV
18.b6!N (18.V!ild2 liJh4 19.c;!ih1 :8.e8
20. :8.ab1 V!ilg6 21. :8.g1 e3! This move
is totally in the spirit of the posi­
tion! All the black pieces are now
getting activated. 22.jxe3 il.fs
23. :8.bj1 it.e4---7 Leon M. Hoyos­
S. Maze Salou 2008.) 18 ... V!ilxc3
19.liJC4 :8.b8 20. :8.o V!ilf6 21.a4±
The b6 pawn will be very strong
throughout the game.;
b) 17... liJ h4!? is also possible and
logical. Black opens the way for the
f-pawn and he is also looking at g2.
18.V!ild2 (18.g3 liJg6 19.V!ild4 axbs In
order to prevent b6. 2o.liJxbs Js�
Black has compensation.) 18 ... f5
19.f4 exf3 20. it. x[J il.d7 21.bxa6
V!ilb6+ 22. c;!;h1 liJ xf3 23.gxf3
V!i/xa6oo With a satisfying position
for Black in the game: C. Tesik-
1. lvanisevic I Hungary 2012.;
18.liJC2 (18.q!? With the idea of
playing liJe2 and then pushing
the a-pawn. 18 ... V!ilgs 19.g3 il.d7�
Black has good and dynamic com­
pensation. He can play e3 at the
right moment, but also maybe h5
and h4.) 18 ... axb5 19. it.xb5 :8.e5!?
2o.liJd4
109
(2o.a4 liJ h4 21. c;!;h1 (21.liJe3? fs+)
21...liJxg2 22.f4 (22. c;!ixg2 V!ilh4---7 )
22 ... exf3 23.V!ifxf3 it.f5 24.V!ifxg2
il.e4 25. :8. f3 it.xd5oo With a com­
plicated position where Black has
good chances.)
20 ... liJ h4 21. it.c6 (21.g3 it.h3 22. :8.e1
V!ilf6oo ) 21. .. :8.b8 22.V!ife2 V!i/g5 23.g3
il.g4 24. V!i/e3 (24.gxh4?? loses to the
nice 24 ... iL/3+) 24 ... V!i/g6 25. :8. fh1
:8.xb1+ 26. :8.xb1 h6oo Giving some
shelter to the black king on h7.
Black will continue by playing liJ f3
and he will create some play on the
white squares.)
14 ... 0-o Here White has a choice,
but Black as good resources in either
variations.
a) 15. it.b5 it. f6 16.liJC4 it. xa6
17. il. xa6 :8. xa6 18.o-o V!ila8 And
Black will win the pawn back.
19. it.C3 it. xc3 20.bXC3 :§.xa2 21. :8.xa2
V!i/xa2 22.liJe3 liJ xe3 23.fxe3 V!i!C4=
A. Hunt-N. Pert I Canterbury ENG
2010;
b) 15.liJC4 il.xa6 16. it.e2 it.f6 See the
mainline 15. it.e2. (16... it.xc4 11 it.xC4
110 CHAPTER 7

e3 18jxe3 il.gs 19.0-o CL:lxe3 20. il.xe3

il.xe3+ 21. 'l!th1 V!ifh4� A. Kosteniuk­
E. Kovalevskaya I Krasnoturinsk
2005) ;

c) 15.CLlc2 il. f6 16. gb1 il.e5N (16...

CLl h4!? was played in the game
S. Polgar-L. Christiansen San Fran­
cisco 1995) 17. il.c3 (17. il.e2 V!ifh4+)
I?... e3! Black is opening the files in 19.V!i/xe2 il.xb2 20. gc2 gc8 21.V!ifxe4
front of the white king. 18.fxe3 (18. ge8 22.V!i/d3 V!i/h4 23.f4� The activity
il.xes? exj2+ 19. 'l!txj2 dxes+) 18 ... ge8 of the black pieces compensates for
19. il.d3 V!i/h4+ 20. 'l!td2 il.xa6� With being a pawn down.;
a very strong initiative.;
11. il.d3 A very interesting idea. For
a long time we thought this was
a good move order to avoid the 11 ...
(16. gb1 il.xa6N (16... CLld4 17- il.c4 il.d7 line, but we finally came to the
il.xa6 18. il.c3 CL:ljs 19. il.xf6 V!ifxf6 conclusion that Black has complete­
20. il.xa6 gxa6 21.0-o V!ilg6 22. V!ifb3 ly fine play after the very rare
CLld4 23.V!ife3 CLl/3+ 24. 'l!th1 CL:les�
R. Skrobek-W. KruszynskiKra­
kow 1978) 17. il. xa6 gxa6 18.o-o
V!i/a8 19. V!i/e2 ga4 2o.CL:lb5 CL:ld4
21.CLlxd4 il.xd4 22. il.f4 ge8= Black
will win his pawn back and the po­
sition is equal.)

16 . . . il. xa6 17. 0 - 0 CLld4 18. gCl

CL:lxe2+!?N (18... il.bs 19. il.c3 tLlxe2+
20. V!ifxe2 gxa2 21. V!ifxe4 And a draw
was agreed on in M. Carlsen-T. Rad­
jabov I Wijk aan Zee NED 2007,
without playing the following pos­
sible moves: 21 ... ge8 22. V!ifg4 il.xc3
2J. gXCJ il.xc4 24. gXC4 gXb2=)
11. .. g6! Black puts his fs bishop on
the best diagonal (h8-a1) and he also
has de possibility of playing tL:l f5 af­
ter il.e3 and after Fxf5 he could take
back with the g-pawn.
a) 11 ...bxC4 12.CLlXC4 We think that
this kind of position is always better
for White. 12 ... il.e7 13. il.e3

(13.0-o o-o 14. il.e3 il.b7 (14 ...

as 15./4 -:t) 15. il. xd4 exd4 16.b4
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHN IKOV
�c8 (16... il.xd5 17. il.xh7+ �xh7
18. Vffih5+ �g8 19. Vl!ixd5�) 17. Vffif3 g6
18.a4�)
13 ... 0-0 14. il. xd4 exd4 1s.o-o �b8
16.Vffif3 as 17. �fe1 il.f6 18.b3� R. Ed­
ouard-J. Sanchez I Belfort FRA
2012.;
b) 11. .. il.e7 is probably suspicious
here as 12.cxbs transposes to the
mainline of this chapter, which is
in White's favor.;
12.cxbs
a) 12. il.e3?! Cl:J fs! 13.0-o (13. il.d2 �g7
14.0-o o-o 15.cxb5 e4! As we saw in
the previous chapter, this thematic
move gives Black good play.
16. il.xe4 il.xb2 17.b6 il.xa3 18. b7
�xb7 19.Vffib3 �c5 2o.Vl!ixb7 Vl!ij6+
Black's pieces are well placed and
more active. White has some prob-
111
lems with the f2 square.) 13 ...CLlxe3
14.fxe3 il.h6 1s.e4?! (15.Vl!if3 j5 16.cxb5
o-oi Followed by axbs and Vl!ib6 or
of course e4. We think Black is do­
ing fine here.) 1s ... Vl!ib6+! (15... 0-o
16. cxb5j5� A. Romashko-V. Belous I
Moscow 2007) 16. �h1 il.d7+ White
has weakened his position on the
black squares. Black will now play
logical moves, starting with o-o,
and get a better position.;
b) 12.0-o il.g7 13. il.e3 (13.cxb5 trans­
poses to 12.cxbs il.g7 13.0-o.) 13 ...
Cl:Jfs 14. il. xfs gxfs 1s.f4 o-o 16.Vl!id2
�e8<X);
12 ... il.g7 13.0-o o-o 14. �e3
a) 1 4.bxa6 il. xa6 1S. il. xa6 (15.
il.e3 Vl!ib6 16. il.xd4 exd4 17. il.xa6
Vf!fxa6�; 15.CLlc2 il.xd3 16.Vl!ixd3 e4
17.Vf!fxe4 �e8 18.Vffid3 CLJe2+ 19.�h1
ClJXC1 2o. �axC1 il.xb2 21. �b1 Vl!ij6=)
1s ... � xa6 16.CLJC2 CLJ xc2 17.Vf!fxc2
Vl!ia8 18.a4 �c8 19.Vffib3 �as 2o. �d1
�b8=;
b) 14. �e1 il.b7 1s. iLC4 axbs 16.CLJxbs
�c8;
14 ... CLJ fs! (14 ... axb5 15. il.xd4 exd4
16.CLJxb5�; 14 ... CLJxb5 15.CLJxb5 axb5
16. il.xb5j5 17-a4�) 1s.Vl!id2
(1s. il.xfs gxfs� We think that this
kind of position gives Black very
good compensation. He will push
his central pawns and he also has
the possibility of using the g-file
112
after �h8 and B:g8.(15 . . . Ji. xfs?
16.b6±) )
15 .. .Cl:he3 16.fxe3 fs� And Black
doesn't have any problems.
n ... Ji.e7
The most played move. We have
played it ourselves, but after a deeper
analysis, we think that White is bet­
ter after:
u ... 'i!Uh4?!
This aggressive approach
doesn't give Black enough compen­
sation.
12.bxa6! The best move!
(12. Ji.e3 After this move, Black
manages to get counterplay. 12 ...
I:Ll fs 13. VWe1
CHAPTER 7
(13 .../:Ll xe3?! makes things easier
for White. 14./:Ll xe3 Ji.e7 15.g3
'i!Ue4 16. 'i!Ue2! (16. Ji.g2?! 'i!Ub4+
17.'i!Ud2 'i!Uxd2+ 18. �xd2 axbs+)
16 . . . 'ilfXC2 (16. . . 'ilfb4+ 1J. 'ilf C3
VWxc3+ 18.bxc3 axbs 19. Ji.xbs+±)
q.I:Ll xc2 axbs 18. JL xbs+ Ji.d7
19. Ji.c6! B:b8 20.b4 Ji.xc6 21.dxc6
B:b6 22.a4 B:xc6 23./:Lle3;l;; This
endgame is better for White as
the knight clearly dominates the
bishop and the queenside pawns
are very dangerous.)
at) 14.bxa6 o-o 15.'i!Ud2 I:Ll xe3
(15... Ji.xa6!? 16. Ji.xa6 B:xa6 17-o-o
B:a4�) 16.1:Llxe3 fs 17.0-o-o Ji.gs
18. �b1 Ji. xa6 19. Ji.xa6 B: xa6�
M. Maros-A. Moroz I Pardubice
1995;
a2) 14. Ji.e2 I:Ll xe3 15./:Ll xe3 o-o
16.o-o (16.bxa6fs 17.0-of4 18.1:Llc2
B:f6i P. Krupkova-A. Moroz I
Pardubice 1992) 16 .. .fsoo Y. Krup­
pa-V. Neverov I Nikolaev 1993;
14 ... 'i!Ue4 15.f3 'i!Ua4 16.b3 'tWas+ (16...
I:Llxe3 17-bxa4 I:Llxd1 18. �xd1 axbs
19. Ji.xbs+ �f8 20. �e2;l;; Followed
by I:Lle3.) 17.'i!Ud2 'i!Ud8 18.bxa6 o-o
19.b4 e4! A thematic move in order
to open the files.
 THE COMPLETE K ALASH N I KOV
2o.fxe4 ll:J xe3 21.i':Z:Jxe3 �g5 22.a4
f5� Black has good attacking
chances.;
b) 13.�d2 allows Black to play 13 ...
�e7 as compared to 13.�C1, White
doesn't threaten �c6+.;
(14 ... �b4+?! is not enough to
equalize. 15.�c3 (15.�d2 �e4+
16.�e3 �b4+) 15 ... �XC3+ 16.bXC3
axb5 17. � xb5+ �d8 (lJ. . . �d7
1B. � XdJ+ �Xd7 19.i':Z:JC4 �CJ
20. a4±) 18.i':Z:Je2;l; Black doesn't
have enough compensation.)
(15. �e2 o-o (15.. js has also been
played, but we prefer the text
move.) 16.o- o (16. bxa6 �xa6
17- �xa6 E:xa6 1B.o-o �b4 Black
has good compensation and it is
not easy to find how to continue
with White here.) 16 .. .f5 17.bxa6
(17.f4 �f6 Threatening to take
on f4. 18.i':Z:JC4 exf4 19.�f3 (19-
E:xf4 �h6� Followed by �g5.)
19... axb5 2o.ll:Jxd6 �xb2 21. l::l: ab1
113
E:a3+ J. Al Huwar-S. Khader I
Dubai 2008.)
17. . . f4 18.�f3 � f5 19.ll:Jb5 e4
2o.�h5 �f6� With a very com­
plicated position: T. Gharamian­
T. Todorov I France 2010.)
15 ... 0-o (15 ... axbs?! Unfortunately
for Black this move is not possible:
16.g3 �hs 17.ll:J b6 E:bB 1B.lZ:JxcB
E: xcB 19. � xbs+±) 16.g3 �h5
17. �e2 (17. b6!?N E:bB 1B. �g2 as!
A good move. Black wants to play
�a6. 19.o-o �a6 2o.b3 �gs 21.�c3
�dB!=) 17... �g6N
(17... �h3? 18.i':Z:Jb6 E:b8 19.bxa6
19 ... � xa6 (19... �dB 20.a7 �xb6
21. axbB� �xe3 22jxe3 �g2
23 . E:j1 � a6 24.�xjB+ �xfB
25. � xa 6± ) 2 0 . � xa6 � g 5
21.�xg5 �g2 22.0-o-o E: xb6
23. �C4+- G. Milos-S. Dumont I
Sao Paulo 2003.)
(19 ... e4 2o.�b3 (2o. �a3 E: bB
21.lZ:JxcB E:fxcB 22. bxa6 �f6oo )
20 ... l::l: b 8 21.i':Z:J xc8 E: fxc8 22.b6
e3 23.0-o exf2+ 24. l::l: xf2 �e4
25. �d3 �d4 26.b7 E:e8 27.�g2
114
V!fla7 Black will win the pawn back
and the position will be equal be­
cause of the opposite coloured
bishops.)
20.'�J xc8 �fxc8 21.h4 (21. bxa6 e4!
Compared to the 19 ... e4 line, White
doesn't have �b3 followed by b6
any longer.) 21. .. lH6 22.bxa6 e4
23.�g4 ll.xb2 24. �d1 �c2 25.0-o
�xg4 26. ll.xg4 �b6=)
12 . . . ll.e7 13 . ll.e3 o-o (13 . JiJjs ?
doesn't work here because of
14. ll.bs+ WfB 1s.o-o+-) 14. ll. xd4
exd4 15. ll.d3! It is important to block
the d4 pawn. (1s. ll.e2?! ll.f6 16.o-o
d3! A thematic sacrifice which lib­
erates the strong f6 bishop. 17-�xd3
ll.xb2 18. �ab1 ll.xa6 19.liJC4 ll.d4
2o.g3 �f6 21. �bd1 ll.cs+ A. Bellai­
che-T. Todorov, French Champion­
ship 2010)
CHAPTER 7
15 ... ll. xa6 16. ll.xa6 (16.o-o!? is also
good for White. 16... �jb8 17. 1l.xa6
�xa6 1B.g3 �gs 19. �xd4 ll.f6
20. �d3± �as 21. �ad1 ll.xb2 22.liJC4
�xa2?! 23 . � d2+ - A. Kovchan­
A. Moiseenko I Alushta 1999) 16 ...
� xa6 17.0-o± L. Nisipeanu-J. Nils­
sen 1998. We don't like the black po­
sition at all. The knight is stronger
than the bishop and the 2 passed
pawns on the queenside will start
to advance very easily.;
11. .. ll.d7!? See chapter 8.;
11. .. g6 A rare move that we hadn't
mentioned in the French version
of the book. We think that after
12. ll.e3! Black doesn't manage to
equalize. 12 ... ll.g7
(12...li'Jf5?! is unfortunately an inac­
curacy here as after 13.bxa6! ll:Jxe3
(1J ... ll.d7 14. �b3 li'Jxe3 1s. �xe3
ll.g7 1 6. 1l. e2 �as+ 17. �d2±
S. Ganguly-K. Miton I Goa 2002.)
14. 1l.b5+! White has this interme­
diate move which gives him a good
advantage. 14 ... ll.d7N (14 ... We7
1sjxe3 �b6 16.o-o ll. h6 17. Wh1±
K. Mokry-B. Kouatly I Trnava
1987.) 15. 1l. xd7+ �xd7 16.fxe3 ll.h6
17.�d3 o-o 18.o-o±)
13. ll. xd4! (13. ll.d3 allows Black to
play IJ ... li'Jfs! as in the line: 11. ll.d3
g6! .) 13 ... exd4 14. ll.d3 o-o 15.0-o
We think that this kind of position
is always slightly better for White as
Black only has very little counter­
play. 15 ... �g5 (1s ... �as 16. �e1 �bs
 TH E COMPLETE KALASH NIKOV
17. V!!fe2 axbs 1Blihbs .fib7 19. V!!fe4
'E.fcB 20. b3� B. Philippeit-W. Farm­
er I DESC email 2006.) 16. V!!if3 hs
17.h3� A. Shirov-D. Sitnikov I Sochi
RUS 2012.
12 .1id3!
•
We think this simple development
move is the best move.
12.bxa6?! is too hasty here.
12 ... V!!ias+ 13.V!!id 2 (13 . .1id2 V!!ixds
14 . .fie3 o-o 15.8bs .fidB!N Followed
by .fib6 or iias. Black is already bet­
ter because White is too late with his
development.) 13 ... V!!ixds 14 . .fibs+
'it>f8 1s.o-o 'E.xa6!?N 16. .fixa6 .fi xa6�
Black has a nice initiative.;
12 . .fiq The most played move.
Black has several interesting options
here. 12 ... axbs! This is our recommen-
115
dation. We think that this move gives
Black good play.
a) 12 ... .figs?! We don't think this
move enables Black to equal­
ize. 13.0-o (13.bxa6 .fixc1 14. 'E.xc1
.fixa6� Black will put his rooks on
the a- and b-files and get decent
counterplay.) 13 ... .1ixCI 14. 'E.xCI o-o
1s.lL:le2!N This move is by far the
most logical one. White gets rid of
the strong d4 knight.
at) 1s ... axbs 16.lL:l xd4 bxq (16...
exd4? 17. .fixbs 'E.xa2 18. V!!fxd4±)
q.lL:lc6 V!!iq (1J... V!!If6 18.a4 .fib7
19j4! exf4 20. 'E.xc4 .fia6 21. 'E.cxf4
V!!fxb2 22. 'E.e1�) 18.a4 fs 19. 'E.e1 .fia6
2o. 'E.c3� We think that White is
better here. He can double on the
c-file and later he can maybe sacri­
fice an exchange on c4 or play 8 b4
in order to exchange the .fia6.;
16. V!!f xe2 axbs 17· .1i xbs 'E. xa2
18. 'E.a1 'E.xa1 19. 'E. xa1 V!!if6 (19... .1id7
20 . .fixd7 V!!fxd7 21. V!!fc6�) 20.b4�
The passed b-pawn gives White
116
a certain advantage. The position is
not easy to defend for Black.;
b) 12 ... 0-o The most played move.
13.0-0
(13.bxa6 �xa6 14.0-o ifb6 (14 ...
i¥bB 1s.b3 E:c8 16. �eJ I:?Jfs 17- �xa6
E:xa6 18.1:?Jc4 iVaB 19.a4-;l; Pankra­
tov-1. Yaremkol corr 1990 I Corr
20oo.) 15.b3 ifcs 16. �b2 E:fbs
17.ifd3 � xq 18.I:?Jxq ifxds
19. E:fd1 �f6 2o.I:?Je3 ife6 21.h3 g6
22.0Jq I:?J fs!N (22 ... h5 23. �xd4
exd4 24. a4-;l; A. Areshchenko­
S. Maze Aarhus 2005.)
23.g4 I:?Jd4 24. �xd4 exd4 is an im­
provement compared to the above
mentioned game as Black has pro­
voked the weakening g4 move.)
13 ... axbs 14.0Jxbs �a6 1s.ifd3 (15.
I:?Ja3 i¥b6 transposes to the 13.bxa6
CHAPTER 7
line.) 15 . . . � xbs 16. � xbs � f6
17. �C4 (1J. � c6 1:?Jxc6 18. dxc6 ifq
19.iVC4 E:fc8 20.a4 i¥xc6 21.iVxc6
E:xc6 22. b4 e4oo With an almost
equal position.) 17... ifq 18.b3 e4
19.ifxe4 I:?J xb3 (19... I:?Jj3+ 2o.i¥xf3
�xa1 21.a4± The passed pawns on
the queenside give White a big ad­
vantage.) 20. E:b1 E: fe8 21. ifd3 I:?Jcs-;l;
White is certainly a little bit better,
but the position remains unclear.;
13 .0J xbs (13. 2l.xbs+? would be
a bif positional mistake. 1J ... I:?Jxbs
14.I:?Jxbs �a6+ The white squared
bishop is too strong.) 13 ... �a6 Mak­
ing use of the fact that the C4 bishop
is hanging. 14.I:?Ja3
(1s.I:?J fs?! if as+ 16. �d2 (16. b4
i¥xb4+ 17. �d2 iVa4 18.I:?Jxg7+
�dB 19. iVxa4 E: xa4 2o.I:?Jjs
�d7+) 16... ifxds+)
15 ... ifb6!?N (15... ifd7oo B. Podle­
snik-N. Nikolic I Sutomore 2004.)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 117

17.�e3 (17.b3 �XbJ 18. VlifXhJ VlifXC4

19. Vl!fxq E:xq 20.a4 �d7+ Black's
pieces are more active and he
doesn't have any weaknesses.) 17...
Vl!! b7 18.o-o o-o 19.�fs (19. b3 �xb3
2o. E:b1 �xc1 21. E:jxC1 Vl!!a7+) 19 ...
�xfs 2o.V!ifxfs E: fa8+;

c) 15 . .1i, xa6 Vl!!as+ 16. ii,d2 Vl!!x a6

17.�C2 � xc2+!? The most simple
move.
(16.� xe7?! �xe7 17.b3 (17.Vlifg4
Vl!fas+ 18. ii,d2 Vl!fxds+) 17... .1i, a6 (17... 0-o 18.�b4 (18.�xd4 exd4
18 . .1i,e3 Vl!!b s 19.6 E:hc8+) 19. V!ife2 d3 20. Vl!!!J .1i,j6 21.0-o .1i,xb2
22. E:ab1 E:jbBoo) 18 ... Vl!fb7 19.0-0
16 ... .1i,xds 17.�xe7 (1J.Vlifxg7? �d7 fs!? (19... ii,ds 2o.a4 .1i,as 21.�c6
18.�xq V!ifb4+ 19. ii,d2 Vlife4+ .1i, xd2 22.� xd4 Vl!!x b2 2J .�fs
2o. ii,e3 �xq 21.Vli!gs+ f6 22.Vli!g7+ .1i, c3 24. E: b1t) 20 . .1i,c3 f4oo With
�e6-+ The black king is com­ the idea of playing f3. Black has
pletely safe on e6.) 17... �xe7 18.o-o good compensation. 21. .1i,xd4 (21.
h6oo The position is unclear, but we j3?! is dubious here because of 21 ...
think that Black has a good chance �fs! Followed by �e3.) 21. .. V!ifxb4
to get an advantage.) 22 . .1i,c3 V!ifq 23. Vlifb3 Vl!fa6 24.f3
E: fb8 25.Vlife2 Vl!!qii5)

18.V!ifxe2 o-o 19.b4 Vl!!b s 20.a4 V!ifxds

a) 15.b3?! allows a rather simple 21.0-o E: fc8=;
tactic: 15 ... Vl!fas+ 16.V!ifd2 V!ifxd2+
17· ii, xd2 .1i, xq 18.�xq � xb3!
19. E:b1 � xd2 2o.�xd2 E:xa2++;
a) 17.0-o?! E: hb8 18 . .1i, xa6 E:xa6
19. E:d1 fs+ White's pieces are para­
lysed.;

b) 17. .1i, xa6 leads to a massive sim­

plification. It's probably the best
move for White. 17... E:xa6 18 . .1i,e3
118 CHAPTER 7

I8jxe3 !Vas+ I9.!Vd2 El.fbB+) IS ...

{)xe3 I6.fxe3 !Vb6 I7. �xa6 (IJ.�C2
�xe2 I8. !Vxe2 !Vxb2 I9. :8.fbi !Vc3+;
IJ. !Vd2 �gs I8. E\.j3 e4 I9. E\.h3 �f6+)
I7... !Vxe3+ I8.'i!?hi El. xa6 I9.�C4
!Ve4oo Black has a good position.
He will probably continue by play­
ing fs-e4 once he removed his queen
from e4.;
I8... E\.xa3!? I9. �Xd4 (I9. bxa3 �C2+
20. 'i!fe2 �xai 2I. E\.xm E\.a8 22. El.bi I4 ... e4!? (I4 ... !Vas+ Is. !Vd2 !Vxds
E\.xa3=) I9... El.as 20. �c3 El.xds=; I6.o-o �xe3 IJ. !Vxe3 �xa6 I8. �e4
!Vas I9. �xa8 �xji)
I7... �c2+! I8.� XC2 �XC4 I9.�b4
El.hb8 20. �d2 Black has many op­
tions here, but all moves lead to
an ok position. 20 ... �d8N (20...
E\.bs!? 2I.a3 h6 22. � c3 �dB 23.o­
o-o �as 24. '�!fbi �xb4 2s. �xb4
�xds 26. E\.hei E\.a6 27j3 hs 28. E\.e3
�e6 29.b3 f6= R. Strohhaeker -Roy
S. Chowdhury I Montcada 2008)
21.a3 �as 22.�c6 (22. EI.CI �xb4 IS . �bs (IS. �xe4 ?! �xe3 I6jxe3
23 . � xb4 � xds=) 2 2 . . . � xd2+ �xa6+ White's king is very vulner­
23. 'i!?xd2 El.b3 24.�b4 El.as 2s. El.hdi able.) Is ...iLl xe3 I6.fxe3 �gs I7.!Vd2
� xds 26.� xds El. xds+ 27. 'i!?e2 !Vb6 I8.!Vd4 !Vxd4 I9.exd4 �xa6oo
El.dbs=; We think this position is more
pleasant for Black.
I2. �e3 �fs I3.bxa6 (I3. �d2 trans­
poses to 11. �e3, which we saw ear­
lier in this chapter.) I3 ... o-o I4. �d3
doesn't cause Black any problems.
He can either take back on ds right
away or play I4 ... e4!?

a) I4. �d2 e4 also transposes to

n. �e3.;

b) I4. il.e2N Not a very convincing

novelty. I4 ... �xa6 Is.o-o (Is. �xa6
!Vas+ I6.!Vd2 !Vxa6 I7.!Ve2 �xe3 I2 o-o
...
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 119

12 ... �g5 has recently been played down, but it is not easy for White to
by Tregubov, but White also gets make use of this.
an advantage here: 13.0-o (1J. 1i.e3!?)
13 ... 1i.xc1 14. !!xc1 o-o 15.l£k2 � xbs
16.a4 �C7 17.�b4;l; White got a very
nice positional advantage in the game
C. Bauer-P. Tregubov I Clichy 2001;

12 ... �d7 with the idea �xbs is not

sufficient: 13.bxa6! This pawn will
be extremely annoying for Black.
13 ... V:!Vas+ 14. 1i.d2 V:!Vxds 15.0-o o-o 14.� xbs � xbs 15. � xbs �d7
16. i!CI!?N 16. 1i. xd7

(16. �e3 is also better for White:
16 ... !! fb8 17. V:!Vb1 1i.c6 18.f3 V:!Vcs
19. Wh1! ± White has a solid ad­
vantage. He will play !!CI and �C4
next.
(19. � c 1 �e2+? (19 . . . � xf3 + !
20. Wj2 �h4+oo ) 20. Wf2+- A. Pi­
jpers-V. Sveshnikov I Cappelle la
Grande 2009))
16 ... 1i. h3 (16 . . . V:!Vxa2 17. � c3 VJids
18.�c2!±; 16... E!jc8 17. E!xc8+ E!xc8
18. �eJ±) 17.f3 1i.e6 18. Wh1! ± A good
prophylactic move. White wants
to play !!q next.(18. 1i. e4 V:!Vxa2
19. �xa8 :Sxa8 gives Black some
compensation.)
13.0-o fs
One naturally wants to play this
move as Black.
13 ... �g5? is simply bad because fo
14.f4!±;
(16. 1i.c4 is also possible for White,
but we think that it is much more
dangerous in practice. 16 .. .f5 17.b3
(17j4?! Vl9b6+ 18. Wh1 e4+ Followed
by 1t. f6 and !! fb8. Black has a lot of
activity.) 17.. .f4 18.a4 (18f3? V!!ib6+
19. Wh1 1i.h4 20.a4 :SJ6+ Followed
by �g3, with a dangerous attack.)
18 ... Wie8
a) 18 ...f3 19.gxf3 �gs (1g ... 1i.h4
2o. 1i.e3) 2o.Wh1 �f4 21. �xf4 !!xf4
22. !!g1 k xa4 (22 ... V:!Vj6 23. :Sg3 hs
24. 1i.d3;l;) 23. !!g4! �d7 24. !!xa8
Vl9xa8 25. !!xf4 exf4 26.b4;l;;
b) 18 ... e4 immediately doesn't work
because of 19.V:!VC2 Winning anoth­
er pawn.;

13 ... axb5 is the computer's sugges­

tion. Black will play with a pawn
120
19.as (19. 1l.d3?! e4!; 19j3?! 1l.d8---t
Followed by 1l.b6, �hs, B: f6 ...)
19 ...e4 20. B:a2!? A good defensive
move. 2o ... �g6 (2o .. j3 21.g3 �h5
22. B:e1 1l.j5± Despite the fact that
Black has some practical chances,
White is much better.) 21. �h1 f3
22.gx6 (22.g3? B:j5---t Followed by
B: hs.) 22 ... B:xf3 (22 ... exj3 23. B:g1
�h5 24.a6 1l.h3 25. B:g3;l;) 23. 1l.e2
kg4 24. B:g1 �hs 2s. 1l. f4! B: f8
26. 1l.g3 �fs 27. B:a4;l;)
17... B: fb8 18. 1l.d2! The good way to
play. White is threatening to play a4.
(18.�b3 �a4! A good simplifying
move.
(19. 1l.d2 e4 (19 ... �xb3 2o. axb3
would be in White's favor as he
CHAPTER 7
can use the a-file.) 2o.�xa4 B:xa4
21.a3 fs= Black should hold here
as White cannot make any pro­
gress.)
19 ... B: xa4 20.a3 B:bxb4! 21.axb4
B:xa1 22. 1l.e3 B:xfH 23. �xf1 �f8=)
18 ... B:a3 Black seems to have good
compensation, but White manages
to repel Black's initiative. (18 ... e4
19.a4±; 18... �a4 19.a3 e4 2o. 1l.c3;l;)
19.�c2 B:c8 (19.. �b5 2o.�q 1l.js
.
21. B:jCl;t) 20. �b2 B:ca8 21.b5 1l. f6
Black seems to have enough com­
pensation, but after the unexpected
(21 ... 1l.ds 22. 1l.e3 !5 23.b6;l;) 22. 1l.e1!
Black is in some trouble.
2 2 ... e4 (22 . . . B:3a5 23 . B: b1 B: xa2
24. �b3;l; The b-pawn will be too
strong.) 23.�e2 B:3a5 (23 ... 1l.xa1
24. 1l.xa3 1l.e5 25. 1l.b4;l;) 24. B:b1;l;
White is better. The e4 pawn is
hanging and the b-pawn is still
very strong. N. Janzen-R. Heinke I
VM2oo6 I Finale 2008;
13 ... �d7?! 14. 1l.e3 '8 fs (14 ... 18xb5
15.18c4;l;) 15.b6!N (15. 1l.d2 Z. Lanka­
L. Christiansen I Germany 1995.)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
14.bxa6!
Whit has to accept the challenge! He
takes the pawn and he will have to
endure a certain black initiative. It is
not always to be confronted by this
kind of situation during a game, but
after having analysed this position in
a very big depth, we came to the con­
clusion that White should get a good
advantage if he plays precisely.
14. �d2!?N An interesting novelty.
White develops his bishop without
giving Black a tempo.
121
a) 14 ... �b7?! doesn't really work be­
cause of 15.bxa6 �xds 16. �e3t;
c) 14 ... e4 15. �c3! (15. �C4 �J6 gives
Black good play.) 15 ... �f6 (15...liJxbs
16.liJxbs axbs 17- �xbs �f6 18.a4t;
15 ... liJf3+ 16.gxf3 exd3 17. Wxd3 !4
18. �h1 �h4 19. '.B.g1 '.B.j7 20. �d4 axbs
21.liJxbs �Js 22.Wc3± Black doesn't
get a strong enough attack for the 2
pawns he sacrificed.) 16. �xe4 l£Jxbs
17.l£J xbs axbs 18. �d3 �xc3 19.bxc3
�d7 2o. '.B.b1t White is better, but it
is not that easy to convert the advan­
tage into a full point.;
15.bxa6 (15.liJC4 �dB!) 15 ... � xa6
16. �e3 (16. �c3 !4 Followed by f3.;
16. �xa6 '.B.xa6 17- .tc3 '.B.a4iii Black
has good compensation.) 16 .. .f4
17. it.. xd4 f3 !? 18.liJe2! (18. � e3??
Wg4-+; 18.gxj3 exd4 19. �xa6 '.B.xa6
2o.Wxd4 '.B.a4!oo ) 18 ... exd4 19.l£Jxd4
fxg2 2o. '.B.e1 Wa7 (2o ... �j6 21.liJe6
'.B.Jb8 22. '.B.Cl �xd3 23. W9xd3 '.B. b7
24.b3 '.B.xa2 25. '.B.c6t) 21. � xa6 (21.
'.B.e4 �f6 22. �xa6 Wxa6 23.liJc6
Wbsiii) 21. .. �h4 22. '.B.e2 '.B. f4 23. '.B.d2
122
!!af8 24. 'i!i>xg2 !!xf2+ 25. !!xf2 !!xf2+
26.'i!i>h3 �f6�;
14. �e3 has been played several
times. Black doesn't have any prob­
lems after 14 ...�xb5 15.�xb5 (15.�C4
!!b8 16j4 ex/4 17. �xj4 �CJ 18. �c2
�b7oo K. Schmitzer-!. Schrancz I
IECG email 2003.) 15 ... axb5 16.f4 (16.
�xbs !4 17- �d2 j3� Black has good
compensation.) 16 ... exf4 17. � xf4
(17. �d4 �d7 18. !!xf4 �gs 19. !!j2
�j6+ D. Schnegg-M. Kanarek I
Vung Tau City 2008) 17··· � f6 (1J. ..
�d7!?N) 18. �b3 VWb6+ 19. 'i!i>h1
�d7= M. Demidowicz-0. Girya I
Herceg Novi 2008.
14 ... e4!?N
This was our novelty for Black. We
still think that it is the best try, but
we also believe that the position is
better for White. We have inserted
many lines as we were looking for
a way to get a playable position with
Black, but you don't have to look at
everything! This is when we started
to become very optimistic for White
in the u. �d3 line.
CHAPTER 7
14 ... �b6?! After this move, White
easily gets the advantage: 15. �e3
�xa6 (15 ... VWxb2 16.�c4±) 16. �xa6
!! xa6 (16. . . VWxa6 17- �xd4 exd4
18.�c2±) 17. � xd4± Alsina D. Leal­
P. Tregubov 2009;
14 .. .f4 This is the move that was al­
most always chosen by Black. It seems
to give counterplay, but after a few
precise moves White gets a good ad­
vantage:
a) 15 .. .f3 16.� xd4 exd4 17.g3!N We
don't see how Black can continue his
attack here. (17- !!e1 �xa6 18. �xa6
!!xa6 19. VWxd4 �f6 20.VWC4 VWc8
21. Vi!!xc8 !!xc8 1 I 2-1 I 2 W. Witt­
mann-P. Horvath I Budapest HUN
2008) 17... VWd7 (1J. .. �xa6 18. �xa6
!!xa6 19.VWxd4 �f6 2o.VWe4±) 18. !!e1
� xa6 19. �xa6 !!xa6 2o. !!e6±;
b) 15 ... � f5 16.b4 (16.�b4!?±) 16 ...
�xa6 17.b5 �c8 18.�b4± Milov,L­
V. Ikonnikovl It Bischwiller 2008;
c) 15 ... �XC2 was played by one of
your authors. The rest of the game
doesn't need many comments ...
16.VWxc2 �xa6
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
ct) 16 ... h6 17.b4 � xa6
c12) 17.. .f3 18.bs fxg2 19. �xg2!?+­
(19. B:e1±);
18.bs �b7 19.�C4 B: f6 (19 ... �f6
20. �e4+- Followed by a4.) 20.a4
B:c8 21.�e4 �as 22. �a3 (22.�h7+
��7 23. �j5 �Xd5 24. �xc8 �C3
25. �Xj4+-) 22 ... �a8 23. B: fe1! �d8
24. B:c6 1-o Cornette-Roy Chowd­
hury I Vandoeuvre 2011.;
C2) 16 ... f3 17· �Xh7+ �h8 18. B:e1
fxg2 19. �e3 B:xa6 2o. �g6± White
has a good advantage.;
17. �xh7+! �h8 18. �d3 f3 (18... B:c8
19.�d1 �xd3 2o.�xd3 !3 21.a4 jxg2
22. �xg2± Followed by as.) 19. �xa6
fxg2 (19 ... B:xa6 2o.gxf3±) 20. �xg2
B:xa6 21.a4± White is two pawns up
and his king is not weaker than the
Black one.;
17... g6 (1J.. j3 18. �xh7+ �h8 19. �e4
jxg2 2o. B:d1 �b4 21.a3 �bs 22j3!
�h3 23.�d3+- Black's position is
hopeless.) 18. B:d1 (18. �C4!? also gives
123
White a good advantage.) 18 ... �a7
(18. . . �h4 19.a4 �g4 20. B:j1 B:ac8
21.�d2 �gs 22. �bs! �b6 23. B:a3+­
) 19.b4 �g4 (19-.. �xa6 20. �xa6
�xa6 21.a4± The passed a- and b­
pawns guarantee White a good ad­
vantage.; 19... �f6 20. �b2±) 20. B:e1
B: ac8?! was played in the game
D. Vocaturo-A. Wirig I Antalya
TUR 2009 and here 21.�d2!+- is
a good improvement compared to
the game. White is two pawns up
and Black cannot create any more
counterplay. The queen controls f2
and the queenside pawns will start
to advance very quickly.;
15- �C4
The most natural and best reaction.
1s. � xe4 If White gives this bishop,
then the c8 bishop will get activated
on the a6-fl diagonal and give Black
the initiative right away. 1s ... fxe4
16.�xd4 � xa6
124 CHAPTER 7

E:fa8 22.a3;t White is a pawn up and

he is slightly better.)

16.ClJ xd4 ii.. xd3 17.ClJe6 �as (17...

�b6 18.ClJxj8 ii.xj1 19.ClJd7 �CJ
20.�Xj1 �Xd7 21.�d1;t) 18.ClJ xf8
E:xf8 19. E:e1 f4� The position is
complicated but Black has good dy­
namic compensation.;
17· B:d1 (17-�xe4 ii.xj1 18. rtlxj1 �b6
19. �e2 �cs And we think that Black's 15. ii.. e3?! is dubious here because of
position is slightly preferable, for ex­ the thematic 15 ... ClJ f3+!
ample: 2o.�e6+ rtlh8 21. ii. e3 �b4
22.�XeJ �xb2 2J.ClJC2 �XC2 24.rtfg1
�b2+; 17. B:e1 ii.d3 18. B:xe4 ii.xe4
19.�xe4 il.f6 2o.ClJ c2 B:e8 21.�d3
B:b8 22. B:b1 �as Black is better as
his pieces are very active.) 17... ii. h4
18. ii.e3 (18.g3 ii.e2 19. B:e1 il.!J�) 18 ...
ii.f6 19.�d2 B:b8 2o. B:ab1 ii.d3 21.b3
il.es�; 16.gxf3 exd3 Black has weakened the
white kingside and he will get the a6
15.ll:Jbs!? This move is also interest­ pawn back. 17.�xd3 ii.. xa6 18.ClJq
ing, but it gives Black good practical ii. f6 19. ii.. d 4 �e8� Despite being
chances. 2 pawns down, Black has very good
compensation.

15 ... ii.. f6 16. il.e3

16. ii.. f4 �b6 17.�d2 ii.. xa6 18. ii.. e3
f4 19· ii.. xf4 ii.. x c4 2o.ll:J xq �a6oo
gives Black sufficient compensation.;
16. E:b1?! il.es q.ClJc2 (17. ii. e3 ?
ii.xh2+!

(1s ...ll:Jxbs 16. i.xbs ii.xa6 17. ii.xa6

B:xa6 18.b4 �b6 (18 ... il.j6 19.b5 B:a8
20. B:b1 B:xa2 21.b6 B:a8 22. ii.e3;t
gives White a small advantage.)
19.�b3 ii.f6 20. ii.b2 ii.. xb2 21. �xb2
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
18. r;!;xh2 l£Jj3+f A thematic move
in this kind of situations. This series
of sacrifices will be decisive: 19.gxf3
!4-+) 17... � xh2+! 18.r;!;xh2 '%1Uh4+
19.r;!;g1 l£J f3+!
2o.gxf3 � f6 21. �e1! �g6+ 22.r;!;f1
exf3 23. �e8+ r;!;f7 24.'%1Uxf3 '%1UxC4+
25. �e2 (2s.'%1Ue2 '%1Uh4-+) 25 ... �xa6+
16 l£JfJ+
...
Black wants to take the b2 pawn but
most of all he wants to weaken the
position of the White king.
17.gx{J �xb2 18.f4!
It is the "human" move that one
wants to play in order to avoid Black's
strong attack and it is also the best
move! Other moves give Black good
compensation.
125
18. '%1Ub3 f4! Black doesn't lose any
time saving his b2 bishop, he im­
mediately goes for the attack on the
kingside.
a) 19. �d2 � xa1 2o. � xa1 '%1Uh4�
Black's initiative is dangerous.;
b) 19. �b6 '%1Ugs+ 20. r;!;h1 �xa1 (2o...
'%1Uhs 21jxe4 �xa1 22j3 �es 23.a7oo)
21. � xa1 � f6 22. �d8D (22.jxe4 ?
�g6-+) 22 ... � h3 23. �g1 '%1UxgH!
24. r;!;xg1 �g6+ 25. r;!;h1 �g2+
26.r;!;g1 �h3;l;;
19 ... � h3 20. r;!;h1 (20. �xf4 �xj4
21. r;!;h1 exj3 22. �g1 �g2+ 23. �xg2
jxg2+ 24. r;!;xg2 '%1Uh4 25. '%1Ue2 �afB�)
20 ...exf3 Black reached his goal here.
The position is balanced thanks to
the threats against the white king.
126 CHAPTER 7

(23.�xg2 fxe3 24.f3 "%!¥gs+ 25.�h1 ii. xa6 24. ii.xa6 .§.xa6 25."%!fds "%!fh4
.§.xf3 26. .§.g1 "%!fe7 27. "%!fe2 26. .§.b3 .§.d8 27. .§.e1 "%!fg4+oo)

a) 27."%!fb7 "%!¥f8 28.�bs .§.f2 29.�d4

.§.b8 30. .§.xg7+ �h8 31. .§.xh7+ �g8
32 . .§.g7;t;

b) 27."%!fd4 .§.af8 28.�c2 (2S."%!¥g4

�hS 29 . .fi.e2 .§.j2 30. .§.g2 "%!fe5oo)
28 ... .§. 8f4 29. "%!¥d3 .§. f2 30. "%!¥ xe3
"%!fh4 31. .§.g2 .§.xp 32.�xg2 "%!fg4+
33· �h1 .§.e4 34.a7 (34. ii.e2 "%!¥xe2
35."%!¥xe2 .§.xe2 36. a7 .§.es 37.�d4
.§.as 3S.� b5 �js 39. �g2 �e7 2o."%!fxa3 exf3 21.�h1 "%!fxC4 22.a7 f4
40. �!3 �d7 41. �!4 .§.eS=) 34··· 23 . .§.fo (23. ii.b6 ii.h3 24 . .§.jel ii.g2+
.§.xe3 35.a8"%!¥+ �f7 36."%!fa7+ .§.e7 25.�g1 "%!¥cs 26."%!¥xd6 ii.h3 27- �h1
37."%!¥f2+ �g8=; ii.g2;t) 23 ... "%!fxds 24. ii.b6 ii. fs
25 . .§.d1 "%!ff7 26 . .§.bc1 ii.h3 27."%!fxd6
27... .§.af8 28. ii.d3 .§. f2 29."%!fhs g6 ii.g2+ 28. �g1 ii.h3 29 . .§.cs .§.ae8=
3o."%!fg4 �h8 White doesn't have This position is ok for Black, who
anything better than repeating will quickly play .§.e6.;
moves. 31."%!fd4+ �g8 32."%!fg4=)

23 ... fxe3 24.fxe3 "%!¥gsoo White has

a material advantage, but his king
is weak and Black can quickly acti­
vate his rooks.;
18 . .§.b1 This move leads to very tense
positions where Black has good at­
tacking chances. For example: 18 ...
.fi.xa3 19. "%!fa4
(19.� xa1 "%!fh4 2o.fxe4 .fi. xa6
21. .fi. xa6 .§. xa6 22.exfs .§. xa2
23.�b3 .§.xfs 24.�d4 (24. "%!¥d4
"%!¥hs 25. .§.cl .§.as 26. "%!¥d1 .§.xd5 And
Black should be able to hold a draw
here.) 24 ... .§.f6 25."%!fb1 .§.b2!

(19. ii.d4 .fi.cs 20. ii.xcs dxcs 21.d6+

(21jxe4 jxe4 22."%!¥c2 "%!¥h4i; 21 . .§.b7
ii.xb7 22. axb7 .§.bs 23jxe4 jxe4
24.d6+ �hs 25. ii. d5 "%!¥g5+oo )
21. .. �h8 22.fxe4 (22. "%!¥d5 ii.xa6
23. ii.xa6 .§. xa6 24 . .§.jdl "%!¥g5+
25. �h1 "%!¥f4 =) 22 ... fxe4 23.d7 26."%!fxb2 .§.g6+ 27-�h1 "%!fh3 28 . .§.g1
.§.xgH 29.�xg1 "%!fg4+ =)
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 127

t8 ... 1?.. xa1

By choosing this option, Black re­
signs himself to play an inferior end­
game, but it is not easy for White to
convert his advantage.

18 ... 1?.. xa3 19.�a4! 1&.cs (J9. .. �h 4

a) 21.�c3 �fs (21 ... 1&.h3 22. rJ'lh1 1&.xj1
23. 1&.xj1 �acB 24. �b2 e3 2s.I2Jb4±)
22. �e1 e3 23.!2J xe3 fxe3 24.�xe3
�gs+ 25. �xgs � xgs+ 26. rJ'lh1
�xa6+;
2o. rJ'lh1 1&.cs 21.�c6 �a7 22. �xcs
dxcs 23.d6+ gives White a winning
position, for example: 23 ... rJ'lhB
24. �xes �xj4 25. �g1 'B.d7 26. �g3!
�xd6 27.�xd6 �xd6 28. a7 1&.a6
29. �a3+-) 2o. 1?.. xcs dxcs 21.d6+!?
Even if this is not the first computer
move, we think it is the most simple
move.

b) 21.rJ'lht? �fs-+; (21.�c6 1?.. x a6!? In this position

Black has to seize his practical
chance and go for the following
sacrifice:

(2I. .. 1&.d7 22. �xes �h4 23.f3

�xf4 (23 . . . � a c8 2 4 . � d4)
24-�d4±)

22.i2Je1 f3 23.rJ'lh1 1?.. p+ 24.!2J xg2

fxg2+ 2s.rJ'lxg2 �g4+ 26.rJ'lh1 �[J;t

22. 1?.. xa6 �f6 23.d6 �xd6 24. 1LC4+

rJ'lhB Black will try to get some
counter chances after �h4.
25.�b7 (25. �xcs transposes to
the variation.) 25 ... �b8 26.�a7
(26.�j7? allows Black to at least
get a draw: 26... �h4! 27-�xfs �f6
128 CHAPTER 7

28. 'f!.jb1 'f!.bj8 29. Vl9e5 V!Bg4+ 30. Wh1 advantage during a game as it is
VlBJJ�) 26 ... 'f!.a8 27.V!Bxc5 'f!.c8 easy to go wrong in this kind of
positions.)

21. .. Wh8 22.V!Bc6 �d7 23.V!Bxc5 V!Bh4

(23... 'f!.c8 24.V!Bd4 V!Bh4 25. Wh1 �c6

(25... Vl9xj4 26. 'f!.g1+-) 26. V!Be3±)

24. '%!Ue3 �c8 (24 ... 'f!.J6 25. 'f!.jd1 'f!.g6+

26.Wh1 'f!.h6 27-h3+-) 25.d7!
28. V!Bb5! (28. V!Bb4 V!Bh4! 29. Vl9xd6
Vl9g4+ =) 28 ... 'f!.h6 29.h3! (29. 'f!.jdl?
V!Bh4 30. Wj1 V!Bh3+ 31. We1 e3!
32. 'f!.d3 exj2+ 33.Wxj2 V!Bg4-+) 29 ...
V!Bd6 (29... V!Bh4? 30. Vl9xj5; 29... 'f!.g6+
3o. Wh2 V!Bq 31.V!Bxj5 'f!.j6 32.V!Be5
Vl9XC4 33· 'f!.jCl Vl9a6 34· 'f!.xc8+ Vl9xc8
35. 'f!.e1±) 30. �f7! A defensive com­
puter move, controlling the g6
square and freeing the queen from 25 ... �xd7 (25 ... �xa6 26. i.. xa6 'f!.xa6
defending the bishop. (30. 'f!.je1?! 27. 'f!.aCI 'f!. aa8 28. 'f!.q±) 26. 'f!.abt
Vl9xj4 31. �j1 'f!.g6+ gives Black ex­ �c8 27. 'f!.b6±
cellent compensation.)

30 ... V!Bxf4 31.VlBb3 V!Bg5+ 32.Wh2

V!Be7 33· 'f!.act (33.a4? 'f!.J8 34. � c4
V!Be5+ 35.Wh1 !4 36. 'f!.je1 !J 37. �!1 19.'%!Uxa1 � xa6 2o. � xa6 'f!. xa6
VlBj5 38. Wh2 V!Bj4+ 39· Wh1=) 33··· 21.'2lhs
'f!. fs 34. �d5 'f!.d6 35. 'f!. fd1 V!Be5+
36. Whi+- This line is objectively
winning for White, but we think
it is not that simple to convert the
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
21. .. �e8
21. .. �d7 22.a4 !Has 23.CLlc3± And
White shouldn't have too much trou­
ble converting his material advan­
tage.;
21..J U 6 22. �hi !:!:g6 23. �CI !!as
(23 ... E:xa2 24.CLld4 Black has to de­
fend the fs pawn by playing 24 ...
!:!:j6 25. !:!:g1 !:!:j7 26.CLle6 �a8 2J.�C3
g6 28. !:!:cH-) 24.a4 �h4 (24 ... E:xa4
25.CLld4 With a similar continuation
to the previous variation after 24 ....
!:!: xa2.) 25. !:!:gi E:xgi+ 26.�xgi �hs
White has an almost decisive advan­
tage here, he just needs to take care
of his king.
27.�C2 h6 28.�g2 With the idea of
playing h3 in order to hide the king.
2S ... �f3+ 29.�fi �h7 30.CLld4 �hi+
31.�e2 �ai 32.CLl xfs !:!: xa4 33. 2i.d2
129
�hi 34.�b3 �ai 35.�C3! �gi 36.h3
�g6 37·CLlg3±
22.34
22.CLlq �hs 23.�di �xdi 24. !:!:xdi
!:!: xa2 2s. !:!:bi !:!: f7 26. !:!:bS+ E: fs
27. !:!:b6 E: f6 2S.CLle6 !!at+ 29. �g2
E:g6+ 3o.Cl:Jgs �fs 31.h4! hs 32. �h2
�ett White is slightly better, but it
is not easy to convert the advantage.
22 ... �hs 23.�d1 �h3 24.�h1 E:f6
25. !:!:gt !:!:h6 26. !:!:g2 �f3!
26 ... !:!:g6 27. !:!: xg6 hxg6 2S.�gi �hs
(28... �/J 29.�xj3 exj3 JO.CLlcJ+- Fol-
lowed by h3, �h2, �g3 and �xf3.)
29.�xhs gxhs 30.CLlc3 �f7 3I.f3 exf3
32. �f2± White will take the f3 pawn
and then he will push his a-pawn.
27.�xf3 exf3 28. !:!:g1 !:!:xa4 29.CLld4
29. !:!:di !!as 3o.Cl:Jq E:g6 31.CLle6 h6
It is not easy to see how to progress
for White here.
29 ... !:!:as 3o.Cl:Jxfs !:!: f6 3I.CLlh4 !:!:xds
32.ClJXf3±
After having analysed this endgame
in great detail, we came to the con-
130 CHAPTER 7

elusion that White has good winning

chances. He will play �d4, bring
his king to the center via g2 and [J,
put his rook on the a-file and final­
ly play fs. The threats against the d6
pawn, the g7 pawn and against the
black king give White good winning
chances.

Conclusion:
10 ... ke7 leads to complicated posi­
tions where Black usually tries to get
counterplay on the kingside. 12. kd3!
is in our opinion a strong move that
gives White the advantage. After the
common 14 .. .f4 White quite easily
gets a big advantage, which is why
we dedicated a lot of analyses to 14 ...
e4!?N, but with precise moves White
is still better. One also has to note
that we thought about 11. kd3!? in
order to transpose into the good line
after 11 ... ke7, but Black also has the
strong 11 ... g6!.
 CHAPTER 8
6.L:Z:J1c3 J... bs
B .. .l�:Jge7 10.exd5 11 ... �d7!? [832]
1.e4 cs 2."ilf3 "ilc6 3.d4 cxd4 4."ilxd4
es 5 . "il hs d6 6. "il 1c3 a6 7· "il a3 hs
8 . .'ild5 .'ilge7 9-C4 "ilxd5 10.exd5 .'ild4
n.cxbs 1ld7!?
This rather old move has a bad repu­
tation, but we think that it's the best
line for Black. The main idea is to
force things on the queenside. Black
is threatening to immediately win
back the bs pawn.
12. 1le3
This move is considered as giving
White an advantage. Other moves
are not threatening.
12.bxa6 This move has never been
played on the top level.
u ... �as+ 13. 1ld2 (13.�d2N �xds
14."ilc2 �e4+!? 1s."ile3 ds� With an
unclear position where Black has
good chances.) 13 ... �xds It is always
good for Black to exchange the a­
pawn against the d-pawn.
a1) 16. 1lc3 il h4 q.�d3 "ilc2+
18.Wd2 �xd3+ 19. 1lxd3 "il xa1
2o.g3 1lgs 21.b4 f6 22 . .:8.xa1 ds 23.f4
exf4 24.gxf4 1lxf4 25. 1ld4 o-o-o
26.bs Wb8 27.b6 .:8.he8 28 . .:8.b1 1les
29 . .:8.b4 1ld6 30 . .:8.bt iles=;
a2) 16.�b1 �h4 17.b4 (1J. lld3 1i.gs
Black is better as 18.o-o? is impos­
sible because of 18... 1lj4+) 17... 1lgs
18. 1ld3 o-oi Followed by e4!;
16 ... 1le6!N A good improvement.
White doesn't have anything better
than to play for a draw after
132
(16 ... i&c6 17. i&c3!N (17j3?! V!f!h4+
18. Cf!ij1 o-o+ M. Erdogdu-J. Nils­
sen I Istanbul 2000) 17... i& g5
18. i&d3 V!flh4 19 . .1i, Xd4 V!fl Xd4
20. V!f!e2 (2o. o-o i& xe3 21jxe3
V!f!xe3+ 22. Cf!ih1 0-0 23. b4oo) 20 ...
V!!i b4+ 21.V!!id 2 V!f!xd2+ 22.Cf!ixd2
Cf!id7 23.b4;J;)
17.V!f!a4+! (17- i&xe6 would lead to an
inferior position after 1J..jxe6 1B.o-o
o-o+) 17... i&d7 18. V!!id1 i&e6=
(18...o-o 19. i&d5 (19. V!!ib1 V!f!h4 2o.o­
o i&gs 21.V!fid1 i&c6oo With a very
uncertain position where we think
Black has good practical chances.)
19 ... V!!id3 20. i&q (20. i&xaB :S.xaB
21. i&c3 V!f!xa6ii5 Black has good
compensation for the exchange.
White cannot castle.) 20 ... V!f!e4=);
b) 14. i&q?? V!f!xp-+;
14 ... V!f!e4! The best way to play. Both
the a3 knight and the fi bishop can­
not move.
(14 ... i&e7 seems to give White
a small advantage after 15J�:Je2!
(15. i& xd4?! exd4 16. i&e2 i&c6
17. .1&6 V!f!a5+ 18.V!!id 2 1/2-1/2
CHAPTER 8
T. Haensel-W. Beisswanger I
Oberliga Ost-B 2005. Black could
even have refused the draw and
play 18 ... V!f!e5+ 19. Cf!if1 (19- V!f!e2
i&xj3 2o.gxj3 o-o) 19 . . . i& xf3
2o.gxf3 o-o+)
15 ... � f6 This move seems playable,
but it is not so simple for Black.
(15 ...ll::J xc2+!?N is an interesting
novelty. Black's idea is to quickly
play d5. We still think that White
is better if he plays precisely.
16.V!!ixe2 V!f!e6!? In order to play
d5. 17. 1t.d3! The good move.
(17.b4 is the other natural move.
Here Black manages to find
counterplay after 17...d5!
18.b5 (18.V!!ib3 o-o 19- i&d2 :S.xa6!?
2 o. 1t. xa 6 V!f! xa6ii5) 18 . . . 0 - o
19. V!!ib3 V!f!g6 20. :S. n d 4 21. i&d2
e4ii5 It is not easy to evaluate this
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 133

position, but we think it is ok for

Black and more easy for him to
play.)

16 ... exd4 17. ke2!

(17. kd3 V!!fxg2! The best move for

17...d5 18.o-o o-o! Black shouldn't Black! The variation arising from
be scared of letting White take this move is completely crazy and
on h7. (18 .. js?! is dubious as af­ the result should be a draw...
ter 19j4!± Black doesn't have any
good way of pushing his central
pawns.) 19. k xh7+ (19- 'E.je1 'E.feB
20. V!!fd2 'E. ebB� With an uncer­
tain position.) 19 ... �h8 20. kd3
kc8! 21.b4 (21.a7 d4 22. kc1 kb7
23. 'E. e1 kxg2!oo This position
is extremely complicated.) 21. ..
k xa6 22. kxa6 V!!fxa6t White is
slightly better.) 18.V!!ie2+ �d8 19. ke4 (19.0-o-o
kg4!+) 19... V!!ig s! A strange posi­
tion which should lead to a draw
after a long and forced line ...
a) 16.�b4 V!!ia5 17. kd2 o-o 18. kC4 20. kxa8 'E.e8 21. ke4 kfs 22.f3
kgs! (18... kbs!?) 19.0-o ka4 2o.b3 'E.xe4!
kbs 21. k xbs k xd2 22.V!!i x d2
V!!ixbs= With a balanced position.;

b) 16.f3? was played in the game

C. Millet-A. Marciniak I Creon
2004. 16 ... k h4+! q.g3 � XC2+
18. V!flXC2 V!flXf3-+;

23.fxe4 V!!i h 4+ 24. �d2 V!!igs+

25. �d3 This attempt to play for
134
a win is not enough. (25. 'l!te1
l!!ih4;l;; 25.CLle3? il.g4!-+) 25 ... il.c8
(25... il.g4 also leads to a draw.
26.l!!ij2 l!!ib5+ 27-'l!td2 il.g5+ 28. 'l!te1
l!!fd3 29. �g1 l!!fXe4+ JO. 'l!fj1 l!!fd3+
31. 'l!tg2 l!!fe4+ 32.'l!tj1=) 26.CLla3
il. xa6+ 27.CLJC4 il.xq+ 28. 'l!txq
l!!ic5+ 29. 'l!tb3 l!!ib 6+ 30. 'l!te2 d3+
31.l!!ixd3 l!!f xb2+ 32. 'l!td1 l!!fxaH
33.'l!te2 l!!ixh1 34-l!!ixd6+ It is now
White who will give a perpetual.)
17... il.c6 18.f3 (18. il.!J ?! l!!ie 6+
19.'l!tj1 il.x!J 2o.l!!ixj3 o-o! 21.CLJb4
l!!IC4+ 22.CLld3 �xa6+ Black has
a certain initiative.) 18 ... 0-o 19.0-
o � fb8 (19 ... d3 20. il.xd3 l!!ic5+
21. 'l!th1 il.xb2 22. �b1 il.c3 2J.l!!ic1;1;)
20. il.d3;J; At first we thought Black
was ok here, but when we looked
into the position in more detail
we came to the conclusion that
White's chances are preferable. In
general we don't like this kind of
structures as Black has trouble ac­
tivating his f6 bishop.)
15.l!!id3 d5 16.l!!ix e4 dxe4 17.0-o­
oN (17. il.xd4? exd4 18.CLJb5 iL b4+
19. 'l!td1 o-o+ W. Elliott -Nilssen, J I
Bled SLO 2002; 17- �c1 il.xa3 18.bxa3
'l!tei� Followed by �hc8. Black has
good compensation.) 17... il.xa3! (IJ. ..
�c8+ 18.CLJc4 iLb5 19. il.xd4 il.xc4
20. Ji.c3 Ji.b4 21. Ji.XC4 �XC4 22. �d5;J;)
18.bxa3 �c8+ (18... 0-o-o?! 19. il.c4±)
19. 'l!tb2 �b8+ 20. 'l!tc3 'l!te7 White
cannot have an advantage because
of the exposed position of his king.
21. il.q (21. �xd4 exd4+ 22. 'l!txd4
�b1 23.a7 �a8oo) 21. .. il.e6 22. il. xd4
CHAPTER 8
�hc8 23. il.xe5 �xq+ 24.'l!td2 �a8
25. il.xg7 �xa6 26. il.b2 �b6= And
Black should easily make a draw.
12 •.. axhs!
The right way of playing for Black.
12 ...8 xb5 13.CLlC4 This kind of posi­
tion is in general better for White as
the b5 knight is badly placed. 13 .. .f5
(13 ... il.e7 14. il.d3 White will take
space on the queenside by playing
a4. 14 ... o-o 15.0-o f5 16.f4 The the­
matic reaction. White doesn't let
Black take space on the kingside
too easily.
16 ... exf4 (16... e4 17- il.e2 �b8 18.l!!id2
il.J6 19. �aCI;l;) 17. il. xf4 'l!th8
18. 'l!th1 CLJq 19.l!!if3 il.b5 2o. �aCI ! ±
(20. �ae1?! il.xc4 21. iLxC4 il.g5oo
o-1 J. Gallagher-E. Kovalevskaya
I Stockholm SWE 2003) )
(14 ... CLlq 15. il.e2 il.e7 16.o-o �b8
(16... o-o 17.�xe5±) 17.CLl xe5 dxe5
18.d6 il.e6 19.dxe7 l!!fxe7 2o. �c1±)
15. �C1 Black's position is not pleas­
ant to play at all.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
(15 ... !li.e7 16. !li.d3 CLJc8 17.0-o e4
18.�b3 (18. !li.b1 0-0) 18 .. .f4 19· !li.d4
exd3 20. �b7 f3 21. �xa8 fxg2
22. �fd1 0-0 23. �xd3 !fi.h4 24.CLJd2
is winning for White.)
16. !li.d2± I. Smirin-A. Shirov I Klai­
peda 1988.;
12 ...Cl:J fs 13.�d2 axbs 14. !li.xbs !li.e7
15.0-o o-o 16. � fc1;l; doesn't give
Black sufficient compensation.
13. !li.xd4 exd4 14. !li.d3
14.'%!fxd4? In the Kalashnikov, it is
often dangerous to take this pawn as
the black squared bishop is then be­
coming very strong.
135
14 ... !li.e7 15.CLJxbs?! (1s. !li.xbs?! '%!Vas+
16.b4 '%!fxa3 1J. !li.xd7+ 't!ixd7+; 1S. !li.e2
'%!Vas+ 16.'%!Vd2 !li.j6+) 15 ... o-o 16.CLJc3
!li.f6
17·'%!fd2 �e8++ Carlsen,M-J. Nilssen
I Gausdal NOR 2001
14 ... '%!fas+ 15.'t!if1
15 .'%!fd2 We think that after the
queen exchange the position is bal­
anced as White doesn't have a clear
plan to attack the black weaknesses.
15 ... !li.e7 16.'%!fxas �xas 17.CLJc2 o-o
18.a3 �c8 19.0-o !li. f6= Black didn't
have any problems in the game:
D. Solak-M. Perunovic I Kragujevac
SRB 2012.
15···b4!
We think this rather rare move is
Black's best chance in this line as it
offers good practical chances.
136 CHAPTER 8

I5 ... �e7 The old move doesn't

equalize. I6.'%!Ve2 Preventing Black
from castling. I6 ... :Sb8 I7.�C2 �f8
I8.�xd4 (18.h4 is not convinc­
ing: 18... b4 19. �C4 Wlcs 2o. :Sd1 �f6
And Black already has a favorable
position, as in the game A. Mista­
D. Pavlovic I Vrnjacka Banja 20I2.)
I8 ... Wib6 I9.�c6! (19. Wie4 �f6
2o.�c6 :Sc8 21.h4 �xc6 22.dxc6 22 ... :Se8 23.Wid2 (23. �xbs :Sxe2
Wlxc6 23.Wixc6 :Sxc6 24. �xbs :Sc2=) 24. �xc6 :Sxb2=) 23 ... h5 24. :Sci
I9 ... �xc6 2o.dxc6 Wlxc6 21.h4! An Wld5 25. :S f3;t White's position is
important move. Black will activate much more pleasant to play.)
his hi rook via h3. This position with
opposite coloured bishops is not 22. :Sei � f6 23. :S h3 :S h6 (23 ... �g8
pleasant to play for Black and we doesn't enable Black to solve all his
think that White has good attack­ problems as the h8 rook is still not
ing chances. playing. 24. WIe4 WIxe4 25. :Sxe4 b4
26. :S he3 g6 27. :Sf3 �xb2 28. � c4
:S b7 29. �ds :S bs 30. �xj7+ �g1
31. �b3 :S b7;;!;) 24. :Se3 �e5 25. :Se4
g6 26. :Sb4;;l; A. Motylev-A. Shari­
yazdanov I Tomsk RUS 2004

21. .. h5

(21. .. �f6!? 22. :Sh3!

(22. 'E.e1 'E.es� 23.'i�h.eS+ � x.es

24. :Sxe8+ �xe8 25. � xb5+ �e7
26. :S h3 (26. b3 :Sc8 And the
rook is just in time: 27.g3 :Sc2
28.a4 �d4=) 26 ... �xb2 27. :Se3+
�f6 28. �C4 :Sc8 29. :S f3+ �e5
30. �xf7 :Sc3=)
16.�C4
I6.�C2 is worse. I6 ... �e7 I7.Wiei (1J.
Wif3 b3! 18.�xd4 bxa2 19.�c6! Wlb6
2o.Wie2 �xc6 21.dxc6 :Sail= Followed
by o-o.) I7... Wixd5 18.� xb4 Wle5+
And Black was already slightly bet-
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
ter in: E. Van den Doel-E. Wiersma
I Leiden 2010.
16 J�Vcs
..
The critical position! White now has
the choice between two very interest­
ing lines:
17. �C1!?
The most critical line. White wants
to play �es.
17.i:Ve2+ At least now Black cannot
castle anymore. 17... Wd8 A rather
unusual position, but we think it is
completely fine for Black. He will
usually play i.c8 and i.b7 in order
to pressurize the ds pawn. The aS
rook can go to a7 in to protect the f7
pawn. The f8 bishop will usually go
to f6 via e7. Here are some example
lines: (lJ... i.e7? 18. �e1 o-o 19. ifxq
i.bs 2o.i:Vh4 g6 21.b3±)
137
18.i:Vf3 The most logical move.
White is attacking the f7 pawn, de­
fending the ds pawn and keeping
the possibility of playing We2 and
castling artificially.
a) 18.b3 i.e7 19. �C1 i.f6 2o. �c2 �e8
21.i:Vf3 i.c8oo Followed by i.b7.;
b) 18.Wg1 In order to bring the king
to h2. 18... i.e7 19.h3 �a7 20. Wh2 (20.
i:Vj3 i.c8 21.Wh2 i.b7 22. �he1 i.xds
23.i:Vg3 i.xq 24. �aC1 !:Vgs 25. �xc4
i:Vxg3+ 26. Wxg3 �xa2 27. �xb4
�a8 28. �xd4 �e8 With an almost
equal position.) 2o ... i:Vxds 21.f4 i.f6
22.i:Vd2 �e8 23. � hn (23.i:Vxb4 Wfcs
24.i:Vb3 gs�) 23 ... gs! 24.tLlb6 Wias
25.� xd7 � xd7 26.a3 gxf4 27.axb4
!:Vgs 28. �a8+ We7= The position is
balanced.;
18 ... i.c8 Black's plan is to put the
bishop on b7 and take the ds pawn.
a) 18 ... i.e7!? is also possible. 19.i:Vxf7
(19.g3 hs !? 2o.h3 (2o. Wg2 i.g4
21.i:Ve4 fs 22.Wfe6 !4 23.Wie4 !3+
24. Wg1 �e8 Followed by i. f6.
Black can also still play i.c8 fol­
lowed by i.b7.) 2o...h4 21.Wg2 hxg3
138
22.fxg3 :ah6� With a complicated
position.)
19 ... iH6 20.b3 :aa7 21. !Vhs .it.c6
22.12l xd6 !Vxds 23.!Vxds .it. xds=
With a balanced position.;
b) 18 .. .fs We think this move is less
precise. 19.We2!N In order to acti­
vate the h1 rook and then put the
king into safety.
bt) 19.h4 g6 20. <it>g1 it. bs 21. 12ld2
.it.xd3 22.!Vxd3 !Vxds 23.h5 .it.g7=
J. De Clercq-A. Kabachev I IECG
email 2oo2;
b2) 19.12ld2 .it.bs! (19...g6 2o.i2lb3
'%19b6 21. h4;t) 2o.i2lb3 (2o . .it.xbs
'%19xbs+ 21. Wg1 g6 22.h4 .it.g7 23. '%1ib3
:aes 24.a4 !Vcs 25.hs d3oo) 20 ...
.it. xd3+ 21.'%1ixd3 !Vxds 22.12l xd4
g6 23. :ae1 Wd7 24.!Ve2 '=' 24 ... !Vcs
2s.!Vd1 !Vds 26.'%1ie2=;
19 ... g6 2o. :ahe1;t Followed by Wfl.;
CHAPTER 8
a) 19.!Vxf7 :aa7 2o.!Vf4 .it.e7� Fol­
lowed by :afs and b3! Black has good
compensation and he will easily get
back the ds pawn.;
b) 19. :ae1 .it.e7 20. Wg1 (20. '%19xf7 1t.f6
Followed by :a a7.) 20 ... :aa7 21.h4
.it.b7oo;
c) 19. We2!? hs! Threatening .it.g4 .
(19... .it.b7 20. :ahCI .it.xds 21. '%1ig3 .it.e6
22. Wj1 hs)
2o.!Vxf7 (2o.h3 .it.b7 21. :ahe1 .it.xds
22. '%1ig3 h4 23. !Vgs+f6 24. '%1ig4 .it.b7oo
With a very complex position.)
2o ... :aa7 21.'%1if4 .it.e7 22. :ahe1 :afs
23.'%1ig3 !Vxds� With a very com­
plicated position. We think that the
bishop pair will compensate for the
bad black structure.;
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
(2o.g3 il.e7 (20... il.xds?! is not rec­
ommended here as White will ex­
change the white squared bishops
and make use of Black's weakness
on the white squares. 21. il.e4 il.xe4
22. VB!xe4t) 21. Wg2 il.gs 22.tl:Je4
(22. E. he1 VB!as 23. il.e4 il. xd2
24.V¥fxf7 il. xCI 25 . E XC1 Ec8
26.V¥fxb7 E. xCI 27.V¥fb8+ E.c8
28.VB!xd6+ We8 29.VBies+ Wd8
3o.VB!xg7 (Jo. VB!d6t) 30 . . . E.e8
31.V¥ff6+ Wd7 32. il. fs+ Wq
33.d6+ Wb7 34.d7 VB!ds+ 35. Wh3
E.cd8 36.dxe8VBI :B.xe8== With an
equal position.)
22 ... il. xds 23 . VB!fs h6 24.f3 g6
2s.tl:Jxcs gxfs 26.tLla6 il.e3 27.tl:J xb4
il.e6oo With an unclear position
where Black is not worse.)
(21. <i!tg1 il. f6 22.h4 (22. E.e1 d3!
With the idea of playing V¥fd4 and
activating the f6 bishop.
23 . VB!xd3 VB! d4! oo Black doesn't
have any problems. He can even
be slightly better in the endgame.)
139
22 ... E.es (22 ... d3 23. 'W'xd3 VB!d4
24.VB!xd4 il.xd4 2s. :B.h3t) 23. :B.h3
:B.a7 24. 'W'b3 il.a8oo Black can play
:B.q or :B.es. The position is bal­
anced.)
21. .. :B.as 22.VB!xf7 (22.'W'g3 g6 23.h4
il.xds 24. Wg1 il.f6oo ) 22 ... il. xds
23. il.xds VB!xds 24.VB!xds (24.'W'xg7??
:B.g8-+) 24 ... :B.xds== The endgame is
balanced. Black will play Wd7 and
then activate the h8 rook.
:B.xa2!N
I]. . .
A strong novelty. Black must not be
afraid of giving material.
17... il.e7 has already been played,
but we think it is a bit dangerous for
Black: 18.tl:Jes VB!xds 19.tl:Jxd7 Wxd7
20. il.q!N (20. VB!g4+ was played in
the game A. Bezemer-E. Wiersma
I Amsterdam 2011, but after 20...
Wd8oo the position remains un­
clear.)
2o ... VB!fs (2o... VB!cs 21. il.xj7 VB!gs
22. h4 V¥fj4 2J. iLC4±) 21.g4 V¥ff4
22. iL bs+ We6D (22 ... <i!fds? 23. VB!c2+­
) 23. VBib3+ Wf6 24. :B.e1 gs 25.h4±
White has excellent attacking
chances.
140
18. '%!fe1+!?
Compared to 18. '%!fe2+, the c1 rook
is defended now.
18. '%!fe2+ <t!td8 19. '%!fd2!? Defending
the c1 rook and creating ideas based
on '%!¥gs.
19 ... h6 2o.CZJe5 (20. <t!tg1 .ilq doesn't
seem too problematic for Black.) 20...
dxes Once again, the queen sacrifice
is the good reaction. 21. �xc5 .il xcs
22. <t!te2 �e8 (22 ... �d6!?oo ) 23. �c1
.ild6� Followed by �e7- � f8, with
a balanced position.;
18.CZJe5 This move wins material as
if Black moves his queen he will be
in big trouble after Cl::l xd7 followed
by an attack on the white squares.
CHAPTER 8
18 ... dxes! Black sacrifices the queen
for good compensation. His king
is well enough protected, White
doesn't have any open files for his
queen and the black bishops control
the position. We even think Black's
position is more pleasant to play.
19. �xcs .il xcs We decided to ana­
lyse this position in more detail so
that our readers can get a clearer
opinion about it. 20.f4!? A logical at­
tempt to try and open the files and
put the king on f2 in order to acti­
vate the rook.
(2o.g4 .ild6 A quite safe square for
the bishop who defends both the es
and b4 pawns. 21. <t!tg2 �a5
a) 21 ... g6? 22.h4± White is better as
Black cannot castle.;
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
b) 21. .. 0-o? loses a pawn. 22."%!¥b1
(22. ii,xh7+?! \!?xh7! 23. "%!¥ba e4
24. "%!¥xa2 ii,xg4+ The bishops dam­
inate the board and the passed d­
pawn is very dangerous.) 22 ... b3
23. ii,xh7+ \!?h8 24. ii,fs±;
22. ii, fs (22.j4 'B.xds 23."%!¥j3 'B.cs
24."%!¥a8+ '8c8 25."%!¥a6 '8c6=) 22 ...
ii, xfs 23.gxfs o-o 24."%!¥b3 '8c8�
Black doesn't have any weakness
and White has trouble activating
his rook.)
2o ... exf4 21. "%!¥e2 ii,d6 22. \!?f2 o-o
23. ii,xh7+ \!?h8 24. ii,d3 '8c8 2s. "%!¥e2
\!?g8 A balanced position. Here are
some examples of what could hap­
pen now: 26.h4
(26. '8e1 g6 We think Black's po­
sition is very good, for example:
27. \!?fl b3 28. "%!¥f2 ii,a3 (28... '8a4!?)
29."%!¥xf4
(29."%!¥xd4?! '8 xb2 3o. "%!¥a7 f3 !
31. "%!¥xa3 (31. "%!¥xd7??jxg2+ 32. \!?g1
ii, cs+ 33· '8e3 ii,xe3#) 31. .. '8 xg2
32. "%!¥e7 '8cc2!!
33. "%!¥e3 (33. ii,xc2?? ii,bs+-+) 33···
f2 34. '8e2 'B.CI+! 3s."%!¥xCI 'agH
36.\!?xf2 'axel+)
141
29 ... '8xb2 3o."%!¥f6 ii,f8! Black has
the better perspectives here.)
26 ... '8e8 27."%!¥e2 'aas 28.hs 'a xds
29.h6 'B.gs 30. ii,h7+ (3o.h7+ \!?hs
31. '8e1 'B.JB+ Followed by g6.;
3o.hxg7?f3!-+ It is now White's king
who is in danger, especially as the
d6 bishop will get to g3.) 30 ... \!?f8
31. ii,e4 gxh6 32. '8xh6 ii,cs 33· "%!¥d3
'agesoo;
18.�a3 also seems tempting, with
the idea of playing "%!¥b3. 18 ... "%!¥xds
19. ii,C4 "%!¥es 20. ii, xa2 bxa3 21. "%!¥b3
(21.bxa3 ii,e7 22.h4 o-o� We think
Black is better here as the white king
doesn't have any safe shelter. The
bishop pair can also be extreme­
ly dangerous.) 21. .. "%!¥bs+ 22. "%!¥xbs
ii, xbs+ 23. ii,C4 (23. \!?e1 axb2 24. '8b1
ii,c6 25. '8xb2 ii,e7� Black has suf­
ficient compensation.) 23 ... ii, xC4+
24. '8XC4 axb2 2s. '8b4 ii,e7 26.\!?e2
\!?d7 27. '8xb2 ii, f6= We think that
this endgame is equal.
18 ii,e7!
...
18 ... \!?d8 is worse here as after
19.�es dxes 20. 'axes ii, xcs 21. "%!¥xes
142 CHAPTER 8

!!e8 22.'i!:Vgs+ f6 23.'i!:VCI �d6 we think

that White is slightly better although
Black clearly has compensation.
24.g4! (24.h4 �!4 2S. 'i!:Vb1 �d2 26. �e4
b3 27.g4 fs 28.gxjs �xfs 29. �xfs !!eH
30. 'i!:Vxe1 �xe1 31. !!h3 �as 32. !!xb3 g6
33. �e6 �q) 24 ... �xg4 2S. �g2 �d7
26. 'ilfC4� White has a good initiative.

19."2._jes.
�""'\ ' 'lll!r
E> XCl.' 22.fxes !!cs 23. 'i!:Vb1 b3! 24. � xh7+
The right way of playing. �f8 2s. �d3 !!cs White will lose the
19 ... 'i!:Va7 20.�c6! � xc6 21.dxc6 'i!:Vq central pawns. 26.e6 (26. �j2 !!xds
22.'i!:Vxb4 o-o 23.'i!:Vb7� Black is in 27. �C4 !!xes 28. �xb3 !!a6 29. !!e1
danger.; !!j6+ 30. �g1 !!xeH 31. 'i!:Vxe1 �bs=
19 . . . d x e s ? ? 2 0 . !! x e s � xe s Followed by !!fl. The arising end­
21. 'i!:Vxes++- game is equal.) 26 .. .fxe6 27.dxe6 �xe6
28.�f2 �h4+ 29.g3 �gs� Black has
enough compensation.

20. 'i!:Vxc1 dxes

Black is threatening to play �d6 and
0-0.
21.g4!?
21.f4 is the other move for White.
21. .. 0-o! Black doesn't waste any
time defending his pawn. He wants
to quickly get activated.
21. .. �d6 22. �g2 !! as
22 ... o-o?! 23.'i!:Vb1 !!fa8 24. �xh7+
�fs 2s. �fs�
23. �fs!?
An interesting idea. After this move
White will have play on the white
squares.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 143

23 ... .1Lxfs 24.gxfs o-o 25. Y!Vc6 �ds

26. 'irb6 �aa8 27. �a1 �ab8 28. Y!Va6
�bc8�

The critical position. We have

played it between us and also made
computers play it out between them.
We think that Black's position is solid
enough to hold the draw.

Conclusion:
We think that 10 .. .1Ld7!? is the good
.

line for Black. The positions arising

from it are still dangerous for him,
but after deep analysis we think that
they are playable. It would be inter­
esting to see this line being played in
order to get a definite opinion on it.
 CHAPTER 9
6.l2J1c3 1 �e6
...
Introduction I B.XXX (832]
1.e4 cs 2.CLJ{J CLJc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.CLJxd4
es s.Cl:Jbs d6 6.CLJ tq a6 7.CLJa3 �e6
This move played by Grigore and
by Nataf at some point is not really
popular any longer. It doesn't seems
sufficient to equalize. The idea of this
move is to quickly play �c8 and of
course to delay CLJ f6. In this chap­
ter we will see various sidelines for
White; the main line 8.ClJC4, that we
recommend to White, will be ana­
lysed in detail in chapter 10.
s.Cl:Jds
The second most played move after
8.CLJC4 (see chapter 8). It doesn't give
White any advantage whatsoever.
8. �e3 This move is regularly played
by good players, for example by lv­
anchuk. The idea is to play ClJC4 or
CLJds and to have threats on the b6
square.
8 ...CLJ f6
(8 ... bs We don't really like this
move. It's the kind of position that
we for example refuse to play in
the 7... �e7 8. �e3 line (chapter 1).
9.Cl:Jds Threatening �b6 followed
by ClJq+. 9 ... �b8
(9 ... �c8 is not a solution to the
problems: IO.C4 b4 (w... CLJd4?
doesn't work at all: n.cxbs �xds
12. exds CLJj6 13 . �xd4 exd4
14. bxa6+- 0. Korneev-E. Beltran
Ortiz I Vilagarcia 2ooo.) n.CLJC2
as 12. �d3 �xds (12 ... CLJj6 lJ.o­
o CLJd7 14.bJt Followed by a3.)
13.exds CLJb8 14.0-o CLJf6 1s.f4±
C. Ross-G. Smith I England
2010.)
10.C4! b4 11.ClJC2 (n.CLJb1 is less logi­
cal here as Black can play n ...CLJj6N
followed by CLJg4) 11. .. CLJ f6 12.f3
�e7 13. �e2 0-0 14.0-0 as 1S. 'i:!Ud2
'i:!Ud7 16. �fd1 � fd8 17.b3t White's
146
position is more pleasant to play
as Black doesn't have any coun­
terplay. Black managed to win in
the game V. Ivanchuk-B. Macieja
I Moscow 2001.)
9.1£\q bs is by far the most played
move.
a) 9 ... .1l.e7 is also possible. This move
transposes to 9 ... .1l.e6 (chapter 1). We
thought that White was slightly bet­
ter in the endgame with the bishop
pair but that Black should be able to
hold quite easily.;
b) 9 ... ds Simplifications in the cent­
er don't enable Black to completely
equalize. 10.exds l£\xd5
(10 ... iL xds?! We think this ex­
change sacrifice is too ambi­
tious. n.i'£lb6 .1l.b4 12.1£lxa8 �xa8
13. iLgs!?N (13.a3 was played in the
game V. Kotronias-N. Kalesis I
Karditsa 1995.) 13 ...1£\e4 14.�xd5
l£\xc3 (14 ...1£\xgs 15. .1i.d3±) 15.�d3
15 ...1£\e4+ 16.c3 l£\xg5 17.cxb4 o-o
18. .1l.e2:t Black doesn't have enough
compensation here.)
CHAPTER 9
11.1£\xds �xd5 12. �xd5 � xds
13.1£\b6 gdg 14.1£\xds gxds 15 . .1l.q
gd7 16.c3:t This kind of endgame
with the bishop pair and a pawn ma­
jority on the queenside is in White's
favor. J. Yedidia -Villanueva,H I
Long Beach 1994;
c) 9 ... gb8!? A rare move, but we
think it's playable.
10. .1l.b6
c1) 10.1£lb6 l£\g4! n.i'£lbd5 l£\ xe3
12.fxe3 (12.l�:Jxe3 iLe7N Followed by
o-o and iLgs. The position is bal­
anced.) 12 ... iLe7 13. iLd3 o-o 14.0-
o iLg5oo With a position where
both side have their chances.;
c2) 10. iLg5 b5 11.l£le3
(1 1 . iL xf6N �xf6 ! (11 . . .gxj6
1 2 . l£\ e3:t) 1 2 . l£\ xd6+ iL xd6
13.�xd6 gc8 14. iLd3 (14. �d2
�g6 Followed by o-o and l£\d4.
Black has a strong initiative for
the pawn.) 14 ...1£\d4 15.0-o It is
hard to find a more useful move.
(15.�xa6 doesn't give any ad­
vantage: 15... 0-o 16.1£\ds iLxds
17- �xj6 gxf6 18. exds l£\xc2+
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
19. �XC2 �XC2 20.0-0 �dB 21. �jd1
:B.xb2=) 15 ... �c6 16.!Vb8+
(16.!Va3?! 'Ll f3+! 17. �h1 (17.
gx!J?? �hJ-+) 17... �g4!?i With
the idea of playing !Vh4. Black
has the initiative.(After 1J. .. !Vj4
Black could make a draw right
away: 18.g3 !Vh6 19. h4 'Lixh4
2o.'Lids! 'Lig6+ 21. �g1 �g4 22]3!
!Vh3 23jxg4 !Vxg3 + 24. �h1
!VhJ;l;))
16 ... �c8 17.!Vb6 (1J.!Vd6=) 17... 0-
o� The position is balanced.
Black is a pawn down but his
pieces are more active. What is
more, he can create some threats
against the white king. A possible
continuation could be
18.!Vxa6 � XC3! 19.bXC3 IL\ f3+
2o.gxf3 (20. �h1 !V/4 21.g3 !Vh6
22.h4 'Lixh4-+) 20 ... !Vxf3 21. �e2
(21. �je1 �h3 22. �j1 !Vg4+ 23. �h1
!VfJ;l;) 21...!Vxe2 22.f3 !Ve3+
23. �p (23 . �j2 !Vgs+ 24. �h1
!VeJ=; 23.�h1? �q+) 23 ... �C4
24. � f2 !Vgs+ 25.�h1 !Ve3=)
11... �e7 12. � xf6 �xf6 13.1Llcd5
�g5 14. �e2 0 - 0 15.0-0 g6oo
147
A. Kuindzhi-E. Vasiukov I Tbilisi
1973;
10 ... !Vd7 11.'Llds!N The best way to
get on. (u. !Vd2 'Li b4! 12. �as 'Lic6
13. � b6 'Lib4 14. �as And a draw
was agreed in Rodriguez A. Ces­
pedes-A. Zapata I Merida 1993.)
11... � xd5 (n ... 'Lixe4 12.'Liq+ �q
13.!Vd3 Followed by o-o-o. White
has a very strong attack.) 12.exd5
'Lle7 13. �a7 A computer varian­
tion.. . But it does make sense to free
the b6 square for the knight! (1J.i'LleJ
'Lifs= Followed by �e7 and �d8.)
13 ... �d8 14.1Llb6 !Vfs 15.c3 1hreaten­
ing !Va4+. 15 ... !Ve4+ 16. �e2 !Vxg2
(16 ... 'Lijxds 17.0-o 'Lixb6 18. �xb6
�d7 19. �e1 The bishop pair and
a better development give White
strong compensation for the sacri­
ficed pawn.) 17.!Va4+ 'Lld7 18.o-o­
o� With a very complicated posi­
tion where Black is a pawn up and
White has the initiative. We think
that in a game White has very good
chances here.;
a) 11... �e7 doesn't enable Black to
equalize after the strong 12.a4!
148
12 ...bxa4
a1) 12 ...b4 13.tl:J xf6+ ilxf6 14.tl:Jd5
ilg5 (14 ... a5?! 15. ilb5 ild7 16.tl:Jxj6+
Wilxf6 17.Wifd5± Jakubiec, A-J. Ze­
berski I Krakow 1999.; 14 ... ilcs
15.a5!± 0. Korneev -Vehi V. Bach I
Lugo 2007-) 15. ilxa6 ilxe3 16.tl:Jxe3
o-o 17.0-o tl:Jd4 18.Wi/d3;t M. Ban­
delj-R. Nocci I ICCF email 2oo6;
a2 ) 12 . . . o - o ?! 13. axb5 axb5
14. ilxb5 ilxd5 15.exd5 tl:Jb4N (15...
tl:J d4 16. ilxd4 exd4 17. Wifxd4±
A. Jakubiec-A. Hnydiuk I Zako­
pane 2000.) 16. ila4;t And Black
doesn't have enough compensation
for the sacrificed pawn.;
13. :S.xa4 o-o
a1) 13 ... il xd5 14.tl:Jxd5!N (14.exd5
tl:J b4 15. ilC4 WileS= L. Somlai­
P. Horvath I Zalakaros 1997.) 14 ...
:S.xb2 15. ilxa6 o-o 16.o-o tl:J xd5
(16... Wifd7 17. ilC4;t) 17.exd5 tl:Jd4
18. ild3;t;
a2) 13 ... :S.xb2N 14. il xa6 o-o 15.0-
o;t White will put pressure on the
d6 pawn.;
CHAPTER 9
(14. il xa6!?N is also possible. 14 ...
:S.xb2 15.o-o h6 (15... ilxd5 16.tl:Jxd5
See 13 ... il xd5.) 16. ilb5;t)
16.o-oN (16j3 tLljxd5 17.tl:Jxd5 tl:Jxd5
18. ilxd5 :S. b4!= A. Matanovic­
W. Pils I Graz 1984.) 16 ... tl:Jbxds
17.exd5 ild7 18. :S.a2;t;
b) After u ... ilxds White easily gets
an advantage: 12.tl:Jxd5! (12.exd5 is
also regularly played, but we think
that this move is not as good.) 12 ...
tl:J xds
b1) 12 ...tl:J xe4 is risky. 13.a4!N is the
simplest move in order to get the
advantage. (13.Wilf3 tl:Jc5 14.0-o-oi
has already been played, with very
good compensation for the pawn.)
13 ...bxa4 (13...tl:Jc5 14.axb5 axb5 15.b4
tLle6 16.c3 ilq 17- ilxb5! This nice
tactical shot wins the pawn back.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHN IKDV
1J, .. 'E.xb5 1B.V¥ia4 'E.b7 19.V¥ixc6+±
White has a good advantage thanks
to his strong �d5 and passed b­
pawn.) 14.c3 Threatening V¥/xa4.
14 ...�c5 15. it.xc5 dxc5 16. it.C4 it.d6
17.V¥/xa4 V¥/d7 18.V¥/xa6 �e7 19.0-
o-o!?±;
h2) After 12 ... it.e7N White contin­
ues by the traditional 13.a4;;\; which
gives him a better position.;
13.V¥/xd5 V¥/q (13... �b4 14.V¥ib3 d5
15. it.d2± Szalanczy, E-C. Schmitt
I Budapest 2011. White will win
the d5 pawn.) 14.c3 it.e7 15.a4±
D. Kryakvin-M. Rehorek I Pardu­
bice 2007;
c) 11...�e7?! 12.�b4!N immediately
refutes Black's play. Here are some
examples: 12 ... 'E.b7
c1) 12 ... a5 13.�a6+- Followed by
it.xb5.;
c2) 12 . . . V¥ia5 13 . V¥/xd6 ! 'E.ds
14.V¥/xa6! V¥/xb4 15. it.xb5+ �d7
(15 ... it.d7 16.o-o-o+-) 16.o-o-o+-;
CJ) 12... it.C4 13. it.xC4 bxC4 14.�xa6
'E.xb2 15.0-0 �c6 16.V¥/e2±;
149
C4) 12 ... it.c8 13. it.g5 V¥/b6 14. kxf6
gxf6 15.�bd5 �xd5 16.�xd5 V¥/ds
17.V¥if3±;
13.'�ha6 b4 14.�b5 �c8 15.� xb4
� xe4 16.c3± Followed by V¥/a4 and
'E.dl.;
d) n ... V¥/a5?! 12.a4! ± M. Hoffmann­
A. Salvetti I Lugano 1999;
12. it.e2
a) 12. it.d2 In order to keep the bish­
op. Unfortunately one is not very
happy to put the bishop on this
square. 12 ... b4! 13.�a4 �f6!?N (13 ...
!5 14. it.c4!Nfxq 15. it.g5!;t) 14. it.g5
at) 14.�xf6+ V¥/xf6oo Followed by
V¥/g6 or d5.;
a2) 14. it.e3 it. xd5! 15.exd5 �e7
16.V¥/d3 (16.C4 8j5oo ) 16 ... 8exd5
17.V¥/xa6 Vlf!cB=;
14 . . . it.e7! 15 . k xf6 (15.�xj6+?!
lt.xf6 16. it.xf6 gxf6+ Followed by
f5 and (or) �d4.; 15.8xq V¥/xq
16. it.xa6 Vlf!a7 17.V¥id3 �d4�) 15 ...
it.xf6 Followed by it.g5. Compared
to a Sveshnikov position, the �a4 is
very badly placed.;
150
b) 12.a4 b4 13.1i:Jb1 li:Jxe3 (1J ...Ii:Jq!?
14. ii.xa6 18xds 1s.exds l'L:Jxe3 16jxe3
Vlfih4+ 17- ctlj1 ii.d7oo R. Morri son­
L. Piasetski I Ottawa 1984. Black has
compensation. He will quickly fin­
ish his development by playing ke7
and o-o and then he will play fs.)
14.l'L:Jxe3 Vl!ic8 15.1i:Jd2 ke7 16. ii.d3
o-o= Black has a comfortable posi­
tion. F. Eid -Al M. Modiahki I Casa­
blanca 2002;
12 ... 1i:Jxe3 13.1i:Jxe3 Here Black has
the choice between two equally
good moves: (13jxe3N b4 14.l'L:Ja4
ii_qoo Followed by o-o and kgs.)
13 ... ke7
(13...g6 14.a4!? (14.1i:Jcds ii.h6 15.c3
o-o 16.h4 ii.xe3 1J.Ii:Jxe3 li:Je7 18.hs
b4oo E. Szalanczy-Z. Lanka I Vi­
enna 1991.) 14 ... l'L:Jd4 15.axbs axbs
16.'-'Z:Jcds kh6! The bishop is better
placed here than on g7.
17.c3 kxe3 18.l'L:Jxe3 1i:Jxe2 19.Vlfixe2
o-o= D. Swiercz-B. Damljanovic I
Plovdiv 2008.)
(14.0-o o-o 15.'-'Z:Jcds kgs 16.c3
l'L:Je7 The simplest in order to
CHAPTER 9
equalize. 17.1i:Jxe7+ (17- kg4 li:Jxds
18.'-'L:Jxds Vl!icB= J. Kwiecien-A. La­
zar I TCCF email 2005.) 17... Vl!ixe7
18.'-'Z:Jds Vl!ib7oo M. Kuziola-P. Ziel­
inski I Laczna 2002.)
14 ...l'L:Jd4 (14 ... bxa4!?N The comput­
er's suggestion, followed by kgs or
:S.xb2, also seems to equalize.)
15.axbs axbs 16.'-'Z:Jcds (16. ii.d3 o-o
1J.'-'LJCdS ii.gs 18.C3 ii.xe3 19-l'L:JXe3
l'L:Jb3 20. E:a3 l'L:Jcs= Yeo Min E. Yang­
T. Seeman I Mallorca 2004.) 16 ...
ilt.. g5 17.c3 kxe3N (1J. .. Ii:Jxe2 18.Vl!ixe2
Vl!id7 19.0-o o-o 2o. :S.jdrt. D. Podes­
ta-£. Bruno I Buenos Aires 2000.)
18.l'L:J xe3 l'L:Jxe2 19.Vlfixe2 o-o 20.0-0
ilt.. q !? 21.'-'Z:J xq bxc4= Followed by
Vl!iq. Black's counterplay on the b­
file is sufficient.;
8. ilt..e 2 By playing a move that is this
unambitious, White can hardly pre­
tend to an advantage ... This is why
it's logical that Black has many pos­
sible responses here:
 THE COMPLETE K ALASHNIKOV
8. ..i'�Jf6
a) 8 ... ii.e7 9.0 -o ClJ f6 (9 ... ClJd4
1o. ii. e3 ll:J xe2+ n. Wfxe2 ll:Jj6oo
F. Arp-A. Csulits I Velden 2009.)
10. ii.gs o-o 11. �xf6 (u.ClJC4 ll:Jxe4
A thematic move in order to get
rid of the ii.gs and of the pressure
on the d6 pawn. 12.ClJ xe4 il.. xgs
lJ.ClJcxd6 ii.ei+=) 11. .. ii. xf6 12.ll:Jds
ii.gs 13.c3 ClJe7= R. Kotz-J. Maurer
I Germany 2011;
b) 8 ... �c8!? followed by ClJ f6 and
ClJd4 also seems completely play­
able.;
9. ii.gs il.. e7 10.ClJq ClJd4 (w. . . ds!?)
n. il.. x f6 ii. xf6 12.ClJe3 �c8 13. ii.d3
ii.gs 14.ll:Jcds o-o 1s.o-o g6 (15 ...
ii.xeJ 16.ClJxe3 Wfb6 17-C3 ClJC6 18.Wfe2
ClJq= J. Fabian-G. Goth I Slovakia
2009.) 16.c3 ClJc6 17. ii.e2 �h8 Fol­
lowed by ClJe7 in order to simpli­
fy the position or by fs to play for
a win. Y. Penas Hernandez-G. Grig­
ore I Barcelona 2005;
8. ii.q? This move can't be good. In
all the lines with ii.q, Black usu­
ally wants to play ii.e6 ... but here
the bishop is already well placed!
1 51
We think that this line is simply
bad for White. 8 ... bs! Black obvi­
ously doesn't exchange on c4 so not
to activate the a3 knight.
9. ii.ds
(9. ii. xe6 fxe6 gives Black an ex­
cellent position. He controls the
center and will easily be able to
play ds. 10.ClJe2 (or w.ll:Jab1 are
unfortunately necessary as b4 was
threatening.) 10 ... ll:J f6 11.ClJg3 ds
Black quickly got a decisive ad­
vantage in D. Tatarus-G. Grigore
I Cluj 2008.)
9··· �c8 White now has to parry the
b4 threat. 10.ClJab1
a) 10. ii. xc6+ �xc6 n.ll:Jds ClJf6 (u ...
Wfh4!?N) 12.Wff3
at) 12. ii.gs?! Wias+!N A good im­
provement.
152 CHAPTER 9

13. �d2 '%!Va4 A very strong maneu­

ver! 14.� xf6+ gxf6 1S. '%!Vf3 (15.c4
'%IVxd1+ 16. 'Eixd1 bxC4+) 1s ... 'B.g8+
Black's pieces are all very active
and well placed, which is not the
case for the white pieces!;

8 � f6
...

This move easily equalizes.

8 .. � xds!? A rarely played, but in­

.

teresting move. The idea is to get

14.� xds � xe4 1s.'%!Vxe4 '%!Vxds-+ a richer position in order to play for
White's position will fall apart.; a win. 9.exds

(9.'%!Vxds?! would be a huge inaccu­

racy here as Black will easily man­
u ... �xds 13.exds 'B.cs 14. �e3 'B.xds age to liberate his position by play­
1s.o-o �e7 16.q bxq 17.�XC4 o-o+ ing ds. 9 ...�f6 w. �gs
D. Pasarelu- G. Grigore I Sovata
2000; (w.'%!Vb3?! ds!N gives Black the
advantage:
b) 10.�e2 �xds! n.exdsN (11. '%IVxds
�j6 12.'%!Vd3 d5 13.exds '%!Vxds+ P. Lo­
skot -Hlavacek, K I Czechia 2002.)
11...�ce7 White will have trouble
defending the ds pawn. 12.q (12.0-
o �f6 13. �gs �exds+) u . bxq . .

13. �d2 �xds 14. 'EiCI '%!fd7 1S/2)xq

�e7+ White doesn't really have
compensation here.;
11 .exds (11. '%IV xb7?? � as!- +;
w ... �f6 11.0-o �e7 12. �e3 o-o 11. �e3 d4 12. �gs bs+) n ... �d4
13.a3 �as+ Black is already better. 12.'%!fd3 �xa3 13.bxa3 '%!Vxds 14.c3
Konstantakopoulos,D-L. Lenic I '%!Vas 1s. �d2 �e6+)
playchess.com INT 2006.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
w ... � xds 11. il. xd8 �c3!? (11 ...
'B. xdB 12. exd5 � bB 13 .�c4=
J. Nielsen-S. Skindzier I Berkshire
2006.) 12.bxc3 'B.xd8 (12 ... �xdB!?
has also been played. Black doesn't
have any problems here.) 13.�C4
ds 14.exds 'B.xds With a position
which is slightly in Black's favor,
although a draw is the most logi­
cal result here, as it was the case
in the game D. Olafsson-1. Nataf I
Reykjavik 2005.)
9 ... �ce7! The best square for the
knight. Black will more or less force
White to play c4 in order to protect
ds and then he will play �f6, g6 and
il.g 7.
10.C4 (10.c3 �f6N 11. il.e2 g6 12.0-0
il.g7 13.V!Bb3 V!Bq 14.�c4 b5 15.�e3
�d7oo With a balanced position.)
w ... �f6 The position is very com­
plicated, but practice has shown that
Black's position is completely playa­
ble. Here are some examples: u. il.e2
a) 11.g3 g6 12. il.h3 il.g7 13. il.e3 o-o
14.0-o bs (14... �j5!? 15. il.xj5 gxj5
16.V!Bb3 V!Bd7 17j3 'B.feBoo) 15.cxbs (15.
Vfie2 bxq 16.tiJxq l:iJ exds 17- 1ld2
VfibB 18. 1i.g2 e4! oo ) 15 . . . tiJexdsoo
1 53
D. Ruehrmund-S. Kalinitschew I
Berlin 2010;
b) 11.V!Ba4+ �d7 12. il.e2 g6 13. il.gs
(13.0-o il.g7 14. il.d2 o-o 15.b4?! �!5+
A. Damia-0. Kalinin I Rewal 2oo6.)
13... il.g7
(13 ... h6!? With the following idea:
14. il.f6?!
14 ... bs! 15 . il. xe7 (15. cxb5 �xf6
16. bxa6+ �d7+) 15 ...bxa4 16. il.xd8
'B.xd8 17.b4 axb3 18.axb3 'B.bs+)
14.cs f6 1s.cxd6 � fs 16. il.e3 bs
17. Vf9b3 � xe3 18. Vf9Xe3 Vf9as+ 19. Vf9c3
V!Bxc3+ 2o.bxc3 il. fB 2l.�C2 il.xd6oo
V. Nazarevich-0. Kalinin I Terno­
pil 2oo6;
1L .. g6 12.0 - 0 il.g7 13."V!9b3 V!Bd7
14. il.e3 o-ooo With an uncertain
position in the game: Z. Sarakausk­
iene-R. Kempinski I Warsaw 2010.
9· il.gs
9.� xf6+?! This is a mistake as
White is making Black's task easier
with this move. The black queen will
be very well placed on f6 and Black
will easily be able to play ds. 9 ... V!Wxf6!
Already threatening V!Bg6, but also
1 54
�d8 in order to play ds. We already
prefer Black's position here. (9...gxj6
is also possible, but it really doesn't
make as much sense.)
lO.ClJq
a) 10. �d3 ds u.o-o �d8 u.exds
�xds+ B. Miljanic-0. Palos I Chi­
anciano 1989;
b) 10.C4 �g6 1Lf3 (11.�!3 ClJd4
12. �d3 �cB 13. �e3 j5+ I. Sukandar­
B. Munguntuul I Mashhad 2011.) 11 ...
fs 12.exfs �xfs 13. �e3 �e7 14.�b3
o-o+ S. Fazulyanov-E. Sveshnikov
I Cheliabinsk 2oo8;
c) IO. �q �g6 u.o-o �xe4 12 . .1i.d3
(12. �e1 �g4+) 12 ... �g4 13.�e1 ds+
Friedman, J-J. Bonin I New York
1994;
d) w.g3 �d8N (w... h5 n.cJ d5 12.exd5
0-0-0 1J. �g2 �XaJ 14.bxa3 C4 15.0-
0 �xd5+ V. Zhadko-S. Vedmediuc
I Kishinev 2001.) 11. �g2 ds! 12.exds
Ji.xa3 13.bXa3 e4 14. �b1 �Xd5 15.�e2
ClJd4i;
10 ... �g6 ! 11.ClJe3N (n.ClJ xd6+?
�xd6 1 2 . �xd6 ClJd4!-+ A. Hoff­
mann-A. Zozulia I Canberra 2008.)
CHAPTER 9
11 ... �xe4 12. �d3 �h4+ And White
doesn't have enough compensation.
9 ... �as+!?
We think that this rare move is the
best reaction.
9 ... �e7?! (finally) allows White to
get the kind of position he is dream­
ing about after IO. �xf6 (w.Cl:Jxe7
Cl:Jxe7� Followed by ds or fs in case
White exchanges on f6.) 10 ... � xf6
11.ClJq;\; Followed by c3.;
9 ... � xds This is the most played
line. This move allows Black to win
a pawn, but White will always have
good compensation on the white
squares after
1o.exds �as+ 11.c3 �xds For in­
stance: 12. � xf6 �xdH 13. � xd1
gxf6 14.ClJC4 (14. Ji.C4 �dB 15. �d5
!5 16.o-o �h6 17- �je1 �gB 18. �d3=
White has enough compensation for
the pawn, but nothing more. Papp
C. Zoltan-D. Toth I Eger 2009.)
14 ...0-0-0 15.ClJe3 ClJe7 16. �C4 �h6
17. �xf7 �xe3 18.fxe3 �hf8= E. Vov­
sha-G. Braylovsky I New York 2003.
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV 155

(13 .'&f3? �d4 14.'i!fd3 .t xq

1s .'&xq ds!N (15 ... '%!Uxe4++ Al
K. Subaihi-H. Mossong I Elista
199B.) 16.exds (16. '%!Ua4+ bs-+) 16 ...
�XC2+ 17.Wd1 �xa1-+)

13 ... '&xe4 14 . .td3 '&d4 1s . .tc3 '%!Ucs

16. .te4 �dB+

1o . .td2
The only move.

10 '&ds 11.�xf6+
...

The other move in order to try and

play...
n . .tgs would lead to the same posi­
tion. 11. .. '%!:Vas+l= This is the most wise
choice for White...
12 ... ds
n . . . '&xf6 As usual! After this move is it White
We are now in the same kind of po­ who has to solve some problems...
sition as after 9.� xf6 but White has 12 ... .te7 13 . .tq �d4 14 . .t xe6
won one development move. '&xe6 15.0-0 o-o 16. .te3 �c6oo

12.'&hs!N
The best move in order to try to
equalize! How sad for White!
12 . .td3 ds 13.exds .txds 14.0 -o!
.t xa3 (14 .t cs= D. Ratkovitch­
...

A. Wokrina I Germany 2003.) 15.bxa3

�dB+;
12.q?! '&g6!+;
12.c3 dsN 13.exds .t xds 14.�C4
�dB+;
155 CHAPTER 9

13. �g5 �g6 14.�xg6 hxg6 15.exd5

� xds 16.i':tJq �e7 17.i':tJb6 E:ds
18. �xe7 $>xe7 19.0-o-o �e6oo
With a position that is slightly in
Black's favor, but where White should
be able to equalize with precise play.

Conclusion:
8.i':tJds, which is played quite often,
doesn't promise anything to White
after 8 i':tJ f6 9. �g5 �as! where he
...

doesn't have anything better than to

repeat moves. The most tricky side­
line is 8. �e3, but there Black also
manages to get a fine position if he
follows our main line and in particu­
lar the strong u ..l:tJg4. This is why we
.

advise White to play 8.i:tJC4, which we

are going to look at in the next chap­
ter.
 CHAPTER 10
6.'2llc3 1 �e6
...
8.'2lc4 [832]
1.e4 cs 2.CLJf3 CLJc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.CLJxd4
es s.l:Llbs d6 6.CLJ 1c3 a6 7.CLJa3 �e6
s.l:Llq
The main and best move. White
takes advantage of the fact that Black
hasn't played bs yet in order to acti­
vate his knight.
s ...hs
The main continuation.
8 ... E:c8 The other popular move, af­
ter which we now know that White
gets a small advantage.
9· ke3! With the idea of playing
CLJb6 followed by l:Llds.
a) 9.CLJe3 ke7 10.g3 CLJ f6 followed
by CLJd4 is also possible. We get the
same position after 8 ... ke7 9.CLJe3.
(w... hs!? has already been played but
we don't think that this move is nec­
essary.) ;
b) 9.l:Llds has also been played, but as
this is not our recommendation for
White we will not look at this side­
line in much detail. Here are never­
theless 2 example games:
(9 ... k xds w.exds l:Llce7 11. ke3
l:Ll fs (n . . . bs!?) 12. kb6 !Vh4
13.!Vd3;l; A. Kosteniuk-M. Mana­
kava I Tbilisi 2011)
10. k gs k xds 11. k xf6 !Vxf6
12.!Vxds ke7 13.c3 o-o 14.CLJb6 E:q
15. ke2 !Ve6 16.!Vd3;l; C. Balogh­
A. Zozulia I Zuerich 2005;
1 58
9 .. :::Z:J d 4 That's Black's ides. The ll:Jc4
is now hanging. 10. � xd4 � XC4
n. �xq (11. �e3 would be an inac­
curacy here as after 11 �e6! Black
.••
doesn't have any problem. For ex­
ample: 12.ll:Jds ll:Jj6 13.ll:Jxj6+ Wlxf6
14.Wid2 Wids 1s. 'EZ.d1 �q= With
a balanced position. V. Iordaches­
cu-G. Grigore I Galatzi 2007.) 11...
"B.xq 12. �e3
12 ...ll:J f6
(12 ... �e7 13.Wid3 "B.c6 14.0-o-o!N
The simplest. White wants to cre­
ate a classical attack on the king­
side by playing f3 and g4. 14 ... �g5
(14 ...ll:Jj6 15f3i Followed by g4 and
h4.) 15.f4!? We think it's a good idea
for White to keep the bishops. 15 ...
exf4 16. �d4! ll:J f6 17.ll:Jd5i With
a huge initiative.)
CHAPTER 10
(13. �g5 With the idea of exchang­
ing the ll:J f6 and thus getting the
control over the d5 square, but
Black has good resources: 13 ... Wia5!
14. ii.xf6 "B.xe4+ 15. c;!i>fl "B.d4 16. Wif3
gxf6 17.Wfxb7 (1J.Wixf6 "B.g8 18.Wf/3
Wib4oo With chances both sides.)
1?... ii.g?!
(17... ii.h6 18.W/c8+ W/ds 19.Wic6+
Wid7 2o.Wfa8+ W/ds 21.Wfxa6 (21.
Wfc6+ Wid7 22.Wfa8+ Wfd8 2J.Wf/3
fs 24.g3 Wfc8oo M. Palac-E. Svesh­
nikov I Bled 2005.) 21...0-o 22.h4
fs 23. "B. h3 ;t;)
18.W/c8+ c;!i>e7 19·Wic6 Wic5 2o.Wfxc5
dxc5 21.c;!i>e2 "B.hd8 22. "B.ad1 ii.h6=
A. Smirnovs-L. Borisovs I ICCF
email 2007.)
a) 13 ... W/q 14.0-o ii.e7 15. �g5 "B.d4
16. Wif3 (16. WIe2!? also gives White
a better position: 16... Wfcs 17. ii.xf6
ii.xf6 B. Vuckovic-A. Zozulia I
Marseille 2004. 18. 'EZ.ad1;\; Followed
by ll:Jd5.) 16 ... W/c6 17. �xf6 � xf6
18.ll:Jd5 White gets the kind of po­
sition he was dreaming about. The
knight occupies the d5 square and
Black remains with his bad bishop.
White has an incontestable long­
term advantage. This is the kind of
position that Black absolutely needs
to avoid! 18 ... ii.d8 19.c3 "B.d2 20.b3
Wic5 21. "B. fd1;\; B. Vuckovic-D. Di­
nev I Belgrade 2006;
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
b) 13 ... �c6 14 . .igs! In order to get
a good knight against a bad bishop
as we have already seen in the vari­
ation 13 ... �q. This thematic ex­
change is in White's favor.
(14 ... �b6 15.0-o-oN .ie7 (15 ...
�xj2 16. �h3!i) 16. � hfl o-o
17· .ixf6 .i xf6 1S.lL!ds�)
15 . .i xf6 .ixf6 16.0-o-o o-o 17. Wb1
�d7N (17...g6?! 1B. h4± 0. Zimi­
na-K. Smokina I Vladimir 2006.)
1S.lL!ds .ids 19.6�;
(14.0-o-o is also possible to claim
an advantage. But if White can
exchange his bishop against the
knight without giving Black any
counterplay, then we advise him to
do so without even thinking about
it! 14 ... bs 15.6 .ie7 16.g4 b4N Pos­
sibly the best move. The arising po­
sition is slightly better for White,
but Black's position is quite solid.
(16... o-o 17.gs lL! d7 1B.lLlds .ids
19.h4i F. El Taher-R. Shetty I
Dubai 2001.) 17.CLla4 CLld7 1S. Wb1
1 59
�c6 19.c3 lLlcs 2o.lL! xcs dxcs
2l.C4�)
14 ... :E:d4 15.�e2 �g4
(15 ... .ie7 16 . .i xf6 (16.o-o followed
by .ixf6 is of course also possible.)
16 ... .ixf6 17. �d1
17... � xd1+ 1S.�xd1 �c6 19.o­
o o - o 2o.lL!ds .ids 21.�d3�
L. Seres-0. Jakobsen I Budapest
2003.)
17... CLl f6 1S . .ixf6 White has man­
aged to get the position he wanted
(good knight vs bad bishop) and he
know has a riskless advantage. 1S...
gxf6 19. �d1� M. Palac-E. Sveshnik­
ov I Murska Sobota 2006;
S... �bS!? A rare but tricky move. The
idea is to wait and see what White
160
is going to do before developing the
kingside, all while controling the b6
square after a future bs.
(9.CZJe3 is the other way of playing.
9 ...CZJ f6 10.g3 hs!? is an interesting
way of playing. Black takes space
on the kingside. White's problem
is that he doesn't have a clear plan
on the queenside as Black hasn't
weakened his position by playing
bs.
(11 ... :S.c8 It is surprising that
Black can afford to move this
rook twice, but White doesn't
have any direct refutation. The
idea is to play CZJd4.
u.lZJcds! (12.o-o CZJd4!=) 12 ...o­
o 13.0-o CZJ as Probably Black's
CHAPTER 1 0
best try, but the position re­
mains more pleasant for White.
14.CZJ xe7+!? Avoiding the ma­
neuver CZJ xds followed by �gs.
By keeping his dark squared
bishop, White keeps control
over the important d4 square.
(14.b3 lZJ xds 15.l2J xd s � gs
(15 ... �xds 16. exds fs IJ.Vl!ie2
e4 18. :S.b1 bs 19.g4;t) 16. � xgs
Vl!! x gs 17.Vl!id3 Vl!ids 18.CZJe3oo
The position remains compli­
cated, but Black is not unhappy
about that.)
14 ... VJ!Ixe7 15 .b3 bs (1s . . . Vl!!q
1 6. Vl!ie2 CZJ c6 17. � b2 CZJ d4
18.Vl!fd2;t) 16.VJ!fd2 CZJc6 17. �b2
17... Vl!!a7 18. :S.ad1 :S. fd8 19.Vl!ie2;k,
White will double on the d-file
and try to put pressure on the
d6 pawn.)
12.CZJcds bs 13.0-0 b4 14.a3 as
15.axb4 axb4 16.b3 In order to
complete the development. 16 ...
Vl!id7 17. �b2;t A. Areshchenko­
U. Boensch I Fuegen 2006. White
is a little bit better; he has the pos­
sibility of improving his position
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 161

by getting his knight to c4 and at­
tacking the d6 pawn.)
13 ... �q (1J ... �c8 14 . :S.d1 hxg3
15. hxg3 � h3 16. �j1 ! �xg2
17-�xg2;l; The l£\e7 will have to
move and so White will be able
to put his knights to ds or fs.; IJ . . .

li:Jg6 14. :S.d1 :S.cS is.l':iJjs;t) 14. :S.d1

:S.d8 15.b3 White completes his
development and he is waiting for
Black to show his intentions. 15 . ..

hxg3 16.hxg3 8g4�? It is hard to

find a better move for Black.

(12 ... '£le7 This unnatural looking

move has al ready been played .
13.�d3!N A good irnprr1Vf•ment.
White wants to play :S.dt in order
to attack the d6 pawn and thereby
take advantage of the unusual po­
sition of the l£\e7.
(13 .'£l cds was played, but
White didn't get any advan­
tage: 13 ... '£lexds 14.'£l xds �c8
(14 . . . l£\xds!?N 15. exds �d7oo )
15.'£l xf6+ gxf6 16. :S.e1 �e7
l7. �e3 � h3 18. � xh3 �Xh3
19.�6 hxg3 2o.hxg3 :S.c8= And
Black didn't have any problems
in the game M. Kunal -Ramnath
R. Bhuvanesh I Chennai 2011.)
17.'£l xg4 � xg4 18. :S.d2 �e6
19. �b2 g6 2o.i£ld1 The knight will
go to e3 and block the c1-h6 diag­
onal, so that White can then push
the c-pawn. 2o... �h6 21.i£le3 �cs
22. :S.e1 l£\c6 23.a3 'it>f8 As the :S.h8
is well placed, it seems natural to
get the king into safety without
castling. 24.b4 �a7 25.q;l; And
we think that White's position is
more pleasant, although Black's
position is quite solid.(25j4!? bs
26. :S.j2 is also an interesting try
for White.) )

13.'£lcds �e7 (IJ ... l£\q 14.l£\xj6+

gxf6 15j4 �CJ was played in the
game Tomczak, J -Kalinitschew, S
I Police 2009, but after the strong
16js!N White takes the advan­
tage: 16... �d7 17- :S.j2;l;) 14.c3 �d8
162
15.CLJ xf6+ .1i.xf6 16.b3 �f8 17. .1i.a3
:S.d8 18. 'iVd3 �g8 19. :S.ad1;l; The
position is slightly superior for
White.)
9··· li.xds (9 ... bs?! is completely il­
logical here as White will get a very
good version of the 7· .. li.e7 main
line.) 10.exds Cl:Jce7 A peculiar and
very interesting position. n.g3!? This
move has only been played once, but
we think it is the best reaction in
this position. The ds pawn will be
defended by the .1i.g2, which means
that the ClJC4 will have more room
for maneuvers (as he won't have to
defend the ds pawn).
(n . .1i.e2 has also been played, but
we don't think what White gets an
advantage here. 11. .. CLJ f6 12.ClJe3
g6 13.0-o li.g7 14.C4 CLJd7 15.b4
b6 16. .1i.a3 In order to play cs. (16.
.1i.b2 o-o� Followed by fs and then
probably f4 and Cl:J fs. It is difficult
to find a plan for White.)
16 ... o-o 17. :S.n e4
(17... :S.c8!? is also possible: 18.cs
bxcs 19.bxcs Cl:Jxcs!N
[HAPTER 1 0
(19...dxcs 2o.d6 CLJc6 21.CLJds! ;t
(21. li.xa6 :S. b8oo S. Grower-
1. Nataf I Reykjavik 2008.) )
20. li.xcs dxcs 21.d6 CLJc6 22. .1i.xa6
:S.b8 23.d7 CLJd4 24. li.c8 '%!¥as
25. :S.b1 :S.fxc8! 26.dxc8'%!f+ :S.xc8=
Black has enough compensation
thanks to his strong Cl:Jd4.)
18.cs It is logical to play this move
whenever it is possible as it is
White's only plan here. (18.'%!Vd2N
:S.es 19. :S.jd1 .1i.h6oo It is difficult
to find a plan for White.) 18 ... bxcs
19.bxcs Cl:Jxcs 20. li.xcs dxcs 21.d6
CLJc6
2 2 . :S. xcs Cl:J d 4 23 . :S.ds Cl:Je6
24 . .1i.xa6 CLJf4 25. :S.d2 :S.b6 26. .1i.C4
.1i.c3!= ]. Geske -Breder, D I Pardu­
bice 2011.)
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
1L .. g6 12. �g2 � g7 (12 . . . V!ifq?!
13."Llxes.
""" =, /
{>-., {; 14. h 4 .17
'H' c8 13."Lle315
f + . 12 ... t;;).
'2lf6 1s.hsi) 13.0-o '2l f6
a) 13 ...fs 14.a4 '2l f6 (14 ... bs 1s.axbs
axbs 16.l�:Jas± J. Schroeder-T. Koop
I Oberhof 2011.) 15.a5 o-o 16.c3;!;;
b) 13 ...b5 14.'2le3 '2lf6 15.a4 b4 16.V!ife2
as 17. �d2 o-o 18.c3;!; Black's queen­
side is vulnerable.;
14.a4 o-o 15 .a5 V!ifq 16.b3 '2l fs
17. � b2;!; This position is slightly
more pleasant to play for White.;
8 ... �e7 9.'2lds!?
a) 9· �e3 '21 f6 transposes to chapter
1 (7... �e7 8. �e3 '2l f6 9.'2lq �e6).
We had come to the conclusion that
White had a small advantage in the
endgame, but that Black should be
able to hold.
(9 ...b5 was played several times, but
it allows the maneuver '2lb6- '2lds
which gives White a small advan­
tage. 10.'2lb6 E:bs 11.'2lbds '2l f6
12.a4!
163
12 ...bxa4 (12 ... b4 13.'2lxj6+ �xf6
. 14.'2lds;!; 0. Korneev -Vehi V. Bach
I Lugo 2007.) 13. �xa6 o-o (13 ...
E: xb2?! loses material: 14. � bs
E:xbs 1s.l2lxbs �xds 16.exds V!ilas+
1J.C3 V!ifxbs 18.dxc6 V!ifxc6 19. V!ifxa4±
Black doesn't have enough com­
pensation.) 14. �bs (14. E:xa4!?N
E:xb2 15.o-o;!;) 14 ...'2lxds
(14 ... �xds 15.exds '2lb4 (15... '2ld4
16. �xd4 exd4 17.V!ifxd4± Rodri­
guez A. Cespedes-G. Hernan­
dez I Cienfuegos 1997.) 16. �xa4;!;
White is a solid pawn up.)
15.exds '2ld4 16.dxe6 '2lxbs 17.exf7+
E:xf7 18. E:xa4 (18.'2lds!;!; We think
that this move is a good improve­
ment and that it give White an
advantage.) 18 . . . '2l xc3 19.bxc3
V!ifes!N (19 ... V!ifq 2o.V!ifm ds 21.o­
o;!; A. Delorme-J. Netzer I Clichy
2003.)
1 64
2o.!Va1 El.c8 21.0-o El.xc3 22.!Vxc3
!Vxa4 23. :8.a1 !Vbs 24.h3= The po­
sition is slightly more pleasant for
White, but Black should be able to
hold without too many problems.);
b) 9.8e3 is not logical, as this move
would lead to a "normal" line where
Black has saved the bs move.
9 ...8 f6 w.g3 El.c8 Followed by 8d4.
Black is putting pressure on the c2
pawn and White will have trouble
moving his 8c3. 11. .1Lg2 8d4 12.0-
o o-ooo The position is unclear. It
is difficult to find a plan for White.
J. Bejtovic-Y. Kuzubov I Helsingor
2009;
(9 ... 8 f6 10.8xf6+ .1Lxf6 (w...gxf6
11. 1Le3;l;) n.!Vxd6 8d4 12.!Vxd8+
:8.xd8 13.8e3 lLgs 14. iLd3;J; Black
(HAPTER 1 0
has some compensation, but not
enough for the pawn.)
w.exds 8b8 11.a4 We get some kind
of Sveshnikov position with 7.8ds,
but with a better version. 11. .. 8d7
12.a5 8gf6
(12 .. .f5 13.g4!N A very good move,
controlling the white squares. (13.
!Vj3 g6 14.h4 8gf6 15.hsi T. Mesza­
ros-Z. Neher I Balatonlelle 2001.)
13 .. .fxg4 14.!Vxg4i Black is in dan­
ger here.)
13 . .1i.e3 o-o 14 . .1Le2 8e8 15.!Vd2 In
order to avoid fLgs. 15 ... :8.c8 16.o-o
fs 17.f3;J; A. Lanc-V. Medunova I Pila
1992. White will start to play on the
queenside. His position is prefer­
able.;
8 ...8 f6 would transpose to a Svesh­
nikov with 1l.e6, which is not real­
ly recommended. It is well known
that White is better after: 9. fL gs El.c8
10 . .1i.xf6 !Vxf6 n.8b6 Ybs 12.8cds
12 ... !Vds 13.c3 .1Le7 14. 1l.c4 o-o 15.0-
o .igs 16.a4 �h8 17.!Ve2;l;
9.8e3 8 f6 1o.g3!
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 165

We once again think that White

should play this fianchetto.
1o.�eds is the main move, but af­
ter 10 ... lt.e7! White has tried many
moves, but he never managed to get
an advantage: 11. it.d3

a) 11.a4 b4 12.�xf6+ � xf6 13.�ds

o-o 14. lt.q �d4 1S. ke3 Z!c8oo
R. Schuermans-G. Grigore I Con­ 1s.�d2 lt. xe3 16.�xe3 �b6 17.0-o
dom 2006; �d4=;

b) n.g3?! �d4! (11 ... 0-0 12. lt.g2 Z!cSoo
B. Kadziolka -Lenic, L I Warsaw
2008.) 12. it.g2 (12. it.e3 b4 1J.�xf6+
�xf6 14.�ds it.xds 1s.exds �as+)
12 ... E:cs+ White has a problem with
the c2 pawn.;
u ... o-o 12.0-o �d7 would trans­
pose to a position from chapter 3,
except that the a-pawn was on a3.
13. it.e3 lt.gs 14.�d2 lt.xe3 1s.�xe3
�e7= A. Kovacevic-L. Lenic I Nova
Gorica 2006;

c) 11.�xf6+ lt. xf6 12 . .id3 o-o 13.o­ 10. it.d3 �b4 followed by lt.e7 trans­
o Z!e8 14.a4 b4 1s.lL1e2 as= I. Marcie poses to chapter 3·
-Jovanic, 0 I Omis 2003;

d) 11.a3 o-o 12. it.e3 E:bs 13. ke2

it. xds !? 14.exds �as 1s.o-o �c4
16. it.CI �qoo F. Halwick-N. Suk­
hov I IECG email 2oos;

e) 11. ke3 o-o 12. it.e2 b4 13.�xf6+

lt.xf6 14.lLJds lt.gsN is the logical
move here. (14 ... lt.xds 1s.�xds �d4
16. �xd4 exd4 17. it.d3 E:cs 1B.o-o
E:cs 19.�b7 as 20.a3 �bB 21.�xb8
E:xbB 22.axb4 E:xb4 23. b3 ds= Co­ 10 h4!?
•.•

tonnec, M-E. Sveshnikov I Mala­ 10 ... lt.e7 is the same thing as play­
koff 2009.) ing it.e6 in the 7··· lt.e7 line (chapter
3), but that is not our recommenda­
tion. 11. it.g2 o-o
166
(n ... �c8 I2.a4! This strong move
immediately puts Black in front of
some problems.
a) I2.o-o i:Lld4! I3.i:Llcd5 i:Ll xd5
I4.exd5 �d7 I5.C3 i:Ll f5 I6.a4 1:Ll xe3
I7. �xe3 o-o I8.axb5 axb5 I9. �a7
�a8oo Followed by f5-f4.;
b) I2.i:Llcd5 was played several
times. I2 ... 1:Lla5 With the idea of
playing i:Llxd5, but also sometimes
I:Llq. I3.a4!?N is the best try in our
opinion, as White never managed
to get an advantage after other
moves.
bt) I3.b3 i:Ll xd5 I4.i:Ll xd5 � xd5
I5 .exd5 o-o I6.o-o (16.a4 b4
IJ. �d2 'V!9b6 18. �a2fs 19.0-o �dB
20. 'V!9e2 'V!9b7oo ) I6 ... � g5 I7. � b2
I:Llb7 I8.b4 f5 I9.c3 e4= Almasi,
Z-E. Sveshnikov I Porto Carras
20ll;
b2) I3.o-o i:Ll xd5 I4.i:Llxd5 � xd5
I5.exd5 (Is.'V!9xds?! �xc2) I5 ...o-o
I6.c3 f5 I7.a4 i:Llq I8.axb5 axb5
I9.b3 i:Llb6 20. �d2 e4oo;
I3 ...i:Llxd5 I4.i:Llxd5 �xd5 I5.'V!9xd5!?
(1s. exds b4oo ) I5 ··· � xc2 (15 ... b4
16. �d2 �xc2 17-o-o �xb2 18. �abrt
White has a very good position,
especially as the I:Lla5 is not play­
ing at all.) I6.axb5 axb5 q.'V!9xb5+
i:Llc6 I8. �e3 'V!9b8 I9.'V!9xb8+ I:Llxb8
20.b3 The endgame is better for
White: 20 ... �b2 (2o... o-o 21.0-o;!:;)
2L �fl �Xb3 22. �C4 �b7 23. �d5
�C7 24. 'i!?e2 In exchange of the
(HAPTER 1 0
pawn, White has a lot of pressure
and Black has very little space for
his pieces. 24 ... 0-o 25. �hci �XCI
26. � xci �c8 27. �as 'i!?fs 28. �e3
�e8 29. �a7 �c8 30.h4;!:; White is
better. Black doesn't have a useful
move and he is going to suffer for
a long time!;
12 . . . b4 I3 .i:Llcd5 � xd5 (IJ . . . o-o
14.0-o See IL .. o-o.) 14.exd5 i:Lld4
I5. �d2!N White is threatening c3.
(15. b3·?I. \IJ.!r ;;W2 .?I. "Ll
a CJ 1 6. .!'M' + Ku-
r-- Xb3·1=
derin, D-Aubakirov,A I Pavlodar
2008.)
I5 ... �b8 I6. �bi ! Refreshing the
threat. I6 ... 'V!9c8 (16. . o-o? IJ.CJ+-)
.
I7. �Xb4 � xb4 I8.C3 �b8 I9.CXd4
e4 20.0-o o-o 2L'V!9e2± White is
a good pawn up, he has a good en­
try square on c6 and he can easily
create a passed pawn on the queen­
side. He has a huge advantage.)
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 167

12.0-o B:c8 13.a4! As we saw in the
previous comment (11 ... B:c8) it's
thanks to this move that White can
create some problems for Black.
(1y-'£::l cds is not sufficient: 13 ... 1.£:las!
14.a4 1.£:lxds! (14... 1.£:JC4 15.axbs axbs
A. Mista-E. Sveshnikov I Warsaw
2010. 16.1.£:lxj6+!N !1Lxf6 1J.i.£:Jds�)
18.axbs axb5 19. :S:xas (19.�xbs i.£:Jc6
Followed by i.£:ld4 with a good posi­
tion for Black.) 19 ... B:xn 20. B:xbs
B:cs= The position is equal. Black
will always be able to activate his
bishop on b6.)

13 ... b4 14.1.£:lcds The idea behind this

move order is that now Black can­
not play i.£:l xds anymore. 14 ... !iLxds
1s.exds i.£:ld4

(1s .exdsN !iLd7 16.axbs axbs (1s...i.£:lbs 16. !iLd2 �b6 (16... as 17.c3
17. !1Ld2 (17. b3 fsoo ) 17· · · 1.£:J C 4 bxc3 18. !iLxcJ� And the as pawn is
18./.£:lxq bxqoo With a balanced a weakness that will cause Black
position.) some trouble.) 17.a5 �bs 18.b3±
A. Pavlidis-D. Zakarian I Kallithea
15 ... !1L xds 16.�xds (16. exds b4 2009.)
Followed by fs and Black is fine.)
16 ... B: xe2 17.�d3 (lJ.axbs!?N B:cs
18.�a2 B:xbs 19. b4 i.£:Jc6 2o.�xa6
i.£:J d4= And Black has nothing
to be afraid of.) 17... �q!N (lJ...
B:c4 18.axbs axbs 19. b3� G. Antal­
L. Lenic I Balatonlelle 2003.)

17. :S:b1 Threatening c3.

(17.c3!?N is also playable. 17... bxc3

18 . .1L xc3 �b6 (18 ... as?! 19.1.£:JC4±)
168 (HAPTER 1 0
----
-
- ----

19.b4 :S. fcs 2o. :S.e1 g6 21.�d3 -8b3

(21 ... :S.xc3 22. :S.xc3 �xb4 23. :S.qt
To sacrifice an exchange is an in­
teresting defensive idea for Black,
but the white rooks have open files
and White can always play f4 at
the right moment.) 22. :S.e2 a5 (22 ...
�b7 23.ast) 23. �e1! Attacking the
-8 b3 and defending b4. 23 ... :S. XC2
24.ClJXC2 ClJCI 25.�d1 ClJa2 26.bxa5
�c5 27.a6 �d8 28.ClJe3t White is
better.)
12 ••• fs
17... �d7 18.c3!?N (18.b3 :S.jc8 19.ClJC4 12 ...ClJc5 13.b3!?N In order to prevent
:S.cs 20. �e3 ClJxds 21. �xd4 exd4 Black from playing b3 after a3.
22. �xds :S.xds 23.ClJe3 :S.as 24.�xd4
�f6 25. �d3 ds= B. Lindberg­ a) 13.ClJf6+ seems to win material,
P. Cramling I Vasteras 2011.) 18 ...bxc3 but doesn't cause Black any prob­
19.bXC3 ClJf5 20.a5 ClJ xe3 2l . � Xe3 lems: 13 ... gxf6 14. �xc6+ ClJd7 15.0-o
:S.xb1 22.�xb1t White's position
is preferable as Black's queenside is (15 . ii. xa8?! �xa8 16.0-o gives
still vulnerable.; Black too much play. The white
squares are too weak and the white
10 :S.c8 11. �g2 h5?! (11... �q is bet­
•.. king could easily become a target.
ter. See 10 �e7.) 12.0-o h4 13.ClJcd5
..• 16 ... d5 gives Black an excellent po­
g6 (13 ... ClJq 14.ClJxj6+ gxf6 15. a4 sition.(16... hs!?) )
b4 16.�d3 �b6 17- as �a7 18. :S.d1±
A. Shirov-E. Bareev I Tilburg 1993.) 15 .. .f5! 16.�e2 (16. �xa8 �xa8 1714
14.c3 �g7 15.a4t M. Wahls-Z. Hra­ hs�) 16... :S.c8 17.�xa6 �q 18. �g2
cek I Germany 1995. Black will have ctJ f6� Black has a good dynamic
problems with his weaknesses on b5 position.;
and d6.
b) 13.a3 is logical in order to open the
n.ctJcds -8xe4 files on the queenside, but Black has
Black wins a pawn, but White will the strong 13 ...b3!N
get good compensation:
(13 ... :S.b8?! 14.ClJf6+ gxf6 15. � xc6+
12 . � g2 �d7 16. �xd7+ �xd7 17.axb4 :S.xb4
Here Black has 2 moves: 18.0-0 �e7 19.�f3 ! ± (19.C3 :S.a4oo
V. Kotronias-D. Zakarian I Athens
2006.) )
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
14.� f6+ (14.0-0 :S:c8 15.c3 � qoo
With an uncertain position where it
is not clear that White has enough
compensation.; 14.cXb3?! �d4i) 14 ...
gxf6 1s. �xc6+ �d7 16. �xd7+ '%lfxd7
17.c4 (17.0-o bxc2 18. '%lfxc2 dsoo) 17...
fs 18.�ds �g7 19. �e3 !:l:b8oo Both
sides have their chances here.;
13 ... :S:c8 Defending the �c6.
(13 ... !:i:b8 14.a3 as 1S.� f6+ gxf6
16. � xc6+ �d7 (16... �d7 17. axb4
axb4 18.o-o fs 19.'%WjJ;l;) 17. �xd7+
'%lfxd7 18.o-o hs 19.axb4 axb4
20. '%lff3;J; With good play on the
light squares. Black doesn't really
know what to do with his king.)
14.a3 as 1s.axb4 axb4 16. �d2!? White
will win the b4 pawn back. 16 ... �e7
17. �Xb4 � xb4 18.� xb4 18 ... 0-0
19.0-o �gs 2o.�bds;J; White is a lit­
tle bit better and he is nicely control­
ling the position.
169
13.0-o �e7 14.a3!N
14.� xfs This move wins the pawn
back, but it's not enough to get an
advantage: 14 ... �xfs 1s.�e3 �g6
16.'%lfds !:l:c8 17. � xe4 �d4!N This
strong novelty allows Black to stay in
the game. It might seem surprising to
let White take on g6 and create dou­
bled g-pawns, but it will give Black
counterplay on the kingside.
a) 17... � f7 was played several times,
but Whiter gets a better position af­
ter: 18.'%lfd3 �d4 19.�ds �xds
(19 ... !:i:cs?! 20.C3 bxc3 2I.bXC3 �xds
2 2.cxd4 exd4 23 . � xds :S: xds
24.'%lff3 ! (24. :S:e1;l; M. Carlsen­
G. Grigore I Budapest 2003.) 24 ...
:S:es 2s. �b2± The black king will
never find any shelter.)
20. � xds '%Was 21. '%lfe4!N (21. �e4
�XC2 22. !:i:b1 '%lfXa2 2J. �d2 '%lfc4+
Munoz M. Pantoja-G. Grigore I
Badalona 2oos.)
21 ... :S:cs
at) 21 ... '%lfcs 22. �e3 '%lfxc2 23.'%lfg2!
White should of course not ex­
change the queens. 23 . . . '%lfxb2
24. :S:adi+-;
170
a2) 21...dLJxc2? 22..� e 6! E:cs 23. 1Le3
"L'l xa1 (2J ... "L'lxeJ 24jxe3+- With
a devastating attack.) 24. E: xai--7
Black's king is very weak.;
(22 ... ds 23.'%!fg4 E:fs 24. 1Le3 "L'lf3+
25. �h1 d4 26.a3! gives White
a strong initiative, for example:
26 ... '%!¥q (26 ... E:q 27. 1Lf4! exj4
28. '%!¥x!J�) 27.axb4 E:bs 28. E:xa6!
dxe3 29. !!aS+ 1l.d8 30. '%!¥e6+ '%!¥q
31.'%!fc6+ '%!fd7 32.'%!fxd7+ �Xd7
33. 1La4±)
23.cxb3 o-o 24. 1l.d2 E:bs 25.a3� And
White's position is preferable.;
18.f4 (1B. 1Lxg6+ hxg6 19. E:d1 '%!¥d7oo)
18 ... E:cs 19. 1L xg6+ (19. '%l¥b7 exj4
2o.gxj4 o-o 21. 1Lxg6 hxg6oo With
(HAPTER 1 0
a double-edged position.) 19... hxg6
2o.'%!¥g2 o-o 21.a3 as 22.axb4 axb4�
The position is uncertain. Black has
good chances.
14 ...bxa3
14 ... b3 is less effective here. 15.cxb3
"L'ld4 16.b4 o-o 17.b3� Followed by f4
and 1Lb2.
15. E:xa3 o-o 16.f4
We think that White has a promis­
ing position here. Black is still a pawn
up, but he has trouble coordinating
his pieces. White's pieces on the
other hand are occupying very good
squares.
16... g6
16 ... "L'ld4 17.c3 "L'lbs 18. 1l. xe4! fxe4
(1B ... "L'lxa3? 19."L'lxe7++- wins a piece.)
19. E:a4 White is going to win the
pawn back and get a positional ad­
vantage. 19 ... "L'lq 2o. E: xe4 "L'l xds
21."L'lxds 1l.f6 22.f5� White has excel­
lent control over the white squares.
17. !!a4
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 171

quite popular. We think that the log­

ical 8.CLJC4 is White's best response.
It is then often a good idea to devel­
op the � fi to g2 in order to defend
the e4 pawn and have a better con­
trol over the center. That way, White
can more easily choose where to put
his knight. Once the development
is completed and the pieces are well
placed, White's main idea is to attack
Black's queenside by pushing the a­
pawn.
17··· �37
Escaping the h1-a8 diagonal.
17... �f7 18.g4!? ll:Jcs 19. �c4 �c8 (19...
exj4 2o.gxjs gxfs 21. �cxf4± Black has
too many weaknesses.) 2o.gxfs gxfs
21.b4! CLJe4 22.CLJ xfs � xfs 23. � xe4
�xe4 24. �xe4� White has a good
advantage as his pieces are more ac­
tive and the black king is quite weak.

White is a little bit better as Black's

dark squared bishop is quite bad.

Conclusion:
This 7··· �e6 line is less played than
7... b5 or 7··· �e7, but still remains
 CHAPTER 11
6.C4
Introduction I 7.XXX [832)
1.e4 cs 2.�f3 �c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.�xd4
es s.�hs d6 6.C4
Here is White's other main option.
With this move, White is taking
some space and limiting Black's pos­
sibilities of playing bs or ds. He is also
controlling the ds square, which will
become an excellent place for one of
his knights. In return, he is giving up
control of the ds square and immur­
ing his white squared bishop. This
means that if Black manages to ex­
change some pieces, he can get an ad­
vantageous endgame (with a knight
against the white squared bishop for
example).
6 ... ke7
The logical development move.
Black doesn't want to let White play
kgs after � f6. What is more, by de­
laying the development of the knight,
Black will be able to play ke7-g5 in
order to exchange his bad bishop and
to play fs without losing any time.
6 ... a6 This move is not logical as long
as the �c1 is not on c3 yet as White
will now be able to play �5c3, fol­
lowed ny �ds and �bc3.
7·h3
White wants to play ka3 in order to
immediately attack the d6 pawn.
7. kd3 This move is not really logi­
cal as White is losing some flexibility.
Black can now immediately exchange
his dark squared bishop as the d6
pawn is not under attack anymore.
7... a6 8.�5c3 k gs 9.�d2 (9.�a3
il.e6 transposes to 7.� 1c3 a6 8.�a3
il.e6 9. kd3 kgs.) 9 ... � f6 w.o-o
�d7 A typical maneuver. u. :B.e1 .tz::l cs
12. 1i.fl o-o 13 ..tz::l ds ke6 14.� f3 1i.xC1
15. :B.xe1 kg4= I. Sokolov-J. van der
Wiel, Rotterdam 1989. Black doesn't
have any problems here and he will
be able to put a knight on d4.;
After 7. ke2 immediately, Black can
play 7.. .fs!? which gives him a good
version of the line 7.� 1C3 a6 8.�a3
fs. In this line, White indeed puts his
bishop to d3 or to p; this means that
Black can make use of this move or­
der.
174
8.exfs it.xfs 9. it.gs The only critical
move.
a) 9.it.g4?! it. xg4 10.V!Vxg4 � f6
u.V!Vdi (n.V!Vxg/ li!g8 I2.V!Vh6 '8.xg2+)
u ...o-o I2.o-o ds+ With a good de­
velopment advantage and Black's
position is more pleasant to play.;
b) 9.0-o �f6 10.� 1C3 a6 II.�a3 o-o
With a good position for Black, who
will probably continue by playing
logical moves like '8.c8, V!VeB-'i!Vg6
or e4 followed by �es.;
9 ... a6 w. iL xe7 <i!?xe7 II.�SC3 � f6
White cannot take advantage of the
fact that the black king is stuck in
the center.
I2.0-0 (12.�d2 'li!j8 13.0-0 <i!?j7
Blacks castles artificially and gets
a completely fine position: 14.�de4
CHAPTER 1 1
�xe4 Is.'i!Vds+ it.e6 16.'i!Vxe4 <i!?gB
17- it.d3 g6=) I2 ... 'i!fb6 I3.b3
a) I3.'i!fd2 �d4 I4.b3 <it>f7 IS. it.d3
g6oo;
b) I3.g4 it.e6 It is important to keep
the ds square well covered.
(I3 ... 'i!Vxb2 seems very risky: I4.gxfs
�d4 Is.'i!Vd2 'i!fxai I6. <i!?g2 And
the black queen is trapped: I6 ...
'8. hc8 I7.f4! i Opening the files is
in White's favor.(If White wants
to win the queen immediately by
playing 17.�a3 Black would get
good compensation for the queen
after IJ. . 'ilfXCJ 18. 'i!fXCJ �Xe2
.
19.'i!Vd2 �!4+ 2o.<i!?h1 '8.c6�) )
I4.gS �d7 IS.�d2 'i!fd4 I6.�de4
'i!fxdi I7. '8.axdi �d4 Black doesn't
have any problems.;
I3 ··· '8. hd8 14· it.d3 it.e6 IS. it.e4
'i!fd4= P. Leko-V. Kramnik Dort­
mund I99S;
7-�SC3 This move is rarely played
and also not very logical. Black gets
a good position by playing simple
moves, for example:
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
7. ..!8 f6 8. �d3 (B. �gs?! o-o 9. �xj6
�xf6 w. �e2 �e6+ A. Deyko -Fe­
dorov, A Minsk 2006. The CLJc6 will
go to d4, the �f6 to gs and the :S.a8
to c8.) 8 ... 0-o 9.0-o CLJd7 This is
a classical plan for Black in this kind
of position: he can now play �e7-
gs and the knight can go to cs. (9...
�e6!? is also playable: w.CLJds CLJd7
11.CLJbc3 �gs 12. :S.e1 CLJd4= S. Dol­
matov-A. MoiseenkoTripoli 2004)
10.CLJd5 �g5 11.CLJbc3 �XC1 12. :8.XCI
CLJf6
(12 ... '8cs!? 13. �b1 '8e6 14.�d3
CLJed4N With a balanced posi­
tion, for example: (14... �gs?! 15j4t
E. Alekseev-D. Yevseev I St Peters­
burg 2012) 15.f4 �e6 16.fs � xds
17.exds (lJ.CLJxds f6=) 17... CLJb4 An
important intermediate move
which gives Black enough time to
play f6. 18.�d1 f6 19.a3 CLJa6 20.b4
CLJb8!= Followed by as. Black has
a solid position.)
13.CLJe3 �e6 14. �b1 CLJd4= E. Alek­
seev-Z. Andriasian Kallithea 2008;
7.g3?! This move has almost nev­
er been played. Black quickly gets
a good position here:
175
7...18 f6 8. �g2 �g4 Black is develop­
ing with tempo. This move is very of­
ten the right method to fight against
g3 in the Kalashnikov. 9.�d3
(9.f3?! This move which is weaken­
ing the dark squares is bad: 9··· �e6
10.b3 o-o 11. �e3
(11. �a3?! a6 12.CLJ5c3 (12.CLJxd6
�CJ 13. c5 b6 14.0-0 :S.jdB +) 12 ...
�b6+ White has some serious
development problems here.)
u ... a6 12.CLJ5c3 bs! When Black
manages to play this move in good
conditions he gets a very promis­
ing position. 13.CLJds (White cannot
play 13.cxbs axbs 14.CLJxbs �as+
15.CLJ 1c3 ds-+ which means he is
already worse.) 13 ... bxq 14.bxq
:S.c8+)
9 ... a6 10.CLJ5c3 :S.c8 With a very good
position for Black, for instance:
11.b3 (n.o-o? CLJb4 Winning the C4
pawn.) 11...0-o 12.0-o (12.h3?! �e6
13.0-o bs 14.cxbs axbs 15.�xbs l8d4
16.�d3 ds+ Tscharrer-F. Libiszews­
ki I 2.Bundesliga 2010) 12 ...b5!?i
176
7.. . fs!?
A good reaction. Black immediate­
ly counter-attacks in the center. This
move leads to a complicated position.
The more quiet 7.. .i't:Jf6 is also pos­
sible: 8. �d3 o-o 9.0-o {)d7 w.{) IC3
a6 u.{)a3 {)cs Followed by �gs, with
a completely playable position.
S.exfs
8. �a3 immediately attacks the d6
pawn, but Black has enough activity
and he can afford to just let the pawn
hanging.
CHAPTER 11
8 ... {) f6 9.{) IC3 Here Black has 2
moves in order to equalize:
a) 9.{)xd6+?! � xd6 10.!fxd6 (10.
� xd6? {')xe4+) 10 ... {)d4! This
move refutes the 9.{)xd6 line. (w...
!¥xd6 n. �xd6 {')xe4 12. �a3 �e6=)
u.!:Vxd8+
at) 11. �d3 ?! fxe4 12. !¥ xd8+ (12.
!¥xes+? loses even more quickly,
but White's position was already
a disaster! 12 ... 'l!tj7 13. �b2 {')c6 o-1
N. Olenin-E. Mochalov Orel 1999)
12 ... 'l!txd8 13. �e2 {)c2+ 14. 'l!td2
{)xai+;
u) 11.'l!td1 {) xe4 12.!fxes+ 'l!tf7
13.'l!tcd �e8-+ S. Mannion-J. Shaw
I Aberdeen SCO 2001;
11 ... 'l!txd8 12. 'l!td2 (12. � b2 {')c2+
13. 'l!te2 {')xm 14. �xm �eB+ This is
White's best try, but Black is already
better.) 12 ... {)xe4+ 13. 'l!tCI {) xf2+
K. Jedryczka-A. Moiseenko Polani­
ca Zdroj 1999;
b) 9.exfs o-o 10. �d3
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
b1) 10.� xd6 �d4 n.cs � xd6
12.cxd6 �xf5 13. �C4+ <i!fh8 14.o-o
�c2+ Black will win material.;
b2) 1o.g4 in order to try and keep
the pawn doesn't really work: 10...
a6 11.�5C3 (11.�Xd6 �d4 12.C5
�xd6 1J. �C4+ <i!fh8 14.cxd6 �xg4f
15.V!ilxg4 �c2+ 16.<i!te2 �xfs+ Fol­
lowed by �xa1.) u ...�xg4 12.V!ifxg4
� xfs 13.V!i!g2D �d4i;
b3) 10. �e2 This is the only move
that was played so far. 10 ... a6!?N
(10 ... �xfs 11.0-o �e4 was played
in the game A. Gabrielian-A. Ba­
kutin Tula 2001, but after 12. �d3
White's position seems slightly su­
perior.)
(11.�xd6 �d4 As usual! 12.�xc8
(12.c5 �xd6 13.cxd6 V!ilas+ 14. b4
177
V!i!ds 15. 0-o! �xfs+) 12 ... � xa3
13 .� xa3 V!ilas+ 14. <i!ff1 V!i!xa3
15.�b6 :Bad8+)
11...�xfs 12.o-o! V!i!as+ And Black
is better as White's pieces are lack­
ing coordination.;
10 ... e4 (Or the dynamic 10 . . . a6
11.�5c3 bs 12.cxbs �d4�) 11. �e2
�xfsoo With a balanced position.;
c) 9. � xd6? � xe4 10.�q+ (10.
�xq V!i!xd1+ 11. <i!txd1 <i!txe7 12. <i!te1
�e6+ Schneider, D-A. Shabalov I
Philadelphia 1999) 10 ... <i!ff7 n.cs (n.
�xa8? �xd6-+ Black is threaten­
ing �b4 or �cs. He is completely
winning!) n ... � xd6 12.cxd6 :Bbs
13. �c4+ <i!fg6+ Black is better, as
was seen in the game A. Cerina­
C. Nobel I ICCF email 2007 I Corr
2008; White will lose the d6 pawn.;
9 ... o-o!?
(10. � xd6? �xe4 n.:BC I (n.�q+?
<i!tjB 12.b4 �xb4 13. �xe7+ <i!txe7
14.�xe4 �c2+ 15. <i!te2 �d4+
16. <i!te3 V!i!xq-+) 11 ... �e6+)
1o ... o-o 11.�ds
(11. �xd6? As it is often the case,
this move doesn't work. 11 ... :Bd8
(11... �xd6 12.�xd6 :Bd8i) 12.c5
a6 13.b4 (1J.�CJ il.xd6 14.cxd6
:Bxd6!+) 13 ... V!i!xb4 14. :Bb1 V!ilas
178
(The nice 14 ... � xd6!? doesn't
give any advantage:
15. g xb4 � xes 16.�xd8+ (16.
�b2?? �xb4 17.1£)a3 l£)xe4-+)
16 ... 1£)xd8 17. gC4 �xf2+ 18. �xf2
axbs 19. gb4 1£)c6 2o. gxbs l£)d4
2I. gb6CX))
15.1£)C7 gb8 16.1£) 7d5 � xd6
17.cxd6 �e6 18.1£) xf6+ gxf6+
Black will win a pawn and thus
have a very good advantage.)
11...�xd2+ 12.�xd2 1£)xe4+ 13.�e1
gdg 14.f3 l£)cs 15.1£) xe7+ l£) xe7
16. gd1 b6= S. Sulskis-A. Fedorov
I Plovdiv 2008)
10. � xd6 a6 (w ... l£)xe4!? 11.1£)xe4
jxe4CX) Opening the f-file, with a very
unclear position.) 11. � xe7 �xe7
u.l£)d6 fxe4 IJ.CS (13.1£)cxe4?! l£)xe4
14.1£)xe4 gdB+ Black has a huge de­
velopment advantage and he will
play � fs and l£)d4 next.) 1J ... �e6
14. �C4 gadS 15.0-o b6= B. Gel­
fand-P. Tregubov Shenyang 2000
s �xfs 9· �d3
...
The logical move: White would like
to exchange the white squared bish-
CHAPTER 11
ops as the light squares are Black's
weak spot.
9· �e2 is less ambitious and Black
doesn't have any problems here: 9···
l£) f6
(9 ... a6N 10.1£)sc3 1£)b4 is tempting,
but White gets good compensation
if he gives the exchange: u.o-o! (11.
l£)a3 1£)j6 12.0-o o-o+ Black is bet­
ter as White's pieces are completely
paralysed.)
11. .. 1£)C2 12. � hs+ g6 (12 . . . �fs?
13.g4+-) 13. �g4 l£) xa1 14. � xfs
gxfs 15.�hs+ �fs 16.�xfs+ l£)f6
17· �h6+ �f7 18.1£)d2� White is an
exchange down, but he has good
compensation as the black king
is very vulnerable and exposed.
What is more, White's knights are
very strong.)
1o.o - o (w. � a3 �as+ 11. �d2
�xd2+ 12.1£)xd2 gds Black will
play ds and not have any problems.)
10 ... 0-o (10 ... �d7!? with the idea
of defending the d6 pawn by play­
ing gdg after �a3 is an interesting
option.) 11. �e3 �h8 (11 ... 1£) b4!?N
12.1£)d2 ds+ is also better for Black.)
12.f4 exf4 13. gxf4 (13. �xf4 dsi) 13 ...
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
/.i)e4+ L. Gofshtein-A. Shabalov
Winnipeg 1997
1o. �e2
10. �c2 is probably the best move for
White. w.../.i)f6 11.0-oN
(11. �a3?! ds! 12.cxds? (u.o-o �xa3
13.NIXa3 d4+) 12 .. J!fas+ 13.'Wd2
/.i)b4!-+ would have won material.
(1J... 'Wxbs?!oo I. Balinov-U. Kavcic
I Bled 199S.) )
11 ... o-o 12./.i) 1c3 (12. �a3 ds=) 12 ...
/.i)b4! 13./.i)d4 (13.a3 8xc2 14.W!fxc2
a6 15.8d4 'Wd7= Followed by ds.)
13 ... �g4 14.Yfid2 ds=
1o ... a6 H./.i)sq �f6 12.o-o
12. �b2 /.i)ge7 13.0-o o-o 14.'Wd2
/.i)d4 15./.i)a3 'Wesi Followed by 'Wg6.
Black is already better.;
12.a3 e3!N wins material. Black has
to play very accurately but White's
compensation doesn't seems to be
sufficient. (12... /.i)geJ)
179
13. � xe3 �xb1 14./.i)ds �e4! Black
shouldn't be too greedy. (14 ... �xa1
1s.'Wxb1 �j6 16. �b6 'Wc8 1J.O-o 8gq
18./.i)q+ �!7 19.'Wd1 g6 2o. �g4� We
think this position is very tricky to
play for Black.) 15. �b6 'Wd7 16. :!::X CI
(16./.i)q+ �j7 17- �hs+ �g6 18. �xg6+
hxg6 19-'Wds+ �f8 2o.o-o-o 8gq+
Followed by :!::X eS.) 16 ... �dS! Followed
by /.i)f6. One should know that �g4
will always be met by �fs.
t2 /.i)ge7 13.a3
.••
An original idea in order to activate
the :!::! a t.
13. �g4 o-o 14. � xfs /.i) xfs+ Black
is a little bit better. A. Dyakov­
M. Monasterio I IECG email 2003.
And if White wants to win material
by playing 15.'Wds+ :!::i f7 16.W!ixe4 (16.
'Wxjs? �XCJ 1J.'WXjJ+ �XjJ 18./.i)XCJ
'Wj6+) 16 ... Yfid7� Black will get a huge
attack on the kingside. He will play
:!::Xe s next.
tJ ...o-o 14. :!::i a2 Yfias!?
Black transfers his queen to es,
where it can control the whole board.
180 CHAPTER 11

22 ... �xb+!!
A fantastic queen sacrifice.

15.b4 �es 16. E:e1 bs!?

Radjabov chose the sharpest move.
16 ... E: ac8N is in our opinion the
better move. The idea is to play Etld4 23. <i!?xb Etl bs!!
next. But we couldn't resist the temp­ That was the idea!
tation of showing you the famous
game between Anand and Radjabov!

17.cxbs axbs 18. kxbs

18.Etlxbs dsoo

18 .. .'8d4?!
18 ... �e6!? 19. E:ae2 kesoo

19. k f1
19. kC4+!? is the reason why we
recommend playing 16 ... E:ac8. 19 ...
ds 2o.Etl xds ! ! Etl xds 21. £i.b2 <i!?h8
22. £i. xd4 �xd4 23.�Xd4 £i. xd4
24. kxds E:ae8 25. E:d2 kb6;l;; Black
still has some good chances of saving
the position.
19 . . . ds 20. E:d2 ke6 21.f4 �xf4
22. E:f2
22. E:xd4?? is refuted by the beau­
tiful 22 ... �f2+!-+ 23.<i!?xf2? kxd4+
24. <i!?e2 E: f2#
24.<i!?g1!
24.Etlxbs?? kd4+ 2s.<i!?e2 E:f2#
24 ... EtlxC3 25.EtlxC3 kxCJ 26. kbs?!
026. kd2 kd4+ (26... kxd2 27-�xd2
E:xa3 28. �d4;l;;) 27. ke3 kc3 28. kcs
k xe1 29.�xe1 E:f7 30.�a1;l;; White's
passed pawns on the queenside must
give him a small advantage.
26 . . . k xe1 27.�xe1 Etl fs 28. kb2
E:ac8oo
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 181

With a very complicated position.

Black finally managed to win in
V. Anand-T. Radjabov Dortmund
2003.

Conclusion:
The sidelines don't seem to be dan­
gerous for Black, who always gets
very active play.
 CHAPTER 12
6.c4
Introduction I B.fs [832]

1.e4 cs 2./:2Jf3 tL:lc6 3.d4 cxd4 4./:2Jxd4
es s.tL:lbs d6 6.q il.e7 7.I:LJ IC3 a6
s.tL:la3
We are now getting to a very im­
portant crossroads of the 6.C4 vari­
ation. Black has the choice between
continuing his development by play­
ing 8 ... .1Le6 or 8 ... tL:l f6 or he can play
8 .. .f5. These moves lead to two com­
pletely different kind of positions. If
Black continues his development, he
decides to keep a solid, but slightly
crammed position. If he chooses to
play 8 .. .f5 he has to make some po­
sitional concessions on the white
squares, but he gets very dynamic
play.
s ... fs
White to enter this line. 9 .. .f4! The
best move, making White's develop­
ment very difficult.
10.g3
(10./:2JC2 tL:l h6 Developing the
knight to h6 allows the bishop to
go to g5 or to h4. The knight might
furthermore go to f7 in order to de­
fend the d6 pawn. n.b3 o-o 12./:2Jd5
(12. il.e2 il.e6 13. 1La3 rJ;)hB 14. WId2
bs!? 1s. cxbs axbs 16. il.b2 iLgs�
A. Volokitin-I. Nataf I Ohrid 2001.
The position is unclear but Black
will always have counterplay.) 12 ...
il.g5 13. il.e2

(13.. .f3!?N A thematic pawn sac­

rifice which opens the lines in
front of the white king.
9.exfs
9. il.d3 This move leaves Black a cer­
tain initiative, which can be very dan­
gerous in a game. We don't advise
184 (HAPTER 1 2

14.gxf3 (14.g3 CLJg4i) 14 ... .th4
Black can force the draw now:
15 . E: g1 CLJ g4 ! 16.fxg4 E: x f2
17. .te2D �g5! 18.�CIO E:g2+
19. Wfl E:f2;t)
14.f3?! (014 . .t e2 transposes to
13 . .te2.) 14 ... .th4+ 15.Wd2 E:cs+
J. Gunnarsson-1. Nataf I Ohrid
2001)
13 ... .th3 Black prevents White from
castling.
(13 ... CLJg4 was highlighted after the
famous game between Nunn and
Nataf, but after 14.f4! Solving the
problems around f2. White has
a very good score with this move.

13 ... .te6 14 . .tb2 Wh8 15.�d3 E:c8oo

J. Fluvia Poyatos-A. Moiseenko I
Aviles 2000. Despite the fact that c) The famous game between Nunn
he is controlling the d5 square, and Nataf had continued like this:
White has trouble finding a con­ 14 . .te2 CLJ xf2!
crete plan while Black has a lot of
space for play on the kingside.)

10 ... CLJ f6! This move is completely in

the spirit of the position! Black gives
a pawn in order to get active play
and White has trouble finding shel­
ter for his king. u.gxf4 exf4 12. �xf4
o-o 13 . .tg3 A logical move. White
removes the bishop from the f-file 15.�d5+ (1s. -txj2 E:xj2 16. Wxj2
and defends f2. (13. E:g1?! CLJxe4+) .th4+ 17-Wg2 �gs+ 1B. .tg4 tLles+)
15 ... Wh8 16 . .txf2?! (16. E:j1 CLJg4oo)
16 ... CLJb4 17.�h5 E:xf2! 18. Wxf2
lt. h4+ 19.Wp g6 2o.�f3 �g5+
21.Wf1 i.h3+!
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
22. '%!fxh3 B: f8 + 23 . � f3 '%!fe3
24.'%!fxh4 Cl:Jd3! 25.CZJd5 '%!fxf3+
26. <i!i>g1 CZJ f2 27. <i!i>f1 '%!Hxhi+ 28. <i!i>e2
'%!fxa1 o-1 J. Nunn-1. Nataf I France
1999. A great game by Nataf which
makes you want to play the Kalash­
nikov!;
a) 14 ... � f6N 15.'%!Hd2t White will
play o-o-o.;
b) 14 ... �h4 15.'%!fd2 CZJb4 (15 ...
B:xj4? 16. '%!Hxj4 CZJces was played in
the game Z. Severiukhina-A. Savi­
na I Dubna 2007, but after 17- �e2+­
Black doesn't have enough com­
pensation.) 16.CZJd5 (16. �c2!?N
ClJ XC2+ 17.CZJXC2 il. e6 18.0-0-0
iLXC4 19.'%!fXd6;!;) I6...CZJ xd5 17.CXd5
il.d7 18.0-o-o± Z. Zhao-G. Lane I
Canberra 2004;
185
16 ... '%!fxb2 17. B: b1 ClJ XC2+ 18. � XC2
'%!fa3 19.0-ot White's position is
more pleasant to play. He has more
space and the knight will go to ds.;
(16 ... Cl:Jd4 17.0-o-o bs 18.Cl:Jds
b4? (18... il.b7±) 19.'%!fxb4 il.e6
2o.Cl:Jxf6+ '%!Hxf6 2Lf5+- A. Za­
pata-J. Delgado I Santo Do­
mingo 2006)
17.0-o-o bs 18.Cl:Jds± A. Zapata­
a. Sanchez Enriquez I Aguas­
calientes 2008)
16.CZJC2 il. f6 17.f5 B:e8 18.CZJ xd4
� xd4 19.'%!fb3 il. xfs 2o.o-o-o
�e6 21. �e2 '%!Hf6<X> is the right
way to play for Black, with an un­
clear position.)
15 ... il.e6 (1s... h4 16js CZ:Jces 17- il.xes
CZ:Jxes 18. il.e2 il.gs 19.0-ot Being
a pawn up guarantees White some
advantage.) 16.CZJd5 h4
186
q. ile2! ctJ f6 18.CLl xe7+ CL:l xe7
19. il xh4 CL:l xe4 2o.o-o;l; Black
has some resources, but White is
a pawn up and that guarantees him
a small advantage.)
14. il fl is the most logical move.
a) 14. �g1N ctJg4!?oo A possible con­
tinuation could be: 15. ile2 '%!Vb6
16.CLld5 V:!fxb2 17. il xg4 il xg4 18. �b1
V:!fxa3 19.'%!fxg4 �f7 2o. �xb7 V:!fcH
21. V:!fd1 '%!fXC4 22. V:!fe2 V:!fn;J;;
b) 14.'%!fd2N �d4! 15.0-o-o CLl f3
16.'%!fe2 �d7i The knights are very
well placed.(16... ilg2 17. �hg1 CL\xg1
18. �xg1 ilh3 19.�c2�) ;
c) 14.f4 V:!fd7 15.'%!fd2 CL:lb4 16.o-o-o
b5�;
(HAPTER 12
(14... ile6!?N This move could also
be considered and it would be in­
teresting to see it played in order
to get a more precise idea of the
evaluation of the position. 15. ilg2
(1s.'%Wd2 �hs� Followed by ilg5.;
15. ile2 �cB 16.o-o CL\es�) 15 ... '%!Vb6
16. V:!fd2 �e5 17.0-o (17. b3 '%!fas
18.�C2 �h5 19.0-0 �Xg3 20.hxg3
CLlj3+ 21. ilxj3 �xj3 22.�e3 �afB�
Black will transfer his queen to the
kingside next.) 17...CLl xC4 18.CLlxC4
il xC4 19. � fd1 �ac8oo)
15.'%!fd2 ilxfl 16. �xfl d5!N A sur­
prising novelty. Black gives a pawn
in order to open the files and make
use of the fact that White hasn't
castled yet. There are many possible
variations now:
(16 ...b5 17.cxb5 axb5 18.�axb5 �b4
19.f3 And a draw was agreed in
the game S. Azarov-A. Fedorov
I Minsk 2005, although White is
slightly better: 19 ...CL:l xa2 2o.�d5!
V:!fxb5 21.�xe7+ Wh8 22. �f2! Par­
rying the CLlc3 threat! (22.CL\js?!
�c3! 23. �xaB �xaB 24. V:!fxc3 �al+
25. Wd2 '%!fxj1oo)
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
22 .. /l:'lb4 23. :8.d1;!; Despite a certain
initiative, Black cannot reinforce
his attack.)
a) 17.exds?! il xa3 18.dxc6 (18. bxa3
:8.fe8+ 19. Wd1 <8 a5 20. vt9d4 :SacS
21.c5 b6!--7) 18 ... :8.ae8+ 19. Wd1 (19.
<8e2 :8.xe2+ 20. 'l!txe2 vt6g4+ 21.!3
vt6xc4+ 22.Wj2 <8e4+-+) 19 ... vt8xc6
20. Wc2 :8.d8--7;
b) 17.e5 il xa3 18.o-o-o!
(18.exf6? vtDe6+ 19.vt8e2 vt8xe2+
2o.t8xe2 (20. 'l!txe2 ilxb2 21.<8xd5
ilxm 22. :8.xm gxf6+) 2o ... ilb4+
21. Wd1 dxC4+)
c) 17.0-o-o d4 18.<8c2 (18.e5 vt9e6!?
19.exj6 dxc3 20. vtDXCJ ilxf6oo ) 18 ...
:8.ad8 19. vt8e1 d3oo;
17... <8 xe4! That's Black's idea. He
sacrifices a piece in order to open
all the files and the white king will
be very vulnerable in the middle of
the board.
187
18.<8xe4 ilb4 19.<8c3 :8.ae8+ 20. Wd1
vt8g4+ 21.f3
(21. 'l!tn <8d4! We think that
Black has enough compensation
for the piece. Here are some ex­
ample variations: 22.h3 (22. :8.e1
<8!J 23. :8.xe8 :8.xe8 24.vt6d3 :8.e1+
25.<8d1 ild2+ 26. Wc2 :8.e2 27.vt6xe2
<8 d4+ 28. 'l!txd2 vt9xe2+ 29. Wc3
<8!J 30.<8e3 vt6d2+ JI. WhJ vt6d3+
32. Wb4 vt6d2;l;; 22.<8c2 <8 e2+
23. Wb1 ilxc3 24. bxc3 vt9C4! 25. :8.e1
<8xc3+ 26. Wb2 vt6b5+ 27-Wc1 :Sxel+
28.<8xe1 :8.c8 29.<8c2 <8e4 Jo.vt9d4
vt6e2 JI.vtUdi :8.xc2+ 32.vt6xc2 vtDei+
JJ. Wb2 vt6b4+ 34. vt6b3 vt9d2;t) 22 ...
vt8xh3 23 . :8.e1 :S xeH 24.vt8xe1
vt8h6+ 25.vt8d2 <8e2+ 26. WC2
vt8xd2+ 27. Wxd2 <8 xc3 28.bxc3
ilxa3= This endgame is equal.)
21 ... :8.xf3 22. :8. xf3 vt9xf3+ 23. WCI
il xc3 24.bXC3 (24. vt9XCJ ? vt9hi+
25. Wd2 vt9xd5+ 26. vt6d3 vt6g5+-+
wins the queen.) 24... :8.e2 25. vt9xe2
vt8xe2 26.dxc6 bxc6 27. :8.b1 vt8xa2
28. :8.b8+ Wf7= Despite his material
advantage, White's pieces are badly
coordinated. Considering the ex­
posed position of his king, it is not
188
surprising that Black easily finds
perpetual checks.
9 il.xfs
...
White has the choice between two
different setups here: either il.d3 or
g3- il.g2.10. il.d3 is the most played
move and that is why we consider this
variation as the main line, despite the
fact that White has not really man­
aged to show a concrete advantage,
although he is clearly controlling the
white squares.
1o. il.d3
1o.�C2 � f6 11 .�e3 il.e6 12.g3
This rather logical development has
been played several times, by Leko
amongst others. Here we very much
like the active (12. ii.d3 See 10. il.d3.)
12 ... �d4 followed by bs, which
solves all of Black's problems:
(12 ... �c8 is not totally satisfying:
13. iLg2 �as (13 ... bs 14. cxbs axbs
15.0-o �d4 16.�eds �xds 17-�xds
o-o 18. �e3 ii.J6 19- ii.xd4-;J; P. Le­
ko-T. Radjabov I Dortmund 2003.
This kind of structure is very often
more pleasant for White.) 14.0-o
0-0
(HAPTER 12
(14 ... � XC4 15.�eds (15. il.xb7
�xe3 16. ii.xe3 �b8 17- iLc6+ il.d7
doesn't give anything for White.)
15 ... 0-o transposes.)
15.�eds � XC4 16.� xf6+ il. xf6
17. il.xb7 �q (17-.. �b8 18. ii.ds V!!fc8
19.�e4 il.e7 20. �gs �xb2 21. V!!!d2-;J;
White will win the d6 pawn back
and he will be slightly better as
he has the better pawn structure.
J. Csjernyik-Y. Muzyka I ICCF
email 2005 I Corr 2008.) 18. il.g2
'l!i>h8 19.�ds-;J; White has reached
his goal: his position is strategically
better and Black doesn't really have
any counterplay. P. Leko-A. Shi­
rov I Monte Carlo 2004. Black can
maybe improve somewhere in this
line, but 12 ... �d4 followed by 13 ...
bs seems so strong that we don't
advise Black to waste any time on
12 ... �c8.)
13. il. p bs! Black immediately
launches his counterplay without
giving White the time to get organ­
ized.
a) 14.0-o bxC4 (14 0-o!? And White
...
doesn't have anything better than
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
15. cxb5 transposing to 14.cxb5.)
15.�a4+ <it'f7 16.f4 The logical con­
tinuation in order to try and make
use of the position of the black king,
but after 16 .. J:!c8 17-f5 �d7 18.�xa6
:B. f8 19/�J XC4 � xf5 Black got an
ok position in the game P. Acs­
P. Tregubov I Amsterdam 2004;
b) Taking the excha nge by
14. �xa8?N is bad for White as he
is too weak on the light squares. For
example:
14 ... �xa8 15.�cd5 � xd5 16.cxd5
�xd5 17.�xd5 �xd5 18.o-o �6+
19.<i!fh1 �e4-+;
14 ... axb5 15.�cd5 o-o 16.o-o :B.c8
17.b3 'i!th8 A prophylactic move
which is often seen in the 8 .. .f5 varia­
tion. 18. �b2 (IB.�xeJ �XeJ 19. �b2
�!5 2o.�xj5 �xj5 transposes to the
game Smirnov-Radjabov that we
will see later. This move order might
be more clever though, as it avoids
the interesting 18 ...�e2.) 18 ... �C2!?
This unexpected move gives Black
good play:
(The more classical 18 ... �f5 is also
completely playable: 19.�xf5 (19.
�d3 �xe3 2o.�xe3 �d7 21. :B.ad1
189
�a7 22. a3 �g4 23.�xg4 �xg4=
A. Timofeev-A. Fedorov I Sochi
2005) 19 ... � xf5 2o.�xe7 �xe7
21. �a3 :B.cd8 22.�e2 �a7 23. �b4
�d4oo P. Smirnov-T. Radjabov I
Tripoli 2004)
19.� xe7 (19.�xc2 �xd5 20. �xd5
�xd5=) 19 ... � xe3 2o.fxe3 �xe7
21.�d2 (21. �a3 :B.fdB 22.Wd2 Wa1
23. �b4 d5 With a pleasant position
for Black.) 21. .. b4! Preventing the
bishop from going to a3. 22.Wxb4
(22 . :B. ad1 :B. fd8 23.Wxb4 Wa7
24. :B.d3 (24. :B.xd6 Wxe3+ 25. 'i!th1
�e2! 26. :B.xe6 :B.c2 27. :B.g1 :B.xb2
28. :B. xj6! gxf6 29. �e7= Fol­
lowed by perpetual check.) 24 ...
:B.e2! 25. �xe5 �xa2 26. �f3 �h3
27. � xf6 :B.g2+ 28. 'i!th1 :B.xh2+
29. 'i!tg1 :B.g2;t)
22 ... :B.e2!?N leads to a beautiful draw
variation:
(22 ...�g4 23. :B. xf8+ (23.Wd2 �a7
24. :B.ae1 :B.xfi+ 25. �xj1 �xa2 26.h3
�f6 27-�xd6 �xb2 28.Wxe6 Wc3
29. :B.e2 h6= Followed by :B.b8.) 23 ...
:B.xf8 24. �a3
190
26.�a6 Avoiding lL!d3. 26 ...lL! h3+
27.<;!thi (27- �xh3 �xh3i The op­
posite coloured bishops favor
Black as he has the initiative.) 27...
lL! f2:t)
24 ... �a7 2s . .§.e1 lLi xe3 26.�xd6
tLl xg2+ 27. �cs �a8 28 . .§. xes
.§. f6 29 . .§.xe6 lL!e1 30 . .§.xei .§.xd6
31. �xd6= G. Legemaat-R. Nocci
I ICCF email 2oo7.)
23. � a3 �a7 24.�xd6 �xe3+
2s.<;!th1 .§.xg2! !
26. �xf8+ (26. <;!txg2 .§.c8 27. .§. an
�e4+ 28. <;!tg1 �e3+ 29.<;!tg2 �e4-;i;)
26 ...lL!g8 27. .§.ad1
a) 27.�f3? .§.gH-+;
b) 27.<;!txg2? �ds+ 28. <;!th3 �h6+
29. <;!tg4 � g6 + 30. <;!th4 �e6!
31.�xg8+ � xg8+ The position of
(HAPTER 12
the white king gives Black very good
winning chances.;
c) 27. �cs �e4 28.�f3 �ds 29.�xe4
�xe4 30. .§.aei �c6 And despite the
fact that he will soon be material
up, Black cannot win: 31.h4! (31.h3?!
.§.xa2+ 32. <;!tg1 .§.g2+ 33. <;!th1 .§.xg3+
34. <;!th2 .§.g2+ 35. <;!th1 .§.c2+ 36. <;!tg1
.§.xes+) 31. .. .§.xaH 32. <;!tg1 .§.gH
33.<;!th1 .§.cH 34.<;!tg1 .§.xes 3s . .§.ci
.§.xCI 36. .§.xCI lL!e7 37· .§.cs <;!tg8=;
27... .§.gH 28 . .§.xgi �ds+ 29 . .§.xds
�e4+ 3o. .§.g2 �e1-;i;;
10.g3?! An extremely rare move.
White usually transfers the lL!a3 to
e3 first.
10 ... lL! f6 n . �g2 �g4! is a good at­
tempt to try and refute White's play.
The white queen doesn't really have
a good square: (It is of course possi­
ble to play the logical n .. .§.c8 with
. ,
a complicated game to follow: 12.0-0
o-o 13. �e3 <;!thB 14 . .§.c1 lLlg4 15.lLlds
�gs 16. �b6 �d7 17. .§.c3 e4 18.lL!c2
tLlgesoo The position is unclear, but
seems pleasant to play for Black.
A. Morozevich-T. Radjabov I Nice
2009.) 12.�d3
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
a) 12.'%l:Vb3? /;z:Jd4! 13.'%l:Vxb7 E:bs
14. '%!:Vxa6 o-o 15.h3
(15.0-o /;z:J f3+ 16. Wh1 (16. .ii. xj3
.ii. x!J is not an option for White.)
16 ... '%!:Ve8-+)
15 ... .ii. f3 Black's attack is too danger­
ous here.;
b) 12.'%l:Va4 o-o 13.0-o '%l:Vd7 14 . .ii. e3
E: fi+ And one is asking himself
what the white queen is doing on
a4!;
12 ... /;z:Jb4 13.'%l:Vd2 .ii. f5 14.0-o (14.
Ji.xb7? E:bs 15. Ji.g2 /;z:Jd3+ 16. Wj1
o o-+) 14 ... '%l:Vdi+= White will have
-
great difficulties completing his de­
velopment and he is already worse.;
10. .ii. e 2 This move is not very logi­
cal: White has to control the squares
d5 and e4, which is why his bishop
should be on d3 or on g2. Black
doesn't have any problems here:
w ... /;z:J f6 n.o-o o-o 12./;z:JC2 E:cs (12...
'%l:Vd7!? is another possible plan. The
E:a8 will go to e8 or to f8 and the
d8 square will then be free for the
bishop.) 13 . .ii. e3
191
(13./;z:Je3 .ii. e 6 14 . .ii. f3 (14.b3 /;z:Jd4
15. Ji.b2 b5 16. Ji.d3 bxc4 1J. bXC4
'%!¥as 18./;z:Je4 /;z:Jxe4 19 . .ii. xe4 l;z:Jjs
2o./;z:Jxjs Ji.xfs= 1/2-1/2 E. Dervi­
shi-S. Belkhodja I Bled 2002) 14 ...
b5! 15. .ii. d5
(15.cxb5 axb5 16. Ji.d5 (16./;z:J xbs
ds+ Black's central pawns are ad­
vancing and they are taking away
the space from White's pieces.)
16 ... /;z:J xd5 17·/;z:Jexd5 b4 18./;z:Jb5
.ii. h 4 19. .ii. e3
19 ... /;z:Je7N seems logical in order
to remove the blockade of the
central pawns: (19 ... '%!:Vas 20. a4
bxa3 21./;z:Jbc3 '%!¥dB 22. E:xaJ /;z:Jq=
Savon, V-E. Sveshnikov I Anapa
1991) 2o./;z:Jxe7+ .ii. xei+= Followed
by d5.)
15 ... .ii. xd5 16./;z:Jexd5
a) 16.cxd5 /;z:Jd4 17./;z:Je2 /;z:J xe2+
18.'%l:Vxe2 '%l:Vdi+ Only Black can be
better here. S. Mannion-J. Shaw
I Clarkston 2001. A logical plan
could be to transfer the .ii. e7 to b6
via d8.;
b) 16./;z:Jcxd5 bxc4 17./;z:Jxf6+ .ii. xf6
18. '%l:Vd5+ 'it>hs 19. '%!:VxC4 /;z:Jd4!?
192
(19...�b6 2o.'Llds (2o. 'EZ.d1?! 'Lid4+
E. Forgo-A. Popovics I Hungary
2ooo) 20... �d4 21.�xd4 'Ll xd4=
White should be able to hold de­
spite Black's slight initiative.)
2o.�xa6
20 ... e4 21. 1ld2 dsi In exchange of
one pawn Black gets very active
pieces and his central pawns could
become very dangerous.;
16...bxC4 17. 1le3 as!?N With the idea
of playing 'Ll b4. (1J... WhB 18. 'EZ.Cl
'EZ.bs 19.�a4 'Lid4 2o.�xq 'EZ.xb2
21. 1lxd4 exd4 22. �xd4 'Li xds
23. �xds llgs 24. 'EZ.cd1 llj6 And
a draw was agreed in E. Onder­
N. Sukhov I IECG email 2003 I
Carr 2008, but White could have
played on as he is putting some
small pressure on Black's position.)
18.a3 (18.dL!xj6+ llxj6 19.�ds+ WhB
20. �xc4 'Lie7 21. �bs dsi As it is al­
ways the case when Black manag­
es to play this move, he gets a very
comfortable position.) 18 ... 'Lld4
leads to simplifications: 19. 1lxd4
(19.'Lixq+ �xq 2o. llxd4 exd4
21.�xd4 �b7 22. 'EZ.ab1 ds=) 19 ...
'Llxds 2o.'Llxds exd4 21.�xd4 1l f6
22.'Ll xf6+ �xf6 23. 'E.ad1 �xd4
[HAPTER 12
24. 'E.xd4 'E.b8= And a draw is the
logical outcome here.)
13 ... �e8 Black transfers his queen to
the kingside.
14. 'E.c1 �g6 15.Wh1 'i!ths 16.f3 bs!
17.cxbs axbs 18. 1lf2
(19...d4!?N would also have given
Black a good advantage: 2o.fxes
d3 21.exf6 (21. 'EZ.xfs dxe2 22. �xe2
�xfs 23. exj6 �xf6+) 21. .. dxe2
22.�xe2 lld3 23.fxe7 'E. xfH
24. 'E. xfl 'Ll xe7 25.�6 ll xfl
26.'Llbd4 1la6+)
2o. llf3 (2o.'Lie1 was the most re­
sistant move, but White's position
remains very difficult to play.) 20...
1ld3 21. 1le2 llxe2 22.�xe2 d4+
P. Kurumanov-G. Castaneda I
Moscow 2009)
18 ...b4 19.'Lla4 lle6 (19 ... 'Li hs!? in
order to go to f4 also deserves at­
tention.) 2o.'Llb6 'E.b8 21. 1lbs 'Lla7
22. 1lC4 ll xC4 (22 ... dsJ?) 23.'Ll xC4
'Llc6= With chances for both sides
in the game M. Oleksienko-A. Fe­
dorov I Eforie Nord 2008
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
10 .ie6 u.o-o
••.
n.�h5+ A rather rare move. n ...
.if7 12.�h3 �f6 13-�C2 �d7
(13 ... �d4 This move has a good
score in the database, but we
think it is quite risky. 14.� xd4
exd4 15.�d5!N A good improve­
ment. White is ready to sacri­
fice a pawn for the initiative. (15.
� e2?! ds! 16. cxds .i b4+ 17. �j1
�xds+ D. Varga-J. Markos I Ban­
ska Stiavnica SVK 2012.) 15 ...� xd5
16.cxd5 �a5+ (16... �c8 1J. .ifs �c4
18 . .id2i ) 17. .id2 �Xd5 18.0-0
�h5 (18... .i e6 19.g4�) 19.�Xh5
.ixh5 20. �an2i5)
14.�xd7+ �xd7= L. Lenic-D. Pav­
asovic I Nova Gorica SLO 2010;
11.�c2 is just a different move order.
11...�f6 12.�e3 (12.0-o transposes to
11.0-0 � f6 12.�C2.) 12 ...0-0 13.0-0
also transposes.
193
The logical continuation. Other
moves are not promising:
(13. .ixf6 Here all 3 takeback moves
are fine for Black. 13 ... gxf6!? Com­
pensating the weaknesses with
a strong center. (13 ... �xf6 14.�c2
�h6!?oo) 14 . .ie4 �h8 15 . .id5 .id7
16.�C2 f5oo D. Gurevich-L. Alburt
I Parsippany 1996)
13 ... �g4 (13 ... �d7!? transposes to
12.�c2 �d7 13 . .ig5.) 14 . .ixe7 �xe7
15.h3
a) 15.f3 �h6 1he knight will go to f5
and then one of the knights will be
able to go to d4. (1s ... �j6 is of course
also possible: 16.�d2 �adB 17.�e3
�hsoo Hoeksema, H-V. Ikonnikov
I Dieren 2006) 16. �h1 �adS 17. �e2
� f5 18 . .i xf5 � xf5 19.�e3 � f7
2o.�ed5 �h4oo S. Satyapragyan-
1. Nataf I Calicut 1998;
b) 15.�e3 �h4 16.�xg4 .ixg4 17-f3
.ie6 18.�e2 �d4 19.�e4 was played
in the game S. Dvoirys-1. Nataf I
Koszalin 1999, and after 19 ... 'W'xe4N
2o.�xe4 .if5= the position is equal.;
1 94
16.�h5 (16.CLJe3 ll:Jj5 17-CLJed5 �dB
1B. b3 ll:Jcd4oo) 16 ... ll:J f5 17.CLJd5 �f7
18.�xf7+ �Xf7=;
12.CLJe4 A strange move which
isn't dangerous for Black. 12 ... o­
o 13.CLJ xf6+ (1J.CLJg5?! This move
doesn't make much sense: 13 ... .ii.g4
14 . .ii. e2 .ii. xe2 15. �xe2 CLJd4+ With
a more pleasant position for Black
in J. Wallace -Saw, G I Melbourne
2001.) 13 ... �xf6 14.CLJC2 (14 . .ii. e4 �d7
15.�d3 .ii.j5=) 14 ... �d7 (14 ... d5!?N
15.cxd5 �xd5 16. .ii.g5 �!1 17. .ii. xq
�xq= Followed by CLJd4.) 15 . .ii. e 3
�c8 16.b3 b5oo A. Kvon-A. Fedorov
I Tashkent 2009;
12 . .ii. e3 is another strange move
as this is normally the destination
of the ll:J a3. 12 ... o-o 13.CLJd5 �c8
14. �Cl Wh8 15.CLJ b6 �b8 16 . .ii. e 2
�e8 17.CLJb1 �g6 18.Wh1 e4oo With
a completely fine position for Black
as in the game D. Sadvakasov­
J. Lautier I Moscow 2004.
12 ... 0-0
12 ... �d7!? is another possible move.
The idea is interesting: Black is ready
to castle and then the �a8 will be able
to go to e8 (or f8) and the .ii. e7 to d8.
CHAPTER 12
a) 13 . .ii. g 5 o-o 14 . .ii. x f6 (14.CLJ e3
�aeB 15. .ii. xf6 gxf6 16.CLJcd5 j5 17!4
.ii. dSoo S. Bes-F. Libiszewski I Nice
2005) 14 ... gxf6 15.CLJe3 f5 16.CLJed5
.ii. d s 17.�h5 �g7 18. �ad1 'i!ihs+
And the position is already more
pleasant for Black. V. Akopian­
T. Radjabov I Astrakhan 2010;
b) 13.ClJe3 o-o See 12 ... 0-o 13.ClJe3
�d7, the main line.;
c) 13.CLJd5?!N to try and take advan­
tage of Black's move order doesn't
work:
13 ... ll:J xd5 14.cxd5 .ii. xd5 15 . .ii. xh7
�e6! 16.�h5+ (16. .ii. d3 ? .ii. xg2!-+)
16 ... Wd7! 17.CLJe3 .ii. e 4 18. �f5 .ii. xf5
19 . .ii. xf5 d5+ And the strong pawn
center gives Black a very good ad­
vantage.;
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
13 ...0-0 14. li,b2
a) 14. 1i,g5 E:ae8 15.'%!Dd2 �hs (15 ...
li,ds!? is ofcourse also possible here.)
16. li,e4 li,xgs 17.'%!Dxgs �f4 18. E:ad1
E: f6 (1B... h6!?N 19. '%!Dh4 bs 2o.�e3
�d4i is a good improvement at­
tempt.) 19. E:d2 �e7oo G. Kamsky­
T. Radjabov I Nice 2009;
b) 14. li,a3 E:ad8 15.�e3 ds!? (15...
�d4!?oo seems to be a good alterna­
tive.) 16. li,xe7 �xe7 17.cxds �exds
18.�cxds li, xds 19.� xds � xds
2o.'%!Dhs (2o.'%!Dc2 is an improvement
attempt, but after 20 ... �f6 the po­
sition is almost equal.) 20 ... h6N
(2o ... �j6? 21. li,c4+ �hB 22.'%!Dxes±
A. Reshetnikov -Sveshnikov, E I
Moscow 2011) 21. E:ad1
(21.'%!Dxes? � f4 22. 1i,q+ �h8
White cannot properly parry the
'%!Dg4 threat. 23. E: fe1 (23.h3 ? 't:!9c6
24.f3 bs-+ wins the bishop.) 23 ...
'%!9g4 24. li,fl �h3++)
d) 14.�e4 ds!N (14... �xe4 15. li,xe4
bs 16.�e3 E:acB 17-�ds li,ds 18. li,e3
bxC4 19. bxc4 �asoo K. Lahno­
P. Negi I New Delhi 2oo6)
195
15.�xf6+ li,xf6 16.cxds li,xds 17.�e3
li,e6= And the knight will go to d4.;
e) 14.�ds �xdsN is the best re­
action: (14 ... 1i,ds 15.�xj6+ li,xf6
16. li,e4 �e7 17-�e3t A. Shabalov­
A. Fishbein I San Diego 2006; 14 ...
E: ae8 15. li,a3 �hB 16.�xe7 �xq
17.'%!Dd2 E:j7 18. E:ad1 E:efB 19.�e3t
And Black's position is fixed.
J. Koch-S. Maze I Montpellier 2006.)
15 .cxds li, xds 16. li, xh7+ �xh7
17. '%19xds Black shouldn't be afraid to
transpose to this kind of structure
as his pieces will get activated and
the pawn center has a strong poten­
tial. Here are some possible continu­
ations: 17... '%!Dfs 18.�e3 '%!9g6 19. 1i,b2
(19. li,a3 B:j4 20. B:ad1 B:aj8oo With
good activity. 21. 1i,xd6? is not pos­
sible because of the simple 21 ... E:ds)
19 ... li,gs!? 20. E:ad1 (2o.�q E:ads
21. E:ad1 e4 Followed by � b4- �d3.)
20 ... E:ad8oo;
14 ... 1i,ds 15.�e4 (1s.�e3 li,b6 The
bishop occupies an active position
as he is looking at f2 and controlling
the d4 square. Black's position is al­
ready pleasant, for instance: 16.'%!Dd2
�hs 17. E: ad1 E:adB 18. li,b1 li,a7
19. '%!Dd3 '%!Dj7 2o.�e4 �xe4 21. '%19xe4
196
V!!ihs+ B. Voekler-V. Ikonnikov I
Deizisau 2003) 15 ... it.b6
(Although it is playable, 15 ....tl:l xe4
allows White to organize himself
and get a small practical advan­
tage:
16. it. xe4 it.b6 17.Wid3 it. fs (lJ...
g6 18. 'B.ad1 'B. adS w.tl:le3 .tl:ld4
20. c;!fh1 it.a7 21j4� Z. Efimenko­
J. Shaw I Hastings 2004) 18. Bad1
Bad8 19. it.C1 it. xe4 20. Wfxe4
Wifs 21.Wfxfs Bxfs 22. it.e3 it. xe3
23 ..tl:lxe3� And although this end­
game is close to be equal, it is much
for difficult to play for Black. Only
White can play for the win here.)
(16. it.a3!?N .tl:l xe4 17. it. xe4 Bad8
18 . .tl:le3 it.d4 19. Wid3!? (19. BCl
'B.f4oo) 19 ... g6 It is preferable to
not take the exchange. (19... it.xm
2o. it. xh7+ c;!fh8 21. Bxa1 .tl:J d4
22. it.e4� White has good compen­
sation.) 20. Bad1 Bf4oo)
16... c;!;hs 17. .tl:lgs it.gs 18.Wid2 'B.ads
Other moves are also possible and
Black always gets an ok position:
[HAPTER 1 2
a) 18 ...ds 19.cxds .tl:lxds 2o..tl:lxds (2o.
.tl:JC4 it.d4 21. it.xd4 exd4 22. Bje1
.tl:lj4i) 2o ... Wixds 21. Bad1 'B.ad8=
Followed by .tl:ld4.;
b) 18 ... .tl:lg4!? 19 ..tl:l xg4 Wfxg4 2o. it.e2
Wih4 21..tl:l f3 Wfe7 22. Bad1 'B.ad8=;
19. Bad1 .tl:lg4 2o..tl:lxg4 Wfxg4 21. it.e2
Wfc8= F. Nijboer-P. Tregubov I Wijk
aan Zee 2002.
13 ..tl:le3
13.b3 Wid7 transposing to 12. ..Wid7 is
our recommendation.
(13 . . . bs 14 . .tl:l ds (14. it.gs bxc4
15.bXC4 .tl:lg4 16. it.xq WIxq 17- it.e4
'B.ac8 And Black doesn't have any
problems. R. Ris-E. Wiersma I
Netherlands 2007.) 14 ... Bc8 (14 ...
.tl:lxds?! 1s. cxds it.xds 16. it.xh7+
c;!;xh7 17.Wixds� is less accurate as
the it.c1 can now immediately go
to a3.) 15 ..tl:lce3!? is a good attempt
to get an advantage here:
a) 15 . .tl:l xq+ .tl:l xe7 16.cxbs axbs
17. it. xbs ds 18. it.b2 .tl:lg6 19. it.d3
d4i D. Kononenko-P. Potapov I
Pardubice 2010;
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
b) IS. �b2 �xds As we have al­
ready seen, the exchange of the c­
pawn against the h-pawn doesn't
cause Black any problems. 16.cxds
�xds 17. � xh7+ �xh7 18.�xds
�e8 19. :S.ad1
19 ... �f7N is an improvement.
(19 ... �g6 20. :S.d3 :S.j4 21. :S.c3 �a7
22. :S.xc8 �xc8 23.�e3t E. Alek­
seev-T. Radjabov I So chi 2006)
2o.�e3
(2o.�xf7 :S.xf7 21. �a3 ds!? Black
gives a pawn in order to obtain
dynamic equality. For example:
(21 ...�as 22.�e3 t:£Jb7 23. :S.d2 :S.c6
With an almost equal position,
even though Black's pieces are
passive.) 22. :S.xds �as 23. �xe7
:S.xe2 24. �b4 �c6 2s. �d6 :S.xa2
26. � xes � xes 27. :S. xes :S.b2
28. :S.e3 as=)
20 ... �g6 It might seem strange
to lose a tempo to go to g6, but
Black has provoked �e3, which
means that the white rook cannot
transfer to the kingside via the 3rd
rank anymore. 21.a4 (21. :S.CI �b4
22. �b7 :S.xc1 23. �xc1 �gsi suivi
par Cd3.) 21. .. �b4 22.�d2 �c2
23.�ds �h4oo;
197
1s ...�d4 is the move that one wants
to play as Black.
a) 1s ... bxC4 16. �xc4 �xds 17.�xds
�h8 18.�xe7 �xq 19. �xa6 :S.a8
20. �d3 � b4t Black has some
compensation, but we still prefer
White's position here.;
b) 1s ... �h8 16.� xe7 (16.�xj6
�xf6 17.�hs �gB 18. :S. b1 bxq
19. bxc4 �gs 20. :S.d1 �d4oo) 16 ...
�xe7 17.cxbs axbs 18. �xbs �d4
19. �d3 �ds (19 ... ds 20. � b2t
And the a-pawn will start to ad­
vance.) 2o.�xds �xds 21.�hs h6
22. �e3t;
16. � b2 �xds (16... �hB was played
in the game M. Kravtsiv-P. Po­
tapov I Pardubice 2010, but White
can get an advantage by playing
17- �xd4 exd4 18.�j4 �gB 19.�js
bxq 20. �xc4t) 17.�xds �xds
18.cxdst White has the better per­
spectives here. He can exchange
on d4 whenever he wants to, but
he also has the possibility of play­
ing a4 or even f4.);
13.�ds It is surprising that 13 ...
�xds!?N has never been played.
198
14.cxds � xds 15. � xh7+ Wxh7
16."i!fxds "i!fe8 Followed by "i!ff7 with
an ok position for Black:
17.'2le3 (17.j4 "i!fj7 18. "i!fxJ7 'B.xj7
J9. �e3 exf4 20. 'B.xj4 'B.xj4 21. �xf4
ds=) 17... V:!fg6oo Black doesn't have
any problems. The knight will pos­
sibly go to d4, the �e7 can get acti­
vated on gs or on h4 and the rooks
have open files at their disposal.(17...
V:!Vj7!? is also possible.) ;
13. �gs '2lg4 See 12. �gs.
lJ "i!fd?
...
13 ...'2ld4!? is the other way of play-
ing.
14.b3 bs 15.'2lcds Black has to choose
the right line here: 15 ...bxq
a) 15 ... 'B.f7 16. �b2 '2l xds 17.'2l xds
�xds 18.cxds "i!fb6 A draw was here
agreed in Van S. Blitterswijk-S. Tiv-
(HAPTER 12
iakov I Dieren 2003, but after 19."i!fg4
g6 (19. . 'B.j4 20. �xd4 V:!fxd4 21. V:!fe6+
.
Wh8 22. V:!fxe7 V:!fxd3 23. V:!fxd6::f)
20. � xd4 "i!fxd4 21."i!fxd4 exd4
22. 'B.ac1::f White has a small and
riskless advantage.;
b) 15 ...'2l xds 16.'2lxds �xds 17.cxds
"i!fd7 18. �e4::f Despite a solid posi­
tion, Black is very passive and White
can improve his position step by
step. A. Dgebuadze-A. Moiseenko
I Rotterdam 1998;
16. � xq (16. bxC4 'B.bs 17- 'B.b1 'B.xb1
18. �xb1 g6oo With chances for both
sides.) 16 ... '2l xds 17. � xds � xds
18.'2l xds �gs 19.b4 (19. �xgs V:!Vxgs
2oj4 V:!f dB 21. V:!fd3 V:!fas= Toro Solis
de G. Ovando-N. Patrici I Brazil
1999 I Corr 2002) 19 ... �xc1 20. 'B.xCI
'B.a7 (2o ... as!?N is an improvement
compared to the game.
21. 'B.q is not really dangerous: 21 ...
axb4 22. V:!Vg4 'B.j7 23. 'B.xj7 Wxj7
24.j4 Wg8 25.jxes dxes 26.8j6+
Wh8 2J.8xh7 Wxh7 28."i!fhs::t White
doesn't have anything better than
the perpetual.) 21."i!fd3 With a more
or less equal position in S. Dvoirys­
J. Degraeve I Koszalin 1999.
 TH E COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
14.tlJeds
14.tlJcds �d8 15.b3 �xds!?N
16.tLlxds (16.cxds tLlq 17- �b2 �b6+)
16 ... tl:Jxds 17.cxds tlJd4= transposes
to the game Hendricks-Moiseenko,
which we saw in the following move
order: 14.b3 �d8 15.tLleds � xds
16.tLlxds tl:Jxds 17.cxds tlJd4.;
14.b3 �d8 15. �a3 (1s.tLJeds �xds
16.tLlxds tLJxds 17.cxds tLld4 18. �e3
�b6 19. �C1 �cs 2o. �e4 b6 21.V!!id3
g6 22. 't!ih1 tLlfs= W. Hendriks­
A. Moiseenko I Dieren 2001) 15 ...
tLld4 16.tlJe4 tLl xe4 17. �xe4 �b6
18.V!!id3 (1B.tLlds �a7 19.V!!id3 �fs=)
18 ... h6 19.tLlds �a7 2o.'t!fh1 White
will play the thematic f4.
20 ... .tfs Now that Black has acti­
vated his black squared bishop on
a good diagonal and that the knight
is well placed on d4, it is important
199
to try and exchange the strong �e4.
21.f4
(21. �xfs Yxfs 22.f4 exf4 23. �ae1
�es! 24. V!!i g 6 (24.tLlxj4 �xe1
25. �xe1 � e8= The position is
equal.) 24 ... V!!i fs 25.V!!ixd6 � xe1
26. �xe1 't!fh7 27.tLlxf4 �e8! 28. �d1
�es 29.tLlg6 V!!ihsoo With a compli­
cated position.)
21. .. �ae8 22. �xfs �xfs 23. �ae1
't!fhs 24.fxes �exes White has a vis­
ual advantage thanks to his strong
tl:Jds and a better structure, but he
doesn't have any concrete plan to
progress. It is indeed very difficult
to attack the d6 pawn. Black on his
part will try to exchange the rooks,
when a draw should be the likely re­
sult.
14 ... �ae8 15. �e3
15.f4 seems premature: 15 ... tlJd4
16.b3?! (16. �e3 tLlg4oo) 16 ... tLl xds
17.tLlxds �xds 18.cxds e4 19. �e2 (19.
�xe4 �f6 20. �d3 tLl/3++) 19 ... �f6
2o . .tb2 tLlfs+ A. Genzling-V. Ikon­
nikov I Illkirch-Graffenstaden 2004;
15.b3 tlJd4 16.tlJ xf6+ �xf6 17. �e4
bsoo M. Womacka-D. Reizniece I
Germany 2007;
15.tLl xf6+ This simplification is
not dangerous for Black. 15 ... gxf6
This move which strengthens the
black center leads to a forced draw:
(15... .txj6 is an interesting alterna­
tive to continue playing for a win.)
16. � xh7+!? 't!fxh7 17. V!!i h s+ 't!tg8
18.V!!fg6+ 't!fh8 19.V!!ih6t D. Popovic-
200 (HAPTER 1 2

M. Perunovic I Vrnjacka Banja SRB on the kingside by advancing his f­

2012. pawn.

15 .. �ds
. Conclusion:
15 ... I.Dd4!? is also convincing, for ex- We think that the 8 .. .fs line is play­
ample: able for Black. It is certainly his best
chance to play for a win, as despite
some positional concessions he can
easily find counterplay.

16.b3 I.Dxds 17.'-D xds � xds 18.cxds

�d8 19.�e4 �b6 20. �C1 �cs 21.�d3
g6 22.�h1 bs 23.f3 1/2-1/2 V. Turic­
nik-N. Zambor I ICCF email 2oos I
Carr 2008

16. �c2 �h8 17.'-Dxf6 gxf6

Black often takes back with the pawn
in order to strengthen his center.

18.�d2 �g8oo
M. Bluvshtein-1. Nataf I Montreal
2005 Black can now play ambitiously
 CHAPTER 13
6.c4
8 .te6 [832)
.

1.e4 cs 2.l2lf3 l2lc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.l2lxd4
es s.lLlbs d6 6.q fi.e7 7.l2\ IC3 a6
s.l2\a3 .te6
This is the most solid way of coun­
tering the 6.C4 line. Black continues
his development and his bishop will
control the ds square from e6, but he
will also put pressure on the c4 pawn.
8 ... l2l f6 This move is in the same
spirit as 8 ... .te6, but we think it is
less accurate as Black loses the pos­
sibility of playing .tgs right away.
18.l2\dxe3 �h4 19./3 l:!fdB 20.a4
�gs= J. Polgar-T. Radjabov I Baku
2010) 15 ... .te6 16.b3 fs 17.exfs l:!xfs
18. l:! fd1 �e8 19.l2\e4 l:!d8 2o. fi.b6
l:!d7 21.l2le3 l:!f4 22.f3 �g6 23.�h1
.tf8 24.l2lds;:l; P. Leko-1. Nataf I
Istanbul 2000. White managed to
put his knights on e4 and ds and he
got rid of his bad bishop. It is there­
fore clear that he is better.)

w. iLe3 lLl xe2 11.�xe2 Giving the

9. �e2 (9.l2\c2 is the other option:
9··· iL e6 10. iLe2 !!cB 11.0-o o-o
transposes to the main line which
began with 8 ... iLe6.) 9 ... l2\d4 is the
move Black has to play in order to
justify his move order.
light squared bishop allows White
to have a bigger maneuvering lib­
erty. Here are some examples: 11 ...
iLe6 12.0-o o-o
(12 ... l:!c8 13 . l:! fd1 o-o 14. l:! an
With the idea of being able to play
b3 without allowing bs.

(9 ... 0-o 1o. fi.e3 fi.e6 11.0-o l:!c8

12. 2:!0 is an attempt to try and take
advantage of Black's move order.
For example: 12 ... h6 13.�d2 l2\g4
14 . .1i. xg4 fi. xg4 15.l2le2 (1s.l2\ds
iLgs 16.l2\c2 fi.e6 lJ. l:!fdl iLxe3
202
14 ... �c6
a) 14 ... V!Ya5!? 15. fi.g5 h6 16 . .1i.xf6
fi.xf6 17.CLld5 fi.d8 18. �c3;l; White's
position is more pleasant.;
b) 14...h6 15.b3 (1s.C2Jds fi.xds 16.exds
ctJd7oo) 15 ... V!Ya5 (1s ... ds 16.exds fi.g4
17!3 fi.xa3 18jxg4 fi.xCI 19. fi.xCI�
White has good compensation for
the exchange.; 1s... CZJg4 16. fi.d2 Js
17-exjs fi.xjs I8.CZJds;t) 16.CZJa4 �c6
17. fi.d2 V!Yd8 18.CLlc2;i; The knight
will go to d5.;
15 . f3 V!Yb8 (1s ... �Ll e8 16. es fi.gs
17./tJ ds fi.xe3+ 18. V!V xe3 fi.xds
19.exds �xes 20. �xes dxes 21.d6±
M. Bartel-J. Degraeve I Germa­
ny 2oo8) 16.CZJd5 fi. xd5 17.exd5
�cc8 18.b4 This kind of position
is always more pleasant to play for
White. But he still has to activate
the CLla3. 18 ...b6 19.CLlb1 CZJd7 A log­
ical move in order to prevent c5 and
possibly prepare f5. 2o.CZJd2 V!Ya8
21.CZJe4 f5 22 . .1i.g5 fi. xg5 23.ct:Jxg5
�f6 24.1Lle6;i; S. Maze-J. Degraeve
I Pau 2008)
(13.f3 �c8 14. �fd1 The most precise
move, although after
(14. �aCI It:Jh5 (14 ... V!Vas!?) 15.V!Yd2
f5 16. �fd1 (16.exjs �xfs 17-g4 is met
by IJ... �gs For example: 18. c;!;h1
ctJj4 19.CLle4 �g6 20. fi.xj4 exf4
21. �jd1 V!Vb6oo ) 16 .. .fxe4!? (16...
C2Jj6 IJ.exfs fi.xjs 18.ctJds �e6 19-b3
CHAPTER 13
ct:Jxds 2o.V!Vxds+ c;!;h8 21.1Lle2 V!Ve8
22.CZJb4 �CJ 23.V!Vd2 V!Ve6 24.C2Jds;t
V. lvanchuk-N. Short I Tilburg
1990) 17.CLlxe4 CZJ f4 With a good
position for Black.)
14 ... h6, Black doesn't really have
any problems:
(14 ... ct:J h5 15. V!Yd2 h6 (1s ... fi.xC4
1 6. CZJ xq � xe4 17. ctJ ds ctJf6
18.CLlxq+ V!Vxq 19.V!Vxd6 V!Vxd6
20. �xd6 �e2 21. � b6;!; The end­
game is more pleasant for White,
as he has some pressure.) 16. �ac1
And the CZJ h5 is completely out of
play.)
15. �aCI V!Ya5 16.V!Yd2 c;!;h7 17.CZJd5
V!Yxd2 18. fi.xd2 fi.d8 19. fi.b4 CLle8=
Black will look for counterplay af­
ter f5, but his position is not very
pleasant.)
13 ... CLl g4 (IJ ... � e8 14. � aCI trans­
poses to 12 .. �c8, which we think is
preferable for White.) 14.CLlc2 (14.
ct:Jds?! fi.xds 1s.exds ct:Jxe3 16. V!Vxe3
Js+ Black manages to activate his
pieces. The bishop will furthermore
go to g5 and prevent White from
using the c-file.) 14 ... �c8N (14 ...
fs 1s.exjs fi.xjs I6.CZJds;t) 15.h3 CZJ f6
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
(1s.Ji:'Jxe3?! 16./i:JxeJ;;l; allows White
to have good control over the cent­
er.) 16.cs It is important to prevent
Black from playing bs. (16. b3?! bs!+)
16 ... �q 17.cxd6 kxd6 18. kgs �e8
19.�e3;;l; This position is slightly in
White's favor as one of his knights
will go to ds.
9.�c2
The most played move. White delays
the development of the k f1 and takes
care of his knight first.
9· ke2 The other move that is often
being played.
9 ... kgs A normal move. Black
should exchange his bad bishop
whenever he can. 10.0-o
203
(w. kxgs �xgs 11.0-o (n�xd6??
'E.d8 12.�q �d2+ I].Wj1 �xb2-+)
11 ... 'E.d8
a) 11...� f6?! 12.f4! (12.V!!ixd6? kh3
1J. 1t_jJ �d4-+) 12 ... exf4 13.�Xd6
'E.d8 14.V!ff x f4;;l; Black has com­
pensation, but not enough for the
pawn they lost, in our opinion.;
b) 11...�ge7 is also playable. 12.f4
(12.�xd6? k h3 13.g3 (13. kj3
�d4-+) 13 ... 'E.d8+)
12 . . . exf4 13 .V!!i x d6 �g6 14.�ds
kxds! 1s.cxds (1s.exds 'E.ds 16. Vl!!cs
�ce7 17.�c2 o-ooo The knight will
go to fs, with a complicated posi­
tion.) 15 ... 'E.ds 16.Vl!!cs �ces 17.�C4
� XC4 18. k xq �e7oo Black is
ready to castle and he is solidly
controlling the dark squares, thus
preventing White from pushing
his pawns.;
12.�ds �f6! Black is not afraid to
lose the right of castling and he im­
mediately attacks the e4 pawn.
13.�C7+ Wd?! 14.�xe6 fxe6 The
black king is stuck in the middle
of the board, but White doesn't
204
manage to open the files. As Black
is controlling the center his posi­
tion is completely comfortable:
15. ii,f3 (1s.Wib3 cr!;q 16.Wid3 Wlg6
IJjJ liJhs+) 15 ... liJd4 16.liJc2 liJxf3+
17.Wixf3 Wif4=)
IO ... ii,xc1 11. B:xCI liJ f6 (11 ... liJge7!?
is an interesting alternative, with
the idea of going to g6, but we pre­
fer the solid 11...liJ f6.) 12.liJC2 o-o
13.'Wd3 'Wb6 The classical piece re­
grouping. Black will defend the d6
pawn by playing B: fd8 and put the
other rook on c8, getting a very solid
position.
14.b3 B:fd8 is the most solid way to
continue.
(14 ... liJb4 15.'We3 (1s.liJxb4 'Wxb4
16. B:jd1 B:fdB=) 15 ... 'Wxe3 16.liJ xe3
liJc6 17.liJc2! Not letting the black
knight go to d4. 17... B: fd8 18. B:fd1
cr!;f8 19.g3 B:ac8 20.f4;\; D. Navara­
A. Moiseenko Mulhouse FRA 2011)
15. B:fd1 B:ac8 16.h3 liJe7 17.liJe3 (IJ.
'We3 'Was Black shouldn't exchange
queens as that would give White
more space for maneuvers, as in the
Navara-Moiseenko game previously
mentioned. 18.a4 B:d7= With a hal-
[HAPTER 13
anced position.) 17...liJc6 Now that
the knight is not on c2 any longer,
the idea is to go to d4 via c6.
18. ii,g4 (1B.liJc2 liJ q=) 18 ... WIas
(18... liJd4? doesn't work for tactical
reasons: 19.liJeds liJxds 2o.liJxds±)
19.liJ cds liJ xds 2o.exds ii, xg4
21.hxg4 liJd4 And Black doesn't
have any problems.;
9. ii,d3 The variations arising from
this move are very similar to 9. ii,e2,
but the bishops seems worse here as
he is blocking the d-file.
9 ... ii,gs w.o-o ii,xCI (w... h6 Black
sometimes plays this move in order
to finish his development but sooner
or later he will have to exchange the
ii,Cl anyway. We don't recommend
this move as we don't see the point
of delaying the bishop exchange.
n.liJc2 liJj6 12.liJds B:cB 13.b4 ii,xCI
14. B:xCI o-ooo E. Perelshteyn-
 THE COMPLETE KALA S H N I KOV
K. Miton, Lubbock USA 2008.)
11. :8.XC1 CLJ f6
(u ...tl:Jge7!? is another alternative
and probably the better winning
attempt. Black takes advantage
of the fact that the bishop is on
d3 (which means he doesn't need
to worry about defending the d6
pawn right now) in order to trans­
fer his knight to f4 via g6. The
queen will then eventually go to gs,
creating threats on the white king.
For example:
12.ClJC2 CLJg6 13.g3 (1J. V!!id2 CLJf4
14. :8.jd1 V!!lgs 1s.jJ hs 16. c;!ih1 h4oo
Black managed to stabilize his
knight on f4 and got a good po­
sition in the game E. Paehtz­
U. Boensch I Rostock 2002.) 13 ...
V!!lg s 14.tl:Jds o-o 15 . c;!ih1 � h3
16. :8.g1 fs� S. Kaplan-V. Ikonnik­
ov I Hoogeveen 2008.)
12.CLJC2 o-o 13 . V!!id 2 Black can
choose between several moves here,
but they all seem correct to us: (13.
CLJe3?! 1he d4 square is "unattended"
and Black can make use of that right
away: 1J ...CLJd4 14.CLJe2 V!!ib 6 The ex­
change of one pair of knights is in
Black's favor. 1s. b3 :8.jd8 16.CLJxd4
205
V!ff xd4 17. V!ff e2 Wi!b6 18. �b1 as+
Black's position is already better as
White is stuck with his bad bishop
and he doesn't have any compen­
sation for it. Black will transfer his
knight to cs via d7 and then play
a4 in order to attack White's pawn
chain. Iraneta I. Unzue-F. Libisze­
wski I Pamplona ESP 2009)
13 ... :8.c8
a) 13... Wi/as!? 14. :8. fd1 :8.fc8 15.b4 Wi/b6
16. �fl CLJe7 17.Wife3 Wi/q 18.CLJa3 CLJc6
19.tl:Jds Wilds 2o.tl:Jxf6+ V!ffxf6 21.CLJc2
(21.:8.xd6 tl:Jxb4 22. :8.b1 V!ffe7 23. :8.b6
as=) 21. ..V!fie7 22.a4 tl:Jds Attacking
the C4 pawn. 23.ClJa3 CLJc6 24.CLJC2
tl:Jds 2s.tl:Ja3 CLJc6 1/2-1/2 M. Muel­
ler-S. Gordon Muenchen GER 2010;
b) 13 ... Wi/b6 14.CLJe3 :8. fc8 15. :8. fd1
CLJd4 16.b3 :8.ab8oo With the idea of
playing Wi/a7 and bs. Ye Jiangchuan­
V. Salov Tilburg 1994.;
a) 14.b3 Wi/b6 15. c;!ih1 Wi/a7 (1s ... :8.jd8
also seems logical, with a classical
piece regrouping and a very solid
position.) 16.tl:Jds
206
16... ii.xds!N is a good move here:
(16 ... CZJd7 17.CZJce3 �h8 18. ii.b1
Cl:Jd4 (lB ... bs!?N) 19.f4 bs 2o.Cl:Je7
�ce8 21.CZJ 7fs ii.xfs 22.CZJxfs Cl:J xfs
23.exfst K. Asrian-A. Moiseenko
Warsaw POL 2oos)
17.exds (As it is often the case, it is
bad to take with the c-pawn: 17.cxds
CZJd4+ White doesn't have any per­
spective here and Black can maneu­
ver as much as he want.) 17... CZJd4
(1J. .. CLle7 with the idea of playing bs
is also possible.) 18.f4
(18.�e3 �cs 19.Cl:Jxd4 (19. b4 ?
CZJ XC2=i=) 1 9 . . . exd4 2 0 . �d2 as
21. �fe1 �ce8 With a good position
for Black.)
18 ...Cl:J xc2 19.fxes (19.�xc2 �ceB+
Black can play for an advantage here
as he has provoked the knights ex­
change.)
�....-!�.-!"!'!!'!"'1"......
. (2o. �h1 fs 21.j4 e4 22. ii.e2 bs!
[HAPTER 13
19 ... �e3! A strong move which al­
lows Black to take back on es with
a piece. 2o.�xC2 �xes 21. �ce1 �gs
22. �f2 (22. �e7 bs=; 22. �fs �ceB
23. �ej1 �h6=) 22 ... �ce8=;
b) 14.Cl:Jds Cl:Jd7 1s.b4 (15. �jd1 CZ:Je7
16.CZJce3 CZJc6 As it is often the case
when the white knight has left c2
Black tries to go to d4. 1J.CLlC2 CZJq
lB.CZJ ceJ 1/2-1/2 M. Perunovic­
A. Shariyazdanov, Subotica YUG
2ooo) 1s ... CZJb6!? A tricky move,
although this is not a very natural
square for the knight: as White has
played b4, Black is looking for coun­
terplay against q.
16. ii.e2
bt) 16.�e3 ii. xds 17.exds (17.cxds
CZJe718.CZJm CZJa4oo With a pleasant
position for Black.) 17... CZJe7 18.CZJa1
The knight heads to b3, where he
can support the cs move. 18 ... CZJd7
19.CZJb3 �h8 Preparing fs. 2o. �fd1
23.CZJd4 �b6oo Followed by bxq.)
2o .. .fs 21. ii.fl Cl:Jf6 22.a4 �d7 23.as
f4 24.�e2 Cl:J fs� A. Hatting­
A. Pankratov I ICCF corr 1997;
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV 207

(17... �h8?! 18. �b1!N followed

by cs gives White a good advan­
tage.(18.a3?! tlJc6= E. D'Adamo­
A. Pankratov I ICCF carr 1997) )

18.cs (18. bs tlJd4 19. bxa6 bxa6=)

18 ...dxcs 19.bxcs tlJd7oo;

16 ... tlJe7 17.tlJce3 tlJc6 A frequent

maneuver in this kind of position:
as soon as the white knight leaves c2,
Black comes back to c6 in order to
go to d4. 18. !!fd1 tlJd4 19. � f1 �xds
2o.exds �gs 21. �h1 tlJd7 Black
needs to prevent White from play­
ing cs. 22.tlJc2 �xd2 23. !! xd2 tlJxC2
24. !!dxc2 b6= The position must be
equal, but we still think it slightly
more pleasant for Black. H. Stefans­
son-E. Sveshnikov Aaland-Stock­
holm 1997;
17.h3 �h7 18. � fl g6 19.b4 �g7
20.a3 �a7 21. !!e1 tlJe7 22.tlJe3 tlJc6
23.tlJC2= P. Czarnota-Wang Yue
Shenzhen CHN 2011;
9.tl:Jds Black now has the choice be­
tween 9 ... !!c8 and 9 ... tlJf6 as both
give them an ok position. By playing
9 ... !!c8 Black wants to defend the q
square in order to play �gs before
developing his tlJg8.

14 ... �b6 15.b3 !!fds (1s... �a7!? 16.h3

h6 17.�e1 !!jd8 18. �j1 tlJq 19.tlJe3
tlJ c6 2o. tlJ c2 tlJ e7 21.tlJe3 tlJ c6
22.tlJc2 1/2-1/2 D. Mastrovasilis­
A. Moiseenko I Aix-les-Bains FRA
2011) 16. �e2 h6 Black has placed
his pieces on their best squares. The
!!d8 is defending the d6 pawn, the
!!c8 is on the semi-open c-file, the
ds square is well defended and the
tlJc6 is ready to go to d4 or to f4 via
e7-g6. Black can also put his queen
on a7 in order to be ready to play bs
at the right moment. We think that
this position is very solid for Black
and that he has already equalized.
White cannot increase the pressure
unless he is ready to weaken his po­
sition.
9 ... !!c8
(9 ... tlJ f6 is another rather safe
option: 10. �d3 o-o 11.0-o tlJd7
12.tlJC2 �gs After this series of
classical moves, Black has achieved
a comfortable equality: 13.tlJce3
(13 . b4 �XC1 14.�XC1 !!c8 15.�b2
�gs 16. !!ad1 hs 17- �e2 h4 18.�C1
�g6 19.�e3 �xds 2o. !!xds tlJf6
21. !!xd6 �xe4 22. �xe4 tlJxe4=
R. Huebner-M. Chandler, Ger-
208 (HAPTER 13

many 199s) 13 .. .lf:Jd4 14.b3 i:, xds (1s ...bs 16.cxbs! White has to accept
1s.cxds �c8 16. .tb2 �cs 17. �c1 as= the sacrifice. (16.i¥d1?! b4 17-�c2 as
(1J. . .V.!ifd7?! 1B. ii.b1 fs? wexfs �xfs 18. iVd2 o-o 19. �ad1 �g6 D. Mas­
oo

2o.�xjs i:,xCI 21. 1i.xCI �xfs 22.b4± trovasilis-G. Michelakis, Ermioni

Garbisu de U. Goni-S. Maze, Pam­ Argolidas 2oos)
plena 2009) )

1o. ii.e3 1i.gs n. ii.b6 i¥d7 u. ii.e2

a) 12. 1i.d3 1i.d8 As usual, Black

wants to exchange the dark squared
bishops.

16 ... �d4 17.i¥a4 � xds 18.exds

ii. xds 19.bxa6+ .tc6 2o.i¥d1 o-o
21.i¥d2 �e6 22. � fd1 ds 23. 1i. fl
d4 Black has compensation for the
sacrificed pawn, but we still prefer
White here as his queenside pawns
will advance very quickly.)

a1) 13 . i¥b3 � as (13 . . . �ge7!?)

14.i¥b4 �c6 1/2-1/2 R. Fontaine­
!. Nataf, Enghien Les Bains 1997;
u) 13. 1i.e3 ii.as+ 14. 1i.d2 1i. xd2+
1s.i¥xd2 i¥d8 Parrying �b6. 16.o­
o �ge7 17.�xe7 i¥xe7 18.�C2 o-o
19. �ad1 �fd8 20.b3 h6= T. Luther­
E. Schmittdiel,Germany 1996;
b) 12.cs looks tempting, but things
are not that easy after: 12 ... dxcs
13.�C4N is probably White's best
move here.
(13. 1i. xcs?!

13 ... i¥xd8 14.0 -o � ge7 1s . i¥b3

�b8!? This is not the kind of move
one wants to play as Black, but as the
queen is not very well placed on b3
it doesn't really matter. Black's po­
sition is solid and he will quickly
complete his development. 13 . . . � ce7!N 14· .t xe7 (14. 1i. e3
i:,xe3 15.� xe3 i¥c6+; 14.� xe7
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
:S.xcs 1s.Vl!!xd7+ cJlxdi+) 14 ... � xe7
15.'�:k4 (1s.CL:lxe7 Vl!!xq! 16. �d3
Vl!!gs 17-o-o CZJj6+ Despite the sy­
metrical position Black is better as
White's pieces are lacking coordi­
nation.) 15 ... �xds 16.Vl!!xds �b4+
17.Wd1 Vlf!xds+ 18.exds e4! +)
IJ ... � xds 14.Vlff xds CZJ f6 15.CZJd6+
Wf8 I6.Vl!!d 1 CZJd4 17.CZJ xc8 Vlf!xc8
Black has good compensation for
the exchange, for example: 18.b4
Wg8 19. �d3 (19. �xes CL:lxe4 20. �d3
CL:lxcs 21. bxcs Vl!!xcs 22.0-o g6+) 19 ...
c4 2o. �C2 CL:l xc2+ 21.Vlf!xC2 Vl!!c 6
22. �d8 CJ 23.0-0 �d2 24. � xf6
gxf6oo;
12 ... �d8 13.0-o Here we recom­
mend playing IJ ... CZJ f6 because
this move allows Black to quickly
equalize as White is now forced to
exchange the knights. (1J ...CZJgq is
also possible, but this move leads to
a more complicated position where
Whiter can keep his strong knight
on ds. 14. �e3 o-o 1s.VlffdJ fs 16j3oo
The position is very unclear, but
White has the better score here as
it is not easy for Black to launch an
attack here all the while defending
the d6 pawn.)
209
14.CZJ xf6+ (14.Vlff d3 ? CL:lxds+) 14 ...
� xf6 Is.Vlffd3 (1s.Vl!!d2 �dB 16. 1i.e3
� as 17. Vlff d3 � b4 1B. :S.jd1 Vl!!q
19.CLlc2 �cs 2o.h3 o-o= R. Huebner­
U. Boensch Erfurt GER 2009) 15 ...
�d8
(15 ... 0-0 16. :§. fdi CZJd4 17. �Xd4
exd4;:l:; leads to a position that is in
White's favor, for example: 18.b3
�es?! (Black had to find the re­
sourceful 18... Vlf!q in order to get
counterplay by playing bs in case
the knight goes to c2, or otherwise
by playing Vl!!as. Although this kind
of position is playable for Black, we
don't recommend entering it if you
have a choice.) 19.CLlc2 bs 2o.cxbs
:Sc3 21.Vlf!d2 Vl!!q ? 22.CZJ xd4+­
K. Szabo-L. Kernazhitsky Zalaka­
ros HUN 2009)
16. �e3 (After 16. �xdB :S.xdB Black
doesn't have any problems.) 16 .. .fs
With a balanced position as Black
will get counterplay. A possible con­
tinuation could be:
17.f3 0-0 18. :Sad1 f4 19 . .t f2 Vlff f7
2o.Vlf!xd6 �e7 21.Vlf!d2 :Sfd8 22.Vlffc3
CZJd4! 23. � xd4 exd4 24.Vl!!as :Scs
(24 ... �xa3 2s.Vl!!xa3 �XC4=) 2s.Vl!!b6
:Shs�
210 CHAPTER 13

9 E:c8
...

The idea behind this move is to di­

rectly put pressure on the c4 pawn.
The immediate threat is w. ..l;l:Jas and
if White plays b3, then Black can play
bs, which is a recurring theme in this
line.

9... �g5 With the idea of exchang­

ing the bishop and transposing to
the lines 8. �e2 or 8. �d3, which we
have seen previously, but White has
an interesting new possibility here:
14.�b1!?N (14.�ds �xds 1s.exds
� bB 16.�e3 g6oo ) 14···0-0 15.f3;l;
Followed by g4. We think that
White's attacking perspectives on
the kingside give him a small ad­
vantage.)

(12 ... 'Wb6 13.0-o-o o-o-o?! (13 ...

10. �xgs (w.�e3 in order to avoid
the bishop exchange doesn't give
White any advantage: 10 . . . �ge7
n. �d3 o-o 12.0-o E:cB 13.�cds �d4
14.b3 transposes to 9 ... E:c8 IO.�ds
and 11.�ce3.) IO ... 'Wxgs As the bish­
op is still on fl, White doesn't need
to worry about the g2 pawn and he
can play: n.h4!? This move is Volok­
itin's speciality. White wants to play
'Wd2 and o-o-o next. (u.�ds E:cs
12.g3 transposes to 9 .. . E:c8 IO.�ds
�gs 11. �xgs 'Wxgs 12.g3.) 11...'Wd8
�f6 14.f4 exj4 1s. 'Wxd6 E:ds
16. 'Wxj4 E:xdl+ 17.�xd1 o-o trans­
poses to 12 ... �f6 13.0-o-o 'Wb6,
a line we are going to have a look
at a bit further down.) 14.�d5 'Wa7
15. �d3 f6 16. E:he1 �ge7 17. �fl;J;
A. Volokitin-E. Sveshnikov I Mur­
ska Sobota 2006)
13.0-0-0 0-0
(13 ... 'Wb6 14.f4 exf4 15.'Wxd6 E:d8
16.'Wxf4 E: xdi+ q.� xd1 o-o
18.�C3

(n ... 'We7!? has only been played by

amateurs and by Eljanov in a blitz
game, but we think this move de­
serves to be tested. For example:
12.'Wd2 �f6 13.0-o-o E:d8
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 211

18 ... E:.c8

(18 .. .'�cs 19.lL'lds lL'l g4 20. �e2

lL'lges 21. E:.d1± White is better
as Black doesn't really have any
compensation.(21.b3?! il.g4 This
move gives Black good chances,
which is why White has to play
21. :8.d1. 22. W!id2 ii.xe2 23.'%Wxe2
bsoo V. Chulivska-M. Pap I Pale­ 23 .. .'�c5 (23 ... l:Wq 24.Wffxq E:.xq
ochora 2011)) 25. 'E.f4 lL'l b4 26. 'i!td2;t; 23 ... VJ!ig6?
24.hs+-) 24.'Wxf7+ <t!ihs 25.d6
19.lL'lds �xds 2o.exd5 lL'l xd5 tfxd6 26.'�e6 l:Wbs 27. 'i!?xc2 b5
28. 'E. f4 h6 29.'%Wxa6 bxq (29... 'E. dB
(2o ...tLJb4 21.lL'lxb4 l:Wxb4 22. �d3 30.g3 bxC4 31. V:Wa3;l;) 30. !!xq 'E. fs
b5 23.a3!N A tricky move, avoid­ 31.b4;l; This endgame is dangerous
ing the line we saw in the Yem­ for Black.)
elin-Sveshnikov game after
23. <t!ib1. 14.l:Wxd6!? looks risky, but it's the
only way to try and get something.
(23. Wb1 bxq 24. E:. n lL'l xd5
25. E:. xq (2s.W!Ijs? E:.bB+) 25 ... (14.f3 tLJh5 15.l!Hxd6 tLJg3 16.�xd8
E:.xq 26.l:Wxc4 l!He1;l; V. Yeme­ (16.'Wcs?! '%Wf6+ M. Kravtsiv-S. Vy­
lin-E. Sveshnikov I Sochi 2006) sochin I Minsk 2006) 16 ... 'B.axd8
17. 'B. g1 'B. xd H 18. Wxd1 � xfl
23··· 'Was 24. Wbl bxq 25. E:.n C3 19. 'B.xf1 i.xq 2o. 'B.f2=)
(25 ... tLJxds? is bad here because of
26. 'Wfs±; 25... V:Wxds 26. il.xc4 l:Wb7
2J.'W/3 W!fd7 28. �xa6±) 26. :8. xc3
E:.fs 27.iff5 'Wxd5 28.'Wxd5 tLJ xd5
29. :Sc6±)

21.cxd5 lL'l b4 22. � C 4 lL'l xe2

23. E:.f1!?N (23. 'i!txc2 l!Hg6+ 24. <t!ic3
bsoo A. Volokitin-A. Moiseenko I
Kharkov 2004) 14 ... l!Hb6 15.l:Wd2 'B.fd8 16.�d5 �xd5
17.exd5 tLJe4

(17. . . 'B. ac8N 18.ife3! 'Wxe3+

19.tLJxe3 tLJd4 20.f4! An impor-
212
tant move in order to kick out the
knight from d4. For example:
2o ... exf4 (2o.. liJxds 21.ti'Jxds 'B.xds
22jxes 'adds 23. il.dJ;t) 21. 'B. xd4
fxe3 22.'i!i>d1 h5 (22 ... bs 23. 'B. h3;l;)
23. i.d3 b5 24. 'f! e1 ti'Jg4 25.CXb5
axb5 26. i.xb5 'B.c5 27. �C4 ti'Je5
28.b3 ti'Jxq 29.bxq 'B.dc8 30. 'B.xe3
'B.xq 31. 'B.ed3;l;)
18.V:l:Ve3 V:!fxe3+ 19.ti'Jxe3 (19jxe3 ti'Jj2
20. ii.d3 ti'Jbs 21. 'B.hj1 ti'Jxd1 22. rJixd1
ti'Jd7+) 19 ... ti'Je7 (19 ... ti'Jxj2 2o.dxc6
'B.xdi+ 21.ti'Jxd1 ti'Jxh1 22.cxb7 'B.bs
23.c5 'B.xb7 24. ii.xa6ii5 looks danger­
ous for Black as the pawns will ad­
vance very quickly!) 2o.ti'Jg4 'B.ac8
21. i.d3 h5 (21 ... ti'Jxds 22. il.c2 ti'Jdf6
23.ti'Jxj6+ ti'Jxf6 24. 'B.xdB+ 'B.xdB
25. 'B.e1;l; This endgame is better
for White as he has a majority on
the queenside and a bishop against
a knight.) 22.'B. he1;l; A. Volokitin­
R. Hess I Moscow 2011
10.b3
The main move, reinforcing the pro­
tection of the C4 pawn.
(HAPTER 13
12.ti'Jd5
a) 12.1£le3?! bxq 13.bxq ti'J xq
14.1£led5 i. xd5 ! ? 15.ti'J xd5 V:l:Va5+
16. i.d2 ti'J xd2 17.V:!fxd2 V:!fxd2+
18. rJ;xd2 i.g5++;
b) 12.1£lb4 bxq 13 .bxq ti'J xq
14.V:l:Va4+ (14.1£lcds transposes to
12.1£ld5.) 14 ... i.d7 15.V:l:Vxa6 'Y:!:Vb6=
With a balanced position.;
12 ...bxq 13.bxq ti'Jxc4 14.1£lcb4 a5!
15.V:l:Vb3 axb4 16. i.xq l£lf6 17.ti'Jxf6+
gxf6 18. i.xe6 (18. �bs+ il.d7 19. il.C4
il.e6=) 18 .. .fxe6 19.V:!fxe6 (19.V:l:Vxb4?
ds+) 19 ... V:l:Vd7 2o.V:l:Vd5 'Y:!:Vc6 21. i.d2
(21.V:!:V xc6+ 'B.xc6 22. ii.d2 'EKC4 23]3
rJ;d7 With a more or less equal
endgame where Black is a little bit
more active.) 21. .. 'Y:!:Vxd5 22.exd5 'B.c5
23. i.xb4 'B.xd5 24.a4 rJ;d7=;
10.ti'Jd5 This move doesn't cause
Black any problems: 10 . . . i.g5
ll. �Xg5
(u.ti'Jce3 We hadn't mentioned
this move in the first version of
the book. u ...l£lge7!? (11 ...1£lj6 This
move is of course also possible,
but we find it less flexible.) 12. i.d3
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNIKOV
o-o 13.0-o (13.b3 1his move was re­
cently played. 13 .. li'Jd4 14.h4 .fih6
15.g4?! This move is too optimis­
tic. 15... �xds! 16.cxds �!4 17. �b2
8g6 1B.CZJg2 �as+ 19. Wj1 �d2!+
Black already has a good advan­
tage. A. Petrov-N. Kabanov I Tyu­
men RUS 2012.) 13 ... CZJd4 14.b3 1his
position was played several times.
14 ... CZJxds (14 ... �xds Although this
move was played by the stronger
players, we think it's not as good
as l:l:J xds.) 1s.exds
(1s.cxds �d7 16. �b2 (16. .1i a3
�bs=) 16...bs!N (16... �xe3 17jxe3
8 bs 1B. a4 CZJ q 19 . .fi a3 CZJeB
2o.�d2 .fig4 21.hJ;l;;, M. Brodsky­
A. Minasian I Kherson 1991)
17. � xd4 (17. Wh1 g6oo ) 17... exd4
18.CZJC2 �b6oo)
15 ... �d7 16 . .1ib2 Here Black has
a number of choices: I6 ... bs!?
(16... �b6 17. E:e1 g6 18.CZJc2 ClJXC2
19. �XC2 fs 20. a4 asoo L. Balcazar
Novoa-F. Balabaev I ICCF email
2001; 16.. jsN 17- �xd4 exd4 1B.CZJc2
�b6 19. E:e1 E:ceB=) 17.cxbs
213
(17. � xd4 exd4 18.8 fs (18.CZJc2
�b6 19. E:e1 g6+) 18 ...bxq 19.bxq
.fixfs 20. �xfs E:b8 21. �c2 g6=)
17... axbs 18. � xd4 (1B.a4 fsoo) 18 ...
exd4 19.8 fs � xfs 2o. �xfs E:cs=
Y. Kruppa-A. Minasian I Minsk
1990)
11...�xgs 12.g3 CZJ h6 We quite like
this original move. Black completes
his development all the while letting
the h4-d8 diagonal open in case he
needs to bring back his queen. Black
is also preparing for fs and he will
possibly take back with the knight.
However, other options also look
satisfying for Black.
a) 12 ... �g4!? 13.�d3 CZJ f6 14. �g2
l:l:Jxds 1s.exds (1s.cxds?? CZJ b4-+) 15 ...
l:l:Je7 16.CZJe3 o-o 17.0-o fs= And
Black didn't have any problems in
the game: T. Sakelsek-V. Ikonnikov
I Graz AUT 2011;
b) 12 ... �d8 13. �g2 8ge7 14.o-o o-o
15.b3 fs 16.f4 (16.exjsN 8xfs 17-�d3
bs!? 1B. cxbs axbs 19. �xbs 8 cd4
2o.8xd4 8xd4 21.�a6 E:c2�) 16 ...
bs!?N (16.. jxe4 I. Karim-F. Libisze­
wski I Cannes FRA 2009) 17.CZJce3
bxq 18.CZJxq CZJd4oo;
214
a) 13.h4 �d8 14. kg2 (14. kh3 ?
doesn't lead anywhere a s Black will
be happy ifWhite takes on e6. 14 ... 0-
o 15. �d3 kxh3 16. ':8xh3f5+) 14... 0-o
15.0-o f5 16.exf5 lf:Jxf5 Black will put
a knight on d4 and he doesn't have
any problems.;
b) 13.lf:Jce3 o-o 14. kg2 (To try and
take advantage of the position of
the lf:Jh6 by playing 14.h4 doesn't
work: 14 ... �d8 15.g4? lf:Jd4! 16.g5
lf:Jg4+) 14 ... lf:Jg4!? 15.lf:Jxg4 (15.0-o
lf:Jxe3 16.lf:Jxe3 lf:Jd4+ Followed by
b5.) 15 ... kxg4 16.�d2 (16.�d3 lf:Jd4
17.!3 ke6+) 16 ... � xd2+ 17. <i!?xd2
ke6 18. ':a an
18 ...g6 With the idea of exchanging
on d5 (now that kh3 will be met by
f5) and playing a slightly superior
endgame or playing <i!?g7 in order to
put the knight on d4 and then dou­
bling on the c-file.(18 ... kxd5 19.cxd5
lf:Jd4 20. kh3j5 21. kxj5 lf:Jxj5 22.exj5
':8xe1 23. ':8xe1 ':8xj5 24. <i!?e3;l;) ;
13 ... o-oN 14.0-o f5 15.f4 (15. exj5
lf:Jxj5 16. �d3oo leads to a balanced
position where Black doesn't have
any problems.) 15 ... exf4 16.exf5 (16.
[HAPTER 13
lf:Jxj4? kxC4 17- ':8e1 lf:Jg4+; 16.gxj4
�h4 17.exj5 lf:Jxj5 With good play
for Black.; 16.�d2?! jxe4 17. kxe4
�e5 18. ':8xf4 �xb2 19. ':8aj1 ':8xj4
20. � xj4 kh3 21. ':8e1 ':ads+) 16 ...
lf:J xf5 17. ':8xf4 lf:Jfe7 18. ':8xf8+
(18.lf:Jce3 ':8 xf4 19.gxf4 (19.lf:Jxj4
�c5 2o. �d3 kfJ=) 19 . . . �h4
20.�b3 lf:Jg6 2Lf5 lf:Jd4 22.�d3
(22. �xb7 lf:Jxj5 23.lf:Jxj5 kxj5=)
22 ... lf:Je5 23.�e4 �xe4 24. k xe4
kxd5 25. k xd5+ <i!?f8=)
18 ... ':8 xf8 19.lf:J xe7+ � xe7� The
knight will go to e5. The activity of
Black's pieces compensates for the
weakness of the d6 pawn.;
10. ke2 lf:Jf6
(10...lf:Ja5 is not as good here. u.b3
(n.lf:Je3 ?! lf:JxC4 12.lf:J xC4 kxC4
1J . �a4+ �d7 14. kxc4 �Xa4
15. kxj7+ <i!?xj7 16.lf:J xa4 lf:Jj6+
H . Matthey-S. Kalinitschew I
Germany 1997) u ...b5 12.lf:Jd5 bxq
Compared to the 10 . .1Ld3 line, the
bishop is not attacked now and
therefore White can play 13.b4!?
lf:Jc6 14.0-o lf:J f6 15. k xq lf:J xe4
16. kxa6;l; The pawn majority on
the queenside should give White
a more pleasant position.)
11.0-0 0-0
(u...lf:Ja5!? is also possible.
 THE COMPLET E KALA S H N I KOV
to.
12.b3 bs 13.'2le3
(13. �e3 bxC4 14.b4?! (14.8ds 'Et. b8
1s. b4 8c6 16. il.xq o-o 1J.i'2lxf6+
�xf6 18. �xe6fxe6 19.aJ as=) 14···
'2lb7 15.a4 o-o 16.as ds+ S. Feller­
E. Bacrot I Nancy FRA 2012.)
13 ... o-o 14.'2leds bxC4 15 . �e3
'2l xds 16.'2lxds 'Et.b8 17.�d2 � xds
18.�xds 'Et.bs 19.�d2 ds 2o.exds
'Et.xds 21.�e2 cxb3 22.axb3= The
bishop pair gives White enough
compensation.)
12. �e3 (12. �gs? 8 xe4 13.8 xe4
�xgs 14.�xd6 �q 1S.�Xd8 ft.jxd8
16. 'Et.jd1 js+ D. Kjartansson-I. Nataf
I Reykjavik 2008; 12.b3 transposes to
the main line.; 12. �d2?! is met by the
thematic 12 ... 8 as 13.b3 bs! 14. cxbs
�CJ 1s. �b2 8xe4 16.8xe4 �xc2+
A. Neiksans-I. Berzina I Pardubice
2009) 12 ...12lb8!? Black wants to play
bs after b3 and from b8 the knight is
protecting the a6 pawn.
215
13.b3 b5 14.'2Jb4 bxC4 15. �XC4 �XC4
t6.bxC4 'Et.xC4 17.�b3 'Et.c8 18.'2lbds
'2l fd7ii5 White has compensation
thanks to his active and well placed
pieces, but it's not enough to claim
an advantage.
'2lf6 11. �e2
..
ll. �d3 0-0 12. iLb2
(12.o-o bs! 13.cxbs '2la7 14. �b2 (14.
�d2 8xbs 1s.8xbs axbsoo With an
unclear position. Black will play
ds next.) 14 ... '2l xbs 15.'2lxbs (1s.
'2le2 �b6 16.'2le3 �b7!?N 17.'2lg3
g6 18.�d2 hsoo With an interesting
position.) 15 ... axbs 16.'2lb4
a) 16.'2le3 �b6 17.�e2 b4= D. Kara­
torossian-G. Grigore I Cappelle la
Grande 1999;
b) 16.�e2 �b6 17. �a3?! b4!?N
(IJ. .. 'Et.a8 18. �b4 'Et.fc8= A. Franco
Valencia-A. Chumpitaz Carbajal I
Khanty-Mansiysk 2010) 18. �b2
(18.8xb4?! �as 19.�b2 ds!+) 18 ...
'2ld7+;
16 ... �as 17.�e1 �d8 18.�h1 was
played in the game A. Zubarev­
J. Nilssen I Borup DEN 2012 but
after 18 ... '2ld7= we think that Black
has a completely fine position. The
'2ld7 will support the es square af­
ter a possible f4 and he could also
go to cs.)
12 ... b5! As usual when he manages to
play this move, Black has a comfort­
able position.
216
a) 14. � xbs?! �as 15. �d3 (15.0-o
�Xe4+) 15 ... �d4 16.�d2 � XC2+
17. �xe2 ds 18.exds .E: fd8�;
b) 14.0-o The most played move.
14 ... ds (14 ... �b6!?) 1s .exds 12l xds
16.� xds �xds q.�e3 �cs =
D. Leal-J. Diaz Castanet I ICCF
email 2007;
14 ... ds A logical move. Once that
Black has eliminated the C4 pawn,
he plays ds in order to liberate all
his forces.
1s.exds 12l xds 16.o-o � f4 17. �C4
�xc4 18.bxq �cs 19.�e3 (19-�xd8
.E:jxd8 20 . .E:ad1 12ld3 21. �c3 .E:as
22.a3 e4� The activity of Black's
pieces compensates for the sacri­
ficed pawn.) 19 ...�d3 20. �c3 12l xf2
(2o.. j5!?) 21.�xd8
(HAPTER 13
(21. �xf2? would be a big mis­
take here. 21...�h4+ 22.�e2 .E:cd8
23.�b1 (23 . �b3 ?! �e4 24 . .E:j3
.E: d3 - +) 23 ... .E: fe8!! This cold­
blooded move gives Black the ad­
vantage. The immediate threat is
�d4. 24.�e1 �e4 25.�f2 .E:d3-+)
21. .. 12l h3+ 22. �h1 .E: fxd8 23.12lg4
�gs 24.� xes 12l xes 25. �xes 12le4
26.g3 .E:d2oo Once again, the activity
of Black's pieces give him sufficient
compensation.
11 ...0-0 12.0-0
12. �d2?! This move which is sup­
posed to prevent bs doesn't work:
12 ...bs!N After this thematic move all
of Black's pieces are starting to work.
Black's position is very promising.
(12 ... �d4 13.0-o � xe2+ 14.�xe2
bs 15.�e3 (15.cxb5 d5!+) 15 ... �d7
16 . .E:ac1 �b7 17.12leds 1/2-1/2 D. Ja­
kovenko-E. Bacrot France 2009)
13.cxbs axbs 14. � xbs ds 1s.exds (15.
�xc6 .E:xc6 16.exd5 �xd5 17-�xd5
�xd5 18.o-o �b5 19.�e3 .E:d8 2o.�e1
�a3i And White's position is hard
to play.; 15. �a6 d4 16. �xeS �xc8i
Followed by �xe4.) 15 ... �xds
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
Black will take back on b5 with the
knight.
16.l2la4 (16.o-o?! l2lxc3 17. �xc3
�a7+; 16. i.t.c4 �db4 IJ.O-o 1i.xc4
18. bXC4 �XC2 19.l!J/xc2 �b4 20.l!J/b2
� XC4'+) 16 ... � f4 17. li.xf4 (17.0-0
� xg2! 18. ii.xc6 !!xc6 19. �xg2
!!d6-+) 17... l!Da5+ 18. 1i.d2 l!Dxb5
19.l!De2 l!Dxe2+ 20. �xe2 �f5 21.l2le3
�d4+ 22. �d1 1i.e6+ Black has more
than enough compensation for the
pawn.;
12.a4 b5! Still!
13.axb5 axb5 14.l2lxb5 (14.cxbs lLlas
15. li. b2 �Xb3'+) 14 ... � xe4 15.0-0!
d5 16.cxd5 l!9 xd5 q. k q l!9 xd1
18. !!xd1+ And a draw was agreed in
this position where Black is slight­
ly better in the game V. Kramnik­
T. Radjabov, Baku 2009.
12 b5! 13.cxbs axbs
...
217
13 ... l2l a7!? is another possibility.
a) 14. li.b2 � xb5 15.l2l xb5 axb5
16. � f3 (I6. 1i.xbs?! �xe4+ Black's
center is too strong.) 16 ... l!Db6
17.�e3 g6 18.l!Dd2 b4+ The a2 pawn
is fixed and it will remain a weak­
ness. White's perspectives are very
limited here.;
b) 14.�d5 � xb5 15.� xf6+ (15.
�xq+ l!9xq 16. 1i.xbs axbs 17- li.gs
l!Db7! 18. 1Lxj6 l!9xe4 19. ke7 !!feB
20. ii.xd6 !!xc2 21. !!ei l!Djs 22. !!e2=)
15 ... 1i.xf6 16. 1i. xb5 axb5 17.�b4 l!Dd7
18.l!Dd3 .ids A good maneuver in
order to activate the bishop and to
free the f-pawn. 19. �e3 f5 20.f3N
(20. !!jd1?! !4 21.l!Dxd6 jxe3 22.l!Dxd7
li.xd7 23. !!xd7 !!xj2+ A. Sitnikov­
T. Nyback I Chalkidiki 2001) 20 ...
li.a5 21.�d5 l!Db7oo With an unclear
position.;
14 ... l!J/q 15 . .id2 (1s. .ib2?? �xbs
16.�xbs l!Dxc2-+ wins a piece.) 15 ...
� xb5 16.�xb5 axb5 17.�e3
218
(17.'8b4 �b7 18. �g5 (18. �/3
l8d7oo) 18 ... '8h5 (18... 'B.cs!? 19. '8jd1
'8Jc8oo) 19. �e3 '8 f6=)
18. � Xb4 (18. �/J �b7 19. 'B.jCl
g6oo ) 18 ... �b7 19.a3 '8 xe4 2o. �f3
(20. '8ad1 l8cs 21. �xes e4 22. �a6
�xa6 23. �xa6 'B.xcsoo With a bal­
anced position.) 2o ... d5 21. � xe7
'8c3! 22.�b1 �xq 23.'8xd5 � xd5
24. � xe4 � xe4 25 .�xe4 '8xb3=
Black should hold the draw without
too many problems.
14.�d3
14. $.f3 i'8b4 (14 ... '8 b8!?) 15.'8 xb4
'8xc3 16. �d2 (16. � b2 '8c8 17. '8C1
�b6=) 16 ... '8c8 17.�e2 �b6 18. '8 fd1
h6 19.h3 'B.q 2o. '8ac1 '8 fc8 21. '8xq
'B.xq 22.�d3 �b7 23. '8c1 �d8=
J. Timman-N. Short I Belgrade 1989;
14.f3? '8a7 (14 ... ds!? 1s.exds '8xds+)
15. �b2 (1s.l8ds '8xds 16.exds �xds
17.�xds '8xc2 18. �d3 'B.cs 19.�e4
fs 2o.�e2 �gs+) 15 ... b4 16.'8b1?!
(16.'8a4 '8c6+) 16... d5+ V. Sagues­
N. Pert I Sunningdale 2010;
14. $.g5?! This move was recently
played by GM Guliyev, but it doesn't
cause Black any problems: 14 ...b4
15. $.xf6 bxc3 16. $.xe7 '8 xe7 (16...
(HAPTER 13
�xq 17. $.C4 �XC4 18. bXC4 i8as
19. �d3 l8xC4 2o.�xc3 ds 21. exds
'8 b6= N. Guliyev-S. Maze I Gen­
eve 2012) 17.'8e3 d5 18.exd5 '8 xd5
19.'8xd5 $.xd5+ And Black is better.
A. Moiseenko-R. Bursteinas I Mlada
Boleslav 1995.
14 �a5
...
is our recommendation.
14 ...b4!? is playable in order to un­
balance the position, but objective­
ly White should be better after this
move. 15.'8d5 i'8d7N
(15 ... �a5? 16.'8cxb4!N (16.'8xf6+?!
�xf6oo Reichmann, H-S. Kalin­
itschew I Berlin 1996)
16 ... '8xb4 17.'8xe7+ 'tt>h 8 18. $.d2;l;
White is better.)
16.'8cxb4 '8 xb4 17.'8 xb4 '8c5
18.�e3 '8 xe4!? 19. �a6! (19. �xe4
ds 2o.l8xds �xds 21.�g4 fs 22.�h3
�e6 23. '8 d1 �b6 24.�e3 �xe3
25. �xe3 '8a8;l; White is better but it
is not so easy to convert the advan­
tage.) 19 ... d5 2o. $. xc8 �xeS (20...
�xb4?! 21. $.xe6 fxe6 22.�e2 �b6
23. $.e3 d4 24. $.CI I'8c3 25.�C4 '8ds
26.a4±) 21.'8d3 �c2 22.a4 (22.'8xes
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
�cs 23. V!!!d3 �xj2+ 24. 'i!th1 � c8=
Black will retract his bishop some­
where on the g1-a7 diagonal and
thus have the threat of perpetual
check.) 22 .. .f6 23.b4 �fs Black cer­
tainly have some compensation, but
with accurate play Whiter should be
a little bit better after: 24. �e1! ;!;;
14 ... V!!id7 IS.V!!ixbs � fds (1s ... �d8!?N
in order to kick out the knight from
c3 after �as and be able to play
ds. This is a good attempt to im­
prove Black's play in our opinion.)
16. �b2 V!!!a7 was played in the game
E. Gorovykh-D. Yevseev I St Peters­
burg RUS 2009, but after 17. � f3;!;
Black's compensation is far from
obvious.
15. �dt!?N
An interesting novelty! White
doesn't immediately choose between
lLlds and lL! xbs and just plays an use­
ful move. There is no theory here, so
we just had a look at the lines that
seemed logical to us:
Is.lLlxbs �fd8!?N (15 ... ds is also play­
able. 16.exds �xds� The position is
219
balanced. M . Kislov-A. Dukhov
I Voronezh 1991.) 16.a4 ds 17.exds
lLlxds
(17... �xds!? seems to be a playable
alternative. For example:
I8.V!!ig3 CLle4 19.V!!if3 CLld2 2o. �xd2
� xd2 21. �ac1 CLla7 22.CLlxa7 (22.
lL!ca3 �xc1 23. �XC1 CLlxbs 24.CLlxbs
�b2 2s.V!!ie3 �xb3 26.V!!ixes �f8=)
22 ... V!flxa7 23.CLle3 �XCI 24. �XC1
� xb3 2s . lLl fs il fs 26. �c8 g6
27.lL!h6+ 'i!tg7 28.lLlfs;t)
18.V!!if3 �f6 19. �b1 e4 2o.V!!ig3
(2o.V!!i x e4?! CLlc3 21.CLl xc3 � fs
22.V!fif4 �XC2 23.b4D V!fia8 (23 ... V!fijs
24. �g4 V!!!d3 25. ilxc8 �xcB 26. �d2
�xb1 2J.CLlxb1 CLld4 28.CLlc3D Black
was threatening CLle2 followed by
CLl g3. 28 ... V!fiXC3 29. �XC3 CLle2+
30. 'i!th1 lLlxj4 31. �xf6 gxf6 32.b5
lL!ds 33.g3 �aB 34· �a1 �as 35· �d1
CLl b6 36. �d6 CLlxa4 37- �a6 �xa6
3B. bxa6 White shouldn't have too
much trouble holding the draw.)
24. � b 2 il xc3 25. � xc2 CLld4
26. �d3 (26. �a2? V!!ids-+) 26 ...
CLlxc2 27. � xc2 �d4+)
2o ... �es 21.V!!ih 4 �f6=;
220
15.�d5 In general it's a success for
Black if White cannot take the b5
pawn.
a) 16 . .id2 '%lfa8 17. E: fo � xe4!? An
amusing tactic in order to simplify
the position.
(17... i.xd5 18.exd5 ll:Je7 19. i. f3 i.a5
2o.ll:Jb4 (2o. i.gs e4! 21 . .ixe4 lLJxe4
22. '%lfxe4 �xds+) 20 ... "ilfb7oo)
18.'%lfxe4 �d4 19.ll:J xd4 E: xci+
2o. E:xo .i xd5 21.'%lfg4 exd4=;
(18. i.. xd6 e4 19.'%lfd1 '%lfb6 2o. il.xe7
(2o . .ib4 lLlfxds 21. i.xe7 lLlxq
22.lLle3 lLlg6=) 20 ... i.xe7 21.a4
bxa4 22.bxa4 .1l.c5 23 .a5 '%lfb2
24.ll:Je3 .1l.xe3 25.fxe3 E:c2 26. E:f2
ll:Jg4 27. E:b1 '%lfa2 28. E:a1 '%lfb2=)
18 ... "ilfq 19.ll:Je3 E:b8 20. E:fo "ilfd7oo
The bishop will go to b6 and both
sides will have chances.
[HAPTER 13
15···g6!?
A tricky move which allows Black to
control the f5 square.
A logical-looking move like 15 ...
E: fd8?! would allow 16.ll:Jd5t And
now Black doesn't have the d8 square
for the bishop anymore.
16.ll:Jxbs
16.ll:Jd5 leads to an equal position
after 16 ...ll:J xd5 q.exd5 il. f5 18.'%lfd2
"ilfxd2 19. E:xd2 ..i xc2 2o.dxc6 i.e4
21. .1l. xb5 i.xc6 22 . .1l.xc6 E:xc6=;
16. i. h6 �a7! A strong exchange
sacrifice! 17. ii xf8 i.xf8 18.�b1 d5
19.ll:Je3 d4 2o.ll:Jfl �d7� Black's ac­
tivity easily compensates for the sac­
rificed exchange.
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
t6 ... ds 17.exds li:J xds t8.�g3
18.�f3 :S.fd8 19. �d2 �a8 20.a4 hs
21.li:Je3 li:Jd4 22.li:Jxd4 exd4 23.li:Jxds
� xds 24. �h3 d3 ! (24 . . . :S. c2!?)
25.�xd3 � xp� The activity of the
black pieces compensate for the ma­
terial deficit.
18 ... � f6 19. �d2
19.ti:Jd6 li:Jc3 2o.�f3 �g7 21. �d2 e4
22.li:Jxe4 li:Jes 23.�xc3 :S.xc3 24. �xc3
�a8oo With a dynamic equality.
White has compensation for the
queen, but it is difficult for him to ad­
vance his 2 passed pawns and Black's
pieces are well placed.
20. � ft
2o.�f3 li:Jxe2+ 21.�xe2 �a6 22.ti:Jb4
li:J xb4 23. � xb4 :8. fd8 24. :8. xd8 +
:S.xd8 25.li:Jc3 (25. �c3 �fs 26.a4 �d3
27.�!3 �g7 28. :S.d1 e4 29.�j4 �e6
3o. �xg7 �xb3 31. :S.e1 <tixg7 32.�es+
<tigs 33-�!6 :S.bs 34.ti:Jd6 �e6!=) 25 ...
�xe2 26.li:Jxe2 :S.a8 27. �c3 �g7 28.[)
f6 29. <tif2 <tif7 And Black shouldn't
have too much trouble holding the
draw as White cannot really advance
221
his queenside pawns (as li:Jn is met
by �h6).
20 ... �as 21.li:Je3 li:Je7 22.ti:Jq li:J fs
23. �C3 li:Jds 24. �as �bs�
Black has good compensation for
the pawn thanks to his strong and
active pieces.
Conclusion:
This line is our recommendation for
Black. Two main types of positions
can arise: either White lets Black play
�gs after 9.li:Jds, 9. �e2 and 9· �d3
and in this case Blacks gets a very
solid position. In general he puts his
queen on b6 and the rooks on c8 and
d8. A draw should be the logical re­
sult here as none of the players can
really progress. Or White plays 9.b3
and we get the other kind of position:
Black doesn't play 9 ... �gs because of
11.h4, but he will quickly prepare bs
now that the li:Jc3 is "hanging". The
positions arising from this line are
very double-edged.
 CHAPTER 14
s.xxx
[833]
1.e4 cs 2.'2lf3 '2lc6 3.d4 cxd4 4.'2lxd4
es
We will now see White's other sth
moves possibilities. This chapter is
of course dedicated to those players
who want to play the Kalashnikov as
Black.
s.l2lb3
This move is rarely played on the
high level, but there are still more
than woo games in the database.
The ideas of this move are similar to
s.l2lf3, but White has the additional
option of playing f4.
s.l2lfs ds! The easiest move. Black
takes advantage of the position of
the '2l fs in order to play the the­
matic liberation move.
6.'%!9xds (6.exds 1ixfs 7-dxc6 '%!6xd1+
B. cJixd1 bxc6 9. 1id3 e4 w. 1ic4 '2lf6oo
The position is uncertain. We think
that Black has good chances of tak­
ing the initiative because of the bad
position of the white king.; 6.'2lg3
'2lj6+; 6.'2le3 d4 J.l2lds .1ie6+) 6 ...
'%!9xds 7.exds Jixfs 8.dxc6 bxc6
9. 1id3 .1ixd3 1o.cxd3 '2le7!?= Fol­
lowed by '2lds. The position is more
or less equal as both sides have
weaknesses.;
s.'2le2 A very rare move.
s ... '2l f6 6.'2lbc3 lies It is logical
to put the bishop on ths diagonal.
7.'2lg3 (7- 1ieJ 1ixe3 Bjxe3 o-o 9.'2lg3
d6 w.'%!6d2 '%!9b6 n.o-o-o .1ie6 Black
has good attacking perspectives, as
in the game: Rodriguez A. Vila­
V. Spasov.) 7... d6 8 . .1ie2 a6 9.0-o
h6 We think this setup is very logi­
cal. Games have shown that Black
has a good position here. 10.'2l hs
(w. cJih1 '2ld4 n. 1ie3 .1ie6 12j4 bs
1J.l2lds .1ixds 14.exds l2Jxds 1s. 1ixd4
exd4+ B. Taddei-R. Edouard.;
w. a4 o-o n. 1iC4 '2lg4 12. h3 '%!6h4i
S. Van Eijk-V. Cmilyte.) 10 ... l2!xhs
u. Jixhs o-o 12.'2lds '%!6h4 13. 1i f3
'2ld4 14.'2le3 bsoo With an unclear
224
position. A. Rodriguez Vila-L. Van
Wely I Minneapolis 2005;
s .ll:hc6 This simplification is of
course in Black's favor as his center
is being reinforced by this move. The
positions arising are more or less
equal, but Black has good chances
of getting active play.
s ... bxc6 6. 1LC4
a) 6. 1Ld3 ltlf6 7.0-o If you look up
this position, it is amusing to note
that it is more often White's move
than Black's move in this position!
7... 1Lcs The most logical move in our
opinion. As it is often the case, the
bishop is well placed on this diagonal.
at) 8.lt!d2 o-o 9.�e2 :B.e8 w. 1La6?!
ds+ D. Collas-0. Touzane I
Cannes 1996;
CHAPTER 14
a2) 8.C4 o-o 9.lt!c3 d6 w.h3 (10.
Wh1? ltlg4 n.�!J �h4-+ A. Sk­
ouvaklis-A. Raetsky I Leukerbad
2011.) 10 ... :B.b8 11. :B.b1 h6 12.�f3
iLe6 13. :B.d1 asoo Followed by dtld7.
There is a lot of play in this posi­
tion.;
s ... o-o 9. 1Lgs
(9.lt!a4 1Le7 10.C4 ds 11.cxds (11.
lt! c3 ?! d4+ M. Vladimirova­
P. Drenchev I Kozloduy 2009.) 11 ...
cxds 12.exds 1Lb7= The position is
equal, but only Black can pretend
to try and find a small advantage.)
9 ... h6 w . iL h4 1Le7 11. 1Lg3 d6
12. Wh1 :B.b8 13. :B.bt 1Le6 14.f4 exf4
15. 1L xf4 €\d7oo M. Coklin-R. Zelcic
I Ljubljana 2002;
bt) 7. 1LC4 See 6. 1LC4 and 7.lt!c3.;
b2) 7. 1Lgs?! :B.b8! Taking advantage
of the fact that the .iLCI has moved
in order to attack the b2 pawn.
8. :B.bt
(8. 1LC4 :B. xb2 9.0-o (9. 1L b3 ?!
iLb4+) 9 ... :B.b4 10.�d3 h6 11. 1Lh4
1Le7+ Black is a good pawn up.)
8 ... h6 9. 1L xf6 (9. 1Lh4? would be
a big mistake because of 9 ... �as!
w. iLxj6 :S.xb2!-+) 9 ... �xf6 w. iLC4
iLcs+ Black is slightly better.;
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
b3) 7.f4 VJ!/q Defending the es
pawn. s.!Vf3 .td6 Threatening to
take on f4. 9.f5 (9. !Vg3 o-o 10.js
\!lhs 11 . .tgs .tel 12.0-0-0 asoo ) 9···
.tb4 Now that White has played fs,
Black will be able to react in the
center by playing ds. 10.a3
(10. �gs :Bobs!? (10 ... ds leads to an
equal position. 11 . .txj6 gxf6 12.0-
o-o !Vas 13. exds �xc3 14. bxc3
cxds 1s. !Vxds !Vxds 1 6. :B. xds
.txjs=) 11. � xf6 gxf6 12. �C4 is
logical in order to control the ds
square. 12 ... !Vas Black has pleas­
ant play. Here is an example of
how the game could continue:
13. �b3 �XC3+ 14.bXC3 (14.!VXC3
!Vxc3+ 1S. bXC3 :BogS 16.0-0 \!Jq
17. :B.f3 hs 1S. :B.e1 h4+) 14 ... !Vcs
1s.!Vd3 :Bogs 16.g3 ds 17.0-o-o
!Va3+ 1S.\!ib1 .ta6 19.!Vd2 �C4
20. :B.he1 \!ie7+)
10 ... �XC3+ 11.bXC3 d5 12. �d3 !Vas
13. �d2 o-o+ Black was better in
the game B. Sahl-M. Carlsen I
Moss 2006;
7··· �e7 s.o-o o-o 9.f4 (9. \!lh1 ds
10.h3 is a too passive way of playing.
10... :Bobs 11. :B.b1 .te6+ Berndsen,B­
J. Lautier I Reykjavik 2003.) 9 ... d6
225
10. \!ih1 (10.js ds! As we have already
seen, Black plays ds as soon as White
has played fs. 11.!¥!3 :Bobs 12. \!lh1
�b7+) 10 ... exf4 (10 ... :B.bS!?) 11. �xf4
ezJg4 Black will have a completely
fine position with a strong knight
on es. 12. �C4 :Bobs 13. �b3 l:l::J e soo;
c) 6.C4 �cs (6... ezJf6 is of course also
playable.) 7.ezJc3 (J.!V!J l:LJj6 S.ezJd2
o-o 9· �d3 as 10.0-o a4+ A. Bandic­
R. Rapport I Sarajevo 2011.) 7... ezJf6
s. �gs h6 9. �h4 d6 10. �e2 :Bobs
11. :B.b1 o-o 12.0-o �e6+ Black is
already a little bit better.;
6 ...ezJ f6
a) 7. �gs h6!? 8. �h4 (B. �xf6 !Vxj6
9.0-o �cs 10.ezJc3 o-o n.ezJa4 �q
12.!Vd3 !Vg6 13. :B.je1 d6+ The bishop
pair gives Black a small advantage.)
S ... �b4+!? In general, we quite like
the idea behind this move. White
will not be able to develop his knight
to c3. 9.c3 �e7 10.!Ve2 :Bobs 11.0-o
o-o 12.b3 �b7 13.ezJd2 dsoo R. Wilt­
shire-J. Shaw I Clarkston 2001.;
b) 7.o-o �cs s.l:l::J c3 See 7· ezJc3 �cs
S.o-o.;
226
c1) 8.ltJc3 o-o 9.0-o ds Of course.
10.exds fi.xc3! is the good move to
play for an advantage.
(w ...cxds 11.ctJxds!N (11. 'B.d1 1i.g4
12j3 Vl!ib6+ 13. �e3 ilcs+ M. Mr­
va-R. Rabiega I Poznan 199s.)
n . . . ct:Jxds 12. 'B.d1 it.b7 13 . ..te3
Vl!ias 14.a3 1i.c3 (14 ... ilq 15. �xds
� xds 16. b4±) 1s. � xds � xds
16.bxc3 Vl!ixc3=)
u.bxc3 cxds 12. 'B.d1 ilg4 13.f3 1i.e6
14. 'B.b1 Vl!iq 1s. �b3 as+ Black per­
fectly controls the center and he
has the better structure.;
c2) 8.c3 As the pawn has nothing to
do on c3, the bishop can retreat as
he has done his job. 8 ... ile7 9.0-0
o-o 1o.ctJd2 ds n. �d3 Vl!iq+ The
position is preferable for Black as
he once again has better control
over the center and more space for
his pieces.;
8 ... Vl!ib6 9.0-o (9. ilxj7+?! doesn't
work because of 9 ... <tlxj7 w. Vl!iq+
ds 11. Vl!ixb4 ctJ xe4+ B. Ivanovic-
(HAPTER 14
D. Solak I Subotica 2008.) 9 ... �xd2
1o.ctJxd2 o-o= Followed by ds.;
7... ilcs!? We think that the bishop
is well placed on this diagonal. (J. ..
1i.b4 is by far the most played move
and it is of course also completely
fine.)
8.0-0
(8. ilgs h6 9. it.h4 (9. �xj6 Vl!ixf6
transposes to 7· �gs, which we
have already seen.) 9 ... Vl!fe7 10.Vl!id3
Threatening ctJa4. 1o ... as u.ctJa4
� a7 12.0-o o-o 13.h3 (13. 'B. a d1
'B.ds Followed by d6 or ds.) 13 ... d6
14. 'B.ad1 'B.d8 1s. 'B.fe1 �e6= Black
has easily equalized.)
8 ... 0-0 9· ilgs h6 10. �h4 as This
move is often useful in this position
as the bishop can now go to a7 in case
he is attacked and Black is also gain­
ing some space on the queenside.
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
11.�e2 a4 12.. �ad1 d6 13.h3 �e7
14. �d3 iie6+ We find this position
more pleasant to play for Black.;
5.lL\ f3 This move doesn't promise
White any advantage He would
like to enter a variation of the Rau­
zer (1.e4 C5 2.lL\f3 lLlc6 3.d4 cxd4 4·
lLJxd4 lLJ f6 5.lLJc3 d6 6. iie2 e5 7.lLJf3)
but here the f8 bishop is not blocked
behind the pawn chain, so the posi­
tion is easier to play for Black. This
move often leads to a pawn sacrifice,
where Black needs to know how to
reaction if he doesn't want to end up
under pressure.
s ...lLlf6 6.lL\c3
(6. iiq iib4+!? is a thematic move
as if White plays c3, the pawn will
take away the knight's natural
square.
227
a) 7· iid2 iixd2+ 8.lL\bxd2 d6 9.0-
o o-o 10.h3 (w.�e2 lLlhs ) 10 ...
=
iie6 Black is not worried about
getting doubled pawns as his cent­
er would be reinforced and the e6
pawn would not be a weakness as
it is not easy for White to attack
it. 11. iixe6 fxe6 12.c3 �e8= Black
doesn't have any problems here. He
will play lLlf6-h5-f4 and then pos­
sibly �g6.;
b) 7.lL\c3 See the main line.;
7... iie7 The bishop will be better
placed behind the pawn chain in
order to protect the d6 pawn. 8.o-o
o-o 9. �e1 d6 10.lLlbd2
(w. iigs lLl hs 11. iie3 (n. kxq
Black is happy to exchange this
bishop. n ... �xq 12.lL1 bd2 lLlf4
Followed by �f6.) u .. lLlf4 12.h3
.
ke6=)
10 ... h6 11.lLl fi ke6 Black often
plays this thematic move when
White puts his bishop on q. As
we have already seen, Black is not
afraid of kxe6. With this move he
is also preparing for ds. 12. iib3
�d7 13.lL\g3 E: fe8 14.lL\h4 E:ad8
15.lLlhf5 ds= P. Ponkratov-A. Fe­
dorov I Kazan 2008.)
6 ... kb4 7. kq o-o (7. . . lL\xe4 is
known to be dangerous for Black
after 8.�ds lLld6 9. iib3i) 8.o-o
a) 8. kgs h6 9. iih4 (9. kxj6 kxc3+
w.bxc3 �xf6 11.0-o d6 12.�d3 kg4
228 (HAPTER 14

13.1::i'J d2 l::i'J e7 14. 'B.ab1 b6 15j3 �e6+ but his idea doesn't for work for tac­
Black was clearly better thanks to tical reasons: 8 ... ds!
his better pawn structure in the
game R. Dubisch-G. Orlov I Seattle
1990.) 9 ... gs 10. �g3 d6!N Surpris­
ingly enough, this logical move has
never been played.

a1) w...'W'as u.o-o!N (n.'W'd3? ds!-

+) ll ... �XC3 12.bXC3 'W'xc3 13.'W'd6!
'W'xq 14.'W'xf6 'W'e6 1s. � xes
l::iJ xes 16. 'W'xes 'B.e8 17. 'W'xe6 dxe6
18./::iJ e s=;
u) w ... l::i'J x e4 11.'W'd3 ds (11 ... /::iJ q
12. 'W'xe4 ds 13. 'W'xes dxC4 14.o­
o;i;) 12. � xds l::i'J xc3 13. 'W'g6+ 'it>h8
14.'W'xh6+ 'it>gs 1s.'W'g6;i;;
9. � xds l::i'J xds 1o.'W'xds (w. exds?
q!- +) w ... 'W'xds u.exds l::i'J d 4!
12./::iJ xd4
(12.0-o l::i'J xc2 13. 'B.b1 l::i'J d4+ (13 .. j6
J. Tilenbaeva-N. Raghavi I Istan­
bul 2oos.) )

12 ... exd4 13.a3 'B.e8+ 14. 'it>d1 � xc3

(14... �g4+ 15j3 dxc3 16. axb4 'B.ad8
17.bxc3 'B.xds+ 18. �d2 'B.ed8 19jxg4
'B.xd2+ 20. 'it>CJ a6 21. '!t>b2= G. No­
radounguian-A. Kinzel I Moscow
19s6.) 1s.bxc3 dxc3 It is surprising,
but White can hold this endgame
by playing very accurately:
u.'W'd3 Defending the e4 pawn. (11.
'W'e2?f l::i'J d4+; 11.0-0? �XCJ 12. bXCJ
l::i'J xe4+; n .l::i'J d2 � e6+) 11.../::iJ as
12. �b3 l::i'J xb3 13.axb3 �e6 14.1::i'J d 2
'W'b6oo White cannot take advan­
tage of Black's open king position as
h4 will always be met by g4. Black
on the other hand has several plans:
doubling the rooks on the c-file and
preparing for ds.; 16.d6! � fs (16... 'B.e6 17. �!4 gs
18. �xgs 'B.xd6+ 19. Wc1 'B.g6 20. �e3
b) 8.'W'd3 White is defending the e4 'B.xg2 21. 'B.b1 b6 22. 'B.b3 �b7 23. 'B.xc3
with this logical-looking move and 'B.xj2 24. �xj2 �xh1 25. �d4 �ds=
he wants to play �gs and 'B.d1 next, Despite being a pawn down, White
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
should easily hold the draw here.)
17. �b1 (1J. iLf4 �e4!) 17...b6 18.f3 f6
19. �bs i!.e6 20. �b4 �f7 21. �d4
�ad8 22. �e1=;
8 ... i!.xc3 9.bxc3 /.£l xe4 It is smarter
to take this pawn after castling as
�ds doesn't cause any problems any
longer.
a) 9 ... /.£las!?N This move is not stu­
pid as taking on es doesn't give
White anything.
(w. iLb3 d6 11.�d3 b6 is an inter­
esting idea in order to bring the
knight back via b7. 12. i!.a3 /.£l b7
13. � ad1 (1J.hJ l£lhs!?oo) 13... i!.g4=)
10 ... �e7 n.f4 (n.�d4 d6 12. iLxj7+
�xj7 1J.l£lxf7 �Xf7 14. �e1 i.£lc6oo)
11. . .'�JxC4 12.l£l xC4 �cs+ 13.�d4
�Xd4+ 14.CXd4 /.£lxe4 1s. i!.a3 �e8=
Black doesn't have any problems as
he will develop his bishop by play­
ing b6 or d6.;
b) 9 ... d6 also seems playable in or­
der to avoid the complications aris­
ing from 9 ... /.£l xe4. The idea is to
play /.£las next. 10. �e1 /.£las 11. i!.b3
229
�C? 12. iLgs i.£le8 13.1.£ld2 (13.1.£lh4
h6 14. iLd2 iLe6 1s.l£ljs iLxfs 16.exjs
i.£lj6+) 13 ... h6 14. i!.h4 i!.e6 1S. �e3
�d7 16. �d3 �c8oo J. Bosch-V. Ikon­
nikov I Netherlands 2009. The posi­
tion is balanced as the weakness of
the c3 pawn compensates for the one
of the d6 pawn.;
(10. �e1 l£l xc3 Black needs to accept
the challenge. (w... i.£lf6?! n.l£lxest)
11.�d6 In order to avoid ds. (11.
�d3 ds!+) 11...�f6! The best move
order.
(n ... bs 12. i!.d3!N An interesting
idea.
(12.i!.b3 has already been played,
but this move doesn't promise
White anything. 12 ... �f6 13. i!.a3
�e8 14. �e3 as! The most simple
move!
a) 14 ... b4 1s. i!.xb4 1.£lbs 16. �cs as
17. i!.d2 l£lba7 18. �d3t White is
better as Black's pieces are lack­
ing coordination. M. Wadding­
ton-}. Jackson I Bristol 2009;
b) 14 ... e4 1S.�Xf6 gxf6 16. �XC3
b4 (16... exj3 lJ. �x!Jt) 17. i!. xb4
(17. � e3 bxa3 18. � ae1 iL b7
19. �xe4 �xe4 20. �xe4 l£les
21. �e3 l£lxj3+ 22.gxj3 It is hard
to know which pawn struc­
ture is worse! 22 ... iLc6 1/2-1/2
H. Kummerow-D. Hausrath
I Muelheim 2007 I EXT 2oo8)
230
17. ..i�:Jxb4 18.�d2ii5 Black's bad
pawn structure and White's su­
perior piece activity give him
compensation.;
1s. E: xc3 b4 16. E:xc6 (16.V!!ixj6
gxf6 17-�xes E:xes 18. E:g3+ E:gs
19. �b2 E:xg3 2o.hxg3 a4 21. �ds
'i!?g7=) 16 ... dxc6 17.V!!fxf6 gxf6
18. �o a4 19. �C4 � fs (19 . . .
�e6oo ) 20.�e1 �e6 2 1 . � xe6
fxe6 22. E:b1 E:ed8oo It is diffi­
cult to judge this position, but
we think it is rather balanced.
L. Gasloli-F. Balabaev I IECC
email 2003.)
12 ... e4 The best move in order
to get rid of the dangerous light
squared bishop. (12 .. j6 13. �d2
�a4 14. �xbs �b6 15.a4� White
has the initiative and Black's
pieces are paralysed.) 13. �xq
�xe4 14. E: xe4 E:e8 15. �gs f6
16.V!!ids+ 'i!?h8 q. E: h4 E:e7 (17...
CHAPTER 14
fxgs? 18.�xgs+- Black can't par­
ry all the threats.) 18. �e3 E:b8ii5
White has compensation for the
sacrificed pawn, but Black also
has resources. He can for exam­
ple play V!!lg 8 in order to defend
the kingside.)
12. �a3 E:e8 13. E:e3 bs 14. �b3 as
transposes to the position we ana­
lysed after 11 ... bs 12. � b3.)
10 ... d6 11. V!!fe1
a) 11. E:e1 �gs This rarely played
move is also interesting and easily
equalizes:
(11 ... �c5 12. �xcs dxcs 13.� xes (13.
V!!fxd8 E:xd8 14.�xes �xes 15. E:xes
�e6 16. �xe6 fxe6= Luna,J- Ga­
marra C. Caceres I Chaco 1993.
Black will play E:d2 next.) 13 ...�xes
14. E: xes V!!i f6 (14 . . . b6 1s. V!!ij3�)
1s . E: xcs b6 16. E: q �e6= And
Black easily made a draw despite
being a pawn down in the game:
Rodriguez A. Vila-J. Rodriguez I
La Carlota 1995 as the c-pawns are
so weak.)
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
u.lthgs (12. 1Lds lLJxfJ+ 13. il.. x!J
fi.Js 14. WBxd6 WBxd6 1s. fi.xd6 'BjeB
16. '8ab1 e4 17- 1l.e2 'B.adB 18. 1l.cs 'Bd7
19. 1i.bs=) 12 ... V!Hxgs 13. 1i.xd6 '8d8!N
(13 ... 1l.g4 14.V!Hb1!N White is not
afraid of li. f3 and he immediately
attacks b7. (14. V!!fC1 WBxc1 IS. 'B.axCI
'BjeB= G. Mukhin-A. Minasian I
Leningrad 1990.) 14 ... 1L f3 15. il.. fl
'B. fd8 16. WB xb7 WBg6 17. li.q �d4
18.V!Hb1 l£J xe2 19. � xd8 '8 xd8
2o. '8xes±)
14.V!Hf3! 'i!Vf6 15.V!!/x f6 gxf6 16. 'B.ad1
�fs 17. il.. b3 'B.d7=;
b) n.V!Hds �fs!?N
h1) 11...�cs 12. �xcs fi.e6 13.V!Hxd6
il.. xq= S. Tkachuk -Kuipers,D I
Essen 2005;
b2) 11...�xc3 is also good for
Black: 12. V!!fxd6 (12. WBd3 e4 13. V!!fxc3
ex!J 14.V!!Ix!J �es 1s.V!!fb3 �xC4
16.V!!fxC4 il.. e6+) 12... V!!/xd6 13. 1i. xd6
'8d8! 14. 1i.xes l£Jxes is.�xes li.e6+
K. Tkachuk-J. Reichel I playchess.
com INT 2008.;
231
12. 'B. fe1 �e7 13.V!Hxb7 '8b8 14.V!!/a6
V!Hq 15. 1i.d3 �cs 16. iL xcs V!!/xcs
17. il.. xfs liJxfs 18.V!Hd3 g6+;
n ... �fs!?
a) u ...� f6 12. 'B.d1 �e8 13.V!He4 (13.
�xes?! is dubious here because of
13 ... �xes 14. WBxes li.g4!+ E. Strick­
R. Roelens I ICCF corr 1998. Black
is a little bit better.) 13 ... �e6 14. il.. b3
V!Hf6 15. 'B.d2 'B.d8 16. '8fd1 h6 17.h3iX>
White has enough compensation for
the pawn as Black's pieces are very
passive.;
b) 11. .. �cs The most solid move.
Black is ready to give the pawn back
immediately. 12. 1l.xcs dxcs 13.�xes
� fs 14.� xc6 bxc6 1s.V!!/es � xc2
16.V!Hxcs=;
12. 1i.d3!N The right way of playing
for White.
(12. 'B.d1 This move is not very
good because of 12 ... '8e8!N After
this move which is unpinning the
d6 pawn it is difficult to see how
White can continue. 13. 1l.ds (13.
li.d3?! ds+) 13 ... � f6 14. il.. xc6 bxc6
232
15Jhd6 '%!Vas+ Black will take the
a2 or the c3 pawn.)
12 . ../�jgs! A nice move. 13.�xgs (13.
1Lxjs?! �x!J+ 14.gxj3 '%!Vgs+ 15. 1Lg4
js+) 13 ... '%Ifxgs 14.f4! (14. 1Lxd6 e4+
Followed by � fe8 and �adS.) 14 ...
exf4 15. 1Lxd6 � fe8 16 . .1L xf4 � xe1
17. 1Lxgs �xa1 18. �xa1 .1Lxd3 19.cxd3
f6= The endgame is equal. Black will
play �f7, �d8 and put his knight on
es. And ifWhite plays d4 then Black
will have the c4 square at his dis­
posal.
s . 1Lh4+!?
. .
We quite like this move which asks
White a question. If he plays c3 the
bishop will just go back to e7 and the
�c1 will have lost his natural square
and if he plays �c3, Black can put an
unpleasant pressure on e4.
[HAPTER 14
s ...�f6 is of course the most played
move. It is equally good, but we still
prefer s ... 1Lb4+.
6.�q
6. 1Ld2 As we have already seen,
Black is happy to exchange the dark
squares bishops.
6 ...� f6
(6 ... '%!fh4 This move is not really
logical. 7.'%!fe2 The right way of
playing for White, who will castle
queenside.
(7. fLd3 � f6 8.0-0 0-0 9.C3?!
(9. fLxb4 �Xb4 10.�C3 d6 11.a3
� c6 12.�ds .1L e6=) 9 . . . 1Le7
w. 1Le1 ds! + (w... '%!Vh6 J. Murey­
V. Ikonnikov I Dieren 2000.) )
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
7... 1'Ll f6 8. ii.. xb4 i'Ll xb4 9.1'Llc3
o-o 10.a3 i'Llc6 11.0-o-o d6 (11...
'E!.d8 12.g3 Wfh6+ 13.Wid2 Wfxd2+
14. 'E!.xd2 d6 15. ii.bs-;t The endgame
is unpleasant for Black because
of the weakness of the d6 pawn.)
12. 'E!. xd6!N White needs to ac­
cept the challenge. (12.g3 Wfh6+
13. cJ;fb1 �g4 14]3 ii.e6 15. 'E!.xd6
ii.xb3 16.cxb3 i'Lld4 17.Wfg2 Wie3�
Black had good compensation
in the game: N. Short-I. Nataf I
New Delhi I Teheran 2000.) 12 ...
ii.. e 6 13.g3 Wigs+ 14.Wie3!? Wfxe3+
1s.fxe3-;l;, With is a little bit better
as his doubled e-pawns control all
the central squares.)
7· ii.. xb4 i'Ll xb4 8.i'Llc3 (8. a3 i'Llc6
9.i'LJ c3 d6 10. ii. c4 0 - 0 11. Wfd3
ii.e6 12. 'E!.d1 ii.xq 13. WIxq 'E!.c8=
T. Marinsek-E. Sveshnikov I Pula
2ooo.) 8 ... o-o 9.a3 i'Llc6 10.Wfd2 In
order to put pressure on the d-file.
10 ... d6 11. 'E!.d1 ii.. e 6 Black doesn't
lose any time defending the d6
pawn. The activity of his pieces will
compensate for the pawn. 12.Wixd6
ii.. xb3!?N The simplest move in order
to equalize. Black will have a strong
knight on d4. (12 ... Wfc8 13. �d3 'E!.d8
14.Wics ii.xb3 15.cxb3 Wfe6 M. Crep­
an-E. Sveshnikov I Ljubljana 1999.
16.o-o!N WIxb3 IJ. il.. q-;1;,)
6 ... i'Ll f6 ?. ii.. q !?
move.
233
13.Wixd8 (13. cxb3 i'Lld4 14.Wixes
i'Llc2+ 15. cJ;fe2 Wlb6 16. b4 'E!.fe8 IJ. WId6
i'Llxe4 18. WIxb6 i'Llxc3+ 19. cJ;fd2
i'Lle4+ 2o. cJ;fxc2 axb6=) 13 ... 'E!. fxd8
14.CXb3 i'LJd4=;
6.c3 il.. e7 7.c4 (7.g3 d6 8. il..g2 fs 9- 0-
o i'Llf6oo G. MacArainn-J. Shaw I
Clarkston 2002.; J. .1/_c4 i'Llf6 8. WId3
d6 9· ii.gs i'Lld7 10. ii. xe7 WIxe7
n.i'Ll 1d2 i'Llf6 12.0-o-o .1&e6= A. Pa­
pastavropoulos-S. Skembris I Ath­
ens 1988.; J. ii.d3 ds! 8.exds WIxds
9.0-o ii.e6 w.Wfc2 i'Llf6+ M. Mark­
ovic-R. Simic I Belgrade 2009.) 7...
i'Ll f6 8.1'Llc3 ii.. b4 9· .1ld2
(9. �gs h6 10 . .1lxf6 .1/_xc3+ 11.bxc3
Wfxf6 12. ii.. e 2 (12.c5 Wfg6oo) 12 ... d6
13.0-o o-o 14.Wid3 'E!.d8 1s. 'E!. fd1
�e6+ Z. Zvan-E. Sveshnikov I
Nova Gorica 1998.)
9 ... d6 10. .1ld3 as n.o-o o-o 12.i'Llds
ii.. xd2 13.Wixd2 ke6oo With an un­
clear position.
This is White's most ambitious
234
7· kd3 ds Black doesn't have any
problems after this move.
s.exds CL!xds 9. kd2
(9.0-0 is a bit too optimistic here:
9 ...CLlXC3 IO.bXC3 kxc3 11 . .1i.a3
(11. l!b1 o-o 12.�hs g6 13.�f3 (13.
�h6 �ei+) 13 ... .1i.e6 14. k xg6
hxg6 15.�xc3 l!cs+)
11. .. k xa1 12.�xa1 �C7 13. l!b1
(13.!4 j6+) 13 ... b6+ M. Crepan­
E. Sveshnikov.)
9 ...CLlXC3 IO.bXC3 .1i.d6 11.0-0
(11.�h5 g6 12.�f3 (12.�h6 kjB
1J. �eJ kg7 14.0-0 0-0oo) 12... 0-0
13.h4 (13. ke4 l!eB 14. l!d1 �h4oo)
13 ...e4! 14. k xe4 l!e8 15.0-o-o CL!es
16.�e2 CL!g4 17.f3 k fs+)
11 ... o-o 12.f4 fs+ With an unclear
position where Black has all his
chances. I. Brkic-A. Shariyazdanov
I Zadar 1999.
CHAPTER 14
7. . 0-0 8.0-0
.
s. kgs h6 9. kh4 (9. kxj6 kxc3+
10. bxc3 �xj6 ll.�d3 d6 12. l!d1 l!d8
13.0-o ke6+ D. Thenhausen-J. Go­
riatchkin I Pardubice 2011.) 9 ... d6
IO.�d3
(w.o-o?! gs! Black shouldn't be
afraid! He will win a pawn.
11. kg3 k xc3 12.bxc3 CLlxe4 13.�f3
(13.�hs �f6+; 13. l!e1 kfs+) 13 ... ds
14. kbs �e7 15. l!ad1 l!ds 16.q a6
17. k xc6 (17.cxds 8xg3 1B.hxg3 e4
19-�hs axbs 2o.dxc6 l!xd1 21. l!xd1
Wg7 22.cxb7 kxb7+) 17...bxc6+)
10 k xc3+ 11.bXC3 (11. �XCJ ?f g5
•..
12. kg3 8 xe4+) 11 ... ke6 With
a very healthy position. 12. kxe6
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 235

(12. �d1 kxC4 13. WxC4 �c8 14. Wd3
We7 15.0-o (15.Wxd6?! It is rarely
good for White to exchange the d6
pawn against the one on e4. 15...
Wxd6 16. �xd6 l£Jxe4+; 15. il.xf6
Wxj6 16.Wxd6 Wh4 17.Wd3 �fdB
1B.Wf3 �xd1+ 19.c;!fxd1 Wei+= Black
has more than enough compensa­
tion thanks to the activity of his
pieces.) 15 ... �fd8+ J. Suto-J. Mar­
tin Clemente I ICCF email 2004.)
fand-L. Van Wely.) 13...dxcs 14. kds
kd7 (14 ... �dB 15.We4 g6 16.We3 il.j5
17- il.xc5 Wq 1B. �d2 il.xc2 19.C4 il.j5
2o. �jd1=) 15.f4 We think that this is
a very interesting way of playing for
White. 15 ... �ad8 16.We4 c;!;hs 17.f5
liJas 18.c4 f6 19. kc1� White has good
compensation for the pawn. Black
doesn't have any good squares for his
pieces.

12 ... fxe6 13. �d1 We8 14.0-o (14.

Wxd6? �dB-+) 14 ... �d8oo

8 ... il.XCJ 9.bxCJ l£J xe4

Black needs to accept the challenge.

12. �dt liJes 13.f4

13.Wd2 kg4 14.f3 kfs 15.f4 �b6+
16. c;!fh1 �c8+;
13. kd3 fs+

13 . . Wb6+!?N
.

10. k a3 d6 n. Wet
The critical position.

n . . . l£J f6!
n ... liJcs is the moved that is of-
ten played in practice. 12. �d1 We7
13.l£J xcs!N A good improvement. (13.
�xd6 Wxd6 14. kxc5 Wg6 15. il.xjB
il.h3 16. il.d5 �xjB 17-We3 il.e6oo L. Ro­
jas -Corrales F. Jimenez .; 13j4 il.e6
14. il.b5 exj4 15. �xj4 �adB+ B. Gel-
236 [HAPTER 14

14.�hl This endgame is equal.

14. V!!if2 �e6+
Conclusion:
14 ... �fs! As it was to be expected, White's
This move is very strong, but not sth moves alternatives are not criti­
easy to find. Black is threatening to cal. One still has to be careful in the
take on c2. lines where White sacrifices the e4
pawn (s.ctJ f3 and especially s.ctJb3).
15. �Xd6 However, according to our analyses,
15.V!!ie 2 E:c8! A good move which Black doesn't have anything to worry
parries the fxes threat. 16.ctJd2 (16. about.
h3 exj4 17- E:xj4 �g6+; 16jxes?! ctJxes
17- E:xfs ctJxC4+; 16. �ds exj4 17- E: x/4
�g6+ Followed by ctJes.) 16 ... ctJ f6
17· E:b1 V!!iq 18.fxes ctJ xes 19. E:xfs
ctJXC4 20.ctJXC4 V!fiXC4 21.V!f!XC4 E:xC4
22. E:xb7 E:xc3 23. � xd6 E:xc2 24.h3=
And a draw is the logical result here.

15 . . . ctJ xd6 16. E: xd6 V!!iq 17.fxes

E:ae8!
This move leads to simplifications
where only Black can be slightly bet­
ter, but a draw is still the most likely
result.

18. E: xfs V!!ixd6 19. � xf7+! E:xf7

2o. E:xf7 V!!fxes 21. V!!fxes E:xes 22. E:f1
E:e3=
 CHAPTER 15
6.XXX (833)
1.e4 cs 2.�f3 �c6 3.d4 cxd4 4.�xd4
es s.�bs d6
In this chapter we will look at
White's 6th move alternatives. These
moves are of course quite rare, but
Black still needs to know how to re­
act.
6.a4
White's idea is to take space on the
queenside and to prevent Black from
playing a6 and bs. The players who
play a4 against the Sveshnikov also
often play it here.
6. kq ke6!? This is not the most
played move, but we think it's logi­
cal to fight for the light squares and
therefore reinforce the control over
the ds square.
a) 7. ii.ds A knight belongs to ds,
not a bishop. 7··· ke7 8.o-o (8.c4 a6
9-�SCJ �f6 w. ke3 o-o n.o-o W!fd7
12. �d2 :B.ac8 13. :B.Cl ii.dB= Followed
by kas with a balanced position.)
8 ... �f6 9-� 1C3
at) g ... � xds?! is dubious here
as after 10.exds k xgs 11.dxe6;l;
White is better as the d6 pawn is
too weak.;
a2) g .. o-o !?N We also think
.
that this move, giving away the
d6 pawn, is completely playa­
ble. 10. kxf6 k xf6 11. kxe6 fxe6
12.W!ixd6 (12.�xd6 W!fe7� Fol­
lowed by :B. ad8 and �d4.) 12 ...
V¥!xd6 13.�xd6 �d4 14.�a3 ke7
15.�dq :B. fc8 Black has good
compensation here. For exam­
ple: 16.�xes kxa3 17.bxa3 �e2+
18. Wh1 :B. xC2= With an equal po­
sition.;
1o.V¥id3 (10j3 It is never good to
weaken the dark squares like this.
1 o... �xds n . exds kxgs 12jxg4
W!ib6+ 13. Wh1 W!ixbs 14.�c3 V!!iq
238
15.dxc6 'fifxc6+ Black is slightly
better.; w.'fi!e1 tiJxds 11.exds li,xgs
12.dxc6 bxc6 13.'fife4 o-o 14.'fifxg4
cxbs+ And once again Black is
a little bit better.) 10 ... tiJb4 u.'fi!q
tiJbxds 12.exds !!c8 13. 'fi!b4 'fi!d7
14. li, xf6 gxf6oo This position is
rather strange, but we think that
Black will have good play on the
kingside.)
9 ... 0-o 10. �e3 a6 u.tiJa3 !!c8 12.tiJq
li,xds 13.tiJxds
(13.exds allows the thematic 13 ...
tiJd4!
14. li, xd4 (14.tiJd2 l::iJjs+ Black is
slightly better.) 14 ... !! xq+ Gon­
zalez R. Davila-G. Grigore I Mal­
lorca 2004.)
13 ... tiJ xds 14.exds tiJd4 1s.'fifd3 bs
16.tiJa3 'fi!d7oo With a balanced po­
sition.;
b) 7. li,b3 tiJf6 8.tiJsc3 This is a too
quiet way of playing to claim an
advantage... 8 ... li,e7 9. li,g5 o-o
w. li,xf6 li, xf6 11.0-o li,gs 12.tiJds
!!c8 Black's position is completely
healthy. 13.tiJd2
[HAPTER 1 5
bt) 13.tiJbc3 has the disadvantage
of leaving the d4 square to Black.
13 ...tiJd4!? 14.f4
bn) 14. 'fi!d3 a6 15 . !!ad1 'i!?h8
16.tiJe2 tiJxb3 (16... tiJxe2+ A. Be­
relowitsch-Schmidt S. Schaeffer I
Regensburg 1998.) 17.'fi!xb3
(17.axb3 li,xds 18.exds (18. 'fifxds?!
!!xc2+) 18 .. .fsoo)
17...bsoo ;
14 ... tiJ xb3 15.axb3 li, xf4 16.tiJ xf4
'fi!b6+ 17. 'l!?h1 exf4 18. !!xf4 'fifes=
Black's position is completely fine.
White will not be able to take ad­
vantage of the weakness of the d6
pawn.;
h2) 13.c3 tiJe7= In order to simplify
the position.;
13 ... tiJas 14.c3 bsoo With a balanced
game to follow.;
7.. .fxe6 8. 'fifhs+
(8.q li,e7 9.0-o tiJ f6 w.tiJ 1c3 (w.
tiJsc3 o-o 11. li,e3 'fifes 12.tiJd2 'fi!g6
13j3 tiJhsoo ) 10 a6 11.tiJa3 o-o
•.•
12.tiJc2N is more logical than the
move that was played so far.
(12. li,gs !!c8 13. !!CI tiJxe4! + (13 ...
'fi!b6+ F. Samara-L. Guidarelli I
France 1998.) )
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
12 ... �c8 13 .�d3 �C7 14. 1ld2
�d4!? 1s.� xd4 exd4 16.�xd4
�xc4oo Black already has a certain
initiative.)
8 ... g6 (8... �d7 Although this move
was already played, we don't see the
point of weakening the king's posi­
tion like this.) 9.�h3
(11.�sc3 would give the �c6 the
d4 square. 11...�d4 12.�d1 �c8
13.0-o .ilg7 14.�d2 � f6 1s.�b3
0-0
16.�d3 (16.�xd4 exd4 17- �xd4
�ds!+) 16 ... ds! oo With an unclear
position where Black has some
chances of getting a small edge.)
11. .. bs 12.c3 h6 13. 1le3 �f7 Black
will put his king on g7 and then
play�f6 and ds. 14.o-o �f6 1s.�f3
ds 16. �d1 �g7 17.�C2 .ild6oo Black
managed to win in Vallejo F. Pons­
A. Shirov I Ayamonte 2002.)
9 ... �d7 w.o-o (w. .ile3 ds!N u.�d2
a6 12.�a3 �f6 13.0-o .ilxa3 14.bxa3
o-o+ Black's position is already
239
more pleasant to play.) IO ... �f6
11.� 1C3
a) 11.f4!?N An interesting novelty.
a1) 11. .. �xe4 This move is not so
easy to play during a game, but we
think it's totally correct. 12.fxes
� xes 13.� 1C3 �XC3 14.�XC3
0-0-0
(or 14... 1lg7 1s.�e4 o-o-o 16. 1lgs
�df8 1J.� f6 (1J. �fd1 �!J=) 1J.. .
�e7 18.� hs (18.�e4 �d7=) 18 .. .
�xgs 19.�xe6+ (19.�xg7 �xj1+
20. � Xj1 �g4 21. �Xg4 � Xg4
22.�Xe6 �e8=) 19 ...�d7 20.�Xg7
�cs+ 21.�h1 �es 22.�xes �xes
23.�e6=)
1s. ilgs .ile7 16. 1lxe7 �xe7 17.�ds
�d7 18.�f6 �eJ 19.�ds=;
. ..
a2) n ... a 6,,
. . 1s suspiCIOus h ere.
12.fxes dxes 13. �xf6 .ile7 14. �fl
axbs 1s. ile3t White is slightly
better because of Black's bad struc­
ture.;
12. �d1
240
(12.fxes '£) xes 13 .1£)d4 l£)eg4
14.�b3! (14.1£)c3 o-o+) 14 ... ds
1s.exds l£)xds 16.c3 o-o-ooo With
a double-edged position.)
12 ... o-o! Black shouldn't waste any
time to defend the d6 pawn. 13. � xd6
(13.1£) 1c3 l£)es 14jxes 2lxes+) 13 ...
�c8 14.1£)d2 exf4 1s.�xe6+ �xe6
16. � xe6 �adS 17. �d6 a6 18. � xd8
�xd8 19.1£)c3 bs� With good com­
pensation for the pawn. White's
pieces are badly organized.;
b) n.l£)sc3 2lg7 12. 2lgs o-o 13.1£)d2
�ac8oo Followed by l£)d4.;
n ... a6 12. 2lgs
a) 12.1£)a4 axbs!N A strong improve­
ment. (12 ... �j7 1J.I£)b6 �dB 14.1£)c3
2lg7 15. 2lgs= W. Richter-W. Seeger
I GER email 2007.)
(HAPTER 1 5
13.1£)b6 �d8 14.1£)xa8 (14.�xe6+
2lq 15.1£)xa8 �xa8 16. 2le3 �a4+
With the idea of putting pressure
on the e4 pawn, but also of playing
�c4 in order to kick out the queen
from e6.) 14 ... �e7! 1s. 2lgs
(1s.f4 �xa8 16.fxes '£) xes 17.�h4
2lg7 18. 2lh6 2l xh6 19.�xf6+ (19.
�xf6? simply loses material af­
ter 19 ... 2le3+ 20. �h1 gs 21. �h6
�gB-+) 19 ... �dt=i= Black is much
better.)
1s ... �xa8 16. �ad1 (16]4 2lg7 17jxes
'£)xes 18. �h4 �JB+ Followed by h6.)
16 ... 2lg7 17.c3 h6 18. 2lxf6+ 2lxf6+;
b) 12.1£)a3 bs 13 . .it.gs .it.e7 14. 2l xf6
2l xf6 1s.l£)e2 dsoo;
12 ... 2le7
(13.f4?! An interesting attempt, but
only in practice. 13 ... axbs!N Black
had to accept the challenge. After
analysis, we came to the conclusion
that White doesn't have enough
compensation for the piece.
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 241

(13 ... exf4?! was played by one

of your authors. 14.e5! � xes
15.�d4 (15. ilxf6! kxf6 16.�e4
o - o 17.� bxd6 il d8 18. 'ff. ad1
il b6+ 19. ctJh1 V!!/qoo ) 15 ... � f7
(1s...�jg4! 16. ilxf4 hs+) 16. ilxf6
k xf6 17.�xe6 kxc3 18.bxc3 ctle7
19. V!!/ h 4+ <i?xe6 20. 'ff. x f4 �es
21. 'ff. f6+ ctle7 22. 'ff. e 1? (22. 'ff. aj1!
ctle8! 23.V!!Id4 ctlq! 24.V!!Ih4=) 22 ... 6 ... � f6 Once again, we prefer de­
'E.af8-+ S. Fedorchuk-F. Libisze­ laying the a6 move as long as the
wski I Cannes 2006.) knight is still on b1, although it is
also perfectly fine. We think that
6 ... � f6 can give Black some win­
ning chances. (6... a6 7-�SCJ �f6
8. ilq!? is the line you have to look
at if you want to avoid the 8. ilxf6
line.) 7· ilgs

(7.� 1c3 a6 8.�a3 We are now in

14.fxes �hs 15. kxe7 V!!/xe7 16.exd6
(16.g4 V!!lgs!-+) 16 ... V!!/xd6 17. 'ff. a d1
(17.�xbs V!!fes 18. a4 o-o-o+) 17...
V!!/es (1J. .. V!!fcs+ 18. ctlh1 �g7 19. V!!ih 6
V!!les+) 18.�xbs 'ff. f8! 19.�d6+ ctle7
2o.V!!/h4+ 'ff. f6+)
13 ... bs 14. kxf6 il xf6 15.�e2 o-o
16.c3 'E.ad8= Followed by ds.;
a Svenshnikov where White played
ile4 instead of ilgs ... Rather
strange! 8 ... ke7 is our recommen­
dation here as it transposes to 6.
� 1c3 a6 7.�a3 ile7!? 8. ile3 and
now 8 ... � f6!, which is the line we
advise Black to play! (8 ... bs is the
most played move.) )
7... a6

6. ile3 Amongst the sidelines, this is

the second most played move. We
often get to see this position after
the following move order: 1.e4 cs
2.� f3 e6 3· d4 cxd4 4.�xd4 �c6
s.�bs d6 6. il f4 es 7. ile3.
242 [HAPTER 1 5

(8. �xf6 is the other alternative. 8 ... theoretical line from the Svesh­
gxf6 9.i:Llsc3 fs The logical reaction! nikov.)
10. V!Vhs The most direct approach
and the most played move.

a) 10. �c4 V!Vgs!? (10... i?..g7 is may­

be the simplest move. n.i:Lld2 o-o
12.0-0 �e6oo With a complicated
position.) u.o-o

(u.g3 i?.. e 6 (n . .jxe4!?) 12.i:Llds

.

o-o-ooo In the game P. Leka­ 13. �C4 (1J.i:LlC4?! i:Lld4 14.i:Llce3

S. Movsesian I Moscow 2008,
Black got a very pleasant posi­
tion.)
u ... g,g8 12.g3 �e6 (12 .. j4?! It is not
a good idea for Black to close the
position as after 13.i:Llds� he will
have practical problems. A. Fish­
bein-J. Polgar I New York 1989.)
13.i:Lld2 o-o-o 14.i:Llds �b8oo The
position is very complex. We think
that Black still has good attacking
chances on the kingside.;
�xds 1s.i:Llxds V!9as+ 16.1':Llc3 ds+)
13 ... li.p 14.c3 g,c8 With a very
complicated position. Black has
good perspectives as he didn't let
White put his other knight on e3.
He will now play o-o followed by
i:Llas. Then he will have to wait for
the right moment to play fs.)

b) 10.1':Lld2 �e6 (10 ... i:Lld4?! is du­

bious here: n . i:Ll ds! With the
idea c3. n .. jxe4 12.c3 �e6 13. �c4
bs 14. cxd4 bxC4 1s. V!Va4+ � d7
16. V!VXC4 g,cs 17. V!Vxa6 g,c6 18. V/9e2�
White was a little bit better in the 13 ... li. h6! This move is much
game: V. Ivanchuk-E. Sveshnikov I stronger than the stereotypical 13 ...
Tallinn 2ooo.) u.exfs ii.xfs 12.i:LlC4 �g7. As White will have to play
i:Lleds, Black will get the d4 square
(12.i:Llds is very rarely played. for the I':Llc6.
12 ... �e6! Preventing White from
playing I':LlC4- I':Llce3. (12 ... �g7
13.c3 o-o 14.i:LlC4 bs 1s.i:Llce3 �e6
16. �d3 fs transposes to a very
 THE COMPLETE KALASH N I KOV
b1) 14.'=LJcd5?! is suspicious here as
Black will be able to play d5 after
14··· ii.xe3! 15.�xe3 (1sjxe3 �as+
16.�c3 ds+) 15 ... d5+;
b2) 14.g3 ii. xe3 15.fxe3 �b6
16.�d2 o-o-o 17.0-o-o d5oo
With an interesting to play po­
sition: H. Edighoffer-S. Kerr I
IECG email 2002;
14 ...0-0 15.g3 (1s.�hs �g7 16. 'E.d1jS
Black has a good dynamic position.
He will quickly play �d4.) 15 .. .f5
16 . .tg2 'E.c8!? (16... �h8oo M. Car­
rion-Quesada Y. Perez I Santo Do­
mingo 2006.) 17.0-o �d4!?+ The
position is complicated, but we al­
ready prefer Black. (17-.. bs J. Vota­
va-P. Bjarnehag l Stockholm 1999.);
c) 10.�d5 �g7 u.�bc3 o-o 12.exf5
.t xf5 13 .�e3 �e6 14 . .tC4 'E.c8
15. ii.d5 �d4 16.o-o �d7oo A. Ci­
sic-A. Horvath I Neum 2003.;
10... �g7 We think that this is the
right way to play for Black. (10 ...
�d4 11. �c4 �q is the alterna­
tive, but games have shown that
243
this position is very dangerous for
Black!; 10 ... 'E.g8 11. �C4 'E.g7 We
don't think it's very natural to play
a rook fianchetto ... 12.�d2 Fol­
lowed by o-o-o. 12 ... �gs?! This
move simply loses a pawn. But it
is true that the position was not so
easy to play for Black. 13. ii.xj7+!
�dB 14. �xgs+ 'E.xgs 1s.g3 jxe4
16.�dxe4 'E.g7 17- ii.dst J. Echavar­
ria-A. Moiseenko I Dos Hermanas
2004.)
11. iLC4 The move played in prac­
tice.
a) 11.�d2!? The computer's recom­
mendation is very rarely played.
11. .. �d4 12. �d3 fxqN (12 .. j4?!
Once again it's not logical to close
the position. 13.g3jxg3 14.hxg3 .te6
1sj4± L. Zesch-U. Sieg I Germany
2002.) 13. �xe4 (13.�dxe4 h6 And
Black will quickly play d5.) 13 ... h6
With the idea of castling, but also
of simplifying the position after
�g5. Black will then be able to play
f5. 14.�b3 (14.0-o �gs=) 14 ... o-o
(14... �gS 1s.�d1 o-o 16.o-ot) 15.0-
o (1s.o-o-o �bs!? 16.�dsjs 17. �!3
as 18.a4 �qoo) 15 ... �e6!? The
knight will then go to f4. 16. 'E.ad1
244 (HAPTER 1 5

fs 17. .il:.ds Wh7oo With an interest- the files and to put White in front
ing position.; of concrete problems. (13 ... :8e8
14. �e4! ds 1s.lLlxds .il.xfs 16. .il.xfs
b) n.exfs?! ds!; li:J xfs 17.li:Jbc3 tLld4 1B.o -o-o;t;
J. Viberg-V. Taksrud I ICCF email
n ...o-o 12.exfs 2003.)

(12.li:Jd2 li:Jd4 13.0-o-o .il:.e6!N

A good improvement. (13 ... bs was
played so far.)

(14. � xe4 ds! was the point be­

a) 14.exfs?! .il:.xfs+ The c2 pawn is
hanging and after .il:.g6 the black
king will be safe.;
b) 14 . .il:.ds :8c8!i;
c) 14 . .il:.b3 :8c8 15 . Wb1 fxe4
16.li:Jdxe4 ds! 17.li:Jxds! White's
best chance. (17.li:Jd2 .il.fs+; 17-li:Jg3
:8xc3! 1B.bxc3 li:Jbs 19.li:Je4 VJ9b6
20.a4 li:Jqi Black's initiative is
too strong.) 17... .il:. xds 18. :8 xd4!
exd4 19 . .il:.xds WDq 2o. lt.b3 WDes+
Black is slightly better.;
hind Black's last move. White
can't this pawn now. 15. lt.d3
(1s. lt. xds? lLlxc2+-+; 1s.li:Jxds?
:8eB-+) 1s... l:!e8+ 16.Wfl
(16.Wd1 :Bes 17. :8e1 :Bxfs! A very
strong exchange sacrifice.
18. lt.xfs (18. VJ6h3 h6+) 18... lt.xfs
19.li:Ja3 bs-+)
16 ... :8es! Parrying the f6 threat
and putting pressure on the fs
pawn.

14 ...fxe4 15. lt.xe4 fs 16. lt.ds :8f6oo

With an unclear position.)

12 ... li:Jd4 13. lt.d3 e4!N A strong

novelty which allows Black to open
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV 245

17.g4 (17j4? 'Bxfs! IB. li.xfs li:Jxfs-+

White's position will fall apart.)
17...li:J f3 18.li:Je2

a) 18 . .1i.e2 li:Jh4 19.li:Jd2 li:J xfs!

20. �h3 (2o.gxjs? 'Bxfs-+ The
queen is lost!) 2o ... li:Jd4+;

b) 18.gs li:Je1 ! + What a move!

Black is going to take White's best
piece, the d3 bishop.;
18 ... �b6oo With a very uncertain
position, but it seems that Black
has all his chances.)
14 ... .1i.xfs 15.0-o (15.c3? is bad here
because of the following tacti­
cal variation: 15 ... ds! 16.cxd4 li.g6!
17. �d1 dxe4 18. 1i.e2 e3! 19.jxe3
�gs+) 15 ... ds 16.li:Jg3 li.xd3 17.cxd3
li:Jc2 Winning the exchange.
18.li:Jfs (IB.liJcJ liJxai i9. 'Bxa1 �b6
2o.li:Jxds �xb2 21. 'Bj1 'BaeB+) 18 ...
li:J xa1 19.�g4 �f6 2o.li:Jc3 't!?h8
21. 'f1. xa1 �g6 22.�f3 Ji.xc3 23.bXC3
'8ad8 24.a4 '8 fe8oo The position
is unclear. White has compensa­
tion for the exchange, but we don't
think he can claim an advantage.)
8 ... .1i.e7 9 . .1i.xf6
(9.li:Jd2 i.. g4! A very good move
which was played by lvanchuk
a while ago.
10 . .1i.e2
a) 10.li:J f3 Although this move was
played by a grandmaster, we don't
like it. 10... �as!?N (w... o-o n. li.xf6
i.. xj6 12.li:Jds li.gs IJ.CJ liJeJ I4. li.c4
'BcB is.liJxq+ �xqoo 0. Korneev­
E. De Haan I Bratto 2008.)
n.li.xf6 (n. li.d2 �b6 12. 1i.e2 o-o
13.0-o i.. e6oo With an unclear po-
sition.) n ... Ji. xf6 12. i.. e 2 (12. 1i.c4?!
li:Jd4+) 12 ...o-o 13.0-o �e6 14.li:Jds
(14.�d3 'BacB Is. 'Bfdi 'BfdB+) 14 ...
li.xds 15.exds li:Jd4= Although
Black has some chances of being
slightly better, the position must
objectively be equal.;
b) 10.f3 ii.e6+ Black is already bet­
ter because of the weakness of the
dark squares in White's position.;

10 ... .1i.xe2 11.li:Jxe2

246 (HAPTER 1 5

(u.�xe2?! simply loses a pawn af­ 25. 'B.d3 b4 26. ii.q rrt;;e7 27- 'E.ds f6
ter u . ..lf:he4! 12.1£'ldxe4 (12. iLxe7 28. 'E.ast D. Gross-J. Emms I Ger­
l£'lxc3 13. ii.xd8 l£'lxe2 14. iLb6 many 2001.)
l£'lf4+) 12... ii.xg5+)

11. ..d5= And Black easily equalized

in the game: Z. Almasi-V. Ivan­
chuk I Polani.)

9 ... iL xf6 1o.i'£'ld2 o-o (10 . . . iL e6

n.l£'lq l£'ld4 is the other way of play­
ing for Black, but we prefer to force
things a little bit.) u.I£'JC4 It is funny 22.rrt;; f1 rrt;; fs 23.1£'le2 White's only
to see that this position is analysed plan. 23 . . . 1£'l xe2 24. rrt;; x e2 rrt;;e 7
with a tempo more for White after 25. 'E.d3 'E.c8!= The rook will get ac­
6.1£'l 1c3 a6 7.1£'la3 ii.e7 8.1£'JC4 i'£'l f6 tivated on the c-file.)
9· iLg5!. u ... iLe6 12. �xd6 White
has to accept the challenge. (12.1£'le3
iLgs+) 12 ... �e8!? We quite like this
move. White now has to play accu­
rately in order to equalize.

(12 ... ii.g5 This move equalizes, but

it also gives White the chance to
make some mistakes. 13. iLd3 (13.
�xd8 'B.axd8 14.1£'le3 iLxe3 15jxe3
l£'lb4+ Becerra J. Rivero-K. Landa
I Ubeda 1999.) 13 ... iLxC4 14.�xd8 a) 13.1£'ld5 iL xd5 14.�xd5 (14.exds
'B.axd8 15. iL xC4 'B.d2 The rook's 'B.ds 15.�cs l£'ld4 16.1£'le3 'E.cBi The
activity gives Black enough com­ c2 pawn will fall.) 14 ... 'E.d8 15. �c5
pensation. 16.h4 (16. ii.b3 I£'Jd4!; iLe7!N A good improvement. (15 ...
16. iLd3 I£'J b4!) 16 ... ii. h6 17. 'iii d l l£'ld4 The move that was played in
'B.xe2 18. ii.b3 'iii c 1 19.0-o (19. 'iii h3 practice.)
l£ld4= P. Leko-P. Svidler I Dort­
mund 2004.) 19 ... 'B.xd1 20. 'B.xd1
i'£'ld4 21. ii.d5 'B.b8!N A good im­
provement which allows Black
to equalize. (21 ... bs 22. rrt;;j1 'B.bs
23.1£'le2 l£'lxe2 24.rrt;;xe2 This end­
game is a little bit better for White
as the �h6 is out of play. 24 ... rrt;;js
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
16J!fb6 (16J!¥e3? b5 17-8d2 8 b4-+
Followed by �c6.) 16...!2Jb4 17. .td3
(1J.8e3?! �a4+) ll··· :8.xd3! An in­
teresting exchange sacrifice. (11...
8xd3+ 1B.cxd3 :8.xd3 19.0-o=) 18.cxd3
!2Jxd3+ 19.�e2 .tcs! 2o.�xb7
(2o.�q?! l2J f4+ (2o ... b5 21.8e3
.txe3 22jxe3 !2Jxb2oo) 21. �fl �e6!
A very nice move!
22.�xcs (22.8e3 .txe3 23 jxe3
8xg2!+ With a decisive attack.)
22 ... :8.c8 And Black is better af­
ter 23. :8.d1 h6 24. �b4 (24. �xcB+
�xcB 25.8 e3 �c6+) 24 ... :8. xq
25.�b3 �c6+)
20...!2Jf4+ 21.�fl �d8 22.�b3 f2Jd3
23.f3 !2J f2 24.�e2 �gsoo;
b) 13.�d2N This move has never
been played. White is trying to get
regrouped as best as he can.
247
13 ... :8.d8 14.!2Jds (14.�c1 �e1 15.8e3
.tg5+ It is almost impossible for
White to defend this position in
a game.) 14 ... .txds 15.exds !2Jd4 (15...
e4!?) 16.!2Je3 (16.c3?! would let Black
get the advantage after the nice
16... :8.xd5! 11. cxd4 b5! And White
needs to give the piece back as af­
ter 18.8a3?! exd4+ 19. �d1?! d3!-+
White's position would be hopeless.)
16 ... .tgs 17·C4
(17.h4 .th6 18.�d1 fs 19.c3 !2Je6!
2o. .tq
(20. �b3 l2Jd4!? A nice move.
21.�d1 White doesn't have
a choice. (21.cxd4?! exd4 22.o-o­
o dxe3 23jxe3 �xe3+ 24.�xe3
.txe3+ 25. �b1 :8.d6+) 21. .. !2Je6=)
20 ... !2Jcs 21.0-o :8.d6� Black has
good compensation for the pawn.)
17... bs!?� We think that the activity
of Black's pieces compensate for the
pawn.;
13... :8.d8 14.�cs (14.�q?! is suspi­
cious here as Black can now im­
prove his .t f6. 14 ... :8.d1 15. �b6
.tds 16. �c5 .t e1 11. �b6 .tb4+
V. Lillo Castay-E. Djingarova I Illes
Medes 2007.) 14 ... :8.d4!? (14 ... :8.c8!?
also seems to be playable.) 15.!2Jcds!
(15. .td3?! .te1 16.�b6 :8.b4 11.�C7
:8.xb2+) 15 ... :8.xe4
(15 ... .t xdsN forces the draw:
16.exds (16.8xd5? :8.xe4++) 16 ...
248 (HAPTER 1 5

1Le7 17.�b6 B:b4 18.�q .1l.d8 to play 13.h4!? 1L h 6 14.g4oo With

19.�d6
(19.�c8?! B: xb2 20.0-o-o (20.
dxc6?? loses the queen after 20...
iLas+) 2o. .J�:Je7! 21.�c3 B: xa2+
And Black is better.)
a complicated position.) 13.0-o
iLgs This position would trans­
pose to 6. 1LC4 1Le6 7. 1Lb3 and then
13.'iJC3.)

19 ... 1Le7 20.�C7 .1l.d8= Draw by

repetition.)

16.li:J xf6+ gxf6 17.c3 �e7 18.�xe7

/iJ xe7= The position is equal.
G. Marcotulli-M. Tritt I IECG
email 2003.;
(6 ... a6?! This is the most played
move in the database, but we think
there might have been a mistake
when entering the games (!!) be­
cause now the most common re­
ply is 7.li:Ja3?! but who would play
this move in this position?!!(J.li:Jds!
is of course the logical move, fol­
lowed by li:Jbc3.) )
7.li:Ja3!? A surprising move, played
by Christian Bauer amongst others.
In general, this position is reached
through the Sveshnikov move order:
(7. .1l.gs 1Le7 8. 1Lxf6 1L xf6 9./iJds
After 9.li:Jd2 or 9.li:Ja3 with the
idea w.li:JC4, we would transpose
to 7.li:Ja3 and then 8 ... o-o. 9 ... o-o
10.li:Jbc3 1Le6 11. 1LC4 B:c8 12 . .1l.b3
li:Jd4!? (12 ... 1Lgs It is preferable
to wait before playing this move
as White could now be tempted
7... 1Le7 (J... a6 would transpose
to a real Sveshnikov after 8 . .1l.gs.)
8 . .1l.gs (B.li:JC4 allows the following
.
s1mpl"fi 1 catiOn: 8 .. r-..
. . "2..J Xe4 .I?.
9.li:Jxe4 ds w.li:Jg3 dxc4 n.�xdB+
1Lxd8 12. 1LXC4 li:Jb4!?oo This po­
sition is completely playable for
Black.) 8 ... li:Jxe4!? This move leads
to very complicated positions where
White can be in danger if he doesn't
play accurately.
(8 ... o-o is a totally correct alter­
native. 9. 1Lxf6 1L xf6 w.li:JC4 (10.
iLC4 a6 n.li:Jds bs 12.li:Jxj6+ �xf6
13. 1Lds 1Ld7 14.c3 L. Nisipeanu­
J. Fluvia Poyatos I Andorra 2003.
14 . . . B:adB!?N A good improve-
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
ment. As the �c6 is not pinned
anymore, Black will be able to
play �e7. 15.�c2 �q 16.�e3 WBgs
17-0-o �g6= With a balanced po­
sition.) IO .. �e6 11.W6xd6 W9c8 !
. a) 15.�Cd5 �g5 16.C4 �xd5 17.exd5
Black wants to keep the queens and
quickly play �d8.
(n ... �d4 12.W6xd8 :S. fxd8 13.0-
o-0! ;l; Although Black has some
compensation, we think that only
White can have winning chances
here.(13.�e3 �gs 14. �d3 �acBoo
C. Bauer-E. Bacrot I Paris 2009.))
12 ... �d8 13. WBn
(13.�d5 �xd5 14.exd5 �e7 15.�e3
(15.d6 �fs Followed by b5 and
oo
White's position is very danger­
ous.) 15 ... �g5 16.c4 � f5� With
a complicated position where
Black has good compensation.)
13 ... �d4 14.�e3 �e7 In order to
play � b4. (14 ... �gs!?N seems to be
a very interesting try. 15. �d3 �d7
16.o-o WBdB With a strong initia­
tive for the pawn. It is difficult to
find a move for White, while Black
can still improve his position by
249
playing :S.c8, but he can also find
play on the kingside after � f4 and
W6h4.) 15.a3
f5!?i With a certain initiative.;
b) 15. �d3 This is White's best de­
fence in our opinion. 15 ... �b4
16.W6d2 �b5 17.�ed1 �d6 (lJ...
� d6!? In order to play �C4· 18. weC1
�d7 19.0-o �as 20.a3 W9c6 The ac­
tivity of Black's pieces compensates
for the pawn.) 18.a3 �xc3 19.�xc3
�XC3 20.VJ9XC3 VJ9XC3+ 2l.bXC3 �C8
22. �d2 :S.dc6 Black is slightly bet­
ter, but White should be able to
hold.;
15 ... �g5 Now that the bishop can­
not go to b4 anymore, it is chang­
ing diagonals. The difference com­
pared to 14 ... �g5 is that the b3
square is now weakened. 16. �d3
�b3! 17.CXb3 �Xd3 18.'W'c2 'W'd8
19. �d1 � xdH 2o.'W'xd1
2o ... �xe3!N (2o... 'W'xd1+ 21. �xd1
�xb3;l; C. Bauer-J. Lautier I France
2002.) 21.'W'xd8+ (21.jxe3 W6h4+
22.g3 W6h3i) 21 ... � xd8 22.fxe3
�xb3 23. :S. fl (23.�e2 �C4+ 24.�j3
:S.d2+) 23 ... :S.d7 24. �f2 �f8 25. �d2
250
�eit= The endgame is a little bit
better for Black.)
9.CLlxe4 it. xgs w . CL:l xd6+ �e7
11.CLlaC4 it.e6 This is the critical
position. White now has a choice:
12.'%!ff3
a) 12. it.d3?!N This improvement at­
tempt doesn't work:
12 ...b5! With this move Black takes
the initiative. 13.CLl xbs (1J.CLl b7?!
'%!Vq 14.CLJcd6 CL:las+) 13 ... e4! That's
the point! 14. it.e2 (14. it.j1 This is not
the kind of move one wants to play.
14 ... CLJb4 15.CLle3 '%Ifxd1+ 16. 'Bxd1
it.xe3 17jxe3 8xc2+ 18. �j2 'E!acs+
Black is a little bit better.) 14 ... 'Bbs
15.a4
(1s .CL:lbd6 '%!Vq 16.'2l xe4 'B hds
17. it.d3 (1J.CLlCd2 it.h6+ Followed
by fs. White's position will fall
apart.) 17··· it. xC4 18.'2l xgs '%!Ves+
19.'%!fe2 it. xd3 2o.cxd3 '%!fxe2+
21. �xe2 'Bxb2++)
15 ... a6 16.CLlc3 (16.CLJba3 '%!Vq 1J.o­
o 'E!.hd8 18.'%!Ve1 �fB i; 16.'%!Vxd8+
'E!.hxdB 17.CLl ba3 it.j6 1B.o-o CLld4
19. 'E!.ae1 8 xe2+ 20. 'E!.xe2 it.xb2
21.CLlxb2 'E!.xb2 22. 'E!.xe4 'E!.a2 23. 'E!.e3
(HAPTER 1 5
'E!.d4+ Black is slightly better.) 16...
'%!fd4!+ With a strong initiative.;
h) 12.c3 it. xc4 13 .CLl xc4 '%!fxd1+
14. 'B. xd1 'B. adS= The position is
equal.;
12 ... it.d2+!? We think this nice tac­
tical move is the simplest for Black
here.
(12 ... CLld4 is also playable. 13.'%!fxh7+
�f8 (1J . . . '%!fdJ 14.'%!fxd7+ �Xd7
15. it.d3 it.q 16.c3 il.xd6 17-CLlxd6
�xd6 1B. cxd4 exd4= With an
equal position.) 14. it.d3 D. Mas­
trovasilis-V. Spasov I Kavala 2007.
14 ... 'B.b8!N A good improvement.
1s.'%!fa6 it.e7 16.o-o-o hs! With the
idea of playing 'E! h6. 17.f4! White
needs to act fast. 17... exf4 18. �fl!
'f!. h6 19. 'f!. Xd4 _t XC4 20. _t XC4
'B. xd6 21. 'B. xd6 '%!fxd6 22.'%!fxd6
� xd6= After this tactical phase
the endgame is equal.)
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
13.CLJXd2 (13. rr!Jxd2 1t.xq 14. 1t.xc4
WIxd6+oo Black got a completely fine
position in the game: P. Doktor­
H. Ivanov I SEMI email 1999.) 13 ...
Wixd6= Black will play :Shd8 and
:Sf8. The position is balanced.;
6.g3 This move is of course not dan­
gerous for Black. The only idea is
that f5 is usually not good here as it
would open the diagonal of the g2
bishop.
(6 ... h5 was not our recommen­
dation in the first version of the
book and the recent game be­
tween Carlsen and Nakamura will
certainly not make us change our
mind! That game was a real disas­
ter for Black: 7.CLl 1C3 a6 8.CLla3 b5
9.CLld5 'Llge7 w. 1t.g2 1t.g4 u.f3 1t.e6
(n ... 1t.d7!? with the idea of playing
251
'Llxds might have been an option.)
12.c3 h4 13.CLlc2 1t.xds?! 14.exd5 'Llas
15.f4 � f5 16.g4 h3 17. 1t.e4 �h4?!
(IJ... Wih4+ IB. rrilfl �CJ 19.Wie2;k,
was also better for White.) 18.o-o
g6 19. 'r!lh1 1t.g7 2o.fsi M. Carlsen­
H. Nakamura I Wijk aan Zee 2013)
7. 1t.g2 �f6 (J. .. 1t.e6 was also com­
pletely playable.) 8.o-o
a) 8.h3 o-o (8... a6 is also possible,
but less logical according to us. We
think it's better to wait for the �b1
to develop before playing a6. 9.8sc3
bs w. o - o o - o n. 1t.e3 'Llas 12.CLJd2
1t.b7oo J. Nunn-J. Van der Wiel I
Wijk aan Zee 1991.) 9.0-o 1t.e6 We
think that this is the best way to play
for Black. What is White going to do
next?! He will have to develop the b1
knight at some point and then Black
will play a6 and bs.;
b) 8. 1t.gs 1t.g4! A good move in or­
der to disorganize the white pieces.
9.�d2 (9. Wid3 E:cB Threatening
CLJb4. w.CLJ 1c3 o-o n. 1t.xf6 CLJb4!
A good intermediate move. 12. WId2
1t.xf6+ Followed by 1t.gs. Black is
slightly better.) 9 ... o-o w.o-o a6
252 (HAPTER 1 5

11.�5c3 �d4oo Black doesn't have
any problems.;
8 ... 1i.. g 4!? Once again this move is
interesting. 9.�d3 (9]3 would be
a "defeat" for White as the li.. g 2 is
now very bad.) 9 ... �c8 Threatening
�b4. 10.C4 (10. a3 a6 ll.�SC3 �d4
12. 1i.. e3 �b6oo ) 10 ... 0-0 11.h3 li.. e 6
12.b3 a6 13.�5c3 bsi And Black
took the initiative in the game:
R. Strohhaeker-F. Libiszewski I
Germany 2010;
axbs 12.�c3 b4 13.�bs o-o 14.�xd6
�xd6 15.�xd6 li.. e 6= The posi­
tion is equal.) 10 ... a6 u. lt.. xe4 axbs
12.�c3 1i.. e 6 13.� xbs (13.�ds lt.. xds
14. �xds b4 15. �jd1 g6� White has
some compensation for the pawn,
but nothing more.) 13 ... �d8 14. 1i.. ds
o-o= With a balanced position.;
6. 1i.. g s? This move is just bad.

6. 1i..e 2 lt.. e7 As long as the knight is

on b1, it is logical to delay a6. 7.0-o
�f6 s. lt.. g s!?N This novelty is in our
opinion the only way to justify this
line for White. (8.� 1c3 a6 9.�a3
would be the same as playing the
quiet li.. e2 in a normal line!; 8.�5c3
o-o 9. 1i..gs?! This move is suspicious,
but what else should White do? 9
�xe4! 1o.� xe4 lt.. xgs 11. �xd6
�xd6 12.�xd6 �d4+ Sadatnajafi,
M-E. Sveshnikov I Dubai 2004.)
6 ... �xgs! 7-�C?+ <i!?ds 8.�xa8 �f6!
Black has a too strong initiative. The
a8 knight is trapped, the e4 pawn is
··· hanging and Black can easily com­
plete his development. 9.�c3
(9.�d2 li.. g 4! 10. 1i.. e 2 (10j3 li.. e6+
Followed by �c8 and �b8.; 10.h4
�g6 11. 1i.. e2 lt.. xe2 12. �xe2 <i!fcB
13.0-o-o <i!fbB 14.hs �gs+) 10 ...
lt.. xe2 11.�xe2 <i!?c8+)

8 ...�xe4! The good reaction. (B... o­

o?! would be a mistake here be­
cause of: 9. 1i.. xj6 lt.. xf6 10. �xd6!
�d4 n. li.. dJt White will simply be
a pawn up.) 9. 1i.. xe7 �xe7 10. 1i.. f3
(10]3 is also possible. 10... a6 11jxe4
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
10.a4 The move played in practice.
a) 10.h3 �e6+ Followed by Bc8 and
abs.;
b) 10.h4 �f4 11. �d3 (n.gJ �!3
12. �xj3 tiJxj3+ 13. 't!fd1 tiJd4+) 11 ...
�g4 12.�d2 (12.�Cl �XCI+ 1J. BXC1
�e6+) 12 ... �xd2+ 13.'t!lxd2 g6! +;
w ... ds!N A strong novelty which
allows the f8 bishop to get activat­
ed. 11.h4 (u. �d2 �xd2+ 12. 't!fxd2
dxe4+) 11 ... �g4+ White's position
is very bad. The knight will never
get out from a8.
6... t2J f6!?
This is not the most played move,
but we think that transposing to the
Sveshnikov is the most simple option
here.
6 ... �e6 is the other alternative, but
we had to make a choice.
tiJ
?. tq
7· �gs is very rarely played here. 7...
a6 8. �xf6 gxf6 9.t2Jsc3 fs We have al­
ready looked at this position, with the
only difference that the a4 pawn was
253
then on a2 (with 6. �e3). We think
that this difference is in Black's favor
because of the weakness of the b4
square and White can also not really
castle queenside any longer.
?... a6 s.t2Ja3
We are now in a highly theoretical
position that both Sveshnikov and
Kalashnikov players should know.
8 . �g4!?
. .
This is our suggestion for Black. It
is not the first time we see this idea.
Black will either simplify the position
or disorganize White's pieces.
9·f3
This is of course the most logical
move and also the only option to try
and get an advantage.
9· �e2 doesn't give White anything.
9 ... �xe2 1o.�xe2 ds! Simplifying
the position. 11. �gs
(11.exds tiJxds 12.tiJxds
254
(12.ClJC4 �b4 13 . � d 2 0 - 0
14.8 xds?! would b e suspicious
here because of the intermedi­
ate move (14 . 'Eid1 ClJd4 15.�d3
8b6+) 14 ...ClJd4! 1s.�d3 �xd2+
16.�xd2 �xds 17.ClJe3 �e6+)
12 ... �xds Black doesn't have any
problems whatsoever here! Games
have shown that it is even him who
has the better winning chances.
13.0-0 ClJd4 14. �d3 'Eid8 1S. �e3oo )
u .. d4! 12.8ds (12. �xf6 gxf6 13.8ds
.
8b4 See 12.8ds ll:Jb4!?.) 12 ...8b4!?
a) 12 ...�as+ 13. �d2 �d8 14. �gs
�as+ 1s. �d2 �dB 16. �gs= Draw
by repetition. (1 6. ClJ xj6+ �xf6
17-ClJc4 �cs 1B.o-o o-o 19.as 'E!adB
2o.�d3 �e6oo With an uncertain
position. In the game M. Panar­
in-A. Moiseenko I Dagomys 2010,
Black won.) ;
b) 12 . . . �e7?! is dubious here.
13. �xf6 � xf6 14.ClJq;l; G. Arzu­
manian-P. Smirnov I Nefteyugansk
2002;
(HAPTER 1 5
(14.qN dxc3 1S.ClJ XC3 (15. bXC3
8xds 16.exds �xds 17.o-o �c6+)
1s ... ll:Jd3+ 16. �fl ll:J f4 17. �c2 'Eic8
Followed by �d3+. Black should
be slightly better.)
14 ... 8 xds 1s.exds �as+ 16.c3!N
A good improvement. (16. �j1 o-o­
o 17-ClJC4 �c5 18.b3 �q+ Z. Efimen­
ko-P. Smirnov I Rethymnon 2003.)
16 ... dxc3 17.bxc3 (17.o-o!? This move
can be interesting, but Black will
easily equalize if he plays accurate­
ly. 1J. .. cxb2 18. 'Eiab1 �xa3 19.�xa3
�xds 2o. 'Eijd1 �c6 21.g3 hs 22.h4
'EidB 23. 'E!xdB+ �xdB 24. �xb2 bs
2s.axbs axbs 26. 'E!e1 �ds= Fol­
lowed by �d7.) 17... 0-o-o 18.ClJq
�cs 19.�d3 �b8 2o. 'Eid1 'Eic8 21.d6
'Eic6 22.d7 �e7 23.ClJe3 'Eid6 24.8ds
'Eixd7 2s.o-o 'Eic8 26.�f3ii3 White
has good compensation for the
pawn.)
(1s.ll:Jxes �b4+ 16.c3 (16.�j1 8e4
17.ClJd3 �d6 18.j3 o-o J9.�Xe4
�xgs 20. �xd4 �h6+ The bad po­
sition of the white king gives Black
enough compensation.) 16 ... dxc3
17.ClJd3+
 TH E COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
(q.o-o VJB'e6 18. VJB'e2 (18. � aCI
CiJds!+) 18 ... �c8
(18... 0-o 19. 1t.xf6 �ac8! 20. �ad1
gxf6!? (2o... cxb2 21. VJ9'xb2 VJ9'xf6
22. VJ9'xb4 VJ9'xes 23. VJ9'xb7) 21.CiJd3
as 22.bXC3 � XC3 23.VJB'b1 �b3
24.VJB'a1 1t.c3oo)
19.!2Jd3 cxb2 20. VJB'xb2 1t.c3
21. VJ9 xb7 1t. xa1 22. �e1 !¥ xei+
23.!2Jxe1 0-0 24.!2Jd3 as+)
17... �f8 18.o-o VJB'xgs 19.!2Jxb4 g6
2o.bxc3 �g7+ Black is a little bit
better thanks to his structure, but
White should be able to hold.)
1s ... VJB'xes+ 16.!2J xes CiJds 17.!2J f3 f6
18. 1t.d2 �cs 19.0-o �f7= The d4
pawn is not especially weak as this
pawn is easily defendable and he
also allows a better piece activity.;
9.VJB'd2 1t.e6 The most logical move.
The queen has nothing to do on d2.
w. 1t.C4 1t.e7 11.0-o o-o (11 ... 18xe4
is also possible. 12.18xe4 ds 13. �a2
dxe4 14. 1t.xe6 fxe6 15. VJB'e2 o - o
16. VJB'g4oo With a n unclear position.)
12. �e1 (12. �d1?! The rook is not well
placed here. 12 ... � c8 13. b3 l8d4+
255
A. Axelrod-T. Baron I Petah Tiqwa
2011.) 12 ...!2Jd4 13.i¥d3
(13.b3 would let Black take the ini­
tiative after: 13 ... !2J xq! 14. � xe4
ds 1s.I2J xds �xds 16. �e1 (16. �xes
1t.xC4 17.18XC4 1t.J6 Winning the
exchange.) 16 ...bs!+)
13 ... �c8oo With a pleasant to play
position for Black.;
9.VJB'd3 1t.e7 IO. �gs (w.VJB'g3 is met
by w ... hs!? n.h3 h4 and Black will
now be slightly better after: 12. VJ9'e3
1t. e6 13. 1t. C4 1t.xC4 14.18xC4 ds
15.exds CiJxds+ F. Fraser-G. Burm­
ester I ICCF email 2007.) 10 ... !2Jd4
11. 1t.e2 (n. 1t.xf6 1t.xf6 12.18ds o - o
13. c3 l8 b3 14. � b1 1t.gs+) 11 ... .te6
12.0-o o-o 13.!2JC4 �c8 14.!2Je3 CiJd7
1s. � xe7 VJB'xe7oo Black has nothing
to be worried about here.
9··· �e6 to .tq
.
This is the critical position. Black
has the choice between 3 very inter­
esting lines, so he needs to take a de­
cision.
256
10.�C4?! �b4! A rare move and still
it is the strongest one. Black wants
to play d5. (10... !!c8 is the move that
was played.; 10... d5 also easily equal-
izes.)
11. XLg5
a) 11. XLe3?! d5+ See 10. ii.e3.;
b) n.a5N d5 (n ... V!!Iq!? 12.�b6
!!dB 13. ii.gs ii. q+ Followed by
d5.) u.�b6 !!bs 13.exd5 �bxd5
14.�bxd5 �xd5 15.� xd5 1i.xd5+
And Black is already slightly better.
White will have trouble castling.;
n ... !!c8 12. ii.xf6 (12.�e3 V!!i b 6
13.V!!id2 XLq!N White is already in
trouble!) 12 ... V!!fxf6!N A strong nov­
elty. White always has trouble com­
pleting his development.
13.�b6 (13.�e3 V!!lg5 14.V!!id2 V!!fxeJ+!
15. V!!fxe3 �xc2+ 1 6. rr!lj2 �xe3
CHAPTER 1 5
17- rr!lxe3 g6+; 13.�a3 XLq+) 13... !!c5!
That's the point!
14. ii.e2 (14. a5 V!!lg5 15.V!!id2 ii.q+;
14.� bd5 ii.xd5 15.� xds � xd5
16.exd5 V!!fh 4+ 17.g3 V!!lb4+ 18. rr!lj2
h5+) 14 ... XLe7 This simple develop­
ment move, followed by ii.fB, gives
Black a small advantage.
(14 ... d5 is also possible. Black also
takes the advantage after: 15.�bxd5
(15.0-o d4 16.�cds �xd5 17.�xd5
ii.xd5 18. exds !!xds+) 15 ... ii.xd5
16.exd5 V!!lg6 17.0-o �xc2 18. XLd3
(18.a5 �xa1 19.V!!ia 4+ rr!ld8 2o. !!xm
!!q+) 18 ... V!!ib 6! 19. !!b1 XLe7
(19 . . . !! xc3+ 2 0 . rr!l h 1 !! xd3
21.V!!ixd3 �b4 22.V!!ic 3 (22.V!!ij5
V!!lj6 2J. V!!ic 8+ V!!id8 24. V!!fxb7
ii.d6+) 22 ... ii.d6 23.f4! �)
15.0-o ii.ds 16.�bd5 �xd5 17.�xd5
(17.exd5 V!!iq+) 17... �xd5 18.exd5
o-o+ Black will have play on the
dark squares thanks to the f3 pawn.;
w. 1i.g5 ii.e7 11. ii.xf6
 THE COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV 257

(11.ctJC4 o-o! As we have already 11.ctJq (11. �c4 d5 12.exd5 Cl:Jbxd5

seen in other line, Black can give 13.Cl:Jxd5 Cl:Jxd5 14. �xd5 �xd5 15.0-
the d6 pawn in exchange of some o �e6+ A. Jeremejev-W. Stummer
compensation: I Chessfriend.com 2003.) 11. .. d5!
12. �b6

a) 12.exd5 Cl:J fxd5 13.Cl:J xd5 Cl:J xd5

1 4 . � f2 �b4+ 15.ctJd2 (15.c3 ?
Cl:J xc3- +) 1 5 . . . W!/g5+ A . Seidler­
F. Naspleda I Buenos Aires 2010;

b) 12.ctJxe5? loses to the tactical 12 ...

d4! 13. � xd4 W!/xd4-+;
12. � xf6 (12.a5 � XC4 1J. � XC4
Cl:Jxe4! 14.ctJxe4 �xg5 15.W!ixd6 12 ... W!/e7! 13.exd5 Cl:Jbxd5 14.ctJ xd5
Cl:Jxa5+) 12 ... � xf6 13.ctJd5 (13. Cl:Jxd5 15. � f2 �d8+ De N. Firmian­
W!fxd6 �h4+ 14.g3 W!lj6! And Black Vallejo F. Pons I Selfoss 2003.
is already better as after 15.W!id1 he
has the very strong 15 ... W!ih6!-+; IO • • • W!/b6!?
13.li1xd6 ctJd4 14.ctJj5 W!ib6+) 13 ... This is the move that we chose. We
�g5+) like the idea of forcing things a little
bit. Black's main idea is to prevent
11. .. � xf6 12. �C4 (12.ctJC4 o-o! See White from castling. The other two
n.Cl:Jq.) 12 ... o-o 13.Cl:Jd5 �h4+ 14.g3 options are IO... �c8 and 10 ...ctJb4.
�g5 15.0-o �h8 16. �p f5"" With
an uncertain position. White can
hardly be better with a knight that
is not playing on a3. G. Vescovi­
A. Shabalov I Paget Parish 2001.;

10. �e3?! ctJb4! White cannot pre­

vent d5 after this move.

n.Cl:Jds
This is White's only logical move!
11. �g5? would be very bad here be­
cause of 11. .. W!/xb2
258
n . . . kxds
12.exd5
12. kxd5 has also been played. 12 ...
'2lxd5
a) 12 . . . ke7?! 13.c3 (13.'2lc4 VJUq
14.c3-;t) 13 ... �c8 14.'21C4 VJUq 15.'2le3-;t
E. Sternheimer-S. Lang I Bayern
2007.;
b) 12 ... '2lb4!? This move also equal­
izes.
(13.'21C4 VJUd4!N (13... VJUq 14.'2le3
12ljxd5 15.exd5 a5 16.c3 8a6 J7.VJUb3-;t
L. Imecs-1. Sinka I Hungary 2003.)
14.'2le3
(14. VJUxd4 exd4 (14 . . . 8 xc2 +
15.ctid1 8xd4 16. kxb7 �a71J.'2la5
kq 18. ke3 kd8 19. kxd4 exd4
20. kc6+ ctle7 21.'2l b3 kb6 22.a5
kc5=) 15.'2lb6 '2l fxd5 16.exd5 (16.
12lxa8 8xc2+ transposes.) 16 ...
'2l xc2+ 17.ct/d2 '2l xa1 18.'2l xa8
'2lb3+ 19.ctic2 '2lc5 2o.'2lb6 ke7=)
14 . . . VJUxd1+ 1 5 . ct/xd1 '2l bxd5
16.'2lxd5 '2l xd5 17.exd5 �c8 18.b3 f5
19.C4 ke7=)
[HAPTER 1 5
(14.exds '2lbxd5 15.'21C4 (15.VJUe2
kb4+ 16. kd2 o-o 1J.8C4 kxd2+
18. VJUxd2 VJUqoo ) 15 ... VJUq 16.0 -0
kc5+ 17. ct/h1 o-ooo V. Tomescu­
D. Vlad I Calarasi 1995.)
14... kcs!? An interesting pawn sac­
rifice. (14 ... VJUq 15.c3! '2lc6 16. kxd5-;t)
15.exd5 (15. kg5 o-o 16. kxf6 gxf6
17. exd5 12l xd5! 18. k xd5 VJUxb2
19. �a2 VJUc1+ 2o.VJUd1 VJUe3+ 21.VJUe2
VJUCl;t) 15 ... 0-0 16.'2lC4 VJUq 17.d6!
White should give the pawn back
in order to be able to castle. 17...
kxd6 18.'2l xd6 VJUxd6 19.0-o '2lc6!
Threatening '2ld4. 20.c3 '2la5 21. kc2
'2lb3 ! = This simplification allows
Black to equalize.;
c) 12 ... VJUa5+?! 13. kd2 VJUxa4 14.b3!
VJUd4 15.c3 VJUc5 16.b4 VJUb6 17.VJUa4i;
13.VJUxd5 (13.exd5 '2le7 Followed by
'2l f5.) 13 ...'2le7!N A good novelty.
(13 ... VJUb4+ 14.c3!?N (14. kd2 VJUxb2
15.ctie2 VJUb6 16. �hb1 VJUq 17- �a2
kq 18. �ab2 �b8 19. ke3oo I. Nep­
omniachtchi-1. Khairullin I No­
jabrsk 2005.) 14 ... VJUxa4 15.0 -oi
Black's position seems dangerous
as White is much better developed.)
 THE COMPLETE KALAS H N I KOV
(14.�d2 This stupid-looking move
prevents ds for tactical reasons.
The complicated variations aris­
ing from this move lead to a draw:
14 . . . �c6!? (14 ... ds?! 1s.exds E!.ds
16.as! �f6 17-c4 ti:Jjs 1B.o-o;l;) 15.c4
(15.0-o ds!) 15 ... �xa4! Black needs
to accept the challenge.
(16 . o - o ti:J c 6 17. �d3 ti:J d 4
18. �e3 �b3 ! 19. 'Ef. fd1 (19.�d2
� e7 20. �xd4 exd4 21. E!.jd1
0-0 22.�Xd4 �j6oo ) 19 ... �Xd3
2o. 'E!. xd3 ti:Je6� White has some
compensation for the pawn, but
not enough to claim an advan­
tage.)
16 ... �xa1 17.ti:Jxd6+ <i!td7 This po­
sition looks very scary, but White
259
doesn't have anything more than
a draw.
1 8 . ti:J xf7+ <i!te8 19.�d6+ (19.
�xhB?! This move is too danger­
ous for White. 19... E!.dB 20. �gs h6
21.�e3 �a4 22.0-0 �xC4+) 19 ...
<i!td7 20. <i!te2 (2o.�j7;l;) 2o ... �c6
21.�bs+ <i!tcs 22. 'E!.d1 axbs 23.�d7+
<i!tb8 24.�e8+ <i!tq 25.�d7+ <i!tb6
(25 .. . <i!tbB= draws im mediately!)
26. �e3+ �cs 27. � xes+ <i!txcs
28. �d5+ <i!tb6 29.C5+ <i!tq 30. �d6+
<i!tc8 31.�e6+ <i!tq 32.�d6;\;)
14 ... ds! This is the idea! 15.exds (15.
�e3 d4 16.�c4 �cs 17. �d2 �c6=)
15 ... �as+ 16.<i!tf2 �xds 17. 'Ef.d1 'Ef.d8=
The position is equal.
12 ... �e7 13.CJ
13.�d3?! simply loses a pawn after
13 ... �exds! + E. Bremond-J. Degraeve
I Etang Sale 2001.
13···g6
The bishop has to go to g7 now.
14-�d3
In order to play �e3 and finally cas­
tle.
260
14. lt.g5 lt.g7 15.�d2 o-o 16.g4 h6!N
A good improvement!
(16... e4?! 17. lt.xf6! White has to ac­
cept the challenge.
(17. lt.e3 �q 18.g5 12ld7 19.fxe4
(19j4? 1.2\js+ B. Lengyel-K. Rovid
I Hungary 2002.) 19 .. .f5 ! �)
17. . . lt. xf6 18.fxe4 lt. h4+ 19. �d1;!;
Although it is clear that Black has
compensation, it is not obvious
how to go on here as the e7 knight
is very far from e5.)
17. lt.e3 (17. lt.xh6? it.xh6 18. �xh6
�xb2-+; 17. lt.xj6 lt.xf6 18.h4 lt.g7oo
White doesn't have any attack and
Black will even play f5 in order to
take advantage of the exposed po­
sition of White's king.) 17... �a5
18.h4 is the computer's suggestion.
(18.b4 �xa4+; 18. lt.a2 e4!i) 18 ...
�xa4! seems to be the best move
here, although it might look quite
scary to the human eye to take this
pawn. (18... hs is the move that one
would like to play here, with an un­
clear position. 19.g5 12\d7 2o. lt. b3
1.2\fs 21. lt.j2 �ac8oo ) 19.h5 (19. lt.xh6
lt.xh6 20. �xh6 �ac8 21. lt.a2 �xc3!
22.bxc3 �xa3i) 19 ... � fc8+ Followed
[HAPTER 1 5
by g5 or e4. Black has better chances.
(19 ...gs?! 2o. lt.xgs!)
14··· lt. g7
14 ...1.2\f5 allows 15.g4 (1s. lt.a2 lt.h6!?
16.12\C4 �cs 17-b4 �q 18. lt.xh6 12\xh6
19.as o-o 2o.o-o 1.2\js 21. �ac1oo) 15 ...
1.2\ h4 16.a5!N A good improvement.
(16. lt.gs 12lg2+ 11- �!1 1.2\!4 18. j}_xj4
exf4 19. �el+ j}_e7 20.b4 hsoo S. Pavlov­
T. Iljin I Alushta 2010.)
16 ... �xa5 (16... �q lJ. j}_gs 12\g2+
18.�j2 12\j4 19. j)_xj4 exj4 2o.�d4!;!;)
17. j}_g5 1.2\g2+ 18.�f2 1.2\ f4 19. j)_ Xf4
exf4 20. � he1+ �d8 21. �g2 (21.
�j1 �b6 22. j)_a2 j}_g7 23.12\c4 �q
24. �g2�) 21. .. �b6 22. �e2 })_ g7
23. j}_a2 �e8 24. �ae1 �xe2+ 25.�xe2i
Despite being a pawn down, White
has the initiative. We would also pre­
fer to be White here.
15. j}_e3 �dB!?
From here, the queen will be able to
transfer to the kingside.
15 ... �C7 is the move that is usu­
ally played. 16.o -o o-o 17.b4 �ac8
(J7. . . 12\ d7 18. � aC1 fs 19. j}_ b3 e4
2ojxe4 1.2\es 21.�c2 li'Jg4 22. j}_f4 jxe4
23.liJC4;t N. Pogonina-0. Girya I
Moscow 2007.) 18. �ac1 1.2\ h5!N (18...
li'Jd7 19. j}_b3 fs 2o.i2\C4;t R. Cayford-
 TH E COMPLETE KALASHNI KOV
H. Glaser I ICCF corr 1992.) 19.g3 (19.
it.. b3 C£Jjs+) 19 .. .f5oo With a very un­
clear position.
16.o-o o-o 17.h4 C£J fs 18. it.. f2 C£J hs
19.g3 �gs!?N
Black now has some ideas of sacri­
ficing on g3.
19 ... C£Je7 It is surprising to go back
and forth with this knight only to
provoke g3. White can now con­
tinue to play on the queenside, with
a slight advantage. 2o.as fs 21. it.. b3
C£J f6 22. E ae1!n (22. Eac1 e4 (22 ...
gs?! 23.C£Jc4± N . Pogonina-D. Hari­
ka I Beijing 2008.) 23.fxe4 C£J xe4
24. it.. d4;t;)
261
20. Wht Efes 21. Eaet
21. it.. b3?! This logical move would be
a mistake here! 21. .. C£J hxg3+ 22.hxg3
C£J xg3+ 23. it.. xg3 �xg3i Followed be
e4. Black has more than just a per­
petual.
21. .. Eac8 22. Eg1
Avoiding C£J xg3.
22.b5 is met by 22...C£J hxg3+ 23. it.. xg3
C£J xg3+ 24.hxg3 �xg3 25.bxa6
(25. Ee2 e4! A recurring move in
this kind of positions. 26. Exe4
axbs 27.axbs �h3+ 28. Wg1 Exe4
29.fxe4 (29. �xe4 �g3+ JO. Wh1
it.. xc3 31.C£Jc2 Black was threaten­
ing to play �h3 followed by it.. b4,
attacking the C£Ja3 and threaten­
ing it.. c s. 31 ... it.. as 32.C£Je3 �h3+
33· Wg1 it.. b6 34. Ee1 Wg7!-+ And
White doesn't have any move!) 29 ...
�xd3 30. it.. xd3 Exc3 31.C£Jq Exd3
32.C£Jxd6 fs+)
22 C£J f6 oo
•••
262 (HAPTER 1 5

With a complicated position. Black

still has the e4 resource at his dis­
posal, followed by l'Ll g4, with good
chances.

Conclusion:
The moves 6.a4 or 6. �e3 can be
chosen by players who also play these
moves against the Sveshnikov (1.e4 cs
2.'2l f3 '2lc6 3· d4 cxd4 4.'2l xd4 '2l f6
s. l'Llc3 es 6.l'Lldbs d6 7.a4!?) or in the
anti-Taimanov (1.e4 cs 2.l'Llf3 e6 3.d4
cxd4 4. l'Llxd4 ll:Jc6 s.l'Llbs!? d6 6. �f4
es 7· ii,e3). This means that those vari­
ations are not that rare and that Black
has to be prepared for them. Black
doesn't have any particular problems
against the other sidelines.
 Don't get left beh i nd!
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