FSDSDSDFSDF

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.
c4 e6 with cxd5)"]
[Site "https://chessable.com"]
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]
[Black "Carlsbad Structure: Intro"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { One important option for White in the Queen's Gambit

Declined is the exchange on d5, which leads to the so-called Carlsbad
Structure. White can trade right now, but there are various possible
moments for the exchange on d5 - we'll discuss the differences between
these versions later. Let's have a look at the basic pawn structure after
the trade. } 3. cxd5 exd5 { We have reached the Carlsbad structure now,
which you will frequently reach in our repertoire. In addition to the
Queen's Gambit lines, we may also face 1.e4c62.d4d53.exd5cxd5, which is a
Carlsbad structure, too. In this case, the roles are switched: we play the
side with the missing c-pawn for the opponent's e-pawn. Playing both sides
of the Carlsbad is no problem at all. The non-symmetrical nature of the
positions makes it interesting to play for both sides. The Carlsbad
features some plans and ideas that are useful to know, even outside of the
current chapter (see above for the example of the Caro-Kann Exchange
Variation, but there are more). Therefore I decided to start the chapter
with some typical positions, discussing key ideas for both sides. These
ideas are also included in the trainable lines, but I wanted to make them
easier to find and therefore added some informational lines to start with.
I suggest looking at them first and then continuing with the study of the
trainable variations. } *
[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Carlsbad Structure: Minority Attack Realized"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 { The first example features the game L.Van Wely-N.Short, Wijk aan
Zee 2010. White started a minority attack and successfully realized his
objective: creating a weak c-pawn and putting Black on the defensive. The
concrete opening moves are less relevant for us, as we play a different
move order. It's about the general strategic ideas. } 1... d5 2. c4 e6 3.
Nf3 Nf6 4. Nc3 c6 5. Bg5 Nbd7 6. cxd5 exd5 { We have reached the Carlsbad
pawn structure. A difference to our concept against the Carlsbad is that
Black has already played the move ...Nbd7. We delay this move for a while,
which is helpful in many lines, as ...Bf5 might still be possible. } 7. Qc2
Be7 8. e3 O-O 9. Bd3 Re8 10. h3 Nf8 { Nigel Short is going for the
traditional way to fight the Carlsbad, placing the knight on f8. The modern
treatment often features more active ideas, using the knight on the
queenside. } 11. Bf4 a5 12. O-O Ng6 13. Bh2 Bd6 14. Bxd6 Qxd6 15. Rfe1 Be6
16. a3 { The start of the Minority Attack. White wants to play b4-b5 and
take on c6, creating a weak pawn on c6. In this game, White realized his
plan on move 21. I don't want to focus on suggesting improvements for
Black, but rather simply show how a bad outcome against the Minority Attack
looks like. We'll focus on good defensive techniques later. } 16... Re7 17.
Rab1 Rae8 18. b4 axb4 19. axb4 Bd7 20. b5 Ne4 21. bxc6 bxc6 { Mission
accomplished: Black has a weak pawn on c6 and no relevant counterplay. }
22. Rb6 Nxc3 23. Qxc3 Qf6 24. Bxg6 { A strong move. White reduces any
potential counterplay by trading off pieces. } 24... Qxg6 25. Kf1 f6 26.
Ra1 Qh5 27. Ne1 Qf5 28. Kg1 Qg5 29. Kh2 Qf5 30. Nd3 Qe6 31. Kg1 Rc8 32. Rb7
Rf7 33. Raa7 { A nightmarish position for Black! } 33... Be8 34. Qb4 Rd8
35. Nc5 Qc8 36. Qb6 h5 37. Rc7 Rxc7 38. Rxc7 Qa8 39. Ra7 Qc8 40. Rb7 Bf7
41. Qa7 Rf8 42. Nd7 Re8 43. Nxf6+ gxf6 44. Rxf7 Qf5 45. Rg7+ Kh8 46. Qf7 {
And Black resigned. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Carlsbad Structure: Minority Attack with ...b5"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 { We follow the game N.Maatman-S.Ernst, Netherlands 2017. In this

game Black demonstrated a key manouvre against the Minority attack. } 1...
Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. Nc3 a6 5. cxd5 exd5 6. Bg5 Be6 7. e3 Nbd7 8. Bd3
h6 { We play the slighly more accurate move8...Bd6, as covered in the
chapter on theTricky 4...a6. Nevertheless, the current game reaches a very
typical position for this line. } 9. Bh4 { The move9.Bf4 would be the way
to exploit Black's 8...h6 move order. } 9... Bd6 10. O-O c6 11. Bg3 Bxg3
12. hxg3 Qc7 13. b4 { If White had played13.Qc2 here, we'd reach a position
that is part of our repertoire. We usually reach it via the sequence
8...Bd69.O-Oc610.Qc2h611.Bh4Qc712.Bg3Bxg313.hxg3. This small difference
does not change the situation at all. } 13... O-O 14. a4 b5 $1 { Blocking
White's advance with ...b5. Black stops a further advance and prepares the
knight tour ...Nb6-c4. When considering the ...b5-block, it is crucial to
check if you manage to place the knight on c4 or not. If you don't, the
c-pawn will be a constant worry on a half-open file. A knight on c4 plugs
the c-file is an annoying intruder. If White captures the knight on c4, we
will establish a protected passed pawn on c4. This is perfectly illustrated
in the game. } 15. Qb3 $6 { A slightly imprecise move, as it allows the
...Nb6-c4 plan. After15.a5! White controls b6 and prevents it for the
moment. Has Black's idea failed? No, because15...Ne8! is the way to go. The
route via d6 to c4 is also a viable option, but it takes longer. It is
important that Black has this route, as otherwise the knight won't arrive
on c4. } 15... Nb6 { Here we go, off to greener pastures. } 16. Ra2 Nc4 17.
Rfa1 Rab8 18. axb5 axb5 19. Ra7 { We have reached a position with about
equal chances. We like our knight on c4, but White controls the open
a-file. Black's goal is to slowly start an initiative on the kingside,
while keeping matters on the queenside under control. } 19... Qd6 20. Ne2
Bg4 21. Nh2 Rbe8 22. Qc3 Bxe2 23. Bxe2 Ne4 24. Qe1 Re6 { Black is trying to
provoke weaknesses on White's kingside. } 25. Nf1 g6 { A later ...h5-h4
pawn push is possible. Note that White has the a-file, but attacks nothing.
} 26. Bf3 Ng5 27. Bg4 Re7 28. Be2 h5 29. R1a6 Rfe8 30. Rxe7 Rxe7 { Black
has a slight advantage in this position. White doesn't have a clear active
plan and has to defend. Still, after31.Nh2 White holds on and Black has to
look for new ideas. } 31. Bxc4 $2 { White can't stand the knight any longer
and takes it. It's a huge mistake, though, giving Black a strong passed
pawn. } 31... bxc4 $2 { A strange decision, as31...dxc4! is much stronger.
Black would continue with ...Ne4-f6-d5 and win easily. } 32. f3 $2 { This
phase of the game is rather mysterious, as32.b5 is not rocket science. }
32... Ne6 $2 { Again odd, as32...Rb7 would have stopped the b-pawn. } 33.
Qc3 $2 { White had33.b5, again. } 33... Nc7 { Now it's over, as the white
b-pawn is finally stopped. White has too many weaknesses to defend now. }
34. Ra4 Nb5 35. Qd2 Kg7 36. Kf2 Qf6 37. Kg1 Qf5 38. Ra1 Qf6 39. Ra4 g5 40.
Ra1 Qg6 41. Re1 c3 42. Qd1 Qf6 43. g4 h4 44. Kh1 Kg8 45. Qd3 Re6 46. Ra1
Qe7 47. Rb1 Kg7 48. Qf5 Na3 49. Rc1 c2 50. Qd3 Qxb4 51. e4 dxe4 52. fxe4
Qb2 53. Qd2 Kf8 54. d5 cxd5 55. exd5 Re2 56. Qxg5 Qe5 57. Qh6+ Kg8 58. d6
h3 59. d7 hxg2+ 60. Kg1 gxf1=Q+ 61. Kxf1 Qb5 { A funny final position,
as62.d8Q+ is answered by the62...Re8+, a counter-check. White resigned. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Carlsbad Structure: Minority Attack with ...c5"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 { We'll examine the game H.Ilieva-B.Deac, Varna 2014, to illustrate a

less common way to deal with the minority attack. It's still worth knowing,
as it might not be immediately obvious that Black has this option. Let's
have a look at the position on move 14. } 1... Nf6 2. Nf3 e6 3. c4 d5 4.
Nc3 Nbd7 5. Bg5 c6 6. cxd5 exd5 7. e3 Be7 8. Qc2 Nh5 9. Bxe7 Qxe7 10. Bd3
g6 11. O-O O-O 12. Rab1 Ndf6 13. b4 a6 14. a4 Ng7 { Preparing ...Bf5.
Still, White is ready to continue the minority attack now. } 15. b5 axb5
16. axb5 c5 $1 { The exclamation mark is a bit much, as other moves lead to
a substantial disadvantage. Black shouldn't allow the capture on c6, as
this leads to the scenario that we studied in the first sample. Instead,
playing 16...c5 is a good option. } 17. dxc5 Qxc5 { The b5-pawn is now a
cause of concern for White. Black may get some pressure against this pawn,
while our isolated d5-pawn is quite easy to defend. Note that in the
endgame, the king often has the route f8-e7-d6-c5 directly attacking the
b5-pawn. } 18. Nd4 Ne6 { The position is about equal, but White makes a
mistake now. } 19. Rfd1 $6 { That's a slight strategic mistake. White
shouldn't allow the transformation after19...Nxd420.exd4, when White's
d-pawn is a weakness. Instead,19.Nxe6 would have kept the game in balance.
} 19... Nxd4 20. exd4 Qa3 21. Rb3 Qd6 22. b6 $2 { It looks like an active
move, but the b-pawn is weaker on b6 than on b5. } 22... Bg4 23. f3 Bd7 24.
Qf2 Rfc8 25. Qg3 { This helps Black, but White's game was difficult
already. The pieces on c3 and b3 are not well-placed, as the continuation
after 25.Qg3 shows. } 25... Qxg3 26. hxg3 Ba4 $1 { Black forced the trade.
} 27. Nxa4 Rxa4 { The pawns on d4 and b6 are much weaker than Black's pawns
on d5 and b7. } 28. Bb5 Ra2 29. Bd3 Ra4 30. Bb5 Ra5 31. Re1 Kf8 32. Re2 h5
33. Kf2 Rc1 34. Rbb2 Rc3 35. Ke1 Raa3 36. Kd1 Rab3 37. Rec2 Rxc2 38. Kxc2
Rxb2+ 39. Kxb2 Ke7 40. Kc3 Nd7 41. Kb4 Nxb6 { As mentioned: the b-pawn can
turn out to be weak! } 42. Kc5 Na8 43. Ba4 Nc7 44. Bb3 g5 45. Ba2 h4 46.
gxh4 gxh4 47. Bb1 Ne6+ 48. Kxd5 Nf4+ 49. Ke5 Nxg2 50. f4 h3 51. Be4 f6+ 52.
Kf5 Ne3+ 53. Kg6 b5 54. Kh5 f5 { And White resigned. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Carlsbad Structure: Light-squared Bishops Traded (M.Bobotsov-T.Petrosian)"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 { We follow the classic game M.Bobotsov-T.Petrosian, Lugano Olympiad

1968. } 1... Nf6 2. c4 e6 3. Nf3 d5 4. cxd5 { In the theoretical section of
this chapter we will discuss that this move order is less challenging for
Black. } 4... exd5 5. Nc3 c6 6. Bg5 Be7 7. Qc2 g6 $1 { Black prepares the
move Bf5. In the Carlsbad, the trade of the light-squared bishops is
desirable. Most of Black's pawns are on light squares, which limits the
scope of the bishop. In this game, we'll see an additional benefit of the
bishop trade. } 8. e3 Bf5 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Nbd7 11. Bh6 Ng4 12. Bf4 O-O
13. O-O Re8 14. h3 Ngf6 15. Ne5 Nb6 16. Bg5 Ne4 { Petrosian does not mind
further trades. He is aiming for the position that arises after move 18. }
17. Bxe7 Qxe7 18. Qc2 Nd6 $1 { Black's knight is ideally placed on d6.
Let's talk about this in detail on move 21, when it becomes simpler to
explain why d6 is the perfect spot for the knight. } 19. Na4 Nbc4 { Just
taking on a4 was a simpler way, but Petrosian's move works, too. } 20. Nxc4
Nxc4 21. Nc5 Nd6 { This position is a true Carlsbad classic and essential
to the understanding of the pawn structure. Here are two key points: 1.
Black has managed to trade the light-squared bishops. This helps Black a
lot, as it makes it more difficult/ impossible for White to engineer a
minority attack. The move b4 would fatally weaken the c4-square, allowing
the black knight to use it. If White still had a bishop on d3 or e2, the
c4-square would enjoy additional cover. 2. Black's knight on d6 is ideally
placed. It is connected to many crucial squares, in addition to the already
mentioned c4-square. The knight is also looking at e4 and is ready to
switch to the kingside, if needed. It also covers b6 reliably and makes
b4-b5 very tough/impossible to play for White. These points show that it is
difficult for White to come up with an active plan or idea. On the other
hand, Black has no problem making progress: there is plenty of play on the
kingside. We have learned that this scenario - light-squared bishops traded
and a knight on d6 - is comfortable for Black. This helps a lot in finding
the right plans: 1. Trading the light-squared bishops is desirable, in
general. This particularly applies if you can accomplish the trade without
a serious loss of time. In some versions of the Carlsbad, this is possible.
The current game is an example. At a later stage, it can still be a good
idea. Often, the combination of ...g6 and ...Nd6 enables ...Bf5 in the
middlegame and is worth considering. 2. The knight has an excellent square
on d6. it combines active and prophylactic duties perfectly. } 22. Rac1 Qg5
23. Qd1 h5 24. Kh1 Re7 25. Nd3 Ne4 26. Nc5 Nd6 27. Nd3 Qf5 28. Ne5 { This
regrouping helps Black, but it is tough to give White any good advice. }
28... f6 29. Nf3 Rg7 30. Nh2 Re8 31. Kg1 Ne4 32. Qf3 Qe6 33. Rfd1 g5 {
Petrosian gives up a pawn to speed up the attack. } 34. Qxh5 f5 35. Re1 g4
36. hxg4 fxg4 37. f3 gxf3 38. Nxf3 Rh7 39. Qe5 Qc8 40. Qf4 Rf8 41. Qe5 Rf5
{ The queen is trapped and White resigned. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "Carlsbad Structure: The Botvinnik Plan"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 { We follow the game M.Botvinnik-P.Keres, played at the 1952 USSR

Championships. It is a perfect example of the Botvinnik plan, which
involves the moves f3 and e4, building a powerful centre. } 1... Nf6 2. c4
e6 3. Nc3 d5 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Bg5 Be7 6. e3 O-O 7. Bd3 Nbd7 8. Qc2 Re8 9.
Nge2 Nf8 { Keres opts for the passive ...Nf8 plan, which was the usual
approach at the time. We handle the defence differently, keeping the knight
on d7. After9...c610.O-Oh611.Bh4a5 it was still possible to transpose to a
line that is part of our repertoire. In this sequence,12.f3 is answered
with12...b5!, starting a quick counterplay once White has revealed their
intentions with f3. Our setup, without ...Nf8, is specifically designed to
fight the Botvinnik plan. } 10. O-O c6 11. Rab1 Bd6 $2 { Keres threatens
...Bxh2+ now, but Botvinnik's reply is an excellent defence. } 12. Kh1 $1 {
Stepping out of the check which enables12...Bxh2??13.Bxf6, winning a piece.
} 12... Ng6 13. f3 { The start of the Botvinnik plan. White wants to expand
with e4, building the perfect centre. } 13... Be7 { A sad move, but what
else?! } 14. Rbe1 Nd7 15. Bxe7 Rxe7 16. Ng3 Nf6 17. Qf2 Be6 18. Nf5 Bxf5
19. Bxf5 Qb6 20. e4 { Here it comes. Black has no counterplay at all
against White's central steamroller. } 20... dxe4 21. fxe4 Rd8 22. e5 Nd5
23. Ne4 { Heading to d6, which is a great square for White's knight. }
23... Nf8 24. Nd6 Qc7 25. Be4 Ne6 26. Qh4 g6 27. Bxd5 cxd5 28. Rc1 Qd7 29.
Rc3 Rf8 30. Nf5 Rfe8 31. Nh6+ Kf8 32. Qf6 Ng7 33. Rcf3 Rc8 34. Nxf7 Re6 35.
Qg5 Nf5 36. Nh6 Qg7 37. g4 { And Keres resigned. The Botvinnik plan is a
dangerous idea and difficult to meet for Black, as we have seen. Our
approach against the Carlsbad allows a much more active counterplay against
the Botvinnik plan, based on quick queenside counterplay - see the notes to
move nine. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.cxd5 #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

In our repertoire framework, there are four possible moments. A)
1.d4d52.c4e63.cxd5exd5 B) 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd5 C)
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd5 D) 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.cxd5exd5
Let's examine the differences and how to evaluate each version. I'd like to
start with D, as this type of Carlsbad has some specific points due to the
early ...a6 move that we have played. This line is not covered in the
current chapter but in thededicated chapter on 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a6.
What about the other three versions? Well, the only version considered to
be challenging for Black is C, while A and B are considered to be less
critical. Let's work out why this is the case. I suggest looking at C first
and then comparing. After 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd5 we reach the
Carlsbad structure. After the exchange on d5, a major issue in the QGD for
Black has improved dramatically. Our c8-bishop is not staring at the
e6-pawn but now enjoys an open diagonal c8-g4. We are happy about this
change, but now the question is: where to develop the bishop? Placing it on
f5 looks very natural and active, connecting it with the square e4, a
potential outpost for Black. So let's play ...Bf5, right? The issue is:
after White's best move,5.Bg5, we can't play5...Bf5? because of6.Bxf6.
After6...Qxf67.Nxd5 we've lost the d-pawn, while 6...gxf6 results in an
unacceptable pawn structure. Alright, let's prepare ...Bf5 then.
After5.Bg5, we could play5...c6, protecting d5 reliably. Now White's most
common reply is6.e3, preparing Bd3 next. Can we play6...Bf5 now? Well, it's
possible, but White has the strong reply7.Qf3!,
when7...Bg68.Bxf6Qxf69.Qxf6gxf6 leads to an endgame that is more
comfortable for White to play. It turns out that after White's most precise
move order, we don't get ...Bf5 in under favourable circumstances. We will
see that this is not the End of the World, but preventing ...Bf5 is an
achievement for White. Now, let's compare to the other move orders that are
less precise. Let's have a look at move order B. After
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd5 White usually continues5.Nc3, when5...c6! is
the most precise move. We anticipate the pinning move6.Bg5,
when6...h67.Bh4Bf5! is possible without a problem. In move order A, White
exchanges very early on, right on move three. The key difference to the
other move orders is that Black has not played Nf6 yet, so it's impossible
for White to pin the knight with Bg5. After 1.d4d52.c4e63.cxd5exd5 White
usually opts for4.Nc3, when4...c6! is precise. We cover the d5-pawn and
prepare the move ...Bd6. White can't develop their bishop with a Bg5 pin -
what else to do? After5.Bf4, we have the simple reply5...Bd6. If White
plays5.Nf3, we manage5...Bf5. The move5.Qc2 stops ...Bf5, but after5...Bd6!
White can't develop their c1-bishop at all. I think I've gotten my point
across. Move orders A and B give Black some additional options, usually
regarding an early ...Bf5 or hindering White's desired development.
Whenever different move orders are possible, it is easy to be confused.
Therefore I'd like to give you some rules of thumb for this chapter: 1) We
need the move ...c6 to support the d5-pawn and construct the reliable pawn
chain b7-c6-d5. Rule of thumb: After White exchanges on d5, our next move
should be ...c6 right away. Examples
are1.d4d52.c4e63.cxd5exd54.Nc3c6,1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6 or
the most common1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5c6. Starting with ...c6
is not the ONLY way, but it works all the time and is never wrong. If White
has already committed to Bf4, playing ...c6 is less urgent. No pin
increases the pressure on d5. 2) The move ...Bf5 works well if White has
already committed to Nf3 and we have ...c6 played. The latter should almost
always be the case (rule 1). Examples
are1.d4d52.c4e63.cxd5exd54.Nc3c65.Nf3Bf5
or1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c66.Bg5h67.Bh4Bf5 (inserting ...h6 is
a small finesse explained later). A point to remember is that playing
...Bf5 before Nf3 is on the board is either imprecise
-1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5c66.e3Bf57.Qf3!, see above - or no
particular achievement as1.d4d52.c4e63.cxd5exd54.Nc3c65.Bf4Bf5 allows6.f3,
which is interesting for White. 3) White usually aims for a bishop
development to g5 but sometimes elects to play Bf4 instead. Against all
cases of an early Bf4, I advise playing Bd6, challenging the bishop and
offering a trade. White's bishop is well-placed on f4, and exchanging it is
a good option and always works. 4) If White pins our f6-knight, we should
attack the bishop with ...h6, gaining a useful tempo. This happens in the
mainline1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5c6 See Rule 1.6.e3h6
or1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6 Again, see Rule1.6.Bg5h6. } 3. cxd5
{ As already stated in the Chapter intro: this early exchange is slightly
less precise than White's main move order3.Nc3Nf64.cxd5. Let's have a
closer look at why this is the case. } 3... exd5 4. Nc3 { White usually
starts with this move, as the knight is best on c3, putting pressure on the
centre. They can play4.Nf3 instead, but after4...c6 (Rule 1)5.Nc3 will
usually follow, transposing to4.Nc3c65.Nf3, which we will examine shortly.
Another rare option is4.Bf4 when4...c6 (Rule 1) and ...Bd6 (Rule 3) work
well. This leads to positions that we will examine via4.Nc3c65.Bf4Bd6. }
4... c6 { As per Rule 1. We play ...c6 right after the trade to support d5.
Now we will examine three moves for White. After5.Nf3, we can apply rule 2
and develop our bishop to f5. With5.Qc2, White can stop this idea in its
tracks, but5...Bd6! is a good reply. Finally, there is5.Bf4, which we
answer with5...Bd6, applying Rule 3. } 5. Qc2 { A clever idea: White stops
...Bf5, but the move has a drawback. It is slow and neglects the
development of the queen's bishop. } 5... Bd6 $1 { I like this move a lot
for conceptual reasons. Black has other options, like ...g6 to insist on
...Bf5, but simply preventing White from developing the c1-bishop is
tempting. It's fun to compare this line to 1.e4c62.d4d53.exd5cxd54.Bd3,
which follows the same principle. } 6. Nf3 { White prepares Bg5 with this
logical move. It's tough to suggest anything else, really. } 6... h6 { 'No
Bg5 for you!' We plan ...Nf6 next, followed by ...O-O and ...Re8 - very
natural play. White can't play Bf4, and I don't see any active option
besides 7.e4, which we will check now. } 7. e4 { The active choice. A
sequence like7.e3Nf68.Bd3O-O9.O-ORe8 is a much better version of this
chapter's mainline. White's c1-bishop is not a happy camper! } 7... dxe4 8.
Nxe4 Nf6 { Speeding up our development. In this position, we don't mind
giving up the bishop pair, as White's knight is a strong piece on e4, too.
} 9. Nxd6+ Qxd6 { We have equal chances in this position. White has an
Isolated Queen's pawn, which is a handy long-term target. We enjoy good
control of d5, too. White, on the other hand, has the bishop pair and easy
development, which makes the game about even. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.cxd5 #2"]
[Result "*"]

answer with5...Bd6, applying Rule 3. } 5. Nf3 { Our Rule 2 applies here, so
here we go! } 5... Bf5 { Black is also fine with other moves. One example
is5...Nf6, which would transpose to a variation of the current chapter that
arises after1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6. Still, if we get the
opportunity to develop the bishop to f5 without any problems, we should go
for it. } 6. Bf4 Bd6 { Rule 3 in play. } 7. Bxd6 Qxd6 { Again Black has
easily obtained equal chances. } 8. e3 Nf6 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Nbd7 { If
you have studied the chapter intro, you have seen the famous gameM.
Bobotsov vs. T.Petrosian, Lugano Olympiad 1968. Petrosian outplayed his
opponent in an exemplary fashion, demonstrating the knight's strength on d6
later on. The structure and material distribution on the board is identical
to the mentioned game. If you have not studied it yet, I suggest doing it
right away. It helps to understand the strategy much better. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.cxd5 #3"]
[Result "*"]

answer with5...Bd6, applying Rule 3. } 5. Bf4 Bd6 6. Bxd6 { Or6.Bg3Bf5.
when we successfully have developed the bishop. } 6... Qxd6 7. Qc2 { White
stops ...Bf5 for the moment. After7.e3Bf5, we again have accomplished the
comfortable development of the bishop. } 7... Ne7 $1 { A nice move, again
preparing ...Bf5. } 8. e3 Bf5 { Here we go again. We managed to get the
bishop out quickly and have accomplished an important opening goal in this
line. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nc3 c6 6.g3"]
[Result "*"]

or1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6 Again, see Rule1.6.Bg5h6. } 3. Nf3
Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 5. Nc3 { The knight's natural place is c3, so White
usually starts with this move. Of course, developing the c1-bishop first is
possible. After5.Bf4, we play5...Bd6, as usual. We cover this scenario in
the line1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bf4Bd6. More common is 5.Bg5, when
I suggest playing5...c6 (Rule 1). Now6.Nc3 transposes to5.Nc3c66.Bg5. White
could try6.Qc2, which follows a similar idea as5.Nc3c66.Qc2 does. In both
cases, I recommend6...g6!, preparing ...Bf5. The move 5.Bg5 only has
transpositional value, at best. Stockfish actually points out5.Bg5h6!? as
an interesting independent idea, but I don't think it's worth having
something special prepared against this rare move order. } 5... c6 { As per
Rule 1: play ...c6 first. Now White's choice is mostly between 6.Bg5 and
6.Qc2. Against both moves, it is possible to simply play in the style of
the mainlines of the current chapter. We could play ...Be7, ...h6 in reply
to Bg5, ...O-O and ...Re8. This approach would simply transpose to the
mentioned mainline. However, White's chosen move order is not precise, as
mentioned in the intro. Black has various alternatives to the 'mainline
style' approach that either improve our chances or lead to interesting,
independent play. Besides 6.Qc2 and 6.Bg5, the move6.Bf4 is also played
frequently. As usual, I suggest playing6...Bd6 against it. We cover this
scenario in the line1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bf4Bd6. A transposition
is likely, as Nf3 and ...c6 are very natural moves, for
example,6.Bxd6Qxd67.Nf3c6 is a direct transposition. } 6. g3 { White goes
for a kingside Fianchetto, a rarely played setup for a reason. Placing the
bishop against the d5-c6-b7 pawn wall does not look too dangerous for
Black, indeed. } 6... Be7 { There is nothing wrong with developing this
bishop to d6 or b4. I am going for 6...Be7 in my recommendation, playing in
the same style as in the main lines: ...Be7, ...O-O and ...Re8. } 7. Bg2
O-O 8. O-O Re8 { We have castled and played ...Re8. One of our assets in
the position is control of e4, so connecting the rook to it makes a lot of
sense. I am stopping the trainable line here, as White can play many
different moves, but they don't need to be learned by heart. We should
rather consider some general ideas. We can play for the occupation of the
e4-square. A manoeuvre like ...Nb8-d7-b6-c4-d6 takes a while but makes
perfect sense. If White ever pushes the b-pawn for a minority attack, we
look at the juicy square c4. We can also consider trading the g2-bishop
later, trying to initiate play against the white king. Ideas like ...Be6,
...Qc8 and ...Bh3 are possible. We also need to consider that we'll need to
react to whatever White is doing, and some plans by our opponent present us
with new opportunities. I have some experience on the black side of this
structure, and some ideas for White might easily backfire - they all
happened in my games. - they play Ne5 and f4: weakens the square e4 (Note
again how great a knight is on d6! - would be ideal in this case) - they
play e4 to open the position: White creates an IQP that we can play against
- they play for b4-b5, which weakens the square c4. A minority attack is
more promising if a bishop on d3 covers the c4-square. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nc3 c6 6.Bg5 #1"]
[Result "*"]

example,6.Bxd6Qxd67.Nf3c6 is a direct transposition. } 6. Bg5 { White pins
our knight, similar to the current chapter's mainline
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5. } 6... h6 { As per Rule 4: gain a
tempo on the g5-bishop. However, Rule 2: if you can play ...Bf5, go for it.
The move6...Bf5 is fine in this position, but inserting6...h67.Bh4 and only
then7...Bf5! is a little finesse worth knowing. The key difference is
that8.Qb3 can be answered with the powerful8...g5!9.Bg3Qb6, which already
looks slightly better for Black and scores very well. Whereas if you'd
play6...Bf5 instead,7.Qb3 is not easy to answer. You can play7...Qb6, but
White can take on f6 and destroy our pawn structure. The gambit
move7...Nbd7!? seems to work, but it's not worth exploring, as
6...h6!7.Bh4Bf5! is the superior way of implementing ...Bf5. } 7. Bh4 Bf5 {
Mission accomplished! Now we will examine 8.e3 and 8.Qb3, often a critical
reply to ...Bf5, hitting the b7-pawn. In this particular case, we are
well-prepared to meet the move. } 8. Qb3 { Whenever you play ...Bf5, you
need to be sure that this move does no damage. We are now perfectly set to
meet it. } 8... g5 { The point of inserting ...h6. After the forced9.Bg3,
we can play9...Qb6, covering b7 comfortably. } 9. Qxb7 $4 { A huge mistake,
as the white queen, will end up trapped on a8. } 9... gxh4 10. Qxa8 Qb6 {
Black is winning already. White's queen is trapped, and we just need to
complete development with ...Bd6 and ...O-O to threaten ...Nbd7, winning
her majesty. White may try11.Na4, but11...Bb4+ is a good reply. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

well-prepared to meet the move. } 8. Qb3 { Whenever you play ...Bf5, you
need to be sure that this move does no damage. We are now perfectly set to
meet it. } 8... g5 { The point of inserting ...h6. After the forced9.Bg3,
we can play9...Qb6, covering b7 comfortably. } 9. Bg3 Qb6 { Black already
has the easier game and scores excellently from this position. The problem
for White is that exchanging the queen on b6 is a terrible idea, while our
exchange on b3 is fine, as White's doubled pawns are isolated and weak in
the long run. We welcome the trade on b6, as it opens up the a-file, and
b6-b5-b4 is a great resource to have. White, on the other hand, can't move
their b-pawn after a trade on b3. } 10. Nd2 { Maybe this is best. White
retreats the knight but allows Nxb3 in response to the queen trade. White's
worst option (excluding silly blunders) is10.Qxb6?axb6. We have b6-b5-b4
ideas, ...Nd7-b6-c4 comes to mind, as well. We attack the queenside, while
White has no counterplay. After10.e3Qxb311.axb3Nbd7 Black has a long-term
edge due to White's doubled pawns. They can't be attacked quickly, but
White has no obvious way to get rid of them. In the long run, often in the
endgame, Black gets chances to exploit the weaknesses. } 10... Nbd7 11. e3
{ If White takes on b6, we recapture with the pawn!11.Qxb6axb6! is great
for Black. We can use the b6-pawn and push it forward while the base pawn
chain b7-c6-d5 remains sound. } 11... Nh5 { And Black picks us the bishop
pair. After ...Nxg3, we can even consider ...O-O-O. Our king is safe on
this side of the board. Black has the better chances, as White has no
compensation for giving up the bishop pair. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
well-prepared to meet the move. } 8. e3 { White's relatively best move,
because the more ambitious 8.Qb3 leads to less than nothing. } 8... Nbd7 9.
Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Be7 { And again, we can conclude that Black is fine after
the bishop managed to get to f5 early on. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nc3 c6 6.Qc2 #1"]
[Result "*"]

example,6.Bxd6Qxd67.Nf3c6 is a direct transposition. } 6. Qc2 { White tries
to prevent ...Bf5, realizing that after6.Bg5h67.Bh4Bf5! we manage this
desirable bishop development. } 6... g6 { This is the way to make use of
White's move order. We insist on playing ...Bf5 and invest a tempo in
realizing this idea. We don't intend to play ...Bg7 later, as the bishop is
misplaced on g7. An additional point to mention: if you forget that 6...g6
is a good option here and continue with6...Be7, nothing terrible will
happen. After the natural sequence7.Bg5h68.Bh4O-O9.e3Re8 we transpose to
the mainline of the current chapter. The mainline gives Black about equal
chances, but 6...g6 makes our job easier. } 7. Bg5 { After7.Bg5, we need to
be careful, as two typical moves don't work. } 7... Be7 $1 { First of all,
we need to avoid the following disasters: A) 7...Bf5?8.Qb3 Very annoying,
as we have no good way to defend b7. Our f6-knight is loose, which ties the
queen to its defence. B) 7...h6? is a blunder due to8.Bxf6Qxf69.Nxd5. We
have Rule 4 stating that after Bg5, we should include ...h6. Here's the
exception to the general rule - concrete tactics beat abstract concepts.
After the correct 7...Be7, we need to check two entirely different
approaches by White. Most of the time, White plays 8.e3, but we need to
check the aggressive move 8.e4, too. Playing 7...Be7 avoids these troubles
and breaks the pin. As mentioned, we don't want to play 7...Bg7, as the
bishop is not well-placed on g7. It stares at the protected d4 pawn,
without an adequate way to improve its scope. } 8. e4 { An aggressive move,
trying to open up the position quickly. Black is fine against it, but you
need to remember one point. } 8... dxe4 $1 { Black should take with the
pawn, as8...Nxe49.Bxe7 forces9...Kxe7 (9...Qxe710.Nxd5 loses!). After
9...Kxe7 Black is not in deep trouble, but 8...dxe4 makes our job a lot
easier. } 9. Bxf6 Bxf6 10. Qxe4+ Qe7 { Here10...Kf8 is not bad, either.
Still, trading queens looks very logical. We have the bishop pair, and our
opponent's d-pawn is isolated. This sounds like Black is much better, but
White has good development and active pieces. This should balance matters
roughly. I'd rather be on the black side, but objectively speaking, it must
be about even. } 11. Bc4 Bf5 { Let's get the queens off the board. } 12.
Qxe7+ Kxe7 { We take with the king to quickly connect rooks.
After13.O-O-ONd714.Rhe1+Kf8, this connection is temporarily broken, but our
king will be placed well on g7 soon. In the variation starting with 8.e4,
Black is in good shape. We have the long-term assets, so White has to drum
up something to disturb us. With a bit of care, Black should coordinate
nicely. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Nc3 c6 6.Qc2 #2"]
[Result "*"]

example,6.Bxd6Qxd67.Nf3c6 is a direct transposition. } 6. Qc2 { White tries
to prevent ...Bf5, realizing that after6.Bg5h67.Bh4Bf5! we manage this
desirable bishop development. } 6... g6 { This is the way to make use of
White's move order. We insist on playing ...Bf5 and invest a tempo in
realizing this idea. We don't intend to play ...Bg7 later, as the bishop is
misplaced on g7. An additional point to mention: if you forget that 6...g6
is a good option here and continue with6...Be7, nothing terrible will
happen. After the natural sequence7.Bg5h68.Bh4O-O9.e3Re8 we transpose to
the mainline of the current chapter. The mainline gives Black about equal
chances, but 6...g6 makes our job easier. } 7. Bg5 { After7.Bg5, we need to
be careful, as two typical moves don't work. } 7... Be7 $1 { First of all,
we need to avoid the following disasters: A) 7...Bf5?8.Qb3 Very annoying,
as we have no good way to defend b7. Our f6-knight is loose, which ties the
queen to its defence. B) 7...h6? is a blunder due to8.Bxf6Qxf69.Nxd5. We
have Rule 4 stating that after Bg5, we should include ...h6. Here's the
exception to the general rule - concrete tactics beat abstract concepts.
After the correct 7...Be7, we need to check two entirely different
approaches by White. Most of the time, White plays 8.e3, but we need to
check the aggressive move 8.e4, too. Playing 7...Be7 avoids these troubles
and breaks the pin. As mentioned, we don't want to play 7...Bg7, as the
bishop is not well-placed on g7. It stares at the protected d4 pawn,
without an adequate way to improve its scope. } 8. e3 Bf5 { Mission
accomplished! } 9. Bd3 Bxd3 10. Qxd3 Nbd7 { Looking good so far. We have
traded the bishop via f5, but there is one small idea to check. } 11. Bh6 {
We haven't castled yet, so this move is worth checking. } 11... Ng4 { A
good solution to clarify the situation. } 12. Bf4 {
After12.Bg7?Rg813.Be5Ngxe5 White will end up with a weak e-pawn, so they
have to return. } 12... O-O { And we have castled, completing our first
development phase. If you have studied the Chapter intro, you have seen the
famous gameM.Bobotsov vs T.Petrosian, Lugano Olympiad 1968. Petrosian
outplayed his opponent in an exemplary fashion, demonstrating the knight's
strength on d6 later on. The current position on the board was also reached
in the game. If it doesn't ring a bell or you have skipped the intro: study
this game next - understanding the concepts is the key to success in the
Carlsbad. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bf4"]
[Result "*"]

or1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6 Again, see Rule1.6.Bg5h6. } 3. Nc3
Nf6 4. cxd5 exd5 { After 4...exd5 White almost always plays 5.Bg5, pinning
our knight. A less testing alternative is5.Nf3 when we play5...c6,
transposing to a line we cover via the more common move
order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6. } 5. Bf4 { After 5.Bf4, we can
apply one of the move order rules discussed in the intro text. } 5... Bd6 {
'Always play ...Bd6!'. Well, it's not the ONLY move, but a good reply to
White's Bf4 development. It wouldn't be wrong to start with5...c6, either.
However, after White has committed to Bf4, the move ...c6 is not as
pressing. After Bg5, there is immediate pressure on the d5-pawn. } 6. Bxd6
Qxd6 7. e3 { A natural move, but it does nothing about ...Bf5. White may
also try7.Nf3, but this is predictably toothless. The lines7...c68.e3Bf5
or7...c68.Qc2g69.e3Bf5 all lead to comfortable scenarios for Black, similar
to the lines after3.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6. It would even be possible to
play7...Bf5 straight away, as8.Qb3O-O! works well, similar
to7.e3Bf58.Qb3O-O, which we will examine now. } 7... Bf5 { This is a case
where it makes sense to play ...Bf5, even without Black having played ...c6
first. We need to check if the immediate 8.Qb3 is a problem. If not, then
7...Bf5 is a good move. } 8. Qb3 { The only critical try. If White plays
something slow, we'll complete our development easily and are happy about
the f5-bishop and a possible trade of it after White might opt for Bd3
later. Back to 8.Qb3 - is there a problem with the b7-pawn. } 8... O-O $1 {
A very attractive solution: we can ignore hanging the pawn. Even the simple
move8...Qb6 would have been fine, but clearly, castling is a great solution
if White can't take b7. } 9. Qxb7 $4 { That's a huge blunder. White needs
to be cautious and play something like9.Nf3 when9...Nbd7 is fine for Black.
White still shouldn't take on b7:10.Qxb7Rfb811.Qa6Rxb2 is excellent for
Black, enjoying the active rook. } 9... Nc6 { Black has an overwhelming
attack already. We threaten ...Nb4, and White has no reasonable defence.
Here are two lines to illustrate matters:
A)10.a3Nxd4!!11.exd4Rfb812.Qa6Re8+13.Kd1Qf4 White is completely helpless
against Black's attack. Material is irrelevant, as White has no development
at all. In such a case, you don't need to calculate all lines and try to
figure out if there is a checkmate or material win at the end. White just
can't survive with a king in the centre, all their pieces at home, and
Black's forces invading already. B) 10.Qa6Rab811.Bb5Rb612.Qa4Nb413.Rc1 and
now many moves win, but13...Rxb5 looks simple and good, as the knight fork
on d3 will be murderous. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.Qc2 #1"]
[Result "*"]

order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6. } 5. Bg5 { White almost always
plays this natural pinning move. } 5... c6 { As per Rule 1: play ...c6
right after the trade. Now White has two main moves, 6.e3 and 6.Qc2. There
is also6.Nf3, when our recommended reply is6...h67.Bh4Bf5. This sequence is
covered in detail via the more common move
order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c66.Bg5h67.Bh4Bf5. } 6. Qc2 {
After6.e3 Black has the option to play6...Bf5. As I already mentioned in
the intro to the current chapter, this move is somewhat dubious due
to7.Qf3!, when Black gets an unattractive doubled pawn
after7...Bg68.Bxf6Qxf69.Qxf6gxf6. The evaluation of this endgame line has
changed over the years. It seemed fine for Black for a while, which
prompted some players on the white side to switch to 6.Qc2, which puts a
stop to ...Bf5. In the 6.e3 line, playing the queen to c2 later is very
common, so switching the move order to playing 6.Qc2 first was an easy
decision to make. Does it matter much to us if White starts with 6.e3 or
6.Qc2? Fortunately not, we will eventually get the same positions.
After6.e3, I suggest playing6...h67.Bh4Be78.Bd3O-O, when9.Qc2 is the main
continuation. Against 6.Qc2, we can play the same setup (...h6, ...Be7,
...O-O) , and reach the same positions reliably. } 6... h6 { Against 6.e3,
we start with this move as well. The move order 6.Qc2 Be7 has no drawback,
but I am going for ...h6 first for consistency reasons. } 7. Bxf6 { It's
vital to check this move, as we are forced to recapture with the queen,
which allows the sequence7.Bxf6Qxf68.Nxd5. It is fine for Black, but we
should have a look. } 7... Qxf6 8. Nxd5 { The only move worth checking. We
are happy about the bishop pair advantage after a slow move like 8.e3. Note
that after 8.e3 the d5-pawn is still attacked, so we need to
avoid8.e3Bd6??9.Nxd5. Playing a move like 8...Nd7, or even 8...Qd8 is fine
to avoid this blunder. } 8... Qxd4 { That's the point. White now can't
play9.Nc7+??, as9...Kd810.Nxa8Bb4+ wins the house. } 9. Rd1 { This is the
only move for White to keep in the game. } 9... Bb4+ { The only move
available. } 10. Nxb4 Qxb4+ { We have easily obtained equal chances in this
position. The moves ...Be6 and ...Nd7 are comfortable development moves,
and White still needs some time to castle kingside. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.Qc2 #2"]
[Result "*"]

order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c66.Bg5h67.Bh4Bf5. } 6. Qc2 {
After6.e3 Black has the option to play6...Bf5. As I already mentioned in
the intro to the current chapter, this move is somewhat dubious due
to7.Qf3!, when Black gets an unattractive doubled pawn
after7...Bg68.Bxf6Qxf69.Qxf6gxf6. The evaluation of this endgame line has
changed over the years. It seemed fine for Black for a while, which
prompted some players on the white side to switch to 6.Qc2, which puts a
stop to ...Bf5. In the 6.e3 line, playing the queen to c2 later is very
common, so switching the move order to playing 6.Qc2 first was an easy
decision to make. Does it matter much to us if White starts with 6.e3 or
6.Qc2? Fortunately not, we will eventually get the same positions.
After6.e3, I suggest playing6...h67.Bh4Be78.Bd3O-O, when9.Qc2 is the main
continuation. Against 6.Qc2, we can play the same setup (...h6, ...Be7,
...O-O) , and reach the same positions reliably. } 6... h6 { Against 6.e3,
we start with this move as well. The move order 6.Qc2 Be7 has no drawback,
but I am going for ...h6 first for consistency reasons. } 7. Bh4 {
Maintaining the pin is the most challenging move. } 7... Be7 { I suggest
fighting the Carlsbad main line with ... Be7 setups, Black's most popular
way of playing. } 8. e3 { Very natural and played in almost all of the
games that I found. } 8... O-O 9. Bd3 { Again, an extremely natural move
and White's almost exclusive choice at this point. } 9... Re8 { Finally, we
have transposed to the main lines of the current chapter that occur after
6.e3h67.Bh4Be78.Bd3O-O9.Qc2Re8. Please seethese lines for more information.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.cxd5 exd5 5.Bg5 c6 6.e3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c66.Bg5h67.Bh4Bf5. } 6. e3 {
White's main move by far. They want to develop their bishop to d3 and are
aware that6...Bf5 is favourably answered by7.Qf3!. After 6.e3, Black needs
to decide what piece setup to go for. The main decisions are: A) Do we
place our f8-bishop on e7 or d6? B) Do we play ...h6 or not? I have studied
the various options and concluded that Black is currently doing fine with
combining ...h6 and ...Be7. This setup has been tested extensively in
practice, and Black has good results. A quick word about ...Bd6 setups: I
have analyzed6...h67.Bh4Bd6, but discovered some issues for Black. One
line, in particular, proved to be problematic, which
is8.Bd3O-O9.Nf3Re810.O-O. White never plays Qc2, inviting10...Bg411.Qb3,
which is awkward for Black. The popular Chess streamer IM Eric Rosen has
played the ...Bd6 setups a lot and ran into troubles in this particular
variation. } 6... h6 { I suggest starting with 6...h6, as per Rule 4.
Playing 6...Be7 first and ...h6 next is no mistake, though - we should
reach the same positions. We already talked about6...Bf5?!7.Qf3!, which we
need to avoid. } 7. Bh4 Be7 { Breaking the annoying bishop pin is
important. As mentioned in the notes to 6.e3, I also checked7...Bd6, but
found my final recommendation to be more reliable and simpler to handle. }
8. Bd3 { White can start with8.Qc2 instead of 8.Bd3, but it will lead to
the same positions. We play8...O-O, when both9.Bd3Re8 or9.Nf3Re810.Bd3Ne4
transpose to lines that we reach via 8.Bd3, too. Why does White play 8.Qc2
or 8.Bd3, by the way? After 7...Be7 we are ready to play ...Bf5! next,
which White is eager to prevent. } 8... O-O { Let's discuss some important
general ideas. Now White has two decisions to make: Whether to play Ng1-f3
or Ng1-e2 and if Qc2 should be included or not. Qc2 lends additional cover
to the e4-square, which is often useful. The first key point is that
9.Nf3Ne4! and9.Qc2Re810.Nf3Ne4! are two similar lines that pose no problem
for Black. The ...Ne4-idea pretty much takes any sting out of the
Nf3-setups, which is good news. More often than not, White will opt for a
Nge2-formation. Against Nge2, we need to stay flexible for a moment and
wait if White continues with f2-f3 or not. If they do, the prescribed
antidote is a quick queenside counterplay with ...b7-b5!, which gives us
good chances. White can avoid f2-f3, though, and focus attention on the
queenside. Against these slower plans, Black has some choice. I suggest
playing actively on the queenside in this case. too. Let's talk move
orders. I decided to organize the various options: A) 9.Qc2Re8 - White
usually continues with10.Nf3 or10.Nge2, which transposes to B or C B) 9.Nf3
is answered by9...Ne4! C)9.Nge2 is White's mainline, often reached
by9.Qc2Re810.Nge2. } 9. Qc2 { Very frequently played and leading to a
position that is often reached via the move order
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5c66.Qc2h67.Bh4Be78.e3O-O9.Bd3. } 9...
Re8 { It is important to play this move before ...Nbd7. The point is to
lend additional cover to the e4-square, so that10.Nf3Ne4! is possible. Now
White has a key decision to make: knight to f3 or e2? If they play10.Nge2,
we reply10...Nbd7 and transpose to9.Nge2Re810.Qc2Nbd7. } 10. Nf3 { We
already know the right antidote to Nf3-setups - jump to e4. As mentioned
before, 10.Nge2 has no independent value, as 10...Nbd7 transposes
to9.Nge2Re810.Qc2Nbd7. } 10... Ne4 $1 { The outpost e4 is one of the key
assets of our position. We are happy to occupy it right away. } 11. Bxe7
Qxe7 { And again, we have transposed to a different move order,
9.Nf3Ne4!10.Bxe7Qxe711.Qc2Re8. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

by9.Qc2Re810.Nge2. } 9. Nf3 Ne4 { We play in the same way after
9.Qc2Re810.Nf3Ne4!, so this is easy to remember: answer Nf3 with ...Ne4! }
10. Bxe7 Qxe7 11. Qc2 Re8 { This position is also frequently reached via
9.Qc2Re810.Nf3Ne4!11.Bxe7Qxe7. White now has the major decision of whether
to capture the knight or not. } 12. Bxe4 { White doesn't want to tolerate
our knight and captures it. } 12... dxe4 { Our pawn structure is changed
now, but we don't mind having a pawn on e4. We have a space advantage in
the centre, and our pieces can use the d5-square. } 13. Nd2 { White almost
always plays this move.13.Ne5 is harmless due to13...Nd7 or13...c5, which
also works. } 13... f5 { Black has also successfully employed13...Bf5 here.
I prefer 13...f5, thinking that Black's job is a bit easier. We'll play
...Be6 and ...Nd7-f6 next and enjoy a good position. Here's a possible
sample continuation. } 14. O-O Be6 { White has two plans that I can see:
attacking our centre with f3 and b4-b5. Let's have a look at both options.
} 15. Rab1 { Going for b4-b5 in this position is slow and unpromising for
White. } 15... Nd7 16. b4 b5 $1 { This key idea is worth nothing. We stop
b4-b5 and readily accept that c6 looks like a backward pawn on the
half-open c-file. The problem for White is: it's impossible to exert any
tangible pressure on the pawn. We play ...Nb6-d5 next, enjoying the
excellently placed knight on the safe central square. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

to capture the knight or not. } 12. Bxe4 { White doesn't want to tolerate
our knight and captures it. } 12... dxe4 { Our pawn structure is changed
now, but we don't mind having a pawn on e4. We have a space advantage in
the centre, and our pieces can use the d5-square. } 13. Nd2 { White almost
always plays this move.13.Ne5 is harmless due to13...Nd7 or13...c5, which
also works. } 13... f5 { Black has also successfully employed13...Bf5 here.
I prefer 13...f5, thinking that Black's job is a bit easier. We'll play
...Be6 and ...Nd7-f6 next and enjoy a good position. Here's a possible
sample continuation. } 14. O-O Be6 { White has two plans that I can see:
attacking our centre with f3 and b4-b5. Let's have a look at both options.
} 15. f3 { White does not want to wait until we might drum up an attack on
the kingside and opens up the game in the centre. } 15... exf3 16. Nxf3 Nd7
{ Black has equal chances in this position. Next, we should involve the
a8-rook with ...Rad8 and consider ... Nd7-f6-d5. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

to capture the knight or not. } 12. O-O { A more flexible continuation than
12.Bxe4. } 12... Bf5 { We support our star piece. It's also fine to
play12...Nd7 instead. After our move 12...Bf5, White has mostly tried two
ideas: Preparing b4-b5 with 13.Rab1, and 13.Ne5, which puts more pressure
on the knight. It doesn't make much sense for White to take our knight
right away, as the sample line13.Bxe4Bxe414.Nxe4dxe4!15.Nd2Na616.a3c5
shows. It's important to note that on move 14, we take with a pawn, keeping
the queens on the board. The advanced e-pawn gives us a space advantage,
which prompts us to keep more pieces on the board. } 13. Ne5 { White puts
more pressure on e4, but it is easily defused. } 13... Nd7 14. f3 { The
only interesting try for White. After14.Nxd7Qxd715.Nxe4Bxe4
or14.Bxe4Bxe415.Nxe4Nxe516.dxe5dxe417.Qxe4Qxe5 Black has no problems at
all. Note that these positions still offer some play, as they are not
symmetrical. In particular, the first one offers chances to play ...f7-f5
and pose some problems on the kingside. } 14... Nxc3 { We enter a forced
sequence now. } 15. Bxf5 Nxe5 16. dxe5 { Of course not16.bxc3??Nc4, when
Black wins. } 16... Nb5 17. f4 f6 { We attack White's central pawn quickly,
which leads to interesting play. Our knight has a safe retreat to c7, and
White needs to be careful about overextending. The pawn construction
e3-f4-e5 gains space, but it is also vulnerable - thus our move 17...f6. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

to capture the knight or not. } 12. O-O { A more flexible continuation than
12.Bxe4. } 12... Bf5 { We support our star piece. It's also fine to
play12...Nd7 instead. After our move 12...Bf5, White has mostly tried two
ideas: Preparing b4-b5 with 13.Rab1, and 13.Ne5, which puts more pressure
on the knight. It doesn't make much sense for White to take our knight
right away, as the sample line13.Bxe4Bxe414.Nxe4dxe4!15.Nd2Na616.a3c5
shows. It's important to note that on move 14, we take with a pawn, keeping
the queens on the board. The advanced e-pawn gives us a space advantage,
which prompts us to keep more pieces on the board. } 13. Rab1 { White
prepares the minority attack b4-b5. } 13... Nd7 { We complete our
development. Here I also examined13...Nxc3, which is already sufficient for
equality. after14.Qxc3Bxd315.Qxd3Nd716.b4?!a6 we transpose
to13...Nd714.b4?! and are in good shape. White should avoid 16.b4, but
nothing is challenging instead. Alternatively 14.bxc3Bxd315.Qxd3b5 is
possible but also fine for Black. White has no play on the queenside, while
...Nd7-b6-c4 is on for us. My main argument in favour of 13...Nd7 is that
it keeps more tension and sets a little trap, as 14.b4 is not at all great
for White but very natural. } 14. b4 $6 { White's idea, but it leads to
less than nothing. } 14... Nxc3 { Black is also doing well with14...Nb6,
but the capture is simple and good. } 15. Qxc3 Bxd3 16. Qxd3 a6 { Black is
in good shape here and already to be preferred. We plan to transfer the
knight to its ideal square d6. We are set to enter the favourable scenario
of Bobotsov vs Petrosian, examined in the intro to this chapter. Please
have a look at this game to understand better how to play this type of
position. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

by9.Qc2Re810.Nge2. } 9. Nge2 Re8 { We play this universally useful move
first. Now White can try various move orders. They may start with 10.Qc2
or10.O-O, but it makes no substantial difference for our setup. We'll play
...Nbd7 and start play on the queenside, involving the moves ...a5 and ...
b5. } 10. O-O { White also frequently plays10.Qc2, which transposes
to9.Qc2Re810.Nge2. Another possible transposition is10.f3Nbd711.O-O, which
we'll reach in a moment via10.O-ONbd711.f3. } 10... Nbd7 { A good
development move, completing our setup. It is premature to play10...Ne4?!,
as11.Bxe7Qxe712.Bxe4dxe413.Ng3f514.f3exf315.Rxf3 is better for White. We
have some weaknesses, like f5, and are lacking development. After the
flexible10...Nbd7, White frequently plays11.Qc2, which after11...Nh5
transposes to9.Qc2Re810.Nge2Nbd711.O-ONh5. Two other logical moves are
11.f3 and 11.Rb1, which we will examine now. } 11. Rb1 { Most of the time,
White prefers the Botvinnik plan (f2-f3 to prepare e3-e4), but we should
check what happens if White plays for the minority attack. } 11... a5 { We
stop White's b2-b4 idea. } 12. a3 b5 $1 { Why not? We simply gain space on
the queenside and prepare the idea ...Nb6-c4. At first glance, you might
think c6 is a backward pawn, but White has no way to build any pressure on
it. } 13. Qc2 { The move13.b4? is rather naive because of13...Nb6, heading
to c4. Black is calling the shots on the queenside, so weakening this side
of the board is bad for White. } 13... Nb6 { I think Black has equal
chances here. The position is rather similar to one of the main lines of
this chapter, which starts with 10.Qc2Nbd711.O-Oa512.Rae1b5. I discuss this
type of position more in the notes tothis line, so please have a look
there. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

11.f3 and 11.Rb1, which we will examine now. } 11. f3 { White goes for the
Botvinnik plan: expansion in the centre with e3-e4 is on White's agenda. }
11... b5 $1 { A crucial moment. If White plays f2-f3, replying with b7-b5!
is a MUST. The pawn push secures counterplay on the queenside and
indirectly against the centre. The line12.e4?b413.Na4dxe414.fxe4Nxe4!
nicely demonstrates this point. I want to mention that I advocate playing
...b5 even if White has not played f2-f3, for example,
after11.Rb1a512.a3b5!?. In such a case, the ...b5-plan is just one good
option for Black - you have alternatives. Against f2-f3, however, playing
...b7-b5! is the best antidote. } 12. Bf2 { White recognizes that12.e4? is
a blunder due to12...b413.Na4dxe414.fxe4Nxe4!, which exploits the
undefended bishop on h4. The prophylactic bishop retreat seeks to play
e3-e4 at a more appropriate moment. White has also tried12.a3 when12...a5
is the logical reply. Playing 12...a5 has a quick ...Ba6 in mind. With
...Ba6 on the board, the move ...b4 will be possible again. After 12...a5,
White will likely play13.Bf2, with similar ideas as 12.Bf2 has in mind. In
general, there are many possible move orders, but they are not especially
relevant. You need to remember the general ideas and then will find good
solutions, should you meet a move order that you are not familiar with. }
12... a5 { Part of the plan. We gain more space and prepare ...Ba6. This
time, the move 13.e4 is still dubious due to another noteworthy idea. } 13.
e4 $6 { Again a mistimed advance. } 13... dxe4 14. fxe4 Ng4 $1 { An
important idea to keep in mind. Now White has no way to keep the bishop, an
important piece that helps cover the dark squares. We will not necessarily
take the bishop on the next move but will preserve this option for a good
moment. There are plenty of exciting tactics hidden in this position. An
incredible line is15.h3Nxf216.Rxf2Nc5!, which is excellent for Black
after17.dxc5Bxc5. We'll get enough material (the rook can't escape) and
have a great play on the dark squares. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

11.f3 and 11.Rb1, which we will examine now. } 11. f3 { White goes for the
Botvinnik plan: expansion in the centre with e3-e4 is on White's agenda. }
11... b5 $1 { A crucial moment. If White plays f2-f3, replying with b7-b5!
is a MUST. The pawn push secures counterplay on the queenside and
indirectly against the centre. The line12.e4?b413.Na4dxe414.fxe4Nxe4!
nicely demonstrates this point. I want to mention that I advocate playing
...b5 even if White has not played f2-f3, for example,
after11.Rb1a512.a3b5!?. In such a case, the ...b5-plan is just one good
option for Black - you have alternatives. Against f2-f3, however, playing
...b7-b5! is the best antidote. } 12. Bf2 { White recognizes that12.e4? is
a blunder due to12...b413.Na4dxe414.fxe4Nxe4!, which exploits the
undefended bishop on h4. The prophylactic bishop retreat seeks to play
e3-e4 at a more appropriate moment. White has also tried12.a3 when12...a5
is the logical reply. Playing 12...a5 has a quick ...Ba6 in mind. With
...Ba6 on the board, the move ...b4 will be possible again. After 12...a5,
White will likely play13.Bf2, with similar ideas as 12.Bf2 has in mind. In
general, there are many possible move orders, but they are not especially
relevant. You need to remember the general ideas and then will find good
solutions, should you meet a move order that you are not familiar with. }
12... a5 { Part of the plan. We gain more space and prepare ...Ba6. This
time, the move 13.e4 is still dubious due to another noteworthy idea. } 13.
Rc1 { A good move for White, placing the rook on a half-open file. White
can't go for any direct play (13.e4?! is still dubious) and improves first.
} 13... Ba6 { Black has some reasonable alternatives here. The moves
13...Nb6, or13...a4 certainly can be played, too. What I really like about
these positions: we have all the pieces on the board and many possible
ideas. It's not a forcing position that may dry out soon but will lead to
an interesting fight for sure. White has many possible moves now. I think
it's best to look at some sample ideas and cut the trainable line here. A)
14.e4dxe415.fxe4Ng4 still looks fine for Black. B)14.b3 White is concerned
about ...a4, but it works anyway.14...a4 (you don't need to play this,
waiting is also fine), when15.bxa4? is wrong due
to15...b4!16.Bxa6Rxa617.Nb1Qa8, showing a nice trick to be aware of.
C)14.Ng3Bf8 is again, not forced. But good to show an
idea15.e4b416.Bxa6Rxa617.Na4dxe418.fxe4c5! An important idea! We attack
White's centre, seeing that lines like19.dxc5Rc6 or19.Nxc5Nxc520.dxc5Rc6
work well. White's remaining pawns are targets, and we'll easily get one
back and have a good game. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
b5. } 10. Qc2 { A popular move at this particular point, but the resulting
position is often reached via different move orders. White frequently plays
Qc2 at an earlier stage, for example
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5c66.Qc2h67.Bh4Be78.e3O-O9.Bd3Re810.Nge2
leads to the same position. } 10... Nbd7 { Finally, it's time to develop
our knight. Note that10...Ne4?! is questionable here,
as11.Bxe7Qxe712.Bxe4dxe413.Ng3f514.O-O, followed by f3, is better for
White. After the much better move 10...Nbd7, White has to make some
decisions. First of all, they can castle queenside. Against our setup, this
approach is bad and gives us a strong attack - we simply throw the kitchen
sink at them with ...b5, ...a5 etc. and enjoy life. It's much better to
castle kingside for White, avoiding a direct attack. White may castle
kingside immediately or start with the move 11.f3, which is also popular.
After11.f3, we play the crucial move11...b5!, starting our queenside play.
} 11. f3 b5 $1 { A crucial moment. If White plays f2-f3, replying with
b7-b5! is a MUST. The pawn push secures counterplay on the queenside and
indirectly against the centre. I'd like to mention that I advocate playing
...b5 even if White has not played f2-f3, for example, after 11.O-O Black
has the idea11...Nh5!?, but I suggest11...a5, when12.f3b5! would transpose
to11.f3b5!12.O-Oa5, the position we are about to examine. If White
plays12.Rae1, I'd still play12...b5!?, even though White has not played
f2-f3. In such a case, the ...b5-plan is just one good option for Black -
you have alternatives. Against f2-f3, however, playing ...b7-b5! is the
best antidote. } 12. O-O { There is not much else. White needs to castle
and get the king to safety.12.e4? fails to12...b413.Na4dxe414.fxe4Nxe4,
when White is crushed. } 12... a5 { Continuing our queenside buildup. We
can also reach this position via different move orders, in particular,
11.O-O or 10.O-O Nbd7, if White plays a quick Qc2. In general, the line
10.O-ONbd711.f3b5! is very similar to the position we have on the board;
many ideas apply to both. We'll go ...Ba6 next in most cases and continue
our play on the queenside. I'd like to check one sharper line now, the
direct 13.e4. } 13. e4 b4 14. Na4 { This is better than14.Nd1, when14...Qb6
is a good reply. } 14... dxe4 15. fxe4 c5 $1 { This leads to immense
complications, but the move is actually strategically founded. White has
the full centre d4/e4, and 15...c5! hits at the centre to gain squares for
our pieces. If White takes on c5, we'll get the e5 square and excellent
dark-squared control. Did you wonder if15...Nxe4 is possible here? It
actually is possible, and if you ask Stockfish it leads to a draw! No joke,
it's suggesting the following
line16.Bxe7Qxe717.Qxc6Nd218.Qxa8Qe3+19.Rf2Nf6, just to give the first move
of this mess. I prefer 15...c5! because it shows the strategic idea of
hitting at the centre and fighting for squares. The shot 15...Nxe4 works
tactically for an engine, but knowing about 15...c5 as a strategic idea
will help you in other similar positions. } 16. e5 { This looks critical.
With 15...c5, we hit at the d-pawn, hoping that White would move it. A)
16.dxc5?Ng4 is great for Black. We dominate on the dark
squares.16.Nxc5Nxc517.dxc5Ng4 is the same story. B) 16.d5??Nxe4 is just a
straight refutation. } 16... Nd5 { Note that 16.e5 allowed this knight
jump. With 15...c5, we fought for central squares and got one. The position
is very sharp and tactical now. Frequently, this reduces options for both
sides, as concrete calculation proves that only one move works, while
others would lose the game. Here, this is not the case. White has many
possibilities, which is why I will stop the trainable line here and give
you an illustrative overview. A) 17.Bh7+? is bad after17...Kh818.Bxe7Rxe7,
when White's bishop on h7 and the knight on a4 are offside. We also
threaten ...Ne3, of course. Note that17...Kf8?? not only looks wrong, but
loses to18.Rxf7+!. B)17.Bxe7Rxe7! Taking with the rook is vital to lend
additional cover to f7. Now18.Bc4Ne319.Qe4Nxf120.Qxa8Ne3 is a fun line that
keeps the game complicated but balanced. C)
17.Bc4Bxh418.Bxd5Nxe5!19.Bxa8cxd4 gives Black good play. Stockfish finds a
way to equality for White after20.Nf4Ba621.Bd5, but we are very deep down
the rabbit hole. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

} 11. O-O-O $2 { Castling queenside is a huge mistake here. It's easy to
explain why this is the case. If White plays11.O-Oa512.Rfe1, I recommend
starting queenside action with12...b5 and conclude that Black has fair
chances. 11.O-O-O? castles right into our queenside attack and leads White
into trouble. } 11... b5 { We have the simplest plan ever: ...b5, ...Nb6,
...a5 - throwing the kitchen sink at our opponent! } 12. f3 { White has
tried this move most of the time. It covers e4 but also prepares g4 to
storm on the kingside. We are much faster, though. A different way of going
for g4 would be12.h3. We have the same plan in any case. Here's a sample
sequence:12...Nb613.g4a514.g5hxg515.Bxg5b416.Na4Nxa417.Qxa4Ne4 and Black is
much better. We have the much safer king and the better pawn structure on
top. } 12... Nb6 13. g4 { White can also switch to the central plan with
e3-e4, but it is much too slow.13.Bf2a514.e4b415.Nb1dxe416.fxe4Ng4 was more
or less winning for Black in a GM game between Ernesto Inarkiev and Michail
Saltaev, a former team mate of my Bundesliga days. } 13... a5 { Chess can
be easy sometimes! } 14. g5 $6 { This is wrong, but it's good to know why.
Better for White would be a slower move, but we have an automatic attack
based on ...a4, ...b4 and so on. By computer standards, the move 11.O-O-O
already loses for White. We don't need to prove that, of course. Black has
all the fun. } 14... Nh5 $1 { That's an important point. We don't take on
g5 but rather keep the file closed. White is getting nowhere against our
king, while our pawn storm will hit with tremendous force. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

} 11. O-O { White castles kingside and delays the question of 'playing
f2-f3 or not' for a move. } 11... a5 { The position before 11...a5 has been
reached hundreds of times in master practice. Black has tried many moves,
as the position is not tactical, and you have some flexibility. Black has
also done alright with the move11...Nh5, for example. I was quite satisfied
with this line when I wondered if it was possible to play it differently.
Against f3-setups, we play a quick ...b5 - is it possible to play this idea
even without White having played f3 before? I checked11...b5?!, but this is
questionable due to12.a4!b413.Na2, when the c6-pawn is attacked, we'd have
no fully satisfactory reply. Well, what about 11...a5 then, and wait with
...b5 for a moment? It turned out to work well, so here we go. } 12. Rae1 {
White plays without the move f3. The main move12.f3 needs to be answered
with12...b5!, which we cover via the move order11.f3b512.O-Oa5. Of course,
White could play other moves besides 12.Rae1. We'd still be able to play
the ...b5 plan; White's concrete move does not matter all that much. }
12... b5 { We play ...b5 anyway, even without the 'signal' move f3 being on
the board. Discovering this idea was a true revelation for me, as it shows
that Black has a 'universal setup'. We can aim for ...a5, ...b5 and start a
queenside play, more or less ignoring what White does. Don't get me wrong:
I am not saying White is worse or anything of the sort, just that we have a
rather easy life, as our concept has a universal character and there are no
subtle move order points to consider. } 13. a4 $6 { This is not great, but
I want to show why. The move 11...b5 didn't work so well before because
of12.a4, we want to check the difference. } 13... b4 14. Nb1 { Worse
is14.Na2c5, when15.dxc5Nxc516.Bxf6 fails due to16...Nxd3, when the rook e1
is attacked. This is different to11...b512.a4, as there is no rook on e1 in
this line. } 14... Qb6 { We are ready to play ...c5 next, with a pleasant
initiative on the queenside. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

} 11. O-O { White castles kingside and delays the question of 'playing
f2-f3 or not' for a move. } 11... a5 { The position before 11...a5 has been
reached hundreds of times in master practice. Black has tried many moves,
as the position is not tactical, and you have some flexibility. Black has
also done alright with the move11...Nh5, for example. I was quite satisfied
with this line when I wondered if it was possible to play it differently.
Against f3-setups, we play a quick ...b5 - is it possible to play this idea
even without White having played f3 before? I checked11...b5?!, but this is
questionable due to12.a4!b413.Na2, when the c6-pawn is attacked, we'd have
no fully satisfactory reply. Well, what about 11...a5 then, and wait with
...b5 for a moment? It turned out to work well, so here we go. } 12. Rae1 {
White plays without the move f3. The main move12.f3 needs to be answered
with12...b5!, which we cover via the move order11.f3b512.O-Oa5. Of course,
White could play other moves besides 12.Rae1. We'd still be able to play
the ...b5 plan; White's concrete move does not matter all that much. }
12... b5 { We play ...b5 anyway, even without the 'signal' move f3 being on
the board. Discovering this idea was a true revelation for me, as it shows
that Black has a 'universal setup'. We can aim for ...a5, ...b5 and start a
queenside play, more or less ignoring what White does. Don't get me wrong:
I am not saying White is worse or anything of the sort, just that we have a
rather easy life, as our concept has a universal character and there are no
subtle move order points to consider. } 13. f3 { I don't see a way forward
for White without f2-f3. What constructive plan does White have besides
preparing e3-e4? I don't see it, really. In any case, Black can play ...Ba6
next and then consider further action. You can think of preparing ...c5,
for example. } 13... Ba6 { We have discussed the f3-style positions already
via 11.f3. The current position is certainly not a bad version of it. White
can't successfully play14.e4?!, because14...dxe415.fxe4Ng4 is good for
Black, a common idea. White probably needs a preparational move like14.Bf2,
but it is slow. We'd have a choice between the forcing14...b4 and something
like14...Qb6 (there are plenty of options) to keep the tension. It's a
position full of pieces that give Black good chances, in my opinion. } *
[Event "8. Queen's Gambit: Early Bg5/Bf4 Lines"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "8. Queen's Gambit: Early Bg5/Bf4 Lines"]
[Black "3.Bf4"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { In this Chapter, we will examine lines that follow the

pattern of White trying to develop their queen's bishop without trading on
d5 (Carlsbad structure) first. There are various move orders that White can
try. Here's a list: 1.d4d52.c4e63.Bf41.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bf4
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bf4 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5 White can also develop the bishops after the
sequence 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a6, when 5.Bf4 and 5.Bg5 are possible.
The line 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a6 is covered in a dedicated chapter,
though. So there are a ton of different lines - that sounds complicated.
But here's the good news: absolutely ALL of the lines are answered with the
same move, which is ...d5xc4! Therefore we can follow a simple rule of
thumb: every early queen's bishop move (move 3, 4, 5) in the QGD is
answered by the capture. What's the point of the capture? There are two,
actually: in the best case, we just keep the pawn! This can easily happen
if White is careless or doesn't know any theory at all. You'll often meet
opponents who never studied the capture seriously and handle it poorly,
giving you a simple extra pawn. The secondary objective is to gain time, as
White needs to invest moves to get the pawn back. This approach is similar
to our line against the Catalan, which also involves an early ...d5xc4
(1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc4 ). White regularly plays ...Qd1-a4xc4 in
these lines, which allows us to gain time on the queen, for example, with a
timely ...b5. As listed above, there are various versions of Bf4/Bg5 that
we will examine in this Chapter. While our reply ...dxc4 will be the same
against all of them, there are still differences between the lines, and
it's useful to know some pointers to understand the concepts better. A)
After the capture, White often plays e2-e3, intending to capture c4 with
the bishop. If you can answer this move with ...b5 (without allowing Nxb5),
it will be good for Black. Examples are: 1.d4d52.c4e63.Bf4dxc44.e3b5!
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bf4dxc44.e3b5! 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc44.e3b5!
Note that after1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e3 the move5...b5?
allows6.Nxb5 and is wrong. Instead, playing 5...c5 is the correct move,
attacking the d-pawn. B) White can try to regain the pawn with the more
aggressive move e2-e4. This is possible in the two Bg5-lines, as our
f6-knight is pinned and therefore pushing e2-e4 becomes an option for
White. In both cases, 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4 and
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4, the move5...b5!? is possible but leads
to murky complications that are tough to navigate. Instead, I advise
playing ...c5, attacking White's d-pawn. To summarize: there are clear
cases where ...b5 is the best option and should be played, described in A -
otherwise, we play ...c5 to attack the d-pawn and give up on the idea of
holding the c-pawn. } 3. Bf4 { This very early bishop move is extremely
rare because Black has a multitude of good replies. } 3... dxc4 { One of
the good answers and consistent with our approach of taking on c4 whenever
White plays the c1-bishop. Black is also in good shape after 3...c5 and
3...Bd6, which explains the rarity of 3.Bf4 - there are too many drawbacks
for White. } 4. e3 b5 $1 { In the Queen's Gambit Accepted an early ...b5 is
a mistake. After 1.d4d52.c4dxc43.e3b5?4.a4c65.axb5cxb5?6.Qf3 is a
well-known way to a quick win for White. Here, however, the moves Bf4 and
...e6 are added. This heavily works in Black's favour, as ...e6 is a
crucial move, while Bf4 is quite irrelevant in the battle for the captured
c-pawn. } 5. a4 c6 6. axb5 { After6.Nc3, we cover the b-pawn with6...Qb6
and are just a pawn up! We develop with ...Nf6, ...Bb4,...Nbd7, ...Bb7 and
have an advantage. } 6... cxb5 7. Qf3 Qd5 { That's the difference to the
Queen's Gambit Accepted. This answer is possible due to the additional move
...e6. } 8. Nc3 Qxf3 $1 { Don't play8...Bb4??9.Qg3!, when White attacks
both g7 and the b8-knight, winning material! This is the only essential
trick to know after 3.Bf4 dxc4. } 9. Nxf3 Bb4 10. Nd2 Bd7 { We keep the
pawn for the moment. White can play11.Bxb8Rxb812.Rxa7, but the bishop pair
gives us a nice advantage. White should try11.Be2, but it's White rather
than Black who needs to be concerned about equalizing. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bf4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

holding the c-pawn. } 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Bf4 { Early Bf4 lines work best for
White if Black has already played ...Be7, for example, after
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3Be7, when5.Bf4 has been a part of my White
repertoire for ages. In the intro to the current Chapter, I already
introduced the 'rule of thumb' for early Bf4s... so no bonus points for
guessing my recommended reply. } 4... dxc4 { Again we grab on c4. Now White
usually starts worrying about the material balance and plays 5.Qa4+ or
5.e3. After5.Nc3 we simply play5...a6, transposing
to3.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.Bf4dxc4. The move 5...c6 is also fine, but we don't need
to learn an additional line to battle 5.Nc3. } 5. e3 $6 { Chess is not that
simple. White will be in trouble after our simple reply. } 5... b5 $1 { We
not only keep the pawn but also have the idea ...Bb4+, often combined with
...Nd5. The f4-bishop is misplaced and a target for our knight. Here's a
line to illustrate matters. } 6. Be2 Bb4+ 7. Nc3 Nd5 { Black has a clear
advantage. We threaten on c3 and are ready to take on f4. On top of
everything, we are a pawn up. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bf4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

holding the c-pawn. } 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Bf4 { Early Bf4 lines work best for
White if Black has already played ...Be7, for example, after
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3Be7, when5.Bf4 has been a part of my White
repertoire for ages. In the intro to the current Chapter, I already
introduced the 'rule of thumb' for early Bf4s... so no bonus points for
guessing my recommended reply. } 4... dxc4 { Again we grab on c4. Now White
usually starts worrying about the material balance and plays 5.Qa4+ or
5.e3. After5.Nc3 we simply play5...a6, transposing
to3.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.Bf4dxc4. The move 5...c6 is also fine, but we don't need
to learn an additional line to battle 5.Nc3. } 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 { I also
checked5...Bd7, which gives Black equal chances after6.Qxc4c57.dxc5Qc8, but
5...Nbd7 is more ambitious and will often lead to an advantage for Black.
We intend ...a6 and ...b5, expanding on the queenside. The move ...Nd5 is
an additional annoyance for White, hitting the bishop. } 6. e3 {
After6.Qxc4c5 we'll continue with ...a6 and ...b5, getting good play on the
queenside. } 6... Nd5 7. Bg3 $6 { This is dubious, but we need to be aware
of a trap. Objectively better is7.Bxc4, when7...Nxf48.exf4Bd6 is fine for
Black. We continue with ...a6 and ...b5 and have good chances, thanks to
the bishop pair and good pawn structure. } 7... Bb4+ 8. Nbd2 c6 $1 { Here
we get to the mentioned trap: surprisingly, the tempting move8...c3? is
answered by9.bxc3Bxc310.Rc1, when White gets promising play for the pawn.
Much better is 8...c6!, which prepares ...b5 to keep the c4-pawn. Here
White's compensation is insufficient. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e3"]
[Result "*"]

holding the c-pawn. } 3. Nf3 Nf6 4. Bg5 { White sometimes employs this move
order to avoid lines that arise after4.Nc3, particularly4...dxc4 and4...c6.
We don't mind the move, as our standard answer, capturing on c4, is
considered to be the best reply. } 4... dxc4 { After the capture, White's
best replies are 5.Qa4+ and 5.e4, while5.Nc3 is best answered by5...a6,
which transposes toChapter 9 on3.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a6, when5.Bg5dxc4! is the move
order. } 5. e3 $6 { A slow move that we'll make use of in typical fashion.
} 5... b5 $1 { We keep the pawn. White's setup is too tame to generate
serious play for the invested material. If you 'accidentally'
play5...c56.Bxc4cxd47.exd4, you will likely transpose
to3.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e3c56.Bxc4cxd47.exd4 - Still, playing 5...b5! is the
way to go. } 6. a4 c6 { Or6...Bb4+7.Nc3c6, leading to the same position. }
7. Nc3 Bb4 { Stockfish also loves the crazier option7...a6!?,
when8.Bxf6gxf69.axb5?cxb510.Nxb5axb511.Rxa8Bb4+ gives Black more than
enough compensation. White shouldn't take on b5, but Black is fine in any
case. After my suggestion 7...Bb4, I don't see enough play for White to
justify the pawn deficit. We play ...Nbd7, ...Bb7 and ...O-O next and enjoy
the extra pawn. The moves ...a6 and/or ...Qb6 will help protecting b5. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

order. } 5. e4 { Certainly White's most aggressive option. } 5... c5 { In
the intro notes to this Chapter, I mentioned that 5...b5 is possible in
this position, but not my recommended move. I prefer 5...c5 for practical
reasons, as it gives Black equal chances without any particular theoretical
workload. Still, I'd like to point out the consequences of 5...b5, as it
can be a good later addition to the repertoire, sharpening the play.
After5...b5, White's best is6.a4c67.Nc3, when Black has a range of options.
All of them lead to complications, like in the following
sequence:7...Qb68.Bxf6gxf6 keeps the extra pawn but makes you wonder where
Black's king will find a safe place in the long run. I don't think a murky
line like this should be part of our core KIS repertoire, but it's a good
option to have. Let's examine 5...c5 now. White's best replies are 6.Bxc4
and 6.Nf3, while the tempting move 6.e5?! is dubious. } 6. e5 $6 { A
tempting move, but it turns out to be dubious. } 6... h6 { Well, we didn't
just walk into a deadly pin 😃. This counterattack on the bishop gives
Black good play. } 7. Bh4 { White would like to make this move work, but we
are in good shape against it. There is no convincing alternative, though.
After7.exf6hxg5 or7.Bxf6gxf6, we'll have a tremendously strong bishop pair
and already torn down White's centre. White can play 7.Be3, but we are
slightly better after7...cxd48.Bxd4Ne49.Bxc4Nc6, when both ...Nxd4 and
...Bb4+ are annoying for White. } 7... g5 8. Bg3 { Unfortunately for White,
this is the only move.8.Nxg5?? is answered with8...Qa5+!, keeping the extra
piece! while after8.exf6gxh4 Black is much better. We'll pick up f6 and
enjoy the bishop pair and at least one extra pawn to boot! } 8... Nh5 { Now
I don't see a good move for White. On a general note, White's centre is
crumbling away. A combination of ...Nc6, ...Nxg3 and ...g4 will likely tear
down both the d- and e-pawn of our opponent. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

and 6.Nf3, while the tempting move 6.e5?! is dubious. } 6. Bxc4 { An
interesting move, playing in gambit style. After our reply 6...cxd4 White
will be a pawn down but have some compensation for it. } 6... cxd4 7. O-O {
As usual,7.e5?!h6 leads nowhere for White. Even more dubious would
be7.Nxd4?Qa5+8.Bd2Qc5, when we attack two minor pieces and the e4-pawn
simultaneously. } 7... Nc6 { We happily cover our extra pawn. We are still
not worried about8.e5, as8...h6 is a fine reply. } 8. Nbd2 h6 { It's
important to avoid the greedy8...e5?!, as9.Qb3 gives White dangerous
threats. Instead my recommendation 8...h6 9.Bh4 Be7 or the immediate
8...Be7 are more circumspect and fine for Black. } 9. Bh4 Be7 { Finally, we
are breaking the pin. Now playing ...e5 is more sensible than on move 8, as
we are ready to answer Qb3 with ...O-O now. } 10. e5 { A line like10.Rc1?e5
is good for Black, as11.Qb3O-O leads nowhere for White. } 10... Nd7 {
Here10...Nd5 is no mistake, either. I prefer to put more pressure on the
e5-pawn, though. } 11. Bxe7 Qxe7 12. Re1 O-O { I like Black's position. We
are still a pawn up, and White has no serious attack going. A good way to
continue is ...Rd8 and ...Nf8, clearing the way for ...Bd7. The knight is a
good defender of the kingside but may also jump to g6 soon to attack the
e5-pawn again. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

and 6.Nf3, while the tempting move 6.e5?! is dubious. } 6. Nc3 { This looks
like White's best move. The position after 6.Nc3 may also arise via
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4c56.Nf3, which is a move order we cover in
the current Chapter, too. } 6... cxd4 7. Qxd4 { A solid choice for White,
but it can't cause any trouble for us. We now reach an endgame/queenless
middlegame with equal chances. } 7... Qxd4 8. Nxd4 a6 { It makes sense to
play this first, stopping any possible knight jumps to b5. } 9. Bxc4 { At
first glance, this position does not look particularly exciting. An early
queen trade... is this going to be a boring draw? Hang on; we have an
interesting idea now. } 9... h6 { A useful move to insert. White needs to
move the bishop again, and there is no ideal square. } 10. Bd2 { This looks
best. It's wrong to give up the bishop pair by taking on f6,
while10.Bh4g511.Bg3b5, followed by ...Bb7, gives Black some active play.
Finally,10.Be3Ng4 and10.Bf4Nbd7 look awkward for White, too. } 10... Bc5 {
Developing with a gain of tempo looks good. } 11. Nb3 { The most natural
move. The knight looks more passive on c3, while11.Nf3 looks odd. White
would like to have the option to move the f-pawn, which is impossible after
the retreat to f3. } 11... Ba7 { This position offers equal chances, and it
is not dead boring. Our bishop is nicely positioned on a7, and we have
ideas based on the squares d4 and e5. Playing ...Nc6-e5 comes to mind, if
possible. White can stop this idea with12.f4, when12...Bd7 is a good setup.
} 12. f4 { As already mentioned, this is White's most active option. }
12... Bd7 { The move f2-f4 is active but weakens the e4-pawn. We prepare
...Bc6, putting some pressure on the central pawn. Alternatives
like12...b513.Bd3e5!? or 12...Ng4 are interesting, as well. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

and 6.Nf3, while the tempting move 6.e5?! is dubious. } 6. Nc3 { This looks
like White's best move. The position after 6.Nc3 may also arise via
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4c56.Nf3, which is a move order we cover in
the current Chapter, too. } 6... cxd4 7. Nxd4 { This is the more ambitious
move for White, keeping the queens on the board. } 7... Bc5 { White's e2-e4
push looks active, but it weakens the control over d4. The knight on d4
becomes unstable, allowing us to develop with a gain of tempo. I think
Black has good chances now, as White's position is not easy to handle.
First of all, what to do with the attacked knight? } 8. Be3 { Covering the
knight is probably most in line with 7.Nxd4, which avoided the queen trade.
Some alternatives are downright bad for White, like8.Ndb5Qb6, when we not
only threaten ...Bxf2+ but ...a6 as well. A similar idea occurs after
8.Qa4+Bd79.Qxc4Qb6, when the knight is under pressure. The relatively best
option is8.Nf3, but the endgame after8...Qxd1+ is comfortable for Black,
too. After9.Rxd1, many setups are good, like9...h610.Bf4a610.Bxc4b5, which
gives us an active position and play against the e4-pawn. } 8... Qb6 {
Increasing the pressure on d4 and b2. } 9. Qd2 { White covers b2 and
threatens Na4. The immediate9.Na4? fails due to9...Bb4+. } 9... Bd7 { We
stop Na4 and are now ready to play ...Ng4 with full effect. After9...Ng4?!
White still has10.Na4 to solve the immediate problems. } 10. Nc2 {
Or10.f3e5, which looks good for Black, too. We have an excellent play on
the dark squares and get a good spot for the bishop on e6. } 10... O-O {
There is nothing wrong with other moves, like 10...Nc6 or 10...Na6. I like
castling best, as ...Rd8 is certainly a move that will be annoying for
White to face. In any case, Black is in good shape here and has the easier
game, as White suffers from some weaknesses (d4, dark squares) and is not
well coordinated to cover them. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.Qa4+ #1"]
[Result "*"]

order. } 5. Qa4+ Nbd7 { There are many cases in this repertoire where Qa4+
is met with ...Bd7. Here 5...Nbd7 is a better choice. We'll regularly
manage to play a quick ...a6 and ...b5, setting up an extended queenside
fianchetto for our bishop. After 5...Nbd7, White mostly tries 6.e3 or 6.e4,
aiming for Bxc4. We'll also check 6.Qxc4, but we quickly obtain good play
against it, as the queen is vulnerable on c4. } 6. Qxc4 { A harmless move.
Our queenside play is even faster against the queen on c4. } 6... c5 { We'd
like to play ...c5, ...a6 and ...b5. You may also start with 6...a6 here. }
7. Nc3 a6 { We are ready to strike with ...b5 next. } 8. a4 $2 { An
instructive mistake. Black is also fine against other moves,
like8.dxc5Bxc5, with ...b5 and ...Bb7 next. } 8... b5 $1 { It's good to
know this tactical trick! We can play ...b5 anyway, as 9.axb5? axb5 wins
the house! } 9. axb5 $2 { Retreating9.Qb3 is just busted for White
after9...cxd410.Nxd4Nc5. } 9... axb5 { And White is completely lost on move
nine! } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

against it, as the queen is vulnerable on c4. } 6. e4 { White plays
aggressively and occupies the centre with both pawns. Now we need to be
aware of e4-e5, exploiting the pin. } 6... Be7 { It is actually possible to
play6...c5, as7.e5?h6 is fine for Black. Still, breaking the pin
with6...Be7 is a simple and effective reply. Now White's e-pawn is
attacked. Advancing with7.e5Nd5 looks awkward for White, as we get the
excellent square d5. Therefore7.Nc3 and7.Nbd2 are White's options. Against
both moves, I like the Stockfish suggestion of7...h6, a move that is rarely
played for no apparent reason. } 7. Nc3 h6 { Stockfish insists that this is
best, and it looks like a strong move. White needs to decide about the
bishop now, and8.Bh4?Nxe4! is a typical trick that wins a pawn for Black! }
8. Be3 { As mentioned8.Bh4?Nxe4! is a blunder. If White wants to keep the
bishop, going to e3 or f4 is the only option. In both cases, we'll get good
play with the standard expansion on the queenside. White can
play8.Bxf6Bxf6, but it is a substantial concession. A later ...c5 will open
up the position nicely for our dark-squared bishop. } 8... a6 9. Bxc4 O-O {
Now ...b5 is a real threat. We couldn't play it right away,
as9...b5?10.Bxb5 is possible. } 10. Qc2 { After10.O-O??b5!11.Bxb5Nb6, we
win a piece. } 10... b5 11. Bd3 c5 { We are tearing down White's centre
now. Note that ...h6 is a useful move here, as e4-e5 is less dangerous
(attack on h7). Black is in great shape now, for example after12.dxc5Ng4. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

play6...c5, as7.e5?h6 is fine for Black. Still, breaking the pin is a
simple and effective reply as it immediately creates a threat against the
e4-pawn. Advancing with7.e5Nd5 looks awkward for White, as we get the
excellent square d5. Therefore (7.Nc3 and 7.Nbd2 are White's options.
Against both moves, I like the Stockfish suggestion of 7...h6, a move that
is rarely played for no apparent reason.) } 7. Nbd2 h6 { Similar to
7.Nc3h6, I suggest inserting the h-pawn move first. } 8. Bh4 { This is bad,
but the reason is not so obvious. Better moves are 8.Be3 or 8.Bxf6, but we
can play against them in the same way as after 7.Nc3h6 - play for queenside
expansion and hit at White's centre with ...c5. } 8... c6 $1 { This looks
odd at first, but it is a strong move! Now White is in some trouble, as a
closer look reveals. We are threatening ...b5, so White needs to take the
c4-pawn... but how? Clearly9.Nxc4?? and9.Bxc4?? run into9...b5, winning a
piece. This leaves 9.Qxc4 and 9. Bxf6. Let's have a look. } 9. Bxf6 Bxf6 {
We still threaten ...b5, so White needs to grab the c-pawn. } 10. Nxc4 Be7
{ We cover d6 and renew the ...b5 threat. } 11. Qc2 b5 12. Ncd2 {
Here12.Nce5Bb4+ is rather embarrassing for White. } 12... Bb7 { And Black
is in great shape. We have the bishop pair, and White can't stop ...a6 and
...c5, activating both pieces. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

play6...c5, as7.e5?h6 is fine for Black. Still, breaking the pin
with6...Be7 is a simple and effective reply. Now White's e-pawn is
attacked. Advancing with7.e5Nd5 looks awkward for White, as we get the
excellent square d5. Therefore7.Nc3 and7.Nbd2 are White's options. Against
both moves, I like the Stockfish suggestion of7...h6, a move that is rarely
played for no apparent reason. } 7. Nbd2 h6 { Similar to 7.Nc3h6, I suggest
inserting the h-pawn move first. } 8. Bh4 { This is bad, but the reason is
not so obvious. Better moves are 8.Be3 or 8.Bxf6, but we can play against
them in the same way as after 7.Nc3h6 - play for queenside expansion and
hit at White's centre with ...c5. } 8... c6 $1 { This looks odd at first,
but it is a strong move! Now White is in some trouble, as a closer look
reveals. We are threatening ...b5, so White needs to take the c4-pawn...
but how? Clearly9.Nxc4?? and9.Bxc4?? run into9...b5, winning a piece. This
leaves 9.Qxc4 and 9. Bxf6. Let's have a look. } 9. Qxc4 Nxe4 $1 { This can
be easily overlooked. There is a similar tactic after 7.Nc3h68.Bh4Nxe4!,
but this tactical pattern is rarely seen with a knight on d2. The queen
needs to be on c4 for it to work. } 10. Bxe7 Nxd2 { And Black has won a
pawn and enjoys a huge advantage. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

against it, as the queen is vulnerable on c4. } 6. e3 { This looks like
White's best try. We already know that Black would like to expand with
...a6, ...b5 and ...c5. Still, we need to develop our kingside and castle
at some point. What move to start with? After checking it for a while, I
concluded that the move order is not very relevant. You can play 6...Be7
first, but also 6...a6 or 6...c5 are fine. I decided to recommend 6...Be7,
mainly because this is the move that we play against 6.e4, too. } 6... Be7
{ As mentioned, starting with 6...a6 or 6...c5 is fine, too. } 7. Bxc4 O-O
{ As before, the move order is flexible. You may also start with 7...a6 or
insert the move 7...h6. They are both equally good alternatives. } 8. Be2 {
White is concerned about ...Nb6 and moves the bishop to a safe spot. } 8...
a6 9. O-O b5 { Here9...c5 first also works fine. } 10. Qc2 c5 { And we have
completed the queenside expansion. Black has a fine position and at least
equal chances with natural moves like ...Bb7 and ...Qb6 next. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bf4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

holding the c-pawn. } 3. Nc3 { White starts their development with the
queen's knight, which is the most popular move. Putting additional pressure
on d5 certainly looks very natural. } 3... Nf6 { Very natural play. We
develop our knight to a good square and then decide how to continue. } 4.
Bf4 { Similar to other early Bf4 lines, this move is slightly premature.
Black has many good replies, and we already know what to do against ALL the
early Bf4/Bg5 sorties. } 4... dxc4 { Just take it! We follow our 'rule of
thumb', but for the sake of completeness I'd like to add that 4...c5 and
4...Bd6 work well, too. After our capture, White's best reply is 5.e3,
trying to get the pawn back in the most natural way. We won't make it easy
for White, though! } 5. e4 $6 { White wants to get the pawn back and build
a full centre. They also stop any ...Nd5 ideas, so there is some logic to
the move. Still, concrete play always beats abstract considerations. We
have a strong reply which proves 5.e4 is dubious. } 5... Bb4 $1 { Now White
is struggling to find a good reply. We attack the e4-pawn due to the pin,
but also prepare ...b5 to cover our c-pawn. } 6. f3 { Not a happy move, but
that's what White played most of the time when they had stumbled into this
dubious line. Stockfish recommends playing6.Bxc4Nxe47.Qd3Nxc38.bxc3Bd6,
when Black is a clean pawn up. If this is best, you know that White is in
trouble! If you look at some other options, like6.e5Ne4, or6.Qa4+Nc6, when
d4 and e4 is hanging, you tend to believe that being a pawn down is the
lesser evil for White. } 6... b5 { Make sure to cover the pawn! Now White
is in terrible shape. We are not only a pawn up, but the pawn on f3
severely hampers our opponent's development. } 7. a4 c6 { We'll continue
with a setup of ...O-O, ...Nbd7, ...Qb6 and are more or less winning
already. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bf4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

for White, though! } 5. Qa4+ $6 { A rare move, but I'd like to cover it
briefly. This Chapter also features the line 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc4,
when5.Qa4+ is answered with5...Nbd7. Playing the knight to d7 would not be
a mistake in the current position, but we have a much better reply. } 5...
c6 $1 { This is a strong move. Now White needs to take on c4; otherwise,
we'd play ...b5. After White's forced reply 6.Qxc4, the point of 5...c6! is
revealed. } 6. Qxc4 b5 { Again forcing the action. } 7. Qd3 { White needs
to go to the clumsy d3-square, as7.Qb3?Qxd4 loses a pawn. } 7... Ba6 $1 {
That's the important point about this line. We threaten ...b4 now, winning
a piece! White is in an awkward spot now. What to do about this simple
threat? The comp suggests 8.Bxb8, but Black is much better after this move.
Still, an alternative like8.Qd1b49.Na4Qa5 is excellent for Black, too. We
just have a strong initiative because White has lost a lot of time with
queen moves. It is useful to compare this line to
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.Qa4+. I recommend 5...Nbd7, as5...c66.Qxc4b5
can be comfortably answered with7.Qc2. White's d-pawn is covered, and
...b5-b4 won't hit a knight on c3. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bf4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

for White, though! } 5. e3 { By far the most popular and natural move.
White wants to regain the pawn with the bishop. Now we have a convenient
choice between several good moves. } 5... c5 { Attacking the d4-pawn is a
logical choice and similar to 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e3c5. As
mentioned on the note to the previous move, Black has a whole list of good
moves. You may also play5...Bd6, which gives equal chances
after6.Bxd6Qxd67.Bxc4O-O8.Nf3c5, or examine the quirky5...b5!?. This
invites complications after6.Nxb5Bb4+7.Nc3Nd5, which seems fine for Black,
too. It's always good to have alternatives, and5...b5 looks like good fun
to irritate your opponent. I went for5...c5 because it gives equal chances
without having to know any additional tactical lines. } 6. Bxc4 cxd4 7.
exd4 Nc6 { We play in exactly the same way against
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e3c56.Bxc4cxd47.exd4Nc6. As we will see,
transposing into this variation is quite likely - hang on! } 8. Nf3 Bd6 {
We have created an isolated pawn in our opponent's camp and would like to
trade as many minor pieces as possible to exploit this weakness in a
simplified position or an endgame. } 9. Bg5 { White's best try.
After9.Bxd6?!Qxd610.O-OO-O we are ready to play ...Rd8 next, which puts
serious pressure on the weak d-pawn. } 9... Be7 { And we have indeed
transposed to 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e3c56.Bxc4cxd47.exd4Nc6. This
is a simple and good solution, but a quick note that Stockfish also
suggests9...h6, intending10.Bh4g5!?11.Bg3Bxg312.fxg3g4, snatching the pawn
on d4 next. After some complications, this seems to lead to equal chances,
too. As this course is called 'Keep it Simple' and not 'Make it murky', I
decided against this line. It is still fun to explore if you are
interested. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3 Nf6 4.Bg5 dxc4 5.e4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

Bg5 { White pins our knight and thus again increases the pressure on the
d5-pawn. In the early days of the Queen's Gambit, White almost always
played this move, for example in the famous Capablanca-Alekhine World
Championship Match in 1927. The move has remained popular to the present
day, but it is not as frequently seen on the top level anymore. Strong GMs
usually prefer the Carlsbad/ Exchange Variation 4.cxd5 or play 4.Nf3,
waiting with the development of the c1-bishop. So why is 4.Bg5 regarded as
less critical at the top level? The main reason is that White is getting
nowhere in the Classical continuation4...Be7. White has little success
against: A) 5.e3h66.Bh4O-O7.Nf3Ne4 (the Lasker Variation) B)
5.e3h66.Bh4O-O7.Nf3b6 (the Tartakower Variation) C)
5.e3h66.Bh4O-O7.Nf3Nbd7, as popularized by Kramnik. Yet, I am not
recommending any of them in this course 😃. The reason is not the quality
of the lines; they are all excellent choices. At a later stage, you may
consider adding them to your repertoire, exploring new ground. However, I
concluded that 4...dxc4!? is a much simpler solution and gives Black equal
chances, too. Therefore it is a great pick for this course. Let's have a
look at this less explored but interesting option for Black. } 4... dxc4 {
Again, we take the pawn on c4. In the notes to 4.Bg5, I already mentioned
that Black has many reasonable alternatives to the capture. Being flexible
is always useful if you intend to use your repertoire framework for a long
time. You can keep your core variations but make small adjustments if you
wish. Let's explore White's options after the capture now. For many
opponents, our move will come as a surprise. We'll examine 5.e3 and 5.e4 in
the current Chapter, while5.Nf3 is well met by5...a6!, which we examine via
the more common move order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.Bg5dxc4!, which is
covered in a dedicated Chapter and gives Black good play. } 5. e4 { After
5.e4, we have a choice between 5...c5 and 5...b5. What to play? } 5... c5 {
I recommend 5...c5 here. This fits very well with the line
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4c56.Nc3, which is also part of our
repertoire. Now the natural move 6.Nf3 would transpose to the mentioned
line. This is very likely to happen, but we'll have a look at other options
for White, too. Before we get into this, a quick word about the
move5...b5!?. This is a playable move! The pawn on b5 is hanging,
but6.Nxb5Bb4+7.Nc3c5 leads to more or less unexplored complications. I
decided against this line for conceptual reasons (KIS), not because I
regard it as dubious. It can be fun to explore and add to your repertoire
at a later stage. } 6. d5 { Advancing the attacked pawn is White's main
move. As mentioned before,6.Nf3 leads to a position that we examine via the
move order 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4c56.Nc3. In faster time
controls, White often plays the blunder6.e5?, when6...cxd47.exf6gxf6 leads
to a winning position for Black. We are three pawns up and and have an
amazing pawn roller in the centre. } 6... Be7 { It's best to break the pin
with the bishop now. We'd like to take on d5, opening our c8-bishop.
However, after6...exd57.Bxf6Qxf68.Nxd5 we are losing time with queen moves.
Playing the bishop to e7 first prepares the capture under more favourable
circumstances. Now we'll have a look at 7.Bxc4 and 7.Bxf6. } 7. Bxf6 {
White gives up the bishop pair. This does not look very logical, but our
opponent might fear lines like7.Bxc4Nxd5!?. We are not going to play this
particular variation, but it can be irritating for White. } 7... Bxf6 8.
Bxc4 exd5 9. Bxd5 { Or9.Qxd5Qe7, when I'd rather be Black, too.
After9.Nxd5Bxb2, White has no adequate compensation. } 9... O-O { I prefer
Black in this position. Our f6-bishop is tremendous, and ...Nc6 and ...Be6
are natural moves to play next. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

covered in a dedicated Chapter and gives Black good play. } 5. e4 { After
5.e4, we have a choice between 5...c5 and 5...b5. What to play? } 5... c5 {
I recommend 5...c5 here. This fits very well with the line
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4c56.Nc3, which is also part of our
repertoire. Now the natural move 6.Nf3 would transpose to the mentioned
line. This is very likely to happen, but we'll have a look at other options
for White, too. Before we get into this, a quick word about the
move5...b5!?. This is a playable move! The pawn on b5 is hanging,
but6.Nxb5Bb4+7.Nc3c5 leads to more or less unexplored complications. I
decided against this line for conceptual reasons (KIS), not because I
regard it as dubious. It can be fun to explore and add to your repertoire
at a later stage. } 6. d5 { Advancing the attacked pawn is White's main
move. As mentioned before,6.Nf3 leads to a position that we examine via the
move order 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc45.e4c56.Nc3. In faster time
controls, White often plays the blunder6.e5?, when6...cxd47.exf6gxf6 leads
to a winning position for Black. We are three pawns up and and have an
amazing pawn roller in the centre. } 6... Be7 { It's best to break the pin
with the bishop now. We'd like to take on d5, opening our c8-bishop.
However, after6...exd57.Bxf6Qxf68.Nxd5 we are losing time with queen moves.
Playing the bishop to e7 first prepares the capture under more favourable
circumstances. Now we'll have a look at 7.Bxc4 and 7.Bxf6. } 7. Bxc4 { The
move 7.Nf3 is very similar to 7.Bxc4, as 7.Nf3exd58.exd5O-O9.Bxc4h6 is a
very natural way to transpose to 7.Bxc4. } 7... exd5 { Black also
has7...Nxd5!?, which may lead to8.Bb5+Bd79.exd5Bxg510.dxe6. It looks messy,
but at the end of the hacking, it will be about equal. Taking with the pawn
on d5 looks more combative to me, but this is primarily a matter of taste.
} 8. exd5 { Here8.Bxf6Bxf6 leads to theprevious trainable and is fine for
Black. } 8... O-O $1 { A normal-looking move, but it is clearly best! You
shouldn't play8...h6, as9.Bf4Bd6 (otherwise d5-d6 is the problem)10.Qe2+!
is awkward for Black. } 9. Nf3 h6 { A precise move, asking the bishop about
its intentions. } 10. Bf4 { This looks like the most logical move.
After10.Bh4?!Nxd5!11.Qxd5Bxh4 Black wins a pawn, so retreats along the
c1-f4 diagonal are the options. } 10... Bd6 { White was threatening d5-d6.
} 11. Bxd6 Qxd6 { It is also possible to play11...Re8+!?, when12.Be5Nbd7
will regain the piece. Both moves lead to equal chances. } 12. O-O Nbd7 {
Our intended setup involves ...Nb6, followed by ...Bg4 or ...Bd7. Clearly,
this position is all about the d-pawn. Our queen is not an ideal blockading
piece, but a later ...Nb6-c8-d6 is a noteworthy idea to change that. White
also needs to be careful to hold the pawn in the first place, as we will
attack it multiple times (...Nb6 and ...Rd8 are coming soon). } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

covered in a dedicated Chapter and gives Black good play. } 5. e3 c5 { Here
the move 5...c5 is the only sensible choice. After5...b5?6.Nxb5 Black
doesn't get enough compensation for the pawn. After5...c5 White usually
plays6.Bxc4, when6...cxd4 leads to an Isolated Queen's pawn (IQP).
Sometimes they also play6.Nf3, intending to answer6...cxd4 with7.Nxd4,
which avoids the IQP. } 6. Nf3 { White intends to recapture on d4 with the
knight, avoiding the IQP. } 6... cxd4 7. Nxd4 { Instead,7.exd4Nc68.Bxc4Be7
would lead to the IQP position usually reached via
6.Bxc4cxd47.exd4Nc68.Nf3Be7. White may play 7.Qxd4, but it's very harmless
after7...Qxd48.Nxd4, when - amongst others8...Bd79.Bxc4Bb4 gives Black an
easy game. The move ...Bb4 introduces the idea ...Bxc3+, unbalancing the
pawn structure. } 7... e5 { I suggest playing this active move, attacking
the knight immediately. It is also possible to play more slowly. The
alternative7...Be78.Bxc4O-O9.O-OBd7 and ...Nc6 next is fine, too. White
only has a marginal edge in this type of position. However, White's choice
of 7.Nxd4 suggests that they are after a slower, positional game. After our
reply 7...e5 it's getting a bit sharper, avoiding this type of position.
Now 8.Bxf6 and 8.Ndb5 are the critical moves to check. } 8. Nf3 { A solid
move, but it's harmless. } 8... Qxd1+ 9. Rxd1 Nc6 10. Bxc4 { We don't need
to fear10.Nb5, as10...Bb4+ gives us the crucial tempo to play ...O-O and
avoid the fork. } 10... Bb4 { A very natural sequence of moves. Black has
an easy game, intending ...Bxc3 next. This increases the control over d5
and avoids a possible Nd5 after White's O-O. After taking on c3, we'll have
...Bf5 and ...Rc8 next, giving us a harmonious position. White has the
bishop pair, but we have the better pawn structure. Note that a possible
white doubled c-pawn would be much easier for us to attack, than a doubled
f-pawn on our end. The c-pawn would be on an open file, our f-pawns are
not. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

Now 8.Bxf6 and 8.Ndb5 are the critical moves to check. } 8. Bxf6 { White
removes the defender of the light squares, in particular of d5. We now need
to be alert! } 8... gxf6 $1 { A crucial move! after8...Qxf6?9.Nd5 or9.Ndb5
White's knights invade with devastating effect. } 9. Ndb5 { Our development
is lacking, and White threatens Nd5. We are still fine with precise play,
though. } 9... a6 { That's the problem for White. The b5-knight is
attacked, and there is only one way to continue now. } 10. Qa4 { The only
move available.10.Na3?b5 is awful
and10.Qxd8+Kxd811.O-O-O+Nd712.Nd6Bxd613.Rxd6Ke714.Rd2b5 is a simple
sequence that secures Black's extra pawn and a clear advantage. } 10... Bd7
{ Or10...Nc611.Rd1Bd7, which leads to the same position. } 11. O-O-O Nc6 {
I know this is a rather long sequence of moves, but it is quite forced.
That makes it easier to remember. } 12. Nd6+ { Again, a forced move. }
12... Bxd6 13. Rxd6 b5 { We keep our extra pawn with a tempo gain. This
material advantage is only temporary, though. } 14. Qd1 Qc7 $1 { This move
is the reason why we needed to continue to move 14. Only 14...Qc7 gives
Black good chances, as now 15.Nd5??Qxd6 and 15.Ne4?O-O-O! is possible.
White can regain the pawn with15.Rxf6, but after15...Be6, we are fine with
...Nb4 to come. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

Now 8.Bxf6 and 8.Ndb5 are the critical moves to check. } 8. Ndb5 {
Certainly more critical than 8.Nf3. White intends to play Bxf6 and Nd5,
which is a serious threat. We only have one good reply! } 8... a6 $1 { By
far the best move. } 9. Qa4 { Here9.Bxf6gxf6! would transpose to the8.Bxf6
gxf6 9.Ndb5 a6 line. White needs to avoid9.Qxd8+?Kxd8, when they have to
move the b5-knight soon, allowing ...b5 with a clear advantage for Black. }
9... Bd7 10. O-O-O { Again10.Bxf6gxf6 would transpose to8.Bxf6. } 10... Be7
$1 { A crucial difference to the similar position after
8.Bxf6gxf69.Ndb5a610.Qa4Bd711.O-O-O,
when11...Nc612.Nd6+Bxd613.Rxd6b514.Qd1Qc7! is fine for Black. The same
approach wouldn't work here, as10...Nc6?11.Nd6+Bxd612.Rxd6b513.Qd1 leads to
insurmountable problems. After13...Qc7 White kills with14.Rxf6!, showing a
crucial difference. All this pain is avoided with 10...Be7! when it is
instead White who needs to be precise. } 11. Bxf6 { White has to take now.
If we manage ...O-O, White's initiative will come to a halt, and the
queenside situation blows up in their face. The knight on b5 is pinned and
has no good square to go to. } 11... gxf6 { We need to
avoid11...Bxf6?12.Nd6+, of course. Now White is struggling to find a way to
resolve the queenside tension. Stockfish points out that 12.Be2 is the only
good move, but Black has equal chances in several ways. Moves like12...f5!?
or12...Qb6!? come to mind. This is still interesting to check, but we are
quite deep down the rabbit hole. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

which avoids the IQP. } 6. Bxc4 cxd4 { We create the famous Isolated
queen's pawn (IQP), setting the stage for the arising middle game. } 7.
exd4 Nc6 { And, just like magic, we have transposed to the Caro Kann Panov!
Wait... how did this happen? In the Caro-Kann the sequence is
1.e4c62.d4d53.exd5cxd54.c4Nf65.Nc3Nc66.Bg5dxc47.Bxc4e6, reaching exactly
the same position. This 'merge' of two lines into one is a nice way of
reducing workload. On a general note: it's a remarkable transposition, but
it shows that our defences against 1.e4 and 1.d4 are somewhat related. We
also have the interesting case that we essentially play the Carlsbad
structure from both sides, as the Exchange Caro-Kann and the QGD Exchange
are the same structure. Back to the position at hand. I examine this
position in detail in the Caro-Kann Chapter, as it is more commonly reached
via this move order. Please continue your study in the Panov chapter if
you'd like more information about it. } *
[Event "9. Queen's Gambit: The Tricky 4...a6"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "9. Queen's Gambit: The Tricky 4...a6"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 3. Nc3 Nf6 4. Nf3 { After 4.Nf3, we have reached a key

position. It's Black's move, and there is an unbelievable range of options
to choose from. It's remarkable how many fully viable lines Black can play.
This abundance of possibilities makes it difficult for White to be
adequately prepared, as they have to consider so many options. When I
started constructing this repertoire, one goal of mine was to include this
position. Being able to play into it as Black gives you enormous
flexibility for a long time. You can play the system I recommend, but
you'll have tons of alternatives if ever desired. Alright, what do I
recommend for Black now? It is the move 4...a6!?, which is probably not the
first move you thought of. Black's is playing a small flank pawn move;
isn't there something more pressing to do? Well, I see the point, but hang
on! In the notes to 4...a6, I'll make my case why I think it is an
excellent choice. Before we put the move on the board, I'll quickly want to
give you an overview of possible alternatives that you may consider at a
later stage, with a brief description. A) 4...Be7 - The Classical line.
Safe, sound, solid B) 4...Bb4 - The Ragozin. A Nimzo-Queen's Gambit Hybrid.
Together with FM Daniel Barrish, I created a Chessable LTR on it. C)
4...Nbd7 - A flexible move that still may transpose to A or B. D) 4...c6 -
The Semi-Slav. A mix of solid and dynamic lines, quite flexible. E) 4...c5
- The Semi-Tarrasch. A super-safe line that may lead to early
simplifications. F) 4...dxc4 - The Vienna. Black takes the pawn and starts
more concrete play. Considered to be primarily tactical and requires good
memorization. Most of the lines are covered on Chessable or might be in the
future. Now let's check why I like the move 4...a6. } 4... a6 {
Constructing a complete repertoire for Black usually works like this: you
know that you like certain lines and ideas, and then you construct the rest
around these cornerstones. In the case of this course, I knew straight away
that I wanted to include the main crossroads position after
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3 and that4...a6 would be my pick. Why? I became
aware of the move while watching Magnus Carlsen playing online Blitz/Rapid
games. Magnus has played the line often, with great success. In my
database, he scored seven wins and nine draws with Black - zero losses!
That caught people's attention, and many players followed suit. The line
has gained in popularity and has been employed successfully by many strong
players. But now, let's talk about what the little pawn move does. Clearly,
it does not contribute to development, but it rather serves a more concrete
purpose: we are enforcing the idea to take the c4-pawn and supporting it
with the move ...b5. This comes into play after the natural move5.Bg5dxc4!,
when6.e3b5 or6.e4b5 demonstrate our idea. In these lines, White is already
fighting for equality! Let's have an overview of White's possible replies
worth checking. A) 5.e3 - A conservative move that covers the c-pawn, but
it's rather passive. I suggest answering it with5...Nbd7. This transposes
to the line1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3a65.Nc3Nbd7, which is examined in the
Queen's Gambit Sidelines Chapter. B) 5.Bg5 and 5.Bf4 fail to react to our
threat of taking c4! We grab the pawn, starting fun complications. In those
lines, it's often White instead of Black who needs to be careful. C) 5.c5
seeks to gain space on the queenside. As usual, we attack this advanced
pawn with5...b6. This line is interesting, but Black is holding their own
nicely. D) 5.cxd5exd5 leads to a Carlsbad structure and is White's most
popular and likely best move. This overview already hints at why I like the
4...a6 variation. Line A is harmless, B scores heavily for Black and is fun
to play, C is fine for Black and does not require much effort to learn.
Finally, line D leads to the Carlsbad structure, a pawn formation that is a
cornerstone of our repertoire anyway, as we can reach it in various
versions. This part of the current chapter will have some comparisons and
references to the Carlsbad chapter ('We have reached a position similar to
X' or a 'favourable version of Y'). I, therefore, recommend that you have
had a look at the Carlsbad chapter before studying line D, as it makes it
easier to understand. The move 4...a6 will often come as a surprise for
White, mainly if you play at the club level or compete in online speed
chess. For titled players or Pros, the move 4...a6 has become a mainline in
recent years, and White will know how to meet it. At lower levels, you'll
have a massive knowledge gap: you know the course contents presented here,
while White often won't know a thing! } 5. Bg5 { A very natural move and a
very common reply to other 4th moves by Black. Here are some examples:
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3Be75.Bg5 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3Nbd75.Bg5
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3c65.Bg5 Often, White players might not appreciate
that 4...a6 is precisely directed against 5.Bg5, and they'll just play the
move they would go for in other cases. A great point of our line 4...a6 is
that 5.Bg5 is now met with a powerful answer. } 5... dxc4 $1 { We grab the
pawn and are ready to cover it with ...b5, the point of playing ...a6 that
early. After 5...dxc4 White needs to be careful to avoid serious trouble,
as many natural-looking continuations are dubious. One example is the
line6.e4b57.e5, which might easily net us a quick win if White is not
careful. After the capture, White has mostly tried the moves 6.a4, 6.e4 and
6.e3. Let's have a look. } 6. e4 { White grabs as much central space as
possible. The arising positions look a lot like the Botvinnik System of the
Semi-Slav, but with Black having played ...a6 instead of ...c6. The
Botvinnik arises after 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3c65.Bg5dxc4,
when6.e4b57.e5h68.Bh4g59.Nxg5hxg510.Bxg5Nbd7 is the mainline. It turns out
that our version is essentially an 'Enhanced Botvinnik', as ...a6 does a
similar job as ...c6 (covering b5), but ...Bb7 will be much more powerful,
as the long diagonal is open. These general observations are useful, but
the position will turn very sharp soon, so we need to check concrete
variations. } 6... b5 { We cover the pawn and ask White: what now? Their
choice is minimal. If we get to play ...Be7 and ...Bb7, we are just a pawn
up and have pressure on e4, as ...b4 is a constant worry. The only moves to
check now are the critical 7.e5 and 7.a4, which attack our queenside pawn
chain. } 7. a4 { White attacks our pawn chain and avoids e4-e5 for the
moment. } 7... Bb7 $1 { This move highlights a key difference to the
Botvinnik Variation: our bishop enjoys an open diagonal, putting pressure
on e4. In the Botvinnik after
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3c65.Bg5dxc46.e4b57.a4 the c-pawn closes the long
diagonal. } 8. axb5 { White can play 8.e5, which amounts to a worse version
of 7.e5. The insertion of the moves a4 and ...Bb7 benefits Black, as a
sample line like8.e5h69.Bh4g510.Nxg5hxg511.Bxg5Nbd712.exf6b413.Ne2c5
demonstrates. White is in terrible shape in this position. } 8... axb5 9.
Rxa8 Bxa8 10. Nxb5 { White wants to get the pawn back, but the resulting
position is excellent for Black. } 10... Bxe4 11. Bxc4 Bb4+ { We develop
the bishop with a tempo and castle next. } 12. Nc3 O-O { White is in some
trouble here, as13.O-OBxf314.Qxf3Qxd4 loses a pawn. The pressure on d4 is
awkward and can easily be increased with ...Nc6, for example,
after13.Be2Nc614.Be3Nd515.Qc1Nde7, when the d4-pawn is doomed. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

chain. } 7. a4 { White attacks our pawn chain and avoids e4-e5 for the
moment. } 7... Bb7 $1 { This move highlights a key difference to the
Botvinnik Variation: our bishop enjoys an open diagonal, putting pressure
on e4. In the Botvinnik after
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3c65.Bg5dxc46.e4b57.a4 the c-pawn closes the long
diagonal. } 8. axb5 { White can play 8.e5, which amounts to a worse version
of 7.e5. The insertion of the moves a4 and ...Bb7 benefits Black, as a
sample line like8.e5h69.Bh4g510.Nxg5hxg511.Bxg5Nbd712.exf6b413.Ne2c5
demonstrates. White is in terrible shape in this position. } 8... axb5 9.
Rxa8 Bxa8 10. e5 h6 11. Bd2 { The typical sequence11.Bh4g5 is fine for
Black, as usual in this line. The move 11.Bd2 is stronger, as White will
regain the b5-pawn. } 11... Nd5 12. Nxb5 Nb6 { The final move to keep in
mind. We cover the c4-pawn and enjoy a good position. Our a8-bishop is
powerful, and we will have eternal control of the d5-square. Also, note
that we can build up pressure against d4, for example, with ...Nc6-e7-f5. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

chain. } 7. e5 { The critical move, utilizing the pin. } 7... h6 { The
counterattack on the bishop is the only way to save material. We enter some
fascinating complications now that are not exactly 'Simple'. Given the
course title, entering lines like that is always a tough decision for an
author. In this specific case, there are good arguments in favour of
allowing this line (when playing 4...a6, you already 'have signed up' for
it, by the way). First of all, it's objectively good for Black. White might
equalize with perfect play, but it's tough. We know the line; White most
likely doesn't. If they'd known it, they wouldn't enter it in the first
place. Finally, a good chess player needs to be somewhat versatile. Yes,
it's OK to like positional and strategic chess, but having some sharp sound
lines in your repertoire is fun and beneficial for general chess
improvement. } 8. Bh4 { No choice, as8.Bxf6gxf6 gives Black the bishop pair
on top of the extra pawn. } 8... g5 { Again, a forced move. } 9. Nxg5 {
Here8.exf6gxh4 is fantastic for Black. We'll pick up f6 and are material
up, and White has nothing to show for the losses. } 9... hxg5 10. Bxg5 Nbd7
{ This whole sequence after 7.e5 was more or less forced. This is a good
moment for a comparison to the Botvinnik System. In the Botvinnik a similar
position is reached:
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3c65.Bg5dxc46.e4b57.e5h68.Bh4g59.Nxg5hxg510.Bxg5Nbd7.
The only difference is that we have ...a6 played instead of ...c6. This
difference is substantial, as our bishop on b7 will enjoy an open diagonal.
In the Botvinnik, White has two main moves: 11.exf6 and 11.g3. In our line,
the move 11.g3? is just awful, as11...Bb7 clearly shows. The only good
moves for White are 11.exf6 or 11.Be2, intending Bf3. I had a look at
online games that reached the current position and found that 11.Ne4?? has
been frequently played by White. Black can refute it in many ways,
but11...Bb4+ is good enough... White has no good reply. The move 11.Qf3?!
is not quite as bad, but still dubious because of11...Rb812.exf6Bb7, which
gains a useful tempo. } 11. exf6 { White regains the piece, a very natural
choice. } 11... Bb7 12. d5 $6 { Here12.Be2 looks best, whichwe cover via
11.Be2Bb712.exf6. The move 12.d5 tries to exploit the absence of a c6-pawn,
but ultimately only leads to trouble for White. } 12... Nc5 { We attack the
d5-pawn and cover e6, enabling us to answer13.dxe6 with13...Nxe6. } 13.
dxe6 Nxe6 14. Qxd8+ Rxd8 { This endgame is great for Black. Our pieces are
extremely active, and White's extra pawn on f6 is not relevant. Very
likely, it will drop at some point due to lack of support. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 #4"]
[Result "*"]

gains a useful tempo. } 11. Be2 { White can't play11.g3?Bb7, so they try to
reach the diagonal by different means. } 11... Bb7 { We have reached a
critical position for the whole 5.Bg5 dxc4! Variation. Now White's best
move is 12.exf6, which still keeps them in the game. I'd rather be Black,
but objectively speaking, White seems to be alright. However, if White
plays 11.Be2 to continue with 12.Bf3, this move is met by a tremendous
blow. } 12. exf6 { White's best move, but not very likely to happen. If
they play 11.Be2, the next move will be 12.Bf3, the consistent move. A more
probable way to reach this position is 11.exf6Bb712.Be2, which feels more
natural. } 12... Bh6 { Black has a ton of interesting alternatives, like
12...b4, 12...Bxg2 or 12...Nxf6. I think 12...Bh6 is a good solution and
easy to play. After the trade on h6, we regain f6 and reach an interesting
position with chances for both sides. } 13. Bxh6 Rxh6 14. Bf3 { There's no
reasonable alternative for White, as we attacked g3. } 14... Bxf3 15. Qxf3
Rxf6 { We have regained the pawn with a tempo. } 16. Qe3 Nb6 { Connecting
the knight to the great d5-square. White needed to navigate a minefield to
get here, so I am happy to play this unconventional position. We control d5
and will often castle queenside. We have advanced pawns on this side of the
board, but White is far from engineering any attack on our king. In fact,
White will likely castle kingside, and we have plenty of open files there
for our own attacking ambitions. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 #5"]
[Result "*"]

blow. } 12. Bf3 { This is the position you want to get on the board after
5.Bg5 dxc4 - now we get to play a cool move! } 12... Nxe5 $1 { Boom! That's
a fun move to play... and it will certainly come as a nasty surprise! Black
is now much better in all lines, but the only one worth exploring further
is 13.Bxb7, which we cover in thefollowing trainable. Objectively speaking,
13.dxe5 is White's best move, but our advantage against it is rather simple
to prove. } 13. dxe5 { White objectively best defence, but we are
comfortably better against it, too. } 13... Qxd1+ 14. Rxd1 Bxf3 15. gxf3 {
Here15.Bxf6Bxg2 doesn't help White, either. } 15... Nd7 16. f4 Nc5 { We
have a great endgame due to the monstrous knight that will land on d3. Our
pawn majority on the queenside is much more dangerous than White's h-pawn.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e4 #6"]
[Result "*"]

blow. } 12. Bf3 { This is the position you want to get on the board after
5.Bg5 dxc4 - now we get to play a cool move! } 12... Nxe5 $1 { Boom! That's
a fun move to play... and it will certainly come as a nasty surprise! Black
is now much better in all lines, but the only one worth exploring further
is 13.Bxb7, which we cover in thefollowing trainable. Objectively speaking,
13.dxe5 is White's best move, but our advantage against it is rather simple
to prove. } 13. Bxb7 { By engine standards, White is probably lost after
this move. For Humans, however, things remain complicated. } 13... Nd3+ 14.
Kf1 { It's fascinating to analyze this position. In ultra-sharp situations,
very often, there is only one playable move. Here this is not the case;
Black has many tempting options. } 14... Rb8 { This move looks like it's
the most manageable for a human player, and it gives Black a large
advantage. Stockfish actually evaluates14...Bh6 as even slightly stronger,
but the complications after this move are mind-boggling. I didn't want to
flood you with lines up to move 20 but wanted a simpler solution - and
14...Rb8 is good enough. Still, it's a lot of fun to analyze 14...Bh6 - if
you are interested, give it a go on your own. } 15. Bc6+ Ke7 { Our king is
surprisingly safe on e7. The main feature of the position is our monster
knight on d3, which is a terrible nuisance for White. } 16. Qe2 { This
looks best, as White threatens Nd5+. Against other moves, we often have
...Bh6, getting the passive bishop in play, for example after16.Be3Bh6. }
16... Bg7 17. Qe3 Kf8 { Now we are ready to unpin with ...Qd6 and have a
substantial advantage, thanks to the d3-octopus. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

6.e3. Let's have a look. } 6. e3 { Clearly less testing than 6.e4. Our
response remains the same: cover the pawn with ...b5! } 6... b5 7. a4 {
White needs to get some concrete play on the road and attacks our b5-pawn.
Against slow moves, we develop (...Bb7, ...Nbd7 and ultimately ...c5) and
are much better. Instead of 7.a4, White could also play7.Bxf6, which we
answer with7...gxf6! The doubled pawn is no weakness and helps to cover the
important e5-square. We also need the queen in the centre and on the
queenside. Throughout the next moves, White may always insert Bxf6, which
we always answer with ...gxf6! } 7... c6 { At first, you'd think that White
now can take twice on b5, as there is a pin on the a-file. Well, we have a
cunning idea prepared against this... } 8. axb5 cxb5 { Now we'll check
9.Nxb5 and 9.Bxf6 - both will be answered with a powerful exchange
sacrifice. } 9. Bxf6 gxf6 { We always take with the pawn. Here9...Qxf6?? is
particularly off due to10.Nxb5, when we can't sacrifice the exchange and
are more or less lost. } 10. Nxb5 axb5 { That's the big point of our
concept. We give up the exchange in return for a powerful initiative. } 11.
Rxa8 Bb4+ { Starting with11...Bb7 and ...Bb4+ next is just as good and
transposes. } 12. Nd2 Bb7 13. Ra1 e5 { Black has great compensation for the
exchange. It's tough to play White's position, as the knight is stuck in an
annoying pin and Black's bishops are monsters. } 14. Qh5 { This move can be
irritating. In some games, Black players didn't find the best reply. Here
is some info about possible alternatives to illustrate the ideas. A)
14.dxe5?fxe5 is awful for White. The simple plan ...Nd7-c5-b3 is crushing
(amongst others...) B) 14.Be2exd415.O-Odxe316.Nf3exf2+17.Kh1 is the
engine's best try at defence for White. We have three pawns for the
exchange and are not concerned about this scenario. White has avoided
Checkmate, though! } 14... Bc6 $1 { Not exactly an intuitive move, but
quickly pointed out by Stockfish. We couldn't take d4, as b5 was hanging
with check - the bishop move renews the threat, and White has no great way
to continue. White probably has to try15.Qh4,
when15...exd416.Qxd4Qxd4!17.exd4O-O18.Be2Rd819.Rd1Rxd4 gives Black a
substantial advantage. It is instructive to see that our initiative
persists even after the queen trade. The pin is just an incredible nuisance
for White! } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.e3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

6.e3. Let's have a look. } 6. e3 { Clearly less testing than 6.e4. Our
response remains the same: cover the pawn with ...b5! } 6... b5 7. a4 {
White needs to get some concrete play on the road and attacks our b5-pawn.
Against slow moves, we develop (...Bb7, ...Nbd7 and ultimately ...c5) and
are much better. Instead of 7.a4, White could also play7.Bxf6, which we
answer with7...gxf6! The doubled pawn is no weakness and helps to cover the
important e5-square. We also need the queen in the centre and on the
queenside. Throughout the next moves, White may always insert Bxf6, which
we always answer with ...gxf6! } 7... c6 { At first, you'd think that White
now can take twice on b5, as there is a pin on the a-file. Well, we have a
cunning idea prepared against this... } 8. axb5 cxb5 { Now we'll check
9.Nxb5 and 9.Bxf6 - both will be answered with a powerful exchange
sacrifice. } 9. Nxb5 axb5 { That's the big point of our concept. We give up
the exchange in return for a powerful initiative. } 10. Rxa8 Bb4+ {
Starting with10...Bb7 and ...Bb4+ next is just as good and transposes. }
11. Nd2 Bb7 12. Ra1 { White could insert12.Bxf6gxf6, transposing to 9.Bxf6
in thecurrent chapter. } 12... e5 { Black has huge compensation for the
material. How should White defend? It's very tricky to navigate.
After13.Bxf6, both13...Qxf6 and13...gxf6 are fine. Taking with the pawn
transposes to9.Bxf6, when the capture on f6 happened earlier. } 13. Be2 {
This move loses straight away, but the refutation is not obvious at all. A
more obvious line is13.dxe5Bxd2+14.Qxd2Qxd2+15.Kxd2Ne4+, when we pick up
the g5-bishop. } 13... Qd5 $3 { This move is amazingly strong! We threaten
...Qxg2 and ...exd4 at the same time - the queen on d5 has an eye on the
g5-bishop, too! } 14. Bf3 e4 { And Black is crashing through.
After15.Bxf6exf316.Bxg7fxg217.Rg1Rg8 White's position is hopelessly
discombobulated (yes, I needed to get this word in once!). } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.a4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

6.e3. Let's have a look. } 6. a4 { White is concerned about ...b5 and
invests a move to stop it. We have a strong reply that is rather
non-typical in our repertoire, so it's worth particular notice. } 6... Nc6
$1 { In almost all cases, we want to play ...c5 at some point to attack the
d-pawn. Here we place the knight in front of the c-pawn, but there is a
method to this madness. We plan to play ...Na5!, covering the c4-pawn, and
later still have ...c5 available. The knight on a5 is not just covering c4
but also having an eye on the weak b3-square, which is an important bonus.
} 7. e4 $6 { I am tempted to even use the question mark here instead of
'?!'. White plays actively, but after 7...Na5 Black is better. } 7... Na5
8. e5 { Compared to 7.e3, White has no way to regain the pawn. They can't
play8.Ne5?, as8...Nb3 highlights a key issue of 7.e4 - the d4-pawn is weak
and falls. Pushing 8.e5 is the only interesting try, as otherwise we'd just
break the pin with ...Be7 and would be a pawn up for nothing. } 8... h6 {
Just as after 6.e4b57.e5h6, this counterattacking idea defuses the pin. }
9. Bh4 g5 10. Nxg5 Nd5 $1 { This move is even stronger than the
routine10...hxg5. If you don't remember 10...Nd5!, but play 10...hxg5
instead, nothing bad will happen. After11.Bxg5Be712.exf6Bxf613.Bxf6Qxf6
Black is still in good shape but won't have the chance to win quickly, as
it might happen after 10...Nd5!. } 11. Nf3 { White has to retreat.
After11.Nxf7??Qxh412.Nxh8Bb4, we get a smashing attack and will pick up the
stranded knight in the process. The following sequence shows this
point:13.Rc1Bd714.Be2O-O-O15.Nf7Rf8 and the knight has no way out. } 11...
Be7 12. Bxe7 Qxe7 { Black has a great position. We have the simple plan
...Bd7-c6 and ...O-O-O, putting enormous pressure on White. If they play
Nd2 to attack the c-pawn, ...Qb4 will lend additional cover. } 13. Be2 Bd7
14. O-O Bc6 { Black is much better due to a range of factors. We can point
to the weaknesses along the d-file (...O-O-O is coming soon), or possible
attacking chances on the g-file. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.a4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

} 7. e3 { White's best way to restore material equality. } 7... Na5 {
According to plan. Now White's choice is between 8.Nd2 and 8.Ne5, attacking
the c-pawn once more. } 8. Ne5 { White also has the similarly minded
move8.Nd2, which we'll answer with8...Bb4 and ...c5 next. The play often
transposes to 8.Ne5 after White captures on c4 later. } 8... Bb4 9. Be2 {
This is better than 9.Nxc4, which we cover inthe following trainable, but
it can't trouble Black, of course. } 9... c5 10. dxc5 { This is not the
best move, but our best reply is not intuitive at all. After the
better10.O-Ocxd411.exd4 I suggest avoiding ...Nb3 and rather focus on
development with a quick ...O-O. White has a rather weak IQP, which gives
us good chances. } 10... Qd5 $1 { An odd move, but it is very strong! White
is in terrible shape now, as everything but 11.Bf4 loses instantly... and
11.Bf4 is still much better for Black! } 11. Bf4 { This is relatively best.
After11.Bxf6gxf612.Nf3Nb313.Rb1Nxc5 or11.Qxd5Nxd5 Black is more or less
winning on the spot. } 11... g5 $1 12. Bg3 Ne4 { And Black is a lot better.
White can hang on with13.Ng4, but13...Qxd1+14.Rxd1Nxc315.bxc3Bxc3+ wins
some material, and White does not have enough compensation. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bg5 dxc4 6.a4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

} 7. e3 { White's best way to restore material equality. } 7... Na5 {
According to plan. Now White's choice is between 8.Nd2 and 8.Ne5, attacking
the c-pawn once more. } 8. Ne5 { White also has the similarly minded
move8.Nd2, which we'll answer with8...Bb4 and ...c5 next. The play often
transposes to 8.Ne5 after White captures on c4 later. } 8... Bb4 { The pin
is even better than 8...c5. Surprisingly, after9.Bxc4!? White is in
reasonable shape, as9...Nxc410.Nxc4 is not easy to meet. } 9. Nxc4 { The
move White wants to play, but it has a surprising drawback. } 9... Qd5 $1 {
An unusual double attack! } 10. Bxf6 { The only move.
After10.Nxa5Bxc3+11.bxc3Qxa5, we attack both the bishop and the pawn on c3,
which wins instantly. } 10... Nxc4 11. Qb3 { After11.Bxg7Rg812.Bf6Rg6 White
is also struggling. } 11... Nxe3 $1 { A fun tactic! I stop the trainable
here, as the next moves are all completely forced. Now the only way to
continue for both sides
is12.Qxb4Nc2+13.Kd2Nxb414.Nxd5Nxd515.Bxg7Rg816.Bh6Bd7, when Black is much
better. We have targets on d4 and a4, and White's king is unsafe after we
will have castled queenside. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.Bf4"]
[Result "*"]

while White often won't know a thing! } 5. Bf4 { A fairly rare move at this
point. If White wants to develop their bishop, they usually go for 5.Bg5.
Our reply to 5.Bf4 is no surprise. } 5... dxc4 { That was the idea of
4...a6. } 6. e3 { The only good move. After6.a4Nc6! Black is in good shape,
which is very similar tothe line5.Bg5dxc46.a4Nc6!. } 6... b5 7. a4 { White
needs to get something on the queenside quickly. We are a pawn up, and we
have a large advantage if we manage to consolidate it. } 7... b4 { As
mentioned, the move 5.Bf4 is very rare. Therefore I like to have a good but
not too complex solution. After 7...b4, Black has a good position without
any hassle or further moves to learn. There is a more exciting alternative
in7...c6!?, when8.axb5cxb59.Nxb5axb510.Rxa8Bb4+ gives Black ample
compensation. This is, of course, similar to 5.Bg5dxc46.e3b5, but with the
bishop on f4 instead. You can analyze the exchange sacrifice for fun if you
are interested, but it's not practical for a repertoire to learn it - you
might never get it on the board. Briefly back to 7...b4. White may move the
knight to a2 or b1. In both cases, we will attack the centre with ...c5 and
develop easily with ...Bb7. White has lost time with multiple knight moves.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.g3"]
[Result "*"]

future. Now let's check why I like the move 4...a6. } 4... a6 5. g3 { White
goes for a delayed version of the Catalan. It is a rare line, as White more
or less ignores our idea of taking on c4 and holding the captured pawn. }
5... dxc4 { That was the idea: taking the pawn and keeping it, if possible.
} 6. Bg2 { White's usual continuation. It's too late for6.Qa4+? due
to6...b5!, as7.Nxb5??Bd7 wins for Black. They have also tried 6.a4, but
both6...c5 (intending ...Nc6, similar to our anti-Catalan lines)
and6...Nc6!?, planning ...Na5!, look excellent for Black. The move a4
weakens White entire queenside too much. } 6... b5 $1 { We don't have to
worry about the long diagonal, as we will see. } 7. Ne5 Ra7 { Here7...c6 is
a good alternative. After8.Nxc6Qb6 Black has a comfortable position, too.
The extra pawn is gone, but the open long diagonal allows ...Bb7 soon,
opposing White's best piece. Still, there is no clear reason why we should
return the pawn - therefore I suggest the rook move. } 8. O-O { Or8.a4Bb7,
which is fine for us, too. The funny rook move not only removes the piece
from the long diagonal, but also prepares ...Bb7. } 8... Bb7 9. e4 Nbd7 {
White does not have enough compensation for the pawn. The centre pawns look
attractive, but we have no problems with our development and some pressure
on e4. Compared to other gambit lines in the Catalan, it's important to
note that we never needed to play ...c6 and therefore our b7-bishop is an
active piece. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.c5 #1"]
[Result "*"]

while White often won't know a thing! } 5. c5 { The pawn advance looks like
White's best try besides the main move5.cxd5. White uses the fact that we
can't capture with the a-pawn after 5...b66.cxb6. This is a key difference
to the naive1.d4d52.c4e63.c5? when3...b64.cxb6axb6 is possible and
excellent for Black. } 5... b6 { Attacking the advanced pawn is best. We
can't waste time and give White time to possibly support the pawn. After
5...b6, White has to capture, as6.b4?a5 fails. } 6. cxb6 c5 $1 { A better
move than 6...cxb6, after which we'd be forced to play a symmetrical pawn
structure (Slav Exchange type) with a somewhat passive c8-bishop. Playing
6...c5 is better, as we argue that we'll get the b6-pawn anyway. Note that
we won't take the pawn with the queen most of the time but rather play
...Nbd7xb6 to get the job done. This will happen if White plays an
unambitious move like7.e3 when7...Nbd7 looks best. Instead7...Qxb6?!8.Na4
is an unnecessary concession. The two critical moves that we have to check
now are 7.Bf4 and 7.Qb3. } 7. Qb3 { White covers the pawn and threatens
b6-b7, winning a piece. } 7... Bd7 { A reliable solution, avoiding the
b6-b7 fork and threatening ...c5-c4, which pushes White's queen away.
Stockfish also likes the funny move7...Nc6, which sets the
trap8.b7?Bxb79.Qxb7??Na5!, winning the queen. The real test is8.Na4, when
Black has to play8...Na5, which leads to somewhat strange positions. Black
seems to be alright, but I felt it is an unnecessarily complicated
solution. } 8. e4 { This must be the critical test.8.b7Ra7 is pointless,
and8.e3c49.Qc2Qxb6 looks comfortable for Black. } 8... c4 $1 { Don't
play8...dxe4??9.Bf4!, when White is winning on the spot. } 9. Qc2 Qxb6 { We
have regained the pawn and reached an interesting yet unexplored position.
} 10. e5 { At first, this move looks awkward for Black. What to do with the
attacked knight? Before we look at the correct reply, a word about10.exd5,
when10...exd511.Bg5Bb4 gives Black equal chances due to the ...Ne4 idea
that the pin has prepared. } 10... Ng8 { Returning home looks odd, but it's
no problem at all for Black. We have ...Nc6 and ... Ne7(h6)-f5 ideas to put
pressure on d4, which gives us fine play. The current lack in development
is no issue, as the position is completely closed. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.c5 #2"]
[Result "*"]

now are 7.Bf4 and 7.Qb3. } 7. Bf4 { Maybe the most testing move. White
develops the bishop to an active square and threatens Bc7. } 7... Bd6 { The
best way to stop Bc7. } 8. Bxd6 Qxd6 9. dxc5 { White has a concrete idea in
mind. After our forced recapture9...Qxc5 the move10.Qd4 is planned. } 9...
Qxc5 10. Qd4 { A strong move. White centralizes the queen with a tempo
gain. We only have one good reply. } 10... Qd6 { More or less forced. GM
Michael Prusikin already analyzed this position in his book, released in
early 2021. There was no game sample at the time, but now, some months
later, it occurred at least twice. White has an aggressive and a more
conservative idea now. Let's check 11.e4!? and 11.e3. } 11. e4 { The sharp
alternative, but it leads to nothing for White. The following line is
complicated but necessary to know to fight 11.e4 correctly. } 11... Nc6 12.
Qe3 { The critical move. 12.Qd2d4 is fine for Black, as White lacks the
idea 12.Qe3d413.e5!. } 12... dxe4 { The move12...d4 is very tempting, but
it doesn't win material. After the crazy
sequence13.e5Qb414.Nxd4!Nxd415.O-O-ONf516.Qf3Nd517.Nxd5exd518.Qxd5O-O19.Qxa8
Black is saved by the miracle move19...Ne3!!,
when20.fxe3Qc5+21.Kd2Qb4+22.Kc1Qc5+ could end in a draw,
but23.Kb1Bf5+24.Bd3 would continue the game. I checked this deep into the
endgame, and it should end in a draw. It's very impractical to learn this
many moves and only have a draw in the end. Taking on e4 is a much simpler
solution. } 13. Nd2 { After13.Nxe4Qb4+ we'll easily recoup the b-pawn, for
example after14.Nc3Nd5. } 13... Nb4 { This looks like the cleanest
solution. We threaten ...Nc2+ and ...Nbd5, taking aim at the b-pawn. } 14.
Rc1 Nbd5 { Black is fine, as White has no good way to keep the b-pawn. A
possible continuation is15.Ndxe4Nxe416.Qxe4O-O, when we'll pick up the pawn
soon. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.c5 #3"]
[Result "*"]

now are 7.Bf4 and 7.Qb3. } 7. Bf4 { Maybe the most testing move. White
develops the bishop to an active square and threatens Bc7. } 7... Bd6 { The
best way to stop Bc7. } 8. Bxd6 Qxd6 9. dxc5 { White has a concrete idea in
mind. After our forced recapture9...Qxc5 the move10.Qd4 is planned. } 9...
Qxc5 10. Qd4 { A strong move. White centralizes the queen with a tempo
gain. We only have one good reply. } 10... Qd6 { More or less forced. GM
Michael Prusikin already analyzed this position in his book, released in
early 2021. There was no game sample at the time, but now, some months
later, it occurred at least twice. White has an aggressive and a more
conservative idea now. Let's check 11.e4!? and 11.e3. } 11. e3 { White's
more conservative option. Black now has two satisfactory ways to regain the
b6-pawn. } 11... O-O { This was played in the online rapid game between
Anish Giri and Le Quang Liem. Black castles first, then intends to get the
pawn back with ...Nbd7 and ...Nxb6, assisted by ...Rb8, if needed. Starting
with 11...Nbd7 is also possible and likely will lead to the same positions.
Another possibility is Prusikin's 11...Nc612.Qd2O-O, with ...Bd7 and
...Rfb8 coming next. The choice is probably a matter of taste. I like
...Nbd7 more, as it is more similar to other variations in the 5.c4
complex. } 12. Be2 Nbd7 13. Na4 { Giri played13.O-O, when13...e514.Qd2Nxb6
was fine for Black. The material balance is restored, and Black enjoys an
attractive centre. } 13... Rb8 { We'll get the pawn back and have no
problems at all. A key idea to know is that the c8-bishop will often get
into the game via a6 after ...a6-a5 has been played first. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

while White often won't know a thing! } 5. cxd5 { Taking on d5 is White's
major move by a mile. They recognize that ...dxc4 is a serious idea and
solve the issue by capturing on d5. } 5... exd5 { We have reached a
familiar pawn structure: the Carlsbad! If you have already studied the
Carlsbad chapter, you probably remember that we mostly examined lines that
featured Nge2 by White, as Nf3-setups are less critical. Here White has
already committed the knight to f3, but we have played the move ...a6,
which is less useful than ...c6. Compare this to
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Nc3c6, which is easy for Black to handle.
The difference between the two moves is so major that we need to play an
entirely different setup than the one we use against the Standard Exchange
variation. Different does not mean worse, though. The arising lines are
interesting to play and offer chances for both sides. As mentioned, White's
main move is 6.Bg5 now, but we'll also check 6.Bf4 and, which is also
played quite frequently. } 6. Bf4 { Against Bf4 lines in the Carlsbad, we
have a standard reaction. } 6... Bd6 { I always recommend playing ...Bd6
against early Bf4 moves in the Carlsbad structure. A similar line we
examine is 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bf4Bd6. After 6... Bd6 White
mostly plays 7.Bxd6 or 7.Bg3, but we'll also have a quick look at the
slightly odd 7.Be5. } 7. Be5 { This slightly odd move is not frequently
played, but it can be irritating if it hits you by surprise. White is
threatening Bxf6, so we need to cover d5. } 7... Be6 { I like this move,
which is more ambitious than 7...c6. This wouldn't be a bad choice, either.
} 8. e3 { We'll answer this move with 8...Nc6, putting more pressure on e5.
If White goes 8.Qb3, the reply8...Nc6! is still possible and strong,
as9.Qxb7??Na5 traps the queen! } 8... Nc6 { A slightly unusual setup, but
it makes sense to put pressure on the bishop. The knight is not well-placed
on c6 in the long run but can be re-routed via e7 later. A knight on e7
helps to prepare...Bf5 and may switch to the square d6 later, where it has
an excellent spot. } 9. Be2 O-O 10. O-O Ne4 { Black has equal chances in
this position. After11.Bxd6Nxd6, our knight is well-positioned on d6. White
can take on e4, but11.Nxe4dxe412.Bxd6Qxd613.Nd2f5 gives us an interesting
game, too. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bf4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

played quite frequently. } 6. Bf4 { Against Bf4 lines in the Carlsbad, we
have a standard reaction. } 6... Bd6 { I always recommend playing ...Bd6
against early Bf4 moves in the Carlsbad structure. A similar line we
examine is 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bf4Bd6. After 6... Bd6 White
mostly plays 7.Bxd6 or 7.Bg3, but we'll also have a quick look at the
slightly odd 7.Be5. } 7. Bg3 { This move is not dangerous, but it asks a
question that we should talk about. Should we take on g3 or not? White has
not castled yet, so we'd open the h-file. Before discussing further, I'd
like to briefly mention7.Bxd6, which is easy to handle.
After7...Qxd68.e3O-O, we can easily develop with ...Bf5 or ...Bg4, reaching
a comfortable version of the Carlsbad structure. } 7... Bxg3 { It's
possible to delay the capture and play 7...c6 first, for example. My main
point is to show that opening the h-file is no big deal, which is why I
feature the capture right away on move 7. } 8. hxg3 c6 { It's possible to
play8...O-O, as White has no real attack. Still, I suggest delaying
kingside castling and first play moves that are useful anyway. In the
mainline 6.Bg5Be67.e3Nbd78.Bd3Bd6, we use the formation of a bishop on e6
and the knight on d7. This works well here, too. } 9. e3 Be6 10. Bd3 Nbd7
11. Qc2 { After11.Qb3 we have11...Qb6, while11.Ng5Qe7 leads nowhere for
White. } 11... Qe7 { We have plenty of useful moves to play instead of
castling kingside. If White goes queenside, we can do the same! } 12. O-O-O
O-O-O { Why not? We'll place the king on b8 and later operate with the idea
to prepare ...Bf5 by ...g6 and getting a knight to d6. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be6 7.Bxf6 #1"]
[Result "*"]

played quite frequently. } 6. Bg5 { Setting up the pin is White's usual
choice. } 6... Be6 { This is the way to go. We need a different approach
with ...a6 on the board instead of ...c6 of the Carlsbad mainline. In this
case, we go for a setup involving ...Be7, ...h6 and play for a quick ...Ne4
if White has decided to place the knight on f3. Here's a concrete sequence
of moves to illustrate:
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5c66.e3h67.Bh4Be78.Bd3O-O9.Qc2Re810.Nf3Ne4!,
which gives Black equal chances. The same concept wouldn't work as well
here, as the move ...a6 is more or less pointless, and we'd still need to
play ...c6 early on to cover the d5-pawn. I looked at lines like
6...Be77.e3h68.Bh4O-O9.Bd3c610.O-ONe411.Bxe4dxe412.Bxe7Qxe713.Nd2, when we
see a drawback of ...a6. Not only did it cost a tempo, but we also have
created severe weaknesses on the queenside. This line is not completely
terrible for Black, but not the most desirable option. So what about
6...Be6? What's the point of the move? Well, we try to do without ...c6 for
the moment and use the bishop to cover the d5-pawn. A typical drawback of
early bishop moves is the weakness of the b7-pawn. We need to check if
White has dangerous ideas based on a quick Qb3. We'll see that lines like
7.Qb3 or7.Bxf6Qxf68.Qb3 are fine for Black if we know what to do. By far,
the main move is the natural 7.e3, leading to less concrete play than early
queen sorties. } 7. Bxf6 { Giving up the bishop unprovoked makes little
sense strategically, but it has a concrete tactical idea.
After7...Qxf68.Qb3, both pawns on b7 and d5 are attacked. The following
lines are all fine for Black but note that we are significantly behind in
development in some cases. This makes it a tricky line to face, so studying
it carefully is recommended. } 7... Qxf6 8. Qb3 { The only move that makes
any sense in connection with the voluntary capture. How do we save our
pawns now? } 8... Ra7 $1 { This funny move covers b7, but what about d5? We
need to examine this move, of course. After9.Nxd5Qd810.e4c6 we set up a
pin, but11.Qb6 leads to further complications that are fine for Black.
White has also tested slower moves, like 9.a3 or 9.g3. } 9. g3 { White has
tried three slow moves in the position after 8...Qxf6: 9.g3, 9.e3 and 9.a3.
We'll examine 9.g3, as it is the most popular among the three, and it has a
pitfall to avoid. The common point of all three is that we should simply
play ...Qd8 in reply, supporting the pawn on d5 again. Next on the agenda
is ...c6 and ...Nd7, catching up in development. We'll examine this
scenario for 9.g3, but Black's setup would be essentially the same against
9.e3 or 9.a3. } 9... Qd8 { Back home! We not only cover d5 but also prepare
...c6. The immediate9...c6?? fails to10.Qb6. } 10. h4 { Now we get to the
pitfall I mentioned earlier. White has just played the move 10.h4, which
introduces the idea Ng5 into the position. How to react? } 10... c6 $1 {
This precise move is better than10...h6, when11.e4!dxe412.d5! leads to a
dangerous initiative for White. } 11. Ng5 Bc8 { The retreat looks a bit
crazy, but White has no way to benefit from our backward moves. Ultimately
we'll play ...h6 and evict the knight on g5. After the
sequence12.e4h613.Nf3dxe414.Nxe4Qa5+15.Nc3Bd6, we are finally ready to
castle and coordinate our position. In the long run, we are fine due to the
bishop pair. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be6 7.Bxf6 #2"]
[Result "*"]

queen sorties. } 7. Bxf6 { Giving up the bishop unprovoked makes little
sense strategically, but it has a concrete tactical idea.
After7...Qxf68.Qb3, both pawns on b7 and d5 are attacked. The following
lines are all fine for Black but note that we are significantly behind in
development in some cases. This makes it a tricky line to face, so studying
it carefully is recommended. } 7... Qxf6 8. Qb3 { The only move that makes
any sense in connection with the voluntary capture. How do we save our
pawns now? } 8... Ra7 $1 { This funny move covers b7, but what about d5? We
need to examine this move, of course. After9.Nxd5Qd810.e4c6 we set up a
pin, but11.Qb6 leads to further complications that are fine for Black.
White has also tested slower moves, like 9.a3 or 9.g3. } 9. Nxd5 { White
rarely dares taking this pawn, but we need to check why it might be
dubious. The following sequence of moves is extremely long, but forced for
both sides. } 9... Qd8 { We attack the knight and force White's reply. }
10. e4 c6 { This is probably the position that White envisioned while
thinking about 9.Nxd5, discarding the pawn grab. It looks like Black is
winning a piece, but that's not the end of the story. } 11. Qb6 $1 { This
saves the material, but White won't have an easy life after the best reply.
} 11... cxd5 $1 { We sacrifice the exchange for excellent compensation. }
12. Qxa7 dxe4 13. Nd2 { No choice for White. } 13... Bb4 $1 { The best
move. We quickly develop and prepare castling. White needs to be very
precise now, as our attack is very dangerous. } 14. Qxb7 $1 { The only move
that does not lose instantly! Here are some moves that give Black a quick
win: A) 14.O-O-OQc7+15.Kb1O-O We threaten ...Nc6, and16.Rc1Bxa2+ doesn't
help. B) 14.Rd1O-O15.Qxb7Qxd416.a3e3 gives Black a winning attack, too. }
14... Bxd2+ 15. Kxd2 O-O $1 { Better than15...Qxd4+15.Ke1, when Black does
not have a promising check. It's better to castle first. After 15...O-O
Black's attack is promising and tough to defend against. I'd like to show
three possible lines to illustrate matters. A)
16.Qxe4Qa5+17.Kd1Bb3+18.axb3Qxa1+19.Ke2Qxb2+ wins back the sacrificed
material. There are alternatives along the way, though - many interesting
attacking ideas to try. B) 16.Be2Qa5+17.b4Qg5+18.Ke1Qxg2 also looks fine
for Black. White's king will never be safe. C) 16.Qb4Nc617.Qc3Nxd4 also
looks promising. I don't think it's necessary to look at more. Black has a
promising attack after White's greedy pawn grab 9.Nxd5. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be6 7.Qb3"]
[Result "*"]

queen sorties. } 7. Qb3 { A critical try, but quite easily defused. We can
simply ignore the attack on the pawn and offer a pawn sacrifice. } 7...
Nbd7 $1 { The exclam is not just for the right pawn sacrifice but also for
avoiding7...Ra7?, which does not work due to the surprising blow8.e4. We
don't need to know the details, but remember that 7.Qb3 is different from
7.Bxf6Qxf68.Qb3, when8...Ra7! is correct. } 8. Qxb7 { White's greedy
response needs to be checked. If they play8.e3, the simple8...Rb8 is fine
for Black. We cover the pawn and are ready to complete development next.
White's queen is not well-placed on b3, which renders the whole operation
rather pointless. } 8... Rb8 9. Qxa6 Rxb2 { We have excellent compensation
for the pawn. Strictly speaking, you don't need to know much more than
that, as it's clear that White's position is unenviable. Still, I'd like to
show one line that I find instructive. After10.a3 we simply continue with
our development and don't do anything too hectic. Our development advantage
and active rook will always be enough to regain the pawn, at least.
After10...Be711.e3O-O12.Be2Rb313.Na4 we can take a3, but13...Qa8 is strong,
too. Again, we easily regain the a-pawn and have an active piece placement.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "5.cxd5 exd5 6.Bg5 Be6 7.e3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

queen sorties. } 7. e3 { Very natural and White's main move by a mile. }
7... Nbd7 { No surprise. We develop our knight and are now less concerned
about Qb3, as the simple move ...Rb8 would be a fine answer. } 8. Bd3 {
White sometimes starts with8.h3, when8...Bd69.Bd3 transposes
to8.Bd3Bd69.h3. } 8... Bd6 { After our natural development 8...Bd6, it's a
good moment to talk about the position. We have reached a Carlsbad
structure, a familiar guest in our repertoire. A full chapter is dedicated
to the lines starting with 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd5. In this
variation, White can elect to play a similar setup as he does here,
involving the move Nf3. A sample line
goes5.Bg5c66.e3h67.Bh4Be78.Bd3O-O9.Nf3, when we play9...Ne4! while White's
setup is almost the same, our piece placement is completely different.
There is no way for us to achieve ...Ne4, for example. This is not a
problem; it just means that we need to play differently, as one counterplay
device (...Ne4!) is off the table. In general, the outpost square e4 is
currently not well controlled by us, which we'll try to improve in the
middlegame. Placing a knight on e4 is certainly a long-term goal. One key
point to discuss is our light-squared bishop. Currently, the bishop mostly
looks at its own pawns on f7 and d5 and has little scope for activity. It's
tough for us to find a target to attack with the bishop, so usually, the
best solution is to seek a trade of the piece, ideally against White's
counterpart on d3. The way to work towards the trade is to get control of
f5 and then play ...Bf5 at the end. A typical idea would be ...g6, followed
by a manoeuvre of a knight to g7 or d6, usually the more active and better
option. Once we have traded the bishops, we have better chances to control
e4 and place a knight on the outpost. After our move 8...Bd6 White has
tried many moves. As the position does not have a forcing character, there
is a wide scope for various move orders. White's main move is 9.O-O, but
I'd like to talk about 9.Bf4 and 9.h3 for a moment. The move 9.Bf4 shows an
idea that White can play for. They allow trading on f4, accepting a doubled
pawn after 9.Bf4Bxf410.exf4. After this sequence White, all of a sudden has
a huge threat: f4-f5 would win a piece, as our bishop has no available
squares. We have a good reply, though. The move10...Bg4! leads to a good
game for Black, as we manage to get rid of our problem bishop and have
damaged White's pawn structure in the process. This variation explains why
White has tried the move 9.h3, stopping a possible ...Bg4. Therefore, we
need to reckon with Bf4 on the next move, coming with a more significant
effect. The way to play is9.h3c6!, when we are ready on answer10.Bf4
with10...Qc7, avoiding the issues after ...Bxf4. In general, playing ... c6
next is almost always a good idea, as it allows ...Qc7 as a universal
answer to Bf4 ideas at a later stage. } 9. h3 c6 $1 { We want to be ready
to answer Bf4 with ...Qc7. } 10. Bf4 Qc7 { Now White has the key decision
whether to take on d6 or play 11.Qd2 to still keep the bishop on f4. We
won't examine it any further, as ourmainline 9.O-Oc610.Bf4Qc7 gets to the
same crossroads when we'll discuss those two options. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

answer to Bf4 ideas at a later stage. } 9. Bf4 { We already talked about
this move in the notes to 8...Bd6. } 9... Bxf4 10. exf4 Bg4 $1 { A crucial
resource, otherwise our bishop would be in serious trouble. } 11. Qe2+ Kf8
$1 { We have to avoid11...Qe7?12.Qxe7+Kxe713.Ne5, when White is much
better. After 11...Kf8, we have navigated all the pitfalls and are in good
shape. Our bishop can trade on f3, and the king position on f8 is no
substantial problem, as ...g6 and ...Kg7 are an easy fix. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

answer to Bf4 ideas at a later stage. } 9. O-O { White's most flexible move
in a way. Castling queenside is no serious option, so you might as well get
the king out of the centre right away and keep flexible otherwise. } 9...
c6 { Just play this first to be ready to answer Bf4 with ...Qc7. } 10. Qc2
{ White stops10...O-O?, as11.Bxh7+ would be a cold shower. } 10... Qc7 { A
good solution. We move the queen out of the pin and allow ...O-O, if
desired. That's not the only point, though. White also needs to worry about
their h2-pawn, as ...Bg4 is a serious idea. } 11. Bh4 { White prepares Bg3,
trading our strong bishop. } 11... h6 { A useful move, covering the
g5-square. At some point, Ng5 would be annoying, so we stop the move
straight away. } 12. Bg3 Bxg3 13. hxg3 O-O { A good moment to take stock
and discuss some ideas. White's primary idea is the minority attack, based
on b4-b5. How do we react to it? After14.b4 I see two good ways for Black.
A) Allowing b4-b5 and reacting with c6-c5. This can be accomplished with
14.b4a515.b5c5 or 15.a3axb416.axb4Qd617.b5c5. In this scenario, White's
b5-pawn is a cause of concern for White. We may get some pressure against
this pawn, while our isolated d5-pawn is quite easy to defend. Note that in
the endgame, the king often has the route f8-e7-d6-c5 directly attacking
the b5-pawn. I know that it's a long while until this may happen, but I
have won a fair share of games with precisely this plan! B) Blocking
White's advance with ...b5. After 14.b4Qd615.Rab1b5 we stop a further
advance and prepare the knight tour ...Nb6-c4. When considering the ...
b5-block, it is crucial to check if you manage to place the knight on b6 or
not. If you don't, the c-pawn will be a constant worry on a half-open file.
A knight on c4 plugs the c-file and is an annoying intruder. If White
captures a knight on c4, we will establish a protected passed pawn on c4.
Note that in both cases, we have a plan on the queenside. It is not a given
that we play defensively on this side of the board if White decides to
start a minority attack. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

c6 { Just play this first to be ready to answer Bf4 with ...Qc7. } 10. Bf4
{ White's most popular move, trying to trade our strong bishop. } 10... Qc7
{ The move we prepared with 9...c6. Now White trades on d6, in most cases.
They have also tried to keep the tension and played 11.Qd2 in some games.
We'll examine both options now. } 11. Qd2 { White maintains the tension and
hopes that we'll take on f4. This is just hope, though. We have plenty of
good moves to play instead, starting with ...O-O and ...Rfe8. At some
point, White will probably take on d6 after all. } 11... O-O 12. h3 Rfe8 {
Now, it's not clear how White intends to make any headway. They have tried
to play somewhat helpful waiting moves, like 13.Rfe1. In any case, I
suggest playing ...g6 and ...Nh5 next to resolve the bishop trading issue.
You can try to be 'more sophisticated' here, but I think this plan works
fine. } 13. Rfe1 g6 { Here13...Nb6 is interesting, too. White might feel
provoked to play14.b3, which we wouldn't mind seeing on the board. Still,
let's have a look at the simple plan. } 14. Rac1 Nh5 15. Bxd6 Qxd6 16. a3
Nhf6 { We have reached a fairly standard Carlsbad position, similar to the
mainline of this chapter. I discuss the strategy in the notes there and
don't want to copy-paste the text. Please see the notes there for more
information. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

c6 { Just play this first to be ready to answer Bf4 with ...Qc7. } 10. Bf4
{ White's most popular move, trying to trade our strong bishop. } 10... Qc7
{ The move we prepared with 9...c6. Now White trades on d6, in most cases.
They have also tried to keep the tension and played 11.Qd2 in some games.
We'll examine both options now. } 11. Bxd6 Qxd6 12. h3 { White is concerned
about ...Bg4. } 12... O-O { We have reached a very standard Carlsbad
structure. At this point, I am going to stop the trainable, as there are
many possible moves for White. Instead of thinking along the lines of 'What
moves can they play?', the better approach is to understand general plans.
The Chapter on the Carlsbad features the primary coverage in this regard,
but here's the essence of it. White has their chances on the queenside,
most using the so-called Minority Attack. The minority attack features the
idea of playing b4-b5 and ultimately creating a weakness on Black's
queenside. From the current position, a dream scenario for White would look
like the following line, which features awful play by Black to illustrate
matters. After
13.a3Rfe814.b4h615.Rb1Re716.a4Rae817.b5axb518.axb5Rc819.bxc6bxc6 Black has
a weak, backward c-pawn and little to show for it. Black has played
multiple stupid moves in this sequence, but it was just to showcase what a
good outcome for White looks like. How should we battle the minority
attack? Here's a key concept: after13.a3Rfe814.b4 we play14...b5! We stop a
further advance and prepare the knight tour ...Nb6-c4. When considering the
...b7-b5-block, it is crucial to check if you manage to place the knight on
b6 or not. If you don't, the c-pawn will be a constant worry on a half-open
file. A knight on c4 plugs the c-file and is an annoying intruder. If White
captures a knight on c4, we will establish a protected passed pawn on c4.
In a recent (2021) online rapid game between Aleksandra Goryachkina and
Michael Adams, Black chances were demonstrated. After 14...b5, the game
continued15.Nd2Nb616.Nb3Nc4, when Black has established the knight on the
desired c4-outpost. Now White played17.Nc5, which looks perfectly normal,
but lightning struck with17...Bxh3!18.gxh3Nxe3!, when White had to defend
carefully, which turned out to be too difficult with limited time.
Sacrifices on e3 and h3 are not that uncommon once you have established the
knight on c4. Black has additional ideas, though. The pawn play ...a6-a5 is
pretty obvious, trying to open the a-file. Let's talk about one crucial
plan that Black should know: we should try to trade our light-squared
bishops. Our bishop is not a 'bad bishop' in the true sense of the word.
Sometimes, it can be used as an attacker (see the Adams game above).
However, trading it against White's d3-bishop is still very desirable.
Without the bishops, the squares e4 and c4 are much weaker, which helps a
lot. We have seen above that getting a knight to c4 is a good idea, and
it's even more attractive if the knight can't be taken. How do we trade the
bishops? Here's a prime example.
After13.Qc2g614.Na4Qe715.Rfc1Ne816.Nc5Nd617.Nxd7Bxd718.Rab1Bf519.Bxf5Nxf520.Ne5
Nd6 Black has reached his goal in the online blitz game Sanan Sjugirov vs.
Fabiano Caruana. The main takeaway is remembering the idea of ...g6 and the
following knight tour to d6, which allowed ...Bf5 at the end. This may also
be possible with a knight on g7, but d6 is the far better and active
square. The position reached in the Caruana game is very similar to one of
the classic games that demonstrates Black's chances in the Carlsbad, the
gameBobotsov-Petrosian. We discuss the game and the crucial role of a
knight on d6 in the introduction to the Carlsbad chapter. If you haven't
read this chapter already, now is a perfect moment to start. } *
[Event "10. Queen's Gambit: The Catalan"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "10. Queen's Gambit: The Catalan"]
[Black "3.g3 #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { This Chapter deals with a branch of the Queen's Gambit,

the Catalan opening. What exactly is the Catalan? Whenever White combines
the moves d4, c4 and g3 against Black's ...e6/...d5-formation, we reach the
Catalan. There are some possible move orders that White may go for. By far
the most common one is 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3, but we will also
examine1.d4d52.c4e63.g3. Besides these move orders after 1.d4, there are
various ways to reach the Catalan via 1.c4 or 1.Nf3. Against both moves, I
recommend a ...e6/...d5-based concept, when a quick g3 and d4 by White may
quickly transpose to the Catalan, too. Alright, what is our antidote
against the Catalan? Black has a wide choice of reliable lines but, there
is no clear picture of what might be best. I recommend building the
repertoire based on 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c5, so the basic
concept is to take the c-pawn and quickly attack White's centre with ...c5.
White has alternatives on the way, but they will be met in similar fashion,
like1.d4d52.c4e63.g3dxc44.Nf3c5
or1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c5. We also use this general
approach (take c4, play ...c5) in the English Opening/Reti:
after1.c4e62.g3d53.Bg2Nf64.Nf3 I recommend
playing4...dxc45.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c5. In all these lines, we usually will
follow up the move ...c5 with ...Nc6, increasing the pressure on d4. } 3.
g3 { White's main way to go for the Catalan is the move order3.Nf3Nf64.g3.
Playing g3 on move three is considered slightly imprecise, but it's not
leading to trouble for White if they are careful after our principled
reply. } 3... dxc4 { A good move order rule of thumb: after White plays g3,
we will take on c4. This applies to 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc4 and the
current position after 1.d4d52.c4e63.g3dxc4. } 4. Bg2 { Or4.Nf3c55.Bg2,
which leads to the same position. Against the move4.Qa4+ we are spoilt for
choice, as4...Bd75.Qxc4Bc66.Nf3Bxf3 or4...c65.Qxc4Qd5 or4...Qd75.Qxc4b5 are
all nice for Black. } 4... c5 5. Nf3 { Again5.Qa4+ leads nowhere. Black is
fine will 5...Nd7, 5...Bd7 and the move I suggest,5...Qd7. White has
nothing better than6.Qxd7+, when Black is in good shape. The check on a4
was designed to regain the c4-pawn, which failed. } 5... Nc6 { We follow
the same approach as after 3.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc6, but here our
pressure on d4 is coming a bit faster. We have not yet played ...Nf6, while
White has not castled yet. This difference is favourable for Black, as we
will see. White now usually tries6.Qa4, but the pawn sacrifice 6.O-O has
seen some outings, too. After 3.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc6 White has the
interesting move7.Ne5. This idea fails here,
as3.g3dxc44.Bg2c55.Nf3Nc66.Ne5?Nge7! highlights the advantage of not having
played ...Nf6 yet. } 6. O-O { This pawn sacrifice is not quite sufficient,
but the alternative 6.Qa4 is not very inspiring, either. } 6... cxd4 { You
should take a central pawn if you don't see a clear refutation. This is
such a case. White may regain c4, but we can be pleased with the outcome of
the opening. } 7. Qa4 Bd7 8. Qxc4 e5 { Black enjoys a healthy extra pawn.
We will prepare kingside castling with ...Nf6 and ...Be7, completing our
development. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.g3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

the moves d4, c4 and g3 against Black's ...e6/...d5-formation, we reach a
g3 { White's main way to go for the Catalan is the move order3.Nf3Nf64.g3.
Playing g3 on move three is considered slightly imprecise, but it's not
leading to trouble for White if they are careful after our principled
reply. } 3... dxc4 { A good move order rule of thumb: after White plays g3,
we will take on c4. This applies to 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc4 and the
current position after 1.d4d52.c4e63.g3dxc4. } 4. Bg2 { Or4.Nf3c55.Bg2,
which leads to the same position. Against the move4.Qa4+ we are spoilt for
choice, as4...Bd75.Qxc4Bc66.Nf3Bxf3 or4...c65.Qxc4Qd5 or4...Qd75.Qxc4b5 are
all nice for Black. } 4... c5 5. Nf3 { Again5.Qa4+ leads nowhere. Black is
fine will 5...Nd7, 5...Bd7 and the move I suggest,5...Qd7. White has
nothing better than6.Qxd7+, when Black is in good shape. The check on a4
was designed to regain the c4-pawn, which failed. } 5... Nc6 { We follow
the same approach as after 3.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc6, but here our
pressure on d4 is coming a bit faster. We have not yet played ...Nf6, while
White has not castled yet. This difference is favourable for Black, as we
will see. White now usually tries6.Qa4, but the pawn sacrifice 6.O-O has
seen some outings, too. After 3.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc6 White has the
interesting move7.Ne5. This idea fails here,
as3.g3dxc44.Bg2c55.Nf3Nc66.Ne5?Nge7! highlights the advantage of not having
played ...Nf6 yet. } 6. Qa4 { This looks like White's best bet. } 6... cxd4
{ This move equalizes the game quickly. If you'd like an alternative, I'd
suggest6...Bd77.Qxc4Nf6, when8.O-O transposes to the mainline of this
chapter. This continuation is sharper than 6...cxd4, but also gives White
more fighting chances. } 7. Nxd4 { White needs to get the material back. }
7... Qxd4 8. Bxc6+ Bd7 9. Be3 { The only move for White to avoid trouble.
9.Bxd7+Qxd710.Qxc4Rc8 is better for Black already. } 9... Bxc6 {
9...Qd610.Bxd7+Qxd711.Qxc4Rc8 is also fine. } 10. Qxc6+ bxc6 11. Bxd4 Bb4+
{ An important tempo move. Black is fine now after lines
like12.Kf1Nf613.Kg2O-O-O or 13.Bc3Rb8. White will likely regain the pawn,
but we have active play on the open files, which leads to equal chances in
the endgame. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "4.g3 dxc4 5.Qa4+ #1"]
[Result "*"]

Nf3 { Playing 3.Nf3 is White's best move order to reach a Catalan. } 3...
Nf6 4. g3 { The main starting position of the Catalan. As explained in the
notes on move two: I suggest taking the c-pawn after White has committed to
the fianchetto. } 4... dxc4 { Alright, let's take the pawn. The main point
of the capture is not to win and keep a pawn but to accomplish two things.
1) White has played g3, which makes regaining the pawn more difficult. You
many compare to e.g. 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3dxc4, when 4.e3 or 4.e4 prepare the
convenient Bxc4. In the Catalan, the bishop belongs to g2, so White needs a
different take. As we will see, manoeuvres like Qa4xc4 take time and give
Black ideas for counterplay. 2) The second point of 4...dxc4 is to open the
scope of our queen and put some pressure on d4. We'll increase the pressure
with a quick ...c5. After 4...dxc4 White's overwhelming main line is 5.Bg2,
but we need to examine 5.Qa4+, too. Against this move, Black has multiple
good options. } 5. Qa4+ { White makes sure to regain the pawn. After 5.Bg2
Black has some lines that keep the c4-pawn. They are risky for Black, but
some White players don't want to deal with the possible complications and
just say: 'Give me the pawn back, please!'. Black has no problems after
this move, though. Let's have a look. } 5... Bd7 { Here5...Nbd7 is a fine
and more popular alternative, but I prefer this interesting option. After
6.Qxc4, we start a quick counterplay with ...c5 and ...b5, which looks
attractive. I'd also like to point out the line
1.c4e62.g3d53.Bg2Nf64.Nf3dxc45.Qa4+, when I recommend the similar
approach5...Bd76.Qxc4c5, which makes it easier to remember (the early Qa4+
to regain the pawn is answered with ...Bd7 and ...c5 next). } 6. Qxc4 c5 {
After 6...c5 White needs to decide whether to take on c5 or continue the
kingside fianchetto. } 7. Bg2 b5 { Here7...Nc6 is a good alternative.
After8.O-Ob5, we transpose to the mainline of this chapter (
5.Bg2c56.O-ONc67.Qa4Bd78.Qxc4b5 ), while8.dxc5Qa5+ is not scary for Black
at all. I still suggest 7...b5, as it gives more chances to gain the
initiative on the queenside. } 8. Qc2 { Or8.Qd3c49.Qc2Nc6, which is quite
similar to this chapter's mainline ( 5.Bg2c56.O-ONc67.Qa4Bd78.Qxc4b59.Qd3c4
). These positions after ...c4 are fun to play, as Black may exploit the
advanced queenside pawns. } 8... Na6 { Usually, we hop to c6, but here
covering c5 and preparing ...Rc8 is more to the point. } 9. O-O Rc8 { Black
has an active position and easy moves to play. Stockfish now thinks White's
best is10.Qd1, which does not look too scary 😉. Against this move, we
could play10...cxd411.Nxd4Nc5. Moves like ...Be7, ...Qb6 and ...O-O are a
natural way to complete development and give us good play on the open
files. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "4.g3 dxc4 5.Qa4+ #2"]
[Result "*"]

good options. } 5. Qa4+ { White makes sure to regain the pawn. After 5.Bg2
Black has some lines that keep the c4-pawn. They are risky for Black, but
some White players don't want to deal with the possible complications and
just say: 'Give me the pawn back, please!'. Black has no problems after
this move, though. Let's have a look. } 5... Bd7 { Here5...Nbd7 is a fine
and more popular alternative, but I prefer this interesting option. After
6.Qxc4, we start a quick counterplay with ...c5 and ...b5, which looks
attractive. I'd also like to point out the line
1.c4e62.g3d53.Bg2Nf64.Nf3dxc45.Qa4+, when I recommend the similar
approach5...Bd76.Qxc4c5, which makes it easier to remember (the early Qa4+
to regain the pawn is answered with ...Bd7 and ...c5 next). } 6. Qxc4 c5 {
After 6...c5 White needs to decide whether to take on c5 or continue the
kingside fianchetto. } 7. dxc5 { Taking the pawn is probably more
interesting for White than 7.Bg2. Still, we have more than one good option
against it. } 7... Qc7 { It's also possible to play 7...Nc6. Black intends
to play ...Qa5+ next, regaining the pawn. It's tough to decide between
7...Nc6 and 7...Qc7; both look perfectly acceptable. I went for the queen
move because it is a bit more combative. In the ...Qa5xc5 lines, you often
have to trade queens, leading to less exciting play. With 7...Qc7, we tempt
White into playing 8.b4. } 8. b4 { Critical, but risky. More circumspect
is8.Bg2Bxc59.Be3Na6, leading to equal chances. } 8... b5 $1 { Not obvious
at all, but it is a strong move! We gain a tempo and want to play ...a5
next to attack the b4-pawn. } 9. Bf4 { A fun reply! A lame move
like9.Qd3Nc610.a3a5 poses no problems and sees White on the defensive. }
9... bxc4 { Stockfish also suggest the unreal9...a5!?!, but the simple
capture is good enough. } 10. Bxc7 a5 $1 { Breaking up White's queenside. }
11. Bxa5 Bxc5 { Black is in good shape here, with ...Nc6 coming next. We
will regain a pawn on the queenside and have equal chances. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "4.g3 dxc4 5.bg2 c5 6.O-O Nc6 7.Ne5 #1"]
[Result "*"]

good options. } 5. Bg2 { White's main move and certainly the most dangerous
one. After the conservative 5.Qa4+, I don't see any challenges for Black. }
5... c5 { Black has a vast choice in this position. I suggest playing
5...c5, but at a later stage, you have plenty of options to expand your
repertoire at this point. } 6. O-O { White's mainline by a mile.
After6.Qa4+ I suggest6...Bd77.Qxc4b5, which we examine via the move
order5.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c57.Bg2b5. Black has good chances in this line. } 6...
Nc6 { We develop the knight and increase the pressure on d4. After this
logical move, White has three main moves – 7.Qa4, 7.dxc5, and 7. Ne5 –
that I will examine. Before we go into details, I'd like to add that the
current position may also occur via other move orders that did not start as
a Catalan. The most important one is
1.Nf3d52.g3c53.Bg2Nc64.d4Nf65.O-Oe66.c4dxc4, which is a key part of our
concept against 1.Nf3/2.g3. The chapter on 1.Nf3 provides more detail on
the moves that lead to this surprising transformation. A less common way is
1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.g3, when3...e64.Bg2c55.O-ONc66.c4dxc4 again transposes to
the current line. I have suggested this move order for White in my
Chessable course Keep it Simple: 1.d4 and now will examine Black's
perspectives in this interesting variation. } 7. Ne5 { This knight jump is
my recommendation in Keep it Simple: 1.d4. My main argument favouring the
move is that Black needs to be precise to equalize, and it is easy to wrong
right away. After 7.Ne5, we need to avoid7...Nxd4??8.e3!, which loses on
the spot. Better than losing a piece, but still awful, is7...Nxe5?. I'll
spare you the details, but rather show what I recommend playing. } 7... Bd7
{ By far the best move, covering the knight. Now White's best try is 8.Na3,
as I also stated in Keep it Simple 1.d4. We'll also have a look at the
harmless 8.Nxc6 and the pawn sacrifice 8.Nxc4, which is more ambitious but
ultimately not scary for Black. } 8. Nxc6 { White damages our pawn
structure but loses a lot of time in the process. We easily obtain equal
chances in this line. } 8... Bxc6 9. Bxc6+ bxc6 { The tripled pawns look
funny, but we are a pawn up, and d4 is attacked. We were also able to trade
our problem bishop on c8 for White's star piece on g2. } 10. dxc5 { White
has also tried10.Qa4, but10...cxd411.Qxc6+Nd7 is a simple and good
response. After12.Qxc4 White restores material equality, but we get equal
chances with any normal move, like12...e5 or12...Qb6. We have a fair share
of space (d4-pawn) and open files on the queenside. In the long run,
White's king could also feel a bit insecure, as the g2-bishop is missing. }
10... Qxd1 11. Rxd1 Bxc5 { Alright, we have kept the extra pawn for the
moment. How can White try to recover it? It is important to note that a
possible ...Rb8 will attack b2, which makes developing the c1-bishop
problematic. The c4-pawn prevents a pawn move to b3, too. } 12. Nd2 { This
looks best but is met by an attractive answer. } 12... O-O-O { Sometimes,
it's easy to forget that queenside castling is still possible after there
has been that much action already on the queenside. It is a strong move,
connecting rooks and covering the c4-pawn due to the pin. Now White only
has one playable move! } 13. Rf1 { The only move that White has available.
Otherwise, we'd play ...Bb4 or ...Ne4, putting deadly pressure on the
pinned knight. } 13... c3 { Finally, we return the pawn on our terms. There
was no way to keep it, as13...Rd514.e3 shows. I decided to stop the
trainable line here, as after 14.bxc3 Black is fine with many moves. The
pawn structure is symmetrical, but our pieces are slightly more active.
White's position is very solid, though - chances are equal. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

ultimately not scary for Black. } 8. Nxc4 { White's idea behind this move
is to play Bf4 and Nd6 quickly. During my research for Keep it Simple
1.d4*, I examined this line but quickly found that Black only needs to know
one key point to defuse this plan. } 8... cxd4 { We grab the important
centre pawn first. } 9. Bf4 Be7 { Here Black has a good alternative
in9...Nd5, after which10.Nd6+Bxd611.Bxd6Nde7 will enable castling after
all. However, White has reasonable compensation for the pawn in this line.
If you don't mind defending for a pawn, this line comes into consideration.
My choice is 9...Be7, which has a different approach. } 10. Nd6+ Kf8 $1 {
We give up the b-pawn, but gain valuable time. } 11. Nxb7 Qb6 12. Nd6 Qc5 {
This looks best. We can't play12...e5??, as13.Nc4Qc514.Nxe5 wins for White.
The position after 12...Qc5 has been reached in several games, all between
GM-level players. The whole line of 7.Ne5 and 8.Nxc4 is not something you'd
meet in your local club tournament. Therefore I cut the trainable line here
and show some possible ideas to illustrate matters. White can play 13.Ne4,
but13...Nxe414.Bxe4e515.Bd2f5 gives us many valuable moves with the gain of
tempo. A much more sophisticated try is13.Qb3!?, when13...Bxd614.Rc1Qb4
gives us equal chances, too. Finally, White could try to make a draw with
13.Nb7, but we can avoid a repetition with13...Qb4 or13...Qf5 if we want to
fight for the win. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

ultimately not scary for Black. } 8. Na3 { A very logical move, getting the
knight out to capture on c4. White can also play8.Nd2 with the same idea,
when8...cxd49.Ndxc4 leads to the same positions. } 8... cxd4 { Alright, we
have two extra pawns... } 9. Naxc4 { Well, the second extra pawns didn't
stay on the board for very long, but we still have d4. White has
compensation for the material loss, seeing that White's pieces are very
active. Quite often, this pressure is enough to win back d4. Our job is to
neutralize White's activity and use the extra pawn or return it under
favourable or at least fair circumstances. } 9... Be7 10. Bf4 { White
prepares to play Qb3 next, when ...Qc7 is not possible anymore. } 10... Rc8
{ We need to play the most precise move to address Qb3, which is 10...Rc8.
Our idea is to answer Qb3 with ...Nd5, which works best with the rook
already on c8. It's helpful to see the difference after10...O-O11.Qb3Nd5?,
when12.Qxb7Nxe513.Nxe5 leads to a deadly double attack on our bishop and
rook. After 10...Rc8, we'll examine 11.Nxd7 and 11.Qb3. White will win back
the pawn in both cases, but we'll equalize without any problems. } 11. Nxd7
{ White starts an immediate operation to regain the pawn. } 11... Qxd7 {
This is a lot safer than11...Nxd712.Nd6+Bxd613.Bxd6. In this line, White
has too much compensation for my taste. It is a playable option if you want
to up the stakes. 11...Qxd7 is more reliable but does not offer many
winning chances against good play. } 12. Ne5 { White removes the c6-knight,
the key defender of the d4-pawn. } 12... Nxe5 13. Bxe5 Qb5 $1 { It's useful
to remember this move, as it is not so easy to prove equal chances with
other moves. Now White can't play14.Bxd4??, as14...Rd8! creates a deadly
pin. } 14. Qxd4 O-O { We have equal chances here. White's bishop pair looks
great, but it is not well organized. We currently attack the e2-pawn and
have ideas like: ...Rfd8, ...Rc4 and knight moves to d7 and even g4 in
store. White's setup of Qd4 and Be5 is not stable, giving us many tactical
chances. One line to illustrate matters is15.Bf3Rfd816.Qf4Rc417.Qe3Nd5,
when our pieces are very active. White could try15.e3, but15...Rfd8 or the
even more forcing15...Ng4 are fine for us. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

favourable or at least fair circumstances. } 9... Be7 10. Bf4 { White
prepares to play Qb3 next, when ...Qc7 is not possible anymore. } 10... Rc8
{ We need to play the most precise move to address Qb3, which is 10...Rc8.
Our idea is to answer Qb3 with ...Nd5, which works best with the rook
already on c8. It's helpful to see the difference after10...O-O11.Qb3Nd5?,
when12.Qxb7Nxe513.Nxe5 leads to a deadly double attack on our bishop and
rook. After 10...Rc8, we'll examine 11.Nxd7 and 11.Qb3. White will win back
the pawn in both cases, but we'll equalize without any problems. } 11. Qb3
{ A key element of White's play, but we are perfectly set to meet this move
now. } 11... Nd5 { We return the b7-pawn with this move but get equal
chances in the resulting positions. } 12. Qxb7 { After12.Nxd7 it's best to
play12...Nxf4. Getting the strong bishop on f4 is a nice accomplishment. }
12... Nxe5 13. Nxe5 Rc7 { It's best to start with this move. We'd like to
take on f4, but after13...Nxf414.gxf4Rc7 White has15.Qe4, which is a more
attractive scenario for White than after 13...Rc7, when the queen has to
choose a worse square. } 14. Qa6 { Or14.Qb3Nxf415.gxf4O-O, with similar
play. } 14... Nxf4 15. gxf4 O-O { We have equal chances in this position.
White's minor pieces are active, but we have the bishops and White's pawn
structure is not ideal. White has the option to take on d7 and create a
scenario with opposite-coloured bishops. This could be rather drawish if
queens are exchanged, but with queens on the board, there are some chances
for Black to create some play on the dark squares (attacking the pawn on
f4, for example). } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

favourable or at least fair circumstances. } 9... Be7 10. Qb3 { This is the
move I recommended in Keep it Simple: 1.d4. Black needs to be precise
against it, so it's advisable to study the complications that now arise. }
10... Qc7 $1 { The first point to remember is that 10...Qc7 is best,
as11.Bf4 is answered with11...Nh5!, when12.Nxc6Nxf4! is the point. } 11.
Nxc6 { This is White's alternative to 11.Bf4. The following sequence of
moves is quite forced. } 11... Bxc6 12. Bf4 Qd8 { This is the best square
for the queen. If12...Qc8? then13.Rac1 is annoying to face. } 13. Bxc6+
bxc6 14. Ne5 c5 { We want to keep our extra pawn. Now White can spoil our
castling rights, but it is not enough to claim more than compensation for
the pawn. } 15. Qa4+ Kf8 { The move15...Nd7 is not terrible, but a bit
passive. We don't mind the temporary inconvenience of the king on f8, as we
get some active ideas in return (compared to 15...Nd7) . Now ...Qd5/...Qe8
or ...Nd5 are options for us. We can improve our king position with ideas
like ...h6 and ...g5, or ...h5 and ...g6, freeing the g7-square for the
king. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

Bf4 { White's sharpest move. } 11... Nh5 { The start of fun complications.
We want to eliminate the bishop on f4 and invite the capture on c6. } 12.
Nxc6 Nxf4 13. Nxe7 Nxg2 { A cool sequence. Now BOTH knights are trapped in
the enemy camp. As you can imagine, this whole line is not going to happen
often in your games. It has occurred on the master level, but only
extremely well-prepared opponents would get that far. So why do we need to
check it? Well, I have written Keep It Simple: 1.d4, and I recommend going
into this line for White there! I couldn't find an advantage for White, but
I felt it is a good line to allow, as Black will rarely know the theory up
to the current position, let alone even further. Black is fine here, but
it's good to know some details. Maybe you'll play against someone who knows
Keep It Simple: 1.d4 and tests your knowledge - better be ready! I'd like
to add that it can be much fun to analyze crazy-looking positions like
this. This is not just about opening knowledge but about improving
calculation and understanding dynamics. Alright, so what's going on here?
We have to check some moves now, but two general ideas first: A) We are
ready to take the knight on e7 with the king, but the reply Qa3+ or Qb4+
may be annoying. It is an idea to play ...Qc5 first and only then take on
e7 on the next move. This comes into play after 14.Kxg2?!Qc5! It's possible
just to take the knight, but14...Kxe715.Qa3+Kf616.Qf3+ is an immediate
draw. After 14...Qc5! we get to take e7 next and can play for an advantage.
B) Our knight on g2 won't get out anyway. It is an idea to play ...Nf4,
forcing White to take it. This fun idea comes into play when White moves a
rook to the c-file now. } 14. Rac1 { White plays a helpful move and just
ignores the knight on g2. The following idea against 14.Rac1 would also
work against 14.Rfc1. } 14... Nf4 $1 { This is not the only good move
available, but the line I like most. We give up the stranded knight but
activate the queen in the process. } 15. gxf4 Qxf4 { The point of the
...Nf4!-operation is that now we threaten ...Qg5+ and taking the e7-knight
next. It looks like White now needs to go
for16.Qb4Qg5+17.Kh1Qxe718.Nd6+Kf819.Qxb7Rd8, when Black is still a pawn up,
but White seems to have enough play to compensate for the material deficit.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
Bf4 { White's sharpest move. } 11... Nh5 { The start of fun complications.
We want to eliminate the bishop on f4 and invite the capture on c6. } 12.
Nxc6 Nxf4 13. Nxe7 Nxg2 { A cool sequence. Now BOTH knights are trapped in
the enemy camp. As you can imagine, this whole line is not going to happen
often in your games. It has occurred on the master level, but only
extremely well-prepared opponents would get that far. So why do we need to
check it? Well, I have written Keep It Simple: 1.d4, and I recommend going
into this line for White there! I couldn't find an advantage for White, but
I felt it is a good line to allow, as Black will rarely know the theory up
to the current position, let alone even further. Black is fine here, but
it's good to know some details. Maybe you'll play against someone who knows
Keep It Simple: 1.d4 and tests your knowledge - better be ready! I'd like
to add that it can be much fun to analyze crazy-looking positions like
this. This is not just about opening knowledge but about improving
calculation and understanding dynamics. Alright, so what's going on here?
We have to check some moves now, but two general ideas first: A) We are
ready to take the knight on e7 with the king, but the reply Qa3+ or Qb4+
may be annoying. It is an idea to play ...Qc5 first and only then take on
e7 on the next move. This comes into play after 14.Kxg2?!Qc5! It's possible
just to take the knight, but14...Kxe715.Qa3+Kf616.Qf3+ is an immediate
draw. After 14...Qc5! we get to take e7 next and can play for an advantage.
B) Our knight on g2 won't get out anyway. It is an idea to play ...Nf4,
forcing White to take it. This fun idea comes into play when White moves a
rook to the c-file now. } 14. Rfd1 { That's the move I recommended in Keep
it Simple 1.d4. If forces Black to know/find the best reply. } 14... Qc5 $1
{ The idea of White's move is revealed after14...Kxe7?15.Qb4+Kf616.Rxd4,
which gives White a strong attack. We already know the ...Qc5 resource
from14.Kxg2?!Qc5!, when it is the most precise move. } 15. Qxb7 { This is
the move I recommended in Keep it Simple 1.d4. It keeps the game going, but
White has alternatives that often end in draws.
A)15.Rac1Kxe716.Nd2Qb617.Qa3+Qd618.Rc5Qa619.Ra5+Qd6 with a repetition.
B)15.Rxd4Qxd416.Rd1Qc517.Rxd7 I mentioned this line in Keep it Simple: 1.
d4 and continued with17...Kxd7, which is an easy draw for White.
Here17...b5! forces White to find some tough moves to make the draw. }
15... Kxe7 { Let's stop the trainable here. I think Black has equal chances
here, but it has been a fun ride! Of course, it is possible to analyze even
further from here, but I feel it is too much in the context of our
repertoire. The main reason for going that deep is my background story of
writing about this line from White's perspective. You are unlikely ever to
reach the final positions, as opponents will deviate earlier. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "4.g3 dxc4 5.bg2 c5 6.O-O Nc6 7.dxc5 #1"]
[Result "*"]

perspectives in this interesting variation. } 7. dxc5 { This line has
gained some popularity in recent years. After it was established that the
more 'maximalist' moves 7.Qa4 and 7.Ne5 don't yield much, White began to
search for small advantages in the arising endgame. The whole concept is
based on the Catalan bishop on g2 being better than its counterpart on c8.
This is true, but it is just one factor of the position. After studying
this line for a while, I concluded that Black obtains fair chances with
precise play. Let's have a look. } 7... Qxd1 { Trading on d1 and capturing
the c5-pawn is natural and best. } 8. Rxd1 Bxc5 { White needs to get the
c4-pawn back at some point. Now the natural move 9.Nbd2 is the overwhelming
mainline, but White has also tried 9.Nfd2. } 9. Nfd2 { Similar to the more
obvious 9.Nbd2, White wants to capture c4 with a knight. The main point of
using the f3-knight is best explained when looking at 9.Nbd2c3!, when we
return the pawn while damaging White's pawn structure. After9.Nfd2 the
move9...c3? makes no sense, as White simply plays10.Nxc3. On the other
hand, we don't want to allow Nxc4 that easily, which leaves the principled
move 9...Na5. } 9... Na5 { This is the best move. We keep c4 for the
moment, but also prepare ...Bd7-c6, activating our problem piece on c8. }
10. Na3 { Again attacking c4. } 10... Bxa3 { There is no reason to return
the pawn with 10...c3?!. After taking on a3 and keeping the pawn, we get
equal chances in an interesting position. } 11. bxa3 Bd7 { The start of an
instructive manouver. White has pressure on the long diagonal, so it makes
perfect sense to 'empty' this diagonal. After ...Bd7, ...Rc8 and ...b6, we
will have a harmonious setup and manage to 'play around' the scope of the
Catalan bishop. White has enough play to compensate for the lost pawn, but
not more. White will likely need to play something along the lines of
...Bb2-c3 and later capture a5 and c4 to restore material equality. I'll
continue the line a bit to illustrate the key moves of the setup. } 12. Bb2
Rc8 { The rook leaves the long diagonal. } 13. Bc3 b6 { And we are just in
time to cover the knight. } 14. Rdc1 { White threatens Bxa5, followed by
Nxc4. } 14... Bb5 { Again, we are insisting on keeping the pawn. Black has
fair chances in this position, as there is no way in sight for White to
increase the pressure. Probably they should consider a line
like15.Rab1Ba616.Bxa5bxa517.Bb7Bxb718.Rxb7, but after18...c3, the c-pawn
stays on the board and always gives Black good play. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

mainline, but White has also tried 9.Nfd2. } 9. Nbd2 c3 $1 { Against
9.Nfd2, we should keep the pawn with9...Na5!, while here the move9.Nbd2Na5?
is flawed due to10.Ne5, when the c-pawn drops under much worse
circumstances. It is best to play 9...c3 to damage White's pawn structure a
bit. Now White enjoys the more active pieces, but our position has no
weaknesses and offers long-term chances to exploit White's split pawns on
the queenside. We need to coordinate our position over the next moves and
know some ideas - let's get to work. } 10. bxc3 O-O { I advise going for a
setup with ...O-O, ...Be7 and ...Bd7, connecting the rooks quickly. } 11.
Nb3 { White's almost universal choice. The knight move gains time and opens
up both the d1-rook and the c1-bishop. } 11... Be7 { The best and safest
square. We have to avoid11...Bb6?12.Ba3. Now White has tried different
approaches. They can play 12.c4 or go for 12.Nfd4, which starts concrete
play and will change the pawn structure immediately. Currently, the move
12.Nfd4 is viewed as the more promising choice for White. } 12. c4 { The
main point of 12.c4 is opening the long diagonal for the Queen's bishop,
which will appear on b2 on the next move. } 12... Bd7 { We continue with
our planned setup and connect rooks. } 13. Bb2 Rfc8 $1 { This precise move
is an improvement over the more popular rook move 13...Rfd8. It was played
in some high-level games in 2021 and is the preference of Stockfish. At
first, 13...Rfc8 looks odd because White may go for14.Bxf6Bxf615.Rxd7, but
this sequence turns out to be acceptable for Black due to some attractive
tactics. So 14.Bxf6 is no problem at all; what else is there for White? Our
rook is well-placed on c8, looking at the c-pawn. We are also ready to play
...Be8, preparing ...Nd7-c5. If White can't make use of their activity,
we'll have chances against their weakened queenside. } 14. Bxf6 { We need
to check this forcing move, of course. } 14... Bxf6 15. Rxd7 Bxa1 16. Nxa1
{ After the series of captures, White has two minor pieces for a rook, but
it's too early to take stock. Our next two moves are the justification of
13...Rfc8!, so hang on. } 16... Rd8 { We must fight for the d-file
immediately. If White is given time to organize, the two minor pieces would
be much better than a rook. 17.Rxb7??Rd1+ is wrong, so White needs to
retreat along the d-file or trade. } 17. Rxd8+ { After the rook trade, we
will easily invade White's position on the d-file and be able to attack the
queenside pawns. } 17... Rxd8 18. Nb3 { White needs to rescue the knight. }
18... Rd1+ 19. Bf1 Rb1 { We want to play ...Rb2 next, attacking the a-pawn.
I'll stop the trainable line here, as we are already very deep. Black has
the much easier job here, as White needs to defend their queenside pawns.
Computers find a draw for White, but from an opening preparation
perspective, we are happy with the outcome. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

we'll have chances against their weakened queenside. } 14. Bxf6 { We need
to check this forcing move, of course. } 14... Bxf6 15. Rxd7 Bxa1 16. Nxa1
{ After the series of captures, White has two minor pieces for a rook, but
it's too early to take stock. Our next two moves are the justification of
13...Rfc8!, so hang on. } 16... Rd8 { We must fight for the d-file
immediately. If White is given time to organize, the two minor pieces would
be much better than a rook. 17.Rxb7??Rd1+ is wrong, so White needs to
retreat along the d-file or trade. } 17. Rd2 { The most challenging
retreat. After17.Rd3Nb4 Black forces the rook trade and has good chances on
the queenside. It's not easy for White to keep the pawns, in particular in
a practical game. } 17... Ne5 $1 { a beautiful move to play! White can't
take our knight, and we threaten both ...Nxf3+ and ...Nxc4. The strong
17...Ne5! is the final important move to know, so I'll stop the trainable
here. After18.Nd4Nxc4 or 18.Nb3Nxc4 we pick up the c-pawn,
while18.Rxd8+Rxd819.Ne1Rd120.Nac2b621.Be4Nxc4 is a long line that leads to
the same scenario. In all cases, only Black has winning chances. The
rook+pawn duo is dangerous and much easier to play. An outside passed pawn
on the queenside will be very powerful. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

we'll have chances against their weakened queenside. } 14. c5 { This looks
like a logical move. White clears the c4-square to allow Nf3-d2-c4. } 14...
Be8 { An idea that I already mentioned before. We remove the bishop from
the scope of the d1-rook and prepare ...Nd7. } 15. Nfd2 {
Or15.Ne5Nxe516.Bxe5Bc6, giving Black equal chances. You can always play
...b7-b6 in this type of position to simplify matters if you like. } 15...
b6 $1 { We should play this move before White manages ...Nd2-c4-d6.
After16.cxb6axb617.Nc4Rab818.Nd6Bxd619.Rxd6Na520.Nxa5bxa521.Be5Rb4 White's
bishop pair is not to be feared, as the pawn structure is too simplified. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

12.Nfd4 is viewed as the more promising choice for White. } 12. Nfd4 { The
knight jump is considered to be White's primary try for an advantage
nowadays. White puts pressure on our knight and forces a decision: taking
on d4 or allowing White to capture on c6? } 12... Nxd4 { I suggest taking
on d4. The alternative is12...Bd7, which seems to be about equal, too. I
prefer 12...Nxd4 because after 12...Bd7 White will often capture twice on
c6 soon, reaching a fully symmetrical position. After 12...Nxd4 13.cxd4,
the arising pawn structure is more interesting to play. } 13. cxd4 { White
managed to improve their pawn structure, but now the d-file is closed, and
we have the opportunity to play the following manoeuvre. } 13... Nd5 {
Taking a look at the c3-square and blocking the view of the g2-bishop. Now
we'll take a look at the principled but harmless move 14.e4, and White's
main tries 14.Na5 and 14.Bd2. } 14. e4 $6 { It's important to check what
happens after this principled move. Our knight is happy to jump into
action, though. } 14... Nc3 15. Rd2 { After15.Rd3Ne2+ we are happy to get
the bishop pair and easily obtain good chances. Now the knight check is
covered, but White's position lacks harmony. } 15... Bd7 { We connect the
rooks and are ready to play a rook to c8 next. I am happy with Black's
chances here. The c3-knight is an annoying intruder for White: b5 and a4
are good squares for us. The move ...Bb5 would renew our idea to check on
e2. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]
main tries 14.Na5 and 14.Bd2. } 14. Na5 { White correctly considers the
b3-knight misplaced and tries to relocate it to c4. At the same time, b7 is
attacked and14...b6? fails to15.Nc6. It's best to force the action by
attacking the knight immediately with our bishop. } 14... Bb4 { The best
move, starting concrete play. We now need to consider 15.Nc4 and 15.Bd2.
Both lead to complications that we need to examine. } 15. Nc4 Bd7 { This
looks best. The move15...Nc3? leads to nothing after16.Rd2. Instead, we
connect rooks but also allow ...Ba4, which could be quite annoying for
White to meet. } 16. Rb1 { This move looks a bit odd, allowing ...Nc3. It
is the only interesting move to check, though. After16.Bd2, we play the
mentioned16...Ba4 and activate our bishop nicely. Alright, what about the
knight jump to c3 now? We'll see that the following complications are fine
for Black. } 16... Nc3 { Fork! Now White has two moves that we need to
check, but we are fine against both of them. Here are some sample lines to
demonstrate that Black has equal chances. A)
17.Rxb4Nxd118.Bxb7Nc319.Bxa8Nxe2+20.Kf1Nxc1 B)
17.Bd2Nxe2+18.Kf1Bxd219.Rxb7Nc320.Rxd2Bb5 (or20...Rab8 as a fancier
solution) C)
17.Bd2Nxe2+18.Kf1Bxd219.Rxb7Nc320.Rxd7Nxd121.Bxa8Rxa822.Nxd2Nc3 } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

main tries 14.Na5 and 14.Bd2. } 14. Na5 { White correctly considers the
b3-knight misplaced and tries to relocate it to c4. At the same time, b7 is
attacked and14...b6? fails to15.Nc6. It's best to force the action by
attacking the knight immediately with our bishop. } 14... Bb4 { The best
move, starting concrete play. We now need to consider 15.Nc4 and 15.Bd2.
Both lead to complications that we need to examine. } 15. Bd2 Nc3 { This
active move leads to equal chances for Black. Stockfish also points
out15...Bxa5!?16.Bxa5f5 and assesses this position as about equal. Black
has a good blockade on the light squares, but it looks like a purely
defensive endeavour. } 16. Nxb7 { This looks best. White's knight was
hanging, and now16...Nxd1? is actually worse due to17.Bxb4, when White is
much better. } 16... Nxe2+ { As mentioned, we need to
avoid16...Nxd1?17.Bxb4, but this move looks reliable. } 17. Kf1 Nc3 { We
just return after having snatched a pawn. We still don't threaten ...Nxd1,
but the simple ...Bxb7, followed by ...Rab8, coordinates our position
nicely. A possible line is18.Rdc1Bxb719.Bxb7Rab820.Bf3Nd5, which gives us
equal chances. White has the bishop pair, but the weaker pawn structure. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

main tries 14.Na5 and 14.Bd2. } 14. Bd2 { It's undoubtedly very natural to
cover the square c3 and connect rooks for White. They have also tried the
similarly minded14.Bb2, but it looks like a slightly worse version of
14.Bd2. We'd fight 14.Bb2 in the same way as 14.Bd2, playing ...f5 to
support our centralized knight. } 14... f5 { An important piece of the
puzzle. The f-pawn helps secure the knight on the attractive d5-outpost. We
want to develop by playing ...b6 and ...Bb7 or ...Ba6 next, connecting our
rooks. } 15. Na5 { This is White's main try in the current position. It is
also the recommended continuation in a popular Chessable repertoire,
S.Narayanan's Lifetime Repertoire based on the Catalan. White may also
play15.Rac1, when we'll play15...b6. White's main idea behind 15.Na5 is to
get the knight to a more active spot. As we'll see, we don't mind it
appearing on c6. } 15... b6 16. Nc6 { Instead16.Nc4Ba6 is comfortable for
Black. } 16... Bf6 17. e3 Bb7 { Here, my fellow Chessable author concludes
his analysis and assesses the position as slightly better for White.
Narayanan argues that White wants to play a4-a5 and enjoys the better pawn
structure after a trade on b6. White has a chain of 5 pawns, while Black
has an isolated b6-pawn. His point certainly makes sense, but I don't see
any serious problem for Black. In this scenario, the b-pawn is an outside
passer, which may become a factor, too. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "4.g3 dxc4 5.bg2 c5 6.O-O Nc6 7.Qa4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

perspectives in this interesting variation. } 7. Qa4 { The queen move is
White's traditional mainline, but nowadays, the focus of top players and
theoreticians has shifted more towards other lines, in particular 7.dxc5.
Against 7.Qa4 Black's resources look perfectly fine at the moment, often
allowing exciting play on the queenside. As mentioned, 7.Qa4 is not very
fashionable at the top level, but still, an essential line that you'll meet
regularly. } 7... Bd7 { The only good reply. We break the pin on our knight
and threaten to capture d4, which leaves White with only two sensible
replies. They can play 8.dxc5 or capture c4 with the queen. } 8. dxc5 {
White usually plays this move to avoid the complications after8.Qxc4b5 and
intends to play for a small edge after8.dxc5Bxc59.Qxc4, based on the
powerful Catalan bishop. While this line should ultimately equalize for
Black, I still prefer the quirkier 8...Na5, which is more challenging for
White. } 8... Na5 { I like this knight jump to the edge of the board. We
cover c4 for the moment and still have c5 to pick up. I don't see the
slightest advantage for White in this line. They now have to decide where
to retreat the queen. } 9. Qa3 { White hangs on to the c5-pawn for the
moment but places the queen on a somewhat uncomfortable spot. } 9... b6 {
Here, the move9...Rc8 follows a similar idea and work, too. It leads to
wacky complications after10.b4cxb311.axb3Rxc512.b4Rb5, which seem to end in
equality after further adventures. I felt that 9...b6 is a simpler solution
for a sideline and decided to recommend the pawn move instead. } 10. b4 {
White can also cover c5 with the bishop, which leads to a similar play.
After10.Be3Rc811.b4cxb312.axb3Bxc513.Bxc5Rxc514.b4Nc415.Qxa7Rc7 we obtain
equal chances, too. } 10... cxb3 11. axb3 Bxc5 { Snatching the pawn is the
most obvious move, seeing that12.b4Be7 is fine for Black and gives us equal
chances. It is important to avoid excessive ambition at this point, as
other tries are too dangerous. I checked, for
example,11...Nb7?12.Ne5Bxc513.b4Bd614.Qb2, which ends horribly for our
cause. } 12. b4 Be7 { The pin keeps our knight safe. Still, living on the
edge is dangerous in the long run. The way back to more central grounds
will usually be via c4 - let's have a look. } 13. Ne5 {
Or13.Rd1Rc814.Ne5Nc4, leading to the same variation. } 13... Rc8 { The rook
leaves the vulnerable diagonal and covers the crucial c4-square for our
adventurous knight. } 14. Rd1 Nc4 { And we have successfully evacuated our
knight, giving us good play after15.Nxc4Rxc416.Qxa7O-O, when White still
has to worry about the b4-pawn. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

replies. They can play 8.dxc5 or capture c4 with the queen. } 8. dxc5 {
White usually plays this move to avoid the complications after8.Qxc4b5 and
intends to play for a small edge after8.dxc5Bxc59.Qxc4, based on the
powerful Catalan bishop. While this line should ultimately equalize for
Black, I still prefer the quirkier 8...Na5, which is more challenging for
White. } 8... Na5 { I like this knight jump to the edge of the board. We
cover c4 for the moment and still have c5 to pick up. I don't see the
slightest advantage for White in this line. They now have to decide where
to retreat the queen. } 9. Qc2 { Placing the queen on the unstable
a3-square is not everybody's cup of tea. After 9.Qc2, White intends to play
on the open d-file and exert some pressure with moves like Rd1 and Ne5.
We'll win c5 right away, but White has enough compensation for the pawn. }
9... Bxc5 10. Ne5 { White needs to be precise to generate enough play for
the pawn. After10.Rd1?!Qb6 Black is better already. } 10... O-O { The
alternative10...Rc8 is just as good. You need to avoid the
tempting10...Bb5??, however. After11.b4!Bxb412.Qb2 Black is dead lost! }
11. Rd1 { White can easily fall into a trap here. After11.Nxc4??Rc8! we are
winning on the spot, as we threaten ...Nxc4 and ...Bxf2+. White has no way
to avoid this type of disaster on the c-file! The same trick works
after11.Bg5h612.Bxf6gxf613.Nxc4??Rc8, which wins for the same reason. Of
course, White does not need to take on c4 in this line, but they won't have
more than compensation for the pawn. Our position is sound, and our pieces
work well. Back to the current position after11.Rd1 - White increases the
pressure on the d-file, which makes Bg5 a far more dangerous threat on the
next move. After a careless move like11...Rc8??12.Bg5, the pins already
cost us the game. } 11... h6 { 'No Bg5 for you!' After this precise move, I
don't see any problems for Black. White is active enough to regain the
pawn, for example, after12.Nc3Qe713.Nxd7Nxd714.Qa4Nc615.Qxc4Nde5, when our
active pieces easily compensate for the loss of the bishop pair. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

replies. They can play 8.dxc5 or capture c4 with the queen. } 8. Qxc4 {
White captures the pawn and hopes for a slight pull after8...cxd49.Nxd4
when the Catalan bishop indeed makes a strong impression. We don't comply!
} 8... b5 { A powerful move, gaining space on the queenside. This variation
offers Black good counter chances and more exciting chess than 8...cxd4.
Currently, White is struggling to set any problems against 8...b5, which is
a key reason why 7.Qa4 has fallen out of fashion at the top level. After
8...b5, White usually retreats with 9.Qd3, but recently the less natural
9.Qc3 has been tried, too. I've also faced the blunder9.Qxb5?? in Blitz,
which loses after9...Nxd4. } 9. Qc3 { Not the most obvious move, as the
queen is placed on the natural square for the Queen's knight. White's idea
is to discourage9...c4?!, which is answered by10.a4, which gives White good
chances. We must avoid this pawn push, which works well after9.Qd3c4!, as
it gains a tempo and White has no time to play a2-a4. } 9... b4 { As
mentioned,9...c4?!10.a4 is to be avoided. } 10. Qd3 Rc8 { We have gained
some ground on the queenside with tempo and now remove the rook from the
long diagonal. Black has an active position and equal chances. White now
usually captures on c5. } 11. dxc5 { White doesn't have a beneficial move
that keeps the tension. If they play a move like11.Bg5, both11...cxd4
and11...h612.Bxf6Qxf6 is fine for Black. } 11... Bxc5 12. Be3 { White wants
to get rid of our active bishop. I also examined12.Bg5h613.Bxf6Qxf614.Nbd2,
when14...Ne515.Nxe5Qxe5 is fine for Black. } 12... Bxe3 13. Qxe3 Qb6 { I
like this clean solution. The queen trade is not to be feared, as it would
even allow us to place our king on e7, ready to help in the centre of the
board. The doubled pawns are no problem at all, as White has no way to
attack them. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

which loses after9...Nxd4. } 9. Qxb5 $4 { Taking the pawn is somewhat
naive, but it happened in my Blitz games. There is a minor point worth
checking. } 9... Nxd4 { Now White's queen is attacked twice, but we also
threaten ...Nc2. The move10.Qd3 fails to10...Bb5, so what's left for White?
Not much, but let's have a brief look at the desperate 10.Nxd4. } 10. Nxd4
{ White gives up the queen for only two minor pieces. It is not enough, but
hang on. } 10... Bxb5 11. Nxb5 { I have reached this position in an online
Blitz game and continued with11...Rc8?, after which12.Nxa7 was not that
clear at all. White's a-pawn turned out to be very strong, supported by the
monster bishop on g2. } 11... Qb6 { This is much better than my 11...Rc8?,
as is11...Nd5. } 12. Bxa8 Qxb5 { We have returned some material but avoided
practical problems. With a queen against rook and bishop, we have a huge
material advantage and should win. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

which loses after9...Nxd4. } 9. Qd3 { Going back to d3 is White's most
frequently played move, but it invites the further advance of our c-pawn. }
9... c4 { We are happy to advance the pawn with a tempo gain. We now reach
an interesting, double-edged position. White usually plays for a central
breakthrough with pawns to e4 and d5, while we have created an advanced
three vs two - pawn majority on the queenside. The c4-pawn also allows a
vital resource for Black: after White's e2-e4 pawn push the knight
tour...Nc6-b4-d3 becomes an option but needs to be correctly timed. First
of all, White now needs to decide on a queen move. } 10. Qc2 { The primary
purpose of 10. Qc2 is to keep an eye on e4 to support the e-pawn push.
Boris Avrukh recommended this move in his book on the Catalan. } 10... Be7
{ Black's choice here is mainly between 10...Rc8 and 10...Be7. Both moves
seem fine, but I concluded that we don't need the rook move just yet. There
is a difference compared to 10.Qd1, when White sets up the idea Ne5,
prompting the prophylactic rook move. After 10.Qc2Be7 White's most active
move is11.e4, which Avrukh recommended. We'll also have a quick look
at11.Nc3 and 11.Ne5. } 11. Ne5 { We want to make sure the knight jump is
harmless. } 11... Rc8 { We cover c6, and now the d4-pawn is attacked for
real. We couldn't play11...Nxd4??, as12.Qd1 is a double attack on the
d4-knight and the a8-rook. } 12. Rd1 { White covers d4 and develops the
rook. This move certainly makes the most sense. Now Black has a good choice
of moves. Slower ones like12...O-O would work fine, but there is a
straightforward solution that I wanted to show. } 12... Nxe5 { This capture
needs to be carefully considered. The complications work out well for
Black, as we will see. } 13. dxe5 Ng4 { We attack the e5-pawn, and White
has no comfortable way to cover it. Here are two lines to show the
problem:14.f4??Qb6+ is terrible for White, while14.Bf4?Qb6 doesn't close
immediately but is unconvincing. This leaves 14.Qe4 to save the pawn. } 14.
Qe4 f5 $1 { This is the move that Black needed to see before taking on e5.
} 15. exf6 Nxf6 { Now we are in good shape, enjoying an active position.
The two advance queenside pawns are an asset, but also now the half-open
f-file, which we may also make use of. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

at11.Nc3 and 11.Ne5. } 11. Nc3 { A natural development move, attacking our
b5-pawn. } 11... b4 { Surprisingly, this move seems to be yet untested in
Mega Database 2021. It looks natural to me, gaining time on the c3-knight.
} 12. Ne4 { White may also go back to b1 or play12.Nd1, intending Ne3 next.
In both cases, I like Black's prospects on the queenside after12...Na5,
which covers the c-pawn for the moment. } 12... Rc8 { A good way to support
the c4-pawn. White can't play13.Nxf6+Bxf614.Qxc4?? due to14...Nxd4. } 13.
Rd1 O-O { White still can't grab c4 for the same reason as on the move
before. I like Black's position, as White does not have any dangerous play
in the centre, while we have already made good progress on the queenside. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

at11.Nc3 and 11.Ne5. } 11. e4 { The most active and natural move. } 11...
O-O { We can't play against a possible d4-d5 breakthrough with a king on
e8, so we need to castle. } 12. Qe2 { Avrukh recommended this move, and it
is by far the most commonly played one. White removes the queen from the
...Nb4 tempo before any further action. } 12... Nb4 { I suggest this move,
directly aiming at the d3-square. Avrukh only examines 12...Qb6 in his
book, which is not bad for Black either. Nevertheless, I feel that 12...Nb4
makes a lot of sense, as we immediately try to make use of the c4-pawn to
establish a strong outpost. } 13. Ne5 { This looks sensible. White covers
d3 with an active move. Our reply is not obvious, but a strong move! }
13... Be8 { We attack the d4-pawn and prepare ...Nd7, challenging the
intruder on e5. If we manage to remove the e5-knight, we finally have
access to d3! Please note that 13...Bc8!? has the same idea and works well,
too. } 14. Rd1 { Or14.a3Qxd4!, which looks fine after15.axb4Qxe5. } 14...
Nd7 { Again, I like Black's position after15.Nxd7Bxd7 or15.Nf3Nd316.Be3Nb6.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

of all, White now needs to decide on a queen move. } 10. Qd1 Rc8 { The
prophylactic rook move is stronger than10...Be711.Ne5, which is
surprisingly awkward for Black. It can be confusing that 10.Qc2 is answered
by10...Be7, while 10.Qd1 is answered by 10...Rc8. A way to remember this
difference is that 10.Qd1 is a slower approach, which allows us to play a
slower, prophylactic move, too. With 10.Qc2 White goes for a more
aggressive play, with e4 in mind. Therefore we shouldn't invest time on a
move that is not strictly necessary at the moment. Alright, back to 10.Qd1
Rc8: this position has been reached dozens of times in master games,
without a clear mainline emerging. White has tried numerous moves but
couldn't prove any advantage. We'll have a look at some of them to
illustrate the possibilities for both sides better. } 11. b3 { White tries
to generate some play on the queenside. We need to decide how to react. To
take or not to take? } 11... Be7 { I suggest allowing the capture on c4 and
avoiding 11...cxb3. Taking b3 is not a mistake, but I prefer to keep the
passed pawn. Currently, I see little danger of losing the pawn, so I advise
you to continue developing. That being said, Black has an interesting
alternative to 11...Be7 in11...Na5, which intends to establish the knight
on c4 if White decides to capture c4. It's good to see that there are
multiple possibilities for Black, which underlines the viability of the
general approach. } 12. a4 { White has also tried12.bxc4bxc413.Nc3,
when13...O-O14.Bd2Nb4 looks like a sensible continuation. We have equal
chances in this interesting position, based on the strong c-pawn. } 12...
Na5 $1 { This is stronger than the routine answer12...a6. Now we enter a
forced line that gives us good chances. } 13. axb5 Nxb3 14. Rxa7 Qb6 { We
push back the rook first, then proceed to castle and regain the b-pawn. I
decided to stop the trainable here, as after 15.Ra2 Black has various move
orders that are all fine. The main point of this line is to remember the
idea 12.a4 Na5! } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

illustrate the possibilities for both sides better. } 11. Ne5 { Against
this knight jump, Black has more than one good reply, but I'd like to show
an instructive idea. } 11... Nxe5 { A direct solution. As mentioned before,
there are good alternatives, like 11...Be7. } 12. dxe5 Nd5 { That's the
point of the capture on e5. We just jump to d5 and don't mind that White
can win a pawn, as the Catalan bishop on g2 is a high price to pay for
White. } 13. Bxd5 { The principled move. If White doesn't take, we'll have
...Bc6 next to contest the long diagonal. } 13... exd5 14. Qxd5 Be7 { We
calmly finish development and castle next. White can try to stop ...O-O
with15.Rd1, but after15...Bc616.Qxd8+Rxd817.Rxd8+Kxd8 Black has good play
for the pawn, even in the endgame. We have two bishops and the dangerous
majority on the queenside. I'd rather be Black here, but chances are
probably objectively equal. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

illustrate the possibilities for both sides better. } 11. Re1 { White
prepares the move e2-e4, which makes a lot of sense. Against this direct
idea, we should know the following line. } 11... Be7 12. e4 { Now the pawn
push to d6 looks like a serious threat. It turns out that we don't need to
be worried that much. } 12... O-O { Alright, what is the idea against 13.d5
now? Let's have a look. } 13. d5 { We need to check this critical move. }
13... exd5 14. exd5 Nb4 15. d6 { White has realized the idea of 11.Re1, but
we are in fine shape due to ...Nc2 in the end. We are now digging quite
deep, beyond move 15. However, after 11.Re1 all the moves are
straightforward to recall. } 15... Bxd6 16. Qxd6 Nc2 { We will win the
rook, but our knight won't get out easily from a1. Even if we'd lose the
knight for nothing, we'd still be OK from a material point of view. I
decided to cut the trainable here, but you are welcome to explore further,
as some interesting complications are ahead. Black can try to use some
tactics to save the knight,
like17.Na3Nxa118.Be3b419.Qxb4Nd520.Qd2Nxe321.fxe3c322.bxc3Bc6 and some
others. Black is fine after 11.Re1, and it leads to fun complications. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

illustrate the possibilities for both sides better. } 11. Bg5 { It's not
easy for White to find a good job for the dark-squared bishop. The move
11.Bg5 is played quite often but doesn't pose a problem. In many cases,
we'll get the bishop pair and good chances. Here's a typical sequence that
may happen. } 11... Be7 { Developing and unpinning, a very natural move. }
12. Nc3 b4 { Now what for White? The knight has no good square, so
capturing on f6 is their way to go. } 13. Bxf6 gxf6 $1 { I am showing this
line mostly because of this move. Playing13...Bxf614.Ne4Be7 is no mistake
but less convincing than creating the doubled pawn. The key idea is
...f6-f5, taking good control of e4. At the same time, ...Bf6 becomes a
possibility. Black has excellent chances after 13...gxf6!, which more or
less refuted the whole concept of playing Bg5xf6 to continue with Ne4. } *
[Event "11. Queen's Gambit: Sidelines"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "11. Queen's Gambit: Sidelines"]
[Black "3.c5?"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { In this Chapter, we will examine all lines of the

Queen's Gambit Declined that don't merit a dedicated Chapter. We have
dedicated Chapters on: A)The Carlsbad. This includes 3.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd5,
but other early captures on d5, too ( 3.cxd5exd5 or 3.Nf3Nf64.cxd5exd5 ).
B)The line 3.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a6. C)Lines where White develops with Bf4 or Bg5.
D)The Catalan 3.Nf3Nf64.g3 and 3.g3. In the current chapter, we examine
rare and mostly dubious attempts, but also the sound concept of a quick e3,
even before the c1-bishop is developed. This slow setup may occur via 3.e3,
but also3.Nf3Nf64.e3 or3.Nc3Nf64.e3. There is no fundamental difference
between these move orders, and we will react in the same way against all
versions. I suggest playing an early ...a6, which is a tricky move order
for White to handle. The e3-systems should be taken seriously, as White
follows sound principles. Still, we get fluent development and fair
chances; let's have a look at the sidelines of the Queen's Gambit Declined.
} 3. c5 $2 { Advancing the c-pawn so early is unwarranted and a conceptual
mistake. White can consider this pawn advance in other cases when it is
possible to support the pawn and keep it on c5 for a while. This does not
apply here, as we quickly gain good chances by attacking the advanced pawn
with 3...b6!. I'll only examine 3.c5? b6! in the repertoire to demonstrate
the idea, but White may also mistakenly advance the pawn in other early
cases in the QGD. Our answer is always ...b6!, for example after
3.Nf3Nf64.c5?b6! or3.Nc3Nf64.c5?b6!. } 3... b6 4. b4 { Relatively best is
4.cxb6axb6, when White has lost time and traded a c-pawn against an a-pawn,
which is very welcome, of course. We'll have a c-pawn to push and control
the centre, while White is lacking this idea. Playing 4.b4 seeks to keep
the pawn, but it fails. } 4... a5 { Now we see the problem for White.
They'd need to be able to play5.a3 here to support the pawn chain, but this
fails to5...axb4 when White can't recapture. Therefore White's advance has
failed, losing at least a pawn with a rotten position. A line
like5.cxb6Bxb4+ seems relatively best, which says a lot. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nc3"]
[Result "*"]

} 3. Nc3 { White's most popular move. We'll have a look at possible
sidelines on the next move. } 3... Nf6 { After 3...Nf6 we examine the moves
4.cxd5, 4.Bg5/4.Bf4, 4.g3 and 4.Nf3 in dedicated chapters, while the wrong
move4.c5? is answered with4...b6!, asalready discussed via 3.c5? b6! in the
current chapter. That leaves the move 4.e3, which covers the c4-pawn. It
has almost no independent value, though, as White will play Nf3 shortly,
and this transposes to positions that we examine in the current chapter via
the more popular move order1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3. } 4. e3 a6 { Not the
most obvious move, but it makes a lot of sense once you look at the
details. We wait if White decides to move the f1-bishop when we'd happily
take on c4 and follow up with ...b5. This concept is explained in more
detail inthe notes to 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3a6, which is the central part
of this chapter and a far more common way to reach the e3-setups. } 5. Nf3
{ This transposes to the mainline of the current chapter. There is not much
else to look at. After5.Bd3?!dxc46.Bxc4b5 we are in great shape, very
similarly to1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3a65.Bd3?!dxc4. } 5... Nbd7 { With
5...Nbd7, we continue with our waiting strategy, tempting White to move the
f1-bishop. This position is far more commonly reached via the
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf63.e3a65.Nc3Nbd7 move order, which is the mainline of
the current chapter. Please see these variations to learn more about the
further play. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.Qc2"]
[Result "*"]

} 3. Nf3 Nf6 { After 3...Nf6, we examine White's main lines in dedicated
chapters. There is 4.cxd5,4.Nc3,4.Bg5 or 4.Bf4,4.g3, which each have their
chapter. In the current chapter about sidelines, our main focus is 4.e3,
but we'll have a quick look at the rare moves 4.Qc2 and 4.Nbd2, as well. }
4. Qc2 { White covers the c-pawn with the queen. This idea is far more
popular and better in variations that feature an early ...c6, for example
1.d4d52.c4c63.Nf3Nf64.Qc2 and1.d4d52.c4c63.Nf3Nf64.Qc2. In those lines
Black's usual approach is to capture on c4 and follow with ...b5, ...a6 and
ultimately ...c5, expanding on the queenside. Looking at this concept
already hints at why the queen move is unpopular in our version of the
Queen's Gambit. We have not yet played ...c6, so the later queenside
expansion is one move quicker, which gives us a comfortable situation.
Before we look at this line, a quick word about4.Nbd2, which is even rarer
than 4.Qc2. White covers c4 with the knight, but the knight is not
well-placed on d2. It's on a rather passive square and obstructs the
c1-bishop. Black has more than one good reply to 4.Nbd2. I
suggest4...dxc45.Nxc4c56.e3Nc6, which is a natural way to develop and will
likely lead to an IQP for our opponent. There is also nothing wrong
about4...c5 or4...b6, but taking on c4 is more in line with similar
concepts that we employ. Alright, now back to 4.Qc2. } 4... dxc4 { A
familiar concept: we take on c4 to gain time on the queen with a later
...a6 and ...b5. } 5. Qxc4 a6 6. Bg5 { Or6.Bf4Bd6, when ...b5 will come
next. } 6... b5 7. Qc2 { White can also play7.Bxf6, when we need to
play7...gxf6 to keep c7 covered. The doubled pawn is no problem, as we will
see in the following line that features the same pawn structure. } 7... Bb7
8. Nbd2 Nbd7 { We are ready for ...c5 now. } 9. Bxf6 gxf6 $1 { White
expected9...Nxf6 when ... c5 is more difficult to play. We don't mind the
doubled pawn at all, as it covers the important e5-square and can't be
attacked by White in any way. Keeping the knight on d7 helps with playing
...c5. } 10. e3 c5 { Black has an excellent position. We have a strong
initiative on the queenside already. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.Nc3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

4. e3 { A solid choice for White. They cover the c-pawn and prepare the
kingside development. The e-pawn now obstructs the queen's bishop, so White
usually aims for a fianchetto on the queenside. Their usual setup involves
bishops on d3 and b2, while the placement of the knight is not yet clear.
White may opt for Nc3, putting more pressure on d5, or for Nbd2, which
emphasizes control of e5. } 4... a6 { Playing ...a6 is not the most obvious
thing to do first. What's the point of this move? We gain the option of
taking the c-pawn and immediately follow with ...b5 for a queenside
expansion. This is particularly effective if White decides to develop the
f1-bishop when this piece takes two moves to capture c4. A sample variation
is 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3a65.Bd3?!dxc4!6.Bxc4b5, which is very
comfortable for Black. We are one tempo up on the Queen's Gambit Accepted
mainline1.d4d52.c4dxc43.Nf3Nf64.e3e65.Bxc4a6, which is already satisfactory
for Black. An extra tempo makes a significant difference, as the position
opens up quickly. A knowledgeable opponent will anticipate our idea and
avoid this scenario. The way to go for White is an early b2-b3, which makes
the capture on c4 unattractive, as White would recapture with the b-pawn,
strengthening their central control. The move b2-b3 is the signal move for
us to abandon the idea of capturing on c4. How do we develop the queenside
then? I suggest aiming for a development scheme that involves the moves
...Nbd7, ...b6, Bb7 and ...Bd6. This harmonious formation we also use
against the line1.c4e62.Nf3d53.e3Nf6 / 1.Nf3d52.e3Nf63.c4e6, which may
often transpose into lines of the current chapter if White opts for a later
d2-d4 pawn push. } 5. Nc3 { A very natural continuation. the current
position after 5.Nc3 may also arise via different move orders, for example
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.e3 or1.Nf3d52.c4e63.e3Nf64.Nc3a65.d4. } 5...
Nbd7 { We continue our strategy of waiting for an untimely bishop move.
most of the time, White now plays 6.b3 to stop any ...dxc4 plans and
prepare Bb2. We'll still have a look at6.Bd3?!dxc4! and6.cxd5exd5, which
leads to a harmless version of the Carlsbad structure. } 6. Bd3 $6 { This
is the worst version of the untimely Bd3 for White. We not only gain time
on the bishop, but a later ...b5-b4 might kick the knight on c3, too. }
6... dxc4 7. Bxc4 b5 8. Bd3 c5 { Or8...Bb7 first and ...c5 on the next
move. } 9. O-O Bb7 { Black is better already. We have ...Bd6 and ...O-O
next, completing our development. White has no clear way to activate the
bishop on c1, to just name one key problem of our opponent. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.Nc3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

leads to a harmless version of the Carlsbad structure. } 6. cxd5 { White
exchanges on d5 and enters a Carlsbad structure. In the Carlsbad, White
usually enjoys an active bishop post on f4 or g5 (
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.cxd5exd55.Bg5 ), but here the move e3 is already on
the board, which locks in the queen's bishop. } 6... exd5 { Black's next
moves are easy. We play ...Bd6 and castle kingside. } 7. Bd3 Bd6 8. O-O O-O
9. Qc2 Re8 { I decided to stop the trainable line here. We have a
comfortable version of the Carlsbad and a good range of options next. We
can play a setup based on ...c6 and ...Nf8-g6, aiming for kingside play. A
different idea is playing for ...c7-c5 or ...b6, followed by ...c5. White's
setup is rather slow, which gives us some leeway. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.Nc3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

leads to a harmless version of the Carlsbad structure. } 6. b3 { White
covers c4 and defuses our idea to take on c4 at a favourable moment, like
after6.Bd3?!dxc4!. Once White has committed to b3, we switch to the
development plan with ...Nbd7, ...b6, ...Bb7 and ...Bd6. } 6... b6 { A good
way to remember our setup is: If they go b3, we go ...b6. The move b3 is
the signal to start our fianchetto. I decided to cover the lines involving
b3 and b6 based on the move order
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3a65.b3Nbd76.Bb2b6. We'll transpose to these lines
now after a natural sequence like7.Bb2Bb7 or 7.Bd3Bb78.O-OBd69.Bb2O-O,
which is a key position of the current chapter's mainline. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.Bd3"]
[Result "*"]

d2-d4 pawn push. } 5. Bd3 $6 { That's the move we've been hoping for. }
5... dxc4 $1 6. Bxc4 b5 7. Bd3 { White may also play 7.Be2 or 7.Bb3, of
course. It makes no difference in regards to our reply. We'll play in the
same way as after 7.Bd3: expand on the queenside with ...c5, ... Bb7, and
usually ...Nbd7. } 7... c5 { Starting with7...Bb7 is also acceptable. } 8.
O-O Bb7 9. a4 { About the only active plan that White has available. What
to do with the attacked b-pawn? } 9... b4 { I suggest advancing the pawn.
It is also possible to play9...c4, but taking away the c3-square for the
knight makes sense. Next, we may even consider ...Nc6, putting some
pressure on the d4-pawn. All our pieces are active and easy to develop. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.Nbd2"]
[Result "*"]

d2-d4 pawn push. } 5. Nbd2 { White develops the knight first and avoids the
premature bishop move 5.Bd3. } 5... Nbd7 { We are still waiting if White is
going for a bishop move, so that we can play ...dxc4 and ...b5. Now White,
most of the time, will play 6.b3 when we transpose tolines that we examine
via 5.b3. } 6. Bd3 { As mentioned,6.b3b6 transposes tolines that are
covered via 5.b3. } 6... dxc4 $1 { Taking on c4 still works well here.
White can recapture with the knight, but ...b5 gains valuable time again
and starts our queenside expansion. } 7. Nxc4 { Activating the knight makes
a lot of sense. Of course,7.Bxc4 would be answered with ...b5 and ...c5,
too. } 7... b5 8. Nce5 c5 { And we have managed our desired queenside
setup, this time gaining time by pushing the white knight around. } 9. O-O
Bb7 { I like Black's position and don't see a good way forward for White.
After10.a4, the only direct attempt at an attack, Black can
play10...c411.Be2Nxe512.dxe5Nd5, giving us a strong knight in the centre
and equal chances. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.b3 #1"]
[Result "*"]
d2-d4 pawn push. } 5. b3 { White immediately covers c4 and defuses our idea
to take on c4 at a favourable moment, like after5.Bd3?!dxc4!. Once White
has committed to b3, we switch to the development plan with ...Nbd7, ...b6,
Bb7 and ...Bd6. Let's discuss why it is a good setup. First of all, the
bishops will be well placed on d6 and b7. The square d6 is a natural spot
for our king's bishop, and we play this move frequently against many of the
slower lines that White may play (e.g. London System). The queen's bishop's
placement is less obvious. Using it on the long diagonal makes a lot of
sense, though. From b7, our bishop supports our centre pawn on d5 and helps
control e4, which might enable a later knight to jump to e4. Our queen's
knight is best placed on d7. On d7, it won't obstruct our bishop on b7 and
still allows a later push of the c-pawn to attack White's d-pawn. Finally,
a word about the move ...a6 being part of our setup. This move turns out to
be very useful for two reasons: 1) Most of the time, White plays Nc3 when
our move ...Bd6 might be answered with Nb5, which could be annoying.
Including ...a6 stops this idea in its tracks. 2) If you don't play an
early ...a6, some irritating lines feature a trade on d5, followed by Bb5+
in response to ...b6. An example best illustrates this. Consider the
following sequence: 4.e3Nbd75.Nc3b6?6.cxd5exd57.Bb5! (threatening
Bc6)7...Bb78.Ne5, when Bc6 and Nc6 are extremely annoying threats. This is
a particularly horrific example of what could go wrong. What is the best
move order to choose? In the end, I decided to recommend the following
sequence: 1. play ...Nbd7, 2. play ...b6, 3. play ...Bb7, 4. play ...Bd6.
Having this move order guide makes the whole line easier to remember. }
5... Nbd7 { After 5...Nbd7 White has a fundamental choice to make. White
will develop the bishops to b2 and d3, but what about the b1-knight? White
needs to decide between playing it to c3 or d2. The difference between the
two is quite significant, as we will see. White has a ton of different move
orders now. They can start with either bishop move and either knight move.
It doesn't make a difference which one they choose, as we'll continue with
...b6, ...Bb7 and ...Bd6. I decided to use the move order6.Bb2b67.Nc3
and7.Nbd2 to organize the lines. } 6. Bb2 b6 { Now we'll have the split
between Nc3 and Nd2 setups. White could also play7.Bd3 first, and
after7...Bb7 decide on8.Nbd28.Nc3. Or... you maybe guessed it... they could
play7.Bd3Bb78.O-OBd6 and then either knight move. We can play our 'setup
moves'; White's move order doesn't matter. Before we continue, a word about
possible trades on d5. At any point, White might exchange on d5. We'd
always recapture with the e-pawn, keeping the strong central d5-pawn. The
trade on d5 is generally unpromising for White, as it helps us to increase
our control of e4. With the e-pawn gone, moves like ...Re8 or ...Qe7
connect with the crucial squares e4 and e5. Therefore we don't have to fear
the trade, as it's rather Black who benefits. White gets the half-open
c-file, but the c7-pawn is safely protected. } 7. Nbd2 { White goes for the
Nbd2-setup. The main difference to the Nc3-version is best explained after
move 9, so hang on. The next moves happen more or less all the time. } 7...
Bb7 8. Bd3 Bd6 9. O-O O-O { Very natural moves led us to this position. It
is very similar to 7.Nc3Bb78.Bd3Bd69.O-OO-O, only the knight placement
differs. This is a rather important difference, though. In the Nc3-lines,
we often resort to the capture on c4 to open our bishop. This option is far
less attractive because White has the reply Nxc4, which is undesirable for
Black. The knight is powerful on c4, looking at important squares like e5
and d6. Therefore, You should avoid the capture on c4 unless you have a
compelling concrete case for it. One idea is shared between the two
versions, though: the knight-jump to e4. If White plays, for example,10.Rc1
or 10.Qe2, the reply10...Ne4 works well. } 10. Qe2 { White's most popular
choice, when we can use a standard plan mentioned before. } 10... Ne4 {
Here we go. Before we continue, I'd like to remind you again that taking on
c4 is bad in Nbd2-setups due to Nxc4. This even applies in the case of
10.Qc2, when10...dxc4?11.Nxc4 is great for White. Not even the capture on
f3 would be a good option in this case. What do we play against 10.Qc2, by
the way? The move is rare, but our two standard ideas don't work well. I
suggest playing some improving moves first and then consider playing
a6-a5-a4, nibbling at White's queenside. A possible line is
10.Qc2Qe711.Rfe1h612.Rad1a5. White can play13.e4, but we don't mind the
trades, as we have slightly less space. After e3-e4, we also get a possible
target to attack d4. } 11. Rfd1 Qe7 { Or11...f5, which also works well. The
move 11...Qe7 is more flexible, as we still can play ...f5, but the
'queenside nibble' a6-a5-a4 is a possible option, too. I generally ...like
f5, as it comes with attacking chances against White's king. } 12. Rac1 f5
{ Or12...a5, as mentioned. } 13. Ne5 { White is annoyed by our e4-knight
and prepares f2-f3. } 13... Nxe5 { Taking on d2 first is an alternative of
equal value. } 14. dxe5 Bb4 { Black is fine here. We get to take on c4
next, which activates our bishop nicely. A sample line
is15.Nf3dxc416.Bxc4b517.Bd3c5, which looks attractive for Black. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.b3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

c-file, but the c7-pawn is safely protected. } 7. Nc3 { White's more
popular setup involves Nc3. There are many game samples with this move
because White often plays the move early on and only later decides on
playing with e2-e3 and b2-b3. A possible sequence is
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.e3Nbd76.b3b67.Bb2, leading to the current
position. } 7... Bb7 8. Bd3 Bd6 9. O-O O-O { Both sides have completed
their intended setup, time to think about further action. All pawns and
pieces are on the board, and there are many possible ways to continue. I'd
like to point your attention towards two ideas for Black: Occupying the
e4-square with our knight and a timely capture on c4, which opens the long
diagonal for our b7-bishop. I'll show some possible lines to demonstrate
these ideas. } 10. Qc2 { White stops our ...Ne4 idea, but it comes at a
price. } 10... dxc4 $1 { a perfect moment to take, as the white queen has
left its post on d1. Now ...Bxf3 becomes an option, as it would damage
White's pawn structure considerably. } 11. bxc4 Bxf3 { I suggest taking on
f3 immediately. It is also possible to play11...c5 first. } 12. gxf3 c5 {
The funny move12...Nd5!? is possible, too. It's not a blunder of a knight,
as13.cxd5Qg5+14.Kh1Qh515.f4Qf3+ leads to a perpetual check and a draw. The
knight jump works well but accepts that White may take the knight and shut
the game down to a draw. Instead, the move 12...c5 keeps the game alive.
White's kingside is damaged; in return, they have the bishop pair. This
balances the chances, with an interesting fight ahead. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 Nf6 4.e3 a6 5.b3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

c-file, but the c7-pawn is safely protected. } 7. Nc3 { White's more
popular setup involves Nc3. There are many game samples with this move
because White often plays the move early on and only later decides on
playing with e2-e3 and b2-b3. A possible sequence is
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.e3Nbd76.b3b67.Bb2, leading to the current
position. } 7... Bb7 8. Bd3 Bd6 9. O-O O-O { Both sides have completed
their intended setup, time to think about further action. All pawns and
pieces are on the board, and there are many possible ways to continue. I'd
like to point your attention towards two ideas for Black: Occupying the
e4-square with our knight and a timely capture on c4, which opens the long
diagonal for our b7-bishop. I'll show some possible lines to demonstrate
these ideas. } 10. Rc1 { The rook move is White's most popular choice. It
has two ideas: opening the c-file with cxd5 or supporting c4-c5 under the
right circumstance. This becomes relevant in lines like10...Qe711.Na4, when
c4-c5 is more likely to happen. I recommend a different move, though. }
10... Ne4 { Let's centralize the knight, a good strategy. As mentioned
before, you can almost always consider10...dxc411.bxc4c5, too. Instead of
10.Rc1, White has tried some other moves that allow ...Ne4, like 10.Qe2 or
10.Re1. I'd always go ...Ne4 in these cases, too. } 11. Ne2 { A good move.
White anticipated that we might want to continue with ...f7-f5 and prepares
both Ne2-f4 and Nf3-e5 in return. If they play11.Qc2, we'd indeed
play11...f5. I like Black's chances here, as we have the potential for an
attack on White's king. After ...f5, the rook lift ...Rf8-f6 gets on the
agenda. } 11... dxc4 { A good solution. Now the move11...f5 is slightly
dubious, as12.Nf4Qe713.Ne5 is annoying for Black. } 12. bxc4 f5 { Now this
move works much better than on move 11. } 13. Nf4 Qe7 { An interesting and
combative position is on the board. White has some central advantage after
our trade on c4, but we have an excellent knight on e4, and our pieces are
actively placed and geared towards White's kingside. It's also possible to
play with ...Rad8 and a later ...e5 or ...c5. A great feature of our setup
against White's e3 formation is the flexibility. You can play various
interesting ideas and be creative. We need to check one more move, though.
} 14. Ne5 { In the line 11...f5?!12.Nf4Qe713.Ne5, this knight jump was the
problem. Here we can deal with it easily. } 14... Nxe5 15. dxe5 Bc5 { And
Black is fine, as White c-pawn can't capture on d5, showing why the trade
on c4 was crucial. } *
[Event "12. The London System"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "12. The London System"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nd2 #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. Bf4 { White's most popular and important alternative to the

Queen's Gambit is the London System. In the London, White usually doesn't
play a quick pawn push c2-c4 to attack our d5-pawn; they develop their
pieces first and focus on controlling the e5-square. Often White will
almost automatically follow Bf4 with the moves e3, Nf3, Nbd2, Bd3 and c3,
in various move orders. Due to this rather schematic approach, the London
'enjoys' the reputation of being a dull and unambitious opening: 'It's
always the same, how boring!' Well, if it's so dull, why do strong players
like the World Champion, Magnus Carlsen, play it quite often? As it is with
many openings, it all depends on mindset and intention. If you want to play
boring Chess, the London is certainly a good way to start - it has its
reputation for a reason. However, playing the London ambitiously and
aggressively is possible; don't fall into the trap of believing your
opponent is playing Bf4 to bore you to death. They might only wait for the
moment to play Nf3-e5 and rush their kingside pawns up the board, just to
mention one not-so-boring idea they might have in mind. How do we fight the
London System? White's key idea in the London is the control of the central
square e5. I suggest to develop with ...Nf6 and quickly challenge White's
bishop with ...e6 and ...Bd6. In most cases, we'll play ...O-O, ...c5,
...Qc7 and ...Nbd7 to increase our influence on e5. It is often possible to
accomplish the move ...e6-e5, opening up our c8-bishop. Let's have a quick
look at what we are aiming for:
1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.e3e64.Nf3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc78.Bd3Nbd7 is a
widespread sequence and the mainline of the current chapter. We are ready
to play ...e6-e5, which gives us equal chances and a comfortable game.
White has other options along the way, but this is our 'standard' plan
against the London. Let's talk about move orders. I cover all London lines
via the move order 1.d4d52.Bf4, but White has other possible move orders.
There is the very popular 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bf4 (covered via
1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.Nf3 ) and finally the rare 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.c3e64.Bf4
(covered briefly via1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.Nf3e64.c3 ). In almost all cases, the
different move orders lead to exactly the same positions, but there are
some nuances we will discuss. Before we start, I'd like to mention that
Black has many satisfactory replies against the London. I had never
seriously studied any theory against it, so I didn't immediately know what
to recommend. While doing the initial research for the Caro-Kann part of
this course, I learned to appreciate the opening play of German GM Rasmus
Svane. I liked the positions he was aiming for and decided it is worth
checking what he is playing against other openings. The setup that I am
suggesting against the London is Svane's choice. He has played it numerous
times, in particular in online games. Later I discovered that GM Michael
Prusikin recommends the same general approach in his excellent book based
on the Queen's Gambit for Black. Alright, London Calling! } 2... Nf6 { A
natural development move. Now, most of the time, White plays 3.e3, but we
will also examine 3.Nf3, as this particular position frequently arises from
1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bf4. It will almost always transpose to 3.e3, as White's
moves e3 and Nf3 are both very natural and obvious. Still, one interesting
line can only arise via the 3.Nf3 move order: 1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.Nf3e64.Nbd2.
This is relevant to our 'standard setup', as it won't work as well in this
case. It is nothing to worry about, just a nuance to be aware of. There are
other moves besides 3.e3 and 3.Nf3, but they are harmless or purely
transpositional at best. A) White can play 3.Nc3, which we cover via the
far more common2.Nc3Nf63.Bf4. B) The moves 3.c3 or 3.h3 are slow and can be
answered with our standard plan of ...e6 and ...Bd6. C) 3.c4?! is a dubious
and rare attempt to play a delayed Queen's Gambit. You can even
play3...dxc4 and keep the pawn with ...b5. White's bishop is entirely
misplaced on f4 and often later hit with ...Nd5. } 3. e3 e6 { We prepare
...Bd6, challenging the London bishop. Now organising the material is not
easy, as White has about a million different move orders. However, we can
split the lines into two sections. A) White plays a quick Nf3, usually
right now on move four B) White delays/omits the move Nf3, often trying to
use the f-pawn after the f4-bishop has moved/has been traded. If White is
going for B, they usually start with 4.Nd2, but you also meet 4.Bd3 or 4.c3
with similar intentions. We don't need to worry about these move orders, as
we'll play ...Bd6, ...O-O and ...c5, basically on 'auto pilot'. Lines like
4.Bd3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Nd2c5 (covered via4.Nd2Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Bd3c5 )
or4.c3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Nd2c57.Ngf3Qc7 (covered
via4.Nf3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc7 ) are purely transpositional. } 4. Nd2 {
Whites delays the move Ngf3. One point can be a possible f-pawn push after
the f4-bishop has moved or has been exchanged. We stick with our standard
play of playing ...Bd6 and ...O-O. } 4... Bd6 { After 4...Bd6 White has
various options. If they play5.Ngf3O-O, we transpose to4.Nf3Bd65.Nbd2O-O.
The most popular choice is 5.Bg3, but we'll also have a look at the trade
on d6. } 5. Bxd6 Qxd6 { It's not bad to recapture with the pawn, but it is
sometimes difficult to generate some play with the doubled d-pawn. My
general advice: the bishop trade should be answered with ...Qxd6 - here and
in similar cases. } 6. f4 { One way for White of trying to benefit from
delaying Nf3. We are happy to see the move, though. White's Stonewall
creates multiple weaknesses, like the square e4 and the whole
central/kingside area. } 6... c5 { We threaten ...cxd4, so White's reply is
forced. } 7. c3 cxd4 $1 { A very typical idea. White would very much prefer
to see this capture at a moment when exd4 is a possible reply. Here this is
impossible, as the f4-pawn is under attack by our queen. After the forced
opening of the c-file, White suffers from the misplaced knight on d2. Let's
continue for a moment to show Black's most important plan. } 8. cxd4 O-O 9.
Bd3 b6 $1 { A matter of trading a worse piece for a better one. Our bishop
on c8 is passive, and ...b6 prepares the crucial trade against White's
attacking bishop on d3. } 10. Qe2 { White stops ...Ba6 for the moment, but
we can 'reload'. } 10... a5 { And we have ...Ba6 next. Note that after a
later ...Nxa6, our knight is not so badly placed. It might jump to b4, but
the route a6-c7-e8-d6 is a common idea, too. We can use White's weakened
e4-square, while a white knight jumping to e5 can later be kicked away with
...f6. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nd2 #2"]
[Result "*"]

via4.Nf3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc7 ) are purely transpositional. } 4. Nd2 {
Whites delays the move Ngf3. One point can be a possible f-pawn push after
the f4-bishop has moved or has been exchanged. We stick with our standard
play of playing ...Bd6 and ...O-O. } 4... Bd6 { After 4...Bd6 White has
various options. If they play5.Ngf3O-O, we transpose to4.Nf3Bd65.Nbd2O-O.
The most popular choice is 5.Bg3, but we'll also have a look at the trade
on d6. } 5. Bg3 O-O 6. Bd3 { White still avoids6.Ngf3c5, which would
transpose to 4.Nf3 lines. } 6... c5 7. c3 Qc7 { We play in the same way as
we would with Nf3 already played. The move 7...Qc7 is the preparation for
...Nbd7 and ultimately ...e5, if allowed. Now I don't see anything better
for White than transposing to the Nf3 lines, as8.Ngf3Nbd7
or8.dxc5Qxc59.Ngf3Nbd7 immediately transpose to variations that we examine
via the 4.Nf3 move order. } 8. f4 { Going for a Stonewall without trading
first on d6. If they play8.Bxd6Qxd69.f4 we play9...cxd410.cxd4b6,
transposing to the line4.Nd2Bd65.Bxd6Qxd66.f4, which we already have
examined. } 8... b5 $1 { A very attractive computer suggestion! We
immediately start an attack and are not worried about9.Bxb5?, as9...Qb6 is
very awkward for White to meet. We threaten ...a6 and ...c4. } 9. Ngf3 {
White can't capture the b-pawn and continues with development. } 9... b4 {
Our queenside attack is making excellent progress. We are also ready to
play ...Ba6 soo, trying to trade off White's strong bishop. We are in good
shape here, and it's rather White who needs to be concerned. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Ne5"]
[Result "*"]

via4.Nf3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc7 ) are purely transpositional. } 4. Nf3 {
White plays the knight to its best square, which is unsurprisingly the most
popular way to play. We'll also reach this position frequently via other
moves orders, particularly 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bf4e64.e3 is very common. We
already know our reply: challenge the London bishop with ...Bd6. } 4... Bd6
{ According to our plan. White has a whole range of options now. They need
to decide what to do about the bishop vis-a-vis. Let's make an overview of
the various ideas. A) The main move is 5.Bg3. White retreats the bishop and
argues that Black doesn't want to trade on g3, as this capture opens the
h-file now. Against 5.Bg3, we continue with our standard plan of5...O-O and
...c5 next. B) White can continue with moves like5.Nbd2,5.Bd3 or5.c3 and
allow us to capture the bishop on f4. I suggest declining this invitation
for the moment and continuing with our usual approach of playing ...O-O and
...c5 first. The three moves mentioned usually lead to the same positions.
Therefore I decided to cover White's 'double f-pawn invitation' idea only
via 5.Nbd2 and mention the possible alternative routes in the notes to this
move. We'd play in the same way against all three, so it's easy to
remember. C) White can play 5.Ne5, occupying their outpost immediately.
We'll fight for control over e5 with the moves ...c5, ...Qc7 and ...Nc6. D)
White can simply trade on d6. This move is rather toothless and answered
by5.Bxd6Qxd6. } 5. Ne5 { White immediately occupies their outpost square
and avoids a bishop trade. Our usual approach is playing 5...O-O and 6...c5
'against everything'... and it works well here, too. } 5... O-O 6. Nd2 {
White may also start with6.Bd3, when6...c57.c3Qc78.Nd2Nc6 transposes
to6.Nd2c57.c3Qc78.Bd3Nc6, which we are about to examine in a moment. } 6...
c5 7. c3 Qc7 { We are fighting for control of the e5-square. } 8. Bd3 {
White's main move and probably best. After8.Bg3Nc6 we have transposed
to5.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc78.Ne5, while8.Ndf3? is a real mistake due
to8...Ne4!, when the idea ...c5-c4, followed by f7-f6, is very awkward for
White. } 8... Nc6 { In the variation 5.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc78.Bd3 we need
to play8...Nbd7, because8...Nc6? fails to9.dxc5. When given a choice, I
prefer the more active ...Nc6. We play in the same way
after5.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc78.Ne5Nc6, which leads to the rule of thumb that
...Nc6 answers Ne5 jumps adequately. } 9. Ndf3 { White covers e5; there
wasn't any good alternative. Now Black has a wide range of options. } 9...
cxd4 { The point of the capture will become clearer after 10. exd4 Ne4,
when ...f6 is the idea. As mentioned, Black has some good moves here, but
it's good to know that the strategically logical move9...Nd7? is wrong due
to10.Ng5!, When Black has no good reply. } 10. exd4 Ne4 { This point of the
capture on e4. We jump to e4 and now threaten ...f6. This position has been
reached in dozens of games, with some remarkable players on the black side.
It was fun to see that both the 7th World Champion, Mikhail Botvinnik and a
possible future World Champion, Alireza Firouzja, had played into this
position, 95 years apart! } 11. Bg3 { White needed to address the ...f6
threat. } 11... Ne7 $1 { We follow Botvinnik's example from 1925, which is
also the favourite move of 2021 Stockfish 😃. It is better than11...f6,
which was, amongst others, played by Alireza Firouzja in a Blitz game. The
drawback there is12.Nxc6bxc613.Qc2f514.Bxd6Qxd615.b4, which leaves Black
with long-term weaknesses on the dark squares. Botvinnik's move is better,
as it removes the knight from the potential capture and intends to play
...f6 with greater effect. } 12. Qe2 f6 { This is an improvement on
Botvinnik's12...Nxc3, which allowed13.Bxh7+. This is not as bad as it looks
because Botvinnik still found13...Kh8, which was objectively fine for him.
The computer suggestion 12...f6 is much easier to handle, though. } 13. Ng4
Bd7 { It's important to recognise that White is not threatening to take
twice on e4, as ...f5 would be a fork on queen and knight. With 13...Bd7,
we connect rooks and prepare ...Rae8, followed by ...Ng6. I like Black's
centralised position and harmonious piece setup. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bxd6"]
[Result "*"]

by5.Bxd6Qxd6. } 5. Bxd6 { Taking on d6 looks a bit anaemic, but it's not a
bad move for White if followed up by showing some ambition. } 5... Qxd6 6.
c4 { This is the way for White to try for something. If they continue in a
more Londonesque style with 6.c3 or 6.Nbd2, we'd go for the ... c5, ...Nbd7
and ...e5 plan we are familiar with. A sample line
runs6.Nbd2O-O7.Bd3c58.c3Nbd7, when ...e5 will give us an easy game, similar
to the lines after5.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc78.Bd3Nbd7, when Black has gained
enough control of e5 to push the e-pawn to e5. } 6... O-O { It looks best
to castle first and only then decide about action in the centre. } 7. Nc3
dxc4 { I suggest this simple approach. We take on c4 and play ...c5 to
attack White's central pawn. } 8. Bxc4 c5 { This structure leads to about
equal chances. Our queen will find a safe square on e7, while ...Nc6,...Bd7
and rooks to d8 and c8 are logical follow-ups. White's pieces make a more
active impression, but in reality, there is no advantage for White. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Nbd2 #1"]
[Result "*"]

by5.Bxd6Qxd6. } 5. Nbd2 { White keeps the tension and allows us to capture
on f4. As discussed in the notes to 4...Bd6, I advise avoiding or delaying
this capture for a better moment. Our standard move sequence of ...O-O and
...c5 next works well here. } 5... O-O 6. Bd3 { Developing the bishop is
certainly logical and the most popular move for White. There are, as usual,
many alternatives, but they will transpose to other move orders. A) 6.Bg3c5
transposes to 5.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c5 B) 6.Ne5c5 transposes to 5.Ne5O-O6.Nd2c5 C)
6.c3c57.Bd3Bxf4 transposes to 6.Bd3c57.c3Bxf4 D) 6.c3c57.Bg3Qc7 transposes
to 5.Bg3O-O6.Nbd2c57.c3Qc7 E) 6.c3c57.Ne5Nc6 transposes to
5.Ne5O-O6.Nd2c57.c3Nc6. } 6... c5 { Our usual move order again: we play
...Bd6, ...O-O and ...c5 as our general concept against the London. Now
White has a fundamental choice to make. We have not captured on f4 yet, but
we might still opt for this trade under the right circumstances. After
White's main continuation7.c3, I advise to take on f4 finally. In the notes
to this line I'll explain why I believe this is the right moment to take,
compared to earlier opportunities. White's main alternative is a completely
different approach, the move7.dxc5. After7...Bxc58.O-ONc6 White opts for
9.c4 or 9.e4, opening the position. } 7. dxc5 { White captures on c5,
leading to an entirely different structure than7.c3, when we finally would
play7...Bxf4. } 7... Bxc5 { I also investigated the
continuation7...Bxf48.exf4Qc79.g3a510.O-ONbd7, which leads to a more
unsymmetrical structure. It's an interesting alternative if you like to get
a different position type. I prefer White slightly in this line (control of
e5 and d4), but it's nothing special. } 8. O-O Nc6 { Now White has the
choice between 9.c4 and 9.e4, trying to open the centre in different ways.
If they play something slow, taking control of e5 by playing ...Bd6 is the
way to go. A sample line would be9.c3Bd6 when we are ready to go ...e6-e5
soon. } 9. e4 dxe4 { Stockfish also points out9...Nh5!? as an interesting
try, but the more classical approach that I suggest is fine, too. } 10.
Nxe4 Nxe4 11. Bxe4 f6 $1 { The important point. We would be somewhat worse
without this move, but managing e6-e5 gives us equal chances and good
central control. } 12. c3 e5 { We'll develop easily with ...Be6 and connect
rooks with ...Qc7 or ...Qe7. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Nbd2 #2"]
[Result "*"]

9.c4 or 9.e4, opening the position. } 7. dxc5 { White captures on c5,
leading to an entirely different structure than7.c3, when we finally would
play7...Bxf4. } 7... Bxc5 { I also investigated the
continuation7...Bxf48.exf4Qc79.g3a510.O-ONbd7, which leads to a more
unsymmetrical structure. It's an interesting alternative if you like to get
a different position type. I prefer White slightly in this line (control of
e5 and d4), but it's nothing special. } 8. O-O Nc6 { Now White has the
choice between 9.c4 and 9.e4, trying to open the centre in different ways.
If they play something slow, taking control of e5 by playing ...Bd6 is the
way to go. A sample line would be9.c3Bd6 when we are ready to go ...e6-e5
soon. } 9. c4 Bd6 { Again we fight for the e5-square. White currently has
the more active bishops, as our c8-bishop is still at home. We don't need
to be worried, though, as White has a problem piece, too: the knight on d2
is passive and doesn't put any pressure on the centre. } 10. Bg5 { Maybe
the most interesting try for White. Lines
like10.Bg3Bxg311.hxg3dxc412.Nxc4Qe7 or 10.Bxd6Qxd611.cxd5Qxd5 amount to
nothing for White. In these symmetrical structures, we can always play
...Bd7 and connect the rooks. Later the bishop often appears on c6, getting
a more active post. } 10... Be7 { This is a good move to remember. We
should break the annoying pin and, at the same time, we prepare the move
d5-d4. Now a likely continuation is11.Rc1h612.Bh4, when we have a good
choice between the interesting move12...d4!? and12...Qb6, which prepares
the move ...Rd8, but accepts an IQP after13.cxd5exd5. I think Black is fine
in both scenarios, giving you some choice. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Nbd2 #3"]
[Result "*"]

9.c4 or 9.e4, opening the position. } 7. c3 { White keeps the tension and
again allows us to capture the bishop on f4. This position may arise via
various move orders, as you can imagine. White easily could have played
5.Bd3O-O6.c3c57.Nbd2 or 5.c3O-O6.Nbd2c57.Bd3. } 7... Bxf4 { Exactly now! I
think this is the best moment to capture. Let's discuss and compare. White
has already committed to c3 and Bd3. If you take on f4 earlier, they might
skip one of the moves and use this tempo differently. One line that shows
this point is 5.Nbd2Bxf46.exf4O-O7.c3b68.h4!?, which starts a dangerous
kingside initiative. In this sequence, Black could play 7...c5, when8.Bd3
would transpose to the position we are about to analyse and have in our
repertoire. However, I think that8.dxc5 looks slightly better for White.
It's not terrible for Black, but I'd prefer White slightly. So our concept
is to wait with the capture on f4 until we already have ...c5 played so
that White can't enter this line. Before we check the details of 7...Bxf4,
one word about possible alternatives. The move7...Nc6 is possible but
after8.Bg3 transposes to a different main line of the London. Note
that7...Qc7?! is bad, as after8.Bxd6Qxd6 we are a full tempo down on the
5.Bg3 lines, and White has the chance to play9.Ne5 with an advantage. } 8.
exf4 b6 { This move is the most combative choice, in my mind. Black can
already equalise convincingly with
8...cxd49.Nxd4Qc710.g3e511.fxe5Qxe5+12.Qe2Qd6, but such a position might be
difficult to play for a win. Still, it's a good alternative if you like a
clearer structure. } 9. Qe2 { White stops ...Ba6 for the moment. } 9... Qd6
{ Inserting the moves ...Qd6 and g3 looks fine to me. } 10. g3 a5 { We
insist on exchanging our bishop. } 11. O-O Ba6 12. Bxa6 Nxa6 { We have
reached an interesting and combative position. White has a good grip on the
e5-square, but we have no weaknesses and chances on the queenside. I
suggest playing ...Nb8-c6 next, getting more pressure on the d4-pawn. It's
a bad idea to advance with c5-c4, as this would release the central tension
and incentivise White to play more aggressively on the kingside. As long as
we put pressure on d4, they won't be able to organise an idea like Ne5,
followed by g4-g5, for example. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bg3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

by5.Bxd6Qxd6. } 5. Bg3 O-O { According to plan: we castle first, then ...c5
next. While most of the time plays either 6.Nbd2 or 6.Bd3, which likely
leads to the same positions, as both moves fit into White's setup. There is
an independent possibility in 6.c4, which acknowledges that White has
little to hope for in the other lines. This move was tested in some
higher-level games, concluding that Black is fine but needs to show some
precision. } 6. c4 { White gives the game more of a QGD flavour. This move
has not been tested as extensively yet, compared to the other more
London-style moves. } 6... c5 { This seems to be best. We often react to
c2-c4 by taking the pawn and playing ...c5, but this approach is slightly
imprecise after6...dxc47.Bxc4c58.dxc5, when I don't see how Black can get
equal chances. After 6...c5 White has tried 7.Nc3 most of the time. Less
common are the captures on c5 or d5. } 7. cxd5 { After the capture, Black
is fine after one of the two moves that I am suggesting but should
avoid7...Nxd5?!, as8.dxc5Bxc59.Bc4 gives White some pressure on the open
files. } 7... Bxg3 { I think Black gets equal chances with this move, but
also with7...exd5, when8.Bxd6Qxd69.dxc5Qxc5 leads to a position with an IQP
for us. In this repertoire, we rarely play with an IQP, quite the contrary.
Therefore I suggest 7...Bxg3, which is more in line with our general
approach. Still a word about the position after 9...Qxc5. Black is fine
because White does not manage to control the d4-square properly. We'd play
...Nc6 and ...Rd8 quickly, trying to play ...d5-d4 ultimately. Black has a
relatively easy job here. } 8. hxg3 cxd4 9. dxe6 { Instead,9.Qxd4Qxd5 is
uncritical and leads to equality. } 9... Qa5+ { The start of a forced line.
} 10. Qd2 Qxd2+ 11. Nbxd2 dxe3 12. exf7+ Rxf7 13. fxe3 Re7 { White has won
a pawn, but their structure is completely shattered. Black has equal
chances here, as White has no way to make the extra pawn count. If we
manage to win one of White's pawns, the remaining ones would stay weak, and
we'd be even better. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bg3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

precision. } 6. c4 { White gives the game more of a QGD flavour. This move
has not been tested as extensively yet, compared to the other more
London-style moves. } 6... c5 { This seems to be best. We often react to
c2-c4 by taking the pawn and playing ...c5, but this approach is slightly
imprecise after6...dxc47.Bxc4c58.dxc5, when I don't see how Black can get
equal chances. After 6...c5 White has tried 7.Nc3 move most of the time.
Less common are the captures on c5 or d5. } 7. Nc3 { A healthy development
move that I suggest answering with7...cxd48.Nxd4Bb4, aiming for some
counterplay on the a5-e1 diagonal. The same idea is possible
after7.dxc5Bxc58.Nc3Bb4, so it's a concept worth noting. The bishop on g3
is far away from the queenside, which validates this strategy. } 7... cxd4
8. Nxd4 { Here,8.exd4 would lead to a fairly harmless IQP position
after8...dxc4. You can easily compare this to lines we analyse in
theBf4/Bg5 Chapter as part of our QGD section. } 8... Bb4 { I like this
move, setting up a pin on the knight. White's bishop is far away on the
queenside and does not help to break the pin. We have reached a reasonably
unexplored position now, so I'll give you two possible sample lines to
illustrate the play. A) 9.Bd3dxc410.Bxc4Ne411.Qc2Qa5 looks fine for Black.
B) 9.Rc1Nc610.Be2Ne4 might lead to simplifications after11.O-ONxd4, but
there are plenty of possibilities for both sides along the way. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bg3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

precision. } 6. Nbd2 { White's most popular move. They also play 6.Bd3,
which will more or less always just transpose to 6.Nbd2. Our job is easy,
as we follow the same plan against both moves. Here are the two logical
transpositions. A) 6.Bd3c57.c3Qc78.Nbd2Nbd7 B)
6.Bd3c57.c3Qc78.Ne5Nc69.f4Ne710.Nd2 In the further coverage of 6.Nbd2 I'll
explain the exact rationale behind these lines, particularly why we should
play ...Nbd7 in one case and ...Nc6 in the other. Hang on! } 6... c5 7. c3
Qc7 $1 { That's an important move for our recipe against the London. Why
precisely this move? We want to fight for the control of the e5-square. Our
ideal scenario is to gain enough control to play ...e6-e5 and gain a space
advantage in the centre. Well, we need a knight to control e5 and the
queen's support to accomplish that, so 7...Nc6 and 7...Qc7 are moves to
consider. The move 7...Nc6 is not bad at all, but it is fundamentally
different to 7...Qc7, as after7...Nc68.Bd3 Black can't play8...Qc7 because
of9.dxc5. Black usually continues with8...b6, when9.e4 is possible to start
early complications. I prefer 7...Qc7 - it is not only simpler to play but
very likely objectively stronger. I don't see a shade of an advantage for
White after 7...Qc7, which is less clear after 7...Nc6, when White has
plenty of interesting options. Back to 7...Qc7. What do we need to check
now? I think 8.Ne5 is probably White's most ambitious try, preparing f4 to
cement White's control of e5. We'll also check 8.Bd3 and 8.dxc5, which feel
pretty harmless to me. Another harmless move is 8.Bxd6Qxd6, which leads to
a scenario that we discuss in the 5.Bxd6 Qxd6variation. } 8. Bd3 { A
routine move that allows us to take control of e5. } 8... Nbd7 { Don't
play8...Nc6?9.dxc5!, when Black has blundered a pawn. Now we are ready to
play ...e6-e5, the whole point of our opening concept. It's safe to say
that we have won the opening battle, which is also confirmed by White's
miserable score from this position. } 9. O-O { White has played this move
most of the time. The alternatives give us no headache, either. Lines
like9.Qe2e5 or9.e4?!cxd410.cxd4dxe411.Nxe4Nxe412.Bxe4Nf613.Bd3Qa5+ can only
be better for Black. } 9... Bxg3 { The immediate9...e5 is also fine, of
course. I prefer to take first, creating the doubled pawn. The pawn itself
is not a substantial weakness, but at a later stage, it can be beneficial
to have ...Bg4 or ...Ng4 without White being able to play h3. } 10. hxg3 e5
{ I love the smell of ...e5 in the London System... smells like... Victory!
} 11. dxe5 { After11.e4 White keeps equal chances with careful play. We
reply11...dxe412.Nxe4Nxe413.Bxe4Nf6, when 14.Qc2 is the engine's choice to
keep it about equal. White shouldn't be too ambitious, as14.Bc2e4 only
gives Black chances. } 11... Nxe5 12. Nxe5 Qxe5 { Black is slightly better
here, enjoying a nice space advantage. We have some good plans available,
while it is unclear how White is making any progress. Ideas to consider for
Black are: A) First, centralise with moves like ...Bd7, ...Rfe8, ...Rad8.
This is useful in many scenarios and could be followed by plans B or C. B)
Play ...g6, ... Kg7, ...h5-h4. It is a slow attack, but it can be very
effective C) Place the knight on the squares g4 or e4, which can be
annoying for White. There is no obvious way to expel this intruder. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bg3 #4"]
[Result "*"]

explain why I'll explain the exact rationale behind these lines,
particularly why we should play ...Nbd7 in one case and ...Nc6 in the
other. Hang on! } 6... c5 7. c3 Qc7 $1 { That's an important move for our
recipe against the London. Why precisely this move? We want to fight for
the control of the e5-square. Our ideal scenario is to gain enough control
to play ...e6-e5 and gain a space advantage in the centre. Well, we need a
knight to control e5 and the queen's support to accomplish that, so 7...Nc6
and 7...Qc7 are moves to consider. The move 7...Nc6 is not bad at all, but
it is fundamentally different to 7...Qc7, as after7...Nc68.Bd3 Black can't
play8...Qc7 because of9.dxc5. Black usually continues with8...b6, when9.e4
is possible to start early complications. I prefer 7...Qc7 - it is not only
simpler to play but very likely objectively stronger. I don't see a shade
of an advantage for White after 7...Qc7, which is less clear after 7...Nc6,
when White has plenty of interesting options. Back to 7...Qc7. What do we
need to check now? I think 8.Ne5 is probably White's most ambitious try,
preparing f4 to cement White's control of e5. We'll also check 8.Bd3 and
8.dxc5, which feel pretty harmless to me. Another harmless move is
8.Bxd6Qxd6, which leads to a scenario that we discuss in the 5.Bxd6
Qxd6variation. } 8. dxc5 Qxc5 9. Bd3 Nbd7 { Don't play9...Nc6??10.Nb3,
please! } 10. e4 dxe4 { You may also start with10...Bxg311.hxg3 and then
take on e4, it's just a different move order leading to the same position.
} 11. Nxe4 Nxe4 12. Bxe4 Bxg3 13. hxg3 Nf6 { At first, it looks a bit scary
that we opened the h-file for White, but they have no serious threats at
all. h7 is safely protected now, and a later ...h6 is still possible if
needed. We have traded the dark-squared bishops, which makes a setup with
...Nf6 and ...h6 quite stable, as there are no possible bishop sacrifices
on h6 or attacks on the knight. } 14. Qe2 Rd8 { A final precise move. With
14...Rd8 we even stop White's O-O-O, which removes all concerns about a
possible attack on our king via the h-file. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.e3 e6 4.Nf3 Bd6 5.Bg3 #5"]
[Result "*"]

explain why I'll explain the exact rationale behind these lines,
particularly why we should play ...Nbd7 in one case and ...Nc6 in the
other. Hang on! } 6... c5 7. c3 Qc7 $1 { That's an important move for our
recipe against the London. Why precisely this move? We want to fight for
the control of the e5-square. Our ideal scenario is to gain enough control
to play ...e6-e5 and gain a space advantage in the centre. Well, we need a
knight to control e5 and the queen's support to accomplish that, so 7...Nc6
and 7...Qc7 are moves to consider. The move 7...Nc6 is not bad at all, but
it is fundamentally different to 7...Qc7, as after7...Nc68.Bd3 Black can't
play8...Qc7 because of9.dxc5. Black usually continues with8...b6, when9.e4
is possible to start early complications. I prefer 7...Qc7 - it is not only
simpler to play but very likely objectively stronger. I don't see a shade
of an advantage for White after 7...Qc7, which is less clear after 7...Nc6,
when White has plenty of interesting options. Back to 7...Qc7. What do we
need to check now? I think 8.Ne5 is probably White's most ambitious try,
preparing f4 to cement White's control of e5. We'll also check 8.Bd3 and
8.dxc5, which feel pretty harmless to me. Another harmless move is
8.Bxd6Qxd6, which leads to a scenario that we discuss in the 5.Bxd6
Qxd6variation. } 8. Ne5 { This is the way to go for White if they want to
stop ...e6-e5. } 8... Nc6 { Black has some alternatives here, but I
particularly like the manoeuvre9.f4Ne7!, which makes 8...Nc6 an attractive
choice for me. Also, note the line 5.Ne5 when our antidote
is5...O-O6.Nd2c57.c3Qc78.Bd3Nc6, following a similar concept. You can use
the rule of thumb: if they play with Ne5, going for ...Nc6 is the way. } 9.
f4 { White is setting up the Stonewall, the idea of 8.Ne5. } 9... Ne7 {
I've always been a fan of this regrouping. We have the following setup in
mind: we want to play ...Nf5, ...Be7. and ...Nd6, connecting both knights
to the weak e4 square. Let's have a look at how this unfolds. } 10. Bd3 Nf5
11. Bf2 Be7 12. Qf3 { White may also strike with12.g4 immediately. We
play12...Nd613.g5Nfe414.Qf3b5!, when White can win a poisoned pawn on e4.
After multiple captures, we'd have ...Bb7, which is rather embarrassing for
White. We see a similar situation after 12.Qf3, but with Black having
played ...b6 instead of ...b5. } 12... b6 { This move has two points.
Placing the bishop on b7 (or having this possibility in some lines) is one,
continuing with ...a5 and ...Ba6 the other. } 13. g4 Nd6 14. g5 Nfe4 $1 {
Yes, we don't need to retreat! Now White can't grab a pawn,
as15.Nxe4??dxe416.Bxe4Nxe417.Qxe4Bb7 demonstrates. I like Black's chances
after 14...Nfe4. We have a safe king position with no weaknesses, and
White's pawn advances are far from creating any serious threats. On the
other hand, we managed to occupy the weakened e4-square and have chances on
the queenside. The move ...a5 will potentially prepare ...Ba6 and be part
of a pawn storm involving all queenside pawns. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 e6 4.Nbd2 #1"]
[Result "*"]

misplaced on f4 and often later hit with ...Nd5. } 3. Nf3 { This position
more often than not arises after 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bf4. After our
reply3...e6, most of the time White plays4.e3, which transposes to our
coverage via the move order1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.e3e64.Nf3. } 3... e6 { Our move
to prepare ...Bd6, fighting for control of the e5-square. Now White's
overwhelming main move is 4.e3, which just transposes to the mainline
London that we cover via 1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.e3e64.Nf3. Our reply is4...Bd6.
This move would also follow against slow moves like 4.h3?! or 4.c3, which
at best transposes to the mainline after4.c3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.e3c57.Nbd2Qc7.
White also has the slightly dubious move4.c4?!, which transposes to a line
of the Queen's Gambit that we cover via1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bf4?!, which
is strongly answered by4...dxc4!, giving Black good play. There is one
interesting independent move for White, though. We need to check 4.Nbd2!?,
which does not commit the c- and e-pawn. } 4. Nbd2 { A curious move order
that we need to answer precisely. } 4... c5 $1 { The exclamation mark is a
bit strong, but it's important to remember this finesse. Our routine
move4...Bd6 is not a mistake here, but there is an issue. White has the
annoying reply5.Bg5, intending e2-e4, which is surprisingly tricky to meet.
It looks like5...Be7 is a sensible choice, but then White has tricked us
into the line1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bg5e64.Nbd2Be7, which is not part of our
repertoire. In this move, order 3...Ne4! is our choice, avoiding the pin
altogether. In the position after 1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.Nf3e64.Nbd2Bd65.Bg5, I
checked other moves but didn't like these lines that much. Finally, I found
that 4...c5! leads to a simpler task for Black, as we will see. It is
somewhat annoying that you can't 'play ...Bd6 against everything' and need
to remember one exception, but opponents that play such a tricky move order
need to be fought with some finesse on our side. } 5. c3 { This move is
less popular than 5.e3, as it is desirable for White to avoid the opening
of the c-file after 5.c3 cxd4. White much prefers to recapture with the
e-pawn, which explains why 5.e3 is the usual choice. } 5... cxd4 { This is
the simplest solution, leading to good play. A more complicated way
is5...Bd6 when6.Bg5h67.Bh4cxd48.cxd4Qb6 is possible. Here White could take
on f6 and sacrifice the b-pawn, which leads to murky play. Black is
probably better, but it's messy. I prefer the KIS style method, which gives
us good chances and not much to worry about. } 6. cxd4 Nc6 { White's
problem in this position: the knight on d2 is misplaced. If you'd imagine
the knight being on c3, you'd easily assume that White has a small
advantage, while here White has nothing at all. I'll demonstrate an
additional idea worth knowing. } 7. e3 Qb6 { We gain a tempo on the b2-pawn
and prepare the following idea. } 8. Rb1 { After8.Qb3Qxb39.Nxb3Nh5 employ
the same idea as after8.Rb1Nh5! } 8... Nh5 $1 { We are fighting for the
bishop pair with this interesting move. } 9. Bg5 { Instead,9.Bg3Nxg3
or9.Be5f610.Bg3Nxg311.hxg3e5, when Black gets the bishop pair under even
better circumstances. } 9... h6 10. Bh4 g5 { Black is in good shape here.
After11.Bg3Nxg312.hxg3g413.Nh4e5! White is in some trouble already. The
best seems to be far from obvious11.Ne5, which leads to fun complications
after11...Nxe512.Qxh5gxh4. I'll stop here, as this line is rather rare
anyway. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "3.Nf3 e6 4.Nbd2 #2"]
[Result "*"]

misplaced on f4 and often later hit with ...Nd5. } 3. Nf3 { This position
more often than not arises after 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bf4. After our
reply3...e6, most of the time White plays4.e3, which transposes to our
coverage via the move order1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.e3e64.Nf3. } 3... e6 { Our move
to prepare ...Bd6, fighting for control of the e5-square. Now White's
overwhelming main move is 4.e3, which just transposes to the mainline
London that we cover via 1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.e3e64.Nf3. Our reply is4...Bd6.
This move would also follow against slow moves like 4.h3?! or 4.c3, which
at best transposes to the mainline after4.c3Bd65.Bg3O-O6.e3c57.Nbd2Qc7.
White also has the slightly dubious move4.c4?!, which transposes to a line
of the Queen's Gambit that we cover via1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bf4?!, which
is strongly answered by4...dxc4!, giving Black good play. There is one
interesting independent move for White, though. We need to check 4.Nbd2!?,
which does not commit the c- and e-pawn. } 4. Nbd2 { A curious move order
that we need to answer precisely. } 4... c5 $1 { The exclamation mark is a
bit strong, but it's important to remember this finesse. Our routine
move4...Bd6 is not a mistake here, but there is an issue. White has the
annoying reply5.Bg5, intending e2-e4, which is surprisingly tricky to meet.
It looks like5...Be7 is a sensible choice, but then White has tricked us
into the line1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bg5e64.Nbd2Be7, which is not part of our
repertoire. In this move, order 3...Ne4! is our choice, avoiding the pin
altogether. In the position after 1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.Nf3e64.Nbd2Bd65.Bg5, I
checked other moves but didn't like these lines that much. Finally, I found
that 4...c5! leads to a simpler task for Black, as we will see. It is
somewhat annoying that you can't 'play ...Bd6 against everything' and need
to remember one exception, but opponents that play such a tricky move order
need to be fought with some finesse on our side. } 5. e3 Qb6 { Yet another
little finesse. After5...Bd6 the move6.Bb5+ is slightly annoying. In the
mainline1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.e3e64.Nf3Bd65.Bg3 we play5...O-O first, and only
after6.Nbd2 we play6...c5. Castling first avoids the irritating lines
involving Bb5(+). } 6. Rb1 { It's tough to suggest anything else for White.
The b-pawn needs some cover, as it does not look like a sacrifice could be
working. } 6... cxd4 { Here6...Bd6 is a fine alternative, similar to our
'standard plan'. I suggest 6...cxd4, as it looks like a simple and good
solution. } 7. exd4 Bd7 $1 { The key idea behind the whole concept. We'll
play ...Bb5 next to activate our bishop, which gives us equal chances. The
structure is similar to an Exchange Caro, which is a familiar sight in our
repertoire. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 Nf6 3.c3"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 { White often starts with 2.Nf3 but transposes to a London

System later. } 2... Nf6 { The natural reply. We develop our knight to the
best square and are ready to transpose to the Queen's Gambit Declined
after3.c4e6, the most common continuation. White has a ton of alternatives,
though. In the current chapter, we only discuss the London System. In
contrast, the chapter on1.d4 d5 sidelines covers other options, like 3.g3
or 3.Bg5. } 3. c3 { White usually plays3.Bf4 to reach a London System,
which we cover via the move order 1.d4d52.Bf4Nf63.Nf3. This leaves 3.c3 to
examine, as White may still play Bf4 next. } 3... e6 { We prepare ...c5
without having to worry about a possible dxc5 pawn grab. Now White's best
move is probably4.Bf4, transposing to a London. The London is covered
via1.d4d52.Bf4 in the current chapter. Other options are 4.e3 or 4.Bg5,
which are both covered in the1.d4 d5 sidelines chapter. } *
[Event "13. Sidelines after 1.d4 d5"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "13. Sidelines after 1.d4 d5"]
[Black "2.g3"]
[Result "*"]
1. d4 d5 { In this Chapter, we examine the sidelines after 1.d4 d5. We have

dedicated Chapters on theQueen's Gambit 2.c4 and on theLondon System 2.Bf4
- the chapter you are looking at now features everything you need to know
about White's more offbeat tries. A word about move orders: some of the
variations discussed in the current chapter can be played in two move
orders by White. They can choose the direction on move two or on move
three, including 2.Nf3 Nf6. Common examples are 1.d4d52.g3 and
1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.g3, or 1.d4d52.e3 and 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.e3. I decided to
cover all these cases the same way, having the lines split already on the
second move. So in this chapter, I use the move order 1.d4d52.e3 to cover
all early e3 systems. } 2. g3 { The move 2.g3 or the related line
2.Nf3Nf63.g3 usually signals White's intention to steer the game into a
type of Catalan ( 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3 ), but wanting to avoid lines
the Queen's Gambit accepted1.d4d52.c4dxc4 or lines of the Slav Defence
(1.d4d52.c4c6 ). In Keep it Simple: 1.d4, I advocated this approach and
suggested the move order1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.g3. Now, what to do as Black
against this setup? I suggest being pragmatic and simply allowing a
transposition to the Catalan and play lines that are part of our repertoire
anyway. This fits well with the 'Keep it Simple' approach: reduce the
workload where it is possible. Let's have a look at how to transpose. }
2... Nf6 { I suggest playing ...Nf6 and ...e6. } 3. Bg2 { White also
has3.Nf3, which after3...e64.Nf3c5 leads to the same positions. } 3... e6 {
This is the 'simple solution', allowing a transposition to the Catalan. If
Black follows a maximalist approach, you'd need to play3...c54.Nf3cxd45.O-O
and now learn some other theory with sophisticated ideas like5...h6!?
or5...e66.Nxd4e5, which will still 'only' lead to about equal chances. } 4.
Nf3 { Here4.c4dxc4 directly transposes to ourAnti-Catalan Chapter. } 4...
c5 { This is the way to transpose our lines against the Catalan } 5. O-O {
Or5.c4dxc4, which again directly transposes to theCatalan Chapter. } 5...
Nc6 { Now White's only try for an advantage is6.c4, when6....dxc4
againtransposes to the Catalan. I need to mention that this position may
also arise from 1.Nf3d52.g3c53.Bg2Nc64.d4Nf65.O-Oe6, and this is a more
common move order. In thechapter on 1.Nf3, I talk a bit more about the
harmless alternatives for White on the sixth move. Please see this chapter
if you want to learn more. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 #1"]
[Result "*"]
all early e3 systems. } 2. e4 $2 { The Blackmar-Diemer Gambit. It is
objectively incorrect, but knowing a good reply is helpful. The first step
is easy: grab the centre pawn. } 2... dxe4 { In a significant portion of
games, Black opts for 2...e6 or 2...c6, which lets White off the hook. You
should take a free centre pawn! } 3. Nc3 { White's idea is to follow up
3.Nc3Nf6 with4.f3. It is worse for White to play3.f3 right away, as3...e5!
is very effective. After4.dxe5Qxd1+5.Kxd1exf3 White's king is stuck in the
centre, and the e5-pawn is terminally weak. } 3... Nf6 { We need to cover
the captured pawn. The setup we aim for includes ...Bf5, ...e6 and often
...c6 to stabilize the centre. Now White, most of the time, plays 4.f3, but
we'll have a quick look at 4.Bg5, too. } 4. Bg5 Bf5 { Lending additional
cover to the extra pawn. } 5. Qe2 { White sets a trap: what about the
d4-pawn now? Can we take it? Before we examine Black's best reply, a quick
note about5.f3. We should answer it with5...Nbd7. After6.Bc4exf3Nxf3e6 we
reach positions similar to4.f3 coveredelsewhere. White does not have enough
play for the pawn. } 5... Nbd7 $1 { Don't take on d4!
After5...Qxd4??6.Qb5+Bd77.Qxb7Bc68.Bb5 White is winning on the spot.
Instead, we continue with our development, and White does not have enough
for the pawn. } 6. O-O-O { We are already a full centre pawn up. If White
plays6.Qb5?, we are happy to give up b7 for more development
with6...e67.Qxb7Bd6, when Black has a fantastic position. } 6... c6 { The
bishop on g5 makes it a bit more difficult to play ...e6, so we should
start with ...c6. Our f8-bishop can be developed with ...g6 later. } 7. f3
{ Or7.d5Nxd58.Nxd5cxd59.Rxd5g6, when Black will be the one doing all the
attacking soon. The bishop arriving on g7 will be a monster. } 7... exf3 8.
Nxf3 g6 { Black has a clear advantage. White can try the
direct9.d5Nxd510.Nxd5cxd511.Rxd5Bg712.Nd4, but12...Bxd4!13.Rxd4Rc8 is
excellent for Black. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

we'll have a quick look at 4.Bg5, too. } 4. f3 exf3 { Playing4...Bf5 is a
good alternative here. We think that taking is a bit simpler to handle,
though. } 5. Nxf3 { Occasionally White has tried5.Qxf3?, but we can just
play5...Qxd4 and are two pawns up. After6.Be3Qg47.Qf2Qf5 (there are other
good lines, too) White has no compensation. } 5... c6 { Our target setup
involves the moves ...Bf5, ...e6 and ...c6. You can either start with
5...c6 or 5...Bf5, leading to the same lines. } 6. Bc4 { White's normal
development, putting pressure on f7. After6.Bd3 we have6...Bg4, again
leaving White with zero compensation for the pawn. } 6... Bf5 { The bishop
will be very useful on g6, covering the f7-pawn. We'll now check two
attacking attempts by White. } 7. Ne5 { White goes for f7 immediately. }
7... e6 8. g4 { We need to be precise against this crude attack. White may
also play8.O-O when8...Bg6! is the typical reply. We secure f7 with this
important move, leading to positions similar to theline with 7.O-O. } 8...
Nfd7 $1 { Very important! After8...Bg6?9.h4 things are not clear at all. }
9. gxf5 { White has no good move here. We were threatening both ...Qh4+ and
...Nxe5. } 9... Nxe5 10. Be2 { Here10.dxe5?Qh4+ immediately loses for
White. } 10... Qh4+ 11. Kf1 Qh3+ 12. Ke1 Be7 $1 { Who's doing the attacking
now? White's gambit has backfired badly, with ...Bh4+ looming.
After13.dxe5Qg214.Rf1Bh4+15.Kd2Na6 Black wins quickly. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

we'll have a quick look at 4.Bg5, too. } 4. f3 exf3 { Playing4...Bf5 is a
good alternative here. We think that taking is a bit simpler to handle,
though. } 5. Nxf3 { Occasionally White has tried5.Qxf3?, but we can just
play5...Qxd4 and are two pawns up. After6.Be3Qg47.Qf2Qf5 (there are other
good lines, too) White has no compensation. } 5... c6 { Our target setup
involves the moves ...Bf5, ...e6 and ...c6. You can either start with
5...c6 or 5...Bf5, leading to the same lines. } 6. Bc4 { White's normal
development, putting pressure on f7. After6.Bd3 we have6...Bg4, again
leaving White with zero compensation for the pawn. } 6... Bf5 { The bishop
will be very useful on g6, covering the f7-pawn. We'll now check two
attacking attempts by White. } 7. O-O { A sensible move. White wants to
create some play on the opened f-file, which is the only upside of the pawn
sacrifice. } 7... e6 8. Ne5 { Or8.Ng5Bg6, when White's attack is going
nowhere. } 8... Bg6 $1 { White was threatening Nxf7 and Rxf5, so this is a
necessary retreat. The ...Bg6 setup is the main point to remember. Now we
have the simple development scheme involving ...Be7, ...O-O and...Nbd7.
White has no compensation for the pawn. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nc3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

all early e3 systems. } 2. Nc3 { White develops the knight in front of
their c-pawn, which is a strategically risky decision in 1.d4 d5
structures. Attacking the centre with c2-c4 and then using the knight
afterward is the play according to classical principles. The main line of
the QGD 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3 shows exactly this school of thought. 2.Nc3
ignores these principles but instead focuses on a fast queenside
development. Our approach against 2.Nc3 should be focused on playing a
quick c7-c5 break ourselves, generating play on the queenside and, in
particular, on the c-file. After our natural reply 2...Nf6, we have an
essential split. } 2... Nf6 { White has the choice between some ideas now.
A) 3.Bf4 The Jobava Variation, probably White's best line. I suggest3...c5,
according to the general outline of playing the c-pawn quickly. B) 3.Bg5
The Veresov Attack, which we answer with3...h64.Bh4c5, again using the
c-pawn to attack White's centre. C) 3.Nf3, which is toothless after3...c5,
our usual approach. There is no need to memorize lines. Natural central
play will be fine (...Nc6, ...Bg4,...e6, for example). D) 3.e4? The
Blackmar Diemer. We play3...dxe4 and transpose to2.e4?dxe43.Nc3Nf6. } 3.
Bg5 { The Veresov Attack. White develops their bishop to an active square
and often has Bxf6 in mind, followed by a central pawn push e2-e4. } 3...
h6 { I suggest this move, encouraging the capture on f6. It was already
recommended in the Lifetime Repertoire on the Nimzo-Ragozin, which Daniel
Barrish and yours truly wrote. I see no reason to change the line, as Black
is doing fine, and it's easy to learn. White now quite often captures on
f6; it's about a 50-50 split between 4.Bh4 and 4.Bxf6. We'll have a look at
both moves. } 4. Bxf6 { The capture on f6 is a common procedure in the
Veresov and one reason why it is not regarded as fully sound. Blocking the
c-pawn with Nc3 and giving up the bishop pair for nothing special is
frowned upon. } 4... exf6 $1 { The correct way to recapture. We keep our
pawn structure sound with two pawn islands. Taking away from the centre
also helps with development, as both bishops are now ready for action. It
is important to keep in mind that after 4.Bh4c55.Bxf6 it is correct to
play5...gxf6!, because having played ...c5 changes the pawn structure
fundamentally. The move5...exf6?! would be dubious, as it isolates the
d-pawn. } 5. e3 { White's main move. We'd be happy to see5.e4,
as5...dxe46.Nxe4f5 looks a lot like the Classical Caro Kann with ...exf6,
but we have been granted the bishop pair on top. } 5... c6 { In the
mentioned LTR course, we suggested5...Bb4, which is also completely fine. I
suggest 5...c6 now, as I like the following setup: Black could play ...f5
and then transfer the b8-knight via d7-f6-e4 at the end. } 6. Bd3 f5 7. Qf3
g6 8. Nge2 Nd7 { The knight tour to e4 is very annoying for White. Black is
already for choice, as White has no relevant pawn break (misplaced knight
on c3!), and we have more space. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nc3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

both moves. } 4. Bh4 { White keeps the bishop for the moment. } 4... c5 {
Attacking d4 with the desired pawn break. White now has the choice again:
taking on f6 or not? } 5. Bxf6 { The capture is the most interesting try
for White. If they avoid the trade, we develop without any problems and
have a strategically superior position. A sample line
is5.e3cxd46.exd4Nc67.Qd2Bf5. The structure is somewhat similar to an
Exchange Caro-Kann, but White's setup with Nc3 and Qd2 looks odd and gives
us good chances on the c-file and queenside. } 5... gxf6 $1 { After ...c5
is on the board, the g-pawn capture is my choice. After5...exf6, we'd have
a potentially weak d5-pawn. If you compare to4.Bxf6exf65.e3c6, you'll see
the difference. After 5...gxf6 White has the fundamental choice between the
hacking move 6.e4 and the more restrained 6.e3. } 6. e3 { More solid than
6.e4, but it poses no problems. } 6... cxd4 7. exd4 Nc6 { Black has the
better position already. Our central control is fine, and we have the
bishop pair. It is even possible to consider playing for a huge centre with
...e7-e5, after due preparation. In some cases, even an immediate central
strike is on. Stockfish points out the remarkable
line8.Qh5e5!9.dxe5Rg8!10.exf6Rg511.Qh4d412.O-O-OQb6, with a huge attack for
Black! } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nc3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

both moves. } 4. Bh4 { White keeps the bishop for the moment. } 4... c5 {
Attacking d4 with the desired pawn break. White now has the choice again:
taking on f6 or not? } 5. Bxf6 { The capture is the most interesting try
for White. If they avoid the trade, we develop without any problems and
have a strategically superior position. A sample line
is5.e3cxd46.exd4Nc67.Qd2Bf5. The structure is somewhat similar to an
Exchange Caro-Kann, but White's setup with Nc3 and Qd2 looks odd and gives
us good chances on the c-file and queenside. } 5... gxf6 $1 { After ...c5
is on the board, the g-pawn capture is my choice. After5...exf6, we'd have
a potentially weak d5-pawn. If you compare to4.Bxf6exf65.e3c6, you'll see
the difference. After 5...gxf6 White has the fundamental choice between the
hacking move 6.e4 and the more restrained 6.e3. } 6. e4 { White wants to
open the centre while being ahead in development. } 6... dxe4 7. dxc5 { The
only good try. A line like7.d5f5 is terrible for White. They are a pawn
down, and the bishop on g7 will be a monster. } 7... f5 $1 { This is the
most important move to remember in the whole Veresov. We secure the e4-pawn
and are not worried about Qxd8+, which spoils our castling rights. } 8.
Qxd8+ { Keeping the queen on with8.Qh5 leads nowhere for White.
After8...Bg79.Bb5+Nc610.Nge2e6, we are much better. Note that ...Qg5 can be
an important resource in such a variation. } 8... Kxd8 9. O-O-O+ Bd7 { The
move9...Nd7 is not bad, either. After 9...Bd7 White is fighting for
equality. If nothing bad happens to our king on d8 (and it's rather safe on
the dark squares), our bishop pair advantage is significant. Stockfish now
suggests the drastic10.g4!? as the best solution for White,
when10...fxg411.h3Bg712.Nxe4Kc7 leads to a position that is slightly better
for Black, but remains complicated. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nc3 #4"]
[Result "*"]

Bf4 c5 { As usual, we attack the d4-pawn with ...c5. } 4. e3 { We don't
need to worry about4.Nb5?? due to4...Qa5+. } 4... cxd4 { We immediately
clarify the pawn structure and open the c-file, leading to a pawn structure
that we know well - it's a Caro-Kann Exchange with an oddly placed
c3-knight. White now needs to recapture with the pawn, leading to the
mentioned structure. Note that you can't wait with4...Nc6?, as5.Nb5 is
killing. } 5. Nb5 $2 { White goes for the Nc7+ fork, but this move does not
work against best play. How do we refute the move? } 5... Qa5+ $1 { Very
important! Don't play5...Na6?, when6.exd4 is excellent for White. We would
be stuck with a terrible knight on a6. The move 5...Qa5+! is more or less
winning for Black, but it's a crazy ride. } 6. b4 { The move 6.c3 just
transposes to 6.b4 or loses differently. We have the following lines. A)
6.c3dxc37.b4Qxb4 leads to6.b4Qxb4+7.c3dxc3 B) 6.c3dxc37.Nc7+Kd88.b4Qxb4
also transposes to 6.b4. C) 6.c3dxc37.Bc7c2+8.Bxa5cxd1=Q+9.Rxd1Na6, and
Black wins. } 6... Qxb4+ 7. c3 dxc3 { By now we are three (!) pawns up and
have a huge c-pawn. White is ready to fork us, though - a crazy situation.
It's clear White has to act now. They need to play the fork or attack our
queen. It's important to note that you don't need to analyze and learn
these complications by heart. Black is objectively winning, but it's not
something that a human player can easily calculate. However, it is clear
that we already have three pawns and a huge attack for a possible loss of
the rook. In addition, we'll pick up the knight that is stranded on a8. }
8. Nc7+ { White goes for the a8-rook, which is the most obvious try. Here
are some alternatives to illustrate the possibilities. A)
8.a3Qb29.Rb1Qd2+10.Qxd2cxd2+11.Kxd2Ne4+12.Ke1Na6 is simple. B) 8.Qb3Nc6
8...e5 also leads to winning
chaos9.Nc7+Kd810.Nxa8e511.Bg5c2+12.Ke2Qxb313.axb3Na5 and Black wins. All
those lines are fun to study. It's unlikely you'll get them on the board,
but it's a great tactical training to use positions like that for exercise
games. } 8... Kd8 9. Nxa8 {
Or9.a3Qb210.Rb1Qd2+11.Qxd2cxd2+12.Kxd2e513.Bxe5Ne4+14.Ke1Nc615.Bf4g5, when
again Black wins. } 9... c2+ 10. Qd2 e5 $1 11. Bxe5 Nc6 { Black has a
killing attack, for example in the following lines. A)
12.Bc7+Kd713.f3Qb214.Qc1Bb4+15.Kf2Bc3 B) 12.Bc3Qb1+13.Qc1Bf514.Nf3Ba3 I am
perfectly aware that these lines are not 'Simple', but these complications
are winning for Black, and we have all the fun, being the attacker! } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nc3 #5"]
[Result "*"]

Bf4 c5 { As usual, we attack the d4-pawn with ...c5. } 4. e3 { We don't
need to worry about4.Nb5?? due to4...Qa5+. } 4... cxd4 { We immediately
clarify the pawn structure and open the c-file, leading to a pawn structure
that we know well - it's a Caro-Kann Exchange with an oddly placed
c3-knight. White now needs to recapture with the pawn, leading to the
mentioned structure. Note that you can't wait with4...Nc6?, as5.Nb5 is
killing. } 5. exd4 Bg4 $1 { A strong move, in my opinion. Black more
frequently plays5...a6, but I don't like the arising positions that much.
In some cases, the move ...a6 feels like a loss of time. } 6. f3 { White
has tried this move most of the time. Black has an easy game
after6.Be2Bxe27.Qxe2a6 or6.Nf3Nc6, when we reach favourable versions of a
Caro-Kann Exchange, due to the misplaced c3-knight. In the first case,
White even lacks their best piece, the d3-bishop. Finally, White may
try6.Qd2, but after6...Nc6, they will probably play7.f3 anyway, which
transposes to 6.f3 after all. } 6... Bd7 $1 { It's crucial to
avoid6...Bh5?7.g4 or6...Bf5?7.g4. We don't mind retreating the bishop and
placing it behind our pawn chain, as we'll have enough counterplay on the
queenside. } 7. Qd2 { Our setup will be ...Nc6, ...e6, ...a6 and ...b5, for
queenside counterplay. White has to think twice about castling on this side
of the board. Alternatively, they could try7.Nb5, when the
simple7...Bxb58.Bxb5+Nc6 is comfortable for Black. Note that provoking f3
was a huge gain for us, as White has a hard time ever using the e5-square
with the knight. } 7... Nc6 8. g4 e6 9. O-O-O a6 { That's our setup. We'll
have good attacking chances, based on the open c-file and ideas like
...Bb4, but also ...b5. Our king is quite safe in the centre for the
moment, but we have no weaknesses on the kingside and will often be able to
castle kingside. We already have an open file against the white king - our
opponent still needs to find a way to open the game similarly. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Bg5"]
[Result "*"]

all early e3 systems. } 2. Bg5 { White plays in the spirit of the
Trompowsky ( 1.d4Nf62.Bg5 ), but without a knight on f6 that could be
captured or pinned. Black has a good choice against this sideline. I
suggest playing in the same style as against the Veresov
(1.d4d52.Nc3Nf63.Bg5 ), by playing ...h6 and a quick ...c5 to attack
White's d-pawn. } 2... h6 { Here2...f6!? is a funky alternative that is
worth mentioning. I didn't like it so much in the 'Keep It Simple' context,
but it seems like a fine line for Black, too. } 3. Bh4 c5 4. dxc5 { White's
usual choice at this point. Alternatives like4.e3cxd45.exd4Bf5 ( or5...Qb6
) or4.Nc3Nf6, transposing to the Veresov, are easy to handle. After the
capture on c5, we need to know a concrete line. } 4... g5 { That's the idea
to remember. We gain lots of time with ...g5 and ...Bg7 next. } 5. Bg3 Bg7
{ Gaining time on the b-pawn. } 6. c3 Na6 $1 { This is the crucial sequence
to remember after 4.dxc5. We are now set to regain the c-pawn and enjoy an
active position. White can try to hang on to the pawn with7.Qa4+Bd78.Qa3,
but8...Qc89.b4Nc7 prepares ...a5 to attack White's queenside construction.
We have annoying pressure on the white pawns and a good game. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

all early e3 systems. } 2. e3 { Playing an early e2-e3, with the bishop
still at home on c1, is a rather modest opening concept by White. However,
there are some lines worth studying, particularly after 1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3,
when I suggest the ambitious move3...c5. } 2... Nf6 { After our natural
move 2...Nf6 White's most important move is3.Nf3, which leads to a position
more commonly reached via 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.e3. I suggest answering with the
active move3...c5. There are two other options for White. They can also
play 3.c4, after which3...e6 transposes to a sideline of the QGD. The other
rather dubious idea is to play for a Stonewall setup with an early f4. } 3.
Bd3 { This is White's best move order if they are after a Stonewall setup
with f4. They could also play3.f4?! right away, but this move order
allows3...Bf5 when Black reaches the best possible formation against the
Stonewall. What's the best formation? White has weakened the e4-square.
Placing a knight on f6 and a bishop on f5 makes a lot of sense. This is
best complemented by pawns on d5/c5 and knights on f6 and c6, a very
natural setup. At least, 3.Bd3 prevents the early bishop placement on f5,
making it more challenging to reach the best formation. I'll discuss the
merits of it at the end of this variation. } 3... c5 { Attacking d4 with
the c-pawn is our reply to 3.Nf3, as well. Here it is even more effective,
as capturing c5 makes a lot less sense for White than
1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3c54.dxc5. In these lines, Bb5+ is a crucial idea. } 4. c3
Nc6 5. f4 { White sets up the Stonewall. We are happy to see this
formation, as Black is instantly better. White creates multiple weaknesses,
in particular the square e4. Instead of 5.f4, White could still play the
less weakening5.Nf3, when5...Bg4 is a good reply. The pin is annoying, and
White might think of playing Be2 at some point to break it. Black is
already more comfortable here, too. } 5... Bg4 $1 { It's essential to
develop the bishop actively and avoid the unnecessarily modest5...e6. } 6.
Nf3 e6 7. O-O Bd6 { Now it's easy for White to make things even worse. } 8.
Qe1 { This move looks reasonable, unpinning and preparing Qg3/Qh4. It's
better than8.Nbd2, when8...cxd4 opens the c-file for us, as White can't
recapture with the e-pawn. If White plays8.h3, our reply is8...Bf5!. We'll
play the move even unprovoked after 8.Qe1, so it's an easy decision after
8.h3. } 8... Bf5 $1 { And we have reached the best formation against the
Stonewall. We trade White's best piece, the d3-bishop and further weaken
the light squares in White's camp. } 9. Bxf5 { White may also allow the
trade on d3. After9.Qe2Bxd310.Qxd3O-O Black has a comfortable advantage. In
the long run, we have good chances on the queenside, using a pawn storm
(playing ...c4, ...b5,...b4 ), while maintaining a grip on the e4-square.
It's often a good idea to connect the c6-knight to the e4-square, too. A
typical regrouping to accomplish that is playing ...Nc6-e7-f5, ...Bd6-e7
and finally ...Nf5-d6. It looks prolonged, but it's a closed position. The
quality of the manoeuvring matters much more than the speed. White's bishop
on c1 is a problem piece, of course. It is severely limited by its own
pawns and has a tough time improving. Our dream scenario is: the bad
c1-bishop stays on the board while we keep a knight on e4. I have won
countless games by reaching this exact position type! } 9... exf5 { We have
a doubled f-pawn, but there is no need to worry at all. A doubled pawn
always means you get open files. Here we enjoy a half-open e-file against
White's e3-pawn, which is good news. I already described Black's general
strategy in the notes to 9.Bxf5, and the same points apply here. I want to
jump back to the situation after 1.d4d52.e3Nf6 when White could have
played3.f4, an even earlier Stonewall setup. In this case,3...Bf5! is
great, as we'd get our ideal formation even quicker, for example,
after4.Bd3e6!5.Nf3c56.O-ONc6. Note that4...Bxd3?! can be answered
with5.cxd3, when White plugs the hole on e4. I only want to trade on d3
when White needs to recapture with a piece. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

Nf3 { What's the point of White's modest setup? There are primarily two
ideas that White is going for 1) A setup based on playing a quick e3-e4.
They play Bd3, Nbd2, often c3, and finally e3-e4. This formation is called
the 'Colle System'. It was employed frequently by Belgian master player
Edgard Colle in the early 20th century and since bears his name. 2) They
plan to develop the c1-bishop to b2. The target formation includes bishops
on d3 and b2, knights usually on f3 and d2. This setup is named after
Johannes Zukertort, who was Steinitz's rival in the first official World
Championship match in 1886. Black has a wide choice now, which is not a
surprise. White's play is relatively slow, so we have some leeway. I
suggest being ambitious now. } 3... c5 { The move 3...c5 is Black's most
ambitious choice here. We are essentially playing White in the Queen's
Gambit, a tempo down - compared to 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf6, which we play with
Black. The huge upside of 3...c5 is that both the Colle and Zukertort
formations are completely toothless now and often lead to a Black advantage
in practice. This will frequently happen in your games if you compete in
club games or play online speed chess. At this level, players often study
one setup and don't appreciate the difference between 3...c5 and 3...e6,
for instance. If a master-level player is on the white side, they will
often know that this 'auto-pilot' play doesn't suffice and opt for 4.
dxc5!?, which is the mainline I'll discuss. Black is fine after this move,
but it's good to know some details. Before we continue, a word about4.c4.
It is a good move for White but has no independent value for us,
as4...cxd45.exd4Nc6 takes us to a line of the Caro-Kann Panov, which is
part of our repertoire - quite an unexpected transposition! } 4. c3 { White
usually chooses this move if they are after a Colle setup. } 4... Nbd7 {
It's important to remember this move. I'd like to avoid ...e6 setups and
play for more. However, after4...Bf5?! or4...Bg4?! White can advantageously
take on c5. We play1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.Bg5dxc4 with Black and an extra
tempo is very relevant. Therefore I suggest 4...Nbd7, which covers the
c5-pawn. } 5. Bd3 g6 { That's the plan. We fianchetto the bishop and
prepare to castle. } 6. O-O Bg7 7. Nbd2 O-O { This is the formation we are
aiming for. I'd like to show you a line of the Catalan Opening that is well
known to be comfortable for White:
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3c65.Bg2Nbd76.O-OBd67.Nbd2O-O. We have reached this
position with colours reversed and, of course, a tempo down. This tempo is
not that relevant, as the position is rather closed. We can continue with
...b6 and ...Bb7 and play for the central ...e5-break. After just seven
moves, Black has a space advantage and the easier game. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e3 #3"]
[Result "*"]
as4...cxd45.exd4g6 takes us to a harmless line of the Caro-Kann Panov,
which is part of our repertoire - quite an unexpected transposition! } 4.
b3 { White has the Zukertort setup in mind, but we are well equipped to
meet this move. } 4... cxd4 $1 5. exd4 Nc6 { Black is in good shape after
only five moves. A good way to think about this position: consider the move
sequence 1.e4c62.d4d53.exd5cxd54.Nf3Nc65.b3Nf6. The move 5.b3 looks
ridiculous... why would White want to place the bishop on b2, looking at
their pawn on d4? Well, we have exactly this position on the board right
now! White will suffer from queenside weaknesses for the whole game, as we
easily pressure on the c-file. Moves like ...Bf5 and ...Rc8 come to mind. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e3 #4"]
[Result "*"]

as4...cxd45.exd4g6 takes us to a harmless line of the Caro-Kann Panov,
which is part of our repertoire - quite an unexpected transposition! } 4.
dxc5 { The capture is the move that we need to study a bit, as White grabs
a pawn and can hold on to it for a moment. White is playing a Queen's
Gambit Accepted ( 1.d4d52.c4dxc43.Nf3Nf6 ) with an extra tempo, but it is
not enough to fight for an advantage. } 4... e6 5. b4 { White's ambitious
move. If we just manage to play ...Bxc5, no particular knowledge is needed.
Black will be fine with normal development. } 5... a5 { Black has various
ways to attack White's chain. I like this sequence best. } 6. c3 axb4 {
Playing6...b6 here is no mistake, either. Our choice is a bit more forcing.
} 7. cxb4 b6 { Now it's clear that White can't hold on to pawn anymore. }
8. Bb5+ { This looks best. White has also tried8.a4bxc59.b5, with a similar
pawn structure as after8.Bb5+Bd79.Bxd7+Nbxd710.a4bxc511.b5, but with
bishops still on the board. This changes the situation considerably. In
case of8.a4bxc59.b5, the move9...c4 looks good. We gain control of some
important squares, like d3 and b3, but also free c5 for our pieces. It's a
tense position, but Black has good chances. White's outside passers don't
go anywhere shortly. } 8... Bd7 9. Bxd7+ Nbxd7 10. a4 bxc5 11. b5 {
Reaching this peculiar pawn structure is the whole point of the 4.dxc5
operation. Note that this sequence is long (we are on move 11 already), but
quite forced. Now I will suggest a bit of a shocking move, but it is
strong! } 11... g5 $1 { This move was first played by Wesley So in a
crucial game against Le Quang Liem in the Chessable Masters 2021, an online
tournament I was doing the live broadcast for. I was deeply impressed by
the idea and am now happy to recommend it in this course. What's the idea
of 11...g5? White can't take the pawn,12.Nxg5Rg8 easily regains the pawn
when Black is more active due to the rook invading g2. The best seems to
be12.Bb2Bd613.Qe2, when13...g4 reveals the idea of ...g5: pushing the
knight back to a passive position. After14.Nfd2Qc7 Wesley had an attractive
position and went on to win a fine game. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

all early e3 systems. } 2. Nf3 { White's most popular move if they want to
avoid the QGD. The knight move is flexible. White may still play for a
Queen's Gambit or play various sidelines on the next move. } 2... Nf6 { The
natural reply. We develop our knight to the best square and are ready to
transpose to the Queen's Gambit Declined. This transposition would happen
after3.c4e6, which is the most common continuation. You'll also meet3.Bf4
often, the London System. I decided to cover the London in a
dedicatedChapter, as it is so frequently played. White has a ton of
alternatives, though. As already discussed in the notes to the first move,
I decided to distinguish between White's setups already on move two. This
means that 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.e3 is covered via the move order 1.d4d52.e3,
when2...Nf63.Nf3 transposes. Here's a list of these transpositions:
1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.g3 is covered via 1.d4d52.g3 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.e3 is covered
via 1.d4d52.e3 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Nc3?! is very rare and briefly covered via
1.d4d52.Nc3 This leaves two non-transpositional moves to consider:3.Bg5
and3.c3. The move 3.c3 might still transpose elsewhere, but 4.Bg5 has some
independent value. } 3. c3 { This move doesn't look particularly
threatening, but it has some points against Black's more ambitious replies.
If Black plays3...c5, White has4.dxc5, which leads to interesting
complications. Black is not getting back the pawn easily in this line.
After3...Bf5, White intends4.Qb3, which turns out to be slightly annoying
for Black, too. I suggest a simpler solution that only has a minor move
order drawback. } 3... e6 { We prepare ...c5 without having to worry about
a possible dxc5 pawn grab. Now White's best move is probably4.Bf4,
transposing to a London. The London is covered via 1.d4d52.Bf4 in
thededicated chapter. What's left? A) White can play 4.Bg5, pinning our
knight. B) White rarely plays 4.e3, which leads to a Colle formation. Here
we get to the minor move order issue that I mentioned in the notes to 3.c3.
Our main weapon against the Colle is not based on an early ...e6, as we
play 1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3c5, when4.c3 is answered with4...Nbd7 and ...g6
next. Here, we are already committed to the move ...e6, which requires a
different antidote. } 4. e3 { A rare move order by White, but they manage
to transpose into a Colle setup when we are already forced to play with
...e6. It's not a major problem because White also has made a concession:
the early move c3!. Now, we need to compare to 1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3. We
play3...c5, avoiding 3...e6 in favour of a more ambitious approach. Still,
3...e6 is not a bad move, of course. After3...e6 White would not
play4.c3?!, but the more flexible move4.Bd3. In the Colle, White usually
plays the moves Bd3, Nbd2 and aims for e3-e4, opening the centre. The move
c3 is usually only played in response to Black playing ...c5, not that
early on. This means that in the move order 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.c3e64.e3, we
face a particularly harmless version of the Colle, which allows us an easy
game. Let's check how to proceed. } 4... Nbd7 { I suggest a setup with
...Nbd7, ...Bd6, ...b6 and ...Bb7, which you might already know if you have
studied the QGD sidelines. Against 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3 we aim for a
similar setup. Here, after 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.c3e64.e3, I suggest starting
with4...Nbd7, because4...b65.Bb5+ is a bit irritating. } 5. Bd3 b6 { We'll
take control of the e4-square now. } 6. O-O Bb7 7. Nbd2 Bd6 { And we have
completed our setup. Our pieces are harmonious, and we have a range of
ideas. We can attack the centre with both ...c5 and ...e5, but ...Ne4 is an
idea, too. A final point to make: If our setup is comfortable, why not play
it all the time against the Colle, even in the 1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3 move
order? Well, after3...e6 White won't play an early c3, but rather4.Bd3. Now
you can go for something like4...Nbd7, but White has far more options now;
for example, they could play5.b3, copying our setup! Or they could play an
early c2-c4, changing the pawn structure completely. These options are off
the table with the very early c3, which makes our life a lot easier. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

independent value. } 3. c3 { This move doesn't look particularly
threatening, but it has some points against Black's more ambitious replies.
If Black plays3...c5, White has4.dxc5, which leads to interesting
complications. Black is not getting back the pawn easily in this line.
After3...Bf5, White intends4.Qb3, which turns out to be slightly annoying
for Black, too. I suggest a simpler solution that only has a minor move
order drawback. } 3... e6 { We prepare ...c5 without having to worry about
a possible dxc5 pawn grab. Now White's best move is probably4.Bf4,
transposing to a London. The London is covered via 1.d4d52.Bf4 in
thededicated chapter. What's left? A) White can play 4.Bg5, pinning our
knight. B) White rarely plays 4.e3, which leads to a Colle formation. Here
we get to the minor move order issue that I mentioned in the notes to 3.c3.
Our main weapon against the Colle is not based on an early ...e6, as we
play 1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3c5, when4.c3 is answered with4...Nbd7 and ...g6
next. Here, we are already committed to the move ...e6, which requires a
different antidote. } 4. Bg5 { White pins our knight. There are other cases
of Bg5 in the current chapter, but this is the only one that involves a
pin. After 1.d4d52.Nf3Nf63.Bg5 we have3...Ne4, while after1.d4d52.Bg5 I
suggest an entirely different approach, as I think that Black has better
options than 2...Nf6. } 4... h6 { Let's address the pin right away. } 5.
Bh4 { White almost always plays this natural move, keeping the bishop. It
is possible to play5.Bxf6Qxf66.Nbd2, but after6...c57.e3Nc6 Black enjoys
the bishop pair and has a sound position. } 5... g5 $1 { Ambitious and
strong! } 6. Bg3 Ne4 { The important follow-up to 5...g5!. Our main idea is
not to take the bishop, but rather go for ...h5! next and try to win it!
The threat of ...h5! is so strong that White now only has one(!) good move
to avoid severe trouble. } 7. Nbd2 $2 { This is wrong, but let's have a
look at why it is so bad. The move White has to play is the less than
obvious7.Nfd2, which keeps them in the game after7...Nxg38.hxg3c5. Black is
already slightly better due to the bishop pair. Our bishop will find a good
spot on g7, using the extended fianchetto formation on the kingside. } 7...
h5 $1 { The threat is ...h4, trapping the bishop. } 8. Qc2 { Moving the
h-pawn is disastrous after8.h3Nxg39.fxg3Bd6. White's structure and king
position are just too much to bear. The move 8.Qc2 poses a (minor)
challenge, at least. } 8... h4 9. Be5 f6 10. Nxe4 dxe4 11. Qxe4 { What
about Qg6+ now? } 11... Rh6 $1 { This is the point you need to know. The
bishop is still trapped and can be captured on the next move with a winning
position for Black. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

independent value. } 3. Bg5 Ne4 { This active move is the reason why 3.Bg5
is a rather unpopular option for White. Our knight occupies the central
spot and gains a tempo on the bishop. } 4. Bh4 c5 { Attacking White's
centre with ...c5 is a very logical choice. Stockfish also points out the
wacky-looking move4...h5!?!, which intends ...f6 and ...g5, trapping the
bishop! It looks like a cool move, but the resulting complications were too
crazy for this course. Feel free to check them out yourselves; it's fun. }
5. dxc5 { Against the capture, we need to be alert for a moment, as a
natural reply is bad. } 5... Nc6 $1 { We have to avoid5...Nxc5, as6.Nc3 is
very annoying. The pawn on d5 is attacked, and ...e6 is impossible to play.
We have to wait a moment until we get the pawn back. } 6. e3 g6 { We can't
play ...e6, so the fianchetto is a good solution. } 7. Nbd2 Nxc5 { And
finally, we have regained the pawn and enjoy a good position. We have two
centre pawns, and our bishop will be strong on g7, supporting future play
in the centre and on the queenside. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 #4"]
[Result "*"]

spot and gains a tempo on the bishop. } 4. Bh4 c5 { Attacking White's
centre with ...c5 is a very logical choice. Stockfish also points out the
wacky-looking move4...h5!?!, which intends ...f6 and ...g5, trapping the
bishop! It looks like a cool move, but the resulting complications were too
crazy for this course. Feel free to check them out yourselves; it's fun. }
5. e3 { White supports the centre. Against this move, we get a good play by
combining pressure against d4 and b2, using our queen. A similar scenario
would arise after5.c3, when5...cxd46.cxd4Nc6, followed by ...Qb6 or ...Qa5
gives Black great play. White's bishop is misplaced on h4, being completely
disconnected from the queenside action. } 5... Qb6 { There is nothing wrong
with a simpler solution like5...cxd46.exd4Nc6 when we have a good version
of a Caro-Kann Exchange. The move 5...Qb6 is stronger, though. It sets a
very dangerous trap that many strong players have already fallen for. } 6.
Qc1 $2 { White has to play6.Nc3 to limit the damage. Black is fine
after6...Nxc3 or6...Qa5, but this is golden for White compared to the
coming disaster! } 6... cxd4 7. exd4 g5 $3 { Not an easy move to spot! } 8.
Bxg5 { The alternatives8.Nxg5Qh6!, and8.Bg3Bh6 or 8.Bg3g49.Ne5Bh6 are even
more depressing for White. Black is winning straight away in these lines. }
8... Nxg5 9. Nxg5 Bh6 10. f4 { No choice, we were threatening ...f6,
winning the knight. } 10... Qxd4 { Black has a huge advantage. White's dark
squares are weak, and their pieces are badly coordinated. A fantastic
opening result for Black. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 #5"]
[Result "*"]

spot and gains a tempo on the bishop. } 4. Bf4 c5 5. dxc5 Nc6 $1 { It's
crucial to avoid5...Nxc5?6.Nc3e67.e4, which is surprisingly strong for
White. The better move 5...Nc6, however, gives Black the better chances! We
are ready to play ...f6 and ...e5 now, taking control of the centre. } 6.
Nbd2 { Lines like6.e3f6! are much better for Black already. } 6... Nxc5 {
Black is already slightly better. We have an extra central pawn and both
...f6-e5 and ...g6-Bg7 are good ways to continue. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 #6"]
[Result "*"]

spot and gains a tempo on the bishop. } 4. Bf4 c5 5. e3 { This looks
best.5.c3cxd46.cxd4Qb6 gives us some early pressure on the queenside and
already the easier game. } 5... Qb6 { A stronger move
than5...cxd46.exd4Nc6, which leads to a refined version of the Caro-Kann
Exchange structure. } 6. Nc3 { After6.Qc1Nc67.c3f6!, Black is in good
shape, too. It's interesting to compare to 4.Bh4c55.e3Qb66.Qc1?,
when6...cxd47.exd4g5!! is on. Here this strike doesn't work, and Black
needs to be more modest. Still, after 7...f6! Black is doing well, as
...cxd4, followed by ...e5 is a strong idea. Our queen and knight work
against f2. } 6... Qa5 { Playing6...Nxc3 can't be wrong, either. Now White
needs to worry about the capture on c3. Stockfish
assesses7.Bb5+Bd78.Bxd7+Nxd79.O-ONxc310.bxc3Rc8 as equal, but I am happy
with Black's chances. We are slightly behind in development but have
wrecked White's pawn structure beyond repair. } *
[Event "14. English Lines with g3"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "14. English Lines with g3"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.cxd5"]
[Result "*"]
1. c4 e6 { How to answer 1.c4? If you have the Queens's Gambit Declined in

your repertoire, there is an easy solution. You play1...e6 and 2...d5,
asking White if they have anything better than playing d2-d4 and
transposing to a traditional Queen's Gambit or a Catalan. A very common
transposition is 1.c4e62.Nc3d5, when3.d4 leads to the mainline Queen's
Gambit. If White wants to avoid this kind of transposition, they have two
basic ways to do that. In the current chapter, we will examine g3-based
setups, while in the second chapter on1.c4e6, we focus on other setups,
mostly involving an early e3 by White. Alright, how do we fight the
g3-setups? White's opening bears some similarities to a Catalan (
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3 ), and in some cases, it is possible to transpose
to this opening quickly. Our approach against the combination of c4 + g3,
often called the 'Neo-Catalan' by the way, is quite similar to our
Anti-Catalan concept: quickly taking on c4 and then staking a claim in the
centre with ...c5, while White is still busy regaining the c-pawn. The line
that arises most of the time and shows the basic concept is
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.Bg2dxc4, when White's primary try
is5.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c5. I think that Black has equal chances in this line and
not much to worry about. But what could happen along the way? There are
mostly two different scenarios: 1) White can play d4 and transpose into a
regular Catalan, for example, after 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.d4 or the less
common 1.c4e62.g3d53.d4. In both cases, we'd answer with ...dxc4, which is
our weapon against the Catalan. 2) The second scenario is quite different:
White could play an early b3 to cover the c-pawn. Possible sequences are
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3 or1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.b3. In all these cases, I
recommend playing ...d4 in response, gaining central space. We argue that
the move b3 is rather pointless when a black pawn appears on d4, as Bb2 is
not attractive anymore - staring at an enemy pawn on d4 is not what the
bishop wants to do. Therefore we have a fairly straightforward move order
concept: Against g3-setups, we'll play 1...e6, 2...d5, 3...Nf6 and capture
on c4 next, unless White plays b3 along the way, when we will advance the
d-pawn immediately in response. An interesting case is the move
order1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3. White plays b3 even before g3 is on the board. In
this case, playing3...d4 is a good option, too. White will very likely
continue with g3 soon, which is why this particular move order is also
covered in the current chapter. } 2. Nf3 d5 { After 2...d5 White can
transpose out of this chapter by playing3.d4 for a Queen's Gambit, or opt
for3.e3, which we cover in the other dedicated chapter on 1.c4 e6. Our main
topic in the current chapter is the move3.g3, but we'll also
examine3.cxd5exd54.g3 and3.b3, as after our reply3...d4! White will almost
always play with a quick g3 after all - the immediate4.g3 is the most
popular move. } 3. cxd5 { White takes on d5 at the first possible
opportunity, preventing any possible capture on c4. } 3... exd5 4. g3 {
That's the way for White to play if they want to avoid a transposition to a
harmless Queen's Gambit Declined Carlsbad with4.d4 when4...Nf6 (or4...c6 )
would take us to the chapter on theCarlsbad. } 4... Nf6 5. Bg2 Be7 $1 {
Giving 5...Be7 an exclam is a bit strong, but I'll do so anyway to
emphasise that it helps to know this finesse. I think it's more precise to
play5...Be7 than5...Bd6, or5...c6, moves that look natural, too. The reason
is one particular setup that White may have in mind. I'll show a line to
demonstrate:5...Bd66.O-OO-O7.Nc3c68.d3! to play e4 next. This even works
after8...Re89.e4!, as Black can't grab the e-pawn due
to9...dxe410.dxe4Nxe411.Nxe4Rxe412.Ng5, when White wins. In my experience,
White has a far more enjoyable game if they achieve e2-e4 in such a pawn
structure. With White, I have played lines like
1.Nf3d52.g3c63.Bg2Nf64.O-OBg45.c4e66.cxd5exd57.d3 and scored very well,
using a similar plan. Now, by playing5...Be7! we make it much more
difficult for White to accomplish d3 + e4, as we will see. } 6. O-O O-O 7.
d3 { White has also tried7.d4c6 when we enter a harmless Carlsbad
structure. The bishop is misplaced on g2, which looks at a pawn wall (thus
...c6 makes a lot of sense). We check this line briefly in the dedicated
chapter on theCarlsbad, where it arises from a 1.d4d52.c4e63.cxd5 move
order. } 7... Re8 { A clever move. The rook is always useful on the
half-open file, but we don't know how to develop the queenside best. This
way, we are best prepared for White's d3 + e4 plan. } 8. Nc3 d4 $1 { With
the bishop on e7, instead of d6, this pawn push is possible. After9.Nb5
Black has the convenient choice between9...c5,9...Nc6 and9...Bc5. All moves
are perfectly fine and of about equal strength, which is why I stop the
trainable line here. Black is fine after8...d4, as we have established an
early space advantage and have chances to play against the e-pawn in the
long run. The move ...d4 also clears the square d5 for a piece. In
particular, the knight would have an excellent post right in the centre. }
*

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3"]
[Result "*"]

covered in the current chapter. } 2. g3 { White immediately starts the
kingside fianchetto. If White intends this setup, they have the option to
start right away with2.g3, or play2.Nf3d53.g3, which is more common and
often arises from the alternative move order 1.Nf3d52.c4e63.g3. The move
orders2.g3 and2.Nf3d53.g3 will often lead to the same positions, but we'll
briefly check if there are possible alternatives along the way. } 2... d5
3. Bg2 { Almost an automatic move at this point. When White goes 2.g3,
playing the bishop next is very natural. There are some other
transpositional possibilities: A)3.Nf3 would transpose to the main move
order of the current chapter. B)3.d4 leads to a Catalan, covered in
thededicated chapter on this opening. C) You'll also meet the harmless
move3.cxd5, which frees our bishop immediately after3...exd5. In the
current Chapter we examine the line 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.cxd5exd54.g3, which
amounts to the same thing. Please checkthis line for more information. D)
Finally, there is the even rarer move3.b3, which we answer with3...d4,
gaining space. This will lead to lines that we examine via
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3. } 3... Nf6 { It is important to play 3...Nf6 first and
not prematurely capture on c4. The move3...dxc4 is not a mistake in itself,
but it is imprecise if you aim to play our main setup, which is
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.Bg2dxc45.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c5. Compare this to
1.c4e62.g3d53.Bg2dxc44.Qa4+Bd75.Qxc4. Now the pawn on b7 is attacked, which
makes5...c5?? a blunder. Black has other options, but it makes no sense to
learn an additional setup here. Just play3...Nf6 first and take on the next
move after4.Nf3 is played. The move order rule of thumb is to capture on
move four, after ...e6, ...d5, ...Nf6 have been played. } 4. b3 { White
covers the pawn, prompting our standard reply4...d4. This will ultimately
transpose to a line we cover via 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.b3d4. There are more
possible transpositions, as you might have already suspected. After4.d4,
we'd get aCatalan, while4.Nf3dxc4 leads to the main lines of the current
chapter. Finally, White can take on d5, a structure that we cover via the
move order 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.cxd5exd54.g3. } 4... d4 { This is the standard
response to b3 in this complex of lines. In this case, Black has the fun
alternative4...dxc45.bxc4Qd4, going for a pawn hunt after6.Nc3Bc5!7.e3Qxc4,
with unclear consequences. I'd advise you to still play4...d4, as this
particular move order by White is very rare. If they want to play with b3,
they usually play Nf3 earlier to have the square d4 covered, like
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.b3. Now, after4...d4, we'll transpose to lines that
we cover precisely via this move order. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 d4 4.e3"]
[Result "*"]

popular move. } 3. b3 { White covers the c-pawn and prepares the fianchetto
of the c1-bishop. Against this move, I recommend advancing the d-pawn and
gaining central space. } 3... d4 $1 { I like this pawn advance for several
reasons: 1) In general, gaining central space is desirable. 2) It is easier
to learn than the alternatives. We instantly clarify the pawn structure in
the centre and have a fairly clear plan afterwards. 3) There is
1.Nf3d52.c4d4, which is not part of our repertoire. It is not bad at all,
but fairly complicated for Black after3.b4. Here, the moves ...e6 and b3
are added, which prevents this option for White. In general, the move b2-b3
turns out to be rather pointless after the advance. 4) A practical point:
if you play online games and/or face lower-rated opposition, a common reply
will be4.Bb2?!, which is just a conceptual mistake and immediately gives
Black an advantage. The bishop is misplaced on b2, only staring at a
well-protected pawn. Before we examine some moves, a word about the move
order 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.b3d4!. This is a very similar case, but not the
same as we are committed to ...Nf6 already. Black has a good game in these
lines, too. Now, after 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3d4, we need to examine4.g3,4.e3 and
the already mentioned ill-advised4.Bb2. } 4. e3 { This direct play against
our pawn might be White's best option. } 4... Nc6 { I always suggest
playing the ...d4 structures without ...c5, but instead develop the knight
quickly (compare to 4.g3Nc6 inthis line). } 5. exd4 { White should take
before we manage ...e5, like after5.Bb2?!e5, which transposes to a line we
cover via 4.Bb2?!Nc65.e3e5 (seethis line). } 5... Nxd4 6. Bb2 { Both sides
fight for control of the d4-square. We have a good way to lend support d4:
by playing ...Bc5 and ...Ne7-c6 next. } 6... Bc5 7. Na3 { White could
try7.b4!?, but a simple and good reply is7...Nxf3+8.Qxf3Bd4, keeping
control and a good position. } 7... Ne7 8. Nc2 Nec6 { We maintain our grip
on d4 and have a good position. Stockfish now suggests9.Nfxd4Nxd410.b4!?
for White, when10...Nxc2+11.Qxc2Bd4 is a good continuation. I'd rather be
Black here, having the better pawn structure. White still has long term
worries about the weaknesses on the d-file, d4 and d3. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 d4 4.Bb2 #1"]
[Result "*"]

the already mentioned ill-advised4.Bb2. } 4. Bb2 $6 { I am very tempted
even to call this a mistake and give a '?'. The bishop is misplaced on b2,
staring at a well-protected pawn. } 4... Nc6 { I suggest playing the ...d4
structures with ...Nc6, avoiding the move ...c5. I discuss the reasoning
behind this choice more in the notes to 4.g3Nc6 inthis line. } 5. e3 e5 {
It's important to avoid5...Bc5?6.b4!, when White manages to exchange their
b-pawn for our d-pawn. After5...e5, our advanced pawn is safely protected.
} 6. exd4 exd4 7. d3 Bc5 { Black has other good options (my Stockfish likes
the funky7...a58.Be2g5!?, for example), but I like this development. The
bishop safely covers c5 and is developed before the King's knight, for
reasons that will become clear on the next move. } 8. Be2 Nge7 { I wanted
to show this interesting idea. White's misplaced bishop on b2 neglects
control of f4, so playing ...Ne7-g6 makes a lot of sense. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 d4 4.Bb2 #2"]
[Result "*"]

the already mentioned ill-advised4.Bb2. } 4. Bb2 $6 { I am very tempted
even to call it a mistake and give a '?'. The bishop is misplaced on b2,
staring at a well-protected pawn. } 4... Nc6 { I suggest playing the ...d4
structures with ...Nc6, avoiding the move ...c5. I discuss the reasoning
behind this choice more in the notes to 4.g3Nc6 inthis line. } 5. g3 { The
following notes will be rather brief, as we reach the same structures as
after 4.g3, but with a misplaced white bishop on b2. } 5... e5 { We have a
massive space advantage with Black after five moves - nice! } 6. d3 Bb4+ {
We play in a similar fashion after 4.g3Nc65.Bg2e56.d3Bb4+ (seethis line).
It is also possible to play6...Nf6 first, and after7.Bg2 give the check. }
7. Nbd2 a5 { The typical follow up, stopping White's queenside expansion
(a3, b4). } 8. a3 Be7 9. Bg2 Nf6 10. O-O O-O { Black has a comfortable
advantage in this position. We have much more space and the long term plan
to breakthrough in the centre with ...e5-e4. A good setup for us is:
...Bf5, ...Nd7-c5, ...Re8, trying to play ...e5-e4. White can't do much in
the meantime, as there is no meaningful pawn break to change the structure.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 d4 4.g3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

the already mentioned ill-advised4.Bb2. } 4. g3 { White often combines 1.c4
with a kingside fianchetto, trying to initiate play on the long diagonal.
Here the central pawn advantage matters more, though. } 4... Nc6 { In this
repertoire, I like to avoid Reversed Modern Benoni or Reversed Benko Gambit
structures, as they are tricky to play for Black. In particular, if you
don't have experience on the White side against these openings. If you are
a 1.e4 player, you might have zero games fighting the Benko, for example.
Therefore I opted for 4...Nc6 here, avoiding lines
like4...c55.e3Nc66.exd4cxd4, reaching a Reversed Modern Benoni (
1.d4Nf62.c4c53.d5e64.Nc3exd55.cxd5d66.e4g6 ). The characteristics of the
'Modern Benoni', compared to the 'Benoni' ( 1.d4c52.d5Nf63.Nc3d64.e4g6 ),
is the trade of the e-pawn vs. the c-pawn. This trade sharpens the game and
leads to more tactical possibilities, favouring the side with more
experience. Instead, I advise playing without ...c5 and reaching a Benoni
structure that is easier to handle. With the c- and e-pawn still on the
board, White is less likely to manage a queenside expansion with a3 and b4,
to mention a key point. } 5. Bg2 e5 { Now the move ...e5-e4 is a serious
threat. White should prevent it with6.d3, as6.O-Oe47.Ne1h5! leads to a
strong attack. } 6. O-O $2 { White ignores ...e5-e4, which is asking for
trouble. } 6... e4 7. Ne1 h5 $1 { Yes, we can even sacrifice the e-pawn and
throw the kitchen sink at White! } 8. Bxe4 Bh3 { We'll get a great attack
with simple means: playing ...Qd7, ...O-O-O, ...h5-h4 is not exactly rocket
science. } 9. Bg2 { It seems that9.Ng2 is even worse. Let's look at a
possible sample line. After9...Qd710.b4 (desperation)10...Nf6 (no need to
take the pawn, better attack!)11.Bf3h412.Nxh4g513.Ng2Ne5 Black has a
winning attack. } 9... Qd7 { White is in deep trouble here. I want to show
one attacking idea that you should know in this scenario. } 10. Nf3 $2 {
White can't stop ...h5-h4 in this way. There are better defences for White,
but our play is much simpler anyway: hack away for checkmate. } 10... h4 $1
{ It works anyway. } 11. Nxh4 Rxh4 12. gxh4 Qg4 { And it's mate next move.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 d4 4.g3 #2"]
[Result "*"]
strong attack. } 6. d3 Bb4+ { Here6...Nf6 would likely transpose to a
different line of the current chapter. We play
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.b3d45.Bg2Nc66.O-Oe5, which leads to a similar pawn
structure. Due to the different move orders in this version, we don't
manage to give the check on b4. Here the distracting check is possible and
should be played. Both replies,7.Nbd2 and7.Bd2, have their drawbacks. Let's
have a look. } 7. Bd2 a5 $1 { An important move. We support the bishop on
b4 and make a generally useful move, as it helps to stop White's possible
queenside expansion with a3 and b4. Now, with the bishop sitting on d2,
White can't develop with Na3-c2, which would otherwise be an option to
support these pawn pushes. } 8. a3 { Or8.O-ONf69.a3Be7!, which leads to the
same thing. } 8... Be7 $1 { Trading on d2 would only help White to
organise. They have less space and welcome trades. We go to e7, as we
anticipate that a future ...Nf6 will be answered with Bg5. We unpin before
even being pinned, so to say. } 9. O-O Nf6 { Black's general strategy now
is based on playing for a central breakthrough with ...e5-e4, while at the
same time preventing White's play on the queenside. } 10. Bg5 { The bishop
is misplaced on d2, due to our earlier check, and decides it's best to
leave the board by trading on f6. } 10... h6 { Give me the bishop, please.
} 11. Bxf6 Bxf6 12. Nbd2 Be7 $1 { A good positional move, prophylaxis
against the queenside play. White has a hard time ever playing b4 now,
while we enjoy our central space and may prepare ...e5-e4 in the long run,
maybe even supported by ...f7-f5. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.b3 d4 4.g3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

strong attack. } 6. d3 Bb4+ { Here6...Nf6 would likely transpose to a
different line of the current chapter. We play
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.b3d45.Bg2Nc66.O-Oe5, which leads to a similar pawn
structure. Due to the different move orders in this version, we don't
manage to give the check on b4. Here the distracting check is possible and
should be played. Both replies,7.Nbd2 and7.Bd2, have their drawbacks. Let's
have a look. } 7. Nbd2 a5 $1 { We play the same move after 7.Bd2, too.
Otherwise, a3 + b4 is on the agenda... we better prevent this idea. } 8. a3
Bc5 { A bit more active than the more usual8...Be7, which is fine, too. }
9. O-O Nf6 10. Rb1 Qd6 { The reason why ...Bc5 is more active than ...Be7.
We stop b3-b4, asking White about other plans that they have. Note
that10...O-O11.b4axb412.axb4Bxb413.Nxe5 should be avoided. The queen move
lends additional cover to e5 and prevents this idea. They can play Ne1-c2,
but this still would not threaten b3-b4. In the meantime, we have ...O-O,
...Re8 and ...Bf5 to centralize and prepare ...e5-e4. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.b3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

popular move. } 3. g3 { If White does not want to fianchetto the
bishop,3.e3 is the main alternative to avoid a direct QGD transposition.
This possibility is examined in thededicated chapter on 1.c4 e6 that
focuses on setups without g3. } 3... Nf6 { I suggest playing 3...Nf6 first.
This is consistent with our approach against 1.c4e62.g3d53.Bg2 when3...Nf6
is the most precise move to reach our preferred lines. Here, after
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3 taking on c4 immediately would also be fine to reach our
desired lines, but there is no advantage in doing it right away. To keep it
consistent, just remember to play ...Nf6 first and take the c-pawn on move
four. If you compare with the Catalan and many Queen's Gambit lines, you'll
see that we'll usually take on move four, after ...d5, ...e6 and ...Nf6 are
already played. } 4. b3 { A similar setup as 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3, only with
the moves g3 and ...Nf6 inserted. We answer with the same concept. } 4...
d4 $1 { Going for a reversed Benoni. I explain why I go for this particular
structure in the notes to thementioned line 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3d4!. Now White
has to decide if they want to play with e2-e3 or not. } 5. e3 { White is
hoping for5...c56.exd4cxd4, with a 'Reversed Modern Benoni'. We go for a
different concept, though. } 5... Nc6 { As usual, I advocate to play
without ...c5 and just develop the knight to cover d4. } 6. Bg2 e5 7. O-O
Bc5 { I like this move, allowing8.exd4Bxd4, which keeps piece control of
d4. It's clear that Black has no problems at all here and is rather better
already. I want to check an exciting try for White, though. } 8. b4 { A
very typical tactical trick in a Benoni structure. The point
is8...Bxb49.Nxe5Nxe510.Qa4+, which regains the piece for White. This line
is not bad for Black, but I suggest taking b4 with the knight. } 8... Nxb4
9. Nxe5 O-O 10. a3 Nc6 $1 { I wanted to show this instructive idea. It is
better to fight/remove the e5-knight at the cost of a pawn than retreating
to a6. } 11. Nxc6 bxc6 { We have a beautiful position already, with
attacking chances on the kingside. Ideas like ...Bg4/...Qd7/...Bh3 come to
mind. If White now plays the greedy12.Bxc6?Rb813.Bg2 the move13...Ng4 is
strong, which immediately threatens the brutal ...Nxf2!!. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.b3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

already played. } 4. b3 { A similar setup as 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3, only with
the moves g3 and ...Nf6 inserted. We answer with the same concept. } 4...
d4 $1 { Going for a reversed Benoni. I explain why I go for this particular
structure in the notes to thementioned line 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3d4!. Now White
has to decide if they want to play with e2-e3 or not. 5.Bg25...Nc66.O-O
Here6.e3e5 is still possible, transposing to 5.e3Nc66.Bg2e5. 6...e57.d3 Now
we need to pay attention and play the correct move. 7...a5! It is essential
to play this move first and avoid the trick7...Bc58.b4,
intending8...Bxb49.Nxe5. We'd like to restrain White's queenside ambitions,
and7...a5 is the way to slow down White. 8.Na3 White has a setup with Nc2,
a3 and b4 in mind. This is not the only move, of course. They can also
play8.e3 when8...Bc5 is a good reply. We have studied
5.e3Nc66.Bg2e57.O-OBc5, which is similar. 8...Bc59.Nc2O-O10.a3 We have
developed the bishop to its usual square and castled. Now we need to
combine our central play with prophylaxis against White's queenside
expansion. 10...Re8 We'd like to play ...e5-e4, which explains the rook
move. 11.Rb1 Finally, White is ready to play b3-b4. 11...Qe7 Again, we make
b3-b4 tough to play. I like Black's position here, preferring the space
advantage. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Ne5"]
[Result "*"]

already played. } 4. Bg2 { White's most natural popular move. There are
some transpositional alternatives, though. A) After4.d4dxc4, we'd transpose
to a mainline Catalan, covered in a separatechapter. B) White has4.b3,
which is answered by4...d4. It will transpose to lines that we cover in the
current chapter via the move order 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3d4!. A common and
sensible way to transpose is4.b3d45.Bg2c56.e3Nc67.exd4cxd4, which gives
Black equal chances (at least). C) An uncommon way to play is4.cxd5exd5,
leading to a structure/position that we cover via
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.cxd5exd54.g3Nf6. } 4... dxc4 { Similar to a Catalan, we take
on c4 and argue that White needs to spend time to regain the pawn. A good
alternative for Black is4...d4, which gains space. There are obvious
similarities to 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3d4, which is part of our repertoire and
examined in the current chapter. However, pushing the d-pawn is
particularly attractive after White has already played the move b3, which
is a slow setup in the Reversed Benoni structure. Here, after
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3Nf64.Bg2d4, this is not the case. White will find a better
way to spend a tempo than b3, which is still not enough to give White a
pull. Nevertheless, I feel this version of the Reversed Benoni is trickier
for Black to handle than my recommended line4...dxc4, which is more in
spirit with the rest of the repertoire. After4...dxc4, we will check some
moves that White may play. The most popular choice is5.Qa4+, which quickly
regains the pawn with the queen. The queen loses some time in the process,
which gives us time to gain a foothold in the centre. White has also tried
various versions of Na3 to get c4 back, but Black is in fine shape
everywhere. Before we get to concrete variations, let's discuss some
pointers that help to navigate the various tries that White has. A) They
can play an early queen move.5.Qa4+ is the most common, but5.Qc2 and5.O-O
and Qc2 next is played, too. Against all these, we go for a setup based on
...c5 and, if allowed, ...Nc6. We aim to control the d4-square and prevent
White from advancing d2-d4. The pointer is that White's queen moves away
from supporting d2-d4. Thus we get the chance to play against, and often
completely prevent, this idea. B) Against an early Ne5 jump, the answer
...Qd4! is strong if White can't immediately answer with Ne5xc4. Examples
are5.Ne5Qd4! and 5.O-Oa66.Ne5Qd4!, but not 5.Qc2c56.Ne5 when6...Qd4? is
pointless due to7.Nxc4. C) We shouldn't allow Nb1-a3xc4, unless White has
played Qc2 already. Allowing the knight capture while the white queen is
still on d1 is bad, as the sample
line5.Na3c5?!6.Nxc4Nc67.O-OBe78.b3O-O9.Bb2 demonstrates. We can't prevent
d2-d4, which opens up the game in White's favour. Their bishops will be
mighty once the centre is cleared of pawns. To compare with scenario A:
5.Qc2c56.Na3Nc67.Nxc4 is fine for Black, as we control d4. However, if
White plays 5.Na3, the only good move is5...Bxa3, stopping Nxc4 in its
tracks. After 5.O-Oa66.Na3, we also should stop Nxc4, in this case
with6...b5. Let's check White's various options, move by move. } 5. Ne5 {
This knight jump is rarely played but worth checking. Black has ONE
excellent reply, while other moves are unchallenging and might even concede
a small advantage to White. } 5... Qd4 $1 { It's important to remember this
move! We attack the knight and cover the c4-pawn at the same time. } 6. f4
{ White has nothing better.6.Qa4+?! is pointless due to6...c6, when White
can't get the pawn back, as7.Nxc4?? fails to7...b5. They can play6.Nf3, but
this is an admission of failure. We have the choice between returning to d8
to repeat, but there is nothing wrong with6...Qc5, keeping the extra pawn.
} 6... Nbd7 { We develop and challenge White's most active piece. } 7. Qa4
{ White is understandably concerned about not getting back the c-pawn.
Again, there is no good alternative for White at this point. } 7... Qc5 {
This engine suggestion looks most challenging. White is now fighting for
equality, as far as I can see. 5.Ne5 is rare, and therefore I don't think
it is worth expanding the trainable line any further. Still, here are some
possible continuations for White: A)8.Qxc4?Nxe59.Qxc5Nd3+!, with a huge
advantage for Black. B)8.Nxc4Ng4!9.e3Rb8, planning ...b5 next. Black is for
choice here. C)8.Na3Rb8, when ...b5 is on the agenda again. White does not
have a compelling way to continue here. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Na3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

pull. Still, I feel this version of the Reversed Benoni is trickier for
Black to handle than my recommended line4...dxc4, which is more in spirit
with the rest of the repertoire. After4...dxc4, we will check some moves
that White may play. The most popular choice is5.Qa4+, which quickly
mighty once the centre is cleared of pawns. To compare with scenario
A:5.Qc2c56.Na3Nc67.Nxc4 is fine for Black, as we control d4. However, if
tracks. After5.O-Oa66.Na3, we also should stop Nxc4, in this case
with6...b5. Let's check White's various options, move by move. } 5. Na3 {
With the clear intention to play Nxc4 next - not on our watch! } 5... Bxa3
$1 { This is best. We simply stop White's idea and often manage to keep the
pawn. It is interesting to compare 5.Na3 withthe line 5.Qc2c56.Na3, when we
don't have the ...Bxa3 option. The key difference is the queen placement on
c2: After 5.Qc2c56.Na3Nc6 we firmly control the d4-square, while after
5.Na3c5?!6.Nxc4Nc67.O-OBe78.b3O-O9.Bb2 Black can't stop White's d2-d4
advance, which favourably opens up the position. Taking the a3-knight is a
much better solution. White usually just recaptures with the pawn, but
we'll have a brief look at 6.Qa4+, too. } 6. Qa4+ { A rare line, and for
more than one reason. Black is fine with multiple answers. } 6... Nc6 {
This looks best, but6...b5 isn't bad, either. } 7. Ne5 { Not exactly
obvious, but White's best try. After7.Qxa3e5 White has no compensation for
the pawn deficit. We can play ...Be6 to cover c4 and ...Qd6 to allow
castling. } 7... Bd6 { This bishop already thought today's job was done on
move five, but suddenly it's back in the game again! } 8. Nxc6 Qd7 { This
is the funny point. We set up a counter-pin, forcing White to take on c4. }
9. Qxc4 { Against other moves, our reply ...Nd5 would have already won
material. } 9... Nd5 { White needs to move the c6-knight now. The issue for
White is that we'll gain lots of tempi now, for example,
after10.Nd4O-O11.a4b612.O-Oc5, when we have the better development and
central control. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

we'll have a brief look at 6.Qa4+, too. } 6. bxa3 { Not the prettiest pawn
structure ever, but White clears the b2-square for the bishop. } 6... b5 $1
{ Playing ...b5 against the g2-bishop is always a tad scary, but here it
works well. We not only cover c4 but prepare ...Bb7 at the same time. White
has two ideas against our concept now. They can try7.Ne5, immediately using
the diagonal, or attack b5 by playing7.Rb1a68.a4. } 7. Rb1 { White can also
start with7.a4, when7...a68.Rb1 leads to the same situation. } 7... a6 {
It's important to avoid ...c6, as we intend to use our bishop actively on
b7. } 8. a4 { Or8.Ne5Nd5, similar to 7.Ne5. } 8... Bb7 { A strong move. We
don't need to cover the b5-pawn. } 9. axb5 { This fails, but I don't see
anything better. White can try9.Ba3, but9...Nbd7 prepares ...c5 to allow
castling soon. } 9... Be4 $1 { The all-important Zwischenzug, gaining a
tempo. } 10. Rb2 axb5 11. Rxb5 { Here we see the point of ...Be4 - there is
no bishop on b7 to attack. Therefore we have time to grab a2. } 11... Rxa2
{ Black is a pawn up and has some pressure on top. The bishop has fantastic
posts on e4 or d5, and our rook is active, too. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

we'll have a brief look at 6.Qa4+, too. } 6. bxa3 { Not the prettiest pawn
structure ever, but White clears the b2-square for the bishop. } 6... b5 $1
{ Playing ...b5 against the g2-bishop is always a tad scary, but here it
works well. We not only cover c4 but prepare ...Bb7 at the same time. White
has two ideas against our concept now. They can try7.Ne5, immediately using
the diagonal, or attack b5 by playing7.Rb1a68.a4. } 7. Ne5 Nd5 { The only
good move is to close the long diagonal. We not only accomplished this goal
but also prepared ...f6 to evict the e5-knight. This is also the reason why
White now should start concrete play with8.d3, as something
like8.O-Of69.Nf3 is a bit lame and does not give sufficient compensation
for the pawn. } 8. d3 Qf6 { Stockfish suggests the yet untested move8...c3,
but I like8...Qf6 more. The following line looks like the best play, and
Black is comfortable at the end. } 9. Bf4 { This looks best for White.
Instead,9.d4?c5 is downright bad, while 9.f4Nd7 weakens White's kingside
for no particular reason. } 9... Nd7 { We can't play9...g5? due to10.Ng4.
Our move is much stronger and gives us good play. White can't keep the
knight on e5 now. } 10. dxc4 { A logical choice, getting rid of the c-pawn.
After10.Nxd7Bxd711.dxc4bxc412.O-OO-O White can capture on d5, but giving up
the light-squared bishop is a tough decision. I'd rather be Black in this
line. } 10... bxc4 11. Nxc4 Qc3+ { Forcing the knight back to d2 makes
sense, but11...O-O or11...Ba6 are fine for Black, too. } 12. Nd2 O-O {
Black has equal chances here. We'll develop with ...Ba6 and have active
pieces. We'll likely win the (admittedly not very important) a3-pawn, too.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qc2 #1"]
[Result "*"]
with6...b5. Let's check White's various options, move by move. } 5. Qc2 {
White's most popular queen move is5.Qa4+ when we play5...Bd7,
forcing6.Qxc4. The move5.Qc2 is slightly different, as White may still play
Na3 or Ne5 to regain the pawn. I suggest fighting 5.Qc2 with the same
concept that we use against5.Qa4+, though: playing ...c5 and controlling
the d4-square. } 5... c5 { The queen placement on c2 makes it more
difficult for White to play d2-d4, thus controlling the crucial d4-square
with ...c5 and ideally ...Nc6 looks logical. Now White has the choice
between6.Na3 (or6.O-ONc67.Na3 ) and 6.Ne5 to regain the pawn. Playing6.Qxc4
is possible, but6...Nc6 is very comfortable for Black. Let's compare with
6.Na3Nc67.Nxc4 : we reach the same good structure, but White's queen looks
somewhat misplaced on c4. } 6. Ne5 { In this line, we have to be aware of
one pitfall to avoid. White opens the long diagonal, which is relevant. }
6... Be7 { We prepare castling. } 7. Nxc4 O-O 8. Nc3 { Now we reach the
important moment, the mentioned pitfall. } 8... Nd5 $1 { We need to avoid
the natural move8...Nc6, as White has9.Bxc6!, which destroys our pawn
structure. White might be reluctant to give up the beautiful bishop, but
Black should avoid this scenario objectively speaking. Just remember to
play ...Nd5 first, and only then ...Nc6 on the next move. After staying
clear of this trap, Black is fine. The resulting structure is comfortable,
as White has no way to get in d2-d4, which gives us a space advantage. I
discuss this type of scenario a bit more in the mainline of this chapter (
5.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c5 ). } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

somewhat misplaced on c4. } 6. Na3 { White's most popular move. They can
also start with6.O-O, when6...Nc67.Na3 will transpose quickly. } 6... Nc6 {
Playing ...Nc6, ...Be7 and ...O-O is very natural. Control d4, complete
kingside castling. } 7. Nxc4 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. b3 { This looks best. White
wants to play Bb2, a rook to d1 and d2-d4 next. We have a strong reply,
though! } 9... b5 { You always need to be careful with playing ...b5
against a g2-bishop. Here there is no tactical problem, and we manage a
quick queenside development. } 10. Nfe5 $2 { This looks scary at first, but
the vulnerable queen position on c2 helps to justify our 9...b5 move. }
10... Nd4 { A crucial tempo. } 11. Qd1 Rb8 { We are much better, as White
has to move the c4-knight to a bad square and suffers from lack of space
and development. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

somewhat misplaced on c4. } 6. Na3 { White's most popular move. They can
also start with6.O-O, when6...Nc67.Na3 will transpose quickly. } 6... Nc6 {
Playing ...Nc6, ...Be7 and ...O-O is very natural. Control d4, complete
kingside castling. } 7. Nxc4 Be7 8. O-O O-O 9. b3 { This looks best. White
wants to play Bb2, a rook to d1 and d2-d4 next. We have a strong reply,
though! } 9... b5 { You always need to be careful with playing ...b5
against a g2-bishop. Here there is no tactical problem, and we manage a
quick queenside development. } 10. Nce5 Bb7 { Black enjoys a harmonious
development and good central control. I'd like to continue a bit to show a
typical trick. Let's say White continues11.Nxc6Bxc612.Bb2. What should
Black play? This is an important moment, as White has just set up a serious
threat! The threat is Ng5!, which attacks the b7-bishop but also prepares
Bxf6 and the mate on h7! This is easily overlooked and can prove fatal. If
you'd play, for example, the careless12...a6??,13.Ng5! is killing. The
alarm bells should go off once you see a setup with Qc2, Bb2 and a knight
on f3. Always check if Ng5 is a threat or not! Here Black is okay with a
move like 12...Rc8, which covers the bishop. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.O-O #1"]
[Result "*"]

with6...b5. Let's check White's various options, move by move. } 5. O-O {
The move5.O-O is one of the trickier options that White has available. If
you remember the three pointers in the notes to 4...dxc4, you'll notice
that castling does not tell us if White wants to move their queen next
(...c5! is our concept) or maybe play Na3, after which we don't want to
allow Na3xc4. Alright, what do we play? Some moves don't fit our concept
and are dubious, for example,5...c5?!6.Na3! or 5...Be7?!6.Na3!, when we
don't want to move the bishop again to capture the knight, being a full
tempo down on 5.Na3Bxa3!. The solution is not apparent but makes perfect
sense once you see it and check some moves. } 5... a6 $1 { A surprisingly
effective move. It fits into our framework well, as6.Qc2c5! still works
well. After6.Na3, we have6...b5 to cover the pawn, realising the basic idea
of ...a6. After 5...a6, White's most popular move is6.a4, which changes the
position considerably and allows an entirely different reply, as we will
see. } 6. Ne5 { We have already examined 5.Ne5Qd4!, so our reply to this
similar idea won't be a surprise. } 6... Qd4 $1 { Already the refutation is
the sense that White is now forced to return to f3. } 7. Nf3 Qc5 {
Returning to d8 repeats and would be fine if you are after a draw. Still,
Black is a pawn up, and there is no reason to concede a draw just yet.
Playing7...Qc5 keeps the extra pawn and asks White to prove some
compensation. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

see. } 6. Na3 { Attention: don't allow Na3xc4 when White's queen is still
on d1. } 6... b5 { We want to stop Nxc4 and6...b5 accomplishes this goal
nicely. It is even better than6...Bxa3, which is a slightly worse version
of 5.Na3Bxa3!, as White's additional move is more valuable than ours. } 7.
Ne5 { This must be critical and is answered by an instructive reply. } 7...
c6 { Not the only playable move, but a strong one and good to know. White
is now able to regain the pawn on c6 and is more or less forced to go for
this option. } 8. Nxc6 { There isn't much else. If we manage to protect c6
with ...Bb7, White's knight is not doing much on e5. } 8... Qc7 {
Or8...Qb6, which is just as good. } 9. Nxb8 { Or9.Nd4Bb7, which already
looks better for Black. } 9... Rxb8 { We have returned the extra pawn for a
good position. We are ready to challenge White's strong bishop with ...Bb7,
have gained some space on the queenside and have no weaknesses to speak of.
} *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

see. } 6. Qc2 c5 { The concept of answering Qc2 with ...c5 still works here
- we also answer 5.Qc2 with5...c5! Before we explore further, a quick word
about6...b5. This is not a bad move, but not as effective here as it is
against 6.Na3. After7.Ne1!c68.d3cxd39.Nxd3 White gets good compensation for
the pawn and the easier game to play. } 7. Ne5 { The most challenging move.
After7.Qxc4b58.Qc2Bb7, we have an easy game with more space and no bad
pieces. Realising ...b5 and ...Bb7 quickly is an excellent accomplishment.
After7.Ne5, we get to one of the more difficult moments in the current
chapter. In other cases, the move Ne5 can be answered with ...Qd4. Here
this makes no sense, as White can simply take our c4-pawn. } 7... Ra7 $1 {
Not exactly the most obvious move, but it works well. We remove the rook
from the long diagonal and prepare the move of the b-pawn. The rook also
helps with the later ...Bb7, aiming to trade off White's start piece on g2.
} 8. a4 { White stops ...b5, but the smaller b-pawn move will do just fine
for us. Stockfish suggests the interesting move8.Rd1,
intending8...Nbd79.d4cxd310.Rxd3. Black should play10...Nd5!,
when11.Bxd5Nxe512.Bc6+Bd713.Bxd7+Nxd7 gives White some compensation for the
pawn. It's enough to give our opponent equal chances, but not more. } 8...
b6 { We have navigated the opening phase successfully. Our next move will
be ...Bb7, and I see no problems at all for Black. White can't easily play
d2-d4 and has a weakness on b4. Chances are equal, but I like Black in this
position. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

see. } 6. a4 { White stops any plans of ...b5, but the move comes at a
price tag: it doesn't help development and weakens the queenside. The idea
Qa4(+) is also off the table. } 6... Nc6 $1 { I am using the exclam not
because it is a brilliant move, but because it is a bit uncommon in our
repertoire to play ...Nc6 with the c-pawn still resting on c7. There are
some cases, though, related to the moves ...a6 and a4. In the Queen's
Gambit, we play the following line:
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.Bg5dxc46.a4Nc6!, which shares some ideas with
the current position. With ...Nc6, we connect with the weak square b4,
which applies to both lines. A difference to the QGD line is that White's
d-pawn is still on d2, which leads to a second and crucial point of ...Nc6:
we prepare ...e5, which gains central space and allows an easy development.
} 7. Na3 { After7.Na3, we shouldn't allow Nxc4, which prompts the usual
capture. } 7... Bxa3 { This is a simpler solution than7...Na5, which is
also possible. After the capture, we continue with ...e5, which allows a
swift development. } 8. Rxa3 { Or8.bxa3e5, which follows the same idea. }
8... e5 { I think Black is in good shape here. We still have the extra pawn
(...Be6 might lend some additional cover) and are ready to castle next. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

see. } 6. a4 { White stops any plans of ...b5, but the move comes at a
price tag: it doesn't help development and weakens the queenside. The idea
Qa4(+) is also off the table. } 6... Nc6 $1 { I am using the exclam not
because it is a brilliant move, but because it is a bit uncommon in our
repertoire to play ...Nc6 with the c-pawn still resting on c7. There are
some cases, though, related to the moves ...a6 and a4. In the Queen's
Gambit, we play the following line:
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nc3Nf64.Nf3a65.Bg5dxc46.a4Nc6!, which shares some ideas with
the current position. With ...Nc6, we connect with the weak square b4,
which applies to both lines. A difference to the QGD line is that White's
d-pawn is still on d2, which leads to a second and crucial point of ...Nc6:
we prepare ...e5, which gains central space and allows an easy development.
} 7. Qc2 { This natural move leads to some trouble for White. } 7... e5 $1
{ It's possible to hang on to the pawn with7...Na5, but7...e5! is a lot
stronger. } 8. Qxc4 { Here8.Na3 might be better, but8...Bxa3, followed by
...Be6 secures the extra pawn. There are tempting alternatives, like8...e4,
but we are spoilt for choice. } 8... Be6 { White is more or less lost in
this position, as we will see. } 9. Qc2 { After9.Qh4, White's queen is
quickly running out of squares. The moves9...h6, or9...Be7 are strong and
get us close to winning already. } 9... e4 { That's the issue. We drive
away the f3-knight and clear d4 for our knight to jump to. } 10. Ng5 Nd4
11. Nxe6 Nxc2 12. Nxd8 Nxa1 { And we are an exchange up and should win
easily. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.g3 Nf6 4.Bg2 dxc4 5.Qa4+ #1"]
[Result "*"]

with6...b5. Let's check White's various options, move by move. } 5. Qa4+ {
White makes sure to get the pawn back immediately. The queen check is by
far the most popular move. } 5... Bd7 { Black has good chances to equalise
with5...c6 or5...Nbd7, too. I prefer5...Bd7, though. The resulting
positions after6.Qxc4c5 are fine for Black and more straightforward to
learn, compared to the alternatives. They also fit well with our repertoire
choices in the Catalan (Seethis line
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Qa4+Bd76.Qxc4c5, for example). } 6. Qxc4 c5 {
According to our pointer that early queen moves are answered with
...c5-based setups. Now White has three main possibilities, but7.Ne5 is by
far the main move and most testing. We will also examine7.O-O in the
current chapter, while7.d4b5 is an immediate (harmless) transposition to
aCatalan and discussed in the dedicated chapter on this opening. } 7. O-O {
This move is less forcing than7.Ne5, so we have a choice now. } 7... Nc6 {
There is nothing wrong about7...Bc6 or7...b5, either. Playing7...Nc6 looks
easiest, though. We invite a transposition to a mainline Catalan
after8.d4b5!, which is fine for Black and part of our repertoire. What else
is there for White? Well, nothing scary as far as I can see. } 8. Nc3 { If
they want to avoid8.d4, this looks reasonable. } 8... Be7 { I like this
move. The strategically desirable move is8...e5?!, building a Maroczy
formation in the centre. The problem of the move is8...e59.Ng5, which is
awkward for Black. After8...Be7 we prepare ...O-O and ...e5, so White needs
to reconsider: to play d2-d4 or not? } 9. d4 { If White continues to wait,
we'll play ...e5. After9.Rd1e5! we'll gain an additional tempo with ...Be6
and have a comfortable space advantage after just nine moves - happy times!
Alright, but what to do after the move9.d4? } 9... b5 $1 { Very nice! In
theCatalan, we playthe line
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc67.Qa4Bd78.Qxc4b5, so this
concept looks familiar. } 10. Nxb5 $4 { This loses instantly.
10.Qxb5?cxd411.Nb1Rb812.Qd3e5 does not lose but is unadvisable for White. }
10... Na5 11. Qa4 { Or11.Qd3c4, another embarrassing moment. } 11... a6 {
And Black wins a piece and the game. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

aCatalan and discussed in the dedicated chapter on this opening. } 7. O-O {
This move is less forcing than7.Ne5, so we have a choice now. } 7... Nc6 {
There is nothing wrong about7...Bc6 or7...b5, either. Playing7...Nc6 looks
easiest, though. We invite a transposition to a mainline Catalan
after8.d4b5!, which is fine for Black and part of our repertoire. What else
is there for White? Well, nothing scary as far as I can see. } 8. Nc3 { If
they want to avoid8.d4, this looks reasonable. } 8... Be7 { I like this
move. The strategically desirable move is8...e5?!, building a Maroczy
formation in the centre. The problem of the move is8...e59.Ng5, which is
awkward for Black. After8...Be7 we prepare ...O-O and ...e5, so White needs
to reconsider: to play d2-d4 or not? } 9. d4 { If White continues to wait,
we'll play ...e5. After9.Rd1e5! we'll gain an additional tempo with ...Be6
and have a comfortable space advantage after just nine moves - happy times!
Alright, but what to do after the move9.d4? } 9... b5 $1 { Very nice! In
theCatalan, we playthe line
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc67.Qa4Bd78.Qxc4b5, so this
concept looks familiar. } 10. Qd3 { The only playable move for White. }
10... c4 { The move10...b4 also looks fine. I suggest10...c4, as we play in
the same way in the Catalan (without the moves Nc3 and ...Be7 inserted). }
11. Qd1 { White may also play other queen moves, but we'd play in the same
way: ...b4 and ...Rc8, with active play on the queenside, for example
after11.Qc2b412.Ne4Rc8. } 11... b4 12. Ne5 $5 { More interesting
than12.Na4Rc8, for sure. Still, Black is completely fine in the following
line. } 12... Rc8 13. Nxd7 { White has to play this move,
as13.Na4?Nxe514.dxe5Nd5 is awful due to the offside a4-knight. } 13... Qxd7
14. d5 Ne5 { And Black is fine
after15.dxe6fxe616.Qxd7+Nexd717.Nb5Bc518.a3b3. White has gained the bishop
pair, but we are much better developed and have established the advanced
pawns on the queenside. Ideas like...Nb6-a4 and pressure on f2 are
possible, too. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

aCatalan and discussed in the dedicated chapter on this opening. } 7. Ne5 {
White's main move, and indeed very logical. They attack b7 and are ready to
take our d7-bishop, netting the bishop pair. } 7... Qc8 { The only
reasonable way to cover b7. Playing7...Qc7 looks more natural, but8.d4 is
annoying for Black, intending Bf4. After7...Qc8 White has tried various
move orders and subtleties, but at the end, we'll get the same type of
position: White will take our bishop and gain the bishop pair, but we'll
play ...Nc6 and set up a strong bind on the d4-square and enjoy good
central control. Black has a standard setup to go for: knights on f6 and
c6, the bishop on e7, queen on d7, kingside castling, rooks to d8 and c8.
This setup is very reliable and easy to play, as we will see. In my
opinion, the move8.Qd3!? is the trickiest to handle, as we need a bit of
time to get to the standard setup, but eventually, we'll reach the same
scenario. Besides8.Qd3, White has tried8.Nxd7 and8.O-O most of the time.
Both usually lead to the same position via 8.Nxd7Qxd79.O-ONc6 or
8.O-ONc69.Nxd7Qxd7. In these lines, we will reach our standard setup quite
quickly. } 8. Nxd7 { White grabs the bishop pair at the first chance. Most
of the time, we will transpose to the line8.O-ONc69.Nxd7Qxd7, but I'd like
to show one instructive moment. } 8... Qxd7 9. Nc3 { Here9.O-ONc6 is the
mentioned transposition. } 9... Nc6 10. Qa4 { Again,10.O-O would transpose
to 8.O-O, of course. } 10... Rc8 $1 { We should prevent Bxc6, which
destroys our pawn structure. The move ...Rc8 is sensible anyway and should
be played first, avoiding the sloppy10...Be711.Bxc6! After the
correct10...Rc8 White has nothing better than castling, which again leads
to the line 8.O-ONc69.Nxd7Qxd7. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

quickly. } 8. O-O Nc6 9. Nxd7 Qxd7 10. Nc3 { White has also tried10.Qa4,
when10...Rc8! is best to avoid doubled-pawns. } 10... Be7 { Here starting
with10...Rc8 is also fine. } 11. d3 Rc8 { This is slightly more accurate
than11...O-O, when12.Bg5 is a bit annoying. White threatens Bxf6 and Ne4
ideas, which are unnecessary to allow. Playing11...Rc8 first avoids any
trouble. Black will now reach the standard setup, for example,
after12.Bg5b613.Qa4O-O14.Rfc1h615.Bd2Rfd8. I'd like to continue this
sequence to show an interesting plan for Black:16.Rab1Ne8!?17.a3Nd6. The
knight has improved to d6, where it has more than one role: First of all,
we support c5-c4, if allowed. This is very relevant after18.b4?!
when18...c4! is strong. The move 18.b4 allowed ...c4 under very favourable
circumstances. If White played a slow move like 18.Be1, we could
try18...b519.Qd1 (19.Nxb5??Nd4! wins) 19...a5, gaining more space on the
queenside. The knight tour to d6 also clears f6 for the bishop, which may
come in handy. In general, I like Black's chances in these structures. We
have a good share of space, and it's difficult for White to make their
bishop pair count. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

quickly. } 8. Qd3 { A somewhat odd-looking move, but we'll see the point in
a moment. } 8... Nc6 9. Nxd7 Nxd7 $1 { The point of 8.Qd3 is that9...Qxd7?!
is dubious, as10.Qxd7+Kxd7 is surprisingly awkward for Black to handle. It
is not surprising that trading queens is desirable for White. They have
less central space, so trading makes sense. I was still surprised to see
how awkward it is. In any case, just playing9...Nxd7! works fine. After our
correct move, White now has to decide how to organise. The queen is not
ideal on d3 in the long run. They usually choose to play with a quick
b2-b3, either immediately or after going Nc3/O-O first. The move order does
not matter all that much, as we'll play ...Be7, ...O-O, ...Rd8 and ...Nf6
anyway, ultimately aiming for the standard setup again. The only move that
requires special attention is10.Qb5, when White threatens to destroy our
pawn structure. } 10. Qb5 { Attention: White wants to capture on c6,
destroying our pawn structure. } 10... Nd4 { The active way to stop White's
idea. } 11. Qa4 Be7 { 11...b5 is possible, but it's not clear to me that we
want to advance our pawns that early on. It can't be bad to continue with
our development, so11...Be7 is fine. } 12. Nc3 { After12.e3, we have the
choice between12...b5 and12...Nc6, when I am less concerned
about13.Bxc6bxc6, as White has played the very weakening move e2-e3, giving
us the light squares, like d3. The same point applies
after12.Nc3O-O13.e3Nc614.Bxc6bxc6, as we will see. } 12... O-O 13. e3 Nc6 {
Here13...Nb614.Qd1Nc6 avoids the doubled pawn, but I am not worried too
much about the capture now. It's a huge factor that White has played e2-e3,
weakening the light squares. } 14. Bxc6 $6 bxc6 { We have the better
chances here, as ...Rd8 and ...Ne5 is an excellent plan to exploit the
weaknesses that White has created after taking on c6. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Result "*"]

quickly. } 8. Qd3 { A somewhat odd-looking move, but we'll see the point in
a moment. } 8... Nc6 9. Nxd7 Nxd7 $1 { The point of 8.Qd3 is that9...Qxd7?!
is dubious, as10.Qxd7+Kxd7 is surprisingly awkward for Black to handle. It
is not surprising that trading queens is desirable for White. They have
less central space, so trading makes sense. I was still surprised to see
how awkward it is. In any case, just playing9...Nxd7! works fine. After our
correct move, White now has to decide how to organise. The queen is not
ideal on d3 in the long run. They usually choose to play with a quick
b2-b3, either immediately or after going Nc3/O-O first. The move order does
not matter all that much, as we'll play ...Be7, ...O-O, ...Rd8 and ...Nf6
anyway, ultimately aiming for the standard setup again. The only move that
requires special attention is10.Qb5, when White threatens to destroy our
pawn structure. } 10. Nc3 { I'll use this move order for the slow setups
that White may go for. They can also start with10.O-O or10.b3, it will all
lead to pretty much the same scenario, as we'll play ...Be7, ...O-O, ...Rd8
and ...Nf6. Let's just have a quick look at these possible sequences.
A)10.b3Be711.Bb2O-O12.O-ORd813.Nc3Nf6 B)10.O-OBe711.Nc3O-O12.b3Rd813.Bb2Nf6
It all leads to the same scenario which we are about to examine via 10.Nc3.
} 10... Be7 11. O-O { Or11.b3O-O12.O-ORd8, leading to the same positions.
As mentioned, the move orders don't matter that much here. } 11... O-O 12.
b3 Rd8 13. Bb2 Nf6 14. Qc2 Qd7 15. Rfd1 Rac8 { We have completed our
well-known standard setup. I'd like to show you an interesting idea that I
wasn't aware of before I checked this position with the help of Stockfish.
Let's assume White plays16.Rac1, as it happened in a 2021 Blitz game
between Ian Nepomniachtchi and Jan-Krzysztof Duda. In the notes tothis line
after 8.O-O, which also led to our standard setup, I already mentioned the
plan ...Ne8-d6, possibly ...Bf6 later. This plan would be possible here, as
well. However, there is an entirely different option that I would never
have considered without the engine pointing at it: What about16...h5!?,
arguing that White has only one piece defending the white king. A) White
has to be careful, as a line like17.h4Ng418.d3f5! demonstrates. B) They
could play 17.h3, but17...h418.g4Nd5 looks like a good reply. C) Finally, a
scenario like 17.d3h418.Qd2hxg319.hxg3 is possible when Black slightly
benefits from the structure change on the kingside. For example,
after19...b620.e3Nb421.Bf1e5, Black gets chances on the kingside (...Qf6,
...Nh7-g5 ideas). This is not a deep analysis but rather an overview of
ideas. Pushing the h-pawn is an interesting strategy to keep in mind,
setting unexpected problems for White. } *
[Event "15. English Lines without g3"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "15. English Lines without g3"]
[Black "2.Nc3"]
[Result "*"]
1. c4 e6 { In this chapter, we'll examine all relevant lines after 1.c4e6

in which White avoids an early kingside fianchetto. There is adedicated
chapter on 1.c4e62.g3 and 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3. } 2. Nc3 { The knight move is
White's most popular move, but it will transpose to other
variations/chapters most of the time. Let's have a look. } 2... d5 { After
1.c4e6 you can safely 'premove' 2...d5 in online chess. Now, after2.Nc3d5,
we see why a transposition to a Queen's Gambit is the most common outcome.
We are threatening d5-d4, attacking White's knight. White needs to react to
this threat, and usually, they do by playing3.d4, directly transposing to a
Queen's Gambit Declined. We play3...Nf6 and transpose to one of the
dedicated chapters about the QGD. There are other transpositions, too: A)
1.c4e62.Nc3d53.d4Nf6 -main line GQD. B) 1.c4e62.Nc3d53.cxd5exd54.d4c6 -QGD
Carlsbad. C) 1.c4e62.Nc3d53.e3Nf64.Nf3 - leads to
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.e3Nf64.Nc3, examined in the current chapter. We'll now have
a brief look at White ignoring our d5-d4 idea. } 3. g3 $2 { White ignores
our ...d5-d4 threat. Alright, here we go. } 3... d4 4. Nb1 { Centralization
is a fine concept, but4.Ne4??f5 still fails. They can play4.Na4 and NOT
lose the knight, but what is the knight doing on the edge of the board? }
4... e5 { An easy way to evaluate this position is to compare it with
1.g3d52.Bg2e53.c4d4, which is part of our repertoire. We are a full tempo
up on a variation that tends to be slightly better for Black anyway - case
closed. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.cxd5"]
[Result "*"]

chapter on 1.c4e62.g3 and 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3. } 2. e4 { An unexpected change
of gears! White suddenly transposes to a rare line of the French Defence:
1.e4e62.c4 is the move order used there. The move2.e4 is unpopular but
sometimes played if White wants to avoid mainstream theory and
transpositions like2.Nc3d53.d4, which amounts to half a dozen chapters in
this course. For us, 2.e4 is not much of a concern: After 2...d5 White
usually plays3.exd5exd54.d4 or 3.exd5exd54.cxd5, which both lead to IQP
positions. They are slightly different from the ones we meet in the
Caro-Kann (see the chapter on thePanov and Steiner variations), as we still
have a c-pawn, but the e-pawn is gone. Still, the type of position and
strategy is rather familiar, and there aren't any pitfalls to be aware of.
Let's have a look at some variations now. } 2... d5 3. cxd5 exd5 { Now
White usually continues with4.exd5, which we examine via 3.exd5exd54.cxd5.
Besides this normal continuation, White also has an odd gambit available
that I want to check briefly. } 4. Qb3 { This line is called Orthoschnapp
Gambit. I just found out that it was invented in the early 1980s by German
FM Stefan Bücker, who has an enormous track record of creative opening
ideas. This gambit has gained some (relative) popularity due to the online
chess streaming scene. IM Eric Rosen has played it many times. One of his
videos is the reason that I know that this line exists... I wasn't aware of
it at all before watching it. Let's have a look now at how to refute the
Orthoschnapp (no, I have no idea about the origin of the name). } 4... dxe4
{ Let's take the centre pawn first. } 5. Bc4 { This is White's basic idea.
They sacrifice the e-pawn to allow this attack on the f7-pawn. } 5... Qe7
$1 { We need to play a queen move to cover f7. Going to e7 is stronger than
d7, as we will see. } 6. Nc3 Nf6 { Now it becomes clear that it is
difficult for White to develop the queenside. White's best try is to move
the d-pawn now and give up a second pawn. } 7. d3 { Or7.d4exd3+, leading to
the same position. } 7... exd3+ { Check! The point why it was better to
play ...Qe7 and not ...Qd7 earlier. } 8. Be3 d2+ { Check! The e-pawn has
already done a remarkable job. It started on e7, then to e6, to d5, to e4,
to d3 and now d2 with a check! Black is better now in the following lines:
A)9.Kxd2Qd7+10.Ke2Nc611.Rd1Bd6 - we are ready to castle next and remain a
pawn up, looking forward to playing against White's 'centralized' king.
B)9.Kf1Nc610.Nf3Bd7! is strong. We threaten ...O-O-O,
and11.Qxb7Rb812.Qxc7Rxb2 is wild but great for Black. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.cxd5"]
[Result "*"]

Let's have a look at some variations now. } 2... d5 3. exd5 exd5 { Now
White can choose between taking on d5 or playing4.d4, which does not
immediately create an IQP in the centre. We will usually get to this
structure later, though. } 4. cxd5 Nf6 { Similar to the Steiner Variation
of the Caro-Kann ( 1.e4c62.c4d53.exd5cxd54.cxd5Nf6 ) we want to capture on
d5 with the knight and avoid losing time with early queen moves. } 5. Bb5+
{ This looks like White's most interesting try. After5.Nc3Nxd5, I don't see
the need to dig deeper, as normal development moves should suffice to get
good chances. It's rather White who needs to worry about being equal. }
5... Nbd7 { In the Caro-Kann, we play in the same way, answering the check
with ...Nbd7 ( 1.e4c62.c4d53.exd5cxd54.cxd5Nf65.Bb5+Nbd7 ). } 6. Nc3 a6 { I
like to get rid of the pin, allowing ...Nb6. } 7. Be2 { White plays this
move most of the time. After7.Ba4b5, we'll eventually win the d5-pawn and
have reasonable control of d5, the important square in front of the IQP. }
7... Nb6 8. Nf3 Bd6 { We are now sure to get the d5-pawn and don't need to
take it right away. One good point to remember is that playing with ...Bd6
is more active, but White might have Bg5, pinning our knight at a later
stage. This can be easily prevented with ...h6, though. So the way to go
is: If White plays d2-d4, we respond with ...h6! to stop the pin. } 9. O-O
O-O 10. d4 h6 $1 { Without the pin White loses an important active
possibility. Next, we'll regain d5 and aim for a setup with ...c6 and
...Be6, completing our development. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

structure later, though. } 4. d4 { This position frequently arises from
1.e4e62.d4d53.exd5exd54.c4, starting as an Exchange Variation of the French
Defence. In Keep It Simple: 1.e4 I advocated playing the Exchange French
for White but suggested playing4.Nf3 instead. One point of the move is to
answer4...Bd6 with5.c4, claiming that the bishop on d6 is not ideal in the
arising IQP positions. I dismissed4.c4 because of the lines that I am now
recommending for Black. The main point to remember for Black is: we want to
develop our pieces as actively as possible and start with ...Nf6 and ...Bb4
and avoid a more passive setup with ...Be7, for example. We'll check the
concrete lines now, but remembering this general concept is an excellent
guideline. A second point to remember: we want to capture on c4 at some
point, but only after White has spent a tempo on moving the f1-bishop. The
usual procedure is to wait for Bd3 when we capture c4 to create the IQP. }
4... Nf6 5. Nf3 Bb4+ { After6.Nc3 we transpose to 5.Nc3Bb46.Nf3. White can
play6.Bd2, but this is welcome. } 6. Bd2 Bxd2+ { We are happy about minor
piece trades. The general strategy against an IQP is to trade off as many
minor pieces as possible and keep the heavy pieces to build pressure
against the weak pawn. After the trade on d2, I already prefer Black. We
can develop our pieces quickly and have a clear target on d4 in the long
run. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

4... Nf6 5. Nc3 { White usually starts with this move, but5.Nf3Bb4+6.Nc3
might lead to the same positions. } 5... Bb4 { As mentioned in the notes to
4.d4: we should develop as actively as possible. Placing the bishop on b4
is Black's best setup, in my mind. After5...Bb4 White usually chooses
between6.Nf3 or6.Bd3, but they will often lead to the same positions.
After6.Nf3O-O7.Bd3dxc48.Bxc4 and 6.Bd3dxc47.Bxc4O-O8.Nf3 we see two natural
sequences that quickly merge to the same variation. An independent but
dubious move is6.a3?!, which loses too much time. } 6. Nf3 { White doesn't
develop the f1-bishop just yet, but can't wait forever with castling.
Speaking of castling: we are ready to evacuate our king from the open
e-file, so let's do it. } 6... O-O 7. Be2 { White needs to get their king
out of the centre soon, so developing the bishop makes a lot of sense.
After7.Bd3, I suggest7...dxc48.Bxc4Nc6, transposing to
6.Bd3dxc47.Bxc4O-O8.Nf3Nc6. The simple concept is: capture immediately
after White has moved the bishop. } 7... dxc4 8. O-O $6 { White should
play8.Bxc4, when again8...Nc6 transposes to 6.Bd3dxc47.Bxc4O-O8.Nf3Nc6.
White sometimes plays8.O-O to avoid8.Bxc4Re8+, but this concern is
unwarranted. } 8... Bxc3 $1 { A simple solution would be8...Nc69.Bxc4Bg4,
which transposes to 6.Bd3dxc4 again. However, taking on c3 is stronger, as
we manage to keep an extra pawn and White's compensation seems
insufficient. } 9. bxc3 Be6 { I like this better than9...b5, which is also
possible to keep the pawn. } 10. Ne5 { White attacks c4 a second time. How
do we keep the pawn now? } 10... Nd5 11. Qc2 Nb6 { We keep the pawn and
have good control of the d5-square. With ...N8d7, we'll complete
development and fight White's e5-knight. White does not have enough for the
pawn. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

dubious move is6.a3?!, which loses too much time. } 6. a3 $6 { White wins
the bishop pair but loses a lot of time and weakens the queenside. } 6...
Bxc3+ 7. bxc3 O-O { We have an excellent lead in development and are ready
to play ...Re8 next. One point to realize is that after the capture on c3,
the pawn structure has changed significantly. In an IQP scenario, I advise
developing our b8-knight to c6, putting pressure on the isolated pawn.
After taking on c3, there is no IQP to pressurize, so ...Nc6 makes a lot
less sense. Let's have a look at a possible line to illustrate this point.
} 8. Nf3 Re8+ 9. Be3 Nbd7 { Here9...Ng4 is possible, but it loses a lot of
time. With ...Nbd7, we plan to play ...Nb6 and ...Nbd5. This gives Black a
great position, as the following line shows. } 10. Bd3 dxc4 11. Bxc4 Nb6
12. Bb3 Nbd5 { Black is much better here, as White has no good way to
defend both c3 and e3. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4 #4"]
[Result "*"]

dubious move is6.a3?!, which loses too much time. } 6. Bd3 { White often
starts with the bishop move to still have Nge2 available in case of a quick
...Re8+. If they start with6.Nf3, there is the line6...O-O7.Bd3Re8+, which
many players on the white side are concerned about. It is nothing special
for Black (we play7...dxc4 in this particular move order), but it still
might look annoying at first sight. Therefore 6.Bd3O-O7.Nge2 is a common
continuation to avoid this scenario from White's perspective. } 6... dxc4 {
I like the simple concept of taking on c4 right after White has played the
bishop to d3. It's possible to play6...O-O first, but it makes no
substantial difference, as we would still take on c4 soon after. } 7. Bxc4
O-O { Now, there is a split between White's knight placement on f3 and e2.
This decision also influences our setup fundamentally. } 8. Ne2 { White
wants to avoid the check on e8 and develops the knight to a less aggressive
square. This decision leads to quite a different scenario compared to8.Nf3.
} 8... Nbd7 $1 { At first, I thought that playing ...Nc6 is a 'universal'
setup that Black can play against both Nf3 and Nge2. However, after some
closer inspection, I found that ...Nc6 is less convincing against Nge2. The
point is that a future ...Bg4 is not an effective pin and can easily be
broken with f2-f3. Without the pin, we don't get as much pressure on the
d4-pawn. Long story short: it's possible to play8...Nc6 here, but it is not
as effective. Instead, I found8...Nbd7 to be much simpler to handle. Let's
have a look. } 9. O-O Nb6 10. Bb3 c6 { The idea of 8...Nbd7 is this setup,
which controls d5 reliably. If allowed, we'd like to play ...Re8 and ...Be6
next. } 11. Bg5 { Black has quite often reacted to this pin with the
retreat ...Be7, which is unnecessarily passive. } 11... h6 { Gaining a
useful tempo. } 12. Bh4 Re8 { We are now ready for ...Be6, completing
development. I found one game with13.Nf4!? now, which is an amazing idea.
White hopes for13...g5?14.Qd3!, when the threat Qg6+ is a cold shower!
Black is fine, however. An excellent way to counter is 13...Qd6,
when14.Bg3Bxc315.bxc3Ne4 leads to equal chances. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e4 d5 3.exd5 exd5 4.d4 #5"]
[Result "*"]

dubious move is6.a3?!, which loses too much time. } 6. Bd3 { White often
starts with the bishop move to still have Nge2 available in case of a quick
...Re8+. If they start with6.Nf3, there is the line6...O-O7.Bd3Re8+, which
many players on the white side are concerned about. It is nothing special
for Black (we play7...dxc4 in this particular move order), but it still
might look annoying at first sight. Therefore 6.Bd3O-O7.Nge2 is a common
continuation to avoid this scenario from White's perspective. } 6... dxc4 {
I like the simple concept of taking on c4 right after White has played the
bishop to d3. It's possible to play6...O-O first, but it makes no
substantial difference, as we would still take on c4 soon after. } 7. Bxc4
O-O { Now, there is a split between White's knight placement on f3 and e2.
This decision also influences our setup fundamentally. } 8. Nf3 { White
chooses the active knight placement on f3 and is not afraid of the rook
check. } 8... Nc6 $1 { Let's talk about Black's best setup against White's
development of the knight to f3. In this scenario, contrary to the
Nge2-setups, Black has the attractive option to exert pressure on d4 by
developing the knight to c6 and pinning the f3-knight with ...Bg4. Not only
do we attack d4, but we also make it very difficult for White ever to play
Ne5 and possibly build some pressure against f7. So we should play ...Nc6
and ...Bg4. Does the move order matter? Not that much; you may also start
with8...Bg4 here. Surprisingly, inserting the check is not helpful for
Black. After8...Re8+9.Be3Nc610.O-OBg4 the move11.Qb3 highlights a problem
of ...Re8, as the pawn on f7 is under attack. } 9. O-O { Here9.h3?! is very
slow and may already be answered with9...Ne4. } 9... Bg4 { The pressure on
d4 is quite severe already. We threaten to take the knight and capture the
d-pawn. } 10. Be3 { If White plays10.a3, we just play10...Ba5 and keep the
bishop. On b6, it might put additional pressure on d4. } 10... Qd6 { This
move scores incredibly well for Black, which shows that White's game is not
easy. We connect rooks and avoid the premature10...Bxf3?11.Qxf3Nxd412.Qxb7,
when White regains the pawn with a significant advantage. } 11. Be2 { White
has played this move in the majority of games that I found. The pin is
annoying, so White decided to break it. It's not the only move, though.
Instead of looking at many lines, just some general points: A) If they play
a2-a3, the move ...Ba5 is usually a good idea, going to b6 later. B)
Against h2-h3, keeping the tension with ...Bh5 also makes sense. I'd only
take on f3 if I am winning material or see something special. C) Nb5 is
just answered with ...Qd7 when the knight has not accomplished much. D)
Centralizing rooks is the next step (e8 and d8). } 11... Rad8 {
Or11...Rfe8, which is just as good. I think we can conclude that Black has
a rather comfortable game in this type of IQP. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.b3"]
[Result "*"]

chapter on 1.c4e62.g3 and 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.g3. } 2. Nf3 { White's most
flexible move at this point. } 2... d5 { After our 'premove'2...d5 White
has many options that we discuss in other Chapters. Here's the overview.
A)3.d4Nf6 leads toQueen's Gambit orCatalan B)3.cxd5exd54.d4 leads to
Queen's Gambit Carlsbad C)3.g3 leads toEnglish Lines with g3
D)3.cxd5exd54.g3 leads toEnglish Lines With g3 E)3.b3d4 leads toEnglish
Lines With g3 (White is almost always playing g3 soon; therefore, it's in
this chapter) Alright, so what's left? The move3.e3 is the one to check,
and it's White's most serious option in the current chapter. } 3. e3 {
White covers the c-pawn, a seemingly modest move. Still, this line has
gained considerable popularity and was recommended for White by yours truly
in Lifetime Repertoire 1.c4/1.Nf3. White's main idea is playing a quick
b2-b3 and staying flexible. According to Black's setup, White may play a
later d2-d4 or not. What's our plan with Black against it? I'd like to
discuss it right after our natural reply. } 3... Nf6 { Our knight is best
on f6, so let's start with this natural move. The position after3...Nf6 may
also arise after 1.Nf3d52.e3Nf63.c4e6, which is a popular move order that I
have employed countless times with the white pieces. Now White's choice is
mostly between4.Nc3 and4.b3, while4.d4 would immediately transpose to a
sideline of theQueen's Gambit. The difference between 4.b3 and 4.Nc3 is
minor, as White usually combines both moves quickly. I'll discuss our
approach in the notes to 4.Nc3, while 4.b3 is briefly covered to show the
transpositions to 4.Nc3. } 4. b3 { This move has little independent value,
compared to4.Nc3. After 4.Nc3, White's next moves will usually be 5.b3 and
6.Bb2, which makes a transposition almost certain. Here we'll look at how
to transpose and talk about possible ways for White to deviate. } 4... Nbd7
{ I suggest playing a setup with ...Nbd7, ...Bd6 and ...O-O, played in that
order. The merits of this approach are discussed in the notes to4.Nc3
inthis line. } 5. Bb2 { Here5.Nc3Bd6 would already transpose to 4.Nc3. 5.d4
is rare, but a possible transposition to a Queen's Gambit Declined. In the
QGD after 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3, we play the move4...a6 first, trying to
provoke an untimely bishop move by White. If White plays5.b3, we aim for a
setup involving ...Nbd7, ...Bd6, ...b6 and ...Bb7. Here, in the move order
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.e3Nf64.b3Nbd75.d4 we'd transpose directly with5...a6, but
it's easier to think about it as a setup. Both sides develop rather slowly,
so the precise move order is not very critical. Here5...b6 would work, too.
A scenario to avoid is5.d4Bd6?!, allowing6.c5 for no reason. Once d2-d4 is
on the board, it's best to have ...b6 played first, only then ...Bd6. }
5... Bd6 6. Nc3 { Again,6.d4 would transpose to a sideline of the Queen's
Gambit. Here6...b6 is precise so that we don't have to worry about c4-c5.
After7.Nc3a68.Bd3Bb79.O-OO-O we have transposed to one of the main
positions of this particular variation of the QGD. White rarely plays 6.d4
here, but we want to understand and master possible transpositions. In
closed games, move order tricks are abundant. Back to the position after
1.c4e62.Nf3d53.e3Nf64.b3Nbd75.Bb2Bd6. White usually plays6.Nc3, but this
transposes to 4.Nc3 in the current chapter. Anything else? Maybe they could
start with6.Qc2, but after6...O-O, it's tough to suggest anything else
than7.Nc3, which again takes us to4.Nc3Nbd75.b3Bd66.Bb2O-O7.Qc2 (seethis
line). } 6... O-O { And we have transposed to 4.Nc3Nbd75.b3Bd66.Bb2O-O
(seethis line). } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

transpositions to 4.Nc3. } 4. Nc3 { White develops the knight first and
then decides if they want to continue with d2-d4 or play a quick b2-b3 to
fianchetto the queen's bishop. This is a flexible approach for White that I
also recommend in my Lifetime Repertoire: 1.c4/1.Nf3). In most cases, White
will continue with b2-b3 next and avoid the move d2-d4, keeping the long
diagonal a1-h8 open for the bishop. If they decide to play d2-d4 anyway,
the game transposes to a sideline of the Queen's Gambit Declined that
usually starts with 1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.e3. Now, before we return to the
current position on the board, we need to discuss this QGD line for a
moment. In this line, play usually evolves like the following
sequence:4...a6 (hoping for5.Bd3?!dxc4!6.Bxc4b5, thus provoking b2-b3)
5.b3Nbd76.Bb2b67.Nc3Bb78.Bd3Bd6. We provoke the move b2-b3 and then go for
a setup with ...Nbd7, ...Bd6, ...b6 and ...Bb7. This setup makes a very
harmonious impression. We can also use it in the line that we a currently
studying after 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.e3Nf64.Nc3. If we play the same setup here,
we also don't have to worry about White ever playing d2-d4, as this would
simply transpose to the lines of QGD that we have in our repertoire anyway.
So, we'd like to play the b8-knight to d7, play ...Bd6 and ...Bb7, prepared
by ...b6. What's the best move order? And what about the move ...a6, that
we play early on in the QGD? In the QGD, we play this move to provoke
b2-b3. Here it is part of White's concept to play this move anyway, so
there is no need for ...a6 at the moment. I suggest a different approach:
we should play the order ...Nbd7, ...Bd6 and ...O-O. Not playing ...a6 or
...b6 early gives us the best possible options against offbeat tries by
White. Let's have a look. } 4... Nbd7 { I suggest the move order ...Nbd7,
...Bd6 and ...O-O, as already mentioned in the notes to 4.Nc3. } 5. b3 {
That's White's concept behind the whole line: fianchetto the queen's bishop
and keep flexibility in the centre. If White plays5.d4 instead, we
immediately transpose to the QGD, when5...a6 is my recommendation. } 5...
Bd6 { There is nothing particularly wrong about starting with5...a6
or5...b6, but I like this move order. One reason is that White has some
ideas after we have played ...b6. A possible line could
be5...b66.Bb2Bb77.Rc1a6 (preparing ...Bd6)8.cxd5exd59.Ne2!?, which I
recommended for White in my LTR 1.c4/1.Nf3 on Chessable. White has ideas
like Ne2-d4, exploiting the squares c6 and f5. Starting with5...Bd6
eliminates this option. } 6. Bb2 { White's normal choice. They can play
6.d4 to go the QGD route, but we'd be fine as we use the same setup there.
After, for example,6.d4b67.Bb2Bb78.Bd3a69.O-OO-O we'd reach the main part
of theQGD sidelines chapter. I advise playing6...b6 first to avoid a
possible c4-c5 with a tempo on the d6-bishop. } 6... O-O { Now what? It's
decision time for White. One option is7.d4, when7...b68.Bd3Bb79.O-Oa6 would
again transpose to theQGD sidelines chapter. Let's have a look at the
independent possibilities. We'll examine7.g3 and the less committal
moves7.Qc2 and7.Rc1. } 7. g3 { A creative idea that worked much better if
we had played ...b6 already. Now we have a good opportunity to change the
pawn structure, demonstrating the flexibility of our move order. } 7...
dxc4 $5 { The alternative7...c6!?, intending ...e5, is also fine for Black.
} 8. bxc4 e5 { That's the point of the capture on c4. We manage e6-e5 and
will develop our c8-bishop on its starting diagonal. We also have ideas
based on the weakened light square's in our opponent's camp. } 9. Bg2 {
Let's have a look at this move to show the weaknesses I was talking about.
} 9... e4 10. Ng5 Nc5 { And the juicy square d3 is in sight. Black is in
good shape here. An instructive line is11.O-OBf512.Qc2Be5!13.Ba3Nfd7, when
Black holds the important e-pawn. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

moves7.Qc2 and7.Rc1. } 7. Rc1 { I recommend this move in Lifetime
Repertoires 1.c4/1.Nf3. White is toying with the idea cxd5, followed by
Nc3-b5. We need to take this into account. } 7... a6 { A familiar idea. The
move is part of our target setup, and it stops White's Nb5 ideas. } 8. Be2
{ Again the move I suggested in my course for White. I didn't explore this
position any deeper, as Black's particular move order is rare. About one
year later, I figured out that Black's move order is quite clever - which
is why I am now featuring it for Black. What does White have instead of
8.Be2? After8.d4b6, we'd transpose to a QGD type of position again (Rc1
early on is uncommon for White, but logical enough). The move8.g3 could
again be answered with8...dxc49.bxc4e5. We have seen the same idea after
7.g3 instead of 7.Rc1 (seethis line). } 8... b6 { Sticking with our concept
to develop with ...b6 and ...Bb7. We are rather flexible, though. There is
nothing wrong with moves like8...Re8 or8...Qe7, for example. } 9. cxd5 { We
should check the capture because9...exd510.Nd4 looks a bit scary at first.
White can continue their development with9.O-O, when9...Bb7 completes our
setup. White does not have many active ideas in this scenario. After10.d4,
we can play10...Qe7 and ...Ne4 next, just in the spirit of the lines that
we play in the QGD with an early e3. White can try to avoid d2-d4, but I
see no pointed way to do it. We are well developed and have a harmonious
setup. An idea worth noting is ...d5xc4 at some point, opening up our
b7-bishop. d6 and b7 are pointing to the white king, after all! } 9... exd5
10. Nd4 { A tad scary at first, as c6 and f5 are good spots for the knight.
We are alright, though. } 10... Nc5 { We cover the f5-square. Now11.Nc6Qd7
leads nowhere, and White's Nd4-jump didn't net any concrete benefit. We can
continue with ...Re8, ...Bb7 and ...Qd7 to complete our development and
connect rooks. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

moves7.Qc2 and7.Rc1. } 7. Qc2 { White does not commit the pawn structure
just yet and stays flexible. We now need to be cautious, as a
natural-looking move now fails. } 7... a6 $1 { We must
avoid7...b6?8.cxd5exd59.Nb5, which highlights a point of White's Qc2. After
the better move7...a6!, we reach a comparably unexplored position. White
now has to decide if they want to play aggressively (ideas like8.O-O-O,8.g4
or8.Rg1 ), or play more conservatively. } 8. Rg1 { If White wants to play
aggressively, this is probably the best bet. Clearly wrong is8.O-O-O?
as8...dxc49.bxc4b5! opens up files at lightning speed. White could also
throw the kitchen sink immediately with8.g4, after
which8...Nxg49.Rg1Nde510.Nxe5Nxe511.Be2dxc412.bxc4Ng6 is a possible line.
We are a pawn up, but often ...b5! will be a good idea to open lines if
White castles queenside. Objectively speaking, White's attack is probably
premature but certainly leading to interesting play. } 8... dxc4 { Playing
passively against such an ambitious move as 8.Rg1 is wrong. I like this
suggestion of Stockfish, opening up the position immediately. } 9. bxc4 b5
$1 { Fighting fire with fire! White's king will be in the centre for a
while... let's open up the position as much as possible. } 10. cxb5 e5 11.
bxa6 Bxa6 { Black has good compensation for the pawn. White's main issue is
that the king won't have a safe place in the foreseeable future. I also
like the fact that White's aggressive intentions have not been realized,
and they are now put into the defensive - a role they certainly did not
intend to be in. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.Nf3 d5 3.e3 Nf6 4.Nc3 #4"]
[Result "*"]

moves7.Qc2 and7.Rc1. } 7. Qc2 { White does not commit the pawn structure
just yet and stays flexible. We now need to be cautious, as a
natural-looking move now fails. } 7... a6 $1 { We must
avoid7...b6?8.cxd5exd59.Nb5, which highlights a point of White's Qc2. After
the better move7...a6!, we reach a comparably unexplored position. White
now has to decide if they want to play aggressively (ideas like8.O-O-O,8.g4
or8.Rg1 ), or play more conservatively. } 8. Be2 { A flexible move. White
does not yet commit to a kingside attack, but still keeps this option. }
8... Re8 { We still don't play8...b6. The move is possible, but there is a
tactical issue, as White can play9.cxd5exd510.Nxd5!?Nxd511.Qc6. This seems
to be OK for Black after11...Nb412.Qxa8c6, but it's awfully complicated. }
9. O-O { The calm option. The move9.g4 is possible, when you have a choice
between9...dxc410.bxc4Nxg411.Rg1f5 and 9...e510.cxd5e4. Both lines are
tough to assess. The computer evaluation is 'equal chances', but it's
anything but drawish. I don't think a deeper exploration is warranted, as
we are already rather deep down the rabbit hole. } 9... b6 { Finally, we
get to play the b-pawn. Now I'd like to show you a trap that White may fall
for. } 10. cxd5 { It's better to play10.d4, when10...Bb7 leads to a
familiar setup that we have talked about before. } 10... exd5 11. Nxd5 $4 {
White tries to be clever, but it backfires terribly. } 11... Nxd5 12. Qc6 {
White attacks both knight and rook. What now? } 12... Bb7 $1 13. Qxb7 Nc5
14. Qc6 { Or14.Qxd5Bxh2+, winning the queen. } 14... Nb4 { And the white
queen is trapped! } *
[Event "16. The Flexible 1.Nf3"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "16. The Flexible 1.Nf3"]
[Black "2.c4"]
[Result "*"]
1. Nf3 d5 { Playing 1...d5 is a natural choice if you have the Queen's

Gambit Declined in your repertoire. A very common reply is2.d4,
when2...Nf63.c4 would quickly transpose intomainline QGD orCatalan theory.
A second immediate transposition happens after2.c4 when2...e6 leads to
lines that I examine via the move order 1.c4e62.Nf3d5, covered in
thededicated chapters on 1.c4 e6. In the current chapter, we'll examine
White's alternatives to these moves, most importantly2.g3,2.b3 and2.e3.
Other moves are very rare and don't warrant any deep preparation - playing
according to common sense is fine and sufficient. } 2. c4 { The Reti System
or Reti Opening; I think both names are used frequently. Black now has to
make a key decision about which pawn structure to go for. You can take c4,
advance the d-pawn or cover it with either c-pawn our e-pawn. } 2... e6 { I
recommend playing2...e6. We transpose to 1.c4e62.Nf3d5, which is covered in
thechapters on 1.c4 e6. Black's principled alternative is2...d4, gaining
space. If you want to expand your repertoire and play in a less simplified
but rather maximalist fashion, this is the way to go. I think that Black is
fine after 2...d4, but White has some tricky ideas, like playing for a
reversed Benko ( 1.Nf3d52.c4d43.b4c54.g3 ) or Blumenfeld Gambit (
1.Nf3d52.c4d43.b4c54.e3 ). If you have some experience with these openings
from the white side, adding 2...d4 to your repertoire is an easier task. In
the KIS context, just playing 2...e6 is a good solution. I need to add that
after 1.Nf3d52.c4e63.b3 I advise to play3...d4! after all. At first, this
might look odd, but the move ...e6 is far more useful than b3 for White.
Benko or Blumenfeld style play with a quick b4 is out of the picture,
making it easier to handle for Black, compared to 1.Nf3d52.c4d43.b4. The
sequence 1.Nf3d52.c4e63.b3d4! is covered in the chapter on theEnglish with
g3. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.e3"]
[Result "*"]

according to common sense is fine and sufficient. } 2. e3 { This seemingly
modest move is the main pillar of my White repertoire that I have covered
in LTR 1.c4/1.Nf3. In most cases, White intends c4 on the next move. } 2...
Nf6 { Black has an important decision at this point. I suggest 2...Nf6, as
this will reliably transpose to lines that are part of our repertoire
anyway. The transpositions are: A) 3.d4c5 leads to 1.d4d52.e3Nf63.Nf3c5. B)
3.c4e6 leads to 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.e3Nf6. C) 3.b3c5 leads to lines covered via
1.b3d5. An interesting alternative for Black is2...c5, intending to
answer3.c4 with3...d4. This is a more maximalist approach, given that you
like to play these types of positions. Inthe notes to 1.Nf3d52.c4 I explain
my rationale for playing 2...e6 and avoiding 2...d4. This is a similar
story: let's play familiar structures and try to avoid setups that the
opponent might have much more experience in. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.b3"]
[Result "*"]

according to common sense is fine and sufficient. } 2. b3 { White goes for
a queenside fianchetto. I suggest answering 1.b3 with1...d5 and 2...c5,
which already hints towards our move now. } 2... c5 { And we will transpose
to lines that I cover via 1.b3d5 in the chapter onrare first moves. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

according to common sense is fine and sufficient. } 2. g3 { The kingside
fianchetto 2.g3 is the main subject of this chapter, as it leads to
independent lines. The alternatives like2.d4,2.e3,2.c4 will usually
transpose to lines that are covered in different chapters (Queen's Gambit
or1.c4/English). After2.g3, we know that White wants to play Bg2, but we
don't know their intended central pawn formation. White may play a Reversed
King's Indian and go for d3, but a Reversed Grünfeld (quick d4) or Benoni
attempt (quick c4) are possible, too. } 2... c5 { I suggest this ambitious
move. We intend to play ...Nc6 and ...e5, building a huge centre. } 3. Bg2
{ The move 3.Bg2 is almost an automatic decision for White. A very rare
move worth mentioning is3.c4, when I suggest taking the pawn. In a moment,
we will look at3.Bg2Nc64.c4, when I suggest4...dxc4, too. Both 3.c4 and
4.c4 lead to the same type of position. } 3... Nc6 { Alright, now we are
ready to occupy the centre with ...e5, aiming for a Reversed King's Indian.
What should White do about our ambitious idea? The general theoretical
assessment is that White should play4.d4 here, steering the game into a
Reversed Grünfeld. Against this idea, we have a good antidote, though.
After4.d4Nf65.O-Oe6 White's best is6.c4, when6...dxc4 transposes to our
mainline against theCatalan! Playing exactly this line against the Catalan
enables us to play this ambitious setup against 1.Nf3 2.g3. In many games,
however, you won't face4.d4 at all. If White intended to play a Reversed
King's Indian (or King's Indian Attack, as it is also called), they will
often allow ...e5 and instantly give up any hope for an opening advantage.
Besides4.d4Nf6 and 4.O-Oe5, we'll also have a brief look at 4.c4, which I
suggest to answer with4...dxc4. } 4. d4 { White's best and most challenging
move, aiming for a Grünfeld ( 1.d4Nf62.c4g63.Nc3d5 ) with an extra tempo.
We won't give White the pleasure to play this dynamic line - it scores very
heavily for White. } 4... Nf6 { We simply develop the knight and keep the
tension in the centre. } 5. O-O e6 { Again we avoid5...cxd4 and keep the
tension. Now White's main and only critical move is6.c4, when6...dxc4 leads
to the chapter on theCatalan. We'll have a brief look at slower moves for
White, like 6.b3 or6.c3. } 6. b3 { This move is not theoretically
challenging, like6.c4, but rather an attempt by White to 'get a game'
without the need for serious preparation. White argues that
after6...cxd47.Nxd4, the pawn structure resembles a Reversed Grünfeld in
which b2-b3 is not a great move, but Black's e7-e6 isn't either. I prefer
to avoid ...cxd4 and suggest developing instead. } 6... Be7 { We develop
the bishop and prepare castling. } 7. Bb2 O-O { We keep the tension and
wait for White to decide about the central pawn structure. Currently, we
argue that ...cxd4 only helps White, so we make good moves first without
any pawn structure commitment. Now White, most of the time, develops
with8.Nbd2, but8.dxc5 also looks reasonable. } 8. dxc5 Bxc5 { White opens
up the long diagonal and intends to attack our d5-pawn with c2-c4 soon. A
good setup for Black involves ...Qe7 and ...Rd8, making c2-c4 more
difficult to achieve. } 9. Nbd2 { White prepares c2-c4 under better
circumstances. After the immediate9.c4, we'd play9...dxc4, damaging White's
pawn structure. } 9... Qe7 10. c4 { White may also start with11.a3, when we
should stop White's expansion idea with11...a5. } 10... d4 $1 { The best
way to handle the pawn structure. Advancing the pawn is particularly
attractive against the bishop on b2, which looks misplaced now. } 11. a3 a5
{ We are ready to play ...e6-e5, increasing our space advantage. Black is
comfortable now, prompting Stockfish to suggest the
radical12.b4axb413.axb4Rxa114.Bxa1Bxb415.Nxd4Nxd416.Bxd4e5, which keeps the
game about even for White. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

White, like 6.b3 or6.c3. } 6. b3 { This move is not theoretically
challenging, like6.c4, but rather an attempt by White to 'get a game'
without the need for serious preparation. White argues that
after6...cxd47.Nxd4, the pawn structure resembles a Reversed Grünfeld in
which b2-b3 is not a great move, but Black's e7-e6 isn't either. I prefer
to avoid ...cxd4 and suggest developing instead. } 6... Be7 { We develop
the bishop and prepare castling. } 7. Bb2 O-O { We keep the tension and
wait for White to decide about the central pawn structure. Currently, we
argue that ...cxd4 only helps White, so we make good moves first without
any pawn structure commitment. Now White, most of the time, develops
with8.Nbd2, but8.dxc5 also looks reasonable. } 8. Nbd2 { White keeps the
tension again. } 8... b6 { Not the only move, but consistent with our
strategy to keep the central tension. } 9. c4 { White provokes a clash in
the centre. There are many possible ways to handle this tense situation.
Should we wait for White to make a pawn move, or should we take ourselves?
} 9... cxd4 { I like this the best. You can't play9...dxc4 due to10.Ne5!,
and White wins the house. It's possible to play9...Bb7 or9...Ba6, though,
with equal chances. } 10. Nxd4 Nxd4 11. Bxd4 Ba6 { Placing the bishop on a6
looks better than11...Bb7. We plan ...Rc8 next, after which c4 would be
finally attacked. White's setup with b3, Bb2 and Nbd2 is solid and sound,
but we should get equal chances pretty quickly. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

White, like 6.b3 or6.c3. } 6. c3 { This move is played surprisingly often.
White goes for the Schlechter Variation of the Slav with an extra tempo.
The Schlechter goes 1.d4d52.c4c63.Nf3Nf64.e3g65.Nc3Bg7 and is considered to
be comfortably better for White. An extra tempo does not change the
assessment by much. } 6... Be7 { Again, keeping the tension and asking
White about their plans. White's opening setup is unambitious and rarely
employed by ambitious players. Relatively best might be7.dxc5 now, with
equal chances. We can recapture, castle kingside and be OK with healthy
moves. Instead of 7.dxc5, White's most popular moves are7.Nbd2 and7.Bg5,
and they are both typical conceptual mistakes. We need to establish why;
let's have a look. } 7. Nbd2 { This move is met with an instructive reply.
} 7... cxd4 $1 { We open up the c-file, correctly arguing that our knight
is much more helpful on c6 compared to its colleague on d2. The additional
point is that after the trade on d4, White has no c-pawn that could be used
to attack our d5-pawn. There is a reason why 6.c4! is the only critical
idea: the pawn is used to pressurize our centre and make use of the Catalan
bishop. } 8. cxd4 O-O { Or8...Qb6, which is also acceptable. We have
slightly better chances here. Moves like ...Qb6, ...Bd7 and playing on the
c-file are easy to play and understand. White's d2-knight is clogging up
their development and tough to improve. Stockfish suggests9.Nb1 here, which
is an indication of White's problems. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 #4"]
[Result "*"]

White, like 6.b3 or6.c3. } 6. c3 { This move is played surprisingly often.
White goes for the Schlechter Variation of the Slav with an extra tempo.
The Schlechter goes 1.d4d52.c4c63.Nf3Nf64.e3g65.Nc3Bg7 and is considered to
be comfortably better for White. An extra tempo does not change the
assessment by much. } 6... Be7 { Again, keeping the tension and asking
White about their plans. White's opening setup is unambitious and rarely
employed by ambitious players. Relatively best might be7.dxc5 now, with
equal chances. We can recapture, castle kingside and be OK with healthy
moves. Instead of 7.dxc5, White's most popular moves are7.Nbd2 and7.Bg5,
and they are both typical conceptual mistakes. We need to establish why;
let's have a look. } 7. Bg5 { Calling this move a mistake is a bit harsh,
but it is undoubtedly imprecise. } 7... cxd4 $1 { Playing7...Qb6 first is
not bad, either. Taking d4 first is more precise, though, as
after7...cxd48.cxd4Qb6 White can't even reply9.Qb3, as9...Nxd4 is possible.
} 8. cxd4 Qb6 { An annoying move for White to face. The b2-pawn is hanging,
and9.Qb3 loses the d-pawn after9...Nxd4. White probably needs to play9.b3,
when we are happy to see the multiple queenside weaknesses this move
creates. The common problem is that occupying the c-file is difficult for
White due to ...Ba3 ideas. We are slightly better after 9.b3 with normal
moves like9...O-O or9...h6 first. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.d4 #5"]
[Result "*"]

White, like 6.b3 or6.c3. } 6. c4 { The critical move, prompting the
transposition to the Catalan after6...dxc4. } 6... dxc4 { And we have
transposed to ourmainline against the Catalan, which arises after
1.d4d52.c4e63.Nf3Nf64.g3dxc45.Bg2c56.O-ONc6 - quite a cunning
transposition. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.c4 #1"]
[Result "*"]

suggest to answer with4...dxc4. } 4. c4 { A rare move, but it leads to a
different pawn structure, and we should be consistent with what structures
to aim for and what to avoid. } 4... dxc4 { I suggest taking the pawn.
Black's principled alternative is4...d4, leading to a Reversed Benoni.
Inthe notes to 1.Nf3d52.c4, I explain my rationale behind avoiding this
type of structure in most cases. Here the capture on c4 is a strong move
and gives Black chances to be better. How does White gets the pawn back? }
5. Qa4 { A standard way to get the pawn back for White. } 5... Bd7 { We
break the pin and threaten knight discoveries, so White should grab c4. }
6. Qxc4 e5 { Black is in excellent shape here. We have a central space
advantage, the so-called Maroczy Bind. We'll continue developing with
...Nf6, ...Bd6 and ...O-O, supporting our centre. Ultimately we'll try to
gain more space, for example, with ...b5 or placing a knight on d4. White's
queen is not ideally placed, either, allowing us to gain time by attacking
it. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.c4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

suggest to answer with4...dxc4. } 4. c4 { A rare move, but it leads to a
different pawn structure, and we should be consistent with what structures
to aim for and what to avoid. } 4... dxc4 { I suggest taking the pawn.
Black's principled alternative is4...d4, leading to a Reversed Benoni.
Inthe notes to 1.Nf3d52.c4, I explain my rationale behind avoiding this
type of structure in most cases. Here the capture on c4 is a strong move
and gives Black chances to be better. How does White gets the pawn back? }
5. Na3 { Probably the best move. White wants the pawn back but avoids
multiple queen moves. } 5... e5 { Let's take more space. } 6. Nxc4 f6 {
Black is happy about the central space advantage. An excellent way to
continue is a setup with ...Be6 and ...Nge7-d5. Ultimately we'll try to
gain more space, for example, with ...b5 or placing a knight on d4. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O #1"]
[Result "*"]

suggest to answer with4...dxc4. } 4. O-O e5 { According to plan. We played
3...Nc6 to establish a full centre... mission accomplished! Now White
almost always plays5.d3, but5.c4 is possible, too. I suggest answering5.c4
with5...dxc4, which leads to positions that we already have checked via the
similar 4.c4dxc4 (seethis line). } 5. d3 { White plays the typical King's
Indian pawn move and prepares e2-e4 next. Now Black has to choose their
setup. } 5... Be7 $1 { Giving this move an exclamation mark is a bit
strong, but I believe it is a powerful move and will score heavily. What's
the point of it? Black anticipates that White will play e2-e4, which we
will answer with ...d5-d4, establishing a central space advantage. In this
pawn structure a key plan for White is moving the f3-knight and preparing
the push of the f-pawn to attack our e5-pawn. Now, the point of ...Be7 is
twofold: to prepare ...g5 and/or ...h5, which makes pushing f2-f4 very
difficult for White. We don't ever intend to castle kingside, giving White
attacking play on this side of the board. Our king can stay in the centre
for the moment but will often castle queenside. Let's have a look at some
lines to illustrate the play. } 6. Nbd2 { White quite often avoids the
immediate6.e4 but develops the knight first. Maybe they don't want to
allow6.e4dxe47.dxe4Qxd1, but this was never our intention anyway.
After6.Nbd2, or the similar but much rarer6.Na3, we need to play a move
that fits well with our concept of kingside expansion. It is crucial to
understand that we only want to push ...g5/...h5 when the centre is closed,
and e4 and ...d4 are on the board. A main line of the current chapter
runs6.e4d47.a4h5!, showing the idea. On the other hand, playing6.Nbd2h5?!
is dicey, as White still may play7.c4!d48.b4!?, which sets the board on
fire and even looks good for White. Instead, we need a good move that is
more versatile. } 6... Be6 { I suggest this move, speeding up our queenside
development. A good alternative is6...Bg4, with similar intentions. } 7. e4
{ White almost always plays this move. White can play7.c4, but the choice
between7...d4 (we don't usually play this structure, but it is still good)
and7...Nf6 is very comfortable. After7...Nf68.cxd5Nxd5, we reach a Maroczy
bind in which White's knight is misplaced on d2 - on top of all the usual
Maroczy problems. } 7... d4 8. Nc4 { White gains a tempo on the e5-pawn, a
very logical choice. } 8... Qc7 { This position was reached in two Blitz
games of the highest level. In 2021 Richard Rapport played the White side
against none other than Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana! In both games,
Rapport opted for9.Ng5. We'll also have a look at9.a4, which secures the
knight against a possible ...b7-b5 push. } 9. a4 { White is concerned about
...b5, but we have other ideas. } 9... h5 $1 { This move is very irritating
for White. Allowing ...h4 is unattractive, but stopping it with10.h4 also
has drawbacks. } 10. h4 { This looks relatively best. Here are two examples
of White allowing ...h4. A)10.Ng5Bxg511.Bxg5f612.Bd2h4 gives Black a strong
attack, with ...O-O-O next. B)10.Bd2h411.Qe2O-O-O12.a5hxg313.fxg3f6 looks
dreadful for White. They have no pawn lever left, and we have much more
space. In the long run, we are even able to advance on the queenside after
due preparation. After the trade on g3, White has no dynamic play on the
kingside and is just passively defending. } 10... f6 { First10...O-O-O is
also fine. The move10...f6 is very versatile. It covers g5, prepares the
pawn push ...g7-g5 and allows ...Nh6-f7. It's now challenging for White to
get activity. White could try11.Nh2, aiming for the push of the f-pawn. }
11. Nh2 O-O-O { Or11...g5, but castling is even stronger. } 12. f4 Bxc4 {
Black is also better after12...Nh6, but this is a good, direct approach. }
13. dxc4 Bd6 { Black has a large advantage. White has no good way to make
any progress, and their kingside is weakened. A great plan for Black is
...Qf7, attacking c4. This clears the way for ...Bd6-c7-a5 to activate the
bishop. Finally, White needs to be alert about ...d4-d3 breakthroughs,
opening up the centre. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O #2"]
[Result "*"]
lines to illustrate the play. } 6. Nbd2 { White quite often avoids the
immediate6.e4 but develops the knight first. Maybe they don't want to
allow6.e4dxe47.dxe4Qxd1, but this was never our intention anyway.
After6.Nbd2, or the similar but much rarer6.Na3, we need to play a move
that fits well with our concept of kingside expansion. It is crucial to
understand that we only want to push ...g5/...h5 when the centre is closed,
and e4 and ...d4 are on the board. A main line of the current chapter
runs6.e4d47.a4g5!, showing the idea. On the other hand, playing6.Nbd2g5?!
is dicey, as White still may play7.c4!d48.b4!?, which sets the board on
fire and even looks good for White. Instead, we need a good move that is
more versatile. } 6... Be6 { I suggest this move, speeding up our queenside
development. A good alternative is6...Bg4, with similar intentions. } 7. e4
{ White almost always plays this move. White can play7.c4, but the choice
between7...d4 (we don't usually play this structure, but it is still good)
and7...Nf6 is very comfortable. After7...Nf68.cxd5Nxd5, we reach a Maroczy
bind in which White's knight is misplaced on d2 - on top of all the usual
Maroczy problems. } 7... d4 8. Nc4 { White gains a tempo on the e5-pawn, a
very logical choice. } 8... Qc7 { This position was reached in two Blitz
games of the highest level. In 2021 Richard Rapport played the White side
against none other than Magnus Carlsen and Fabiano Caruana! In both games,
Rapport opted for9.Ng5. We'll also have a look at9.a4, which secures the
knight against a possible ...b7-b5 push. } 9. Ng5 { Rapport played this
twice, and was worse in both games. } 9... Bxg5 10. Bxg5 f6 { Fabiano
Caruana played10...b5, which is also very tempting. The knight has to
retreat to a3, which is not ideal. I still prefer10...f6, as played by
Magnus Carlsen. Playing on the kingside is more in the spirit of our line.
} 11. Bd2 h5 { Our typical preemptive strike on the kingside. } 12. f4 {
Rapport went for the f-pawn advance. After12.h4O-O-O13.f4Nh6 I also prefer
Black. We have much more space, and our king is safe on the queenside. }
12... h4 { I think we can stop here, as it is clear that Black's opening
play was a success. We will castle queenside and have good play down the
h-file. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O #3"]
[Result "*"]

lines to illustrate the play. } 6. c4 { A late moment to play c4.
Now6...dxc4 is nothing for Black, as7.dxc4 is possible. We have a much
better reply. } 6... Nf6 { I suggest this simple development, allowing the
knight to recapture on d5. } 7. cxd5 { Now reach the so-called Maroczy
Bind. Black has a nice space advantage and is already better. } 7... Nxd5
8. Nc3 Be6 { Our general plan is to support the pawn centre (moves like
...f6 or ...b6) and expand further. A key idea is a later ...Nd4, which is
annoying for White to meet. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O #4"]
[Result "*"]

lines to illustrate the play. } 6. e4 { Played most of the time. We happily
close the centre now. } 6... d4 7. a4 { White may also play7.Na3 or7.Nbd2,
when you have the comfortable choice between playing7...Be6 (transposing to
6.Nbd2Be67.e4d4 ) or the immediate 7...g5 or7...h5. It's a tough call
between them. For the sake of simplicity, I'd just recommend
playing7...Be6. } 7... h5 { We are spoilt for choice here. The
alternatives7...g5 or7...Be6 are also nice for Black. I like the direct
nature of7...h5, though. White immediately needs to decide what to do about
our h-pawn advance. } 8. h4 { White stops Harry but makes it difficult for
Freddy to advance later. Pushing the f-pawn will weaken the whole kingside
after h4 is already on the board. } 8... Nh6 { We'd like to play ...f6 and
...Nh6. The order is not that relevant, so starting with8...f6 also works
fine. } 9. Na3 f6 { Now it's very tough for White to get active.
After10.Nc4Be6 they can't decently prepare f2-f4. For
example,11.Nh2Nf712.f4g5! is a disaster for White. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O #5"]
[Result "*"]

our h-pawn advance. } 8. Na3 h4 { Here we go! } 9. Nc4 hxg3 { The computer
also likes9...h3, but taking on g3 is simpler. } 10. fxg3 Qc7 { In this
pawn structure, White has very little to play for. The f-file doesn't do
much for White, and I don't see much activity that they can generate. We'll
just play ...Be6, ...O-O-O and are much better. We can play on the h-file,
but are also better in any endgame - much more space. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "2.g3 c5 3.Bg2 Nc6 4.O-O #6"]
[Result "*"]

our h-pawn advance. } 8. Na3 h4 { Here we go! } 9. Nc4 hxg3 { The computer
also likes9...h3, but taking on g3 is simpler. } 10. hxg3 { Not an easy
decision for White to make. We have the open h-file now. } 10... Qc7 { I
suggest this more strategic approach, compared
to10...Bg411.c3f612.cxd4cxd413.Qb3Qd7, which tries to win on the h-file.
White has good defensive resources, though. The counterplay on the
queenside is real. } 11. c3 Be6 12. cxd4 cxd4 13. a5 { Stockfish suggests
this setup for White. It indeed looks like a good way to generate some
play. Now Black has more than one good plan to choose from. } 13... Bxc4 {
Stockfish suggests this move, and I agree that it is an interesting
concept. We capture the knight and start emphasizing play on the dark
squares. It's, of course, possible to play13...Nf6, completing development
first. } 14. dxc4 Nf6 { We have excellent control of c5 and b4, and intend
...Nd7-c5 next. The engine also points out the idea to play ...Rd8 and hide
the king on g7 after ...Kf8 and ...g6 first. } *
[Event "17. Other First Moves"]

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[White "17. Other First Moves"]
[Black "1.g3 #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. g3 { Welcome to the final chapter of this course. In this chapter, we

will examine White's rare first moves. We have covered1.e4,1.d4,1.c4
and1.Nf3 in a total of sixteen chapters. What is left? I'll make a list now
and already add that against all of them I suggest playing 1...d5, sticking
to our general course theme of a light-squared setup: A)1.b3 Larsen Opening
B)1.g3 Benko Opening C)1.f4 Bird Opening D)1.Nc3 (no commonly accepted
name) E)1.g4 Grob Opening F)1.b4 Orangutan Opening Some more rare moves
mostly transpose elsewhere and need no dedicated coverage. An example
is1.e3, when after1...d5 White will likely play a move to transpose, for
example,2.c4e6 to transpose to the English Opening. If White plays
something bizarre, just stick to sound, general principles: control the
centre with pawns and develop pieces, get castled quickly. Let's have a
look at the moves now. Aside from1.b3, the move1.g3 is the best and most
respectable one in this chapter. We don't need to examine many lines,
though. White's best options, in particular1...d52.Nf3 (!), transpose to
other openings that we cover in other chapters. } 1... d5 { No surprise, as
we play ...d5-based setups in this course. The moves1...e5 or1...c5
wouldn't be bad, but lead to lines that are not part of our repertoire:
After1...e52.c4 transposes to an English Opening/Reversed Sicilian, while
1...c52.e4 or2.c4 lead to other openings not covered in this course. } 2.
Bg2 { The move to keep the game away from a transposition. Here are some
possible moves that transpose elsewhere: A)2.Nf3 is maybe the best move
(stopping ...e5) and transposes to 1.Nf3d52.g3, covered here in ourchapter
on 1.Nf3. B)2.f4?h5! is excellent for Black and covered via 1.f4d52.g3?h5!
in the current chapter. C)2.d4Nf6 leads to 1.d4d52.g3Nf6, covered here in
the 1.d4 d5sidelines chapter. } 2... e5 { I suggest this natural move,
occupying the centre. It's indeed very natural, but not the only good move.
There is nothing objectively wrong about2...Nf6 or2...c5, but we might get
move-ordered into lines that we don't usually play. One example
is2...c53.f4, when we are in a Bird's Opening (1.f4), that I suggest
fighting differently. After2...e5 White most often goes for3.d3, but we'll
also check3.c4. } 3. c4 { White attacks our centre, and we need to
determine how to handle the threat to our d-pawn. } 3... d4 { This looks
best. We grab a lot of space, without any drawback. There is an additional
argument favouring 3...d4: we play a very similar line in a different
chapter. I'll get back to this point in the notes to the 5th move, when
this similarity is easier to explain. } 4. d3 { White can't play4.Nf3?!e4,
which explains the move4.d3. } 4... Nc6 5. Nf3 { I mentioned before that
we'd reach a familiar position. I'd like to show you a line that is part of
our repertoire: 1.c4e62.Nf3d53.b3d44.g3Nc65.Bg2e56.d3. This looks very
similar. In the 1.c4 e6 line, we take two moves to play ...e5, while here
we manage to push ...e5 in one go and White has not played the move b2-b3.
This doesn't change all that much; we'll play in the same way as in the
1.c4 e6 version of this setup. } 5... Bb4+ { This check is an important
resource. After6.Bd2a5 or 6.Nbd2a5 we manage to slow down White's progress
on the queenside. I examine this position type in more detail inthis
chapter on 1.c4 e6 - g3 setups. If you study these lines, you are well
equipped to meet this slightly different (without b3) line. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.g3 #2"]
[Result "*"]
1. g3 { Welcome to the final chapter of this course. In this chapter, we

look at the moves now. Aside from1.b3, the move1.g3 is the best and most
respectable one in this chapter. We don't need to examine many lines,
though. White's best options, in particular1...d52.Nf3 (!), transpose to
other openings that we cover in other chapters. } 1... d5 { No surprise, as
we play ...d5-based setups in this course. The moves1...e5 or1...c5
wouldn't be bad, but lead to lines that are not part of our repertoire:
After1...e52.c4 transposes to an English Opening/Reversed Sicilian, while
1...c52.e4 or2.c4 lead to other openings not covered in this course. } 2.
Bg2 { The move to keep the game away from a transposition. Here are some
possible moves that transpose elsewhere: A)2.Nf3 is maybe the best move
(stopping ...e5) and transposes to 1.Nf3d52.g3, covered here in ourchapter
on 1.Nf3. B)2.f4?h5! is excellent for Black and covered via 1.f4d52.g3?h5!
in the current chapter. C)2.d4Nf6 leads to 1.d4d52.g3Nf6, covered here in
the 1.d4 d5sidelines chapter. } 2... e5 { I suggest this natural move,
occupying the centre. It's indeed very natural, but not the only good move.
There is nothing objectively wrong about2...Nf6 or2...c5, but we might get
move-ordered into lines that we don't usually play. One example
is2...c53.f4, when we are in a Bird's Opening (1.f4), that I suggest
fighting differently. After2...e5 White most often goes for3.d3, but we'll
also check3.c4. } 3. d3 { White plays this move most of the time. Now Black
needs to decide how to continue the central build-up. } 3... c5 { The
maximalist approach: put more pawns in the centre. I recommend this move
because now a transposition to 1.Nf3d52.g3c53.Bg2Nc64.O-Oe55.d3Be7 is
likely. If White continues with4.Nf3Nc65.O-OBe7, we will transpose intothis
line immediately. This is White's most commonly played sequence after
3...c5. We'll have a look at a possible alternative, the move4.Nd2. } 4.
Nd2 { A way to avoid a transposition after4.Nf3Nc6. White prepares e4 but
might want to skip the move Nf3. } 4... Nc6 5. e4 { White tries to play in
the style of the King's Indian attack, but omits the move Nf3. } 5... d4 {
We play in a similar way against the King's Indian Attack. Ourmain line is
1.Nf3d52.g3c53.Bg2Nc64.O-Oe55.d3Be7!6.e4d4. } 6. Ne2 { This is what White
had in mind. They want to play a quick f4, starting an attack on the
kingside. If you have already studied our lines against the King's Indian
Attack, you might be able to guess how we punish White's concept. } 6... h5
$1 { A very annoying move for White. We push the h-pawn forward, and White
has no knight on f3 to stop it. As the following line shows, the h-pawn
advance makes it very difficult for White to organize the position. } 7. f4
h4 { White is in an awkward spot. The h-file is about to open, and they
have multiple weaknesses around the king. The manoeuvre ...Nf6-g4 comes to
mind, amongst others. By the way: instead of 4.Nd2 White could have played
the move4.e4. Against it, I'd suggest4...d4, when5.Ne2h5! leads to a very
similar situation. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.Nc3"]
[Result "*"]
1. Nc3 { Welcome to the final chapter of this course. In this chapter, we

look at the moves now. While1.Nf3 is a mainstream opening move (my main
move for ages), the move1.Nc3 is a rare guest in practice. Why? Is it that
bad? Bad is too strong a word, but it is unchallenging. Black has many ways
to obtain a position that is at least equal. } 1... d5 { Not a surprise at
all. We play ...d5-based defences against 1.e4 and 1.d4, so starting
with1...d5 works well. } 2. e4 { White plays this move most of the time. An
alternative is2.d4, when2...Nf6 transposes to the 1.d4 d5sidelines chapter.
Objectively speaking, this is probably White's best move and keeps equal
chances. After the more popular2.e4, I think White might be worse already.
} 2... d4 $1 { I think that we should advance the pawn and play for an
immediate opening advantage. Of course,2...c6 is possible, transposing to a
Caro-Kann. This would be well in line with 'Keep It Simple, ' but not so
much with 'Make them suffer'. } 3. Nce2 e5 { After only three moves, we
have a substantial space advantage. } 4. Ng3 { Or4.Nf3f65.Ng3Be6, leading
to the same (type of) position. } 4... Be6 { It's crucial to play this
first. We want to prevent Bc4. } 5. Nf3 f6 { The second concept to remember
is: don't play ...Nc6 when it allows Bb5. By avoiding the pin, we ask
White's bishop about its plans. Where does it want to go? } 6. Bb5+ {
Agains6.c3? we have6...d3, burying White's bishop. With6.Bb5+ White wants
to develop the bishop outside of the pawn chain and then continue with d3.
} 6... c6 7. Ba4 Nd7 { The move7...Na6 is just as good, with the same idea
as 7...Nd7: jumping to c5. } 8. Bb3 Nc5 9. Bxe6 Nxe6 { Black has a large
advantage in space and the much easier game. We can castle queenside and
push our pawns on the kingside, gaining even more space. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.f4 #1"]
[Result "*"]
1. f4 { Welcome to the final chapter of this course. In this chapter, we

look at the moves now. The move1.f4 is known as the 'Bird Opening'. Every
opening named after an animal is bad, but this one is actually named after
Henry Bird, an English master player of the 19th century. Therefore we need
to treat it with a little more respect. Our first move is an easy one, as
we play1...d5 against all of the sidelines. } 1... d5 { Our standard move.
After 1...d5, we see that the Bird is a Dutch Defence ( 1.d4f5 ) with an
extra tempo for White. This extra tempo is not very relevant, as the game
has a slower pace and is usually not opened quickly. If you are a1.d4
player and fight1.d4f5 with2.g3 or2.c4, then just playing in the same way a
tempo down is a fine option. You could play 1...d5, 2...g6, 3...Bg7,
4...Nf6, basically no matter what White plays. This is an approach that I
have used, too. However, the resulting middlegames are often not that easy
to handle. If you have no experience on the white side against the Dutch,
this could prove to be tricky. Therefore I suggest fighting 1.f4
differently, using an approach that I had already recommended in 2016 in a
video on my Youtube channel. It is based on a quick ...Bg4 and trying to
fight for the e5-square with ...Nbd7. Let's examine what setups White might
be after: A) The Stonewall - White plays e3 and d4. This setup is covered
in the 1.d4 d5sidelines chapter. We fight it with an early ...Bf5 or
...Bg4, like 1.f4d52.e3Nf63.d4Bf5 or3...Bg4. B) The Leningrad - White plays
with g3. The move order2.g3?h5! is bad (we'll check the details), so they
start with 2.Nf3 to reach it. Our move2...Bg4 is aimed against the
Fianchetto and more or less forces White to play differently, as3.g3?!Bxf3
is great for Black. C) White combines f4 with b3. This setup emphasizes
control of e5 and is usually started with the move2.Nf3, but they could
try2.b3 or2.e3. We'll have a brief look at those move orders. After the
most likely sequence2.Nf3Bg43.e3Nd7, we are prepared for ...e5, which
heavily disturbs White's plans. } 2. b3 { If White intends to combine f4
with b3, they usually start with2.Nf3, but2.e3 or2.b3 are possible.
Against2.e3, we can start with2...Nf6 and play ...Bg4 next, which should
transpose to 2.Nf3. What to do against2.b3, though? } 2... Bg4 { We can
still play ...Bg4. } 3. h3 { This move could be irritating, as
after3...Bh54.g4 it looks like our bishop could get in trouble. } 3... Bh5
4. g4 e6 $1 { We have this important intermediate move, threatening
checkmate. } 5. Nf3 Bg6 6. e3 h5 { We attack White's pawns quickly. Our
plan in this position is to castle queenside, as our king will be much safe
on this side of the board. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.f4 #2"]
[Result "*"]

heavily disturbs White's plans. } 2. g3 $2 { Yes, it warrants a question
mark - let's see why. } 2... h5 $1 { A powerful move that refutes White's
opening. White has no good way to stop ...h5-h4. } 3. Nf3 { After3.Bg2h4
White is in trouble, too. We not only have ...hxg3, but White also needs to
worry about h4-h3. A dreadful situation. } 3... h4 $1 { Well, 3.Nf3 didn't
stop our pawn! } 4. Nxh4 { This more or less loses the game, but we need to
see why. Better is4.Bg2 when you have a nice choice between4...h3 or
keeping the tension with4...Nc6, asking what White's next move is. } 4...
Rxh4 $1 5. gxh4 e5 { Threatening the Fool's Mate: Qxh4#. White won't allow
that, but they are in deep trouble anyway. } 6. d3 Qxh4+ 7. Kd2 Qxf4+ 8. e3
Qh6 { We have sacrificed the exchange for a pawn and White's eternally
terrible king position in the centre. We'll develop quickly with ...Nc6,
...Be6 and ...O-O-O and enjoy a great attacking position. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.f4 #3"]
[Result "*"]

heavily disturbs White's plans. } 2. Nf3 { By far White's most popular
move. } 2... Bg4 { That's our signature move against the Bird. We fight for
control of f3 by attacking the knight. After White's usual reply3.e3, we
have set up a pin. } 3. e3 { White has no good alternative at this point.
After moves like3.g3? or3.b3? we are happy to take on f3 and worsen White's
structure considerably. The doubled pawn formation near their king is a
long term problem. Note that White's pawns are on f3 and f4, not on f2 and
f3. In our line of the Caro-Kann 1.e4c62.d4d53.Nc3dxe44.Nxe4Nf65.Nxf6+exf6
the doubled f-pawns provide additional king safety, as they are still
closer to the king. You'd think twice about ever moving both f-pawns in
this line... which is exactly the structure White gets when they allow us
to inflict the doubled pawns in the Bird. Finally, White could play3.Ne5,
when I suggest3...Bf5. The knight is not stable on e5, and we can quickly
attack it with ...Nd7. } 3... Nd7 { This setup against the Bird was
recommended in one of the first chess opening books that I owned, Kasparows
Schacheröffnungen (Kasparov's Chess Openings), written by German IM Otto
Borik in 1989. I have always liked the idea and recommended it myself in a
2016 video on my Youtube Channel. Our idea is playing a quick ...e7-e5 push
to open the centre. White now plays4.Be2 most of the time, but4.h3 is worth
a look, too. } 4. h3 { White invites us to take on f3. } 4... Bxf3 5. Qxf3
{ Our d-pawn is attacked now. } 5... c6 { We cover the pawn and threaten to
play ...e5 next. In my mentioned Youtube video, I suggested the pawn
sacrifice5...e5?!, when6.Qxd5Qh4+7.Kd1O-O-O leads to a wild position. This
might be worth a punt in Blitz, but I am sceptical about it in a long time
control game. I was more optimistic about it at the time, but 2021-Me
suggests a more solid move. I guess we all get older and wiser :-) } 6. d4
{ Otherwise we'd play ...e5, realizing our plan. The resulting positions
are rather similar to the ones after 4.Be2Ngf65.O-OBxf36.Bxf3e5. } 6... e6
7. Bd3 { This is an interesting moment. If Black plays7...Ngf6 now, White
could start an early attack with8.g4. I didn't like this at all for Black,
but there is a good antidote to this concept. } 7... f5 $1 { We go for a
counter-Stonewall! Note that we have traded our light-squared bishop
already, so we don't have to worry about a bad bishop sitting on c8. White
still has the guy on c1, which stares at its own pawns. } 8. g4 g6 { We
keep the wall intact. If they continue to advance with9.h4, we have9...Ngf6
to clarify the situation. The whole line, starting with 4.h3, is fairly
obscure. I still included it in the course, as I wanted to show the
improvement on my 2016 video. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.f4 #4"]
[Result "*"]

heavily disturbs White's plans. } 2. Nf3 { By far White's most popular
move. } 2... Bg4 { That's our signature move against the Bird. We fight for
control of f3 by attacking the knight. After White's usual reply3.e3, we
have set up a pin. } 3. e3 { White has no good alternative at this point.
After moves like3.g3? or3.b3? we are happy to take on f3 and worsen White's
structure considerably. The doubled pawn formation near their king is a
long term problem. Note that White's pawns are on f3 and f4, not on f2 and
f3. In our line of the Caro-Kann 1.e4c62.d4d53.Nc3dxe44.Nxe4Nf65.Nxf6+exf6
the doubled f-pawns provide additional king safety, as they are still
closer to the king. You'd think twice about ever moving both f-pawns in
this line... which is exactly the structure White gets when they allow us
to inflict the doubled pawns in the Bird. Finally, White could play3.Ne5,
when I suggest3...Bf5. The knight is not stable on e5, and we can quickly
attack it with ...Nd7. } 3... Nd7 { This setup against the Bird was
recommended in one of the first chess opening books that I owned, Kasparows
Schacheröffnungen (Kasparov's Chess Openings), written by German IM Otto
Borik in 1989. I have always liked the idea and recommended it myself in a
2016 video on my Youtube Channel. Our idea is playing a quick ...e7-e5 push
to open the centre. White now plays4.Be2 most of the time, but4.h3 is worth
a look, too. } 4. Be2 { White's main move, breaking the pin. } 4... Ngf6 {
We'd like to capture on f3 and continue with ...e5, but4...Bxf35.Bxf3e5
fails to6.Bxd5. Therefore we cover d5 first and prepare this sequence. The
move4...c6 is also possible, following the same logic. } 5. O-O { White
sometimes plays5.b3 or even5.h3?!, when we also happily take on f3 and
continue with ...e5. } 5... Bxf3 6. Bxf3 e5 { Mission accomplished. } 7.
fxe5 Nxe5 { This is the structure we are aiming for. We'll continue with
...c6 and ...Bd6, completing our development. A typical sequence
is8.b3c69.Bb2Bd6, when we have developed our minor pieces. It is possible
to castle kingside next, but you may also consider playing more
aggressively with the ideas of ...h5 and ...Ng4. Queenside castling is an
option and will lead to fun play. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.g4"]
[Result "*"]
1. g4 $2 { Welcome to the final chapter of this course. In this chapter, we
look at the moves now. Grob's Opening is just bad for White. It weakens the
kingside for no reason and does not contribute to development. } 1... d5 {
Our standard move anyway, but here it even attacks a pawn! } 2. Bg2 {
That's the move White usually plays, and the one against which you want to
learn the line I suggest. If they play2.h3 or2.g5, just play2...e5 and
enjoy life. You'll get by just fine with normal opening principles. } 2...
Bxg4 { Nice, It's not easy to be a pawn up that early, but here this is the
case. White's gambit is based on a little trick, hang on. } 3. c4 c6 { This
is the strongest move. I have played and recommended3...dxc4!?,
when4.Bxb7Nd75.Bxa8Qxa8 gives Black great compensation. Black is better in
this line, but 3...c6 is even better. } 4. cxd5 { White usually takes on
d5, but they can also start with4.Qb3, when we'll play along with the same
concept as against 4.cxd5 cxd5 5.Qb3: return the b-pawn
with4...Nf65.Qxb7Nbd7. White has a severe lack of development and weakened
their kingside. } 4... cxd5 5. Qb3 { Attention: here's the little trick
that I hinted at before. Now5...e6??6.Qa4+ blunders the g4-bishop! } 5...
Nf6 $1 { Trick avoided! } 6. Qxb7 Nbd7 { Alright, we have returned the
pawn. It's good to have an extra pawn, but having some extra development
moves and the white queen as a target is more important. It's hard to
believe that White should survive the opening phase of the game, given all
the problems. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b4"]
[Result "*"]
1. b4 { Welcome to the final chapter of this course. In this chapter, we

look at the moves now. The 'Orangutan' is better than the less hairy
counterpart on the kingside, the Grob. Compared to the Grob, White only
weakens the queenside and not the immediate vicinity around their king.
It's still a bit dubious, but not an opening you can refute straight away.
} 1... d5 { I suggest sticking with a ...d5-based setup, as usual. The most
principled move against 1.b4 is1...e5, but I think that these lines can
turn out to be somewhat tricky for Black to handle in practice. I suggest
using a simple setup that easily equalizes and exploits the weak white
queenside more patiently. } 2. Bb2 Nf6 { I suggest a setup based on ...Nf6,
...Bg4 and ...e6. } 3. e3 { Or3.Nf3Bg4, with similar play. } 3... Bg4 4.
Nf3 { Or4.Be2Bxe25.Qxe2Nbd7, as it happened in a 2021 online rapid game
between Magnus Carlsen and Wesley So. Yes, the World Champion has played
the Orangutan in rapid chess occasionally, not without success. In the
position after 5...Nbd7, Black's plan is ...e6 and ...Bd6, completing a
harmonious setup. } 4... e6 { Gaining a tempo on the b-pawn. } 5. a3 Bd6 {
We are ready to castle next. We'll play ...Nbd7 and try to play ...e5, if
possible. Black has an easy game with no pitfalls, which is welcome against
an opening that you might never face in a classical time control game (I
met it once in more than 30 years of chess). } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #1"]
[Result "*"]

look at the moves now. Here we go, #b3Cowboys! Of course, we need to cover
an antidote to1.b3, which has been covered on Chessable by GM Adhiban in
his Lifetime Repertoire 1.b3. } 1... d5 { As usual in this chapter, I
suggest a ...d5-based setup. Against 1.b3, Black's main decision is to
play1...e5 or1...d5. I think 1...d5 is the more practical choice for our
purposes. Here's why: A) 1.b3 e5 requires more effort to learn for Black.
B) 1.b3e5 frequently leads to positions that resemble a Reversed Sicilian,
for example, after2.Bb2Nc63.c4. This is not advantageous for White but can
prove challenging to play for Black if you don't have any experience on the
White side of the Siclian. C) You need to have an answer to lines like
1.Nf3d52.b3 or 1.Nf3d52.e3Nf63.b3, too. If you answer 1.b3 with 1...d5, you
have a consistent setup against all versions of the queenside fianchetto.
After1.b3d5, White's almost automatic response is the natural2.Bb2. I'll
also look at2.Nf3 to demonstrate the move order 1.Nf3d52.b3, which is far
more common. It's going to transpose to 1.b3d52.Bb2, as you can imagine. }
2. Nf3 { This position is more commonly reached by 1.Nf3d5b3. } 2... c5 {
We play 1.b3d52.Bb2c5, so this is a consistent approach. } 3. e3 { The
move3.Bb2?! is very common, but imprecise due to3...f6!. We cover this line
via the move order 1.b3d52.Bb2c53.Nf3f6! } 3... Nf6 { I suggest avoiding an
early ...Nc6, as White is happy to play Bb5 and pin our knight. The
position after3...Nf6 may also arise via the unusual move order
1.Nf3d52.e3Nf63.b3c5. } 4. Bb2 g6 { And we have transposed to
1.b3d52.Bb2c53.e3Nf64.Nf3g6. } *
[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #2"]
[Result "*"]

2. Bb2 c5 { Let's grab more centre space. Against 1.Nf3d52.g3, we follow a
similar approach with2...c5. After2...c5 White's best move is3.e3,
while3.Nf3?! is a common move order slip that we should exploit
with3...f6!. } 3. Nf3 $6 { This move is known to be imprecise since a
famous game between two World Champions. Tigran Petrosian played it against
Bobby Fischer in their 1971 Match. Fischer played the best reply,3...f6!,
and went on to win the game. } 3... f6 $1 { A strong move. The simple
intention is ...e5, building a huge centre and making the b2-bishop look
stupid. If White had played the better 3.e3, the reply3...f6?! is
unconvincing due to (amongst others)4.c4d45.Qh5+, when Black loses the
c-pawn in an unusual way. } 4. e3 { White's usual reply. The mentioned
Petrosian-Fischer game continued4.c4d4 when Black had a large space
advantage, and White's b2-bishop looked silly. We'll continue with ...Nc6
and ...e5 and are much better. If White plays4.d4, we go
for4...cxd45.Nxd4e5. Black is better again, based on the large centre.
White loses time with multiple knight moves. } 4... e5 5. d4 { White wants
to fight for the centre, which is very understandable. } 5... cxd4 { This
is much better than starting with5...e4, as after6.Nfd2cxd47.Bxd4 is
possible. } 6. exd4 e4 7. Nfd2 f5 { Lots of pawn moves! But we have
accomplished a lot, building a massive centre. The move7...f5 allows ...Nf6
next. } 8. c4 Nf6 9. Nc3 Bd6 $1 { This move is stronger than9...Be6, which
I played in a 2019 classical time control game against Erik Hartz. The
point is that Black doesn't need to lend additional cover to d5, as we
shouldn't be worried about the capture in the first place.
After9...Bd610.cxd5O-O Black will regain the pawn anyway. Ideas like
...Nbd7-b6 come to mind. Black is better after9...Bd6, as White's b2-bishop
remains a bad piece, and they have to be worried about our space advantage
in the centre and kingside, too. Black may quickly drum up a quick attack
if White goes for kingside castling. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #3"]
[Result "*"]

with3...f6!. } 3. e3 { This is White's most accurate move order,
avoiding3.Nf3?!f6!. } 3... Nf6 { I suggest playing a setup with ...Nf6 and
...g6, countering White's fianchettoed bishop. I want to avoid an early
...Nc6, as I feel that White is happy about playing Bb5, pinning our knight
and strengthening the control of e5. After3...Nf6 White has the fundamental
decision between4.f4, mixing in some ideas from the Bird (1.f4) or4.Nf3,
which is better in my opinion. } 4. f4 { Going for a Bird style setup. }
4... g6 { I suggest countering White's b2-bishop with a fianchetto of our
own king's bishop. As mentioned before, I don't want to allow4...Nc65.Bb5,
which White usually welcomes. } 5. Nf3 { If White checks us here on the
next move, we should play5.Bb5+Bd7 or5...Nbd7 and again avoid5...Nc6, which
could lead to somewhat dodgy doubled pawns. } 5... Bg7 6. Be2 O-O 7. O-O {
Now Black is doing fine with many moves, like7...Nc6 or7...b6. I'd like to
suggest a different option, though. } 7... d4 $1 { This pawn push is the
most aggressive idea, immediately gaining space in the centre and trying to
make the b-bishop look passive. The only catch is: White can take the pawn!
} 8. exd4 Nd5 { That's the idea. We'd like to regain the pawn by using the
pin. At the same time, we attack the f4-pawn. } 9. Ne5 { That's White's
active way of playing. but it has a tactical flaw. If they'd play9.Nc3, we
are better after9...cxd410.Nxd5Qxd5. We have more space and play on the
c-file against the backward c-pawn. This is the type of scenario the move
7...d4 tries to create. } 9... cxd4 10. Bxd4 { Now we have a funny tactic!
} 10... Nxf4 $1 11. Rxf4 g5 12. Re4 f5 { And White's rook has no good
square to go! The relatively best for White is13.Bc4+e614.c3fxe4, but they
don't have enough compensation for the exchange. This line is a bit long
for this rare opening, but I thought it was fun to include it. If you'd
like to avoid these complications, there are good alternatives on move
seven. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #4"]
[Result "*"]

which is better in my opinion. } 4. Nf3 { White develops the knight to its
best square and avoids weakening their structure with4.f4. We can also
reach this position via different move orders, particularly those that
featured an earlier Nf3. A) 1.Nf3d52.b3c53.e3Nf64.Bb2 B)
1.Nf3d52.e3Nf63.b3c54.Bb2 These move orders are a key reason for selecting
1.b3d52.Bb2c53.e3Nf6 as our weapon against 1.b3 - it's one system that can
be used against all possible early queenside fianchettos. Let's discuss an
additional point. This position was covered from the white side in two
Chessable courses. The first one is, of course, Adhiban's Lifetime
Repertoire1.b3, the second one is Lifetime Repertoire: 1.c4/1.Nf3, written
by FM Carsten Hansen and yours truly! Yes, I have covered this position for
White, reaching it via the move order 1.Nf3d52.e3c53.b3Nf64.Bb2. So what am
I recommending against my suggestion now... and against Adhiban's? } 4...
g6 { I think this is a good option for Black. It doesn't require any deep
study and gives Black fair chances. White has two main ideas now. GM
Adhiban recommended5.Bb5+ for White, while I went for5.c4 in my course.
We'll also check5.Be2 and5.d4 because I'd like to demonstrate some
strategic ideas worth knowing. } 5. c4 { I recommended this move in my
course for the white side. } 5... dxc4 { Black's best move.5...Bg7 looks
natural, but after6.cxd5 we can't capture with the knight and6...Qxd57.Nc3
is not ideal, either. Taking on c4 is a simple and good solution. } 6. Bxc4
Bg7 7. O-O O-O 8. d4 { White doesn't get anywhere without this pawn push.
Slow moves don't make much sense and exert no pressure. Black can simply
develop with ...Nc6 and later use the d-file against White's backward
d-pawn. } 8... cxd4 9. Nxd4 { We have followed the line that I recommend
for White in LTR: 1.c4/1.Nf3. } 9... a6 $5 { Black usually plays9...Bd7,
intending ...Nc6 next. This gets Black very close to equality, as I
conceded in my course for White. The pawn structure is symmetrical, and
White can only hope to make something of a slight lead in development. The
move9...a6!? is mostly designed to unbalance the situation a bit. If White
reacts with10.a4, we will play10...Bd7 and ...Nc6 next, arguing that a4 is
slightly weakening the queenside. Against10.Nd2, we can
play10...b511.Be2Bb7, which keeps the game more complicated. It involves a
bit more risk, as our queenside expansion may also prove to be weakening.
One idea for Black is demonstrated after12.a4b4, creating a possible
invasion square on c3 (think of ...Nd5-c3 at some point). } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #5"]
[Result "*"]

strategic ideas worth knowing. } 5. Be2 { White continues with kingside
development and prepares castling. } 5... Bg7 6. O-O O-O { Now I'd like to
talk about possible pawn formations in the centre. White can't play small
moves forever and will likely play either7.c4 or7.d4 now. After7.d4cxd4
we'll reach positions that I discuss via the move order 5.d4cxd4. } 7. c4
d4 $1 { We would equalize with other moves, but the pawn advance gives
Black good prospects. This is comparable to the line
1.b3d52.Bb2c53.e3Nf64.f4g65.Nf3Bg76.Be2O-O7.O-Od4, which features a similar
concept. } 8. exd4 Nh5 $1 { The point of 7...d4!. We are now ready to
regain the pawn, and our knight might even find a great spot on f4.
Relatively best for White seems9.Ne5cxd410.Bxh5Bxe5, but Black is still a
bit better here. White has less space and a passive bishop on b2. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #6"]
[Result "*"]
strategic ideas worth knowing. } 5. d4 { White can play the move d4 here or
a bit later. Sequences like5.Be2Bg76.d4 or5.Be2Bg76.O-OO-O7.d4 are possible
and would be handled in the same way as 5.d4. } 5... cxd4 $1 { We should
capture immediately and rule out a line like5...Bg76.dxc5, when we'd need
to lose time to regain the pawn. Instead, taking on d4 clarifies the
central situation. } 6. Nxd4 { After6.exd4, we reach a comfortable
structure for Black. White's b2-bishop is passive, and we have the long
term plan to build up pressure on the c-file. The move6.Nxd4 is a more
dynamic choice for White, keeping the diagonal a1-h8 open. } 6... Bg7 7.
Be2 O-O 8. O-O { This position also could be reached via
5.Be2Bg76.O-OO-O7.d4cxd48.Nxd4. It's instructive to see Black's best move
now. } 8... Re8 $1 { Nimzowitsch coined the term: 'mysterious rook move'.
Does8...Re8 make any sense? It does, and it is related to central control.
Black has two centre pawns, and White only has one. We'd like to play
...e5, but after8...e5?!9.Nf3 White attacks e5 twice. We'd have nothing
better than9...e410.Nd4, when White's knight sits pretty on d4. The
move8...Re8 seeks to play ...e5 in an improved version. } 9. c4 e5 $1 10.
Nf3 Nc6 { Now we manage to cover e5 and don't need to move it forward.
Black is already better in this position, enjoying more space. White has
lost some time with their knight, too. } *

[Date "2022.1.5"]
[Round "?"]
[Black "1.b3 #7"]
[Result "*"]

strategic ideas worth knowing. } 5. Bb5+ { This check is Ahdiban's
recommendation for White. } 5... Nbd7 { As usual, I want to avoid5...Nc6,
creating an unpleasant pin/doubled pawn. This leaves5...Bd7 or5...Nbd7,
which both lead to equal chances. I prefer5...Nbd7 because I agree with
Adhiban about5...Bd76.Bxf6!?exf67.Bxd7+Qxd78.d4. He likes this unbalanced
position and thinks it is easier to play for White. } 6. O-O { Here, taking
on f6 would make much less sense, as Black would keep the bishop pair. For
comparison, after 5...Bd76.Bxf6exf67.Bxd7+ this asset is immediately gone.
With6.O-O, we follow Adhiban's recommendation for White. } 6... Bg7 7. c4 {
White has to use their pawns in the fight for the centre. } 7... dxc4 {
Similar to 5.c4dxc4, this capture is best. } 8. bxc4 { Certainly more
interesting than8.Bxc4, when8...O-O and ...b6 next looks like an easy game
for Black. } 8... O-O { I think this is a small improvement on8...a6, which
Adhiban considered in his course. There is no need for Black to play ...a6,
as after castling, White will probably need to move the bishop anyway. } 9.
Ba4 { White needs to be aware of our idea ...Nb6, after which the white
bishop has no good way back into its own camp. } 9... b6 { This is the
final move to know, in my mind. We'll play ...Bb7 next and finish our
development. The position is interesting to play for both sides, but White
has no advantage. A key point will be White's decision about the central
pawn structure. They can play d2-d4 at some point, when we have the option
to take on d4 and create the pawn duo c4 and d4 for White, the so-called
'Hanging Pawns'. These pawns can be handy targets, but White has good
central control due to the pawns and active pieces. To summarize, 1.b3
leads to interesting positions with equal chances for both sides. } *

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[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { One important option for White in the Queen's Gambit

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 { We follow the game N.Maatman-S.Ernst, Netherlands 2017. In this

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 { We'll examine the game H.Ilieva-B.Deac, Varna 2014, to illustrate a

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 { We follow the classic game M.Bobotsov-T.Petrosian, Lugano Olympiad

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 { We follow the game M.Botvinnik-P.Keres, played at the 1952 USSR

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "7. Queen's Gambit: Carlsbad (1.d4 d5 2.c4 e6 with cxd5)"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { White may choose to capture on d5 at various moments.

[Event "8. Queen's Gambit: Early Bg5/Bf4 Lines"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { In this Chapter, we will examine lines that follow the

[Event "8. Queen's Gambit: Early Bg5/Bf4 Lines"]

1. d4 d5 2. c4 e6 { In this Chapter, we will examine lines that follow the

[Event "8. Queen's Gambit: Early Bg5/Bf4 Lines"]