Cheparinov's 1.d4! - Volume 2 The Slav and Semi-Slav - Ivan Cheparinov

Table of Contents
Title page
Key to Symbols
Preface
Chapter 1 – Rare 3rd Moves

Chapter 2 – The Noteboom Defense
Chapter 3 – Rare 4th Moves
Chapter 4 – Slav with 4...a6
Variations a-c
Variations d-g
Chapter 5 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 --
Chapter 6 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 --
Variations a-c
Variations d-f
Chapter 7 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6
Variations a-d
Variations e-i
Chapter 8 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 --
Variations a-d
Variations e-h
Chapter 9 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7
Variations a-e
Variations f-j
Chapter 10 – 4...e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7, The Cambridge Springs
Variations a-c
Variations d-f
Chapter 11 – The Botvinnik Defense
Variations a-d
Variations e-h
2
Chapter 12 – The Moscow Defense
3
Cheparinov’s 1.d4!
A Complete Repertoire for White
Volume 2
The Slav and Semi-Slav
by
Ivan Cheparinov
Thinkers Publishing 2022
www.thinkerspublishing.com
First edition 2022 by Thinkers Publishing

Copyright © 2022 Ivan Cheparinov
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, mechanical, photocopying, recording or
otherwise, without the prior written permission from the publisher.
All sales or enquiries should be directed to Thinkers Publishing, 9850 Landegem, Belgium.
Email: info@thinkerspublishing.com
Website: www.thinkerspublishing.com
Managing Editor: Romain Edouard

Assistant Editor: Daniël Vanheirzeele
Typesetting: Romain Edouard
Proofreading: Bob Holliman
Software: Hub van de Laar
Cover Design: Iwan Kerkhof
4
Graphic Artist: Philippe Tonnard
Production: BESTinGraphics
ISBN: 9789464201451
D/2022/13731/11
5
Key to Symbols
! a good move
? a weak move
!! an excellent move
?? a blunder
!? an interesting move
?! a dubious move
™ only move
N novelty
‰ lead in development
ʘ zugzwang
= equality
∞ unclear position
© with compensation for the sacrificed material
² White stands slightly better
³ Black stands slightly better
± White has a serious advantage
µ Black has a serious advantage
+– White has a decisive advantage
–+ Black has a decisive advantage
‚ with an attack
ƒ with initiative
„ with counterplay
… with the idea of
¹ better is
≤ worse is
+ check
# mate
6
Preface
Welcome to Volume 2 of Cheparinov’s 1.d4!.

In the second part of the series, I am sharing my knowledge about the Slav Defense. I am confident
that the book contains many new and interesting ideas and I have tried to provide you with the best
practical options. Objectively speaking Black looks good in many lines but in practice things may
look different. While I cannot promise you a big advantage in each line, I do believe you will have
the best practical chances during the game.
Writing the second volume was very challenging for me. The Slav encompasses a wide but solid
body of theory. Black has plenty of options and finding advantages and practical chances was not
easy at all. In any case I believe that chess players from amateurs to very strong players will
appreciate this book. While the Covid pandemic gave me a lot of free time to concentrate on the
book, I am very happy to see that many tournaments are back. This means that my book can be
useful, and you may actually be able to apply some of the ideas in your games.
The best way to use this book is to first examine the lines on an actual board and then check them
with an engine. I hope this method of study increases your understanding of the positions that arise
from the Slav. This book can be a very important starting point for building your 1.d4 repertoire.
Ivan Cheparinov
March 2022
7
Chapter 1
Rare 3rd Moves
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3
Chapter Guide
Chapter 1 – Rare 3rd Moves
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3

a) 3...--
b) 3...dxc4 4.e3 b5
c) 3...dxc4 4.e3 Be6
a) 3.Nf3 -- alternatives
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3
We begin by examining early deviations by Black.
8
Position after: 3.Nf3
3...a6
This rare move usually transposes to other lines.

A) 3...Bf5? It is too early for Black to develop the bishop. 4.cxd5
Position after: 4.cxd5
A1) After 4...Bxb1 5.Rxb1 Qxd5 6.a3 White just wants to develop by g3-Bg2.
9
Position after: 6.a3
6...Nf6 7.g3 e6 8.Bg2 Be7 9.0-0 0-0
Position after: 9...0-0
White is much better for example: 10.Ne5 Qd8 11.b4 Nbd7 12.Nc4! Nb6 13.Na5!
10
Position after: 13.Na5!
The knight is perfectly placed there. 13...Qd7 14.Qc2±

A2) 4...cxd5 5.Qb3
Position after: 5.Qb3
Black is already in danger.

A2.1) Black is just a pawn down after 5...Nc6 6.Nc3 Nf6 7.Qxb7 Bd7 8.Qb3 Rb8 9.Qd1±.
11
A2.2) If 5...Qc7 6.Nc3 e6 then 7.Nb5! Qb6 8.Bf4 Na6 9.Rc1+–.
A2.3) 5...Qc8 6.Nc3 e6 7.Bf4 Threatens Nb5 which is impossible to stop. 7...Nc6 [Bad is 7...a6
In view of 8.Na4!] 8.Nb5!
Position after: 8.Nb5!
8...Bb4+ 9.Kd1 Kf8 10.Rc1± White dominates.

A2.4) 5...Bc8 is very passive. 6.e4! The most direct way to take the initiative. 6...dxe4 7.Bb5+
Bd7 [If 7...Nd7 then 8.Ne5 e6 9.d5±] 8.Ng5!
12
Position after: 8.Ng5!
[Not as good is 8.Ne5 e6 9.d5 Qa5+ 10.Nc3 Bxb5 11.dxe6 f6 when the knight on g5 would be
better in this position!] 8...e6 [8...Nh6 9.Bc4 e6 10.d5±] 9.d5! Now White has a big initiative.
9...Qa5+ [9...exd5 10.Qxd5 Nh6 11.Nc3±] 10.Nc3 Bxb5 11.Qxb5+ Qxb5 12.Nxb5 Na6
13.dxe6+–
Position after: 13.dxe6+–
White is nearly wining.

B) 3...Bg4? Another developing move which gives White a lot of free tempos. 4.Ne5 Bc8 All other
bishop moves will be met by 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3. 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Nc3
13
Position after: 6.Nc3
The simplest way to take the advantage is just to develop. [Also tempting is: 6.e4!?.] 6...Nf6 7.Bf4
e6 8.e3± This is very similar to the exchange Slav, but with free tempos for White.
C) 3...g6 This move is similar to the Schlechter system. In most cases it will just transpose. 4.Nc3
Bg7 [4...Nf6] 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Bf4
Position after: 6.Bf4
Eventually Black must play ....Nf6 and transpose to the Schlechter.
14
4.Nc3
The most principled.
4...dxc4?!
The only difference in playing ...a6 so early is that Black threatens to take the c4-pawn.
Instead, 4...Nf6 transposes to the Chebanenko.
5.a4
White stops ...b5 and threatens e4 or e3.
5...Nf6
Position after: 5...Nf6
6.e3
I prefer this solid option.

Another more direct option is 6.e4!? b5 when Black must sacrifice an exchange, otherwise his
position will be very passive. 7.axb5 cxb5
15
Position after: 7...cxb5
A) The position after 8.Nxb5 axb5 [worse is 8...Nxe4?! 9.Bxc4 e6 10.0-0±; or 8...Bb7 9.Nc3 Nxe4
10.Bxc4±] 9.Rxa8 Bb7 10.Ra1 Nxe4
Position after: 10...Nxe4
does not look so clear. Black has certain compensation for the exchange, but on the other hand
White is still on the better side. For example: 11.Be2 e6 12.0-0 Bd6 13.b3! Nc3 14.Qc2 Nxe2+
15.Qxe2 0-0 [15...Bd5?! 16.Ne5] 16.bxc4 bxc4
16
Position after: 16...bxc4
A1) Of course not 17.Qxc4? because of 17...Bxf3 18.gxf3 Qh4 turning the tables.
A2) 17.Ba3!? Bd5 18.Ne5 [18.Bxd6 Qxd6 19.Ne5 Nc6 is nothing special.] 18...Bxe5! 19.dxe5
Re8 20.Qg4 Nc6 21.Bd6 Qb6².
Position after: 21...Qb6²
Black has very good chances to survive.
17
A3) 17.Ne5 Bxe5 [17...Nc6 18.Rd1²] 18.dxe5 Qd5 19.f4 Rc8²
Position after: 19...Rc8²
Black definitely has chances to save the day here.

B) 8.e5!? An interesting intermediate move which saves the pawn on e4 but gives the black knight
the d5-square. 8...Nd5 9.Nxb5 axb5 [Bad is 9...e6 10.Nc3 Bb4 11.Bd2± with a clear advantage for
White.] 10.Rxa8 Bb7 11.Ra7!? An interesting option.
Position after: 11.Ra7!?
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White is ready to return the exchange in order to take the advantage. [After 11.Ra1 e6 12.Be2 Nc6©
Black has compensation for the exchange.] 11...Qb6 12.Rxb7 Qxb7 13.e6!
Position after: 13.e6!
With this move White stops the development of the black pieces. 13...fxe6 14.Ng5ƒ It seems that
White has a serious initiative, although the position remains very complicated and needs future
analysis.
6...e6 7.Bxc4 c5
Now the position is very similar to a line that we will discuss later. The only difference is that Black
played ...a6 which looks useless and is just a loss of tempo.
8.0-0
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Position after: 8.0-0
8...Nc6
If 8...cxd4 9.exd4 Be7 then 10.d5! is very strong.
Position after: 10.d5!
10...exd5 11.Nxd5 Nxd5 12.Bxd5 0-0 13.Qb3 Nd7 14.Be3± with a big advantage.
9.Qe2
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The most principled continuation. Another option is: 9.d5 exd5 10.Nxd5 Nxd5 11.Bxd5 Bd6 12.Qb3
0-0 13.Bd2².
9...cxd4
If Black avoids taking on d4 with 9...Be7?! then 10.dxc5 Bxc5 11.e4± is very strong.
10.exd4
Position after: 10.exd4
10...Be7
It is very dangerous to take the pawn by 10...Nxd4 11.Nxd4 Qxd4 because of 12.Rd1 Qb6 [12...Qg4?
loses Immediately in view of 13.Nd5! Qxe2 14.Nc7+ Ke7 15.Bxe2 Rb8 16.Bf4 Nd7 17.Rac1+–; or
12...Qc5 13.Be3±.] 13.Be3 Bc5 14.a5 Qc6 15.Na4 Bxe3 16.Qxe3 0-0 17.Nb6 Rb8
21
Position after: 17...Rb8
White has a lot of options here. One of which appears to be 18.Bb3±.
11.Rd1
Black is behind in development of his pieces. For example:
11...Nb4
A) If 11...0-0 then 12.d5! exd5 13.Nxd5±

B) Or 11...Nd5 12.Ne5 0-0 13.Qf3±
12.Ne5 0-0
White has several plans here. I prefer
13.Qf3±
with the idea of Qg3 or h3.
22
Position after: 13.Qf3±
b) 3...dxc4 4.e3 b5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 dxc4
Position after: 3...dxc4
This line is not very popular nowadays. I believe it is very suspicious for Black, but White still needs
to know a lot.
23
4.e3
Worse is: 4.e4?! b5 5.a4 because of 5...e6 6.axb5 cxb5 7.b3 Nf6
and the pawn on e4 is under attack.
4...b5
The favorite move of GM Igor Khenkin.

4...Be6 will be examined in the next subchapter.
5.a4
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5...e6
The most accurate move order for Black.

In case of 5...Nf6 6.axb5 cxb5 the difference between 5...Nf6 and 5...e6 can be seen after 7.Nc3!
when White attacks the b5-pawn. If Black had played 5...e6 instead of 5...Nf6 he could play ...Bb4.
Position after: 7.Nc3!
25
[White can transpose to the main line with 7.b3 e6.] 7...Bd7?! Looks very risky. [Another way to
protect the pawn is: 7...Qb6 8.b3 e6 9.bxc4 bxc4 10.Bxc4 Bb4 11.Bd2².
Position after: 11.Bd2²
The queen on b6 is not ideal for Black.] 8.Ne5 Now the threat is Qf3. 8...a5 Clears space for the rook.
[8...Qb6?! 9.b3.]
Position after: 8...a5
A) Black is more or less fine after 9.b3 e6 10.bxc4 Bb4 11.Bd2 bxc4 12.Qf3 [or 12.Bxc4 Nc6=]
26
12...Ra7 13.Bxc4 0-0 14.0-0 Rc7 15.Rfc1 Qe7=
B) 9.Qf3 Ra6
Position after: 9...Ra6
B1) Unclear is 10.b3 cxb3 11.Nxd7 Nbxd7 12.Bxb5 Rb6 13.Rxa5 e6.
Position after: 13...e6
For example: 14.0-0 Bb4 15.Ra8 Rb8 16.Ba3 Bxc3 17.Rxb8 Qxb8 18.Qc6 Kd8!
27
Position after: 18...Kd8!
19.Rb1 [Or 19.Qxc3 Qxb5 20.Rc1 Qb7 21.Qa5+ Qb6 22.Qc3 Qb7= with a draw.] 19...Qc8
20.Qd6 b2 [Also unclear is 20...Re8 21.Rxb3 Ba5∞] 21.Qe7+ Kc7 22.Qd6+= with a draw.
B2) An interesting and positional option for White is 10.Be2!? e6 11.Qg3©.
Position after: 11.Qg3©
It is difficult for Black to develop.
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B3) 10.g4! A very concrete continuation. 10...Nc6 [If 10...h6?! strong is: 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.Qf5!
e6 13.Qxb5 Qxb5 14.Nxb5 Bb4+ 15.Bd2±; or 10...Be6 11.Nxb5! Bd5? 12.Bxc4!+–
Position after: 12.Bxc4!+–
A nice little tactic!] 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.g5!
Position after: 12.g5!
Forcing the knight to go back. 12...Ng8 [In case of 12...Nb4 13.Qg3! Is very strong] 13.Nxb5 e6
14.Bxc4 Bb4+ 15.Kf1+– Black is nearly lost.
29
Position after: 15.Kf1+–
6.axb5 cxb5 7.b3
Position after: 7.b3
Now 7.Nc3 is not the same because of 7...Bb4.
7...Nf6
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The new fashion. Black wants to develop without exchanging the black-squared bishops.
7...Bb4+ This move is much more popular in practice. Black wants to quickly develop his pieces with
a gain of tempo. 8.Bd2 Bxd2+ 9.Nbxd2 a5 This is similar to the Noteboom system. This move has
been played by many grandmasters. [White has an easy game after 9...Nf6 10.bxc4 bxc4 11.Bxc4 0-0
12.0-0²
Position after: 12.0-0²
The pawn on a7 is very lonely and can be attacked very easy by White’s heavy pieces. Sarana, A
(2636) – Esipenko, A (2620) chess.com 2019.] 10.bxc4 b4 To me this position looks very dubious for
Black. In my opinion White’s center is much stronger than Black’s two passed pawns as they can be
weaknesses in the future.
31
Position after: 10...b4
11.Ne5! It is important to start with this move which prohibits ...Bb7 due to Qa4+. 11...Nf6 12.Be2
[White achieve nothing after 12.Qa4+ Nfd7.] 12...0-0 [Again bad is: 12...Bb7? because of: 13.Qa4+!
Nfd7 14.c5!± when Black is in serious trouble.] 13.Bf3 An important tempo.
A) 13...Ra7 14.0-0 Qc7 15.Qa4 Bd7 [Now 15...Nbd7? is bad in view of 16.Nc6; also bad is
15...Bb7? 16.Bxb7 Qxb7 17.Nb3±.] 16.Nxd7 Nbxd7 17.Rfc1² White’s position is easier to play.
32
Rapport, R (2444) – Boros, D (2494) Budapest 2010.
B) 13...Ra6 14.0-0 Qc7 15.Qa4
B1) If 15...Bd7?! 16.Nxd7 Nbxd7 The difference compared to 13...Ra7 is that sometimes in case
of ...Nb6 White can respond with Qb5 attacking the black rook on a6. 17.Ra2!
Position after: 17.Ra2!
Now White has time to consolidate. 17...Rb8 18.Rfa1± Black’s position is very difficult.
B2) 15...Nbd7 16.Nd3 This is the perfect position for the knight. 16...e5 The only active plan for
Black. 17.Qb5! Threatens Nb4. 17...exd4 18.exd4 Ne8
33
Position after: 18...Ne8
[In the game Shipov, S (2575) – Popov, V (2440) St Petersburg 1997, Black played: 18...Ra7?! and
after 19.c5 Rd8 20.Nb3± got into serious trouble.] 19.Qg5 [White can fall into a nice trap after
19.c5? Rh6! which attacks h2 and threatens ...Ba6!; but also possible is: 19.Rfc1 Nd6 20.Qg5 h6
21.Qg3²] 19...h6 20.Qg3² White keeps the advantage.
8.bxc4 bxc4 9.Bxc4 Bd6
34
If 9...Be7
Position after: 9...Be7
10.Ne5! might be very interesting for White. 10...0-0 [Probably better is 10...Qc7 when White still
gains a small advantage after 11.Ba3 Nfd7 12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.Nd2 Bxa3 14.Rxa3 0-0
15.0-0².] 11.Qf3! Nd5 12.Nc3 [Another attractive option is: 12.Bxd5!? exd5 13.0-0 a5 14.Ba3²]
12...Bb4 13.Bd2 Bb7?!
35
Position after: 13...Bb7?!
[If 13...Bxc3 14.Bxc3 Bb7?
Position after: 14...Bb7?
15.Bb4!+–; probably better is: 13...Nb6 14.Bd3 a5 15.0-0 Ba6 16.Bxa6 Rxa6².] 14.Nxd5 Bxd2+
15.Kxd2 Bxd5 [15...exd5 16.Bb5!± stopping ...Nc6!.] 16.Bxd5 exd5
36
Position after: 16...exd5
Kramnik, V (2710) – Huebner, R (2605) Biel 1993. White is much better here after 17.Rhc1±.
10.0-0
Or 10.Ba3 0-0 11.0-0.
10...0-0
37
11.Ba3!
I think it is important to exchange the black-squared bishops.
11...Bxa3
Or 11...Bb7 12.Nbd2 Nc6 13.Bxd6 Qxd6 14.Qa4².
12.Nxa3 Bb7 13.Be2²
Position after: 13.Be2²
The position is only slightly better for White, but it is very pleasant to play.
White has no risk and a very easy plan. The next moves can be Nc4, Qa4.
c) 3...dxc4 4.e3 Be6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 dxc4 4.e3
38
Position after: 4.e3
4...Be6
The most popular move.
5.Nc3!?
I prefer this move.

White does not want to regain the pawn at once but to develop and exploit the strange position of the
bishop on e6.
White has some other options in 5.a4 or 5.Nbd2 b5 6.a4.
5...b5
Black tries to defend his pawn on c4 at all costs. Definitely the most critical continuation.
The alternative is 5...Nf6 6.Ng5! When Black has different options.
39
A) After 6...Bf5 7.Bxc4 e6 8.e4 Bg6 9.0-0 White has a serious initiative. 9...h6
Position after: 9...h6
A1) Also good is 10.Nf3!? Bxe4 [10...Nxe4 11.Ne5] 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Qb3 Nd6 13.Bxe6‚ with
a serious attack.
A2) 10.Nh3! is very attractive. 10...Nxe4 [Or 10...Bxe4 11.Nxe4 Nxe4 12.Nf4‚] 11.Nf4 Nxc3
12.bxc3 Bf5 13.g4! White goes all in! 13...Bh7
40
Position after: 13...Bh7
[If 13...Be4 then 14.Re1 Bd5 15.Bd3 g5 16.Nxd5 cxd5 17.Rb1 Qc7 18.Qb3± Black cannot protect
both pawns on d5 and b7.] 14.Bxe6! White has a crushing attack. For example: 14...fxe6 15.Nxe6
Qf6 16.Re1 Bd6 17.d5+–.
B) Very passive is 6...Bg4 7.f3 Bh5 8.Bxc4 e6 9.e4± White has a strong center and the bishop on h5
is out of the game.
C) Another option is: 6...Bd5 7.e4 h6 8.exd5 hxg5 9.dxc6 Nxc6 10.d5 Ne5
41
11.Bxg5ƒ White has a very serious initiative.

D) 6...Qd7 7.e4! White gains more space.
D1) If 7...b5?!, 8.a4! is strong.
Position after: 8.a4!
The threat to take on b5 and play d5 after that is very serious. 8...b4 [8...Bg4 9.f3 Bh5 White has
plenty of good options here. Most of all I like 10.g4! Bg6 11.axb5 cxb5 12.f4 h6 13.Nf3+– when
Black faces big problems.] 9.Ne2 h6 10.Nxe6 Qxe6 11.f3± Followed by Nf4.
D2) There is little difference after 7...Na6 8.Be2.
D3) 7...h6 8.Nxe6 Qxe6 9.e5 Black’s position seems very suspicious to me as he lags in
development.
42
9...Nd5 [Probably slightly better is 9...Nbd7 but still after 10.Be2 Nd5 11.0-0 N7b6 12.a4 a5
13.Bg4 Qg6 14.e6‚
Position after: 14.e6‚
Black’s position is critical.] 10.Bxc4 Qd7 11.0-0 e6 12.Ne4±
43
Position after: 12.Ne4±
With a very big advantage for White in Gelfand, B (2691) – Zilberman, Y (2513) Tel Aviv 1999.
E) 6...Qc8 7.Be2 I believe this is better as White just wants to develop his pieces as quickly as
possible.
Position after: 7.Be2
[If 7.e4 b5 8.a4 Bg4 This is the difference compared to 6...Qd7. Now the bishop can escape to d7.
9.f3 Bd7 10.axb5 cxb5 11.e5 h6 12.Nh3 Nh7 13.d5 e6∞]
44
E1) 7...Bg4 8.f3 Bh5 9.e4² The black bishop is stuck on h5 again which seems very dangerous.
9...b5 because of 10.0-0
10...e6 [Or 10...h6 11.Nh3 Bg6 12.a4 b4 13.Nb1 e6 14.Nf4 Bh7 15.Bxc4± with a clear advantage
for White.] 11.g4! h6 [After 11...Bg6 12.f4! h6 13.f5
Position after: 13.f5
with a very dangerous initiative. For example: 13...exf5 14.gxf5 hxg5 15.fxg6 fxg6 16.e5 Qh3
45
17.Rf2±.]
12.Nxe6! Qxe6 13.gxh5 Black’s position is extremely dangerous. 13...Bb4 [13...Nxh5? 14.f4 Nf6
15.e5 Nd5 16.f5
16...Qd7 17.Bh5+–] 14.Kh1‚ The next move is Rg1.
46
E2) 7...b5 8.Nxe6 Qxe6 9.0-0
Black is vastly underdeveloped. Now the idea is to open the position with b3. 9...Nbd7 10.b3 cxb3
11.axb3ƒ White has a very strong initiative.
E3) 7...Na6 Looks to slow after 8.0-0 Nc7 9.e4 g6
Position after: 9...g6
47
10.Bf4ƒ White’s chances are definitely better here.
E4) 7...g6 seems logical. The other moves are 8.e4! The most direct approach. [Also good is
8.Nxe6 Qxe6 9.Qa4².] 8...Bg7 [Worse is 8...b5 9.e5 Nd5 10.Nxe6 Qxe6 11.a4±] 9.e5 Nd5
10.Bxc4 0-0 [After 10...Nxc3 White has 11.Bxe6.] 11.Nxe6 Qxe6 12.Qb3±
Position after: 12.Qb3±
White has a serious advantage.
6.Be2!
I really like this approach. White is trying to develop very quickly and open the position with b3 at
the right moment.
48
Position after: 6.Be2!
There are many games with 6.a4 b4 7.Ne4 Nf6. In my opinion it is unclear if White is better here.
6...Nf6 7.0-0 g6
The rest of the moves seem very slow to me. For example 7...Nbd7?! 8.Ng5! Bf5 9.e4 Bg6 10.f4 h6
11.f5± and White is much better.
49
8.b3!N
An important novelty! White opens the position immediately.
Position after: 8.b3!N
In the game Wang, Y (2656) – Zhang, P (2657) Shandong 2007 White played: 8.Ng5 Bc8 9.b3 and
after 9...h6 10.Nge4 b4
50
11.Nxf6+ exf6 12.Ne4 f5 13.Nc5 c3 14.a3 Bxc5 15.dxc5 the position was very unclear.
Position after: 15.dxc5
Now Black could play 15...Qxd1 16.Rxd1 Ba6 17.Bf3 Nd7! 18.axb4 [or 18.Bxc6 0-0-0; 18.Rd6 Ne5]
18...Bb5∞ with very unclear complications.
8...cxb3
The most principled move.

A) Black is just worse after 8...Bg7 9.bxc4 bxc4 10.e4!?
51
Position after: 10.e4!?
Probably the best! 10...0-0 11.Be3 Qa5 12.Rc1 The Ng5 threat looks very unpleasant.
B) 8...b4 9.Na4 cxb3 [9...c3?! 10.a3 a5 11.Nc5±] 10.axb3ƒ and White has an easy game.
Position after: 10.axb3ƒ
9.Ng5!
The whole point!
52
9.axb3 Bg7∞
9...bxa2
9...Bc8 10.Qxb3 e6 11.e4! White has a very nice game here in my opinion.
A) Bad is 11...Bg7? in view of 12.e5 Nd5 13.Nce4 0-0 14.Qh3 h6 15.Nf3 h5 16.Nfg5+– with a
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nearly winning attack.
B) Possible is 11...b4 12.e5! Nd5 [worse is 12...bxc3?! 13.exf6 Qxf6 14.Qxc3±; or 12...Qxd4
13.Nb5!
13...Qxe5 14.Bb2 Qxg5 15.Nc7+ Kd8 16.Nxa8±] 13.Nce4 h6 14.Qh3ƒ.

C) 11...h6 12.e5! White must go forward.
C1) Worse is: 12...hxg5?! 13.Bxg5 Nbd7 14.Bf3! A nice intermediate move. White needs to play
with precision.
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Position after: 14.Bf3!
14...Qc7 Aiming for h2! 15.Nxb5! Qb6 [White has very strong play after 15...cxb5 16.Bxa8 Qb8
17.Bc6 Nd5 18.Bxd5 exd5 19.Rfc1±.] 16.Bxc6! Qxc6 17.Rac1 Nc5 [17...Qb7 18.Nc7+ Kd8
19.Qg3!±] 18.Bxf6 Bb7 19.Nc7+!
Position after: 19.Nc7+!
Another important move! 19...Qxc7 20.Bxh8 Nxb3 21.Rxc7 Na5 22.Bf6± Black is still fighting,
but I believe white is clearly better. For example: 22...Ba3 23.Rb1 Bd5 24.Rb5! Nc4 25.Rb3 Bf8
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26.Rh3 Nb6 27.Rh8+–.
C2) 12...Nd5 13.Nge4 Nd7 14.Bd2ƒ White has a nice initiative.
Position after: 14.Bd2ƒ
10.Nxe6 fxe6 11.Qb3
Black is three pawns up for the moment, but it is clear that White’s initiative is very dangerous.
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11...Nd5
11...Kf7 12.e4ƒ
12.Ne4ƒ
Position after: 12.Ne4ƒ
Threatens Ng5 and Bg4.

White’s initiative is very strong. The weak black pawns and the poor position of the black king give
White excellent chances.
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Chapter 2
The Noteboom Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4
Chapter Guide
Chapter 2 – The Noteboom Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e3 b5 6.a4 Bb4 7.Bd2 a5 8.axb5 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 cxb5 10.b3
Bb7 11.bxc4 b4 12.Bb2 Nf6 13.Bd3 0-0 14.0-0 Nbd7 15.Nd2
a) 4...f5 alternative
b) 6...-- alternatives
c) 15...--
d) 15...Qc7
e) 15...Re8
a) 4...f5 alternative
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 e6
In this chapter we will see the move 3...e6. Black’s idea is not to develop the knight at the moment
retaining the option of ...f5 or ...dxc4.
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4.Nc3
Developing the knight is the most principled of White’s choices.
4...f5?!
As White has not played e3 this is not a good idea since the bishop may now move to f4.
Position after: 4...f5?!
5.Bf4 Nf6
If 5...Bd6 6.e3 White does not mind taking back on f4 with a pawn.
6.e3
This Stonewall structure is not ideal for Black as the bishop is perfectly placed on f4.
6...Be7
Another possible continuation is 6...Bd6 7.Bd3 0-0 8.0-0.
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8...Ne4 [Exchanging on f4 does not seem like a good idea. 8...Bxf4?! 9.exf4 White’s position is very
easy to play. For example: 9...Ne4 10.Ne2 Nd7 11.Qc2 Ndf6 12.c5 Bd7 13.Ne5±.
Shariyazdanov, A (2565) – Somogyi, J (2068) Oberwart 2003.] 9.Qc2 [9.Rc1 is also good.] 9...Qe7
[9...g5 is premature. 10.Bxd6 Nxd6 11.Ne5 Nd7 12.Ne2²] 10.c5! I like this plan best. [Also normal
is 10.Ne2 Nd7 11.Rac1².] 10...Bc7 11.b4±
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Position after: 11.b4±
White is just pushing his pawns, b5 is a serious threat.
7.Bd3
Position after: 7.Bd3
7.h3 first is also possible.
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7...0-0
7...Nh5?! does not cause problems since after 8.Be5 Nd7 9.cxd5! the pawn on f5 hangs. 9...cxd5
10.0-0 0-0 11.Rc1
Position after: 11.Rc1
White has a serious positional advantage. For example: 11...a6 [If Black takes 11...Nxe5 White
always take with the pawn! 12.dxe5! The knight on h5 is very poorly placed.] 12.Na4±
8.h3
A useful move.
8...Ne4 9.Rc1
Another logical move is 9.Qc2.
9...Nd7 10.0-0
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10...Kh8
A typical move with the idea of preparing ...g5.

Premature is 10...g5 11.Bh2.
11.Ne2
White is getting ready for Black’s ...g5 ideas.
11...Bf6
With the idea of ...Qe7.

A) Of Black’s other ideas, 11...g5 is premature. 12.Bh2 Rg8 It seems to me that Black is not yet
ready for the attack. 13.Ne5 Prepares f3. 13...Nxe5 14.Bxe5+ Bf6 15.Bxe4! Precise play! White
keeps the best pieces possible leaving Black with the bad bishop on c8.
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Position after: 15.Bxe4!
15...dxe4 [If 15...fxe4 then 16.f3! Bxe5 17.dxe5 exf3 18.Rxf3± White has a big advantage. For
example: 18...g4? 19.Rf7!
Position after: 19.Rf7!
With a crushing attack. 19...gxh3 20.Nf4 hxg2 21.Qh5 Rg7 22.Rxg7 Kxg7 23.Rc2+–] 16.c5!±
White’s positional advantage is very clear.
B) Or Black can try 11...Nd6 with the idea of ...Nf7-Bf6. 12.Bh2 frees f4 for the knight. 12...Nxc4
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[12...Nf7?! Is dubious because of 13.cxd5! cxd5 14.Qb3±.] 13.Bxc4 dxc4 14.Rxc4 Nb6 15.Rc1
Nd5 16.Ne5² White’s position is preferable and very easy to play.
Position after: 16.Ne5²
12.Bh2 Qe7 13.Qc2²
Position after: 13.Qc2²
The problem for Black is that it is very difficult to develop the bishop of c8. ...g5 is always met by
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Ne5.
b) 6...-- alternatives
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4
This is the Noteboom system.
5.e3 b5 6.a4
6...Qb6
While not a popular line it is not easy for White to show an advantage. Very risky is 6...b4?! 7.Ne4.
A) 7...Qd5?! 8.Neg5!.
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Position after: 8.Neg5!
The threats are Ne5 or e4. 8...c3 [Of course loosing is: 8...h6? because of 9.e4 Qa5 10.Nxf7!
Position after: 10.Nxf7!
10...Kxf7 11.Ne5+ Ke8 12.Qh5++–; White is also better after 8...f6 9.e4 Qa5 10.Nh3 Ba6 11.Nf4
Kf7 12.Nd2 b3 13.Qg4±; or 8...Nf6 9.Ne5±] 9.e4 Qa5 10.Bc4± White has very strong piece play.
B) 7...Ba6 8.Ne5 Be7 Stops Ng5 for the moment. [8...Qd5?! 9.Ng5±] 9.Qf3!
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Position after: 9.Qf3!
Black has big problems here. 9...Nf6 [9...Nh6 10.Nd2±] 10.Nxf6+ Bxf6 11.Nxc4!
Position after: 11.Nxc4!
[Less convincing is 11.Nxc6 Qb6 12.Na5 Qxa5 13.Qxa8 Qc7 14.Qe4 0-0© with a good
compensation for the exchange.]
B1) 11...Qd5? is bad because of 12.e4! Qxd4 13.Be3 Qd8 14.Rd1 winning for White.
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B2) If 11...Bb7 then 12.b3 0-0 13.Bb2 and Black’s position is very difficult. For example: 13...Qc7
[13...Nd7 14.Nd6! is hardly better] 14.Qg3!.
Position after: 14.Qg3!
The endgame looks very nice for White. 14...Qxg3 15.hxg3± White is much better.
B3) 11...0-0 12.Bd2 With the idea of Rc1. 12...Qd5 [Passive is 12...Bxc4 13.Bxc4 a5 14.Rc1 Ra7
15.b3² White has very solid advantage here.] 13.Rc1 c5
Position after: 13...c5
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Black seeks some counterplay, but his position is still worse after 14.dxc5 Nc6 15.Qxd5 The most
concrete way [Another option is 15.b3 Qd7 16.Be2 Be7 17.0-0 Bxc5 18.Rfd1 Qc7] 15...exd5
16.Na5! [16.Ne5 is similar.] 16...Bxf1 17.Nxc6 Bxg2 18.Rg1 Rfc8
Position after: 18...Rfc8
White is definitely better here, but Black is still fighting. For example: 19.Nxb4!? I think it would
be very unpleasant in practice. [Black can hope for a fortress after 19.Nd4 Bh3 20.Bxb4 Rab8
21.Ba3 Bd7 22.a5 Bxd4 23.exd4².] 19...Be4 20.Ke2 Bxb2 21.f3!
Position after: 21.f3!
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By sacrificing an exchange White definitely has the initiative. 21...Bxc1 22.Rxc1 Bf5 23.Nxd5
[Less convincing is 23.c6 Rab8 24.Nxd5 Kf8 25.Bb4+ Ke8 26.e4 Be6=.] 23...Kf8 24.e4 White
wants to play Bf4 next. 24...Bd7
Position after: 24...Bd7
25.Bf4! The initiative is much more important than the pawn on a4. 25...Bxa4 26.Bd6+ Ke8
27.Rg1! Provoking 27...g6 28.Nf6+ Kd8 29.h4!
Position after: 29.h4!
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This position seems to be very unpleasant for Black.
B3.1) Worse is 29...Bb5+ 30.Ke3 a5 because of 31.h5 a4 32.Rh1! Ra7 [32...g5 loses immediately
in view of 33.Rg1 h6 34.Rxg5! hxg5 35.h6+–.] 33.h6!+– The pawn on h6 will decide the game.
B3.2) 29...h5! 30.f4 a5 31.f5 Be8 [31...Bb3 32.e5+–] 32.e5 Ra7
It seems that Black can probably hold here but the defence will be very difficult after 33.Kd3 a4
34.e6 fxe6 35.Nxe8 Kxe8 36.fxe6 Re7 37.Rxg6 Kd8² Black will still suffer a lot to make a draw.
7.Bd2!
The only way for White to fight for an advantage!

Black is perfectly fine after 7.axb5 cxb5 8.b3 Bb4 9.Qc2 Nf6 10.bxc4 bxc4 11.Bxc4 Bb7 12.0-0 0-
0=.
7...Bb4
The most concrete continuation.

Safer, but without any chance of victory for Black is 7...Nf6 8.axb5 cxb5 9.b3 Bb4 10.bxc4 bxc4
11.Bxc4 0-0 12.0-0
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White is slightly better here. Na4 is a serious threat. For example: 12...a5 13.Na4! Qd6 14.Bxb4
Qxb4 [or 14...axb4 15.Nc5²] 15.Qc2² White plays without any risk. The position is quite unpleasant
for Black.
8.Ne4!
I believe this is the best way! White plays for the initiative.
Less clear is 8.Ne5 Nf6 9.axb5 cxb5 10.b3 The position after 10...0-0 11.bxc4 bxc4 12.Nxc4 Qc7
13.Nb5 Qe7
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Position after: 13...Qe7
Is very close to being equal. For example: 14.Be2 Bb7 15.0-0 Nc6 probably after 16.Bxb4 Nxb4
17.Qa4=/² Black is still under a little pressure, but I think Black has sufficient resources.
8...Na6!?
Position after: 8...Na6!?
A very interesting and rare move.
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A) There are many more games with 8...Be7. 9.b3! White needs to open the position. 9...cxb3
10.Qxb3 White is better developed. 10...Nf6 11.Nxf6+ Bxf6 12.Bd3ƒ
Position after: 12.Bd3ƒ
White has an endless initiative.

B) Not convincing for Black is 8...Bxd2+ because of 9.Nfxd2! When routing the knight to d6 is a
serious threat. 9...Nf6 [Worse is 9...Qc7?! 10.Qh5! a6 11.Qc5 Nd7 12.Qa3±.] 10.Nxf6+ gxf6 11.b3
White’s chances seem preferable. For example: 11...cxb3 12.Qxb3ƒ.
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Position after: 12.Qxb3ƒ
9.Bxb4
Another interesting move is: 9.Be2 f5! Somehow Black needs to develop. [The position is very
dangerous after: 9...Nf6?! 10.Nxf6+ gxf6 11.0-0©] 10.Nc3 Nf6 11.0-0 0-0 12.Ne5
Position after: 12.Ne5
White definitely has a lot of play here, but after 12...Bd6! The position is still very complicated. For
example: 13.axb5 cxb5 14.b3 Bxe5 15.dxe5 Nd7 16.bxc4 b4 17.Nb5 Nxe5∞. It is not very clear to
me if White is better here.
9...Nxb4 10.b3!
The usual move for White.

A) The immediate check does not lead to anything: 10.Nd6+? Ke7 11.Nxc8+ Rxc8³.
B) If 10.Ne5 then 10...Nh6! is strong.
10...cxb3
If 10...Qa5 then 11.Nfd2! and Black’s position is very dangerous. 11...f5 12.Nd6+ Ke7 13.Nxc8+
Rxc8 14.bxc4 c5 15.Be2ƒ
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Position after: 15.Be2ƒ
11.Qxb3 a5
Black’s position is very precarious but White must be precise. If 11...Qa5 just 12.Nfd2.
12.Ne5
Also, very interesting is 12.axb5!? Nf6 [Or 12...cxb5 13.Bxb5+ Ke7 14.Qa4 Nf6 15.Nc5²] 13.Nd6+
Ke7 14.Nc4 Qxb5 15.Nfe5 Bb7 16.Bd3© White has very nice compensation for the pawn.
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12...Nf6!
Black also tries to play aggressively.

A) 12...Ke7 13.Be2 Nf6 14.Nc5‚
B) 12...Nh6 13.Be2 0-0 14.0-0 f6 15.Nd3 Nxd3 16.Bxd3 b4 17.Nc5 Re8 18.Bc4±
C) 12...f6 13.Nd3±
13.Nd6+ Ke7 14.Ndxf7 Rf8 15.Ng5 bxa4
Position after: 15...bxa4
16.Qb1!?
The threat Nxh7 is very unpleasant.

Also dangerous for Black but less clear is 16.Rxa4!? c5 17.Be2 cxd4 18.exd4 when Black’s position
is extremely dangerous but objectively it can be hold. 18...Ba6 19.Bxa6
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Position after: 19.Bxa6
19...Rxa6 [Bad is 19...Qxa6? because of 20.Rxa5 Nc2+ 21.Kd1 Nxd4 22.Qb4+ Qd6 23.Qb7+ Nd7
24.Ne4+–.] 20.0-0 Qxd4 21.Rxa5! Rxa5 22.Qxe6+ Kd8 23.Rc1
White is almost winning but after 23...Rc5! 24.Qb6+ Ke7 25.Qxc5+ Qxc5 26.Rxc5 Ra8² Black can
hold this endgame.
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16...c5!
The most logical.

16...Rh8 17.Bc4 Ba6 18.0-0± is too slow for Black.
17.Nxh7 cxd4
White has a crushing attack after 17...Nxh7? 18.Qxh7 cxd4 19.Rc1+–.
18.Nxf8 Kxf8 19.Be2
The position is very risky for Black but it is still two-edged.
19...Ba6!
A) 19...dxe3?! 20.0-0±
B) 19...Qc5?! 20.Ng6+ Kf7 21.0-0 dxe3 22.Nf4±
20.Bxa6 Qxa6 21.Qg6 Ra7! 22.Rc1 a3!
The only chance for counterplay.
23.Rc4 a2 24.0-0 Nc6!
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Position after: 24...Nc6!
A nice defensive resource.
25.Rxc6 Qxf1+ 26.Kxf1 a1=Q+ 27.Ke2 Qb2+ 28.Kf3 Qb7²
Position after: 28...Qb7²
Black can probably hold this position, but the defense is still very tough.
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c) 15...--
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 e6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.e3 b5 6.a4 Bb4
Position after: 6...Bb4
The most principled continuation.
7.Bd2 a5
The main move.

A) Black is slightly worse after 7...Nf6 8.axb5 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 cxb5 10.b3 0-0 11.bxc4 bxc4 12.Bxc4²
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Position after: 12.Bxc4²
B) 7...Bb7?! is bad because of 8.axb5 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 cxb5 10.d5! Nf6 11.dxe6
Position after: 11.dxe6
when Black’s position will soon collapse. 11...Qxd1+ 12.Rxd1 fxe6 13.Nd4±
C) 7...Qe7 Looks suspicious but it is possible. 8.axb5 Bxc3 9.Bxc3 cxb5.
C1) 10.d5 Nf6 11.d6 Qb7 12.Bxf6 [12.Be2 0-0=] 12...gxf6 13.b3 Qd5=
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C2) 10.Bd2!
Position after: 10.Bd2!
An important move as White prepares to play b3. 10...Nf6 Other moves give White a bigger
advantage. [10...Qb7 11.b3 cxb3 12.Qxb3 a6 13.Bd3±; 10...Bb7 11.b3±] 11.b3 0-0 12.bxc4 bxc4
13.Bxc4² White has a solid advantage.
8.axb5
The next few moves seem forced.
8...Bxc3 9.Bxc3 cxb5 10.b3 Bb7
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11.bxc4 b4 12.Bb2 Nf6 13.Bd3 0-0
13...Be4?! is a bad idea due to 14.Bxe4 Nxe4 15.Qa4+ Qd7 [15...Nd7 16.Ne5±] 16.Qc2 Nf6 17.Ra4
0-0 18.0-0 Qc7 19.Rfa1±.
14.0-0 Nbd7
This double-edged position is the starting point for the variation. White has a very strong center and
both bishops while Black’s two passers can be very dangerous.
15.Nd2
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Position after: 15.Nd2
I believe this is the best plan for White as he may want to play f4 and that is why he keeps the rook on
f1 for now.
In addition, he has stopped ...Ne4 or ...Be4 for the moment.
Other popular moves are 15.Re1 or 15.Qc2.
15...Nc5
I think it makes a lot of sense for Black to exchange some pieces.

A) Black has many other options here. 15...Bc6?! A dubious move. The idea is to try to push a4.
16.Bc2! Stops ...a4. [16.e4? Nc5.] 16...Nb6 Now the position is very concrete and 17.e4 is quite
logical.
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The central pawns are extremely strong. [Also possible is 17.c5!? Nbd5 18.Re1².] 17...a4 18.d5
exd5 19.exd5 Nbxd5 If Black does not sacrifice a piece, the pawns will be very unpleasant.
[19...Bd7? 20.Qf3 a3 21.Bd4+–; 19...Bb7? 20.Re1 a3 21.Bd4+–] 20.cxd5 Qxd5 21.Nf3
Black has some compensation due to the passed pawns, but the defense will be very tough.
21...Qxd1 [21...b3 22.Bb1! Bb5 23.Re1±] 22.Rfxd1 a3 23.Bxf6 [Similar is 23.Be5 Rfe8 24.Nd4 Ba4
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25.Bxf6 gxf6 26.Rdb1 Rec8 27.Bxa4 Rxa4.] 23...gxf6 24.Nd4 Ba4 25.Rdb1 White has managed to
blockade the pawns for now. 25...Rfc8 26.Bxa4 Rxa4 27.Rb3 Rc4 28.Nf5 Kf8 29.Kf1 Rc5 30.Ne3±
It is not very easy to win here but Black will suffer greatly.
B) 15...Qe7?! Probably not the best place for the queen but it is also an option for Black. 16.Bc2!
Once again! [I do not like 16.f4 because of 16...Rfd8∞.] 16...e5 17.d5!
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Now it is a very good idea to close the center as f4 is coming very fast. [Also possible is 17.Re1.]
B1) Worse is 17...Nc5? because of 18.f4! exf4 19.Bd4!
19...a4 [Black gets mated after 19...fxe3? 20.Bxf6 gxf6 21.Qg4+ Kh8 22.Qh4+– ] 20.Rxf4 b3
21.Bb1±.
Position after: 21.Bb1±
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The attack looks very strong. For example: 21...Nfd7 22.Qh5 g6 23.Qh6 f6 24.Bxg6 hxg6
25.Qxg6+ Qg7 26.Qh5+–.
Position after: 26.Qh5+–
B2) 17...Rfc8 18.f4! White has a very serious initiative and a very strong attack.
18...exf4 [18...e4 19.Bd4±] 19.Rxf4 Qxe3+ 20.Rf2 White’s bishops are very strong, and the knight
will join the attack after Nf1-g3. 20...h6 [Or 20...Re8 21.Ba4! Re7 22.Nf1 Qc5 23.Ng3±.] 21.Nf1!
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Qc5 22.Bd4!
22...Qxc4 23.Ne3 Qc7 24.Nf5+– White should be winning here.

C) 15...e5 16.d5! Is similar to some of the main lines, but White is not obliged to play Bc2
immediately. For example, after 16...Qc7
Position after: 16...Qc7
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very strong is: 17.f4! Rfe8 18.fxe5 Nxe5 19.Be2 Nfd7 20.Bd4². White’s bishop on d4 is very stable
and a potential plan could be Qe1-g3.
D) 15...Ra7?! A strange plan. The idea is ...Qa8. 16.Bc2! The usual move which stops ...a4 in some
lines. 16...Qa8 17.Re1!
Position after: 17.Re1!
A very strong improvement! White prepares e4. [In the game Kaczmarczyk, D (2427) – Dgebuadze,
A (2495) Leukerbad 2019 White had nothing after 17.f3 Rc8 18.Re1 Bc6 19.Ba4 Rd8∞.]
D1) Very bad is 17...Bxg2? because of 18.e4! Bh3 19.Qf3 Bg4 20.Qg3 Bh5 21.e5 Ne8 22.Qh3
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Position after: 22.Qh3
22...Bg6 [22...g6 23.d5 Ng7 24.Ne4 exd5 25.cxd5 Qxd5 26.Bb3+–] 23.Bxg6 hxg6 24.Nf3+–
D2) Also bad is 17...Ne4 In view of 18.d5! Nxd2 19.Qxd2 exd5 20.Qd3 f5 21.Red1 a4 22.cxd5±.
Position after: 22.cxd5±
D3) 17...Rb8 18.e4 b3 19.Bd3 a4 20.Ba3± White is clearly better.
16.Bc2 Nce4 17.f3
The most logical response.

Worse is 17.Nxe4?! Bxe4.
17...Nxd2 18.Qxd2
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Position after: 18.Qxd2
Whites is slightly better, but I do not think it is that easy to prove an advantage. Let us examine the
details.
18...Qc7
Another possible move is 18...Ba6 19.Bb3 Nd7 threatens ...Nb6 or ...Nc5 20.Rfc1!
Position after: 20.Rfc1!
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Protects the c4-pawn just in case. 20...Nc5 21.Bd1 It looks like Black is starting to improve but after
21...Rc8 22.Qc2 Nb7 23.c5 Bb5 White remains slightly better. The knight is misplaced for the
moment but Black wants to play ...Qd7 next. 24.Qf2 Qd7 25.Qg3 Provoking ...f6. 25...f6 26.Qe1²
Position after: 26.Qe1²
White must stop ... a4. I believe White is a little better here with an easier position to play.
19.Rfc1
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Position after: 19.Rfc1
19...Rfd8
With the idea of ...e5.

19...Rfc8 20.Bb3 [20.e4 is not the same since after 20...e5 21.d5 Nd7 22.f4 exf4∞ the rook is better
placed on c8.] 20...Bc6!? Very direct. Black wants to push ...a4. [A bit passive is 20...Nd7?! 21.e4
Qd8 22.Qe3².] 21.d5
Position after: 21.d5
21...Be8 [Another option is 21...Qd8 22.e4 a4 23.Bc2 exd5 24.cxd5 b3 25.Bd3 Be8² when it is not so
clear, but I prefer White.] 22.dxe6 a4 23.Bd1 b3 24.exf7+ Bxf7
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Position after: 24...Bxf7
25.c5² Black definitely has compensation for the pawn, but I still slightly prefer White’s chances.
20.e4
Now White must push his pawns.
20...e5 21.d5 Nd7 22.f4!
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White must open the position for his bishops.
22...exf4
Very passive is 22...f6?! 23.fxe5 fxe5 24.h3! A good positional move. White wants to place his king
on h2. 24...Nc5 25.Kh2± I believe White’s chances are preferable. The idea could be Rf1-f3 doubling
the rooks on the f-file.
23.Bd4
A similar idea is 23.e5!? Nxe5 24.Qxf4 f6 25.Bd4ƒ.
23...Rac8 24.e5!?
A direct and logical approach. White wants to open the position for his bishops.
Another option is 24.Bd1 Nc5 25.e5 a4 26.h3©.
24...Nxe5 25.Qxf4 f6
A) Very dangerous is 25...Nxc4?! because of 26.Qf5 f6 27.Rf1! Kf8 28.Qxh7 Rd6 29.Qh8+ Kf7
30.Qh5+ Kf8 31.Rae1 Bxd5.
Position after: 31...Bxd5
32.Bf5‚ The attack looks very dangerous.
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B) 25...Re8 26.Qg3 f6 27.Bb3©
26.Bb3©
Position after: 26.Bb3©
The strong pair of bishops and the two central pawns gives White very good compensation for the
pawn.
A) 26.Qf5 Qxc4 27.Qxh7+ Kf8 28.Bxe5 Qxd5 is only a draw. 29.Qh8+ Kf7 30.Qh5+=
B) Or 26.Bf5 Ra8 27.Qh4 h6 28.Be6+ Kh8 29.Rf1 Rf8!
99
Position after: 29...Rf8!
30.c5 Bc8 31.d6 Qc6 32.Bxe5 Bxe6 33.Rxf6 Rxf6 34.Bxf6 Qxc5+ 35.Bd4 Qg5 36.Qxg5 hxg5
37.Re1=
26...a4!
Position after: 26...a4!
I think this is the best way for Black! The next few moves are very forced.
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27.Bxa4 Nxc4 28.Qxc7 Rxc7 29.Bb6 Nxb6 30.Rxc7 Bxd5 31.Bd1 b3²
Black can probably manage to survive.
Position after: 31...b3²
d) 15...Qc7
Bb7 11.bxc4 b4 12.Bb2 Nf6 13.Bd3 0-0 14.0-0 Nbd7 15.Nd2 Qc7
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The most played move. The queen is placed perfectly in support of ...e5. In addition, compared to
15...Re8, Black now has the option to put the rook on c8 or d8.
16.Bc2!
The usual move in this line.

A lot of theory can be found after 16.f4 a4 17.Rb1∞ but this line is not very convincing for White.
Now Black has several options for the rook (c8, d8 or e8) or playing ...e5 immediately.
16...Rfc8
It is logical to place the rook on the c file.

A) Premature is 16...e5? 17.d5! Now White is ready for f4.
17...Rfe8 Other moves seems to be worse. [17...Rfd8?! 18.f4!±; 17...Nb6? 18.Rc1 a4 19.f4! b3
20.Bb1+–; 17...Nc5? 18.f4+–] 18.Ba4! White has other options, but this is the most direct way.
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Position after: 18.Ba4!
A1) In the game Smirnov, A (2511) – Krasenkow, M (2620) Canberra 2017 Black played 18...Qb6
and after 19.Nb3! White appears to have a serious advantage.
19...Re7 20.Qd3 Nc5 21.Nxc5 Qxc5 22.f4 Ng4 23.Rae1 Ba6 24.d6 Re6 25.fxe5
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Position after: 25.fxe5
25...Nxe5 [Or 25...Bxc4 26.Qd4 Qxd4 27.exd4 Bxf1 28.Kxf1 Nxh2+ 29.Kg1 Ng4 30.d5+–.]
26.Qd5! Qxd5 27.cxd5 Rxd6 28.Bxe5 Rxd5 29.Rf5 g6 30.Bb3+–
A2) 18...Re7 19.h3 Nc5 20.Bc2 Ra6 [20...Nfd7 21.f4±] 21.Re1 h6 22.Nb3 Nfe4 [22...Nfd7
23.f4±] 23.Nxc5 Nxc5 24.f4
24...f6 [24...e4 25.Bd4±] 25.Qd2 Bc8 26.fxe5 fxe5 27.Rf1 b3 28.Bb1 e4 29.Rf4 Rg6 30.Kh1±
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B) The provocative 16...Nb6?! seems to be worse for Black after 17.c5 Nbd7 [17...Nbd5 18.Re1
Ba6 19.Ba4 Rfd8 20.Qf3±] 18.Nc4 Ba6 19.Bb3 Bb5 20.Re1± White has a solid blockade.
Position after: 20.Re1±
Now 20...a4? loses after 21.Nd6! axb3 22.Rxa8 Rxa8 23.Nxb5 Qa5 24.Nd6 Qa2 25.Qf3 h6 26.h3
Ra7 27.Nc4 Qa6 28.Rc1+–.
C) 16...Rfe8 transposes to the next chapter.
D) 16...Rfd8 the rook on d8 usually does not do much 17.Re1².Black’s ...e5 will also be met by d5!
17.Re1!N
A very logical novelty.

White just wants to improve his pieces and be ready for ...e5.
17...e5
A) Premature is 17...Ba6?! 18.c5±.

B) 17...Nb6 18.c5 a4
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19.Rc1! Defending the bishop on c2 and also making space for the other bishop. 19...b3 20.Bb1
Nbd5 21.Nc4± White easily blocks the black pawns with e4 coming soon.
18.Rc1
Prepares d5.
18...Ra6 19.h3²
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Position after: 19.h3²
White has a lot of waiting moves while Black does not have a clear plan.
At some point d5 followed by f4 will come.
e) 15...Re8
Bb7 11.bxc4 b4 12.Bb2 Nf6 13.Bd3 0-0 14.0-0 Nbd7 15.Nd2 Re8
Position after: 15...Re8
The main move according to theory. It is very logical and prepares ...e5 while also stopping White’s
idea of f4 for the moment because of ...Nc5.
16.Bc2!
Once again White plays this prophylactic move. Definitely not 16.f4? because of 16...Nc5! 17.Bc2
Nce4³.
16...Qc7
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This seems to be the critical position for the whole Noteboom variation.
Once again 16...e5?! is because of 17.d5.
17.h3!?N
Another prophylactic move. White just prepares for ...e5 which seems to be the reasonable plan for
Black.
Unclear is 17.f4 Nb6 18.c5 Nbd5 19.Re1 Bc6 20.Nc4 Red8 21.Ne5 Bb5∞
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Position after: 21...Bb5∞
as occurred in the game Smirnov, A (2216) – Matlakov, M (2295) St Petersburg 2002.
17...h6
Clearly the best! Black also prepares for the upcoming action.
17...e5? would be premature due to 18.d5! Nb6 19.Bb3. Now f4 comes with a crushing attack.
19...Nfd7 20.f4!
20...exf4 21.Qg4! Ne5 22.Qxf4+–
109
18.Re1!
A good waiting move as it keeps the pawn on e3 for the moment.

More direct is 18.e4 e5 19.d5 Nc5!. This is the difference! Now Black can place the knight here.
Black must be careful in this complicated position but with accurate play he can hope for an equal
game.
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20.f4 Nfd7 21.fxe5 [21.Kh1 f6 does not change much.] 21...Nxe5 22.Bd4 f6∞ Black definitely has
counterplay.
18...e5
Black has no more good waiting moves.
19.d5
19...Nb6!
Now the knight should come here!

A) 19...Nc5? is bad because of 20.f4!. The big difference is that White’s bishop on c2 is
participating in the attack! 20...Nfd7 21.Rf1
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Position after: 21.Rf1
Brings the rook into the attack, Black is defenceless. [21.Nb3!?] 21...Ra6 22.fxe5 Nxe5 23.Bd4
Positionally speaking White is winning. 23...Re7 24.Rb1
Position after: 24.Rb1
A good prophylactic move stopping .... a4 ideas. 24...Rb6 25.Qh5 a4 26.Qf5 Ng6 [26...g6 27.Qf4
b3 28.Ne4! bxc2 29.Rxb6+–] 27.Ne4 Nxe4 28.Bxe4+– Black’s position is falling apart.
B) A bit slow is 19...Re7?!. The idea is ...Ne8-...Nd6. 20.e4 Ne8 21.f4 f6 [Worse is the immediate
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21...Nd6 because of 22.Ba4!
22...exf4 23.Qg4 f6 24.Qxf4+–.] 22.fxe5 fxe5 23.Kh2 A very calm move. 23...Nd6 24.Qg4±
Position after: 24.Qg4±
White has an unstoppable attack. 24...Ba6 25.Qh4 Rf7 26.Bd1!+– Bringing the bishop to g4 or h5.
20.e4
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White needs to play this move.
Unclear is 20.Rc1 a4.
20...Rec8!
Definitely the best move.

Other options are worse. For example:
A) 20...Ba6? 21.Ba4! Nxa4 22.Qxa4 Bb7 23.Rac1 Nd7 24.c5 Nxc5 25.Qb5+–.
B) 20...Nxc4? 21.Nxc4 Qxc4 22.Ba4 Re7 23.d6 Rd8 24.dxe7 Rxd1 25.Raxd1+–
C) 20...Nfd7 The black king will be without defenders after this move. 21.Re3!
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A very nice idea which brings more of his forces towards the black king. 21...Ba6 22.Rg3 Bxc4
23.Qh5! Black’s position is critical.
Position after: 23.Qh5!
C1) Worse is 23...Nf8 because of 24.Rc1! Qe7 25.d6! which opens the a2-g8 diagonal.
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25...Qf6 [Or 25...Qxd6 26.Nxc4 Nxc4 27.Bb3+–.] 26.Nxc4 Nxc4 27.Bb3 Nxd6 [27...Nxb2
28.Rf3 g6 29.Qxh6+–] 28.Rc6! Rad8 29.Rxd6! Rxd6 30.Rf3+–
C2) 23...Kf8 24.Qg4 g6
25.Rc1 The pin looks very unpleasant. [Another good move is 25.Nxc4 Nxc4 26.Ba4 Nc5
27.Bxe8 Rxe8 28.Bc1 Kg7 29.Kh2± when White keeps the advantage.] 25...Qd8 [White wins
116
after 25...Qd6 26.Nxc4 Nxc4 27.Bb3 Nxb2 28.Rc6 Qe7 29.Rxg6 fxg6 30.Qxg6 Qf7 31.Qxh6+
Ke7 32.d6++–.] 26.Nxc4 Nxc4 27.Ba4 Ndb6 [27...Nxb2 28.Bxd7 Re7 29.Be6!+–] 28.Bxe8 Kxe8
29.Ba1± Black has some compensation, but it should not be sufficient to hold.
21.Re3!
As above this move brings more resources into White’s attack.
Unclear is: 21.f4 Nfd7 22.Kh1 f6∞.
21...Qe7
Black needs to keep more pieces close to his king.

21...Nxc4? 22.Nxc4 Qxc4 23.Ba4 Qc7 24.d6+– White’s dominating position should decide the
game.
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Position after: 24.d6+–
22.Bb3
Simply protecting the pawn.

22.Ba4 Rxc4! The only good move for Black! Suddenly Black has a lot of counterplay. 23.Nxc4
Nxc4 24.d6!?
Position after: 24.d6!?
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The position is still very complicated. Both sides must be very accurate. [24.Qe2 Nxe3 25.Qxe3
Qd6=] 24...Qd8! [A bit worse for Black is 24...Nxd6 25.Rc1 Ndxe4 26.Qe1².] 25.Re2 Nxb2 26.Rxb2
Nxe4 27.d7 Nc3 After the following forced moves the arising position should be about equal. 28.Qd6
Nxa4 29.Rxa4 Ra6!
Position after: 29...Ra6!
The only move! [29...Qg5? 30.f4] 30.Qd3 Rg6 31.g3 Bc6 32.Rxa5 e4 [32...Qxd7 33.Qxd7 Bxd7
34.Rxb4 Bxh3 35.Rxe5=] 33.Qd4 Qxd7 34.Qxd7 Bxd7 35.Rxb4 e3 36.h4 exf2+ 37.Kxf2=
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Position after: 37.Kxf2=
This should be an easy draw.
22...Nfd7
The only reasonable plan.
23.Rg3 g6!
The only good defensive move! Now White has a couple of interesting moves.
Position after: 23...g6!
A) 23...Nc5? is worse because of 24.f4! a4 25.Bc2 b3 26.Bb1+– with an unstoppable attack.

B) 23...Kh8? gives White an easy attack. 24.f4 f6 25.Nf3 exf4 26.Nh4+–
24.h4!?ƒ
The direct approach

Or the calm 24.Kh2!?. In both cases the position is very complicated, but Black is the one who should
be careful.
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Chapter 3
Rare 4th Moves
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3
Chapter Guide
Chapter 3 – Rare 4th moves
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6

a) 4.Nc3 --
b) Schlechter: 4.Nc3 g6
a) 4.Nc3 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3
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4...Qb6
A rare move which has been played many times by Grandmaster Gata Kamsky. The idea behind the
move is unclear to me, but I guess Black wants to wait for White’s response and also prevent Bf4 or
Bg5, as the b2-pawn hangs.
A) 4...Ne4 Another rare move, played once by Alexander Morozevich. Black loses an important
tempo in the opening and that does not seem to be justified. 5.Qc2! The most direct. White wants to
provoke the exchange on c3. [Also possible is 5.e3.] 5...Nxc3 [Worse is 5...Qa5?! 6.e3 e6 7.Bd3 f5
8.0-0±; or 5...Bf5?! 6.Qb3±.] 6.bxc3! The pawn structure clearly favors White. [Black is solid after
6.Qxc3 Bf5.]
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Position after: 6.bxc3!
A1) 6...dxc4 Taking the pawn makes a lot of sense although White gets a very good game in the
center. 7.a4 Stops ...b5. 7...e6. [7...b5? 8.axb5 cxb5 9.Qe4+–.] 8.a5! Now Black will never play
...b5. 8...Na6 [Worse is 8...c5 because of 9.e4.] 9.Qe4!
Position after: 9.Qe4!
A powerful prophylactic move directed against ...b5. [9.e4?! Is inaccurate because of 9...b5!.]
9...c5 10.e3 Qd5 11.Qb1 The initiative seems very strong. The threat is e4. 11...cxd4 12.exd4ƒ
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White is better because the next move will be Ne5 or Nd2, returning the pawn with very nice piece
play.
A2) Of course 6...e6?! is passive because of 7.e4±.
A3) 6...g6 The normal way of developing.
A3.1) Very interesting is 7.h4!? trying to create some weaknesses. 7...Bg7 [Worse is 7...h5 gives
up the g5-square after 8.Bf4±; or 7...Bf5 8.Qb3±.] 8.h5 Bf5 9.Qb3 0-0
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10.e3 [Taking the pawn is risky 10.Qxb7 Nd7 11.Qxc6 Nb6©.] 10...Qc7 11.Ba3² White
definitely has a very good game.
A3.2) 7.Bf4 The easiest way to play. 7...Bg7 8.e3 0-0 9.Bd3²
B) 4...Bg4?! 5.Ne5 Bc8 6.cxd5 cxd5 transposes to Chapter 1a.
C) 4...Bf5?! Another dubious move as Black is simply not ready for this. 5.cxd5 cxd5 6.Qb3 Bc8
Position after: 6...Bc8
C1) Also possible is 7.e4!? dxe4 8.Bb5+ [8.Ne5 e6 is similar] 8...Bd7 9.Ne5 e6 10.d5.
125
White definitely has the initiative, but the position is still unclear. For example: 10...exd5 11.Nxd5
Nxd5 12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.Qxd5 Bb4+ 14.Ke2 a6 15.Ba4 b5 16.Bg5 Qb8 17.Qxe4+ Qe5 18.Qxe5+
Nxe5 19.Bb3² White has only a small advantage in the endgame.
C2) 7.Bf4 The calmest and easiest approach. 7...Nc6 8.e3 e6 9.Be2 Bd6 10.Ne5 0-0 11.0-0² White
has a simple, easy game.
D) 4...Nbd7 Another rare move. 5.cxd5! Entering into the exchange Slav seems like a very smart
idea. 5...cxd5 6.Bf4 e6 7.e3
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Once again, White’s game is very easy. The bishop on c8 remains undeveloped. 7...Be7 [Or 7...Nh5
8.Bg5 Be7 9.h4².] 8.h3 [A possible way to continue is 8.h4!? 0-0 9.Bd3.] 8...0-0 9.Bd3² White’s
position is fun to play. He has no risk and his moves are easy to find.
Position after: 4...Qb6
5.h3!?
White has many moves, but this one looks very smart as it stops ...Bg4.
The main theoretical move is 5.e3 Bg4.
5...g6
The safest continuation.

A) 5...dxc4?! is bad because of 6.e4±.
B) The solid move 5...e6 6.e3 Nbd7 7.Bd3² leads to the Meran with ...Qb6 and h3 included. This
seems to be in White’s favour.
C) 5...Bf5 seems logical. 6.g4!
127
This is the point of White’s previous move. 6...Bg6 [6...Be4?! 7.g5; 6...Be6 7.Bg2 Potkin, V (2647)
– Alcaraz Ortega, J (2342) Barcelona 2013 continued 7...dxc4 8.e4 g6 9.Qe2 Bg7 10.Be3 Qa6 11.0-
0 0-0 12.Ng5± with clear advantage for White 1-0 (27).] 7.Ne5 [Also interesting is 7.h4!? Nxg4
8.cxd5ƒ.] 7...Nbd7 [Worse is 7...e6?! because of 8.c5! Qc7 9.Bf4±. The next move will be h4.]
8.Nxd7 Kxd7 Black must take with his king or the d5 pawn will be lost. 9.Bg2 e6 10.0-0
128
Black’s position seems very risky. For example: 10...dxc4 11.e4 Rd8 12.g5 Ne8 13.h4 f6 14.d5±.
6.a4!?N
An interesting improvement. White wants to gain more space on the queenside and weaken the b5-
square.
The normal continuation is 6.e3 Bg7 7.Bd3.
6...a5
A very risky move.

On the other hand, in case of 6...Bg7 7.a5 Qc7 8.cxd5 cxd5 9.Ne5 0-0
10.Bf4² White has a very easy game.
7.cxd5 cxd5
129
Position after: 7...cxd5
8.Bg5!
The most aggressive.

Also possible is 8.Bf4 Bg7 9.e3 0-0 10.Bb5 Nc6 11.0-0 Be6 12.Qe2 Rfc8 13.Rfc1 Nb4
Position after: 13...Nb4
14.Ne5² with a small advantage.
130
8...Nc6
Taking the pawn is not a good idea. 8...Qxb2? 9.Nb5 Na6 10.Rb1 Qa2 11.Rc1+–
Position after: 11.Rc1+–
White wins due to the threat of Rc2.
9.e3
Less clear is 9.Bxf6 exf6 10.Nxd5 Qxb2 11.e3.
131
11...Bb4+ 12.Nxb4 Nxb4 13.Bb5+ Bd7 14.Bxd7+ Kxd7 15.0-0 Qc2= Black is safe.
9...Qxb2
Now Black must now take the pawn as the threat of Bf6 is very serious.
10.Rc1!
Position after: 10.Rc1!
Black is under serious pressure here.

10.Nb5?! Ne4!
10...Be6
The only way to protect the pawn on d5. Other moves are worse.
A) 10...Bf5?! 11.Bb5±
B) 10...Qb6?! 11.Bb5 Be6 12.Qb3 Bg7 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Nxd5 Bxd5 15.Qxd5±
C) 10...Bg7? 11.Bxf6 Bxf6 12.Nxd5+–
11.Nb5! Ne4
11...Rc8? loses after 12.Rb1 Qa2 13.Nd6+!
132
Position after: 13.Nd6+!
13...exd6 14.Bxf6 Rg8 15.Rxb7 with a decisive advantage.
12.Be2 Bg7
Even worse is 12...Rc8 because of 13.0-0 f6 14.Rc2! Qb3 15.Bf4 Kf7 16.Nd2! The black queen’s
position causes him a lot of problems.
133
16...Nxd2 17.Qxd2 Nb4 18.Rxc8 Bxc8 19.Rc1 Be6 20.Rc7
20...Qxa4 21.Nd6+ Kg8 22.Nxb7+–
13.Nc7+ Kd7 14.Nxa8 Rxa8 15.Bf4±
Position after: 15.Bf4±
Black still has some hopes but White has the stronger position.
134
b) Schlechter: 4.Nc3 g6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 g6
The Schlechter variation is one of the popular lines in the Slav Defense. When White has not yet
played e3 it is usually considered a bit passive for Black because White can put his bishop on f4.
5.cxd5!
White has many options, but I think transposing to the exchange Slav is a smart idea as Black is
already committed after ...g6.
Another option is 5.Bf4 Bg7 6.e3 0-0.
5...cxd5 6.Bf4 Bg7
6...Nc6 usually transposes to the main line after 7.e3.
7.e3 Nc6
It does not matter if Black starts with 7...0-0 8.Be2 as he has to put his knight on ...c6 at some point.
8...Nc6 9.h3 transposes to the main line.
8.h3 0-0
135
This is the main position of this chapter. Here White has two options: 9.Bd3 or 9.Be2. I believe White
should put the bishop on e2.
9.Be2!
Definitely the best!

9.Bd3 Placing the bishop on d3 seems more logical. The difference is that Black now has a very
interesting idea. 9...Nd7! Prepares ...e5.
136
Position after: 9...Nd7!
A) In case of 10.Nxd5 e5 11.dxe5 Qa5+ 12.Nc3 Ndxe5© Black has very good compensation for the
pawn.
B) Black is also fine after 10.0-0 e5 11.dxe5 Ndxe5
Position after: 11...Ndxe5
12.Nxe5 [12.Be2 Nxf3+ 13.Bxf3 d4= ½-½ (40) Atalik, S (2562) – Laylo, D (2515) Bangkok 2014]
12...Nxe5 13.Be2 Be6 14.Nb5 Qa5 15.Nd4 Rfc8= with a solid position.
C) Not so clear is 10.Bb5 e5 11.Bg5 f6 12.Bh4 e4 13.Nd2 Nb6=.
D) 10.Be2 Recently played by Grischuk. The idea is to prevent ...e5.
137
D1) Black’s position is quite passive after 10...Nb6 11.0-0 f6 12.a4!
12...a5 13.Qb3 Be6 14.Nb5 Rc8 15.Nc7 Rxc7 16.Qxb6 Rd7 17.Qxd8 [17.Qb3²] 17...Rdxd8
18.Rfc1² White had a very easy endgame in Grischuk, A (2777) – Delchev, A (2550) chess.com
2020.
D2) 10...e5!N Black needs to continue with his plan. 11.dxe5 Ndxe5
138
Position after: 11...Ndxe5
D2.1) Another option is 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.Qxd5 [13.Nxd5 Be6©] 13...Be6© Black has very good
compensation.
D2.2) 12.Qxd5 Be6 13.Qxd8 [Risky is 13.Qb5?! a6.] 13...Nxf3+ 14.Bxf3 Raxd8©
Position after: 14...Raxd8©
Once again Black is doing fine. For example: 15.0-0 [15.Bxc6 bxc6 16.Rc1 Rd3 17.0-0 Rd2©]
15...Ne5! [Worse is 15...Rd2?! 16.Rab1.] 16.Bxb7 [After 16.Bxe5 Bxe5 17.Rfd1 b6© it will be
139
very difficult for White to win this endgame.] 16...Nd3 The next few moves are forced. 17.Bg5
Rb8 18.Bd5 Rxb2 19.Rad1 Nxf2!
Position after: 19...Nxf2!
20.Rxf2 Bxc3 21.Bxe6 Rxf2 22.Kxf2 fxe6+ 23.Ke2 Rf5= Black will make a draw without much
trouble.
9...Bf5
140
Look very logical. The idea is ...Ne4.
A) Black can play 9...Ne4 at once but after 10.Rc1 Nxc3 [10...Bf5 transpose to the main line]
11.Rxc3 f6 preparing ...e5 then 12.Rc5! stops Black’s plan.
12...e6 13.0-0 Rf7 14.a3² with small but stable advantage for White.
B) 9...a6 I do not believe trying to play ...b5 is the right plan in this position. 10.0-0 Bf5 11.Rc1 Rc8
12.Qb3
141
12...b5 [If 12...Na5 13.Qb4 b5 14.a4 White is better after 14...Nc6 15.Qb3 Na5 16.Qa3! Nc4
17.Qb4 bxa4 18.Nxa4 a5 19.Qb7±.] 13.Ne5 [13.a4 Na5 14.Qa3 transposes to 12...Na5.] 13...Nxe5
14.Bxe5 Ne4 15.Nxe4 Bxe4 16.Bxg7 Kxg7 17.Rc5±
Position after: 17.Rc5±
This position seems to be very one-sided. Carlsen, M (2834) – Yanchenko, R (2436) chess.com
2018.
C) 9...Qb6 Also looks logical attacking the b2 pawn. 10.a3! An easy move that eliminates the threat.
10...Bf5
142
Position after: 10...Bf5
[Not 10...Qxb2? 11.Na4+–; or 10...Ne4 11.Na4!.] 11.Na4! Black’s queen should go back. 11...Qd8
12.Rc1 Ne4 13.0-0 Rc8 14.b4± Once again White’s position is very easy to play.
10.0-0 Ne4
Similar is 10...Rc8 11.Rc1 when Black still needs to play ...Ne4.
11.Rc1 Rc8 12.Qb3!
143
Position after: 12.Qb3!
Now Black must decide how to proceed.
12...Na5
It seems logical to try to gain some activity.

A) If 12...Nxc3?! 13.Rxc3 Qd7 14.Rfc1± White’s advantage is very unpleasant.
B) Or 12...Qd7 13.Qa3² with a similar position.
13.Qb4! Nxc3 14.Rxc3
Position after: 14.Rxc3
14...Rxc3
The endgame after 14...Qb6?! 15.Qxb6 axb6 16.Rfc1± is just terrible for Black.
15.Qxc3 Nc4N
I think this is the best try.

In case of 15...Nc6 16.b4!± White’s position plays itself, as in the game Krivoshey, S (2430) –
Becker, M (2200) Meisdorf 1996.
16.b3!?
144
Position after: 16.b3!?
An interesting choice. White elects to not win the pawn. 16.Bxc4 dxc4 17.Qxc4 Qb6 18.Qe2 Qc6²
Position after: 18...Qc6²
White is still slightly better, but Black has some counterplay.
16...Nd6
A) 16...Nb6?! 17.Rc1 is much better for White.
145
B) 16...Qa5?! 17.Rc1! Qxa2 18.Bf1 Nd6
Position after: 18...Nd6
19.Bxd6 [Of course not 19.Ra1? Qxf2+!.] 19...exd6 20.Ra1 Qc2 21.Qxc2 Bxc2 22.Rxa7 Bxb3
[22...Rb8 23.b4±] 23.Rxb7± The endgame is far from good for Black.
17.Qb4!
It is important to stop ...Qb6.

17.Rc1 Qb6=
17...Qc7
A) If 17...Qb6?! 18.Qxb6 axb6 19.Bxd6!
146
Position after: 19.Bxd6!
19...exd6 20.Rc1± when the endgame is very close to losing due to the many weaknesses that Black
has in his camp.
B) In case of 17...a5 18.Qa3 Qb6 19.Rc1 Rc8 20.Rc5² White keeps the pressure.
18.Qa3!
Attacks a7 and prepares Rc1.
18...Qb6 19.Bxd6 exd6 20.Rc1
147
Black will definitely suffer a lot. For example:
20...Rc8 21.Rxc8+ Bxc8 22.Ne1
Bringing the knight close to the d5-pawn.
22...Bf6 23.Bf3 Be6 24.Nd3²
148
Chapter 4
Chebanenko
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5
Chapter Guide
Chapter 4 – Chebanenko
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5

a) 5...g6 with 8...Bf5
b) 5...g6 with 8...Nbd7 or 8...Nfd7
c) 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 --
d) 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 Nhf6 with 9...e5
e) 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 Nhf6 with 9...Bg7
f) 5...Bf5 6.Qb3 Qc8
g) 5...Bf5 6.Qb3 Ra7
a) 5...g6 with 8...Bf5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6
149
The Chebanenko Variation is one of the most popular and solid variations in the Slav defense. The
Chebanenko has been the main weapon for many top players and still remains one of the critical lines
against 1.d4. The Chebanenko has a reputation of being passive but solid and it is full of positional
ideas.
The line I have chosen to show you against this variation is the most popular and I believe that it is
the most unpleasant to face with the black pieces. Over the years I have tried many different ideas
with White but 5.c5 seems to be the best!
5.c5!
The idea is that White is trying to take advantage of the fact that the b6-square is already weak and
Black cannot push ...b6 very easily. Black has two main plans in this position. One is to play ...Bf5
and try to develop with ...e6, or play ...Nbd7 with the plan of ...g6. In this chapter we will see some of
the rare lines for Black. In the following chapters we will continue with the main moves 5...Nbd7 and
5...Bf5.
5...g6
While a bit passive many top players have used it. Usually, when Black develops with ...g6 he first
starts with ...Nbd7. The idea is to control the e5-square and in many cases Black will play ...e5.
A) 5...b6 seems a little premature. On the other hand, it is possible but not easy for White to prove
an advantage. 6.cxb6
150
Position after: 6.cxb6
A1) 6...Qxb6 7.Na4! The best way is to take control over the c5-square. 7...Qc7 8.g3! Preparing
Bf4.
8...e6 9.Bf4
A1.1) In case of 9...Bd6 10.Bxd6 Qxd6 11.e3 Nbd7 [11...Qb4+?! 12.Nd2 Ne4 13.a3±] 12.Rc1 0-
0 13.Be2² White is slightly better.
151
A1.2) 9...Qa5+ 10.Nd2 does not help Black.
A1.3) 9...Bb4+ 10.Nd2 Qa7 [10...Qa5?! 11.a3] 11.a3 Be7 12.Rc1
The position seems very risky for Black. For example: 12...0-0 [12...Qxd4? 13.Be3 Qg4
14.Nb6+–] 13.e3 a5 14.h4! A very strong plan! White gains more space on the kingside. 14...Ba6
15.g4!
152
15...Bb5 16.g5 Nfd7 17.h5±
A2) 6...Nbd7 is a bit better. Then 7.a3!? is an interesting novelty.
Position after: 7.a3!?N
The idea is to control over the b4-square.

A2.1) If 7...Nxb6 then 8.Ne5 Bb7 9.Qb3! and Black has problems.
153
9...Ra7 10.Bf4 [Another option is 10.e4 e6 11.Be3 Ba8 12.Bd3 Bd6 13.0-0 0-0 14.Rac1².] 10...e6
11.e3 Be7 12.Bd3 0-0 13.0-0²
A2.2) Or 7...e6 8.Bf4 Nxb6 [8...Qxb6 9.Na4] 9.e3 c5 10.Be2
White just wants to develop. 10...c4 [White is still slightly better after 10...cxd4 11.Qxd4².] 11.0-
0 Be7 12.a4 0-0 13.b3² White’s play seems easier.
A2.3) 7...Qxb6 8.Na4! Qc7 [8...Qa5+ 9.Bd2.] 9.g3!
154
Prepares Bf4. 9...e6 10.Bf4 Bd6 11.Bxd6 Qxd6 12.Rc1 0-0 13.Qc2 Bb7 14.e3 a5 15.Be2 Rfc8
16.0-0² White is slightly better.
Position after: 16.0-0²
B) 5...Bg4 Another rare move which gives White a lot of easy moves. 6.Ne5 Bh5 [Going back is
possible 6...Be6 7.Qb3 Ra7 8.Bf4²
Position after: 8.Bf4²
155
this is very similar with subchapter “g”, but Black is down some tempi.] 7.Qb3 Ra7 8.e4!
The position seems very risky for Black. 8...e6 [8...dxe4?! is just bad because of 9.Be2! e6 10.g4
Bg6 11.Be3 Nd5 12.h4 f6 13.h5±] 9.exd5 exd5 10.Bd3 Nbd7 Topalov, V (2735) – Sokolov, I
(2706) Wijk aan Zee 2004. Here White could continue 11.f4! and after the normal
11...Be7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Kh1± White has a very stable advantage.
156
6.Bf4 Bg7 7.h3
Position after: 7.h3
7...0-0
Premature is 7...Ne4?! 8.e3.
A) 8...Nd7 9.Nxe4 dxe4 10.Ng5 Qa5+ [10...Nf6 11.Be5±] 11.Qd2 Qxd2+ 12.Kxd2
157
Position after: 12.Kxd2
12...e5 13.dxe5 Nxe5 14.Nxe4± 1-0 (57) Tikkanen, H (2575) – Neiksans, A (2534) Al Ain 2012.
B) 8...Nxc3 9.bxc3 Qa5 10.Qd2 Nd7 11.Rc1 e5 12.Bg3
Position after: 12.Bg3
White is much better because of his pawn structure. 12...0-0 [12...e4 13.c4! Qd8 14.Ng1±] 13.Be2
Re8 [White is not concerned since after 13...e4 14.c4!
158
Position after: 14.c4!
14...Qd8 15.Nh2 dxc4 16.Rxc4 Nf6 17.0-0 the pawn structure is much better for White. For
example: 17...Nd5 18.Rc2 h5 19.Rb1 h4 20.Bd6 Re8 21.Bc4±.] 14.0-0 exd4
15.exd4 [Of course not 15.cxd4? because of 15...Qxd2 16.Nxd2 Bxd4.] 15...Nf6 Nyback, T (2591)
– Arias, L (2329) Tromsoe 2014. Here White could continue 16.Bd3 [16.Qb2!? Ne4 17.Bf4±]
16...Ne4 17.Bxe4 dxe4 18.Ne5 Be6 19.Rb1 f6 20.Ng4 Re7 21.Rb2± with a big advantage.
159
8.e3
This is the critical position for this chapter. Black’s position is very passive and it is very difficult to
play ...b6 or ...e5.
8...Bf5
One of the possible plans. The idea is to play ...Ne4.

8...b6 A rare move in this position. Black wants to create some counterplay on the queenside. 9.cxb6
[Less convincing is 9.b4 a5 10.a3 Ne4 11.Nxe4 dxe4 12.Nd2 Nd7 13.Nxe4 e5 14.dxe5 Nxe5© with
a lot of activity for Black, which gives him good compensation for the pawn.] 9...Qxb6
160
Position after: 9...Qxb6
10.Qb3 A solid move that yields a small but solid advantage. [Also deserving attention is 10.Bd3!?
Qxb2 11.Rc1©.] 10...Nbd7 [Worse is 10...Qxb3?! 11.axb3; or: 10...Qa7 11.Be2 Nfd7 12.0-0 a5
13.Rac1 Ba6 14.Bxa6 Nxa6 15.Na4² ½-½ (34) Vrolijk, L (2422) – Smeets, J (2605) Germany 2018.]
11.Bd3 a5 Sakaev, K (2555) – Dreev, A (2650) Moscow 1994. 12.0-0 Ba6 13.Bxa6 Qxa6 14.Na4
Ne4
161
15.Rfc1² White has a slight advantage.
9.Ne5!?N
Position after: 9.Ne5!?N
An interesting improvement. The idea is to play g4 at the right time.

The theoretical moves are 9.Qb3 and 9.Be2.
9...Ne4
Black continues with his plan.

A) The alternatives are 9...Nfd7 it seems logical to try to challenge the e5 knight. 10.g4! This is the
idea of White’s previous move 10...Be6 [10...Nxe5? is wrong because of 11.gxf5!
162
Position after: 11.gxf5!
11...Ned7 12.Qc2± with a serious advantage for White.] 11.Nd3 The knight is well placed here as it
controls the e5 and c5 squares. 11...f6 The only plan for Black is to try to push ...e5. 12.Qb3
A1) In case of 12...b6 13.cxb6 Qxb6 14.Qxb6 Nxb6
163
Position after: 14...Nxb6
the endgame seems very easy to play for White. For example: 15.Bc7! An important move!
15...N8d7 [If 15...N6d7 then 16.Ba5±.] 16.Nb4! Black loses one of his pawns. 16...Rfc8 17.Bxb6
Nxb6 18.Bxa6 Rc7 The position is still not entirely clear. 19.0-0 Rca7 20.Be2 Bd7 21.b3 e5 Black
has some compensation for the pawn, but after 22.Rac1 exd4 23.exd4 f5 24.Rfd1² White is still
better.
A2) 12...Ra7 13.Na4! Now Black can never play ... b6. 13...Bf7 [If 13...Qa5+ then 14.Kd1!
Position after: 14.Kd1!
164
14...Bf7 15.Nb6 e5 16.Bg3 Re8 17.a4± The lady on a5 is a bit unstable.] 14.0-0-0 e5 15.Bg3 Re8
16.Kb1²
Position after: 16.Kb1²
White’s play is very easy.

B) 9...Nbd7 Another logical move that challenges the e5 knight. 10.g4! Once again!
165
10...Be6 11.Nd3 Now after 11...Ne4 12.Bg2 f5 transposes to the main line – 9...Ne4.
10.g4!
White wins a little more space on the kingside.
10...Be6
Worse is 10...Nxc3?! 11.bxc3 Bc8 12.Be2 f6 13.Nd3 Nd7 14.Bg3 e5 15.Rb1± with a very serious
advantage for White.
11.Bg2
Black must now decide what to do with his knight.
11...f5
This move makes the ...e5 break very difficult to execute.

11...Nxc3 12.bxc3 Bxe5!? An unusual idea. [Worse is 12...Nd7?! 13.Nxd7 Qxd7 14.Rb1± when the
b7-pawn is eternally weak.] 13.Bxe5 Nd7 14.Bf4 b6
166
Black has a bit of counterplay now, but the pair of bishops still gives White an advantage. 15.cxb6
Nxb6 16.0-0 Nc4 17.Re1 Qa5 18.Qd3²
12.Nd3
The knight is very well placed here.
12...Nd7 13.0-0
Here the game can continue with the following.
13...Bf7
167
14.gxf5!?
Only White can use the g-file in the future.
14...gxf5 15.Ne2 Kh8 16.Kh2 Qe8 17.Rg1²
Position after: 17.Rg1²
168
White is slightly better as Black’s liberating idea is dangerous.
17...e5 18.Nxe5 Nxe5
In case of 18...Nxf2 19.Nxf7+ Qxf7 20.Qd2 Qh5 21.Kg3! Is very strong.
Position after: 21.Kg3!
Black is provoked into 21...Ne4+ and after 22.Bxe4! fxe4 23.Raf1 the next move will be Kh2. The
position is dangerous for Black.
19.Bxe5 Bxe5+ 20.dxe5
169
20...Qxe5+
A) 20...Nxf2? is just bad in view of 21.Qd4±.

B) Black is also worse after 20...Nxc5 21.Qd4 Ne6 22.Qh4 Qd8 23.Qh6 Rg8 24.Bh1 Qe7 25.f4²
21.f4 Qf6
Position after: 21...Qf6
170
22.Bxe4!
A deep positional move. White wants to play with a strong knight against Black’s weak bishop.
22...dxe4
Or 22...fxe4 23.Qd4±.
23.Qd4 Bg6 24.Qxf6+ Rxf6 25.Nd4±
Position after: 25.Nd4±
b) 5...g6 with 8...Nbd7 or 8...Nfd7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5! g6 6.Bf4 Bg7 7.h3 0-0 8.e3
171
8...Nbd7
This is the most played move. Black wants to prepare ...e5 by playing ...Ne8-c7.
8...Nfd7 is another way to try to push ...e5. 9.Be2 Now the bishop is better on e2.
A) 9...Re8 10.0-0 e5 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.dxe5
172
White definitely has the initiative. For example: 12...Nd7 [Even worse is 12...Bxe5? 13.Bxe5 Rxe5
14.e4! d4 15.f4 Rxc5 16.Qd2+–.] 13.e4! dxe4 [After: 13...Nxc5 14.exd5 cxd5 15.Nxd5 Bxe5
16.Be3 Be6 17.Bf3± White is clearly better.] 14.Nxe4 Bxe5 [14...Nxe5 15.Nd6±] 15.Bg5!
Position after: 15.Bg5!
White is much better. 15...Qa5 [15...f6 16.Qb3+ Kg7 17.Be3±; 15...Qc7 16.Nd6±] 16.Rc1! Bxb2
17.Nd6! Gives up the exchange but the initiative and attack are so strong. 17...Bxc1 18.Bxc1 Re7
19.Bg5 Black is defenseless. 19...Re5 [19...Re6 20.Nxc8+–] 20.Bh6!
173
Position after: 20.Bh6!
20...Qxc5 21.Bc4! Re7 22.Re1! Ne5 [22...Rxe1+ 23.Qxe1 Qe5 24.Qd1+–] 23.Bxf7+! Rxf7 24.Nxf7
Kxf7 25.Qa1 Qd6 26.Rxe5 Bf5 27.g4 Be6 28.Re3 Rg8 29.Bg5+–
B) 9...e5 The most direct approach. I think it is better than 9...Re8. 10.Nxe5 Nxe5 11.Bxe5 Bxe5
12.dxe5.
This is the critical position. Now Black has two options:

B1) Very risky is 12...Qg5?! because of 13.Qd4! Nd7 [or 13...Qxg2? 14.0-0-0 Qxf2 15.Rdf1 Qg3
16.Rfg1 Qf2 17.h4+–
174
Position after: 17.h4+–
with an unstoppable attack] 14.f4 Qh4+ 15.Kf1 Re8 16.Bf3±.
Position after: 16.Bf3±
Black does not have enough compensation.

B2) The endgame after 12...Qe7 13.Qd4 Nd7 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxe4 Qxe5 16.Qxe5 Nxe5
175
17.0-0-0² is slightly better for White.

B3) 12...Nd7 13.Qd4 Qe7 transposes to the B2) line above.
9.Bd3
The best square for the bishop.
176
In case of 9.Be2 Black can play 9...Ne4 with the idea of ...e5.
9...Ne8
A) Another plan is 9...Nh5 10.Bh2 e5?!N.
Position after: 10...e5?!N
Black temporarily sacrifices a pawn. This is a new idea which has never been played before. It is
dubious, but White must be very accurate. [Very dangerous is 10...f5?! because of 11.g4!±.]
A1) In case of 11.dxe5 f5! prevents g4. [but not 11...f6? 12.e6 Nxc5 13.g4+–; nor 11...Nxc5?
12.g4+–] 12.exf6 [12.0-0 Nxc5∞; 12.g4 fxg4 13.hxg4 Nxc5 14.gxh5 Nxd3+ 15.Qxd3 Rxf3
16.hxg6 hxg6 17.Qxg6
177
Position after: 17.Qxg6
17...Qh4„ with more than enough counterplay.] 12...Bxf6 Black will take the pawn back on the
next move. 13.Be2 [If 13.Bd6 then 13...Be7.] 13...Nxc5 14.0-0 Qe7 15.Rc1
The position is still slightly preferable for White but is far from clear. For example: 15...Ng7 16.b4
Ne4 17.Nxe4 Qxe4 18.Qd2 Qe7 19.a4 Be6 20.Nd4 Bf7²/=.
A2) 11.Nxe5! I think this is the best! 11...Nxe5 [11...Bxe5 Giving up the bishop is usually a very
178
bad idea. 12.dxe5 Nxc5 13.Be2 Ng7 14.0-0² White’s play is much easier.] 12.dxe5 d4 Now the
game become very concrete. White must be very accurate. 13.Ne4!
Position after: 13.Ne4!
Clearly the most dangerous for Black! 13...dxe3 14.fxe3! [14.0-0!? Is also very interesting.]
14...Qh4+ 15.g3 Qe7 [If 15...Qxh3 then 16.Nf2! Qe6 17.g4+–.] 16.g4 Qh4+ [Worse is 16...Bxe5?
17.Bxe5 Qxe5 18.gxh5 Bf5 19.Nf2 Qxe3+ 20.Qe2 Rfe8 21.Qxe3 Rxe3+ 22.Kd2 Rf3 23.Ke2
Rxf2+ 24.Kxf2 Bxd3 25.h6+– when White wins.] 17.Nf2!
Position after: 17.Nf2!
179
White has a lot of defensive resources. [≤17.Kd2 f5 18.Qe1 Qd8∞]
A2.1) 17...Bh6? 18.gxh5 Bxe3 19.Qf3+–
A2.2) 17...Rd8 Interesting, but not enough. 18.Rg1! Bh6 19.Qe2 Ng7 20.0-0-0 Ne6 21.Ne4!
21...Nd4 22.Qf1 Bxe3+ 23.Kb1 Bxg1 24.Bg3! Qe7 [24...Qh6 25.Bf4] 25.Qxg1 Ne6 26.Qe3+–
A2.3) 17...Ng3 18.Rg1 Bxe5 19.Qf3 Ne2 20.Bxe5 Nxg1 21.Qg2 Nxh3 [21...Re8 22.Bd4 Bf5
23.Kd2+–] 22.Qxh3 Qxh3 23.Nxh3 Bxg4 24.Nf2 Bf3 25.Bf6
180
25...Rfe8 26.Kd2 Re6 27.Bd4+– White is probably winning.

B) Very passive is 9...Re8. 10.Bh2 Prophylaxis against ...Nh5. 10...Nf8 The idea is ...N6d7-...e5.
11.0-0 N6d7
Position after: 11...N6d7
12.e4! dxe4 13.Nxe4± Black’s position is very passive. Kazhgaleyev, M (2606) – Zatonskih, A
(2432) Port Erin 2006.
10.0-0 e5
Another option is 10...Nc7 preparing ...Re8 and ...e5. 11.Bg3!
181
Very good prophylaxis. 11...Re8 12.Bh4! Completely stops Black’s idea of playing ...e5. Now in case
of 12...Bf6 13.Bxf6 exf6 14.b4± White is clearly better.
11.Nxe5
11.dxe5 Nxc5 12.Bc2 Nc7 would be unclear.
11...Nxe5 12.dxe5 Qe7
182
13.e4!
The only way! Otherwise, Black will take over e5 without much trouble.
13...dxe4
A) Very bad is 13...d4? in view of 14.Na4 Bxe5 15.Bxe5 Qxe5 16.f4+–.

B) Black is also much worse after 13...Bxe5 14.Bxe5 Qxe5 15.exd5 cxd5 16.Re1 Qd4
Position after: 16...Qd4
17.Na4±.
14.Nxe4 Bxe5 15.Bg5 f6 16.Bd2 Be6 17.Qc2±
183
Position after: 17.Qc2±
The next moves are Rfe1, Rad1.

White definitely has the initiative.
c) 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5 Nbd7
184
Position after: 5...Nbd7
This is Black’s most popular move.
6.Bf4
White wants to control the square e5.
6...Nh5
A very typical idea. Black wants to remove White’s bishop from f4 and gain control over e5. The
plan is to continue with ...g6 and look at breaking the center with ...e5.
7.Bd2
Another theoretical move is 7.e3.
7...g6
Many games have been played from this position.

A) The other are dubious. Black is not ready for 7...e5?! 8.Nxe5 Nxe5 9.dxe5
185
9...Qe7 [After 9...Bxc5 10.e4! g6 11.exd5 cxd5 12.Be2 Ng7 13.0-0
White has a very comfortable position. For example: 13...0-0 14.Bf3 Be6 15.Bf4 provoking ...d4.
15...d4 16.Ne4 Be7 17.Qd2 Nf5 18.Rfd1±.] 10.Na4! Simple and strong. 10...Qxe5 11.e3 White’s
game is easy to play. 11...Nf6
186
12.Bc3± The weak b6-square and the very well placed bishop on c3 give White an advantage.
B) 7...Qc7?! Another risky move trying to prepare ...e5. 8.e4! White is perfectly prepared for this.
8...dxe4 9.Ng5!
Even better than 9.Ne4. 9...Ndf6 [Black is lost after: 9...Nhf6? 10.Bc4 e6 1-0 (120) Postny, E
(2591) – Velicka, P (2475) Evora 2006. 11.Bxe6!
187
11...fxe6 12.Nxe6 Qb8 13.Bf4 Qa7 14.Qb3+– Black is defenseless.] 10.Bc4 e6 11.Ngxe4±
Position after: 11.Ngxe4±
With the bishop on c8 Black is very passive. Rogers, I (2547) – Gulbas, C (2375) Enschede 2006.
C) 7...Nhf6 – see the next subchapter.
8.e4
188
Once again White pushes e4.
8...dxe4 9.Nxe4 Ndf6!
Position after: 9...Ndf6!
An interesting idea. Black wants to recapture on f6 with the pawn.

9...Bg7 10.Bc4 0-0 11.0-0 Ndf6 12.Nxf6+ Nxf6 transposes to 9... Ndf6 10.Nxf6+ Nxf6.
10.Nxf6+ exf6!
This is Black’s idea.
189
Position after: 10...exf6!
10...Nxf6?! is very passive. 11.Bc4 Bg7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Qb3 White’s game is very easy. 13...Nd5
[Much worse is 13...Bg4?! because of 14.Ne5!
14...Qxd4 15.Bc3 Qxc5 Lautier, J (2676) – Malakhov, V (2700) Poikovsky 2004. Here White could
play 16.Bxf7+ Kh8 17.Rae1 Bf5 18.Be6 Bxe6 19.Qxe6± with a very big advantage.] 14.h3 [Also
good is 14.Rfe1 with a clear advantage.] 14...Rb8 15.Rae1 Be6 16.Ng5
190
Position after: 16.Ng5
16...Bf5 17.g4 Bd7 18.Qg3 h6 19.Nf3 e6 20.Ne5± White had a clear advantage in Gelfand, B (2693)
– De la Riva Aguado, O (2528) Pamplona 2004.
11.Bc4
Here the bishop seems to be very well placed.
11...Qe7+
An important check. Now White will lose some tempos.
12.Be2!
I believe this is the best reaction.

A) Not so clear is 12.Be3 Bh6∞.
B) 12.Qe2 Ng7=.
C) Interesting, but not enough for an advantage is 12.Kf1 Be6 13.Bxe6 Qxe6 14.Qa4 0-0-0. The
position is very unclear.
191
Position after: 14...0-0-0
For example: 15.Re1 Qd5 16.Ba5 b5! The only move as it gives the black king some space. 17.cxb6
[After 17.Qc2?! Rd7 18.Re8+ Kb7³ Black is already slightly better.] 17...Kb7∞ The position is very
unusual, but Black seems to be doing well.
12...Be6
192
Worse is 12...Bg7?! 13.0-0 0-0 because of 14.h3 Qc7 15.Bc4± with a clear advantage for White.
13.0-0 Qd7
Black wants to develop with ...Be7, the knight can come to g7.
14.Re1 Be7
If Black plays 14...Ng7?! immediately then 15.Bc3! is very good with the idea of bringing the knight
to c4 via d2. 15...Be7 16.Nd2! 0-0 17.Nc4± White is clearly better.
15.Bh6!
Wins one very important tempo.
15...Bf8
15...0-0-0?! Castling on the long side is not a good idea due to 16.b4! g5 17.a4‚ when White is
faster.
16.Be3! Ng7
Worse is 16...Be7 because of 17.Nd2.
17.Nd2 Rd8 18.Qc2
193
After 18.Nc4?! Black is just in time to play 18...Nf5„.
18...Nf5 19.Bc4!
Position after: 19.Bc4!
It is very important to exchange those bishops.
19...Be7
Worse is 19...Nxe3?! 20.Rxe3 Bh6 because of 21.Ne4! Kf8 22.Bxe6 Qxe6 23.Re2 Rxd4 24.g3±
194
Position after: 24.g3±
White has a serious initiative. For example: 24...Rc4 [or 24...Kg7!? 25.Nd6! Qd5 26.Ne8+! Rxe8
27.Rxe8 Rd2 28.Qc3±] 25.Qd3 Qd5 26.Qxd5 cxd5 27.Nxf6 Bg5 28.Nd7+ Kg7 29.h4 Bf6.
30.Rd1²
20.Bxe6 fxe6 21.Nc4²
195
Position after: 21.Nc4²
White still has some small pressure.
196
d) 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 Nhf6 with 9...e5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5 Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 Nhf6
It is best for Black to retreat or else White can play e4 with ease.
8.Qc2!
Position after: 8.Qc2!
The strongest move which gains control over e4 at once. Another very theoretical move is 8.Rc1.
8...g6
A) 8...Qc7 prepares ...e5 but White replies 9.e4! then 9...e5 looks logical as it breaks the center. [In
case of 9...Nxe4 10.Nxe4 dxe4 11.Ng5 Nf6 12.Bc4 e6 13.Nxe4± White is clearly better; 9...dxe4
10.Ng5± is similar.] 10.exd5 cxd5 11.b4
197
A1) In the game Alekseev, E (2708) – Bacrot, E (2691) Biel 2008 Black was worse after 11...Be7
12.Be2 0-0 13.0-0 e4 14.Ne1 Nb8 15.Qc1 Be6 16.Nc2 Nc6 17.Rb1 Bd8 18.a4±, 1-0 (43).
A2) 11...e4?! is not a good idea due to 12.Ng1 Be7 13.Nge2±.
A3) 11...exd4N Probably the best. 12.Na4! Essential! [Unclear is 12.Nxd4?! b6∞.] 12...Ne4 [If
12...b5 then 13.Nb2².] 13.Bd3²
Position after: 13.Bd3²
198
White is slightly better.
B) 8...e5?! Black is simply not ready for this. 9.dxe5 Ng4 10.Na4!
10...Ngxe5 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.e4± [Also good is 12.Bc3]
9.g3!
Definitely the critical line.

The other theoretical move is 9.h3.
9...e5?!
199
Position after: 9...e5?!
This is one of Black’s options which became popular several years ago thanks to Etienne Bacrot.
However, I believe the line is very risky for Black.
In the next subchapter we will see the main move 9...Bg7.
10.dxe5
10.Nxe5?! Nxe5 11.dxe5 Ng4∞
10...Ng4 11.e6!
White can claim the advantage only by playing very aggressively and accurately.
11...Nxc5
Black is worse after 11...fxe6?! 12.Bh3! Ndf6 13.Bg5!
200
13...Bh6 [13...Be7 14.e4±] 14.Qd2±.
12.exf7+ Kxf7 13.Bg2!
Obviously the best move!

White wants to castle and then to look for a way to attack the black king.
201
13.e4 Bg7∞ Ivanchuk, V (2787) – Bacrot, E (2695) Heraklion 2007
13...Bf5
It seems very logical for Black to gain a tempo while stopping e4.
A) 13...Bd6?! 14.e4 Nf6 [14...dxe4 15.Ng5+±] 15.Ng5+ Kg7 This position arose in the game
Ragger, M (2668) – McShane, L (2697) Germany 2013. Here after 16.0-0! h6 17.b4!
Position after: 17.b4!
17...Ncxe4 [17...hxg5 18.bxc5 Bxc5 19.Bxg5±] 18.Ncxe4 dxe4 19.Nxe4 Be5 20.Bc3± White could
get the advantage.
B) 13...Bg7? loses immediately to 14.Nxd5!
202
Position after: 14.Nxd5!
14...cxd5 15.Qxc5 Bxb2 16.Ng5+ Ke8 17.Bxd5+– Vachier Lagrave, M (2718) – Volkov, S (2610)
Legnica 2013.
14.Qc1
Position after: 14.Qc1
14...Bd6
203
Black must develop.
Another option is 14...d4 15.Na4! Nxa4 16.Qc4+ Kg7 17.Qxa4 Bc5 18.0-0± the black king is not
safe.
Position after: 18.0-0±
15.0-0 Re8 16.Ng5+ Kg7
A mistake would be 16...Kg8? due to 17.Nxd5!.
204
17...cxd5 [Or 17...h6 18.Qc4+–.] 18.Bxd5+ Kg7 19.Nf7 Qe7 20.Bh6++–
17.b4!
17...Ne6N
An improvement for Black, but not enough for equality.

A) Worse is 17...Nd7?! because of 18.e4 dxe4 19.Ncxe4 Be5 20.Qc4!
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allowing the a1 rook to reach e1. 20...Re7 [Of course not 20...Bxa1 21.Qf7+ with mate in 1.]
21.Rae1 Qg8 22.Qc1! Qxa2 This position arose in my own game. Cheparinov, I (2690) – Volkov, S
(2589) Kocaeli 2015. [22...Rae8 23.Bc3] After 23.Bc3! h6 24.Nf3+– White is much better due to
the position of the black king.
B) 17...Ne4 18.Ncxe4 dxe4 19.Qc4!
206
19...Qe7 20.Rad1 Rad8 [20...e3 21.Bc3+ Be5 22.f3! Qxg5 23.fxg4 Qxg4 24.Rf4 Qg5 25.Be4!+–]
21.Bc3+ Kf8 22.h4 h6 23.Nxe4! Bxe4 24.f3! Bf4™ 25.fxg4 Rxd1 26.Rxd1 Be3+ 27.Kh2 Qe6
28.Qxe6 Rxe6 29.h5± White is definitely better.
18.h3!
White is only slightly better after 18.e4 dxe4 19.Ncxe4 Be5 20.Nxe6+ Bxe6 21.Rd1 Bd5².
18...Nf6 19.g4!
Black is under serious pressure.
19...Nxg5
A) 19...Bxg4 is insufficient after 20.hxg4 Nxg4 21.e4 Qf6 22.Ne2±.

B) 19...d4 20.gxf5 Nxg5 21.Bxg5 dxc3 22.fxg6 hxg6 23.Rd1
207
Position after: 23.Rd1
23...Qc7 24.Bxf6+ Kxf6 25.Qxc3+ Be5 26.Qf3+ Kg7 27.Rac1± with a clear pawn up.
20.Bxg5 Be6 21.e4! Be5
Not 21...d4? because of 22.Na4+–.
22.Rb1!
208
Position after: 22.Rb1!
A nice preventive move.
22...dxe4 23.Nxe4 Bd5 24.Rd1
White is clearly better. The game may continue as follows.
24...Qe7 25.Nxf6 Bxf6 26.Bh6+ Kh8 27.Bxd5 cxd5 28.Rxd5±
Position after: 28.Rxd5±
e) 5...Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 Nhf6 with 9...Bg7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5 Nbd7 6.Bf4 Nh5 7.Bd2 Nhf6 8.Qc2 g6 9.g3 Bg7
209
Position after: 9...Bg7
This is a solid continuation for Black. While his position is somewhat passive it is not easy for White
to break through.
10.Bg2 0-0 11.0-0 b6
Malakhov’s move.
Black has tried 11...Re8 many times. The move seems logical, but I think it is very difficult for Black
to play ...e5 next. 12.Rad1
210
Position after: 12.Rad1
A) Black is worse after 12...e5?! 13.dxe5 Nxe5 [13...Ng4 14.Bg5! Qc7 15.e4±] 14.Nxe5 Rxe5
15.e4±
Position after: 15.e4±
When Black is under serious pressure. For example: 15...Nxe4 16.Bxe4! [But not 16.Nxe4? because
of 16...Bf5!.] 16...Rxe4 [16...dxe4 17.Bf4 Qe7 18.Bxe5 Bxe5 19.Nxe4+–] 17.Nxe4 Bf5 18.f3!
211
18...dxe4 19.Bc3 Qe7 20.Bxg7 e3 21.Qe2 Kxg7 22.g4+–
B) Also possible is 12...b6 13.b4!.
With ...Re8-Rad1 included this is better. 13...a5?! 14.b5! White is ready for this now because the
rook is well placed on d1. 14...Bb7
212
[Or 14...bxc5 15.bxc6 Nb8 16.Qa4±.] 15.Ne5! This is the point! 15...Nxe5 16.dxe5 Nd7 17.bxc6
Bxc6 18.Nxd5± Sarana, A (2510) – Checa, N (2415) Saint Louis 2017.
C) Another move is 12...b5 13.Bg5!. I believe this is better than the more logical Bf4.
13...a5?! Inaccurate. [Better is 13...b4 then 14.Na4 a5 15.Ne5² when White is slightly better.;
13...h6 is possible, but the pawn may be attacked in the future. 14.Bf4 b4 15.Na4 a5 16.Ne5²]
14.e4! Now White has a very serious initiative. 14...b4
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[Or 14...dxe4 15.Nxe4 Nd5 16.Nc3±.] 15.exd5! The pawns are very dangerous. [Another option is
15.Ne5!? Qc7 16.Nxc6 Qxc6 17.exd5 Qa6 18.Na4.] 15...bxc3 [15...cxd5 16.Na4±] 16.dxc6 Nf8
[16...Nb8 17.Ne5±] 17.bxc3 Bf5 This position arose in Ponomariov, R (2699) – Malakhov, V
(2722) Danzhou 2017. Now the best move is 18.Qc1! Qd5 [18...Ne6 19.Be3 Be4 20.c4±] 19.Ne5!
White has to remain aggressive. 19...Qxa2 20.Rfe1ƒ
Position after: 20.Rfe1ƒ
White’s position seems very promising.

D) 12...Nf8 Intening to play ...Bf5. 13.Qb3 A good move which stops... Bf5. 13...Ra7 Still
preparing ...Bf5. [Or 13...Ne6 14.Na4 Ne4 15.Be3².] 14.Bf4 Bf5 15.h3!
214
Preparing g4. 15...Ne4 [15...Ne6 16.Be5²] 16.g4! Nxc3 [If 16...Be6 then 17.Qc2.] 17.bxc3 Be4
18.Ne5 White is better. For example: 18...Bxg2 19.Kxg2 f6 20.Nf3 e5 21.Bg3.
Black’s weaknesses are the rook on a7 and the b7-pawn. 21...e4 [In case of 21...exd4 22.cxd4 Rxe2
23.Rfe1 Rxe1 24.Rxe1+–
215
Position after: 24.Rxe1+–
White is winning as Bd6 is coming.; Similar is 21...Ne6 22.e3 e4 23.Nd2+–.] 22.Nd2 f5 23.c4 Ne6
24.e3±
12.cxb6
It is better to take on b6 now since White has the option of moving the a1 rook to c1.
Now not so clear is 12.b4 a5 13.a3 [13.b5 Bb7=] 13...Ba6∞.
12...Nxb6
216
13.Rac1!?N
In the game Postny, E (2621) – Malakhov, V (2666) Biograd 2018 Black managed to equalize after
13.Ne5 Bf5 14.e4 dxe4 15.Nxc6 Qd7 16.Nxe4 Nxe4 17.Bxe4 Rfc8 18.Rac1 e6 19.Bxf5 gxf5 20.Ba5
Nd5 21.Qa4
Position after: 21.Qa4
217
and here after 21...Qb7© Black could have very good compensation for the pawn.
13...Bf5
Similar is 13...Nc4 14.Na4 [14.b3!?] 14...Bf5 15.Qd1 which transposes to the main line.
14.Qd1 Nc4
Position after: 14...Nc4
White is slightly better after 14...Rc8 15.Na4².
15.Na4
Another possible idea is 15.b3!? Nxd2 16.Qxd2 and after 16...Ne4 17.Qe3 c5 18.Na4! cxd4
19.Nxd4² White still has the initiative.
15...Nxd2
15...Rb8 does not change much: 16.b3 Nxd2 17.Qxd2 Ne4 18.Qe3 and White is slightly better.
16.Qxd2 Ne4 17.Qe3 Rc8
A) 17...Qa5 18.b3 Rac8 19.Nh4²

B) 17...Qd6 18.b3²
18.Rfd1²
218
Position after: 18.Rfd1²
White’s play is much easier.
f) 5...Bf5 6.Qb3 Qc8
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5 Bf5
219
Nowadays this is the critical line in the Chebanenko variation. This line is known to be very solid for
Black. The idea is to develop calmly with ...e6, ...Be7.
6.Qb3!
I think this move is the most unpleasant for Black. The queen is very well placed on b3 and Black
have to lose a tempo to defend the b7-pawn.
The main theoretical move is 6.Bf4.
6...Qc8
One of the ways to defend b7.

6...Qc7? is not good because of 7.Bf4! and the black queen still has to go to c8.
7.Nh4!
Position after: 7.Nh4!
A very important move. Now Black must decide where to go with his bishop.
7...Be6
Intending to play g6 next.

A) Another option is 7...Bg6 8.Na4! Nbd7 9.Bf4.
220
A1) 9...e5 is interesting but insufficient due to 10.Nxg6 hxg6 11.Bxe5 Nxe5 12.Nb6!.
Black loses material without enough compensation. 12...Qd8 13.Nxa8 Ned7 [13...Nc4 14.Nb6±;
13...Qxa8 14.dxe5 Ne4 15.e3±] 14.Nb6 Ne4 [14...Nxc5 15.dxc5 Bxc5 16.Na4 Qa5+ 17.Nc3 d4
18.e3 dxc3 19.bxc3 Ne4 20.Rc1±] 15.Na4 Bxc5
221
Position after: 15...Bxc5
The only way to create some threats. [15...b5 16.Nc3 Nxf2 17.Kxf2 Qf6+ 18.Ke1 Qxd4 19.Rd1
Qxc5 20.Rd2+–; 15...Qf6 16.Qe3+–; 15...Qa5+ 16.Nc3 Bxc5 17.e3 Bb4 18.Rc1±] 16.e3! Qf6
17.Qc2 Bb4+ 18.Nc3± Black’s attack is over.
A2) 9...e6 10.f3! The idea is to play g4 next.
A2.1) 10...Nh5 11.Bg5! Black is worse after 11...Be7 [or 11...Qc7 12.g4] 12.Bxe7 Kxe7 13.g4
222
Nhf6 14.g5 Ng8 15.e4±.
A2.2) 10...Be7 11.g4! Bd8 A typical plan in this variation. 12.0-0-0 Bc7 13.Bg3 0-0 14.e3 White
has complete control over the entire board. 14...Rb8 15.g5
Position after: 15.g5
15...Ne8 [15...Nh5 16.Nxg6 hxg6 17.Qc3±] 16.Nxg6 hxg6 17.Qc2± With a big advantage for
White in the game: Wang Yue (2729) – Bu Xiangzhi (2710) Shenzhen 2015.
B) 7...g6?! Giving up the bishop is not a good idea due to 8.Nxf5 gxf5 9.Bf4 Nbd7 10.e3 Bg7
11.Be2±.
223
Position after: 11.Be2±
The black king is not very safe due to the possible plan h3-g4.
C) Also dubious is 7...e6?! 8.Nxf5 exf5. 9.f3! Taking control of the important square e4. 9...Be7
10.g3!
Threatens Bh3. 10...Nbd7 11.Bh3! g6 12.0-0 0-0 13.g4! A very good idea! 13...fxg4 14.fxg4±
White is definitely better.
8.e3 Nbd7
Similar is 8...g6 9.Bd3 Bg7 10.Qc2.
224
White’s game is very easy. 10...0-0 11.0-0 Qc7 12.b3 [Also good is the immediate 12.f4!?.] 12...Ng4
13.f4 f5 14.Nf3 Kh8 15.Bd2 Nd7 16.b4 Ngf6 17.Rfc1 Ne4 18.Be1 Ndf6 19.a4±
Position after: 19.a4±
White had a positional advantage in Yu, Y (2738) – Fang, Y (2502) China 2016.
9.Qc2
225
Of course, not 9.Bd3?! because of 9...Nxc5!.
9...g6 10.Bd3 Bg7
11.b3!?
Preparing for Black’s planned ...b6.
11...b6?
Not a good idea.

In case of 11...0-0 White is better after 12.0-0 Qc7 13.f4±.
12.cxb6 Nxb6 13.Ba3±
226
Position after: 13.Ba3±
White was much better in Wang Yue (2726) – Fang, Y (2437) China 2015.
g) 5...Bf5 6.Qb3 Ra7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 a6 5.c5 Bf5 6.Qb3! Ra7
Probably the best way to defend the pawn.
7.Nh4!
227
Once again, this move is very unpleasant for Black.
7...Bg6
I believe this is the best square for the bishop, with the idea of ...e6, ...Be7.
A) In case of 7...Be6 White has an easy game after 8.e3 g6 9.Bd3 Bg7 10.Qc2 0-0 11.0-0² followed
by f4.
B) Very passive is 7...Bc8. While it keeps the option of playing ...e5 White takes control of the e5-
square with 8.Bf4. 8...Nbd7 9.Nf3
228
9...Nh5 [Dubious is 9...g6? because of 10.e4!±.] 10.Bd2 e5 [If 10...Nhf6 White is ready for 11.e4±.;
10...g6 11.e4±] 11.Nxe5 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Bxc5 [White is much better after 12...Qe7 13.0-0-0 Qxe5
14.Be3±.] 13.e4!
This position seems extremely dangerous for Black.

B1) In the game Tan, Z (2508) – Stefanova, A (2510) China 2017, Black played: 13...Qe7. Here
229
White could gain the advantage after 14.Na4! Bd4 15.Nb6 Bxb6 [15...Be6 16.exd5±] 16.Qxb6
Ra8 17.f4±.
Position after: 17.f4±
B2) 13...0-0 14.Be2 Now Black has some problems with his knight. 14...Be6 Threatens ...d4.
15.exd5 cxd5 16.Qd1 g6 17.Bxh5 Qh4 18.0-0 Qxh5 19.Qxh5 gxh5 20.Rfd1±
Position after: 20.Rfd1±
The resulting endgame is very unpleasant to play with the black pieces.
230
8.Bg5!?
White’s most direct plan in this position. He intends to play e4 at the right time.
Other options are 8.Bf4 or 8.e3.
8...Nbd7
The most flexible.

Similar is 8...e6 9.Nxg6 hxg6 10.e4.
A) 10...dxe4 11.g3 Be7 [of course not 11...Qxd4? because of 12.Rd1 Qxc5 13.Be3+–] 12.Bg2 Nbd7
transposes to the main move 8...Nbd7.
B) 10...Be7?! A dubious move played by the young Russian superstar Vladislav Artemiev. 11.e5
Nfd7 12.Bxe7 Qxe7
231
Position after: 12...Qxe7
[12...Kxe7 13.Qa3! Stopping ...b6 ideas. 13...Kf8 14.Bd3 Kg8 15.f4± White has a big space
advantage.]
B1) In the game Matlakov, M (2710) – Artemiev, V (2757) Izhevsk 2019, White played 13.Na4
and after: 13...f6 14.exf6 Qxf6 15.0-0-0 Rh4
Position after: 15...Rh4
[15...Qxf2?! 16.Bd3±] 16.Bd3 [Probably better was 16.Qe3!? Re4 17.Qc3 e5 18.Kb1.] 16...Rxd4
232
17.Bxg6+ Kd8 18.Rxd4 Qxd4 19.Bc2 Qxf2 20.Qh3 Nxc5 21.Nxc5 Qxc5 22.Qh8+ Kc7
23.Qxg7+ Nd7„ The position was not clear at all.
B2) 13.Be2!N
Position after: 13.Be2!N
Quite a normal move that gives white an advantage. 13...f6 The only logical plan. The other
options are not better. [13...Qh4 14.Rd1±; 13...b6 14.cxb6 Rb7 15.Na4±; 13...0-0 14.h4±] 14.exf6
Qxf6 [After 14...gxf6 15.0-0-0 e5 16.Na4± Black’s king is not very safe.] 15.0-0-0!
233
Position after: 15.0-0-0!
White sacrifices a pawn, but definitely gets the initiative. 15...Qxf2 [If 15...Rh4 then 16.g4! is very
strong. 16...g5 17.Kb1±; or 15...Rxh2 16.Rxh2 Qf4+ 17.Rd2 Qxh2 18.Na4 Qxg2 19.Nb6+– and
Black plays without his rook.] 16.Rhf1 Qxg2 17.Kb1± White’s initiative is obvious.
9.Nxg6 hxg6 10.e4!
White wants to open the position.
10...dxe4
A) Worse is 10...e5?! 11.dxe5 Nxc5. [11...d4 12.Na4±; 11...Nxe5 12.exd5 Bxc5 13.0-0-0±] 12.Qc2
d4
234
Position after: 12...d4
[Black is still worse after 12...Ne6 13.exf6 Nxg5 14.exd5 Qxf6 15.0-0-0±] 13.exf6 gxf6 14.Bd2
dxc3 15.Bxc3± White had the advantage in Bai, J (2572) – Shetty, A (2401) Burlingame 2019.
B) 10...Nxe4? 11.Nxe4 dxe4 12.Bc4+– and Black cannot play ...e6.
11.g3!
White intends to play Bg2 and just take the pawn back.
Less clear is 11.Bc4 e6.
11...b6!?N
235
Position after: 11...b6!?N
Quite an interesting improvement for Black.

11...e6 The most logical move. 12.Bg2
A) 12...e5?! fails to 13.dxe5 Nxc5
Position after: 13...Nxc5
14.exf6! Nxb3 [14...gxf6 15.Rd1+–] 15.fxg7 Bxg7 16.Bxd8 Nxa1 17.Bb6 Ra8 18.Bxe4
236
Position after: 18.Bxe4
White will soon win the a1-knight. 18...Bxc3+ 19.bxc3 Rh5 20.Kd2 Rb5 21.Rb1 Rxb1 22.Bxb1±
The bishop pair controls the whole board.
B) 12...Be7 13.0-0 0-0 14.Rac1!
Position after: 14.Rac1!
A nice move which anticipates Black’s ... b6.

B1) In my game against Fang [Cheparinov, I (2666) – Fang, Y (2476) Changsha 2019] Black tried
237
14...Nd5. 15.Bxe7 Nxe7 16.Nxe4
Position after: 16.Nxe4
16...Nf5 [Other moves do not change much. 16...Nf6 17.Nd6 Nf5 18.Nxb7 Qc7 19.Nd6 Nxd4
20.Qd3 Nf5 21.b4 Rd8 22.Rfd1±; 16...b6 17.Rfd1±; 16...b5 17.Rfd1 Nf6 18.Ng5±] 17.Rfd1 Nf6
18.Ng5! Bringing the knight to f3 and later to e5. 18...Nd5 19.h4 Qd7 20.Nf3² Black has a very
stable knight on d5, but the weak squares b6 and d6 give White a small but a lasting advantage.
B2) 14...b6N 15.cxb6 Qxb6 [White is clearly better after 15...Nxb6 16.Nxe4 Nxe4 17.Bxe7 Rxe7
18.Bxe4 Qxd4 19.Bxc6±.] 16.Qxb6 Nxb6 17.Nxe4 Nbd5 18.Nc5²
238
Position after: 18.Nc5²
White has very nice endgame. [Of course, not 18.Rxc6? because of 18...Nxe4 19.Bxe7 Nxe7–+.]
12.0-0-0!
I believe this is the most unpleasant move for Black to meet. Black is fine after the other options.
A) 12.cxb6 Qxb6=
B) 12.Bg2 bxc5 13.dxc5 Nxc5 14.Qc4 e6=
C) 12.Bc4 e6
12...bxc5
12...e6 13.Nxe4 bxc5 14.dxc5 transposes to the main line.
13.dxc5 e6 14.Nxe4 Be7
15.Nd6+!
White must be very accurate. Exchanging the bishop on e7 seems like a good idea.
Unclear is 15.Bxf6 gxf6„.
15...Bxd6 16.Rxd6
239
Keeps the d-file under control and attacks the pawn on c6.
Less clear is 16.cxd6 Qa5. For example: 17.Be3 Ra8 18.Bd4 Rb8 19.Bc3 Qg5+ 20.f4 Qc5 21.Qc4
[21.Qc2 Nd5] Black has a lot of counterplay. 21...Rh5∞
16...0-0 17.Qa3
This position is very critical for the whole variation.
I believe it is much easier to play with White.
17...Qc7
A) 17...Qb8 18.Bf4 Qb7 transposes to the main line.

B) 17...Qa8 is a bit passive. 18.h4ƒ
18.Bf4 Qb7
Clearly worse is 18...e5?! 19.Be3 Nd5 because of 20.Bc4±. The rook on d6 is very unpleasant for
Black’s pieces.
19.Rd2!?
An interesting retreat. The idea is that after ...Nd5 the rook will be out of play but it also threatens
Bd6.
240
19...e5
After 19...Nd5?! White will play 20.Bd6 Rc8 21.h4± with a serious advantage.
20.Be3 Nd5 21.Bc4 N7f6 22.Re1²
Position after: 22.Re1²
The position is certainly in White’s favor.

He has a small but pleasant advantage and keeps the pressure.
241
Chapter 5
Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 --
Chapter Guide
Chapter 5 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4

a) Rare 5th Moves
b) 5...Bg4
c) 5...Na6
a) Rare 5th Moves
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4
One of the most critical lines in the Slav Defense.
5.a4
242
Black has plenty of different choices at this point. In this chapter we will see some of the rare lines for
Black.
5...a5
Jobava’s line. He has played it many times in the last few years. I believe that Black can reach very
solid but passive positions. We will see that with normal moves White can have a stable advantage.
Below are some other rare moves by Black.
A) 5...Be6? does not make a lot of sense as White is much better after 6.e4 Na6 7.Ng5 Qd7 8.Be2.
243
In the game Neverov, V (2543) – Kotanjian, T (2553) Beirut 2009, after 8...g6 9.0-0 Bg7 White
could simply win with 10.b3! cxb3 11.d5+–.
B) 5...g6? Another unpromising move. 6.e4 Bg4 7.Be3 Bg7 8.Bxc4 0-0 9.h3
9...Bxf3 10.Qxf3 Ne8 11.Rd1 Kh8 12.h4 h6 13.e5+– White won easily in Sasikiran, K (2657) –
Bellon Lopez, J (2428) Gibraltar 2005.
244
C) 5...Nd5? does not make a lot of sense. After 6.e4 Nxc3 7.bxc3 b5 8.Ne5! e6 9.Qf3!
Position after: 9.Qf3!
9...Qf6 10.Qg3+– White is winning in Bellon Lopez, J (2470) – Eslon, J (2365) Alicante 1989.
D) 5...c5? This move is also very bad but was played by Slav expert Alexander Morozevich. 6.d5 Of
course White takes the center.
D1) If 6...e6 then 7.e4 exd5 8.e5
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White is probably already winning. 8...Nbd7 [8...d4 9.Bxc4+–; 8...Nc6 9.exf6 Be6 10.fxg7 Bxg7
11.Ng5+–] 9.exf6 Nxf6 10.Bf4 [Also good is 10.b3+–.] 10...Be6
11.Ng5+– Black has no compensation for the piece in Shneider, A (2532) – Martinez Martin, D
(2395) Cappelle-la-Grande 2008.
D2) 6...Bf5 Stops e4 for the moment. 7.a5! Simple and strong, Black is in big trouble. The threat is
Qa4+. [In the game Van Wely, L (2700) – Morozevich, A (2745) Wijk aan Zee 2001. After 7.e3?!
e6 8.Bxc4 exd5 9.Nxd5 Nc6 10.Qb3 Qd7 11.Nxf6+ gxf6∞ the game was very unclear.] 7...e6
8.Qa4+!
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Position after: 8.Qa4+!
8...Nbd7 [8...Qd7 9.Nb5!+–] 9.dxe6 Bxe6 10.Ng5+– White is winning.
6.e4
Compared with line 5...Bf5 6.e3 now White is playing e4 in one move.
6...Bg4 7.Bxc4 e6 8.Be3 Bb4
247
9.Qd3!
I believe the queen is more flexible here. The main move is 9.Qc2
9...Nbd7
The most logical continuation. Develops and stops Ne5.

A) 9...Bxf3?! is not a good idea as White gets a strong attack after 10.gxf3 0-0 11.Rg1 Kh8 12.0-0-0
Nbd7 13.Kb1‚
B) 9...0-0?! is inaccurate. 10.Ne5 Bh5 11.f3± with the idea of g4-h4.
C) A Prophylaxis against Ne5 is 9...Bh5 10.Ne5 Nbd7 [10...Nfd7 is the same.] 11.Nxd7
Position after: 11.Nxd7
11...Nxd7 [Also possible is 11...Qxd7 12.f3 Bg6 13.Qe2 0-0 14.0-0² White is slightly better
because of his center and the very passive bishop on g6.] 12.0-0 0-0 [If 12...e5 strong is 13.f4! exf4
14.Rxf4 0-0
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15.Raf1ƒ with a serious initiative for White.] 13.Rac1 Prepares for ...e5. 13...e5 [Or 13...Qe7
14.f4².] 14.d5 Qe7 15.f3
The idea of this move is to play Rfd1 next. 15...Rfd8 16.Rfd1²
10.Nd2!
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Position after: 10.Nd2!
By removing of the knight White wants to have the option to play f3 or even f4 next. Levon Aronian
introduced this idea.
10...e5N
Probably the best try for Black.

A) 10...Bh5 11.f4! [Also interesting is 11.h3!? but after 11...e5 Black transposes to the main line.]
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A1) If 11...0-0?! 12.h3 transposes to 10...0-0?!.

A2) 11...Ng4 12.Bg1
A2.1) Very aggressive but not enough for an equal game is 12...f5?! 13.Bxe6 Nc5 14.Qc4 Nxe4
15.0-0-0!
Position after: 15.0-0-0!
Black’s position is about to collapse. 15...Ngf2 16.Ndxe4 Nxd1 17.Ng3! White is better after the
forced 17...Nxc3 18.bxc3 Ba3+ 19.Kc2 Bg6.
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20.d5! cxd5 21.Qb5+ Kf8 22.Bd4! The bishop is very well placed here. 22...Ra6 23.Re1 Qe7
24.Qxd5 Rd6 25.Qb3 Rxd4 26.cxd4 h5 27.Re5 Qc7+ 28.Kd3± White has a very strong attack.
A2.2) 12...Qh4+ 13.g3 Qh3
Position after: 13...Qh3
14.Qf1! White has no other option, but the endgame is better for him. 14...Qxf1+ 15.Kxf1 Bg6
16.h3 Ngf6 17.Re1 0-0 [17...0-0-0 18.g4 h6 19.Rh2±] 18.g4 h6 19.Rh2± The strong center and
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position of the bishop of the g6 gave White an advantage.
A3) 11...Qe7!? This may be the difference between 10...0-0 and 10...Bh5. 12.h3 Stops ...Ng4.
[Less clear is 12.0-0 Ng4 13.Bf2 Nxf2 14.Rxf2 f6
Position after: 14...f6
with about equal game. For example: 15.Na2 Bxd2 16.Rxd2 Bf7 17.Qb3 0-0 18.Rad1 Rfb8=.]
12...Bg6
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Threatens ...Nd5. [If 12...Rd8 then 13.e5! Nc5 14.Qc2 Nd5 15.Bxd5 cxd5 16.g4 Bg6 17.f5 exf5
18.gxf5 Bh5 19.0-0 0-0 20.Rf2± with a big advantage for White.] 13.Bf2! Very useful prophylaxis.
[If 13.0-0 Black can play 13...Nd5!.] 13...c5 [13...Rd8 14.Qf3 Nb6 15.Bd3±] 14.0-0 cxd4
15.Qxd4! [Less precise is 15.Bxd4 Rd8 16.Qe3 e5 17.fxe5 Nxe5 18.Bb5+ Nc6∞.]
Position after: 15.Qxd4!
A3.1) If 15...Bc5 16.Qd3 0-0 and White is better after 17.Bb5 Rad8 18.Qf3 Bxf2+ 19.Rxf2. Here
f5 is a very unpleasant threat. Now after 19...Nc5
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20.f5! Rxd2 21.Rxd2 Nb3 22.Rf2 Nxa1 23.fxg6 fxg6 [23...hxg6 24.Qd1+– simply wins the
knight on a1.] 24.e5 Nh5 25.Qxf8+ Qxf8 26.Rxf8+ Kxf8 27.Ne2!
Threatens g4. 27...g5 28.Nd4 Nf4 29.Kf2± White keeps the advantage. The knight on a1 is out of
the game.
A3.2) 15...0-0 16.Qe3!
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16...Rfd8 [An unpleasant position for Black arises after 16...Rac8 17.e5 Bxc3 18.bxc3 Nd5
19.Bxd5 exd5 20.Qf3ƒ.] 17.e5 Ne8 18.Nde4 Rac8 19.b3 Nc5 20.Rad1 Nxe4 21.Nxe4² with a
stable advantage for White.
B) In case of 10...0-0?! 11.h3 Bh5 12.f4!
The threat is simply g4-f5, Black’s bishop is in trouble. 12...Re8 trying to prevent f5. [12...h6 13.g4
Bg6 14.f5±] 13.0-0 Simple and strong. [Also possible is 13.g4!? Bg6 14.f5 exf5 15.exf5 Nc5
16.Qe2.]
B1) 13...c5?! 14.d5±
B2) 13...Qc7? 14.e5!
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White is already winning! [In the game Aronian, L (2780) – Jobava, B (2703) Leuven 2017, White
was only slightly better after 14.Rae1 Rad8 15.Qc2 Nb6 16.Bb3².] 14...Bg6 15.f5! Bxf5 16.Rxf5
exf5 17.exf6 Nxf6 18.Bg5+–
B3) 13...h6 Black must play this move. 14.g4 Bg6 15.f5 Bh7 16.Rae1
Position after: 16.Rae1
White has a serious advantage. For example: 16...Nb6 17.Bb3 c5 [or 17...e5 18.Nf3!] 18.d5±.
257
Position after: 10...e5N
11.h3
Less clear is 11.f3 exd4 12.Bxd4 Be6 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.Qc4 Qe7²/= Black is probably close to
equalizing.
11...Bh5
Similar to 11.f3 but a worse version for Black is 11...exd4 12.Bxd4 Be6 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.0-0 0-0
15.Qc2 e5 16.Be3 Bc5 17.Rfe1² I believe White keeps some pressure.
12.f3!
A very deep move. White wants to provoke ...Qe7 and just then to play d5.
Unclear is 12.f4 exf4 13.Bxf4 0-0 14.0-0 Bg6∞.
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12...Qe7
A) The other options for Black are 12...0-0 13.dxe5!
Position after: 13.dxe5!
The endgame is very unpleasant for Black! After 13...Nxe5 14.Qxd8 Rfxd8 15.Be2 the whole point
is that the bishop on h5 is out of play. 15...Nd3+ [15...Bg6 16.Kf2] 16.Bxd3 Rxd3
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Position after: 16...Rxd3
17.Ke2 Rdd8 18.h4 h6 19.Rad1± with a clear advantage.

B) Another option is 12...exd4 13.Bxd4 Nc5 [13...Qe7 14.Qe3²; 13...0-0?! 14.f4!±; 13...Qc7
14.Qe3±] 14.Qe3 Ne6 15.Bb6 Qe7, now after 16.Bxe6!
16...fxe6 [of course after 16...Qxe6 White plays 17.f4!± with a serious advantage] 17.Na2! White is
much better. 17...Bxd2+ 18.Qxd2 Nd7 19.Bd4 0-0 20.0-0 e5 21.Be3
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The next move is b4! 21...Bf7 22.b4!± and White has a serious positional advantage.
C) 12...Qc7?! The queen is worse here than on e7. 13.d5 0-0 14.0-0 Rfd8 15.Rac1±
13.d5 0-0 14.0-0
This position is very important for the whole line. I believe White is only a little better, but our game
261
is much easier. The game can continue
14...Rfd8 15.Rfd1 Bg6
Or 15...Rac8 16.dxc6 bxc6 17.Qe2 Bc5 18.Ba2!± The knight will come to c4.
16.Qe2
Position after: 16.Qe2
Now White keeps the tension in the center.
16...Bxc3
A logical move, below are other options for Black.

A) 16...Nh5 17.Rac1 Nf4 18.Qf2 Kh8 [18...Bc5 19.Nf1!] 19.Kh2!
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Position after: 19.Kh2!
Threatens g3. 19...f5 20.exf5 [20.g3? cxd5 21.exd5 Nh5∞] 20...Bxf5 21.Nde4± With a serious
advantage.
B) 16...Bc5 17.Rac1 Nb6 18.Bb3 Nfd7 [Does not help much 18...cxd5 19.Nxd5 Bxe3+ 20.Nxe3±.]
19.dxc6 bxc6
20.Ncb1! A fantastic positional move. White regroupes his knights. 20...Bxe3+ 21.Qxe3 Rdc8
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22.Na3± White is clearly better.
17.bxc3 cxd5 18.Bxd5!
Position after: 18.Bxd5!
It is important to take with the bishop. The idea is to play c4 next.
18...Nxd5 19.exd5 Rac8 20.c4
The position requires positional understanding. White retains a slight advantage because of his central
pawns.
20...h6 21.Rdc1 Nc5
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22.Bxc5!
A deep positional move! White must eliminate the very strong knight.
22...Qxc5+
Worse is 22...Rxc5?! because of 23.f4! e4 24.Nb3 Rcc8 25.Qe3± with a big advantage for White.
23.Qf2 Qd6
A) 23...Qxf2+?! 24.Kxf2± The endgame is clearly in White’s favor.

B) 23...Qb4 24.Qe3² does not change much.
24.Qe3 f6
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25.Rc3²
White is a little better without much risk.
b) 5...Bg4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bg4?!
266
Position after: 5...Bg4?!
This is the second most played move in this position. I believe theory shows that White has a very
stable advantage. I will show you exactly how you need to play.
6.Ne5
The most logical response.
6...Bh5 7.f3!
The strongest move! The obvious threat is to play g4 next.

The other options are 7.g3 and 7.Nxc4.
7...Nfd7
A) Much worse is 7...e6? in view of 8.g4!.
A1) 8...Nd5 does not help. 9.e4 Qh4+ 10.Ke2 Nxc3+ 11.bxc3 Bg6 12.Bf4± With a clear
advantage for White in the game Zhao, X (2423) – Wang, Y (2390) Wuxi 2006.
A2) 8...Bg6 9.h4 c5 [9...h5 10.g5 Nd5 11.e4±] 10.h5 Bd3 A good idea but it does not work. 11.d5!
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White wins material. 11...Bd6 [11...Qc7 12.f4 Be4 13.Nxe4 Nxe4 14.Bg2+–] 12.f4 Bxe5
[12...Be4 13.dxe6! Bxh1 14.Nxf7 Nc6 15.Nxd8 Rxd8 16.g5 Ne4 17.Nxe4 Bxe4 18.e3+–] 13.fxe5
Nxd5 14.exd3 Nxc3 15.bxc3 Qd5
16.Rh3 Qxe5+ 17.Kf2+– Black’s position is hopeless.

A3) 8...Nfd7 9.Nxd7 [Also good is 9.h4 Be7 10.Be3! Nxe5 11.dxe5 Bxh4+ 12.Rxh4 Qxh4+
268
13.Bf2± Beliavsky, A (2649) – Cornette, M (2329) Linares 2003.] 9...Qh4+ [9...Nxd7 10.h4+–]
10.Kd2 Nxd7 11.gxh5 Nc5 12.Kc2 Nb3
Black did not have enough compensation in the game: Aseev, K (2517) – Ulibin, M (2580) Samara
2000. 13.Kb1! 0-0-0 14.e3 e5 15.Bxc4 Nxa1 16.Bxf7 Qf6 17.Ba2 exd4 18.exd4 Bc5 19.Ne4
19...Qf5 20.Qd3 Qxh5 21.d5+–
269
B) Also bad is 7...Nbd7? because of 8.g4 Bg6 9.h4+–.
8.Nxc4 e5 9.Ne4!
The most played and strongest continuation. White poses immediate threats. The alternatives are
9.g3, 9.Be3.
9...Bb4+ 10.Bd2 Qe7
Worse is 10...Bxd2+? 11.Qxd2 0-0 12.dxe5+–.
270
Position after: 12.dxe5+–
Shipov, S (2620) – Kekelidze, M (2405) Cappelle-la-Grande 1998.
11.Bxb4
Less clear is 11.dxe5 0-0 12.Rc1 Na6„.
11...Qxb4+ 12.Qd2 Qxd2+ 13.Kxd2
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Position after: 13.Kxd2
We reached this endgame almost by force. I believe Black’s position to be most unpleasant while
White is much better.
13...exd4
13...0-0?! is even worse. 14.Nxe5 [Or 14.dxe5 Rd8 15.Kc3 b5 16.Ncd6 Nxe5 17.e3±.] 14...Nxe5
15.dxe5 Nd7 16.Ng3!
Pushing e4 is very important. 16...Bg6 17.e4 Rfd8 18.f4! White is winning. 18...f6 [18...Nxe5+
19.Kc3+– White wins material.] 19.e6 Nc5+ 20.Ke3 Nxe6 21.f5
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21...Nd4 22.fxg6 Nc2+ 23.Kf3 Nxa1 24.Bc4+ Kh8 25.Rxa1 hxg6 [25...Rd4 26.b3+–] 26.Ke3+–
Position after: 26.Ke3+–
The endgame is hopeless.
14.Ned6+
273
Position after: 14.Ned6+
14...Ke7
If 14...Kd8 15.Nxb7+ Kc7 16.Nca5! is very strong.
Position after: 16.Nca5!
[Mostly in this position White plays 16.Nba5 leading to unclear play after 16...Na6∞.]
A) Now it does not make sense to play 16...Na6 in view of 17.Rc1, just winning for White.
274
B) It makes some sense to play 16...c5 but still after 17.e4! dxe3+ [17...Nc6 18.Bb5 Nxa5 19.Nxa5
Ne5 20.Rhc1 Kb6 21.b4 cxb4 22.Nc6+–] 18.Kxe3 Re8+ 19.Kf2 White is winning..
C) In the game Lewis, A (2295) – Menadue, J (2042) Coventry 2015 Black tried 16...Kb6 17.g4
Bg6
18.Bg2+– with a winning position for White.

D) 16...a6 threatens ...Ra7. 17.Rc1 Ra7 18.Nc5 Nxc5 19.Rxc5 Bg6 [19...Kb6 20.b4] 20.b4
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White is clearly better. For example: 20...Kb6 21.g3 Re7 22.Bh3 [Also good is 22.h4.] 22...Rhe8
23.Re1±.
15.Nxb7
Position after: 15.Nxb7
15...Na6
The most logical move here. The alternatives are not as good.
A) 15...Nb6 16.e4 dxe3+ 17.Nxe3±
B) 15...Bg6 16.Nca5 Nb6 17.e4 dxe3+ 18.Kxe3±
C) 15...Rc8 This move was played in the computer game LCZero v0.24-sv-t60 – 3010 – Stockfish
20200407DC tcec-chess.com 2020. White was much better after 16.e4! dxe3+ 17.Kxe3 Rc7
18.Nca5 Nb6.
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19.Nc5 N8d7 20.Na6 Rcc8 21.Kf2 f6 22.b4 Kf8 23.Be2 Nd5 24.Rhd1±
D) 15...c5 Make some sense with the intent to play ...Nc6 next. 16.h4! I believe it is better to start
with this move.
D1) Worse is 16...f6 17.e3 Nc6 [17...dxe3+ 18.Nxe3±] 18.exd4 Nxd4 19.Re1+
Position after: 19.Re1+
277
19...Kf8 20.Ncd6+– White is winning.
D2) 16...h6 17.e3 dxe3+ 18.Kxe3 Nc6
19.Ncd6± White’s advantage is obvious.
16.e3 dxe3+
A) 16...Ndc5 17.Nxc5 Nxc5 18.Na5!
278
18...dxe3+ 19.Kxe3± With advantage in Adorjan, A (2560) – Flear, G (2505) Szirak 1986.
B) 16...Rhb8 17.Nca5! dxe3+ 18.Kc3!±
Position after: 18.Kc3!±
It is important to control the b4 square. White has simultaneous threats against the a6 knight and c6
pawn thereby winning material.
C) 16...Rab8 17.Nca5! Nb4 [17...dxe3+ 18.Kc3!] 18.exd4 Rhc8 19.Bc4±
17.Nxe3!N
An important improvement.
Unclear is 17.Kxe3? Rab8 18.Nca5 Nb4 19.Kf2 Rhc8=.
279
Position after: 17.Nxe3!N
17...Nb4
The most normal move.

A) The other options are 17...Nac5 18.Na5! Rac8 [Or 18...Ne5 19.f4 Ne4+ 20.Ke1±; 18...Rhc8
19.b4 Ne6 20.h4 f6 21.Bc4±.] 19.Rc1 Rhd8 20.Ke1
Position after: 20.Ke1
280
White is much better. For example: 20...Kf8 21.b4 Nxa4 22.Ba6 Ne5 23.Ra1 Nd3+ 24.Kf1 Nb6
25.Bxc8 Rxc8
Position after: 25...Rxc8
26.h4 Nxb4 27.Kf2±.

B) 17...Nc7 18.Na5±
18.Nf5+! Kf6
18...Kf8 19.Nfd6±
19.Nfd6 Bg6 20.Re1±
281
Position after: 20.Re1±
The white knights control many squares in Black’s camp giving him a strong plus.
c) 5...Na6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Na6
Position after: 5...Na6
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A solid move which has been played by many of the top players.
But in my opinion it is a bit passive.
6.e4!
The most logical move.

The other option is 6.e3.
6...Bg4 7.Bxc4 Bxf3
Position after: 7...Bxf3
The most principled move. The idea is to try to double White’s pawns.
The other option is 7...e6 8.Be3.
283
A) 8...Bb4?! A rare move. It seems strange because now the a6 knight is out of the game. 9.Qd3
Threatens Ne5. 9...Bxf3 10.gxf3 The b4 bishop is strangely placed. 10...Nc7 11.Rg1 0-0
12.Kf1!? An interesting idea. The king seems pretty safe here. [Also possible is 12.Bh6 Nce8 13.0-
0-0 and 12.0-0-0 b5 13.Bb3.] 12...Kh8 13.Ne2ƒ White definitely has the initiative. Wojtaszek, R
(2717) – Golubka, P (2495) Warsaw 2020.
284
B) 8...Nb4 The knight is very well placed here. Black’s plan is to play ...Be7, ...0-0, ...a5. 9.0-0
B1) Not good is 9...Bxf3?! 10.Qxf3 Nc2? because of the simple 11.Rac1. 11...Nxe3 [11...Nxd4
12.Qf4+–] 12.fxe3+– White wins thanks to the threat of e5.
B2) 9...Be7 10.Rc1 The simplest way to continue which stops ...Nc2. 10...0-0 11.h3
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B2.1) Of course after 11...Bh5 White will continue 12.g4! Bg6 13.Ne5 [Another option is
13.Nd2!? with the idea to play f4 next.] 13...c5 [13...Nd7 14.f4± With a big advantage in
Rapport, R (2545) – Christiansen, J (2115) Helsingor 2011.] 14.dxc5 Qc7 [In the classical game
Bronstein, D – Smyslov, V Moscow 1961, Black played 14...Qa5 and here after 15.Be2!± White
could take the advantage. For example: 15...Bxc5? 16.Bxc5 Qxc5 17.Nd5 Qa5 18.Nc4+–.]
15.Nxg6 hxg6
Position after: 15...hxg6
16.Nb5! White has a serious initiative. 16...Qe5 17.Nd6 Bxd6 [17...Nxe4? 18.f4+–] 18.cxd6
Nxe4 [18...Rad8 19.Qe1+– Threatens f4.] 19.d7 Rad8 20.Bxa7!
286
Position after: 20.Bxa7!
20...Nd5 21.Qd4! Qxd4 22.Bxd4 Rxd7 23.Rfd1± White is clearly better in the endgame.
B2.2) 11...Bxf3 12.Qxf3 Qa5 [After 12...a5 13.Rfd1± White has complete control over the entire
board. A possible plan may be g3-Kg2-h4.] 13.Rfd1 Rad8
Position after: 13...Rad8
14.g4!? An interesting approach. [White can also play 14.Rd2± or 14.g3±.] 14...c5?! Giving
White a big advantage. [Better is 14...Nd7 15.Qg3ƒ] 15.d5 exd5 16.exd5 Nd7? [If 16...Ne8 then
287
17.Bf4 Nd6 18.Re1±.] 17.d6 Bf6 18.Qxb7+–
Position after: 18.Qxb7+–
Prohaszka, P (2510) – Szilagyi, P (2366) Hungary 2010.
8.Qxf3!?
A rare move that is entirely possible.

The most popular continuation is 8.gxf3 e6 9.Be3 Nb4 10.0-0 Be7
288
White is a little better, but it is very hard to break through.
8...Qxd4
Black is obliged to take the pawn.

8...Nb4? is bad because of 9.0-0 Qxd4 [9...Nc2? loses in view of 10.e5! Nxa1 11.exf6 gxf6
12.Qh5+–.] 10.Be2!
White’s initiative is very strong. For example: 10...e5 [10...e6 11.Bf4±] 11.Rd1 Qc5 [11...Qb6
12.Be3 Qc7 13.Rac1±] 12.Be3 Qe7 13.Rac1 Qe6 14.a5!. Threatening Na4. 14...Be7 15.Na4 0-0
16.Nc5 Qc8 17.Bg5±
9.Bxa6 bxa6
289
10.0-0
Also possible is 10.Qe2!?N.

A) 10...a5?! is not a good idea because of 11.e5! Nd5 [11...Nd7?! 12.e6! fxe6 13.0-0±] 12.0-0 when
Black is under serious pressure. [12.e6? Nxc3] 12...e6 13.Nxd5
290
13...Qxd5 [Worse is 13...exd5?! 14.Be3 Qxe5 15.Qa6 Qc7 16.Rfe1 Kd7 17.Rac1 Bb4 18.Red1±.]
Now after 14.Rd1 Qb3 15.Be3 Be7 16.Qg4 g6 17.Bh6 Rd8 18.Qe2‚ White has the initiative.
B) Also worse is 10...e5?! 11.Be3 Qd7 12.Qxa6 Be7 13.0-0 0-0
14.Rfd1 Qe6 15.h3 Rfb8 16.Rd2 Rb4 17.a5± White is much better.
C) 10...e6 11.Be3 Qd7 12.Qxa6
Position after: 12.Qxa6
291
12...Be7 [12...Bb4 The bishop is not doing much here. 13.0-0 0-0 14.f3²] 13.Bf4 Stops ....Rab8.
13...0-0 14.Rd1 Qc8 15.Qxc8 Rfxc8 16.f3² The endgame is more pleasant to play with White.
10...e5
Now 10...e6?! is worse because of 11.Rd1 Qe5 [White wins easily after 11...Qb4? 12.Bg5 Be7
13.Bxf6 gxf6 14.e5+–.] 12.Bf4 Qa5 13.e5 Nd5 14.Ne4±.
11.Be3
11.Rd1 Qc4 12.Qf5 Qe6 is about equal.
11...Qd7
11...Qb4?! 12.Qg3.
12.Rac1
Position after: 12.Rac1
White has a better pawn structure and easier play.
12...Be7 13.Rfd1 Qe6
A) If 13...Qb7 a nice plan is 14.Ne2!.
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Now the knight will go to g3. [14.Qg3 0-0 is unclear after 15.Qxe5?! Ng4„.] 14...0-0 15.Ng3 With
a strong initiative. 15...g6 16.Bh6!? [Also possible is 16.Bg5 Ne8 17.Bxe7 Qxe7 18.Rxc6².]
16...Rfd8 17.Nf5
17...Rxd1+ 18.Rxd1 Bf8 19.Bg5 Nh5 20.g3 Qxb2 21.Nh6+ Bxh6 22.Bxh6ƒ
B) Another move is 13...Qg4 14.Ne2 Qxe4 15.Qxe4 Nxe4 16.Rxc6 0-0 17.Rxa6 Bc5 [17...Rfb8
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18.Nc3²] 18.Bxc5 Nxc5 19.Ra5 Rfc8 20.h4² White keeps his chances.
14.Qe2
14...0-0
A) 14...a5? 15.Nb5! cxb5 16.Qxb5+ Kf8 [or 16...Nd7 17.Rc6 Rb8 18.Qa6 Qb3 19.Rc8+ Bd8
20.Rxd7+– with mate after 20...Kxd7 21.Qc6+ Ke7 22.Bc5#.] 17.Rc6!
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17...Qa2 [17...Qg4 18.f3 Qh5 19.Bc5+–] 18.Rxf6! gxf6 [18...Bxf6 19.Qc6+–] 19.Bh6+ Kg8
20.Qd3+– with unstoppable mate.
B) Similar to the main line is 14...Ng4 15.Bd2 Bc5 16.Be1.
15.Qxa6 Ng4 16.Bd2 Bc5 17.Be1²
White definitely retains a slight advantage.
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Chapter 6
Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 e6!?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6!?
Chapter Guide
Chapter 6 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 e6!?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6 6.e3 c5 7.Bxc4

a) 7...Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2 0-0 10.Rd1 Bd7
b) 7...Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2 0-0 10.Rd1 Qc7
c) 7...Nc6 8.0-0 cxd4
d) 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4!? --
e) 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 --
f) 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 a6
a) 7...Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2 0-0 10.Rd1 Bd7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6!?
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Position after: 5...e6!?
This is a decent line for Black which has become quite popular among almost all of the top players in
the last 10 years. The idea is after 6.e3 to play ...c5 in the style of the Queens Gambit Accepted and
after 6.e4 to answer with 6...Bb4. The variation is very serious and proving an advantage for White is
really challenging. I will give you a very interesting idea of how to play and how to create a lot of
problems for your opponents.
6.e3
The solid approach.

6.e4 Bb4 is much more complicated, and theory has not proven a clear advantage for White.
6...c5 7.Bxc4
This position can be reached via the Queens Gambit Accepted but without a4. After the exchange
...cxd4 exd4 Black can try to take control of the b4-square. The plan I suggest is to always try to take
with the knight on d4. In this chapter we will see the moves for Black that delay the exchange on d4.
Later we will focus on the immediate 7...cxd4.
7...Nc6
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7...Be7 Usually transposes to some of the other lines. 8.0-0 0-0 [If 8...cxd4, 9.Nxd4 transposes to the
next chapter.] 9.Qe2 cxd4 10.Rd1 Nc6 11.Nxd4 Transposing to the main line – 7...Nc6.
8.0-0
The other option is to continue postponing the exchange on d4.
8...Be7 9.Qe2
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White has almost no other option. The idea is to play Rd1 next.
9...0-0
If 9...cxd4 10.Rd1 now 10...e5?! 11.exd4 exd4 is dangerous for Black because of 12.Nb5. [10...0-0
11.Nxd4 transposes to 9...0-0.]
Position after: 12.Nb5
[Also good is 12.Be3.] 12...Bg4 [12...0-0 13.Nbxd4±] 13.Be3 0-0 14.Nbxd4
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Position after: 14.Nbxd4
White has a clear advantage. For example: 14...Qa5 [or 14...Nxd4 15.Bxd4±] 15.Nxc6 bxc6 16.h3
Bh5 17.g4 Bg6 18.Nd4±.
10.Rd1
The critical position for 8...Be7. Now Black has several options. Let us start with a dubious one.
10...Bd7?!
A rare move recently played by one of the best talents in the world – Jordan Van Forest who is known
to be one of the most prepared players these days. In this case I think this move is dubious. Now
White is ready to take on c5 and play e4.
11.dxc5!
Definitely the best reaction.
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Position after: 11.dxc5!
A) In case of an immediate 11.e4 Black can equalize after 11...cxd4 12.Nxd4 Nxd4 13.Rxd4 Qb6
14.Rd1
[14.Be3 Bc5; 14.Rd3 Bc6] 14...Bc6 15.Bg5 h6 16.Bh4 Rfe8 17.e5 Nd7 18.Bg3 Red8 19.Nb5 Bxb5
20.axb5 Nf8=
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Position after: 20...Nf8=
with an equal game. Giri, A (2764) – Van Foreest, J (2682) chess24.com 2020.
B) Nothing is gained from 11.d5 exd5 12.Nxd5 Nxd5 13.Bxd5 Qc7 14.Bd2 Bf6 15.Bc3 Bxc3
16.bxc3 Ne7= with equal chances.
11...Bxc5 12.h3!N
Position after: 12.h3!N
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A novelty which prepares e4.
A) But not the immediate 12.e4?! because of 12...Ng4=.
B) 12.b3 is unambitious: 12...Qe7 13.Bb2 Rfd8 14.Bd3 Be8 15.Ne4 Nxe4 16.Bxe4 Rxd1+ 17.Rxd1
Rd8 18.Rxd8 Qxd8= Melkumyan, H (2633) – Van Foreest, J (2629) Riadh 2017.
12...Na5
Black has a difficult choice here. This looks a bit risky, but the alternatives are not better.
A) 12...Qe7?! is dubious, because of the simple 13.e4 e5 14.Bg5± with a clear advantage.
B) 12...e5 does not solve Black’s problems. 13.e4 Nd4 14.Nxd4
14...Bxd4 [Worse is 14...exd4? in view of 15.e5 dxc3 16.exf6+–.] 15.Be3! White has a very easy
game. 15...Bxc3 [15...Bxe3 16.Qxe3 Qe7 17.Nd5 Simple and strong. 17...Nxd5 18.Bxd5 Be6
19.Rac1± Black is far from levelling the game.] 16.bxc3
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Position after: 16.bxc3
B1) 16...Qc7 17.Bg5±

B2) 16...Nxe4? loses because of 17.Qf3! Nf6 [or 17...Nxc3 18.Bg5! Qxg5 19.Rxd7+–] 18.Bg5 e4
19.Qg3+–.
B3) 16...Qe7 17.Bg5 Bc6 [17...Be6 18.Bd5! is similar.] 18.Bd5! An important idea. 18...Rac8
19.c4± White is much better.
C) 12...h6 Prophylaxis against Bg5. 13.e4 e5 14.Be3
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White is clearly better. For example: 14...Qb6 [14...Bxe3 15.Qxe3±] 15.Nd5 Nxd5 16.Bxc5 Qxc5
17.exd5 Nd4 18.Nxd4 exd4 19.Qd3±.
D) 12...Qc7 White is still better after 13.e4! Ne5 14.Bf4 Nxf3+ 15.Qxf3
Position after: 15.Qxf3
15...Qa5 Other moves are even worse. [15...e5 16.Bg5 Be6 17.Bd5! Ne8 18.Qg3+– White is
probably winning.; 15...Qb6 16.a5 Qb4 17.b3 Bc6 18.Bd2+–] 16.Bh6!
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A very important idea! Black’s position is extremely critical. [Worse is 16.e5?! because of
16...Bc6.] 16...Be7 [Or 16...Bc6 17.Qg3 Nh5 18.Qg5±.] 17.Qg3 Nh5 18.Qg4 Rfd8 19.Bb5!
Position after: 19.Bb5!
White still has to be very accurate. 19...Bxb5 20.axb5 Rxd1+ [In case of 20...Qb4 very strong is
21.Rdb1! then after 21...g6 22.Qf3± with a clear advantage.] 21.Qxd1 Qb4 22.Bd2!
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Accurate till the end! 22...Qd6 [Of course after 22...Rd8 White will play 23.Nd5 Qd6 24.Nxe7+
Qxe7 25.Qe2±.] 23.Be3± The endgame is far from won, but White’s advantage is undoubtedly very
unpleasant.
13.Ba2
White simply wants to play e4 next.
13...Qb6
The whole idea of 12...Na5. Black tries to route his knight to b3.
If 13...Qc7 then 14.e4±.
14.e4!
White is ready for the complications.
14...Bc6
14...Nb3? loses immediately after
Position after: 14...Nb3?
15.e5! Nxa1 [or 15...Nd5 16.Rxd5! exd5 17.Nxd5 Nxc1 18.Rxc1 Qa5 19.b4 Bxb4 20.Qe4
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White wins after 20...Bd2 21.Ne7+ Kh8 22.Bb1 g6 23.Qh4 Rg8 24.Rd1+–] 16.exf6 Rfd8
Position after: 16...Rfd8
White has several options here. One of them is 17.Ng5 Be8 [17...gxf6 18.Qh5 Bxf2+ 19.Kh1 fxg5
20.Qxg5+ Kf8 21.Qh6+ Ke8 22.Qg7+–] 18.Qh5 h6
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[or 18...Rxd1+ 19.Nxd1 h6 20.fxg7 Rd8 21.Ne4 Bd4 22.Bxh6 Bxg7 23.Ne3+–] 19.Rf1! Bf8
[19...hxg5 20.fxg7 Kxg7 21.Bxg5+–] 20.Nge4 g6 21.Qh4 h5 22.Be3
and White wins easily after 22...Qxb2 23.g4+–.
15.Bg5!
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Objectively I believe this is the best.
Another interesting idea is 15.e5!?.
15...Nd7
In case of 15...Nb3 16.Bxb3 Qxb3 17.Ne5± is strong.
16.Rab1!
Prepares b4!.
16...Nb3
16...h6 17.b4! The idea of White’s previous move. 17...hxg5 18.Nxg5 g6 19.bxc5 Qxc5 20.Qd2+–
310
Position after: 20.Qd2+–
White’s attack is unstoppable.
17.a5!
A good distraction move.
17...Qb4
If 17...Nxa5 White wins after 18.b4! Bxb4 19.Be3 Nc5 20.Ng5! h6 21.Nxf7!!
311
Position after: 21.Nxf7!!
21...Kxf7 [21...Rxf7 22.Bxe6+–] 22.Qg4 Rae8 23.Bd4+– Black’s position collapses.
18.Bxb3 Qxb3 19.Nd4 Bxd4 20.Rxd4±
Position after: 20.Rxd4±
White has a clear advantage.
b) 7...Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2 0-0 10.Rd1 Qc7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6!? 6.e3 c5 7.Bxc4 Nc6 8.0-0 Be7 9.Qe2 0-0 10.Rd1
Qc7
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A logical move. The following are other options.

10...cxd4 The most normal move. 11.Nxd4!
White usually takes with the pawn but I prefer to recapture with the knight.
A) Worse is 11...Nxd4?! in view of 12.exd4 White has to take with the pawn. 12...Nd5 [If 12...Bd7
then 13.d5! is strong
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13...exd5 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Bxd5± with Black defending a very unpleasant position.] 13.Qf3
Provokes the exchange on c3. 13...Nxc3 14.bxc3
The c8 bishop is very passive. White’s game is extremely easy. 14...Qc7 15.Bd3 Bd7 16.Bf4 Qc8
17.c4± White had a clear advantage in the game Sunilduth Lyna, N (2593) – Warmerdam, M (2450)
Moscow 2019.
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B) 11...Qc7 12.Nxc6!
Position after: 12.Nxc6!
White changes the pawn structure. 12...bxc6 [Worse is 12...Qxc6?! 13.e4±] 13.a5 Rd8 [13...e5 14.e4
Rb8 15.h3 Preparing Be3. 15...Bc5
In the game Gustafsson, J (2603) – Kharitonov, A (2526) Plovdiv 2008, White was better after
16.Na4 Bd4 17.Be3²] 14.Rxd8+ Bxd8 15.e4 Be7 16.Be3²
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White had a slight advantage in Wang, H (2730) – Bologan, V (2648) Bilbao 2014.
11.e4!
The best try.

Less ambitious is 11.b3 b6 12.Bb2 Bb7 13.d5 [13.Nb5 Qb8 14.dxc5 bxc5=] 13...exd5 14.Nxd5 Nxd5
15.Bxd5.
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Position after: 15.Bxd5
This position arose in the game Giri, A (2775) – Li Chao2 (2735) Geneva 2017. After 15...Rad8=
Black equalizes without much trouble.
11...Nxd4N
Less accurate is 11...cxd4?! in view of 12.Nb5!
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[12.Nxd4 is less accurate due to 12...Rd8! 13.Nxc6 Rxd1+ 14.Qxd1 Qxc6 15.Bb5 Qc7=.] 12...Qb6
[In the game Wantola, I (2351) – Besseling, M (2195) Netherlands 2014, White had the advantage
after 12...Qa5 13.Bd2 Bb4 14.e5 Nd7 15.Bf4±. 12...Qb8 13.e5] 13.e5 Nd7 14.Bd2ƒ White has a
serious initiative.
12.Nxd4 cxd4 13.Rxd4
Position after: 13.Rxd4
The critical position.

White is only slightly better but his moves are very easy and White has no risk.
13...e5
The easiest way for Black.

A) 13...Qe5 14.Be3 Bc5 15.Rd2 Bxe3 16.Qxe3 Bd7 17.h3 Bc6 18.Rad1².
B) 13...Nd7?! Dubious, because of 14.Nb5! Qb8 [14...Qe5 15.g3!
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15...a6 16.Bf4 Qc5 17.b4! Qb6 18.Be3 Ne5 19.Rdd1 Qc6 20.Bd3 Nxd3 21.Qxd3 e5 22.Rac1 Qf6
23.Nc7 Bh3 24.f4 exf4 25.Nd5±; 14...Qc6 15.e5±] 15.e5!
White’s initiative is very serious. 15...Nxe5 [15...Qxe5 16.Re4 Qc5 17.b4 Qb6 18.a5 Qd8
19.Bf4+–] 16.Bf4 f6 17.Rc1±
C) 13...Bc5 is very similar to the main line. 14.Rd1 e5 15.h3 Be6 16.Bxe6 fxe6
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Position after: 16...fxe6
17.Be3² with a small but solid advantage.
14.Rd1 Bg4
To provoke f3.
15.f3 Rac8
Gains one tempo.

15...Bd7 does not change much 16.Be3 Bc5 17.Nd5 Nxd5 18.Bxd5² with solid advantage for White.
16.Nd5
Also possible is 16.Bd5!? Be6 17.Be3 Bc5².
16...Nxd5 17.Bxd5 Bc5+ 18.Be3
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The reduced material gives Black hope for equalization, but the position is still in White’s favor.
18...Be6 19.Bxe6
Similar is 19.Rac1 Qa5.
19...fxe6 20.Rac1 Qa5 21.Rxc5 Rxc5 22.Bxc5 Qxc5+ 23.Kh1 h6 24.h3²
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White is still slightly better.
c) 7...Nc6 8.0-0 cxd4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6!? 6.e3 c5 7.Bxc4 Nc6 8.0-0 cxd4 9.Nxd4!?
Position after: 9.Nxd4!?
The modern approach avoiding the isolated pawn.

The main theory is 9.exd4 Be7.
9...Bd7!
Clearly the best move. The alternatives are worse.

A) 9...Nxd4?! 10.exd4
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The idea to exchange the knights then White can play Qf3 next.
A1) In case of 10...Bd6 11.Bg5 0-0 12.Qf3 White has an easy game. 12...h6
13.Bh4 [Unclear is 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Qxf6 gxf6 15.Ne4 Be7 16.d5 Rd8= with equal chances.]
13...Qc7? [Better is 13...g5 but still after 14.Bg3 Bxg3 15.fxg3!
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Position after: 15.fxg3!
15...Qxd4+ 16.Kh1 White’s initiative is very promising. 16...Ng4 17.Ba2 Ne3 18.Rfe1 Nf5
19.Rad1‚ with a serious initiative for White.] 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Qxf6 Be7 [15...Qxc4 loses because
of 16.Ne4 Qd5 17.Nxd6 Qxd6
Position after: 17...Qxd6
18.Ra3+–.] 16.Qxh6 Qxc4 This position was reached in Sandipan, C (2588) – Ernst, S (2581)
Vlissingen 2008. White could win easily here after 17.Ne4! Threatening Ra3!.
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17...e5 [Or 17...Qxd4 18.Ra3! Bxa3 19.Nf6+ Qxf6 20.Qxf6+–.] 18.Ra3! White is winning. For
example: 18...Bg4 19.Rg3 f5 20.Ng5 Bxg5 21.Qxg5+ Kf7 22.Rc1 Qe6 23.h3 Rg8 24.Rc7+ Kf8
25.Qd2+– with an unstoppable attack.
A2) 10...Be7 11.Qf3 [Also possible is 11.d5 exd5 12.Nxd5 Nxd5 13.Bxd5 0-0 14.Bf4² with a
very convenient advantage for White in the game Vidit, S (2687) – Yeoh, L (2470) Chengdu
2017.] 11...0-0 [Of course after 11...Qxd4 12.Bb5+ Kf8 13.a5‚ Black’s position is very
hazardous.] 12.Rd1 Qc7
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13.b3! An important move which retains the option to play d5. [Unclear is 13.Bd3 Bd7 14.Bf4
Qb6 15.a5 Qb4∞ as in Mikhalevski, V (2540) – Bakre, T (2449) Montreal 2017.] 13...Bd7 14.d5!
[14.Bf4!? also looks very good 14...Qc8 15.Be5 Bc6 16.Qg3 g6
17.Rd3‚.] 14...exd5 [14...Bd6 15.h3 Bh2+ 16.Kh1 Be5 17.Bb2ƒ] 15.Nxd5 Nxd5 16.Bxd5 Bc6
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17.Bf4 Bxd5 18.Rxd5 Qc6 19.Rc1± White has a clear advantage in Van Wely, L (2655) –
Cifuentes Parada, R (2539) San Sebastian 2009.
B) 9...Ne5 looks a bit strange. 10.Be2
B1) Provoking the endgame is not a good idea. 10...Bc5?! 11.Nb3 Qxd1 12.Rxd1 Bb4 [12...Be7
13.e4±] 13.Bd2 [Also strong is 13.f3!?.] 13...0-0 14.Nb5 Bxd2 [14...Be7 15.Bc3±] 15.Rxd2 Bd7
16.Nd6 b6 [16...Bc6 17.Na5±] 17.a5± White is much better Matlakov, M (2699) – Goryachkina,
A (2505) Yaroslavl 2018.
B2) 10...Be7N 11.e4 Whenever possible White should look for this move. 11...0-0 12.Be3 Ng6
13.a5² White is at least slightly better.
C) If 9...Qc7 once again after 10.e4ƒ White has the initiative.
10.e4!
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The most ambitious and the best move.

Black has no problems after 10.Qe2 a6 11.Rd1 Qc7= Ragger, M (2694) – Danin, A (2571) Karlsruhe
2016.
10...Nxd4
While Black has many options this appears best followed by ...Bc6. The alternatives are:
A) 10...a6N A logical move that is a novelty. The idea is to play ...Qc7 next. 11.Bf4! e5 is now
possible. Worse is 11...Nxd4 [Even worse is 11...Rc8 12.e5! Nxe5 13.Bxe5 Rxc4 14.Qe2‚ with
very serious attack.] 12.Qxd4 Bc6 13.Qe3 Be7 14.a5 0-0 15.Rfd1² with a pleasant advantage for
White.
B) 10...Bb4 Another possible move. Black simply wants to develop. 11.Nf3! Qa5 [11...Bxc3?
12.bxc3 Nxe4 in view of 13.Ba3±; or 11...0-0 12.e5 Bxc3 13.bxc3 Nd5
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14.Bd3 h6 15.c4 Ndb4 16.Bb1‚ White’s attacking chances are very promising.] 12.Qe2 0-0 [White
is better after 12...Ne5 13.Nxe5 Qxe5 14.f4 Qh5 15.Qxh5 Nxh5 16.e5² Zoler, D (2499) –
Shevelev, D (2283) Escaldes 2017.] 13.e5 Nd5 This was the game Berkes, F (2651) – Zatonskih, A
(2462) Gibraltar 2009. Now White had to play 14.Bd3!‚
Position after: 14.Bd3!‚
With the idea that after: 14...Nxc3? 15.bxc3 Bxc3 he has 16.Bxh7+! Kxh7 17.Qe4+ with a
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dangerous attack.
Position after: 17.Qe4+
17...Kg8 [Or 17...f5 18.Qh4+ Kg6 19.Qg5+ Kf7 20.Qh5+ g6 21.Qh7+ Ke8 22.Rb1+– White’s
attack is unstoppable.] 18.Ng5 Rfd8 19.Qh7+ Kf8 20.Rb1
Although White is not winning immediately Black’s defense is unpleasant. 20...Bb4 21.Nf3! Ne7
[Or 21...Nxe5 22.Nxe5 Qxe5 23.Rxb4±.] 22.Qh8+ Ng8 23.Ng5 The next few moves are forced.
330
23...Bc6 24.Nh7+ Ke7 25.Qxg7 Kd7 26.Qxf7+ Kc8 27.Qxe6+ Kc7 [Or 27...Kb8 28.Bg5 Rc8
29.Rfc1 Qxa4 30.Nf6 Nxf6 31.exf6+– White wins.] 28.Qc4!
28...Bd2 29.Ng5! Qd5 30.Ne6+ Kc8 31.Qg4 Bd7 32.Bxd2 Bxe6 33.Qb4 a5 34.Qb2 Ra6 35.Bg5
Rd7 36.Qa3 b6 37.f4+– Black has no coordination at all.
C) 10...Bc5N 11.Nf3! Qb8 A very typical plan for this type of position. 12.Bg5!
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White brings the bishop to g3. 12...Ng4 13.Bh4 Bd6 14.Kh1ƒ Black’s position remains very
dangerous.
D) 10...Be7 11.Nf3!N A good improvement. [In the game L’Ami, E (2628) – Giri, A (2686) Wijk
aan Zee 2011, Black equalized after 11.Be3 0-0 12.Nb3 Na5 13.Be2 Bc6 14.Qxd8 Bxd8=]
Position after: 11.Nf3!N
11...Qc7 12.Qe2ƒ Here e4-e5 is still a very nasty threat.
11.Qxd4 Bc6 12.Qe3!
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By not exchanging White emphasises Black’s difficulty in defending. While Black has many options
his task is still all uphill.
Black is fine after 12.Qxd8+ Rxd8 13.Be3 a6 14.f3 Nd7=.
12...a6!
Clearly the best as it stops the Bb5 and Nb5 ideas.

A) 12...Bd6? A very dubious move. 13.Rd1! Qc7 [If 13...Ng4 then 14.Qh3 h5 15.Be2! 0-0
16.e5! Nxe5 17.Qxh5 Qc7 18.Nb5 Bxb5 19.axb5 Ng6 20.g3± White is much better.; 13...Qb8
14.h3± The threat is f4.] 14.Nb5! Black cannot develop. 14...Bxh2+ [If 14...Bxb5 15.Bxb5+ Kf8
16.Bd2+– White is nearly winning.] 15.Kf1 Qe7
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16.e5 Ng4 17.Qh3 h5 18.Be2+– Black loses material.

B) 12...Qa5!? is an idea which seems strong and is not easy to refute.
Position after: 12...Qa5!?
B1) 13.e5 Ng4 14.Qg5 Nxe5 15.Bb5 f6 16.Qh5+ g6 17.Qe2 Kf7 is unclear.
B2) 13.Bb5 Bxb5 14.Nxb5
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Position after: 14.Nxb5
Eljanov, P (2663) – Vysochin, S (2512) Lutsk 2019. Now Black could play the simple 14...a6
15.Bd2 Qd8 with equal game.
B3) 13.Rd1 Bc5 14.Qg5 0-0 15.Be3 Bb6 16.Qxa5 Bxa5 17.f3 a6 18.Ne2 Rfd8 19.Nd4 Be8=
Black is perfectly fine.
B4) 13.Qg3!?N
Position after: 13.Qg3!?N
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A nice improvement which creates pressure against the black kingside. 13...a6 [Worse is
13...Nh5?! because of 14.Qf3 Nf6 15.Bb5! Bxb5 16.Nxb5 a6 17.Bd2 Qd8.
Now White has a clear advantage after 18.e5! Nd5 19.Nc3 Nxc3 20.Bxc3±.; 13...Nxe4? Black is
just not ready to play this. 14.Nxe4 Bxe4 15.Bb5+ Bc6 16.b4!? Qxb4 17.Bf4+–]
B4.1) 14.e5 Nd7 [Also interesting is 14...Nh5!? 15.Qe3 g6.] 15.Re1 transpose to the main line
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12...a6.
B4.2) 14.Rd1 The best try. 14...Be7 15.Bd2 Qh5 Only move.
16.e5 Ne4 17.Nxe4 Bxe4 18.Ba5 Qg6 [If 18...0-0 strong is 19.Rd4! Bc6 20.Rg4² with some
pressure.] 19.Be2 Qxg3 20.hxg3²
Position after: 20.hxg3²
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The position is close to equal but White has a small plus.
C) 12...Qb8? A bad move recently played by Peter Svidler. While it is thematic it just does not work
here.
Position after: 12...Qb8?
13.e5! The point! [Unclear is 13.f4? Be7 14.e5 Ng4 15.Qe2 Ding Liren (2791) – Svidler, P (2723)
chess24.com 2020. Here after 15...Nh6∞ the position is not clear at all.] 13...Ng4 14.Qg3 White
simply wins here. For example: 14...Nxe5 15.Bf4 Bd6 [15...f6 16.Rfe1+–] 16.Qxg7 Ng6.
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Position after: 16...Ng6
17.Bxe6! There must be something! 17...fxe6 18.Rfe1! Black is defenseless. 18...Nxf4 [18...e5
19.Bxe5! Bxe5 20.Rad1! Bringing all of his pieces to the party. 20...Rf8 21.Nd5! Bxa4 22.Rd2 Bd7
23.f4+– White wins.] 19.Qxh8+ Kf7 [19...Bf8 20.g3+–] 20.Qxh7+ Kf6 21.g3 Qg8
Position after: 21...Qg8
22.Ne4+ Bxe4 23.Qxe4 Qg4 24.Rad1+– White is winning.

D) 12...Qb6?! is a dubious move. After the simple 13.Qg3± Black cannot develop.
E) 12...Be7?! Another suspicious move. 13.e5 Nd7 14.Qg3 g6
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15.Re1 [Also interesting is 15.Nb5!?.] 15...0-0 16.Bh6 Re8 17.Rad1± White was much better in the
game Li, C (2720) – Bartel, M (2637) Khanty-Mansiysk 2017.
13.e5!?N
Position after: 13.e5!?N
An interesting try.
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A) Black equalized very easy after 13.Rd1 Qc7 14.Qe2 [Or: 14.e5 Nd7; 14.Bd5 0-0-0 15.Bxc6
Rxd1+ 16.Nxd1 Qxc6=] 14...Be7 15.Bg5 Rd8 16.Rxd8+ Qxd8= Wei, Y (2733) – Zhou, J (2615)
Moscow 2019.
B) Unclear is 13.Re1 Be7 14.e5 Nd7 15.Qg3 Nf8!
Position after: 15...Nf8!
An important defensive move. After: 16.Qxg7 Ng6 White cannot escape from the repetition of
moves after 17.Bf1 Bf8 18.Qf6 Be7=.
13...Nd7
Much worse is 13...Ng4? because of 14.Qg3 h5 [or 14...Qd4 15.Be2] 15.h3 Qd4 16.Be2
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and White is much better. For example: 16...Nxe5 17.Be3 Qd6 18.Rfd1 Qb8 19.Bf4 f6 20.Bd3±.
14.Qg3
Hits the g7 pawn and slows the development of the bishop.
14...Qa5
Worse is 14...g6?! 15.Bf4 Bg7 because of 16.b4! A very strong plan.
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16...Nb6 17.Rfd1 Qe7 18.b5! Black has big problems. For example: 18...axb5 [even worse is
18...Nxc4? in view of 19.bxc6 bxc6
20.Ne4+–] 19.axb5 0-0 20.Bf1 Rxa1 21.Rxa1 Bd5.
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22.Qe3! White must be accurate! 22...Nc4 [22...Qc7 23.Rc1±] 23.Qd4 Rc8 24.Nxd5 exd5 25.Qxd5
Bxe5 26.Re1 Rc5 27.Qf3 Qc7
28.Bh6± The position is extremely unpleasant for Black.
15.Re1 Bb4!
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Position after: 15...Bb4!
The game is becoming very complex.

15...Qb4?! does not make much sense because of 16.b3.
16.Bd2!?
While 16.Bf1 is interesting I believe that the text is best.
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A) In case of 16...0-0-0 White has the initiative after 17.Bg5!.
Provoking ...f6 is a smart idea. 17...f6 18.Be3 Bxc3 [If 18...Nxe5 then 19.Rec1 Kb8 20.Nb5!ƒ with
a serious initiative.] 19.bxc3 Nxe5 20.Bd4 [Less clear is 20.Reb1 Nd7 21.Qg4 Rhe8∞.] 20...Rhe8
21.Bxe5 fxe5 22.Rxe5² White is slightly better.
B) 16...Nf8!
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The best defense! If Black manages to bring the knight to g6 his problems will be resolved. 17.Qxg7
Ng6 Analysis shows that Black is fine here. For example, 18.Bd2 [or 18.Qh6 Rg8! 19.Bg5 Bf8
20.Qh5 h6 21.Bc1 0-0-0 22.g3 Rd5! 23.Bg2 Rxe5 24.Rxe5 Qxe5 25.Qxe5 Nxe5 26.Bxc6 bxc6 with
equal endgame]
B1) 18...Rd8 19.Rad1
19...Rxd2! leads to a forced draw: 20.Rxd2 Bf8 21.Qf6 Be7=.

B2) Also fine is 18...Bf8 19.Ne4 [19.Qf6 Rd8] 19...Bxg7 20.Nd6+ Kf8 21.Bxa5 Bxe5 22.Nc4
Bf6= with equal chances.
16...0-0-0
Black must castle.
17.Bb5!
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Position after: 17.Bb5!
Creating some problems for Black.

17.Bf1 Rhg8∞
17...Nc5!
Now the complications are just crazy.

17...Nxe5? is worse after 18.Qxe5 Rxd2 19.Qxg7 Rf8 20.Rac1±.
18.Be3
In case of 18.Bg5 Black equalizes after 18...Bxc3 19.Bxd8 Rxd8 20.bxc3 axb5 21.axb5 Qxb5
22.Ra8+ Kc7 23.Rxd8 Kxd8 24.Qxg7 Qc4= with about equal chances.
18...Nb3!
Worse is 18...Bxc3?! 19.bxc3 axb5 20.Bxc5 bxa4 21.Bd6 Rd7 22.h3‚ White keeps serious attacking
chances.
19.Bxc6
White has no choice but to sacrifice an exchange.
19...Nxa1
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Position after: 19...Nxa1
20.Bxb7+
20.Rxa1 creates less problems. 20...bxc6 [Clearly worse is 20...Bxc3?! 21.Bxb7+ Kxb7 22.bxc3
Qxa4
Position after: 22...Qxa4
because of 23.Rb1+ with a very strong attack.] 21.Qf3 [21.Qxg7 Bxc3 22.bxc3 Qxa4 23.Rf1 Rhg8
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24.Qxf7 Qg4 25.g3 Rd7 26.Qf6 a5 is probably is about equal.] 21...Qc7 22.h3©
Position after: 22.h3©
White definitely has compensation, but Black also has his chances. The position appears to be about
equal.
20...Kxb7 21.Rxa1 Rd7 22.Qxg7 Rhd8
Position after: 22...Rhd8
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The chances are about equal.
23.Qg4
Controls the d1-square. If 23.h3?! then 23...f5! 24.Qf6 Re8„.
23...Bxc3 24.bxc3 Qxe5
A bit worse is 24...Qxc3 because of 25.Qf3+ Kc7 [25...Qc6? 26.Rb1+ Kc7 27.Qe2 Rd5 28.h3±]
26.Bb6+ Kxb6 27.Rb1+ Ka7 28.Qxc3 Rd1+ 29.Qe1 Rxe1+ 30.Rxe1 Rd4² although the position is
still close to a draw.
25.Bd4
White’s compensation of that the black king is very weak for the moment.
25...Qf5
25...f5 26.Qd1©
26.Qe2
26...e5!
Black gives a pawn in order to exchange the queens.
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26...Rd6 27.h3©
27.Bxe5 Qd3 28.Qxd3 Rxd3 29.Bd4 Rd5 30.g3=
Position after: 30.g3=
The position should be about equal.
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d) 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4!? --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6 6.e3 c5 7.Bxc4 cxd4
An interesting move order. Black wants to remove the option for White to take with the knight on d4.
8.Nxd4!?
Position after: 8.Nxd4!?
A rare line used in only a few games of strong players. White wants to utilize the same plan in the
prior chapter but Black now has extra options as he does not have a knight on c6.
The main line is 8.exd4 Be7.
8...Bc5!?
One of the critical moves.

A) There are many options for Black. For example: 8...a6 Is the most played move. The idea of
stopping Nb5 is clear. Black wants to play ...Bd6 or ...Qc7 next. 9.0-0 Bd6 [9...Qc7 is inaccurate
due to 10.b3! Bd7 11.Bb2 Nc6 12.Rc1². The queen is no longer well placed on c7.] 10.b3!
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The best way to develop the pieces. The b2-bishop looks perfectly placed. [In my game against
Ivanchuk I could not take the advantage after 10.Qe2 Qc7 11.h3 Bd7 12.e4 Nc6 13.Nxc6 Bxc6=
Cheparinov, I (2679) – Ivanchuk, V (2679) Zagreb 2019.] 10...0-0 11.Bb2
Position after: 11.Bb2
A1) 11...Qe7 A very natural place for the black queen. 12.f4!? White is ready for some action on
the kingside. [Other options are 12.Qc2!? Bd7 13.Ne4 Nxe4 14.Qxe4 Nc6 15.Rfd1² or even
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12.g4!?.] 12...Bc5 [12...Bd7? is just bad 13.e4 e5 14.Nf3+–
Position after: 14.Nf3+–
White is winning in Petrosyan, M (2553) – Ter Sahakyan, S (2605) Martuni 2017.] 13.Qe1 The
queen comes to g3. 13...Rd8 14.a5 A useful move. 14...Bd7 15.Qg3 Be8 16.Kh1 White has the
initiative. For example: 16...Nc6?!
Position after: 16...Nc6?!
[Probably better is 16...Nbd7.] 17.Nf3! A very strong attacking move. 17...Bxe3 18.Rae1ƒ Black’s
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position is very critical. 18...Bd4 19.Nxd4 Nxd4 20.f5 Qd6 21.Qxd6 Rxd6 22.fxe6 Nxe6 23.Rxf6!
Position after: 23.Rxf6!
The only way to continue. 23...gxf6 24.Ne4 Rdd8 25.Nxf6+ Kf8 26.Nxh7+ Kg8 27.Nf6+ Kf8
28.Nxe8!? Rxe8 29.h4 Rad8
30.Rf1ƒ Black is not out of danger yet.
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A2) 11...Bd7 12.Qb1!
An important idea, White takes over the initiative. 12...Nc6 13.Ne4 Nxe4 [Or 13...Be5 14.Bd3ƒ
White has many unpleasant threats.] 14.Qxe4 Qe7 15.Rfd1² White is slightly better. The game can
continue 15...Rfd8
16.Nf3! Be8 17.Qg4 g6 [17...Qf8?! 18.Bd3] 18.Qh3! with the idea of Qh6. 18...Na5 19.Qh6 Qf8
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[Worse is 19...f6?! because of 20.Qh4! g5 21.Qh6 Bg6 22.h4±.] 20.Qg5! Nxc4 21.bxc4 Be7
Black must sacrifice the pawn on e6 in order to have some counterplay. 22.Rxd8 Rxd8 23.Qe5 f6
24.Qxe6+ Qf7 [24...Bf7?! The bishop is better on c6. 25.Qe4] 25.Qe4 Bc6 26.Qc2 Rc8 27.Rc1²
White is slightly better, although Black has some compensation.
B) 8...Qc7 is a possible move, but we already know that the queen is better placed on e7. 9.b3! Be7
[9...Bb4 10.Bb2] 10.Bb2 0-0 11.0-0 Bd7
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12.Bd3! The only way to create problems for Black. The idea is to play Ne4 next. [12.Rc1 Nc6;
12.Ncb5 Qd8] 12...Nc6 13.Ne4 Nxd4 [Or 13...Ne5 14.Nxf6+ Bxf6 15.Be4² with small problems
for Black.] 14.Bxd4 e5 15.Bb2 Keeps the option to play Qb1 next. 15...Rfd8 16.Qb1!
16...h6 [Or 16...g6 17.Bc4².] 17.Rc1 Bc6 18.Ng3² I prefer White.

C) 8...Bd7 9.0-0 Nc6 transposes to the previous subchapter.
D) 8...Be7 A passive way to play. 9.0-0 0-0 10.e4²
9.0-0 0-0
There are only two games with this position. Not 9...Bxd4? 10.exd4 0-0 11.Bg5± as the pin is very
unpleasant.
10.Qe2
The most logical continuation.

A) The alternatives are less problematic for Black. 10.Qc2 Bd7 11.Rd1 Qe7 12.e4 Nc6 13.Nb3
Bd6= with an equal game.
B) Or 10.Nb3 Bb4=.
10...Nbd7!
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Controls the e5-square.
A) There are many other moves for Black, but all of them are worse 10...e5 11.Nb3 Bb4 12.e4².
B) 10...Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.a5²
C) 10...Qe7 11.Nb3 Bb4 12.e4ƒ
D) 10...Bxd4? This is clearly the worst. 11.exd4 Nc6 [11...Qxd4 12.Nb5±] 12.Rd1±
11.Nf3!?N
Position after: 11.Nf3!?N
An improvement. I think this is almost the only way to create some problems.
11.Rd1 The other logical move 11...Qe7 12.Nf3 [12.e4 Ne5=; 12.Nb3 Bd6 13.Bd3 Ne5 14.Bc2
Rd8=] 12...b6 13.h3 [In case of 13.e4
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strong is 13...Ng4! 14.Bg5 f6 15.Bh4 Nde5= with a very good game for Black.] 13...Bb7 14.e4 This
position arose in the game Lenic, L (2624) – Beliavsky, A (2603) Bled 2016. Now after 14...Rad8!
Position after: 14...Rad8!
Black is perfectly fine. For example: 15.Bf4 [15.e5? Nh5‚] 15...Bb4 16.e5 Bxc3 17.exf6 [17.bxc3
Ne4∞] 17...Qxf6 18.Bc7
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Position after: 18.Bc7
White wins an exchange, but the position remains very unclear after 18...Bxb2 19.Bxd8 Rxd8 20.Ra2
Bxf3 21.Qxf3 Bd4© with about equal chances.
11...b6
11...Qc7?! 12.e4 Ng4 13.h3 Nge5 14.Bf4ƒ White has the initiative.
12.e4 Bb7 13.e5
The most critical.

Black has no problems after 13.Bf4 Nh5=.
13...Nd5
The only way.

A) 13...Bxf3?! 14.gxf3 Nh5 15.Rd1±
B) 13...Ng4?! 14.Bf4±
14.Nxd5 exd5
14...Bxd5? is just bad in view of 15.Bxd5 exd5 16.Rd1±.
15.Bd3
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15.Bb5 does not change much: 15...Re8 16.Re1 a6 17.Bd3 Nf8=.
15...Re8
The critical position for 8...Bc5. I believe Black can equalize here, but White still has practical
chances.
16.Bf4
The most solid. White has two other interesting options.

A) 16.Ng5!? Nf6! The best! [Worse is 16...Nf8?! 17.Qh5! g6 18.Qf3‚.] 17.a5 h6 18.a6 Bc8
19.Nf3 Bg4
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Black has enough counterplay. For example: 20.Ra4 Ne4! 21.Bxe4 dxe4 22.Qxe4 [22.Rxe4 Bf5]
22...Bd7 23.Ra1 Bb5 24.Re1 Qc8 25.Be3 Bxa6 26.Bxc5 Bb7= with equal chances.
B) 16.a5!? An interesting try. The idea is that after 16...bxa5 17.Ng5 h6
[17...Nf6? does not work because of 18.Qc2.]
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B1) 18.Bh7+ Kf8 19.Nxf7 Kxf7 20.Qh5+ [20.Qf3+ Ke7] 20...Kf8 21.Ra4 Bb4∞ White probably
must fight for the draw here.
B2) 18.e6 Is just a draw, but there is nothing better. 18...hxg5 19.exf7+ Kxf7 20.Qh5+ Kf8
21.Qh8+ Kf7 22.Qh5+= with a perpetual check.
16...Nf8 17.Bg3
In case of 17.Bb5
Black can even sacrifice an exchange after 17...Ne6! 18.Bd2 [18.Bxe8 is risky since after 18...Nxf4
19.Qd2 Nxg2„ Black has serious counterplay] 18...Re7 19.b4 Nd4 20.Qd3 Nxf3+ 21.gxf3 a6
22.bxc5 bxc5.
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The position is about equal after 23.Bg5 f6 24.exf6 Rf7 25.Rae1 axb5 26.Re7 Rxe7 27.fxe7 Qe8=.
17...Ne6 18.h3 Rc8 19.Kh2²/=
The position is close to be equality but I still believe it is easier to play with White in this position.
Position after: 19.Kh2²
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e) 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6 6.e3 c5 7.Bxc4 cxd4 8.Nxd4!? Bb4!?
The bishop looks very well placed. This is definitely one of the critical moves.
9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2
Prepares Rd1 and e4.

A) Black is fine after 10.e4 Nbd7! the threat is ...Ne5. [Also close to equality is 10...e5 11.Nf3 Nc6
12.Nd5 Qd6.] 11.Qe2 [In case of 11.Bxe6 fxe6 12.Nxe6 Qe7 13.Nxf8 Nxf8
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Position after: 13...Nxf8
the position is very unclear. For example: 14.Bg5 Bxc3 15.bxc3 Qxe4 16.Bxf6 gxf6 17.Re1 Qc6∞.]
11...Ne5! 12.Rd1 Nxc4 13.Nc2
Black is perfectly fine after 13...Bd6 14.Qxc4 Qe7=.

B) In the game Sarana, A (2630) – Svane, R (2605) Karlsruhe 2019, Black had no problems after
10.Qb3 Qe7 11.Bd2 Bc5
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12.Rfd1 Rd8 13.Be1 Bxd4 14.Rxd4 Rxd4 15.exd4 Nc6=.

Black has many options here.
10...e5!?
Is very tempting.
A) 10...Nc6 Is also a possible move, but I prefer White after 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.e4 e5
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13.f3 as the plan is easy to play with Be3 and Rfc1 next. 13...a5 [13...Qe7 14.Be3²; 13...Bc5+
14.Be3²; 13...Nh5 14.g3²] 14.Be3 Qe7 15.Rfc1² White is definitely slightly better.
B) 10...Qe7 A little suspicious due to 11.Nc2! with e4 next.
C) 10...Nbd7 A normal looking move, but after 11.Rd1 Qc7 12.Bd2 Ne5 13.Bb3². I definitely
prefer White.
Position after: 13.Bb3²
The idea is if 13...Bd7 to play 14.Ne4! Be7 15.Rac1ƒ with the initiative.
11.Nc2!
Provokes the exchange on c3.
11...Bxc3
If 11...Be7?! White is better after 12.Rd1 Qc7 13.e4±. The knight from c2 can easily reach the d5-
square.
12.bxc3
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White’s pawn structure is no longer perfect but he has the bishop pair and his dark-squared bishop
could become very strong.
12...Qc7
The most logical move but there are other options as well.
A) 12...Bf5 The idea is to take control of the e4-square. 13.Ba3 Re8 14.Nb4!
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The knight aims at the d5-square. 14...Nbd7 15.Rfd1 White is a little better, and Black has to make
very difficult moves from now on.
Position after: 15.Rfd1
A1) 15...Be6!? 16.Bxe6 fxe6 with doubled pawns but control of the d5-square. [Worse is
16...Rxe6?! 17.c4 e4 18.Rab1± with a clear advantage for White.] 17.Nd3 Qc7 18.h3² White keeps
a small advantage.
A2) 15...Qc7 16.Nd5 Nxd5 17.Bxd5 Nf6 [17...Nb6 18.c4²] 18.c4² White is slightly better.
A3) 15...Rc8 16.Nd5 Be6
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Black will exchange some pieces, but it is still far from an equal game. Other moves are worse for
Black. [16...Nxd5?! 17.Bxd5 Qf6 18.a5±; 16...Nc5?! 17.Bb5 Rf8 18.e4!±] 17.Nxf6+ Qxf6
18.Bxe6 Qxe6 19.Rd6 Qe7.
20.Bb4! [Less clear is 20.Qb5 in view of 20...Nf6 21.Rb6 Qc7 22.Rxb7 Qxc3=.] 20...Nc5 [If
20...a5 then 21.Qb5!±; or 20...e4 21.Ra6! the point of 20.Bb4. 21...Qd8 22.Rxa7 Qb6 23.Ra5±]
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21.Rd5 b6 22.Rad1 Qf6
23.Bxc5! Rxc5 24.Rxc5 bxc5 25.Rd5² White has a very easy game.
B) A possible way to play is 12...Be6 13.Bxe6 fxe6 14.Ba3 Rf7 15.e4² when I still slightly prefer
White.
13.e4 Be6
The plan to double his own pawns seems to be the best for Black in this pawn structure.
Worse is 13...Nbd7?! in view of 14.Ne3 Nc5.
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[Of course, not 14...Nxe4? 15.Nd5+– as White wins a piece.] 15.Nd5 Nxd5 16.Bxd5 Be6 17.c4±
White has a positional advantage.
14.Bxe6 fxe6
15.f3!?
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An interesting idea for sacrificing the c3 pawn but gives Black more space for his pieces.
Another option is 15.Na3 a6 16.Qc4 Rc8!
Position after: 16...Rc8!
An important move. Now Black will have some counterplay after 17.Qxe6+ Kh8. The game is about
equal. 18.Rd1 Nbd7 19.Qd6 Qxc3 20.Rb1 Rc6 21.Qe7 Re8
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22.Qb4 [But not 22.Qf7? because of 22...Rd6!.] 22...Qxb4 23.Rxb4 Rec8 24.Bd2 b6 25.f3 Kg8=
15...Qxc3 16.Be3
White wants to play Rfc1 and Na3 next.
16...Nc6
Similar is 16...Rc8 17.Rfc1.
17.Ra3 Qa5 18.Qb5 Qc7
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19.Rc3©
White has very good compensation for the pawn. I even slightly prefer White’s chances here although
Black is very solid.
f) 7...cxd4 8.Nxd4 Bb4 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 a6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 e6 6.e3 c5 7.Bxc4 cxd4 8.Nxd4!? Bb4!? 9.0-0 0-0
10.Qe2 a6
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11.Nf3!?N
An improvement over Ding Liren (2811) – Shankland, S (2705) chess.com 2019.

A) In that game Ding played 11.Rd1 Qc7
A1) Also possible is 12.Bd2
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12...Bd7! [Worse is 12...Nc6?! because of 13.Nxc6 bxc6 14.Ne4 Be7 15.Nxf6+ Bxf6 16.Bc3
Bxc3 17.bxc3² with a very pleasant advantage.] 13.Ne4 [13.Rac1 Nc6=] 13...Be7 White is very
active, but it seems that Black can equalize. For example: 14.Nxf6+ [14.Bd3 Nd5 15.Rac1 Nc6
16.Qh5 h6=] 14...Bxf6 15.Bc3 [15.Rac1 Nc6 16.Bd3 Rfc8=] 15...Nc6
16.Nxc6 Bxc6 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.Qg4+ Kh8= with equal chances.

A2) 12.e4!? is interesting, but not enough for an advantage. 12...Bxc3!
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Position after: 12...Bxc3!
Black must accept the pawn sacrifice. [In the referenced game Shankland played 12...e5?! and after
13.Nc2 Bxc3 14.bxc3 Nc6
15.Bg5 Na5 16.Ba2 Bg4 17.f3 Be6 18.Bxf6 gxf6 19.Ne3± White was much better, Ding Liren
(2811) – Shankland, S (2705) chess.com 2019.] 13.bxc3 Nxe4 White has compensation, but no
more. 14.Bd3 The only idea. [14.Qxe4?! Qxc4.] 14...Nf6 [14...Nxc3?! 15.Qc2.] 15.c4 White has
the bishop pair but it looks to me like Black is very safe. [15.Bg5 Nbd7] 15...Re8 16.Bg5 Nbd7
17.Bc2 h6 18.Bh4 Qe5
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[A bit worse is 18...b6?! because of 19.a5!? bxa5 20.Ba4.] 19.a5 Qxe2 20.Nxe2 Nc5 21.Nc3 Bd7=
Black is perfectly fine.
B) Another option is 11.Nc2 Bxc3 12.bxc3 Qc7 13.e4 Nbd7!
Position after: 13...Nbd7!
Now Black is ready to play without ...e5. 14.Ba3 Rd8 15.Rfd1 Ne5 16.Bb3 Rxd1+ 17.Rxd1 Bd7
18.c4 Rc8 19.Bd6 Qa5
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Position after: 19...Qa5
20.c5 [White can make a draw with 20.Bb4 Qc7 21.Bd6=.] 20...Ng6 21.Qe3 Ne8= Black’s position
is safe.
11...Bd7!
An important and very accurate move.

Much worse is 11...Nc6?! because of 12.e4 Qc7 13.e5 Nd7
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14.Bf4± White’s chances are clearly better.
12.e4
White must go forward.

If 12.Rd1 Black is fine after 12...Qc7 13.e4 Rc8 14.Bd3 Bc6
and now after 15.e5 Bxc3 16.bxc3 Bxf3 17.Qxf3 Qxe5 18.Bf4 Qa5 19.Qxb7 Nbd7= Black has no
problems at all.
12...Bc6 13.e5 Nd5 14.Nxd5
After 14.Bd3 Be7 15.Rd1 Nd7= the game is equal.
14...Bxd5 15.Bxd5 Qxd5 16.Rd1 Qa5
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The position is very close to even, but White can try to create some problems.
17.Qe4 Nc6 18.Bg5! Rfc8!
If 18...h6?! 19.Rd7! is very strong.
19.Rac1 h6
19...Qxa4? loses to 20.Bf6!+–.
20.Rd7
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Black still has to be very accurate.
20...Qxa4
Another option is 20...Ne7!? 21.Ra1 Ng6 22.Rxb7 Rab8.
21.Rxb7
21.Qf4 is insufficient
386
Position after: 21.Qf4
because of 21...Nxe5! 22.Nxe5 Rxc1+ 23.Qxc1 hxg5 24.Rxf7 Bf8=.
21...Rab8 22.Rxb8
After 22.Rxc6 Black has 22...Qd1+.
22...Rxb8 23.h3
387
The bishop on g5 is untouchable.
23...Nd8
23...hxg5? 24.Nxg5+–
24.Be3²
White keeps some pressure.
388
Chapter 7
Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5
Chapter Guide
Chapter 7 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5

a) Rare 6th moves and 6...Na6 without 9...Bd6
b) 6...Na6 7.e3 Nb4 8.Bxc4 e6 9.0-0 Bd6
c) 6...e6 7.f3 c5
d) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 --
e) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 --
f) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 e5
g) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 Bg6
h) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 c5 10.e4 Bg6
i) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 c5 10.e4 Bxc3
a) Rare 6th moves and 6...Na6 without 9...Bd6
389
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5
This is the best move and encompasses a huge amount of theory.
6.Ne5
The most principled continuation.

We will now explore some of the rare moves for Black on move 6.
The other big theoretical lines are 6.e3 and 6.Nh4.
6...Na6?!
While this has been played many times I believe this line is very questionable for Black.
A) Other rare options are 6...Nd5? Which loses by force after 7.e4! Nxc3
390
8.Bxc4!N which leads to a winning position. [White would be better after 8.bxc3 Bxe4 9.Bxc4 Bd5
10.Bxd5 Qxd5 11.0-0 Nd7 12.c4± with a serious advantage in the game Lobron, E (2570) –
Beliavsky, A (2650) Munich 1994.] 8...e6 9.bxc3 Bxe4 10.Qe2
The position is hopeless for Black. For example: 10...Bd5 [10...Bxg2 11.Nxf7!+–; 10...Bg6
11.h4+–] 11.Bd3 c5 12.c4 Bxg2 [12...Bc6 13.d5+–] 13.Rg1 Bc6 [13...Nc6 14.Rxg2 Nxd4
391
15.Qe4+–] 14.d5 Bd7 15.Bb2+– White is completely winning.
B) 6...c5? is another poor move. 7.e4!
The point! Black’s position is very difficult. 7...Qxd4 [Or: 7...Bxe4 8.Bxc4 e6 9.Nxe4 Nxe4
10.Bb5+ Ke7 11.Qf3+–; 7...Nxe4 8.Qf3 cxd4 9.Bxc4 Nd6
392
10.Qxf5!+– A nice trick!] 8.Qxd4 cxd4 9.Nb5 [Also good is 9.exf5 dxc3 10.Bxc4 e6 11.fxe6 fxe6
12.Bxe6± Fedder, S (2400) – Bang, A (2285) Copenhagen 1991.] 9...Nc6 10.Nc7+ Kd8 11.Nxa8
Nxe5
12.exf5+– White should win easily.
393
7.e3
Unclear is 7.f3?! Nd7! 8.Nxd7 Bxd7 9.e4
9...e5„ with strong counterplay.
7...Nb4
7...e6 8.Bxc4 is the same.
8.Bxc4 e6
394
Of course, not 8...Nc2+?? because of the trivial trick 9.Qxc2! Bxc2 10.Bxf7#.
9.0-0
White follows up with Qe2 and e4.
9...Bc2?!
A rare move.
A) 9...Bd6 – see the next subchapter.
B) 9...h6 is logical, but very passive. 10.Qe2 Be7 11.e4 Bh7 12.Rd1 0-0
395
13.Bf4± White has a clear advantage. The bishop on h7 is out of play. Vidit, S (2651) – Pham, L
(2319) Berlin 2015.
C) 9...Be7 10.Qe2 does not change much.
10.Qe2 Nd7
After 10...Be7 comes the strong novelty 11.e4!
396
Position after: 11.e4!N
It is strange that this move has never been played before. Black’s bishop on c2 is in real danger.
A) 11...Qxd4 12.Nf3! Qc5 13.Ne1 Trying to take the bishop.
A1) White is winning after 13...0-0-0 14.Be3 Qe5 [or 14...Qh5 15.f3 Bd6 16.g4+–] 15.Nxc2 Nxc2
16.Qxc2 Ng4 17.g3 Qh5
397
18.h4 g5 19.Be2 Nxe3 [19...gxh4 20.Bxg4 Qxg4 21.Qe2+–] 20.fxe3 Qh6 21.h5 g4 22.Rf4+–.
Black has no attack for the piece.
A2) 13...Ng4 14.Bf4 g5 15.Bg3 h5 16.Rc1 h4 17.Bc7 Rc8 18.Nxc2 Rxc7 19.Nxb4 Qxb4
20.Na2+– White wins a piece.
A3) 13...Qh5 14.f3!
14...Nd7 15.Be3 Nb6 [Or: 15...Ne5 16.Rc1 Nxc4 17.Qxc4 Bxa4 18.Nxa4 b5 19.Qc3 bxa4
398
20.Nc2 Qb5 21.Qxg7 Rf8 22.Nxb4 Bxb4 23.Rfd1+– Black’s position is hopeless. 15...Bc5
16.Rf2+–] 16.Rf2! Bd6 [If 16...Bc5
17.g4! Qe5 18.f4+– White wins.] 17.h3+– White will win material very soon.
B) 11...0-0 12.Bg5! Nd7 [After: 12...h6 13.Bxf6 Bxf6 14.Nf3 a5
399
15.Rfc1 Bxa4 16.Rxa4 b5 17.Nxb5 cxb5 18.Bxb5± White is a clear pawn up.] 13.Nxd7 Qxd7
14.Bxe7 Qxe7 15.Rfc1 Rfd8
16.Rxc2 Nxc2 17.Qxc2 Rxd4 18.Ne2± White is better.
11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.e4!
400
The most direct.
In case of 12.a5 Be7 13.Na2 Nxa2 14.Rxa2 Bg6 15.Rd1 0-0 16.e4 Rad8= the position was about
equal in the game Carlsen, M (2775) – Kramnik, V (2788) Moscow 2008.
12...Qxd4
Black must take the pawn, otherwise Be3 secures it.
13.Be3 Qd7 14.Rac1
Black is under serious pressure. For example:
14...Bd3 15.Bxd3 Qxd3 16.Qf3 Qd8
17.Qg3! Qf6
The most stubborn.

After 17...Qa5? 18.Rfd1 h5 19.h4 Rg8 20.Bg5+– White was winning in the game Hammer, J (2610) –
Hector, J (2609) Malmo 2010.
18.Bxa7!
A nice little tactic.
18...e5 19.Bb6 Bd6 20.Rfd1 0-0 21.a5±
401
White is much better. Na4 is next.
b) 6...Na6 7.e3 Nb4 8.Bxc4 e6 9.0-0 Bd6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Na6?! 7.e3 Nb4 8.Bxc4 e6 9.0-0 Bd6
The most popular move here.
10.Qe2 h6
10...Nc2?! is dubious. 11.Rb1 Nd5 12.Bd2 0-0
402
A) 13.Nf3
A1) In my game against Mastrovasilis, White had the advantage after 13...Bg4 14.h3 Bh5 15.g4
Bg6 16.e4 Nb6 17.Bb3 Nb4 Cheparinov, I (2664) – Mastrovasilis, D (2584) Aix-les-Bains 2011.
Now after 18.h4! h6 19.h5 Bh7 20.g5± I could have been much better.
A2) 13...Bg6 14.Rbd1 [14.e4?! Bh5! is unclear.] 14...Re8² White is only slightly better.
B) 13.g4!N An important improvement. 13...Bg6 [13...Ncxe3? 14.Bxe3 Bxb1 15.Rxb1+–] 14.Nxg6
hxg6 15.f4± With a clear advantage for White.
11.e4 Bh7 12.Bf4
White continues developing.
12...0-0
403
13.Bg3!
An important idea. White wants to play Bh4 with an annoying pin.

Less clear is 13.Rad1 Qe7.
13...Qe7
Another possible move is 13...Qc7. 14.f4! Rae8 15.Bb3
404
Clears the square c4 for the knight. 15...Nd7 16.Nc4± White has a clear advantage.
14.Bh4!
The most unpleasant move for Black to deal with.

Other possible moves for White are 14.f4 and 14.Kh1.
14...g5
Black is obligated to play this move.

Much worse is 14...c5? because of 15.Ng4!
15...cxd4 16.Nb5+– With serious threats.
15.Bg3 c5
405
16.dxc5!N
A strong and logical novelty.

16.f4? is very bad after 16...cxd4 17.fxg5 hxg5–+ Black was winning in Ernst, S (2556) – Smeets, J
(2615) Wijk aan Zee 2013.
16...Bxc5 17.Kh1
The threat is f4.
17...Rad8
Other moves do not change much.

A) 17...Kg7 18.f4±
B) 17...Bd4
406
18.f4 Bxe5 19.fxe5 Nd7 20.Rad1±
18.f4 Bd4 19.fxg5 hxg5 20.a5±
Position after: 20.a5±
White is undoubtedly much better.
407
c) 6...e6 7.f3 c5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6
The second most popular line after 6...Nbd7. Here the lines are usually very complicated and White
needs to know a lot to fight for the advantage.
7.f3
The whole idea of the variation is to try to play e4.
7...c5
In the next chapters we will see the main move 7...Bb4. This line became very popular in 2006 after
the Topalov – Kramnik match in Elista.
Then in the Topalov – Anand match this was also one of the main lines for Vishy. In both matches I
was the main second of Veselin Topalov. I had many sleepless nights trying to find an advantage for
White.
White has a very easy advantage after 7...Nbd7?! 8.e4 Bg6
408
9.Nxc4±. The g6-bishop is Black’s biggest problem in all variations.
8.e4 Bg6
Dubious is 8...cxd4?! 9.exf5.
Position after: 9.exf5
A) 9...Bb4 10.Bxc4
409
A1) 10...dxc3?! 11.Qxd8+ Kxd8 12.Nxf7+! White is winning after 12...Ke7 [12...Ke8 does not
change much. 13.bxc3 Bxc3+ 14.Ke2 Bxa1 15.fxe6! Rg8 16.Ba3 Bd4 Alekseev, E (2689) – Wang,
Y (2696) Nizhnij Novgorod 2007. White wins easily here after 17.Rd1 Nc6 18.Nd6+ Kd8
Position after: 18...Kd8
19.Nb5+–.] 13.bxc3 Bxc3+ 14.Ke2 Kxf7 [14...Bxa1 15.fxe6+–] 15.fxe6+ Ke8 [Or 15...Kg6
16.Bd3+ Kh5 17.Rb1+– with an unstoppable attack.] 16.Rb1 Nc6 17.Rxb7 a6 18.Ba3 Be5
19.Rd1+– White won in Klausen, T (2472) – Alfredsson, O (2435) ICCF email 2007.
A2) 10...Nc6 11.Nxc6 bxc6 12.fxe6 fxe6 13.Bd2 dxc3 14.bxc3 Bc5 15.Bxe6 Ne4
410
The only way to create some threats. 16.Qe2 Nxd2 [Worse is 16...Qh4+ 17.Kd1 Nf2+ 18.Kc2
Nxh1 19.Qa6 Qh5 20.Qxc6+ Ke7 21.Re1+– – Black resigned here in the game Hoffman, A
(2495) – Iglesias, J (2300) Villa Martelli 1995.] 17.Qxd2 Qxd2+ 18.Kxd2±
Position after: 18.Kxd2±
Black is a clear pawn down.

B) 9...Nc6 10.Nxc6 bxc6 11.fxe6 [11.Bxc4 dxc3 12.fxe6 is the same.] 11...fxe6 12.Bxc4 dxc3
411
13.bxc3 [The alternative is 13.Qe2 Bb4 14.Qxe6+ Qe7 15.0-0 Qxe6 16.Bxe6 Ke7 17.Bc4 cxb2
18.Bxb2 Rhd8² White is better, but Black can defend this endgame.] 13...Nd5
[Or 13...Qxd1+ 14.Kxd1 Nd5 15.Kc2± when the king on c2 is perfectly placed.; 13...Qa5 14.Bd2
Nd5 15.Qe2 Kf7 16.0-0 Bc5+
Position after: 16...Bc5+
412
17.Kh1± White is clearly better in: Salov, V (2595) – Smyslov, V (2550) Moscow 1988.] 14.Qe2N
[Black is fine after 14.Qd4?! Qf6 15.Qxf6 gxf6 16.Bd2 Rb8= Huebner, R (2625) – Smyslov, V
(2595) Velden 1983.] 14...Qf6 15.0-0 Bc5+ 16.Kh1 0-0 17.Bd2
White is better, e.g. 17...Rab8 18.f4! An important move giving the rook access to the third rank.
18...Rb2 19.Rf3 Kh8 20.Qe1± White definitely maintains the pressure.
9.Be3!
413
I believe that it is best to go for the endgame.

Very unclear is 9.d5 exd5 10.exd5 Bd6 11.Nxc4 0-0.
9...cxd4 10.Qxd4 Qxd4 11.Bxd4 Nfd7
Black must exchange this monster knight on e5.
12.Nxd7 Nxd7 13.Bxc4
Position after: 13.Bxc4
The critical position for the whole 7...c5 line.
13...a6
The main move stopping Nb5 or Bb5 in the future.

Another option is 13...Rc8
414
Position after: 13...Rc8
A) 14.Bb5 is imprecise: 14...a6 15.Bxd7+ Kxd7 16.Ke2 f6 17.Rhd1 Ke8 18.a5.
[Slightly better is 18.Rac1!?.] 18...Bb4! With this move Black solves all of his problems. [Black was
worse after 18...Be7?! 19.Bb6 Rf8 20.Rac1 f5 21.e5 Bg5 22.Be3 f4 23.Ne4 Rxc1 24.Nd6+ Kd7
25.Bxc1± Topalov, V (2805) – Anand, V (2787) Sofia 2010.] 19.Na4 Ke7= The position is equal.
B) 14.Bb3! The bishop is better here than on a2 as White sometimes plays the idea of a5 followed
415
by Ba4.
B1) The alternatives are much worse. For example: 14...Nc5?! 15.Ba2 Nd3+ is not
dangerous.16.Ke2 Nxb2
17.Rhc1± with a huge advantage for White.

B2) 14...a5?! Is another dubious move. Giving up the b5-square is not a good idea. 15.Ke2 Rg8
16.Nb5 The knight is extremely unpleasant for Black. 16...Bc5
416
17.Bc3! b6 18.Be1! Very good manoeuvring. 18...Ne5 [Or 18...Ke7 19.Bg3! e5 20.Bh4+ Nf6
21.Rac1 Rgd8 22.Rc2± White is much better.] 19.Bh4 Bh5 20.Rhd1 g5 21.Bg3 Nc6 22.Nd6+
Bxd6
23.Bxd6+– White is winning as in Fier, A (2566) – Wang, Y (2709) Khanty-Mansiysk 2011.

B3) 14...a6
417
This is the best and transposes to the 13...a6 main line.
14.h4!
A very typical move trying to gain even more space. Black has a difficult choice between ...h5 or
...h6.
14...Rc8
It seems tempting to gain a tempo.

A) 14...h5 15.Rd1 Rg8 [15...Rc8 16.Bb3 transposes to the main line.] 16.Ne2! Brings the knight to
f4. 16...Rc8 17.Ba2 Now White is better because ...Nc5 will not be with tempo. 17...Bb4+ [Or
17...Bc5 18.Bc3 Ke7 19.Nf4±.] 18.Kf2 Ke7 19.Nf4! Rc2+ 20.Ke3 Black’s position is very
hazardous.
418
A1) If 20...Nc5 then 21.Bxe6! is strong [21.Bb1 Rc4] 21...Bxe4 22.Bd5+– White is nearly
winning.
A2) 20...Bd6 21.Bb3 Bxf4+ 22.Kxf4
Position after: 22.Kxf4
22...Rxg2 White is a pawn down, but the dark-square bishop is more important. 23.Ke3 f5 The
only way to create some counter chances. [White is better after 23...Rc8 24.Rdg1 Rxg1 25.Rxg1 e5
419
26.Bc3±. White’s initiative is very unpleasant for Black.] 24.Rhg1 Rxg1 25.Rxg1 f4+ 26.Kxf4 e5+
Position after: 26...e5+
27.Kg3! The only way! 27...Bf7 [27...Rf8? 28.Bc3+–] 28.Bxf7 Kxf7 29.Bc3 Rc8 30.Rd1 Ke6
31.a5² White still has good pressure.
B) 14...h6 15.Rd1 Rg8
Position after: 15...Rg8
420
B1) 16.Kf2 Rc8 17.Ba2 Bb4 18.h5 Bh7 19.Rd2 Ke7
Position after: 19...Ke7
20.Rhd1 This position arose in the game Matlakov, M (2728) – Aronian, L (2799) Tbilisi 2017.
Here after 20...Rc7² Black is only slightly worse.
B2) 16.Ke2!N The king on e2 seems to be better in this particular move order. 16...Rc8 17.Bb3!
Bb4 [If 17...Bc5 then 18.a5!
421
18...Ke7 19.h5 Bh7 20.Na4! Bxd4 21.Rxd4± White is much better.] 18.Na2!
18...Bd6 [18...Bc5 19.Bc3! this is the difference between the king being on f2 or e2. 19...Ke7
20.h5 Bh7 21.Rd2 f6 22.Nb4 Activating the knight. 22...Rgd8 23.Nd3 Bd6 24.Rhd1 Bg8 25.g4±
White is much better.] 19.a5 [But not 19.Bxg7? because of 19...Rxg7 20.Rxd6 Bxe4!.] 19...Ke7
20.h5 Bh7 21.Bc3±
Position after: 21.Bc3±
422
White’s advantage is very unpleasant.
15.Bb3!
Giving White the option to play a5 and Ba4.

However, there are many games with 15.Ba2.
15...h5
A) The alternatives are worse. 15...h6 Is very passive. 16.Rd1 Nc5 [Or 16...Rg8 17.a5!] 17.Bc2 f6
18.a5± White is much better.

B) 15...Nc5 16.Ba2±
16.Rd1
423
16...Rg8N
Formally a novelty, but a very logical move in the spirit of the position.
Another logical way to continue is 16...Nb8, the idea is to activate the knight. 17.Ne2!N If h4 and
...h5 have been played this plan is always very unpleasant for Black. [Less convincing is 17.Rd2 Rg8
18.Kf2 Rd8 19.Rhd1 Rxd4 20.Rxd4 Bc5 21.Kg3 Bxd4 22.Rxd4 Nc6 23.Rd2 Ke7= with equal
chances as in Ding, L (2695) – Rapport, R (2605) Athens 2012.] 17...Nc6 18.Bb6 When the knight is
on c6, the b6-square is very weak. 18...Bb4+ 19.Kf2
424
Position after: 19.Kf2
19...0-0 [Or 19...Ba5 20.Be3 e5 21.Nc3 0-0 22.Nd5±] 20.Nf4± White has the advantage.
17.a5!
This is the point of Bb3! Ba4 is a very unpleasant threat.
17...Bd6
The other moves are worse.

A) 17...Bb4? loses immediately. 18.Ba4+–
B) 17...Bc5? 18.Ba4! Bxd4 19.Rxd4 Rc7 20.Kd2!
425
Position after: 20.Kd2!
Protects the rook on c1 in some lines. For example: 20...Ke7 21.Rc1 Rgc8 22.Bxd7 Rxd7
23.Nd5++– White wins.
C) 17...Nc5?! 18.Bc2± The threat is b4.
18.f4!
426
An unusual but very strong idea.
Black somehow holds after 18.Ba4 Ke7 19.Bxd7 Kxd7 20.Be5 Rc6 21.Kf2 Ke7!.
Position after: 21...Ke7!
The best defense. 22.Bxd6+ Rxd6 23.Rxd6 Kxd6 24.Rd1+ Ke7 25.Rd4 White is definitely better, but
with accurate play Black can defend. 25...Rc8 26.Rb4 Rc7 27.Rb6 f6 28.Ke3 Be8 29.Ne2
427
29...g5! [29...e5 30.Nc3.] 30.hxg5 fxg5 31.f4 gxf4+ 32.Nxf4 Bc6! 33.Nxh5 Rc8 34.Nf4 Rg8²/=
Black is close to making a draw.
18...Ke7
A) 18...Bxf4? 19.Ba4!
19...Rd8 20.Bc5! wins immediately. [Less clear is 20.Bb6 Ke7 21.Bxd8+ Rxd8 22.Bxd7 Rxd7
23.Rxd7+ Kxd7 24.Ke2 Bc7 25.Ra1±.] 20...Bc7 21.b4 Be5 22.Rh3+– White wins.
B) Also dangerous is 18...Nc5?! because of 19.Bxc5!
428
Position after: 19.Bxc5!
19...Bxc5 20.Ba4+ Kf8 21.Rd7 and White has a serious initiative. For example: 21...Bb4
[Or 21...b5 22.axb6 Bxb6 23.Bb3+– threatening f5.] 22.f5! Bxc3+ [A similar idea is 22...exf5 23.0-
0.] 23.bxc3 exf5 24.Bb3! fxe4 [If 24...Rxc3 White is winning after 25.Rh3!+– as the idea Rd8+ is
unstoppable.] 25.Bxf7! Bxf7 26.Rf1 White is probably winning here. 26...Ke8 27.Rfxf7 g5
429
The only active move. 28.hxg5 Rxg5 29.Rde7+ Kd8 30.Rxb7 Ke8 31.Rbe7+ Kd8 32.Rh7 Rxg2
33.Ra7 Rg8 34.Rxa6 Rxc3 35.Kd2
Position after: 35.Kd2
This endgame is like a study. 35...Rd3+ 36.Ke2 Rc3 37.Ra8+ Rc8 38.Raa7 Rb8 39.Rad7+ Kc8
40.Rc7+ Kd8 41.a6+– White will win.
430
19.f5! Bh7
If 19...exf5? then 20.Nd5+ Kf8 21.Bc3! (an important move). 21...fxe4 22.Nf4! Bxf4 23.Rxd7+–
White is winning.
20.Ba4!
20...Rgd8
The only good way to continue the game. The alternatives are worse.
A) 20...Ne5?! 21.Bxe5! Bxe5 22.Rd7+ Kf6 23.0-0± with a very strong attack.
B) 20...Rc4 21.fxe6 fxe6 22.Bxd7 Kxd7 23.Be5 Rc6 24.Rh3! It looks quite unpleasant for Black.
24...Ke7 25.Bxd6+ Rxd6 26.Rxd6 Kxd6 27.Rg3± White is much better.
21.Bxg7 Bg3+ 22.Ke2 Nf6
At least Black has some counterplay.
23.Bh6 Be5
If 23...Ng4 then 24.Bc1.
24.Bg5±
431
Position after: 24.Bg5±
White is definitely better.
d) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 Bb4
432
This is the main move for Black. In the next few chapters, we will examine this line in depts.
8.Nxc4
The latest fashion.

The old main line is 8.e4 Bxe4 9.fxe4 Nxe4 10.Bd2 Qxd4
11.Nxe4 Qxe4+ 12.Qe2 Bxd2+ 13.Kxd2 with massive complications.
8...c5?!
A dubious move which has been played many times, but it is not critical for the theory of the
variation.
A) Other rare moves include the following. 8...Nd5 9.Bd2!
433
A1) A bad idea is 9...Qh4+? because of 10.g3 Qxd4 11.e4 and Black is in trouble. For example:
11...Nxc3 [or 11...Bg6 12.exd5 cxd5 13.Nb5+–] 12.bxc3 Bxc3.
13.Ra2! Black do not have enough attacking resources. 13...Bxe4 14.Qc1 [Also winning is
14.Qb3!?.] 14...Bd3 [Or 14...Bxf3 15.Bxc3 Qc5 16.Qf4 Bxh1 17.Nd6++–.] 15.Qxc3 Qxc3
16.Bxc3 Bxf1 17.Rxf1 0-0
434
18.Ke2+– White easily won in the game Giri, A (2588) – Harikrishna, P (2672) Wijk aan Zee
2010.
A2) 9...Bg6 10.e4 Nb6 11.Qb3 [Also possible is 11.Be3 N8d7 12.Be2 0-0 13.0-0 Nxc4 14.Bxc4
a5 15.Qb3².] 11...a5
12.h4!? The most aggressive. 12...Nxc4 13.Bxc4 h6 14.Be3 [14.Bxe6?! 0-0] 14...0-0 15.g4! White
435
has good attacking chances. 15...Nd7 16.h5 Bh7 17.g5!? hxg5 18.h6‚.
B) 8...Nbd7?! is passive. 9.e4 Bg6 10.Be2 0-0
11.0-0± White has an easy advantage.
9.dxc5
The endgames are clearly in White’s favor.
9...Qxd1+
Even worse is 9...Bxc5?! 10.Qxd8+ Kxd8 11.e4 Bg6
436
12.Bg5± White was much better in Gupta, A (2652) – Vallejo Pons, F (2705) Moscow 2012.
10.Kxd1 0-0
10...Bxc5? is just bad.
Position after: 10...Bxc5?
11.e4 Bg6 12.Nb5!+–
437
11.e4 Bg6 12.Nd6
White is better, and his moves are easier to make.
12...Nfd7!?N
The best try. The other moves are no better.

A) 12...Nbd7 13.Nxb7 Nxc5 14.Nxc5 Bxc5 15.Ba6±
B) 12...b6 13.cxb6 Nc6 14.Ndb5 axb6 15.Be3±
C) 12...Rd8 13.Ke1 b6 14.cxb6 axb6 15.Ndb5 Na6
438
16.Be3± L’Ami, A (2342) – Burcu, C (2219) Skopje 2016.
13.Nxb7 Nxc5
White has two options here.
439
14.Na2!?
I really like this idea.

The most normal move is 14.Nxc5 Bxc5 15.h4. It is always good to turn on h4. 15...h5 16.Bd2 Black
has a temporary initiative, but with accurate moves White is better.
16...Rd8 [16...Nc6 17.Rc1 Na5 18.Kc2±] 17.Rc1 [Inaccurate is 17.Ke1?! Nc6 18.Rc1 Na5©.]
17...Be3 18.Nb1 Bd4 [If 18...f5 then 19.Bc4 fxe4 20.Ke2±] 19.b3± White keeps the advantage.
14...Nb3 15.Nxb4 Nxa1 16.Bc4
440
White has sacrificed an exchange and retains a significant initiative.
16...a5
Also possible is 16...Rc8 17.Nd6 Rd8 18.Bf4 a5
19.Ke2! axb4 20.Rxa1. The passed a-pawn can be very dangerous in the future. 20...Nc6 21.Nb7!
441
21...Rdc8 22.b3 Nd4+ 23.Kf2 Nc2 24.Rc1 Na3 25.Bd3 Rxc1 26.Bxc1±
Position after: 26.Bxc1±
With serious winning chances.
17.Nd3 Rc8
17...Nc6 18.Bf4±
442
18.b3!
18.Nd6 is not as good: 18...Rd8 19.Bf4 Nc6 20.Ke2 Nc2.
18...Nc6
18...Rc7 19.Nd6±
19.Bb2 Rab8
19...Nxb3?! is insufficient. 20.Bxb3 Rab8 21.Nbc5 Nb4
443
22.Bc2! Rb6 23.Nxb4 axb4 24.Nd3 b3 25.Bb1±
20.Bxa1
20.Nbc5? Allows Black to equalize. 20...Nb4! 21.Bxa1 Nxd3 22.Nxd3
22...Rxc4! 23.bxc4 Rb1+ 24.Nc1 Rxa1=
444
20...Rxb7 21.Ke2±
Position after: 21.Ke2±
White’s advantage has changed yet his position is easy and objectively better.
21...Rbb8
Or 21...Rd7 22.Ke3 Rcd8 23.Bc3 and White is clearly better.
22.h4!
22.g4!? is also an idea.
22...h5
22...h6 23.g4 Rd8 24.h5 Bh7 25.Ke3+–
23.g4!
A crucial idea!
23...Nb4
23...hxg4? 24.h5 Bh7 25.Rg1+–
24.gxh5 Nxd3
445
Position after: 24...Nxd3
25.hxg6! Nc5 26.Be5!
26...Nxb3
Worse is 26...Rb6 27.gxf7+ Kxf7 28.Bb5 Nxb3 29.Rb1+–.
446
27.Bxb8 Rxc4 28.Rd1 fxg6 29.Be5 Rxa4
Position after: 29...Rxa4
30.Rd8+ Kf7 31.Rd7+ Kf8 32.Rxg7 Nd4+ 33.Ke3 Nc6 34.Bf6+–
White is winning.
447
e) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nxc4 0-0
The main move.
9.Kf2!
Position after: 9.Kf2!
This is the new trend. The idea is to play e4 next. Black has many possibilities here. In this chapter
we will look at some of the rare moves.
9...Nbd7
A passive, but possible way to play.

A) 9...b5?! is dubious as after 10.axb5 cxb5 11.Nxb5 Black does not have enough compensation.
11...Nc6 12.e3 The simplest solution. [12.e4?! Bxe4! 13.fxe4 Nxe4+ 14.Kg1 a6 15.Nba3 Nxd4∞]
448
A1) In case of 12...e5 White is better after 13.Be2 e4 [13...a6? 14.Nxe5! Nxe5 15.dxe5+–] 14.f4±.
A2) 12...Qb8
A2.1) 13.Nc3 is probably good. 13...e5 [Or 13...a5 14.Be2±.] 14.d5 Rd8 This position arose in
the game Fressinet, L (2658) – Solak, D (2583) Eforie Nord 2009. Now White should play 15.e4!
then after
449
15...Bc5+ 16.Be3 Bxe3+ 17.Nxe3 Qxb2+ 18.Be2 Qxc3 19.Rc1± with a clear advantage.
A2.2) 13.Ra6!?N A solid improvement. 13...Qxb5 [Or 13...Qc8 14.Qa4! Bc2 15.Qxc2 Qxa6
16.Nc7±; 13...Rc8 14.Qa4±.] 14.Ne5 Qb7 15.Nxc6 Rfc8
16.Qa4± White is much better.

B) 9...Nd5?! Another rare move. 10.Na2! The threat is e4. 10...b5™
450
B1) The only game played from this position when 11.Nxb4 Nxb4! [Worse is 11...bxc4?! in view
of 12.Na2! c5 13.e4 cxd4 14.Bxc4 Nb6 15.Be2± White is better in Anton Guijarro, D (2674) –
Hovhannisyan, R (2639) Douglas 2019.] 12.Na3 Stops ...Nc2. 12...e5∞ The position is very
unclear.
B2) 11.Ne5!N An important improvement. 11...f6
[In case of 11...Bd6 after the simple 12.e4 Nc7 13.Be3± White is clearly better.] 12.Ng4! A very
unusual and strong idea. [More normal is 12.Nd3 Bxd3 13.Qxd3 f5 14.axb5 Ba5² Black has some
compensation, although I believe that White should still be better.] 12...Bxg4 13.e4! This is the
point! It seems that White is much better here. For example: 13...Be7 [or 13...Nc7 14.Nxb4 Bh5
15.Be3±.] 14.exd5 Bf5 15.g4 Bg6 16.dxe6 f5.
451
The only idea to create some counterplay. 17.g5! It is very important to keep the f-file closed.
17...f4 [17...Bxg5 18.axb5±] 18.axb5 cxb5 19.Bxb5 Bxg5
Position after: 19...Bxg5
20.Rg1! White still has to be accurate! 20...Bh4+ 21.Kf1! [But not 21.Kg2? because of
21...Qg5+.] 21...Bf5 [Another option is 21...Qb6 22.Nc3 Qxe6 23.Rg4 Bf6 24.d5± with an
advantage.] 22.Kg2! The bishop does not hang on b5, so now White must move his king to h1.
452
22...Bxe6 23.Nc3 Kh8 24.Qe2 Bg8
25.Kh1± White is definitely better.

C) 9...h6 is like 9...Nbd7, but Black wants to retreat the bishop to h7 despite it being very passive.
10.e4 Bh7 11.Be3 a5
453
C1) In the game Yuffa, D (2594) – Bartel, M (2648) lichess.org 2020, White played 12.Na2 Na6
[also not so bad is 12...Be7.] 13.Nxb4 Nxb4 14.Be2 Nd7 15.Qd2 f5
16.e5 and after 16...b5! Black has a lot of counterplay. For example: 17.Nd6 Nd5 18.f4 N7f6! An
important idea! 19.exf6 Nxf6 20.Bf3 Qxd6
21.Rhc1 [Or 21.axb5 cxb5 22.Bxa8 Rxa8„ with good compensation for the exchange.] 21...Ne4+
454
22.Bxe4 fxe4 23.Rc5= with equal chances.
C2) 12.g3!?N
Position after: 12.g3!?N
A very good move. The idea is that the king will reach g2. 12...Nbd7 [Also normal is 12...Na6
13.Kg2 Qe7 14.Bd3² White has a small but safe advantage.] 13.Be2 Nb6 It seems very logical to
try to exchange the knight on c4. 14.Nxb6 Qxb6
455
15.Na2! The maneuvering begins. The knight wants to reach the squares b3 or d3. 15...Be7
16.Nc1! Nd7 [Worse is 16...Qxb2?! because of 17.Nd3 Qb6 18.Rb1 Qc7 19.Qb3± with a nice
advantage for White. Or 16...c5 17.Qb3! Qa7 18.dxc5 Bxc5 19.Bxc5 Qxc5+ 20.Qe3 Qe7
21.Nb3± when White is better.] 17.Qb3!
17...Qc7 [The endgame is very nice to play as White. 17...Qxb3 18.Nxb3 Bb4 19.Rhd1²] 18.Nd3²
White’s advantage is slight but pleasant.
10.e4 Bg6 11.Be3 c5!?
The only active idea for Black.

A) All of the other moves leave Black passive. For example: 11...Qe7?! of course is bad in view of
12.Na2!±.
B) 11...a5
456
A normal move. 12.h4!N An improvement. [It is better than 12.Rc1 Ne8 13.h4 h6 14.g3 Nc7
15.Be2
Laznicka, V (2659) – Vernay, C (2440) France 2010. Here Black is fine after 15...f5∞ with
complications.] 12...h6 [12...h5 13.g3²] 13.g4 h5 14.g5 Ne8 15.Kg2² White has a very nice center.
C) 11...Qc7 With the idea of ...e5. 12.g3!N
457
Position after: 12.g3!N
Another novelty! 12...e5 13.Qb3 a5 14.dxe5 Nxe5 15.Bf4 Nfd7 16.Rd1 Rae8 17.h4 h6 18.Kg2±
White is better.
12.dxc5!
Obviously the best and in the spirit of the position.
458
A) 12.d5 leads to an unclear position: 12...Bxc3 13.bxc3 exd5 14.exd5 b6 15.Be2 a6 16.d6 b5∞.
B) 12.Be2 cxd4 13.Qxd4 Qe7
is also unclear but 14.e5 [14.Rhd1 Rfd8∞] 14...Bxc3 15.exf6 [15.bxc3 Nd5∞] 15...Bxd4 16.fxe7
Bxe3+ 17.Nxe3 Rfe8 18.Rhc1 Rxe7 19.Rc7 Kf8 20.Rxb7 Nb6= leads to approximate equality.
12...Qc7N
The most stubborn defense.

A) The endgame after 12...Bxc5 13.Bxc5 Nxc5 14.Qxd8 Rfxd8 15.Be2± is obviously in White’s
favor.
B) Another move is 12...Qc8 13.Qb3! Now this is the right move. 13...Bxc5 [If 13...a5 then
14.Nb6!
459
14...Nxb6 15.cxb6 Bc5 16.Qb5 Bxe3+ 17.Kxe3 Rd8 18.Be2± White is much better.] 14.Be2 Ne5
Playing for tricks. 15.Rhd1 [Of course not 15.Nxe5? Bxe3+ 16.Kxe3 Qc5+ 17.Kf4? Nh5+–+]
15...a6 16.a5 Bxe3+ 17.Nxe3± The bishop on g6 is out of the game. White is much better
positionally.
460
13.Nb5!
The direct approach.

Not so clear is 13.Qd6 Qc8 14.Be2 Nxc5.
13...Qc6
14.Rc1!
Black needs to make some important decisions.

If 14.Nd4 then 14...Qc7.
14...Bxc5
Probably the best try for Black.
15.b4! Bxb4 16.Nb6!
16.Ne5 Nxe5 17.Rxc6 bxc6©.
16...axb6 17.Rxc6 bxc6
461
18.Nc7!
Black has a good drawing chances, but the position is very unpleasant to play.
18...Ra7
18...Ra5 19.Na6! Be7 20.Bd2± The rook is in big danger.
19.Na6!
Very strange maneuvering!
19...Ba5 20.Qc1 Rc8 21.Be2
White is still better. For example:
21...c5
With the idea of ...Rca8.
22.Bb5 Rca8
462
Position after: 22...Rca8
23.g4!
A strong counter-attacking move.
23...Rxa6 24.g5 R6a7 25.gxf6 Nxf6 26.Bg5±
Black is still under pressure.
f) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 e5
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nxc4 0-0 9.Kf2! e5!?
463
Position after: 9...e5!?
Introduced by Caruana against Ding Liren during the 2020 Candidate’s Tournament in Ekaterinburg.
It is definitely very interesting and requires very precise play on both sides.
10.dxe5!N
I think this is the critical line. It creates a lot of problems and Black has to be very careful.
A) In the mentioned game Ding played 10.Nxe5. 10...Bc2! The point! 11.Qd2 c5
464
The position is extremely complicated and difficult to assess.

A1) 12.d5 Bb3 13.e4 Re8 14.Qf4 c4! Frees c5 for Black’s pieces. 15.Nxc4 Nbd7 16.Be3 Nf8!
Suddenly the queen is in danger. An absolutely insane position! 17.Bd4
Ding Liren (2805) – Caruana, F (2842) Yekaterinburg 2020. Here Caruana had to play 17...Rc8!
18.Ne3 Ng6 19.Qf5 [or 19.Qg3 Bxc3 20.bxc3 Rxe4! 21.Kg1 Rh4„] 19...Bc5! 20.Bxc5 Rxc5
21.Ra3
465
Position after: 21.Ra3
21...Bc2!∞ with enormous complications. Now 22.Nxc2? is bad in view of 22...Re5 23.Qh3 Qb6µ.
A2 Also unclear is 12.e3!? Bg6 13.d5 [Or 13.dxc5 Qa5∞.] 13...Nbd7 14.Nc4 [In case of 14.Nxd7
Nxd7 15.h4 h5 16.Bc4 Ne5© Black definitely has compensation.] 14...Nb6 15.Nxb6 axb6 16.Bb5
[Of course after 16.Bc4 Black will play 16...Ne8! and the knight on d6 will be very well placed.]
16...Qd6©
Position after: 16...Qd6©
466
The position is very complicated.
B) 10.e4 is also very unclear after 10...exd4 11.Na2 b5!.
Position after: 11...b5!
12.Nxb4 [12.axb5 Bc5 13.b4 cxb5 14.bxc5 bxc4 15.Bxc4 Be6„] 12...bxc4 13.exf5 [13.Bxc4 Be6∞]
13...d3 14.Be3 Re8
467
Black definitely has counterplay. 15.Bxd3 [In case of 15.Nxd3 strong is 15...Rxe3! 16.Kxe3 Na6!.
The only way to make a draw here is 17.Ne5!
17...Qb6+ 18.Kf4 Rd8 19.Qe1 Qd4+ 20.Kg3 Nh5+ 21.Kh3 Nf4+= with a draw.] 15...cxd3
[15...Rxe3? now it is different because of 16.Be4! Nxe4+ 17.Kxe3 Nd6 18.a5±.] 16.Qxd3 Qa5
17.Nc2 Nbd7© Black has his chances.
10...Nfd7
The other moves are clearly worse.

A) 10...Nd5? 11.e4 Nxc3 12.Qxd8 Rxd8 13.bxc3 Bxc3 14.Ra3 Bd4+ 15.Be3 With a big advantage
for White.
468
B) 10...Qxd1? 11.Nxd1 Nfd7 12.e4 Be6 13.Nde3± With a clear advantage.
11.Bf4!
White wants to keep the option to play e3.

11.e4 Be6©
Black has many possible options here.
469
11...Qh4+!?
Provoking g3 makes a lot of sense. We will see why later.

A) 11...a5 It makes a lot of sense to first play ...a5 and then bring the knight to a6. 12.e3 Na6
13.Ne2! transfers the knight to d4. 13...Qe7 14.Nd4 Be6 15.Nd6 Nac5 [Bad is 15...Nxe5? 16.Bxe5
Bxd6 in view of 17.Nxc6!+–] 16.Qc2± White is better.
B) 11...Be6 12.e3 Na6 looks logical. Black has some compensation. 13.Qc2 Qe7
470
14.h4! A useful move. 14...Nac5 [In case of 14...h6 strong is 15.g4! Bxc4 16.Bxc4 Nxe5 17.Bxa6
bxa6
18.h5 White is better. For example: 18...Rad8 19.Rhd1 Qe6 20.Kg3±.] 15.Rd1 [Less clear is 15.Bg5
f6 16.exf6 Nxf6©.] 15...Bxc3 16.Qxc3 [Unclear is 16.bxc3 Nb6∞.] 16...Nxa4 17.Qc2 Qb4
471
18.Rd2! The game here is very complex. The e5-pawn and bishop pair give White an advantage.
18...Ndc5 19.h5! h6 Black must stop the h6 idea. [If 19...Nb3?! then 20.h6! g6 21.Rd1±.] 20.Nd6
Bb3 [20...Nb3 21.Re2±] 21.Qc1 Bd5
22.Rc2! White must be precise, or his advantage may disappear. 22...Bb3 23.Qd2! a5 [23...Qb6
24.Rc1±] 24.Qxb4 axb4 25.Rd2 Nc3 Black still has some tricks. 26.g4!
472
This is a defensive move! The idea is to bring the rook from h1 into the game. 26...Ra2 27.Kg3
N3a4 28.Rhh2±
C) 11...Qe7 12.e3!
This is the difference! Now White has this move. With ...Qh4+ g3 included Black had the move
....g5!, now White is better. For example: 12...Be6 [Or 12...a5 13.Nd6 Be6 14.Nce4 f6 15.exf6
473
Nxf6 16.Nxf6+ Qxf6 17.Qc2± with an advantage.] 13.Na2! a5 [13...Bc5 14.b4!] 14.Nxb4 Qxb4
15.Qc2± White is much better.
D) In case of 11...Na6 12.e3 Be6 transpose to 11...Be6.
12.g3 Qe7 13.e4
Now White can play this move as g2 is free for the king.
A) Of course, after 13.e3 Black will play 13...g5!
14.e4 Be6 15.Be3 Bxc4 16.Bxc4 Nxe5∞ with an unclear game.

B) 13.Kg2 is probably similar to the main line.
13...Be6 14.Kg2 Rd8
A) The alternatives are 14...Bxc4 15.Bxc4 Nxe5
474
White is better after 16.Bxe5! Qxe5 17.f4 Qc5 [or 17...Qe7 18.e5 Nd7 19.Ne4 Rad8 20.Qf3±]
18.Qe2 Nd7 19.Rhc1!.
Position after: 19.Rhc1!
The bishop on c4 is much better than his opponent’s. 19...Nb6 20.Bb3 Rad8 21.e5 Bxc3 22.Rxc3
Qb4 23.h4± White is clearly better.
B) In case of 14...Na6 White has an interesting idea in 15.Nd5!? cxd5 16.exd5 Rad8 17.dxe6 Qxe6
475
18.Qe2± with an advantage.
15.Qc2 Na6
Still not so good is 15...Bxc4 16.Bxc4 Nxe5 17.Bxe5! Qxe5 18.Rhd1 Na6 19.f4 These types of
positions are a joy to play. 19...Qc5 20.Ne2! Qe3 [Or 20...Rxd1 21.Rxd1 b5 22.axb5 cxb5 23.Bb3
476
Qxc2 24.Bxc2± when White is better.] 21.Bxa6 bxa6
22.Ng1! a very nice positional move. 22...Rab8 23.Nf3± White is definitely much better.
16.Rd1 Nb6
Worse is 16...Nac5?! because of 17.Na2! a5 18.Nxb4 axb4 19.a5 b3 [19...Bxc4 20.Bxc4 Nxe5
21.Be2±] 20.Qc1 h6 21.Be2 Bxc4 22.Qxc4 Rxa5
477
Position after: 22...Rxa5
23.Rd6 Ra2 24.Rb1± White is much better.
17.Nd6 Nc5
18.Qf2!
White has different moves here but this one seems pretty annoying to Black.
18...Nbxa4 19.Nxa4 Nxa4 20.Qc2!
478
20...Nb6
Or 20...b5 21.Be2 a5 22.Be3 f6 23.f4 fxe5 24.fxe5 Kh8 25.Rhf1± White is much better.
Position after: 25.Rhf1±
21.Be2 f6 22.h4±
479
Position after: 22.h4±
Intending to play Bg5 after ...fxe5.

The position seems very pleasant for White.
g) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 Bg6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nxc4 0-0 9.Kf2 Bg6
480
The second most popular move in this position.

Black can also start with 9...Qc7 10.e4 Bg6 which transposes to the main line.
10.e4 Qc7
The idea behind this move is clear. Black wants to play ...Rd8 and look for an opportunity to play
...c5.
10...c5 We will examine this move in the next chapter.
11.h4!N
Position after: 11.h4!N
I believe that this is an important improvement.

Current theory is: 11.Qb3 c5 [Worse is 11...a5?! 12.Na2 c5? 13.Nxb4 axb4 14.dxc5 Na6 15.Be3
Nxc5
481
16.Qxb4± White was winning in Cheparinov, I (2673) – Arngrimsson, D (2381) Albania 2012.]
12.Na2 Nc6 Black creates counterplay. 13.Nxb4 cxb4
14.Be3 It looks better for White but with accurate play Black is fine. 14...Rfd8 15.Rd1 Rd7 16.Be2!
For a while this was thought to give White an advantage. [Black has counterplay after 16.Ne5?! Nxe5
17.dxe5 Rxd1 18.Qxd1 Rd8! 19.Qb3 Qxe5 20.Qxb4 Bxe4! 21.fxe4 Rd1„] 16...Rad8 17.g3! Nxd4
482
18.Bxd4 Rxd4 19.Qxb4 Rxd1 20.Rxd1 Rxd1 21.Bxd1
21...Ne8! Precise play! 22.Bb3 [Or 22.a5 f6 23.Ba4 Bf7.] 22...f6! Very strong defense by Black!
[Worse is 22...b6?! in view of 23.a5.] 23.Na5 Bf7! 24.Nxb7 Qc1
Black definitely has counterplay. 25.Nc5 [25.Qd4 Qh1=; 25.Bc4 is interesting, but Black is fine after
25...Qh1 26.Bf1 Qxh2+ 27.Bg2 h5! 28.e5 g5!
483
29.exf6 h4 30.Qg4 hxg3+ 31.Qxg3 Qh5= with an equal game.] 25...Qxb2+ 26.Ke3 Qc1+ 27.Ke2
h5! [27...Qb2+ 28.Qd2] 28.Nd3 Qc7= Black should hold.
11...h6
Worse is 11...h5?! 12.g3! Rd8
Position after: 12...Rd8
484
13.Qb3! Black has a lot of problems here. [Less clear is 13.Bf4 Qe7; or 13.Bg5 Bc5 14.Be3 Na6.]
A) 13...c5 14.Bf4 Qe7
15.d5! A crucial move! White is definitely doing well now. 15...exd5 16.exd5 Nxd5 17.Nxd5 Rxd5
18.Nb6!
485
The compensation for the material is not enough as seen in the following.
A1) 18...axb6 19.Qxd5 Nc6 20.Bg5 Qf8 [20...Qc7 21.Bb5±] 21.Bc4±
A2) 18...Rd4 19.Nxa8 Nc6 It looks scary, but White can defend easily after 20.Qe3 Qf6
21.Qe2! Qd8 22.Nc7 Rxf4 23.gxf4 Qxc7 24.Qe3±

B) 13...a5 14.Bf4 Qe7 15.Rd1± White has a very easy game.
C) 13...Qe7 14.Na2! Removing the bishop on b4 looks like a very good idea. 14...c5 15.Nxb4 cxb4
486
16.Ne5! Nc6 [16...Rxd4 17.Be3 Rd8 18.Rc1±; 16...Nxe4+ 17.fxe4 Bxe4 18.Rh2 Rxd4 19.Bf4 Nc6
20.Qe3 Rad8 21.Kg1±] 17.Nxc6 bxc6 18.Be2! [Worse is: 18.Be3 because of 18...e5] 18...Rxd4
19.Be3 Rdd8 20.Rac1±
Position after: 20.Rac1±
12.h5!
12.g4 Nbd7 13.g5 Nh5∞
12...Bh7
487
12...Nxh5? 13.e5+–
13.g3!
A vital move! It is similar to 11...h5.

13.g4?! Nbd7 14.g5 hxg5 15.Bxg5 e5∞.
13...Rd8 14.Qb3! Qe7
Once again after 14...c5 15.Bf4 Qe7
488
[Black is lost after 15...Qc6? 16.d5! exd5 17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.Rd1+–.] 16.d5! exd5 17.exd5 Nxd5
18.Nxd5 Rxd5 19.Nb6!± Black lacks sufficient compensation.
15.Na2! c5
The alternatives are no better.

A) 15...Na6 16.Be3±
B) 15...a5 16.Nxb4 axb4 17.Be3 b5 18.Ne5 bxa4 19.Rxa4 Rxa4 20.Qxa4 c5 21.Bb5 cxd4 22.Bf4±
with full domination.
16.Nxb4 cxb4
489
17.Be3
Now 17.Ne5 is not clear because of 17...Rxd4 18.Be3 Rd8 and the g6 bishop is not hanging.
17...Nc6 18.Rd1 Rac8 19.Be2 b6
490
20.Rh4!±
White has full control of the position.
h) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 c5 10.e4 Bg6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nxc4 0-0 9.Kf2 c5
The main move which leads to major complications. I really prefer White’s chances.
10.e4
Black has two options and they both involve sacrificing a piece for counterplay.
10...Bg6
Bad is 10...cxd4? because of 11.Na2! Bc5 12.b4 Bxe4
491
Position after: 12...Bxe4
13.bxc5+– Black has no compensation for the piece.
11.Na2! Nc6
The alternative is no better: 11...Ba5 12.Be3 cxd4 13.Qxd4 Qxd4 14.Bxd4 Bc7 15.Nb4±.
12.Nxb4 Nxb4
492
White has a clear advantage after 12...cxb4 13.Be3 [Also good is 13.Bf4±.] 13...Qe7 14.Qe1 Rfd8
15.Rd1±.
13.Bd2!
A rare move that seems very strong.

The main theoretical move is 13.Qb3!? And it also looks strong.
A) In many games Black has tried 13...Nxe4+ 14.fxe4 Bxe4 15.Bd2! I believe this is the best! I
think Black has some compensation but probably not enough for equality.
A1) 15...Qxd4+ 16.Qe3 Qf6+ 17.Kg3 Rad8 Looks tempting. [17...Qg6+ 18.Qg5±] 18.Qxe4 Rd4
19.Qe5
493
White should be very careful. 19...Qh4+ 20.Kf3 Nd3 21.Bxd3 Rxd3+ 22.Be3 Qxc4 23.Rhd1 Rxd1
24.Rxd1 Qxa4 25.Rd6 b6 26.h3± White has full domination.
A2) 15...Nc2 16.Rc1 Nxd4 [16...Qxd4+ 17.Be3±] 17.Qg3± Obviously I prefer White here.
B) 13...b6!?N I think this is the critical move! 14.dxc5 bxc5 15.Bf4!? The bishop move prevents
...Rb8.
Position after: 15.Bf4!?
494
15...e5! The only way to create counterplay. 16.Bxe5 Bxe4 17.Rd1 Bc2! [Worse is 17...Bd5 18.Qc3
Re8 19.Be2±.] After the exchanges 18.Rxd8 Bxb3 19.Rxf8+ Rxf8 20.Bd6 White is better but it is
still far from clear.
For example: 20...Rd8!? 21.Bxc5 Nd3+ 22.Bxd3 Rxd3 23.Rc1 Bxa4 24.Bxa7 h5² Black has serious
chances to make a draw.
13...Qxd4+
The most logical response, the alternatives are examined below.

A) 13...Bxe4 14.fxe4
495
14...Qxd4+ [14...Nxe4+ 15.Kg1 Qxd4+ 16.Be3 is the same.] 15.Be3 Nxe4+ 16.Kg1 Qxd1 17.Rxd1
Rad8 18.Be2 Nc2 [18...Rxd1+ is worse because after 19.Bxd1 Rd8 White has 20.Bf3±.] 19.Bf4 Nd4
20.Bd3± White is clearly better.
B) 13...Qc7 14.Bxb4 cxb4 15.g3 Rfd8 16.Be2
16...Rac8 [Or 16...Qd7 17.h4 h6 18.a5 Qxd4+ 19.Qxd4 Rxd4 20.Ra4± White is much better.]
496
17.Qd3 Qe7 18.Rhd1 Ne8 19.Rac1± White has an obvious advantage.
14.Be3
The endgame is very unpleasant for Black.
14...Qxd1 15.Rxd1 b6
15...Rac8 16.g4!?± The passive position of the bishop on g6 is the reason White is better.
16.a5
Another possible move is 16.h4!? Rfd8 17.Be2.
16...Rfb8
A) White is clearly better after 16...bxa5 17.Nxa5±.

B) Or 16...Nc2 17.Bf4 Nd4 18.axb6 axb6 19.Nxb6 Ra2 20.Rd2±.
17.Bf4 Rb7
497
18.g4!N
White has full domination. Less convincing is 18.Nd6?! Re7² as in Kuljasevic, D (2534) – Vocaturo,
D (2616) Le Castella 2018.
18...Nc6
If 18...Ne8 19.h4 f6 then 20.h5 Bf7 21.a6!
498
21...Re7 [21...Nxa6? loses because of 22.Nd6! Nxd6 23.Bxa6+–.] 22.g5± White has a serious
advantage.
19.h4 h5 20.g5 Ne8
21.Ne5!
The most direct way!

White could also play 21.a6 Re7 22.Ne5 Nxe5 23.Bxe5 f6 24.Bc3±.
21...Nxa5
After 21...Nxe5 22.Bxe5 f6 23.Bc3± White’s next moves are Bc4 and Rg1.
22.Ba6! Re7 23.Bd2!
Rerouting the bishop to c3.
23...Nc7
Or 23...Nb3 24.Bc3±; 23...Kh7 24.Bc3±.
24.Be2±
499
Black’s pieces are very passive, this gives White a clear advantage.
i) 6...e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nc4 0-0 9.Kf2 c5 10.e4 Bxc3
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 7.f3 Bb4 8.Nxc4 0-0 9.Kf2 c5 10.e4
500
10...Bxc3
The other critical move.
11.bxc3 Bxe4
There is no other choice.
12.fxe4 Nxe4+ 13.Kg1 Nxc3
Black gains a number of pawns, but White’s extra piece (and bishop pair) may be very strong in the
future.
14.Qe1! cxd4
One of the critical positions for 9...c5 variation.

14...Qxd4+? 15.Be3 Qf6 16.Ra3 Nd5 [16...Ne4 17.Bd3+–] 17.Bxc5 Rc8
501
18.Rf3+– White is winning.
15.h4!?
I prefer this move. The idea is to keep the possibility of placing the bishop on a square other than a3.
Another idea of course is to play Rh3.
The main theoretical move is 15.Ba3 which is also very good.
15...Qd5
15...Nc6 16.Rh3 is similar.
16.Rh3 Nc6
502
17.h5!?N
An improvement.
The only game from this position White continued 17.Bb2 Ne4?! [better was 17...Rac8 18.Bxc3 dxc3
19.Rxc3 Qd4+ 20.Ne3 Ne5 21.Rac1±] 18.Ba3 Rfe8 19.Rb1 Nc3.
503
20.Rc1? A big mistake. [20.Rxb7! was necessary.] 20...Rad8 21.Rg3 e5µ Black was better in
Olivares, F (2329) – Hernandez, C (2258) Bogota 2015.
17...h6
In case of 17...Rad8? 18.h6! is unpleasant.
18...g6 19.Ba3 Rfe8 20.Qh4 f5 21.Re1+– White is winning.
18.Rg3!
Black has direct problems to solve.
18...Qxh5
A) Black loses after 18...Kh8? 19.Bxh6! gxh6
504
Position after: 19...gxh6
20.Qc1! Kh7 [20...Qxh5 21.Rh3+–] 21.Bd3+ f5 22.Rg6+– mate is unstoppable.

B) 18...Kh7? 19.Bd3+ f5 20.Ba3+–
19.Rh3
Now Bh6 is a possible threat.
19...Qd1
The only move.

After 19...Qd5?
505
Position after: 19...Qd5?
20.Bxh6! gxh6 21.Rxh6+– White wins easily.
20.Qxd1
Even the endgame is difficult for Black.

20.Qf2? Ne4∞
20...Nxd1
506
21.Rg3!
An important move! White has many threats.

A) Less clear is 21.Ba3 Nc3 22.Bxf8 Kxf8² with some compensation.
B) 21.Bxh6 gxh6 22.Rxd1
507
22...Rfd8 [22...Kg7 23.Nd6±] 23.Rxh6± White is better, but it is still not easy to win the game.
21...Ne3
A) 21...Kh8 loses after 22.Ba3 Nc3 23.Bxf8 Rxf8 24.Nd6 e5 25.Rf3 f6
26.Rc1! It is important to eliminate the c3 knight. 26...e4 27.Rfxc3! dxc3 28.Rxc3 f5 29.Rc5 g6
30.a5+–
B) 21...Nc3 22.Bxh6 Kh7 23.Bf4 [23.Bxg7 Rg8 24.Be5 Rxg3 25.Bxg3±] 23...Rad8
508
24.Bd3+ f5 25.Re1 Nb4 26.Bf1 Ne4 27.Rb3 Nd5 28.Be5±
22.Nxe3 dxe3 23.Bxe3
If 23.Bb2 then 23...e5.
23...Kh8
A) In case of 23...g5? White wins after 24.Bxg5! hxg5 25.Rxg5+ Kh7
509
Position after: 25...Kh7
26.Ra3! with mate in three! 26...Kh6 27.Rg4! Kh5 28.Be2 Rg8 29.Rh3#
B) Or 23...Ne7 24.Bd3±.
24.Rc1±
Position after: 24.Rc1±
White’s bishop pair give him the edge.
510
Chapter 8
Slav with 6...Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6 8.Ne5 a5
Chapter Guide
Chapter 8 – Slav with 6...Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6 8.Ne5 a5
a) 7...Nd5 alternative
b) 9.e3 --
c) 9.e3 g6
d) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 e6
e) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qb8
f) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Be6
g) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Bc2
h) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Bg6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7
511
The main move after 6.Ne5.
7.Nxc4
Black’s two main choices are 7...Nb6 and 7...Qc7 with the idea of ...e5. In this chapter we will see
one rare move for Black.
7...Nd5?!
Position after: 7...Nd5?!
Objectively a very dubious move. The main idea is after 8.f3 to play...e5. This line became popular
after Alexander Morozevich played it against Vladimir Kramnik in 2001.
After: 7...e6?! White will play 8.f3! followed by e4 leaving Black with a very passive position. We
have already seen similar positions in previous chapters.
8.f3!
Obviously the best and most logical.

To push e4 is the main plan for White.
8...e5
The only idea for Black.
9.e4 Nxc3 10.bxc3 Be6
512
11.d5!N
A very strong novelty! I believe that this is more or less the refutation of 7...Nd5.
The most popular move is 11.Rb1!? Which is also very good for White.
11...cxd5 12.exd5 Bf5 13.Ne3!
513
Now the game has become very concrete. Black now has four possible moves in this position but I
believe White is ready for any of them.
13...Qf6
A) 13...Bg6 14.d6! Stops all ideas related to Qh4+.
White has a serious initiative and very good attacking chances. The black king is still in the center,
the bishop on f8 cannot be developed easily and the ideas of Bb5 and Nd5 look very unpleasant.
A1) If 14...Qb6 White wins after 15.Nd5! Qxd6 16.Ba3.
514
Position after: 16.Ba3
There is no defense. For example: 16...Qb8 [16...Qc6 17.Bb5 Qc8 18.Qb3+–; 16...Nc5 17.Bb5+
Kd8 18.0-0+–] 17.Qb3 Bd6 18.Bb5 Bf5 19.Rd1 Be6 20.c4+– White is completely winning.
A2) 14...a6 Stops Bb5. 15.Ba3 Rc8 The only way to stop Nd5.
16.Qd2! [But not 16.Nd5? because of 16...Nc5 17.Nc7+ Rxc7 18.dxc7 Qxc7∞ with an unclear
position.] 16...Rc6 [Or 16...Nc5 17.Rd1 Qh4+ 18.g3 Qxa4 19.Qb2+–.] 17.h4 h5 18.Rd1+– Black’s
515
position is hopeless.
A3) 14...f5 White wins easily after 15.Ba3 f4 16.Qb3! With the threat of Qe6+.
16...Qh4+ 17.g3 fxg3 18.Qe6+ Kd8 19.Bh3! g2+ 20.Ke2 Nf6 21.Bxg2+–
A4) 14...Rc8 15.h4
516
15...f6 [15...h5 16.Ba3 a6 17.Qd2 Rc6 18.Rd1+– Black can hardly move.] 16.Ba3 Bf7 [16...Rxc3
17.Qd2+–] 17.Qd2 g6 18.Nd5+– White is winning.
B) 13...Qh4+ Is similar to the main line. The idea is to provoke g3 and try to attack the f3 pawn.
14.g3 Qf6 15.d6! An important move. 15...Be6 16.Ba3 e4
This was the idea of provoking g3. 17.Be2! The best! White wants to complete his development.
17...exf3 [Similar is 17...Qxc3+ 18.Kf2.] 18.Bxf3 Qxc3+ [Or 18...Qe5 19.Qd4+–.] 19.Kf2 Ne5
20.Be2
517
White is winning. For example: 20...Nc6 21.Nd5 Bxd5 22.Qxd5 Qd4+ 23.Qxd4 Nxd4 24.Rac1
Nxe2 25.Rhe1+–.
C) 13...Qg5 It is hard to put the queen here. 14.d6! 0-0-0
15.Nc4! From here the knight easily defends the d6 pawn. The next move will be Be3. [Bad is
15.Nd5? Qg6µ.] 15...Qf6 [15...Qg6 16.Be3 does not change much.] 16.Be3 Nb6 White seems to be
losing his d6 pawn but after 17.Nxb6+ axb6
518
Position after: 17...axb6
18.a5! his attack is very strong. 18...Bxd6 Other moves do not help. [18...Rxd6 19.Qb3 Be6 20.Qb2
bxa5 21.Rxa5+–; 18...Qxd6 19.Qb3 Be6 20.Qb2 bxa5 21.Rxa5 Qd1+ 22.Kf2 Qb3 23.Qxb3 Bxb3
24.Be2 Even in the endgame White’s attack is unstoppable. 24...Bd6 25.Rb1 Be6 26.Ra8+ Bb8
27.f4+–] 19.axb6 e4 20.Qd4 exf3 21.gxf3 Qxd4 22.Bxd4 f6 23.Kf2+– White is easily winning.
14.d6!
519
The whole point of 11.d5!.
14...Be6
If 14...0-0-0 then 15.Ba3±.
15.Ba3 Rc8
Also dangerous is 15...0-0-0 because of 16.Bb5! Qf4 [16...a6 17.Bxa6! bxa6 18.0-0+–] 17.Qe2 e4
18.0-0.
Black’s position is about to collapse.

A) 18...Bxd6 19.g3! exf3 20.Qd2!
520
Position after: 20.Qd2!
White should be accurate! 20...Qg5 21.Bxd6

A1) In case of 21...Nc5 White must play 22.Nd5! which is a nice trick!
22...Qxd5 [Of course the point is 22...Qxd2 23.Ne7#] 23.Qxd5 Bxd5 24.Bxc5+– and White wins.
A2) 21...Nf6 22.h4!
521
White is winning. 22...Ne4 [22...Rxd6 23.hxg5 Rxd2 24.gxf6+–] 23.Qd4 Qg6 24.Nc4+–
B) 18...exf3 19.Rxf3 Qe5
20.Rd1 [Also good is 20.Nf5 Qxe2 21.Bxe2+–.] 20...Kb8 21.Bc4± White is much better.
522
16.Bb5!
Objectively the best. White’s initiative is very strong.

Equally good should be 16.Nd5 Qg5 17.Nc7+ Kd8 18.Kf2. Now after 18...Rxc7
19.h4 Qf6 20.dxc7+ Kxc7 21.Bxf8 Rxf8 22.Qd2 Qe7± Black is still fighting.
523
16...a6 17.Bxd7+ Bxd7
Worse is 17...Kxd7 18.0-0 Rc6 19.Rb1 b6 20.Qe2
and White is winning. 20...Bxd6 21.Rfd1 Rd8 22.Qxa6 Ke8 23.Qb7+–
18.0-0 Rc6
524
Black must somehow eliminate the d6-pawn.
19.Qd2!
Less clear is 19.Nd5 Qg6 20.Nc7+ Kd8.
19...Rxd6
The only move.

After 19...Bxd6? 20.Rad1+– White is winning a piece.
20.Bxd6 Qxd6 21.Nd5 Bc6
22.Rfd1±
I do not think Black has enough compensation. White is much better.
b) 9.e3 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6
525
One of the main lines in the whole 4...dxc4 variation. This line is very solid, proving an advantage for
White is really a challenge. In the following subchapters I will show how to have at least a slight and
lasting advantage.
8.Ne5
The main move. Now the threat is to push a5.
8...a5
Black must play this move. The other moves are clearly worse. For example:
A) 8...Nfd7? is bad due to 9.e4 Nxe5 10.exf5! Ned7 11.a5 Nd5 12.Nxd5 cxd5
526
13.Qb3± With a huge advantage for White in the game Sakaev, K (2625) – Sokolov, I (2657)
Kragujevac 2009.
B) 8...Nbd7? is another bad move. 9.Qb3 Nxe5 10.dxe5 Ng4 11.Qxb7 Nxe5
12.f4 [Also very strong is 12.Bf4 with the idea that after 12...Rb8 13.Qxa7 Rxb2 14.g4! Nxg4
15.Bg2+–.] 12...Ng6 13.e4 Bd7 14.f5 Ne5 15.Bf4 f6 16.Bxe5 fxe5 17.Rd1+– White won easily in
527
the game Kasparov, G (2805) – Timman, J (2635) Riga 1995.
C) 8...e6?!
Position after: 8...e6?!
Is also very suspicious. 9.f3! White wants to play e4 next. 9...Nfd7 10.a5 Nxe5 11.axb6! Nd7 12.e4
Bg6 13.Rxa7
Position after: 13.Rxa7
I believe White is clearly better here. For example:
528
C1) If 13...Rxa7 14.bxa7 Qa5 then 15.h4! is strong.
C1.1) 15...h6 16.Qa4 Qxa4 17.Nxa4 Bb4+ 18.Kf2 Ke7 19.h5 Bh7 20.Be3 Ra8 21.d5 exd5
22.exd5 c5
Here White is winning after 23.d6+! Kd8 [23...Kxd6 24.Bb5+–] 24.Rh4!+– Stops 24...Rxa7
because of 25.Rxb4!.
529
C1.2) 15...h5 16.Qa4 Qxa4 17.Nxa4 Bb4+ 18.Kf2 Ke7 19.Be3 Ra8 20.d5 exd5 21.exd5 c5
22.d6+! Just as in 15...h6. 22...Kd8 [22...Kxd6 23.Bb5+–] 23.g4! White plays on both sides of
the board. 23...Rxa7 24.gxh5 Bxh5 25.Bb5+– White is winning.
Position after: 25.Bb5+–
Now in case of 25...Ra5 26.Bxd7 Kxd7 27.Nb6+ Kd8 28.Rg1+– White will have no problems
winning.
530
C2) 13...Nxb6 14.Rxb7 Ra1 [14...Bd6 White is just a pawn up after 15.Be3 0-0 16.Be2±.] 15.Be2
Bd6 16.0-0 Bf4
The only active plan for Black. 17.Bxf4! Looks very nice! [Also good is 17.Qc2 Rxc1 18.Rxc1
Bxc1 19.Qxc1 Qxd4+ 20.Kh1 Nd7 21.Rc7±. White was clearly better in Nielsen, P (2620) –
Babula, V (2590) Bled 2002.] 17...Rxd1 18.Rxd1 The initiative will decide the game. 18...0-0
19.Rb8 Nc8 [If 19...Qf6 White is winning after 20.Be5! Rxb8 21.Bxf6 gxf6 22.b4+–.] 20.Ba6 Qd7
531
21.Na4! All of White’s pieces are perfectly placed. 21...Nd6 22.Nc5 Qe7 23.Rb6 Rd8 24.Rxc6+–
White is winning.
9.e3!?
This is my recommendation. It is a very solid approach where White just wants to develop and then
plan for e4. Black has many possible moves in this position. The main move is 9...Nbd7, which we
will see in the following chapters. For now, we will examine some of the rarest options for Black.
White has many other options: 9.g3!?, 9.Bg5!?, 9.f3 (main) 9...Nfd7 when in many lines Black plays
...e5 later.
532
Position after: 9.e3!?
9...Nfd5
There is only one game with this move, but it deserves attention.
A) In case of 9...Nfd7?! White’s idea is 10.Nxf7! Kxf7 11.Qf3 e6 [11...Ke6? is very bad in view of
12.e4 Bg6 13.d5+ Kd6 14.Qh3+– and White has a huge attack.] 12.g4. The position is very
dangerous and difficult to play for Black. 12...Qf6 13.gxf5
Position after: 13.gxf5
533
13...exf5 [Another option is 13...Qxf5 14.Qd1 preparing Bd3. 14...Bb4 15.Bd3 Qh3 16.Bd2
16...Nf6 This position arose in the game Astaneh Lopez, A (2446) – Nguyen, V (2350) Budapest
2018. Here after 17.Qe2ƒ White definitely has the initiative.] 14.Bd3 g6 15.h4!?N A solid
improvement. [Also normal is 15.Bd2 Bb4 16.h4 Shirov, A (2699) – Tukmakov, V (2551) Odessa
2007.] 15...Bb4 16.h5 Rae8
Position after: 16...Rae8
534
17.Kd1! White does not need to castle as his king is safe enough on c2, Black tries going to the
queenside as well. 17...Ke7 18.Kc2 Kd8 19.Bd2 Kc8 20.Rag1± White’s advantage is undeniable.
B) 9...e6? A serious mistake. 10.g4! I believe that White is almost winning now. 10...Bg6 11.h4
B1) 11...Bb4 just loses. 12.h5 Be4 13.f3 Bd5 14.e4
535
14...Bxe4 [14...Bb3 15.Qxb3 Qxd4 16.Nd3 Nxe4 17.Qc2 Nxc3 18.Nxb4 axb4 19.bxc3+–]
15.fxe4 Nxe4 16.Qd3 Nd5
This position arose in Cheparinov, I (2677) – Nikolov, S (2386) Varna 2012. Here White wins
very easy after 17.Bd2 Nxd2 18.Qxd2+–.
B2) 11...Bd6 12.h5 Be4 13.f3! Bxe5
536
The only move. [13...Bd5? 14.e4+–] 14.dxe5! A forcing line that leads to a winning position for
White. [Much more complicated is 14.fxe4 Bg3+ 15.Kd2.] 14...Qxd1+ 15.Nxd1 Bxf3 16.exf6!
Bxh1 17.fxg7 Rg8 18.h6
It is clear that White should win without much trouble. 18...Be4 19.Nf2 Bg6 20.e4 Nd7 21.Be3
White won in the game Bluebaum, M (2605) – Korobov, A (2713) Moscow 2016.
C) 9...h6 A normal move. 10.f3! The point! Now White wants to push e4. 10...e6 [The main
difference is that now after 10...Nfd7 11.e4 Nxe5?!
537
Position after: 11...Nxe5?!
12.exf5! White is much better because of the h6-pawn. Black has too many weaknesses. 12...Ned7
13.g3 Nf6 14.Kf2± With a clear advantage.] 11.e4 Bh7 12.Be3
Black is solid, but very passive. I would always prefer White in such positions.
C1) 12...Bb4 13.Qb3 Nfd7 14.Nd3 Qe7 [14...Be7 15.Be2 0-0 16.0-0± The knight on b6 is very
passive.] 15.Be2 0-0 16.0-0± White was better in Donchenko, A (2573) – Keymer, V (2411)
Apolda 2017.
C2) 12...Nfd7 13.Nd3! Clearly we do not exchange the knight. 13...Bd6 [Tempting but wrong is
13...Nc4 14.Bf2 e5? Ganguly, S (2631) – Paragua, M (2533) Jakarta 2011, because of 15.Qb3!
exd4 16.Bxd4 Ndb6 17.Bf2 f6 18.Be2 Bg8 19.Qc2+– White is just winning here. 13...Be7 14.Be2
0-0 15.Qb3± is similar.] 14.Be2 0-0 15.Qb3 Kh8
538
16.0-0± White has more space and better placed pieces; his advantage is clear.
10.Qe2!?N
Position after: 10.Qe2!?N
An interesting novelty which creates a lot of problems for Black and prepares e4.
After 10.g4 Be6?! [better was 10...Bg6!] 11.Ne4?! [11.e4! Nb4 12.Be3ƒ] 11...f6 12.Nd3 Bf7 13.Bg2
539
e5 14.dxe5 Nb4„ Black had very good counterplay in Wojtaszek, R (2730) – Solak, D (2641)
Khanty-Mansiysk 2017.
10...f6!
The only good move.

In case of 10...Nb4?! 11.e4 Bc8 [11...Be6 12.d5!] 12.Be3± White is much better.
11.e4!
The whole point! The position that arises after all the complications is not entirely clear, but I believe
that in practice White has good chances.
11...fxe5
The next few moves are completely forced.
12.exf5 exd4 13.Qh5+ Kd7 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Bc4
White’s attack is strong.
15...Qe8
The only defense.
16.Qf3 Qf7 17.0-0 g6
540
Once again the only move for Black.
18.Rd1
Less clear is 18.Qb3 Kc8.
18...gxf5
Alternatives are even worse.

A) 18...Qxf5 19.Bxd5 Qxd5 [Worse is 19...cxd5 20.Qb3±.] 20.Qg4+ Ke8 21.Rxd4 Qf5 22.Qe2‚
White maintains a very strong attack.
B) 18...Bg7 19.f6! A very important intermediate move. 19...Qxf6 [19...Bxf6 20.Rxd4±] 20.Bxd5
541
20...cxd5 21.Qxd5+ Kc7 22.Re1± Black’s position is extremely dangerous.
19.Rxd4 e6
Somehow Black managed to survive.

The knight on d5 protects the king very well, but I believe in practice the position is very dangerous
for Black.
20.Bf4 Bb4
20...Bc5 21.Rdd1©
21.g3 Rhe8 22.Rad1©
542
Position after: 22.Rad1©
White has good compensation and attacking chances for the pawn.
c) 9.e3 g6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6 8.Ne5 a5 9.e3 g6
543
Quite a solid line.
This move was a favorite of one of the best Chinese players Bu Xiangzhi as well as Wang Yue.
10.Bd3
A simple move. White wants to develop and then to play Qb3.
10...Bxd3
10...Be6?! looks very slow for Black. After 11.0-0 Bg7 12.f4! White gains more space. This plan
seems very strong to me.
A) In the game Li, S (2549) – Barbosa, O (2585) Ho Chi Minh City 2012, White had the advantage
after 12...0-0 13.f5! Bxf5 [13...Bc8 14.Qe2±] 14.Bxf5 gxf5 15.Rxf5 Nbd7 [if 15...e6 then 16.Rg5! is
strong] 16.Nf3 Qb6 17.Ra3!.
544
A very good idea! White brings the rook in to the attack. 17...Rfe8 18.Rb3 Qc7 19.e4±
B) Black is also worse after 12...Nfd5 13.Ne4 f6 14.Nc5 Bg8 15.Qg4! The most direct approach.
Position after: 15.Qg4
15...Qc8 [15...fxe5 16.fxe5+–] 16.Bxg6+! hxg6 17.Qxg6+ Kf8 18.e4 Nc7 19.Ra3 Rh6 20.Qg3+–
White was winning in the game Iotov, V (2568) – Holt, C (2534), Dallas 2013.
545
C) 12...Nfd7 13.Nf3 Threatens e4.
C1) In case of 13...c5 14.Ng5! is very strong. 14...cxd4
15.f5! White’s attack is very serious. [Also possible is 15.Nxe6 fxe6 16.Ne4ƒ as in Grischuk –
Wang Yue, 2009.] 15...gxf5 16.Nxe6 fxe6 17.Qh5+ Kf8
Position after: 17...Kf8
546
18.exd4 The black king is in big trouble. For example, 18...Nf6 [18...Bxd4+ 19.Kh1+–; or
18...Ne5 19.dxe5 Qxd3 20.Rf3 Qd7 21.Bh6 Rg8 22.Rg3+– and White wins] 19.Qe2 Kf7 [or
19...Qxd4+ 20.Be3 Qb4 21.Rac1+–] 20.Kh1 h5 21.Bg5±
C2) 13...0-0 14.e4 Bc4 [In case of 14...Nb8 15.f5 Bc4 16.Bxc4 Nxc4 17.Kh1± White is clearly
better. Wojtaszek, R (2637) – Georgiev, K (2645) Barbera del Valles 2009.] 15.Bxc4 Nxc4
16.e5± White has a serious space advantage.
11.Nxd3
547
11...Bg7
Another possible move is 11...Nbd5 with the idea of meeting Qb3 with ...Qb6. 12.Qb3! Qb6
13.Qxb6 Nxb6 I believe that the endgame is quite unpleasant for Black. 14.Ke2
White’s plan is simple, b3 then Bd2 or Ba3. 14...Bg7 15.b3 [Another interesting idea is 15.Ra3!?.]
548
15...0-0 16.Bd2!? Here the bishop is also very well placed. The a5-pawn may be a target in the future.
[Also good is 16.Ba3 Nfd5 17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.Rhc1².] 16...Nfd7 Prepares ...e5. [After 16...Nbd5
17.Nxd5 Nxd5 18.Rac1± as in Gupta – Sokolov, 2010.] 17.Ne4!
I think White is ready for...e5. [Also normal is 17.f4.] 17...e5 [17...f5?! 18.Nec5±] 18.dxe5 Nxe5
19.Ndc5± The endgame is clearly in White’s favor.
12.Qb3
The queen on b3 is very unpleasant for Black.
12...0-0 13.0-0 Nfd7
Much worse is 13...Qc7? in view of 14.e4 Nc8 15.e5± White was much better in Xu, J (2506) –
Barbosa, O (2575) Jakarta 2012.
14.Rd1 Qc7
549
Obviously Black wants to play ... e5.
15.Bd2!
Preparing for Black’s plan.

Black is completely fine after 15.Ne2 c5! 16.dxc5 Nxc5 17.Nxc5 Qxc5 18.Bd2 Rac8 19.Rac1 Nc4=.
15...e5
Black must play actively.

Very passive is 15...Nc8?! 16.Rac1 Qb6 17.Qxb6 Ncxb6 18.b3 f5 19.Ne2 Rfd8 20.Nef4 Kf7 21.Nc5
Nxc5 22.Rxc5± White was much better in Shankland, S (2642) – Sardana, R (2415) Doha 2014.
16.Rac1
550
White’s moves are very easy and logical.
16...exd4
A) The alternatives are more dangerous. For example: 16...Rfe8
Position after: 16...Rfe8
17.e4! White is ready for active play. 17...exd4 18.Nb5 Qb8 [18...Qd8 19.Nd6±] 19.Bf4 Ne5
551
20.Nxd4 [20.Nxe5?! Bxe5 21.Bxe5 Qxe5 22.Nxd4, Tan, Z (2438) – Shen, Y (2440) Beijing 2012,
22...c5=.] 20...Nbd7
21.Nf3! Obviously the best! White has the initiative. 21...Nxf3+ [In case of 21...Qc8 22.Nfxe5
Nxe5 23.Nc5 Qg4 24.Bg3 White is better after 24...Qe2
25.f4! Ng4 26.Rd7 Qe3+ 27.Qxe3 Nxe3 28.e5±.] 22.gxf3 Qa7 [22...Qc8 23.Kg2±] 23.Be3 Qb8
552
24.Kg2 White controls the entire board. 24...Qc7
25.h4 [Also very good is 25.Bf4!? Qb6 26.Qxb6 Nxb6 27.Nc5 Bxb2 28.Rb1 Ba3 29.Rxb6 Bxc5
30.Rxb7± as the endgame is still very nice for White.] 25...Nf8 26.h5 Ne6 27.Nc5 Nxc5 28.Rxc5±
White has an easy game.
B) 16...Rfd8?! 17.e4!
553
Here this is even stronger for White. 17...exd4 18.Bf4 Qc8 19.Nb5± with a large advantage.
17.exd4
The critical position for the 9...g6 line. Black must be very accurate here.
Black is fine after 17.Nb5 Qd8 18.Nxd4 Qe7=.
17...Qd6
Another logical move is 17...Qd8. 18.Be3 [18.Ne4 is interesting but not clear after 18...Bxd4 19.Bg5
Qb8 20.Bf4 Qe8 21.Nd6 Qe6∞.] 18...Nf6 Black managed to block the d5-square but still the position
is very unpleasant to play.
554
A) Black manages to equalize after 19.d5.
19...Nfxd5! [Much worse is 19...Nbxd5?! in view of 20.Nf4 Qb8 21.Nfxd5 Nxd5 22.Nxd5 cxd5
555
23.Rxd5± with a huge advantage for White in Nikolov, M (2560) – De Visser, L (2230)
Heusenstamm 2018.] 20.Nxd5 [If 20.Nf4 Black must play 20...Bxc3! 21.bxc3 Qc7 22.Nxd5 Nxd5
23.Bh6 Rfe8∞.] 20...Nxd5 21.Nf4 Qf6 22.Nxd5 cxd5 23.Qxb7 Qh4=
B) 19.g3!?N A nice waiting move. 19...Nbd5! Black must sacrifice the b7-pawn otherwise it is very
difficult to find a useful move.
Position after: 19...Nbd5!
556
[19...h6?! 20.Nf4±; 19...Ng4?! 20.Bf4±] 20.Nxd5 Nxd5 21.Qxb7 Rb8 [Similar is 21...Nxe3
22.fxe3.] 22.Qxc6 Rb6 Black is two pawns down but definitely has some compensation.
23.Qc4 Nxe3 24.fxe3 Re6 25.d5 Rxe3 26.Nf2!? White returns both pawns but gets some activity.
26...Bxb2 27.Rc2 Bf6 28.d6² White definitely has the initiative.
18.Be3!
557
Here Nc5 is a very unpleasant threat.
18...Qe6
The only good move.

A) 18...Bxd4?! 19.Nc5! Qxc5 [19...Nxc5? 20.Qxb6 Ra6 21.Rxd4+–] 20.Rxd4! [But not 20.Bxd4
Qb4.] 20...Qe5 21.Rcd1 Qc7
22.Bf4± Clearly, White is much better.

B) 18...Rfe8?! 19.Nc5±
19.d5!
The most logical and powerful move.

19.Qxe6 fxe6=
19...Nxd5
Of course, not 19...cxd5? because of 20.Nf4+–.
20.Nxd5 Qxd5
558
21.Qxd5N
I think the endgame remains very easy for White to play.

Also possible is 21.Qxb7 Rfb8 22.Qxc6 Qxc6 23.Rxc6 Ne5 24.Nxe5N
Position after: 24.Nxe5N
with a slight advantage to White as follows. [24.Rb6, Hammer, J (2606) – Miton, K (2600) Reykjavik
559
2011, is a draw: 24...Rxb6 25.Bxb6 Nc4=.] 24...Bxe5 25.g3 Bxb2 [25...Rxb2?! 26.Rd5±; 25...Rb4?!
26.b3 Rxb3 27.Rd5±] 26.Rb1 Ba3 27.Rxb8+ Rxb8 28.Ra6 Bb4 29.Bb6 h5
30.Bxa5 Bxa5 31.Rxa5² This is a theoretical draw, but we know that in a game it is never easy.
21...cxd5 22.Rc7
560
White has very good practical chances. .
22...Ne5
Another option is 22...Rfd8 23.Rxb7 Rab8 24.Rxb8 Rxb8 25.Kf1.
Black will suffer for a long time. For example: 25...h5 [25...Nb6 26.Bf4 Ra8 27.b3²] 26.Bd2 Ne5
27.Nxe5 Bxe5 28.Bxa5 Rxb2 29.Rxd5 f6 30.Bd8 Kf7 31.a5 Ke6 32.Rd3 Ra2 33.g3² Black still needs
accuracy to hold a draw.
23.Rxb7 Rfb8!
The best practical decision.

In case of 23...d4?! 24.Bf4 Nxd3 25.Rxd3 Rfc8 26.Kf1± White has a very good chance to win the
game.
24.Rxb8+ Rxb8 25.Nxe5 Bxe5 26.Rxd5 Bxb2 27.Rxa5
27.Kf1!? Bc3 28.Ke2.
27...Bd4
561
28.Rb5! Rd8 29.Rb1!
29.a5 Bxe3 30.fxe3 Rd2 or 29.Bg5 Bf6! are also possible.
29...Bxe3 30.fxe3 Ra8 31.Ra1
Position after: 31.Ra1
562
31...Ra5²
It is probably a draw, but it is not easy.
d) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 e6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Nb6 8.Ne5 a5 9.e3 Nbd7
The main move. In the next four sections we will focus on this move.
10.Nc4
Saves all of White’s options. This is the critical position, here Black has three main options. Let us
start with 10...e6.
10...e6
This is the most solid of the three main options for Black.
Dubious is 10...Nb6?! in view of 11.Qb3 Nbd5 [11...Nfd7 12.e4±] 12.Nxd5 Nxd5
563
13.Bd2! [of course, after 13.Qxb7 Black has the move 13...Nb4.] 13...Qc7 14.f3± and White is
better.
11.f3!
White needs to prepare e4.
564
11...Bb4
A) Another logical move is 11...Nb6 12.e4 Nxc4 [12...Bg6 13.Be3 Bb4 transposes to 11...Bb4].
A1) 13.exf5?! Changing the nature of the position is not such a good idea. 13...Nb6 14.fxe6 fxe6
[14...Qe7!?] 15.g3 Bb4 16.Bh3 Rodshtein, M (2634) – Bu Xiangzhi (2670) Moscow 2012. Here
after 16...Nbd5
565
17.Bd2 Nc7 18.Qe2 0-0„ Black has enough counterplay.
A2) 13.Bxc4 Bg6 14.Be3 Bb4 15.0-0 0-0
16.Na2!N a very strong plan. Transfer the knight to d3 from where it controls many squares.
[Practice has seen the moves 16.Ne2 and 16.Qb3.] 16...Be7 17.Nc1! Nd7 18.Nd3 Qc7 19.Rc1²
White has a very stable advantage.
B) 11...h6N Another normal move that seems to be a novelty. 12.e4 Bh7 13.Be3 Bb4 14.Be2 Nb6
15.Ne5 This is the idea of 11...h6. Now the bishop is not attacked on g6. 15...Nfd7
566
Position after: 15...Nfd7
16.Nd3! A typical idea that we have already seen many times. 16...Nc4 The only active idea for
Black, otherwise White will play Qb3. 17.Bc1
B1) In case of 17...Bd6 18.0-0 Qh4 White can just play 19.f4±.
B2) Risky is 17...Ndb6?! 18.Qb3!
B2.1) After 18...Be7 19.Nf2! is strong. 19...Qxd4? [Better is 19...Nd6 20.Be3±.] 20.Bxc4 Nxc4
[20...Bc5 21.Nd3 Be7 22.Nb5!
567
22...cxb5 23.Bxb5+ Nd7 24.Ke2 0-0 25.Be3 Qd6 26.Rhd1+–] 21.Qxb7+–

B2.2) 18...Qxd4 19.Nxb4 axb4 20.Qxb4 Ne3 21.Qxd4 Nc2+ 22.Kf2 Nxd4 23.Be3 Nxe2
24.Bxb6 Nxc3 25.bxc3± White is much better.
B3) 17...Be7 18.Qb3 Ncb6 19.0-0 0-0 20.Be3±
12.e4
568
12...Bg6
A) 12...Nxe4? does not work. 13.fxe4 Qh4+ [13...Bxe4 14.Bd2+–] 14.Kd2 Bxe4 [14...Qxe4
15.Nd6+!+–] 15.Qe1+–
B) 12...Bxe4? 13.fxe4 Nxe4 14.Qd3+–
13.Be3!N
The best move order.

In case of 13.Be2 Nb6 14.Ne5 Nfd7 White does not have h4 as the main line. The knight on b6 is not
hanging!
13...Nb6
The other plan is 13...0-0 14.Be2 Qe7 preparing ...e5. [If 14...Nb6?! 15.Ne5! Nfd7 White plays
16.h4! and is much better.] 15.0-0 e5
16.Na2! An important idea. [Black is more or less fine after 16.d5 Rfd8.] 16...exd4 17.Nxb4! dxe3
18.Nd3
569
White will easily regain the pawn. 18...Rfd8 [The other possibilities are 18...Nc5 19.Nxc5 Qxc5
20.Qb3 Qb4 21.Qxb4 axb4 22.Rfd1± with a very unpleasant endgame for Black; 18...Rfe8 19.Qb3
Nf8 20.Nf4! Qc7 21.g3².] 19.Qb3 Nf8 20.Nf4!
Position after: 20.Nf4!
Stops ...Ne6. 20...Nh5 21.Nxh5 Bxh5 22.Rfd1 Ne6 23.Qxe3² White’s position is much more
comfortable.
570
14.Ne5! Nfd7
Position after: 14...Nfd7
15.h4!
The best plan! Black is obligated to play ...f6.
15...f6
A) 15...Nxe5? 16.dxe5+–
B) 15...h5?! 16.Nxg6 fxg6 17.Qb3 Qe7 18.0-0-0±
16.Nxg6!
A) Unclear is 16.h5 fxe5 17.hxg6 Qe7 18.gxh7 0-0-0.
571
For example: 19.dxe5 Nxe5 20.Qb3 Bc5∞.

B) Possible is 16.Nxd7!? Nxd7 17.h5 Bf7 18.h6ƒ.
16...hxg6 17.Qc2
17...e5
572
A) In case of 17...Qe7 White is better after 18.g3 e5 19.dxe5 Qxe5 20.f4 Qe7 21.0-0-0±.
B) 17...g5 18.g3 with a clear advantage for White too.
18.d5 Bc5 19.dxc6!
This zwischenzug is very strong.
19...bxc6
19...Bxe3? 20.cxd7+ Nxd7 21.Bb5+–
20.Nd1!
A very nice positional move. White is definitely better.
20...Bd4 21.Rc1±
573
e) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qb8
10.Nc4 Qb8
The idea of playing ...e5 is clear.

The main move 10...Qc7 is very similar. The difference is that in some cases the queen is unprotected
on c7 which can sometimes be helpful.
11.f4!
This is the best move here. Compared to 10...Qc7, the queen is rarely on b8 in this position.
A) While 11.Qf3 is the best move after 10...Qc7 it is not the same here since after ...e5 and Qg3 the
queen is protected on b8. 11...Bc2∞
B) About equal is 11.f3 e5 12.dxe5 Nxe5 13.e4 Nxc4 14.Bxc4 Qe5!
574
Position after: 14...Qe5!
15.Be3 [if 15.Qb3 then 15...0-0-0] 15...Bc5 16.Qe2 Bxe3 17.Qxe3 Be6=.
11...e6
11...g6?!
Position after: 11...g6?!
12.Be2 The threat is g4. 12...h5 [After 12...Bg7 13.g4! Be6 14.e4± White is doing quite well.] 13.0-0
575
Bg7 14.Bf3 Black can’t stop e4. 14...Be6 15.b3 0-0 16.e4 White is much better. For example:
16...Rd8 17.e5! Ng4.
A) 18.h3? Bxc4! 19.bxc4 Ndxe5!
Position after: 19...Ndxe5!
20.fxe5 Bxe5 21.Bxg4 Bxd4+ 22.Kh1 Bxc3 23.Qf3 Bf6!? when Black is playing for more.
[Drawing is 23...Bxa1 24.Qxf7+ Kh8 25.Qxg6 hxg4 26.Qh6+= with perpetual check.] 24.Bxh5!
576
Qe5! 25.Bxg6 fxg6
Position after: 25...fxg6
26.Ra3 Rf8= It’s about equal, but White is the one who has to be careful.
B) 18.Ne2! Qc7 19.h3 Nh6 20.Ba3 Nb6 21.Ne3±
12.Be2
577
12...h6
This loss of tempo is necessary.

A) 12...Bb4? 13.g4! Bg6 [13...Be4 14.0-0 Bd5 15.Ne5 Qc7 16.Bd3±] 14.0-0
14...h5 [14...h6 15.f5 Bh7 16.e4 e5 17.Kh1! White is nearly winning.
578
Preparing for g5. 17...0-0 18.dxe5 Nxe5 19.g5! hxg5 20.Bxg5+– White has a very strong attack.]
15.g5 Nd5 [15...Ne4 16.Bd3±] 16.e4! White is much better. 16...Bxc3
17.bxc3 [17.f5!? is interesting.]

A1) 17...Nxc3 does not help: 18.Qe1 Nxe2+ [18...Nxe4 19.Ba3+–] 19.Qxe2 0-0 20.Ba3 Re8
21.Nd6+–.
A2) 17...Bxe4 18.Ba3 Nxc3 19.Qd2 Nxe2+ 20.Qxe2 Bd5
579
21.Nd6+ Kf8 22.f5+– White won in Vidit, S (2693) – Banusz, T (2611) Linares 2017.
B) 12...Be7? 13.g4! Bg6 14.0-0±
C) 12...h5? 13.0-0 Bb4 14.Bf3±
13.0-0
13.g4 Is not the same as Black has counterplay after 13...Bh7 14.0-0 Bb4 15.Bf3 Qc7 16.e4 Nb6„.
13...Bb4
The bishop is better here than on e7.
14.Bf3
14...0-0
After 14...Bh7 White plays 15.e4! Anyway. 15...Bxc3? does not work, because of 16.bxc3 Bxe4
17.Ba3 Bxf3 18.Qxf3 c5 19.Rab1+– and White is winning.
15.e4 Bh7
15...Bxc3?! is a bad idea in view of 16.exf5 Bb4 17.fxe6 fxe6 18.Qe2± with a clear advantage for
White.
580
16.e5!
White must be very direct.

16.Qe2 Qa7∞
16...Nd5 17.Nxd5 cxd5 18.Ne3
581
White has changed the nature of the position. Now the f5 plan looks very scary for Black.
18...f6!
I believe this is the best practical solution. Pushing the pawn to f5 would be much worse as after
19.Bd2 Black’s bishop on h7 would be terrible.
Another critical line is 18...Qa7!? 19.f5!.
It definitely looks like White has excellent prospects.

A) 19...exf5? 20.Kh1+–
B) 19...Be7? 20.Bh5±
C) 19...Bxf5? 20.Nxf5 exf5 21.Kh1! A very good idea! White does not need the d5-pawn. The plan
is to play g4 next. 21...Rad8
582
22.g4! f4 [22...fxg4 23.Bxg4+–] 23.Bxf4+– White was winning in Cheparinov, I (2670) – Banusz, T
(2619) Linares 2019.
D) 19...Nb8!
Position after: 19...Nb8!
An extremely difficult move to find. It seems very slow, but it is the only defense. 20.f6! There is
nothing better. 20...Nc6 21.fxg7 [21.Ng4 Qxd4+ will transpose.] 21...Kxg7 22.Ng4! Qxd4+
583
23.Qxd4 Nxd4 24.Bxh6+ Kh8
Clearly, Black has created counterplay. 25.Rad1! An important move which creates a lot of
problems. [After 25.Bxf8 Rxf8© Black’s game is much easier.]
Position after: 25.Rad1!
D1) Another option is 25...Bc5 26.Bxf8 Rxf8 27.Kh1 b6 28.Nf6. I believe White has better
chances. For example: 28...Bc2 29.Rc1 Bd3 30.Rfd1 Nxf3 31.Rxd3 Nxe5
584
32.Rg3! [after 32.Rh3+ Kg7 33.Rf1 Rc8 34.Rg3+ Ng6 35.Nh5+ Kh6 36.Rh3 Ne5© it seems that
Black holds] 32...Bf2 33.Rg5 Be3 34.Rh5+ Kg7 35.Rf1 Nd3 36.Ng4² Black still has problems to
solve.
D2) 25...Nc6 26.Be2! White keeps the bishop on h6! [26.Bxf8 Rxf8©] 26...Bc2! The only move! It
is so hard to play a move like this in a real game. 27.Rf3! White plays for the attack! The next
moves are absolutely forced. 27...Bxd1 28.Bxd1 Bc5+ 29.Kh1
Position after: 29.Kh1
585
D2.1) 29...Be7 30.Rh3 Kg8 31.Rg3! Kh8 32.Nf6! Bxf6 33.exf6 Ne5 34.Bg7+ Kg8 35.Rg5! Ng6
36.Bxf8 Kxf8 37.g3!
The position is extremely dangerous for Black. 37...Rc8 38.Kg2 Rc1 39.Be2! Rc2 40.Kf2 Rxb2
41.h4 b5
The only idea. 42.axb5 a4 43.Rg4 [Black will probably make a draw after 43.h5 a3 44.hxg6 fxg6
586
45.Rg4 a2 46.Ra4 Kf7².] 43...a3 44.Ra4 Kg8 45.Rxa3 Ne5 46.Ke1 d4 47.g4 Kh7 48.g5
48...Kg6² Black is close to drawing but still needs to play accurately.

D2.2) 29...Rg8 30.Nf6 Rg6 31.Rh3 Rxh6 32.Rxh6+ Kg7 33.Rh7+ Kg6
Position after: 33...Kg6
It seems that after many forced moves a theoretical drawn endgame appears. 34.Bc2+ Kg5
587
35.Rxf7 [35.h4+ Kf4] 35...Nxe5 36.Nh7+ Kh5 37.Rf6 Ng4 38.Bd1 Rh8 39.h3 Rxh7 40.Rxe6
Re7!
Position after: 40...Re7!
White can’t escape the exchange of rooks. 41.Bxg4+ Kh4 42.Kh2 Rxe6 43.g3+ Kg5 44.Bxe6
Bd4 45.b3 b6 46.Bxd5 Bf2 47.Kg2 Be1=
Position after: 47...Be1=
This position is a theoretical draw.
588
Position after: 18...f6!
19.Bd2!
Other moves are less dangerous for Black.

A) 19.f5 fxe5 20.fxe6 Nf6 21.Nxd5 Nxd5 22.Bxd5 Rxf1+ 23.Qxf1 Qd6 24.Qf7+ Kh8
25.Bxh6 gxh6 26.Qf6+ Kg8 27.Qf7+= with a draw.
589
B) 19.Bg4 Qe8=
19...fxe5 20.fxe5
20...Qa7!
Best. Black must create some counterplay.

White has a very easy game after 20...Bxd2 21.Qxd2².
21.Bxb4 axb4 22.Qd2 Be4!
590
Position after: 22...Be4!
A) 22...Nb8? 23.Bg4!±
B) 22...Rf4?! 23.Rad1 Qxa4 24.Nxd5!
24...Rxf3 25.Ne7+ Kf8 26.Rxf3+ Kxe7 27.d5 The attack looks very dangerous. 27...Nxe5 28.Rg3
Qa7+ 29.Kh1 Nd3 30.Rxd3 Bxd3 31.Qxd3±
591
Now White has some options.
23.Bg4!?
I think this is the best practical try as it maintains the pawn structure. Other moves are also very
interesting.
A) 23.Bxe4 Rxf1+ 24.Rxf1 dxe4 25.Qxb4 [25.Ng4 Rd8=] 25...Nxe5!
Position after: 25...Nxe5!
26.Qd6 Nc6 27.Qxe6+ Kh8 28.Qxe4 Nxd4.
592
White is a pawn up, but Black seems to have enough defensive resources. 29.Rd1 [Or 29.Nc4 Qc5.]
29...Nf5! 30.Rd3 Nxe3 31.Rxe3 Qb6!? [Also close to a draw is 31...Qxa4 32.Qxa4 Rxa4 33.Rb3
Rd4 34.Rxb7 Rd2=.] 32.b3 Rc8© It is very difficult for White to win here.
B) 23.Kh1 Preparing to take with the pawn after ...Bf3.
Position after: 23.Kh1
B1) Dangerous is 23...Bxf3?! 24.gxf3 Rf4 25.Rad1 Raf8.
593
Position after: 25...Raf8
26.Rg1! White’s attack is very serious. 26...Kh8 [26...Qxa4 27.Qd3! Kh8 28.Qg6 Rg8 29.Qxe6
Rxf3 30.Nxd5+–] 27.Ng4! Qxa4
28.Nxh6! Black’s queen is far from the action. 28...Qb3 [If 28...gxh6 the calm 29.Rg3!+– Rdg1
and Qg2 is unstoppable.] 29.Rdf1! gxh6
594
Position after: 29...gxh6
30.Rg3! The same idea! Black is defenseless! 30...Qc4 31.Rd1! ridiculous but the best move.
[Similar is 31.Rfg1 Qxd4 32.Qg2 Qxg1+ 33.Qxg1 Nxe5 34.Qe3 Nxf3 35.Qxe6 R4f6 36.Qxd5
with the difference being that the b3 pawn is not hanging.] 31...b3 The only move! The idea is
...Qc2!. [31...R8f7? 32.Qg2+–] 32.Rdg1 Qxd4
33.Qg2 Qxg1+ 34.Qxg1 Nxe5 35.Qe3 Nxf3 36.Qxe6 R4f6 37.Qxd5 b6 38.Qxb3± White has
595
good chances to win.
B2) 23...Qa5! The best defense! 24.b3 [Black is fine after 24.Bxe4 Rxf1+ 25.Rxf1 dxe4 26.h3
Qxa4 27.d5 Qb3 28.dxe6 Qxe6=.] 24...b5! 25.Bg4 Rxf1+ 26.Nxf1 Nf8 27.Ng3 Bg6= Black can
hold.
23...Rxf1+ 24.Rxf1 Qb6 25.Rc1 Kh7 26.b3
White keeps some pressure, e.g.
26...Rf8 27.h3 Nb8 28.Rd1! Re8 29.Nf1! Nc6 30.Ng3 Bg6 31.Kh2²
596
Position after: 31.Kh2²
White is definitely pushing.
f) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Be6
10.Nc4! Qc7
The main move. Similar to the previous chapter, but with some important differences.
597
11.Qf3!
I believe that now this is the best way to continue.

In case of 11.f4 the queen on c7 is definitely better than on b8. For example: 11...e6 12.Be2 h6 13.0-0
Bb4 14.Bf3 Bh7 15.Qe2 0-0 16.e4 Nb6 17.Ne5 Rfd8 18.Rd1 Rac8= Black is perfectly fine.
11...Be6
In this chapter we will see mainly this move. In subchapter “g” we will discuss 11...Bc2 and in
subchapter “h” the main move 11...Bg6.
A) Much worse for Black is 11...e6? 12.e4 Bg6 13.Bf4± with a huge advantage for White.
B) Also inferior is 11...Bg4?! in view of 12.Qg3 Qxg3 13.hxg3 Be6 14.f3 Bxc4 15.Bxc4 e5
598
16.g4! and White is clearly better. For example: 16...exd4 17.exd4 Nb6 18.Bb3 Bb4 19.g5 Nfd5
20.Bd2 0-0-0 21.0-0-0± with a very unpleasant endgame for Black to defend.
12.b3!?N
An interesting idea. Apparently the idea of Black’s previous move was to take on c4 and play ...e5.
Below are some other possible options.
A) 12.Bd2 Bxc4 13.Bxc4 e5 14.g4² looks interesting.
B) 12.Qg3 Qxg3 13.hxg3 is similar to 11...Bg4 but with a tempo for Black. 13...Bxc4 14.Bxc4 e5
599
15.f3 I still prefer White, although the endgame is not so clear. 15...Bb4 16.g4 Nb6 17.Bb3 exd4
18.exd4 Nfd5 19.Bd2 0-0-0 20.Kf2 h6² Black is very solid.
C) Black is perfectly fine after 12.e4 Bxc4 13.Bxc4 e5 14.d5 cxd5 15.Bxd5 Bb4 16.0-0
16...Bxc3 17.bxc3 Nxd5 18.exd5 0-0 19.Ba3 Rfc8=.
600
Position after: 12.b3!?N
12...Bd5!
The best reaction. Black wants to provoke e4 and then just take on c4.
A) 12...g6?! 13.e4 would be clearly better for White.
B) 12...Bxc4?! 13.bxc4 e5 14.c5! looks very good for White too. 14...Be7
601
15.g4! A most direct plan. [Worse is 15.Bc4?! in view of 15...0-0 16.0-0 b6 17.cxb6 Nxb6= with an
equal game.] 15...0-0 [15...h6?! 16.h4±] 16.g5 Nd5 Black is looking for counterplay. 17.Nxd5 cxd5
18.Bb5! Taking on d5 at once seems risky. 18...exd4 19.exd4 Nxc5 seems active, but after 20.Bf4!
20...Bd6 [20...Nd3+ 21.Bxd3 Qc3+ 22.Ke2 Qb2+ 23.Ke3 Rae8 24.Qh3 g6 25.Kf3 Qxd4 26.Rhd1
Bc5 27.Qh4+– White protects everything.] 21.Bxd6 Qxd6 22.dxc5 Qe5+ 23.Kd2
602
Position after: 23.Kd2
Black does not have enough checks. 23...Qd4+ 24.Bd3 Qb4+ 25.Ke2 Qb2+ 26.Ke3 Qe5+
[26...Rfe8+ 27.Kf4+–] 27.Kd2 Qb2+ 28.Bc2 Qd4+ 29.Qd3 Qxf2+
Position after: 29...Qxf2+
30.Kc1 g6 31.Rb1 Rac8 32.Rxb7 Rxc5 33.Kb1+– White wins.
13.e4
603
Black is fine after 13.Qg3 Qxg3 14.hxg3 Bxc4 15.bxc4 e5 16.Bb2 Bb4
17.f3 0-0-0 18.0-0-0 h5= with equal chances.
13...Bxc4 14.Bxc4
14.bxc4? It is not a good idea to take with a pawn on c4 if White has played e4 due to 14...e5 15.d5
Bb4 16.Bb2 Nc5µ and Black is almost winning.
14...e5 15.d5
604
The b3 pawn defends the bishop quite well.
15...Bb4
The most logical continuation.

A) 15...Nb6?! 16.0-0 Exchanging on c4 does not seem like a good idea. 16...Nxc4 17.bxc4 Bb4
18.Ne2 0-0 19.Ng3± White is better.
B) 15...cxd5?! 16.exd5! Nb5 is now a very unpleasant threat. 16...e4
605
This is the critical line. 17.Nxe4! Qe5 18.0-0 Qxe4 [After 18...Qxa1 19.Bb5 Be7 20.d6+– White
wins.] 19.Qxe4+ Nxe4 20.Re1 f5 21.f3
White is much better. For example: 21...Bc5+ [Or 21...Bb4 22.Re2] 22.Kh1 Ndf6 23.fxe4 fxe4 [In
case of 23...Nxe4 strong is 24.g4! g6 25.d6! White wins an exchange. 25...Bxd6 26.Bb2 Rf8
27.Bg7± White is much better.] 24.Bg5± White is clearly better.
606
16.0-0
16...0-0
16...Bxc3? is a mistake because of 17.Qxc3 Nxe4 [or 17...cxd5 18.exd5 Nxd5 19.Qg3+–] 18.Qf3
Nd6 19.dxc6 bxc6 20.Ba3+–.
17.dxc6!
White should change the pawn structure as Black is fine after the following.
17.Bb2 Nb6 18.Be2 cxd5 19.Nxd5 Nbxd5 20.exd5 Rad8 21.Rac1 Qe7 22.Rfd1 e4=
17...bxc6 18.Rd1!
607
Position after: 18.Rd1!
I think this is more accurate than 18.Ne2.
18...Rad8
A) 18...Bxc3?! is dubious. 19.Qxc3 Nxe4 20.Qc2 Nef6 [Or 20...Nd6 21.Ba3 c5 22.Bf1±.] 21.Ba3
Rfc8 22.Rd6± White has a serious initiative.
B) If 18...Nb6 then 19.Bf1 Rad8 20.Bb2 Rfe8 21.h3² White’s game is much easier.
C) Or 18...Nc5 19.Na2! Ncxe4 20.Nxb4 axb4 21.Bb2± White is better.
D) In case of 18...Rfe8 White has serious attacking chances after 19.Ne2! Nb6 20.Bd3 Nfd7
21.Ng3 Nc5 22.Nf5‚.
19.h3!
A good preventive move. The idea is to keep the option of Bg5.
19...Nb6
A) Dubious is 19...Nc5?! because of 20.Na2!
608
20...Rxd1+ 21.Qxd1 Ncxe4 22.Nxb4 axb4 23.a5 Nc3 24.Qd3 e4 25.Qd4± and White is much
better.
B) If 19...h6 then 20.Ne2! Nb6
21.Bxh6! Rxd1+ 22.Rxd1 Nxc4 23.bxc4 Rd8 24.Rf1 Be7 25.Be3 Rd3 26.Ng3 g6 27.Rb1±
609
Position after: 27.Rb1±
20.Bg5
20...Be7
610
Black is worse after 20...Nxc4 in view of 21.Bxf6! gxf6 22.bxc4 Bxc3 23.Qg3+ Kh8 24.Qxc3 Rxd1+
25.Rxd1 Rd8 26.Rb1±. Black’s king is much weaker.
21.Bf1²
I prefer White here.
g) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Bc2
10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Bc2
A strange move but it has an idea to get the bishop to b3.

The bishop can get to b3 and ...e5 becomes a threat.
12.Bd2!N
A strong improvement. Other moves are not so dangerous for Black.

A) In the only game in this position White played 12.Qg3 Qxg3 13.hxg3 e6 14.f3 Bb4 15.Kf2
611
Nikolov, M (2518) – Solak, D (2627) Golden Sands 2014. Here after 15...c5!? 16.Na2 [16.Nb5 0-0]
16...cxd4 17.Nxb4 axb4 18.exd4 Rxa4 19.Rxa4 Bxa4 20.Nd6+ Ke7 21.Nxb7 Rc8= Black is
perfectly fine.
B) 12.e4?! e5„ with good counterplay.
C) 12.g4 h6.
D) 12.Be2 e5 13.0-0 Bd6∞
12...e5
The main idea.

In case of 12...Bb3 White can continue with the direct 13.d5!? which looks very interesting. 13...Bxc4
[13...cxd5?! 14.Nxd5 Nxd5 15.Qxd5 e6 16.Qb5 Bxc4 17.Bxc4± White is much better.] 14.Bxc4
612
A) Also possible is 14...cxd5 15.Bxd5 e6 [15...Ne5?! 16.Qe2±] 16.Nb5! Qb6 17.Bc4 [17.Bxb7 Ne5
18.Bxa8 Nxf3+ 19.Bxf3 Be7 20.0-0 0-0 21.Rfc1 Nd5=] 17...Rc8 18.Be2
White is slightly better. For example: 18...Nc5 19.Bc3 Nce4 20.0-0 Nxc3 21.bxc3².
B) Worse is 14...g6 because of 15.Ba2 Bg7 16.e4±.
613
C) 14...Ne5 15.Qe2
15...Rd8 [15...cxd5 16.Bxd5 e6 17.Qb5+ Nc6 18.Bf3 Bb4 19.0-0 0-0 20.Ne4 Bxd2 21.Nxd2²;
15...Qd7?! 16.0-0 cxd5 17.Bb5 Nc6 18.Rfd1± with e4 next.] 16.e4 cxd5 17.Bb5+ Nc6
C1) Not clear is 18.e5 because of 18...Ng8! 19.e6 [19.0-0 e6 20.Rfc1 Nge7 21.Qe1 g6 22.Ne2
Ra8∞] 19...fxe6 20.0-0 [20.Qxe6 Qd7] 20...Nf6 21.Qxe6 Qd7= and Black is fine.
614
C2) 18.exd5 Nxd5 19.Nxd5 Rxd5 20.0-0-0!ƒ A very strong move! White has an easy game and a
very serious initiative.
13.g4!
It looks tempting and is also very strong with the looming threat of g5. Other moves are less
convincing.
A) If 13.Qg3 then 13...Nh5 14.Qh3 Nhf6.
B) Or 13.Rc1 Bb3.
Black has some options here.
13...Bb4
A) The alternative 13...exd4 14.exd4 Nb6?! looks risky.
615
Position after: 14...Nb6?!
[14...Bb4 transposes to 13...Bb4.] 15.Nxb6 Qxb6 16.g5 Nd7 17.Bh3±

B) 13...h6 seems logical as it stops g5. 14.Rc1
14...Bb3 [14...exd4 15.exd4 Bb3 16.h4 transposes; 14...Bg6 15.h4 exd4 16.exd4 Bb4 17.g5 hxg5
18.hxg5 Rxh1 19.Qxh1 Ng8 20.Be2±; or 14...Bh7 15.h4±.] 15.h4 exd4 16.exd4 Bb4
616
Now after 17.g5 hxg5 18.hxg5 Rxh1 19.Qxh1ƒ White has the initiative.
C) 13...Be7?! is a bad idea due to 14.Rc1 Bg6 15.h4±.
14.g5 exd4
A) 14...Ng8 15.Rc1± with a clear advantage for White.

B) Also worse is 14...Nd5. 15.Nxd5 cxd5 16.Qxd5 0-0 17.Nxe5.
617
Black does not have enough compensation. For example: 17...Nxe5 [17...Nb6 18.Qf3 Bxd2+
19.Kxd2 f6 20.gxf6 Rxf6 21.Qe2 Bxa4 22.f4±] 18.Qxe5 Qc6 19.Rg1 Bxa4 20.Bxb4 axb4 21.Bd3±
and White is clearly better.
15.exd4 Nd5
16.Rc1!
White must continue to play concretely.

Black is fine after 16.Qg3 Qxg3 17.hxg3 N5b6=.
16...Bxc3
Worse is 16...Bg6?! 17.Nxd5 cxd5
618
18.Bxb4 axb4 19.Qe3+ Kf8 20.Ne5 Qd6 21.Bh3± when White is much better.
17.bxc3 Bxa4
Taking the pawn is the critical line.

In case of 17...Bg6 18.Bh3 0-0 19.0-0 f6
619
20.Qg3 Qxg3+ 21.hxg3± White is much better in the endgame.
18.Nb2!
The best way to continue! The other possible moves are less clear.
18.Qe4+ Kf8 19.Ne5 Ne7 20.Bh3 Nxe5 21.dxe5 Bb3 22.c4 b5∞.
18...N7b6
Only move.
A) 18...b5? 19.c4! Nb4 20.cxb5 Nc2+ 21.Rxc2 Bxc2 22.Bf4 Qd8 23.Bd6+– White wins.
B) Of course, not 18...Bb3? because after 19.c4 White wins a piece.
19.c4!?
The most direct approach. Black must be extremely careful now.

19.Bd3!?©.
19...Nb4 20.Qe2+ Kf8
The alternatives are much worse.

A) 20...Qe7? 21.c5!
620
21...Nc2+ 22.Rxc2 Bxc2 23.Qxe7+ Kxe7 24.cxb6 White is winning. For example: 24...Rhd8
25.Bc3 a4 26.Bg2 a3 27.Kd2 a2 28.Ra1 Bb1 29.Nd3+–.
B) 20...Kd8? 21.Nxa4 Nxa4 22.Bg2 Re8 23.Be3+– White is probably winning.
21.Be3
621
White’s initiative is very unpleasant.
21...Bb3
Black wants to start running with his a-pawn. This is the only way to create some counterplay. Worse
is 21...Qe7?! in view of 22.Bg2 Na2 23.Ra1 Qb4+ 24.Qd2 Bb3 25.0-0
and White is much better. For example: 25...h6 26.g6! Qxd2 27.Bxd2 fxg6 28.Rfb1 a4 29.c5 Nd5
30.Nxa4!+– and White wins.
22.Bh3
Another option is 22.Bg2©.
22...a4 23.0-0 a3 24.d5!ƒ
622
Position after: 24.d5!ƒ
Black has some serious problems to solve. White’s chances are better.
h) 9.e3 Nbd7 10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Bg6
10.Nc4 Qc7 11.Qf3 Bg6
623
The strongest move in this position as well as the simplest.
The threat is to push ...e5.
12.Qg3!N
A very strong improvement. Now White is ready to go for the endgame.

Previously White played 12.e4 e5 13.dxe5 Nxe5 14.Qg3 Nfd7 15.Be2 f6∞. Ruck, R (2521) – Soysal,
S (2405) Skopje 2019.
12...e5
Critical and concrete, Black wast to create some counterplay.

Now the endgame is at least a little better for White because Black cannot play ...e5. 12...Qxg3
13.hxg3 e6 14.Bd2
The plan is very simple f3-e4. 14...Bb4 15.f3 0-0 [15...Nd5 16.e4²; 15...c5?! 16.Nb5! Bxd2+
17.Kxd2 0-0
624
18.e4± White has a clear advantage.] 16.Be2 [Other options are 16.e4 c5 17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.Rd1²; or
16.g4!? c5 17.Be2 cxd4 18.exd4 Rfd8 19.Kf2² both with slight advantage for White.] 16...c5
[16...Nd5 17.e4 N5b6 18.Nxb6 Nxb6 19.Be3²] 17.Nb5 Bxd2+ 18.Kxd2 cxd4 19.Nxd4 Nc5
20.Rhd1²
Position after: 20.Rhd1²
White has a very convenient advantage.
625
13.h4!
The point! The main idea of the move is to have Qh2 after ...Nh5.
Black has counterplay after 13.dxe5?! Nh5„.
13...Bb4
The most logical. Other moves are worse.

A) 13...Bd6?! 14.Be2 h5 15.0-0 0-0 16.f3±
B) 13...h5?! 14.dxe5 Ng4 15.e6!±
C) 13...0-0-0?! 14.dxe5 Nh5 15.Qh2 [Also good is 15.Qh3±.] 15...Nc5
626
16.e4! After this move White is almost winning. 16...Nb3 [16...Nxe4 17.Be2+–; 16...Bxe4 17.Be3
Nd3+ 18.Bxd3 Bxd3 19.Bb6+–] 17.Rb1 Nd4 18.Bd3+– White is winning.
14.Bd2
Stops ...Ne4. Black has several different options here.
627
14...h5
With the idea of ...Ng4.

A) 14...0-0 15.dxe5 Bxc3 [15...Nh5 16.Qh2 transposes to 14...Nh5.] 16.Bxc3 Ne4 17.Qh2 Nxc3
18.bxc3
Black has some compensation, but it is not enough for equality. 18...b5 19.h5 Bc2 20.e6! [Unclear is
20.Nd6?! in view of 20...h6©.] 20...Qxh2 21.Rxh2 fxe6 22.axb5 cxb5
628
23.Na3! Clearly, White is better. [Of course, not 23.Nxa5?! because of 23...Nc5©.] 23...Bb3
24.Nxb5 a4 25.h6±
B) 14...Nh5 15.Qh2
B1) 15...0-0-0 16.dxe5 Nc5 17.g4! Black does not have enough counterplay. 17...Nd3+ [17...Nb3?
18.gxh5 Bxh5 19.Be2+–] 18.Bxd3 Bxd3 19.Nd6+
629
Position after: 19.Nd6+
19...Rxd6 [19...Bxd6 20.exd6 Rxd6 21.gxh5+– White is winning.] 20.exd6 Bxd6 21.Qg2 Nf6
22.g5 Nd7 23.Ne4±
Now after 23...Be5 24.Bc3 Bxc3+ 25.Nxc3 Qb6 26.Rd1 Nc5
630
White can defend after 27.Qg4+! Kb8 28.Qd4 Rd8 29.Qxg7+–.
B2) 15...0-0 16.dxe5 f5 [After 16...b5 17.axb5 cxb5 18.Nxb5 Bxd2+ 19.Nxd2 Qc2
20.Nd4 Qxb2 21.Rd1± White is better. g4 or Be2 are unpleasant threats.] 17.Rd1 Nc5 18.Be2
Rad8 19.Nd6± White is better.
C) White has a very nice advantage after 14...Bxc3 15.Bxc3 Ne4 16.Qh2 Nxc3 17.bxc3 f6
18.Be2±.
15.dxe5 Ng4
15...Bxc3 16.Bxc3 Ne4 17.Qh2 Nxc3 18.bxc3 0-0 19.Be2 b5 20.Nd6 Nc5 21.axb5 Nb3 22.Rd1 a4
23.0-0±
631
Position after: 23.0-0±
White is better. Now after 23...a3? 24.Bc4! Bc2 25.e6! cxb5 26.exf7+ Kh7 27.Qe5 g6 28.Be6 Bxd1
29.f4!! A very strong move which threatens f5. 29...Qc5 30.Qf6! Qxe3+ 31.Kh1 Bc2
632
32.Ne8!+– White wins.
16.e6
An important intermediate move.
633
16...Nde5
It is clear that Black has a lot of activity.
17.e4!
The only move to fight for the advantage.

Black is even better after 17.exf7+?! Bxf7 18.Nxe5 Nxe5 19.e4 0-0-0 20.Bg5 Nd3+ 21.Bxd3 Qxg3
22.fxg3 Rxd3 23.0-0 Be6³.
17...Bc5
The critical position. Both sides should be very accurate.

17...0-0-0? is bad after 18.Bf4 Rd4 19.f3+–.
18.Bf4!
The best practical decision which creates a lot of problems.

An interesting alternative is 18.Nd1!? f6! The big complications are about to begin. 19.Nxe5 [If
19.Rc1 Bxe4 20.Nxe5 Bd6! 21.Rc4 Bh7∞ with very unclear consequences.] 19...Nxe5 20.Rc1!
634
[20.f4?! Ng4∞] 20...Qd6 [After 20...Bd6 21.f4 Ng4 22.Nf2 Qb6 23.Rc4! There are huge
complications, but White’s chances are better. 23...Qxb2 24.Be2ƒ] 21.Rxc5! Obviously the best! [But
not 21.f4? because of 21...0-0-0µ.] 21...Qxc5 22.f4 Ng4 23.f5 0-0-0
Now after: 24.Qc3! Qxc3 25.bxc3 Be8² I prefer White, although the position is very complicated.
635
18...Bxf2+
The only move.

Much worse is 18...f6?! in view of 19.Bxe5 fxe5 20.0-0-0 Bxf2 21.Rd7± when White has a huge
advantage.
19.Qxf2 Nxf2 20.Bxe5
Position after: 20.Bxe5
White will have three pieces for the queen in a very complicated position. Despite the imbalance I
prefer White’s chances.
20...Qe7 21.Nd6+
It is good to give this check to prevent castling.
21...Kf8 22.Kxf2 Qxe6 23.Bg3
636
After 18.Bf4 we reach this position by force.
23...Qb3
The only idea for Black is to attack the b2-pawn.

23...Rd8?! 24.Rd1 Qb3 25.Rd2±
24.Rb1!
An ugly necessity.
24...Qb6+
Similar is 24...Rd8 25.Be2.
25.Kf3 Kg8 26.Be2 Kh7 27.Rhd1²
637
Position after: 27.Rhd1²
White is better mainly because the knight on d6 is extremely good, but his game is easier to play as
well.
638
Chapter 9
Slav with 6...Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7
Chapter Guide
Chapter 9 – Slav with 6...Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7 8.g3 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2
a) 10...Rd8 alternative
b) 11...f6 12.0-0 0-0-0
c) 11...f6 12.0-0 Be6 and 12...Rd8
d) 11...f6 12.0-0 Nc5 13.Ne3 Be6
e) 11...f6 12.0-0 Nc5 13.Ne3 Bg6
f) 11...f6 12.0-0 g5
g) 11...g5 12.Ne3 gxf4 13.Nxf5 0-0-0 14.Qc2 --
h) 11...g5 with 14...Bb4
i) 11...g5 with 14...Kb8
j) 11...g5 with 14...Nc5
639
a) 10...Rd8 alternative
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Qc7
The main move which is more aggressive than 7...Nb6. The move is also the most critical with the
idea of an immediate break with ...e5.
8.g3
The best and most popular move. The idea of Bf4 is self-evident.
8...e5
8...Rd8?! is worse due to 9.Bf4 Qc8 10.f3± and White is much better.
9.dxe5 Nxe5 10.Bf4 Rd8?!
A dubious move, I think leads to a clear advantage for White. The main move here is 10...Nfd7,
which we will soon examine.
640
Position after: 10...Rd8?!
11.Qc1 Bd6
The only move.

Black loses after 11...Nfd7? because of 12.Bxe5 Nxe5 13.Qf4
13...Bd6 14.Qxf5 Nxc4 15.Qe4+ Ne5 16.f4 f5 17.Qxf5 Qf7 18.Qxf7+ Nxf7 19.0-0-0+–.
641
12.Nxd6+ Qxd6 13.Bg2
Worse is 13.Qe3?! Nfg4!
Position after: 13...Nfg4!
14.Qxa7 Qb4 and Black is fine. For example: 15.Bg2 0-0 16.Bxe5 Nxe5 17.0-0 Nc4= with equal
chances.
642
13...0-0
Other moves are no better.

A) 13...a5 14.Qe3 Nfg4 15.Qb6 Qb4 16.Qxb4 axb4 17.Ne4 Bxe4 18.Bxe4± Beliavsky, A (2654) –
Kiss, P (2400) Hungary 2001.
B) 13...Qe7 14.0-0 a5 [After 14...0-0 White has 15.Qe3±.]
B1) Less convincing is 15.Qe3 Nc4 [15...Nfg4 16.Qb6±] 16.Qxe7+ [or 16.Qa7 Qb4 with
complications that are not very clear.] 16...Kxe7 17.e4 Be6 18.Rfe1.
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Position after: 18.Rfe1
This position arose in the game Hort, V (2615) – Mokry, K (2435) Sumperk 1984. Here after
18...Nxb2 19.Reb1 Nd3 20.Rxb7+ Rd7 21.Rxd7+ Nxd7 22.Bc7 Ra8² Black is only slightly worse,
with good chances to survive.
B2) 15.Nd1! I believe this is most unpleasant for Black. The threat is Qc3. 15...0-0 16.Qc3 Ng6
17.Be3!N A nice improvement. [White is only slightly better after 17.Bg5 Qxe2 18.Bxf6 gxf6
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19.Ne3 Be6 20.Qxf6 Qh5² Kasparov, G (2795) – Georgiev, K (2605) Paris 1995.]
B2.1) After 17...Nd5 very strong is 18.Bxd5! [Unclear is 18.Qxa5 Rfe8©.] 18...Rxd5 19.Bd4!
White is better. For example: 19...Bh3 [19...Rxd4 20.Qxd4 Qxe2 21.Qe3±] 20.Bxg7 Re8 21.Re1
Ne5 [21...Rc5 22.Qf6±; 21...f5 22.Bf6 Qf7 23.f4 Rd6 24.Nf2±] 22.Bxe5 Rxe5 23.Ne3 Re4
24.b3± White is much better.
Position after: 24.b3±
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B2.2) 17...Qe6 18.Bd4! with the threat of Ne3. [18.Qxa5?! Bh3©] 18...Qxe2 [Or 18...Rfe8
19.Ne3 Ne4 20.Bxe4! Bxe4 21.Rfd1± with an advantage.] 19.Ne3 Qh5 20.Bxf6 gxf6
Position after: 20...gxf6
21.f4! Rd3 [If 21...Bh3 then 22.Bf3.] 22.Qc5 Bg4 23.Qxh5 Bxh5 24.Rae1±
Position after: 24.Rae1±
White is better. Now after 24...Re8 White has 25.Nd5! Rxe1 26.Nxf6+ Kg7 27.Nxh5+ Kh6
28.Rxe1 Kxh5 29.Bf1 [29.f5 Nf8 30.Kf1±] 29...Rd7 30.b3± with a very nice endgame for White.
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14.0-0 a5 15.Rd1
The simplest way to play. Also possible is 15.Qe3!? Nfg4 16.Qb6 Qb4 17.Qxb4 axb4.
18.Ne4! [Less clear is 18.Na2 Ng6∞ Ding, L (2637) – Wang, Y (2734) Xinghua Jiangsu 2011.]
18...Ng6 [18...Bxe4 19.Bxe4 Nc4 20.Rfc1±] 19.Bc7 Rd7 20.Bb6± Ziegler, A (2361) – Welin, T
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(2375) Sweden 2002.
15...Qe7 16.Rxd8 Rxd8 17.Qe3
White’s game is very easy.
17...Re8 18.Rd1 h6
Now the endgame looks very nice for White.
19.Qxe5 Qxe5 20.Bxe5 Rxe5 21.e4 Bd7 22.f4 Re7
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23.e5 Ne8 24.Ne4±
With an advantage for White. Wojtaszek, R (2736) – Blomqvist, E (2506) Bilbao 2014.
b) 11...f6 12.0-0 0-0-0
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nxc4 Qc7 8.g3 e5 9.dxe5 Nxe5
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2
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This position is very critical.

The main move 11...g5 will be discussed in the following sections. Here we will focus on some of the
rare moves for Black on move 11 and also the rare 12...0-0-0.
11...f6
The second most popular move after 11...g5.

The alternatives do not look good.
A) 11...0-0-0? 12.Nd5! cxd5
13.Nxe5 Bb4+ 14.Kf1 Nxe5 15.Rc1 Bc5 16.b4± Bogner, S (2502) – Toth, E (2392) Winterthur
2009.
B) 11...Be6?! Another dubious move. 12.Nxe5 Nxe5 13.0-0
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White just develops. 13...Be7 14.Qc2 Now Nb5 starts to be a threat. 14...Rd8 [After 14...0-0
15.Nb5! Qb8 16.Nd4 Bd7 17.a5 a6 18.Rfd1± White is clearly better.] 15.Nb5! Putting the knight
on d4 is optically pleasing. [15.Ne4!? also looks good: 15...0-0 16.Nc5 Bc8 17.a5± with an
advantage.] 15...Qb8 16.Qc3! Bf6 17.Nd4
B1) In case of 17...Bc8? Cyborowski, L (2531) – Murdzia, P (2477) Germany 2011, White can win
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after 18.Bxc6+! Nxc6 [18...bxc6 19.Nxc6+–] 19.Bxb8 Bxd4 20.Qa3 Nxb8 21.Rfd1
as Black has no coordination. 21...Nc6 22.Rac1 Bb6 23.Rxd8+ Bxd8 24.b4 0-0 25.b5 Ne7
26.Rd1+– White wins easily.
B2) 17...Bd7 18.Nb3 0-0 [18...g5 19.Bc1! 0-0 20.Nc5±] 19.Nc5±
C) 11...Be7?! 12.a5! White has other choices, but this is the best. 12...0-0
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13.a6!N White is much better. For example: 13...bxa6 [13...b5 14.Na5 Qb6 15.0-0±; 13...b6
14.Rc1±] 14.0-0±.
D) 11...Rd8 12.0-0 f6 transposes to the next chapter.
12.0-0 0-0-0?!
In this section we will review this rare and dubious move. It looks very risky, and it is!
Position after: 12...0-0-0?!
13.Rc1!
The best!
Although 13.Ne3!? is also good. 13...Be6 [Worse is 13...Nc5? because of 14.Ncd5! Qd7
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15.b4! Be4 16.Bxe4 Nxe4 17.Qc2 Kb8 18.Nxf6+–.] 14.Ncd5! cxd5 [After 14...Qa5 strong is
15.Qc2±.] 15.Rc1 Nc5 16.b4 Kb8 [or 16...d4 17.Nc4 Kb8 18.bxc5 Bxc5 19.a5±.] 17.bxc5 Bxc5
18.Qc2
White is clearly better but Black still has some hope. 18...Bd6 [18...Rc8 19.Qb2 Rhd8 20.Rfd1 g5
21.Nxd5 Bxd5 22.Bxd5±] 19.Qb1 Qb6 20.Nxd5 Qxb1 21.Rxb1 Rd7 22.Nb4 Bxb4 23.Rxb4± The
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endgame is quite enjoyable for White.
Position after: 23.Rxb4±
13...Nc5 14.Qe1!
The point of White’s previous move.

Now the threats of b4 and Nb5 are very serious.
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14...Be6N
A novelty and I think it is also the best defense. All other moves are much worse.
A) 14...Nb3? loses in view of 15.Nb5! Qb8 [15...cxb5 16.Nb6+! axb6 17.Rxc7+ Kxc7 18.Qc3++–]
16.Qc3!
16...Nxc1 17.Rxc1 Rd7 18.Nxe5 fxe5 19.Bxe5+–. White won easily in Lenderman, A (2560) –
Bellon Lopez, J (2440) Gibraltar 2010.
B) 14...Kb8? also loses after 15.b4! Nb3 16.Nb5! Qe7 17.Nxe5 fxe5
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18.Rxc6! very good tactics now Black’s position is hopeless. 18...bxc6 [18...exf4 19.Qc3!+–]
19.Qc3! Qe6 [19...exf4 20.Qxc6+–] 20.Bxe5+ Kb7 21.Nc7+– White won in the game Mareco, S
(2527) – Alonso, S (2490) Buenos Aires 2010.
C) 14...a5?
Position after: 14...a5?
It looks normal to stop b4 but after 15.Nb5! White’s attack is unstoppable. 15...cxb5 16.axb5 b6 The
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only move. [16...Kb8? 17.b6+–] 17.b4! White opens more files. 17...axb4 18.Qxb4 Other moves are
no better.
Position after: 18.Qxb4
C1) 18...Kd7 19.Nxe5+ fxe5 20.Bg5 Rb8 21.Bc6+ Kc8 22.Rfd1 White wins easily. For example:
22...Be7 23.Bxe7 Qxe7 24.Rxc5! bxc5 [24...Qxc5 25.Qa4 Qe7 26.Qa6+ Rb7 27.Rc1 Kb8 28.Ra1
Kc8 29.Bxb7+ Qxb7 30.Qa8++– White wins material.] 25.Qa4 Qc7
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26.g4! A strong intermediate move! 26...Be6 [26...Bg6 27.Qa6+ Rb7 28.Rd7+–] 27.Qa6++– White
wins.
C2) 18...Bd6 19.Bxe5 fxe5 [In case of 19...Bxe5 White wins after 20.Nxb6+ Qxb6 21.Rxc5+ Kd7
22.Bc6+ Ke6 23.Bd5+ Rxd5 24.Rc6++–.] 20.Bc6 Bd7 21.Rfd1 Bxc6 22.bxc6 Qxc6 23.Nxb6+
Kc7 Mareco, S (2591) – Toniutti, E (2133) Asuncion 2011. The easiest way to win is 24.Na4+–.
C3) 18...g5 19.Bxe5 fxe5 Sveshnikov, V (2411) – Tarasova, V (2292) Albena 2013. Once again
after 20.Bc6 White wins easily. 20...Be7 21.Ra1+–
C4) 18...Be6
The most persistent. 19.Ra1! a strong improvement. 19...Bxc4 20.Bxe5 Qxe5 [20...fxe5 21.Qxc4
Be7 22.Ra8+ Kd7 23.Bc6++–] 21.Qxc4 Bd6
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22.Qf7! An important move which cuts off the king’s defense. 22...Rhf8 [22...Rd7 23.Bh3 f5
24.Bxf5+–] 23.Ra8+ Bb8 24.Qxg7 Qc7 25.Qh6 f5 26.Rfa1+– White is easily winning.
15.b4!?
The easiest way to continue.

Also interesting is 15.Nxe5!? fxe5 16.Bg5 Be7 17.Be3 with a clear advantage for White.
15...Bxc4 16.bxc5 g5
16...Bxc5? 17.Ne4+–
17.Be3 Be7 18.Ne4
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White has a serious advantage.
18...Bd5?!
Now White can continue
19.Qb4! h5 20.a5±
with a large advantage.
c) 11...f6 12.0-0 Be6 and 12...Rd8
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 f6 12.0-0
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In this chapter we will continue to look at some of the rare moves for Black on move 12.
12...Be6
A large amount of games have seen this move which provokes the exchange on e5.
Suspect is 12...Rd8 as the white queen is perfectly placed after 13.Qc1!.
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A) 13...Be7 14.Nxe5 fxe5 [Or 14...Nxe5 15.Nd5 Qd6 16.Nxe7 Qxe7 17.Be3± Wiersma, E (2406) –
De Groote, E (2191) Bussum 2009.] 15.Nd5 Qd6 16.Nxe7 Qxe7 17.Bg5 Nf6 18.Be3± White was
much better in Najer, E (2598) – Akselrod, V (2420) Ekaterinburg 2002.
B) 13...Be6 Takes control of d5 but then follows 14.Ne4! when the white pieces are perfectly
placed. 14...Bb4 [Another option is 14...Be7 15.Rd1 0-0 which arose in the game Yuffa, D (2563) –
Paravyan, D (2629) Sochi 2018. Here after 16.Qc3!
16...Qb8 17.b3± The pin looks quite unpleasant for Black.] 15.a5! 0-0
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16.b3!?N A nice waiting move. White is slowly improving his position. The pin is unpleasant, and
Black has no clear plan. [In the classical game Euwe, M – Alekhine, A Netherlands 1937. After
16.a6!? bxa6 17.Nxe5 Nxe5 18.Nc5 Bxc5 19.Qxc5 Black had to play 19...Qb6² with only a slight
advantage for White.]
B1) 16...Kh8 17.h4 Bd5 [17...Bg8 18.Qb2 Rfe8 19.h5 h6 20.Rfd1±] 18.Ra4 Be7 19.Qc3± with a
clear advantage for White.
B2) 16...Nc5 17.Nxe5 fxe5 [17...Nxb3? loses after 18.Qb1 fxe5 19.Ng5+–.] 18.Nxc5 Bxc5
19.Bg5! [Less clear is 19.Qxc5 exf4 20.Qxa7 Ra8 21.Qb6 Qxb6 22.axb6 Bxb3 23.Ra7 Rab8.]
19...Be7 20.Be3
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White is much better. 20...c5 21.b4 b6 22.axb6 axb6 23.Ra6! Bc8 [Or 23...Bf7 24.b5 Kh8 25.Qc2±
with a huge advantage.] 24.Qc4+ Kh8 25.b5! White has full domination. 25...Bxa6 26.bxa6+– I do
not believe Black can defend here.
13.Nxe5 Nxe5
13...fxe5?! 14.Bg5! I believe that provoking ...h6 is a good idea.

A) 14...h6 15.Be3 Bc5 [15...Be7 16.Qc2± Black cannot castle.] 16.Qc2±
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Position after: 16.Qc2±
White is much better. The idea is 16...Bxe3 17.Nb5! Qb6 18.Qg6+ Kd8 19.Qxe6 cxb5 20.Qg4 Qd4
21.Qxg7 e4 22.Qg4 Bxf2+ 23.Kh1! Ne5 24.Qh5+– winning.

B) 14...Bb4 15.a5! 0-0 [Of course after 15...Bxa5? White has 16.Rxa5! Qxa5 17.Qd6+–.] 16.Qa4±
C) 14...Bc5 15.Ne4 [Also good is 15.a5±.] 15...Bb4
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This position arose in the game Radjabov, T (2682) – Morozevich, A (2707) Mainz 2005. Here
White had to play 16.a5! h6 17.Qa4 Bf8 18.Be3 Be7 19.a6+– and he is probably winning.
14.a5!
Gaining more space is usually a good idea.
14...Rd8
A) In case of 14...Be7 strong is 15.a6! 0-0 16.Qc1±. White was much better in Grischuk, A (2736) –
Bareev, E (2634) Moscow 2009.
B) 14...a6 15.Qa4 Bc5 Grischuk, A (2774) – Fedoseev, V (2659) Berlin 2015. [15...Rd8 transposes
to the main line.] Here after 16.Ne4!
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16...Be7 [16...Ba7 17.Qb4! 0-0-0 18.Rfd1±] 17.Be3± White has a serious advantage.
15.Qa4 a6
Happel, H (2210) – Krueger, A (2067) Nordrheinwestfalen 2011.

White has a clear advantage.
16.Ne4N 16...Be7
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17.Be3
The b6 and c5 squares are very weak.
17...Nd7 18.Rfd1 0-0 19.Rd2±
White has an easy game.
d) 11...f6 12.0-0 Nc5 13.Ne3 Be6
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 f6 12.0-0 Nc5
The most played move. This has been the main line for many years. Nowadays, theory suggests that it
is very dangerous for Black.
13.Ne3 Be6
One of the critical moves. We will see the main move 13...Bg6 in the next section.
13...Rd8? is very bad in view of 14.Ncd5! Qd7 [14...cxd5 15.Nxf5+–] 15.Nxf5 Qxf5
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Position after: 15...Qxf5
16.Nc7+! as White has a serious attack. For example: 16...Ke7 17.Qe1! (Qa5 is the threat) 17...Kd7
[or 17...Rd7 18.Qc3 Kd8 19.b4±] 18.Rd1+ Bd6
[White wins after 18...Kxc7? 19.Qa5+.] 19.Qa5! Kc8 [19...g5 does not help 20.Bxe5 Qxe5
21.Nd5+–; neither does 19...Nb3 20.Rxd6+! Kxd6 21.Rd1+ Ke7 22.Qb4++–.] 20.Nb5! and White
wins easily. [Also good is 20.Rxd6 Rxd6 21.Nd5 cxd5 22.Qxc5++– I Gupta, A (2380) – Kuzubov, Y
670
(2535) Port Erin 2005.] 20...cxb5 21.Qxa7+– Black is defenseless.
14.b4!
Black has serious problems with his knight.
14...Rd8
Other moves are worse.

A) 14...g5? 15.bxc5 The simplest. 15...gxf4 16.gxf4 Nd7 17.f5 Bf7 18.Ne4
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White has a huge advantage. For example: 18...Bxc5 19.Nxc5 Nxc5 20.Qc2! Nd7 [or 20...Qe5
21.Rab1 Rg8 22.a5+–.] 21.Rab1 0-0-0 22.Rb2
22...Rhg8 23.Rfb1 b6 24.a5+–. White’s attack is unstoppable. Zhou, J (2520) – Fressinet, L (2626)
Paris 2006.
B) 14...Nb3? 15.Ncd5!+–
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15.Qb1! Nb3
16.Ned5!
White’s initiative is very strong.
16...cxd5 17.Qxb3 Qc4
The only chance for Black is to go to the endgame.

17...Qf7? 18.Nb5+–.
18.Qxc4
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Position after: 18.Qxc4
18...Nxc4
18...dxc4?! 19.Rfb1 Rd7 20.a5 Kf7
21.Be3 [Also good is 21.a6 b6 22.Bxe5 fxe5 23.Nb5+– and White was probably winning in the game
Peralta, F (2557) – Gallardo Garcia, A (2418) Roquetas de Mar 2010.] 21...a6 22.b5+– This endgame
674
looks awful for Black.
19.Rfd1 Bxb4 20.Nxd5 Ba5
In case of 20...Bd6 21.Bxd6 Nxd6 22.Rac1± Black’s position remains very unpleasant.
Position after: 20...Ba5
21.Rac1!N
An improvement over 21.Rab1?! Rd7² Babula, V (2566) – Ribli, Z (2603) Austria 2005.
21...Nb2
Worse are 21...Rc8?! 22.Rb1! or 21...Ne5?! 22.Be3.
22.Rd4 0-0 23.Be3±
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White’s endgame advantage is undeniable.
e) 11...f6 12.0-0 Nc5 13.Ne3 Bg6
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 f6 12.0-0 Nc5 13.Ne3 Bg6
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The main move.
14.b4!
White begins active play.
14...Ne6
14...Rd8? 15.Ned5! cxd5 16.Nxd5
[Similar is 16.bxc5 Bxc5 17.Nxd5.]

A) 16...Qf7 does not help. 17.bxc5 Bxc5 18.Rc1! b6 19.Be3!N An improvement. [Less clear is
19.Qb3 0-0 Przezdziecka, M (2315) – Kludacz, M (2244) Ustron 2007.] 19...Bxe3 20.Rc7!
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White is winning after 20...Qe6 21.Rxg7 Kf8 22.Rxa7 Nc6 23.fxe3 Nxa7 24.Qa1 Bf5 25.e4 Qe5
26.Qa3+ Qd6 27.Qe3 Kg7 28.Rxf5 Rhf8 29.a5+–.
B) Or 16...Qc6 17.Rc1! Bf7 18.e4 Qxa4 19.bxc5 Qxd1 20.Rfxd1
Position after: 20.Rfxd1
White wins easily after 20...Rc8 21.Bh3 Rc6 22.Nxf6+!.
678
Position after: 22.Nxf6+!
The easiest way. 22...gxf6 23.Bxe5 fxe5 24.Bd7+ Ke7 25.Bxc6 bxc6 26.Rd6 Bg6
27.Rb1! Kf7 28.Rb7+ Be7 29.f3 Rc8 30.Rdd7 Re8 31.Rdc7+–

C) 16...Qd7 17.bxc5 Bxc5
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18.Qc1! Bd6 [Or 18...b6 19.Rd1 Qf7 20.Be3 Rc8 21.a5 0-0 22.Nxb6!
Position after: 22.Nxb6!
22...Bxb6 23.Qxc8 Rxc8 24.axb6 axb6 25.Bd5+–.] 19.Be3 b6 20.a5+– White is winning.
680
15.b5
I believe this is the best.

Other options are 15.Qb3 and 15.a5.
15...Rd8
Much worse is 15...Bc5? in view of 16.bxc6 bxc6 17.Nb5 Qd7 18.Bxe5 fxe5
681
19.Qxd7+ Kxd7 20.Rfd1++– and White wins.
16.Qb3! Nd4
Worse is 16...Bf7? in view of 17.Bxe5! fxe5 18.bxc6 bxc6
Ribli, Z (2586) – Huebner, R (2599) Germany 1999. 19.Nb5!N

A) 19...cxb5 20.Qxb5+ Rd7 [20...Ke7 21.Rac1+–] 21.Bc6 Nd8 22.Bxd7+ Qxd7 23.Qxe5++–
B) 19...Qb6 20.Qc2! Black is defenseless. [Unclear is 20.Nc4 Qc5.] 20...cxb5 [Or 20...Bc5 21.Nc4
Qa6 22.Nxe5 cxb5 23.Bc6+ Ke7 24.Bxb5 Qd6 25.Nc6+ Kf6 26.Rad1 Qc7 27.e4+–] 21.Bc6+ Ke7
22.axb5 Nd4 23.Qe4+– Black’s position is hopeless.
17.Qb2 Bc5 18.Ng4!
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I believe this is the most unpleasant for Black.

White is only slightly better after 18.a5 0-0 19.a6 bxa6 20.bxc6 Ndxc6 21.Rxa6 Qc8 22.Ra4²
Mikhalevski, V (2571) – Onischuk, A (2668) Montreal 2006.
18...0-0
The alternatives are worse.

A) 18...Ne6? 19.Bxe5 fxe5
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A1) 20.a5!N A strong improvement. 20...h5 [20...0-0 21.a6+–] 21.a6! hxg4 22.axb7
Position after: 22.axb7
It looks very good for White. 22...e4 23.bxc6 0-0 24.Nxe4 Bxe4 25.Bxe4 Ng5
684
The only chance to create counterplay. 26.Bg2 Nh3+ 27.Bxh3 gxh3 28.Qb3+ Qf7 [Or 28...Kh8
29.Ra4!.] 29.Qxf7+ Rxf7
Position after: 29...Rxf7
30.Rac1 Bb6 31.e3+– The pawns on c6 and b7 are very strong.

A2) Also good is 20.bxc6 bxc6 21.Ne4 Bd4 22.Qb3 Bf7 23.Qa3
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23...Qe7 [But not 23...Bxa1? because of 24.Ngf6+! gxf6 25.Nxf6#.] 24.Qxe7+ Kxe7 25.Rac1 h5
26.Ne3 Bxe3 27.fxe3± and White was much better in Ding, L (2654) – Ma, Q (2447) Hefei 2011.
B) 18...Bh5? 19.h3 [Also good is 19.Bxe5!? fxe5 20.h3.] 19...0-0 20.Ne4 cxb5 21.Bxe5 fxe5
22.Rac1 b6 23.e3 Ne6 24.axb5+– White’s positional advantage is too great. Shirov, A (2701) –
Hector, J (2588) Malmo 2011.
686
19.Ne4
19...cxb5N
The best try for Black.

A) In case of 19...Be7? (Mchedlishvili, M (2633) – Anurag, M (2426) Baku 2013), 20.Rfd1! is
strong. 20...c5 21.Rac1+– and White is winning.
B) Another option is 19...h5.
687
20.Nxc5 [20.Ngxf6+!? gxf6 21.Nxc5 Qe7 22.bxc6!
it is essential to recapture the pawn! 22...Qxc5 23.cxb7 Nc4 24.Qa2 Bf7 25.Rac1± White is much
better.] 20...hxg4 21.Rfd1 The game Harika, D (2487) – Atakisi, U (2340) Skopje 2014 continued
21...cxb5 22.Nxb7 Qc2 23.Qxc2 Bxc2 24.Nxd8 Bxd1 25.Bd5+ Kh8 26.Rxd1 Nxe2+ 27.Kf1 Nc3
688
and here after 28.Ne6! Re8 29.Bxe5 Nxd1 30.Bd4± White should win without much trouble.
C) 19...Bxe4 does not look great either. 20.Bxe4 Qd7 21.Nxe5 fxe5
22.Be3 [Also good is 22.bxc6 Nxc6 23.Bxc6 Qxc6 24.Bxe5 Rf7 25.e3±.] 22...cxb5 23.axb5± White
is much better in Tarasova, V (2286) – Baraeva, M (2136) Pushchino 2013.
689
20.axb5 Bb6 21.Rac1 Qd7
Another option is 21...Qe7 22.Nxe5 Bxe4 [But not 22...fxe5? because of 23.Bg5+–.] 23.Bxe4 fxe5
24.Be3± Clearly, White is better.
22.Nxe5 fxe5 23.Bxe5 Qe7
Black does not seem to have enough compensation for the pawn.
24.Bxd4 Bxd4
24...Rxd4 25.Nc3±
25.Nc3 Qf7 26.e3
Also strong is 26.Bf3±.
26...Bf6 27.Qa3
White is much better. For example:
27...Bd3
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In case of 27...Rd2 very strong is 28.Rcd1!
Position after: 28.Rcd1!
28...Bxc3 29.Rxd2 Bxd2 30.Qd6+– with the threat of Bd5.
28.Bd5!
An important tactic!
691
28...Rxd5 29.Nxd5 Bxf1
29...Qxd5? losses in view of 30.Rfd1 Rd8 31.Rd2 Qxb5 32.Rcd1+–.
30.Nxf6+ Qxf6
31.Rxf1±
Slowly, White must win.
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f) 11...f6 12.0-0 g5
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 f6 12.0-0 g5!?
Position after: 12...g5!?
I believe this is the best option for Black in this position. It became very popular when Inarkiev
played it in 2012 against Rodshtein. It looks similar to 11...g5, which we will see in the following
sections.
13.Nxe5!
The best!
A) 13.Ne3 Be6∞
B) 13.Bxe5 Nxe5 14.Ne3 Be6∞
13...gxf4
Black is worse after 13...Nxe5?! 14.Be3 Rd8 15.Qc1±.
14.Nxd7 Qxd7
Other moves are much worse.

A) 14...0-0-0? 15.Qd4! Bxd7 16.Qxa7+– White wins easily.
693
B) 14...Bxd7? 15.e3! Threatens Qh5+. 15...0-0-0 [Of course bad is 15...fxe3 in view of 16.Qh5+
Kd8 17.Rad1+–.] 16.exf4± and White is a clear pawn up.
15.a5!
It is a good idea to fix Black’s pawns on the queenside.

15.Qc1 Bd6∞
15...fxg3
A) 15...a6?! 16.Qa4! Bd6
694
17.Rac1!N The rook is better placed here than on d1. [17.Rad1? 0-0-0∞ Basso, P (2516) – Sharma,
D (2276) Ferreira do Alentejo 2018.] 17...0-0 [After 17...0-0-0 18.Ne4± White’s initiative seems
very strong.] 18.Ne4 fxg3 19.hxg3± White is much better.
B) 15...Qxd1?! is worse than the main move. 16.Raxd1
Position after: 16.Raxd1
Now it is better to take with this rook! The difference is that after 16...fxg3 White can take with the
695
f-pawn! 16...a6 Otherwise, White will play a6. [16...fxg3?! 17.fxg3! Bd7 18.Ne4±] 17.Ne4!N An
important improvement! White wants to exchange the f8 bishop with Nd6. [Taking the pawn with
17.gxf4 is not so great as after 17...Be7© Black had compensation in the game Colpe, M (2311) –
Hector, J (2509) Helsingor 2013.]
Position after: 17.Ne4!N
B1) The other moves are no better. 17...Bxe4 18.Bxe4 Bb4
696
19.Rd3! A good idea which threatens Rb3. [Also tempting is 19.Bf5!?.] 19...Bxa5 20.Ra1 Bc7
21.Rb3±
Position after: 21.Rb3±
White is much better. For example: 21...Ra7 [Worse is 21...0-0-0 in view of 22.Bf5+ Kb8
23.Rxa6+–.] 22.Rxb7 Rxb7 23.Bxc6+ Ke7 24.Bxb7 a5 25.b3± Black’s defense will be very
unpleasant.
B2) After 17...Kf7 strong is 18.gxf4 Be7 19.Nd6+ Bxd6 20.Rxd6 Rhg8 21.Kh1±.
B3) 17...fxg3? 18.Nxf6+ Ke7 19.fxg3 Kxf6 20.Bh3+– White wins.
B4) 17...Be7 18.Nd6+! The black-square bishop is very important! 18...Bxd6 19.Rxd6 Ke7 20.Rd4
697
White is much better. 20...fxg3 21.fxg3! brings the other rook into the game. 21...Be6 [Worse is
21...Bg6? because of 22.Rb4! Rab8 23.Rf3+– and Black is positionally lost.] 22.Re4! The best!
22...Rae8 23.Rf3! Kf7 24.Ref4+– Winning the f6-pawn.
16.hxg3
Less clear is 16.fxg3
698
Position after: 16.fxg3
in view of 16...a6 17.Be4 [even worse is 17.Qxd7+ Bxd7 18.Rxf6 Bc5+ 19.Kh1 0-0-0© and Black
had good compensation for the pawn Tari, A (2510) – Banusz, T (2586) Vienna 2015] 17...Bc5+N
18.Kh1 Qxd1 19.Raxd1 Be6 20.Rxf6 Bb3©.
16...Qxd1 17.Rfxd1!
Now the recapture is rook! The other rook will enter the game from a4.
17...a6
18.Ne4!N
A strong novelty. Once again, the idea is to exchange one of Black’s bishops.
After 18.Rd4, as in So, W (2775) – Akopian, V (2648) Doha 2015, Black had to play 18...Be7
19.Rad1 Rd8 with equal chances.
18...Bxe4
Black finds it difficult to choose which bishop to exchange.

A) 18...Be7 19.Nd6+ Bxd6 20.Rxd6 Ke7 21.Rd4
699
Black has many weaknesses. 21...Rhd8 22.Rf4! Bg6 23.Rb4 Rd7 24.Bh3 Rc7 25.Rd1 Rd8 26.Rxd8
Kxd8 27.Kf1± White is much better. Black will suffer a lot in the endgame.
B) 18...Kf7 19.Ra4! This is why White took on d1 with the other rook. 19...Be7 [Or 19...Re8
20.Bf3.] 20.Nd6+ Bxd6 21.Rxd6 Rhd8
Position after: 21...Rhd8
22.Rdd4! Unusual, but strong. 22...Rxd4 23.Rxd4 Re8 24.e4! Bc8 [24...Be6 25.f4 Ke7 26.Rb4±]
700
25.f4 Ke7 26.Kf2± The endgame is extremely difficult to defend for Black.
19.Bxe4 Rd8
20.Kg2 Rxd1
After 20...Bb4 very strong is 21.Bd3! Rd5 22.Ra4 Be7 [of course not 22...Bxa5? because of 23.e4+–.]
23.Rh4± White is much better.
21.Rxd1 Bb4 22.Rd3!
Black’s defense is difficult.
22...Bxa5 23.Rb3 Kd7 24.Rxb7+ Bc7
701
25.Rb3±
g) 11...g5 12.Ne3 gxf4 13.Nxf5 0-0-0 14.Qc2 --
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 g5!?
702
The most critical line for the whole 4...dxc4 Slav. This move became very popular after the game:
Garry Kasparov – Alexander Morozevich, Wijk aan Zee 2000.
12.Ne3!
Definitely the best try for White.

A) The other popular moves are 12.Nxe5 gxf4 13.Nxd7 0-0-0 14.Qd4 Qxd7 15.Qxf4 Bd6© with
good compensation. Yu, Y (2751) – Mamedov, R (2709) Huaian 2017.
B) Or 12.Bxe5 Nxe5 13.Qd4 f6∞ with a very unclear game.
12...gxf4 13.Nxf5 0-0-0 14.Qc2
The critical position. Black has many possibilities here. In this chapter we will see some of the rare
moves for Black.
In the following sections we will see the moves 14...Kb8 and the main line 14...Nc5.
14.gxf4?! is not a good idea due to 14...Nc5 15.Qc2 Nc4„ with counterplay as in Grigore, G (2485)
– Kulaots, K (2530) Paks 2003.
14...fxg3
Usually, Black is in no hurry to exchange on g3. The main idea is to continue later with ...Kb8 and as
we will see in the next section White cannot take the pawn on f4.
A) 14...Ng4?! A very dubious move. White is better after 15.a5! which creates many threats.
703
15...fxg3 [15...a6 16.Ra4±] 16.hxg3 a6
17.Ra4! Ndf6 18.Ne4 Nxe4 19.Bxe4 h5 20.Kf1 Kb8 21.Kg2± White had a very solid advantage in
Kasparov, G (2851) – Morozevich, A (2748) Wijk aan Zee 2000.
B) 14...Ng6?! The direct approach, Black wants to start pushing his pawn. The problem with this
plan is that, as we will see, White is much faster. 15.0-0 [Unclear is 15.a5?! a6 16.0-0 h5„.]
704
B1) 15...a5 16.Rac1!N
Position after: 16.Rac1!N
Only in this case is it better with this rook! The point is that after 16...Nc5 to play 17.Rfd1.
[16.Rfc1 Nc5∞] 16...Kb8 [16...Nc5 17.Rfd1 Kb8 18.e3 fxg3 19.hxg3 Rxd1+ 20.Rxd1 h5 21.Ne4
Nxe4 22.Qxe4±] 17.b4! Works perfectly. 17...axb4 [Or 17...Bxb4 18.Nd5 Qe5 19.Nxb4 axb4
20.Rb1 c5 21.a5+– White’s attack is unstoppable.] 18.Nb5!
705
18...Qb6 [18...Qe5 19.Bxc6! Rc8 20.Qd2+–] 19.Nbd4 Nc5 20.Rfd1 Rc8 21.Rb1± With a very
strong attack.
B2) 15...fxg3 only helps White. 16.hxg3
Position after: 16.hxg3
16...a5 [Or 16...h5 17.Rfc1! White is already winning. For example: 17...Kb8 18.b4! h4 19.Nb5!
19...Qe5 20.Nbd4 Rc8 21.b5 hxg3 22.bxc6 gxf2+ 23.Kf1 Nc5 24.Rab1 Rc7 25.e3+–.] 17.Rfc1!
706
B2.1) 17...Kb8 18.b4!
18...axb4 [18...Bxb4 19.Nd5+–] 19.Nb5 Qa5 20.Nbd4 Nge5 21.f4+– White wins.
B2.2) 17...Nc5 18.Nb5! cxb5 19.axb5 Kb8 20.Ne3!!
Position after: 20.Ne3!!
Now White has this move. 20...Ne5 21.Nd5 Rxd5 22.Bxd5+– White has a serious advantage,
707
probably a winning one.
B3) 15...h5 does not change much after 16.Rfc1.
B4) 15...Kb8 The best move order for Black. 16.Rfc1! Like everything we have already seen.
16...a5
17.b4! The typical plan. 17...axb4 [Or 17...Bxb4? 18.Nd5 Qe5 19.Nxb4 axb4 20.Rab1+– White is
winning as in Caruana, F (2649) – Ni, H (2724) Dagomys 2009.] 18.Nb5! Qe5 [18...Qa5?
19.Nbd4+–] 19.Nbd4 [19.Bxc6? Rc8 20.Qd2 Rxc6 21.Qxd7 Bc5∞] 19...Bc5
708
20.Nf3!N A strong improvement. [Unclear is 20.Nb3 h5∞ Carlsen, M (2772) – Wang, Y (2736)
Nanjing 2009.] 20...Qc3 The only chance. [Other moves are worse. 20...Qe6 21.a5±; 20...Qf6
21.a5±] 21.Qxc3 The endgame looks very good for White. [21.Qb1?! is unclear in view of
21...Qf6 22.a5 Rhe8!
Position after: 22...Rhe8!
23.a6 Rxe2 with big complications. For example: 24.axb7 Rxf2 25.Rxc5 Rxg2+ 26.Kxg2 Nxc5
27.Ra8+ Kxb7 28.Rxd8 Qxd8 29.Qxb4+ Qb6 30.Nd6+ Kc7 31.Ne8+= with a draw.] 21...bxc3
22.Rxc3 Kc7 [Or 22...Rhe8 23.Rc2.] 23.Rc2! Nice prophylaxis. 23...Ra8 24.Nh6!
709
Black has some weaknesses. 24...fxg3 25.hxg3 Ra5 [25...Rhf8 26.a5±] 26.Bh3! [After 26.Nxf7?!
Rf8 27.N7g5 Black has 27...Bxf2+! 28.Kxf2 Rxg5=.] 26...f6 27.Bxd7! Kxd7 28.Kg2 Kc7 29.e3±
Black’s defense will be difficult.
15.hxg3 Kb8
710
This line was very popular among Armenian grandmasters.
A) In case of 15...h5?! White can castle to the other side. 16.0-0-0! Kb8 The game Urkedal, F
(2557) – Hole, O (2332) Tromsoe 2016, continued 17.Ne4 Bb4
18.f4 Ng4 19.Bf3 Ndf6 20.Nxf6 Nxf6 21.e4± with a big advantage for White.
B) Another option is 15...Nf6. 16.0-0 [16.Kf1!? h5 17.Bf3 Bb4 18.Kg2²] 16...h5 17.Rfd1 Bc5
711
18.e3! Stops all threats. 18...Kb8N A normal move in this type of position. [Worse is 18...Neg4?!
because of 19.Ne2! Qe5 20.Ned4± lsness, F (2482) – Khatanbaatar, B (2329) London 2013.; 18...a5
19.Ne4 Nxe4 20.Bxe4 Bb4 21.Kg2² White’s position is preferable.] 19.Ne2 [19.Ne4!? Nxe4
20.Bxe4²] 19...Bb4 20.Ned4² White is slightly better.
16.0-0-0!
Clearly the best.

16.0-0 h5∞
16...Bb4 17.Kb1
Position after: 17.Kb1
Good prophylaxis.
Black is fine after 17.Na2 Bc5 18.e3 a5 19.Kb1 Bb6 20.Nc3 Nc5= Giri, A (2686) – Aronian, L
(2805) Wijk aan Zee 2011.
17...Qa5
May be the best way for Black to create some kind of counterplay.
A) The alternatives are 17...Qb6 after which 18.Ne4!N is a strong improvement. [Unclear is 18.Na2
Ding, L (2637) – Ni, H (2646) Ningbo 2011. Now Black had to play 18...Qxf2! 19.Qe4 Bf8 20.a5
Rg8∞ with very unclear complications.] 18...Nc5 19.Ned6!
712
Position after: 19.Ned6!
White’s knights are very well placed. Black has problems. For example: 19...f6 20.f4 Ng4 21.Nc4
Rxd1+ 22.Rxd1 Qc7 23.Bf3 h5 24.Rh1± White is better.
B) 17...Nc5 18.Na2! Qb6 [In case of 18...Qa5 strong is 19.Nd6!
19...Nxa4 20.Nxb7! Kxb7 21.f4+– and White wins.] 19.Bh3! Threatens f4. 19...a5 20.f4± Black has
big problems.
713
18.Rd4!?N
Position after: 18.Rd4!?N
A very interesting novelty. The main idea is to attack the bishop on b4.
Unclear is 18.Na2 because of 18...Nb6! 19.b3 h5 20.e3 [Kotanjian, T (2500) – Baghdasaryan, V
(2414) Yerevan 2013.] Now after 20...Ng4= Black is fine.
18...Bc5
A) The alternatives are no better. 18...Nc5?! this is an error in view of 19.Na2! which is the idea of
White’s previous move. 19...Rxd4 20.Nxd4 Be1 21.f4
714
21...Rd8 22.Rh5! White is much better.

B) 18...Bxc3?! is unappetizing as after 19.Qxc3 Qxc3 20.bxc3±.
C) 18...Nb6 seems very logical. 19.Rhh4!
Position after: 19.Rhh4!
An important idea. [Very unclear is 19.Rxh7 Bc5 20.Rxh8 Rxh8 21.Rh4 Rd8 22.e3 Nbc4„ with
715
counterplay.]
C1) White is much better after 19...Bxc3?! 20.Qxc3 Qxc3 21.bxc3 Rxd4
22.cxd4! [Worse is 22.Rxd4 a5.] 22...Ng6 23.Rh6 Nxa4 24.e4 a5 25.f4± White is a pawn down,
but his big advantage is undeniable.
C2) Of course not 19...Bc5? because of 20.b4!+–.
C3) 19...Rxd4 20.Nxd4 Nbc4 [20...Nec4?! 21.Nb3! Qe5 22.Na2!
716
22...Ba3 a nice trick, but it does not work. 23.a5! Bxb2 24.Rxc4 Nxc4 25.Qxc4 Ba3 26.Nc3±
White is much better.] 21.Nb3! Qb6 22.Rd4! Rd8 23.e3
White’s position is preferable. For example: 23...Na5 24.Nxa5 Bxa5 25.Qf5 Ng6 26.Rxd8+ Qxd8
27.Kc2 Bxc3 28.Kxc3 Qe7 29.b3 a6 30.Be4² White has a small but lasting advantage.
19.Re4!
717
Black has to solve some problems.
19...Qb6
A) 19...Ng6?! 20.f4! The knight on g6 is now out of the game. 20...h5 21.Na2!
Threatens b4. 21...Qc7 22.Rc4± White is much better.
718
B) Of course, not 19...Bxf2? because of 20.e3 Nf6 [Or 20...Nd3 21.Qxd3 Qxf5 22.Rf1 Nf6 23.Qe2
Nxe4 24.Bxe4±] 21.Rxe5 Qxe5 22.Qxf2±.
C) 19...h5 20.e3 Qb6 transposes.
20.e3
If 20.f4 then 20...Ng4.
20...h5 21.Ne2 a5 22.Ned4 Bb4 23.Rc1²
This position is easier to play with White.
Position after: 23.Rc1²
h) 11...g5 with 14...Bb4
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 g5!? 12.Ne3! gxf4 13.Nxf5 0-0-0 14.Qc2 Bb4
719
Some strong players have played this move. The main problem is that eventually White will have the
idea of Na2 with a tempo against the bishop and then b4.
15.0-0 fxg3
White was already threatening to take on f4.
16.hxg3
720
16...a5
A solid move, trying to stop Na2-b4 ideas.

A) Worse is 16...Kb8?! in view of 17.Na2! Bd6 18.b4! when White is much faster with the attack.
18...h5 19.Rfd1 Nf6 20.b5
A1) 20...h4 21.bxc6 hxg3 22.Rab1! White already has very serious threats. 22...gxf2+ 23.Kf1! the
king is very safe here. 23...b6
721
24.Rxd6! a very nice tactic! 24...Rxd6 25.Nb4! Black is defenseless. 25...Kc8 26.Na6! Rxc6
27.Bxc6 Rh1+ [27...Qxc6 28.Ne7++–] 28.Kg2! Qxc6+ 29.Qxc6+ Nxc6 30.Rxh1+– White wins.
A2) 20...cxb5 21.Qxc7+ Bxc7 22.Rdb1!
Position after: 22.Rdb1!
The endgame looks awful for Black. 22...Nc4 23.Rxb5 Bb6 24.Nc3 Ng4 25.e3±
722
B) 16...h5
17.Rfd1!N I think the rook belongs on d1 in this particular position. [Unclear is 17.Na2 Bf8 18.b4
h4 with the idea of 19.Nxh4 Rxh4! 20.gxh4 Ng4 with a strong attack.] 17...Kb8?! a dubious move.
[Better is 17...a5 transposing to 16...a5.] 18.Na2! Now White is ready for this plan. 18...Bc5
[18...Bf8 19.b4 h4? does not work in view of 20.Nxh4 Rxh4 21.gxh4 Ng4 22.Qf5+–.] 19.b4 Bxf2+
This just does not work.
Position after: 19...Bxf2+
723
20.Kxf2 h4 [Or 20...Ng4+ 21.Kg1 Qb6+ 22.e3! Nxe3 23.Nxe3 Qxe3+ 24.Qf2 White’s defense is
easy.] 21.Rd4! An important move! 21...hxg3+ [Worse is 21...h3? 22.Bf3 Nf6 23.Qc3+– Black has
no threats.] 22.Kg1! Rdg8 23.Nc3+– White should win.
17.Rfd1!
Once again the best place for the rook.
17...h5
18.e3!N
Good improvement.
After 18.Rac1 Nf6 19.Nb5 Rxd1+ 20.Qxd1 Qb6 21.Nbd6+ Kb8
724
Position after: 21...Kb8
22.Nc4 Nxc4 23.Rxc4 Rd8= Black was fine in the game Chojnacki, K (2441) – Malisauskas, V
(2460) Police 2012.
18...Nf6
The other moves are worse.

A) 18...Nc5?! 19.Na2!±
B) 18...Kb8 19.Na2! Now White is ready for action. 19...Bc5
725
20.b4! axb4 [Or 20...Bxb4 21.Nxb4 axb4 22.a5+– with an unstoppable attack.] 21.Rab1
Position after: 21.Rab1
B1) 21...h4 does not pose enough threats. For example: 22.Nxh4 Rxh4 23.gxh4 Rg8 24.Nxb4
Bxb4 25.Rxb4 Nf3+ 26.Kf1 Nh2+ 27.Ke2 Rxg2 28.Rdb1 b6
726
29.Qe4 Qg3 [29...Rg8 30.a5 b5 31.Rc1+–] 30.Qf4+ Qxf4 31.Rxf4+– and White wins easily.
B2) 21...Qb6 22.Rd4!+– A very nice idea! White is winning.
B3) 21...Qa5 22.Nc1± The threat of Nb3 is very unpleasant. [Also good is 22.Rd4!?.]
19.Na2!
727
19...Be7
19...Rxd1+ 20.Rxd1 Bf8 21.Nc1 Bb4 22.Nd3! Nxd3 23.Qxd3 Ng4 [If 23...Rd8 then 24.Nd4!.]
24.Bf3! Ne5 25.Qe4 Nxf3+ 26.Qxf3± The knight is much stronger than the bishop.
20.b4!
White continues with his plan.
20...axb4
20...h4? 21.b5 hxg3 22.f4! Neg4 23.bxc6+–
21.a5!‚
White has very strong attacking chances. The threat is a6.
i) 11...g5 with 14...Kb8
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 g5 12.Ne3 gxf4 13.Nxf5 0-0-0 14.Qc2 Kb8
A very critical move.
15.gxf4!
728
That is the difference! White now has this additional option. Now the game becomes very concrete.
A) In case of 15.0-0-0 Black will not exchange on g3. 15...Ng6 16.Ne4 Bb4 17.Rd4 a5∞ Gelfand, B
(2714) – Morozevich, A (2732) Sochi 2004.
B) Also unclear is 15.0-0 fxg3 16.hxg3 h5∞.
15...Nc4 16.e3 Nc5
Threatens ...Rd2.
17.Rd1!
White must stop the ...Rd2 threat.

17.Nd4? Bg7 18.Nce2 Qa5+µ Schenk, A (2491) – Gustafsson, J (2570) Lippstadt 2003.
17...Rxd1+ 18.Nxd1 Qa5+ 19.Nc3
729
The critical position after 15.gxf4. Now Black has several options.
19...Qb6!
The best.
A) 19...Nxb2 20.0-0 Ncd3 [20...Nbd3 21.Rb1±; 20...Rg8 21.Ng3±] 21.Be4 Rg8+ 22.Ng3 Bg7
730
23.Nd1! Clearly the best! [Black has counterplay after 23.Bxd3 Qxc3 24.Bxh7 Qxc2 25.Bxc2 b5
26.axb5 cxb5
as in Harikrishna, P (2672) – Ragger, M (2655) Germany 2011. Now the best is 27.Bb3 but still
after 27...a5! 28.Bxf7 Rf8 29.Ba2 a4 30.Ne4 b4∞ it seems very complicated.] 23...Rd8 24.Nxb2!N a
strong improvement. [In the game Ding, L (2660) – Xiu, D (2492) Beijing 2012, after 24.Qb3?!
Nc5! 25.Qxf7
731
25...Qc7 26.Qxc7+ Kxc7 27.Nxb2 Bxb2 28.Rb1 Bh8∞ the endgame is far from clear.] 24...Nxb2
25.Rb1 Qc3 26.Bxh7 Qxc2 27.Bxc2
Now White is better, because after 27...b5 28.Nf5 Bc3 29.axb5 cxb5 30.Nd4! Rg8+ 31.Kf1±.
B) 19...Qb4 20.Qd1! A very important move! Black has problems with the 8th rank.
732
20...Bd6 21.Nxd6 Rd8 22.0-0 Rxd6 23.Qh5 Qxb2 [23...Nxb2 24.Ne2±] 24.Nb5! cxb5 25.Qxc5 a6
26.h4±
20.Ne4!N
Position after: 20.Ne4!N
An important novelty! The next few moves are forced.

20.0-0 Qxb2 21.Qxb2 Nxb2 22.Rb1 Ncd3∞ The position is absolutely unclear. Wang, H (2726) –
Nakamura, H (2778) Istanbul 2012.
20...Qb4+ 21.Ke2 Qxb2 22.Qxb2
But not 22.Rc1? because of 22...Nxa4!.
22...Nxb2 23.Nxc5 Bxc5 24.a5
I believe that this endgame is a little better for White and also a little easier to play.
733
24...Na4!
The knight wants to reach the c3 square.

In case of 24...Rd8 25.Nh6! is unpleasant.
25.Ra1 Nc3+ 26.Kf3 Kc7
Position after: 26...Kc7
734
27.Bf1!
With the idea of Bc4.
27...b5
The only active plan for Black.
28.axb6+ Kxb6
The a-pawn can potentially be very strong.
29.Bc4 a5
30.Ng3!
A very difficult move. It seems very important to exchange knights.

30.Bxf7 Rf8 31.Nh6 a4 32.Bc4 a3∞ The position is very complicated.
30...Rf8
30...a4?! 31.Ne4! the idea of White’s previous move! 31...Nxe4 32.Kxe4 a3
735
33.Bxf7± White has a good chance of winning this endgame.
31.Ne4! Nxe4 32.Kxe4 Bb4
Or 32...f5+ 33.Ke5 Bb4 34.Ke6.
33.Kf5 Kc5
736
34.Bb3²
The endgame is very complicated but without doubt only White plays for victory.
j) 11...g5 with 14...Nc5
10.Bf4 Nfd7 11.Bg2 g5 12.Ne3 gxf4 13.Nxf5 0-0-0 14.Qc2 Nc5!
The best and most popular move.
15.0-0 fxg3
Now Black must exchange these pawns.

15...Ne6?! 16.Qe4! fxg3 [16...Ng6 17.b4±] 17.hxg3
737
A) 17...Nc5 18.Qh4! Nb3 [In the game Grischuk, A (2719) – Nielsen, P (2628) playchess.com
2004, White had the advantage after 18...Ng6 19.Qh5 a5 20.Rad1 Rxd1 21.Rxd1 Ne6 22.e3 Qe5
23.Ne4 Kc7 24.Qf3±.] 19.Rad1 Bc5 [In case of 19...Nd2? White wins after 20.Nd5!
20...Rxd5 21.Bxd5 Nxf1 22.Qf6! Rg8 23.Be6+!+–] 20.Ne4± White was much better in Trofimov,
S – Andriasian, Z Herceg Novi 2005.
738
B) 17...h5 18.b4! h4
19.Nb5! White is much faster with the attack. 19...cxb5 20.Rfc1 Nc6 21.axb5 hxg3
Position after: 21...hxg3
22.Nxg3! The simplest. [White is still much better after 22.bxc6 gxf2+ 23.Kxf2 b6± Volokitin, A
(2672) – Inarkiev, E (2675) Poikovsky 2008.] 22...Rd4 23.Qf5 Rf4 24.bxc6! Rxf5 25.cxb7+ Kb8
26.Rxc7 Nxc7 27.Nxf5+– White wins.
739
C) 17...a5 18.Nb5!
A very typical idea that we have seen so many times in this variation. 18...cxb5 [18...Nc5 19.Qe3
cxb5 20.axb5 transposes.] 19.axb5 Nc5 20.Qe3! Black is defenseless. 20...Ncd7 Porat, S (2444) –
Gonda, L (2448) Budapest 2005. [20...Ng4 21.Qc3! Qe5 22.Qf3!+–; 20...Ned7 21.b4! axb4
22.Ra8+ Nb8 23.Bh3+–] 21.Rfc1!N 21...Bc5
740
22.b6! a nice little tactic! 22...Qxb6 23.Rxc5+! Nxc5 [23...Qxc5 24.Rc1+–] 24.Qxe5 White is
winning. For example: 24...f6
[24...Rhe8 25.Ne7++–] 25.Ne7+ Kd7 26.Qe3 Na4 27.Rd1+ Ke8 28.Nc6+! Qxe3 29.Rxd8+ Kf7
30.fxe3+–.
16.hxg3 a5

White has many different options.
17.Rad1
741
I believe this is the way to play. The plan is to swap a few pieces and try to keep the strong knight on
f5.
17...h5
The main move, Black has counterplay as well.

17...Rxd1 is similar, but a slightly worse version. 18.Rxd1 h5
742
19.Ne4! Nxe4 20.Qxe4 Bb4 Sasikiran, K (2633) – Sturua, Z (2565) Dubai 2002. Now after 21.Bf3!
Kb8 22.Kg2² White’s position is slightly preferable.
18.Rxd8+ Qxd8 19.Rd1 Qf6 20.Ne4!
White continues with his plan to exchange several pieces.

Very unclear is 20.Bh3 Kb8 21.Qd2 h4!∞ with big complications as in Wang, H (2696) – Ni, H
(2724) Xinghua Jiangsu 2009.
20...Nxe4 21.Qxe4
Position after: 21.Qxe4
21...Bc5
A logical move.
Another normal move is 21...Bb4. 22.Bh3 Kb8 [If 22...Kc7 interesting is 23.Qe3!? with the idea of
stopping ...Rd8 for now.] 23.Qd4! Stops ...Ng6. [23.Kg2 Ng6∞ threatens ...h4.] 23...Qe6 24.Kg2
White has many easy moves. 24...f6 25.Ne3 Qe7 26.Qe4 Re8 [26...h4!? 27.f4! Ng6 28.Qxe7 Nxe7
29.Be6 The endgame is still a little nicer for White. For example: 29...hxg3 30.Kxg3 Ka7 31.b3 Bc5
32.Nc4².] 27.Nf5 Qf8
743
A) In the game Pashikian, A (2607) – Petrosian, T (2648) Erevan 2013 Black had no problems after
28.Qh4 Rd8 29.Rxd8+ Qxd8 30.Qxh5 Bc5 [also good was 30...Qd2!?] 31.Nh4 Qd1© with very
good compensation for Black.
B) 28.Nd4!?N a nice improvement. 28...Qd6 29.Rc1 Bc5 30.e3 Bb6 31.Bf5² White’s position is
obviously more pleasant to play.
22.Bh3 Kb8
Probably also possible is 22...Kc7.
23.e3
744
White definitely has a small plus and a very easy game.
23...Ng6
Another normal move is 23...Ka7.
24.Qc4 Bb4
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In case of 24...Bb6 good is 25.b4! Rd8 26.Rxd8+ Bxd8 27.b5². Black is under some pressure.
25.Qd4!
The endgame is obviously more enjoyable for White.
25...Qxd4 26.Rxd4 Bc5
In case of 26...Ne5 now strong is 27.Bg2! [27.Kg2 Kc7 28.Ng7 b5 29.axb5 cxb5 30.Rd5 f6∞]
27...Kc7 28.b3! Black has no easy plan. Now after 28...Rd8 29.Rxd8 Kxd8
Position after: 29...Kxd8
30.f4! Nd3 31.Bf3 Nc5 32.Bd1!² White still maintains the pressure.
27.Rc4 Bb4
746
28.Bf1!
The bishop does not do much on g2.
28...Rd8 29.Rd4! Rxd4 30.Nxd4N
Position after: 30.Nxd4N
747
An improvement that maintains a small plus.
Black is fine after 30.exd4 Ne7= as in Rodshtein, M (2632) – Vitiugov, N (2709) Plovdiv 2010.
30...h4
Worse is 30...Kc7 in view of 31.Bc4! Ne5 32.Be2 Ng4 33.Nf5±. The h5 pawn may have problems.
31.g4!
Of course. White does not want to exchange pawns.
31...Kc7 32.Kg2²
Position after: 32.Kg2²
The endgame is probably close to a draw, but I still think White has some chances and easier play.
748
Chapter 10
The Cambridge Springs
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3
Chapter Guide
Chapter 10 – The Cambridge Springs

a) 5...Be7 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 8.Bd3 b6
b) 5...Be7 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 8.Bd3 dxc4
c) Plans with ...h6-g5
d) 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 dxc4
e) 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 --
f) 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 Ne4
a) 5...Be7 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 8.Bd3 b6
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5
749
While White has many choices we will stick to 5.Bg5 which is the main line.
5...Be7
In this chapter we will discuss the lines where Black plays ...Be7 & ...Nbd7 in the style of the
Queen’s Gambit. Another way to get to the main line is 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Be7 7.Bd3.
6.e3 h6
I believe that it is always good to include ...h6 as after White plays Bh4 he will have fewer choices
later in the game.
Similar to the main line is 6...0-0 7.Bd3 Nbd7 8.0-0 and I believe ...h6 is good for Black here.
7.Bh4 Nbd7 8.Bd3
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White has many other options, but Bd3 looks very natural.
8...b6
Although this is a passive move it is solid and logical. I believe White has a very easy game.
After 8...0-0 9.0-0 there will most likely be a transposition into one of the other lines: 9...b6 [or
9...dxc4 10.Bxc4 b5 – 8...dxc4] 10.cxd5 – 8...b6.
9.0-0 Bb7
If 9...Ba6?! then 10.Qa4 is good.
10.cxd5!
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Position after: 10.cxd5!
The best plan in this kind of position. White does not want to be allow ...c5. Now Black has three
possible options and they each have some problems.
10...Nxd5
A) 10...cxd5 looks very solid. Now the bishop on b7 is extremely passive. White is only slightly
better, but White’s game is much easier. 11.Qb3 The queen is well placed here. The idea is Rfc1.
11...0-0 12.Rfc1 a6
752
The critical position. White has many tempting plans.

A1) Logical, but not so clear is 13.Na4 b5 14.Nc5 Nxc5 15.dxc5 Gelfand, B (2733) – Van Wely,
L (2683) Monte Carlo 2007. Now after 15...Rc8 16.a4 [16.Bxf6 gxf6!] 16...Rxc5 17.Rxc5 Bxc5
18.axb5 axb5 19.Qxb5 Qb6
Black is fine. For example: 20.Ra5 Ne4 21.b4 Qxb5 22.Rxb5 Ba6 23.bxc5 Bxb5 24.Bxb5 Rb8
25.Bd3 Nxc5 26.Bc2 Rb2 27.Ne1 with an equal endgame.
A2) 13.Ne2!? I like this idea very much.
A2.1) 13...Rc8 14.Rxc8 Qxc8 15.Rc1 Qb8
753
[15...Qa8?! 16.Ne5±] 16.Ne5! Black’s position is risky. For example: 16...Bd6 [16...Nxe5?
Loses in view of 17.dxe5 Qxe5 18.Bg3 Qh5 19.Rc7+–] 17.f4ƒ Black still has problems to solve.
A2.2) 13...b5?! Is not good in view of 14.a4±.
A2.3) 13...Bd6 A normal move. The idea is ...Qe7. 14.a4! stops ...b5 and threatens a5. 14...Qe7
754
15.a5! b5 [15...Rfb8 16.Bg3! Bxg3 17.hxg3 bxa5 18.Rxa5 Qd6 19.Qa4²] 16.Bg3! The exchange
of bishops is definitely in White’s favor. 16...Bxg3 17.Nxg3 Rfc8
18.Ne2! The knight will come to d3. 18...Ne4 19.Nf4² The next moves are Be2-Nd3. White is
slightly better.
B) 10...exd5 11.Qc2 0-0 12.Rad1
755
White’s game is very easy. For example:
B1) 12...Nh5 13.Bxe7 Qxe7 14.Rfe1! Prepares e4. 14...Nhf6 15.e4! dxe4 16.Nxe4 Nxe4 17.Bxe4
Qd6 [17...Qf6 18.Ne5!] 18.Ne5 [Also tempting is 18.Nh4!?.] 18...Nxe5 19.dxe5 Qe7 20.Rd6 c5
21.Bxb7 [Probably even stronger is 21.Bh7+!? Kh8 22.Bf5 Rad8 23.Qd2] 21...Qxb7 22.Red1
Rac8 23.f4ƒ The position was very unpleasant for Black in the game Malakhatko, V (2571) – Also
Alvarado, L El Sauzal 2004.
B2) If 12...c5 then strong is 13.Bf5! a6 14.Ne5ƒ White has the initiative.
B3) 12...Re8 13.Rfe1 White is preparing e4. 13...Ne4 [Or 13...c5 14.Bf5² with the idea of Ne5.]
14.Bxe4 Bxh4 15.Bh7+ Kh8
756
16.Bf5!N A strong improvement. [In the game Xu, Y (2557) – Lu, S (2620) Xinghua 2017, after
16.Nxh4 Qxh4 17.Bd3 Rad8 18.Qa4 a5 19.g3 Qe7 20.a3 Qd6= Black was more or less fine.]
16...Bf6 17.e4! Nf8
[In case of 17...g6 18.Bxd7 Qxd7 19.e5 Bg7 20.Ne2 Rac8 21.Nf4ƒ e6 is an unpleasant threat.]
18.exd5!? looks very nice for White. [Also normal is 18.e5 Be7 19.Ne2.] 18...cxd5 19.Ne5 [Also
757
interesting is 19.Nb5!?.] 19...Re7 20.f4² White has the initiative.
11.Nxd5!
Definitely the best.

11.Bxe7 Nxc3 12.Bxd8 [12.bxc3 Qxe7 13.e4 0-0=] 12...Nxd1 13.Bh4 Nxb2 14.Be2 Na4 15.Rfc1
a6= The endgame is about equal.
11...Bxh4?!
Looks very normal.

A) Much worse is 11...cxd5? 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Rc1 Qd6 14.Qc2± Black has no time to castle.
B) 11...exd5 is probably the best. White is still very comfortable after 12.Bxe7 Qxe7 13.Qc2 0-0
14.Bh7+ Kh8 15.Bf5 Nf6 16.Rfc1² with a small, but stable advantage.
12.Nxh4 cxd5 13.Nf3
The position is simple, but White’s advantage is clear.
13...0-0 14.Qa4 a6 15.Rfc1 Rc8
758
In the game Korobov, A (2664) – Adly, A (2634) Abu Dhabi 2018, White played very instructively.
16.Qa3! Re8 17.h3!
Simple and nice. White is not in hurry.
17...Nb8 18.Ne5 Rc7
759
19.b4!
White has complete control.
19...Ree7 20.b5! a5
20...axb5 does not help much : 21.Bxb5 Bc8 22.Rab1 with a clear advantage for White.
21.g4!
Now it is time to play on this side of the board.
21...g5?!
In case of 21...Rxc1+ 22.Rxc1 Rc7 23.Rxc7 Qxc7 24.h4 White is still much better, probably winning.
22.Kg2 f6 23.Ng6 Rg7 24.Rxc7 Rxc7 25.h4+–
760
White won the game with ease.
25...Rg7 26.hxg5 hxg5 27.Rc1 Kf7 28.Rc7+!
Position after: 28.Rc7+!
28...Kg8 29.Ne7+
761
1-0
b) 5...Be7 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 8.Bd3 dxc4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Be7 6.e3 h6 7.Bh4 Nbd7 8.Bd3 dxc4!?
Position after: 8...dxc4!?
A very interesting plan which is similar to the Meran system and is probably the critical line for this
variation.
9.Bxc4 b5
Passive would be 9...Nd5 10.Bg3! now it is important to keep the bishops! 10...0-0 11.0-0 Nxc3
12.bxc3 b6 13.e4
762
13...Bb7 14.Qe2² Halkias, S (2550) – Bischoff, K (2554) Fuerth 2002.
10.Bd3 Bb7
A) 10...b4 11.Na4 Bb7 12.0-0 0-0 13.Rc1 Rc8
14.Nc5! it is important to stop Black’s idea ...c5. 14...Nxc5 15.dxc5 Qa5
763
Mamedyarov, S (2542) – Kharlov, A (2633) Dubai 2002. Here White had to play 16.Qe2! with the
idea of 16...Bxc5? 17.Bxf6 gxf6 18.Ne5!
and White wins. For example: 18...fxe5 19.Qg4+ Kh8 20.Qh5 Kg7 21.Qxe5+ f6 22.Rxc5 fxe5
23.Rxa5+–.
B) 10...a6
764
11.Bxf6! It is very important not to allow Black to play ...c5. 11...Nxf6 12.Ne4! Bb7 [12...Qa5+
13.Ke2²] 13.0-0 0-0 14.Rc1²
11.0-0 0-0
11...a6 12.Bxf6! Nxf6 13.Ne4 transposes to 10...a6.
12.Rc1
The rook is well placed here. Sometimes White wants to play Ne4.
12...Rc8
765
A) 12...b4 13.Na4 Rc8 transposes to 10...b4.

B) 12...a6 13.Bxf6 Nxf6 14.Ne4²
13.a3
Against all other moves I believe that Black has no problems. For example:
A) 13.Bxf6 Nxf6 14.Ne4 Nxe4 15.Bxe4 Qc7= with ...c5 on the next move.
B) 13.Qe2 b4 14.Na4 c5 15.Ba6 Bxa6 16.Qxa6 cxd4 17.Nxd4 Nc5 18.Nxc5 Bxc5 19.Bxf6 gxf6
20.Nb3
766
Ragger, M (2655) – Sethuraman, S (2529) Moscow 2012. Now after 20...Qb6! 21.Qc4 [21.Qxb6
axb6!; 21.Qe2 Be7=] 21...Bd6 22.Qxc8 Rxc8 23.Rxc8+ Kg7 24.Rc2 Qa6 25.Ra1 f5= Black should
be fine.
13...a5
767
After 13...a6?! strong is 14.b4! a5 15.Rb1 and White is better. For example: 15...axb4 16.axb4 Nd5
17.Bxe7 Qxe7 [Even worse is 17...Nxc3?! in view of 18.Bxd8 Nxd1 19.Ba5±.] 18.Nxd5 exd5
19.Bf5!.
A very strong positional idea! White wants to play with his strong knight against the weak bishop on
b7. 19...Ra8 20.Bxd7! Qxd7 21.Ra1 Rxa1 22.Qxa1 Ra8 23.Qc3 f6 24.Nd2 Bc8 25.Nb3± White is
better.
14.Ne5!?
I believe that this idea creates many problems for Black. There is only one game with this move.
14...Nxe5
Black must take.

A) 14...Re8? 15.Bxf6 [Also strong is 15.f4!?±.] 15...Nxf6 16.Ne4± White was much better in the
game Grischuk, A (2736) – Tkachiev, V (2642) Khanty-Mansiysk 2009.
B) 14...b4? 15.axb4 axb4
768
16.Bxf6! Nxf6 17.Na4 c5 The idea behind 14...b4. 18.Nxc5 Bxc5 19.dxc5 Qd5 20.c6!
An important trick! White wins material after 20...Bxc6 [20...Ba8 21.f4 Rfd8 22.Ba6+–] 21.Nxc6
Rxc6 22.Bh7+!.
15.dxe5 Nd7
769
Much worse is 15...Nd5?! because of 16.Bxe7 Nxc3
[16...Qxe7 17.Ne4±] 17.Bh7+! An important intermediate move. 17...Kh8 18.Bxd8 Nxd1 19.Be7
19...Nxb2 [19...Rfe8 20.Rfxd1 Rxe7 21.Be4 g6 22.Rc5+– White should be winning in the endgame.]
20.Bxf8 Kxh7 [20...Rxf8 21.Be4 Nc4 22.Rfd1+–] 21.Bc5 Nd3 22.Rc3 Nxe5 23.Rd1+– White wins.
770
16.Bxe7 Qxe7 17.f4
17...Nc5
Otherwise, Ne4 will be unpleasant.

17...Rfd8? 18.Ne4±
18.Bb1 b4!
Black should play very concretely.

18...Rfd8 19.Qc2 g6 20.Ne2! routing the knight to d4. 20...Nd7 21.Nd4² White’s position is
preferable.
19.axb4 axb4 20.Ne2
771
Now it is better not to include Qc2 and ...g6.
20...Nd7
After 20...Ba6 21.Rf3ƒ White still has the initiative.
21.Qd3 g6 22.Rfd1 Rfd8
22...Nb6 23.Qd6 is similar.
23.Qd6!
White has to go to for the endgame.
23...Qxd6 24.Rxd6 Nb6
772
Also possible is 24...c5 25.Ng3 Kf8 26.Be4² with a small advantage for White.
25.Be4!
White still keeps some pressure.
25...Rxd6 26.exd6 Rd8 27.Bxc6 Ba6 28.Nd4 Rxd6
773
29.Kf2²
The position is close to equal, but White keeps a small plus.
c) Plans with ...h6 ...g5
6...h6 7.Bh4 g5 8.Bg3 Nh5
In this section we will discuss this rare line. Recently many strong players including World Champion
Magnus Carlsen, have tried this aggressive setup. The main idea for Black is to gain the bishop pair
and try to use this advantage in the future.
774
Position after: 8...Nh5
9.Qc2
I think the best plan is to castle long immediately and try to break open the center with e4.
White has many other moves here such as 9.Be5, 9.cxd5 or 9.Bd3.
9...Nxg3
9...Bg7? is bad due to 10.Bd6!±.
10.hxg3 Bg7
775
11.0-0-0!
Definitely the best. White is now ready for action in the center and Kingside.
11...Qe7
The most flexible move.

A) Worse is 11...Nb6?! because of 12.Ne5! and Black is in big trouble. For example: 12...Bxe5
13.dxe5 Qe7
776
Koziak, V (2490) – Dreev, A (2652) Bastia 2017. Here White had to play 14.f4! Bd7 15.Be2±
gaining a serious advantage.
B) 11...0-0 12.Kb1 Qe7 transposes to 11...Qe7.
12.Kb1
777
A useful move.
12...0-0
Castling seems dangerous, but the alternatives are no more attractive.

A) 12...dxc4?! is just bad because of 13.Bxc4 b5 14.Be2 Bb7 15.Ne4± and White was much better
in Vocaturo, D (2592) – Lindgren, P (2420) Helsingor 2017.
B) 12...Nb6?! is also a dubious move. 13.Ne5
[Another option is 13.c5!? Nd7 14.e4±.] 13...dxc4 [If 13...Bd7 then White is better after the simple
14.f4±.] 14.Ne4 Bd7 15.Bxc4 Rf8 Gelfand, B (2676) – Mamedov, R (2650) Hengshui 2019. Here
the best was 16.Be2± with a huge advantage for White.
C) A possible idea is 12...a6 although it is very risky after 13.Bd3!.
C1) 13...b5
778
14.cxd5! White wants to open the center. 14...cxd5 15.e4! dxe4 [15...b4 16.Na4±] 16.Bxe4ƒ The
position is extremely perilous for Black.
C2) 13...dxc4?! 14.Bxc4 b5 15.Be2! Bb7 [15...c5 16.Ne4±] 16.Ne4± with a serious advantage.
13.cxd5!
White no longer wants to allow ...dxc4. Now it is difficult for Black to choose which way to recapture
on d5.
A) Unclear is 13.Bd3 dxc4 14.Bxc4 Rd8 15.Ne4 Lenic, L (2650) – Haba, P (2444) Austria 2018.
Now after 15...b5 16.Be2 Bb7 the game is very unclear.
B) Dubious is 13.Ne5?! in view of 13...Nxe5 14.dxe5 Bd7 15.f4 f6„ with very strong counterplay.
13...cxd5
In case of 13...exd5 White has the initiative after 14.Bd3 Nf6 [or 14...Re8 15.Rde1!.] 15.Rde1!
(Preparing e4!.) 15...Re8 16.Ne5ƒ with the idea of f4 next.
14.g4!
779
Fixing the g5-pawn.
14...Rd8
The idea is to play ...Nf8 so that the knight can better defend the king. Alternatives aren’t any better.
A) 14...Nf6 15.Ne5 Bd7 16.Bd3 Rfc8 17.f4 Be8 18.Rdf1±
B) 14...a6 15.Bd3 b5 16.Ne2±
15.Bd3 a6
780
16.Rh3!N
A strong improvement, White goes for a direct attack.

Also possible is 16.Ne2 b5?! [16...Nf6 is probably better] 17.Qc7 [17.Ng3!?; 17.Ne5!?] 17...Re8
18.Rc1 Nf6
781
19.Ne5 Bd7 20.Qa5 Qd8 21.Qd2 Rc8 22.Ng3 Rxc1+ 23.Rxc1± and White was better in Esipenko, A
(2611) – Artemiev, V (2761) Poikovsky 2019.
16...b5 17.Rdh1 Nf8 18.Ne5±
White’s attack is very serious with f4 coming next.
782
d) 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 dxc4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5
The Cambridge Springs Defense. This variation is a very good alternative to the more popular
Botvinnik and Moscow systems. Black has very concrete ideas of ...Bb4, ...Ne4.
7.Nd2!
The main move and I believe the most unpleasant for Black.
The other main line is 7.cxd5 Nxd5 8.Qd2.
7...dxc4
In this section we will discuss this solid move. The main move 7...Bb4 will be discussed in the next
two sections.
7...Ne4?! 8.Ndxe4 dxe4 9.Bh4 Bb4 10.Qc2
783
White wants to develop with Be2 and 0-0. White’s position is easier to play. 10...0-0 11.Be2 e5 The
only way to create some counterplay. 12.0-0 exd4 13.exd4 Bxc3 [Risky is 13...f5?! in view of 14.c5.]
14.bxc3 Re8
15.f3! exf3 16.Bxf3±
784
8.Bxf6 Nxf6 9.Nxc4 Qc7
This whole line with 7...dxc4 is very solid for Black, but definitely very passive.
10.Rc1
A nice preventive move. White wants to develop via g3-Bg2.
10...Be7 11.g3!
I believe that the best place for the light-quare bishop is on g2 as it makes ...c5 difficult for Black to
play.
11...0-0
11...Nd5
785
A rare move. 12.a3! White wants to take with the rook on c3. [The idea of Black’s previous move is
after 12.Bg2 to play 12...Nxc3 13.bxc3 0-0 14.0-0 Rb8= with the idea of ...b6, ...Bb7, ...c5. Black
seems to be fine.]
A) 12...0-0 13.Bg2 Rd8 14.0-0 It is not clear what the knight on d5 is doing. The game between
Ivanchuk and Asrian, played in 2004, was very instructive. 14...Bd7 15.b4 Be8 16.Qb3
786
Black is very passive. 16...Rac8 17.Rc2 Qb8 18.Rfc1 h6 19.Ne4 Qa8 20.Ne5 a6 21.Nc5 b6
22.Ncd3 Bd6 23.a4± Slowly but surely, White has gained a serious advantage. 1-0 (45) Ivanchuk,V
(2705)-Asrian,K (2591) Erevan 2004
B) 12...Nxc3 13.Rxc3 a5 It is probably necessary to stop b4. 14.Bg2 0-0 15.0-0 Bd7 16.Qc2 Black’s
position is still very passive.
16...Rfd8 17.Ne5 Be8 18.Nd3² White had a very solid advantage in the game L’Ami, E (2613) –
Michiels, B (2563) Wijk aan Zee 2015.
12.Bg2
787
12...Rd8
A very natural move. The plan is ...Bd7-e8.

A) Of course, not 12...b6? in view of 13.Ne5! Bb7 14.Nb5! Bb4+ 15.Ke2±.
B) 12...c5 Black wants to get some activity but the main problem with this move is that now the g2
bishop is very strong. The position is now very similar to the Catalan pawn structure.
B1) 13.0-0 cxd4 14.Nb5
788
B1.1) 14...Qc5 15.Nxd4 Rd8 Khademalsharieh, S (2481) – Naiditsch, A (2681) Changsha 2019.
White had to play 16.a3! preparing b4. 16...Bf8 [16...e5 17.b4 Qc7 18.Nb5 Qb8 19.Qc2 Bd7
20.Nc3² White has the initiative.; 16...a5 17.Qa4! Bd7 18.Qb3±] 17.b4 Qe7
18.Na5! Threatens Nc6. 18...Rb8 [Of course after 18...e5?! 19.Nac6! bxc6 20.Nxc6 Rxd1
21.Nxe7+ Bxe7 22.Bxa8 Rd8 23.Rc7 Ba6 24.Rfc1 Rxa8 25.Rxe7± White is much better in the
endgame.] 19.Qc2² looks pretty unpleasant for Black.
B1.2) 14...Qb8N 15.Qxd4 [15.Nxd4 e5 16.Nf3 e4 17.Nd4 Re8 18.Qc2 Bf8=] 15...Bd7!
789
Position after: 15...Bd7!
With accurate play Black can manage to equalize. [15...Rd8 16.Qf4 Qxf4 17.gxf4²] 16.Nbd6
Nd5! 17.e4 [17.Nf5 Bf6=] 17...Bxd6 18.exd5 e5
with equal chances. For example: 19.Qe3 Bb5! 20.Nxd6 Bxf1 21.Nf5 Bxg2 22.Qg5 g6 with a
draw.
B2) 13.Nb5!?N
790
Position after: 13.Nb5!?N
A new idea. 13...Qb8 [Worse is 13...Qd7?! 14.Qb3 cxd4 15.Nxd4ƒ with a strong initiative.]
14.dxc5 Bxc5 15.0-0 Bd7 16.Ncd6
Position after: 16.Ncd6
I believe this is the most annoying move for Black to face. [In case of 16.Nbd6 Bc6 17.Bxc6 bxc6
18.Rc3 Qc7 19.Rd3 Rad8= Black is fine.; 16.Qb3 Rc8 17.Rfd1 Bf8=] 16...Bxb5 17.Nxb5 Qe5
18.Qe2 Rab8 19.Rfd1 g6 20.a3² White has an easy game.
791
C) 12...Bd7 Another logical move. 13.0-0 c5 is also possible here. Now White does not have Nb5.
[13...Rfd8 transposes to the main line.] 14.dxc5 Qxc5
Position after: 14...Qxc5
15.Ne4! Black is still under pressure. 15...Qb5 [If 15...Nxe4? then 16.Qxd7±.] 16.Ned6 Bxd6
17.Qxd6²
Position after: 17.Qxd6²
White’s position is slightly preferable. Now in case of 17...Rac8 White has 18.Qd4! Qa6 19.Nd6
792
Rxc1 20.Rxc1 Bc6
21.Qc4 [21.Bxc6 bxc6 22.e4 Qxa2 23.Rxc6²] 21...Qxc4 22.Rxc4 Nd5 with a very comfortable
endgame for White after 23.Bxd5! exd5 [23...Bxd5 24.Rc7 Bxa2 25.Rxb7±] 24.Rc5 g6 [24...Rd8
25.Nf5±] 25.Nb5 a6 26.Nd4 Rc8². Defending this ending will be very difficult for Black.
13.0-0 Bd7
Dangerous is 13...c5?! because of 14.Qb3! cxd4 15.exd4!
793
Position after: 15.exd4!
White has a serious initiative. [Less clear is 15.Nb5 Qc5.] 15...Bd7 [15...Bf8 16.Nb5 Qe7 17.Ne5
Ne8 18.a3 Bd7 19.Nc3 Rab8 20.Rfe1± White has a clear advantage.] 16.Ne5! Be8 [16...Qa5 17.d5!]
17.Nd5! Qd6
18.Nc7! The best! [18.Nxe7+ Qxe7 19.Qxb7 Qxb7 20.Bxb7 Rab8 21.Rc7 Rxd4² Black is only
slightly worse here or after 18.Nc4 Qd7.] 18...Rab8 19.Nxe8 Nxe8 20.Bxb7 Bg5
794
A) Unclear is 21.Rc4 in view of 21...Qe7 22.Rb4 Bd2! 23.Nc6 [23.Rb5 Nd6 24.Nc6 Qc7 25.Nxd8
Nxb5 26.Qxb5 Qxd8=] 23...Qc7 24.Rc4 Nd6 25.Nxb8 Nxc4 26.Na6 Qb6 27.Qxc4 Qxb7©.
B) 21.Rc5! Qxd4 22.Ra5! Bd2
23.Rd1!? [Also good is 23.Nc6 Bxa5 24.Nxd4 Rxd4 25.Kg2 Nd6 26.Qe3 Bb6 27.Bf3±.] 23...Qd6
24.Nc4 Bxa5 25.Rxd6! [25.Nxd6? Nxd6.] 25...Nxd6 26.Nxa5 Nxb7 27.Nc6 Na5 28.Ne7+ Kf8
29.Qa3
795
29...Ke8 [29...Nc4 30.Qc5 Nd6 31.Nc6 Rbc8 32.b4±] 30.Qxa5 Kxe7 31.Qxa7+ Ke8 32.Qa4+ Kf8
33.b4± White has a very good chance of winning.
14.e4!
I believe this is the best plan here! The idea is to gain even more space with e4-e5.
796
14...b5!?
Probably the best way to proceed. Black also wants to have some counterplay.
The alternative is very passive. 14...Be8 15.e5! Nd7 [Similar is 15...Nd5 16.Ne4] 16.Ne4 Nb6
17.Ncd6
Position after: 17.Ncd6
A) Black can sacrifice an exchange with 17...Bxd6 18.Nxd6 Rxd6 [after 18...Nc8 White should play
19.Ne4±.] 19.exd6 Qxd6 20.Qd2±. Black’s position is very solid, but White has a very good chance
of breaking through. White is definitely better.
B) 17...Nc8 18.Nxe8! Rxe8 19.Qg4 Rd8 20.Rfd1± White was much better in Sasikiran, K (2573) –
Barua, D (2502) Kelamabakkam 2000.
15.Ne3!
797
The knight is very well placed here while e5 is still threatened.
15...Qa5
A) 15...Qb6 16.e5! Nd5 17.Ne4 Be8 18.Qd2 a5 [Of course after 18...Nxe3 19.fxe3 Rac8 20.b4±
White is much better.] 19.Rfd1² Black’s position is very passive with almost no counterplay
Grishchenko, S (2423) – Saada, J (2266) Saint-Affrique 2019.
B) 15...b4 16.Ne2²
16.h4!N
White has some other options, but this new idea is very interesting and creates a lot of problems for
Black.
A) Unclear is 16.a3, as in Giri, A (2732) – Hansen, S (2563) Warsaw 2013, because of 16...b4!
17.axb4 Qxb4= with good counterplay.
B) Possible and very similar to the main line is 16.e5!? Nd5 17.h4.
16...Rac8
A very natural move.

A) 16...b4?! is not good in view of 17.Na4 Be8 18.e5 Nd5 19.h5 h6 20.Be4± with a clear
advantage.
B) Another logical but dubious move is 16...Be8?! since after 17.e5! Nd5 18.Ncxd5! White has
798
other moves, but this idea is very testing for Black. 18...cxd5
19.f4! White goes for a direct attack. 19...g6 [19...Qxa2? is too dangerous after 20.f5+–.] 20.f5! The
best way to continue the attack. 20...gxf5 21.g4!
The position seems extremely dangerous for Black. 21...f4! The only move! 22.Rxf4 Qxa2
23.Qd2‚ I believe in a practical game that White will win here. One possible line is 23...Rac8
799
24.Rcf1 Bxh4 25.g5! Bxg5 26.Rg4 [26.Ng4!? also wins.] 26...h6 27.Rxg5+! hxg5 28.Ng4 Kf8
29.Nf6 Qc4 30.Qxg5 Qxd4+ 31.Kh2 Qd3 32.Qh6+ Ke7 33.Qh4 Kf8 34.Rf3 Qg6 35.Rg3+– White
wins.
17.e5 Nd5 18.h5!
The most challenging for Black.
18...Bg5
The position is extremely difficult for Black.

A) The alternatives are 18...Be8 19.Qg4! Nxc3 20.bxc3 Qxa2 [20...c5? 21.d5+–] 21.h6
800
21...g6 22.Qf4+– Followed by Ng4.

B) 18...Nxc3 19.bxc3 c5 20.d5 exd5 21.Nxd5 Bf8 22.Qe2 Be6 23.Rfd1± White has a clear
advantage.
C) 18...h6 19.Be4! b4 20.Ne2 Nxe3 21.fxe3 Bg5
801
[Or 21...c5 22.Bb1! followed by Qd3.] 22.Rc5! Bxe3+ [22...Qxa2 23.Qd2 Be8 24.Nf4± White has
complete dominance.] 23.Kh1 Qxa2
24.Bb1! Qa6 [24...Qxb2? 25.Qd3+–] 25.Qc2 Be8 26.Qh7+ Kf8 27.Bd3 Qb6
28.Rc4! A very important move! [28.Qh8+ Ke7 29.Qxg7 Rxd4! is unclear.] 28...c5 [28...Bxd4?
29.Nf4 Ke7 30.Qxg7+–] 29.Qh8+ Ke7 30.Qxg7‚ White has a very strong attack.
802
D) 18...Nxe3 19.fxe3‚ Black’s position is extremely dangerous.
19.Qe2
If 19.Qg4?! then 19...h6
19...Nxc3 20.Rxc3!
Less clear is 20.bxc3 because of 20...c5. 21.d5 [Unclear is 21.f4?! cxd4 22.cxd4 Be7∞.] 21...Bxe3
[Worse is 21...exd5 because of 22.f4.] 22.fxe3 exd5 23.Bxd5 Be6
803
A strong move by Black. 24.Bxe6 fxe6 25.Qg4 Kh8! A very difficult move to play. 26.Rf7 Rg8
27.Qxe6 Rce8 28.Qd5 Qb6² Black can probably defend here.
20...Qb6
Worse is 20...Be8?! because of 21.f4 Be7 22.f5! White’s attack is unstoppable. 22...Rxd4 23.fxe6
804
fxe6 24.Bh3!
24...Bd7 25.Qf2! Rf8 26.Nf5!+– White wins.
21.Qg4!
Clearly the best!

A) 21.Rd1 c5 22.dxc5 Rxc5 23.Rd6 Qc7 24.Rxc5 Qxc5
805
25.Qd1 Qc7 26.h6 Be8 27.hxg7 Kxg7= Black is out of danger.

B) 21.f4!? Be7 22.h6 g6 [Much worse is 22...Qxd4? 23.hxg7 Be8 24.Kh2±.] 23.Rd1 Be8 24.Rcd3
c5
White is a little better, but I think Black can defend after 25.dxc5 Bxc5 26.Rxd8 Rxd8 27.Rxd8
Bxe3+ [Worse is 27...Qxd8 28.Kh2 Be7 29.Ng4².] 28.Kh2 Bg1+ 29.Kh1 Qxd8 30.Kxg1 Qd4+
31.Kf1 g5!. With accurate play, Black can probably defend the position. 32.fxg5 Qd8²/=
21...h6 22.b4! a5 23.a3 Be7
806
23...Be8 24.Nc2.
24.Nc2!
White needs to play defensively right now. Black has no counterplay.
24...Be8 25.Be4±
White controls the entire board.
e) 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 --
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4
The main move.
8.Rc1!
807
The new trend. The older choices have been 8.Qc2 or 8.Qc1.
8...0-0
The favorite move of GM Alexei Dreev.

A) Black has many options. For example: 8...Bxc3?! is a dubious move. It seems a bit strange, but it
was once played by top 10 player Mamedyarov, so it deserves attention.
A1) 9.bxc3 dxc4! The easiest way to play. [9...0-0 10.Be2 b6 11.Bf4 Re8?! 12.a4 c5? Aronian, L
(2803) – Mamedyarov, S (2757) Beijing 2013.
808
Position after: 12...c5?
Here after 13.cxd5 exd5 14.Bb5 White wins the queen. 14...c4 15.Bd6+–] 10.Bxf6 Nxf6 11.Nxc4
Qc7= The position is very solid for Black.
A2) 9.Rxc3! Obviously, the best! 9...Qxa2 Black must take the pawn, otherwise White has a clear
positional advantage. [After 9...dxc4 10.Bxf6 Nxf6 11.Nxc4 Qc7 12.Bd3± Black’s position is very
passive.] 10.Bf4!N An important novelty! [Unclear is 10.b4?! a5 11.b5 cxb5 12.cxb5 Ne4
13.Nxe4 dxe4 14.Qc1 Nb6 15.Ra3 Qd5∞ with a very unclear position.]
Position after: 10.Bf4!N
809
A2.1) If 10...0-0 then 11.Bd6 Qxb2 [11...Re8 loses in view of 12.Ba3 e5 13.Rc1!
13...exd4 14.Ra1 dxe3 15.Rxa2 exd2+ 16.Kxd2 Ne4+ 17.Kc1 Nxf2 18.Qd4 Nxh1 19.Qg1 Nf6
20.Bb4 Bf5 21.Qxh1+– White should win.] 12.Rb3 Qa2 13.Ra3 [Also good is 13.Ba3!?.]
13...Qb2 14.Bd3 Qb6 15.Bxf8 Kxf8 16.c5 Qc7 17.Qa1± White is much better.
A2.2) 10...Qxb2 11.Rb3 Qa2 12.Bd6 Qa5 13.Ra3 Qd8 14.c5± Black is definitely under serious
pressure.
B) 8...dxc4 This is a solid option for Black, but White will have a long-lasting advantage after
9.Bxf6 Nxf6 10.Nxc4 Qd5 [or 10...Qc7 11.a3 Be7 12.g3 which is similar to the previous section,
but at a tempo less for Black] 11.Qb3.
810
B1) In case of 11...c5?! strong is 12.Qxb4! cxb4 13.Nxd5 exd5 [Or 13...Nxd5 14.e4.] 14.Ne5±
White is much better in the endgame.
B2) 11...Bxc3+ 12.Rxc3 0-0
13.f3 c5 14.e4 Qg5 15.dxc5 Qxc5 16.Qa3² White has a very nice advantage.
811
C) 8...Ne4 The most direct move which we will see in the next chapter.
9.Bh4!
There is only one game with this move. I think it is a good preventative move as now ...dxc4 is never
good for Black.
A) Less clear is 9.a3 Bxc3 10.Rxc3 dxc4 11.Bxf6 Nxf6 12.Nxc4 Qd5 13.b4 [13.f3 c5] 13...b6
812
[13...Bd7 14.f3] 14.Be2 Qxg2 15.Bf3 Qh3 16.Bxc6 Nd5„ Black was fine in the game Khalifman,
A (2614) – Dreev, A (2654) Legnica 2013.
B) Another option is 9.Be2 Bxc3 10.Rxc3 Qxa2 11.Qc1 Qa5∞. Now it is definitely different from
the line with 8...Bc3. Smirnov, A (2527) – Dreev, A (2653) chess.com 2018.
9...e5!?N
An improvement for Black.

A) The alternatives are 9...c5?! 10.dxc5! now Black has problems.
10...Bxc3 [Or 10...Qxc5 11.a3 Bxc3 12.Rxc3± with a clear advantage for White.] 11.Rxc3 Qxa2
12.b4! a5 13.b5
813
13...a4 [The alternative is no better. 13...Nxc5 14.Bxf6 gxf6 15.Qc1! Qa4™ 16.cxd5 b6
17.Rc4! Rerouting the rook to support the attack. 17...Qa2 18.Rg4+ Kh8 19.Bc4 e5 20.Rg3 Qa4
21.0-0 Bd7 22.f4± White has a very strong attack.] 14.Qc1 a3 This position occurred in Lenic, L
(2646) – Brumen, D (2338), Slovenia 2017.
814
Here White had to play 15.Rc2! Qxc2 16.Qxc2 a2 17.Nb3 a1=Q+ 18.Nxa1 Rxa1+ 19.Ke2 Ne4
20.Be7
A1) 20...Re8 21.Bd6 Ndxc5 [21...Ra2? 22.Qxa2 Nc3+ 23.Kd3 Nxa2 24.Be2 b6 25.c6 Nc5+
26.Kc2 Ne4 27.Bc7+–] 22.Bxc5 Nxc5 23.cxd5 b6 24.Qb2 Ra5
815
25.f3! Rxb5 26.Qd4 Rd8 27.Kf2 Rb1 28.d6
White is much better after 28...Ba6 29.Bxa6 Rxh1 30.Bf1±.

A2) Another option is 20...Ra2 21.Qxa2 Nc3+ 22.Kd2 Nxa2
816
Position after: 22...Nxa2
23.Be2! An important nuance. [23.Bxf8 Kxf8∞] 23...Re8 24.Bd6 dxc4 25.Bxc4 Rd8 26.Bc7 Re8
27.Bxa2 Nxc5 28.Rc1 Ne4+ 29.Ke1± White is much better in the endgame.
B) 9...Bxc3 A possible but dangerous alternative. 10.bxc3 Now White can take with the pawn!
10...Qxa2 11.Bd3
This position seems very dangerous for Black. For example: 11...e5 [or 11...Qa5 12.0-0 Re8 13.f4±
817
and Black has no counterplay] 12.0-0 Re8 13.Re1©. I believe White has very good compensation for
the pawn and a very strong initiative. It is much harder to play Black.
10.dxe5
10...Ne4
White is better after 10...Nxe5 11.Bxf6 gxf6 12.a3 Bxc3 13.Rxc3 dxc4 14.Bxc4 [14.Nxc4 Nxc4
15.Bxc4 Bf5 16.Qd6 Qe5 17.Qxe5 fxe5= with equal chances] 14...Rd8 15.Be2.
818
Black has not yet solved his problems. 15...Bf5 16.0-0 Qc7 17.Qc1² with a small but solid and
lasting advantage.
11.Ncxe4 dxe4 12.a3 Bxd2+ 13.Qxd2 Qxd2+ 14.Kxd2 Nxe5 15.Kc3²
Position after: 15.Kc3²
Playing this ending with White is quite easy.
819
f) 5...Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 Ne4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7 6.e3 Qa5 7.Nd2 Bb4 8.Rc1 Ne4!?
A very critical line as Black seeks immediate counterplay.
Position after: 8...Ne4!?
9.Ndxe4
The alternative is not clear: 9.Ncxe4 dxe4 10.Bh4 Qxa2 11.Be2.
820
11...Qxb2 [In case of 11...Qa5 12.0-0 Bxd2 13.Ra1 Qb4 14.Qc2 c5 15.Ra4 Qb6 16.Qxd2© White
definitely has good compensation. Grischuk, A (2810) – Mamedyarov, S (2759) Tbilisi 2015] 12.Rc2
Bxd2+ 13.Qxd2 Qa3 14.0-0 0-0 15.c5
Position after: 15.c5
White has a strong initiative, but Black has his chances. 15...b5 16.cxb6 [16.f3 f5 17.Ra2 Qb3 18.Bd1
Qd3∞] 16...axb6 [16...Nxb6 looks good as well.] 17.Rxc6 Ba6 18.Bxa6 Qxa6
821
19.Qc2 Qd3 20.Qxd3 exd3 21.Rc3 Rfc8 22.Rxd3 With an equal endgame. Wojtaszek, R (2722) –
Navara, D (2735) Gjakova 2016.
9...dxe4 10.Bh4 Qxa2
Black must take the pawn.

This is the whole idea of 8...Ne4.
11.Qc2 Nb6
Black must continue to look for threats.

Much worse is 11...f5? 12.Be2 Qa5 13.0-0 0-0 Andersen, O (2100) – Hector, J (2470) Copenhagen
1997. Now after 14.Ra1 Qc7 15.c5± White has a serious positional advantage.
12.Be2
Clearly, White’s plan is to develop as quickly as possible.
12...Na4
Very bad is 12...Nxc4? because of 13.0-0 Bxc3 14.Qxc3 Nb6
822
15.Qc5 f6 16.Qh5+ Ke7 17.f3+– and White’s attack is unstoppable.
13.0-0 Bxc3
Much worse is 13...Nxc3?
Position after: 13...Nxc3?
because of 14.Ra1! Nxe2+ 15.Kh1 Qxa1 16.Rxa1 Nxd4 17.exd4 f5 18.c5± White has a clear
823
advantage.
14.bxc3
14...Nxc3!N
An important improvement for Black. It is very risky but the only way.
14...Qxc2?! 15.Rxc2 c5 16.Ra1 Bd7 17.f3± is much better for White.
824
Position after: 17.f3±
17...f5?! 18.fxe4 fxe4 19.Be1 0-0 20.Rca2+– when White won easily in Matlakov, M (2683) –
Svetushkin, D (2592) Porto Carras 2018.
15.Qxc3 Qxe2
Black is two pawns up, but his position is definitely very dangerous. Now White will prevent Black
from castling.
16.Qa3! f6 17.f3
White tries to open the position.

A) 17.d5? is bad in view of 17...exd5 18.cxd5 Qd3µ.
B) A possible alternative is 17.Bg3 but after 17...h5! An important idea.
825
Position after: 17...h5!
18.h3 [Or 18.f3 h4 19.Be1 h3 20.Rf2 Qd3 21.Rc3 Qd1 22.Rc1= with a draw.] 18...h4 19.Bd6 Qh5
the position seems very unclear. For example: 20.f3 exf3 21.Rxf3 Kf7 22.Rcf1 Kg8 23.e4 b6∞.
17...c5!
The only move!

Of course, not 17...exf3? because of 18.Rf2+– and White wins.
18.Rfe1
The only way to create problems for Black and keep his king in the center.
A) 18.fxe4?! is not good because of 18...0-0 19.e5 b6³ threatening ...Bb7.
B) 18.Bg3 Black is fine after 18...0-0! 19.Bd6 Rd8 20.Bxc5 b5!
826
21.Rf2 Qd3 22.Qxd3 exd3 23.cxb5 Bd7= with an equal endgame.

C) 18.Qxc5 is fine for Black after 18...Qxe3+ 19.Bf2 Qg5 20.Qxg5 fxg5
21.fxe4 0-0= when the endgame is about equal.
18...Qd3 19.Qxc5 exf3
827
Position after: 19...exf3
20.e4!
The best way to keep the initiative.

20.gxf3 Rf8∞
20...Bd7
The simplest move.

Much worse is 20...Qd2? because of 21.Qh5+!
828
Position after: 21.Qh5+!
[If 21.gxf3 Qf4; or 21.Bf2 Qg5.] 21...g6 22.Qxf3 Qxd4+ 23.Bf2 White’s attack is very serious. For
example: 23...Qe5 24.Qa3!
Position after: 24.Qa3!
24...Kf7 25.Bg3 Qd4+ 26.Kh1± White is probably winning.
21.Bf2
829
Another option is 21.Rcd1 Qc3 22.Qh5+ g6 23.Qh6
23...Ba4! The only move! 24.Qg7 Rf8! [After 24...0-0-0 25.Ra1 Qxd4+ 26.Bf2 Qd7 27.Qxf6 Black
still has problems to solve.] 25.Qxb7 [Or 25.Bxf6 Rxf6 26.Qxf6 Bxd1 with a perpetual check.]
25...Bxd1 26.Qxa8+ Kf7 27.Qxa7+ Kg8
Position after: 27...Kg8
28.d5 [Of course not 28.Rxd1? because of 28...Qc2.] 28...exd5 29.cxd5 Qd3 30.gxf3 Qxf3=
830
21...Rc8
After 21...fxg2 22.d5 e5 23.Qb4
White definitely has the initiative, and Black still has a lot of work to do. 23...Bh3 24.Qb5+ Kf7
25.Qxb7+ Kg6 26.Qb1! Qxb1 27.Rxb1
Position after: 27.Rxb1
831
The central pawns are very dangerous. Black might save the game after 27...Rhb8 28.c5 a5! Black’s
only chance is this pawn. 29.c6 Rxb1 30.Rxb1 a4
31.d6 a3 32.Ra1 a2 33.d7 Bxd7 34.cxd7 Rd8 35.Rxa2 Rxd7 36.Kxg2 Rd3² This endgame is probably
a draw, but Black will still suffer.
22.Qb4
The most challenging move.

A) Black is fine after 22.Qh5+ g6 23.Qh6 Rxc4 24.Rxc4 Qxc4 25.Qg7 Rf8
832
Position after: 25...Rf8
with only a draw after 26.d5 fxg2 27.d6 Rf7 28.Qh8+ Rf8 29.Qxh7 Rf7 30.Qg8+ Rf8 31.Qxg6+
Rf7=.
B) Interesting, but unclear is 22.Qd6 Rf8 23.c5 Rf7 24.Rb1 b6:
25.d5 e5 26.Rbd1 Qa3 27.Ra1 Qd3 28.Rxa7 bxc5= and Black will probably hold.
833
22...b6 23.d5 Kf7
24.Re3
Posing the most threats.

Drawing is 24.Qd6 Rhd8 25.Ra1 exd5 26.Rxa7 dxe4 27.Bd4 Rxc4 [Also good is 27...Ke8 28.Qd5
Kf8] 28.Rxd7+ Rxd7 29.Qxd7+ Kf8 30.Qd8+= with a perpetual check.
24...Qd4 25.e5! fxg2
834
Objectively I believe Black can hold here but in a game it is very difficult to survive.
26.Qa3! Qc5
26...Rxc4 is very risky. 27.dxe6+ Bxe6 28.Qxa7+ Kg8 29.Rec3!
Position after: 29.Rec3!
A) Black can also hope to survive after 29...Rxc3 30.Bxd4 Rxc1+ 31.Kxg2 Bd5+.
835
A1) 32.Kf2 h5! 33.exf6 gxf6 34.Qd7 Bc4 35.Ke3 [35.Qe8+ Kg7 36.Bxf6+ Kxf6 37.Qxh8+
Kg6=] 35...Re1+ 36.Kd2 Re2+ 37.Kc1 b5 38.Bxf6 Rh7=
A2) 32.Kg3
Position after: 32.Kg3
Black still has a lot of work to do. 32...h5! 33.exf6 h4+ 34.Kf2 gxf6 35.Qd7 Bc4 36.Qe8+ Kg7
37.Bxf6+ Kxf6 38.Qxh8+ Kg6²
B) 29...Qg4 30.Rxc4 Bxc4 31.Qb8+ Kf7 32.Qc7+ Kg6 33.Qxc4 Qxc4 34.Rxc4 fxe5 35.Bxb6²
Black should be able to make a draw here.
27.Qa2
If 27.Qxa7 then 27...Qc7.
27...Qe7 28.Qxa7
After 28.exf6 gxf6 29.dxe6+ Bxe6 30.Rce1 Rc6∞ Black is fine.
28...fxe5
836
29.Rxe5
Another option is 29.Bh4 Qd6 30.dxe6+ Kxe6 31.Rce1 Rhe8 32.Rxe5+ Kf7 33.Re7+ Rxe7 34.Rxe7+
Qxe7 35.Bxe7 Kxe7=.
29...Rhe8 30.c5
Black is also fine after 30.Qxb6 Qf6 31.Qd6 Kg8.
30...bxc5 31.Bxc5 Rxc5
837
32.dxe6+
Alternatives aren’t better.

A) After 32.Rxc5 strong is 32...Kg8! with the idea that after 33.dxe6 playing 33...Qf6!.
B) 32.Qxc5 Qxc5+ 33.Rxc5 exd5=
32...Bxe6 33.Qxe7+ Rxe7 34.Rexc5=
838
Position after: 34.Rexc5=
The endgame is an easy draw.
839
Chapter 11
The Botvinnik Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4
Chapter Guide
Chapter 11 – The Botvinnik Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 hxg5 10.Bxg5
Nbd7 11.g3 Bb7 12.Bg2 Qb6 13.exf6 0-0-0 14.0-0 c5 15.d5 b4
b) 10...Be7 alternative
c) 11...Rg8?!
d) 12...-- Rare lines
e) 13...-- Rare lines
f) 16.Na4 Qb5 17.a3 exd5 (17...Ne5)
g) 16.Na4 Qb5 17.a3 Nb8!?
h) 16.Na4 Qa6
840
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 dxc4
The Botvinnik Variation is one of the most complex variations in chess. Botvinnik’s variation of the
Slav Defense is extremely complex for both sides and requires a lot of opening knowledge. I think the
variation is objectively good but the main problem for Black is that it requires almost perfect
preparation, and also in many lines Black has to know everything to the end to make a draw.
6.e4 b5 7.e5 h6 8.Bh4 g5 9.Nxg5 Nd5?
A rare and bad line for Black. I believe White almost wins after this move provided you know exactly
what to do.
841
Position after: 9...Nd5?
10.Nxf7!
White must enter the complications.

Less clear is 10.Nf3 Qa5.
10...Qxh4 11.Nxh8 Bb4 12.Rc1
842
For now, White is defending everything.
12...c5
In case of 12...Qe4+ 13.Be2 Nf4
White wins after 14.Qd2! Nd3+ [14...Nxg2+ 15.Kd1 Ne3+ 16.Qxe3 Qxh1+ 17.Kc2 Qxh2 18.Bf3+–
White won easily in the game Plischki, S (2347) – Mikulas, D (2210) Plzen 2009.] 15.Kf1 Nxc1
[15...Qxd4 16.Bxd3 Qxd3+ 17.Qxd3 cxd3 18.a3+–] 16.Qxc1 Qxd4 17.Qxh6 [Also good is 17.h4+–.]
17...Bxc3 18.bxc3 Qxc3
843
19.g3+– Black’s pieces are out of the game and his king is without any protection. White won easily
in the game: Lastin, A (2552) – Sveshnikov, E (2541) Vrnjacka Banja 1999.
13.dxc5
Position after: 13.dxc5
13...Nd7
844
The alternatives are no better:
A) 13...Qe4+ 14.Be2 Bxc3+ [Similar is 14...Nf4 15.Rg1!.] 15.bxc3 Nf4
16.Rg1! A good defensive move. 16...Bb7 [16...Nd3+ 17.Kf1 Nxc1 18.Bh5++–] 17.Kf1 Qf5
18.Bg4 Qxe5 Eriksson, J (2415) – Ivanov, S (2556) Stockholm 2002. 19.Bf3 The easiest way.
19...Nc6
845
20.Nf7! Kxf7 21.Qd7+ Ne7 22.Qxb7 Whites win without much trouble. 22...Rd8 23.g3 Nd3
24.Rd1 Qxc5
25.Kg2! Qxf2+ 26.Kh3 Qc5 27.Rgf1 Kg7 28.Bg4+–

B) 13...Nc6 14.Be2 Nxe5 transposes to the main line.
C) 13...Bxc3+ 14.bxc3 Qg5 15.Be2
846
In the game Nikolic, P (2655) – Timman, J (2630) Wijk aan Zee 1997, White won easily after
15...Bb7 16.0-0 Nf4 17.Bf3 Nc6 18.h4 Qxh4 19.g3 Qg5
Position after: 19...Qg5
20.Nf7 Kxf7 21.Qd7+ Ne7 22.Qxb7+–.
14.Be2 Nxe5 15.0-0 Bb7
847
Black has some initiative, but it is definitely not enough.
16.Bh5+
I believe 16.Nxb5 is a good move as well.
16...Ke7
Position after: 16...Ke7
17.Qe2!
An important touch.
17...Rg8
The position seems very tempting for Black but with a few good moves White is winning.
A) If 17...Nxc3 then 18.Qxe5!+– and White wins.
B) Or 17...Bxc3 18.Rxc3! Nxc3 19.Qxe5+–.
18.Qxe5! Rxg2+ 19.Kh1!
848
An important defensive resource!
19...Nf4
After 19...Rxh2+ 20.Qxh2 Nxc3+ 21.f3+– White wins.
849
20.Ng6+!
The point!
The game is unclear after 20.Qd6+? Kf6 21.Qf8+ Kg5 22.Nf7+ Kxh5 23.Qxh6+ Kg4 24.Ne5+ Kh3
25.Qxh4+ Kxh4∞.
20...Rxg6+
Or 20...Nxg6 21.Qg7+ Ke8 22.Bxg6+ Rxg6+ 23.Qxb7+– Black has no checks.
21.f3 Nxh5 22.Qc7+ Kf8
Of course, not 22...Kf6 because of 23.Qd8+.
23.Qb8+ Kg7 24.Qxb7+
Position after: 24.Qxb7+
White has captured the important b7-bishop.
24...Kh8 25.Ne2+–
White won easily in San Segundo Carrillo, P (2523) – Vera Gonzalez Quevedo, R (2544) Benidorm
2002.
b) 10...Be7 alternative
850
Be7!?
This modern line is a very interesting choice that Black can play. Of course, it is similar to the main
lines with 10...Nbd7, Black must be very well prepared and remember all the lines.
Position after: 10...Be7!?
10...Nbd7 is the most popular move and we will review it in the upcoming sections.
11.exf6 Bxf6 12.Bxf6 Qxf6 13.g3
The usual move as White always puts the bishop on g2 in the Botvinnik Variation.
13...Na6
13...Bb7 14.Bg2 Na6 is the same.
14.Bg2 Bb7
851
15.Ne4!
The best! This is the only move that creates problems for Black.
A) 15.Nxb5 0-0-0 16.Qa4 cxb5
only leads to a draw: 17.Bxb7+ Kxb7 18.Qxb5+ Ka8 19.Qc6+ Kb8= Svidler, P (2740) – Lu, S
852
(2595) Ningbo 2015.
B) 15.a4 0-0-0! 16.axb5 cxb5 17.Bxb7+ Kxb7 18.Nxb5 e5„ with good counterplay.
15...Qe7 16.0-0 0-0-0
Very dubious is 16...f5?! in view of 17.Nc5!
Position after: 17.Nc5!
17...Nxc5 18.dxc5. Black’s position is extremely dangerous. 18...Qxc5 [Or 18...Rd8 19.Qe2 e5
20.b3± with a clear advantage.] 19.Re1 Kf7
853
20.Qe2! The simplest and strongest move. [Less clear is 20.a4 a6 21.axb5 axb5 22.Rxa8 Bxa8
23.Qe2 Qe7∞ as in Radjabov, T (2759) – Fridman, D (2638) Dortmund 2019.]
A) 20...Rae8 21.Rad1 e5 [After 21...Bc8 very strong is 22.b4!
22...Qxb4 23.Bxc6 Re7 24.Qe5 Rh6 25.Bxb5+– White is completely winning.] 22.Rd7+ Re7 23.Qf3
Ke6 24.Rxe7+ Qxe7
854
25.h4 Rd8 26.b3 cxb3 27.axb3± the black king is in grave danger.
B) 20...Qe7 21.Rad1
B1) 21...Rh7? 22.Rd2 [Even better is 22.Qe5 with the idea of Rd6.] 22...Rah8 23.Red1 Bc8
24.h4+– White won easily in the game Bhawoodien, S (2078) – Meintjes, J (2088) Pretoria 2012.
855
B2) 21...Rad8N A good improvement, but Black’s position is still very dangerous. 22.Rxd8 Rxd8
23.Qh5+ Kf8 24.a4 a6 25.Qh6+ Kf7 26.axb5 axb5 27.Bf3 Bc8 The only defense. 28.Bxc6± White
is much better.
17.h4!
A nice move which prepares Ng5 after ...f5.

Unclear is 17.a4 f5!.
17...c5

The alternative is 17...Kb8 18.b3!N
856
Position after: 18.b3!N
A very strong novelty! White needs to open some files. [18.a4 e5∞; or 18.Qe2 Rxd4 19.Rad1 e5∞
with unclear complications in Gupta, A (2626) – Sandipan, C (2593) Hoogeveen 2016.] 18...cxb3
[White is better after 18...c5 19.bxc4 Rxd4 20.Qe2±; or 18...e5 19.bxc4 Rxd4 20.Qg4 Rxc4 21.Qg7
Rd8 22.Rae1+– The h-pawn is very strong.] 19.axb3 e5
[In case of 19...c5? White wins after 20.Rxa6! Bxa6 21.Nxc5 Bc8 22.Qf3 Rd5 23.Qe2+–.] 20.Rxa6!
857
It looks very simple. 20...Bxa6 21.Qa1 Bb7 22.dxe5 Black is definitely under serious pressure. For
example: 22...c5
[22...Rh5 23.Nd6 Ba8 24.f4±] 23.Rc1! Bxe4 24.Bxe4± White has a clear advantage.
18.a4!
Now it is time to play on this side!
18...Rxd4
If 18...b4 19.Qe2 Rxd4 transposes to the main line.
19.Qe2 b4
858
20.Rad1!
A crucial move! It is important to keep the other rook at f1. In some lines Rfe1 will be very strong.
A) Unclear are: 20.Rfd1 Bd5 21.Ng5 Re8∞ Yu, Y (2738) – Wen, Y (2614) China 2016.
B) 20.Rac1 Bd5∞ Melkumyan, H (2660) – Shankland, S (2722) Batumi 2018.
Position after: 20.Rad1!
859
20...Qc7!
The best move for Black! All other options are worse. For example:
A) 20...Rhd8?! 21.Rxd4 Rxd4 22.Rc1!
The threat is simpy Nd2.

A1) 22...Nc7 23.Nd2! Ba6 24.Nxc4 b3 25.Bf1+– White won easily in Edouard, R (2634) –
Moussard, J (2487) Saint-Quentin 2015.
A2) 22...Bd5 23.Nd2! Once again! White just wants to take on c4. 23...Nb8 24.Bxd5 Rxd5
25.Nxc4+– White is winning. Yu Yangyi (2751) – Dreev, A (2653) Riyadh 2017.
A3) 22...Nb8 23.Nd2! Bxg2 24.Kxg2 Qb7+ 25.Kg1
860
25...c3 [Or 25...Nd7 26.Nxc4± with a clear advantage for White.] 26.bxc3 bxc3 27.Rxc3 Qd5
28.Nf1 Nd7 Tomashevsky, E (2744) – Lu, S (2618) Doha 2015. Here after 29.h5± White is much
better.
B) 20...Bd5N
Position after: 20...Bd5N
This move has never been played before, but it makes a lot of sense. 21.Ng5!
861
B1) After 21...Bxg2 22.Kxg2 Qb7+ 23.Kg1± White is much better.

B2) 21...Qf6 22.Rxd4 cxd4 23.Rc1! Nc7 24.Rxc4! Of course!
Position after: 24.Rxc4!
24...d3 [24...Bxc4 25.Qxc4 Rd8 26.Qc6+– wins easily.] 25.Qxd3 Bxc4 26.Qxc4 Rd8 27.Qc2±
B3) 21...Qd7 22.Rxd4 cxd4 23.Rc1! Eying c4 once again! 23...Nc5 24.Rxc4! Bxc4 25.Qxc4 Qc7
862
26.Qxd4
Position after: 26.Qxd4
26...Rd8 27.Qxb4± I do not believe Black can defend here.

B4) 21...Re8
22.Rfe1! This is the difference between 20.Rad1 and 20.Rfd1. 22...Rxd1 [After 22...Qb7?! 23.Bxd5
863
Qxd5 24.b3 Rd8 25.Rc1+– White wins.] 23.Qxd1 Nc7 24.Qc1! Threatens Bf1. 24...Qf6 [24...Qd7
25.Bf1±] 25.Bf1! Qd4 26.Rd1 Qg7 27.Bxc4 f6 28.Nh3± White is much better.
21.Ng5!
A) Unclear is 21.Rxd4?! cxd4 22.Qxc4 Qxc4 23.Nd6+ Kd7 24.Nxc4 Bxg2 25.Kxg2 f6„.
B) 21.Rc1? Qc6! 22.f3 f5 23.Ng5 Nc7µ Black is much better.
21...Bxg2
21...Rhd8?! 22.Bxb7+ Kxb7 23.Rc1±
22.Kxg2
Position after: 22.Kxg2
We have reached the critical position for the whole line with 10...Be7.
22...Qc6+!?N
An important novelty!
A) Much worse is 22...Rhd8? because of 23.Rc1! Qb7+ [23...R8d7 24.Rxc4+– Ju, W (2568) – Girya,
O (2458) China 2018.] 24.Kg1 b3 25.Rxc4 Rd2 26.Qe1 Rxb2 [26...Qd5 27.Rc3±].
864
Position after: 26...Rxb2
Now White wins after 27.Nxe6! Qd5 [or 27...fxe6 28.Qxe6+ Rd7 29.Rd1+–] 28.Nxd8 Qxc4
29.Nc6 Re2 30.Qd1!
30...Kc7 31.Nxa7 Kb6 32.Nb5+–.

B) 22...b3!?N
865
Position after: 22...b3!?N
Another interesting improvement. I think it is an option for Black too, but the lines are very crazy.
B1) 23.Rxd4 cxd4 24.Rc1 d3 25.Qg4
Position after: 25.Qg4
Looks very tempting. 25...d2!? The complications here are absolutely insane. [Probably also
possible is 25...Rd8!? 26.Rxc4 Nc5.] 26.Rxc4 Nc5 27.Qd1! [If 27.Nxf7 then 27...Rf8.] 27...Rd8
28.Nf3 Qc6
866
Black somehow survives this.

B1.1) 29.Kh3!? e5! 30.Nxd2 Qe6+ 31.Qg4 Qxg4+ 32.Kxg4 Rxd2 33.Rxc5+ Kd7= Black holds.
B1.2) 29.Rc3 Kb8 30.h5 Qe4!
Position after: 30...Qe4!
An important move! 31.Rxc5 [31.h6 Nxa4 32.Rxb3+ Nb6 33.Re3 Qh7∞.] 31...Rd3! 32.h6 Rxf3
867
33.Rc4! Qxc4 34.Qxf3 Qxa4 35.h7 Qd4 36.Qxb3+ Kc7= Black will manage to make a draw.
B2) After 23.Qf3 Qd7!∞ the game is very unclear.
B3) 23.Kg1!? Nice prophylaxis. 23...Rhd8 24.Rc1
[After 24.Nf3 Nb4! 25.Nxd4 cxd4„ I prefer Black’s chances.] 24...Nb4! Black must be accurate
till the end! 25.Rxc4 Nd3! 26.Rxd4 Rxd4 27.h5 Qd8!
Position after: 27...Qd8!
868
Another important move!
B3.1) 28.Nxf7 Qf6 29.Rd1 c4 30.Qe3 Rd7 31.Rxd3 cxd3 32.Qc5+ Rc7 33.Qf8+ Kd7 34.Qd6+=
with a draw.
B3.2) 28.Qe3!? Definitely very interesting. 28...Rd5! 29.Nxf7 Qf6 30.Nh6 [30.Rd1 c4 31.Qxa7
Qf3 32.Qa8+=.] 30...Nxb2 31.Ng4 Qf5 32.Qxb3 Qxg4 33.Qxb2 Qxh5= Black is fine.
B3.3) 28.Nf3 Rd5
29.Ne1!? Creates problems for Black. [The alternative is 29.h6 Rh5 30.Rd1 c4 31.Ne5 Rxe5
32.Rxd3 cxd3 33.Qxe5 d2
869
Position after: 33...d2
34.Qc3+ Kb7 35.Qxb3+ Qb6 36.Qd1 Qxb2 37.Kf1 Kc7 38.Ke2 Qe5+ 39.Kxd2 Qg5+= with a
draw.] 29...Nxe1 [Worse is 29...c4?! 30.h6.] 30.Rxe1 Qg5 31.Qa6+
Position after: 31.Qa6+
31...Kd8! [But not 31...Kb8? because of 32.Kg2! Qxh5 33.Re3±.] 32.Qxa7 Qd2 33.Rf1 Rxh5
Black is very close to making a draw. 34.Qb8+ Kd7
870
35.Qb7+ [After 35.Qxb3 Qd5 36.Qxd5+ Rxd5= Black should be able to make a draw.] 35...Kd6
36.Qf3!? Threatens Rd1. 36...Re5! [36...Rd5 37.Qxb3²] 37.Qxb3 [37.Rd1 Re1+; or 37.Qxf7 Re1
38.Qf8+ Kd7= with a draw.] 37...Qd5! 38.Qd1 [38.Qc3 Rh5; 38.Qb6+ Kd7] 38...Kc6= Black
will probably hold a draw.
23.Kh2!
871
Worse is 23.Kg1 in view of 23...f6 24.Qxe6+ Kb7 25.Qe7+ Ka8
Position after: 25...Ka8
with the idea after 26.Ne6? to play 26...Rhxh4!.
23...f6!
The next few moves are completely forced.
24.Qxe6+ Kb7!
24...Qxe6?! 25.Nxe6 Rd3 26.Rc1±
25.Qe7+ Qc7!
Now 25...Ka8? Is bad because of 26.Ne6!± and Black does not have the ...Rhxh4 idea.
26.Qxc7+
Of course, not 26.Qxf6?? because of 26...Rdxh4+.
26...Nxc7 27.Nf7
872
The endgame is still difficult but Black has hopes of survival with proper play.
27...Rh7 28.Nd6+ Kc6 29.Rxd4 cxd4 30.Nxc4
Position after: 30.Nxc4
30...Ne6!
873
The knight wants to reach the c5-square.
31.Nd2 Nc5! 32.a5 Kd5 33.Kg2
White is still a pawn up with the following possible line.
33...Ne4!
33...Nd3 34.b3.
34.Nf3
But not 34.Rd1? Nxd2 35.Rxd2 Ke4 and the rook endgame is only dangerous for White.
34...d3 35.Re1
874
Position after: 35.Re1
35.Rc1 Rd7 or 35.Rd1 Kc4 are also possible.
35...Rc7!
Activating the rook.
36.Re3
Similar is 36.Rd1 Rc2.
36...Rc2 37.Rxd3+ Kc5 38.b3
Only a draw is 38.h5 Rxf2+ 39.Kg1 Rxb2 40.h6 Rb1+ 41.Kg2 Rb2+= White cannot escape from the
checks.
38...Rxf2+ 39.Kg1
875
39...Rb2!
39...Ra2?! 40.Nd4 Rxa5 41.Kg2² Black still needs to play accurately to hold a draw.
40.Nd4 Kd5!
After this move, I believe that Black will make a draw.
41.Nc2+
41.Nb5+ Kc5 42.Nxa7 Nc3 43.h5 Rxb3=
41...Kc5 42.Nxb4 Rb1+ 43.Kg2 Rb2+ 44.Kf1 Nd2+ 45.Ke1
876
45...Nxb3 46.Na6+ Kb5 47.Nc7+ Kc4 48.Rf3 Nxa5 49.Rxf6
49.h5 Rh2=
49...Kd3=
Position after: 49...Kd3=
877
Black is quite active therefore he will probably hold this endgame.
c) 11...Rg8?!
Nbd7 11.g3!
The best move order! 11.exf6 gives Black some extra options.
11...Rg8?!
A very concrete and interesting line which has lost its popularity in recent years.
We will examine the main move 11...Bb7 in the following sections.
12.h4 Rxg5
The idea behind Black’s previous move.

12...b4? 13.Ne4 Rxg5 14.Nxg5 Nd5 15.Qh5 Qe7 16.Bxc4+– White was winning in Matamoros
Franco, C (2460) – Korneev, O (2565) Elgoibar 1996.
13.hxg5 Nd5
878
14.g6!
The only good move! White wants to open files near the black king.
14...fxg6
14...Qa5?! looks very suspicious. 15.gxf7+ Kd8
879
16.Rc1!N A strong improvement. [Unclear is 16.Rh8?! Nxc3 17.Qd2 Belov, V (2608) – Ivanisevic, I
(2588) playchess.com 2006. Now After 17...Kc7 18.bxc3 b4 the position is very unclear.] 16...Bb7
[Worse is 16...b4? 17.Nxd5 cxd5 18.Qd2 Ba6 19.Rh8+– White will win easily.; or 16...Kc7 17.Bg2
Nxc3 18.bxc3± with a big advantage.] 17.Bg2 b4 18.Nxd5 cxd5 19.Kf1 Qxa2 20.Bh3!
The pawn on f7 is very unpleasant for Black. 20...Qxb2 21.Bxe6 b3 22.Kg2 Kc7 23.Bxd7! Kxd7
24.e6+! Kc7
880
25.g4! Another pawn is coming to help! 25...Qa3 26.g5 b2 27.Rb1 c3 28.g6+– White should win.
15.Qg4 Qe7
The only move.

A) 15...Qa5? 16.Qxe6+ Kd8 17.Bg2!
An important idea! 17...Nxc3 18.Kf1! Black is defenseless. 18...Nd5 19.Qxc6 N5b6 20.Rh8 [Or
20.e6.] 20...Qb4 21.e6+– White won in Knaak, R (2465) – Van der Wiel, J (2560) Lugano 1989.
B) 15...Kf7? 16.Ne4 Bb4+ 17.Ke2 Nf8
881
18.Bg2+– White’s attack is unstoppable.
16.Bg2!
Worse is 16.Qxg6+ Qf7 17.Qxf7+ Kxf7 with an unclear endgame.
882
16...Kd8
The alternatives are worse.

A) 16...Qf7? 17.Be4! Ne7 18.Nxb5! White wins very easy after 18...cxb5 19.Bxa8 Nb6 20.Be4
Bd7 [20...Nbd5 21.Rh8 Bb7 22.a4 b4 23.Rc1+–] 21.Rh8 Bc6 22.f3.
Black’s position is hopeless. 22...Nbd5 23.Kf2 Nb4 24.a3 Nd3+ 25.Bxd3 cxd3 26.Rd1 Qf5
27.Qxf5 gxf5 28.Rxd3+– White won convincingly in the game Shirov, A (2705) – Morovic
Fernandez, I (2605) Las Palmas 1994.
B) 16...Ba6? 17.Bxd5! cxd5
883
18.Nxd5! A simple trick! 18...exd5 19.Qxg6+ Kd8 [After 19...Qf7 20.Qxa6 Kd8 21.Kf1+– White
is completely winning.] 20.Rh7! The point! [But not 20.Qxa6? because of 20...Qb4+ 21.Kf1 Qxb2
with an unclear game. Riazantsev, A (2632) – Geller, J (2501) Salekhard 2006.] 20...Qb4+ 21.Kf1
Bc8 [21...Qxb2 22.Re1 Qxd4 23.Qf7+– White wins.] 22.e6 Black is defenseless. 22...Qd6 23.Re1
Be7
884
24.Rxe7! The finishing touch. 24...Qxe7 [Or 24...Kxe7 25.Qf7+ Kd8 26.e7++–] 25.exd7 Qxd7
26.Qg5+ Kc7 27.Re7+– White wins.
C) 16...N7b6?! Is also dubious in view of 17.Qxg6+ Qf7 18.Qxf7+ Kxf7
Position after: 18...Kxf7
White continues with 19.Ne4 Bd7 20.Ke2± and the endgame is very unpleasant for Black as in
Jussupow, A (2485) – Chekhov, V (2410) Vilnius 1980.
D) 16...Bb7?! 17.Qxg6+ Qf7 18.Qxf7+ Kxf7 19.0-0-0±
17.Qxg6
885
Position after: 17.Qxg6
17...Rb8!
The only way to play with Black

There is only one game with this move, but it is definitely the best.
A) 17...Bg7? 18.Qg4! [Of course, not 18.Rh7? because of 18...Nf8 19.Qxg7 Nxh7!µ.] 18...Nf8
19.Ne4+– And Nd6 will follow. Zhu, C (2548) – Thomassen, J (2308) Gibraltar 2008.
B) 17...Qb4?! The main theoretical move. 18.Rc1!N
886
Position after: 18.Rc1!N
The refutation of Black’s idea. [The move that is played in practice is 18.Qc2.] 18...Qxb2 If Black
does not take the pawn then the whole ...Qb4 plan does not make much sense. [18...N7b6 19.Rc2
Simple. 19...Bd7 20.Rh7+– Black cannot move.; 18...Nxc3 19.bxc3 Qa3 20.Rd1 Qxc3+ 21.Kf1
Bb7 22.Rh7+– and Qe6 will follow.; 18...Kc7 19.Bxd5 exd5 20.Kf1 Qxb2 21.Rc2 Qb4 22.Rh7+–
…e6.] 19.Rc2
887
B1) 19...Qa3 20.Bxd5! cxd5 [20...exd5 21.Qxc6 The following line is more or less forced.
21...Rb8 22.Nxd5 Qa5+ 23.Rd2 Bb7 24.Qe6 c3 25.Rc2 b4 26.Nf6 Nxf6 27.Qxf6+ Be7
28.Rh8+ Kd7 29.e6+ Kc6 30.Qf3+ Kc7 31.Qf4+ Bd6 32.Qf7+ Kb6 33.Rxb8 Bxb8 34.e7+–
White wins.] 21.Rh8! [21.Qxe6 Bb4∞] 21...Qa6 22.Qf7 Black’s position is hopeless. 22...b4
[22...Qb6 23.Kf1+–] 23.Nxd5 exd5 24.e6+–
B2) 19...Ne7 20.Rxb2 Nxg6 21.Bxc6 Rb8 22.Rxb5
888
Position after: 22.Rxb5
White is winning but he still needs to be precise. 22...Bb4 23.Bxd7 Bxc3+ 24.Ke2 Rb7 A nice
idea.
25.Bc6! Rg7 26.Be4 Ne7 [26...Ba6? 27.Rbb1!+–] 27.a3! An important move which stops ...Bb4.
27...Rg4 [If 27...Ba6 then 28.Rc5±.] 28.Kf3 Rxe4 29.Kxe4 Ba6 30.Rb8+ Kc7 31.Rhb1 Bxd4
889
32.Kxd4 Nc6+ 33.Kc5 Nxb8 34.Rh1+– White should win.
18.Bxd5!
Clearly the best!

The alternatives are very unclear.
A) 18.Rh7 Qb4∞
B) 18.Rh8 Nxc3 19.bxc3 b4∞
18...exd5
Much worse is 18...cxd5? because of 19.Rh8! Stops any counterplay. 19...Rb6 20.Kf1 Kc7 21.Kg2+–
and Rah1 follows.
19.0-0-0!N
An important improvement.
19.f4 is logical but unclear.
890
A) Much worse is 19...Bg7? in view of 20.Qxc6 Rb6 21.Qxd5 Bb7 22.Qg8+ Nf8 from the game
Bacrot, E (2714) – Rapport, R (2693) Biel 2013.
Now White had to play 23.Rh7! Rg6 24.Kf2 Qd7 25.Rxg7! Qxg7 [25...Qxd4+ 26.Kf1 Qd3+
27.Ne2+–] 26.Qxg7 Rxg7 27.Nxb5+– and White is probably winning.
B) 19...b4!N A strong improvement for Black!
891
B1) Also unclear is 20.Ne2 Bg7 21.Qxc6 [Of course not 21.Rh7? because of 21...Nf8 22.Qxg7
Nxh7!.; In case of 21.f5 Nxe5! 22.dxe5 Qxe5„ Black has counterplay.] 21...Qf7!
Position after: 21...Qf7!
A very strong move! 22.e6 Qf5 23.exd7 Bxd7 24.Qc5 Rb6© The position is extremely
complicated.
B2) 20.Na4 c5!
Position after: 20...c5!
892
21.0-0-0 [If 21.Rh7 then 21...Qe8.] 21...cxd4 22.Rxd4 Qe8! 23.Qxe8+ [Also unclear is 23.Qf5
Nb6 24.Qf6+ Be7 25.Qh8 Be6.] 23...Kxe8 24.Rh8
Position after: 24.Rh8
The endgame after 24...Rb5!? 25.e6 Nf6 26.f5 Rb7 is very complicated.
19...Qe8
The best try.

A) In case of 19...b4 20.Ne2! Bg7 [If 20...b3 then 21.a3.] 21.Qxc6 Rb6 22.Qxd5 Bb7 23.Qg8+ Nf8
White is much better after 24.Rh7!
893
Position after: 24.Rh7!
24...Bh6+ 25.Rxh6 Rxh6 26.d5 Rg6 27.Qh8 Qg7 28.Qh4+ Qe7 29.Qd4± White has a clear
advantage.
B) Much worse is 19...Rb6? because of 20.Rh8! b4 [20...c5? 21.Qf5+–] 21.Na4 Ra6 22.Rdh1! Rxa4
23.R1h7 Qe8 24.Rf7+– threatening Rhf8 followed by Qd6 when White wins.
20.Qxe8+ Kxe8
894
Position after: 20...Kxe8
21.Rh8!
Once again, this idea is critical.

21.g4 Be7! 22.f4 Nf8 looks good for White, but it is not! 23.Rdg1
Position after: 23.Rdg1
23...b4 24.Ne2 c5 25.f5 Bg5+ 26.Kb1 Ba6 with a very unclear position.
21...Kf7 22.Re1!
Provoking ...Nb6.
22.Rdh1 Bg7
22...Nb6
Much worse is 22...b4? 23.Na4 Nb6 because of 24.Nc5+–.
23.Ne2!
895
Threatens Nf4.
23...Bg7
The other option is 23...Bf5 24.Reh1! Rc8 25.Nf4 Bg7
26.R8h5! Black’s position is extremely dangerous. For example: 26...Be4 27.R1h4! c5 28.f3! Bd3 [if
896
28...Bxf3 then 29.Rf5+] 29.dxc5 Rxc5 30.Rg4 Rc8 31.Rgg5±.
24.Rh5!
The best square for the rook!
24...Bg4
After 24...c5? 25.Nf4 cxd4 26.e6+ Ke8 27.Rg5 Rb7
28.e7 Rxe7 29.Rxe7+ Kxe7 30.Rxg7+ Kd6 31.Rxa7+– and White wins.
25.Rh4
897
Position after: 25.Rh4
25...Bxe2
A) 25...Bd7?! 26.Nf4 Re8 27.Nh5! c5 28.dxc5 Na4
29.c6! The idea behind this move is very deep. 29...Bxc6 30.e6+! Kg8 [Or 30...Kg6 31.Rg4+! Kxh5
32.Rxg7 d4 33.f4+– White wins.] 31.Rg4! Re7
898
32.Rh1!+– The point! 32...Nc5 33.Nf6+ Kf8 34.Rh8+!! Bxh8 35.Rg8#

B) After 25...Bf5?! White will play 26.g4! Bd3 27.f4 c5 28.f5 Bxe2 29.Rxe2 cxd4
30.g5 d3 31.Re3+– when White should win.
26.Rxe2 Na4
899
27.Rf4+!
White is better.
27...Ke8
A) Or 27...Kg8 28.Rg4! c5 29.f4±.

B) 27...Ke6 28.Rg4!
28.Rg4! Bf8 29.f4 c5 30.f5 cxd4
900
31.Rxd4±
White has a good winning chance.
d) 12...-- Rare lines
Nbd7 11.g3 Bb7 12.Bg2
901
In this chapter we will see some of the rare lines for Black instead of the main line with 12...Qb6.
12...Qc7?!
A rare move. It is obviously worse than 12...Qb6 because in many lines the pawn on b5 is without
protection.
A) 12...Rg8?! 13.h4 Rxg5 [13...b4 14.Ne4 Rxg5 15.Nxg5 Nd5 16.Qh5 Qe7 17.Be4±] 14.hxg5 Nd5
15.g6 fxg6 16.Qg4 Qe7 transposes to the previous subchapter.
B) 12...Qa5? This is simply a bad move. 13.exf6 0-0-0 14.0-0 Ne5
[Similar is 14...Nc5 15.Ne2.] 15.Ne2! White has other options, but this is simple and strong.
15...Nd3 [If 15...c5 then 16.Bd2!.] 16.b3 Black’s position will soon collapse. 16...c5 17.Bxb7+
Kxb7 18.a4 cxd4 19.axb5+– White should win easily.
13.exf6
902
13...c5
The alternative is 13...0-0-0 14.0-0 Bh6 15.Bxh6 Rxh6.
Position after: 15...Rxh6
16.Qc1 Now it is almost impossible for Black to play ...c5. 16...Rdh8 [16...Rxf6?! 17.a4 with the idea
that after 17...a6? 18.axb5 cxb5 19.Nxb5! axb5 20.Ra7+– White wins.] 17.h4 Nxf6 18.Re1± Black
903
has no counterplay.
14.d5!

Another good idea for White is 14.0-0!? Bxg2 15.Kxg2.
A) White is also better after 15...Qb7+ 16.f3! 0-0-0
17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.Qe2 Nd3 19.Ne4± with a clear advantage.

B) 15...b4 16.Ne4 0-0-0 17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.Qf3 Qb7 [18...Qc6 19.Nd2! is the same.] 19.Nd2! An
important move. 19...Rd5 20.h4+– Black is defenseless.
C) 15...0-0-0
904
16.dxc5! Qc6+ 17.f3 Nxc5 18.Qe2 White is much better. For example: 18...Bh6 [18...Nd3
19.Ne4±] 19.Bxh6 Rxh6
20.Rad1 [20.a4!? is probably even better.] 20...Rxd1 21.Rxd1 Rxf6 22.Ne4 Nxe4 23.Qxe4 Qxe4
24.fxe4 Kc7 25.h4± White was much better in Riazantsev, A (2556) – Ivanov, S (2546) Sochi 2004.
905
14...b4
If 14...Qe5+ then 15.Qe2.
15...Qxe2+ [Of course not 15...Qxg5? in view of 16.dxe6! Bxg2 17.exd7+ Kxd7 18.f4! Qxf6 19.0-0-
0++– and White wins.; Or 15...0-0-0 16.dxe6! Qxe2+ 17.Kxe2 transposing to the main line.]
16.Kxe2 0-0-0 17.dxe6! Bxg2 18.e7 Bxe7 19.fxe7 Rdg8 20.h4
906
Lesiege, A (2564) – Khassanov, M (2363) Montreal 2001. Now after 20...Bxh1 21.Rxh1 f6 22.Bf4
Re8 23.Nxb5 Rxe7+ 24.Kf3 Ne5+ 25.Bxe5 fxe5 26.Nd6+ Kd7 27.Nxc4+– White is probably
winning.
15.d6! Qb6 16.Ne4
The position is very bad for Black. White’s initiative seems very strong.
16...Bd5
16...0-0-0 17.0-0 Bd5 is similar.
17.0-0 0-0-0
If 17...Bxd6 then 18.Nxd6+ Qxd6 19.Bf4! Qc6 20.Bxd5 Qxd5 21.Qa4
907
White is winning. For example: 21...0-0-0 22.Rfd1 Qb7 23.h4+–.
18.Qe2
18...Qc6
908
A) After 18...Ne5 19.Rad1 Nd3 White has the simple move 20.b3+–.
B) Or 18...Bxd6 19.b3! Ne5 [If 19...c3 then 20.a3 is very strong +–.] 20.Rfd1 Bc7
21.Be3 Bxe4 22.Bxe4 Rxd1+ 23.Rxd1 Rd8 24.h4+– The h-pawn will decide the game.
19.b3!
Black is defenseless.
19...Nb6
19...c3 20.a3+–
20.Bf4
Also good is 20.Rfd1.
20...Bxd6 21.Bxd6 Bxe4 22.Bxe4 Qxd6
909
23.Rfd1 Qc7 24.bxc4+–
White won easily in Van Wely, L (2676) – Agrest, E (2557) Fuegen 2006.
910
e) 13...-- Rare lines
Nbd7 11.g3 Bb7 12.Bg2 Qb6 13.exf6
In this chapter we continue examining Black’s alternatives to the main line.
13...0-0-0
13...c5 14.d5 b4 15.0-0 bxc3?
911
Position after: 15...bxc3?
This does not work. [15...0-0-0 is the main line which we will see in the following sections.] 16.bxc3
The threat of Rb1 is very serious. 16...e5 Only move. 17.Rb1! Qa6
18.Rxb7! Of course! The position looks dangerous for Black. 18...Qxb7 19.d6 Qc8
912
20.f4! I believe that White must win after this, but he still needs to be precise. 20...e4 The most
stubborn. [Worse is 20...Rb8? 21.fxe5 Bh6 22.Bxh6 Rxh6 23.e6
and White won easily in Mikhalevski, V (2500) – Sriram, J (2412) Kolkata 2001. Now after 23...fxe6
24.f7+ Kf8 25.Qg4+– White wins.] 21.Bxe4! [Les accurate is 21.Re1?! Rb8 22.Bxe4 Kd8∞ Babula,
V (2555) – Lukacs, P (2515) Zalakaros 1998.] 21...Rb8 22.Qd5! White has tremendous activity!
913
A) The alternative is 22...Qa6 23.Rd1! As the d6 pawn is very important it must be defended.
23...Qxd6 [Or 23...Qxa2 24.h4 Qe2 25.Rd2 Qe1+ 26.Kh2+– White should win.] 24.Qxd6 Bxd6
25.Rxd6
The endgame is hopeless. 25...Rb6 26.Rxb6 Nxb6 [Or 26...axb6 27.Bc6 Kd8 28.Bb5+–.] 27.Bc6+
Kd8 28.f5 Kc7 29.Bf3 Na4 30.Bf4+ Kd7 31.g4 Nxc3 32.g5+– White should win this ending with
914
ease.
B) 22...Rb6 23.Re1! White must be very accurate! 23...Rxd6 [In case of 23...Bxd6
24.a4! a5 25.h4! Black can’t defend after 25...Kd8 26.Qxf7 Kc7 27.Qd5+– as White’s pawns are
very strong.] 24.Bg2+! The best square for the bishop! 24...Kd8 25.Qxf7 Kc7 26.h4
915
White’s bishops and pawns are stronger than the black rooks. 26...Rd3 27.Kh2 Rd2 28.Qxc4 Qb7
29.Re2 The easiest way. 29...Rxe2 30.Qxe2 Qb6 31.Qe4 Black has no counterplay.
31...Bd6 32.f7 Rf8 33.Qe8 Qb8 34.Qe6 Qb6 35.h5+– White should win easily.
14.0-0 Ne5?!
A rare line.
14...Bh6?! is dubious after 15.Bxh6 Rxh6 in view of 16.Qd2 Rdh8 [If 16...Rxf6? then 17.Ne4.] 17.h4
Nxf6 18.Rfe1± White is much better.
916
Position after: 14...Ne5?!
15.dxe5!
A powerful queen sacrifice. White’s positional advantage is unquestionable.
15...Rxd1 16.Raxd1 Qc7N
Position after: 16...Qc7N
917
Probably the best try.
A) 16...c5 17.h4 Bxg2 18.Kxg2 Qc6+ 19.f3±
B) Or 16...b4 17.Ne4 c5 18.Bf4± Shabalov, A (2645) – Sammour Hasbun, J (2410) Philadelphia
1998
17.Bf4 Bh6 18.Bxh6 Rxh6
19.f4!
I believe this is the best!

Also interesting is 19.Ne4!? Qxe5 20.Nd6+ Kc7
918
21.Nxf7 Qxf6 22.Nxh6 Qxh6 23.Rfe1 Qf6 24.Re2± when White has a clear advantage.
19...Qb6+ 20.Kh1 c5 21.Ne4! Bxe4 22.Bxe4
Now the black king is very vulnerable.
22...Rh8
919
Position after: 22...Rh8
23.f5!
White probably wins, but there are still many precise moves to make.
23...exf5 24.Rd6!
An important intermediate move.
24...Qa5
If 24...Qxd6 strong is 25.Bxf5+! Qd7 26.g4! Kc7 27.Bxd7 Kxd7 28.Kg2.
White should win. 28...Ke6 29.Kg3 Rd8 30.h4 b4 31.g5 c3 32.bxc3 bxc3 33.Rc1 Rd3+ 34.Kg4+–
25.Bxf5+ Kb8
920
26.e6! Qc7
26...fxe6 does not help because of 27.Rxe6 Qd2 28.h4! Rf8 29.Bg4!
29...Qd4 30.Rf4 Qxb2 31.f7 Qg7 32.Re8+ Kc7 33.Rxf8 Qxf8 34.h5 and White wins.
27.Rfd1!
921
Position after: 27.Rfd1!
27...fxe6
Interesting, but not enough for a draw is 27...Qb7+!? 28.Kg1 Qf3 29.Rd8+ Rxd8 30.Rxd8+ Kc7
31.e7 Qe3+
Position after: 31...Qe3+
922
32.Kf1! Qf3+ 33.Ke1 Qe3+ 34.Kd1 Qf3+ 35.Kc1 Qe3+ 36.Rd2
White wins but it is not so obvious. 36...c3 [36...b4? 37.Kd1 c3 38.bxc3 bxc3 39.Re2+–; 36...Qe1+
37.Rd1 Qe3+ 38.Kb1+–] 37.bxc3 Qxc3+ 38.Bc2!
Now White’s win is clear! 38...Qa1+ [38...Qe5 39.Rd8 Qe3+ 40.Kb1 Qe1+ 41.Bd1 Qb4+
42.Kc2+–] 39.Bb1 Qe5 40.Kd1 c4
923
41.g4! Black is defenseless. 41...Qe3 [41...c3 42.Rd8+–] 42.Bf5! Qg1+ 43.Kc2 Qe3 44.Rd8 Qe2+
45.Kc3 Qe1+ 46.Kd4+– White escapes from the checks.
28.Rxe6 Qxg3
A) 28...Qf7 29.Rf1+–
B) 28...Qb7+ 29.Kg1 Qf3 30.Rf1 Qd5 31.h4+–
29.Rd8+! Kc7 30.Rc8+!!
924
Position after: 30.Rc8+!!
The point! But not 30.Rxh8? Qf3+ 31.Kg1 Qxf5= with a draw.
30...Kb7
Or 30...Kxc8 31.Re3+.
31.Rxh8 Qf3+ 32.Kg1 Qxf5
925
33.Rh7+!! Qxh7
33...Kc8 34.Re8#
34.Re7++–
f) 16.Na4 Qb5 17.a3 exd5 (17...Ne5)
Nbd7 11.g3 Bb7 12.Bg2 Qb6 13.exf6 0-0-0 14.0-0 c5 15.d5 b4
The main position in the Botvinnik Variation. We’re going to investigate it into details.
15...Bh6? 16.Bxh6 Rxh6 17.dxe6 is just very bad for Black.
16.Na4
We will not be examining any of the sidelines in this book, only the main lines for White. The other
interesting move is 16.Rb1.
16...Qb5
This is one of the two main lines for Black. The other main move 16...Qa6 will be covered in the next
subchapter.
926
16...Qd6?
Position after: 16...Qd6?
This is bad due to the following.

A) 17.Bf4! The easiest and best. 17...e5 18.Be3 [Also good is 18.Bg5.] 18...Bh6 [If 18...Qxf6 then
19.Qg4+–.] 19.Qc1 [I think that 19.Bxh6 is even better. 19...Rxh6 20.Qc1 Rxf6
927
21.Qxc4 Ba6 22.Qc2 Bxf1 23.Rxf1+– with a winning position.] 19...Bxe3 20.Qxe3 Ba6?! [Better is
20...Nxf6 21.Qxc5+ Qxc5 22.Nxc5 Bxd5 23.Rac1± White has a clear advantage.] 21.a3 Kb8
22.h4+–
White won easily in Kramnik, V (2765) – Ivanchuk, V (2730) Novgorod 1996.

B) 17.dxe6 is not so good as Black has 17...Qxe6 18.Re1 Ne5!.
Position after: 18...Ne5!
928
Black definitely has counterplay here. 19.Bxb7+ [In case of 19.Qxd8+ Kxd8 20.Bxb7 as in Shirov,
A (2710) – Piket, J (2670) Aruba 1995, the position is unclear. 20...Qf5! 21.Rxe5 Qxe5 22.Rd1+
Kc7 23.Bf4 Qxf4 24.gxf4 Kxb7 25.Rc1 c3 26.bxc3 Rh4„.] 19...Kxb7
B1) 20.Qxd8 Nf3+ 21.Kg2 Qc6! is just enough for equality. 22.Re8 Rxh2+ 23.Kf1 Nd2+!
Position after: 23...Nd2+!
24.Ke1 [Or 24.Bxd2 Qg2+ 25.Ke2 Qxf2+ 26.Kd1 Qf3+ 27.Kc1 Rh1+ 28.Re1 Rxe1+ 29.Bxe1
Bh6+ 30.Bd2 Qf1+ 31.Kc2 Qf5+= with a draw.] 24...Nf3+ 25.Kd1 The only try. 25...Qxa4+
26.b3 cxb3 27.Qd5+ Ka6 28.Qd3+ Ka5 29.Qd8+=
B2) 20.Qe2 Qh3 21.Qe4+ Nc6
929
22.Qh1 [The endgame after 22.Qg2 Qxg2+ 23.Kxg2 Ka6! 24.h4 Kb5 25.b3 c3 seems very
unclear.] 22...Rh5∞ The game is very complicated.
17.a3
The critical position. Black has many options, but only two of them can be played.
930
17...exd5!?
The first of the critical moves.

The other is 17...Nb8 which we will examine in the next subchapter.
A) Black has some other options, but they are all very dangerous. For example: 17...Ne5? seems
logical but it is objectively a bad move. 18.Qe2! Nd3 19.axb4! I think White just wins here.
19...cxb4 20.b3!
20...c3 [In case of 20...exd5 21.Rfd1! Bd6 22.Be3+–.] 21.Rfc1 Threatens Nc3. [Also good is
21.dxe6!? Bxg2 22.e7 Bxe7 23.fxe7 Rdg8 24.Rfd1 Rxg5 25.Rxd3 Bc6 26.Qe3!
931
26...Re5 27.Qxa7 Qb7 28.Qxb7+ Kxb7 29.Rd4 Rb5 30.Rc4!
White should win. For example: 30...Re8 31.Nc5+ Rxc5 32.Rxc5 Rxe7 33.Rc4 Re4 34.Rxe4 Bxe4
35.Kf1 Kb6 36.Ke2 Bc2 37.h4+–.] 21...Rxd5 [If 21...Bxd5 then 22.Nxc3! bxc3 23.Rxc3++–.]
22.Nxc3! bxc3 23.Rxc3+ Kb8 24.Be3!
932
White is winning. For example: 24...a6 25.Bxd5 Qxd5 26.f3 Nb4 [26...Ne5 does not help in view of
27.Rd1 Qa5 28.Bf4 Rh5 29.g4+–.] 27.Rd1 Qa5 28.Rd7 Nd5 29.Rc4 Nxe3 30.Qxe3 Bh6 31.Qc3
Qxc3 32.Rxc3+– White wins easily.
B) 17...Bxd5?! Another suspicious move. 18.Bxd5 exd5
[18...Ne5? 19.Bxe6+ fxe6 20.Qe2+–] 19.Qxd5! The position is extremely dangerous for Black.
933
19...Qxa4 20.Rfd1! Keeps all of White’s options open. [Less clear is 20.axb4 Nb6 21.Qxf7 Qd7.]
20...Qb5 The only move. 21.axb4 Qb7 22.Qxf7 Bh6 23.Bh4!
Keeping the bishop is critical, now White should win easily. 23...Qc6? 24.b5 Ne5 25.Rxd8+ Rxd8
26.bxc6 Nxf7 27.g4 Ne5 28.Bg3 Nxc6 29.f4 Rg8 30.g5 Bf8 31.h4+– White won easily in
Ovsejevitsch, S (2585) – Nasshan, D (2259) Germany 2015.
C) 17...Bh6? This is just bad since after the exchanges 18.Bxh6 Rxh6 19.axb4 cxb4 White has a
strong centralizing move.
934
20.Qd4! exd5 [20...Bxd5 21.Rfc1+–] 21.b3! Rxf6 22.Rfc1+– White wins.
18.axb4 cxb4
Much worse is 18...d4? 19.Nxc5! Bxg2 20.Kxg2
Position after: 20.Kxg2
20...Qc6+ [Or 20...Nxc5 21.bxc5 Bxc5 22.Qf3+–.] 21.f3 Nxc5 22.bxc5 Bxc5 23.Qa4 Qd5 24.Bf4+–
White is wining.
19.Bf4!
935
White has a lot of moves here but this is definitely the best as it creates a lot of problems for Black.
White has three alternatives: 19.Be3, 19.Qg4 and 19.Re1.
19...Bh6
Black is just lost After 19...Nc5? 20.Nxc5 Bxc5 21.h4 The threat of Bh3 is severe. 21...Bc6 22.Re1
Kb7 23.Re7+!
936
Position after: 23.Re7+!
23...Bxe7 24.fxe7 Ra8 25.Qd4+– White won easily in Vigorito, D (2405) – Miller, D (2261)
Parsippany 2011.
20.Bd6
The only idea. Black is fine after 20.Bxh6 Rxh6„.
20...Bf8
Black must exchange the bishop at all costs.
21.Be7 Bxe7 22.fxe7 Rde8
Position after: 22...Rde8
This position has been reached in only a few games, and it is critical.
23.Qd4!
23.Re1 Rh7 24.Qd4 f5 25.Qxa7 Rhxe7∞
23...Rh6
23...f6? is just bad for Black. 24.b3 Rxe7 25.Rfc1 c3
937
26.Nxc3! bxc3 27.Qxc3+ Kd8 28.Qc7+ Ke8 29.Rxa7+– White won in Kurukin, D (2410) –
Shuvalov, E (2252) Moscow 2011.
24.b3!
Somehow White must demolish this pawn wall.

24.Rfe1 Re6 25.Bh3 R8xe7! 26.Bxe6 fxe6 27.f4 Qc6∞
24...Rxe7
After 24...c3 25.Rfc1 Rxe7 the position transposes to the main line.
25.Rfc1!
938
Position after: 25.Rfc1!
25...Ne5
The alternative is 25...c3 which is not at all bad. 26.Bf1! Ne5! The whole point. [Of course, not
26...Qc6? because of 27.Nxc3+–.] 27.Nxc3! While this is not completely clear I believe it gives
White the initiative. 27...Nf3+ 28.Kg2 Qd7 [Worse is 28...Qxf1+? because of 29.Kxf3! Qh3
30.Ne2+ Kd8 31.Nf4+– White was winning in Sieciechowicz, M (2441) – Artemiev, V (2384)
Moscow 2011.] 29.Kxf3 Qf5+ 30.Qf4 The endgame looks very pleasant for White. [30.Kg2 Qh3+]
30...Qxf4+ 31.Kxf4
939
Position after: 31.Kxf4
31...bxc3 [31...Rf6+ is tempting but White has a small advantage in the end. 32.Kg5 Rg6+ 33.Kh5
Kb8 34.Bd3 Re5+ 35.Kh4 Rh6+ 36.Kg4 bxc3 37.Rxc3 Rxh2 38.Ra2²] 32.Rxc3+ Kb8 33.Re3 Rxe3
34.Kxe3 Rxh2
35.Bd3² Black will still suffer in the endgame.
26.Nc5!
Black does well after 26.Qxa7 c3„.
26...c3
940
27.h4!?N
An interesting improvement requiring accuracy from Black.

A) The alternatives are: 27.Rxa7 Nc6 28.Qg4+ Rhe6 29.Nxe6 fxe6„ Black had very good
counterplay in the game Giri, A (2686) – Smeets, J (2662) Wijk aan Zee 2011.
B) 27.Nxb7 Qxb7 28.h4 a6!
941
Position after: 28...a6!
An important move after which the game is unclear. 29.Ra4 Nc6! 30.Qxd5 Qb5! 31.Qf3 f5 32.Bf1
Qc5 33.Rxa6 Kc7∞
27...Qb6!
The only move!

Much worse is 27...Rd6? because of 28.Rxa7 Nc6 29.Nxb7 Rxb7
30.Ra8+ Rb8 31.Qf4 Rd7 32.Ra2± and the black king is very weak.
28.Re1
942
Position after: 28.Re1
Now Black has to make a very difficult decision.
28...Rd6
A) Worse is 28...Rh5?! because of 29.Bh3+ Kc7 [If 29...Kd8 then 30.Bg4! Nxg4 31.Rxe7 Kxe7
32.Qxg4 Re5 33.Qd7+ Kf8 34.Nxb7+– White wins.] 30.Bg4! Kc6 31.Bxh5 Qxc5 32.Qxc5+ Kxc5
33.f4 Nc6 34.Rxe7 Nxe7 35.Be2±
B) 28...f6!? Objectively good, but a very difficult move to play. 29.Bxd5 [Also unclear is 29.Red1
Rh5! 30.Nxb7 Qxd4 31.Nd6+ Kd7 32.Rxd4 Kxd6 33.Rxd5+ Ke6.] 29...Rh8!
943
Position after: 29...Rh8!
30.Rxe5! The best try! [After 30.Bxb7+ Rxb7 31.Qd5 Rd8! 32.Qxb7+ Qxb7 33.Nxb7 Kxb7© and
an unclear endgame.] 30...fxe5 31.Bxb7+ Rxb7 32.Qxe5 [Black probably holds after 32.Qg4+ Kb8
33.Nxb7 Qxb7 34.h5 Rc8 35.h6 c2
36.Rc1 a5! 37.Qe6 Qc7.] 32...Rd8 33.Nxb7 Kxb7 34.Qe4+
944
Position after: 34.Qe4+
34...Kc7= This position seems to be a draw, although in practice I believe it is still difficult for
Black.
29.Rxe5 Rxe5 30.Qxe5 Qxc5 31.h5
Black still has many problems to solve.
945
31...f6!
The best move!

A) 31...Qc7?! 32.Qg7!±
B) 31...Qc6?! 32.Qf5+ Qd7 33.Qf4 Ra6 34.Re1 Re6 35.Rd1±
32.Qf4!?
Giving Black multiple problems to solve.

A) Black seems to be fine after 32.Qf5+ Kb8 33.h6 Rd8!
Position after: 33...Rd8!
34.Qxf6 Rf8 35.Qe5+ Qc7 36.Qe3 a6∞.

B) Or 32.Qe7 Qc7.
32...d4!
946
Position after: 32...d4!
Black must be extremely accurate.
33.h6 Bxg2 34.h7 Rd8 35.Kxg2 c2!
36.Qh6!
947
36.Qxf6 only leads to a draw as after 36...c1=Q 37.Rxc1 Qxc1 38.Qxd8+ Kxd8 39.h8=Q+ Kc7
40.Qxd4 Qc6+= White cannot escape from the checks.
36...Qf8 37.Qh3+!
37.Qg6 Qc5=
37...Kb8 38.Qf5
I believe with accurate play Black will manage to make a draw, but in practice this is very difficult.
38...Qg7 39.Qxc2 Qb7+
948
Position after: 39...Qb7+
40.f3!
I believe is the best try!

The other option is 40.Kg1 Rh8 41.Re1 Qd7! 42.Re4 Rxh7 43.Qc4
43...Qc8! a difficult move to find 44.Qb5+ [44.Qxb4+ Ka8] 44...Rb7 45.Qa4 Qc5 46.Qe8+ Qc8
949
47.Qg6 Rd7 48.Qxf6 Kb7 Black somehow holds. For example: 49.Rxd4 Rxd4 50.Qxd4 a5© Black
has a lot of counterplay in the queen and pawn endgame.
40...d3 41.Qxd3 Rxd3 42.h8=Q+ Qc8 43.Qxf6
43...Rd2+
43...Qc2+? loses in view of 44.Kh3 Qc8+ 45.g4 Rxf3+ 46.Qxf3 Qh8+ 47.Kg3 Qxa1 48.Qf8+ Kc7
49.Qxb4+–.
44.Kf1 Qc3!
Once again Black must play the only move!

44...Qh3+? 45.Ke1 Rd7 46.Qf8+ Kb7 47.Qxb4+
950
Position after: 47.Qxb4+
47...Ka8 48.Qh4 Qg2 49.Qe4+ Rb7 50.Rc1 Qxg3+ 51.Ke2 Qh2+ 52.Ke3 Qh8 53.b4 Kb8 54.Rc5+–
45.Qf4+
Position after: 45.Qf4+
Of course, not 45.Qxc3? bxc3–+.
951
45...Kc8!
Precise!
Wrong is 45...Ka8? because after 46.Qe4+ Kb8 47.Re1 Qd3+ 48.Qxd3 Rxd3 49.Kg2 Rxb3
50.g4+– White’s g4-pawn is very fast.
46.Re1
Or 46.Qf5+ Kc7!.
46...Qd3+ 47.Kg1
952
47...Rd1!
Black forces the queen and pawn ending which I believe is drawn, e.g.
48.Qf8+ Kc7 49.Qe7+ Kc6 50.Qf6+ Kc5
953
51.Qe5+ Kb6=
White cannot make progress.
g) 16.Na4 Qb5 17.a3 Nb8!?
Nbd7 11.g3 Bb7 12.Bg2 Qb6 13.exf6 0-0-0 14.0-0 c5 15.d5 b4 16.Na4 Qb5 17.a3 Nb8!?
This is the critical line which leads to major complications. My recommendation is very practical, and
it seems to me that Black will need to know a lot of forced lines.
Position after: 17...Nb8!?
18.axb4 cxb4 19.Qg4!?
The best try in my opinion!

Another popular line is 19.Qd4 Nc6 20.dxc6 Rxd4 21.cxb7+ Kb8 22.Be3 e5∞ with very murky
complications.
19...Bxd5
The next moves are absolutely forced for both sides.

19...Rxd5? Loses because of 20.Rfc1 Rxg5 21.Qxc4++–.
20.Rfc1 Nc6 21.Bxd5 Rxd5 22.Rxc4
954
22...Rxg5
A) Black loses after 22...Kd7? 23.Rac1 Rxg5 24.Qe4 Nd8 25.Qa8+–.

B) Also bad is 22...Kb7? 23.Rac1 Rxg5 24.Qf3 Qd5 [24...Rd5 25.Rxc6 Qxc6 26.Rxc6 Kxc6
27.h4+– The queen is much stronger than the two rooks.] 25.Qxd5 Rxd5 26.Rxc6
955
26...Bd6 [In case of 26...Rd1+ strong is 27.Kg2! Rxc1 28.Rxc1 Rh6 29.h4 Rxf6 30.Nc5+ Bxc5
31.Rxc5 which will transpose to 26...Bd6.] 27.Kg2 Rh6 28.h4 Rd2 29.R1c2 Rxc2 30.Rxc2 Rxf6
31.Nc5+ Bxc5 32.Rxc5 Kb6 Shirov, A (2696) – Sjugirov, S (2635) St Petersburg 2013. Now after
33.Re5! a5 34.b3!
White should win. For example: 34...Rf5 [Or 34...Rh6 35.Kh3! Rh8 36.h5+–.] 35.Rxf5 exf5 36.h5
956
a4 37.bxa4 b3 38.h6 b2 39.h7 b1=Q 40.h8=Q Qe4+ 41.Kh2+–.
23.Qd4!
An important move!
23...Kb8
A) After 23...Kc7? 24.b3! and White wins after 24...Rhh5 25.Qxa7+ Qb7 26.Qxb7+ Kxb7 27.Rac1.
957
27...Na5 [Or 27...Ne5 28.Rc7+ Ka6 29.f4+–.] 28.Rc7+ Ka6 29.Rxf7 Nxb3 30.Rc8+– White is
winning.
B) Of course, not 23...Rd5? because of 24.Qxa7 Kd8 25.Rxc6!
Position after: 25.Rxc6!
25...Qxc6 26.Nb6+– White wins.
958
24.Rxc6 Rxg3+
If 24...Qxc6? then 25.Qf4+.
25.fxg3 Qxc6
26.Rd1!
All of the moves are still completely forced.

26.Qd8+ Qc8.
26...Qc7!
The best defense!

A) Much worse is 26...Bh6? 27.Nc5 Ka8
959
Position after: 27...Ka8
28.h4! Rc8 29.Ne4± when White has a clear advantage.

B) Or 26...Qc2? 27.h4 Rg8 28.Rd3+–.
27.b3!
The only way to fight for the advantage.
960
27...Kc8!
The only move! Black can hardly do anything.

27...Rg8? 28.Kf1+–
28.Qe3!
White has no other creative move.

If 28.Qe4 then 28...Kb8.
28...Kb8!
The other moves lose on the spot.

A) 28...Bh6? 29.Qe4+–
B) 28...Kb7? 29.Qd3+–
29.Qd2!
Stopping ...Kc8 because of Rc1.
29...Bc5+ 30.Nxc5 Qxc5+ 31.Qd4 Qc3!
Once again Black must be extremely accurate!

Much worse is 31...Rc8? 32.Qxc5 Rxc5 33.g4± when White should win.
961
Position after: 31...Qc3!
32.g4!?
Probably the best practical try.

After 32.Qxc3 bxc3 33.Rc1 Rc8 34.Kf2
Black should make a draw. After 34...Rc5! 35.Ke3 Kc7 36.g4 [36.Kd4 Kd6 37.Rxc3 Rxc3 38.Kxc3
962
Ke5 39.Kd3 Kxf6=] 36...Kd6 37.h4 Ke5 38.g5 Kf5 39.Kd4 Rc8 40.Rxc3
40...e5+ 41.Kd3 e4+ 42.Kd2 Rd8+ a draw was agreed in the correspondence game Bross, H (2579) –
Mueller, G (2569) ICCF 2016.
32...Rc8!N
Position after: 32...Rc8!N
963
A very good improvement!
In the game Salgado Lopez, I (2594) – Shirov, A (2666) Marbella 2019, Black lost after 32...Rg8?
33.Kf2! Qxb3
34.Qe5+ Ka8 35.Qe4+ Kb8 36.Rb1 Qa2+ 37.Ke1 a5 38.Qe5+ Kb7 39.Qb5+ and Black resigned
because of 39...Ka7 40.Rc1+–.
33.g5
33.Qd6+ Rc7.
33...Rg8!
Black provoked g4-g5 and only then played ...Rg8!. This is a very deep idea!
34.Qf4+
A) 34.Qd6+ Kb7 35.Qe7+ Kc8=

B) 34.Qxc3 bxc3 35.h4 Rh8 36.Kg2 Rxh4 37.Kg3 Rh5 38.Kg4 Rh2= with a draw.
34...e5 35.Qf5
964
35...a5!
Black wants to create counterplay.
36.h3
Or 36.Kf1 a4 37.bxa4 Qc4+.
36...a4
36...Qg3+ 37.Kf1 Qh2 is probably sufficient for a draw as well.
37.bxa4 b3=
965
Position after: 37...b3=
I believe Black will manage to make a draw.
h) 16.Na4 Qa6
Nbd7 11.g3 Bb7 12.Bg2 Qb6 13.exf6 0-0-0 14.0-0 c5 15.d5 b4 16.Na4 Qa6
966
The other main line.
17.a3! Bxd5
This is Black’s only idea in this position.
18.Bxd5 Ne5
This is the difference between 16...Qb5 and 16...Qa6 as the e6-pawn is now protected.
18...exd5? 19.Qxd5 Qxa4 transpose to subchapter “f” (with 17...Bxd5 18.exd5 exd5 19.Qxd5 Qxa4).
19.Nxc5!?
I think this creates some problems for Black to solve.

The main line is 19.axb4 Rxd5 20.Qe2 cxb4 21.Nc3.
967
A) 21...Qc6? 22.Bf4! bxc3 [Or 22...Nd3 23.Nxd5 Qxd5 24.Be3+– when White wins easily after
24...Bc5 25.Ra5! Qe4 26.Rc1! Bxe3 27.Qxe3 Qxe3 28.Rxc4+!.] 23.Bxe5 Rd2 24.Qe1! [But not
24.Qe3 because of 24...Bc5! 25.Qxc3 Rd3! when the position is absolutely unclear. For example:
26.Qc2! Qe4 and now
27.Qa4! Qxe5 28.Qc6+ Kd8 29.Qa8+ Kc7 30.Qxh8 Rxg3+! 31.hxg3 Qxg3+ 32.Kh1 Qf3+ 33.Kh2
968
Bd6+ 34.Kg1 Qg4+= with a draw.] 24...Bc5 [24...cxb2 25.Qxd2 bxa1=Q 26.Rxa1+–] 25.bxc3±
White was much better in Rahman, Z (2468) – Sriram, J (2399) Kolkata 2001.
B) 21...Ra5? is also bad. 22.Rxa5 Qxa5 23.Ne4 Nd3
A number of games have reached this position, but White seems to be winning after 24.b3! Qe5
25.Rd1! Qb2 [In case of 25...Bc5 strong is 26.Qf3!+–.; 25...Nc5 26.Qxc4!
Position after: 26.Qxc4!
969
26...Qxe4 27.Qb5 Kc7 28.Be3+– White won in Kortschnoj, V (2615) – Lutz, C (2580) Horgen
1994.] 26.Qf1! the point! 26...Qc2 [26...Qxb3 also loses in view of 27.Nd2 Qc2 28.Nxc4! Qxc4
29.Rc1!+–.] 27.h4 Black has no threats. 27...Ne5 28.Nd2! Bc5 29.Rc1 Qf5 Now White defends
himself with a few precise moves. 30.Bf4! Rxh4
31.Bxe5 Qxe5 32.gxh4 Qg3+ 33.Qg2 Bxf2+ 34.Kh1 Qxh4+ 35.Qh2+– and White wins.
C) 21...Qd6! The most accurate move.
C1) 22.Rxa7 bxc3 23.Ra8+ [23.Rfa1 Nc6.] 23...Kd7 24.Ra7+ [24.Rfa1 Nc6.] 24...Kc8=
C2) 22.Ne4 Qc6 23.Bf4 Kb7!
970
Position after: 23...Kb7!
After this precise move, the position is extremely complicated. 24.Bxe5 [White loses after
24.Nc3? bxc3 25.Bxe5 Rd2 26.Qe1 in view of 26...Bc5! 27.bxc3 Rdd8–+ White cannot stop
...Rh2!.] 24...Rxe5 25.f3 a5© Black has significant counterplay.
C3) 22.Nxd5 Qxd5 23.f3 Bc5+
Position after: 23...Bc5+
24.Be3 [Another option is 24.Kg2 Nd3 25.h4 Rd8∞ with a very unclear position in Ernst, S (2548)
971
– Smeets, J (2609) Netherlands 2012.] 24...Nd3 25.Bxc5 Qxc5+ 26.Kg2 Rd8© The position is
absolutely unclear. Objectively I believe it is approximately even. Harikrishna, P (2666) – Van
Wely, L (2675) Philadelphia 2011.
19...Bxc5 20.axb4
After 20.Qe2 exd5 21.Qxe5 [Of course not 21.axb4? Qe6 22.bxc5 because of 22...Rxh2!–+.] 21...b3!
Black has enough counterplay. For example: 22.Rae1 Qc6 23.h4 Rde8 [Also good is 23...Kb7.]
24.Qf5+ Finegold, B (2534) – Yang, D (2378) Lubbock 2010. Now after 24...Kb7! 25.Re7+!? is an
interesting idea.
972
Position after: 25.Re7+!?
25...Bxe7 26.fxe7 Qe6 27.Qf3 Rhg8 28.Rd1 Kc6= The position is about equal.
20...Bxf2+
Position after: 20...Bxf2+
The only move.
973
21.Kxf2!
If 21.Rxf2 then 21...Rxd5.
21...Qb6+
Once again the only move.

A) Much worse is 21...Qb5? 22.Qe2 Rxd5 23.Kg1±.
B) Or 21...Rxh2+? 22.Kg1.
22.Kg2N
Officially a new move!

In the only game in this position White played 22.Be3? Rxh2+ 23.Kg1 Qxe3+ 24.Kxh2 Rxd5 25.Qh5
25...Ng6–+ and lost easily in the game Krebs, J (2229) – Halvax, G (2255) Vienna 2010.
22...Rxd5
Much worse is 22...exd5? 23.h4 d4 24.Rf5 Rhe8 25.Qa4 Nd3 26.Qxa7 Re2+ 27.Kg1 Re1+ 28.Rf1+–
when White should win.
23.Qe2
974
I believe this is the critical position for 16...Qa6.

Now Black has several options.
23...Qxb4!?
A very concrete move.

A) Worse is 23...Nd3?! 24.h4 because now after 24...Qc6 White has 25.Qe4!.
B) The alternative is 23...Qc6!? 24.Kg1 [Of course not 24.Qe4? because of 24...Rd2+!.] 24...Nd3
975
I believe that objectively Black should hold here, but in practice it does not look like it will be easy.
For example: 25.Be3 [If 25.Ra5 then 25...Nxb4 26.Rxd5 Qxd5∞; or 25.Qf3 a6 26.h4 Kb7∞.]
25...a6 Black must protect this pawn. 26.h4
26...Rg8! The most accurate. [26...Re5 is more suspicious because of 27.Ra5! Rxa5 28.bxa5 Qe4
976
29.Qf3 Qxf3 30.Rxf3 Nxb2 31.Rf4².] 27.Kh2 [27.Qg2 Kd7∞] 27...Rb5! The position is very
strange. The endgame after 28.Qg2 [28.Ra4 Rf5] 28...Qxg2+ 29.Kxg2 Kb7 30.Bd4 Rxb4 31.Bc3
31...Rb5 32.Ra5 e5= seems to be fine for Black but in a practical game it may not be so clear.
24.Rxa7 Nc6! 25.Ra8+
977
25.Rxf7 Rxg5 26.h4 [Or 26.Qxe6+ Kb8 the threat is ...Qd2.] 26...Re5 27.Qf3 Qd6∞ Black is fine.
25...Nb8 26.Bf4
Very bad is 26.Rc1? because of 26...Qb7! 27.Rxc4+ Kd7–+ and Black wins.
26...e5 27.Rxb8+!
Position after: 27.Rxb8+!
The only idea that gives White any practical chances.

The alternative is 27.Qf3 Qb7! 28.Ra7!
978
28...Qxa7 29.Qxd5 exf4 30.Rxf4 Nd7 31.Rxc4+ Kd8= and Black should be able to draw.
27...Kxb8 28.Bxe5+ Kc8!
Worse is 28...Kb7?! 29.Bc3 as sometimes Qe7+ can be unpleasant.
29.Bf4!?
In practice this should give White some practical chances.

A) The alternatives are 29.Qg4+ Kb7 30.Qf3 [If 30.Bc3 then 30...Rd2+!
979
Position after: 30...Rd2+!
31.Bxd2 Qxd2+ 32.Rf2 Rxh2+ 33.Kxh2 Qxf2+ 34.Kh3 Qf1+= with a draw.] 30...Qd2+ 31.Rf2
Qd3=
B) Or 29.Bc3 Qb7.
29...Qb7 30.Kg1
980
Black should be able to draw.
30...Qb6+ 31.Be3 Qb3 32.Rc1 Re8 33.Rc3
33.Rxc4+ Kd7.
33...Qd1+ 34.Qxd1 Rxd1+ 35.Kf2
But White may find some chances...
35...Rd6 36.Rxc4+ Kd7 37.Bf4 Rxf6 38.h4²
981
White has a small advantage but Black my hold.
982
Chapter 12
The Moscow Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6
Chapter Guide
Chapter 12 – The Moscow Defense
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3

a) 7...Bd6 and other rare 7th moves
b) 7...Bb4
c) Modern line 7...g6!?
d) 7...Nd7
a) 7...Bd6 and other rare 7th moves
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6
The Moscow variation has been one of the most popular lines in the last 20 years. All of the best
players have had it in their repertoire. I believe that it is rich in positional and tactical ideas as well as
being a very correct way to play. It is worth considering for your Black repertoire.
983
6.Bxf6
The other main line 6.Bh4 is called the anti-Moscow variation. However, we will not be discussing it
in this book. You may wish to research this line as it is a very interesting alternative to 6.Bxf6.
6...Qxf6 7.e3
We have reached the starting point of this variation. As we have done previously we will examine
some rare options first and then look at the main lines.
984
7...Bd6
Quite a rare move compared to the main lines 7...g6 and 7...Nd7.
A) 7...Be7?! is a strange move. The queen stays at f6 which is not a good idea. 8.Bd3
A1) In case of 8...0-0 White has several good options. 9.e4! The most logical. [Also tempting is
985
9.h4!? g6 10.g4 as Black has some problems with his queen. 10...Qg7 11.g5 h5
This position seems very passive, Black has no creative plan. White has a very nice advantage after
the following sequence. 12.Rc1 Nd7 13.0-0 Rd8 14.Qe2²] 9...dxe4 10.Nxe4 Bb4+ [If 10...Qf4
then 11.Ne5 Bb4+ 12.Kf1.] 11.Kf1 Qe7 12.c5!
12...Ba5 The threat was Qa4. 13.h4! Nd7 14.Qe2‚
986
A2) 8...Nd7 9.0-0 0-0 10.Qe2 The easiest plan. The main problem for Black is that the queen does
not belong on the f6-square. [Also possible is 10.Rc1.]
10...b6? [Better is 10...Rd8 11.Rfd1².] An obvious mistake. Kryakvin, D (2595) – Riazantsev, A

(2649) Sochi 2018. Now White had to play 11.cxd5! exd5 [Even worse is 11...cxd5 12.e4.] 12.e4!
White has a clear advantage. For example: 12...dxe4 13.Qxe4 g6 14.h4±.
B) 7...Qd8 Another option that seems a bit passive. 8.Bd3 Nd7 9.0-0
987
B1) 9...Bd6 I believe it is a little worse. 10.Qc2 0-0 11.Rad1 The difference is that the d6 bishop
can be attacked with Ne4 in some lines. 11...dxc4 12.Bxc4 Qe7 [12...b5 13.Be2 Bb7 14.Ne4± and
Black will not push ...c5 easily.] 13.a3 Prepares Ba2-b1. 13...e5 [13...b5?! 14.Ba2 Bb7 15.Ne4±]
14.d5 White’s game is very easy. For example: 14...Nf6 [If 14...Nb6 then 15.dxc6! Nxc4
16.Nd5±.] 15.dxc6 bxc6
16.Nh4! Rd8 17.Ne4 Nxe4 18.Qxe4± with a clear advantage for White.
B2) 9...Be7 10.Qc2 0-0
988
11.Rac1 Now the rook is better on the c-file. 11...dxc4 [Worse is 11...a6?! 12.Rfd1 f5 13.cxd5 cxd5
14.Qb3 Kh8 15.Ne5 Nxe5 16.dxe5± and White was much better in the game Delchev, A (2613) –
Kosic, D (2482) Heraklion 2007.] 12.Bxc4
B2.1) In case of 12...b5 13.Be2 Bb7
after 14.Ne4 it is very difficult for Black to play ...c5. 14...Qa5 [Or 14...Rc8 15.Nc5.] 15.a3 b4
989
16.axb4 Bxb4 17.Ra1 Qb6 18.Rfc1² with a very stable advantage for White in the game Gelfand,
B (2733) – Kasimdzhanov, R (2677) Elista 2007.
B2.2) 12...b6 13.Rfd1 Bb7 14.a3
A standard plan. White is preparing for Ba2-b1. 14...Rc8 15.Ba2² White has an easy game.
Whenever Black plays ...c5 White will play d5.
8.Bd3 0-0 9.0-0
990
9...Qe7
Preparing for White’s e4 ideas.

A) 9...Nd7?! 10.e4! dxc4 [10...dxe4 does not help much 11.Nxe4 Qe7 12.Nxd6 Qxd6 13.c5! Qc7
14.Qe2± White has a clear advantage. Van der Sterren, P (2535) – Halldorsson, J Reykjavik 1996.]
11.e5 Qd8 12.Bxc4 Be7 13.Qe2
Black is very passive. The Bd3-Qe4 plan looks very unpleasant. 13...Qb6 14.Rfd1 Rd8 15.Bb3 a5
16.Rac1 Nf8 17.h4± Cramling, P (2530) – Panno, O (2485) Aruba 1992.
B) 9...dxc4 10.Bxc4 Nd7 11.Qc2 Qe7 12.Rfd1 This position is almost new.
991
It seems feasible to play for Black, but it is very passive, and White keeps a small plus. 12...Nf6
13.Ne2! An important idea! [13.e4 e5.] 13...Bd7 [13...e5 14.dxe5 Bxe5
15.Nf4! Bxf4 16.exf4 Bg4 17.Re1 Qd6 18.Ne5².] 14.e4 e5 15.Ng3 Bg4 16.dxe5 Bxe5 17.Nxe5
992
17...Qxe5 [17...Bxd1 18.Qc3! Bg4 19.Ng6²] 18.f3 Qc5+ 19.Kf1 Be6 20.Rac1² White has a small
advantage.
10.c5!?N
A new move and a very concrete idea as well. White definitely has the initiative.
993
More normal is 10.Qc2.
10...Bc7 11.b4
Not so clear is 11.e4 b6! [11...dxe4?! 12.Nxe4 Nd7 13.Re1±] 12.b4 a5! Black has to play very
energetically. 13.a3 dxe4 14.Nxe4 Ba6 15.g3 Bxd3 16.Qxd3 Nd7= Black should equalize.
11...Nd7
11...f5?! 12.b5.
12.e4 dxe4 13.Bxe4
13.Nxe4 e5.
13...Nf6 14.Bc2²
Position after: 14.Bc2²
White is slightly better thanks to his space advantage.
b) 7...Bb4
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3 Bb4
994
Another rare move that has been played by some strong grandmasters. I believe it is a very solid line,
but it is also passive.
8.Qb3
The other options are 8.Bd3 and 8.Rc1.
8...Qe7
The most normal move for Black although he has alternatives.

A) 8...Bxc3+
A1) 9.Qxc3 0-0 10.Bd3 Nd7 Black has a very solid position. The idea is to take on c4 and play
..e5.
995
For example: 11.0-0 dxc4 12.Qxc4 [12.Bxc4 b6 13.Rfd1 Bb7 14.Rd2 Rfd8= Black had no
problems in Sarana, A (2651) – Dubov, D (2699) Moscow 2019] 12...Re8 13.Rad1 e5= and I think
Black is fine.
A2) 9.bxc3! I believe this is the best plan for White!
9...0-0 10.a4! The whole point! White wants to play a5. [Black has no problems after 10.Bd3 dxc4
996
11.Bxc4 b6=.] 10...Nd7 [Of course after 10...b6 White will play 11.a5 Ba6 12.cxd5 exd5 13.Bxa6
Nxa6 14.axb6 axb6 15.0-0² and I think Black’s position is very unpleasant.] 11.a5 This position
seems to be much easier to play with White. For example:
11...Rb8 12.cxd5 exd5 [or 12...cxd5 13.Be2] 13.Bd3².

B) Another normal move is 8...Ba5. 9.Bd3 Nd7 10.0-0 0-0 11.Rac1 Now after 11...Qe7 we
transpose to the main line.
9.Bd3 Nd7 10.0-0 0-0 11.Rac1
997
This is the critical position for the 7...Bb4 line. Now Black has many different options.
11...Bxc3
Now this seems very reasonable.

A) Very bad is 11...b6? in view of 12.cxd5! cxd5 13.a3 Bd6 [13...Bxc3 14.Rxc3±] 14.Nxd5!
998
This is the problem for Black! The sacrifice seems to work for White. 14...exd5 15.Qxd5 Rb8
16.Rc6 Nc5 [16...Bc5 17.dxc5 Nxc5 18.Bb5 Bb7 19.Qd6+–] 17.dxc5 Bxc5 18.Ne5
White should win. 18...Rd8 [18...Bb7 19.Qe4! f5 20.Qc4+ Kh7 21.Re6 21...b5 22.Qb3 Qg5
23.Rg6+–] 19.Qe4 Rxd3 20.Qxd3 Bb7
21.Nd7 Qd8 22.Qd5 Bxc6 23.Qxc6 Rc8 24.Qd5+–
999
B) 11...Re8 looks very logical as it prepares ...e5.
B1) In case of 12.Bb1 dxc4 13.Qxc4 Black manages to equalize after 13...e5! 14.Nxe5 [14.Qd3
g6=; 14.dxe5 Ba5=] 14...Nxe5 15.dxe5 Bxc3 16.Rxc3 Qxe5=.
B2) 12.Rfd1N A nice waiting move. 12...dxc4 [If 12...Ba5 then 13.Bb1! threatening Qc2.] 13.Bxc4
Bxc3 14.Rxc3 b6
1000
White is definitely ready for ...b6 now. 15.Ne5! [Less clear is 15.Bd3 c5 16.Be4 Rb8.] 15...Nxe5
[15...Bb7?! is not good in view of 16.Nxd7 Qxd7 17.Be2±.] 16.dxe5 Bb7 17.Rcd3 Red8 18.Rd6 c5
19.Qc2² White’s position is very easy to play.
C) In case of 11...Ba5 12.Bb1 dxc4 13.Qxc4 e5
White is slightly better after 14.d5 Nb6 [14...Bxc3 15.Rxc3²] 15.Qe4 f5 16.Qxe5 Qxe5 17.Nxe5
Bxc3 18.Rxc3 Nxd5 19.Rd3 Be6 20.Rfd1² when the endgame is not very easy for Black.
D) 11...dxc4
1001
12.Qxc4! Once again it is better to take with the queen. [12.Bxc4 b6.] 12...c5 13.a3 White is ready
for action in the center. 13...Bxc3 [After: 13...Nb6 14.Qb3 Bxc3 15.Rxc3 cxd4 16.Nxd4² White is
slightly better.] 14.Rxc3 b6 15.Be4! A very important idea! 15...Rb8 16.Bc6!
Black definitely has some problems. For example: 16...Bb7 [or 16...Nf6 17.dxc5 Qxc5 18.Qxc5
bxc5 19.Rxc5 Rxb2 20.Ne5 Ba6 21.Rfc1² with small pressure.] 17.Bxb7 Rxb7 18.dxc5! bxc5
[worse is 18...Nxc5?! 19.b4 Nd7 20.Rfc1.] 19.b3².
12.Qxc3
With the rook on c1 it does not seem logical to take with the pawn on c3.
12...dxc4 13.Qxc4!
It is important to stop ...b6 for now.

Remember that 13.Bxc4 allows 13...b6.
13...e5
1002
14.Bb1!
The position is very solid for Black, but I believe that White can apply a little pressure.
14...exd4
Very solid.
1003
A) If 14...Re8 then 15.e4². Now after 15...exd4 16.Nxd4 Ne5 17.Qc3 White keeps the pressure.
B) After 14...e4 15.Nd2 Nf6 it is important to go for the endgame where White will be slightly
better. 16.Qc5!
16...Re8 17.Qxe7 Rxe7 18.Rc5 g6 19.Rfc1²
15.Qd3!?
An interesting attempt. Black must be very careful.

15.Nxd4 Nf6.
15...Nf6 16.e4!
1004
16...Nh5!
A very important resource!

16...g6?! 17.Qxd4 Rd8 18.Qc3±
17.e5 g6 18.Qxd4 Be6 19.Qe3 Bd5
1005
20.Rfe1
20.Nd4?! is met with 20...Qg5 and is doing good.
20...Rad8!
The most accurate.

After 20...Bxf3 21.Qxf3 Rad8 22.g3² White keeps the pressure.
21.g3 Ng7 22.Nh4 Kh7=
While the position is close to equal I believe it is easier to play with White.
Position after: 22...Kh7=
c) Modern line 7...g6!?
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3 g6!?
1006
This is the modern line where Black tries to postpone playing ...Nd7.
8.Ne5!?
Now White has this extra option.

I believe it is a very interesting idea. White wants to occupy more space after f4.
The most popular moves are 8.Be2, 8.Bd3 and 8.Rc1.
8...Bg7
8...Nd7 does not change much. 9.f4 Now in case of 9...g5 10.Qd2 White has the initiative, e.g.,
10...gxf4 11.exf4 Nxe5 12.dxe5 Qd8 13.Be2².
9.f4 0-0
Black keeps the option to push ...c5 without playing ...Nd7.

9...Nd7 The other logical move. 10.h4!
1007
The game has become very concrete with Black’s bishops being very passive for now.
10...Qe7 11.Qc2 0-0 12.0-0-0 Black must be extremely accurate. 12...Nxe5 13.fxe5 Bd7 14.g4
A) Bad is 14...Rac8? in view of 15.g5! c5 [15...h5 16.c5! b6 17.Na4±; 15...hxg5 16.hxg5 Qxg5
17.Kb1 Qxe3 18.Qh2+– White’s attack is unstoppable.] 16.Kb1 cxd4 17.exd4 h5 [White wins
easily after 17...dxc4? 18.gxh6 Bxh6 19.h5 g5 20.Ne4+–.] 18.cxd5 exd5 19.Bh3± White is much
1008
better.
B) 14...f6!
Position after: 14...f6!
The only way! After 15.Qxg6 fxe5 It seems that Black can survive here, although the position is
very dangerous. For example: 16.Bd3 e4 17.Nxe4 Be8! [worse is 17...dxe4 18.Qxe4] 18.Nf6+ Rxf6
19.Qh7+ Kf8.
1009
B1) 20.Rdf1 Bd7! 21.g5 [21.Bg6 Be8 22.Bd3 Bd7=] 21...hxg5 22.hxg5 Rf5! 23.cxd5 cxd5 24.Kb1
Qf7∞ Black is probably not worse.
B2) 20.g5 My recommendation. 20...hxg5 21.hxg5 Rf7 Mamedyarov, S (2764) – Giri, A (2779)
Saint Louis 2019. 22.Rhg1!
Position after: 22.Rhg1!
B2.1) 22...Bxd4!? 23.Rdf1! Bg7 24.g6 [24.Bg6 Qb4; 24.Rxf7+ Bxf7 25.Rf1 Qb4 26.g6 Qxb2+
27.Kd1 Qa1+= with a draw.] 24...Rf6 25.Rxf6+ Bxf6 26.g7+ Bxg7 27.Rf1+ Bf7 28.Bg6 Bf6
1010
29.Qh6+ Ke8 30.Bxf7+ Kxf7 31.Qh7+ Ke8 32.Qg8+ Qf8 [Also a draw is 32...Kd7 33.Qxa8
Qb4 34.Rxf6 Qe1+=.] 33.Qxe6+ Qe7 34.Rxf6 Qxe6 35.Rxe6+ Kd7= The position is equal.
B2.2) 22...dxc4 23.Bg6 Rf5! 24.Bxf5 exf5 25.Qxf5+ Kg8 26.Rh1 Bf7
Black probably survives after 27.Qh7+ Kf8 28.Rdf1 Qxe3+ 29.Kb1 Qxd4 30.Qc2 Re8 31.Rh2!
[But not 31.g6? because of 31...Re1+! 32.Rxe1 Bxg6–+.] 31...Qe5! 32.g6 [32.Rhf2 Qe1+ 33.Qc1
Qe4+ is the same.] 32...Qe1+ 33.Qc1 Qe4+ 34.Qc2 Qe1+= with a draw.
1011
10.h4 c5 11.Qd2
11.Qf3 Nc6 12.0-0-0 Rd8∞
11...Nc6 12.0-0-0 Rd8
1012
Objectively I believe Black is ok here, but it is definitely not easy to play.
13.g4! cxd4
A) 13...dxc4?! 14.g5 Qe7 15.gxh6 Bxe5 16.fxe5 cxd4
17.Ne4! c3 18.Qg2 cxb2+ 19.Kb1±

B) Or 13...Qe7 14.Bg2 cxd4 15.exd4 Nxe5 16.dxe5 Bd7 17.cxd5 exd5 18.Bf3² Black still has
problems.
14.exd4 dxc4 15.Qe3
1013
15...Qe7
Much worse is 15...Bd7? because of 16.g5! Qe7 17.gxh6 Bxh6 18.Ng4! Bg7 19.h5± White has a
serious attack.
16.Bxc4 Bd7 17.Kb1
1014
17...Nxe5
I believe 17...Rac8 is better but after 18.Bb3 White still has the initiative.
18.fxe5 Bc6 19.Rh2 Qb4 20.Bb3 Rd7
This position arose in the game Adhiban, B (2639) – Robson, R (2670) Douglas 2019.
Here White had to play
21.Bc2 Rad8 22.a3 Qc4 23.Rhd2²
with a small advantage.

The next move will be Be4 with a pleasant position to play, thanks to Black’s passive bishop on g7.
d) 7...Nd7
1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Nc3 e6 5.Bg5 h6 6.Bxf6 Qxf6 7.e3 Nd7
The main move.
1015
8.Be2!?
A relatively rare move. The point is that in some lines after ...dxc4 the bishop is not attacked as it is
not on d3.
The main move is 8.Bd3. 8.Rc1 is also popular.
8...g6
The most typical plan amongst many.

A) Now that White has committed his bishop to e2 Black has 8...Bd6 which is a very solid move.
White’s bishop would be better on d3. 9.0-0 Qe7 10.e4 I believe that White must play this move
now.
1016
A1) 10...dxc4?! 11.e5 Bc7?! Another mistake. [Better was 11...Bb8 12.Bxc4 c5 13.Re1 cxd4
14.Qxd4 0-0
15.Rad1ƒ but the position is still very dangerous for Black.] 12.Bxc4 0-0 13.Re1 [Probably even
better was 13.Rc1.] 13...Rd8 14.Qc2 Nf8 15.Rac1 b6 16.Bd3 Bb7 17.Be4 Rac8
1017
Position after: 17...Rac8
Anton Guijarro, D (2688) – Shirov, A (2647) Linares 2020. Here after 18.Qb1! Bb8 19.b4± White
has a clear advantage.
A2) 10...dxe4 11.Nxe4 Bc7
A2.1) Black is fine after 12.c5 0-0 13.Qc2 [If 13.Re1 then 13...Ba5!] 13...e5= Kramnik, V (2797)
– Shirov, A (2706) Istanbul 2012.
1018
A2.2) 12.Bd3N loses a tempo, but White’s position is a bit more comfortable. 12...0-0 13.Re1
Rd8 [If 13...e5 then 14.Ng3!.] 14.c5!
14...b6 15.Qc2 bxc5 16.dxc5 Nf6 17.Rad1² White has an easy game.
B) 8...Qd8 Even with the bishop on e2 this plan looks very passive for Black. 9.0-0 Be7 10.Qc2 0-0
11.Rac1!
Position after: 11.Rac1!
1019
11...b6 [Dubious is 11...a6?! because of 12.c5! Qc7 13.e4±; White is also slightly better after
11...dxc4 12.Bxc4 b6 13.a3 Bb7 14.Rfd1².] 12.Rfd1 Bb7 13.a3 Prepares b4.
B1) In case of 13...a5 strong is 14.cxd5! exd5 [14...cxd5 15.Nb5 Rc8 16.Qa4²] 15.e4 dxe4
16.Nxe4² and White has an easy game.
B2) 13...Rc8 14.b4 dxc4 15.Bxc4 Qc7² Black’s position is solid but passive.
C) 8...dxc4 The second most popular move. 9.0-0 This is the point of 8.Be2!.
1020
C1) Now after 9...g6 10.Ne4 Qe7 very unpleasant for Black is 11.Ne5! Bg7 12.f4.
Black definitely has problems. For example: 12...0-0 [or 12...Nb6 13.Rc1 0-0 14.Bxc4] 13.Bxc4
Nf6 Kantor, G (2526) – Mendonca, L (2532) Kisujszallas 2021. Here White could play 14.Bd3!
Bd7 15.Rc1 Nd5 [15...Nxe4 16.Bxe4 Rfd8 17.Rc5!? Be8 18.Qc2±] 16.Qf3² with a serious
initiative.
C2) 9...Bd6 10.Nd2!
1021
I believe White can fight for a slight advantage here. 10...Qe7 [Of course not 10...b5? because of
11.Bf3±; also worse is 10...0-0?! in view of 11.Nce4! Qe7 12.Nxd6 Qxd6 13.Nxc4 Qe7 14.Rc1²
White will always push d5! in response to Black’s ...e5.] 11.Nxc4 Bc7
12.Qc2N [I do not like 12.f4 0-0 13.Bf3 Nb6 14.Qb3 as in Deac, B (2625) – Shirov, A (2662)
Tornelo 2020, as Black has no problems after 14...c5!=.] 12...0-0 13.Rac1 It is much easier to play
1022
with White. 13...Rd8 14.g3 b6 15.Bf3 Bb7 16.Rfd1²
9.0-0 Bg7 10.e4
This is a very critical moment for Black.
10...dxc4
There are some alternatives for Black.

A) 10...dxe4 11.Nxe4
A1) 11...Qe7?! 12.c5 0-0 13.Nd6 e5 14.Re1 exd4
1023
15.Bf1! Better than Bc4. 15...Qd8 [15...Qf6 16.Rc1±] 16.Qc2±

A2) 11...Qf4 12.Qc2
12...f5 [In the game Sarana, A (2540) – Sulskis, S (2519) Riga 2017 White was much better after
12...0-0 13.c5! Rb8 14.Rad1 b6 15.b4±.]
1024
A2.1) 13.Ned2 c5! is unclear. 14.g3 Qc7 15.Nh4!? Now Black must be accurate. [Black was fine
after 15.d5 0-0 16.dxe6 Nf6 17.Nh4 Kh7„ in Wojtaszek, R (2727) – Ding, L (2766) Huaian
2016.] 15...Bxd4 16.Nxg6 Rg8! 17.Nh4 Nf6! 18.Ndf3
Position after: 18.Ndf3
18...Rxg3+! 19.hxg3 Qxg3+ 20.Ng2 Ng4 21.Qd2 Bxf2+ 22.Rxf2 Qxf2+ 23.Kh1 Bd7
24.Rf1 Qg3 25.Qe1 Qxe1 26.Nfxe1 Ne5© Black has full compensation.
1025
A2.2) 13.Nc3!?N I believe this is the most unpleasant for Black. 13...Bxd4 14.g3 Qd6 15.Rad1
e5 16.Rfe1
Position after: 16.Rfe1
16...0-0 17.Qd2 Qf6 18.Nxd4 exd4 19.Qxd4 Qxd4 20.Rxd4²

B) 10...0-0 is playable but it is very passive. 11.e5 [Black is fine after 11.cxd5 exd5 12.exd5 c5!
1026
13.dxc5 Nxc5© Kasimdzhanov, R (2704) – Eljanov, P (2717) Berlin 2015.] 11...Qe7
12.cxd5 exd5 [12...cxd5 13.Bd3 the position looks very easy for White. For example: 13...Nb8
14.Qd2 Nc6 15.Rfe1 Bd7 16.Rac1².] 13.Bd3 Nb6 14.h3²
Here White is slightly better without any risk.
1027
11.e5 Qe7
12.Nd2!?N
A new idea that is very interesting. In order to equalize Black has to be precise.
The main line is 12.Bxc4 0-0.
12...0-0
A) If 12...b5?! then 13.a4.

B) 12...Nb6 13.a4!? 0-0 [13...a5 14.Nce4 0-0 15.Bxc4 Rd8 16.Qb3!
1028
the point of 13.a4. Now after 16...Nxc4 17.Nxc4 Rxd4 18.Ned6ƒ Black has big problems.] 14.a5
Nd5 15.Bxc4
15...Nxc3 16.bxc3 Rd8 17.Qg4 c5 18.Ne4² Black still has some problems to solve.
13.Nxc4 Rd8
1029
A) 13...c5?! 14.f4!
14...cxd4 15.Qxd4 Nb6 16.Nd6±

B) Or 13...Nb6 14.Nd6.
14.f4 Nb6
14...c5? 15.d5+–
1030
15.Qd3
A) Of course, not 15.Nd6? because of 15...Rxd6! 16.exd6 Qxd6µ.

B) Black is also fine after 15.Ne3 c5! 16.d5 exd5 17.Ncxd5 Nxd5 18.Nxd5 Qf8 19.Qb3 Be6
20.Rad1
20...b5! 21.Bf3 a6= with equal chances.
15...Nxc4 16.Qxc4 b5!
1031
Black must play aggressively.
17.Qxc6 Bb7 18.Qc5 Bf8! 19.Qxe7 Bxe7 20.Nxb5 a6
Black probably can survive, but there is still work to be done.
1032
21.Nd6
Or 21.Nc7 Rac8 22.Rfc1 Rxd4 23.Bxa6 Bxa6 24.Nxa6 Ra8! 25.Nc7 Rb8 26.Rc2 Rxf4©.
21...Bxd6 22.exd6 Rxd6 23.Rad1
23...Bd5!
After 23...Rad8 24.g3 Rxd4 25.Rxd4 Rxd4 26.Rd1² White still keeps a small plus.
24.b3 Rc8 25.Rd2 Rc3©
And Black should be able to make a draw.
1033
Table of Contents
Title page 4
Key to Symbols 6
Preface 7
Chapter 1 – Rare 3rd Moves 8
Chapter 2 – The Noteboom Defense 58
Chapter 3 – Rare 4th Moves 121
Chapter 4 – Slav with 4...a6 149
Variations d-g 197
Chapter 5 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 -- 242
Chapter 6 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 -- 296
Variations d-f 353
Chapter 7 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 e6 389
Variations e-i 448
Chapter 8 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 -- 511
Variations e-h 574
Chapter 9 – Slav with 4...dxc4 5.a4 Bf5 6.Ne5 Nbd7 7.Nc4 Qc7 639
Variations f-j 693
Chapter 10 – 4...e6 5.Bg5 Nbd7, The Cambridge Springs 749
Chapter 11 – The Botvinnik Defense 840
Chapter 12 – The Moscow Defense 983
1034

Cheparinov's 1.d4! - Volume 2 The Slav and Semi-Slav - Ivan Cheparinov

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Cheparinov's 1.d4! - Volume 2 The Slav and Semi-Slav - Ivan Cheparinov

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 – Rare 3rd Moves

Thinkers Publishing 2022

First edition 2022 by Thinkers Publishing

Managing Editor: Romain Edouard

Welcome to Volume 2 of Cheparinov’s 1.d4!.

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3

Chapter 1 – Rare 3rd Moves

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3

We begin by examining early deviations by Black.

This rare move usually transposes to other lines.

Position after: 4.cxd5

6...Nf6 7.g3 e6 8.Bg2 Be7 9.0-0 0-0

Position after: 9...0-0

The knight is perfectly placed there. 13...Qd7 14.Qc2±

Position after: 5.Qb3

Black is already in danger.

Position after: 8.Nb5!

8...Bb4+ 9.Kd1 Kf8 10.Rc1± White dominates.

Position after: 13.dxe6+–

White is nearly wining.

Position after: 6.Bf4

Eventually Black must play ....Nf6 and transpose to the Schlechter.

The most principled.

White stops ...b5 and threatens e4 or e3.

Position after: 5...Nf6

I prefer this solid option.

Position after: 10...Nxe4

Position after: 21...Qb6²

Black has very good chances to survive.

Position after: 19...Rc8²

Black definitely has chances to save the day here.

Position after: 11.Ra7!?

Position after: 13.e6!

If 8...cxd4 9.exd4 Be7 then 10.d5! is very strong.

Position after: 10.d5!

Position after: 10.exd4

White has a lot of options here. One of which appears to be 18.Bb3±.

Black is behind in development of his pieces. For example:

A) If 11...0-0 then 12.d5! exd5 13.Nxd5±

White has several plans here. I prefer

with the idea of Qg3 or h3.

1.d4 d5 2.c4 c6 3.Nf3 dxc4

Position after: 3...dxc4

Position after: 7...Nf6

and the pawn on e4 is under attack.

The favorite move of GM Igor Khenkin.

The most accurate move order for Black.

Position after: 7.Nc3!

Position after: 11.Bd2²

Position after: 8...a5

Position after: 9...Ra6

Position after: 13...e6

Position after: 11.Qg3©

It is difficult for Black to develop.

Position after: 12.Bxc4!+–

A nice little tactic!] 11.Nxd7 Qxd7 12.g5!

Position after: 12.g5!

6.axb5 cxb5 7.b3

Position after: 7.b3

Now 7.Nc3 is not the same because of 7...Bb4.

Position after: 12.0-0²